Energizer A statewide newsletter for Citizens of Georgia Power and Company Management May 2012 State President’s Message Kia Raffle Will Kick-Off on June 1 To Benefit Electric Kids 2013 Kia with third row seating – Color is Satin Metal Ashley Koby You can tell from this months Energizer that it’s been a very busy month across the state. We are in full swing with golf tournaments, Relay for Life, and Earth Day projects. We had 570 volunteers on more than 45 projects for Earth Day this year. This is incredible!!! One of the most rewarding things that I’ve done this year has been getting out and seeing chapters other than my home chapter. Most of the rest of the State Board has been doing this as well. It’s been eye opening and very heart warming. I didn’t have a feel for how much actually went on until I was able to see some of it. We have some of the most creative, dedicated, and hard working people that exist. From figuring out ways to raise funds for employees in need, to mentoring students, to cleaning up our rivers, to taking care of the elderly, to cancer walks, we know how to have fun and to give back. I hope you are proud of what you are doing because I know we are living up to what our first president charged us with….being a “Citizen Wherever We Serve”. And I know that we are helping more people than I think most realize. This is an incredible organization and I think we are all going to be surprised at how much we’ve accomplished at the end of the year. Thank You for all that you are doing!! Tickets are $5 each or 3 for $10 Drawing will be September 6 Top Safety Pick in its class by Institute of Highway Safety. Features: Blue Tooth Technology, Audio and Cruise Control, IPOD/USB Connection, 17-inch Alloy Wheels, Wood Grain Dash and more. Car purchased from Kia of LaGrange Educational Loan Fund Application Deadline June 15 All current participants have been e-mailed a new application form. In addition, new students may obtain a form from the intranet website, their chapter president or call Sherri King, State Treasurer, at 404-506-2802. Educational Loan Fund History •Plant Hammond & Rome Golf Tournament is May 25. Did You Know ? •Metro South Golf Tournament is 4. •Plant Yates Golf Tournament is June 8. •Clayton’s Hee Haw Motorcycle Ride is June 9. •Dublin Golf Tournament is June 23. •Past State Presidents’ Luncheon is July 27. •Plant Bowen’s Relay For Life Golf Classic is Aug. 13 •North Fulton’s 2nd Annual Kylan Warren Golf Tournament is August 27. •Gwinnett’s Mary Ann Manley Electric Kids Golf tournament is October 3. •20th Annual Metro East Classic Golf Tournament is October 22. Have a Safe & Happy Memorial Day May 28 Remember those who sacrificed their lives for our freedom and honor those who currently serve. The idea of an Educational Loan Fund was presented to the Annual Meeting in 1964 by a recommendation of the Executive Board. The group voted to begin this fund allowing time to accumulate $5,000 before beginning loans. The fund was started with a $1,000 loan from the General Fund of the Women of Georgia Power. The first donation by a local chapter was received from the Columbus Chapter on August 25, 1964. Thereafter the chapters made donations until the $5,000 was reached in 1967. The first loan was made for fall quarter 1968. Loans made in the initial years were 1968 – 2; 1970 – 2; 1971 – 6; 1972 – 5; 1073 – 6. The loan amount was $500. Last year, ELF granted 49 interest-free loans of $2000 each for a total of $ 98,000. See how we have grown – Net Worth: April 1964 $1,000 April 1993 $257,332 April 2012 $794,003 Metro South Membership Winner Metro South completed its annual membership drives. They received a total of 167 new and renewing members. Much of their success came from raffling a Mecco Electric Grill donated by the Residential Market group. Each new and renewing member's application served as their entry for a chance to win. The chapter did hotdog lunches in conjunction with pancake breakfasts to help increase membership. The hotdogs were cooked on the donated grill and enjoyed by the employees. Metro South Region Manager John D’Andrea drew the winner. Bryan Spinks, Noah’s Ark Operating Lineman, was the lucky member. Metro South has not given up on their wellobtainable goal of 200 and has plans to rekick the membership campaign in June with a homemade ice cream social. Statesboro Special Olympics Spring Games Statesboro held their local Special Olympics spring games Monday, May 7, and Statesboro CGP members were on hand to help. Volunteers lined up to cheer the athletes onto the field, and coordinated the bouncy ball relay game for the different groups as they arrived. Plant Bowen’s team raised $11,100 for MOD. The Fayette County Team (Metro South) had a bowling fundraiser on April 14. Twenty-five bowlers earned $355 for the team. Cindy Bachelder is the team captain. Members volunteering were (left to right) Ray Oliver, Melissa Peebles, Kesha Ward, Yolanda Tremble, Gail Johnson, Kerry Bridges and Dale Hardin. Not shown are Dale’s wife Michele Hardin and granddaughter Alexis. Columbus Chapter’s Fishing Tournament Kerry Bridges gives a helping hand to one of the athletes during the relay races. Volunteers lined the field at the beginning of the event to cheer on the teams as they started the ceremony. Columbus Chapter came together to create their very 1st Fishing Tournament to help raise money for the American Cancer Society. Held on Lake Eufaula and launching from Florence Marina, 17 – 2 Men/Women teams came together for an all day fishing experience. With nearly perfect weather conditions, the chapter was able to raise $570 and have an amazing time together as a group. Scott Flouronoy, an AT&T employee won the tournament with 15.5lbs. Jerry Grant Jr, son of Jerry Grant Sr., a lineman in Columbus, won the “Big Fish Pot” with a 5.8lb fish. Everyone has already expressed interest in next year’s tournament! Special thanks to Verlon Quesenberry and Jason Perez for helping put together a successful event! Conyers Chapter Set To Begin 2012 Work on Community Garden The Conyers Chapter has partnered again with the Master Gardeners to provide volunteers to work in the community garden program that they supported last year. All the produce is donated to the Food Bank of Rockdale Emergency Relief. The group begins this year’s garden with planting tomatoes and peas on May 14. Great project, Conyers! Heart of GA/Macon Raises $3608 for Relay The Heart of GA/Macon Chapter sold candy bars, hot dogs, and had two raffles – one for a television and one for a $300 gift card to fund their teams efforts. The winner of the 40” television raffle was Toni Uchi of the Customer Care Center (at left). The winning ticket was sold by Teresa Morris (right) Forest Park Golf Tournament May 4 Raised $31,500 The Forest Park Chapter held their tenth annual golf tournament at Orchard Hills on May 4. This golf committee has fine-tuned the process and does an excellent job each year. Thanks to the sponsors, players, and volunteers who made this year’s event another great success. Proceeds from the tournament are donated to Electric Kids, American Cancer Society, Educational Loan Fund, and their local supported shelters. General Office Supports Amanda’s Army for Lupus Walk The Chapter President’s Project for General Office this year is Lupus. The team supported these efforts under the team name of Amanda’s Army/Citizens of Georgia Power. The team proudly stormed Piedmont Park on April 28 in support of loved ones living with lupus, honoring those who have been lost and spreading a joyful message of hope for a cure. The team was one of the largest at the entire walk….an amazing feat since the Atlanta event is the largest lupus walk in the nation! A final total has not been determined but the team has turned in over $4650. The Lupus Walk told Georgia “lupus matters.” We are one step closer to aiding the 55,000 Georgians living with lupus. Athens’ Earth Day Projects The Athens Chapter participated in UGA's Sustainability Week as one of their Earth Day projects. Volunteers manned a table at the Tate Student Center on Friday, April 20, from 10 AM till 2 PM. They handed out CFL's and energy efficiency literature. Volunteers included Greg DeMent, Martin Kimsey, Angie Kinley, Sylvia Evans Karl Langenbach, Tai Langenbach. (left to right) Martin Kimsey and Greg Dement Americus Chapter Hosts “Indoor” Yard Sale to Benefit Relay For Life On Saturday, April 14, the Americus Chapter held an “indoor” yard sale to benefit their Relay Team. The project earned $417! Additionally, the Athens Chapter partnered with a Boy Scout Troup from Watkinsville Georgia to beautify Fowler Elementary School in Athens on April 21. Volunteers dug holes and planted posts for large bird feeders and filled 4 large raised plant beds with soil. In addition the volunteers moved a large compost pile to the back of the property. Volunteers pictured: (left to right) Kaylesha Cornelius, Kaylee Cornelius, Jayla Cornelius, John Cornelius, Cheryl Davis, Jayson Summers, Brooks Glisson, Cal Holloway. (not pictured: Reginal Roby, Karl Langenbach, Tai Langenbach) Conyers, H L Thomas, and Metro South Northwest Mountain Chapter Partners Chapters Partner for Earth Day Project At James “Sloppy” Floyd State Park Members of the Conyers, H L Thomas, and Metro South Chapters partnered to remove approximately 600 lbs of trash and debris from the banks of Lake Jackson on April 14. Lunch was provided for the volunteers by the Land Department. Cheryl Wheeler, Lake Resources Manager, expressed her appreciation to everyone who participated. On April 11, members of the Northwest Mountain Chapter, the NW Region Green Team, and Summerville/Trenton area employees joined forces at an Earth Day Event at James “Sloppy“ Floyd State Park. The group helped with trail maintenance, sign repainting, timber staining and other projects at the park. Will Gardner, Park Ranger, was extremely impressed with the amount of work done by this team and hopes for a continued partnership over the coming years. Attendees of the event were Scot Branton, Preston Cronan, Greg Eaker, Frances Fortune, Caroline Green, Gary Givens, Bryan Griffin, Will Gardner, Scott Griffith, Arlene Hardeman, Shane Hiett, Jimmy Jones, Dwight Leonard, Mac McAuley, Charles Mensinger, Brandi Montgomery, Jerry Mull, Betty Mundy, Ricky Mundy, Evan Phillips, Sammy Rice, Scott Skinner, Kellen Smith, Allen Storey, Wayne Tenney, Kerry West, and John Wheeler. Columbus Chapter Holds Indoor Yard Sale to Benefit Relay For Life The Columbus Chapter held the second annual Relay For Life Yard Sale. The event was a huge success and raised $510 for the American Cancer Society. Rhonda Blanchard was the chair for the event. Columbus Chapter Has Popcorn Sales To Raise Funds for Relay For Life On April 3, the Columbus Chapter held a fundraiser for the Relay for Life at the Columbus-Veterans Parkway Business Office by selling popcorn and drinks. A total of $176 was raised for this great cause. Special thanks to Betty Pugh (Ambassador), Tina Rumsey, Nicole Horne, Jason Perez, and David Griffin for volunteering. Americus Chapter Participates in Two Relay For Life Events Madison Taylor Jeanette Taylor Staci Meyers & Jamie Wilder at the Macon County Relay For Life on April 20. They raised $327. Travis Hester On May 3 and 4, the chapter again sold popcorn and drinks to raise funds for their team. A total of $256 was raised on Thursday and $167 on Friday . Special thanks to Don Martin, Tim Stuckey, Tina Rumsey, Kay Stover, Robert Watkins, Ernie Febo, Travis Hester, Michael Olajubutu, and David Griffin for volunteering. Heart of GA/Macon Sells Hot Dogs At Lunch to Earn $150 for Relay Team Americus Chapter participated in the Sumter County Relay For Life on April 27 and raised $3466! Plant Bowen Mentors at Euharlee Elementary Karla Wothy & Latonya Lawson prepare lunch Tari Whiteman recently read to a class . Clayton Chapter Works at the Rabun County Community Garden Plant Hammond’s Earth Day Project Plant Hammond Chapter organized a litter clean-up on Highway 20 in front of the plant! The Clayton Chapter planted vegetables in the Rabun County Community Garden on April 19 . The vegetables included several varieties of tomatoes, cucumbers, squash, eggplant and several varieties of peppers. The produce will be donated to the local food bank and others in need. Sixteen chapter members and family who participated were Pam Jordan, Mildred Whitaker, Lonnie English, Tony Westbrook, Ryan Walls, Kristin Walls, Blythe Walls, Bree Walls, Brennan Walls, Mark Maney, Derek Goodwin, Katie Goodwin, Bryan Ferguson, Zach Ferguson, Mina Brown and Greg Brown. We all had a great time and look forward to harvesting the fruits of our labor for the benefit of others. Jefferson Street Chapter The Jefferson Street Chapter hosted a pancake breakfast to earn funds for their team. They earned $540 for the team who will be partnering with H L Thomas and General Office on May 18. The pancake breakfast was held on April 25. Gainesville Chapter Participates in “Keep Hall Beautiful” in Flowery Branch on April 14 Calvin Jones; Lance Gardner; Area Manager Darrell Snyder and sons Dustin and Dalton; Tommy Davis, Bantes Hodges and daughter Kristin Central Region Chapters Team With Several Groups to Distribute 2500 CFLs Valdosta Chapter Hosts 2nd Annual Community Tennis Tournament to Benefit Relay For Life – Raises $2019 Georgia College and State University Earth Fest Week was April 16 through April 22. Georgia Power normally gives away several thousand Compact Florescent Light Bulbs (CFLs) on campus during the Earth Fest Week. They have accomplished this through assistance from Georgia College’s Sustainability Council, Facilities and Plant Operations, the Citizens of Georgia Power chapters from the Central Region and Plant Branch, the Central Region Sales Team and others. The 2500 bulbs were given out in three days! On April 21, the Valdosta chapter hosted the 2nd Annual “Game-Set-Cure” tennis tournament for Relay For Life. Thirty-nine teams competed in the day-long event and over $2000 was raised for the American Cancer Society. Thank you to all of the wonderful volunteers and sponsors for making the event a success. (left to right) Denise Martin, Karla Worthy, Craig Stephens Student Signing Pledge Card Carrollton Chapter Plants Two Trees At Pregnancy Resource Center For Earth Day Project Chapter members assisted with the serving of lunch. Valdosta’s Earth Day Project Each year the chapter participates in Earth Day; an annual day on which events are held worldwide to increase awareness and appreciation of the Earth’s natural environment. The Valdosta Chapter has adopted Savannah Avenue as part of the Keep Lowndes/Valdosta Beautiful Adopt-A-Road Program. The group picked up 260 lbs of trash from Savannah Avenue on April 20. The group was joined by Region Vice President Terri Lupo. Vidalia Chapter The Vidalia Chapter partnered with Altamaha Chapter of the Ambassadors and exceeded their $3,000 goal this year. Toombs/Treutlen County Relay for Life was Friday April 20. They enjoyed a BBQ dinner, honored loved ones with luminaries, walked the track, and spent an evening of fellowship. & Valdosta’s Relay For Life On April 27, the Valdosta Chapter participated in the Lowndes County Relay For Life event at the Valdosta Middle School track. Employees and their families came together to show their support for the fight against cancer. Through various fundraisers, the Valdosta team was able to raise over $3000 for the American Cancer Society. Dublin Chapter Volunteers worked with the Great American Clean-up to Keep Dublin-Laurens Beautiful. Jefferson Street at March of Dimes Louisa Rosenberg, Cathy den Boer, Annetta Fugate and Billie Jo Driggers participated in the March of Dimes Walk on April 28 at the World Congress Center. Statesboro Chapter On Saturday, April 28, members from Statesboro, Savannah and Plan McIntosh gathered in Brooklet to participate in Keep Bulloch Beautiful. They spent the morning helping other organizations clean up trash and debris in conjunction with Earth Day programs around the community. Members participating from Statesboro were Dale Hardin, son Lewis Hardin, Ray Oliver, Melissa Peebles and Kerry Bridges. Jason Grooms (Plant McIntosh) and Alan Volskay (Savannah) also volunteered their time for the event. General Office & Environmental Affairs Partner on Earth Day Project Members of the General Office Chapter and employees of Environmental Affairs worked at an event hosted by Keep Atlanta Beautiful, Atlanta Beltline, Park Pride, Trees Atlanta, the Atlanta Community Tool Bank and Green Plate. The volunteers were involved with clearing a site in order to make space for an urban farm. (left to right) Jessica Hardaway, Mike Scott, J D Wilson, Gena Scott, Cameron Hardin, Kamecha Sims Kerry Bridges, Dale Hardin, Ray Oliver and Lewis Hardin prepare to haul off bags of trash from the morning’s event. Thomson Chapter The Thomson Chapter worked at the Thomson Salvation Army for their 2012 Earth Day project. The Thomson Salvation Army facility recycles and sells clothing, appliances, furniture, electronics, etc., to help fund their ministry programs while also reducing land fill waste. Citizens volunteers assisted with the sorting of clothing donations and light cleaning on the inside of the facility. Outside the facility, volunteers assisted with pruning bushes, flower bed maintenance, and weed eating. Leah Burch (left to right) Thomson Chapter president Parker Land and Earth Day project coordinator David Kelly. Katie Agress Columbus Chapter Earth Day Projects General Office Cooks and Serves Dinner for Hope Lodge Residents The Columbus chapter partnered with Columbus State University (CSU) and AFLAC on April 12 and 20, respectively. CGP volunteers manned a booth at CSU’s sustainability fair and AFLAC’s annual Earth Day celebration. The Columbus chapter volunteers passed out CFL bulbs, energy efficiency brochures, bags and key chains. Special thanks to Don Martin, Andrese Harris, David Griffin and Judy Dunham for their help making both events a huge success. Members of the General Office Chapter cooked and served dinner to forty cancer patients and their caregivers April 26. Hope Lodge provides housing for cancer patients while receiving treatment. A caregiver is also allowed to stay with the patient. The facility offers many of the comforts of home, but the true magic of the Hope Lodge is the inviting atmosphere. Other guests, facing similar circumstances, rally around each other, offering strength and support. The volunteers and staff, many of whom are cancer survivors, strive to create an environment where guests can relax and concentrate on getting well. The patients and caregivers really enjoy the dinners provided by different groups. Both General Office and H L Thomas Chapters provide four to five meals each year. Waynesboro Chapter Earth Day Volunteers gave away small plants they had planted or children had the opportunity to plant a seed in a cup. (left to right) Suzanne Sharkey, April Flakes, Karen Nix, Kathy Graham, Diedra Sims, Lisa Cucci, and Bobbie Teppenpaw. Cartersville Chapter’s Golf Tournament Raises $5000 for Relay For Life Team Savannah Generation The Cartersville Chapter’s golf tournament on April 30 raised $5000 for the Relay For Life Team. There were 72 players in the tournament. In addition, the tournament hosted a ball drop. Players buy into pot and the four closest balls to the pin get great prizes. Proceeds form the ball drop go to the fundraising efforts. Pictured above are some of the 52 walkers at the event. The team raised $5000 and are still collecting for MOD total. Chuck Wise and Lowell Worthington conduct the ball drop! Northwest Region Volunteers for Renew the Coosa “Renew Our Rivers” at Brushy Branch 2012 was a huge success again this year. A total of 93 volunteers from around the Region, Plant Hammond, Keep Rome/Floyd Beautiful, GPC retirees, and Volunteer Friends cleaned up Our Coosa River on Friday May 4th. Another GREAT day for NW and the preservation of our valuable natural resource, the Coosa River… Thanks to everyone who volunteered! Below is general information on Earth Day projects reported to the State Office. Region or Location Chapter/Projects Atlanta Jefferson Street – Volunteers collected and donated “The Lorax” by Dr. Seuss to children at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta at Hughes Spalding. Goal: 40+ books turned in by April 18. The group had a used book drive in support of American Kidney Services on April 16 – 20. This is recycling at its best! General Office – volunteers worked at an event hosted by Keep Atlanta Beautiful, Atlanta Beltline, Park Pride, Trees Atlanta, the Atlanta Community Tool Bank, and Green Plate. The groups cleared a site of debris in order to make space for an urban farm site. Central Heart of GA/Macon - Volunteers worked for three days at the Georgia College and State Region University Earth Fest Week distributing 2500 CFLs and getting pledge cards signed. Dublin – Volunteers worked with the Great American Clean-up to Keep Dublin-Laurens Beautiful Milledgeville/Plant Branch – (3 projects) Volunteers cleaned up trails at Rock Hawk Effigy ; judged paper grocery bags (donated by Ingles) decorated by the 6th grade Science classes at Putnam County Middle School and returned the decorated bags to Ingles for customer use; distributed CFLS at GSCU event. Plant Scherer – The chapter provided special recycle bins throughout the plant for the months of April and May. Volunteers also distributed CFLs and energy efficiency information at the Monroe County Forsythia Festival. Vidalia – The chapter purchased 250 Crepe Myrtle trees and distributed them to customers and employees that wanted to plant for an early earth day project on March 2nd.. They were distributed in Hazlehurst, Baxley, both Vidalia Offices and Soperton. These trees were not available in April due to being bare-root seedlings. Coastal Effingham – Volunteers distributed CFL bulbs at the Old Effingham Days festival in Region Springfield on April 14. Hinesville/Jesup – Volunteers manned the Georgia Power Information Booth at the Earth Day event sponsored by Liberty Clean and Beautiful, Monday, April 23 and on Saturday, April 28, the group participated in the Hinesville Community Cleanup. Savannah – Volunteers distributed CFLs and energy efficiency information from a booth at a local festival. Savannah Generation – Volunteers worked with Recycle Rama paint recycling April 21. Statesboro - Volunteers participated in Great American Clean Up on Saturday, April 28. East Augusta – Volunteers worked the Adopt-A-Mile project on April 28 for Earth Day. Trash Region and debris were picked up along Evans to Locks Road. The chapter signed up for the Adopt-a-Mile project last year and volunteers meet quarterly to clean up the adopted area. Thomson – Volunteers worked at the Salvation Army sorting clothes, cleaning inside the facility, pruning bushes, and weed eating. Waynesboro – members grew small plants and vegetables to distribute to attendees at a downtown Earth Day function. Metro East H L Thomas & Conyers – partnered with Metro for Lake Jackson cleanup on April 13. Region Metro North Gwinnett – (2 projects) Volunteers removed graffiti on fences, litter pick up and right-ofRegion way beautification on Club Drive, Lilburn and volunteers mulched trails at the Gwinnett Environmental & Heritage Center in Buford on April 21. North Fulton - Volunteers worked at the Earth Day Kids Fest at the Chattahoochee Nature Center on April 14. Volunteers assisted by distributing literature on recycling programs and worked with a hands-on activities teaching how to be friendly to the environment. Metro South Customer Care – Volunteers worked at an event hosted by Hands on Henry and Region Leadership Henry. The volunteers cleaned up Patrick Henry Parkway. Metro South – Partnered with H L Thomas and Conyers for Lake Jackson cleanup on April 13. Plant Yates – Volunteers are working on a plant beautification project (on going) and they did a tree planting and recycle education event. Northeast Athens - Volunteers planted flowers and spread mulch at Fowler Drive Elementary on Region April 21. On April 20 volunteers manned tables at the UGA Tate Center to promote CFLs and efficient use of energy Clayton – Volunteers planted a community garden on April 19 and will donate vegetables to a local charity (on-going project) Gainesville – Volunteers worked in Flowery Branch with “Keep Hall Beautiful” picking up debris along the roads and creeks in the downtown area. Tallulah Falls – Volunteers worked to re-gravel a driveway, plant trees and do other maintenance on a yard for an employee who is out on long-term disability. Northwest Carrollton – Volunteers planted two trees and chipped up a dead one at the Carroll Region Pregnancy Resource Center on April 24. Cartersville – Volunteers worked at an event hosted by Bartow County annual Gene Thacker Memorial Cleanup. They picked up trash. Northwest Mountain – Volunteers stained timbers, installed bluebird houses, and did general trail clean up at “Sloppy” Floyd State Park on April 11. Plant Bowen – Volunteers cleaned drainage ditches and worked on water drainage issues in Euharlee. The chapter also once again sponsored the Woodland Middle School plant sale for the Special Needs Class. Plant Hammond – Volunteers picked up trash on Highway 20 in front of the plant on April 26 for 4 hours. Plant Wansley – (3 projects) Recycling initiative by collecting shopping bags (300 lbs.); Roadside cleanup on Liberty Church Road and Hollingsworth Ferry Road, and beautification of plant around flagpole, service building front lawn, and Wansley Digital Marquee Rome – Volunteers worked with Renew Our Rivers on May 4. South Albany - Volunteers participated in the Keep Albany/Dougherty Beautiful’s “Stash the Region Trash” event by picking up trash along Radium Springs Rd. near Plant Mitchell April 28. Bainbridge – “Renew Our Rivers” joint project in March with APSO, Farley Nuclear, Georgia Power, and Alabama Power at Lake Seminole. Valdosta – Volunteers removed litter from Savannah Avenue in support of Keep Lowndes/Valdosta Beautiful Adopt-A-Road program on April 20 Waycross – Volunteers worked with Waycross Rebuilding Together as part of a reclamation and rebuilding program. West Americus – Chapter launched a recycling program in the Americus area by putting out Region bins to recycle plastic bottles and aluminum cans. Columbus - Volunteers worked at Columbus State University’s One CSU Fair, and AFLAC’s Earth Day Celebration. Both focused on environmental awareness. Volunteers had a table set up where passers-by could learn about green energy through Georgia Power.