powerlines october 2014

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FEATURED ARTICLES INSIDE: Prevent Fires After Power Outages Page 2 The Legends of REC Page 8 Hard Work Pays Off Page 10 OCTOBER IS NATIONAL CO-OP MONTH Kid, You’ll Provide the Power A NEWSLETTER FOR REC EMPLOYEES October 2014 POWER L I N E S G rowing up, everyone has a dream. From the moment children enter school, teachers begin to prepare them to decide what they are going to be when they grow up. e dream changes as they get older. From princesses, dragon slayers, cowboys and police officers to doctors, lawyers, lead singers and world Olympians. And, while some people might have known early in their lives that their journey would either begin or end at an electric cooperative, (Continued on page 5) others may not have realized that part of the dream until later on. “I began working at the Cooperative when I was 18 years old as a lineman helper,” said Robbie Beard (CU). “From the first day I walked in, I was welcomed and made to feel like part of the family. It was a relief, as a kid basically, to work on a crew with grown men, older linemen, who treated me like I belonged.” Robbie Beard (CU) Cherwanda Minor (BG) Matt Wuethrich (FB) Chris Lawson (BR)

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Rappahannock Electric Cooperative employee newsletter

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Page 1: PowerLines October 2014

FEATURED ARTICLES INSIDE:Prevent Fires After Power Outages Page 2 The Legends of REC Page 8 Hard Work Pays Off Page 10

OctOber is NatiONal cO-Op MONth

Kid, You’ll Provide the Power

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

POWERL I N E S

POWERL I N E S

Growing up, everyone has a dream. From the moment children enter school, teachers begin to prepare them to decide

what they are going to be when they grow up. The dream changes as they get older. From princesses, dragon slayers, cowboys and police officers to doctors, lawyers, lead singers and world Olympians. And, while some people might have known early in their lives that their journey would either begin or end at an electric cooperative, (Continued on page 5)

others may not have realized that part of the dream until later on. “I began working at the Cooperative when I was 18 years old as a lineman helper,” said Robbie Beard (CU). “From the first day I walked in, I was welcomed and made to feel like part of the family. It was a relief, as a kid basically, to work on a crew with grown men, older linemen, who treated me like I belonged.”

Robbie Beard (CU)

Cherwanda Minor (BG)

Matt Wuethrich (FB)

Chris Lawson (BR)

Page 2: PowerLines October 2014

october service ANNiversAriesBob Wilcox 42David Brooks 36Pam Goforth 31Robbie Beard 30Butch Hargrove 27Teresa Rosenberger 25Benjamin Berry 25Linda Brooks 24Lisa Hodgkiss 24Carolyn Stewart 23Tim Kettlewell 22Lee Brock 19Andre’ Gray 16Jason Garner 16Rita Winger 11Doug King (LMIT) 11Maria Perez 10Virginia Johnson 10Missy Oesterheld 10Frank Jerow 9Brandon Brockman 9Jon Perry 8Wes Gallahan 8Tony Brill 8Brandon Weaver 8Alex Davis (LMIT) 7Kevin Johnson 6Mike Geer 6John Grott 5Megan Whaley 5Barbara Boughton 4Paul Gillespie 2John Arp 2Matt Beasley 2

2 PowerLines October 2014

Prevent Fires After Power Outages

Maxie Rozell (FB) said, “When you experience a power outage, it’s easy to forget the things that were on in your home, especially if the outage lasts several hours or days. Try to remember what was on at the time the power went out. Turn the switches to those items to the off position.” It is especially important to turn off anything that has a heating element, such as an electric range, an iron, or a toaster over. Turning items off will help prevent a fire when the power is restored. “We also encourage our members and your families to use battery-operated lanterns and flashlights during power outages instead of using candles,” says Maxie. “Candles are a fire hazard. If they must be used, we advise you to keep them away from curtains, paper, wood, or other flammable items. Also never leave a room with a burning candle unattended.”

W hen a power outage occurs, it is important to take the necessary steps to prevent a fire from starting once power

has been restored. Educate yourselves, REC members, your friends, and family members on precautionary steps they can take to prevent fires from affecting their lives.

Safety – Teach It, Preach It & Live It!MaXieSAYS:

Safety is the top priority at REC. The Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI) and the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) have teamed up to offer additional safety tips to help protect the home.

OctOber is NatiONal Fire preVeNtiON MONth

PHOT

O CO

URTE

STY

OF S

TATE

FARM

SAfetY tip:Call 811 BEfORE YOu Dig

Remember to dig with “CARE!” Call Miss Utility at 811 before you dig. Allow time for marking. Respect & protect the marks. Excavate carefully.

Page 3: PowerLines October 2014

o c t o b e rbirtHDAYs

PowerLines October 2014 3

Kevin Pories 1

Milton Elliott 3

Todd Jordan 4

Daryl Perdue 4

Devin Dunnington 6

Bradley Good 6

Kevin Smelser 7

Tom Handley 7

Teresa Bevers 8

Carroll Blake (LMIT) 9

Megan Whaley 11

Rodney Taylor 12

Michele Pitcock 13

Steve Williams 19

Ryan Garner 20

Matt Beasley 20

Crystal Wedding 22

Barbara Boughton 22

Ricky Bywaters 24

Leslie Dove 24

John Dailey 24

Mike Riley 26

Curtis Cloude 26

Tyler Wright 27

Monty Freeman 27

Rob Heron (LMIT) 30

Source: The Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI) and the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)

AdditionAl SAfEty tipS:safety should always be the top priority when working with electricity. esFi recommends that a qualified, licensed electrician perform all home electrical work in compliance with local and national safety standards.

o Consider having your circuit breakers replaced with arc fault circuit interrupters (AFCIs), which provide enhanced electrical fire protection by detecting dangerous arcing conditions. o Make sure all electrical panel circuits are properly labeled. Always replace fuses or circuit breakers with the correct size and amperage. o Keep the area around the electrical panel clear so you can easily shut off power in an emergency. o Every month, use the TEST button to check that ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) at outlets and AFCIs are working properly. o Be mindful of warning signs of an electrical problem, such as outlets and switches that are warm or make crackling, sizzling, or buzzing noises. o Regularly check cords, outlets, switches, and appliances for signs of damage. Do not use damaged electrical devices. o Do not use extension cords on a permanent basis, and never use them with space heaters or air conditioners. o Avoid overloading outlets.o Do not use light bulbs that exceed the recommended wattage of the light fixture or lamp.

Despite your best efforts at prevention, a fire could still happen. Follow these tips to make sure your family is prepared to make a safe escape:

o Install smoke alarms inside each bedroom, outside each sleeping area, and on every level of the home. o Test smoke alarms every month by pushing the TEST button. o Create a family fire escape plan that includes two ways out of each room. o Pick an easy-to-find meeting place outside, a safe distance from your home. o Practice your escape plan by having at least two fire drills a year. One fire drill should be at night while your family is sleeping. o If anyone in your household is deaf, or if your own hearing is diminished, consider installing a smoke alarm that uses a flashing light or vibration to alert you to a fire emergency.

Online tip:PROmOting SOlaR POwER

Learn more about Solar Energy at myrec.coop/solar

Check it out and share this new section of the website with REC members!

Page 4: PowerLines October 2014

4 PowerLines October 2014

arOUND the CO-OPLIVInG THE CREED: Safety is a Top PriorityREC has always been dedicated to pro-

viding safe, reliable and affordable utility service to its member-owners.The lengths REC will go to keep its members, their families and all employees safe are a point of pride and are never taken lightly. From acquiring new equipment and implementing new procedures – including installation of new breaker systems that react more quickly in case of a disruption – to increasing awareness of back-up generator systems within the cooperative community and supporting the Rural Electric Safety Achievement Program (RESAP), America’s electric cooperatives strive to promote the highest standard of safety. That is why each year REC is involved in local community activities to support safety initiatives. Maxie Rozell (FB) said, “We continuously raise awareness of electrical safety in our communities by performing demonstrations at local schools and community events. There, we show members just how easy it is for an accident to occur when working with electricity and how to prevent these dangerous, and sometimes deadly, mishaps. We also increase awareness of electrical safety by engaging with volunteer fire departments, emergency medical teams and sheriff’s departments on a regular basis, offering education courses and demonstrations. These programs keep volunteers, as well as members of the community, safe.” Annual Meeting with Emergency Coordinators REC hosted its annual meeting with emergency officials from across REC’s 22 county service territory on Aug. 27. REC explained the process it follows whenever there is a major outage. That process, which is constantly reviewed and refined, helps facilitate the efficient restoration of power during a major outage event. Maxie said, “This meeting helps us build better relationships with emergency officials so that we can understand the unique challenges that are often common to us both during weather-related outages or when other disasters occur. Building these relationships and reviewing our plans in advance of a crisis makes our restoration efforts more efficient and helps everyone involved better serve our members.”

Madison Co-op Extension Program Emergency Prep Expo On Sept. 13, REC joined the Madison community for the Madison Co-op Extension Emergency Prep Expo held at the Madison County Firehouse. This event was designed to increase the awareness of personal emergency preparedness. REC’s Ben Berry (CU) (left) and Eric Corbin (CU) (right) presented outage preparation informa- tion to the members who attended. Our Commitment to Safety At REC, we know that the more people we have in our communities who are knowledgeable about electrical safety, the safer we all will be. That is why we strive, every day, to raise awareness of, and encourage development in, electrical safety. In addition to the most recent events noted, REC has participated in the following community activities to promote safety to the members we serve:safety Demonstrations or Displays:

• AnnualMeetinginFauquierCounty

• AppleBlossomFireTruckRodeoinFrederickCounty

• ChildrenofAmerica–Winchester&StephensCity

• D.A.R.E.DayinRappahannockCounty

• FortA.P.HillEarth&SafetyDayinCarolineCounty

• Gaff-n-GoLineman’sRodeoinCarolineCounty

• GEHealth&SafetyDayinGreeneCounty

• GetConnectedRECMemberNightinCarolineCounty

• IndependentSchoolofWinchester

• LewisandClarkElementarySchoolinCarolineCounty

• LouisaCountyMiddleSchoolinLouisaCounty

• SpotsylvaniaUtilityDepartmentinSpotsylvaniaCounty

Maxie Rozell (FB)

Danny Aylor (FB)

Eric White (FB)

Rich Mialki (FB)

Page 5: PowerLines October 2014

PowerLines October 2014 5

OCTOBER IS nATIOnAL CO-OP MOnTH

Kid, You’ll provide the power

(Continued from page 1)

Robbie continued, “There have been so many opportunities working here and I have been able to progress in different jobs with different responsibilities. I believe that experience has made me a more well-rounded, knowledgeable person who understands the day-to-day jobs of others in the Cooperative. I’ve also benefitted from having a stable work environment and that is, without a doubt, the most advantageous benefit this industry has offered me.” Rappahannock Electric Cooperative (REC), like electric cooperatives nationwide, is committed to providing great career opportunities and benefits to help provide a better quality of life for its employees and their families.

beNeF its Joe Gilkerson (FB) said, “REC has provided its employees a sense of security in the benefits they receive. A competitive salary, combined with a benefits package that works for the employee and their families, rewards them for the important work they do for the Cooperative’s members.” Cherwanda Minor (BG) added, “One of the most appealing parts of joining the workforce at REC was the salary and benefits package made available to me. It truly made me say wow, not only does this company care enough about the work that I do to pay me well, but the benefits make me feel like I am truly cared about as a person and I am a valuable asset to the company.” Electric cooperatives developed their own co-op-tailored benefits over 60 years ago through the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA). These benefits, which most, but not all, co-ops subscribe to, are the standard for all electric cooperative benefits. Whether a co-op employee works for a small, mid-size or large electric cooperative, the same level of benefits are offered. NRECA benefits also are portable between co-ops that participate in their plans.

eDUcatiON aND traiNiNg “When I started my career at REC, I had just graduated from high school studying electronics and getting a job was my top priority at the time,” said Matt Wuethrich (FB). “I can’t begin to describe how grateful I am for the opportunities and education that has been provided to me since becoming an employee here. The excellent on-the-job training has made me the employee that I am today.” Joe added, “We are committed to giving our employees opportunities to learn, grow and advance in their careers. Our employees can choose from a wide range of programs, certifications, professional accreditations or degree-seeking programs so that they can follow the career path they so desire. This is a key factor in developing the outstanding workforce we have employed today and to providing the best service to our members.” At REC, the talented and diverse workforce is a key competitive advantage. The success of the business is a reflection of the quality and skill of the people employed. REC’s ability to serve nearly 160,000 homes and businesses in portions of 22 counties in Virginia is enhanced by the positive work environment created for and by its employees. “When I was just starting out I never dreamed that my career path would lead me to an electric cooperative,” said Chris Lawson (BR). “I couldn’t be happier that I ended up here. I would encourage all of my co-workers to share the advantages of working at an electric cooperative with our younger generation.” n

arOUND the CO-OP

Robbie Beard (CU)

Cherwanda Minor (BG)

Chris lawson (BR)

Matt Wuethrich (FB)

Page 6: PowerLines October 2014

6 PowerLines October 2014

Upgradingfor Reliability

During the World War II era, copper was in short supply. And even though the war raged on, the electric distribution

system that now serves nearly 160,000 REC homes and businesses continued to be built. With the short supply of copper, steel conductor was used instead. An example of where steel conductor was used is along Old Hollow Road - a sparsely populated road near Sperryvillein Rappahannock County. While the area around this road is still sparsely populated, 147 REC members make this home and expect and deserve safe and reliable electricity. Robbie Beard (CU) said, “Every year we complete upgrades to our electric distribution system. We are currently working in the Old Hollow Road area to replace 4.5 miles of steel conductor with new conductor. The steel conductor has been in place since the World War II era.” Line crews from REC have upgraded the miles of line from single phase to two or three phase to serve a growing demand for electricity. Robbie added, “With the growing demand for electricity as a result of more electronics and equipment in our member’s homes, we are upgrading our system to ensure the lines can support the demand for electricity. This type of system upgrade is done throughout our electric distribution system. While the project might not be exactly the same, upgrades are made so that we can continue to provide the reliable electric service our members expect.” n

arOUND the CO-OP

Art Baum (CU)

Page 7: PowerLines October 2014

On Sept. 17, members of the comm-unity, Board members, and REC

employees gathered at the Fredericksburg office for the dedication of REC’s Community Learning Solar Project. The project was constructed over the summer and is designed to educate REC members and the community on how solar energy works, as well as the benefits for the environment.

PowerLines October 2013 7

CAMP FAnTASTIC 2014 Hard Hats, Soft Hearts Imagine hearing the words, “Your child

has cancer.” Imagine sitting with him/ her through cancer-specific treatments and hoping day in and day out that one day you will hear the words “You are cancer free.” Cancer brings a completely new level of seriousness to the lives of everyone affected by the disease. Camp Fantastic started in 1983 offering a weeklong adventure to children ages 7-17 who received cancer-specific treatment within the past three years. The camp still thrives today providing young cancer patients with an opportunity to step back and enjoy normal childhood activities and the bonds of friendship with other children who share similar experiences. Camp Fantastic provides classes, recreation, themed adventures, campfires, and other exciting activities, and a full staff of medical caregivers make it possible for children to attend in virtually any stage of treatment.

SOLAR POWER:Getting the Community Involved

“REC’s Community Solar Learning Project will allow our members and other interested parties to view the output statistics of this system online,” said Kent Farmer (FB). “Visitors to REC’s website can see in near real-time how this system is performing in various weather conditions and at different times of the year. With an increasing interest in grid-connected solar panels at homes and businesses, we are excited to provide this educational tool for our members and continuing our role in serving as their energy expert.” REC’s website will also provide members recommendations for planning their own solar power project and links to subject matter experts in solar and renewable power generation. REC hopes news will spread about this new project

REC’s Culpeper district has been involved with Camp Fantastic since 2001. The idea started from a discussion at a Rotary meeting. Members of the club heard about the opportunity to help and from there REC offered its services. Each year, linemen take bucket trucks out to the camp where they interact with the children and help provide them a day of fun. This year the following employees participated in the annual event: Bryan Coffey (CU), Chuck Tippett (CU), Trey Mitchell (CU), Chris McGowan (CU), John Hall (CU), and William “Chap” Morris (CU). n

arOUND the CO-OP

and allow REC to provide important information to its members who desire to install solar panels at home. Kent added, “REC has been a leader in efficiency and conservation for many years and supports the generation of electricity through renewable sources. A portion of the electricity REC delivers to its members comes from 270 megawatts of electricity that Old Dominion Electric Cooperative, our wholesale power provider, obtains from renewable sources.” REC currently has 150 members operating solar panels through its net metering program. Net metering is a billing option for members who operate renewable generators, such as solar panels. The average capacity of the solar panels in operation by REC’s net metering participants is 4 kilowatts. REC has more net metering participants than any other electric utility in the state when compared to the relative size of each utility. More information about the Community Solar Learning Project, including output statistics, can be found at www.myrec.coop/solar. n

Page 8: PowerLines October 2014

.

lOUise beazleY

Raye Dawson (retired BG) said, “Louise Beazley is my role model, and I always tell her that. She is, and has always been such a stately lady. I always wanted to be just like Louise.” Louise Beazley retired from Virginia Electric Cooperative (VEC) in 1975 after a 38-year career. She started in 1937 – about the same time that Farmers Rural Utilities reorganized into the VEC. On Aug. 5, 2014, surrounded by a group of retired women from REC, her family and friends, Louise celebrated her 104th birthday at Chancellor’s Village in Spotsylvania County. Louise said, “My memory isn’t what it used to be, but I remember the first day I started working at the Co-op. Our first office was the residence of a family. They lived downstairs, and our office was upstairs.” When Louise started her first day of work for VEC, she walked into that house, and up the stairs to the office. She had set out to be the bookkeeper working under the General Manager, Mr. William Brown. Louise said, “I started off being the bookkeeper, and I wasn’t very good at it, so it wasn’t too long before Mr. Brown asked me to be his secretary.” She continued, “Mr. Brown was a wonderful boss, but he knew what he wanted more than I knew what he wanted. When he would buzz me, I would just shake I was so scared.” Upon Mr. Brown’s retirement, Louise wrote him a letter in which she said, “During these years you taught me countless qualities, which I appreciate, sometimes pointing out where I was lacking. Your praise wasn’t given abundantly, but when it was received there was satisfaction knowing it was earned and sincere.” Guy Lewis then took over as general manager, and Louise remained the secretary. “It was quite different to work for Guy Lewis,” said Louise. “He rented a room in my home and lived there. His first child was born there in my home. Before becoming the general manager he used to work on radios in the hen house outside.” “My main responsibility was taking shorthand,” explained Louise. “That was plenty for me to do. Both Mr. Brown and Mr. Lewis were real careful, as everyone should be, that there were no mistakes in the letters. Everything had to be perfect, and that was hard.” During Louise’s tenure with VEC, she witnessed significant changes at the cooperative. As VEC’s service territory was expanding, so was its workforce.

W hen you come to work at REC, one of the first things you might learn about are the legends. The men and women who came before you and laid the groundwork for the company you work for today. You hear about

the ones who started out here not long out of high school, worked their way through different positions and departments until they made it to the positions they’re in today. As you share stories of the legends of REC, be sure to add these retiredemployeesfromVirginiaElectricCooperative(VEC)–louise beazley, berkeley gayle, and cap brooks– to the names in the stories you tell.

PART I: that’s what legeNDs are MaDe OF

Hard work, Dedication, and Perseverance

8 PowerLines October 2014

Louise Beazley

Louise Beazley at her desk located in the main lobby when members entered the Bowling Green office.

Louise Beazley and General Manager, William Brown

Page 9: PowerLines October 2014

.

PowerLines October 2014 9

berKeleY gaYle

In 1939, Berkeley Gayle joined VEC – formerly FarmersRural Utilities. He said he earned about 35 cents per hour. In 1942, he and many other VEC employees were drafted into World War II. Berkeley was 22 years old and served in the military for four years. When he returned home, he came back to VEC working as a “grunt.” Berkeley said, “This was a groundsman position and back then we called them a grunt. I did just about anything, and picked up on different jobs. I moved up from there.” Berkeley worked his career for VEC and REC in the field. He spent years as a grunt, a lineman, a line foreman, an underground foreman and completed his Cooperative career working with Cap Brooks in right-of-way maintenance. “Things were very different back then,” said Berkeley. “Our members were good people. They were so excited to be getting electricity. As the Co-op got bigger and bigger and bigger, we started doing things to help other Co-ops around us if there was a big storm.” “Storms weren’t different back then,” said Berkeley. “But the way we did the work was. We didn’t have it like they do now. We did everything by hand. We had power wagons (four wheel drive trucks) and if we couldn’t use those then a man would bring his mule out to pull poles and other equipment out to us. It’s just the way it was.” Berkeley added, “Our gear was different then too. We didn’t have the power on the lines like we do now. But the type of protective equipment available to us was nothing like it is today. There weren’t rubber gloves, hot sticks, or bucket trucks.”

cap brOOKs

Cap Brooks came to VEC in 1968, where he started as a right-of-way crew worker. Before coming to the Coop- erative, Cap had worked as a car salesman, worked in retail selling plumbing supplies, and built and operated the restaurant, Manor House. “I enjoyed every minute working at the Co-op,” said Cap. “I found most of the people congenial and pleasant to work with.” As a right-of-way worker, Cap spent his entire career with VEC and REC making sure the right-of-way through the service territory was properly maintained for the members. He said, “Unless there was a bad storm we didn’t have too many issues with trees on the lines. But there was this one time when one of the guys didn’t tie the tree right and it took out a line. It was a big deal because our members lost power. But that didn’t happen often.” “I rode from crew to crew most of the time,” said Cap. “I also took care of requests from our members who wanted trees to be cut or trimmed at their homes. We would take care of anything that was near a line and could damage the system. But, I did what I could to look out for local churches. I did it because our members went to these churches and it made a difference with them if I needed to go to them later on for an easement.” Louise said, “One day someone asked me what I thought the greatest invention was. I said, the automobile. They quickly corrected me and let me know that it was electricity. Now, I think they’re right.” Louise, Berkeley and Cap like many others carry with them stories and experiences that employees working at the Cooperative today may never have. While we strategically move forward in an innovative industry, it is important to remember and celebrate these stories that helped shape where we are today and where we are headed tomorrow. More to come in a future issue of PowerLines! n

Berkeley Gayle

Clyde Gayle(deceased brother

and also retired from VEC)

Berkeley Gayle

Cap Brooks

Cap Brooks

Page 10: PowerLines October 2014

10 PowerLines October 2014

FAmilYMatters

On Aug. 23, Jennifer Arnold’s (FB) niece, Willow Arnold, earned first place in the girls 4-year-old-and-under division for the 2014 Orange County 1 Mile Fun Run!

OUTSTANDINGACCOMPLISHMENTSHard Work Pays Off

Meribeth Farley’s (FB) daughter, Michaela Farley, took fourth place in her very first show at Bayberry

Riding Center this past June.

The daughters of two REC linemen won honors at the Madison County Fair this

summer. Reagan Cruey’s (CU) daughter, Delaney Cruey, won Junior Novice

Showmanship Champion and Fayette Henshaw’s (CU) daughter, Leah Henshaw,

and her C&L club lamb, “Abe,” won reserve Champion Market Lamb. Leah also won all

three categories in the carcass contest.

After two and a half years of hard work, Brian Baer’s (FB) son, Tesher Baer age 9, earned his black belt in taekwondo over the summer.

Ron Harris’ (FB) daughter Amy Harris is a professional painter and an accomplished artist whose work has previously been featured at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts. Most recently Amy’s abstract paintings were featured at The Montpelier Center in Hanover, Va in honor of her Best in Show award from The Montperlier Center’s 2013 National Juried Exhibition. Amy’s artwork can be viewed on her website amyharrisart.com.

Cindy Musick’s (BR) sons, Peyton age 12 and Garrett

age 9, are on The Seals swim team in Northern

Virginia, at Sleepy Hollow Bath and Racquet. Their

team was NVSL Division VIII Champs this summer.

Olivia Oesterheld, Missy Oesterheld’s (FB) daughter, was recently selected to be a Safety Patrol Officer at Robert E. Lee Elementary. She was also selected as a School Ambassador for the 2014-2015 school year. She will get to have lunch with the school superintendent, and her duties will include welcoming new students as well as providing support to students who are having a difficult time.

Ben Grott and Meredith Grott, 13-year-old son and 11-year-old daughter respectively of John Grott (FB), continue to excel at their individual sports. Ben won his first United States Tennis Association Richmond Junior tournament this past July. Meredith qualified for the season ending Western Henrico County Champs Swim Meet for the sixth year in a row, taking home two medals in relay events.

Page 11: PowerLines October 2014

Josh McDonald (FB) and his wife, Ashley, had their second child, a baby boy, on Sept. 7. His name is Chase Carter McDonald and he weighed 7 pounds 9 ounces and is 20 inches long. Mama and baby are both doing great.

Congratulations

Teri Bussler’s (FB) mother, Carol Off, passed away Sept. 11. Please keep Teri and her family in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. Crystal Wedding’s (FB) mother in-law, Carol, passed away on Sept. 3. Please keep Crystal and her family in your thoughts and prayers.

Condolences

Luke Dillard joined REC in 2000 as a customer service

field representative. After 14 years, he has said farewell to REC and has begun his retirement. Randy Southworth (BG) said, “Luther was the kind of employee every supervisor wished to have. He was very dedicated to REC and always exceeded member expectations. We wish to extend blessings to him and his wife, Maudine (retired FB), and hope they have a long and joyful retirement together.”

PowerLines October 2014 11

STAY KEYED In: KPI*GOALS&RESULTSASOFAUGUST2014 critical success Key performances Kpi base target stretch resultsperformance category Factor indicator (Kpi) weight 4X 8X 12X YtD

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

Financial performance Operating Expenses Controllable Expenses 20 $300 $295 $291 $285 # of Active Services ($456) ($449) ($442)

Plant Development Cost per new Service 10 $2,546 $2,400 $2,265 $2,857 (Code 100s)

customer service Reliability S.A.I.D.I. 22 114 min 96 min 89 min 96.47 Routine Outages (156) (129) (117)

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

Amounts in bold are the yearly goals. Not Meeting base Not Meeting target Meeting target *** 2014 2nd Quarter Score *Key Performance Indicators

Cayden Apple-Hollins, the granddaughter of Greg Hollins (BG) and niece of Casey Hollins (FB) has been selected as a Louisa County Middle School Bobcat cheerleader for the third year. Cayden was lucky to be chosen as one of only two sixth graders to become part of the squad two years ago when she first entered middle school. Congrats Cayden!

Pam Johnson’s (FB) third grade granddaughter, Anira Johnson, was on a mission to collect can tabs for Robert E. Lee Elementary School to support the Ronald McDonald Charities. Since the first grade she has collected over 5,500 can tabs. Anira has always had a compassion for helping others. When she was in kindergarten she set up a lemonade stand to raise money for the Children’s Miracle Network.

Congratulations on your retirement, Luke. We all wish you well! n

Goodbye – Luther “Luke” Dillard

Page 12: PowerLines October 2014

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POWERL I N E S

POWERL I N E S

P.O. Box 7388Fredericksburg, VA 22404

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

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

FALL SPORTS

share your selfies at the stadium with casey hollins at [email protected] or through interoffice mail. Deadline to submit is Oct. 15.

Learn What You Currently Eat and Drink

WEIGHT MAnAGEMEnT:

Did you know that: The No. 1 source of calories in the American diet is desserts - such as cakes and cookies? Americans get more calories from sugary drinks than any other beverage choice? Identifying what you are eating and drinking now will help you see where you can make better choices in the future. If you want to make changes to improve the way you eat and your body weight, the first step is to identify what you do now. This includes becoming more aware of: • What and how much you eat and drink • How physically active you are • Your body weight

People who are most successful at losing weight and keeping it off track their intake regularly. Tracking physical activity and body weight can also help you reach your weight goals.

Get started identifying what you eat and drink: • Write down what and how much you eat and drink. Find a way that works for you. Use a journal, log your intake on your calendar, keep track on your phone, or use an online tool such as the SuperTracker. • Start by identifying what you’ve already eaten today. Be sure to include how much as well as what you ate. Don’t forget to include drinks, sauces, spreads and sides. It all counts. • In addition, write down the physical activities you do, and how long you spend doing each one. Log each activity that you do for at least 10 minutes at a time. Every bit adds up. Use the SuperTracker, a journal, a tracking form, or mark a calendar. • Once you’ve identified what you are doing now, keep it up! Tracking what and how much you eat and drink, your body weight, and your physical activity can help you manage your body weight over the long term.

Source: Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield