10 ■ Today in Mississippi ■ April 2010 April 2010 ■ Today in Mississippi ■ 10a Community Spotlight on James Ivy Louisville 662.773.5741 Meridian 601.581.8600 Quitman 601.776.6271 By Julie Walker Creating handmade turkey calls has been a hobby of James Ivy for over 45 years. The former East Mississippi Electric Power Association employee began making handmade turkey calls back in 1964 and has been perfecting the art ever since. Ivy served EMEPA for 45 years before retiring from his position as Branch Manager of the Clarke County office nine years ago. “We always knew when turkey season was coming because we’d hear Mr. Ivy practicing on his turkey calls,” said Member Services Coordinator Sharon Smith. He made enough of his first calls out of cedar limbs using a case pocket knife to purchase a table saw. Ivy makes his calls from various woods and other materials ranging from cedar, alder and mahogany woods to corn cobs and walnut. But because each call is hand tuned, the different woods DeKalb 601.743.2641 The signs of spring I don’t know about you, but I am ready for some warmer weather. I enjoy the winter but this has been an unusually long and cold winter. It has felt more like the upper Midwest than the Southeast. But signs of spring are evident. Birds are beginning to sing and flowers are blooming. Turkeys are gobbling and hunters are practicing their turkey yelps. We can see the buds forming on trees and feel the warm rays of the sun as it moves into a more direct angle with the earth. I know spring is near when the early morning sun coming in my office window makes it impossible to work for about an hour each morning without closing the curtains. And people begin to whistle and smile as they observe nature recreating itself. I am ready to move on from a winter spent in ankle deep mud while feeding cows and from wearing insulating coveralls to do most anything outside. I am ready to see the wake of a large mouth bass about to strike a lure or experience the woods awaken to the cascading hoot of owls followed by the thunder of a turkey’s gobble. All this while the dogwood blooms set the contrast against the winter landscape. What a beautiful picture being painted before our eyes. Spring’s work lies just ahead but it is work ordained by nature. Yes, thunder and lightning have already come to visit. Storms are on the horizon and we pause to remember significant spring storms past like the tornado in the Zero Community of Lauderdale County in 1993. But this act of passage leads to another growing season. I hope you take time to enjoy the seasonal change. It’s a picture of life changing and an opportunity for us to reflect and be inspired. don’t alter the quality of sound. Making handmade turkey calls is a game of trial and error; not every call always works. “If I wouldn’t hunt with it, I won’t let anyone else hunt with it,” said Ivy. Despite the time consuming lamination process to achieve the intricate design on many of the calls, he usually makes around 200 every year. “A turkey hunter never has enough turkey calls,” joked Ivey. He also makes pulpits and rocking cradles but says turkey calls are the heart of his woodworking. Although back trouble has kept Ivy out of both his woodworking shop and the woods this turkey season, he enjoys seeing the result of his turkey calls from other hunters. “I love when people come by to show me the turkey they killed using one of my calls. It gives me almost as much joy as if I’d killed the turkey myself,” said Ivy. James Ivy displays the different types of handmade turkey calls including the wingbone, tube, scratchbox, slingshot and one-sided box. The scratchbox is the easiest to use and best for beginners says Ivy. General Manager, Wayne Henson Energy Efficiency Tip of the Month I THOUGHT I WAS TIGHT WITH MY MONEY. NOW I’M AIRTIGHT. All it took was a tube of caulk and half an afternoon. Now w,, I ’ m s a v i n g $ 2 1 2 a y e a r b y s e a l i n g a f e w c r a c k s a r o u n d t h e h o u s e . W h a t c a n y o u d o ? Fi Find out ho w the little c h a n g e s a d d u p a t TToo g e t h e r We WeSa ve.com. Properly hooking up your clothes dryer can help save on energy costs. The outdoor dryer exhaust door should close when the dryer is off. Check to make sure the dryer vent hose is tightly connected to the dryer and also to the inside wall fitting. The vent should not be kinked or clogged. Source: Touchstone Energy* Cooperatives Ivy named his one-sided box calls the “Sweet Hen.” Board of Directors Nominations According to Section 4.04(a) of the Bylaws of East Mississippi Electric Power Association, any 50 members acting together may make a nomination by petition. Any petition for nomination shall be submitted on a form designated and provided by the Association. Each member signing such petition shall place thereon the date of signing, address, account number and service location of the member. Qualified nominations made by petition, if any, must be received on or before the second Wednesday in May before the committee on nominations meeting in June. The committee on nominations shall receive and consider any suggestion as to nominees submitted by members of the Association and shall review the regularity of all nominations and all petitions for nomination and approve or reject same. Ivy won his first East Mississippi National Turkey Federation calling contest using a sling shot (above). 10b ■ Today in Mississippi ■ April 2010 April 2010 ■ Today in Mississippi ■ 10c EMEPA students Ashley Stokes, Senator Giles Ward, LaJeremy Hughes and Elizabeth Triplett. Michelle Gibson, LaJeremy Hughes, t: lef m fro w ro ck . Ba Shatara McClelland nnie Blue Dulaney, Bo n, sto Ab ie els t: Ch Front row from lef beth Triplett. za Eli , es ok St Ashley East Mississippi Electric Power Association sponsored seven high school juniors for the 24th annual Youth Leadership Workshop in Jackson. The three-day workshop is intended to bring young minds together and strengthen their leadership abilities for the future. This year 60 students attended the Youth Leadership Workshop, which is coordinated by the Electric Power Associations of Mississippi. The students travel from different areas of the state and are given the opportunity to take a closer look at our state government as well as participate in activities that greatly enhance their leadership skills. These students have shown a natural ability to set good examples and a desire to further their skills in becoming future leaders. The workshop greatly emphasizes teamwork, good communication and lots of fun. The workshop took place March 3-5 and included events such as team-building activities, a visit to the Capitol, a meeting with their legislators and several inspiring motivational speakers. Students were asked to put their critical thinking skills to work during a town hall meeting where they were faced with weighing the pros and cons of pressing issues facing their generation. Lt. Gov. Phil Bryant, a public servant known for strong integrity and sincere concern for his fellow man, visited with the group. He recounted his journey from early youth in Moorhead, Miss. to serving as a deputy sheriﬀ and State Auditor to holding the secondhighest oﬃce in state government. He challenged the youth with a question, “What do you want to do in your life? Anything is possible if you set goals and work hard every day to accomplish them.” Bryant, the son of a diesel mechanic and a mother who stayed home with her three boys, learned early the values of hard work and the importance of education. “Education and learning from others is the most important ingredient in your development years,” remarked Bryant. “I challenge each one of you to take advantage of educational opportunities and prepare yourself to be future leaders. And Mississippi needs you! I encourage you to grow where you were planted. Mississippi oﬀers a lot and has a place for you to serve.” Michael Callahan, CEO of Electric Power Associations of Mississippi, outlined the characteristics of a true leader in an inspiring presentation. “You must have a passion to help others. It takes a special person to be a leader, one who is not afraid to be out front, make decisions and guide groups in the right direction.” e leader of Mississippi’s electric power associations reminded the students of the responsibilities that come with being a leader. “You must take your responsibilities seriously and understand your decisions and actions aﬀect the lives of others.” "Our Youth Leadership Program is an excellent opportunity for these students to step up as leaders, which will in turn be an asset to our community," said EMEPA General Manager Wayne Henson. The students who participated in the Youth Leadership Workshop are as follows: Shatara McClelland, Meridian High School; Michelle Gibson, Quitman High School; Bonnie Blue Dulaney, West Lauderdale High School; Chelsie Abston, Southeast Lauderdale High School; Ashley Stokes, Nanih Waiya Attendance Center; LaJeremy Hughes, Louisville High School and Elizabeth Triplett, Grace Christian School In addition to the workshop, Bonnie Blue Dulaney, Chelsie Abston and LaJeremy Hughes will make a seven-day journey to Washington, D.C. in June. This event features visits to the popular monuments and memorials as well as meetings with Mississippi’s senators and representatives. Dulaney receives $500 scholarship Above: Michelle Gibson, Shatara McClelland, Repr Bonnie Blue Du esentative Tad Ca laney, Represen mpbell, tative Steve Horn Representative e, Chelsie Abston Greg Snowden and Bonnie Blue Dulaney and Senator Terry Burton Shatara McClelland, Chesie Abston, Senator Videt Carmichael and Michelle Gibson Bonnie Blue Dulaney from West Lauderdale High School was awarded a $500 scholarship at the Youth Leadership Workshop in Jackson. Dulaney was chosen for one of two scholarship based on her leadership abilities demonstrated throughout the workshop. Ashley Stokes, Elizabeth Triplett, Representative Russ Nowell and Jeremey Hughes April 2010 ■ Today in Mississippi 10d Today in Mississippi ■ April 2010 New hospital breaks ground in Kemper County Rush Foundation Hospital of Meridian broke ground in March on the new John C. Stennis Memorial Hospital in Kemper County. The hospital will be constructed on 20.5 acres on Mississippi Highway 16 West in DeKalb. Following the completion of the initial infrastructure, the construction of the hospital is estimated to be complete within nine to 12 months. The new hospital received a $740,000 zero interest loan from EMEPA in partnership with Kemper County Economic Development Authority and Rush Health Systems through the USDA’s Rural Economic Development Loan and Grant (REDLG) program. The REDLG program provides funding to rural projects through local utility organizations. These rural projects provide new employment opportunities to the area. The completed hospital will offer 25 beds, an emer- Members of EMEPA’s Board of Directors present Rush Hospital with a $740,000 zero interest REDLG loan. gency room, administrative offices, cafeteria and helipad at an estimated cost of $10 to $15 million and will provide more than 80 new, well-paying job opportunities to Kemper County. Executive Director of the Kemper County Economic Development Authority Brian Henson hopes that the hospital will attract new industry to Kemper County. “This hospital offers major improvements to the quality of life and economic development of Kemper County,” Henson said. EMEPA General Manager Wayne Henson said, “Partnering with the Kemper County Economic Development Authority on this project is a great opportunity for EMEPA to give back to our members in Kemper County by helping to improve their health care system and employment The Kemper County Economic Development Authority, Rush Hospital and other local officials broke ground on the new John C. Stennis Memorial Hospital in DeKalb. opportunities.” STATEMENT OF NONDISCRIMINATION EAST MS ELECTRIC POWER ASSOCIATION (EMEPA) is the recipient of Federal financial assistance from the Rural Utilities Service (RUS), an agency of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), and is subject to the provisions of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended; Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended; the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, as amended. In accordance with Federal law and USDA policy, EMEPA is prohibited from discriminating in all its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, and where applicable, sex, marital status, familial status, parental status, religion, sexual orientation, genetic information, political beliefs, reprisal, or because all or part of an individual’s income is derived from any public assistance program. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.) Persons with disabilities who require alternative means for communication of program information (Braille, large print, audiotape, etc.) should contact USDA’s TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TDD). To file a complaint of discrimina- tion, write to USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, S.W., Washington, D.C. 20250-9410, or call toll free (866) 632-9992 (voice) or (800) 877-8339 (TDD) or (866) 377-8642 (relay voice users). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer. REVISED: 01/25/2007 ■ 11 Winston County Chamber of Commerce holds annual banquet The Winston County Chamber of Commerce held its 53rd Annual Chamber Banquet in March to celebrate achievements of the community and award deserving individuals. Juanita Hight, 97, was awarded the prestigious Lifetime Achievement award by State Senator Giles Ward for her years of service to the community as both a teacher and successful business woman who formerly owned and operated the Winston County Journal. Al Porter of Porter Funeral Home was awarded the Man of the Year award by Joseph McCain of the Winston County Journal for his involvement in numerous groups and activities throughout the community. Joanne Agent was awarded the Woman of the Year award by Michelle Bellew of the Pilot Club for her volunteer efforts and dedication to helping others. EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY POLICY STATEMENT EAST MISSISSIPPI ELECTRIC POWER ASSOCIATION MERIDIAN, MS It is hereby declared to be the policy of East Mississippi Electric Power Association to provide equal employment opportunity in all aspects of employment—including recruitment, hiring, transfer, promotion, compensation, benefits, training and educational assistance—to all employees without regard to race, creed, color, national origin, religion, sex, age, handicap, Vietnam era or disabled veteran status. This policy is in conformance with the requirement of Presidential Executive Order 11246, the Age Discrimination Employment Act, the Vietnam Era Veterans Readjustment Act and the Rehabilitation Act. East Mississippi Electric Power Association has developed affirmative action plans to ensure the full utilization of minorities, females, handicapped persons, Vietnam era and disabled veterans in our workforce. Such elements of these programs, which enable such employees to know and avail themselves of their benefits, will be made known on request to The Equal Employment Opportunity Officers. Responsibility for ensuring compliance with and full implementation of this policy has been assigned to Sherry Wallace, Director of Human Resources, whom I have designated as our Equal Employment Officer. The Director of Human Resources is also charged with designing and implementing audit and reporting systems, which will keep management informed of the status of the equal employment opportunity area. Any questions concerning our Equal Employment Opportunity Program should be directed to the Director of Human Resources. This policy shall be adhered to by all persons having the responsibility to implement the company’s personnel actions so as to further the principles of equal employment opportunity. Winston County Extension Director Mike Skipper awarded Jerry and Chad Fulcher of Fulcher Farms the Farmer of the Year award. Phil Harrison of WLSM radio awarded the Retailer of the Year Award to Al and Janet Massey of Noxapater Hardware Store and Other Side shopping in Noxapater. H. Wayne Henson, General Manager East MS Electric Power Association Revised 3/2006 President of the Chamber of Commerce Board Mike Cournoyer recognized Polo Custom Products (left) for their growth and addition of employees and Southern Conveyors (right) for its expansion plans and addition of employees.