OCTOBER 2012  Kilowatt 3 the CO-OP VALUES


Happy Birthday, Willie Wiredhand "Small but wiry" mascot embodies co-op spunk


illie Wiredhand, the beloved mascot of electric cooperatives turns 62 this   and the symbol of dependable, local, consumer-owned electricity around the world. (In Latin America, for example, he is known as “Electro Pepe.”)


W


Willie came to life in 1950, created by the late Andrew  Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA), in collaboration with then-RE Magazine editor William Roberts.


Since then, Willie has appeared on scores of promotional items—signage for buildings and substations, T-shirts, ball caps, golf balls, Christmas  more.


 for electric cooperatives. In l957, Willie and electric cooperatives won a heated battle with Reddy Kilowatt, “spokescharacter”


investor-owned electric companies. Reddy’s lawyers


argued that Willie would confuse the public because he so closely resembled Reddy. “Not so,” said a federal judge. But Reddy and his posse appealed to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit. They lost.


A Willie Wiredhand comic book from 1967.


for


Out of the victory, Willie Wiredhand came to symbolize more than cooperative friendliness—he was now the true embodiment of cooperative spunk, willing to stand up for consumers against the entrenched


Monster Toes Recipe Box


 A FEW THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT


Pre-season TLC is worth it for HVAC system


Servicing your heating system is a lot like getting an oil change or tune up for your car. Sure, it’s an expense—but it’s cheaper than waiting until it breaks down to call a technician.


It typically costs less than $100 a visit to have your heating system inspected by a professional, and you won’t have to worry about your unit making it through another season.


 trained to spot problems that most homeowners overlook. Schedule the appointment before the heating season begins. Paying a pro to maintain your heating and cooling system ensures your  smart move that's worth the money.


Cocktail wieners 6-inch tortillas Ketchup or mustard Toothpicks





Heat the oven to 350°F. Cut a wedge into the end of each cocktail wiener to make a toenail.


 ends.


Soften the strips in the microwave between damp paper towels for 10 to 30 seconds.


Roll each wiener in a tortilla strip and secure with a toothpick.


 ketchup or mustard. Remove the toothpicks before serving. Source: Familyfun.go.com


might of huge investor- owned utilities. The phrase “He’s small, but wiry” became part of the Willie Wiredhand trademark.


Willie’s role has evolved over the decades. For example, when the 1970s ushered in an energy crisis, he donned a sweater, caulked windows, and weather stripped doors in new ads pushing energy conservation. Later, he became more of a pop-art celebrity, appearing on novelty items like coffee mugs and watches.


No matter his persona, Willie Wiredhand remains a recognizable and dedicated friend to co-op members, faithful and enduring for decades. Happy birthday, Willie!


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40  |  Page 41  |  Page 42  |  Page 43  |  Page 44  |  Page 45  |  Page 46  |  Page 47  |  Page 48  |  Page 49  |  Page 50  |  Page 51  |  Page 52  |  Page 53  |  Page 54  |  Page 55  |  Page 56  |  Page 57  |  Page 58  |  Page 59  |  Page 60  |  Page 61  |  Page 62  |  Page 63  |  Page 64  |  Page 65  |  Page 66  |  Page 67  |  Page 68  |  Page 69  |  Page 70  |  Page 71  |  Page 72  |  Page 73  |  Page 74  |  Page 75  |  Page 76  |  Page 77  |  Page 78  |  Page 79  |  Page 80  |  Page 81  |  Page 82  |  Page 83  |  Page 84  |  Page 85  |  Page 86  |  Page 87  |  Page 88  |  Page 89  |  Page 90  |  Page 91  |  Page 92  |  Page 93  |  Page 94  |  Page 95  |  Page 96  |  Page 97  |  Page 98  |  Page 99  |  Page 100  |  Page 101  |  Page 102  |  Page 103  |  Page 104  |  Page 105  |  Page 106  |  Page 107  |  Page 108  |  Page 109  |  Page 110  |  Page 111  |  Page 112  |  Page 113  |  Page 114  |  Page 115  |  Page 116  |  Page 117  |  Page 118  |  Page 119  |  Page 120  |  Page 121  |  Page 122  |  Page 123  |  Page 124  |  Page 125  |  Page 126  |  Page 127  |  Page 128  |  Page 129  |  Page 130  |  Page 131  |  Page 132  |  Page 133  |  Page 134  |  Page 135  |  Page 136  |  Page 137  |  Page 138  |  Page 139  |  Page 140  |  Page 141  |  Page 142  |  Page 143  |  Page 144  |  Page 145  |  Page 146  |  Page 147  |  Page 148  |  Page 149  |  Page 150  |  Page 151  |  Page 152