0114 newsletter

6
JANUARY 2014 B ack when Boise Cascade’s mill alongside the river belched great clouds of vapor into Salem’s sky, Magoo’s Tavern awaited nearby, offering warm charm and cool brew to thirsty laborers at the end of each shift. Jim Eastridge grew up on the east side of the river. A typical kid in the 1950s, he earned his way into a customized pickup at 16 by picking beans and doing cannery work. Despite her protests, Jim refused his mother, a beauty salon owner, the use of his truck to haul chicken manure she needed for her bountiful vegetable gardens. Less than a decade later, working by then at Magoo’s as a manager, he offered to buy the business — and later the building. Jim’s father, a local realtor, helped him with low interest loans. Today, Jim looks more like Mr. Clean than a rumpled Mr. Magoo. He’s still there daily to welcome his regular crowd, some of whom are second generation patrons, with a broad fare of fine food and drink. How has he kept business brisk over these 42 years, in good economic times and bad? “Jim would talk to a wall, if he thought it might talk back to him,” joked Mary Eastridge, Jim’s wife of seven years, who loves his outgoing nature. “After the mill closed, it was tough,” Jim recalled. “So I started sponsoring events.” Magoo’s supported as many as a half dozen softball teams at a time, and like the millworkers before them, ball players like a place they can recap the game and socialize. It was in that context that Jim met Mary; she played competitive softball for years. Growing up in a family of 11, she said “heck yes!” when asked whether she was a tomboy. When Jim’s wife Linda died in 2001, he and Mary’s friendship gradually grew into a romance; they married in 2007. Mary was raised in Redondo Beach, California. A college graduate in business administration, she worked for her father’s company, which included one of Taco Bell’s first franchises. In 1982, on a trip here to visit a sister, Mary decided to stay. Married and divorced, she raised her two boys, Chris and Jason, by starting Go Figure Books. Chris is Magoo’s operations manager. By the time they got married, Jim and Mary had a deep fondness for the local Boys & Girls Club. “Our gift registry was set up as a way to get furniture and equipment for the West Salem club,” he said. “We raised $35,000 that way,” she added. Since then, they’ve continued to attract revenue to that growing organization (eight locations and 11,000 children served each year in Salem). Besides being a board member, Mary has also been a member of the Civil War Auction committee for eight years. This year’s auction brought in $357,000 for the Club. The popular Cinco de Micro brew fest earned another $85,000. The Club’s annual budget is $2.2 million. (Click bgc-salem. org/ for more info.) “We all want to help kids to find belonging and to grow their self esteem,” Mary said. To which, we’d add: Oh Magoo’s, you’ve done it again! A Member profile: Jim and Mary Eastridge News & Information about your member-owned utility

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Page 1: 0114 newsletter

FOLD

FOLD

FOLD

FOLD

JANUARY 2014Jerry Berger, Director

It seems the school year just began, but it’s already time to apply to colleges

and seek scholarship opportunities. College may not be for everyone. However, over 40 years in the education field has shown me that there is value in getting a college degree even when the cost can be a challenge. For our members seeking to continue their education, Salem Electric wants to help through our Student Scholarship Program.

Since 2004 Salem Electric has provided ten $1,000

scholarships to eligible individuals living within our service area. The program is designed for a variety of students and is administered by the Oregon Student Access Commission (OSAC). OSAC reviews the applications and evaluates them based on academic promise, quality of application and essay submitted, community involvement and school activities. OSAC then selects the ten recipients. Recipients will be notified and presented with their scholarship award

at our Annual Meeting on Tuesday, May 13, 2014, 6 p.m. at Roth’s West Salem. All members are welcome to attend.

As an electric cooperative it just makes sense that Salem Electric would provide programs that benefit our members. We are committed to the communities we serve. This is just one example of how we do that. The information below outlines eligibility requirements or you can contact Salem Electric. A

Printed on recycled paper with soy-based ink.

SALEM ELECTRIC • PO BOX 5588 • 633 SEVENTH STREET NW • SALEM, OR 97304-0055PH: 503 362-3601 • FAX: 503 371-2956 • E-MAIL: [email protected] • salemelectric.com

Back when Boise Cascade’s mill alongside the river belched great clouds of

vapor into Salem’s sky, Magoo’s Tavern awaited nearby, offering warm charm and cool brew to thirsty laborers at the end of each shift.

Jim Eastridge grew up on the east side of the river. A typical kid in the 1950s, he earned his way into a customized pickup at 16 by picking beans and doing cannery work. Despite her protests, Jim refused his mother, a beauty salon owner, the use of his truck to haul chicken manure she needed for her bountiful vegetable gardens.

Less than a decade later, working by then at Magoo’s as a manager, he offered to buy the business — and later the building. Jim’s father, a local realtor, helped him with low interest loans. Today, Jim looks more like Mr. Clean than a rumpled Mr. Magoo. He’s still there daily to welcome his regular crowd, some of whom are second generation patrons, with a broad fare of fine food and drink.

How has he kept business brisk over these 42 years, in good economic times and bad? “Jim would talk to a wall, if he thought it might talk back to him,” joked Mary Eastridge, Jim’s wife of seven years, who loves his outgoing nature.

“After the mill closed, it was tough,” Jim recalled. “So I started sponsoring events.” Magoo’s supported as many as a half dozen softball teams at a time, and like the millworkers before them, ball players like a place they can recap the game and socialize.

It was in that context that Jim met Mary; she played competitive softball for years. Growing up in a family of 11, she said “heck yes!” when asked whether she was a tomboy. When Jim’s wife Linda died in 2001, he and Mary’s friendship gradually grew into a romance; they married in 2007.

Mary was raised in Redondo Beach, California. A college graduate in business administration, she worked for her father’s company, which included one of Taco Bell’s first franchises. In 1982, on a trip here to visit a sister, Mary decided to stay. Married and divorced, she raised her two boys, Chris and Jason, by starting Go Figure Books. Chris is Magoo’s operations manager.

By the time they got married, Jim and Mary had a deep fondness for the local Boys & Girls Club. “Our gift registry was set up as a way to get furniture and equipment for the West Salem club,” he said. “We raised $35,000 that way,” she added.

Since then, they’ve continued to attract revenue to that growing organization (eight locations and 11,000 children served each year in Salem). Besides being a board member, Mary has also been a member of the Civil War Auction committee for eight years. This year’s auction brought in $357,000 for the Club. The popular Cinco de Micro brew fest earned another $85,000. The Club’s annual budget is $2.2 million. (Click bgc-salem.org/ for more info.)

“We all want to help kids to find belonging and to grow their self esteem,” Mary said. To which, we’d add: Oh Magoo’s, you’ve done it again! A

From

a d

irect

or…

SE Scholarship Eligibility:

• Applicants’ primary residence must be served by Salem Electric.

• Applicants may be high school graduates (including home-school graduates) or GED recipients and must be planning to enroll in a full-time undergraduate or graduate program.

• Salem Electric staff, board members, and their immediate family members are ineligible.

Application Options:

• Application forms are available online at salemelectric.com (select the “For Youth” tab).

• Start the application process early and save the information until it’s ready to submit.

• For more information contact The Oregon Student Access Commission (OSAC) at [email protected] or 1-800-452-8807.

Timeline:

February 15, 2014 Deadline for submitting Early Bird Application and a chance to win a $500 scholarship.

March 1, 2014 Final deadline to submit applications and all required materials.

Please be aware of the timeline above, and I hope to see you at our Annual Meeting on May 13 to receive your scholarship award.

Member profile:Jim and Mary Eastridge

Each year our statewide association, The Oregon Rural Electric Cooperative Association (ORECA), recognizes those who have supported co-ops

throughout their career. Salem Electric general manager, Bob Speckman received the award at ORECA’s annual meeting on December 5, 2013. After 32 years at Salem Electric, general manager since 1997, Bob is retiring on April 30, 2014.

Bob’s commitment to co-ops precedes his years at Salem Electric when, from 1976 –1982, he was a lobbyist for ORECA spending many hours in the hallways of the State Capitol influencing legislators to support co-ops.

As Salem Electric’s general manager, Bob has expanded Salem Electric’s role in the communities

it serves by increasing Salem Electric’s presence through sponsorships, donations, and employee involvement. Salem Electric’s commitment to conservation and renewable energy continued and grew under Bob’s leadership, and his involvement in public power has touched many industry organizations, including ORECA, the Northwest Public Power Association, Northwest Requirements Utilities, and the Public Power Council.

Recognized as Oregon’s public power historian, Bob has created an archive room at Salem Electric to not only retain Salem Electric’s valuable historic information but public power’s in general. Through his efforts, the history of Oregon’s electric cooperatives has been preserved. A

Speckman Receives Distinguished Service Award

In 2012, Salem Electric’s Board of Directors approved a small-scale Advanced Metering Pilot Program on approximately 30 meter locations. With more than 36 million homes in the United States using advanced metering and the potential for the government to mandate this type of metering in the future, Salem Electric wants to be prepared.

Advanced metering offers options which are not available with our current metering system. For instance, if there is a power outage we often rely on our members to notify us so we can begin the process of identifying the problem and restoring power. With advanced metering we will be notified

immediately by the meter allowing a quicker response to outage situations. It also allows us to quickly and efficiently connect or disconnect individual meters from our office without inconveniencing our members. Members will also have access to real time energy usage through our website. This helps members conserve energy and better understand their energy usage and their electric bill.

The 30 meter locations for the pilot program have already been identified. After a year of studying the data and how it interacts with our billing system, Salem Electric may consider expanding the program pending board approval. A

Advanced Metering Pilot Program COLLEGE Scholarships

Pictured L to R: Paul Ennor, Jerry Berger, Jim Dyer, Bob Speckman, Alicia Bonesteele, Joe Van Meter, Carl Beach (not pictured Jeff Anderson)

News & Information about your member-owned utility

JANUARY 2014

Page 2: 0114 newsletter

FOLD

All board meetings are held at 7 PM at Salem Electric, 633 Seventh Street NW, Salem, Oregon

Jim Dyer President

Jeff AndersonCarl Beach

Jerry Berger Vice-President

Alicia Bonesteele Secretary/Treasurer

Paul EnnorJoe Van Meter

BoArD oF DIrECTorSUPCoMIng BoArD MEETIngSJanuary 28 February 25 March 19

from NOVeMBer 26, 2013

Board Action: The board approved the 2014 budget as presented and thanked staff for their hard work putting the information together.

The board also approved a staff recommendation to include an LED lighting option in SE’s area lighting rate schedules.

Salem Electric does a lot to avoid power outages. But, some things are beyond our control no matter how much tree

trimming, equipment inspections, and preventative maintenance we do, especially during severe and unusual weather conditions.

Snow, ice, high winds and lightning are a few examples of conditions that can seriously damage power equipment causing outages for hours or days. Our goal is to restore power as soon as possible during an outage, but even with crews working 24 hours a day, repairs can be time consuming, difficult and dangerous.

In the event of a power outage, it’s good to always be prepared! Put together an emergency kit that is easily accessible in case of a lengthy power outage or other event. Suggested supplies include:

Flashlight, radio & fresh batteries. Keep the batteries separate until you are ready to use them. Battery-operated lights are another great option.

Candles & matches. Candles are a safe light source if kept on a flat, non-flammable, stable surface.

Bottled drinking water. Store at least one gallon per person per day.

If you have a fireplace or woodstove, keep kindling and dry firewood on hand.

Clothing. Wear extra layers and cover your head with a hat. Have sleeping bags and blankets handy too.

Easy-to-prepare food items and a manual can opener. Purchase items that don’t require much cooking. Suggested ideas include: canned or instant soups,

stews or chili, packaged freeze-dried meals, and protein or breakfast bars.

Coolers are a good idea for frequently-used food. Your refrigerator and freezer will preserve food up to two days but items will spoil quicker if accessed often. Store what you can in an ice chest or cooler for easy access.

gas camp stoves or barbecues. NEVER use a camp stove or barbecue indoors! Make sure to have extra fuel for cooking outdoors.

Ample supply of essential prescription medications and over-the-counter drugs. During a storm, road travel may not be possible for several days.

First aid kit. Make sure all of the supplies are filled and ready to go.

Entertainment. Entertainment is important too. Books, board games, or cards, are a fun way to pass the time in case of an extended outage until the electricity is restored.

For more information contact our office at 503 362-3601 and ask for a “Power & Safety Guide”, or visit our website at salemelectric.com, and click on “Power and Safety Guide.” A

Leaking ducts can decrease the overall efficiency of your heating and cooling system by as much as

20%. Sealing leaks and insulating your ductwork in attics or crawlspaces can make a difference in your home’s comfort and energy efficiency. Look for duct mastic and metal-backed tape to seal those leaks and wrap ducts with duct insulation to prevent heat loss in the winter or air conditioning loss in the summer.

If your home is electrically-heated we pay 50% of the cost of testing and sealing your ductwork, and there are several other weatherization measures that your home may qualify for. Contact our Member Services Department at 503 362-3601 or visit our website at salemelectric.com and select “Energy Conservation.” A

Leadership Youth Representative:

Garret Eisenbrant has been busy writing essays for college applications. He has applied to Stanford and Oregon State (his first choice), and has already been accepted at Willamette University.

Boar

d M

eetin

g Su

mm

ary

Presented by:

Alicia BonesteeleSecretary/Treasurer

BPA Land Donation:

Staff attended a recent event where BPA was recognized for their donation of 307 acres at Minto Island as part of the Willamette Wildlife Agreement. Terry Kelly, SE Assistant General Manager, spoke about SE’s commitment to the community and the value of conserving land for the benefit of fish and wildlife which improves the quality of life for all Salem residents.

No Outage Month:

October 2013 marked Salem Electric’s 20th no preventable outage month in the cooperative’s history.

Advanced Metering:

The first five advanced meters have been installed as part of SE’s Advanced Metering Pilot Program. There will be a total of 30 meters installed in this phase of the program.

Winter is HereBe prepared!

Seal & Insulate YOur DuCtwOrk

SIMPLE SOLUTIONS

Dimmers help to conserve power by allowing you to control the lighting level based on varying needs. Dimming lights an average of

50% can reduce electricity usage by up to 40% and extend bulb life. Be sure the fixture and bulb are compatible with dimmers before installing.

Another option for saving energy on lighting is to use a more efficient light bulb (see the table below). A

DimmErs:Lower Lighting

& Lower Bills

e-Billing: A Convenient Choice

In March 2006, Salem Electric started E-billing with one member. now more than 6,400 members are using this convenient billing option.

If you sign up for the E-bill Program you are notified by email each month when your bill is ready to be viewed online. You have plenty of time to review your bill prior to making a payment or contact Salem Electric with any questions regarding your bill. Members also have the option of viewing several months of usage online.

For more information on convenient E-billing options that save time, paper, and postage visit salemelectric.com and click on “Easy Pay options.” A

If you’re having work done around your house, do your homework first and consider the following:

Is your contractor…Bonded? Licensed? Insured? registered with the Construction Contractor’s Board? Start with a call to the oregon Construction Contractors Board at 503 378-4621 or visit their website at: oregon.gov/CCB/pages/index.aspx and select “Consumer Help.” All these things can play a role in how happy you will be when the job is completed. If there are problems that aren’t fixed to your satisfaction, you have an avenue for recourse if the above-mentioned items are in place.

And remember, if your plans include weatherization of your electrically-heated home or installing a new heat pump, we have programs to help. A

Do your Homework

wattage: 60 12 – 15 6 – 8 Dimmable: Yes No Yes sensitive to Low temperatures: some Yes No Average Hours of rated Life: 1,000 9,000 40,000

inca

ndes

cent

CFL

LeDLight Bulb

Comparison

F R O M Y O U R B O A R D O F D I R E C T O R S

JANUARY 2014 SALEM ELECTRIC INFO BULLETINSALEM ELECTRIC INFO BULLETIN

Page 3: 0114 newsletter

FOLD

FOLD

FOLD

FOLD

JANUARY 2014Jerry Berger, Director

It seems the school year just began, but it’s already time to apply to colleges

and seek scholarship opportunities. College may not be for everyone. However, over 40 years in the education field has shown me that there is value in getting a college degree even when the cost can be a challenge. For our members seeking to continue their education, Salem Electric wants to help through our Student Scholarship Program.

Since 2004 Salem Electric has provided ten $1,000

scholarships to eligible individuals living within our service area. The program is designed for a variety of students and is administered by the Oregon Student Access Commission (OSAC). OSAC reviews the applications and evaluates them based on academic promise, quality of application and essay submitted, community involvement and school activities. OSAC then selects the ten recipients. Recipients will be notified and presented with their scholarship award

at our Annual Meeting on Tuesday, May 13, 2014, 6 p.m. at Roth’s West Salem. All members are welcome to attend.

As an electric cooperative it just makes sense that Salem Electric would provide programs that benefit our members. We are committed to the communities we serve. This is just one example of how we do that. The information below outlines eligibility requirements or you can contact Salem Electric. A

Printed on recycled paper with soy-based ink.

SALEM ELECTRIC • PO BOX 5588 • 633 SEVENTH STREET NW • SALEM, OR 97304-0055PH: 503 362-3601 • FAX: 503 371-2956 • E-MAIL: [email protected] • salemelectric.com

Back when Boise Cascade’s mill alongside the river belched great clouds of

vapor into Salem’s sky, Magoo’s Tavern awaited nearby, offering warm charm and cool brew to thirsty laborers at the end of each shift.

Jim Eastridge grew up on the east side of the river. A typical kid in the 1950s, he earned his way into a customized pickup at 16 by picking beans and doing cannery work. Despite her protests, Jim refused his mother, a beauty salon owner, the use of his truck to haul chicken manure she needed for her bountiful vegetable gardens.

Less than a decade later, working by then at Magoo’s as a manager, he offered to buy the business — and later the building. Jim’s father, a local realtor, helped him with low interest loans. Today, Jim looks more like Mr. Clean than a rumpled Mr. Magoo. He’s still there daily to welcome his regular crowd, some of whom are second generation patrons, with a broad fare of fine food and drink.

How has he kept business brisk over these 42 years, in good economic times and bad? “Jim would talk to a wall, if he thought it might talk back to him,” joked Mary Eastridge, Jim’s wife of seven years, who loves his outgoing nature.

“After the mill closed, it was tough,” Jim recalled. “So I started sponsoring events.” Magoo’s supported as many as a half dozen softball teams at a time, and like the millworkers before them, ball players like a place they can recap the game and socialize.

It was in that context that Jim met Mary; she played competitive softball for years. Growing up in a family of 11, she said “heck yes!” when asked whether she was a tomboy. When Jim’s wife Linda died in 2001, he and Mary’s friendship gradually grew into a romance; they married in 2007.

Mary was raised in Redondo Beach, California. A college graduate in business administration, she worked for her father’s company, which included one of Taco Bell’s first franchises. In 1982, on a trip here to visit a sister, Mary decided to stay. Married and divorced, she raised her two boys, Chris and Jason, by starting Go Figure Books. Chris is Magoo’s operations manager.

By the time they got married, Jim and Mary had a deep fondness for the local Boys & Girls Club. “Our gift registry was set up as a way to get furniture and equipment for the West Salem club,” he said. “We raised $35,000 that way,” she added.

Since then, they’ve continued to attract revenue to that growing organization (eight locations and 11,000 children served each year in Salem). Besides being a board member, Mary has also been a member of the Civil War Auction committee for eight years. This year’s auction brought in $357,000 for the Club. The popular Cinco de Micro brew fest earned another $85,000. The Club’s annual budget is $2.2 million. (Click bgc-salem.org/ for more info.)

“We all want to help kids to find belonging and to grow their self esteem,” Mary said. To which, we’d add: Oh Magoo’s, you’ve done it again! A

From

a d

irect

or…

SE Scholarship Eligibility:

• Applicants’ primary residence must be served by Salem Electric.

• Applicants may be high school graduates (including home-school graduates) or GED recipients and must be planning to enroll in a full-time undergraduate or graduate program.

• Salem Electric staff, board members, and their immediate family members are ineligible.

Application Options:

• Application forms are available online at salemelectric.com (select the “For Youth” tab).

• Start the application process early and save the information until it’s ready to submit.

• For more information contact The Oregon Student Access Commission (OSAC) at [email protected] or 1-800-452-8807.

Timeline:

February 15, 2014 Deadline for submitting Early Bird Application and a chance to win a $500 scholarship.

March 1, 2014 Final deadline to submit applications and all required materials.

Please be aware of the timeline above, and I hope to see you at our Annual Meeting on May 13 to receive your scholarship award.

Member profile:Jim and Mary Eastridge

Each year our statewide association, The Oregon Rural Electric Cooperative Association (ORECA), recognizes those who have supported co-ops

throughout their career. Salem Electric general manager, Bob Speckman received the award at ORECA’s annual meeting on December 5, 2013. After 32 years at Salem Electric, general manager since 1997, Bob is retiring on April 30, 2014.

Bob’s commitment to co-ops precedes his years at Salem Electric when, from 1976 –1982, he was a lobbyist for ORECA spending many hours in the hallways of the State Capitol influencing legislators to support co-ops.

As Salem Electric’s general manager, Bob has expanded Salem Electric’s role in the communities

it serves by increasing Salem Electric’s presence through sponsorships, donations, and employee involvement. Salem Electric’s commitment to conservation and renewable energy continued and grew under Bob’s leadership, and his involvement in public power has touched many industry organizations, including ORECA, the Northwest Public Power Association, Northwest Requirements Utilities, and the Public Power Council.

Recognized as Oregon’s public power historian, Bob has created an archive room at Salem Electric to not only retain Salem Electric’s valuable historic information but public power’s in general. Through his efforts, the history of Oregon’s electric cooperatives has been preserved. A

Speckman Receives Distinguished Service Award

In 2012, Salem Electric’s Board of Directors approved a small-scale Advanced Metering Pilot Program on approximately 30 meter locations. With more than 36 million homes in the United States using advanced metering and the potential for the government to mandate this type of metering in the future, Salem Electric wants to be prepared.

Advanced metering offers options which are not available with our current metering system. For instance, if there is a power outage we often rely on our members to notify us so we can begin the process of identifying the problem and restoring power. With advanced metering we will be notified

immediately by the meter allowing a quicker response to outage situations. It also allows us to quickly and efficiently connect or disconnect individual meters from our office without inconveniencing our members. Members will also have access to real time energy usage through our website. This helps members conserve energy and better understand their energy usage and their electric bill.

The 30 meter locations for the pilot program have already been identified. After a year of studying the data and how it interacts with our billing system, Salem Electric may consider expanding the program pending board approval. A

Advanced Metering Pilot Program COLLEGE Scholarships

Pictured L to R: Paul Ennor, Jerry Berger, Jim Dyer, Bob Speckman, Alicia Bonesteele, Joe Van Meter, Carl Beach (not pictured Jeff Anderson)

News & Information about your member-owned utility

JANUARY 2014

Page 4: 0114 newsletter

FOLD

All board meetings are held at 7 PM at Salem Electric, 633 Seventh Street NW, Salem, Oregon

Jim Dyer President

Jeff AndersonCarl Beach

Jerry Berger Vice-President

Alicia Bonesteele Secretary/Treasurer

Paul EnnorJoe Van Meter

BoArD oF DIrECTorSUPCoMIng BoArD MEETIngSJanuary 28 February 25 March 19

from NOVeMBer 26, 2013

Board Action: The board approved the 2014 budget as presented and thanked staff for their hard work putting the information together.

The board also approved a staff recommendation to include an LED lighting option in SE’s area lighting rate schedules.

Salem Electric does a lot to avoid power outages. But, some things are beyond our control no matter how much tree

trimming, equipment inspections, and preventative maintenance we do, especially during severe and unusual weather conditions.

Snow, ice, high winds and lightning are a few examples of conditions that can seriously damage power equipment causing outages for hours or days. Our goal is to restore power as soon as possible during an outage, but even with crews working 24 hours a day, repairs can be time consuming, difficult and dangerous.

In the event of a power outage, it’s good to always be prepared! Put together an emergency kit that is easily accessible in case of a lengthy power outage or other event. Suggested supplies include:

Flashlight, radio & fresh batteries. Keep the batteries separate until you are ready to use them. Battery-operated lights are another great option.

Candles & matches. Candles are a safe light source if kept on a flat, non-flammable, stable surface.

Bottled drinking water. Store at least one gallon per person per day.

If you have a fireplace or woodstove, keep kindling and dry firewood on hand.

Clothing. Wear extra layers and cover your head with a hat. Have sleeping bags and blankets handy too.

Easy-to-prepare food items and a manual can opener. Purchase items that don’t require much cooking. Suggested ideas include: canned or instant soups,

stews or chili, packaged freeze-dried meals, and protein or breakfast bars.

Coolers are a good idea for frequently-used food. Your refrigerator and freezer will preserve food up to two days but items will spoil quicker if accessed often. Store what you can in an ice chest or cooler for easy access.

gas camp stoves or barbecues. NEVER use a camp stove or barbecue indoors! Make sure to have extra fuel for cooking outdoors.

Ample supply of essential prescription medications and over-the-counter drugs. During a storm, road travel may not be possible for several days.

First aid kit. Make sure all of the supplies are filled and ready to go.

Entertainment. Entertainment is important too. Books, board games, or cards, are a fun way to pass the time in case of an extended outage until the electricity is restored.

For more information contact our office at 503 362-3601 and ask for a “Power & Safety Guide”, or visit our website at salemelectric.com, and click on “Power and Safety Guide.” A

Leaking ducts can decrease the overall efficiency of your heating and cooling system by as much as

20%. Sealing leaks and insulating your ductwork in attics or crawlspaces can make a difference in your home’s comfort and energy efficiency. Look for duct mastic and metal-backed tape to seal those leaks and wrap ducts with duct insulation to prevent heat loss in the winter or air conditioning loss in the summer.

If your home is electrically-heated we pay 50% of the cost of testing and sealing your ductwork, and there are several other weatherization measures that your home may qualify for. Contact our Member Services Department at 503 362-3601 or visit our website at salemelectric.com and select “Energy Conservation.” A

Leadership Youth Representative:

Garret Eisenbrant has been busy writing essays for college applications. He has applied to Stanford and Oregon State (his first choice), and has already been accepted at Willamette University.

Boar

d M

eetin

g Su

mm

ary

Presented by:

Alicia BonesteeleSecretary/Treasurer

BPA Land Donation:

Staff attended a recent event where BPA was recognized for their donation of 307 acres at Minto Island as part of the Willamette Wildlife Agreement. Terry Kelly, SE Assistant General Manager, spoke about SE’s commitment to the community and the value of conserving land for the benefit of fish and wildlife which improves the quality of life for all Salem residents.

No Outage Month:

October 2013 marked Salem Electric’s 20th no preventable outage month in the cooperative’s history.

Advanced Metering:

The first five advanced meters have been installed as part of SE’s Advanced Metering Pilot Program. There will be a total of 30 meters installed in this phase of the program.

Winter is HereBe prepared!

Seal & Insulate YOur DuCtwOrk

SIMPLE SOLUTIONS

Dimmers help to conserve power by allowing you to control the lighting level based on varying needs. Dimming lights an average of

50% can reduce electricity usage by up to 40% and extend bulb life. Be sure the fixture and bulb are compatible with dimmers before installing.

Another option for saving energy on lighting is to use a more efficient light bulb (see the table below). A

DimmErs:Lower Lighting

& Lower Bills

e-Billing: A Convenient Choice

In March 2006, Salem Electric started E-billing with one member. now more than 6,400 members are using this convenient billing option.

If you sign up for the E-bill Program you are notified by email each month when your bill is ready to be viewed online. You have plenty of time to review your bill prior to making a payment or contact Salem Electric with any questions regarding your bill. Members also have the option of viewing several months of usage online.

For more information on convenient E-billing options that save time, paper, and postage visit salemelectric.com and click on “Easy Pay options.” A

If you’re having work done around your house, do your homework first and consider the following:

Is your contractor…Bonded? Licensed? Insured? registered with the Construction Contractor’s Board? Start with a call to the oregon Construction Contractors Board at 503 378-4621 or visit their website at: oregon.gov/CCB/pages/index.aspx and select “Consumer Help.” All these things can play a role in how happy you will be when the job is completed. If there are problems that aren’t fixed to your satisfaction, you have an avenue for recourse if the above-mentioned items are in place.

And remember, if your plans include weatherization of your electrically-heated home or installing a new heat pump, we have programs to help. A

Do your Homework

wattage: 60 12 – 15 6 – 8 Dimmable: Yes No Yes sensitive to Low temperatures: some Yes No Average Hours of rated Life: 1,000 9,000 40,000

inca

ndes

cent

CFL

LeDLight Bulb

Comparison

F R O M Y O U R B O A R D O F D I R E C T O R S

JANUARY 2014 SALEM ELECTRIC INFO BULLETINSALEM ELECTRIC INFO BULLETIN

Page 5: 0114 newsletter

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All board meetings are held at 7 PM at Salem Electric, 633 Seventh Street NW, Salem, Oregon

Jim Dyer President

Jeff AndersonCarl Beach

Jerry Berger Vice-President

Alicia Bonesteele Secretary/Treasurer

Paul EnnorJoe Van Meter

BoArD oF DIrECTorSUPCoMIng BoArD MEETIngSJanuary 28 February 25 March 19

from NOVeMBer 26, 2013

Board Action: The board approved the 2014 budget as presented and thanked staff for their hard work putting the information together.

The board also approved a staff recommendation to include an LED lighting option in SE’s area lighting rate schedules.

Salem Electric does a lot to avoid power outages. But, some things are beyond our control no matter how much tree

trimming, equipment inspections, and preventative maintenance we do, especially during severe and unusual weather conditions.

Snow, ice, high winds and lightning are a few examples of conditions that can seriously damage power equipment causing outages for hours or days. Our goal is to restore power as soon as possible during an outage, but even with crews working 24 hours a day, repairs can be time consuming, difficult and dangerous.

In the event of a power outage, it’s good to always be prepared! Put together an emergency kit that is easily accessible in case of a lengthy power outage or other event. Suggested supplies include:

Flashlight, radio & fresh batteries. Keep the batteries separate until you are ready to use them. Battery-operated lights are another great option.

Candles & matches. Candles are a safe light source if kept on a flat, non-flammable, stable surface.

Bottled drinking water. Store at least one gallon per person per day.

If you have a fireplace or woodstove, keep kindling and dry firewood on hand.

Clothing. Wear extra layers and cover your head with a hat. Have sleeping bags and blankets handy too.

Easy-to-prepare food items and a manual can opener. Purchase items that don’t require much cooking. Suggested ideas include: canned or instant soups,

stews or chili, packaged freeze-dried meals, and protein or breakfast bars.

Coolers are a good idea for frequently-used food. Your refrigerator and freezer will preserve food up to two days but items will spoil quicker if accessed often. Store what you can in an ice chest or cooler for easy access.

gas camp stoves or barbecues. NEVER use a camp stove or barbecue indoors! Make sure to have extra fuel for cooking outdoors.

Ample supply of essential prescription medications and over-the-counter drugs. During a storm, road travel may not be possible for several days.

First aid kit. Make sure all of the supplies are filled and ready to go.

Entertainment. Entertainment is important too. Books, board games, or cards, are a fun way to pass the time in case of an extended outage until the electricity is restored.

For more information contact our office at 503 362-3601 and ask for a “Power & Safety Guide”, or visit our website at salemelectric.com, and click on “Power and Safety Guide.” A

Leaking ducts can decrease the overall efficiency of your heating and cooling system by as much as

20%. Sealing leaks and insulating your ductwork in attics or crawlspaces can make a difference in your home’s comfort and energy efficiency. Look for duct mastic and metal-backed tape to seal those leaks and wrap ducts with duct insulation to prevent heat loss in the winter or air conditioning loss in the summer.

If your home is electrically-heated we pay 50% of the cost of testing and sealing your ductwork, and there are several other weatherization measures that your home may qualify for. Contact our Member Services Department at 503 362-3601 or visit our website at salemelectric.com and select “Energy Conservation.” A

Leadership Youth Representative:

Garret Eisenbrant has been busy writing essays for college applications. He has applied to Stanford and Oregon State (his first choice), and has already been accepted at Willamette University.

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Presented by:

Alicia BonesteeleSecretary/Treasurer

BPA Land Donation:

Staff attended a recent event where BPA was recognized for their donation of 307 acres at Minto Island as part of the Willamette Wildlife Agreement. Terry Kelly, SE Assistant General Manager, spoke about SE’s commitment to the community and the value of conserving land for the benefit of fish and wildlife which improves the quality of life for all Salem residents.

No Outage Month:

October 2013 marked Salem Electric’s 20th no preventable outage month in the cooperative’s history.

Advanced Metering:

The first five advanced meters have been installed as part of SE’s Advanced Metering Pilot Program. There will be a total of 30 meters installed in this phase of the program.

Winter is HereBe prepared!

Seal & Insulate YOur DuCtwOrk

SIMPLE SOLUTIONS

Dimmers help to conserve power by allowing you to control the lighting level based on varying needs. Dimming lights an average of

50% can reduce electricity usage by up to 40% and extend bulb life. Be sure the fixture and bulb are compatible with dimmers before installing.

Another option for saving energy on lighting is to use a more efficient light bulb (see the table below). A

DimmErs:Lower Lighting

& Lower Bills

e-Billing: A Convenient Choice

In March 2006, Salem Electric started E-billing with one member. now more than 6,400 members are using this convenient billing option.

If you sign up for the E-bill Program you are notified by email each month when your bill is ready to be viewed online. You have plenty of time to review your bill prior to making a payment or contact Salem Electric with any questions regarding your bill. Members also have the option of viewing several months of usage online.

For more information on convenient E-billing options that save time, paper, and postage visit salemelectric.com and click on “Easy Pay options.” A

If you’re having work done around your house, do your homework first and consider the following:

Is your contractor…Bonded? Licensed? Insured? registered with the Construction Contractor’s Board? Start with a call to the oregon Construction Contractors Board at 503 378-4621 or visit their website at: oregon.gov/CCB/pages/index.aspx and select “Consumer Help.” All these things can play a role in how happy you will be when the job is completed. If there are problems that aren’t fixed to your satisfaction, you have an avenue for recourse if the above-mentioned items are in place.

And remember, if your plans include weatherization of your electrically-heated home or installing a new heat pump, we have programs to help. A

Do your Homework

wattage: 60 12 – 15 6 – 8 Dimmable: Yes No Yes sensitive to Low temperatures: some Yes No Average Hours of rated Life: 1,000 9,000 40,000

inca

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CFL

LeDLight Bulb

Comparison

F R O M Y O U R B O A R D O F D I R E C T O R S

JANUARY 2014 SALEM ELECTRIC INFO BULLETINSALEM ELECTRIC INFO BULLETIN

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JANUARY 2014Jerry Berger, Director

It seems the school year just began, but it’s already time to apply to colleges

and seek scholarship opportunities. College may not be for everyone. However, over 40 years in the education field has shown me that there is value in getting a college degree even when the cost can be a challenge. For our members seeking to continue their education, Salem Electric wants to help through our Student Scholarship Program.

Since 2004 Salem Electric has provided ten $1,000

scholarships to eligible individuals living within our service area. The program is designed for a variety of students and is administered by the Oregon Student Access Commission (OSAC). OSAC reviews the applications and evaluates them based on academic promise, quality of application and essay submitted, community involvement and school activities. OSAC then selects the ten recipients. Recipients will be notified and presented with their scholarship award

at our Annual Meeting on Tuesday, May 13, 2014, 6 p.m. at Roth’s West Salem. All members are welcome to attend.

As an electric cooperative it just makes sense that Salem Electric would provide programs that benefit our members. We are committed to the communities we serve. This is just one example of how we do that. The information below outlines eligibility requirements or you can contact Salem Electric. A

Printed on recycled paper with soy-based ink.

SALEM ELECTRIC • PO BOX 5588 • 633 SEVENTH STREET NW • SALEM, OR 97304-0055PH: 503 362-3601 • FAX: 503 371-2956 • E-MAIL: [email protected] • salemelectric.com

Back when Boise Cascade’s mill alongside the river belched great clouds of

vapor into Salem’s sky, Magoo’s Tavern awaited nearby, offering warm charm and cool brew to thirsty laborers at the end of each shift.

Jim Eastridge grew up on the east side of the river. A typical kid in the 1950s, he earned his way into a customized pickup at 16 by picking beans and doing cannery work. Despite her protests, Jim refused his mother, a beauty salon owner, the use of his truck to haul chicken manure she needed for her bountiful vegetable gardens.

Less than a decade later, working by then at Magoo’s as a manager, he offered to buy the business — and later the building. Jim’s father, a local realtor, helped him with low interest loans. Today, Jim looks more like Mr. Clean than a rumpled Mr. Magoo. He’s still there daily to welcome his regular crowd, some of whom are second generation patrons, with a broad fare of fine food and drink.

How has he kept business brisk over these 42 years, in good economic times and bad? “Jim would talk to a wall, if he thought it might talk back to him,” joked Mary Eastridge, Jim’s wife of seven years, who loves his outgoing nature.

“After the mill closed, it was tough,” Jim recalled. “So I started sponsoring events.” Magoo’s supported as many as a half dozen softball teams at a time, and like the millworkers before them, ball players like a place they can recap the game and socialize.

It was in that context that Jim met Mary; she played competitive softball for years. Growing up in a family of 11, she said “heck yes!” when asked whether she was a tomboy. When Jim’s wife Linda died in 2001, he and Mary’s friendship gradually grew into a romance; they married in 2007.

Mary was raised in Redondo Beach, California. A college graduate in business administration, she worked for her father’s company, which included one of Taco Bell’s first franchises. In 1982, on a trip here to visit a sister, Mary decided to stay. Married and divorced, she raised her two boys, Chris and Jason, by starting Go Figure Books. Chris is Magoo’s operations manager.

By the time they got married, Jim and Mary had a deep fondness for the local Boys & Girls Club. “Our gift registry was set up as a way to get furniture and equipment for the West Salem club,” he said. “We raised $35,000 that way,” she added.

Since then, they’ve continued to attract revenue to that growing organization (eight locations and 11,000 children served each year in Salem). Besides being a board member, Mary has also been a member of the Civil War Auction committee for eight years. This year’s auction brought in $357,000 for the Club. The popular Cinco de Micro brew fest earned another $85,000. The Club’s annual budget is $2.2 million. (Click bgc-salem.org/ for more info.)

“We all want to help kids to find belonging and to grow their self esteem,” Mary said. To which, we’d add: Oh Magoo’s, you’ve done it again! A

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SE Scholarship Eligibility:

• Applicants’ primary residence must be served by Salem Electric.

• Applicants may be high school graduates (including home-school graduates) or GED recipients and must be planning to enroll in a full-time undergraduate or graduate program.

• Salem Electric staff, board members, and their immediate family members are ineligible.

Application Options:

• Application forms are available online at salemelectric.com (select the “For Youth” tab).

• Start the application process early and save the information until it’s ready to submit.

• For more information contact The Oregon Student Access Commission (OSAC) at [email protected] or 1-800-452-8807.

Timeline:

February 15, 2014 Deadline for submitting Early Bird Application and a chance to win a $500 scholarship.

March 1, 2014 Final deadline to submit applications and all required materials.

Please be aware of the timeline above, and I hope to see you at our Annual Meeting on May 13 to receive your scholarship award.

Member profile:Jim and Mary Eastridge

Each year our statewide association, The Oregon Rural Electric Cooperative Association (ORECA), recognizes those who have supported co-ops

throughout their career. Salem Electric general manager, Bob Speckman received the award at ORECA’s annual meeting on December 5, 2013. After 32 years at Salem Electric, general manager since 1997, Bob is retiring on April 30, 2014.

Bob’s commitment to co-ops precedes his years at Salem Electric when, from 1976 –1982, he was a lobbyist for ORECA spending many hours in the hallways of the State Capitol influencing legislators to support co-ops.

As Salem Electric’s general manager, Bob has expanded Salem Electric’s role in the communities

it serves by increasing Salem Electric’s presence through sponsorships, donations, and employee involvement. Salem Electric’s commitment to conservation and renewable energy continued and grew under Bob’s leadership, and his involvement in public power has touched many industry organizations, including ORECA, the Northwest Public Power Association, Northwest Requirements Utilities, and the Public Power Council.

Recognized as Oregon’s public power historian, Bob has created an archive room at Salem Electric to not only retain Salem Electric’s valuable historic information but public power’s in general. Through his efforts, the history of Oregon’s electric cooperatives has been preserved. A

Speckman Receives Distinguished Service Award

In 2012, Salem Electric’s Board of Directors approved a small-scale Advanced Metering Pilot Program on approximately 30 meter locations. With more than 36 million homes in the United States using advanced metering and the potential for the government to mandate this type of metering in the future, Salem Electric wants to be prepared.

Advanced metering offers options which are not available with our current metering system. For instance, if there is a power outage we often rely on our members to notify us so we can begin the process of identifying the problem and restoring power. With advanced metering we will be notified

immediately by the meter allowing a quicker response to outage situations. It also allows us to quickly and efficiently connect or disconnect individual meters from our office without inconveniencing our members. Members will also have access to real time energy usage through our website. This helps members conserve energy and better understand their energy usage and their electric bill.

The 30 meter locations for the pilot program have already been identified. After a year of studying the data and how it interacts with our billing system, Salem Electric may consider expanding the program pending board approval. A

Advanced Metering Pilot Program COLLEGE Scholarships

Pictured L to R: Paul Ennor, Jerry Berger, Jim Dyer, Bob Speckman, Alicia Bonesteele, Joe Van Meter, Carl Beach (not pictured Jeff Anderson)

News & Information about your member-owned utility

JANUARY 2014