CO-OP NEWS

www.winenergyremc.com

CONTACT US Toll Free: 800-882-5140 Local: 812-882-5140 Fax: 812-886-0306

AUTOMATED EXPRESS SERVICES For outages and payments, call: 888-456-9876

OFFICE HOURS 7:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m. ET Monday-Friday

VINCENNES OFFICE 3981 S. U.S. Highway 41 Vincennes, IN 47591

PRINCETON OFFICE 1314 W. 100 N. Princeton, IN 47670

SULLIVAN OFFICE 2044 W. State Road 154 Sullivan, IN 47882

UNDERGROUND LINE LOCATING Please call 811 at least two business days before you plan to dig.

2022 OFFICE CLOSINGS Veterans Day: Nov. 11; Thanksgiving: Nov. 24 and 25; Christmas: Dec. 23 and 26; New Year's: Dec. 30

METER READING DATES Cycle 1: Nov. 2; Cycle 2: Nov. 7; Cycle 3: Nov. 16; Cycle 4: Nov. 25; Cycle 5: Dec. 1; Cycle 6: Dec. 1

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Office Closure

WIN Energy REMC will be closed on the following dates in November:

Friday, Nov. 11, in observance of Veterans Day

Thursday, Nov. 24, and Friday, Nov. 25, in observance of Thanksgiving.

KEEPING PETS AND ENERGY BILLS COMFORTABLE

I don’t know about you, but I consider my four-legged companions part of the family. I know others feel this way, too. That’s why during the winter months, we make sure our whole family, including our four-legged members, are cozy –– without taking a big “bite” out of our budget.

This month, I’d like to share a few simple ways you can make your home more comfortable this winter, which can ultimately help you save on energy bills.

At the onset of the cold weather season, replace the HVAC filter for better air quality and to help the unit operate more efficiently. You can also keep your home cozier by caulking and weatherstripping windows and doors. If your home is particularly chilly, you can tape or affix heavy, clear plastic to the inside of your window frames to create an additional barrier against the cold. Ensure that the plastic is tightly sealed to the frame to help reduce infiltration.

We know winter can be “ruff”, so set your thermostat at 68 degrees, a “purr-fect” temperature for people and pets. This is especially important for smaller, short hair and senior dogs –– not just for warmth, but for their general health. Puppies, kittens and older pets with arthritis or other ailments may have a harder time controlling their body heat and need the additional warmth when it’s chilly out. Pets that sleep close to the floor can be subject to cold drafts that enter your home through windows and exterior doors. If your pet’s bed is near a window or door that feels drafty, tightly roll up a towel and place it near the bottom of the door or window to eliminate the draft. Cutting down on cold drafts helps everyone feel more comfortable during colder months.

If possible, elevate your pet’s bed so it’s not placed directly on a cold floor. An old chair or sofa cushion works well. If you don’t use a dog bed, take some old blankets and create a doughnut shape on the cushion so the dog can snuggle and “nest” within the blanket. You can do the same for cats but on a smaller scale. Blankets enable pets to nestle into them, even when they aren’t tired, and provide a comfortable place for dogs and cats to curl up.

During the day, open your blinds and curtains to allow sunlight to warm your home. Close window coverings at night for an added layer of insulation.

At WIN Energy REMC, we want to help you save energy and money. Check out our SmartHub app or visit our website at winenergyremc.com for additional energy-saving tips.

We can’t control the weather, but we can provide advice to help you save energy and keep your family and furry friends more comfortable during the winter season.

TOM NOWASKIE

EMPLOYEE PROMOTION

Congratulations to TOM BURGESS on his promotion to work order specialist! Tom has been with WIN Energy REMC for eight years. Congratulations, Tom!

Wilson retires from co-op

Julie Wilson has retired from WIN Energy REMC after over 21 years of service. She began as a member services representative in the Vincennes office in June 2001 and then transferred to the Princeton office in 2008. Julie was promoted to Princeton office services manager in July 2020. Thank you, Julie, for your time and dedication to our members. Best wishes for a long and happy retirement!

WIN Energy REMC visits Faith Learning Academy

Faith Learning Academy had a visit from our team at WIN Energy REMC. Jay Hawkins, service line specialist, and Chance Kelley, line specialist, were able to visit the class that Chance’s son, Case, is enrolled in. The class learned how to stay safe around power lines and was able to see the bucket truck.

Vigo County fifth grade students participate in conservation/environmental field days

Over 1,000 5th grade students in 44 classes participated in the Vigo County Soil and Water Conservation/Environmental Field Days on Sept. 13-15. The Field Days were held at the Vigo County Fairgrounds in Terre Haute. WIN Energy REMC was one of 20 stations students visited throughout the day. Stations lasted around 10 minutes each. At the WIN Energy REMC station, 5th graders were able to learn about electrical safety, thanks to the help of our display with live electricity and real-life situations.

St. Joseph Catholic preschool receives visit from WIN Energy REMC

St. Joseph Catholic School's preschool class had a surprise outside their classroom on Tuesday, Sept. 20. Students ages 3, 4 and 5 were studying the letter "E" and wanted to learn more about electricity. Shawn Wolfe, apprentice line specialist, visited two classes to teach them about his job and how to stay safe around electricity. Students were able to pass around lineman gear and wires. Preschoolers then went outside to see a bucket truck up close. Shawn showed students how high the bucket is able to go in the air (over 60 feet!) and showed them other pieces of equipment he uses for his job.

OPERATION ROUND UP

$17,100 in grants awarded to local organizations

The Operation Round Up program allows WIN Energy REMC members to reach out to worthy causes in their communities and work together to help others. Thank you to those members who round up their electric bills to the next highest dollar each month. Since the inception of the program in May 2013, 200 grants have been awarded to local organizations totaling over $612,000. Your small change is really making a big difference for organizations in our community.

Grants are awarded quarterly, with the next round of grants being awarded in December. Any charitable organization within the WIN Energy REMC service territory is eligible to apply. The organization does not have to be a member of WIN Energy REMC. Applications can be picked up at any of the three WIN Energy REMC offices or downloaded at winenergyremc.com.

Please be sure to download the most recent application online as periodic updates are made.

The WIN Energy REMC Community Trust recently presented six grants totaling $17,100 to the following organizations:

Carlisle Lions Community Ambulance Service, Inc. received $5,000 toward the purchase of a Stryker Power System for its ambulance.

Pictured from left to right: Mike Lueking, WIN Energy REMC Community Trust board member; Mary Ann Dudley, supervisor/CEO.

Gibson County Council on Aging received $2,000 to purchase food for seniors.

Pictured from left to right: Peg Callis, WIN Energy REMC Community Trust board member; Ronda Colbert, executive director.

Owensville Ministerial Alliance received $3,500 to purchase food and supplies for the food pantry.

Pictured from left to right: Kay Conklin, volunteer; Peg Callis, WIN Energy REMC Community Trust board member; Bertha Smith, supervisor.

Rexford Ballard Dugger American Legion Post 224 received $1,600 to purchase lights, switches, and ceiling panels for its main room.

Pictured from left to right: Mike Lueking, WIN Energy REMC Community Trust board member; Glynn Willis, adjutant.

St. Mary’s Community Kitchen and Pantry received $3,500 to purchase a commercial freezer.

Pictured from left to right: Mike Lueking, WIN Energy REMC Community Trust board member; Connie Hays, board member and kitchen coordinator; Carol Rhoads, vice president.

TTR Haven Over the Hilltop, Inc., received $1,500 to purchase computers and a printer for the organization.

Pictured from left to right: Nikki Nalley, treasurer; Michelle Bennett, board member; Mary Ann Miller, WIN Energy REMC Community Trust chairman.