Currents MOHAVE ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE
SEPTEMBER 2022
Capital Credits $802,440.55 in capital credits returned to MEC members in 2022 Page 4
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MEC’s New Chief Financial Officer The Fiber-Optic Network Difference
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Ruralite
Currents Suicide Prevention Story Hits Home September 2022 • Volume 57, No. 5 ANZA ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE
Sherri Stafford
ARIZONA’S GENERATION AND TRANSMISSION COOPERATIVES
Magen Howard
DUNCAN VALLEY ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE
Steven Lunt
ELECTRICAL DISTRICT NO. 2
Roselyn Bever
MOHAVE ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE
Heather Foreman
EDITORIAL DIRECTOR
Mike Teegarden EDITOR
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Having gone to college in both rural Iowa and Texas, I understand how the feeling of isolation is compounded by the natural geography of the land. During school breaks when I couldn’t go home, or on extended weekends when the campus was empty, it quickly became lonely and depressing. At school, we often joked that being polite in rural areas meant telling people you were fine when they asked, even if you were visibly struggling. I vividly remember the stigma surrounding students who used the therapy offered on campus and how others felt uncomfortable going to the therapist for fear of friends finding out. When a suicide did occur on campus, it was difficult to reconcile because the school prided itself on being a close-knit community. I drew on my college experience while working on the suicide prevention story I wrote for this edition (see page 10). While it is a heavy subject that affects many, I have felt the heartbreaking reality of suicide. In high school, I lost a teammate to suicide and later felt the storm of emotions again when a close family member began to struggle with mental health and attempted to take their life. Seeing a family member and so many others fight each day to receive mental health care
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fills me with hope and a sense of urgency. My interview with Jeff Winton put much of what I experienced into perspective. He founded Rural Minds with a goal to end the stigma of mental health care. His knowledge gained from 10 years of dedication to ending the stigma of mental health struggles and his determination to create a platform for people to share their stories is inspiring. Helping spread this story is something I’m proud of, but I know this can’t be the last time I get involved. I hope you are inspired to do your part as well. As Jeff told me, “The clock is ticking, and time is of the essence.” Franklin Thurlow Summer Intern
988
NEED HELP?
Help Is Available
The new 988 suicide hotline is rolling out nationwide. Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Up Close, Page 10
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High school students in Alaska are building an aluminum boat from the ground up. The Learning Curve, Page 12
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MOHAVE ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE
apital Credits: $802,440.55 in capital credits returned to MEC members in 2022 As a not-for-profit cooperative, Mohave Electric is owned by the members it serves. A $5 membership fee is paid when applying for new service, a fee that has remained unchanged since MEC was formed in 1946. Members participate in the cooperative business by electing a board of directors to represent them. The directors, also members, decide on policy matters for the co-op. There are no shareholders. In 1946, the original MEC board of directors applied for an REA loan through the U.S. Department of Agriculture for financing to provide electric service to the first members.
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MEC operates as a not-for-profit distribution utility. Revenues from the sale of electricity are used to purchase wholesale power, pay operating expenses, make payments on loans, and provide a financial reserve as a condition of lenders. Any remaining funds are called margins. Every year, MEC’s board considers refunding/retiring positive margins known as capital credits. Upon board approval, a portion or all of that year and/or previous year’s capital credits can be returned to members, or they can be retained for future infrastructure improvements. Once this occurs, a member’s contribution has essentially been paid back and thus members are purchasing their electric service at cost. This is an advantage to being a member of MEC, and this year, the total capital
credits that will be retired, in our 76th year of serving members, is $802,440.55. Members will see either a credit on their electric bill or receive a check in the mail. This is why we encourage you to keep your MEC account information up to date. MEC CEO Tyler Carlson said, “MEC members can anticipate receiving this year’s capital credits in mid to late August. Also, we look forward to our Annual Meeting in September with MEC members.” Since 2015, MEC has returned $10.9 million in capital credits to members. n
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Sharing the Benefits of Co-op Membership
SEPTEMBER 2022
5
PLUGGED IN
Understanding how power works can help you save By Jennifer Paton Close your eyes and let your imagination take over for a moment. The room is dark, quiet and peaceful. There’s no hum of a freezer, no background music, no shouts from a noisy gaming system. No text alerts interrupt your thoughts. Open your eyes, but imagine the room is still dark. You have to navigate with a flashlight or candle. Hopefully, you know where to find the spare batteries and matches. Your ice cream has melted, and you have no access to social media. While the dark scenario has its merits, the truth is, most of us dread the version lacking electricity. While we could live without it, we don’t want to. You don’t need to know how electricity works to enjoy it, but understanding some basics can affect your consumption. 6
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The Basics Electricity is the flow of electrical power or charge. It is considered a secondary energy source because it comes from the conversion of other primary sources of energy. These primary sources include coal, natural gas, nuclear, hydroelectric and oil. Some energy sources—such as sunlight, wind and water—are renewable and can be replenished. Others—such as oil, natural gas and coal—are nonrenewable and cannot be replenished. The Path of Electricity In simplest terms, the power you receive originates at a generating plant. Transformers at the plant increase the voltage up to 345,000 volts. High-voltage transmission lines carry the electric energy over long distances. After substation transformers reduce the
electricity to 7,200 to 14,000 volts, distribution lines carry it to transformers that reduce power levels to 120/240 or 120/208 volts for use in schools, farms, homes and small businesses. Measuring Electricity Electricity can be measured three ways. • Volts (V): A unit of electric force that measures the pressure of electricity. House electricity is 120 volts. Flashlight batteries are 1.5 volts. Car batteries are 12 volts. • Watts (W): The measure of power an electric current can generate. Most appliances are labeled with the wattages they use. Many have a range of settings, so the actual power consumed depends on the setting used. For example, a fan uses more power at a high speed than it does at a low speed. A kilowatt (kW)
The Costs of Energy Use these formulas to calculate your energy use and projected costs. Calculate Energy Consumption: Power x Time = Energy Example: Using a 100-watt bulb for 10 hours equals 1 kWh. (100 watts x 10 hours = 1,000 watt-hours or 1 kilowatthour.)
Calculate Energy Costs: Power (kW) x Time (hours of operation) x Price ($/kWh) = Cost of operation. Follow these five easy steps to determine how much it may cost to run a specific appliance. You are billed per kWh, or for how much electricity you use in one hour. Examples are based on an average cost of $0.144 per kWh. 1) Obtain the wattage (watts) from the appliance nameplate. Example: A space heater with a nameplate of 1,500 watts. Note: If listed as kW, skip to step 3. If amps are specified, multiply amps x voltage to obtain watts. 2) Divide the number of watts by 1,000 to get kW. Example: 1,500 W ÷ 1,000 = 1.5 kW.
3) To find out how many kWh the appliance uses, multiply the kW times the number of hours* the appliance runs each day. Example: The heater runs for 10 hours per day = 1.5 kW x 10 hours = 15 kWh per day. *If the appliance operates for less than one full hour, divide the number of minutes by 60. Example: a hair dryer is used five minutes daily, or 5 ÷ 60 = 0.083 hours per day. A 1,250watt hair dryer = 1.25kW x 0.083 hours per day = 0.1 kWh per day. 4) To calculate the daily operating cost, multiply the kWh of the appliance by the average cost per kWh. Example: Space heater daily cost = 15 kWh x $0.144 = $2.16 per day. 5) To calculate the monthly operating cost, multiply the daily cost by the number of days the appliance is used during the month. Example: If you run the 1,500-watt space heater 10 hours a day, 30 days a month = 15 kWh x $0.144 x 30 = $64.80. ADOBE STOCK IMAGES BY JMEL AND BORIS
is equivalent to 1,000 watts. A kilowatthour (kWh) is a measurement of energy consumption. It is the amount of power used over time and the basis for how electric bills are calculated. • Amperes (amp): The measure of how much electricity moves through a conductor. Amperes equal watts divided by volts. A typical household electrical outlet is 15 amps. See above to learn how to calculate your energy use and projected costs. Phantom Power According to the Energy Information Agency, the typical U.S. household uses more air conditioning, appliances and consumer electronics than ever before. The average home contains 10 or more internet-connected devices. There are many small ways to save energy, such as turning off the lights, ceiling fan or TV when you leave the room. A more encompassing way to save energy is to reduce phantom power. Even when turned off, most electronics consume a small amount of electricity if they are still plugged in. Chargers for
mobile devices consume electricity if they are plugged in, even when not actively charging the device. This wasted energy, called phantom load, accounts for as much as 10% of a home’s total electric use. Save money by unplugging your electronics when you are done using them. Using a power strip can help you unplug multiple devices at once. Smart power strips automatically cut off phantom loads. Another way to combat phantom power is with the use of smart plugs. Smart plugs are inexpensive and can be used to control items through a smartphone app. With smart plugs, you can manage lighting, home office equipment and video game consoles. Large Appliance Use The combined use of large appliances such as dishwashers, dryers and washing machines account for the largest percentage of electricity use in the average U.S. home. Small steps will help save energy when using these appliances. Only run full loads in the dishwasher, and thoroughly scrape food from dishes
before loading. Dry towels and heavier cottons separate from lighter-weight clothing, and clean the lint screen after every use. Wash clothing in cold water to save energy used to heat water. Lightbulbs You can’t talk about saving energy without considering lightbulbs. Switching from incandescent bulbs to LED smart bulbs can help save energy and money over the long run, despite a higher initial cost. LEDs come in a variety of colors and brightness levels, lasting 15 to 25 times longer than incandescent bulbs. As we switch to more-efficient bulbs, we must change how we shop for them. In the past, we selected lightbulbs based on wattage. But wattage indicates how much power is used rather than the bulb’s brightness. The term to learn is lumens. Lumens measure the amount of light produced by the bulb. Use lumens to compare the brightness of any bulb. Once you know the brightness you need, you can shop wisely and get the most for your money. n SEPTEMBER 2022
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MOHAVE ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE
Mohave Electric Announces New Chief Financial Officer
Mohave Electric Cooperative first welcomed Tyler (Ty) Elizabeth Weldon to MEC’s accounting department in 2017. Over the past five years, Ty has served in multiple positions within MEC’s accounting department while furthering her cooperative education through NRECA’s MIP Select and Supervisor and Manager Development Program. Current CFO Arden Lauxman has officially announced his retirement after 14 years of devoted service to Mohave Electric. On July 26, 2022, Ty Weldon was offered and accepted the position of Mohave Electric’s Chief Financial Officer and will work along with her mentor, CFO Lauxman, until his retirement in January 2023. As Mohave Electric’s CFO, Ty will be responsible for directing and overseeing financial activities of the cooperative, managing the accounting and member service departments, the audited financial reports, and regulatory reports to the Arizona Corporation Commission and other agencies. Additionally, Ty will
ADOBE STOCK PHOTO BY TRAVELVIEW
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be working on MEC’s fiber-optic project and reporting. “On behalf of MEC, the Board of Directors, and myself, we thank Ardie for his compassion and dedication to our members, his passion for volunteerism, and for leading the cooperative for more than a decade to its current financially sound position. We welcome Ty who brings a wealth of experience as someone that has worked within the cooperative model and with our members for the past five years,” said Tyler Carlson, CEO, Mohave Electric Cooperative. “Her familiarity lets her jump right into this role.” Ty has lived in Mohave County for 12 years. Before moving to Bullhead City, she resided in Chandler, Arizona. Weldon received her Bachelor of Business degree from W.P. Carey School of Business at Arizona State University. Tyler enjoys traveling and playing in the Bullhead City and Kingman softball leagues. She looks forward to continuing her volunteer work with various local organizations such as Catholic Charities and Bullhead City’s Shop with a Cop. n
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UP CLOSE
Suffering i Suicide rates in rural America on the rise By Franklin Thurlow
F THE NATIONAL SUICIDE PREVENTION HOTLINE number used for those seeking help or counseling in crisis switched from an 11-digit number to 988 as a dialing code in July. The change provides a quicker way to access help. The number is easier to memorize and can become synonymous with mental health care, just like 911 is to public safety. It also works with text messaging. Rural Minds was involved in the hotline change. “988 serves as a universal entry point so that no matter where you live in the United States, you can reach a trained crisis counselor who can help,” says Chuck Strand, executive director of Rural Minds.
Brooks Winton took his twins to Niagara Falls just days before he died by suicide.
According to The Washington Post, officials expect the 988 number to boost calls from 3.6 million in 2021 to 7.6 million in the coming year.
988
The original hotline number, 1-800-273-8255, will remain active indefinitely. “The new hotline is going to be phenomenal,” Jeff says. “The biggest thing we (Rural Minds) advocate is giving people the opportunity to be comfortable telling their story. This, like any human experience, is all about putting a face to an issue.”
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NEED HELP?
ew would have guessed Brooks Winton, a farmer from rural New York, was going through severe mental health struggles. Described as a burley ex-athlete with the ability to hoist farm animals under each arm, the 28-yearold was a beloved member of a close-knit family. That’s why his suicide came as a shock. “He was the father of 3-year-old twins, the life of the party, very hardworking,” says his uncle, Jeff Winton. “Everybody loved my nephew. No one had any idea he was struggling with mental illness until the day we found him.” Feeling there was nowhere to turn for help, Jeff says Brooks—who also was a steel worker—felt his only option was to take his life, rather than put stress on his wife and children. The tragedy moved Jeff to use his experience as a professional in the biopharmaceutical industry to help rural families. He founded Rural Minds in October 2021. His goal is to end the stigma of mental illness in rural America by creating a space for people to tell their stories and connecting people to mental health care services. “We didn’t want to duplicate efforts or waste time or resources by creating materials that already existed,” Jeff says. “Some of these organizations such as NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) or MHA (Mental Health America) or big international nonprofits focused on mental illness have been around for decades and
in Silence created wonderful materials. In fact, on our website, RuralMinds.org, there is a clearinghouse of different services that our people can get access to. We want them to be aware that these resources do exist.” In 2021, suicide rates in rural America were 18.9 per every 100,000 people compared to 13.2 in urban areas, according to the National Institutes of Health. From 1999 to 2019, suicide rates in rural America jumped 50% as opposed to a 31% increase among urban people. Middle-aged is traditionally thought of as the most at-risk age group, but according to Rural Health Information, in rural areas men 85 and older are at the highest risk. In 2021, the suicide rate for that group was 60.1 per 100,000 people. For rural women, those 45 to 49 are at highest risk, with a suicide rate of 13.7 per 100,000 people. Rural youth ages 15 to 19 have a 54% higher suicide rate than their urban peers. In 2021, the rural rate was 15.8 per 100,000 people versus 9.1 per 100,000 in urban areas. The suicide rate for the 15 to 19 age group has increased 74% in the past 12 years. Mental struggles inherent to rural life— stress or anxiety from uncertainty raising crops or livestock, depression from being in a remote setting and fear of judgment from the stigmatization of mental illness— lead to suicidal ideation, according to Rural Health Information. What led Brooks and so many others in rural America to take their lives is largely related to a lack of access to mental health care and stigma, according to Rural Health Information. Living in a rural area naturally leads to
geographic isolation. Rural residents often must travel long distances to get the help they need, which creates transportation and financial barriers. “People who live in areas such as this tend to work in occupations such as farming or fishing or they’re factory workers, so they don’t have the luxury of booking an appointment at 10 a.m. on a Thursday and going to the doctor and coming back to work,” Jeff says. “They’re hourly wage earners. “Even if there was help in these small towns, people would be hesitant to park their pickup truck in front of the office of their local shrink, because they’d be worried someone would see them walking into that office.” The stigma surrounding suicide is often a barrier to people seeking the mental health care they need. The stigma can be intensified for marginalized groups such as Native Americans or those identifying as LGBTQ. “Mental illness is an illness,” Jeff says. “If someone had cancer, you wouldn’t tell them to get over it. But we still have that problem with mental illness because it’s stigmatized. It’s not considered an illness, but rather a character flaw to overcome. Our goal is to destigmatize this, especially in small towns.” The stigma led some people to encourage Jeff ’s family to keep the cause of Brooks’ death a secret or attribute it to heart disease. “People that live in rural areas tend to be private and independent and not talk about their problems,” Jeff says. “I was taught from the time I was a little kid not to talk about my emotions; not to cry, pull yourself up by the bootstraps.”
Brooks Winton’s uncle, Jeff Winton, is the founder of Rural Minds.
But with urging from his mom, Jeff decided to tell Brooks’ story. “I gave the eulogy at my nephew’s funeral, and we talked about the experience,” Jeff says. “We had people lined up for hours who then started to tell us their stories. They saw a family that had been in the area awhile and thought if they’re willing to tell their story, we can tell ours.” Not just mental health professionals, but friends, neighbors, family and anyone willing to help can make a lifesaving difference. “You don’t have to say a word,” Jeff says. “All you have to do is listen. For a person to feel comfortable and not suffer in silence, they have to know there is at least one person who will listen to them and who they can confide in. That’s where the healing begins—so long as you know there is one person who has your back and one person that cares. Then you can branch out and reach out to others. There’s a multiplying effect.” n
988
THE NATIONAL SUICIDE PREVENTION HOTLINE
SEPTEMBER 2022
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VO-TECH
PROGRAM
Alaska high school students design and build a seaworthy boat By Cheré Coen Educators Gary Hall and Mike Adams had an innovative idea on how to teach high school students in Delta Junction, Alaska, welding and its associated arts: They would build a boat. It would not be just any boat. It would be a shallow aluminum vessel 21½-feet-long by 6-feet-wide that would meet all standards to hit the water upon completion. The coordinators of the project-based vocational-technical program at Delta High School used a grant from Airgas company’s High School Welding Education Initiative. They devised a plan in which students would design the boat, and piece and weld the aluminum together. Once finished, students would sell the boat to raise money so future classes could create new projects. “We started building the boat in spring 2021,” Gary says. “Our goal was to finish the project in the fall semester of 2021.” The pandemic slowed their schedule. “As of now, we are three-fourths done,” Gary says. “We are now able to
install a motor and do testing.” This is the school’s first project of this magnitude, involving a collaboration of many students working over three years. Under the new timeline, the boat will be completed by spring 2023, the educators say. “Our underlying goal is to qualify our students to be employed, to walk into an interview with a background of experience,” Gary says. Designing and building a 21-foot boat will look good on a résumé. Relevance Education The high school’s vo-tech program was born 20 years ago when Gary—who has a background in industrial construction and fabrication—and his colleagues decried the defunding of vo-tech education in schools. Lost in an emphasis encouraging students to attend college were skilled workers in the
region, Gary says. “We said we’ve got to turn this around and bring a vo-tech program to Delta Junction,” he says. The result was the nonprofit Partners for Progress in Delta. The training consortium is backed by Fairbanks Community College, the University of Alaska at Fairbanks and the Alaska Department of Labor. The Delta/Greely School District became a partner. The organization’s goal was “to provide training for any category to help people be employed,” Gary says. Gary oversaw building of the 9,600square-foot Delta Career Advancement Center, which opened in 2005 for both the high school and the community’s use. He also was hired to create a plan for Delta High School’s vo-tech program. Today, Gary
ABOUT THE SERIES: Pioneer Utility Resources, publisher of this magazine, is taking readers on a yearlong journey, The Learning Curve, highlighting success stories in rural education in challenging times. The series receives support from the M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust, a private nonprofit foundation serving nonprofits across the Pacific Northwest. 12
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©Olga, Cobalt/ADOBE STOCK
and Mike—an engineer and a computer-aided design instructor—teach what they call “relevance education.” “When students see relevance in what they are learning, they will work harder and learn more,” Mike says. “Another word Mr. Hall and I like to use is ownership of the project.” Both instructors prepare and guide students with hands-on projects, such as computer designing, welding and torch cutting. They incorporate other classes—what they label “cross-curriculum.” For instance, an English class will be enlisted to write the boat’s procedural manual. “It’s a different way to teach,” Mike says. “It’s not just lecturing. We’re not telling the student that someday you might use this. We’re showing them how to use it right now. It helps them reach their goal and allows us to be on the same team.” Putting the Pieces Together To begin creating the boat, the school Students weld the pieces of the aluminum boat they designed. PHOTOS COURTESY
OF DELTA HIGH SCHOOL
SEPTEMBER 2022
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Our underlying goal is to qualify our students to be employed, to walk into an interview with a background of experience — GARY HALL, Delta High School
ABOVE: Instructor Mike Adams shows the various models used to design, test and build the boat. RIGHT: Students practice their welding skills. They will finish school with marketable skills.
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received a grant from Airgas, which funds high school welding programs nationwide based on several factors, including the school’s need, welding programs that prepare students for jobs upon graduation and passionate teachers. Delta High School was awarded the grant two years running. It was one of only two high school programs chosen in Alaska. “Our boat program has drawn some attention,” Gary says. First, materials were purchased using grant funds. Then, Mike’s AutoCAD class students used software to design sections of the boat. They created a 3D scale model to test its hull on a “water channel” 32 feet long and 4 feet wide. Mike’s honors physics class looked at the theoretical side of the project, such as the boat’s draft and drag. Once designed, Gary led his students to prepare the boat’s pieces by a process akin to robotics, he says. Students also used a plasma torch to cut steel and aluminum. “It’s been a great opportunity to teach my welding students the art of working with aluminum,” Gary says. Plans are for the students to raffle off the boat, selling tickets to the community—another opportunity to involve other classes at Delta High School, Gary says. Students will create a business model for fundraising and obtain a gaming permit to sell tickets. Mike says the boat project was a massive undertaking. He worried it might be too daunting for the students, but his fears were unfounded. “The kids have gotten proficient at it, and it looks professional,” he says. “It turned out not to be a concern.” Future Plans Today, numerous vo-tech programs nationwide prepare students for apprenticeships, technical jobs and engineering schools.
“Now, the emphasis is back the other way,” Gary says, noting much of vo-tech education is supported by corporations and state and federal governments. “It just keeps blossoming. It’s hard to stay ahead of it.” Partners for Progress is expanding its Delta Junction facility with a $2.5 million addition. Gary and Mike hope their high school students enter the workforce not only with technical skills but the “soft skills” of teamwork and loyalty. “If we were to summarize our program, what we’re actually teaching here is soft skills,” Gary says. “No matter what they do in their life, they are bringing those soft skills with them. In today’s world, employers are desperate for people with soft skills. They can always teach them the hard skills.” Both educators hope to continue guiding their students to create large projects such as the boat. “We have done lots of projects, but this is the big one,” Gary says. “I’m really proud,” Mike adds. “Schools have built boats, but I’ve not seen a school that has designed its own boat.”
The aluminum boat takes shape.
SEPTEMBER 2022
15
IN THE KITCHEN
Too Many
TOMATOES?
Roasted Tomato Crostini With Goat Cheese 4 Roma tomatoes, halved lengthwise 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for brushing 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, plus more for garnishing Sea salt
Recipes by Gertrude Treadaway PHOTO BY KATIE WILCOX
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Freshly ground pepper 8 slices baguette, cut diagonally into ½-inch-thick pieces 1 garlic clove, peeled 4 ounces goat cheese
Heat oven to 375 F. Place the tomatoes on a sheet pan. Drizzle with olive oil. Sprinkle with thyme, salt and pepper. Toss to combine. Adjust the tomatoes so they are cut-side up. Roast them until they soften and slightly shrink, about 40 to 45 minutes. Place the baguette slices on a baking sheet. Brush with olive oil. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Bake until golden brown, about 10 minutes. Rub the bread with the garlic clove. Divide the goat cheese among the bread and top each with one slice of roasted tomato. Garnish with fresh thyme. Serve immediately.
Fresh Tomato Salsa
3 cups chopped tomatoes 1 cup onion, diced 1⁄3 cup minced fresh cilantro 4 teaspoons chopped fresh jalapeno pepper, deseeded
2 tablespoons fresh lime juice ½ teaspoon ground cumin ½ teaspoon kosher salt ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
Combine all ingredients in a bowl.
Oven 'Sundried' Tomatoes 1 pint cherry or grape tomatoes, sliced in half lengthwise
Fine sea salt
Heat oven to 250 F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Place tomatoes cut-side up on the baking sheet. Bake for 3½ hours or until the tomatoes are dried. Remove tomatoes from the oven. Serve immediately. To store, transfer the sundried tomatoes to a jar. Fill with olive oil until the tomatoes are covered. Add desired seasonings, such as a clove of garlic and/or herbs. Cover and refrigerate for up to a week. Serve with salads, soups, pizza and sandwiches. Note: Roma tomatoes may be used, but must bake for 5 to 6 hours.
Mozzarella, Pesto, Tomato Grilled Cheese 4 slices thick-cut sourdough bread 1 pound fresh mozzarella, cut into ¼-inch slices 2 to 3 plum tomatoes, cut into thick slices
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper Extra-virgin olive oil 1 cup fresh basil pesto, recipe below
Smear one side of each bread slice with pesto. Arrange a layer of sliced tomato. Season with a few turns of fresh pepper. Layer the mozzarella on top of the tomatoes, then top with a second piece of bread. Place sandwiches on a hot skillet drizzled with olive oil or use a panini press. If using a skillet, flip the sandwich after 2 to 3 minutes. The sandwich is ready when golden brown and the mozzarella has melted around the edges.
Basil Pesto
½ cup pine nuts 2 cups fresh basil leaves 1 cup fresh Italian parsley leaves
½ cup Parmesan cheese 2 garlic cloves ¼ teaspoon salt ½ cup extra-virgin olive oil
Toast pine nuts in a skillet over medium heat until fragrant, about 5 minutes. Combine all ingredients in a food processor. Pulse until well combined but still rough-textured.
Tomato Pie
9-inch prepared pie shell ½ cup chopped yellow onion 4 tomatoes, cut in half and squeezed to remove excess juice, roughly chopped, to yield approximately 3 cups
½ teaspoon kosher salt 1⁄3 cup sliced basil 1 cup grated sharp cheddar 1 cup grated mozzarella ½ cup mayonnaise 1 teaspoon hot sauce Freshly ground black pepper
Heat oven to 350 F. Lightly salt the tomatoes. Set them in a colander over a bowl to drain while prebaking the crust. Squeeze as much moisture as you can out of the tomatoes using paper towels. Following the directions on the package, prebake the crust until lightly browned. Layer the pie shell with onions, tomatoes and basil. In a medium bowl, mix together the cheese, mayonnaise, hot sauce and black pepper. Spread the cheese mixture over the tomatoes. Bake until browned and bubbly, 30 to 45 minutes.
Panzanella
Leftover baguette bread, cut into 1-inch cubes (about 3 cups) 6 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided 1 teaspoon kosher sea salt, divided 2 pounds ripe tomatoes, any variety or color 8 ounces fresh mozzarella, torn into bite-size pieces ½ cup thinly sliced red onion 2 garlic cloves, grated to a paste
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar, divided 1 teaspoon dried oregano Large pinch red pepper flakes ½ teaspoon Dijon mustard Black pepper, to taste 1 cup sliced English cucumber ½ cup basil leaves, torn ¼ cup flat-leaf parsley leaves, roughly chopped
Heat oven to 425 F. Spread bread cubes on a baking sheet. Toss with 2 tablespoons oil and a pinch of salt. Bake until bread is dried and golden brown at the edges, about 10 minutes. Let cool. Cut tomatoes into bite-size pieces and transfer to a large bowl. Add mozzarella, onions, garlic paste, 1 tablespoon vinegar, oregano, ¼ teaspoon salt and red pepper flakes. Toss to coat. Set aside. In a medium bowl, combine remaining 1 tablespoon vinegar, mustard, ¼ teaspoon salt and black pepper. While whisking constantly, slowly drizzle in the remaining 4 tablespoons olive oil until the mixture is thickened. Stir in cucumbers, basil and parsley. Add bread cubes and cucumbers to the tomato mixture. Toss well. Let sit for at least 30 minutes and up to 4 hours before serving. Just before serving, toss with a little more olive oil, vinegar and salt, if needed.
SEPTEMBER 2022
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READER EXCHANGE Books/Magazines We lost nearly everything in a wildfire. I’m trying to replace my mother’s Betty Crocker Cookbook. It was a hardback, red and white checkered, published in the late 1950s or early 1960s. I will pay a resaonable price and/or postage. Thanks so much. Melinda Ives 114 Timentwa Road Okanogan, WA 98840
Crafts/Hobbies Does anyone have a pattern for a ghost mobile? I lost my pattern. The mobile has three styles of ghosts and bats. They are hung from a 10-inch ring that you crochet around. I would love to get a copy. Will pay for it. Thank you. Lois Ann Lamkin 8380 Trask River Road Tillamook, OR 97141-8804
My sister and I would like any broken jewelry pieces and beads not being used. Thank you all. Susan Bybee 16637 William Foss Road La Pine, OR 97739
I’m searching for instructions for boxes or baskets made of greeting cards. The cards are cut to shape so they can be crocheted together. Elizabeth A. Samul P.O. Box 37 Antelope, OR 97001
I am interested in connecting with others who are interested or involved in making and/or enjoying miniatures, dollhouses, room boxes, etc. I welcome all levels and ages of makers and/or collectors of modern to vintage miniatures. I would love to exchange ideas, techniques and areas of miniature interests via email or snail mail.
I have two crazy quilts made by my greatgrandmother. Unfortunately, several squares have deteriorated over time and need to be replaced. If you have any fabric swatches you are willing to part with that would fit in with 1930s or 1940s quilts, I would be happy to pay postage. Thank you.
Kathleen Ahern 3758 Sanders Road Saint Maries, ID 83861 Kathleentahern@gmail.com
K.L. Green 1724 N. Ott Road Hermiston, OR 97838
Jan Medley 100 N. Springs St. Susanville, CA 96130-4232
I recently retired, and it’s hobby time. Items wanted to be revitalized for picture and frame masterpieces: buttons, jewelry, keys, coins, sparkles, shells, etc. Please send with a story. Shipping can be reimbursed.
I am looking for old Barbie clothes or colorful fabric to make Barbie clothes.
C. Norheim P.O. Box 514 Troy, MT 59935
I am disabled and trying to get into scrapbooking and junk journaling. If anyone would like to declutter their stash of leftover papers, tags, journal spots, chipboard pieces, ephemera, etc. from old paper collections (“Harry Potter,” “Alice in Wonderland,” shabby chic, steampunk, etc.) I will gladly take them. Thank you. Cathleen Scott 2608 May Lane Apt. 403 LaGrande, OR 97850
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I am once again requesting materials for embroidery projects and embroidery floss. Thank you in advance.
Hanna Mae Kee 2023 Winchester Way Sandpoint, ID 83864
I have at least 100 8-inch zippers to give away: red, black, white, light blue, dark blue and brown. Sandy Doolin 140 Old Hwy. 8 Lyle, WA 98635
We would appreciate any broken or usable jewelry, watches, beads and gems. We refurbish and repair to subsidize income since loss of job. Hugh and Becky Dennis 15765 Hwy 101 S. SPC #7 Brookings, OR 97415
Does anyone have a project or use for old photos? I was given a huge box of family pictures, both snapshots and professional ones, and I do not know most of the people. Most pics were taken in the ’30s, ’40s and ’50s. Would be happy to send them to you. A. Cockrill 8901 Circle R View Lane Escondido, CA 92026 acnjc1986@gmail.com
I am 85 years old and love vintage sewing patterns, anything before 1970. I am happy to reimburse postage. Thank you. Annalene Thomassen P.O. Box 298 Hebo, OR 97122
I moved to Fairbanks, Alaska, a few years ago. While unpacking, I lost most of my knitting and sewing patterns, and books. I’m looking for baby sweaters to knit or any kind of baby items. Any help would be greatly appreciated. My friend had a new baby, and I would like to surprise her. Thanks to anyone who can help. Janet M. Kello 5271 Fairchild Avenue Fairbanks, AK 99709
Milestones My mother, Maxine Sweat, will celebrate her 89th birthday at the end of September. She would be surprised and tickled to receive birthday cards from all of you. She has survived three husbands, raised three great-grandchildren and is helping raise her great-great-grandson. Please send cards to Maxine Sweat, 239 NE Queenstown Ave., Bartlesville, OK 74006. Thank you. Debbie Herndon Cornelius, Oregon
Help celebrate my 100-year-old grandfather’s birthday with 100 birthday cards this September. My grandpa is a retired professor who loves crossword puzzles and cheering for the Linfield Wildcats. Please address to Stan Towner, 625 W 18th St., McMinnville, OR 97128. Thank you very much. Michelle McCullough Vernonia, Oregon
My mom, Wanda Cortese, will turn 89 on September 19. She has been a member of the Ruralite community for more than 40 years, and has enjoyed reading and sending cards to Ruralite members. It would be great to see her get cards and well wishes for her birthday from this great community. Her address is 8800 W. Canyon Ave., Kennewick, WA 99336. Traci Snyder Kennewick, Washington
Our father turns 101 years old in September and would be delighted to receive greetings. His health is remarkably good, although his fading eyesight and hearing aids provide little assistance for conversation or TV viewing. Your thoughtfulness for this Army Air Corps veteran, chess player (still) and stamp collector would be much appreciated. God bless you for your kindness. Please send cards to Charles Bushey, 3800 Carman Drive Suite 291-D, Lake Oswego, OR 97035. Jan Bottcher Sisters, Oregon
My dad will be 85 in September. He would be thrilled and surprised to receive birthday cards. His address is Joseph Dearnley, 1970 Veterans Hwy. Apt. K-29, Levittown, PA 19056. Thank you very much. Linda Mayer North Bend, Washington
Odds I have a large 90-year-old porcelain jointed doll that needs repairs. I am looking for someone who can help or has info. Nola Lopez P.O. Box 362 La Pine, OR 97739
I am giving away a Keuffel and Esser 10 Deci-lon 12-inch slide rule in a leather case. I have manuals and some small instruments. Like new. Joan Siegienski P.O. Box N Corvallis, OR 97339
I am trying to find the rules and instructions for playing the card game Canasta. I come from a card-playing family. When I see my sisters, we always
Submitting Requests Is Free
Send your request—no attachments, please—to readerexchange@ruralite.org or mail to Reader Exchange, 5625 NE Elam Young Parkway, Suite 100, Hillsboro, OR 97124. Fill in the subject line with Reader Exchange. Acceptance, scheduling and editing are at the editor’s discretion. Single requests only, please. No duplicates. Submissions are handled on a first-come, first-served basis and as space allows. We cannot honor every request. Please affirm you have authorization from all appropriate parties before submitting. By submitting, you indemnify Reader Exchange, Pioneer Utility Resources Inc., its officers, directors, employees, utility clients and insurers from all legal liability incurred by the publication of information. We no longer accept pen pal requests. You may submit a pen pal request as a Marketplace ad. Marketplace pricing applies. When submitting a milestone request, please send it at least two months before the milestone. Phone numbers will not be published. Email addresses will be published if part of the ad, but you must include a postal address. Requests also must include the name and address of the electric utility that provides your magazine.
reminisce about our childhood days (mid1960s), spending many lazy summer afternoons playing Canasta. But we can’t remember exactly how we played. Most of my searches end up with a similar game, Hand and Foot, but we feel this isn’t the same as the Canasta we played. Any information would be greatly appreciated. Brenda Birdsall 1035 Kellum St., Apt 3C Fairbanks, AK 99701 bfayebird@gmail.com
Recipes I am looking for a crab- or shrimp-stuffed mushroom appetizer with cream cheese or mozzarella. Thank you for your help. Pearl Watson 15 Farewell Avenue, Apt. 304 Fairbanks, AK 99701
Thanks I cannot thank you enough for the 750+ birthday cards, letters and gifts sent to my mother-in-law, Ellen Madarus. She wondered what she would do for her 90th birthday due to COVID-19 restrictions. The cards and letters kept her—and the postman—busy all month. The love and joy she received from you were beyond her wildest imagination. Ellen had numerous health issues she fought during her life. She just wanted to make it to her 90th birthday.
She accomplished this goal. We laid her to rest mid-December, and she is now with Jesus. I have read all 750+ cards and letters. I could feel the love she received from all of you. Maureen and Dave Madarus Lebanon, Oregon
Thank you to the Ruralite family for sending birthday cards to my Aunt Geneva. She enjoyed reading them all, and was amazed at receiving so many cards. She had a wonderful 93rd-year celebration. Brenda Burgess Susanville, California
Thank you to everyone who so generously sent leather scraps, notes and Bible verses to bless my day. I have an adequate supply. Pam Keeton Sisters, Oregon
We want to thank those who responded to our ad for advice/books/activities, etc., for our homeschool this year. We’ve had so many responses and gifts sent to us. We are so thankful and feel blessed. I wanted to send personal thank-you cards, but have had months of sickness in our home, and was unable to do so. Please know we truly are thankful. The Mills family Sandpoint, Idaho
SEPTEMBER 2022
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ADVENTURE AWAITS
See boiling water erupt at Nevada’s
Fly Geyser ADOBE STOCK PHOTO BY HARALD
Oops, I Did It Again They Are Old
What Is It? Sprouting 6 feet out of Nevada’s Hualapai Geothermal Flats, the kaleidoscopic Fly Geyser sprays hot water due to of drilling 60 years ago. 20
S E P T E M B E R 2022
More than a century ago, settlers drilled a well, hoping for water that would let them farm the flats. They found water hotter than 200 F, unusable for farming. This well became the Wizard, one of three geysers on site. Due to the emergence of Fly Geyser decades later, the Wizard has less water pressure and is much less active.
In 1964, a geothermal energy company hoped to use the flats’ hot water to generate energy, but the water wasn’t hot enough. However, the seal on their well did not hold, creating the new Fly Geyser. Over the years, minerals from the water have built up, making the geyser’s shape. Minerals and algae in the water give the geyser its green and red colors.
How Do Geysers Work? Geysers are similar to a teapot on a stove. Water underneath the Earth’s surface gets heated by magma. As the water heats up and begins to boil, it converts to steam. When there is an opening for the steam to escape, it rushes upward and erupts into the air until either all the water has escaped or the temperature drops below boiling.
More Information Fly Geyser is on private land in northwestern Nevada owned by Burning Man Project. Tours typically are available from March through October, depending on staffing. Tickets are $40 for adults, and free for kids younger than 12. For more information, visit blackrockdesert. org/fly-geyser.
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THE GREAT PICTURE HUNT
Swinging for a Home Run
“I came dangerously close to making a good picture,” I often lament after shooting all day. Much like the batter who sees a good pitch and just misses it, when I see something visually interesting my heart races and I grab my camera. But the reality is I miss capturing the moment far more times than I am able to record what I saw and felt. For me, photography has always been a lot like baseball—a tough game where there are far more misses and near misses than home runs. Baseball is a game where you can fail seven out of 10 times and still make a lot of money as a .300 hitter. I wish my average of success was that high. Let’s say I average 300 frames a day—a conservative number, since days with sporting events I easily shoot 1,000 frames. Since I shoot almost every day, the math reveals I shoot more than 100,000 images yearly. In a good year, I make 10 pictures I like or feel are successes. Admittedly, my standards are higher than most. That makes my average about 1%, especially if we are talking home runs. I live in a world of “almosts.” Therein lies both the frustration and the joy of journalistic photography: the challenge of the hunt. If I make 10 pictures a year I like out of thousands, I am satisfied I played well. n
Dave LaBelle has captured special moments for more than half a century. He has shared photo tips and life perspectives with readers since 2009. For more of his writings, visit davidlabelle.com and bridgesandangels.wordpress.com.
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Nikon D800 180mm lens ISO 200 f/3.5 at 1/500 Every now and then, planning, luck, the environment, subjects, the right lens, shutter speed and aperature align and I make a photograph I truly like. This is one of those—a home run. The man fishing from a wheelchair—even the forming waterspout high in the sky—add to the overall mood of the photo.
Take the Reader Challenge This month, see if you can make one photograph—capture one special moment—you feel is a home run. Recognize this is different for each of us. It might be the perfect sunrise or sunset, action sports or flower photo that meets your expectations. Ultimately, it isn’t about how others feel about your photo, but how it pleases you. Email your best image (just one, please) with caption information, including an explanation of how it affects you, to GPH@pur.coop. We may share submissions on our website and social media channels.
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Field Dress For Success
The hunt for the perfect outdoorsman knife is over. There’s only one tool you need: the Whitetail™ Hunting Knife—now ONLY $49!
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he consummate outdoorsman never goes on deep woods hunting trips without the essentials. Not just the basics for every hunting trip, but the items he’s come to depend on over the years. Our new Whitetail™ Hunting Knife will quickly become your go-to blade for every expedition. The Whitetail™ is a premium fixed-blade hunting knife that’s perfect for skinning. With the Whitetail at hand, you’ll be ready for field dressing in only seconds, and you’ll never need a separate gut hook tool ever again. The Whitetail™ boasts a mighty 420 high carbon, full tang stainless steel blade, meaning the blade doesn’t stop at the handle, it runs the full length of the knife. According to Gear Patrol, a full tang blade is key, saying “A full tang lends structural strength to the knife, allowing for better leverage ...think one long steel beam versus two.” The comfortable handle is made from pakkawood—moisture-resistant and more durable than hardwood. If hunting is your life, then the Whitetail™ Knife was designed to make your life easier. With our limited edition Whitetail™ Hunting Knife you’re getting the best in 21st-century construction with a classic look inspired by legendary American pioneers. What you won’t get is the trumped up price BONUS! Call today and tag. We know a thing or two about the hunt–– like how to seek out and you’ll also receive this capture an outstanding, collector’s-quality knife that won’t cut into your heavy duty sheath! bank account. This knife can be yours to use out in the field or to display as the art piece it EXCLUSIVE truly is. But don’t wait. A knife of this caliber typically cost hundreds. Priced at an amazing $49, we can’t guarantee this knife will stick around for long. So call today! Stauer® 8x21 Compact Your satisfaction is 100% What customers are saying Binoculars guaranteed. Feel the knife in about Stauer knives... -a $99 valueyour hands, wear it on your hip, with purchase of inspect the craftsmanship. If you Whitetail™ Hunting “Good value. Great looking. don’t feel like we cut you a fair deal, Knife send it back within 30 days for a Sufficiently sharp. Overall complete refund of the item sale price. an “A” purchase and But we believe that once you wrap I ordered three.” your fingers around the Whitetail’s — B. of Maryland handle, you’ll be ready to carve your own niche into the wild frontier. Whitetail™ Hunting Knife $79*
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Speed, Reliability and Service
Learn about the fiber-optic network difference
What are the advantages of MEC’s & TWN’s 100% fiber-optic network over telephone, cable, and other providers? Three main differences: Speed. Reliability. Service. Speed With telephone and coaxial cables, speeds are significantly impacted by the limitations of the wires. There is significant loss over long spans. This negatively affects your upload and download speeds. Other providers offer asymmetrical speeds. For example, you may have 10 Mbps download speeds, but only 1 Mbps upload speeds. TWN provides symmetrical speeds. With fiber optics, the speeds are virtually unlimited. There is a minute amount of loss over many, many miles. Due to the limitations of copper cables, most providers say they provide “up to” speeds. At TWN, there is no such thing as “up to” speeds. If you want 100 Mbps, that’s what you get…both upload and download. This is of particular interest for gamers and those transmitting high amounts of data, such as video, pictures, etc. Reliability Cable and telephone wiring (twisted pair) are made of copper cables. In the extreme heat of the Arizona desert, metal, as well as the casing on the telephone and coaxial cables, heat up and sag. This causes lag, slower speeds, and sometimes no connection at all. TWN’s fiber-optic cable is made of glass and is resistant to the Arizona weather.
ADOBE STOCK PHOTO BY TIJANA
Service TWN prides itself on offering up to 99.999% network reliability. However, on occasions where there is a service issue, know that TWN has a local presence. With a storefront and call center conveniently located in Bullhead City, TWN has technicians ready to assist. Fiber to the Home (FTTH) A lot of providers are touting FTTH, but TWN is different. When other providers bring fiber-optic cable to your house, they often stop at the demarcation point and change over to interior cabling, whether that be coaxial or twisted pair. This is the equivalent of bringing a fire hose to your house and then coupling it with a garden hose. There is too much data for this connection to handle. Conversely, TWN brings fiber all the way to your hub, allowing for top speeds the entire way. Additionally, FTTH allows TWN to provide unlimited data and TWN will never do a bait and switch. What you ask for is what you get. n TWN is currently available to over 5,000 MEC members. Contact TWN today at twncomm. com/Mohave or call 888-227-2095 to pre-register. SEPTEMBER 2022
25
MARKETPLACE Agriculture
Reinforced custom-sized pond liners (35 cents/sqft). Hay covers, greenhouse covers, any width & length. Truck tarps & more. High puncture & tear strength. Best price guaranteed. Celebrating 41 years in business. www.btlliners.com; 541-447-0712. 0423 Antiques and Collectibles Looking for artwork by artist Robert Marble. Cartoons of animals. Please call 509-366-5544. 0922 Books, Magazines, Videos Book restoration. Bibles, cookbooks, cherished family heirlooms. Beautiful work. We give renewed life, more durable than original, to last for generations. 775-537-7066; salacanstudio@gmail.com. 0922AR Business Opportunities Great business opportunity. Tygh Valley General Store for sale by owners. Inquire at 541-483-2324. 0922 Dog grooming business for sale. Located in beautiful Brookings, OR. Excellent clientele; be as busy as you want. Room to grow. 541-469-2348. 1022 40-year marine sales & service business. Interior AK. Ideal boating location; large inventory, Butler building on 2 acres, wellnow@live.com, 907-888-7087. 0922 Feeling the pinch of higher gas and groceries? Our online shopping club can save you money and gas. Also get paid for shopping. www.familyandanimalwellness.com or text 208-400-0013. 0922AR Equipment/Tools New portable fire pump and hose accessories. 9hp B&S engine. 30 gpm, 350’ lift, 150+PSI. Also use for tank filling, dust control, spraying, irrigation. La Pine, OR. 541-598-4083. 0922 Miscellaneous
Quick, Affordable: How to Place an Ad
Ads 25 words or fewer are $35 a month. An extended ad of up to 35 words is $50 a month. Contact information is included in the word count. Longer ads may be placed. Contact 503-357-2105 or info@pioneer.coop for pricing information. Ads are for customers of member co-ops, PUDs and municipals only. Subscribers and nonmembers may inquire about pricing at 503-357-2105 or info@pioneer.coop. Ads must be direct and in first person, and are subject to approval and editing. Closing deadlines (in our office): November issue—September 30, 2022. If submitting ad by mail, send appropriate payment with your name, address, email, phone number and the name of the electric utility that provides your magazine to: Marketplace, P.O. Box 1306, North Plains, OR 97133. Make check or money order payable to Ruralite. We accept credit card payments for ads submitted by email. Send ad to info@pioneer.coop.
Call 503-357-2105 to pay by credit card. Advertisements are accepted in good faith. Pioneer Utility Resources is not liable for interactions between buyers and sellers.
For sale: generator, manure spreader, rototiller, clocks, miscellaneous clock repair parts, Heisey glass, silverplate coffee service, livestock tank, wood lathe. 541-929-3543. 0922 Pets, Supplies Scottish terrier puppies for sale. Due end of July. $1,000, interested parties only, call in advance. 971-241-0411. Sutherlin, OR. 0922 Stud service for mini Australian shepherd. Photos available. Crescent Lake, OR. Liz Sanders, 360-901-1291. 1022 AKC registered Airedales. Fort Sage Kennels, Patricia Sharp, P.O. Box 246, Doyle, CA 96109; 530-827-2271. 0323
Explore Indigenous beadwork at Art Center East, La Grande, OR. Pamela Pascali and Wendy Anderson, teachers. October 8 & 9, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. artcentereast.org. 0922
AKC lab puppies for sale. Black and chocolate, 8 weeks old. Dew claws removed & first vaccinations given. Please call 541-810-8463. 0922
High Desert Quilt Show. Saturday, September 17, 2022. Highland Baptist Church, 3100 SW Highland Ave., Redmond, OR. Admission $2. Quilts for sale, raffle quilts, silent auction and a country store with holiday items. 0922
AK, secluded 1,000 sqft log cabin, 24x24 shop, guest cabin, 5 acres, 660 ft on creek, road access. akremoteliving1316@gmail.com. 0922
Granite cemetery markers at affordable prices. Will ship to most places. Please call Joe at 541-815-8906 for more info, visit www.highdesertmemorials.com or email hdmemorials@bendbroadband.com. 1222
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Real Estate
Let me help you buy or sell ranch, farm & recreation property in Oregon. Fourthgeneration Oregonian, ranch owner. Sold all my listings; ready to list your property. John Gill, johngill@landandwildlife.com or 541-480-9161. Land And Wildlife brokerage. 0922
For sale: Beautiful multilevel 3-bed, 3-bath home on .96 acres adjacent to Rattlesnake National Recreation Area. 2,352 sqft +/-. Missoula, MT. $1,339,000. MLS: 22206519. Contact Kathi Olson, BHHS Montana Properties. 406-544-7359. 0922 For sale: 1.3 +/- acres in Missoula, Montana’s premier business center. Commercial/light industrial development opportunity. Located in Missoula Opportunity Zone and the Missoula Reserve/Scott Street Urban Renewal District. $792,792. MLS: 22208775. Contact Kathi Olson, BHHS Montana Properties. 406-544-7359. 0922 Old Mill Farm store Cottage Grove, OR. Established in 1848, continuous operation. Large clientele. Complete with inventory. Owners will train. Extra city lots on property included $1.3 million. Call me to see: 541-480-0212. James Wardrope Realty. Also horse property in Coos Bay and Umpqua River Valley homes in Elkton area. Don’t leave $$ money $$ on the table. If your property is near a river or lake, we will sell it for more. Premiere Oregon Properties: 30yrs’ experience getting the best price for sellers and buyers.
+11.27 acres with 3,484 sqft house on Umpqua River just west of Elkton on Highway 38. See video by scanning the QR code. James Wardrope Realty. OregonRiverRealty.com; OregonRiverRealtor@gmail.com. 541-480-0212. 0922AR Recreational Rentals Wavecatcher: Oceanfront. Central Oregon coast. $140/night mid-October to mid-May; $175/night mid-May to mid-October (plus cleaning/tax). Three rooms w/double beds/futons. Pets welcome. wavecatcherbeachrentals.com; reservations: 541-740-9953. Closed this November-February. 1122AR Bend country cabin. Very clean & fully furnished cabin on private ranch. Close to recreation areas. Very nice. $95/night. 541-382-3050; bendcountrycabins@gmail.com. 1022
Wanted: 1967-1972 Buick Skylark, GS, Stage 1, GSX. Cars, parts or leads. Or any ’60s or ’70s vehicles. Email billybibbett@hotmail.com. 1122 Wanted: vintage wristwatches, pocket watches, watch collections, watchmakers’ estates, etc. Call 541-760-1050. Please leave a message if I don’t answer. Will travel. Thank you. 0922 Doors for 1928-1929 Ford Model A pickup or truck. Pickup box for same. Flat-o-matic for flathead motor. Allen Piquet, 541-571-4506, piquetat@charter.net. 1022 Old carpenter tools, planes (wood/metal), levels, chisels, slicks, adzes, axes, hatchets, handsaws, old rulers, spoke shaves, wrenches, shipwright tools, old tool chests. 503-659-0009 or 971-666-0659. 0922 Wanted: muscle cars ’66 to ’70 Camaros, Chevelles, etc. Running or not, project cars. Please contact Brian, 203-496-6297. Will handle all shipping. brtservicesllc@gmail.com. 1122
Situations Wanted
Cash paid for old gas station and oil company signs, pumps, globes, metal oil cans. Good condition. Discreet cash settlement. Clifton Jones, collector. 512-413-4459. 1122
America’s Original
Field & Brush Mower • Mow field
Gold, silver, coins/currency, buy, sell. Collections wanted. Fair prices paid. 42yrs in retail store. Baker City, OR. 800-556-2133; garrymclin@aol.com. Will travel. 1022
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Buy, sell, repair rock saws and everything lapidary. Buying old rock and gem books & catalogs. CigarBoxRock.com. 541-280-5574; cbr@bendnet.com. Bend, OR. 0922 Buying old Navajo blankets, rugs & old jewelry, old beadwork & baskets, etc. Also, signed paintings of the American West & abstract artists. One piece or collections. ’60s muscle convertible or ? photos. 760-409-3117, amer.ind.baskets@gmail.com. 0922
BY MAIL: Send payment and number of cookbooks wanted, along with your name and address, to Ruralite Cookbooks, P.O. Box 1306, North Plains, OR 97133.
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Want to Buy
I buy estates, collections or single pieces; bamboo rods by Powell Payne, Leonard, Wilson, Creels by McMonies, Lawrence, Frisbie. Glass-eyed wood lures. Reels by vomHofe, Talbot, Bogdan, Pflueger. Any old fishing tackle. 541-937-3458. 0922
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Seeking a comfy parking space for us & our unique tiny house. We love community, nature, music & animals. Oregon Coast or nearby preferred. Ruby & Ted, thehomehealer7@gmail.com. Will send bio & photos. 360-513-2221. 0922. Looking for muscle car, prefer manual transmission, but open. Camaro ’67-’70, Chev. (409) ’61-’62, Chevelle ’65-’70, Nova ’66-’67, Plymouth/Dodge/Cuda (383/440) ’65-’70, Mustang ’65-’70, Pontiac GTO ’64-’66. Want finished car. No projects. Willing to pay for excellent car. Joe, 503-799-3835. 1022
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SEPTEMBER 2022
27
Supporting the Member Cooperatives We Serve Arizona Generation and Transmission Cooperatives gives back to member communities By J.D. Wallace
Benson Mayor and AzGT Machinist Mechanic Joe Konrad, left, presents J.D. Wallace, AzGT communications, social media and marketing administrator, with a plaque recognizing the cooperative’s support for the Benson Fourth of July Parade for almost two decades. PHOTO BY DANA COLE, HERALD/REVIEW
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S E P T E M B E R 2022
Not unlike many cities and towns that have a Main Street, the parade game is strong in Benson. Preparation for the Fourth of July is continuous, with a call for parade entries early in the year. During the parade, music and announcements about the variety of entries require a sound system with electricity and amplifiers, as well as a well-trained crew to set up, operate and disassemble the equipment. By providing for that need, Arizona Generation and Transmission
Cooperatives, which is headquartered in Benson, supports the tradition for the city and its citizens, who are members of Sulphur Springs Valley Electric Cooperative—a member distribution cooperative. “Arizona G&T Cooperatives has been a big supporter of the parade for 18 years, including donating the audiovisual services for the city of Benson,” said Brad Hamilton, a city engineer and director of city works, at the Benson City Council meeting on Monday, July 11. The support has ranged from recently donating funds to hire a local DJ to
ARIZONA G&T COOPERATIVES
Supporting Member Cooperatives
ABOVE: The AzGT audiovisual team has provided its services for a wide variety of events, including the Benson Butterfield Rodeo. The team’s members are, from left: Andrew Schildberg; Jay Strickling, graphic services prepress and AV specialist; and James Bujarski, graphic services manager. OPPOSITE PAGE: In addition to assisting in the production of these events, AzGT employees also participate, including the entry of the Phoenix 150 truck with a variety of employees and their family members who rode in the Fourth of July Parade. PHOTOS BY J.D. WALLACE
provide the service, to many previous years when the cooperative’s audiovisual team would do all of the work and provide the equipment. In those days, Jay Strickling, graphic services prepress and AV specialist, and James Bujarski, graphic services manager, would arrive hours before the parade’s start, set up speakers along the main part of the parade where the judges sat, operate the system for the duration of the parade, then disassemble the equipment after the parade. It was 20 to 22 hours of labor. During the meeting, Joe Konrad— mayor of Benson and machinist mechanic for Arizona G&T Cooperatives— presented a plaque to J.D. Wallace— communications, social media and marketing administrator for Arizona G&T Cooperatives—to acknowledge the G&T’s support.
The audiovisual team has provided support for other events, such as the Butterfield Rodeo Parade in the fall. Benson is not the only community supported by Arizona G&T Cooperatives. Six member cooperatives span the state into California to the west and New Mexico to the east. The G&T supports hallmark events or outreach efforts by all member cooperatives that serve the area. These efforts are one way the G&T seeks to give back to the same people who have depended on and supported their electric cooperatives. “Arizona G&T Cooperatives appreciates Benson and appreciates all the support this community has given for the 60 years that we have been here,” J.D. says. “We wouldn’t be able to have a successful headquarters without this city and its support.” n
Arizona Generation and Transmission Cooperatives provides year-round community support to its member co-ops in Arizona and California. Here are a few examples: Anza Electric Cooperative, Anza, California X Funding for advertising in local newspapers. X Annual meeting audiovisual support. Duncan Valley Electric Cooperative, Duncan, Arizona X Funding for Javelina Chase bicycle event. X Annual meeting audiovisual support. Graham County Electric Cooperative, Pima, Arizona X Funding for the Safford Lions Club Foundation at its annual Chihuahua races and salsa fest. X Annual meeting audiovisual support. Mohave Electric Cooperative, Bullhead City, Arizona X Video support to promote new broadband service to entire cooperative service territory. X Annual meeting audiovisual support. Sulphur Springs Valley Electric Cooperative, Sierra Vista, Arizona X Video presentations of youth programs to promote in classrooms across the county. X Annual meeting audiovisual support. Trico Electric Cooperative, Marana, Arizona X Sponsorship of Ronald McDonald House Charities of Southern Arizona in the El Tour de Tucson bicycle race. X Annual meeting audiovisual support.
SEPTEMBER 2022
29
BEFORE YOU GO
A Thank You Worth Every Penny This was the playful title of the handwritten note from 11-year-old Adam: “Thanking You Makes Sense! ‘Cents’”
The grandson of Oregon reader Nancy Welfelt is a kid after our own heart. Adam, we love your pun and thoughtful thank-you note. Well done! Both grandma and grandson were “AMAZED, Thankful, Appreciative” to readers who answered Nancy’s Reader Exchange request to help Adam with his penny collecting. Nancy got him started at age 10 with a couple of cans full, and the rest is history. Adam, who lives in Arizona, learned why Abraham Lincoln was first put on a penny in 1909—initiated by President Teddy Roosevelt to celebrate the 100th anniversary of his birth—and why 1943 pennies are gray. He was hungry to learn even more. Grandma Nancy asked readers for facts or pennies to give Adam to feed his passion. The inspiring response—so typical of those who read these pages—included a “good luck” penny one reader’s father gave her 65 years ago, a collection from another
Adam Martinez was overwhelmed by responses for his Reader Exchange request for pennies. PHOTO COURTESY OF NANCY WELFELT
reader begun decades earlier and unfinished collection folders. Yes, Adam learned about pennies, but also about the thoughtfulness of readers. Nancy, who wrote her own thank-you note in Reader Exchange, channeled her grandson with these closing words: “As Adam would say: ‘It only makes CENTS to thank you all.’ ” n
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AZ-146 Postmaster: Send address changes to Currents, 5625 NE Elam Young Pkwy. Ste. 100, Hillsboro, OR 97124 P.O. Box 22530 Bullhead City, AZ 86439 Member Services: 928-763-1100 Outage Reporting: Toll free 844-632-2667 or text “outage” to 55050 from the phone number linked to your MEC account. mohaveelectric.com
Mohave Electric Cooperative Board of Directors President Joe Anderson Vice President Deborah Johnson Secretary Toni Barbaro Treasurer Rich Tempelman Michael Bartelt Cindy Christy John Nelssen Kevin Nestrick Jose “Joe” Solar
CEO
Tyler Carlson
A Message from the CEO
Lots to Talk About Communicating with our members is one of the most important things I do. And right now, there’s lots to talk about. In our last Currents magazine, I shared with you challenges we are facing with availability and cost of energy. Members received a letter from me about these “out of our control” factors. So far, our proactive steps have helped us avoid curtailment actions, along with your help in conserving energy. Last month, members received my letter about our rate adjustment application filed with the Arizona Corporation Commission. Most members’ bills will be lower under the proposed new rates. Although we are asking for a $5.56 increase to the residential customer charge, the savings from the energy or kWh rates should lower the overall bill. We held four Town Hall meetings July 26August 1. FAQ’s, and rate case information are available at www.mohaveelectric.com, click the “Rate Case 2022” button on the home page. You can always call Member Service at 928-763-1100. Now about Capital Credits—an advantage of your membership with Mohave Electric Cooperative. The Board of Directors approved a capital credits retirement of $802,440. Checks and bill credits went out in August. Turn to page 4 for more information. Details about this year’s District and Annual Meetings are in the Official Meeting Notice, mailed in August. We have a new feature on our website for members to find out their
membership district. Click “Annual Meeting Details” at the top of the home page, then click “Find My District.” I look forward to seeing you at your District Meeting and at the Annual Tyler Carlson Meeting. This week I received some terrific news that Senator Sonny Borrelli was selected to receive the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association’s (NRECA) 2022 Regional Award for Outstanding Service. In a letter from NRECA CEO Jim Matheson, the award recognizes Borrelli’s outstanding service to electric cooperatives and his work on advocacy, education, and training throughout Arizona. MEC nominated Borrelli and credited him for his sponsorship of AZ SB 1460, legislation that gave Arizona electric cooperatives the ability to participate in broadband programs. Borrelli was also instrumental in supporting AZ SB 1412 which allowed cooperatives to keep their capital credits in the rural areas where they were collected to support their local communities and not be taken away by the State. Thank you, Sonny Borrelli, for looking out for our members, and congratulations on your award!
What’s Happening
h Office Closed for Columbus Day | October 10
h MEC District and Annual Meetings
District 1 | September 12 District 2 | September 13 District 3 | September 14 Annual Meeting | September 15 32
S E P T E M B E R 2022
h Operation Cool Shade Phone & In-person Sales |
August 29—October 7 h Budget Billing applications due | October 31
MEC IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY PROVIDER & EMPLOYER