May 2013
Getting ready for our 75th anniversary . . . can you help?
Along with bringing you more and better communications with Carolina Country each month, we have much to celebrate these days. It started with last year’s celebration of The International Year of Cooperatives, where we honored the cooperative business model and principles. In 2013, Touchstone Energy, the national alliance of electric co-ops reaches a milestone of 15 years. Founded in 1998, the brand has grown to 741 co-ops serving 30 million members in 46 states. With the strength of numbers, together we have developed programs like Co-op Connections, Together We Save, CFL Charlie and Get Charged for schools, and much more. And we have lots to look forward to in 2014. We’ll celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Bright Ideas program which started right here at BEMC. Bright Ideas grants up to $2,000 are made to K-12 teachers for creative classroombased projects. Together, the NC electric cooperatives have awarded more than $8.5 million, sponsoring more than 8300 projects and reaching more than 1.5 million students! This year’s application deadline is August 16 for the Early Bird drawing and September 20 for final applications. Teachers may apply at www.ncbrightideas.com. Best of all, 2014 is the 75th anniversary of the founding of BEMC and we’ll be starting that celebration at the September 2013 Annual Meeting.
If you have any old photos, memorabilia or interesting stories about the early years – especially 1940’s – 1980’s, we’d love to hear from you! Perhaps you or your grandparents actually remember when your family first got electricity. How did it change your daily life? Did someone you know help install the first poles or build the substation? Do you remember attending the early annual meetings held at the tobacco warehouse in Whiteville or have a vintage bill? We can scan and return photos. For stories, you can just send a few lines and we’ll call you to set up an interview. Call 800-842-5871 to speak with Linda or Heather in the Marketing/Communications area. Or email: info@bemc.org with “History” in the subject line.
HOW IT ALL STARTED March 1939: Certificate of incorporation papers filed with Secretary of
State of North Carolina. August 1939: Contract approved for initial construction of 138 miles of
line (113 in Brunswick County, 25 in Columbus County). The first substation held three 50 KVA transformers. December 1939: The first lines were energized in Brunswick County, followed a few months later with electric power in Columbus County. Members served first year: 588 We’ve come a long way since then! Stay tuned!
194 0’s
L in e Tr uck
1939 to 2014
Carolina Country | May 2013
Brunswick-0513.indd 1
Brunswick Electric Membership Corporation
CELEBRATIONS . . . of milestones and new beginnings!
Page 21
4/12/13 10:30 AM
Robert W. Leavitt, Jr. CEO
Brunswick Electric Membership Corporation
Our invitation to you: An easy and entertaining way to be an informed energy consumer Welcome to a new way of being well-informed as an energy consumer and member of Brunswick EMC! I’m pleased to say that by combining our local communications with Carolina Country, the magazine published by the electric cooperatives of North Carolina, we’ll be delivering more value to all our members. Each and every month, you will receive our BEMC newsletter, Member Matters, inside an informative and interesting magazine. It’s a powerful combination!
Through Member Matters, we’ll continue informing you of important local news that affects you as a member of BEMC: annual membership meetings, power reliability and customer service updates, and other vital information. In Carolina Country, you’ll find in-depth articles on energy issues; ways to make your home more energy efficient to help you control your usage and costs, tips on living
“greener,” information on renewable energy, and state and national environmental policies. You’ll also find more reports on how cooperatives are working together to ensure that their members continue to receive affordable, reliable electric service. At the same time, we are working to develop new sources of energy and policies that will serve consumers well into the future. You’ll see articles about new technologies that will impact energy costs in your home or business. Delivering Member Matters inside Carolina Country simply gives us a more efficient way to be sure our members receive all this and more. By consolidating our communications, we can give you more, including your favorites like free For Sale ads, and recipes. Carolina Country comes complete each month with detailed stories on the kind of information you’ve told
us you want to know more about: products, services and other ways to become more energy efficient; manage your energy usage, and energy legislation updates that could impact you. On top of all that ... Carolina Country is also filled with entertaining stories and great photos about interesting people and places in our state as well as humor, delicious recipes and other helpful information. We look forward to exploring all the ways we can use this combined publication to better serve you. We’d love to hear your suggestions and comments as well! Of course if you prefer to “go green”, you can sign up to receive the publications by email. (see inside the front cover for details.)
CUSTOMER SERVICE Toll Free 1.800.842.5871 Shallotte 910.754.4391 | Southport / Oak Island 910.457.9808 | Whiteville 910.642.5011 OUTAGE REPORTING 1.800.682.5309 www.bemc.org email: info@bemc.org BOARD OF DIRECTORS Hubert Brittain
JoAnn Simmons
President
Vice President
Calvin Duncan
M.C. Herring
Secretary Treasurer
Asst. Secretary Treasurer
Page 22
Brunswick-0513.indd 2
Phillip Cheers Monroe Enzor, Jr. David L. Gore Larry Fowler John R. Kopp
Jack Miller Bryan Smith Frederick A. Tedder John Ward
Robert W. Leavitt, Jr.
CEO Dennis Worley
Attorney
Carolina Country | May 2013
4/12/13 10:30 AM
What do Charles Dickens fans, area Civil Air Patrol volunteers, museum-goers as well as local veterans, seniors, wildlife lovers and even their furry friends have in common?
They will all benefit from grants provided to local groups through the 2013 BEMC Community Grants program. Thirty projects were selected from a field of more than 60 applications to receive funding for their programs This year’s grants total was $40,600 for projects to be implemented in Brunswick and Columbus counties.
Real Savings on Prescriptions . . . & much more!
RECIPIENTS OF 2013 COMMUNITY GRANTS
Just by showing their Co-op Connections Card at the pharmacy,
Brunswick Arts Council – Charles Dickens Christmas Festival
BEMC members have saved more than $290,000 on prescriptions
Brunswick County Civil Air Patrol – Disaster Relief Preparedness
Brunswick County Literacy Council Brunswick Novant Medical Ctr Foundation – Compassionate Clothes Closet Brunswick Senior Resources, Inc. – Nutritional Program Calabash Volunteer EMS – Cardiac Monitor Upgrade Comfort Socks – Heat Some Feet Friends of Brunswick Town/Fort Anderson – Civil War Heritage Days Friends of the Library Southport & Oak Island – Homebound Program Friends of the NC Maritime Museum/Southport – Blockade Running Exhibit Furever Friends Animal Rescue – Free Rabies Clinic in Leland GFWC/Holden Beach – 5th Annual “Blooming for a Cause” Charity Gala Hope Harbor Home – Commercial Small Appliances for Shelter Kitchen Knights of Columbus – LAMB program – benefits the intellectually disabled Oak Island Senior Center – A Picnic in the Park (recreation day) Ocean Isle/Sunset Bch. Lions Club Foundation – Juvenile Diabetics/Insulin Pumps Pretty In Pink Foundation – Breast Cancer – Bridging the Gap for the Uninsured Sea Trail Grandmas – Knit and Sew for premature and newborn Babies
of $11,800 per month and about 41% on an average prescription.
This program is not insurance, but it provides a significant discount for those without insurance, or when there’s a gap in your insurance. Remember, the Connections card saves you money at local merchants and at more than 25,000 locations across the country and online. • Cooperative Healthy Savings provides discounts on other health services – dental, vision and more. • VIP Savings actually gives you cash back at many online retailers. • You can even print out your own grocery coupons. Check it out at www.connections.coop/bemc
Southport Lions Foundation – Vision Program The Warrior Ride – Coastal Carolina Challenge for wounded war heroes WAVES 4 K.I.D.S. – Little Tykes, Tweens & Teens Closets Building Bridges After School Program – Technology Upgrade Initiative Columbus County Department of Aging – Ramps for Disabled/Handicap Forest Lawn Baptist Church – ’Celebrate Recovery’ Program for Families Help Mission, Inc. – Building Repair/Renovation Muscular Dystrophy Association – MDA Summer Camp Carefree Nakina Middle School – A Sign of Communication (digital marquee) NC Wildlife Action – Cook Shelter for Multi-Purpose Activity Pavilion Old Dock Cypress Creek Fire Dept. – Training Materials for ISO Rating
Show your card for Spring Fix-Up savings at these local businesses: Milligan Power Equipment Home & Garden Pest Solutions Mulch and More Meadowlands Golf Prestige Outdoor Lighting Carolina National Golf Tradewinds Carpet, Tile & Upholstery Cleaning Outdoor Lighting Perspectives Cape Fear Chem-Dry
Carolina Country | May 2013
Brunswick-0513.indd 3
Brunswick Electric Membership Corporation
since we introduced the program in 2011. That comes out to an average
Brunswick County Intercultural Festival/BCC Foundation
Page 23
4/12/13 10:30 AM
Brunswick Electric Membership Corporation
RECIPE OF THE MONTH Washer/dryer, Kenmore electric, $400; 579-4806 Clothing rack, large round stainless steel, $60; Alum combination storm door, 36x80, $60; 253-9957 Truck bed cover, for ’02 Ford Explorer Sport Trac, $50; 579-2714 Kirby vacuum & shampooer, all attachments, purchased 12/12 for $1800, sell for $900; 234-7118 CKC Maltipoo puppies, wormed & 1st shot, males $300, females $350; 770-2480 ’03 Ford Ranger fiberglass cab, $200; 755-5119 Dressmaker’s form on stand, expandable, $35; 754-4529 Essex mortar mixer, single bag load, $700; 842-9024 Moving sale, round stainless gas grill; Kennedy toolbox w/metric tools; Drill press; Radial saw; Hand blower; Portable generator; 383-6388 Cottage w/2 extra lots, Supply, very private, 5 miles to Holden Beach, $59900; 704-718-1844 AKC Yorkies, males, 9 wks old-4/2/13, $650; 704-791-5990 Two bikes, one men’s & one ladies’s, new condition, w/ safety helmets, both $130; 754-7023 Lane feather recliner w/ottoman, list for $1495, excellent condition, sell for $200/OBO; 575-1047 Golf clubs, 3-9 irons, driver & bag, new grips, $110; New universal Chrome step bumper for small truck, $300/ OBO; 443-4389 NC commercial fishing license w/shellfish endorsement, $2800; 619-8935 ‘02 Chevy Impala, 51K miles, garage kept, small 6 cyl, $5000/OBO; 209-8599 ‘09 Smart TwoFour convertible, electric blue, loaded, leather, 24K low miles, Raleigh owner no salt air exposure, $13500; 919-819-4001 ‘09 Chevy Traverse 1 LT, DK gray, 61.5 K miles, 8 pass, towing pkg, $17800; 754-7763 2BD/2BA, fully furnished, 3rd floor, Calabash, NC Carolina Shores Resort, W/D, G/D, DW, screened porch, Beach Steal, $62000; 575-5755 Soft tub, $1500/OBO; Memory foam topper for Queen bed, $50; Treadmill $350/OBO; 575-7632 Golf “Bang” 4&5 wood, $75; 4&5 Hybrid, $65; 612-7700 (2) Metal storage racks w/5 metal baskets, 18w 21d 40h, $30/each; 371-6409 12 Piece place setting, & extras, hand painted china $250; Jenn Air electric white stove, $800; 648-4427 Child’s tricycle, red, great condition, $30; 399-4773 2BD/1BA wood frame house, riverfront community, on lot 65x110,big deck, covered porch, county water, septic, needs some repair; 363-7796
1½ BA brick house, hardwood, carport, front porch, storage, fenced yard w/3BD mobile home, fenced lot w/2 mobile homes, near Fayetteville, $175K; 425-6413 Club car golf cart w/cover, runs great, $1200; Window unit air conditioner, 110 volt, $125; 575-2276 ‘87 bucket truck, 48’ boom, new tires, diesel, $8900; 654-4602 18” propane gas logs, for ventless fireplace, fiber logs, $200; 100 gallon gas cylinder, $50; Whirlpool Gold electric range, $300; 399-2093 Farmall Cub tractor, gd condition, $2500; 253-6867 Bostitch oil free air compressor, 4.0 gallon, $100; Pilates Performer, $100; Mantis Tiller, $100; Hidden Hitch boat/trailer hitch, $125; 253-8462 4 x 8 utility trailer, removable front back and sides, $300/OBO; 842-9336 Brunswick Memorial Gardens, Gethsemane Sect, 2 side by side plots, $1900; 575-3773 Bernina 330 Deco embroidery machine, many accessories, $350; New Home Memory Craft 8000, sewing/embroidery machine, $350; 575-3202 Custom 775 CB Titleist irons, for tall right handed golfer, new X Factor Woods, putter and Bag $130; 712-1985 Lakefront lot, Bay Tree Lakes, gated community in Bladen County, priced to sell quickly; 579-8484 ‘00 Road King, fuel injection, 46k miles, runs & looks great, $6500; 338-8906 Holland outdoor grill, in working order, $75; 754-7795 Vision fitness treadmill, works like new, electronic monitor, programmable speed, $200/OBO; 274-1588 Antique farm table, 85’L x 35 ½ w, $500; 253-6677 ’02 Harley Davidson, Dyna Super Glide 1450cc, black, chrome/vh pipes, $9000; 843-907-5205 140 hp MerCruser I-O, less than 100 hrs, $6700; Dry Stack storage $12700; Boat & dry stack together, $17500; 253-7361 ’06 tail pipes off HD Springer Softail, brand new, $200; 575-2131 Recliner, black leather, new, soft & very comfortable, $250; 860-655-3892 95’ Bronco 4x4 Eddie Bauer, blue/tan, Michelin tires, leather, 128K miles, $3500;16’ glass stream bass boat, 70hp Evinrude, ss prop, lots of extras, $3300;840-4058 2 old fashioned milk cans, one from Tuscan Dairy, Union, NJ; Other antiques; 278-3221 Compact fridge, new, Danby 4.4 cu ft, veggie crisper, can dispenser, counter height. $100. 910-619-2339
Strawberry Jello Supreme 2 large pkgs. strawberry jello 1 c. boiling water 1 1/4 c. fresh, sliced strawberries, sweetened to taste 1 10 oz. can crushed pineapple 1 c. sour cream Add boiling water to jello, stir until dissolved. Add strawberries and syrup immediately and mix gently. Chill until slightly thickened. Add can of crushed pineapple (juice & all). Pour 1/2 of jello mixture into a mold. Chill slightly. In mixing bowl, stir in sour cream and pour gently onto first layer of jello mixture in mold. Chill until firm; unmold onto serving platter.
Honoring Those Who Gave Their All for Our Nation
BEMC offices will be closed on Monday, May 27, 2013
in observance of Memorial Day.
NEW Ad Deadline for Watts For Sale This is a free service for BEMC members to advertise non-commercial items for sale. Ads run ONE TIME, are limited to three lines, and only one phone number. We reserve the right to edit or refuse ads due to content, length or AVAILABLE SPACE. Please no email addresses, names or repeat ads. All numbers are 910 area code unless otherwise listed. Some mobile providers require 10-digit dialing. BEMC does not endorse items advertised and is not responsible for reliability of items. HOW TO SUBMIT ADS: Ads must be received by the first of the month for the BEMC newsletter as part of CAROLINA COUNTRY magazine the first of the following month. Please include your BEMC account number or address. Space is limited! E-MAIL: watts4sale@bemc.org MAIL: BEMC, Attn: Watts For Sale, PO Box 826, Shallotte, NC 28459. FAX: 910.755.4299 Page 24
Brunswick-0513.indd 4
Carolina Country | May 2013
4/12/13 10:30 AM