Editorial Assistant Melinda Taylor mtaylor@coloradocountrylife.org
EDITORIAL
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Strength Through Empowerment
By Mike McBride Chief Executive Officer
In 2023, GCEA’s board of directors created a strategic plan built around three enduring priorities and five strategic priorities. Throughout this year’s Colorado Country Life issues, we’ve highlighted each of those priorities, along with the Seven Cooperative Principles that guide us. To close out the year, I want to focus on one of the most important priorities — Employee Care and Engagement.
Helen Keller once said, “Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.” As I reflect on all we’ve accomplished this year, it’s clear that our strength comes from our people — a dedicated team working together, each person playing an essential role in powering your possibilities. No single department can do it alone. Our success depends on every employee’s commitment, passion, and teamwork.
One of our key strategic goals is to make GCEA an employer of choice in our region. We know that the high cost of living and limited affordable housing can make it challenging to attract and retain qualified employees. To meet these challenges, we’re building a workplace where people feel valued, supported, and empowered to grow meaningful careers. That means fostering a culture of care, accountability, and engagement — and backing it up with competitive compensation.
To ensure we’re on the right track, we’ve conducted employee engagement surveys and formed an
Employee Engagement Committee to identify areas for improvement. We’ve also strengthened communication between employees and leadership. Monthly chats — whether around the boardroom table or under our outdoor pavilion — have created open spaces for honest conversations about industry trends, cooperative goals, and how decisions affect our team. These exchanges ensure that communication flows both ways, so every employee has a voice and an opportunity to share ideas.
When employees feel cared for, the impact extends far beyond the office walls. Engaged team members take ownership of their work, innovate, and go above and beyond for our members. They find smarter, more efficient ways to get the job done and bring energy and enthusiasm to everything they do. When you interact with a GCEA employee, I hope you feel that same sense of purpose and pride that I see every day — a team of talented individuals making a real difference in our community.
As the year comes to a close, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to every member of the GCEA team. Whether it’s early mornings, late nights, weekends, or sub-zero days, our employees show up with dedication and heart to keep the lights on for our members. This cooperative depends on each of them — and together, we are stronger than ever.
Thank you, GCEA team.
Hats Off to Kent
For 16 years, Kent Singer served as the executive director of the Colorado Rural Electric Association and helped guide Colorado's energy future with innovation, advocacy, and an unwavering commitment to the electric co-op community. His leadership was marked by the belief that connecting with people is just as important as connecting power lines.
PROMOTING INNOVATION
Singer launched the CREA Energy Innovations Summit in 2010, creating a best-in-class event promoting discussion and exploration of energy technology, innovation, and key industry breakthroughs. Under Kent’s leadership, the Summit garnered national attention and hosted industry experts from Colorado and across the United States.
A LEGISLATIVE POWERHOUSE
Spending much of his career as a fierce advocate for rural electric cooperatives, Singer secured significant legislative victories. One of his signature achievements was helping establish a coalition of consumer groups to defeat retail choice legislation that would have raised the rates of many electric co-op members. He also worked to mitigate the impacts of legislation that required co-ops to change the sources of power generation. He consistently advocated for co-op interests, tracking dozens of critical bills yearly to protect Colorado’s electric co-ops’ autonomy, independence, and service territories. Under his leadership, co-ops secured the creation of a microgrid funding program and key consumer protection legislation related to solar installers.
COMMUNITY CONNECTOR
Singer is a strong proponent of the cooperative principle of Concern for Community and he went the distance to put this into action. For eight consecutive years, he participated in Pedal the Plains, a three-day bike tour across Colorado's Eastern Plains. He used this event to engage with rural Coloradans, share the electric co-op story, and foster connections in small towns.
Kent Singer leaves the Colorado electric cooperative community with a strong legislative foundation, a culture of innovation, and a solid example of leadership that combined both strategic thinking and authentic connection.
Congratulations on your retirement, Kent!
Singer (left) takes a break from cycling in Pedal the Plains across eastern Colorado.
Singer (at podium) speaks at the Colorado State Capitol in 2014.
Kent Singer (left) moderates a panel of speakers during the Energy Innovations Summit.
Thank You, Readers
By Kylee Coleman Editor
As the editor of Colorado Country Life magazine, I have the privilege to hear from you on a variety of topics — and I appreciate each note that hits my inbox or shows up in the mail. I am closing out my third year in this role and 2025 was another year of great engagement with readers.
I heard from Steve D. about his birding adventures — he had a federal permit to catch, identify, and band birds. I heard from a few longtime readers looking for a recipe from a past issue. I learned that many of you loved our summer inclusion of crossword puzzles, including Suzanne P., who I know from a piano class but did not realize she is a co-op member! I received countless recommendations after I asked what books you like to read; it turns out Ron B. and I have very similar tastes in books.
I also heard from you when we missed the mark on a recipe (thank you, Dave K.) and when we accidentally published an error about an event.
I have not grown tired of hearing what’s on your mind and what you think of the magazine. I learn what you like and don’t like, and this informs our planning and content. I was encouraged by John B. to not underestimate our readers regarding technical topics, and I take that very much to heart.
Thank you to all who take the time to reach out and engage with us here at Colorado Country Life. We wouldn’t be here doing what we do without you!
Monthly Giveaway
This month we are giving away a $100 gift card. Happy holidays from CCL!
To enter the drawing, visit us online at coloradocountrylife.coop.
If you need a different way to enter the contest, please send a postcard with your name, phone number, mailing address, and the name of your electric co-op to 455 S. Pierce St., Lakewood, CO 80226. Contest closes December 20.
Working Together to Beat the Peak
By Alliy Sahagun Member Relations Supervisor
During September, our Member Relations team traveled across GCEA’s service territory, visiting members in Crested Butte, Lake City, and Gunnison. We explained how GCEA’s new rate structure will affect members’ bills starting January 1 and shared simple ways to prepare now.
A common question we heard was: How will my peak demand be calculated?
To begin, let’s review the difference between energy usage and energy demand.
• Energy usage is the total amount of electricity you consume over a month, measured in kilowatt-hours (kWh).
• Energy demand measures how much electricity you’re using at any one moment, measured in kilowatts (kW).
Think of it this way: usage is like the total number of miles driven in a trip, while demand is how fast your speedometer reads at any given time.
Demand is typically highest during peak hours — Monday through Saturday, from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. when most of us are cooking dinner, doing laundry, and relaxing at home. When our community’s electricity use spikes all at once, GCEA’s wholesale power costs rise, too. Because GCEA is a not-for-profit, cost-based
cooperative, those expenses are passed directly to our members through rates.
Your peak demand charge will be based on your single highest monthly demand reading within the peak window. In 2026, your peak demand charge will be $1.00 per kW and will gradually increase over five years to $7.50 per kW (or more, depending on inflation).
In preparation for this change, your bill now shows your peak demand reading and the time it occurred. Simply multiply the demand reading by $1.00 per kW to calculate your peak demand charge. A “peak demand” line has also been added, though it will remain $0.00 until January. See the sample bill below for details.
Throughout December, bring your bill to our office to review your demand reading with us. You’ll be entered into a drawing for a $100 bill credit — just for giving us a chance to walk through the changes together.
You can also visit gcea.coop to view our educational presentations and learn more about how to manage your energy use effectively.
Together, we can beat the peak — saving energy, saving money, and strengthening our cooperativ
WATT’S YOUR PEAK? WATT’S YOUR PEAK?
To help you prepare for GCEA’s upcoming rate change, your bill now displays your peak demand and the time it occurred, along with a new “Peak Demand Charge” line, which will remain $0.00 until January 2026.
Peak Demand (kW) x $1.00 = Peak Demand Charge
Through December, bring your bill to our office and show your peak demand reading to enter to win a $100 bill credit.
Learn more at gcea.coop and get ready to “beat the peak!”
2025 in Review
Powering People, Projects, and Possibilities
After finishing 2024 on a high note with several remarkable projects, GCEA entered 2025 with the same drive and high expectations.
SCHOLARSHIPS
Scholarships have been a long-standing tradition at GCEA, and in 2025, we proudly awarded 139 scholarships. This year also marked the launch of two new scholarship programs. The Last Chance Scholarship gave students who missed the March application deadline another opportunity to apply by attending the annual meeting and completing a Power Passport. We also awarded two $1,000 grants to local teachers to support energyrelated classroom projects. Scholarships are funded by unclaimed capital credits along with funding from other member donors.
BOARD CERTIFICATIONS
The entire GCEA Board of Directors has completed the National Rural Electric Association Credentialed Cooperative Director Program. The CCD program prepares directors to fulfill their fiduciary duty as elected officials serving on behalf of their membership. Upon completion of all five CCD courses, directors are awarded the Credentialed Cooperative Director Certificate by NRECA. Congratulations to our directors.
Standing left to right: Greg Wiggins, Polly Oberosler, Morgan Weinberg, and Frank Stern. Seated left to right: Darcie Perkins, Tom Carl, and Michelle Lehmann.
LIGHT UP NAVAJO
In 2025, GCEA sent a four-man crew to Navajo Nation to help bring power to families through Light Up Navajo. From July 26 to August 2, Journeyman Linemen Andy Holsteen and Justin Hulick, and Apprentice Linemen Kevin Purkat and Kendall Gardner joined the effort.
Roughly 30% of homes on Navajo Nation still lack electricity. Working alongside the Navajo Tribal Utility Authority, GCEA crews built 1.75 miles of line to serve a teacher and school administrator, making it possible for them to enjoy simple comforts like watching TV and brewing coffee. The crew also completed wiring for another home serving a grandmother and her grandchildren.
Photo at left: GCEA linemen work on poles and bring electricity to support the electrification effort on Navajo Nation.
ON-BILL REPAYMENT PROGRAM
Our On-Bill Repayment Program continues to make energy efficiency and electrification upgrades more accessible for homeowners, businesses, and agricultural producers — allowing participants to repay gradually through their monthly utility bill.
This was another successful year for the program — 66 members signing up to make energy-efficient improvements to their homes. As of October 2025, six projects have been completed, and two more are in progress.
LOCAL SOLAR PROJECTS
Renewable energy in the Gunnison Valley has been a long-time goal for our members and community. This year, GCEA was proud to complete two new solar projects — one in the north end of the valley and one in the south. Gunnison River Solar, located off County Road 17 next to the Gunnison Substation, will provide roughly 2% of local clean energy to GCEA members.
Oh Be Joyful Solar, located off Highway 135 as you enter Crested Butte, will further expand local renewable generation and contribute to a cleaner energy future for the Gunnison Valley. Both projects are completed and are expected to begin producing electricity by the end of December.
RATE DESIGN CHANGE
In June 2025, we began promoting our new rate design, set to take effect on January 1, 2026. We have helped members understand how to shift, stagger, and reduce energy use during peak demand hours of 5 p.m.- 9 p.m., Monday through Saturday.
In addition, we created the “Don’t Be Peaky” campaign as another reminder to reduce energy use during peak demand hours.
ANNUAL MEETING
This year’s theme, More Power to Ya, highlighted how the upcoming rate change puts the power in your hands and gives you more control over how you use your electricity.
It was an evening full of fun and energy that featured:
• Live electric demos by GCEA linemen
Bucket truck rides
• A tie-dye station
• Last Chance Scholarship opportunity
• Great conversations about the upcoming rate design change and energy efficiency
annual meeting in June.
Photo at left: GCEA Warehouseman Scott Faison serves cookies at the
Whole-Home Humidifiers
Find relief from dry winter air
By Vicki Spencer
During summer, we appreciate Colorado’s naturally dry air because it makes the heat more bearable. But during winter, our indoor heating system removes even more moisture from the air, and it can feel uncomfortable. Health effects of dry air include dry skin, cracked lips, bloody noses, sore throats, eye irritation, and increased susceptibility to asthma, allergies, colds, and flu. Installing a whole-home humidifier can reduce or alleviate some of these health issues.
Adding moisture to the home helps preserve wood furniture and floors and reduces static electricity from carpets. Your plants will also appreciate the increased humidity. A lesser-known benefit is that wholehome humidifiers help reduce stress on your HVAC unit’s heating elements, possibly extending the life of the furnace.
Before deciding to purchase a whole-home humidifier, test the current humidity level in each room of your home with an inexpensive digital hygrometer. If you have a smart thermostat — like Ecobee or Nest — check the app to see if it displays the humidity level. If humidity is consistently less than 30%, a whole-home humidifier is advisable. It will provide optimal moisture levels in every room.
The average cost of purchasing and installing a whole-home humidifier can range from around $400$2,000. Different types of whole-home humidifiers — such as bypass or steam — have different cost profiles. Keep in mind that the up-front cost is only part of the picture. There are ongoing maintenance costs such as filter or pad changes, as well as the energy costs to run the humidifier.
Whole-home humidifiers tie directly into your HVAC system and installation is best left to professionals. Since it connects directly to your heating system, it’s a job that involves both plumbing and electrical work. Licensed technicians can set it up safely to ensure proper wiring, drainage, and airflow, which will prevent leaks, wiring issues, or warranty problems. Professional installation also ensures proper integra-
Use a digital hygrometer to check the humidity in your home. If levels are consistently below 30%, it might be time for a whole-home humidifier.
tion with the furnace blower and thermostat. If access to your existing HVAC system or ductwork is tricky — as in older homes, attics, or tight basements — you can expect higher labor costs.
If you want to combat winter’s unrelenting dry air, research the best type of home humidification and see if a whole-home unit would be a good fit for you. Your dry eyes will thank you.
Vicki Spencer writes on a variety of topics including gardening, electrical safety, and more.
TYPES OF WHOLE-HOME HUMIDIFIERS
An HVAC professional can help you determine the right type of whole-home humidifier for your specific needs and setup. Here are some types to consider.
BYPASS
Works with your furnace’s airflow to add moisture as air passes through a water panel. Efficient and affordable but runs only when your heat is on.
FAN-POWERED
Uses its own built-in fan to push air through the water panel. Provides consistent humidity and works even when the furnace isn’t heating.
STEAM
Produces warm mist using electricity, then sends it through your home’s ductwork. Effective for large or very dry homes, but is also the most expensive and complex to install.
Spellbound by Sunrise
By Dennis E. Smith
We were near Crook, Colorado, in a corn field that rolled away to the horizon in every direction as far as the eye could see. We’d spent the last two hours setting out nearly a thousand decoys in the dark, but legal shooting light was still a half-hour away when we settled in to wait for the first skeins of snow geese to arrive from the enormous flocks roosting on Jumbo Reservoir.
One of the more unique but seldom mentioned experiences of a waterfowl hunt on Colorado’s Eastern Plains lies in those few fleeting moments just after dawn when the rising sun creeps over the horizon transforming the world around you into a kaleidoscope of colors. It is so indescribably beautiful that all you can do is stare in disbelief at the magnificence of it all and pray that it lingers long enough for you to dig the camera out of your pack before it fades into the routine flatness of another winter day.
You can see large expanses of sky from the foothills and mountains, but nothing compares to the sensation of being completely enveloped by the overwhelming beauty and vastness of a prairie sky at daybreak unobstructed by mountains, trees, or structures. We sat there, spellbound, while the intense orange, red, and gold streaks melted away, and morning bloomed soft and blue around us. Then suddenly, our dogs began quivering and whining with nervous excitement, and we could hear the telltale squawking of snow geese on the wing far in the distance.
What you hope for at this point is that the birds will work your decoys, you’ll shoot straight, and the dogs will have the time of their lives racing each other across the field to retrieve and deliver birds to you, their butts and tails wagging so hard you marvel that their spines don’t snap.
Because the North American snow goose populations are so dangerously high they threaten to destroy their ancestral breeding grounds, game department managers have lifted bag limits and reduced shooting restrictions nationwide. On those golden days when all goes well and the shooting is good, you can collect dozens of birds in an hour or two.
Of course, it doesn’t always go that way. Snow geese are notoriously smart. They know there’s safety in numbers, so they travel in huge flocks — 500 to 700 or more at one time is common. They are also skittish to a fault. If there is anything doubtful about your decoy spread or they spot suspicious behavior and out-of-place movement on the ground, they will vanish like smoke before they get within shotgun range. It’s possible on some days to actually see thousands of snow geese, decoy only a few, and shoot none.
Regardless, if you’re lucky enough to witness a glorious sunrise in snow goose country, your life will have been forever blessed.
Dennis Smith is a freelance outdoors writer and photographer whose work appears nationally. He lives in Loveland.
“I never expected it to be so beautiful that it takes your breath away.”
— Kaya C., on Stauer Opals
In a quaint village, nestled between rolling hills, lived a young woman with a deep appreciation for gemstones. Her grandmother gifted her a delicate cross pendant adorned with opals. The opals shimmered with a mesmerizing play of colors, reflecting hues of blues, greens, and fiery oranges. Her grandmother shared the legend of the opals, believed to bring hope, purity, and luck to those who wore them.
Using this story as inspiration, Stauer brings you the Opal Spirit Cross Pendant. With over 2 total carats of Kyocera lab-created opals set in .925 sterling silver encased in yellow gold, this pendant is a radiant celebration of beauty and craftsmanship. Each opal captivates with a kaleidoscopic dance of fiery oranges blending into oceanic blues, streaked with flashes of vibrant green that seem to come alive with every movement. The shimmering opals are skillfully arranged to create an enchanting, otherworldly glow, embodying the spirit of hope and harmony.
This breathtaking combination of color and craftsmanship is available as a limited availability of
only 930 pieces, making it a rare and treasured addition to your jewelry collection. Plus, when you order today, you’ll receive the gold-finished sterling silver chain—a $69 value—absolutely free!
miss your chance to own this exclusive tribute to timeless elegance and meaningful symbolism.
Necklace Specifications:
• 2 1/2 ctw. Kyocera lab opals and DiamondAura
Q&A with State Senators
Janice Marchman and Marc Catlin
Moderated by Taylor Ward CREA Director of Government Relations
Electric cooperatives serve as a lifeline for rural Colorado, delivering reliable and affordable power while managing increasing wildfire risks. State Senators Janice Marchman and Marc Catlin are spearheading bipartisan legislation to incentivize wildfire mitigation planning and protect their communities. In a recent interview with Taylor Ward, the senators explained why this legislation is urgently needed and how empowering utilities in wildfire mitigation efforts will keep Colorado’s power safe, reliable, and affordable.
SEN. JANICE MARCHMAN
represents portions of Larimer and Boulder counties as the senator from the 15th state senate district, having served in that role since 2023.
What experiences in your personal and professional life most influence how you approach public policy?
Marchman: I teach middle school math and have a background in systems engineering. Both shape how I look at policy. I test ideas, measure results, and fix what is not working. In the classroom, I see how state decisions touch families every day. That keeps me focused on what helps people.
Catlin: I take it seriously that the people in my district are the ones who sent me to the Capitol. I’m there to do my best for them and my focus is on my district. A lot of times I find out that things good for my district end up being good across the state.
What is your connection to rural Colorado? How has that impacted or influenced your work in the legislature?
Catlin: I was born in Montrose and have lived most of my life on the Western Slope. When you grow up and raise your family in rural Colorado, you get a real sense of what makes these communities work — and what they need to survive. I’m always mindful of that when I’m at the Capitol. I try to carry bills that have a direct impact on the people back home, the ones who will actually feel the results of what we pass.
Marchman: My district bridges suburban and rural Colorado. We are the fourth-largest oil and gas producing area in the state and home to farms,
SEN. MARC CATLIN
has represented the West Slope in the state Legislature since 2017, serving now as the senator for the 5th District, which covers Delta, Eagle, Garfield, Gunnison, Hinsdale, Montrose, and Pitkin counties.
ranches, and small manufacturers. That range keeps me grounded. I see how policy affects both the classroom and the combine. I look for balance that supports growth while protecting what makes our region work.
You both represent areas served by electric cooperatives. What role do co-ops play in your communities? How do they stand out compared to other types of utilities?
Catlin: Before serving in the legislature, I worked in a number of different water organizations across the West Slope. I know the values our local water utilities bring to serving their communities are the same as those that rural electric co-ops bring. They value service, adapt to local needs, and keep costs down.
Marchman: I recognize that there truly is a cooperative difference. Co-ops are owned by the people they serve; members have a real voice. It fits communities where accountability is personal and close to home.
When you talk with your constituents, what do you hear about the value co-ops bring — whether it’s affordability, reliability, or local accountability?
Marchman: Affordability and reliability always come up. People like that co-ops do not have outside shareholders, so money stays in the community. They
Taylor Ward
also see the personal side. When power goes out, they often know the person who shows up to fix it.
Catlin: I know my constituents value that the people who work at their co-ops are their friends and neighbors, that the values of the co-op are the same as the communities they serve.
We’ve seen an increase in both the frequency and cost of wildfires across the state. How are these risks impacting your constituents, the rural utilities, and the people they serve?
Catlin: I represent one of the most rural and forested districts in the state, so every summer my constituents hold their breath, hoping for good moisture and low winds, because fire is an ever-present threat. I know West Slope co-ops take fire mitigation work very seriously, because that’s how they protect their communities.
Marchman: After the Marshall Fire, people in my district saw how fast a blaze can move from grassland to homes. With dry plains and foothill winds, prevention is essential. Utilities here use infrared photography, drones, and AI tools to find problems early. It is careful, practical work that protects both people and property.
What do you want Coloradans to know about the work electric cooperatives are doing to protect their communities and keep the lights on safely and affordably?
Marchman: This summer I met with co-ops and utilities across Colorado. What stood out was their teamwork and openness to new technologies like automated switching, remote sensing, and real-time monitoring to make the grid safer. They plan ahead and focus on prevention while keeping rates fair for rural customers. It is preparation, not profit, that drives their choices.
Catlin: My constituents are proud that co-ops focus on community. They know the co-op is making smart investments to benefit the whole community.
You are both planning to introduce legislation that addresses how utilities in Colorado plan for wildfire mitigation efforts and the liability associated with wildfires. What inspired you to take on the issue of wildfire liability, and why is this such an important topic for Colorado right now?
Catlin: My co-ops are in areas that are highly vulnerable to wildfire risks, and these communities deserve to know their co-ops will always be there and always keep the lights on. The legislation we’re planning will help spread out some of these risks so
rural communities and the co-ops that serve them are protected.
Marchman: I want to support policies that reward prevention instead of reaction. Rural co-ops face the same fire threats as large utilities but without the same financial cushion. Our proposal encourages more mitigation and better risk-sharing, so no community faces ruin from one spark.
Your bill proposes a framework to address those risks. How would it help protect consumers and keep energy affordable in rural Colorado?
Marchman: Insurance costs for some co-ops have doubled in only a few years. This bill would help them manage that risk by spreading costs more fairly and recognizing the value of early prevention like vegetation clearing, stronger poles, and upgraded technology.
Catlin: All Colorado communities deserve to know their power will be on tomorrow, but not-for-profit co-ops are most at risk of bankruptcy in the case of a major wildfire. This bill would provide more certainty for utilities so they are able to continue to serve their communities.
What would happen if the Legislature doesn’t act? What’s at stake for rural communities and ratepayers?
Catlin: Rural communities deserve to know that their lights will always be on and power will always be affordable. They absolutely deserve it. I don’t want the state to look back after any future wildfire and say, “We could have done more to protect this community.”
Marchman: If we wait, we will be reacting to disasters instead of preventing them. Other states already share wildfire costs and reward prevention. Colorado should do the same before we face another big loss.
Looking ahead, what’s your broader vision for how Colorado should balance affordability, reliability, and wildfire resilience in its energy future?
Marchman: These priorities depend on one another. Energy cannot stay affordable if wildfire risk drives costs up. Reliability requires prevention. Our goal is to bring them together so every community, from Denver to Delta, can count on safe and steady power.
Catlin: Now is the time to act so that we protect our communities and consumers before an extreme event happens.
A Light in the Dark
By Kylee Coleman
Grieving the loss of a loved one, recovering from an injury, navigating a mental health crisis, or just having “one of those days” when nothing seems to go right — we’ve all been there. I try to not live in fear of those days, of that heartache. I embrace it because it is always on the other side of those challenges when life is just … brighter. And it is often people who lift us out of the darkness.
I wasn’t sure what to expect when we asked our readers to share with us about the people who bring light to their lives. We received countless stories about spouses, siblings, neighbors, friends, and strangers who all have one thing in common: They were a bright spot in someone’s life.
“A simple, small gesture can have a huge impact on someone’s day and overall attitude, just knowing someone cares,” Sangre de Cristo Electric Association member Pauline Dobson said. “I hope we will see our own opportunities to be good to others, especially in times of frustration and opposition — we are all in this together.”
During this season of giving, may these stories inspire you to extend kindness to neighbors, strangers, and friends in need. It doesn’t have to be a grand gesture — a warm smile and a word of encouragement might make a huge difference in someone’s life. As reader Patty Richardson said, “Our collective moments equal happiness.”
MY FRIEND, MAREEN
By Alicia Riley | Grand Valley Power member
One day when I was sick and shivering on the couch, I heard a knock on my door. In came Mareen Black, my friend who is over 80 years old and has so much energy, love, and light emanating from her.
Mareen brought homemade soup and a big smile as she encouraged me and let me know I was loved. I hadn’t told Mareen I was sick; she just manages to find out who needs a little love and time, as she brightens the world every single day.
She cared for her homebound husband for years until he died, but now she hardly stays home. She drives her elderly friends to the gym each morning. She volunteers at the Fruita Thrift Shop, sorting donations. She is making her communities of Grand Junction and Fruita better each day.
Mareen listens when I have parenting challenges and gives me advice gained from raising her six children. Most importantly, she always helps me look at the positive side of things. Mareen makes everyone feel like they are important and like they are her very best friend. She is always helping others yet never acts like it’s a burden to her. Mareen loves life and nothing slows her down. Mareen brings light to everyone she meets.
CREDIT OF KINDNESS
By Cheryl R. | Southeast Colorado Power Association member
I ran out of milk while I was making potato soup, so I made a quick trip to the grocery store to buy more. While I was there, I spontaneously decided I wanted to add cheese to the soup as well. When I got to the register, my gallon of milk and two bags of cheese rang up to $24.
I inserted my credit card to pay, but it was declined by the machine — twice. This was a surprise, as the credit card bill had always been paid on time. It turns out, the card number had been hacked and it was shut down by the credit card company’s fraud department. I asked the cashier to let the customers behind me go through while I tried to sort out my options.
While I was waiting, I heard the cashier say, “That will be $58.” Glancing at the conveyor belt, it seemed the customer behind me only had a few items, so I was confused why the total was so much. As the customer walked away, the cashier said to me, “He paid for your groceries too.”
I was stunned for a moment before yelling after him, “ Thank you!”
I turned back to the cashier to ask for the name of the customer, but the cashier didn’t know. The other customer in line said, “If he hadn’t paid for you, I was going to!”
Even in the smallest moment of darkness, the kindness of strangers is the most welcome light.
FRIENDS TURNED FAMILY
By Patricia Hentosh | Sangre de Cristo Electric Association member
I was accepted into graduate school in Boston after a seven-year break from academics. My goal was to obtain the education necessary to do research and teach in the field of cancer biology.
As a typical graduate student, I had little income, no free time, and very demanding courses, and I was always worried about failing. My support systems of family and friends were all in Ohio and Washington, D.C. I would not have made it through those six years of studies without two women at the school who became family.
Despite their own limited income, Sheila and Peggy invited me for meals twice a week, they prepared me for big exams, and they made me laugh. They insisted that I take study breaks and boosted my morale when I doubted myself.
I would not have succeeded in achieving my goal of a cancer biology career and profession without Sheila and Peggy’s help and concern.
SISTERS OF MY HEART
By Dawn A. | Grand Valley Power member
When a loved one dies, there is not much light to be found. In the minutes, hours, days, weeks, and months immediately following that death, life comes hurtling at you at lightspeed. Decisions need to be made, bills need to be paid, and people need to be notified.
But life does indeed go on for those left behind. I was left behind. The love of my life, after being with me for 36 years, was overcome by Parkinson’s disease and the accompanying dementia. In his final few months, he didn’t even know who I was, so my mourning began long before his last breath was taken.
If it were not for a few women in my life who surrounded me, not physically but with their love and energy, I am not all that certain how life would have progressed for me. As soon as I texted the words “He is gone,” one friend dropped everything and flew here from another state to be with me when my children could not.
The others, friends for three decades who had also known and loved my husband, gathered in spirit and lifted me up when I could barely stand. “Take one breath,” they urged me gently. Just breathe. These women, these sisters of my heart, brought light into a place devoid of it. That light continues to grow, nurtured by them and fueled by my determination to continue, moving forward for him, for them, and for myself.
PEARL’S GIFT
By Terry and Bart Mayes | Poudre Valley REA members
When we lost our Lyons home in the 2013 floods that devastated the foothill communities in Colorado, we found so many things that brightened an otherwise dark time.
So many people were helpful and kind in the weeks after the flood, including a woman we met at a laundromat. We were there trying to clean mountains of flood-soaked clothing. Pearl watched us keep 10 washers and dryers going, and she approached us to ask our story.
We told her of the flood and our attempt to reclaim as many belongings as possible. She was very sympathetic. After she finished her laundry and loaded up her car, she asked if she might pray with us. We agreed, and she took our hands into her hands and prayed a simple prayer of guidance for us.
As she left, Pearl pressed something into my husband’s hand. He opened his palm to find a very small capsule, which upon opening, we discovered contained a $100 bill. We rushed out to thank her, but she was gone — truly an angel on the wing.
MOM’S LIGHT
By Jennifer Rivas | Poudre Valley REA member
A simple bright spot on a hike 30 years ago changed my life.
My mother and I were walking a dusty trail when she pointed out a western meadowlark perched on a fence post: his head thrown back, warbling its distinctive song. Bright yellow breast shining in the fading late-day sun. A bright spot in a tough time. I was a young adult still finding my way in the world. As we watched the vibrant bird pour its song across the vast meadow, my restless mind slowed down to appreciate the stillness of the moment. My mom had always been captivated by birds, a quiet passion of hers that I never fully appreciated at the time.
Thirty years later and I have been blessed to travel our amazing country, and many parts of the world, finding birds — often with my mother by my side. I was also lucky enough to marry a man who shares my passion for the natural world. Birding is a pastime that is much more than a hobby — it is a gift of appreciation, of slowing down and finding the bright spots in everyday life. At 75 years old, my mom still finds the best birds, and we continue to share these bright moments together.
ANGELS AMONG US
By Jane H. | La Plata Electric Association member
When I wrecked my bike recently, a couple was right there. They immediately came to my aid. The woman helped me focus and stay calm. She shared that she broke her ankle the same way and is still active and doing the things she loves to do, like hiking and biking. The man took the shoe off my bad leg, and they put the bikes away. I thought it was a forever goodbye when the ambulance whisked me away.
A week later, I was using my knee scooter at the local farmers market. A couple came over to me and said, “Look at you!” I had to think, but then the recognition came — it was the kind couple who helped me the day I broke my ankle. She showed me her scar from her ankle surgery. He encouraged me to do the activities that bring me joy when I was fully recovered from my injury. I was grateful to have another interaction with them, and we plan to keep in touch. A difficult experience showed me that there are angels among us.
MY NEIGHBOR’S BARN
By James Dougan | Empire Electric Association member
At sunset, the slanting rays of late autumn illuminate my neighbor’s barn in soft golden light. Revealed are all manner of familiar and exotic tools, old furniture and playthings, fencing supplies, spare parts, pumps, old chain saws, and likely the exact right bolt or screw you needed this past summer. It’s a comforting place, a refuge.
My neighbor, Augie, and I are buds. We yell greetings across the fence to each other. Augie will hobble over now and again when he wants some company. He’ll sit on my porch and wait patiently. We’ll talk some, but mostly we just sit.
I know where to go when I need a tool or part I don’t have. I unfasten the gate and enter Augie’s barn where more likely than not, I’ll find what I need. Not a word need be spoken … we’re neighbors.
READY TO POWER WHAT’S NEXT
Tri-State, together with your local electric cooperatives, is proud to power homes, farms, and businesses— and we’re ready to power new opportunities too.
We welcome responsible growth that supports our communities. We’re not just keeping up with change— we’re planning for it, with a commitment to reliability and affordability.
We are fortifying the infrastructure, systems, and programs necessary to keep electricity affordable and preserve the rural way of life. So that the grid we’re building today is strong enough for tomorrow’s ideas.
WHATEVER THE FUTURE HOLDS, WE’LL POWER IT.®
New Mexico and Wyoming.
Scan to learn more or visit tristate.coop/powering-the-future
Hip-Hip Ouray!
By Becky Jensen
Located in the heart of the rugged San Juan Mountains in southwestern Colorado, Ouray is an unforgettable winter getaway offering alpine adventure as well as deep relaxation. Pronounced “yur-AY,” the mining town was incorporated in 1876 and named for the highly respected indigenous Chief Ouray of the Ute Nation.
ICE, ICE BABY
Outdoor thrill-seekers of all skill levels can harness up and try their hand — and ice tools — at climbing frozen waterfalls in Ouray Ice Park. Open mid-December through March, the free public park boasts more than 150 climbing routes along 2 miles of the Uncompahgre Gorge. If you visit in the new year, be sure to check out the 31st Annual Ouray Ice Festival January 22-25 when elite pro athletes compete and teach climbing clinics. Local experts at San Juan Mountain Guides offer personal instruction and rental gear for ice climbing, avalanche rescue training, and high-altitude mountaineering — perfect for beginner or advanced adventure enthusiasts — all winter long. Learn more at mtnguide.net. See Ice Park conditions at ourayicepark.com
above courtesy of Visit Ouray
Photo
Photo below by Donnell Allen
SOAK IT IN
Splash and play or recover from a busy day at the familyfriendly Ouray Hot Springs Pool. The famous sulfur-free geothermal hot springs offer a variety of experiences and temperatures, including a lap pool, overlook pool, activity pool, and more. Learn more at visitouray.com/ ourayhotspringspool
KICK OFF THE HOLIDAYS
Get into the holiday spirit during Yule Day — the town’s festive annual celebration held the first Saturday in December. Take the kids to story time, go on a scavenger hunt, and meet Santa Claus himself. Enjoy artisan shops, free hot chocolate, the community tree lighting ceremony at dusk, and a holiday parade down Main Street around 6 p.m. It’s a full day of fun for the whole family. Find information at visitouray.com/yuleday
WHERE TO STAY
For a blend of modern luxury and rich local history, consider staying at the iconic Beaumont Hotel where President Theodore Roosevelt once slept; the Western Hotel built in 1891 with its famed Grotto Spa; or The Imogene, a fully renovated former saloon from the Wild West days. Several hotels offer a “stay two nights, get third free” winter promotion November through April. More lodging options for all budgets can be found at visitouray.com
Photo by Visit Ouray
Brandy Slush
Punch up your holiday party
Festive gatherings with family and friends are a delight of the season, and this icy alcoholic beverage is a tasty and fun way to serve a crowd. Whether you are hosting a shindig or you’re a guest taking something to share, you might consider bringing copies of this recipe to hand out — this slushy drink is polar cold and popular. Plan ahead to allow plenty of time for the mixture to freeze before your event. It might need to sit in the freezer for about a week to get nice and slushy. Encourage your guests to enjoy this party punch responsibly.
Cheers!
INGREDIENTS
7 cups water
1½ cups sugar
2 cups water
4 black tea bags
1 can frozen lemonade, thawed
1 can frozen orange juice, thawed 2 cups blackberry brandy
1 liter bottle of Squirt soda
INSTRUCTIONS
Boil 7 cups of water and add the sugar. Stir until dissolved. Allow to cool. Boil another 2 cups water. Steep 4 tea bags for 10-15 minutes. Allow to cool. Mix sugar water and brewed tea together in a large, freezer-safe container with a lid. Add the thawed lemonade, thawed orange juice, and brandy. Stir until combined and freeze.
To serve: Remove from freezer and let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes. Use a metal spoon to scrape the frozen slush and put it into a cup. Combine 1 part slush with 1 part Squirt soda.
Planning tip: This mixture takes just under a week to fully freeze.
Makes about 18 cups.
Recipe courtesy of Carolyn Bloomfield
Photo by Kylee Coleman
Water Heater Woes
By Miranda Boutelle
Q: How can I tell if my water heater needs repair or replacement?
A: We have all gotten used to having reliable hot water in our homes. Nobody wants to get caught off guard with an unexpected cold shower or failed water heater. I tend to live in the “if it isn’t broken, don’t fix it” school of thought, but a failed water heater can cause damage to your home and property. Emergency replacement of a water heater can add unnecessary cost, not to mention inconvenience. Evening or weekend replacement or repair can lead to higher costs charged by a plumbing company.
Here are some signs that your storage water heater might be approaching the end of its life.
The typical life span of a storage water heater is 10 to 15 years, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. If your water heater is older than that, plan to replace it soon. Don’t have records of when it was installed? No problem. Find the serial number on the water heater’s sticker or metal plate. Look up the serial number online or call the manufacturer to find its age.
Sediment or water on the floor or at the bottom of the water heater could mean its days are numbered. Sediment can be a sign of corrosion, which leads to a leak or failure.
Seeing rusty or discolored water when you turn on your faucets can be a sign the tank is rusting inside. If water is not getting as hot as it used to, it could be a sign of a failing electric element or a gas burner not functioning properly.
Odd noises could indicate an issue with the components. If you’re hearing unusual noises from your water heater, schedule a checkup with a plumber. Well-functioning water heaters typically don’t make much noise.
your water heater is 10-15 years old, it’s time to start planning and budgeting for a replacement.
A professional plumber may be able to replace failing components. If you are having issues with the tank itself, it’s likely time for a new unit.
If you’re in the market for a new water heater, a heat pump water heater might be a good fit for your home. These systems are two to three times more energy efficient than conventional electric-powered tank water heaters, according to the DOE. A federal tax credit is available until December 31. You can claim 30% of the project cost, up to a maximum of $2,000, for the installation of an Energy Star heat pump water heater. If your water heater is past its useful life or showing any signs of failure, consider investing in a new one before the end of the year.
Knowing the signs of water heater failure can save your home from damage and offer opportunities to explore options for more efficient equipment to reduce your electric use.
Miranda Boutelle is the chief operating officer at Efficiency Services Group in Oregon, a cooperatively owned energy efficiency company. She has more than 20 years of experience helping people save energy at home.
If
Photo by Mark Gilliland, Pioneer Utility Resources
Winter Reads
By Kylee Coleman
It is the perfect time of year to stay inside, find a cozy corner, wrap yourself in a warm blanket, and get lost in a good book. This collection of recent and new releases from Colorado authors has something for everyone — add a few to your bookshelf or gift one to the avid reader in your life.
Are you an author? Send a short synopsis of your book to me at kcoleman@coloradocountrylife.org.
Summaries presented here are not reviews or endorsements by CCL.
NO MAN’S LAND By
Becky Jensen
At 45, Becky Jensen was raising two sons, engaged to be married, and living the dream in Colorado. She was also suicidal and had no idea why. What did she have to be depressed about? The question haunted Jensen, leading her to take a bold step: to hike the 500-mile Colorado Trail in search of answers. Jensen shouldered a backpack loaded with camping gear, her father’s ashes, and the inherited burdens of womanhood — trudging off alone into no man’s land. With each mile, she sheds the weight of female conditioning and begins to carry herself differently, finding the strength and clarity to determine not just if she wants to live but how. You can find Becky Jensen’s first book on amazon.com.
FOUR CORNERS VOICES, VOLUME 2
Edited by Gail Binkly, Sarah Carr, and Chuck Greaves
A follow-up to the winner of the Colorado Book Award, this anthology features the work of many talented authors whose roots run deep in the dramatic and colorful landscape where Colorado, New Mexico, Arizona, and Utah meet. The stories, essays, and poems represent a diverse and compelling chronicle of life in one of the United States’ last best places, compiled by southwestern nonprofit Four Corners Writers. Learn more at fourcornerswriters.com
YES, AND By Cynthia
Gunderson
College student Toby is desperate for direction. Pausing his higher education, he relocates to Portland and rents a townhouse in hopes of reconnecting to his roots.
Jo’s 87-year-old mind and body aren’t what they used to be. But she’s sharp enough to know her nursing aides are after her generous family trust. When a kind and honest young man moves in next door, she quickly enlists his help in catching the sneaky bandits. He lost his ambition. She can’t find her perspective. Will joining forces bring them the meaning they need?
Find this book on amazon.com
ASPENS ALIVE
By Amy Grogan
Aspens Alive is the story of aspen trees, as told from their perspective, about their uniqueness and how they fit into the larger ecosystem. As one of the oldest and largest living organisms on earth, there are parallels and lessons that can be applied toward one another and for our own survival as a species. From southwestern Colorado printmaker and writer Amy Grogan, the book has 22 reduction block prints that she personally carved and printed. Find more information at amygroganart.com
THE HIDDEN WISDOM OF ANIMALS
By Kate Siber
Animals have a lot to teach us, if only we open our eyes. From the slow-moving sloth to the playful dolphin, every living creature has unique skills, strengths, and qualities that we can learn from. The Hidden Wisdom of Animals by Durango author Kate Siber invites kids ages 8 and up to explore and celebrate more than 40 animals from around the world through warm, lyrical reflections.
Beautifully illustrated by Kaitlynn Copithorne, The Hidden Wisdom of Animals blends eye-popping facts, brilliant science, and anecdotes that inspire a more reflective, personal relationship with wildlife and shows how animals can teach, inspire, and encourage us. Find this new release on amazon.com
THE TWINS OF STRATHNAVER
By Rachael Wright
The Witching Mackays have endured centuries of suffering and ostracism all because of their powers and the ghosts they can see. As August 1997 draws to a close, a mysterious Londoner arrives in desperate pursuit of fame and long-lost Jacobite gold.
Louis Talbot is much more than a treasure hunter wielding a metal detector. Armed with a strange book, Louis sets his sights on the vulnerable, lonely Margaret Mackay.
In Fruita author Rachael Wright’s The Twins of Strathnaver, Hugh and Margaret are forced to confront the reality that the gold isn’t all the ghosts are protecting and that the consequence of their failure will be nothing less than the destruction and death of everything they’ve ever known. You can buy this book on amazon.com
DYING CRY
HILL 119, DEFENDING A RECONNAISSANCE MARINES’ OP, VIETNAM, 1969-70
By Michael O. Fallon
The Marines and corpsmen of Delta Company, 1st Reconnaissance Battalion, 1st Marine Division were surrounded by the North Vietnamese Army for 600 days in 1969 and 1970 during the Vietnam War. Hill 119 is a rise on a finger of land located 28 kilometers south of Da Nang that overlooks the Thu Bon River Basin and Go Noi Island. The hill provided Marines with an excellent 360-degree view of the region. This first full account of Hill 119 is written by Colorado author Michael Fallon, who served as reconnaissance patrol leader on Hill 119. It covers the Marines’ experiences in the bush, on the hill, and in the rear. Purchase this book on amazon.com.
By Margaret Mizushima
Newlyweds Mattie and Cole Walker are teaching Cole’s daughters how to snowshoe in a remote canyon when a shattering scream pierces the air. Cole takes the girls while Mattie and her K-9 Robo go deeper into the canyon to search for the source of the scream. From a distance, Mattie and Robo see a shadowy figure at the base of a cliff, but a rockslide buries the person under layers of stone and shale before they can provide help. When they investigate the canyon rim from which the victim fell, they discover evidence of foul play. The Timber Creek County investigative team springs into action, uncovering a trail of greed that leads to a killer who threatens Mattie’s cherished family and tests her with the most difficult task she’s faced in her duty as a K-9 handler. Find this 10th installment of the Timber Creek K-9 Mysteries online at amazon.com.
THE ORCHARD
By Peter Heller
Mother and daughter Hayley and Frith spend years living off the land of an apple orchard. Together, in a rustic cabin with no electricity, they pick apples, harvest syrup, and watch the leaves turn season after season.
It was just the two of them until Rose Lattimore appears at their door. Suddenly, Hayley and Frith are no longer an inseparable duo, but two parts of a trio. The Orchard by Colorado author Peter Heller is narrated by Frith — now an adult — reflecting on her childhood and the years spent with Hayley, Rose, their goofy dog, Bear; and the joy, laughter, and most of all, the heartbreak that changed her life forever. Purchase this book on amazon.com.
With their magazine in hand, the Clines say: “From the lighthouse in Port Isabel, Texas, to San Isabel Electric Association in Colorado ... we thank you both for keeping the lights on!”
Mountain View Electric Association members, Joseph and Mary Hagerty, celebrate their 34th anniversary in Ocean City, Maryland, with their copy of CCL
a recent cruise.
Show us your adventures with the magazine for a chance to WIN $25.
Upload your photo with CCL at coloradocountrylife.coop
Find more reader photos on Facebook @COCountryLife and Instagram @cocountrylife PACK.
Ken and Kathy Ashwood are members of Gunnison County Electric Association, and have been in SC, NE, MO, IL, IN, WV, VA, KS, ID, OR, WY, NV, CO, and UT in the past year. They report that they “finally remembered to take a picture with the magazine in Reno, Nevada.”
Poudre Valley REA member, Nanette Fornof, travels with her copy of CCL to Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts, while on a girls’ trip.
Delta-Montrose Electric Association member, Penny Heuscher, poses with CCL in front of the Neolithic (2900 B.C.) Calanais Standing Stones in the Outer Hebrides Islands, Scotland.
Grand Valley Power member, Rita Kyle, stops for a photo with the magazine in Quebec, Canada, while on
Paula Marks, a Mountain View Electric Association member, takes a minute out of her vacation in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, to get a photo with her copy of CCL.
Mountain View Electric Association member, Linda Famula, enjoys the daily lighting of 103 gas lamps by the lamplighter with CCL on Ostrow Tumski, historic cathedral island, in Wroclaw, Poland.
NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTIONS FORSaving Energy
RESOLUTIONS YOU CAN AFFORD TO KEEP
IT COSTS NOTHING TO:
; Set the water heater temperature to 120 degrees.
; Run only full loads in the washer and dishwasher.
; Turn off lights when you leave a room.
; Unplug electronics and chargers not in use.
SPEND A FEW DOLLARS TO SAVE MORE:
; Replace incandescent light bulbs with LED bulbs.
; Get a programmable smart thermostat.
; Seal air leaks around windows and doors.
; Use a smart power strip for electronics.
To generate more energy savings, visit SafeElectricity.org.
Happy Holidays
FROM COLORADO COUNTRY LIFE
It is a joy to create this publication for you each month. As we close out another year, we thank you for engaging with us as we share the electric cooperative story and tell the unique stories of our incredible state.
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