coloradocountrylife.coop 4 JUNE 2018 7

MOUNTAIN VIEW ELECTRIC ASSOCIATION

MThe Next PoWEr GenerationFirst Responder Safety Training Benefits Co-op Community BY JIM HERRON || CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER || HERRONJC@MVEA.ORG

Mountain View Electric Association, Inc. (MVEA) depends on many people and organizations in the community to ensure public safety needs are met every day as we deliver safe and reliable electricity.

As an electric co-op, we are committed to our role in helping to educate our community and our members about electrical safety. Safety is so important to our organization that we include it as one of our seven values that guide us: MVEA regards safety of employees, members, and the public as a primary objective in all policy and business decisions.

I talk often about the unique characteristics of an electric cooperative, and the difference they make to our members and the communities we serve. This month, I want to share with you an example of this cooperative difference—an in-depth safety training that benefits first responders and electric co-op members alike. Held every May for the last three years, we call the event “Live Wires & First Responders.”

MVEA developed the program in 2016 to provide downed power line training to first responders to help ensure their safety as well as the safety of our members. The idea for the training came from MVEA employees who approached leadership when a training need was identified following an accident that involved a vehicle hitting an MVEA power pole. The driver was advised by emergency responders to get out of the car before the line was determined safe. While no injuries occurred, it was a dangerous scenario that could have resulted in death.

When it comes to electricity, knowing what’s safe and unsafe could have tragic results— not just for the victims of an accident or onlookers at the scene —but for first responders as well. First responders who attend the training learn how to provide safe electricity guidance to citizens, establish a safe and secure circle of safety when a power line is down, communicate and coordinate with MVEA, and become familiar with MVEA’s electrical safety

programs and resources. The attendance and response has been overwhelmingly positive from first responders and community leaders throughout our 5,000-square-mile service territory. In fact, it has been so successful that the program received a “gold” Spotlight on Excellence Award from the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association in 2017. Discussing downed power line safety and the behind-the-scenes collaboration between first responders and MVEA’s team of dedicated employees is timely as we enter the summer months that may bring unpredictable weather.

Despite our dedicated line maintenance program, accidents, severe storms, and other disasters can cause power lines to come down. While MVEA and first responders work together to ensure your safety, there are a few things you can do as well.

• Report the specific address of any downed lines immediately to MVEA at 1-800-388-9881 or call 9-1-1.

• Treat all power lines as if they are energized. • Stay far away from downed power lines, and avoid anything

in contact with them. Remember: you can’t see, hear, or smell electricity.

• If power lines should fall on your vehicle while you are driving, do not attempt to drive away or get out. Stop, call for help, and stay inside until electric crews say it is safe to get out.

• To learn more about electrical safety in many different scenarios, including more information about what to do in a vehicle accident, visit www.safelectricity.org or www.esfi.org.

Restoring power during inclement weather or after a large accident can be a big job for MVEA and first responders. Much like first responding organizations, MVEA maintains a 24-hour, 365-day-a-year on-call crew who work as safely and quickly as possible to get your lights back on. We are proud to work together to serve our community. While a lot has changed in our industry and will continue to change — past, present and future — one thing remains the same: the power of the co-op community, the poWEr of “WE.”

Jim Herron

STEP POTENTIAL: DOWNED POWER LINE SAFETY

Down. Danger. Dial 911. Downed power lines can be energized and deadly. Stay at least 30 feet away from any downed power line (about three car lengths). If you’re in a car accident that involves downed lines, stay in the car. If you come upon a scene with a downed line, stay far away and call 911 to have the utility notified. For your safety, assume fallen lines are live and avoid anything in contact with them.

Source: www.safeelectricity.org

A downed line does NOT have to be arcing or sparking to be

energized and dangerous.

Even if you do not touch lines or equipment, they can still be energized and deadly.

The danger exists beyond the point where the downed line is making direct contact with a vehicle or the ground. Electricity can flow 360⁰ around it.

Step Potential: Stay Back For Safety!If a person connects two different points of this gradually decreasing voltage by walking away, stepping out of a vehicle, or touching the vehicle and ground at the same time — electricity will flow through the individual (path to ground). Electrical shock that causes severe injury, or worse, may occur.

coloradocountrylife.coop8 JUNE 2018

MOUNTAIN VIEW ELECTRIC ASSOCIATION

The Next PoWEr Generation: 2018 Scholarship Winners AnnouncedHelping the greats of tomorrow make their dreams a realityAs a Mountain View Electric Association, Inc. (MVEA) member, you are part of an electric co-op that is dedicated to creating programs that give back to the members and communities that we serve. This year, 115 students from schools throughout our 5,000-square-mile service territory applied for scholarships to help them achieve their dreams. Twelve students will receive $1,000 each through MVEA’s scholarship program. The MVEA scholarship recipients were chosen through a computer-generated lottery system. Tri-State Generation and Transmission Association, Inc. and Basin Electric Power Cooperative each donated a $1,000 scholarship to be awarded to dependents of MVEA members. Congratulations to the 2018 scholarship winners! We wish them the best in their future endeavors.

JASON BOEDIGHEIMER is a graduate of Discovery Canyon Campus High School and the son of Dan and Jodie Boedigheimer. He plans to attend Colorado State University-Fort Collins to take advantage of its exceptional research programs. He credits his teacher, Mr. Burke, for inspiring his love of biomedical science and his future career path.

$1,000 MVEA SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS

ANKER EISENMAN is a graduate of Falcon High School and the son of Mike and Miriah Eisenman. He plans on pursuing a career in civil engineering after graduating from the Colorado School of Mines and thanks his physics teacher, Mr. Borchers, for supporting his academic interests.

ROBERT HERZ is a graduate of Peyton Junior-Senior High School and the son of Robert and Teri Herz. A licensed HAM radio operator and Eagle Scout, after graduation he plans to pursue a degree through the University of Colorado-Colorado Springs.

SAVANNA MATTHEWS is a graduate of Peyton Junior-Senior High School and the daughter of Gary and Dionn Matthews. A three-sport student athlete, Savanna gives thanks to her basketball coach, Mr. Wisehart, for helping her push through to success with great advice. After graduation, Savanna will pursue a degree through Pikes Peak Community College.

JUAN GOMEZ, JR. is a graduate of Elbert School and the son of Juan Gomez and Jessica Portillo. After graduating from high school with many academic and athletic accolades, Juan plans on attending the University of Colorado-Denver. He thanks the staff at Elbert School for helping to prepare him for life after high school.

MADISON HWANG-KING is a graduate of Lewis-Palmer High School and the daughter of James Hwang-King and Elizabeth Baston. After excelling as a student and academic leader in high school, she plans on attending Harvard University and thanks Mrs. Baxter for being an inspiring role model.

MITCHELL SWARTZ is a graduate of Peyton Junior-Senior High School and the son of Larry and Rhonda Swartz. After graduation, he plans to pursue a nursing degree from University of Colorado-Colorado Springs. A member of National Honor Society and a student athlete, he thanks his football coach, Mr. Deems, for inspiring him to work hard to be the best that he can be.

AISHA HAMMILL is a graduate of Peyton Junior-Senior High School and the daughter of Betina Hammill and Jason Compton. A dedicated high school student athlete, the next step in continuing her education journey will be at Pikes Peak Community College or the University of Colorado-Colorado Springs.

KENNEDY MASTERSON is a graduate of Limon Public Schools and the daughter of Jarred and Rosie Masterson. After graduating from high school with many academic accolades, Kennedy plans to attend Colorado Mesa University. She thanks Mrs. Bandy and Mrs. Sauter for believing in her and helping her achieve her goals.

TUCKER THOMPSON is a graduate of Limon Public Schools and the son of Troy and Casey Thompson. After excelling in high school academics, athletics, and student leadership, he plans on attending Colorado State University-Pueblo to pursue an athletic training degree. He thanks Mrs. Bandy for inspiring and helping him and other students at Limon Public Schools.

coloradocountrylife.coop 4 JUNE 2018 9

MOUNTAIN VIEW ELECTRIC ASSOCIATION

Telephone NumbersToll-Free: 800-388-9881

719-495-2283 • 719-775-2861

Credit Card Pay-By-Phone877-999-3415

Limon Office1655 5th Street

PO Box 1600Limon, CO 80828-1600

[Fax] 719-775-9513

Falcon Office11140 E. Woodmen Rd.Falcon, CO 80831-8127

[Fax] 719-495-3014

Office Hours Monday - Thursday

7:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Visit our website: www.mvea.coop

Local. Trusted. Serving You.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Joseph D. Martin, District 1 President

Barry R. Springer, District 6 Vice President

Milton L. Mathis, District 4 Secretary-Treasurer

Donna J. Andersen-Van Ness, District 7 Assistant Secretary

Rick L. Gordon, District 2, Director

Errol Hertneky, District 3, Director

Kevin L. Paddock, District 5, Director

Stay Connected: Like. Follow. Share.www.facebook.com/MVEAInc

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THE $1,000 TRI-STATE GENERATION AND TRANSMISSION ASSOCIATION, INC. SCHOLARSHIP

The $1,000 Tri-State Generation and Transmission Association, Inc. scholarship winner is STEPHANIE MOOTY, a graduate of Peyton Junior-Senior High School and the daughter of Gene and Karen Mooty. After excelling in high school, she looks forward to pursuing a degree in biomedical engineering from Colorado State University-Fort Collins. She thanks her science teacher, Mrs. Rice, for helping her achieve her goals

THE MVEA $1,000 E.A. “MICK” GEESEN MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP

The $1,000 E.A. “Mick” Geesen Memorial Scholarship winner is COLE YOUNGER, a graduate of Limon Public Schools and the son of Randy and Erin Younger. With a high school career that includes academic and athletic accolades, Cole will be continuing his education at Colorado State University-Fort Collins. He thanks Mrs. Bandy for helping the students at Limon Public Schools prepare for college.

THE $1,000 MVEA VOCATIONAL/TECHNICAL SCHOLARSHIP

The $1,000 MVEA Vocational/Technical Scholarship winner is SHAE SANCHEZ, a graduate of Limon Public Schools and the daughter of Henry and Deanna Sanchez. She is excited to attend Northeastern Junior College where she plans on taking advantage of the opportunities to expand her skills and earn a degree in cosmetology.

THE $1,000 BASIN ELECTRIC POWER COOPERATIVE SCHOLARSHIP

The $1,000 Basin Electric Power Cooperative scholarship winner is MORRIS RICHARDSON, a graduate of Big Sandy Schools and the son of Rodney and Andrea Richardson. He will continue his academic career, that includes both academic and student leader accolades, at Carroll College. He asks to thank Mr. Ellis and Mrs. Stell for setting high expectations, as well as Mrs. Jenkins, Mr. Graff, and his family for their support.

Congratulations to the 2018scholarship winners

coloradocountrylife.coop10 JUNE 2018

MOUNTAIN VIEW ELECTRIC ASSOCIATION

Clip & Save Discount Admission Ticket

EL PASO COUNTY FAIR • FRIDAY, JULY 20, 2018 MVEA Member Appreciation Day

Enjoy the

Fair!Bucket Truck Rides

(10 a.m. - 2 p.m.)

Discount Admission Ticket FOR MVEA Members

Adult (ages 13-54) • $5 AdmissionSeniors (55+) • $2 Admission

Youth (ages 3-12) • $2 AdmissionMust bring this ad with you to receive the

MVEA Member Discount Admission Price. Valid only for July 20, 2018.For More El Paso County Fair Info, Visit: www.elpasocountyfair.com

Questions For MVEA? (800) 388-9881

MVEA Discount Ticket Guests Will Receive a “Conserve & Save Energy”

LED Bulb & Rebate Guide!

Mark Your

Calendar!

Summer Community Events

Calhan SummerFest • Friday, July 13The place to be on July 13 is Calhan’s Town Park on 8th Street from 3 p.m. – 12 a.m.

Kick off the start of the El Paso County Fair with some good old family fun! Activities include a bounce house, raffles and prizes, crafts, vendors, tasty food, a beer garden, and live music by Chute Nine from 8 p.m. - 12 a.m.

For more information, contact Calhan Town Hall at (719) 347-2586.

Limon Heritage Festival • Saturday, July 28Mark your calendars for the 27th Annual Limon Heritage Festival on Saturday, July 28!

This family-oriented event will include the famous pie sale in the newly renovated dining car, quilt show in the Town Hall, an art show in the Exhibit Building, and, for the first time, will include a Cheyenne Warrior and his tipi complete with pictographs.

For more information, visit www.limonmuseum.com or call Mary Andersen at (719) 740-0782.

2018

Want to see your photography skills highlighted in Mountain View Electric Association, Inc.’s (MVEA) 2019 calendar? Every year MVEA receives amazing photos capturing the beauty of our service territory. As an MVEA member, you are invited to send in your photos taken within our service territory that reflect the seasons, people, lifestyle or landscape of the area. The winning photographs will be included in MVEA’s 2019 calendar. Please read the following guidelines carefully. The deadline for entry is July 9, 2018.

If you have questions, please contact Nikki Ricciardi at 719-494-2657 or email nikki.r@mvea.coop.

Photo Entries Wanted!

20 19PHOTO CALENDAR CONTESTMOUNTAIN VIEW ELECTRIC ASSOCIATION, INC.

For complete Photo Calendar Contest submission requirements, please visit www.mvea.coop/photo-calendar-contest to

complete a digital entry form. Send entry by email to nikki.r@mvea.coop.

Photo Calendar Submission GuidelinesOnly MVEA members, directors, employees and their family members are eligible to participate in the photo calendar contest. Digital entries preferred. Only two photos per person will be accepted. Digital camera users: Minimum resolution is 300 dpi. Resolution of digital photos printed on home printers is usually too low for commercial printing. Photos must have horizontal/landscape orientation for best chance of being selected for the calendar. Photos must be taken within our service territory. Photos will not be accepted without a completed entry form.