Cooperative Living May 2020 - 7

TrainingTracks
'Luck of the Draw'
Keith Johnson had quite a background before deciding to join
the lineworker trade. The Tappahannock, Va., resident was with
the U.S. Marine Corps and also worked at a correctional facility
before he decided to change careers.
Becoming a lineworker: " It was the luck of the draw, actually. I've
always wanted to work with electricity and things of that nature.
I was working in a prison prior to this, myself and Matt [Hathaway].
Both of us interviewed the same day for this job, we both got it,
left the prison and came to Northern Neck. "
What he likes best about his job: " I like helping the community
and being a part of the community. A lot of people depend on us
and it feels good to be able to help them turn their power on
and keep it on. "
Keith Johnson
Northern Neck Electric Cooperative
Been with NNEC for 16 years
Native of Tappahannock, Va.
Graduate of Essex High School
What he's learning: " We're learning about line
construction, underground construction, overhead
construction and troubleshooting. It's a matter of being
the best lineman I can be, trying to advance in
knowledge and training. "
Our Training Tracks feature spotlights a lineworker
from an electric cooperative. Training is conducted
at the Electric Cooperative Training Center in Palmyra,
Va. The state-of-the-art facility is an ideal learning
environment to serve the needs of lineworkers,
system operators, substation operators and other
co-op representatives.
About the training center: " This is the first time at the
new training center, but previously, I was at the old
trailer that was here. I like this new one. It's big and
spacious; a really nice facility. " 
Read about the training center at vmdaec.com/pr/trainingschool.
Patience, Rodeo Lovers: Gender-breaking history will have to wait
As Boarman recalls, " I was at the
M
ay is one of our favorite
months because it marks
the annual Gaff-n-Go
Lineworker's Rodeo, which attracts
hundreds of lineworkers, families,
friends and fans for two days of
spirited competition.
Unfortunately, out of an
abundance of caution and concern
for public safety, organizers canceled
this year's rodeo, scheduled for May
15-16 at Meadow Event Park, north
of Richmond, Va.
" The central theme of our rodeo
since its inception 18 years ago has been
safety. Our lineworkers operate with the
utmost respect for safety and put that
respect on display for everyone to see, "
says John C. Lee Jr., chairman of the
Rodeo Committee and Working Group
and president and CEO of Mecklenburg
Electric Cooperative.
" In that vein, we are honoring our
commitment to safety as well by
canceling this year's event because of
co-opliving.com
the ongoing public health
crisis, " Lee says.
That means history
will have to wait. Genevie
Boarman, an apprentice
at Northern Neck Electric
Cooperative, was
scheduled to be the first
female electric co-op
competitor in rodeo
history and quite
a role model.
The 24-year-old, featured on the
cover of January's Cooperative Living,
was planning on showcasing her
skills alongside her male counterparts.
The Lineworker's Rodeo took on a
gender-neutral name earlier this year,
in part due to increased awareness
from her feature in the magazine.
Gaff-n-Go Lineman's Rodeo a few years
ago with a friend of mine, an apprentice
for Rappahannock Electric Cooperative.
I remember looking up at the guys on
the poles and thinking to myself, 'Why
aren't there any women up there?' "
Next year's event is already set for
May 14-15 at Meadow Event Park.
" Rest assured that the Gaff-n-Go
Lineworker's Rodeo will be back in
2021, bigger and better than ever, "
says Richard G. Johnstone Jr., president
and CEO of the Virginia, Maryland
& Delaware Association of Electric
Cooperatives, which hosts the rodeo. 
2021 LINEWORKER'S RODEO
Correction: According to local lore, Witchduck Road in Virginia Beach was named
for an alleged witch in the 1700s and not in connection with the pied-grilled grebe,
as noted in the February issue of Cooperative Living.
May 2020 | Cooperative Living | 5
http://www.vmdaec.com/pr/trainingschool http://www.co-opliving.com
Cooperative Living May 2020

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Cooperative Living May 2020
