March Newsletter 2024

CARROLL ELECTRIC MEMBERSHIP CORPORATION’S NEWSLETTER FOR MEMBERS

Teachers Surprised With Carroll EMC Grants

Public school educators across Carroll EMC’s service territory started the new year off with a classroom surprise. Bright Ideas grants were hand delivered to 128 teachers at 43 schools in Carroll, Haralson, Heard and Paulding counties, totaling $100,849.

“There is no denying the education system has evolved since I was in school,” says Carroll EMC Foundation Trustee Rick Lovvorn. “It’s exciting to see the many innovative projects the teachers come up with to better engage students.”

At the beginning of each school year, applications for grants of up to $1,000 are open to public school teachers teaching grades pre-K through 12th grade. A school is automatically made eligible if an enrolled student is served by the cooperative. All classroom subjects are qualified for funding, including but not limited to science, technology, engineering, arts, math and social studies.

“There is no denying the education system has evolved since I was in school,” says Carroll EMC Foundation Trustee Rick Lovvorn. “It’s exciting to see the many innovative projects the teachers come up with to better engage students.”

To be considered for a Bright Ideas grant, teachers must submit an online application outlining, in detail, their classroom project and the expected budget. Projects should be creative and must create an enriching learning environment for students. All applications are judged blindly by the cooperative’s foundation trustees and are automatically disqualified if any reference is made to a specific teacher or school.

Bright Ideas grants are funded through the generous donations of Carroll EMC Members who participate in Operation Round Up, a program in which they elect to round up their electric bills to the nearest dollar each month. The program is governed by the cooperative’s foundation trustees and funds a variety of community service projects, including Bright Ideas, Impact Grants, student scholarships, and many health and human services programs.

“It is truly an honor to serve on the Foundation board,” says

Lovvorn. “It allows me to see the needs within our community and be a part in helping meet those needs.”

To see a complete list of this year’s Bright Ideas recipients, please visit carrollemc.com/brightideas. Applications for 2024 will be accepted beginning August 16.

Left to right, Carroll EMC student employee Payton Boyd, Carroll EMC Foundation Trustee Jeffrey Vance, Carrollton Upper Elementary School teacher Jessica Hughes, Carrollton Upper Elementary Principal Tabitha Walker and Carroll EMC Community Relations Specialist Ryan Sammon. Hughes won a grant for Books and Bites.

Left to right, Carroll EMC Community Relations Representative Rolando Benitez, Sharp Creek Elementary School teacher Julie Kelly, Sharp Creek Elementary Principal David Jaye and Caroll EMC student employee Kamryn Smith. Kelly won a grant for Free Little Library.

Do we have your updated email address?

Contact a Member Services Representative at member.services@carrollemc.com or (770) 832-3552 if your email address has recently changed, or if you don’t receive our emails. We send out an electronic version of this newsletter each month.

Internet for People Who Love a Great Connection

Crossbeam and Carroll EMC are committed to making the communities we serve better. That’s why we’ve made it our mission to bring the fastest, most reliable internet service to Carroll EMC Members.

Why Choose Crossbeam

• Highest quality fiber network

• Priced below competitors’ standard rates

• Free firewall and WiFi

• No contracts

• No data overage charges

• Local support that’s here to help and make things easy

Service is available to more than 6,000 Carroll EMC Members. New zones are now being activated. Visit our website to check service availability.

crossbeam.net | @CrossbeamFiber

Leave Electrical Jobs to the Pros

There’s a little bit of a do-it-yourselfer attitude in everyone, but some projects are best left to professionals.

Leave complicated jobs—especially those involving electricity—to the pros. Even the most seasoned repair person stays away from jobs that could put him in danger or start a fire.

• If you do work with electricity, your tools need insulated grips.

• Switch off the circuit breaker that corresponds to the project you’ll be working on.

• If you’re repairing a lamp, appliance or other plugged-in device, unplug it before you start your work.

• Plug power tools into ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs), which will prevent you from getting shocked.

• If you need an extension cord for a power tool, choose one with a cord that measures less than 100 feet.

• Water and electricity don’t mix, so don’t use power tools in wet areas.

• If you’re drilling into a wall, check that you will not come into contact with electrical wires or water pipes.

• Shield your eyes and ears, and suit up with heavy-duty gloves and other protective gear when using power tools.

• Wear sturdy, protective shoes and long pants when using power tools—even your lawn mower.

Ways to Help Limit Tree Trimming

1. Plant trees in the right place. Trees that will be <40 ft. should be planted at least 25 ft. away from power lines (>40ft. should be at least 50 ft. away).

Did you know electric utilities are required to trim trees and other types of vegetation that grow too close to overhead power lines? We know you love your trees, and we will do everything we can to avoid trimming them. Here’s how you can help:

2. Don’t block pad-mounted transformers. Plant shrubs at least 10 ft. away from transformer doors and 4 ft. from transformer sides.

3. Report dangerous branches. If you spot a tree or branch that is dangerously close to power lines, please let us know.

Trimming improves safety for all. Let’s work together to enjoy the beauty of trees and reliable electricity.

155 N. Hwy 113

Carrollton, GA 30117

member.services@carrollemc.com carrollemc.com

April Blood Drive

(770) 832-3552

PRESIDENT/CEO

Tim Martin

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Eddie Gore, Chairman

Max Goldin, Vice Chairman

Ronnie Jordan, Secretary/Treasurer

Donnie Brannon

Don DeFoor

Alvin Ginn

Nan Philpot

Lynn Joyner

Emmett Harrod

EDITOR

Carroll EMC will host a blood drive at the Robert D. Tisinger Community Center from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. on Thursday, April 25. Sign up for your appointment today at redcross.org.

Kelly Jimenez WRITER

Brittany Shadix

OFFICE HOURS

Carrollton

Monday through Friday

8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Buchanan

Wednesday, Thursday and Friday

8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Franklin

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.

Daylight saving time is March 10. When changing your clocks, use this opportunity to also check the batteries in the smoke and carbon monoxide detectors around your home.