21 minute read
More Power
from 2022-09-WEC
September Quick Hits
A Grand Day Do something grand for Grandparents’ Day this September 11! Children can connect with grandparents or older adults; Grandparents can share wisdom — and love — with younger generations.
Farm Traffic As farmers prepare for harvest, be aware and prepared to share the road with slow-moving farm vehicles.
School Days Set a consistent bedtime for school-aged children to ensure they’re getting the sleep they need for success during the week.
EV Week Considering going electric? Visit driveelectricweek.org to find in-person and online events to learn about electric vehicles during National Drive Electric Week, Sept. 23–Oct. 2.
NC Co-op Leaders Share Insights at International electrification Conference
Joe Brannan spoke during the Electrification 2022 opening session.
In June, the Electrification 2022 International Conference & Exposition brought together more than 1,500 stakeholders in Charlotte to chart the future of energy. The second semi-annual conference, hosted by the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI), drew innovators from around the world to discuss the path to decarbonization and the role of beneficial electrification in achieving a net-zero carbon economy.
Several representatives from North Carolina’s electric cooperatives spoke at the event, sharing insight into how cooperatives are leading innovation that supports a Brighter Future vision — a shared mission of maintaining affordability and reliability while pursuing sustainability goals, as well as programs and partnerships with members that achieve beneficial outcomes.
At the opening session, Joe Brannan, CEO of North Carolina’s Electric Cooperatives, emphasized the cooperatives’ focus on members in developing programs and strategies to power a brighter future.
“We are working together toward a shared goal: a decarbonized economy achieved through a variety of solutions at a pace and cost that doesn’t leave anyone behind,” Brannan said. “Our efforts should go beyond not leaving anyone behind to inviting all people and businesses to engage in new energy solutions that benefit them and balance the needs of the grid. We have a tremendous opportunity to innovate and reshape the energy industry from being the backbone — to also being the brains — of our society and economy.”
Other speakers from electric cooperatives shared insights on topics ranging from consumer electrification programs, to grid resilience, to equity in the energy transition.
Travis Bode of Surry-Yadkin EMC and Todd Moore of Pee Dee Electric led a pre-conference workshop on electrification in the agriculture and food industries, sharing details about partnerships with local commercial members that have integrated innovation and new electric technologies.
Marshall Cherry, president and CEO of Roanoke Electric Cooperative, led a workshop on practical approaches to community decarbonization, as well as a panel titled “Equity at Scale: Programs and Partnerships to Advance Solutions for Impacted Communities.”
Jim Musilek, vice president of innovation and business development for North Carolina’s Electric Cooperatives, spoke to audiences on two panels about agricultural electrification and utility programs that accelerate end-use electrification.
Nikki Hensley, innovation and business development analyst for North Carolina’s Electric Cooperatives, was a panelist in a discussion on the environmental and economic benefits of electric vehicles, and ensuring that EV adoption is accessible to all, including underserved communities.
Lee Ragsdale, senior vice president of energy delivery for North Carolina’s Electric Cooperatives, led a panel on grid resilience, and the technology, planning and investment to support it, in a rapidly electrifying society.
“Much is at stake as we take on the global challenge of decarbonizing our economy,” Brannan said in his remarks. “Achieving net-zero energy across the U.S. by 2050 will involve an energy transformation that is unprecedented in speed, scope and scale. Working together, we can succeed in this transition.”
—Olivia Dela Cruz, North Carolina’s Electric Cooperatives
Alleghany Teacher’s ‘Bright Ideas’ Take Students on Problem-Solving Adventures
At Sparta Elementary in Alleghany County, enthusiasm for learning lights up every corner of the school. Many of the sparks that kindle that enthusiasm emanate from sixth-grade math teacher Cecelia Hampton.
Hampton, who has been teaching for 31 years, believes in making learning interactive and relevant for her students. To put her creative ideas into action, she turned to her local electric cooperative, Blue Ridge Energy, and the Bright Ideas education grant program.
Bright Ideas grants are offered by electric cooperatives in North Carolina to enhance student success and bring creative learning to life.
Hampton won her first Bright Ideas grant in 2004, for a project that paired older and younger students to create a recycling effort using red wiggler worms and lunchroom garbage in order to develop a better understanding of our impact on the environment. Since then, she has won close to $11,000 in Bright Ideas grants for more than a dozen projects covering several subjects, ranging from math and history to science and technology. She said the projects have helped students schoolwide delve deeper into learning and make broader connections.
“I like to think of Blue Ridge Energy and the Bright Ideas program as spreading ‘glitter’ far and wide across our school,” Hampton said. “It has stuck with us and turned up in the most amazing places!”
Her partnership with her local electric co-op has provided new tools for Hampton to innovate the ways her students learn, taking students on interactive experiences through history and setting them up for success as they advance through grade levels. Her most recent project in 2021, “Dive into Digital,” equips students with Wacom electronic drawing tablets and digital scanners to take any paper project and turn it into a digital masterpiece.
“From worms wiggling to Wacom tablets, I have had the privilege of joining in the joy and wonder of learning,” Hampton said. “The Bright Ideas grant program has provided me with the opportunity year after year to furnish my students with quality, hands-on, problemsolving adventures.”
The impact of these projects expands well beyond Hampton’s classroom. As teachers have moved classrooms, and because projects are utilized year after year, the benefits reach schoolwide and are growing every year.
Tasha Rountree, director of community relations for Blue Ridge Energy, says that supporting students and teachers is part of their mission as a community-owned cooperative to power a brighter future, now and for generations to come.
“Mrs. Hampton is the most decorated Bright Ideas teacher in our service area,” Rountree said. “We’re proud to continue Blue Ridge Energy’s 28-year tradition of supporting educators like Mrs. Hampton and investing in the future of our local students through the Bright Ideas program.”
Since 1994, electric cooperatives in North Carolina have supported 14,000 projects statewide, benefiting millions of students. Applications for Bright Ideas grants for the 2022–2023 school year are being accepted now at NCBrightIdeas.com.
—Math teacher Cecelia Hampton (right), pictured with fellow math teacher Shannon Osborne Cecelia Hampton and her students with “Whiteboard World,” her 2019 Bright Ideas Grant winner.
Connections to the past
Native American Artifacts of North Carolina
These are just a few examples of artifacts that can be found around the state. Visit bit.ly/unc-artifacts to view 3D models of more from UNC’s archaeology program.
By Emory Rakestraw
Carved stone face
Late Woodland Period (A.D. 1550–1700) Montgomery County (Town Creek)
Old Town burnished jar Late Woodland Period (A.D. 1500–1600) Stokes County
Palmer corner-notched spear point
Early Archaic Period (8000–6000 B.C.) Stanly County (Hardaway site) Randolph stemmed spear point
Middle Woodland Period (500 B.C.–A.D. 500) Montgomery County
Stone pipe
Middle Woodland Period (A.D. 300–1000) Jackson County Hardaway-Dalton spear point Late Paleoindian Period (8500–7900 B.C.) Stanly County (Hardaway site)
In 1951, at the age of 10, Ron Harris found his first arrowhead. Featuring a pointed tip, flaked scars and composed of fine-grain rock, he immediately knew what lay in his palm. Today, Ron, who lives in Taylorsville and is a member of EnergyUnited, has a vast collection of Native American artifacts — some discovered, some traded and some significant, like his collection of stone Clovis points dating back 10,000 to 12,000 years, which denote the earliest inhabitants of present-day North Carolina.
“The Clovis is the oldest and earliest prized Native American point. They’re very hard to come by,” Ron says. He has 50 of them.
For someone like Dr. Randolph Daniel Jr., who chairs the anthropology department at East Carolina University in Greenville, these finds by private collectors can link to “diagnostic projectile points” (a variety of pointed tools for different uses). In this way, private collectors and archaeologists can work together. Detailing the locations of finds helps archaeologists discover excavation sites, learning the how and why of early inhabitants.
Found objects
Notable sites
The Hardaway archaeological site, situated in the Uwharrie Mountains outside of Badin, inspired Randy’s Ph.D. dissertation. Hardaway is the oldest excavated site in the state. Artifacts found here indicate occupation that could date to the Paleoindian Period (9,500 – 7,500 B.C.), and the original excavator, the late Dr. Joffre Coe, wove together chronologies of consistent settlement. Randy has re-examined much of the Hardaway material, which serves as a guidebook for identifying similar artifacts across the eastern United States.
“It’s not about what you find, it’s about what you find out,” Randy says. “Everyone has a frame of reference for what an arrowhead or spearhead looks like, other stone tools are less obvious.”
In Gilead, Town Creek Indian Mound was settled as we know it today between the years 1000 to 1150, and has undergone consistent archaeological research for more than half a century. The Pee Dee people flourished there as part of the South Appalachian Mississippian culture, a regional civilization that shared cultural traits including earthen mounds, widespread trading and religious ceremonies.
“These people were living a woodland lifestyle and experimenting with gardening,” explains Rich Thompson, site manager of Town Creek Indian Mound. “We also have jewelry made with shells from the coast, Mica elements from the mountains, and copper, which I was told came from the Great Lakes area.”
It's only natural to wonder how these materials wound up here, and Rich describes it as a highway system composed of waterways. Canoes allowed Native Americans to establish trade routes. While goods were swapped, the rocks
that make up the Uwharrie Mountains were the preferred stone for toolmaking, significant to both Town Creek, Hardaway and beyond. Due to vast Native American settlements throughout North Carolina, objects are still waiting to be unearthed. But with slightly differing goals, there can be friction between archaeologists and private collectors. “The perspective of professional archaeologists is stewardship; for collectors it’s ownership,” Randy says. “The main question is, who owns the past?” He encourages collectors to keep detailed records of their findings, such as numbering artifacts to coincide with GPS points. Both seasoned and novice collectors can benefit from Piedmont Archaeology Society (csasi.org/states/nsc) meetups, which provide opportunities to buy artifacts and form connections. “These meetups are also great for meeting other collectors, and sometimes you can even buddy up with people and they will invite you to go on [pre-approved] excavations,” Ron says. For novices, it’s important to remember objects found on state land belong to the state. Most arti“It’s not about facts that belong to collectors have been found on their privately owned property what you find, or purchased at meetups. If you’re unsure where to start, a tip of advice is to look it’s about what you on riverbanks. “Throughout time, these societies have been set up within a short distance of find out.” fresh, moving water,” Rich explains. For him, the thrill of excavation — for both —Dr. Randolph Daniel Jr. hobbyists and professionals — revolves around one central theme. “If you’re the person in the trench, you could discover an artifact that hasn’t seen the light of day in thousands of years. It’s a connection to the past and a feeling of knowing you’re the next in line to have contact with that artifact. It creates a fellowship.” Emory Rakestraw is a Wilmington-based freelance journalist. Her love for North Carolina and its history has inspired a wide range of stories available at emoryrakestraw.wordpress.com. Digital Extras Learn more about Town Creek Indian Mound in a video from NC Historic Sites at carolinacountry.com/extras.
Coming Home to Make Meaningful Change
Megan Hiner is providing mental health services in northeastern NC
By Jacob Brooks
Megan and her husband, Erik with their dog Macy. Eric helped her realize how her home town made her grow into who she is.
Hey hey, North Cackalacky. I’ve got another servant leader y’all need to meet. She’s just another big-hearted North Carolinian making a difference. Megan, please meet all o’ my friends across rural NC. All o’ my friends across rural NC, please meet Megan.
A pillar of many communities in northeastern North Carolina, Megan Hiner is the proud owner of her own clinic, Mindful Tides, PLLC, where she provides counseling services to folks in need.
Megan and I go back to the Washington Youth Tour in 2009. She had never heard of Alleghany High School or my co-op, Blue Ridge Energy. I had never heard of Camden County High School or her co-op, Albemarle EMC. But, like the other 30 rising seniors on the trip, our small public high schools and local co-ops set us on a path for success.
Megan’s journey took her to Raleigh. She began her undergrad career at Meredith then transferred to NC State. Graduating with a degree in communications, she realized her calling was in the public sector.
“I care about identifying systems that are not working and making structural change,” she says. “I realized I was in an echo-chamber where the same voices were being heard. I wanted to make real, meaningful change for folks on the outside.”
Lead by her convictions, Megan began working for agencies such as Albemarle Hopeline (albemarlehopeline.org), a domestic and sexual violence agency serving Pasquotank, Perquimans, Camden, Currituck, Chowan and Gates counties. In the fall of 2015, she went a little further south to Florida State for a master’s in social work.
“Time spent with Veteran’s Affairs was incredibly rewarding,” she says with sincerity. “I assisted countless veterans struggling with their mental health and housing insecurity. I also worked at a center designed to support housing insecure and truant teenagers.”
“It was great to see people who really deserve and need support, get support. Seeing folks who were once really struggling begin achieving crucial milestones is incredibly powerful. Generally, mental health services are incredibly stigmatized in our world. In reality, we all need support.”
Equipped with her Master of social work, Megan returned to NC and picked up where she left off. She returned to Albemarle Hopeline in the fall of 2017 and quickly started working on her licensure. From there, she took a position working with local health departments in Camden, Currituck, Martin, Pasquotank and Washington counties.
When asked what called her home, a familiar somberness fills the air. “I came back after losing some loved ones in my family. They needed me, so I came home. But I stayed because I was able to find a fantastic community.”
One person specifically in that community was a handsome fella named Erik Alnes. Erik works for the NC Division of Coastal Management, where he manages three different reserve lands on the Outer Banks.
They were married earlier this year! Megan credits Erik’s individual journey for refreshing gratitude in her rural roots.
“I did not really realize what home meant to me until I met my husband,” she explains. “He moved around a lot growing up. His story helped me reflect and be thankful for the strong foundation I was able to build in such a small community.”
Well Megan, it was so great catching up with you. Huge congratulations to you and Erik! Excited to see what y’all will do next.
Jacob Brooks has personally sought therapy in the past. He's battled depression and anxiety. He wishes all y’all well.
Powering
ADVENTURE
From cost savings and convenience to lower emissions and a great driving experience, electric vehicles have something for everyone.
North Carolina’s 26 electric cooperatives are accelerating access to the benefits of driving electric with an expanding network of more than 100 charging ports in destinations from the mountains to the coast. See how driving electric can power your adventures at NCDriveElectric.com.
WE Care Foundation and RoundUp Grant Winners 18
For members of Wake Electric Membership Corporation
Time is running out for teachers to apply for a Bright Ideas education grant up to $3,000. Teachers in public schools in Durham, Franklin, Granville, Johnston, Nash, Vance and Wake counties are eligible to apply.
Educators with creative ideas for hands-on classroom projects must submit their grant application by Sept. 15, at ncbrightideas.com.
Wake Electric allocated $50,000 for classroom-based projects through the Bright Ideas education grant program for the 2022-2023 school year. The grants will be awarded in November for projects in all grade levels and all disciplines including math, science, art, language, English and history. For questions regarding Wake’s Bright Ideas education grant, please visit wemc.com/bright-ideas-grants.
Deadline for Classroom Technology Grants
The Classroom Technology Grant Program awards local educators grants for specific technology such as computers, digital cameras, scanners and software. The technology must benefit the students in the classroom. Eligible teachers include public school K–12 and community college teachers working in Durham, Franklin, Granville, Johnston, Nash, Vance and Wake counties. It is important to note that the Classroom Technology grant programs is not the same as the Bright Ideas Education grant program—they are two separate programs. To apply for a classroom technology grant you must visit wemc.com/ class-awards.
Applications are due by 5 p.m. on Sept. 15.
Office Closing
Wake Electric’s offices will be closed on Monday, Sept. 5, for Labor Day. For emergencies, call 800.474.6300. 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 a.m.–6 p.m., 919.863.6300 or 800.474.6300 Underground locating service: Call 811 Dedicated pay-by-phone number: 866.999.4593
Students: Make an “A” on Your Report Card and Win a $25 Gift Card!
Wake Electric is awarding 40 $25 Visa gift cards to area students who received at least one “A” (or its equivalent) on their report cards. These awards are part of a drawing held three times a year.
Congrats to all the recipients!
Students in any grade in Durham, Franklin, Granville, Johnston, Nash, Vance and Wake counties may apply.
The deadline for the next drawing is Sept. 20, 2022 by 5 p.m.
NOTE: Because each school district may have a different time for issuing report cards, if a student's entry misses one deadline, the entry will automatically be included in the next drawing. For details on the “Give us an A” program, including where to send report cards, visit: wemc.com/give-us-an-a.
May 2022 Winners
First Name Last Name School
Airada Breanna Caden Camden Caroline Catherine Ammartek Chavez Alexander Boone Becker DeShane Rolesville Charter Academy N. Wake College & Career Academy Wakefield High Oxford Preparatory Wake Forest High Thales Academy
Chase Coley Devon Gracelynn Hannah Harley Heather Hunter Isaiah Jackson Jacob Jake Cabrera Barham Gonyea Wells Arbelaez Wright Bono Brainerd Carlton Grenier Barnes Limer Franklin Academy Rolesville Charter Academy South Granville High Envision Science Academy East Wake High Granville Academy Thales Academy Youngsville Academy River Oaks Middle Franklinton High School Franklin Academy Crosscreek Charter
Jameson Janelle Jase Jenna Kaden Kayshawn Kennedy Kenyetta LaMillya Lincoln Lindsay Logan Luke Smith Evans Roberson Coil Barnes Wright George Alston Eaton Wilson Peed Goetze McQuinn Wake Forest Charter Academy Seton Home Study School Wilton Elementary Thales Academy Franklin Academy N. Wake College & Career Academy Heritage High Terrell Lane Middle South Granville High Thales Academy Tar River Elementary Franklin Academy Rolesville Charter Academy
Lydia
Rogers Mary-Addison Askew Myles Campbell
Riley Sanaa Savannah Hickman Sparks Niebauer Franklin Academy Broughton High Wakefield High Wake Forest Middle Hunter GT Magnet Elementary North Raleigh Christian Academy
Tinley William Yena Van Valkenburgh Royal Elementary Harvey Kim Pine Hollow Middle North Raleigh Christian Academy
(Clockwise from Top) Airada Ammartek, Breanna Chavez, Camden Boone, Chase Cabrera, Coley Barham, Hannah Arbelaez, Hunter Brainerd, Isaiah Carlton, Jacob Barnes, Jake Limer, Jameson Smith, Jase Robinson, Kaden Barnes, LaMillya Eaton, Lindsey Peed, Logan Goetze, Myles Campbell, Sanaa Sparks, Savannah Niebauer, and Tinley Van Valkenburgh.
2022: 2nd Quarter Winners for WE Care Grants
100 Black Men of America Autism Society of North Carolina
Purchase supplies for Saturday Academy Camper funds for Camp Royall Brassfield Volunteer Fire Department Purchase of AED Building 323 St. John’s Episcopal Church Funds for freezer for food pantry Funds for meal program Watkins Volunteer Fire Department Rescue equipment
$500 $2,000 $1,662 $1,000 $2,000 $1,500
Wake Electric Lends a Helping Hand
Within its service territory and beyond, Wake Electric is known for its tradition of community involvement and support.
As part of our efforts to improve the quality of life in the communities we serve, every quarter, local non-profit agencies serving Durham, Franklin, Granville, Johnston, Nash, Wake and Vance counties can apply and receive up to a $5,000 grant, once per 12-month period. The organization does not have to be a member of Wake Electric. Grants should enhance economic infrastructure and job creation; promote service or charitable organizations; or meet emergency needs of individuals within the service area of Wake Electric. The WE Care Foundation is funded by participating Wake Electric members who have chosen to round up their monthly electric bill to the next highest dollar and donate that amount to the program.
For more information or to apply for a grant, visit: wemc.com/we-care.
As a member, how can I contribute?
Contributing literally only costs you pennies a month. Those pennies, when combined with those of other contributors, add up to powerful dollars. On average, members contribute 50 cents per month or $6 per year. The maximum amount that a member would contribute annually would be $11.88. If you are interested in rounding up your monthly bill, call 800.474.6300 today or email information@wemc.com.
Deadline for next round of grants for non-profits is Sept. 9.
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 of Member Services Don Bowman Assistant General Manager/ VP of Engineering & Operations Scott Poole Vice President of Customer Service
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