BLC Connection March/April 2026

Rural Connections

By Shirley Bloomfield, CEO NTCA–The Rural Broadband Association

A Grateful Goodbye

This column is different than the others I’ve written over the years, because it’s my last as CEO of NTCA. When I began working at NTCA nearly 40 years ago, “broadband” wasn’t a household word. “Universal service,” while a longtime national goal, was a concept more than a mission. And “rural America” was too often an afterthought in conversations about connectivity.

Over the course of my career, I have watched the industry transform and a movement grow, powered by NTCA’s small, community-based providers. These providers are determined to bring advanced broadband to the communities they call home, even in places where the maps say it couldn’t be done and the economics didn’t work. Every day they do the extraordinary, proving what is possible when community comes first.

I’ve been honored to witness that perseverance firsthand. I’ve seen providers work through the night after storms so families could reconnect with loved ones. Thanks to their hard work building Smart Rural Communities, students in small towns can access educational opportunities far beyond their county lines. Farmers, small businesses and entrepreneurs use their fiber connections to grow, compete and thrive—without leaving the places they love.

Broadband is about more than technology. It’s access to health care, education, safety and economic opportunities. It’s the ability to stay rooted while reaching outward. And at its core, it’s about people, the NTCA members who make connectivity possible and the customers they proudly serve.

When I reflect on my many years with NTCA, I think about all of the people who shaped not only my journey, but the story of rural America itself. The CEOs who started out on construction crews or at finance desks, the family-owned companies now in their fourth generations, co-op boards that hold community meetings in gymnasiums, NTCA staff who pour every ounce of passion into serving members and the federal partners who understand what makes rural broadband so special.

As I step into my next chapter, I do so with deep gratitude, for the providers who serve with heart, communities that refuse to settle for “just good enough” and Americans who know that high-quality connectivity is not a luxury, but a necessity.

Thank you for reminding me every day why this work matters.

ADVANCING BROADBAND IN RURAL AMERICA

NTCA–The Rural Broadband Association works to build a better broadband future for rural America, representing about 850 independent, family-owned and community-based telecommunications companies. The tenure of Shirley Bloomfield, named CEO in 2010, highlights a time of significant industry achievement.

Shirley Bloomfield joins NTCA

1986

Congress passes the Telecommunications Act of 1996, codifying “universal service.”

Congress passes the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, investing over $7 billion to expand high-speed internet access. NTCA ramps up advocacy efforts as the Federal Communications Commission unveils its National Broadband Plan.

2009

USDA creates the ReConnect Loan and Grant Program.

2018

Congress passes the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, investing $65 billion into broadband.

2021 1996

NTCA members join the Keep Americans Connected Pledge to ensure Americans retain connectivity during the COVID-19 pandemic.

2010 2020

The Supreme Court rules the Universal Service Fund is constitutional, following lengthy defense by the FCC, NTCA and others.

2025

Keep Your Health on Track

Apps can be a helpful tool for managing medications

Story by MELANIE JONES

People who take just one pill a day may find it easy to remember. Adding in a few supplements makes the process a little more complicated. It’s not hard to understand how individuals who take multiple prescriptions may need some help keeping up with it all.

It isn’t simply a matter of remembering to take the pills or administer the injection. Some medications need to be taken at certain times of the day, while others require multiple, precisely timed doses. Certain drugs should be taken before eating, other treatments are taken with a meal, and still others instruct patients to take them on a full stomach.

Managing medications correctly is vital to staying healthy and living life to the fullest. Fortunately, there are digital tools that can help. Many of these apps also allow users to keep track of their vital signs and make notes about changes they notice in their health. With all this information at hand, doctor appointments can go much more smoothly.

Several free apps are available that not only remind users when to take their medicine but also offer information on how different drugs interact, track symptoms and even prepare a report for doctors. One warning—because they are free, some apps ask permission to share your data with drug companies so they can research drug compliance and effectiveness.

MY THERAPY

The My Therapy app has attracted attention in the last year, including being featured on ABC and in Wired magazine. The app allows users to set reminders, log when they’ve taken medicine or skipped it and track weight, blood pressure, blood sugar and other health indicators.

MEDISAFE

In addition to tracking prescriptions, schedules and health indicators and warning about potential drug interactions, Medisafe users can name a “Medifriend,” someone who will be notified if a dose is

missed. Users can also keep tabs on their children’s or other dependents’ medication information separately from their own. When adding medications to their Medisafe profiles, users can specify the shape and color of the drug, helping them keep straight which pill or capsule is which.

DOSECAST

For people who have multiple medications to take at different times of the day, Dosecast may be the best choice. The app assigns a sound to each medication, so users receive prescription-specific reminder notifications. It also keeps track of when it’s time to order refills. Like the other apps, Dosecast also allows users to track key health indicators.

All these apps are on Google Play or Apple’s App Store. They also can interact with the health apps built into phones to provide a better overall picture of your health.

Spring Cleaning

Practical advice for broadband success

Spring cleaning might include neatening up the garage, preparing for a garden or straightening out a cluttered closet. It often takes some strategic planning and at least a little elbow grease. But there’s another type of annual cleanup that can make life easier, and it doesn’t even need much, if any, physical effort.

Over the past few years, how we use the internet has changed, expanding in ways that may seem surprising. The rise of artificial intelligence is a prominent example. So, the internet services that once supported email and basic web browsing now handle schoolwork, video calls, online shopping, security systems, streaming media and, yes, even AI-driven tools and resources.

This is the world Ben Lomand Connect’s multi-Gig service was designed to serve—robust, reliable and scalable. We have the infrastructure to grow with your changing needs. But if you want to get the most out of your internet connection, you can help too. This is where a little digital spring cleanup comes in. And it’s easy.

Start with a practical step. Take stock of the number of connected devices you have. Include phones, tablets, smart televisions and security systems. Even look in places like the kitchen because a surprising number of appliances connect to Wi-Fi. Generally, when idle none of these devices stress your premium Gig-based internet service. You have plenty of capacity.

But when everyone is home and those devices are in heavy use, you may notice a slowdown. Imagine a couple of kids gaming in one room, someone else streaming a high-definition movie down the hall and a student on a Zoom call with a study group on her laptop in another room.

After listing the number of devices on your network, consider if your internet service meets that demand. We’re happy to help. Contact BLC, and we’ll help you determine whether a 1, 2, or 8 Gig internet connection is best for you. In many households, it can make a big difference.

Once that is complete, there’s a second task. Consider the location of your Wi-Fi router, which works best when centrally located and with few obstructions. Think of Wi-Fi as a radio signal rich with data transmitting throughout your location. Thick walls, devices like microwaves with disruptive signals of their own and simply the distance between the router and devices can make a significant difference in performance. Again, we’re happy to offer advice and support. There are solutions for any space.

And that’s it. Two steps to a broadband spring cleaning. It shouldn’t take more than a few minutes, and the gains can be profound. The goal is an internet service that fits seamlessly into the background. Students can focus on learning instead of waiting on screens to load. Families can easily stay connected with loved ones and access services. You’re even prepared if work comes home with you.

Enjoy the spring. Please let us know how we can help you make the most of our service. And thank you for being part of the BLC family. 

The Ben Lomand Connection is a quarterly newsletter published by Ben Lomand Connect, © 2026. It is distributed without charge to all member/owners of the cooperative.

is a member-owned corporation dedicated to delivering advanced telecommunications technology to the people of Middle Tennessee and the Upper Cumberland, including all of Grundy, Warren and White counties, and portions of Coffee, Cumberland, DeKalb, Marion, Bedford, Franklin, Van Buren and Rutherford counties.

Ben Lomand Connect is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

Ben Lomand Connect 311 N. Chancery St. • P.O. Box 670 McMinnville, TN 37111 Telephone: 931-668-4131 or 800-974-7779 benlomandconnect.com

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Jeff Flatt, President, Warren County

Donald Hillis, Vice President, Van Buren County

Randall Day, Secretary/Treasurer, White and DeKalb counties

Roger Bynum, Coffee County

Chad Graves, Warren County

Cain Rogers, White and Putnam counties

Joe C. Roper, Coffee, Bedford, Rutherford and Franklin counties

Gerald Sitz, Grundy and Marion counties

Bobby A. Thompson, Grundy County

On the Cover:

Stephen and Kerri Painton find freeze-drying candy concentrates the flavor, provides a crunch and brings in customers. See story Page 8.

ENJOY RETIREMENT

Ben Lomand Connect honors all employees who retired in 2025.

Daylight saving time begins at 2 a.m. on Sunday, March 8. Don’t forget to set your clocks ahead one hour.

It’s also a great time to check the batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.

Ben Lomand Connect’s offices will be closed April 3 in observance of Good Friday. BLC wishes you and your family a safe and happy Easter.

ANNUAL MEETING

Ben Lomand Connect will host its Annual Meeting on Saturday, March 21, at Milner Recreation Center, 500 Garfield St., McMinnville.

Registration and voting will begin at 9 a.m., and the business meeting starts at 11 a.m. Attendees will enjoy refreshments and door prizes.

Walk This Way

Enjoy the pedestrian-friendly side of Greenville

Story by LAURA MCGILL

Located in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains with unique urban views and abundant natural hues, Greenville, South Carolina, offers plenty of ways to set your own pace. Enjoy a laced-up, fresh-air visit when you create your personal walking itinerary with choices for foodies, art lovers, sports fans, history buffs and nature enthusiasts.

DOWNTOWN DIRECTIONS

Perfect for a stroll, the wide and welcoming sidewalks of Main Street invite

visitors to explore the local scene. Start at NOMA Square and fuel up with a hearty breakfast at Roost Free Range Kitchen. Then it’s time to start walking. Venture south to Falls Park on the Reedy to enjoy an urban waterfall. Get the best views from Liberty Bridge. Look up to appreciate the bridge’s unique single-suspension construction. Be sure to check the schedule for the Greenville Drive, the High-A affiliate of the Boston Red Sox. They play home games on Main Street’s Fluor Field, which is modeled after Boston’s famous

complete

TRAIPSING THE TRAIL

With design and etiquette guidelines to safeguard children and those with mobility challenges, the Prisma Health Swamp Rabbit Trail provides 28 miles of natural beauty for all fitness levels. Take a casual walk, a jog or a bike ride to discover area parks, attractions, shops and eateries. Didn’t bring a bike? No problem. Greenville has several bike rental options.

Plan to spend several hours at Cleveland Park, home to the Greenville Zoo, Rock Quarry Falls and the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. Treat yourself to a scratchmade pastry and a craft coffee at Swamp Rabbit Cafe & Grocery, a popular spot along the trail.

FUN FESTIVALS

Celebrate scientists, chefs, pitmasters and painters. On April 4, iMAGINE Upstate STEAM Festival spotlights science, technology, engineering, arts and math. Remember to grab extra napkins to savor the dishes at Southern

Roots: A BBQ Reunion on April 11. The culinary experiences continue April 16-19 at Spring Fest with a series of foodie events. Catch your breath and get ready for Artisphere, May 8-10, featuring the works of visual artists representing many different mediums.

strenuous hiking challenge.

WONDERFUL WATERFALLS

Within an hour’s drive from downtown Greenville, enjoy the beauty of six more waterfalls. Easy views can be found at Wildcat Wayside Falls, a roadside pulloff. The middle portion of those falls is an easy hike, while the upper section calls

Greenville-area waterfalls are part of the Blue Ridge Escarpment, a geological feature where the Blue Ridge Mountains dramatically drop 2,000 feet to the Piedmont below. In total, the area is home to more than 50 waterfalls.

Plan your Greenville, South Carolina, trip at visitgreenvillesc.com or on Facebook @visitgreenvillesc. 

SUCCESS

Story by MELANIE JONES

Stephen and Kerri Painton live the sweet life, or rather, the Sweetzie life. That’s the name of the couple’s company that makes freeze-dried candy available online and at area gas stations and stores.

The couple’s life may be sweet, but that doesn’t mean it’s easy. In addition to Sweetzies, Stephen and Kerri own the Soap Box, a laundromat in Spencer, while raising and homeschooling their five children.

“We get pretty tired,” says Kerri, who works in affiliate marketing when she’s not homeschooling or working at Sweetzies. “We have to sit down at the end of the night and make a to-do list, so we stay on track the next day. If not, it just kind of goes haywire.”

THE POWER OF CONNECTION

BLC’s ultra-fast, reliable multi-Gig internet service (Ben Lomand Fiber) is vital. to keeping both the business and the family running. The Paintons use it for the Sweetzies website and social media and to keep up with their homeschool assignments.

Stephen and Kerri have so many balls in the air they couldn’t keep juggling all of them alone. Besides a cleaning person for the Soap Box, they also have some homeschooled teens who come in and help with the candy. “We’ve had to delegate a little bit because we realized we couldn’t do all of it,” Kerri says.

To some extent, the Soap Box runs itself. The couple bought the business a little over a year ago, after it was already up and running. However, the laundromat didn’t have the greatest reputation. Kerri and Stephen cleaned it up and made some repairs. In an effort to further restore the business’s reputation, they now have someone come in to clean every night.

A DELICIOUS DETOUR

Sweetzies started when freeze-dried candy became the rage on social media. Stephen lost his job in information

technology in 2023, and he and Kerri dried their first candy about a month later. They planned to use their first freeze-dryer for their family’s meats and veggies. “Then we saw how popular freeze-drying Skittles was online,” Kerri says. The results were so delicious, they decided to try other candies and eventually began selling them.

“It was a God-given opportunity,” Kerri says. “Never in our lives did we think, ‘Oh, we’re going to be freezedried candy makers.’ That wasn’t in the five-year plan. But it filled the gap and

has been filling the gap ever since. I’m hoping one day he’ll get back into IT, but for now, it’s working.”

Their first big event was the White County Fair where they were producing candy with their single freeze-dryer. “During that fair, we bought our second freeze-dryer because we just couldn’t keep up with the demand,” Kerri says. Now they own three of the devices, two large and one extra-large. So far, they are enough for the couple to keep up with the public’s desire for the crunchy, sweet stuff.

The candy is most popular during the summer months, at county fairs and during Christmas as stocking stuffers. It’s available at gas stations around Sparta and Spencer areas, “so we’re pretty steady,” Kerri says.

People who pick some up at a gas station or a fair like it so much they often go to sweetziescandy.com to buy

more. Some even ship the treats to their friends and family. “We’ve had orders from as far as Maryland and New York,” Kerri says.

It’s popular on the homefront, too.

“Our children love living in a candy shop,” Kerri says, speaking of Raleigh, 11, Evelyn, 8, Owen, 7, and Liam, 3. Sixmonth-old Jonah is not quite old enough yet to raid the candy jar. “We have home candy and then we have business candy, and they know they’re not supposed to touch the business candy,” she says.

The kids are fascinated by other aspects of the business, too. “When we show them the website and all the social media, they’re like, ‘Does everyone know who we are?’ They are very, very excited about it,” Kerri says. Raleigh even helps in the business, sometimes bagging and labeling the candy.

Sweetzies’ offerings include peach rings, Air Puffz—think Airheads

candy—Charmz—similar to the marshmallows in Lucky Charms cereal–and, of course, the one that started it all, Skittlesstyle candies, known as Rainbow Dotz, Sour Rainbow Dotz and Wild Berry Dotz. The Paintons even make freezedried peanut brittle. Prices run between $4 and $6 per bag.

The freeze-drying process works by first freezing the candy solid, then removing water in a vacuum. That condenses the sweetness and makes the sugar expand, which creates the crunch and airiness.

Kerri suspects the freeze-dried candy fad has reached its saturation point, but that isn’t going to stop the couple. Stephen and Kerri are experimenting with other products, like fruit, vegetables and even ice cream. 

ALWAYS PREPARED Scouting America readies kids to protect themselves online

Dozens of Scouts attend a Department of Homeland Security event about online safety.

Story by DREW WOOLLEY

In his days as a Scout, Justin Williams was always drawn to outdoor skills. He excelled at building fires and tying knots. He struggled more with identifying plants, and, even today, he says he still hasn’t picked up the knack for it. But as he got older, the leadership skills he was learning every step of the way stood out to him.

“Those are all important skills, but the thing we’re really coaching is how to work within a team, be good citizens for the future and make good, ethical decisions,” he says. “I thought I was just having fun. But I was really learning a lot of leadership skills that have benefited me throughout my life.”

Today, as scout executive for Scouting America’s Palmetto Council in South Carolina and den leader for a group of second graders, Justin is amazed at the technology available to young children. There’s even technology that could have helped him identify plants as a Scout.

As a result, while Scouting America, formerly the Boy Scouts of America, still emphasizes the importance of getting outside and working with others, the organization is increasingly recognizing the need to meet kids where they are with technology.

Just last year, it introduced its first merit badges for cybersecurity and artificial intelligence. Others, like the Know2Protect badge, are specifically aimed at teaching Scouts about the importance of personal safety online.

“While we know there are a lot of benefits to technology, we also know that, unfortunately, there are people online who do not have our kids’ best interest at heart,” Justin says. “We need to help our kids recognize who is an ally, who is trying to do them harm and what to do when they encounter those types of people.”

THE NEW NORMAL

For Scouting America’s Chief Safeguarding Officer Glen Pounder, that work starts with the adults around each Scout. His office in Irving, Texas, provides training for all Scout leaders around the threats kids may face online—from cyberbullying and body image issues to pornography and sexual exploitation.

“One of our key mottoes is be prepared for life. There’s no life these days without the online space,” he says. “Our new normal as an organization is we have to be comfortable always looking for what is next, particularly with technology. I think it’s about landing the message in a way that is not creating fear. That this is just part of preparing for life.”

Starting from kindergarten, Scouting America encourages parents of new Scouts to have their own conversations with their children about general safety practices. As kids earn their annual ranks, they must complete six core components, one of which is additional safety training. Starting in fourth grade, that training includes lessons on what information they should not give out in online settings.

In addition, Scouting America partnered with the Department of Homeland Security in 2024 to build an awareness campaign about the risks kids face online. Scouts and their families can join in-person training sessions and activities or online presentations to learn how to prevent and report online abuse, earning them an exclusive Know2Protect patch.

Glen’s hope is that more widespread awareness and training within Scouting America troops can even help protect kids who are not part of the program.

“There’s a ripple effect outside of scouting. Each Scout has

friends, siblings and other non-Scouts around them that they share things with,” he says. “So, if you’ve got a million trained Scouts out there it makes it much harder for anyone who’s thinking about abusing their position of trust to get away with it.”

MOVING FORWARD TOGETHER

While preventing these abuses from happening in the first place is the top priority, Glen emphasizes it is just as important for kids to feel comfortable speaking with an adult, whether it’s a parent or a Scout leader, if they do find themselves in one of these situations. If not, the outcome can be tragic.

Justin cites the example of an Eagle Scout in Spartanburg , South Carolina, in the last few years who took his own life. He had connected with someone online and shared compromising photos, only to have those photos used to exploit him.

“He didn’t think there was any other option, so he decided to take his own life,” Justin says. “When you think about the perfect kid, this is the kid that would come to mind. So, this isn’t something that only targets dysfunctional families. Criminals are getting smarter every day, and we just can’t take anything for granted.”

For Glen, that comes down to preparing kids for dangerous situations, trusting them to use the tools available to them and offering understanding if they find themselves in trouble.

“If we haven’t empowered these kids correctly, then the fear stays with them. We need to take that fear away,” he says. “Our focus is on prevention first. But then, if something happens, take a breath and then we’ll move forward. We know what to do, we’re going to get there. You’re not alone in this.” 

BADGE OF HONOR

Scouting America badges aren’t just for archery and pioneering anymore. Here are a few tech-savvy badges and patches today’s Scouts are collecting.

Cybersecurity Merit Badge

Introduces Scouts to various cyberthreats, including viruses, worms, social engineering and denial-of-service attacks. They learn to protect themselves with strong passwords, firewalls, antivirus software and encryption.

Artificial Intelligence Merit Badge

Helps Scouts explore what AI is, different types of AI and how to use it in everyday life. They are also challenged to discuss issues around data privacy, bias in AI systems and the ethics of this new technology.

Know2Protect Patch

Serves as a symbol of the Scout’s commitment to online safety and digital citizen ship through participation in the Department of Homeland Security’s Project iGuardian training. The training provides knowledge and skills to protect themselves against online abuse.

A Lifetime of R.J. Hayes loves sharing tales of his brushes with greatness

Story by MELANIE JONES

Tullahoma’s R. J. Hayes can spin a yarn like he’s weaving a tapestry, and he doesn’t need to rely on his imagination to come up with a great story. Over the years, he’s learned his real-life tales of danger, innovation, rubbing elbows with celebrities and possibly even the extraterrestrial are more than enough to keep listeners captivated.

Even the way R.J. entered the world was dramatic. His mother was in a car accident in December 1942 which sent her into premature labor. Doctors told her they didn’t expect R.J. would live to see his 20th birthday. And, as remarkable as it sounds, that wasn’t his last brush with death.

Now 84, R.J. lives in Tullahoma with his wife, Sande, where the couple runs Hayes Travel and volunteers with a variety of community organizations and nonprofits. Together they raised two sons, although R.J. never changed a diaper. That’s one experience he says he isn’t disappointed he missed.

“I could never have accomplished most of this without the help and support of my wife, Sande, and our sons, Chip and Guy,” he says.

R.J. began collecting tales of his experiences before he was even old enough to drive, and the adventures only got more thrilling as his life’s journey took him around the world. Here are some of R.J.’s favorite stories:

FROM THE STAGE TO ALASKA AND BEYOND

As an 11-year-old, R.J. sang on the world-famous Radio City Music Hall stage as a soloist with a boys choir. That same year, he performed on several television variety shows and appeared in a New York City production of the opera “Amal and the Night Visitors.”

He earned the rank of Eagle Scout at 13. He became a professional photographer as a high school student, regularly taking photos for the local newspaper and selling his images to magazines. After high school, the U.S. Air Force put R.J.’s photography skills to work, but that didn’t keep him out of danger. He served as an Air Force filmmaker for 10 years and later consulted on movies like “Patton,” “Tora! Tora! Tora!” and “The Towering

Inferno,” and TV’s “Project UFO.” He led Project Blue Book, the Air Force’s effort in the 1950s and ’60s to investigate UFO sightings.

During his 23 years in the Air Force, R.J., a Vietnam War veteran, earned the Bronze Star, three Air Medals, three Meritorious Service Medals, the Air Force Achievement Medal and the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal.

After working at the Pentagon, where he helped put together the National Air and Space Museum, R.J. became director of public affairs for the Arnold Engineering Development Center in Tullahoma. From there, he transferred to Alaska where he was a spokesperson for 40 Air Force units and three bases.

While the family was living in Alaska, R.J. and his sons hunted every type of legal game in the state. He also ran the second-largest taxidermy company in the United States, was an outdoor magazine publisher and shot wildlife photos that were published in magazines like National Geographic.

Of all his adventures and close calls, R.J. says a few stand out.

While in the Air Force, he flew a photo documentation mission into the cauldron of Mount St. Helens in Washington two days after

Stories

it erupted in 1980. “The danger level was overwhelming, and the vast spectacle of the occurrence was indescribable,” he says.

He also took part in the rescue of airplane crash survivors in 1981 on Mount McKinley. “It was one of the most physically demanding and emotional occurrences ever for me,” he says.

Even after leaving the Air Force, R.J. had a knack for finding danger. He and Sande were in San Francisco in 1989 when the Loma Prieta earthquake hit. He documented the damage for the Associated Press.

RUBBING ELBOWS

R.J. focused on vocational classes in high school and earned his GED when he entered the Air Force. He recounts attending

six universities earning four degrees, including a Bachelor of Arts in filmmaking from the University of Southern California and a master’s degree from the University of Oklahoma. He intends to complete his last course at Chapman University for a degree in political science.

R.J. especially loves talking about his filmmaking degree. While a student at USC, he got to know classmate George Lucas who, before he became a household name thanks to the “Star Wars” franchise, cast R.J. in one of his student films.

Classmates weren’t the only celebrities R.J. encountered at USC. He studied under Jerry Lewis, Frank Capra Jr., Karl Malden and other film greats.

That list of celebrities only grew after college. R.J. has met 300, including Mae West, Julie Andrews, Carol Burnett, Bob Hope and Jimmy Stewart, and he has a collection of autographed photos to prove it.

One star stands out. “Bob Hope was my lifelong hero,” R.J. says. “I spent more time with him than with any other celebrity. He told me, ‘Never inconvenience anyone on my behalf.’ He treated my wife and sons like family. I went fishing with him and organized a Bob Hope Golf Tournament where I played golf with him. I traveled with him. I took him to entertain troops in rural Alaska and photographed two of his shows. He never stopped being funny. He was a very kind person.” 

THE BANK Treat

Yourself

Rich desserts shouldn’t cost a fortune WITHOUT BREAKING

For many Americans, going to the grocery store can be stressful since prices don’t seem to be coming down. But we still want to have our cake and eat it too. So, it’s nice—and entirely possible—to treat ourselves to something sweet at the end of the meal without breaking the bank. There are some tricks to keep in mind to help you stay on budget while still satisfying your sweet tooth. For example, if a recipe calls for pecans, walnuts, a less expensive alternative, can be substituted. And use store brands whenever possible—a cost-saving practice that always saves pennies.

Food Editor Anne P. Braly is a native of Chattanooga, Tennessee.

CHOCOLATE BANANA BARS

1/2 cup butter 1 cup sugar

egg 1 teaspoon vanilla 1 1/2 cups mashed banana

1 1/2 cups flour

Preheat oven to 350 F.

teaspoon baking powder

teaspoon baking soda 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/4 cup baking cocoa powder 1 cup chocolate chips

Mix the butter, sugar, egg, vanilla and banana. Then add the flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt. Put half of the mixture into a separate bowl and add the cocoa powder.

Grease the bottom of a 9-by-13-inch pan and pour in the cocoa mixture. The mixture will be thick, just try and spread a thin layer across the bottom. It will rise and make a beautiful, thin bar. Use a smaller pan if you want a thicker bar, however, it will need to bake longer to get the middle done.

Spread the rest of the batter on top of the cocoa mixture. Sprinkle the top with as many or as few chocolate chips as you like.

Bake for about 30 minutes or until the top is browned and a toothpick comes out clean.

BLUEBERRY COFFEECAKE

2 cups white sugar

1 cup butter, softened

2 eggs

1 cup sour cream

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 cup plus 10 tablespoons all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking powder

1/4 teaspoon salt

1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries

1/2 cup brown sugar

1/2 cup pecans

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1 tablespoon powdered sugar for dusting

Preheat the oven to 350 F. Grease and flour a 9-inch Bundt pan. Beat sugar and butter together in a large bowl with an electric mixer until light and fluffy. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat in sour cream and vanilla extract. In another bowl, combine flour, baking powder and salt. Stir into butter mixture until just blended. Fold in blueberries.

Spoon half of the batter into the prepared pan. Combine brown sugar, pecans and cinnamon in a small bowl. Sprinkle half of the mixture over the batter in the pan.

Spoon remaining batter on top, then sprinkle on remaining pecan mixture. Use a knife or thin spatula to swirl the mixture into the cake.

Bake until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, about 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes. Let cake cool in the pan for 15 minutes before inverting. Invert carefully onto a serving plate. Dust with powdered sugar just before serving.

TROPICAL TWISTER

2 cups frozen pineapple chunks

4 ounces pineapple juice

2 scoops vanilla ice cream

Combine all ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth. If it’s too thick, add a bit more pineapple juice. Scoop into bowls and, if desired, garnish with additional chopped pineapple and a dollop of whipped cream. Serve immediately. Makes 3 servings.

STRAWBERRIES AND CREAM PIE

1 prepared 9-inch pie shell, graham cracker or pastry crust, baked and cooled

1 8-ounce package cream cheese, softened 1/3 cup granulated sugar

1/2 teaspoon almond extract

1 cup whipped topping, thawed

4 cups fresh strawberries, washed, hulled and halved 1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips

1 tablespoon shortening

Bake crust at 350 F for 15 minutes or until light golden brown. Cool completely.

In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until it is fluffy. Gradually add the sugar and almond extract, beating until fully combined. Gently fold the whipped topping into the cream cheese mixture until smooth.

Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly into the cooled pie crust. Arrange the strawberry halves, cut side down or pointed side up, over the filling.

In a small, microwave-safe bowl, combine the chocolate chips and shortening. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until the chocolate is melted and smooth. Drizzle the melted chocolate over the top of the strawberries and cream filling.

Refrigerate the pie for at least 1-2 hours or until it is set and chilled before serving.