23 minute read
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from 2022-12-CEMC
DECEMBEr Quick Hits
Fun Festivities Celebrate the holidays with your community. Check local town calendars to find light festivals, Christmas markets and more.
Merry & Bright As you put up your holiday lights, remember not to overload one outlet or extension cord with plugs.
Blanket your Home Winter officially starts on Dec. 21. Make sure your house is well-insulated to keep the warm air in and cold air out.
Safe Trees Always place live Christmas trees away from heat sources and keep the base filled with water.
Co-op Members in Need Benefit From Energy Efficiency Partnership
Several of North Carolina’s electric cooperatives have partnered with Advanced Energy, the Raleigh-based nonprofit energy consulting firm, to establish a program that provides energy efficiency upgrades to reduce home heating and cooling costs for members in need. Supported by federal funding, selected members use the program to connect with energy experts and resources to make upgrades that result in long-term energy savings.
Called the Enhancing Electric Cooperative Rebate Program (EECRP), participating cooperatives were selected based on a variety of factors, including existing home energy rebate programs. While the program may expand in the future, cooperatives participating in the initial wave included Brunswick Electric, Pee Dee Electric, Piedmont Electric Cooperative, Randolph EMC, Roanoke Electric Cooperative and South River EMC.
“Brunswick Electric aims to be more than just an energy provider; we want to be part of the community,” said Brookes Versaggi, communications and member engagement manager at Brunswick Electric. “We’re always proud when we can make a difference in our members’ lives, and we hope for the opportunity to do similar initiatives in the future.”
Since the program’s inception in 2021, 71 cooperative members and their families have received new or upgraded HVAC systems. Heating and air conditioning typically accounts for more than half of total annual energy use in homes, so inefficient systems can lead to higher costs for homeowners.
Beyond HVAC system installations and upgrades, some electric cooperatives were able to fund other efficiency projects using their existing programs. For example, Piedmont Electric’s Helping Hand Foundation funded plumbing and weatherization improvements for participating
Aire Serve Heating & Air Conditioning
A new HVAC system is installed for a Brunswick Electric member. members. Pee Dee Electric gave eligible members a one-time bill credit for the installation of high efficiency heat pumps. Additionally, many homeowners who participated in the program received new smart thermostats “By increasing energy and upgraded insuefficiency in eligible homes, lation from their cooperative. we can help reduce energy Advanced Energy burden and provide safer, worked with the healthier environments for cooperatives to identify members residents who need it most.” with inefficient HVAC systems living in counties classified as economically distressed. “This program expands Advanced Energy’s service to the local community and makes a positive impact through partnerships with electric cooperatives and local HVAC installers,” said Onté Johnson, project manager at Advanced Energy. The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality’s (NCDEQ) State Energy Office provides the grants for the energy efficiency upgrades, with funding from the CARES Act in 2021 and the American Rescue Plan in 2022. “This project is an extension of DEQ’s commitment to addressing equity and energy affordability for low-income North Carolinians,” said Beth Schrader, director of the NCDEQ State Energy Office. “By increasing energy efficiency in eligible homes, we can help reduce energy burden and provide safer, healthier environments for residents who need it most.” —Chris Nault, North Carolina’s Electric Cooperatives
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Electric Co-ops Support NC State Fair’s ‘Field of Dreams’
In October, approximately 20,000 children from across the state visited the Field of Dreams exhibit at the NC State Fair, where they learned about the positive impacts of agriculture in North Carolina. Field of Dreams, a partnership between North Carolina’s Electric Cooperatives and the NC Department of Agriculture, highlights the role of the state’s agriculture industry in our everyday lives. The exhibit featured gardens full of dozens of NC-grown crops, helping kids make the connection between the food they see growing and the food they see on their plates.
“There are few organizations out there that have had as big of an impact on rural North Carolina as the network of North Carolina’s 26 electric cooperatives,” said North Carolina Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. “Without their foresight, rural electrification would have been a long time coming, and the progress we have made would have been even more hard wrought. I can’t stress enough the importance of what they have done to help make agriculture a $92.9 billion industry in North Carolina, and we are proud to have them partner with us to educate the next generation on how much agriculture means to this state.”
Field of Dreams, which marked its 18th year in 2022, is staffed by local FFA chapters and 4-H clubs as well as employees from the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.
Sarah Ray, public information officer for the NC State Fair, noted that “since its inception, Field of Dreams has helped educate almost half a million kids on the importance of knowing where their food comes from and the positive impact buying local has on our state.”
It’s beginning to look a lot like Santa
Wayne Lanning exudes Christmas cheer year-round
By Leah Chester-Davis
veryone can sense that jolly ol’ Saint Nick is near. Wayne Lanning never considered playing Santa until about 20 years ago. At the time, he was enjoying holiday festivities in his hometown of Lexington with his wife, Jeanie, and young granddaughter, Haley, when she spotted Santa Claus and started calling her grandpa, Santa. His wife looked at Wayne and acknowledged that he, indeed, looked like Santa and encouraged him to grow out his beard.
As his beard grew, his boss, North Carolina’s renowned artist Bob Timberlake, and co-workers at Bob Timberlake Gallery began saying, “It’s beginning to look a lot like Santa.”
When Wayne’s birthday rolled around, Bob, who Wayne considers not only his employer but a dear friend, gifted Wayne a trip to the Charles W. Howard Santa Claus School in Midland, Michigan.
“Bob sent me to Santa school, paid for my flight there and back, my hotel room, my tuition fee, and bought my first suit,” Wayne says. The school stresses the importance of being Santa and helping contribute to the magic of childhood and special memories, the traditions and customs, and how to interact with children and parents. The weeklong school started an adventure that both men seem to relish and share, and they have collected many stories through the years. Wayne, who has worked with Bob Timberlake for 30 years, makes an appearance as Santa every
year at the Timberlake Gallery Open House in Lexington, and the two often enjoy portions of the season together in Blowing Rock.
“He is the epitome of Santa,” Bob says. “He is jovial, happy, outgoing, friendly. He brings joy wherever he goes. We can be in a restaurant in the mountains in July, and little kids can sense his joy and his realism. They can sense he is really Santa Claus. He exudes Christmas to anybody that’s around him — and he does it year-round.”
Wayne loves people and acknowledges he receives comments throughout the year that he looks like Santa but it’s when he dons the Santa suit (he now owns seven) that he feels a transformation take place.
“My whole attitude, everything about me, changes when I put my suit on,” he says. “It seems like a miracle, something happening to you, where you’ll be able to talk to these children and love them. It’s just hard to describe.”
Wayne makes appearances at numerous places every holiday season—working from just before Thanksgiving to Christmas Eve, where you’ll find him at Mt. Zion Wesleyan Church in Thomasville.
But it’s the Brenner Children’s Hospital in Winston-Salem that also holds a special place in his heart. He acknowledges it is his toughest assignment, but the most touching. He tears up thinking about valiant little fighters, who may be quite ill, getting delight out of Santa’s visit. Not only does he take time to visit with children and families, he takes time for photographs with them all.
He often reads the children the classic poem “A Visit from St. Nicholas” (more commonly called “The Night Before Christmas”), and joy is added to his appearance when his wife appears by his side as Mrs. Claus.
R evi val C reat i v e
Revival Creatives
Wayne Lanning (left) with Bob Timberlake
When Wayne walks away from interacting with children, his heart swells when he inevitably hears a young voice declare: “That IS the real Santa Claus!”
Revival Creatives
Carolina Country Contributing Editor Leah Chester-Davis loves to explore North Carolina. Her business, Chester-Davis Communications (chester-davis.com), specializes in food, farm, gardening and lifestyle brands and organizations.
A Carolina Christmas
By Lori Grossman
Red Bird candy puffs. Thin, crunchy, Moravian cookies. And of course — Santa rappelling down Chimney Rock. Here are a few local sights, sounds and shops to make the holidays special. Call or check websites for the latest times and admission requirements.
Speedway Christmas
Concord | charlottemotorspeedway.com 800-455-FANS This is one of the largest drive-through holiday lights displays in the Southeast. And don’t miss the drive-in Christmas movies shown on the Speedway’s 16,000-square-foot TV!
25th Annual Santa on the Chimney
Chimney Rock State Park chimneyrockpark.com | 828-625-9611 This 315-foot-tall rock formation draws over a quarter million visitors each year — including Santa Claus! Watch Santa rappel down Chimney Rock on the first two Saturdays in December.
Christmas Town USA
McAdenville mcAdenville-christmastown.com 704-824-3190 Throughout December, this small town glows with red, green, and white lights and resounds with seasonal music. Drive through or walk.
National Gingerbread House Competition
Asheville | bit.ly/omni-gbread 800-438-5800 No, these aren’t your Nana’s gingerbread houses — they’re amazingly detailed works of art at the annual contest hosted at the Omni Grove Park Inn.
Don McKenzie
House of Morgan Pewter
Kinston | houseofmorganpewter.net 252-526-1605 Stuck for gift ideas? This family-owned company offers over 800 handcrafted pewter items. They have something for everyone, with free shipping on all U.S. orders.
Weaver’s Department Store
weaversdepartmentstore.com 256-650-5999 Weaver’s is based in Alabama, but this store’s website is bliss for any fan of the Andy Griffith Show. Collectibles, food items, clothing and more can all be purchased online.
Mrs. Hanes’ Hand-Made Moravian Cookies
Clemmons | hanescookies.com 888-764-1402 Everyone loves them — even Oprah! Indulge your cookie craving with your choice of six flavors: sugar, chocolate, ginger, lemon, butterscotch and black walnut.
O.P. Taylor’s Toy Store
Brevard | optaylors.com | 828-883-2309 John Taylor is the big kid who owns this store, plus locations in Hendersonville and Greenville, South Carolina. No video games here. Show your kids the toys you loved.
Red Bird Peppermints
Lexington | piedmontcandy.com 336-248-2477 It wouldn’t be an NC Christmas without these yummy candies from Piedmont Candy Company. They’re allergen-free, kosher, non-GMO, and 100% cane sugar.
Freelance writer Lori Grossman currently lives in Texas, but carries memories of North Carolina in her heart.
Digital Extra Visit carolinacountry.com/extras for more details about each listing.
‘Are the stairs becoming too much for you or a loved one?
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Stairlifts were introduced in the 1920s, and not much has changed since. A stairlift has one use: to move you (and only you) between floors, slowly. And it fits in only one place: your staircase. Finally, a stairlift won’t keep up with you as your mobility needs change over time. For example, a stairlift can’t carry a walker or wheelchair.
THE MODERN SOLUTION
A Stiltz Homelift, on the other hand, is an affordable, modern home elevator that is so compact, it fits just about anywhere in your house. It requires no special machine room, no supporting walls, and runs off a standard home electrical outlet. One look at our unique freestanding rail system, and you can tell right away why we’re called “Stiltz”!
A Stiltz Homelift is 100%
safe. The elevator will not operate when the door is open, and sensors stop the lift cab if something is in the way. A battery backup lowers the lift cab in a power outage. The floor lid is safe to walk on, and a key lock prevents unauthorized use.
A Stiltz Homelift is versatile.
Our elevators carry two people, or even a wheelchair. And the small footprint means they fit just about anywhere. Install your homelift through the floor, in a stairwell, up to a landing — even inside a closet!
A Stiltz Homelift is clean
and quiet. Our self-contained electric drive system is very quiet. No messy hydraulics, no noisy vacuum systems, no basement or attic machine rooms required.
A Stiltz Homelift is an extra
pair of hands. Move laundry, suitcases, books, groceries, vacuum cleaners — even the family pet — up and down between floors with our dual remote controls.
IT’S NEVER TOO SOON
Some Stiltz customers need a homelift immediately. But others want to “future-proof” their homes for the day when the stairs become a challenge.
This is a time of year that many families gather
and a good time to make sure your aging loved ones are safe in their homes. If you or a loved one would like to learn about how owning and installing a home elevator is easier and more affordable than ever, please contact Stiltz today.
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“Can’t imagine what we’d do without it. I wish we had installed our Stiltz Homelift several years ago!”
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NEWSCentral DEC. 2022
Supporting local teachers and students
Monthly newsletter from Central Electric Membership Corp. Central Electric is continually looking for ways to support the communities we serve. One way is by annually awarding Bright Ideas grants to local educators. The program helps support engaging and innovative classroom projects. This year, the co-op awarded over $15,000 to 12 educators, who were selected by an independent panel of judges. Almost 4,000 students in our communities will be positively impacted as a result. Since 1994, North Carolina’s electric cooperatives have awarded more than $14 million to educators across the state.
Congratulations to the following 2022 Bright Ideas grant recipients:
► Kathryn Blake, Sandhills-Farm Life Elem. ► Stephanie Cifers, Seaforth High ► Deanna Deaton, Greenwood Elem. ► Vickie Isley, East Lee Middle ► Jo Ann Lawler, Deep River Elem. ► Miranda Lupski, SanLee Middle ► Cassie Lynch, Floyd L. Knight School ► Shauna McNeill, Greenwood Elem.
Wendi Pillars accepts a Bright Ideas check that will be used to reintroduce students to nature through partnerships with the Carolina Tiger Rescue sanctuary and the GeoBus from Appalachian State University.
► Dede Mitchell, McDeeds Creek Elem. ► Melissa Parks, Silk Hope School ► Wendi Pillars, Jordan Matthews High ► Michelle Pinto, Chatham Middle The application process for Bright Ideas grants will reopen for interested educators in April 2023. For more information on Bright Ideas grants, visit CEMCPower.com or NCBrightIdeas.com.
DEC. 23 & 26 the CEMC office will be closed for the Christmas holiday. Crews will be on-call. Merry Christmas from your friends at Central Electric. DEC. 30 - JAN. 1 year-end closing will take place. Starting at 12 p.m. on Dec. 30 through midnight on Jan. 1, all payment systems will be down.
Brighter Future for all
From the desk of CEO & General Manager Eddie Oldham
From the time we were formed by local community members, Central Electric has been committed to building a brighter future for the people, businesses and communities we serve. Our original mission was to bring electricity and new opportunity to our region, and it has since expanded to include the pursuit of new energy solutions, community enrichment and economic development initiatives that provide us new ways to deliver value to our members. Looking to the decade ahead and beyond, we remain focused on providing you electricity that is reliable, affordable and environmentally responsible. To achieve this low-cost, low-carbon future, we are working with the state’s other electric cooperatives to reach significant carbon reduction goals, targeting a 50 percent drop in carbon emissions from our 2005 levels by 2030, and net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. To meet these sustainability goals while upholding our commitments to reliability and affordability, our efforts will be focused in areas that make the electric grid more flexible, efficient, resilient and capable of supporting new energy solutions and the vitality of our communities. New technologies are already leading to the creation of a virtual power plant, which coordinates thousands of resources across the grid, ranging from solar energy, battery storage, microgrids, smart thermostats and electric vehicle charging stations to balance supply and demand on the system. This sophisticated approach provides growing potential for increased power reliability and lower costs for you, as well as greater convenience and control of your home electricity use. Electric cooperatives like us are at the forefront of these efforts, and strong partnerships with members like you will ensure that we all continue to benefit from a rapidly evolving energy landscape. In addition to powering our communities, we are also contributing to a brighter future by empowering those we serve. This concern for community is a hallmark of the cooperative difference, and our commitment to community support has been amplified by the unprecedented circumstances of the past few months. We want to make sure that our communities have the strength to succeed no matter the challenges we face, which is why we continue to invest in our local schools through Bright Ideas grants and other youth programs, our local non-profits through Operation Round Up and our local economy through zero-interest economic development loans, as well as many other efforts aimed at improving the daily lives of our members. Since we are located in and belong to the communities we serve, we understand our local needs firsthand and remain driven to make a real difference, now and in the years to come.
To learn more about all the ways we are ensuring a brighter future for all, make sure you visit CEMCPower.com to see the many different ways we are working hard to serve you, our members, as well as our local communities.
Until next time,
Central Electric is seeking applications from high school students wanting to participate in the leadership opportunity of a lifetime: The Electric Cooperative Youth Tour to Washington, D.C. Step out of your comfort zone, and join North Carolina’s future leaders as they explore the nation’s capital. The cooperative will sponsor two local students to join the June 2023 Youth Tour. The all-expense- paid, weeklong Tour is hosted by electric cooperatives nationwide and is a tradition more than 50 years strong. Students who will be entering their junior or senior year in fall 2023 are eligible to attend and are encouraged to apply. Visit CEMCPower.com to apply or to find out more information on this incredible opportunity.
Did you know that a water heater maintenance program is available to you for just $1 month?
That’s right, this small fee covers the heating element, pop-off valve and thermostats on your water heater, regardless of where you purchased it, or how old it is. Even more, after you’ve been enrolled for at least 90 days, if the cooperative’s licensed plumber determines the element, pop-off valve or thermostat is the problem, a $50 credit will be added to your next bill. If they determine the water heater needs to be replaced, a $100 credit will be added if you purchase a new water heater with an energy factor of 95 or higher. Visit the “Other Services” section under the “Member Services” tab at CEMCPower.com to enroll.
Whether you’ve already decked your halls or you’re just getting started, there’s still time to incorporate energy savings into your holiday décor planning. ► If you haven’t strung your twinkle lights, be sure to use LED light strands. LEDs consume far less energy than incandescent lights and they can last 40 holiday seasons. They’re also safer because they’re made with epoxy lenses, not glass, making them cool to the touch, so no burnt fingers! ► If you missed Santa’s memo about energy-saving
LEDs and your holiday lights are already up, you can still save on lighting costs. All you need is
a programmable light timer. Most models cost between $10 to $25 and can be purchased through online retailers like Amazon or at big box stores like Lowe’s or Wal-Mart. With a light timer, you can easily program when you want your holiday lights turned on and off, which will save you time, money and energy. If you’re using a timer for exterior lighting, make sure it’s weatherproof and intended for outdoor use. ► If Clark Griswold’s décor style is a bit much for your taste, consider a more natural approach.
Many Christmas tree farms, and even retailers like Lowe’s and Home Depot, give away greenery clippings from recently trimmed trees. With a little twine, extra ornaments and sparkly ribbon, you can create beautiful garlands and wreaths to hang over your front door or windows. To add extra twinkle at night, you can install solar-powered spotlights to illuminate your new (essentially free!) greenery. Solar spotlights can vary in price, but you should be able to purchase a quality set of four for about $30––and because they run on natural energy from the sun, there’s no additional cost to your energy bill. Regardless of how you decorate your home for the holidays, there are plenty of ways to save energy throughout the season. Visit CEMCPower.com for additional energy-saving tips.
Congratulations to Ivey Tillman, who was selected by random drawing for a $2,000 scholarship during this year’s Annual Meeting! Ivey is a 2022 graduate of Chatham Central high school and is currently attending Appalachian State University. Thanks to all the students who submitted an entry and congrats to Ivey for winning the drawing!
128 Wilson Road P.O. Box 1107 Sanford, NC 27331
OFFICE HOURS
Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
CONTACT
Phone: (919) 774-4900 Bill Payment: (866) 488-5011 Eddie Oldham CEO & General Manager
DIRECTORS
Rebecca G. Cogan, President Tommy Dalrymple, Vice President James B. Brooks, Secretary-Treasurer W. Phillip Thompson, Asst. Secretary Charles E. Cameron, Sr., Frank Comer III, Dr. Nancy G. Holmes, Henry Outz, Tim Priest and Henry Randolph. James Taylor, Editor This institution is an equal opportunity provider and employer.
OUTAGE REPORTING
(877) 766-6769 24-hours a day
(800) 446-7752 Text ‘PWR’ to opt-in and ‘OUT’ to report an outage
FOLLOW US
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Your co-op membership gives you the power to
ACHIEVE
As a member of an electric cooperative, you’re part of something bigger. Beyond powering the everyday, we’re committed to building a brighter future through impactful support for education, economic development and energy innovation – always in service to you.
Connect with your local electric cooperative to learn more.
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