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FEATURED ARTICLES INSIDE: Increasing System Reliability Page 4 Part 2: Legends Page 8 Dedication and Perseverance Page 11 A NEWSLETTER FOR REC EMPLOYEES December 2014 POWER L I N E S I n October, Rappahannock Electric Cooperative was represented in Bonner Springs, Kan. during the International Lineman’s Rodeo World Championships. is annual event marks the culmination of regional, national and international competitions that test the various skills used by electric utility line workers each day. Four of REC’s very own joined more than 200 journeyman teams and over 250 apprentices representing investor-owned and municipal electric utilities as well as electric cooperatives during the four days of fellowship, competition and training. William Wilfong (BR), Cody Lockhart (BR) and Matt Fauver (BR) competed against line crew workers from several other nations, including Canada, England, Ireland, Jamaica and the Phillipines. Matt Shaw (past BR employee) served as a judge for the event. In addition to the rodeo competitions, attendees benefited from a safety and REC Linemen Compete Internationally training conference and vendor expos that demonstrated new technology and equipment. Matt placed 12th of out of 50 apprentices in the co-op division. William finished 34th out of 255 apprentices in the CPR competition. Cody finished 65th out of 255 in the apprentice hurtman rescue. Maxie Rozell (FB) noted, “e linemen who gathered in Bonner Springs represent the ‘best of the best’ from across our nation and beyond. Our linemen more than held their own in a series of events that challenged both mind and muscle.” “We are proud to have our guys represent REC at the rodeo,” John Crawford (BR) added. “Events like this emphasize the importance of safety first. Our employees are dignified in their work and the quality of service we offer to members, and I take great pride in each of them.” n William Wilfong (BR) Cody Lockhart (BR) Matt Fauver (BR) Demonstrating Safety and Skill Among the Best of the Best

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Page 1: December PowerLines

FEATURED ARTICLES INSIDE:Increasing System Reliability Page 4 Part 2: Legends Page 8 Dedication and Perseverance Page 11

A N E W S L E T T E R F O R R E C E M P L O Y E E S December 2014

POWERL I N E S

POWERL I N E S

In October, Rappahannock Electric Cooperative was represented in Bonner Springs, Kan. during the International Lineman’s Rodeo

World Championships. This annual event marks the culmination of regional, national and international competitions that test the various skills used by electric utility line workers each day. Four of REC’s very own joined more than 200 journeyman teams and over 250 apprentices representing investor-owned and municipal electric utilities as well as electric cooperatives during the four days of fellowship, competition and training. William Wilfong (BR), Cody Lockhart (BR) and Matt Fauver (BR) competed against line crew workers from several other nations, including Canada, England, Ireland, Jamaica and the Phillipines. Matt Shaw (past BR employee) served as a judge for the event. In addition to the rodeo competitions, attendees benefited from a safety and

REC Linemen Compete Internationally

training conference and vendor expos that demonstrated new technology and equipment. Matt placed 12th of out of 50 apprentices in the co-op division. William finished 34th out of 255 apprentices in the CPR competition. Cody finished 65th out of 255 in the apprentice hurtman rescue. Maxie Rozell (FB) noted, “The linemen who gathered in Bonner Springs represent the ‘best of the best’ from across our nation and beyond. Our linemen more than held their own in a series of events that challenged both mind and muscle.” “We are proud to have our guys represent REC at the rodeo,” John Crawford (BR) added. “Events like this emphasize the importance of safety first. Our employees are dignified in their work and the quality of service we offer to members, and I take great pride in each of them.” n

William Wilfong (BR)

Cody Lockhart (BR)

Matt Fauver (BR)

Demonstrating Safety and Skill Among the Best of the Best

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DECEMBER sERviCE ANNivERsARiEsRandy Southworth 25

Pam Sullivan 24

Bradley Good 24

Rodney Taylor 23

Danny Clow 21

Rob Herron (LMIT) 21

Janeth Parker (LMIT) 9

Kelly Hawn 8

Michelle Linnell 6

Bryan Coffey 5

Wesley Skinner 4

Tomasa Mendez 4

Ronald Flores 4

Jeffrey Powell 4

Amelia Wright 4

Jennifer Arnold 4

Bailey Basile 4

David Thornton (LMIT) 4

Tabitha Haggard 2

Niki Shingleton 2

2 PowerLines December 2014

Bundle Up for Winter Storms

Are you ready for winter’s cold grasp? Snow and ice are inevitable when dealing with winter storms, but being prepared can make

a world of difference. REC recommends the following tips to help you prepare your home and your family for wintery blasts.

Safety – Teach It, Preach It & Live It!

MAXIESAYS:

Winterize your home Winter storms wreak havoc on your home. By winterizing your living space, you will be prepared for extreme cold and hazardous conditions.

• Remember to maintain and inspect heating equipment and chimneys every year to ensure they are working safely and properly.

•Caulk and weather-strip doors and windows to make the most of your heating system.

•Freezing temperatures often cause water pipes to burst. Remember to insulate pipes with insulation or newspapers and plastic. Allow faucets to drip during extreme cold to avoid frozen pipes.

•Adding storm windows and plastic storm window kits to single pane windows is very effective at stopping drafts.

•Make sure everyone in your family knows where the home’s fire extinguisher is located and how to use it properly. House fires occur more frequently during winter months, as people tend to use alternative heating methods that may not be safe.

Prepare a winter survival kit Severe winter storms often bring a heavy accumulation of ice and snow, which can lead to downed power lines and extended outages. When it is all hands-on-deck at REC, make sure you have a winter survival kit on hand for those you will be leaving behind while you go to work.

•Food: Store food that does not require cooking, such as canned goods, crackers, dehydrated meats and dried fruit. Keep a large supply of water on hand. Ready.gov recommends five gallons per person.

•Medication: Be sure to refill all prescriptions in the event of a major power outage.

• Identification: Keep all forms of identification handy, such as driver’s licenses, photo IDs and social security cards. Bank account information and insurance policies are also good to have on hand.

•Other items: First aid kit, blankets, flashlight, battery-powered radio and extra batteries.

Stay warm and safe •If an outage occurs, you should plan for an alternate heating source. A fireplace, propane space heater or wood-burning stove would be sufficient. Fuel and wood-burning heating sources should always be vented, and make sure carbon monoxide and smoke detectors are working properly. Always practice extreme caution when using alternate heating sources. •If you decide to use a portable generator during an outage, make sure it is placed outside the home for proper ventilation. Be careful not to overload the generator. Use appropriate extension cords that can handle the electric load.

Follow these tips, and your family will stay warm in the event of a power outage. For more information on preparing for winter storms, visit www.myrec.coop/stormprep. n

Service AnniversariesOctober – December 2014

Kent Farmer (FB)

Benjamin Berry (CU)

Missy Oesterheld (FB)

Megan Whaley (FB)

Plan for safety. Remember, there is no substitute for common sense. Look for and eliminate potential danger spots near candles, fireplaces, trees and electrical connections.

Holiday Decorating Safety

Safety Tip:

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D E C E M B E RB iRTHDAYs

PowerLines December 2014 3

Bundle Up for Winter Storms

Butch Williamson 2Ryan Bache 2Judy Gilliam 3Brad Sylvia 3Gerald Yowell 7Ernie Young 8Matt Vaught 9Josh Rutherford 9Justin Cruise 9Harry Guy 10Jennifer Curasco 10Teresa Rosenberger 11Mark Ponton 11Jason Satterwhite 11Josh Street 12John Smith 13Jeff Hinson 13Marcus Kulynych 14Mike Collins 15Brandon Weaver 15Zack Zelenick 15Tosh Bowe 16Farrah McCoy 16Mike Gunnels 17Cory Smith 17Lilly Wade 19Keith Forry 20Dwight Walker 21John Hill 21Mark Chenault 22Joan Banks 23John Crawford 23Eric White 25Daniel Broyles 25Tracie McGowan (LMIT) 25 Amy Sullivan 26Daria Zellmer 27Zach Hicks 27Timothy Claiborne 27Shanie Green 30

Online Tip:

At REC, we make it as easy as 1-2-3. Simply: 1. Visit: www.myrec.coop/reportoutage

2. Enter the account phone number & security code requested.

3. Check the box beside the service address and click submit.

Spread the word to our members. Reporting outages online is easy!

Report Power Outages

Service AnniversariesOctober – December 2014

Kent Farmer (FB)

Benjamin Berry (CU) Virginia Johnson (FB)

Robbie Beard (CU)

Randy Southworth (BG)

Missy Oesterheld (FB)

Wesley Dobbs (BR)

Trey Mitchell (CU)

Teresa Rosenberger (FB)

Maria Perez (FB)

35 years

25 years 10 years

30 years

25 years

10 years

25 years

10 years

25 years

10 years

Bryan Coffey (CU) John Grott (FB)

Megan Whaley (FB) Todd McCall (CU)

5 years 5 years

5 years 5 years

Thank you for your many years of service!

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Garry McGhee (CU)

Chad Frazier (CU) and Travis McCourt (CU)

Brandon Brockman (CU)

4 PowerLines December 2014

Increasing System Reliability Along Route 20

AROUND the CO-OP

What happens when a team of REC engineers implements plans with a crew of highly skilled linemen and substation technicians? Reliability improves,

and for some members that is the key to delivering unprecedented service. Referred to as the Lake of the Woods Substation Improvement Project, the Fredericksburg engineering department determined the need to add a second transformer. Lee Brock (FB) explained, “The Lake of the Woods Substation Improvement Project was designed to increase system reliability along Route 20 in Orange County. The substation’s transformer was very near its full capacity and needed a load reduction. Because of this, REC began planning the addition of a second transformer, the bus work that supports the transformer, and additional distribution circuits in order to reduce the load on the existing transformer and to serve new load.” This project, and projects comparable to this, are part of REC’s efforts to maintain reliable electric service for its members. Work similar to this takes place throughout each of REC’s districts so that all members are served equally. n

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Garry McGhee (CU)

Knowledgeable Employees Lead to Satisfied Co-op Members

Member satisfaction ranks high on the list of priorities for serving the members of REC. That’s why employees throughout the Cooperative take advantage of educational

opportunities to increase their knowledge on how best to deliver outstanding service. Customer service employees recently participated in high-bill training. Virginia Johnson (FB) said, “During this time of year, our customer service representatives are often asked a lot of questions from our members about high electric bills. There are many reasons a member could have a high electric bill, and when that member calls we want our representatives to have all of the information they need to be able to assist the member.” REC also offers a line of products and services under the name HomeResources. These items range from warranty programs to handling small electrical jobs. REC’s employees also received training for selling products and services. Virginia added, “We typically only offer a product or service if it’s something we truly believe will help our members. So when a member expresses an interest or when we encounter a member who could benefit from something we offer, we want our representatives to be able to communicate clearly to the member about it.” Trainings are held throughout each year and topics change as the needs of members change. n

AROUND the CO-OPAROUND the CO-OP

PowerLines December 2014 5

Employees learn during high-bill

training.

Sales ideas are shared during sales training.

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Rachelle Scott (CU)

represented REC at the Art of Aging Expo in Culpeper on

Nov. 1. Approximately 150 people attended the event and many of them stopped by REC’s booth to learn more about energy efficiency, safety and payment choices. n

6 PowerLines December 2014

REC Focuses on Community SupportThis fall employees from each of REC’s districts and offices have been busy participating in local community events. The involvement of all employees supports REC’s focus on community involvement, and giving back to the communities it serves. Thank you to everyone who has participated in a community event this year. Your involvement and dedication are appreciated not only by REC, but also by the communities you have taken the time to work within.

Clarke County STEM Program

More focus is being placed on Science, Technology, Engineering

and Math (STEM) together because the skills and knowledge of each discipline are essential and because these fields are intertwined in the real world and in how students learn more effectively. On Nov. 5, Darrell Potter (BR) and Mike Riley (BR) attended Clarke County High School’s annual STEM Festival. The evening’s activities featured area businesses and non-profit groups sharing fun and interactive games, projects or information focused on an area related to STEM. n

Art of Aging Expo

Kits for the Classroom

Recently, Daniel Broyles (CU) visited Principal James Oliver of Epiphany

Catholic School in Culpeper to deliver 30 “Kids Super Energy Saver Program with CFL Charlie” kits to assist the teachers when their curriculum includes electricity, electrical safety and energy efficiency. The kits are designed for elementary school students in second and third grade. n

Eastern View Career Expo

On Oct. 29, Jen

Melerski (CU) and Chuck Tippett (CU) represented REC at Eastern View High School’s Annual Career Expo. Several hundred students from Culpeper County were in attendance and learned more about the wide range of careers at REC. n

Girl Scout Adventure Day

Tim Ashby (CU), Ben Berry (CU) and Eric Corbin (CU) represented REC at

the 2nd Annual Girl Scouts Adventure Day in Fauquier County on Oct. 25. They gave safety demonstrations to several groups of Girl Scouts, emphasizing the importance of being aware of overhead and underground electric wires and provided several examples of accidents that can happen and how to avoid them. Eric performed as CFL Charlie, Touchstone Energy’s super energy saver mascot, which is designed to increase awareness of energy efficiency. n

Madison Elementary Career Day

Chad Foster (BG) visited Madison Elementary School in Caroline County

on Oct. 24 to speak with the school’s students about his career at REC. Over 125 students learned from Chad about what he does on a daily basis at the Co-op and what tools he uses on the job. The students and the teachers were very interested in what they learned and were very appreciative of Chad’s presentations. n

Safety Demo Sycamore Park Elementary

On the evening of Oct. 23, Dwight Walker (CU) and Mark Hicks

(CU) presented REC’s electric safety demonstration at Sycamore Park Elementary School in Culpeper. The demonstration is designed to emphasize the importance of being aware of overhead and underground electric wires and provides several examples of accidents that can happen and how to avoid them. n

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PowerLines December 2014 7

Safety Demo Sycamore Park Elementary

Green Gift-Giving GuideGreen Gift-Giving Guide

Wondering what to buy for the person who has everything? How about a gift for an environment-minded family

member or friend? This holiday season, we urge you to consider giving the gift of energy efficiency.

This doesn’t mean that you have to go out and replace your aunt’s refrigerator or your grandma’s washer and dryer – though you may be their favorite if you do. Giving the gift of energy efficiency can be as simple as filling their stockings, or creating a gift basket, with some of these helpful products.

CFL light bulbs are the easiest way to increase efficiency in your home. From indoor bulbs for your lamps, recessed lighting and hanging fixtures to outdoor lighting, such as flood lamps and even decorative lighting strands – there’s a CFL bulb for everyone.

Water-saving showerheads are also a great gift option. On average, Americans consume over 3 billion gallons of water daily. Switching to a water-saving showerhead could help save money.

Providing your family and friends with energy-efficiency tips along with a gift is also a great option. For example, did you know that one of the best ways to save energy in your home is to turn off all of your electronic devices? Try a Power Strip, which costs around $30.

Supplement your gift with caulking supplies or weather strips, and before you know it, you will have the perfect energy-saving gift! All of these products are available online and at big box hardware stores, so get to shopping. From all of us here at REC, have a happy, energy-efficient holiday! n

Holiday Energy Efficiency TipBe merry and bright, but don’t let your holiday lights shine all night. Save money on your electric bill by installing a light timer for your decked out home. It can help lower your electric bill and reduce energy consumption. Use a manual timer plugged into an electrical outlet to automatically turn lights on and off as scheduled.

CFL LIGhT BuLBs aRE ThE EasIEsT Way TO InCREasE EFFICIEnCy In yOuR hOME!

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8 PowerLines December 2014

Born in 1923, Gladys Highlander (retired CU) lived almost her entire

life in Culpeper County. After spending a brief time living and working in Washington, D.C. she became homesick for her Culpeper home. She found a position as an accountant with Northern Piedmont Electric Cooperative (NPEC) and Gladys made her way back home and started her 50-year career with the Cooperative.

Gladys joined the employees at NPEC after much of the legwork had been done to form the electric utility and to recruit members. A stint of her career occurred during World War II. Gladys said, “We still had to take care of what we had, and had to go through the procedure of it. And, of course, there are some things that opened up. You just had a little more to do that’s all,

GlADyS HIGHlANDER

and basically it was the same. It wasn’t any hardship. I enjoyed my work. I did, I enjoyed my work.”

And while things might have been different around the world during the war, the biggest change for Gladys didn’t occur until many, many years later when computers entered the workplace. She said,

“The greatest change was when we got computers, and that was in the latter years. As a matter of fact,

right on up through the last year that I kept records, we typed the information. But, I was just so engrossed in my work,

and I enjoyed it so much, that it was not ever a chore. It was fascinating, even to the very end.”

Gladys expressed sincere joy in the decades she spent working for the Cooperative. She explained, “I enjoyed it so much that it was – it was just my life. That’s all. I can’t say, ‘Oh, it was hard. Oh, you had to work long hours.’ And you had to, but it didn’t bother me. If you had to work overtime, you did. So what? I mean, I enjoyed it just that much. I don’t guess there ever will be anyone who enjoyed their number of years in doing something like that – when I did that.”

When Gladys retired she didn’t go back to visit the Cooperative. It wasn’t because she didn’t love the people or the place she worked, but she had her reasons. She said, “I don’t think I’ve been out there, not since I retired. To me, I don’t need to be. I’m through. I served my time, and I enjoyed it immensely. And it is so different now, I would be going back, but I wouldn’t be going back. There are so few people I would know.” Gladys passed away in 2007. In the files of history photos from NPEC you will see Gladys in many of the images.

Gladys Highlander

PART 2: THAT’S WHAT lEGENDS ARE MADE OF

Memories, Wisdom and Fortitude

Galdys Highlander was interviewed in 2001 by Brian Wolfe on her career with REC. The recorded interview was used to provide the information included in this article.

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PowerLines December 2014 9

JIM RECTOR

There is more than one legacy in the Culpeper district. Another former employee who made a lasting impression was Jim Rector (retired FB). Like most legacies, Jim doesn’t realize the effect he had on the Cooperative, its members, and its employees.

Jim said, “If you work hard, you’re dedicated and do the right thing, the Co-op will give you equal opportunities when they open up. Take advantage of educational opportunities when they present themselves. The Co-op always offered opportunities, and when a person works hard then they usually get a shot at it.”

The chapters of Jim’s career led him from a district field engineer to the manager of engineering working out of the Fredericksburg office. During that time, Jim not only helped design the infrastructure that has been built today, but also influenced many of the employees at the Cooperative.

Randy Ross (CU) started reading meters in the Culpeper district in 1980, and joined the engineering team in 1984 working for Jim. Randy said, “I worked directly under him until he retired. I wouldn’t be where I am today if it wasn’t for him. He taught me everything I know today about engineering. When I started I knew nothing. When I came to work in his department, he took me out in the field, we did work plans together, and he taught me field engineering. I have the utmost respect for him, and am where I am today because he gave me that opportunity.”

Gloria Smith (CU) also worked for Jim. She said, “He was a very intelligent man. He knew the job, and he knew the Co-op territory. And on the inside he was very warm and caring. He was compassionate and cared about his employees. He trained some of the best engineers, and expected the best from his employees.”

As Jim matured in his career with the Cooperative he says he was rewarded in many ways. “You have failures and you have successes,” said Jim. “But when you have a success that benefits the members of the Co-op, that makes you feel good. Sometimes you see a big success that improves reliability, and that makes a big difference.”

Jim retired in 2005 leaving his legacy at REC. He concluded, “It doesn’t take long to realize that it’s not about you, it’s about the people who are getting the work done. When you see your people pulling together, and making it happen, that’s satisfaction.” n

Jim joined NPEC just after he graduated from high school. He said, “I started working at Northern Piedmont Electric Cooperative in 1965. And actually, the Co-op came looking for me.”

At the time, NPEC needed to fill a position that is the equivalent of today’s distribution designer. Jim had a reputation as being a good worker, and this led to his opportunity to work for the Cooperative.

“Once I started working with the Co-op I really liked it, and stuck with it,” Jim explained. “The thing about life is that it’s sort of like a book. You go through school, and that’s a chapter. And maybe you think you can write the next chapter of your career, but a new chapter opens up for you. I thought I was going to get out of high school and build houses. But this chapter at REC opened up for me. And the book of my life has continued.”

One of the things that makes Jim’s career so unique is that he didn’t have a college degree. Jim says, “I am blessed. You work hard, you put in the hours, you take advantage of educational opportunities. I was blessed that my bosses offered me the opportunity to take on additional responsibilities.”

Jim Rector

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Congratulations

Condolences

10 PowerLines December 2014

FamilyMatters

Robert “Teddy Bear” Martin’s (retired BG) wife, Ann, passed away Sunday, Nov. 2. Please keep Robert and his family in your thoughts and prayers.

Tyler Scott Wright’s (FB) father-in-law, Dan Robertson of Hanover County, died unexpectedly in November. Please remember Tyler, his wife Heather and their daughter Ally in your thoughts and prayers as they struggle through this sudden family loss.

Lisa Smith’s (FB) son Kevin and his girlfriend Jesse

were recently nominated to the Homecoming Court at Brooke Point High School.

Both Kevin and Jesse are seniors at Brooke

Point. Kevin plays short stop on the Brooke Point varsity baseball team. Congratulations Kevin and Jesse!

Congratulations Michelle Rabe (FB formerly Carter) on her marriage to Robert Rabe on Nov. 8. The two exchanged their vows at Flat Run Baptist Church and are excited about the life they have started together.

On the move

GoodbyeMatt Shaw (past BR employee) came to REC after

a 20-year career with Allegheny Power. After the acquisition of AP in 2010, Matt became a lead

lineman for REC. Matt recently resigned from his position with REC. But he’s not done working yet.

He has decided to join the team at the Virginia, Maryland, Delaware Association of Electric

Cooperatives as a safety coordinator.

CongratulationsChris Headley (FB) was recently elected as the President of the National Society of Accountants for Cooperatives (NSAC). NSAC is an organization of financial professionals from different types of

cooperatives, including electric coops, from all across the U.S. This is a significant achievement for Chris. Congratulations!

Sharing REC’s Member Engagement Successes Nationally

In November, Casey Hollins (FB) presented a webinar to members of the Cooperative Communicator’s Association (CCA) on the ways REC has improved member

engagement. From Casey, CCA members learned how REC’s Annual Meeting is changing, why Get Connected events are being held, and how REC uses telephone town hall meetings and social media to communicate with members. Over 29 co-ops from across the country participated in the webinar, and Casey shared tips on how they can incorporate some of REC’s techniques into their co-op’s communication plans. n

Bill Fessler (FB) has been promoted to Utility Person III.

David Good (FB) has accepted a new role as Project/Relay Engineering Technician. David will continue his current duties in addition to overseeing the Substation and Transmission line projects.

Matt Wuethrich (FB) has accepted a new position as a relay technician. After years as a substation technician, Matt is excited about this new opportunity.

CCA

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STAy KEyED IN: KPI* GOALS & RESuLTS AS OF OCTOBER 2014 Critical Success Key Performances KPI Base Target Stretch ResultsPerformance Category Factor Indicator (KPI) Weight 4X 8X 12X yTD

Safe Operations Safety Lost Work Days Cases 25 3 1 0 1

Financial Performance Operating Expenses Controllable Expenses 20 $377 $372 $366 $358 # of Active Services ($456) ($449) ($442)

Plant Development Cost per New Service 10 $2,546 $2,400 $2,265 $2,692 (Code 100s)

Customer Service Reliability S.A.I.D.I. 22 136 min 114 min 105 min 105.87 Routine Outages (156) (129) (117)

Member Satisfaction Annual Index Survey 23 81 82 83 **82

Amounts in bold are the yearly goals. Not Meeting Base Not Meeting Target Meeting Target ** 2014 3rd Quarter Score *Key Performance Indicators

MattersDedication and Perseverance

PowerLines December 2014 11

Ayear ago Minda Bian (FB) started on a journey to get healthy and to lose weight. Her fist step was joining American Family Fitness

(AMF). She had never been in a gym before and she was scared. Minda started working out by herself at first and was amazed at how friendly everyone was at the gym. Then she enlisted the help of Jason Teske, a trainer at AMF. Minda said, “He is phenomenal! I’ve been working with him for six months now, and he’s definitely helped me reach beyond my fitness and health goals. I’ve lost over 100 pounds since Thanksgiving last year and a little less than half of that has been with his assistance.”

Jason has motivated her and opened the door that she didn’t even know was there. The gym became a second home to Minda; the employees even knew her name when she didn’t know theirs. Minda said, “Emotionally, working out makes you feel stronger and more confident. I can physically do things I never knew I was capable of doing. I really think going to AMF, having their support and Jason’s support has been a huge part of my success.” Minda’s routine consists of working out an average of one to one and a half hours a day most days. Two to three times a week she works out with her trainer for the same amount of time and then works out by herself. These are the high-intensity days. Two days a week she works out for 30 minutes. She works on cardio and weight lifting. She also does box jumps and jogs on the treadmill; she mentally gets into it. These are things she says she could never do before. Her eating habits have changed as well. Fast food was a way of life, maybe two times a day, before she started working out. Now she practices ‘clean eating,’ which is eating primarily unprocessed food. She has cut down on sweets and carbs, too. She still has pizza occasionally but she makes her own and uses plenty of veggies. Her motto is “everything in moderation.” In the beginning, she stopped drinking sodas and lost 20 pounds. She says, “I don’t live by the scale. I live by how I feel.” Meal prepping plays an important part of her week. She shops once a week, cooks on Sunday and gets ready for the week. It takes her a little longer to shop now because she reads all the labels before she buys anything. She eats mainly veggies, fruit, fish, chicken and turkey and maybe every two weeks she has red meat. Bison is her red meat of choice. Minda said, “Once you learn that health is a lifestyle, fad diets just don’t work.” Minda feels better than she has in years. She can breathe easier and run up those steps to her office. She plans to keep this lifestyle forever. This is something she can live with. n

Note: Not everyone can have the workout schedule that Minda has, but even if you walk for 10 minutes a day, every day, you will notice a big difference in your health.

Before

After

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POWERL I N E S

POWERL I N E S

P.O. Box 7388Fredericksburg, VA 22404

PowerLines is published monthly for employees, their families, board members and retirees of Rappahannock Electric Cooperative.

For news or story ideas, contact:Casey Hollins ext. 5908Brian Wolfe ext. 5914Justin Cruise ext. 5905

What did you bag this hunting season?Share your hunting stories and pictures for the January issue of Powerlines.

It was a month before Christmas, and there was more shopping to be done. So I pulled up the Co-op Connections website, when

what to my wondering eyes would appear but a listing of all the ways I can save this year.

1. Oh the great deals at local businesses I visit. All I have to do is show my Co-op Connections card. That’s so easy – isn’t it?

2. But wait there’s more. Online shopping is where the deals are. There are ways to save at national businesses for all, and I can earn money back with the Cash Back Savings Mall. I love shopping at these stores anyway, Thanks REC, that’s the best benefit of the day!

3. With the stress of the holidaysIt’s really best to take care of yourself.With Co-op Connections there are even waysTo save on prescriptions and health.

4. We sure do eat a lot this time of year. But I have no fearMy wallet is still full of doughThanks to Co-op Connections coupons.

There’s Still Time to Save with Co-op ConnectionsDidn’t you know?With Co-op Connections the savings are real! My online shopping, visits to local stores, and discount savings have begun. Use your Co-op Connections card and save on everything, Yes, everything! Shop and save – get it done!

Send to Casey Hollins by Dec. 12.

[email protected] orthrough interoffice mail.

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