Canoochee EMC Hosts 87th Annual Meeting
CCanoochee EMC held its 87th Annual Meeting on Oct. 14 at the Tattnall Campground in Claxton, welcoming more than 420 members and guests. Entertainment was provided by the Heartfelt gospel group, and door prizes were awarded, including a $500 bill credit to Touchstone Senior Citizen of the Year Joy Wiggins.
Canoochee EMC’s Board of Directors President Connie Thrift opened the meeting with remarks highlighting the cooperative’s growth and achievements. She reflected on Canoochee EMC’s founding mission to bring power to rural communities and expressed appreciation for member engagement and support.
Cooperative CEO Michael Wasson addressed the impact of Hurricane Helene and thanked members for their patience. He discussed expanding energy capacity to meet growing demand and emphasized Canoochee EMC’s commitment to maintaining low energy costs. Wasson also noted the success of the right-of-way program—with more than 500 miles of lines cleared this year—and praised employees as the cooperative’s foundation.
Board officers remain unchanged: President Connie Thrift, Vice President Bob Floyd, Secretary LaNell Oliver and Treasurer Kim Blocker. Directors include Bernard
and Robert Dasher.
Prior to the meeting, Georgia Magazine Assistant Editor Lindsay Penticuff promoted the publication’s 80th anniversary. Representatives from Green Power EMC highlighted renewable energy initiatives and Canoochee EMC showcased its electric vehicle.
Purvis, Lavanda Lynn, Ed Bradley Jr., Kenneth L. Durrence
By Derrill Holly
N Helpful Christmas Tree Safety Tips
early 95 million American households will put up at least one Christmas tree this holiday season, and more than half of those trees will be artificial. But a real tree cut from a field or bought from a store or lot was farm grown and harvested eight to 10 years after it was first cultivated from seed.
Whether your tastes run to firs, spruces, pines, cedars or cypresses, it’s more likely than not that the Christmas tree you select has spent years being sheered, shaped and refined before it is cut down and displayed for sale.
“If you’ve got a local tree farm in your area, cutting your own tree is the best way to make sure it is fresh,” says Jami Warner, executive director of the American Christmas Tree Association. “If you buy your tree from a local retailer, there’s a good chance the trees on the lot were cut at least a month ago.”
Dryness and electrical malfunctions with lights and trees located too close to heating sources can make for a deadly combination. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), fires involving Christmas trees cause an estimated $14 million in property damage each year.
“Always make sure when you buy a live Christmas tree, it is freshly cut,” says Susan McKelvey, communications manager of the NFPA. “Grab a branch, run your hand along it and see if any needles fall. If you have a lot of needles in your
When you return home with your tree, be sure to set it in a large container of water and allow it absorb as much water as it can for at least a day before you bring it inside and begin decorating it.
According to the National Fire Protection Association, fires involving Christmas trees cause an estimated $14 million in property damage each year.
hand, it means the tree is already drying out.”
Tree retailers should be willing to cut a few inches off the stump, exposing moist wood that is capable of absorbing water through the trunk and circulating it to the tree’s branches.
“When you get it home, set it in a large container of water and let it absorb as much as it can for at least a day before you bring it inside,” says McKelvey.
In addition, consumers need to remember that Christmas trees are flammable, so the longer they are inside, the more likely they are to dry out, and that’s when they pose an increased fire hazard.
The NFPA also recommends trees be set up at least 3 feet away from any heat source, such as a fireplace, heating duct or portable space heater.
With five weeks between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day, keeping trees adequately moist to reduce fire hazards takes regular watering and proper placement.
“There are about 500 Christmas tree fires that occur each year,” says McKelvey, adding that Christmas tree fires are blamed for about four deaths and 15 injuries a year.
“While the number of Christmas tree fires is relatively low, trees located too close to a heat source are a factor in one of every four such fires,” she says. “When you refill the water reservoir each day, check the tree for needle loss or other signs of dryness that may indicate it’s time to take it down.”
Derrill Holly writes about consumer and cooperative affairs for the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association, the national trade association representing more than 900 local electric cooperatives.
To maximize your fireplace’s efficiency, always keep the damper closed when the fireplace is not in use. An open damper is like an open window, allowing warm indoor air to escape and cold air to enter. Consider installing a fireplace insert, which improves heat output by circulating warm air into the room rather than letting it escape up the chimney. Also, burn only seasoned hardwood to ensure a hotter, cleaner burn. Regularly clean and inspect your chimney to maintain safe and efficient operation.
Source: energy.gov
The Transformer
Official Publication of Canoochee EMC
P.O. Box 487
Reidsville, GA 30453
(800) 342-0134
Joseph A. Sikes, Editor
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Connie Thrift District 3
President
Bob Floyd District 4 Vice President
Kim Blocker District 9 Treasurer
LaNell M. Oliver District 6
Secretary
Ed Bradley Jr. District 5
Robert Dasher District 8
Kenneth L. Durrence District 7
Lavanda Lynn District 2
Bernard Purvis District 1
Michael Wasson, Chief Executive Officer
Andy Whiten, Chief Operations Officer
Mat Olson, Chief Financial Officer
Patrick Burkhalter, Chief Administration Officer
Kyle E. Durrence, Member Services Manager
WHAT TO DO WHEN YOUR POWER IS OFF . . .
1. Check your fuses or breakers.
2. Check with your neighbors.
3. Call (800) 342-0134 or (912) 557-4391.
There is a dispatcher on call 24 hours a day for your convenience.
OFFICE HOURS
Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Closed Saturday, Sunday and holidays
Branch offices
Highway 196 West Hinesville, GA 31313
Highway 280 East Pembroke, GA 31321
Our Promise to You
As the year comes to a close, Canoochee EMC reflects on the resilience shown through challenges faced this year, while also ensuring low energy costs for our members. We thank you for another great year at Canoochee EMC. Your support and trust fuel this cooperative. Our promise to you remains strong!
Holiday Office Hours
H H H
Canoochee EMC offices will be closed Wednesday, Dec. 24, and Thursday, December 25, for Christmas, as well as Thursday, Jan. 1, 2026, for New Year’s Day.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!