We are beyond grateful that our line crew made it back safely after two weeks of helping with restoration efforts in Western North Carolina. Their dedication truly embodies the Cooperative spirit, and from the feedback we’ve received, they showcased "The Roanoke Way" every step of the way.
Our team felt the support and appreciation from everyone back home as they worked tirelessly, away from their families and their Cooperative. The devastation they witnessed firsthand made them even more thankful that our region was spared, but also proud that they could extend a helping hand to those in need. Residents in the Boone area have reached out to express their appreciation for our crews, calling them incredible. While we already know how great they are, hearing this from others means so much.
We are especially thankful to Blue Ridge Energy for allowing our team to come and assist. Their hospitality was remarkable, providing our crew with great breakfasts, lunches, and dinners. A special highlight came during the second week when local residents lent unexpected support. Equipment owners with bulldozers and excavators helped clear roads to poles on steep mountainsides and across creeks where bridges had washed out. Tina Watson, the owner of Blue Ridge Diner and wife of one of the equipment operators, went above and beyond. For nearly a week, she and her staff prepared hot lunches for our crew, including hamburgers, turkey and ham combos, chicken fingers, and an unforgettable meatloaf. While Blue Ridge Energy provided excellent meals, Tina’s gesture during those long days—when the crew often worked until 9 or 10 at night—made a big difference in morale.
When we spoke to Tina to personally thank her, she raved about our team, sharing how impressed she was by their work ethic and attitude. “Your guys were just amazing. So polite and professional, they became our favorites right away!” she told us. Her staff made a point to seek out our crew each day to ensure they were well-fed. Tina's kindness and her team’s extra efforts left a lasting impression on our crew.
While part of our team was away, we stayed busy at home, too. Our other line crews and service technicians continued working hard, staying on top of daily tasks. A key project they tackled was placing transformers at the Tesla Charging Station at the Oasis Gas Station in Roanoke Rapids. This was an important step toward installing 50 chargers at the site. The placement of four pad-mounted transformers moves us closer to connecting the service for Tesla. Beyond that, the crews diligently kept local projects on track and maintained our systems while part of the team was away.
When our crews returned, we welcomed them back with a well-deserved breakfast and took the opportunity to thank both the team that assisted with restoration efforts and those who held down the fort here. Across the board, it’s clear that the Roanoke team gives their all, no matter where the work takes them. Whether restoring power to distant communities or pushing forward local projects, they consistently demonstrate the Roanoke Way in everything they do. We couldn’t be more proud.
