News for members of 4-County Electric Power Association
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It’s finally here!
The Mississippi Arts and Entertainment Experience opens in Meridian p. 4
6 History comes alive at Shaifer House 10 Mississippi Cooks: Southern comfort cookin’ 17 Cooperatives sponsor Youth Leadership Workshop
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April 2018
The
MAX
Taking Mississippi arts to
“It’s really
exciting and
different.
There’s not anything By Debbie Stringer experts. This year’s One more reason to vacation in inductees will be else ” Mississippi opens this month in announced in May. (The Meridian. public can help nominate – Paula Chance The Mississippi Arts and Entertainment artists by voting at Experience, known as The MAX, is a $50 milwww.MSArts.org.) lion facility that celebrates the state’s incredible arts The MAX started out in 2001 as the Mislegacy: namely, the world-famous performing, visual sissippi Arts and Entertainment Center, as established and literary artists whose creativity stems from their by the state legislature. Funding to build and operate Mississippi roots. the center would come from private donations, grants Multi-media exhibits give MAX visitors insight into and state government. the lives of the artists, as well as the unique geographic, But construction of the complex, originally slated to community and cultural influences that shaped their begin in fall 2004 at Meridian’s Bonita Lakes Park, was development. postponed as the state struggled to recover from Hurri“This is a non-traditional museum. There are intercane Katrina and the Great Recession. It would be actives throughout, and that’s how the name Experianother 11 years before The MAX would break ground ence came along,” said Paula Chance, MAX spokesper- at its new location on Front Street in downtown son. “It’s about seeing some artifacts but also experienc- Meridian. ing some of the things that influenced the artists.” In a way, the delay turned out to be a good thing. The MAX also houses the state-sanctioned Mississip- New technologies emerged during those years that pi Arts and Entertainment Hall of Fame. The 18 artists would elevate the museum into a unique arts “experience” for visitors. MAX visitors can create virtual paintand performers selected for the 2017 inaugural inducings, for example, in the style of Walter Anderson and tion—from Elvis to Oprah—are depicted in multimedia displays lining a two-story rotunda gallery. Each other Mississippi artists represented in the museum, and throw virtual pottery in the style of three different year new inductees will be selected by a panel of
like this.
Mississippi potters, such as George Ohr. Serving as an arts education resource for individuals and educators has been a goal of the museum since its inception. Workshops, seminars, changing art exhibits, artist demonstrations and programs for all ages will be offered throughout the year. “Statistics show the importance of arts in education, and that is absolutely one of our goals, to educate people about the importance of art,” Chance said. Some of the programs in development at the museum will target aspiring artists and performers. “I think one of the programs that is especially good is the mentoring program. Our plans are to have students selected that are interested in, for example, putting together an art portfolio or a recording for college. We would assign a mentor to learn not just about their art but how to be an artist [and] all the things you need to promote yourself.” For its first year of operation, The MAX has set an attendance goal of 150,000 visitors—including travelers on Interstate 20, which slices through Meridian a few blocks from the museum. “We see this museum as a gateway to other museums in the state,” Chance said. “For example, probably of those first 18 [artists] in the Hall of Fame, 10 or 12
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The Mississippi Arts and Entertainment Experience, far left, known as The MAX, opens this month in downtown Meridian. The 59,000-squarefoot facility includes an amphitheater for concerts and other outdoor events. Visitors to the museum’s Juke Joint gallery, above, will be immersed in the sights and sounds of a Mississippi music club, where many Mississippi music legends got their start.
MISSISSIPPI Visitors learn how the land inspired Mississippi artists’ works. Creative approaches to exhibit design are evident throughout The MAX.
have museums in Mississippi, like Faulkner’s Rowan Oak and the B.B. King Museum.” The MAX is expected to help spur business development in downtown Meridian as it joins a list of attractions that includes the Mississippi Industrial Heritage Museum and the MSU Riley Center, a performing arts venue. The MAX opens to the public April 29 with a slate of special events and presentations, following a grand opening black-tie gala April 27 and member preview day April 28. The full schedule and future event listings are posted on the museum’s website. “It’s really exciting and different. There’s not anything else like this,” Chance said. The Mississippi Arts and Entertainment Experience is located at 2155 Front St. in downtown Meridian. Hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. Closed Monday. Tickets may be purchased at the museum or online. Contact the museum at 601-581-1550 or MSArts.org.
ON DISPLAY Meridian, Mississippi
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April 2018
Board of Directors
www.4county.org • 1-800-431-1544
Marty Crowder, President John E. “Jay” Gilliland Jr., Vice President Johnny Johnson, Secretary/Treasurer Mike Banks Bill Bell Kenneth Seitz Ernest H. “Bud” Tumlinson
YOUR COOPERATIVE
Here’s An Idea
By Joe Cade CEO/General Manager
This spring, think summer
Safety above all else “Safety” is a universal word that is mentioned often and used loosely. Communities large and small as well as companies across all industries are committed to safety. Sports leagues, at every level, take safety seriously. Unfortunately, when it really counts, steps to keep the public, workers, athletes and loved ones safe are often ignored in the interest of expediency or convenience. However, safety is a serious issue, especially when it comes to electrical safety. For 4-County Electric Power Association, it’s the number one priority. This is not empty talk. Over time, 4-County has created a culture of safety by putting our employees’ safety and that of the community above all else. At its essence, 4-County’s mission is to provide safe, affordable and reliable electricity to its member-owners. At the end of the day, we strive to deliver affordable and reliable electricity to our member-owners, but equally important, we want to return our workers home safely to their loved ones. To do this requires ongoing focus, dedication and vigilance. Following leading national safety standards Working with electricity is an inherently dangerous job, especially for lineworkers. 4-County has a safety team whose focus is keeping employees and the community safe around electricity. We established and follow safety protocols based on leading national safety practices for the utility industry. We require our lineworkers to wear specialized equipment when working next to or with power lines. There are specific protocols that our lineworkers follow when dealing with electricity. Our safety team has regular meetings where they discuss upcoming projects from a safety perspective. They monitor and track near-misses of accidents in order to understand them, share “lessons learned”
and improve in the future. As importantly, we encourage all of our crews to speak up and hold each other accountable for safety. By cultivating a culture of openness and transparency, we promote problem-solving with regard to safety, rather than defaulting to a blame game. We examine the information and data gleaned from near-misses and accident reports to discern patterns and use safety metrics to improve in those areas where we have fallen short. As appropriate, we brief contractors on our safety protocols and set expectations for their engagement. Keeping the community safe Because we live and work in the community we serve, we care about our neighbors. 4-County conducts electrical safety demonstrations for schools and for community events. We also provide a portable hot-line demonstration in association with our safety efforts. May is National Electrical Safety Month. According to the Electrical Safety Foundation, each year thousands of people in the United States are critically injured and electrocuted as a result of electrical fires, accidents and electrocution in their own homes. Many of these accidents are preventable. There is much you can do to keep yourself and your community safe around electricity. Don’t attempt electrical DIY projects or overload your outlets. Report downed power lines, unlocked substations or padmount transformers that look amiss. Contact 4-County for additional electrical safety tips. If you would like us to provide a safety demonstration at your school or community event, please contact Joe Miller, 4-County’s safety, training and loss prevention coordinator at 1-800-431-1544.
Warm temperatures this spring make it a great time to think about how warm it could get this summer. A rise in temperature can also mean a rise in energy bills as well. Give your air conditioner a fighting chance at keeping your home cool in the months ahead, without using more electricity than necessary. Here are some tips to keep energy bills low this summer: • Trade your traditional incandescent light bulbs for compact fluorescent bulbs (CFLs). The new generation of CFLs uses far less energy. • Call a service technician to give your air-conditioning system—and any window units—a thorough onceover before the weather gets hot. • Change air conditioner filters monthly from now until October.
Ceiling fans can cool off energy costs Ceiling fans can be a great way to increase the energy savings in your home while providing a comfortable living environment. An alternative to light fixtures, ceiling fans can cut summer energy use. Ceiling fans do not lower the temperature in a room. The cooling effect occurs when air from the ceiling fan blows across a person’s skin. “When you leave the room, switch the fan and its lights off. You’ll save energy and money,” said Ronnie Vernon, 4-County marketing specialist.
Co-op Connections Card saves Since the Co-op Connections Card was unveiled in September 2011, 4-County members have saved over $650,275 on prescription drugs through February.
Look here each month to see the savings total!
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Nominees submitted for board of directors Three incumbent directors are nominated for re-election to 4-County Electric Power Association’s board of directors. The Association’s nominating committee met March 14 and submitted the names of Kenneth M. Seitz of Starkville for District 2, Oktibbeha County; E.H. “Bud” Tumlinson of West Point for District 3, Clay and Monroe Counties; and John E. “Jay” Gilliland Jr. of Mathiston for District 6, Webster and Chickasaw counties. All three candidates’ names have been placed in nomination for re-election to three-year terms on the Associ- Kenneth M. Seitz E.H. “Bud” Tumlinson ation’s board of directors June 7 at the a member and past director of the Mis- attended Wood Junior College. He is cooperative’s annual membership sissippi Soybean Association; past area also owner/manager of Gilliland Outmeeting. The meeting will be held at vice president of the Mississippi Cattle- doors LLC. East Mississippi Community College, He is a Blue Lodge Mason/Shriner man’s Association; and a past Board of Golden Triangle campus, Mayhew. and a member of Mathiston First BapTrustee of First United Methodist tist Church. Gilliland and his wife, Church of West Point. Kenneth M. Seitz Sandy, are the parents of two daughHe and his wife, Bobbie, are the District 2 ters and one son, and they have three parents of a daughter. Kenneth Seitz of Starkville has grandchildren. served as a member of 4-County ElecJohn E. “Jay” Gilliland Jr. tric Power Association’s board of direcNOMINATIONS District 6 tors since 1990. Nominating committee reports were Jay Gilliland of Mathiston, coSeitz is a cattle farmer and has interposted March 14 in each 4-County owner and manager of Gilliland’s Pigest in row crops and forestry. He is a gly Wiggly and president of Gilliland’s office. The cooperative is requesting board member for East Oktibbeha that any additional nominations for of Mathiston Inc., has served on the Wastewater District. director, by petition of at least 50 con4-County Electric Power Association He is a graduate of Starkville High sumer/members, be turned in by noon board of directors since 1988. School and of Mississippi State UniMonday, April 23. The Webster County native is a versity where he received a degree in Petitions are available at the Mathiston High School graduate and agricultural economics. Seitz, active in community affairs for a number of years, is currently a director for the Oktibbeha County Coop and is a member of the Cattleman’s Association. He is a member of First United Pursuant to Article II, Sections 1 and 3 of the 4-County Methodist Church of Starkville. He Electric Power Association Bylaws, notice is hereby given and his wife, Mary Lynn, have two that the Annual Meeting of members of 4-County Electric daughters, and four grandchildren. Power Association will be held at the East Mississippi Community College, Golden Triangle campus, at Mayhew E.H. “Bud” Tumlinson on Thursday, June 7, at noon. District 3 In accordance with the laws of the state of Mississippi A Clay County native, Bud Tumand the Bylaws of the Association, three directors will be linson has been a 4-County Electric elected for three-year terms, reports will be given on the Power Association director since 1993. operation of the Association for the past year and other He is a farmer. matters of business will be addressed. A West Point High School graduate, he earned a degree in mathematics Johnny Johnson from Millsaps College. He also served Secretary-Treasurer in the U.S. Navy. 4-County Electric Power Association Board of Directors Tumlinson is a past board member of First National Bank of West Point,
Official notice of 4-County’s annual meeting
John E. “Jay” Gilliland Jr. 4-County Starkville office, at the Corporate Center in Mayhew or online at www.4county.org. Ballot/proxies will be mailed by May 8 to all 4-County members. The deadline for returning ballot/proxies is noon, June 1, six days prior to the June 7 annual membership meeting. Members of the nominating committee present for the March 14 meeting were Paul Crowley, Willard Easley, Benny Graves, Charles McMinn, Pete O’Shea, Belk Weems, Frank Howell, John Partridge, Thomas Robinson, Sammie Williams, Julius Beck, Grey Land III, Tom Breland, Henri Sue Kennard, Odie Shaw, Gary Holtman (secretary) and Donald Land (chairman).
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April 2018
4-County sends local students to Youth Leadership Workshop
Leading the Way into the
FUTURE through Mississippi’s brightest students
4-County Youth Tour delegates Clay Walters, Lake Little and Haley Fye (pictured with ECM’s Ron Stewart) recently graduated from the prestigious Youth Leadership Workshop. At the workshop, the trio met with area legislators like Rep. Gary Chism, above.
4-County 2018 Youth Tour delegates Haley Fye, Clay Walters and Lake Little participated in the Electric Cooperatives of Mississippi (ECM) 32nd Annual Youth Leadership Workshop Feb. 2123 in downtown Jackson. Each year, about 1,000 of Mississippi’s brightest high school juniors vie for the opportunity to attend the three-day workshop through their local electric cooperatives. This year, 80 students participating in the leadership activities. Leadership through team building is the theme of the workshop. The students heard speeches from a variety of motivational speakers, had a photo session and breakfast with their state legislators, and toured the state Capitol. This hands-on learning experience is designed to provide the students a first-hand look at leadership and state government. Gov. Phil Bryant is a strong supporter of the program. He spoke to the group during a luncheon at the Old Capitol Inn, encouraging the students to pursue their dreams and hold on to their Mississippi values. In a presentation to the young leaders, he highlighted Mississippi’s positive economic factors and encouraged the group to pursue career endeavors in the Magnolia State. “There are so many opportunities for you in Mississippi to take on leadership roles here. Whether you go on to college or choose a technical trade, there are
many advantages to staying right here at home,” he said. During the legislative breakfast, students visited with their state legislators and discussed important issues that affect their local communities. Sens. Gary Jackson and Chuck Younger met with the 4-County students. Before touring the Capitol, students were addressed by Lt. Gov. Tate Reeves. He encouraged the students to work hard for their dreams. Reeves gave the students three guidelines for success: dream big, make a plan and work hard. “If you do these three things, you can accomplish anything you set your mind to,” he said. While visiting the Capitol, the group was able to watch their legislators at work from the galleries of the House and Senate, and were once again able to talk one-on-one with their senators and representatives. Rep. Gary Chism also met with students at the Capitol for photos and discussion. At the workshop, the students participated in a wide range of leadership development activities aimed at motivating students for the future, with an emphasis on teamwork and good communication. They were divided into smaller groups in order to problem-solve and achieve common goals. “The program was developed to help young leaders determine their strengths and weaknesses while showing them ways to become better leaders. We then encourage them to return home and put their skills to use,” said Ron Stewart, ECM’s senior vice president and program coordinator. “We challenge
WORKSHOP SPEAKERS
April 2018 I Today in Mississippi
Gov. Phil Bryant
Sens. Chuck Younger and Gary Jackson, above, met with Walters, Fye and Little. The young leaders made a trip to the Senate floor, right, while visiting the state Capitol.
Lt. Gov. Tate Reeves these young people to go out and make a difference in the lives of others, exemplifying true leadership.” Haley said the experience helped develop her leadership skills. “Recently, I was fortunate enough to attend the Youth Leadership Conference. In those three short days, I was surrounded by teenage leaders, each with our own gifts and potential. Together, we learned that our jobs as leaders in our schools and communities is to take our gifts, our passion for serving and our ideas and put them to action. I am truly blessed to be a part of a program like this,” she said. Clay echoed Haley’s statements. “The Electric Cooperatives Youth Leadership Program was an unforgettable experience. It introduced me to so many future leaders that I now consider to be my friends. In just three quick days, I built relationships with so many new people from around the state through team building activities and other events. Meeting our state leaders was also a great experience. Listening to them I learned what it truly takes to lead people and communities as a whole. I cannot thank 4-County enough for giving me the opportunity to experience something so special,” he said. Lake, one of 10 students earning leadership honors at the workshop, agreed with her counterparts in their assessment of the program. “We came together and were leaders to each other. To me, that is true leadership. I have made
friends from Ocean Springs to Olive Branch that I would have never meet without being selected to go on this wonderful leadership conference. Jackson was so much fun, and being selected as one of the top leaders there was such an honor and has given me more confidence to go back to my school and community to make an impact. I will forever be grateful for this leadership opportunity,” she said. 4-County is a proud sponsor of the program. “We are proud to have Haley, Clay and Lake represent 4-County,” said Joe Cade, 4-County CEO/general manager. “They are our future leaders, and we look forward to seeing all that they accomplish.” In June, the 4-County leadership trio will travel with the statewide youth group to Washington, D.C. The seven-day trip will include visits to all of the popular monuments and memorials, as well as meetings with Mississippi’s congressional delegation during a visit to Capitol Hill.
Bro. Terry Rhodes
Magician Dorian LaChance
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Watts Happening This listing of area events is compiled from information provided by area chambers of commerce and visitors bureaus. The events listed are subject to change. Please call to confirm dates, times and additional details. THURSDAY, APRIL 5
Columbus Pilgrimage; continues through Saturday, April 14; details, (662) 329-1191.
Guest Artist Recital Featuring Cain Budds (Guitar); Poindexter Hall on the campus of Mississippi University for Women in Columbus; 8:15 to 9:15 p.m.; details, (662) 329-1191. Noon Tunes; Trotter Convention Center, 123 Fifth St. N. in Columbus; 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.; continues April 12 and April 19; details, (662) 329-1191. FRIDAY, APRIL 6 Tales from the Crypt; Friendship Cemetery, Fourth Street S. in Columbus; 7 to 10 p.m.; details, (662) 329-1101. The Bass Federation HS State; continues Saturday, April 7; details, (662) 329-1191. SATURDAY, APRIL 7 Touch-A-Truck; Starkville Sportsplex; 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.; details, (662) 323-3322. 28th Annual International Fiesta; Mississippi State University Drill Field in Starkville; (662) 323-3322. Catfish in the Alley & Artisans Alley; Catfish Alley and other parts of downtown Columbus area; 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.; details, (662) 329-1191.
Hitching Lot Farmers’ Market; Second Avenue at Second Street N. in Columbus; 7 to 10 a.m.; continues each Monday, Thursday and Saturday from April through October; details, (662) 328-6305. Columbus Pilgrimage Half Marathon and 5K; 7 a.m.; details, (662) 329-1191. MONDAY, APRIL 9 Through the Lens of Carl Brown: Lowndes County in the 1940s-1950s Exhibit; Columbus-Lowndes Public Library, 314 Seventh St. N.; 5 p.m.; continues through Friday, April 27; details, (662) 329-1191. TUESDAY, APRIL 10 Buttahatchee Barn Quilt Trail Tea Cakes & Tea; Mt. Pleasant Methodist Church, 2382 Wright Road in Caledonia; 4 to 6 p.m.; details, (662) 329-1191. THURSDAY, APRIL 12 Regional Business After Hours; Graham Roofing, Hwy. 45 Alt. in West Point; 5 to 7 p.m.; details, (662) 323-3322. Art ‘N Antiques Show and Sale; Rosenzweig Arts Center, 501 Main St. in Columbus; 7 p.m.; continues through Saturday, April 14; details, (662) 328-2787. Edible Book Festival; Columbus-Lowndes Public Library, 314 Seventh St. N.; 4 to 6 p.m.; details, (662) 329-5300.
FRIDAY, APRIL 13 Old Main Music Festival; details, (662) 3233322. TUESDAY, APRIL 17 MUW Jazz Ensemble; Poindexter Hall on the campus of Mississippi University for Women in Columbus; 7:30 to 8:30 p.m.; details, (662) 329-1191. FRIDAY, APRIL 20 Super Bulldog Weekend; campus of Mississippi State University in Starkville; continues through Sunday, April 22; details, (662) 3233322. SATURDAY, APRIL 21 Historic Cotton District Arts Festival; Starkville; 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; details, (662) 3233322. Starkville Symphony Orchestra at MUW; Whitfield Hall in Rent Auditorium on the campus of Mississippi University for Women; 7:30 to 9:30 p.m.; details, (662) 329-1191. Wings Over Columbus 2018; Columbus Air Force Base; 8 a.m.; continues through Sunday, April 22; details, (662) 329-1191. SUNDAY, APRIL 22 Starkville Restaurant Week; throughout Starkville; continues through Sunday, April 29; details, (662) 323-3322.
MONDAY, APRIL 23 Guest Artist Recital featuring J. Warren Mitchell (Tenor); Poindexter Hall on the campus of Mississippi University for Women in Columbus; 7:30 to 8:30 p.m.; details, (662) 329-1191. TUESDAY, APRIL 24 Songs of the Theater; Poindexter Hall on the campus of Mississippi University for Women in Columbus; 7:30 p.m.; details, (662) 329-1191. FRIDAY, APRIL 27 MUW Choral Concert; Poindexter Hall on the campus of Mississippi University for Women in Columbus; 7:30 to 8:30 p.m.; details, (662) 329-1191. Admiral’s Cup Soccer Tournament; Columbus Soccer Complex, 406 N. Third St.; continues through Sunday, April 29; details, (662) 329-1191. SATURDAY, APRIL 28 Sugarcane Jane in Concert; Omnova Theater in the Rosenzweig Arts Center, 501 Main St. in Columbus; 7 to 9 p.m.; tickets $15 in advance, $17 at the door for Columbus Arts Council members; $20 in advance, $22 at the door for non-members; $5 for children (12 years and younger); details, (662) 328-2787.
4-County employees saluted for years of service April 2018
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With 630 years of service in a wide variety of specialized jobs, 32 cooperative employees and two board directors are being honored this month. The cooperative salutes those achieving years of service milestones. 40 Years
35 Years
Anthony Miller
Ricky Blake
30 Years
Bert Hadaway
Joe Miller
Arnell Brown
Junior Eads
20 Years
25 Years
Mike King
Keith Monahan
Robbie Agnew
Dale Hall
Larry King
Ronnie Vernon
Johnny Johnson (Director)
Mike Banks (Director)
10 Years
15 Years
Cora Lindsey
Willie Terry
Becky Bishop
Margaret Blackwell
Jonathan Edwards
Ricky Wright
Wanda Bledsoe
Emily Bratton
Maria Burton
Jacob Fulper
Justin Marro
Chris Moore
Eddie Pennington
Chrissy Townley
5 Years
Thank you for your years of service!
Jonathan Tuggle
Kim Harris
Darvin Hemphill
Jonathan Howell
Chance Ingram
Hayden Nickels