News for members of Magnolia Electric Power
PICTURE THIS
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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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Today in Mississippi I April 2018
2018 Annual Meeting held in MEP auditorium A bigger-than-normal crowd attended the 2018 Magnolia Electric Power Annual Meeting, which was held at the headquarters in Summit. The meeting was held March 22 in the auditorium of the office, and three incumbent directors were re-elected to their posts. A Lincoln County-based group, The Bridge Band, entertained the crowd with gospel music prior to the business meeting, which is a part of the annual meeting. Members of the band are Tyler Bridge, Nick Bridge, Ron Donegan and Shelley Smith. During the business meeting, John McCabe of Amite County, Pat Ard of Lincoln County and Hollis Alford of Pike County were re-elected to three-year terms on the board of directors. The election of the board members was directed by the board attorney, Reggie Jones. As part of the business meeting, Auditor Mark Biggs informed the crowd that MEP remains in sound financial condition, and Magnolia Electric’s General Manager Darrell Smith gave his Annual Meeting report. Smith stated that the purpose of his report is to keep the members apprised of the financial condition of the cooperative and the improvements made since the last meeting. He also described the plans for the year ahead to keep Magnolia Electric Power a reliable and efficient source for their electrical needs. “In 2017, we spent approximately $7.3 million to improve and maintain the reliability of our electrical grid,” Smith said. “The number of meters served by Magnolia in 2017 increased by 203 from the previous year, bringing us to 31,654 meters served. We sold 606,271,625 kilowatt-hours in 2017, a reduction
of 43,000,995 from 2016. “Also, at the end of 2017 your Board of Directors authorized the return to the membership of $2,352,768 in capital credits. Since 1960, Magnolia has returned to our members $46,038,719 in capital credits,” Smith said. As always, Magnolia’s main objective is to keep the lights on, and when they go out sometimes, due to the severe storms Southwest Mississippi is noted for, to restore power as quickly as possible, Smith explained. To further explain, he discussed that “in 2017, we changed out 12.5 miles of old copper line to aluminum in Amite, Pike, and Franklin counties. We also converted seven miles of single-phase to threephase in Pike and Amite counties,” he said. Right-of-way (ROW) maintenance continues to be a big program for the company. “In 2017, we trimmed 700 miles of overhead primary out of the Norfield, Brookhaven and East Lincoln substations. This year, in 2018, we are trimming the East McComb, Friendship and Arlington subtations in addition to work orders and line changes,” Smith said. “We sprayed the floors of the Jayess, Dexter and parts of the Pisgah stations last year. This year we will be spraying the Norfield, East Lincoln and Brookhaven subs. We are spraying the subs that were trimmed the previous year and this has worked well in our vegetation management program,” he explained. Mowing is a part of the ROW maintenance process too. “We Bush Hogged the Liberty, Progress and parts of the Pisgah subs. This year we will be focusing on areas around our system that we missed because of wet conditions, and fast growth due to all the rain we have had,” Smith said. The school-age students in our service area are important to us. “Since our last annual meeting, we held our ‘Safety around Power Lines’ program at five schools in
“In 2017, we spent approximately $7.3 million to improve and maintain the reliability of our electrical grid.”
our service area, reaching 478 students,” Smith said. “We also held a program for the Lexie Fire Department, which involved 25 firefighters,” he added. “Our Youth Leadership program was continued in 2017, and three students were selected to take part. They are Alvie Mixon of South Pike High School, Cruz Maxwell of West Lincoln High School and Molly Lawson of South Pike High School,” Smith said. In conclusion, Smith spoke for a moment on the cold weather we had in January and referenced questions we received about high bills. “I am well aware that many of you saw bills higher than in recent memory. Everyone who heated their home with anything other than wood saw higher light bills due to higher consumption of electricity,” Smith said. “January 2018 required twice the heating days that January 2017 required. Hopefully, this was one of those weather anomalies we experience from time to time and won’t happen very often. As always we are understanding of the hardships high light bills place on our members and are ready and willing to help all we can to make the payment of these bills easier.” Before the Annual Meeting was dismissed, winners’ names were drawn from those in attendance. Betty Thomas won $500 worth of electricity in the prize designed to encourage attendance at the meeting. Additional $50 awards for electricity given for those in attendance went to Olen Brumfield, Eugene Magee, Samuel L. Quin, Alice Jackson and Reba Wilkinson. Before the meeting started, winners from those who sent in proxies were drawn. The proxy winners, who have been notified by mail, include a $500 award for electricity to Iva Carson and $50 awards for electricity to Christina R. Freemyer, Wallace L. Givens, Jesse J. Johnson Jr., Charles Kendrick and Hulon L. Wallace. Magnolia Electric Power is an electric cooperative and holds an annual meeting for its members. Members participate by either returning their proxy or attending the annual meeting.
April 2018
Magnolia Electric Power General Manager Darrell Smith, left, presented certificates to the winners of electricity who attended the 2018 Annual Meeting. The winners are, from left, Betty Thomas, $500, and $50 winners Alice Jackson, Louise Brumfield, Reba Wilkinson, Samuel L. Quin and Eugene Magee.
A large number of MEP members attended the 2018 Annual Meeting held this year at the office, located at 3027 Highway 98 West, Summit.
The Bridge Band entertained the crowd with gospel at the 2018 Magnolia Electric Power Annual Meeting.
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Magnolia Electric Power sends local students to Youth Leadership Workshop
Leading the Way into the
FUTURE through Mississippi’s brightest students
Top photo: Alvie Mixon, Cruz Maxwell and Molly Lawson represented Magnolia Electric Power at the 2018 Youth Leadership workshop. Above: Alvie works with his team to solve a difficult leadership game.
The Electric Cooperatives of Mississippi recently held the 32nd Youth Leadership Workshop in downtown Jackson. This annual youth event brought students from across Mississippi to the state capital to meet their legislators and to participate in activities designed to enhance their already present leadership abilities. The workshop began on Wednesday, Feb. 21, and continued through Friday, Feb. 23. Electric cooperatives from all areas of Mississippi participate in the program each year. Alvie Mixon, Cruz Maxwell and Molly Lawson were selected among the schools in Magnolia Electric Powers’ service area to represent the electric cooperative during this hands-on event. “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, senior vice president and program coordinator. “We challenge these young people to go out and make a difference in the lives of others, exemplifying true leadership.” This year, 80 students attended the workshop, held at the Marriott in downtown Jackson. When the students arrived on Wednesday, the
workshop began with a “get acquainted” session and they were put into situations where they had to learn about others. They were then asked to participate in a Town Hall meeting, which encouraged them to discuss issues they are facing as young people. Together with their groups, they developed possible solutions to these issues, and were encouraged by group leaders to take the skills they learned back to their schools where they could make a real difference in the lives of their peers. On Thursday morning, the students enjoyed breakfast with senators and representatives who serve in state government on behalf of the districts in which they reside. The breakfast was well-attended with over 40 legislators in attendance. Before visiting the Mississippi State Capitol, Lt. Gov. Tate Reeves spoke to the students and encouraged them to work hard for their dreams. He 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. Gov. Phil Bryant continues to support this program by speaking to the students each year during a luncheon at the Old Capitol Inn. During his speech, he encouraged the students to pursue their dreams and hold on to their Mississippi values. He
“We are proud to have these three outstanding students represent Magnolia Electric Power.” – Darrell Smith General Manager
WORKSHOP SPEAKERS
2018 II Today Mississippi II 10c April2018 Today inin Mississippi 12c February
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Gov. Phil Bryant
Above, from left: Alvie Mixon, Sen. Angela Hill, Rep. Bill Pigott, Molly Lawson and Cruz Maxwell. Right: Alvie, Molly and Cruz pose during the Fun Time photobooth session.
Lt. Gov. Tate Reeves discussed the positive economic factors happening in Mississippi and told them that they don’t have to go far from home to become successful. “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. The students also heard from other motivational speakers and participated in a fun evening with local magician Dorian LaChance, who wowed them with his illusions. When the workshop came to a close, the students had made many new friends and memories that will last a lifetime. Building leaders is fundamental to building a strong community, and through this program Magnolia Electric Power hopes to prepare these young people for a bright future. The program has proven to encourage students to
reach their goals year after year, and the students take away lifelong relationships. Magnolia Electric Power is a proud sponsor of the program. “We are proud to have these three outstanding students represent Magnolia Electric,” said Darrell Smith, general manager. “They are our future leaders, and we look forward to seeing all that they accomplish.” In June, the students will travel with the youth group to Washington, D.C. The seven-day trip will include visits to 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
Alvie, Sen. Tammy Witherspoon, Molly, Sen. Sally Doty and Cruz at the Missisissippi Capitol building.
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April 2018
Thank a lineworker on April 9
Keep the lights on
America’s electric cooperatives have designated the second Monday of April as National Lineworker Appreciation Day. On April 9, Magnolia Electric Power will honor the dedicated men and women who often work in challenging conditions to keep the lights on. We proudly recognize all electric lineworkers for the services they perform around the clock in dangerous
conditions to keep power flowing and protect the public’s safety. “Our lineworkers are the first responders of our electric distribution system, and they work around the clock on high-voltage lines,” said Darrell Smith, Magnolia Electric Power general manager. “Conditions can be dangerous, but they power through to ensure reliable service for our members.”
To honor these brave lineworkers Magnolia Electric Power invites members to take a moment and thank a lineworker for the work they do. Use #ThankALineworker to show your support for the men and women who light our lives.
“Heroes Wear Hard Hats”
Lineworker Appreciation Day April 9, 2018
Remember to #ThankALineworker
Account Management April 2018
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Outage Reportin g a
Made easier!
SmartHub lets you manage all aspects of your Magnolia Electric Power account. SmartHub allows you to view your daily use and manage your account right from your mobile device. With SmartHub, you have the tools you need to manage your accounts with mobile and Web apps fully intregrated with Magnolia Electric Power. SmartHub delivers account information, mobile payments and more in a secure environment.
t your fin gertips!
With the extreme cold temperatures we’ve been experiencing, SmartHub is a convenient way to manage your daily power use. These graphs show an actual member’s use.
MANAGE WEBSITE VERSION My Account Visit www.mepcoop.com Click on MANAGE my Account. This will direct you to our SmartHub site.
MOBILE APP VERSION A mobile version of SmartHub is available in the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. Search for “smarthub” to install.
With SmartHub you can: View your billing history • Check your use • View a bill comparsion Pay your bill • Set up automatic notifications • Report an outage
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