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Hurricane Katrina heroes to be saluted at CWEMC meet For a time, during the last two years, portions of Clarke-Washington EMC's service area resembled a hurricane bowling alley. Direct strikes came from Ivan, Dennis and Katrina and few were spared. At its 70th annual meeting celebration, on Tuesday, Sept. 12 at Jackson Fairgrounds, the co-op plans to officially thank those who helped pick up the pieces after each storm. "While our will and resources were severely tested, those hurricanes just proved what our co-op has known since 1936, our members are some of the finest people anywhere," said Stan Wilson, Clarke-Washington's general manager "To recover from one storm is a job in itself," he said. "But, three major hurricanes in a 12 month period brought forth a lot of heroes, not only from our employees or those dispatched by other utility companies, but from our members, as well." Wilson remembers the response from the communities the co-op serves as nothing more than amazing. "We had members come forward offering lodging for out-of-state workers, churches doing their laundry, and numerous people bringing food." He said. "They stepped forward for their co-op and we want to officially thank them at our annual meeting." He noted those members who contributed to the recovery efforts would receive a specially minted pewter pin that night. And, not to forget anyone, attendees will be directed to a special table in the registration area in which to sign up and receive their pin. "Whether their contribution was large or small, we don't want to forget anyone," he said. "Therefore, they'll be asked to register their names and what services they provided. Wilson admitted the registration serves a dual purpose. "We not only want to recognize their past performance, but intend to build a data base of names to call on for future emergencies." Once again, the co-op will give away a retired service vehicle to one lucky member. This year's grand prize is a 2001 F 150 truck. Numerous other prizes will be awarded throughout the event. Registration begins at 5 p.m. with the meeting at 7 p.m. The fairgrounds are located behind the Jackson Steak House. In addition to the hurricane pins, the co-op, for the first time, will give each registered member a five dollar bill for attending. "We hope that's an incentive members will find difficult to resist," Wilson said. Attendees will also be treated to free hot dogs, popcorn and soft drinks. "We want to create a family atmosphere where our members can enjoy themselves, spend some time with their neighbors and learn more about their cooperative," Wilson said. "We think it has the potential to be our best annual meeting yet," he added.
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