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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.
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?
Stay in the home and neighborhood you love with a Stiltz Homelift.
WHY LIMIT YOURSELF?
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.
HOMELIFT SPECIALISTS
Stiltz is one of the world’s leading home elevator manufacturers, so you’ll be in good hands. Your homelift will be installed and maintained by Stiltz trained professionals — expert technicians who truly care about your freedom, mobility and health.
• Affordable • Small Footprint • Full Safety Features • Clean, Quiet Operation • Low Power Consumption • Freestanding Design • Wheelchair Accessible • Carry Laundry or Pets • Fast Installation • Full Warranty
For a FREE brochure or no obligation home visit Call 1-833-240-7013
“Can’t imagine what we’d do without it. I wish we had installed our Stiltz Homelift several years ago!”
– Mr. James, Roanoke VA
ROANOKE ELECTRIC Flashes Flashes
Roanoke Electric Cooperative
5
Ways to Fight the Winter Chill and Save Energy
By Basil Williams, manager of Member Services
We all have our favorite season. Some people love crisp, cool weather and bundling up under a favorite blanket, while others prefer the warm temperatures summer brings and all the fun outdoor activities that go with it.
But there’s one thing we can all agree on: High winter bills are never fun. Roanoke Electric is here to help you find ways to manage your home energy use and keep winter bills in check.
Here are five tips to help increase your home’s energy efficiency this winter:
1Mind the thermostat. This is one of the easiest ways to manage your home energy use. We recommend setting your thermostat to 68 degrees (or lower) when you’re home. When you’re sleeping or away for an extended period of time, try setting it between 58 and 62 degrees; there’s no need to heat your home when you’re away or sleeping and less active.
2Button up your home. The Department of Energy estimates that air leaks account for 24% to 40% of the energy used for heating and cooling a home. Caulking and weather stripping around windows and doors is another simple, cost-effective way to increase comfort and save energy. If you can feel drafts while standing near a window or door, it likely needs to be sealed.
3Use window coverings wisely. Open blinds, drapes, or other window coverings during the day to allow natural sunlight in to warm your home. Close them at night to keep the cold, drafty air out. If you feel cold air around windows, consider hanging curtains or drapes in a thicker material; heavier window coverings can significantly block cold outdoor air.
4Consider your approach to appliance use. When combined, appliances and electronics account for a significant chunk of our home energy use, so assess how efficiently you’re using them. For example, only wash full loads if you’re running the dishwasher or clothes washer. Look for electronic devices that consume energy even when they’re not in use, like phone chargers or game consoles. Every little bit helps, so unplug them to save energy. 5Think outside the box. If you’re still feeling chilly at home, think of other ways to warm up — beyond dialing up the thermostat. Add layers of clothing, wear thick socks and bundle up under blankets. You can even add layers to your home! If you have hard-surface flooring, consider purchasing an area rug to block cold air that leaks in through the floor.
If you’re taking steps to save energy but continue to see major increases in your bills, call us at 252-209-2236 or take advantage of our free home energy audits. Through the Upgrade to $ave Program, our energy experts can help identify areas and other factors impacting your home energy use and recommend next steps for savings.
Winter months often bring some of the highest energy bills of the year. By being proactive about saving energy, you can increase the comfort of your home and reduce monthly bills.
Visit our website at roanokeelectric.com for additional energy-saving tips.
Small Change Can Change Lives
By Dennis McFee, vice president of Member Services, Marketing and Public Relations
The holiday season is finally here. Some call it the most wonderful season of all. That’s because we associate it with family traditions and gathering with friends and loved ones. It’s a time of giving and spreading joy.
But giving back reminds me of the many good things we have right here in our community and why it’s so important to spread the good as far as we can, especially to the most vulnerable in our local area. I’m also reminded of how wonderful our community is and what a big impact we can have when we work together.
When you contribute to Operation RoundUp, you help us spread the good throughout the year. Through our Operation RoundUp program, your donations help our community by providing financial assistance to local organizations.
When you “round up” your monthly electric bill and donate to this fund, you’re making a big difference in someone’s life. You’re not just helping to meet an immediate, critical need, but just as importantly, you are telling this person the community cares. Concern for Community
Over the years, our community-focused programs, food donations and other giving projects have built and supported local schools and young people, fed hungry families, enabled those in need to keep the lights on, and so much more.
Your co-op also participates in the Electric Cooperative Youth Tour, where we take our community’s brightest young people to Washington, D.C., for a weeklong immersion to experience democracy in action.
Ultimately, the larger community benefits from these programs because of you and your neighbors.
You’ve likely heard me say that the cooperative principle of “concern for community” is part of Roanoke’s DNA. It defines who we are as an organization. When we first brought electricity to this community in 1939, the quality of
Conway VFD Northampton County Library
Gaston VFD Como VFD
life improved. But other things also need to be addressed, and through the years, this co-op has been at the forefront of bringing improvements to the quality of life in this community. It’s why we created programs like Upgrade to $ave, the Sustainable Forestry and Land Retention Program, SolarShare, Roanoke Connect, and much more.
With your help, we’ve given hundreds of thousands of dollars to our local communities and nonprofit organizations through this program. And across the country, more than 350 electric co-ops have an Operation Round Up program, and together, we’ve raised millions for local communities. This shows that small donations from electric co-ops like ours, over time, can collectively make a big impact.
As a local cooperative, we have a stake in this community. It’s why we support local organizations. We hope you will think of Roanoke as more than your energy provider but also as a catalyst for good in our community.
I hope all our member-owners have a joyous holiday season. May it be merry and bright!
To learn more about Operation Round Up, visit roanokeelectric.com/roundup.
Jackson VFD
Perrytown VFD
$56,495
raised for local communities in 2022
Energy Assistance Through LIEAP
Member-owners seeking help paying their bills this winter are encouraged to take advantage of Roanoke Electric Co-op’s collaboration with government agencies to receive much-needed financial resources.
Eligible, assistance-seeking member-owners can apply for such funding through the North Carolina Low Income Energy Assistance Program. Commonly referred to as “LIEAP,” this program provides a one-time vendor payment towards residents’ heating bills.
Member-owners must first apply for financial assistance through their local help agency. Once the member-owner has visited their local help agency, the agency will contact our office to request the supporting documentation to complete the application.
Households with a family member aged 60 or older, or an individual receiving disability benefits and services through the North Carolina Division of Aging and Adult Services, are eligible to sign up for assistance from Dec. 1–Dec. 31, 2022. All other member-owners can apply from Jan. 1–Mar. 31, 2023. Assistance will be available until funds are exhausted.
Reminder: End-of-Year Schedule and Bill Payments
As the year ends, Roanoke Electric Co-op advises member-owners of its upcoming end-of-year process. Systems will be unavailable from Saturday, Dec. 31, through Monday, Jan. 2.
During this time, no payments will be accepted at any of the co-op’s office locations, through its phone system, or at any payment kiosks.
Member-owners are strongly encouraged to plan accordingly to avoid late-payment fees or service interruption. It is particularly important that memberowners with pre-paid service accounts make the payment before Dec. 31, 2022.
The office will also be closed Monday, Jan. 2, 2023.
All co-op operations and payment systems will resume as normal on Tuesday, Jan. 3, 2023.
Please contact our office at 252-209-2236 for any questions or concerns.
YOUTH TOUR 2023: Take the “leap” and apply by Feb. 10
What do 1,500 high school students, our nation’s capital, and electric cooperatives have in common? The Rural Electric Youth Tour!
Last year’s youth tourists: Miciah Freeman and Devonna Cooper Roanoke Electric Cooperative is seeking high school seniors to attend the 2023 Youth Tour in the summer. Youth Tour dates will be from June 17–23.
“Youth Tour was established with one thought in mind — to inspire our next generation of leaders,” said Patrice Jordan, the co-op’s coordinator of Community Relations and Engagement. “Youth Tour is one of the most important programs that Roanoke undertakes. I am constantly impressed by the caliber of students that our co-op sponsors.”
For many teens, it is an experience full of “firsts.” It may be the first time they left the state, visited the nation’s capital, or have been away from their family for an extended time. Even more are seeing and experiencing the larger world through their own eyes rather than through their parents’ perspective. That’s the most important first, as it’s truly a “leap” to their next phase and where their journey to adulthood begins.
Jordan says that Youth Tour is so much more than a sightseeing trip. “Students have repeatedly shared that this experience has helped them become successful professionals. It has also benefited our local communities. Youth Tour participants return home with a deeper understanding and skill set of what it takes to be a leader, and as a result, they put these skills to use right here in our community.”
Perhaps you know of an exceptional student who would be a great candidate for the program. Please help us find the next generation of leaders by sharing the Youth Tour experience with a promising student. Interested applicants should apply by Friday, Feb. 10, 2023.
For more information about the co-op’s Youth Tour program, visit roanokeelectric.com/youthtour.
Holiday closings
Roanoke Electric Co-op offices will close on Friday and Monday, Dec. 23 and Dec. 26, in observance of the Christmas holiday. Normal business operations will resume Tuesday, Dec. 27. In the event of an outage during this time, please notify us by dialing 1-800-358-9437. During this time, member-owners can make payments using the co-op’s automated system, website or mobile app. 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
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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