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IN THIS ISSUE: YVEC 2017 Scholarship Winners ....... 3 and 5 Manager’s Column – Introducing

Operation Round Up ................................ 4 Almond Joy Bars Recipe .............................. 6

Win a $25 Credit on Your Account ............... 6Electrical Safety Tips for Kids ...................... 6

JUNE 2017

Yellowstone Valley Electric Cooperative gives students the opportunity to win a $500 scholarship each year at our annual membership meeting in March. This year, 93 students applied to win one of twelve scholarships awarded by a drawing

during the meeting. The student or their parent/guardian had to be present at the meeting to win. Meet our winners:

DAKOTA BOEHLERParents – Mike and Jennifer BoehlerHigh School – Dakota is a 2017 graduate of Laurel High SchoolCollege – She will attend Sterling College in Kansas. Goals – Dakota plans to double major in health sciences and athletic training and play basketball for the Lady Warriors.Activities – In high school, Dakota was on the honor roll all 4 years, participated in On the Right Track, Link Crew, National Honor Society, golf, basketball, softball. She volunteered as a basketball coach, preschool teacher, with a food truck program and with Big Brothers and Big Sisters.

JESSICA RATYParents – John and Lynn RatyHigh School – Jessica graduated from Billings Senior High School.College – She is attending the University of Montana. Goals – Jessica’s college goals are to double major in resource conservation and political science. After college, she plans to join the Peace Corps and eventually obtain a master’s degree in international development.Activities – In college, Jessica is a student at the Davidson Honors College.

SHELBY MCMILLENParents – Tim McMillen and Sharmon McMillenHigh School – Shelby is a 2017 graduate of Park City High School.College – She will attend the University of Great Falls. Goals – Shelby plans to major in education and play collegiate softball for the Lady Argos. Her career goal is to be a teacher and softball coach.Activities – In high school, Shelby participated in softball, basketball, FFA and National Honor Society.

JON WOLVERTONParents – Scott and Lorrie WolvertonHigh School – Jon is a 2017 graduate of Skyview High School.College – He will attend Montana State Universty. Goals – Jon plans to major in film/cinema and minor in creative writing. He hopes to work as an intern in the television field while in college. His career goal is to work in television in Chicago or Los AngelesActivities – In high school, Jon participated in Business Professionals of America, chorale music choir, guidance advisory board, Skylights show and dance choir, yearbook, Key Club and volunteered atSaint Vincent Healthcare.

YVEC 2017 SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS

OPERATION ROUND UPYE

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4 RURAL MONTANA

W e’ve all heard that it’s the little things that count in life. Being kind to your neighbors,

returning a lost wallet, holding the door for someone, they are all acts of kindness. While each action might not amount to much on its own, if everyone does a little, we see a big impact in our communities. That is why I am proud to introduce Yellowstone Valley Electric Cooperative’s Operation Round Up program. While this program will be new to all of us, it isn’t new to the Electric Co-op world. It started 27 years ago at one co-op in South

maximum contribution of $11.88 per year. YVEC hopes to start our Operation Round Up program later this summer. We will be working hard to get the word out to all of our members before we start collecting that spare change. This program is voluntary. Members will be automatically opted into participating, but at any time (even before we start) can change their minds and opt out with no questions asked. This can be handled by a simple phone call, note on your bill or email to our office. Typically, once folks see the good work that Operation Round Up does, they almost always keep contributing. Like I mentioned at the beginning of this column, it’s the little things that count in life. About 250 local electric co-ops nationwide currently run Operation Round Up programs. All told, members at these co-ops have raised more than $100 million since the idea was started in South Carolina back in 1989. A tremendous amount of charitable giving has resulted from this wonderful program. YVEC is excited to be able to further support the communities in which we serve. Giving back is the co-op way!

Carolina. They decided to just round up the co-op member’s electric bill to the next dollar amount, and then use the funding to do good work in the community. Today, hundreds of electric co-ops throughout the country, soon to include YVEC, use this idea to help community organizations close to home.

HOW IT WORKS Members – people like you who receive electricity from YVEC – automatically have their electric bills rounded up to the next whole dollar amount. Let’s say your bill is $82.90; it will be rounded up to $83.00 with a dime going to Operation Round Up. The extra pennies, nickels, dimes and

quarters then flow into a fund managed by a board made up of co-op member volunteers and co-op staff. They then assist local organizations with donations and grants. While it doesn’t seem like much, having a large number of members participating will result in the ability to contribute to a lot of community activities, clubs and projects. The average donation per member ends up being about $6 per year with a

SPARE CHANGE CAN CHANGE COMMUNITIES

INTRODUCING OPERATION ROUND UP

5JUNE 2017

2017 SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS

TORI SHAWParents – B.J. and Stacie ShawHigh School – Tori graduated from Billings West High School.College – She recently completed her junior year at MSU-Billings. Goals – Tori is majoring in business management. She plans to work in management to gain experience before starting her own business.Activities – In college, Tori has been on the dean’s list. She also works as a dance teacher and volunteers at her church.

LAURA STROBELParents – Karyn and Steve StrobelHigh School – Laura is a Billings Senior High School graduate.College – She will be a sophomore at MSU-Bozeman. Goals – Laura is pursuing a major in elementary education K-8 and early childhood education with a career goal of teaching preshool.Activities – In college, Laura

volunteers with Cru ministry and mentors a fourth-grade student through Thrive family outreach.

MISTY LARSENParents – Arlon and DiannaLarsenHigh School – Misty graduated from Billings West High School.College – She is attending MSU-Billings. Goals – Misty is pursuing a double major in elementary education K-8 and reading K-12. After college, she plans to work as a kindergarten or first grade teacher or a reading specialist.Activities – In high school,

Misty participated in Business Professionals of Ameria and National Honor Society.

EMILY ANN NICHOLSONParent – GeorgetteNicholsonHigh School – Emily Ann graduated from Shepherd High School.College – She is attending Rocky Mountain College. Goals – Emily Ann is majoring in biology and chemistry in the pre-veterinary program. Activities – Emily Ann works at the Moss Mansion museum and runs a pet sitting business. (#16140000)

ANDREW RATZLAFFParents – Garry and JenniferRatzlaffHigh School – Andrew is a 2017 graduate of Billings Senior High School.College – He will attend Bismarck State College.

Goals – Andrew plans to major in criminal justice. His career goal is to become a homicide detective.

Activities – In high school, Andrew played baseball and was involved with Youth Group.

MICHAEL HILLParents – Maureen Maloughney and David HillHigh School – Michael graduated from Billings West High School.College – He will be a senior at MSU-Bozeman. Goals – Michael is pursuing a double major in accounting and political science. Activities – In college, Michael has participated in International Business Club, intramural soccer, accounting

club and a tax intership. He studied at the University of Western Australia in Perth for one semester.

GRACE IVERSONParents – Bill and Joan IversonHigh School – Grace graduated from Billings Senior High School.College – She is currently a sophomore at MSU-Bozeman. Goals – Grace is majoring in film. Her career goal is to work as a script writer.Activities – In college, Grace participates in the Hapner Hall Council and honors program.

She was nominated hall council member of the year.

LAUREN FRIELINGParents – Phil and Julie FrielingHigh School – Lauren graduated from Huntley Project High School.College – She attends MSU-Bozeman. Goals – Lauren is majoring in exercise science. Her goal is to complete an occupational degree therapy program and work as an occupational therapistActivities – In high school, Lauren participated in volleyball, basketball, track and band. She was on the Lion’s honor roll. In college, she participates in exercise science club.

YVEC––––––––SupportingEducation

6 RURAL MONTANA6

2 cups finely shredded coconut 1/3 cup honey 1/2 cup all purpose flour (or almond flour) 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted 1/4 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon vanilla 60 whole roasted almonds

TOPPING

1 cup dark chocolate chips (#10882000) 2 teaspoons coconut oil Makes approximately 30 bars

DIRECTIONS1. Grease an 8 x 8” baking dish with coconut oil.

2. Add shredded coconut, honey, flour, oil, salt and vanilla to a mixing bowl, stirring well with each addition. Place the mixture in the baking dish. Press the mixture into a uniform thickness.

3. Press the almonds into the mixture in 6 rows,distributing evenly. Place dish in freezer for 15 minutes until firm enough to cut.

4. Cut mixture into bars with 1-2 almonds per bar. Place dish in freezer for 1 hour to finish setting.

5. Place the dark chocolate chips and coconut oil in a saucepan over low heat and stir until melted.

6. Line a baking sheet with waxed paper. Use a spatula to remove bars from baking dish and place on baking sheet. Drizzle the melted chocolate evenly over the bars. Place the baking sheet in the refrigerator for appoximately 30 minutes until the chocolate sets. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.

ALMOND JOY BARS

FIND YOUR ACCOUNT NUMBER

WIN A $25 CREDIT!

BARS

Justin Grantham, Editor

YELLOWSTONE VALLEY ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE, INC.P.O. Box 249Huntley, MT 59037

TELEPHONE NUMBER SHuntley Office 406-348-3411 or 1-800-736-5323Brandon Wittman, General Manager 406-256-1698

OUTAGESAfter 5 p.m./Weekends/HolidaysHuntley 406-348-3411 or 1-800-736-5323

YVEC TRUSTEESDaniel Swartz, President2076 Lower Canal, BallantineLarry KaufmanVice President1817 Dover, Rd., BillingsRichard Weldon3748 Moonshine Trail, BillingsMarlene AmenSecretary/Treasurer319 S. 64th West, BillingsJ. William KellerBox 70, CusterDave KelseyAssistant Secretary/Treasurer1902 Molt Rapelje Rd., MoltScott HofferberBox 128, Huntley

ENJOY SOME EXTRA CREDIT! Look for the three electric account numbers hidden in the four pages of the Electrical Hi-Lites. If you find your account number, give Ronda a call at the co-op office by June 15. You will receive a $25 credit on your electric account.

Visit YVEC online: www.yvec.com Like YVEC on Facebook

ELECTRICAL SAFETY TIPS FOR KIDS

Electrical fires are caused when a wire or electrical device overheats. It is important to make sure your children understand that water cannot extinguish this type of fire. Only fire extinguishers can be used to remedy this situation. It is never a good idea to mix water with electricity. Keep blow dryers, radios and any other electrical devices away from all water, especially those used in a bathroom. (#2236500) Keep metal objects out of appliances and plugs. If a piece of toast gets stuck in the toaster, never use a metal knife to retrieve it. Unplug the toaster, and use a different tool or utensil to remove the toast. Remember, only plugs should go in

At Yellowstone Valley Electric Cooperative, we understand your child’s health and well-being are your top priority. With more than 140,000 electrical fires occurring each year, knowledge of electrical safety can help ensure your loved ones stay safe. Here are a few tips you can share with your little ones:

outlets. Sticking fingers or other objects in outlets may result in an electrical shock. It’s always a good idea to turn lights off when they are not in use. This will save your family money on your electric bill and prevent electrical fires from overheated bulbs. Kids will be kids, and they love the great outdoors. Remind them to avoid overhead power lines. Whether they are climbing trees or flying kites or remote-controlled toys, they should always be mindful of what is above. Talk to your children about the importance of electrical safety, and more importantly, lead by example – because you never know who’s watching.

Russ and Diana Yerger from Billings found their account number in the May issue.