24 minute read
More Power
from 2022-01-CHEC
JANUARY Quick Hits
Winter Weather Icy out there? Stay off roads if possible. Find driving tips and other ways to prepare for winter weather at
Soup’s On National Soup Month has arrived, perfect for chilly nights. Get a jump on it with our stew recipe on page 32.
Day of Service This Martin Luther King Day (January 17), find a community group near you that needs volunteers to lend a hand.
Energy Tip Are your fans winter-ready? Make sure they’re switched to turn clockwise to circulate warm air around the room.
StormCenter.coop
Speed Under Pressure: Lineworkers Test Lifesaving Skills
Pole Top Rescue Competition held at Nash Community College
In November, North Carolina’s top electric cooperative lineworkers assembled at Nash Community College in Rocky Mount to compete for the title of State Champion in the 2021 Pole Top Rescue Competition.
The biennial competition pitted lineworkers against the clock and each other as they demonstrate essential lifesaving skills and provided an up-close look at the speed, technique and safety knowledge required to maintain the lines that power the lives of electric cooperative members. To advance to this state championship, each competitor had to win a similar competition at their local cooperative.
During the competition, each lineworker executed a scenario in which a coworker is unconscious atop a utility pole. The competitor, dressed in full climbing gear, had to radio for help, scale 20 feet up the utility pole, lower a 105-pound mannequin (nicknamed “Kool”) and begin lifesaving procedures. All North Carolina electric cooperative lineworkers must complete this same scenario in less than five minutes to maintain their certification to work on electric co-op lines.
“This championship highlights just how rigorous and challenging it is to be a lineworker,” said Louis Duke, spokesperson for North Carolina’s Electric Cooperatives. “These highly trained individuals play a critical role in co-op operations, and we can’t thank them enough for the vital service they provide to our members and communities.” Meet the 2021 Pole Top Champs Pictured, top to bottom First Place: Levi Fagan, EnergyUnited, Time: 1:53.37 Second Place: Jason Helms, Union Power Cooperative, Time: 1:57.90 Third Place: Cody Buck, Brunswick Electric, Time: 1:59.83 Not pictured: Chris Griffin of Union Power maintains the overall record with his 2014 time of 01:33.47. carolinacountry.com/extras These guys are fast — this is a competition you have to see to believe! Watch them in action on our website. The competition was held for the first time at Nash Community College thanks to a valuable partnership maintained with North Carolina’s Electric Cooperatives. Nash Community College (nashcc.edu) offers critical degree and certificate programs in Electric Lineman Technology that help support the vital line workforce across rural North Carolina.
Roanoke Electric CEO Honored with NC Rural Leadership Award
Recognition comes as Wynn is named CEO of Fla. co-op
Curtis Wynn, CEO of Roanoke Electric Cooperative, has received the 2021 Larry Wooten Rural Leadership Award, presented by Governor Roy Cooper and Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler each year to an outstanding leader who has worked to advance North Carolina’s rural communities. The award is a milestone recognition for Wynn, who, after leading Roanoke Electric for more than 24 years, was recently named the incoming CEO at SECO Energy, an electric cooperative serving more than 200,000 members in central Florida.
At Roanoke Electric, headquartered in Ahoskie, Wynn earned national accolades for his commitment to implementing services and programs that help local communities and members thrive.
“Curtis Wynn has brought opportunity and innovation to rural North Carolina, making rural communities an even better place to live and work,” said Gov. Cooper. “Thanks to his work, more families, schools and businesses have access to high-speed internet, a critical tool to help rural communities thrive. We are working hard to build on the great work of our rural co-ops and other partners to get even more North Carolinians connected to broadband.”
Wynn has spearheaded a variety of cutting-edge, high-impact initiatives in the co-op’s long-standing efforts to empower member-owners in a region facing economic challenges.
“Curtis Wynn has built a transformative legacy of leadership, from efforts to bring broadband connectivity to rural communities and raising more than $10 million to support economic development projects, to encouraging wealth creation through land ownership and sustainable land management,” said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler.
A Florida native, Wynn began his career washing trucks for his rural hometown electric co-op in Graceville, Fla., and his decision to make a career transition stems, in part, from his desire to be closer to his family and home, where he plans to eventually retire.
The impact of Wynn’s leadership on Roanoke Electric and its consumer-members is lasting. During his tenure, the co-op developed the Upgrade to $ave program, which provides energy efficiency and smart energy upgrades to homes and businesses that financially benefit both the member-consumers and the cooperative.
In partnership with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the co-op established its sustainable forestry program. It has helped hundreds of local landowners by providing information and resources to help them better manage and retain their land for the purpose of building generational wealth.
The Roanoke Connect initiative is bridging the digital divide by bringing broadband connectivity to the region for the first time. After years of laying the groundwork, connections to high-speed internet service are now underway.
The impact of Wynn’s vision and legacy stretches beyond the borders of North Carolina. As immediate past president of the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA), Wynn had the distinction of being the first Black board president in the organization’s history and leading the organization through the unprecedented disruptions of the global pandemic. During his tenure, he was a tremendous voice for the nation’s electric cooperatives to embrace the tenets of diversity, equity and inclusion, and the NRECA membership passed a diversity, equity and inclusion resolution in 2020.
In addition to leadership roles at Roanoke Electric and NRECA, Wynn has served on various local, state and national boards of directors. His greatest sense of achievement, however, comes from Roanoke Electric.
“I would say my proudest accomplishment is the growth I have seen in our team, and how they have stepped up to address the many challenges the industry has thrown our way over the years,” Wynn said. “They did so by embracing our core values beyond anyone’s expectations, really wanting to make a difference in the community we serve. Leaving that behind makes me feel good about what lies ahead for Roanoke Electric.”
Wynn’s last day at Roanoke Electric was December 13. The board of directors has appointed the co-op’s chief operating officer, Marshall Cherry, to serve as interim CEO.
Wynn has advocated on behalf of electric co-ops throughout his career, including during 2017 testimony to the U.S. House Agriculture Committee.
—Louis Duke, North Carolina’s Electric Cooperatives
Scenes CAROLINA COUNTRY A GALLERY OF YOUR BEST PHOTOS
A Mountain Rainbow
Taken from the Clingman’s Dome parking lot in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the camera was pointing toward Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest and Cherokee National Forest. Rodney Hendrickson, London, KY Thanks to everyone who submitted pictures to our annual photo contest! The judges chose from hundreds of photos of people and places throughout North Carolina. In addition to these images, we’ll run more in our “Carolina Creators” magazine feature. And even more selections will appear as the “Photo of the Week” on our website (carolinacountry.com/potw), where there’s an archived collection. Our Facebook and Instagram pages also routinely showcase reader photos.
Gone Turtlin’?!
We had a slow afternoon of fishing off of Moccasin Creek, but we were able to catch this large snapping turtle while attempting to catch a catfish. You can tell by my nephew’s expression that he was rather large. After snapping a few photos, we removed the hook and let him swim away. Jon McReynolds, Wake Forest, Wake Electric
Mud Minis
These are my sons, Gabe (age 5), and Grant (age 2), having the time of their lives in Lewiston. Chelsie Blowe, Ahoskie , Roanoke Electric Photographer Casey Byrum
Casting Cousin
My cousin casted into the Atlantic Ocean on a beautiful fall evening in Pine Knoll Shores. Emily Bedsworth, Pine Knoll Shores, Carteret-Craven Electric Cooperative
In Memory of “Cap”
On my Deddy’s birthday, my oldest son, Jace, my youngest son Ryker and I went to the Pee Dee River to spread some of his ashes. “Cap” was everything to Jace as he was to me. Jason Bud Sweet was a true wonder, a man of nature with a heart of gold! Kaylee Sweet, Hamlet, Pee Dee Electric
All Decked Out
Sunrise at the Roanoke Marshes Lighthouse on the Manteo waterfront. Winter sunrises at the Outer Banks are the best. Alan Trammel, Chapel Hill
Many Mouths To Feed
Bluebird feeding time in my backyard. Nhat Vu, Mint Hill, Union Power Cooperative
Dapper Champ
My “grand-dog” Champion is a 3-year-old pit bull and quite dapper in his hat and shirt. The sweetest, most laid-back pitbull you’ll ever meet, he gets his feelings hurt easily and will go pout in the corner when he does! Lisa Reeves, Hickory, Rutherford EMC Photographer Hilary Reeves
Tunnel Travelin’ Tot
My grandson Mason having fun at Stokes Family Farm. Rebecca Lewis, Troy, Randolph EMC Photographer Amy McLawhorn
Stetson and Fred
Our 2-year-old grandson, Stetson Lail, with Fred the cow. This picture was taken by K. Smith Photography. Taylor Lail, Hickory, Rutherford EMC
Cape Lookout Moonrise
This photo was taken at a unique moonrise at Cape Lookout. Late in the year, the full moon will rise further north than it normally does, giving an interesting angle on the lighthouse—an incredible sight to witness! Wick Smith, Beaufort, Carteret-Craven Electric Cooperative
Winterscape
Mount Carmel Road, Lexington. William Deal, Lexington, EnergyUnited
Sweet Girl
One of our sweet girls laying her egg in the nesting boxes. She gives us an egg each day, and is the only one of our Barred Rock girls left. She’s a beautiful, active lady who loves worms, bugs, chicken scratch (corn especially), and taking dust baths in the warm sunshine! Micah Junket, Mount Pleasant
Falling for Fall
Tiny World My neighbor’s daughter came over and I love to wander around my yard and find all the hidden offered to help me gather leaves. Her smile worlds that exist if you slow down enough to see them. was exactly the “pick me up” that I needed This is one tiny example. to finish one of my least favorite fall chores! Chris Rodermond, Hillsborough, Piedmont ElectricLisa Hall, Waxhaw, Union Power Cooperative
The Importance of Farming
My wife’s uncles were digging ditches in the field to allow water to drain so that crops do not drown. Spending time around family I have learned a lot about farming and how much it means to parts of North Carolina. It is something we should continue to educate others on. Ian Slade, Wake Forest, Wake Electric
Flower Children
Best friends sharing a tender moment in the sunflower field at Dorthea Dix Conservatory Park in Raleigh. Alya Jakubowicz, Raleigh, Wake Electric
Nature Finds a Way
I took this photo while walking through the woods behind my house in late March while looking for deer antler sheds. Austin Heine, Eastover, South River EMC
Room with a View
We escaped the heat and headed up to Round Bald, straddling the border with NC and TN, for a night out under the stars for my birthday. Adventures are the best birthday gifts. Kate Kedzierski, Morganton, Rutherford EMC
Senior Fitness
Stay active in your home with online workouts
Seniors, especially those who don’t drive or who prefer to stay in their homes, may feel challenged in figuring out how to stay motivated or participate in a workout class if they can’t get there. Fortunately, nowadays there are many online options where they can attend a workout with a qualified instructor.
For example, the free exercise classes offered through the Silver&Fit® program cater to senior fitness. Its halfhour classes include videos on strength/bodyweight, yoga, dance, tai chi, mixed formats, and flexibility and balance, at beginner, intermediate and advanced levels. The classes premiere Monday through Saturday, and can also be watched later. People can view them at facebook.com/SilverandFit or youtube.com/SilverandFit.
Dr. Jaynie Bjornaraa, PhD., MPH, PT, and AVP of Digital Fitness Solutions with the Silver&Fit program, shared four tips for choosing an online class:
1Find a class tailored to your fitness level There’s nothing more discouraging than trying to follow a fitness instructor who’s doing movements at a speed you can’t keep up with. If you’re just starting out, find beginner classes offering a lower level of intensity. As your fitness improves, add intermediate level classes. Older adults should seek instructors who specialize in the specific needs of your age group, such as maintaining and building muscle, maintaining flexibility, and improving balance.
2Look for credentials There are thousands of instructors teaching classes on social media or fitness websites, but the wrong instructor can result in injury or a bad experience. Top instructors may have certifications such as Certified Group Fitness Instructor, Certified Personal Trainer, Certified Exercise Expert for Aging Adults, or others. Such certifications are earned through organizations such as the Athletics and Fitness Association of America (AFAA), American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM), or National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM).
3Select an instructor who motivates you Data shows that 50 percent of sedentary people who start a new exercise program drop out after six months. An instructor who inspires you is key to your success. Top factors to look for include enthusiasm and encouragement, a “real” personality, music you like, and a sense of community. If your online community allows for commenting, share your fitness goals with the group to get additional encouragement.
4Find classes that work with your routine Are you more likely to stick with an 8 a.m. class, a noon class, or an-end-of-day class? Finding a time that best suits your schedule increases your chances of sticking with a new program.
Even if you’re not ready to take the big plunge to a 30-minute class today, just get going. Try 10 minutes of exercise and work up to your goals. Just getting started will give you a sense of accomplishment and can eventually result in real health improvements. As always, before you start any new exercise routine, talk with your doctor.
— NewsUSA
Cape Hatteras Electric Cooperative January 2022, Vol. 53, No. 1 www.chec.coop
A new bridge, a new way to power Hatteras Island
As many of you know, the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) has long planned to add a new bridge, the Rodanthe bridge, to bypass the infamous Highway 12 S-turns and improve access to Hatteras Island. The power delivered to Hatteras and Ocracoke Islands is exclusively provided by the transmission line that runs parallel to the existing highway. Once NCDOT completes the Rodanthe bridge and traffic is shifted, they will immediately begin removing the asphalt, dunes and sandbags that are in the current highway right of way, leaving our transmission line exposed to the elements and not easily accessible.
Consequently, we need to install our transmission line under the new bridge. Cape Hatteras Electric Cooperative (CHEC) has awarded a contract to New River Electrical to complete the job of installing the hanger, conduit, and cables under the bridge. To continue enjoying the life that we have on the island, we all will need to make minor sacrifices for the duration of this project. We don’t expect these hardships to extend much beyond some traffic delays, but there is the potential for power outages as well.
New River, and its subcontractor Aptus, have already begun work at the bridge site. As NCDOT completes their project and traffic is shifted onto the bridge, our work will continue, requiring minor traffic delays. Our contractor plans to work until the end of May, during daylight hours, Mondays through Fridays. We will pause our on-bridge work from June until September, to avoid disrupting summer traffic. After the peak of the tourist season, work will begin again, with completion expected by December 2022. The new transmission line will be energized in 2023.
We’ve worked hard to earn the trust and respect of our members by providing exceptional service and a commitment to safety. This is a complex project and we need to anticipate potential issues. We would ask everyone to be patient and understanding, knowing that our hard-working crews are doing all they can to continue to provide you with the best service possible while staying safe themselves.
For updates, frequently asked questions, and project timelines and photos, we invite you to visit chec.coop/rodanthebridge.
Last call for photo contest entries
January is the last month to submit your photo of Hatteras Island to our Member Photo Contest! All entries must be submitted to photo@chec.coop by February 1. Prizes will be awarded for the top three winners: 1st place wins a $100 bill credit and a feature on the cover of our Annual Report, 2nd place wins a $50 bill credit and 3rd place wins a $25 bill credit. In addition to the top three photos, nine entries will be featured in the 2023 Member Calendar.
Contest winners will be announced in the April Carolina Country magazine. All entries will be featured on chec.coop for the duration of the contest.
If you have questions about the contest, please contact Laura Ertle at (252) 995-5616.
Two all-expense-paid travel opportunities for rising juniors
We are currently accepting applications from local students to attend two trips: the Youth Tour to Washington, D.C., from June 18 – 24, 2022, or the Cooperative Leadership Council of NC’s Leadership Camp in White Lake, N.C., from June 20 – 24, 2022. CHEC will sponsor one rising junior to attend each trip. Applications for both opportunities are available at the CHSS guidance department or online at chec.coop/youthtour. The deadline to apply is February 1, 2022. Youth Tour: A Week in Washington, D.C.
Are you a high school student interested in spending a week in Washington, D.C. learning about government, U.S. history and the cooperative business model, while building your leadership skills and making new friends from across the state and nation? If so, we invite you to apply for the 2022 Electric Cooperative Youth Tour!
The Youth Tour gives high school students the opportunity to experience Washington, D.C., and learn about how they can make a difference as young adults. Tourists will pay their respects at historic monuments and memorials, meet with North Carolina’s members of Congress on Capitol Hill and tour a variety of Smithsonian museums, all while building a peer network with young leaders from across the country.
CHEC will sponsor one rising junior from Hatteras Island to join North Carolina’s delegation on the 2022 trip. The all-expenses paid tour is hosted by electric cooperatives nationwide and is a tradition more than 50 years strong. About 1,800 students from more than 40 states are expected to participate in 2022, with North Carolina sending approximately 45 students to represent our state’s electric cooperatives. Cooperative Leadership Camp in White Lake, NC
Current high school juniors on Hatteras Island can also apply to attend the Cooperative Leadership Camp from June 20 – 24. The leadership camp provides a total of 70 teens from across the state a five-day overnight camp experience to learn about cooperatives. During camp teens organize and run a worker/owner T-shirt cooperative and learn about business and personal financial responsibility.
In addition to learning how to run a cooperative business, the students will meet new people, make new friends, and participate in workshops and leadership building activities.
Important notice to members
The Committee on Nominations will be considering qualified candidates for two seats on the CHEC Board of Directors. The board seats for District 1 – Hatteras and District 4 – Avon, will be elected in 2022. The incumbent directors, Dan Oden and Bryan Mattingly, have indicated their interest in seeking re-election.
Any member of Cape Hatteras Electric Cooperative, who is interested and qualified and would like consideration as a nominee for the board of directors, should submit his or her name and resume to the Committee on Nominations by the deadline of 5:00 p.m. Tuesday, February 15, 2022.
Any 50 or more members of CHEC, acting together, may make additional nominations in writing by petition. Nominee(s) by petition must be listed in compliance with the By-Laws and the petition delivered to CHEC by Monday, March 7, 2022. Qualifying nominees by petition will be included on the ballot for election.
Additional information is available from Susan Flythe, General Manager, at (252) 995-5616 or susanf@chec.coop. a
Published by:
Cape Hatteras Electric Cooperative
PO Box 9, 47109 Light Plant Road, Buxton, NC 27920 Office Hours: 8 a.m.–5 p.m. Phone: 252-995-5616 Toll Free: 800-454-5616 Outage Report: 866-511-9862 Fax: 252-995-4088 www.chec.coop Board of Directors:
Richard A. (Richie) Midgett, president; John R. Hooper, vice president;
Dan G. Oden, Jr., secretary-treasurer; Briggs McEwan;
Bryan Mattingly; Tami J. Thompson Susan E. Flythe, executive vice president & general manager Laura Ertle, editor
Fueling School Days
Egg-cellent fare will get kids cracking
Affordable and easy to prepare, eggs are a key ingredient for successful days in the classroom. They keep kids full and energized to conquer school days.
As one of the only foods that naturally have vitamin D, eggs offer a nutrient critical for building strong bones. Eggs also help the body absorb nutrients like vitamin E and carotenoids that are found in plant foods, making them a perfect partner for veggies. Additionally, they’re one of the best sources of choline, critical for brain health and development at every age and stage.
What’s more, between learning and down time, many kids spend a lot of hours in front of electronic screens. The lutein and zeaxanthin found in egg yolks can help protect their eyes from harmful blue light.
These recipes are easy to prepare ahead of time. To find additional egg recipes, search #ProteinPrepSchool on social media or visit incredibleegg.org.
— FamilyFeatures.com
Veggie and Cheese Frittata Fingers
Nonstick cooking spray 1 tablespoon olive oil ½ cup red bell pepper, diced ½ cup yellow onion, diced ½ cup zucchini, diced 3 cloves garlic, minced 2 cups baby spinach, roughly chopped 12 large eggs 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded 1 teaspoon salt ½ teaspoon pepper
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray a 9-by-9-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
In a skillet over medium heat, add olive oil, then sauté bell pepper, onion and zucchini until tender. Add garlic and spinach; cook until wilted.
In bowl, beat eggs then add sautéed vegetables, cheese, salt and pepper. Pour the mixture into a prepared baking dish.
Bake 25–30 minutes until fully set. Allow to cool.
Cut into seven strips, then cut down the middle to create 14 pieces.
Refrigerate leftovers in airtight container up to 4 days.
To freeze, place cooled frittata fingers in freezer bag and lay flat until frozen. When ready to eat, microwave 60–90 seconds, or until warmed.
Yield: 4 servings Broccoli and Cheddar Quinoa Bites
Nonstick cooking spray 10 large eggs 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese 1 cup cooked quinoa* 1 cup tomatoes, quartered ½ cup finely chopped broccoli florets ½ cup finely chopped cauliflower florets 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh basil (optional)
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Lightly oil or coat 12 muffin cups with nonstick cooking spray and set aside.
In a large bowl, crack eggs. Whisk until well combined. Stir in cheese, cooked quinoa, tomatoes, broccoli, cauliflower and basil, if desired, until well combined.
Use a ¼-cup measuring cup to divide mixture evenly into prepared muffin cups. Bake 16–18 minutes until eggs are set. Allow to cool slightly before serving.
Refrigerate leftovers up to three days or freeze up to one month.
Yield: 6 servings
*Note: Quinoa, pronounced “keen-wah,” is a good source of protein, minerals and vitamins. It’s usually found near the rice in grocery stores. It is soft and a bit fluffy when cooked.
Bad to the Bone
Full tang stainless steel blade with natural bone handle — now ONLY $79!
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