chickasaw electric cooperative edition

Chickasaw Electric Cooperative Edition

02_CEC COVER.qxp_02_CEC_0715_001 6/11/15 3:54 PM

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16 The Tennessee Magaz ine

1940-2015Celebrate YOUR cooperative’s historyPlease join us for the 75th CEC annual meeting onTuesday, Sept. 15, 2015, at Buckley CarpenterSchool.

5 p.m. — School tours begin

5:30 p.m. — Registration opens(no early arrivals, please)Hamburgers, hot dogs and softdrinks served.

6:30 p.m. — Business meetingDoor prizes awarded following thebusiness meeting.

Holiday closingChickasaw Electric Cooperative

will be closed Friday, July 3,in observance of Independence Day.

CEC personnel will be on callin the event of an emergency.

CEC board members and employeeswould like to wish you

a happy and safe Fourth of July!

Photo courtesy of NRECA

Chickasaw ElectricCooperative17970 Highway 64Somerville, TN 38068

Phone: 901-465-3591

Toll-free: 866-465-3591

Fax: 901-465-5392

Email: [email protected]

Website: Chickasaw.coop

24-hour emergency service:901-465-3591

Office hours:Monday-Friday

7 a.m.-5 p.m.

CEC JULY 2015.qxp_02_CEC_0715_ 6/10/15 10:22 AM Page 16

Ju ly 2015 17

Prewitt retires with nearly 25 years of service

After nearly 25 years of ded-icated service, ChickasawElectric Cooperative’sLeroy Prewitt has retired.

Leroy started working for CEC in June1990 on the right-of-way crew andwas later promoted to crew leader.

Leroy will be missed by his co-workers. On behalf of the board andemployees at CEC, we wish Leroy thebest in his retirement. What positions did you hold at CEC?

Right of way maintenance crew leaderWhat are some lessons you learned whenyou worked at CEC that you will carry intoretirement?I learned how to work safely and how toobey orders.

What will you miss most about working at CEC? The people I worked with and my job.

What do you plan on doing once you retire? Go to church, go fishing and hunting,garden and cut grass.

Why does CEC prune trees?For safety

CEC’s vegetation management reduces electric safetyrisk to our members by:• providing minimum separation between wires and

vegetation to eliminate potential electric shock.• reducing potential wildfire hazards from tree-wire

conflicts and downed power lines caused by falling treesand branches.

For reliabilityTrees are among the most common causes of electric

service interruptions. Trees that are too close to powerlines can interfere with electric service, especially whenweather brings lightning, wind, ice or snow. Maintainingpower to vital infrastructures and services such ashospitals, nursing homes, police and fire departments,airports, water and sewer pumping stations and trafficsignals is paramount.

CEC can better ensure reliability of electric service by:• Having a preventive maintenance program that includes

removing vines, branches and entire trees from electricequipment and energized conductors.

• Removing vegetation that could cause a safety hazard oran electric outage when it has the potential to grow into

the power lines or fall onto them due to weather or poortree health.

My trees are not even touching the wires. Why does CEChave to prune them?

CEC is proactive and tries to prune trees BEFORE theypose a risk to the power lines. Because trees are dynamic,factors such as swaying in the wind, sagging with ice/snowweight and uprooting in storms are examples of problems thatcan occur without warning even if the trees are not in contactwith wires at this moment. It is ideal to prune trees beforethey become problematic to direct growth away from wires. Itmay take years before a tree presents a safety or reliabilityrisk, but fast-growing trees near the power lines will need tobe pruned or removed completely as they mature.

How will a tree look after it is directionally pruned? Trees growing directly under power lines may appear

U- or V-shaped (crown reduction or through-pruning).Trees growing alongside power lines may appear L-shaped, or one side may be completely removed(side-pruning). The tree may appear oddly shaped;however, remember that this pruning is not performed foraesthetic purposes but to safely clear the wires. In general,trees growing near the power lines will never have thepotential to grow with a “natural” shape.



Electric water heater rebates

If you are thinking about replac-ing your water heater, thinkelectric. If you replace an exist-ing water heater with a new

electric one, you will be eligible fora $30 credit on your ChickasawElectric bill.

To qualify for the bill credit, wewill need a copy of your receipt withproof that the purchase was madewithin the last six months. Thereceipt must indicate the waterheater’s model number and brand.

You can email your receipt [email protected]; mail it toChickasaw Electric Cooperative,Attn: Andrea Kee, P.O. Box 459,

Somerville, TN 38068; or fax it to901-465-5392. Make sure to includeyour service address, phone numberand CEC account number.

New-home constructionOwners of new homes may be

eligible to receive the first fullmonth of electric service (up to$300) free by building an all-electrichome to Energy Right standards.Qualifying homes must have all-electric or dual-fuel heat pumps andelectric water heaters. For moreinformation, contact the CECEngineering Department at 901-465-3591, ext. 198.

Is your cell your primary phone?We need your number for faster outage response

If you’ve recently disconnectedyour landline phone and areusing a cell as your primaryphone, please provide us with

that number for faster response andservice restoration during outages.You can quickly update your numberby following one of these four op-tions: 1. Change it on the bottom portion of your bill and

return it when you make your payment.2. Call our automated system.3. Call 901-465-3591 to talk to one of our member

service representatives, who can make thechanges for you.

4. Visit chickasaw.coop. Simply click on “MyAccount,” then “Account Profile.”It is important for you, as a member, to keep

your telephone number current; our outage

management and automatedphone system uses calleridentification technology to linkyour telephone number(s) to youraddress.

This means that if you have apower outage and call to make usaware of it, your outage locationcan be pinpointed based on your

caller ID and the associated phone number andlocation information in your CEC member data file.And, when multiple calls come in from the samearea, our automated systems aid CEC personnel inassessing the magnitude of the outage. Thisimportant information determines the manpowerand equipment that might be needed to restore yourservice faster.

So, please call and make sure we have yourcorrect contact information!


Ju ly 2015 19

Loyd Muncy, 26 yearsRobert Cooper, 26 years

Darrin Cook, 26 yearsFreddie Clifft, 23 years

Chris Whittemore, 22 yearsDietrich Woods, 17 years

Dustin Robertson, 13 years

Jonathan Bowen, 11 yearsChris Burrow, 9 years

Michael Wallace, 5 yearsApril Henson, 3 years

Josh Hammons, 1 yearMichael Douglas, 1 yearWilliam Mitchell, 1 year

Employees celebrating anniversaries

Chickasaw Electric Cooperative is the recipientof Federal financial assistance from the RuralUtilities Service (RUS), an agency of the U.S.Department of Agriculture, and is subject to

the provisions of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of1964, as amended; Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Actof 1973, as amended; the Age Discrimination Act of1975, as amended; and the rules and regulations of theU.S. Department of Agriculture, which provide that noperson in the United States on the basis of race, color,national origin, age or handicap shall be excluded fromparticipation in, admission or access to, denied the bene-fits of or otherwise be subjected to discrimination underany of this organization’s programs or activities.

The person responsible for coordinating thisorganization’s nondiscrimination compliance efforts isGeneral Manager John Collins. Any individual orspecific class of individuals who feels that thisorganization has subjected him or her to discriminationmay obtain further information about the statutes andregulations listed above from and/or file a writtencomplaint with this organization or the Secretary, U.S.Department of Agriculture, Washington, D.C. 20250; orthe Administrator, Rural Utilities Service, Washington,D.C. 20250.

Complaints must be filed within 180 days of thealleged discrimination. Confidentiality will bemaintained to the extent possible.

CEC celebrates Earth Day

April 22 was Earth Day, and Chicka-saw Electric Cooperative cele-brated by holding a drawing for ourmembers who receive E-bills every

month for a chance to win $100 Walmart giftcards. Lucky winners were Julia Bratcher andWalter Moore.

Congratulations! And thank you forenrolling in our environmentally friendlybilling program.

Walter Moore Julia Bratcher

To celebrate Earth day, Chickasaw Electric Cooperative set up atable with items made from recycled materials.

Statement of nondiscrimination


Cumberland Electric Membership Corporation — Your Touchstone Energy Cooperative

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AS I SEE IT Manager’s Viewpoint


The power of American independenceCelebrating July 4 and declaring our energy independence

Fireworks and flags. Cookoutsand cold drinks. The Fourth ofJuly is a festive day on whichwe celebrate with

family and friends our na-tion’s independence. Typi-cally, this is not a day ofquiet reflection. While wespend a lot of energy havingfun, if we give any thoughtabout our forbearers andtheir determined efforts tobring about our nation’s in-dependence, it’s fleeting.

An independent spirit is apart of our DNA

However, it is worthreflecting that this uniquelyAmerican spirit of independenceremains part of our collective DNAmore than 200 years after theindependent nation of the United Stateswas formed and the Declaration ofIndependence was crafted. And thissense of independence has served uswell. For example, more than 70 yearsago, an independent streak inspiredgroups of farmers across America’scountryside to band together toimprove their quality of life. Asidefrom President Franklin Roosevelt’spromise of federal aid in the form oflow-interest loans and engineeringexpertise, rural Americans had littlehelp in bringing electricity to theirhomes. So, they did it themselves bypulling together and workingcooperatively — a shining example ofAmerican determination and ingenuity.

For the past 40-plus years, nearlyevery president since Richard Nixonduring the time of the Arab oil embargohas talked about the goal of U.S.energy independence — reducing ourreliance on imported oil and other

forms of foreign energy. Today we arecloser to that goal than ever before. Weare exporting more gas and importingless foreign fuel than in recent memory.

American ingenuity in theform of new technology andinnovation is opening upmore options and spurringgreater efficiency across allforms of energy. Accordingto the Energy InformationAgency, energyexpenditures as a share ofgross domestic product areforecast at 6.2 percent in2015, their lowest levelsince 2002, reflecting bothlower oil prices and ongoingincreases in energy

efficiency.

The road to energy independenceConsumers have an important role to

play in the road to energyindependence. They don’t have to waitfor Democrats and Republicans toagree or environmentalists and fossilfuel advocates to reach consensus on apath to energy independence.Consumers can play a part in movingus toward national energyindependence by taking action insimple, practical ways — insulatingand caulking around windows, doorsand electrical outlets; washing clothesin cold water instead of hot; replacingair filters; installing programmablethermostats; and using more-energy-efficient appliances and home heatingand cooling systems. Efficiency effortscan cut costs for individual households,but the collective benefit to our countryis even greater.

Jim Coode,General Manager,

Cumberland Electric Membership

Corporation

Continued on page 20

Cumberland Electric Membership CorporationCEMC Management and StaffJim Coode, General ManagerRandy Holt,Operations Division ManagerChris A. Davis, Administrative Division ManagerMark T. Cook, P.E.Engineering Division ManagerAnnabelle Chester, Human Resources ManagerSeth Roberts, Member Services Manager

CEMC Co-op News EditorJulie WallaceP.O. Box 3300Clarksville, TN 37043

Open Monday-Friday, 7:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. 800-987-2362

Ashland City officeJosh Gill, District Operations SupervisorClarksville officeKenny Davis, District Operations SupervisorDover officeTerry Odom, District Operations SupervisorGallatin officeTravis Akins,District Operations SupervisorPortland/White House officesTodd Hesson, District Operations SupervisorSpringfield officeNicky Roberts, District Operations Supervisor

CEMC Board of DirectorsTommy G. Whittaker, Sumner Co., PresidentWesley H. Aymett, Cheatham Co., Vice PresidentShela K. Williams, At Large, Secretary-TreasurerK. Jean Beauchamp, Robertson Co., Assistant Secretary-Treasurer Stephen E. Douglass, Stewart Co.Charles R. Hancock, Stewart Co.Michael A. Mason, Robertson Co.C. David Morgan, Montgomery Co.Edward L. Oliver, Montgomery Co.Joe H. Whitaker, Sumner Co.

Mission StatementCumberland Electric MembershipCorporation is committed to providingdependable, affordable electric servicethrough the expertise and dedication ofcompetent leadership and a well-trained and responsive workforce.

CEMC JULY 2015.qxp_03_CEMC_0715_ 6/10/15 10:25 AM Page 16

Ju ly 2015 17

Director candidates must meetJuly 29 deadline

Representatives from Cumberland Electric Mem-bership Corporation visited with members ofCongress on Thursday, April 30, in Washington,D.C. They joined more than 40 co-op leaders

from across the state meeting with Tennessee’s congres-sional delegation. Attending from CEMC were ShelaWilliams, board secretary-treasurer; Joe Whitaker, boardmember; Tommy Whittaker, board president; and MarkCook, Engineering Division manager.

“An important part of our mission to provide affordableand reliable energy is educating our elected officials aboutco-ops,” says Whittaker. “These visits help legislatorsbetter understand the issues that concern co-ops and co-opmembers.”

“Elected representatives make decisions and pass lawsthat have serious consequences for Tennessee’s electriccooperatives and their members,” says David Callis,executive vice president of the Tennessee ElectricCooperative Association. “It is important that we tell theelectric cooperative story and inform members ofCongress of the impact of proposed legislation.”

Co-op representatives discussed environmental andpower supply issues with members of Congress during

their visits. “It is important that we communicate howlegislation affects rates and reliability for everydayTennesseans,” says Callis.

Tennessee electric cooperative leadersvisit D.C. lawmakers

Members of Cumberland Electric MembershipCorporation interested in serving on CEMC’sboard of directors can obtain a petition fromthe general manager’s office. Each petition

must be signed by at least 15 members. The petition must be completed and turned in by the

deadline of Wednesday, July 29, which is 60 days prior tothe 2015 annual meeting. This year’s meeting will be heldSaturday, Sept. 26, at White House Heritage High Schoolin Robertson County.

An election will be held for the following directorpositions: South Stewart County, North Robertson Countyand North Sumner County.

Anyone with a valid membership in good standing as ofJuly 29 can vote in the director elections. Those applyingfor membership after July 29 will not be eligible to vote inthis year’s election but are welcome to attend the meetingand register for prizes.

(CEMC Bylaws Article 3 — Section 3.05)

Cumberland Electric Membership Corporation

will be closed Friday, July 3, in observance of

Independence Day. CEMC personnel will be

available in the event of anemergency — call 1-800-987-2362.

CEMC wishes you a safe andhappy Fourth of July!

Members from Cumberland Electric MembershipCorporation meet with Rep. Marsha Blackburn in D.C. onApril 30. Environmental and power-supply issues wereamong the topics discussed.


CEMC recognizessuper student achievements


Cumberland Heights Elementary held its annual spellingbee April 6. The winners are, from left, Kylie Hernandez,third place; Samari Williams, first place; and Trey Troyani,second place. The winners were awarded cash prizescourtesy of Cumberland Electric MembershipCorporation.

Cheatham County fourth-grade math contest winnersare, from left, Fiona Mikhail, Pegram Elementary, firstplace; Adam Hesselbacher, Pleasant View Elementary,second place; and Angus Stergar, Kingston SpringsElementary, third place.

Cheatham County math contest winners from the fifthgrade are, from left, Laney Corlew, Harpeth Middle, firstplace; Javy Matos, Cheatham Middle, second place; andMichael Harris, Harpeth Middle, third place.

The Cheatham County School District held its annualmath contest for third through fifth grades March 13. Thethird-grade winners are, from left, Austin Campbell, WestCheatham Elementary, first place; Neil Zerkle, PegramElementary, second place; and Jackson Earle, PleasantView Elementary, third place.


Ju ly 2015 19

CEMC was proud to sponsor North StewartElementary School’s annual Math Marathonfor second through fifth grades April 23. Atright are the winners for each grade level andthe overall winner. They are, from left, standing,Lydia Edwards, fourth grade, second place;Hagen Albright, fourth grade, third place;Ruben Perez, fourth grade, third place; WillPage, fifth grade, third place; Gage Link, fifthgrade, second place; Grant Chaney, fifth grade,first place; and Grace Chaney, fifth grade,overall winner. Kneeling: Darryll Cook, fourthgrade, first place; Kylie Romkey, second grade,first place, Eli Jenkins, second grade, secondplace; Blessed Tomsic, second grade, thirdplace; Joy Beth Hardison, third grade, thirdplace; and Analyce Taylor, third grade, firstplace. Not pictured is Lani Morgan, third grade,second place.

At left are fourth-grade students from CumberlandHeights Elementary school who participated in AustinPeay State University’s STEM (Science, Technology,Engineering and Math) Exposition May 4. The studentswere challenged to create a safe tool for linemen touse when working on live power lines. They began byinvestigating circuits, differentiating betweenconductors and insulators and applying knowledgegained by viewing an electric safety presentationperformed by Cumberland Electric MembershipCorporation. Student teams used the engineeringdesign process to plan, create, test and improve theirtool, which was presented at the expo. CEMC is proudto help spark these young thinking minds aboutelectricity.

By cleaning your air conditioner’s ducts, you can lower your energy consumption by between 5 percent and15 percent.

Source: energy.gov

Tennessee-Kentucky Threshermen’s Association

46th Annual Threshing ShowFriday and Saturday, July 17 and 18,Bell School Grounds in Adams

• Steam engines • Antique tractors • Wheat-threshing • Sawmilling • Antique gas and

diesel engines • Tractor pulls • Arts and crafts • Live music • Food • Parade

Admission: $6; children 10 and under FREEGates open at 8 a.m. with FREE parking.

Sponsored in part by

CEMC



Stay safe exploring the great outdoors this summer

The power of American independence

Summer is in full swing, and that means it is timefor fun in the sun! As you find yourself spendingmore time outdoors, Cumberland Electric Mem-bership Corporation reminds you to stay safe.

Planning a home improvement project? When workingoutdoors, you may be using equipment such as ladders,power tools, shovels or even paintbrushes with extendablearms. These items help you get the job done but have thepotential to be dangerous if used improperly.

Pay attention to where you place metal ladders or digfor fence posts. Before you start any project, always lookup and avoid overhead power lines. Keep a minimum of 10feet between you and overhead lines.

If you are planning a project that requires digging,remember to dial “811” first to find out if the area you willbe working in is clear of underground power lines. Keeppower tools away from wet surfaces, and don’t overloadoutlets.

Exploring the great outdoors is a great way to spendtime with the family, but keep these safety tips in mind:

Children should never climb trees near power lines —always assume a wire is live. Fly kites and remote-controlled airplanes in large, open areas like parks orfields, safely away from trees and overhead power lines.

Planning to take a dip in the pool? Keep electricaldevices such as stereos at least 10 feet away from watersources, and outdoor electrical outlets should always be

covered. If you hear a rumble of thunder, exit the poolright away.

Speaking of thunder, summer storms can be dangerousif you’re caught in the wrong place at the wrong time. Ifyou find yourself outdoors during a storm, move towardsuitable shelter with covered sides, and stick to low-lyingground if possible.

These are just a few tips to remember when you arespending time outdoors this summer with your family.Have some fun out there, and always keep safety in mind!

By Abby Berry

If we all work together to achieve increased energyefficiency and reduce our overall energy consumption, wecan make even more progress on our road toward energyindependence. At Cumberland Electric MembershipCorporation, we want to be a resource for you in thiseffort. We can provide energy-saving tips tailored for yourunique household needs.

Electric co-ops provide renewable energy resourcesIn addition, CEMC, along with other electric co-ops

across the country, has been actively engaged in promoting

renewable energy resources like wind, solar, hydropowerand biomass (including landfill gas, livestock waste,timber byproducts and crop residue). Today, nearly 95percent of the nation’s 900-plus electric co-ops provideelectricity produced by renewable sources, all playing akey role in powering rural America while fostering ournation’s energy independence.

Recent advances in technology are transforming howwe make and move electricity, and over time, thesechanges will greatly improve not only the efficiency butthe reliability of electric power. So this Fourth of July, asyou gaze up at the fireworks lighting up the night sky,reflect on the enduring spirit of independence that isintegral to our American character.

Remember to keep safety in mind while enjoying thegreat outdoors this summer. Photograph courtesy ofUnderwriters Laboratories

(Continued from page 16)


Caney Fork Electric Cooperative — Your Touchstone Energy Cooperative

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Fireworks and flags. Cook-outs and cold drinks. TheFourth of July is a festiveday on which we celebrate

with family and friendsour nation’s independence.Typically, this is not a dayof quiet reflection. Whilewe spend a lot of energyhaving fun, if we give anythought about our forbear-ers and their determinedefforts to bring about ournation’s independence, it’sfleeting.

However, it is worthreflecting that this uniquelyAmerican spirit of independenceremains part of our collective DNAmore than 200 years after theindependent nation of the UnitedStates was formed and theDeclaration of Independence wascrafted. And this sense ofindependence has served us well. Forexample, more than 70 years ago, anindependent streak inspired groups offarmers across America’s countrysideto band together to improve theirquality of life. Aside from PresidentFranklin Roosevelt’s promise offederal aid in the form of low-interestloans and engineering expertise, ruralAmericans had little help in bringingelectricity to their homes. So, theydid it themselves by pulling togetherand working cooperatively — ashining example of Americandetermination and ingenuity.

For the past 40-plus years, nearlyevery president since Richard Nixonduring the time of the Arab oilembargo has talked about the goal of

U.S. energy independence— reducing our relianceon imported oil and otherforms of foreign energy.Today, while we still havea ways to go, we are closerto that goal than everbefore. We are exportingmore gas and importingless foreign fuel than inrecent memory. Americaningenuity in the form of

new technology and innovation isopening up more options andspurring greater efficiency across allforms of energy. According to theEnergy Information Agency, energyexpenditures as a share of grossdomestic product are forecast at6.2 percent in 2015, their lowest levelsince 2002, reflecting both lower oilprices and ongoing increases inenergy efficiency.

Consumers have an important roleto play in the road to energyindependence. They don’t have towait for Democrats and Republicansto agree or environmentalists andfossil fuel advocates to reachconsensus on a path to energyindependence. Consumers can play apart in moving us toward nationalenergy independence by takingaction in simple, practical ways —insulating and caulking around




Bill RogersGeneral Manager,Caney Fork Electric

Cooperative

Caney Fork Electric CooperativeServing our members since 1940.

Management and staff

William S. Rogers,General Manager

Donald L. McBee, Director, Financial Services

Steve Johnson, Director, Human Resources

John Chisam, Director, Member Services

Danny Sutton, Director, Operations

Leanne B. Fisher, Administrative Assistant

Jason Cloyd, District Manager

Office hoursMonday-Friday, 7 a.m.-5 p.m.

Websitewww.caneyforkec.com

McMinnville office/headquartersPhone: 931-473-3116888-505-3030

Sparta officePhone: 931-836-3129

Smithville officePhone: 615-597-5626

Spencer officePhone: 931-946-7575

CFEC JULY 2015.qxp_04_CFEC_0715_ 6/10/15 10:44 AM Page 16

Ju ly 2015 17

CFEC celebrates 75 years of rural electrification

windows, doors and electrical outlets; washingclothes in cold water instead of hot; replacing airfilters; installing programmable thermostats; andusing more-energy-efficient appliances and homeheating and cooling systems. Efficiency efforts cancut costs for individual households, but the collectivebenefit to our country is even greater.

If we all work together to achieve increased energyefficiency and reduce our overall energyconsumption, we can make even more progress onour road toward energy independence. At Caney ForkElectric Cooperative, we want to be a resource foryou in this effort. We can provide energy-saving tipstailored for your unique household needs.

In addition, Caney Fork Electric, along with otherelectric co-ops across the country, has been actively

engaged in promoting renewable energy resourceslike wind, solar, hydropower and biomass (includinglandfill gas, livestock waste, timber byproducts andcrop residue). Today, nearly 95 percent of thenation’s 900-plus electric co-ops provide electricityproduced by renewable sources, all playing a key rolein powering rural America while fostering ournation’s energy independence.

Recent advances in technology are transforminghow we make and move electricity, and over time,these changes will greatly improve not only theefficiency but the reliability of electric power. So thisFourth of July, as you gaze up at the fireworkslighting up the night sky, reflect on the enduringspirit of independence that is integral to ourAmerican character.

Members of Caney Fork ElectricCooperative’s first board of trusteesare, from left, Stoke Etter of WarrenCounty; W.T. Knowles, farmer fromWhite County; H.F. Mitchell, retiredrural carrier and farmer from VanBuren County; W.W. Slatten of WhiteCounty; C.C. Dodson, retired farmerfrom Warren County; Oscar Womack,retired rural carrier from WarrenCounty; W.H. Moss of DeKalb County;W.R. Lassiter, school teacher andfarmer from DeKalb County; and W.A. Cathcart, building contractor andfarmer from DeKalb County

Caney Fork Electric Cooperative

will be closed Friday, July 3,

in observance of

Independence Day.

Have a safe and happy Fourth!



Caney Fork Electric Cooperative welcomed members and theirfamilies to Member Appreciation Days, the annual events thatgive our members another chance to meet their co-op leadershipand employees and enjoy lunch with us. These events are special

to CFEC because during this time we get a chance to show our appreciationto our membership. Also this year, we celebrated our 75th anniversary dur-ing the events.

Each CFEC office hosted an event from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. with a freebarbecue lunch, popcorn, snow cones, door prizes, bucket truck photos andactivities for the kids, including their much-loved visits with Louie theLightning Bug. Attendees could also register to win $75 in free electricity.

As you look through these photos, you can see that we all had a lot of funwith everyone who came to the local Member Appreciation Days.

We have already begun planning next year’s events, so keep an eye onThe Tennessee Magazine next spring for more information on the 2016Member Appreciation Days. We hope to see you there!

Highlights from Member


Ju ly 2015 19

r Appreciation Days 2015


CFEC participates in school events


Caney Fork Electric Cooperative representatives participate in Career Day activities at Manchester’s DeerfieldElementary. Linemen George Newman and Lynn Cantrell answered questions the students had about the duties ofCFEC linemen. Also present during the event was CFEC energy adviser Jacob Spivey. The linemen and Spiveyemphasized the importance of “playing it safe around electricity.”

Linemen Lynn Cantrell and George Newman interact with kindergarten and first-grade students during Career Day atBobby Ray Memorial Elementary School in McMinnville. Approximately 615 students were in attendance during thisyear’s installment of the event.

CFEC participates in DeKalb County-Cassville Elementary’s Egg Drop: Atright, CFEC’s Tyler Oaks takes to thebucket for the drop. Also present butnot pictured were CFECrepresentatives Marty Parker andJacob Spivey.

During White County’s Farm Day, CFECrepresentative Jacob Spivey, demonstrates toelementary students the importance of stayingsafe around electricity. Dale Stauffacher alsorepresented CFEC during the safetypresentations.


Duck River Electric Membership Corporation — Your Touchstone Energy Cooperative

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AS I SEE IT Michael’s Viewpoint


DREMC Management and StaffMichael Watson, President/CEOBlake Butler, Director of EngineeringPatrick Jordan, Director of OperationsSteve Oden, Director of Member ServicesShelia Orrell, Director of Financial ServicesDavid Young, Director of District Services

DREMC Office HoursMonday through Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

Chapel Hill OfficeTimmy Orrell, Area ManagerPhone: 364-4700After Hours, Holidays, Weekends: 364-4747

Columbia OfficeMichael Trew, District ManagerPhone: 388-3131After Hours, Holidays, Weekends: 388-3482

Decherd OfficePatrick Hannah, District ManagerPhone: 967-5578After Hours, Holidays, Weekends: 967-5579

Lewisburg OfficeTimmy Terry, District ManagerPhone: 359-2536After Hours, Holidays, Weekends: 359-2537

Lynchburg OfficeEugene Cartwright, Area ManagerPhone: 759-7344After Hours, Holidays, Weekends: 759-7371

Manchester OfficeMichael Millraney, District ManagerPhone: 728-7547After Hours, Holidays, Weekends: 728-7548

Sewanee OfficeLee Wayne Pettes, Area ManagerPhone: 598-5228After Hours, Holidays, Weekends: 967-5579

Shelbyville OfficeMike Bayne, District ManagerPhone: 684-4621After Hours, Holidays, Weekends: 684-4623

DREMC Co-op News EditorConnie PottsP.O. Box 89Shelbyville, TN 37162-0089Phone: 680-5881

DREMC BOARD OF DIRECTORSBrent Willis, ChairmanCoffee, Warren countiesBuford Jennings, Vice ChairmanMoore, Lincoln countiesBarry Cooper, SecretaryBedford, Rutherford countiesJohn Moses, TreasurerMarshall, Giles countiesNelson Crouch, Franklin, Grundy, MarioncountiesBob Dubois, Maury, Hickman, Lawrence,Lewis, Williamson countiesPhilip Duncan, Franklin, Grundy, MarioncountiesMike England, Coffee, Warren countiesAnthony Kimbrough, Maury, Hickman,Lawrence, Lewis, Williamson countiesKenneth Stacey, Marshall, Giles countiesWayne Tucker, Bedford, Rutherford countiesBaxter White, Coffee, Warren counties Laura L. Willis, University of the South

Website: www.dremc.comFacebook: DuckRiverEMCTwitter: DuckRiverEMC

Member surveys help measureco-op performance in key areas

When Duck River EMCdeveloped a strategy map toguide corporate improvement

and member care, we knew that ameasurement of progress would beneeded. It’s one thing to say, “We thinkDREMC is doing better.” It’s quiteanother to quantifyimprovement by trackingwhat co-op members think.

When we launched aseries of surveys and studieslast fall, the purpose was toexplore attitudes andperceptions about DREMC.We also wanted to find outwhat co-op members thinkabout the energy industry ingeneral and changes on thehorizon that will affect thecost and reliability ofelectricity.

What did we learn? First,not everyone thinks the same way aboutelectricity generation and the deliveryof power to homes, farms, businessesand industries. Some folks see thefuture of energy in renewables such assolar and wind; others areuncomfortable with the higher costassociated with no- or low-carbonpower sources.

In fact, we identified five distinctgroups — or segments — of ourmembership. Across these segments,people whose common thread isDREMC membership have muchdifferent attitudes and opinions aboutthe economic, social and politicalaspects of the lifeline service we call“electricity.” How they relate to theirutility provider also varies, as does theirexpectations of DREMC.

Later, we conducted a series of in-depth interviews with co-op members.These face-to-face, no-holds-barredsessions — facilitated by a third party— revealed that member perception issometimes much different than what we

previously thought. Folks told us whatthey saw as our strong and weak points.

Of course, for several years we haveconducted American CustomerSatisfaction Index (ACSI) quarterlysurveys through Touchstone Energy, thenational brand organization for electric

co-ops. Many of you haveprobably been contacted andasked to participate. Thesurvey produces a score thatis then benchmarked againstother electric co-ops. Wetake this score veryseriously and use it to lookfor ways to improve.

After the February icestorms, DREMC surveyedmembers who were affectedby outages. The responses,although generally positiveabout power restorationefforts, provided us with

ideas on how we can improve the nexttime a natural disaster takes downelectricity infrastructure.

Finally, this month or next, co-opmembers who have recently interactedwith DREMC might receive atelephone call a few days after thetransaction or contact. We arelaunching a wide-ranging transactionsurvey to determine whether we meetyour expectations. From this data,DREMC will develop performancemetrics. We will know immediately inwhat areas we met or exceededexpectations — or how we missed themark.

Asking DREMC members how theythink we are doing is vital to measuringprogress. If you’ve believed in the pastthat we only sell electricity, I hope thisexplanation helps you understand thatDREMC actually delivers quality oflife. How well we do is no longersomething that can be measured onlyby an electric meter. We are asking youabout it and listening to your responses.

Michael WatsonDuck River EMCPresident/CEO

DREMC JULY 2015.qxp_05_DREMC_0715_ 6/11/15 10:11 AM Page 16

Brad Cleek is Duck River EMC’s new AMI (automated metering infrastruc-ture) coordinator. Cleek will be responsible for the deployment of AMI me-

ters for many different operating purposes. He comes to the job from the co-op’sShelbyville District, where he’s been a collector-service aide since 2006.

After graduating from Shelbyville Central High School, he attended theUniversity of the South and Middle Tennessee State University. He was previouslyemployed with Limbo’s Paint Store and Lowe’s in Shelbyville.

“We are excited to add Brad to our team,” said Director of Operations PatrickJordan. “His skills in customer relations and experience with the AMI tools will bevaluable in his new role.”

Cleek named new AMI coordinator

Jaycie Cleek has beenawarded a $4,000scholarship through a

special program madepossible by Duck RiverEMC and other local powercompanies across theTennessee Valley Authority’sseven-state region.

Jaycie, daughter ofDREMC AMI CoordinatorBrad Cleek and wife Tammy,is among 35 recipients ofthis year’s Power Playscholarships provided by thePower Play Scholarship Association to recognizeoutstanding academic performance and a commitment tocommunity service among high school seniors whoseparents are employed by local power companies.

A graduate of Shelbyville Central High School, Jayciewill start her college career at Middle Tennessee State

University to pursue adegree in pharmacy.

Scholarship recipientswere chosen by an eight-member selection team ofeducators from collegesand universities in theseven states of theTennessee Valley.Winners were selected onthe basis of academicachievement,standardized test scores,leadership qualities,letters of

recommendation and original essays. Since their establishment in 1995, 447 Power Play

scholarships have been awarded through contributions andfundraising efforts by the Power Play ScholarshipAssociation and its members. In 2015, 149 applicationswere submitted from across the Tennessee Valley.

Employee’s daughter earns Power Play scholarship

Jaycie Cleek, winner of a TVA Power Play scholarship, isjoined by her mother, Tammy, and father, Brad.

Ju ly 2015 17


Nestled in Middle Tennessee’s rollinghills, the town of Wartrace is a

gem of history and tradition, es-pecially for horse lovers. Thissmall community boasts the onlymuseum dedicated to preservingthe legacy of the world-renownedTennessee walking horse, the onlyhorse named for its state and a breedfamous for mild temperament, statelymanners and smooth gait.

Director Philip Gentry strives tofulfill the museum’s mission statementof “collecting, preserving and providingpublic access to artifacts, documents andphotographs which document the richhistory of the Tennessee walking horse.”

Previously housed on the grounds ofthe Tennessee Walking Horse NationalCelebration in Shelbyville, the museumwas subsequently moved to Lynchburg inpartnership with Jack Daniel’s Distillery.The current home is in the “Cradle of theTennessee Walking Horse,” so namedbecause Wartrace was the location forarea owners to bring their mares andstallions for breeding to create the famedhorse.

The museum is housed in a downtownstorefront adjacent to city hall. “Whenthe museum was opened, artifacts linedthe walls on ‘plate shelving’ against abackdrop of drab white walls andceilings,” Gentry reminisced. It wasn’tuntil after U.S. Department ofAgriculture Rural Developmentcontacted the museum and explained thatapplications were being accepted forfunding that walls and ceilings got a new

coat of paint and glass displays wereadded to house the precious artifacts.

Upon entering the museum, visitorsare greeted with true Southernhospitality. They stroll through thefacility with its rich “blue ribbon blue”walls, elegant track lighting andimmaculate displays dating back to thefirst Tennessee Walking Horse Show in1939.

The museum would not be completewithout paying homage to the firstTennessee walking horse World GrandChampion, Strolling Jim, with his saddleprominently displayed at the frontentrance.

A mini-theater grabs the attention ofmany visitors as does a rolling photocollage. Gentry said he’s amazed at theconversations overheard when folks see aphoto that evokes memories of days goneby. Among the displays are attire ofprevious riders, various articles of tackworn by the horses, retirement blankets,judge’s boxes and a displaymemorializing Jeff Givens, a horsetrainer who lost his life in a terriblevehicle accident while traveling backfrom a show in Ohio.

The most interesting item on displayhas to be the remains of the horseSenator’s Chance housed in a woodenchest located at the rear of the exhibit.“The chest weighs about 35 pounds,”said Gentry.

“The walking horse industry is proudof our African American heritage, andour museum is the first to exhibit thesecontributions to society showcasingVannoy Streeter and his wire creations,”added Gentry. The museum captured four

state awards at the recent TennesseeAssociation of Museums annualconference in Jackson.

Pride in heritage and the breed extendsacross the nation, as seen in a displayhonoring mounted patrols used locallyand in places such as New York, Chicago,Boston and Nashville. The Tennesseewalking horse is considered to be a“gentleman’s horse” because of its calmdemeanor. This means it is not easilyspooked in crowded settings and is indemand for urban police work.

The fame of Tennessee’s namesakehorse extends even to welcome centersacross the Volunteer State where portraitsof past World Grand Champions greetvisitors.

Gentry and staff have big plans for themuseum’s future, including additionaldisplays, audio tours and possibly a childcenter. The volunteers are excited toshare the history of the Tennesseewalking horse.

Private tours are available for groupsby calling 931-205-1683. The facility canalso be used for business meetings.Regular office hours are Thursdaythrough Saturday, 10 a.m. until 4 p.m.

The museum is a 501(c)3 organizationthat raises funds through silent auctionsat area horse shows. A trail ride isplanned in October in another effort tosupport the museum. If you would like tocontribute to preserving the legacy, go towww.kroger.com orwww.amazonsmile.com; a portion ofyour purchase will go to the museum.You also can make tax-deductibledonations directly to the museum locatedat 27 Main St., Wartrace, TN 37183.

The chest contains the remains ofTennessee walking horse Senator’s Chance.

Philip Gentry

Bedford County’s town of Wartrace is home to Tennessee Walking Horse National MuseumBy Connie Potts, DREMC Information Specialist



Mark your calendar DREMC ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING

Harris Middle School Auditorium, Shelbyville Registration begins at 8:30 a.m. | Meeting begins at 9:30 a.m. Results of director elections announced | Door prizes | Business session

When David Bobo and his brother,Steve, had a community squirrel huntgeared toward youth 13 years ago,they had no idea it would become a

tradition. David, a 37-year Duck River EMC service-man from the Shelbyville District, shows his commit-ment to the community by giving back to the youth.“We are living in a completely different world fromwhat I grew up in,” he says. “Kids aren’t exposed tohunting or the outdoors like they used to be.”

This year, the hunt had 15 participating teams witha couple of adults and three to four kids on each team.Activities such as skeet- and target-shooting as well asarchery were all part of the event.

When registering for the hunt, each child under theage of 16 receives a ticket. After the hunt, kids areasked to gather around the trailer while ticketnumbers are called. Each participant gets a gift, butthe last child drawn wins the grand prize: a shotgun orrifle.

“I love seeing the kids get excited about hearingtheir numbers called,” says David. “The kids see meout in town and will ask me when we are going tohave the hunt again. I’m glad to see that I’ve made animpression on their lives.”

David received the Pioneer Award this year for hisdedication to the youth in Bedford County. Presentedby the National Wild Turkey Federation, the awardrecognizes his commitment to educating youth abouthunting while making it a safe, enjoyable experience.

“I went hunting with David when I was growingup,” says Duck River EMC Equipment TechnicianJeremy Parker. “I admired and looked up to him. Heis so passionate about getting kids involved in outdooractivities.”

Jeremy Parker, left, poses after a hunting trip to Kentucky with DavidBobo when Parker was in high school.

David Bobo stands on the trailer and pulls door prize tickets for kidsat the squirrel hunt, which he and his brother, Steve, help organizeeach year. Photograph by Ronda Clanton

Outdoor Memories

Saturday, Aug. 15

Ju ly 2015 19


Duck River EMC proudly celebrated the openingof the Chapel Hill service center on Friday, May

22. A ribbon-cutting was held at 10 a.m. Hot dogs,drinks, popcorn, information displays, program sign-ups and building tours were part of the daylong eventaimed at thanking the community and co-op member-ship for supporting the expansion into Chapel Hill.

As a part of the event, Sequachee Valley ElectricCooperative employees Jarvis Wooten and MichaelGriffith were on hand for safety demonstrations usingSVEC’s high-voltage trailer. The demonstrationshowcased the dangers of electricity and how tohandle emergency situations when electricity isinvolved.

At left, Timmy Orrell, left,congratulates Frances and J.R.Canady, winners of the flat-screen television set given awayat the event.

Duck River EMC and Marshall County communitycelebrate opening of new Chapel Hill service center

Marshall County Chamber of Commerce holds a ribbon-cutting ceremony.

Friends of Henry Horton StatePark has been given a $10,000Sharing Success grant fromDuck River EMC and its

lender, CoBank, for construction of anew low-ropes training course.DREMC directors, including Chair-man Brent Willis and John Moses,were on hand to present the symboliccheck when co-op employees from theLewisburg district and Shelbyvilleheadquarters gathered for a volunteerwork day. DREMC President andCEO Michael Watson, who wasamong those helping build the course,explained that CoBank and DREMChave been highly effective in helpingcommunity-based non-profits withprojects that improve quality of life.Past grants have been used for a localpublic library, new animal shelter andthe Imagination Library program.

DREMC-CoBank grant supports low-ropes course at park

At right: Sequachee ValleyElectric Cooperative linemendemonstrate the dangers ofelectricity.


DREMC directors, managers and employees gather at Henry Horton StatePark to kick off the new low-ropes training course project.


Electric cooperatives fromacross Tennessee are part ofthis year’s Chapel Hill Lions

Club Super Pull of the South July 24-25. The nationally sanctioned tractor-and truck-pulling event is sponsored

in part by Touchstone Energy, theTennessee Electric CooperativeAssociation and The TennesseeMagazine — with support fromvolunteers representing numerouspower distribution co-ops like DuckRiver EMC.

Be sure to stop by the electriccooperatives’ tent near thegrandstands to pick up goodies andregister for prizes.

The Touchstone Energy hot-airballoon will be on hand to fly duringopening ceremonies. Free tetheredrides will be offered, weatherpermitting. If going up in a giantballoon has always been on your“bucket list,” you don’t want to miss it!

The Super Pull is located at 310North Horton Parkway in Chapel Hill.Go to lionssuperpull.com for moreinformation or call 931-364-2236.

Duck River ElectricMembership Corporation

offices will be closed Friday,

July 3,

in observance of

Independence Day. DREMC personnel will be on call in the

event of an outage. Phones will be manned at the

cooperative’s 24-hour dispatch center,and crews will be available in case of an

emergency.

Tennessee electric co-ops support Lions Club Super Pull of the South

Tethered balloon rides will beoffered, weather permitting.

Competitor at the Super Pull opensthe throttle on a supercharged,high-horsepower tractor.

Ju ly 2015 21


Forked Deer Electric Cooperative Edition

07_FDEC COVER.qxp_07_FDEC_0715_001 6/11/15 3:56 PM Page 1

Fireworks and flags. Cookoutsand cold drinks. The Fourthof July is a festive day onwhich we cele-

brate with family andfriends our nation’s inde-pendence. Typically, this isnot a day of quiet reflection.While we spend a lot of en-ergy having fun, if we giveany thought about our for-bearers and their deter-mined efforts to bring aboutour nation’s independence,it’s fleeting.

However, it is worthreflecting that this uniquely Americanspirit of independence remains part ofour collective DNA more than 200years after the independent nation ofthe United States was formed and theDeclaration of Independence wascrafted. And this sense ofindependence has served us well. Forexample, more than 70 years ago, anindependent streak inspired groups offarmers across America’s countrysideto band together to improve theirquality of life. Aside from PresidentFranklin Roosevelt’s promise offederal aid in the form of low-interestloans and engineering expertise, ruralAmericans had little help in bringingelectricity to their homes. So, they didit themselves by pulling together andworking cooperatively — a shiningexample of American determinationand ingenuity.

For the past 40-plus years, nearlyevery president since Richard Nixonduring the time of the Arab oil

embargo has talked about the goal ofU.S. energy independence — reducingour reliance on imported oil and other

forms of foreign energy.Today, while we still have aways to go, we are closer tothat goal than ever before.We are exporting more gasand importing less foreignfuel than in recent memory.American ingenuity in theform of new technologyand innovation is openingup more options andspurring greater efficiencyacross all forms of energy.

According to the Energy InformationAgency, energy expenditures as ashare of gross domestic product areforecast at 6.2 percent in 2015, theirlowest level since 2002, reflecting bothlower oil prices and ongoing increasesin energy efficiency.

Consumers have an important roleto play in the road to energyindependence. They don’t have to waitfor Democrats and Republicans toagree or environmentalists and fossilfuel advocates to reach consensus on apath to energy independence.Consumers can play a part in movingus toward national energyindependence by taking action insimple, practical ways — insulatingand caulking around windows, doorsand electrical outlets; washing clothesin cold water instead of hot; replacingair filters; installing programmablethermostats; and using more-energy-efficient appliances and home heatingand cooling systems. Efficiency efforts




Forked Deer ElectricCooperativeP.O. Box 67Halls, TN 38040

Office Hours:Monday-Thursday7 a.m.-5 p.m.

StaffJeff Newman, General ManagerJudith Holland, Office ManagerJay Burress, Operating Line

SuperintendentE.W. Baggett, Apprentice LinemanJohnny Biggs, Journeyman LinemanMorgan Bowser, GroundmanJimmy Buckner, GroundmanKathy Cherry, Cashier/ReceptionistKevin Fair, Work Order ClerkCameron Green, Apprentice

LinemanRosalind Green, Member Services

RepresentativeKenneth Hankins Jr., GroundmanBubba Humphreys, Crew Chief/

Working ForemanCody Hutchison, Apprentice LinemanJeremy Jones, Apprentice LinemanKelly Mayo, Head CashierRoss Norrid, Equipment OperatorChad Paris, Journeyman LinemanNelda Kay Ray, Accounting ClerkKeven Reece, GroundmanHolly Saliba, Cashier/ReceptionistTyler Selph, Apprentice LinemanBrad Stafford, Apprentice LinemanAndrea Tims, Billing ClerkBrian Vaughn, ITTKim Weeks, Accounting ClerkChance Williams, GroundmanDonald Williams, Meter Tech/

CollectionsMark Yeager, Engineering Aide

Board of DirectorsKeith Warren, PresidentLynn Burnett, Vice President David Walker, Secretary-TreasurerWally ChildressRonnie FisherMike HarrisRonnie RobertsJoe SmithRon WeirMark D. Johnston, Attorney

Jeff NewmanGeneral Manager,

Forked Deer Electric Cooperative

FDEC JULY 2015.qxp_07_FDEC_0715_ 6/10/15 4:43 PM Page 16

Ju ly 2015 17

can cut costs for individual households, but thecollective benefit to our country is even greater.

If we all work together to achieve increased energyefficiency and reduce our overall energy consumption,we can make even more progress on our road towardenergy independence. At Forked Deer ElectricCooperative, we want to be a resource for you in thiseffort. We can provide energy-saving tips tailored foryour unique household needs.

In addition, FDEC, along with other electric co-opsacross the country, has been actively engaged inpromoting renewable energy resources like wind, solar,hydropower and biomass (including landfill gas,

livestock waste, timber byproducts and crop residue).Today, nearly 95 percent of the nation’s 900-pluselectric co-ops provide electricity produced byrenewable sources, all playing a key role in poweringrural America while fostering our nation’s energyindependence.

Recent advances in technology are transforming howwe make and move electricity, and over time, thesechanges will greatly improve not only the efficiency butthe reliability of electric power. So this Fourth of July,as you gaze up at the fireworks lighting up the nightsky, reflect on the enduring spirit of independence thatis integral to our American character.


Summer is in full swing, and that means it is time

for fun in the sun! As you find yourself spending

more time outdoors, Forked Deer Electric Coop-

erative reminds you to stay safe.

Planning a home improvement project? When working

outdoors, you may be using equipment such as ladders,

power tools, shovels or even paintbrushes with extendable

arms. These items help you get the job done but have the

potential to be dangerous if used improperly.

Pay attention to where you place metal ladders or dig

for fence posts. Before you start any project, always look

up and avoid overhead power lines. Keep a minimum of 10

feet between you and overhead lines.

If you are planning a project that requires digging,

remember to dial “811” first to find out if the area you will

be working in is clear of underground power lines. Keep

power tools away from wet surfaces, and don’t overload

outlets.

Exploring the great outdoors is a great way to spend

time with the family, but keep these safety tips in mind:

Children should never climb trees near power lines —

always assume a wire is live. Fly kites and remote-

controlled airplanes in large, open areas like parks or

fields, safely away from trees and overhead power lines.

Planning to take a dip in the pool? Keep electrical

devices such as stereos at least 10 feet away from water

sources, and outdoor electrical outlets should always be

covered. If you hear a rumble of thunder, exit the pool

right away.

Speaking of thunder, summer storms can be dangerous

if you’re caught in the wrong place at the wrong time. If

you find yourself outdoors during a storm, move toward

suitable shelter with covered sides, and stick to low-lying

ground if possible.

These are just a few tips to remember when you are

spending time outdoors this summer with your family.

Have some fun out there, and always keep safety in mind!

By Abby Berry




It is the middle of the sum-mer; temperatures are risingand so are your electric bills.It might be time to make a

big investment, an investment inenergy efficiency.

Making your home moreenergy-efficient is still one of thesafest investments you can make.Try employing these energy-saving measures to collect majorreturns on your investments:• Install a programmable

thermostat.• Install a water heater “blanket.”• Change your showerheads.• Upgrade appliances like your

clothes washer or refrigerator.• Replace old windows with

energy-efficient ones.• Install water-efficient toilets.

Making all of these changes atonce could be difficult — if not impossible — butinvesting in just one of these measures can yield asignificant return on your investment.

For example, installing a new, energy-efficient clotheswasher can yield around a 24-percent return oninvestment. Do your research, and make sure you arepurchasing the right size appliances. A small, energy-efficient washer will save you money, but if you have alarger family, having to do multiple loads could negateyour energy savings.

Multiple energy-efficient upgrades will help you saveno matter where you live or what time of year it is, butupgrading to efficient home cooling systems will helplower energy costs significantly during the hotter monthsof the year.

Some 6 percent of American energy consumptiongoes toward space cooling, and it costs $11 billion peryear for homeowners to power their air conditioners. Youcan reduce your energy use by 20 percent to 50 percentwhen you upgrade to an energy-efficient home coolingunit. One option is to install a split unit air conditionerand heating system — they can be more expensive, butthey are highly efficient, especially in homes withoutductwork. Another option is to invest in an ENERGYSTAR-approved air-conditioning unit, which can be 15percent more efficient than a standard unit.

If buying a new cooling unit isn’t in the cards for youthis summer, there’s no need to worry! Replacing

appliances isn’t the only way to lower energy costs. Oneof the most important energy-efficient improvements tomake during the hot summer months is air-sealing andinsulating. By adding insulation in attics, floors overcrawl spaces and accessible basement rim joints, youcan reduce your heating and cooling costs by an averageof 15 percent (and it could lower your overall energycosts by an average of 11 percent!).

You can also lower your air conditioner’s energyconsumption by between 5 percent and 15 percent bycleaning your air ducts. You can install energy-efficientwindow treatments, which can reduce energy costs byaround 10 percent. Or, you can simply turn on a ceilingfan, which will allow you to raise your thermostattemperature by 4 degrees, without impacting yourcomfort.

Investing in any of these energy-efficientimprovements will keep you cool in the summer andwarm in the winter and will make significant changes toyour energy bills. So do yourself and your wallet a favorand invest in a more-energy-efficient home!

Sources: Energy.gov, EnergyStar.gov, NRDC.gov.Meghaan Evans writes on consumer and cooperativeaffairs for the National Rural Electric CooperativeAssociation, the Arlington, Va.-based service arm ofthe nation’s 900-plus consumer-owned, not-for-profitelectric cooperatives.

Invest in efficiency, and watch your savings growBy Meghaan Evans


Ju ly 2015 19

For many folks, the use of solar panelsto generate electricity is a recenttechnological development. When Ithink of photovoltaic (PV) solar pan-

els, images of early NASA vehicles in outerspace immediately come to mind. Indeed,America’s first permanent satellite, Explorer I,was powered by PV panels in 1958.

However, the use of solar energy dates backto 1767 when a Swiss scientist named Horace-Benedict de Saussure built an insulated,glass-faced box, generating temperatures of upto 230 degrees from sunlight. His inventionwas dubbed the “solar oven.”

Fast-forward to today, and nearly everyoneis aware of solar. Yet, PV has remained one ofthe most expensive forms of electricity.People always ask why this is the case whenthe fuel is “free.” It’s because the equipment isexpensive, and the sun doesn’t always shine.While equipment prices have droppeddramatically, the output of commerciallyavailable panels ranges from 5 percent to19 percent (15 percent is common) of thetheoretical limit, assuming there were neverclouds and the sun was at high noon 24 hours a day.

So, is solar electricity right for you? The short answeris, “It depends.” How’s that for an ambiguous answer? Butit truly does depend on a number of factors. The first thingyou should consider is why you want to go solar. If it is forbackup power in an emergency, stop here. PV systems aretied to the grid for safety reasons. When the power goesout, the PV array shuts down. If it is for environmentalreasons, read on.

Your next step is to contact Forked Deer ElectricCooperative to discuss your plan. Talk to our energyexperts, and let us help you decide what makes the mostsense for your home. A south-facing roof is typically thepreferred direction for the placement of solar panels. Dotrees shade the roof at any time? Next to darkness, shade isthe natural enemy of solar panels. Is your roof structurecapable of accepting the weight of the panels and anyother load, say wind and snow? Are there anyneighborhood or local regulations prohibiting solar panels?

Now to the nitty gritty. Grab your electric bills from thepast year and see how many kilowatt-hours (kWh) your

home has used. FDEC can assist with this task. Thetypical American home PV system produces 5 kWh perhour. How much of your home’s annual use can becovered?

Then comes the cost. The 5 kWh system has an averagecost of $24,650 before any incentives. The most commonincentive is a 30-percent tax credit from the federalgovernment. Then there are savings in reduced energy usecosts. Calculations have shown paybacks between sevenand 15 years.

If you want more information, reach out to Forked DeerElectric Cooperative. If you decide to talk to a contractor,be sure to check references. Increased interest in solar hasspawned a large number of sellers who have littleknowledge in PV installations. Caveat emptor — “let thebuyer beware” — is the rule to obey here.

Tom Tate writes on cooperative issues for the NationalRural Electric Cooperative Association, the Arlington, Va.-based service arm of the nation’s 900-plusconsumer-owned, not-for-profit electric cooperatives.

Is solar power right for you?By Tom Tate

There are many factors to consider before installing solar panels onyour roof, so talk to the energy experts at your local electric co-op first.Solar panels work best on roofs that face south and receive little shade,and your roof must be able to support the weight of solar panels plusother loads such as wind and snow. Photograph courtesy of AstroPower



Hot water looms largein the list of house-hold chores. Show-ers, laundry, dishes

— they all require hot water. Ifyou think about it, we use a sig-nificant amount of energy toheat water. Now, utilities andmanufacturers are teaming upto bring you new water heatersequipped with technology thatcan make the electric gridsmarter and more efficient.

Electric co-ops are on theforefront of research testingnew water heater technologies,including ways to improve theuse of water heaters to integraterenewable energy onto theelectric grid.

Water heaters are uniqueamong electric home appliances. They areomnipresent, use significant amounts of electricityand can store thermal energy for hours at a time.

For decades electric co-ops have partnered withtheir members on demand-response programs thatallow the co-op to turn home water heaters on andoff in order to reduce how much power the co-opuses during peak periods, when power is moreexpensive. Members get breaks on their bills inexchange for participation. New communicationsand automation technologies make this process morereliable, predictable and efficient.

More than 250 electric co-ops in 35 states uselarge-capacity electric resistance water heaters thatcan reduce the co-op’s power cost and storeelectricity produced by wind and hydropower. Forexample, when the wind blows at night — whenmost of us are sleeping and wholesale power ischeaper — the electricity produced can be used toheat water in our homes. The water will remain hoteven if the water heater is turned off for a shortperiod. In other words, collectively, water heaterscan act like a battery, storing energy.

For all of these reasons, electric co-ops weredismayed in 2010 when the Department of Energyissued new efficiency standards for electric waterheaters that would have made demand-responseprograms using large-capacity, electric resistancewater heaters difficult.

For the last five years, electric co-ops have beenworking with efficiency advocates, manufacturersand others to ensure that we can take advantage ofnew technologies that benefit our members. InApril, Congress passed legislation that allows co-ops to continue to run these demand-responseprograms.

Electric co-ops across the country hailed thisbipartisan legislation as a win for consumers.Collectively, the current water heater programs canreduce demand by an estimated 500 megawatts,saving consumers hundreds of millions of dollarsand avoiding the need for new power plants.

Electric co-ops are now looking ahead andcollaborating with partners to make sure the nextgeneration of water heaters can provide more thanjust hot water.

Do you know what your water heateris doing while you sleep?


Sent to you by Gibson EMC — Your Touchstone Energy Cooperative

09_GEMC COVER.qxp_09_GEMC_0715_001 6/11/15 3:57 PM Page 1

The Fourth of July is a day on which we celebrate ournation’s independence, many of us by enjoyingcookouts and fireworks with our families and

friends. As you celebrate the liberties and rights we enjoy, Iencourage you to also think about our forefathers and theirdetermined efforts to bring our nation its independence.

An independent spirit is a part of our DNAThis uniquely American spirit of independence has re-

mained part of our collective DNA for 240 years after theUnited States was formed and the Declaration of Inde-pendence was drafted. And this sense of independencehas served us well. For example, about 79 years ago, anindependent streak inspired a group of West Tennesseefarmers to band together to improve their quality of life.Aside from President Franklin Roosevelt’s promise offederal aid in the form of low-interest loans and engineer-ing expertise, rural Americans had little help in bringingelectricity to their homes. This forced them to do it them-selves by pulling together and working cooperatively —a shining example of American determination and inge-nuity.

For the past 40-plus years, nearly every president sinceRichard Nixon has talked about the goal of U.S. energyindependence — reducing our reliance on imported oiland other forms of foreign energy. Today, while we stillhave a ways to go, we are closer to that goal than ever be-fore. We are exporting more gas and importing less for-eign fuel than in recent memory. American ingenuity inthe form of new technology and innovation is opening upmore options and spurring greater efficiency across allforms of energy. According to the Energy InformationAgency, energy expenditures as a share of gross domestic

product are forecast at 6.2 per-cent in 2015, their lowest levelsince 2002, reflecting both loweroil prices and ongoing increasesin energy efficiency.

The road to energy independence

As consumers, we have an im-portant role to play as we travelthe road to energy independence.We don’t have to wait for De-mocrats and Republicans to agreeor environmentalists and fossilfuel advocates to reach consensuson a path to energy independ-ence. We can play a part in moving us toward national en-ergy independence by taking action in simple, practicalways — insulating and caulking around windows, doorsand electrical outlets; washing clothes in cold water in-stead of hot; replacing air filters; installing programmablethermostats; and using more energy-efficient appliancesand home heating and cooling systems. Efficiency effortscan cut costs for individual households, but the collectivebenefit to our country is even greater.

At Gibson Electric Membership Corporation, we wantto be a resource for you in this effort. We can provide en-ergy-saving tips tailored to your unique household needs.We also partner with the Tennessee Valley Authority tooffer eScore – a new program that can help provide aclear path to making your home more energy-efficient.See the story on page 17 for more information on eScore.

In addition, Gibson EMC and about 95 percent of otherelectric cooperatives across the country have been activelyengaged in promoting renewable energy resources likewind, solar, hydropower and biomass. Green PowerSwitch is a renewable energy initiative offered with TVAthat gives those of us in the Tennessee Valley the opportu-nity to purchase power generated by cleaner renewable re-sources. You can pick up information about Green PowerSwitch at any Gibson EMC member service center or ac-cess it at www.gibsonemc.com.

At Gibson EMC, we will do all we can to honor ourforefathers’ spirit of ingenuity and cooperation by seekingnew and better ways we can meet your needs and advanceour great country’s energy independence. As you celebratethis Fourth of July, we hope you’ll be inspired to do yourpart, too, and that you’ll have a happy and safe holiday!

The power of American independenceCelebrating July 4 and declaring our energy independence

Gibson E lectr ic Membership Corporat ion

Dan Rodamaker

President and CEOGibson EMC

Gibson EMC Member ServiceCenters will be closed

Friday, July 3, in observance of Independence Day.

As always, cooperative employees will be on

duty to answeryour emergency

calls.

Happy Independence Day!


GEMC JULY 2015.qxp_09_GEMC_0715_ 6/10/15 1:52 PM Page 16

Ju ly 2015 17

We all know that energy efficiency is important toour future, and that’s why Gibson Electric Mem-bership Corporation offers our members tools to

help you reach your goal. We’ve partnered with the Ten-nessee Valley Authority to provide you the eScore energy-efficiency program.

eScore gives single-family homeowners a clear path tomake their home a 10 — its most energy-efficient. Theservice also increases the home’s comfort and saves themember money. eScore allows homeowners to work to-ward a score of 10 at their own pace as their budgets allowand receive rebates on qualified energy-efficiency up-grades. A homeowner can use the service as many times asneeded to achieve the home’s best possible energy per-formance. Best of all, it’s as easy as following four simplesteps:

Step 1 Visit www.2eScore.com to register and create youreScore account.

Step 2 Contact a Quality Contractor Network (QCN)member. You can choose a QCN member fromwww.2eScore.com.

Step 3 The QCN member completes the energy-efficiencyimprovements on your home.

Step 4 A Gibson EMC Energy Services Specialist reviewsthe installed measures and provides an eScore eval-uation that includes:

• An eScore card, ranking the home on a scalefrom 1 to 10 (a 10 is most energy-efficient.)

• A customized list of recommended energy-effi-ciency upgrades

• A list of eligible rebate options• Photos of the areas evaluated

Also, you now can complete a do-it-yourself survey atselfaudit.2escore.com. The self-audit provides an overall en-ergy-efficiency report of your home and gives recommenda-tions for improvements. In addition to the energy report, youwill receive a free energy conservation kit that includes twocompact fluorescent lightbulbs, outlet and light switch gas-kets, a filter whistle, two faucet aerators, a hot water temper-ature gauge and a home thermometer.

For additional service details, visit www.2eScore.com orcall your local member service center.

Are you a perfect 10?


After nearly 36 years of dedicated service, GibsonElectric Membership Corporation’s Linda Mc-Neely has retired from our Troy Member Service

Center.Linda was born in Union City and graduated from

Obion County Central High School before moving toMemphis to work for Baptist Hospital. After a few years,Linda moved back to rural West Tennessee.

In October 1979, she was hired at Gibson EMC as anAssistant Cashier in the Union City office. She workeddirectly with Gibson EMC’s members throughout her ca-reer and retired as a Member Service Representative.

“I had a part-time job at BellSouth when the AssistantCashier job (with Gibson EMC) became available,” Mc-Neely said. “I had heard that it was a good place towork, and it proved to be just that, so I stayed.”

“Since I’ve been at Gibson EMC, I think the biggestimprovement the cooperative has made is the way inwhich we transmit data,” shesaid. “When I began work-ing here, meters were readby humans who walked toall homes and entered thedata into books. When meterreaders returned to the of-fice, we had to transfer theirreadings into a machine.Now, the information is readover power lines. It really isamazing.

“PAY-Go is another areain which we’ve improved. Itis a really good program forour members who want totrack and control their elec-tric use. Plus, they don’thave to pay a deposit.”

After retirement, Linda looks forward to spendingtime with her son in New York City, traveling, gardeningand “just taking time to breathe.”

“Gibson EMC gave me the opportunity to earn enoughmoney to raise my son by myself and afford him possibil-ities that I never could have dreamed of while growingup,” Linda said. “I will miss the friendships that I’vemade. My co-workers are so wonderful and generous.”

“Linda has provided exceptional service to our mem-bers,” Vice President of Member Care Kerry Watsonsaid. “Her dedication to Gibson EMC will certainly bemissed, but we wish her the very best in retirement.”



McNeely retires after more than 30 years of service

Gibson Electric Membership Corporationwould like to welcome Lois Milligan to

the Gibson EMC family. Lois has joined us asa Member Service Representative in our TroyMember Service Center. She comes to GibsonEMC from Farmers & Merchants Bank inRutherford, where she has worked since 2011.

“I am so excited to become part of the Gib-son EMC team, and I am looking forward tomeeting our members,” Milligan said. “Pleasecome by to see me or give me a call.”

Lois and her husband, Rusty, live inMason Hall with five “fur babies” and aremembers of Christian Chapel Church ofChrist in Kenton.

“Lois is a very quick learner and has al-ready proven to be a wonderful addition toour Troy Member Service Center,” MemberService Team Leader Judy Cutler said. “ Ireally believe that our members will appreci-ate her professionalism and willingness toassist with their service needs.”

Retired Member Service Rep.

Linda McNeely

Member Service Representative Linda McNeely has re-tired after nearly 36 years of service.

Member Service Rep.Lois Milligan

Gibson EMC welcomes Milligan


Ju ly 2015 19

Above, from left, are Milligan’s Nursery Owner Andy Langston, Tyler Langston, Gibson EMC Forester Matt Prater, Portof Cates Landing Administrative Assistant Sherry Price, Lake County Mayor Denny Johnson, Reelfoot Area Chamber ofCommerce Executive Director and Northwest Tennessee Regional Port Authority Board Member Marcia Mills and Gib-son EMC Forestry Supervisor Mark Greene.

Electrify your Independence DayBuy an electric grill or smoker

This Independence Day, spend less time cookingand more time celebrating when you take ad-vantage of Gibson Electric Membership Cor-

poration’s electric grill and smoker deals. GibsonEMC members can get a Deluxe Cart Grill and anH20 Electric Smoker at a special price (lower thansuggested retail).

The electric grill is offered to members at the lowprice of $171, plus tax, and the electric smoker isonly $81, plus tax.

To view a display and get more information, visityour local member service center.

As part of Gibson Electric Mem-bership Corporation’s commit-ment to the communities it

serves and in celebration of Arbor Day,each year the cooperative plants treesin different parts of its service area.This March Gibson EMC planted sev-eral trees at the Port of Cates Landingin Tiptonville and at the WoodlandMills City Park.

At left, from left, are Andy Langston,Tyler Langston, Woodland Mills Alder-men Waymon Reagan and Tom Menees,City Recorder Thelma Green, City MayorWade Carrington, Matt Prater and MarkGreene.



Family fun at Gibson EMC’ s Member Appreciation Nights

Cooperative members, board members and employ-ees enjoyed Jackson Generals ballgames duringMay courtesy of Gibson Electric Membership Cor-

poration and the Jackson Generals. Vouchers good for twofree tickets on either a Thursday or Friday were printed inMay’s issue of The Tennessee Magazine.

Members who attended the ball game visited GibsonEMC employees at the giveaway table and were enteredinto a drawing for one of four $50 bill credits.

For more photos from the game, visit Gibson EMC’sFacebook page and select our album titled “Member Ap-preciation Night with the Jackson Generals 2015.”



Holston Electric Cooperative — Your Touchstone Energy Cooperative

10_HEC COVER.qxp_10_HEC_0715_001 6/11/15 3:57 PM Page 1

The employees of HolstonElectric Cooperative areour most valuable asset.Collectively, Holston

EC’s 62 employees havemore than 1,000 years ofservice here. Our work-force is highly skilled andworks hard every day tomake sure we provideelectric power in a safeand reliable manner. Weprovide customer serviceto you so you can havethe service you need andinformation you want,and we execute the actions you de-sire as to what services you wantand when you want them.

During the my first few months atHolston EC, I have spent most ofmy time getting to know ouremployees and determining how tobest engage them in some of the bigideas I have. I remember a storyabout a farmer in the 1800s whowanted to move his barn down theroad about a mile. There were nocranes or house-moving companiesto call in those days, so he affixedmore than 100 handles on his barnso all his neighbors could help liftthe barn and carry it down the roadto the new site. Remarkably, eachperson picked up a small share ofthe load and was able to relocate thebarn for the farmer. It is amazingwhat we can accomplish by working

together! As we define some of ourshort- and long-term goals atHolston EC, I will be calling onyou, the members, to help us

accomplish those goals.Everything we do here atHolston EC is for you.

“Education, Trainingand Information” is oneof the CooperativePrinciples stating that weprovide knowledge andguidance for ourmembers, electedrepresentatives, managersand employees. We take

seriously the responsibility todevelop our employees.

All employees of Holston ECparticipate in monthly and annualtraining. For our linemen, safety isjob No. 1, so the topics includeclimbing and fall protection,grounding and hot line work, CPRand first aid. For our office staff,training involves customer service,data processing and customercommunications. Engineeringtraining includes dispatching,substation technology, fiber opticsystems and preventivemaintenance. And for the board ofdirectors and general manager,training touches topics of equitymanagement, rate design andstrategic planning. Each year,

Engage and develop others




James B. SandlinGeneral Manager,

Holston Electric Co-operative

Holston ElectricCooperativeServing more than 30,000customers in Hawkins andHamblen counties.

1200 W. Main St.P.O. Box 190Rogersville, TN 37857

423-272-8821423-272-6811

www.holstonelectric.com

Church Hill officeHighway 11-W andSouth Central AvenueChurch Hill, TN 37642423-357-6441

Russellville officeHighway 11-ERussellville, TN 37860

General ManagerJames B. Sandlin

Board of DirectorsPresident:Gordell Ely

Vice President:Jeff Ringley

Secretary-Treasurer:Melvin Greene

Phil BarrettDr. David BrittonDavid MarshallLynn Parker

To report an outage or electrical emergency,call 423-272-8821or 423-235-6811day or night.

HEC JULY 2015.qxp_10_HEC_0715_ 6/10/15 10:53 AM Page 16

Want to take one thing off your monthly to-do list?

The Bank Draft Payment Plan allows you to have your monthly bill paid directly from your bank account. •Every residential member who signs up for the Bank Draft Payment Plan in July or August will receive a•$10 credit toward his or her account. Credits will be posted after three consecutive monthly payments have been successfully transmitted.

To sign up, simply visit any Holston Electric Cooperative office location.

Get $10 for signing upBank Draft Payment Plan

Ju ly 2015 17

Holston EC invests more than 1,600 hours intraining to develop our employees and directors sowe can provide the maximum value to our members.

It’s important to have the right people and rightstructure in any organization. We have six mainareas of focus (in no particular order): customerservice, engineering, finance, informationtechnology, member services and operations. Themanagers of these areas will report directly to thegeneral manger here at Holston EC. Thisorganizational structure will be more responsive tothe needs of our members, our employees and ourbusiness partners as we work to continuously

improve our efforts here at Holston EC. HarryTruman once said life is about making decisions,and sometimes later you have to make anotherdecision to correct a previous one that didn’t turnout quite right.

As we head down the road here at Holston EC, Ihope you, our members and valued customers, willbe engaged and willing to follow our efforts andsupport the employees at Holston EC as we workto make the lives of you and your families better.That’s about the most important contribution weall can make: Improve the lives of the peoplearound us.

HEC welcomes Stubblefield

Nathaniel Stubblefield has joined Holston ElectricCooperative as a meter reader/apprentice trainee.Nate is a graduate of Cherokee High School andthe Tennessee Technology Center in Sur-

goinsville. He also attended Southeast Lineman TrainingCenter in Trenton, Ga., and was employed by Farmers Elec-tric Cooperative in Greenville, Texas, as a lineman appren-tice. Nate and wife Amy have a 6-month-old daughter,Natalie. In his spare time, Stubblefield enjoys hunting, fish-ing and farming.

When asked about his new position, Stubblefield stated,“I am very excited to become a part of the Holston Electricteam. Everyone has been very friendly! It feels good to beback near my parents, Heiskel and Karen Stubblefield, andmy hometown of Rogersville.” Nathaniel “Nate” Stubblefield



Qualifications and procedures for directors election

The 75th annual meeting of the members of Holston Electric Cooperative will be held Tuesday, Oct. 13, 2015 atthe headquarters building of the cooperative in Rogersville. Directors from districts 3, 4 and 5 are to be elected.The following information concerning the qualifications and nominations for directors of the cooperative isreprinted from the bylaws of the cooperative.

ARTICLE IV, Section 4.01. Number and General Pow-ers. The business and affairs of the Cooperative shall be man-aged under the direction of a board of seven (7) directors. TheBoard shall exercise all of the powers of the Cooperative exceptsuch as are by law or by the Cooperative’s Articles of Incorpo-ration or Bylaws conferred upon or reserved to the members.

ARTICLE IV, Section 4.02. Qualifications. No person shallbe eligible to become or remain a director of the Cooperativewho is a close relative of an incumbent director or of an em-ployee of the Cooperative, or has been convicted of a felony, oris not a member in good standing of the Cooperative and re-ceiving service therefrom at his primary residential abode.Member in good standing means a member who is in compli-ance with the bylaws, rules, regulations of the Cooperative andwho is not delinquent in payment of electric bills or otheramounts due the Cooperative. No person shall be eligible to be-come or remain a director of the Cooperative who is not at leasteighteen (18) years of age, who is not currently and has not con-tinually resided in the directorate district for at least one year, oris in any way employed by or substantially financially interestedin a competing enterprise, or a business selling electric energyor supplies to the Cooperative, or a business substantially en-gaged in selling electrical or plumbing appliances, fixtures orsupplies primarily to the members of the Cooperative, or who isan elected public official. Notwithstanding any of the foregoingprovisions of this Section treating with close relative relation-ships, no incumbent director shall lose eligibility to remain a di-rector or to be re-elected as a director if, during his incumbencyas a director, he becomes a close relative of another incumbentdirector or of a Cooperative employee because of a marriage towhich he was not a party.

Upon establishment of the fact that a nominee for directorlacks eligibility under this Section or as may be provided else-where in these Bylaws, it shall be the duty of the chairman pre-siding at the meeting at which such nominee would otherwise bevoted upon to disqualify such nominee. Upon the establishmentof the fact that any person being considered for, or already hold-ing, a directorship lacks eligibility under this section, it shall bethe duty of the Board of Directors to withhold such positionfrom such person, or to cause him to be removed therefrom, asthe case may be. Nothing contained in this Section shall, or shallbe construed to, affect in any manner whatsoever the validity ofany action taken at any meeting of the Board of Directors, un-less such action is taken with respect to a matter which is af-fected by the provisions of this Section and in which one ormore of the directors have an interest adverse to that of the Co-operative.

ARTICLE IV, Section 4.03. Election. At each annual meet-ing of the members, directors shall be elected by secret ballot bythe members, and PROVIDED, when the number of nomineesdoes not exceed the number of directors to be elected from aparticular Directorate District, and if there is no objection, secretballoting may be dispensed with in respect of that particularelection and voting may be conducted in any other proper man-

ner. Directors shall be elected by a plurality of the votes cast.Drawing by lot shall resolve, where necessary, any tie votes.

ARTICLE IV, Section 4.04. Tenure. Directors shall be sonominated and elected that one director from each of DirectorateDistricts Nos. One and Two shall be elected for three-year termsat an annual member meeting; one director from each of Direc-torate Districts Nos. Three, Four and Five will be elected forthree-year terms at the next succeeding annual member meet-ing; and one director from each of Directorate Districts NumbersSix and Seven will be elected for three-year terms at the nextsucceeding annual meeting. Upon their election, directors will,subject to the provisions of these Bylaws with respect to the re-moval of directors, serve until the annual meeting of the mem-bers of the year in which their terms expire or until theirsuccessors will have been elected and will have qualified. If forany reason an election of directors will not be held at an annualmeeting of the members duly fixed and called pursuant to theseBylaws, such election may be held at an adjournment of suchmeeting or at a subsequently held special or the next annualmeeting of the members. Failure of an election for a given yearwill allow the incumbents whose directorships would have beenvoted on to hold over only until the next member meeting atwhich a quorum is present and they or their successors will beelected, whichever be the case.

ARTICLE IV, Section 4.05. Directorate Districts. The ter-ritory served by the Cooperative will be divided into seven (7)Directorate Districts. Each District will be represented by onedirector.

The Board of Directors, at any regular or special meetingthereof held not less than ninety (90) days prior to any annualmeeting of the members or special meeting of the members heldin lieu of such annual meeting, may, by resolution, alter the ge-ographical boundaries of the seven districts with the aim of ar-ranging more equitable districting.

ARTICLE IV, Section 4.06. Nominations. Any current Direc-tor whose term is expiring, or any eligible member of the Coopera-tive, may petition to have his or her name placed on the ballot at thenext annual meeting at which Directors are to be elected by submit-ting a Nominating Petition on a form prepared and approved by theCredentials and Elections Committee. The petition shall be signedby the petitioner and at least fifteen (15) qualified members of theCooperative which shall be delivered to the office of the GeneralManager or his designee not less than sixty-five (65) days prior tothe annual meeting at which Directors are to be elected. The Gen-eral Manager or his designee shall then deliver the petitions to theCredentials and Elections Committee which shall review each peti-tion to determine the qualification and eligibility of each petitionerand petition. If necessary the Committee may personally interviewand meet with any petitioner in an effort to determine the qualifica-tion and eligibility of that petitioner. If it is determined that the peti-tioner is qualified and eligible to be a Director, his or her petitionshall be so certified by the Committee and his or name shall be



Ju ly 2015 19

Effective July 1, 2015:

In compliance with TVA’s

nondiscrimination regulations,

Holston Electric Cooperative will no

longer offer any carryover balances.

All bills must now be paid in full by

the due date to prevent delinquency

and/or termination.

All offices ofHolston Electric Cooperativewill be closed Friday, July 3,

in observance of Independence Day.To report an outage

or electrical emergency, call 423-272-8821 or 423-235-6811.

placed on the ballot at the next annual meeting at which Directorsare to be elected. If the petitioner is not qualified and/or eligible,the Committee shall not certify the petitioner, shall not have his orher name placed on the ballot, and shall notify the petitioner inwriting mailed to the address listed on the petition as soon as pos-sible but at least thirty (30) days before the annual meeting atwhich the election will occur. The Committee shall post the namesof those petitioners to be placed on the ballot at the principal officeof the Cooperative as soon as possible but at least thirty (30) daysbefore the annual meeting at which the election will occur.

The Secretary of the Cooperative shall mail with the notice ofthe meeting a statement of those individuals who have been certi-fied to be placed on the ballot at the annual meeting at which Di-rectors are to be elected.

At any meeting at which a Director or Directors shall be re-moved, as provided in these By-Laws, the membership may electa successor or successors without compliance with the provisionsof this Section.

Failure to comply with any of the provisions of this Sectionshall not affect in any manner the validity of the election of anyDirector.

Continued from page 18

We’ve gonemobile!

Search for “HolstonElectric” at the AppStore and Android

Market today!

• One-touch access • Payment and bill history• Secure payments• Automated alerts• Push notifications

HEC JULY 2015.qxp_10_HEC_0715_ 6/11/15 12:18 PM Page 19

Summer is in fullswing, and thatmeans it is time forfun in the sun! As

you find yourself spendingmore time outdoors, HolstonElectric Cooperative remindsyou to stay safe.

Planning a homeimprovement project? Whenworking outdoors, you maybe using equipment such asladders, power tools, shovelsor even paintbrushes withextendable arms. These itemshelp you get the job done buthave the potential to bedangerous if used improperly.

Pay attention to where youplace metal ladders or dig forfence posts. Before you startany project, always look upand avoid overhead powerlines. Keep a minimum of 10feet between you and overhead lines.




Planning to take a dip in the pool? Keep electricaldevices such as stereos at least 10 feet away from watersources, and outdoor electrical outlets should always becovered. If you hear a rumble of thunder, exit the poolright away.



Abby Berry writes on consumer and cooperative affairsfor the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association,the Arlington, Va.-based service arm of the nation’s 900-plus consumer-owned, not-for-profit electriccooperatives.

By cleaning your airconditioner’s airducts, you can loweryour energy con-sumption by be-tween 5 percent and15 percent.

Source: energy.gov


Stay safe exploring the great outdoorsthis summerBy Abby Berry


Mountain Electric Cooperative Edition

11_MEC COVER.qxp_11_MEC_0715_001 6/11/15 3:58 PM Page 1


The cooperative businessmodel serves both an eco-nomic and social purpose.Mountain Electric Coopera-

tive operates on a not-for-profit basis so we canpass along the best elec-tric rates to you, ourmembers. In addition toproviding this service, wecare about our membersand the communities weserve. That’s why, amongother things, we’re in-volved in economic de-velopment, promoteenergy-efficiency pro-grams, sponsor manyyouth programs and im-plemented our OperationPocket Change initiative to supportworthy groups and individuals in ourservice area. At MEC, our employeesbelieve in the cooperative difference.

Over the next several years, ourcountry will see a major shift in theprofessional landscape. Many busi-nesses are already noticing thischange as the baby-boom generationmoves into retirement and their chil-dren and grandchildren, members ofthe millennial generation, begin tomove into the workforce and ad-vance in their careers. That is whyMEC has taken an even greater in-terest in our youths’ futures. In thisissue, you will find an article aboutour inaugural Lineman’s Day held inApril. The primary focus for this daywas to educate the future workforceabout the lineman trade and the op-portunities a co-op career can pro-vide them.

The millennial generation is thelargest population of adults to moveinto the workforce since the baby-boom generation. Millennials arehighly educated and, after weather-

ing a recession during or immedi-ately after trying to break into theworkforce, they are motivated bythe ability to gain work experience

that can turn into ameaningful and reward-ing career.

Driven by values andattracted to a company’sstrong mission and cul-ture over salary andcompensation, millenni-als are uniquely suitedfor careers at their localelectric cooperatives.MEC’s dedication toour community and ourfocus on people, notprofits, make it an idealwork environment for

individuals seeking to developmeaningful careers.

Within the next five years, 20 per-cent of America’s electric coopera-tive employees will be eligible forretirement. We are looking to the fu-ture generations to move us forward,to help us prepare for an evolvingglobal economy and the changes thatwill come with new policies and reg-ulations, both in the environmentaland security sectors. We need peoplewho will help us do this while ensur-ing we remain true to our mission:providing safe, reliable and afford-able electric service to improve thequality of life for our members.

Whether you’re ready to startyour career or make a change, takea closer look at electric cooperatives— we’re located in 47 states, and,of course, we’re right here at home.Building and strengthening ourcommunities has always been ourtop priority. Building the next gen-eration of employees is critical tomaintaining the success of our mis-sion and our business model.

The value of co-op careers


Joe ThackerGeneral Manager,Mountain Electric

Cooperative

Mountai nElectric Cooperative

604 S. Church St.

Mountain City, TN 37683

423-727-1800

www.mountain.coop

Newland, N.C., office

1373 Elk Park Highway

Newland, NC 28657

828-733-0159

Roan Mountain, Tenn., office

8477 Highway 19E

Roan Mountain, TN 37687

423-772-3521

Office Hours

Monday through Friday

8 a.m.-5 p.m.

General Manager

Joe Thacker

Board of Directors

President —

R. Bruce Lacey (District 5)

Vice President —

George Lowe (District 2)

Secretary/Treasurer —

Joe Atwood (District 1)

Ross Dowell (District 3)

Harry Smith (District 4)

Ronnie Townson (District 6)

W.O. Hampton (District 7)

David Ellis (District 8)

MEC JULY 2015.qxp_11_MEC_0715_ 6/11/15 9:29 AM Page 16

Fireworks and flags. Cookouts and cold drinks. TheFourth of July is a festive day on which we celebratewith family and friends our nation’s independence.Typically, this is not a day of quiet reflection. While

we spend a lot of energy having fun, if we give any thoughtabout our forbearers and their determined efforts to bringabout our nation’s independence, it’s fleeting.

An independent spirit is part of our DNAHowever, it is worth reflecting that this uniquely

American spirit of independence remains part of ourcollective DNA more than 200 years after the independentnation of the United States was formed and the Declarationof Independence was crafted. And this sense ofindependence has served us well. For example, more than70 years ago, an independent streak inspired groups offarmers across America’s countryside to band together toimprove their quality of life. Aside from President FranklinRoosevelt’s promise of federal aid in the form of low-interest loans and engineering expertise, rural Americanshad little help in bringing electricity to their homes. So,they did it themselves by pulling together and workingcooperatively — a shining example of Americandetermination and ingenuity.

For the past 40-plus years, nearly every president sinceRichard Nixon during the time of the Arab oil embargo hastalked about the goal of U.S. energy independence —reducing our reliance on imported oil and other forms offoreign energy. Today, while we still have a ways to go, weare closer to that goal than ever before. We are exportingmore gas and importing less foreign fuel than in recentmemory. American ingenuity in the form of newtechnology and innovation is opening up more options andspurring greater efficiency across all forms of energy.According to the Energy Information Agency, energyexpenditures as a share of gross domestic product areforecast at 6.2 percent in 2015, their lowest level since2002, reflecting both lower oil prices and ongoingincreases in energy efficiency.

The road to energy independenceConsumers have an important role to play in the road to

energy independence. They don’t have to wait forDemocrats and Republicans to agree or environmentalistsand fossil fuel advocates to reach consensus on a path toenergy independence. Consumers can play a part inmoving us toward national energy independence by takingaction in simple, practical ways — insulating and caulking

around windows, doors and electrical outlets; washingclothes in cold water instead of hot; replacing air filters;installing programmable thermostats; and using more-energy-efficient appliances and home heating and coolingsystems. Efficiency efforts can cut costs for individualhouseholds, but the collective benefit to our country iseven greater.

If we all work together to achieve increased energyefficiency and reduce our overall energy consumption, wecan make even more progress on our road toward energyindependence. At Mountain Electric Cooperative, we wantto be a resource for you in this effort. We can provideenergy-saving tips tailored for your unique household needs.

Co-ops provide renewable energy resourcesIn addition, MEC, along with other electric co-ops

across the country, has been actively engaged in promotingrenewable energy resources like wind, solar, hydropowerand biomass (including landfill gas, livestock waste,timber byproducts and crop residue). Today, nearly 95percent of the nation’s 900-plus electric co-ops provideelectricity produced by renewable sources, all playing akey role in powering rural America while fostering ournation’s energy independence.


Anne Prince writes on consumer and cooperative affairsfor the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association,the Arlington, Va.-based service arm of the nation’s 900-plus consumer-owned, not-for-profit electriccooperatives.

The power of American independenceCelebrating July 4 and declaring our energy independence By Anne Prince

MEC will beclosed on

Friday, July 3,in observance

of IndependenceDay.

Ju ly 2015 17


MEC holds first Lineman’s Day of Learning

Here at Mountain Electric Cooperative, we knowthe importance of today’s youth being tomor-row’s future leaders. Our cooperative prides it-self on focusing on youth programs that get

young people interested in careers in the electric coopera-tive industry. In April, we invited local high school stu-dents to see just what a lineman career is all about.

Students learned about tools and equipment used by line-men each day and were shown pole-top rescue demonstra-tions, given tours of the warehouse facilities and treated tobucket truck rides. We’re excited about continuing thisevent again in the future. If you’re interested in participat-ing in a Lineman’s Day program next year, contact yourguidance counselor for more information.

MEC employees show students different pieces of wire and explainhow tools are used in the lineman trade.

Ethen Proffitt demonstrates a pole-top rescue.

Lineman’sDay at theNewland of-fice withAvery CountyHigh Schoolstudents.

Cory Singleton explains how tooperate a line truck while Rod-ney Buchanan gives a studenta ride in the bucket.



Mountain City, Tenn.July 4 • Fourth of July Celebration and Day in thePark, begins at 11 a.m. at Ralph Stout Park. For more in-formation, call 423-727-5800 or visit johnsoncountytn.org.July 18 • 11th Annual Mountain City Sunflower Festi-val, begins 9 a.m. in downtown Mountain City.July 31-Aug. 1 • Fourth Annual Joe Barlow/Kim Sut-ton Motorcycle and Car Show, starting at 5 p.m. on July31 with the car show. Registration begins at 11 a.m. onAug. 1 for the motorcycle ride. For more information, call423-291-1082.

Heritage Hall Theatre, Mountain CityFor more information, call 423-727-7444.July 3 at 7 p.m. • The John Conlee Show. Ticket pricesvary.July 18 at 7 p.m. • Blue Highway Band. Tickets are $20in advance, $23 at the door and $10 for youth.

Lees-McRae College, Banner Elk, N.C.July 15-18 at 7 p.m.; July 16 and 18-19 at 2 p.m. •“Lend Me a Tenor”

Grandfather Mountain, N.C.July 9-12 • 60th Annual Mountain Highland Gamesand the Gathering of the Clans. For ticket information,call 828-733-1333 or visit www.gmhg.org to view theschedule of events.

Calendar of events

Far left: Vann Johnsondemonstrates how toclimb a pole.

Left: Students take turnsriding in the bucket truck.

Below: Lineman’s Day atthe Mountain City officewith Johnson CountyHigh School students.

Ju ly 2015 19


Meriwether Lewis Electric Cooperative — Your Touchstone Energy Cooperative

12_MLEC COVER.qxp_12_MLEC_0715_001 6/11/15 3:58 PM Page 1

Who’s the new guy?



Meriwether LewisElectric CooperativeKeith Carnahan, President and CEOMLEC Office Hours —Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Hickman OfficeDwight Bates, District Manager Phone: 931-729-3558After Hours, Holidays, Weekends: 1-800-482-6553 (including Dyer Road)

Houston OfficeJeff Rye, District Manager Phone: 931-289-3311After Hours, Holidays, Weekends: 1-800-650-6814

Humphreys OfficeCarl Brazzle, District Manager Phone: 931-296-2581 After Hours, Holidays, Weekends: 1-800-893-8273

Lewis OfficeJason Graves, District Manager Phone: 931-796-3116After Hours, Holidays, Weekends: 1-800-256-2807

Perry OfficeDerle Hill, District Manager Phone: 931-589-2151After Hours, Holidays, Weekends: 1-800-316-2342 (including Pleasantville)

Pay the easy way ...sign up for

bankdraft today!

Hello! You may have seen mypicture in last month’s issue ofThe Tennessee Magazine. You

may have read something about me inyour local paper. You mayhave even seen me on thegolf course, in a duck blindor at a ballgame. Allow me toformally introduce myself.I’m Keith Carnahan, and I’mhonored to be the fifth chiefexecutive officer inMeriwether Lewis ElectricCooperative’s rich 75-yearhistory.

My predecessor, HalWomble, steps intoretirement this month afteralmost 17 years of service tothe great folks in the MLECarea. He has accomplishedsome wonderful things for ourcooperative and positioned us well forthe future. We wish him and his familymany happy, healthy years ofretirement. (Play a few rounds of golffor me, Hal!)

If you’re wondering who the “newguy” is, then it is my sincere hope thatthis article will clue you in to whoKeith Carnahan is at home and in theoffice. I’m the same person.

Lisa, my wife of 28 years, and Imake our home in Waverly. We’verooted for the Waverly Tigers over theyears and watched our three daughtersgraduate from high school and collegeand move into the next phases of life. Ienjoy playing golf, hunting andspending time with my family.

As for my background, I have aBachelor of Science degree in electricalengineering from Tennessee Tech andmy Master of Business Administrationfrom Bethel University. Before steppingin as MLEC’s CEO, I was an employeeof E.I. DuPont in New Johnsonville for27 years. For the past five years, I wasblessed to serve MLEC as a member of

the board of directors, representingHumphreys County. Now, I’m honoredto serve its entire membership in adifferent role and look forward to

helping MLEC’s employeesevolve to serve you better inthe future.

Believe me, whenstepping into this position atMLEC, the words we hearabout getting marriedechoed in my head: “not tobe entered into lightly.” Iknow it is a bigcommitment, and I’mexcited and prepared for thechallenges ahead of me.

I feel it is important foryou to know some thingsabout me beyond myeducation and qualifications.

Being part of any service industry isabout the people, and you have to knowyou can trust them and where their rootsare before trust takes hold.

So, before signing off with my firstcolumn, I’ll share some little tidbitsabout myself we haven’t coveredbefore:• My favorite television shows are

“NCIS” and “Blue Bloods.” Bothshows depict how teams and familieswork together to solve issues and makethings better for the people they serve.

• I love small towns and what theystand for because people get to knoweach other on a personal level. I hopeto meet many of you during themembership meetings in October.

• The best advice my mother ever gaveme was to have respect for all people.I look forward to meeting you and

working for you in this new capacity.You have some great employeesworking for you, and I know they willbe invaluable as we move forward. Ibelieve in the old co-op phrase:“There’s power in human connections.”Together, we have a bright future ahead.

Keith CarnahanPresident and CEO,

Meriwether LewisElectric Cooperative

Featured this month in Watt’s Up on

mlec.com

• Invest in efficiency

• Storm safety word search

MLEC will be closedFriday, July 3,

in observance of Independence Day.

MLEC JULY 2015.qxp_12_MLEC_0715_ 6/10/15 5:39 PM Page 16

Ju ly 2015 17

Meriwether Lewis ElectricCooperative is excited to welcome

Blake Harper to the MLEC family. He isin training to fill the general accountant-payroll position when Donna Fannretires this month.

A Perry County native fromLobelville, Blake is a University ofTennessee at Martin graduate with aBachelor of Science degree in businessadministration. Blake says he chose thisfield of work because he has alwaysliked numbers and enjoys the challengeof putting puzzles together, especiallywhen they involve — you guessed it —numbers.

Throughout high school and college,Blake worked at Linden Valley BaptistConference Center. He is also a formerMLEC poster contest winner andrepresented MLEC and Perry CountyHigh School on the Washington YouthTour and Youth Leadership Summitwhen in high school.

“I’m excited to work at MLEC withits great employees and all the things itdoes for the community,” says Blake.“I’m looking forward to being part of alocal organization and serving this area.”

Away from his time of crunchingnumbers, Blake enjoys hunting, golfingand boating. Welcome aboard, Blake!

New people to meet and faces to seeMeet Blake

Blake Harper

Are you ready to get HIP?

It’s summer! Why are we talking aboutinsulation? Well, if you like to save money andbe more comfortable in your home year-round,

insulation is an important topic. Plus, the HomeInsulation Program, or HIP, is designed by

Meriwether Lewis Electric Cooperative for itsmembers. It reimburses half the installation/material cost (up to $500 maximum) of installingblown-in R-38 insulation in the attic. (This includesinsulation on the attic hatch).

Program deta i l s• Rebate available to MLEC members only.• Residential, single-dwelling homes only.

(No apartment/duplex or commercial applications.)• Insulation must be blown-in type.• Homes less than 12 months old are ineligible.• Manufactured homes considered on case-by-case basis (due to attic space).• Professional and “do-it-yourself” installations accepted. (Both are subject to

inspection).• Member must complete an incentive form and supply an original receipt of purchase.• Eligible for incentive within 90-days of date on purchase/installation receipt.• For do-it-yourself installations, rebate applies to purchase costs only.

Note: Other restrictions apply. Offer subject to change. Check MLEC for latest details.


Mount Olympus, home of the illustrious and self-centeredgods, is constantly devouring energy from its

unappreciated electric cooperative. With decadent energy-absorbing activities consuming the lives of those on MountOlympus, the idea of a day without power ispreposterous to the gods. Zeus, however, asCEO of Mount Olympus Electric Cooperative,has noticed the plummeting energy levels andinevitable sky-high prices and is concernedhis powerful lightning bolts may no longer beenough to sustain his ravenous community. Ina frantic panic, he called an urgent meeting forthe board of directors.

“As you are all aware, I have summonedyou here to discuss our community’sunreasonable energy consumption. Thedemand for my lightning bolts is greatlyexceeding the supply,” boomed Zeus. “If wedo not enlighten the gods of their greedybehavior soon, Mount Olympus will be asdark as Hades!” The startled gods peered atZeus, taken aback by the extremity of theirsituation. Zeus glared at his naïve boardmembers, waiting for a response.

Finally, Athena, who is known for herwisdom and strategic tactics, confidentlybegan to speak: “As an electric cooperative, itis our responsibility to educate and encourageour members with techniques to conserveenergy. The simplest answer for reduction isclear: Turn off anything that consumes electricity when not inuse. While this may not be ideal for our power-hungry gods,this will lower our members’ bills, therefore providing anincentive for conservation.”

“Yes, but what if they are unable to keep track of theirenergy use?” questioned Zeus. “Electric cooperatives canoffer programs assisting members with free energy audits,”Athena proclaimed. “We can even offer in-home energyevaluations that provide homeowners with customized,detailed reports that locate the sources of major energy useand offer suggestions on how members could use energymore efficiently.”

The Board nodded in agreement and looked at Athena withapproval. However, one member still looked skeptical.Artemis, the goddess of nature, peered directly at Athena andinquired, “Our energy consumption is damaging ourenvironment with harmful gases. While your solution seemsbeneficial to the community, how can we potentially help theenvironment?”

Athena, unscathed by Artemis’ doubt, continued with asmirk: “With the growing concern of harmful gases emitted

by electricity, we have developed a program entitled GreenPower Switch. Renewable, cleaner energy resources createenergy that can be sold to residential consumers in 150-kilowatt-hour blocks, only 12 percent of a typical household’s

monthly energy use. Our electric cooperativeis also adding increasing amounts of powergenerated by wind, sun and methane gases toprovide a ‘greener’ source of energy.”

Artemis, impressed by Athena’sremarkable answer, leaned back in her chairwith a grin. The other board members beganglancing around, satisfied by the results sofar. Just when it appeared the meeting wascoming to a close, Ares let out a disgustedgrunt and rolled his eyes into the back of hishead. As the god of war, he was alwayssearching for conflict and was irritated by thepeaceful direction the committee was taking.

“I see absolutely no issues with our energyconsumption; Zeus is only conning you intoan unnecessary reduction to have more of hisprecious energy to himself,” Ares declaredwith a wicked smile. “Don’t listen to a singleword out of that old miser’s mouth!”

Ares’ statement silenced the board.Suddenly, Athena began to swell up with whatappeared to be rage, but instead burst intohearty laughter. “How did you get elected to acooperative’s board of directors if the lastthing you are willing to do is cooperate?” She

cried as she choked back laughter at the behavior of Ares.Zeus stood in annoyance, waiting for the commotion tosubside.

“Ares, as we have to remind you every meeting, one ofour cooperative’s seven principles includes cooperationamong cooperatives. With this being said, this means we allneed to cooperate and work together in order to serve ourmembers most effectively,” retorted Zeus monotonously,growing tired of the redundancy of this statement. Ares slidback into his seat, scowling at the committee’s reluctancefor chaos.

After Zeus regained composure of the meeting, hecontinued: “I believe we have resolved most issues that werebrought to our concern; however, recently rumors have beenbrought to my attention that many of our gods and goddessesclaim we do nothing worthwhile for our community and arejust another stingy company. Any thoughts?”

Athena, offended by the harsh accusation, began rattlingoff community involvement projects. “That is absurd! Wedonate to local causes like the Boys and Girls Club for ourlittle gods and goddesses through our Customers Care


Electric Cooperatives: Powering PotentialBy Faith Martin, McEwen High School

As MLEC’s overall winner inthe 2015 Washington YouthTour Short Story Contest,Faith wins a $2,000scholarship from MLEC andthe opportunity to competefor more scholarships in thestatewide competition. Learnmore about the WashingtonYouth Tour and Faith’s trip toour nation’s capitol withother MLEC winners in nextmonth’s issue.


2015 CANDIDACY DEADLINE

Meriwether Lewis Electric Cooperative bylawsrequire that a qualified member who desires to

stand for election to the cooperative board of directorsat the October 2015 district elections file a Declarationof Candidacy and Statement of Qualifications. Thecompleted form must be returned no later than businessclosing time on Wednesday, July 15, 2015. Forms areavailable at each MLEC office, online, by calling 931-729-7231 or emailing [email protected].

Ju ly 2015 19

Program! We even visit schools for job counseling and safetydemonstrations!” Athena’s enthusiasm startled Zeus, so hebegan to calmly speak in order to draw the meeting to asuccessful close.

“Thank you, Athena, for reminding us how much we canpotentially do for our community. Remember, while MountOlympus may not always be the most grateful, our electriccooperative’s No. 1 concern is the needs of our community.

With Zeus’ closing statement, the board of directors beganclapping in agreement, proud of their momentous potential inthe mighty community of Mount Olympus.

(Continued from page 18)

This month, we wrap a series of articles on yourMeriwether Lewis Electric Cooperative board ofdirectors. We close things out with the four gen-tlemen representing Humphreys County. Each

brings something different to the group, but all share acommitment to community.

Reed Dreaden has served on the MLEC Board for 39years. First elected in 1976, he says that delivering reliableelectricity at a low cost was the biggest concern. “Today,that is still our focus along with many more services,community involvement, serving industrial customers andplanning for the future,” says Dreaden. He and his latewife, Shirley, have two daughters, seven grandchildren andone great-granddaughter; another great-grandchild is onthe way. Dreaden is retired from DuPont and enjoysgardening, fishing and visiting historical places.

“Being on the MLECboard is a great way toserve my community andbe part of a well-respected organization,”says Larry Mayberry,who joined the board in1980. He secondsDreaden’s thoughts onassuring reliable serviceat the lowest possibleprice and adds thatmaintaining financialstability for the co-op ispart of the board’s role.Mayberry is a senior vicepresident with FirstFederal Bank and makeshis home in McEwen. He

and wife Diane have two children and two grandchildren.Mayberry enjoys duck-hunting, bass-fishing and golfing.

It has been almost three years since Andy Porch joinedthe MLEC board. “I felt I could bring a new voice to thegroup because of my age and background,” says Porch, whowas 35 when first elected and runs a small business inWaverly. “There are very few people my age who areinvolved in local politics and community leadership, so Iwanted to help change that.” A father of two, Porch and hiswife, Kara, live in Waverly. He enjoys helping with his kids’sports activities as well as golfing and going to the lake.

The newest member of the board is Jessie R. Wallace,who joined us in June. He was appointed to finish theremainder of Keith Carnahan’s term. Wallace alsocurrently serves as county executive for HumphreysCounty. “My predecessor as county executive was the late

Jaycee Rawlings,who also served onthe MLEC board andproved it to be agood fit,” saysWallace. “I carry thesame love for thecounty and thisdistrict as he did.”Wallace and hiswife, Tammy, havetwo children and onegrandchild and haveanother on the way.Hiking, gardeningand spending timewith his family arehow he spends hisfree time.

Meet your MLEC boardLast in a series

Humphreys County MLEC board members are, from left, ReedDreaden, Jessie R. Wallace, Larry Mayberry and Andy Porch.


Sparklers aren’t safe for small children. They burn•at very high temperatures — to 2,000 degrees (hotenough to melt some metals) — and can easily setclothing on fire.

Ignite fireworks in a clearing away from power•lines, homes, dry leaves and grass, and never lightthem in any type of container.

Keep a bucket of water handy in case of emergencies•and for fireworks that fail to ignite or explode.

Check fireworks for instructions on proper storage.•If there aren’t any or you’ve misplaced them, it isgenerally good to keep fireworks in a cool, dry place.

Do not place any part of your body directly over•fireworks while you’re lighting them. Immediatelymove away once they are lit.

“Homemade” fireworks kits are illegal. Never try to•make your own.

After fireworks have completely burned out, soak•them with a hose before throwing them in the trashto help prevent fires.


Remembering: Safety and IndependenceMore than 200 years ago, colonists who were tired

of being ruled took up arms to fight for theirfreedom. With all the odds placed against them, theywere able to overcome and win what they sodesperately fought for: their independence. Presently,we as the people seem to forget about that and thinkthat the Fourth of July is just about shooting fireworks,having cookouts and saluting the flag — but it is somuch more.

This Independence Day, take a few minutes out ofyour family gatherings to reflect on what we arecelebrating. Even the opportunity to receive ourelectricity from a cooperative-type utility is made

possible by those fighting for themselves and theirneighbors years ago.

Meriwether Lewis Electric Cooperative considers itan honor to serve you and considers it part of ourcommitment to community to keep you safe. As youcelebrate, trust that MLEC is available 24/7/365 to helpwith your electricity; we’re also here to be a source ofinformation on safety inside and outside your home.Keep these safety tips inmind as you enjoyfamily, fun andfreedom thisJuly 4:


Middle Tennessee Electric Membership Corporation — Your Touchstone Energy Cooperative

13_MTEMC COVER.qxp_13_MTEMC_0715_001 6/11/15 3:59 PM Page 1

In 2013, I spoke at our annualmeeting about a new technol-ogy we were researching andmoving toward. Beginning

this July, our advanced meteringinfrastructure will begin rolling outto our entire membership.

This new technology will bringgreater value to you as you useelectricity and better equip you inmanaging your consumption.

When I initially spoke about thetechnology, I mentioned threethings: First, we have done our re-search; second, we are implement-ing a system that is safe; and third,we are not seeking to collect mem-ber information. Rather, we arelooking to supply our members in-formation, and advanced meteringprovides many opportunities for usto provide that to you.

As we deploy this advancedtechnology, I am confident youwill understand and enjoy the sav-ings tools — such as a new Webportal — that we will be able toprovide you in the future. Please,indulge me for a moment, and Iwill give you one small example ofhow you can use this technology toyour advantage.

In a given year, we receive 12meter readings from an averagemember. With this new technol-ogy, a reading will be taken every15 minutes and delivered to

MTEMC every fourhours. That takes theaverage residentialmember’s meter read-ings to 96 per day, or35,040 per year. Thatallows you to see howmuch power you areusing and when you’reusing it so you can de-cide if you shouldmake energy-savingadjustments.

As your powerprovider, we looked be-yond savings and to-ward safety andreliability to see whatthe impact would be for our mem-bers. I am happy to say that thoseportions are just as impactful as thesavings.

We installed 500 advanced me-ters and the associated infrastruc-ture in the Christiana area to fullyevaluate the system prior to de-ploying it to all of our member-ship. Almost immediately, thesystem identified an issue that, ifnot found, could have caused afire. We were notified by a systemalarm and were able to fix the issuequickly.

Reliability was also a key factorin our decision to move toward ad-vanced metering. The improvedsystem will help us identify where

service has been inter-rupted and more quicklyrespond to outages withpinpoint accuracy to getpower restored quickly.

I understand there aresome concerns when itcomes to advanced meter-ing, and I can assure youthat we have looked intothose concerns veryclosely. The two concernsmembers have expressedthe most surround privacyand health.

As I mentioned, we arenot looking to collect anydata regarding our mem-

bers; rather, we want to provide anopportunity for our members tobetter understand their energy con-sumption and how that relates totheir bills. The health concerns wehave heard revolve around radio-frequency transmissions, or RF.Without diving deep into exam-ples, I can assure you that theamount of RF these meters emit isconsiderably less than some com-mon household items.

On the following pages, you willread about the Brighter Future pro-gram and what you can expect in thecoming months. I encourage you tovisit our website to learn more. Thisis a very exciting time for the coop-erative and our members.



Stepping into our future

Replacing your meter with a Brighter Future Improved reliability Improved safety and security for the electrical grid Ability to roll out technologies to help you manage your energy

consumption, ultimately saving you money Creating a greener Middle Tennessee by having fewer trucks on

the road to read meters or leave disconnection door hangers

Chris JonesPresident,

Middle TennesseeElectric

MembershipCorporation

MTEMC JULY 2015.qxp_13_MTEMC_0715_ 6/11/15 9:32 AM Page 16

Ju ly 2015 17

Our guiding principles atMiddle Tennessee Electricinclude delivering afford-able, reliable, safe elec-

tricity and outstanding memberservice. As part of that commitment,we routinely explore technologiesand services to improve the memberexperience.

In July, the cooperative will beginrolling out the Brighter Future cam-paign, which will improve MTEMC’scurrent infrastructure to strengthen re-liability and member services.

The technologies your member-owned, not-for-profit cooperative isprepared to implement — after ex-tensive research and testing — comeat no additional cost to you but willprovide a number of benefits almostimmediately.

The multiphase rollout is expectedto last nearly 18 months, beginning inWilliamson County, progressing intoRutherford and Cannon counties andfinishing in Wilson County.

In order to prepare for the newtechnologies, here are a couple ofthings you can expect:

Upgrade to your meterThis summer, MTEMC will be pro-

viding all of our members with newadvanced meters at no additional cost.

These meters promise to yield anumber of important benefits, includ-ing improved reliability and more effi-cient outage restoration. Utilitiesacross the country have benefitedfrom these advanced meters, and weare excited to bring this technology toour membership.

An advanced meter offers wirelesscommunication capabilities betweenyour home or business and MTEMC.Utilizing this technology, MTEMCwill be notified if your power is outbefore you call us.

This is especially important duringstorms. These new meters allow us toresolve issues much faster than send-ing a truck to an area to try and iden-tify where the service interruptionoccurred.

Improved communicationinfrastructure

As part of the Brighter Future pro-gram, MTEMC will be upgrading its

communication network to enablemore expanded functionality and im-prove overall reliability and outageresponse.

This is noticed during detrimentalweather when outages are most likelyto occur. The newer system will im-prove response time and ensure trucksare dispatched efficiently to problem-atic areas.

The new system also optimizes en-ergy delivery, and makes MTEMCone of the leading utilities in the re-gion for storm preparedness.

Preparing for a Brighter FutureWith these exciting upgrades un-

derway, MTEMC members do notneed to do anything to prepare.

Upgrading to advanced meters willbegin this summer for residences andsmall- and medium-size businesses.Members will receive notifications bymail of the upcoming meter exchangeand will receive calls close to the timeof installation. Residential and busi-ness members will have an option toschedule their meter upgrades at con-venient times if the need arises.

For any questions regardingMTEMC’s Brighter Future campaignor the advanced meters, visitwww.mtemc.com/BrighterFuture.

Ushering in a Brighter FutureMTEMC brings new technologies to benefit members

MTEMC third-year meter reader Jeff Mangrum installs a new advancedmeter on a home in Christiana. The new metering technology will improvereliability and provides the opportunity for future member-helping benefits.

This meter is similar to those MTEMCwill begin rolling out in July.


Ju ly 2015 19



Miss MTEMC 2015 applicantsThe first five entrants

Haven Douglas

Daughter ofTammy and

Michael Douglasof Murfreesboro

CarolineHendrick

Daughter of Mr.and Mrs. John

Hendrick ofLebanon

Kelsey Peebles

Daughter of Mr. and Mrs.

Torrance Peeblesof Smyrna

RebeckaJackson

Daughter of Mr.and Mrs. Horace

Jackson ofEagleville

SarahDerosett

Daughter of Mr.and Mrs. DrewDerosett of Mt.

Juliet

Middle Tennessee Elec-tric is accepting en-trants for the 2015Miss MTEMC Pageant.

The competition, which is part ofthe cooperative’s Aug. 22 annualmeeting, is open to young womenwho qualify. This year’s winner gets$1,000, an engraved trophy, rosesand crown. First- and second-placewinners will receive engraved tro-phies, roses and $500 and $250 cash,respectively.

To enter, each young woman mustbe single, age 16 to 21 and the daugh-ter of a parent or guardian who is amember of Middle Tennessee Elec-tric. Children and grandchildren ofMTEMC employees, retired employ-ees or directors are not eligible. Thereis no entry fee.

Participants must be sponsored bycivic, community or school clubs inthe MTEMC service area. There is nosponsorship fee, but clubs sponsoringthe contest’s 12 finalists will receive$35 each.

The deadline for entering the pag-eant is July 15 or when the contest has30 entrants. Applications are availableat local MTEMC offices.

Miss MTEMC 2012 Heather Sandefur, above with father Dana “Scooter”Sandefur, has been awarded a scholarship from the National Tactical OfficersAssociation (NTOA). Heather, currently a student at the University of Ten-nessee at Chattanooga, will put this scholarship toward her college expenses.The scholarship was awarded to only six individuals across the U.S. Appli-cants were sponsored by NTOA members, submitted letters of recommenda-tion and completed essays to qualify for selection. Heather is the daughter ofKynn and Dana “Scooter” Sandefur, member of Lebanon Police DepartmentSWAT, NTOA member and Heather’s sponsor for the scholarship.

Former Miss MTEMC continues to shine


Ju ly 2015 21

Williamson County

Rutherford County

Customers Care Inc. is a foun-dation created by MiddleTennessee Electric’s board of

directors for the sole purpose of giv-ing back to the communities servedby the cooperative. Funds granted bythe foundation come directly frommembers and are then used in thecounties where they are collected.

Concern for Community, the Sev-enth Cooperative Principle, focuseson members’ needs while helping de-velop the communities served. Oper-ation Round Up, which makes up thelargest portion of funds, roundsmembers’ bills up to the nearestwhole dollar, with the roundedamount going to assist local causes.

Members do have the option todiscontinue participation in the pro-gram and can opt out at any time.

Since 2003, Operation RoundUp has distributed more than $8million to 548 organizations acrossthe region. For more information,visit our website atwww.mtemc.com/CustomersCare.

$31,362.25$22,559.22$53,921.47$25,416.47

Beginning balance(Incoming) April 2015May funds available*Ending balance

$28,505

$79,598.28$30,720.03$110,318.31$49,063.99


$61,254.32

May grants

*Ending balance is awaiting future grant applications

Habitat forHumanity —

WilsonDivision

Habitat for Humanity — Wilson DivisionDirector Tory Tredway stands on the siteof a build. Habitat for Humanity of Wil-son County works to eliminate substan-dard housing and improve livingconditions for its communities. The non-profit organization provides familieswho can’t afford to purchase a homethrough conventional loans the oppor-tunity to do so.

Customers Carespotlight

Cannon County

$7,290.31$2,389.19$9,679.50$7,723.50


$1,956

Wilson County

$137,503.63$19,630.83$157,134.46$134,998.46


$22,136May grants May grants

May grants May grants

Youth IncorporatedMulticounty — $9,156

Muscular Dystrophy Assoc. Multicounty — $10,000

Boys & Girls ClubRutherford — $3,650

Howard’s HopeRutherford — $800

Challenged Athletes Playing EquallyRutherford — $2,000

Doors of HopeRutherford — $5,000

United Way of Rutherford & Cannon Co.Multicounty — $4,000

Carpe ArtistaRutherford — $5,000

Tucker’s HouseWilliamson — $6,000

Hard BargainMt. Hope Redevelopment

Williamson — $5,000Youth Leadership Franklin

Williamson — $1,500Bethesda Senior Citizens Center

Williamson — $2,421Williamson County CASA

Williamson — $10,000The GEAR Foundation Williamson — $10,000

The Arc of Williamson CountyWilliamson — $2,040

Thompson’s Station Comm. Assoc.Williamson — $10,000

Fairview Historical AssociationWilliamson — $3,014.92

Hiram Lodge PreservationWilliamson — $5,698.40Friendship Fishing Club

Wilson — $750Habitat for Humanity of Wilson Co.

Wilson — $10,000Big Brothers of Mt. Juliet

Wilson — $5,000Mt. Juliet-West WilsonSenior Citizens Center

Wilson — $2,821Total May grants:

$113,851.32


Pickwick Electric Cooperative Edition

14_PIEC COVER.qxp_14_PIEC_0715_001 6/11/15 3:59 PM Page 1


Fireworks and flags.Cookouts and colddrinks. The Fourth ofJuly is a

festive day onwhich we cele-brate with familyand friends ournation’s independ-ence. Typically,this is not a day ofquiet reflection.While we spend alot of energy hav-ing fun, if we giveany thought aboutour forbearers andtheir determinedefforts to bringabout our nation’s independence,it’s fleeting.

However, it is worth reflectingthat this uniquely American spiritof independence remains part ofour collective DNA more than200 years after the independentnation of the United States wasformed and the Declaration ofIndependence was crafted. Andthis sense of independence hasserved us well. For example,more than 70 years ago, an inde-pendent streak inspired groups offarmers across America’s coun-tryside to band together to im-prove their quality of life. Asidefrom President Franklin Roo-sevelt’s promise of federal aid inthe form of low-interest loansand engineering expertise, ruralAmericans had little help inbringing electricity to their

homes. So, they did it themselvesby pulling together and workingcooperatively — a shining exam-

ple of American de-termination andingenuity.

For the past 40-plus years, nearlyevery presidentsince Richard Nixonduring the time ofthe Arab oil em-bargo has talkedabout the goal ofU.S. energy inde-pendence — reduc-ing our reliance onimported oil andother forms of for-

eign energy. Today, while we stillhave a ways to go, we are closerto that goal than ever before. Weare exporting more gas and im-porting less foreign fuel than inrecent memory. American inge-nuity in the form of new technol-ogy and innovation is opening upmore options and spurringgreater efficiency across allforms of energy. According tothe Energy Information Agency,energy expenditures as a share ofgross domestic product are fore-cast at 6.2 percent in 2015, theirlowest level since 2002, reflect-ing both lower oil prices and on-going increases in energyefficiency.

Consumers have an importantrole to play in the road to energyindependence. They don’t haveto wait for Democrats and Re-

The power of Americanindependence

John BowersPresident,

Pickwick Electric Cooperative

[email protected]

Pickwick Electric Cooperative

Serving members in all of McNairy Countyand portions of Chester,Hardeman and Hardincounties in Tennessee andAlcorn and Tishomingo counties in Mississippi

672 Highway 142P.O. Box 49Selmer, TN 38375

Phone Numbers:731-645-3411 731-632-33331-800-372-8258Outage Hotline:1-866-260-4025

Website:www.pickwickec.com

These five pages contain local news and informationfor members of Pickwick Electric Cooperative.

PIEC JULY 2015.qxp_14_PIEC_0715_ 6/10/15 11:06 AM Page 16

Ju ly 2015 17

publicans to agree or environmentalists and fos-sil fuel advocates to reach consensus on a pathto energy independence. Consumers can play apart in moving us toward national energy inde-pendence by taking action in simple, practicalways — insulating and caulking around win-dows, doors and electrical outlets; washingclothes in cold water instead of hot; replacingair filters; installing programmable thermostats;and using more-energy-efficient appliances andhome heating and cooling systems. Efficiencyefforts can cut costs for individual households,but the collective benefit to our country is evengreater.

If we all work together to achieve increasedenergy efficiency and reduce our overall energyconsumption, we can make even more progresson our road toward energy independence. AtPickwick Electric Cooperative, we want to be aresource for you in this effort. We can provide

energy-saving tips tailored for your uniquehousehold needs.

In addition, PEC, along with other electric co-operatives across the country, has been activelyengaged in promoting renewable energy resourceslike wind, solar, hydropower and biomass (includ-ing landfill gas, livestock waste, timber byprod-ucts and crop residue). Today, nearly 95 percent ofthe nation’s 900-plus electric co-ops provide elec-tricity produced by renewable sources, all playinga key role in powering rural America while foster-ing our nation’s energy independence.

Recent advances in technology are transform-ing how we make and move electricity, and overtime, these changes will greatly improve notonly the efficiency but the reliability of electricpower. So this Fourth of July, as you gaze up atthe fireworks lighting up the night sky, reflecton the enduring spirit of independence that is in-tegral to our American character.

Ryan Chase Smith, son of Darren and Regina Smith anda 2015 graduate of McNairy Central High School, wasawarded a $4,000 Tennessee Valley Authority PowerDistributor Scholarship. The awards were presented

May 12 at a ceremony and luncheon at Embassy Suites CoolSprings Hotel in Franklin.

Chase was named valedictorian of his graduating class. While atMCHS, he was a member of the Student Government Association,MCHS Hall of Fame, National Honor Society, Spanish NationalHonor Society, Mu Alpha Theta, ACT 25 and Above Club, HOSA,Cats in Action and the MCHS baseball team. He was also a HealthScience completer and the Student Excel in Math.

Fall will find Chase at the University of Tennessee at Knoxvilleto major in prepharmacy.

Funds for the scholarship program in which Chase was a winnerare provided through the local power companies, Power PlayScholarship Association membership fees, vendor and TVA contri-butions and money raised at Power Play golf tournament events.

Since being established in 1995 and including this year’s 35 re-cipients, the program has awarded more than 480 scholarships val-ued at approximately $1.87 million.

Chase Smith awardedTVA Power Distributors Scholarship

Chase Smith is a pleased recipient of a TVAPower Distributors Scholarship.



Stay safe exploringthe great outdoors this summerBy Abby Berry

Summer is in full swing, andthat means it is time for funin the sun! As you find your-self spending more time out-

doors, Pickwick Electric Cooperativereminds you to stay safe.

Planning a home improvementproject? When working outdoors,you may be using equipment such asladders, power tools, shovels or evenpaintbrushes with extendable arms.These items help you get the jobdone but are potentially dangerous ifused improperly.

Pay attention to where you placemetal ladders or dig for fence posts.Before you start any project, alwayslook up and avoid overhead powerlines. Keep a minimum of 10 feet between you andoverhead lines.

If you are planning a project that requires digging,remember to dial “811” first to find out if the area youwill be working in is clear of underground power lines.Keep power tools away from wet surfaces, and don’toverload outlets.






These are just a few tips to remember when you arespending time outdoors this summer with your family.Have some fun out there, and always keep safety inmind!

Abby Berry writes on consumer and cooperative affairs forthe National Rural Electric Cooperative Association, theArlington, Va.-based service arm of the nation’s 900-plusconsumer-owned, not-for-profit electric cooperatives.

By cleaning your air conditioner’s ducts, you can loweryour energy consumption by between 5 percent and15 percent.

Source: energy.gov

Energy-Efficiency Tip of the Month

Avoid being outdoorsduring summer storms.


Ju ly 2015 19

HELP US HELP YOU!!From time to time, we need to contact members about service problems, billing questions orsafety issues. If you have recently disconnected your landline phone and are using a cell, pleaseprovide us with the correct contact information.

Please help us keep your Please help us keep your contact information current.contact information current.

Name (as it appears on your statement) _________________________________________________

Account Number____________________________________________________________________

Home Phone _______________________________________________________________________

Cell Phone_________________________________________________________________________

Email Address ______________________________________________________________________

You can mail this with your next bill payment, drop it at our office or call the office during businesshours. PEC does not share member information.

Pickwick Electric CooperativeP. O. Box 49 Selmer, TN 38375731-645-3411

David Tacker was promoted to maintenanceforeman on May 4 after celebrating 25 yearsof service with Pickwick Electric Coopera-tive. He began his career with PEC on May 1,

1990, as a groundman. From 1992 to 1997, he partici-pated in and completed the lineman training course pro-vided by the Tennessee Valley Public Power Association.

David says, “In the past 25 years, PEC went from twobucket trucks to having one available for each line crew— what a change!”

David and his wife, Stephanie, live in Selmer wherethey are members of First Baptist Church. They have fourchildren: Kayla, Kyra, Kirby and Katelin. David Tacker

David Tacker promotedto maintenance foreman



2015 Valedictorians and Salutatorians honored for their accomplishments

Pickwick ElectricCooperativewould like tocongratulate all

of the 2015 graduatingseniors in our servicearea — with specialrecognition going to thevaledictorians and salu-tatorians fromAdamsville Junior/Se-nior High School andMcNairy Central HighSchool.

Adamsville Junior/Se-nior High School’s Tan-ner Liddy was namedvaledictorian of theclass, and Dylan John-ston was salutatorian.The school’s graduationceremonies were Friday,May 22.

Graduating Thursday,May 21, Chase Smithwas valedictorian of Mc-Nairy Central HighSchool’s senior class, andIan Jobe was salutatorian.

All four students re-ceived cash awards fromPEC for their scholasticachievements.

Tanner Liddy Dylan Johnston

Ian JobeChase Smith

Holiday ClosingPickwick Electric

Cooperative will be closed Independence Day,

Friday, July 3.

PIEC JULY 2015.qxp_14_PIEC_0715_ 6/11/15 12:22 PM Page 20

Powell Valley Electric Cooperative Edition

16_PVEC COVER.qxp_16_PVEC_0715_001 6/11/15 4:00 PM Page 1

Fireworks and flags. Cook-outs and cold drinks. TheFourth of July is afestive day on

which we celebrate withfamily and friends our na-tion’s independence. Typi-cally, this is not a day ofquiet reflection. While wespend a lot of energy hav-ing fun, if we give anythought about our forbear-ers and their determinedefforts to bring about ournation’s independence, it’sfleeting.

However, it is worth reflectingthat this uniquely American spirit ofindependence remains part of ourcollective DNA more than 200 yearsafter the independent nation of theUnited States was formed and theDeclaration of Independence wascrafted. And this sense of independ-ence has served us well. For exam-ple, more than 70 years ago, anindependent streak inspired groupsof farmers across America’s country-side to band together to improvetheir quality of life. Aside from Pres-ident Franklin Roosevelt’s promiseof federal aid in the form of low-in-

terest loans and engineering expert-ise, rural Americans had little help in

bringing electricity totheir homes. So they did itthemselves by pulling to-gether and working coop-eratively — a shiningexample of American de-termination and ingenuity.

It is with a sense ofpride that we celebrate theFourth of July. We are inawe of all our ancestorsaccomplished and whatthe farmers did at PowellValley Electric Coopera-

tive 75 years ago when they builtthose lines and lit up the country-side. That same independence andspirit thrives today, and it is withthat same spirit that your cooperativehas introduced innovations and ap-plied advanced technology, strivingfor a better way each day and look-ing out for the future of the coopera-tive and its members.

So this Fourth of July, as you gazeup at the fireworks lighting up thenight sky, reflect on the enduringspirit of independence that is inte-gral to our American character.

— Randell W. Meyers




Powell ValleyElectric CooperativeServing all of Hancock Countyand portions of Claiborne,Grainger, Union and Hawkinscounties in Tennessee and portions of Lee, Scott and Wisecounties in Virginia.

Randell W. Meyers,General Manager/CEOJoAnn Dillingham,Director of Accounting and FinanceGary Hatfield,Director of Special ProjectsCharles “Bo” Goodin,Assistant General ManagerRonnie Williams,Tazewell Area SupervisorJason Stapleton,Jonesville Area SupervisorJoey Southern,Sneedville Area Supervisor

PVEC office hoursMonday through Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

Tazewell office:Service requests: 423-626-0707Billing inquiries: 423-626-0706Outages/trouble: 423-626-5204Other inquiries: 423-626-5204

Jonesville office:Service requests: 276-346-6003Billing inquiries: 276-346-6003Outages: 276-346-6065Other inquiries: 276-346-6016

Sneedville office:All inquiries: 423-733-2207

Calls to all PVEC locations will beanswered by emergency operatorsafter office hours and on week-ends and holidays. Visit us at www.pve.coop.You also can contact us via email:[email protected]

PVEC Board of DirectorsRoger Ball, PresidentDavid T. Kindle, Vice PresidentJudith Robertson, Secretary-TreasurerGary RussellMikel SharpDale McNielAllen ParkeyMichael ShockleyDr. John Short

Randell W. MeyersGeneral Manager/CEO

Powell Valley

Electric Cooperative

Closing noticePowell Valley Electric Cooperative

offices will be closedFriday, July 3, in observance

of Independence Day.Have a safe and fun-filled holiday!

PVEC JULY 2015.qxp_16_PVEC_0715_ 6/10/15 4:00 PM Page 16

Ju ly 2015 17

On June 9, 2015, the Powell Valley Electric Cooperative Nominating Committee met for the purpose of nominatingfour candidates for the cooperative’s board of directors for three-year terms (with the exception of District 3, a two-

year term) to begin in September. The individuals nominated are:District 2 • Roger BallDistrict 3 • Judy RobertsonDistrict 7 • Mike ShockleyDistrict 8 • David Kindle

The cooperative’s board of directors consists of nine members who are representatives of their respective districtsacross the cooperative’s service area.

Nominating Committee names director candidates


Summer is in full swing, and that means it istime for fun in the sun! As you find yourselfspending more time outdoors, Powell ValleyElectric Cooperative reminds you to stay

safe. Planning a home improvement project? When

working outdoors, you may be using equipment suchas ladders, power tools, shovels or even paintbrusheswith extendable arms. These items help you get thejob done but have the potential to be dangerous ifused improperly.

Pay attention to where you place metal ladders ordig for fence posts. Before you start any project,always look up and avoid overhead power lines. Keepa minimum of 10 feet between you and overheadlines.

If you are planning a project that requires digging,remember to dial “811” first to find out if the areayou will be working in is clear of underground powerlines. Keep power tools away from wet surfaces, anddon’t overload outlets.

Exploring the great outdoors is a great way tospend time with the family, but keep these safety tipsin mind:

Children should never climb trees near power lines— always assume a wire is live. Fly kites andremote-controlled airplanes in large, open areas likeparks or fields, safely away from trees and overheadpower lines.

Planning to take a dip in the pool? Keep electricaldevices such as stereos at least 10 feet away from

water sources, and outdoor electrical outlets shouldalways be covered. If you hear a rumble of thunder,exit the pool right away.

Speaking of thunder, summer storms can bedangerous if you’re caught in the wrong place at thewrong time. If you find yourself outdoors during astorm, move toward suitable shelter with coveredsides, and stick to low-lying ground if possible.

These are just a few tips to remember when youare spending time outdoors this summer with yourfamily. Have some fun out there, and always keepsafety in mind!

By Abby Berry




What would the Fourth of July be with-out cookouts, baseball games and fire-works in the night sky? But it’s easyto forget that fireworks are dangerous

explosives, and carelessness could have deadly con-sequences.

The federal government has banned sales to con-sumers of the most dangerous fireworks such ascherry bombs and M-80s. But sparklers, firecrackersand other smaller fireworks remain legal in moststates.

To help make sure your holiday celebrations don’tend with a trip to the emergency room, follow thesesafety tips from the U.S. Consumer Product SafetyCommission:• Sparklers aren’t safe for small children. They burn

at very high temperatures — up to 2,000 degrees,hot enough to melt some metals — and can easilyset clothes on fire.

• Ignite fireworks in a clearing, away from powerlines, homes, other structures, dry leaves and grassand other flammable materials. Never light fire-works in any type of container.

• Keep a bucket of water handy in case of emergen-cies and for fireworks that fail to ignite or explode.

• Check instructions for storage, but generally keepfireworks in a cool, dry place.

• Do not place any part of your body directly overfireworks while you’re lighting them, and immedi-ately move away as soon as the device is lit.

• “Homemade” fireworks kits are illegal. Never try tomake your own.

• After fireworks have completely burned out, soakthem with a hose before throwing them in the trashto help prevent fires.The Fourth of July is a time to celebrate, but al-

ways use caution with fireworks — and remember tolook up for power lines before you shoot anythingskyward.

Source: U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.Magen Howard writes on consumer and cooperativeaffairs for the National Rural Electric Cooperative As-sociation, the Arlington, Va.-based service arm of thenation’s 900-plus consumer-owned, not-for-profitelectric cooperatives.

Use caution with Fourth of July fireworksBy Magen Howard

Sparklers are often given to children, but because theyburn at 2,000 degrees, they’re not safe for the little ones.This demonstration by the U.S. Consumer Product SafetyCommission shows how dangerous sparklers can be forsmall children. Source: U.S. Consumer Product SafetyCommission

When you’re air-condition-ing, set your thermostat to78 degrees. Anything lowerwill increase your cost byapproximately 2 percent to3 percent for each degreebelow 78. And if you’regoing to be away from

home, try setting your thermostat even higher.

Source: EnergyRight Solutions


Ju ly 2015 19

In the armed forces of the UnitedStates, at the Ceremony of Retreat,the flag is lowered, folded in a tri-angle fold, and kept under watch

throughout the night as a tribute to ournation’s honored dead. It is brought outthe next morning and at the Ceremonyof Reveille run aloft as a symbol of ourbelief in the resurrection of the body.

The portion of the flag denoting honoris the canton field of blue containing thestars, representing states our veteransserved in uniform. The canton field ofblue dresses from left to right and is in-verted only when draped as a pall on acasket of a veteran who has served ourcountry honorably in uniform.1. The first fold of our flag is a symbol

of our belief in God.2. The second fold is a symbol of our

devotion to the United States ofAmerica.

3. The third fold is made in honor andremembrance of the veterans whohave departed our ranks.

4. The fourth fold represents our relianceon God for guidance and strength.

5. The fifth fold is a tribute to freedomand all that it means to us.

6. The sixth fold represents our heart,for it is with our heart that we pledge allegiance tothe flag of the United States of America.

7. The seventh fold is a tribute to our armed forces,for it is the armed forces who protect our countryand our flag against all enemies.

8. The eighth fold is a tribute to honor our mothers —faith, love, loyalty and devotion that have shapedthe character of the men and women who havemade this country great.

9. The ninth fold is a tribute to fathers, who give theirsons and daughters for the defense of our country.

10. The 10th fold is a tribute to American familieseverywhere. Our strength is built upon theirstrength.

11. The 11th fold is a symbol of our belief in justiceand equality for all.

12. The 12th fold represents an emblem of eternityand glorifies our faith in God.

13. The 13th fold is a symbol of our 13 originalcolonies.

When the flag is completely folded, the stars areuppermost, reminding us of our national motto, “InGod We Trust.” After the flag is completely foldedand tucked in, it takes on the appearance of a cockedhat, ever reminding us of the American soldiers whofirst served under Gen. George Washington to estab-lish and preserve the rights, privileges and freedomswe enjoy today.

Honor our flag



It is the middle of the sum-mer; temperatures are risingand so are your electricbills. It might be time to

make a big investment, an invest-ment in energy efficiency.





Making all of these changes at once could be difficult— if not impossible — but investing in just one of thesemeasures can yield a significant return on yourinvestment.



Some 6 percent of American energy consumptiongoes toward space cooling, and it costs $11 billion peryear for homeowners to power their air conditioners. Youcan reduce your energy use by 20 percent to 50 percentwhen you upgrade to an energy-efficient home coolingunit. One option is to install a split unit air conditionerand heating unit — they can be more expensive, but theyare highly efficient, especially in homes withoutductwork. Another option is to invest in an ENERGYSTAR-approved air-conditioning unit, which can be 15percent more efficient than a standard unit.

If buying a new cooling unit isn’t in the cards for youthis summer, there’s no need to worry! Replacingappliances isn’t the only way to lower energy costs. Oneof the most important energy-efficient improvements tomake during the hot summer months is air-sealing andinsulating. By adding insulation in attics, floors overcrawl spaces and accessible basement rim joints, youcan reduce your heating and cooling costs by an averageof 15 percent (and it could lower your overall energycosts by an average of 11 percent!).

You can reduce energy costs by around 10 percent byinstalling energy-efficient window treatments. Or, youcan simply turn on a ceiling fan, which will allow you toraise your thermostat temperature by 4 degrees, withoutimpacting your comfort.





Southwest Tennessee Electric Membership Corporation — Your Touchstone Energy Cooperative

17_STEMC COVER.qxp_17_STEMC_0715_001 6/11/15 4:00 PM Page 1

Fireworks and flags. Cookoutsand cold drinks. The Fourth ofJuly is a festive day on whichwe celebrate with

family and friends our na-tion’s independence. Typi-cally, this is not a day of quietreflection. While we spend alot of energy having fun, ifwe give any thought aboutour forbearers and their deter-mined efforts to bring aboutour nation’s independence,it’s fleeting.

However, it is worthreflecting that this uniquelyAmerican spirit ofindependence remains part ofour collective DNA more than 200 yearsafter the independent nation of theUnited States was formed and theDeclaration of Independence wascrafted. This sense of independence hasserved us well. For example, more than70 years ago, an independent streakinspired groups of farmers acrossAmerica’s countryside to band togetherto improve their quality of life. Asidefrom President Franklin Roosevelt’spromise of federal aid in the form oflow-interest loans and engineeringexpertise, rural Americans had little helpin bringing electricity to their homes. Sothey did it themselves by pullingtogether and working cooperatively — ashining example of Americandetermination and ingenuity.

For the past 40-plus years, nearlyevery president since Richard Nixonduring the time of the Arab oil embargohas talked about the goal of U.S. energyindependence — reducing our relianceon imported oil and other forms offoreign energy. Today, while we stillhave a ways to go, we are closer to thatgoal than ever before. We are exportingmore gas and importing less foreign fuelthan in recent memory. American

ingenuity in the form of new technologyand innovation is opening up moreoptions and spurring greater efficiency

across all forms of energy.According to the EnergyInformation Agency, energyexpenditures as a share ofgross domestic product areforecast at 6.2 percent in2015, their lowest level since2002, reflecting both loweroil prices and ongoingincreases in energyefficiency.

Consumers have animportant role to play in theroad to energyindependence. They don’t

have to wait for Democrats andRepublicans to agree orenvironmentalists and fossil fueladvocates to reach consensus on a pathto energy independence. Consumers canplay a part in moving us toward nationalenergy independence by taking action insimple, practical ways — insulating andcaulking around windows, doors andelectrical outlets; washing clothes incold water instead of hot; replacing airfilters; installing programmablethermostats; and using more-energy-efficient appliances and home heatingand cooling systems. Efficiency effortscan cut costs for individual households,but the collective benefit to our countryis even greater.

If we all work together to achieveincreased energy efficiency and reduceour overall energy consumption, we canmake even more progress on our roadtoward energy independence. AtSouthwest Tennessee EMC, we want tobe a resource for you in this effort. Wecan provide energy-saving tips tailoredfor your unique household needs.

In addition, Southwest TennesseeEMC, along with other electric co-opsacross the country, has been actively



Kevin MurphyPresident,

Southwest Tennessee Electric

Membership Corporation

Southwest Tennessee ElectricMembership Corporation1009 E. Main St.Brownsville, TN 38012stemc.com

PresidentKevin [email protected]

Vice President of OperationsPhillip [email protected]

Vice President of EngineeringWilliam [email protected]

Vice President of Financeand AccountingScott Sims [email protected]

Vice President of Human ResourcesMark [email protected]

Vice President of Purchasingand FleetTrent [email protected]

Brownsville DistrictPhone: 731-772-1322Phillip Mullins, VP of [email protected]

Covington DistrictPhone: 901-476-9839Ruth Tate, Office [email protected]

Atoka DistrictPhone: 901-837-1900Ruth Tate, Office [email protected]

Henderson DistrictPhone: 731-989-2236Delana O’Neal, Office [email protected]

Jackson DistrictPhone: 731-427-3311Delana O’Neal, Office [email protected]

STEMC Board of DirectorsChairmanHugh Harvey — JacksonVice ChairmanJames Allan Ferguson —WhitevilleSecretary/TreasurerAudrey Blue — BrownsvilleAllen King — BrownsvilleClaire Marshall — MasonDavid McDaniel — BrightonW. B. McKinnon — HendersonJames Rose — BurlisonNorma Turner — CovingtonRobert Kendrick — BrownsvilleAttorneyPatrick H. Mann — Brownsville

Connect with us atstemc.com or on


STEMC JULY 2015.qxp_17_STEMC_0715_ 6/10/15 4:11 PM Page 16

Ju ly 2015 17

2015Annual Meeting

Friday, Aug. 7 • 5:30 p.m. Jackson Fairgrounds Park

engaged in promoting renewable energy resources likewind, solar, hydropower and biomass (including landfillgas, livestock waste, timber byproducts and crop residue).Today, nearly 95 percent of the nation’s 900-plus electricco-ops provide electricity produced by renewable sources,all playing a key role in powering rural America whilefostering our nation’s energy independence.


The badge of efficiency

Energy efficiency was the topic on May 20 forthe Girl Scout Troop “Heart of the South” No.40186 in Henderson. The journey group wasgreeted at Southwest Tennessee Electric Mem-

bership Corporation’s Henderson office by MarilynMeans, STEMC marketing coordinator. The group waspresented ideas and examples of how important it is forall of us to save energy. When the girls were asked whatthings they do at home to help save energy, the Scoutsknew the right answers: “I turn the lights off when I leavea room,” and, “When I brush my teeth, I don’t leave thewater running. This not only saves energy, but it alsosaves water.” Each Scout was presented an energy calcu-lator wheel and practiced how to determine the yearlycost for each appliance used in the home.

Renewable energy was also a topic of interest to thegirls. Each was given a brochure about how different typesof renewable resources are used within the community.The group was also given a tour of the STEMC office tosee how an electric cooperative is managed.

The highlight of the day was visiting the home of Mr.and Mrs. David Jones on Short Farrow Road. The Joneses,who installed a solar panel system on their barn, wereexcited to share their renewable energy experience with theScout group. It was a very fun and informative day for thegirls. Not only did they realize the importance of taking a

stand and becoming a part of energy efficiency for thecommunity, they also will receive several merit badgesfrom the experience.

“It is vital that we instill in our youth the importance ofconserving energy in their home so they can share theirknowledge with their communities,” stated Means.

Girl Scout group at Jones Farm



2015 right-of-way treatment scheduleContractors working through Septemberin Jackson, Covington, Atoka districts

Southwest Tennessee EMC is responsible for deliver-ing quality power as safely and as inexpensively aspossible. Trees and underbrush can present majorobstacles to meeting those responsibilities.

To manage right-of-way vegetation, STEMC has twoprimary options: mechanical clearing and herbicides. Whilemowing and cutting may first appear to be the leastexpensive ways to control vegetation, when all expenses areadded (equipment, fuel, labor, etc.), these are the mostexpensive options.

With low-volume backpack herbicide applications, we usevery low volumes of diluted herbicide solutions in directedsprays on targeted vegetation while increasing the number ofacres of right of way treated annually. This method works onmost terrains and is highly selective to target brush and smalltree species within our typical easement. The goal of thistreatment is to reduce the woody competition with the leastamount of disturbance to the existing vegetation.

To achieve this, STEMC selects the areas to be treated andwhat herbicides are to be used. We use only herbicides thatare approved by the Environmental Protection Agency andhave been tested and deemed harmless to humans andanimals. Our primary herbicide is glysophate (Round-up isthe name most recognized), which is used on thousands ofacres of farmland each year and by thousands ofhomeowners in their yards. Its safety has been demonstratedover a long period of time. STEMC then contracts itsherbicide treatment with a contractor licensed by the state ofTennessee; this year we will be working with VolunteerVegetation Management. The long-term goal is to reducewoody-stem competition under power lines and establishnatural grasses.

Because STEMC is concerned about you and thecommunities we serve, we believe our vegetationmanagement program will provide you with reliableelectrical service through a safe, environmentally soundtreatment.

Now through September, contractors will be treating therights of way along the streets listed below. For moreinformation on STEMC’s vegetation control system, contactthe forester at any district office.

Jackson DistrictSaint Road, Diamond Grove Road, Mifflin Road, Old

Medina Road, Henderson Road, Ashport Road, BellsHighway, Old Humboldt Road, Windy City Road,Scarbrough Loop, Old Bells Road, Bascomb Road, JohnPope Road, Watson Road, Christmasville Road, Oakfield

Road, Bedford White Road, Independence Loop, Law Road,Obrien Road, Highway 412 East, Lakewood Drive, CottonGrove Road, Browns Church Road, Liberty Claybrook Road,Highway 70 East, Highway 152, Hughes Road, Tige HopperRoad, Beech Bluff Road, White Fern Road, Maple SpringsRoad, Parkburg Road, Highway 18, Bowman Road,Huntersville-Denmark Road, Lower Brownsville Road,Huntersville-Providence Road, Highway 70 West, Highway138, Denmark-Lexington Road, Denmark-Jackson Road,Britton Lane, Wilhite Road, Vine Hill Road, St. Johns Road,Womack Lane, Harts Bridge Road, Deep Gap Road, PerrySwitch Road, Rocky Springs Road, Parkburg Road,Highway 45 South, Old Pinson Road, Seavers Road, BooneLane.

Covington and Atoka districtsBurnett Lane, Highway 59 South, Highway 179, Solo

Road, Oil Mill Road, Highway 54 East, Bride Road, RialtoRoad, Leighs Chapel Road, Highway 51 North, Highway 59West, Bringle Road, Pisgah Road, Walton Loop, HollyGrove Road, Melrose Road, Dawson Road, Mt. CarmelRoad, Old Memphis Road, Terry Lane, Brighton-CloptonRoad, McLennan Road, Highway 51 South, MunfordAvenue, Munford Atoka Avenue, Munford Tipton Road,Munford Giltedge Road, Beaver Road, Marshall Road,McLaughlin Drive, Tralee Drive, Kilkenny Drive, BeaverCreek, Portersville Road, Dunlap Orphanage Road, MainStreet, Holly Grove Road, Marshall Road, Akins Store Road,Kenwood Avenue at Highway 51, Old 51 Highway South,Portersville Road, Highway 51 South, Lucy Kelly Road,Fayne Road,Woodlawn Road, Sunnyside Road, Indian CreekRoad, Jack Bennett Road, Liberty Church Road,McWilliams Road, Shiloh Road, Highway 59 West, HollyGrove Road, Garland Detroit Road, Garland Drive, KellysChapel Road, Elm Grove Road, Candy Lane, Camp GroundRoad, Jamestown Road, Highway 59 West, RichardsonLanding, Pryor Road, Dolan Road, Crigger Road, Ray BluffRoad, Quito Drummonds Road, Drummonds Road,Wilkinsville Road, Randolph Road, Girl Scout Road, GlenSprings Road, Highway 70, Burrowtown Road, WitheringtonRoad, Burrow Cemetery Road, Center Point Road, LaytonRoad, Layton Cemetery Road, Walker Parkway, WilliamsonDrive, Rosemark Road, Cotton Fall Drive, Beverly Drive,J.E. Blaydes Parkway, Elizabeth Road, Edith Lane,Portersville Road, Blaydes Road, Tracy Road, Highway 51,Simmons Road, Quito Road, Wilkinson Road, Joe JoynerRoad, McCormick Road, Meade Lake Road, Watson Road,Maple Drive, Charles Place, Durhamville Road, Henning


Ju ly 2015 19

Orysa, Queens Crossing, Lovelace Crossing, Cooper CreekRoad, Highway 87, Thumb Road, Pleasant Hill Glimp,Highway 371, Pipkin Road, Sam Taylor Road, CrutcherLake Road, Cold Creek Road, Park Road, Old Fulton Road,Pickens Store Road, Gainesville Road, Braden Road,Highway 70 West, Charleston Mason Road, Highway 179,

Keeling Road, Highway 70 East, Gainesville Lane, Highway59, Jack Pond Road.

Note: Other roads in the same vicinity as these listed maybe treated as well. Also, touch-up work will be conducted inareas treated last year.

2015 Washington Youth Tour

Each year, hundreds of stories are entered by students whose families are served by SouthwestTennessee Electric Membership Corporation as a part of the Washington Youth Tour Cre-ative Writing Contest. Ten students win trips to Washington, D.C., and the overall winningstory is entered into a statewide scholarship competition. “Electric Cooperatives: Powering

Potential” by Brianna Castleman of Covington High School in Tipton County is the winner from theSouthwest Tennessee Electric service area for 2015.

Anastasia, a 20-year-old in college, suddenlyremembers that she has to write an essayabout electricity. As she is sitting in herroom, thinking about how she could possi-

bly obtain information, for they couldn’t afford Inter-net, her grandma, Elena, walks in. Of course!Anastasia thinks and looks up at her grandma.

“Could you help me with my essay about electricity,Grandma?” Anastasia asks. Elena smiles sweetly andsimply replies with, “Why, of course.” She holdsAnastasia’s hand and they go back to the year 1800.They arrive in the home of the Italian physicistAlessandro Volta, who discovered that certainreactions could produce electricity. Anastasia looks upat Elena in astonishment. Elena motions for her toremain silent and watch. They watch as Volta createsthe voltaic pile, an electric battery.

All of a sudden, they are in America during the mid-1800s. Elena looks over at Anastasia. “You may thinkthere isn’t much electricity here in the larger cities, butit is more than the rural areas have. They don’t haveany electricity,” Elena tells her. “Why not?” Anastasiaasks. Elena sighs and explains to her how electricitywas considered impossible in rural areas. “Oh,”Anastasia says, “that’s so sad.”

Anastasia looks down at her feet, and when shelooks back up, they are in the early 1930s. She looksaround. “It looks like there is more electricity now,”she says. Elena nods in agreement. “Do the rural areashave electricity yet?” she asks her grandma. Elenasadly shakes her head. “No, my dear. Some companiesstill consider it impossible and unprofitable to putelectricity lines in the rural areas,” she explains to

Anastasia. She looks up at Elena. “I learned in historyclass that Franklin D. Roosevelt signed an act on May18, 1933. Can we go to that day?” Elena smiles andbefore Anastasia can blink, they are in the WhiteHouse.

At first, all they can see are congressmen. Anastasialooks closer to see they are surrounding PresidentRoosevelt at his desk. “What is the act that he issigning?” Anastasia asks Elena. “That is the TennesseeValley Authority Act, TVA for short.” She tellsAnastasia. “What is that exactly?” she asks, curiositygetting the best of her. Elena chuckles at hergranddaughter’s curiosity. “TVA is what helped makeelectricity affordable in the rural areas.”

She sees her surroundings change right before foreyes. She realizes that it is now May 11, 1935. Shehears conversations among the citizens around her,most of which are about President Roosevelt creatingthe Rural Electrification Administration. She gathersenough information to know that it makes federalfunds obtainable to supply electric service in the ruralareas and that many companies show very littleinterest in it. However, leaders of the farm communitysuggest the development of a not-for-profit electriccooperative.

They flash through the years 1935 to 1948 when 23electric cooperatives are formed and distributeelectricity in the rural areas of Tennessee. “Grandma,what is an electric cooperative?” Anastasia asks. Elenaglances down at her before replying. “Anastasia, anelectric cooperative is a business that is consumer-


Brianna Castleman

‘Electric Cooperatives: Powering Potential’



owned. It is operated on a not-for-profit basis. Yourparents, along with everyone’s parents, are owners;you may be a future member one day,” Elena explains.Anastasia nods in understanding.

Now it is the year 1949. There is a post-war energyand modification of military technology. Also,materials and equipment have helped to power therapid expansion of rural electrification, and TVA hasbecome the country’s largest energy supplier.

After a few moments, Elena takes them back to thepresent day. They are back in Anastasia’s room. Shelooks at Elena. “So, what is it exactly like now?” sheasks. Elena sits down on the bed beside Anastasia. Shesmiles sweetly at her granddaughter. “Well, now thereare approximately 1,000 rural electric cooperatives,

including the 23 here in Tennessee, that supplyelectricity to nearly 30 million people across theUnited States. TVA also supplies low-cost powergenerated by using green energy,” Elena explains.

“What do you mean by ‘green energy?’” Anastasiaasks. Elena can’t help but laugh. “You know whatgreen energy is. Green energy is wind energy, solarenergy, methane gas, etc.” Anastasia smiles and says,“Thanks,” as she hugs her grandmother. She begins towrite her essay as Elena is leaving the room. She wantsto write her essay before she forgets all she has learnedthat day. She is not aware of the benefits of being amember of an electric cooperative. Not only is it a not-for-profit business and consumer-owned, it also givesback to the community. “I realize that someday I canpossibly be a part of the powering potential along withthe cooperative and make my community a betterplace. I am sure to get an A on this essay.”

Internships with meaningIf you want young people to stay in the community, hire themBy Adam Schwartz

Do you know of any businesses that could usea little extra labor for a few months? I suredo. In fact, millions of people in today’sworkforce got their start with an internship

— a short stint working for a semester or a summer at ajob they would like to pursue as a career.

At Southwest Tennessee EMC, we offer internshipsthat cover a wide range of areas, including accounting,communications and engineering. We do this becauseinternships provide many benefits —– for the intern andthe cooperative.

Internships give students the opportunity to checkout possible career options, and they give the employeran opportunity to check out the intern to see if he orshe would be a good fit for the business aftergraduating.

Interns should receive value from their employers —and vice-versa. For this reason, it is recommended thatinterns either receive academic credit or payment fortheir work.

One area that may be particularly ripe for today’sintern is social media — Facebook, Twitter, Instagramand many others. Every business from Apple to yourlocal florist, including Southwest Tennessee EMC, has aneed for social media. Every business wants to connectto customers (or members in the case of co-ops) and getthem more engaged.

Through engagement, we can turn one-timecustomers into repeat customers, and repeat customerscan become promoters of our business by telling theirfriends and family. In the world of social media, youcan have hundreds or even thousands of “friends.” Andsince young people have grown up with social media,they understand what works and what doesn’t, whichcan add great value to your business.

According to recent research from TouchstoneEnergy Electric Cooperatives, more than 50 percent of18- to 54-year-old electric co-op members are active onsocial media. While the numbers for older people arelower, they continue to increase every year.

Whatever your need may be at your business,nonprofit or cooperative, there is likely a young personwith the skills you are looking for. Give these youths achance. It’s likely your business will benefit, and youmay even sway a young person to plant roots right herein our local community. This could be the start of along-term, mutually beneficial relationship.

Adam Schwartz is the founder of The Cooperative Waya consulting firm that helps co-ops succeed. He is anauthor, speaker and a member-owner of the CDSConsulting Co-op. You can follow him on Twitter —@adamcooperative — or email him [email protected].

Winning short storyContinued from page 19


Sequachee Valley Electric Cooperative — Your Touchstone Energy Cooperative

18_SVEC COVER.qxp_18_SVEC_0715_001 6/11/15 4:01 PM Page 1

Fireworks and flags. Cookouts andcold drinks. The Fourth of July isa festive day on which we cele-brate with family and friends our

nation’s independence. Typically, this isnot a day of quiet reflection. While wespend a lot of energy havingfun, if we give any thoughtabout our forbearers and theirdetermined efforts to bringabout our nation’s independ-ence, it’s fleeting.

However, it is worthreflecting that this uniquelyAmerican spirit ofindependence remains part ofour collective DNA more than200 years after theindependent nation of theUnited States was formed andthe Declaration ofIndependence was crafted. And this senseof independence has served us well. Forexample, more than 70 years ago, anindependent streak inspired groups offarmers across America’s countryside toband together to improve their quality oflife. Aside from President FranklinRoosevelt’s promise of federal aid in theform of low-interest loans andengineering expertise, rural Americanshad little help in bringing electricity totheir homes. So, they did it themselves bypulling together and workingcooperatively — a shining example ofAmerican determination and ingenuity.

For the past 40-plus years, nearly everypresident since Richard Nixon during thetime of the Arab oil embargo has talkedabout the goal of U.S. energyindependence — reducing our reliance onimported oil and other forms of foreignenergy. Today, while we still have a waysto go, we are closer to that goal than everbefore. We are exporting more gas andimporting less foreign fuel than in recentmemory. American ingenuity in the formof new technology and innovation isopening up more options and spurringgreater efficiency across all forms ofenergy.

Consumers have an important role toplay in the road to energy independence.They don’t have to wait for elected

officials to agree or environmentalists andfossil fuel advocates to reach consensuson a path to energy independence.Consumers can play a part in moving ustoward national energy independence bytaking action in simple, practical ways —

insulating and caulkingaround windows, doors andelectrical outlets; washingclothes in cold water insteadof hot; replacing air filters;installing programmablethermostats; and using more-energy-efficient appliancesand home heating andcooling systems. Efficiencyefforts can cut costs forindividual households, but thecollective benefit to ourcountry is even greater.

If we all work together toachieve increased energy efficiency andreduce our overall energy consumption,we can make even more progress on ourroad toward energy independence. AtSequachee Valley Electric Cooperative,we want to be a resource for you in thiseffort. Visit our website,www.svalleyec.com, or contact your localSVEC office for information on ourenergy-efficiency programs.

In addition, SVEC, along with otherelectric co-ops across the country, hasbeen actively engaged in promotingrenewable energy resources like wind,solar, hydropower and biomass (includinglandfill gas, livestock waste, timberbyproducts and crop residue). Today,nearly 95 percent of the nation’s 900-pluselectric co-ops provide electricityproduced by renewable sources, allplaying a key role in powering ruralAmerica while fostering our nation’senergy independence.

Recent advances in technology aretransforming how we make and moveelectricity, and over time, these changeswill greatly improve not only theefficiency but the reliability of electricpower. So this Fourth of July, as you gazeup at the fireworks lighting up the nightsky, reflect on the enduring spirit ofindependence that is integral to ourAmerican character.




Mike PartinSVEC CEO

Discover the true value of YOUR cooperative.Get “social” andconnect withSVEC.

www.twitter.com/svalleyecwww.facebook.com/svalleyecwww.instagram.com/svalleyecwww.youtube.com/svalleyec

Sequachee ValleyElectric Cooperative

Serving all or portions of Bledsoe, Grundy, Marion, Sequatchie, Coffee, Hamilton,Rhea and Van Buren counties.

Service Centers:512 S. Cedar Ave.; P.O. Box 31, South Pittsburg, TN 37380Telephone — 423-837-8605 Toll-free — 800-923-2203

97 Resource Road; P.O. Box 518,Dunlap, TN 37327Telephone — 423-949-2198

3396 Main St.; P.O. Box 441, Pikeville, TN 37367Telephone — 423-447-2131

14002 Highway 41; P.O. Box 100, Tracy City, TN 37387Telephone — 931-592-2511

14087 Highway 28, Whitwell, TN 37397Monday/Wednesday/FridayTelephone — 423-658-7832

SV Propane1-877-521-3055 (toll-free)931-592-5126

After hours: 888-421-7832www.svalleyec.com

SVEC JULY 2015.qxp_18_SVEC_0715_ 6/10/15 11:15 AM Page 16

Ju ly 2015 17

Simple outdoor chores that re-quire a ladder can turn deadly ifyou do not look up and makesure there are no electric lineswithin reach of the ladder.

If your school, business, club ororganization would like toschedule a high-voltage safetydemonstration, please contactCathy Black at 800-923-2203,ext. 5044, 423-837-5044 [email protected].

Powering Safely in 2015

This summer,look up and live!

School is out. Summer is in full swing, andthat means it is time for fun in the sun! Asyou find yourself spending more time out-doors, Sequachee Valley Electric Cooperative

reminds you to stay safe. Planning a home improvement project? When

working outdoors, you may be using equipment suchas ladders, power tools, shovels or even paintbrusheswith extendable arms. These items help you get thejob done but have the potential to be dangerous ifused improperly.

Before you start any project, always look up andavoid overhead power lines. Pay attention towhere you place metal ladders or dig for fenceposts. Keep a minimum of 10 feet between you andoverhead lines.

Take care when using tools outdoors. Keeppower tools away from wet surfaces, and don’toverload outlets.

If you are planning a project that requires dig-ging, remember to dial 811 first to find out if thearea you will be working in is clear of undergroundpower lines.

Exploring the great outdoors is a great way tospend time with the family, but keep these safety tipsin mind:

Children must never climb trees near powerlines — always assume a wire is live.

Fly kites and remote-controlled airplanes inlarge, open areas like parks or fields, safely awayfrom trees and overhead power lines.

If you are outside during an electrical storm,seek shelter. The best shelter is a house; jump inyour vehicle, or seek low ground. Sit or liedown — it may be uncomfortable, but it may saveyour life.

Stay safe exploring the great outdoors



Lauren MayValedictorian

Parents: Anastasia Barnes; Johnny May

Nycollette HelmsSalutatorian

Parents:Robert and Ginger Helms

Sequachee Valley Electric Cooperative is proud to recognize the com-munity leaders of tomorrow. For more than 75 years, SVEC hasbeen committed to the young people of our service area. Annualprograms such as the Washington Youth Tour, Youth Leader-

ship Summit and 4-H Electric Camp are designed to educate studentsabout the co-op, government affairs and the basics of electricity. Theyalso teach valuable leadership skills.

SVEC has a vested interest in the local youth because they are the co-op’sfuture member-owners.

Erika SmithValedictorian

Parents:Jill and Jody Smith

MaKayla CampbellSalutatorian

Parents: Michael and Erica Campbell

Melissa and Brad Smith

Bledsoe County High School

Richard Hardy Memorial School

Neel PatelValedictorian

Parents:Ashvin Patel; Yogina Patel

Brandt TateSalutatorian

Parents:Brandon and Sissy Tate

Emily MastersValedictorian

Parents: Brian and Elizabeth Masters

Terrince BramhallSalutatorian

Parent: Joy Melton

Marion County High School

Grundy County High School

SVEC salutes top seniors


Ju ly 2015 19

Sequachee Valley Electric Cooperative

offices will be closed

Friday, July 3,in observance of

Independence Day.For emergencies,

call 1-888-421-SVEC (7832).

SAVE THE DATE!76th SVEC

Annual MeetingAug. 13, 2015

• Tracy City Elementary276 Third St., Tracy City

• Registration, attendance gift,exhibits open and light meal— 5-6 p.m.

• Business Meeting — 6 p.m.

• Door prize drawing followingthe business meeting

Shelby AllisonValedictorian

Parents: Eddie and Donna Allison

Sam NelsonSalutatorian

Parents: Doug and Emma Nelson

Sequatchie County High School

Brent HurstValedictorian

Parents: Gary and Lana Hurst

Emily YoungValedictorian

Parents:J.D. and Cindy Young

Kacee HedrickSalutatorian

Parents:Scott and Kendra Hedrick

Whitwell High School

South Pittsburg High School

Carson FairclothSalutatorian

Parents: Joey and Connie Faircloth

SVEC JULY 2015.qxp_18_SVEC_0715_ 6/11/15 12:22 PM Page 19


Chad Smith, SVEC automation engineer, proudly dis-plays the TVA 2014 Top Performer award the co-op re-ceived in recognition of excellence in delivering TVA’sEnergyRight Solutions program in the Customer Sys-tems category. Smith managed the program.

SVEC receives TVA energy-efficiency award

Sequachee Valley Electric Cooperative recently re-ceived the Tennessee Valley Authority’s 2014 TopPerformer award in recognition of outstanding

performance in administering TVA’s EnergyRight Solu-tions program.

SVEC automation engineer Chad Smith managed theenergy-efficiency program that brought recognition tothe cooperative in the Customer Systems category. Outof TVA’s 155 power distributors, SVEC’s program to as-sist TVA in managing peak power demand came in thirdin energy savings.

“The SVEC board is very proud that our team of engi-neers was able to design a program that outperformedthose of much larger utilities,” said SVEC President/CEOMike Partin. “Through this energy-efficiency program,we were able to help TVA lower its peak demand, which,in turn, means lower rates for our members.”

With programs covering self-audits, in-home energyevaluations, heat pump financing and offerings for busi-ness and industry as well as manufactured and newhomes, TVA offers solutions that save energy and moneyfor all 9 million Valley consumers. In addition, the TVARenewable Energy Solutions program promotes cleanenergy that makes our Valley a better place to live, work,play and raise happy families.

What’s your eScore?

Sequachee Valley Electric Cooperative is proud toannounce the new Tennessee Valley Authority En-ergyRight Solutions eScore program. The residen-tial energy-efficiency program is designed to help

homeowners increase the efficiency of their homes to anoptimum “10.”

Unlike the In-Home Energy Evaluation program it re-places, not all improvements to the home have to bedone at one time to be eligible for rebates. With eScore,the homeowner can make improvements as time andfunds permit and apply for eligible rebates as each stepis completed.

The program also recognizes that not every home canreach the same level of efficiency due to a number of fac-tors. Thus the program allows you to bring YOUR homeup the highest level of efficiency for its unique situation.

To participate in the program,enroll free of charge atwww.2escore.com. The websitealso provides a list of eScoreQuality Contractor Network(QCN) providers authorized to make the improvements.

Don’t know where to start with your upgrades? Take theFREE do-it-yourself energy audit available on the websiteto help determine the most effective improvements foryour home. Once you have completed the first improve-ment, SVEC’s energy expert will inspect the work, evalu-ate your home and give you your home’s beginning score.Your score will be adjusted after each improvement andwill be inspected again when you achieve your “10.” Forcomplete details on the program, visit www.svalleyec.comor call your local SVEC office.


Brought to you by Tennessee Valley Electric Cooperative

22_TVEC COVER.qxp_22_TVEC_0715_001 6/11/15 4:02 PM Page 1


AS I SEE IT Manager’s ViewpointTennessee ValleyElectric Cooperative590 Florence RoadSavannah, TN 38372731-925-4916866-925-4916www.tvec.com

District office123 N. High St.Waynesboro, TN 38485931-722-5441

Office HoursMonday through Friday8 a.m.-4:45 p.m.

Board of DirectorsWilbur Storey (District 2)

— PresidentHaskel Jerrolds (District 3)

— Secretary-TreasurerWilliam Howard III

(District 5)Paul Jaggars (District 2)Judy May (District 1)Kevin Robertson

(District 6)Kevin Staggs (District 4)

George G. Gray — Attorney

General ManagerGerald TaylorDirector of Finance andAccountingBob LadenDirector of Operations,SavannahRonnie WilkersonDirector of Operations,WaynesboroEddie BerryDirector of Member Services and SafetyDon DoranPurchasing AgentTony Polk

Fireworks and flags. Cookoutsand cold drinks. The Fourth ofJuly is a festive day on whichwe celebrate with family and

friends our nation’s independence. Typ-ically, this is not a day ofquiet reflection. While wespend a lot of energy havingfun, if we give any thoughtabout our forbearers andtheir determined efforts tobring about our nation’s in-dependence, it’s fleeting.

However, it is worthreflecting that this uniquelyAmerican spirit ofindependence remains partof our collective DNA morethan 200 years after theindependent nation of theUnited States was formed and theDeclaration of Independence wascrafted. And this sense of independencehas served us well. For example, morethan 70 years ago, an independentstreak inspired groups of farmersacross America’s countryside to bandtogether to improve their quality oflife. Aside from President FranklinRoosevelt’s promise of federal aid inthe form of low-interest loans andengineering expertise, rural Americanshad little help in bringing electricity totheir homes. So, they did it themselvesby pulling together and workingcooperatively — a shining example ofAmerican determination and ingenuity.

For the past 40-plus years, nearlyevery president since Richard Nixonduring the time of the Arab oilembargo has talked about the goal ofU.S. energy independence — reducingour reliance on imported oil and otherforms of foreign energy. Today, whilewe still have a ways to go, we arecloser to that goal than ever before. Weare exporting more gas and importingless foreign fuel than in recentmemory. American ingenuity in the

form of new technology and innovationis opening up more options andspurring greater efficiency across allforms of energy. According to theEnergy Information Agency, energy

expenditures as a share ofgross domestic product areforecast at 6.2 percent in2015, their lowest level since2002, reflecting both loweroil prices and ongoingincreases in energyefficiency.

Consumers have animportant role to play in theroad to energyindependence. They don’thave to wait for Democratsand Republicans to agree orenvironmentalists and fossil

fuel advocates to reach consensus on apath to energy independence.Consumers can play a part in movingus toward national energyindependence by taking action insimple, practical ways — insulatingand caulking around windows, doorsand electrical outlets; washing clothesin cold water instead of hot; replacingair filters; installing programmablethermostats; and using more-energy-efficient appliances and home heatingand cooling systems. Efficiency effortscan cut costs for individual households,but the collective benefit to our countryis even greater.

If we all work together to achieveincreased energy efficiency and reduceour overall energy consumption, wecan make even more progress on ourroad toward energy independence. AtTennessee Valley Electric Cooperative,we want to be a resource for you in thiseffort. We can provide energy-savingtips tailored for your unique householdneeds.

In addition, TVEC, along with otherelectric co-ops across the country, hasbeen actively engaged in promoting


Gerald TaylorGeneral Manager,Tennessee Valley

Electric Cooperative

TVEC JULY 2015.qxp_22_TVEC_0715_ 6/10/15 11:18 AM Page 16

Ju ly 2015 17

renewable energy resources like wind, solar, hydropowerand biomass (including landfill gas, livestock waste,timber byproducts and crop residue). Today, nearly 95percent of the nation’s 900-plus electric co-ops provideelectricity produced by renewable sources, all playing akey role in powering rural America while fostering ournation’s energy independence.


The past 30 years have brought unbelievablechanges to the way electricity is delivered andbilled. Ledger books, adding machines and elec-tric typewriters are barely recognizable to the

younger generations. Joey Foster has filled a need as director of information

technology at a time in Tennessee Valley Electric Coopera-tive’s history when change was happening faster than mostcould keep up. “We saw a need for this position, and Joeyhas stepped in and performed above and beyond what wasthought to be the scope of his job,” said Gerald Taylor,TVEC general manager. “He has taken us from two serversin our computer room to dozens. He makes sure all our in-formation is safe from outside threats. Joey has kept currentwith the daily changes of technology. That means upgradesin equipment, software programs and the training that isneeded for our employees. He is at the center of our auto-mated meter reading system, prepay billing, cash registerand accounting/billing systems, digital radio communica-tions and data center, all while making sure all of our com-puters are working properly.”

A graduate of the University of North Alabama with adegree in computer information systems, Joey lives in Way-nesboro with his wife, Brooke, and their son, Jace. He iscurrently working on his master’s degree in computer tech-nology at UNA.

“As we move forward, technology will play a key part ineveryday lives of TVEC members,” Joey said. “We alreadyare one of the few electric companies in our area that hasthe ability to show members their energy use down to the

hour. MyUsage.com leverages this newer metering technol-ogy so you can observe your hourly and daily electric useand be alerted if it’s out of range.

“These types of technology make understanding energyuse easier and provide a valuable service for people andbusinesses who want to lower costs by monitoring their en-ergy consumption.

“If you are interested in monitoring your use, simply goto www.myusage.com and follow the prompts to set up youraccount. You will have the ability to see your daily andhourly use history along with the corresponding tempera-tures. This is valuable information you can use to see whenyou are using electricity. The information may provide ideasabout when to adjust your thermostat or turn off appliancesto save money. There is also a free mobile app available thatallows you to monitor use while you are away from home.”

Digital mapping of poles and transformers coupled withoutage management software and onboard computers willhelp isolate trouble on the lines and aid in faster restorationin the future. TVEC is thankful to have Joey in this vitalposition as we move into the future!

The MyUsage tool shows a 30-day history and the high andlow temperatures of each day.

Joey Foster on top of technology at TVEC

Joey Foster, information technology director at TVEC,works to replace a microwave link between the Savan-nah and Waynesboro substations.

TVEC JULY 2015.qxp_22_TVEC_0715_ 6/11/15 12:23 PM Page 17


Tennessee Valley Electric Cooperative isproud to have a record number of employ-ees’ children graduating from high schoolsand universities this year. Sixteen young

men and women have received their diplomas and aremoving on to the next chapter in their lives.

“TVEC began in 1939, and this is part of the thirdgeneration of employees and their children who havebeen part of the cooperative and our communities,”

said Don Doran, TVEC director of member services.“We are proud of the TVEC employees who providesuch strong support for their families. I am amazed atwhat many of these young people have accomplishedin their young lives. It will be exciting to watch themas they become the leaders in our communities. Ifyou see these young people or any other seniors, en-courage them as they study and engage in their cho-sen professions.”

Congratulations, graduates!

Chandler Gipson, son oflineman Wayne Gipson andhis wife, Bridget, plans to at-tend the Tennessee Collegeof Applied Technology tobecome a certified welder.

Hannah Franks, daughter oflineman Jerry Wayne Franksand his wife, Jennifer, plansto attend Columbia Statewhere she will begin herwork to become a nursepractitioner.

Heather Franks, also thedaughter of Jerry Wayneand Jennifer Franks, will beattending Columbia State,too, where she will be pur-suing an English degree andplans to teach.

Peyton Bratcher, son of trac-tor operator Greg Bratcherand his wife, Kelli, plans toattend the University ofNorth Alabama where hehopes to play football andbegin his studies to be aphysical therapist.

Sam Doran, son of Directorof Member Services DonDoran and his wife, Tammy,received his degree in bio-logical sciences with a con-centration of microbiologyfrom the University of Ten-nessee and will continue hiseducation at the UT HealthScience Center Doctorate ofPharmacy program.

Brooke Cossey, daughterof lineman Randy Cosseyand his wife, Carla, will at-tend the University ofNorth Alabama to obtaina chemistry degree. Sheplans to do graduate workin pharmacy.


Ju ly 2015 19

Chase Turnbow , son of en-ergy adviser Steven Turn-bow and his wife, Misty,plans to attend ColumbiaState and begin courseworkin the nursing program.

Cassie Mathis, daughter oflineman Ronnie Mathis andhis wife, Shelia, graduatedsalutatorian in her classand plans to attend AustinPeay State University to pur-sue a degree in radiology.

Shaina McFall, daughterof meter serviceman GregMcFall and his wife, Cindi,has just completed hercoursework at ColumbiaState to become a respira-tory therapist.

Kali Runions, daughter ofclipper operator DonnieRunions and his wife, Lisa,will be attending ColumbiaState where she will studybusiness administration.

Keirsti McWilliams, daugh-ter of lineman HaroldMcWilliams and his wife,Sondra, has graduated fromNortheast Community Col-lege with a degree in dentalhygiene.

Katelyn Lowrance, daughterof shop foreman DarylLowrance, graduated fromMississippi State with abachelor’s degree in educa-tion and plans to be a spe-cial education teacher.

Dr. Emily Shull, daughter ofboom truck operator Don-nie Shull and his wife,Melissa, received a Doctor-ate of Veterinary Medicinefrom Mississippi State Uni-versity. She works for theRussellville Animal Clinic.

Laura Beth Laden,daughterof Director of AccountingBob Laden and his wife,Brenda, will be attendingDavid Lipscomb Universitywhere she plans to major inelementary education.

Patience Jerrolds, daughterof TVEC employees Darrelland Regina Jerrolds andBeth Pippen, graduatedwith honors from the Uni-versity of Tennessee at Mar-tin with a bachelor’s degreein education with an Eng-lish concentration.

Kelsey Harris, daughter ofline foreman Stan Harrisand his wife, Linda, will beattending Mississippi Statewhere she will work on a de-gree in elementary educa-tion with an Englishconcentration.



Hardin CountyJuly 4 • Annual Fourth of July Fireworks Display. Pick-wick Landing State Resort Park. Call 731-925-8181 or800-552-3866.

July 3-4 • 37th Annual Savannah Bluegrass Festival.Beginning at 6 p.m. on Friday at Wayne Jerrolds Park andnoon on Saturday in Court Square, downtown Savannah.FREE admission. For information, call 731-925-2161 or800-552-3866.

July 15 • Chamber of Commerce Golf Tournament.Shiloh Golf Course. Golf tournament and Great Golf Ball Drop. Door prizes and awards given. For information, call731-925-2363 or visit www.hardincountychamber.com.

July 17-18 • Buckin’ on the River Rodeo. Hardin CountyFairgrounds. Two nights of Professional Rodeo CowboysAssociation-sanctioned events. Other activities include akids’ rodeo, music and more. Call 731-925-2983.

July 26-Aug. 2 • Tennessee River 600. Pickwick LandingState Resort Park. Pleasure event for personal watercraftenthusiasts and charity ride for the Children’s Miracle Net-work. For more information, call 731-925-8181 or visitwww.tennesseeriver600.com.

Wayne CountyJuly 2-3 • Annual July 4 Event. Waynesboro City Park.There will be music, food, crafts, games and, of course,fireworks! The event begins with a movie in City Park onJuly 2 and then a concert at Stage 64 and the fireworksshow on July 3. For more information, call 931-722-5458or visit www.cityofwaynesboro.org.

July 11 • Family History and Crafts Fair. Curious aboutyour family history? Do you like to see some of the amaz-ing crafts of Wayne County? Come to the Wayne CountyFamily History and Crafts Fair starting at 9 a.m. at WayneCounty High School.

July events

Stay safe exploring the great outdoors this summerBy Abby Berry

Summer is in full swing, and that means it is timefor fun in the sun! As you find yourself spendingmore time outdoors, Tennessee Valley Electric Co-operative reminds you to stay safe.

Planning a home improvement project? When workingoutdoors, you may be using equipment such as ladders,power tools, shovels or even paintbrushes with extendablearms. These items help you get the job done but have thepotential to be dangerous if used improperly.

Pay attention to where you place metal ladders or digfor fence posts. Before you start any project, always lookup and avoid overhead power lines. Keep a minimum of 10feet between you and overhead lines.








Remember to keep safety in mind while enjoying thegreat outdoors this summer. Photograph courtesy ofUnderwriters Laboratories.


Time for a newheating and coolingsystem?

SVEC’s EnergyRightHeat Pump Financingprogram has you covered.

For details, see inside,call your local SVEC officeor visit www.svalleyec.com.

Sequachee Valley Electric Cooperative — Your Touchstone Energy Cooperative

SVEC COVERWRAP 2015.qxp_SVEC COVER WRAP 2015 5/29/15 2:17 PM Page 1

Heat Pump Financing from SVEC and

With temperatures rising across the Sequachee Valley Electric Cooperative service area,

air-conditioning units are working overtime to keep our members comfortable.

If your HVAC system is having a hard time keeping up with the heating and cooling

requirements of your family, it may be time to call your local SVEC office for details on our

EnergyRight Solutions Heat Pump Financing program.

• Financing is available for the

installation of an all-electric or dual fuel

heat pump in an existing home in the

SVEC service area.

• Heat pump must have a minimum SEER

of 14 or be rated an “advanced” heat

pump to qualify for special promotional

interest rate of 6%; a minimum SEER of

13 is required to qualify for 8% interest.

• Heat pumps must be installed by a

member of the Quality Contractor

Network (QCN). Free estimates are

available, and a

complete listing of

members can be found

online or at your local

SVEC office.

• Applicant must be the

homeowner and have

a good credit with

SVEC for at least a

year at the current

location.

• A $50 nonrefundable processing fee is

required with the completed

application form. An additional $50

fee is charged when the loan is

processed to cover the UCC-1 filing

and release fees.

• 10-year financing with no penalty for

early payoff.

• Each heat pump installation is subject

to a quality assurance inspection

before the release of funds.

• The loan payment

will be billed monthly

to your SVEC

electric bill until it is

paid off.

• For additional

guidelines and

requirements, visit

www.svalleyec.com

or call your local

SVEC office.


Turn your house into the sanctuary it should be. Visit 2eScore.com to find out how

energy efficient your home is and what you can do to improve it. With a high eScore

and lower energy costs, you’ll be able to live comfortably.

It’s time to start living comfortably.


Meet the local members of TVA’sHeat Pump Quality Contractor Network (QCN)

E.H. Marsh Service CompanySouth Pittsburg — 423-837-6205

Hilltop Insulation, Heating and Air ConditioningPikeville — 423-881-3816

Service Now Heating and AirJasper — 423-942-3780

Quality Heating and AirMonteagle — 931-0924-3603

Wheeler Service Inc.Dunlap — 423-949-4350

Turner RefrigerationPikeville — 423-881-4664


Statewide Edition — Your Touchstone Energy Cooperative

21_TECA_COVER.qxp_TECA_0715_001 6/11/15 4:06 PM Page 1

Whatever the weather brings, you’ll be ready. Make your home the best it can be.

Visit 2eScore.com to find out how energy efficient your home is and what you can do

to improve it. With a high eScore you can afford to live comfortably.

Keep your family comfortable.

TECA 002.qxp_TECA_0715_002 6/10/15 9:08 AM Page 2

CONTENTSDEPARTMENTS

4 Tennessee TodayElectric cooperatives remain committed to achieving en-ergy independence that ensures a secure, reliable, afford-able energy future. by David Callis

6 ViewpointIt can be difficult to grasp how we pay for our kilowattsbecause, unlike gasoline for your car, we can’t see, smellor touch electricity. by Mike Knotts

12 Tennessee History for KidsA former German prisoner of World War II, now a U.S.citizen, remembers Camp Crossville. by Bill Carey

16 Co-op NewsNews and information from your electric cooperative orelectric membership corporation.

21 Home Energy Q&ALower your electricity costs this summer and use yourair conditioner less with free and low-cost upgrades andbehavioral changes. by James Dulley (not included in the DREMC or MTEMC editions)

22 Tennessee AlmanacThis event listing tells what’s happeningacross the state.

26 A Taste of TennesseeKeep your cool and enjoy spuds during the heat of summer with these potato salad sides.

32 Community CornerCheck out Artist’s Palette, our art contest for young people, and see our Find the Flag winners.

34 Your Antiques and TreasuresReaders’ antiques and flea-market finds are appraised.by Connie Sue Davenport

FEATURES

7 Shutterbug PhotographyContest

Take to the great outdoors and show us how you seethe “Natural World” in The Tennessee Magazine’s nextphoto contest.

8 The Lions RoarTennessee’s electric co-ops and Touchstone EnergyCooperatives are proud sponsors of the Super Pull ofthe South, which returns to Chapel Hill in MarshallCounty July 24-25. by Robin Conover

24 Best of Tennessee 2015Our annual readers’ choice awards competition is backto highlight what you say is the best of the VolunteerState. Nominate your favorites, and enter to win Ten-nessee-centric prize packages.

THIS PAGE

A field of sunflowers offers an example of nature’sbright, summer colors. Let us see the “Natural World”around you. See page 7 to learn how to enter our latestShutterbug contest. Photograph by Robin Conover

ABOUT THE COVER

Touchstone Energy Cooperatives hot-air balloon teampilot Dave Champion hoists the American flag highabove the Chapel Hill Lions Club Super Pull of theSouth. The 39th annual truck and tractor pull will againbring competitors and spectators from across the na-tion to Middle Tennessee this month. See page 8 formore information. Photograph by Robin Conover

CONTENTS_07_2015.qxp_TECA_0715_003 6/11/15 12:15 PM Page 3

CONTENTSDEPARTMENTS

4 Tennessee TodayElectric cooperatives remain committed to achieving en-ergy independence that ensures a secure, reliable, afford-able energy future. by David Callis

6 ViewpointIt can be difficult to grasp how we pay for our kilowattsbecause, unlike gasoline for your car, we can’t see, smellor touch electricity. by Mike Knotts

12 Tennessee History for KidsA former German prisoner of World War II, now a U.S.citizen, remembers Camp Crossville. by Bill Carey

16 Co-op NewsNews and information from your electric cooperative orelectric membership corporation.

21 Home Energy Q&ALower your electricity costs this summer and use yourair conditioner less with free and low-cost upgrades andbehavioral changes. by James Dulley

22 Tennessee AlmanacThis event listing tells what’s happeningacross the state.

26 A Taste of TennesseeKeep your cool and enjoy spuds during the heat of summer with these potato salad sides.

32 Community CornerCheck out Artist’s Palette, our art contest for young people, and see our Find the Flag winners.

34 Your Antiques and TreasuresReaders’ antiques and flea-market finds are appraised.by Connie Sue Davenport

FEATURES

7 Shutterbug PhotographyContest

Take to the great outdoors and show us how you seethe “Natural World” in The Tennessee Magazine’s nextphoto contest.

8 The Lions RoarTennessee’s electric co-ops and Touchstone EnergyCooperatives are proud sponsors of the Super Pull ofthe South, which returns to Chapel Hill in MarshallCounty July 24-25. by Robin Conover

24 Best of Tennessee 2015Our annual readers’ choice awards competition is backto highlight what you say is the best of the VolunteerState. Nominate your favorites, and enter to win Ten-nessee-centric prize packages.

THIS PAGE

A field of sunflowers offers an example of nature’sbright, summer colors. Let us see the “Natural World”around you. See page 7 to learn how to enter our latestShutterbug contest. Photograph by Robin Conover

ABOUT THE COVER

Ohio’s Randy Petro sends mud flying with his two-wheel-drive truck, Kathy’s Komplaint, during a run atthe 2014 Chapel Hill Lions Club Super Pull of the South.The 39th annual truck and tractor pull will again bringcompetitors and spectators from across the nation toMiddle Tennessee this month. See page 8 for more infor-mation. Photograph by Robin Conover

CONTENTS_CEC_MEC_07_2015.qxp_TECA_0715_003_SVEC_CEC_MEC 6/11/15 12:15 PM Page 3


The Tennessee MagazineCommunication forElectric Cooperative ConsumersVolume 58, No. 7ISSN 0492-746xOfficial publication of theTennessee Electric Cooperative Association.Executive, editorial and advertising offices:2964 Sidco Drive, P.O. Box 100912Nashville, TN 37204Phone: 615-367-9284Email: [email protected]

General ManagerDavid Callis [email protected]

EditorRobin [email protected]

Associate EditorChris [email protected]

Director of Corporate StrategyTrent Scott [email protected]

Advertising ManagerSusan [email protected]

Advertising Sales ManagerLauren [email protected]

Contributing WriterTrish Milburn

DesignerRon Bell [email protected]

The Tennessee Magazine, Vol. 58, No. 7 (ISSN0492-746x) is published and distributed monthly tocommunicate electrical use and safety, economic de-velopment and educational and community interestsof more than 1 million Tennessee families and busi-nesses who own, operate and control the tax-paying,business-managed, locally owned electrical distribu-tion and service systems of the Tennessee Electric Co-operative Association, 2964 Sidco Drive, Nashville,TN 37204-3715 (executive and editorial offices).Copyright 2015. Periodicals postage paid atNashville, Tenn., and at additional mailing offices.

POSTMASTER: Please send address corrections to The Tennessee Magazine,P.O. Box 100912, Nashville, TN 37224.

Subscriber Services: To order a subscription orchange your address, write to The Tennessee Maga-zine, P.O. Box 100912, Nashville, TN 37224. Cost ofsubscription for members of participating electric co-operatives is $2.82 per year (23.5 cents per month),plus periodicals postage paid from equity accruing tothe member. For nonmembers, a subscription is $12per year or $30 for three years. Single copy, $2.50.

Advertising carried in this magazine does not neces-sarily reflect the beliefs, opinions or attitudes of TheTennessee Magazine or your local rural electric sys-tem and does not imply product or service endorse-ment. The Tennessee Magazine reserves the right torefuse advertising. All rights reserved. Reproductionin whole or in part without written permission is pro-hibited.

National advertising representative: National Country Market; 611 S. Congress Ave., Suite 504,Austin, TX 78704. Phone: 800-626-1181. Website:www.nationalcountrymarket.com.

TENNESSEE TODAY Manager’s Viewpoint

Last month, a three-judge panel of theU.S. Court of Appeals for the Districtof Columbia Circuit rejected an early

challenge to the EnvironmentalProtection Agency’s proposal tocurb carbon dioxide emissionsfrom existing power plants, say-ing the legal action was prema-ture. The panel did not rule onthe merits of the lawsuit, statingthat objections to the plan werefiled too soon because the regu-lation has not yet been final-ized. When the rules arefinalized later this year, therewill be additional challenges.

The decision was just the lat-est milestone in the long jour-ney to energy independence.Though it remains unclear if theClean Power Plan will with-stand legal challenges, it doesn’t alter thechanges the electric utility industry has un-dertaken over the past few years.

These changes predated EPA’s CleanPower Plan by several years. Case in point, Iwrote the following in The Tennessee Maga-zine’s July 2007 edition:

We are at the beginning of our own revo-lution — an energy revolution. Last month,we talked about the changing political land-scape and the climate change debate. Infact, it seems that every other headline thesedays is something about climate change,greenhouse gases, carbon emissions andglobal warming. The climate change issuehas brought about political change —change that will affect us, our children andour grandchildren.

The change won’t occur quickly, that’s forcertain. There is no “magic bullet” that isgoing to solve our energy needs and cleanup the environment. Steps toward loweringour energy consumption will go a long waytoward lessening our carbon emissions.However, as our population grows, conser-vation and efficiency can’t solve all of ourproblems. It will take a long, deliberativeprocess that is going to involve individualsand governments. Developing cost-effective

energy alternatives will take a massive tech-nological effort and investment.

Hybrid vehicles, once a novelty item, arerapidly gaining an anchor inthe marketplace. Compact fluo-rescent lamps are quickly re-placing incandescent lights inour homes and offices.

There is a long list of renew-able energy technologies thattoday are in their commercialinfancy: Solar, wind, geother-mal and landfill methane arejust a few. As we develop andimprove the technologies forharnessing these resources,those energy sources may be-come more commonplace.

Our current reliable low-emission energy sources —hydro and nuclear — will con-

tinue to be a part of our achieving our en-ergy-independence goals. Even coal-firedgeneration, while contributing to carbonemissions, can be improved through tech-nological advancements that greatly reducethe amount of greenhouse gases emitted.

As we begin this revolution, there is hopefor the future. EPRI, the Electric Power Re-search Institute, suggests “it is technicallyfeasible to slow down and stop the increasein U.S. electric sector carbon dioxide emis-sions and then eventually reduce them overthe next 25 years while meeting the in-creased demand for electricity.” For exam-ple, technologies are currently beingdeveloped that would capture and store car-bon dioxide in underground caverns.

Those trends have continued — and ac-celerated — during the past eight years.New housing construction and appliancesare even more energy-efficient. Renewableenergy resources such as solar and wind areimplemented more each year.

Just as our electric cooperatives broughtanother degree of independence to ruralAmerica more than 80 years ago, we remaincommitted to being involved in a sustain-able, renewable energy future as we look to-ward our nation’s energy independence.

David CallisGeneral Manager,Tennessee Electric

CooperativeAssociation

Energy independence

TN_Today_0715.qxp_TECA_0715_004 6/10/15 5:20 PM Page 4

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CO-OP CONCERNS Viewpoint

Fill ’er up, pleaseAfew weeks ago, when I stopped at the gas sta-

tion on my way to work to fill up, the math waspretty easy. Ten gallons of gas went in the tank,

and the price was $2.50 per gallon. Afterhanding the clerk $25, I drove away anddidn’t give it another thought. Several dayslater, I stopped after midnight to get enoughfuel to make it home at the end of a long trip.Once again, 10 gallons of regular unleadedwent in, and $25 dollars came out of my wal-let. Simple.

When you get gas, you are essentially pre-paying for energy your car will use at somepoint in the future. And it’s easy to visualizewhat you are paying for because you can see,smell and touch it. A gallon is a familiar unitof measurement. How many gallon jugs ofmilk have you carried into your home over the years?

For most of us, we don’t put much more thought intopaying our electric bill than I did filling up the truck. Anenvelope arrives in the mail, we open it, write a checkand send it in. Or it could be even easier because youhave agreed to allow a draft directly from your bank ac-count. Some folks may take a quick look at more of thedetails that are printed on the bill, but how many fullyunderstand what they’re paying for?

For many years, your co-op has worked very hard tomake paying your bill as easy and painless as your tripto the pump. This is despite the fact that purchasingelectricity is very different than buying gasoline. Hereare three reasons why:

First, electricity is a bit of a mystery. We know it isthere, despite being unable to touch, smell or even see it,because we can see the result of its existence. But, as theold adage goes, “Out of sight, out of mind.”

Second, do you know how much energy you are con-suming at any given time? In your car, there is a gaugethat shows how much fuel is in the tank and probably adisplay showing your current miles per gallon. Butwhere is the same gauge in your house to show you howmuch electricity you have consumed? Most of us havevery little idea of how much energy our refrigerators, airconditioners, water heaters, ovens, heaters and othermajor appliances use. So how do we know what it costswhen we turn them on? When you open the envelopefrom your co-op and the bill says you used 1,652 kilo-

watt-hours of electricity last month, how many milk jugsdoes that even equate to?

Those are hard questions to answer — but not be-cause there is no equipment that will help youmonitor your use. Rather, the question is dif-ficult because our society by and largedoesn’t want to know the answer. We havebecome accustomed to having electric energyavailable on demand, without exception, atlow cost. It’s testament to the hard work oftens of thousands of people whose missionnever takes a day off. The luxury that univer-sal electrification affords us as Tennesseansand Americans is not to be taken lightly andhas changed the world in so many positiveways over the past 100 years. For that, weshould be grateful.

Lastly, there is no practical way for you to purchaseand store electricity to be used later (although this couldchange in the future — see the June 2015 column “Is thefuture here now?” at tnmagazine.org). When you flip theswitch, the electricity you consume is being generatedand transmitted to you at that exact same instant. Othercommon energy sources like wood, gasoline, diesel andeven natural gas can be stored in large tanks in prepara-tion for future needs. But to run your air conditioner ona hot July afternoon, you are relying on your electricutility to provide a seamless connection across hundredsof miles of wires to deliver that energy to you at theexact moment you need it — since electricity moves atthe speed of light, 671 million miles per hour. Thismeans the cost to generate this energy can be differentdepending upon the hour of the day, the time of year oreven the activities of your neighbors or the factory downthe street.

However, technology is advancing at such a rapidpace that the complexity of the electric grid is quicklybecoming less of an impediment to the average person’sunderstanding of his or her own energy consumption.And it is also helping your co-op have a better under-standing of how and when entire communities will re-quire their energy — even though the members willcontinue to demand electricity in real time. With thisnew information will come better and more transparentmethods of paying for our consumption, which I lookforward to discussing in a future article.

Mike KnottsDirector of

Government Affairs

COOP_CONCERNS_0715.qxp_TECA_0715_006 6/10/15 5:26 PM Page 6

Mother Nature offers an endless supply of photographicopportunities. Keep an eye out for chances to capture

your vision of the Natural World.Show us your viewpoint by capturing nature’s colors, pat-

terns or textures. Subjects could range from the brilliant col-ors of a sunset to the subtle tones of a foggy morning to thepatterns in a river reflection to the texture of a sunflower.

To make successful photographs, keep in mind a fewbasics: Use natural light, make strong compositions and focuson interesting subject matter. Simple, straightforward imageswith defined subjects and strong lighting usually work well.

There’s really no substitute for natural light. Early morningand late afternoons usually provide great opportunities. Thewind is usually calmer, the lower angle of light provides moredepth to subjects and colors can appear more saturated with-out direct, overhead sun.

As you accept this challenge, keep in mind that nature pho-tographers strive to keep from disturbing or harming theirsubjects in any way. Please remember to take only pho-tographs and leave only footprints.

Shutterbug assignment — “Natural World”Contest rules1. The contest is open to all photographers.2. Photographs must have been taken by you. 3. A photographer can enter no more than three photographs in any

category. There is no cost to enter.4. A completed entry form (at right) must be attached to the back

of every photograph entered. Omitting any of this informationcan result in disqualification.

5. Extensive digital manipulation of photographs is prohibited. Theuse of photo-editing software should be limited. Adjusting expo-sure, color balance, contrast and sharpness is allowed, but highlymanipulating colors and content of images is not.

6. Employees of Tennessee’s electric cooperatives and their imme-diate families are not eligible to win.

7. Please include the name of each recognizable person, if anyother than yourself, in your photograph. It is the photograph-er’s responsibility to have the subject’s permission to enter hisor her image in the contest. You must include the subject’sname and contact information with your submission. Omittingany of this information can result in disqualification.

Media: Use any camera or cell phone, film or digital, black-and-white or color.Submissions — mail prints or enter online1. Photographs must be entered as unmounted, 5-by-7-inch or larg-

er prints or submitted online at www.tnmagazine.org. Pleasedon’t mail your only print of a photo. Because of large numbersof entries, prints will not be returned.

2. Enter online or send entries to: The Tennessee Magazine, NaturalWorld Photo Contest, P.O. Box 100912, Nashville, TN 37224.

DeadlineEntries must be postmarked by Friday, July 24. Winners

will published in the September magazine.

Categories1. Shutterbugs 18 and older 2. Junior Shutterbugs 17 and younger

Prize packages:Judges will select a first-, second- and third-place winner in

each category. The following prizes will be awarded: First placewins $150, second place $100 and third place $50.

Note: By entering the contest, photographers automatically give TheTennessee Magazine permission to publish the winning images in printand digital publications, social media and on websites.

Shutterbug Entry FormClip this form and tape it to the back of

each entry. Make copies if needed.

Name: __________________________________________

Address: ________________________________________

_________________________________________________

Phone number: _________________________________

Electric cooperative: ____________________________

Email: __________________________________________

Entry title: ______________________________________

Location where the photograph was taken: ________________________________________________________________________________________

Any additional information: ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Shutterbu

Junior Shutterbug Shutterbug

Photography Contest g

PRINTS WILL NOT BE RETURNED.

This entry form is also available on our website.Go to www.tnmagazine.org for more information.

A slow exposure helps create a kaleidoscope of color as the greens andyellows of trees blend with the blue of the sky on the water’s surface.Photograph by Robin Conover

Ju ly 2015 7

TECA Shutterbug.qxp_TECA_0715_007 6/10/15 10:02 AM Page 7


THE LIONChapel Hill Lions Club uses monster t

Lions tractor pull_final.qxp_TECA_0715_ 6/12/15 12:54 PM Page 8

Ju ly 2015 9

NS ROAR r trucks to raise monster bucks for community

atching trackside as JeffShafer pulls 299.11 feet

with his modified two-wheel-drive truck “Win, Lose,

or Draw,” you see the dirt fly,feel the ground shake and fight to cover yourears enough to muffle the sound of the powerfulengine. The act of pulling a heavily weightedsled down a dirt track using a highly modifiedtruck or tractor is what it’s all about come thethird weekend in July in Chapel Hill.

Thousands of spectators will fill the stands lin-ing the dirt track as the 39th Annual Lions SuperPull of the South gets underway Friday, July 24.It’s one of the most anticipated summer events inMarshall County.

Competing in five different classes during thetwo-day event, drivers push their machines to thelimit to create as much torque as possible foreach pull. Every inch can make the difference inwinning or not. During the third session of the2014 Super Pull, Shafer placed third — only1.335 feet separating him from the first-placewinner, Jeff Bartley.

Story and photographs by Robin Conover

W


“The event is all about this community,” says JohnMoses, longtime Chapel Hill Lions Club member andDuck River Electric Membership Corporation (DREMC)board member. “Everyone volunteers to make this happenso 100 percent of the money can go back into the eventand the community.”The Chapel Hill Lions Club built and maintains the

track, which is located adjacent to the community highschool. “We’ve added 750 stadium seats to the facilitysince last year and returned about $100,000 back to thecommunity,” Moses proudly states.While the Super Pull is now a nationally recognized

event, it all began as a friendly local competition. “On Sat-urday nights, farmers brought whatever trucks or tractorsthey had,” says Moses. Weights were loaded by hand ontosleds, and away pullers went. The rules were simple then:Bragging rights were earned by pulling the most weightthe farthest distance.

Prize money for the first official pull in 1976 was a littleover $2,000. In comparison, that wouldn’t buy a set of tiresfor the machines vying for the Super Pull titles now.Today, the event is a favorite sanctioned stop on the Na-

tional Tractor Pullers Association (NTPA) circuit, whichhosts some 80 events across the country each year. Nameda top 10 pull numerous times, the Chapel Hill purse hasgrown to more than $100,000 with national sponsors andcompetitors from across the country arriving in custom-built 18-wheel rigs. The pulling machines today resemblethose original trucks and tractors about as well as a 1976Cutlass Supreme compares to a Formula One race car. This event has exploded in popularity among the drivers

and crowds, and it’s all because of the army of more than400 volunteers who make it happen. Some of those volun-teers will be DREMC employees and board membersalong with others from electric cooperatives across thestate.

“Helping build and strengthen their com-munities is part of each electric coopera-tive’s mission,” says David Callis,executive vice president and general man-ager of the Tennessee Electric Cooperative


At top, Brandon Hunt drives “Liv’n aDream” to a first place pull of 322.255 feetin the 8,000-Pound Diesel Super StockTractors Division. At left, the Open Modi-fied Mini Tractors get a tow to the startline. The Touchstone Energy hot-air bal-loon will be on hand again this year togive spectators free tethered balloon ridesif weather permits.


Association. “Electric cooperatives have a history of work-ing together — whether it’s bringing industry to rural com-munities, rebuilding after storms or volunteering in theirhometowns.”Believing the power of working together is stronger

than any individual, electric cooperatives helped to forma national brand — Touchstone Energy Cooperatives(TSE). Two years ago, TSE came on board as a key spon-sor of the Chapel Hill Super Pull along with DREMC. The Lions Clubs International is also known for work-

ing on very worthy projects across the nation and aroundthe world. One of its best-known programs is raisingmoney to help sight-impaired children and adults find so-

lutions. The outreach organization asks attendees toplease consider donating old glasses or lenses at theSuper Pull or to a Lions Club near you. Donations will berecycled, and clubs will find deserving individuals whoneed them.The Super Pull benefits everyone involved — specta-

tors, competitors and the community alike.“This is a big deal!” says Michael Watson, DREMC

president and CEO. “The impact of this event is not justlocal; it’s felt around the state and region. What jumpsout for me the most is how this event meshed with whatelectric co-ops stand for and the Touchstone Energybrand — concern for community and helping each other.”

Above, Bret Berg backs “LG Seeds Moneymaker” into position to hook to the sled be-fore a Modified Division run. The pulling tractors sport Allison aircraft or jet turbineengines. Below, the crowd tries to dull the roar of an engine. If you plan to attend,ear protection is a must.

39th Lions Super Pull of the SouthJuly 24-25Chapel Hill Lions Club Memorial Sportsplex310 N. Horton ParkwayChapel Hill

For ticket information,visit lionssuperpull.com.The Chapel Hill Lions

Club encourages spectatorsto bring any used glasses orlenses to be donated to helpindividuals across the state.

Chapel Hill


Most people do not know that there wereprisoner-of-war camps in Tennessee dur-ing World War II. They were at CampForrest, near Tullahoma; Camp Camp-

bell, near Clarksville; Camp Tyson, in Henry County;and Camp Crossville, in Cumberland County.

Best I can tell, there isn’t much left of any of thesecamps, except Crossville. The same land that used to bethe Crossville POW camp is now the Clyde York 4-HCenter. Thousands of kids go there every year to learnabout archery, swimming and teamwork. I suspect mostof them don’t know that the long, white building near theentrance used to be part of a prisoner-of-war hospital.

Since there were POW camps all over the UnitedStates and lots of military paperwork to document their

operation, there is quite a bit of information about themin books and on the Internet. I didn’t find this chapterof Tennessee’s history all that interesting, however,until I read about Gerhard Hennes.

Hennes was a German officer who was captured inNorth Africa on May 13, 1943. Five months later, aftershort stays in a dozen different holding facilities, he en-tered the gates of Camp Crossville. He was imprisonedthere for two years.

After World War II, Hennes would become an Amer-ican citizen and in 2004 published “The Barbed Wire:POW in the USA.” In it he gives a detailed descriptionof life at Camp Crossville.

To summarize, Hennes and his fellow prisonerswere treated better than any prisoners of war I’ve ever


Former German soldier recalls life at Crossville POW camp

HISTORY LESSON by Bill Carey, the Tennessee History Guy

A former hospital building at the Crossville POW camp remains at the Clyde York 4-H Center. Photograph courtesy ofTennessee History for Kids

History 07_2015.qxp_TECA_0715_ 6/11/15 10:19 AM Page 12

Ju ly 2015 13

heard of. They were givennew uniforms, they werenot interrogated and theywere mostly left to the au-thority of their own Ger-man officers.

The best part of CampCrossville, Hennes claims,was the food. “There werethree square meals a day,”he wrote. “Breakfast in-cluded long-forgotten ornewly cherished things likescrambled eggs, crispbacon, fresh orange or V8juice; all kinds of cereal;and hot cakes soaked inmaple syrup.”

They were even paid.Since he was a lieutenant,Hennes was given $20 permonth. The German pris-oners used this money tobuy beer, cigarettes, booksand just about whateverthey chose to order fromthe Sears catalog. Theypassed the time takingclasses taught by otherprisoners, participating intennis and soccer leagues they organized, playing cardsand drinking beer.

“Many evenings were filled with the noise of ani-mated talk, of fists banging cards on the table and ofsinging, laughing and bawling,” he writes.

In what must have been one of the bizarre coinci-dences of World War II, Hennes was a prisoner at the

same camp as hisfather, FriedrichHennes. The elderHennes was cap-tured by Americansin Europe in the fallof 1944. Sent to acamp in Colorado,he asked for and

was granted a transfer toCrossville. Too old to par-ticipate in the companysports leagues, FriedrichHennes watched his sonplay. “Father came to beone of my most loyal —and least knowledgeable —supporters,” Hennes wrote.“He would not miss a soc-cer or tennis match.”

I was also surprised tolearn from Hennes’ bookand from Sean Boring, cu-rator at the Military Memo-rial Museum in Crossville,that prisoners were rou-tinely allowed to leaveCamp Crossville. “With somany young men away,

there was a big manpower shortage in the area,” Boringsaid. “There were German POWs working in factoriesand on farms, helping farmers bring in the crops.”

Boring and his parents have done much to preserveCumberland County’s military history, which includesthe prisoner-of-war camp. Within the small museum inCrossville, one can see weapons, uniforms, photo-graphs, letters and other objects from the Civil War upthrough the present.

Among the more interesting objects I found in myrecent visit were a bazooka reportedly used in themovie “Saving Private Ryan,” a Civil War tombstonerescued from a salvage heap and an Army map used inVietnam.

A few years ago, local volunteers even created alarge wooden model of Camp Crossville based on sev-eral sketches and maps of the facility. It is a popular at-traction at the museum.

As I read Hennes’ account of being a POW, I beganto wonder if there would be a turning point in his expe-rience. It came in the spring of 1945. After Germany’ssurrender, all the POWs were herded into a Crossville

In 2004, GerhardHennes published abook about his timeas a prisoner of warat Camp Crossville.

From left, Robert, Nita andSean Boring, who collec-tively run the Military Me-morial Museum, show amodel of the POW campcreated by many volunteersin Crossville. Photographcourtesy of Tennessee His-tory for Kids


movie theater where they saw a film containing footagefrom the liberation of the Nazi-run concentrationcamps.

“We saw the emaciated bodies and empty eyes of thesurvivors,” he wrote. “We saw the piles of naked bod-ies, starved to death. We saw the mass graves. We sawthe ovens where tens of thousands had been cremated.We saw and stared in silence, struggling but unable tobelieve what we Germans had done to Jews, gypsies,

prisoners of war and many others deemed inferior orexpendable.

“None of us in Crossville will ever forget thatdocumentary.”

Hennes says he and his fellow soldiers and officerswere shocked to learn about the Holocaust. He saidthat, for him, seeing that film was “the day when Iturned in one profound transformation from being ahero to being a villain.”

It was also the day the treatment ofGerman prisoners of war changed atCrossville — and at probably every pris-oner-of-war camp in the United States.The quality and amount of food were re-duced, and the treatment of the prisonersby the guards was changed. Some of thisappears to have been a deliberate policychange on the part of the U.S. military. Itmay have also reflected the attitude ofthe prison guards, who were no doubtalso moved by the images of the massgenocide.

Shortly after Thanksgiving 1945,Hennes and the other prisoners of warwere sent by train to New York, then byship to Europe. Hennes then spent twomore months in a POW camp in Attichy,in France. There, the food was scarce, theconditions were overcrowded and treat-ment was rough.

Life as a POW ended for Hennes onJan. 30, 1946. The war behind him, hemoved back to the town where he grewup in Germany. He emigrated to the U.S.in 1953 and became a citizen five yearslater.

Hennes later became an administratorfor the New Brunswick Theological Sem-inary in New Jersey and spent many yearsproviding disaster relief through an inter-national organization called ChurchWorld Service.

“For most of my life, I have been anAmerican citizen,” says Hennes, who isnow 92 and living in Crossville. “I amvery proud of that and thankful for theopportunities the United States gave me.”


A massive brick chimney is the largest re-maining structure from the Crossville POWcamp. Photograph courtesy of TennesseeHistory for Kids


TECA 015_EAST.qxp_TECA_0715_015_East 6/10/15 9:46 AM Page 15

YOUR ELECTRICITYISN’T SOMETHINGWE TAKELIGHTLY.

Before you switch on the lights, we’ve already put up the poles,

connected miles of wire and fl ipped more than a few switches of our

own. All to make sure your life is always “on.” Learn more about the

power of your co-op membership at TogetherWeSave.com.

Touchstone Energy Cooperatives of Tennessee

TECA 015_Middle.qxp_TECA_0715_015_Middle 6/10/15 9:47 AM Page 15

or many patients with maculardegeneration and other vision-related conditions, the loss ofcentral visual detail also signalsthe end to one of the last

bastion of independence: driving.A Lebanon optometrist, Dr. John Pino, isusing miniaturized telescopes that aremounted in glasses to help people whohave lost vision from maculardegeneration and other eye conditions.

“Some of my patients consider methe last stop for people who have visionloss,” said Dr. Pino, one of only a fewdoctors in the world who specialize infitting bioptic telescopes to help thosewho have lost vision due to maculardegeneration, diabetic retinopathy, andother debilitating eye diseases.

Imagine a pair of glasses that canimprove your vision enough to changeyour life. If you’re a low vision patient,you’ve probably not only imagined them,but have been searching for them. Bioptictelescopes may be the breakthrough inoptical technology that will give you theindependence you’ve been looking for.Patients with vision in the 20/200 rangecan many times be improved to 20/50 orbetter.

Macular degeneration is the leadingcause of blindness and vision loss inpeople over 50. Despite this, most adults

are not familiar with the condition. Asmany as 25% of those over the age of 50have some degree of maculardegeneration. The macula is only onesmall part of the retina; however, it is themost sensitive and gives us sharp centralvision. When it degenerates, maculardegeneration leaves a blind spot right inthe center of vision, making it difficult orimpossible to recognize faces, read abook, or pass the driver’s vision test.

Nine out of 10 people who havemacular degeneration have the dry form.New research suggests vitamins can help.The British medical journal BMCOphthalmology recently reported that

56% of patients treated with a high-dosecombination of vitamins experiencedimproved vision after six months.TOZAL Comprehensive Eye HealthFormula is now available by prescriptionfrom eye doctors.

While age is the most significantrisk factor for developing the disease,heredity, smoking, cardiovasculardisease, and high blood pressure havealso been identified as risk factors.Macular degeneration accounts for 90%of new legal blindness in the U.S. Whilethere is currently no cure, promisingresearch is being done on many fronts.“My job is to figure out everything andanything possible to keep a person

functioning, especially driving,” says Dr.Pino.

When Elaine, 57, of Kingsport, TN,came to see Dr. Pino she wanted to keepher Tennessee driver’s license and wasprescribed bioptic telescopic glasses toread signs and see traffic lights fartheraway. Dr. Pino also prescribed microsopeglasses for reading newspapers andmenus in restaurants.

As Elaine puts it, “My regularglasses didn’t help too much – it was likelooking through a fog. These newtelescopic glasses not only allow me toread signs from a farther distance, butmake driving much easier. I’ve also usedthem to watch television so I don’t haveto sit so close. I don’t know why I waitedto do this; I should have come sooner.”

“Bioptic telescopes can cost over$2,000,” said Dr. Pino, “especially if webuild them with an automatic sunglass.”

“The major benefit of the bioptictelescope is that the lens automaticallyfocuses on whatever you’re looking at,”said Dr. Pino. “It’s like a self-focusingcamera, but much more precise.”

To learn more about bioptictelescopes or to schedule a consultationwith Dr. Pino, give us a call at 1-855-405-8800. You can also visit our website at:

www.lowvisiontn.com

For more information and a FREEtelephone consultation, call us today:

Offices located in Lebanon,Knoxville and Columbia.

1-855-405-8800

John M. Pino, O.D., Ph.D.

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Eye Doctor HelpsLegally Blind To SeeTennessee

High Technology For Low Vision Patients Allows Many To Drive Again

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TECA 015_WEST.qxp_TECA_0715_015_West 6/10/15 9:55 AM Page 15


Fireworks and flags. Cookouts and cold drinks.The Fourth of July is a festive day on whichwe celebrate with family and friends our na-tion’s independence. Typically, this is not a day

of quiet reflection. While we spend a lot of energy hav-ing fun, if we give any thought about our forbearers andtheir determined efforts to bring about our nation’s inde-pendence, it’s fleeting.

An independent spirit is a part ofour DNA

However, it is worth reflecting that this uniquelyAmerican spirit of independence remains part of ourcollective DNA more than 200 years after theindependent nation of the United States was formed andthe Declaration of Independence was crafted. And thissense of independence has served us well. For example,more than 70 years ago, an independent streak inspiredgroups of farmers across America’s countryside to bandtogether to improve their quality of life. Aside fromPresident Franklin Roosevelt’s promise of federal aid inthe form of low-interest loans and engineeringexpertise, rural Americans had little help in bringingelectricity to their homes. So, they did it themselves bypulling together and working cooperatively — a shiningexample of American determination and ingenuity.

For the past 40-plus years, nearly every presidentsince Richard Nixon during the time of the Arab oilembargo has talked about the goal of U.S. energyindependence — reducing our reliance on imported oiland other forms of foreign energy. Today we are closerto that goal than ever before. We are exporting more gasand importing less foreign fuel than in recent memory.American ingenuity in the form of new technology andinnovation is opening up more options and spurringgreater efficiency across all forms of energy. Accordingto the Energy Information Agency, energy expendituresas a share of gross domestic product are forecast at6.2 percent in 2015, their lowest level since 2002,reflecting both lower oil prices and ongoing increases inenergy efficiency.

The road to energy independenceConsumers have an important role to play in the road

to energy independence. They don’t have to wait for

Democrats and Republicans to agree orenvironmentalists and fossil fuel advocates to reachconsensus on a path to energy independence.Consumers can play a part in moving us toward nationalenergy independence by taking action in simple,practical ways — insulating and caulking aroundwindows, doors and electrical outlets; washing clothesin cold water instead of hot; replacing air filters;installing programmable thermostats; and using more-energy-efficient appliances and home heating andcooling systems. Efficiency efforts can cut costs forindividual households, but the collective benefit to ourcountry is even greater.

If we all work together to achieve increased energyefficiency and reduce our overall energy consumption,we can make even more progress on our road towardenergy independence. The folks at your local electriccooperative want to be a resource for you in this effort.They can provide energy-saving tips tailored for yourunique household needs.

Electric co-ops provide renewableenergy resources

In addition, electric cooperativess across the countryhave been actively engaged in promoting renewableenergy resources like wind, solar, hydropower andbiomass (including landfill gas, livestock waste, timberbyproducts and crop residue). Today, nearly 95 percentof the nation’s 900-plus electric co-ops provideelectricity produced by renewable sources, all playing akey role in powering rural America while fostering ournation’s energy independence.

Recent advances in technology are transforming howwe make and move electricity, and over time, thesechanges will greatly improve not only the efficiency butthe reliability of electric power. So this Fourth of July,as you gaze up at the fireworks lighting up the night sky,reflect on the enduring spirit of independence that isintegral to our American character.

Anne Prince writes on consumer and cooperativeaffairs for the National Rural Electric CooperativeAssociation, the Arlington, Va.-based service arm ofthe nation’s 900-plus consumer-owned, not-for-profitelectric cooperatives.

The power of American independenceCelebrating July 4 and declaring our energy independence By Anne Prince

CURRENTS 06_2015.qxp_TECA_0715_ 6/11/15 9:39 AM Page 16

Ju ly 2015 17

For many folks, the use of solar panelsto generate electricity is a recenttechnological development. When Ithink of photovoltaic (PV) solar pan-

els, images of early NASA vehicles in outerspace immediately come to mind. Indeed,America’s first permanent satellite, Explorer I,was powered by PV panels in 1958.

However, the use of solar energy dates backto 1767 when a Swiss scientist named Horace-Benedict de Saussure built an insulated,glass-faced box, generating temperatures of upto 230 degrees from sunlight. His inventionwas dubbed the “solar oven.”

Fast-forward to today, and nearly everyoneis aware of solar. Yet, PV has remained one ofthe most expensive forms of electricity.People always ask why this is the case whenthe fuel is “free.” It’s because the equipment isexpensive, and the sun doesn’t always shine.While equipment prices have droppeddramatically, the output of commerciallyavailable panels ranges from 5 percent to19 percent (15 percent is common) of thetheoretical limit, assuming there were neverclouds and the sun was at high noon 24 hours a day.

So, is solar electricity right for you? The short answeris, “It depends.” How’s that for an ambiguous answer? Butit truly does depend on a number of factors. The first thingyou should consider is why you want to go solar. If it is forbackup power in an emergency, stop here. PV systems aretied to the grid for safety reasons. When the power goesout, the PV array shuts down. If it is for environmentalreasons, read on.

Your next step is to contact your local electriccooperative to discuss your plan. Talk to the co-op’s energyexperts, and let them help you decide what makes the mostsense for your home. A south-facing roof is typically thepreferred direction for the placement of solar panels. Dotrees shade the roof at any time? Next to darkness, shade isthe natural enemy of solar panels. Is your roof structurecapable of accepting the weight of the panels and any otherload, say wind and snow? Are there any neighborhood orlocal regulations prohibiting solar panels?

Now to the nitty gritty. Grab your electric bills from thepast year and see how many kilowatt-hours (kWh) your

home has used. Your electric cooperative can assist withthis task. The typical American home PV system produces5 kWh per hour. How much of your home’s annual usecan be covered?

Then comes the cost. The 5 kWh system has an averagecost of $24,650 before any incentives. The most commonincentive is a 30-percent tax credit from the federalgovernment. Then there are savings in reduced energy usecosts. Calculations have shown paybacks between sevenand 15 years.

If you want more information, reach out to your localelectric cooperative. If you decide to talk to a contractor,be sure to check references. Increased interest in solar hasspawned a large number of sellers who have littleknowledge in PV installations. Caveat emptor — “let thebuyer beware” — is the rule to obey here.

Tom Tate writes on cooperative issues for the NationalRural Electric Cooperative Association, the Arlington, Va.-based service arm of the nation’s 900-plusconsumer-owned, not-for-profit electric cooperatives.

Is solar power right for you?By Tom Tate

There are many factors to consider before installing solar panels onyour roof, so talk to the energy experts at your local electric co-op first.Solar panels work best on roofs that face south and receive little shade,and your roof must be able to support the weight of solar panels plusother loads such as wind and snow. Photograph courtesy of AstroPower



It is the middle of the sum-mer; temperatures are risingand so are your electric bills.It might be time to make a

big investment, an investment inenergy efficiency.





Making all of these changes atonce could be difficult — if not impossible — butinvesting in just one of these measures can yield asignificant return on your investment.



Some 6 percent of American energy consumptiongoes toward space cooling, and it costs $11 billion peryear for homeowners to power their air conditioners. Youcan reduce your energy use by 20 percent to 50 percentwhen you upgrade to an energy-efficient home coolingunit. One option is to install a split unit air conditionerand heating system — they can be more expensive, butthey are highly efficient, especially in homes withoutductwork. Another option is to invest in an ENERGYSTAR-approved air-conditioning unit, which can be15 percent more efficient than a standard unit.

If buying a new cooling unit isn’t in the cards for youthis summer, there’s no need to worry! Replacing

appliances isn’t the only way to lower energy costs. Oneof the most important energy-efficient improvements tomake during the hot summer months is air-sealing andinsulating. By adding insulation in attics, floors overcrawl spaces and accessible basement rim joints, youcan reduce your heating and cooling costs by an averageof 15 percent (and it could lower your overall energycosts by an average of 11 percent!).

You can also lower your air conditioner’s energyconsumption by between 5 percent and 15 percent bycleaning your air ducts. You can install energy-efficientwindow treatments, which can reduce energy costs byaround 10 percent. Or, you can simply turn on a ceilingfan, which will allow you to raise your thermostattemperature by 4 degrees without impacting yourcomfort.





Hot water looms large in thelist of household chores.Showers, laundry, dishes —they all require hot water. If

you think about it, we use a significantamount of energy to heat water. Now,utilities and manufacturers are teamingup to bring you new water heatersequipped with technology that canmake the electric grid smarter and moreefficient.

Electric co-ops are on the forefrontof research, testing new water heatertechnologies, including ways toimprove the use of water heaters tointegrate renewable energy onto theelectric grid.

Water heaters are unique amongelectric home appliances. They areomnipresent, use significant amounts ofelectricity and can store thermal energyfor hours at a time.

For decades electric co-ops have partnered with theirmembers on demand-response programs that allow theco-op to turn home water heaters on and off in order toreduce how much power the co-op uses during peakperiods, when power is more expensive. Members getbreaks on their bills in exchange for participation. Newcommunications and automation technologies make thisprocess more reliable, predictable and efficient.

More than 250 electric co-ops in 35 states use large-capacity electric resistance water heaters that can reducethe co-op’s power cost and store electricity produced bywind and hydropower. For example, when the wind blows

at night — when most of us are sleeping and wholesalepower is cheaper — the electricity produced can be usedto heat water in our homes. The water will remain hoteven if the water heater is turned off for a short period. Inother words, collectively, water heaters can act like abattery, storing energy.

For all of these reasons, electric co-ops weredismayed in 2010 when the Department of Energy issuednew efficiency standards for electric water heaters thatwould have made demand-response programs usinglarge-capacity, electric resistance water heaters difficult.

For the last five years, electric co-ops have beenworking with efficiency advocates, manufacturers andothers to ensure that we can take advantage of newtechnologies that benefit our members. In April,Congress passed legislation that allows co-ops tocontinue to run these demand-response programs.

Electric co-ops across the country hailed thisbipartisan legislation as a win for consumers.Collectively, the current water heater programs canreduce demand by an estimated 500 megawatts, savingconsumers hundreds of millions of dollars and avoidingthe need for new power plants.

Electric co-ops are now looking ahead andcollaborating with partners to make sure the nextgeneration of water heaters can provide more than justhot water.

Do you know what your water heater is doingwhile you sleep?

By cleaning your airconditioner’s ducts,you can lower yourenergy consumptionby between 5 per-cent and 15 percent.

Source: energy.gov

Ju ly 2015 19



Reverse mortgages are a type of home loanthat allows a homeowner to convert aportion of the equity in his or her homeinto cash, either as a line of credit, a

lump sum or a monthly cash payment. An April 2014Gallup poll found that 68 percent of Americans ages50 to 64 said they were “very” or “moderately” wor-ried about having enough money in retirement. Fed-eral Housing Administration data shows the numberand value of reverse mortgages have increased since2012, so with the increasing popularity of reversemortgages in mind, here are some of the most impor-tant facts interested homeowners should consider:

Who is eligible?To be eligible for a reverse mortgage, you must be

age 62 or older, own your home and live in it.Additionally, you must have a low mortgage balanceand the financial resources to continue payingproperty taxes and insurance. How much you canborrow is dependent on factors such as your age, thetype of reverse mortgage you select, the appraisedvalue of your home and current interest rates.

Home Equity Conversion Mortgages (HECMs)have no income or medical requirement. Beforeapplying for an HECM and some proprietary reversemortgages, you must meet with a government-approved, independent housing counselor who willexplain the loan’s cost (including comparing thecosts of different types of reverse mortgages),financial implications and possible alternatives. Callthe U.S. Department of Housing and UrbanDevelopment at 800-569-4287 for a list ofcounselors or go online to HUD.gov and search for“housing counselors.”

What are the features?The payments from a reverse mortgage are not

taxable, generally do not affect your Social Securityor Medicare and do not require monthly repayments.

It should also be noted that the interest on a reversemortgage is not tax-deductible until you partially orfully pay off the loan. You retain the title to yourhome, but you must repay the loan when the lastsurviving borrower dies, sells the home or no longermaintains the home as his or her primary residence.HECMs allow a borrower to live in a medicalfacility, including a nursing home, for up to 12consecutive months before the loan must be repaid.The amount you owe grows over time and can use upall or some of the equity in your home, leaving fewerassets for you and your heirs.

Is a reverse mortgage right for me?The Federal Trade Commission cautions, “If you

don’t understand the cost or features of a reversemortgage or any other product offered to you — or ifthere is pressure or urgency to complete the deal —walk away and take your business elsewhere.Consider seeking the advice of a family member,friend or someone else you trust.” Since the fees andinterest charges accrue quickly, reverse mortgagesrarely make sense for someone who intends to sellthe home later or wishes to pass the equity in thehome along to heirs. Additionally, if you have arelationship with a financial planner, be sure todiscuss how a reverse mortgage fits into your planand if you can achieve your goals without one. If youdo not have a relationship with a financial plannerbut are considering a reverse mortgage, this is theperfect opportunity to find a financial planner youtrust and put his or her knowledge to work for you.

Allison Goldberg writes and edits employee

benefits-related materials for the Insurance and

Financial Services Department of the National

Rural Electric Cooperative Association, the

Arlington, Va.-based service arm of the nation’s

900-plus consumer-owned, not-for-profit electric

cooperatives.

Reverse mortgages 101By Allison Goldberg


Dear Jim: My family is trying to use less air conditioningthis summer to save electricity. Do you have any good tipsfor us so we are not terribly uncomfortable in our home— Ron H.

Dear Ron: There are quite a few free or low-cost im-provements and simple lifestylechanges you can make to reduce the

amount of air conditioning needed. However,it’s important to keep in mind that, initially,your family will likely be a bit less comfort-able but should quickly become accustomedto the changes.

The simplest method to run the air condi-tioner less is to set your thermostat a few de-grees higher. The savings should be from1 percent to 3 percent for each degree youraise it. This lessens the amount of outdoorheat that transfers into your home, whichyour air conditioner has to remove.

There is a limit to how high you can raiseyour thermostat setting without becoming toouncomfortable — and instigating a rebellionby your family. Other methods to minimize airconditioning are to reduce the amount of heatthat leaks into your home, reduce the amount of heat gener-ated inside your house, control humidity levels, increase in-door air movement and use natural ventilation when possible.

Avoid sitting near a sun-exposed wall or window duringsunny afternoons. Wall insulation is effective for blockingconductive heat gain but not radiant heat. When the outsidewall gets hot in the sun, particularly a brick or masonrywall, the radiant heat comes right through the wall to yourskin. It can make you feel a couple of degrees warmer thanthe actual room air temperature. Window and door awningscan be helpful in blocking direct sunlight.

Most energy-efficiency improvements such as caulking,weather stripping and adding insulation are made to reduceheat loss during winter. They also reduce heat gain duringsummer. Check the insulation in your attic to make surethere are no voids or thin areas where it may have loosenedor blown around, and ensure that no attic vents are blockedby the insulation.

A great deal of heat is generated inside a home fromcooking, bathing and running electric appliances, causingthe air conditioner to work harder to remove the additionalheat. When cooking or bathing, run the range hood or bathexhaust fan to remove the extra heat and moisture. Remem-ber to unplug phone and computer chargers and other elec-

trical items when they are not being used. Even though eachdevice uses a small amount of electricity, they all generateheat, which can add up quickly.

Wash dishes and clothes at night; avoid washing in theafternoons during peak heat. The heat given off from the hotwater and electricity used by the motors will stress your air

conditioner less at night. This also reduces thepeak electricity demand for your utilityprovider.

Keeping air moving inside your home in-creases evaporative cooling from your skin tokeep you comfortable at a higher indoor tem-perature. Running a ceiling paddle fan is veryeffective for this. Keep in mind that the elec-tric motor in the fan actually heats the roomair, so turn it off when the room is unoccu-pied. Set the ceiling fan on medium to highspeed and the rotation switch so it blows theair downward. During winter, change theswitch setting so the air blows upward and setit on a slower speed.

On a breezy, not excessively hot day, tryopening some windows. Widely open severalwindows on the downwind side of your home,and slightly open windows on the windward

side. Due to the pressure difference, this causes the air toblow in the partially opened windows much faster, creatinga breeze in that room and using no electricity.

Another option for staying cool is building a solar chim-ney, which uses the sun’s heat to ventilate your house forfree. This is a tall, wooden chimney with two clear sidesfrom the ceiling to above the roof. When the sun shines intothe clear sides, it heats the air. Since hot air rises, it natu-rally exhausts air from your house. This works well whenusing natural ventilation on a still day. Block the ceilingopening with an insulated panel when using the air condi-tioner or heater.

A whole-house ventilation fan, often located in a hallceiling, can draw huge amounts of air through your house.For times when the air is not excessively humid, run the fanat night. This can cool down the entire house and delay thetime in the morning when the air conditioner has to comeback on.

Have a question for Jim? Send inquiries to James Dulley, The Tennessee Magazine, 6906 Royalgreen Drive, Cincinnati, OH 45244, or visit www.dulley.com .

Ju ly 2015 21

HOME ENERGY Q&A Energy expert James Dulley answers your questions

Stay comfortable with less A/C

Partially opened win-dows on the windwardside of the house in-crease the air speed intothe home. Photo credit:James Dulley

021_DULLEY_0715.qxp_TECA_0715_021 6/11/15 10:20 AM Page 21

West Tennessee_____________________________

Now-July 18 • Veterans Museum Fly-In and Local Residents Lunch, 100Veterans Drive, Halls. 731-836-7400 ordyaab.us

Now-Sept. 30 • Reelfoot Lake ScenicBoat Cruises, Reelfoot Lake State Park,Tiptonville. 731-253-9652

Now-Nov. 13 • “Hidden Universe 3D,”CTI 3D Giant Theater, Memphis. 901-636-2362 or memphismuseums.org

Now-Nov. 14 • “Humpback Whales3D,” CTI 3D Giant Theater, Memphis.901-636-2362 or memphismuseums.org

July 3-5 • Riders and Rockabilly BikeRally and Blues Hog BBQ and MusicFestival, Jackson Fairgrounds Park,Jackson. 731-425-8384 or ridersandrockabilly.com

July 3 and 5 • Blend in concert andFireworks Display, American Legion,Tiptonville. 731-253-2007 or reelfoottourism.com

July 9 • Summer Celebration Lawnand Garden Show, West Tennessee Research and Education Center, Jackson.731-424-1643 or west.tennessee.edu

July 15-18 • Jackson Sings the Gospel!Carl Perkins Civic Center, Jackson. 877-421-SING or billbaileyconcerts.com

July 24-25 • Discovery Park of America Riders and Rockabilly FishFry and Poker Run, Discovery Park ofAmerica, Union City. 731-885-5455 ordiscoveryparkofamerica.com

July 25 • 27th Annual WEVL 89.9Blues on the Bluff, 374 Metal MuseumDrive, Memphis. 901-528-0560 orwevl.org/bob

July 25 • Mid-South Youth Camp FishFry, 206 Youth Camp Loop, Henderson.731-989-2520 or fhu.edu/msyc

Middle Tennessee_____________________________

Now-Aug. 31 • “Ronnie Milsap: A Legend in My Time,” Country MusicHall of Fame and Museum, Nashville. 615-416-2001 or countrymusichalloffame.org

July 2 • Jimmy Fortune in concert,Palace Theatre, Crossville. 931-484-6133 or palacetheatre-crossville.com

July 2 • Farm Tour, Tap Root Farm,Franklin. 615-594-3210 ortaprootfarm.com

July 2-4 • 20th Annual Shadow ValleyMusic Festival, 54 Warden Road, Fayetteville. 931-580-5956 or shadowvalleyproductions.com

July 3 • Friday Night Live, PublicSquare, Murfreesboro. 615-895-1887 ordowntownmurfreesboro.com

July 3-4 • Smithville Fiddlers’ Jamboreeand Crafts Festival, Smithville PublicSquare, Smithville. 615-597-8500 orsmithvillejamboree.com

July 3-Dec. 31 • “Trisha Yearwood:The Song Remembers When,” CountryMusic Hall of Fame and Museum,Nashville. 615-416-2001 or countrymusichalloffame.org

July 4 • July 4 Parade, Main Street,Monteagle. 931-924-5353 or [email protected]

July 4 • Fourth of July Celebration,Fall Creek Falls State Park, Pikeville.423-881-5708

July 4 • Town of Chapel Hill AnnualFourth of July Fireworks, Forrest HighSchool, Chapel Hill. 931-364-7632

July 4 • Pegram Annual IndependenceDay Celebration, Pegram Park, Pegram.615-406-9516 or [email protected]

July 4 • Americana Celebration andCarnival, 2760 U.S. Highway 31W,White House. 615-672-3937 or whitehousechamber.org

July 6-7 • American Donkey Association Donkey Show, ClearviewHorse Farm, Shelbyville. americandonkeyassociation.com

July 6-10 • Science of History Camp,Sam Davis Home and Plantation,Smyrna. 615-459-2341 or samdavishome.org

July 9-11 • Swanky Plank VintageMarketplace, Rippavilla Plantation,Spring Hill. 931-486-9037 or rippavilla.org

July 9-11 • 24th Annual Great Celebration Mule and Donkey Show,Calsonic Arena, Shelbyville. twhnc.com

July 9-11 and 16-18 • RobertsonCounty Players present “Fiddleron the Roof,” Springfield HighSchool, Springfield.robertsoncountyplayers.org

July 10 • Third Annual Southern Summer Chili Night InternationalChili Society District Chili Cook-Offand Cruise-In, Courthouse Square,Shelbyville. 931-639-3643 or thebestofshelbyville.org

July 10-11 • Cottontown CommunityCenter Pioneer Day, 2318 Highway 25,Cottontown. 615-451-2174 or [email protected]

July 10-12 • Arrowhead-MakingDemonstration and Show, Fly GeneralStore, Santa Fe. 931-682-2356 or 931-381-1488

July 10-12 • Uncle Dave Macon Days,Cannonsburgh Village, Murfreesboro.615-893-2369 oruncledavemacondays.com

July 10-25 • “Bring It On,” The ArtsCenter of Cannon County, Woodbury.615-563-2787 or artscenterofcc.com

July 11 • Murder Mystery ExcursionTrain to Watertown, Tennessee CentralRailway Museum, Nashville. 615-241-0436 or tcry.org

July 11 • Middle Tennessee Iris SocietyAnnual Iris/Rhizome Sale, EllingtonAgricultural Center, Nashville. middletnirisociety.org

July 11 • Sixth Annual Tojo CreekGourd Gala, Wilson County Fair-grounds, Lebanon. 615-330-5628 or tojocreek.com

July 11 • Middle Tennessee CarriageClub Horse Driving Trial, PercyWarner Park, Nashville. 615-395-7943 ormidtenncarriageclub.org

July 11 • Watertown Music Festival,Town Square, Watertown. 615-237-0270or watertownmusicandarts.com

July 11 • Middle Tennessee CorvetteClub Cruise-In, Lynchburg Square,Lynchburg. 573-276-9547


TENNESSEE ALMANAC Events and happenings around the state

Visit tnmagazine.org to enter your events online and see our completelisting of events across the state.See page 32 for more submission guidelines.

ALMANAC JULY 2015.qxp_TECA_0715_ 6/11/15 10:41 AM Page 22

Ju ly 2015 23

July 11 • Seventh Annual TennesseeState International Chili Society ChiliCook-Off Championship and FirstSquare Fair and Car Show, CourthouseSquare, Shelbyville. 931-639-3643 orthebestofshelbyville.org

July 11 • Ranch Rodeo, Tap Root Farm,Franklin. 615-594-3210 ortaprootfarm.com

July 11 • Wayne County Family Historyand Crafts Fair, Wayne County HighSchool, Waynesboro. 931-722-5016

July 11, 18 and 25 • Summer Saturdays,Tennessee Agricultural Museum,Nashville. 615-837-5197 or tnagmuseum.org

July 13-17 and 20-24 • Summer Camp,Tap Root Farm, Franklin. 615-594-3210or taprootfarm.com

July 16-18 • Fly Arts Center Children’sTheater presents “Twain Tales,” 204 S.Main St., Shelbyville. 931-684-8359

July 17 • Cruise In, Cowan WelcomeCenter, Cowan. 931-691-1765 or facebook.com/CowanWelcomeCenter

July 17-18 • ’80s-Themed Murder Mystery Dinner, Springhouse Worship &Arts Center, Smyrna. 615-542-3806

July 17-18 • Astronomy Weekend, FallCreek Falls State Park, [email protected] or cumberlandastronomicalsociety.org

July 18 • Good Time Cruisers CruiseIn, Liberty Square, Sparta. 931-212-7658

July 18 • Fifth Annual Marketville andCar Show, Warren County Fairgrounds,McMinnville. 931-473-2191 or [email protected]

July 18 • Second Annual Back-to-SchoolEvent, City Park, Hohenwald. 931-628-4000 or [email protected]

July 18 • Columbia Lions Club FourthAnnual Car Show, 1018 Maury CountyPark Drive, Columbia. 931-215-3273 orcolumbialionsclub.com

July 18-19 • Tennessee AntiquarianBook Fair, Sewanee Inn, Sewanee. 423-921-9017 or tennaba.org

July 18-19 • 16th Annual Elegant andDepression Glass Show and Sale,Tennesee State Fairgrounds, Nashville. 615-856-4259 or fostoria-tennessee.com

July 22-25 • James D. Vaughan GospelQuartet Festival, North Military Avenue,Lawrenceburg. 931-762-6282 orlawrencecountytn.webs.com

July 24-25 • Lions Super Pull of theSouth, Lions Motorsports Park, ChapelHill. 931-364-2236 or lionssuperpull.com

July 24-Aug. 28 • “A Chorus Line,”Cumberland County Playhouse,Crossville. 931-484-5000 or ccplayhouse.com

July 25 • Fundraiser Night for the Senior Center, Courtney’s Restaurant,Mt. Juliet. 615-758-9114 or mjseniorcenter.org

July 25 • Swiss Celebration, Stoker-Stampfli Farm Museum, Gruetli-Laager.931-235-3029

July 25 • 107th Lone Oak Picnic,Highway 13, Cunningham. 931-387-2810

July 25 • Lynchburg Art Fair, WisemanPark, Lynchburg. 931-759-5544 or [email protected]

July 25-26 • 56th Annual MonteagleMountain Market for Arts and Crafts,16 Dixie Lee Ave., Monteagle. 931-924-5353 or [email protected]

July 27-Aug. 1 • Bedford County Fair,Bedford County Agriculture Center, Shelbyville. 931-684-0239 or bedfordcountytnfair.org

July 28 • Stewart County Open HorseShow, 245 Sandy Road, Dover. 931-232-6044 or facebook.com/StewartCountyRidingClub

July 28 • Food Preservation (Freezingand Canning) Class, Tap Root Farm,Franklin. 615-594-3210 ortaprootfarm.com

July 30-Aug. 8 • Putnam County Agricultural and Industrial Fair,Putnam County Fairgrounds, Cookeville.www.putnamcountyfair.org or [email protected]

July 31 • Fifth Annual Gospel LegendsReunion, Victory Baptist Church, Mt. Juliet. 615-758-0237 or gospellegendsreunion.com

July 31 • Full Moon Pickin’ Party,Warner Park Equestrian Center, Nashville.615-370-8053 or warnerparks.org


July 17, Aug. 21, Sept. 18 and Oct. 16 • Cruise In, Cowan WelcomeCenter, Cowan. 931-691-1765 or www.facebook.com/CowanWelcome-Center

Cruise In at the Cowan Welcome Center (a restored 1950s gas station)for fun, food and camaraderie starting at 4 p.m. Open to any and all vehi-cles — rat rods, street rods, classics, antiques, race vehicles, drifters,pickup trucks, etc. — it’s the perfect backdrop for photo ops!

For more information, visit www.facebook.com/CowanWelcomeCenteror call 931-691-1765.

ALMANAC JULY 2015.qxp_TECA_0715_ 6/11/15 10:44 AM Page 23


It’s time for you to have your say in determining the best Tennessee has to offer! Weagain invite — and urge — you to help name the honorees of the 2015 Best of Ten-nessee Readers’ Choice Awards, which recognize winners from the three regions of

the Volunteer State. And just for nominating your favorites, you’ll be entered in adrawing for entertaining Tennessee-themed prizes. Vote in as many or as few

categories as you feel knowledgeable, but keep in mind that only ballots with 15 ormore categories with at least one vote will be eligible for the prize drawing.

You can vote for up to three “Bests” in any given category. As an example, if youhave a favorite state park in each region of the state — West, Middle and East — then

you can vote for one in each.Please be as specific as possible. For example, for Favorite Hiking Trail, specify the

name of the trail such as the Fiery Gizzard Trail in the South Cumberland RecreationArea. Please include the towns where businesses or parks are located. Generic answers will

not be counted. To celebrate the uniqueness of Tennessee, please exclude national franchises andchains (restaurants, coffee shops, hotels, etc.) from your responses.

Our annual “Best of Tennessee” is a fun way to interact with our readers and honor the great aspects of our state.

Enter online for a chance to win $250You can also vote online at www.tnmagazine.org. To encour-age online balloting, we will ran-domly choose one entry from ouronline submissions to win $250.

How to enter via mail

Complete the contact informa-tion form below, cast your voteson the ballot on the next pageand mail both to the address onthe form below.

Name: _________________________________________________________________

Address: _______________________________________________________________

City: _______________________________ State:________ ZIP: ________________

Phone: (H)_________________________ (W) _______________________________

Email: ________________________________________________________________

Electric cooperative:________________________________________________

In which division of the state do you live: West___ Middle___ or East___

All entries must be postmarked by Friday, Aug.14, 2015. Please, no ballot-stuffing.

Return the completed forms to:

Best of Tennessee The Tennessee Magazine P.O. Box 100912 Nashville, TN 37224

Complete your ballotonline for a chance

to win $250!

Go to www.tnmagazine.org

for more information.

Official Rules: No purchase neces-sary. One entry per person. Ballot mustbe postmarked no later than Friday,Aug 14, 2015. • To be eligible for theprize drawings, ballots must have a“Best of Tennessee” vote in at least 15categories. You can cast votes in any orall of the regions. • Drawing to be heldby Monday, Aug. 31. Must be at least 18years old to win. Grand-prize winnerswill be notified by mail. • Best of Ten-nessee results will be published in theOctober edition of The Tennessee Mag-azine. • Electric cooperative employeesand their immediate families are not el-igible for the prize giveaways.

Prize packagesWinners will be chosen randomly from adrawing of all entries received. Threegrand-prize packages will be awarded(one each from West, Middle and EastTennessee). Remember, you must votein at least 15 categories to be eligible forthe prize drawing.

Winners will receivecertificates courtesy ofTennessee State Parksfor up to a four-nightstay at any of the sixstate resort park inns. The resort parksare Fall Creek Falls, Henry Horton,Montgomery Bell, Natchez Trace, ParisLanding and Pickwick Landing. Visitwww.tn.gov/environment/parks.

Each winner will re-ceive a basket of farm-direct and locally madeartisan foods from PickTennessee Products, a

division of the Tennessee Departmentof Agriculture.

The Tennessee Magazine will award$250 to each winner to spend whileyou’re enjoying your state park visit.

It’sTHE BEST time of year again!

BEST_OF_TN.qxp_TECA_0715_ 6/11/15 9:45 AM Page 24

Ju ly 2015 25

Best of Tennessee 2015 • Entry Ballot • Best of Tennessee 2015 • Entry Ballot • Best of Tennessee 2015 • Entry Ballot

EatsBakeryWest: _______________________________Middle: _____________________________East: ________________________________

Barbecue West: _______________________________Middle: _____________________________East: ________________________________

CatfishWest: _______________________________Middle: _____________________________East: ________________________________

Craft Beer BreweryWest: _______________________________Middle: _____________________________East: ________________________________

HamburgerWest: _______________________________Middle: _____________________________East: ________________________________

Home/Country Cooking West: _______________________________Middle: _____________________________East: ________________________________

Milkshake West: _______________________________Middle: _____________________________East: ________________________________

Place for DessertWest: _______________________________Middle: _____________________________East: ________________________________

WineryWest: _______________________________Middle: _____________________________East: ________________________________

Destination & RecreationAgritourism Destination/Pick-Your-Own FarmWest: _______________________________Middle: _____________________________East: ________________________________

CampgroundWest: _______________________________Middle: _____________________________East: ________________________________

Golf Course

West: _______________________________

Middle: _____________________________

East: ________________________________

Hiking TrailWest: _______________________________

Middle: _____________________________

East: ________________________________

Outdoor AdventureWest: _______________________________

Middle: _____________________________

East: ________________________________

Sporting Event West: _______________________________

Middle: _____________________________

East: ________________________________

State ParkWest: _______________________________

Middle: _____________________________

East: ________________________________

The ArtsArt GalleryWest: _______________________________

Middle: _____________________________

East: ________________________________

Museum

West: _______________________________

Middle: _____________________________

East: ________________________________

Performing Arts Venue

West: _______________________________

Middle: _____________________________

East: ________________________________

GetawaysPlace to Take the KidsWest: _______________________________Middle: _____________________________East: ________________________________

Weekend Getaway West: _______________________________Middle: _____________________________East: ________________________________

ShoppingAntiques Store West: _______________________________Middle: _____________________________East: ________________________________

Farmers MarketWest: _______________________________Middle: _____________________________East: ________________________________

Flea Market West: _______________________________Middle: _____________________________East: ________________________________

EventsArts and Crafts ShowWest: _______________________________Middle: _____________________________East: ________________________________

County/Regional Fair West: _______________________________Middle: _____________________________East: ________________________________

Festival West: _______________________________Middle: _____________________________East: ________________________________

This ballot form is also available on our website! Go to www.tnmagazine.orgfor more information.

BEST_OF_TN.qxp_TECA_0715_ 6/11/15 9:45 AM Page 25


Red Potato and Avocado SaladPhotograph by Robin Conover Recipes compiled by Tammy Algood

Say EyeEnjoy these summer potato salads

All in flavor,

FOOD 07-2015.qxp_TECA_0715_ 6/11/15 12:00 PM Page 26

You say potato; I say potatosalad. Not baked, scalloped ormashed. Not this time of year.It’s too hot. The way to serve

potatoes in the warm summertime is incool, creamy, easy-to-make and -keepsalads. These recipes give you enoughoptions that even if Aunt Martha bringsher potato salad to the reunion again thisyear, you can offer a completely differenttwist on this family favorite.

Sage and Walnut Pesto Potato SaladYield: 6 servings11/2 pounds small red-skinned new

potatoes, halved8 ounces fresh green beans, trimmed2 garlic cloves, peeled and minced1/2 cup fresh sage leaves1/2 cup fresh basil leaves3 tablespoons olive oil2 tablespoons chopped walnuts1/2 teaspoon coarse salt1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Bring a large pot of salted water to aboil over high heat. Add the potatoes andbeans. When the water returns to a boil,reduce the heat to medium-high. Boilgently for 10 to 12 minutes.

Meanwhile, place the garlic, sage,basil, oil, walnuts, salt and pepper in thebowl of a food processor and processuntil smooth. Set aside.

Drain the potatoes and beans, reserv-ing 2 tablespoons of the cooking liquid.Transfer to a mixing bowl and gently tosswith the pesto and reserved cooking liq-uid. Adjust the seasonings if necessaryand serve immediately.

Red Potato and Avocado SaladYield: 8 servings2 pounds red potatoes, cut in cubes3 tablespoons olive oil3 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro2 tablespoons lime juice1 teaspoon sea salt1/2 teaspoon black pepper1/4 teaspoon paprika1/4 teaspoon cayenne2 small shallots, peeled and chopped2 small garlic cloves, peeled and minced2 ripe avocados, seeded, peeled and

chopped1 small red bell pepper, seeded and

chopped

Place the potatoes in a large pot ofboiling water and cook 15 minutes oruntil tender. Drain and set aside to cool.

Meanwhile, place the oil, cilantro,lime juice, salt, black pepper, paprika andcayenne in a jar with a tight-fitting lid.Shake to emulsify.

When the potatoes have cooled, transferto a serving bowl and add the shallots, gar-lic and avocados. Drizzle with the dressingand toss to evenly coat. Cover and refrig-erate at least 45 minutes. Toss with the redbell peppers just before serving.

Warm Potato and Pepper SaladYield: 6 servings11/4 pounds small Yukon Gold or red-

skinned potatoes, quartered1 tablespoon vegetable oil1 medium red bell pepper, cored, seeded

and thinly sliced1 medium green bell pepper, cored,

seeded and thinly sliced1 small red onion, peeled and thinly

sliced in half rounds1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper1/2 cup Italian dressing1 tablespoon olive oil1/2 teaspoon garlic salt1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Bring a medium stockpot of saltedwater to a boil over high heat. Reduce theheat to medium-high and add the potatoes.Boil uncovered for 15 minutes. Drain andset aside to cool for 10 minutes.

Meanwhile, place the vegetable oil ina large skillet over medium-high heat.When hot, add the bell peppers, onionsand red pepper. Cook 4 to 5 minutes oruntil the peppers begin to slightly brownand soften. Remove from the heat.

Add the potatoes to the skillet andgently toss. Drizzle with the dressing andolive oil and sprinkle with garlic salt andpepper. Toss gently and serve warm.

Classic German Potato SaladYield: 6 servings21/2 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes, cut in

1-inch cubes8 bacon slices1 red onion, peeled and chopped2 garlic cloves, peeled and minced1/3 cup white wine vinegar2 tablespoons sugar2 tablespoons Dijon mustard

1/2 teaspoon salt1/4 teaspoon black pepper2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

Place the potatoes in a large pot ofsalted cold water and bring to a boil overhigh heat. Reduce the heat to low andsimmer 20 minutes or until the potatoesare tender. Drain well.

Meanwhile, fry the bacon in a largeskillet over medium-high heat until crisp.Drain on paper towels and crumble whencool enough to handle. Add the onionsand garlic to the bacon grease and sauté 4minutes.

In a small mixing bowl, whisk to-gether the vinegar, sugar, mustard, saltand pepper. Add to the onion mixture andcook 2 minutes to thicken. Gently stir inthe potatoes, dill, parsley and crumbledbacon, tossing to well coat. Serve warm.

Picnic Potato SaladYield: 6 to 7 servings3 pounds red potatoes, cut in 1-inch

cubes2 celery stalks, finely chopped2 hard-boiled eggs, chopped1/2 small red onion, peeled and finely

chopped1/2 cup mayonnaise3 tablespoons chopped fresh dill2 tablespoons Dijon mustard2 tablespoons buttermilk or cider vinegar1 tablespoon sugar1 teaspoon celery seeds1/2 teaspoon salt1/4 teaspoon black pepper


In a large mixing bowl, combine thecelery, eggs, onions, mayonnaise, dill,mustard, buttermilk or vinegar, sugar,celery seeds, salt and pepper. Gently foldin the potatoes and toss to evenly coat.Cover and refrigerate at least 2 hours be-fore serving.

Hot-Cold Potato SaladYield: 6 servings4 large Yukon Gold potatoes, cut in

1-inch cubes

Ju ly 2015 27



4 jalapeño peppers, seeded and minced2 green onions, sliced2 garlic cloves, peeled and minced1/2 cup mayonnaise1/4 cup olive oil1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese3 tablespoons Dijon mustard2 tablespoons white wine vinegar1/4 teaspoon salt1/4 teaspoon black pepper


In a large mixing bowl, combine thepeppers, onions, garlic, mayonnaise, oil,cheese, mustard, vinegar, salt and pepper.Add the potatoes and gently toss toevenly coat. Cover and refrigerate at least2 hours before serving.

Herb-Flecked Potato SaladYield: 8 servings21/2 pounds red potatoes, cut in wedges3 garlic cloves, peeled and minced3/4 teaspoon salt1/4 teaspoon black pepper3 tablespoons olive oil3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar2 teaspoons Dijon mustard1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley3 tablespoons chopped fresh dill

Place the potatoes in a large pot andcover with cold water. Bring to a boilover medium-high heat. Boil 11 minutesor until tender. Drain and let cool com-pletely. In a small bowl, whisk togetherthe garlic, salt, pepper, oil, vinegar andmustard. Fold in the parsley and dill.Place the potatoes in a serving bowl andgently toss with the herb mixture. Serveimmediately or refrigerate up to 2 hoursbefore serving.

Ham it Up Potato SaladYield: 6 servings2 pounds small red potatoes2 cups cooked diced ham3 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill4 green onions, chopped1/3 cup red wine vinegar1/2 cup olive oil2 teaspoons yellow mustard2 garlic cloves, peeled and minced1/4 teaspoon white pepper1/4 teaspoon garlic salt

Place the potatoes in a large pot andcover with cold water. Bring to a boilover medium-high heat. Boil 11 minutesor until tender. Drain and let cool com-pletely. Transfer to a serving bowl andgently stir in the ham, parsley, dill andonions. In a small bowl, whisk togetherthe vinegar, oil, mustard, garlic, pepperand salt. Add to the potato mixture andgently toss to coat. Serve immediately orrefrigerate up to 2 hours before serving.

Sweet Potato SaladYield: 8 servings2 pounds sweet potatoes, peeled and cut

in 1-inch pieces2 teaspoons ground cumin1/4 teaspoon salt2 tablespoons olive oil2 tablespoons lime juice1/4 teaspoon hot sauce1 cup finely chopped red bell pepper1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro1/2 cup thinly sliced green onions

Place the potatoes in a large pot andcover with cold water. Bring to a boilover medium-high heat. Boil 11 minutesor until tender. Drain and let cool com-pletely. In a small bowl, whisk togetherthe cumin, salt, oil, lime juice and hotsauce. Place the potatoes in a servingbowl and add the peppers, cilantro andonions. Add the dressing and gently tossto coat. Serve immediately or refrigerateup to 2 hours before serving.

Pick Tennessee Products is a promotion of the Ten-nessee Department of Agriculture developed to helpconsumers recognize and choose foods grown orprocessed in Tennessee. As Pick Tennessee Productsspokesperson, Tammy Algood develops recipes fea-turing Tennessee food products. To learn more aboutour state’s food products and find more recipes, goto the Tennessee Department of Agriculture MarketDevelopment website at www.PickTnProducts.orgor contact Algood at 615-837-5160 or [email protected].

East Tennessee____________________________

Now-July 12 • “1940s USO Show,”Historic Jonesborough Visitors Center, Jonesborough. 423-753-1010or jonesboroughtheatre.com

Now-July 26 • Summer Art Show atSycamore Shoals, Sycamore ShoalsState Historic Area, Elizabethton. 423-543-5808 orsycamoreshoalstn.org

Now-Sept. 27 • Main Street Brewsand Tunes, downtown Jonesborough.facebook.com/mainstreetjonesboroughor [email protected]

July 2-4 • Jonesborough Days Festival, 117 Boone St., Jonesborough. 423-753-1010 or historicjonesborough.com

July 4 • Patriot Festival, PatriotPark, Pigeon Forge. 800-251-9100 or mypigeonforge.com

July 9-11, 16-18 and 23-25 • “Liberty: The Saga of SycamoreShoals,” Sycamore Shoals State Historic Area, Elizabethton. 423-543-5808 orsycamoreshoalstn.org

July 12 • Farmfest, Exchange Place Living History Farm,Kingsport. 423-288-6071 or exchangeplace.info

July 17-19 and 24-26 • “Front PageNews,” Scopes Courtroom, Dayton. 931-484-5000 or ccplayhouse.com

July 18 • “Blue Highway,”Heritage Hall Theatre, Mountain City. 423-727-7444 or heritagehalltheatre.org

July 18-19 • Atlatl and Dart Work-shop, Sycamore Shoals State HistoricArea, Elizabethton. 423-543-5808 orsycamoreshoalstn.org

July 24-26 • Grainger CountyTomato Festival, Rutledge MiddleSchool, Rutledge. 865-828-3433 orgraingercountytomatofestival.com

July 31-Aug. 2 • Federation of Historical Bottle Collectors 2015National Antique Bottle Show —Southern Region, Chattanooga Convention Center, Chattanooga.770-963-0220 or fohbc.org

Taste of TennesseeContinued from page 27

Almanac of EventsContinued from page 23



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COMMUNITY CORNER What our neighbors are up to

Artist’s Palette for July — You decide what to draw or paint.No more topics. It’s up to you. Good luck! Three age categories: 1 to 9, 10 to 14 and 15 to 18 years old.Each group will have first-, second- and third-place winners. Media: Drawing or painting on 81⁄2-by-11-inch unlined paper.We encourage the use of color. Entry: Send your original art to: The Tennessee Magazine,Artist’s Palette — July, P.O. Box 100912, Nashville, TN37224. (Please make sure you include the month on the outsideof the envelope!)Deadline: Art must be postmarked by Friday, July 31.Include: Your name, age, address, phone number and elec-tric cooperative. Leaving anything out will result in dis-qualification. Artwork will not be returned unless you includea self-addressed, stamped envelope with your submission.Each entry needs its own SASE, please. Siblings must enterseparately with their own envelopes. Attention, teachers: Youmay send multiple entries in one envelope along with oneSASE with sufficient postage. Winners will be published in the September issue of The Ten-nessee Magazine. First place wins $50, second place wins $30and third place wins $20. Winners are eligible to enter againafter six months. Winners will receive their checks, artworkand a certificate of placement within 30 days of publication.

Artist’s Palette Assignment for July

We have hidden somewhere in this maga-zine the icon from the Tennessee flag likethe one pictured here. It could be larger orsmaller than this, and it could be in black

and white or any color. If you find it, send us a postcardor email us with the page number where it’s located. In-clude your name, address, phone number and electriccooperative. One entry per person. Three winners willbe chosen from a random drawing, and each will re-ceive $20.

Note that the icon we hide will not be on an actualflag or historical marker, will not appear on pages 16-20and will not be placed in any ads. This month’s flag willnot appear on this page (that would just be too easy).Good luck!

Send POSTCARDS ONLY (no phone calls, please)to: The Tennessee Magazine, Find the Flag, P.O. Box

100912, Nashville, TN 37224. Or email entries [email protected]. Entries must be postmarked by Fri-day, July 31. Winners will be published in the Septem-ber issue of The Tennessee Magazine.

May’s Flag SpottersThanks for the postcards and

emails again this month identifyingthe correct location of the flag,which was found in the storagecanister on page 14.

Winners are drawn randomlyfrom each month’s entries. May’slucky flag spotters are:Virginia Patterson, Friendship, Forked Deer ECKim Ehrlich, Nolensville, Middle Tennessee EMCFrank Davis, Church Hill, Holston EC

Find the Tennessee flag

List your events in our AlmanacThe Tennessee Magazine publishes event list-

ings as space allows, giving preference toevents of regional or statewide interest and thosethat are annual or one-time happenings. The mag-azine does not publish recurring events such asthose held weekly.

The magazine assumes no responsibility forthe accuracy of information submitted for publi-cation and advises calling or emailing ahead toconfirm dates, locations, times and possible ad-mission fees.

To be included in the calendar, visit our web-site, www.tnmagazine.org, and fill out the sub-mission form. You can also email listings [email protected] or send them to TennesseeAlmanac, P.O. Box 100912, Nashville, TN 37224.

Please include the name of the event, where itwill be held (both town and physical location), aphone number readers can call for more informa-tion and an email or website address, if applica-ble, where readers can find more information.Event listings must be received at least twomonths in advance and will be accepted up to ayear in advance.

CC_JULY_2015.qxp_TECA_0715_ 6/10/15 5:29 PM Page 32

Ju ly 2015 33

WINNERS, 1-9 AGE GROUP: First place: Margaret Nita, age 9, Middle Tennessee EMC; Second place: Mitchell Stowe, age 9, DuckRiver EMC; Third place: Drew McGarry, age 6, Middle Tennessee EMC

WINNERS, 10-14 AGE GROUP: First place: Joshua Arellano, age 12, Appalachian EC; Second place: Siena Rozzelle, age 14, MiddleTennessee EMC; Third place: Pedro Chavez, age 11, Caney Fork EC

Pedro ChavezSiena

Rozzelle

WINNERS, 15-18 AGE GROUP: First place: Courtney Sizemore, age 15, HolstonEC; Second place: Lindsey Cornell, age 17, Mountain EC; Third place: Kyeesha Wilcox,age 18, Middle Tennessee EMC

Courtney Sizemore

Joshua Arellano

Margaret Nita Drew McGarryMitchell Stowe

Lindsey Cornell

Kyeesha Wilcox

Artist’s Palette May Winners

CC_JULY_2015.qxp_TECA_0715_ 6/10/15 5:29 PM Page 33

Hello, Connie,Attached is a

picture of an oldcouch I used tosleep on when Iwas a kid. It wasin my grand-mother’s house,and I adopted itafter she passed away. I do not know of its origin butthought I would ask you. Thank you for your time.David, Mooresburg

Hello, David,Your grandmother’s sofa is Empire with a sleek but

simple flame mahogany veneer. The style originated inFrance in the late 1700s, often with added gilt trim andexotic woods. Yours was made in the early 1800s beforecoil springs had been invented, so it may have been cov-ered in woven horsehair or even stuffed with curledhorsehair.

Similar sofas, often upholstered in slept-on velvet, canbe purchased for as little as $300 at estate liquidationsand household auctions. If the horsehair upholstery wererestored, the same sofa might sell at a higher market forwell more than $2,000.

Dear Connie, I picked up this oil

painting at an antique auc-tion for $45. I spotted it assoon as I went in the doorand fell in love. The paint-ing is signed by R. Nip-press and has“Contemplating theModel” written on theback. The frame measures

38.5 inches by 32.5 inches. Thank you for any informa-tion you could share in The Tennessee Magazine.Leigh, Jackson

Dear Leigh,Robert Nippress imitated the works of 18th-century

artists and added subtle humor to many of his paintings.Each reproduction was signed “R. Nippress” along withthe name of the original artist and his or her dates ofbirth and death. If, for instance, he reproduced a Gains-borough, it would say “after Gainsborough.” He fa-vored street scenes involving beggars, vice and casuallyclothed women. He also created colorful paintings of

slapstick comedy scenes involving kids, old people andchaos.

Although I could not confirm it, he seems to haveresided in the Carolinas. I find no evidence of his death.Recent works sold were painted in the 1980s. They sellcurrently from your $45 to $150 from auctions in Northand South Carolina, where his paintings must be hiding inestates.

Hello, Connie,My mother gave me this ceramic pig. She

said it was my grandfather’s piggy bank thathe got when he was 6 years old in 1901. I wasjust wondering what it is worth. Thank you.Gwen, Ridgetop

Hello, Gwen,Your grandfather’s brown, drip-glazed, hole-eyed

piggy bank is offered at $85 and sells for around $50. Itwas made in the late 1800s.

Dear Connie, The box is labeled “Santa Mechanical Tricycle.” Any

idea what year it was made, and is it worth much? I amnot selling it but curiousabout the history of it andwhen it was made. Thankyou for your time.Tammi, Lebanon

Tammi,This sassy Santa on a

tricycle was made around1960. Tin litho, wind-up toys from this era in workingcondition with pristine boxes sell for $12 to $40. The tapeand tears on your box reduces value by one half.


IT ’S JUST STUFF by antiques appraiser Connie Sue Davenport

Want to learn more about your antiques?Send your inquiry with photos to the mailing ad-dress or email below. Only published appraisalsare free. Private appraisals are available for a fee.Call 615-672-1992 for an appointment. No ap-praisals are given over the phone.

Connie Sue Davenport, P.O. Box 343,White House, TN 37188

615-672-1992 • email: [email protected]

Connie Sue Davenport, ISA AM, offers antique appraisal events, privateappraisals and estate sale consulting services to individuals, businessesand organizations. Sign up for “IT’S JUST STUFF,” her FREE quarterlynewsletter, at www.ConnieSue.com.

Antiques 07_2015.qxp_TECA_0715_034 6/11/15 10:56 AM Page 34

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TECA 036_TECA_0715_036 6/10/15 10:00 AM Page 36

chickasaw electric cooperative edition

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