Tele-Topics - 2012 Vol 1 of 4.pdf - Pioneer Telephone Cooperative ...

VOL 1 OF 4 • 20122012 NW Directory Coloring Contest Winners............... Inside Front CoverPioneer Expands Into Western Oklahoma............................................... 3Pioneer Cellular Completes 4G Testing.................................................. 32011 Ad Valorem Tax........................................................................... 5Employees Recognized For Years Of Service.......................................... 6Pioneer Board Members Receive Service Pins....................................... 7CTTC Provides OSHA Training............................................................... 8National Do-Not-Call Registry.............................................................. 12

On behalf of the Pioneer Telephone Board of Trustees, Managementand Employees, I would like to extend our best wishesfor the New Year 2012 to all of our subscribers, customers, andmembers for a joyful, safe, prosperous and blessed New Year!I would also like to take this opportunity to extend a personalinvitation to each of you to join us at Pioneer’s 59 th AnnualMembership Meeting on Tuesday, May 1 st , at 1:30 p.m., in theExhibit Building located at the Kingfisher County Fairgrounds.The Annual Meeting affords all of us the opportunity to getacquainted with each other and it is the perfect place to hearinformation about your Cooperative, such as the latest financialinformation, the past year’s accomplishments, and future plansfor the Cooperative, which is owned by those it serves.All members attending will receive registration gifts, includinga rain gauge, an umbrella and a cap. Several cash prize drawingsas well as drawings for very nice miscellaneous items fromthe Cooperative and its wholly-owned subsidiaries will be heldthroughout the meeting, and several special drawings for grandprizes, including a 42” LED HDTV and a laptop computer, etc.,will be held at the conclusion of the meeting. We look forward tohosting you at the 59 th Annual Meeting of your Cooperative onTuesday, May 1 st in Kingfisher. I sincerely hope you can attend.As I reflect upon the past year, the Cooperative and its whollyownedsubsidiaries have witnessed a very fast paced year in2011, filled with new challenges and opportunities. As youmay have heard mesay before, we areunder very challengingtimes in theTelecom Business.The Federal CommunicationsCommission,(FCC), isnot very friendly tothe rural telecommunicationscompaniesand our abilityto continue toprovide competitivetelecom services torural America is under attack. Unfortunately, the road ahead forus will be a challenge.The Board of Trustees and Management continue to diversifyour revenue streams, review cost reduction strategies andlook for opportunities to expand our service area(s) and serviceoffering(s). We also continue to work on our internal work flowprocesses and on incentive programs to improve and lower ourcost to do business. In the very near future, survival in the newtelecom environment will mandate making some very importantand difficult decisions. Under the new FCC rulemakings handeddown in November, 2011, our once traditional high-cost fundingmechanisms and access revenue streams are now underSee General Manager’s Report - page 2PIONEER TELE-TOPICS (USPS No. 456-200) is owned by and published quarterly for thebenefit of the approximately 50,000 member-families of Pioneer Telephone Cooperative,Inc.EDITORIAL & CIRCULATION — Contact…Tele-Topics EditorMailing Address…PO Box 539, Kingfisher, OK 73750• Call…(405) 375-0327 • Fax…(405) 699-3053 • E-mail…teletopics@ptci.comRichard Ruhl • General ManagerJim Eaton - V.P. Finance & Administration • Jeff Martin - V.P. Sales & ServiceJerry Kadavy - V.P. Network Operations– B o a r d o f T r u s t e e s –President - Mike Dobrinski, OkeeneVice President - Dave Krittenbrink, OkarcheSecretary - Linda Dich Randall, OmegaTreasurer - Mary Petty, NewcastleAsst. Sec./Treas. - Leroy Lage, WatongaLoyd Benson, FrederickDennis Mueggenborg, KingfisherGail Parker, ThomasDave Shepard, HelenaCindy Green, BlanchardJoe Kegin, CrescentPam Haden, HennesseyMark Fuqua, Canton“In accordance with Federal law and U.S. Department of Agriculture policy, this institution is prohibited from discriminatingon the bases of race, color, national origin, age, disability, religion, sex, and familial status. (Not all prohibited bases applyto all programs.) To file a complaint of discrimination, write USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue,S.W., Washington, D.C., 20250-9401 or call (800) 795-3272 (voice) or (202) 720-6382 (TDD).”CAPITAL CREDIT ALLOCATIONS INFORMATIONTo obtain your Capital Credit balance,please send the membership name, townand phone numbers involved to:Pioneer Telephone Cooperative, Inc.Attn: Capital Credit DepartmentPO Box 539 • Kingfisher OK 73750or…Call Toll Free: 1-800-650-6116Periodical Postage paid at Kingfisher,OK 73750 and other additional entry offices.Member subscription rate: $2.96/yearNon-Member subscription rate: $6/year1

2General Managers Report Cont’d...pressure to be drastically reduced or eliminated.At this time, our 2011 unaudited consolidated net income isprojected to be between $15 and $17 million. The majority ofthe consolidated net income can be attributed to our 58% ownershipin the Cellular Network Partnership d/b/a Pioneer Cellular.Of the consolidated totals, Pioneer Telephone’s net incomeis projected to end the year 2011 around $1 million if not less.The projected 2011 net income for the Cellular Network Partnershipis projected to be approximately $38 million. PioneerLong Distance, (PLD), should have a good year with net incomeof approximately $2 million.To put this in perspective, our wholly-owned subsidiaries nowprovide over 60% of our consolidated revenues, which is upfrom 35% just three years ago. This is a tremendous shift in ourrevenue base and is indicative of how our business has changedfrom the “plain old telephone service” of the past to the newwireless and broadband services of the future. While we continueto see tremendous growth in our wireless and broadbandservices through our subsidiary companies, we also continueto see a tremendous decrease in telephone revenues due to a3.5 – 4% decrease in telephone access lines as well as accessminutes or calls terminated on Pioneer Telephone’s network.The Board of Trustees and Management of your Cooperativerecognize the severity of the future changes and trends in theTelecommunications Industry. We also understand the importanceof implementing cost reductions and revenue enhancementsto survive under the new structure. Many telephone companiesincluding Pioneer are facing the burden of placing moreof the cost to provide quality service on to their customers. Asyou are aware, Pioneer Telephone Cooperative and Pioneer LongDistance recently implemented rate increases to help offset decreasingrevenues. These on-going initiatives will help positionthe Cooperative for the uncertain financial future.We continue to see tremendous growth in our wireless andbroadband networks through our subsidiary companies.The Cellular Network Partnership, (CNP), d/b/a Pioneer Cellularis now processing over 2 million text messages a day. Roamingreceivable dollars have increased over 600% in the last 5years, and up over 100% in the last 12 months from data usagealone, while cell subscribers have increased to over 55,000year-to-date.I am also very pleased to report our 4G LTE venture withVerizon Wireless is on schedule to bring 4 th Generation LTEwireless service to Western and Southern Oklahoma. The new4G data technology will complement our existing 100% 3G coverageand has the capability to provide broadband data rates ofbetween 5 – 12 Mb to a 4G device, i.e., a traditional handset, aUSB stick, or a tablet. Our participation in the Verizon WirelessLTE Rural America Program will once again position Pioneer forthe future as wireless technology continues to be a normal partof our lives.As reported in a recent press release, CNP has entered in to adefinitive purchase agreement with Oklahoma 5 L.L.C. d/b/aCellular One to purchase a controlling interest in the assets andoperational control of Cellular One in Western Oklahoma, whichincludes the subscribers, wireless spectrum, network, employeesand retail locations in the communities of Weatherford,Clinton and Elk City. Cellular One currently provides wirelessservices in Beckham, Custer, Dewey, Roger Mills and Washitacounties of Western Oklahoma. This acquisition demonstratesour commitment to expand our wireless business and to improvethe quality of wireless service and coverage available inWestern Oklahoma.At their January, 2012 Board Meeting, your Board of Trusteesapproved a general membership patronage capital credit paymentto be made to the general membership in March of thisyear.This payment is estimated to total $514,461.62. The procedurefor distribution of this year’s general membership paymentwill be the same as in the past several years, wherein a crediton the billing of existing customers will be made for any checksless than $300.00. This credit will be applied to the customer’sregular monthly bill for the month of March, 2012. Paymentsof $300.00 or more will be paid by check instead of credit,and will be mailed around mid-March. Those members whoseservice was connected after 12/31/11 will not be receiving ageneral membership capital payment this year.In consideration of reduction of the distribution cost by 50%or more, and the cost of processing and mailing approximately94,500 checks, the Board of Trustees and Management believethis should prove to be, once again, a very efficient and cost effectivemanner for the distribution of this general membershippayment.The Board of Trustees also approved the continued paymentof capital credited to the estates of deceased patrons. Duringthe past year, Pioneer paid $1,402,846.36 to the estates ofdeceased subscriber/members. Since 1984, Pioneer Telephonehas returned $22,918,235.36 in patronage capital on estatesto its membership.Together, these two patronage distributions total approximately$2,040,638.29 in patronage cash that will be returnedto the Membership for the year 2011. Inclusive of last year’spayments, Pioneer Telephone will have paid a grand total of$44,170,799.29 in general membership and estate patronagecapital cash payments to the Cooperative membership. Theamount of patronage cash returned to the Pioneer Membershipis a huge accomplishment for the Cooperative—an accomplishmentthat you, as a Member, can be very proud of.The Pioneer Board of Trustees and Management of PioneerTelephone are very pleased the Cooperative will again be financiallyable to make a general membership payment of thismagnitude, in addition to the continuation of payment on theestates of deceased members. Pioneer Telephone is owned by

General Managers Report Cont’d...those it serves; and, as a Cooperative, is operated for the mutualbenefit of its members. Your patronage capital is tangibleevidence your Cooperative is working for you.If you have questions about your patronage capital credit account,or need to update your address in our records, pleasecall or write to the Pioneer Telephone Capital Credit Department,(405) 375-0873 or 1-800-650-6116, P.O. Box 539,Kingfisher, Oklahoma, 73750, or you can visit us on the webat www.ptci.com.The Pioneer Marketing Department has the following scheduledduring the first few months of 2012:E-911 and Internet Safety Programs at local schools:February 8 thCanton ElementaryFebruary 15 thLomega ElementaryFebruary 29 thFargo ElementaryMarch 7 thThomas ElementaryRoad Shows:CrescentWatongaComancheThurs., Feb. 16 thThurs., Feb. 23 rdTues., March 13 thAnnual Blood Drive on Wednesday, May 16th in KingfisherWe also recently launched our revitalized wireless website,www.pioneerwireless.com. Please tell your friends and familyand check out the great savings!As you can see, Pioneer Telephone and its wholly-owned subsidiariesare off to a very busy and fast start for the year 2012.All of us at Pioneer look forward to serving you, our membersand customers with the best in broadband telecommunicationsservices available. Again, I want to take this opportunity tothank all of our subscribers, members, customers and friendsfor your business and loyalty during the past year, and extendour best wishes for a safe, prosperous and blessed 2012.Pioneer Cellular to Further Expand itsWestern Oklahoma OperationsCellular Network Partnership d/b/a Pioneer Cellular is pleased to announce thatit has entered into a definitive agreement with Oklahoma 5 L.L.C. d/b/a CellularOneto purchase a controlling interest in the assets and operations of CellularOne inWestern Oklahoma, which includes the subscribers, wireless network and retaillocations in the communities of Weatherford, Clinton and Elk City. CellularOnecurrently provides wireless services in Beckham, Custer, Dewey, Roger Mills andWashita counties of Western Oklahoma.“This acquisition demonstrates the commitment of Pioneer Cellular to expandour wireless business and at the same time our desire to improve the quality ofwireless service and coverage area, not only to the CellularOne customers, butalso to the existing Pioneer Cellular customers,” said Richard Ruhl, Pioneer GeneralManager. “We are excited about the opportunity to deliver Pioneer Cellular’soutstanding 3G CDMA data services and the new, advanced 4G LTE data services tothe customers who live and work in these counties of Western Oklahoma.”The transaction is subject to approval by the Federal Communications Commission(FCC) as well as other customary closing conditions and is expected to closein the first quarter of 2012. Waller Capital Partners, LLC served as the exclusivefinancial advisor to Pioneer Cellular and Media Venture Partners acted as theexclusive financial advisor to CellularOne.PIONEER CELLULAR’S 4G LTE NETWORKTESTING SIGNALS - ALL SYSTEMS GOFirst LTE in Rural America Program ParticipantCompletes LTE Data SessionPioneer Cellular, one of 13 participants in the VerizonWireless LTE in Rural America program, has successfullycompleted end-to-end data testing over its new 4G LTEnetwork in preparation for a commercial launch next springfor customers in central and western Oklahoma. The newPioneer 4G LTE network will enable Pioneer and VerizonWireless customers to enjoy high-speed data services withinPioneer’s coverage area and provide Pioneer customers withaccess to Verizon Wireless’ 4G LTE network throughout theUnited States.Pioneer announced its participation in the LTE in RuralAmerica program last December and during the past yearhas constructed cell towers, laid fiber optic cable, and installednetwork hardware and software, working closely withVerizon Wireless engineers. Pioneer is now testing its newnetwork and trial devices for speed, reliability and ease ofuse.Richard Ruhl, general manager of Pioneer, said, “PioneerCellular’s participation in the Verizon Wireless LTE in RuralAmerica program will benefit our wireless customers as wellas Verizon Wireless’ customers by accelerating the benefitsof high-speed mobile broadband to rural areas where 4G LTEmobility is not available. Partnering with Verizon Wirelesswill help to ensure we are able to address the future needsof the rural communities we serve who have historically notbeen the first to benefit from technologies like 4G LTE.”Pioneer’s 4G LTE network covers more than 260,000 peoplein 21 counties across nearly 17,000 miles of centraland western Oklahoma.Dan Mead, president and CEO of Verizon Wireless, yesterdaysent a congratulatory e-mail to Ruhl, which was deliveredover Pioneer’s 4G LTE network.“This is an important milestone in our LTE in Rural Americaprogram because it demonstrates what can be accomplishedby two companies with the common goal of empowering ruralAmerica,” Mead said. “A robust wireless broadband infrastructureis vital for economic development in rural communities.We are committed to supporting our LTE in RuralAmerica participants so they can bring wireless broadbandto their communities as quickly as possible.”Verizon Wireless announced the LTE in Rural America initiativein June 2010 to bring the benefits of high-speed mobilebroadband to rural areas of the United States whereVerizon Wireless currently does not have a network. Underthe program, Verizon Wireless shares access to its 700 MHzspectrum with rural operators who use their tower and backhaulassets to build a 4G LTE network.To date, 13 rural carriers have leased spectrum covering, intotal, 2.6 million people in rural communities and 85,000square miles in 10 states.3

District Meeting Voting InformationAt its regular Board Meeting on July 8, 2005, the Pioneer Board of Trustees adopted the following policy withregard to voting in district elections.Only those properly identified will be able to cast a vote for specific business entities; they will be required tosign documentation to verify their position with the respective member.One registrar will handle all business entities that are eligible to vote, thereby bringing more efficiency andaccountability to the voting process.The following individuals will be able to vote for the various business entities identified.41. Individual (Either husband or wife can vote.)2. Joint Tenancy — limited to husband and wife, grandfathered only (We no longer permit people to sign up injoint tenancy status; however this could be voted by either joint tenant.)3. Sole Proprietorship (These memberships can only be voted by the owner or co-owner.)4. General Partnership (Any general partner can cast a vote for the partnership.)5. Limited Partnership (Only a general partner can vote.)6. Corporation (These memberships can only be voted by the general manager, or the president, or thevice-president.)7. Limited Liability Company (LLC) (Can be voted only by a member.)8. Limited Liability Partnership (Can be voted only by a member.)9. Trust (Can be voted only by a trustee.)10. Hospitals (Can be voted only by the administrator, or president, or vice-president of the board.)11. Volunteer Fire Departments in unincorporated areas (Can be voted only by the fire chief or assistant fire chief.)12. Churches, including Parsonages if set out as a separate membership and held in the name of the Church(Can only be voted by the minister, or chairman, or vice-chairman of the governing body.)13. Club/Lodge/Miscellaneous Associations (Can only be voted by the chairman or the vice-chairman of thegoverning board.)14. Senior Citizen Center (Can only be voted by the chairman or vice-chairman of the governing board.)15. Schools (Can only be voted by the superintendent, or president, or vice-president of the school board.)16. Tribal Government (Can only be voted by the chief, or assistant chief, or chairman, or vice-chairman.)17. Municipalities (All city offices of any type can only be voted by the city manager, or mayor, or any electedmember of the governing board of the city or town.)18. County Government (If all county offices are covered by one membership, the county can only be voted byone of the county commissioners or the county clerk. Those county offices that have individual membershipscan be voted only by the elected official.)19. State Government Offices (Can only be voted by the individual in charge of the local office of the Stateagency involved, if it possesses a separate membership.)20. Federal Government Offices (Can only be voted by the individual in charge of the local office of the Federalagency involved, if it possesses a separate membership.)21. Conservatorship/Guardianship (These memberships can only be voted by the court appointed conservatoror guardian.)22. Powers of Attorney (No Powers of Attorney, including Durable Powers of Attorney, are authorized to vote.)

Pioneer Long Distance Inc.Alfalfa............... $ 126.00Blaine................ 1,207.00Canadian........... 421.00Cotton............... 114.00Dewey................ 12.00Ellis................... 12.00Garfield............. 5,629.00Grady................. 2,947.00Grant................. 229.00Harmon............. 11.00Jefferson............ 14.00Kay.................... 914.00Kingfisher.......... 152,198.00Logan................ 19.00Major................. 1,502.00McClain............. 695.00Woods................ 804.00Woodward.......... 2,129.00TOTAL............... $ $168,983.00O.T. & T. Communications, Inc.McIntosh........... $ 1,102.00Muskogee........... 692.00Okfuskee............ 923.00Okmulgee........... 1,042.00Pittsburg............ 4,110.00Seminole........... 610.00Tillman.............. 1,176.00TOTAL............... $ 9,565.00Cellular Network PartnershipAlfalfa............... $ 11,193.00Beckham........... 3,428.00Blaine................ 19,611.00Bryan................. 1,595.002011 Ad Valorem TaxCellular Network Partnership - Cont’dCaddo................ $ 19,260.62Canadian........... 10,696.00Carter................ 5,039.00Comanche.......... 2,547.00Cotton................ 9,022.00Custer................ 15,310.00Dewey................ 20,412.00Ellis................... 13,356.00Garfield............. 49,015.00Garvin................ 2,672.00Grady................. 8,785.00Grant................. 12,797.00Greer................. 8,720.00Harmon............. 7,252.00Harper............... 9,269.00Jackson............. 9,456.00Jefferson............ 8,954.00Kingfisher.......... 264,873.00Kiowa................ 12,292.00Logan................ 12,979.00Major................. 20,249.00McClain............. 13,299.00Nowata.............. 3,980.00Roger Mills......... 9,102.82Stephens........... 14,969.00Tillman.............. 27,586.00Washington........ 3,530.00Washita.............. 15,273.00Woods................ 16,202.00Woodward.......... 46,153.00Barber, KS......... 42.32Butler, KS.......... 430.10Cowley, KS......... 1,389.00Harper, KS......... 827.94Montgomery, KS. 85.80Sumner, KS........ 67.02TOTAL............... $ 711,728.62Pioneer Telephone Cooperative Inc.Alfalfa................ $ 20,973.00Beckham........... 6,768.00Blaine................ 131,020.00Caddo................ 26,320.58Canadian........... 36,190.00Comanche.......... 15,093.00Cotton................ 14,211.00Custer................ 29,453.00Dewey................ 29,267.00Ellis................... 47,099.00Garfield............. 81,973.00Garvin................ 408.00Grady................. 48,654.82Grant................. 42,987.00Harmon............. 21,668.00Harper............... 26,734.00Jackson............. 2,640.00Jefferson............ 6,281.00Kingfisher.......... 636,972.00Kiowa................ 216.00Logan................ 46,577.00Major................. 76,405.00McClain............. 290,407.00Muskogee........... 11.00Noble................ 958.00Oklahoma........... 1,514.08Payne................ 1,826.00Pittsburg............ 5.00Stephens........... 44,976.00Texas................. 5.00Tillman.............. 101,704.00Washita.............. 14,814.00Woods................ 38,395.00Woodward.......... 90,145.00Butler, KS.......... 292.46Cowley, KS......... 315.82Sedgwick, KS..... 216.68TOTAL............... $ 1,933,495.445

Pioneer Recognizes Employees For Years of ServiceDuring special ceremonies recently, Pioneer Telephone recognized employees fortheir years of service. The following employees were presented with a service pin,and special NTCA commemorative awards were presented to employees with 25years or more of service. Pioneer also had five retirees in 2011. Congratulations!645 YEARSDutch Ashpaugh, Mooreland40 YEARSAllen Franklin, BlanchardJohn Pierson, KingfisherNick Westfahl, KingfisherRon Wetzel, Kingfisher35 YEARSMike Gore, KingfisherDavid Harris, MoorelandKarla Ludwig, KingfisherRichard Ruhl, KingfisherDon Ryan, KingfisherRoger Summars, Buffalo30 YEARSPaul Baker , KingfisherJulie Broddle, KingfisherRichard Hedrick, HennesseyChris Hensley, MoorelandJon Hunt, KingfisherRon Jeter, KingfisherJerry Kadavy, KingfisherElise Kochenower, KingfisherDeann Lewis, KingfisherJimmy Morgan, MoorelandRandy Price, WatongaNathan Reed, KingfisherJoanie Schoelen, KingfisherEric Sell, KingfisherMark Smith, KingfisherDianna Webb, Blanchard25 YEARSLeeAnn Darrough, KingfisherCindy Gore, KingfisherKathy Painter, KingfisherTerry Schoelen, KingfisherMarla Stebens, Kingfisher20 YEARSTricia Boeckman, Kingfisher20 YEARS - CONT’DTracy Foley, KingfisherSusan Lippoldt, KingfisherLisa Ludwig, KingfisherGinny Oblander, KingfisherLinda Parker, GarberSteve Perdue, KingfisherDavid Post, KingfisherAnnette Pritchett, KingfisherTony Provenzano, KingfisherMark Sneed, BlanchardShirley Southwick, GarberBrenda Wallace, Kingfisher15 YEARSKen Davis, KingfisherKris Eaton, KingfisherDwayne Farrar, KingfisherLisa Harris, KingfisherChad Hart, KingfisherSara Jech, KingfisherHeather Lovell, KingfisherJohnnie Sue McCully, KingfisherBrad Pierce, NewcastleKyle Reherman, KingfisherMandi Talbott, KingfisherRita Thompson, NewcastleMike VanCleave, KingfisherCheryl Yost, Kingfisher10 YEARSJohn Baustert, KingfisherTony Beauchamp, KingfisherCarol Bond, NewcastleLarry Bridwell, BlanchardClint Duncan, FrederickTrey Gaines IV, FrederickBrook Hays, BlanchardKolby Kramer, CrescentLindsay Lack, KingfisherDonna Lawrence, KingfisherJeremy Lewis, BlanchardJustin Lukasek, KingfisherNick Martin, KingfisherCrystal Merritt, Kingfisher10 YEARS - CONT’DButch Murray, KingfisherStephen Osterholt, KingfisherJohn Reherman, KingfisherSharon Voskuhl, Kingfisher5 YEARSApril Barsotti, NewcastleJodie Blevins, KingfisherSharon Brewer, HennesseyNick Coughlan, KingfisherNathan Cue, DrummondBrian Gilles, KingfisherChad Hurst, KingfisherStephanie Kale, KingfisherNaresh Karn, KingfisherMark Kness, KingfisherRonnie Landrith, BlanchardKathey Lee, BlanchardGary Maass, KingfisherMike McGee, KingfisherAnita Orozco, KingfisherJanel Parrish, OkeeneCherie Peterson, SentinelJaime Pool, KingfisherJustin Reherman, KingfisherIrene Rivas, ComancheBrian Sheffield, FrederickTerra Smith, EnidGarreth Stewart, KingfisherDanny Wayland, BlanchardCorey Weber, Okeene2011 RETIREES48 YearsRoger Duffy, Seiling40 YearsWendal Brodrick, Kingfisher30 YearsMelvin Kimmell, Garber29 YearsJanice Wiese, Kingfisher27 YearsTim Tipken, Blanchard

PIONEER BOARD MEMBERS RECEIVE SERVICE PINSLinda Dich Randall’s (left) 20 year service pin is presented by fellow BoardMember Mike Dobrinski (right) in recognition for her dedicated service toPioneer Telephone Cooperative.Dave Krittenbrinks’s (left) 15 year service pin is presented by fellow BoardMember Mike Dobrinski (right) in recognition for his dedicated service toPioneer Telephone Cooperative.2011 PIONEER RETIREES RECOGNIZED FOR SERVICE(Not Pictured - Wendall Brodrick, Melvin Kimmell, Tim Tipkin)Roger Duffy is congratulated by Richard Ruhl (left) on his retirementafter 48 years of service to Pioneer Telephone Cooperative.Janice Wiese is congratulated by Richard Ruhl (left) on her retirementafter 29 years of service to Pioneer Telephone Cooperative.7

CTTC Provides OSHA TrainingNOTICE OFDISTRICT MEETINGFOR DISTRICTNUMBER 6A meeting of those members of PIONEERTELEPHONE COOPERATIVE, INC., residingin District No. 6 will be held at theNew Okarche High School, 632 WestOklahoma Avenue in Okarche, Oklahoma,on Thursday, April 12, 2012, at 7:00 p.m.,for the purpose of electing a trustee to representyour district on the Board of Trusteesof PIONEER TELEPHONE COOPERATIVE,INC., for the ensuing three-year term.Reports will be presented and discussedat that time.Pictured left to right : Phillip Talbott, Dover; Doug Kremeir, Okarche; Brian Coats and Charles Leonard,Kingfisher; Jeff Snowden, Dover; and Justin Lukasek, Kingfisher.Any member of District No. 6 desiring to bea candidate for election as trustee must filewritten notice of his or her intention withthe Secretary of the Cooperative at 108 E.Robberts Avenue, Kingfisher, OK 73750,on the first consecutive Monday, Tuesdayand Wednesday of the month of April (April2nd, 3rd and 4th), 2012.8Pictured left to right: Gerald Cooper, Watonga; Bobby Temple, Longdale; Justin Green and Keith Sattles,Watonga.Chisholm Trail Technology Center offered a 30 Hour Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) ConstructionIndustry Outreach Training course to Pioneer Telephone Cooperative employees.This comprehensive safety program is designed for anyone involved in the construction industry. The program isspecifically devised for safety directors, foremen, and field supervisors. The program provides complete informationon OSHA compliance issues. OSHA recommends Outreach Training Programs as an orientation to occupational safetyand health for workers covered by OSHA 29 CFR 1926. Construction workers must receive additional training, whenrequired by OSHA standards, on specific hazards of the job.Pioneer took advantage of the OSHA 30hour training provided by CTTC to complete a requirement of the recentpartnership with National Association of Tower Erectors (NATE) and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration(OSHA). The goal of the partnership is to communicate safety with companies that work in the tower industries.Pioneer has been proactive in the partnership by including additional requirements from their contractors workingon cellular towers.The NATE/OSHA Partnership is a voluntary safety initiative developed jointly by NATE and OSHA. Participants mustagree to extensive training, implementation of best work practices and safety and health management systems, andcompliance with OSHA standards and regulations.Paul Hursh, Chisholm Trail Technology Center, is an OSHA Certified 10 and 30 hour Construction Industry Outreachtrainer. Mr. Hursh was required to attend training at the University of Texas in Arlington, one of two OSHA trainingcenters in District 6, to receive his OSHA Trainer Certification. Mr. Hursh is now providing OSHA 10 and 30 hour for theconstruction industry to several companies in CTTC’s District.Forms for use in filing are available at thePioneer Telephone Office in Kingfisher,Oklahoma. NO PERSON IS ELIGIBLE forelection unless this written filing is made.It is important that you attend your districtmeeting, as a quorum is necessary for alegal election.Linda Dich RandallSecretaryDISTRICT NO. 6 INCLUDESTHE FOLLOWING EXCHANGES:APACHE, COMANCHE, HASTINGS,OKARCHE AND TEMPLE.Note: A pass-by ballot procedure will beused whereby a ballot box will be open forone (1) hour, from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.,prior to this meeting.Note: District Number 6 meeting will startpromptly at 7:00 p.m., at which time, signinwill close.Bylaws are found in the center of yourPioneer Telephone Directory.Note: This Is The ONLY NoticeSubscribers Will Receive.

NOTICE OFDISTRICT MEETINGFOR DISTRICTNUMBER 84th Annual “Partner’s Pantry” Food DriveA meeting of those members of PIONEERTELEPHONE COOPERATIVE, INC., residingin District No. 8 will be held at theHelena Senior Citizen’s Center, 219 N.Main in Helena, Oklahoma, on Thursday,April 5, 2012, at 7:00 p.m., for thepurpose of electing a trustee to representyour district on the Board of Trusteesof PIONEER TELEPHONE COOPERATIVE,INC., for the ensuing three-year term.Reports will be presented and discussedat that time.Any member of District No. 8 desiring to bea candidate for election as trustee must filewritten notice of his or her intention withthe Secretary of the Cooperative at 108 E.Robberts Avenue, Kingfisher, OK 73750,on the first consecutive Monday, Tuesdayand Wednesday of the month of April (April2nd, 3rd and 4th), 2012.Forms for use in filing are available at thePioneer Telephone Office in Kingfisher,Oklahoma. NO PERSON IS ELIGIBLE forelection unless this written filing is made.It is important that you attend your districtmeeting, as a quorum is necessary for alegal election.Linda Dich RandallSecretaryDISTRICT NO. 8 INCLUDESTHE FOLLOWING EXCHANGES:ALINE, CARMEN, CLEO SPRINGS,DACOMA, DEER CREEK, HELENA,HOPETON, HUNTER, LAMONT, NASH,POND CREEK, WAYNOKA, AND WAKITA.Note: A pass-by ballot procedure will beused whereby a ballot box will be open forone (1) hour, from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.,prior to this meeting.Note: District Number 8 meeting will startpromptly at 7:00 p.m., at which time, signinwill close.Bylaws are found in the center of yourPioneer Telephone Directory.Note: This Is The ONLY NoticeSubscribers Will Receive.Pictured left to right : Jay Snowden, Local Content Specialist, Pioneer; Cindy Gore, Public RelationsSpecialist; Brandi Millsap, Cosmetology Instructor and April Shue, both from Chisholm Trail TechnologyCenter and Meliah Ratcliff, Kingfisher County Food Bank Coordinator.Pioneer recently held its 4th annual “Partner’s Pantry” fooddrive. Due to the generousity of our local customers and Pioneeremployees we were able to donate over 1700 pounds of muchneeded food to help restock local food banks throughoutPioneer’s service area. Customers dropping off a food donationwere eligilble to enter a random drawing for three $50.00Mastercard Gift Cards. This year’s winners were: Patricia Rilesfrom Hollis; Stella Sellers from Comanche and Anna Lou Harrisfrom Watonga. Our sincere thanks to everyone who participatedin this year’s “Partner’s Pantry” food drive and making it such abig sucess.DIDYOUKNOWPioneer Telephone Cooperative, Inc. currently hasmore than 500 “likes” on its official Facebook page,with an extended reach of more than 116,000 friendsof fans, since going “Social” December 1st, 2011!Our fans come from countries all over the world, includingJapan, Venezuela and the Philippines, viewingour posts in various languages, like Russian, German,Norwegian, and Spanish. We plan to use ourFacebook page to connect with our customers andfans in a way never offered before, through contentthat includes everything from contests and productreleases to tips and tricks. “Like” us on Facebooktoday at “Pioneer Telephone Coop”.9

NOTICE OFDISTRICT MEETINGFOR DISTRICTNUMBER 10A meeting of those members of PIONEERTELEPHONE COOPERATIVE, INC., residingin District No. 10 will be held atthe Kingfisher County Exhibit Building,Kingfisher County Fairgrounds, 300 S.13th Street in Kingfisher, Oklahoma, onTuesday, April 10, 2012, at 7:00 p.m., forthe purpose of electing a trustee to representyour district on the Board of Trusteesof PIONEER TELEPHONE COOPERATIVE,INC., for the ensuing three-year term.Reports will be presented and discussedat that time.Any member of District No. 10 desiring tobe a candidate for election as trustee mustfile written notice of his or her intentionwith the Secretary of the Cooperative at108 E. Robberts Avenue, Kingfisher, OK73750, on the first consecutive Monday,Tuesday and Wednesday of the month ofApril (April 2nd, 3rd and 4th), 2012.Forms for use in filing are available at thePioneer Telephone Office in Kingfisher,Oklahoma. NO PERSON IS ELIGIBLE forelection unless this written filing is made.It is important that you attend your districtmeeting, as a quorum is necessary for alegal election.Linda Dich RandallSecretaryDISTRICT NO. 10 INCLUDESTHE FOLLOWING EXCHANGES:DOVER AND KINGFISHER.Note: A pass-by ballot procedure will beused whereby a ballot box will be open forone (1) hour, from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.,prior to this meeting.Note: District Number 10 meeting will startpromptly at 7:00 p.m., at which time, signinwill close.Bylaws are found in the center of yourPioneer Telephone Directory.10Note: This Is The ONLY NoticeSubscribers Will Receive.

NOTICE OFDISTRICT MEETINGFOR DISTRICTNUMBER 12A meeting of those members of PIONEERTELEPHONE COOPERATIVE, INC., residingin District No. 12 will be held at theNewcastle Community Center, 705 NW10th Street in Newcastle, Oklahoma, onFriday, April 6, 2012, at 7:00 p.m., forthe purpose of electing a trustee to representyour district on the Board of Trusteesof PIONEER TELEPHONE COOPERATIVE,INC., for the ensuing three-year term.Reports will be presented and discussedat that time.Any member of District No. 12 desiring tobe a candidate for election as trustee mustfile written notice of his or her intentionwith the Secretary of the Cooperative at108 E. Robberts Avenue, Kingfisher, OK73750, on the first consecutive Monday,Tuesday and Wednesday of the month ofApril (April 2nd, 3rd and 4th), 2012.Forms for use in filing are available at thePioneer Telephone Office in Kingfisher,Oklahoma. NO PERSON IS ELIGIBLE forelection unless this written filing is made.It is important that you attend your districtmeeting, as a quorum is necessary for alegal election.Linda Dich RandallSecretaryDISTRICT NO. 12 INCLUDESTHE FOLLOWING EXCHANGES:NEWCASTLE.Note: A pass-by ballot procedure will beused whereby a ballot box will be open forone (1) hour, from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.,prior to this meeting.Note: District Number 12 meeting will startpromptly at 7:00 p.m., at which time, signinwill close.Bylaws are found in the center of yourPioneer Telephone Directory.Note: This Is The ONLY NoticeSubscribers Will Receive.11

12BUSINESS &RESIDENTIAL• Repairs • Customer Service• New ServiceFrom your exchange dial 611or call toll free1-888-PTC-COOP(782-2667)RELAY OKLAHOMATDD/TTY RELAYSERVICETelecommunications RelayServiceFor assistance in calling betweenpersons with a Telecommunications Devicefor the Deaf andhearing persons...Dial 711Vicent and Angelina (Paculo) Pribil, Bison, celebrated their 60th wedding anniversaryon September 5, 2011. They have six children, eleven grandchildren and two greatgrandchildren.C.A. and Jeanne Crissup, Helena, celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary onNovember 16, 2011. They have three children, ten grandchildren and six greatgrandchildren.Perry and Beverly Wiggins, Ringwood, celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary onDecember 8, 2011. They have three children, ten grandchildren and five greatgrandchildren.Leonard and Rita Eaves, Moore, celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary onDecember 21, 2011.Dean and Karan Meyer, Cleo Springs, celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary onDecember 23, 2011. They have three children, one grandchild and seven greatgrandchildren.Roy and Pansy Hollis, Watonga, will celebrate their 60th wedding anniversary onMarch 8, 2012. They have five children, fifteen grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.How To Have Your Anniversary Published - To have wedding anniversary announcements of fifty years ormore published in the Tele-Topics, simply submit your anniversary information, including town, weddingdate and number of children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren to the following address:Pioneer Tele-Topics Anniversaries • Pioneer Telephone CooperativeP.O. Box 539 • Kingfisher, OK 73750 or E-Mail them to teletopics@ptci.comor go to www.ptci.com - under Community Tab - click Tele-Topics - click hereNational Do-Not-Call RegistryThe Federal Trade Commission has established aNational Do-Not-Call Registry for residential consumersand cell phone users that do not wish to receive commercialsolicitation over their telephone. The NationalRegistry will preclude telephone solicitations madefor commercial purposes only, but will not precludetelephone solicitations made by political organizations,charities, telephone surveyors, or companies with whomcustomers have an existing business relationship withinthe last 18 months of registration. Once you register yourphone number(s), telemarketers covered by the NationalDo-Not-Call Registry have up to 31 days from the dateyou register to stop calling you.You may register your residential telephone number(s) or cell phone number(s) by callingthe toll free number, 1-888-382-1222 and for TTY access, 1-866-290-4236. TheInternet web address for registrations is www.donotcall.gov. Registration is permanent,unless you revoke such objection by calling the toll free number, or by using the Internetaccess listed above.Attention sellers and telemarketers: you are required to search the registry at least onceevery 31 days, and drop from your call lists the phone numbers of consumers who haveregistered. For more information go to https://telemarketing.donotcall.gov or refer to 47C.F.R. 64.1200 and 16 C.F.R. 310.

Things To Do - Places To GoArea EventsNorthwest OklahomaFriday - Sunday, March 2-4, Watonga Trout Derby, Roman Nose State Park, Watonga. Bring your best fishing pole and try your hand at catching troutfor cash and prizes at this year’s Watonga Trout Derby. All ages are welcome at this annual event. Registration covers all three days of fishingand enters your name for prize drawings. Event Hours: Friday: 7:00am - 5:00pm, Saturday: 7:00am - 5:00pm, Sunday: 7:00am - 3:00pm. EventContact: Watonga Chamber of Commerce at 580-623-5452.Saturday, March 10, Hennessey Hometown Hootenanny, 525 S. Main St., Hennessey. Open mic at 6:30pm and show begins at 7:00pm. EventContact: Cathy Howard at 405-853-6212.Sunday, March 25, Gospel Sing and Talent Show, Oak Steet Baptist Church, Kingfisher. Join us at 6:00pm for an evening of song and praise. Locatedat the corner of Will Rogers and Oak Street west of Highway 81 in Kingfisher. Event Contact: Dennis at 405-375-6470.Saturday, March 31, Marshall Fire Department’s Annual All You Can Eat Smoked Pork Rib Supper, Alumni Building, Main Street, Marshall. Adults- $9advance/ $10 at the door, Children (6-12)- $4 advance/ $5 at the door, 5 and under- free. Event Hours: 4:00pm - 8:00pm. Phone: 580-935-6665.Saturday, March 31, Ringwood Fire Department’s Annual Pancake Supper, Main Street, Ringwood. Come join us for good food and fellowship. Pie auctionat 6:00pm. Event Hours: 5:00pm - 7:00 pm. Event Contact: Barbara Davidson at 580-554-1890.Saturday, April 7, Waynoka Easter Egg Hunt, Walking Trail, Waynoka. Annual favorite for all the kids! Held at the Walking Trail at the northwest sideof town. Age categories ensure that all kids get some goodies! Free Admission. Event Hours 11:00am - 1:00pm. Event Contact: Susan Bradfordat 580-824-4741.Friday-Sunday, April 13-15, Waynoka Rattlesnake Hunt, Downtown, Waynoka. Lots of live music, “fair” food, unique vendors and a great party atmosphereall weekend long. Snake Pit open all three days. Free Bean Feed Saturday at 11:30am. Awards for snakes at 2:00pm Sunday. EventContact: Cherie Truesdale at 580-430-9030.Southwest Oklahoma -Friday-Saturday, March 23-24, Duncan Automotive Swap Meet, Stephens County Fairgrounds & Expo Center, Duncan. Duncan’s annual Automotive SwapMeet, held at the Stephens County Fairgrounds, is an indoor and outdoor swap meet for avid muscle car and antique car enthusiasts. Located inthe heart of southwest Oklahoma, the Automotive Swap Meet includes auto-related vendors, on-site camping facilities and concessions. Spend theday browsing through everything from boats and motorcycles, to trucks and tractors. This Duncan event also features hot rods, as well as a hugevariety of classic and exotic cars. Free admission Event Hours: Friday-Saturday 8:00am - 5:00pm.Event Contact: Zack Thorton at 580-467-7752.Saturday, March 31 (date changed from February 25), Frederick Fantastic Oyster Fry and Craft Show, Prather Brown Center, Frederick. Come enjoy wonderfulfresh fried or raw Gulf Coast Oysters with all the trimmings along with an Arts and Crafts show! Event Contact: Sharon Bennett at 580-335-2126.Friday - Saturday, April 6-7, Open House, Lavender Valley Acres, Apache. Please join us for lavender cookies and tea. Door Prize: lavender gift basket.Event Hours: 10:00am - 5:00pm. Event Contact: Jag Sodhi at 580-588-2855.HAVE AN EVENT YOU WANT LISTED HERE?Mail your information to Tele-Topics, PO Box 539, Kingfisher, OK 73750 or E-mail to teletopics@ptci.com or go to www.ptci.com “Pioneer & Community Events” - Click on “Submit Events” Tele-Topics is now published quarterly, so be sure to send yourevent information at least three months in advance. Event information for next issue must be received by February 28, 2012.13

14✄✄Take Five, Win $25!Now Also Available Online at www.ptci.com“Like” Us onFACEBOOKOn December 1, 2011, Pioneer TelephoneCooperative went “Social”! To find uson Facebook, go to the search box at thetop of the page, enter “Pioneer TelephoneCoop” and search under Pages.please printFeatures and benefits of thePioneer Facebook page:• Fun, engaging content such as weekly trivia,fun facts, etc.• Exclusive contests for Pioneer Facebook fans• Current and upcoming promotions, specialoffers and new product releases• Product and device tips and tricks• Upcoming events• Photos and videos from events• Outage updates• Interact with other Facebook fansDon’t be left out,“Like” Pioneer today!Complete the entry form (all fields must be completed), clip out and mail to Pioneer Tele-Topics, PO Box 539, Kingfisher, OK 73750✄✄✄Name: Pioneer Telephone #: ( )Address:Email:1) On December 1, 2011 Pioneer Telephone Cooperativewent “Social”.❑ True❑ False2) To find us on Facebook:❑ a. go to the search box❑ b. enter “Pioneer Telephone Coop”❑ c. search under pages❑ d. all of the above3) Features and benefits can be found on the PioneerTelephone Facebook page.❑ True❑ Falseplease print4) Features and benefits of the Pioneer Facebook pageinclude:❑ a. Fun, engaging content such as weekly trivia, funfacts, etc❑ b. Exclusive contests for Pioneer Facebook fans❑ c. Current and upcoming promotions, special offersand new product releases❑ d. All of the above5) Upcoming events and photos from events can be foundon Pioneer’s Facebook Page.❑ True❑ FalseNow Available OnlineGo to www.ptci.com • Under “Community” Click on Take 5, Win $25Or use QR code on front cover to enter from your smartphoneIF WE DRAW YOUR ENTRY AND YOUR ANSWERS ARE CORRECT, YOU WIN $25! ELIGIBILITY: Correctly answer all the questions. You must be a currentmember/subscriber of Pioneer Telephone Cooperative, Inc., 18 years of age or older. One entry per household. No photocopies. Employees of Pioneer or its subsidiaries,and their immediate household members are not eligible to enter. Winners will be contacted by letter and announced in the next issue of Tele-Topics. Clip out and mailto: Pioneer Tele-Topics Take 5, Pioneer Telephone Cooperative, PO Box 539, Kingfisher, OK 73750. Entries must be received by February 24, 2012✄City & Zip:✄ ✄✄ ✄

Previous Issue’s - Take Five, Win $25 Winners!District #1 winner was Glenda Mattheyer ofBuffalo. District #1 includes the exchanges ofOkeene, Quinlan, Mooreland, Freedom, Buffalo,May, Longdale, Fort Supply and Selman.District #2 winner was Dorothy Coffey of Gage.District #2 includes Canton, Chester, Seiling,Mutual, Sharon, Harmon, Fargo, Gage,Shattuck and Arnett.District #3 winner was Patricia Valentino ofManitou. District #3 includes Frederick,Manitou, Grandfield, Davidson, Chattanoogaand Tipton.District #4 winner was Jessica Arnold of CusterCity. District #4 includes Thomas, Fay,Putnam, Custer City, Carter, Sentinel, Hollis,Gould and Oakwood.District #5 winner was Tia Hickey of Dibble.District #5 includes Blanchard, Dibble, Bradleyand Loco.District #6 winner was Gladys Loflin of Apache.District #6 includes Okarche, Apache, Temple,Comanche and Hastings.District #7 winner was Sharon Cottom ofMeno. District #7 includes Hennessey, Ames,Drummond, Lahoma, Loyal, Ringwood andMeno.District #8 winner was Kenneth Nichols of Nash.District #8 includes Deer Creek, Lamont, PondCreek, Wakita, Hunter, Nash, Hopeton, CleoSprings, Aline, Waynoka, Helena, Dacoma andCarmen.District #9 winner was Harry Hendryx ofCovington. District #9 includes Crescent,Orlando, Marshall, Douglas, Covington andGarber.District #10 winner was Jorja Schroder ofKingfisher. District #10 includes Kingfisherand Dover.District #11 winner was Maxine Espy of Watonga.District #11 includes Watonga, Geary andCalumet.District #12 winner was Sharon Cryer ofNewcastle (Newcastle District). District #12includes Newcastle.District At Large winner was Penny Brewer ofMay. This district includes all districts.Approximately345 entrieswere received.15

In a medium saucepan, bring water to a boil. Add rice and stir.Reduce heat, cover and simmer for 20 minutes.Bring a large, wide saucepan of lightly salted water to a boil. Addcabbage leaves and cook for 2 to 4 minutes or until softened;drain.In a medium mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, 1 cup cookedrice, onion, egg, salt and pepper, along with 2 tablespoons oftomato soup. Mix thoroughly.Divide the beef mixture evenly among the cabbage leaves. Roll andsecure them with toothpicks or string.In a large skillet over medium heat, place the cabbage rolls andpour the remaining tomato soup over the top. Cover and bring to aboil. Reduce heat to low and simmer for about 40 minutes, stirringand basting with the liquid often.Resolution RemediesBaked Honey-Mustard Chicken6 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves salt and pepper totaste1/2 cup honey1/2 cup prepared mustard1 teaspoon dried basil1 teaspoon paprika1/2 teaspoon dried parsleyPreheat oven to 350 degrees F.Sprinkle chicken breasts with salt and pepper to taste, and placein a lightly greased 9x13 inch baking dish. In a small bowl, combinethe honey, mustard, basil, paprika, and parsley. Mix well.Pour 1/2 of this mixture over the chicken, and brush to cover.Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. Turn chicken piecesover and brush with the remaining 1/2 of the honey mustardmixture. Bake for an additional 10 to 15 minutes, or until chickenis no longer pink and juices run clear. Let cool 10 minutes beforeserving.Lemon-Orange Orange Roughy1 tablespoon olive oil4 (4 ounce) fillets orange roughy1 orange, juiced1 lemon, juiced1/2 teaspoon lemon pepperHeat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Arrange fillets inthe skillet, and drizzle with orange juice and lemon juice. Sprinklewith lemon pepper. Cook for 5 minutes, or until fish is easilyflaked with a fork.Stuffed Cabbage Rolls2/3 cup water1/3 cup uncooked white rice8 cabbage leaves1 pound lean ground beef1/4 cup chopped onion1 egg, slightly beaten1 teaspoon salt1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed tomato soupBeef Tips with Noodles1 pound sirloin tips, cubed1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup1 (1.25 ounce) package beef with onion soup mix1 (4.5 ounce) can mushrooms, drained1 cup water1 (16 ounce) package wide egg noodlesPreheat oven to 400 degrees F.In a 13x9 inch casserole dish, combine the mushroom and beefonion soups, canned mushrooms and water. Mix thoroughly andadd beef tips. Turn to coat well.Bake in a preheated oven for 1 hour.While beef tips are baking, bring a large pot of lightly salted waterto a boil. Add pasta and cook for 8 to 10 minutes or until al dente;drain. Serve beef tips and sauce over noodles.Minted Carrots1/2 pound baby carrots1 teaspoon butter2 tablespoons brown sugar2 tablespoons honey1/8 teaspoon dried mint, crushedPlace a steamer insert into a saucepan, and fill with water to justbelow the bottom of the steamer. Cover, and bring the water to aboil over high heat. Add the carrots, recover, and steam until justtender, 2 to 6 minutes depending on thickness. Drain carrots.Heat the butter in a skillet over low heat. Stir in the carrots, brownsugar, honey, and mint. Continue to cook and stir until the sugar isdissolved, 2 to 3 minutes.Layered Banana Dessert1 1/2 cups cold fat-free milk1 (3.4 ounce) package instant vanilla pudding mix1 (8 ounce) container frozen reduced-fat frozen whipped topping,thawed18 cinnamon graham crackers squares2 medium firm bananas, slicedIn a bowl, whisk milk and pudding mix for 2 minutes. Let standfor 2 minutes or until soft-set. Fold in half of the whipped topping.Place nine graham cracker squares in an ungreased 8-in. squaredish. Top with half of the pudding mixture and half of the bananaslices. Repeat layers. Spread with remaining whipped topping.Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.16

Tele-TopicsVol 1 of 4 2012P.O. Box 539Kingfisher, OK 73750Periodical