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Currents MOHAVE ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE

JULY 2022

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Currents Wonders and Adventure Ahead July 2022 • Volume 57, No. 4

ARIZONA’S GENERATION AND TRANSMISSION COOPERATIVES

Magen Howard

DUNCAN VALLEY ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE

Steven Lunt

ELECTRICAL DISTRICT NO. 2

Roselyn Bever

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EDITORIAL DIRECTOR

Mike Teegarden EDITOR

Victoria Hampton Currents (USPS 030-520) is published bimonthly for members for $1.73 a year, plus postage by Pioneer Utility Resources, 5625 NE Elam Young Pkwy. Ste. 100, Hillsboro, OR 97124—a notfor-profit Oregon cooperative corporation—to serve the communication needs of 53 consumer-owned electric utilities in Oregon, Washington, Alaska, Idaho, Nevada, California, Arizona and Hawaii. Preferred periodical postage paid at Hillsboro, Oregon 97123 and additional mailing offices. © 2022 Pioneer Utility Resources. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited. Postmaster: Send address changes to Currents, 5625 NE Elam Young Pkwy., Ste. 100, Hillsboro, OR 97124. TO CONTACT CURRENTS

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Picture a little boy leaning back to survey the towering residents of the aptly named Giant Forest. A sea of giant sequoias—each dressed in brilliant shades of red—fills his eyes and imagination. Is there another place on earth like this, he wonders?

I was just 6 years old when I experienced that while visiting Sequoia National Park. Five decades later, snapshots of that special family vacation spring back to life, thanks to this month’s feature story on national parks. At a time when many of us are eager to explore the great outdoors again—Hello, family road trip!—writer Cheré Coen offers a practical guide to some of the nation’s most popular national parks. Cheré takes us from Denali to Yellowstone, the Great Smoky Mountains to the Everglades and beyond. Each national park description includes information on cost, camping options and what not to miss, along with a weblink for further exploration. Are you ready to make memories of a lifetime with your loved ones? If you do plan to explore our nation’s natural wonders, be sure to check out this issue’s Before You Go on page 30. We tap the insights of several seasoned road warriors from our staff, including our recently retired publishing administrator, Linda Wiseman. Linda and her husband, Randy, just completed

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Sherri Stafford

a 28-day road trip of their dreams, exploring Route 66. Linda and others offer helpful tips and lessons of the road to make your travels easier. The mountains and more are calling. Explore the natural wonders with your own adventure. Leon Espinoza Senior Vice President of Content

Designed to Learn

Delivery Issues: Utility members should contact the local utility office listed on the back cover. Nonmembers should contact Pioneer Utility Resources at mailingdept@pur.coop.

Washington museum brings the science of art to the classroom The Learning Curve, Page 10

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National Parks Offer Outdoor Treasures

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Travel virtually from coast to coast to see popular destinations, and dream about your own visit Spotlight, Page 12

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I was one of the first customers to get the fiber optic cable internet service to my home in Bullhead City. I couldn’t be happier with the immediate improvement and speed of my service! This geographical area in particular could benefit from TWN/MEC fiber internet services. I am a very happy customer and highly recommend them! FORREST TAYLOR TWN CUSTOMER

Fast, Reliable, Fiber Broadband Internet

5,000 MEC Members have access to Broadband Service After a year and a half of construction, Mohave Electric Cooperative (MEC) and TWN Communications are pleased to announce approximately 5,000 members are available to take service in the following areas with more and more members connecting every day!

Several neighborhoods and businesses are using TWN’s fast, broadband services with unlimited data starting in Old Bullhead headed south past Ramar Road and southeast along Silver Creek Road and Bullhead Parkway.

Here’s my thanks and appreciation of TWN for providing the best internet service. I’m fortunate to have TWN access from the EBB program, and TWN made it so easy to coordinate that program with their service. I highly recommend TWN for anyone, especially for those that are eligible for EBB!! SHIRLEY LAMBE TWN CUSTOMER

I think the whole community wants to thank Mohave Electric for seeing that there was a need, seeing that there was a problem, coming up with a solution, and delivering the solution. And for that the entire community owes them. JON CONNAUGHTY MOHAVE SHRINE CLUB TREASURER PAPA JOHN’S OWNER

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Signing up for Service: Step 1: Pre-Register Whether your neighborhood can already take service or not, everyone must pre-register to start the process. Visit Twncomm.com/Mohave to pre-register today. Step 2: Schedule Installation Once pre-registered, TWN will call you to schedule your installation, or members can call TWN directly to schedule installation. Members who need assistance pre-registering or scheduling installation can visit TWN’s storefront at 2020 Silver Creek Road, Suite 113D in Bullhead City. Step 3: Equipment Installed TWN technicians will come install the latest and greatest fiber equipment at your home or business and then you’re all set to select your service plan. Step 4: Sign Up for Service Pick the best service that meets your families’ or business’ needs. Contact Us Join your fellow MEC members today by pre-registering for fast, reliable, unlimited data, fiber broadband services! • Call TWN at 888-227-2095 to pre-register • Visit twncomm.com/Mohave • Call MEC at 928-763-1100 • Email MEC at broadband@mohaveelectric.com.

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Growing Future Leaders Utility programs cater to young people By Chasity Anderson Locally owned public utilities are an intricate part of the communities they serve. But being a good neighbor means more than providing a service. It requires a commitment to local communities. Nowhere is this more prominent than in the support of youth programs that inspire, educate and offer life-affirming experiences. Since the youth of today are the leaders of tomorrow, utilities invest time, energy and money in programs aimed at young people. As legendary American football coach Vince Lombardi once said, “Leaders aren’t born; they are made.” Youth education and leadership opportunities allow young people to grow and be active in their communities— steadily gaining the skills needed to

become the leaders of tomorrow. Virtually every utility has a program geared toward youth. Below are examples of how some are investing in the future.

Education One of the most common services utilities provide is electrical safety demonstrations, which often are done in school classrooms or during assemblies. While these safety presentations are meant to be fun, the message is simple: Electricity can be deadly. Gulf Coast Electric Cooperative in Wewahitchka, Florida, uses its live line safety demonstration trailer—which GCEC employees built—to teach audiences of all ages about the dangers of electricity and how to be safe. Students also learn how an electric meter records electrical use, and get an introduction to the career and safety equipment of a lineworker. Umatilla Electric Cooperative in Hermiston, Oregon, coordinates a

fun-filled, innovative summer science camp program for students who have just completed fourth and fifth grades. Hydromania focuses on science, water, the environment and energy. The day camp includes hands-on experiments, activities, field trips and interaction with other students, making it an unforgettable experience. Leadership Development The Idaho Consumer-Owned Utilities Association’s Annual Youth Rally—held on the College of Idaho campus in Caldwell— is a scholarship competition and student leadership conference rolled into one unforgettable week. Delegates from Alaska, Idaho, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, Washington and Wyoming participate in a variety of educational activities and classes to build skills in leadership, teamwork, perseverance and self-confidence. “I think kids need to hear a lot of

Youth Rally participants gaze up toward the dome of the Idaho State Capitol during a tour of the building. PHOTO COURTESY OF JEFF MARSHALL

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PLUGGED IN different perspectives about what leadership means,” says Jeff Marshall, director of member relations for Clearwater Power in Lewiston, Idaho, and chair of the statewide committee that organizes the event. “One of the biggest misconceptions I see is that kids assume the leader is the boss. A leader is so much more than a title. If you have to tell someone you’re the leader, you aren’t a leader. “Our event fills a niche that other events can’t quite fill because they have their own agenda. This isn’t a career camp. We want the kids to understand their importance in their community and their potential. They get from us an honest, delegate-focused view of what leadership can be, and we hope they are inspired to explore that.” Students have a chance to learn more about government, drug and alcohol awareness, and the energy industry. For Idaho and Alaska attendees, the event also serves as the competition for becoming a Washington, D.C., Youth Tour delegate the following summer. The National Rural Electric Cooperative Association coordinates the Youth Tour to the nation’s capital each year. The all-expense-paid trips—sponsored by consumer-owned utilities across the country—include educational seminars, information about cooperatives, teambuilding activities, sightseeing, and plenty of time for fun and making friends. This year, more than 1,000 students attended the nearly weeklong event from 28 states after a two-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic. States staggered travel dates between June 14 and 24. In 2019, nearly 2,000 students traveled to Washington, D.C., from 43 states. Students return home eager to share what they learned with the community, becoming goodwill ambassadors for the utility. Scholarships Many utilities distribute thousands of dollars in scholarships every year for members or customers and their children to pursue college degrees or vocational training. Mohave Electric Cooperative in Bullhead City, Arizona, announced a new scholarship program this year funded by assigned capital credits, awarding two

Gulf Coast Electric Cooperative’s Taylor Hammock produces an electrical arc during a safety trailer demonstration at Southport Elementary School’s Celebration of Learning Day. PHOTO COURTESY GULF COAST ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE

students $5,000. This annual scholarship is in addition to the thousands of dollars provided to Mohave Community College each year for student scholarships. “Education, Training and Information are part of the Seven Cooperative Principles upheld by MEC to support the future of even the youngest of our members, if and when we can,” Chief Financial Officer Ardie Lauxman says. In Wauchula, Florida, Peace River Electric Cooperative’s Operation Round Up charitable foundation grants college scholarships to several students each year—high school seniors and college students. Since 2006, PRECO has provided more than $1.1 million in scholarships to 234 students. Internships/Work-Study Even with good education and training, breaking into the workforce can be a challenge. Tillamook People’s Utility District in Tillamook, Oregon, has supported local youth through the College Work Program and Electrical Lineworker Program Scholarship, instilling confidence and supporting them in their career aspirations. Developed in 1965, the College Work Program provides employment during breaks for local students pursuing college

or career technical training after high school. Students have a job with the PUD for the duration of their school years. Since its inception, 62 students have participated in the College Work Program. In 2021, Tillamook PUD added the Electrical Lineworker Program Scholarship. It was developed to encourage and support young adults looking toward careers as electrical lineworkers. Tillamook PUD offers two $10,000 scholarships. Big Bend Electric Cooperative in Ritzville, Washington, offers job shadowing to any area high school student interested in a career available at the cooperative: lineworker, accounting, engineering or member services. “We believe the job-shadowing program is an important element to offer area students because it provides an opportunity to show them career possibilities in their hometown that they may not have realized were available,” says Manager of Member Services Kelly Haugh. “For instance, job shadowing our lineworkers gives kids an up-close view of a career they might not have even known existed. For those wanting to stick close to home after graduation, it shows them career opportunities that can be rewarding and lucrative even in a small-town environment.” J U LY 2 0 2 2

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2022 Mohave Electric Scholarship Winners MEC gives local students $5,000 with new scholarship program Mohave Electric Cooperative (MEC) is proud to announce two student winners for MEC’s brand new 2022 Scholarship Program. Thanks to MEC’s executive leadership, students in MEC’s service territory attending a higher education institution this fall semester were eligible to apply for assistance up to $5,000. Applications were received on April 30, 2022, and a panel of judges selected two student winners. River Valley High School graduate, Ryan Beams, received a $3,750 scholarship as he enters his freshman year as an Accounting major at the University of Jamestown in North Dakota. Additionally, Martha Valle Herrera, a full-time employee of Tristate Pain Institute, received a $1,250 scholarship for her upcoming studies at the Charles of Italy Beauty School. CEO Tyler Carlson envisioned a supplementary, MECawarded scholarship, and CFO Ardie Lauxman put into action an assigned capital credits account to create such a program. This annual scholarship is in addition to the thousands of dollars

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Students in the MEC service territory can now receive help with the expenses of higher education. Martha Valle Herrera and Ryan Beams are the two student winners of MEC’s new scholarship program. PHOTOS BY JOHN PYNAKKER AND ROB FREDERICK/MEC

provided to Mohave Community College (MCC) to award student scholarships. “MEC is pleased with these two student applicants as they further their educational goals and who took the time to complete the application for MEC’s new scholarship,” said Tyler Carlson, CEO of MEC. CFO Ardie Lauxman added, “Education, Training, and Information are part of the 7 Cooperative Principles upheld by MEC to support the future of even the youngest of our members, if and when we can. We look forward to next year’s applicants!” n

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Museum brings the science of art to the classroom By Lori Russell

The lessons began with glow sticks, straws, balloons and Life Savers. They ended with a dance party and a car race across the school gym. In between, the fourth and fifth graders in Tracy Fowler’s class at Rainier Elementary School in Lakewood, Washington, learned about energy and heat transfer, writing and testing hypotheses, chemical reactions, and engineering and design. Thanks to the Science of Art program at the Museum of Glass in Tacoma, Washington, students in kindergarten through middle school and their teachers have been experiencing new and fun ways to learn about science and art since 2002. Based on Next Generation Science Standards and Washington State Arts Standards, five teaching units cover scientific principles and creative processes while encouragThe Museum of Glass’s Science of Art ing critical curriculum focuses on hands-on learning for students in kindergarten through eighth grade. PHOTO COURTESY OF MUSEUM OF GLASS

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On your mark, get set, go! Fourth and fifth graders at Rainier Elementary School test their car designs in the school gym. PHOTO BY TRACY FOWLER

thinking, teamwork and problem-solving. For more than a decade, Tracy and her classes have participated in the museum’s on-site program, which includes classroom visits from an art educator and a field trip to the Museum of Glass, where students tour the Hot Shop as artists demonstrate glass blowing and casting. When the pandemic hit, the museum closed to the public for a year. During the shutdown, the staff redesigned the curriculum and added a virtual option for those who cannot attend in person due to distance or other barriers. This year, Tracy and her class signed

up for “A New Ton of Energy.” “It’s a wonderful program whether you do it virtually or in person,” she says. “The kids love it.” The Virtual Science of Art program includes lesson plans for teachers and the same opportunities for activities and experiments as the on-site program. It also includes links to videos featuring the museum’s art educator, interviews with artists and the Hot Shop. Each unit costs $75 for a class of 30 students. Schools in the Tacoma area can also purchase a Creativity Trunk with all the supplies needed for the experiments and demonstrations for $100 and have it shipped. Teachers can also obtain the list of household supplies to buy themselves. Rainier Elementary School students learned how chemical reactions create different colors in glow sticks and then fashioned the colorful wands into accessories to wear as they danced to “Macarena” and the Taylor Swift hit “Shake it Off.” Energy and heat transfer were the focus as students designed and created balloon-powered cars from straws and cardboard and set them racing off on Life Savers candy wheels.

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.

situation. It allows students who are stronger in one or the other of the subjects to appreciate and learn about Collaboration is key in the Science how the comof Art program at the Museum monalities of the of Glass in Tacoma, Washington. PHOTO COURTESY disciplines make OF MUSEUM OF GLASS our world what it is today.” That sort of excitement, passion, inquiry and initiative is going to be required of the 21st century workforce, she says. “When I think about the sciences, we do see that there are less girls and diversity in the workforce,” Susan says. “I hope that this program encourages those who have not pursued the science fields, for whatever reason—that this program is also a doorway into seeing how exciting it is and how one can be successful if one looks at the sciences through a different lens.” n

AT A GLANCE:

This year, the Museum of Glass has introduced its Junior Curator Academy, which combines social studies with art and focuses on objects and installations at the museum. It includes interviews with artists, museum staff and subject matter experts as they explore the influences, materials and creative processes used in individual works of art. Each episode features hands-on project ideas. The content is aligned with Washington State Learning Standards. For more information about the Science of Art, Junior Curator Academy and the Museum of Glass, go to museumofglass.org.

study the art of science, study the science of art. Learn how to see. Realize that everything connects to everything else. Leonardo DaVinci J U LY 2 0 2 2

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The lesson included calculating the distance and speed the cars traveled. “If their car didn’t go straight, they had to figure out why and make adjustments to their prototype,” Tracy says. “They did it until their balloons burst because they’d blown them up so much. It was a lot of fun.” The educational videos featuring the museum’s Hot Shop also were a hit. “It was a great opportunity for the kids to learn about blowing glass, how they add the colors, the different temperatures they use and to watch them cut pieces of glass,” Tracy says. “All those reactions that were going on when we were in class were also going on in the glass blowing.” The Science of Art curriculum challenges students to think as both artists and scientists. “We believe in the holistic, interdisciplinary experience of teaching,” says Susan Warner, the museum’s curator of education. “We experience the real world through a combination of different disciplines. “For a student to have the experience of art and science together is a natural world

SPOTLIGHT

Outdoor Treasures By Cheré Coen

The National Park Service has preserved and protected 85 million acres of unique American landscape, historic sites and wildlife habitats for public use. There are 423 individual units in 50 states, the District of Columbia and U.S. territories. Here are some of the most popular parks. Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming In 1872, Yellowstone became the world’s first national park. It’s also one of the largest, encompassing more than 2.2 million acres—greater than the combined size of Rhode Island and Delaware. The park is home to more than 500 active geysers—more than half the world’s total—and more than 10,000 hydrothermal features, not to mention a variety of wildlife. “Human history in the region goes back more than 11,000 years,” says Ashton

Hooker, the park’s digital communications specialist. “There are also 27 associated tribes who have historic and modern connections to the lands and resources now found within Yellowstone.” There is so much to enjoy in Yellowstone that its must-see attractions change with the time of year and visitors’ schedules. Some sections of the park are closed from December to March—and recent floods have affected road access. Check the website before going for possible closures. Summer is the busiest time. Ashton recommends visiting early or later in the day to avoid crowds; park entrance gates are open 24 hours. It is also the ideal time to view wildlife, such as bison and elk. “Most people tour the park from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.,” Ashton says. “Wildlife are most active at sunrise and sunset. Arriving before 8 a.m. improves your chances of observing animals during their active periods.” Cost: $20 to $35. Camping: The park offers campgrounds, lodges, cabins and backcountry camping. The 1904 Old Faithful Inn—one of the world’s largest log-style structures—is a National Historic Landmark. Don’t miss: Old Faithful is a must-see, but the park is home to hundreds of geysers. www.nps.gov/yell/index.htm

Old Faithful draws a crowd at Yellowstone National Park. PHOTO BY CHERÉ COEN

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Acadia National Park, Maine Called the “Crown Jewel of the North Atlantic Coast,” Acadia encompasses nearly 50,000 acres of Mount Desert Island off the coast of Maine. The small but remote national park is within a day’s drive of several East Coast cities. Enjoy historic carriage trails gifted by philanthropist John D. Rockefeller Jr., 125 miles of hiking trails, and shoreline with swimming and paddling opportunities.

Cadillac Mountain offers the highest peak on the Eastern Seaboard, making it the first place to catch the sunrise in the United States for parts of the year. Birders flock to Acadia to witness spring and fall migrations, spotting spring warblers, sea ducks and migrating raptors. John T. Kelly, management assistant at Acadia National Park, recommends acquiring passes ahead of time. That includes vehicle registration for the Cadillac Mountain summit from May through October. About 70% of summit vehicle reservations are filled two days in advance. The free Island Explorer bus system connects hubs throughout the island, allowing visitors to leave their cars behind. Cost: $15 to $30. Camping: Reservations are required online for the three campgrounds within the park. Bed-andbreakfasts, lodges and hotels are on the island. Don’t miss: The west side of the island is known as the quiet side. It is ideal for avoiding crowds. www.nps.gov/acad/index.htm

Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, California Nothing quite compares to gazing up at giant sequoia trees in the twin national parks of Sequoia and Kings Canyon. The world’s largest living trees by volume, some sequoias may be more than 3,000 years old. Approximately 40 groves of giant sequoias are within the boundaries of the two parks northeast of Fresno in the southern Sierra Nevada. It is the only natural place the giant sequoias grow. “More than 800 miles of hiking trails throughout the parks connect tough backpackers to remote and spectacular nature,” says Rebecca Paterson, the park’s public affairs specialist. “The lowest elevation in

Bass Harbor Head Light Station marks the entrance to Bass Harbor and Blue Hill Bay on the southwest corner of Mount Desert Island in Acadia National Park. PHOTO COURTESY OF NATIONAL PARK SERVICE/KENT MILLER

the parks is 1,370 feet and the highest is 14,505 feet—the greatest vertical relief in any national park in the Lower 48 states.” Rebecca recommends heading north into Kings Canyon after enjoying Sequoia for an awe-inspiring drive from Grant Grove to Cedar Grove—a glaciated valley with towering cliffs, tumbling waterfalls and the Kings River. Cost: Weekly passes are $20 per person on foot or bike, and $35 for a single vehicle. Camping: There are several campgrounds, lodges and cabins. Bearpaw High Sierra Camp is 11 miles up the High Sierra Trail and offers cabins for wilderness hikers. Pear Lake Winter Hut is a rustic cabin for wilderness skiers. Don’t miss: General Sherman is the largest tree in the world by volume and is easily accessible. www.nps.gov/seki/index.htm

Denali National Park, Alaska At 20,000-plus feet, the largest mountain in the United States has its own weather system, so clouds routinely cover the peak visitors flock to photograph. Rangers warn that Denali—once known as Mount McKinley—is visible only 30% of the time. There is only one road into the park, with most of that 92-mile stretch available only for narrated park tour buses—which is a good thing, because the road consists of gravel and dirt and many times skirts steep mountainsides.

The guided tours give visitors a chance to learn about the wildlife they see outside their windows: grizzly bears, caribou, moose, Dall sheep, and a host of resident and migratory birds. Hiking opportunities are extensive, both on and off trails. “What makes Denali special is that it is remote yet accessible,” Paul Ollig, the park’s director of interpretation and education, says of the 6-million-acre park. “This is a place where someone who has never hiked off-trail can dip their toe into the unique experience. This is also a place where someone who loves to hike off-trail can backpack for days. The opportunity to hike off-trail is something Denali protects.” For the less adventurous, rangers lead hikes, talks on the park’s history, nature and campground programs, and sled dog demonstrations in the summer. Denali is the only national park with sled dog kennels. Cost: $15. Camping: There are six campgrounds, but no NPS-run lodging. The area around the park offers numerous accommodations. Don’t miss: The Tundra Wilderness Tour is a daylong guided trip with a certified naturalist. www.nps.gov/dena/index.htm

White Sands National Park, New Mexico Gypsum is a widely mined sulfate mineral used in plaster, chalk and other products. White Sands contains the world’s largest

Moose are among the wildlife species likely to be seen during a visit to Denali National Park. PHOTO BY CHERÉ COEN

gypsum dune field at 275 square miles. Combined with the perfect geology, hydrology and climate, it is one of the most amazing destinations on Earth. “Finding gypsum in sand formations is exceedingly rare,” says Kelly Carroll, chief of interpretation at White Sands. The surrounding mountains produce the mineral as crystals—from small pieces to some as large as 2 feet wide. Rainfall brings gypsum to the valley floor, Kelly explains, then wind and other elements erode the mineral into sand, forming massive dunes. “The sunsets here are some of the most spectacular,” Kelly says, encouraging visits J U LY 2 0 2 2

Visitor Thomas Barrett instead recommends Observation Point—a fairly light hike that is 3 miles each way and about 1,000 feet higher than Angel’s Landing. From its pinnacle, hikers can view the entire park, with “one-fourth of the people at Angel’s,” he says.

Sunset begins to wash across the beach-like formations at White Sands. PHOTO COURTESY OF NATIONAL PARK SERVICE

around that time. “The dune turns pastel colors, and the sky is vivid bright colors.” Rangers lead guided tours daily, except for Christmas, and conclude on top of a dune looking west as the sun sets. “It’s otherworldly,” says visitor Thomas Barrett. “It’s like being at a beach without leaving the mountains. You’re completely surrounded by sand with the mountain range on both sides.” The park also contains one of the largest collections of ice age fossilized footprints in the world, although they are in a part of the park closed to the public due to its proximity to White Sands Missile Range. Cost: $25 per vehicle, good for one week. Camping: There are 10 sites in the backcountry. Permits must be obtained the day of camping. Don’t miss: Bring a sled or buy one at the gift shop and slide down the dunes. www.nps.gov/whsa/index.htm

Zion National Park, Utah Hikers flock to Zion for its steep colorful sandstone cliffs, unique canyons, and wild diversity of plants and wildlife. The Virgin River and other streams flowing through Utah’s first national park create dramatic canyons and draw visitors to water attractions such as the Emerald Pools, Cascade Falls and the Zion Narrows wading hike. With a record number of visitors, some trails—including tricky Angel’s Landing— report long delays along its narrow and steep segments. To reduce crowding and address safety concerns, visitors need to pay $6 to enter a lottery for a permit to hike Angel’s Landing. Successful permit holders pay $3 a person. 14

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Cost: Weekly passes range from $20 a person without a car to $35 for a vehicle with a capacity of 15 passengers or fewer. Camping: There are three campgrounds. Make reservations well in advance. They are full during warmer months, and two are closed in winter. Don’t miss: Spring water refilling stations are located along trails, so bring a water bottle. www.nps.gov/zion/index.htm

Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona This jewel of the NPS attracts visitors from around the world to its enormous, majestic canyon created by the winding Colorado River. Its stratum of colorful rock stretches 277 miles long, dipping down thousands of feet and spanning up to 18 miles wide. The South Rim—with its lodges, campgrounds, restaurants and historic attractions—remains open every day of the year. The less visited North Rim—attracting only 10% of all visitors—closes for the winter. “Every season has its own uniqueness,” says Joelle Baird, the park’s public affairs officer. All seasons have breathtaking beauty. Most visitors head to the South Rim, easily accessible from Williams, Arizona, by car or the Grand Canyon Railroad—a heritage train that operates daily for tourists. The North Rim—which is 1,000 feet higher—offers a more serene experience. Cost: $20 without a vehicle; $35 with a vehicle. Camping: The South Rim has several lodges and campgrounds, with one lodge and campground on the North Rim during the summer. Don’t miss: Hike into the canyon or take the South Rim shuttle, which stops along a 14-mile route. www.nps.gov/grca/index.htm

Everglades National Park, Florida This 1.5-million-acre wetlands is comprised of rare and endangered species and the largest contiguous stand of protected mangrove forest in the Western Hemisphere. Spot alligators among the sawgrass, the Florida panther in pine flatwoods and the West Indian manatee floating in slow-moving streams. Because of its biodiversity and unique

Vast canyons make for a dramatic wading hike at Zion Narrows. PHOTO COURTESY OF NATIONAL PARK SERVICE/MARC NEIDIG

attributes, the Everglades has been named a World Heritage Site, an International Biosphere Reserve and a Wetland of International Importance. It is protected under the Cartagena Treaty. The park stretches from west of Miami to the Gulf of Mexico, with three entrances hours apart from each other. Ideal entrances to explore the main park are through Shark Valley in Miami or the main entrance in Homestead. To enjoy the Gulf or get on the water, enter the park in Everglades City.

Layered bands of red rock reveal millions of years of geological history at Grand Canyon National Park. PHOTO COURTESY OF NATIONAL PARK SERVICE

“Shark Valley and the Anhinga Trail (at Royal Palm) are the best locations for wildlife viewing and to see the freshwater Everglades,” says Allyson Gantt, the park’s chief of communications and public affairs. “For a view of the coast and the mangrove estuary, including boat tours and boat rentals, visit Flamingo or Everglades City.” Cost: Weekly passes range from $15 a person on foot or bike to $30 a vehicle. Camping: There are two campgrounds plus backcountry camping. Don’t miss: Winter months, tour the historic Nike Hercules missile site—a Cold War relic. www.nps.gov/ever/index.htm

Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee-North Carolina Great Smoky Mountains National Park is one of the nation’s oldest and most visited national parks, with 12.5 million annual visitors—more than double the nextmost-visited parks. It is celebrated for its diversity of stories, life and experiences, says Dana Soehn, the park’s management assistant for public affairs. “You’ll discover the finest example of the ruggedness and scenic grandeur of the southern Appalachian Mountains, including 16 peaks over 6,000 feet and 70 miles of the Appalachian Trail,” Dana says. “You’ll also be immersed in one of the most biologically diverse areas in the temperate climate with over 20,000 different species of life—including 30 species of salamanders. “The park protects a rich human history, including the stories of people who lived in the mountains over the last 9,000 years, including the Cherokee people and the mountain settlers.” Named for the mist that hovers over the mountains, the park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, filled with five historic districts and nine buildings listed on the National Register of Historic Places. For hiking, Dana recommends the allskills Little River Trail out of Elkmont, the high-elevation Hemphill Bald Trail on Balsam Mountain, Kephart Prong Trail to a backcountry camping shelter and Little Bottoms Trail from Abrams Creek to

Abrams Falls. A favorite autumn self-driving tour is Cades Cove. The 11-mile loop takes visitors by several historic sites, with majestic views of the surrounding mountains. Cost: Free. Camping: The park offers nine front-country campgrounds that can be reserved up to six months in advance. Don’t miss: Clingman’s Dome, the highest point in the Smokies and the third-highest mountain east of the Mississippi, lies within the park. The trail to the mountain’s peak is one of the most visited and offers a full view of the mountains from the peak tower. www.nps.gov/grsm/index.htm

Mist hangs over the Great Smoky Mountains. PHOTO COURTESY OF NATIONAL PARK SERVICE

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IN THE KITCHEN

When Life

GIVES YOU LEMONS

Lemon Chicken Thighs

2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves 1 teaspoon whole fennel seeds Kosher salt Freshly ground black pepper 1⁄3 cup olive oil 1 lemon, sliced

Recipes by Gertrude Treadaway PHOTO BY KATIE WILCOX

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1 yellow onion, sliced 3 garlic cloves, thinly sliced 8 to 10 chicken thighs ½ cup dry white wine Zest and juice of 1 lemon Fresh parsley, finely chopped

Heat oven to 450 F. Place the thyme, fennel seeds, 1 tablespoon salt and 1 teaspoon pepper in a small food processor. Process until ground. Pour the olive oil into a glass measuring cup. Stir in the herb mixture. Set aside. Distribute the lemon slices in a large baking dish. Distribute the onion and garlic on top. Place the chicken thighs, skin side down, on top of the onion. Brush with about half the oil and herb mixture. Turn the chicken thighs skin side up. Pat them dry with paper towels. Brush the chicken with the rest of the oil and herb mixture. Roast the chicken for 20 minutes. Pour the wine into the pan—not on the chicken— and roast for another 15 minutes, or until a meat thermometer registers 155 to 160 degrees. Remove the chicken from the oven, and sprinkle it with the lemon zest and juice. Cover the pan tightly with aluminum foil and allow it to rest for 10 minutes. To finish, sprinkle with salt and parsley. Serve hot with the pan juices, cooked lemon and onion.

Whipped Ricotta Dip

15 ounces whole-milk ricotta 1 teaspoon salt ½ cup roughly chopped fresh basil, plus extra for garnish

¼ cup roughly chopped fresh parsley, plus extra for garnish Juice and zest of one lemon Olive oil Grilled bread

Add the ricotta, salt, basil, parsley, lemon juice and lemon zest to a food processor. Blend until smooth, about 1 to 2 minutes. Spoon dip into a bowl for serving. Garnish with a drizzle of olive oil and additional herbs. Serve with grilled bread.

Dill Roasted Potatoes With Lemon 1½ pounds baby Dutch yellow potatoes 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

1 teaspoon sea salt 2 tablespoons minced fresh dill (or 1 tablespoon dried dill), plus extra to garnish Half a lemon, juiced

Heat oven to 425 F. On a baking sheet lined with foil, toss potatoes with olive oil, pepper, salt and dill. Roast for 15 minutes. Stir. Roast an additional 10 minutes, or until potatoes are crispy on the outside and fork-tender on the inside. Squeeze lemon over potatoes and garnish with additional dill. Serve immediately.

Lemon Poppy Seed Muffins 3 cups all-purpose flour 1 cup sugar 2 tablespoons poppy seeds 1 tablespoon baking powder ½ teaspoon baking soda ½ teaspoon salt 1½ cups plain whole-milk yogurt

2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice 1½ tablespoons lemon zest 2 extra-large eggs 8 tablespoons salted butter, melted and cooled Powdered sugar

Heat oven to 375 F. Grease a 12-cup muffin tin or line with muffin cups. Whisk together flour, sugar, poppy seeds, baking powder, baking soda and salt in a large bowl. In a separate bowl, whisk yogurt, lemon zest and eggs until smooth. Gently fold yogurt mixture into flour mixture until just combined. Fold in melted butter. Do not overmix. Divide batter evenly among prepared muffin cups. Bake until golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, about 20 to 25 minutes. Rotate muffin tin halfway through baking. Remove to a wire rack to cool. Sprinkle with powdered sugar.

Lemon, Garlic and Herb Butter 4 tablespoons butter, room temperature 2 teaspoons finely chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley 2 teaspoons finely chopped fresh thyme 1 teaspoon lemon zest

1 clove garlic, finely chopped ¼ teaspoon fine sea salt Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Combine all ingredients in a small bowl. Beat lightly with a fork. Let stand at room temperature for 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Place on a piece of plastic wrap. Form into a log, twisting the ends to seal. Refrigerate until firm. Slice pats of chilled butter and serve over dishes as desired. Great with steamed or grilled vegetables, baked or mashed potatoes, on chicken before roasting and hot dinner rolls.

Green Beans Almondine 1 pound haricot verts (French green beans), trimmed 2 tablespoons butter ¼ cup raw slivered almonds 2 shallots, finely diced

2 garlic cloves, finely minced Zest of one lemon 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice Kosher salt Freshly ground black pepper

Boil a large pot of water. Season the water liberally with kosher salt. Blanch the green beans for 4 minutes, stirring occasionally, or until they are crisp-tender and slightly undercooked. Meanwhile, in a large skillet, melt the butter over medium-low heat until lightly bubbling. Add the sliced almonds. Sauté, stirring frequently, for 3 minutes or until they start to turn golden brown. Reduce the heat to low. Add the chopped shallots and garlic. Sauté an additional 2 minutes, stirring frequently, until fragrant and lightly caramelized. Using tongs, transfer the blanched green beans from the boiling water directly to the skillet. Sauté briefly, gently tossing the green beans with the almond mixture until evenly combined and the green beans are tender. Add the lemon zest and lemon juice. Toss again. Season to taste with salt and freshly ground pepper. Serve immediately.

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READER EXCHANGE Crafts/Hobbies We are gathering items for Operation Christmas Child for children around the world. If you sew, knit or crochet, we would love to have finger puppets or Barbie clothes to send with the dolls. If you have Barbie dolls, they are welcome. Our goal is to send 500 shoeboxes filled with useful and fun items. Thank you in advance, and thanks for your amazing support in past years. Peggy Hodge 10106 Edgewood Drive Anderson Island, WA 98303 bookwoman1@centurylink.net

I am confined to a wheelchair and no longer able to plant gardens. My son helps me create Levi quilts to bring happiness to family and others. We could use more supplies: color sewing-machine thread, 4-ply yarn, bright cotton flannel and polyester, and bright print sheets for the back. We can use king- or queen-size polyester batts, high or low loft, and Levi’s or scraps. Thank you. Shirley E. Egbert 190 S. Crystal Drive Rupert, ID 83350

I live in a small town, so my resources are limited, but my hobby is making pictures out of buttons and giving them to friends. Please help. I need more buttons. I am happy to reimburse for postage. Thank you. Carolyn/Monte Nesbitt P.O. Box 1490 Trout Creek, MT 59874

I make birdhouses from repurposed wine bottle corks. With boxed wine, screw-top bottles and rubber stoppers, natural cork is hard to come by. Thanks in advance for sending corks my way. Cyllene King 21024 Woodhaven Ave. Bend, OR 97702

I have nine grandaughters who love their Barbies. They also have a few Ken dolls. They are getting tired of Ken in a swimsuit. Please send some patterns for Ken clothes and I will happily reimburse for the shipping. Ken will thank you, too. Jody N. P.O. Box 625 Lyons, OR 97358

Milestones My mother will be 94 years old in July. She loves mail and would love birthday cards. She is a super mom to six children, 19 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren. Please send to Eleene Gorman, The Lodge at White Bear Lake, 3666 E. County Line N. Apt. 236, White Bear Lake, MN 55110. Joanne Sexton Fairbanks, Alaska

My mom will be 85 in July. She would be thrilled to receive birthday cards. Please send to Marylou Sharkey, 3200 Bensalem Blvd., Apt. F102, Bensalem, PA 19020. Linda Mayer North Bend, Washington

My father recently died, and my sisters and I take care of my mother in her 90s. She is artistic, and we would like to do jewel Christmas trees using old costume jewelry: brooches, earrings, necklaces, etc. If you have any to share, it will help us make a lovely group project for the holidays.

My mother-in-law, Dona Clarke, will be 92 in July. She lost her husband of 72 years last June 30 and moved to an assisted living home in December. She would be thrilled to receive birthday cards from near and far. Please send to Dona Clarke, 4610 6th St. Pl SE, Apt. 202, Puyallup, WA 98374.

Carol Ann Dolinsek 2374 Pinercrest Drive Santa Rosa, CA 95403

Mary Clarke Walla Walla, Washington

I am looking for jewelry pieces: vintage, regular, broken, string pearls, chains and charms. I make purse jewelry out of them.

In search of old-time songbooks or folk songbooks for a youth project. Will reimburse postage upon request.

S. McGarry P.O. Box 8 Anatone, WA 99401

Lenora H. P.O. Box 6626 Brookings, OR 97415

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Music

Submitting Requests Is Free Send your request—with no attachments—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. Request also must include the name and address of the electric utility that provides your magazine.

Odds Looking for garden seeds, herbs, flowers, etc.—whatever you don’t want. Outdated is no issue. Send them my way. Tanya Dronoff P.O. Box 270693 Susanville, CA 96127

Looking for any USTTA players in Klickitat County or near Goldendale interested in a game. Send me an email. Mark Naulty 71 Dancing Mountain Road Goldendale, WA 98620 mnault@frontier.com

d a e h

e v r u C e h t f o

Not shown actual size.

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ADVENTURE AWAITS

See some of Earth’s oldest living trees in

Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest ADOBE STOCK PHOTO BY PIXELVIEW.MEDIA

They Are Old

What Is It? Find some of the world’s oldest trees in the High Sierras of California and Nevada. Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest outside Bishop, California, is home to trees approaching 5,000 years old. 20

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Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest is part of Inyo National Forest. Studies show that one of the trees—known as the Methuselah tree— germinated in 2833 BC, making it more than 4,800 years old. Visitors can see the grove where the Methuselah tree grows by taking the Methuselah trail, a 4.5-mile hike starting at Schulman Grove. To help protect it, the tree’s identity is kept secret and is not marked.

How Are They So Old? Bristlecone pines are some of the oldest non-clonal organisms on Earth. That means they do not replicate as exact copies of a single parent. They are able to live so long in part because they are extremely dense, which helps protect them from insects, fungi and rot. Each section of a tree is fed by a few large roots directly underneath it. If that root dies, only the section it feeds dies.

Visitor Center Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest Visitor Center is typically open May through October, making that the best time to visit. The center has exhibits and a film about the forest and the scientists who studied the trees. Rangers offer interpretive programs at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. in the summer.

More Information The Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest Visitor Center is open Thursday through Sunday during the summer. To plan your trip, visit www.fs.usda. gov/detail/inyo or call 760-873-2400. Be aware, there is no cell service in Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest.

ALL-NEW mobility technology

Introducing the world’s lightest mobility scooter with anti-tip technology The So Lite Scooter is easy to transport and almost impossible to tip over. TM

Like millions of older Americans, I struggle with mobility. For years, I watched my quality of life slip away, as I was forced to stay home while friends and family took part in activities I’d once enjoyed. I thought I’d made some progress when I got a mobility scooter, but then I realized how hard it was to transport. Taking it apart and putting it back together was like doing a jigsaw puzzle. Once I had it disassembled, I had to try to put all of the pieces in the trunk of a car, go to wherever I was going, and repeat the process in reverse. Travel scooters were easier to transport, but they were uncomfortable and scary to drive, I always felt like I was ready to tip over. Then I found the So LiteTM Scooter. Now there’s nothing that can hold me back. Years of work by innovative engineers have resulted in a scooter that’s designed with seniors in mind. They created Electronic Stability Control (ESC) that makes it virtually impossible to tip over. If you try to turn too quickly, the scooter automatically slows down to prevent it from tipping over. The battery provides powerful energy at a fraction of the weight of most batteries. With its rugged yet lightweight aluminum frame, the So LiteTM Scooter is the most portable scooter ever—but it can hold up to 275 pounds—yet weighs only 40.8 pounds without the battery! What’s more, it easily folds up for storage in a car seat, trunk or even on an airplane.

Why a So Lite Scooter is better: TM

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It folds in seconds without tools and is safe and reliable. Best of all, it’s designed with your safety in mind, from the newest technology and superior craftsmanship. Why spend another day letting your lack of mobility ruin your quality of life? Call now and find out how you can get a So LiteTM Scooter of your very own.

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THE GREAT PICTURE HUNT

This photo taken in front of a bookstore in downtown Charleston, West Virginia, in 2021 documents our times. The rarely seen barber pole painted on the window speaks of a past era. PHOTO BY DAVE LABELLE

Capturing Moments in Time Alfred Eisenstaedt’s kissing sailor on the announcement of the Links to Iconic Pictures ending of World War II, Joe Rosenthal’s raising of the American https://time.com/4486812/wwii-kissphoto-vj-day flag on Iwo Jima and Dorothea Lange’s Migrant Mother are iconic images seared into our American consciousness forever, www.pulitzer.org/article/joe-rosenthaland-flag-raising-iwo-jima in part because they captured and represent a time and spirit of important events. https://guides.loc.gov/migrant-mother While most of us will never make an iconic photograph that stands the test of time, we can make photographs that represent our day and unique time on Earth, just as those who preceded us did with cave drawings and, later, photographs. Like human’s earliest art, photographs offer us glimpses into the world in which they lived. Snapshots that may seem insignificant at the time they are made leave a record. They speak to a time. For instance, growing up I never imagined a time when there wouldn’t be a telephone booth on every corner. I used to pull off the highway during cross-country trips to find one. Unless you go to a living history museum, it is rare to find a functioning phone booth. I am reminded of an assignment I gave students in 2004 to see if they could capture a candid picture of more than one person using a cellphone in the same frame. Now, the challenge would be to make a picture on a city street or any gathering of people where someone is not using a cellphone. Times have changed. Maybe someday, people—if civilization as we know it survives—will look back at photos and laugh in amusement at the thousands of ugly cell towers dotting our landscapes. I hope so. n 22

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NIKON D800, 55mm lens ISO 560, f/4 at 1/100 Internationally renowned author, photographer and lecturer 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.

Reader Challenge See if you can capture a scene that speaks loudly to today’s times—a photograph we or our ancestors might study in the years to come with amusement or astonishment. 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.

THERAPY, SAFETY AND INDEPENDENCE

How a Safe Step Walk-In Tub can change your life Remember when…

Personal Checklist:

Think about the things you loved to do that are difficult today — going for a walk or just sitting comfortably while reading a book. And remember the last time you got a great night’s sleep? As we get older, health issues or even everyday aches, pains and stress can prevent us from enjoying life. So what’s keeping you from having a better quality of life? Check all the conditions that apply to you. Then read on to learn how a Safe Step Walk-In Tub can help.

Arthritis

Dry Skin

Insomnia

Anxiety

Diabetes

Mobility Issues

Lower Back Pain

Poor Circulation

Feel better, sleep better, live better A Safe Step Walk-In Tub lets you indulge in a warm, relaxing bath that can help relieve life’s aches, pains and worries.

Safe Step includes more standard therapeutic and safety features than any other tub on the market, plus the best warranty in the industry: Heated Seat and Back

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A Safe Step Tub can help increase mobility, boost energy and improve sleep.

It’s got everything you should look for in a walk-in tub: • Heated Seat – Providing soothing warmth from start to finish. • MicroSoothe® Air Therapy System – helps oxygenate and soften skin while offering therapeutic benefits. • Pain-relieving therapy – Hydro massage jets target sore muscles and joints. • Safety features – Low step-in, grab bars and more can help you bathe safely and maintain your independence. • Free Shower Package – shower while seated or standing.

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FREEDOM. TO BE YOU.

If you think oxygen therapy means slowing down, it’s time for a welcome breath of fresh air. Introducing the Inogen One family of portable oxygen systems. With no need for bulky tanks, each concentrator is designed to keep you active via Inogen’s Intelligent Delivery Technology.® Hours of quiet and consistent oxygen flow on a long-lasting battery charge enabling freedom of movement, whether at home or on the road. Every Inogen One meets FAA requirements for travel ensuring the freedom to be you. • No heavy oxygen tanks • Ultra quiet operation

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Call 1-888-498-0207 or visit inogen.com for a free consultation and info guide. MKT-P0262

MOHAVE ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE

Teachers in MEC’s service area were awarded $200 grants at a celebratory luncheon April 22, 2022. In attendance were MEC board directors Rich Tempelman, far left, and Deborah Johnson, far right. PHOTO BY JULIA GARRINGER/MEC

MEC Awards $3,600 in Grants to Teachers Mohave Electric Cooperative (MEC) awarded eighteen $200 classroom grants to educators in need of financial assistance in making classroom learning more engaging. Eighteen of the twenty-eight applications were awarded. A team at MEC evaluated the projects submitted by educators based on creativity, following application instructions, classroom integration, as well as benefits and financial need to students. Classroom Grants are funded by assigned capital credits at no cost to the cooperative or its members. “Every year teachers throughout the MEC service area turn in creative project ideas,” said Heather Foreman, public affairs coordinator, “it’s never an easy process, but we only have eighteen grants to award.” Project ideas ranged from science, reading, math, drama, cooking, social studies, to engineering and public safety. The eighteen selected educators represented schools: Academy of Building Industries High School, Bullhead City Middle School, Camp Mohave Elementary School, Desert Star Academy, Diamondback Elementary School, Fort Mojave Elementary

School, Fox Creek Junior High School, Mohave Accelerated Elementary School, Mohave High School, Peach Springs Elementary School, River Valley High School, and Sunrise Elementary School. Congratulations to: Frances Martin, Renee Hollander, Kirk Gebicke, Sonyia Roy, Diane Jessen, Lynda Matheson, Sheryl Roberge, Grace Redillas, Joshua Michel, Ma Lourdes Docot, Nancy Papke, Ivan Brown, Glenn Jessen, Lisa Fulton, Brianna Corum, Alecia Pasco, Larah Loera, and Kimberlie Moss. We would like to thank all educators who applied and appreciate their efforts in making learning fun and effective for our youth. Checks were awarded at a celebratory luncheon on April 22, 2022. To learn more about the classroom grant program please check our website. n J U LY 2 0 2 2

MARKETPLACE 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. For pricing, contact 503-357-2105 or info@pur.coop. Ads are for customers of member co-ops, PUDs and municipals only. Subscribers and nonmembers may inquire for pricing at 503-357-2105 or info@pur.coop. Ads must be direct and in first person, and are subject to approval and editing. Closing deadlines (in our office): September issue—July 29, 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@pur.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.

Agriculture

Pets, Supplies

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

Registered English shepherd puppies. Ready to go to their new homes the beginning of July. English shepherds are the best all-around farm dogs. These pups have been trained to be comfortable around all livestock, to follow and will have had puppy aptitude tests. Both parents are working farm dogs, compete in multiple dog events and are genetically clear for diseases. Please see photos of the pups, pedigree info and more at our website at www.goodearthfarm.org. Good Earth English Shepherds, admin@goodearthfarm.org, 541-913-5980. 0722

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. 0722AR Business Opportunities For sale. Successful independent Apple service center in Kingman, AZ. Family-owned and -operated for 30+ years, 12 years in current location. Excellent reputation, owners retiring. $35,000, training extra. No brokers, serious inquiries only: theMacClinic@mac.com. 0722 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. 0722AR Charter/Guides King fishing on the Gulkana River, Alaska, June 1-July 19. Very comfortable jet boat. Five hours of fishing. 406-210-3002. 0722 Emergency Preparedness Are you ready for flood season? With abundant snow this winter, prepare for spring flooding with the fastest sandbag filling tool, ExpressBagger. Go to www.expressbagger.net and save 50% when you buy a two-pack. 0722 Free Items Church, government uniting, suppressing “religious liberty,” enforcing National Sunday Law. Be informed. Need mailing address only. TBS, P.O. Box 374, Ellijay, GA 30540. 888-2111715; thebiblesaystruth@yahoo.com. 0722AR Miscellaneous Teach your art (1- to 3-week residencies) in Eastern Oregon K-12 schools through Art Center East’s “Artists in Rural Schools Program.” Visit artcentereast.org or call 541-624-2800. 0722 Two Fishers Gourmet Canned Tuna! We are sold out of the original tuna, but still have jalapeno and garlic canned tuna inventory. We will have a complete inventory in the fall when we return from tuna fishing. 206-799-1082; twofisherstuna.com. 0822

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Stud service for mini Australian shepherd. Photos available. Crescent Lake, Oregon. Liz Sanders, 360-901-1291. 0822 AKC-registered Airedales. Fort Sage Kennels, Patricia Sharp, P.O. Box 246, Doyle, CA 96109; 530-827-2271. 0323 AKC rat terrier puppies. Naturally, family-raised in home with children. Around 20 pounds at maturity. 218-220-0699. Skinnerstead on Facebook, skinnersteadfamily@gmail.com. In Alaska. We do ship. 0722 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, 541-480-9161; johngill@landandwildlife. com. Land And Wildlife brokerage. 0722 No property taxes! Fully furnished 1,632-sqft, 2-bdrm, 2-bath, Alaskan log home on 3.8 acres outside Glennallen, AK, mile 153 Glenn Hwy. 23’ x 23’ great room with view of Chugach Mountains. 2 wood stoves, oil heat, gas range. Attached heated double garage. Greenhouse, themed outhouse, bunkhouse, workshop. Good hunting and fishing. $299,000. Contact 803-487-3573. 0722 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 3,484sqft house on Umpqua River just west of Elkton on Hwy. 38. See video by clicking the QR code. James Wardrope Realty OregonRiverRealty.com, 541-480-0212, email: OregonRiverRealtor@gmail.com, 0722AR

Recreational Rentals

Want to Buy

Maui vacation rental, 1bdr, full kitchen, across from beach. For further details, plus 10% discount when booked through owner, call 541974-4427; leave message if unavailable. 0822

Wanted: muscle car, V-8, manual transmission preferred. NO PROJECTS. Looking for years ’55 to ’70: Chevrolet, Camaro, Nova, Chevelle, Corvette, Ford, Mustang, Plymouth, Dodge, 2-door model. I am looking for myself; I’m not a dealer. Call or text Joe, 503-799-3835. 0722

Wavecatcher: oceanfront, Central Oregon Coast. Easy beach access. $140/night winter, $175/ night summer +cleaning/tax; seventh night free. Two bedrooms w/double beds, sleeping loft w/2 double beds. Full kitchen/bath, linens. Pet friendly. COVID-cleaned between guests. 541-740-9953. Check availability, wavecatcherbeachrentals.com. 0822AR Bend country cabin. Very clean & fully furnished cabin on private ranch. Close to recreation areas. Very nice. $95/night. 541-3823050; bendcountrycabins@gmail.com. 0822 Sun City West, AZ. 2bdr, 2ba condo, 55+ community. Golf, pickleball, etc. No pets/ smoking. Available Nov. 1 - Dec. 30, 2022. $2,500/mo + fees. 541-805-9064. 0722 Lincoln City, Oregon. Beautiful ocean views. Slps 12. 4bdr (2 w/king), 3 full baths, Wi-Fi, cable, frplc, W/D, dishwasher, 2nd kitchen upstairs. Info/pics: VRBO.com/693193. Call for special prices. fbeckwithfamily@gmail.com; 503-720-6144. 0722

I buy Ford trucks and Broncos. 1967-1997. Only good, solid 4x4 trucks please. No prepowerstroke diesels. Please call James, 530228-6333. Thanks. 0722 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 Wanted: 1967-1972 Buick Skylark, GS, Stage 1, GSX. Cars, parts or leads. Or any ’60s or ’70s vehicles. Email billybibbett@hotmail.com. 0822 Buy, sell, repair rock saws and everything lapidary. Buying old rock and gem books & catalogs. CigarBoxRock.com. 541-280-5574; cbr@bendnet.com. Bend, Oregon. 0722 Gold, silver, coins/currency, buy, sell. Collections wanted. Fair prices paid. 42 yrs in retail store. Baker City, Oregon. 800-556-2133; garrymclin@aol.com. Will travel. 1022

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 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 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. 0722 Wanted: muscle cars ’67 to ’69 Camaros, Chevelles, etc. Running or not, project cars. Please contact Brian, 203-496-6297. Will handle all shipping. brtservicesllc@gmail.com. 0822

Ruralite Calendar Photo Contest It is time to share your most winning photos for a chance to appear in our 2023 Ruralite calendar. Up to 13 winners will be selected, each receiving $100. Photos must be submitted by July 17, 2022. The contest is open to recipients of Ruralite and Currents magazines. Each person may only submit up to two photos. Each photo submission must include: • Photographer’s name, address and electric utility. • A short description of what is shown. • Photographer’s email address and phone number. • Digital JPEG photos only. Photos must be horizontal or landscape format and at least 300 dpi at 11 inches wide by 9 inches tall. Vertical photos and

files larger than 20 megabytes will not be accepted. Send submissions to calendar@ruralite.org. Put “2023 Calendar Photo Contest” in the subject line.

Winning Tips • Use the highest resolution setting on your digital camera. • Photograph beautiful places and wildlife. • Capture scenes full of vivid color. • Reflect the seasons. • Focus on the beauty of Ruralite and Currents geography. • Make us feel something (awe, laughter).

By Jim Dau, Alaska—Kotzebue Electric Association

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Solar + Batteries + Microgrid =

Reliability Remote locations can benefit from new technology that keeps power flowing during outages By Geoff Oldfather and J.D. Wallace As a remote mountain community, Anza, California, has made self-reliance and preparation part of its way of life. Though just a little more than an hour’s drive from popular Palm Springs, Anza’s high-desert location has meant limited options for providing electricity. To improve service reliability— and the quality of life in its communities—Anza Electric Cooperative is building those same values into its electric distribution system, with help from Arizona G&T Cooperatives. AzGT is comprised of sister organizations Arizona Electric Power Cooperative and Sierra Southwest Cooperative Services. Each played a role in a project that has Anza Electric’s members in a better position to keep the lights on. The single radial transmission line that supplies Anza Electric with its electricity is operated and maintained by Southern California Edison. Demand exceeds the line’s supply capability at some times of the day. The line also is subject to outages. Thanks to the latest in battery storage banks and the solar arrays that feed them, if the power Anza Electric Cooperative’s General Manager Kevin Short says the co-op can meet the area’s load for at least 20 years with a new transformer and upgrades to the Tony Lappos Substation. PHOTOS BY STEFANIE SPENCER/TOPAZ PHOTOGRAPHY

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stops flowing to Anza Electric Cooperative’s main Tony Lappos Substation, many Anza businesses and homes in the immediate area may not even realize there is an outage. “Total solar in our field is 3.4 megawatts,” Anza Electric Cooperative General Manager Kevin Short says. That includes SunAnza Phases I and II. The solar field is tied into and charges banks of storage batteries on the north side of the solar array. The second phase of the battery storage project was energized in February. The batteries’ capacity is about 4.5 MW and more than 9 megawatt-hours, which can run at full discharge for two straight hours. That means Anza Electric’s battery storage banks could keep the main portion of Anza’s business area—west of the cooperative’s headquarters—energized for up to two hours, even if it lost all power coming into its main substation. “Most of our circuits will require between 1 and 3 MW per hour of operation under full load, so we can effectively run two or three circuits on battery capacity alone for a couple of hours or longer if the load is lower,” Kevin says. “If it happens to be during the daylight hours when the solar is recharging the battery, we can stay energized essentially all day long with the batteries.” Because a loss of power would trigger an immediate switch over to the battery storage, many of Anza’s businesses and even homes in the immediate area might not feel the effects of a power outage if it is restored within two or three hours. The solar array and batteries work together to create a microgrid—an independent energy system—that keeps the power flowing if there is a transmission outage. This further supports reliability.

ARIZONA G&T COOPERATIVES

When the power flow from Southern California Edison is disrupted, the microgrid controller detects a loss of voltage and automatically opens all breakers. Once the controller confirms the system disconnection from the grid, it brings the batteries online to restore system voltage at the Tony Lappos Substation. The controller automatically energizes specified critical circuits and restores power where needed. The system voltage supplied by the batteries also allows the solar inverters to come back online during the day to recharge the batteries. The controller continues to monitor the load, voltage and frequency to control the needed output from the batteries and maintain system stability. Kevin credits the AEPCO team for helping the cooperative reach such an effective level of solar generation, energy storage and bolstered service reliability. “AEPCO’s team came over and helped us install all of the equipment: the sensors, the wiring, the metering and all of the control equipment for the relays, the protection scheme for the entire substation,” Kevin says. “We had engineering assistance from AEPCO as well as for the initial transformer and breaker design, along with all of the relay work.” SunAnza offered more than the challenge of building a solar field or microgrid. The collaboration between Anza and AzGT includes Sierra Southwest Cooperative Services. It provided financing, which allows AzGT’s member-owners— the electric distribution cooperatives that take its services, including Anza Electric—to monetize federal solar and storage tax credits and provide the lowest-cost resource to their members. “This project was a nice challenge for the AEPCO team,” says Barry Brown, who recently retired from AEPCO as executive director of engineering and transmission operations and maintenance. “We really enjoyed working with the Anza folks to meet their goals and vision.” n TOP: Anza Electric General Manager Kevin Short says the co-op received support from AEPCO for planning, design and construction of the Tony Lappos Substation. RIGHT: AEC has 4.5 megawatts of battery storage capacity—enough to power the homes and businesses in the area for two hours during an outage.

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BEFORE YOU GO

Veteran Travelers Share Insider Tips “On the road again. Just can’t wait to get on the road again …”

re you singing that sweet tune? Join the club. The road trip is back as pandemic fears wane, and our collective wanderlust reawakens. To rev your engines, we’re offering ways to make hitting the road again easier. The tips include lessons from a retired colleague who just finished a Route 66 tour—her bucket list road trip of a lifetime. X Get plenty of sleep before your big drive. X Decide who sits where in advance. Rotate the middle seat if you have children. X Make a list and check it twice. Don’t leave before crossing off all your to-dos and tobrings. Keeping a list on your phone or iPad makes it easy to update and manage. X Going on a long trip? Do a trial packing of the car to make sure everything fits.

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Practice packing to ensure everything fits. Don’t forget to leave room for souvenirs. PHOTO BY LINDA WISEMAN

X Make a snack run before traveling, picking everyone’s favorites. A snack basket and cooler can be a lifesaver for adults and children, heading off hangry moments. X Don’t count on access to GPS. Prepare for spotty reception by downloading a map in advance—or buy an old-fashioned atlas; your children can learn to navigate. X Feed Fido well ahead of the trip and make time for a bathroom break before hitting the

road. Pack Fido’s clip-on travel water bowl along with water bottles for good hydration. X For young children, pack a daily surprise bag with activity books, special snacks and small toys—or a plastic basket filled with easily reached snacks. A lap tray with coloring books, crayons and road trip bingo cards works well. X For older children, you can’t beat earbuds and digital diversions. X Identify potential stops for bathroom breaks before hitting the road each day. Any parent will recognize the value of doing this. X Download travel apps such as the National Park Service, GasBuddy and Storm Watcher. X Keep a paper towel roll and wet wipes in your vehicle. X Bring your own pillows to avoid those from hotels that may prevent a good night’s sleep. X Make sure your car is properly serviced and tires are in good condition. X With gas prices hitting all-time highs, AAA recommends you keep your tires properly inflated, pay in cash if there is a discount for doing so, and slow down a bit. 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

What’s Happening h Monday, July 4—MEC Office

closed for Independence Day

h Wednesday, August 31—$5K

SunWatts Education Grant Application Deadline

A Message from the CEO

Availability and Cost of Energy MEC prides itself on providing reliable, affordable power to its members. As we approach the summer, MEC is bringing to our members’ attention three “out of our control” factors that have arisen recently and could potentially impact the availability and cost of energy. Generation and Transmission Power Supply Arizona Electric Power Cooperative (AEPCO) has been MEC’s trusted generation and transmission power provider for decades. Unfortunately, AEPCO had an unexpected natural gas turbine failure which takes time and money to replace, install, and deploy. This turbine is anticipated to be up and running in June 2022 barring no nationwide transportation or supply chain delays. This unknown has caused MEC to evaluate the open market for additional power. State of California Recently, CA energy officials warned of a 1,700-MW power shortfall this summer, and due to inconsistent transmission access policies, CA has been known to “steal” power, even MEC’s already purchased power. If CA’s issues start negatively affecting other states, including Arizona and MEC, this could be a double whammy effect on power availability and costs. Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) FERC which regulates all utilities across the country announced that roughly two-thirds of the United States faces heightened risk of power outages this summer due to potential high temperatures and intermittent renewable energy issues. High temps aren’t new to MEC, but these potential widespread energy concerns coupled with those mentioned above

could be a trifecta scenario. Mohave Electric’s Next Steps MEC is proactively taking action to address the potential energy issues above. Providing power to Tyler Carlson members is at the forefront of our minds in addition to keeping costs as low as possible for our members. MEC monitors the open market daily – every hour every day – to secure the most affordable costs of power for our members. MEC is evaluating the daily costs to consider purchasing extra capacity to adjust for any shortfall. In the event, there is no available power regardless of the cost of power, this could lead to “rolling brown outs” as seen in CA. Alternatively, purchasing extra capacity could be pricey, but the Arizona Corporation Commission (ACC) allows for a Purchased Power Adjustor to accommodate fluctuations in cost, which is noted on every member’s bill, currently in the form of a credit. Member Conservation MEC is also encouraging its members to conserve energy where and when they are able to avoid curtailment or outages. There are some simple things members can do to conserve, such as grilling outside instead of using the stove and oven. Need to do laundry? Consider drying the clothes outside instead of the dryer. Turn lights and fans off and turn the air conditioner up a few extra degrees. For questions, please call public affairs at 928-763-4115.

MEC IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY PROVIDER & EMPLOYER

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