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Six Substations Now Planted for Pollinator Gardens >>> Crow Wing Power has now seeded six substations in Crow Wing and Morrison County with pollinator seeds to create habitat for butterflies and bees. Last year, we prepared four substations in Crow Wing County and in November of this year, two more substations in Morrison County were prepared and planted.
INSIDE
CROW WING POWER NEWS • NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2018 • Volume 70, Number 6
A Word From Your CEO Credit Union People’s Security Recipe Puzzle
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Calendars Available
We’ve historically had grass growing around all of our substations, but decided the substations would provide excellent locations for pollinator perennial plants. In the past few years, we’ve all read about the nearly extinct Minnesota native Rusty Patch bumble bee. And, that help is needed to provide food and habitat for Monarchs and other butterflies.
We had many breathtaking scenic photos submitted by our members for the calendar contest. Choosing only 16 winners, from the 200 photos submitted, proved to be a difficult task.
Therefore, instead of mowing grass around all of our substations, we are planting pollinator seeds at some of the locations. We now have planted at these substation locations shown on the accompanying map: Crosslake, Pine Center, Nokay, Dewing, Motley and Bellevue substations. Minnesota Native Landscapes from Monticello has done the planting and will be checking the sites for a few years to make sure they are well-developed gardens.
The calendars are now printed and available free of charge to our members. You can pick one up at our main headquarters on Hwy. 371 North of Brainerd. Thank you to all who submitted photos.
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A Word from Your CEO It’s the Holiday Season and Spirit of Giving >>>
Crow Wing Power has a dedicated work force that truly enjoys working for our members and the betterment of the communities we live and work in. For several years, we frequently have requests from the employees to wear jeans on Fridays and in exchange for this they make a $3.00 donation to support a charitable organization. Recipient organizations receive $200 to $300 from the employees.
Crosslake Food Shelf, Kids Against Hunger, Out of the Darkness Walk Nisswa (Suicide Prevention), Soup Kitchen, Children’s Miracle Network, Race For The Cure, Adult & Teen Challenge, North Crow Wing First Responders, Community Theater, Operation Sandwich, New Pathways, Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF), School Supplies for Area Children In Need. We just finished up our annual United Way Fun Week, where employees participate in a number of fundraising activities like a Silent Auction, Bingo, surprise package drawings, lunches and more to raise between $6,000 and $7,000 each year for United Way. Number one on the list is Toys for Kids, a project that begins every year in late November. There is a big need for the Christmas Toys for Kids drive this year. If you would like to help just bring your unwrapped children’s toys into Crow Wing Power before December 14th preferably, so they have time to prepare them for children.
Some of the organizations that have received these donations from our employees are: Toys For Kids, H.A.R.T., Pillager Food Shelf, Crosby Food Shelf, Brainerd Food Shelf, Habitat For Humanity, Breast Cancer Awareness Month (October), Kidney Walk, Heart Walk, Alzheimer’s Walk, Kinship, Relay For Life (various employee teams), March of Dimes Walk, Brighter Days – (local terminal ill children), Employee Spouse w/Cancer,
Remember we have an open house during the week of December 10th with coffee and donuts, so please join us. I’ll keep you informed,
Bruce L. Kraemer, CEO
Visit the Sertoma Winter Wonderland Display >>> Share the warm glow of the Holiday season with family and friends by visiting the Winter Wonderland Display at the Northland Arboretum (behind the Westgate Mall) in Brainerd. As you drive along an illuminated path featuring 80 animated and lit displays, you’ll enjoy the sights and sounds of the holidays for only $15.00 per car. The Sertoma club is operating the Winter Wonderland, thanks to businesses, like Crow Wing Power who are sponsoring displays. Crow Wing Power chose to sponsor an enormous tunnel made of Light Emitting Diode (LED) Holiday lights at the Wonderland. LEDs are the most efficient and least-cost form of Holiday lit decorations and use 100 times less electricity than normal Holiday lighting. You can drive through Winter Wonderland in your vehicle Wednesday thru Saturdays, starting Thursday, November 22nd from 5:30 - 8:30 p.m. Visit their website, www.sertomawinterwonderland.com for a complete schedule and discounted tickets.
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Proud Sponsor of
>> Photo Credit: Kelly Humphrey, Brainerd Dispatch
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Wrap Up a Great Rate >>> “Totally Free Checking Plus” Account Gives Instead of Takes.
Did you just purchase a new vehicle, fish-house, snowmobile or ATV for winter? What’s your rate on that purchase? Are you in the market for a new winter toy or SUV? The Credit Union loan rates are as low as 2.74%** for 48 months on consumer loans. Maybe you’re looking to wrap up some home improvement projects this winter. Our Credit Union is offering Home Equity Loans with rates as low as 3.45%**. If your current home equity loan has a higher rate, give the Credit Union a call to see how easy it is to move your loan, lower your rate and save money. No closing costs if your loan is under $100k. This program is perfect for those that plan to pay their small balance loans off within three to five years. Avoid huge closing costs associated with fixed rate mortgages. • Loans $50k or less can be amortized for 15 years and balloon in five years. • Loans $100k or less can be amortized for 20 years and balloon in three years. • Loans over $100k can be amortized for 30 years and balloon in three years.
Not feeling the spirit of giving from your current checking account? It’s not that hard to make the transition to a trustworthy “for people-not for profit” financial institution. The Credit Union’s friendly, knowledgeable staff will help make the transition go smoothly. Here are some of the ways “Totally Free Checking Plus” gives: • Free ATM/Debit cards; • Free Online Account Services and e-statements; • No-fee overdraft transfers from Savings and/or Line of Credit; • Free Online Bill Pay; • Free External Account Transfers; • Free carbon-less duplicate checks; • Free Pop Money (Person-to-Person) transfers; • No per-check or monthly service charge; • No minimum balance required; • Plus .10% (.10% APY) dividend with average daily balance of $500 or more.
The Credit Union has new Phone Numbers: 218-825-2208 • 877-563-3072
Wrapping up a great rate is as easy as calling the Credit Union at 218-825-2208 or 877-563-3072. There is more information and you can apply online at cwpcu.org. ** Other rates and terms available based on collateral and credit score. All loans are subject to credit approval. Not available on current Credit Union Loans.
Notice of Tax Exemption for Electric Heat >>> Sign up to receive a six-month electric heat tax exemption if you meet the following requirements: you have a single electric meter; your primary heat is electric; you have not previously signed the exemption form before; and you do not have a dual fuel or off-peak meter.* Minnesota law provides for the exemption of sales tax on residential electric heat. To qualify, you must be able to declare that 50% of your primary residential/commercial heat iselectrical. If you meet that requirement and comply with the other items on the check-list, you may sign an exemption form and avoid the tax for the months of November through April. Those who have previously signed the form and people who have dual fuel or off-peak meters are
already receiving the exemption.
Cut along dotted line and mail to the address below.
Sales of Tax Exemption for Electric Heat Return to: Crow Wing Power, PO Box 507, Brainerd, MN 56401 – Attn: Billing [Commercial accounts must use an ST3 form] Name:
Account #:
Address: Phone: (
City:
State:
Zip Code:
)
I declare that my primary source (50% or more) of residential heat is electrical. Therefore, I will be eligible for exemption of the Minnesota State Sales Tax for the electrical bills dated November, December, January, February, March and April. * If you have off-peak heat or a dual fuel meter, OR if you have previously signed an exemption form, you need not return this. Signature
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Statement of Ownership Management and Circulation>>>
Cameras and Phone Apps are Becoming Common >>> A People’s Security System can allow you to enjoy peace of mind while you spend time with family and friends, whether at home or away. Take advantage of the latest in security equipment including indoor and outdoor cameras at affordable prices. Cameras are a powerful way to monitor your home, pets and family no matter where you are. Enable home and away modes so that you automatically have privacy when you are home and security when you are away. People’s Security Company can integrate cameras with your security system. When you add the Honeywell Total Connect 2.0 app, you will have instant access to view your home and surroundings. Call People’s Security Company for your free in-home consultation. 1-800-735-1440 4
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2018 Rebates Energy Star Air Conditioners: ................................................$30 - $75 Off-Peak Water Heating: ........................................up to $400.00 Off-Peak Heating: (underfloor cable, brick storage room units and furnaces) ............................................$25 per KW Dual Fuel: (Plenum Heater/Boiler) ..................................................$200.00 Ductless ASHP ............................$100.00 Energy Star Refrigerator ..............$65.00 or Freezer ....................................$75.00 Geothermal Heat Pumps ..........................................$100.00/ton Air Source Heat Pumps ............................................$380 - $580 Energy Star Clothes Washers ........................................................$40 Air Conditioning tune up ......................................$25 residential ......................................$50 commercial Energy Star LED Light Adapters ..........................................................$2
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Let’s Start Cookin’ >>> Send your favorite SOUP recipe to Crow Wing Power, PO Box 507, Brainerd, MN 56401 by January 1 or submit online at cwpower.com, News/Events. If your entry is drawn and printed in
the January Current Connection, you’ll receive a $25 credit on your electric bill. If you want to receive a recipe card each month in the mail, fill in the form below and mail to Crow Wing Power.
Last Issue’s Winner
Sausage Stars Mary Siebert, Merrifield, MN 2 cups (1lb) cooked crumbled Italian Sausage (or any other preference) 1 ½ cups Cheddar Cheese 1 ½ cups Monterey Jack Cheese 1 cup prepared Hidden Valley Ranch dressing 1 can sliced Black Olives ½ cup chopped Red Peppers 1 pkg Wonton Wrappers Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Combine sausage, cheeses, ranch, olives, peppers. Grease mini muffin pans. Press one wrapper in each cup, brush with oil, Bake 5 minutes. Remove from oven and move to cookie sheet. Fill with sausage mixture and bake 5 minutes more. Makes up to 4-5 dozen.
Yes, I’d like to join the Co-op Cookin’ Club and receive a new recipe card each month in the mail. I understand there is no charge. Name:______________________________________________________ Address:_____________________________________________________
Lunch Buddies >>> Kinship Partners, well-known for its child mentoring programs, began new school-based Lunch Buddies mentoring programs in 2015. This year with the help of Crow Wing Power’s Operation Round Up, Kinship Partners was able to expand Lunch Buddies programming at Garfield Elementary in Brainerd and soon to be in Lowell Elementary in Brainerd. Currently over 100 children have a lunch buddy mentor that meet twice a month over lunch time. Lunch Buddies is designed to introduce students to the art of mentoring. The objective of the program is to improve a child’s social skills and self-esteem to foster a better attitude for learning; ultimately improving school success.
Lunch Buddies is an opportunity for the student to have one-on-one time with an assigned mentor. They eat lunch together and engage in meaningful conversation while interacting. They may play games, talk, read books, do a craft or work on a project. The time together may include help with academics, but at all times the focus will be the fostering of a caring and supportive friendship. The Lunch Buddies mentors are primarily recruited from area businesses. These businesses agree to sponsor one or more employees (pay them over their Lunch Buddies time). Mentors check-in at the office, meet the student in the classroom, bring the student through the lunch line and continue in the designated Kinship Room. Lunch Buddies is an introduction to the art of mentoring for many mentors. Kinship Partners currently has Lunch Buddies programs in Crosby (CRES) Elementary, Eagle View Elementary (Pequot Lakes), Motley Middle School, Staples Elementary, and Harrison, Riverside, and Garfield Elementary schools in Brainerd. Kinship Partners plans to start a Lunch Buddy program at Lowell Elementary in January of 2019 with hopes of expanding to every elementary school in ISD 181 (Brainerd, Baxter, and Nisswa) as well as Pine River-Backus Elementary.
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Win $25 off your electric bill >>> Complete the word find puzzle below, clip and send entire coupon back to us by January 20, 2019. We’ve sized it to fit in your billing payment, so you can save a stamp. If you’d rather, you can send it separately to Crow Wing Power, PO Box 507, Brainerd, MN 56401. Attn: Puzzle or scan and email to info@cwpower.com. The winning entry will be drawn on January 20. (ISSN 1068-1949) USPS 456-180 Published bimonthly by Crow Wing Power, 17330 State Hwy. 371 Brainerd, MN 56401. 218-829-2827 800-648-9401 www.cwpower.com
Editor: Char Kinzer Periodical postage paid at Brainerd, MN (Postmaster): Send change of address form 3579 to: Current Connection, Crow Wing Power, P.O. Box 507, Brainerd, MN 56401. Annual Subscription Rates: Members - $3.00 Non-Members - $3.50 Board meetings are held the third Thursday of each month beginning at 9:30.
Directors. Here to Help! Following is a list of directors and their telephone numbers: Bob Kangas ................................218-587-4453 Paul Koering................................218-851-9954 Ric Larson ..................................218-546-5781 Gordon Martin............................218-746-3971 Bryan McCulloch........................218-820-9708 Doris Mezzenga ..........................218-692-1004 LuAnn Nelson ............................612-400-4627 Gert Roggenkamp ......................218-562-4566 Dwight Thiesse............................218-831-8605
Our winner for the last puzzle: Roy Gordon, Crosslake E R E V E Q P H O T O S E Y Y
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1. Employees donate $3 to wear _ _ _ _ _
2. People's Security can integrate _ _ _ _ _ _ _ with your security system
3. Pollinator seeds planted at _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ substation 4. _ _ _ _ _ _ _ Open House is December 10-14 5. Totally Free _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ Plus
6. Members submitted scenic _ _ _ _ _ _
7. Off-Peak _ _ _ _ _ _ _ rebate is $25 per KW
8. Bring an _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ toy to Crow Wing Power 9. Press one wrapper in each cup and brush with _ _ _
10. Lunch _ _ _ _ _ _ _ at several elementary schools
11. _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ Sandwich received a donation from employees
12. Winter Wonderland Display at the Northland _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
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Last Issue’s Puzzle Answers: U A D N O N Z T N Y Y C F S F
L H W O B W O O D X Y A R T M
F R F S O M N J V N B E F Q H
O T N I E D T L I C W G K W J
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O R Q O G X F F R D D W F G H
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Drawing, Eight, Download, Morrison, Remotely, Manganese, Coneflowers, Salem, Weather, Scan Bimonthly, Fluffy
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