Co-op News BANDERA ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE It … don’t ride around on no horse – They don’t sing no songs about how they feel In the gales when the feeders may cross. They don’t

I apologize in advance for the length of this month’s article, but the topic is of such

importance to me that I feel obligated to expand on it a bit. As Winston Churchill once said, “I apologize for the long letter as I didn’t have time to write you a short one.”

Last fall, three of our linemen; John Hernandez, Garrett Clark and Jay Rasberry — volunteered to travel to Haiti to build power lines to villages and orphanages where no power currently exists. There are still more than 1.3 billion people living in the world without the benefit of electricity, and less than 15 percent of the people in Haiti have access to electricity. This experience was not only life-changing for the villagers but also for the linemen themselves.

On December 9, 2015, U.S. Congressman Lamar Smith read into the o�cial congressional record a recognition of thanks to these linemen. In part, the acknowledgment said “the service and sacrifice of these linemen will impact thousands of Haitians resulting in improvements in healthcare, education and economic opportunities.”

The significance of this, aside from the individual gratitude of the linemen, is the recognition of the impact electricity has on improving the quality of life through safer healthcare, educational opportunity and economic development. Hence, the pathway to economic stability, both individually and globally, begins with the delivery of electricity. The delivery of safe, reliable and a�ordable electricity begins with our linemen.

When the power goes out, we ask our linemen to urgently respond regardless of the time of day, current workload or weather conditions. Without question, they respond because they understand the importance of the restoration of electricity. It is about restoring stability and security.

April 11, has been recognized by National Rural Electric Cooperative Association Lineman Appreciation Day, and I would like to recognize all of the men and women linemen who work to keep our economic engine running reliably. I would especially like to thank and honor the Bandera EC linemen who work long hours in adverse conditions to keep the power on.

I came across this poem in a 1928 version of the The Lineman’s Handbook authored by Edwin Kurtz. The poem was written by Chan Gardiner. Although I cannot find anything about the author or when it was originally written, I feel that it captures the essence of being a lineman.

BANDERA ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE

BanderaElectric.com20 Texas Co-op Power BANDERA EC April 2016

Co-op News

MESSAGE FROMCEO BILL HETHERINGTON

It Begins with Electricity

The LinemanThey sings of the men as goes down to sea;

Of the heroes of cannon and swords;

An’ writes of the valors of dead chivalry,

An’ the bravery of old knights n’ lords.

They sighs ‘cause the romances of knighthood is past,

‘Cause there ain’t no ideals any more;

They says that this old world’s a rollin’ too fast

To develop that “esprit de corps.

But them as complains are the ones as don’t know,

Who sits loose where it’s warm and then kick

They ain’t never seen a line saggin with snow

An’ had to get service back – quick!

They ain’t never struggled with death at their side,

A-snappin’ and hissin’ and pale –

Nor clung to the towers and grimly defied

The assaults of the blizzards and gale.

They sit and are served with never a thought

Of the fellers out pluggin’ like Hell –

To supply at their touch the service they’ve brought

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Groundman Drew Perez and Line Foreman Andy Rios assist with setting poles on Highway 46 in Boerne.

BanderaCE_April 2016.indd 20 3/8/2016 4:48:06 PM

1-866-226-3372 | BANDERAELECTRIC.COM

BanderaElectric.com April 2016 BANDERA EC Texas Co-op Power 21

Bandera Electric Cooperative, Inc.3172 Highway 16 N. • P.O. Box 667Bandera, TX 78003

1-866-226-3372 (1-866-BANDERA)

BanderaElectric.comOperating in Bandera, Bexar, Kendall, Kerr, Medina, Real and Uvalde counties

C E OWilliam “Bill” Hetherington

B O A R D O F D I R E C T O R S

District 1 Jerry N. Word Sr. District 3 Douglas “Rob” SandidgeDistrict 4 Jeremy DillerDistrict 5 Jerry S. PierceDistrict 6 Richard “Dick” EarnestDistrict 7 Zeda AlvaradoDistrict 8 MIchael D.T. EdwardsDistrict 9 Kurt Solis

OFFICESBEC Headquarters3172 Highway 16 N., Bandera

Comfort O� ce739 Front St. (Highway 27), Comfort

Leakey O� ce485 W. Ranch Road 337, Leakey

MEMBER BENEFITS• Paperless billing• Online bill payments• Online outage map• Follow Us! Twitter: @BanderaElectric Facebook: BanderaElectric Instagram: BanderaElectric Pinterest: BanderaElectric• Co-op Connections discount card• Heat pump rebates

PAYMENT OPTIONS AND LOCATIONS• Online bill pay• Bank draft• Automatic credit card payment • Level billing • Visa, Discover and MasterCard accepted• ECheck payment by phone or online• Cash or check payment in our o� ces• Payments accepted at Fidelity Express

locations• PrePay Program• Time-Based Usage Plan

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With a light, or the sound of a bell.

These fellers ain’t togged out all shinin’ in steel,

They don’t ride around on no horse –

They don’t sing no songs about how they feel

In the gales when the feeders may cross.

They don’t wave no banners embroidered in gold,

In Latin nobody can read;

They don’t do no braggin’ of deeds that were bold

Their motto is “service and speed.”

Their armor ain’t nothin’ but slickers an’ boots

Their weapons are climbers and pliers,

Their battles are fought up where hi-tension shoots

An’ death lurks unseen on the wires.

They’re fi ghtin’ on gales and the blizzards an’ ice,

Protectin’ the towers and span

With e§ ort not measured in hours or price –

For one cause – service to man!

So here’s to the Lineman – the son of a gun

That can do without sleep for a week!

That sticks to the job ‘til it’s every bit done

And the feeders can carry the peak.

For his is that Knighthood that’s noblest by far

That highest and mightiest clan,

That’s fi ghtin’ the battles of things-as-they-are

In the cause of the service of man.

Lineman Second Class II BJ Angermiller works in a bucket truck building power lines to a new Boerne subdivision.




Getting a Kick Out of LifeBY TONY TUCCIBEC Writer

HE LIVES IN THE ROUGH-AND-TUMBLE WORLD OF martial arts, but there is no meanness in Kevin Durio. At the Boerne YMCA, where he is a personal trainer and physical fitness instructor, he is known for his cheerful demeanor and unrelenting sense of humor. In contrast, when directing physical fitness seminars for police and military personnel, he might be teaching a police officer how to “take out” a suspect with a crippling kick to the knee cap.

Durio’s credentials are impressive. When it comes to physical fitness, he can do it all. He’s a certified boxing coach; a specialist in law enforcement fitness; a trainer in one-on-one boxing, kickboxing and martial arts; a personal trainer and an experienced public speaker. When he’s not working at the YMCA, he’s training police and military personnel in cities all over the state.

“I do what I do because I love what I do,” he said, and that explains how he has been successful despite some difficult times.

Nicole Richard, personal trainer coordinator at the YMCA who hired Durio, said “I knew within the first five minutes that this man was not only well educated in his fitness field but he also had an energy and humor about him that drew me to him. Even though he is physically rugged, he has a beautiful, gentle spirit. He serves others well and is making a difference.”

Durio was born in Baton Rouge, La., but his dad’s military kept the family on the move. Eventually, he wound up in Longview, Texas. His interest in the martial arts began when he was a boy watching Bruce Lee and the Green Hornet’s sidekick Kato, played by Jay Chou, on television.

“I started jumping off the couch and doing all kinds of crazy stuff,” said Durio. His parents had to decide whether to buy new furniture or pay for some karate lessons. He immersed himself in karate and advanced to a black belt. By the time he got to high school, he was ready for some competition and decided to try kickboxing. He was a

formidable fighter and won numerous fights including the championship Big D Nationals. His last fight was in 1993.

His more practical side was moving right along, too. After high school, he got a degree in architecture from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette and went to work for HKS architects, an international firm that designed both the Texas Rangers and Dallas Cowboys stadiums.

“I was out of school, living in Dallas and teaching karate classes, but I wanted a job where I could be of more service.” So, he enrolled in Emergency Medical Services courses and got a job with the Grand Prairie EMS. Martial arts remained his No. 1 interest, however, and he quit EMS after three years to concentrate on his company, Urban Defense Training. His company’s motto, “In Service to Others,” says a lot about the

man.He works mostly with

police departments, traveling to various communities to hold weeklong seminars. Durio enjoys working with policemen who need to be in top physical shape to perform their jobs safely.

He teaches them self defense and o�ensive maneuvers such as hand-to-hand combat, kickboxing, stick fighting, ways to take down or disarm a suspect and what he calls “last resort” techniques.

“We teach a program called the Tactical Athlete—how to be fit,” he said. “I’d like to see a change in physical requirements for police that will make it mandatory for them to stay fit,” he said.

When he’s not teaching, he’s a mainstay at the YMCA, teaching self-defense to everyone from school students to seniors. He’s also a personal trainer to individuals trying to recover from injuries or build strength.

“They need the skills that I can give them, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to help,” he said.

Durio said the relationships with his trainees — the young, the old, those in uniform and those who simply need a helping hand—have given him a sense of community.

“I’d like to see a change in physical requirements for police that will make it mandatory for them to stay fit.”

— Personal Trainer Kevin Durio




BANDERA ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE IS PREPARING FOR the 2016 Annual Meeting, Saturday, May 21, in Bandera. At the 2016 annual meeting BEC members will also be able to take part in our first energy fair.

As a member-owner of Bandera EC, each person receiving service is invited to take an active part in the business of the cooperative by attending the annual meeting. Each year, the CEO and board president present the annual report and future plans of the cooperative. This event is not only a chance to visit with members but it’s also a great opportunity to learn about programs o�ered at BEC.

This year, Bandera EC is also hosting an energy fair during the meeting for members to seek information, services and products that encourage energy e�ciency, conservation and sustainability all under one roof. BEC has invited local contractors, designers, and suppliers to o�er their expertise, and showcase their products and services.

The goal of the energy fair is to help members find opportunities to reduce electric consumption, while maintaining their preferred comfort level at home. BEC will structure the energy fair to include multiple levels of investment. Members, with no monetary investment, can learn how to reduce their bill by simply changing their energy usage patterns.

For members willing to make a small investment, BEC has invited experts to o�er information about reducing consumption with energy-e�cient appliances and home

improvements. There will be information for those willing to take the next step and make a significant investment in new construction or energy generation, such as solar, rain catchment, energy storage and green-building renovations.

The energy fair is intended to help members realize how investments in energy conservation can pay for themselves over time. The energy fair will showcase the latest technology in the fields listed below:

• Lighting e�ciency• HVAC systems and controls • Energy e�ciency and energy management• Renewable energy• Energy storage• Integrated building automation and energy

management• Thermal storage• Boilers and combustion controls• Green building and net zero architecture• Water conservation

Subject matter experts will be on hand to explain their products so members can make informed decisions. The vendors invited to the energy fair are local and have performed work in our service area. To be a vendor at the Annual Meeting Energy Fair, please call 1-866-226-3372 or email [email protected].

Saturday, May 21 | Mansfield Park | Highway 16 North | Bandera, Texas

Board of Director election ballots will arrive in the mail beginning April 27. Be sure to vote online or by mail.


Find this and more delicious recipes online at

TEXASCOOPPOWER.COM

RECIPE OF THE MONTH

Triple Tomato Chicken ¼ cup oil for frying2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken

thighs (about 8 thighs)3 cloves garlic, minced½ cup red wine (substitute broth or

water)1 tablespoon Italian seasoning 1 can (14.5 ounces) chopped tomatoes1 can (6 ounces) tomato pasteSalt to taste¼ cup sun-dried tomatoesCooked pasta or rice to serve

1. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat for about a min-ute, then add chicken.2. Fry until done on one side, about 3 minutes, then flip and add garlic. Continue cooking until second side is done.3. Deglaze pan with wine, broth or water. Reduce heat to medium-low.4. Add seasoning, chopped toma-toes and tomato paste, and stir.5. Cover pan with lid and allow to simmer about 10 minutes or until chicken is cooked through. Taste sauce and add salt as desired.6. Top chicken pieces with sun-dried tomatoes. Serve over pasta or rice.

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As a cooperative, our focus is on providing quality service, not generating profits.

Capital Credits Benefit You—and Us, TooOne of the many benefits of being a co-op member

THERE ARE SO MANY BENEFITS that come with co-op membership, but perhaps one of the best benefits is capital credits.

What are capital credits, you ask? At the end of each year, Bandera Electric Cooperative calculates its operating margin, which is the amount by which income exceeded expenses during the year. We then allocate the margin as “capital credits” to members based on the amount of electricity that each purchased throughout the year.

When our board of directors determines it is financially feasible and prudent, and when we meet the financial requirements stated in our loan documents, we retire the capital credits.

In the interim, we use the allocated, but unretired, capital credits to improve and expand our electric system and meet our other capital needs. This reduces our need to borrow money and helps us provide reliable electric service.

You might wonder why we do this. As an electric cooperative, we are here to provide at-cost electric service. We aren’t here to make a profit, and we don’t have shareholders. As a member of an electric cooperative, you invest in the e�cient operation of your co-op. Unlike an investor-owned utility, we don’t pay dividends or other amounts to shareholders who don’t purchase electricity from us.

Every year, our board of directors evaluates the cooperatives financial position and capital needs, and determines whether the co-op will retire capital credits.

When capital credits are retired, you might see that retirement on your bill next to the line item labeled “Capital credits retirement” or a similar phrase, or you might receive a check. Either way, we will let you know how and when you will receive your capital credits retirement. To help ensure that you receive your retirement if you leave the cooperative, please provide us your updated address after you leave.

In 2014, America’s electric cooperatives collectively retired $974 million—that’s the cooperative way!

Capital credits benefit all co-op members by keeping costs and electric rates as low as possible. The allocations help qualify us for cooperative status under federal income tax law. Capital credits also help reduce the amount of money the co-op has to borrow, which keeps service costs down.

The bottom line: Capital credits are just one of the many benefits of being a member of Bandera EC.

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IN THE NORTHERN STATES, WINTER residents keep a lookout for the fi rst glimpse of a robin. The red-breasted bird, while not always a reliable weather forecaster, is one of the most recognizable signs of spring. Many robins pass through Central Texas on their way north, following the warm fronts that carry them from winter homes in Mexico to northern states and southern Canada. They wait just at the edge of spring to arrive as the land is soft and full of earthworms. Robins don’t come to bird feeders. Instead, they hop along the ground with heads cocked, as though they can actually hear a worm or an insect crawling beneath the surface. Suddenly one will plunge its beak downward and come up with a juicy morsel. Cliff Shackelford, bird specialist with the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, said it’s doubtful the birds can hear that well, but they probably sense the movement beneath the

surface. Others say the robins can see holes in the ground made by the worms. Of course a robin needs soft, moist soil like that found on dewy mornings to avoid a major headache. One might suppose that’s where the saying “The early bird gets the worm” originated.

They travel on instinct, and small fl ocks can be seen on our lawns as they replenish their energy stores. “Although we like to romanticize that they arrive at the same date each year, the date is fl exible,” said Shackelford. While their arrival date is uncertain, robins have an uncanny ability to arrive at the exact

same nesting site each year, said Shackelford. So be on the lookout for these harbingers of spring as they stop over in the Texas Hill Country on their way north. For more information about Texas Parks and Wildlife Department , their programs and available educational materials, please visit tpwd.texas.

BY TONY TUCCIBEC Writer

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HAPPY EARTH DAY!

APRIL 22

Power TipClose apps on your phone or tablet when they aren’t in use. It will save battery life, which means you’ll charge less frequently, saving electricity.

H O C U S - F O C U S | I S T O C K . C O M

Rockin’ Robin

Cli Shackelford




Four Area Students Selected for BEC’s 2016 Youth Tour

THIS YEAR, BANDERA ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE will be sending four students to Washington, D.C., as our 2016 representatives at the Government-in-Action Youth Tour. Each year, Bandera EC sponsors the Youth Tour in conjunction with Texas Electric Cooperatives and the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association.

The four students—Sophomores Haleigh Boyd, Micah Felkins, Ethan Louis Zinsmeister and senior Emilee Mason— have been selected by a committee of volunteers as the recipients of the all-expense-paid trip for an intensive, week-long tour and leadership program. In addition to visiting monuments, museums and historical sites, the students will meet with their members of Congress, hear inspirational speakers and make lifelong friendships with other Youth Tour

participants from across the country. All four students answered the essay question, “What

would you like to do or see that will change the world for the better, and why?” Haleigh said that she would “like to see a world full of people that care about the e�ects of their decisions.” Micah would “like gas powered generators replaced with wind turbines and solar panels.” Ethan would like “to become a pediatrician and give medical attention to the people that are destitute and need relief from their present situation.” and Emilee would like “to be a math professor so she can teach our youth.”

Congratulations to Haleigh, Micah, Ethan and Emilee. BEC is proud to sponsor these four outstanding students for the 2016 Government-in-Action Youth Tour.

Haleigh Boyd Junior Utopia High School

Emilee MasonSeniorBandera High School

Micah FelkinsJunior

Home-schooled

Ethan ZinsmeisterJunior

Medina Valley High School




SPRING HAS SPRUNG! Put mild springtime temperatures to work for your energy bill with these easy suggestions:

Hire a heating and air-conditioning professional to check out your air-conditioning system and window AC units. Annual spring maintenance can keep your AC running smoothly. Ask the pro to change or clean the filters while there.

Open the windows. As soon as it’s warm enough to feel comfortable indoors without heat, turn it o� and invite inside the warm outdoor air. Natural breezes will freshen a stu�y house that’s been closed up all winter. Keeping the heat and AC turned o� for as long as possible can save you a bundle on energy.

Let in the sunshine. Throw open the drapes or blinds to let bright, warm sun rays into your rooms on mild days. When summer heat arrives, close those drapes during the day to keep the sun from overheating your house.

If you have a programmable thermostat, use it. Set it to automatically adjust the temperature so you’re not cooling an empty house.

Switch the direction of ceiling fans. During spring and summer, fan blades should rotate counterclockwise, pushing cooler air down into the room. Using ceiling fans will allow you to increase your thermostat’s temperature setting by up to 4 degrees without sacrificing comfort.

Have a cookout. Prepare dinner on your outdoor grill on nice evenings rather than using the stove or oven. Appliances that create heat tend to heat up the whole house.

Run the dishwasher and clothes dryer after dark. No need to add heat to your home’s air during the day when it’s warm outdoors.

Caulk and weatherstrip windows and doors. You read about this every spring because you should do it every spring. Caulking doesn’t last forever.

Dress for the weather. Shed the sweaters and socks when it’s warm outside so you can delay the start of air-conditioning season inside.

Turn down the water heater. If you turned it up a couple of degrees during the winter to make your showers extra steamy, it’s time to lower it to 120 degrees. Not only is that hot enough, it’s also a safer temperature than anything higher, especially if kids or older family members are showering in your home.

Enjoy Springtime With Energy Savings

As part of your spring cleaning, hire a professional to conduct annual maintenance on your AC unit.

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NATIONAL LINEMAN APPRECIATION DAY

IS APRIL 11.

THANK YOU, BANDERA EC LINEMEN, FOR BRINGING POWER TO OUR

MEMBERS.


Documents

Co-op News BANDERA ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE It … don’t ride around on no horse – They don’t sing no songs about how they feel In the gales when the feeders may cross. They don’t