CENTRAL MEMBERS POWER RELIEF IN ACTION
In the face of the March wildfire destruction, Central Rural Electric Cooperative members came together in the way they always do, with compassion, strength and action.
During the fires and high winds, nearly one-fourth of members were left in the dark as fires raged through five of the seven counties served by Central.
In response, the Central Community Foundation acted swiftly to bring hope and support where it was needed most. Through disaster relief grants, the Foundation awarded nearly $40,000 to 86 members who suffered damaged or lost their homes due to the fires.
“This is what being a cooperative is about, coming together when it matters most,” said Shane Burgess, Central’s CEO. “We’re grateful that our members received relief in the wake of such devastation.”
The foundation’s ability to provide this emergency support was made
possible through the generosity of Central members who participate in Operation Round Up, a voluntary program where members round up their monthly electric bills to the nearest dollar. Those small donations, averaging just $6 per year per member, add up to make a big impact in the lives of those within Central’s service area.
The Central Community Foundation, established in 2006, is dedicated to improving lives across its service area by providing assistance with education, health care, disaster relief and community events. Over the years, $1.3 million have been distributed to nonprofits, community groups and individuals in need, thanks entirely to Operation Round Up participants.
“Our members are the ones who make the biggest difference in our communities,” Burgess said. “Thank you to everyone who participates in Operation Round Up. By rounding up your bill each month, you have helped support not only our members but also our neighbors.”
The majority of the grant recipients stated that the funds would help with repairs, rebuilding and temporary housing.
While no amount of money can erase the pain of loss, these disaster relief grants offered hope, stability and a reminder that no one in our community stands alone. The strength of our communities lies not just in the power lines that connect our homes, but in the hearts of the people who live here.
These grants were made possible through your generosity. Every time you round up your bill through Operation Round Up, you’re making a powerful difference. Your small change made a big difference in providing comfort, hope and helping neighbors facing unimaginable loss.
Learn more about the Central Community Foundation by scanning the QR code.
Central Board of Trustees:
James Wells, President (District 6)
Sid Sperry, Vice President (District 4)
Greg Tytenicz, Secretary/Treasurer (District 2)
Randy Wedel (District 1)
Melanie McGuire (District 3)
Ken Starks (District 5)
Randy Ethridge (District 7)
Executive Team:
Shane Burgess - Chief Executive Officer
Sondra White - Chief Financial Officer
Mark Prather - President of Fiber and Technology
Jillianne Tebow - Vice President of Business Development and Marketing
Empowered Editors:
Larry Mattox - Director of Communications
Kory Bowman - Marketing and Communications Specialist
Ivy Swan - Marketing and Communications Specialist
Contact Us: editor@mycentral.coop 405-372-2884 | 800-375-2884
3305 S. Boomer Rd. | P.O. Box 1809 Stillwater, OK 74076 mycentral.coop facebook.com/MyCentralCoop instagram.com/MyCentralCoop
Notice:
Central’s office will be closed Friday, July 4 to observe Independence Day.
POWERING THROUGH THE STORMS
As your new CEO, one of the most inspiring things I’ve witnessed in these first few months is the way your cooperative spirit shines through, especially when the weather doesn’t cooperate.
Last month’s severe weather impacted not only power lines and line crews, but also a most anticipated event, Kilowatts and Brats.
Postponing an event like this is never an easy decision. We know many of you were looking forward to gathering with your families to enjoy good food, community and fun. Our team was equally excited to host you, share updates about the cooperative and celebrate our members in person. Ultimately, the safety of our members and staff must always come first.
commitment to gathering with you remains stronger than ever.
We know how much these events mean to our membership. The energy and excitement you bring to Kilowatts and Brats and Annual Meeting is what fuels our cooperative. Your participation is more than just appreciated, it’s essential.
For those eager for details on a new Kilowatts and Brats date, we’ve made it easy to stay in the loop. Scan the QR code at the bottom of this page. It will take you directly to our event page, where we’ll post updates about the event.
Central Rural Electric Cooperative is an equal opportunity provider and employer.
Events like Kilowatts and Brats take months of planning and coordination. That’s why it was especially difficult to look at the weather forecasts and recognize the responsible path forward was to hit pause. While the date for Kilowatts and Brats may change, our
Thank you for your continued support, understanding and continued engagement. You are the heart of this cooperative and every time you attend an event, ask a question or offer your feedback, you make our cooperative stronger.
I look forward to seeing many of you at Kilowatts and Brats and Annual Meeting, and hopefully under sunnier skies.
MARK YOUR CALENDARS FOR ANNUAL MEETING ON TUESDAY, OCTOBER 7!
Shane Burgess, Central CEO
ELECTRICAL SAFETY FACTS
OR
Do you think you know electricity? Can you get all of these true or false questions correct?
YOU CAN’T TOUCH SOMEONE WHO’S BEEN STRUCK BY LIGHTNING.
FALSE. They won’t carry a charge. It’s important for you to call 911 and help immediately.
IT’S SAFE TO SHOWER DURING A THUNDERSTORM.
FALSE. Lightning can travel through pipes! Skip the shower and anything else that involves pipes or electrical wiring until the storm passes.
YOU SHOULDN’T USE YOUR PHONE DURING A THUNDERSTORM.
FALSE. Cell phones are typically safe unless they’re charging. Avoid corded phones altogether.
A POWER LINE ON THE GROUND IS SAFE TO DRIVE, WALK OVER OR AROUND.
FALSE. Always assume it’s a live line and stay at least 10 feet away and call for help.
STATIC ELECTRICITY CAN BE THOUSANDS OF VOLTS.
TRUE. It can pack up to 25,000 volts of electricity! It typically has a low current and is harmless, unless flammable materials are nearby.
IT’S NOT SAFE TO PUMP GAS DURING A THUNDERSTORM.
TRUE. Lightning can strike the canopy or cause ground surges, even at a grounded gas station.
LIGHTNING NEVER STRIKES THE SAME PLACE TWICE.
FALSE. It absolutely can, and does strike in the same place more than once.
BIRDS ARE ELECTROCUTED WHEN SITTING ON POWER LINES.
FALSE. As long as the birds only touch one wire, they’re safe. If they touch another wire or a grounded path, they will be electrocuted!
WATER IS A GOOD CONDUCTOR OF ELECTRICITY.
MOSTLY TRUE! Pure water isn’t a good conductor, but water with minerals, like tap or lake water, conducts electricity!
AN OUTLET ONLY OPERATES WITH 120 VOLTS OF ELECTRICITY, SO I’LL BE SAFE IF I’M SHOCKED.
FALSE. Even 50 volts of electricity can be dangerous and even deadly. It’s not just voltage that matters, it’s the current and path that matter. The severity of an electric shock depends on factors like current flow and the duration of exposure.
How many did you get right? Tag us on Facebook and let us know @MyCentralCoop.
ENERGY EFFICIENCY
HOT TIPS TO STAY COOL
When the summer heat hits, it’s tempting to crank up the air conditioner. Before you crank the A/C so hard your electric bill faints, consider some energy-efficient ways to cool off without melting your wallet.
⚠ Let your thermostat work smarter, not harder. Set your thermostat a few degrees higher while away, and program it to cool down before you return.
⚠ Close curtains and blinds. Keeping sunlight out during the hottest part of the day by closing blinds and curtains can dramatically reduce indoor temperatures.
⚠ Avoid heat-producing appliances like they’re Uncle Eddie at Christmas. Your dryer, dishwasher and oven can turn your kitchen into a sauna. Run them in the early morning, late evening or at night.
⚠ Seal the sneaky drafts. Your home might be leaking cool air faster than your phone battery drains on 1%. Update any wornout weather stripping or caulking to keep the cool in and the heat out.
CENTRAL’S LIST OF LOCAL FAVORITES
Here at Central, we don’t just power homes, we empower communities! From sizzling BBQ to charming small-town hangouts, here are some of our members’ favorite local spots that deserve the spotlight. Whether you’re planning your next road trip or weekend adventure, these places are worth the stop. Have a favorite we should highlight? Let us know by emailing editor@mycentral.coop.
SMOKIN’ FAVORITE BBQ
Butcher BBQ, Wellston
Enjoy this award-winning barbecue right on Route 66!
Open Friday through Sunday, 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. or they sell out. We suggest getting there early!
FOURTH OF JULY FUN - TIE!
Boomer Blast, Stillwater
Enjoy the lakeside vibes at this Independence Day celebration on July 4 that includes vendors, food trucks and more!
Red Brick Nights, Guthrie Red Brick Nights kicks off July 5th with an Independence Day celebration featuring food trucks, pop-up shops, music and a fireworks show.
BEST HIDDEN GEM
Iowa Tribes, Grey Snow Eagle House, Perkins
An eagle rehabilitation center nestled in beautiful nature near Perkins. This gem houses both releasable and non-releasable birds and is open by appointment only.
BEST DINNER OUT
Vintage Steakhouse, Morrison
Upscale meets small-town charm. Reservations are recommended! Members love this steakhouse nestled in the charming town of Morrison.
LUNCH LIKE A LOCAL
Kumback Cafe, Perry
A homestyle classic, serving up comfort since 1926. Kumback Cafe is a Perry must-visit!
COOLEST COFFEE STOP
Manvel Avenue Coffee Co., Chandler
Handcrafted drinks in a beautifully restored 1920s downtown building.
FAVORITE COMMUNITY FESTIVAL
Luther Pecan Festival, Luther Small-town fun and pecans from Couch Orchard on Route 66. What could be better?
FRIDAY NIGHT FAVORITE
The Chicken Shack, Arcadia and Mulhall
Broasted chicken, live music and banana cake bliss. Your family will count down the days until your next visit.
TOP GIFT STOP
Farmer’s Market General Store, Arcadia
Local goods, handmade treasures and plenty of made in Oklahoma products.
ROAD TRIP CLASSIC
The Rock Cafe, Stroud Great food! The owner of this Route 66 gem is the inspiration for Sally Carrera in the 2006 animated Pixar film “Cars.”
VETERANS’ TRIBUTE
WM Conrad Veterans Memorial Gardens, Langston
A peaceful park honoring local heroes at a beautiful location in the heart of Langston.
MOST ARTISTIC MURAL
Agra Historical Mural, Agra
A stunning tribute to Agra’s past by Palmer Studios.
MUST-SEE MUSEUM
Washington Irving Trail Museum, Ripley
A deep dive into Payne County’s colorful history and curious oddities.
FAVORITE DRINK STOP POPS, Arcadia
On your next roadtrip, be sure to snap a selfie with the 66-foot soda bottle and try a new pop! Located on historic Route 66.
BEST MOVIE SPOT - TIE!
Dunkin Theater, Cushing Watch a flick and then grab a delicious slice of pizza at Godofredo’s Pizzeria & Tap Room next door!
Beacon Drive-In Theater, Guthrie
Featured as a filming location in the 1996 movie “Twister,” and one of the oldest drive-in movie theaters in Oklahoma. It’s a summer must-visit!