June 2026
June 1, 2026
Homemade Quilts, Local Donations, And A Grant That Makes A Difference
For the past 34 years, the Woodland Community Quilters (WCQ) at the Woodland Lutheran Church in Rome have met weekly to cut fabric squares, design color schemes, pin fabric, sew, and tie quilts together to support those in need with warm, beautiful bedding of their own.
To continue their mission of providing relief to those in need, they applied for an Operation Round-Up grant and received $720 towards the purchase of quilting supplies such as fabric, batting, and backing. Their quilting group consists of roughly 10-12 members who assemble nearly 200 quilts per year, ranging from lap quilts to queen-size quilts. Their materials come from grant funds, like Operation Round-Up or local donations.
Quilts are donated to community groups throughout the year and sold at their annual Chili Fest event in October, with funds raised being reinvested into the quilting group to purchase fabric, batting, backings, and other quilting supplies to continue the giving cycle.
The success of this program is largely due to the generosity of our members who round their monthly bill up each month to donate their spare change. The most you could contribute in a year is $11.88, although the average is typically around $5 to $6 per year.
To round up your bill to donate your spare change to our program:
- Stop by our Friendship office during business hours
- Give us a call at (800) 831-8629
- Check the box on the back of your payment stub if mailing payments
- Log in to your SmartHub account to enroll yourself
Learn more about Operation Round-Up
Take a SmartHub Road Trip This Summer
Sign up for text, email, and voice notifications to receive updates about your service while you’re away. If you experience a power outage on your beach day, we’ll make sure you stay updated.
Forget to pay your bill before heading into the woods? No problem! Enroll in Auto Pay to have your monthly bill paid automatically so you don’t have to make a last-minute payment when you’re in the middle of perfecting your s’mores.
When you’re looking at sky-high mountain peaks, remember to keep your energy usage low by monitoring your daily energy usage. If you see something that looks off, ask a friend or neighbor to check in.
As you prepare for the next time you hit the road, add “download the SmartHub mobile app” to your to-do list. SmartHub gives you access to your account details, energy usage, and more at your fingertips so you can worry less and enjoy vacation more.
Submit Your Bird Photos
Have a great bird photo? Submit it by July 31 for your chance at being in our 2027 calendar! Share your photo: www.acecwi.com/submit-your-photos.
Photo submitted by Wanda Behling from Montello.
Understanding Demand
Feedback we’ve received from members who have taken our Bright Ideas survey on our website tells us that members want to hear more about rates. This month, we’ll highlight demand on your bill statement.
You may see Total Demand (kW) shown on your bill under Meter Details. Demand is the amount of electricity you draw from our grid at any given time. Each appliance or electronic using energy in your home will contribute to demand. The more you run at once, the higher the demand. The highest recorded demand in your billing period is what displays on your bill statement. Visit www.acecwi.com/understanding-demand-charge to learn more about demand.
Annual Meeting Minutes
Our bylaws state we must provide the annual meeting minutes to the membership via our newsletter before the minutes are approved. Members have not less than 30 days to request corrections to the minutes as published. If corrections are requested, the board considers the proposed corrections and may take any action that in the board’s reasonable judgment is appropriate.
Three Ways to reduce home cooling costs this summer
Summer is here. Home cooling systems are working harder, which can lead to higher energy bills. The good news? Small energy-saving steps can make a big difference.
Set your thermostat wisely
Your thermostat setting has the biggest impact on summer energy use. Aim for 78°F when you’re home and a few degrees higher when you’re away.
Block the sun’s heat
Sunlight streaming through windows can quickly heat your home. Keep blinds, curtains, or shades closed during the hottest parts of the day.
Avoid heat-building activities
Appliances like ovens, stovetops, and dryers add extra heat to your home, making your air conditioner work harder.
Safety Message
It may not always be obvious, but keeping power lines clear of overgrown vegetation plays a major role in preventing power outages. We’ve all seen what can happen when severe weather rolls in—strong winds, heavy ice, or sudden storms can bring down branches and, with them, power lines and poles.
When planting new trees, consider their mature height and distance from nearby power lines. Trees that grow up to 40 feet should be planted at least 25 feet away from overhead lines. Larger trees—those that exceed 40 feet—should be planted at least 50 feet away. If you’re landscaping near pad-mounted transformers, keep shrubs at least 10 feet from the front and 4 feet from the sides to allow safe access.
Recipe
Blueberry Crumb Bars
Recipe from Ellen Grys of Wisconsin Rapids, WI
INGREDIENTS:
- 3 c all purpose flour
- 1 c granulated sugar
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 c cold unsalted butter, cut into small cubes
- 1 egg
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- 4 c fresh blueberries
- 1/2 c granulated sugar
- 4 tsp cornstarch
- Juice of one lemon
INSTRUCTIONS:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Use a fork or pastry cutter to blend in the butter, then the egg (the dough will be crumbly). Press half of the dough into the prepared pan.
- In a separate large bowl, whisk together the sugar, cornstarch, and lemon juice. Gently fold in the blueberries to coat with the sugar mixture. Spread the blueberry mixture over the crust, drizzling any excess juice in the bowl over the filling. Crumble the remaining dough over the blueberry layer.
- Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is light golden brown. Cool completely before cutting into squares.