Palmetto 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.

JASON DANDRIDGE Chief Executive Officer

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 Palmetto Rural Telephone Cooperative’s 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 high-quality 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 busy with homework 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 PRTC, and we’ll match the most affordable services to your needs. 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 PRTC family. 

MARCH/APRIL 2026 VOL. 16, NO. 2

PRTC Connection is a bimonthly magazine published by PRTC, © 2026. It is distributed without charge to all member/owners of the cooperative.

is a member-owned cooperative providing a complete telecommunications solution (internet, video, voice, wireless and security) to the homes and businesses in the Lowcountry of South Carolina.

Send address corrections to: PRTC

P.O. Drawer 1577

Walterboro, SC 29488 Telephone: 843-538-2020 prtc.us

For information about the content included in PRTC Connection, please contact Sean Gruber, Public Relations and Marketing Coordinator, at 843-538-9330.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

District 1—Brian Ackerman

District 2—Cynthia “Cindy” Colson

District 3—Kenny Blakeney

District 4—Liza Catterton

District 5—Mark Williams

District 6—Travis Avant

District 7—Heath Griffith

Produced for PRTC by:

On the Cover:

Katrina and Blake Brown pose for a photo on their wedding day at Gatherings, a spacious barn venue in Dorchester. See story Page 12.

FIBER UPDATE

Charleston County–ARPA 3.0 Grant

Construction is ongoing in the main areas of Ravenel.

Construction is ongoing on Highway 162 near the town of Hollywood. The design process for a subdivision on County Line Road is in progress.

Hampton, Jasper and Beaufort Counties—SC Connect CPF/3.0/Amendment Grants

Construction is ongoing on Morgan Dollar Road and Grays Highway as well as in Hampton, Varnville and the Cummings area.

Palmetto Link

Construction in the Colleton River subdivision in Bluffton will begin shortly.

Employee SPOTLIGHT

Meet Joel Braun

What is your title with PRTC, and how would you explain your responsibilities?

I began with PRTC in April of 2024 as chief customer experience officer. I am ultimately responsible for most of the customer-facing roles in the company, but with the solid leadership we have in place, I’m able to focus mainly on sales and service.

What do you enjoy about your current position?

I enjoy lots of things about my role, including working with so many people committed to delivering a quality customer experience, being involved in the communities we serve and a corporate culture where employees work together to accomplish great things.

Tell us about your family.

I was married for a long time but am now just a single guy with a girlfriend who I’ve been with for almost three years. I have two sons, Jordan, 27, who lives in Hardeeville and works for Land Rover, and

Jack, 30, who lives in Arlington, Virginia, and works for Nestle. And, no, he doesn’t get free chocolate. He works in the Gerber division. I’m hopeful that he’ll get things going soon, so that I can be a grandfather, and so that he can get a discount on baby food.

What do you like to do in your spare time? Any local hobbies, volunteering or civic groups?

I play basketball with a bunch of younger guys weekly, and I exercise daily. I am involved with several different organizations, including my role as board chair for the Beaufort County Economic Development Corporation, board member of the Colleton County Economic Alliance and the Southern Carolina Regional Alliance, as well as being on the advisory board for the Island Recreation Center in Hilton Head.

How has broadband access helped you or your family?

I depend upon broadband access like most people. I can’t do very much without it these days. Even my treadmill is Wi-Fi

enabled, so that I can choose a new route when I’m using it.

Are there any apps that you use often or help with your personal daily routine?

I use my Fitbit daily, so that I can monitor my sleep, my steps and my heart rate. I have goals for each day, and the app helps me track my progress against those goals. I love my SiriusXM app, especially since they’ve added a Metallica channel.

What is your favorite aspect of our community?

I love the role PRTC plays in the communities we serve. Our members seem to sincerely appreciate our ability to provide them with reliable service and excellent customer service, and I feel like they depend upon us. There are many differences across the various communities we serve, but if we’re talking about Walterboro, I see a sleeping giant that has the potential to grow in the future.

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. 

Music With a Mission

Dan Pohl combines production with performance and teaching

Story by LAZ DENES

Dan Pohl laughs when he hears himself called a modern-day musical Renaissance man, but the description fits. A producer, performer, teacher and mentor, Dan’s musical life takes many roads. But, they all lead to one place—using music to support people, their stories and their dreams.

During the week, Dan works in the fully equipped recording studio he designed from the ground up on his rural Walterboro property. There he spends

countless hours layering melodies, shaping songs and collaborating with artists. On weekends, he can be found behind his keyboard on a wedding or corporate event stage with his premium cover band, Velvet Bay Groove Company.

LEAP OF FAITH

Dan never imagined making a living in music. Growing up in Cartersville, Georgia, he played keyboards in church and with various local bands. He went

on to major in music at what was then Atlanta Christian College, now Point University. His career was a practical one, at first. He worked in retail management, opening stores around the Southeast and moving from city to city with his wife, Sarah.

“I realized I wasn’t getting fulfilled,” he says. “I was working too many hours, and we had a young son. It was one of those, ‘Let’s pursue something we enjoy, something that makes us happy’ decisions.”

Mission

What began as tinkering with hip-hop beats on his computer grew into a true calling. Dan started selling tracks, then recording vocals and keyboard riffs for friends and producing full songs. It was a slow, steady development of creative capabilities.

“I’m very thankful I took the time to really learn,” Dan says. “Instead of jumping into something huge, I built it gradually—the skills, the experience, the connections. All of that paid off.”

THE ROAD TO WALTERBORO

Dan and Sarah made stops in Charleston and Summerville before

finally settling in Walterboro. “It really was the draw of land and getting space,” Dan says. “We have two boys, and we wanted to raise them with our values of hard work and being together. We just wanted a slower pace that fit our family.”

The move allowed Dan to build his dream studio, where his recording projects include everything from acoustic vocals to full bands. It’s also become the creative home base for his booming remote-production business, something made possible by modern workflows and fast, reliable Palmetto Rural Telephone Cooperative internet.

“I wouldn’t have a full-time business without PRTC internet,” he says. “A lot of my work is remote. Having high-speed fiber makes what I do possible.”

Today, Dan works with clients as far away as Hawaii, trading files, tracking studio musicians and producing completed songs. He also works with local artists in a variety of genres. The mix keeps his creativity sharp.

“I really love being the support man,” he says. “Artists come in, and I want to know their vision, how they want to express their art. Then I get to fill in the gaps for them. That’s my sweet spot.”

Among Dan’s notable collaborations is his work with Corey Ward, a top-eight finalist from NBC’s “The Voice,” who has appeared on national platforms including “The Kelly Clarkson Show.” Dan produced several of Corey’s songs and joined him for tour dates.

FUELING THE MUSICAL FIRE

While production fuels Dan creatively, live performance satisfies a different part of him. His cover band plays weddings, corporate gatherings and private events from Charleston to Savannah, Myrtle Beach and Hilton Head.

danpohlmusic.com; velvetbaygc.com; vinylmusicschool.com

Follow Dan Pohl’s various ventures on Facebook, @dan.pohl2, and Instagram, @danpohlmusic, @velvetbay.gc and @vinyl_music_school.

Charleston ranks as one of the nation’s top wedding venues, keeping Dan and his band busy year-round. “We do all the decades, all the genres,” he says. “Whatever people want to hear.”

After a long week in the studio, playing live can feel like work, Dan admits, but there’s always a payoff. “I get to be creative, and I’m thankful every time I get to do it.”

As full as their schedules already are, Dan and Sarah are launching one more major endeavor—Vinyl Music School in downtown Walterboro.

There is no music school in town, so they decided to create one, starting with weekly, one-on-one lessons at a church with plans to eventually move into a commercial property. Their mission is to create a fun, student-centered environment where learning is built around the music kids love.

“We ask students, ‘What kind of music do you listen to for fun?’ And whatever they say, Taylor Swift, whoever, that’s where we start,” Dan says. “We teach theory along the way, but we want it to be their music that drives them.”

Though not a musician, Sarah plays a key role in the organizational side of the school.

In the end, the many facets of Dan’s musical life aren’t about being everywhere at once, they’re about purpose. “I do a lot of things because, honestly, if you’re doing what you love, the money can be hard,” he says. “But I want to keep doing what I love. And all these avenues help me stay in that world.” 

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.

‘ON A WING AND A PRAYER’

Dorchester family makes brides their business

Story by BRANDI DIXON

Twenty-two years ago, when Cathy Byron’s daughter and soon-to-be son-in-law unexpectedly needed to change their wedding venue, the cost was shocking.

“At that time, there wasn’t any place to go that didn’t have you driving 20 to 30 miles outside of town,” Cathy says, adding that a local street festival also threw a kink in their plans to relocate.

Ultimately, the couple decided to celebrate their big day in Cathy’s backyard, at a cost of nearly $12,000. “It just blew my mind everything we had to do,” she says. “It didn’t seem right that a nice family wedding should be so expensive.”

The whole experience inspired Cathy to offer an alternative for local couples who want a nice event that doesn’t break the bank. Her grandparents left her some land in Dorchester that was well off the beaten path—16 miles from the nearest town— that features a beautiful, tranquil setting.

“We went out on a wing and a prayer, and built a building in the middle of nowhere,” Cathy says. Her sister-in-law, Jean Clayton, joined in the venture that became Gatherings.

HIGH END WITHOUT THE HIGH COST

Now closing in on 20 years in business, Gatherings has played host to not only weddings but corporate Christmas parties, presidential candidate rallies and even school auctions. Its 5,000-squarefoot main building seats up to 200 people with options for outdoor setups, allowing guests to take in the natural beauty of South Carolina.

“The good Lord was looking out for us for sure,” Cathy says, noting that they initially had a goal of hosting one event a week for a year. “I said if it didn’t work, then this barn was going to have to be my house.”

Gatherings opened in 2006 and hosted 67 events in its inaugural year. The sisters-in-law duo provides all services, including setup and cleanup and strives to do whatever is needed to make clients happy. While Cathy and Jean offer vendor suggestions when asked, they do not require their clients to use specific people or companies, giving them the freedom to truly have the wedding of their dreams.

“We work to make our events affordable,” Jean says. “We can help brides have a nice wedding that looks expensive, no matter what your income is or who you are.”

GATHERINGS

521 Limestone Road, Dorchester 843-563-1438

Following Gatherings on Facebook.

Gatherings also only books one event per day, with running hours from 9 a.m. to the last song at 11 p.m., allowing guests to fully enjoy their event. 

BOTTOM OF PAGE: Gatherings is a Dorchester event venue developed by Cathy Byron and her sister-in-law, Jean Clayton.

BELOW: Katrina and Blake Brown pose for photos at Gatherings after their 2025 nuptials.

Tidy Up

Bring order to your digital life

Do you ever feel as if your digital life is as cluttered as an overstuffed closet? Old photos pile up, unused apps linger and inboxes quietly overflow. A digital spring cleanup can help, and it might even make your world seem lighter, faster and a little less stressful. And you don’t need to be techy to make a big difference. Try these five simple tips.

1. CLEAN OUT YOUR EMAIL INBOX.

First, don’t try to read every message. Instead, turn to the search function and look for words like “unsubscribe” or “sale” to find all the ads you’ve received. Delete large batches at once instead of opening emails one by one. Also, look for email newsletters and unsubscribe from the ones you no longer want. Fewer incoming emails means less clutter going forward and fewer distractions every day.

2. DELETE UNUSED APPS.

Scroll through apps on each of your devices, from phones to computers. Ask yourself, “Have I used this in the last month?” If not, it’s probably safe to remove. Unused apps not only take up space, but removing them makes your devices easier to navigate and simpler to use.

3. ORGANIZE PHOTOS AND VIDEOS. EVEN A LITTLE BIT HELPS.

Don’t try to sort every photo you’ve ever taken. Start small by deleting blurry images, screenshots you no longer need and

duplicate photos. Create one or two simple albums like “Family” or “Favorites” and move your best memories there. Even a quick cleanup can free up space and make photos easier to enjoy.

4. UPDATE PASSWORDS.

Spring is a great time to refresh passwords for important accounts like email, banking and shopping. Choose passwords that are easy for you to remember but hard for others to guess. There are several great software tools to manage passwords, and a good starting place to find the one right for you would be the support pages for your devices. Apple, Microsoft and Google all have options, and there are also secure third-party tools.

5. BACK UP WHAT MATTERS MOST.

Make sure your important photos, documents and contacts are backed up somewhere safe. This way, if a device is lost or damaged, your memories and information aren’t gone with it. Think of backups as insurance for your digital life. Ideally, store these files on a cloud-based service, such as Apple’s iCloud or Microsoft’s OneDrive, as well as on an external hard drive in your home.

Digital spring cleaning doesn’t have to happen all at once. Even 15 minutes can make a noticeable difference. A tidier digital world can help you feel more organized, more in control and ready for whatever a busy life brings. 

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.