News for members of Singing River Electric
PICTURE THIS
y n n Fu s e n i Fel Periodical postage (ISSN 1052 2433)
PAGE 20
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
4
I
Today in Mississippi
I
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
April 2018
I
Today in Mississippi
I
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
★
5
12 I Today in Mississippi I April 2018 Pay Bill Report Outages
Brian Hughey, General Manager & CEO Lorri Freeman, APR, Manager of Public Relations Amanda Parker, Public Relations Specialist For more information, call 601-947-4211, 228-497-1313 or visit our website at singingriver.com. SRE is an equal opportunity employer and provider.
CEO’s Message
Check Energy Use
Round Up Bill
Contact Us
April is Lineman Appreciation Month
As our alarm sounds, most of us wake with a good idea of what’s ahead of us for the day. While eating breakfast, we usually begin to consider our evening plans which may include a birthBrian Hughey day dinner with family, a child’s General Manager and CEO ballgame or simply a relaxing Singing River Electric night at home. A day in the life of a lineman is not so easy to predict. If fortunate enough to get a full night’s sleep, the lineman may hear of family plans for the evening while enjoying breakfast with family. He knows there’s a chance that he may not make these events due to an unexpected power outage. SRE linemen receive calls all hours of the day and night requiring them to sacrifice family time in order to respond and restore electric service to our members. They do
Ask about our Heat Pump Rebates
View Outage Map
this willingly and without hesitation. During this Lineman Appreciation Month, we want to say “THANK YOU” to our linemen who take pride in keeping our lights on. To the families of our linemen, we know you support our linemen and make similar time sacrifices, so we thank you as well. SRE linemen have built and continue to maintain over 7,400 miles of electric power lines throughout seven counties in southeast Mississippi, and two counties in southwest Alabama. While our linemen strive to provide excellent, around-theclock service, they must always keep safety as their main focus. Their lives and the safety of our members depend on it. If you would like to show your appreciation for our hard-working linemen, please take a moment and say thanks as you see them in the community, or visit Singing River Electric’s Facebook, Twitter or Instagram pages and give them a shout out.
A new electric heat pump can help you stay comfortable year-round, while increasing your energy savings. Our heat pump rebates can add to the savings if replacing an electric or gas furnace. Visit www.singingriver.com for more information.
Energy Fairs scheduled for Greene and Jackson counties in April
Jeff Gray Member Services Representative gray@singingriver.com
Singing River Electric is hosting three Energy Fairs for our members in April, and I hope you will make time to join us. We’ll be sharing ways to use less energy around your home and suggesting do-it-yourself projects to make this happen. Here are the dates: • April 19 – Knobtown Community Center on Knobtown Road – 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. • April 24 – East Central Storm Shelter on Highway 613 – 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. • April 26 – Vancleave Storm Shelter on Ballpark Road – 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. Come to an Energy Fair and talk to me and our other trained professionals about: • SRE’s SmartHub app. We’ll explain this helpful tool so you can monitor daily energy use, view/pay your bill, and report a power outage. • LED bulbs. View our lighting display to see how efficient LEDs are, and receive free bulbs to see for yourself. • Caulk and foam sealants. Learn how to stop air infiltration around windows and doors and other home improvement tips. For more information and tips on energy efficiency, visit www.singingriver.com, and join the conversation on social media including Facebook/Instagram (SingingRiverElectric) and Twitter (SRECooperative).
April 2018
Today in Mississippi 12a
Heroes wear hard hats April is National Lineman Appreciation Month. It is a day to recognize and say thank you to a hardworking, selfless group that go above and beyond every day to ensure Singing River Electric members have reliable electric service. You know the efforts they make to restore power at all hours day and night, but they also work hard throughout their normal work day to construct power lines, substations and Keep the lights on keep our electrical system running efficiently. “Our linemen are knowledgeable when it comes to skill and safety measures,” said Brian Hughey, Singing River Electric CEO/General Manager. “Line work is a challenging profession and our employees rise to the challenge. Their strength of character, love of family, community and country is seldom matched.” To honor these brave men Singing River Electric invites you please take a moment and say thanks as you see them in the community, or visit Singing River Electric’s Facebook, Twitter or Instagram pages and give them a shout out.
Energy Fairs: April 19 – Knobtown Community Center 115 Knobtown Rd., State Line
April 24 – East Central Storm Shelter 18413 Highway 613, Hurley Special presentations on heat pumps and energy audits at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. • Free LED Bulbs • Energy Experts
• Prize Wheel • Demonstrations
Free to SRE Members * In partnership with Jackson County Civic Action. Participate in three efficiency demonstration stations, Receive FREE LED bulbs, Engage energy experts, Obtain advice on home efficiency projects.
April 26 – Vancleave Storm Shelter 5500 Ballpartk Rd., Vancleave
June 28 – SREC Lucedale Office, 11187 Old 63 S, Lucedale
Time for all events is 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.
12b I Today in Mississippi
I
April 2018
Singing River Electric sends local students to Youth Leadership Workshop
Leading the Way into the
FUTURE through Mississippi’s brightest students
Top photo: Zikeya, Micah, Cari and Eli represented Singing River Electric for the 2018 Youth Leadership workshop. Above: Cari works with her team to complete a difficult task with a tennis ball.
The Electric Cooperatives of Mississippi recently held the 32nd Youth Leadership Workshop in downtown Jackson. This annual youth event brought 80 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. Zikeya Byrd, Fruitdale High School; Micah Pickering, Perry Central High School; Eli Ramirez, Pascagoula High School and Cari Sims, Vancleave High School were selected to represent Singing River Electric’s at this 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, Electric Cooperatives of Mississippi senior vice president and program coordinator. 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 each other. They participated 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 and encouraged the students 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 discussed the positive economic factors happening in Mississippi and told them that they don’t have to go far from home to become s uccessful. “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,” said Bryant. The students also heard from other motivational
WORKSHOP SPEAKERS April 2018
I
Today in Mississippi
Gov. Phil Bryant
Above: From left, Sen. Mike Seymour, Rep. Shane Barnett, Cari, Micah, Zikeya, Sen. Dennis DeBar, Eli, Sen. Michael Watson and Rep. John Read Right: Cari, Zikeya, Micah and Eli pose during the Fun Time photobooth session.
speakers and participated in a fun evening with local magician, Dorian LaChance who captivated 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. Singing River Electric is a long-time sponsor of the program. “Four outstanding students represented Singing River Electric,” said Brian Hughey, general manager and CEO. “They are amazing leaders and we look forward to seeing all that they accomplish.” In June, Zikeya, Micah, Eli and Cari will travel with the 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.
Lt. Gov. Tate Reeves
Bro. Terry Rhodes
Left: Micah, Zikeya, Rep. Manly Barton, Eli and Cari visit on the House floor in the state Capitol. Above right: Eli and Micah having fun at the workshop.
Zikeya was Magician Dorian LaChance’s assistant during this hat trick.
I
12c
12dI Today in Mississippi
I
April 2018
You have a vote, a say, returned capital credits and more. We were organized 80 years ago by neighbors in southeast Mississippi and still represent those same communities today. That is the cooperative difference and what makes us unique.
You are a member of one of the fastest growing electric cooperatives in the state and nation. Singing River Electric is the 49th largest out of 809 electric distribution co-ops nationwide and is one of more than 750 Touchstone Energy cooperatives in the United States.
COUNTIES SERVED
7 MS AND 2 AL MEMBERS SERVED
>74,000 MEMBERS ON THE BOARD
9 NEIGHBORS 2017 RETIRED CAPITAL CREDITS
> $2.4 MILLION TOTAL RETIRED CAPITAL CREDITS
> $24.9 MILLION
April 22 is
April 2018
I
Today in Mississippi
I
Our community partnership doesn’t end with our NHN Community Grants, Energy Assistance, scholarships and support of our local schools. Singing River Electric also supplies COOPERATIVE POWER on EARTH DAY and all year. Our employees go above and beyond to help clean up and make improvements to leave our beautiful community the way we found it – or even better.
COMMUNITY POWER:
SRE employees donate their time at the Mississippi Coastal Cleanup at Gautier City Park and Pier.
How you can go green this Earth Day: • Bring your spent household CFL bulbs to any SRE office for FREE recycling. • Choose paperless billing and download our SmartHub app to pay your bill and report power outages.
Join us at the Jackson County Household Hazardous Waste Collection Day on Saturday, April 21, from 8 a.m. to noon at Singing River Mall, Highway 90, Gautier.
13