charro charms - Guadalupe Valley Electric Cooperative

feb 14 local covers custom 1/14/14 11:42 AM Page 3
GVEC EDITION
Presidential Libraries
Wine Trail
FEBRUARY 2014
Treats for Your Sweet
CHARRO
CHARMS
Bridging Cultures
in Brownsville
Youth Tour Apps Due Feb. 10
PAGE 19
Visit New Chisholm Trail Museum
PAGE 20
February Duct Inspection Sale
PAGE 23
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THE GVEC REVIEW
FEBRUARY 2014 800.223.GVEC (4832) | GVEC.ORG
VOL 40 NO 02
New Opportunities to Serve You
MESSAGE FROM GENERAL MANAGER DARREN SCHAUER
I’d like to take a moment to recognize the many dedicated GVEC
employees who took on duties in addition to their everyday work as
part of the software conversion initiated last year. The new system will
be in place this month, making possible many innovations for greater
operational efficiencies. Even more important, this conversion will
open the doors to new potential opportunities for enhanced services
so that GVEC can better serve members on a daily basis.
GVEC
G E N E R A L MA NAG E R AND CEO
BOA R D O F DI R E CTO RS
Robert J. Werner, District 1
Lewis Borgfeld, President, District 2
Henry “Bubba” Schmidt Jr., District 3
Members have also told us they would like for GVEC to offer a mobile app allowing them
to do their GVEC business on the go such as pay bills, update their accounts and contact us.
This will now be possible through SmartHub®, by downloading a free app to Smartphones and
other Internet-ready devices. Members will also be able to view their electricity usage on an
hourly basis. Having this knowledge at your fingertips can be an excellent tool to determine
usage patterns, providing you with the ability to analyze and make changes in order to save
money through greater energy conservation.
Don Williams, Secretary/Treasurer, District 10
Shawn Martinez, District 4
Morris Harvey, District 5
Your comments and feedback are welcomed any time. Contact me by phone at 800.223.4832,
by email at [email protected], or by mail at P.O. Box 118, Gonzales, TX 78629.
So lar
Sim plic i ty
Emmett Engelke, District 6
Melvin E. Strey, Vice President, District 7
Mark Roberts, District 8
Dr. Tom DeKunder, District 9
David Warzecha, District 11
At GVEC Home, solar
simplicity means “good
deal.”
A solar photovoltaic (PV) electric system
is more affordable than you think. There’s
no better time than now to buy—take
advantage of our energy efficiency rebate for
GVEC members, government tax credits for
renewable energy and manufacturer rebates
where applicable. Combined, you can save up
to half the upfront cost!
Later this year, GVEC will be introducing text alerts notifying members of outages.
Although real-time outage information is currently available on www.gvec.org, this service
would be automatic and provide an immediacy that may be critical to the needs of some
GVEC members.
As the year continues to unfold, you’ll begin receiving various communications regarding
these new services and developments. GVEC will keep in touch with you through various
media including The GVEC Review, bill stuffers, Facebook and Twitter, and news on the
GVEC website.
Effective February 10, 2014, all members, no matter what type of
electric account, will have a new account number as a result of a
system change.
Darren Schauer
One of the first things you may notice is a new billing format beginning
with your February bill. If you missed the story in last month’s GVEC
Review, your electric bill will be easier to read with a new design and offer more detailed
consumer information—all changes based on member feedback. The flexibility of this new
system also makes it possible to include personalized account messages on bills as well as
provide members options such as being able to receive their bills at multiple addresses or
having a bill temporarily rerouted. Further information explaining the new format has been
included along with your February statement.
Last but certainly not least, this new system will lead to a mobile workforce, giving GVEC
workers in the field the ability to report, input and transmit information on the spot. One of
the benefits is that GVEC representatives in the office will be able to access information faster
when requested by a member. It will also help strengthen communications between the field
and the Control Center, further improving delivery and reliability of your electric service.
As we move further toward “going paperless,” it will be time efficient, lead to better staffing
resources and contribute to efforts of being good environmental stewards.
New Account Numbers Assigned
to All Electric Accounts
825 E. Sarah DeWitt Drive • P.O. Box 118
Gonzales, TX 78629
CONTACT US
For information during office hours
and outages after hours
Find out how you can harness the South Texas
sun to help power your home with solar panels
from GVEC Home. Just call the energy experts
at GVEC Home—we’ll show you how simple
solar really is.
CALL US
800.223.GVEC (4832)
FIND US ON THE WEB AT
gvec.org
800.223.GVEC I gvechome.com
GVEC Home Services, Inc. is a subsidiary of
How does this affect you? It depends on how you pay your bill…
Bank Bill-Pay
Members on automated bill-pay programs with banking institutions must update
their account number(s) directly with their institution. Beginning February 10, new
account numbers can be located on bills or, also beginning February 10, by calling
800.223.4832. Please ensure your new account number is updated and used for
payments posting on or after February 10, 2014. (For payments posting before
February 10, use the old account number.)
Direct Pay
If you pay your bill directly through GVEC via phone, mail, or in a GVEC office—your
account number will be automatically updated. All you need to do is update your
personal records and, beginning February 10, use your new number when referencing
your account.
Do you pay via the Self-Service Portal on gvec.org?
Exciting news! Also on February 10, the new GVEC self-service portal and smartphone
app, SmartHub®, will go live! Access it 24/7 from gvec.org, your tablet, or mobile phone.
You will need a login to access the site. Your username will be your primary email
address on file with GVEC. Please note the following:
Existing Portal Users: If your existing username is anything other than your email
address on file with GVEC, your initial SmartHub username will revert back to your
email address on file. Your password will stay the same. If you do not have an email
address on file with GVEC, you will need to register as a “New User” for access to the
new SmartHub portal.
New SmartHub Portal Users: You will need your new account number and a valid email
address to register for access. Please call 800.223.4832, M–F, 7:30am–6:00pm and
speak to a Customer Service Representative for assistance.
FOLLOW US ON
Don’t miss this opportunity for your
student to soar
Respectfully,
Applications due: February 10, 2014.
Did You Know?
INTERNET I ELECTRIC I HOME
18
Texas Co-op Power
February 2014
You have 24/7 access to your account
and bill-paying through our Customer
Self-Service Portal on gvec.org.
www.gvec.org
2014 Youth Tour
It’s more than a free trip to Washington, D.C.—it’s an experience!
Open to high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors.
See details at www.gvec.org by clicking the 2014 Youth Tour icon.
www.gvec.org
February 2014
Texas
Co-op Power
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800.223.GVEC (4832) | GVEC.ORG
W
ith less than 7,000 residents, you could call Cuero
a small town. But when it comes to museums, it’s
big: Cuero now has four museums with the opening of the
Chisholm Trail Heritage Museum (CTHM) last November.
The CTHM, located in the historic Knights of Pythias
Hall on North Esplanade Street, took 14 years and
millions of dollars to become a reality. Great care was
taken to preserve authenticity while creating a storytelling environment that tells the tale of the great cattle
drive era and Texas’ ranching and agricultural history. It
does this through interactive displays, interpretive
exhibits, oral history videos and a museum theater.
CTHM is also the new home of the prestigious Tinker
Collection that features horse-related artifacts from
Latin America. The collection is on permanent loan from
U.T.- Austin and includes about 975 pieces which, until
now, haven’t been available for public viewing for decades.
Another interesting aspect of the museum is that it is
contributing to the local economy, says Robert Oliver,
CTHM Board Chairman and the driving force behind the
museum. While the first floor is dedicated to museum
exhibits, the second floor, which opened in 2010, provides
an all-in-one meeting space with several community
rooms and a catering kitchen that can accommodate
several hundred people under one roof.
The inspiration for building the museum was an idea
rooted in his own past, Oliver says. Although he grew up in
Refugio, his family had a ranch in Cuero where he learned
to love the land and ranching. However, it wasn’t until he
returned home after living in Colorado for 25 years that
he realized the cowboy tradition he grew up with in South
Texas was very different from that experienced by the
western part of the U.S.
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Texas Co-op Power
“I would come home to visit my parents and was
surprised this area of the state didn’t have an important
or formidable ranching museum,” Oliver explains. “Fort
Worth, and to some extent, San Antonio, had some close
ties to the cowboy tradition. But with neighboring counties
such as Gonzales, Goliad, Victoria and Refugio...and due
to our proximity to Mexico, ranching in our part of the
nation preceded the American West by several decades. So
I wondered why we didn’t have anything to show for it.”
In 2000, Oliver began meeting with others interested in
building a museum that would tell the unique story of early
South Texas ranching. By 2001, they filed for nonprofit
status, wrote bylaws and began a membership
organization. By 2002, they held their first major
fundraiser which enabled them to purchase the Knights
of Pythias Hall, which needed restoration, but spoke
to their desire to preserve heritage and history.
“At the time, the price tag to restore the building was
$1.4 million and everyone was wondering how were we
ever, ever going to do that? We knew, as well as the
preservation architect, David Hoffman, that it was a very
ambitious plan for a small community. It took a lot of
tenacity,” Oliver says.
Through a combination of serendipity and networking,
Oliver obtained stewardship of the Tinker Collection for
the museum. The other displays were built primarily from
acquisitions from area families and businesses. Oliver says
it’s still a work in progress, with more exhibits to come.
“You wouldn’t believe how busy we were the day after
Thanksgiving. All sorts of out-of-town visitors were here,”
Oliver says. “You say this is what you hoped would happen,
but you’re never quite sure it will. Then you look back and
just think, ‘wow.’ It was a long trip and I’m not sure if we
could ever do that again.”
February 2014
www.gvec.org
These are just a few of the authentic exhibits you’ll see at the
Chisholm Trail Heritage Museum. Photos courtesy of Paul Bardagjy.
A
mong the many grants the Chisholm Trail
Heritage Museum (CTHM) applied for, POWER
UP was one of them. The CTHM received $20,000 to
use toward its educational resource—a green space
behind the museum and annex.
“We decided to make an all-out effort to raise enough
money to open the museum, build a parking lot and
create a green space where we could hold educational
and community events, including our Cowboy Camp—
a summer program we started a few years before the
museum opened,” says Robert Oliver, CTHM Board
Chairman.
The weeklong camp has had overwhelming response,
and includes activities like having a horse whisperer
show the proper way to care for a horse, teaching the
art of lassoing, what chuck wagon cooking was like,
and exploring the lore of the South Texas cowboy.
“These kids just eat this stuff up,” Oliver says. “I
thought creating a space for activities like this would
www.gvec.org
be an appropriate use of this grant from GVEC
members. Our educational resource is for the public
to enjoy, and even more specific, to provide a safe
environment for the Cowboy Camp and future
educational activities.”
Reminder: POWER UP
Applications are Due
February 15, 2014, is the next deadline to
submit applications for a POWER UP grant.
The program is open to nonprofit
organizations in need of funding assistance
for a community improvement project.
If you have questions about eligibility or
need help with the application process—
don’t hesitate to call Barbara Kuck, GVEC
Manager of Employee Relations and
Community Outreach, at 830.857.1116.
February 2014
Texas
Co-op Power
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THE GVEC REVIEW
800.223.GVEC (4832) | GVEC.ORG
Happy Trails for
the Scotts
Did you know the great cattle drives between
1867 and 1890 helped turn around the depressed
Texas economy after the Civil War? It’s estimated
that 9 million cattle were driven to northern
markets with most of them from South Texas in
Protect Against
Power Surges
2
High-tech gadgets and appliances all have one
weakness in common: power surges. But there
are measures you can take to protect your
sensitive electronics.
theater and computer systems, which also include ports for
What is a Power Surge?
famous routes South Texas cowboys used was
Surges occur when the flow of electricity is interrupted and then
Pat Scott shares her love of riding with her grandchild, Shaelynn.
known as the Chisholm Trail.
reality they were grueling, monotonous and dangerous—
very different from today’s recreational trail rides which
are simply family-oriented fun, say Rick and Pat Scott.
For these GVEC members, saddling up and hitting the trail
is a family tradition.
Both of them grew up trail riding with their families, and in
fact, the couple first met on a trail ride when she was a high
school freshman and he was a junior. That was nearly 50
years ago—they’ve been riding together ever since. When
they became parents they took their children on trail rides,
and now they ride with their grandchildren. They even
bred a horse just for their first grandchild (she’s now 17)
when they learned their daughter-in-law was expecting.
“Trail riding is clean, family-oriented fun,” says Rick Scott,
who serves as Trail Boss for the Cross Country Riders—
one of three trail ride organizations in our area. “When you
go, it’s like one big family getting together. It’s just a lot of
but horses as far as you can see,” Pat continues. “It’s
Texas Co-op Power
Ethernet cords, and cable and satellite TV connections since they
can also carry surges.
Here are a few more tips to consider:
true surge protector includes internal components that will
divert or suppress the spike from surges. A power strip only
provides more outlets for an electrical circuit.
started again, or when something sends a boost in the electrical
» If an interruption in power will pose a problem such as your
(uninterruptible power supply) with surge protection. The UPS
many years ago when a thousand or more riders would
a power surge, one of the best ways to protect your home or
will provide back up battery power for a short period of time so
business is by using a two-tiered approach.
you can save your work.
gather for that weeklong trail ride starting in Cuero and
losing valuable information on your computer, consider a UPS
“Last year I think there were only about 300 riders in
1
addition to the support crew who bring the horse trailers
They’re typically mounted at your home’s main electric panel and
ending at the San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo.
and other vehicles,” Rick explains. “The number of riders
is dwindling because it’s more difficult to take the kids
» Surge protectors don’t last forever. Replace any that are discolored,
Begin with a whole-house surge protection device. These
look melted or have an indicator light that doesn’t work.
devices are installed by an electrician and can help protect
against external surges that come from outside your home.
can help stop or lower the voltage that can enter a home as the
result of a lightning strike, for example. However, these whole-
out of school for that long these days. It’s also become
house devices usually only offer one-time protection against
expensive, which is hard on a young family. Back in the
large surges and once triggered, need to be replaced or reset by
day, we’d just set up a cot or throw a sleeping bag behind
an electrician.
the trailer at night. But times have changed and everyone
Photo courtesy of iStock.
LOVE YOUR DUCTS!
wants campers—and that’s not cheap. Caring for a horse
also costs a lot these days.”
FIX LEAKS FOR A MORE EFFICIENT,
COMFORTABLE HOME!
If you’re interested in trail riding, there are three local
organizations sponsoring rides throughout the year.
They include the Scotts’ organization, the Cross Country
Vernia; and the Rawhide Riders of Cuero. They’re all
Our professional technicians
will inspect your duct system
in the attic for:
Trail Drivers Association­—the group you’ve probably seen
riding down Highway 87 on the way to the Rodeo. It’s that
• Damage
• Disconnection
• Tangles and Crushes
time of year again, so for those of you new to Texas and
its ways, please don’t honk if you see the riders—just a
friendly wave will do.
89
$
February 2014
www.gvec.org
www.gvec.org
February 2014
INSPECTION
« LIMITED TIME «
Includes sealing minor leaks and, if needed, an estimate for repair of
any major leaks or problems. Offer may not be combined with any
other GVEC Home offer. Coupon valid through February 28, 2014.
PROMO CODE: GRDUCTINSPCT0214
Serving Surrounding Areas | Open to the Public
GVEC.net, Inc. and GVEC Home Services, Inc. are subsidiaries of
DUCT
ORDER YOUR DUCT INSPECTION TODAY!
GONZALES | LA VERNIA | SEGUIN
just amazing.”
22
microprocessor. There are even specialized devices for home
Although no device can provide 100 percent protection against
subgroups of the main organization, the Old Chisholm
able to see the back of the ride—because there’s nothing
one on anything that’s expensive to replace and has a sensitive
their favorites is the Rodeo ride. They say it wasn’t too
“I just love to ride and I do it whenever I can,” Pat says. She
“One of the things I like best is looking around and not be
space like that behind a refrigerator. You should consider putting
charge of connecting wires.
Riders out of Nixon; the Sandhills Trail Drivers of La
ride because he wanted to know what it would be like.
strips with multiple outlets to wall-mount devices for a tight
While the Scotts go on rides throughout the year, one of
good camaraderie and closeness with old friends.”
was in sixth grade when her dad took her on their first trail
protectors. These devices range from electrical power
» Power Strips and surge protectors aren’t interchangeable. A
the early years of the trail drives. One of the most
Those long ago trail rides might seem romantic, but in
Then protect specific items with point-of-use surge
800.223.GVEC
gvechome.com
Texas
Co-op Power
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23
THE GVEC REVIEW
800.223.GVEC (4832) | GVEC.ORG
SAYLA: Taking
Teen Leadership
to the Next Level
worked with the Seguin Conservation Society to raise funds to
replace the roof of the Seguin Heritage Museum. The group started
their fundraising by cleaning up the grounds of Heritage Village in
Member Recipes
preparation for Seguin’s 175th birthday party where they sold snow
Got interesting recipes, photos, or stories about you, your family, or community?
cones. They also put together a basketball tournament fundraiser
Do you have questions? Send them to us! Email [email protected], write to us at
which included finding the venue, recruiting teams, soliciting silent
P.O. Box 118, Gonzales, TX 78629, or phone us at 800.223.4832.
auction items and gathering pledges.
Spicy Pretzels
If Vince Lombardi was right in his belief that leaders are
Mariann Bielke, Marion
made and not born, then the Seguin Area Chamber of
1 bag thin pretzels
(not Rold Gold® brand)
1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
½ teaspoon lemon pepper
¾ cup vegetable oil
½ teaspoon garlic powder
1 pkg. Hidden Valley® Ranch
seasoning
Commerce is well on the way to transforming high school
students into leaders through the Seguin Area Youth
Leadership Academy–or as the locals know it, SAYLA.
Since the program began in 2006, nearly 70 juniors and seniors
from Guadalupe County high schools have participated in this youth
leadership development and community awareness program. It
begins with a weeklong retreat at Texas Lutheran University in July
Mix oil and seasonings in a bowl. Put pretzels in a baggie. Pour mixture
over pretzels. Seal baggie and turn it several times to coat pretzels.
Let soak overnight.
where students attend classes on leadership skills, tour industry and
nonprofit agencies around Guadalupe County and participate in
other activities like the Ropes Program at Seguin Outdoor Learning
At the Seguin Outdoor Learning Center, the 2013 class participated in the
Ropes Program which promotes teamwork and builds self confidence.
Center. Then they put their new skills to the test by developing a
Photo courtesy of SAYLA.
community project based on what they learned.
Once the retreat is over, the students work on their project until their
“Once the kids go through the summer academy it becomes
November “graduation.” That’s when they present their work and
their responsibility to meet on a regular basis and work on their
the results to the SAYLA Advisory Committee, their parents, and
community project. Of course, we provide an advisor to work with
community members.
them, but it’s up to the kids to make things happen,” explains Dana
Photo courtesy of SAYLA.
SAYLA applications are available now and due April 1, 2014; students
attending schools in Guadalupe County as juniors or seniors in Fall
For example, past projects have ranged from downtown
2014 are eligible. You can pick up an application at your school or
beautification and mini restorations to raising community awareness
call the Seguin Area Chamber at 830-379-6382. To learn more about
on proper disposal of prescription drugs. Last year, the 2013 class
SAYLA, visit: www.facebook.com/SeguinYouthLeadership.
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Texas Co-op Power
February 2014
www.gvec.org
February 16, 2014
Enjoy an evening of music as the Mid-Texas
Symphony performs “We’ve Got Your Bach” at
Canyon High School Performing Arts Center,
1510 IH 35 North, New Braunfels. Performance
begins at 4 pm. For ticket info and schedule:
www.mtsymphony.org or 830-372-8089.
Shiner
Chamber of Commerce Health Fair
February 18, 2014
This free health fair includes booths sponsored
by health-related businesses, organizations,
hospitals and nursing homes offering
information on healthy living and wellness
programs. There will be treats, give-aways and
information galore. From 3–6 pm at Knights of
Columbus Park. For info: www.shinertx.com;
361-594-4180; [email protected].
15 Hope Livestock Show
system. Typically 10 to 20 students are selected each year.
CMC is just one of many businesses the 2013 SAYLA class visited.
Mid-Texas Symphony
14–15 Yorktown FFA Stock Show
for leadership by using a blind application process and a point
more pride in my community,’ or ‘I have more confidence’.”
New Braunfels
February Youth Livestock Show Dates
don’t. The selection committee identifies students with a potential
were perfect—just the things you’d hope they would say like, ‘I have
Who will be the next Miss Hallettsville and
receive a scholarship? Find out at the pageant
taking place in the Hallettsville Jr. High School
gym. Starts at 6 pm. For info: 361-798-2662.
The festival starts at 8:30 am with a 5K run at
Max Starcke Park. There’s also a silent auction,
painted dog show, kids’ talent show and more
from 11 am–9:30 pm at the Stephen and Mary
Birch Texas Theater, 425 N. Austin St. in Seguin.
For info: 830-401-0810 or www.visitseguin.com.
student or an overachiever to be selected for this program, but you
answers to questions like, ‘What did you learn from this experience?’
February 15, 2014
February 22, 2014
Overstreet says that most people think you have to be a straight-A
during the final presentation of this past year’s academy. Their
Miss Hallettsville Pageant
3rd Annual ArtsFest
and SAYLA program coordinator.
on their final evaluations,” Overstreet says. “I was almost in tears
Hallettsville
Seguin
Overstreet, Director of Communications and Events at the Chamber
“The kids get a lot out of this—you should read the things they say
Use our online Community Calendar
on www.gvec.org to promote your
nonprofit community event!
Fried Chicken Casserole
21 Waelder Livestock Show
Amy Dike, New Braunfels
27–March 1 Gonzales Livestock Show
27–March 1 La Vernia Jr. Livestock Show
2 lbs. chicken, chopped
1 can cream of chicken soup
8 oz. sour cream
1 pkg. Ritz® crackers or 2 cups corn flakes
1 stick butter
2 tablespoons poppy seeds
Don’t miss this VFD Fundraiser!
Mix chicken, soup and sour cream. Put into a baking dish. In another bowl,
melt butter and add corn flakes and poppy seeds. Stir. Put butter mixture on
top of chicken and bake for 20 minutes at 350 degrees.
www.gvec.org
February 2014
February 15, La Vernia VFD—Start the
morning out right with a pancake
breakfast fundraiser for La Vernia VFD.
From 6:30–11 am at the firehouse, 12190
Hwy 87 W. It’s all-you-can-eat pancakes,
eggs, bacon, sausage, biscuits and gravy.
Donations accepted.
All dates, times and events are subject to change
without notice.
Texas
Co-op Power
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