As noted over the last two months, the nation’s electric cooperatives are celebrating the 75th anniversary of when electricity was brought to people living in the country. We invited PowerKids to say “Happy Birthday,” too.
Here are two birthday greetings we received — a story and a piece of art pulled from our art contest entries. Each PowerKid will receive a $25 check.
Little Susieby Ashley SchieberLittle Susie wanted a new bike for her 7th birthday. Her old one was getting so small her legs wouldn’t fit underneath the handlebars. But when she asked her mommy and daddy if she could get a new one, they told her they could not afford one because the electricity bill was too high.
This made little Susie very sad.
Every night before she went to bed, Susie would plug her nightlight in, and her mother would tuck her into bed. And every night, little Susie would ask for a new bike for her birthday. But her mommy and daddy would still give her the same answer.
One night, little Susie asked her mommy and daddy how she could help with making the electricity bill not so high.
“If you want to know how, you first have to know what electricity is. Do you know what electricity is?” asked Susie’s daddy.
“No, but I know you have to pay for it. And you don’t have enough money to get my new bike because of it,” said Susie.
“Well, electricity is what makes things work. Like the TV. And electricity is the light we use to brighten the house at night so we can see. It even keeps our food and drinks cold in the refrigerator,” said Susie’s mommy. “So if you want to help, do you know what you can do?” Susie’s daddy added.
“Well...,” Susie thought. “I could not watch so much TV after dinner.”
“That’s a great idea,” said Susie’s parents.
“You know, you could unplug your nightlight, too,” Susie’s daddy added.
“Yea, and whenever you leave a room you could remember to shut the light or fan off, too,” added Susie’s mommy.
“That’s a great idea,” Susie replied, “but I don’t think I can sleep without my nightlight. I’m scared of the dark.” Susie said shyly.
So, Susie’s mommy and daddy made a deal with her. And Susie agreed eagerly. Every night, Susie did homework and played outside after dinner. And at bedtime, Susie plugged her nightlight in. After Susie would fall asleep her parents would unplug the light so it would not be on all night long anymore. After a while Susie stopped plugging her nightlight in. She even started remembering to shut lights off after she left a room.
When Susie’s birthday came around a month later, her parents were very proud. They bought her a shiny brand new Hello Kitty bike. And since she had been such a big girl about her nightlight, they even got her a pink matching Hello Kitty horn for her bike.
So remember, kids, electricity is important; Don’t waste it.
Ashley Schieber is from Angola, Ind.
Willie lightens the countrysideREMC mascot Willie Wiredhand is featured in this artwork by Erica Morgan, a fifth grader from Martinsville. (Notice all the hidden light bulbs!)