Tri-County Rural Living Newsletter

Lovell Day, grandson of TCEC member Ms. Marvis Day. March & April 2016 Vol. 19 • No. 4

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Membership Matters

General Manager Julius Hackett There are several types of cooperatives in the U. S. and you could be a member of more than just one. You may belong to a gym, a 4-H club, a farmer’s co-op, a foodof-the-month club ... the list goes on and on. So what makes being a member of a

co-op different?

The simple answer to that question is that when you are a member of a coop, you are also an owner. You own a stake in our business, and just like any stakeholder, there are many benefits to your membership. As a member of TriCounty Electric, you have a say in the representatives who are elected to serve on the co-op’s Board of Trustees. You have an opportunity to make your voice heard every year at our annual meeting held on the third Saturday of September.

You get a say on policy issues your electric cooperative supports or opposes. You can even help to determine how your profits are redistributed.

Our primary goal is to provide you with safe, reliable and affordable electricity. Sure, we have to think about

expenses, overhead and other aspects of daily business, but when we have a little left over, we send it right back to you. Whether we return it to you in the form of a bill credit or a check, you have a say in where that money goes!

And returning capital credits to you is a major part of why being a co-op member matters. In December 2015, the Board of Trustees evaluated the financial strength of the Cooperative and authorized the retirement of $1,001,046 in capital credits to members who received electric service in 1988–89.

As your local electric co-op, we get to be a part of this community. When we think about membership, we think about all of the ways we can give back to you, our members — and that’s what matters most to us. 81174002003

Charles and John P. Maultsby accept a capital credit check on behalf of Florida Plywood from Stephanie Carroll, Manager of Corporate Services.

Kin Johnson accepts a capital credit check on behalf of Johnson & Johnson, Inc.

Principal Richard Finlayson & Student Council President Sarah Tharpe accept a capital credit check on behalf of Aucilla Christian School.

Doug Brown on behalf of Madison County School Board accepts a capital credit check.

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March & April 2016

$371,091.65 in Unclaimed Capital Credits Can any of this be yours?

Tri-County Electric is trying to locate former members who received electric service between the years 1988 and 1989.

In December 2015, capital credit checks were mailed to the last known address on file for these members. The list below 1. Abbott, Gary 2. Abraham, Tony 3. Achor, Robert 4. Adams, Brett 5. Adams, W. H. 6. Adney, Daniel 7. Agner, Samuel 8. Air Farming 9. Albro, Lora 10. Aliff, Norval 11. Allen, Cumi T. 12. Allen, Ira 13. Albritton, Ricky 15. Alexander, Clifford 16. Alford, Dan 17. Allen, Ellancer 18. Allen, Lois 19. Almanza, Rafael 20. Amerson, Richard Lee 21. Amodeo, Joseph 22. Anderson, Grace 23. Anderson II, Ike 24. Ashton, Louise 25. Assimack, Basil 26. Associates Financial SE 27. Atkinson, Roy G. 28. Atwood, James 29. Bach, Mary 30. Bachand, Romeo 31. Bailey, H. W. 32. Bailey, Larry R. 33. Balber, Cynthia 34. Ballard, Dorothy 35. Barfield, Roger / Sunsouth Farms 36. Barfield, Thomas 37. Barker, Linda 38. Barlow, William 39. Barnhart, David 40. Barrow, Don 41. Barrs, David c/o Casa Grande 42. Barton, Charles 43. Baugh, Fred 44. Beatty, Guy March & April 2016

contains the names of members whose checks were returned to us by the post office because of an incorrect address.

We need your help. If your name is on the list, or if you have an updated address for someone on the list, please contact TCEC.

45. Beaver, Melinda 46. Bembry, Jean E. 47. Bennett, R. D. 48. Benis, Betty J. & S. E. 49. Birdsong, Janice 50. Bishop, Rex C. 51. Black, Sherry 52. Blake, Curtis 53. Blair, Michael 54. Bland, M. E. 55. Blue, Johnnie 56. Blue, Michael 57. Bloodworth, Marjorie 58. Boutwell, Wayne 59. Bowden, Nina (Mrs.) 60. Bowden, Sandy K. 61. Brantley, Marcia 62. Brehm, Mickey 63. Brickey, Terry 64. Brooks, Michael 65. Brumley, Debbie 66. Buckley, Gene 67. Bunker, Gordon 68. Burris, Paul 69. Buzbee, Gary 70. Byers, Howard 71. Cain, Robert 72. Capital Truss Co., Inc. c/o Bob Widdop 73. Cardoza, Maria 74. Carmichael, Larry 75. Carr, Miacael 76. Carter, Charlie 77. Carter, John Ellis 78. Catledge, Phyllis 79. Cates, Mary Lou 80. Caudell, Clint 81. Chambers, Janie 82. Chason, Stephan 83. Chewning, George 84. Childress, Jack 85. Christian, John 86. Clampett, Jim 87. Cobb, Nancy 88. Coker, David

89. Cone, Billy 90. Cone, Michele 91. Conway, Bessie 92. Cook, Deana 93. Cooks, Wilton 94. Cooksey, Frances 95. Cooper, Dean 96. Corriveau, Daniel 97. Cox, Margaret 98. Cox, Rose Marie 99. Craig, William 100. Craven, Steve & Judy 101. Creative Water Products 102. Crounse, Arthur 103. Curk, Stephen 104. Curry, Eugene 105. Daniels, Kimberly 106. Dartek – Taylor County 107. Davis, Dorothy M. 108. Davis, Elijah 109. Davis, J. M. 110. Davis, John 111. Deese, Timothy 112. Dixon, M. J. 113. Dixon, Mary 114. Dixon, Nellie 115. Doston, Gregory 116. Drum, William 117. Dry Branch Farm, Inc. 118. Dupree, Daniel 119. Edens, Edward 120. Edwards, Sandi 121. Ellingsen, Robert 122. Emory, Howard 123. Emory, Linda S. 124. Emory, Pam 125. Englemann, Connie 126. English, Nancy 127. Ervin, Alice 128. Ervin, William 129. Escott, Charlene 130. Eudy, Bobby

If one of your relatives is on the list and he or she is deceased, we are able to rewrite the check in the name(s) of the member’s heir(s). Please contact our office to obtain the form needed to claim these funds by calling (850) 973-2285.

131. Evans, David 132. Evans, Ray 133. Ezell, Lynn 134. Farmer, Eddie 135. Faustino, Charlene 136. Fielder, Mary El 137. Fitzgerald, Bernard 138. Florida Department of Corrections c/o Joseph Edwards 139. Floyd, Charles 140. Floyd, Janice 141. Floyd, Nell 142. Forte, Den 143. Forton, Debbie 144. Friedlander, Jack 145. Frohne, Jacqueline L. 146. Fulford, Bill & Mae 147. Fulton, George 148. FWB Church 149. Giddens, Elbert 150. Gilday, Florence C. 151. Glover, Angela 152. Goff, David or Sheryl 153. Gorby, George & Gloria 154. Graves, Carl 155. Green, Roger 156. Greene, William 157. Gregory, John c/o Shelby Raulston 158. Griffiths, David M. 159. Gross, Charles 160. Gutierrez, Arnold 161. Hampton, Carlissa 162. Hampton, Newton & Glenda 163. Hand, Norma V. 164. Hand, Linda 165. Handley, Wanda 166. Harland, Lena 167. Harris, Mark 168. Hart, Claude P. 169. Hart, Michell 170. Hawkins, Patricia

171. Hayes, Robert 172. Hayter, John 173. Heddy, Richard 174. Heiser, Alta Mae 175. Helleman, Darlene 176. Henry, Loretta 177. Hetzel, Lorene 178. Hicks, Walter 179. Hiebert, Frnak 180. Hill, Deborah 181. Hill, Gregory S. 182. Hilson, Shawn 183. Hinkle, Cindi 184. Hodge, R. E. 185. Hodges, James E. 186. Hogans, William 187. Hogue, Thelma 188. Holbart, Gary 189. Horne, Juanita 190. House of Jesus c/o Jerry Portwood 191. House, Roy C. 192. Howard, Patrick 193. Howard, Vernon & Laraine 194. Howdeshell, Mike 195. Howell, Lena C. 196. Hudgins, Sarah 197. Hudson, Gary K. 198. Hudson, Robin 199. Hunter, Geraldine 200. Hunter, Louise 201. Hurst, Betty 202. Hurst, Neil 203. Hutchinson, Ed 204. Hysmith, Carrol 205. Isgro, Wesley 206. Jackson, Kenneth 207. Jackson, Thomas J. 208. Jarrell, Vickie 209. Jefferies, Herbert 210. Jeffrey, Faye & Carl 211. Jennings, Ruth & M. J. Sherrill Continued next page 3

Continued from previous 212. Jernigan, Henry c/o Robert Lee 213. Johnson, Barney 214. Johnson, Doug 215. Johnson, Henry c/o Rose E. Mott 216. Johnson, Myrtle 217. Johnson, Virginia 218. Jorgensen, J. Harold 219. Joyner, Al 220. Joyner, Lisa 221. Karageorge, George 222. Kelley, Flora 223. Kiesling, Diane 224. Killough, William 225. Kirkland, Mike 226. Kitchingham, Jack 227. Knight, Cheryl 228. Knight, Margie 229. Knitter, Roger 230. Kornegay, Robert 231. Koytuk, Eleanor 232. Kreft, Terri 233. Kunsman, Donald 234. Lamar, Sam 235. Lavieri, Gail 236. Lebetter, Edna 237. Lee, Billy J. 238. Lee, Donald 239. Leggett, Rhonda 240. Leutner, Christopher E. 241. Lewis & Associations Cons 242. Lewis, Dawn 243. Lewis, Jane 244. Lewis, W. T. 245. Lipps, Edward 246. Living Word Gospel Crusade c/o Evn Eddie J Lee 247. Lollis, Lisa Daverson 248. Lundy, Mary Ann 249. Lyons, Leroy 250. Lyons, Mae 251. M & M Concrete 252. Mackey, Jane 253. Mallory, Elman 254. Malone, Mildred 255. Mandziara, Max 256. Mann, C. J. 257. Marshall, Iris 258. Matthies, Jean C. 4

259. McClellan, Hershel 260. McClellan, Paul 261. McCoy, A. E. 262. McKinney, Tony 263. McKnight, Lora K. 264. McLaughlin, Dorothy 265. McLeod, Ivon S. 266. McNutt, Mary 267. McPhaul, Sandy 268. Meade, James 269. Merry, Manda (Sturdivant) 270. Merton, Bruce 271. Merz, Helen 272. Methvin, Thomas 273. Miller, Ervin 274. Mills, H. P. 275. Milks, Colleen 276. Mink, Cher 277. Mistry, Carlos 278. Mitchell, Henry 279. Mitchell, Howard 280. Mixon, Irene 281. Mixon, Scott 282. Moore, Willie c/o Amy Allen 283. Monroe, Danny 284. Morelon, Joanne 285. Morgan, Amanda 286. Morgan, Harrison 287. Morse, Thomas 288. Mott, W. C. 289. Murray, Curtis 290. Newberry, Jeffery 291. Newport, Phyllis c/o Robert M. Newport 292. Nutt, Marion 293. Oeth, Kevin 294. Oleary, Donald 295. Olund, Carl C. 296. Otero, Carlos 297. Pace, John H. 298. Padgett, Cecil & Marilyn 299. Page, Lisa 300. Pareti, Joseph 301. Parker, Clarence 302. Parker, Lisa M. 303. Parker, Ralph Douglas 304. Parnell, James & Doris 305. Parrish, Willie 306. Pass, Willa D.

307. Patrick, Anthony 308. Peacock, Fonda 309. Peacock, Marvin 310. Peake, Leo 311. Peccarelli, Anne 312. Peoples Church of Living God c/o Bertha Lee Cambric 313. Pervis, Don c/o Sunsweet Apiaries 314. Pettigrew, T. H. 315. Phillips, Barbara 316. Phillips, Clara 317. Phillips, Thomas 318. Phillips, Vickie 319. Pitts, William 320. Pollgreen, Lori 321. Porter, Allen 322. Proenza, J. R. 323. Puskar, Duane 324. Quiett, Robert 325. Quinn, Johnny Ray 326. Raker, Colleen Smith 327. Randleman, Harold 328. Ray, Daniel 329. Reams, Evelyn 330. Reeves, Christell 331. Reeves, William 332. Reid, Linda 333. Reynolds, John 334. Rice, James 335. Rice, Margaret 336. Rickey, Kent 337. Riddle, Ross 338. Roberts, Jerry 339. Robertson, Malcolm 340. Robinson, O’Neal 341. Rodriguez, William 342. Roes, Cheryl 343. Rose, Linda 344. Rose Marie’s Shear Design c/o Michael Diaz 345. Rutherford, Donnie 346. Sadler, Laymon c/o Linda Fyre 347. Sanders, C. A. 348. Sampson, Jerry 349. Saye, Jerry 350. Schafer, Russel c/o Freewill Baptist Church 351. Schrier, Patricia 352. Schroeder, Kendrick

353. Scott, Byron 354. Seekell, Pat 355. Sessions, Joan 356. Shedd, Lloyd R. 357. Shiver, Jeffrey 358. Sikes, Troy 359. Silvernell, Ed 360. Simpson, Billy 361. Singletary, Renee 362. Singley, James 363. Sistrunk, Cecil 364. Smith, Julia R. 365. Smith, Michael 366. Smyrnios, Miriam 367. Sparks, Charles 368. Spicer, Phillip 369. Spradley, Wayne 370. St. John, Jamie 371. Stallings, Mona 372. Steele, Brian 373. Steinhatchee Seafood Produce c/o Charles H. Fowler 374. Stephens, Derrick 375. Stephens, Leroy 376. Strickland, Curtis 377. Strickland, Glenda 378. Strickland, R. G. 379. Sutton, Rebecca 380. Swistack, E. W. 381. Tag Kennels 382. Tarrant, Denise 383. Tate, Robbin 384. Taylor, Carl 385. Tedder, James 386. Tedder, Toni or Joe 387. Thomas, John A. 388. Thompkins, Mose 389. Tomlinson, Mary 390. Tompkins, Charles 391. Tompkins, Ronnie 392. Thorne, Larry 393. Thornton, Ernest 394. Thrift, Jean 395. Tiner, M. Virgina c/o Capt. Paul C. Cronk, Jr. 396. Totams, G. F. 397. Traynor, Harold J. 398. Tredwell, Mary 399. Turnpenny, Harry 400. Upp, Donald 401. Virgil, Harvey 402. Wade, Alfred 403. Wade, James 404. Walters, Peter

405. Ward, Charles 406. Ward, Mary V. 407. Ware, William R. 408. Warren, Lee 409. Washington, General 410. Watson, William 411. Watts, Gemma 412. Weamer, James 413. Webb, Deborah 414. Webb, Julie L. 415. Weingart, George 416. Weiss, Karl 417. Welling, Richard 418. Wells, Robert 419. Whiddon, Rodney D. 420. Whipple, Jean 421. Whissen, Michael 422. Whitaker, Bud 423. Whitehead, James c/o Paul Whitehead 424. Whitehead, Timothy 425. Whitehurst, Wendell 426. Wigglesworth, Stephen 427. Wilder, Kathy 428. Wiles, Sharon 429. Williams, Edna 430. Williams, Geneva 431. Williams, Helen 432. Williams, J. W. 433. Williams, Scott 434. Williams, Walter 435. Williams, Wanda C. 436. Willis, Lori 437. Willoughby, Glenn 438. Wilson, Milam 439. Wilson, Minnie 440. Wirick, Mark 441. Windsor, David 442. Woodard, Terry 443. Wright, Keith M. 444. Wright, Shannon 445. Wright, Sherry Lee 446. Wynn J. Inc. 447. Yates, Harrison 448. Yeatman, Jacob 449. Youmans, Katherine 450. Youngblood, Darrl 451. Zellner, Art 452. Zylstra, Tommy March & April 2016

New Faces at TCEC Could a career at Tri-County Electric Cooperative be in your future? Does the thought of joining our line crew, working outdoors in a highly energized environment appeal to you? Or maybe you prefer an indoor job and your definition of a great day is feeling like you’ve gone the extra mile to help someone. Periodically the Cooperative has openings that we advertise on our website and in the local papers. We are always interested in meeting talented people and would love to hear from you!

Chad Mitchell

Candi Gray

Seth Ragans

In November 2015, Tri-County welcomed a new entry-level lineman: Chad Mitchell.

His previous experience in construction and the lumber mill in Live Oak helped prepare him for this new position, and he is already proving to be a strong asset to the team.

Members of the Madison community may recognize Chad from his work on the sidelines as an Assistant Defensive Coordinator for the Madison County Central School Broncos.

Fun Fact: Chad has traveled all over and one of his favorite places is New York City!

There is a new voice over the radios at Tri-County Electric. Candi Gray is our new System Operator.

Originally from South Florida where she worked in medical billing, she relocated to Perry 18 months ago. She is married with two children and two dogs. We are delighted to be working with Candi.

Fun Fact: When Candi is not at the co-op she is homeschooling her son!

Seth Ragans is the Co-op’s newest entrylevel lineman. He recently completed the Lineman Apprentice program at Coastal Pines Technical College and has been applying the knowledge he gained in that program to work with Tri-County since his first day. Seth is a Madison County native and says he already loves his job at Tri-County and is looking forward to many more years with the co-op.

Fun Fact: Does Seth look familiar to you?

Probably because he pumped gas at Busy Bee in Madison for the past two years!

Familiar Faces at TCEC TCEC always likes to welcome our newest employees to the team, but we also like to recognize the contributions of some of our more seasoned employees.

Ellis Anderson, 41 years

Carol Timmons, 36 years

Ellis starting working for the Cooperative as a groundsman in 1974.

He worked his way through the ranks and currently is a crew leader. Ellis can be seen working throughout the service territory.

Fun fact: Ellis is a gifted cook — everything from barbeque to pound cake!

Carol began her career at TCEC in 1979 as a Member Service Representative and now serves as the Billing Supervisor. In addition to overseeing the billing process, she helps members with their capital credits and even those who call to claim their prize after locating their account number hidden inside Tri-County Rural Living.

Fun Fact: Carol is from a family of five, all of whom are first born!

March & April 2016

Darrell Tuten, 37 years

Darrell started at Tri-County in 1979 on our right-of-way crew and worked his way up through the line crew until he was promoted to Operations Manager six years ago.

Fun fact: In his spare time, Darrell enjoys working on his farm and spending time with his grandchildren.

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Monticello Bike Fest & Southern Music Rising Festival April 9, 2016 • Monticello

Ride 10, 30, 60 or even 100 miles — or just bring the family and enjoy a casual ride on a lovely spring day at your own pace.

Contact Katrina at 997-5552 for details. www.raceroster.com/events/2016/6229/monticello-bike-fest

Join us for the 9th annual Southern Music Rising Festival beginning at 11 a.m. and featuring over 20 performances on three stages.

Contact Cliff Miller at (850) 464-2819. www.southernmusicrising.com

April 16, 2016 - Downtown Madison - 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

2016 Down Home DaysDays Festival and Parade 2016 Down Home Festival and Parade April 16, 2016 • 9 a.m.–2 p.m. • Downtown Madison

ANTIQUE CARS * FROG * JEEPS STACKING * MUSIC Antique CarsHOP • Frog Hop • Jeeps Stacking • Music Follow Facebook Love Madison County Florida” Follow usus onon Facebook : “I: “I Love Madison County Florida” Madison County Chamber of Commerce (850) 973-2788 Madison County Chamber of Commerce PH: PH: (850) 973-2788 6

March & April 2016

Tym’n, Pure Simple and much Tym’n, Pure && Simple and much more...Chili Cook-off, Crafts, Workmore...Chili Cook-off, Crafts, Workshops THE WORLD’S LARGEST shops && THE WORLD’S LARGEST MOON PIE TO DELIVERED! MOON PIE TO BEBE DELIVERED!

www.floridastatebluegrass.com www.floridastatebluegrass.com 14th Annual Florida State Bluegrass Festival & Chili Cook-off

CALL FORINFORMATION: INFORMATION: 850-584-5366 CALL March 31–April 2, 2016 • Forest Capital StateFOR Park, Hwy. 19 S, Perry850-584-5366 Sideline, Band of Ruhks, Carolina Road, Kenny Stinson and Perfect Tym’n, Pure & Simple and much more...Chili Cook-off, Crafts, Workshops & THE WORLD’S LARGEST MOON PIE TO BE DELIVERED!

www.floridastatebluegrass.com CALLBand FOR INFORMATION: 850-584Sideline, of Ruhks, Carolina Road, Kenny Stinson and Perfect Tym’n, Pure & Simple, and much more! Chili Cook-off, Crafts, Workshops & THE WORLD’S LARGEST MOON PIE TO BE DELIVERED!

www.floridastatebluegrass.com CALL FOR INFORMATION: 850-584-5366 Tickets are ONLY $20 each in advance online!

How to Clean Refrigerator Coils ... and Why it Matters!

Your refrigerator is one of the largest, most-used applicances in your home.

It requires only minimal maintenance — just simple cleaning of the condenser coils, which disperse heat. If the coils are covered with dust, gunk or pet hair, they cannot diffuse the heat properly and will not run efficiently. A bigger problem can result if the compressor burns out from having to run constantly because of the grimy coating . This can be an expensive problem. The bottom line? A minor investment in time once a year can save you cold cash down the line.

Materials You Will Need: Vacuum cleaner with hose • Damp cloth 1. Locate the refrigerator’s coil, a grid-like structure, or fan that will likely have a covering or grate protecting it. The coil is usually concealed behind the front toe kick or in the back. Some new models have internal coils, so if you don’t find them in the front or back, this may be the case with your fridge.

2. If the coil is in the back, slide the refrigerator away from the wall, removing the plug from the electrical outlet when possible. You may also need to disconnect the line to the water dispenser or icemaker to allow enough room to work.

3. Gently vacuum and clean the coil. Using the brush or crevice attachment, carefully vacuum the dust and dirt whereever you see it. If you have pulled the fridge out, vacuum and wipe down the sides and back of the fridge and the floor.

4. Once the floor is dry, plug in the refrigerator and rearrange the power cord and supply lines so they don’t get a kink or stuck under the weight of the refrigerator. Slide the refrigerator back into place. Be sure to replace the toe cick panel if this was removed.

March & April 2016

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Cooperative Principal No. 7 Tri-County Electric Cooperative operates around seven core principles: Voluntary & Open Membership; Democratic Member Control; Economic Participation; Autonomy & Independence; Education, Training & Information; Cooperation among Cooperatives; and lastly, Concern for Community. It is that Concern for Community that led many employees on a mission this past December: to volunteer in the community during the Christmas holidays. Several employees jumped at the chance to serve other members of the community.

1.

3.

Employees worked with the United Methodist Cooperative Ministries packing nutritious snack bags for all the students at Greenville Elementary School. Others visited the Madison Youth Ranch where they spent time making pillows, playing basketball, and helping children clean their rooms.

“Being able to bond with the children was so heartwarming, and I cannot wait for the opportunity to go back and visit,” said Kisha Tolar, TCEC Billing Assistant.

One employee jumped at the chance to read to residents at Madison Health & Rehabilitation Center while others worked hard cleaning up at the Senior Citizens

Counsel of Madison County, plus taking time to visit with the seniors. Another employee used the opportunity to involve his family and together they performed yard work for several seniors in their community.

It was a wonderful experience for all of the employees who were able to get involved. Volunteers are a vital part of any community, and at Tri-County Electric we are always looking for ways to assist the communities we serve.

If your organization is ever in need of volunteers, please contact Kaitlynn Culpepper at (850) 973-8036 or email at kculpepper@tcec.com.

2.

1. Angela Eastabrooks (Member Service Specialist) and Kaitlynn Culpepper (Community Relations Specialist) volunteered at the Senior Citizens Counsel of Madison County.

2. Eileen Herndon (Executive Assistant) and Carol Timmons (Billing Supervisor) take a break from packing snack bags to snap a photo with fellow volunteers at the United Methodist Cooperative Ministries. 3. Lavonne Browning (Member Service Representative) reading to a patient at Madison Health & Rehabilitation Center. 4. L-R Jeff Brewer (Manager of Engineering), Stephanie Carroll (Manager of Corporate Services), Kisha Tolar(Billing Assistant), and Darrell Tuten (Manager of Operations) stopped for a quick “selfie” before starting their day at the Madison County Youth Ranch. 5.

Tom Rucks (Field Service Representative) getting his hands dirty while doing yard work for a local senior citizen.

5.

4.

This Publication’s Inspirational Moment “Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.”

Philippians 4:6–7 (NIV)

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March & April 2016

Trustee Dodd Earns His Board Leadership Certificate Education is the cornerstone of effective self-governance for your Cooperative Board of Trustees.

Cooperative consumer-members are served by elected trustees who are well versed in democratic principles and who understand the industry.

Board member Bobby Dodd, who is the trustee representing District 2, recently earned his Board Leadership Certificate (BLC) after completing extensive educational courses related to board governance, risk management, communications, rate making, and policy development. This BLC is in addition to the Credentialed Director Certificate that he earned in 2013.

We congratulate Mr. Dodd on a job well done. 16018001

EFFICIENCY WORD SEARCH

Reducing energy use is good for the environment, and by being energy efficient, you can help your parents save on their monthly electric bill! Find the words Mr. Bobby Dodd (left), District 2 Trustee, is presented with his NRECA Board associated with energy efficiency in the word search below.

Leadership Certificate by Mr. Malcolm V. Page (right), District 8 Trustee.

Circle all words associated with efficiency. The hidden words appear straight across, backwards, up and down, and diagonally. Use the word bank below as a guide.

EFFICIENCY WORD SEARCH

WORD BANK Reducing energy use is good for the environment, and by being and energy Reducing energy use is good for the environment, byefficient, you can help your parents save on their monthly electric bill! Find the words REDUCE being energy efficient, you incan your parents associated with energy efficiency the help word search below. save on their monthly electric bill! Find the words associated with energy LIGHT SWITCH efficiency in the word search below.

Circle all words associated with efficiency. The hidden APPLIANCES words straightassociated across, Circleappear all words with efficiency. The hidden words backwards, up and down, and appear straight across, LEDdiagonally.

BULB diagonally.

Use the word bank backwards, up and down, and below as aword guide. bank below as a guide.

Use the RECYCLE WORD BANK

WORD BANK REDUCE

ENERGY USE

LIGHT SWITCH APPLIANCES

CONSERVATION

REDUCE LED BULB

RECYCLE

RECYCLESWITCH LIGHT

ENERGY USE

ENERGY USE

THERMOSTAT

APPLIANCES

CONSERVATION

THERMOSTAT LED BULB

THERMOSTAT

CONSERVATION

March & April 2016

9

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

Tri-County Electric Cooperative, Inc. Board Meeting Notes for Jan. 11, 2016

With all trustees, key Cooperative personnel, and guests Mr. Mack Primm of the Madison County Planning and Zoning Board and Mrs. Pat Coker present, the regular monthly meeting of the Board of Trustees of Tri-County Electric Cooperative, Inc. was held on Monday, Dec. 14, 2015, in the Tri-County Electric Cooperative, Inc. headquarters office building located at 2862 W U.S. 90, approximately two miles west of the city of Madison, Fla. Reports to the Board included the December 2015 Seminole Electric Cooperative Board Meeting, December 2015 Florida Electric Cooperatives Association Board Meeting, Finance Committee, Building and Land Committee, Policy Committee, and the General Manager. Mr. Primm thanked the Board for consideration of the citizen’s concerns regarding the proposed building of the Hwy. 6 substation in Madison County. Action taken by the Board included the following: approval of the Dec. 14, 2015, Board agenda; the Nov. 9, 2015, Board meeting minutes; the 2016 budget; authorization for the present uncollectible accounts for the appropriate accounting designation; Work Order Inventories (RUS Forms 219) for April–June 2015; revised Policy 200, “Allocation and Retirement of Capital Credits;” and revised Policy 110, “Cooperative Committees.” Further action taken by the Board: approval of the Emergency Restoration Plan and adoption of the accompanying resolution as required by RUS, and Consent Agenda items as written and recommended by the General Manager that included the WPCA for December 2015 as established by resolution; RUS Form 7 for October 2015; the list of new members for Oct. 26–Nov. 24, 2015; Safety and Accident Report for October 2015; along with the System Outage Report. The General Manager provided a summary of patronage capital disbursements and the attorney updated the Board on pending legal matters.

With all trustees, key Cooperative personnel, and guests present, the regular monthly meeting of the Board of Trustees of Tri-County Electric Cooperative, Inc. was held on Monday, Jan. 11, 2016, in the Tri-County Electric Cooperative, Inc. headquarters office building located at 2862 W U.S. 90, approximately two miles west of the city of Madison, Fla. Reports to the Board included the Finance Committee, the Building and Land Committee, Policy Committee, and the General Manager.

The Policy Committee distributed the Cooperative’s Service Rules and Regulations, with revisions, to the trustees to take home for further study and possible action at the February Board meeting.

Action taken by the Board included the following: approval of the Board meeting agenda; approval of the Dec. 14, 2015, Board meeting minutes; approval of the Consent Agenda Items as written and recommended by the General Manager which included the WPCA for January 2016 as established by resolution; RUS Form 7 for November 2015; the list of new members for Nov. 25–Dec. 27, 2015; and the Safety and Accident Report for November 2015; along with the System Outage Report. Other action taken by the Board included moving the May Board meeting date to Monday, May 16, 2016, in order to accommodate the FECA Legislative Conference in Washington, D.C., on May 9– 11, 2016. The attorney updated the Board on legal matters.

Gary Fulford Catherine Bethea President Secretary-Treasurer

Gary Fulford Catherine Bethea President Secretary-Treasurer

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.

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

Hidden somewhere in this issue of Tri-County Rural Living are two member account numbers.

Look carefully, one 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!* You have until April 30, 2016, 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 is 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 2016

Calypso Steak Salad To make the salsa mixture ahead, just cover and chill up to 8 hours. Let stand at room temperature for 20 minutes, while steaks marinade in lime juice mixture.

Ingredients • 1½ pounds beef strip steaks • 1½ teaspoons grated lime rind, divided • 3 tablespoons fresh lime juice, divided • 1 (8-oz.) can pineapple tidbits, drained • ½ cup peach-mango salsa • ⅓ cup diced red onion • ⅓ cup diced green bell pepper • ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro • ½ teaspoon salt • 1 teaspoon Jamaican jerk seasoning • 1 head romaine letter Garnish: chopped fresh cilantro Preparation 1. Place strip steaks in a shallow dish, and add 1 tsp. grated lime rind and 1½ Tbsp. lime juice, turning to coat.

2. Stir together pineapple, next 5 ingredients, remaining ½ tsp. grated lime rind, and remaining 1½ Tbsp. lime juice until blended.

Tri-County Rural Living Vol. XIX No. IV March & April 2016 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

March & April 2016

3. Remove steaks from lime juice mixture, discarding juice.

Sprinkle steaks evenly with 1 tsp. Jamaican jerk seasoning.

4. Grill steaks, covered with grill lid, over medium-high heat (350°–400°) 4 to 5 minutes on each side or to desired degree of doneness.

5. Arrange lettuce leaves on a serving platter, and top with sliced steak and salsa mixture. Garnish, if desired.

Consider purchasing rechargeable batteries — and an ENERGY STAR charger for them — which are more cost effective than disposable batteries. In the U.S. alone, more energyefficient battery chargers could save families more than $170 million annually.

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

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