Tri-County Rural Living Newsletter

TRI-COUNTY ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE

Tri-County Rural Living

Mrs. Eloise Stewart reflects on the founding of Tri-County Electric Cooperative

March & April 2015 Vol. 18 • No. 4

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Making Life Better

Message from the Desk of General Manager Julius Hackett

What

would make life better in our service territory? I’m not talking about winning the lottery — that only makes life better for one person or a small group. But more jobs? Better health care? Improved parks?

Those are areas that benefit everyone in our region.

Tri-County Electric Cooperative exists to power communities and empower you, our members, to improve your quality of life. The cooperative business model offers the perfect tool for tackling tasks too big for one person to handle alone. But we need a common purpose to effectively wield the power of cooperation.

Think about the impact electricity made in rural areas 75 years ago. Women lived longer because they no longer had to work from dusk to dawn at backbreaking chores.

Farm production jumped. Things like running water, lights and stored food were possible — and with those leaps, our ancestors’ lives were given new opportunities.

A few of you may remember our beginnings from your younger days — you know full well the power of neighbors uniting behind a common purpose. But the vast majority doesn’t remember when this area rolled up its sleeves and worked together to get the lights on. Back when life was hard — before cooperation changed the landscape of the communities we serve.

Does that mean we don’t need a cooperative anymore? Is our job done? Are there no challenges, no roadblocks to a brighter future for our children? What’s next for us?

That’s up to you.

Tri-County Electric Cooperative is more than a power provider. We’re proof that when folks unite with a single focus, we can bring dreams to reality. Our purpose — powering this community and empowering you, our

members — can make life better in northwest Florida.

You, our members, have the power to enact change — all with a little cooperation. So think about it: What’s important to you? What would make life better?

Please tell us what you’re working on to improve the quality of life. We’re here to support your efforts, and we want to know how we can help bring people with common needs and interests together.

Remember, electric co-ops can be a mechanism you use to make life better.

Send your ideas to us at 2862 West US 90, Madison, FL 32340 or call us at 1-800-999-2285.

We exist today because co-op members like yourself 75 years ago believed they could turn darkness into daylight.

Thanks for sharing your ideas with us.

We can’t wait to work cooperatively Since 1940, Tri-County Electric with you!

Cooperative has been making life better for people like you. Above, Celia Zeigler turns on her electric lights for the first time after TCEC connected her home to the power grid in 1991. Enthusiastic, interested and excited, she recalled that she had moved from an era when water was drawn from a well by hand to a day when she had the possibility of an electric pump to do the work for her. (Taken in part from Tri-County Rural Electric News, August 1991.

Your Account Number=a Credit on Your Light Bill!

Located somewhere in this issue of Tri-County Rural Living is a member account number. Look carefully; it might be yours! If you do find your account number exactly as it appears on your bill for electric service, your account will be credited in the amount of $150! You have until Feb. 27, 2015, to claim your credit by calling Carol Timmons at (850) 973-2285, Ext. 203, from 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m., Monday–Friday. You must contact the TCEC representative before the deadline to collect the 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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March & April 2015

From the cover ...

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s Tri-County Electric Cooperative celebrates its 75th anniversary, it wishes to acknowledge the contributions of Louis and Eloise Stewart. When representatives from the federal energy agency came to the area 75 years ago to promote the use of electricity, local farmers were cautious and hesitant to participate in the process.

A handful of volunteers, led by Mr. Stewart, worked tirelessly to rally the numbers needed to launch the Co-op, where he also served on the first Board. Mrs. Stewart, now 104 years young, who was later recognized in the prestigious book, Women of the Harvest (displayed by Mrs. Stewart, right), for her own achievements and dedication to excellence in agriculture, fondly recalls those days. Please take a moment to enjoy a video of Mrs. Stewart located in the Your Community section of our website at www.tcec.com/content/your-community as she reflects on her husband's contribution to the founding of Tri-County Electric Cooperative and expresses her appreciation of the wonderful benefits that followed.

A Note

of Thanks

Louis “L. B.” Stewart was presented a resolution from the TCEC Board July 8, 1985, in recognition of his tireless contributions.

Play it Safe Around Electricity

Tri-County Electric Cooperative’s Safety Director Rusty Smith gives a fun and interactive safety demonstration that drives home the message of electrical safety. Rusty uses an interactive display called Power Town to show how to “Play it Safe Around Electricity.” This is a great

March & April 2015

opportunity to educate people of all ages on how to prevent dangerous electrical situations.

This traveling Power Town exhibit allows Tri-County Electric Cooperative to discuss substations, power lines, the effects of trees near power lines, and the dangers of vehicles around power lines.

The display even shows electricity arcing throughout parts of the live presentation.

Power Town is free and can be scheduled to come to your location. If your school, civic organization, or public service group is interested in this safety demonstration, contact Rusty at (850) 973-8027 or at rsmith@tcec.com.

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Tri-County Electric Employee News Antonio Richardson, New System Engineer December 2014, Tri-County welcomed a new System Engineer: Antonio Richardson. Antonio holds an electrical engineering degree from Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University and brings a fresh look to TCEC. Antonio is brand new to the Madison area as he was born and raised in Jacksonville, Fla. So when you see him in the field be sure to give him a warm Madison welcome.

Fun Fact: “If I could be any superhero, I would be Iron Man aka Tony Stark. That way I could build cutting-edge technology for the primary use of helping others.” — Antonio

George Webb, Manager of Member Services and Administration, Retires Congratulations to George Webb (pictured right) on his retirement from Tri-County Electric Cooperative. George, the Manager of Member Services and Administration, served the members of TCEC for over 41 years. His last official day was Dec. 19, 2014.

We all extend our best wishes to George as he takes a long and much-deserved vacation.

Layered Summer Fruits with Creamy Lime Dressing Ingredients: Creamy Lime Dressing 1 pkg. (8 oz.) cream cheese, softened ½ c. frozen limeade concentrate, thawed ¼ c. powdered sugar 1 c. whipping cream, whipped Fruit 3 c. cut-up cantaloupe 1 qt. strawberries, quartered 2 ripe medium mangoes, seed removed, peeled and cut up 2 c. blueberries 2 c. honeydew melon, cut up Mint leaves, if desired Directions: 1. In medium bowl, beat cream cheese, limeade concentrate and powdered sugar with electric mixer on medium-high speed about 3 minutes or until smooth. Fold in whipped cream.

2. In 3 quart trifle bowl, layer cantaloupe and strawberries. Spread half the cream cheese mixture over the strawberries. Layer mangoes, blueberries and honeydew over cream cheese mixture. Spread remaining cream cheese mixture on top. Garnish with mint leaves.

3. Serve immediately, or cover and refrigerate up to 2 hours before serving.

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March & April 2015

Eating on a Budget

Tips for choosing healthier foods without breaking the bank

In

these difficult economic times, many folks in our region find themselves struggling to pay bills and make regular purchases like groceries. Eating on a budget doesn’t mean sacrificing health or food quality.

Consider “shopping the perimeter” — spend more time in a supermarket along the edges where fresh items are usually situated. Processed foods and foods that are higher in sugar and fat like soda and chips tend to be placed in the middle aisles. By shopping the perimeter of the store, you can avoid some of those products altogether.

Read those nutrition labels, be familiar with prices so you can recognize a great deal, and choose items from each of the recommended food groups (www.ChooseMyPlate.gov).

Fruits and Vegetables Buying local offers one way to purchase great tasting fruits and vegetables without the high price.

Buying fruits and vegetables in season makes them more affordable and spring is a great time to try raising a few staples such as lettuce and tomatoes in a home garden.

In addition, look for frozen alternatives. And to get the most nutritional value, purchase frozen fruits without added sugar and frozen vegetables without added salt.

Whole Grains For your recommended intake of whole grains, consider buying 100 percent whole wheat or 100 percent whole grain breads. To increase nutrient value, make sure the first ingredient listed is 100 percent whole grain.

You can incorporate other whole grains into your diet

by eating whole grain cereals like oatmeal, brown rice, and/or whole wheat pasta.

In addition to getting your recommended amount of grain servings, consuming whole grains along with fruits and vegetables provides fiber that your body needs — and it can keep you feeling full longer, which may help you eat less.

Lean Protein Protein such as beef, pork, poultry, and fish are typically the most expensive items on a grocery list. To reduce costs, try alternate protein sources such as dried beans and/or legumes for one or two meals each week.

Including dried or canned beans to your diet is another way to increase the fiber content of your day’s intake.

Dairy Today, whole milk, 2 percent milk, 1 percent milk, and fat-free/skim milk are priced the same. You can also set aside “liquid” milk for drinking by using non-fat milk powder in cooked dishes.

In conculsion, cooking healthier on a budget doesn’t mean sacrificing taste, quality or nutritional value. Small changes like removing the skin of a chicken before cooking, draining fat from meat, baking fish instead of frying, and choosing to supplement or substitute meat with beans, can make a difference.

Source: USDA

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Madison County Chamber of Commerce & Tourism P.O. Box 817 • Madison, FL 32341 316 SW Pinckney Street • Madison, FL 32340 850-973-2788 • Fax: 850-973-8864 Website: www.madisonfl.org • Email: chamber@madisonfl.org

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March & April 2015

Monticello Bike Fest March 20-21,2015

What Monticello, Florida Offers

Rolling hills and canopy roads make the panhandle of Florida the perfect setting for cyclists who want a change of scenery. Jefferson County offers the quaint town of Monticello as a unique host of the festival. Plantations, heritage roads and historic homes, and quaint shops.

Event Itinerary & Registration: https://raceroster.com/events/2015/4018/monticello-bike-fest Friday, March 20 Check in / registration / activities 2:00pm—10:00pm

Saturday, March 21 - Four Rides: Century, Metric Century, 30 Out & Back, 10 Mile Family Fun

Time to Get Moving

Walk Monticello Bike Fest

out for at least 20 minutes three days per off health worries? Dance week. A “vigorous” workout should result away from disease?

According to the Harvard School of Public in a higher heart rate, rapid breathing, and conversation occurring in shorter Health, exercise can help you maintain sentences. Jogging is a good example of a a healthy weight, lower stress levels, and March 20-21,2015 more vigorous activity. prevent chronic problems like heart Pump it Up disease, diabetes, osteoporosis, and certain As you age, strength training helps types of cancer. you maintain ability tothe perform Despite these benefits, only 30 percent Rolling hills and canopy roads make the panhandlethe of Florida perfect everyday tasks such as climbing of Americans engage in regular physical setting for cyclists who want a change of scenery. Jefferson Countystairs, offers carrying your own groceries, etc. It’s a activity, while 40 percent almost never the quaint town of Monticello as a unique host of the festival. Plantagood idea to get guidance from an expert exercise. The American College of Sports tions, recommends heritage roads and adults historic homes, andarea. quaint shops. in this Medicine healthy fit in at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity Flexibility training is the final Event Itinerary & aRegistration: aerobic activity five days week. https://raceroster.com/events/2015/4018/monticello-bike-fest This includes brisk walking — ideal since it requires no 20— equipment, specific 2:00pm—10:00pm Friday, March timeCheck or place, and can be done at each in / registration / activities individual’s pace — as well as chopping wood, mowingMarch the lawn with a push Saturday, 21—Rides begin at 7:00am mower, or even dancing.

In a workplace Four Rides: Century, Metric Century, 30 Out & Back, 10 Mile Family Fun setting, use stairs instead of the elevator, park your car further away from the entrance, or take a walk for 20–30 minutes during a lunch hour.

For a more vigorous approach, work

What Monticello, Florida Offers

March & April 2015

component to any exercise routine.

Stretching for about five minutes before and after workouts reduces soreness and injury, and also will aid in preserving the range of movement needed to function normally.

If your present lifestyle could be categorized as sedentary, begin exercising slowly, and gradually increase the duration of your workouts. The health benefits will be noticeable. Remember that some movement is better than none, and more is even better!

Editor’s Note: Before beginning any exercise regimen, please consult a physician.

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TRI-COUNTY ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE, INC. BOARD MEETING NOTES - dec. 8, 2014

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, Dec. 8, 2014 in the Tri-County Electric headquarters office building located in Madison, Fla. Reports to the Board included those of the Florida Electric Cooperatives Association Board Meeting, Finance Committee, Policy Committee, Building and Land Committee, General Manager and attorney. The Policy Committee asked the Board to study the proposed recommended changes to the trustee election process for possible action at the January 2015 Board meeting. Action taken by the Board included the following: approval of the Dec. 8, 2014 Board agenda; the Nov. 10, 2014, Board meeting minutes; the Cooperative’s 2015 budget as presented and discussed at a workshop on Dec. 5, 2014; authorization for the present uncollectible accounts for the appropriate accounting designation; Work Order Inventories (RUS Forms 219) for April–June 2014; Emergency Restoration Plan approval and the adoption of the accompanying resolution as required by RUS; approval of revised Policy 607, “Voluntary Contributions for Educational Scholarships;” and Consent Agenda items as written and recommended by the General Manager which included the WPCA for December 2014 as established by resolution; RUS Form 7 for October 2014; the list of new members for Oct. 27–Nov. 20, 2014; Safety and Accident Report for October 2014 along with the System Outage Report. Other items discussed included the resignation of Trustee Bobby Harper (District 4) effective Dec. 31, 2014.

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TRI-COUNTY ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE, INC. BOARD MEETING NOTES - jan. 12, 2015

With

eight 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, Jan. 12, 2015, in the Tri-County Electric headquarters office building located in Madison, Fla. Reports to the Board included those of the Seminole Electric Cooperative Board Meeting, Finance Committee, Policy Committee, Building and Land Committee, Selection Committee, General Manager and attorney.

The Policy Committee asked the Board to study proposed revised Policy 516, “Education Assistance Program;” proposed revised Policy 527, “Employee Benefits;” and proposed revised Policy 602, “Medically Essential Service Accounts,” for possible action at the February 2015 Board meeting. Action taken by the Board included the following: approval of the Jan. 12, 2015, Board agenda; approval of the Dec. 8, 2014, Board meeting minutes; resolution changing the regular monthly board meeting start time to 3:00 p.m. effective with the February 2015 Board meeting; Work Order Inventories (RUS Forms 219) for July–September 2014 and Consent Agenda items as written and recommended by the General Manager which included the WPCA for January 2015 as established by resolution; RUS Form 7 for November 2014; the list of new members for Nov. 21–Dec. 28, 2014; Safety and Accident Report for November 2014 along with the System Outage Report. In other action the Board accepted the Selection Committee’s recommendation to appoint Mr. George Webb to fill the unexpired term of District 4 trustee due to the resignation of Trustee Bobby Harper. The General Manager presented a review of Board districts as required by Policy 115, “Board Districts;” an update on patronage capital credit check distributions in 2014; and local economic development activities in the Cooperative’s service territory. The attorney presented and explained the “Trustee Conflict of Interest and Acknowledgement of Understanding of Article IV, Section 2 of the Bylaws” questionnaire for the Board to sign; and updated the Board on legal matters.

Malcolm V. Page Albert Thomas, Jr.

President Secretary-Treasurer

This Publication’s Inspirational Moment “Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be yet wiser: teach a just man, and he will increase in learning.”

Proverbs 9:9 (KJV) 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 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 (2) miles west of the city of Madison.

March & April 2015

Watch Out for Electrical Hazards on the Farm

are busy preparing tillage equipments, Many farmers sprayers and planters for spring fieldwork. Tri-

County Electric Cooperative urges farmers to look for electric hazards around the farm as they prepare for planting.

The most common cause of contact with overhead power lines is operating machinery such as large tractors with front loaders, portage grain augers, fold-up cultivators, grain elevators and any equipment with an antenna. Handling long items such as irrigation pipe, ladders and road also poses the risk of contact with power lines.

Overhead power lines are necessary to deliver electricity to farmstead and rural homes, but the electricity can be deadly if wires are touched by large equipment. Farmers should be aware of power lines while using large equipment for spring tillage.

Farmers and their equipment should always stay 10 feet away from power lines on all sides. Practice extreme caution and use a spotter to make sure you stay far way from power lines when you use tall equipment.

Overhead power lines are not the only electric hazard on the farm. Pole guy wires, used to stabilize utility poles, are grounded. However, when one of the guy wires is broken it can become charged with electricity. If you break a guy wire, call the Cooperative.

Tri-County Rural Living Vol. XVIII No. IV March & April 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 D-5 Gary Fulford Vice President, D-6 Albert Thomas, Jr. Secretary-Treasurer, D-7 Malcolm V. Page President, 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 Passmore Community Relations Specialist Michael Curtis, Madison Media Group Writer STAFF Jeff Brewer Manager – Engineering Darrell Tuten Manager – Operations Wendell M. Williams Manager – Finance Stephanie Carroll Manager – Corporate Services

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

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Often, the situation occurs because a newer, bigger piece of equipment no longer clears a line the way a smaller one did. In addition, shifting soil may also affect whether or not machinery avoids power lines from year to year.

Spring into safety! LOOK UP & AROUND as you move large equipment into the field this spring.

It’s important to be aware of power lines when operating any farm equipment, but it is especially important when using tall or new equipment such as a portage grain auger.

Your home works hard for you.

Consider giving it an energy checkup. Hire a professional energy auditor to diagnose where your house could be losing energy and where you can start saving money. Auditors check for air leaks, inspect insulation, survey heating and cooling equipment and more. After making efficiency upgrades, you could save 5–30 percent on your energy bills!

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