Empowered July 2024 by Central Electric Cooperative

A VERY SPECIAL OLYMPICS SUMMER GAMES

Volunteers from 22 Oklahoma cooperatives came together in Stillwater in May to assist with the Special Olympics Summer Games.

More than 4,600 athletes from across the state participated in the country’s largest Special Olympics Summer Games. This year marked the 55th anniversary of the annual event in Oklahoma and the 39th year hosted in Stillwater.

During the three-day event, athletes competed in track and field, bocce, bowling, golf, horseshoes, powerlifting, basketball and softball.

With a recordbreaking number of 160 volunteers, the Oklahoma Association of Electric Cooperatives coordinated the volunteers from electric cooperatives across the state. Empowered

Seven Central Rural Electric Cooperative

employees assisted athletes in the track and field events.

“It was an amazing experience volunteering to work with the athletes,” said Drew Anderson, energy services technician. “This was my first time volunteering, but I’m already looking forward to it next year.”

Central’s volunteers handed placing cards to the athletes and walked them to receive their ribbons after crossing the finish lines. They also had the opportunity to cheer on the athletes as they showcased their talents and competed in their events.

“My favorite part of the day was seeing how happy the athletes were and getting to experience their joy,” said Tonya Poe, account

representative. “Each athlete would give high-fives and hugs, and I’m so happy we were there to support them.”

Photo of volunteers provided by the Oklahoma Association of Electric Cooperatives.

JULY 2024

Central Board of Trustees:

Carol Dvorak, President (District 3)

James Wells, Vice President (District 6)

Greg Tytenicz, Secretary/Treasurer (District 2)

Randy Wedel (District 1)

Sid Sperry (District 4)

Ken Starks (District 5)

Randy Ethridge (District 7)

Hunter Robinson - Chief Executive Officer

Empowered Editors:

Jillianne Tebow - Vice President of Business Development and Marketing

Larry Mattox - Director of Communications

Kory Bowman - Marketing and Communications Specialist

Ivy Swan - Marketing and Communications Specialist

www.mycentral.coop facebook.com/MyCentralCoop instagram.com/MyCentralCoop

3305 S. Boomer Rd. | P.O. Box 1809 Stillwater, OK 74076

WATTS OF SMILES AT CO-OP KIDS DAY

More than 106 children, parents and grandparents attended the third Coop Kids Day at Central in May.

Participants learned about cooperatives, and internet and electrical safety. They also met linemen and Willie Wiredhand, the electric cooperative mascot.

“The Co-op Kids program connects multiple generations of family with their electric cooperative,” said Jillianne Tebow, vice president of Marketing at Central. “This event gives kids of all ages the opportunity to interact with cooperative staff, learn about various technologies we work with and the importance of electrical safety.”

Notice: Central’s office will be closed Thursday, July 4 in observance of Independence Day.

Central Rural Electric Cooperative is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

Children enjoyed bounce houses, demonstrations from the live line trailer, interactive internet safety games, snacks, a coloring station, a Centranet booth and a sticker bar.

The Co-op Kids program is free to children and grandchildren of Central members.

Thank you to everyone who attended the fun event! Visit mycentral.coop/coopkids to learn more about Central’s Co-op Kids program.

CENTRALLY LOCATED FIREWORKS

Firework displays around Central’s service area

RED BRICK NIGHTS

July 4 • 6-11 p.m.

Jelsma Stadium, Guthrie

Enjoy live music, shopping from local vendors, a kid’s area and grab dinner from a food truck from 5-10 p.m. on the corner of Wentz and Oklahoma before you attend the fireworks display at the stadium.

LIBERTYFEST

July 4 • 9:30 p.m.

E. C. Hafer Park, Edmond

The events begin with a patriotic radio show at 5 and 7:30 p.m. on July 3 featuring a Show of Songs & Stripes: Big Band Show. July 4, the parade kicks off at 9 a.m. in Downtown Edmond where the historic school house will be open. The fireworks display is the grand finale of the festival!

BOOMER BLAST

July 4 • 9:30 p.m.

Boomer Lake Park, Stillwater Festivities begin at 6 p.m. with food trucks, a radio show and more fun before the fireworks display.

FIREWORKS AT THE LAKE

July 4 • 10 p.m.

Pawnee Lake, Pawnee

Bring the whole family out to celebrate a patriotic fireworks display at Pawnee Lake!

LUTHER INDEPENDENCE DAY

July 6 • Dusk

Wildhorse Park, Luther

Enjoy a fireworks display put on by the Luther Fire Department. Learn more at townoflutherok.com

Overhead power lines can become damaged or fall during severe weather, car accidents and for several other reasons. The electricity to your home may be out but power lines can still be energized.

Follow these tips when near downed power lines.

⚠ Consider all power lines energized and deadly.

SPLASH AROUND CENTRAL

⚠ Stay at least 50 feet away from downed power lines.

CHANDLER

Rainbow Park

311 E. 3rd St., Chandler

8 a.m.-10 p.m.

CUSHING

805 E. 5th St., Cushing

10 a.m.-8 p.m.

GUTHRIE

Memorial Park, Aquatic Center

PERKINS

Splash pad locations within Central’s service area

Oklahoma Territorial Plaza

750 N. Main St., Perkins 10 a.m.-2 p.m. and 4-8 p.m.

PERRY

Perry Splash Pad

⚠ If your vehicle comes in contact with a downed line, do not get out of your car.

⚠ If you have a downed line call Central at 405-3722884.

Banner Park

6 a.m.-midnight

Warner Ave. between 10th and 11th St., Guthrie

10 a.m.-8 p.m.

STILLWATER

300 N. 14th St., Perry

Boomer Park Splash Pad

601 W. Harned Ave., Stillwater 10 a.m.-8 p.m.

Southern Woods Park

10 a.m.-8 p.m.

600 West 12th Ave., Stillwater

Energized downed lines can spread voltage through the ground or nearby objects. If you go near a downed line, you can become electricity’s path to the ground.