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West Florida Electric Cooperative (WFEC) held its 79th Annual  Meeting/Member Appreciation Day on Saturday, April 23 in  Graceville. The event took place at the Graceville Civic Center from 8:00 a.m. until noon. Many activities were held for members throughout the day including a health fair with screenings for blood sugar, cholesterol and blood pressure. Representatives from Eye Center South conducted vision exams and Covenant Hospice was on hand to share information about home health, and end of life care. Some of the other activities included electrical safety demonstrations and displays from the Panhandle Pioneer  Settlement and more. Pony rides, face painting and other children’s activities also took place. 

The Watsons from Cottondale, Florida, entertained the crowd. They are a six-piece band that sings old Southern Bluegrass Gospel music. John Watson, plays flat top and sings lead. Fred Watson plays lead flat top and sings harmony as well as lead vocals. Judy Cutchins sings harmony while James Fowler plays bass, Mike Sapp plays banjo and Stevie Elam plays mandolin. You can often find members of the band playing at several local Hardee’s restaurants during the week.

Member-owners registered for door prizes and enjoyed a great meal provided by Gary’s Southern Grill. In addition to these events members of the cooperative heard from WFEC Executive Vice President & CEO, Russell Dunaway who delivered an address to the crowd. Special guest speaker, Colin Craig of Slocomb, Alabama, spoke about his experience with the National Rural Electric Cooperative Youth Tour program and as a spokesperson for the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association Youth Leadership Council.

Results of the cooperative’s board of trustee elections were announced the week before the meeting and at the meeting itself. Those results were:
District 1: Ellis Nichols – unopposed
District 2: Eugene Alford – 2,494; Ben Maddox – 1,162
District 3: John Patrick – 2,472; Shedrick McGriff – 1,187

During the meeting, member-owners also had the opportunity to win a variety of prizes such as electric grills, small appliances, electronics and more. Complimentary soft drinks and face painting services were provided throughout the day by cheerleaders from Ponce De Leon High School.