“The holidays.” I love everything about this time of year. Just the thought of the holiday season brings a smile to my face and evokes a sense of comfort and nostalgia. Recalling family gatherings and traditions warms my heart and fills my senses. 

It’s a time of reflection. I’m grateful for my own family as well as my co-op family. At Harrison REMC, we’re driven by a sense of mission and purpose. Our team feels a strong connection to our community and members because we live here, too. 

While many of our community-focused programs and activities such as Lend A Hand, donating money to local food pantries and adopting a family for Christmas, ramp up this time of year, we have several programs and services in place to help our members year-round. I’d like to remind you about some of these offerings in hopes you’ll find them beneficial. 

We hope you’ll take advantage of the Harrison REMC app that empowers you to monitor, manage and pay your energy bill conveniently through your phone. Another service we offer is prepaid metering, which is intended to help budget your monthly energy costs and avoid electric bill deposits. REMC members can pay for electricity before it’s used, then use the electricity until the credit expires. During the time period paid for, you’ll receive regular feedback on your balance through text notifications. 

You may have noticed our electric vehicle (EV) around town. We invested in an EV to promote greater understanding of electric vehicles and promote their use, especially given the focus on electrification of the transportation sector. Nick Geswein, our energy advisor, is a great resource of information regarding EVs.  

The most important investment we make is in our local youth. Harrison REMC provides opportunities for them through our scholarships, Camp Kilowatt, Youth Power and Hope awards and the Cooperative Calendar of Student Art Contest. Each year, through our Youth Tour program, we send high school seniors-to-be to Washington, D.C., for a week-long immersion to experience democracy in action.  

At the heart of all of these programs is you — the members we proudly serve. Looking back, I’m grateful for so many wonderful community partners and for the positive impact we can continue to make. 

This holiday season, I wish you and your loved ones peace, joy and prosperity. Speaking on behalf of our team at Harrison REMC, I know the future will be be bright because of you.