Finding Peace in Nature€¦ · them mo ve lik e the y did y ear s prior” explain s Dr . Liza Leal, de veloper and spok esper son for Ver aFlex. Piling on the Clinical R esear ch

Summer Savings Through Energy

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May 2020

FindingPeace in

Nature

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THESE STATEMENTS HAVE NOT BEEN EVALUATED BY THE FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION. THIS PRODUCT IS NOT INTENDED TO DIAGNOSE, TREAT, CURE OR PREVENT ANY DISEASE. RESULTS MAY VARY.

US- Several drug companies are expect-ed to lose millions in sales as consumers have a new alternative to popular joint health products.

The alternative, a pill, was developed earlier this year by a private company in Seattle.

Using a new 8-million dollar technol-ogy, studies show it can relieve severe joint discomfort in just days.

And when compared to a leading prescription, this relief was stronger and longer lasting at the 30 day mark.

So what’s the secret behind this new pill called VeraFlex? It’s called immune modulation and it may be the biggest breakthrough we’ve had in years.

The Science Behind Relief

Research shows that the joint stiffness, soreness and discomfort associated with arthritis is caused by in�ammation which attacks healthy cartilage and pro-tective tissue.

And according to top medical profes-sionals, this in�ammation is caused by two in�ammatory enzymes released by the body’s immune system.

The active ingredients in VeraFlex help to block the production of these enzymes, resulting in a dramatic decreasing in swelling, in�ammation, and discomfort.

Right now, the leading over-the-count-er pills are only able to block one of these enzymes!

“VeraFlex users can generally expect more �exibility in three days...their joint pain alleviated in �ve days...and in just seven days, a tremendous improvement in overall joint function that may help them move like they did years prior” explains Dr. Liza Leal, developer and spokesperson for VeraFlex.

Piling on the Clinical Research

Remarkably, the key ingredient in VeraFlex is protected by 8 patents and is backed by over 8-million dollar in research. It’s also been studied in two clinical trials.

In the �rst, 60 participants with rheu-matoid arthritis and/or osteoarthritis were randomly placed into four groups.

Two groups were given the patented

ingredient in VeraFlex, one was given the drug Celecoxib, and the last group a placebo. The re-sults were monitored at 30, 60, and 90 days.

The data collected by researchers was stunning.

The groups taking the VeraFlex ingre-dient saw staggering improvements in arthritis symptoms such as �exibility, discomfort and function.

And even more astonishing they ex-perienced a dramatic reduction in pain by the 30-day mark that was even better than Celecoxib, a powerful drug!

A second study was conducted to ensure the data was accurate and again the results participants experienced tak-ing the VeraFlex compound blew away researchers.

This time it beat out the drug Naproxen. Shockingly, both men and women expe-rienced a reduction in joint stiffness two days faster than when using Naproxen.

“I have to admit I was surprised when I read the initial �ndings” explains Leal. “But when you look at the science it just makes sense. It’s going to change everything.”

Faster Delivery, Maximum Absorption

VeraFlex is comprised of two patent-ed ingredients: Univestin, a powerful immune modulator which blocks the enzymes which cause your joints to hurt and an absorption enhancer (accelerator) that ensures maximum potency.

Research shows that severe joint dis-comfort arises when the immune system goes haywire and releases COX and LOX into your blood stream, two enzymes that causes tremendous swelling and in�ammation around cartilage and pro-tective tissue.

Over time, this in�ammation over-whelms the joint and it begins to dete-riorate resulting in a daily battle with chronic pain.

Unfortunately, modern day pain pills are only able block only one of these enzymes, resulting in marginal relief and continued suffering.

The Univestin in VeraFlex is one of the only known substances which has been proven successful in blocking both enzymes, resulting in phenomenal relief from the worst kinds of discomfort.

The accelerator, a unique extract of aloe vera, maximizes the delivery of the plant based Univestin extract to every joint in the body because it is proven to improve nutrient absorption for maxi-mum results.

Aloe Vera also is proven to support the body’s immune system which manages in�ammation, further supporting relief.

How to Claim a Free 3-Month Supply Of VeraFlex

Due to the enormous interest consum-ers have shown in VeraFlex, the company has decided to extend their nationwide savings event for a little while longer. Here’s how it works...

Call the VeraFlex number and speak to a live person in the US. Callers will be greeted by a knowledgeable and friendly person approved to offer up to 3 FREE bottles of VeraFlex with your order. VeraFlex’s Toll-Free number is 1-800-235-7807 Only a limited discounted supply of Veraflex is currently available.

Consumers who miss out on the cur-rent product inventory will have to wait until more becomes available and that could take weeks. They will also not be guaranteed any additional savings. The company advises not to wait. Call 1-800-235-7807 today.

Millions are expected to benefit from a new technology that’s proven to relieve severe joint discomfort in a matter of days.

Good News for Americans, Bad News for Pain Drugs.

This new technology is now encapsulated in this pill. It reprograms the body to block painful inflammation instead of creating it.

May 2020 3

“The Rural Voice of Nebraska”

Volume 74, Number 5, May 2020

FeaturesFinding Peace in Nature 6

Summer Savings 14If May’s warmer weather has you thinking

about the sultry summer months ahead, thiscould be a great time to consider energy-saving options and making plans to helpcontrol your energy costs.

Departments

On the coverA seed feeder can attract birds such as this

Red-bellied Woodpecker. See the related storyon Page 6. Photograph by Scott Casper

Contents

EDITOR’S PAGE 4

SAFETY BRIEFS — Murphy 12

CUT YOUR UTILITY BILLS by Pat Keegan 16

RECIPES 20

MARKETPLACE/CLASSIFIEDS 22

StaffEditor

Wayne PriceEditorial AssistantTina Schweitzer

Published by the

Interim General ManagerDave Jarecke

PresidentBryan Monahan,

Panhandle Rural ElectricMembership Association

Vice President/SecretaryA.C. (Pat) Hecox,

Dawson Public Power District

TreasurerGreg Strehle,

Cuming County Public Power District

Published monthly by the Nebraska Rural ElectricAssociation, 1244 K Street, Box 82048, Lincoln,Nebraska 68501, (402) 475-4988.Advertising in the Rural Electric Nebraskan doesnot imply endorsement for products by theNebraska Rural Electric Association.Correspondence should be sent to Wayne Price,Editor, Rural Electric Nebraskan, Box 82048,Lincoln, NE 68501.The Rural Electric Nebraskan is printed by theAradius Group, 4700 F Street, Omaha, NE 68117.Form 3579 should be sent to the Rural ElectricNebraskan, Box 82048, Lincoln, NE 68501.Periodicals postage paid at Lincoln, Neb.POSTMASTER: send address changes to theRural Electric Nebraskan, 1244 K Street, Box82048, Lincoln, NE 68501.Publication numbers are USPS 071-630 and ISSN0193-4937.Subscriber Services: Cost of subscription forconsumers of participating member-systems is$2.14 per year (17.8 cents per month), plusperiodicals postage paid from equity accruing tothe consumer. For nonmembers, a subscription is$10 per year or $20 for three years, plus local andstate tax. Single copy, $2.50.

Nature can provide hours of peace andcomfort during difficult times. But due to theCOVID-19 pandemic we are asked to remainat home, so where can one turn for the peaceand comfort of nature? The answer might beright out your window.

Rural Electric Nebraskan4

EDITOR’S PAGE

Follow us @RENeditor

by Wayne Price

et me start by saying that I hope eachof you are safe and healthy as you arereading this issue of the Rural

Electric Nebraskan magazine. As I amwriting this we are in the middle of selfisolation during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Our top priority is the safety and health ofthe NREA membership and staff. We haveclosed our office in Lincoln to all visitors andthe majority of the employees, myselfincluded, are working from home for thetime being.

To say that flexibility of workplacepractices during this unique time is requiredis an understatement. It can be moredifficult if you’re also dealing with havingyour children home from school.

The NREA member-systems that provideelectricity to your homes and businessesacross the state are following the guidelinesof the World Health Organization (WHO)and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).Many of the local offices where you pay yourelectric bill have also closed to visitors.

Some public power districts and electriccooperatives have also separated theirworking crews of linemen from the rest of

the staff. Most have reported they areincreasing cleaning services andpreventative measures.

Other procedures related to COVID-19that are in place include:

• Outreach to employees with messagingaround workplace hygiene, authoritativewebsites to monitor and sanitizing efforts forthe office.

• Encourage employees who are sick orhave sick family members to stay home.

• Practice social distancing, self-quarantine, and isolation as directed by localofficials.

• Implement steps to separate work crewsto help safeguard the integrity of thedistribution system.

These are unprecedented times and withthe uncertainty of our future, the NREAremains committed to its mission of servingour membership. The NREA staff willcontinue to provide essential services to ourmembership.

We are grateful to our membership for thecooperative efforts during this ever-changingsituation. We are “Working for Nebraska”and your continued safety.

LAdjusting to the new reality of the COVID-19 virus

Prevent the spread of COVID-19 in

7 Steps1 Wash your hands

frequently5 Stay at home if you

feel unwell

6 If you have a fever,cough and difficultybreathing, seekmedical care early— but call first

7 Get informationfrom trustedsources.

2 Avoid touching youreyes, nose and mouth

3 Cover your cough usingthe bend of your elbowor a tissue

4 Avoid crowded places andclose contact with anyonethat has a fever or cough

SOURCE: WORLD HEALTHORGANIZATION

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ature has provided me withhours of peace and comfortduring difficult times. Many

times I have left my home with stresson my mind and the wonders ofnature have lifted my spirits. Thesight and sounds of thousands ofSandhill cranes at Rowe Sanctuarynear Gibbon, the awesome display ofbald eagles swooping down to catchfish at the J-2 Power Plant nearLexington, as well as Lake Ogallala,deer crossing the MOPAC Easthike/bike trail in Lancaster and CassCounties, red-tailed hawks and otherraptors flying above, and squirrelsand songbirds seemingly everywhere.

But due to the COVID-19 pandemicwe are asked to remain at home, sowhere can one turn for the peace andcomfort of nature? The answer mightbe right out your window. Whetherone lives in a city, town, or ruralsetting there is nature near by thatcan be viewed to provide peace andcomfort.

Birds are a great example of naturethat may be right out your window. Ifyou want to bring the birds closer,there are a variety of ways to do so. Asimple feeder, like the one shown onthe cover can attract many speciesincluding the red-bellied woodpeckershown.

Another simple way to attract birdslike orioles and finches is to cut anorange in half and poke it into a stickor other sharp object. The birds seemto love oranges and will even battlefor this prize.

A birdbath can attract birds,especially during dry times.Sometimes the birds come in one at atime, or possibly in pairs. If a personkeeps watching long enough smallflocks may come to your birdbath. Theseven American robins shown at thebirdbath wasn’t even all that weregathered right outside my window atthe time. However, seven at the

birdbath at once was pretty cool tosee.

Flowers such as trumpet creepervines can attract species such ashummingbirds. I would regularly seeruby-throated hummingbirds fromJuly until early September on mytrumpet creeper vines. One day Inoticed a hummingbird that looked alittle different and it turned out to bea Rufous hummingbird, somewhatunusual for Nebraska, proving that aperson can find rare sightings rightoutside your window.

Another thing that amazes meabout Nature is how wild animals cansurvive in different types ofconditions, take for example squirrelslike this one shown in hoarfrost.While it is new for most humans to beasked to hunker down and survive ina limited space for a while, squirrels,which do not hibernate, have to dothis each and every year.

Many kinds of animals dohibernate, and some brumate whileothers estivate. What is thedifference? Mark Peyton, a naturalistwho regularly contributes to theRural Electric Nebraskan put it thisway:

During hibernation mammals andamphibians go into a torpid state of

deep sleep. They survive by breakingdown the stored fats in their bodies.In a deep sleep the animal requiresfar less energy, which it can get fromthe fats.

Reptiles, on the other hand, neverreally “go to sleep”. They remainkind of awake, but with a reducedmetabolism. This is called“brumation” and it differs fromhibernation in three major ways.

First, a brumating animal is more-or-less awake and consumes moreenergy than a hibernating animal.Secondly, metabolism uses water sothe brumating animal must consumewater to keep from dehydrating.Lastly, a brumating animal lives onstored glycogen, not fat. Glycogen isa complex polysaccharide (sugar)produced by the body and it is ourmain source of “energy” on a dailybasis. The problem with glycogen isthat we can only store a limitedamount, for example, when marathonrunners run out of stored glycogenthey “hit the wall”. When abrumating animal runs out ofglycogen they must eat or die.

Estivation is pretty much the sameas hibernation but during times ofexcessive heat and or dryness. Thebiggest concern during estivation iswater. Also, the animals thatregularly estivate can become re-animated fairly quickly while wakingup hibernating animals is a lot likewaking up teenagers.

So during difficult times, one canadmire Nature, learn from Nature,and find peace and comfort viewingthe Nature right at home.

While I have spent hours and hoursin photography blinds, all of thephotographs for this article, (even thesquirrel in the hoarfrost), were takenout of the same window of my oldrural Buffalo County house.Sometimes you travel to see wildlife,sometimes the wildlife travels to you.


Finding Peace in NatureBy Scott Casper and Mark Peyton

N

A squirrel hunkers down in thehoarfrost. Photographs by ScottCasper.

7May 2020

Above: A bird bath can attract birds such as theseAmerican Robins.

Left: A Baltimore Oriole and House finch are attractedto a half of an orange.

Below: A Rufous Hummingbird lands on trumpet vines.


f you haven’t already, you will likely run your airconditioning system within the next few weeks. Mostpublic power utilities in Nebraska have higher rates

June through September to offset increased costsassociated with generating electricity during peak-useperiods. Rather than worry about how fast your airconditioner is making your electric meter spin and raisingyour monthly bill, wouldn’t it be nice to know your systemis cooling and heating your home year-round? Thesolution might be right under your feet!

Also called an earth-coupled heat pump, or ageothermal heat pump, a ground source heat pumpoperates by transferring heat to and from the ground orgroundwater. Below the frost line, the temperature of theearth in Nebraska stays fairly constant at 50 – 55°F. Heatpumps provide summer cooling by extracting heat fromyour home and transferring it into the earth through amechanical process. In the winter, that process can bereversed so the heat pump extracts heat from the earthand “pumps” it into your home. Since it is much moreefficient to transfer heat than to create it with electricalresistance or fossil-fueled furnaces, even during extremetemperature conditions a ground source heat pump canprovide up to five times the amount of heating or coolingenergy for each kilowatt-hour used to run the system.

Ground source heat pump systems generally fall intotwo categories: closed-loop and open-loop. Most closed-loop systems circulate an antifreeze solution, which isusually made of plastic tubing buried in the ground orsubmerged in water. A heat exchanger transfers heatbetween the refrigerant in the heat pump and theantifreeze solution in the closed loop.

Open-loop systems use well or surface water as the heatexchange fluid that circulates directly through the heatpump system. Once it has circulated, water returns to theground through the well, a recharge well, or is dischargedabove ground. This option is especially practical whenthere is an adequate supply of relatively clean water andall local codes and regulations regarding groundwaterdischarge are met.

Ground source heat pump systems are reasonably

warranted by manufacturers, and their working life isestimated at 25 years for inside components. The plastictubing for closed-loop systems will last 50 to 100 years.Maintenance costs tend to be significantly less with aground source system when compared to fossil-fueledheating systems.

Yes, setup costs for ground source heat pumps arehigher than for conventional systems. However, groundsource heat pump systems qualify for a number ofprograms that dramatically reduce your final cost. Yourlocal utility may offer additional incentives to reduce yourcost recovery from savings even more quickly. That’s whyit’s a great time to consider ground-source heat pumps.

I

Taking Advantage of the

Earth’s Heat

by Cory Fuehrer

May 2020 9

fter 27 years of service as theNebraska Rural ElectricAssociation Credit Union

Bookkeeper, LindaHesnard has retired.She began working atthe Credit Union in May1993 as a part-timeemployee. Over theyears the credit uniongrew along with herresponsibilities.

She switched to full-time status in 2004.

Her favorite memoriesof working at the creditunion are of themembership.

“I have gotten to know so many ofthem by voice recognition,” she said,“the jokes they tell me, the placesthey have traveled, the stories abouttheir families. They have shared

pictures on email of family members,weddings and vacations. I will missmy co-workers and our CU members

very much.”After retirement she

plans to spend part ofher time traveling withher husband, Dwight.She would like to visitmany of the places theyhave not had time to goto, until now.

“This August wehave plans to take atrain trip through theCanadian Rockies andvisit Canada,” she said.“In September 2021 we

are planning to go to Ireland towatch the Husker football game andvisit Ireland.”

She is also looking forward tospending more time with family.

Linda Hesnard retires from NREA Credit UnionDoes your cooling

system need a tune up? A $30 EnergyWise incentive isavailable to homeowners that havetheir cooling system tuned up,regardless of what type or age ofcooling system it is (air conditioner, airor water source heat pump). The application includes a checklistof key components your contractorshould inspect as well as items fordiscussion, such as; filter replacementschedule, proper temperature set-backpractices and an understanding of thegeneral condition of the system.

Qualifications Incentives are available to customerswho have their cooling systeminspected and tuned up by an HVACcontractor. Qualifying systems includeresidential central - air conditioners, airsource and water source heat pumpsthat are served by Nebraska PublicPower District or its Wholesale UtilityPartners. Contact your utility for an incentiveapplication.

A

Linda Hesnard


he little blue (and sometimesblack) logo with the starinside that you see on all sorts

of appliances and electronics haschanged the way we view savingsthrough more efficient products.

The EnergyStar program claimscredit for reducing pollution andgreenhouse gas emissions, and forsaving Americans $30 billion inenergy costs. Analysts creditEnergyStar with innovating theenergy industry, as manufacturersset goals of making more energyefficient products than theircompetitors.

What EnergyStar does is make iteasy to know whether a productyou’re thinking about buying is moreenergy efficient. Essentially theprogram looks at the average energyuse of each type of product, andawards the EnergyStar rating to top

performers based on differentcriteria—a refrigerator needs to be9% more energy efficient than theminimum efficiency standard; acomputer needs to use 25% lesselectricity than conventional modelsand include a power-saving modeoption when it’s not being used.

So, if the appliance or electronicdevice you’re purchasing includes theEnergyStar logo, you know it’samong the most energy-efficientproducts available. That simplicity isthe secret to the success of theprogram that is run by the federalDepartment of Energy and theEnvironmental Protection Agency(EPA).

The program’s effectiveness comesfrom a complex process of makingsure the EnergyStar logo is accurateand trusted––and the numbers showit is trusted. Americans bought morethan 300 million EnergyStar-ratedproducts in 2017 alone, and anEnergyStar study found that three-fourths of U.S. households say theEnergyStar label influences theirpurchases. According toenergystar.gov, the EPA uses thefollowing specifications to determine

T

The Little Blue Logo that Changed Efficiency Standards

The Little Blue Logo that Changed Efficiency Standards

by Paul Wesslund

May 2020 11

if products meet the EnergyStarstandard: • Product categories mustcontribute significant energy savingsnationwide. • Certified products must deliverthe features and performancedemanded by consumers, in additionto increased energy efficiency. • If the certified product costsmore than a conventional, less-efficient counterpart, purchasers willrecover their investment in increasedenergy efficiency through utility billsavings, within a reasonable periodof time. • Energy efficiency can beachieved through broadly available,non-proprietary technologies offeredby more than one manufacturer. • Product energy consumption andperformance can be measured andverified with testing. • Labeling effectivelydifferentiates products and must bevisible to consumers.

Today, more than 500 certified labsin 25 countries around the world testmore than 1,500 products a year,along with surprise inspections, tomanage a list of 60,000 productmodels. EnergyStar runs seminarson how to meet its standards. Thosestandards require that TVs must use3 watts or less when switched off;light bulbs must use two-thirds lessenergy than standard incandescentbulbs; EnergyStar home furnacesmust be between 4 and 15% moreefficient than standard furnaces.

EnergyStar tests also requirequality standards in addition to justenergy efficiency. In general,products must have popularfeatures, like internet connectivityfor smart TVs. Light bulbs must lastup to 15 times longer and produce 70to 90% less heat than conventionalbulbs.

In 2018, EnergyStar tested 1,792models, disqualifying 59 of them. Ofthe 858 different kinds of lightingand fans tested, that year, 51 weredisqualified. Of the 35 TVs tested,two were disqualified.

EnergyStar has caught on becauseit has something for everybody—ways for consumers to save money;ways for businesses to promote theirefficient products; online calculatorsfor those wanting deep dives intofinding the ideal energy use; and forthe rest of us, a simple little logo thattells us we’re buying one of the mostenergy-efficient products available.

ver the years, EnergyStar has branched intoratings for business, industry and new homes. Itswebsite, energystar.gov, sprawls with details,

explanations and features like ask the expert, productfinders, tax credit calculators, recommendations forbusiness strategies, lists of certified test laboratories,even suggestions for how to set up your video games tomake them more efficient.An example of what’s available sits in the middle of thehomepage, a link to “Improve your home’s comfort andefficiency.” So, I decided to give it a try.The webpage asked me to create a password beforeanswering questions about the square footage of myhouse, the number of light fixtures and the appliancemodel and year of purchase. Full disclosure, I did not complete the entirequestionnaire, but the energystar.gov site provided somehelpful recommendations. I could save energy by replacing a ceiling fan thatprobably was not made with efficiency in mind—it wasinstalled before EnergyStar was even born. It alsosuggested replacing our 10-year-old dishwasher—no bigsurprise there either. It’s certainly no secret that today’s appliances arebecoming more energy efficient, and newer models usea lot less energy for the same amount of work as theirolder counterparts. If you’re interested in calculating potential savings, visit www.energystar.gov/campaign/home.

EnergyStar Tools for Calculating Savings

OLeft: An EnergyStar study found

that three-fourths of U.S. householdssay the EnergyStar label influencestheir purchases. Photograph by ScottVan Osdol

Paul Wesslund writes on consumerand cooperative affairs for theNational Rural Electric CooperativeAssociation, the national tradeassociation representing more than900 local public power districts andelectric cooperatives. From growingsuburbs to remote farmingcommunities, rural electric utilitiesserve as engines of economicdevelopment for 42 million Americansacross 56 percent of the nation’slandscape.


SAFETY BRIEFS

Fractal burning can cause electrocutionigh voltage electricity is aninvisible killer; the usercannot see the danger. It is

easy to see the danger of a spinningsaw blade. It is very obvious thatcoming into contact with a movingblade will cause an injury, but inalmost all cases a spinning blade willnot kill you. With fractal burning, onesmall mistake and you are dead.

This is true whether you are usinga homemade device or amanufactured one.

Fractal or Lichtenberg burningworks by passing electricity at veryhigh voltage between two electrodeswhile they are in contact with a pieceof wood. An electrolyte (a solution thatconducts electricity) is often placed onthe wood to help the electricity movebetween the two electrodes. Theelectricity seeks the path of leastresistance while generating heatalong the wood surface and betweenthe electrodes, burning the wood as itgoes.

Electrocution happens when high-voltage electricity enters through anypart of the body, passes across theheart, and then exits the body. If you

grabbed one electrode of a Lichtenbergburner in each hand while the voltageis on, the electricity could flow fromone hand, across your heart, and outthe other hand. This could stop yourheart and kill you. Accidental skincontact with an energized electrode,the electrolyte, a loose wire, or evenstanding on a conductive floor can allcontribute to conditions causingelectrocution.

In addition to voltage, the burner’slevel of amperes, or “amps”—ameasure of electrical current—is alsoimportant; the greater the amps, thegreater the risk. Furthermore, thetransformer, wire, insulators, andother components used to construct aLichtenberg burner also contribute tothe risks of using it if they are notproperly rated. Simply getting aLichtenberg burner with very lowamperage and made from correctlyrated, quality components may not besufficient to protect the user. Evenlow-amperage current can stop abeating heart if it passes through atthe wrong moment. If the burner iscapable of burning Lichtenbergfigures in wood, it is capable of

hurting or killing the user.“There are many ways to express

your creativity,” said Rick Baker,American Association of Woodworkerssafety committee chair. “Do not usefractal burning. If you have a fractalburner, throw it away. If you arelooking into fractal burning, stop rightnow and move on to something else.This could save your life.”

The American Association ofWoodturners has banned the use ofthis process at all of its events and hasbanned articles about use of a fractalburner in all of its publications.

The reported cases of fractalburning deaths range from hobbyistwoodworkers through experiencedwoodworkers to an electrician withmany years experience working withelectricity.

“It only takes one small mistake andyou are dead; not injured, dead,”Baker noted. “Some of those who diedwere experienced at using the processand some were not. What is commonto all of them: fractal burning killedthem.”Source: American Association ofWoodworkers

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f May’s warmer weather has youthinking about the sultrysummer months ahead, this

could be a great time to considerenergy-saving options and makingplans to help control your energycosts.

There’s a combination of thingsyou can do yourself, like makingslight modifications to your family’sroutine.

HVAC Tune UpWhen it comes to heating, ventilationand air conditioning equipment,spending a few dollars at thebeginning of the season can add upto big savings and help you avoidexpensive surprises and systemfailures.

A qualified service technician withthe right skills and equipment willcheck key components like thecompressor and condenser, clean thecoils and inspect the ductwork. Atechnician may also offer advice onthe how to get the most value out ofyour programmable thermostat.

According to experts with theEnergyStar program, sealing andinsulating ductwork can improve theoverall efficiency of your HVAC by as

much as 20%. Making sure systemsare appropriately sized can alsoimprove performance.

Consider replacing systems thatare more than 10 years old (or thosethat no longer keep your homecomfortable) with a high-efficiencysystem that is properly sized anddesigned to meet your needs.

Gain Insight from Energy AuditsSometimes it pays to get the bigpicture, so when it comes to energyefficiency and getting real value foryour home improvement dollars,professional advice is a good place tostart.

Your local public power district orelectric cooperative may be able torecommend professionally trainedenergy advisors who can conductcomprehensive assessments andprovide recommendations that couldhelp you control energy costs andimprove comfort.

Energy audits include examinationof heating, cooling and water heatingequipment, as well as interior andexterior lighting. Other availableservices can include inspections andassessments of windows, crawlspaces and other voids for air leaks,

which can degrade HVACperformance.

According to the DOE’s EnergyInformation Administration, aprofessional energy auditor willreview monthly, seasonal and annualenergy bills, consider householdoccupancy patterns, and examinecondition, age and use of appliancesand other electronics.

An analysis developed from thecollected information can helpdetermine a series of


I

Seek Summer savingsthrough energy

efficiency upgrades

by Derrill Holly

Making slight modifications to your family’s routinethat can help identify and achieve opportunities forsavings while keeping your home more comfortablethroughout the summer cooling season ahead.

May 2020 15

recommendations that, ifaccomplished, can produce savings.Homeowners can then decide whichmeasures fit into their budgets orschedules as they considerimprovement projects.

Small Changes Add SavingsWhen the goal is keeping the housecool and comfortable, rememberingthat any activities adding heat andhumidity to your air-conditionedspaces can increase your costs.

Open doors don’t just allow peopleto come and go. They also provide aninstant exchange of cooler inside airfor warm, moist air, much the same asthe cooling effect you experience whenstanding in front of an openrefrigerator. A cooler stocked with colddrinks and chilled snacks and placedoutdoors can help cut down onhousehold traffic on hot summer days.

When cooking, consider usingsmaller appliances like a slow cooker– or better yet, take the extra heat

from cooking outdoors and fire up thegrill.

Ceiling fans operating in air-conditioned space can make you feelabout 4 degrees cooler while you arein the room. But the benefits onlyoccur when a room is occupied. Makeit a habit to turn off the fan when youleave the room.

During summer months,consider using smallerappliances like a slow cookerto eliminate heat gain in thekitchen. Photograph by ScottVan Osdol


: Thanks for answering myquestion last month about

replacing older windows. Clearlythere are benefits in addition toenergy savings, so we’ve decided togo ahead with replacing ourwindows. Can you offer any tips ondeciding which new windows topurchase?

: I’m glad to hear you’re thinkingthis through. Here are five tips

I’ll offer as you think about the typesof new windows you shouldpurchase. 1. Think beyond windows.

Sometimes home improvementprojects can grow into somethingbigger. And that’s not necessarily abad thing. There are advantages toreplacing windows and siding at thesame time, for example. You couldconsider adding rigid foaminsulation to the exterior wall beforeinstalling siding. You could alsopump some additional insulationinto the wall cavities. Thesemeasures will reduce heat lossthrough the wall and make yourhome more comfortable. Anotheradvantage of replacing siding as youreplace windows is to make it easierto install flashing around thewindow. Flashing is what preventswater from making its way into thewall from the outside.

Are you replacing doors, too?Maybe you’d like to reduce orincrease the size of one or morewindows. A larger window can let inmore light and transform a room. Asmaller window that lets in lesssunshine can make a room less likelyto overheat in the summer.Remember that high-efficiencywindows are less efficient than awell-insulated wall, so increasing or

decreasing window area can impactheating and cooling costs.2. What is your type? Do you

want fixed-pane units that don’topen at all? Or casement windowsthat open with a crank? How aboutsliders, or double-hung windows thatopen from the top and bottom?Maybe awning-style options thatopen out from the bottom? A baywindow can add extra space andlight. There are so many options thatcan fit many different situations. Irecommend a thorough searchonline, or visit a local window storeto see examples of these styles.

3. Frame the issues. If thenumber of styles wasn’t bewilderingenough, now you get to choose theframe and sash (the inner frame thatholds the glass). Vinyl is the leastexpensive and most common option;it can also be quite energy efficientand does not require painting. Vinylframes vary greatly in quality andthe less expensive models may besusceptible to warping. Aluminum isan affordable option, but if the

frames don’t have a thermal break,they can lose heat and causecondensation. Wood windows offerhigh quality – but the biggestdrawbacks are the price andmaintenance requirements. Thereare wood options with vinyl claddingthat never need painting. Fiberglassand composite windows are a neweroption that fall between vinyl andwood in quality and price.

Also, you may be able to savemoney by not doing a full windowreplacement. If your existing framesand sills are free of rot and in goodcondition, and you aren’t looking tomake any alterations to the wallsaround them, you could look intoreplacing the glass and keeping theexisting frames.4. Glass assemblies. Single-pane

windows no longer meet buildingcodes. Your two choices are double-and triple-pane. An add-on that isoften well worth the price is a low-Ecoating that reflects heat back intothe room. You can also boost energyefficiency with windows that haveeither Argon or CO2 gas between thepanes.5. Compare the numbers.

Fortunately, there’s an easy way tocompare the efficiency of windows.Almost all windows areindependently tested and rated bythe National Fenestration RatingCouncil (NFRC). The most importantnumber on the NFRC label is the U-factor. The lower the U-factor, themore efficient the window is. It’s bestif the window has an EnergyStarlabel, but the NFRC label will tellyou which EnergyStar window ismore efficient.

I hope these tips help in thedecision of choosing your newwindows. Remember, you’ll have tolive with them for several years, sobe sure to do your research andconsider all options. And becausenew window installation is acomplicated process, it’s best to havethem installed by a qualifiedprofessional with solid references.

CUT YOUR UTILITY BILLS

5 steps to a clear decision on new windows

by Pat Keegan

Q

A

Outward-opening casementwindows like these give this room aclassic charm. Photograph providedby The Sash Window Workshop

17May 2020

Celebrate electrical safety month in May

Cuming County PPD’s Working Foreman Willy Anderson, right, andJourneyman Lineman Jess Hunke teach students about electrical safety.

ublic power districts andelectric cooperatives’ toppriority is always to provide

safe, reliable, affordable energy totheir consumers. Your well-being andthat of the larger communities weserve are of paramount concern.

Sometimes we hear aboutpreventable tragedies involvingyoung people and car accidents. Thisbrings up the topic at hand: safety.

Does your teen or loved one knowwhat to do in the event of a collisionwith a utility pole resulting in adowned power line? Do your lovedones know what to do if they comeupon an accident with a downedpower line? This month, we’d like toshare a few safety tips that we hopeyou never have to use. But if you do,they could save their life.

If a car collides with a utility pole,the vehicle may be charged withelectricity. Anyone exiting the carcould come in contact with thousandsof volts of electricity from the downed

line. In essence, when you step out ofthe car, you become part of theelectricity’s path to the ground andcould be electrocuted. It’s critical tostay in the vehicle and tell others todo the same until emergency crewshave told you it’s safe to exit the car.If the vehicle is on fire or you mustexit for other safety reasons, jumpclear of the vehicle. Do not let anypart of your body or clothing touch thevehicle and ground at the same time.Land with your feet together andshuffle away (in small steps with yourfeet still together) to avoid electricshock. Keep moving away until youare at least 40 feet from the vehicle.

If you come upon a car accidentinvolving a utility pole and downedpower lines, keep your distance. Adowned power line can energize theground up to 35 feet away. While yournatural instinct may be to rush to thecar to help, instead pause. Do notapproach the car or scene of theaccident. Tell others to stay away.

While you may be concerned aboutinjuries to those involved, the bestaction you can take is to alertemergency officials, who will in turncoordinate with the power provider.For the same reasons describedabove, never drive over a downedpower line or through water that istouching a downed power line.

If you have a downed power line onyour property as a result of a fallingtree, storm or other circumstance, donot go near the power line. Assumethat the downed line is energized anddangerous. Never try to move thepower line even if you think it’s notenergized or if you are using a non-conductive material. We recognizethat you may be anxious to clear yourproperty of tree limbs or other debrisnear the downed line, but please waituntil after an electric utility crew oremergency officials have confirmedthat it is safe to do so.

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Our65thyear


he discovery of electricity is regarded as one of thegreatest achievements of all time. Electricity isthe backbone of our current modern-day society

and people around the world depend on it every singleday.

We may see electricity as something that is alwayspresent now, but the current infrastructure of today’selectric grid took a lot of coordination, investment andefforts. Although the electric grid itself is complex, theprocess of delivering power to consumers isn’t difficult tounderstand. Here’s how electricity is sent from theelectric grid to your home or business.

The first step is to generate the electricity itself, whichcan be done using several different types of energy. Thereare non-renewable energy sources, like coal or naturalgas, and there are also renewable energy sources, likesolar power, wind power or hydropower. The generationinfrastructure depends on the type of energy being used,such as a power plant for natural gas, a dam forhydropower or a large array of solar panels. As generationtechnology has evolved over the last decade, solar powerand wind power are playing a larger role in thegeneration mix than ever before.

The next step is to carry the generated energy throughtransmission lines. High-voltage transmission lines arethe first phase in delivering electricity, and they help tomove large amounts of energy from the generation sourceto more populated areas. Through transformers locatedat a distribution substation, the electricity is carried fromtransmission lines to distribution power lines.Distribution lines carry electricity to businesses,neighborhoods and individual homes, where it is ready tobe used by consumers.

But not all energy comes from large power plants or

fields. Some electricity comes from decentralized sources,which is called distributed generation. Consumers canuse the energy that they generate themselves, forexample, energy from solar panels on their roofs.Typically, this is not enough energy to power an entirehome, but for those who want cleaner energy or analternative energy source to the grid, this is a great optionto supplement.

There are several aspects of the grid that keep evolvingby use of new innovative technologies. One aspect isenergy storage, which helps to reduce power outages bystoring excess energy to use later as needed, especiallyenergy from renewable sources. Another innovation is themicrogrid. Microgrids are disconnected from the largergrid and can still supply electricity when the energy fromthe main electric grid is unavailable. Another aspect isthe smart meter, which allows for two-waycommunication between the end-user and the utility.Smart meters can alert the utility if there is a powerdisruption for a specific consumer. Two-waycommunication helps to better generate, store andconsume power between the consumer and the utility. Allof these new technologies are contributing to a “smarter”grid that helps reduce power outages, and many advancesare still on the way.

We often take for granted the availability of electricityaround us, but without electricity, we would lose a greatdeal of value in our lives. Because of the electric grid, wecan light our homes after the sun goes down, power oursmart phones, keep our food refrigerated – and so muchmore. We tend to only notice electricity when it is missingand can no longer complete our daily tasks. But whenwe’re more aware of how we receive our electricity, we canall appreciate the electric grid much more.

TThe value of the electric grid in Nebraska

You can’t always lie down in bed and sleep. Heartburn, cardiac problems, hip or back aches – and dozens of other ailments and worries. Those are the nights you’d give anything for a comfortable chair to sleep in: one that reclines to exactly the right degree, raises your feet and legs just where you want them, supports your head and shoulders properly, and operates at the touch of a button.

Our Perfect Sleep Chair® does all that and more. More than a chair or recliner, it’s designed to provide total comfort. Choose your preferred heat and massage settings, for hours of soothing relaxation. Reading or watching TV? Our chair’s recline technology allows you to pause the chair in an infinite number of settings. And best of all, it features a powerful lift mechanism that tilts the entire chair forward, making it easy to stand. You’ll love the other benefits, too. It helps

with correct spinal alignment and promotes back pressure relief, to prevent back and muscle pain. The overstuffed, oversized biscuit style back and unique seat design will cradle you in comfort. Generously filled, wide armrests provide enhanced arm support when sitting or reclining. It even has a battery backup in case of a power outage.

White glove delivery included in shipping charge. Professionals will deliver the chair to the exact spot in your home where you want it, unpack it, inspect it, test it, position it, and even carry the packaging away! You get your choice of stain and water repellent custom-manufactured Duralux with the classic leather look or plush microfiber in a variety of colors to fit any decor. Call now!

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Down Home Recipes

runch with family and friendscan be a treat any time of theyear, but spring’s fresh,

seasonal ingredients and warmerdays practically beg loved ones togather for the morning meal.

These cute, kid-friendly BunnyOatmeal and Easy Egg Casserolerecipes are simple and made withreal foods like milk, bringingrichness and flavor, and ingredientsyou can feel good serving to kids.

Whether it’s skim milk for lighterlattes with friends, 2% milk to washdown birthday cake or strawberrymilk for a sweet celebrationsurrounding the game-winning goal,milk’s already a part of the foods –and meaningful moments – thatmatter.

For more kid-friendly, seasonalrecipe ideas, visit milklife.com

Brunch ideas with an original farm-to-table ingredient

B

Bunny Oatmeal1/3 cup instant oats3/4 cup fat-free milk1/4 teaspoon cinnamon1/4 teaspoon vanilla

1 teaspoon brown sugar2/3 small banana

2 fresh blueberries1/2 small strawberry

chocolate syrup (optional)1 glass milk (8 ounces)

In microwave-safe bowl, stir oats,milk, cinnamon, vanilla and brownsugar. Microwave on high 30-60seconds and stir.

Cut banana in half crosswise. Cut1 1/8-inch thick coin slice from flatends of each banana half. Place twobanana slices in upper third ofoatmeal bowl, side by side, to makeeyes. Top each banana slice with oneblueberry.

Place remaining banana halves attop of bowl, hanging out, to createears.

Place strawberry in middle of bowlto make nose then drizzle chocolate,if desired, to make mouth andwhiskers.

A cow produces an averageof 6.3 gallons of milk dailyand 350,000 glasses of milkin a lifetime. Farmers measure milk inpounds, not gallons. A cow will produce anaverage of 6.3 gallons of milkeach day. That’s more than2,300 gallons each year! By Farm Flavor

Fun Cow Facts

May 2020 21

Reader Submitted Recipes

Pistachio Éclair Dessert

Audrey Kaser, Pender, Nebraska

Beef Party

Sally Hosier, Holdrege, Nebraska

Banana Bread

Cindy Allgood, Lincoln, Nebraska

Slice 3 pound cold, cooked roast beefArrange in layer in an 8x8” baking dish, salt

Combine: 1 can beef consommé 2 tablespoons steak sauce 1/3 cup honey1 1/3 cups beef broth 2 tablespoons Worcestershire

Pour over beef and cover. Refrigerate overnight or freeze. Bake covered 1 hourat 325 degrees.

3 cups cold whole milk 1 package (3.4 ounces) instant pistachio pudding mix 1 package (3.4 ounces) instant French vanilla pudding mix 1 carton (8 ounces) frozen whipped topping, thawed 1 package (14.4 ounces) graham crackers 1 can (16 ounces) chocolate frosting

In a large bowl, whisk milk and pudding mixes for 2 minutes. Fold in whippedtopping. In a 13-in. x 9-in. dish, layer a third of the graham crackers and half ofthe pudding mixture. Repeat layers. Top with remaining graham crackers.Refrigerate for at least 1 hour. Spoon frosting into a microwave-safe bowl. Coverand microwave on high for 15-20 seconds or until softened, stirring once. Spreadover graham crackers. Cover and refrigerate for at least 20 minutes or untilfrosting is set. Note: To make Cheese cake éclair dessert, You can change this upby using 2 package of vanilla pudding instead of 1 pistachio and 1 vanilla. And forthe topping use cherry pie filling or strawberry pie filling.

2 1/4 cups flour1 1/2 tsp. Calumet Baking Powder 1/2 tsp. baking soda 1 package (8 oz.) Philadelphia Cream Cheese, softened 1/4 cup butter, softened 1 cup sugar 1 cup mashed fully ripe bananas (about 3) 2 eggs

Heat oven to 350°F. Combine flour, baking powder and baking soda. Beat creamcheese, butter and sugar in large bowl with mixer until blended. Add bananas andeggs; mix well. Gradually add flour mixture, mixing well after each addition. Stirin nuts. Pour into greased and floured 9x5-inch loaf pan. Bake 1 hour 10 min. oruntil toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool 5 min. Remove from panto wire rack; cool completely.

Nonstick cooking spray1 cup lean ham, cubed1 cup frozen seasoned

potatoes with fresh onions and peppers

3/4 cup fresh spinach, chopped1/2 cup low-fat cheddar or Swiss

cheese, shredded6 eggs

3/4 cup fat-free milk1 glass milk (8 ounces)

Heat oven to 375 F. Lightly coat 8-by-8-inch casserole dish with nonstickcooking spray. In bottom of casseroledish, arrange ham, potatoes, spinachand cheese.

In large bowl, beat eggs and milk.Pour mixture over ingredients incasserole dish. Bake 25-30 minutes, oruntil lightly browned and puffed.

Serve with 8-ounce glass of realmilk for added nutrition.

Easy Egg BakeCasserole


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C O M M U N I T YC O N C E R N F O R

C O M M U N I T YIf you’re familiar with electric cooperatives and public power districts you know this is one of the guiding principles in our not-for-profi t business model. It’s part of who we are proud to be. During these challenging times, our cooperative family is here for you. We are responsibly doing our part to help power you through the unknown. There are a million things on your mind, making sure the lights stay on, shouldn’t be one of them. Because whatever the future holds, we’ll power it.

Finding Peace in Nature€¦ · them mo ve lik e the y did y ear s prior” explain s Dr . Liza Leal, de veloper and spok esper son for Ver aFlex. Piling on the Clinical R esear ch

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