The Light Post, Escambia River Electric Cooperative, October 2025
ISSUE
01 | OCT 2025
JAY OFFICE
3425 Highway 4
P O Box 428 (mail) Jay, FL 32565
850-675-4521 or 800-235-3848
WALNUT HILL OFFICE
4950 Highway 99A Walnut Hill, FL 32568 850-327-4122
OFFICE HOURS
7:30 a m to 4 p m Monday through Friday Walnut Hill is closed from 12 :00 - 1:00 p.m.
STAFF
Ryan C Campbell, P E , CEO
Sonya Dooley, Director of Finance and Administration
Lanie Sells, Director of Engineering
Glenn White, Director of Operations
Cortney Owens, Manager of Marketing Communications
Derek Bridwell, Manager of Information Technology
Crystal George, Manager of Accounting
TRUSTEES
Escambia County
Brian Davis
James E Hall
Ernie Hester
Sam Walker (Vice President)
Gary Wiggins
Santa Rosa County
Mickey Diamond
Rick Hunsucker (President)
Philip Marshall
Wesley Scott
Dale Westmoreland (Secretary/Treasurer)
The board of directors meets at 5 p m the third Monday of each month at the cooperative’s Jay office
FOR POWER OUTAGES
Call 877-OUT-EREC or 877-688-3732 For emergency conditions, call 911
Contact Cortney Owens (cowens@erec com) regarding this monthly publication
October is National Co-op Month, a time to celebrate the unique benefits of being part of an electric cooperative and to thank you, our members, for making it possible. Unlike investor-owned utilities, our co-op exists to serve members, not distant shareholders. We are locally owned and led by directors you elect, neighbors who understand our community’s needs.
This local accountability lets us focus on what matters: reliable, affordable power and quick response when storms strike Beyond the lines, we invest in schools, youth programs, volunteer groups, and broadband to strengthen our communities Being a cooperative also means planning ahead We continue to invest in new technology and infrastructure to ensure reliability, efficiency, and affordability for the future Our goal is to meet today’s needs while preparing for tomorrow’s challenges
This Co-op Month, remember you’re more than a customer you’re an owner. Thank you for your trust in us. We’re proud to be your local cooperative.
GO GREEN CONTEST - WIN A $50 BILL CREDIT
Last month, we launched our Go Green Contest, and there’s still time to join in! The contest runs through the end of October, and every week we will draw the name of one lucky winner to receive a $50 bill credit
Why go paperless?
Save money and time
Reduce paper waste and help the environment
Stay organized with secure, online billing
Making the switch is quick and easy Call our office at (850) 675-4521, or log in to your online account and update your billing preference
DID YOU KNOW?
Lightning is five times hotter than the surface of the sun. A bolt of lightning can reach around 50,000°F (27,760°C), while the sun’s surface is about 10,000°F (5,500°C). That intense heat superheats the air around it so quickly that it expands explosively, creating the thunder we hear!
Even wilder: all the lightning in the world could theoretically power humanity for a short time, but it’s so unpredictable that we can’t rely on it as a steady electricity source… yet.
LED LIGHT DAY - 10/7
October 7 is National LED Light Day a reminder that small changes can make a big impact. LED bulbs use up to 80% less energy, last longer, and help lower your electric bill while protecting the environment. Switching to LEDs is an easy way to save money and energy at home or work.
On this day, swing by our office and pick up a FREE EREC LED Nightlight (while supplies last).
THE
EREC MOBILE APP
IPHONE
ANDROID
Manage your account details
View your bill
Schedule alerts & reminders
Update contact information & more!
Celebrating School Spirit at September Homecoming Parades
In September, our community came alive with school spirit as Northview High School and Central School hosted their annual homecoming parades. Students, families, and local supporters lined the streets to cheer on the participants.
We were thrilled to be part of the celebration, enjoying the floats, marching bands, and enthusiastic crowds. The excitement and pride of both schools were on full display! Events like these highlight the strong community connections and school spirit that make our area special. We had a great time celebrating alongside our students and neighbors.
YOUTH TOUR LEADERSHIP 2026
Attention high school juniors! Applications for EREC’s annual Youth Tour Leadership Program open next month.
The program begins with a two-day trip to Tallahassee on February 4–5, where students tour the State Capitol, meet legislators, and learn about government Two students will then be chosen to represent EREC on the Washington, D.C. Youth Tour in June.
In D C , participants join more than 1,800 students nationwide for a week of learning and fun, visiting landmarks like the White House, U.S. Capitol, and Arlington National Cemetery.
If your family is an EREC member and you’re a junior, don’t miss this unforgettable, all-expenses-paid opportunity. Stay tuned for details!
CROCKPOT CORN CHOWDER
2 large carrots chopped
1 large onion chopped
4 potatoes chopped
32 ounces corn kernels 2 cans, drained OR one small 10-12oz bag of frozen corn
32 ounces creamed corn 2 cans
4 cups water OR chicken broth
1 pound bacon cooked and crumbled
½ teaspoon dried thyme leaves
1 teaspoon dried parsley
½ teaspoon garlic powder salt and pepper to taste
12 ounces evaporated milk 1 can 2 tablespoons cornstarch
Place everything except for the evaporated milk, cornstarch and butter or margarine into the slow cooker.
Add just enough water or chicken stock to cover the ingredients Cook on high 5 hours or low 7-8 hours until vegetables are softened
Combine cornstarch and evaporated milk Stir into slow cooker along with butter 30 minutes before serving, Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste
Nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and brands of ingredients used
GET COZY WITH COMFORT FOOD SMALL BUSINESS SPOTLIGHTS
We hope you enjoyed the first edition of The Light Post! With October being National Co-op Month, this newsletter is our way of keeping you informed with important news, updates, and stories that matter most.
Based on your feedback from our facebook poll, we’ve made it concise and easy to read, highlighting events, member programs, and tips for saving energy and staying safe. It’s another way to stay connected and celebrate the community that makes EREC strong Thank you for being a valued member of EREC.
Madison Gades Photography Pmaddie54@gmail.com
Serving areas in and around Walnut Hill
Check them out on facebook or on the web.
What started as a hobby for Madison Gades has grown into a passion-filled business Madison launched Madison Gades Photography in 2020, during a time when capturing memories was more challenging than ever Since then, she has helped families, seniors, and couples celebrate life’s milestones through her lens whether it’s maternity shoots, senior portraits, family gatherings, or weddings Madison says, “I absolutely love what I do,” and it shows in every photo she takes.
HALLOWEEN SAFETY
Wear flame-resistant, wellfitting costumes that don’t block vision
Add reflective tape and carry a flashlight or glow stick. Use sidewalks and crosswalks; look both ways before crossing. Young children should be with an adult; older kids should stay in groups with a set route and phone Trick-or-treat in well-lit, familiar neighborhoods; only visit homes with lights on. Don’t eat treats until checked at home; discard homemade or unwrapped items.
Field-N-Faith 3882 Hwy 4, Jay, FL holly@field-n-faith com
Check them out on facebook or on the web at www field-n-faith com
Located in the heart of Jay, FL, Field-NFaith is a boutique that celebrates the warmth and connection of small-town life
More than just a retail shop, Field-N-Faith offers a thoughtfully curated selection of gifts, clothing, and jewelry for every style and occasion.
Whether you’re looking for the perfect outfit, a meaningful gift, or simply a friendly face, Field-N-Faith is dedicated to making each visit a memorable experience.
