Carroll EMC Kicks Off New Year With Bright Ideas Grants
The new year began on a high note for many public school teachers across Carroll, Haralson, Heard and Paulding counties as representatives of Carroll Electric Membership Cooperative (EMC) visited classrooms to deliver Bright Ideas grants. The grants celebrated educators whose creative project proposals will bring new, engaging learning experiences to their students.
In keeping with program tradition, checks were hand-delivered to schools and presented as a surprise to teachers and students in the classroom. Over the course of a week, a total of $96,412.30 was awarded to 122 teachers in 37 schools.
To be considered for a Bright Ideas grant, teachers must submit an online application at the beginning of the school year outlining their proposed classroom project and anticipated budget. All applications are judged blindly by the cooperative’s foundation trustees and are automatically disqualified if they reference a specific teacher or school, ensuring a fair and unbiased selection process.
“I remember the days as a teacher wanting to do extra things for a particular unit or subject but not having the funds to do it,” says June Barber, a Carroll EMC Foundation Trustee. “It brings joy to my heart to see these grants fulfill the dreams of making a lifelong impact in the lives of students.”
Barber, who works as a part-time social worker for the Heard County School System, brings professional and personal perspective to the grant selection process as a former educator and school counselor.
“When I taught high school economics, I once created a mock wedding so students could learn real-world budgeting and finances,” Barber adds. “Former students still mention that project years later, which shows how impactful hands-on learning can be.”
Public school educators teaching pre-K through 12th grade can request up to $1,000 to fund a project in the classroom, including but not limited to, science, technology, engineering, arts, math and social studies. A school is automatically eligible if at least one enrolled student’s home is served by Carroll EMC.
Bright Ideas grants are funded through the generosity of Carroll EMC Members who participate in Operation Round Up, a program that allows Members to round up their electric bills to the nearest dollar each month. The program is governed by the cooperative’s foundation trustees and supports a variety of community initiatives, including Bright Ideas, Impact Grants, student scholarships, and health and human services programs.
To see a complete list of this year’s Bright Ideas recipients, please visit carrollemc.com/ brightideas. Applications for 2026 will be accepted beginning August 15.
continued on page 22B
Double-Pane Windows Save Energy and Money
If you live in an older home, it’s a good bet that its windows are made from single panes of glass. Newer homes typically come with double-pane windows and for good reason: they’re far more energy-efficient. In fact, the U.S. Department of Energy estimates that you can save between 7%-15% on heating and cooling bills when you replace single-pane windows with doublepane versions, especially if they’re rated by the government’s Energy Star program as extra energy-efficient.
You can find out how much money you can save each year if you replace your old windows with more efficient models by visiting the Energy Star website at energystar.gov. Savings range from $77 in mild climates to more than $500 in areas with extreme winters or summers.
It’s Not Too Early to Think About Air Conditioning
The comfortable spring weather is more likely to nudge you to open your windows than to turn on the air conditioner, and that makes this the perfect time to make sure your A/C is in shape for the summer heat that’s just a few months away.
The best time to service your home’s air-conditioning system is when you don’t need it. If you put it off until it’s 90 degrees outdoors, you could be dealing with some down time that can leave your home uncomfortable.
Annual service is important because your technician will lubricate and clean moving parts and check for—and repair—potential problems. That will make it more likely that your system will run smoothly all summer.
Choose an A/C tech who is licensed by the state. Chances are the same tech can come back in the fall to tune up your heating system.
More Bright Ideas Grant Recipients, continued from page 22A
ENERGY EFFICIENCY
TIP OF THE MONTH
Better Internet Star ts With Happy Customers
“We did not have good internet available due to our rural location Crossbeam, along with Carroll EMC, stepped up to run fiber to our location and provide service. Later, they actually lowered my monthly cost and increased my signal strength. They really do a great job.”
RICK
“Getting Crossbeam was the best choice we made. It's been one year since we have had their services and we are very happy. Crossbeam not only has great, affordable prices, their service is hands down the best out here.”
“Unmatched in customer service! If you want good solid internet service, then join the Crossbeam team. Recently, my bill DECREASED by $3, while my service became stronger. A local company that has my utmost respect and recommendation.”
JA MIE
As spring arrives, take advantage of milder temperatures to save energy at home. Open windows on pleasant days to bring in fresh air instead of running your HVAC system. It’s also a great time to replace dirty air filters, which helps your system run more efficiently and improves indoor air quality. As daylight increases, turn off unnecessary lights and rely on natural sunlight when possible. Small seasonal adjustments like these can reduce energy use, lower monthly bills and help keep your home comfortable as winter transitions into spring.
Outdoor Lighting
Brighten your home and make it more attractive with Carroll EMC’s outdoor lighting. Having outdoor lights lets you and your family stay outside longer to enjoy outdoor activities.
TIPS TO AVOID ENERGY SCAMS
Scammers and cybercriminals look for weak points to exploit before software companies can fix them. Update software programs on your computer, tablet and mobile phone as soon as possible when a newer version becomes available. Software updates often contain critical patches and protections against security threats. Turn on automatic updates to automatically update your security software, internet browser, operating system and mobile apps.
Source: consumer.ftc.gov
CHUCK
155 N. Hwy 113
Carrollton, GA 30117
member.services@carrollemc.com
carrollemc.com (770) 832-3552
PRESIDENT/CEO
Tim Martin
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Alvin Ginn, Chairman
Donnie Brannon, Vice Chairman
Ronnie Jordan, Secretary/Treasurer
Don DeFoor
Eddie Gore
Nan Philpot
Lynn Joyner
Emmett Harrod
Delores Goldin
EDITOR Kelly Jimenez WRITER Brittany Shadix
OFFICE HOURS
Carrollton
Monday through Friday
8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Buchanan
Monday and Tuesday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
24-HOUR OUTAGE LINE
To report a power outage, call (770) 832-3552, option 1.
Remember: If you have multiple accounts, you will need to enter your account number for that location.
This institution is an equal opportunity provider and employer.
Impact Grant Applications Available
The Carroll EMC Foundation aims to provide assistance to area organizations and projects whose primary purpose is to improve the quality of life for residents in communities within Carroll EMC’s service area. To qualify for an Impact Grant, applicants must be classified as a 501(c)(3) organization. Potential areas of funding include but are not limited to:
• Education
• Health and Human Services
• Food Outreach Programs
• Community Service
• Environmental Protection
• Safety
Eligible organizations must complete an online application during the annual grant cycle. The foundation Board of Trustees reviews applications and selects each year’s winners. Impact Grants are only made possible through Member participation in the Operation Round Up program.
Applications are online at carrollemc.com/impactgrants. Applications are due March 27. For more information, contact Taylor Key at (770) 830-5736 or taylor. key@carrollemc.com.
Senior Citizen Discount
We offer our Members over the age of 62 a discount of up to $5.00 a month. Sign up at carrollemc.com/ products-programs or you can fill out the application to bring by one of our offices.
Sunday, March 8
