2016 Washington Youth Tour delegates selected at annual banquet

The 2016 Youth Tour Essay finalists were recognized at a recent banquet. Shown left to right are Jamie Martin, William Hartmann, Jessica Litloff, Adam Howe, Sarah Johnson, John Wiese, WAFB Meteorologist Jeff Morrow (keynote and DEMCO Youth Tour Alum of 2002), DEMCO Manager of Member and Public Relations David Latona, Sawyer Welborn, Grace Bordelon, Hannah Cowart, Ashley Gouedy, Kennedy Wilcher and Abigail Wootan. Along these Manager’s Report LINES By John Vranic April 2016 DEMCO CEO and General Manager Along These Lines is an official publication of Dixie Electric Membership Corp. It is written for and distributed to members of the cooperative nine times each year. Dixie Electric Membership Corp. Leaders of tomorrow lauded is a non-profit rural electric cooperative providing service to 100,000 consumer-owners in seven Louisiana parishes. The Cooperative headquarters at Youth Tour banquet is located at 16262 Wax Road, Greenwell Springs, LA. All comments, suggestions and requests for ne of my favorite events to attend Louisiana’s delegation on Capitol Hill. information concerning this publication should be each spring is the annual DEMCO They have lots of time for socializing with addressed to Along These Lines, Dixie Electric Youth Tour Banquet. young people from other states and also Membership Corp., P.O. Box 15659, Baton Rouge, O LA 70895, (225) 261-1221. This is a special occasion organized receive leadership training and learn more by your local cooperative to recognize the about the country’s electric cooperative the program. Demco 12 finalists who have entered the Youth movement. This year’s speaker was Channel 9 Board of Directors Tour Essay Contest with a chance to win It’s a tremendous experience of a life- meteorologist Jeff Morrow, who is a past Ascension a free trip to Washington, D.C. time for the students, many of whom go Youth Tour delegate. He shared his own Clarence Brock Every year, hundreds of students from on to be high achievers in their personal Youth Tour experience and encouraged East Baton Rouge throughout our seven-parish service terri- and professional development and impor- the students to always give their best ef- Steve Irving, Vice President tory put forth their best effort to compose tant contributors to our society. fort, assuring them that they are certain to Randy Lorio an essay addressing a specific topic. This The banquet is a special occasion to have the time of their lives. Ann Samuel year entering students wrote their essays meet these contest finalists and also visit When the winners are named, there East Feliciana as a letter to a political leader of their Glenn DeLee choosing to bring attention to a need in The banquet is a special occasion to meet these Faye Morris their own communities. Livingston contest finalists and also visit with their parents, Leslie Falks Those essays are read and rated by a Dennis Lott, Sec.-Treasurer set of independent judges, and the final 12 teachers, friends, mentors and others who play a Danny Berthelot participants are invited to attend the ban- critical role in their success. St. Helena quet to share a meal and present their es- Richard Sitman, President says in front of a separate panel of judges. Joe Self From that point, four finalists are with their parents, teachers, friends, men- is always a sense that very little separated Tangipahoa chosen to join 20 other winners of similar tors and others who play a critical role in those who were chosen and those who Eugene Traylor essay contests sponsored by our fellow their success. were not. With so many talented young- West Feliciana electric cooperatives from every region My wife and I always share great an- sters, this proves every year to be a very Freddy Metz of the state. The four finalists, sponsored ticipation as the essays are presented. It’s difficult task – and nobody wants to be in CEO & General Manager by DEMCO, join the other students on encouraging for us to hear the students so the judges’ shoes! John Vranic Vice President of the trip that is led by the Association of passionately and eloquently convey their I commend all those who entered this Engineering and Operations Louisiana Electric Cooperatives, and opinions on politics, current events and year’s contest and encourage those who Randy Buchanan travel to Washington in June to take part sometimes emotionally-stirring personal are eligible to enter next year’s competi- Vice President of finance in the National Youth Tour program with experiences of joy or tragedy. tion. (Acct. No. 80191520-001) Jimmie Varnado about 1,500 youth leaders from around the Another highlight of the evening It’s our honor to make this opportu- Vice President of country. comes when the judges are tallying their nity available as we strive to fulfill our human resources The students spend a week in our final results and a featured speaker takes commitment to education and improving Esther Tapia nation’s capital visiting monuments and the stage, often a public servant, local the quality of life for those we serve. Con- vice president of memorials and meeting with members of celebrity or even a previous participant in gratulations to this year’s winners. marketing & member services Brent Bradley

Along These Lines (USPS 004-089) is published monthly except bi-monthly Jan/ Feb, Sept/Oct, Nov/Dec, by the Assn. of Louisiana Electric Cooperatives Inc. (ALEC), 10725 Airline Highway, B.R., LA 70816-4299 Manager of Member and Public relations David Latona Associate Editor Billy Gibson Advertising is accepted and published in Along THese Lines on the premise that the merchandise and services offered are accurately described and sold to customers at the advertised price. DEMCO and ALEC do not endorse any products or ser- vices advertised herein. Address inquiries to: ALEC, 10725 Airline Hwy., Baton Rouge, LA 70816. Phone (225) 293-3450, 1-800-355-3450. Annual subscription $1.70 Members; $5 Non-Members Postmaster: Send Form 3579 to: 10725 Airline High- way, Baton Rouge, LA 70816-4299. Periodicals Post- age paid at Baton Rouge, LA. DEMCO Big Buck Contest - Shown from left to right at DEMCO’s Annual Big Buck Contest were Andy Hall, William Reily, Jerry Tanner, Justin Milton (first place), Aaron Reily (first place, youth On the Cover - 2016 Washing- division), David Fournet and Helen Ballard. Top 10 finishers in the Rifle Division were: 1. Justin ton Youth Tour winners Jessica Litloff, Milton, 2. Clint Rushing, 3. Toma Holland, 4. Jerry Tanner, 5. Andy Hall, 6. William Reily, 7. Rob- Kennedy Wilcher, John Wiese, Sawyer ert Paxton, 8. Toma Holland, 9. Helen Ballard and 10. Helen Ballard. Finishing first in the Muzzle Welborn and first alternate William Loader Division was Toma Holland, and claiming the Youth Rifle Division was Robert Paxton. All Hartmann were among the 12 finalists food left over after the event was delivered to individuals in need, thanks to David Fournet. recognized at the annual banquet. For more on this story, see page 4.

Page 2 • Along These lines • April 2016 DEMCO hosts electric co-op underground training program More than 40 electric cooperative linemen from across the state converged on DEMCO’s state-of-the-art training facility on Wax Road for an underground training program in March. The program was part of the Loui- siana Lineman Training Program that equips electric cooperative linemen across that state with the skills required to build, maintain and trouble-shoot the segments of their electric delivery sys- tems that are buried beneath the ground. DEMCO’s power delivery system stretches for more than 9,000 miles, according to DEMCO Training Coordi- nator Shane Pendarvis. Much of that sys- tem is underground and requires routine maintenance to keep power flowing to more than 106,000 meters across seven parishes. “We work hard to make sure our members have the power they need construction, becoming familiar with take longer to detect and repair when ity,” Bergeaux said. “All of our coopera- when they need it, at all hours of the underground facilities is an important they do occur, Pendarvis explained. tives work together both in normal times night and day,” Pendarvis said. “Provid- part of a lineman’s skill set and ability to Mike Bergeaux and Aarron Graham and in emergencies because we know ing our linemen with the knowledge and work safely, Pendarvis said. of the Association of Louisiana Electric we’re stronger when we all pool our skill they need to excel at their jobs is Studies indicate that roughly half of Cooperatives in Baton Rouge were also resources together and collaborate with paramount in our ability to deliver the the new electric utility distribution con- involved in the week-long training pro- one another, whether it’s safety, train- quality of service our members expect structed in the U.S. is underground. gram. ing, education, communications or in the and deserve.” Underground infrastructure has been “DEMCO is a real leader in the state political arena as well.” While DEMCO’s training facility is shown to be more reliable than overhead in everything they do, and I just want to Representatives from V-Tech, Inc., also equipped to provide practical field poles and lines, but it is more expensive thank them for welcoming all of our co- and Ellis Electric Company were also on experience for working with overhead to build in the initial stages and outages ops to this top-of-the-line training facil- hand to assist in the training.

April 2016 • Along These lines • Page 3 Youth Tour Contest finalists honored at banquet Local students Jessica Litloff of Holden High School, Kennedy Wilcher of Zachary High School, John Wiese of Runnels High School and Sawyer Wel- born of Central High School each won an all-expense paid trip to Washington, D.C., this June as the 2016 winners of DEMCO’s Rural Electric Co-op Youth Tour Essay Contest. Though Welborn was declared one of the four winners, he was unable to participate in the Youth Tour trip, so first runner-up William Hartmann of St. Michael High School was selected to take the trip in his place. The Youth Tour Essay Contest is an annual event that this year included essay entries from more than 300 students from both private and public schools throughout DEMCO’s seven- parish service area. The winners were selected on March 1 during an evening banquet honoring the 12 finalists, their families, teachers, mentors and school princi- pals. The banquet was held at White Shown left to right are DEMCO Board Member Leslie Falks, John Wiese, Kennedy Wilcher, Board Member Danny Oak Plantation in Baton Rouge while Berthelot, DEMCO CEO and General Manager John Vranic, Board Member Ann Samuel, Keynote Speaker Jeff Mor- the Runnels High School Harp Ensem- row, Vice President of Human Resources Esther Tapia, Sawyer Welborn, Jessica Litloff, Vice President of Engineering ble provided musical entertainment for and Operations Randy Buchanan and Vice President of Marketing and Member Services Brent Bradley. the evening. Keynote speaker for the evening was pated through the years. It’s something Youth Tour Director Joni Kitchen The other finalists were: Jamie WAFB Channel 9 Meteorologist Jeff you’ll always remember.” and chaperone Billy Gibson, both rep- Martin (West Feliciana High School), Morrow. Morrow told the students that any resenting the Association of Louisiana Adam Howe (Runnels High School), Morrow told the audience about hardship they may face in their lives Electric Cooperatives, were also on Sarah Johnson (St. Joseph’s Academy), his own personal experience as a can be overcome with faith, character hand to meet the Youth Tour contes- Grace Bordelon (St. Joseph’s Acad- Youth Tour delegate in 2002 and even and hard work. He shared a difficult tants. emy), Hannah Cowart (Central High displayed to the students the name tag, personal experience involving his son DEMCO’s four Youth Tour del- School), Ashley Gouedy (Central High lanyard and trading pins he obtained and explained how faith brought his egates will join 24 other Louisiana School) and Abigail Wootan (Central from the students from other states he family through the challenge. students this June to embark on their High School). met during the trip. “If you have faith, if you have weeklong trip to Washington, D.C. David Latona, Manager of Mem- “This really is a trip of a lifetime. I character and you’re willing to work During their stay in Washington, the ber and Public Relations at DEMCO, learned so much about how our federal hard for the things you want to achieve Louisiana Youth Tour participants will served as master of ceremonies at the government works and about the rural in your life, you’ll definitely go far,” visit the U.S. Senate, U.S. House of banquet. He introduced DEMCO CEO electric cooperative movement,” Mor- Morrow said. Representatives, Supreme Court, Na- John Vranic, directors Ann Samuel, row said. “I made a lot of friends that Each finalist was judged on the oral tional Archives, Arlington Cemetery, Danny Berthelot and Leslie Falks, as I still talk to today and I appreciate presentation of his or her essay. The and many other historically significant well as other cooperative employees DEMCO providing this opportunity finalists also completed a short written buildings and landmarks in the nation’s who attended and helped organize the not only for me and you but also the test on their knowledge of DEMCO capital. event. scores of students who have partici- and rural electrification. They will also join about 1,500 other Youth Tour participants from 43 different states to learn more about the history and importance of electric cooperatives. The winners also participated in a Summit held in Alexandria on March 18 to meet the state’s other delegates, participate in leadership training, con- duct a mock legislative exercise and engage in other team-building activi- ties. (Acct. No. 4953203-001) This marks the 38th year DEMCO has sponsored students in the Youth Tour program. DEMCO pioneered Louisiana’s participation in the Rural Electric Youth Tour in 1978. The purpose of the Youth Tour Above, Rebecca Todd, Blair LeBleu and Kristen Haller of the Run- program, which was inspired by Sen. nels High School Harp program perform for those attending DEMCO’s Lyndon B. Johnson in the 1960s, is annual Youth Tour banquet at White Oak Plantation. At right, WAFB to provide outstanding youth with an Channel 9 Meteorologist and Youth Tour alum Jeff Morrow delivered insight into how their national govern- the keynote address. ment operates. Page 4 • Along These lines • April 2016 Here today. Here tomorrow. BUILD A HOME YOU TRUST WITH A COMPANY YOU TRUST.

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Mueller_LACountry_Jan2016.indd 1 1/20/16 10:42 AM Iowa Association of How dependable electricity Electric Cooperatives reaches you

High-Voltage Transmission Lines These lines carry the electric energy over long distances. Insulators on the towers prevent the power from flowing to the towers or the ground.

Most of us Step-Up Transformer Transformers at the take reliable generating plant increase Transmission electric power the voltage up to Substation for granted. This approximately 500,000 Transformers reduce the volts, so it can travel long electric energy down to illustration shows distances over high-voltage 69,000 volts, making it how the electricity transmission lines. suitable for high-volume reaches you. Power Plant delivery over short At a generating plant, distances. water is heated to steam using fuels such as natural gas, coal and oil; the steam turns the turbines that turn generators to produce electric energy. In some areas, nuclear power or water flowing through hydroelectric dams powers the turbines.

Large Distribution Lines Industrial User Lines belonging to Most industries local electric co-ops need 2,400 to 4,160 carry electricity to volts to run heavy transformers that machinery. They reduce power levels usually have their to 120/240 or 120/208 own substation at volts for use in schools, the facility. farms, small businesses and homes.

©Copyright 2015 Iowa Association of Electric Cooperatives DEMCO Foundation accepts scholarship applications for fall 2016 In 1997, DEMCO established the Thursday in December for the Spring include the following: DEMCO Foundation, a charitable orga- Semester. The DEMCO Foundation - an official transcript including the nization dedicated to assisting DEMCO will award several scholarships in the most recently completed coursework members in need. Since its inception amount of $1,250.00. The number of - a 2.5 cumulative GPA on an the Foundation has provided assis- scholarships awarded will be deter- overall 4.0 scale tance in many ways and has impacted mined after all scholarship applications - a minimum of three(3) letters of the lives of families and individuals are received. Funds are to be used for recommendation of which none can be throughout DEMCO’s seven-parish ser- payment of educational expenses such from a family member, DEMCO board vice area. as tuition, books, and fees. Payment of member or DEMCO Foundation board As part of its continuing mission, scholarships will be made directly to member. the Foundation initiated a scholarship the applicant’s school of attendance. - an acceptance letter from the program. ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS school of choice for first time or trans- PURPOSE • Applicant must be a DEMCO ferring students The purpose of the DEMCO Foun- member, as defined by DEMCO Foun- - a cover letter by the applicant de- dation Scholarship Program is to pro- dation Bylaws (see definition below). tailing reasons for consideration vide assistance to DEMCO members • Applicant must possess a high SCHOLARSHIP LIMITATION ship Corporation and the members of who are seeking to better themselves school diploma or equivalent. Recipients are eligible to apply for a their immediate family. Members of through attending a university, trade • Applicant must plan to attend a maximum lifetime scholarship award of the immediate family shall mean those school, vocational or technical schools, trade school, vocational or technical four (4) semesters per individual. natural persons regularly residing in community college and/or other forms school, community college or other Excerpt from ARTICLE II, DEMCO the member’s home which is served by of educational programs in the state of such Louisiana institution. Foundation Bylaws DEMCO.” Louisiana. • Applicant must submit a com- Definition of DEMCO Member: TERMS pleted DEMCO Foundation Scholarship “For the purposes of these Articles DEMCO FOUNDATION The deadline for scholarship ap- Application and all supporting docu- of Incorporation, DEMCO members are 1810 S. RANGE AVE, SUITE 2 plications is the third Thursday in June mentation to the DEMCO Foundation defined as those individuals who are DENHAM SPRINGS, LA 70726 for the Fall Semester and the third office. The application package should members of Dixie Electric Member- PHONE: (225) 262-2141

Page 6 • Along These lines • April 2016 DEMCO team runs for the cure Official Notice: Annual Meeting in accordance with the provisions of Article III, Section 3.03 of the Bylaws of Dixie Electric Member- ship Corporation (DEMCO), notice is hereby given that the Annual Meeting of the members of the corpo- ration will be held at DEMCO’s Headquarters Facil- ity, 16262 Wax Road, Greenwell Springs, Louisiana, Saturday, May 14, 2016. The meeting is scheduled to begin at 10:00 a.m. in accordance with Article IV, Section 4.05 of the corporation Bylaws, notice is hereby given that the Members of the DEMCO team were out in force to support the Susan G. Komen following persons have been nominated by the official Race for the Cure on the LSU Campus March 5. (Acct. No. 7181701-002) nominating committee to fill the five positions on the Board of Directors in which vacancies occur this year. Buchanan completes MIP course BY NOMINATION: Mr. Danny Berthelot, Livingston Parish, District 9 DEMCO Vice President of Engineering Mr. Glenn DeLee, East Feliciana Parish, District 6 and Operations Randy Buchanan (left), is pictured with Gary Pfann, director of Mr. Randy Lorio, East Baton Rouge Parish, District 3 education and Training for the National Mr. Freddy Metz, West Feliciana Parish, District 13 Rural Electric Cooperative Associa- Mr. Eugene Traylor, Tangipahoa Parish, District 12 tion (NRECA). Buchanan is shown receiving a certificate after completing if you would like to register for the 2016 annual NRECA’s Management Internship Pro- membership meeting, please sign this notice and re- gram. Administered in conjunction with turn it to Hawthorn, Waymouth, and Carroll, Certified the University of Wisconsin, the pro- Public Accountant, P.O. Box 82559, Baton Rouge, LA gram includes three 10-day sessions 70884, so that it is received by 4:30 p.m., Friday, May designed to challenge and educate 6, 2016. participants in new, innovative manage- ment techniques. Participants acquire a ______better understanding of how to deliver quality service to members. signature

Surplus Vehicle Bids Due May 5, 2016 DEMCO accepts bids from members for surplus vehicles DEMCO will accept sealed bids from members in good standing of the cooperative until INSTRUCTIONS TO BIDDERS 12 noon, May 5, 2016, for surplus vehicles. 1. All information requested on the vehicle bid form must be completed by the bidder. All bidders must be members of DEMCO to have their bids considered in this sale. If there are no successful bidders from the DEMCO membership, the vehicles will be sold at public 2. Insert completed bid form in a sealed envelope. (Please do not include the bid form auction. with your monthly bill payment.) Bids must be submitted on the form provided below or the bid form, which is available at 3. Mark outside of envelope with: DEMCO’s headquarters facility, 16262 Wax Road, Greenwell Springs, LA. •“Vehicle Bid” All bids must be sealed and must fully comply with the “Instructions to Bidders.” To be • Unit Number considered, all bids must be returned no later than 12 noon, May 5, 2016. Vehicles to be sold are • Bid date as follows: • Attention: Purchasing Committee Vehicles For Bid Multiple bids should be in separate envelopes. 4. Bids will be accepted by DEMCO at the headquarters’ complex, 16262 Wax Road, VEHICLE # MODEL YEAR DESCRIPTION ODOMETER V.I.N. Greenwell Springs, LA, or by mail, Purchasing Committee, DEMCO, P. O. Box 15659, 6-1 2006 4X4 P/U 199,957 6Z279739 Baton Rouge, LA 70895, only. 7-1 2005 2WD P/U 214,359 51329731 5. DEMCO reserves the right to reject any bid. 10-1 2006 2WD P/U 247,266 6Z278957 6. All vehicles sold “as is”, “where is”, with all bids final. 15 2007 2WD SUV - MGMT 134,149 8KA85083 7. Bids must be received by DEMCO no later than 12 noon, May 5, 2016. 21-1 2006 4X4 SERVICE TRUCK 171,633 6E264771 8. Viewing will be allowed April 21st – May 5th weekdays only, between 10:00 am 24 1999 2WD SERVICE TRUCK 130,193 XF086433 and 11:30 am at the DEMCO Headquarters, 16262 Wax Road, Greenwell Springs, LA. 30 2001 VAN 76,823 1B141951 9. All bidders must be members of DEMCO in good standing. 39-1 2007 2WD P/U 198,412 7Z597438 10. A successful bidder can be awarded at most two (2) vehicles and will be notified 50 2010 2WD SERVICE TRUCK 195,060 AF150956 51-1 2006 4X4 SERVICE TRUCK 158,115 6E264655 after final approval at the following DEMCO Board meeting. 65 2006 4X4 SERVICE TRUCK 179,009 6E261760 76 2006 2WD SERVICE TRUCK 191,111 6E259885 DEMCO Surplus Property BID FORM 88 2008 4X4 P/U - MGMT. 181,366 8Z289958 92-1 2007 4X4 SERVICE TRUCK 166,869 7E566180 Unit #: ______96-1 2006 4X4 P/U 204,925 6E258106 135-1 2005 2WD P/U 185,089 5E295501 Bidder’s Name: ______136 2009 2WD SERVICE TRUCK 195,391 9E143606 137 2009 2WD SERVICE TRUCK 168,605 9E143513 Bidder’s Mailing Address: ______140 2006 2WD P/U 96,227 6Z209892 143 2006 4X4 P/U 118,065 6Z228404 ______Zip: ______153 2006 2WD P/U 102,478 6Z227634 Bidder’s Telephone #: ______165 2005 4X4 SERVICE TRUCK 128,016 5E287309 42-1 2004 2WD P/U 179,111 4Z295293 Member/account #: ______94-1 2005 2WD SERVICE TRUCK 217,187 5E284799 Bid Opening Date: ______Bid Price: ______162-1 2004 2WD SERVICE TRUCK 179,910 4E320316

April 2016 • Along These lines • Page 7 Teen Travel Talk program could be the next reality TV hit show Hollywood has come up with yet an- All of this got me to thinking I other use for the automobile: portable should break out my GoPro video cam- film studio. era and put my own show together. It The development of mini-cam tech- Co-opLife could be called, “Teen Travel Talk.” Be- nology has allowed Hollywood produc- by Billy Gibson tween driving my teenage daughter and ers to venture out of the standard static Director of Communications her friend to school each morning and studio set and stage shows right there in Association of Louisiana Electric Cooperatives my work with cooperative education the cabin of an SUV. www.lacountryblog.wordpress.com programs across the state, I often find came up with a big ing less attention to driving the car. I’ve dered who in their right mind would myself driving teenagers around. hit when he created The Seinfeld Show noticed a hint of terror in the faces of El- agree to release all that personal, often The annual Youth Tour Summit held which was wildly popular in the 1990s. ton John, Carrie Underwood and Adele shameful information after learning it in Alexandria last month would have He found success again a few years ago when Corden closes his eyes to hit a had been extracted under false pretenses made for a captivating episode. My as- when he developed a chat show called high note and takes his hands off the and all their personal business was about signment was to drive three delegates in Cars Getting Coffee. wheel. When Stevie Wonder was in the to be broadcast to the masses? I’ve since from the Baton Rouge area to the meet- Following his own winning formu- shotgun seat, he didn’t seem to mind, attributed this to a precursor of today’s ing, where they would join 20 other stu- la of producing a “show about noth- however. (Acct. No. 80121454-001) society where people are so desperate dents from across the state to plan out ing,” Seinfeld’s webcast doesn’t follow The first show I recall watching for attention they’ll say or do anything. their upcoming trip to Washington, D.C. a script and is driven by the personali- that was filmed from inside an automo- Capitalizing on car talk is not such a Teens usually take a little prompting, ties of his celebrity guests, which over bile was Taxicab Confessions, a cutting bad idea because it’s an intriguing place just like any studio audience that has to the past seven seasons have included a edge program that began airing on HBO to have a conversation - close, intimate be warmed up or talk show guest getting lengthy list of comedians such as David in the 1990s. The show, definitely not quarters where you can’t just bail out ready in the green room, but this group Letterman, , , Mel suitable for prime time, was set in cabs anytime you want. It’s possible that in- had plenty of opinions they were will- Brooks, , , Will cruising through the entertainment dis- teractions that take place in the cockpit ing to share. We covered a wide range Farrell, and more. tricts of New York City and Las Vegas can say a lot about a relationship. of subjects including state politics, the As the title implies, the comedians in the witching hours looking for fares. I remember getting into a conflict Donald Trump effect, 4-H, horticulture, hop into a car and go get some coffee. The driver, who was actually a pro- with someone during a trip to Hous- social media, journalism and whether it That’s it. That’s the show. ducer of the show, prompted conver- ton and there not being a single word is unpatriotic to choose not to vote. More recently, Late Late Show host sations in which random passengers exchanged all the way back to Baton In all the hours I’ve spent driving has popularized a seg- – most of them three sheets to the wind Rouge. When you can be in the confines teens to camps, meetings, conferenc- ment on his program called Carpool Ka- after an evening of partying - would end of a Toyota Corolla for five hours and es, ball games and other events, I’ve raoke where he drives around with a up revealing all kinds of dark secrets not have one syllable to say to your trav- learned they can have a lot to say. Most- well-known musical guest riding in the and lurid details of their lives. eling companion, that’s a relationship ly, the ones I speak to seem very sensi- passenger seat and together they belt out These conversations would hap- primed for a Dr. Phil intervention. ble even though they don’t have much some of the singer’s biggest hits. pen while hidden cameras recorded the Of course, road trip repartee can also real-world experience. But they’re not I don’t – actually, I can’t - stay up scene from several angles. At the end of be positive and nurturing for a relation- lost in cyberspace and they still feel and long enough to watch the Late Late all this gushing forth about bad relation- ship. A college buddy and I used to go they still have their passions just like ev- Show because it airs way past my bed- ships, family secrets, abuse, felony ar- tooling around Tuscaloosa and had all ery generation of teens before them. time. But I’ve seen a few of these seg- rests, immorality and other dysfunction, kinds of fun cutting up, cracking jokes No doubt, teenagers like to sleep ments on YouTube and I have to say I’m the passenger would have to sign a re- and keeping it real, as we used to say and often prefer to close themselves off not sure I understand the appeal. lease for the encounter to be aired. back then. Even today, I can call him up, to adults. But teens will definitely talk. Corden seems to be doing his best to At that point in the show, often dur- utter a few phrases from those experi- They just need to know you care, and direct the attention to himself and pay- ing the closing credits, I always won- ences, and we’ll both bust out laughing. they like to make you work for it.

News Notes The next meeting of the DEMCO will cool your home against the sun in in some cases, even deadly. Cooperatives based in Baton Rouge. Board of Directors is scheduled for summer, then fall off to warm it in the • Never fly kites, or remote controlled “Our lineworkers are the first respond- Thursday, April 28, 2016, at 6 p.m. Board winter. Old cable TV boxes use a lot of toys near power lines. ers of our electric distribution systems, meetings are held at DEMCO’s headquar- energy. • Stay away from power lines, meters, and they work around the clock on high- ters facility located at 16262 Wax Road, If yours is not ENERGY STAR-rated, transformers and electrical boxes. voltage lines,” Pierce said. “Conditions Greenwell Springs, La. call your cable provider and ask for a new • Never climb trees near power lines. can be dangerous, but they power through Celebrate Earth Day by Saving $$ one. If you have a major appliance – like • If you get something stuck in a to ensure reliable service for our mem- If you want to celebrate Earth Day on a refrigerator, washing machine or dryer – power line, call your electric co-op. bers.” April 22, start by making your home more that’s more than 10 years old, don’t repair • Never touch or go near a downed Hundreds of cooperative linemen energy efficient. Below are three efficien- it. The energy efficiency of a newer model power line. maintain more than 30,000 miles of line cy tips from energy expert Brian Sloboda will likely pay for itself with energy sav- National Lineman Appreciation Day across the state of Louisiana. of the National Rural Electric Cooperative ings in a few years. America’s rural electric cooperatives “I would invite cooperative members Association. 3. Call DEMCO about energy-saving have designated the second Monday of to take a moment and thank a lineman 1. Look around your home for no-cost programs that can help lower your month- April as National Lineman Appreciation for the work they do,” Pierce said. “Use ways to be efficient. Close the curtains ly bill - we will be able to offer advice Day. #thankalineman to show your support for in the summer and open them in the win- or a home energy checkup. You might be On April 11, 2016, DEMCO and the men and women who light our lives.” ter. Turn off your computers overnight. surprised to find out what’s really driving Louisiana’s electric cooperatives join Lucky Account Number Contest Also turn off video game consoles when up your energy costs. more than 950 fellow co-ops around the The Lucky Account Number Contest they’re not being used. Better yet, keep Don’t toy with your safety! country to honor the dedicated men and continues this month with four winners in them off and send the kids outside to play When playing outdoors, keep a safe women who often work in challenging this edition of Along These Lines. Before baseball. distance from power lines, substations and conditions to keep the lights on. you continue looking through this edition 2. Look for small steps you can take other equipment your electric co-op uses “We proudly recognize all electric for your winning number, look for your and DIY. Caulk around drafty windows. to send electricity to your home. linemen for the services they perform account number printed above your mail- Check the attic for the correct amount of Flying remote controlled toys are a around the clock in dangerous conditions ing address. Locate this number anywhere insulation. Switch to LED light bulbs. great way to have fun, but accidentally to keep power flowing and protect the in this issue and win the $25 prize. To Plant a deciduous tree on the sunny side making contact with a power line or other public’s safety,” said Randy Pierce, CEO claim your prize, please call 225-262- of your house; in a few years the leaves electrical equipment can be dangerous and of the Association of Louisiana Electric 3072.

Page 8 • Along These lines • April 2016 DIXIE ELECTRIC MEMBERSHIP CORP. DEMCO offers scholarships CALENDAR OF EVENTS 2016 Annual Membership Meeting • Saturday May 14, 2016 at 10:00 a.m. to area students LOCATION OF MEETING: DEMCO Headquarters Facility One-year scholarships to students attending a Louisiana public college or 16262 Wax Road, Greenwell Springs, LA 70739 university will be awarded in a random drawing highlighting DEMCO’s annual February 21, 2016-March 6, 2016 - Publish the Calendar of Events in the membership meeting on May 14, 2016. official journal of each Parish, including the date, time, and place of the meeting of According to David Latona, Manager of Member and Public Relations, sev- the Nominating Committee. eral scholarships will be awarded. “We will determine the number of scholarships March 17, 2016 - DEMCO Board Meeting at 6:00 p.m., at DEMCO Headquar- awarded after the random drawing. How many students receive assistance will ters. The Committee on Nominations will be appointed at this meeting. depend on whether the winners receive assistance through Louisiana’s TOPS pro- March 17, 2016 - The Nominating Committee meeting begins at 6:05 p.m. at gram,” he said. DEMCO Headquarters, 16262 Wax Road, Greenwell Springs, LA, with results of The scholarships awarded by DEMCO provide full academic tuition to a the meeting to be posted March 18, 2016. Louisiana public college or university for both the fall and spring semesters of March 22, 2016—March 24, 2016 - Pre-qualification period. Members the academic year provided the student is not enrolled in the Tuition Opportunity interested in seeking a position on the board of directors are required pursuant to Program for Students (TOPS) program. Students eligible for the TOPS award or DEMCO Board Policy to appear in person between these dates to determine eligi- other scholarship assistance receive a $1,000 cash award to be used by the student bility requirements as prescribed in the corporation’s bylaws. Candidates must be as needed. qualified prior to the issuing of a nominating petition. Candidates not pre-qualified DEMCO is allowed to use unclaimed deposits, refunds and other monies owed will not be eligible to seek a position on the board of directors. to former members to provide funding for the scholarship program. Complete eligi- March 29, 2016 - DEMCO’s Annual Meeting and Bylaws Committee will bility requirements are listed below. meet at 5:00 p.m. on this date, if needed, to determine eligibility of director can- 2016 Scholarship eligibility requirements didates who have pre-qualified. Only candidates who have pre-qualified will be 1. Applicant must be a DEMCO member, child or the legal ward of a DEMCO considered. member who has been a member in good standing for at least 12 consecutive March 30, 2016 - Beginning on this date, pre-qualified director candidates may months as of the application deadline, May 6, 2016. Only one scholarship will be obtain a petition to run for a seat on the board of directors. Louisiana law requires awarded per family per academic year. 50 valid signatures for the petition to be validated. 2. A student can receive the DEMCO scholarship one time. It is not renewable. April 13, 2016 - Petitions must be returned to DEMCO’s headquarters office The term of the scholarship will be for one continuous academic year beginning by 4:30 p.m. and received by the CEO and General Manager’s office. with the fall semester (or quarter). The scholarship does not include summer ses- April 14, 2016 - The Annual Meeting and Bylaws Committee, if needed, will sions. validate each petition and post the results as required by the corporation’s bylaws 3. The scholarship money can be used by an undergraduate student to attend, on this date. on a full-time basis, any Louisiana PUBLIC university. The scholarship will not be April 15, 2016 - This is the Record Date for the 2016 Annual Membership awarded to a student attending a private university or vocational/trade school of any Meeting. A final list of those members eligible to vote in DEMCO’s 2016 Annual kind. Membership Meeting will be prepared. 4. A first-time college student applying for the DEMCO scholarship must: a) April 21, 2016-May 3, 2016 - The Official Notice of the 2016 Annual Meeting have graduated from high school with at least a B average (3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale, will be mailed to all members of the cooperative during this time. or the equivalent); or, b) have graduated from high school and received a minimum April 21, 2016 - Ballots for the 2016 Annual Meeting will be mailed to ACT score of 21. High school applicants must be seniors. members of the cooperative on this date. Members should receive their ballots by 5. An undergraduate college student seeking the scholarship must have achieved Saturday, April 23 -- VOTE and mail your ballot immediately. a minimum of 2.5 (on a 4.0 GPA scale) on all prior college work. May 6, 2016 - The deadline for receiving ballots for the 2016 Annual Member- 6. A scholarship application must be completed and returned to DEMCO. ship Meeting is 4:30 p.m. on this date -- DO NOT DELAY -- VOTE! 7. Scholarship recipients will be chosen in a random drawing at the annual May 9, 2016-May 11, 2016 - Ballots will be counted during this period by the meeting of the DEMCO membership. certified public accountants selected by DEMCO to conduct the annual meeting. 8. The scholarship recipients will be required to provide DEMCO with an of- Candidates will be advised as to the time and place that the ballots will be counted. ficial transcript verifying his/her eligibility within 10 days after the drawing. May 14, 2016 - Annual meeting and election results announced at 10:00 a.m., 9. The scholarship funds will be paid to the recipients at the beginning of each at DEMCO Headquarters. semester (or quarter) upon presentation of an official receipt for the payment of full-time undergraduate tuition (see No. 10 below). To receive the second semester (or quarter) payment, the student must provide evidence that he/she successfully Statement of Non-discrimination completed at least 12 semester hours (or 9 quarter hours) and that he/she maintained in accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.5 (on a 4.0 scale). (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its Agencies, offices, and 10. The scholarship provides full tuition to students who DO NOT participate employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are in Louisiana’s TOPS program or receive other scholarship assistance. Students who prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, participate in Louisiana’s TOPS program, or receive other scholarship assistance, gender identity (including gender expression), sexual orientation, disability, age, receive a limited scholarship award of $1,000 per semester. marital status, family/parental status, income derived from a public assistance 11. Members of the DEMCO Board, employees of DEMCO (including part time program, political beliefs, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity, in employees, students, and temporary employees) and children of the Board of Direc- any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA (not all bases apply to all tors and employees are not eligible for this scholarship. programs). Remedies and complaint filing deadlines vary by program or incident. Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for Application for Scholarship Program program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.) should contact the responsible Agency or USDA’s TARGET Center at (202) Student Name: ______720-2600 (voice and TTY) or contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339. Additionally, program information may be made available in Parents Name:______languages other than English. To file a program discrimination complaint, complete the USDA Program Address:______City:______Discrimination Complaint Form, AD-3027, found online at http://www.ascr.usda. gov/complaint_ filing_cust.html and at any USDA office or write a letter addressed E-­‐mail Address: ______to USDA and provide in the letter all of the information requested in the form. To request a copy of the complaint form, call (866) 632-9992. Submit your completed Telephone: ______Cell:______form or letter to USDA by: (1) mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture DEMCO Account #:______Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights Do you qualify for TOPS Assistance? Yes___ No ___ 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C. 20250-9410; College you will attend:______(2) fax: (202) 690-7442; or (3) email: [email protected] (Complete this form and return to DEMCO -­‐ by May 6, 2016 4:30 p.m.) USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.

April 2016 • Along These lines • Page 9 From the Board Room DEMCO Board members receive committee reports Meeting of February 18, 2016 reviewed the Interest, Fuel Cost Adjust- man, presented bids received. Next the The board of directors of DEMCO ment and Financial Summary reports. board approved the following purchases: held its regular meeting Thursday, Feb- The board approved a resolution reclas- Ellis Electric Company for the Twin ruary 18, 2016. Board President Richard sifying those accounts disconnected Lakes Estates 3rd Filing Underground Sitman called the meeting to order at in October 2015 as uncollectible. The and Oak Hills 6th Filing Underground; 6:00 p.m. board then approved the 2016 Opera- and Deep South Communications for the The board then approved the minutes tions and Capital Budgets as submitted Clinton Communication Tower. of the previous meetings, new member by management. From the Finance Committee report list, Treasurer’s Report and Operations Danny Berthelot gave the ALEC Steve Irving, committee chairman, Committee report as written. The board report with no action taken. reviewed the Interest, Fuel Cost Adjust- then approved a resolution to authorize Leslie Falks presented the Dixie ment and Financial Summary reports. management to approve Amendment #12 former (includes delivery) from Trans- Business Center and DEMCO Founda- The board approved a resolution reclas- to install an additional transformer at the former Network, Inc. (pending satisfac- tion reports with no action taken. sifying those accounts disconnected in Dyer Road Substation. tory testing) presently scheduled for the John Vranic presented the Manager’s November 2015 as uncollectible. From the Purchasing Committee Dyer Road substation; and to purchase report with no action taken. The board then resolved to appoint Randy Lorio, committee chairman, radio equipment approved in the 2016 Jim Ellis presented the Attorney’s Mr. Ricky Blackwell (Board District 3, presented the report. Next the board Capital Budget, Section D, Communi- report with no action taken. East Baton Rouge Parish); Mr. Dennis resolved to approve the following: Chain cation Equipment from Sepura/Power Devall (Board District 6, East Felici- Electric, Inc. for the Sela Gardens 1st Trunk. Meeting of March 17, 2016 ana Parish); Mr. Rocky Brown (Board and 3rd Filings Underground; purchase From the Finance Committee report The board of directors of DEMCO District 9, Livingston Parish); Mr. Earl and install a 69-13.2kV, 20 MVA trans- Steve Irving, committee chairman, held its regular meeting Thursday, Cook (Board District 12, Tangipahoa March 17, 2016. Board President Rich- Parish); and Mr. Dave Gallent (Board ard Sitman called the meeting to order at District 13, West Feliciana Parish) to 6:00 p.m. serve as the Nominating Committee in The board then approved the min- the 2016 DEMCO Annual Membership utes of the previous meetings, new Meeting and Election Process. member list, Treasurer’s Report and Danny Berthelot gave the ALEC Operations Committee report as writ- report with no action taken. ten. The board then resolved to reaffirm Leslie Falks presented the Dixie DEMCO Board Policy 308 Safety. The Business Center and DEMCO Founda- board then approved a resolution adopt- tion reports with no action taken. ing policy per CFR 1730, subpart c – John Vranic presented the Manager’s interconnection of distributed resources. report with no action taken. From the Purchasing Committee Jim Ellis presented the Attorney’s report Randy Lorio, committee chair- report with no action taken.

Energy Efficiency Earth Day is April 22. Give Tip of the Month back to the environment by planting a deciduous tree near your home. Deciduous trees lose their leaves during the fall, allowing sunlight to warm your home. The extra shade during summer months will keep your home cooler and give your AC a much needed break.

J.K.’s Taxidermy

J.K. Johnson Denham Springs, LA 225-665-7010

Page 10 • Along These lines • April 2016 © 2014 by VickiVicki Whiting,Whiting, Editor JeffJeff Schinkel, GraGraphicsphics VVol.ol. 30, No. 20 AskAsk a friend to give you each type of word. Fill in the blanks andand read the story aloud for some silly fun.

RogerRoge is a collector of ______.____ As you can imagine,imag such a collection is Have you noticed that different companies This gives you a choice when you go make the same product? In otherr worwords,ds, llotsots shshopping.opping. But how do you decide wwhichhich quite ______. ofof comcompaniespanies make bread, ice ccream,ream, totoyy comcompany’spany’ products to choose? cars,cars, pet ffood,ood, etcetc.. SSometimesomet companies offer incentivescentives ToTo ssavea money, Roger always oorr sspecialp deals to encourage yyouou to lookslooks for the best ______cchoosehoo their product over anotherother ccompany’som product. Ketchup regular price: $4.75 whenwhen shopping. He’ll often With coupon you pay: A commoncomm incentive is to offerr a llowerower $ comparecompcom ______between pprice,rice, or a coupon for a special priceice on a productsprod to see which one is a pproduct.roduct. betterbette ______.

AtAt theth grocery store, he doesn’t justjuust ______his basket with ______.____ Instead, he writes a ______and brings it with Dog food regular price: $2.50 him.him. He clips ______WithWith couponcoupon youyou pay:pay: $ outout oof the newspaper to save ______.____ He checks the newspaper’snew Web site for special ______,____ too. PopcornPopcorn reregulargular price:price: $$5.755.75 WithWith couponcoupon youyou pay:pay: $ Roger buys ______in Why do coupons have expiration dates? Discuss bulk. He will ______them this with a parent. with his friends and family if he ToothpasteToothpaste regular price: $4.25 With couponcoupon youyou pay:pay: $ has extras. He saves a lot of money by choosing ______IfIf thisthis was a real shopping trip and you used all of thethe coupons,c how much would you have spent? Newspaper ______instead of more $ Search for expensive ______. IceIce cream regularregular prprice:ice: $$3.003.00 How much would you have saved? WithWith couponcoupon youyou pay:pay: $ the Best Deal $ Your newspaper is a really great place to start shopping Roger also checks the classified I’d like to buy this I saw a Coupon? I put those for good deals. Read the ads on my salads. ads for ______when he ball, but it costs a coupon for No, Fritter! and compare the prices little too much. 25% off That’s a before you go to the store. needs new ones. He bought a anything at CROUTON! the dog toy Find a product that is very reliable car that way that store in this advertised in the newspaper. morning’s List the different prices that doesn’t use a lot of ______. paper. you can pay. Have you ever Which do you think is the used a best price? Why? “Thanks to the money I’ve saved coupon? Standards Link: Math/Number Sense: with the newspaper, I am about Order dollar amounts from least to greatest; compare values. to start a new collection of ______!” says Roger.

Find the words in the puzzle. Then Circle the coupon that offers the best buy on each product. INCENTIVE look for each word in this week’s Kid Scoop stories and activities. Price: COUPONS $1.99 SAVINGS E S A E R O T S V T SPECIAL V E M S N O P U O C PRODUCT I P O A N E F S E U This week’s word: REGULAR INCENTIVE PRICE T I R V C Y R F S D An incentive is something Price: that encourages or motivates Price: OFFER N L D I L A V L E O $2.49 90¢ someone to do something. MONEY E C A N C S A H O R The trip to the book store VALID C L P G Y E N O M P was an incentive to get DEALS John to complete his N P I S D R D O O F assignment. STORE I R E G U L A R N G Try to use the word CARS incentive in a sentence today FOOD Standards Link: Letter sequencing. Recognized identical when talking with your words. Skim and scan reading. Recall spelling patterns. friends and family members. April 2016 • Along These lines • Page 11

Chart the ad categories (automotive Write a math problem that products, food, beauty products, etc.) in describes a real shopping each section of the newspaper. Are some situation. Example: At a garage categories found mostly in one section? sale, Tina bought a book for How do you explain your findings? $3.98 and a puzzle for $1.99. How much did she spend? * DEMCO-ology 101 * April 11 is National LinLevelizeeman your bill & Appreciatbalanceion Day your budget. #thankalineman

We average your yearly energy bill, and you pay approximately the same amount each month. Sign up at demco.org today.

kEEping CurrEnt: tip #27

Through its Operation Roundup program, the DEMCO Foundation has dispersed over $4 million in assistance to DEMCO members in their times of need.

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