Vinita restaurant a Route 66 fixture

COVER:
Northeast Oklahoma Electric
Cooperative will be returning $1 million in patronage
capital to its membership this
summer. Proudly displaying
the big check in the photo
are cooperative representatives Cindy Hefner, Manager
of Public Relations for the
cooperative, and Benny Seabourn, secretary-treasurer for
the NEOEC board and District
2 trustee.
INSIDE:
Annual meeting reminder
Proof is required for individuals representing organizations
at annual meeting on Sept. 17
3
Capital credit retired
Eligible cooperative members
will be receiving a patronage
capital check this summer.
4
Clanton’s a Route 66 fixture
Our Route 66 road trip feature makes three stops in
Vinita this month.
6
Co-op employees volunteer
Two NEOEC employees volunteered their time at the state
Special Olympics this year.
8
Make the switch to low-flow
Low-flow shower heads can
help you conserve water and
save on water heating costs.
9
Stay safe at school
Electrical safety can be challenging for college kids living
in student housing.
10
Watts for Dinner
This month the Seneca-Cayuga tribe shares with us its
interesting history.
11 Northeast Connection
All Around Green Country
Events are published as space allows and must be submitted at least 60 days in advance. Include a telephone number for publication.
Send information to Northeast Connection Events Calendar, P.O. Box 948, Vinita, OK 74301. Email: [email protected], or
fax: 918-256-9380. Please call ahead to confirm dates and times.
AUGUST 4 • Jay
Delaware County 4-H Horse Program
Triple Cross Ranch
918-253-3994
AUGUST 19-21 • Miami
Oklahoma BMX State Championships
Miami BMX Track
918-541-0269
AUGUST 6 • Bernice
Dog Days of Summer Pet Adoption Day
Bernice State Park
918-257-8330
AUGUST 20 • Grove
Cruise to Grove 2011
Honey Creek Landing Marina
918-786-2828
AUGUST 6 • Vinita
Route 66 Summer Fest Car Show
North Park
918-256-7133
AUGUST 20 • Adair
Indian Territory Quail Forever Youth Day
Fairchase Woods Kennels
918-688-1789
AUGUST 6 • Wyandotte
Bridge Too Far Paintball
D-Day Adventure Park
918-666-3411
AUGUST 24 • Vinita
Will Rogers Memorial Rodeo Parade
Downtown
918-256-7133
AUGUST 13 • Adair
1st Annual Homemade Ice Cream Social & Contest
Adair Community Center
918-785-4242
AUGUST 24 • Vinita
All Settlers Day
Cowboy Junction
918-256-7133
AUGUST 13 • Grand Lake
3rd Annual Bobber Drop
Grand Lake
918-786-2300
AUGUST 23-27 • Vinita
75th Will Rogers Memorial Rodeo
Will Rogers Rodeo Arena
918-244-0265
AUGUST 13 • Pryor
Grant Bendabout Memorial Free Kids Fishing Tour.
Lake Hudson Association
918-434-2700
AUGUST 27 • Vinita
32nd Annual Calf Fry Festival
Craig County Fairgrounds
918-256-7133
AUGUST 13 • Jay
Hot Wheels Show & Swap Meet
Jay Community Center
918-253-3439
AUGUST 27 • Vinita
Cowboy Games
Craig County Fairgrounds
918-256-7133
AUGUST 13 • Jay
13th Annual Jay Cruise Night
Downtown Jay
918-253-4307 or 918-253-3399
AUGUST 27 • Grove
2nd Annual Hoe Down Benefit
Humane Society of Grove & Grand Lake
918-257-5569
AUGUST 13-20 • Miami
Ottawa County Free Fair
Ottawa County Fairgrounds
918-542-1688
SEPTEMBER 2-4 • Miami
Ottawa Tribal Pow-Wow
Ottawa Tribal Pow-Wow Grounds
918-540-1536
AUGUST 18 • Pryor
Pryor Community Blood Drive
First United Methodist Church
1-800-733-2767
SEPTEMBER 2-4 • Grove
Jana Jae Fiddle Camp & Music Festival
Grove Civic Center & Snider’s Camp
1-800-526-2523
Proof required for individuals
representing organizations
S
chools, churches and other member organizations are being reminded that the
cooperative must receive satisfactory evidence, or a written letter, allowing a
person to register and vote as a representative of an entity at Northeast Oklahoma
Electric Cooperative’s 73rd annual meeting on September 17, 2011.
Bylaw 3.05 states “Voting by members other than members who are natural persons
shall be allowed upon the presentation to the cooperative, prior to or upon registration at
each member meeting, of satisfactory evidence entitling the person presenting the same
to vote.”
Letters must state the name of the person given authority to register and vote for
the entity. Approval signatures from the administrative body of the entity must also be
included. Sample letters are available upon request.
Due to identity theft requirements, the cooperative is once again requesting an
identifiable number—such as a Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) or a Social
Security number—be entered on the entity’s account for access to any account
information and to verify representation for that entity.
Members requesting a sample letter or with further questions may contact the
cooperative at 1-800-256-6405.
Save energy, cut costs
WITH A HOME ENERGY AUDIT
A home energy audit from Northeast
Oklahoma Electric Cooperative can help
you make the most of your energy dollar.
It’s a great way to save energy at home
and help offset fluctuating energy prices.
Our certified auditor will help you learn:
• Techniques to help lower your home’s energy use.
• How much money you can save when you use less energy.
• How energy efficiency can improve your comfort year-round.
Our home energy audits are available to all residential members of
Northeast Oklahoma Electric Cooperative. Call 1-800-256-6405.
Statement of Nondiscrimination
Northeast Oklahoma Electric Cooperative, Inc., is a member-owned, not-for-profit service organization that
adheres to rules, regulations, and policies, which provide that no person on the basis of race, color, national
origin, sex, age, religion, union affiliation, veteran’s status, or disability shall be excluded from participation
in, admission or access to, denied the benefits of, or otherwise be subjected to discrimination under any of this
organization’s programs or activities.
The person responsible for coordinating this organization’s nondiscrimination compliance efforts is the
Human Resources/Benefits Administrator. Any individual, or specific class of individuals, who feels that this
organization has subjected them to discrimination may obtain further information about the regulations listed
above from and/or file a written complaint with this organization. Complaints must be filed within 180 days
after the alleged discrimination. Confidentiality will be maintained to the extent possible.
Northeast Oklahoma Electric Cooperative, Inc.
Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/V/D
Connection
Northeast
Northeast Connection is published monthly
as an effective means of communicating
news, information and innovative thinking
that enhances the profitability and quality
of life for members of Northeast Oklahoma
Electric Cooperative.
Please direct all editorial inquiries to
Communications Specialist Clint Branham at
800-256-6405 ext. 9340 or email
[email protected].
Vinita headquarters: 4.5 miles east of
Vinita at 443857 East Highway 60.
Grove office: 212 South Main.
Business hours: Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. until
5 p.m. Offices are closed Saturday, Sunday
and holidays.
A representative is available 24 hours at:
1-800-256-6405
If you experience an outage, please check
your switch or circuit breaker in the house
and on the meter pole to be sure the trouble
is not on your side of the service. If you
contact us to report service issues or discuss
your account, please use the name as it
appears on your bill, and have both your
pole number and account number ready.
Officers and Trustees of NEOEC, Inc.
President
Dandy Allan Risman
District
Vice President
Harold W. Robertson
District
Secretary-Treasurer
Benny L. Seabourn
District
Asst. Secretary-Treasurer
Everett L. Johnston
District
John L. Myers
Member
Sharron Gay
Member
James A. Wade
Member
Bill R. Kimbrell
Member
Jack Caudill
Member
5
1
2
3
District 4
District 6
District 7
District 8
District 9
NEOEC Management Team
Robert Echenrode
General Manager
Susanne Frost
Manager of Office Services
Cindy Hefner
Manager of Public Relations
Lisa McMeen
Manager of Financial Services
Rick Shurtz
Manager of Operations
August 2011
Member rewards
Cooperative members earn a return on their equity with capital credit
N
ortheast Oklahoma Electric Cooperative will
soon be retiring $1 million in capital credit,
thanks to the success of both the cooperative and
its subsidiary, Northeast Rural Services.
Capital credit represents member equity in the cooperative. Refunds were recently approved by the cooperative
board of trustees.
Current and former members who received electric
service from the cooperative during 1983 and 2010 will be
eligible for refunds. Checks will be mailed in late August
or early September. Amounts totaling less than $10 will
roll over to future years and a
check will be issued when the
minimum amount of $10 is
reached.
What is capital credit?
Because Northeast Oklahoma Electric Cooperative is
owned by its members, it does
not earn “profits,” as such.
Instead, revenues generated
over and above the cost of
doing business are considered
“margins.” These margins
represent an interest-free loan
of operating capital from the
membership to the cooperative.
This allows NEOEC to finance
operations and—to a certain
extent—construction, with the
intent that this capital will be
repaid in later years.
What’s the difference between allocated and retired
capital credit?
Allocated capital credit appear as an entry on the
cooperative’s permanent financial records and reflect
member equity, or ownership. When capital credit is
retired, a check is issued and member equity is reduced.
How often will I receive an allocation notice?
An allocation notice is printed annually in the cooperative newsletter, Northeast Connection, after finances
for the previous year have been audited. This amount also
appears annually on member bills.
What do I have to do to start accumulating capital
credit?
No special action is required to start a capital credit
account. Membership with Northeast Oklahoma Electric
Cooperative automatically activates a capital credit account.
Capital credit is calculated by the cooperative for every
member who purchases electricity during a year in which
the utility earns margins.
How is capital credit calculated?
The amount of capital credit
earned in a given year is based upon
the amount of capital a member contributed to the cooperative through
payment of monthly bills. The more
electricity purchased, the greater the
capital credit account.
The sum of a member’s monthly
bills for a year is multiplied by a percentage to determine capital credit.
The percentage is the same for each
member.
What percent of my bill is
returned as capital credit?
The percentage of the total payment that is allocated as capital
credit varies from year to year,
depending upon the success of the
cooperative.
Capital credit is only allocated for
a year in which the cooperative earns
margins. Since capital credit represents a member’s share
of the margins, no credits are allocated for a year with no
margins.
Can I use the capital credit I have allocated to pay my
electric bill?
No. Allocated capital credit may not be used to pay
current bills. Your electric bill is due now, whereas you
may not be entitled to be paid your capital credit for many
years.
Does someone have to be a member for an entire
year to earn capital credit?
(continued on next page)
4
Northeast Connection
(continued from previous page)
No. Capital credit is calculated based upon monthly usage.
If a member is billed for electricity for even one month,
they will accumulate some capital credit, provided the cooperative earned margins in that year.
Will members receive a capital credit check every
year?
Not necessarily. The board of trustees must authorize
a retirement before members receive a check. When considering a retirement, the board first considers the financial
health of the cooperative. Retirement will not be authorized
if it is not financially feasible for the cooperative.
What happens to capital credit when a member
leaves the cooperative’s service area?
Capital credit allocations remain on the books under a
member’s name and member number until they are retired.
Because payments are made years after capital credit is
earned, members should ensure that the cooperative has
their current address.
What happens to the capital credit of a member who
dies?
The capital credit of a deceased member may be paid
without waiting for a general retirement. However, these
estate payments are not automatic. A representative of
the estate must request the capital credit by submitting an
official certificate of death and a legal document from the
court clerk office identifying them as the legal representative of the estate.
How will I receive my money?
Capital credit proceeds come in the form of a check.
They can be cashed or deposited at your local banking
institution. The funds may be used for whatever members
choose.
Can I donate the check back to Operation RoundUp or another charity of my choice?
Members may donate the amount of their check to
Operation Round-Up, the cooperative’s non-profit trust
foundation, or another charity of their choice. The foundation board of directors meets six times a year to grant
monetary awards to area organizational projects and individuals in need.
In order to receive a tax benefit, members will need
to make their donation by writing a personal check to the
organization of their choice.
Donations may be sent to: Operation Round-Up, PO
Box 948, Vinita OK 74301.
5
August 2011
Vinita restaurant a Route 66 fixture
W
e wave good-bye to Rogers County and
its unique Route 66 landmarks as we
forge ahead during the third segment of
our Route 66 Road Trip series. We continue east into
Craig County, where more attractions await.
Our first stop in Craig County brings us to a
green building at 319 East Illinois Street where a
trademark “EAT” sign punctuates the skyline, marking the location of one of Oklahoma’s most popular
diners.
Clanton’s Cafe
They say you can get your kicks on Route
66. Did you know you can also get the best
chicken fried steak in the world?
Oklahoma boasts more driveable miles of
Route 66 than any other state. The historic highway enters the Sooner State in the far northeast
corner—along the Kansas border in Quapaw—
and exits in the west along the Texas border in
Texola. Along the way, it passes through both
downtown Tulsa and Oklahoma City.
Chicken fried steak is found on the menu of virtually
every diner along Route 66 between Quapaw and Texola.
Few, if any, it can be argued, do the dish better than
Clanton’s Cafe.
Clanton’s Cafe has been a fixture in the Vinita community for more than eighty years, serving up a chicken fried
steak considered by many to be the best they’ve ever eaten.
And that’s high praise considering chicken fried steak is
Oklahoma’s official state dish.
Clanton’s Cafe has been a family tradition in Vinita
since “Sweet Tater” Clanton established the Busy Bee
diner in 1927. Cleve and Ma Clanton opened the doors at
the current location in 1947.
Four generations of the Clanton family have prepared
homestyle meals for hungry travelers, making it the oldest,
continually-owned family restaurant on Route 66 in the
state of Oklahoma.
Clanton’s tasty traditions are now being carried on
by Sweet Tater’s great-granddaughter Melissa (Clanton)
Patrick and her husband Dennis.
Down-home cooking fills the menu at Clanton’s and
your mouth will water at the selection to be had, whether
6
Northeast Connection
Clanton’s Cafe in Vinita has been
serving homestyle meals for
more than 80 years.
your choice is chicken fried
steak (or fried chicken) and
mashed potatoes with cream gravy, fried catfish and homemade french fries, a juicy burger, or chicken and dressing.
And make sure you follow-up every Clanton’s experience
with a slice of made-from-scratch pie.
Clanton’s was featured in the February 2006 issue of
Gourmet Magazine after columnist Michael Stern visited
the restaurant during his search to find the best chicken
fried steak on Route 66. Needless to say, he was delighted
with the delicious plate he was served at Clanton’s.
Clanton’s Cafe earned further national attention in 2007
when its signature dish was featured on host Guy Fieri’s
popular Food Network show Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives.
The segment can be viewed by visiting Clanton’s Cafe
online at www.clantonscafe.com.
Clanton’s is open Monday through Friday from 5:30
a.m. until 8 p.m., Saturday from 7 a.m. until 2 p.m., and
Sunday from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. You can reach the restaurant by phone at 918-256-9053.
Eastern Trails Museum
From Clanton’s Cafe, we’ll backtrack a few blocks to
Eastern Trails Museum for a glimpse at the unique history
For quality wines produced from local grapes grown right here in northeast Oklahoma, visit Summerside Winery on R0ute 66.
of the area. Originally located at city hall, Eastern Trails
Museum now shares a building with the Vinita Public
Library at 215 West Illinois Street.
Well-known local historian and longtime newspaper
publisher O. B. Campbell helped organize the museum
back in 1962. Collections here pay tribute to cowboys,
Indians and railoads for their contributions to the formation
of the frontier.
Eastern Trails Museum features a vast display of
Osage, Choctaw and Cherokee artifacts such as detailed
beadwork and handmade
clothing. The work of noted
craftsman Annabelle Mitchell,
whose work can also be viewed
at the Smithsonian, is proudly
displayed. Mitchell is credited
with the revival of pottery making. She has been designated a
National Treasure to the
Cherokee Nation.
An excellent assortment
of firearms is also housed at
Eastern Trail Museum, including relics from the Battle of Big
Cabin Creek, a Civil War battle
that took place near Vinita.
Photographs and histories of famed humorist Will
Rogers, too, are available for viewing and study.
Eastern Trails Museum is open daily from 1 p.m. until
4 p.m. It is closed Sunday. Admission is free.
Summerside Vineyards, Winery & Meadery
Our final stop before departing Vinita brings us to
Summerside Winery, located on Route 66, just across from
the I-44 turnpike toll plaza (exit 289) on the eastern edge
of town.
Summerside Vineyards, Winery & Meadery is owned
by Gary and Marsha Butler, who produce and
bottle all their wines and meads on site at the Vinita
facility. They welcome visitors daily and are open from
9:30 a.m. until dusk.
The winery bistro opens at 11 a.m. to serve scrumptious sandwiches, soups, salads and desserts. Guests can
dine in a relaxed setting on the grapevine patio or the
indoor dining room filled with medals
that represent the many award winning
products available at Summerside.
Four acres of vineyards both in
Ketchum and at the Vinita location
offer a first-hand glimpse of Cynthiana,
Chambourcin and Vignoles grapes.
The winery itself is
beautifully appointed and
features decor from the old
Camelot Hotel in Tulsa. In
fact, the winery bar was the
very bar where historic figures
like Elvis sat when visiting
Tulsa once upon a time.
Summerside offers an array of wines from dry to sweet,
red and white, including their specialty dessert wines
Cream Sherry and Butler’s Choice. Take a leisurely stroll
through the retail gift shop and deli, where you’ll find
grape and wine gifts as well as pestos and salsas for your
next party. Enjoy complimentary tasting and public and
private tours are available too.
For more information, call 1-888-508-WINE or visit
online at www.summersidevineyards.com.
Pictured, page center, volunteer Irene Woodall stands in front
of Eastern Trails Museum. (Inset) A display of vintage saddles.
7
August 2011
Co-op employees volunteer at Special Olympics
T
wo Northeast Oklahoma Electric Cooperative
employees jumped at the chance to make a difference by volunteering at the 2011 Oklahoma Special
Olympics Summer Games competition in Stillwater.
Sami Jo Frisby and Jason Palmer represented our
cooperative well while attending the 42nd annual event as
volunteers. They were both happy to answer a few questions about the experience upon their return.
Was this your first time to volunteer at Special Olympics? Have you ever done anything like this before?
Sami Jo: Yes, this was my first time to volunteer at the
Special Olympics. I haven’t done anything like
this before.
Jason: This was my first time volunteering at
the games. I have never experienced such a large
event that has been so well organized and had so
many volunteers from all walks of life.
neat performances. A teenage girl performed a song that
she wrote about her sister who had Down’s Syndrome
while the sister danced onstage during the song. There
were also several mascots that rappelled down from the
top of the arena which the kids really enjoyed.
I was impressed with the competitiveness of the athletes. They really wanted to win. They were excited when
they did and upset if they didn’t.
Jason: One of the neatest moments I experienced was
when Buddy’s daughter came to our area after she won
her event. He was the one who presented her with her gold
medal. You could see the pride and love in his eyes and the
sheer joy and elation in hers.
How did the experience affect
you?
Sami Jo: After spending time
with people who have special needs,
it makes me realize how fortunate
I am to be healthy. It also makes
you feel good to see the athletes so
thrilled about achieving their goals.
Some would say with excitment: “I
did it!”
Jason: This experience was an absolute joy—just to be able to participate
as a volunteer and see the culmination of
all the hard work and determination of
these special athletes pay off. It was also
refreshing to see the wonderful attitudes of
all the volunteers. I would especially like
to mention one group of volunteers I had
the pleasure of working with and that was
a group of kids and their instructor from
Ripley FFA. This group of kids showed
such a great work ethic and respect for
their instructor and elders. They are certainly an asset to their community and a
refreshing look at today’s youth.
What were your
responsibilities?
Sami Jo: My responsibility the first evening was letting
only those in wheelchairs on
the floor of Gallagher-Iba
Arena for the opening ceremonies.
The next day I was responsible for determining who
placed second during track
events. I put the second place
cards with name badges so the
athletes could receive their
medals.
Jason: I was assigned to
the awards area where I was
warmly accepted as a new volunteer, quickly briefed about
the process, and then went to
work.
Employees Sami Jo Frisby and Jason Palmer Would you do this again?
The man in charge of my
volunteer at the 2011 Special Olympics.
area, Buddy, was friendly and
Sami Jo: Yes, I would definitely do this
knowledgeable. He has been
again. It was a great experience and I
volunteering for years and actually has a daughter who is
really enjoyed the opportunity. I am thankful for being
an athlete.
allowed to represent Northeast Oklahoma Electric
We had two stages where we would arrange the athCooperative at the Special Olympics.
letes after their events and then had the honor of giving
Jason: I would definitely volunteer again and I certhem their awards, which ranged from participation ribtainly recommend to anyone even remotely considering
bons to the coveted gold medals.
volunteering for this event to do so. I am so glad I was
given the opportunity to represent our co-op and would
Any neat moments to share?
like to thank our organization for supporting such an
Sami Jo: The opening ceremonies had some really
important event.
8
Northeast Connection
Waterwise
Conserve water and energy by making the switch to low-flow shower heads
I
nstalling low-flow shower heads and faucet
aerators is one of the most effective water conservation
actions you can perform in your home.
Inexpensive and simple to install, low-flow shower
heads and faucet aerators can reduce your home water
consumption as much as 50 percent. They can also slash
in half the amount of energy required to heat your water,
thereby lowering utility bills.
According to the Environmental
Protection Agency (EPA), water use
during showering or bathing alone
represents approximately 20 percent
of all indoor household water use.
Low-flow shower heads are designed
to restrict the flow of water and
reduce the volume used without compromising your shower experience.
Both water flow and water pressure determine the flow rate of a
shower head or faucet. Flow is measured in gallons per minute, or GPM.
A shower head is considered lowflow if its flow rate is at or below 2.5
GPM. Some low-flow shower heads
consume as little 0.5 GPM.
may benefit from a low-flow shower head. If you already
have a low-flow shower head installed, make sure it reads
2.5 GPM or less.
Types
There are two types of low-flow shower heads: aerating and non-aerating.
An aerating low-flow shower
head mixes water with air to produce
a heavy mist rather than a stream.
Aerating shower heads maintain a
consistent flow rate and water pressure but the temperature of the water
may feel cooler due to the presence of
air in the water.
Non-aerating shower heads do not
incorporate air into the flow and therefore produce a stream of water rather
than a mist. They typically maintain
water temperature more effectively
than aerating heads.
Cost
Low-flow faucet aerators usually
cost between $5 and $10. Low-flow
shower heads range from $5 to $50
depending on available features such
as flow adjustment dials and designer
styling. Hand-held models are more
expensive than fixed models.
How to tell if you need one
Low-flow shower heads are designed to
Here’s a simple test you can
reduce your water consumption without
perform that will let you know if you
compromising your shower experience.
could benefit from a low-flow shower
head:
First, set a two-quart saucepan on the floor of the
Misconceptions
shower and position it in the middle of the shower stream.
A low-flow shower head does not necessarily mean
Next, with the shower on full, count how many seconds it
that a quality shower is a thing of the past. Low-flow
takes to fill the pan. If it takes fewer than 12 seconds, you
shower heads are tested for coverage of water on the body
and for intensity of spray.
Water pressure is influenced by several factors, reSavings at the sink
gardless of shower head type, including gravity and elevaNSTALL low-flow aerators
tion in relation to the water source or tower.
I
rated at 0.5 GPM on your
bathroom sink faucets and
reduce water usage by as much
as 75 percent (over a standard
2.2 GPM faucet). Your
electric bill will
shrink through hot
water savings.
Considerations
Though any shower head with a flow rate below 2.5
GPM can be labeled low flow, the EPA contributes additional support to environmentally friendly products. The
WaterSense seal is given by the EPA to shower heads that
pass additional screenings for efficiency and quality.
9
August 2011
Safe at school
Make dorm room electrical safety a priority for kids heading off to college
S
ending a child off to college is an exciting time. It
• Use power strips with over-current protectors. This
can also be unsettling for moms and dads.
will shut the power off automatically if there is too much
Parents worry about the responsibilities their
current being drawn.
children will face as they embark on new adventures. They
• Watch out for outlets that are warm to the touch. If
give thought to the academic challenges that await their
an electrical outlet overheats, there is potential for a fire.
kids and spend anxious moments concerned about new
Unplug everything from the outlet and notify the landlord
friends they’ll make.
or dorm officials immediately.
The last thing parents need to worry about is electrical
• Extension cords are for temporary situations only.
safety issues.
Extension cords should not be used as a long-term
Reports of campus fires have, however, been on
solution when you need another outlet.
the increase in recent years.
• Do not staple extension
According to the National
cords. This can damage the
Fire Protection Association,
insulation meant to protect you
fire departments responded to
from current, potentially expose a
an average of 3,300 structure
wire and increases the possibility
fires in dormitories and other
of sparking.
campus housing from 2002• Look for the UL Mark on
2005.
any electrical product you use.
Campus Firewatch
The UL Mark tells you that your
identified 129 student-related
appliance, cord, or device has
fire deaths across the nation
met Underwriter’s Laboratories
since 1999. The most common
rigorous safety requirements.
causes of fire in student
• Never remove a grounding
residences, according to the
pin. If you remove the pin in
organization, are careless
order to plug a three pronged
smoking, unattended candles
plug into a wall outlet, you are
and cooking, and overloaded
removing the protection meant to
extension cords and power
keep you safe and can expose you
Help keep your college students safe at school.
outlets.
to shock hazard.
Because many residence halls were built before
• If you are lighting with halogen lamps, make sure
students began arriving with greater numbers of electronic
they meet updated requirements. All halogen lamps must
devices, outlet numbers may be limited and wiring simply
be designed with a mesh guard that prevents contact with
may not be able to handle the increased electrical load.
the bulb and an automatic tip-over switch.
“The limited number of electrical outlets in student
• If your student is in a location where he or she will
rooms tempts many to use multiple extension cords and
be cooking, look for UL-Listed appliances that feature
power strips, which can cause cords to overheat, creating
automatic shut-off buttons. This will lessen the chance of
shock and fire hazard,”said Safe Electricity spokesperson
leaving something unattended all day.
Jay Solomon. “Residences crammed with books, papers
• Never plug more than one high-wattage appliance
and bedding can allow the smallest spark to quickly
into a single outlet.
become a blaze.”
• Make sure appliance cords aren’t frayed or cracked.
A lack of automatic sprinkler systems and disabled
If they are, have them repaired by a professional.
smoke alarms, also contribute to the problem.
• Have a UL-Listed fire extinguisher in the dorm
Steps that can be taken to help prevent the risk of
room or apartment and know how to use it.
electrical fires in student housing include:
It is an exciting time for college-bound students.
• Do not overload extension cords, power strips
Following these tips can to help ease fears and help
or outlets.
college be a rewarding and safe experience.
10
Northeast Connection
The Seneca-Cayuga Tribe of Oklahoma is a federally-recognized tribe of people whose descendants
originated from what is now known as the Finger Lakes region of New York, between the Genesee
River and Canandaigua Lake. Both the Seneca and Cayuga were members of the Iroquois confederation known as Six Nations, which consisted also of Mohawk, Oneida, Onondaga and Tuscarora.
Members of the confederation began a westward migration to escape encroachment by colonists. After
the American Revolution, confederation members who stayed behind to fight with the British were
forced to cede their lands. Some relocated to Canada, while others settled on reservation land in New
York. Still others ventured to Ohio where they were granted refuge along the Sandusky and upper
Ohio Rivers. They were later joined by the Shawnee and other members of the confederacy. In 1831,
they sold their land in Ohio and accepted a reservation in Indian Territory. They were a prosperous
people who loaded their many possessions (clothing, household goods, tools, seed) onto a steamboat bound for St. Louis. The trip to their new
home took eight months and was marked by delays, blizzards, disease, and death. Upon their arrival in Indian Territory, they found their lands
either overlapped those of the Cherokee or were wholly within the boundaries of the Cherokee Nation. During the Civil War, Indian Territory
became a battleground and many fled to Kansas for safety. In 1867, federal negotiators sold part of their lands to various tribes and arranged
for the separation of the Shawnee (who then became the Eastern Shawnee).
In 1881, a band of Cayuga from Canada joined the Seneca Tribe in Indian Territory. In 1902, shortly before Oklahoma became a state, 372
members of the joint tribe received land allotments.
Today, the tribal roll numbers over 5,000 members, many of whom live throughout Ottawa and Delaware Counties in northeast Oklahoma.
Tribal headquarters are located northeast of Grove on State Highway 10.
The Seneca-Cayuga tribe is governed by a seven member business committee, consisting of a chief, second-chief, secretary-treasurer, and four
councilpersons. The business committee meets on a monthly basis and conducts business on behalf of the general council which consists of all
tribal members age 18 and older. The general council meets once yearly on the first Saturday in June, unless a special general council meeting is
called at another time during the year. The tribe’s Green Corn Festival is held yearly in August.
The tribe currently owns and operates the Seneca-Cayuga Tobacco Company, Grand Lake Casino, and Grand Lake Casino Lodge (formerly
known as Cowskin Prairie Motel). The Seneca-Cayuga also own a herd of about 100 buffalo. The original herd consisted of 13 head, but has
grown over the years to one of the larger herds in the region. Proceeds from tribal enterprises are used to fund social programs, elder programs
and educational scholarship programs for tribal members.
11
August 2011
Northeast Oklahoma
E
lectric Cooperative
P.O. Box 948, Vinita, OK 74301 • www.neelectric.com
Northeast Connection
PRSRT STD
U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
TULSA, OK
Permit 2171