Issuu

WYOMING

NOV 2020

RURAL ELECTRIC NEWS

PG. 10

Tell Us What You Think of WREN!

Raised Right Here Red Canyon Ranchers Feed Lander Community

GREGG MORETTI

Keeping Safe Online

We’re delivering more Our members have asked for cleaner, more affordable and more flexible electricity – and we’re delivering. Built by and for our members, we power what matters to you. That’s the value of our cooperative family. To learn how we’re delivering on our mission, visit www.tristate.coop.

Tri-State is a not-for-profit power supplier to cooperatives and public power districts in Colorado, Nebraska, New Mexico and Wyoming.

NOV

2020

THE WREN MAGAZINE WYOMING RURAL ELECTRIC NEWS The official publication of the Wyoming Rural Electric Association The WREN Magazine, Wyoming Rural Electric News, volume 66, number 10, November 2020 (ISSN 1098-2876) is published monthly except for January for $12 per year by Linden Press, Inc., 214 West Lincolnway, Suite 21C, Cheyenne, WY 82001. Periodicals postage paid at Cheyenne, WY (original entry office) and at additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER – Send address changes to: The WREN Magazine, Wyoming Rural Electric News, c/o Linden Press, Inc., 223 S. Howes St., Fort Collins, CO 80521, [970] 221-3232. Include 3-digit co-op code. WREN Magazine is owned and controlled by rural electric cooperatives in the interest of the economic progress of rural areas specifically and the entire population of Wyoming and the nation generally. WREN Magazine has a total average monthly paid circulation of 40,437 for 11 months ending September 2020. WREN Magazine is delivered to rural electric member/ consumers and other subscribers throughout the entire state of Wyoming and the nation. Acceptance of advertising by WREN Magazine does not imply endorsement of the product or services advertised by the publisher or Wyoming electric cooperatives.

WREN STAFF Publisher: Linden Press, Inc. Editor: Maggie York

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Garland Light & Power, Powell – Scott Smith, President High West Energy, Pine Bluffs – Michael Lerwick, Vice President Wheatland REA, Wheatland – Sandra Hranchak, Secretary/Treasurer Basin Electric, Bismarck, ND – Paul Baker Big Horn REC, Basin – John Joyce Bridger Valley Electric, Mountain View – Ruth Rees Carbon Power, Saratoga – Kenny Curry Deseret Power, South Jordan, UT – Gary Nix High Plains Power, Riverton – Hearley Dockham Lower Valley Energy, Afton – Fred Brog Niobrara, Lusk – Andy Greer Powder River Energy, Sundance – Mike Lohse Tri-State G&T, Westminster, CO – Julie Kilty Wyrulec, Torrington – Dewey Hageman

ON THE COVER 16

CENTERPIECE

Raised Right Here STORY BY ELIZABETH SAMPSON

Cover photo: Karen Mott, pictured, and Nan Slingerland raise food with flavor and history. PHOTO BY SCOTT COPELAND

SEND ADDRESS CHANGES AND CORRESPONDENCE TO WREN Magazine • 214 West Lincolnway, Suite 21C Cheyenne, WY 82001, [307] 286-8140 wren@wyomingrea.org

SUBSCRIPTION RATES $12 per year, Single copies $1.50 each

ADVERTISING To purchase, contact Dhara Rose: [307] 996-6552 • dhara@golinden.com

OFFICE OF WREN OWNER 2312 Carey Ave., Cheyenne, WY 82001

OFFICE OF WREN PUBLISHER Linden Press, Inc., 214 West Lincolnway, Suite 21C, Cheyenne, WY 82001

FEATURES YOUTH 06 CO-OP W H E AT L A N D ' S

H A D L E Y PA I S L E Y

21 K E E P I N G C O - O P CO-OP SPOTLIGHT

AND COMMUNITY SAFE ONLINE

BY ELIZABETH SAMPSON

STATE NEWS & EVENTS 08 THE CURRENT 12 COWBOY STATE BUZZ 31 WHAT'S HAPPENING

ESSAYS & ANECDOTES 04 RV S T O N P S WREA NOTES

C OV I D S T Y L E

BY SHAWN TAYLOR

26 G E T S O M E

HOME ON THE RANGE D I S TA N C E

BY TY STOCKTON

US 36 ENLIGHTEN THANKSGIVING MEMORIES

BY CHUCK LARSEN PRINTED WITH VEGETABLE INK

FROM OUR READERS COOKS 28 COUNTRY TURKEY TO PAPER 29 PEN RIVER SPIRIT WOMAN

PICTURE IT 33 JUST PA R A D E S

JUST FOR FUN CORNER 20 KIDS' I N F O R M AT I O N SECURITY A N A LY S T

REVIEW 24 BOOK W YO M I N G'S

F R I E N D LY S K I E S

BY STARLEY TALBOTT AND MICHAEL E. KASSEL

25 PUZZLE C O N T E N T S H AV E D E F I N I T E LY SHIFTED

BY KENDRA SPANJER

WREA NOTES

RV to NPs 2020 – COVID Style SH AW N TAY LO R

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

It should come as no shock during this uncertain

Given it being the year of “the ‘Rona” there were

year that I was worried whether my family and I

no tourist buses allowed in the park, but that is not

were going to be able to take our annual RV trip

to say there were no tourists. There were plenty

to a national park. Given the uncertainty that has

of people, and while hiking with a mask on was a

plagued our state, nation and country, we waited

new experience for all of us, there still seemed to

until the last possible minute to schedule our

be a sense of solitude, albeit with my family, that

trip. But when I picked up the RV it was like when

we were able to enjoy. This is why I think so many

C-3PO reunited with R2-D2 in “Star Wars: The

people flocked to our state and national parks

Force Awakens” and 3PO says to R2, “Oh, my dear

this summer.

friend, how I’ve missed you.” (Nailed it.) We decided to keep it local this year and headed

south to Grand Teton National Park, but because of

up north to the first in the nation, Yellowstone

the uncertainty of our plans we weren’t able to find

National Park. Despite having lived in Wyoming

a spot for the RV. So we called an audible and took

most of my life, and my kids growing up here, we’ve

a hard left turn to the opposite side of the state to

never really spent much time in this crown jewel of

Devils Tower National Monument.

the park system. So this year my wife and I packed up our kids, now ages 11, 14 and 16, and headed to our RV park in West Yellowstone. Once we entered the park it was fun to hear the kids remark that they couldn’t believe we were still in Wyoming. We’ve spent time in the Snowy Range, the Bighorns and to a lesser extent the Wind River area, and they all have their own beauty, but it’s no wonder why this place was designated as the first national park in the country. We hiked miles and miles each day, sometimes to the chagrin of my youngest son who, while he loves the outdoors, sometimes acted as if he was on the Bataan Death March, and saw all of the bucket list areas, like the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, Old Faithful and Mammoth Hot Springs. We also took some of the lesser-known trails where unfortunately we didn’t see any wildlife but fortunately we saw very few people.

After Yellowstone we had planned on heading

NOV 2020

Like Yellowstone, we had been to the tower before but never spent much time there. Seeing it jut up on the horizon as we traveled north is not unlike seeing the Grand Teton mountain range for the first time, or our nation’s capital; they all are awe inspiring and reminded us how thankful we are to live in this amazing country and state, despite all the negative things happening in the world today. Funny enough, one of the more interesting things we enjoyed was watching “Close Encounters of the Third Kind” from the KOA campground at the base of Devils Tower, with the tower in the background. I think my wife and I enjoyed the irony of this. Our kids, not so much. God bless Wyoming!

‘‘

This is one of the best areas in the nation to raise bees.

’’

− Dusty Backer, Backer Bees

Environment isn’t just a buzz word at Basin Electric. Backer Bees has bees at Glenharold Mine, a reclaimed coal mine that used to supply coal to our first power plant. The reclaimed pasture has a variety of flowers−alfalfa, clover, sunflowers, wildflowers−making it one of the best areas in the nation to raise bees. Environmental stewardship has always been a guiding principle for us. That’s why we’re committed to reclaiming and restoring land back to its natural state, like Glenharold Mine.

Your energy starts here. basinelectric.com

CO-OP YOUTH

PHOTO BY DAVID COLEMAN

WREN: Tell us about your studies and interests. HP: As a sophomore I enjoy all of my classes and have not been able to pinpoint a specific area of study that I wish to pursue. I am very involved in FFA and agriculture and I would enjoy continuing my agricultural education. That is the beauty of FFA; it has allowed me to dabble in many different industries and occupations within the agricultural field. I enjoy interacting with people and have learned a lot about communications; a possible study interest.

CO-OP YOUTH

WREN: How have your hometown, family and/ or friends influenced you?

Wyoming’s rural electric cooperatives are proud to support our youth, giving college scholarships and lineman scholarships. In addition, our co-ops sponsor high school students on the NRECA Youth Tour in June and Youth Leadership Camp in July.

THIS MONTH: Wheatland Rural Electric Association's Hadley Paisley is an outstanding student at Wheatland High School. She is also active in volleyball, 4-H and FFA.

HADLEY PAISLEY HOMETOWN: Wheatland HIGH SCHOOL: Wheatland High School YEAR OF GRADUATION: 2023

While Youth Tour and youth camps were canceled this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, your co-op may be taking applications for next year. See the insert in the center of the magazine for information from your local rural electric cooperative.

NOV 2020

COLLEGE: I intend on staying true to family tradition and attending the University of Wyoming. MAJOR STUDY INTEREST: Undecided

HP: My hometown, friends, and family have influenced me in many ways. Growing up in a small community has been a privilege. You can't put a price on a friendly town that is always willing to support their youth, whether it be sports, clubs or academics. This community has granted me countless opportunities and encouraged me to be a part of any and all experiences. Along with a wonderful community comes a supportive network of friends and family. My friends are the people that I look forward to seeing every day. Even though we see each other all of the time between school and other activities, it seems as if we never run out of things to talk about. They have taught me to have fun in whatever I do, and that right now is about having fun and making memories. My family, especially my parents, have always encouraged me to be involved. It has taken me a long time to realize and appreciate that when I am involved, so are they. They are constantly driving me to practices, waiting in town, and marking their calendar around what I am doing. Their sacrifices have allowed me to try a little bit of everything and be a part of so many memorable moments.

WREN: What are your plans for the future? HP: Seeing as I hardly know an area of study, it is safe to say that I have no idea what I want to be when I grow up. Up to this point, I have considered becoming a zookeeper, Supreme Court justice, or even a Christmas tree farmer. While these elementary dreams sure sound exciting, I do not believe this is the path I will take. With my interests being so broad at this point, I hope that my next two years of high school give me clarity on my plans for college and the future.

THE CURRENT

LINEMAN SCHOLARSHIP FUND A GOOD PROBLEM IS STILL A PROBLEM, BUT WITH YOUR HELP, OURS CAN BE FIXED. Due to its popularity and the generosity of our board, and increased interest in the trade, WREA’s Lineman Scholarship Fund is in danger of running out of funding.

SCHOLARSHIPS AWARDED

WHAT IT IS The WREA Lineman Scholarship Fund offers grants to one or more individuals, including recent high school graduates who are interested in a career as a lineworker and plan to attend an approved regional lineworker training program.

Over the past several years the board has awarded many scholarships, donating a total of $146,540.00 since 2015.

2015

2016

14.9K 27.5K

CANDIDATES

2017

45K

35K

2018

2019



FUNDING

APPRECIATION We appreciate your support!

To be considered, applicants must submit

The scholarship's main source of funding has been

their education and work experience, three

a golf tournament, which

letters of recommendation and a transcript

was canceled this year.

of grades. If the candidate has not attended

Vendors, cooperatives and

an educational institution in the three years

others who do business

prior to submitting the application,

with cooperatives have been

During the last few months, WREA members and friends have contributed to the scholarship fund. A heartfelt “thank you” to everyone who has reached out!

solicited for donations to

Candidates must submit their scholarship application to the Wyoming Rural Electric Association; they are then passed on to

the fund. It has been very successful, raising as much as $20,000 in some years.

the WREA board for consideration.

DONATIONS CAN BE MADE BY:

30K



the application form, a resumé describing

the transcript is not necessary.

 Calling WREA Office

Manager Robin Feezer: (307) 634-0727

But we aren’t done yet. If you haven’t already, please consider donating to the WREA Lineman Scholarship Fund.

 Mailing a check to the WREA Office: 2312 Carey Ave. Cheyenne, WY 82001 Make check out to WREA Lineman Scholarship NOV 2020

THE CURRENT

NEXT MONTH: YOUR ELECTRIC SERVICE PANEL

Co-op Trivia

Be a Smart Cookie HOLIDAY BAKING TIPS

The holidays are here, and that means a lot of us will be cooking up special treats! Your rural electric cooperatives would like to help you make happy memories by sharing these kitchen safety tips:

TEST SMOKE DETECTORS Make sure they're working properly

WATCH YOUR SLEEVES

PUT A LID ON IT

This is not a good time for loose sleeves

Have lids handy in case of a grease fire

HOW THE COOKIE CRUMBLES Consider having a fire extinguisher on hand

OLD THINGS DON'T BECOME NEW Don't use appliances in disrepair

WHERE THERE'S HEAT THERE COULD BE FIRE Keep flammables such as pot holders away from the stove

NOT CHILD'S PLAY

KEEPING TIME

Keep children and pets away from cooking areas

Use a timer when the oven or stove is on

STAY WITH IT Don't leave the room if you are broiling, frying or simmering food

Sources: SafeElectrity.org, Illinois Extension

NOV 2020

PAY ATTENTION Take a nap AFTER the feast

Best Customer Satisfaction

among all auto insurers in the North Central region, & also #1 for price by J.D. Power

What’s that mean for you? Find out at geico.com/JDPower

GEICO.COM | 1-800-947-AUTO | LOCAL AGENT For J.D. Power 2020 award information, visit jdpower.com/awards. Some discounts, coverages, payment plans, and features are not available in all states, in all GEICO companies, or in all situations. GEICO is a registered service mark of Government Employees Insurance Company, Washington, DC 20076; a Berkshire Hathaway Inc. subsidiary. GEICO Gecko® image © 1999–2020. © 2020 GEICO

READER SURVEY

Tell us what

think of WREN!

As we prepare for upcoming issues of WREN, we want to hear from you, our readers. What do you like about WREN? How can we improve? We take our readers’ feedback seriously at WREN, so we would greatly appreciate your input on this survey! TELL US ABOUT YOU 1. How old are you? 12–18 19–25 25–34 35–44 45–54 55–64 65 or over 2. What is your gender? Male Female WHICH SECTIONS OF WREN ARE YOUR FAVORITES? 3. Rate the sections from 1 to 10, with 1 being “least favorite” and 10 being “most favorite.” __ Shawn Taylor’s column (pg. 4) __ News briefs about energy and co-ops (pgs. 7-8) __ News briefs about Wyoming (pgs. 9-13) __ Feature news stories (pgs. 14–19) __ Personality profiles and interviews (pgs. 22-23) __ Creative essays like Home on the Range and Enlighten Us (pgs. 26-27, 36-37) __ Puzzles and activities (pgs. 20, 25) __ Book reviews (pg. 24) __ Reader-submitted recipes, poems and pictures (pgs. 28, 29, 32-34) __ Other _______________

NOV 2020

4. Why is the section you rated “10” above your favorite? ______________________ ______________________ ______________________ ______________________ 5. Why is the section you rated “1” above your least favorite? ______________________

9. I want WREN to cover more news about co-ops and energy. Yes

10. I know more about Wyoming because of WREN. Yes

11. Do you subscribe to any other printed magazines? Yes

WHAT IDEAS DO YOU HAVE? 15. What story ideas do you have to share with us? ______________________ ______________________ ______________________ 16. Any other suggestions for how we can improve WREN? ______________________ ______________________

______________________

If you answered yes, which printed magazines do you receive?

______________________

___________________________

______________________

6. What types of stories are you most interested in reading? Pick your top two choices. Farming and ranching Energy and cooperatives Business Environment and wildlife Education Personality profiles 7. The stories in WREN are… Too short

___________________________ 12. Do you have access to the Wyoming Rural Electric Association website at wyomingrea.org? Yes

13. Have you read the WREN online in the past? No

If so, how often? ___________________________ 14. Would reading WREN be the same experience if it was digital instead of printed?

Just right Too long PLEASE ANSWER YES OR NO 8. I know more about my cooperative because of WREN. Yes

___________________________

Yes

Tourism

______________________

Yes

If you’d like to explain your answer, please do! ___________________________ ___________________________ ___________________________

When you’re finished with the survey, cut it out and send it to: WREN Magazine 214 W. Lincolnway Ste. 21C Cheyenne, WY 82001 –OR–

Take a picture of it and email to: wren@wyomingrea.org –OR–

Take this survey online! wyomingrea.org/ wren-magazine/ wren-reader-survey

WREN magazine would like to thank everyone who has already sent us their WREN reader survey! We’ve received almost 100 surveys so far and we read them all. If you haven’t filled out a survey please consider doing so! Surveys are available in this issue of WREN or online. See facing page for more information.

“

Enjoy reading about WY projects and people. Important to keep up with what’s affecting the industry.

“I mail the magazine to my son who works overseas.”

“

“Like getting info from our ‘family’ of co-ops.”

WHAT WREN READERS ARE SAYING:

News briefs about WY because you don’t find this info except in WREN; I love the vet stories!

“

I have learned about many areas of Wyoming and all the people doing great things for their community. Thank You.

“I still enjoy sitting with a cup of coffee and actually reading a magazine that I can hold in my hands.”

NOV 2020

COWBOY STATE BUZZ

PHOTOS BY AARON BREETWOR COURTESY OF DIMENSIONAL ENERGY

ITC Finishing XPrize, Gearing Up for New Arrivals

Huck Milton, electrical engineer for Dimensional Energy, attaches the reactor for their solar-to-fuels demonstration at the Integrated Test Center in Gillette in September.

Three of the original five Carbon XPrize finalist teams will not travel to Wyoming for the demonstration component of the $7.5 million competition.

The three teams: Breathe, of India; C4X, of China; and Carbon Capture Machine of Scotland were supposed to arrive at the Integrated Test Center (ITC) in Gillette last spring. They had to cancel those plans because of COVID-19 restrictions, Executive Director of the Carbon XPrize Marcius Extavour explained in an email. The three teams have been allowed to complete their demonstrations in their home countries. Two other teams were able to make the journey to demonstrate their research. CO2Concrete arrived in June and finished their 90-day demonstration in September. The UCLA-based team uses carbon dioxide to manufacture a concrete-equivalent material. CO2Concrete was recently awarded a $2 million grant by the U.S. Department of Energy to continue their project. This grant is not part of the Carbon XPrize competition.

NOV 2020

Dimensional Energy photographed their solar-to-fuels reactor after assembling it at the Integrated Test Center in Gillette in September.

Dimensional Energy of Cornell University in New York arrived in September and has begun demonstrating their project, which makes fuel from carbon dioxide and sunlight. Dimensional Energy is expected to operate at the ITC through at least November. “The project is the first of its kind ... the people have to want to be there and do it,” said Aaron Breetwor, marketing director for Dimensional Energy. He explained that Dimensional Energy’s team members come from varied backgrounds but have a common goal of creating successful products from carbon dioxide. The Carbon XPrize is a competition for researchers to invent new ways to use industrial carbon dioxide emissions. Tri-State Generation & Transmission Association, the National Rural Electric

Cooperatives Association, Basin Electric Power Cooperative, the XPrize Foundation and other partners helped build the ITC at the coal-fired Dry Fork Station in Gillette. Researchers at the ITC use steel ducts to connect their equipment directly to flue gas emitted from the power plant. The XPrize winner will be announced later this winter. As the XPrize is completed, the ITC will not lie dormant. Researchers with Japan’s Coal Energy Center and Kawasaki Heavy Industries signed a memorandum of understanding in June to use a sixth, larger testing bay at the ITC. Construction is set to begin in 2021. Three of the five smaller testing bays originally designed for XPrize competitors will be tied together to

provide larger flue gas volume for carbon capture research by Gas Technology Research (GTI). A recent recipient of $16 million in Department of Energy and nonfederal funding, GTI will use an Ohio State University transformational membrane process to create a carbon capture system.

Dimensional Energy’s on-the-ground team sits for a portrait after setting up their demonstration at the Integrated Test Center in Gillette in September. Nine people helped with the project, with eight traveling to Gillette to set up. Five of the researchers returned home right away while the others stayed until the project was complete in mid-November.

NOV 2020

COWBOY STATE BUZZ

Flu Shots More Important Than Ever This Year

FROM THE WYOMING DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH

With influenza season approaching, a Wyoming Department of Health (WDH) official says flu shots are more important than ever this year to help protect Wyoming residents from influenza as the COVID-19 pandemic continues. “We consider flu shots to be the first and most important step in flu protection,” said Dr. Alexia Harrist, state health officer and state epidemiologist with WDH. “Everyone six months of age and older should receive a flu shot. Flu viruses change frequently, so the vaccine is updated every season,” she said. “Flu vaccines are safe and reduce illness, hospitalizations and deaths.” Although most healthy people recover from the flu and COVID-19, they can spread both viruses to those who are at high risk for serious complications. While WDH epidemiologists label the 2019-20 flu season as severe, the 12 influenza-related deaths reported among Wyoming residents was lower than during the past few seasons.

“As we approach a new flu season, we know flu viruses will circulate while COVID-19 remains a threat,” Harrist said. “Because there are fewer restrictions in Wyoming now than in the spring, we are concerned about the potential harm to 14

NOV 2020

our residents and strain on our health care system from the combined threat of both influenza and COVID-19.” Flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses that infect the nose, throat and sometimes lungs. Symptoms, which come on suddenly, include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, headache, extreme tiredness and muscle or body aches. Flu vaccines are especially important for those vulnerable populations which include: young children; pregnant women; people with chronic health conditions such as asthma, diabetes, or heart and lung disease; and people 65 years and older. Health care workers and people who may live with, care for, or are in contact with high risk individuals or infants 6

months of age and under should also get the flu vaccine. Harrist explained that it takes about two weeks after receiving the vaccine for it to offer protection. “If someone waits to get their flu shot until after a family member, friend or co-worker has caught the illness, they may not be protected,” she said. Influenza vaccines are available in many locations, including local public health nursing offices, workplaces, doctors’ offices, pharmacies and retail stores and are covered by most insurance plans. In addition, Wyoming’s public vaccine programs, which are available at participating providers, help protect some adults and children from vaccinepreventable diseases, such as influenza, at little to no cost for eligible patients.

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR OF WYOMING

Harrist said influenza B viruses were dominant at first during the previous season. “Influenza A, which is typically associated with more deaths, had started to take over in the period leading up to the recognition of COVID-19 as a concern,” she said. “Reported flu activity dropped sharply in March as COVID-19 concerns and restrictions went into effect. Because they are both contagious respiratory illnesses, the restrictions intended to slow the spread of COVID-19 also likely lessened the impact of influenza.”

Gov. Mark Gordon stopped by St. Mary's Catholic School in Cheyenne in October to get his flu shot.

Laramie County Clerk Debra Lee wears a “Votes for Women” mask during a commemorative ceremony for women’s suffrage in Cheyenne on September 4. WYOMING GAME AND FISH DEPARTMENT OFFERS Among her responsibilities as clerk, Lee oversees elections for the county.

Reservations and Refunds Due to Fire ADAPTED FROM THE WYOMING GAME AND FISH DEPARTMENT

Hunters with specific license types may be eligible for either a reservation or refund due to the Mullen Fire in the Medicine Bow National Forest. The Mullen Fire began Sept. 17 in the Savage Run Wilderness Area. At the time of printing on Oct. 30, the interagency site InciWeb reported that the fire was 95% contained. It had burned 176,878 acres and destroyed 66 properties. Almost 1,500 people were evacuated. Wyoming Game and Fish Commission Chapter 44 regulation allows a license holder to request a license reservation or a license refund when the department determines licenses cannot be used for a good cause due to a natural disaster, including

wildfire. Hunters who have certain deer, elk or moose licenses for the affected area received a letter and an email, provided the department has a license holder email address on file, with additional information about refunds. License holders for Moose Hunt Areas 38/41, and Deer Area 78, Type 1 had the option to request a license reservation (carryover) for 2021, a refund, or utilize their license this fall. Cow/calf elk hunters in Elk Hunt Areas 9 and 110 can only request a refund on their Type 6 license. Chapter 44 does not allow reduced price Type 6 licenses to be carried over to the next season, and hunters with general deer or elk licenses are not eligible for a refund. Preference points will be reinstated if a refund is granted to nonresident hunters, and anyone who receives a refund will be eligible to purchase a preference point for 2020. The deadline for refund applications is December 31.

WEARING A MASK REDUCES RISK OF TRANSMISSION. Protect yourself and others. Transmission Probability

VERY HIGH

HIGH

MEDIUM

LOW

VERY LOW

Asymptomatic COVID-19 Carrier

Uninfected Person

cheyenneregional.org/covid NOV 2020

PHOTOS BY SCOTT COPELAND

CENTERPIECE

raised right here

Karen Mott, pictured, and Nan Slingerland grow heirloom vegetables in three gardens and two greenhouses.

Red Canyon Ranchers Feed Lander Community BY ELIZABETH SAMPSON

Below: A flock of sheep moves through the apple orchard on Slingerland's ranch.

Nan Slingerland isn’t just raising food for market on her ranch in the Red Canyon south of Lander—she is raising the bar on products that are both good for people and good for the earth.

rom heirloom tomatoes to an ancient breed of sheep, everything on Slingerland’s property has been carefully selected for its impact on the environment. “I just know that I like to eat and stay healthy, and I figure everything else does too,” Slingerland said. “Eating locally is better for the environment. It lowers your carbon footprint. We just have to be more mindful of this land we live in. That’s what we do here.” Now nearing 80, Slingerland relies on the help of Karen Mott as they provide local food sources for the Lander market. “She does more and more and I egg her on,” Slingerland said. “She’s in charge of the produce now, and she’s in charge of the sheep. If I had a daughter she’d be perfect. I just love her. We’re a good team.” The produce side of the business started because Slingerland wanted to provide local and healthy food sources for the Lander market. “I thought it was ridiculous that Lander was so dependent on truckers and food from Colorado and Arizona and California,” Slingerland said. “I thought surely we could grow some of our produce here.” Slingerland and Mott raise very old tomato varieties and heirloom squash, carrots and greens in three big gardens and two greenhouses.

“Some of those old varieties that aren’t so highly hybridized are healthier, and I like the flavor,” Slingerland said. “There’s an explosion in how many people are interested in the old-time vegetables that taste like something and weren’t designed to travel in a truck and sit in cold storage for six months before they get on a shelf.” They sell their produce both at the Lander farmers’ market and one of the local grocery stores. According to Janet Smithson, the founder of the Lander Valley Farmers Market, Slingerland and Mott are anchor vendors who have developed an effective marketing style for their products. "They are some of the most awesome vendors we have, and I love them dearly,” Smithson said. “I can’t imagine the market without them. They have lines at every single market of people waiting to buy produce from them.” Animals ranging from chickens and horses to dogs and a donkey also live on the ranch. The chickens are heirloom breeds Slingerland chose after not being impressed by more modern breeds that are raised to be quickly butchered. “You get this 2-ounce chick, and in less than seven weeks it can weigh 7 pounds,” Slingerland said. “Its bones can’t grow fast enough to keep up with the weight, and a lot of times you have broken legs. It’s just pitiful. They lay there in front of the feeder with their faces in the feeder, and it’s sad. And they don’t taste like anything.” When Slingerland, who is a member of High Plains Power, decided to raise sheep on her ranch, she chose the rare NavajoChurro breed which is known for providing the wool used to make Navajo rugs. Nearly on the edge of extinction when she started her flock in 1998, Slingerland bought eight sheep and at one time had as many as 170.

“They are a smaller sheep so they don’t impact the land quite as severely as the heavier sheep,” Slingerland said. Her husband Henry purchased the land in 1966, and the pair married in 1979. In 1993 Henry semi-retired from ranching, and the couple made a decision to entrust the future of the ranch to the Nature Conservancy. “There is a conservation easement to protect these acres from ever being subdivided and homes being built on them,” she said. “These acres will be home to all the wildlife and carefully managed livestock grazing in perpetuity. It will be available for people to drive through and enjoy this special piece of real estate.” After her husband retired from ranching, Slingerland kept several Red Angus cows, increasing her herd to 50 head and focused on organic practices. “I had worked on the genetics, keeping the herd so it was all grass fed and totally organic,” she said. While Slingerland was raising those cattle, a young Lander native named Katie Erickson saw them, and her interest in the breed grew. Now Erickson and her fiancé, Rio Stafford, have purchased the herd Slingerland worked to build. Erickson noted that not only did Slingerland sell them the herd, she also gave them some great advice in the bargain. “Before buying the cows neither of us had ever met Nan,” Erickson wrote in a Facebook Messenger conversation. “But you will never meet someone so loving, charismatic, knowledgeable and willing to help a couple of kids out. She is a once in a lifetime person who not only gives advice on livestock and ranching but the best life advice.” NOV 2020

WYOMING APPLE TRIVIA

Lander is home to several pioneer apple orchards. Fresh fruit was not easily available, so many settlers planted their own apple trees. Many of these trees still exist and produce apples. Thanks to its extensive apple history Lander has been called the Apple City of Wyoming.

Researchers from the University of Wyoming have mapped many of the pioneer apple orchards throughout the state and are working to preserve the diversity of apple cultivars in the state. The Wyoming Apple Project is grafting small cuttings of the old trees into new rootstock to preserve the old varieties.

1 Lander’s Ed Young is perhaps the most famous of Wyoming’s pioneer apple growers. His apples received a silver medal at the St. Louis World’s Fair in 1904.

4 Nan Slingerland holds an apple from the historic Ed Young orchard.

While Lander’s annual Apple City Festival had to be canceled this year due to the ongoing pandemic, apple lovers should plan to join them next fall for apple pie contests, apple and apple cider tastings and kids crafts.

Karen Mott, left, and Nan Slingerland work to preserve historic apple varieties.

HISTORIC ED YOUNG APPLE ORCHARD ON SLINGERLAND’S RANCH

lingerland isn’t the first person to raise sheep, cattle and produce on her ranch. In fact, the beautiful location in the Red Canyon has a significant agricultural history. Lander pioneer Ed Young homesteaded the area and took advantage of the area’s good soil and water to start raising apples. According to Randall Wise, curator of the Fremont County Pioneer Museum, Young brought in apple trees that did well in Wyoming, particularly varieties that originated in similar cold climates such as Russia, cross-breeding trees to develop hearty varieties. “I’ve read descriptions of him as the Johnny Appleseed of Wyoming, which I think is very accurate,” Wise said. “He really felt it was a good thing to be able to grow your own food and your own produce, and really did spend a majority

PHOTOS BY SCOTT COPELAND

Ed Young was looking for apples that thrive in Wyoming.

of his life honing his apple craft and becoming a very well known expert on raising apples in the west.” More than 100 years after Young planted his trees, people can still buy the apples from the orchard, which Slingerland said are small but delicious. “We don’t spray our apples,” she said. “They are just as nature makes them.” Wise said Slingerland is a great caretaker of the historic orchard because she is interested in preserving it for the future. “She’s been there for a long time and really does care about both the past and the present and the future for the orchard,” Wise said.

For the present, Slingerland said she feels lucky to live where she does and to be able to do something useful. She loves taking care of the sheep and using their wool to hook rugs in the evening while she watches some television. Watching the wildlife that make their home on the ranch—from cougars and coyotes to hawks, deer and rattlesnakes—tops her list too. “I love going out and finding a ripe apple and munching down or pulling some beans and eating some fresh beans right off the vine,” she said. “It’s just an amazing place and I feel privileged to live here.” W

Elizabeth Sampson lives in Cheyenne with her husband and two young daughters. NOV 2020

KIDS' CORNER

What do Information Security Analysts do?

Information Security Analysts in Wyoming Wyoming Workforce Services counted 50 information security analysts working in Wyoming in March 2019 and reported their average wage at $34.93 per hour.

These workers keep computer networks and information secure, making sure to monitor and upgrade systems.

WHEN

W I GRO

t to I wan

be a alyst

ty An Securi

How to Become an Information Security Analyst You’ll need to understand computer networks and electronic infrastructure to work in this field: a degree in computer science from an accredited college will certainly help you get hired.

Tools of the Trade What does an information security analyst need to work every day?

Circle the correct items.

Information Security Analysts Quiz

a. Information

c. Manufacturing

b. Electric utility d. Finance and and transmission insurance

2) Bill Gates became one of the richest men in the world by co-founding the Microsoft Corporation. How old was he when he wrote his first computer program? a. 9

c. 13

b. 11

d. 17

Read about Bridger Valley Electric Association Network Manager Gregg Moretti on page 21. Sources: Wyoming Department of Workforce Services, Britannica.com

Answers: d, c

1) Wyoming Workforce Services analyzed the top employing industries for information security analysts. Which industry employed the most people in this field?

CO-OP SPOTLIGHT

GREGG MORETTI 

Keeping Co-op and Community Safe Online

After a co-worker opened an email with malware and a friend lost money through an online classifieds site scam, Gregg Moretti of Lyman started to dig deeper into how to protect people from online theft.

BY ELIZABETH SAMPSON Now he stands as a guard between the good guys and cybercriminals. Moretti works for Bridger Valley Electric Association (BVEA) in Lyman, and in his words, he is in charge of anything with a battery or a power switch. He has a master’s degree in cybersecurity and information assurance from Western Governors University and has presented information to the Public Service Commission on protecting the electric grid.

“Gregg is a vital part of our management team,” said BVEA general manager Jud Redden. “There are so many threats coming in on an hourly basis trying to get access to our systems and databases. He’s key to protecting all of our assets from all of the outside influences.”

PHOTO COURTESY OF GREGG MORETTI

He works with the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA) and the Rural Cooperative Cybersecurity Capabilities (RC3) Program—a cybersecurity initiative— and serves on a national member advisory group that provides cybersecurity help Greg Moretti hiking at to electrical co-ops around Arches National the nation. Park in 2016.

NOV 2020

Gregg Moretti hiking at Arches National Park in 2016.

As part of his work, Moretti makes sure BVEA’s portion of the electrical grid is as safe as possible from cyberattacks and hackers, but he also tries to make sure family, friends and co-workers don’t fall victim to the many scams that are out to dupe people out of their hard-earned money.

“I tell this to every group I speak to— nobody is trying to give away free money. “If you remember that single rule and forget everything else I’ve told you, you are half Jack Darnell rides the ahead of the game.” range.

He has a business that offers private consulting for individual consumers and small businesses and helps people become aware of the dangers online.

Moretti also volunteers his time both locally and nationally to teach others what he has learned about being careful and what to watch out for in the online world. He especially likes to help the people he calls digital immigrants—those who didn’t grow up with technology in their back pocket. However, he also lends a hand to digital natives—the people who started using technology soon after birth and are very comfortable and familiar with it. “I tell this to every group I speak to—nobody is trying to give away free money,” he said. “If you remember that single rule and forget everything else I’ve told you, you are half ahead of the game.” Redden said Moretti’s willingness to help keep people protected is admirable. 22

NOV 2020

PHOTOS COURTESY OF GREGG MORETTI

“The big thing I tell people is once the money is gone, it is nearly impossible to get it back once you’ve been scammed,” he said.

“Gregg’s been a good teacher,” Redden said. “He’s glad to help others which I think is a big help in a co-op world.” Moretti warned that right now scammers are using the coronavirus pandemic to trick people out of their money. “COVID-19 relief check scams are huge,” Moretti said. He explained that scammers are contacting people through texts, emails and phone calls claiming the government still has relief money to give them. The scammers

ask the victim for their bank account or credit card information pretending they will send the money to them. Of course, once the victim shares that information, the scammers have full access to those private accounts. Moretti said another big scam to watch out for is someone claiming there is fraudulent activity on your social security number that can quickly be cleared up if you give a credit card number or mail a reloadable credit or gift card to the scammer.

Cybersecurity expert Gregg Moretti of the Bridger Valley Electric Association in Lyman shared some tips about staying safe online, avoiding scams and managing online accounts.

Get text alerts about your credit cards.

Minimize your credit card count, and delete online accounts you no longer use.

Don’t use debit cards. Credit cards are safer and have better fraud protection.

Freeze your credit reports by contacting Equifax, Experian and Transunion.

5 6

Get your free credit report at annualcreditreport.com. Scammers play on fear. Never give personal information out to someone who calls or emails you. If you are called, ask specific pointed questions like, “Who is this exactly?” “What is your phone number and address?” “What is your website?” Most of the time they will hang up.

Don’t use the same password for everything. The more important the site, the more complex the password should be.

Be alert. Watch for unusual activity, odd charges of any amount or odd bills that you receive.

He said the IRS is never going to contact someone through email and that social security numbers can never be suspended. A different trick scammers play is pretending to be from an online retail account like Amazon. They tell unsuspecting people that their account has been compromised, and someone is using the victim’s account to buy things. Then they ask the victim to confirm their credit card number to verify the account—and just like that—they have the credit card number to use as they wish. Despite the abundance of scams that occur, Moretti has some helpful tips that help keep people safe from fraud. If an email or someone on the phone is trying to make someone afraid—whether that is the fear that an account has been compromised or that the IRS says money is owed—it is a big warning to be aware it is probably a scam. “Scammers always play on fear because it gets money the fastest,” Moretti said. “As soon as somebody contacts you, if it is fear-based, that is a huge red flag.”

Never use “Save my Password” on your computer or devices. Require a password every time, or use facial or fingerprint recognition.

“Scammers always play on fear because it gets money the fastest,” Above: Gregg Moretti at the trailhead leading to Kings Peak in Utah in 2005.

If someone gets an email that asks them to click on an internet link, it is possible the email is fraudulent. Clicking on the link can lead to computer viruses, malware or worse. Moretti suggests if someone needs to check on something that is in the email, they are better off going directly to the website rather than clicking on a link. Another warning Moretti shared is if someone demands that you wire money or send a reloadable gift card, it is almost certainly a scam. “Wiring money is just like throwing cash out into the street,” he said. “There is no tracking it and no getting it back.” W

Elizabeth Sampson lives in Cheyenne with her husband and two young daughters. NOV 2020

BOOK REVIEW

Wyoming's Friendly Skies Training America's First Stewardesses BY STARLEY TALBOTT AND MICHAEL E. KASSEL Boeing Air Transport, a precursor of United Air Lines, began carrying passengers in 1927 on small, uncomfortable airplanes with few amenities. Steve Stimpson, manager of Boeing’s San Francisco office, considered hiring stewards to alleviate passengers’ concerns. Ellen Church convinced him that employing women, especially nurses, as stewardesses would be a visionary solution. Eight brave young women entered Boeing’s brief training program in Cheyenne in May 1930, making them the first airline stewardesses in the world. In 1947, United Air Lines established its Stewardess Training Center in Cheyenne, operating for nearly two decades. Authors Starley Talbott and Michael Kassel celebrate the world’s first stewardesses, as well as the thousands who followed in their footsteps.

DESCRIPTION BY ARCADIA PUBLISHING

ORDERING INFORMATION: 2020 | 144p. | $21.99 paperback ISBN: 978-1-4671-4763-7 Publisher: Arcadia Publishing and The History Press Available online and at local booksellers, and by calling the Wyoming State Museum Gift Shop at 307-777-7022.

NOV 2020

WIN A

FREE

COPY OUR SEPTEMBER BOOK WINNER:

Name: Phone:

MICHELLE EDWARDS

Address:

OF SHERIDAN

ENTRIES DUE BY DECEMBER 15 One entry per household, please.

 SKIES

c/o WREN Magazine 214 W. Lincolnway, Ste. 21C Cheyenne, WY 82001

 wyomingrea.org/wren-submissions

k harkens back to the golden age of air travel—when everyone smoked, no o wear pajamas in public, and there was not a wheeled suitcase in sight. PUZZLE m the state of airlines today! Thanksgiving weekend is the most important US airlines, which are bracing for an 80% decrease in bookings in 2020 comow many of these bygone commercial flight operators do you remember? r favorite airlines pull out of the current travel tailspin! Set your flight plan to answers.

d e s t f t i h s n e d t e n o c have finitely This month’s book harkens back to the

golden age of air travel—when everyone

ords appear the smoked, no onein would darepuzzle. to wear pajamas in public and there was not a wheeled suitcase in sight.

1949-1967) What a far cry from the state of airlines s (1945-1972) today! Thanksgiving weekend is the most time of year for U.S. airlines, onal important Airways (1928-1982) which are bracing for an 80% decrease in bookings in 2020 compared to 2019. 967-1987) How many of these bygone commercial Airlines (1981-1987) flight operators do you remember? Here’s s (1926-1991) hoping our favorite airlines pull out of the travel tailspin! orldcurrent Airlines (1927-1991) 997) Too much turbulence? Find the answers s (1988-1998) on page 35. nes (TWA) (1930-2001) 3-2006) (1984-2010) nes (1934-2012) 9-2015)

P O

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B M M H

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A R M D

D M F A M H

X M F N

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BY KENDRA SPANJER

H P B P O S C U R WD O L O J G P G B R U L P O E P S C N E N T A L R P F D I N E R Z D R S A T L L WC B MMH A R T R E V K V C J A R MD

ONLY THE BOLD WORDS APPEAR IN THE PUZZLE. Central Airlines (1949-1967)

ValuJet (1992-1997)

Mohawk Airlines (1945-1972)

Carnival Air Lines (1988-1998)

Braniff International Airways (1928-1982)

TransWorld Airlines (TWA) (1930-2001)

Air California (1967-1987)

Hooters Air (2003-2006)

People Express Airlines (1981-1987)

Midwest Airlines (1984-2010)

Eastern Air Lines (1926-1991)

Continental Airlines (1934-2012)

PanAmerican World Airlines (1927-1991)

US Airways (1979-2015) NOV 2020

HOME ON THE RANGE

A view from the Sheep Lake trail in the Snowy Range.

BY TY STOCKTON

We’ve learned some new terms this year many of us would rather never have heard. One of those is “social distancing.” We’re social creatures. Even the introverts among us need the occasional interaction with other human beings. But for the entire spring and summer, that was not an option. Parties, get-togethers with friends, and of course the big-crowd events like rodeos and concerts were all nixed. 26

NOV 2020

But the side effect of social distancing has been an unexpected increase in outdoor opportunities. The wilds of Wyoming are the textbook definition of the setting for social distancing, and with most of the other activities that would normally demand our time canceled, we had ample opportunities to explore those socially distant destinations. That was certainly the case for my family. The kids’ school sent them home early, and my wife and I began working from home in March. Like many Wyoming households, ours is socially distant already. Our nearest neighbor is a quarter of a mile away as the crow flies, and closer

to a mile if that bird were required to walk. That meant that while we maintained our social distance from others, we spent each week hermetically sealed in our home. Together. Just the four of us. Every day. All. Day. Early on in the pandemic, we knew we’d have to get out of the house regularly to avoid losing our sanity. If we hadn’t done something, I’m pretty sure my normally loving and saintly wife would have smothered me in my sleep. To shake things up and prevent household mutinies, we picked a new place to hike each weekend. We explored Guernsey State Park, Curt Gowdy State Park, the Pole Mountain Unit of the Medicine Bow National Forest and the Snowy Range. Every so often, we packed the fishing gear so we could dip a line in some body of water or other, but most of the time we just hiked.

PHOTOS BY TY STOCKTON

Get Some Distance

A hunting trip allows a person time to appreciate the beauty of Wyoming.

Together. Just the four of us. Every day. All. Day.

We hiked to the Overlook at Guernsey. We hiked to the waterfall at Curt Gowdy. We hiked over the top of the Snowy Range. I’ll admit those hikes seemed more like death marches than recreational opportunities early on, but as I began getting in better shape, they became more enjoyable. We saw a whole lot of new country. We explored parts of Wyoming we’d never seen before. We identified wildflowers, saw incredible wildlife, and found peace and serenity while the rest of the world was losing its collective mind. Those weekend hikes accomplished much more than simply giving us a few hours of diversion, though. The positive effects lasted long into the ensuing weeks. We slept better those nights after the hikes, leaving us more recharged for the start of the week. We felt more refreshed after breathing that clean mountain air. We reflected on the animals, flowers and landscapes we’d seen, giving us more to talk about

Seeing a moose is a welcome diversion during an elk hunt.

around the dinner table. And we looked forward to the following weekend’s excursion. The benefits extended beyond the sequestration, too. By the time the archery season rolled around, I was in excellent shape for hiking in the mountains, because I’d spent the entire summer hiking in the mountains. The boys and I went hunting in early September, and though we didn’t come home with any meat for the freezer, we saw even more new country, got more exercise, and soaked up more sunshine and fresh air.

We’re already making plans to continue this new tradition next year, even though we hope the world will be back to normal by then. We’ll hopefully have to squeeze our hikes in around rodeos, concerts, get-togethers with friends and other social activities. One good thing to come out of this pandemic, though, was a reminder that the natural world heals us, refreshes us, and reinvigorates us. Thanks for the reminder, COVID-19, but you are welcome to go away now. W Ty Stockton is an outdoor writer and photographer based in Hillsdale. NOV 2020

COUNTRY COOKS

TURKEY TURKEY BURGERS 3 LBS GROUND TURKEY 1/4 CUP SEASONED BREAD CRUMBS 1/4 CUP FINELY DICED ONION 2 LARGE EGGS, LIGHTLY BEATEN 1/4 CUP CHOPPED FRESH PARSLEY 2 CLOVES GARLIC, PEELED AND MINCED 1 TSP SEASON SALT 1/4 TSP GROUND BLACK PEPPER In a large bowl, mix ground turkey, seasoned bread crumbs, onion, eggs, parsley and garlic. Season with salt and pepper. Form into 12 patties. Cook the patties in a medium skillet over medium heat, turning once, to an internal temperature of 180 degrees.

WILD RICE & TURKEY SALAD 1 APPLE, CHOPPED

1 - 1/2 CUPS WATER

1/4 CUP OLIVE OIL

2 CUPS MILK

2 CUPS CHOPPED COOKED TURKEY

2 TSP RED OR WHITE WINE VINEGAR

1/2 TSP SALT

1 CUP CHOPPED CELERY

1/4 TSP BLACK PEPPER

1/2 CUP CHOPPED SWEET RED PEPPER (OPTIONAL)

1/4 TSP GROUND NUTMEG

1/4 CUP CHOPPED GREEN ONIONS

2 TBS FRESH PARSLEY

1/2 CUP GOLDEN RAISINS

CHOPPED PECANS FOR GARNISH

Cook the rice in the water until tender, about 50 minutes. Cut the turkey into bite-size pieces. Combine all the ingredients in a bowl and toss. Sprinkle with pecans. Cover and chill until ready to serve.

ANNE METZLER

RIVERTON

PANCAKES NOV 2020

4 CANS (14.5 OZ EACH) CHICKEN BROTH

1 TBS MARGARINE 2 CUPS ALL-PURPOSE FLOUR Cook and shred turkey and set aside. Open four cans of chicken broth. Put 1 cup broth in a bowl and set aside. In a large pot, bring to boil the remaining chicken broth, milk and salt. Add margarine to the reserved bowl of broth and heat in microwave for 1 - 1/2 minutes, then add all-purpose flour. Mix well, roll out thin, then cut dough into strips. Carefully drop and stir dough into boiling pot of broth. Add shredded turkey. Cover pot with lid and simmer about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove pot from heat and let sit about 10 minutes. Mixture will thicken as it cools. This makes a double batch of Turkey-N-Dumplins, enough to feed a family of four to six. For a family of two or three, simply cut recipe in half. Serve with rolls or biscuits.

JENNIFER ROBERTS

FARSON

Send complete recipe by December March 10! 15! Please include your name, address and phone number.

FEBRUARY:

2 CUPS SHREDDED COOKED TURKEY

1/2 CUP WILD RICE

Serve on buns with tomato and lettuce.

NANCY DENK

TURKEY-NDUMPLINS

SUBMIT A RECIPE

772-1968  wren@wyomingrea.org |  [307] 286-8140  214 W. Lincolnway Ste. 21C Cheyenne, WY 82001  wyomingrea.org/wren-submissions

PEN TO PAPER

River Spirit Woman “QUACKGRASS SALLY” ELANNA SKORUPA

BRIDGER, MONTANA

When I was an old woman I played my spirit flute beside the river. I had my grandchildren bring me good meats to eat and listened to their laughter, Remembering when my laughter was as sweet. When I was an old woman I played my spirit flute beside the river. I watched the prairie horses nuzzle the water with their tender soft noses before they drank their fill, And remembered when I flew across the wild grasses atop my own buckskin mare. When I was an old woman I played my spirit flute beside the river. I listened to the curlew call while she danced her wounded-wing dance, luring danger from her babies, And remembered the wonder of a child who once slept in my arms. When I was an old woman I played my spirit flute beside the river. I raised my face to the warmth of the morning sun as it escaped the shadow of the mountain crest And let my heart be filled with the honor of life Remembering the quiet and the loneliness of the night.

NOV 2020

When I was an old woman

I played my spirit flute beside the river.

I followed the clouds as they painted

I resisted the chill of the evening shadow

the skies, wisps of white against blue,

as it crept from the waters edge

So soon shifting into nothingness

into old bones,

from the breath of the winds,

Then remembered that the silver

Remembering all days too,

in my hair was a gift of many winters

pass so quickly from our view.

and a life well worn.

When I was an old woman

I played my spirit flute beside the river.

I smiled at couples exploring

A song that floated lightly in the air

newfound companionships,

like a dragonfly,

of one blanket pulled close around two,

To mingle with the hawk’s call above

Remembering the joy of loving,

the rhythm of the water over the rocks

where a long-shared quiet warmth melded

And I whispered to the world,

old hearts into one.

I remember.

We share a selection of WREN readers’ creative writing (poems, limericks, haiku, short verse, and prose) every issue as space and content allow. To be considered for publication, please include the author’s consent to be submitted, his or her mailing address, and confirmation that the work has not been published elsewhere. If you would like us to return your work, include a self-addressed, stamped envelope.

Put Your Pen to Paper!

Please include your name, address, and phone number. SUBMIT A PIECE

 wren@wyomingrea.org |  [307] 286-8140  214 W. Lincolnway Ste. 21C Cheyenne, WY 82001  wyomingrea.org/wren-submissions

WHAT'S HAPPENING

WHAT'S HAPPENING REGIONAL MAP

NOV 20 – DEC 20

01 | SOUTHEAST

02 | NORTHEAST

GUERNSEY

B U F FA L O

FOURTH SUNDAYS

THURSDAYS

ENCAMPMENT

GILLETTE

ONGOING

SATURDAYS

American Legion Riders: 2p, Crazy Tony’s Bar & Grill, info 307-575-0838.

Grand Encampment Museum: Main Gallery and GEM store open Tue-Sat 10a-4p, info 307-327-5308.

 Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, events may be postponed or canceled. Please call ahead before attending events.

Bluegrass Jam Session: 6:30p, Occidental Saloon, free, info 307-684-0451.

Black & Yellow Theatre: Experience designed to allow guests the opportunity to interact with subject matter, events and people that have shaped the Powder River Basin from pre-history to modern day. 11a-2p, Campbell County Rockpile Museum, free, info 307-682-5723, szacharias@ ccgov.net, rockpilemuseum.com.

HULETT ONGOING

FEATURED EVENT

LUSK DECEMBER 3

Open House: Open all day, chili feed 5-7p, at Same As It Once Was, info 1-800-223-LUSK. DECEMBER 4-5

2-DAY CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION

Christmas Bazaar: Craft fair. 4-8p Dec 4, 10a-3p Dec 5, Niobrara County Fairgrounds, info 1-800-223-LUSK.

Friday, December 4, 4-8p

FREE • INFO 307-532-3879

DECEMBER 5

High Mountain Holiday Craft Bazaar: 8a-2p, Ranchester Town Hall, info 307-655-2283.

S H E R I DA N Swim Team Christmas Bazaar: Benefits the high school swim team, 8a-3p, Sheridan County Fairgrounds Exhibit Hall, info 307-674-4188.

Downtown events include: Parade of Lights, Christmas tree lighting, live music from bell ringers and fiddlers, pop-up shop at 21st and Main, Gracie’s Promise trees, refreshments, carriage rides, Elf’s paint studio at Table Mountain Vineyards, selfie station, pictures with an officer and a window decorating contest.

Downtown events include: Santa at 21st and Main, holiday movie, Olaf and Elsa at Torrington Office Supply, Polar Express reading at the Homesteaders Museum and Gracie’s Promise trees.

RANCHESTER

NOVEMBER 21

DECEMBER 4-5  TORRINGTON

Saturday, December 5, 10a-5p

Senior Center Events: Carry-in dinner 12:30p third Sun. Rolls and coffee 9a Thu. 145 Main Street, info 307-467-5743.

UPTON ONGOING

TORRINGTON NOVEMBER 28

Lions Holiday Bazaar: Annual holiday craft & artisan fair, 9a–3p, 7078 Fairgrounds Rd, $1, info 307-532-3879.

Senior Center Activities: Lunch is served at noon Mon-Fri, $4, call for reservation before 9a. 307-4689267. Stop by Tuesday mornings for coffee and treats, with an exercise program at 9a. Seniors welcome Thu and Fri from 1-4p. Potluck at 5:30p third Mondays. Ask about medical equipment loans. 1113 2nd St., info 307-468-9251.

SOUTHEAST NOV 2020

WHAT'S HAPPENING

NOV 20 – DEC 20

03 | NORTHWEST

WEDNESDAYS

Acoustic Music Jam: Join in or listen as musicians and dancers perform. 6:30-8:30p, Holiday Inn Convention Center, free, info 307-856-8100.

CODY ONGOING

Cody Country Art League Gallery: 9a-5p Mon-Sat, 836 Sheridan Ave, info 307-587-3597.

DUBOIS DECEMBER 5

Holiday Open House: Treats, shopping specials and free admission. 10a-4p, National Bighorn Sheep Center, info 307-455-3429.

SATURDAYS

ONGOING

First Friday: New artist and local musician each month. Art show reception 5p, music 6p. Middle Fork Restaurant. Info 307-335-5035, facebook.com/ MiddleForkCafe.

DECEMBER 5

Christmas Open House and Birdseed Crafts: Newly acquired artifacts and new exhibits, refreshments, free admission. Gift shop items are 15% off, 11a-2p. Children of all ages are invited to create birdseed ornaments from 2-3p, $3. Dubois Museum, info 307-455-2284, fremontcountymuseums.com.

DECEMBER 15!

SATURDAYS

MEETEETSE THROUGH DECEMBER 5

DECEMBER 12

Old-time Christmas Open House: Christmas music, crafts, treats, Christmas exhibits and discounts in the museum gift store. 5-7p, Pioneer Museum, free, info 307-332-3339, fremontcountymuseums.com. THROUGH DECEMBER 12

Art of Home: Native American art show celebrating Wind River Nation. Tue-Sat, Lander Art Center, info 307-332-5772, landerartcenter.com.

NOV 2020

SUBMIT AN EVENT

Send complete information for the February issue’s events by

Acoustic Music Jam: 11a-1p, Lander Bake Shop, info 307-332-3237.

LANDER

Fremont County Master Gardeners Saturday Market: From 9-11a throughout the winter, Fremont County Fairgrounds lunchroom, info 307-851-7562.

Art of the Basin: Art show and sale features renderings of Northwest Wyoming. 10a, Meeteetse Museums, info programs@meeteetsemuseums. org, 307-868-2423.

R I V E RTO N DECEMBER 12

Christmas Open House and Homebuilt Classic Toys: Museum will host open house and free museum say with hot cocoa, snacks and discounts in the museum gift store 10a-4p. Hands-on classic toys children's activity focuses on creating homebuilt classic toys that kids can take home. 2-4p, Riverton Museum, kits for toys cost $2-$10. Info 307-856-2665.

Please send events occurring in February and March by December 15.

WREN does not print a January issue. Also, be sure to include the date, title, description, time, cost, location, address and contact information for each event.

SHOSHONI DECEMBER 6

Acoustic Music Jam: Play, sing, dance or just listen. Lunch available. 11a-3p, Shoshoni Senior Citizens Community Center, info 307-876-2703.

THERMOPOLIS SECOND FRIDAYS

ArtStroll: Stroll on Broadway Street in Historic Downtown Thermopolis. Info 307-864-3002, gatherer@panix.com.

04 | SOUTHWEST

Photos are always welcome.

Look for more events at wyomingrea.org/news.

QUESTIONS & SUBMISSIONS:

 wren@

wyomingrea.org

 [307] 286-8140  214 W. Lincolnway

Ste. 21C Cheyenne, WY 82001

 wyomingrea.org/

wren-submissions

F O RT B R I D G E R DECEMBER 13

Christmas at the Fort: Visit the officer’s quarters, warm up with hot chocolate, enjoy a scavenger hunt, snowshoe an obstacle course and at 4p participate in a snowshoe race for all ages. 1-4p, Fort Bridger State Historic Site, $5 or an item for the Bridger Valley Food Pantry per person, 12 and under free, info 307-782-3842.

01 02

Celebrating the 4th in Lander, Nick Biltoft, Riverton

parade of cattle moving 04 Adown the highway,

Burns recognizes high school seniors with a Lights on Bright parade on May 9, Nick Dennis, Burns

Fiddling Farmhands in 05 Five 1990, Susan Neves, Otto

Sail-a-brating 100 years of Stars and Stripes in 1995, Jay Neves, Otto

Sandy Pokorney, Gillette

03 04

THIS MONTH:

PARADES

43.0760° N 107.2903° W

FEB (DUE DEC 10):

MAR (DUE JAN 15):

LIFE OUT WEST

BLACK AND WHITE

JUST PICTURE IT

SUBMIT A P H OTO

 wren@wyomingrea.org  214 W. Lincolnway Ste. 21C Cheyenne, WY 82001  wyomingrea.org/wren-submissions

Please submit high-quality digital files* or an original we can scan, as well as details about the artwork, the artist’s name, and the co-op. *Use the highest quality setting on your camera, or save digital artwork as a .jpg or .tif file with at least 300 dpi resolution. Don’t use Kodak Easy Share®.

Please include your name, hometown and a title.

If you would like your work returned, please include a self-addressed, stamped envelope.

WREN MAGAZINE

Call for Photos We live far apart in Wyoming. Some people say it’s a small town with long roads. Electric co-op lineworkers might say it’s a small town with miles of power lines. Why do we live here? What draws us to the remote places in this spread-out state? For the 2021 editorial year, Wyoming Rural Electric News (WREN) magazine will feature stories about our lives in big spaces. We’ll follow some of our friends and tell the stories that brought them to this place. We need your help! Will you share the call that brought you to Wyoming? We are collecting photos centered around the theme “Life Out West” for our February 2021 issue. This will be a photography issue, with photos from you, the reader. Please send photos by December 10. Photos must include information about the photograph: who took the photo, where they took the photo, and what the photo represents. Share the story of your photo—what does it mean to you to live here?

SUBMIT A P H OTO

 wren@wyomingrea.org  214 W. Lincolnway Ste. 21C Cheyenne, WY 82001  wyomingrea.org/ wren-submissions

PUZZLE ANSWERS olden age of air travel—when everyone smoked, no ic, and there was not a wheeled suitcase in sight. oday! Thanksgiving weekendPUZZLE is the most important acing for an 80% decrease in bookings in 2020 comne commercial flight operators do you remember? s d Set your flight ftetod shiplan ut of the current enttailspin! efi nttravel

nitel y

have

P O

R W D O

G B

E P

T A

S A

W C

B M M H

W S

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A R M D

D M F A M H

X M F N

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O Q

WYDOT’s Travel Information System is the one and ONLY source for up-to-the-minute road and travel information. Take road condition information with you. Get the WYOMING 511 app.

Know before you go. Visit wyoroad.info.

conditions before you go  View highway webcams

Available for free download at the Apple App Store.

GAY WOODHOUSE TARA NETHERCOTT HOLLI WELCH JEFF VAN FLEET

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1912 Capitol Avenue Suite 500 Cheyenne, WY 82001 (307) 432-9399 WRNLawFirm.com

Co-op Class UW OFFERS

The Wyoming Rural Electric Association is proud once again to be a part of the Cooperative Business Model course at the University of Wyoming, offered in Spring 2021! Instructor Milton Geiger guides students as they learn best practices from co-op managers and CEOs, then create a working plan for their own cooperative. The course is appropriate for students at all levels and in any major.

 Know traffic hazards & road

 "Where am I?" function  Hands-free, eyes-free function  Easy to use

Land Use

PUZZLE ON PAGE 25

www.wyoroad.info

Wills, Trusts & Probate

Available for free download at the Google Play Store.

NOV 2020

ENLIGHTEN US

Thanksgiving

Memories BY CHUCK LARSEN

I can only imagine what the Plymouth colonists and their Wampanoag counterparts who originally shared the fruits of their autumn harvest in the year 1621 would think if they saw what their day of “Thanks Giving” has turned into.

NOV 2020

Today the holiday of Thanksgiving has gone far beyond the celebration of a bountiful harvest and a fine meal shared by good friends and family. Today we find this special day overshadowed by a cloud of commercialization. Basically and moreover sadly, Thanksgiving has become the first shopping day before Christmas. For me the holiday of Thanksgiving carries much more weight than the televised football games and the start of Christmas shopping. It conjures up a host of fond memories.

CLEAN PLATE

I can remember as a boy coming in from doing the morning chores on Thanksgiving Day and being greeted to the sounds of my mother busy in the kitchen and the smells of the many traditional

culinary dishes she was preparing for the holiday meal. It was difficult to sit down to a plain old bowl of cornflakes or my dad’s doughy pancakes for that morning’s breakfast, when one could smell the roast turkey cooking in the oven and see the pies cooling on the stovetop. Later in the morning as other close family members came to join us the list of culinary delights grew as they too brought their favorite holiday dishes to add to the upcoming meal.

It was common then for parents (at least mine anyway), in an attempt to rein in our overzealousness as we dished up our plates to say, “Don’t let your eyes get bigger than your stomach.” Which in the layman’s terms of parenting guidelines means, “If you take it … you’re going to eat it.” Now having said that, I believe that grandmothers unknowingly had an inner sinister motive when they would come

around and say, “Oh look, you forgot to get some sweet potatoes,” or, “You missed the green bean casserole,” after which they would add to your already overflowing plate a healthy dollop of whatever they thought you might have missed (even if you’d “missed” it on purpose). Under the watchful eye of my parents, coupled with the memory of their constant reminders associated with poor starving children in other parts of the world, I would eventually and proudly produce a “clean plate.” At this juncture those of us deemed too young to be much assistance in cleaning up after the meal were regulated to go outside and play. They must have been kidding—how could anyone play when they are so miserably full of good food? If the fall weather was nice we might go hang out like barn cats on the sunny side of a hay pile, visiting and sharing stories amongst ourselves until we felt like we might not explode and could move again. Then there might be a game of touch football (“touch” always seemed to involve a considerable amount of tackle) or a rousing game of HORSE at the basketball hoop attached to the end of the granary.

INGED PLAN OF ATTACK

out again and I once more vowed that next year would be different.

The Thanksgiving memories of my youth At the following Thanksgiving my will always rank amongst the best, but I wife outdid herself and purchased a also have fond memories of this holiday considerably large turkey. When I was that I gathered in my later years. One called to carve, I noted that my wife had such memory involved my late motherchosen a much larger platter for me to in-law. In their later years my in-laws use. As I started to carve, my mind began always came out to our place and joined to envision a winged plan of attack. us for Thanksgiving dinner. Now, when it The notably hefty bird produced large comes to eating turkey my favorite part quantities of white and dark meat which of the whole bird happens to be the wing I neatly carved and separated piling them and I learned early on that my motherhigh upon the platter in such a manner in-law also relished this morsel. As the of presentation that I man of the house was sure would have my lovely wife “Don’t let your eyes get bigger drawn oohs and aahs always relegated from both the likes than your stomach.” Which in the the turkey carving of Martha Stewart duties to me and layman’s terms of parenting and Julia Child! In initially I would finishing, I concluded neatly separate guidelines means, “If you take it … that there simply the white and dark wasn’t sufficient room you’re going to eat it.” meat and place a on the platter for two wing at each end of turkey wings. I made the platter. I noted sure the platter was placed directly in quickly however that by the time front of my mother-in-law’s place at the the platter reached me it contained table. As we started the meal I devilishly neither of my beloved wings. Somehow watched as my mother-in-law began to both had found their way onto the plate delicately search for “her” turkey wings of my mother-in-law, who by now which she was certain had to be on the between gnawing bites on those wings platter somewhere. Her gentle probes was complimenting my wife on her fine with her dinner fork soon turned into a meal. I silently vowed that next year feverish mining operation! White meat would be different. was mixed with dark and vice versa as it The next Thanksgiving rolled around was forked from one end of the platter and in the course of my carving talents and then back again. Others at the table I selfishly held one wing back, for my stared in disbelief as the plate of turkey enjoyment later. The mother-in-law turned into what appeared to be a pile of seemed satisfied that this particular turkey pulled pork! At this point the angelic halo must have only had one wing (although that I was sure that I was conveying tilted she delicately forked for it in the platter). just a little, and when I caught my wife’s I was feeling totally vindicated and quite stare from across the table, you know … proud of myself right up to the point it was a lot like the stare my parents gave where my in-laws were heading back to me when I didn’t clean my plate. Ah yes … town and I saw that my wife had prepared Thanksgiving memories. W them some plates of leftovers to take home. As we said our goodbyes I couldn’t help but sadly notice that on one of those Chuck Larsen managed Saratoga-based Carbon plates, veiled beneath its cover of Saran Power and Light for 23 years. He now lives in Hulett with his wife, Linda. Wrap, lay my coveted turkey wing. I’d lost NOV 2020

CLASSIFIEDS WREN CLASSIFIED ADS ARE $0.75 PER SIX CHARACTERS | CONTACT:  SHAWNA@GOLINDEN.COM

 970-221-3232 EXT 22

CATEGORIES 01.

EQUIPMENT

02. FOR SALE 03. HORSES 04. LIVESTOCK 05. POULTRY 06. REAL ESTATE 07. WANTED 08. CRAFTS 09. OPPORTUNITIES 10.

MISCELLANEOUS

11.

BUSINESS CONSULTING

12.

FOR RENT

13.

HELP WANTED

14.

DOGS

15.

EMPLOYMENT SOUGHT

16.

BUILDING SUPPLIES

17.

TRAVEL & RECREATION

18.

HEALTH

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NOV 2020

02 | FOR SALE New & Used Coal Stokers, parts, service & advice. Available for most makes. Thanks. 307-754-3757. Pullets, Hens and Roosters. Many varieties. Buffalo, WY. 307-684-7067. Shaver Outdoor Wood Boiler Furnace. Aermotor Windmills and parts, cylinders, pipe, rod, submersible pumps, motors, control boxes, Hastings 12 ga. bottomless stock tanks and more. In business for more than 74 years. Herren Bros., Box 187, Harrison NE. 1-308-668-2582. Surplus Equipment New and Used: Generators, air heaters, engine driven pumps, (all sizes), solar pumps, 3" and 4" polypipe, etc. A variety of types and sizes available. Call for pricing and details: Premier PowerPlants & Pumps, Farson, WY 307-273- 9591.

07 | WANTED Antique Collector Looking For Oil Company Gas Pumps, Globes And Signs. Will pay fair market value! Also looking for general antiques for our antique shop. Please go to our website FrontierAutoMuseum.com. Located in Gillette WY, our passion is to preserve Wyoming history and the nostalgia of the past, especially Parco, Sinclair, Frontier, Husky and any car dealership along with all brands. We are also always looking

for WY license plates and WY highway signs and State Park signs. Please call Jeff Wandler 307-680-8647 wandlerfrontier@gmail.com or daughter Briana Brewer 307-660-2402 bbrewer@frontierauto.net. MOSS ROCK–Wyoming Moss Rock. We will buy your moss rock. All types, colors, and sizes are considered; the more moss the better, the more unusual the better. Call Gina for details, 307-761-1838. Want to purchase minerals & other oil/gas interests. Send details to: PO Box 13557, Denver, CO 80201. We Pay Cash For Mineral & Oil/Gas Interests producing & non-producing. 800-733-8122.

10| MISCELLANEOUS $Cash For Old Cars$ 1900-1970, muscle cars, 2 doors, convertibles, regardless of condition any 1930’s cars, early Dodge power wagons, older Jeeps & Broncos. Older non-operating Volkswagen buses with multiple windows. Randy Erwin, rerwin@wyoming. com, 307-212-1341, Sheridan.

20 | FREE Soon Church/Government uniting, suppressing “Religious Liberty” enforcing “National Sunday Law.” Be Informed! Needing Mailing address. TSBM, PO Box 374, Ellijay, GA 30540, thebiblesaystruth@ yahoo.com, 1-888-211-1715.

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