“We Keep You Connected” - farmerstel.com

July/August 2009

Young life marked byCourage and Faith

Quilters recreate aPiece of History

NACC instructor has aPassion for Music

Published for themembers of

“We Keep You Connected”

FTCOfferingWorld-Class Service in Small-Town America

Don't miss FTC's Annual MeetingSaturday, Aug. 1st

Also Inside...

2 Connected - July/August 2009

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

Robert B. Burkhalter, Vice PresidentPisgah Exchange

Danny R. Richey, SecretaryGeraldine Exchange

Lynn Welden, TreasurerBryant Exchange

Greg GriffithHenagar Exchange

Gary SmithFyffe Exchange

Randy TumlinRainsville Exchange

ConnectedVol. 13, No. 4 July/August 2009

is a bimonthly magazinepublished by Farmers Telecom-

munications Cooperative, © 2009. 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:Make plans to attend the

Annual Meeting of your Farmers Telecommunications Cooperative

on Saturday, August 1st.Photo by Stephen V. Smith

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Your FTC is commited to providing World-Class service

At the 2008 Annual Meeting, I had the opportunity to share with you that your Board of Trustees had made a $36 Mil-lion, three-year commitment to bring you a World-Class Broadband Network. Our founders envisioned that the people of Sand Mountain would not have to settle for less than the best when it came to reaching the world by phone. Our current leadership made the same commitment to you with respect to the communications platform of the future.

On Saturday, August 1, at our 2009 An-nual Meeting, you will hear me say that at the end of this 36-month period, approxi-mately 72% of our membership will have optical fiber-based connectivity available to their home or business. This will enable us to provide you voice calling, advanced data services, access to the public Internet, and digital television service – all of which are absolutely World-Class and affordable.

We’ve had our challenges along the way. Our television service was delayed almost an entire year when the national business platform upon which it was based collapsed. We had to rebuild it. But by partnering with other companies just like us we avoided losing our investment and have put together a service that we believe is actually better than what we started with.

That type of challenge was typical of 2008. We also closed the sale of certain wireless assets to AT&T Mobility and were able to give our Farmers Wireless custom-ers access to the world’s largest wireless network, AT&T Mobility. We saw the vast majority of our wireless customers make this change seamlessly and on very favor-able terms. Those customers now enjoy such benefits as nationwide calling plans with no roaming charges and unlimited mobile-to-mobile calling within the AT&T Network.

Perhaps one of the most significant accomplishments of 2008 was preparing the way for expanding our service into areas outside our traditional territory. This expansion is through our subsidiary Farmers Telecommunications Corporation. Your support of this project played a huge role in helping us provide the exciting en-hancements in your service that we’ve just announced – unlimited calling plans and the most requested feature we’ve ever had, local calling within the FTC network.

I appreciate the leadership of our Trustees and the loyalty and service of our employees whose commitment to hard work has helped us contain our costs. That’s what made all of these improve-ments possible. At the end of the day, it’s still all about you. You are both our cus-tomer and our owner, and I like to think we haven’t forgotten who we work for. After all, it’s our job to KEEP YOU CON-NECTED.

Please make plans to attend the An-nual Meeting of your cooperative on Satur-day, August 1. I look forward to seeing you there.n

Fred Johnsonis General Managerof FarmersTelecommunications Cooperative, Inc.

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Restrictions on Use of FTC’s Unlimited Long Distance Service - FTC’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. *The rate does not include applicable taxes and fees.


2009 aNNUal meeTiNgFarmers Telecommunications Cooperative

Registration begins at 9 a.m. / Business Meeting begins at 11 a.m.

Election for the Board of Trustees (Pisgah, Bryant and Geraldine Exchanges)

Free FTC Tote Bag for the first 1,000 members registered! Grand Prize: Two members will receive one year of FREE advance services from FTC!

Other prizes include two high-definition LCD TV's and three $500 cash prizes!

Saturday, august 1, 2009

DeKalb CountySchools Coliseum

(Highway 35 East in Rainsville)


Registration begins at 9 a.m. / Business Meeting begins at 11 a.m.

Election for the Board of Trustees (Pisgah, Bryant and Geraldine Exchanges)

Free FTC Tote Bag for the first 1,000 members registered! Grand Prize: Two members will receive one year of FREE advance services from FTC!

Other prizes include two high-definition LCD TV's and three $500 cash prizes!Connected - July/August 2009 5

nying some of the leading pastors and ministries of today. In addition to the itinerate ministry of Miles and Webb, Rick and Phyllis begin singing more than 100 dates each year.

The Webbs have been afforded opportunities to share the platform with outstanding speakers and pastors throughout the United States each year. In addition to their concert schedule Rick and Phyllis participated in the Radio Bible Class sponsored TV music ministry Day of Discovery for 10 years; The Wes-leyan Hour international radio ministry sponsored by the Wesleyan Church for 20 years; international crusades with Evan-gelist Dr. Clyde Dupin for more than 20 years; and numerous guest appear-ances with such respected pastors as Dr. Charles Stanley, Dr. Charles Colson, Dr. David Jeremiah, Dr. Mac Brunson, Dr. D. James Kennedy just to name a few.

In 1997 the inception of The Rick Webb Trio opened a new concept of ministry for the Webbs. Over the past 10 years Rick and Phyllis have enjoyed and appreciated the vocal talents of many wonderful singers joining them in minis-try. Starr Cromer, Vernon Chandler, Les-lie Hipps and Lyn Westafer have given generously their talents and lives to enhance the vocal sound of The Webbs.

Today, The Webbs Music Ministry consists of Rick and Phyllis Webb with daughter Hannah and oldest son Parker.

Source: www.thewebbsmusicministry.com

Those attending the Annual Meeting of Farmers Telecommunications Coop-erative are sure to enjoy the music and ministry of the Rick Webb Family.

The Webbs are celebrating their 25th year of music ministry with a strong heri-tage and wonderful memories!

Rick and Phyllis Webb began their professional music journey in 1978 with the internationally acclaimed vocal group ReGeneration directed by vocal orchestrater Derric Johnson. The ten singers traveled 100,000 miles, reaching more than a million lives in over 500 live performances each year. Disney World appreciated the group so much that they annually showcased ReGeneration. In 1983, Derric Johnson's singers became the The Voices of Liberty, the host group for EPCOT Center's American Pavilion. It was during this time Rick and long time friend Kevin Miles began the male duo ministry of Miles and Webb. Rick and Kevin traveled extensively throughout the United States and Canada accompa-

Annual

Meeting

Entertainment



Gabe Graham of Plainview High School has been awarded a $2,500 scholarship by the Foundation for Rural Services (FRS) and Farmers Telecommu-nications Cooperative. Graham is one of only 30 students across rural America to recieve this award.

The FRS scholarships are presented to rural high school seniors who are highly involved in his or her school and

community and who have above-aver-age academic credentials. Graham re-ceived $2,000 from FRS plus a matching scholarship award of $500 from Farmers Telecommunications Coopereative.

Graham plans to attend The Univer-sity of South Alabama where he will ma-jor in computer engineering. He is the son of Rev. Roger and Ginger Graham of Rainsville.

2009 High School Senior RecipientAmanda Lewis

Sardis High School

Amanda Lewis of Rainsville is a 2009 graduate of Sardis High School. At Sardis, she was on the A & B honor roll, a member of the Beta Club and a mem-ber of Fellowship of Christian Athletes. She also worked as a tutor. Amanda plans to attend Northeast Alabama Community College in the fall.

Rainsville's Graham earnsnational FRS scholarship

Lewis, Rider earn FTC scholarshipsAt Farmers Telecommunications

Cooperative we believe in investing in the future — not only for the sake of our cooperative, but for the sake of our mem-bers and communities and families.

That is why each year we sponsor events that will impact our youth in a positive way. We believe that by offering annual programs such as Career Enrich-

ment Day and the FRS Washington Youth Tour, we are opening doors to our young people that will set them on a path of academic, professional and personal suc-cess.

We understand that attending col-lege is becoming more expensive every year. That is why FTC offers two $1,500 scholarships each year to help assist area

students as they pay for the rising costs of tuition.

Each year, one scholarship is given to a deserving high school senior and the other to a student enrolled in col-lege. Recipients must be members (or the dependant of a member) of FTC.

Congratulations to the 2009 recipi-ents of the FTC Scholarship program!

2009 College RecipientChristen Rider

Snead State Community College

Christen Rider of Geraldine is a stu-dent at Snead State Community College (SSCC). While at SSCC, Christen has earned a 3.75 GPA and has been named to the Dean's List. She is also a mem-ber of Phi Theta Kappa Honor Soci-ety and works as a private tutor in her spare time.

Connected - July/August 2009 7

Partnership between FTC and NACC provides high school seniors with up-close look at career opportunities

Fred Johnson, General Manager of Farmers Telecommunications Cooperative, led the Business Management session at the 2009 Career Enrichment Day. The event is a joint effort between FTC and Northeast Alabama Community College.

FRS Youth Tour exposes our future leaders to U.S. history, telco industry issues

Eric McClendon and Aaron Cain, both of Fyffe High School, represented the FTC service area during the recent FRS Youth Tour.

The Class of 2009 was in the seventh grade when Farmers Telecommunica-tions Cooperative held its first Career Enrichment Day in partnership with Northeast Alabama Community College. On May 12, those seniors were the latest students to benefit from the first-hand exposure to career options made possible by the annual event.

"I can think of no better way for a student to learn about a field that inter-ests them than to speak with someone

who actually works in that field on a daily basis," says FTC General Manager Fred Johnson. "Career Enrichment Day affords students that opportunity."

Students have three sessions to choose from a wide variety of speakers, covering such fields as medicine, law, real estate, education, banking and more. "We appre-ciate our presenters for generously giving of their time," says Johnson. "And we are especially thankful to NACC for partner-ing with us to host this event."n

Gordon Gossett, Gant, Croft and AssociatesKristine Harding, JH Partners Architecture & InteriorsMatt Guice, Edward JonesBrent Satterfield, NACCCrystal Scott, Crystal Scott DesignJonathan Whitcomb, Information EngineeringJ.D. Davidson, The Times-JournalLee Buffington, Turf Tamer, Inc.Jeremy Taylor, DeKalb & Cherokee Asst. DARuss Balvin and Kenny Brown, Vulcraft-NucorPaul Long, Antioch Baptist ChurchWade Phillips, Rainsville DrugsTim Pratt, Siemens EnergyKevin Burt, Ole Heritage RealtyDonna Curry, TVAScott Kirk, First Southern State BankSam Phillips, Phillips EngineeringDale Pruitt, Plainview Bear FootballSam Wilson, Sam ConstructionThomas Whitten, Children’s Advocacy Center

Sharon Totten, NACCRonnie Neely, DeKalb Farmers CooperativeGrace Smith, Alabama Farmers CooperativePat Allen, Pilgrim’s Pride (Human Resource Director) Peter Selman, DeKalb Regional HospitalCurtis Parker, Federal Bureau of InvestigationNathaniel Ledbetter, Sand Mountain Electric Co-opMindi Meadows, TheraSportPam Gann, DeKalb County Board of EducationBilly Jones, Sgt. 1st Class, United States ArmyJudith Lea, NACCDr. John AndersonAmber Benefield, Williams Avenue Elementary School Dr. Anthony Sims, Henagar Family MedicineDr. Cindy Jones, NACCDr. Martin Habel, Vision Plus Brad Archer, NACCAmber Harrington, Sanofi-Aventis PharmaceuticalsAdrian Casey, DeKalb County Health Department

A special 'thank you' to our 2009 presenters

Students from rural regions across America gathered in the nation's capital this summer to learn about the legisla-tive process and the telecommunica-tions industry.

Eric McClendon and Aaron Cain, both of Fyffe High School, represented the Farmers Telecommunications Coop-erative service area at the Foundation for Rural Services (FRS) annual Youth Tour in Washington, D.C.

FTC sponsored the local students on the five-day educational trip. Melissa Pruitt, an FTC employee, and her hus-band Dale served as chaperones.

The FRS Youth Tour provides stu-dents from rural areas a first-hand look at the telecommunications industry, while educating them on the functions of government.

In addition to visiting with elected officials and industry leaders, students toured several famous historical sites. These included the U.S. Capitol, the Smithsonian Institution, Mount Vernon, the Lincoln Memorial and Arlington National Cemetery.

The Youth Tour is also a cultural experience for students, allowing them time to spend with their peers from other parts of the country.

"Youth Tour is an excellent program that gives our young leaders a broader sense of the imporant role of companies like FTC in rural America," says Brandi Lyles, FTC Marketing Director.n


By Joseph M. Morgan

Throughout the years Northeast Alabama Community College (NACC) has employed some of the most qualified instructors in this state and region.

Dr. Kathy Adkins, who serves as mu-sic instructor and director of Chorus and Encore! at NACC, is a good example of a qualified professional. In fact, she is pos-sibly the most well-known and critically acclaimed professor in NACC history.

Many in the area may not know that before Adkins was a music professor and director at NACC, she was Kathy For-ester, member of the Grammy-nominated hit country music group, The Forester Sisters.

In addition to her abilities as a gifted musician, Adkins has the academic credentials to back up her God-given talents.

She has a bachelor’s degree in piano from Wesleyan College, a master’s degree in Theory and Composition from Western Kentucky University and a doctorate in Leadership for Teaching and Learning from the University of Tennes-see.

Students at NACC have the ben-efit of drawing, not only upon Adkins’ impressive academic knowledge base,

but upon her firsthand experiences and knowledge obtained by spending more than 20 years as an artist in the music industry.

“I have always loved music,” Adkins says. “I have been around it since I was a very small child. Music is everything to me. I can’t imagine doing anything else. I have been blessed to work in the field I love for my entire life.”

Adkins was born and raised the old-est of four girls atop Lookout Mountain. She grew up in a family and community that embraces music in the small town of New Salem, Ga., between Trenton and LaFayette, Ga.

“Music was very common in our community,” Adkins says. “Most every-body sang where I grew up. It was just a part of life. We grew up singing har-mony to Gospel music in the Methodist Church.”

In the late 1970’s, fresh out of col-lege, Adkins and her sister, June, were working as teachers in the Georgia public school system. Over the years, the two sang together as a duo and had become a local favorite, often singing at churches and other community events.

They were joined by their sister Kim in 1978. As their popularity grew, the trio began to perform at parties and shows in

the Chattanooga, Tenn., area in addition to playing for local churches.

The Forester Sisters became a quar-tet when younger sister Christy joined a short time later and completed the group.

After long consideration and prayer, Kathy and June quit their day jobs and the group decided to attempt to become professional artists.

“We decided we would give it two years,” Adkins says. “That’s funny now, all these years later, but that's what we committed to then.”

The Forester Sisters went to Muscle Shoals to record a demo. Their drum-mer at the time had some contacts in the music industry in Nashville, Tenn., and passed the group's tape along.

An executive at Warner Bros. Re-cords heard the tape and wanted to sign the sisters. When he could not reach them, he left a message on their answer-ing machine.

“We immediately thought it was a joke,” Adkins says. “It’s really funny now, but, at the time, we just thought someone was trying to be hysterical with us.”

The Forester Sisters signed with War-ner Bros. Records on July 31, 1984.

A year later in 1985, their first single, “That’s What You Do When You’re in

From the spotlight to the classroom, Dr. Kathy Adkins has a

Heart for Sharing Music


Love,” made it to the Top Ten. Their next single, “I Fell In Love Again Last Night,” went all the way to number one.

Their chart-topping success contin-ued for six years as The Forester Sisters became the first act to place each of their first fourteen singles in Billboard’s Top Ten since the introduction of the 100-po-sition country chart.

In the process, they reeled off five number one singles including “Just In Case,” “(I'd Choose) You Again,” “Ma-ma’s Never Seen Those Eyes,” and a duet with The Bellamy Brothers, “Too Much Is Not Enough.”

On their journey they have been nominated for three Grammy Awards and named Top Vocal Group of the Year at the 1986 Academy of Country Music Awards.

After taking a four-year break from recording, The Forester Sisters released “More Than I Am,” in 1996. It was their eleventh album with Warner Bros. and their first as co-producers.

After another hiatus, in 2002 they re-corded a new Christmas album released independently via their Web site. The album was co-produced by Kim Forester.

Adkins says her career as a profes-sional musician has been a wonderful experience.

“My career has given me some in-credible opportunities and experiences,” Adkins says. “One of the most awesome experiences in my career was when our first song hit the charts.

“We have been so blessed,” she adds, “to have hit records and songs, and to be nominated for Grammys. But I am proudest of my sisters, the fact that we made it despite everyone telling us it would tear us apart, that we would break up or one of us would go solo, that we wouldn't last as a group. The fact is we are closer now as sisters than we have ever been. This opportunity allowed us to grow closer as a family and mature as individuals and musicians.”

However, Adkins says that despite being closer with her sisters today, it was not always easy on the road.

“We love each other dearly,” she says. “But that’s not to say there weren’t some all-out knock-down drag-outs while we were on the road. Because we had our fair share of those. But still, you have to realize you wake up the next morning and that person is not an acquaintance. That person is your sister.

You have to eat a lot of crow. All of us did. But in the end it brought us closer.”

Adkins says her most memorable moments are not from winning awards and recording hit songs, but from per-forming.

“When we were on the road we had the opportunity to work with some of the best artists in the industry and to travel all over the world,” she says. “But the most meaningful experiences for me were our USO performances. It has truly been the highlight of my career – per-forming for the young men and women of our military. Knowing that we were performing for these brave soldiers and Marines who love America, 18, 20 years old, these soldiers who protect us and sacrifice for us every day. Just being able to bring them joy when they were away from home, away from their families, I just can’t express how much that meant to me.”

After releasing their album in 1996, The Forester Sisters slowed things down considerably and made the decision to end their days on the road and spend more time with their families.

“We performed and recorded full-time for 12 years,” Adkins says. “Many of those years we were away from home touring for more than 300 days per year. It was just time. Our children were get-ting big enough that they didn’t want to travel anymore so we decided it was time to leave the road.”

Adkins says she has enjoyed her career and that there is not a lot about it that she would change.

“I try not to look backwards,” she says. “Sure, there are things I could have done differently, but I don’t think we would change anything. I am so thank-ful that my sisters and I have been given opportunities and been able to experi-ence so many wonderful things. A lot of people said, ‘Oh, don’t do this. You can’t just leave the music business.’ But I don’t think we have any regrets about moving forward with our lives. I would not give up one second of the time I’ve chosen to spend with my kids because that’s the most fun thing I’ve ever done.”

Today the Forester Sisters are focus-ing on careers outside of music and rais-ing their families. But they still perform occasionally.

“Every now and then we'll do a ben-efit to raise money for a cause or organi-zation,” Adkins says, “and we talk about

doing some recording. It’s nice now to perform and do whatever we want and to do it because we enjoy it, not because it is our job.

“We are closer now as sisters and better as musicians,” she says. “I think we are better now than when we were touring. We are more mature now and can enjoy things a lot more without all of the pressures.”

All of the Forester sisters are in professional jobs. June followed up her bachelor's degree in elementary educa-tion with a master's in Education for the Visually Impaired. She teaches at Georgia School for the Blind where her daughter, Canaan is a student. Her son Carter is a student and her husband Joe runs the golf course that the couple own together.

Kim and Christy went back to college and finished their degrees as well. Kim earned a bachelor’s degree in interior design and currently works for a company specializing in kitchen design.

Christy has a bachelor’s degree in So-ciology and works for an interior design firm. She and her husband Terry have two children, Maddie and Christian.

Kathy and husband Terry Adkins still live where they grew up, in the small town of New Salem, Ga., only minutes down the road from Kathy’s parents. Kathy and Terry enjoy being outdoors and spending time and working on their farm. They have three children– Amonie, Kerry, and Cole.

Adkins says she enjoys her job at NACC and feels blessed to continue to work in the music field.

“Taking the job at Northeast was an easy decision for me,” she says. “I have always wanted to teach at the college lev-el. I could not be happier. Our program is growing and I have some wonderful students who are extremely talented.”

Adkins says that her goal is to con-tinue to improve the music program at NACC and to prepare her students for a four-year college.

“My vision for any program I’ve been involved with is the same,” she says. “That is to constantly improve, to get better this year and apply that the next year and every year, building on what we did the last time so that we are always improving as a program and as individuals. The students inspire me to do my best to be excellent. That is what I ask of them and hopefully we can bring that out of each other.”n


By Stephen V. Smith

In the days before modern heating systems, a quilt was an important tool in keeping a person warm in bed on a cold winter’s night. Beyond its practical func-tion, the quilt also served as a decorative bed covering to add character and charm to a home.

A great deal of skill and creativity is involved in creating quilts. As such, quilting has long been recognized as a folk art that reflects the unique talents and tastes of the quilt’s creator, as well as the community traditions that influence the work.

It is this artistic expression, this im-mersion in tradition, that has brought 16 quilters together from across Northeast Alabama and beyond to jointly recreate a masterpiece. Every four to six weeks, a group of friends gathers at a local home to swap quilt squares, tell stories, and

enjoy food and fellowship.They are creating their own Dear

Jane Quilts.

Jane A. Stickle was a 19th-century Vermont farmer who created such a remarkable quilt that it captivates fabric artists to this day. It is comprised of 225 unique patterns, each an intriguing geo-metric design that challenges any quilter.

According to the Web site www.dear-jane.com, Stickle completed her work of art in 1863. The census taken during this time frame lists Stickle as a farmer. In her mid-forties, she was living by herself, her husband residing with Stickle’s brother on his farm. Later in life Jane and her husband were forced into bankruptcy. She was living as a boarder in 1896 when she passed away.

Little else is known about the life

of this mysterious quilter, except that her creation continues to reach across the decades to inspire those who would accept the challenge of recreating her masterpiece.

Several local quilters have tackled this challenge, forming a ‘Jane Gang’ to jointly create a number of these unique quilts. From Fort Payne to Henagar, from Valley Head to Pisgah, from Geraldine to Ider, the group is comprised of quilters from various backgrounds and experi-ence levels — all brought together by the Dear Jane Quilt.

Those participating in the project include: Sue Ann Jones of Fort Payne; Chris Murdoch of Henagar; Billie Crumly of Geraldine; Sylvia Ivey of Henagar; Linda O’Shields of Ider; Kay Thomas of Bridgeport; Judy Haas of Fort Payne; Bobbie Houston of Fort Payne; Anne Barrett of Grove Oak; Marion O’Brien of Valley Head; Jackie Carter of Pisgah;

theJane Gang

L o c a L q u i Lt e r s c o m e to g e t h e r

to r e c r e at e a c i v i L wa r e r a

f a b r i c a rt s m a s t e r p i e c e

Jane’s legacy


Genella Tolbert of Henagar; Susan Elliot of Henagar; Leslie Thorne of Fort Payne; Lisa Saylor of Grant; and Harold Norris of Acworth, Georgia.

The processThe Dear Jane project is a cooperative

effort. Participants draw numbers to see which one of the intricate squares they will create next. While there are 16 indi-viduals involved, three are making two quilts each (Murdoch, Barrett and Nor-ris). Therefore everyone makes 19 copies of their assigned square and brings them to the next swap. Each quilter then goes home with their designs plus 15 others.

“This is advanced work, rather than beginner or intermediate,” explains Bar-rett. “The squares are four-and-a-half inches, and some of them have as many as 40 or 50 pieces in them. It’s very intri-cate, very time-consuming.”

To stay true to the original Jane A. Stickle design, the quilters attempt to match the color and pattern of each spe-cific block. “Every block is different, and each block is supposed to be a different fabric,” Barrett says. “We have duplicat-ed some, because you’re limited by how much fabric you can find, in this part of

the country anyway.”Once all squares and points are com-

plete, the group members must put their quilts together. “That process will take three to four months,” says Barrett.

This is not the first Jane Gang project for Barrett. She was involved in a project that concluded in 2006; the resulting quilt has won numerous best of show and viewers choice honors in quilt shows in Alabama and Tennessee.

The legend lives onThe object of so many quilters’ fasci-

nation is still in pristine condition. It is on display seasonally at the Bennington Mu-seum in Vermont, which, according to its Web site, is the “trusted caretaker of the

largest collection of Grandma Moses art and memorabilia available to the public.”

Many questions remain surrounding the original Jane A. Stickle quilt. No one knows what inspired her to tackle such a complicated design, nor is it known how long the intricate work of art took her to complete. With sewing machines a rarity in that era, it is assumed she created the legendary quilt by hand.

To learn more about Jane A. Stickle and her quilt, visit www.dearjane. com. The Web site is maintained by Brenda Manges Papadakis, international quilting instructor and author of books about the quilt.n

Ann Barrett of Grove Oak sorts through the quilt squares brought to the meeting by the participants in the Dear Jane Quilt project.

The Dear Jane quilt features over 200 intricate and geometrically diverse pieces.


By Joseph M. Morgan

There are things in life that are very difficult to understand, possibly nothing more so than when a child leaves us in the prime of his youth.

And while the passing of 18-year-old Samuel Burke Hairston might have some people looking up and asking 'why?', it is a question he never felt the need to ask.

Described as funny, compassionate, kind and outgoing, Hairston possessed, in the midst of tragedy and despair, an unshakable faith and love of life that allowed him to transform tragedy into triumph — and touch the lives of all who knew him along the way.

Symptoms beginIn January 2008 Samuel began feeling

a slight tingle — a numbness — in the fingertips of his left hand. It probably didn't seem like a very big deal at the time, certainly nothing to worry over.

Samuel, then 17, was focused on the typical issues facing many teenagers today — juggling the pressures of high school, family, church, spending time with girl-friend Brooke, his part-time job at Lucky's Supermarket and feeding an insatiable desire to play music.

Dealing with a little numbness in the fingertips probably seemed like a mi-nor inconvenience at the time. That is, until Feb. 4, 2008, when the numbness spread all the way down the left side of his body.

After visits to the fam-ily doctor and local neurolo-gist Dr. Dave Koury, Samuel was referred to specialists at UAB Hospital.

Following the examina-tion and an MRI at UAB were words that would change the lives of the Hairston family forever: "Your son has cancer."

Doctors at UAB explained to the fam-ily that Samuel had a tumor on the right side of his brain stem that was affecting his central nervous system. They further explained that the cancer was inoperable and that Samuel had very little chance of surviving.

Attitude of faithNo graduation. No more proms. No

college. No more hanging out with bud-dies or dates with the girlfriend. No more musical jam sessions in the garage with the guys. How, at 17 years old, would most respond to this news? Angry? Up-set? Emotional? Irrational?

Not Samuel. As his mother stood before him in that doctor's office, Samuel looked her straight in her tear-filled eyes and calmly said, "Mama. It's going to be okay. I will be fine, Mama, just fine. If the Lord wants to heal me, he will heal

me. And if he wants to take me home with Him, He will take me home with Him. Either way, I'm gonna be okay Mama."

A few days after he was diagnosed, Samuel visited Children's Hospital in Birmingham. Although the cancer was inoperable, Samuel's doctors hoped radiation and chemotherapy treatments could shrink the size of the tumor.

Every day for six weeks he received treatment, inspiring staff members and fellow patients alike with his smile, hu-mor and attitude of faith. The treatments all but stopped the tumor's growth for a while, and Samuel returned home at the end of March 2008.

He jumped right back into his busy life as a junior at Pisgah High School. In fact, he made it back just in time to attend the Pisgah High School prom, where he and girlfriend Brooke Moore were voted prom prince and princess.

At the end of the school year in May, another MRI showed Samuel's tumor to be stable. That summer he was still able to drive, play music and spend time

Samuel Hairston inspired many through his

Life of Faith

THE HAIRSTON FAMILY —Pictured in Jan. 2007 are (clockwise from bottom left) Randy, Samuel, Sheila and Jesse.

Samuel as a baby (left) and at 13 years old on Orange Beach


hanging out with friends.In fact, for a while at least, life was

almost normal. In August, Samuel even went back to school, where he was active in clubs and organizations such as FFA, Beta Club and Mu Alpha Theta.

Cancer's vengenceThe following month, Samuel's

health took a turn for the worse. He began to have trouble with his balance, and in October he began to experience double vision. Due to his worsening con-dition, Samuel's last day of high school was October 6, 2008.

As the Hairstons feared, the next MRI showed that the tumor had grown. Samuel began another round of che-motherapy and radiation in October (a December MRI would later show that the treatments shrunk the tumor consider-ably, but his symptoms never improved).

In October, Sheila, a 32-year em-ployee of Northeast Alabama Commu-nity College, decided to take a leave from work to spend time with her oldest son during his last months.

"That time with Samuel is very spe-cial to me," Sheila says. "We shared every day together. We talked and laughed and prayed. He was still so full of happi-ness and life! We did not spend our time in mourning. It was a time spent in joy and love between mother and son that I would not trade for the world."

The remaining months of Samuel's life would bring the Hairston family closer than they had ever been. They relied on their faith and each other to see them through their difficult journey.

Every day before leaving for school, Samuel's brother Jesse, who is only 14 months and five days younger than

Samuel, made sure to tell his big brother two things—'I love you' and 'I hope you have a good day today.'

Samuel's father Randy, employed by Chattanooga Group in Tenn. and also a licensed minister of 38 years, led the fam-ily in a nightly Bible study and prayer—a tradition Samuel insisted on.

"Regardless of how he felt or what was going on, Samuel made sure we had Bible study every night at home," Sheila says. "It really gave us strength and brought us together. It made us grow stronger in the Lord and in each other."

Sheila also points to others in the community as a source of strength. When Samuel was no longer strong enough to go to church, his Sunday School class, led by C.J. Buttram, held class in the Hair-ston home so that he could take part.

"This entire community has em-braced us and helped lift us up," Sheila says. "We have strong Christian friends and church and family that have been wonderful to pray for us and bring us countless cards and meals. We have experienced so many blessings through all of this."

Going homeOn May 15, 2009, Samuel Burke

Hairston left this earth for a better place. Three days later, on May 18, more than 870 attended his visitation. It is reported that the line for the funeral procession was more than three miles ling.

On May 26, Samuel's classmates held their high school graduation. At the ceremony, each of the 72 members of Pisgah High School Class of 2009 placed a long-stemmed red rose in front of Samuel's senior portrait. It was a gesture that moved many to tears.

"Samuel was an amaz-ing person," Sheila says. "Through his entire ill-ness, all that we have are good mem-ories. He never al-lowed the disease to take away his happi-ness. We never had to see him in misery and despair, and that is a blessing to us and a testament of who he was and how strong he was.

Besides these memories, Samuel leaves behind a legacy of faith. "He showed people that no matter what comes along, there is joy in life and you can find the strength through God to face another day," Sheila says. "I hope his story inspires people, and that they can find joy and peace in their own lives."

Samuel Hairston lived every day, even his last, with joy and peace. And al-though cancer finally defeated his body, it never conquered his spirit or his faith.

Nor did it defeat his family. Al-though she mourns the loss of her son, Sheila never stops smiling while talking about her son. Somehow she is okay. Somehow she is at peace.

"It is our faith," she explains simply. "It's impossible to make it through some-thing like this without faith. You must have a personal relationship with the Lord and draw strength from His word. We have comfort and peace in knowing that we will see Samuel again."n

Samuel's family recently established the Samuel Hairston Memorial Scholarship in his honor.

"Attending college was very important to Samuel," Sheila says. "I know it would make him very happy to be able to help someone go to college."

If you would like to donate to the Samuel Hairston Memorial Scholarship Fund, make

checks payable to NACC. Include a brief note with your check or write Samuel Hairston Memorial Scholarship Fund in the memo sec-tion of the check. Mail checks to:Northeast Alabama Community CollegeATTN: Business OfficePO Box 159Rainsville, AL 35986You will be mailed a receipt for your gift.

Samuel Hairston will continue to impact lives through memorial scholarship fund at NACC

One of Sheila Hairston's favorite photos of Samuel, at age 10


Upcoming

EventsAugust 1 Come enjoy this day-long event with tons of pickin’ and even more grinnin’! Founded in 1908, the convention features over 10 categories in which contestants can register to participate, including old-time fiddling, banjos, blue grass, and much more. For more information about admission or entry fees, contact the Big Wills Arts Council at 256-845-2224.

August 28 – 29 Don’t miss this truly Unforgettable Family Outing! This unique festival includes arts and crafts, children’s games, antique tractors and Civil War re-enactors. UFO enthusiasts and skeptics alike will enjoy live entertainment and food that is out of this world! Look up in the sky and you might not see a flying saucer, but you WILL see fun and colorful hot air balloons. Join family and friends for the traditional street dance to top off this weekend of summertime fun. Call 256-623-2222 for more information.

August 29 Get ready to bait your hooks and cast your lines! DeKalb Public Fishing Lake is hosting a Tournament for all you bass fishermen! The tournament will begin at 6:00 a.m. and end at noon. There is a $20 entry fee that does not cover your permit. First, second and third place winners will receive a percentage of entry fees, and the fisherman who catches the biggest bass of the day will win $50. (Fishing stories not accepted!) Please call to verify date. 256-657-1300

September 7 Celebrate Sand Mountain’s rich agricultural heritage with a day of family fun! Starting with a parade of mules, horses, carriages, antique tractors and more at 9:30 a.m., this festival is sure to be fun for all ages. A horse pull, mule pull, antique tractors and cars, arts and crafts, food from local vendors, children’s games, and so much more make this day one you won’t want to miss! Call 256-657-4184 for additional information.

September 12 - 19 This annual art and musical event displays citizens of Fort Payne taking a second look at their past and the heritage passed down to them through the arts and crafts of our area. The Boom Days Heritage Celebration will feature many of these facets in the presentation of musical performances as well as art displays in Fort Payne City Park. 256-845-2741

DeKalb County Lake

Bass Tournament

Boom DaysHeritage Celebration

DeKalb County Fiddlers’ Convention

Ider Mule Days

5th Annual

Fyffe UFO Days


Naomi Hilley

Sweet Potato Casserole3 cups mashed sweet potatoes1 cup sugar1 stick margarine1/4 cup sweet milk2 eggs1 tsp vanilla extract

Mix well and pour in a lightly greased 9x13 inch dish.

Topping1 cup chopped nuts1 cup brown sugar1 stick margarine1/2 cup all-purpose flour

Mix well and put on top of sweet potato mixture. Bake in oven at 350º for about 30 minutes.

24 Hour Salad

1 can Eagle Brand milk1/3 cup lemon juice1 large Cool Whip1 large can crushed pineapple, drained1 large can fruit cocktail, drained1 cup miniature marshmallows1/2 cup raisins1/2 cup coconut1/2 cup maraschino cherries1 cup chopped pecans

Mix Eagle Brand milk and lemon juice. Add Cool Whip and mix well. Add all other ingredients and fold together. Pour into serving dish and decorate with cher-ries, pecans and marshmallows. Let set in refrigerator for 24 hours and serve.

Cheese Wafers1/4 lb extra sharp cheddar cheese1 stick butterSalt to taste1/2 tsp red pepper1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans1-1/4 cups sifted all-purpose flour

Let cheese and butter come to room tem-perature. Mix together with high speed mixer. Stir in flour and pepper. Add cheese. Fold in nuts. Roll dough in a medium long roll and chill for 24 hours. Slice into thin wafers and bake on a greased cookie sheet for 25 minutes in a 325º oven.

Angel Crisp CookiesCream together:1 cup sugar1/2 cup margarine1/2 cup shorteningAdd:1 egg1 tsp vanillaStir in:2-1/2 cups all-purpose flour1 tsp cream of tartar1 tsp salt1 tsp baking soda

Mix well and make into balls of desired size. Flatten out thinly with fork. Place on greased cookie sheet. Back 10-12 min-utes in a 350º oven.

Chicken and Dressing1 chicken, stewed and de-boned4 cups corn bread crumbs

1 stick margarine2 to 2-1/2 cups broth1/2 cup chopped onion1 cup sweet milk1/2 cup mayonnaise3/4 tsp salt2 eggs1 can cream of chicken soup1 can cream of celery soupPepper and sage to taste

Mix last 10 ingredients and pour over chicken and bread crumbs. Mix well. Must be soupy. Let set overnight if pos-sible. Bake in a 325º oven for 40 minutes or until done.

Ice Box Rolls1 cup sweet milk2 pkgs. dry yeast1 cup warm water1 tsp salt4 Tbsp sugar6 Tbsp oil or melted shortening5 cups bread flourSoft margarine

Pour milk in a large mixing bowl. Dis-solve yeast in warm water and add to milk. Add salt, sugar, and oil. Add flour to make a stiff dough. Set in refrigerator overnight. When ready to bake, roll out about one inch thick and cut with biscuit cutter. Spread soft margarine on top of rolls and let rise until doubled in size. Bake in a 350º oven for 20-25 minutes.

Naomi Hilley of Fyffe has seen many things change since she was born 79 years ago. But, one thing that has not changed at all is her love of cooking.

“I started cooking at a very young age,” Hilley recalls. “I had to stand on a chair to reach the table while cooking corn bread.”

Today, Hilley cooks for her husband of almost 62 years, Melvin, her daughter, Anita Johnson of Geraldine, and two grown grand-children, Justin and Allison. She also enjoys cooking for her church family at Flat Rock, where Melvin serves as minister.

Hilley was recognized by Times Journal in 2000 for her outstanding sweet potato pie and given the title of Best Overall Cook.

Outside of the kitchen, Hilley leads a very active life. She enjoys sewing and quilt-ing with quilting guilds in both Fort Payne and Scottsboro. Hilley is very involved in

her church, and she also loves to garden. “I like cooking with my homegrown fruits and vegetables,” she says. “I think cooking with fresh ingre-dients keeps your body healthy. Melvin and I have never been sick enough to go to the hospital.”

This month, Hilley shares some of her fa-vorite recipes. “I like everyday Country cook-ing,” she comments. “I enjoy simple food with good flavor.”

“These are all recipes I use very fre-quently.” Hilley says. “My family asks for the sweet potato casserole at every get-together.” And, if you're looking for a tasty snack, try the cheese wafers or angel crisp cookies.

SandMountain Kitchens

P.O. Box 217• 144 McCurdy Ave. N.Rainsville, Alabama 35986


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