Tri-County Rural Living

November & December 2015 Vol. 19 • No. 2

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Tri-County Electric Cooperative Celebrates 75th Anniversary 2015 Annual Meeting held on Sept. 19 at NFCC

Tri-County Electric Cooperative held its 2015 Annual Meeting on Saturday, Sept. 19, at Van H. Priest Auditorium on the campus of North Florida Community College. Co-op members, along with their families, friends, and special guests, filled the auditorium to capacity, enjoying a morning of entertainment, prizes, and timely information on past and upcoming business activities.

Arriving guests were treated to coffee, doughnuts, and music performed by 50 Caliber Minivan. The gospel group was chosen to perform after receiving the most “likes” in a contest of audition videos featured on the Co-op’s popular Facebook page. Following the music, a video commemorating TCEC’s 75th Anniversary received warm laughter and hearty applause. Featuring excerpts from the Co-op’s recent video series, Life Before Lights, a variety of VIP members shared stories of life prior to electricity and the founding of the Cooperative.

The video is available for viewing on our web page, www.tcec.com.

President of the Board of Trustees Malcolm Page called the meeting to order with the Pledge of Allegiance, which was conducted with the assistance of the Taylor County High School JROTC. This was followed by the invocation, which was given by TCEC Staking Technician David Allen. President Page then introduced the VIP guests, Trustees, General Manager, and Attorney, leading into his message to the membership.

During his presentation, Page stated that he was stepping down as President of the Board of Trustees.

“Although,” he amended, “I look forward to continuing to serve as trustee for my district in Taylor County.

I’ve enjoyed being President of Tri-County for the last 13 years,” he noted. Later, it was announced that Gary Fulford, trustee from Jefferson County, would succeed Page as Board President.

General Manager Julius Hackett then took the

podium, echoing positive sentiments as he remarked on the accomplishments of the past year, and provided guidance regarding upcoming goals and challenges.

“I want to compliment our fine staff and remind our membership that we remain committed to providing the safest and most affordable electric service possible,” Hackett noted. “Thank you for your support over the years and for attending this special 75th Anniversary celebration,” he added.

Following additional comments concerning co-op planning, federal legislation, and member services, the General Manager turned the microphone back to President Page who introduced the guest speaker, Al Walker. A veteran of motivational humor, Walker shared colorful anecdotes that moved and inspired the audience. “Laughter is the recipe for happiness,” he announced. “If you’re not funny, surround yourself with people who are,” he chuckled.

TCEC Attorney Dylan Rivers conducted the business session of the meeting, covering official duties that included a review of last year’s minutes and recent voting outcomes. A quorum being present, all areas of discussion were unanimously accepted. Trustee Albert Thomas, Jr. followed with the Treasurer’s Report, noting that the Co-op’s financial condition was strong and that the official audit was clean. With no unfinished or new business on hand, Rivers requested a move to adjourn business in order to begin the much-awaited prize drawings.

Members began rustling in their seats and the excitement rose, as 100 prizes — including a 2005 four-wheel drive truck — were awarded to grateful recipients, adding to the wonderful registration gifts.

Among the great door prizes, the 75th Anniversary cast iron skillet was especially popular. When the program concluded, numerous members expressed their heartfelt appreciation to the leadership and staff who worked hard to ensure the 2015 Annual Meeting was a great success.

! e r e h e r e w u o y h is —W

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November & December 2015

November & December 2015

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WIN A TRIP TO WASHINGTON, DC! Each year Tri-County Electric Cooperative sponsors several juniors from area high schools to attend the Electric Cooperative Youth Tour in Washington, DC. The Youth Tour is more than an all-expense-paid trip to the nation’s capital to sightsee. It is a prestigious event in which thousands of high school juniors from across the nation join together to gain an understanding of our nation’s history and the freedoms we enjoy, as well as the many costs of those freedoms. The experience is rewarding, educational and fun! Students will tour memorials, museums and national landmarks that they may have only read about in history books.

We believe by investing in today’s youth, we are investing in our — and your — future. We know that some of the brightest and best students live right here in North Florida and we want to give them an opportunity to experience the past, present and future of our country. For many students, it will inspire a future in government or political science or your local cooperatives.

We ask for your support by informing eligible juniors in our community of this great opportunity. The Guidance Counselors at Aucilla Christian School and Jefferson County, Taylor County and Madison County high schools have been provided all the necessary information and documents.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding this rewarding program, please contact Kaitlynn Culpepper at (850) 973-8036 or kculpepper@tcec.com. Deadline to submit applications for the 2016 Youth Tour is Dec. 16, 2015.

Find Your Hidden Account Number & Get a $150 Bill Credit!

Hidden somewhere in this issue of Tri-County Rural Living is a member account number. Look carefully, it might be yours. If you find your account number exactly as it appears on your bill for electric service, we’ll credit your bill up to the amount of $150.00*! You have until Dec. 31, 2015, to claim your credit by calling Carol Timmons at (850) 973-2285, Ext. 203 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. You must contact the TCEC Representative before the deadline to collect your prize. * Total credit on bill will not exceed $150.00. This one-time credit valid only on the current balance. Any balance remaining after the $150.00 applied credit is the member’s responsibility.

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November & December 2015

Tri-County May Be Calling You

A circuit sentence has no spaces between the words. Your challenge is to place slashes where you think the spaces should go. Each sentence contains a safety message. One has already been completed for you.

The second part of this activity challenges you to match the pictures with the sentences that describe what you see. Most of these are pictures of things you should not do! Draw a line from the end of the sentence to the matching picture. One has already been completed for you.

Sample: Don’t/plug/too/many/things/into/one/outlet.

1. Waterandelectricitydon’tmix.

2. Makesureelectricalcordsarenotfrayedorbroken.

3. Neverdrythingsbyputtingthemonalamp.

5. Placeelectricalcordswhereyouwon’ttriponthem.

In the upcoming months, Tri-County Electric Cooperative will be conducting a telephone survey to better understand how members view their cooperative and how we can better communicate the value of cooperative membership. Bellomy Research will be conducting the survey on our behalf. The caller will identify themselves by name and company.

This is for public opinion research only.

The survey will be targeted to residential members from various age groups. The survey is expected to last no more than 15 minutes. At no time during the survey will you be asked for a credit card, payment information, or personal identification information.

Residential member telephone interviews will be made primarily during weeknights from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Weekend calling will be limited to Saturday only. No Sunday calling is permitted on this study. Bellomy Research uses the words “Opinion Counts” as their Caller ID code. All survey calls from the data collection center originate from area code 336.

Thank you in advance for participating in our survey. Your feedback is vital to the success of YOUR cooperative!

6. Putsmokealarmsoneachlevelofthehouse.

7. Testsmokealarmsatleastonceamonth.

8. Replacesmokealarmbatteriesatleastonceayear.

9. Keepthingsthatcanburnawayfromspaceheaters.

PLEASE NOTE OUR HOLIDAY SCHEDULE All Tri-County Electric Cooperative offices will be closed Nov. 26 & 27 for Thanksgiving; Dec. 24 & 25 for Christmas; and Jan. 1, 2016, for New Year’s. We will have standby crews available for power restoration if needed.

November & December 2015

Please see “To Report Electrical Problems or Outages” on Page 11 of this newsletter.

The TCEC staff and employees appreciate the honor of serving you. From all of us, please have a wonderful Christmas and a bright, happy New Year!

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•OPEN BBQ Competition—OVER $10,000.0 •Backyard BBQ Division Competition •John Boy & Billy Grilling SAUCE CONTEST •People’s Choice Competition ($5.00 to Tast •KIDZ-QUE Grillmaster Contest (Ages 6-15)

KIDS CORRAL PLAY AREA, FREE BBQ TA MUSIC, ARTS & CRAFTS, FOOD VENDO CAR SHOW , CELEBRITY MEET & GREE PROFESSIONAL BBQ TEAM

•OPEN BBQ Competition—OVER $10,000.00 IN PRIZES! •Backyard BBQ Division Competition •John Boy & Billy Grilling SAUCE CONTEST •People’s Choice Competition ($5.00 to Taste) www.southernpinesblues.com taylorchamber@gtcom.net •KIDZ-QUE Grillmaster Contest (Ages 6-15)

850-584-5366

Blues Music All Weekend Long, KIDS CORRAL PLAY AREA, FREE BBQ TASTING, GREAT Arts & Crafts, Food Vendors, MUSIC, ARTS & CRAFTS, FOOD VENDORS, Antique ANTIQUE Car Show, BBQ & MORE! CAR SHOW , CELEBRITY MEET & GREETS, OVER 50 PROFESSIONAL BBQ TEAMS!!

It is never too early to teach children about electrical safety.

To prevent injury to a www.southernpinesblues.com child from electrical taylorchamber@gtcom.net cords:

Keep An Eye On Your Kids

850-584-5366

Blues Music All Weekend Long, Arts & Crafts, Food Vendors, Antique Car Show, BBQ & MORE!

Keep

cords in the house tied up or out of sight.

When

children are old enough, show them how to unplug cords. They should pull the cord out by the plug, not by the cord.

Unplug

all appliances when they are not being used. Keep away from a toddler’s grasp.

Replace

Rigby Culpepper, son of Jay & Kaitlynn Culpepper.

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cords.

any damaged electrical

November & December 2015

Main Street Monticello Cordially Invites You to a

Friday, December 4, 2015 • 5 pm to 9 pm Please join us for the Lighting of the Community Christmas Tree, raise your voices and sing along with local Church Choirs and support your local not-for profit organizations selling their wares.

There will also be the much anticipated arrival of Santa Claus on the fire truck! Don’t forget to bring your camera so you can have memories of your special visit.

Come early for dinner at one of our several local restaurants, stroll through our downtown shops enjoying special offers and events, mix and mingle with your neighbors — old and new — celebrating the Christmas season together.

All throughout downtown, there will be special FREE activities. Please come join us for this family-friendly community event.

Any questions, please contact Amy Rosmini at (772) 359-3082.

30th Annual Greenville Country Christmas

“Keeping Christ in Christmas” Friday & Saturday, December 11–12

Friday Night, Dec. 11: 5 pm - Bake Off - Entries should be dropped off at 4 pm 6 pm - Live Nativity in the park 7 pm - Reception Refreshments for the whole family

Saturday, Dec. 12: 10 am - Open ceremony in the park 11 am - Parade 12 noon–until - Arts/ crafts, live band, food vendors, door prizes

Joe Peavy – Grand Marshal Red Braswell – Citizen of the Year For more information, please contact Marshall or Barbara Norris at (850) 948-2720.

5th Annual Light Up Madison In Downtown Madison • Sponsored by the Kiwanis Club of Madison

Saturday, December 5 • 4:30 to 8:00 pm Light Up Madison will kick off the Christmas season in Madison County with a fun-filled evening of activities, entertainment, a parade, lots of lights, and of course Santa.

If you would like a parade application or would like to provide an activity or entertainment, please contact Deena Hames at 850-973-8277, 850-869-0985 or lakbom@healthtiquegroup.com.

November & December 2015

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Why Electric Co-ops Replace Utility Poles You probably don’t pay much attention to the utility poles found throughout Tri-County Electric’s service territory, but did you know these tall structures are the backbone of our distribution network?

Strong, sturdy utility poles ensure a reliable electric system, which is why we routinely inspect the 55,000 poles found on our lines. Currently, we are partnering with Osmose Utilities Services and performing routine pole inspections in the Steinhatchee area of Taylor County.

Those inspections are checking poles for decay caused by exposure to the elements.

Typically, a standard wooden distribution pole is expected to last more than 50 years.

Occasionally, poles need to be replaced for other reasons besides decay and old age. Weather disasters, power line relocation, and system upgrades are potential causes for immediate replacement. When possible, TCEC communicates when and where pole replacements will take place so that you stay informed of where crews will be working.

Here is a quick breakdown of how crews replace a utility pole: When a pole needs to be replaced, crews will start the process by digging a hole, typically next to the pole being replaced. The depth of the hole must be 15 percent of the new pole’s height. Next, the new pole must be fitted with bolts, cross arms, insulators, ground wires, and arm braces — all of the necessary parts for delivering safe and reliable electricity.

Then, crews safely detach the power lines from the old pole. The new pole is then raised and guided carefully into position, and the lines are attached, leaving the new pole to do its job.

So, the next time you come across a Cooperative crew replacing a pole, use caution and know that this process ensures a more reliable electric system for you, our members.

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>> What’s on that pole?

>>

This illustration shows basic equipment found on electric power distribution poles. Not all poles have all this equipment on them. They vary according to location and the service they provide.

>> Primary wires run on top. Each usually carries 7,200 volts of electricity from a substation. >> A crossarm holds power lines, allowing required clearances between lines.

>> Surge arrestors protect the transformer from lightning strikes.

>> A secondary service drop carries 120/240-volts of electricity to the end user. It has two “hot” wires from the transformer, and a bare neutral wire connected to the ground wire on the pole.

>> Telephone and cable TV lines are typically the lowest wires.

>> A head-high “birthmark” shows the size of the pole, as well as where and when it was made.

>> Insulators (made of porcelain or a composite) prevent energized wires from contacting each other or the pole.

>> The neutral wire acts as a line back to the substation and is tied to ground, balancing the electricity on the system. >> Transformers convert higher voltage electricity from primary wires to lower voltage for use by consumers. >> Guy wires help stabilize poles. They also are connected to the pole’s ground wire.

>> Pole ground wire—running the length of the pole—connects to the neutral wire to complete the circuit inside the transformer. It also directs electricity from lightning safely into the earth. >> Co-ops are responsible for keeping vegetation around poles trimmed to avoid interference with the electric system.

>> 40-foot poles are sunk six feet into the ground.

Illustration by Erin Binkley

CC09-eb.indd 12

8/11/14 3:12 PM

In our continued efforts to provide reliable electric service to our members, a routine pole treatment and inspection program is underway for members served by the Steinhatchee substation.

Osmose Utilities Services has been retained to perform these services. The Osmose professionals can be quickly recognized by the company logo on their vehicle. Osmose is providing a vital service for Tri-County Electric and we appreciate your cooperation while they are on your property. For more information about this project, or if you should have any questions or special concerns, please call our Contractor Supervisor David Wesson at (850) 973-2285 (Ext. 319) or 1-800-999-2285.

November & December 2015

Give the Gift of Light Did you know you can give the “Gift of Light” to any TriCounty Electric Cooperative member? This special gift will provide an electric bill credit for the Cooperative member of your choice.

A Gift of Light is a perfect gift for an aging family member or a young family that is struggling to make ends meet. They also make an excellent gift for the person who has everything and prefers a truly useful present.

Members interested in giving a Gift of Light may pay on the member’s bill at any TCEC office, receive a paid receipt to present to the recipient, or have the receipt mailed directly to the recipient. If you prefer, you may remain anonymous.

We are excited about this program and feel it is a great way for members to help one another.

For more information on the Gift of Light program, please call and speak with a member service representative at 1-800-999-2285.

Supporting the Community On Thursday, Oct. 1, 2015, Tri-County Electric Cooperative made a donation of $860 to the United Way of the Big Bend. This money was raised by employee donations and proceeds from Touchstone Energy.

By making a donation to United Way, TCEC is helping to support an organization that assists in educational programs for needy children and families, meals for families, medical and financial assistance, and much more.

All for citizens in our service area!

For more information about United Way of the Big Bend and how you or your organization can get involved visit www.uwbb.org!

(Left to right) TCEC’s Stephanie Carroll presents a donation of $860 to Susan Taylor of NFCC, and Ted Ensminger and Karen Frazee of United Way of the Big Bend.

A THOUSAND THANKS TO A THOUSAND FANS ON

1,000

www.facebook.com/TriCountyElectricFlorida

Join our over 1,000 members who follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/TriCountyElectricFlorida for outage updates, energy saving tips, community happenings and MORE! 71001186003 November & December 2015

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Tri-County Electric Cooperative, Inc. Board Meeting Notes for Aug. 10, 2015

Tri-County Electric Cooperative, Inc. Board Meeting Notes for Sept. 14, 2015

With all trustees except two (one joined by telephone), key Cooperative personnel, guests and the attorney present, the regular monthly meeting of the Board of Trustees of Tri-County Electric Cooperative, Inc. was held on Monday, Aug. 10, 2015, in the Tri-County Electric Cooperative, Inc. headquarters office building located in Madison, Fla. Reports to the Board included those of the district meetings for Districts 1, 2 and 4; Florida Electric Cooperatives Association Summer Leadership Conference; Finance Committee; Policy Committee; Building and Land Committee; and General Manager.

Action taken by the Board included the following: approval of the Aug. 10, 2015, Board Agenda and the July 13, 2015 Board Meeting minutes; and a resolution adopting the Seminole Electric Cooperative 2015 Load Forecast. The Policy Committee recommended and the Board approved written job descriptions for the Board of Trustees President, Vice President and Secretary/Treasurer positions. The Board was asked to take proposed new Policy 113, “Board Training and Development;” proposed new Policy 116, “Corporate Communications;” and proposed new Policy 118, “Emergency Succession Plan,” home for study for possible action at the September 2015 Board meeting.

Final plans for the 2015 Annual Meeting of Tri-County Electric Cooperative, Inc. to be held on Sept. 19, 2015, were discussed. Other action taken by the Board included adoption of the Resolution and Incumbency Certificate for the CoBank line of credit increase; Consent Agenda items as written and recommended by the General Manager which included the WPCA for August 2015 as established by resolution; RUS Form 7 for June 2015; the list of new members for June 29–July 31, 2015; the Safety and Accident Report for June 2015 along with the System Outage Report.

With all trustees, key Cooperative personnel, guests and the attorney present, the regular monthly meeting of the Board of Trustees of Tri-County Electric Cooperative, Inc. was held on Monday, Sept. 14, 2015, in the Tri-County Electric Cooperative, Inc. headquarters office building located in Madison, Fla. Reports to the Board included those of the Sept. 10, 2015, Seminole Electric Cooperative Board meeting; Finance Committee; Policy Committee; Building and Land Committee; and General Manager. Action taken by the Board included the following: approval of the Sept. 14, 2015, Board agenda and the Aug. 10, 2015, Board Meeting minutes. The Policy Committee recommended and the Board approved new Policy 113, “Board Training and Development;” Policy 116, “Corporate Communications;” and Policy 118, “Emergency Succession Plan.”

The Board was asked to take proposed revised Policy 111, “Election of Cooperative Trustees;” proposed revised Policy 107, “Fee Payment and Expense Reimbursement to Trustees;” and proposed revised Policy 508, “Travel While on Cooperative Business,” home for study for possible action at the October 2015 Board meeting. Consent Agenda items as written and recommended by the General Manager which included the WPCA for September 2015 as established by resolution; RUS Form 7 for July 2015; the list of new members for August 2015 and Sept. 1–14, 2015; Safety and Accident Report for July 2015 along with the System Outage Report. An annual review of employee benefits with NRECA was presented, and a Certificate of Mailing of Annual Meeting Notice was presented for the secretary’s signature. Other action taken by the Board included authorization for the electric receivable accounts, which appear to be uncollectible, for the appropriate accounting designation; adoption of the Resolution for the Amendment to the CoBank line of credit increase; adoption of the Certificate of Resolutions and Incumbency to the CFC line of credit increase; approval of Work Order Inventories (RUS Forms 219) for October–December 2014 and authorization to proceed with purchase of property to build future substation in Madison County.

Malcolm V. Page Albert Thomas, Jr. President Secretary-Treasurer

This Publication’s

Inspirational Moment “Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His love endures forever.”

1 Chronicles 16:34 (NIV) 10

Malcolm V. Page Albert Thomas, Jr. President Secretary-Treasurer

BOARD MEETINGS The regular monthly meeting of the Board of Trustees of Tri‑County Electric Cooperative, Inc. will be held the second Monday in each month at 3:00 p.m. in the central office building of the Cooperative located at 2862 West U.S. 90, approximately two miles west of the city of Madison.

November & December 2015

Baked Potato Casserole Ingredients • 4 lbs red skinned potatoes • 4 cloves fresh garlic • ¼ cup butter • 1 cup sour cream (light may be used) • ½ cup of milk or cream (add more or less to taste) • 4 oz cream cheese, softened (light may be used) • 2 cups grated cheddar cheese • 2 green onions thinly sliced • 10 slices bacon, cooked crisp and chopped or ½ cup of bacon bits • salt & pepper to taste Toppings • 1 green onion sliced • 2 slices of bacon, cooked & crumbled • ½ cup cheddar cheese

3. Drain potatoes & garlic and mash slightly with a potato masher. Add in remaining ingredients (except toppings) and mash to desired consistency.

4. Add toppings, place into a casserole dish and bake for 2530 minutes or until cheese is melted and potatoes are hot.

Instructions 1. Preheat oven to 375 2. Wash potatoes, peel off about ⅔ of the skin, (leaving some on the potatoes) and chop into large chunks. Slice the cloves of garlic into 3 pieces each. Boil the potatoes and garlic in a large pot of water until potatoes are tender (about 15 minutes).

Tri-County Rural Living Vol. XIX No. II November & December 2015 TRI-COUNTY RURAL LIVING, the voice of your member-owned, taxpaying electric utility, is published bimonthly—more if necessary—through the auspices of Tri-County Electric Cooperative, Inc. as a service to its member-owners. Postage is paid at Blountstown, FL.

BOARD OF TRUSTEES Junior Smith D-1 Bobby Dodd D-2 Neal Brown D-3 George Webb D-4 Catherine Bethea Secretary-Treasurer, D-5 Gary Fulford President, D-6 Albert Thomas, Jr. Vice President, D-7 Malcolm V. Page D-8 Elmer Coker D-9

EDITORIAL OFFICES 2862 West US Hwy. 90 Madison, FL • (850) 973-2285 PUBLICATION COMMITTEE Julius Hackett General Manager Eileen Herndon Executive Assistant Kaitlynn Culpepper Community Relations Specialist Michael Curtis, Madison Media Group Writer STAFF Jeff Brewer Manager – Engineering Stephanie Carroll Manager – Corporate Services Darrell Tuten Manager – Operations Wendell M. Williams Manager – Finance

Send CHANGE OF ADDRESS NOTICES to: Tri-County Electric Cooperative, Inc. 2862 West US Hwy. 90 Madison, FL 32340

November & December 2015

Reduce energy for water heating. Take simple steps like lowering your water heater’s temperature and installing low-flow showerheads to reduce your water heating bills.

Source: energy.gov

To Report Electrical Problems or Outages Please Call:

850-973-2285 or 1-800-999-2285 24-HOUR SERVICE THANK YOU

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Tri-County Electric Cooperative, Inc. 2862 West US Hwy. 90 Madison, FL 32340

And the winners are the Ethel Dennis Family of Greenville!