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December 2012

Nishnabotna ValleyRural Electric Cooperative

1317 ChatburnHarlan, Iowa

(712) 755-21661-800-234-5122

www.nvrec.comN Lews ines

nishnabotna valley

Your Cooperative Hosts Legislative Meeting nishnabotna valley rec manager, John euchner, and nvrec board of directors along with neighboring harrison county rec met recently with several state and federal legislators to discuss the upcoming legislative session. the meeting provided all participants the opportunity to share their positions and concerns about today’s pressing issues in a relaxed and personal atmosphere. the meeting was well attended. several legislators were able to ask questions about energy issues and have those questions answered on your behalf by the board and your cooperative’s ceo John euchner. it is our goal to continue to offer our members safe, affordable, reliable and dependable electric service.

Some of those attending the meeting included (left to right) HCREC Manager/EVR Joe Farley, Scott Corie from Congressman Steve King’s office, Representative Jason Schultz, Representative Jack Drake, Sena-tor Nancy Boettger, Donna Barry from Senator Chuck Grassley’s office, Wayne Brinks from Congressman King’s office, Senator Mike Gronstal, and NVREC CEO John Euchner.

Representative Jason Schultz (second from left), Representative Greg Forristall (second from right) and Representative Jack Drake (far right) are just a few of the Legislators and their office staff who were present at your Cooperative’s Fall Legislative Meeting in November 2012.

NVREC CEO John Euchner pro-vides information about Iowa’s Rural Electric Cooperatives to participating Legislators at the Fall Legislative Meeting in Neola. On behalf of the NVREC and neighbor-ing Harrison County REC mem-bers, Euchner thanked Legislators for their willingness to discuss energy-related issues.

Nishnabtona Valley REC will

be closedMonday and

Tuesday,December 24 and 25

for Christmasand Tuesday,

January 1, 2013 Happy New Year!

Published monthly byNishnabotna Valley

Rural Electric Cooperative1317 Chatburn Avenue,

Harlan, Iowa 51537Directors

President ..................Darrell StampVice-Pres ..................Wayne PaulsenSec.-Treas.................Bryan GreveDirector .....................Don ApplegateDirector .....................Dale ChristiansenDirector .....................Galen GrabillDirector .....................Gene KenkelChief Executive Officer ..... John EuchnerCommunications ............... Janell Cheek

Nishnabotna Valley NewslinesOffice Hours: Mon-Fri.,

7:30 am to 4:00 pm

Telephone: (712) 755-2166 or

toll free 800-234-5122

Fax (712)755-2351On the Web: www.nvrec.com

or www.nvrec.coop

Outages after hours, holidays and weekends: 800-234-5122

nishnabotna valley rural electric cooperative is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.

“CHain” of EvEnts• Milesoflinetobuild–515• Milesoflinecompleted–318.9

(this is 62% completed of the 515 miles)

• Progressof16.7milesoflinesince last report

• TotalFEMAprojects–26

as of 11-30-12

520 miles of line complete

500

450

400

350

300

250

200

150

100

75

50

25

0 miles of rebuilt line complete Jan. 2011

Monthly Progress Report

the 2013 iowa General assembly and energy policy• Usingenergyasefficientlyaspossible,maximizingthestate’sre-

newable energy potential and ensuring reliable and affordable base-load electricity for iowans are priorities on which iowa’s rural electric cooperatives have focused their attention, and will continue to ask the general assembly to do the same.

• AbalancedapproachtoenergywillallowRECstocontinuetopro-vide affordable, reliable, safe and environmentally responsible power. this is key to maintaining a positive economic climate.

stRaY voLtaGE• Establishastrayvoltagepolicythatenablesconsumersandutilitiestoworktogether–andavoidcostlylitigation.

BasELoad GEnERation• ToeffectivelyaddressIowa’senergyissues,what’sneededisa

balanced approach that includes diverse fuel sources for generat-ingelectricity,plusenergyefficiencyandresearchtodevelopnewenergy technologies. nuclear energy must be part of the discussion. since nuclear-generated electricity does not produce any carbon dioxide, it helps achieve a lower-carbon economy while helping to meet the energy needs of a healthy, robust, growing and globally competitive economy.

RuRaL EConoMiC dEvELoPMEnt• GrantsandloansfromIowa’selectricco-opsareasignificantsourceoffundingforeconomicdevelopmentprojectsthroughoutruralIowa.Thesebusinessinvestmentshavebeenusedtocreateprojectssuchas industrial parks, spec buildings, schools, factories, farms, clinics and hospitals.

• Since1989,Iowa’selectriccooperativeshaveinvestedatotalofnearly$98millioninloansandgrants,resultinginthecompletionoflocalprojectsworth$928million.Atthesametime,morethan5,700newjobswerecreatedand17,500existingjobswereretained.

• Iowa’selectricco-opsareproveneconomicdevelopmentenginesthroughout iowa. as such, electric cooperatives will continue to look for opportunities to work with legislators in developing policies that will help to grow iowa’s rural economies.

Consumer Authorization FormYes, I want to be a part of members helping members and contribute to RECare.

➜ l will make a one-time contribution to RECare. My check is enclosed.

➜ l will contribute $____ per month to RECare. I understand that this amount will be automatically added to my monthly electric bill.

➜ My gift is a matching fund gift. The matching fund is_____

NAME ________________________________________________________

ADDRESS _________________________________ CITY ______________

ACCOUNT NUMBER ____________________________________________

STATE _________________________________ ZlP ___________________ Please mail to: RECare, Nishnabotna Valley Rural Electric Cooperative,P.O. Box 714, 1317 Chatburn , Harlan, IA 51537; (712) 755-2166

Members helping members recare provides local commu-nity action agencies with the funds to help low income families pay for summer cooling bills and to weath-erizetheirhomesforthewintermonths. this program allows you to help other less fortunate rural electric cooperative members. through recare, you may make a one-time contribution or a monthly

pledge that will automatically be added to your monthly electric bill. even one dollar a month will help others. to participate, please complete the form below and return it with your monthly billing statement to nishnabotna valley rec. thank you for your support.

How to Save Electricity in Your Home – Monthly Series

Insulation and Air InfiltrationEnergy-Efficient Tips for Insulation and Air Infiltration

the single most important step in residential energy conservation is the installation of thermal insulation. to make sure your home is prop-erly insulated follow these tips:• Checkcurrentinsulationlevels,

and properly insulate a new or existing home.

• Insulateceilings,wallsandfloorsover unconditioned crawl spaces.

• TherecommendedinsulationlevelformostatticsisR-38.

• Findtheobviousplaceswhereaircan sneak into your home, then make repairs to plug the leaks by caulking, weather-stripping, and using plastic covers.

• Alsochecksomeoftheothermajorairleakageareas,includ-ing: air ducts; window sashes and frames; plumbing utilities and wallpenetrations;furnaceflues;attic entrances; wall outlets; and recessedlightfixtures.

• Fireplacesshouldhavetightlyfit-ting dampers that can be closed

whenthefireplaceisnotinuse.

Energy-Efficient Tips for Windows, and Doors to make your windows and doors moreenergyefficient,followthesetips:• Double-glazedwindows(two

panes of glass separated by a sealed air space) cut heat trans-fer by 40-50 percent. in extremely coldregions,tripleglazingcouldbeeconomicallyjustified.

• Single-glazedwindowsshouldhave storm windows. a wood or

metal frame storm window pro-vides a second thickness of glass and a layer of still air that reduces heat transmission markedly.

• Installstormdoorsatallentranc-es of the house.

• Weather-stripandcaulkaroundall entrance doors and windows to limit air leaks that could ac-count for 15-30 percent of heating and cooling energy requirements.

• Keeptheoverheaddoorofanattached garage closed to block coldwindsfrominfiltratingtheconnecting door between the house and garage.

Coop Connections Card

PARTICIPATING BUSINESSES:• Alpha and Omega Floors, 607

CourtStreet,Harlan–18MonthnointerestfinancingOR10%offceramic/ porcelain/ natural tiles

• Automated Business Forms and Printing,1109RidgewayDrive,Audubon–10%offprint-ing materials

• Border Fare Restaurant, 1704 ChatburnAve,Harlan–10%offfor cardholders

• Bulbs.com, 243 stafford street, Worcester,MA,888-455-2800–10%offwhenyouuseyourCo-op connections discount code

• Club 191,101MainStreet,Portsmouth–Receive10%offorders when you present the co-op connections card

• Creative Concepts Collision Repair,422MarketStreet,Har-lan–$20Chamberbucksonanywork over $500

• Crees Garden Center, 2213 CollegePlace,Harlan–5%offentire purchase

• Danish Windmill, elk horn IA–2for1tour/10%offpur-chase in gift shop

• Dunlap Plumbing and Heat-ing, 113 iowa ave, dunlap IA–10%offscheduledPre-sea-son heating or cooling system check-ups

• Harlan Inn and Suites, 1148Hwy59,Harlan–10%offroomrate for coop connection card holders

• Harlan Veterinary Associates, 910ChatburnAvenue,Harlan

–CalltodaytoaskaboutCo-opConnectionsMemberDiscounts

• Harlan Vision Clinic, 2306 12th Street,Harlan–Discountsonprescription eye glasses

• Heartland Carpet Cleaning, 171010thStreet,Harlan–10%off carpet and upholstry cleaning

• Hy-Vee, 2003 chatburn avenue, Harlan–FREE1/2Gallonofmilkwith $25 purchase

• Iowa Wines and More,506Mar-ket,Harlan–5%offpurchasetoMemberCardHolders

• Kneaded Touch, Inc, 2104 gar-fieldAve,Harlan–5%DiscountonMassage(notgiftcertificateorproducts)

• Peterson Family Wellness Cen-ter, 1312 chatburn ave, harlan –FreeNutritionConsultationwithpurchase of personal training package

• Picket Fence Greenhouse, 1129GinkgoRoad,Portsmouth–10% off purchases

• Pizza Ranch, 613 court street, Harlan–Buyanadultbuffet,getone half off

• Rose City Canopy, inc, 201 RdM47,Walnut–Discountsonlighting and installation

• The Corn Crib, 12 east street, Shelby–Freesmallfountaindrink with purchase of meal

• The Danish Inn,ElkHorn–10%discount on parties of 4 or less

• The Family Garden,525MainStreet,Griswold–10%offmealorders

• The Flower Barn Apparel and Gift,624MarketStreet,HarlanIA–10%offtotalpurchase

• Willow Creek Glass Chapel and Banquet Hall, 4072 325th street, Shelby–$20offpriceofweddingor banquet hall reservations

use your Co-op Connections Card at these participating businesses

Go to www.nvrec.comfor a list of discounts and nation-wide deals for nvrec members with the co-op connections card! don’t have your card any-more? log onto www.connec-tions.coop and print off your new card. call Janell at 712-755-2166 for more information.

MassageTherapyisa powerful ally in your healthcare regimen. Thebenefitsofmassage are exten-sive.Massagetherapytreatments will have a therapeutic effect and improve health by acting directly on the muscular, nervous, circulatory and lymphatic (immune) systems. this means:• Reducedfatigue • Enhancedsleepquality• Improvedconcentration • Increasedcirculation• Decreasedanxiety • Decreasedpain• Greaterenergy

are You feeling stressed about the Holidays? experts estimate that close to ninety percent of disease is stress-related. and perhaps nothing ages us faster, internally and externally, than high stress. while eliminating anxiety and pressure altogether in this fast-paced world may be idealistic, massage can, without a doubt, help manage stress.  Theexperienced,professionaltherapistsatKneadedTouchMassagetherapy provide exceptional service and will design an effective custom-izedmassagetreatmenttoaddressyourindividualneeds. use your co-op connections card to get a 5% discount on a massage. CallKneadedTouchat712-755-5878tosetupyourmassageappointmenttoday.

Kneaded touch Massage therapy

2 13momentum

buildingis

2 13momentum

buildingis

Iowa Cooperativesfor Energy Efficiencyinvite you to

Iowa Cooperativesfor Energy Efficiencypresent

“I have been in the trenches for nearly 50 years and have attended a lot of seminars and conferences. Momentum Is Buildinghas always been among the best. It is short enough to hold your interest but long enough to learn something new. I have always left the conference with new information and insights.”

Jim AngererHanna Plumbing and Heating

Marion, Iowa

Registration Information

Momentum Is Building - Feb. 14-15, 2013 Contractor or educational institution representative . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $99 Members of Iowa Cooperatives for Energy Efficiency . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $99 Non-member utility or other organization representative . . . . . . $199 CEU fee . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $50

Registration for Momentum Is Building includes all sessions and breaks; lunch and exhibitor reception on Thursday; and breakfast and break on Friday.

Attendees: Return the registration form on the reverse side of this brochure and registration feeto your electric cooperative member servicerepresentative or mail to:

Momentum Is Building Iowa Cooperatives for Energy Efficiency P.O. Box 2517 Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52406-2517

Exhibitors: Find registration information forexhibiting and attending MIB at www.momentumisbuilding.com

For more information about registration, call Donna Griebel at 319.366.4512, ext. 358.For more information about sessions or exhibiting, call Kathy Roth Eastman at 515.255.0882or e-mail keastman33@gmail.com.

An additional $25 must be addedto all registrations postmarked

after Wednesday, Jan. 30, 2013.

IOWA ENERGY CENTERSponsored in part by the

The Conference Site

Sheraton West Des Moines1800 50th Street

West Des Moines, Iowa

Located at the University Avenue exit offI-80/I-35 (Exit 124), the hotel is convenient to restaurants, shopping and nightlife. For more about amenities, directions and other hotel information, visit the website listed below.

ROOM RESERVATIONS

Sleeping room availability and rate(single and double: $99) are guaranteed until Wednesday, Jan. 30, 2013.

ONLINE RESERVATIONS (highly recommended by the Sheraton)

www.starwoodmeeting.com/Book/momisbuilding2013

and click on Reserve.

PHONE RESERVATIONS

888.627.8043

NOTE: This is the Sheraton central booking number; be sure to reference the West Des Moines Sheraton and Momentum Is Building to get our special rate.

Because of our financial commitment to food, beverages and meeting rooms for

Momentum Is Building, we cannot refund registration fees for cancellations after

Thursday, Feb. 7, 2013. February 14-15, 2013at the Sheraton West Des Moineswww.momentumisbuilding.com

Gain insight into new techniques from top-of-the-industry, nationally known speakers.

See the latest building products and technologies offered by our vendors.

Network with other building, electrical and HVAC professionals.

Qualify for door prizes. More than $1,000 in tools will be given away throughout the conference.

Momentum Is Buildingis your opportunity to

Sponsored in part by the

The BEST contractors’

conference you’ll ever

attend, plus your

opportunity to earn

valuable CEUs!

Mark your calendars – TheannualMomentumisbuilding conference sponsored by iowa’s electric cooperatives will be held February 14-15, 2013, at the sheraton west DesMoinesat50thandUniver-sity. nishnabotna valley rec is pleased to sponsor area contrac-tors to the event. the cooperative will spon-sorthefirstsixcontractorswhosubmit a registration form and the requiredfeesbyFriday,January18,2013.Forregistrationinfor-mationpleaseemailjcheek@nvrec.com or call Janell at 712-755-2166or800-234-5122. the rec will only sponsor one personfromeachorganization,but you may register others from your business and pay the fees.

Wellness at Any Age

Harlan Tribune Graphics Web Printing

Twelve Health and SafetyTips for the Holidays(Tips from Center for Disease Control and Prevention)

NVREC Recipe Corner

1. wash hands often to keep your-self from spreading germs and getting sick. wash your hands with soap and clean running water for at least 20 seconds.

2. bundle up to stay dry and warm. wear appropriate outdoor cloth-ing: layers of light, warm cloth-ing; mittens; hats; scarves; and waterproof boots.

3. Managestress.Don’tover-commit yourself and prevent holiday anxiety and pressure. get enough sleep.

4. don’t drink and drive or let oth-ers drink and drive. whenever anyone drives drunk, they put everyone on the road in danger.

5. be smoke-free. avoid smoking and second-hand smoke. there is no safe amount of to-bacco or secondhand smoke. breathing even a little secondhand smoke can be dangerous.

6. Fastenseatbeltswhiledriving or riding in a mo-tor vehicle. always buckle your child in the car using a child safety seat, booster seat, or seat belt according to his/her height, weight, and age. use a seat belt on every trip, no matter how short the trip.

7. get exams and screenings. ask what exams you need and

when to get them. up-date your personal and

family history.8. Getyourvaccinations,

which help prevent diseases and save lives.9. Monitorthechildren.Keeppotentially dangerous toys, food, drinks, household items,

andotherobjectsoutofkids’reach. dress warmly for outdoor activities. develop and reinforce rules about acceptable and safe behaviors including electronic media.

10.Practicefiresafety.Mostresi-

dentialfiresoccurduringthewinter months, so be careful to neverleavefireplaces,spaceheaters, stoves, or candles unattended. have an emergency plan and practice it regularly.

11. Prepare food safely. remember these simple steps: wash hands and surfaces often, avoid cross-contamination, cook foods to proper temperatures, and refrig-erate promptly.

12. eat healthy, and get moving. eat fruits and vegetables. limit your portionsizesandfoodshighinfat and sugar. be active for at least 2½ hours a week and help kids and teens be active for at least 1 hour a day.

The Iowa REC site (www.outages.iowarec.org) will also be activated when wide-spread outages occur in the state.

in Case of outages . . .

iowa outaGE MaP

nishnabotna valley rec and chain electric company have been work-ing diligently over the last several months to ensure the new lines and poles are ready for wintery weather. that being said, we still want our members to be prepared in case elec-trical outages do occur during the winter season this year.

Clip this form and follow these important steps to help us get your power back on as fast as possible:1. check your home’s breaker panel (and any outdoor disconnects)

to make sure the outage is not on your side of the service (past our main meter).

2. check to see if your neighbors are without electricity. even if they have electricity, don’t hesitate to call nishnabotna valley rec.

3.Toreportapoweroutage,call712-755-2166or800-234-5122.Afterofficehourscallsshouldgoto800-234-5122.

4. give your name, telephone number and a call back number, account numberand911address.Ifyouhavemorethanoneactiveaccount,know which account number serves each location.

5. report any visible cause of the outage (e.g., tree limb on the line, downed line, etc.).

in case of extended outages• Catastropheslikeice,snowandwindstormsmaycauseextended

outages. rest assured that nishnabotna valley rec will restore power as quickly as possible.

• Itiswisetobepreparedforanextendedoutage.Keepflashlightsandportableradiosonhandwithextrabatteries.Keepfreezerandrefrigerator doors closed to prevent food spoilage.

Foodwillkeepforlongperiodsoftimeifdoorsarekeptshut. Beextracarefulwithcandles,kerosenelamps,heatersorfireplaces.• Haveasupplyofwateronhandifyoudependonawell.Alsotryto

keep door openings to a minimum and have sleeping bags and extra clothes available to keep warm.

turkey Pot Pies with Herbed Phyllo Crust (www.homemadesimple.com) this recipe offers a combination of leftover roast turkey and vegetables withacreamysauce.It’salsoamazinglyversatileandworksequallywellwithleftoverchicken,beefandevensalmon.Cookandserveyourflavorfulpies in individual gratin dishes or large ramekins. serves 4-6 Prep time: 20 minutes cook time: 20-25 minutes

INGREDIENTS

2 tablespoons butter2 tablespoons olive oil1 small onion, chopped3tablespoonsall-purposeflour1 can (14 ounces) chicken broth1 teaspoon salt1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper1 teaspoon worcestershire sauce1/2cupfrozenpeas

2 cups leftover roasted vegetables, choppedintobitesizedpieces(or2cupsfrozenmixedvegetables)

4 tablespoons chopped fresh herbs (such as parsley and dill)

3 cups leftover turkey, chopped into bitesizedpieces

8sheetsphyllodough,thawedac-cording to package instructions

olive oil spraysalt and pepper, to taste

INSTRUCTIONS Preheatovento350°F.Sprayfourindividualgratindishes(or8-ounceramekins) with olive oil spray. in a large skillet, over medium heat, melt butter with 2 tablespoons olive oil. add onion, and sauté 5 minutes or until soft. reduce heat to low, and sprinkleflouroveronions.Cook,whiskingconstantlyfor3minutes.whisk in chicken broth, salt, pepper and worcestershire sauce, and bring to a boil. remove from heat. add peas, chopped vegetables, 2 tablespoons herbs andturkey.Mixwellandtasteforseasoning.Dividebetweenpreparedgra-tin dishes or ramekins. lay one phyllo sheet on a large cutting board. working quickly, spray with olive oil spray and sprinkle with a small amount of chopped fresh herbs. top with the next sheet of phyllo, spray and sprinkle with herbs. re-peat with two more phyllo sheets, ending with a sheet sprayed with oil, but not sprinkled with herbs. Usingapizzacutterorasharpknifecutthephyllostacksinhalfwidth-wise.Placeeachonagratindishandfoldandcrimptheedgestofitthedish. cut a slit in the center of each crust. repeat with the four remaining phyllo sheets, herbs and two remaining gratin dishes. bake 20-25 minutes or until golden brown. let stand 5 minutes, and serve.