Fun on a Nickel

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.

For members of Wake Electric Membership Corporation

Saving Energy in the Laundry Room 17

More Than 800 Attend Wake Electric’s 2022 Annual Meeting

Wake Electric held its 2022 Annual Meeting on Saturday, March 26. The co-op conducted board elections through a drive-thru format and the business meeting was online, with more than 800 electric co-op members voting at Wake Electric’s Youngsville and Wake Forest offices. The directors re-elected to the board for three-year terms: 〉 Allen Nelson, District 1 〉 Joe Hilburn, District 4 〉 Joe Eddins, District 8

Congratulations to Victor Lynn of Wake Forest, the $1,000 grand prize winner at the 2022 Annual Meeting. All members in attendance were entered in a drawing for cash prizes totaling $5,200. A list of winners can be found at wemc.com/annual-meeting.

JUNE 19 IS FATHER’S DAY

Happy Father’s Day to all the superhero dads out there! We hope you have a great day. Call to report outages: 919.863.6499 or 800.743.3155 Regular office hours: M–F, 8 a.m.–5 p.m. Telephone hours: M–F, 7:30 a.m.–5:30 p.m., 919.863.6300 or 800.474.6300 Underground locating service: Call 811 Dedicated pay-by-phone number: 866.999.4593

Wake Electric is Soaking Up the Sun

Wake Electric continues its support of renewable energy by building a 638kW solar farm with a 1,115 kWh Tesla battery located near the New Life Church on Zebulon Road east of Wake Forest. This project demonstrates Wake Electric’s commitment to balance renewable energy with controlling costs for its members. While the solar panels will soak up the sun’s rays, the batteries will allow Wake Electric to use that power during times when “ purchasing other types of power would be more expensive.

“Wake Electric believes that pairing solar power with batteries will allow the cooperative to store power during off-peak times and use that electricity when energy use is at its highest, resulting in reliable and affordable power supply for years to come,” said Don Bowman, vice president of engineering and operations.

The solar panels are enough to power approximately 100 average sized homes during

daylight hours while the batteries are the equivalent of about 15 Tesla electric vehicles. The batteries will be charged when demand for electricity is low and discharged during moments of peak demand for power. This enhances electric reliability and is expected to provide cost savings over the lifetime of the batteries. Co-op members will benefit from those savings because This project cooperatives are not-for-profit, atdemonstrates Wake cost energy providers. Electric’s commitment In addition to solar power and batteries, Wake Electric and the to balance renewable network of cooperatives in North energy with controlling Carolina have worked together for costs for its members. ” years to lead innovative energy strategies, including demand response programs and solar plus storage initiatives. “We will continue to lead the integration, management and optimization of resources and technologies that benefit our community and local consumer-members, now and in the decades to come,” said Jim Mangum, general manager and CEO.

Every year, Wake Electric awards scholarships to high school seniors who are planning to continue their education at a college, university, community college or technical school. In 2022, Wake Electric awarded 18 $1,250 Touchstone Energy scholarships and one $2,000 Fred M. Alford Memorial scholarship. Altogether, Wake Electric awarded $24,500 in college scholarships to local students. Funding for scholarships is made possible by Wake Electric members and Wake Electric employees through the Operation Round-Up Program. For more information on Operation RoundUp or the college scholarship program, visit wemc.com.

The $2,000 Fred M. Alford Memorial Scholarship was awarded to Isabella Harbison of Franklinton High School.

Fred M. Alford Memorial Scholarship ($2,000)

〉 Isabella Harbison,

Franklinton High School

Touchstone Energy Scholarships ($1,250)

〉 Benjamin Brigino,

Franklin Academy 〉 Claire Williams, Wakefield High 〉 Athena Gomes, Wakefield High 〉 Natalie Russell, UNC Chapel Hill 〉 Jamie Lambert, Wake Forest High 〉 William Chambers, Heritage High 〉 Grant Smith, East Carolina

University 〉 Khalia Morton, WSSU 〉 Grant Johnson, Rolesville High 〉 Kimberly Berry,

South Granville High Isabella Harbison, Fred M. Alford Memorial Scholarship recipient

〉 Dylan Matthews,

Wake Forest High 〉 Megan Rivenbark, Franklin

Academy 〉 Anna Evangelista, Franklin

Academy 〉 Anisah Sison, Franklin Academy 〉 Samiyah Edgerton, UNC

Greensboro

〉 Lydia Valentino, Heritage High 〉 Colson Teal, NC State 〉 Amelia Peck, Wakefield High

Operation RoundUp Grants Awarded to Local Nonprofits

The first quarter 2022 Operation RoundUp Grant recipients:

American Red Cross Franklin County Cooperative Extension Granville County Extension North Ridge Ministries Louisburg College’s Seby B. Jones Performing Arts Center Tri-Area Ministry Training room equipment

$2,000 Financial assistance for leadership program $1,000 PPE equipment $2,500

Turn-out gear washing machine Wireless microphones $2,500 $1,500

Telehealth and patient care expenses $2,500

GRANT APPLICATIONS

Grants are open to all project and subject areas that enhance economic infrastructure and job creation; promote service or charitable organizations; or meet emergency needs of individuals within the service area of Wake Electric. We are now accepting applications for the second quarter of 2022. Deadline for applications is June 10 at 5 p.m. Area nonprofits can apply for grants at wemc.com/we-care.

Suds & Savings:

10 ways to save energy in the laundry room

Your clothes washer and dryer account for a significant portion of energy consumption from major appliances, and let’s face it—laundry is no one’s favorite chore. Make the most of your laundry energy use! There are several easy ways you can save energy (and money) in the laundry room. The Department of Energy recommends the following tips for saving on suds:

〉 Wash with cold water. Switching from warm water to cold water can cut one load’s energy use by more than half, and by using a cold-water detergent, you can still achieve that brilliant clean you’d normally get from washing in warm water. 〉 Wash full loads when possible. Your washing machine will use the same amount of energy no matter the size of the clothes load, so fill it up if you can. 〉 Use the high-speed or extended spin cycle in the washer. This setting will remove more moisture before drying, reducing your drying time and the extra wear on clothing. 〉 Dry heavier cottons separately. Loads will dry faster and more evenly if you separate heavier cottons like linens and towels from your lightweight clothing. 〉 Make use of the “cool down” cycle.

If your dryer has this cycle option, you can save energy because the clothes will finish drying with the remaining heat in the dryer. 〉 Use lower heat settings to dry clothing. Regardless of drying time, you’ll still use less energy. 〉 Use dryer balls. Dryer balls, usually wool or rubber, will help keep clothes separated for faster drying, and they can help reduce static, so you can eliminate dryer sheets. 〉 Switch loads while the dryer is warm.

This allows you to take advantage of the remaining heat from the previous cycle. 〉 Clean the lint filter after each drying cycle. If you use dryer sheets, remember to scrub the filter once a month with a toothbrush to remove excess buildup. 〉 Purchase ENERGY STAR®-rated washers and dryers. When it’s time to purchase a new washer or dryer, look for the

ENERGY STAR® label. New washers and dryers that receive the ENERGY STAR® rating use about 20% less energy than conventional models.

To learn about additional ways you can save energy at home visit, energy.gov/energysaver.

Published monthly by Wake Electric

PO Box 1229 100 S. Franklin Street Wake Forest, NC 27588 wemc.com

BOARD OF DIRECTORS Suzy Morgan President Mike Dickerson Vice President Joe Eddins Secretary Bob Hill Treasurer Greg Fuller Joe Hilburn Reuben Matthews Allen Nelson Rodney Privette

PERSONNEL Jim Mangum General Manager & CEO Kirk Metcalf Manager, Member Services Don Bowman Assistant General Manager/ VP of Engineering & Operations Scott Poole Vice President of Customer Service

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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