The first day of school is pure excitement unless…you don’t have the supplies needed.
Making sure every child has a memorable first-day-of-school experience regardless of background, home life or economic status is the goal of Stuff the Bus, a community event that helps provide school supplies to Warren County and Bowling Green school-age children.
Not surprisingly, Warren Rural Electric Cooperative Corporation (WRECC)is an important part of the program, which has grown every year since its start in 2005. Each year, community members come together to provide everything from basic school supplies to sports equipment and clothing to monetary donations—all to help area children and the schools they attend.
Warren RECC employees Mark Cardwell and Brittiany Hudson shop with donated dollars at the Morgantown IGA, effectively doubling the donation, thanks to a partnership with Houchens Industries. Photo: Kim Phelps
“WRECC employees live and work here,” says Kim Phelps, Communications and Public Relations director, who organized the cooperative’s efforts this year. “This program is so attractive to us because 100 percent of the donations go to the kids, and they stay in the county where they were donated. Stuff the Bus gives us yet another chance to interact with our communities, and our employees really enjoy that.”
Kids, parents and teachers enjoyed the co-op’s efforts also, especially the parking lot parties.
“This year, Stuff the Bus made a big leap in growth through a partnership with Houchens Industries,” Phelps says. “With this partnership, Stuff the Bus went on the road to several communities in our service territory, hosting parking lot parties at Houchens-affiliated stores (IGA, Save-A-Lot, among others). Each event was to collect donations but also to encourage shoppers to grab something while they shopped and donate it. Houchens matched everything purchased at their stores.”
Warren RECC Apprentice Lineman Preston Fletcher, Bowling Green, helps load donated school supplies at the Bowling Green “Stuff the Bus” celebration at Bluegrass Cellular. Photo: Kim Phelps
Warren RECC participated in parking lot parties in Morgantown, Franklin and Bowling Green.
“Our staff served as community ambassadors, meeting each customer with a smile,” Phelps says. “We also helped by shopping with donated dollars so those donations could be doubled for their communities. In Bowling Green, we flew a donation banner on a bucket truck to help attract the public, helped pick up corporate donations and literally helped ‘stuff the bus.’”
“As for next year, we’ll be doing it bigger and better. Everyone is committed to starting earlier and growing next year. I just think that’s a great testament to the Warren RECC folks. They have the biggest hearts,” says Phelps.
After months of folks all across Kentucky rolling up their sleeves to pick up trash, plant flowers and paint murals on what were once blank walls, the 2018 Beautify the Bluegrass project has come to an end. The initiative was a collaboration between Governor Matt Bevin and Kentucky Living.
In all, 23 projects were entered. The overall winner, as selected by Gov. Bevin from finalists voted by Kentucky Livingreaders, was Mt. Sterling, which beautified a central area in the city. The London Downtown Board/City of London Tourism received the Commonwealth’s Award for its restoration of a dilapidated graveyard.
Kentucky’s electric cooperatives played a big role in the beautification initiative, with 10 co-ops entering projects. Fleming-Mason Energy was selected as the winner of the Governor’s Cooperative Award for its work on repairing playgrounds and reviving the pollinator garden at Blue Licks Battlefield State Resort Park.
From left: Chris Skates and Garry Gupton of Governor Bevin’s Office present Lori Ulrich of Fleming-Mason Energy with the Governor’s Cooperative Award. Also pictured is KAEC President and CEO Chris Perry.
“One of the core cooperative principles is commitment to community,” says Fleming-Mason’s Lori Ulrich, director of Community & Economic Development. “This project gave us a chance to work together as a team to help with a need in our community.”
Here are the other co-op entries:
Big Rivers
BIG RIVERS ELECTRIC CORPORATION employees divided their time between two projects in June. Since the company covers a 22-county service territory, one park in Henderson and one park in Owensboro were selected for cleanup efforts. A team of employees spent a full day at John James Audubon State Park in Henderson picking up trash and clearing weeds from the campground and other park property. Another team dedicated a full day to spreading mulch and painting the ball field facilities at Panther Creek Park in Owensboro.
Big Sandy
BIG SANDY RURAL ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE employees chose to landscape the entrance to our local state park. They chose this project in hopes of catching the eye of folks who would otherwise pass by this gem hidden in the hills of Eastern Kentucky. They felt they have such a beautiful state park in the community, they wanted to highlight this part of it.
Clark Energy/East Kentucky Power Cooperative
CLARK ENERGY AND EAST KENTUCKY POWER COOPERATIVE weeded, planted flowers and spread 36 bags of mulch at the Welcome to Winchester sign on KY Route 627. Working on the weekends, co-op staff and family pulled weeds, purchased the mulch at Lowe’s and then made repeated trips to spread it. Co-op representatives planted begonias and coleus flowers.
City officials thanked the co-ops on social media for enhancing the south entrance to town. Both Winchester Mayor Ed Burtner and City Commissioner Kitty Strode came to the sign to be photographed with staff from Clark Energy and EKPC. One city commissioner wrote the following on Facebook: “Thank you. That welcome sign is perfect.” Representing Clark Energy, from left: Patty Young, Lois Hatton and Charlie Pasley; Winchester Mayor Ed Burtner and City Commissioner Kitty Strode East Kentucky Power’s Kevin Osbourn and Joe Settles.
Jackson Energy
JACKSON ENERGY COOPERATIVE partnered with the Four Seasons Garden Club of Irvine, to rejuvenate their Monarch Waystation located at the West Irvine Intermediate School. This waystation was originally created to provide a unique habitat specially designed for the monarch butterfly.
Although the waystation provides food and rest for all life-stages of these magnificent creatures, this waystation also serves as an outdoor classroom for the students at West Irvine Intermediate. The students get to see firsthand not only the importance of the garden itself, but the precious life cycles that unfold before their eyes. This waystation is also accessible to the Irvine community to appreciate, observe and enjoy.
Pennyrile Electric
PENNYRILE ELECTRIC identified Pennyrile State Park for their project. They developed a plan to level out 10 different areas and prepare a surface for concrete pavers. After the prep work was done, with assistance from the Christian County Jail, Pennyrile Electric employees began leveling each area and laying pavers in place. They also planted some flowers in large pots and placed them at various locations around the tables.
This project came together with the assistance of several local businesses. Lowes of Hopkinsville provided material at a discounted rate. The Christian County Jail crew came out and provided equipment and labor to level the selected areas and prepare them for the pavers. The rock and sand were donated by Rogers Group and hauled to the location by Tom Gamble Trucking free of charge.
Shelby Energy
SHELBY ENERGY improved the appearance of the Shelby County Annex Building by removing old trees and shrubs, trimmed and weeded, and planted flowers and put down new mulch.
South Kentucky RECC
SOUTH KENTUCKY RECC had 45 of its Somerset employees participate in the local, recent PRIDE cleanup day in Pulaski Co. Employees picked up trash on Parkers Mill Rd, Electric Ave, Weddle Ln, Regency Rd, and Enterprise Dr. It is something they try to participate in every year—helping to beautify their community.
West Kentucky RECC
WEST KENTUCKY RURAL ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE decided to beautify the entrance to one of western Kentucky’s most important tourism venues, Kenlake State Resort Park. The park is located in Marshall County, on the shores of Kentucky Lake and near the Land Between The Lakes, a national recreation area.
Over a span of three days, the team cleared old, overgrown landscaping around the park’s entrance sign, set new poles and upgraded wiring for the sign, enlarged the planting bed around the sign, laid new border stones, and set a carefully planned selection of new landscape plants.
The project was selected and coordinated by WKRECC’s Community Engagement Committee. The project team was compiled of employees, managers and board members, all of whom lent a particular expertise. The team also worked closely with Kenlake Park management to ensure the work met all necessary requirements.
The 2018 Beautify the Bluegrass project was a great success thanks to everyone who contributed. You each should feel very proud of your contributions to improve our communities and state.
Details about the 2019 Beautify the Bluegrass will be announced in the next few months.
Andrew Wheeler visit marks commonsense actions by EPA
WINCHESTER, Ky — Kentucky’s electric cooperatives welcome EPA Acting Administrator Andrew Wheeler to the commonwealth and express appreciation for recent commonsense actions by the Environmental Protection Agency.
The statewide association representing all 26 electric cooperatives in Kentucky joins electric co-ops across the country who are encouraged by the EPA’s efforts to replace the Clean Power Plan with a more workable rule.
U.S. Representative Andy Barr introduces EPA Acting Administrator Andrew Wheeler at Clark Energy Cooperative in Winchester, Kentucky. Seated (l to r) are Clark Energy Cooperative President and CEO Chris Brewer and Charles Snavely, Secretary of the Kentucky Energy and Environment Cabinet.
“As our co-ops assess the EPA’s latest proposal, it is gratifying that the agency recognizes the need for a more flexible rule that will potentially reduce compliance costs for coal-based generation while sustaining reliability,” said Chris Perry, president and CEO of the Kentucky Association of Electric Cooperatives. “Without this important shift, the Clean Power Plan threatened both the reliability and affordability of the electricity provided by Kentucky co-ops.”
Wheeler visited Clark Energy Cooperative in Winchester which serves about 26,000 consumer-members in 11 east central Kentucky counties. Co-ops serve about 1.5 million Kentuckians.
At the heart of your local co-op is a commitment to community
By Chris Perry, KAEC President & CEO
Your co-op doesn’t just serve your community—it’s part of the community. Like you, co-op employees are consumer-members who also call this place home.
This month’s issue of Kentucky Living is truly a celebration of this special relationship and the connections we make to improve the quality of life in Kentucky.
As another school year begins, we celebrate our teachers and students and show how Kentucky’s Dual Credit Scholarship Program helps connect high school students with not only a head start on college but a savings in future tuition costs.
This month’s Future of Electricity column has been turned over to Jenny Mays, one of the 90 Kentucky high school seniors who participated in this year’s Washington Youth Tour. Mays’ family is a consumer-member of West Kentucky RECC. She wanted to express her appreciation to you and Kentucky co-ops for supporting the youth tour program, which is coordinated by the Kentucky Association of Electric Cooperatives.
We celebrate how the Washington Youth Tour connects our co-op students with leadership and a greater appreciation of how co-ops create jobs, fuel growth, and power the lives and economies of communities across America. Congratulations to Michael Hodges, a Pennyrile Electric delegate, who was chosen as Kentucky’s representative on the national Youth Leadership Council.
I am reminded this month about the importance of sharing our stories, of taking the time to listen to our parents and grandparents, and turning away from our phones and televisions long enough to connect with one another and across the generations.
We have all heard stories about our ancestors. This issue celebrates family connections and how tracing your genealogy can unearth some fascinating roots of your family tree.
So, it is especially fitting that this issue of your magazine celebrates Kentucky’s Storyteller, Byron Crawford, to whom I had the honor of presenting the Distinguished Rural Kentuckian award last fall. I am proud to count Byron as one of our own.
Byron’s back-page columns in Kentucky Living reflect our commitment to your community and our celebration of your stories.
Thanks to the participation of many of Kentucky’s electric co-ops, and several civic-minded organizations across the state, the second-annual “Beautify the Bluegrass” project was a success. Twenty-three projects, from cleaning up roadways to improving the appearance of some of Kentucky’s state parks, were submitted for consideration as the overall winner.
The Beautify the Bluegrass Committee is currently reviewing the entries to select the top 10. A public Facebook campaign will decide the final five, and Gov. Matt Bevin’s office, which was a partner in this initiative, will pick the overall winner. The announcement of the governor’s pick will be made at Kentucky Living’s “Best in Kentucky” awards show, which will be held at the Kentucky State Fair on Aug. 23.
The winner of the contest will enjoy a catered barbecue meal with the Governor and/or his representatives for up to 200 people.
“We applaud the governor for envisioning Beautify the Bluegrass,” says Chris Perry, president and CEO of the Kentucky Association of Electric Cooperatives. “Like our member-owned co-ops, Governor Bevin recognizes the value and values of hometown Kentucky. What better way to improve our quality of life than to make improvements where we live?”
Watch the video created by Jackson Energy about their project:
“If you give 100 percent, everything will be fine.”
Jimmy Allen learned that life lesson playing baseball throughout his youth. Now, he is teaching daughters Emmagen, 12, and Eastyn, 6, that same lesson in the same way. Allen is a coach for a girls softball team in Carlisle County, helping the players learn the sport and all the life lessons that come with it. This year, Allen is first-base coach, though he has served in other positions over the years.
As a first-class lineworker who has been with Gibson EMC since 2007, Allen sees another parallel between his passions of work and softball—that of teamwork. “Teamwork is essential in work and on the field,” he says. “Absolutely essential.”
Allen demonstrates that daily in his work and by coming to every practice and continuing to coach despite a broken leg that ended his own competitive softball career.
He also shows his dedication to his community through competitive cooking. He and his cooking team, Trippple D, prepare food to give to various charities.
“I try to help in every way possible,” Allen says.
“Hello, firefighter,” a small child says to Jude Canchola, in his role as a volunteer firefighter. Canchola works as Residential Services manager for Owen Electric Cooperative. Photo: Molly Haines/Owenton News Herald
Three jobs, one reason
OWENTON
Assistant chief of the Owenton/Owen County Volunteer Fire Department. Residential Services manager for Owen Electric Cooperative. Volunteer for the Special Olympics.
All three titles belong to Jude Canchola, and while they are distinctly different roles, the purpose of all three is the same: to help the community by helping its people.
For Canchola, it started in high school when his Little League baseball coach introduced him to firefighting. As he learned to fight fires, he also learned to build trust in himself and the men beside him. A sense of community soon emerged.
“I had to trust in their abilities as well as my own,” Canchola says. “I began to feel a real sense of pride knowing that our actions could really help people.”
Today, his regular job with Owen Electric, his volunteer job as a firefighter, and his annual job with Special Olympics all blend to paint a portrait of duty, service and honor.
The program that shapes the future for individuals, electric co-ops and America
Editor’s Note: When considering the future of electricity, perhaps no factor is more important than the future consumer-members and leaders of Kentucky’s electric cooperatives. Since 1972, the Kentucky Association of Electric Cooperatives has coordinated our state’s delegation for the national Washington Youth Tour, a weeklong program where students representing rural electric co-ops learn about the political process, interact with elected officials and gain an up-close understanding of American history. Jenny Mays of West Kentucky RECC, one of 90 Kentucky high school seniors on the 2018 youth tour in June, shares what the trip meant to her.
There is only one word that I feel perfectly embodies the Washington Youth Tour: extraordinary.
Author Jenny Mays
From the beauty of the National Cathedral to the excitement of the NRECA farewell event, the youth tour is an adventure like none other. Not only did our delegation take in breathtaking monuments and speak with political leaders of today, we learned about becoming the leaders of tomorrow. We were given a week that I believe will prove invaluable in the years to come, a week to build lifelong friendships, a week to make unforgettable memories. We were given a week that changed us all for the better.
The beauty of the youth tour, however, is not found in the grandiose. It is found in the details. I would like to shine a light on the little things that truly make the Washington Youth Tour what it is.
There is no shortage of spectacular people. Every single individual I had the honor of connecting with—whether a fellow delegate, a chaperone or the bus driver—radiated kindness and commitment. From moment one, the coordinators, chaperones and bus drivers made it clear to each of us that we, the delegates, were their first priority. I never saw a single adult exhibit anything less than utter and complete dedication to us and to our lives. Their concern was not only for our present, but for our future as well. These hard-working men and women completely exemplified what it means to connect with the people around you. Every day, they would go out of their way to spend time with us, to learn about the things we cared about. They laughed, cried and even learned with us. Each of them consciously and consistently encouraged us to pursue our dreams.
Photo by Tim Webb
Nothing, not even the majestic Washington Monument or the remarkable view from Monticello, can, in my mind, parallel the beauty of the genuine concern and connection that I experienced from every chaperone. Thank you for your time, attention, encouragement, patience and support. You made an already incredible week so much better than I ever could have imagined.
You may think of the Washington Youth Tour as an opportunity to simply tour museums and monuments, yet it also helped us become more engaged students and citizens.
From learning about the ingenuity of Thomas Jefferson at Monticello, to soaking in every ounce of knowledge the Smithsonian Institution had to offer, to speaking with national leaders such as Secretary of Transportation Elaine Chao and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, the opportunities to broaden our horizons were innumerable.
Hill Day was special. How amazing it was to converse with political leaders like Congressmen James Comer, Andy Barr, Thomas Massie and Brett Guthrie; Senators Rand Paul and McConnell; and Chao. It was both humbling and exhilarating. Not only did they give us a peek into current issues, but also a more complete view of the role of government in our lives. Sen. Paul explained why our country chose to be a constitutional republic rather than a full-blown democracy. Our meeting with Secretary Chao was incredibly exciting. She gave us insight into upcoming projects and advancements at the Department of Transportation, as well as an inside look at presidential cabinet meetings.
Photo by Tim Webb
The tour has given me memories, friendships and learning opportunities that have changed my life. None of this would be possible without the generosity of organizations such as the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association; the Kentucky Association of Electric Cooperatives; my local cooperative, West Kentucky Rural Electric Cooperative Corporation; and the many individuals who dedicate their time and energy to making this week a success.
From the bottom of my heart, I would like to thank every single person who played a role in funding, organizing and supervising this experience. You will never know how big an impact this one week has made on the lives of so many. Yes, the word extraordinary is fitting.
A message to future students: The Youth Tour is so much more than a vacation. If you will simply allow yourself to soak in—to enjoy—all that it has to offer, it will quickly become one of the best weeks of your life.
Support for electric vehicles is growing across Kentucky
By Kristi Brodd
Have you noticed more “electric vehicle parking” signs showing up in parking lots lately?
Each month, Kentucky is seeing growth in electric vehicle sales and the installation of electric vehicle charging stations. There are now over 75 public charging stations across the state with 170 outlets where drivers can plug in their electric vehicles.
“Electric vehicles offer significantly lower fuel costs, lower maintenance costs, environmental benefits and improving driving ranges,” says Joe Settles, manager of Member Services at East Kentucky Power Cooperative, which recently launched a new electric vehicle campaign. “The choices have never been greater. The savings can be significant, and that’s why co-ops are helping members who’ve expressed interest to make informed decisions.”
The Bernheim Arboretum and Research Forest, served by Salt River Electric, is one of the first organizations to install a public charging station for visitors. Just 1 mile from I-65 and on the thoroughfare between Louisville and Bardstown, the arboretum is a convenient place for drivers to stop and recharge.
Josh Littrell plugs a Chevrolet Bolt into a charging station at East Kentucky Power Cooperative, Winchester. Photo: Tim Webb
“It is important to us to have these charging stations because it is part of our ethic—we want to practice what we preach,” says executive director, Dr. Mark K. Wourms. “Part of our vision is to be environmental stewards, and it is important to us that we model that. We want to push the public toward more sustainable practices.”
The arboretum also leads by example by owning a plug-in hybrid Chevrolet Volt and an all-electric cart for on-site touring.
Cliffview Resort, which is served by Licking Valley RECC, is also a charging station pioneer, the first to install charging stations in the Red River Gorge area. As electric vehicles become more prevalent, visitors to the rustic lodge and conference center have responded to the amenity with positive feedback.
“People really like them,” says Blake Bookstaff, owner of Cliffview Resort and himself an electric vehicle owner. “We have had some groups rent our cabins because of it.”
“I test drove a Tesla in Florida and could not believe how fun the car was to drive,” explains Bookstaff. “Before, having an electric vehicle meant that you had to give up features or comfort. Tesla has changed that and has created a car you want to own and drive.”
Bookstaff says his Tesla Model S has made for an easy transition from gas station to electric outlet. “The switch was no big deal,” he says. “I just plug the car in at night every one to three days and it is ready to go in the morning. What has been great has been not having to go to the gas station.”
Other electric vehicle drivers agree. Mike Proctor, a Blue Grass Energy member, purchased his all-electric Nissan LEAF in 2012. “It was a very easy adjustment,” says Proctor, who installed a charging station at his home to enable the vehicle to fully charge in less than six hours. Since then, he has also purchased a Chevrolet Volt.
Will he ever go back to driving a gasoline vehicle? “Stick with electric, absolutely,” Proctor says.
Proctor is also a member of EVolve KY, an electric vehicle enthusiast group founded four years ago. EVolve KY works to connect electric vehicle owners, raise awareness and encourage installation of more charging stations. The group has installed 12 charging stations at public locations, including the station at Bernheim Arboretum.
Stuart Ungar, EVolve KY founder, did his own research before purchasing. “When I was contemplating getting an EV, I set my car trip odometer for a week and recorded how much I drive daily,” says Ungar.
Now the owner of both a Nissan LEAF and a Chevrolet Volt, Ungar says EVs are the future.
“I don’t know anyone with an electric vehicle that would end up driving anything else,” Ungar says. “It’s far superior to gas and diesel vehicles, and healthier… no tailpipe emissions.”
The price range is wide. Several popular models are priced from $20,000 to $40,000. Higher priced SUVs run from $50,000 to $65,000, while luxury sedans range from $80,000 to $110,000. In the near future, many more choices are expected. Some new electrics qualify for a federal tax credit up to $7,500, depending on battery size.
It’s been talked about for generations, but it appears that the age of the electric vehicle is now reality.
KRISTI BRODD is communications manager for Advanced Energy (advancedenergy.org) a nonprofit energy consulting firm.
“It helped me reset, kept my compass true, and made sure I was headed in the right direction.”
Russ Kirby, a journeyman lineman with West Kentucky RECC, is talking about the West Kentucky Youth Camp in Marion, a regional church camp funded by the Churches of Christ. From ages 8 through 18, Kirby was a camper. As an adult, he serves as a counselor and helps with facility improvements so that the next generation can have the same life-changing experiences he had at the camp.
“The best mission field is investing in youth,” Kirby says. “There are so many stories about the impact the camp has had on people’s lives. It’s not just the camp itself but the relationships and bonds you make at the camp.”
Kirby also helps his family with a community project in Mayfield called Cartwright Grove. He’s a favorite when the electric cooperative does electrical safety demonstrations at schools.
Clark Energy’s Tammy Moberly serves on the board of the Winchester-Clark County Chamber of Commerce and volunteers with several other nonprofit organizations. Photo: Clark Energy
No problem
WINCHESTER
Tammy Moberly doesn’t see problems.
Instead, she sees opportunities to help others and make her community better.
Moberly is on the board of directors of the Winchester-Clark County Chamber of Commerce and on its Member Services Committee. She also is vice president of the board and Funding Committee member for the Clark County Homeless Coalition. Moberly is far from a one-note volunteer, as her service ranges from Junior Achievement instructor since 2005 to helping organize the annual Turkey Trot 5K for Clark County Community Services to working with the Clark County Animal Shelter for years.
“I feel like each person owes it to the community to give back,” Moberly says. “I particularly love working with the children in Junior Achievement. I work with the kindergarteners and first-graders. They are so excited to learn new things.”
With all her volunteer work, Moberly still has time for a regular job. She has been with Clark Energy for 20 years, currently as lead administrative technician, overseeing the Engineering Department’s day-to-day work for new construction, the automated meter reading system and the outage system.
From a coal miner in Salyersville to a basketball player in LaGrange, the faces of 21 members of Kentucky electric cooperatives peer into the future in a 1984 painting by Michael Finnell now on display at the Thomas D. Clark Center for Kentucky History in Frankfort.
At a ceremony attended by more than 140 high school students on the Kentucky Association of Electric Cooperatives Frankfort Youth Tour, the Our Power is Our People artwork was formally donated to the Kentucky Historical Society by KAEC President and CEO Chris Perry.
“Our mission is to improve the quality of life for our members,” Perry said. “To share their story – past and present – at this history museum is a natural extension of our commitment to the communities we serve.”
Our Power is Our People was commissioned to represent the 1.8 million people served by co-ops in 117 of 120 Kentucky counties. Upon the move of its headquarters in 2017, KAEC leaders determined the painting deserved a more accessible venue.
“The Kentucky Historical Society is very honored to accept this painting,” said Kent Whitworth, the society’s executive director. “Not only is it a compelling work of art, but the stories it tells are very much in keeping with our state mandate to preserve Kentucky’s history.”
The painting was the idea of Ron Sheets, who served as KAEC president from 1978 to 2010. Sheets attended the unveiling, offering advice to the youth tour students, with a nod to history.
“Remember back, think ahead,” Sheets said, quoting a plaque he displayed in his KAEC office.
