Energy Sense

Kasey Martin & SYEMC file photo | SYEMC

Karen Lloyd said goodbye to Surry-Yadkin EMC at the beginning of July after 30 years of service. (At left) Lloyd takes down an annual meeting prize winner’s information.

Lloyd retires after 30 years at SYEMC

By Kasey Martin

Karen Lloyd has been a dedicated employee of Surry-Yadkin EMC for 30 years. A graduate of Surry Central High School’s class of 1975, Karen is a native of Surry County where she has lived her entire life. Following high school graduation, she attended Surry Community College, earning an Associate in Applied Science in 1977.

The year of 1977 proved to be a memorable one for Karen as she not only graduated from college that year, but also got married and began working her first full-time job as a new college graduate. She served Cato Equipment Company in Jonesville as its secretary and bookkeeper, a position she kept for 14 years. The dealership eventually closed, and Karen found herself working for several months as a temporary employee at ABTCo. in Roaring River, while seeking full-time employment.

Having heard about a potential opening for a full-time position at SYEMC, Karen applied and interviewed for the position of executive secretary in 1992. She was hired for what would be a long-lasting employment with the cooperative.

During her employment at SYEMC, she has managed to hold several titles. In addition to being an executive secretary and assistant, she also has been a Human Resources clerk and a Human Resources representative. “While working with benefits, it has been extremely satisfying to know that I have been able to assist employees and to ensure their claims, payments and any other concerns were treated fairly and respectfully,” said Karen.

Karen also feels blessed to have served a company that has allowed her to create wonderful memories for 30 years. Some of her favorites include sporting events with fellow employees, holiday parties, and humorous moments that happened while in the office. “I have participated in (and won) softball games where our SYEMC female staff members played against the female staff members of Surry Telephone, watched as co-workers revealed hidden talents during special events, and countless moments in the office where something funny was always happening,” said Karen.

One event in particular involved what she and some of her colleagues thought was a snake … but after thorough investigation and slight hysteria, the “snake” was actually a belt that had been left in the restroom floor!

Karen also fondly recalled memories made during power outages after-hours, where she and her co-workers would stay at the office to assist in answering calls until the power was restored. These events occurred prior to the technology that is in place now which allows members to call and report outages via an automated system.

Like the advancements in the telephone system, Karen also recalled how different the computer systems were when she first arrived versus how they are now. “When I first came to SYEMC, I had no computer experience. I took a couple of night classes (Word Perfect and Lotus), and we finally transitioned our system to Microsoft — where we were introduced at that time to Excel, which was a significant improvement,” said Karen. “With the improvements in computers, you can now save files online where each department can access the files which has greatly reduced the amount of printing that once took place.” See Lloyd, page D

Manager ' s Message | GreG Puckett

Co-op gives back to community

Dear Valued Member,

Often I share information about the cooperative and how it aligns with the Cooperative Principles we use for guidance in our business model. In June, I was honored to participate in the 10th annual Surry-Yadkin EMC Charity Golf Tournament, coordinated by the SYEMC Community Projects Committee, which is made up of employees from several of our departments.

With a logo of SYEMC Gives Back neatly embroidered on the committee’s golf tournament shirt sleeves, the tournament aligns with the seventh cooperative principle: Concern for Community.

The COVID pandemic forced us to cancel the tournament two years in a row, so we were thrilled to be able to hold the tournament for the first time since 2019 this summer. The organizers, led by this year’s tournament chairman, Travis Bode, economic development coordinator for SYEMC, weren’t sure what to expect as far as response after a two-year break.

We were pleasantly surprised that fundraising efforts brought in approximately $30,000. These donations will be split between four local nonprofits which serve our Surry-Yadkin region. Those nonprofits include Grace Clinic of Elkin, Yadkin Valley United Fund, Second Harvest Food Bank and Mount Airy Ministry of Hospitality, which includes the Shepherd’s House and Helping Hands Foundation.

As we strive to meet our mission — to provide outstanding service that powers our rural communities, our Concern for Community is one way we provide that service to communities. Our employees work hard and want to pay forward what they earn in time and funds. Our leadership is happy to provide the time they need to help others less fortunate.

We also appreciate our business and individual sponsors who partner with us to make supporting and giving back to those in need in the area possible. I want to express my thanks to all of our sponsors and volunteers.

This Concern for Community goes beyond the golf tournament and is carried out throughout the year. In addition to the tournament, the Community Projects Committee also coordinates an annual food drive in the fall, sponsors gifts for families and children at Christmas and a blood drive in the spring. The employees also have raised funds for various charity walks and fundraisers in the area, hosted the Children’s Center residents for dinner and activities, and much more.

We appreciate our members’ support in our charitable projects as well. Please consider donating to our food drive in the fall when it is announced. Also, the Operation Round Up fund is distributed by a board of co-op members to area nonprofits such as school backpack programs, food pantries, and homeless shelters. Members provide the funding to make Operation Round Up possible by opting to round up each month’s bill to the next whole dollar. If you are interested in giving back through Operation Round Up, please reach out to our member services representatives at 336-356-8241.

As always, our staff feels fortunate to serve our membership and the communities we call home. We seek to make our communities better through these initiatives and look forward to finding new ways to make our service area better.

Cooperatively yours,

Greg Puckett Executive Vice President & General Manager

Wendy Wood | SYEMC

Representatives of the nonprofits benefitting from the 10th annual SYEMC Charity Golf Tournamnent include, from left, Aaron Holt, Jana Elliott and Destiny Bottoms, with Mount Airy Ministry of Hospitality; David Steelman with Yadkin Valley United Fund; and Will Holthouser, Betty Taylor and Matthew Shrum of Grace Clinic. Shrum also serves on the YVUF board.

By Wendy Wood

Surry-Yadkin Electric Membership Corporation recently donated a retired fleet truck to Surry Community College to be used by the college’s facilities and maintenance department.

Ricky Bowman, vice president of operations for SYEMC, was on hand to pass the keys of the 2010 Ford F-150 along to Dr. David Shockley, president of SCC, on the college’s main campus June 21. The title was signed over as well.

“We appreciate the donation of the truck by Surry-Yadkin Electric Membership Corporation. SYEMC continues to be a great partner of Surry Community College. The college will use the truck to support our facilities and maintenance department’s efforts to maintain and beautify our campus and learning centers,” said SCC President Dr. David Shockley.

Bowman said SYEMC was happy to be able to support community needs through efforts like the donation to the community college, which is a neighbor of SYEMC’s office in Dobson. “One of the key principles we operate by is Concern for Community. Being able to support academic and economic needs in the region, such as Surry Community College, falls under that principle,” he said.

Ricky Bowman, center left, vice president of operations for Surry-Yadkin EMC, hands off the keys to a retired fleet truck to Dr. David Shockley, president of Surry Community College, on June 21. Joining them are, from left, Nick Newman, purchasing agent and warehouse supervisor for SYEMC; Rhonda Hill, work order accounting supervisor at SYEMC; Travis Bode, economic development coordinator at SYEMC; Mike Mills, manager of operations at SYEMC; Dr. Candace Holder, chief academic and information officer at SCC; Tony Martin, chief financial officer; and Dale Jessup, assistant director of facilities.

LLOYD

From page B

In addition to her SYEMC family, Karen also has a large family of her own. She and her husband, Frank, have been married for 45 years and met while in high school. “We went to school together all 12 years, but we didn’t start dating until the summer between our junior and senior year,” said Karen.

She went on to say that her husband blames her father for getting the two together. “He tells me that if my daddy’s dog had not come to his grandparents’ house, we would have never gotten together. They called the number on our dog’s collar, and when my daddy came to pick up our dog, he asked Frank if he and his brother would help him with his tobacco and with getting up hay to put in the barn. Frank and his brother agreed to help, and that’s when we got to know one another better,” said Karen.

Together, they have two children, Travis and Cindy. They also have five grandchildren, McKindsey, Carter, Destiny, Oliver and Hallee. On the weekends, the couple enjoys spending time with their children and their spouses, Courtney and Richard, as well as spoiling their grandchildren.

Karen retired from SYEMC in July and will take lifelong memories, friendships, and life lessons with her as she begins a new chapter in her life. “I want to thank SYEMC for the opportunity to work with and for this organization for 30 years. I know things will be different, but I feel it is time for the ‘younger generation’ to take things into the future. God bless each and every one of you,” said Karen.

Member Connections is a monthly publication intended for the members and friends of Surry-Yadkin EMC.

Board of Directors

Lee Von (Toby) Speaks, President Willard Swift, Vice President Karoline Overby, Secretary David Miller, Treasurer

Board Members

Brenda Hardy Stephen Hutson David Pendry Alvin Reid, Jr. Eddie Campbell Stephen Joyce

Greg Puckett, Executive Vice President and General Manager

Wendy Wood, Editor

Surry-Yadkin EMC 510 South Main Street Dobson, North Carolina 27017 336.356.8241 | 800.682.5903 www.syemc.com Office Hours Mon-Fri: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. To report an outage, day or night 336.356.8241 | 800.682.5903 An Equal Opportunity Employer

Connect with SYEMC

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Athletes earn scholarships

Wendy Wood | SYEMC (Top) Luke Barker, left, Madison Hunsucker and Kinnzon Allen participated in UNC and NC State University basketball camps in June. Barker and Hunsucker received Touchstone Energy Sports Camp Scholarships through Surry-Yadkin EMC to attend. (At left) Allen was awarded a scholarship in memory of the late Ronald Boyles of Mount Airy. Boyles’ son and his wife, Wayne and Stephanie Boyles of Pinehurst, coordinated the scholarship through SurryYadkin EMC.

Refreshing Treats in Summer Heat

End the season with a bit of spice and a sweet aftertaste

If you're in the mood for something sweet with a hint of spice that beats the summer heat, look no further than these revitalizing recipes. Cool down after fun in the sun with a fresh, sunny day snack or a tropical-inspired dessert that will make everyone stand in line for another scoop.

Visit culinary.net and ncsweetpotatoes.com for more refreshing summertime recipes.

—FamilyFeatures.com Piña Colada Sweet Potato Ice Pops

Find local sweet potato growers at gottobenc.com to add fresh richness to your ice pop. ½ cup coconut cream ¾ cup mashed and cooked sweet potato ¾ cup diced pineapple 2 tablespoons honey 1 tablespoon lime juice

Coconut flakes (optional)

In a food processor or high-speed blender, mix coconut cream, sweet potato, pineapple, honey and lime juice. Transfer batter to freezer molds and place in freezer 3–4 hours.

Top with coconut flakes, if desired.

Yield: 8 small ice pops

Citrus, Mango and Pineapple Salsa

Enjoy with tortilla chips or as a topping on your favorite tacos to add a little sweetness. 1¼ cup fresh pineapple, diced 1¼ cup fresh mango, diced 2 tomatoes, diced ½ red onion, diced 1 jalapeño, finely chopped 1 tablespoon coriander 2 tablespoons lime juice 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Sea salt, to taste

Fresh cracked pepper, to taste

Tortilla chips, for serving In a large bowl, combine pineapple, mango, tomato, onion, jalapeño, coriander, lime juice and lemon juice. Add salt and pepper to taste. With a rubber spatula, mix all ingredients together. Taste and season with additional salt and pepper, if desired. Serve with tortilla chips.

Ready, Set, (Your) Thermostat!

The right settings can help save energy

By Miranda Boutelle

Heating and cooling account for about half the energy used in a typical home, so it’s a great place to use less energy. When used wisely, your thermostat can help reduce wasted energy.

Here’s some information on thermostat types, common operational misconceptions and best practices you can start today.

Types of thermostats Mechanical thermostats are easy to control by adjusting a dial or sliding a switch. The downfall is you must make temperature adjustments manually, which is easy to forget. They are inefficient because they typically heat or cool the home beyond the set point.

If your cooling is set to 72 degrees, a mechanical thermostat may actually cool your home to 70 degrees before it turns off, wasting energy. Then it might not come on again until the home reaches 74 degrees. That four-degree temperature change is noticeable and can lead people to adjust the thermostat setting down even more, which wastes more energy.

Also, some mechanical thermostats contain mercury. You can determine that by removing the front plate and looking for small glass bulbs. If your thermostat contains mercury, replace it and find a way to properly recycle it.

Digital thermostats are more accurate, efficient and some are programmable, which is a great option for people who don’t have reliable broadband access.

Smart thermostats, which require an internet connection, are Wi-Fi-enabled and can be controlled using a smartphone app. Programming is easier, and you can track and manage use and temperature data.

Smart thermostats can learn your preferences and set a schedule that automatically adjusts the temperature. Some have geofencing, which adjusts the temperature based on the distance your smartphone is from home.

Misconceptions about thermostats A common misconception is the higher you turn your thermostat up or down, the faster your home’s temperature will change. Turning your thermostat down to 55 degrees to cool your home faster is like repeatedly pushing the elevator button and expecting it to come faster.

It’s likely you will forget you adjusted it, and waste energy by over heating or cooling the home. Set your desired temperature for heating and cooling, or program your thermostat so you don’t make extreme adjustments.

Many people believe it takes more energy to heat or cool a house instead of leaving it the same temperature. The larger the temperature variance between inside and outside, the more energy your system uses. Setting your thermostat 7 to 10 degrees from its normal setting for eight hours a day can save up to 10% a year on your energy bill, according to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE).

Best practices Use these cooling tips from the DOE to add efficiency and savings to your home:

■ Set your thermostat to 78 degrees in the summer when you are home and awake, and warmer at night or when away. ■ Upgrade to a programmable or smart thermostat that automatically adjusts the temperature throughout the day and when you leave the house. ■ When on vacation, set your thermostat to 85 degrees in the summer.

■ In the summer, fans allow you to set your thermostat about 4 degrees warmer without feeling it. Remember, fans cool people not rooms, so turn them off when you leave a room.

■ Use your thermostat to optimize energy efficiency and find a balance between comfort and affordability.

This column was written by Miranda Boutelle of the Efficiency Services Group. Visit carolinacountry.com/your-energy for more ideas on energy efficiency.