21 minute read
Fun on a Nickel
from 2022-06-REC
5
simple yet meaningful activities for grandchildren
By Cynthia Drake
Iwas a child during the 1950s — a time when my brothers and I were mostly spared the troubles of the adult world. Our parents let us play in the mud, climb trees or read books while lying on an old quilt in the backyard. My Halloween costume was an old sheet with two holes cut out for ghost eyes. A piece of chalk and a sidewalk would be enough to keep me and my neighborhood girlfriends hopscotching all morning. After a bowl of cereal for breakfast, my mother sent us out to play with the instruction to be back for supper.
When my grandchildren began to arrive 17 years ago, those carefree memories of days gone by resurfaced, and I experienced a “second childhood” with my children’s children. I taught young children in elementary school for many years, and that prepared me for the delight of playing and learning with my grandchildren. Now that the grandchildren are older, we love remembering those early days spent cooking together, doing science experiments in the kitchen, producing simple plays in the summer, reading books using flashlights during overnight visits.
That joy inspired me to write “A Grandmother’s Sourcebook,” filled with activities and ideas for grandparents and their grandchildren to share. Below are five entries from the book for your own “fun on a nickel.” 1. Make a concentration game. Choose a dozen or more favorite 4x6 photos of family events. At the copy shop, reduce photo size by 50%, print two of each, then glue to the “suit” side of regular playing cards. Set out all the cards with photo sides down. Play! 2. Teach the children how to offer a strong firm handshake and clearly state their name (as if they are meeting a new person). “Hi, my name is ______.” Then have them help you bake some chocolate chip cookies. Drive to the neighborhood firehouse, meet the firefighters, shake hands and thank them for their service. Finally, offer a tin of homemade cookies. 3. Help the children paint a Van Gogh-style painting. Find “The Usborne Art Treasury” by Rosie Dickens at the library. Directions are given about using forks and dabs of white paint to recreate Van Gogh’s swirly clouds! 4. A really fun science experiment is creating a crystal. Directions are provided in “Geology Lab for Kids” by Garret Romaine. Bend a pipe cleaner into a cube shape. Tie 2 feet of string to the middle of a pencil and to a corner of the pipe cleaner cube. Pour 3 cups of boiling water into a wide-mouth jar. Stir in 9 tablespoons of Borax. Lower the pipe cleaner down into the jar. In the morning there will be a crystal-covered pipe cleaner floating in the jar! If you add food coloring, you’ll create a beautifully colored crystal. 5. On a sunny day, take the children to your local cemetery. Walk through the lanes and stop to read names, dates and quotes. Talk about how these folks were loved by many people. Talk about the circle of life. Your ease will be appreciated by the children. Then read them the wonderful storybook, “City Dog, Country Frog” by Mo Willems. It is a perfect tale of friendship, loss and hope.
Cynthia Drake, author of “A Grandmother’s Sourcebook,” lives in Durham and is a member of Piedmont Electric Cooperative.
Visit agrandmotherssourcebook.com to learn more about “A Grandmother’s Sourcebook,” 10 chapters covering resources and activities to get grandchildren engaged in art, story, poetry, science, service, music, cooking, plays and games.
ROANOKE ELECTRIC Flashes Flashes
Roanoke Electric Cooperative
Driving Member-Owner Engagement
Take the road less traveled to a valuable member-owner experience
By Dennis McFee
Robert Frost once said, “I took the one less traveled by, and that has made all the difference.” As a cooperative, that quote has never rung more true than it does today.
Taking the road less traveled is in our DNA. From the co-op’s inception, our story has been about ordinary people that banded together to improve the quality of life by providing electricity to our communities when no one else would do it. That’s because we exist for you—our member-owners.
There is no doubt that we are unique, and our desire is for every member-owner’s experience to be a testament to that difference. Why do we care about engagement? We need engaged member-owners to determine a brighter future for us all.
The pandemic undoubtedly heightened our sensitivity to the member experience and engagement in ways we never thought about before. Here are some of our key areas of focus that we hope are making the difference on our road to drive engagement:
We remain solutions-oriented. Each of our employees takes their role in supporting our membership seriously. We are trained to offer top-tier service that tailors solutions to meet your needs in every situation. We know that our member base is diverse, and we take every possible interaction to meet member-owners where their needs are. That also means taking proactive measures to let you know about solutions available. With nearly 14,000 member-owners, we’re committed to coming up with almost 14,000 solutions for everything from your home to business. For example, we’re currently exploring additional member-owner loyalty rewards programs and a chat feature so that member-owners can communicate with us and conveniently get the answers they need.
We’re local and invest locally. Unlike other investor-owned utilities, this is home for our employees. Our memberowners are our neighbors. We see them at church, at the local food mart, and our children go to school together. We have a vested interest in our memberowners and the community at large. We actively build positive rapport by hosting community events, offering scholarships and summer programs for our youth, and pushing programs like Co-op Connections to promote the local economy and local businesses.
We’re building a brighter future. We’re constantly evolving in a way that makes us sustainably sound, and that keeps your voice at the forefront. To this end, we have launched specific initiatives like our young adult advisory board, power solutions to help our local farmers and agribusinesses operate more efficiently, invested in making energy-efficient home upgrades through Upgrade to $ave, and made electric vehicle ownership more attainable for our member-owners.
We recognize that there are no straight roads on this journey in all of this. There are many curves and sometimes detours we must navigate. But together, we are in a great position to leave an extraordinary trail.
We are where we are because of you, and with you, we are always seeking ways to improve our service to you. Dennis McFee is Roanoke Electric Co-op’s vice president of member services, marketing, and public relations.
New Ways to Use Electricity
By Michael Ferguson
If you listen carefully, you can hear a quiet transformation happening. Electric appliances and equipment are becoming more popular than ever among consumers.
Advancements in technology and battery power coupled with decreasing costs are winning over consumers looking for comparable utility and versatility. A bonus is that electric equipment is quieter and better for the environment.
Consumers and home builders alike are turning to electric appliances to increase energy efficiency and savings inside the home. Whether a traditional electric stove or an induction stovetop, both are significantly more efficient than a gas oven. That’s because conventional residential cooking tops typically use gas or resistance heating elements to transfer energy with efficiencies of approximately 32% and 75%, respectively (according to ENERGY STAR®). Electric induction stoves, which cook food without any flame, will reduce indoor air pollution and bring water to a boil about twice as fast as a gas stove. Robotic vacuums are also gaining in popularity. Fortune Business Insights attributes the growth and popularity of robotic vacuums like Roomba to a larger market trend of smart home technology and automation (think Alexa directing a Roomba to vacuum).
More tools and equipment with small gas-powered motors are being replaced with electric ones that include plug-in batteries. In the past few years, technology in battery storage has advanced significantly. Hand-held tools with plug-in batteries can hold a charge longer and offer the user the same versatility and functionality as gaspowered tools. For DIYers and those in the building trades, national brands like Makita, Ryobi, and Milwaukee offer electric versions of their most popular products like drills, saws, sanders, and other tools. In addition to standard offerings, consumers can now purchase a wider array of specialty plug-in tools such as power inverters, air inflaters, and battery chargers.
Keith Dennis, an energy industry expert and president of the Beneficial Electrification League, notes, “A few years back, the list of new electric product categories that were making their way to the market was limited— electric scooters, lawnmowers, leaf blowers, and vehicles.”
Today, the number of electrical products available is exploding.
“There are electric bikes, school buses, pressure washers, utility terrain vehicles, backhoes—even airplanes and boats,” says Dennis. “With the expansion of batteries and advancements in technology, we are seeing almost anything that burns gasoline or diesel as having an electric replacement available on the market.”
A case in point is the increased use of electric-powered tools and equipment. More national brands offer a wider selection, including lawnmowers, leaf blowers, string trimmers, and snow blowers. The quality of zero- or low-emissions lawn equipment is also improving.
Electric equipment also requires less maintenance, and often the biggest task is keeping them charged. In addition, electric equipment is quieter, so if you want to listen to music or your favorite podcast while performing outdoor work, you can; something that wouldn’t be possible with gaspowered equipment. On the horizon, autonomous lawnmowers (similar to the robotic vacuum cleaners) will be seen dotting outdoor spaces.
Another benefit of using electric appliances or equipment is that by virtue of being plugged into the grid, the environmental performance of electric devices improves over time. In essence, electricity is becoming cleaner through increased renewable energy generation, so electric equipment will have a diminishing environmental impact over time. Quite a hat trick—improving efficiency, quality of life, and helping the environment.
Summer Savings with the Co-op Connections app
As folks are starting to travel more, member-owners are encouraged to take advantage of the free Co-op Connections program providing incredible discounts for your next vacation voyage. The Co-op Connections program offers the best deals on hotels, condos, flights, cruises, car rentals, and round-trip vacations, all from the convenience of an app on your phone.
Get “connected” today by downloading the mobile app to enhance your “fun money” fund this summer. The app is available for download at the App Store (iOS) or Google Play (Android).
Harris wins scholarship to UNC’s basketball camp
Michael Harris, a rising sixth-grader at Central Middle School, was selected as Roanoke Electric Cooperative’s 2022 winner to attend the Carolina Basketball School at The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Michael, the son of Brittany Sightler, enjoys basketball, sand sifting, math, and fishing.
Michael has played basketball at the Gates County Community Center for the past four years and says he still feels he can learn more about the sport. “I would like to meet the players that have succeeded in making the college basketball team. I want to ask the players and coaches what I can do to become better at the game so that maybe, one day, I can also play basketball for a college, and hopefully even the NBA.”
Michael will join other students across the state June 18–22.
“We are pleased to have Michael represent the co-op at this year’s basketball camp,” said Patrice Jordan, coordinator of community relations and engagement for the co-op. “We anticipate that his participation will give him new skills that will help him excel both on and off the basketball court.” For more information about camps and scholarships the co-op offers, visit roanokeelectric.com.
“NOTABLE & QUOTABLE What comes to mind when you think about the co-op’s efforts to build a better future for member-owners?
— Tonica Allen, Halifax County resident and Roanoke Electric Cooperative Ambassador
Save the Date
Co-op to host virtual Annual Meeting and Member-Owner Celebration Aug. 27
Roanoke Electric Cooperative will host its 83rd Annual Meeting & Member-Owner Celebration, which will be held virtually on Saturday, Aug. 27. Participants will be able to join via phone or video conference.
The hour-long gathering will kick off at 9 a.m. with the official business meeting, during which the election of three board members is on the agenda. Before the meeting, member-owners must cast their votes by mail or online, beginning July 22.
Survey & Ballot Systems, our elections consultant, will be mailing paper ballots to each member-owner. In addition, the co-op will be launching a new website, where member-owners can cast their vote online.
Door prizes will be raffled off to participating member-owners following the business meeting. You must be present to win.
Meeting participants will also be entered into a door prize drawing for additional giveaways, including two (2) $500 cash prizes and an electric vehicle.
Visit our website at roanokeelectric.com for additional details to follow.
Holiday closing
Our offices will be closed on Monday, June 20, in observance of the Juneteenth holiday. Normal business operations will resume on Tuesday, June 21. To report outages:
è Call 1-800-358-9437 è Text “OUTAGE” to 352667.
To make a payment:
è Use our automated system at 252-209-2236. è Download our mobile app by texting “Roanoke” to 252-479-7929. è Text “PAY” to 352667.
ROANOKE ELECTRIC Flashes Flashes
Published monthly for the member-owners of Roanoke Electric Cooperative P.O. Drawer 1326, Ahoskie, NC 27910 Office: 252-209-2236 or 1-800-433-2236 For outages call: 1-800-358-9437 For online bill payment: roanokeelectric.com Statement of Nondiscrimination: Roanoke Electric Cooperative is an equal opportunity provider and employer.
Visit us at roanokeelectric.com
BOARD OF DIRECTORS Allen Speller
Chairman Robert “Nat” Riddick
Vice Chairman Delores Amason
Secretary-Treasurer Kenneth Jernigan
Asst. Secretary-Treasurer Marva Bond Carolyn Bradley Columbus Jeffers Darnell Lee Cynthia Vaughan Editor: Brittany Tann President and CEO: Marshall Cherry
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What You Need to Know Before Going Solar
Work with your co-op to make the right choice
By Miranda Boutelle
When I tell people I work in energy efficiency, one of the first responses I hear is, “Oh, I’m thinking about getting solar installed on my house.” I hear it around campfires, meeting other parents at the park and on the ride to the airport.
Most people don’t realize solar is not energy efficiency. Energy efficiency is finding ways to use less energy. Solar is generating energy. I can see the association because both are thought of as beneficial to the environment and a way to save money.
My follow-up question is, “What are your motivations for installing solar?”
In my experience, people are motivated by saving money, concern for the environment or both. Focusing first on energy efficiency addresses both motivations.
Here are some considerations if you are interested in installing solar.
Energy consumption Solar systems are sized based on a home’s energy needs. The larger the system, the higher the cost. Before installing solar, make sure your home is as energy efficient as possible. That means it will use less energy and allow you to install a smaller solar system — which will save money and reduce your home’s environmental impact.
Verify the efficiency of your lighting, HVAC systems and insulation. A fully insulated and air-sealed home uses less energy, and those measures are less expensive than solar panels. Finish these energy efficiency projects before installing solar.
Affordability Consider your overall out-of-pocket expenses. The expected lifespan of a heating and cooling system is 15 to 25 years. Check the age and condition of your HVAC equipment and consider the expenses of replacement. If something happens, will you be able to afford to fix or replace it?
Roofing Consider the age, orientation and shade of your roof. It is more difficult — and expensive — to reroof a home with solar panels. Will the roof need to be replaced before the solar panels need to be replaced?
The best orientation for solar panels is south facing to receive direct light throughout the day. A shaded roof helps keep your home cool in the summertime but reduces solar energy production.
Maintenance and reliability A solar system doesn’t last forever. Lifespans range from 25 to 30 years. As systems degrade over time, they produce less energy. Maintenance and repairs may be needed.
Solar panels only produce power when the sun is shining. If you want solar to power your home at other times, like after dark, you’ll need to invest in battery storage system, which comes at an additional cost.
Contact your electric co-op As with any other system for your home, I recommend getting bids from three contractors to compare equipment and pricing. Solar contractors often work in several utility service territories and may not be familiar with your co-op’s offerings, rate structures and interconnection agreements. So before signing an agreement, check with your electric co-op for local information rather than relying on what the contractor says.
Another option may be community-owned solar. Many electric co-ops offer community solar programs. You may have an option to enjoy the benefits of solar without the responsibilities of ownership and maintenance.
Understanding these considerations before installing solar will ensure you meet your money-saving and environmental goals.
This column was written by Miranda Boutelle of the Efficiency Services Group. Visit carolinacountry.com/your-energy for more ideas on energy efficiency.
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