Currents September/October 2023

If you’d like to bring this educational program to your group, visit verawaterandpower.com. There, you’ll find all the information to request a visit and embark on an electrifying learning adventure with PowerTown.

PowerTown: Bringing electric safety to Pope Francis Haven Apartments families

We were delighted to have the opportunity to bring the joy of learning and electric safety to the children and families of Pope Francis Haven Apartments. Engaging with the community and sharing our interactive program, PowerTown, is a real privilege. Our aim is to foster awareness and understanding of staying safe around electricity.

Through fun and educational activities, PowerTown teaches children and families vital safety measures when interacting with electricity. From understanding the dangers of electrical hazards to learning how to avoid them, our program actively promotes safe practices and empowers individuals of all ages.

Our recent collaboration with Catholic Charities Eastern Washington and the incredible team at Pope Francis Apartments was truly memorable. Their warm welcome and enthusiasm made the event a resounding success. We appreciate their dedication to creating a safe environment for their community members.

Annual water meter reading

It’s that time of year when we read the water meters across the district. This task allows us to provide accurate billing. Here is some important information to make the process as smooth as possible.

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Water and Power Newsletter for Your Vera Neighborhood

Annual water meter reading

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Schedule: Our water meter readers have already started reading water meters and will continue until all meters have been read. This could extend through November as we navigate the entire district.

Identifying our meter readers: Our water meter readers wear a Vera Water and Power safety vest and carry proper identification. If you have any questions or concerns about the legitimacy of a meter reader, please call our office at 509- 924-3800 for immediate verification.

Keeping your meter accessible: Sometimes, our meter readers run into unexpected challenges during their rounds. In these cases, it may not be possible for us to read your meter. You can assist us in this by making sure your pets are safely kept indoors and away from the meters. If an unrestrained animal is present,

we may have to skip your meter for everyone’s safety. Additionally, we ask you to keep the area near your meter vault clear of any potential obstructions such as weeds, flowers, bushes, or debris.

Locked gate access: If your meter is located within a locked gate, we kindly request you temporarily unlock it. This will allow our meter reader the required access.

Notification for unread meters: In the event we are unable to read your water meter, we will notify you to schedule an appointment. We strive to ensure that every meter is accurately read and accounted for, and your help is appreciated in this collaborative effort.

By working together and following these simple guidelines, we can get accurate readings. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.

Thinking about solar panels?

Check out our online tool, ChooseSolar

Have salespeople promoting solar panels approached you recently? Making the decision to install solar panels is an important one, and it’s vital to evaluate whether it is the right choice for you and your home. That’s why we have a free customer resource: our online tool called ChooseSolar. Check it out with the QR code or vera.chooseev.com/solar/ solar-calculator

STAYING SAFE: The importance of pole top rescue and confined space training

Our annual pole top rescue and confined space trainings are important programs that we use to ensure employee safety. This critical training equips our crews with the knowledge and skills they need to navigate potentially hazardous work environments safely and effectively.

Our annual pole top rescue training involves practicing techniques and procedures for safely rescuing someone who may find themselves stuck or injured on a power pole. Through rigorous exercises, our crews learn to manage potentially dangerous situations with skill and quick thinking, minimizing risks and maximizing the safety of all involved.

Similarly, confined space training is designed to alleviate potential hazards that workers might encounter while navigating tight and enclosed workspaces. Employees receive training on protocols, equipment usage, and procedures essential for maintaining a safe work environment. This training emphasizes proper ventilation, the monitoring of hazardous gases, and the use of personal protective equipment to minimize risks and ensure secure working conditions. By regularly practicing these rescue techniques, our crews can effectively respond to emergency situations, minimize risks, and safeguard the reliable delivery of service to the community.

Customer Corner

Hallett passes the torch: Hallett’s celebrates four decades of success and announces generational transition

Cindy

Cindy Hallett, the owner of Hallett’s Market and Café, started her journey back in 1978 with a strawberry and raspberry farm in Otis Orchards off Barker Road. Over the years, she expanded the business, shipping Washington apples and pears, and even started making their own candy. Eventually, Hallett’s found its home at 14109 Sprague Avenue where the business evolved into a bustling deli, candy, gift basket, and home décor store known for its hospitality.

Now, after being at the helm for four decades, Cindy has plans to pass the torch to the next generation. Her daughter Amy Henderson along with Cindy’s long-time family friend KC Henderson will be taking over in the next year. Cindy couldn’t be more thrilled to see her beloved business continue to thrive in the hands of the next generation.

They weathered the challenges of COVID-19, thanks to their loyal customer base and community support. Over the years, Cindy has seen the development of a tight-knit community around Hallett’s, with customers coming in regularly and genuine friendships blossoming over the years.

During the pandemic, Cindy and her amazing team went above and beyond to support the community. They partnered with Rick Clark and Spokane Quaranteam to provide meals to seniors who couldn’t attend their usual lunches. Not only did they give out restaurant vouchers, but they also made sure seniors went home with delicious meals. Their efforts ensured that both the seniors and local restaurants stayed afloat. Cindy said that the sight of people lining up for these meals and filtering through the back door to receive them was truly heartwarming and

a testament to the incredible sense of community that surrounds Hallett’s.

Beyond her business success, Cindy is deeply rooted in our community. She has lived in the district for over 35 years and wholeheartedly supports her neighbors and local initiatives.

So next time you find yourself driving along Sprague Avenue, be sure to stop by Hallett’s and say hello to Cindy, KC, and Amy. Let’s honor the entrepreneurs who make our community shine.

If you know someone who you think would be a good candidate for our Customer Corner, please email ccronin@verawaterandpower.com. We are seeking Vera Water and Power customers with compelling stories, unique experiences, and a passion for our community.

Vera honors the entrepreneurs who make our community shine.

Above, left to right: Amy Henderson, Addy Henderson, Cindy Hallett, KC Henderson

Welcome to our newly renovated lobby

A more welcoming and secure space

We are excited to announce the reopening of our newly renovated lobby! It is a space that is not only more welcoming but also more secure for our customers and our employees.

The renovation project included a complete overhaul of the lobby's design, which now features modern and sleek finishes that are sure to make everyone feel more comfortable. The new space is also more open and inviting, with plenty of seating and natural light pouring in from the large windows. We believe this new design will create a more pleasant experience for everyone who enters our building.

In addition to the aesthetic upgrades, we have also made significant security improvements. We understand that safety is a top priority for our customers, visitors, and employees, and we have taken steps to ensure they feel secure while in our building. The new construction includes enhanced security features such as updated surveillance cameras, secure access points, and improved lighting.

We are confident the new lobby will provide all who visit with a more enjoyable and secure experience. We invite you to come and see the changes for yourself and experience the new atmosphere. We look forward to welcoming you to our newly renovated lobby!

ENERGY SAFETY

Call 8-1-1 before you dig

When starting any excavation or construction project, contact the "Call Before You Dig" hotline by dialing 8-1-1. Our crew will mark the location of underground lines, ensuring safe digging practices. A quick call to 8-1-1 keeps everyone safer and prevents unnecessary disruptions to vital services hidden underground.

REMINDER: Our lobby will be closed for the following holidays:

Thanksgiving, Nov. 23 and 24, 2023

Christmas, Dec. 22 and 25, 2023

New Year’s Day, Jan. 1, 2024

We are a not-for-profit, public water and power utility. Our board of directors is made up of Vera customers. If you want to know what’s happening at Vera, check out one of our board meetings. The meetings are open to the public, and you are welcome to attend.

The Vera Water and Power board of directors meets on the second Wednesday of the month at 6:30 p.m. at the Vera Water and Power office, 601 N. Evergreen Ave., Spokane, WA. Meeting agendas and minutes are posted on verawaterandpower.com.