Gotcha! Pro tips on photographing where the wild things are - Heart of Texas Electric Coop
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2101_local covers standard.qxp 12/11/20 2:06 PM Page 11
WOMEN’S PUSH FOR SCARIEST BRIDGE READER RECIPES
CARNEGIE LIBRARIES IN TEXAS A HIT IN NEVADA
FOR HEART OF TEXAS EC MEMBERS JANUARY 2021
Gotcha!
Pro tips on photographing
where the wild things are
contents
January 2021
04 currents
The latest buzz
06 tcP talk
Readers respond
18 co-op news
Information
plus energy
and safety
tips from your
cooperative
29 Footnotes in
texas History
The Scariest
Bridge in Texas
By W.F. Strong
30 tcP Kitchen
Vegetarian
By Megan Myers
34 Hit the road
Upscale Lodging
By Chet Garner
08
37
Captured! 14 Literary
Focus on texas
Photo Contest:
Fortunes
Forests
take memorable wildlife photos
with preparation, research and
sleuthing. Women of the early 20th century
wrangled Carnegie grants and
38 observations
Cook Like a Texan
Story and photos by Russell A. Graves libraries for their towns. By Suzanne
Featherston
By Melissa Gaskill
On the COver
A brown bear at Katmai national
Park and Preserve in Alaska.
AbOve
A cottontail near Childress, on the
southern edge of the Panhandle.
Photos by Russell A. Graves
t e x AsC O OPPOWer .COm jA n uA ry 2 0 2 1 T E X AS C O - O P POW E R 3
Currents
tons of
tomatoes
Flying Colors
If you love tomatoes,
you have about a week
left to enter our recipe
o n e o F t H e b l ac K M a r K s
against wind turbines is the number of contest that celebrates
birds killed by the rotating blades. Black marks, it turns out, could
the fruit.
help resolve the problem.
Scientists in Norway found that painting one of the three blades Tomatoes are a big
on a wind turbine black reduces avian deaths by 72%. deal in Jacksonville.
The paper produced by the Norwegian Institute for Nature
Research explains that painting one blade black is believed to create
A big deal. The East
motion smear patterns that birds perceive as moving objects, Texas city has hundreds
enabling birds to take evasive action. of huge concrete toma-
Of the more than 60,000 wind turbines in the U.S., Texas has some
15,000—the most of any state.
toes, some weighing
665 pounds, scattered
around town as a
declaration of its love
for the juicy fruit that
many people consider
a vegetable.
uPloads
oF casH
tu rbIne : teC. tO mAtO : CO urte sy jACKsOn vIlle ChAmbe r Of CO mme rCe
Parents of K–12 students
planned to spend a record
$789.49 per family for back-
to-school supplies last fall.
Purchases of laptops and
computer accessories in
anticipation of more online
schooling because of the
COvID-19 pandemic helped
break the record set in
2019 by almost $100.
4 T E X AS CO-OP POWER jAnuAry 2021 t e x AsC O O P POW e r .C O m
There are
78
snake species Contests and More
in Texas. on texascooPPower.coM
$500 reciPe contest
tomatoes
We spotlighted rattlesnakes, Focus on texas PHotos
one of the most common, historic texas
in A Snake To Love, April 2020. web extra
learn more about the 30 cities
in texas selected for Carnegie
libraries—some of which still exist.
Power of Our People
a cupboard never bare
c H r i s t i n a K u P e r grew up in Indiana, where she watched a neighbor
she called Grandma Hiner, though they weren’t related, regularly shar-
ing food from her pantry with others.
“I think that’s where giving was implanted into my heart,” says Kuper,
a member of Taylor Electric Cooperative. “Throughout my life I have
always tried to give to others.”
Thus began a lifetime of charity that included Meals on Wheels,
Habitat for Humanity, Girl Scouts food drives and baking for military
troops away during the holidays. When a debilitating respiratory dis-
r At t le snAKe : fIv es POt s | shu t te rstOCK .CO m. lI br Ary: COu rt esy j u Dy Au lIK . Ku Per: tO D D henI nGtOn | COurtesy tAylOr eC
ease left Kuper homebound in Hawley, about 10 miles north of Abilene,
she refocused her benevolence.
Kuper installed the Hawley Sharing Box, left, at the end of her drive-
way in 2017. Based on the Little Free Pantry program, itself inspired by
the Little Free Library project, Kuper’s sharing box makes food, toys,
school supplies and toiletries available for anybody—and Kuper
stresses anybody—driving past 225 12th St., near the edge of town.
Daily updates on Facebook tell what’s available and what’s needed, and
Kuper says the box is stocked almost completely by community donations.
“Kindness is addicting and contagious,” she says, “and it should be
Power oF our PeoPle to nominate a co-op
spread everywhere.”
member who is making a difference in your community,
email details to people@texascooppower.com. inFo e facebook.com/hawleysharingbox
FinisH tHis tell us how you would finish that sentence.
email your short responses to letters@texas
the little bitty space
where my pets let me
my beloved brother,
rob, who, 31 years ago
sentence CoopPower.com or comment on our facebook
sleep in my own bed.
sue CAlDWell
in December, donated
his bone marrow to me
LIFE WAS post. Include your co-op and town. here are
some of the responses to our november
bAnDerA eC
PIPe CreeK and saved my life.
BETTER ...
Anne sWeet
PeDernAles eC
prompt: i’m most thankful for … my health, friends and G e O rG e tOW n
warm home tonight.
m At t I e W O O D f I n b O r D e r s to see more responses,
v I A fA C e b O O K
read Currents online.
t e x AsC O OPPOWer .COm jA n uA ry 2 0 2 1 T E X AS C O - O P POW E R 5
TCP Talk
bat lodging
“What a great endeavor to
improve the planet. Thank
you, Mr. Bamberger.”
n a n cy g r e e n h aW
central texas ec
fredericksburg
er IC W. POhl
Farrier Finesse no small Potatoes Matagorda connection
I went to farrier school in 1981, not to J. David Bamberger is a hero My great-grandfather was
become a professional farrier but be- I have made these in the Texas conservation the assistant keeper there in
cause I owned nearly 50 head of horses with vanilla wafers world and has shown us all the 1890s, leaving and then
for as long as I can
[Why Horses Wear Shoes, October 2020]. remember [Cookie
how being a good steward of returning as keeper in the
Pleased to see more women taking up Swap, bourbon balls, the land can enable nature to early 1900s until his death
that profession as brute strength is not november 2020]. thrive [Bat Lodging, Novem- in 1913 [Matagorda Island
as important as understanding the s h A rO n stO l l
ber 2020]. Pam LeBlanc’s Lighthouse, October 2020].
horse you’re shoeing. v I A fA C e b O O K coverage of his “chiropto- His sister, my great-great
rium” showed Bamberger’s aunt, perished with her chil-
Ken Wade
persistence and determina- dren at Indianola in the
Central texas eC
fredericksburg tion as well as his warm, 1875 hurricane.
down-home nature.
bill reeves
Yes, J. David, I agree: Your
Pedernales eC
potatoes are, indeed, “terribly Georgetown
important!”
elizabeth bowerman
Comal County Conservation
Alliance write to u s
Pedernales eC letters@texasCoopPower.com
new braunfels
editor, texas Co-op Power
I saw that cave soon after it 1122 Colorado st., 24th floor
Austin, tx 78701
was built. Love that beauti-
ful ranch and the man who Please include your electric
made this real. co-op and town. letters may
me GAn mye rs
be edited for clarity and length.
beverly barnt
via facebook texas Co-op Power
texas electric cooPeratives board oF directors texas co-op power volume 77, number 7 (usPs 540-560). Texas Co-op Power is published
chair robert loth III, fredericksburg • vice chair Gary raybon, el Campo monthly by texas electric Cooperatives (teC). Periodical postage paid at Austin, tx, and at additional
secretary-treasurer Kelly lankford, san Angelo • board Members Greg henley, tahoka offices. teC is the statewide association representing 75 electric cooperatives. Texas Co-op Power’s
website is texasCoopPower.com. Call (512) 454-0311 or email editor@texasCoopPower.com.
billy jones, Corsicana • David mcGinnis, van Alstyne • Doug turk, livingston
subscriPtions subscription price is $4.20 per year for individual members of subscribing coop-
President/ceo mike Williams, Austin eratives and is paid from equity accruing to the member. If you are not a member of a subscribing
coMMunications & MeMber services coMMittee cooperative, you can purchase an annual subscription at the nonmember rate of $7.50. Individual
marty haught, burleson • bill hetherington, bandera • ron hughes, sinton copies and back issues are available for $3 each.
boyd mcCamish, littlefield • john ed shinpaugh, bonham • robert Walker, Gilmer PostMaster send address changes to Texas Co-op Power (usPs 540-560), 1122 Colorado st.,
buff Whitten, eldorado • brandon young, mcGregor 24th floor, Austin, tx 78701. Please enclose label from this copy of Texas Co-op Power showing
old address and key numbers.
Magazine staFF
advertising Advertisers interested in buying display ad space in Texas Co-op Power and/or in
vice President, communications & Member services martin bevins our 30 sister publications in other states, contact elaine sproull at (512) 486-6251. Advertisements
editor Charles j. lohrmann • associate editor tom Widlowski in Texas Co-op Power are paid solicitations. the publisher neither endorses nor guarantees in any
Production Manager Karen nejtek • creative Manager Andy Doughty manner any product or company included in this publication. Product satisfaction and delivery re-
advertising Manager elaine sproull • senior communications specialist Chris burrows sponsibility lie solely with the advertiser. © Copyright 2021 texas electric Cooperatives Inc. repro-
Print Production specialist Grace fultz • communications specialist travis hill duction of this issue or any portion of it is expressly prohibited without written permission. Willie
Food editor megan myers • communications specialist jessica ridge Wiredhand © Copyright 2021 national rural electric Cooperative Association.
digital content Producer Chris salazar • senior designer jane sharpe
Proofreader shannon Oelrich
6 T E X AS CO-OP POWER jAnuAry 2021 t e x AsC O O P POW e r .C O m
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8 T E X AS CO-OP POWER jAnuAry 2021
CAPTU
take memorable wildlife photos with
t e x AsC O O P POW e r .C O m
s t o r y a n d p h o t o s b y r u s s e l l a . g r av e s
T
wo Minutes aFter I start blowing a predator call, I see move-
ment to the northeast of the cedar tree in which I am hiding. Out
of nowhere a sleek coyote takes a step into a clearing where I’d
hoped one might and glares in my direction. Everything I planned
to make this moment happen materializes 20 yards away: A preda-
tor stands in the burnished orange bluestem in perfect afternoon
light and remains motionless long enough for me to focus and
squeeze the shutter. I capture two frames of 35 mm slide film, and
then the animal disappears. Then I notice my heart is pounding.
In that instant I made my first truly memorable wildlife image.
It was exhilarating. Even though the scene is three decades old,
I can recall it clearly. It was a defining moment in my eventual
career as a photographer.
But here’s the truth: Initially I didn't know the image was that
good. Those were the days before digital photography, when I still
had to expose the entire roll of film, ship it to a distant photo lab
and wait for the images to return. A couple of weeks passed before
I was finally able to look through the cardboard-mounted slips of
film and find the coyote. First I thought someone else’s pictures
had been mixed in with mine. I quickly realized that the slides
were indeed my own. In the Northeast Texas wild, everything I’d
learned about how to make an engaging wildlife photo clicked.
Since that day, my photographs have appeared on more than
500 magazine covers, and I now guide photo tours all over the
world. Recently I took a group to photograph bears in Katmai
National Park and Preserve in Alaska.
A lot has changed since that moment calling up a coyote in
Fannin County. A few years after the coyote stepped in front of
my lens, digital photography revolutionized how images are made
and democratized the medium to the point that even the best
RED!
equipment made is truly affordable.
Some things have not changed with time and technology.
Wildlife is still wild, and the steps required to capture great wild-
life images are the same.
lef t A brown bear atop brooks falls in
in Katmai national Park and Preserve in
Alaska anticipates a meal of a spawn-
preparation, research and sleuthing ing salmon. AbOve Camouflage helps
photographers get closer to wildlife.
t e x AsC O OPPOWer .COm jA n uA ry 2 0 2 1 T E X AS C O - O P POW E R 9
Here are proven techniques that can
help ensure your wildlife images are
engaging and dynamic.
g Focus on tHe eyes
You’ve heard the saying that the eyes are the windows
to the soul. That trite phrase holds true for wildlife, too.
When planning a photograph, pay close attention to the
eyes. Many cameras now include an eye-tracking feature
that can automatically detect an animal’s eyes and ensure
that the focus locks on accurately.
The reason the eyes are of utmost importance is simple:
When you look at another person or an animal, you first
notice the eyes. That’s where you make a connection with
the subject. If the animal’s tail is out of focus, that’s OK.
Blow the focus on the eyes, and the image suffers.
d g e t c lo s e
There’s a popular misconception that wildlife photogra-
phers use giant lenses and stand hundreds of yards from
AbOve A bobcat approaches near their subjects to obtain quality photographs. Nope!
Dodd City in north texas. belOW A
motion-sensor camera can capture
To get really impressive photographs of any animal, you
shy animals, such as this badger in must get close. For larger animals like deer, it is best to be
montana. within 50 yards. With smaller creatures like quail, try to
get within a few feet.
web extra
It is possible to use extreme telephoto lenses to get opti-
enter online to win a digital copy of
The Big Book of Wildlife and Nature cally closer, but the more air you shoot through, the less
Photography by russell A. Graves. sharp your images will be. Since air is filled with particu-
1 0 T E X AS CO-OP POWER jAnuAry 2021 t e x AsC O O P POW e r .C O mA bighorn sheep in o l e a r n a b o u t yo u r s u b j e ct
montana grazes just One essential goal of wildlife photography is to control
a few feet away.
as many variables as possible. You can’t control whether
an animal will show up and walk into your line of sight, but
lates, subjects become optically softer as distance in- you can learn your camera’s features, the craft of photogra-
creases, so the objects or animals look hazy. It is a good phy and the basics of composition.
practice in wildlife photography to get as close as you can. In addition, learn all you can about the species you wish
You can achieve the goal of proximity in a number of to photograph. By becoming a student of creative photogra-
ways. State and national parks are ideal locations because phy and a student of wildlife, you’ll be more likely to see a
the animals are accustomed to seeing people and are not as particular species.
likely to run when they see a photographer. When working If you want to photograph mule deer, understand what
in wilder locations, consider including a blind in your habitat they prefer and the most likely time to find them.
setup. Think like a hunter and use the same tools hunters By understanding everything possible about your subject,
use to get close to wildlife. you will tip the odds in favor of finding your target species.
t e x AsC O OPPOWer .COm jA n uA ry 2 0 2 1 T E X AS C O - O P POW E R 1 1AbOve A curious chipmunk in Colorado comes within inches of the camera. rIGht A crane wades among feeding ducks in new mexico. o tHinK about coMPosition Great photographs rely on strong composition. Composi- tion is the arrangement of the elements in a photograph that are visually balanced and pleasing. Typically with wildlife, that means composing them vertically or horizon- tally and relying on the compositional rule called the rule of thirds. The rule of thirds is a basic guide for where the main interest points in an image should lie inside the frame—a third of the way into the frame vertically and horizontally. This rule discourages centering the subject in the frame. a ligHting is Key Another essential consideration for a good wildlife photo- graph is how it is lit. Natural light looks best during the ear- liest and latest hours of the day. When the sun is low on the d o n ’ t ov e r t H i n K i t horizon, shadows fall away from the subject and the colors Don’t complicate the process. Photography requires the cast by sunlight take on a warm glow. The sun’s light is al- mastery of a few fundamentals and then doing the same ways harshest during the middle of the day. So it is impor- thing over and over so that results become predictable. tant to be in the field during the beginning and end of the Today’s digital cameras are capable of performing many day. Use the middle of the day to review the pictures you functions, but the truth is, a thorough understanding of shot in the morning or scout for afternoon opportunities. aperture, shutter speed and sensor sensitivity will make Not only is the light better in early morning and late after- more memorable photos. noon, but that’s also when wildlife is most active. Wildlife photography is comparable to golf. Golfers play What if the weather is overcast? Overcast days are great the game knowing they’ll never be perfect. Top photogra- because the soft, nondirectional light extends your shoot- phers take the same approach. They pursue the perfect shot, ing day. I actually prefer to photograph on overcast days. and that addictive pursuit keeps them heading afield. D 1 2 T E X AS CO-OP POWER jAnuAry 2021 t e x AsC O O P POW e r .C O m
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Women of the early 20th century wrangled Carnegie grants and libraries for their towns
by me lis sa gaskill 1883 and 1929, including about 1,700 in the United States—
32 of them in Texas. Many were funded through the efforts
i s i to r s to b rya n i n 1 9 0 2 walked unpaved of women. Twenty of the original 32 buildings have been
V streets and bought drinks at one of a dozen
saloons. Many carried guns, and it was possible to
witness a public hanging on the courthouse lawn.
Local women sought to correct the situation and
founded the Mutual Improvement Club.
“The ladies of the club were upset with the saloon-town
atmosphere and wanted to bring in some culture and learn-
lost to demolition or fire, and eight of those surviving 12
remain in use, though not as libraries. Just four original
Carnegie Libraries remain open in Texas—in Stamford,
Ballinger, Franklin and Jefferson.
Carnegie sold his steel company to J.P. Morgan in 1901 for
almost $500 million, making him the world’s richest man.
But “the man who dies rich dies in disgrace,” he said as he
ing,” says Rachael C. Altman, manager of Bryan’s Carnegie gave away $350 million. Estimates suggest $60 million went
History Center, housed in the town’s historic library. specifically toward libraries because Carnegie believed a free
Cle b u rne b uIlD InG: ChrIs sAl A z Ar | te C
Club member Lillie Wilson’s brother-in-law, Thomas W. library was the best gift he could give a community. The
Stewart, had been introduced to Andrew Carnegie. The keystones of the library program required that the facilities
Pennsylvania steel magnate was donating money to build be public and free, and Carnegie required recipient cities to
libraries, and club leaders urged Wilson to contact Carnegie invest at least 10% of the grant annually to fund the libraries.
through her connection. “They were very persistent,” The northeast Texas town of Pittsburg had fewer than
Altman says. Carnegie gave them a grant, and the Bryan 1,500 inhabitants when it received the first Carnegie grant
Carnegie Library opened in December 1903. in the state in 1898, using it to build a small library and
A total of 2,509 Carnegie libraries were built between reading room. It burned down in 1939.
1 4 T E X AS CO-OP POWER jAnuAry 2021 t e x AsC O O P POW e r .C O mClOCK WIse frOm OPPOsIte the
1905 Greek revival-style Carnegie
library in Cleburne is today home to
the layland museum. steel mag-
nate Andrew Carnegie. A postcard
of the jefferson Carnegie library.
w e b e x t r a see a map of
texas’ Carnegie libraries and a
slideshow of vintage postcards.
In Northeast Texas, the Jefferson Library Association
tried several fundraising strategies before applying success-
fully for a Carnegie grant. The Jefferson Carnegie Library
was built in 1907 and was restored a century later.
The Classical Revival brick-and-limestone Carnegie
Library in Stamford, north of Abilene, where Big Country
EC has an office, features massive Ionic columns and corner
pilasters. It hosted high school dances and, during World
War II, games and socializing for airmen training nearby.
In Ballinger, south of Abilene, a Carnegie library built in
1911 is on the Texas Forts Trail as well as listed on the
National Register of Historic Places and recognized as a
State Antiquities Landmark and a Recorded Texas Historic
Landmark. The building has continuously served as a
library but needed extensive renovations by 1976. “It was in
such bad shape the city had already bought another place
to build a library then decided to save this one,” says library
director Carolyn Kraatz.
The Franklin Carnegie Library, north of Bryan, com-
pleted in 1914, served as a library through 1918 and then
housed school classrooms and public activities until 1984.
The building was restored and reopened as a library in May
2009. It originally came into being thanks to then-mayor
R.M. Cole, who applied to Carnegie for funds in 1913.
Bryan’s library building, designed by a professor at Texas
Agricultural and Mechanical College (now Texas A&M
University), today houses the Carnegie History Center. It
served as a library until 1969 and then was used for city
offices, says Altman. Matching handcarved pine stairways,
The Dallas, Fort Worth and San Antonio public library tongue-and-groove pine flooring on the first floor and a
CArn eGIe : n At IO nAl PO rtr AIt GAllery/ smIt hsO nIAn . je ffe rsOn POstCArD: CO u rt esy j u Dy AulIK
associations and the Woman’s Club of Houston received decorative pressed metal ceiling all are original. Its restora-
grants around the turn of the century. The El Paso Public tion in 1999 took place with the help of the Women’s Club,
Library Association received one in 1904. And Clarksville, a modern incarnation of the Mutual Improvement Club.
Waco, Belton, Tyler, Gainesville and Sherman received Upstairs, the Bryan library hosted Red Cross gatherings
grants, all thanks to applications from local women’s clubs. during both world wars. The second floor now houses a
Cleburne, south of Fort Worth and now home to a United genealogy research collection, which is free to the public
Cooperative Services office, also built a Carnegie Library thanks along with access to online search services.
to persistent women, in 1905. “A determined committee of With so much of what people do being dependent on
ladies from the local women’s club decided that the young town technology today, access to that technology is a crucial
needed to become civilized and, we are told, traveled to New service provided by libraries, especially in small towns, says
York to visit Carnegie’s office without an appointment,” says Karin Gerstenhaber of the Tocker Foundation, a nonprofit
Stephanie Montero, manager of the Layland Museum now created in 1964 to support rural libraries in Texas.
housed in the building. “He offered them $10,000, but the com- “Carnegie felt that building libraries gave people oppor-
mittee felt that wasn’t enough.” Carnegie doubled his offer. tunities to advance themselves,” she adds. “The libraries
The Greek Revival-style building served as Cleburne’s provided free access to information, and those buildings
library until 1978, when it became part of the museum. The were used for so many different purposes that brought
front entrance and main room feature Ionic columns with people together. They filled a real need.” D
ornamental necking, and plaster details decorate interior
and exterior walls.
t e x AsC O OPPOWer .COm jA n uA ry 2 0 2 1 T E X AS C O - O P POW E R 1 5Un
o
13 pen
Discovered! Unopened Bag of 8 Y ed
ea fo
138-Year-Old Morgan Silver Dollars rs! r
Coin experts amazed by
“Incredible Opportunity”
Historic Morgan Silver Dollars
Minted in New Orleans
Struck and bagged in 1882
The Morgan Silver Dollar is the most Unopened for 138 years
popular and iconic vintage U.S. coin. They 26.73 grams of 90% fine silver
were the Silver Dollars of the Wild West,
Hefty 38.1 mm diameter
going on countless untold adventures in
dusty saddlebags across the nation. Finding Certified Brilliant Uncirculated
a secret hoard of Morgans doesn’t happen by NGC
often—and when it does, it’s a big deal. Certified “Great Southern
Treasury Hoard” pedigree
How big? Here’s numismatist, author Limit five coins per household
and consultant to the Smithsonian®
Jeff Garrett:
Actual size is 38.1 mm
“It’s very rare to find large third-party grading service Numismatic
quantities of Morgan Silver Guaranty Corporation (NGC), and they agreed to honor
Dollars, especially in bags that the southern gentleman by giving the coins the pedigree of the “Great
have been sealed... to find several Southern Treasury Hoard.”
thousand Morgan Silver Dollars
that are from the U.S. Treasury These gorgeous 1882-O Morgans are as bright and new as the day
Hoards, still unopened, is really they were struck and bagged 138 years ago. Coins are graded on a
an incredible opportunity.” 70-point scale, with those graded at least Mint State-60 (MS60) often
referred to as “Brilliant Uncirculated” or BU. Of all 1882-O Morgans
-Jeff Garrett
struck, LESS THAN 1% have earned a Mint State grade. This makes
But where did this unique hoard come from? Read on... these unopened bags of 1882-O Morgans extremely rare, certified as
being in BU condition—nearly unheard of for coins 138 years old.
Morgans from the New Orleans Mint
In 1859, Nevada’s Comstock Lode was discovered, and soon its rich Don’t Miss This Rare Opportunity—Order Now!
silver ore made its way across the nation, including to the fabled Regular 1882-O Morgans sell elsewhere for as much as $133, and
New Orleans Mint, the only U.S. Mint branch to have served under that’s without the original brilliant shine these “fresh” 138-year-
the U.S. government, the State of Louisiana and the Confederacy. old coins have, without their special NGC hoard designation,
In 1882, some of that silver was struck into Morgan Silver Dollars, and without their ability to tell their full, complete story from the
each featuring the iconic “O” mint mark of the New Orleans Mint. Comstock Lode all the way to your collection.
Employees then placed the freshly struck coins into canvas bags... Given the limited quantity of coins available from this historic hoard,
The U.S. Treasury Hoard we must set a strict limit of five coins per household. Call quickly to
Fast-forward nearly 80 years. In the 1960s, the U.S. government secure yours today as supplies are sure to sell out quickly!
opened its vaults and revealed a massive store of Morgan Silver 1882-O Morgan Silver Dollar NGC Certified BU from the
Dollars—including full, unopened bags of “fresh” 1882-O Morgan Great Southern Treasury Hoard — $99 ea.
Silver Dollars. A number of bags were secured
by a child of the Great Depression—a southern FREE SHIPPING on 2 or More!
gentleman whose upbringing showed him the Limited time only. Product total over $149 before taxes (if any).
value of hard assets like silver. He stashed the Standard domestic shipping only. Not valid on previous purchases.
unopened bags of “fresh” Morgans away, and
there they stayed... Call today toll-free for fastest service
The Great Southern Treasury Hoard
That is, until another 50 years later, when the
1-888-324-9125
man’s family finally decided to sell the coins— Offer Code MSH285-01
Please mention this code when you call
still in their unopened bags—which we secured,
bag and all! We submitted the coins to respected
GovMint.com • 14101 Southcross Dr. W., Suite 175, Dept. MSH285-01, Burnsville, MN 55337
GovMint.com® is a retail distributor of coin and currency issues and is not affiliated with the U.S. government. The collectible coin market is unregulated, highly speculative and
involves risk. GovMint.com reserves the right to decline to consummate any sale, within its discretion, including due to pricing errors. Prices, facts, figures and populations deemed
accurate as of the date of publication but may change significantly over time. All purchases are expressly conditioned upon your acceptance of GovMint.com’s Terms and Conditions
(www.govmint.com/terms-conditions or call 1-800-721-0320); to decline, return your purchase pursuant to GovMint.com’s Return Policy. © 2020 GovMint.com. All rights reserved.Goodbye 2020
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Heart of Texas EC News
New Year,
Same Principles
J A N UA RY I S A G O O D T I M E for us at Heart of Texas to use their services and willing to accept the respon-
MES SAGE
FROM Electric Cooperative to reflect on the past year and sibilities of membership, without gender, social,
GENERAL make plans for the new one while keeping our Seven racial, political or religious discrimination.
MANAGE R Cooperative Principles in mind. Democratic Member Control: Cooperatives are
BRANDON 2020 had its challenges. democratic organizations controlled by their mem-
YO U N G Electric cooperatives across Texas were affected bers, who actively participate in setting policies and
by natural disasters, the COVID-19 pandemic and making decisions. The elected board of directors is
economic uncertainty. To get through, we leaned on accountable to the membership.
our values of helping one another and caring for the Members’ Economic Participation: Members
community, just as we have since our founding contribute equitably to, and democratically control,
many years ago. the capital of their cooperative. At least part of that
The past year also had its successes. capital is usually the common property of the coop-
Among them, Heart of Texas EC celebrated 83 erative. Members allocate surpluses for any or all of
years of serving you, our consumer-members, with the following purposes: developing the cooperative,
reliable electricity while hopefully improving your distributing capital credits according to co-ops’
quality of life. individual formulas and supporting other activities
approved by the members.
Autonomy and Independence: Co-ops are
autonomous, self-help organizations controlled by
their members. If they enter into agreements with
other organizations, including governments, or
raise capital from external sources, they do so on
terms that ensure democratic control by their mem-
bers and maintain their cooperative autonomy.
Education, Training and Information: Coop-
eratives provide education and training for their
members, elected representatives, managers and
employees so they can contribute effectively to the
development of their cooperatives. They inform
SPME MORY | ISTOCK .COM
the general public, particularly young people and
opinion leaders, about the nature and benefits of
cooperation.
Cooperation Among Cooperatives: Coopera-
tives serve their members most effectively and
strengthen the cooperative movement by working
For 2021, we resolve to maintain the same—or together through local, national, regional and inter-
even better—quality of service to our members as national structures.
we have over the history of Heart of Texas EC. Concern for Community: While focusing on
We will continue to provide reliable electricity, member needs, cooperatives work for the sustain-
maintain jobs in our community and offer energy- able development of their communities through
saving information in Texas Co-op Power while policies and activities accepted by their members.
giving neighborly member service every step of With resolute values like these at the center of all
the way. that we do, we are ready to take on the new year. D
And as we enter the new year, it’s a good time for
us to review the Seven Cooperative Principles. These
principles are timeless, and we resolve to continue
to uphold them in ways that are relevant for 2021.
Voluntary and Open Membership: Cooperatives
are voluntary organizations, open to all persons able
1 8 TEX AS C O-OP POWER JAN UARY 2021 H E A RT O F T E X AS E LE CT R I C COOP ER AT I VEHeartOfTexasEC2101_ 12/9/20 12:56 PM Page 19
Heart of Texas
Electric Cooperative
coNtact u s
P.O. Box 357
McGregor, TX 76657
local (254) 840-2871
toll-free1-800-840-2957
Web hotec.coop
general manager
Brandon Young
board of directors
Garland Cook, District 1
DeWayne Draeger, District 6
ABOVE : Ron Poston and Kermit Dreyer, District 7
Jake Schmidt present an Paul Edge, District 2
Operation Round Up dona- Dan Foster, District 9
tion to Rosebud Community Kenneth Hollas, District 3
Pantry volunteers Patricia Bobby Nawara, District 4
Sharp, Barbara Sapp and Allen Shows, District 5
Margaret Scott. Larry Stock, District 8
LEF T: Damon Boniface,
HOTEC Operation Round For information and
Up Trust president, and 24/7 to report outages,
Ron Poston, member serv- please call us.
ices manager, present a
check to Lorna Hering with
outage loca l
Hotline
(254) 840-2871
McGregor Food Pantry.
tol l- fr e e
Numbers 1-800-840-2957
Call or text “OUT” to
report an outage.
Operation Round Up Awards
Funds to Local Food Pantries abou t He art of t e x as e c
HOTEC owns and maintains more than 3,800
H e a r t o f t e x a s e l e ct r i c Cooperative and Operation Round Up miles of line to provide electric service to more
recently made donations to two food pantries, in McGregor and Rosebud. than 16,500 members in Bell, Bosque, Coryell,
Falls, Hamilton, McLennan and Milam counties.
Each pantry received $1,000 to restock their shelves.
Organizations like these are a lifeline for so many families when it comes mcgr egor of f i ce
to having enough to eat, especially with the loss of income experienced by (254) 840-2871
1111 S. Johnson Drive | P.O. Box 357
many due to the COVID-19 pandemic. These donations will help in the
McGregor, TX 76657
fight against hunger in our communities. Office Hours:
“Food pantries have been applying to the Operation Round Up Trust Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m.
organization for grants for many years,” said Brandon Young, HOTEC Drive-Thru Hours:
general manager. “With COVID-19, the board of directors recognized the 8 a.m.–5 p.m.
effect that this pandemic continues to have on families and made the ros e b ud of f i ce
decision to provide additional funding.” (254) 231-0444
Operation Round Up is a community grant program funded by HOTEC 159 Loop 265 | P.O. Box 598
Rosebud, TX 76570
members who volunteer to have their monthly bills rounded up. Their
Office Hours:
donations, which average $6 a year, are pooled to benefit organizations in Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m.
our service area.
bi l l pay me Nt opt i oNs
Thank you, HOTEC members. With funds donated through Operation
• Credit/debit card payments
Round Up going directly to local nonprofits, your generosity exemplifies • Online at hotec.coop
the cooperative principle of Concern for Community. • By phone at 1-855-399-2688
The Operation Round Up Trust board, composed of HOTEC members,
V i s i t u s oNl i Ne
meets quarterly to review applications and to decide how the funds will hotec.coop
be allocated.
Nonprofit organizations interested in applying for funds can visit our
website, hotec.coop, or call 1-800-840-2957 to request an application. D
HOT E C.COOP • 1-800-840-2957 • (254) 840-2871HeartOfTexasEC2101_ 12/9/20 12:56 PM Page 20
Your Rights as a Member of Heart of Texas EC
I. Rate and Service Information bypassing meter, or other instances of fixed income or have a unique financial
You may request copies of any portion of diversion, service may be terminated need, you may qualify for a level payment
the cooperative’s rate and service tariffs. A immediately. plan. This plan allows you to pay a monthly
nominal reproduction charge may be made amount equal to an average of the current
Where notice is required, the cooperative
for each copy, and postage may be added if month’s bill plus the previous 11 months’
will either mail or personally deliver a writ-
the copies are mailed. electric bill. If you do not fulfill the terms of
ten notice of termination at least 10 days
your level payment plan, your electric serv-
II. Meter Testing prior to the date of disconnection. Discon-
ice may be disconnected under standard
nection will only occur on those days when
You may request a test of your electric termination procedures.
cooperative personnel are available to
meter if you believe that the meter is not receive payment to prevent disconnection, c) DEFERRED PAYMENT PLAN. If you have
accurately reflecting your actual electric or are available the following day to receive not been delinquent in paying your bill more
consumption. This test will be made at no payment to restore service. If you are seri- than two times in the past 12 months and
charge to you, provided that the meter has ously ill or will become more seriously ill as are unable to pay your entire bill, you are
not been tested during the previous four a result of termination of service, you may qualified for a deferred payment plan. Such
years. In the event that you request a test have your physician call or contact the plan requires that you keep all subsequent
more often than every four years and the cooperative within 16 days of the issuance bills current and pay monthly an amount not
meter is not defective, you will be required of the bill concerning your condition. The to exceed a third of the outstanding amount.
to pay a charge of not more than $50 for physician must provide a confirmation let- You may, but are not required to, sign this
the test. ter to the cooperative within 26 days of the agreement and if you do not fulfill the terms
III. Outstanding Bills issuance of the bill unless a lesser period is of the agreement your service may be ter-
agreed upon. If you make a request to avoid minated under standard termination proce-
Under the tariffs of this cooperative, you will
termination under this provision, you must dures. Such breach of the agreement voids
have 16 days from the date of issuance of
enter into a deferred payment arrangement. your right to a deferred payment plan or
the power bill to pay. If not paid in 16 days,
renegotiation to avoid termination. The
the account will become delinquent and a V. Service and Billing Disputes
cooperative is not obligated to offer this
termination notice will be mailed. If not paid In the event you dispute your billing or any arrangement if you have had service for
in 10 days (a total of 26 days from the date of aspect of service, we invite you to request a less than three months.
issuance), the account will be disconnected. supervisory review or investigation of the
VII. Service Connections
IV. Termination of Service disputed matter. The cooperative will
promptly make such investigation as is If your service is interrupted for any of the
Your electric service may be disconnected
required by the particular case and report reasons listed under Section IV of the Bill of
after proper notice for the following rea-
the findings to you. Rights, you may reestablish service when all
sons:
outstanding and delinquent bills are paid
If the matter is not resolved to your satis-
a) Failure to pay an outstanding bill. and when a deposit is provided to the
faction, you may appeal to the Complaint
b) Failure to pay a delinquent account or cooperative.
Resolution Committee of the board of direc-
meet the terms of a deferred payment plan. tors of this cooperative. Should the dispute VIII. Cooperative Office
c) Violation of the cooperative’s rules for the involve billing, you will not be required to and Business Hours
use of service in such a manner that inter- pay the disputed portion of your bill that McGregor Office
feres with the service of others or the oper- exceeds your average monthly consumption 1111 S. Johnson Drive,
ation of nonstandard equipment; provided for the previous 12 months. This provision McGregor 76657
that the cooperative will make every reason- is applicable pending determination of the Office business hours:
able attempt to notify you of the problem dispute, but shall not be for more than 60 8 a.m.–5 p.m. Monday–Friday
and allow you to remedy the situation. days. Drive-thru hours:
d) Failure to comply with the cooperative’s VI. Alternate Payment Plans 8 a.m.–5 p.m. Monday–Friday
deposit and guarantee requirements. Phone: (254) 840-2871 or
As a member of the cooperative, you have
1-800-840-2957
The cooperative may also disconnect at a right to request alternate payment plans:
once and without notice where a danger- Rosebud Office
a) PAYMENT ARRANGEMENTS. An arrange-
ous condition exists and such disconnec- 159 Loop 265, Rosebud 76570
ment may be made between you and the
tion shall remain in effect so long as the Office business hours:
co-op in which you agree to pay your elec-
condition exists. Disconnection without 8 a.m.–5 p.m. Monday–Friday
tric bill in full after the due date of the out-
notice may also be made when service is Phone: (254) 231-0444 or
standing bill, but before the due date of the
connected without authority by a person 1-800-840-2957
next bill. If you do not fulfill the terms of
who has not made application for service Website: hotec.coop
your payment arrangement, your electric
or who has reconnected service without service may be disconnected under stan- IX. Deposit Policy
authority following termination of service dard termination procedures. You may be required to establish credit
for nonpayment. In instances of tampering
b) LEVEL PAYMENT PLAN. If you are on a satisfactorily by making a deposit. You will
with the cooperative’s meter or equipment,
2 0 TEX AS C O-OP POWER JAN UARY 2021 H E A RT O F T E X AS E LE CT R I C COOP ER AT I VEHeartOfTexasEC2101_ 12/9/20 12:57 PM Page 21
not be required to pay a deposit for gion, sex, disability or marital status.
residential service if you allow us to credit history shall be applied equally
review your credit history and we for a reasonable period of time to a
receive a favorable report. However, if spouse or former spouse who shared
your service was terminated for non- the service.
payment, you will be required to make S TAT E M E N T O F N O N D I S C R I M I N AT I O N
a deposit. the deposit is limited to
one-sixth of your estimated annual Heart of texas Electric cooperative,
electric bill. Deposits accrue interest inc., is an equal-opportunity provider
at the rate set by the board of directors and employer.
annually and will either be paid to you in accordance with federal civil rights
when the deposit is returned or cred- law and U.S. Department of Agriculture
ited to your account. the deposit is civil rights regulations and policies, the
limited to one-sixth of your estimated USDA; its agencies, offices, and employ-
annual electric bill. Deposits accrue ees; and institutions participating in or
interest at the rate set by the board of administering USDA programs are pro-
directors annually and will either be hibited from discriminating based on
paid to you when the deposit is returned race, color, national origin, religion, sex,
or credited to your account. gender identity (including gender
DNY5 9 | iSto c k .c o m
After 12 consecutive residential billings, expression), sexual orientation, disabil-
provided your account is current and ity, age, marital status, family/parental
you have not been disconnected for status, income derived from a public
nonpayment or delinquent more than assistance program, political beliefs, or
two times, your cash deposit plus inter- reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights
est will be applied or refunded. activity, in any program or activity con-
X. Financial Assistance
ducted or funded by USDA (not all bases
apply to all programs). Remedies and Scholarship
Governmental or social service agen-
cies may be able to assist you if you are
complaint filing deadlines vary by pro-
gram or incident.
Opportunity
having trouble making your payment
for electric service to the cooperative.
Persons with disabilities who require Deadline March 1
alternative means of communication
Please look for the government or high school graduate
A R E YO U A R E C E N T
for program information (e.g., Braille,
social service agency which serves the large print, audiotape, American Sign who needs money for college?
county in which you receive service. Language, etc.) should contact the Heart of texas Electric cooperative takes
McLennan County—Economic oppor- responsible Agency or USDA’s tARGEt pride in our local schools and is excited to
tunities Advancement corporation center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and
help further students’ educations by
(254) 756-0954, caritas ttY) or contact USDA through the Fed-
awarding 10 $1,000 scholarships to local
(254) 753-4593, Salvation Army eral Relay Service at 1-800-877-8339.
(254) 756-7271 Additionally, program information may
high school graduates. Applications are
be made available in languages other being accepted now.
Falls County—Economic opportuni-
than English. to qualify for a Heart of texas Ec scholar-
ties Advancement corporation, (254)
756-0954 to file a program discrimination com- ship, a student must have graduated high
plaint, complete the USDA Program school within two years of the march 1
Bell County—Hill county community
Discrimination complaint Form, AD- application deadline and reside in the
Action, (254) 519-3360
3027, found online at ascr. usda.gov/ household of a Heart of texas Ec member.
Coryell County—Senior citizen center, filing-program-discrimination-
(254) 865-8234; Hill country commu- the recipient must be enrolled full or part
complaint-usda-customer (link is exter-
nity Action, (254) 865-8234 time in an accredited college or technical
nal) and at any USDA office or write a
letter addressed to USDA and provide
school. the scholarship will be divided
Bosque County— Economic opportu-
nities Advancement corporation, (254) in the letter all of the information evenly between the fall and spring semes-
756-0954 requested in the form. to request a ters, $500 respectively. Scholarship funds
copy of the complaint form, call 1-866- must be used within one year of issuance.
Milam County—Hill country commu-
632-9992. Submit your completed
nity Action, (254) 697-2243 Applications must be received by the
form or letter to USDA by:
Additional information may be obtained Rosebud or mcGregor office no later than
1. mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture, march 1. For an application and a complete
by contacting the texas Department of
office of the Assistant Secretary for
Human Resources and texas commu- list of qualifications, visit our website,
civil Rights, 1400 independence
nity Affairs. hotec.coop, and click on Programs, then
Avenue, SW, Washington, D.c. 20250-
XI. Nondiscrimination 9410.
Youth tour & Scholarships. D
Your cooperative provides electric 2. Fax: (202) 690-7442.
service without discrimination as to a 3. Email: program.intake@usda.gov.
member’s race, nationality, color, reli-
Hot E c.cooP • 1-800-840-2957 • (254) 840-2871 JA NUA RY 2021 T E X AS C O -OP POW ER 2 1HeartOfTexasEC2101_ 12/9/20 12:57 PM Page 22
PHOTOS BY C HE RYL HI NC KL E Y
Temple Children’s Museum
Offers Hands-On Learning
E v E r w i s H yO u w E r E a k i d ag a i n ?
A visit to the Temple Chil- applying it to fundraising planning in the coming months.
dren’s Museum is sure to make you wish you were young “On the calendar now is a celebrity waiters dinner fundraiser
enough to fully appreciate its wonders. scheduled for April 21, 2021,” said Pischinger. “Depending on
Susan Chandler volunteered at the Austin Children’s COVID, we also hope to resume our popular and successful
Museum before relocating to Temple with her family in 2016. Yuletide Tour of Homes in November.”
Soon after the move, she began recruiting others who shared The board is also developing other ideas and hopes to part-
her vision for a hands-on learning experience for local children. ner with local businesses for fundraisers in the near future. “We
In early 2017, Chandler, Ellen Burnett, Ashley Heinrich and are hopeful that we can soon safely and successfully resume
Kathryn Hermans presented their idea for a children’s museum our fundraising efforts,” Pischinger said.
to the board of the Cultural Activities Center in Temple and TCM plans to offer museum-on-the-go field experiences on a
were invited to become a member group. Hannah Weekley wide range of topics. A few of the exhibits available include a
soon joined the group and fundraising efforts began. neighborhood grocery store, veterinarian clinic, camping site,
TCM began as a traveling museum, popping up at various construction zone, gears and shoots or music walls, various
locations across Bell County. Private donations allowed the arts and crafts, blocks, circuits and robotics, and toddler
museum to purchase a permanent site at 214 S. Second St. in playscapes.
downtown Temple. Additional donations and a grant from the
city of Temple enabled the purchase of a truck to transport Donations Welcome
exhibits to various locations and events. TCM accepts donations of shelving, Lego and Duplo toys, arts
In 2020 the museum moved into a temporary location at and crafts supplies, and gift cards to home improvement or
11 N. Fourth St. The various displays and play centers have been construction stores. Monetary donations can be made by visit-
set up, but with COVID-19 restrictions in place, the museum is ing the museum’s website, templechildrensmuseum.org.
not yet open to the general public. For more information, call (254) 307-8456 or email info@
Chonie Pischinger, a TCM board member, said 2020 was a templechildrensmuseum.org. D
different and difficult year for the museum but that the board
will be taking what they learned through the pandemic and
2 2 TEX AS C O-OP POWER JAN UARY 2021 H E A RT O F T E X AS E LE CT R I C COOP ER AT I VEYou can also read
