July 2014 State President`s Message – Krista

2014 State Board
President
Krista Pierce
1st Vice
President
Cheryl Davis
2nd Vice President
John Cornelius
Recording Secretary
Mary Norris
Corresponding Secretary
Daundra Fletcher
Treasurer
Sherri King
Chapter Relationship
Charlie Ross (Generation)
Rachel Bailey (Metro, NW)
Amy Anderson (NE, East, Coastal)
Juan Madrigal (West, Central, South)
Educational Loan Fund
Shane Ammons
Electric Kids
Angela Noles
Family House
Tommy Davis
Leadership Development
Josh Stallings
Marketing
Leah Burch
Operations
Lisa Stone
Special Events
Todd McCawley
Special Projects
Walter Dukes, II
Management Liaison
Ashley Koby
Parliamentarian
Bill Maddox
State Coordinator
Chris D’Andrea
July 2014
State President’s Message – Krista Pierce
“Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot,
nothing is going to get better. It’s not.” – Dr. Seuss
Words of wisdom , but don’t you think it describes
our Citizens organization perfectly? We have 48
chapters statewide with over 3,000 members who
care and are making things better in the
communities they serve. But, how?
• In 2013, 87,689 volunteer hours provided valued
at $1,941,434.
• 1,205 volunteers for service projects statewide
for “Day on, Not a Day Off” projects in honor of Dr. Martin
Luther King, Jr. on January 20, 2014.
• 372 volunteers for service projects in April commemorating
Earth Day 2014.
• Over $144,000 raised so far in 2014 for Relay for Life and the
American Cancer Society.
• Over $38,000 raised so far in 2014 for March of Dimes.
And that’s just the tip of the iceberg. You, as Citizens chapters, are
making a difference in the lives of countless individuals every day.
Without you, as the quote states, nothing would get better.
Without YOU, food would not be going into local food banks for the
hungry. Without YOU, clothing would not be provided to children
and adults who have nothing to wear to work or school. Without
YOU, care packages and thank you letters may not be go out to
our soldiers overseas. Without YOU, walls and foundations may
not be completed for Habitat for Humanity. You give every day to
make the world better because you CARE! And for that, I say
THANK YOU!
It’s hard to believe, but we are halfway through the year already.
As of June 30, we have 30,558 hours in CARES. That’s a great
accomplishment, but we still have a way to go to meet that 95,000
service hour goal. PLEASE keep posting your hours in CARES after
each event.
Again, thank you for everything you do each and every day for
your communities. You all are truly making the world BETTER!
Northwest Mountain – Burnt Mountain Center’s Annual Formal
On Saturday, May 31, Northwest Mountain CGP members took part in the Burnt
Mountain Center’s Annual Formal Dance held at the Ball Ground Community Center.
The Burnt Mountain Center provides support for mentally and physically challenged
individuals, and provides a great service to the community and Pickens County
through various work programs and activities.
With over 120 people in attendance, it was a wonderful night of food, fun, and
dancing. The band played a full range of music, and the dance floor stayed crowded!
Members assisted with preparation for the event and served dinner to all of the
members of the Center and their families as well.
Thanks again to Debbie and Tricia and all of our friends at the Center for letting be a
part of this special night. Please go to Know Pickens.com to see more information
about this great event.
Relay for Life
North Fulton chapter hosted their first annual motorcycle ride to benefit American Cancer Society’s
Relay For Life of Alpharetta.
On May 9 and 10, the Gwinnett Chapter participated
in the Relay for Life at the Gwinnett County
Fairgrounds. This has historically been the largest
single fundraising event for the American Cancer
Society. This year the Gwinnett Chapter of the
Citizens raised over $8,300 . There were online
donations, funnel cakes and fried Oreo cookies sales
and a silent auction. Thanks to all 32 volunteers that
participated and logged over 300 volunteer hours. A
Special thanks to Rachel Bailey, Charlie Moon, Ken
O’Shields, Manny Gil and Regina Sinclair for
championing this successful event!
On May 16, NW Mountain CGP participated in Relay for Life
Chattooga County at Dowdy Park in Summerville. This year’s
event has been the greatest thus far as they raised over
$2,900. Leading up to the event they hosted several
fundraisers including; a community yard sale and
Zumbathon, hosted Dress Down for a Cure, sold cancer
bracelets in the local office, and the night of the event they
sold cotton candy and chili cheese fries.
Special thanks to the NW management team for their
support. Also, thanks to the many sponsors that contributed
to the event’s success.
Gainesville – March of Dimes
Gainesville Chapter raised $1,797 for March of Dimes. Not bad for their first
time! Thanks again to all who participated both fundraising & walking!
Cartersville – Boys & Girls Club of Bartow County
On June 28, Cartersville’s
CGP chapter partnered
with the Boys and Girls
Clubs of Bartow County
for the 15th Annual
Cartersville Century Bike
Ride. Cartersville CGP
members were setup at a
rest stop at mile marker
70 where they provided
participants with muchneeded water, Gatorade,
fruit, protein bars and
peanut butter
sandwiches.
The 5 full rest stops were
used to help reenergize
the participants during the grueling 100 mile ride. This ride benefited the Boys & Girls
Clubs of Bartow County. Many thanks to Vickie Adcock for championing this project.
Customer Care Center – Baby Supply Drive
Supplies were
donated to The
Pregnancy
Resource
Center
Plant Hatch – God’s Store House
The Plant Hatch chapter supported God's Storehouse by helping raise canned goods
for the storehouse. Keystone financial sponsored the BBQ cookout, and members
were asked to bring canned goods in order to get a plate of BBQ and trimmings. The
event took place at Partin Park in Lyons, Ga. In the picture standing from left to right
are; (top) Cheryl Dickey, and Katie Price both from Keystone financial, and (bottom)
Bruce Asberry (Plant Hatch chapter president) Tina Houser (founder and director for
God's storehouse), and some of the people that she serves who came to eat and pick
up the canned goods.
North Fulton – St. Patrick’s Episcopal Church’s Food Bank
Members from the North Fulton Area Citizens
of Georgia Power joined with St. Patrick’s
Episcopal Church in Dunwoody to help with
their Malachi’s Storehouse food bank.
Volunteers set up tables, tents and organized
food to be given out to the community. The
chapter received a great note from the
church.
“We at Malachi's Storehouse want to express our
appreciation for you and your teams hard work.
Your team showed a great deal of professionalism,
teamwork, hard work, and community spirit. This
was greatly appreciated by all the permanent
members that were present. What we found
exceptional was not only did your team come from
Georgia Power, but also their families. This speaks
volumes for your team as well as your company.”
Again thank you for your assistance.
Sincerely,
Pat Finlen
Customer Care Center– Customer Care Center–
A Friend’s House Helping In His Name Food Pantry
Twenty-one members volunteered at Helping In
His Name Food Pantry. They were able to
complete a total of 266 boxes and each box
contained a range of 63-100 bags of chips. In
addition, volunteers were able to mark off
barcodes on approximately 21,280 bags of chips.
Overall a total of 73 hours were accumulated.
On May 31, the Customer Care Center Chapter
held a volunteer event at “A Friend’s House,”
located in McDonough. During this event, the
volunteers prepared breakfast, lunch and
dinner for the children and staff.
Jefferson Street – Troops Care Package Drive
In honor of Memorial Day, Citizens of Georgia Power – Jefferson Street Chapter and
Military Veterans in Power teamed up to sponsor a care package drive for our
troops. Donation boxes were placed at both 755 & 829 Jefferson Street. Kimberly
Brewer (CGP – Jefferson Street Corresponding Secretary) and Glenn Boatwright
(MVP Board) teamed up to chair the event. MVP sponsored a pizza party for each
person that donated to the event. Altogether, Citizens of Georgia Power and Military
Veterans in Power successfully contributed 3,676 recreational, household, and nonperishable items to be used in care packages for military veterans around the world.
Plant Hammond – Care Packages
Plant Hammond Chapter put together
care packages for members to give
out to the homeless in our
community. One of our members
Cathy Adams brought the idea to
have a care package in their cars so
when they saw someone that needed
help, they could have something to
give other than handing out cash.
Albany – Summer Adventure Camp
Lisa Battle-Jackson participated with Crystal Godfrey, Education Coordinator for
South Region, in the Summer Adventure Camp at Lee County Middle School.
The presentation included information and hands-on exercises about electricity,
circuits, insulators and conductors of energy, careers at Georgia Power and energy
efficiency. The presentation ended by sharing energy efficiency tips with students
about how to use energy wisely in their homes.
General Office – Spellabration
On Thursday, June 5, Citizens for Georgia Power hosted two teams of Scrabble players at
LVA/Literacy Action’s annual Spellabration event. A CGP team has finished in one of the top
3 winning positions over the last 8 consecutive years. This year was no exception with the
team finishing in 3rd place.
A special thanks goes to volunteers on behalf of CGP - Alexis Alexander, Jillian Bowin,
Leslie Burns, Dana Clary, David Clary, Morgan Coleman, Johnnie Fason, Angela Gillis, Retina
Hightower, Jim Hodges, Jeaneen Hunter, Caitlin Moriarty, and Susan Prillaman - for their
support and service with a smile. This year, as always, CGP volunteers were recognized as
being “wonderful.” Their effort is a shining example of being a citizen wherever we serve.
Gainesville – Guest House
The Guest House recently had a GA Power energy audit completed and Dana
Chapman, Director of the Guest House, asked if the Citizens of GA Power Gainesville
Chapter could help to incorporate some of the recommendations. We rallied 7
volunteers and spent Saturday morning installing insulation & caulking windows to
help with their energy efficiency! Citizens of GA Power Gainesville loves The Guest
House & all that they do for the elderly community!
Huge THANKS to all who participated – I know the Guest House is grateful for all our
help & hard work! GREAT JOB!
Metro East – Retiree Ramp Build
Metro East Citizens of Georgia
Power ramp project this
weekend for Eli Dobson,
former Georgia Power
employee, teamed with Senior
Connections. We worked this
Saturday and Sunday to build
the ramp. Pictured left to right
is Robert Purcell, Lee
Peacock, Harvey Clark, Mike
McCowen, Anthony Dunn, and
Gerard Vaughn. Please let me
know if you need any other
information about the project.
South Cobb – Roadside Cleanup
South Cobb did a roadside cleanup today followed by lunch and a plant giveaway. We
had 27 volunteers.
Customer Care Center – Haven House
On July 12, 2014, the Citizens of
Georgia Power, CCC chapter,
hosted a cookout for Haven
House, a shelter for domestic
abuse victims. In addition to
feeding approximately 20
families, volunteers enjoyed a
day of “fun in the sun” with the
children playing games such as
badminton, hula hoop, scoop ball
and miniature golf. These games,
along with 18 shoeboxes filled
with toiletry items, were donated
to the Haven House.
Plant Vogtle – Membership Drive Contest Winner
In an effort to expand their membership, the Plant Vogtle chapter ran a contest for
employees who joined Vogtle CGP by April 30. They would be eligible for monthly
random drawings through the end of the year. Each winner will receive a $500
donation to the charity of their choice.
The first winner, Plant Vogtle facilities foreman, Mandy Baker, has donated her
winnings to Magnolia Acres Community Empowerment Committee (MACEC).
View the story in a recent Vogtle 3 and 4 Update newsletter.
State Board & Charitable Giving Organization – Plant Vogtle Tour
After a productive board
meeting this month, the
Citizens State Board was
joined by Mike Anderson
and his organization for a
tour of Plant Vogtle.
Special thanks to the staff at
the visitors center for a
great tour.
Family House Testimonial – Kevin Ware
Last fall, when my newborn granddaughter required specialized medical treatment for a
heart defect, my family and I, who reside in South Georgia, had the privilege of staying at the
Peggy M. Grubb House and the John and June Hemby House in Atlanta. I am an employee
of Southern Company and work at Plant Hatch near Baxley, Georgia. My daughter,
expecting twin girls, learned during her pregnancy that one of the babies would need a
facility capable of providing surgical intervention immediately after her birth due to a
condition called hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS). Northside Hospital in Atlanta was
recommended for delivery, after which my granddaughter was to be transferred to Egleston
Children’s Hospital at Emory for surgery.
Upon learning of this crucial condition and that the necessary surgery would require an
extended stay in the Atlanta area, I began searching for a place for my family to stay. A coworker of mine at Plant Hatch was staying at the Grubb House, a Georgia Power Family
House funded by the Citizens of Georgia Power, while a family member underwent medical
treatment. I contacted him and received the information needed to inquire about the
availability of the house. I immediately called volunteer services and promptly received the
necessary forms from the helpful staff. My family and I were initially scheduled to stay a
week.
When my family and I arrived at the Peggy M. Grubb House, we knew it was truly “a home
away from home.” The location and the security system made us feel safe. The home was
spotless and we saw the time and effort put forth into making us comfortable. Having
access to various amenities such as a full kitchen and laundry facilities provided us with
necessities needed during our extended stay. It was conveniently located and inexpensive,
requiring only a small donation per guest, which provided peach of mind and financial
assistance.
After a week’s stay at the Grubb House, my granddaughter was transferred from Northside
Hospital to Egleston Children’s Hospital. At this time, my family and I were able to move to
another Georgia Power Family House, the John and June Hemby House. During the time
that my granddaughter underwent and recovered from the first of what we have been told
will be three surgeries, we stayed at this location. At the Hemby House, we had the same
great experience, feeling at home and safe during this difficult time.
This past Spring, my granddaughter, Aubrianna, now six months old, underwent her second
surgery. We stayed a second time at the Peggy M. Grubb House and had another
outstanding experience which include caring for her twin sister, Anna Leigh. The Grubb
House accommodated all of our needs, including baby furnishings such as a bassinet and a
rocking chair for needed nap times.
We have been told that my granddaughter’s third surgery will take place when she is
between the ages of one and four. When the need arises again, I am grateful knowing that
the Georgia Power Family Houses are there. Providing these houses for Georgia Power and
Southern Company employees and their families seeking medical treatment away from
home is truly a blessing.
Citizens Chapter Membership
As of June 2014
Compared to Year-end 2012 and 2013
Chapter
STATE TOTAL
Albany
Americus
Athens
Augusta
Bainbridge
Brunswick
Carrollton
Cartersville
Clayton
Columbus
Conyers
Customer Care Center
Dublin
Effingham
Forest Park
Gainesville
General Office
Gwinnett
Heart of Georgia
Hinesville/Jesup
Jefferson Street
Kingsland
Metro East
Metro South
2012
2013
3655 3437
54 25
30 28
108 144
103 113
37 38
41 68
33 45
48 48
65 70
89 80
21 18
363 239
43
45
155
61
260
154
116
47
128
17
51
191
38
49
152
54
224
147
108
43
112
6
70
86
2014
3194
43
24
87
42
30
58
51
60
59
48
12
440
15
44
194
34
161
113
91
47
108
20
32
158
Chapter
STATE TOTAL
Metro West
Milledgeville/Plant Branch
North Fulton Area
Northwest Mountain
Piedmont
Plant Bowen
Plant Hammond
Plant Hatch
Plant Scherer
Plant Vogtle
Plant Wansley
Plant Yates
Rome
Savannah
Savannah Generation
South Cobb
Statesboro
Tallulah Falls
Thomson
Tifton
Valdosta
Vidalia
Waycross
Waynesboro
2012
2013
3655 3437
62 107
53 55
2014
3194
32
19
124
65
20
111
78
34
59
40
97
114
23
73
86
139
46
16
23
83
24
66
84
93
101
22
64
77
103
56
22
31
66
8
67
66
156
24
41
76
54
25
28
22
30
62
81
11
74
23
56
35
32
30
32
84
32
79
29
71
12
30
22
66
103
6
70
22
2014 CARES Chapter Postings Mid-Year thru June
Chapter
Albany
Americus
Athens
Augusta
Bainbridge
Brunswick
Carrollton
Cartersville
Clayton
Columbus
Conyers
Customer Care Center
Dublin
Effingham
Forest Park
Gainesville
General Office
Gwinnett
Heart of Georgia
Hinesville/Jesup
Jefferson Street
Kingsland
Metro East
Metro South
Metro West
2013
HOURS
(YTD)
1421 664
138 28
2143 1116
4717 391
215
0
1170 319
2277 734
1083 279
1759 832
377 92
764 181
5686 5812
129 30
1437 436
5689 3472
1813 408
1756 698
6110 974
4933 358
253 43
2184 440
240 156
1237 323
2211 2287
3173 1017
Chapter
Milledgeville/Plant Branch
North Fulton Area
Northwest Mountain
Piedmont
Plant Bowen
Plant Hammond
Plant Hatch
Plant Scherer
Plant Vogtle
Plant Wansley
Plant Yates
Rome
Savannah
Savannah Generation
South Cobb
Statesboro
Tallulah Falls
Thomson
Tifton
Valdosta
Vidalia
Waycross
Waynesboro
STATE
TOTAL HOURS REPORTED
TOTAL HOURS REPORTED IN CARES FOR 2013 – 87,120
TOTAL HOURS REPORTED IN CARES FOR 2012 – 79,288
TOTAL HOURS REPORTED IN CARES FOR 2011 – 68,800
TOTAL HOURS REPORTED IN CARES for 2010 – 48,882
TOTAL HOURS REPORTED IN CARES for 2009 – 39,582
TOTAL HOURS REPORTED IN CARES for 2008 – 39,667
TOTAL HOUSE REPORTED IN CARES for 2007 – 30,504
2013
HOURS
(YTD)
3369 214
4866 1429
2032 540
0
0
2216 170
1738 1153
200
0
1062 189
1174 172
2761 767
1888 314
1103 1070
2487 332
601 548
1906 360
569 164
2432 118
1152 60
15 397
838 1109
174
5
20 69
573 288
1334 1334
87,120 30,558
Upcoming Projects
Date
Chapter
Event
Contacts
August 2
Tallulah Falls
Golf Tournament
Benny Pate
Robert Gilbert
Jim Gunter
August 18
North Fulton
October 1
Gwinnett
October 10
Plant Vogtle
Kylan Warren
Golf Tournament
Mary Ann Manley
Golf Tournament
2nd Annual
Sporting Clays
Tournament
J.D. Wilson
Debra Hayes
Bob Brinkman
Through personal touch and a caring attitude,
we support our employees, their families,
and our communities in times of need, such that we are
A Citizen Wherever We Serve.
Upcoming Target Dates
Tell Your Story
The Energizer publication is your
chance to show everyone what
your chapter has accomplished.
Please remember to send in your
write-ups and pictures of all your
events. Team photos are great,
but don’t forget to take some
action shots during the events
All submissions are due by the
10th of each month.
Deadline Date
Aug. 15
September 3
September 26
October 6-10
October6
October 6
Subject
State officer nomination forms due to the
state office
Call to annual meeting mailed
Deadline for Chapter Matching Contribution
Request Form
Committee chairs application due in state
office
State officers will go through selection
process for committee chairs to serve on
State Board during 2015
Annual Meeting reservations/delegate forms
due
Chapter Information for Annual Meeting
printed program due to State Office