Moving on Up Central, Live Oak schools excited about their new digs Along these Manager’s Report LINES By John Vranic Vol. 27, No. 1 August 2012 DEMCO CEO and General Manager Along These Lines is an official publication of Dixie Electric Membership Corp. It is written for and distributed to members of the cooperative nine times each year. Dixie electric Membership Corp. Better education system is a non-profit rural electric cooperative providing service to 100,000 consumer-owners in seven Louisiana parishes. The Cooperative headquarters is located at 16262 Wax Road, Greenwell Springs, makes a better community LA. All comments, suggestions and requests for ducation has been hot news community success follows local information concerning this publication should be addressed to Along These Lines, Dixie Electric over the past few months. support for education, many of the as we play an integral role in the Membership Corp., P.O. Box 15659, Baton Rouge, E From cuts in higher educa- fastest growing communities in the important work being done inside LA 70895, (225) 261-1221. tion to legislative proposals affect- Southeast region – Livingston and those walls to prepare eager students ing primary and secondary schools, Ascension parishes as well as the for the future. Demco To conclude on this theme of Board of Directors folks from all quarters have weighed cities of Zachary and Central – can Ascension in on the subject. be found within DEMCO’s service preparation, while construction Clarence Brock Regardless of where you fall on area. The rise in both commercial workers, administrators and students East Baton Rouge the issues, it is inarguable that lo- and residential development experi- have spent considerable effort to Steve Irving, Vice President prepare for this new school year, Randy Lorio cal support for the education of our enced by these areas can be attrib- Ann Samuel children is critical to building a suc- uted to a demonstrated commitment we at DEMCO have also been busy East Feliciana cessful community. to a stellar public school system. preparing for the heart of the current Glenn DeLee Any community that bolsters Part of our mission in this pub- hurricane season. Faye Morris We have been intentional in our Livingston its local school system through lication is to emphasize the positive Leslie Falks volunteerism, solid leadership and things happening in our service efforts to make sure all the elements Dennis Lott, Sec.-Treasurer adequate funding is sure to be re- area. To that end, we are happy to of our recovery program are ready Danny Berthelot warded with stability, steady growth highlight in these pages some excit- to be activated when necessary. This St. Helena includes reviewing our mutual aid Richard Sitman, President and economic prosperity. ing new developments occurring in Joe Self Guided by our founding prin- Central and Watson. We commend agreements and maintaining contact Tangipahoa ciples, we at DEMCO have contin- and congratulate both school sys- with emergency recovery workforce Eugene Traylor ued to live up to our commitment to tems as they open new facilities for resources, testing our computer and West Feliciana Freddy Metz support the educational development intermediate and middle school stu- back-up generation systems, check- CEO & General Manager of our young people and meet our dents in Central and for high school ing our communication and fuel John Vranic obligation to do everything in our students in Watson. supply lines, and so many other de- Vice President of power to make our seven-parish When the doors open to begin tails required to respond safely and engineering & Operations Ron May service area a better place to live, the school year, students will step effectively on your behalf. Vice President of finance work, play and raise a family. into those hallways amid the fresh Visit www.demco.org to find Jimmie Varnado It all begins right here within fragrance of new paint, new furni- valuable storm preparation and re- Vice President of our cooperative organization. Not ture and new carpeting to go along sponse tips, energy efficiency and human resources Esther Tapia only do we regularly administer with that old familiar scent of El- safety. Go to “News Center” then vice president of a wide range of programs such as mer’s glue and crayons and other “Storm Center” to find other links marketing & member services academic scholarships, youth leader- school supplies. that may be helpful as the height of Turk Tynes ship development opportunities and These new facilities stand as tan- the season approaches. vice president of System Operations safety demonstrations, but DEMCO gible evidence that the leaders and Whether it is preparing for an- Mike Landry employees also routinely expend citizens in those communities are other school year or preparing for Along These lines (USPS 004-089) is their personal time, money and willing – even in a tight economy – a storm, we are happy to be part of published monthly except bi-monthly Jan/ other resources in support of local to not just pay lip service to public the day-to-day lives of our mem- Feb, sept/Oct, nov/Dec, by the Assn. of education. Many of our more than education but to demonstrate their bers. We believe it is our commit- Louisiana Electric Cooperatives Inc. (ALEC), 10725 Airline highway, Baton Rouge, lA 220 employees are in the process commitment to their children by ment to serve our communities in 70816-4299 of rearing school-age children and putting resources into their academic so many different ways that sets us Manager of Member certainly have a direct interest in the institutions for the benefit of all. apart. It’s a tradition we have upheld and Public relations success of our schools. DEMCO is also privileged to over the decades and plan to con- David Latona As testament to the notion that provide electricity to these structures tinue well into the future. Associate Editor Billy Gibson Advertising is accepted and published in Along THese Lines on the premise that the merchandise and services offered are accurately described and sold to customers at the advertised price. DEMCO and ALEC do not endorse any products or ser- vices advertised herein. Address inquiries to: ALEC, 10725 Airline Hwy., Baton Rouge, LA 70816. Phone (225) 293-3450, 1-800-355-3450. Annual subscription $1.70 Members; $5 Non-Members Postmaster: Send Form 3579 to: 10725 Airline High- way, Baton Rouge, LA 70816-4299. Periodicals Post- age paid at Baton Rouge, LA. On The Cover Shown at Central Middle School from bottom/right, clockwise: Rhonda Taylor, Elizabeth Wise, Jeremy Wise, Raegan Willis, Jason Fountain, Jeremy O’Banion, Sandy Davis. See page 4. Page 2 • Along These lines • August 2012 Customer satisfaction survey shows DEMCO outperforms competing power providers DEMCO recently conducted a to receive a minimum number of sur- member satisfaction survey to assess its veys. This enables your cooperative to performance in providing affordable, make an assessment that can and will reliable electrical power to its consumers carry with it a considerable degree of across seven parishes. validity. With the members’ best interest in The information gathered from the mind, the survey instrument was lim- survey was used to make a comparison ited to less than 10 minutes and was of DEMCO to the American Customer designed to gauge member satisfaction Satisfaction Index as well as a com- with the cooperative. parison to other cooperatives across the A sample of members was chosen country. (Acct. No. 80098314002) randomly to assess their individual satis- The graph at right shows the details faction of DEMCO through the survey, of those findings. which was conducted through a tele- DEMCO is proud to show consisten- phone interview. cy in its customer service even through Each DEMCO district was targeted tough economic times such as this. Good habits can help your child stay healthy all school year Back-to-school preparation means more than just sanitizers work, too (unless hands are grubby—then toting a list of classroom items to the store or buying soap is the only way to go), according to the U.S. a new pair of jeans and some sneakers. Consider these Centers for Disease Control. issues before the first bell sounds. Teach your child good handwashing techniques, • You are what you eat - Packing lunch ensures that which include scrubbing the backs of hands, between you control what fuels your child’s body. The National fingers, and under nails, and washing for at least 20 Institutes of Health recommends making lunch a family seconds. activity - kids like to eat what they’ve helped prepare. Handwashing is necessary around mealtimes (both Let your child choose from a variety of easy- for eating and preparing food) and after using the to-pack snacks, like cheese sticks, whole fruits, and bathroom, touching animals, or handling trash. crackers. And if your morning is rushed, try packing Also, instill in your child the necessity of using a lunch in the evening before bedtime. saturated fat, trans fats, and sodium in the foods. tissue when sneezing or coughing (or an elbow or shirt But sometimes packing isn’t always practical, • Wash, wash, wash your hands - Schools are sleeve if tissues aren’t handy), and washing hands after. and school-provided lunches become necessary. In breeding grounds for illness, thanks to myriad shared • Staying safe - Before the start of each school January 2012, the federal government upped standards surfaces and hygiene habits that are still a work in year, have a chat with your kids about safety—from for school meals—the first revision in 15 years—that progress. Handwashing remains the first line of defense walking or driving to school to how to handle a bully. will make them healthier. Among the requirements are in preventing the sniffles. Encourage them to take safety drills seriously. an offering of fruits and veggies every day, along with Warm running water and soap are the preferred For more resources on school safety, visit www. more whole-grain foods, and reducing the amount of tools to clean hands. But in a pinch, alcohol-based hand cdc.gov/Features/safeschools. DEMCO introduces new DEMCO offers online Members Services Portal DEMCO has implemented a new Services. “CSR’s are then free to con- storm information customer service tool. Launched on centrate on more complex customer July 1, the Member Services Portal service issues, providing our members The newly designed- is an online, self-service system that with the care that they expect.” DEMCO website offers a helps to consolidate and expand on the Features of the Member Services wealth of information for all cooperative’s customer service offer- Portal include making a payment, ings. requesting payment arrangements, DEMCO members during The new Member Services Portal signing up for Bank Draft, signing up and after hurricanes or vio- is an extension of the DEMCO web- for Levelized Billing, viewing and lent storms. site, and allows members to connect to making changes to account profile, their own accounts from a single ac- i.e updating address, contact informa- DEMCO will be updating cess point. It gives members the abil- tion or changing password, applying in a real-time format all out- ity to manage several aspects of their for service, viewing account history age information throughout utility accounts themselves without and deposits or requesting an e-bill or having to place a call to a Customer e-delinquent notice. its power delivery system Service Representative (CSR) for as- The Member Services Portal has that spans seven parishes, sistance. been customized so that it mirrors including press releases “Allowing members to control DEMCO’s online presence. Special and any additional informa- particular facets of their own accounts, links from the portal direct members such as making changes to contact to important information including tion that may be helpful to information or requesting payment outage information, hurricane pre- our members. arrangements, reduces call volume paredness and important cooperative Simply log on to www. and wait times,” said Brent Bradley, news. Visit www.demco.org to access Manager of Business and Member the portal. demco.org for all your hur- ricane information.
August 2012 • Along These lines • Page 3 Central, LOHS grateful for support of new facilities Talk to administrators at the new Live Oak High School in Livingston Parish and Central’s new middle and intermediate schools in East Baton Rouge Parish, and you’ll hear two words repeated over and over again: grateful and blessed. As both systems open spacious state- of-the-art facilities this school year, offi- cials say they feel extremely fortunate that citizens in their respective communities have demonstrated the kind of commitment and support necessary to move forward with big-time construction projects even as the economy continues to remain sluggish. Sandy Davis shares principal respon- sibilities with Jason Fountain at Central Middle School. They also share similar Above, left, Live Oak High School Principal Tracy McRae and thoughts when asked about the new build- LOHS Speech Teacher Brandi Aucoin are ready to make the ing project. move to the new facility. Shown above is the front of the new “We feel blessed to have the support of LOHS building as it appeared in late July. Teachers and admin- our community as we strive to provide an istrators hope to move in by October after rainy weather and a environment for our middle school students copper theft at the work site have delayed the project. that promotes high academic standards,” Davis said. “The facility is amazing and we system and a clock tower that serves as a aggravations of building a 200,000-square- ingly approved by voters eight years ago are excited about the opportunities that are model of the sun. foot, $27 million campus, McRae appears as the student population has grown at a ahead for our students.” Taylor describes the space as “breath- to be unfazed. rapid pace to the point where 22 temporary Adds Fountain, “This facility is a testa- taking” and the result of a collaborative de- “I might be a little strange compared buildings have had to be put into use over ment to the citizens of Central and their sign conceived by teachers and administra- to some people because I actually enjoy the past several years. belief in the power of education to shape tors working with the project’s architects. the building process,” she said, sitting at Like her contemporaries in Central, a community, and we’re grateful for that. Live Oak High School her desk in the old school building amid McRae said she is exceedingly grateful to It also comes with the responsibility we While the doors were opened in time to canyons of moving boxes. “It doesn’t re- have the support of the Watson community. as educators have to respond by doing the receive students this school year at Central, ally stress me out. I love the process, and “We’re beyond thrilled,” said McRae, best job we can of helping our students the timeline to open Live Oak High School making decisions about color and flooring a graduate of LOHS. “This thing started maximize their potential.” in Livingston Parish was pushed back and all those kinds of things. I like getting out with everyone getting together to In 2009, the existing Central Middle due to criminal activity last January when things out and cleaning things up and de- determine what’s going to be best for our School building was on its last legs while thieves pilfered roughly $100,000 worth cluttering. That definitely happens when students. And the community responded facilities for the intermediate school were with both the financial being leased. Local voters approved a support and the support bond measure that has resulted in a new of our vision that we 233,000-square-foot, $46 million complex needed to make the located on 88 acres off Sullivan Road that dream come true for the will house both schools and accommodate benefit of our children.” 2,400 students in grades 3 through 8. McRae said the new Rhonda Taylor, principal of the inter- building is approxi- mediate school, said the significance of the mately twice the size of new building goes far beyond bricks and the old structure. Plans mortar. are to convert the exist- “Our goal is to create responsible, ing high school into caring and self-reliant students. We teach a a middle school after rigorous curriculum infused with technol- renovation and to use ogy that is relevant to today’s world and the junior high building this facility creates a quest for learning and to house elementary bolsters the spirit of not just the people students. who inhabit it, but the entire community as The new projected well,” she said. move-in date is Octo- And in the school’s efforts to teach ber, McRae said. students about leadership, Taylor noted it The new campus is helps to have a community that actually set on 40 acres with 70 demonstrates leadership qualities such as classrooms and seven vision, courage and sacrifice through its buildings including a support for public education. new gym with seating Overall, the Central Community for 1,500, a new field School System is expected to have 3,800 Above, Co-Principals Jason Fountain and Sandy house and new football/ students, an increase of 2,500 students Davis settle into their new offices at Central Mid- track stadium. Baseball since the system was founded in 2007, dle School. At right, guidance counselors Brandi and softball fields are making it one of the fastest growing sys- Ilboudo (seated) and Michele Perret get ready to slated to be added later. tems in the state. welcome students for the new school year. “A lot of people Taylor, along with the other teachers refer to it as our and administrators, are particularly excited of copper that was pre-cut and pre-manu- you move.” ‘junior college’ because it’s so large and about one component of the complex: a factured to wire the entire front of the edu- She said the delays only make her, the so nice,” McRae said. “It’s going to be a large instructional courtyard that connects cational facility. Combined with frequent staff and the students more eager to transi- great change for us. We’ve been ‘mak- the two schools and which also doubles as mid-summer rains, the theft caused the tion to the new campus located about five ing do’ for a long time and we’ve been an outdoors learning environment. project to be delayed several months. minutes north of the old school on Hwy. spread out from here to eternity. We have The courtyard contains two gazebos, But none of this has dampened the 16. (Acct. No. 80109827001 window units to try to stay cool, a lot of a sundial, state and national maps, a frac- spirits of Live Oak High School Principal Live Oak’s new facility also came the hallways aren’t air-conditioned at all, tions pad, a checkerboard, a number chart, Tracy McRae. about as the result of a half-cent sales tax and we’ve been cramped. We’re looking a measuring line, a replica of the solar Through all the delays and the inherent and a $30 million bond issue overwhelm- forward to the move.”
Page 4 • Along These lines • August 2012 Don’t be left in the dark about how power is restored
Use of Voice Recognition System helps speed restoration Providing you with safe, reliable staffed bank of phones answered by our them to report an outage. Upon enter- you are ensuring that the restoration of power, at the lowest possible cost, lies friendly CSRs. ing, or speaking the requested informa- electric power will be efficient and as at the heart of DEMCO’s mission state- This technology represents the tion, your outage will automatically be quick as possible. Thank you for using ment. To this end, we strive daily to quickest and most accurate manner reported to control center operators. this valuable system when reporting an provide you, our valued members, with to report your outage directly to our In using DEMCO’s IVR system outage. improved products and services that control center operators. In turn, we are make life a little easier, and far more able to strategically respond to outages convenient. in a manner that will restore power to One such service now offered all members in the most efficient way Reporting an Outage to our membership is our improved, possible. Using DEMCO’s Interactive Voice Recognition System is the most automated, interactive voice response So, when reporting an outage, efficient way for your co-op to address your service interruption. Fill out (IVR) technology that allows members please know that our automated system the information in the spaces below and clip this box for future reference to report power outages quickly and ef- is sending your information directly to in the event of a power outage. To use the system, follow these steps: ficiently through either speech recogni- the correct department. As a matter of tion or telephone keypad entry. Though fact, when outages are reported through √ Call 225-261-1160 or 800-262-1160 not as personal a format as speaking to the IVR system, they reach the control √ Provide the following information: one of our friendly customer service center faster than if you were to be Phone # for the account for which you are calling representatives, IVR utilization remains routed through our call center. ______the most efficient method of reporting When using this system there are OR an outage when a major problem has a few pieces of information that you Your DEMCO account # occurred. should have available. After calling our Because we must control our staff outage number at 225-261-1160 or 800- ______to keep costs at a minimum, we have a 262-1160, the system will ask you for OR finite number of customer service rep- one of the following: the phone number The number located on your DEMCO meter resentatives (CSRs) available to answer of the account for which you are calling, ______outage calls in an emergency, limiting the DEMCO account number, the meter the number of inbound calls handled number, or the street number, along with OR during an outage. The IVR system the zip code. Your Street Number, along with zip code on the other hand can handle an esti- Take note that you do not need all ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– mated nine times more calls than a fully of these items listed, but only one of August 2012 • Along These lines • Page 5 Efficiency standards higher for clothes washers, dishwashers Cleaning dishes and dirty laundry may not cost as much in a few years, thanks to increased federal energy efficiency standards. On average, clothes washers and dishwashers are responsible for 3 percent of a home’s electric bill and 20 percent of a home’s indoor water use. In May, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) boosted the minimum energy efficiency requirements for the appliances. The improvements are expected to save consumers $20 billion in energy and water costs through 2030. Returns on rinse cycles Thanks to the tougher standards, each household could save up to $350 in energy costs over the life of a new clothes washer compared to today’s models, according to the DOE. When DOE formed these standards, consumer choice was an important concern, so different styles of clothes washers were considered and standards set to accommo- date each. Front-loading washers must use 15 percent less energy and 35 percent less water, while top-loading models must cut energy use by 33 percent and drop water consumption by 19 percent. Energy efficiency experts peg water savings to be 10,000 gallons—or 250 baths—for every household, every year, under the new standards. The changes take effect with 2015 models. This is the fourth time clothes washer standards have been strengthened over the past 25 years. Dishes don’t drain as much Cleaning dishes drains energy and water; new dishwashers will use 15 per- cent less energy and more than 20 percent less water—saving about $100 over the lifetime of the appliance, according to experts. Improved dishwasher standards kick in next year, marking the third time dishwasher standards have been raised since 1987. Set standards to save Energy efficiency standards cover a wide range of appliances, from refrigera- tors and air conditioners to microwaves and other equipment. Standards for more than 40 products are being strengthened with the promise to cut $350 billion from electric bills through 2030. According to the DOE’s Building Technologies Program, consumers and businesses already save $15 billion every year as a result of federal energy efficiency standards; they expect the annual amount to double by 2025. National standards not only help consumers save on electric bills, but manufac- turers benefit by avoiding a patchwork of different state standards. DOE notes its revised energy efficiency standards for dishwashers and clothes washers were devel- oped with help from companies like Whirlpool, General Electric, and LG Electron- ics, industry advocates, national environmental organizations, and consumer groups. To find more ways to save energy at home, visit www.EnergySavers.gov or www.TogetherWeSave.com. Beware of utility scam Labor Day office closing DEMCO officials wish to alert members about a utility scam that All DEMCO offices will be has been spreading across the country in recent weeks. Customers of various electric utility companies in Louisiana and closed Monday, Sept. 3, in elsewhere are being told that their utility bills will be paid by the fed- eral government under a grant authorized by President Obama. observance of Labor Day. All There are various versions of the scam but all of them have one outages or service emergencies thing in common: they are all scams. Customers receive a phone call, e-mail or text message indicating that their electric utility will be will be handled by the 24-hour paid if they provide personal information such as banking information and a Social Security Number. (Acct. No. 80112899001) dispatch service and crews on Thousands of utility ratepayers across the country have already fallen for this scam and DEMCO officials urge all cooperative mem- call. Your friends and neighbors bers to be on the lookout for this fraud. We encourage all members to avoid fraud. Do not give out your at DEMCO hope you have a personal or financial information and use only bank account informa- safe and happy Labor Day. tion for which you are authorized.
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August 2012 • Along These lines • Page 7 MuellerNCMRoofingLAOKNM.indd 1 5/30/12 10:52 AM He who said misery comes in threes couldn’t count The person who said misery comes her the spreadsheet I received from a na- in threes apparently didn’t know how to tional lending company that was happy count. to provide all the money we needed to The month of July brought a string View fix our busted A/C unit in exchange for a of sour circumstances for the Gibson point monthly interest rate of 26 percent, plus family that didn’t stop at three. by Billy Gibson prime, plus a $70 service fee. That is, if And the final score ended up being Director of Communications we qualified. Gibsons - zero: air-conditioning repair- Association of Louisiana Electric Cooperatives I can’t recall if I actually used the men - 10 gazillion. line, “See, Casey, when you hear that The first A/C unit to fail in epic Rooting for the repair team to work maintain a positive attitude. As la- old saying about how the rich get richer fashion was the one in my wife’s van. with maximum speed was my mother, gniappe, my 10-year-old daughter even and the poor get poorer, this is what they The cooling system konked out just as who was gracious enough to take received a stirring side-lecture on why mean,” but I’ll probably have plenty my wife left the house to take my ailing my family into her comfortably air- we’re taught in the Christian tradition to of opportunity to retrieve that from my daughter to the doctor’s office with a conditioned home overnight until the empathize with the plight of the poor. parental arsenal in due time. fever of 102, which was several degrees job could be completed the next day. It I explained to Casey there are more At any rate, I soon found the run of lower than the heat index that day. was either that or pitch a tent back in affluent folks who could meet these bad news was far from over. There was As fate would have it, the cost of the the hardware section in Walmart for the financial challenges with nary a scratch emergency dental work to be done, skin part that caused the entire system to go night. – probably using the capital gains they rashes to be treated, flat tires to be fixed, bust was about a buck-fifty. But the cost The third – and counting – bit of bad accumulated over the past 30 minutes an MRI to pay for, etc. to completely dismantle the van from luck didn’t include an A/C unit but it did without even thinking about it - while Then I received word that a former the ball joints up, carefully excise the involve the arduous process of attempt- there are folks like us in the middle of fellow church member had passed away offending part from the bowels of the ing to beat the mid-summer heat. the income bracket who have the means after what was supposed to be a routine engine compartment and then replace We dragged our above-ground pool of getting by fairly unscathed, but not surgery. Then I received a call from a it with a newly refurbished bottle-cap out of the garage and soon discovered without some sacrifice and dyspepsia. dear friend who just learned she has the size widget - whose cooling properties that actually dragging the pool out of the Then there’s nearly 20 percent of the early onset of Parkinson’s. Then I heard are known only to the highly secretive garage was probably not a good idea. families right here in our state who of a high school kid in our church youth Hermetic Fraternal Society of Climate Whether it was the dragging or the work struggle with poverty every day and group whose father died a few years ago Control Cadets - was a sizzling $2,000. of vinyl-gobbling gremlins during the have to find a way to handle these situa- and who needed some help repairing his The second air-conditioner to fail winter, the pool leaked like a spaghetti tions without an emergency fund to tap truck. (Acct. No. 80124705001) just a few days later was the one in our strainer. Then the salt water pump went or a family member to help. Their op- So it’s time to shut down this dang home. I was completely wrong in as- ker-plooey. Total damage: $700. tions might come down to conditioned computer. I’ve got to go grab my tool- suming York could manufacture a heat Now, my policy as a father is to nev- air in the south Louisiana summer heat, box and see what I can do to help that pump that would last more than seven er pass an opportunity to deliver an in- or supper. kid get his truck rolling again so he can years. And I was aghast when the local spirational lecture to one of my children, I detailed a scenario to help her un- drive himself to football practice and to company that enthusiastically recom- especially when the iron – and the child, derstand how families mired in poverty school. I have a note of condolence to mended the system and eagerly installed quite literally – is hot. So, I figured this face an even more difficult challenge write. I have a note of encouragement it when the house was built informed me streak of misfortune would provide a than us and can become further disad- and support to compose. Phones calls to they no longer recommend and install fitting foundation for a multi-layered, vantaged. Without the ability to fork make. that system. But they would be more multi-installment seminar on learning to over the money for the repairs on the And much to Casey’s eternal cha- than happy to fix this one for a sizzling count our blessings, to focus on all the spot, a family would be left to swelter grin, I have another lecture installment – you guessed it - $2,000. things that haven’t gone wrong and to or look at financing options. I showed on perspective to deliver.
News Notes The next meeting of the DEMCO For outside projects, first check the area consideration heavy lifting, expensive improvements. Board of Directors is scheduled for where you will be working. Identify tools that will only be used once, and Sleep experts say that losing an Thursday, August 16, 2012, at 6 p.m. potential hazards and take time to avoid whether you really have the time. That hour of needed sleep per night - wheth- Board meetings are held at DEMCO’s or correct any problems. Don’t forget way, you won’t be temped to skip safety er from a sleep disorder or staying up headquarters facility located at 16262 to look up for power lines, and avoid measures. too late - can lead to ADHD-like symp- Wax Road, Greenwell Springs, La. using long poles or ladders within 10 ft. For more safety advice around the toms. Tackle Home Projects Safely of overhead wires. home, visit www.safetyathome.com. Pediatricians often depend on Do-it-yourself (DIY) offers a great • Will your project involve any dig- ADHD or Sleep Disorder? parents to report sleep problems, but way to save money and learn new ging? - Call 811 before you dig even if The diagnosis of ADHD among parents themselves may be uninformed skills. But before you tackle that home you think you know where underground children has risen dramatically in the about healthy sleep habits. Furthermore, improvement project you saw online lines may be. The 811 service will mark past 10 years. Some researchers believe doctors specializing in pediatric sleep or on cable TV, practice these safety all underground lines in your area for that a subset of these children have disorders can be hard to find. measures to avoid injury while getting free before you start work. another problem: sleep disorders. For more information, visit www. game-winning results. • Avoid the blitz - Water and elec- Sleep-deprived youngsters can sleepforkids.org. • Score points with safety equip- tricity don’t mix, so avoid running cords exhibit similar behavior as those with Lucky Account Number Contest ment - Just like a helmet and pads are through wet areas. Inspect cords for ADHD. In a recent study, children with The Lucky Account Number Con- required on a football field, safety items fraying or damage before use, and be breathing problems were 40 to 100 test continues this month with four are essential for DIY tasks. Read and sure outlets can handle any extra load percent more likely than normal breath- winners in this edition of Along These follow directions on every power tool from power tools. Overloading outlets ers to exhibit behaviors such as hyper- Lines. Before you continue looking you use. Wearing eye and ear protection can lead to more than a shock: Fire activity, moodiness and struggling to through this edition for your winning and gloves, as well as tying back loose hazards may result from demanding too focus and get along with peers. In many number, look for your account number hair and securing loose clothing, are all much from an electrical system. cases, children have had their ADHD printed above your mailing address. important to keeping you safe. If rent- • Be honest with yourself - If a job diagnosis rescinded after the surgi- Locate this number anywhere in this ing a tool, ask the store for safety tips. seems like it might be too much to han- cal removal of problematic adenoids issue and win the $25 prize. To claim • Look up, down, and all around - dle, leave it to a professional. Take into and tonsils led to sleep and behavior your prize, please call 225-262-3072.
Page 8 • Along These lines • August 2012 150th Anniversary Commemoration of the Battle of Baton Rouge Port Hudson State Historic Site will commemorate the Battle of Baton Rouge on August 19, 2012, from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. The program will start with a two-hour long Power Point pre- sentation on the Battle of Baton Rouge. Afterwards, site staff will raise its reproduction Confederate Garrison Flag and fire the ever popular 42 pounder gun. For more information contact Port Hudson State Historic Site at 225-654-3775; Email - [email protected]; Facebook: Port Hudson State Historic Site. Dru Nettles Show can be seen on Cox 4 Television The Dru Nettles (television) Show debuted on Thursday night, July 5, on Cox 4 Television. The program is co-hosted by Denham Springs High School Athletic Director Dru Nettles and long-time Jackets radio play-by-play announcer/ producer Jon Fine. The Dru Nettles Show airs Thursday nights, 6 p.m.—7 p.m., with a replay on Friday mornings, 10:30 a.m.—11:30 a.m. Much like the popular former radio show with the same name, The Dru Nettles Show will focus on Denham Springs High School athletics, with Yellow Jackets’ coaches and players as guests on the show on a weekly basis. The Dru Nettles Show will also accept phone calls during the latter portion of many programs In addition to The Dru Nettles (television) Show, Jon Fine Productions presently produces football broadcasts for Central High School and a nightly radio show in the city of Central, The Central Story. For more in- formation on Jon Fine Productions, visit JonFineProductions.com. Also, Jackets fans are encouraged to “like” TheDruNettlesShow on Facebook to receive regular updates on the program.
August 2012 • Along These lines • Page 9 From the Board Room DEMCO Board members receive committee reports Meeting of June 21, 2012 February 2012 as uncollectable. The 2012 Annual Meeting. Next the board The board of directors of DEMCO board then approved a resolution accept- adopted a resolution appointing Mr. held its regular meeting Thursday, June ing the 2011 Financial Audit as present- Leslie Falks and Mr. Daniel Berthelot 21, 2012. Board President Richard Sit- ed. The board next resolved to authorize to serve as DEMCO’s voting delegates man called the meeting to order at 6:00 the amendment and restatement of the to the 2012 ALEC Annual Meeting and p.m. retirement security and 401(k) plans as Mr. Vranic to serve as the alternate vot- The board then approved the minutes a participating employer in the NRECA- ing delegate to the 2012 ALEC Annual of the previous meetings, new member sponsored Retirement Security (RS) Plan Meeting. list, Treasurer’s Report and Operations and 401(k) Plan. A resolution was then Danny Berthelot gave the ALEC Committee Report as written. The board adopted by the board to ratify the action Report with no action taken. next resolved to approve the 2012 Emer- taken by management to establish a line Leslie Falks presented the Dixie gency Response Plan dated May 2012 as of credit with Capital One to be used Business Center and DEMCO Founda- recommended by staff and authorize Mr. tee chairman with no action taken. for emergencies and to authorize Mr. tion Reports with no action taken. John Vranic, CEO and General Manager From the Finance Committee Report Vranic, CEO and General Manager to John Vranic presented the Manager’s to certify to the Rural Utilities Service Steve Irving, committee chairman, execute a Promissory Note with Capital Report with no action taken. that the Emergency Response Plan was reviewed the Interest, Fuel Cost Adjust- One, National Association dated June Jim Ellis presented the Attorney’s updated. ment and Financial Summary reports. 8, 2012 with a maturity date of June Report. The board then resolved to The Purchasing Committee report The board approved a resolution reclas- 8, 2013. The board then resolved to appoint Mr. Dennis Lott as the NRECA was presented by Randy Lorio, commit- sifying those accounts disconnected in appoint Mr. Jimmie Varnado, Vice Presi- 2012 Regional Meeting Voting Del- dent of Finance to serve as DEMCO’s egate, DEMCO’s CFC Voting Delegate voting delegate for the National Coop- and DEMCO’s NRTC Voting Delegate erative Services Corporation (“NCSC”) as well to appoint Mr. Vranic as the 2012 Annual Meeting in New York City NRECA 2012 Regional Meeting Alter- and to furthermore appoint Ms. Sonya nate Voting Delegate, DEMCO’s CFC Miles, Controller to serve as DEMCO’s Alternate Voting Delegate, and DEM- alternate voting delegate for the NCSC CO’s NRTC Voting Delegate.
I’M TIGHT WITH MY MONEY. J.K.’s AIRTIGHT. Taxidermy
J.K. Johnson I’m saving $212 a year by sealing a few cracks. Denham Springs, LA What can you do? Find out how the little changes 225-665-7010 add up at TogetherWeSave.com.
Page 10 • Along These lines • August 2012
TOGETHERWESAVE.COM
August 2012 • Along These lines • Page 11 We’re DEMCO, but to our members we’re known as
Our People - Your Power
Preparing for hurricane season is a way of life for all of us in Louisiana. Let us help you prepare this storm season by visiting DEMCO.org where you can download important safety tips, learn what to do if you lose power, view real time outage information, and stay updated on ensuing storms with live hurricane tracking. Log on to DEMCO.org to prepare your family and home. DEMCO puts the power in your hands!
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