ater Heater Maintenance

Program, $1.49 per month.

Call Member Services at 706-

253-5200 or your local EMC

office for more information.

Let us keep youin hot water!

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I N T H I S I S S U E :

CEO’s message . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14A

Community spotlight . . . . . . . . . . .14B

Saving energy. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14B

Generator safety. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14C

Local entrepreneurs. . . . . . . . . . . .14D

Winter stormsmay also bringpower outages.We’ve included an important arti-cle on generator safety. A generatorconnected to a home’s wiring orplugged into a regular household outlet can cause backfeeding alongpower lines and electrocute anyonewho comes in contact with them—even if the line appears to be dead.Please read and follow our recommen-dations for generator safety.

Amicalola EMC continues to pro-vide safe, reliable and affordable elec-tricity to our members. We look for-ward to serving you in 2013.

ur economy continues to improveand, even if slowly, we have

turned a corner. The year 2012 wasthe first year in the past four thatAmicalola EMC added new members.This is a welcome sign for the com-munities we provide electricity for,and I am looking forward to contin-ued growth in 2013.

Beginning with this issue of TheBeacon, we are spotlighting some ofour small business owners, shops andentrepreneurs. Our local economydepends upon local support, but alsoin getting the word out to others. OurNorth Georgia mountains have muchto get excited about: unique shops,talented individuals and interestingplaces to visit and experience. Seewhat three special Gilmer Countybusinesses have to offer on page 14D.

Winter is in full swing, but youcan stay warm without breaking thebank by following the helpful wintertips we’ve outlined for you in thisissue. But remember, the easiest wayto save money and energy is simplyby turning something OFF. Turn offthe lights when leaving a room. Turnoff your computer when you finish.Turn off the TV when you are read-ing or cooking dinner. Lower thatthermostat a few degrees. Just flip aswitch.

Charles Gibson President/CEOAmicalola EMC

Ready for more growth in 2013

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Comments from the CEO

February 2013 14AAmicalola EMC Newsletter

Vol 63 Issue 1 February 2013Amicalola ElectricMembership Corporation “Owned By Those We Serve”

14B Amicalola EMC Newsletter

Local FFA students win scholarships

Community Spotlight

GEORGIA MAGAZINE

Chris Townsend of North Murray High, fourth from left on bottom row, placed first, takinghome a $500 scholarship. Chris Perdigo of Gilmer High, far left on top row, placed second,earning a $300 scholarship. Congratulations to both winners!

Stay warm and save energy this winter he average family spends $2,024a year on energy; nearly half of

that goes toward heating and cool-ing costs. Want to stay warm ANDsave energy and money? Start withthese helpful winter tips:• Check furnace filters. Besure to clean or replace your heat-ing and cooling system’s air filter.At a minimum, change the filterevery three months; a dirty filterclogs the system, making the sys-tem work harder to keep youwarm.• Install a programmable ther-mostat. Is no one at home duringmost of the day? Programmablethermostats can knock up to 10percent off heating bills with theability to automatically turn temper-atures down 10 to 15 degrees foreight hours a day. The exception to

this is a heat pump, which shouldbe set at the lowest comfortabletemperature and left alone.• Insulate water heaters andpipes. Wrap water pipes connectedto the water heater with foam, andinsulate the water heater, too. Tosave up to $75 annually, considerlowering the water heater tempera-ture to 120 degrees. • Bundle up your home. Themore heat that escapes from cracks,the more cold air enters, causingyour system to work harder and usemore energy. Use an incense stickto spot air leaks. When it’s windyoutside, hold a lit incense stick nearyour windows, doors and electricaloutlets. If the smoke blows side-ways, you’ve got a leak that shouldbe plugged with weather stripping,caulk or expandable foam.

• Use a low-flow showerhead.About 14 percent of your energy billfunds water heating. Low-flow show-erheads can minimize water use byup to 50 percent.

Little changes add up to big sav-ings. For more energy-saving ideas,call 706-253-5200 today and schedulea free energy audit.

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leven area FFA stu-dents, representing

schools from six countiesin North west Georgia, com-peted in the Area I wiringcompetition held recentlyat Amicalola EMC.

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February 2013 14CAmicalola EMC Newsletter

Charles L. Gibson, President

Board of Directors

Charles R. Fendley, Chairman . . . . . . . .Post #3

John H. Bennett, Jr., Vice Chairman . . .Post #6

Randall Ponder, Sec.-Treas. . . . . . . . . . .Post #1

James H. Bryan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Post #4

Kathy Burt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Post #7

Travis D. Cline . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Post #5

Wm. Leon Davis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Post #9

David J. Pierce . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Post #2

Reggie Stowers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Post #8

Outage Hotlines706-253-0359706-276-0359706-864-0359

Amicalola Electric Membership Corporation544 Hwy. 515 SouthJasper, GA 30143Telephone: 706-253-5200

www.amicalolaemc.com

Eastern District Office1234 Dawsonville Hwy.Dahlonega, GA 30533706-864-7979

Northern District Office150 Tabor StreetEllijay, GA 30540706-276-2362

Office Hours:Monday through Friday8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.Closed on Saturday, Sunday, and holidays

Beacon Editor:Stacey Godfrey Fields, CCC

• Use a ground fault circuit inter-rupter (GFCI) to help prevent electro-cutions and electrical shock injuries.• Make sure fuel for the generatoris stored safely, away from livingareas, in properly labeled containers,and away from fuel-burning appli-ances. Before refueling, always turnthe generator off and let it cool down.• Turn off all appliances poweredby the generator before shuttingdown the generator.• Keep children away from portablegenerators at all times.

A generator can help you weathersome unexpected power outages, butuse it carefully and do your part tokeep others safe. For much more onelectrical safety visit the ElectricalSafety Foundation International web-site at www.esfi.org.

Official Publication Amicalola ElectricMembership Corporation544 Highway 515 SouthJasper, GA 30143

TELEPHONE NUMBERS TO CALL IN CASE OF POWER INTERRUPTIONS:

inter usually finds us preparingfor severe weather. Portable elec-

tric generators provide a good sourceof power, but if not installed or oper-ated properly, can become deadly.Here are some precautions for safegenerator use:

• Contact a licensed electrician toinstall your generator and make sureyour electrician installs a double-pole,double-throw switch. Do not connectgenerators directly to householdwiring. Power from generators canbackfeed along power lines andelectrocute anyone coming in con-tact with them, including line -workers making repairs. • Make sure your generator is prop-erly grounded.• Keep the generator dry.• Make sure extension cords usedwith generators are rated for the load,are free of cuts and worn insulationand have three-pronged plugs.• Do not overload the generator. Aportable generator should be usedonly when necessary, and only topower essential equipment or appli-ances.• Never operate the generator inenclosed or partially enclosed spaces.Generators can produce high levels ofcarbon monoxide very quickly, whichcan be deadly.

WPortable generator safety

Your heat pump can use 10 percent to 25 percent more energy if it’s not properly

maintained, which includes regularly checking and replacing the air filter when it’s

dirty to keep parts from working too hard or even becoming damaged. Keep brush and

plants tidy around the outdoor unit, and dust the return registers inside. For more

details on heat pump maintenance, visit EnergySavers.gov.—Source: U.S. Department of Energy

14D GEORGIA MAGAZINEAmicalola EMC Newsletter

Shining a light on local entrepreneurs This is the first in a series of articles highlighting local businesses. This issue spotlights Gilmer

County and three local business owners, who all share a love of the beautiful mountains we call home.

he majestic mountains of GilmerCounty are a fitting backdrop to

some of the most talented and hard-working folks you’ll ever find.

Traveling north from Jasper to Ellijay on Highway 515, theHighland Crossing Shopping Centerand a hidden gem waits for you.The Music Workshop owned byJohn Crawford, is not your ordinarymusic studio. You can almost hearthe gentle strumming of a guitar asyou glance up at the studio wallslined with string instruments of allshapes and sizes.

The former owner of GalaxyMusic in Stone Mountain, Johnbrings more than 20 years of musicexperience to Ellijay. His love ofmusic leads him to put his heart intohis work, and from the first moment,it is clear that music lessons withJohn will teach you much more thanjust a few musical notes. A classicallytrained musician, he feels stronglyabout sharing his experience andvast knowledge of the music indus-try with his students.

North Georgia MountainOutfitters, owned by Travis andShirley Crouch, is also located atHighland Crossing. The store is atreat in itself and has a special roomfor trying out sleeping bags, com-plete with nature sounds, sheep tocount, stars on the ceiling and a jarof lightning bugs. You have to love astore whose Employee of the Monthis Abby, the family dog. She hasheld that spot for the entire threeyears they’ve been in business. Thestore offers everything from NorthFace and Patagonia clothing andOboz shoes to waterproof Biblesand one-on-one assistance when

The learning starts before an instrument is ever picked up and time flies in the stu-dio as John shares his witty insights, encouraging students to take their learning to amuch higher level. Choose from a variety of lessons including guitar (string, electric,acoustic and bass), drums and piano. Voice lessons are also available. Looking for agreat gift? Lessons from The Music Workshop make a unique and rewarding gift. Call678-357-7492 or visit www.amusicworkshop.com to learn more.

An artist with many abilities, John is also a talented professional photographer. Hisphotos tell a story, and he is able to capture special moments in a way that will betreasured for generations to come. He is affiliated with The Bridal Exchange inWoodstock. Visit www.photocentricstudios.com, or call 678-357-7492.

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choosing just the right backpack.North Georgia Mountain Outfitters isa family-owned business and operat-ed by folks who love the outdoors.Don’t hike? Bet someone on your giftlist does; consider a gift card fromNorth Georgia Mountain Outfitters.Call 706-698-4453, visit www.hikenorthgeorgia.com or find them onFacebook for more information.

Also in Highland Crossing, BlueSky Cabin Rentals, where the pave-ment ends and relaxation begins…

As a great way to enjoy theNorth Georgia mountains, consider

a cabin rental for your next get-away. Beautifully furnished and fullyequipped, Blue Sky Cabin Rentalscan accommodate up to 20 guestsand features stunning mountain andwater views. “Like” Blue Sky CabinRentals, of Ellijay, Georgia, onFacebook for a chance to win arelaxing mountain getaway. Gift cer-tificates are also available. Call themat 706-636-2226 or visit www.blueskycabinrentals.com.

Gilmer County has dozens ofunique businesses. Recognized asan entrepreneur-friendly community,see for yourself what else themountains have to offer atwww.gilmerchamber.com.

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