Each issue of GEORGIA Magazine contains a section called “Snapshot” near the back of the magazine, where readers may submit their photos for publication. The upcoming theme for February 2019 is “Georgia sunsets” due by October 24. Submit your digital photos to snapshot@georgiaemc.com or you may mail actual photos to the address listed on page 6 of each issue.

Effective today, 9/24/2018, the front lobby of the main building of the headquarters location in Jasper has reopened. A temporary entrance on the far end of the building had been in use for several weeks prior to today. Construction is now nearing completion at the Jasper location and members may enter the building through the new lobby. Thank you for your patience during this time of construction.

Amicalola EMC crews are on call 24 hours a day, seven days a week, year round. However, when severe weather is approaching, we take additional measures to prepare, even though no one can predict exactly where or how a storm will impact us. Just as importantly, there are things you can do right now to review your plans & make sure you have a way to receive severe weather warnings if they are issued.

We are sharing this information from Cherokee County Emergency Management:  If you rely on electricity to run medical equipment, make sure you have a plan for back up power. For example, anyone who uses continuous oxygen should have portable tanks on hand in case of power outages. Remember, don’t get caught up in the hype being shared by some on social media. The National Hurricane Center is the most reliable source of information regarding the track, timing & impacts related to hurricanes.

Prepare as much as you can and pay attention to weather warnings as they are issued. In the event of power outages, do not rely on social media to report your outage. Our social media sites are not monitored round the clock. Report all outages to one of these telephone numbers: 706-253-0359 OR 706-276-0359 OR 706-864-0359.  Stay away from any downed power lines and always assume they are still energized. Report them, first to 911, then to one of the above outage reporting numbers.

The quarterly meeting of Amicalola EMC’s Operation RoundUp board was held in July and $15,000 was awarded to local non-profits and qualifying individuals in need.
• Appalachian Mtn. Scottish Rite Assoc. to benefit Children’s Hospital
• Community Helping Place to support free medical and dental clinic
• The Craddock Center to provide books in the children’s enrichment program
• Gilmer Christian Learning Center to help purchase a copier and automatic ext. defibrillator
• Gilmer High Work Based Learning to help purchase supplies and student awards
• Goshen Valley Foundation to help fund one intern
• Kids Ferst in Gilmer County to purchase books
• Lumpkin County Education Foundation help provide teacher grants
• Mountain Ed. Charter High School – Gilmer to purchase laptops for students to check out
• North Ga. Community Action Center to purchase a steam table for Gilmer Senior Center
• Operation Appreciation emergency support for veterans and family members
• Optimist Club of Jasper to help fund Legion of Character program
• Salvation Army help provide food and shelter for the homeless
• St. Vincent de Paul Society help fund items for children
In addition, individuals who qualified were able to receive financial assistance directly from Operation RoundUp for
• Assistance with mortgage payments
• Medical bills and dentures
• Handicap accessible needs
• Repairs to floor and roof
• Rent assistance

Operation RoundUp is a great way to help others without placing a financial burden on yourself. It can never be more than .99 a month and the average is only $6 a year, but pennies make millions when you join with other Amicalola EMC members. Every single penny goes to help those who live in the Amicalola EMC service area. Call 706-253-5200 to join!