TELEPHONE COMPANY
CONNECTION JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2021
LEARNING VIRTUALLY Schools embrace options for online education
CHIROPRACTIC CARE
Treating more than back pain
KEEP THE RHYTHM
Broadband connects musical creators
INDUSTRY NEWS
Rural Connections By SHIRLEY BLOOMFIELD, CEO NTCA–The Rural Broadband Association
BROADBAND: Connecting your life
To expand broadband access, we must protect our supply chains
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e at NTCA are encouraged to see rural broadband take center stage as people talk about how to improve our nation’s infrastructure. While grappling with a pandemic, more people than ever — especially in Washington, D.C., and in the policy arena — are realizing that robust and reliable broadband is essential for people to work and learn from home and for our country to move forward. It has been encouraging to see federal and state resources being put toward addressing gaps in broadband coverage. However, the job is only beginning when the funds start to flow. While NTCA member companies are eager to keep building broadband networks, lead times for fulfillment of orders of telecom supplies are approaching deeply concerning levels. One member recently received a quote that projected an eight-month delay for fiber, and another was told it would take one year for fulfillment of a fiber order. We’re hearing stories of delays of several weeks or months for routers and other gear. These supply chain delays could have real implications on American consumers — and they could present real problems when it comes to provider compliance with things like buildout deadlines and performance testing obligations. It’s terrific that resources are being made available to ensure every American has access to sufficient broadband. But it’s going to be equally important that policymakers pay attention to whether the supply chain can keep up and consider what steps must be taken to ensure that happens.
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Telehealth Broadband connects you with doctors and health care services
Work From Home Broadband connects you with servers and applications to work remotely Remote Learning Broadband connects your children with their teachers and study resources Shopping Broadband connects you with grocery stores, restaurants and retailers for pickup and home delivery Family & Community Broadband connects you with your people over video calls and social media
Small Business Broadband connects your business with customers and suppliers
How did your broadband connection help you through 2020? How will it support you in the new year? Share your story with the hashtag #MyBroadbandStory.
Don’t ZO OM into trouble
Do learn the secrets to a great virtual meeting
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here are some gaffes co-workers never forget. And with the likes of Zoom, GoToMeeting and FaceTime bringing business gatherings into many homes, the potential for memorable pitfalls only increases. “Don’t take your phone with you to the bathroom during a video call” should most likely be the first rule to remember for any team shifting to virtual gatherings. A quick search on YouTube will show you the wisdom of that policy. While there’s potential for unintentional blunders during video calls, the tools also offer an indispensable resource for teams. In many cases, productivity would grind to a halt without the ability to connect virtually through broadband.
So, here are a few “Dos” and some “Don’ts” to consider before your next virtual meeting: DO dress fully. A work shirt on top and running shorts or pajamas on the bottom can prove embarrassing if you forget to turn off the camera before standing up. It happens, often. DO take a few minutes before the meeting to confirm you know how to turn the microphone and camera on and (likely more importantly) off in the software you’re using. It’s also a good policy to stay muted unless speaking. DON’T leave your notifications turned on when screen sharing during a meeting. Otherwise, everyone attending might see the message from your hungry spouse regarding the takeout lunch you promised to deliver. DO have a clear, detailed agenda and stick to it. The attention of participants can wander, and a well-paced plan can keep everyone focused. DON’T ignore the background. People will judge you on the contents of your bookshelves. Also, if there’s a forgotten notsafe-for-work bit of kitsch visible on a shelf or wall, don’t expect your co-workers to spare you embarrassment. They may just enjoy the humor. DO consider lighting. Everyone looks better with good lighting, and a great presentation can not only set the tone for how others perceive you but also boost your self-confidence.
DO jot down any notes about points you wish to cover, and keep a pen and paper handy. Know the steps you need to take to help you be more present during the meeting, and repeat the formula every time. DO remember to inform other household members you’re joining a video call. More than one relative or friend has taken an unintended star turn during a serious discussion. DON’T leave the cats and dogs free to wander. Disembodied voices may draw their attention, usually at the most inopportune time. While a stray tail or untimely howl might add levity to a meeting, know your audience and prepare accordingly. DO remember that the most important thing of all is to laugh. Isolation and, often, stress can counterbalance the freedom of remote work. Every meeting, take a moment to appreciate your co-workers, share a joke, smile and laugh. Enjoy the virtual time together.
That’s a formula for a great, productive meeting.
DON’T forget to take the time before the meeting to get a glass of water or cup of coffee.
January/February 2021 | 3
FROM THE CEO
Resolve to master streaming TV in 2021
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ach year at this time, I usually find myself looking ahead at all of the promise of the new year. Many of us will consider resolutions we can make to improve ourselves as the calendar turns to 2021.
After the year we’ve all just been through, I think we could likely use that fresh sense of optimism. But just as admirable as it is that we will resolve to lose a little weight or get organized this year, it’s also unfortunately predictable that many of us will drop those diets, exercise regimes or organizational systems by spring. That’s why I have a suggested resolution for many of our members that can be accomplished from the couch. If you’re one of the roughly 1 in 4 Americans who hasn’t tried streaming video service through platforms like Netflix, Hulu or TREVOR Amazon Prime, I’d urge you to consider resolving to give it a try in BONNSTETTER 2021. Chief Executive Officer According to the researchers at Nielsen, many older TV watchers did just that in 2020. Spurred on in a hunt for programming while staying home during the pandemic, older viewers now account for 26% of all streaming minutes viewed, up from 19% a year ago, according to the Nielsen data. While there is a little bit of a learning curve on the new platforms, the amount of shows and movies to watch at your command is astounding. While Netflix, Amazon Prime Video and Hulu are the dominant providers, new streaming services like Disney+, Peacock and HBOMax have debuted in the last 18 months. Paramount+, due out this year, promises to offer an immense catalog of shows from CBS and other Viacom networks, as well as decades’ worth of hit movies produced in the Paramount Studios. The summer Olympics alone are expected to provide hundreds of hours of programming for NBC’s Peacock. And thanks to our work building and maintaining the Ardmore Telephone Company broadband network, this vast world of programming is available right in your living room. Our fiber network expansion continues to bring seamless streaming to more and more homes in our service area. Engineering and construction crews continue to make progress in Elkmont, New Market, Ardmore, Minor Hill and McBurg. Here are my suggestions for how to give it a try: 1. Start small. Most streaming platforms offer a free trial of up to 30 days. Beyond that, basic plans for Disney+, Hulu and Netflix are priced at under $10 per month so you can try the service without a huge financial commitment. 2. Pick the right box. Your TV may already have some streaming capabilities built in to get you started. If not, you’ll need a Roku device or Amazon’s Fire TV Stick connected to your Wi-Fi to get you started. 3. Ask for help. Whether it’s a friend, family member or one of our friendly staff, don’t hesitate to reach out and ask for advice on navigating this exciting new world of streaming video.
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CONNECTION JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2021
VOL. 9, NO. 1
The Ardmore Connection is a bimonthly newsletter published by Ardmore Telephone Company, © 2021. It is distributed without charge to all customers of the company.
is a hometown service provider delivering advanced telecommunications technology to the people of Giles and Lincoln counties in Tennessee and Limestone and Madison counties in Alabama. The company is managed by Telecom Management Services and owned by Synergy Technology Partners.
Ardmore Telephone Company P.O. Box 549 Ardmore, TN 38449 Telephone: 256-423-2131 or 800-830-9946 www.ardmore.net Ardmore Office: 30190 Ardmore Ave. Ardmore, AL 35739 Monday - Friday 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
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Produced for Ardmore Telephone by:
On the Cover: Ardmore High School senior Luke Hogan enjoys working with Google Classroom, whether virtually or in class. See story Page 8.
ATC NEWS
ATC welcomes two new employees CHAD TOWNSEND When Chad Townsend first worked in the telecommunications industry more than 20 years ago, he stayed busy adding second phone lines so people could talk on the phone while using their dial-up internet. Townsend now works as a combination technician at Ardmore Telephone Company, installing broadband internet with speeds he couldn’t imagine in the early days. “It’s hard to even comprehend how it’s all advanced,” he says. “Things have changed so much.” Townsend grew up in Minor Hill, Tennessee. He worked for a major telecommunications provider for 21 years, but in that previous job, Townsend did not work close to home. Now, with ATC, he loves the opportunity to work in his hometown. “When I go to someone’s house on a call, I’m most likely going to know them or know their family,” he says. “I think that adds a personal touch as we’re providing the best service possible for our customers.” In his job at ATC, he installs new service or makes repairs on existing service. When Townsend isn’t working, he loves being outdoors. He and his wife, Tina, have two grown children.
JARED STREET Jared Street worked for a major telecommunications provider for 12 years before coming to ATC. He previously worked as a lineman, installing the lines for overall projects. Now, in his job at ATC as a combination technician, he installs or repairs service to the home or business. His job includes working on the fiber optic installation expanding quickly in the ATC service area. Street says the reliability and speed of fiber makes a difference in the quality of service. “Fiber is so much more reliable, and I like the fact that we are able to provide such a state-of-the-art technology,” he says. Street was raised in Ardmore and works in the Ardmore service area. “I’ve lived here all my life, and I know just about everybody,” he says. He grew up on his family’s cattle farm, which he continues to operate with his father.
Ardmore Telephone Company
Lifeline Service LIFELINE IS A FEDERAL PROGRAM TO HELP LOW-INCOME AMERICANS PAY FOR PHONE OR BROADBAND SERVICE. You are eligible for Lifeline benefits if you qualify for and receive one of the following benefits: y SNAP y Medicaid y Supplemental Security Income (SSI) y Federal Public Housing Assistance y VA Veterans Pension or Survivors Pension Additionally, consumers at or below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines will continue to be eligible for a Lifeline program benefit. (State determinations of income will no longer be accepted). There are no changes to the eligibility criteria for tribal programs. Some states have additional qualifying programs, allowances and stipulations. Check with your local telecommunications provider for information about benefits that may be available in your state. To find out whether you qualify for Lifeline assistance, please visit www.lifelinesupport.org or call your local telecommunications provider. Note: Your telephone provider is not responsible for determining who qualifies for these programs or who receives assistance. Consumers must meet specific criteria in order to obtain assistance with their local telephone and/or broadband service, and qualifying is dependent upon governmentestablished guidelines.
January/February 2021 | 5
TRAVEL
Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge An avian sanctuary
Story by ANNE P. BRALY
Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge in North Alabama is a rich, diverse wildlife habitat.
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s winter’s chill sets in across North Alabama, Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge undergoes a feathery transformation. Birds that normally call the northern reaches of the continent home fly south, finding the relative warmth of the 35,000-acre property along the banks of the Tennessee River far more to their liking. Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge came to be in 1938 as a protected area for migratory birds and other wildlife who call the refuge home year-round — snakes, deer, small mammals, amphibians and other animal species. It was the firstever wildlife area to occupy a hydroelectric impoundment, which is part of a larger hydroelectric system that uses a dam to store river water in a reservoir — in this case, Wheeler Dam. It was an experiment that has become a tremendous success over ensuing decades. Although designated as a waterfowl refuge, Wheeler provides for a wide spectrum of wildlife with its deep river channels, creeks, tupelo swamps and other areas. There is shelter and food for wintering birds, such as the critically endangered whooping crane, and year-round residents like the endangered gray bat.
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The refuge is also home to 115 species of fish, 74 species of reptiles and amphibians, 47 species of mammals, 38 species of freshwater mussels and 26 species of freshwater snails. Teresa Adams, supervisory park ranger at Wheeler, says the refuge’s appeal to sandhill and whooping cranes is due to management practices in place since Wheeler’s inception. Those practices reflect a partnership between the refuge and farmers in the region.
Eastern screech owl.
“Farmers plant food crops — corn, soybeans and winter wheat — and leave around 18% of the crop in the field for the wintering waterfowl, cranes, and migratory and native birds,” Adams says. Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge, which serves as the gateway to the North Alabama Birding Trail, has a visitor center that hosts a series of interpretive exhibits. These displays have information about the refuge’s numerous animals, as well as the early human residents of the Tennessee River Valley. At any time, you might witness one of more than 300 species that have been recorded on the refuge. Year-round residents include great blue herons, great egrets, mourning doves, downy woodpeckers, Northern flickers and many more. It’s not hard to recognize the brilliant hue of a blue jay or an Eastern bluebird or hear the caw of a crow or the screech of an owl. Among the most common waterfowl that choose to winter at the refuge are wood and ring-necked ducks. Occasionally, you may spot a Ross’s goose or greater white-fronted goose.
Ready, set, shoot!
Tom Ress, a resident of Athens, Alabama, is an avid birdwatcher. His passion for photography has taken him far and wide with a camera in hand and a bird in the viewfinder. With his Canon 7D Mark II camera and Canon 100-400mm II zoom lens, he’s zeroed in on the elusive blue-winged teal at Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge only once every two to three years, but he spots the tufted titmouse flitting from limb to limb more often.
Ress points out a number of important things to consider when photographing birds.
Bird-watching essentials Whether it’s in your own backyard or out in the wild, there are a few things to ensure your bird-watching experience is a success. Having spent countless hours in the field, Tom Ress is well-versed in the essentials, including: BINOCULARS A FIELD GUIDE, such as “A Field Guide to the Birds East of the Rockies” by Roger Tory Peterson and “The Sibley Guide to Birds” by David Sibley are good ones.
• For starters, you need to learn about their habitats and what foods and activities they enjoy. Do they hunt for rodents by soaring over open fields? Do they search through dead leaves for bugs, or do they prey on flying insects?
A BIRDING APP, such as Audubon’s Bird Guide: North America or eBird, to have bird-watching tips and other info at your fingertips.
• Find a good vantage point and wait. Patience is one of the main things to bring with you when you plan on getting the perfect shot.
RAIN GEAR — Always be prepared.
• Invest in a small, portable blind so that you’re as well-hidden as possible. Such blinds are sold at big-box stores such as Dick’s Sporting Goods, Walmart and Academy Sports + Outdoors. • Tripods are a good idea, allowing you to capture a longer exposure by using a slower shutter speed. They’re also useful if you don’t have a steady hand. The use of a tripod is good for shooting baby birds in their nests or birds roosting in tree holes, on ledges and in other secure places. Tripods are not good, though, if you plan on shooting birds in action, Ress says. They are also rather cumbersome to carry if your hike is a long one. • You will find more birds by learning their calls and songs. The Cornell University-funded website allaboutbirds.org is a good resource that includes more than 600 bird sounds and songs.
PATIENCE — You can never have enough.
Indigo bunting.
Prothonotary warbler.
Pectoral sandpiper.
• Morning and evening are the best times for photography, offering the best lighting. Avoid midday when the sunlight is at its harshest. • You don’t need an expensive camera, but you don’t want the cheapest, either. Make sure whatever camera you purchase has a good zoom lens.
Top-five birding apps: 1. eBird offers a paperless way to log your bird sightings (Android and iPhone). 2. Merlin Bird ID will assist you with identifying birds in seconds (Android and iPhone). 3. Audubon Bird Guide is a complete guide to more than 800 species of birds found in North America (Android and iPhone). 4. BirdsEye helps ID birds around you and find the birds you want to see (iPhones only). 5. Larkwire turns learning bird sounds into a game to help you and the kids identify birds by their calls (iPhones only).
A whooping crane, left, and a sandhill crane.
January/February 2021 | 7
History teacher Stephen Baugh uses Google Classroom.
Ardmore High School.
Making a connection
Reliable internet key to virtual learning
Andrew Smith teaches as part of the Limestone County Schools virtual school.
Story by LISA SAVAGE
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igh school senior Luke Hogan loves using the online platform Google Classroom, whether he’s at his school or studying virtually at home. Last year, as a junior at Ardmore High School, he transitioned easily to virtual learning when schools across the state shut down in March because of the COVID-19 pandemic. He returned to the classroom in the fall, and he believes the school’s use of the Google Classroom platform helps keep students connected and on track. “It’s really helped out a lot,” he says. “It has helped to make sure we don’t miss any work.” Last year, some teachers used Google Classroom alongside more traditional methods. This year, teachers require students to submit all work through the online platform. “You can go to the page and do the work, and with the click of a button, you’re finished,” Hogan says. “It’s just as easy as turning in a piece of paper.”
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ONLINE LEARNING Limestone County Schools chose a hybrid model of online and in-person instruction when school resumed in the fall, with about 75% of students choosing to attend classes. If a student is in quarantine or has to miss class for any reason, it’s easy to stay connected through the Google Classroom platform, says Stephen Baugh, a history teacher and softball coach at Ardmore High School. Baugh teaches sophomores, juniors and seniors, and he first used Google Classroom in 2016. This year, its use is mandated, though, and he says it’s working great now that he and all other teachers use the platform for online assignments. “It’s so user-friendly. It hasn’t been a problem training the students not already familiar with it,” he says. “There’s really no excuse to not do your work.” The shift from the classroom to distance learning, or to combining the two, has
changed the way many educators think about teaching. “We’ve tried to do everything we can as a school to make sure all students have the assistance they need, whether it’s help with the online platforms or accessing the internet at home,” Baugh says. Ardmore Telephone Company
Google Classroom integrates all the Google options into a platform to manage student and teacher communication. Teachers can create, distribute and mark assignments with the system. Each class creates a separate folder, and teachers can monitor each student’s progress by reviewing the revision history of a document. They can also return work along with their comments. Teachers post at least two assignments each week on Google Classroom. “It took a few weeks for all the students to get in the groove, but now everyone is doing a great job,” Baugh says. When the pandemic struck last year, school districts across the country sought new ways to stay connected with students. If the students couldn’t come to the classroom, then educators had to take the classroom to students. Whenever possible, they did so online with virtual classrooms. “We’re fortunate here to have Ardmore Telephone Company, and they have been working to make sure as many kids as possible have access to the internet,” Baugh says. Funds from the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act helped with things like setting up hot spots and extending internet service where it was needed. “Most of our kids have the access they need, but if they don’t, we’re looking for ways that they can get access,” Baugh says, “even if it’s just making sure they know where they can access Wi-Fi.”
VIRTUAL SCHOOL The majority of Limestone County students chose face-toface learning, but an expansion of the Limestone County Virtual School provided an option for students who wanted to study online only, says Kim Moody, director of the county’s virtual program.
The Limestone County Virtual School began four years ago, but enrollment previously required a 3.0 grade point average, and students couldn’t be behind academically. Now, the requirements are relaxed so any student can participate in virtual learning. “You have to be self-motivated and disciplined to make it work,” Moody says. “It’s a totally different way of learning.” Before the pandemic, about 80 students participated in the virtual program. Now it’s up to about 1,500, Moody says. In Limestone County, teachers already used Edgenuity, an online, standards-based curriculum for virtual learning. It uses more instructional videos instead of reading assignments. “We just expanded use of that platform, and that’s what everyone is using,” Moody says. “If a student doesn’t understand it all the first time, they can go back and look at the video again. It’s been good for us.” Several teachers assist in the expanded virtual school program. Andrew Smith, physical education teacher and baseball coach at Ardmore High School, changed roles slightly when classes resumed last fall. “I’ve enjoyed it,” he says. “It’s different from anything I’ve ever done.” He provides assistance to virtual students and tracks their progress. “It’s my job to make sure their grades are where they need to be,” he says. “If a student gets behind, it’s a struggle to catch up. It’s been a change for everyone.” It’s not for everybody, he says, but it’s ideal for some. “One of the biggest challenges we face is making sure we’re getting through and students are getting the help they need,” Smith says. “The virtual program is great for those students who don’t need to be around other people or feel more comfortable at home. It’s been great to have options for the students.”
“We’re fortunate here to have Ardmore Telephone Company, and they have been working to make sure as many kids as possible have access to the internet.” — Stephen Baugh, Ardmore High School history teacher
Luke Hogan, a senior at Ardmore High School, uses Google Classroom both in class and for virtual learning. Ardmore Telephone Company
January/February 2021 | 9
Come together Story by DREW WOOLLEY
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s the pandemic stretched on last year, drummer Mike Kosacek and other members of the band Cosmic Singularity started kicking around the idea of recording a second album. With most music venues shut down and more time to write, it was a familiar story for bands and musicians across the world. But there was one key exception: Kosacek has never actually met any of his bandmates in person. “Without high-speed internet, we just couldn’t do this,” he says. “I live in Round Rock, Texas. The keyboard player lives in Florida. The bass player is in Utah, and at the time, our singer and guitar player was living in Scotland.” The globe-spanning collaboration would have been impossible just a decade ago. The songwriting process is a sort of musical relay. One member of the band will share a demo of a song he created, and the others will add their parts one by one. “We’ll start stripping off the individual parts, and everyone will add in their own instruments to build up the song,” Kosacek says. “Once we’ve got all those parts, they’ll send it to me, and I’ll do the mixing in my studio.”
A NOD TO THE DRUMMER Kosacek built his home studio, DoubleDog Recording, in 2009. He had been recording in his bedroom for several years, but the situation wasn’t ideal. 10 | January/February 2021
Broadband brings together musicians across the world
“In terms of sound, that wasn’t optimal. Plus, I have a family, so the noise wasn’t optimal for them, either,” he says. “When I decided I really wanted to make money off of my music, it had to be better.” The stand-alone, 475-square-foot recording space gives him room to play without driving his family from the premises and provides Kosacek the option of recording bands live. Normally, he estimates, about a fifth of his business would come from mixing and mastering recordings for live bands. The rest is his Studio Drum Tracks business, where he records drum parts for Texas-based groups and artists like Black Dirt Tango, ThemThatKnow and Mike Hamilton, as well as others from across the globe. Broadband technology underpins drummer Mike Kosacek’s business.
“At least half of it is mind reading,” Kosacek says. “But for me, I find that a lot of it is just experience playing and listening to a lot of music. So, when someone sends me a song that needs drums, I have some idea of where to go with it. A lot of times, it’s right the first time, and people are wowed at the difference, which is, of course, my goal.” These days, with bands unable to record in person, all of Kosacek’s work comes from the drum tracks business. But internet connections have come a long way since he started, making the transition an easy one. “I actually saw an uptick in business, because people were stuck at home writing songs that needed drums,” he says. “Ten years ago we would have to mail CDs, DVDs, even hard drives back and forth, because sometimes it was faster and more reliable than internet transfers. Being able to do this digitally and share files online — that’s what makes it happen.”
Remote mastery
From his earliest memories, Serge Espitia was in love with music and how it comes together. He eventually moved to New York, where he had the chance to work as a producer with artists including James Iha of Smashing Pumpkins and Adam Schlesinger of Fountains of Wayne, as well as producers for artists like David Bowie, Beyonce and John Legend. But in 2016, Espitia and his wife were tired of the city, so they moved to New Jersey. There, he set up his own home studio for mastering — the art of touching up songs to achieve professional sound quality. “There’s a lot of fear of the mastering process, but it’s really about your personal taste and appreciation for music,” Espitia says. His mastering business is completely online, and that’s the way Espitia likes it. Operating remotely allows him to work faster compared to in-person sessions with artists that can take hours longer. The key, he says, is making a human connection with artists to better understand what they want. “A lot of people I work with are very sensitive, so they have a good understanding of their musical influences and what they want to draw from,” Espitia says. “So, that part of the business really hasn’t changed.”
of building your own home studio? Home schooling Thinking Take some advice from the pros. b Education — Books, magazines, online tutorials and more are available to help developing artists learn their trade. Online collaboration groups can also provide a supportive community and opportunities to hone your craft. b Know what you want — Understand what kinds of sounds you want to create for yourself or others. These preferences will guide the type of recording environment you need and the equipment you use. b Learn your tools — Having the best gear isn’t the be-all and end-all. Whether you’re using GarageBand or Pro Tools, knowing how to use what is at your disposal effectively and efficiently is crucial. b Listen — Spend a lot of time listening to music. The more you can develop a critical ear, the better you’ll be at identifying the sounds you want to create and others want to achieve.
Gear list
● Microphone — Beginners can get by recording on a smartphone, but serious musicians will want to invest in a quality mic. ● Headphones — Always opt for wired over wireless to prevent delays and unexpected interruptions to your connection. ● Studio monitors — These speakers play back unenhanced sound so you can be confident how your mix will sound on different systems. ● Audio interface — This converts the sound from your mic to digital sound on your computer. ● Software — There are many programs available to mix and export your music. GarageBand is free and a good starting place for beginners. ● Soundproofing — Keeping your sound in will make the neighbors happy. Keeping their noises out will make you happy.
January/February 2021 | 11
BACK TO BACK Bender Chiropractic relocates
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rowing up, Dr. Tom Bender played three sports in high school. However, an issue with the sciatic nerve caused him so much back pain he had to stop. “I tried different medications and physical therapy, and then my mom said, ‘Let’s try a chiropractor,’” he says. “At that point, I was willing to try anything to get better.” The successful experience planted the seed for his dreams of entering the chiropractic field. After graduating from high school in Indiana, he joined the Marine Corps and served four years. He received an undergraduate degree in exercise physiology at Indiana University and graduated in 2001 from the Palmer College of Chiropractic in Iowa. Now, he practices in Ardmore, Tennessee, at Bender Chiropractic. “My main goal in life is to help people live a healthy, happy, pain-free life, free from disease and with as much vigor as possible,” he says.
BACK TO HIS ROOTS Bender practiced in Pulaski from 2002 to 2010, then took a break from chiropractic care to operate several fitness centers he owned. In 2014 he was asked by Dr. Larry Turner, a chiropractor in Ardmore, Alabama, to help out at his practice during an illness. “That’s when I realized how much I had missed it,” Bender says. He eventually took over that practice and moved last summer to the new Bender Chiropractic office on Main Street in Tennessee.
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Story by LISA SAVAGE
Bender says it’s common for some patients to be apprehensive about chiropractic care if they’ve never been treated with those methods before. Yet a chiropractor has completed the same number of educational hours as a medical doctor, although their courses of study differ. A medical doctor learns more about pharmacology and diagnoses, while a chiropractor focuses on the nervous system and anatomy and how manipulations of the spine affect various parts of the body. “One isn’t better than the other,” Bender says. “They’re just different in the approaches to treatment.” He says he’s trained to identify other medical problems that he doesn’t treat, such as a heart attack or a blood clot, and he immediately refers patients to a medical facility if he suspects that type of illness. People tend to think chiropractors treat only back pain, he says, but they also deal with an array of ailments like headaches, sinus pain, allergies and gastric issues — many of which originate in the spinal column. Bender hopes to successfully treat a patient in two or three visits. “If I see somebody three times and they’re not getting any better, I’ll refer them to another doctor or a surgeon,” he says. Dr. Thomas Bender uses some of the latest technology for patient treatment.
Ardmore Telephone Company
Megan Lewter works as a receptionist at Bender Chiropractic.
Dr. Thomas Bender at the new practice in Ardmore, Tennessee.
“Chiropractic care doesn’t fix every problem for everybody, but it can definitely make them healthier and make them feel better. It’s a good place to start.” Typical treatments include targeted stretches and exercises, spinal adjustments, hot and cold therapy, muscle stimulation, ultrasound therapy, and orthotics. Bender also offers advanced spinal correction and adjustments utilizing state-of-theart techniques, including a spinal decompression machine. Patients previously had to travel to Nashville to find one like it. Bender treats the most common causes of back pain, such as a ruptured or bulging disc, muscle strain, arthritis, osteoporosis, irregularities in the skeletal structure, poor posture, poor ergonomics, sports injuries and injuries from automobile accidents. Ardmore Telephone Company
Those issues can lead to aching muscles, shooting or stabbing pain, pain that gets better in an inclined position, pain that shoots down the legs and pain that worsens when lifting, bending, walking or standing and leads to weakness, numbness or a tingling sensation.
PATIENT CARE AND TECHNOLOGY Once a patient fills out forms and consults with Bender about treatment options, X-rays can identify the most effective course of action. “Most people are amazed once they see their X-rays up close. In some cases, they can even identify their misalignments and degeneration themselves,” he says. Bender also offers wellness programs to incorporate at-home treatments, such
as exercise, heat or ice therapy, and other options. “Our wellness team will work with patients to create healthy habits and routines for a healthy lifestyle,” he says. “Every person is unique, and therefore, everyone requires a customized wellness plan. The purpose of our wellness program is for patients to achieve good spinal alignment, have a healthy diet, exercise and maintain a positive mental state.” When Bender’s office location moved in July, the practice could access Ardmore Telephone Company’s fiber internet, and it’s made a huge difference in keeping up with patient records and billing, Bender says. The doctor and staff no longer have to take written notes, and all the information is accessible from any computer in the office. “It has made it much easier for us,” Bender says. After ATC installed fiber and Bender needed assistance in accessing one of the systems, “I called them, and they were here in a very short time,” he says. “It’s great having the customer service of a local company. And having that fast, fiber internet has made all the difference in the world for us.” Bender believes customer service also makes a big difference in his practice. “I grew up in a small town, and I love having my business in a small town,” he says. “I want to do my best to care for my patients. We want to treat everybody like family.” No appointment is needed at Bender Chiropractic. Drop in for care, call 931427-8900 with questions or visit www.drbenderchiro.com. January/February 2021 | 13
SOUTHERN KITCHENS
TUSCAN WHITE BEAN SKILLET 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, divided 8 ounces brown mushrooms, sliced 1 1/2 cups diced yellow onion (about 1 large onion) 3 cloves garlic, minced 2/3 cup drained and chopped oil packed sun-dried tomatoes 2 (14.5-ounce) cans fire-roasted diced tomatoes 2 (14.5-ounce) cans drained and rinsed cannellini beans 2 (14.5-ounce) cans quartered artichoke hearts, drained 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt 1/2 teaspoon black pepper 1 teaspoon dried oregano 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme 1 teaspoon sugar Parsley for garnish
Healthy & hearty Beans are perfect for cold days
W
ith the holiday season behind us and winter in full swing, it’s time for a bit of comfort. And there’s perhaps no better way to create a feeling of warmth than with a steaming bowl of bean soup, or chili with beans, or, for that matter, any type of bean dish. Beans can also pull double duty, offering wonderful taste and texture while being a delicious meat substitute. Whether they are black, red, white or brown, beans are a great source of fiber, protein, iron, B vitamins, potassium, magnesium and many other beneficial nutrients. And if you choose dried beans over canned, you’ll save money as well as reduce your sodium intake. If you do use canned beans, be sure to rinse them to reduce excess salt.
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Heat 1 tablespoon of the oil until shimmering in a 10-inch, cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Working in batches, add the mushrooms to the pan in a single layer. Brown for 1 to 2 minutes per side. Transfer to a bowl and repeat with remaining mushrooms. Add the remaining tablespoon of oil to the pan. Add the onions and saute until lightly browned, about 3 minutes. Add the garlic and sun-dried tomatoes and cook until fragrant and softened, another 2 minutes. Add the diced tomatoes to the pan, along with the beans, artichoke hearts, salt, pepper, oregano, thyme and sugar. Cover the pan and turn the heat down to medium. Let cook for about 10 minutes, until hot. Return the mushrooms to the pan and cook for another 1 to 2 minutes to warm them up. FOOD EDITOR ANNE P. BRALY IS A NATIVE OF CHATTANOOGA, TENNESSEE.
To serve: Spoon the bean mixture into bowls and garnish with chopped parsley, if desired. Be sure to serve with plenty of crusty bread for sopping up the tasty juices.
BLACK BEAN ENCHILADAS 2 large portobello mushroom caps 1/2 medium red onion 1 orange bell pepper 2 tablespoons olive oil 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed 1 teaspoon garlic powder 2 teaspoons cumin 1 teaspoon onion powder 1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon kosher salt 2 tablespoons lime juice 1/2 cup vegetable broth or water 3 cups red enchilada sauce, store bought or homemade 1 1/2 cups guacamole, store-bought or homemade 12 (8-inch) corn tortillas For the garnish: 1 cup thinly sliced romaine lettuce; 1 to 2 radishes, julienned; 2 tablespoons minced red onion; and torn cilantro or parsley Sour cream or Greek yogurt, optional Preheat the oven to 400 F. Remove the stems from the mushroom caps and thinly slice the caps. Thinly slice the red onion. Thinly slice the bell pepper. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium high heat. Saute the sliced veggies for 6 to 7 minutes until tender. Add the drained and rinsed black beans, garlic powder, cumin, onion powder, paprika, kosher salt, lime juice, and vegetable broth or water. Cook for 2 minutes until the liquid is thickened into a sauce. Spread 1 cup of the enchilada sauce in the bottom of a large baking dish. Brush both sides of each tortilla lightly with olive oil. Heat a large griddle to medium-high heat. Cook the tortillas in batches for 15 seconds per side until lightly browned.
Fill each tortilla with 1/4 cup of the vegetable filling and about 2 tablespoons guacamole, running in a line down the center. Roll it up and place it in the baking dish, seam side down. Once all of the tortillas are in the dish, pour the remaining 2 cups of enchilada sauce over the top. Bake for 5 minutes until warmed through. Top with garnishes and serve.
NUTTY WHITE BEAN, WILD RICE SOUP 1/2 cup cashews 1 medium yellow onion 2 celery stalks 3 medium carrots 8 ounces baby bella mushrooms 6 cloves garlic 2 tablespoons olive oil 1 tablespoon dried thyme 1 tablespoon dried oregano 8 cups vegetable broth 1 cup wild rice (not a wild rice blend) 2 teaspoons kosher salt, divided 1/2 teaspoon black pepper 2 (15-ounce) cans white beans, drained and rinsed 1 cup water 2 teaspoons dried sage 1 tablespoon soy sauce, tamari or liquid aminos
Place the cashews in a bowl and cover them with water. Leave them to soak while you make the recipe. Dice the onion. Thinly slice the celery. Cut the carrot into rounds. Slice the mushrooms. Mince the garlic. In a Dutch oven, heat the olive oil and saute the onion, celery and carrots, stirring occasionally, for 5 minutes or until lightly browned. Add the mushrooms and saute for 2 more minutes. Add the garlic, thyme and oregano and stir for another 2 minutes. Add the broth, wild rice, 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt and black pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook, uncovered, for 20 minutes. Add the drained and rinsed beans and continue to simmer, uncovered, for 30-35 minutes more, or until the rice breaks open. Using a liquid measuring cup, carefully remove 2 cups of the hot soup, including broth, veggies and rice, and put it in a blender, along with 1 cup of water. Drain the cashews, then add them and the dried sage to the blender. Blend on high for about 1 minute, until creamy. Pour the creamy mixture back into the soup. Add the soy sauce. Taste and, if needed, add the remaining 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt. Adjust seasonings as desired. Garnish with freshly ground pepper.
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