WHAT’S A DRILLY GOAT? • COFFEE WITH THE CO-OP • RESPONSIBLE ENERGY
SPECTACULAR STARGAZING
Turn to page 12
SEPTEMBER 2026
SDCEA
Photo by Scott Burnworth
By your side, from planning the future to spoiling the grandkids. A lot can change in 53 years. What matters is what stays true. Alpine Bank remains locally and employee owned, deeply committed to Colorado, and built around real relationships with the people and communities we serve. Alpine Bank. Not your everyday bank. Your bank for every day.
Volume 57 • Number 9 • September 2026
In This Issue
16
4
Viewpoint
6
From the Editor
7
Your Co-op News
11
At Home
12
Get Outside
14
Industry
16
20
Feature Story
Learn how one rural Colorado community is combating food insecurity for its residents.
20 Energy Expert
Get your family started on a household energy-saving adventure with practical tips to teach kids.
22 Getaway
There are so many things to do and see in Red Feather Lakes; plan your trip today.
24 Recipe
22 MAGAZINE STAFF Director of Communications Cassi Gloe cgloe@coloradocountrylife.org Editor Kylee Coleman kcoleman@coloradocountrylife.org Editorial Assistant Melinda Taylor mtaylor@coloradocountrylife.org EDITORIAL CORPORATE OFFICE 455 S. Pierce St., Lakewood, CO 80226 info@coloradocountrylife.org, 303-455-4111 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. COPYRIGHT All content © 2026 Colorado Rural Electric Association. All rights reserved. Reproduction of this issue or any portion of it is expressly prohibited.
Colorado Country Life
26 Marketplace 28 The Find 30 Reader Photos
COLORADO COUNTRY LIFE (USPS 469400/ISSN 1090-2503), Copyright © 2026 is published monthly by the Colorado Rural Electric Association, 455 S. Pierce St., Lakewood, CO 80226. Business and Editorial Offices: 455 S. Pierce St., Lakewood, CO 80226. Accounting and Circulation Offices: 455 S. Pierce St., Lakewood, CO 80226. Call 303-455-4111 to subscribe. Periodicals postage is paid at Denver, Colorado. POSTMASTER Send address changes to Colorado Country Life at 455 S. Pierce St., Lakewood, CO 80226. SUBSCRIBERS 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 $16 per year in state/$21 out of state.
ADVERTISING 720-407-0712 advertising@coloradocountrylife.org National advertising representative: American MainStreet Publications 611 S. Congress St., Suite 504 Austin, TX 78704 | 800-626-1181 ADVERTISING STANDARDS Publication of an advertisement in Colorado Country Life does not imply endorsement by any Colorado rural electric cooperative or the Colorado Rural Electric Association. Call for reprint rights. View advertising and editorial policy terms and conditions online at coloradocountrylife.coop.
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Photo by vasart234 / iStock / Getty Images Plus via Getty Images
VIEWPOINT
Your Voice Belongs at the State Capitol By Taylor Ward CREA Director of Government Relations
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s a member of your electric co-op, you know better than anyone what makes co-ops different from other utilities. Co-ops employ our neighbors, power local economies across the state, and make our Colorado way of life possible. Instead of reporting to shareholders, co-ops are member- and community-owned and are built by and for the people they serve. Every decision your co-op makes, from how to maintain power lines to setting electric rates, is guided by one goal: how to best serve you, your neighbors, and your community. Electric co-ops have a proven track record of delivering results to support our communities at the Colorado Capitol. But the political environment is getting more complex and uncertain, and too often, decision-makers in Denver aren’t hearing from the folks those policies impact most. Rural and suburban concerns are being left out of policy debates that shape your electric rates, your service, and your community. We are fighting to change that, and we need your voice and your engagement to do it. The Colorado Rural Electric Association is launching Colorado Electric Co-op Advocates, or CECA, a new statewide grassroots network that gives co-op members like you a simple, effective way to stay informed and speak up on the issues that matter most to your community. This is a real opportunity to make your voice heard by policymakers. Politics are moving more toward people-powered advocacy, and that gives electric co-ops an advantage. Lawmakers hear from lobbyists like me every day. But when people like you share your lived experience, it helps shape the conversation to reflect your way of life. With your engagement, we can move votes and improve outcomes for us all.
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You know your community and your co-op better than anyone. CECA will simply give you the information, the tools, and the timing you need to make your voice heard. We’ll keep you informed on the state-level policy priorities that matter most — policies like electric rates and reliability, the safe operation of the electric system, and your co-op’s ability to make decisions locally and respond to the needs of its members. CECA will also advocate for efforts on wildfire prevention and resiliency alongside liability policies that support responsible wildfire mitigation, protect electric affordability, and preserve the financial stability of co-ops across the state. By joining CECA, you’re making an investment in your local electric system and standing up for your community. Sign up today at crea.coop/ceca or scan this QR code with your smartphone camera and add your voice to the effort. Together, we can ensure your local electric co-op remains able to provide the safe, reliable, and affordable power Scan to join that communities across our state CECA today depend on to thrive. As the CREA Director of Government Relations, Taylor Ward spends time lobbying for electric cooperative interests at the state Capitol and works to build relationships with lawmakers. CREA is the statewide association supporting 21 distribution cooperatives and one generation and transmission cooperative.
Colorado Country Life
CRUISE CLOSE TO HOME®
9 UNIQUE ITINERARIES
8 T O 1 6 - D AY A D V E N T U R E S
SOUTHEAST U.S. CRUISES Baltimore GEORGE WASHINGTON’S ESTATE SHORE EXCURSION MOUNT VERNON, VA One of the nation’s most iconic homes, Mount Vernon offers a glimpse into 18th-century life through its beautiful gardens and grounds as well as intriguing museum exhibits honoring George Washington’s life and legacy.
MARYLAND
Annapolis
Washington, D.C. Mount Vernon Williamsburg VIRGINIA
Yorktown Norfolk Kitty Hawk
THE WRIGHT BROTHERS In 1903, the Wright brothers achieved the first powered, sustained, and controlled airplane flight in Kitty Hawk, NC. Two years later, they surpassed their own milestone when they built and flew the first fully practical airplane.
NAVAL ACADEMY SHORE EXCURSION ANNAPOLIS, MD Explore the academy’s historic grounds with our expert guide and experience “life on the yard.” Witness the noon meal formation and take in breathtaking views of the campus.
NORTH CAROLINA
Beaufort Wilmington
SOUTH CAROLINA HISTORIC SAVANNAH TROLLEY EXPLORATION SHORE EXCURSION SAVANNAH, GA Experience a fully narrated journey aboard the Old Town Trolley, featuring open-air seating ideal for capturing memorable photos. Along the way, expert conductors share engaging stories, landmarks, and over 270 years of history from Georgia’s First City. As your exploration brings the past to life across more than 100 points of interest, you will discover Savannah’s rich legacy and timeless charm.
Ocean Springs Mobile
ALABAMA
Pensacola
Charleston Hilton Head Island Savannah
GEORGIA
Jekyll Island
Jacksonville
Amelia Island
Green Cove Springs
St. Augustine
Gulfport/Ship Island New Orleans
FORT MASSACHUSETTS SHIP ISLAND, MS Fort Massachusetts is a historic brick fort located on West Ship Island, Mississippi. It was built by the U.S. government in the mid-1800s as part of a coastal defense system following the War of 1812.
Blue Spring State Park Cape Canaveral
FLORIDA
St. Petersburg Punta Gorda
SEAPLANE ADVENTURE TO DRY TORTUGAS SHORE EXCURSION KEY WEST, FL Seventy miles west of Key West, Florida lies one of North America’s most inaccessible National Parks–Dry Tortugas. The park is renowned for its marine life, pirate legends, and sheer unspoiled beauty.
Marco Island
West Palm Beach
Key Biscayne
Key West
REQUEST A FREE BROCHURE 800-459-2596
FROM THE EDITOR
A Love of Lifelong Learning By Kylee Coleman Editor
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he National Rural Electric Cooperative Association offers professional development and continuing education opportunities, one of which is the Certified Cooperative Communicator program. I spent the greater part of 2026 working toward this certification, and I am proud to announce that I have successfully completed it! My cohort of 36 talented electric co-op communicators spent two weeks in Arlington, Virginia, taking classes on a variety of topics including strategic communications, storytelling, member engagement, crisis communications, public speaking, marketing and branding, and media relations. The program also included online instruction, exams, and a capstone project communications plan. My project covered crisis communication, and I created a ready-to-use guiding document for our statewide association to reference in case of an emergency or crisis. NRECA education programs are an opportunity for professionals to keep current on industry trends, gain new perspective on member services, and network with their peers. The CCC program equips electric cooperative communicators to learn strategic communication skills to advocate for and advance the electric co-op network. I would like to thank CREA for investing in my professional development — the subject matter was fascinating and the friendships I made with other cooperative communicators are invaluable. I am also so grateful for my husband and family for their support throughout this year — I couldn’t have made it happen without their help. Cheers to lifelong learning!
y a w a e v i G y l h t n Mo
6 September 2026
NRECA’s 2026 Certified Cooperative Communicator cohort brought together communicators from across the United States to learn best practices in their field.
Enter to win a planisphere and a copy of The Wild Dark: Finding the Night Sky in the Age of Light. The Night Sky is the easiest way to locate and identify the constellations visible in the night sky above you. Simply rotate the map wheel to align the date and current time and the planisphere shows you what constellations are visible from your location and where to look. The Wild Dark, by Colorado author Craig Childs, is an “adventure story, a field guide, and a celebration of the awesome power of night itself, inviting us to look up and to look inward, eyes wide and sparkling with stars.” To enter, navigate to the Monthly Giveaway page on our website at coloradocountrylife.coop. Need another way to enter our contests? Send a postcard to Stargazing c/o CCL 455 S. Pierce St., Lakewood, CO 80226. Contest ends September 20. Colorado Country Life
YOUR CO-OP NEWS
Looking Toward the Future With Responsible Energy By Jon Beyer CEO
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angre de Cristo Electric Association is working to reduce its carbon footprint without sacrificing reliability or affordability. In 2025, nearly half of the power we distributed came from renewable sources. This milestone reflects a collaborative partnership with Tri-State Generation and Transmission Association, future-ready planning, and a growing dedication to renewable energy. SDCEA’s responsibility is to provide safe, reliable, and affordable electricity to homes and businesses across our territory. We are also obligated to provide renewable energy in accordance with
Colorado’s clean energy requirements. The way we source this energy is through a combination of local and regional projects. We are a retail distribution cooperative; we don’t own large generation assets. Instead, through our membership with Tri-State, we work collaboratively to secure the majority of the power we deliver. This partnership gives us access to a diverse mix of hydro, wind, and solar projects being developed across the region as Tri-State works toward a 70% clean-energy goal by 2030. At the same time, SDCEA continues to procure renewable energy closer to home. One local example I’m particularly proud of is the Trout Creek Solar facility located south of Buena Vista. This 2-megawatt project, constructed by Juwi, Inc. on 20 acres of Colorado Department of Corrections land, was designed to maximize the energy available from our sunny mountain valley environment. When you add local consumer net-metered excess generation to Trout Creek’s output, more than 4% of the power on SDCEA’s grid comes from locally produced renewable sources. We get a lot of questions about whether renewable energy will lead to higher bills or less reliable service. The short answer is no. Our focus will always be reliable service and stable rates. In fact, renewable projects like Trout Creek Solar are selected with long-term rate stability and grid resilience in mind. As a member, you have a say in what
P.O. Box 2013 Buena Vista, CO 81211-20131 ph 719-395-2412 tf 844-395-2412 info@myelectric.coop 29780 US Hwy. 24 N. Buena Vista, CO 81211
www.myelectric.coop facebook.com/SDCEA.Inc @sdceaenergy
Colorado Country Life
September 2026
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YOUR CO-OP NEWS kind of energy you support. If you’d like to support additional renewable energy beyond the default supply, SDCEA’s Green Energy program allows voluntary purchases of renewable energy credits so individual members can match more of their usage with clean resources. For members considering on-site solar, EV charging, heat pumps, or other electrification measures, we offer rebates, educational resources, and on-bill repayment options. Responsible energy means working with Tri-State, finding local opportunities to increase renewable production, and staying focused on affordability and reliability. Responsible energy means future-proofing our grid so we can continue providing the energy services our members deserve.
SDCEA’s Trout Creek Solar facility. To read more about SDCEA and responsible energy, scan this QR code or visit myelectric.coop/renewable-energy.
e e h e t p f o h f t i Co W Co Returns in September!
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angre de Cristo Electric Association members are welcome to join SDCEA employees for free coffee, conversation, and baked goods at the co-op from 7 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. on September 9. Drop by to get your morning pick-me-up on your way to work or take a break and drop in while you’re running early morning errands. Coffee With the Co-op will be held in the SDCEA community room, 29780 N. US Hwy. 24, Buena Vista. For more information, call 844-395-2412 or email info@myelectric.coop. Come to visit and bring any questions you may have about your co-op or your energy supply, and learn more about ways to increase energy efficiency in your home as we head into winter months. We hope to see you there!
8 September 2026
GET YOUR CAFFEINE KICK!
September 9 7 A.M.-8:30 A.M.
SDCEA COMMUNITY ROOM 29780 N. US HWY. 24 BUENA VISTA
Colorado Country Life
YOUR CO-OP NEWS
Taya Martinez
Named Colorado Youth Leadership Council Representative Alternate
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very year, one student from each state is chosen for the Youth Leadership Council, a leadership program run by the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association. While visiting Capitol Hill during Youth Tour in June, 12 Colorado students ran for the position by giving two-minute speeches about why they would be the best person for the job. Holli Johnson from San Miguel Power was elected to represent Colorado, and Taya Martinez from Sangre de Cristo Electric was selected to be the alternate. Youth Leadership Council representatives will spend a full year learning how to be better leaders, public speakers, and communicators. They will also learn how electric cooperatives and energy companies work.
Experience on the YLC will culminate at NRECA’s PowerXchange conference in San Diego, California, February 12-17, 2027, where national leaders will celebrate their hard work. Taya Martinez For more information on next year’s Youth Tour program and an opportunity to participate in the YLC, please scan the QR code or visit our website, myelectric.coop/ community/youth-programs.
Beware of Disconnect Scams
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angre de Cristo Electric Association cautions consumers not to be fooled by impersonators who claim to be from SDCEA and threaten electricity disconnection for lack of payment. Area consumers often report very aggressive collection calls or texts demanding immediate credit card payment or purchase of a third-party credit card to avoid loss of electric service. The caller may demand something else entirely — like a payment of taxes. The calls may even appear on caller ID as a local call from SDCEA or Sangre de Cristo Electric. These callers are NOT affiliated with SDCEA and are attempting to talk victims out of their credit card or banking information. Consumer protection agencies caution that the scammers often target older adults. If you receive a questionable text or phone call, SDCEA recommends not responding. Instead, hang up and call SDCEA directly at 719-395-2412 or toll-free at 844-395-2412 to see if there really is an issue with the account in question. When an account is past due, SDCEA customers receive a phone call, a written notice, and are given Colorado Country Life
time to settle their bills before any disconnection takes place. The SDCEA customer service department can be reached during regular business hours for clarification of any billing questions. SDCEA members can also review the status of their account at any time online by clicking the Sign-In button at the top of any page on our website, myelectric.coop.
REMINDERS
• Don’t give out — or confirm — your personal or financial information to someone who calls or texts you. • Never pay someone who calls out of the blue, even if the name or number on the caller ID looks legit. • Don’t wire money or send money using a reloadable card. • Feeling pressured to act immediately? Hang up. That’s a sure sign of a scam. September 2026
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YOUR CO-OP NEWS
What is a Drilly Goat?
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angre de Cristo line crews recently worked near Twin Lakes to replace a dead-end insulator on a pole that is set in very steep terrain. Rather than crews de-energizing the line and climbing the pole to fix the issue, the crew relied on work from the bucket of a Drilly Goat machine, which can reach spots too rugged or narrow for standard equipment. After careful planning, the team swapped the
insulator without cutting service to any customers. In these photos, a crew member tosses a protective blanket on the line. This is one of several safety items the crews use, such as rubber gloves and sleeves, which help protect linemen while working on energized line. Insulators may look small, but they do a big job: They keep electricity from traveling into the ground, which can trip power lines or even spark fires.
See a Nest on a Power Line?
One quick call could stop a wildfire before it starts
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ave you spotted a nest on a power line? Call our office tollfree at 844-395-2412 right away. Your call could protect homes, wildlife, and lives. Nests built on power lines sit in a dangerous spot. They’re often made of twigs and grass which conduct electricity. When that material touches an energized line, it can ignite. On a dry, windy day, a single spark can drop onto the ground below. What looks harmless can put our entire community at risk. You don’t need to touch it, move it, or get close. Just report it. Our crews are trained to remove nests safely.
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Nest material can ignite and damage electrical equipment.
Colorado Country Life
Photo by CRobertson / iStock / Getty Images Plus via Getty Images
AT HOME
Winter Home Prep from Top to Bottom By Mary Peck
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et a jump on winter home prep now and you’ll thank yourself when temperatures drop and the first snow falls — the odds are good this year, with the National Climate Prediction Center projecting above-average precipitation for much of Colorado this fall and winter. Winterizing your home can help keep energy costs down and prevent expensive damage such as burst pipes. When it comes to keeping a home warm, Alantha Oliver, energy use advisor at Gunnison County Electric Association, said that air sealing and insulation are the two biggest opportunities that people often miss. Air sealing is simple and affordable, she said. Use a caulking gun to seal around window frames, doorframes and baseboards, then check for gaps around exterior doors. “Weather stripping is often old and compressed. It lets cold air in but also warm air out,” Oliver said. “Replacing it is an easy, low-cost improvement that most people can do.” Focusing on sealing the top and bottom of a house is the key to retaining as much heat in the living space as possible, Oliver noted. Check your attic and crawl space; add insulation if needed and seal around rim joists underneath the home, where as much as 30% of energy loss can occur. Close crawl space vents that may have been opened for summer. This Colorado Country Life
will help retain heat during winter and protect pipes from freezing. Inside, check that the vents and any other heat sources are not obstructed by furniture or rugs. Ensure your furnace is clean and in safe working condition, and if you have a wood-burning or gas fireplace, make sure it’s clean and serviced annually for safety. Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, reverse the direction of ceiling fans to push warm air down, and create an emergency supply kit — a comprehensive checklist can be found at ready.gov/kit. Outside, cover patio furniture and store lawn and garden tools, mowers, edgers, and other summer items. Clean debris from gutters, blow out sprinkler systems, disconnect hoses, and put foam insulators over spigots. “They are about $5,” Oliver said, “and they also protect the spigot from the snow.” Lastly, make sure your snow shovels or blower are in good condition and ready to work. Being winterwise now can help you enjoy a warmer, safer home this season. Let it snow! Contact your local electric co-op for more winter energy-saving tips, audits, and advice for home heating projects of all sizes. Mary Peck connects Coloradans with practical tips, ideas, and information to help them prosper.
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GET OUTSIDE
Stellar Stargazing By Eugene Buchanan
“C
an you find the North Star?” I asked my daughter Casey, 7 years old at the time. “Look, there’s the Big Dipper, then follow those two on the end up into the sky, and there, see that bright one? That’s it. And see those three that look like a belt? That’s Orion…” What parent hasn’t proudly uttered those twinkly words of wisdom to their offspring, cementing their status as either the world’s biggest dork or a genius shining as brightly as the stars overhead? For my daughters and me, these moments most often come on river or backpacking trips, when city lights are far removed and the nighttime sky opens up like our imaginations. While my celestial knowledge is as fleeting as those moments with my daughters, luckily, such information is now easier than ever to gain and pass along, with a string of stargazing apps designed to make parents seem smarter than they actually are. Bless the stars, we’ve also rounded up two apps to help you take photos of the twinklers overhead. Stellarium Mobile — A great, free all-around choice for beginners, this one lets you point your phone at the sky to identify stars, planets, constellations, satellites, and deep-sky objects. It’s also good for planning photography sessions. SkySafari 7 — Excellent for serious stargazers and telescope owners, this app offers advanced astronomy and telescope features, with detailed sky simulations and observation planning. Star Walk 2 — Known for its great visuals, this beginner-friendly app is known for its great augmented reality visuals and constellation artwork. Night Sky — Popular on Apple devices, this stargazing app features augmented reality views and detailed information about celestial objects. Sky Tonight — Great for planning what to observe on a given night, including meteor showers, International Space Station passes, and planet visibility.
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STAR PHOTOGRAPHY APPS Want to take pics of the nighttime sky? Try these two photo apps: PhotoPills — Widely used by astrophotographers for night-sky shoots, this app helps you find the best time and location to photograph the Milky Way, star trails, meteor showers, and other celestial events. Bonus: an augmented reality tool makes composition and timing easier. Sky Guide — This app is known for its beautiful interface and sky maps. Simply point your phone at the sky to identify stars, planets, constellations, and satellites for your images. TOURISM OFFICE DEBUTS NEW STARGAZING TRAIL MAP Want to know the best places in Colorado to see stars? During June’s Colorado Dark Sky Month, the Colorado Tourism Office unveiled its new Colorado Stargazing Trail, a free trail map and website highlighting Colorado’s nighttime sky. It’s a guide to the state’s certified International Dark Sky locations, where constellations are most clearly visible. “Stargazing is accessible and can be done by anybody,” maintains director Tim Wolfe, adding he hopes it will inspire other municipalities to pursue dark sky certifications. “We thought that putting this all under one trail will help people see the different opportunities all over Colorado.” Many stargazing locations are marked along or south of Interstate 70, including Breckenridge, Colorado’s first International Dark Sky Certified ski resort town. Colorado is currently home to 13 International Dark Sky Parks and eight International Sky Communities, and we lead the world with more than 30 locations — including 12 state parks — that are in the process of earning their certification. The website also features stargazing events, tours, guided trips, and other night sky programs. Find more information online at colorado.com/colorado-stargazing-trail. Eugene Buchanan is an award-winning author whose work has been published in The New York Times, Men’s Journal, Outside, National Geographic Adventure, and more. He lives in Steamboat Springs. Colorado Country Life
Oh, SHELL NO
Colorado’s chile crop could be impacted by Aquatic Nuisance Species (ANS) TAKE ACTION Be a Pain in the ANS
cpw.info/PainIntheANS Botón de traducción disponible en el sitio web. CPW (IE/BC_EK/IND) 07/20/2026
We serve the isolated, rugged areas that investor-owned utilities passed over because our mission is to provide reliable and affordable electricity, not to make a profit.” — Jacque Sikes, board president of San Isabel Electric Association
The ABCs of Your Electric Co-op
Affordable, board-governed, and community-driven By Jim Hight
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complex, sensitive, and vital infrastructure system ever devised: the electric grid. And electric co-ops are set apart from other power utilities in that they focus on affordability, they are board- and bylaw-governed, and they are community-driven.
WHAT IS A COOPERATIVE? A cooperative is a business or group that is owned and run by its members to meet a shared need. People have formed co-ops for a wide range of needs, from groceries and childcare to farm supplies and crop storage and marketing. Co-ops are member- and community-focused and are driven by values — most commonly the seven internationally agreed cooperative principles. Electric co-ops are unique among cooperatives in that they own and operate parts of what is arguably the most
IS FOR AFFORDABILITY Electric cooperatives were created because rural communities were left behind during the early years of electrification. Extending power lines to serve sparsely populated rural areas made little business sense for investor-owned utilities, while publicly owned municipal utilities focused on energizing cities. So, farmers, ranchers, and other rural residents built their co-ops from the ground up. They had access to low-cost loans from the Rural Electrification Act of 1936, and some had prior experience organizing cooperatives to store and market their crops. And like all co-ops, they were formed as not-for-profit companies that operate at cost. While most co-ops were formed in the 1930s, they still provide power to the more sparsely populated areas of Colorado. “There are areas where we have miles of line serving a single home,” said San Isabel
ost of us don’t pay much attention to our electric cooperative except when the monthly bill arrives or when our lights go out unexpectedly. Yet behind every light switch in your home is an organization unlike any other you interact with. As a reader of this magazine, you’ve likely heard this before. But what does it really mean? To kick off a three-part series about the electric cooperative difference, we’ll look at the basics, the ABCs of an electric co-op: Affordability, board- and bylaw-governed, and community-driven. But first, let’s define terms.
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Colorado Country Life
Photo by Joseph Rouse / iStock / Getty Images Plus via Getty Images
INDUSTRY
INDUSTRY Electric Association Board President Jacque Sikes. “We serve the isolated, rugged areas that investor-owned utilities passed over because our mission is to provide reliable and affordable electricity, not to make a profit.” “We do everything we can to keep costs down for our members,” Sikes continued. “We budget for maintenance and upgrade projects, increased power-supply costs, even inflation to some degree. But we can’t predict legislative mandates, which increase our costs, or the weather, which affects how much electricity a co-op sells.”
B
IS FOR BOARDS AND BYLAWS Every electric co-op is run by a board of directors, and every member of an electric co-op has one vote in board elections, regardless of how much electricity they use. Members elect the board of directors who hires the general manager, establishes policies, oversees finances, and makes long-term decisions about the cooperative’s future. Board members aren’t expected to be engineers, but they do have to understand and make decisions about a very complex business with infrastructure valued in the tens of millions of dollars. Most receive training through the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association. “NRECA does an amazing job with their Credentialed Co-op Director training,” said Michelle Lehmann, a director of Gunnison County Electric Association since 2016. Directors work with their co-op’s general manager, chief financial officer, and other senior staff to understand and make decisions about the organization’s financial resources and needs. Boards also maintain and evaluate bylaws, the guiding documents for electric co-ops. Bylaws dictate everything from who is eligible for membership and how directors are elected to how meetings are conducted, how votes are cast, and how the cooperative is governed.
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IS FOR COMMUNITY-DRIVEN Local ownership and control shape every aspect of how co-ops operate. Because the people making decisions are co-op members themselves, elected by other members to serve on the board, their decisions about rates and other major issues are grounded in concern for their fellow members. As GCEA director Lehmann put it, board members make decisions while knowing “who we’re working for.” That connection extends well beyond the boardroom. The next article in this series will go into more detail on how your co-op’s cooperative principles Colorado Country Life
come to life through local programs, education, and community investment. We’ll look at the creative ways co-ops reach out and engage with members — such as Morgan County REA’s annual member-appreciation picnic. In addition to cooking for and mingling with members, MCREA linemen demonstrate the power of electricity with the co-op’s energized safety display — showcasing dramatic electric arc flashes to underscore the importance of staying away from power lines. Perhaps nothing illustrates the community-driven nature of co-ops more than the ways in which they put the principle of cooperation among cooperatives to work. Lehmann, a fourth-generation rancher, compares it to neighbors showing up when someone needs help. When wildfire threatened her family’s cattle several years ago, a neighbor came with horses to help move them to safety. Electric co-ops operate much the same way, sending line crews to help one another after fires, avalanches, and other disasters. “GCEA received help from other co-ops when we needed it, and our linemen have gone out to help other co-ops recover from fires,” Lehmann said. For electric co-ops, serving the community isn’t an add-on to the business. It is the reason the business exists. COMING NEXT MONTH In October, during National Co-op Month, we’ll explore why the cooperative business model benefits members and how the cooperative principles come to life through local programs, education, and community investment. In Part 3, we’ll examine how electric cooperatives differ from investor-owned and municipal utilities — and why those differences matter to members. Jim Hight is a writer, research analyst, and consultant based in Buena Vista.
THE SEVEN COOPERATIVE PRINCIPLES 1.
Open and Voluntary Membership
2. Democratic Member Control 3. Members’ Economic Participation 4. Autonomy and Independence 5. Education, Training, and Information 6. Cooperation Among Cooperatives 7. Concern for Community
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FEATURE STORY
Fulfilling a Community's Heart W
hat began in a broom closet of a 146-yearold church in 1992 has now become the lifeblood and soul of the community of Leadville. For more than 34 years, St. George Episcopal Mission’s Community Meals & Pantry has been feeding the hungry both nutritionally and spiritually through committed volunteers, food donations, and a true spirit of hope. Today, the St. George Community Meals & Pantry serves hot and nutritious meals four days each week, opens its food pantry two days every week, and operates a mobile pantry to distribute food to area residents who have no transportation. It wasn’t always that way. “When the Climax Mine, the area’s largest employer, shut down in 1992, thousands of people in Leadville and Lake County were left without employment and income,” said Laurel Biedermann, finance and communications manager at St. George Community Meals & Pantry. Church members sprang into action, using some space inside a broom closet at Leadville’s St. George Episcopal Mission to help feed people in the community who had suddenly nowhere else to turn. “To say that resources were basic is an understatement,” Biedermann recalled. “Furnished with only a rudimentary sink, a few metal shelves, a small workspace, and a refrigerator, that broom closet became the site of the grassroots beginning of what is now the St. George Episcopal Mission Community Meals & Pantry.”
16 September 2026
In the early days, volunteers prepared simple meals a couple of times a week, using donated food items cooked in that small janitor’s closet in slow cookers and on hot plates. Times were posted for the meals. As additional items were donated, area residents could come by once a month and take one bag of items like flour, cheese, sugar, and other essentials to help with the shortfalls. They’d often stay for Bible study. Several years after the program began, St. George Episcopal Mission member and Community Meals volunteer Susan Fladager initiated a basic remodel of the kitchen to accommodate more clients and volunteers. She had joined the church in 1994 and began volunteering to help prepare community meals. “The expansion started as a way for us volunteers to be more effective and efficient at preparing meals,” Fladager said. “I’m 5'9" and my meal prep partner, Ginny Peros, is also tall, and we found leaning down to a table to prepare food uncomfortable. Someone told me about the grant — maybe from the diocese — so it seemed like a good way to get help.” “A local contractor gave us a good price, and it made sense that if a countertop was being built, cabinets could be built above them without taking up any more space. Shortly after the kitchen area was remodeled, a visiting priest/contractor rebuilt and enlarged the bathroom and added a shower,” Fladager recalled. Pat Motika began going to meals in 2000, and she quickly started volunteering. “I go to meals because I like to help, and I found that people who are in need are very helpful and thankful for what they have,” Motika said. “When I first came to St. George I felt a sense of belonging, being loved and cared for. That’s why I’m still here.” “St. George is a place for people to come with no judgment about economic status,” Motika continued. “For many of us, the program is about much more than the food,” she said. Colorado Country Life
Soup photo by alisafarov / iStock / Getty Images Plus via Getty Images
By Pamela Keene
Groceries photo by Candle Photo / iStock / Getty Images Plus via Getty Images
FEATURE STORY USDA-designated food desert because of its absence As the programs grew, other modifications at the of resources. In 2020, many locals didn’t qualify for campus took place. The parish hall was converted to a the traditional means of assistance, including meeting dining room, and part of the sanctuary provided stortheir food needs. That same year, a modestly priced age for food bank items. Businesses such as Safeway meal cost 27% more than SNAP benefits. and a local bakery began to donate food. The number St. George Episcopal Mission worked with local of volunteers also increased with many of the people who used the program helping clean up after a meal or organizations to begin a large food pantry housed in the church sanctuary to meet the rising community even assisting in the kitchen. needs. The pandemic prevented indoor worship, but Fladager remembers a client named Bill from the the sanctuary was put to good use. Potatoes covered 1990s who attended meals. “After every meal, he the altar and boxes of other vegetables were displayed stayed to help clean up and wash floors for us when on multiple tables. few others did so,” she said. “He stayed with us [at “The donated food took up a significant part of Community Meals] until his death from the result of the sanctuary. Pallets and racks of food were bathed drug use. But I found out what a wonderful person he in light through the historic stained-glass windows was and it helped me discover unquestioned love for installed when the church was built in 1880,” Biedermy fellow man.” mann said. “Worship services In 2010, Luz Escalera joined are held for members in a circle The Community Meals & amidst the food every Sunday, Pantry as a cook; she learned a reminder of the work that about the program from a St. George is a place for the members and volunteers friend of hers who also cooked people to come with no of The Community Meals there. For the past seven years judgment about economic & Pantry are doing for the as food supervisor, she has status … the program is about community and nearby towns.” overseen operations of the food Community partners pantry, developed the menus much more than the food.” signed on to help support the and meals for community — Pat Motika, volunteer program, including Safeway, lunches, and supervised the Target, and Whole Foods. volunteers who help prepare However, many of the food donations had to be the meals and serve community members who dine picked up in Summit County — about 40 miles each there. She is St. George’s only full-time employee. way — and brought back to St. George. This required Since she joined the program, Escalera has seen not only vehicles to transport the food but volunteers several changes. Perhaps the most significant was to regularly drive the trucks, unload and inventory the addition of a commercial kitchen where she and the donations, and organize them to be ready for the her volunteers prepare meals. “We now serve four people coming in each week for regular food pickups. community meals each week and can have as few In 2022, a major kitchen remodel was completed, as 20 people in the winter or as many as 80 in the thanks to a generous grant from the Gates Family summer,” Escalera said. “We need to be sure to cook Foundation. This remodel included stainless surfaces, enough for everyone, so we must be flexible.” commercial ovens, sanitizing sinks, and a walk-in Escalera noted that approximately 61% of particrefrigerator. The remodel made it easier to prepare ipants are Hispanic and don’t speak much English. meals in greater quantities. “I’m happy that I am bilingual so that we can commuAs Motika says, people associated with The nicate with them,” she said. Community Meals & Pantry see and experience The coronavirus pandemic was a critical turning point for the mission. The pandemic revealed the level of food insecurity in Leadville and Lake County, estimated at more than 11%, as reported by Feeding America. Plus, Leadville had only one grocery store to serve more than 8,000 Lake County residents. Lake County is a Colorado Country Life
September 2026
17
FEATURE STORY The mobile food pantry “Moby” goes out once a week to a mobile home community so that people can shop for food close to their home when they do not have easy access to transportation or have responsibilities that prevent them from coming to the onsite food pantry. Photo courtesy of St. George
The food pantry fills the back of St. George’s sanctuary and is set up so that participants can choose for themselves what to take. Photo courtesy of St. George
In the early days, volunteers prepared simple meals a couple of times a week using donated food items cooked in a small janitor’s closet in slow cookers and on hot plates.
St. George’ hot, healthy, and appealing free lunch four times a week is a well known gathering place for the people of Leadville and Lake County. Photo courtesy of St. George
Photo by liveslow / iStock / Getty Images Plus via Getty Images
18 September 2026
Colorado Country Life
FEATURE STORY
IMPACT OF THE COMMUNITY MEALS & PANTRY PROGRAM In 2025, with the help of its partners, The Community Meals & Pantry accomplished:
Groceries photo by Candle Photo / iStock / Getty Images Plus via Getty Images
11,348 MEALS SERVED
15,346 PANTRY VISITS
625,000+ POUNDS OF FOOD DISTRIBUTED
3,649 HOURS VOLUNTEER TIME
the program as much more than a way to feed the rial services, and performed weddings for the people hungry. It’s a way to give back. who come to the meals and food pantry. Pastor Melissa Earley brings the essence of the The people who eat at the meals and get food from program full circle. “We are an Episcopal Church. We the food pantry are also program volunteers. “If you worship every Sunday at 5 p.m.,” were to show up at St. George on a she said. “Our food work isn’t sepapantry day, you would see people rate from our spiritual work. It is getting to choose what they take. our spiritual work.” We call it shopping,” Pastor Earley Here, everyone has the “At St. George it’s not an ‘us and explained. “You’d see people at the them.’ It’s not ‘us who go to church pantry helping out in lots of ways dignity and agency of and them who come to the meals.’ — they’re carrying each other’s choice and the ability All of us are part of the St. George babies, and teenagers are vacuumto give back to the community. We’re not a church ing the floor or carrying food out community.” where worship is the main show to cars for older adults. Recently, and helping the community is a someone who had just shopped — Pastor Melissa Earley side hustle,” she continued. “It’s as was cleaning out the kitchen important to me to have someone grease traps.” come to lunch as it is to worship and to volunteer in “Here, everyone has the dignity and agency of the food pantry as it is to attend a Bible study.” choice and the ability to give back to the community,” Pastor Earley and other church members eat reguPastor Earley said. “At St. George, we create a culture larly at the community meals. “We want everyone to of mutuality. You can’t tell the difference between come to lunch. We build community by sharing food. givers and receivers, and you shouldn’t try. We all need It’s great to see the mayor of Leadville talking with the to give. We all need to receive.” person who lives in the woods and to see the young Pamela A. Keene writes lifestyle, gardening, travel, health care, man recently out of jail helping older adults who are and consumer articles. She is an avid gardener, has visited seven having computer issues.” continents, and is an award-winning photographer. In addition to getting to know people, Pastor Earley has visited people in the hospital, officiated at memo-
Colorado Country Life
September 2026 19
ENERGY EXPERT
From Light Switches to Lifelong Habits By Miranda Boutelle
D
o you have energy-saving helpers at home? Teaching your children to build good energy habits saves money on your electric bill today and sets them up for a lifetime of smart energy use. Here’s how to get your family started on a household energy-saving adventure. SAFETY FIRST When it comes to electricity, start with safety basics. Secure cords so appliances, lamps, or other plugged-in items can’t be pulled down. Use outlet covers and safety plugs to keep little hands from getting injured. As they get older, teach children not to stick things in outlets. When they are old enough to use outlets, let them know they should never unplug by pulling the cord. When playing outside, educate them to stay away from downed power lines, keep a safe distance from all electrical equipment, and avoid the dangers of electricity near water. TEACHING ENERGY HABITS Keeping safety in mind, you can teach age-appropriate energy habits. Turning off fans and lights when you leave rooms is always a good habit to instill. Fully powering down TVs, computers, and gaming systems reduces energy waste. Keeping the refrigerator door open is a common energy waster for kids — and some adults. Show them they can take a quick look inside and scan their options. If they need time to decide what they want, they can close the fridge while making up their minds. Closing your home’s doors is another tip to keep heated or air-conditioned air inside the home.
20 September 2026
To avoid wasting energy, teach children to quickly look inside the refrigerator for options and then close the doors while they decide on a snack. Photo by Mark Gilliland, Pioneer Utility Resources
Heating water is typically the second-highest energy use in a home, behind heating and air conditioning. Reduce energy use by turning off the water while hand-washing dishes, taking short showers, and not overfilling the bathtub. GAMIFY YOUR BILL Review the electric bill with older children. Be sure to focus on energy use, which is shown in kilowatt-hours on your bill. It’s also a good opportunity to teach budgeting and household finances. If you save money on the electric bill, you may be able to do something fun with that money instead. Consider a trip to mini golf, a stop for ice cream, or a longer-term goal to fund a weekend family trip. Make it a game. Consider a family reward for using less energy than the previous month or the same month of the previous year, or reward the individual who guesses how many kilowatt-hours you used that month. The winner gets to pick the movie for family night. Exploring energy efficiency and conservation with your children doesn’t have to be a chore. Find fun ways to build lifelong energy habits and save energy around your home. 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.
Colorado Country Life
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GETAWAY
Slow down and breathe deeply in
Red Feather Lakes
By Becky Jensen
Tired of resort-town crowds and interstate gridlock? Then head to the sleepy village of Red Feather Lakes — a warm and welcoming mountain retreat about an hour’s drive from Fort Collins. From its Eastern influences to Western landscapes, September is a fantastic time to explore the area.
ENJOY THE LAKES
The Red Feather region lives up to its name, and you can enjoy over a dozen lakes in the area, including Parvin, Dowdy, Bellaire, and West lakes, which are open to the public. Try paddle sports, lakeside camping, and fishing.
FOLLOW A TRAIL
Whether you want to explore rocky ridgelines, flowering meadows, or forested gulches by foot, bike, or horseback, scenic trails abound in the area. Granite Ridge Trail, Lady Moon Trail, and Elkhorn Creek Trail intersect at various points in a network filled with outand-back as well as loop options. Poudre Wilderness Volunteers is an excellent resource for detailed maps and trail descriptions. Learn more online by visiting pwv.org/trails/redfeather-lakes.
VISIT A FAVORITE WATERING HOLE
When Red Feather Tavern was destroyed by fire, the community rallied around the young husband-andwife owners to help them rebuild as The Thirsty Moose. Today, this beloved gathering place is known for its cold drinks and warm hospitality. Check out their fresh and seasonal menu online at thethirstymooseredfeather.com.
STOP AT THE GREAT STUPA
No trip to Red Feather Lakes is complete without a stop at Drala Mountain Center — named by USA Today readers as one of the top yoga destinations and meditation venues in the nation. The nonprofit center is “a sanctuary for deep spiritual practice, transformation, and peace,” offering a variety of virtual and in-person retreats that connect mind-body wellness with the natural beauty of the surrounding landscape. Day visitors are always welcome to drop by and see the Great Stupa of Dharmakaya — an example of Buddhist architecture. Plan your visit at dralamountain.org/campus/visit-us/.
SATISFY YOUR SWEET TOOTH
After a fun day on the water or a trail, pick up a gourmet caramel apple at Mountain Morsels across from the supermarket on County Road 67A, open Friday through Sunday (while supplies last) in September. Discover new temptations at mtnmorselsco.com. Dowdy Lake and The Great Stupa. Photos by Becky Jensen Burger at The Thirsty Moose. Photo by Abby Fountain Photos Tiny building, big flavors. Photo courtesy of Mountain Morsels
22 September 2026
Colorado Country Life
Bringing Opportunity to Rural Guatemala IT STARTS WITH POWER Since 2018, Colorado has partnered with NRECA International and other states to send volunteers to electrify remote areas of Guatemala. This year’s project will be the fifth time Colorado has sent a line crew and will take place from September 15 through October 2, in the Montenegro and El Estocal areas. A line crew will run an estimated 4 miles of line and connect nearly 100 structures to the electric grid. Tim Brandon from Delta-Montrose Electric Association, Quintin Bradford from Mountain Parks Electric, Colton Barber from Poudre Valley REA, and Roman Horn from Poudre Valley REA will join other linemen from Oklahoma and Iowa to create an 18-member crew. In partnership with the villagers, a community effort is also scheduled to take place the last week of the project to benefit the village of Montenegro. Fundraising efforts will go toward transforming an outdoor storage space into a fully functioning kitchen, equipping it with a refrigerator, all cooking and eating utensils, as well as shelving. Donations will also be used to equip the local health center with necessary items to provide safe care to families. Additional fundraising dollars will also go toward providing toiletries and other items to families. The lighting ceremony is scheduled for September 30 where locals will be able to flip a switch and have indoor electricity at their home for the first time. To donate to this effort, visit CREA’s Community Outreach page at crea.coop/community-outreach. Follow along on social media to see updates from the team at facebook.com/ColoradoREA. Photos are from the 2022 international project in Guatemala.
RECIPE
Grilled Succotash Salad Recipe courtesy of Chef Jeremy Wolgamott
A
fter spending 14 years as a chef in New Orleans, Jeremy Wolgamott knows a thing or two about Southern cooking. While the cuisine is often associated with rich, comforting dishes, at The Grandview in Olde Town Arvada, Jeremy highlights its fresher, seasonal side. His grilled succotash salad is a perfect example, spotlighting peak summer produce with smoky flavors straight from the grill.
INGREDIENTS 4 ears sweet corn
3 large yellow squash or zucchini 1 quart cooked baby lima beans 1 large, or 2 medium, overripe tomatoes (yellow tomatoes used for this photo) ½ cup high-quality store-bought or homemade mayonnaise 1 bunch green onions 1 lemon Olive oil to taste Your favorite pickles to garnish
Roast the corn in the husk on the grill until the husk is completely charred and the corn is cooked and has a smoky flavor, then let cool. Slice the squash into three pieces lengthwise, and grill until charred but still firm. Let it cool. Cut the tomato in half and lightly char on the hottest part of the grill, to retain texture but add flavor. Let it cool. Slice the green onions into thin rounds and set aside. Put the charred tomato into a food processor and puree. Mix with the mayonnaise and a pinch of salt. Cut the roasted corn from the cob and add the corn to a mixing bowl. Dice the grilled squash and add it to the bowl. Mix in the cooked beans and sliced green onions, and dress everything to taste with the tomato mayonnaise. Additionally dress with a squeeze of lemon juice and drizzle of oil to taste. Season to your liking with salt and fresh cracked black pepper. Serve chilled as an easy summer salad, garnished with pickles of your choice, or use as a side dish. This can be made a day ahead. Hold vegetables undressed in the fridge and dress right before serving.
24 September 2026
Colorado Country Life
Background photo by squashedbox/iStock/Getty Images Plus via Getty Images | Salad photo by Lisa Padgett
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Colorado Country Life
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Scenic Sky Rides
to Elevate Your End of Summer By Jacey Blue Renner
When building your end of summer travel plans, consider exploring these high-profile Colorado spots from a different vantage point. Ski resorts pivot during warmer months, offering visitors a sunnier perspective. Vail, Aspen, and Crested Butte have scenic sky rides that give access to the beautiful mountainscapes and create lasting memories that remind locals and visitors alike why Colorado is unlike any other.
CRESTED BUTTE SCENIC RIDE AND BIKE HAUL
VAIL SCENIC GONDOLA
During summer, Crested Butte’s Red Lady Express and Silver Queen Express lifts offer visitors access to views and vistas, hikes to the peak of Mount Crested Butte, and sight-in archery. For those who love to mountain bike, they also offer all-day bike haul access on the Red Lady Express, with access to the Crested Butte Mountain Bike Park trails. Both lifts run daily through Labor Day, and the Red Lady Express runs — as conditions allow — on weekends through September 27, before pivoting to winter operations.
While open year-round, the Eagle Bahn Gondola and Eagle One open up the Vail landscape in new ways once the snow melts. And while September falls at the end of the summer season, visitors can enjoy weekend hours Friday-Sunday, September 2-28. With options to hop on via Vail Village or Lionshead, the Vail gondolas give guests the opportunity to photograph wildflowers or golden aspen or to relax above the tree line. Bonus, kids 12 and under ride free with an adult ticket.
skicb.com
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Photo by Taylor Ahearn
Photo by Max Ritter
Photo by Olivia Klein
28 September 2026
ASPEN SNOWMASS GONDOLAS AND CHAIRLIFTS Select dates and weekends May through October 4, Aspen Mountain and Snowmass offer their summer take on mountain magic. Whether you choose Aspen’s Silver Queen Gondola or Snowmass’ Elk Camp Gondola or Chairlift, you’re certain to find the view from 11,000 feet breathtaking. Experience summer concerts, dining, and hiking. Children six and under experience the beauty for free.
Colorado Country Life
Sky illustration by Svetlana Ievleva / iStock / Getty Images Plus via Getty Images
THE FIND
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Child’s painting by Daria Legotina / iStock / Getty Images Plus via Getty Images
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DETAILS AND DEADLINE • A complete set of rules and required entry forms are available online at coloradocountrylife.coop. • Artwork must be postmarked by October 23, 2026.
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Areta and Terry Laird stop by Annapolis Naval Academy and take a picture with the mascot Bill the Goat. The Larids are members of Southeast Colorado Power Association. San Isabel member and board director Ray Garcia takes his copy of CCL to the Samson Cree Nation Administrative Building in Maskwacis, Alberta, Canada, while visiting his son and his family.
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Highline Electric Association members Bode and Miller Fust enjoy their trip to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park with their copy of CCL.
30 September 2026
Hang on! Empire Electric Association member Pauline Linhart takes her copy of CCL on a Grand Canyon River Trip. Colorado Country Life
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