Welcome to December; positive confirmation that 2022 is just about over. I don’t know about you, but this year has flown by, although that feeling is simply perception. Time is constant as there are always 24 hours in a day, 60 minutes in an hour, and 60 seconds in a minute.

So, if time is constant, why is the perception that time is “flying” by? There are many viewpoints on this phenomenon, but simply speaking, this perception is caused by high levels of “busyness” and excessive stress, not allowing one to live in the moment. In other words, our lives have become so busy we are not taking time to enjoy the “trip” of life as we have become overwhelmed with the journey.

My advice to you (and it’s advice I should remember myself) is to take some time to smell the roses along the way and enjoy those who love us and those whom we love.

‘TIS THE SEASON FOR SCAMMERS
Unfortunately, in today’s world, scams are inevitable. It seems like this time of year; they come out of the woodwork attempting to take advantage of busy people. Scammers can threaten you with everything from legal action involving the IRS to turning off power to your home.

Utility scams often involve an individual or group posing as an employee of your electric cooperative. The scammer may use threatening language to frighten you into offering your credit card or bank account information. Don’t fall victim to these types of scams. Understand the threats posed and your best course of action:

• If someone calls your home or cell phone demanding you pay your electric bill immediately, gather as much information as possible from that individual, hang up the phone and contact the local authorities. JOEMC will never ask you to provide personal financial information over the phone. If you have any doubts about your electric bill, contact our office at (910) 353-1940 or joemc@joemc.com.
• If someone comes to your home claiming to be an employee of Jones-Onslow EMC that needs to collect money or inspect parts of your property, call us to verify they are, in fact, an employee. If they are not, contact local authorities for assistance, and do not let the individual into your home.

MERRY CHRISTMAS
There is no way I could close without wishing you a very Merry Christmas! I hope you and your family will have a safe, joyous, and healthy holiday season. May it be a time filled with family, friends, peace, and reflection on the many blessings of your life. From our family here at JOEMC, enjoy this time of the year.