Immerse yourself in the sights, sounds, and tastes of New England. From quaint island villages to the breathtaking beauty of the coastline, summer in New England is a truly delightful experience. Discover the region’s rich maritime heritage, savor a traditional Lobsterbake, and marvel at grand mansions of the Gilded Age. Return to the comfort of your onboard sanctuary and bask in the warm camaraderie of fellow guests and crew.
To enter this giveaway, visit our website at coloradocountrylife.coop or mail a postcard with your name, mailing address, and phone number to 455 S. Pierce St., Lakewood, CO 80226. Contest closes September 20.
Photo courtesy of Maureen Hearty
Photo by Ty Pierce
Fresh Start, Energized Future
By Kent Singer Executive Director
If there’s one thing I think we can all agree on, maybe it’s this: moving — whether to a new home or a new office or into or out of your kid’s dorm room — generally stinks. The packing, wrapping, hauling, tossing out, and decision-making (should I keep that important file from 1978?) can be exhausting.
I’m happy to report, however, that the Colorado Rural Electric Association recently completed a successful move of our offices to a new location that will greatly enhance the association’s ability to support our members, Colorado’s electric co-ops.
I remember when CREA shared offices with Western United Electric Supply Corporation, an affiliated company that provides equipment to electric co-ops across the West. When Western United outgrew that space and headed out on its own, CREA found another building just north of downtown Denver that served our needs well for 25 years. Last year, however, we decided that we needed a new space that could accommodate our many programs and provide a better working environment for our employees.
We were fortunate to find a building in Lakewood that checked almost all the boxes for the attributes we were seeking: more square footage, easy access for our members, a good location for guests and visitors, turnkey condition — in this case a recent remodel — and a standalone property that would be used only by CREA.
Our new building will enable us to serve our members better since it has the capacity to host multiple events at the same time. It also has outdoor space that we can use for legislative receptions and
other events when the weather cooperates — and we’re big on cooperation.
We also think there is good karma in the new building because it was originally built in 1968 as a branch of the Jefferson County Public Library. Incredibly, one of CREA’s board directors, Damon Lockhart from DeltaMontrose Electric Association, spent time reading in this building as a kid before moving to the Western Slope later in life. We are thrilled to inhabit a building where so many young folks learned so much and we hope the work we do here will honor that tradition.
CREA is dedicated to the success of Colorado’s electric co-ops and we support them with legislative advocacy, safety programs, Colorado Country Life magazine, and education programs and classes. We appreciate our member cooperatives’ support of this move to a new facility that will allow us to continue that dedicated mission for many years to come.
Kent Singer is the executive director of CREA and offers a statewide perspective on issues affecting electric cooperatives. CREA is the trade association for 21 Colorado electric distribution co-ops and one power supply co-op.
Reliable, Safe, and Affordable Power
By David Churchwell General Manager
Our mission, and the primary job of an electric cooperative, is to deliver electricity to its member-owners in a reliable, safe, and affordable manner. This has always been a challenging job, and it is not getting any easier.
K.C. Electric Association employees do a great job maintaining and improving our electric grid. We have invested in technology such as advanced metering infrastructure and a supervisory control and data acquisition system, both of which help keep our reliability metrics at a high level.
Safety is our cornerstone. K.C. Electric employees are our greatest asset, so it is critical that we give them the tools and equipment they need to safely do their job. They help create and maintain an electric grid that is safe for our members and the public. We are proud of our outstanding safety record. It reflects our team’s commitment to creating a workplace where every employee feels secure, supported, and empowered to speak up for safety.
That leaves us with affordability. K.C. Electric purchases electricity from our wholesale power provider Tri-State Generation and Transmission Association. Affordable rates continue to be a priority for Tri-State, and it maintained stable rates from 2017-2023 and did not increase rates in 2025. Colorado’s electricity market is evolving toward increased integration and clean energy, which continues to put
Our mission is to provide our members with safe, reliable service at the lowest cost, while maintaining an environmentally responsible, accountable, and sustainable operation now and in the future.
upward pressure on all wholesale electric utilities in Colorado.
Colorado law requires Tri-State to achieve at least an 80% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 compared to 2005 levels. For decades, Tri-State has been involved in the operation of three thermal generation units at the Craig Station in northwestern Colorado. Tri-State, along with Xcel Energy, Platte River Power Authority, Salt River Project, and PacifiCorp jointly own two of the units, and Tri-State is the primary owner of the third unit. These three thermal units will be retired by the end of the decade and must be replaced with other generation sources that may include wind, solar, and battery storage.
In addition to building or purchasing the output of new generation sources, Tri-State will also be updating its transmission system throughout its service territory. This will undoubtedly increase Tri-State’s wholesale power rate. Since 75% of K.C. Electric’s annual overall expenses are the cost of power from Tri-State, this will also cause an increase on the rates we charge you, our member-owners.
There are a number of things that factor into the costs cooperatives incur serving their members, as well as the rates cooperatives charge to recover those costs. Much of this has to do with economies of scale. Larger cooperatives have more consumers and more commercial and industrial loads. They can typically
K.C. Electric Staff
David Churchwell General Manager dchurchwell@kcelectric.coop
Bo Randolph Office Manager and CFO brandolph@kcelectric.coop
Phone 719-743-2431
Toll-free 800-700-3123 Web kcelectric.coop
Darren Fox Operations Manager dfox@kcelectric.coop
George Ehlers Member Services Specialist and IT Manager gehlers@kcelectric.coop
Address 422 3rd Avenue Hugo, CO 80821
K.C. ELECTRIC MISSION
operate a bit more efficiently, keeping costs a little lower. Smaller cooperatives that serve smaller loads have more of a challenge — population density. Colorado’s investor-owned utilities average 34 consumers per mile of power line, and municipal utilities average 48 consumers per mile of line. The average for Colorado’s electric cooperatives is 9.27 consumers per mile of line; K.C. Electric has 2.17 consumers per mile of line.
Despite these challenges, K.C. Electric has been able to keep our rates affordable. Below is data from a survey conducted by the Colorado Association of
Municipal Utilities that compiles and compares the rates charged by participating utilities across the state. This data shows that even though we are rural, have smaller loads, and low density, we have kept our rates below most of the other cooperatives and utilities in the state.
Whatever the future holds, I assure you that the K.C. Electric board, staff, and employees will do everything in our power to continue delivering electricity to you, our member-owners, in a reliable, safe, and affordable manner.
UTILITY SCAM TIP OF THE MONTH
Solar energy is rising in popularity –– and so are solar scams. If a salesperson knocks on your door promising free solar panels at zero cost or that you will never have to pay your energy bill again, it is likely a scam. If you are interested in solar panels for your home, do your research, get multiple quotes from licensed providers who are reputable, and most importantly, take your time to ensure a smooth process.
CLAIM YOUR SAVINGS
Each month, K.C. Electric members have a chance to claim a $20 credit on their next electric bill. All you must do is find your account number, call the Hugo office at 719-743-2431, and ask for your credit. The account numbers are listed here. How simple is that? You must claim your credit during the month in which your name appears in the magazine — check the date on the front cover.
ENERGY EFFICIENCY TIP OF THE MONTH
Take advantage of “shoulder months,” which refer to the transitional periods between peak heating and cooling seasons. During the fall, these milder weeks typically occur between September and November. Shoulder months offer a great opportunity to reduce home energy consumption as the need for extensive heating or cooling is reduced. Look for simple ways to boost indoor comfort without running your heating and cooling system. Use ceiling fans and open windows on breezy days to ventilate your home. On cooler days, add a layer of clothing and avoid running the heat.
Ruby Gibbs, Kit Carson — 11102XXXX
Lester Schlichenmayer, Bethune — 11014XXXXX
Gary Pautler, Stratton — 11138XXXXX
David White, Stratton — 11123XXXXX
In July, two members called to claim their savings: Doris King, Seibert and Kent Martens, Burlington.
Sharing the Electric Co-op Story
During a recent trip to Washington, D.C., I was able to connect with my peers from around the United States. The Statewide Editors Association is a group of individuals who represent and produce Colorado Country Life’s sister publications across the country. Visit sea.coop to view the excellent publications represented in this network.
Our goal as statewide electric co-op magazine editors and professional communicators is to share the electric co-op story with you, the electricity consumers at the end of the line. At our summer meeting, we discussed ways we can communicate effectively and efficiently on key topics that affect your co-op.
The energy industry is innovating and transforming rapidly. Much of this change revolves around and depends on energy legislation. Issues including decarbonization, supply chain challenges, and grid resilience are being discussed and regulated at both national and local levels of government.
Energy policy and regulatory issues are not my expertise, but I assure you we at Colorado Country Life are staying current with energy topics that affect Colorado’s electric cooperatives and issues that are important to you. While my editorial team does not participate in rate design, grid security, or rights of way permitting, for example, we work with your co-op to share this information with you.
Get curious and engage with your local co-op. Visit with staff and board directors at community events, attend annual meetings, and read bill inserts, e-newsletters, and this monthly magazine to learn more about your co-op’s efforts to keep your power reliable, affordable, and safe. Reach out and let us know what you want to learn about and what you want to see more of in this magazine. We will do our best to deliver.
Report change of address to your local cooperative. Do not send change of address to Colorado Country Life. Cost of subscription for members of participating electric cooperatives is 30 cents per month, paid from equity accruing to the member. For nonmembers, a subscription is $15 per year in state/$20 out of state.
ADVERTISING
advertising@coloradocountrylife.org 720-407-0712
National advertising representative: American MainStreet Publications 611 S. Congress St., Suite 504 Austin, TX 78704 | 800-626-1181
Editorial opinions published in Colorado Country Life magazine shall pertain to issues affecting rural electric cooperatives, rural communities, and citizens. The opinion of CREA is not necessarily that of any particular cooperative or individual.
By Kylee Coleman Editor
An Encore Garden
Get long-lasting color with shrubs
By Vicki Spencer
When fall approaches, I often lament the loss of floral displays that have faithfully graced my garden for months.
But Mother Nature never disappoints because just as summer flowers fade away, autumn colors emerge. By adding colorful shrubs to your landscape, you can enjoy striking colors long after tree leaves have fallen.
When planting shrubs and trees, you want to maximize root growth before the most stressful season for plant growth. Shrubs planted in the fall will benefit from the combination of warm soil and cool air, which will stimulate root growth. This helps shrubs get established before the ground freezes. In Colorado’s higher elevations where cold winters can be more stressful, it would be better to plant shrubs in spring after there is no danger of frost.
One of my favorite fall colors is the bright redorange of Autumn Brilliance serviceberry. In spring, its flowers and delicious berries attract pollinators and birds. Beautyberry is another colorful fruit-bearing shrub with stunning magenta berries that sparkle in the sunlight. They cling to bare branches, only disappearing after birds discover the tasty treat.
Deciduous viburnums offer fiery fall foliage and require little care. As temperatures drop, they change to deeper reds and purples. In spring, bright berries emerge from blooming flowers to adorn the branches.
Little Henry Sweetspire is a compact version of the Appalachian Mountain native plant that grows well in Colorado. In early summer, it features long narrow panicles of white flowers, then consistently boasts reddish-purple fall colors, which may carry through to spring.
Blue mist shrub, a member of the mint family, is covered with blue-purple flowers from late summer through fall. Their cool tones contrast beautifully with typically warm colors of fall foliage. As an additional benefit, they provide late-season nectar for pollinators.
Smoke bush is a large shrub offering year-round interest. In spring, airy panicles of flowers shoot up, creating a smoky, cloud-like appearance. Many cultivars offer burgundy foliage that turns brilliant shades of orange and red in the fall.
Weigela shrubs can be planted to form a perfect flowering hedge. Sonic Bloom provides a colorful display of bright, pinkish-red flowers from May until the first frost.
These are a few of the many flowering shrubs available. Even if your garden space is limited, adding just one will brighten what may be a drab area in the fall.
Vicki Spencer writes on a variety of topics including gardening, electrical safety, and more.
Rake, Prune, and Protect
Work to defend your home from wildfire
By Colorado Country Life staff writers
Summer is over and the change of seasons is approaching quickly. As you tackle your fall yard and garden cleanup, it’s also the perfect time to take steps that help protect your home from wildfires. Wildfires are not limited to summer — Colorado’s dry climate paired with wind and flammable debris can pose a threat any time of year. Raking leaves, pruning trees, and clearing out dead plants not only prepares your landscape for winter, but it also creates a safer, more defensible space around your property. With a few smart additions to your fall yard maintenance routine, you can reduce fire risk while keeping your yard and garden healthy and tidy through the colder months.
Tips TO CREATE A DEFENSIBLE SPACE AROUND YOUR PROPERTY
ZONE 1
0–5 FEET FROM YOUR HOME
□ Clear all dead vegetation and flammable materials. Remove dead plants, spent annuals, dry leaves, pine needles, mulch, woodpiles — and anything that can catch fire and fuel fire— near your home, deck, or porch.
□ Keep the area lean and clean. Use noncombustible materials around your home’s foundation —use gravel and rock instead of wood mulch.
□ Trim vegetation away from siding and windows. Shrubs, grasses, or branches should not touch the house.
□ Check and clean gutters regularly. Remove flammable debris like pine needles and leaves.
FALL GARDEN CHECKLIST
□ Plant spring-flowering bulbs. Tulips, daffodils, crocus, and hyacinths should go in before the ground freezes.
□ Plant cool-season crops.
In early fall, plant kale, spinach, garlic, or cover crops like clover or rye.
□ Aerate and fertilize your lawn. Fall is the best time to feed and strengthen your lawn’s roots.
□ Overseed thin lawn areas. Cool temperatures and moist soil are ideal for new grass seed germination.
□ Winterize your irrigation system. Blow out sprinkler lines by mid- October or before the first hard freeze.
ZONE 2
6–30 FEET FROM YOUR HOME
□ Create horizontal and vertical space between plants. Shrubs should be spaced apart and kept low under trees. Avoid “ladder fuels” that allow fire to climb from ground to treetop.
□ Mow grasses regularly. Keep grass trimmed to 4 inches or shorter.
ZONE 3
31–100+ FEET FROM YOUR HOME
□ Remove ladder fuels. Clear small trees or shrubs growing under larger trees.
□ Dispose of debris responsibly. Don’t pile slash or trimmings near the home. Use chipping, composting, or haulaway services.
Maintain access routes. Keep driveways and private roads clear of overhanging branches and vegetation to aid emergency access. Make sure your home’s number is easy to read for first responders.
It Is Solved by Walking
By Becky Jensen
As I sit down at my desk to write, I feel heavy in the chair. Stuck. Unsure where to begin. Through the window, I watch a chipmunk scamper across my woodpile and hear the high-pitched trill of hummingbirds as they fly around the cabin in search of late-summer nectar. The animals are in motion. I close my laptop and push away from my desk, heeding their call and the good advice of this very column’s name.
I get outside.
Above the frame of my front door is a small print of a mountain scene with the Latin words solvitur ambulando. Stepping under the print and across the threshold, I take a deep breath of fresh air and ponder the saying.
a person’s creative output increases by 60% when walking versus sitting.
Each time I leave the house, I look up at my print. It reminds me I can recharge my creative tank any time — and handle life’s challenges a little better — with the help of a good old-fashioned walk.
After a stroll to the mailbox and back, I return to my desk to take another stab at my writing assignment. I feel much more clear-headed after my walk. The words flow.
Attributed to the fourth century B.C.E. Greek philosopher Diogenes, solvitur ambulando means “it is solved by walking.” Years ago, when I found myself in a deep mental rut and didn’t know how to pull myself out, this print unexpectedly showed up in the mail. The saying felt like a divine message just when I needed it most. It got me walking.
In our high-speed culture of devices and digital distractions, I often find myself craving a slower pace and a simpler life without screens. And when there seems to be a quick-fix pill for everything these days, I’m always eager to first try natural ways to clear brain fog and overwhelm. One possible remedy, according to experts, is to take a walk and get the blood flowing.
Walking offers a host of health benefits, including bolstered mood, memory, and brain function. Case in point, Stanford University researchers found that
I know walking is good for me — I can feel the results every time. The burning question is: Why don’t I take a walk more often? In my case, the biggest resistance is breaking free of resting inertia and the profound pull of my comfortable chair. But once I do, I always feel better.
If you’re dragging your feet about getting outside today, I totally get it. Maybe try this as a first step: After reading this article, set it down, stand up, walk over, and open the front door. Once there, take a deep breath and cross the threshold. The outside will most likely beckon. The walk doesn’t have to be long. How about to the mailbox and back?
Who knows? You may receive a magical delivery. And when you return, don’t be surprised if you feel a little lighter in the chair. Less stuck about something. You might find, for today at least, it is solved by walking.
Becky Jensen is a writer who lives and works in a little cabin on a big river in Northern Colorado. She’s also a proud member of
Poudre Valley REA. You can find her at beckyjensenwrites.com.
The inspirational words that hang above the author’s front door. Artwork by Seth Nielson
Maksym
Keep Colorado Wild
You venture, they volunteer
Explore every corner of Colorado’s state parks while giving back to search and rescue volunteers when you get a $29 Keep Colorado Wild Pass with your vehicle registration.
cpw.info/KeepColoradoWildPass
Co-ops Defend Against AI-Powered Cyber Threats
By Jim Hight
In November 2021, Delta-Montrose Electric Association suffered one of the worst cyberattacks in the history of electric utilities in the United States. Though the attack did not result in outages or disclosure of member data, it corrupted decades’ worth of records and disabled DMEA’s billing, telephones, email, and other systems. It required many weeks of staff overtime to create short-term workarounds and fix the damage.
The cyberattack also made DMEA one of the most well-known electric co-ops in the country for a time. While the Montrose-based co-op might have preferred to be recognized for its achievements in hydropower and solar generation, or its innovative fiber internet service, DMEA staff believed that other electric co-op managers needed to hear about their experience. “Sharing DMEA’s story is important so that other cooperatives can learn from what we’ve experienced,” said Jay Suckey, DMEA chief information officer. “We’re dedicated to the Cooperation Among Cooperatives principle and improving cybersecurity for other rural utilities.”
While co-ops are especially collaborative, the entire electric power industry — which includes investor-owned and publicly owned utilities, regional transmission operators, and other entities — communicates openly and frequently about cybersecurity. All of these players are physically connected through the North American electric grid, so they share a common interest in mounting the best defense possible against increasingly sophisticated hackers.
PHISHERS GET AN AI CYBERBOOST
Over the last couple of years, hackers have significantly enhanced their phishing emails and texts using artificial intelligence. “We used to train our staff to look for grammar and spelling errors that indicated an email or text was written by someone who didn’t speak English as a first language,” said Lindsey Mote, cybersecurity administrator at Falcon-based Mountain View Electric Association. “AI has vastly improved the hackers’ English.”
Cybercriminals also use AI to conduct rapid, in-depth research on companies that do business with electric co-ops and other types of utilities — and then tailor their messages to appear authentic. “They ask the AI something like, ‘If I want to send an email from XYZ company, how would I make it appear genuine?’” Suckey noted.
MALWARE (noun): software designed to interfere with a computer’s normal functioning
SPYWARE (noun): software that is installed in a computer or mobile device without the user’s knowledge and that transmits information about the user’s activities
The primary goal of most email and text scammers is to obtain money, often through a payment for a fake invoice. They also often seek an employee’s login credentials. “Then they can send emails posing as you to everyone in your contact list, seeking financial information or trying to plant spyware or malware,” said Mote.
DEFENDING AGAINST FOREIGN ADVERSARIES
Phishing for money and login credentials may seem tame compared to the cyberthreats posed by hackers working for U.S. geopolitical adversaries who seek the capabilities to disrupt critical infrastructure in a future conflict. For example, China-backed Volt Typhoon has been discovered in the network systems of numerous utilities across the country. “That’s pretty scary stuff,” Mote said.
At the June 2025 National Rural Electric Cooperative Association Cybertech conference in Denver, co-op leaders heard about how the Israel-Iran conflict could increase the risk of a cyberattack on electric grids, according to Trina Zagar-Brown, vice president of business services for Glenwood Springs-based Holy Cross Energy. “Critical infrastructure in the U.S. is a well-known potential target, and as global conflicts increase, so do the risks of a cyberattack,” she said.
Since the beginning of what we know as the modern internet, cyberattacks have been a threat to many industries, including utilities. And like other industries, electric grids today have more points of vulnerability to cyberattacks than in the past, largely due to new technology.
The capability of a foreign adversary to exploit such vulnerabilities and strategically shut off power was demonstrated when Ukraine suffered blackouts in 2016 and 2022, caused by malicious code — malware — known as Industroyer and attributed to Russia. “Distribution electric co-ops have to be cognizant of these types of threats that are happening around the globe,” said Zagar-Brown.
The hacker that infiltrated DMEA likely entered through a single computer server that had not been updated with the latest security patch. “From there, the domain administrator’s login information was stolen, and the attack escalated,” according to an NRECA special report.
In the months after the attack, DMEA compiled a list of 20 cybersecurity recommendations that have been widely circulated throughout the electric co-op community and beyond. Many of these focus on continually training staff on how to detect and avoid the latest AI-powered hacking innovations.
“All our employees get updated training once a month,” Suckey said. “We do phishing tests and conduct other tests to make sure they learn about the red flags and how those are changing.” Many other electric co-ops in Colorado and across the United States adopted these same best practices to train employees.
In the 2021 attack, DMEA’s safeguards — such as network segmentation to isolate critical systems from
the corporate network and least-privilege access that prevented further escalation of the attack — enabled DMEA to avoid the worst possible scenarios. “If our safeguards hadn’t held, our 30,000-plus members could have been left in the dark — or worse, had their personal and financial data exposed,” Suckey reflected. “Thanks to those controls, we avoided catastrophe, even though it was still a nightmare.”
It was an ordeal DMEA and the co-op community have put to good use. “DMEA has been so open about what happened, how they handled it step-by-step, and what the outcomes were,” Mote said. “Many companies don’t talk about when a cyberattack victimizes them. But that doesn’t help the rest of us.”
Jim Hight is a writer, research analyst, and consultant based in Buena Vista, Colorado, where he is a grateful member of Sangre de Cristo Electric Association.
CO-OP CONSUMER-MEMBERS ALSO TARGETED
In addition to defending their systems from cyberattacks, co-op leaders want their consumer-members to be aware of how scammers may target them. Many scammers build bogus websites that mimic a utility payment portal and collect payments from utility customers who think they are paying their electricity bill. MVEA’s Lindsey Mote offers these tips to help you ensure you are truly paying your electric co-op.
• Instead of using an internet search engine for your electric co-op’s payment website, navigate to it directly by typing in the web address from a recent bill.
• Verify that your co-op’s website address is spelled correctly in the address bar before visiting the website.
• If you have any doubt you’re on the correct website, call your local electric co-op to confirm its web address.
• Bookmark the correct payment site for future use.
• Use your co-op’s app and other member tools — such as SmartHub — to ensure your payment is made to the co-op and not a scam website.
PROTECTING THE PRESENT TO POWER THE FUTURE
There’s strength in choosing the rural way of life— rising early, working hard, and building something that lasts. At Tri-State G&T, we share that commitment and are working with our members to protect your way of life and power what’s next.
Our year-round wildfire mitigation program uses data-driven monitoring to identify and mitigate risk to protect critical infrastructure, and support the communities we serve— ensuring reliability and resilience at competitive rates.
That same focus drives how we plan our diverse energy mix—solar, wind, natural gas, hydro, and batteries— so we can weather any storm and meet the growing energy needs of the West. Now that’s reliability.
WHATEVER THE FUTURE HOLDS, WE’LL POWER IT.®
Learn more about Tri-State
Do Not Mess with a Meter
Knowing what is safe and unsafe can mean the difference between life and death. Never try to tamper with or pull or remove an electric meter. Tampering with a meter is illegal and is also extremely unsafe. Only electric utility crews should access an electric meter.
Individuals who tamper with a meter to bypass it, create an illegal connection to a power line, electrify fences, or attempt to reconnect or disconnect power face potentially disastrous consequences.
Illegally accessing a meter can cause an arc flash bright enough to result in blindness and powerful enough to launch fragments of red-hot, shrapnel-like debris, according to the Cooperative Research Network. Serious injury or death from electrocution, explosion, or fire is often a result of meter tampering.
MORE ON METER SAFETY
• Tampering with a meter is a crime in Colorado. Illegal access or modification is punishable by law, including jail time and a fine.
• Meters should be installed, maintained, or removed only by electric utility crews.
• Accessing the backside of a meter can generate high voltage, causing electric shock, sparks, surges, explosions, or fire.
• Electricity should always be connected or disconnected using a transfer switch or a dedicated disconnection point — not the meter.
• There is no guarantee that a structure is de-energized by pulling a meter.
• Talk with your kids about the dangers of playing around electric equipment. Remind them that meters are not to be messed with.
Keep safety top of mind and do not attempt to access your electricity meter. If you have any questions about your meter, contact your local electric co-op.
METER
TAMPERING
IS
DANGEROUS AND ILLEGAL
Electric meters should be installed, maintained, and removed only electric utility crews.
FINALCALL
A Light in the Dark
SHARE YOUR STORY
Who makes your world brighter?
As we think ahead to the season of shorter days and twinkling lights, we’d like to make space to appreciate the people who bring light into our lives.
Has someone helped you through a hard time by saying a kind word, sharing a warm meal, or just by being there? Maybe it was a friend who made you laugh when you needed it most, a neighbor who stepped in when you were struggling, or a stranger whose simple act of kindness stuck with you.
We’d love to hear your story for our December 2025 issue. Keep it short and heartfelt — we’re looking for the everyday stories that remind us how powerful a little light can be. Content may be edited for space and clarity.
• USPS: Colorado Country Life, Attn: Editor, 455 S. Pierce St., Lakewood, CO 80226
Let’s shine a little light together.
Remembering Kahuna
Colorado’s famous bull elk leaves a lasting impression
By Dennis E. Smith
Anyone who’s been to Rocky Mountain National Park or cruised the iconic streets of Estes Park almost certainly has an exciting elk story to tell — probably a couple of them. After all, Colorado’s Estes Park region could easily be considered the elk viewing capital of the world. Depending on the time of year, elk can be found almost anywhere in the area — in the national park itself, lounging on the town’s golf course, cooling off in Lake Estes, hanging out at the visitor center, or sauntering through the middle of town as if they own the place. I once watched a 6×6 bull casually wander into a clothing store on the main drag and scan the racks as if he were shopping for a logo T-shirt and matching hoodie. Videos and TV news reels of “elk jams” on Elkhorn and Big Thompson avenues abound on social media. If you think I’m kidding, just conduct a search on YouTube for “elk rut in Estes Park,” and settle back for some fascinating entertainment. Witnessing these magnificent animals up close and personal is a once-in-a-lifetime experience for many people, but it is not without its downfalls. While these elk may appear to be
tame, they most definitely are not. They are wild in every sense of the word, complete with all the intense primal instincts and genetic aggressiveness ingrained in every wild-born animal. They are massive. A mature Rocky Mountain bull elk can weigh anywhere from 600 to 1,000 pounds and carry antlers up to 5 feet high and 6 feet wide. They are temperamental, unpredictable, and potentially dangerous in the extreme. In short, they can maim or kill you if you provoke them. And therein lies a big problem.
Given their seemingly casual acceptance of humans and the trappings of civilization, these elk can be easily mistaken by unsuspecting tourists for overgrown versions of Bambi or some other harmless, doe-eyed Disney creature. Locals and experienced wildlife watchers know better, but it is astounding how many visitors will nonchalantly approach these animals with camera in hand, completely oblivious to the possibility of being kicked, butted, stomped, or gored. It happens more often than you think: There were several elk attacks resulting in human injury in Estes in 2024, three of them within a week of each other.
Photo by Dennis E. Smith
Park rangers and town officials have been trying to educate onlookers for decades to stay at least 75 feet away from elk, but teaching naive viewers to keep their distance has been a challenge, especially in autumn when thousands of tourists pour into the area to witness the fall rut, attend the annual Estes Elk Fest, or photograph the dramatic fall colors. Signage and printed handouts at strategic locations constantly caution visitors to maintain a safe distance from all wildlife, and elk in particular, but the warnings are often ignored or simply dismissed during the excitement of actually seeing the wildlife nearby.
Ironically, it might just be an actual bull elk — or rather the larger-than-life-size bronze statue of one — that proves to be most meaningful in awakening the public to the gravity of behaving wisely around all wildlife but elk especially.
Kahuna was an extremely large bull elk that could usually be found patrolling the Moraine Park section of Rocky Mountain National Park each fall. Wildlife experts estimated his weight at 1,100 pounds and believe him to be the fifthlargest elk in North America. His tall, basketshaped antlers carried freakishly long third tines on each side that curved noticeably inward, creating an unmistakably distinct profile that, once seen, was unforgettable. His unique antlers, muscular body, and raspy bugle made him one of the most dominant and easily recognized herd bulls in RMNP.
As you might imagine, Kahuna was a big hit with the cow elk and at times defended harems of 100 cows or more. He was even more popular with park visitors and photographers, many of whom swear he actually seemed to enjoy posing for their cameras. The remarkable number of Kahuna images circulating on social media, state, national, and even international publications would certainly bear that out. To say he captured the hearts and imaginations of RMNP visitors from around the world would be an understatement.
Kahuna was called by a few other colorful nicknames too, including Incredibull, Big Thirds, and Bruno. But Kahuna is the name that stuck. Fred McClanahan Jr., one of the many wildlife photographers who followed the
At left: Kahuna was a big hit with the cow elk, and at times defended harems of 100 cows or more.
Above: One of the many educational items on the Kahuna Memorial website. Image courtesy of kahunamemorial.com
iconic elk for years, said of Kahuna, “He was the most popular and most photographed elk on the planet.” McClanahan reportedly graced Kahuna with that colorful nickname in reference to Duke Kahanamoku, the original Big Kahuna. Kahanamoku was the legendary Hawaiian surfer who is considered the father of modern surfing. While the term has many spiritual meanings in Hawaiian culture, it has become anglicized to mean the most important, respected, dominant person, or thing in a given context.
Some of the earliest photos of Kahuna date back to 2015, but some believe he could have roamed the park for 10 years or more. He died mid-March 2022, apparently from natural causes after making it through the winter following injuries sustained in a fight with another huge bull the previous fall. News of Kahuna’s death made headlines here and abroad. Social media platforms continue to remember and mourn the famous elk today.
Upon learning of his demise, John Coombs — one of Kahuna’s most dedicated admirers — thought the legendary bull should somehow be memorialized and posted the idea on the Facebook page Elk in Estes Park. Other Kahuna admirers soon flooded the page with photos and memories and offered their support. After numerous virtual meetings with interested volunteers across the nation, a steering commit-
tee was formed and began outlining a plan to create a memorial in Kahuna’s honor. The plan quickly grew into a goal to create a public art installation that would not only tell the big elk’s story but also promote the importance of following safe principles when watching and photographing wildlife in town and in the park. The committee soon began to realize that even in death, Kahuna could become an active, real-life symbol — a Smokey Bear-like spokesperson or ambassador for conservation awareness and safe wildlife viewing.
A committee charter and mission statement were formulated, and the committee set about the critical and complex tasks of generating awareness, raising funds, advertising for an artist, and securing a location for the statue. An alliance was set with the Art Center of Estes Park to serve as the project’s 501(c)(3) partner in support of fundraising. Then discussions began with community and business leaders about how and where to bring the committee’s aspirations to life.
Committee members originally hoped a bronze statue could be erected near the Moraine Park Meadows where Kahuna was most often seen and where he established his dominance each fall during the rut. RMNP officials understood and appreciated the merit of the idea but informed the committee that construction of any
Kahuna Memorial created bronze bas-relief interpretive exhibits that are installed in Moraine Park and Harbisan Meadows.
Kahuna’s tall, basket-shaped antlers carried freakishly long third tines on each side that curved noticeably inward, creating an unmistakably distinct profile.
Photos by Dennis E. Smith
new statuary, monument, or other structures was not in keeping with the park’s efforts to maintain a “wild and natural” designation. Disappointed but not discouraged, the committee worked with park officials to identify areas of need where the safe wildlife viewing initiative of the Kahuna Memorial could support the park. After many discussions, research, and creative design work, the Kahuna Memorial created two bronze bas-relief interpretive exhibits that are installed in Moraine Park and Harbisan Meadows, as well as one interactive educational wayside exhibit displayed at the Discovery Center overlooking Moraine Park. The bronze relief provides tactile ability for people with vision impairments to feel the face and antlers of Kahuna and the scenic outline of fourteener Long’s Peak, as well as read the text, which is cast in a specialized raised font. The design also incorporates near field communication enablement, which links visitors to the RMNP website where they can hear a recording of Kahuna’s bugle and learn more about elk and safe wildlife viewing.
In the months that followed, the Art Center of Estes Park volunteered to partner with the project in helping to raise funds. The town of Estes Park board of trustees unanimously voted to reserve a specific high-traffic parcel of land for the Kahuna Memorial Wildlife Safety Park. Interestingly, the location enables a true depiction of what 75 feet looks like for safe viewing distance. Colorado native and internationally renowned wildlife sculptor Jocelyn Russell was commissioned to create the life-sized bronze statue. Professors and students from Colorado State
University volunteered to help design the pocket park by providing computerized modeling, and architectural and landscaping guidance.
Committee members had originally set a goal of $150,000 for the memorial and have raised approximately $50,000 to date through public contributions, business donations, and art auctions. As awareness spreads and momentum increases, the project continues to make progress. Members are hoping to bring on a corporate sponsor in the near future so production of the monument may begin.
There is an unbelievable wealth of fascinating information online for anyone interested in Kahuna’s story and the Kahuna Memorial. Dropdown menus on kahunamemorial.com and the Facebook page Kahuna the Elk of Rocky Mountain National Park and His Legacy contain news stories, progress reports, contact information, and outstanding photo galleries by both amateur and professional wildlife photographers. Even more photos and commentary can be found on Instagram at Kahuna_the_elk_memorial and on X @KahunaMemorial. If you want to contribute to the fundraising efforts, you can donate at gofundme.com/f/KahunaMemorial.
It may be hard for some people to imagine that one animal could stir up such a fuss, but that’s because they haven’t seen the great Kahuna. As the committee said, “His thunderous bugle, now silent, cannot be unheard.”
Dennis Smith is a freelance outdoors writer and photographer whose work appears nationally. He lives in Loveland.
Search YouTube for “elk rut in Estes Park,” and settle back for some fascinating entertainment. Photo by RuslanKaln/ iStock Editorial/Getty Images Plus via Getty Images
Family Meals Matter
Eating together offers many benefits
Sharing a meal offers far more than a full stomach; the benefits of eating together extend well beyond the kitchen table.
In the 2025 World Happiness Report , evidence shows that sharing meals has a substantial impact on an individual’s well-being. Those who regularly eat with others report higher life satisfaction and display higher levels of social support, positive interactions, and less loneliness.
Sharing a meal can also improve your family’s overall well-being. Learn more from these insights from the experts at the FMI Foundation and its 2025 Family Meals Barometer survey.
BETTER NUTRITION
Numerous studies have shown families who eat more meals together have healthier eating habits and better diets in general. Parents who prepare well-balanced meals and model healthy food choices allow children to mirror and adopt similar habits.
IMPROVED FAMILY FUNCTION
Survey respondents cited time together and family meals as the top two ways they feel more connected to family and loved ones. With busy school and extracurricular schedules, many families are hard pressed to find quality time together without distractions. Gathering around the dinner table is an opportunity to connect with one another and talk about what’s happening at work, at school, and with friends.
BETTER GRADES AT SCHOOL
Numerous factors affect students’ academic performance, but eating together as a family helps reinforce many of the variables thought to influence student success. Multiple researchers found that children who
are a part of families that eat together regularly tend to have a stronger vocabulary and higher grades.
IMPROVED MENTAL HEALTH
Family meals benefit students at school and beyond by strengthening mental and emotional health. In several independent studies, researchers found a positive correlation between family meals and selfesteem, psychosocial outcomes, and other markers of mental health.
Visit fmi.org/family-meals-movement to learn how gathering around the kitchen table for a meal supports your family’s nutritional, social, mental, and emotional health.
Holiday Gift Guide
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Issues: November and December 2025
Space reservation deadline: October 1 and November 1
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Popular CoQ10 Pills Leave Millions Suffering
Could this newly-discovered brain fuel solve America’s worsening memory crisis?
PALM BEACH, FLORIDA — Millions of Americans take the supplement known as CoQ10. It’s the coenzyme that supercharges the “energy factories” in your cells known as mitochondria. But there’s a serious flaw that’s leaving millions unsatisfied.
As you age, your mitochondria break down and fail to produce energy. In a revealing study, a team of researchers showed that 95 percent of the mitochondria in a 90-year-old man were damaged, compared to almost no damage in the mitochondria of a 5-year-old.
Taking CoQ10 alone is not enough to solve this problem. Because as powerful as CoQ10 is, there’s one critical thing it fails to do: it can’t create new mitochondria to replace the ones you lost.
And that’s bad news for Americans all over the country. The loss of cellular energy is a problem for the memory concerns people face as they get older.
“We had no way of replacing lost mitochondria until a recent discovery changed everything,” says Dr. Al Sears, founder and medical director of the Sears Institute for Anti-Aging Medicine in Palm Beach, Florida. “Researchers discovered the only nutrient known to modern science that has the power to trigger the growth of new mitochondria.”
Why Taking CoQ10 is Not Enough
Dr. Sears explains, “This new discovery is so powerful, it can multiply your mitochondria by 55 percent in just a few weeks. That’s the equivalent of restoring decades of lost brain power.”
This exciting nutrient — called PQQ (pyrroloquinoline quinone) — is the driving force behind a revolution in aging. When paired with CoQ10, this dynamic duo has the power to reverse the age-related memory losses you may have thought were beyond your control.
Dr. Sears pioneered a new formula — called Ultra Accel Q — that combines both CoQ10 and PQQ to support maximum cellular energy and the normal growth of new mitochondria. Ultra Accel Q is the first of its kind to address both problems and is already creating huge demand.
In fact, demand has been so overwhelming that inventories repeatedly sell out. But a closer look at Ultra Accel Q reveals there are good reasons why sales are booming.
Science Confirms the Many Benefits of PQQ
The medical journal Biochemical Pharmacology
reports that PQQ is up to 5,000 times more efficient in sustaining energy production than common antioxidants. With the ability to keep every cell in your body operating at full strength, Ultra Accel Q delivers more than just added brain power and a faster memory.
People feel more energetic, more alert, and don’t need naps in the afternoon. The boost in cellular energy generates more power to your heart, lungs, muscles, and more.
“With the PQQ in Ultra Accel, I have energy I never thought possible at my age,” says Colleen R., one of Dr. Sears’s patients. “I’m in my 70s but feel 40 again. I think clearly, move with real energy and sleep like a baby.”
The response has been overwhelmingly positive, and Dr. Sears receives countless emails from his patients and readers. “My patients tell me they feel better than they have in years. This is ideal for people who are feeling old and run down, or for those who feel more forgetful. It surprises many that you can add healthy and productive years to your life simply by taking Ultra Accel Q every day.”
You may have seen Dr. Sears on television or read one of his 12 best-selling books. Or you may have seen him speak at the 2016 WPBF 25 Health and Wellness Festival in South Florida, featuring Dr. Oz and special guest Suzanne Somers. Thousands of people attended Dr. Sears’s lecture on anti-aging breakthroughs and waited in line for hours during his book signing at the event.
Will Ultra Accel Q Multiply Your Energy?
Ultra Accel Q is turning everything we thought we knew about youthful energy on its head. Especially for people over age 50. In less than 30 seconds every morning, you can harness the power of this breakthrough discovery to restore peak energy and your “spark for life.”
So, if you’ve noticed less energy as you’ve gotten older, and you want an easy way to reclaim your youthful edge, this new opportunity will feel like blessed relief.
The secret is the “energy multiplying” molecule that activates a dormant gene in your body that declines with age, which then instructs your cells to pump out fresh energy from the inside-out. This growth of new “energy factories” in your cells is called mitochondrial biogenesis.
MEMORY-BUILDING SENSATION:
Top doctors are now recommending new Ultra Accel Q because it restores decades of lost brain power without a doctor’s visit.
Instead of falling victim to that afternoon slump, you enjoy sharp-as-a-tack focus, memory, and concentration from sunup to sundown. And you get more done in a day than most do in a week. Regardless of how exhausting the world is now.
Dr. Sears reports, “The most rewarding aspect of practicing medicine is watching my patients get the joy back in their lives. Ultra Accel Q sends a wakeup call to every cell in their bodies… And they actually feel young again.”
And his patients agree. “I noticed a difference within a few days,” says Jerry from Ft. Pierce, Florida. “My endurance has almost doubled, and I feel it mentally, too. There’s a clarity and sense of well-being in my life that I’ve never experienced before.”
How To Get Ultra Accel Q
This is the official nationwide release of Ultra Accel Q in the United States. And so, the company is offering a special discount supply to anyone who calls during the official launch.
An Order Hotline has been set up for local readers to call. This gives everyone an equal chance to try Ultra Accel Q. And your order is backed up by a no-hassle, 90-day money back guarantee. No questions asked.
Starting at 7:00 AM today, the discount offer will be available for a limited time only. All you have to do is call TOLL FREE 1-888-220-2332 right now and use promo code COUAQ925 to secure your own supply.
Important: Due to Ultra Accel Q recent media exposure, phone lines are often busy. If you call and do not immediately get through, please be patient and call back.
Find Hidden Energy Users at Home
By Miranda Boutelle
Q: This summer, I programmed my thermostat to the recommended settings for energy efficiency. What else can I do to save energy in my home?
A: It is easy to overlook the hidden energy users in our homes. Yet, every plugged-in device and ready-touse appliance can lead to higher electric bills.
Let’s see if we can find some hidden energy savings for you.
Your water heater could be using more energy than necessary. Storage water heaters heat water to a preset temperature. When hot water is used, cold water enters the tank, lowering the temperature, and the water is reheated to that preset level. If the water heater is set higher than needed, it wastes energy. Most water heaters are set to 140 degrees at the factory. The U.S. Department of Energy recommends setting the temperature to 120 degrees. This will save energy and reduce the risk of scalding. To keep bacteria from developing in the tank, do not set the temperature lower than 120 degrees.
Exterior security lights, porch lights, and barn lights can use more energy than needed. If they are on every night, all year long, that adds up to 4,380 hours, or half the hours in a year. If those lights use outdated, inefficient technology, they waste energy. With that many hours, even a slight increase in efficiency can yield big energy savings. Switch to energy-efficient LED bulbs. If lights need to stay on, consider upgrading to motion sensor lights so they are not drawing energ y all night.
Plug load is anything in your home that is plugged into an outlet. As we use more and more appliances and technology in our homes, plug load energy use increases. Find what is plugged in around your home. If you aren’t using it, unplug it. For computer stations and entertainment centers, consider using smart power strips. These devices sense when energy is being used and turn peripheral devices on or off as needed.
Gaming consoles are another hidden energy user. Gamers often put them in rest mode when not in use. This allows them to complete updates and reduces startup time for the next session. It also means they are still consuming energy even when not actively used. Powering off between gaming sessions can save energy. Ask the gamers in your life to power off. It may require a bit more time for updates, but every kilowatt-hour counts when it comes to saving energy.
It’s easy to make a habit of powering down and unplugging once you identify everything drawing power in your home. For upgrades, reach out to your local electric co-op to see if there are rebates available to help cover costs.
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.
How a Safe Step Walk-In Tub can change your life
Remember when…
Think about the things you loved to do that are dif cult today — going for a walk or just sitting comfortably while reading a book. And remember the last time you got a great night’s sleep?
As we get older, health issues or even everyday aches, pains and stress can prevent us from enjoying life.
So what’s keeping you from having a better quality of life?
Check all the conditions that apply to you.
A Safe Step Tub can help increase mobility, boost energy and improve sleep.
Arthritis Dry Skin
Insomnia Anxiety
Diabetes Mobility Issues
Lower Back Poor Pain Circulation
Then read on to learn how a Safe Step Walk-In Tub can help.
A Safe Step Walk-In Tub lets you indulge in a warm, relaxing bath that can help relieve life’s aches, pains and worries.
It’s got everything you should look for in a walk-in tub:
• Heated Seat – Providing soothing warmth from start to nish.
• MicroSoothe® Air Therapy System – helps oxygenate and soften skin while offering therapeutic bene ts.
• Safety features –Low step-in, grab bars and more can help you bathe safely and maintain your independence.
• Free Toilet
Eggs Benedict
A weekend favorite made simple
Skip the restaurant and bring this classic brunch dish to your kitchen. Rich, creamy, and savory hollandaise sauce atop poached eggs on a perfectly toasted English muffin make for an irresistible flavor and texture.
Recipe and photo by Ty Pierce
EGGS BENEDICT Serves 2
INGREDIENTS
Hollandaise Sauce
1 stick (8 tbsp) salted butter, melted
5 large egg yolks
2 tbsp lemon juice (fresh or bottled)
Pinch of salt
Light sprinkle of cayenne pepper
INSTRUCTIONS
1. Set up your stations:
• Melt the butter and keep warm.
Eggs Benedict
2 English muffins, halved and toasted
4 slices Canadian bacon
4 large eggs
2 tbsp distilled white vinegar (for poaching water)
Cayenne pepper, to taste
Chopped chives, to taste
• Fill a wide saute pan or shallow saucepan with water, bring to a gentle boil, and add vinegar.
• Have your Canadian bacon and English muffins ready to heat/toast.
2. Work in sync:
• This dish comes together best when you prepare everything at once — whisk the hollandaise, poach the eggs, toast the muffins, and heat the bacon all in parallel.
3. Make the hollandaise:
• In a heatproof bowl, whisk the egg yolks with lemon juice, salt, and cayenne.
• Set over a double boiler (simmering water; bowl should not touch the water).
• Whisk constantly, drizzling in the warm melted butter slowly until sauce thickens and emulsifies. Keep whisking until ready to serve.
4. Poach the eggs:
• Crack each egg into a small cup, then gently pour the whole egg into the boiling water to maintain shape.
• Poach 2–3 minutes, until whites are set but yolks are still runny.
• Remove with a spider spatula or slotted spoon, draining well.
5. Toast and heat:
• Toast English muffin halves until golden.
• In a skillet, heat Canadian bacon until lightly browned on both sides.
6. Assemble:
• Place toasted English muffin halves on plates.
• Top each with a slice of Canadian bacon, then a poached egg.
• Spoon warm hollandaise generously over each egg.
• Lightly dust cayenne over hollandaise.
• Sprinkle chopped chives on top to taste.
• Serve immediately.
TIP: If your hollandaise thickens too much or seizes, slowly whisk in a little bit of hot water to reconstitute it back to silky perfection at the desired thickness.
TARANTULAS, TRAINS, and TRADE
Find adventure in La Junta
By Anne Boswell
La Junta lies on the high plains of the Arkansas River Valley where the Purgatory and Arkansas rivers meet. Spanish for “the junction,” La Junta was an excellent place for settlers heading West to stop for rest and to trade.
Trade and travel have made La Junta what it is today. It remains a small town with a population of around 7,000 people. The area is served by Southeast Colorado Power Association, the local electric co-op.
TREK WITH TARANTULAS
Tarantulas make an annual trek to hunt for a mate in the canyons south of La Junta. The town celebrates this furry arachnid during the September 26–27 Tarantula Fest. Find information online at visitlajunta.net/la-junta-tarantula-fest
Canyon land south of La Junta. Photo by Anne Boswell Tarantula at sunset. Photo by SECPA member Sue Keefer
EXPLORE WHERE THE EARLY SETTLERS STAYED AND TRADED
Located on the Historic Santa Fe Trail about seven miles east of La Junta, Bent’s Old Fort National Historic Site is leading group tours while the fort is reconstructed. Visit nps.gov/beol/index.htm to find tour hours and tickets.
Photo by Matt Vincent
TRAVEL BY TRAIN
The La Junta BNSF train depot also serves as a stop for Amtrak. Hop aboard the Southwest Chief line in La Junta, head west to Trinidad, and then go to New Mexico. Get your tickets at amtrak.com/southwest-chief-train
Photo by Boarding1Now/iStock Editorial/ Getty Images Plus via Getty Images
STAY FOR A NIGHT
The KOA on Highway 50 is pet friendly and has cabins, tiny homes, tent sites, RV hookups, and fun family amenities. Train lovers can book a stay in a renovated 1928 AT&SF Railroad caboose. Owners Wendee and Brad Patterson have carefully curated the caboose experience, incorporating a hammock, saloon doors, and a floor tiled with pennies designed to look like a train track. Find more information and book your stay at koa.com/campgrounds/la-junta
Photo by Anne Boswell
GRAB A BITE
Located in a historic 1890 building on Colorado Avenue is La Junta’s go-to spot for home cooking — the Copper Kitchen Breakfast and lunch menus include omelets, biscuits and gravy, chicken-fried steak, burgers, and more.
Photo by Roam with Robin via Facebook
by Hazel Fitzgerald GCEA member
CAT LESSONS
By Curt Melliger, Cortez Empire Electric Association member
Cats are little sages and instigators and serious comedians sent to teach us how to live and how to die fully, gracefully, majestically.
How to go outside and how to be outside and how to hunt.
How to walk how to run how to leap.
How to move slow how to move fast how to fight.
How to come inside how to lay down how to sleep.
How to wake up how to stretch how to yawn.
How to eat food how to sip water how to lick lips.
How to rub up against how to scratch how to purr.
How to give how to take how to love how to be forgiven. How to be free how to be happy how to live well as only cats can as only cats can teach us how to sit in the sun if you only have nine lives if you only have one.
OF FOREST AND WIND
By Don McMonagle, Westcliffe Sangre de Cristo Electric Association member
I sat alone in the pine forest and listened as the air proceeded with its migration through millions of needles, And heard the exquisite harmony of vibrations in nature’s orchestration.
A million violins with as many needle-strings performed a masterpiece of sound perfectly tuned to my human ear.
I watched a ballet of branches moving as batons conducting nature’s most complex symphony, As they signaled each exciting crescendo and each calming diminish, And knew it would never finish.
I closed my eyes and savored the wafting scent of pine and the synchronized caressing of my skin by the unrelenting flowing air.
I dared imagine the forestsized stage and each tiny exquisite performer diligently engaging their instrument for its contribution, The sum being perfection.
I left humbled and embarrassed that so much effort was made solely for my benefit,
My appreciation feeding an insatiable desire to return to the forest
• June $50 Gift card: Sangre de Cristo Electric Association member Jenny Nall.
• July Outdoor blanket: Grand Valley Power member Judy Edwards.
• August Books: Sangre de Cristo Electric member Rochelle Harper, Poudre Valley REA member Ralph Sauter, and Mountain View Electric Association member Amber Chenoweth.
Enter to win CCL’s exciting monthly giveaway on our website at coloradocountrylife.coop
Need a different way to enter? Mail a postcard with your name, mailing address, phone number, and the name of your electric co-op to our new address: 455 S. Pierce St., Lakewood, CO 80226.
2026 PHOTO CONTEST
It’s time to share your best photos for the annual Colorado Country Life photo contest.
• Scenic Landscapes
• Animals
• Plants & Flowers
• People
Winning Tips
13 Winners | 13 Prizes
• $150 cover
• $150 first place
• $75 second place
• $50 third place
1. Use the highest resolution setting on your digital camera.
2. Capture scenes full of vivid color.
3. Make us feel something with your photo (awe, happiness).
Rules
• Enter up to two photos per category.
• Digital JPEG photos only.
• Photos must be at least 300 dpi at 8" x 10".
• All vertical photos entered will be considered for the cover photo. If you have a photo you think will make a perfect cover of CCL, it must be at least 300 dpi at 9" wide x 13" tall.
• Winners will be announced and published in a spring 2026 issue.
• The contest is open for entries through Sunday, November 30, 2025.
Read full rules and enter online at coloradocountrylife.coop/photo-contest-2026 Categories
Photos from previous photo contests. Photographers (top to bottom): David Dahms, Connie Chamberlain, Glenn Rivera, and Lynnae King
Public Art Installations
By Gaylene Garcia Granger
Colorado’s art scene is drawing a lot of attention. No matter where you go, eye-catching, thought-provoking, interactive, and whimsical pieces seem to pop up around every corner. Several are available through local art-on-loan programs, some are privately commissioned, and many other works are generously donated. They come in all shapes, sizes, and textures. What do they all have in common? Each tells an artist’s story and showcases a fabulous spark of creativity.
METAL SCULPTURES
BY JACOB NOVINGER
Palisade, Parker, Roxborough State Park
The town of Palisade is known for its wine and peaches but also its art with over two dozen permanent sculptures and nine to 12 new pieces added each year. According to Gary Hauschulz, the coordinator of Palisade Art Vision, the committee selects pieces that will push their boundaries a bit — a sculpture that is not necessarily embraced but becomes a talking point. During the 2020 COVID lockdown, that piece was March Hare by Jacob Novinger, an 8-foot welded sculpture made of recycled metal and old automotive parts. To this day, not a person passes by “the bunny” without a moment of appreciation, reflection, and of course, many silly selfies. When asked how it feels to create something so adored, Novinger said, “It brings me joy. I like to sit back and reflect. It actually represents distress and a deeper understanding of what was happening at the time. Overall, my work is mostly for me, but it’s nice that I get to share it.” Novinger currently works on many privately commissioned pieces from his home gallery in southern Idaho, but lucky for us Coloradans, in addition to March Hare, you can also see his majestic white buffalo, Totanka Ska, in O’Brien Park in downtown Parker, and Leaping Fox in Roxborough State Park, in Littleton near the visitor’s center. To see even more of Jacob’s work visit his website at jacobnovinger.com.
Leaping Fox by Jacob Novinger in Roxborough State Park.
March Hare by Jacob Novinger. Wedling
MARBLE AND METAL SCULPTURES
BY JANENE DIRICO-CABLE
Buena Vista and Fruita
A drop-shaped sculpture by Janene DiRico-Cable invites you to quite literally feel its smooth, calming surface. Zen was installed in Alamosa and recently moved to Fruita. Known primarily for her work in bronze and metal, DiRico-Cable took on a new challenge for Zen — marble. It’s a medium as heavy as it is demanding. Though the sculpture stands just about 2 feet tall, it weighs over 200 pounds. “You have to really think about it before you start one of those,” she said with a smile. Zen is a tactile marble sculpture designed to draw viewers in and encourage a moment of pause. “It’s a fluid shape, which was such a happy outcome from my first attempt at marble carving during the Symposium in Marble, Colorado,” she explained. “Everyone wants to touch it — and that’s a compliment. Many artists don’t like when people touch their work, but I think the opposite. Go ahead and do it if it calls to you.”
DiRico-Cable’s work isn’t limited to Fruita. Her vibrant Puppy Love and Cat Fish brighten the grounds of the Ark Valley Humane Society in Buena Vista, and her elegant horse sculpture Boundless stands proudly in Fruita. She’s also honored to serve as the official trophy artist for the U.S. Equestrian Federation.
INTERACTIVE SOUND AND METAL SCULPTURES BY MAUREEN HEARTY
Wray, Fraser, and Joes
The unique and stunning work of Maureen Hearty can be found in many parts of Colorado. Some of her widely viewed metal fabrication pieces like Water Drop and Flight are currently on display at Hudson Gardens in Littleton. Towns in Yuma and Grand counties offer more. Hearty’s welded art is created from recycled and scrap metal that is often found or even dropped off in her front yard. With a laugh she said, “I inherited a lot of farm junk when I married the son of a farmer.” Her deep love of percussion also finds its way into her work. You can see that musical influence in Sound, a piece along the riverwalk path in Wray, built from old wagon wheel frames and aluminum pipes tuned to a pentatonic scale. Other interactive playful works like Cloud Busters at the rec center in Fraser is made from found giant steel pipes that she cut polka dots into and painted. Inside, there are solar-powered disco lights that vibrantly turn on at night. Another fun piece is called Horton Hears a Moo, built from found “junk” that she discovered in a field with students at Liberty High School. During this walking path project, Hearty enjoyed teaching welding students how their artistic skills can make a meaningful impact on their community — an endeavor she brings to most of her work. The sculpture now resides in Prairie Walk Park in Joes. Visit mauxheart. com/about to learn more about Hearty’s work.
Zen by Janene DiRico-Cable.
Sound by Maureen Hearty on the riverwalk path in Wray.
Janene DiRico-Cable’s Puppy Love and Cat Fish brighten the grounds of the Ark Valley Humane Society in Buena Vista.
Maureen Hearty’s Cloud Busters at the rec center in Fraser.
Mountain View Electric Association members Tess, Gianna, and Claire Bussa pose with CCL during their family vacation to Chicago. The Lyric Opera House is in the background, and Andrew is behind the camera.
DON’T FORGET TO PACK CCL FOR YOUR NEXT TRIP!
Show us where you enjoy CCL for a chance to win! Take a photo of someone (or a selfie!) with the magazine and share it with us on our website at coloradocountrylife.coop. Each month we’ll draw one photo to win $25. See all the submitted photos on our Facebook page @COCountryLife
member
Along with their copy of CCL, Mountain View Electric Association members Ron and Joyce Fessenden visit Miltonvale, Kansas — population 439 — where they met 67 years ago at their church boarding school.
Southeast Colorado Power Association member Anita Kuhn with her copy of CCL in front of the Parliament buildings in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada.
While celebrating their 45th anniversary, San Isabel Electric members Kim and Gary Giarratano visit Lucca
Sicily, the birthplace of Gary’s grandparents.
Grand Valley Power member Nancy Harris brings CCL to Sioux Lookout, known locally as the Hub of the North in northern Ontario, Canada.
and Eric
members Ha
a
in front of a volcanic eruption that began in Iceland in July.
Mountain View Electric member Dixie
enjoys a cruise down the Columbia and Snake rivers with her CCL magazine and sisters, Bonnie and Carley.
Empire Electric members Rosanna and Alex Franco take their copy of CCL to Alberta, Canada, on their trip with friends.
Poudre Valley REA
Brinna Dolifka is photographed by her husband Troy Dolifka during their trip to Homer, Alaska.
Empire Electric
Thi Huynh
Kuhlman take
photo with CCL
Boyer
Sicula,
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