Ruralite, Umatilla Electric Cooperative, April 2026

Ruralite

April 2026 • Volume 73, No. 4

CEO Michael Shepard

SENIOR VP OF CONTENT Leon Espinoza

EDITORIAL DIRECTOR Chasity Anderson, CCC

DEPUTY EDITORIAL DIRECTOR

Noble Sprayberry

SENIOR EDITOR Jennifer Paton, CCC

LEAD CONTENT EDITOR Victoria Hampton, CCC

ASSISTANT EDITORS David Herder, CCC; Sable Riley, CCC; Nina Todea, CCC

ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Valeri Saldanha Rosa

PUBLICATIONS PRODUCTION SR. MANAGER

Elizabeth Beatty

SENIOR PUBLICATIONS COORDINATOR

Alyssa McDougle

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Don’t Wait for Perfect

Two words from photographer Bee Bryne have stayed with me since I read this month’s Spotlight feature: Don’t wait.

She was talking about pet photography, but the advice reaches further than that. Bee has watched too many people put off booking a session—telling themselves they have time, that it feels silly, that the dog isn’t perfect enough—only to call her in a panic after a difficult diagnosis.

“You’ll never regret it,” she says, “but you’ll regret it if you don’t.”

That quiet urgency is at the heart of The Tilly Project, an international network of photographers dedicated to capturing the bond between people and their animals before it’s too late. What began in 2021 with one woman’s act of kindness for a grieving friend has become something far larger: a community of photographers who show up, often for little or no pay, in some of life’s most tender moments.

The images they make get framed. They get hung on walls. They get cried over, years later, by people who are deeply grateful someone thought to press the shutter. Read more on Page 12.

The phrase “Don’t wait” also surfaces, in a

quieter way, in our Up Close story about Donnie Fowler.

A Brookings, Oregon, resident approaching his 65th birthday, Donnie has spent decades making custom surfboards. He doesn’t do it to make a living but for the joy of it—for friends and family and the simple pleasure of riding something he built himself.

What caught my attention isn’t his technique, though the boards he’s shaped are remarkable. It’s his refusal to hold anything back.

“I don’t want to hoard what I know,” he says. “I want to help people.”

That kind of generosity, freely offering what cost him years to learn, is its own form of not waiting. Read more on Page 10.

Dave LaBelle invites us to slow down and find the visual music hiding in plain sight—in patterns, repetition and the rhythms we walk past every day without noticing. His reader challenge this month is worth accepting.

What are you waiting to do, make or say? April seems like a good time to start.

Reach me at editor@pioneer.coop.

Until next time, Chasity Anderson Editorial Director

Quest for the Perfect Surfboard

A Brookings, Oregon, man learned to make it himself

Up Close, Page 10

Treasured Memories

The Tilly Project offers comfort to grieving pet owners

Spotlight, Page 12

Root for Great Taste

Page 16

UMATILLA ELECTRIC

2026 Board Election Candidate Biographies

Umatilla Electric Cooperative’s service area is divided into seven districts. Members of each district elect a director to represent them for a three-year term. This year, elections are being held for Districts 5, 6 and 7. Ballots will be mailed to those district members who are qualified to vote. Results will be announced at UEC’s Annual Meeting on April 18, 2026.

Candidate biographies are provided by the candidates, and may not necessarily reflect the views of Umatilla Electric Cooperative.

Board of Directors Candidates - District 5

District 5 includes service areas around Hermiston, Stanfield, Echo, Butter Creek and Pilot Rock. District 5 is currently represented by Tom Pitzer.

Pitzer, has been a Hermiston resident for 61 years. A 1983 graduate of Hermiston High School, he attended Washington State University and Oregon State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine, earning his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree in 1991.

Pitzer practiced at Hermiston Veterinary Clinic for 35 years and continues to work part-time after selling his ownership interest in 2019. He also operates a small farm near Hermiston where he raises hay. As both a veterinarian and farmer, he understands the critical role reliable electricity plays in irrigation, livestock care, and local businesses.

Throughout his career, Pitzer has remained actively engaged in community service. His business has supported organizations including FFA, 4-H, Hermiston Boosters, and the Umatilla County Cattleman’s Association. He regularly speaks in local schools about careers in veterinary medicine and has provided job shadowing and externship opportunities for veterinary students.

Pitzer has served Umatilla Electric Cooperative as a Director with a strong focus on education and governance. He has earned the NRECA Director Gold Credential, the highest certification available, and currently serves as board chairman for UEC’s subsidiary, Umatilla

Holdings. He has also represented UEC as a voting delegate at both state and national meetings.

He places high priority on maintaining existing infrastructure, mitigating risk, retaining experienced employees, and upholding UEC’s strong safety culture. Looking ahead, he believes his experience will be valuable as UEC navigates rising power costs, a new BPA contract, workforce challenges, and increased regulatory requirements.

Pitzer respectfully asks for your vote to continue representing District 5 on the UEC Board of Directors.

My name is Tyler Hansell, some of you may know me as TJ. I would appreciate your support and your vote to represent you as the District 5 Director on the Umatilla Electric Cooperative (UEC) Board of Directors. I believe that UEC can and should be better! Here is how.

1. Increasing Communication: Our residential rates have gone up almost 22% since February 2022 – as Cooperative members, we should be better informed as to why.

2. Creating Engagement Opportunities: My first focus will be to establish districtwide meetings twice a year. These meetings will create an ongoing dialogue

and allow me, as your director, to take information and concerns from District 5 back to the full board for consideration.

3. Transparency on Rates: Rates are the main topic we need to have better communication about as a Cooperative. Rates impact our bottom line and we deserve to be better informed. I will work to implement open seminars for District 5 to help our members learn how to take advantage of all the different rebate programs UEC offers with major benefits. I want to hear from you – Please email me VoteTylerHansellUEC@gmail.com

Leadership Qualifications

• County Line Water Improvement District, 2006-2026

• Oregon Wheat Commission, 2021-2026

• Oregon Wheat Growers League, State Officer, 2014-2017

• FSA Oregon State Committee, 2017-2021

• Oregon Integrated Water Resources Strategy Policy Advisory Group, 2017

• West Umatilla Mosquito Control District Board Member, 2023-2026

• Umatilla Basin Watershed Counsel, 2005-2014

• Hermiston Chamber of Commerce Government Affairs Team, 2018-2020

• Hermiston Sports Boosters, 2008-2025

Board of Directors Candidates - District 6

District 6 includes service areas east and southeast of Pendleton, the Umatilla River/Weston Mountain area and a small portion of northwest Union County. District 6 is currently represented by Steve Platt.

Steve Platt is seeking to continue his service as District 6 representative on the Umatilla Electric Cooperative Board, a position he has held since 2017. His priorities include supporting UEC’s strong safety culture, keeping rates competitive, and meeting the challenges of maintaining and expanding the cooperative’s electric system. During his tenure, Platt has participated in conferences and training, including National Rural Electric Cooperative Association programs, and currently serves as the Board’s Secretary-Treasurer.

Platt is a lifelong resident of the Pilot Rock area and a third-generation rancher. He and his wife and son have owned and operated a commercial cattle operation for more than 39 years. He is active in his community and served as president of the Umatilla County Cattlemen’s Association from 2020–2021, giving him broad insight into agricultural and rural issues important to UEC members.

Platt earned an Associate of Applied Science degree in Production Agriculture

from Blue Mountain Community College (BMCC) and spent 30 years working at the college, including 23 years as Facilities Manager. His experience includes safety and security, facilities maintenance, construction project management, budgeting, public bond initiatives, and human resource management.

As a Board member, Platt has supported strategic infrastructure investments, including the successful rebuild of the Weston Mountain Substation in 2022. This project strengthened system reliability and will help ensure dependable electric service for nearly 900 members in the Weston Mountain area for years to come.

Platt asks for your vote to continue serving District 6 and working on behalf of UEC members.

I was born and raised in Umatilla County and am proud to call it home. My wife, Donna, and I live in Umatilla Electric Cooperative’s (UEC) District 6, where we raised our three children. Our three

adult children continue to appreciate our home and our lifestyle in the county. We value the quality of life in District 6 and I am honored to seek a position on the UEC Board of Directors representing our district.

I attended Stanfield School District from kindergarten through graduation and earned my degree from Blue Mountain Community College. For the past 19 years, I have worked for the Oregon Department of Transportation, where I currently serve as a District Operations Coordinator. In this role, I have also had the opportunity to serve on several statewide ODOT committees.

As a Board member, my priorities would include supporting responsible, sustainable use of renewable resources while ensuring they remain viable for future generations. I am also committed to protecting and strengthening the valuable incentives and benefits of being a Umatilla Electric Cooperative member.

Board of Directors Candidates - District 7

District 7 includes the Hermiston area, from Airport Road on the south, Punkin Center Road on the north, Ott Road on the east and Quick Road on the west. Johnny Otis currently represents District 7.

Johnny Otis is a Hermiston resident and has been a member of Umatilla Electric Cooperative for more than 50 years. A Stanfield High School graduate and U.S. Army veteran (1967–1969), he is a longtime member of the American Legion. Otis co-founded Two Paw Tracker, maintaining wilderness trails for the U.S. National Forest Service, and has served in leadership roles with Eastern Oregon Missions,

Inland Northwest Musicians, and currently serves as vice president of Blue Mountain Insurance Professionals.

As District 7 Director, Otis treats the position as a serious duty—not a title. Board service regularly requires more than 40 hours per month, including monthly board meetings which can last four to eight hours. He believes members deserve directors who are informed, engaged, and willing to invest the time required to make sound decisions.

“I am continually impressed by what our staff accomplish,” Otis said. “We’re building new substations and infrastructure to meet growing demand, reinvesting in existing

systems to maintain safety and reliability for long-time members—all while keeping UEC’s rates among the lowest in the nation.”

Otis has voluntarily earned the Credentialed Cooperative Director, Board Leadership, and Director Gold credentials through the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association, the highest level of education offered.

“I take the responsibility of serving District 7 very seriously,” Otis said. “In exchange for your trust and your vote, I am committed to putting in the time and dedication needed to serve you and our cooperative to the best of my ability.”

CAST YOUR VOTE TODAY!

Board Elections for 2026 are being held now for Districts 5, 6, and 7. These districts have the convenience of voting by mail or online in this year’s election. Ballots must be received by April 16.

Eligible members with email addresses on file were emailed on March 25 with simple steps to access their online ballot. Prefer to vote by mail? Your ballot should have reached you within 3-7 days following that date.

Each member may vote once, utilizing either mail or online voting.

For Further Details

Find more information on UEC’s voting options and step-by-step instructions by visiting our website www.UmatillaElectric.com or scan the QR code with your phone.

AT

This year’s Annual Meeting will honor America’s 250th birthday while solemnly commemorating the 25th anniversary of the devastating events of September 11, 2001.

APRIL 18

Doors open at 3:45 p.m. Event Begins at 5:00 p.m.

Special Guest Speaker: Robert Darling

Location: Eastern Oregon Trade & Event Center (EOTEC)

UEC Board to Return $2.9 Million in Capital Credits to Members

One of the many benefits of being a member-owner of Umatilla Electric Cooperative is sharing in any excess margins generated by the business.

I’m pleased to announce that UEC’s Board of Directors will return $2.9 million to Cooperative members who purchased electricity in 2024 as part of our Capital Credits program.

The Cooperative’s efforts to maximize efficiencies and control costs over the long term make such returns possible.

As a not-for-profit, member-owned company, UEC operates at cost, with net operating revenues (known as margins) returned to members in the form of Capital Credits. Refunds to members are based on the amount of electricity they purchased during specified years.

If you no longer receive electric service from UEC, please keep us informed of changes in your mailing address so any future returns will reach you. If you have questions regarding Capital Credits, please call us at (541) 567-6414.

Bryan Wolfe Board Chair UEC Board of Directors

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Quest for the

Perfect Surfboard

A Brookings, Oregon, man learned to make it himself

By Vicki Hillhouse

There was no such thing as an internet tutorial when Donnie Fowler set out to build his first surfboard. His reference points came from examining his own board, riding waves and pushing a broomstick. The latter had nothing to do with shaping a surfboard, but it’s how he was introduced to a world of creative possibilities. More on that in a moment.

Donnie didn’t know how to glass a board—the process of fiberglassing and sealing a foam blank. In one of his early but most memorable errors, he used hotcoat resin instead of a lamination coat. Anyone who works with resin can imagine how much sanding it took to correct that mistake after the resin quickly set.

“It took me about a month or so to figure out all that,” Donnie says. “All I had were pictures of the surfboards I had to look at. Really, there was nobody to talk to about how to fix any of this. I had to do a lot of thinking.”

In the more than three decades since, Donnie honed his style as a backyard shaper—often a couple of hours from the ocean. He lost count of the number of surfboards he’s finished long ago. It’s a giant feat in an industry dominated by mass production.

Donnie, who now lives in Brooking, Oregon, makes boards for friends, family and anyone who find out he shapes, driven largely by the joy of creating a customized experience atop the waves of the Pacific.

“I’ve tried doing it for a living, but you don’t make money at it,” he says. “It’s the big facade. Everybody thinks, ‘Oh, you’re a shaper. You make a lot of boards, so you must make money at it.’”

Before his early retirement, Donnie worked at the wood products manufacturer Timber Products in Medford,

Oregon. His career allowed him to finance his hobby and passion, perfecting the longboards he customizes for fast nose-riding.

Donnie turns 65 this month, and he plans to continue making boards. But he also hopes to help others interested in learning the craft.

“I don’t want to hoard what I know,” he says. “I want to help people.”

Valuable Early Lessons

Sharing ideas, resources and knowledge is a concept Donnie picked up at a young age, along with that aforementioned broomstick.

His father made surfboards in Santa Cruz, California, in the 1960s and early ’70s. His surfboards were unusual and innovative—hollow boards meant to be light but ultimately ill-fated in the market. When Donnie was around 7, he’d go to the warehouse with his dad and make a little money cleaning. In the process of sweeping the floors, he’d hear the work buzz about designs, fins and pop outs from preformed molds.

“All this information was coming in to me,” he says. “I had no clue about things. All I knew was I had plenty of surfboards.”

The surfboard vision didn’t pan out, and the family moved north to Medford. Oregon held promise for the next thing, but beach time was not in Donnie’s immediate sights.

“I remember my dad asked me if I wanted to take a bunch of surfboards,” he says. “It was like a 2 1/2-hour drive to the coast. I told him, ‘No way.’”

Donnie didn’t surf regularly for a long time, until years later when his friends got an itch for the sport and pulled him back into it.

As is common in surfing, the wave riding took a toll on his boards. Stress cracks were increasingly common. He turned to his father for help with repairs until one day he was struck by the wisdom of a friend in the group: It’s a lot easier to make a surfboard than to fix one.

Donnie sought guidance from other shapers, but finding others making the same kinds of boards he wanted to make and willing to share their techniques proved tough. So, he took what he could glean and got started.

Discovering His Process

“I found I really have to make the board in my head from the very beginning to the very end first,” Donnie says. “There are so many steps. If you skip a step, then you create more problems down the line.”

He took detailed notes every inch of the way so he could refine the process.

“You know, I didn’t have a lot of money at first,” he says. “I ended up making a lot of my own tools. I had to really think about how to go about making calipers. I tried to experiment with little jigs for making the right angles. It took a lot of learning.”

Donnie attributes his innovative spirit to his father and those overheard conversations about bringing an idea to life.

“I got the experimentation part of trying things from my dad,” he says. “That’s just been my whole life thinking outside the box.”

Donnie’s garage became his work lab, where he experimented with additives to strengthen the polyurethane resin and played with ways to create drag or vary the concave surface of the boards.

Scores of his boards are surfed in the region’s waters. Many are owned by his friends.

For a while, it was hard to tell whether Donnie preferred shaping or surfing more. But in his retirement years,

the answer is easy—surfing on one of his own boards.

“I feel like they’re fast,” Donnie says. “They’re not like any other longboard. The nose has a really sharp edge, then with the chined rail, it creates more lift.

“To me, I feel like my surfboards are alive. They have this comfortable feeling to them. They’re nice and smooth. They react well.” n

Email Donnie at waveriderdwf@gmail.com.

Treasured Memories

Treasured Memories

The Tilly Project photographers offer comfort to grieving pet owners

By Ginger Meurer

In 2021, when a friend faced the impending death of a pet and asked where to find a nice urn, Lauren Kennedy offered her something different: an end-of-life photo session.

Lauren knows the pain of losing a pet. In 1988, she was heartbroken when her cat, Tilly, died. With her friend’s permission, Lauren shared the photos on social media, and the response was overwhelming. She couldn’t handle the hundreds of requests pouring in from pet owners seeking similar sessions, so she created a Facebook page to mobilize other

photographers willing to help.

That was the start of The Tilly Project, which has grown into an international network of photographers determined to capture the love between pets and their owners before it’s too late.

Photographers can apply to join the project, and those approved are listed in a database at thetillyproject.org, where pet parents can search for someone nearby.

The Pacific Northwest has dozens of participating photographers. Following are just a few:

Dre McAuley, of McAuley Photography (mcauleyphotography.com) in Puyallup,

Washington, draws on personal and clinical experience in her Tilly Project sessions. Her inspiration began with the loss of her dog, Valkyrie. The Newfoundland was Dre’s shadow.

When Valkyrie got sick, friends sent Dre to The Tilly Project website, which she says “ignited hope.” Seven days after Valkyrie died, Dre also lost her mother. She applied to graduate school to earn a license in mental health counseling, becoming the person she wishes she’d had to support her through grief.

Today, Dre brings photography and emotional support skills to her Tilly Project sessions. She also provides grief coping fliers and helps people identify resources to navigate difficult moments.

“Especially if they’re elderly or don’t have a lot of support,” she says. “Being, again, that person I thought I needed.”

Dre has captured the final moments of a few pets. One was a 24-year-old horse. Another was a 19-year-old deaf and blind

dog who couldn’t walk or even stand. Dre and the dog’s owner took her for one last visit to the beach. Then, inside the beach house, surrounded by family and friends, Dre captured the dog’s last moments.

Dre navigated those experiences by using skills she learned as a counselor.

Dre navigated those experiences by using skills she learned as a counselor, telling pet owners to take their space and feel what they need to.

“But I needed to be the person that they needed at the time,” she says.

Chelsea Smith, of Thistle & Rose Portraiture (unscriptedphotographers.com/ thistleandroseportraits) in Eugene, Oregon, found The Tilly Project by accident. She saw a social media post seeking help to fulfill a wish for the owner of a threelegged, cancer-diagnosed dog.

End-of-life photography has always interested Chelsea, so she contacted the dog’s owner and offered her photography services. They set up a session for later that week.

The next day, Chelsea received a cancer diagnosis for her own cat. The one-eyed feline had already survived cancer as a kitten. But this time, there was no reprieve.

“I had to euthanize him that day,” she says.

She wondered how she would get through the scheduled photo session.

“I was like, ‘I’m going to be a mess,’” she says. ‘But I’m sure they’re going to understand. It will be fine. I’m just going to do it anyway, even though it’s going to be really raw for me.’ It was very emotional. We were all a mess.”

They made it through and even captured photos of the dog with its veterinarian on the trail. Chelsea shared photos in a virtual photography group, and someone recommended The Tilly Project. Within the week, Chelsea looked it up and joined.

When the distance isn’t great, and she has the time, Chelsea doesn’t charge for sessions. She knows veterinary care and unplanned euthanasia can get expensive.

“It just feels nice,” she says. “It’s a way I can give back. It’s a skill that I have, and I have a huge soft spot for animals. I’ve experienced a lot of loss, and there’s pets in my past I wish I had pictures of.”

Ember Trembley, of Amarantine Photography (ember222.wixsite.com/ amarantine) in Woodland, Washington, offers Tilly Project customers a discount on a case-by-case basis, partly dependent on the amount of travel involved.

“People are welcome to travel to me,” she says. “I live out in the woods. Five minutes away, it’s easy to find a beautiful spot.”

But often Ember goes to her clients.

“The most recent session I did, I went to a family’s home, and I didn’t say much of anything,” she says. “I just followed them while they took their dog on a last walk. The vet was coming right after I left. I was a fly on the wall in their home.”

Ember gave a session to her former

driver’s education teacher, Megan AkersWashington. Megan’s dog Charlie, known formally as Charles Tobias, was diagnosed with bone cancer.

“Honestly, I didn’t think the photos were going to mean as much as they did,” Megan says. “Of course, I’m going to choke up while I’m talking about this. We have several of them throughout our house, framed and blown up. He was just something.

“There’s always that one dog that people talk about that they’ve had in their life that was something. And he was definitely that for our family. Taking those photos was such a bittersweet moment because Ember is wonderful. It was peaceful. It was serene. She just let us be around him.

“At the time, I was like, ‘This is cool, thank you.’ And then I got those photos, and I was like,

‘What is this?’

People who have pets deserve to have that same experience.”

Many wait until their pets get a negative diagnosis.

They meant more to me than I ever thought they could. They have touched us in many ways. I’m not lying when I say I probably tear up about that dog once a week. He’s truly missed in our family still.”

Ember says documenting the interactions between people and pets isn’t really ever sad.

“I have had some people break down and start crying,” she says. “And I still photograph that because, even if they don’t want those pictures in the moment, those are always the ones that people come back and say, ‘Oh my gosh, I’m so happy that I have this last picture even though I was emotional.’ But I’d say overall, it’s not really sad for me as a photographer. I look at it as a privilege.”

Bee Bryne, of Tails & Trails Pet Photography (tailsntrailspetphotography. com), near Tacoma, Washington, specializes in adventure photography for animals out of a desire to be outside.

“I live in the Pacific Northwest, and it’s so beautiful here,” she says.

Early on, she was asked to consider excursions for senior dogs who can’t go on big hikes. She responded, “Absolutely.” She searched for tips on senior dog photography, discovered The Tilly Project and signed up right away.

“It’s just been really wonderful the amount of work Lauren and her team put into making that available,” she says.

“It can be really challenging to find a photographer, especially if you live in a smaller town.”

Many Tilly Project photographers work on a reduced rate, but Bee keeps the same rate for all clients.

“They’re still getting that same level of care and time that you would for a full adventure session,” she says. “It just might look different depending on your pet and their specific needs. I spend a lot of time scouting locations that are stunning and look like you’ve done a huge hike and you’re out in the wilderness, and you’re not. You’re like three minutes from your car. I have a cart that I bring for dogs who need a little bit more help, even if it’s a short walk, to a stunning lake location.”

Bee wishes more pet owners would consider photography when their animals are young.

“There’s a lot of, ‘Oh, I have time. I don’t need to do this right now.’ Or, for some people, it sometimes feels silly to do a professional photo shoot with your pet. Who does that? Well, a lot of people, actually,” she says. “I think there’s a shift happening where people are realizing that their pets are family, especially for people who don’t have children. People get family portraits with their kids all the time, and they have these beautiful memories to look back on as their kids are growing up.

“A lot of people realize that they don’t have a lot of photos of them with their pet,” Bee says. “We all take millions of phone pictures, but how often are you in the photos with your dog or your cat?”

Bee says the biggest worry she hears from clients is they’re afraid they will be sad the whole time.

“There are tears a lot of the time,” she says. “But the majority of the time, the people and the dog, they’re so happy.”

Bee says often, an older dog hasn’t been out for fun lately. Sullen moods can lift in the mountains.

“So, their personality comes back a little bit,” she says. “And they get to have a great day, and their humans get to have a great day because their dog is so happy. It ends up being a lot more joyful than people anticipate.”

One pet sticks out for Bee: A tiny Yorkie sprang off a stump he’d posed on.

“Once we realized he was OK, we took a deep breath and couldn’t stop laughing at how ridiculous it was that he was this little old man, and he was just flying off a tree stump, acting like everything is fine,” she says. “He’s like, ‘I’m not sick. I don’t know what you’re talking about.’ It was one of those moments that was really joyful and silly.”

Bee chooses locations where senior dogs can have fun and be safe.

“Because I have senior dogs, too, I understand,” she says. “It’s not just a job for me. I genuinely care about my clients, and I want to help them have a beautiful experience with their pet and have these memories to look back on when they say goodbye, which sometimes is six months later and sometimes is the next day.”

Travel nurse Sereana ScharapenkoTaylor and her husband, Josh, a cybersecurity nomad, move every three to six months. They travel light but schedule photo sessions with their pugs every year.

When the couple’s dog, Tim, was diagnosed with an oral carcinoma, they worried he wouldn’t make it to the next year. So, they searched the web and found Bee. Sereana suggested a session a few weeks away. Bee encouraged them to come that weekend, and Tim died less than 10 days later.

“Had we picked the date I suggested, we never would have made it,” Sereana says.

Tim had been slowing down and didn’t have much of an appetite, but Bee had sardine treats he adored.

“He was just gobbling them up,” Sereana says. “She ended up giving us the whole bag. And she was just so good with him. And he was actually pretty energetic for the shoot.”

Sereana says Bee checked in on them.

“Especially being from out of state, it meant a lot to us,” she says. “We didn’t

have a lot of people.”

Seattle fiber artist Leslie Barber had long considered getting studio photos with her dog, Ramona, but was anxious about having her inside.

When the vet suggested the growth on Ramona’s heart looked cancerous, Leslie searched for a photographer and “stumbled upon Bee’s diamond of a website and just instantly knew I wanted her to do our photos,” she says.

“It’s quite impossible to describe Ramona without crying,” Leslie says. “She was just such a sweet girl. We used to— and continue to—joke that she used to love people more than she loved other dogs. She would sometimes give such long eye contact that made you feel so seen. She was so incredibly playful and smart and brought such immense joy into our lives.”

Bee encourages people to hire a professional, and she hires one herself once a year so she can be in the photos. Even if you can’t afford a session, Bee says get in the photos with your pets. She believes all pets deserve photos.

“A lot of people are like, ‘Oh my dog’s not perfect. They’re hyper, or they bark a lot or they won’t sit still.’ And I like to remind them your dog, your pet, your cat, your horse, they’re perfect the way they are,” Bee says. “Animals are going to be animals, and the best part about having a photo experience with them is you get to capture their personalities—silly, sweet, naughty, all the above.

Pets don’t need to be perfect to deserve beautiful photos. Just like humans don’t

need to be perfect to deserve beautiful photographs. Just be in the photos. Have the experience. You’ll never regret it, but you’ll regret it if you don’t.”

Photographing pets at the end of their lives is a heartbreaking job, “but it’s also the honor of my life to get to capture these last moments with people and their pets,” Bee says. “And it’s a job that I take very seriously. I would want that with my own animals. My pets are my babies.” n

Root for Great Taste

TURN SWEET POTATOES INTO THE HEADLINER

Sweet Potato Black Bean Chili

1 tablespoon avocado or extra-virgin olive oil

1/2 yellow onion, diced

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 jalapeno, minced

2 15-ounce cans black beans, drained and rinsed

2 15-ounce cans cannellini beans, drained and rinsed

24-ounce can diced tomatoes

1 medium sweet potato, peeled and diced

1 tablespoon ground cumin

1 tablespoon chili powder

2 teaspoons salt

3 cups spinach, chopped

2 cups cooked brown or white rice, prepared to package instructions

1/3 bunch fresh cilantro, chopped

Warm oil in a Dutch oven over medium heat. Once hot, add onions, garlic and jalapeno. Saute for 3-5 minutes or until onions have softened. Add beans and 1 cup of water. Stir until well combined. Stir in diced tomatoes, sweet potato, cumin, chili powder and salt. Cook for 20 minutes or until sweet potatoes are tender. Stir in spinach. Cook for another 5 minutes. Season chili to taste. Serve over rice, and garnish with cilantro.

Summer-Ready Salad Cookbook

Ready for a fresh take on the summer salad? This cookbook offers reader-recommended options for your table. Try the Breakfast Salad, Hot Chicken Salad, Snicker Salad and much more. More than 250 recipes are in an 8½-by-11-inch indexed book for only $8 (plus $3 shipping for any size order).

TO ORDER BY MAIL:

Submit payment with cookbook title, your name, address and number of cookbooks wanted to:

Ruralite Cookbooks

P.O. Box 1306 North Plains, OR 97133

TO PAY BY PHONE:

Call 503-357-2105 for credit card payments with Visa, MasterCard, Discover or American Express.

TO ORDER ONLINE: Visit www.ruralite.com.

Please allow two to three weeks for delivery.

BY

Everybody’s Favorites

Nothing brings family together like food, but what are our readers’ favorite dishes? Check out nearly 300 recipes for appetizers, drinks, main dishes and desserts from our 2013 contest. The book is $10 (plus $3 shipping for any size order).

TO ORDER BY MAIL:

Submit payment with cookbook title, your name, address and number of cookbooks wanted to:

Ruralite Cookbooks

P.O. Box 1306 North Plains, OR 97133

TO PAY BY PHONE:

Call 503-357-2105 for credit card payments with Visa, MasterCard, Discover or American Express.

TO ORDER ONLINE: Visit www.ruralite.com.

Please allow two to three weeks for delivery.

Featuring: Facilities Administrator Glen Saul

Behind every smoothly running building, secure substation, and well maintained workspace at UEC is careful oversight and hands on dedication. Providing that behind the scenes support is Glen Saul, facilities administrator, whose work ensures that our cooperative’s operations run safely, efficiently, and seamlessly every day.

Before joining UEC in 2014, Glen worked in property management at the Umatilla Army Depot prior to its closure. With a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Eastern Oregon University and years of experience in property management, Glen was ready to take on a new challenge and he quickly became an essential member of the cooperative team.

on ongoing projects. For Glen, the most rewarding part of his job is helping people and seeing projects completed from small maintenance tasks to major facility builds.

Growth has presented challenges in his role, including shifting from a reactive to a proactive mindset and handling the responsibilities of being the one man show for certain projects. Despite these challenges, Glen’s motivation has come from his coworkers, the flexibility UEC offers - including the four day workweek - that allow him to spend more time with family and check on his cattle.

In his role as facilities administrator, Glen wears many hats. He oversees general facility maintenance at all of our UEC’s locations. Additionally, he works at UEC substations, assisting operations with maintenance and security. He also contributes to the design and implementation of security measures. Glen was here before the new UEC building was constructed and recalls walking through the old buildings to complete projects that set the stage for the cooperative’s growth. Some of his favorite projects include leading the construction of the Boardman office, as well as supporting the build out of UEC’s 999 facility and fiber huts.

A typical day for Glen varies widely. He starts at 5:30 a.m., ensuring the building is ready and safe for staff and members. Throughout the day, he moves from hands on maintenance to scheduling with contractors, assisting operations, and checking

Glen’s work may largely take place behind the scenes, but his contributions are visible everywhere in the safety of our offices, the reliability of our substations, and the success of our projects. Whether he is troubleshooting, building, or maintaining, Glen’s commitment keeps UEC running smoothly, and his impact is felt across the cooperative every day.

"Glen’s dedication and reliability ensure our facilities and operations run smoothly every day. His strong work ethic and behind the scenes contributions make him a valuable asset to our organization"

- Kevin Knutz, Manager of Operations

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 43 years in business. btlliners.com. 541-447-0712. 0426

Strong and dependable 20-year-old female ag. graduate (May 2026) of Feather River College seeking ranch hand employment, preferably with cattle. Lilly, 916-717-9981. 0426

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. 0926

Buying American Indian collectibles, Navajo jewelry, blankets, rugs. CA/AZ baskets and beadwork. Quality paintings of the early Southwest and Americas. Call 760-409-3117 or send photos to amer.ind.baskets@gmail.com. 0526

Buying older baseball cards, collections, from the 1960s and older. Will pay cash or via Paypal. budandvicky@msn.com; 541-430-6900. 0626

WC Collectibles. We buy comic books. Local to Inland Northwest. Willing to travel. WCCollectiblesCheney@gmail.com; 509-496-1835.

Automotive

1970 GMC fleetside short box, new built 383 stroker. Saginaw 4-speed. $18K. Tri city-WA area. 509-830-2511. 0426

1991 HD-FXRSLR 80 cubic inches. Immaculate. Brandywine, cream. Leather saddlebags. Windshield. 13,650 original miles. $6K. 541-263-1009 (leave message); himtns@gmail.com. 0426

1990 Jeep Cherokee Pioneer 4x4. One owner, well cared for. $7.5K. LaGrande, OR. 541-963-2585. 0426

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. 0426

Community Events

Long Creek, OR, Emergency Services Appreciation Dinner, April 25. Live auction items include fire engine, flat utility trailer, Hamley saddle and firewood. Dinner reservations 541-421-3601. Visit cityoflongcreek.org for more info. 0426

Quick, Affordable: How to Place an Ad

„ Ads 25 words or fewer are $35 a month. An 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.

„ 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): June issue—April 30

„ 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 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.

New exhibits. Annual EOU Student Exhibit and Inaugural Ceramics Open Exhibit. Opening April 3 at Art Center East in La Grande, OR. artcentereast.org. 0426

Education

Long Creek Virtual Learning Acellus Academy. Free in OR, online, accredited, K-12 education. Contact Long Creek School for info and to sign up. longcreekschool.com; 541-508-9164. 1226

Farm Equipment

1940s Caterpillar D-2, hydraulic blade up/ down, full canopy, many photos. My late father’s. Diesel engine stuck so asking only $3.5K, OBO. Near Dayton, WA. 208-284-5073.

Water trailer. Around 400 gallons, Homelite pump, on heavy-duty, ex-military trailer. Photos, no title. Pump not started since before COVID-19. Near Dayton, WA. 208-284-5073.

Free Items

Free materials—church/government unite. National Sunday Law. TBSM, P.O. Box 374, Ellijay, GA 30540. tbsmads@yahoo.com; 1-888-211-1715. 0426AR

Help Wanted

Camp hosts/caretakers wanted for the Tucannon River RV Park, a small (33 sites), modern RV Park in rural SE WA on the lower Tucannon River. Prefer active retired couple able to meet and greet, take reservations, pull hoses, mow, general maintenance. RV required, with full hookup provided, plus stipend. 509-382-2759. 0426

The Wheat Lands Communities’ Fair in Ritzville, WA, is currently seeking a reliable and responsible summer groundskeeper/ camp host. Responsibilities include mowing, watering, general maintenance, overseeing the campground and other duties as needed. Would ideally be onsite by early May through late September. Full hookup provided and end-of-season stipend paid. Interested people can contact Dan at 360-521-2495. 0426

Livestock, Supplies

Live bees by Dick Turanski. New large supplier of 5 frame nucs in nuc box. Available 8:30 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, May 9. Nucs with your choice of queens as follows: Italians, Carniolans or Buckfast (Buckfast is NEW, starting with a limit of 2 nucs per customer). Introductory low price of $200 per nuc or more than 10 at $195 per nuc. Order via email, to dick.turanski@glorybee.com. Mail checks to RPT & Associates, P.O. Box 41294, Eugene, OR 97404. Deadline for checks must be postdated April 30, 2026. Pick up location in the gravel yard next to GloryBee’s Distribution Center, 29548 B Airport Road, Eugene (directly off Hwy 99). Stop by the pop-up tent to check in. 0426

Miscellaneous

Attention, landowners. Grants available now. Wildland fire fuel reduction service. Steep ground, remote, rocky, small lot, big acreage … no problem. Blue Mountain Defensible Space LLC. Bluemountainbrush@gmail.com; bluemountainbrush.com; 509-399-3473. 1126

Granite cemetery markers at affordable prices. Will ship to most places. For more info: Joe, highdesertmemorials@gmail.com or 541-815-8906, highdesertmemorials.com. 0426

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. To order: twofisherstuna.com or 206-799-1082. 0526

Nuisance trapper retiring. Selling cage and solid traps for raccoon, skunk, bobcat, squirrel, bird, fox, otter. Also, single and multi-catch mouse traps. Louise, 541-399-4593. 0426

Pets, Supplies

Havanese puppies in Rainier, OR. Hypoallergenic, great for all ages. Raised by our family as quality pets for you. Visit www.happeninhavanese.com or call Rebecca, 503-728-6241. 0426

Real Estate

Thriving turnkey all-inclusive business in Seneca, OR. Bear Valley Store. $425K. Duke Warner Realty, ddwr@ortelco.net, 541-987-2363. 0426

320 acres east of Adel, OR. Borders Hart Mountain views, Steens Mountain and Beaty Butte. Landowner tags, very rural. Reduced price: $145K. For maps: 541-659-1573; thejugglingman3@gmail.com. 0426

Let me help you buy or sell ranch, farm and recreation property in OR. Fourth-generation Oregonian, prior ranch owner. For sale: Deschutes Canyon Mountain views 118 acres Riverfront. $11.9M. John Gill, 541-480-9161; johngill@landandwildlife.com. Land And Wildlife brokerage. 0426

Mobiles to mansions. Cabins to castles. Brookings, OR, area Principal Broker Pat Piper, Century 21 Agate Realty. Helpful. Educated. Caring. 28 years of area experience. 541-251-2152; patpiperbroker@gmail.com.

20 acres for sale in northeastern NV, 10 miles east of Montello. Includes 26-ft. camp trailer, 20-ft. Conex, tools and equipment. $16K. geopup58@gmail.com. 0526

For sale/rent: 20 acres developed land, 3,600sqft. shop with “barndominium” potential. Weddings/events, horse property, RV hookups, creek, views. $575K. Seller financing. Goldendale, WA. 509-378-5886. 0426

“Tiny home,” 2014 Fleetwood single-wide MH. 784 sqft. 14’x56”. 2 bd., 1 ba. Open concept kitchen/living room, partially furnished. Garage included. $30K. 541-444-1394. 0426

Private 10-acre wild tree farm near Sandpoint, ID, with older 3-bd. mobile home, county maintained road, good building sites. $395K. Steve, 208-290-6505. 0526

For sale by owner in Baker City, OR. 2- to 3-bd. home, move-in ready. Many new upgrades. Well on the property. Fruit trees. Mountain view of Elkhorns. Call 307-321-1232 for appointment.

Recreational Rentals

Enjoy your ideal Maui getaway. This updated 2-bd., 2-ba. condo sleeps 4 and features a charming “surf shack” design. Just half a block from a beautiful beach, it’s perfect for morning strolls and sunsets. Plus, you’re steps away from shops and restaurants at Azeka Plaza. tinyurl.com/MauiGetaway. 0526

Ocean view Maui vacation rental. For the months of May-Oct. $210/now $185. One time cleaning $150, 2 TVs, king-size bed, queen-size sofa bed. Beach chairs and umbrellas. Great view. 503-812-6689. 0626

Sunshine and sand—Book your summer dreams at WaveCatcher for 2026. Oceanfront cottage with direct beach access, on the spectacular Central OR Coast. Sleeps 6. Pet friendly. All house amenities. Winter closure Nov.-March. Reservations, info: relax@wavecatcherbeachrentals.com or text 541-740-2846.

Recreational Vehicles

2004 Fleetwood Flair, 34 ft., like new, 2 slideouts, Triton V-10, 5500 Onan, 2 AC. Garaged except when traveling since 3/09. $22.95K. tlhayward@bendbroadband.com. 0426

RV FOUR-A.C.E. 29.2. Immaculate, very livable. Low milage. $25K. New tires. $15K, safety upgrades. Stabilizer/etc. Towing package. Queen walk-around bed. Shower. Oven/microwave. $45.5K. 360-370-5292. Rvtrader.com. 0426 Services

Dawn Till Dusk Masonry. Brick, block, stone and pavers. Small jobs and repairs welcome. dawntillduskconstructionmasonry.com; 541-388-7605; 541-410-6945. License #245760 bonded and insured. La Pine, OR. 0526

Sheidler Bookkeeping. Wrangling those books so you don’t have to. QuickBooks and Xero certified. Valia, 541-519-9005; sheidlerbookkeeping@gmail.com for free consultation. 0726

Blue Mountain Defensible Space LLC Wildfire Fuel Reduction: clearing brush, thinning trees, animal habitat enhancement. Expert service. Grant money available OR, WA, ID. Bluemountainbrush@gmail.com; 509-399-3473; bluemountainbrush.com. 1126

Forest Management and Logging consulting, also do logging jobs too small for larger operators, 50 years of experience in forestry, log marketing and logging management, references available, free on-site estimates. 541-430-6900; budandvicky@msn.com. 0626

Old West Coffins. Simple, dignified, traditional. Pine coffins, made to measure in the USA. Live the cowboy way … leave the cowboy way. oldwestcoffins.com. 530-640-1940. 0426

Situations Wanted

Attractive, active 60-year-old Christian gentleman in Umpqua, OR. Business owner, loves hot rods, smooth jazz, beach. Seeks financially stable, adventurous woman, 40–60. grailgolf@hotmail.com. 0626

Elderly gentleman 6’3”, 175 lbs., seeks educated male 55 to early 60s for companionship in the Gold Beach/Brookings/ Coos-Curry area. No smoking or drinking. I’m open-minded and liberal. I love classical music, art and sci-fi. David, 29917 Harbor Way #742, Gold Beach, OR 97444-9700. 0426

Want to Buy

Gold, silver, coins/currency, buy, sell. Collections wanted. Fair prices paid. 45 years in retail store. Baker City, OR. 800-556-2133; garrymclin@aol.com. 1026

Buying American Indian collectibles, Navajo jewelry, blankets, rugs. CA/AZ baskets and beadwork. Quality paintings of the early Southwest and Americas. Call 760-409-3117 or send photos to amer.ind.baskets@gmail.com.

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; 971-666-0659. 0426

Any older Corvette 1953-63 any condition, cash. Call or text 702-296-2289 or a62vette@yahoo.com. Even if you’re thinking about selling or just talk. 0426

of Being Prepared

Now that we are in Spring, and summer weather is approaching, ensure your home and property are safe and working to protect you and your family in the event of a wildfire by creating a defensible space, limiting fuels and planting fire-resistant plants.

Many people love to have beautiful landscaping, but sometimes it can grow larger and faster than we have time to manage. Sound familiar?

Managing our homes and properties is more than just for aesthetic purposes—it’s crucial for the safety of our families and community. In an emergency, every second counts.

One very important way to ght against the threat of re is to keep your yard and home wellmaintained. is is especially important in rural areas where the wild re threat is higher.

Keep it Lean, Clean and Green for Safety

Learn how to best prepare your home with these fire-safe home maintenance tips:

Limit Fire Fuels

Remove dead plants, branches, weeds, leaves or other flammables that can easily ignite and burn.

Water Regularly

Keep all plants watered, mowed and thinned.

Create Fire Breaks

Use driveways, gravel paths and green lawns as fuel breaks to stop the path of a fire.

Choosing Outdoor Furniture

Keep burnable materials such as wooden outdoor furniture or play sets away from the house, or consider fire-resistant replacements.

Choosing Vegetation

Choose plants with a high moisture content and trim bushes and trees regularly to avoid overgrowth.

Clean Your Roof and Gutters

Clean roofs and gutters of debris and pine needles that could catch embers. Replace or repair any loose or missing shingles or roof tiles.

Tree Placement

Plant trees at a safe distance from your home and all electrical utility infrastructure, including power lines, taking into account the plant’s full mature size.

APRIL

To our heroes in hard hats, thank you for keeping the lights on.

Join us in Thanking a Lineworker on National Lineworker Appreciation Day!

If you were asked to associate an image or job with Umatilla Electric, I bet you would picture a lineworker. One of the most visible employees of the cooperative, lineworkers work tirelessly to ensure our community receives uninterrupted power 24/7.

“Lineworker” is listed as one of the top 10 most dangerous job in the U.S. They routinely perform detailed tasks near high-voltage power lines and often brave treacherous conditions, including being on standby during wildfire season. Regardless of the time of day, having to work in stormy weather and other challenging conditions, lineworkers must climb 40 feet in the air, often carrying heavy equipment to get the job done.

Being a linework is not a glamorous or easy profession. It takes years of specialized training, ongoing education,

dedication, and equally important, a sense of service and commitment. How else can you explain the willingness to leave the comfort of your home to tackle a challenging job in difficult conditions, when most are sheltering comfortably at home? This dedication and sense of service to the community is truly what sets them apart. That’s why the National Rural Electric Association (NRECA) dedicates the second Monday in April to celebrate and recognize the men and women who work around the clock to keep the lights on. Our dedicated lineworkers are proud to represent UEC and they deserve all the appreciate and accolades that come their way on Lineworker Appreciation Day. This April 13, and any time you see a lineworker, I hope you’ll join me in thanking them for their exceptional service.

Mostly Clear Skies

Italian Heritage MeetsChronograph Precision.

Since the 1360s, when the rst mechanical clocks crowned Italian towers and piazzas, timekeeping has been treated as both science and spectacle. Now that legacy lives on in the Grotto Azzurra Chronograph — a timepiece inspired by one of Italy’s most dazzling natural wonders.

Its deep midnight-blue dial re ects the luminous glow of Capri’s legendary Blue Grotto — mysterious, romantic, unforgettable. Set against a gold- nished band, the look is pure Italian drama: striking, sophisticated, unapologetically bold.

But this isn’t just beauty.

ree precision subdials track seconds, minutes and hours with chronograph accuracy. A reliable movement powers the stopwatch function, while a stainless steel caseback and crown ensure durability. Water-resistant to 5 ATM and tting wrists up to 8 inches, it’s built for daily wear — and second glances.

e Grotto Azzurra Chronograph delivers oldworld Italian romance without the old-world price. Only Stauer makes heritage this attainable.

Claim yours today. Because time this captivating shouldn’t wait.

Watch Speci cations:

• Made in Italy

• Precision Chronograph Movement

• Stainless steel caseback, crown, and band

• Stopwatch and chronograph subdials for seconds, minutes, and hours

• Water-resistant to 5 ATM

• Fits wrists up to 8"

Grotto Azzurra Chronograph

Directors

Bryan Wolfe, Chair

Jeff Wenholz, Vice Chair

Steve Platt, Secretary-Treasurer

Lee Docken

Phil Hamm

John Otis

Tom Pitzer

Management

Robert Echenrode, President / CEO

Josh Lankford, Assistant General Manager

Cole Bode, Vice President Engineering

Joshua Burns, Vice President Operations

Lisa McMeen, Vice President Administration

Blake Weathers, Vice President Power Supply