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Current Lines: November 2005
Welcome to the November edition of Current Lines newsletter, a monthly publication of Tri-County EMC. Below are a few samples of the articles in this current newsletter. To read the full article, just click on the "Click here to read more" link.
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Walking the Walk
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>> These days you can
find Sandra by her pond or tending to her bonsai trees and orchids. <<
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An editorial by Margaret Morris
When people hear of Sandra McKinney, they may automatically think of the Jones County/Gray Chamber of Commerce, and with good reason. During Sandra's ten-year term as executive director, the organization increased its membership by nearly 70 percent. As the chamber exceeded expectations in size, great things also happened to Gray and Jones County.
This summer, Sandra McKinney retired from her duties as executive director of both the Chamber of Commerce (serving since 1995) and the Development Authority (serving since 2000). However, the mark she made in the community was tremendous, and her legacy continues to do its magic throughout Jones County. People Looking Ahead Now (PLAN) is familiar to county residents and even statewide. PLAN as well as other organizations originated through support from the chamber with plenty of help from McKinney. Click here to read more.
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Foundation and Gray UMC Helps Neighbors
As one of the first people on the scene of a home overcome by flames, Gray United Methodist Senior Pastor John Haney can attest to the tremendous loss this family will endure. He has come across many situations like this one and used Operation Roundup dollars to help families pick up the pieces.
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>> Home fires are prime candidates for
Roundup funds. <<
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Since Operation Roundup began, the Tri-County EMC Foundation granted $21,000 to Gray UMC to aid members of the community. Awards assisted four families whose homes were destroyed by fire, a family with rent and food due to job loss, a family with a Habitat for Humanity Home and Kairos of Georgia prison ministry to transform incarcerated individuals into productive citizens.
In any given month, Pastor Haney receives about five requests for financial help, When needs turn catastrophic, Haney looks to the foundation for help. He reflects on past fire victims, "When a major tragedy like this happened, we knew our altar fund would not provide enough help. All that these people had left were the
clothes on their backs. That's when we applied."
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Tri-County Unites With Georgia EMCs to Support Youth
Tri-County EMC joins 30 Georgia EMCs in partnership with the Georgia High School Association (GHSA). The EMCs will sponsor 88 state championships during the 2005-2006 season.
The sponsorship allows Tri-County to support student athletes, parents and the entire athletic community through a number of efforts. One medium is through Georgia Public Broadcasting (GPB) to sponsor "Prep Sports Plus" on Thursday and Friday nights and Saturday mornings throughout the school year. This year's sponsorship also includes radio spots, print advertising and Coaches' Corner. Coaches' Corner is an area set aside for coaches to relax at championship events. EMC representatives are on hand to serve as ambassadors and keep snacks and drinks available for the coaches.
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"Historically, Tri-County EMC has been involved with youth programs, and our sponsorship is an extension of this," says Margaret Morris, communications specialist, Tri-County EMC. This year's championship games will feature sports ranging from football to track, riflery to basketball and even one-act plays and debate. To learn more about GHSA, visit: georgiaemc.com or ghsa.com.
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Electricity Continues to Be a Good Value
Given the dramatic price increase for fossil fuels, the United States Energy Department's Energy Information Administration predicts that consumers will pay considerably more for energy this winter. To ward off higher energy prices, upgrading to energy-efficient appliances may be your best option for savings. It's also a good idea to research different models of appliances before they wear out. Click here to read more.
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Credit Card Draft Available
Credit card draft is now available. In addition to automatic bank draft, you can now have your Tri-County electric bill automatically drafted each month on your Visa, Mastercard or Discover credit card. To enroll, download an application at tri-countyemc.com or contact a customer service representative at (478) 986-8100.
Nonprofit Entities Sought for Donations
The Home Builders Association of Greater Gray/Jones County seeks charitable requests from nonprofit organizations in Jones County. The chapter held its annual Fall Festival of Homes in October featuring subdivisions and displays featuring the building industry and community. Please mail your requests to HBA of Greater Gray/Jones County, c/o: Margaret Morris, Tri-County EMC, P.O. Box 487, Gray, GA 31032. The deadline is December 2.
December Driver Safety Course
Tri-County EMC and the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) will offer a Mature Driver Safety class December 7 and 8. The program, held in Tri-County EMC's Community Room in Gray, will take place from 8:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. Participants must attend both sessions. Learn how to avoid accidents and traffic violations and develop defensive driving techniques. The cost is $10 per person. To register, call (478) 986-8126.
Did You Know? ...
In January, the standard efficiency ratings for central air conditioners and heat pumps will increase from 10 to 13 SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) and in September, the Heating Seasonal Performance Factor (HSPF) for heat pumps will increase to 7.7.
Energy Tip of the Month
Should you turn off the lights when you leave a room? The answer depends on two things: the type of light bulbs, or lamps, in your fixtures, and how long you'll leave them off.
If you still use old-fashioned incandescent bulbs, then you should shut them off whenever you'll be out of the room for at least five minutes. Fluorescent lamps are different. Turn these lamps off only when you won't need them for 15 to 20 minutes. The recommendations for these two types of lamps are different because the lifespan of incandescent lamps isn't affected by the number of times they are switched on and off, while the lifespan of fluorescent lamps is slightly shortened every time they start up. (63027-01)
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