Ruralite ORCAS POWER & LIGHT COOPERATIVE
JANUARY 2024
IslandGrown Advocates The next generation embraces energy efficiency Page 4
First-time homeowners Jordan Randolph, left, and Beth Hansen—with pups Midnight and Mars—enjoy their recently installed ductless heat pump. PHOTO COURTESY OF JORDAN RANDOLPH AND BETH HANSEN
FROM THE PIONEER TEAM
Ruralite January 2024 • Volume 72, No. 1
CEO Michael Shepard SENIOR VP OF CONTENT Leon Espinoza EDITORIAL DIRECTOR Mike Teegarden, CCC DEPUTY EDITORIAL DIRECTOR Noble Sprayberry SENIOR EDITOR Jennifer Paton, CCC ASSISTANT EDITORS Chasity Anderson, CCC; Victoria Hampton, CCC, David Herder CCC ASSOCIATE EDITORS Valeri Pearon, Nina Todea PUBLICATIONS PRODUCTION MANAGER Elizabeth Beatty PUBLICATIONS COORDINATOR Alyssa McDougle Ruralite (USPS 397-460) is published monthly for members for $4.83 per year, plus postage, by Pioneer Utility Resources Inc., 5625 NE Elam Young Pkwy. Ste. 100, Hillsboro, OR 97124—a not-for-profit Oregon cooperative corporation—to serve the communication needs of 47 consumer-owned electric utilities in Oregon, Washington, Alaska, Idaho, Nevada and California. Preferred periodical postage paid at Hillsboro, Oregon, 97123 and additional mailing offices. © 2024 Pioneer Utility Resources. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited. Postmaster: Send address changes to Ruralite, 5625 NE Elam Young Pkwy. Ste. 100, Hillsboro, OR 97124-6454 HOW TO CONTACT RURALITE Subscription services: Nonmember subscriptions $15 (U.S.) per year; $25 per year (foreign). Prepayment required. Allow 4-8 weeks for first issue. Be sure to identify which local edition you want to receive. Address Changes: Utility members, contact your local utility. Subscribers, call us at 503-357-2105 option 3 or email mailingdept@pioneer.coop. Back issues: Back issues and extra copies $3. Prepayment required. Supply is limited. Be sure to identify edition, month and year. Call first if ordering back issues to check availability.
Readers Speak Up Welcome to the new year. I hope you enjoyed quality family time during the holidays while also staying safe and warm. Throughout the year, I hear from many of you via emails and phone calls. Most are positive comments or questions about our content. One reader last month shared that he found our magazine “weirdly engaging,” saying he just can’t put down the magazine. We’re considering adopting the phrase as our new motto! A few readers felt our November coverage of the Honor Flight program slighted our Korean War veterans, even suggesting there was a bias against those brave soldiers. It saddens me when readers feel as if we don’t care about them. We value each and every member of our military branches, regardless of when or where they served. We kick off 2024 with a story about a group that wants to return sea otters to the Oregon
Coast. These critters are a critical piece of the ecological puzzle, providing predator balance to the eccosystem. Because no sea otters exist on the Oregon Coast, we chose to illustrate the story with an AI-generated image. This marks the first time we have used this type of illustration as the lead art for a story. Please note that we clearly labeled the image as an AI illustration. On those rare occasions we find this type of illustration to be the best option, we will be transparent about its use. Our Up Close feature highlights STEM programs in rural communities and how they connect with industries such as farming and manufacturing. Some high school students are gaining valuable work experience as interns, taking what they learn in school and putting it into practice in the workplace. As always, thank you for taking the time to read our work. Happy New Year! Sincerely, Mike Teegarden Editorial Director
You Need to See It to Dream It
To contact Ruralite: Ruralite magazine is published by Pioneer Utility Resources. P.O. Box 1306, North Plains, OR 97133-1306; 503-357-2105; email: info@pioneer.coop. For more information, visit www.pioneer.coop.
STEM education forges new paths for students in rural communities Up Close, Page 10
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Reviving a Coastal Species Plugged In In the Kitchen
6 16
Photo Hunt Before You Go
22 30
Elakha Alliance is on a quest to restore sea otters to the Oregon Coast Spotlight, Page 12 Utility Pages: 4-5, 8, 25, 28-29, 32 JA N UA RY 2 0 2 4
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OPALCO
CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: Mandy Randolph—real estate agent and Jordan Randolph’s mother—hands Jordan and Bethany Hansen the keys to their new house on Orcas Island. Beth and Jordan get to work on their new house together. PHOTOS COURTESY OF BETHANY HANSEN AND JORDAN RANDOLPH
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IslandGrown Advocates
The next generation embraces energy efficiency
Bethany Hansen and Jordan Randolph graduated from Orcas Island High School, attended college in Bellingham and saw a bit of the world before moving back to their hometown on Orcas Island. This is the couple’s first winter as homeowners on Orcas, and they are warm and cozy with their new ductless heat pump. After living in Hawaii and San Diego, the cold winters feel colder. “We both work remotely,” Bethany says. “We need warm fingers to ensure we are typing efficiently every day, even in the winter months.” Jordan’s mother, Mandy, got a ductless heat pump through Orcas Power & Light Cooperative’s Switch it Up Program and raved about it. “We had just bought a home with baseboard heating everywhere,” Bethany says. “The old heaters were a safety hazard,
and the electricity bills were historically extremely high. The cost-benefit between the loan and the money you save in electricity was a big motivator. “There is no way we could have fronted the costs of this project. The 2% rate is so low, it’s a perfect example of the generosity and kindness we consistently find amongst the Orcas community.” It’s the Co-op way. Bethan and Jordan care about their stewardship of the planet. “Sustainability and energy efficiency are extremely important for the well-being of our planet,” Bethany says. “I would advocate for anyone who wants to add a heating source to their home to look into the Switch it Up Program. OPALCO made it so easy. After receiving a bid from a local contractor, we filled out a simple application, and within a week we were approved. “It’s an amazing opportunity to improve your carbon footprint in an affordable
way while also benefiting by staying comfortable in cold—or hot—temps.” Bethany and Jordan are also passionate advocates for responsible recycling. Bethany encourages consumers to be informed and active. “Do the waste management companies a favor and just drop your plastic items straight to the trash,” she says. “The amount of energy and waste that goes into melting plastic into a chemical to reuse is not sustainable and is actually bad for the environment. Aluminum cans, glass, paper and cardboard are great recyclables. It’s even better if you have the ability to separate them into different containers.” Bethany works as an accounts payable manager at a national solar company, Better Earth. Jordan works as a technical support manager at ClickUp. The couple enjoy Pacific Northwest activities, such as hiking, kayaking, golf, video games, reading, watching TV and snuggling their dogs. n JA N UA RY 2 0 2 4
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PLUGGED IN
New Year’s Energy Resolutio Resolve to take on a major household efficiency project this year and save big on your energy bills By David Herder
We can all think of improvements we would like to make in the new year, whether it is eating healthier, volunteering more or lowering our expenses. One way to spend less in the new year and for many more to come is to make household energy efficiency a goal. Making small changes to your routine can add up to significant savings. But do you know what adds up faster than small things? Big things. If you’re willing to make the initial investment, resolve to go big by taking on one of these projects.
Insulate and Air Seal For most houses, heating and cooling air makes up the largest chunk of energy use. If you’re paying to heat or cool the air, you want to keep it inside your house. Common spots to insulate are attics, walls, floors and anywhere your house contacts the outside. Just like you want a jacket between you and a snowstorm, you want insulation between your home and the outdoors. Insulation is rated in R-values. Suggested insulation R-values are between R-30 and R-60, depending on your region and climate. In many cases, it is a good idea to get professional insulation help. Air sealing is another step to prevent drafts by physically closing gaps and cracks. In some cases, this can be as simple as adding caulking or weatherstripping to places where you notice drafts. Contractors and some utilities can do a home blower test to find and seal leaks. If you’re considering doing some air sealing on your own, the Department of Energy offers tips at www.energy.gov/energysaver/air-sealing-your-home. Windows What are windows but walls you can see through? Like outer walls, they touch the outdoors, and unlike many walls, they aren’t filled with thick insulation. Heat gain and loss through windows account for 25% to 30% of residential heating and cooling costs, according to the Department of Energy. ADOBE STOCK IMAGE BY BERIT KESSLER
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tions
Energy Star windows typically have high U-factors, a measurement of how well they insulate. Get multiple quotes for any home improvement project, including windows, and be on the lookout for rebates from utilities, state programs and the federal government. If you aren’t buying new windows right away, consider steppingstones such as adding weatherstripping, caulking gaps and using thermal drapes. Seal Ducts Just like you don’t want your heated and cooled air to leak outdoors, you don’t want your air leaking into parts of the house where you never go. If you have ductwork in an attic, crawlspace or other unairconditioned or heated area, the ducts could have leaks that increase your energy bill. According to the Department of Energy, 20% to 30% of the air moved through ducts is lost to leakage. Hire a professional to seal your ducts, or seal them yourself with metal tape or duct mastic specifically designed for the job. Do not use duct tape, which will dry out and lose adhesion. Heat Pump So far, we’ve covered three ways to keep your heated and cooled air where you want it. It turns out, how you heat or cool the air is also important. If you’re willing to replace your furnace, or the unit is 10-plus years old, a heat pump is an efficient home heating and cooling upgrade. It can reduce heating costs by as much as 50% compared to electric resistance heating, according to the Department of Energy. A heat pump works similarly to an air conditioner in reverse. It uses a refrigerant to pull heat energy out of the air outdoors, then moves it indoors and blows the heat into your living areas. Also consider a heat pump water heater, which has all the same advantages but heats water rather than air. Programmable Thermostat If a heater turns on, but nobody is there to hear it, does it make a noise? One thing we know is that it would impact your energy bill.
Not sure where to start? Schedule a home energy assessment
Before starting a project, it is important to take a step back and consider, “What will make the biggest impact?” This means knowing how efficient your house is and where the energy use is going. A home energy assessment looks for air leaks, insufficient insulation, energy-hog appliances or other issues, and evaluates your total energy use. Conducting a home energy assessment lets you know where any inefficiencies in your house are, giving you a blueprint for fixing them. Many utilities offer assessment programs, and the Department of Energy offers guides on assessments— including tips for a do-it-yourself assessment—at www.energy.gov/energysaver/home-energy-assessments. Both programmable and smart thermostats help people save energy by changing the temperature throughout the day. You can save 10% on energy bills by turning back the thermostat 10% to 15% for eight hours a day, according to the Department of Energy. Whether that means heating or cooling less during the day while you’re at work or turning things down while you’re sleeping, a programmable thermostat ensures you’re only heating and cooling the air you feel. n JA N UA RY 2 0 2 4
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OPALCO
Run for the OPALCO Board Nominations Now Open
Apply to be a candidate (via committee process) by January 22, 2024
More details on running for the board at www.opalco.com/why-run Election Timeline: January 22: February 5: February 16: March 1: March 6: March 6: April 22: April 25: April 26:
Application to Elections and Governance Committee due by 12 pm Candidates by committee posted online and in OPALCO offices Applications by Petition due by 12 pm Full list of candidates posted Candidate Forum Election opens; ballots mailed Election closes at 10 am OPALCO Annual Business Meeting Annual Meeting Member Appreciation Event
SAVE THE DATE FOR THE IN PERSON ANNUAL MEETING APRIL 26th 8
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SEE IT TO DREAM IT STEM education forges new paths for students in rural communities
By Chiara Profenna Soaring above a golden expanse of wheat, drones whiz through the air, not just counting crops but playing a pivotal role in detecting disease and sowing the seeds of tomorrow’s harvest. In the heart of rural America, a technological revolution continues. A new future of machinery, automation and cutting-edge technology is touching down in our communities. As our world undergoes this transformation, there is a pressing need for a workforce equipped to navigate this new frontier. Enter STEM education, where science, technology, engineering and math are the soil in which the next generation matures to take over this ever-changing landscape. As the needs of the workforce evolve, education practices are shifting to meet the latest demands. The most recent is a surge in STEM careers in rural areas. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, STEM
occupations grew 79% in the past 30 years. Rural communities feel this change more than most, according to STEM professionals across the Pacific Northwest. “All jobs in the workforce right now basically require some level of STEM literacy,” says Holly Bringman, coordinator for the Apple STEM Network in North Central Washington. “And that’s one of the critical shifts. How we live and work in general is more technical.” The Apple STEM Network is just one of the many organizations creating partnerships across the education system— improving pathways for students seeking STEM careers in rural communities. From Classrooms to Warehouses STEM education in rural communities reflects this change in workforce demand, with more schools and resources focused on finding ways to bring STEM to students. One such development is careerconnected learning, a framework
emphasizing career awareness, exploration and training that directly reflects professional and industry expectations. By collaborating with industry partners, educational STEM hubs and schools can offer students unique internships and work-study programs. In a collaboration among the Central Oregon STEM Hub, High Desert Education Service District and KEITH Manufacturing Co. in Madras, Oregon, high school students interned on the floor of the KEITH warehouse during the summer. “This summer was the first year that we’re actually able to give the students hands-on experience,” says Mike Feigner, KEITH’s plant manager. “They came in here every day and built our product. And they walked away knowing that they can do these skills and that they can work in a place like this.” The program was deemed a success in its inaugural year, with one student intern receiving a job offer at the end of
Students and educators explore STEM learning resources to support more diverse forms of teaching outside of the classroom. PHOTOS
COURTESY OF IDAHO STEM ACTION CENTER
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Over the summer, four students from Madras High School interned at KEITH Manufacturing Co., where they got hands-on experience in various departments. Clockwise from top left are Riley McElroy, Gabi Baza, Seth Feigner and Cristobal Hug, left. PHOTOS COURTESY OF KEITH MANUFACTURING CO.
the summer. Chris Hug, a Madras High School graduate, is a machine operator at KEITH. From his experience in high school manufacturing classes, Chris had a strong foundation to build upon during his internship. “They taught us a whole lot about how to operate machines, better welding techniques, good electrical advice,” Chris says. “I knew I could definitely tackle a manufacturing career.” Through career-connected programs, rural STEM hubs can build and inspire their workforces by allowing high school students to see a future for themselves in STEM careers. “People are recognizing that there are many careers out there that are STEM that we didn’t see as STEM before,” says Erica
Compton, executive director of the Idaho STEM Ecosystem. Strengthening Rural Communities In rural Idaho, community-connected learning is flourishing in the education system. “A trend that I’m seeing in students, especially in rural communities, is that beyond career-connected learning, what they’re really hungry for is communityconnected learning,” says Crispin Gravatt, communications manager at Idaho STEM Action Center. “They really are wanting to make sure that their communities are as evergreen as they can be. Parents want their students to feel like they can have a life in the communities that they love.” In rural areas, community-centered approaches can show students they don’t
need to leave home to find better career opportunities. As STEM education in rural communities propels students toward new horizons, the landscape of possibilities continues to expand. With strong support systems in place, students can transform their communities in more ways than they can dream of. “What we’re focusing on at Oregon STEM and the STEM hubs is the awareness gap,” says Deb Mumm-Hill, Oregon STEM executive director. “First of all, you can’t envision and be what you can’t see. And the technology and the STEM industry—a lot of it is invisible. So, unless your parents, your school or your ZIP code can show you these invisible, amazing careers, you can’t dream to be them if you can’t see them.” n
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Reviving a Coastal Species
Elakha Alliance is on a quest to restore sea otters to the Oregon Coast By Chiara Profenna
ADOBE STOCK AI ILLUSTRATION BY OLEG
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The Oregon Coast, with its rugged cliffs and abundant marine life, holds a special place in the hearts of locals and visitors. Yet, it's been missing a critical piece of its ecological puzzle for decades: the sea otter. Elakha Alliance, a dedicated advocacy group, wants to complete that puzzle. Since 2018, the nonprofit has aspired to restore the sea otter population to the Oregon Coast through advocacy, scientific research and educational awareness. The Origins of Elakha Alliance The alliance’s history goes back about 20 years, when David Hatch questioned the return of sea otters. At the time, David was the Oregon Coast Indian Tribes’ representative on the Oregon Ocean Policy Advisory Council. One of the council’s staff members was Bob Bailey, an employee at the Department of Land Conservation and Development. During their time on the council, David and Bob became acquainted through their mutual passion for coastal conservation. During one of their conversations, David mentioned sea otters. “He had built a small boat,” Bob says. “And in the process of building that small boat, was looking for a name for it. He
ran across the word elakha, which in the Chinook trade jargon means sea otter. He ended up naming his little boat ‘The Elakha.’ But it also set him on a path toward understanding and coming to realize sea otters had once been part of the lives of Indigenous people all along the Oregon Coast and beyond.” David began sharing information about sea otters and seeking ways to create change. Through tribal and non-Indigenous connections, he gathered resources to support his project. “Dave was out spreading the gospel, as it were, about returning sea otters,” Bob says. Many years later, in 2016, Bob recalled this encounter. He reached out to David to see what had become of the sea otters. “I didn't hear back from him and came to find out some weeks later that he had died quite tragically and suddenly that particular week,” Bob says. “[It] was devastating, of course, to his friends and family and all of us.” Not wanting David’s life’s work to die with him, Bob took up David's mission and formed Elakha Alliance. The organization was incorporated in 2018. Since then, it has supported many steppingstones in the long and arduous path of species reintroduction.
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ABOVE: Elakha Alliance Executive Director Jane Bacchieri, left, has overseen the organization since the summer of 2022, as the team has grown to include more events, educational resources and scientific studies. RIGHT: After running Elakha Alliance on his own for many years, Bob Bailey has stepped into the role of president of the board of directors.
Sea Otters and Indigenous Communities Today, a notable 800-mile divide separates the sea otter populations of Northern Washington and Southern California—a gap that emerged more than a century ago. The near extinction of sea otters resulted from intensive hunting by fur traders in the 18th and 19th centuries. While this important ecological marine mammal was lost to overhunting, the lives and culture of Indigenous people along the coast were also deeply affected. Sea otters held a profound spiritual and cultural significance in the lives of these communities, as evidenced by archaeological findings and passed-down wisdom. Elakha Alliance, a collaboration among tribal, nonprofit and conservation leaders, strives to rekindle this cultural connection in partnership with Native coastal communities in Oregon. Its board of directors includes representation from these Native communities, including Robert Kentta, a member of the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians. “Sea otters represent prosperity to us in our traditional stories,” Robert says. “That’s an important cultural connection we’re missing without sea otters being present here on the coast.” For more than 5,000 years, sea otters 14
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lived in harmony with humans along the Oregon Coast. Their extinction from the region holds a symbolic significance to Indigenous people. “The history of the loss of sea otters coincided with the loss by Indigenous people of their homelands and way of life along the Oregon Coast,” Bob says. In the 19th century, Indigenous communities were affected by numerous catastrophes. War, disease, loss of their lands and lives, and relentless persecution and stigmas plagued Native communities. The restoration of sea otters to the coast is indicative of healing the relationships between Indigenous communities and the land, Bob says. While the tragedies of history cannot be reversed, Elakha Alliance hopes to bring balance back to the community and restore an integral piece of Native culture to the land. “It would be cultural restoration in that ability to see our oceanscape as it once was, not all that long ago,” Robert says. A Keystone Species As a keystone species, sea otters would play a vital role in maintaining the health of coastal ecosystems if reintroduced. Their presence would affect coastal regions— directly and indirectly—in many ways.
A growing sea otter population would indirectly increase kelp forests, eelgrass beds and the species that rely on these habitats. Their feeding behaviors would likely lead to a decrease in a variety of prey species, such as Dungeness crab. Elakha Alliance has taken positive and negative effects into account by conducting a variety of studies. A feasibility study, completed in 2020, found that restoring sea otters is biologically feasible. “We had six world-renowned scientists work on the 200-plus page document,” says Jane Bacchieri, executive director of Elakha Alliance. The study looked at the elements necessary for a sea otter population to be restored in Oregon. It included an in-depth analysis of ecology, habitat, genetics and other biological factors. It also led to more studies on the socioeconomic impacts on fishing industries and tourism. These additional studies—the Oregon Sea Otter
Although he never saw the fruits of his labor fully unfold, David Hatch was integral to the creation of Elakha Alliance. PHOTOS COURTESY OF ELAKHA ALLIANCE
Reintroduction Economic Study and the South Coast Tourism Impact Study—investigated some of the broader changes sea otters would make in coastal communities. Those changes could include a spike in tourism and a decrease in shellfish and crab that could be offset by an increase in finfish production. “The coast belongs to everybody,” Jane says. “Our efforts are statewide; in some cases, beyond state boundaries.” Using these studies, Elakha Alliance works with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, which has the regulatory authority to bring back sea otters. Blueprints for Restoration Reintroducing sea otters to the Oregon Coast is a long and complicated process. However, with advocacy and support from Elakha Alliance, it is becoming more feasible each day. The Elakha Alliance strategic plan
comprises four main steps. Its first initiative included the feasibility study and the following impact studies. At the same time, the alliance’s second step is working to build regional consensus that restoring sea otters is a goal worth pursuing. The third step of the initiative is reintroducing sea otters along the Oregon Coast and monitoring their progress diligently. Initial work may begin in 2025, although it’s too early to gauge when sea otters will be fully reintroduced. Ongoing monitoring is expected to last for decades. The last step is to strengthen the organization itself. Key strategies involve public involvement— especially from affected groups— and forming partnerships with organizations sharing the alliance’s vision. The group’s work will be far from over once its key mission is achieved. “I think there’s going to be a role for Elakha to continue to serve as an advocate for the animals,” Jane says. “At the end of the day, if we’re successful, we might not need to exist as the Elakha Alliance anymore. It might be broader ocean stewardship or something like that. I think we will be flexible and nimble to be value-added wherever we can be.” n Learn more about Elakha Alliance at elakhaalliance.org.
Reintroducing Keystone Species in the Pacific Northwest Keystone species play a pivotal role in maintaining ecosystem balance. The Pacific Northwest has seen many successful reintroductions as well as more challenging cases. In the mid-1990s, gray wolves were successfully reintroduced in Yellowstone National Park. Through careful planning and research, their presence led to a cascade of positive effects and increased biodiversity in the ecosystems. Elk and deer populations rebalanced, allowing willows and aspen to flourish. In a less successful attempt, translocating sea otters from Alaska to the Oregon Coast in the 1970s became a lesson in the importance of monitoring populations after reintroduction. Not long after the sea otters were brought to Oregon, their population slowly dwindled until the coast was once again left without them. Careful planning, consideration of ecological dynamics and consistent monitoring are some of the most crucial factors in a successful reintroduction. JA N UA RY 2 0 2 4
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IN THE KITCHEN
Snacking Fun WITH A POP
RECIPES AND PHOTO BY POPCORN BOARD
Graham Cracker Picnic Mix
¼ cup vegetable oil ¼ cup sugar 5 to 6 drops pink neon liquid food color ½ cup unpopped popcorn kernels
1 package mini pastel marshmallows 1 cup bear-shaped graham crackers 1 package white fudge-covered pretzels 1 cup mini cookies
In a large pot over medium heat, stir oil, sugar and food coloring. Stir in the popcorn kernels. Cover. Cook until popcorn begins to pop. Shake pot over heat until popping slows. Remove pan from heat. Pour popcorn into a large bowl. Add marshmallows, graham crackers, pretzels and cookies. Toss lightly. 16
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Strawberries and Cream Popcorn Peanut Butter and Jelly Popcorn
½ cup white chocolate chips 8 cups popped popcorn 2 tablespoons raspberry jam ¼ cup freeze-dried strawberries 3 tablespoons smooth ¼ cup dried cranberries peanut butter
In a large bowl, stir together popcorn and jam until evenly coated. Transfer to a parchment paper-lined baking sheet. In a double boiler over barely simmering water, add peanut butter and white chocolate chips. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 3 to 5 minutes, or until smooth and melted. Drizzle peanut butter mixture over the popcorn mixture. Sprinkle with strawberries and cranberries. Refrigerate for 10 minutes or until the peanut butter mixture is set. Break into pieces to serve. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
¼ cup freeze-dried strawberries, ground 6 cups popped popcorn
1 cup white chocolate chips, melted
In a small food processor or spice grinder, pulse freezedried strawberries until finely ground. Place popcorn in a large bowl. Drizzle melted chocolate over the top. Toss until well-coated. Sprinkle evenly with ground strawberries. Toss until well-coated. Scrape popcorn onto a large parchment paper-lined baking sheet, spreading into an even layer. Let stand at room temperature for 30 to 60 minutes, or until chocolate is set and hardened. To serve, break into pieces.
White Chocolate Peppermint Popcorn Bark Grab-and-Go Pizza Popcorn 6 quarts popped popcorn Olive oil cooking spray 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 teaspoons garlic salt 2 teaspoons paprika 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
Place popcorn in a large, sealable plastic container or a 2½-gallon plastic sealable bag. Spray popcorn lightly with cooking spray. Sprinkle cheese, garlic salt, paprika and Italian seasoning over popcorn. Shake to distribute evenly.
5 cups popped popcorn 12 ounces white chocolate chips or chopped white chocolate
1 cup crushed hard candy peppermints
Cover a baking sheet with foil or wax paper. Set aside. Place popcorn in a large bowl. Set aside. In a double boiler over barely simmering water, melt chocolate, stirring until smooth. Stir in crushed peppermints. Pour the chocolate mixture over the popcorn mixture. Stir to coat. Spread onto prepared sheet. Cool completely. When chocolate is cooled and set, break into chunks for serving. Store in an airtight container at room temperature.
Minty Green Popcorn Clusters 12 cups unsalted, unbuttered, popped popcorn 4 cups mini marshmallows 2 tablespoons butter or light olive oil ½ teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon green food coloring ¼ teaspoon peppermint extract 1 cup green candy-coated chocolate candies
Place popcorn in a large mixing bowl. In a saucepan over medium heat, melt marshmallows, butter and salt. Stir occasionally until smooth. Remove from heat. Stir in food coloring and peppermint extract. Toss marshmallow mixture with popcorn. Cool for 2 to 3 minutes or until cool enough to handle. Toss with chocolate candies. Shape 3 tablespoons of popcorn mixture into a small cluster. Place on a wax paper-lined baking sheet. Repeat with the remaining popcorn mixture. Cool completely.
Old-Fashioned Bourbon Maple Popcorn With Pecans 8 cups popped popcorn ½ cup chopped toasted pecans 1⁄3 cup maple syrup
1 tablespoon bourbon 2 tablespoons butter 1 tablespoon orange zest 1 dash bitters
Place popcorn and pecans in a large bowl. In a small saucepan over medium-high heat, combine maple syrup, bourbon and butter. Bring to a boil. Cook, swirling pan, for 3 to 5 minutes or until mixture thickens to corn syrup consistency. Stir in orange zest and bitters. Drizzle maple syrup mixture over popcorn. Toss to evenly coat. Cool completely before serving. Options: Substitute bourbon with rye or whiskey. For mocktail popcorn, substitute with nonalcoholic bourbon or whiskey. JA N UA RY 2 0 2 4
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READER EXCHANGE Crafts/Hobbies I am learning the technique of Swedish huck weaving and am having a difficult time trying to find huck weave materials in Alaska. If you have any huck weave materials that you would be interested in getting rid of, I would love to have them. Thank you. Nancy Riley P.O. Box 57030 North Pole, AK 99705
I would appreciate unwanted jewelry—old, new or broken. Also, unmatched earrings and unwanted watches. Thank you. Carol Semenko 145 Chukar Lane Alturas, CA 96101
I am requesting large—about 2 inches—wooden thread spools. A friend carves faces into them. Thank you. Barbara Cadwell 950 Pomona St., Unit 228 The Dalles, OR 97058 bpcadwell228@gmail.com
I have a flat rate USPS box stuffed full of wool, yarn, needles and other knitting accessories that I would like to give away. If you are interested, contact me by email, and I will be happy to mail them to you free of charge. Pat Sunday 7096 N.E. Stonewater St. Hillsboro, OR 97124-7282 suncia@icloud.com
Milestones My mother will be 94 years young in January. I know she would be happy to receive birthday cards. Mail to: Mary Ann Cline, 2221 Oak St., Apt. 329, Forest Grove, OR 97116. Thank you. Carol Davis Vernonia, Oregon
My mother, Gail Simmons, turns 80 in January. She has been a nurse since I was a child, and she’s still a nurse in the same assisted living facility after more than 30 years. She is a very caring nurse for the elderly, ensuring her residents receive the best care possible while working through the pandemic. She is what you would expect in a nurse—always giving instead of receiving. If you asked her why she still works today, she would tell you it’s in her DNA and it’s what she lives for. I would love to see her face glowing with pride receiving birthday wishes and words of encouragement. Thank you for your letters and cards in advance. Send to: Gail Simmons, 1699 N. Terry St, Space 155, Eugene, OR 97402. Robert Shafer Heppner, Oregon
Have a Happy New Year! 18
JA N U A RY 2 024
My dear friend turns 91 in January. She is a retired school teacher with a strong sense of humor and amazing stories to share. Her birthday would be so special if you could send cards. Thank you in advance. Send to: F. Hart c/o 46383 Brahman Way, Pendleton, OR 97801. Sandra Pendleton, Oregon
Odds Looking for images and stories of Oregon Army and Navy airfields directly before and during World War II that were used by the military. Will pay postage and return images. Needed for academic research. Andi Journey P.O. Box 226 Crescent, OR 97733
If anyone is interested in metal pull tabs off cans, we have bags that can be sent to you. Contact me, and I’ll get them on the way. Peggy Timms 19 Cedar Drive Hermiston, OR 97838
Schools/Labels North Powder Charter School is accepting donations of new or used playing cards and dice. These will be used to create math games for students and their families. Items can be mailed or delivered before March 1 to: NPCS, 333 G St., North Powder, OR 97867. Allie Scott North Powder, Oregon
Submitting Requests Is Free
Send your request (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 first-come, first-served 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 (pricing applies). When submitting a milestone request, please send it at least two months before the milestone. Phone numbers are not published. Email addresses are if part of the ad, but you must include a postal address. Requests must include the name and address of the electric utility that provides your magazine.
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ADVENTURE AWAITS
Learn about ancient horses and other fossilized creatures at
Hagerman Fossil Beds
Fossil Deposits
What Is It? Hop into history at the Hagerman Fossil Beds in Southern Idaho, and experience one of the world’s largest fossil deposits from the Pliocene epoch—roughly 3 to 5 million years ago. 20
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In 1928, a local rancher named Elmer Cook saw fossil deposits eroding along the Snake River. He contacted the United States Geological Survey, which in turn notified the Smithsonian Institution. The Smithsonian conducted four expeditions between 1929 and 1934.
Piecing Together History The Smithsonian digs unearthed more than 200 fossils of Equus simplicidens, a predecessor of horses, that more closely resembled zebras. Finding so many fossils together helped researchers realize these horses were likely pack animals. The digs also found previously unfound species such as Platygonus pearcei, an early javelina.
Visitor Center The Thousand Springs Visitor Center opened in 2022, and is a great place to learn about a century of research at the site. The center has exhibits featuring fossils and the knowledge gained at the site, as well as ranger talks to guide visitors through the information.
PHOTO COURTESY OF NATIONAL PARKS SERVICE/F. BROWN
More Information Until March, the visitor center is open 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday through Sunday. To plan your trip, call 208-933-4105 or visit www.nps.gov/hafo.
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n any outdoor adventure, Mother Nature’s job is to present you with challenges. Some days she’s more demanding than others. And on those days, you’d better come prepared. The Stauer Survival Box is a near-guarantee you’ll be up to the challenge. The stainless steel multitool offers wire cutters, knife, bottle opener, file, a set of screwdrivers, a pair of pliers and much more. The powerful flashlight has three different settings, and the tactical loop watch is a reliable, waterresistant timepiece that clips to your hip and never leaves your side. All told, opening the Survival Box gives you instant access to nine different tools for JUST $19.50.
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Praise for Stauer’s Survival Box
Survival Box Specifications: • Multitool: 3 1/4" x 1" folded • Flashlight: 3 1/2" x 1", 260 lumens, takes AA batteries (not included), three LED light modes: strong, medium and caution flashing • Watch: 2 3/4" x 1", battery type SR626SW (included) Survival Box $99 $19.50* + S+P Save $79.50 *You must use Insider Offer Code: SVB185-01 to get this price. California residents please call regarding Proposition 65 regulations before purchasing this product.
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THE GREAT PICTURE HUNT
The
Voice of Light On senior night, a football player embraces his father on the field before the game.
NIKON D800180mm lens ISO 3200, f/2.8 at 1/500
PHOTO BY DAVE LABELLE
My heart is heavy.
One of the true blessings of writing a column is the opportunity to share with you, my readers, not only what I see but what is on my heart. The two are often interconnected. As trite as it sounds, I feel like we are family. In the wake of the most recent war atrocities, it’s challenging to keep my attention on things like photography and positive storytelling. Yet, even as I wade through the Renowned author, photographer and lecturer Dave LaBelle has captured special moments for more than half a century. For more of his writings, visit davidlabelle.com and bridgesandangels.wordpress.com.
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emotions of these conflicts, I am reminded what a lifelong gift photography is, distracting me from deep and painful events while acting as a vehicle to share what I see and feel. For this, I am forever grateful. Armed with a purpose, photography has always been a powerful communication tool. With it, we can shine light in dark places or quietly applaud acts of love and goodness. I believe both are necessary. While I truly admire the courage of my friends who risk their lives to show us the injustices and atrocities of war, I have chosen to celebrate light and those who reflect it. Where there is light, there is hope. The new year is the perfect time to talk about seeing and being light. Whether
literal or metaphoric, light reveals and heals. Each of us chooses how we use light. With our cameras, as with our words, we can choose to focus on the good and lovely in our world or dwell on the dark, ugly and evil. I attended a seminar where the speaker reminded his audience of the difference between a thermometer and a thermostat. One reads the temperature, and the other changes it, he challenged. The late Agnes Baker Pilgrim—also known as Grandma Aggie, a Native American spiritual elder I wrote about a few years ago— said she talked to water, thanking it often. She insisted water hears us. I think light is similar. I know it has a voice. n
Reader Challenge
Show me the goodness of light, as it falls on mountains, fields, streams, rooftops, bedsheets or kitchen sinks. Or, as it springs forth from the heart in acts of kindness. 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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OPALCO
CRITICAL CONNECTIONS: CRITICAL CONNECTIONS: HOW ELECTRICITY HOW TO ELECTRICITY GETS YOU The electric grid GETS TOis considered YOU one of the most complex machines in the world, delivering the The electric grid is considered one of the most electricity we need for everyday complex machines in the world,life. delivering the electricity we need for everyday life.
step 1 GENERATION step 1 Power plants generate electricity GENERATION
using a variety of energy sources, Power plants generate electricity like solar, natural gas, nuclear, using a variety of energy sources, hydro, and wind energy. like solar, natural gas, nuclear, hydro, and wind energy.
step 2 STEP-UP step 2 TRANSFORMER STEP-UP A step-up transformer TRANSFORMER
increases the voltage A step-up transformer to push the electricity increases the voltage over long distances. to push the electricity over long distances.
step 5 DISTRIBUTION SUBSTATION step 5 These substations lower the voltage DISTRIBUTION SUBSTATION
step 3 TRANSMISSION LINES step 3 High-voltage electricity TRANSMISSION LINES
travels over long distances High-voltage electricity through these lines. For the travels over long distances islands, we use submarine through these lines. For the cables under the water to islands, we use submarine bring us power. cables under the water to bring us power.
again so the electricity is ready to These substations lower the voltage travel on distribution lines. again so the electricity is ready to travel on distribution lines.
step 6 DISTRIBUTION LINES step 6 Lower-voltage electricity DISTRIBUTION LINES
step 4 TRANSMISSION step 4 SUBSTATION TRANSMISSION Voltage is lowered at a SUBSTATION
transmission substation Voltage is lowered at a so electricity can travel transmission substation across the local so electricity can travel distribution system. across the local distribution system.
travels through distribution Lower-voltage electricity lines, like the ones you travels through distribution typically see on the side lines, like the ones you of the road. typically see on the side of the road.
step 7 FINAL step 7 STOP A transformer located on the ground or a utility FINAL STOP
pole reduces the voltage a final time, then A transformer located on the ground or a utility electricity is sent inside your home, school or business. pole reduces the voltage a final time, then electricity is sent inside your home, school or business.
J A NUA R Y 2 0 2 4
25
MARKETPLACE Agriculture
Reinforced custom-sized pond liners (39 cents/sqft). Hay covers, greenhouse covers, any width and length. Truck tarps and more. High puncture and tear strength. Best price guaranteed. Celebrating 42 years in business. www.btlliners.com. 541-447-0712. 0424 4x5 round bales, Meadow Foxtail Orchard Grass. 4x4 Timothy, small square. 208-4354637 or 208-435-4002; nas@cpcinternet.com. Wade Rain 40’x3” irrigation pipe. Used in solid set operation, in good condition. 541-752-0460; westernaglands@gmail.com. 0124 Antiques and Collectibles Buying antiques and collectibles: advertising signs, porcelain signs, gas pumps, beer signs, antique toys, cast-iron coin banks, neon signs and more. Jason, 503-310-3321 or tjabaughman@yahoo.com. 0324 Melodeon circa 1867 Taylor & Farley made in Worcester, MA. Mahogany case, good condition, playable. Circular stool. Photos available. Gale, 360-468-4618 or lynch@rockisland.com. 0124 Buying American Indian collectibles, Navajo blankets and rugs, baskets, beadwork, etc. Also, quality paintings of the early Southwest and Americas. Send photos or contact: 760-409-3117 or amer.ind.baskets@gmail.com. Lifetime collection Fender vintage amps 1960s70s. Serious inquiries only. 541-589-2807. Automotive Wanted: mid-1960s 2-door Ford Falcon, Fairland or Mercury Comet/Cyclone. Grandkids have outgrown my ‘66 Ranchero, need something with a back seat. Dan, 541-663-9091. 0224 Boats 1979 Skipjack. 20-ft open cruiser. $10K. High top, stern cover, full boat cover. 305 Chevy engine depth finder and plotter; CB/VHF radio, OMC out-drive. Always garaged. Runs good. Photos available. Ontheroad4me@gmx.com. 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. 0124AR Business Opportunities A great business opportunity in Boardman, OR. A small cafe you can use your imagination in. Frontage view of freeway, quick in and out access. A coffee shop on property for extra income. $1.3M. For more information, contact Karen at 541-571-0636. 0124
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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. Phone numbers and emails count as one word. Longer ads may be placed. Contact 503-357-2105 or info@pioneer.coop for pricing information. Ads are for customers of member co-ops, public utility districts 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): March issue—January 28, 2024. 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.
Quaint hardware store in Maupin, OR, for sale. Inventory and interior store recently updated and refreshed. See ad on Bizbuysell.com or email Maupincountrystore@gmail.com. $309K. Looking to purchase small business in Northern Idaho. Call or send information on any opportunities. Can do a quick purchase. 559-269-5554; mike@rouchbuilders.com. 0124 Community Events 8th Annual Fiber Arts & Jewelry Exhibit Feb. 2March 30, 2024. Art Center East in La Grande, OR. Submission deadline: Jan. 27, 2024. artcentereast.org. 0124 Farm Equipment For sale: Steffen model 5510. Hay handler grabs 10-12 small bales. Good condition. $1K. Challis, ID. 208-879-2939. 0124 Free Items Free materials—church, government uniting, suppressing “religious liberty,” enforcing National Sunday Law. Be informed. Need mailing address only. TBS, P.O. Box 374, Ellijay, GA 30540. 888-211-1715; tbsmads@yahoo.com. 0124AR Miscellaneous Alaskan yellow cedar. Great for planter boxes, herb and flower beds, fencing or decks. Various sizes available. Pete, 541-206-0727. Lisa, 541-747-5025 ext. 21. 0624
Local commercial fisherman sells summer catch of preserved freshness by blast freezing at sea, gourmet canned tuna on internet. Sept.June. 100% guaranteed the best canned tuna you ever tasted. Original, jalapeno and garlic flavors available. Twofisherstuna.com. Call 206-799-1082 to place your order. 0324 Custom handmade knives. Now taking orders for hunters, chefs, buoy or utility. Damascus or 1095 high-carbon steel guaranteed. Call or text 509-250-2662. Pictures available. 0124 Granite cemetery markers at affordable prices. Will ship to most places. For more info: Joe, 541-815-8906; www.highdesertmemorials.com; and highdesertmemorials@gmail.com. 0524 Pets, Supplies Get the absolute best farm dog. English shepherds are good with all stock, are great watchdogs, superb varmint hunters, friendly and easy to train. Our litter was born Dec. 4, and our pups will be ready for their forever homes just in time for Valentine’s Day. $900 each. Applications are available at www.goodearthfarm.org. 541-913-5980; admin@goodearthfarm.org. 0224 Idaho shag (border collie x Airedale) The best dog you will ever have. Farm/ranch dog. Males and females. $450 each. Colton, OR. 971-804-1706. 0124
Chenoa, female, 3-year-old Great Pyrenees. Needs a new home with space. 541-805-0969 or bcrp51@outlook.com. 0124 Stud service for mini Australian shepherd. Photos available. Crescent Lake, OR. Liz Sanders, 360-901-1291. 0124 Real Estate $600K interior Alaskan turnkey roadhouse and 2 dry cabins. Well-maintained on 5 acres with pond. 50 scenic miles south to Denali Park entrance. 907-460-9292. 0524 Let me help you buy or sell ranch, farm and recreation property in Oregon. Fourthgeneration Oregonian, ranch owner. For sale: Sisters, OR, 40 acres. $1.7M. John Gill, 541-480-9161 or johngill@landandwildlife.com. Land And Wildlife brokerage. 0124 Dale store. 11 acres along U.S. Hwy 395. Live and work in this recreational enthusiast area. $695K. Duke Warner Realty, 541-987-2363 or ddwr@ortelco.net. 0124 Off-grid homestead. Ideal for wind/solar power. NE Elko County NV. Has equipment, quarters, shop. Year-round access. Water and power nearby. $35K. geopup58@gmail.com. 0124 Rest in peace among the pines. Two adjacent gravesites in the historic Sumpter cemetery in Northeast OR. A beautiful, peaceful setting. $300. 208-284-5073. 0124
Services Call Pahrump Lock and Safe for all your residential, commercial and safe services. 24-hour emergency service in Pahrump, NV. 702-379-8441; Jim@pahrumplockandsafe.com. We all want delicious, fresh, nourishing food to feed our families. We’ve got pastured pork corn/soy/GMO free. Delivery to your door or drop sites. Order at: www.rural-roots-ranch. com or text Christy, 541-589-4674. 0624
Want to Buy Buying American Indian collectibles, Navajo blankets and rugs, baskets, beadwork, etc. Also, quality paintings of the early Southwest and Americas. Send photos or contact: 760-409-3117 or amer.ind.baskets@gmail.com. Gold, silver, coins/currency, buy, sell. Collections wanted. Fair prices paid. 44 years in retail store. Baker City, OR. 800-556-2133; garrymclin@aol.com. 1024 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. 0124
Rare 1.34-acre, view lot for cabin/retreat in Mt. Aire Canyon, 4 minutes from Salt Lake City 270º views, elevation 7,200 at confluence of 5 canyons. Water onsite, transformer adjacent. $325K. charles@cc-tdi.org, Instagram: @mtairekitebox, 801-232-8038. 0224 Recreational Vehicle Hook up a steelhead at The Hook Up RV Park in Ahsahka, ID. Daily or longer rents available. 208-391-2919; hookuprvpark@gmail.com. 0124
(125) VARIETY HEIRLOOM SEED KIT
(With Ammo Storage Box) Over 22,000 seeds. 125 varieties of veggies, garden-fruits, & herbs. $119
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Recreational Rentals
Bend country cabin. Very clean and fully furnished cabin on private ranch. Close to recreation areas. Very nice. $95/night. 541-382-3050; bendcountrycabins@gmail.com. 0124
100% NON - GMO 100% NON - H Y BRID OPE N P OLLIN ATE D
Holistic nurse consultant. Herbal/natural nutritional advice. Complementary medicine practitioner. Free initial consultation. Available in Brookings, OR, area only. 707-951-1882.
Selling farmette, snowbird potential. Enclosed RV trailer port, garages, power, propane, fenced, county, near Joshua Tree. 58873 Sun Mesa Drive, Yucca Valley, CA. Cindymarkrealty.com/copy-of-houses. 760-285-4911. 0124 Wavecatcher: Oceanfront. Central Oregon coast. Summer $175/night mid-May to midOct.; $140/night mid-Oct. to mid-May (plus cleaning/tax). Three rooms w/double beds. Pets welcome. Wavecatcherbeachrentals.com. Reservations: 541-740-2846. 0324AR
HEIRLOOM SEED KITS
(w/ Mylar Storage Bag)
SHEEPSKIN SLIPPERS ON SALE!
Over 9,500 seeds. 50 varieties of veggies, fruits, & herbs. $49
We’ve had a busy year at HIGH PLAINS SHEEPSKIN, making and shipping thousands of these great slippers to people in all 50 states. Our durable hard sole sheepskin slippers are now $75.00, sheepskin soled $65.00. Sales price February 1st through February 29th only. Sizes and colors may be limited. Shipping rates apply (call to inquire if ordering by mail). VISIT OUR WEBSITE TO BROWSE OUR ADDITIONAL PRODUCTS!
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HeartsgoodFarms.com (866) 861-7111 Family-Owned & Operated. Cave Springs, Arkansas
JA N UA RY 2 0 2 4
27
OPALCO
LEFT: Steve Dengler and his wife, Tina, prepare a Thanksgiving meal in their double-wide trailer shortly after Steve started at Orcas Power & Light Cooperative in 1984. PHOTO COURTESY OF STEVE DENGLER
ABOVE: Steve, left, chats with Kevin Zoerb at the back of an OPALCO truck, circa 1995. PHOTOS
Powering Lopez COURTESY OF OPALCO
OPALCO general foreman has seen four decades of evolution If you swing by the Orcas Power & Light Cooperative warehouse on Lopez Island on any day of the week, chances are you will run into Steve Dengler. He can be found talking on the phone, organizing upcoming jobs or chit-chatting with fellow Lopezians who may have questions about their electrical service. Steve has been a staple at the Lopez site for almost 40 years. He moved to Lopez in sixth grade so his father could become the 28
JA N U A RY 2 024
first doctor on the island. After graduating from Lopez High School, he opted to stay on the island. He worked for a few years in fishing and construction jobs and was laid off during the winters. Steve started working part time at OPALCO for $7.50 an hour. It was less than what he could make in construction, but the possibility of a long-term position could provide more stability, so he decided
to stick with it. He became good friends with the OPALCO team, which was just two or three guys in those days. In 1985, a plane crash witnessed by Steve and his wife, Tina, killed three people, including OPALCO’s then-line foreman. In the wake of the tragedy and transition at the co-op, Steve began working full time as a journeyman lineworker apprentice. A lineworker apprenticeship takes four years and requires full-time work in
LEFT: Steve, left, and then-new apprentice Kai Burleson practice climbing, circa 2004. ABOVE: Steve has served the cooperative as general foreman since 2014.
addition to studies. During this time, Steve and Tina lived in a double-wide trailer and worked to earn enough money to build a house of their own. By the storm of 1989, Steve was a journeyman lineworker. The crew worked for almost three weeks straight as parts of the island remained without power. Tina was pregnant with the couple’s first child during the storm. The co-op’s general foreman at the time checked on her to make sure she had enough firewood while Steve and the team worked night and day to repair the system from what was called a 100-year storm. Steve says his early days at OPALCO represent a different time. It was before the union was in place, and Steve describes it as “mud, blood, beer and outages.” After the 1989 storm, which was followed by another big one in 1991, things
began to change. Doug Bechtel had taken the helm and started modernizing and undergrounding the system. Another big change was the OPALCO staff voted to unionize. Steve became line foreman in 1994, shortly after he and Tina moved into the house they built. In 2014, he was promoted to general foreman on Lopez. “It’s been a good career, that I was able to go places within the company,” Steve says. “You get close with the guys you work with. You have to trust them with your life, and it creates good friendships over the years. There are grueling nights—you miss birthdays and your kids’ ball games—but that’s what you sign up for, and you know the work you are doing is important.” He likes working outside, running equipment and working in the community to get things done. His in-depth knowledge of the community helps keep things
running smoothly on Lopez and the outer islands. Steve says not everyone looking for a career in the industry needs to be a lineworker. “There is a lot of work to be done at a utility, and they are all good jobs,” he says. “A big benefit of doing a lineworker apprenticeship is that you get paid to get trained versus having to pay to go to college.” Steve is an avid fisher, hunter and pilot. He has two sons and two grandchildren. He says he plans to retire someday and looks forward to not answering the phone all the time, instead spending time with Tina and their grandchildren, visiting his hunting cabin in Eastern Washington and getting some projects done at home. In the meantime, you can find Steve at the Lopez warehouse celebrating his 40th year at OPALCO. n JA N UA RY 2 0 2 4
29
A Time of Porpoise A
memorable beach moment: You’re basking in the warm sun, toes in the sand, letting the gentle turn of the foam-capped waves lull you into a state of complete relaxation. As your eyes scan the endless horizon of blue on blue, you’re rewarded with a pod of dolphins making their way across the sea.
Imposs ible Pr ONLY ice
29
There’s no denying their signature shape as they leap from the water. If you don’t see anything else extraordinary the rest of day, you can take solace knowing you’ve witnessed one of nature’s most playful and human-like creatures in their natural habitat. Why not re-create that special moment with our Balinese Dolphin Pendant? We’ve captured two dolphins midjump in sterling silver crafted in the Balinese style. Tucked between these beloved sea mammals is a full carat of shimmering blue topaz. Made by some of Indonesia’s finest artisans, this pendant is an absolute steal at JUST $29! That’s what we call our Stauer IMPOSSIBLE PRICE! Nothing captures the shimmering color of the ocean in the midday sun like blue topaz. With its sparkling, clear blue color and high reflective index, blue topaz is one of the world’s top-selling gemstones. The Gemological Institute of America lauds topaz for its hardness, noting that blue topaz is known for its intense color that’s better than aquamarine. With this special price, you can score quite the catch. Satisfaction guaranteed or your money back. Enjoy the Balinese Dolphin Pendant for 30 days. If it doesn’t pass the test swimmingly, send it back for a full refund of the item price. Limited reserves. This pendant is already one of our best sellers this year. A full carat of genuine blue topaz set in .925 sterling silver for this price is as rare as a dolphin sighting. We cannot guarantee availability for long. Call today! This offer is limited to the first 1,900 responders to this ad! Jewelry Specifications: • Made in Indonesia • Blue topaz and .925 sterling silver
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One carat of shimmering blue topaz set in sterling silver for $29
“Just lovely! Would recommend it as a purchase. Thank you STAUER.” — Mary L.
Your Insider Offer Code: DNP199-01 Stauer, 14101 Southcross Drive W., Ste 155, Dept. DNP199-01, Burnsville, MN 55337 www.stauer.com
AFFORD THE EXTRAORDINARY
Why have a stairlift when you can have a Homelift? Stay in the home and neighborhood you love with a Stiltz Homelift. WHY LIMIT YOURSELF? Stairlifts were introduced in the 1920s, and not much has changed since. A stairlift has one use: to move you (and only you) between �loors, slowly. And it �its in only one place: your staircase. Finally, a stairlift won’t keep up with you as your mobility needs change over time. For example, a stairlift can’t carry a walker or wheelchair. THE MODERN SOLUTION
A Stiltz Homelift, on the other hand, is an affordable, modern Homelift that is so compact, it �its just about anywhere in your house. It requires no special machine room, no supporting walls, and runs off a standard home electrical outlet. One look at our unique freestanding rail system, and
“I can’t imagine what we’d do without it. I wish we had installed our Stiltz Homelift several years ago!” – Mr. James, Roanoke VA
you can tell right away why we’re called “Stiltz”!
A Stiltz Homelift is 100% safe. The homelift will not operate when the door is open, and sensors stop the lift cab if something is in the way. A battery backup lowers the lift cab in a power outage. A Stiltz Homelift is versatile. Our homelifts carry two people, or even a wheelchair. And the small footprint means they �it just about anywhere. Install your homelift through the �loor, in a stairwell, up to a landing — even inside a closet!
A Stiltz Homelift is clean and quiet. Our self-contained electric drive system is very quiet. No messy hydraulics, no noisy vacuum systems, no machine rooms required. A Stiltz Homelift is an extra pair of hands. Move laundry, suitcases, groceries and vacuum cleaners — up and down between �loors. IT’S NEVER TOO SOON
Some Stiltz customers need a Homelift immediately. But others want to “future-proof” their homes for when the stairs become a challenge.
Did you know? Falls are the leading cause of hospitalization for older adults in the US. More than a quarter of Americans age 65+ fall each year. The average hospital cost for a fall injury is $35,000. HOMELIFT SPECIALISTS Stiltz is one of the world’s leading Homelift manufacturers, so you’ll be in good hands. Your homelift will be installed and maintained by Stiltz trained professionals — expert technicians who truly care about your freedom.
Why choose Stiltz? • Affordable • Small Footprint • Full Safety Features • Clean, Quiet Operation • Low Power Consumption • Freestanding Design • Wheelchair Accessible • Carry Laundry or Pets • Fast Installation • Full Warranty
For a FREE BROCHURE or no obligation home visit
Call 1-833-921-5041 or visit www.StiltzLifts.com
®
Your member-owned, not-for-profit cooperative utility. Providing energy services to San Juan County since 1937. Eastsound Office 183 Mount Baker Road Eastsound, WA 98245-9413 Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Friday Harbor Office 1034 Guard St. Friday Harbor, WA 98250-9240 Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Lopez Crew Station 4232 Center Road Lopez Island, WA 98261-8098 No regular office hours 360-376-3500 STAFF General Manager Foster Hildreth Manager of Finance & Member Services Nancy Loomis Manager of Operations & Engineering Russell Guerry, PE BOARD OF DIRECTORS President Vince Dauciunas, District 1 Vice President Jerry Whitfield, District 4 Secretary/Treasurer Brian Silverstein, District 3 Mark Madsen, District 1 Chuks Onwuneme, District 2 Jeff Struthers, District 2 Tom Osterman, District 3 Board meetings are the third Thursday of each month, unless otherwise indicated on our website. Board materials are posted on the website the Monday before the meeting. www.opalco.com
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Happy New Year From Our Co-op Family to Yours I am starting the new year with lots of good cheer—see my tail wagging—and renewed hope for the warmth of our island communities, progress toward making our co-op homes more energy efficient, and a shared commitment to helping all co-op members meet the rising cost of power with Project Pal and Energy Assist programs. Yes, our bills are going up this month because the Orcas Power & Light Cooperative board approved a 6% rate increase. We keep talking about how the cost of energy is rising, and that’s why we have the Switch it Up! financing program, rebates and the Island Way workshops. We work hard to help every co-op member find ways to make their homes more efficient for energy and cost savings. I was inspired to read the cover story of Beth and Jordan (can I get a play date with their very cute dogs?) and happy to hear that even our youngest, newest co-op members are getting into the efficiency game to make their lives more comfortable and cost-effective. Please join me in raising a paw to high-five our Lopez General Foreman Steve Dengler (see pages 28-29) for his 40-plus years of keeping the lights on for all of us. We have a strong family at OPALCO. It’s a great place to work and provides a living wage for folks who want to make a career for themselves in the islands. If you’re looking to make a fresh start in 2024, visit www.opalco.com/careers. Our team makes an important difference in the communities we serve every day. You, dear members, are the reason we are here providing power and broadband connections in this wee corner of the Salish Sea. As Robert Burns wrote and is often repeated this time of year: “And there’s a hand, my trusty fiere! And gie’s a hand o’ thine! And we’ll tak a right guid willy waught, For auld lang syne. We lift a cup o’ kindness to you!” Happy New Year! Pepper P.S. We are now accepting board candidates for the 2024 election. See page 8.
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