November 2014
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[contents]
November 2014
[cover]
Cover illustration by Donna Wallin.
4 4 Viewpoint
CREA’s Energy Innovations Summit promotes new technologies
5 Letters
16 21 Recipes
Pass the popcorn, enjoy these tooth- some, corny snacks
22 Gardening
6 Calendar
7
24 Outdoors
Co-op News
12 NewsClips 14 The Cowboy Cooperative
Electric co-ops continue working to improve community lifestyles
16 The Love of Books
Discover books to fall in love with this fall
16
Use cold frames to grow vegetables all winter long Duck hunting turns magical with birds from up north
25 Energy Tips
Explore online
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This month’s online extras 4SEE: calendar events come to life,
great Halloween party ideas
frame for winter gardening
Free Library
4LEARN: the electric cooperative story 4GET: instruction in building a cold 4EXPERIENCE: the fun of a Little
30 Discoveries
people surveyed by the Pew Research center who said they read printed books in 2013
®
x
29 Funny Stories
91%
BILLION QUARTS amount of popped popcorn Americans consume each year
21
1782
year the bald eagle was chosen as the symbol for the United States
The official publication of the Colorado Rural Electric Association || Volume 45, Number 11 COMMUNICATIONS STAFF: Mona Neeley, CCC, Publisher/Editor@303-455-4111; mneeley@coloradocountrylife.org Donna Wallin, Associate Editor; dwallin@coloradocountrylife.org Amy Higgins, Editorial Assistant/Writer; ahiggins@coloradocountrylife.org ADVERTISING: Kris Wendtland@303-902-7276, advertising@coloradocountrylife.org; NCM@800-626-1181 SUBSCRIPTIONS: infor@coloradocountrylife.coop
EDITORIAL: Denver Corporate Office, 5400 Washington Street, Denver, CO 80216; Phone: 303-455-4111 • Email: mneeley@coloradocountrylife.org • Website: coloradocountrylife.coop • Facebook: facebook.com/COCountryLifw • Twitter: @COCountryLife Colorado Country Life (USPS 469-400/ISSN 1090-2503) is published monthly for $9/$15 per year by Colorado Rural Electric Association, 5400 N. Washington Street, Denver, CO 80216. Periodical postage paid at Denver, Colorado. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Colorado Country Life, 5400 N. Washington Street, Denver, CO 80216 Publication of an advertisement in Colorado Country Life does not imply endorsement by any Colorado rural electric cooperative or the Colorado Rural Electric Association. Editorial opinions published in Colorado Country Life magazine shall pertain to issues affecting rural electric cooperatives, rural communities and citizens. The opinion of CREA is not necessarily that of any particular cooperative or individual.
[viewpoint]
LOOKING TO THE FUTURE
CREA’s Energy Innovations Summit promotes discussion of new technologies BY KENT SINGER || CREA EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR || KSINGER@COLORADOREA.ORG
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Discoveries, arguments, challenges and new ideas were all part technologies that will eventually of the conversation Monday, October 27, when the Colorado bring down the cost of CCS to a Rural Electric Association hosted its fifth annual Energy Inpoint where it may become econovations Summit in Denver. And it was exciting. nomically feasible. The electric coCREA created the Summit back in 2010 as way for the elecops’ power suppliers have long been tric co-op family to stay on top of the latest developments in members of the Electric Power the evolving electric industry. It has grown into one of the best Research Institute, and EPRI is also one-day energy conferences in Colorado and a great networkdoing important work in this area. ing and information-sharing opportunity among many differOf course, the “holy grail” that ent stakeholder groups. The Summit is open to anyone who is many are seeking in terms of interested in energy issues, and attendees include utility reps, integrating more renewable energy Kent Singer regulators, policymakers and folks from the environmental into the power grid is a system of community, in addition to electric co-op directors and staff. energy storage that is affordable and reliable. At the Summit, This year’s event featured experts from experts from the National Renewable Energy across the country discussing the latest deLaboratory, RES Americas and Eos Energy velopments in rooftop solar, net metering, Storage explored this topic and talked about energy efficiency, carbon sequestration and the potential for storage in the years to storage, small hydropower, the U.S. Envicome. There are many exciting technoloronmental Protection Agency’s greenhouse gies in the works, but none that appear to It has grown into one of the best gas rules, and energy storage, just to name provide the reliability we expect today. As one-day energy conferences in a few of the topics. utilities, we have the obligation to keep the Colorado and a great networking One of the highlights of the conference lights on 24/7, and perhaps as storage techand information-sharing was the “world premiere” of our Colorado nology improves, we can do that with more opportunity among many Co-op’s “Energy and Innovation” video. intermittent sources of power such as wind different stakeholder groups. The video highlights many of the innovaand solar. tive and groundbreaking projects that were Finally, the Summit wrapped up with developed by Colorado’s electric co-ops a terrific panel of experts taking a look at as part of their mission to integrate local renewable power the EPA’s proposed Rule 111 (d) greenhouse rules. These rules resources. The video also demonstrates that Colorado’s electric require that carbon dioxide emissions from existing power co-ops are leading the way in the deployment of new energy plants be reduced 30 percent by the year 2030. The panel technology and are poised to continue that development in the discussed the feasibility of the rules and whether they will be future. effective in reducing global carbon emissions. The EPA rules Another highlight was the luncheon speaker. We often feahave the potential to dramatically impact the power generature someone who has a unique perspective on the generation tion resources used by co-ops and other utilities when they are of electricity, and this year the focus was thorium, a littleadopted next summer and, ultimately, the rates paid by co-op known element on the periodic table. Richard Martin with member-owners. Navigant Research talked about how thorium can be used in Electric co-ops are constantly evaluating power supply nuclear power production with less waste and lower cost than resources and efficiency practices to provide the greatest value with conventional nuclear fuels. He made the case for increased to member-owners. With increased interest in member-owned research and development for this particular fuel. Given the distributed generation and a push toward more renewable recent proposed EPA rules requiring reductions of carbon dipower supply, co-ops have to stay on top of the latest technoloxide from the power sector, an innovative approach to nuclear ogy. The CREA Energy Innovations Summit helps CREA’s may be one of the solutions. member co-ops stay ahead of the game. Speaking of carbon reduction, the Summit featured one of the best panels on the technology of carbon capture and sequestration that you will see anywhere. Some of the foremost Kent Singer, Executive Director CCS experts in the country are working in Colorado to develop
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[ letters] Gold Star Support It was with great interest I read the article on the Gold Star Mothers gathering in Steamboat Springs. Our family lost my 18-year-old brother in 1942 and I still remember the day. I was 5 years old when my mother received the telegram informing us of his death. Five years ago while working at a quilt shop in Durango I was approached by a Blue Star Mom about donating a quilt for a raffle that was planned during the weekend. I gave her a small quilt of mine, then thought I would love to donate a quilt for one of the moms. Since then the La Plata Quilter’s Guild and I have asked many quilters in Colorado for quilts to be donated during the weekend. Eighty quilts have been made and donated by the quilters of Colorado. The families are so grateful that we remember their sons and daughters and their heroic efforts in Afghanistan and Iraq. Colorado quilters interested in making a quilt may contact me for the instructions on what we require. We have to be sensitive toward the families regarding designs and colors. When the quilt is completed, the quilter can contact the local Blue Star Mothers group or mail it to me. (I will reimburse postage.) My goal is to present every mother and father of Colorado and New Mexico with a quilt so they know we do care for these sons and daughters and appreciate the sacrifice of these heroes. Pat Akers, LPQG Outreach pgnannie53@yahoo.com, 970-884-0144
GOT A COMMENT? Send your letter to the editor by mail to Colorado Country Life, 5400 Washington St., Denver, CO 80216 or email mneeley@coloradocountrylife.org.
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NOVEMBER 2014
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[calendar]
November
November 8-9 Loveland Storm Mountain Holiday Bazaar Big Thompson Canyon Association Building deb@peacefulridge.com November 13-15 Denver “Arcadia” Theater Performance MSU Denver Studio Theatre 7:30 pm • 303-556-3073 November 14-15 Elizabeth Christmas at The Carriage Shoppes The Carriage Shoppes 10 am-5 pm • 303-646-4672 November 14-15 Pueblo West Jingle Bell Boutique VFW Hall 9 am-5 pm • 719-489-3774 November 15 Denver A Symphonic Tribute to Comic Con v2.0 Boettcher Concert Hall 7:30 pm • 303-623-7876 November 15 Durango Orlando Dugi Fashion Show Ballroom at Fort Lewis College swcenter.fortlewis.edu November 20-22 Wiggins Gift Source Craft Show 717 E 3rd Ave 970-483-7732 November 21 Denver “Beatles to Bach, Too” Concert Trinity United Methodist Church 7 pm • trinityumc.org November 21-22 Stoneham Primitive Junk Market Sale Downtown Stoneham 970-522-6858
November 22-23 Black Forest Alpaca Holiday Extravaganza Black Forest Community Club 719-495-6693 November 22 Durango Christmas Bazaar First United Methodist Church 8 am-3 pm • 970-247-4213 November 22 Durango The Polar Express™ Opening Night Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad 888-872-4607 • durangotrain. com November 28-29 Estes Park Catch the Glow Holiday Parade & Celebration Downtown Estes Park visitestespark.com November 28 Greeley Skate Your Turkey Off Greeley Ice Haus 12-5 pm • 970-350-9402 November 29 Kiowa County Sand Creek Massacre 150 Year Remembrance Sand Creek Massacre National Historic Site 719-438-5916 • nps.gov/sand November 29 Pueblo Christmas Parade of Lights Downtown Pueblo 719-543-7155
December
December 1 Holyoke Country Christmas/ Parade of Lights Downtown Holyoke 970-854-3517 • www.holyoke chamber.org December 4-6 Westcliffe Winter Arts and Crafts Fair Hope Lutheran Church 719-783-9138
Capture the extra layer of content on this page. See pg. 2 for instructions on how to connect to websites and videos or visit Community Events on the website.
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Featured Event The Adventures of Robin Hood November 15, 11 am and 2 pm at the Arts Center Theater, Pueblo Children and adults will revel in this hilarious spin on Robin Hood and his adventures. Performed by Visible Fictions. Tickets cost $8. For more information, call 719-295-7200 or visit sdc-arts.org.
December 5-6 Craig Holiday Home Tour Various Craig Locations 970-629-8817 • jorkri2@ yahoo.com
December 6 La Veta “Colorado Table” Moving Feast Various La Veta Galleries 719-742-3074 • spanish peaksarts.org
December 5-7 Durango Holiday Arts & Crafts Festival La Plata County Fairgrounds 970-247-2117 • fairandphoto@ frontier.net
December 6 Trinidad Craft Extravaganza Fisher’s Peak Community Church 9 am-3 pm • 719-846-6018
December 5-6 Durango Old Fashioned Christmas Bazaar Animas Museum 970-259-2402 • animas museum.org
December 8 Genoa, Hugo and Limon Christmas Home Tour Various Genoa, Hugo and Limon Locations 3:30-7:30 pm • lakecreek ranch@gmail.com
December 5 Fraser Festival of Trees Grand Park Community Recreation Center 4-8 pm • 970-726-2424
December 9 Cortez “Home for the Holidays” Concert First United Methodist Church 7 pm • mancosvalleychorus. org
December 6 Burlington Craft Fair Burlington Community Center 9 am-3 pm • 719-346-8918 December 6 Durango Native American Winters Arts Market Durango High School 9 am-5:30 pm • 970-946-1197 December 6 La Junta Dickens Fest Downtown La Junta 9 am-7 pm • snippetsshoppe. com
SEND CALENDAR ITEMS TWO MONTHS IN ADVANCE TO:
CALENDAR Colorado Country Life 5400 N. Washington St. Denver, CO 80216 Fax to 303.455.2807 or email calendar@coloradocountrylife.org. Items will be printed on a space available basis. For more information on these and other events, visit coloradocountrylife.coop.
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YAMPA VALLEY ELECTRIC ASSOCIATION, INC.
[YVEA News] President’s Message
BY DIANE JOHNSON || PRESIDENT AND GENERAL MANAGER || DJOHNSON@YVEA.COM
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I often travel to meetings and events across the state and sometimes across the country to represent Yampa Valley Electric Association and engage in the business of providing electricity to our members. These trips are a blessing and curse for me. At heart, I’m a bit of a homebody who would like to just spend my days with my work family Diane Johnson and my personal family, so traveling isn’t my favorite part of the job. At the same time, I get to see parts of Colorado and Wyoming that are breathtaking, and I get to experience cities and towns that otherwise wouldn’t have been a part of my life. This week, as I drove from Steamboat Springs to Glenwood Springs for a statewide cooperative meeting, I was enjoying the trip. Each corner that I came around presented me with a stunning new scene: canyon walls rising up, mist hovering at the top of peaks that occasionally had a hint of snow, shining golden aspens against lush green valleys, even driving rain that blocked any vision beyond a couple of feet in front of me. The drive also gave me time to figure out what I should write for this newsletter column. I was given not-so-gentle reminders by my staff that I once again faced a deadline to submit my monthly message. Of the timely topics that came to mind, the latest proposal from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (www2.epa.gov/carbon-pollution-standards) is one that has many people talking, and I was getting a lot of suggestions for what YVEA should say in regard to the proposal. As I rounded each corner to a new and different view, I couldn’t help but relate
what I was seeing in front of me to this issue. Unlike some electric cooperatives that agree on what the future of electricity generation should look like, our members have strongly held values and beliefs that can be in direct conflict with one another. There’s the mom who is moved to fiercely support renewable energy sources because she wants her children to have the same clean air and water she enjoys; the dad who lies awake at night because a drastic shift away from fossil fuel means he won’t be able to support his family — the job his father held and he holds won’t be there for his son; and the entrepreneur who, like miners and trappers who came before us, sees new technologies as a chance to make his or her mark on the world and bring him or her wealth. The emotion and values that drive our members’ positions come from the same sincere places in our hearts — a commitment to take care of our families, make good lives for kids and enjoy what we all share today into the future. The members we serve are all spirited, hard-working, hard-thinking people who don’t want to be told what to do. We want to have a say in what happens to our communities, jobs and planet. Rather than take a position on the EPA’s proposal, I feel compelled to simply say that, as your electric co-op, YVEA will do its best to balance what are polarizing decisions around future fuel choice for electricity generation and the related issues of costs, environment and way of life. We genuinely hear the real concerns our members have about this issue.
Happy Thanksgiving from all the folks at Yampa Valley Electric Association. YVEA offices will be closed November 27 and 28. coloradocountrylife.coop
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[YVEA News] YVEA Making Sure You’re Not Alone In the Dark
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Electricity powers our lives. We depend on it for nearly everything we do. So we understand how frustrating it can be when you’re left in the dark. Power outages are never convenient. It takes a lot of hands to keep your power on, and even more hands to get it up and running when an outage occurs. Yampa Valley Electric Association works hard to restore your electric service when outages occur, but there are necessary steps to take to ensure that power is restored to the majority of members as quickly, and safely, as possible. After a major storm, Yampa Valley Electric’s line crews must identify which structures, poles and lines have incurred damage. Rarely, but occasionally in the case of a major storm, transmission structures can be damaged. If that is the case, tens of thousands of members could be affected. Repairing damage to transmission lines is top priority when it comes to restoring power. High-voltage transmission stations feed power to YVEA’s 19 distribution substations. These substations serve thousands of members. If there is no damage done to transmission structures, the local
distribution substations are checked first. If the issue is isolated and can be resolved at the substation level, great! That means thousands of people can get their power restored at once. At times, the issue cannot be isolated to one of our distribution substations. If that is the case, YVEA crews inspect supply lines between the substations and the meters they serve. If the supply lines can be repaired, power can be restored to the towns and homes those lines serve, as long as there is no damage to the tap lines. Tap lines carry power to the transformers located underground or connected to poles outside of homes and other buildings. YVEA line crews identify which damaged lines to work on first based on which lines will restore power to the
greatest number of members. Many times, the issue is resolved once the tap lines are repaired. But have you ever lost power only to look next door and see the lights still blazing from your neighbor’s window? When this happens, it generally means that the service line between your home and the nearby transformer has been damaged. If this happens, call us at YVEA right away so we can send a line crew to your home. Power restoration can be a tricky business, so if you lose service in your home or neighborhood please remember the following: r Stay clear of downed power lines. Contact with these lines could be life threatening. r Report the outage to YVEA as soon as possible. r Make sure to inform us if loss of power to your home affects lifesupport systems or could cause any additional threat to health and safety. We appreciate your patience and cooperation whenever an outage occurs. For more information on outages, stay connected with Yampa Valley Electric on Twitter and Facebook.
Prep Your Home for Winter Weather
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Although winter brings beautiful scenes of glittering snow and ice, frigid temperatures are often less pleasant. The cold also finds its way through every crack in a home’s shell, and freezing temperatures can overwork heating systems. Make your home more energy efficient before cold winter temperatures set in. Lowering the thermostat is the easiest way to save energy. Energy use is reduced for every degree dialed down. Turn it down when you are away from home or sleeping and keep it to the lowest comfortable level when you are home. Consider installing a programmable thermostat to automatically adjust the temperature. Use these tips to help keep the cold air outside and cut costs to heat your home: i Let the sun warm rooms on sunny days. i Be sure to close the damper when your fireplace is not in use. iM ake sure the furnace and heaters are in good working order before firing up your heating system. Have a professional check and service your furnace system to ensure peak efficiency and safety. iC lean or replace your furnace filter every month to save energy and improve heat circulation. Dust and dirt slow down airflow. i Seal leaks between door frames and windows with weather strip ping or caulking.
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i M ake sure walls, attics and flooring are properly insulated and repair any leaks on the roof. i R eplace window screens with storm windows. If you have older or leaky windows you cannot replace, use temporary fixes, such as plastic film kits that create the effect of an interior storm window. i M ake sure the wiring in your space heater is safe and check for fraying cords, splitting wires or overheating. Do not place a portable heater in high-traffic areas and keep it clear of anything flammable. i R eplace incandescent lightbulbs with LEDs or CFLs. These bulbs use less energy and last substantially longer.
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[YVEA News] HOLIDAY CAR D CONTEST
Warming Wisely Always remember to turn off space heaters and electric blankets when not in use. Never leave one of these devices turned on unattended and turn off space heaters before going to bed.
ENERGY TIP
Help YVEA Create-A-Card We are inviting our youngest members, ages 3-10 years old, to create YVEA’s 2014 holiday card. Have your kids paint, draw or color a holiday creation. The winner’s design will be YVEA’s holiday greeting card and the winner will receive a $50 gift card. Instructions: Fold a 8.5- by 11-inch paper and decorate. Include child’s name, age, parent or guardian’s name and phone number on the back. Deadline is November 21. Mail entry to: Attention: YVEA CREATE-A-CARD CONTEST P.O. Box 771218 Steamboat Springs, CO 80477
To save energy this month, try lowering your water heating costs. Water heating accounts for 14 to 25 percent of the energy you consume. Turn the water heater’s temperature from the hot to the warm setting, which is around 120 degrees Fahrenheit. This will save energy and help you save on your monthly bill. coloradocountrylife.coop
OUTFIT YOUR OUTLETS
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Young children may put fingers or other small objects in outlets without understanding the dangers of electricity. It is up to you to understand the dangers of electricity and prevent accidents. Tamper resistant outlets provide a permanent solution. TROs have shutters that stay closed unless a plug with two prongs is plugged in. TROs should be professionally installed. Another option is simple outlet plugs.
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[YVEA News]
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HOLIDAY COOKING SAFETY TIPS
YVEA SUPPORTS COMMUNITY TREE WITH LED LIGHTS
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For decades, this 60-foot community tree brought together people and has been enjoyed by the entire community. It has been a long standing tradition to light the tree the Saturday evening after Thanksgiving. The Chamber of Commerce holds an annual tree lighting and holiday celebration. The tree is on private property and the Town of Hayden and the property owner have an agreement that the tree can be used by the community. The incandescent tree lights and electrical system have been maintained over the decades by numerous volunteers, most recently by the Hayden Lions Club members. The town paid for replacement bulbs, electricity and an aerial lift to help maintain and light the tree. For several years there was talk of converting the incandescent tree lights to LED lights. However there were no financial resources to accomplish this. Yampa Valley Electric is proud to donate the funding for the new LED lights and to participate in this tradition. Please bring your families and join us for the lighting of the tree in Hayden on November 29. The festivities will begin at 6 p.m. with the lighting of the tree at 7 p.m.
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The kitchen is the heart of the home. Sadly, it’s also where two out of every five home fires start. Many home fires occur during what’s supposed to be the happiest time of the year: the holidays. Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Christmas share a cooking tradition, and safety should always be considered in the kitchen. As we embark on the holiday season, Yampa Valley Electric Association and the Electrical Safety Foundation International urge you to use these simple safety tips to identify and correct potential kitchen hazards: qN ever leave cooking equipment unattended, and always remember to turn off burners if you have to leave the room. q S upervise the little ones closely in the kitchen. Make sure children stay at least 3 feet away from all cooking appliances. q P revent potential fires by ensuring your stove top and oven are clean and free of grease, dust and spilled food. q R emember to clean the exhaust hood and duct over your stove on a regular basis. q K eep the cooking area around the stove and oven clear of combustibles, such as towels, napkins and pot holders. q A lways wear short or close-fitting sleeves when cooking. Loose clothing can catch fire. q T o protect from spills and burns, use the back burners and turn the pot handles in, away from reaching hands. q P lug countertop appliances into ground fault circuit interrupter-protected outlets. q K eep appliance cords away from hot surfaces, such as the range or toaster. qU nplug the toaster and other countertop appliances when not in use. q B e sure to turn off all appliances when cooking is completed. For more important safety tips to keep you and your family safe this holiday season and throughout the year, visit esfi.org.
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[newsclips]
Co-op Team Rides to Help Pay Heating Bills for Less Fortunate
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There were 26 bicyclists sporting Colorado’s Touchstone Energy Cooperatives bike jerseys in late September’s Pedal the Plains bike tour. The co-op riders pedaled 174 miles from Wiggins to Fort Morgan to Sterling and back to Wiggins in northeastern Colorado. It was all part of a bike tour designed to bring attention and visitors to the eastern plains of Colorado. As the electric providers for most of the rural communities on the plains, the electric co-ops have participated in the bike ride the last three years under the Powering the Plains banner. And, as part of the effort, the bike team rides to raise money for Energy Outreach Colorado. This year, the sponsors and riders together raised nearly $4,000
Regional Co-op Meetings Emphasize Networking
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for EOC, a nonprofit, independent organization that helps provide home energy assistance to low-income Coloradans. Special thanks goes to the sponsors who made participation in Pedal the Plains possible this year. For 2014, those sponsors were Tri-State Generation and Transmission, Colorado Country Life, Colorado Rural Electric Association, Highline Electric, Holy Cross Energy, K.C. Electric, Lewis Roca Rothgerber LLP, Morgan County REA, Mountain View Electric, Poudre Valley REA, San Isabel Electric, San Miguel Power, Southeast Colorado Power, United Power, White River Electric, Wright & Williamson LLC and Yampa Valley Electric.
More than 60 representatives of Colorado’s electric cooperatives recently returned from Omaha, Nebraska, and the regional meeting of the co-ops’ national organization, the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association. Gathering with electric co-op directors, managers and staff members from Alaska, California, Hawaii, Idaho, Kansas, Nebraska, Montana, Oregon, Utah, Washington and Wyoming, Colorado’s representatives explored issues facing today’s co-ops. These included working with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Clean Power Plan, joining with other co-ops to push joint goals, keeping communications with co-op members vibrant and always there and meeting the many challenges to keeping the power on. Attendees also learned how electric co-ops look beyond our borders and volunteer for the NRECA International Foundation, helping rural communities around the world achieve safe access to affordable and reliable electricity. Delegates also helped set policies and priorities for the national organization, which will be implemented during the coming year. NRECA represents 900 electric co-ops throughout the United States.
Today’s average Energy Star refrigerator uses less energy than a continuously lit 60-watt lightbulb.
2014
NRECA REGIONAL MEETINGS
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With an Energy Star refrigerator, save between $200 and $1,100 in a lifetime of energy costs.
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[industry]
The
Cowboy
COOPER ATIVE BY TOM TATE
In October we celebrated National Co-op Month, so it seems fitting to look back to our beginnings and reflect on the reasons for the creation of electric cooperatives. This is a remarkable story that demonstrates the exceptional nature of the Americans who populated rural America, then and now.
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1935 It’s difficult to imagine what life was like outside urban areas back then, especially through the lens of our 21st century existence: news taking days to reach you, dirt roads, manual labor and no electricity. Life for a large portion of the American population was, for all intents and purposes, a frontier life. Rugged people made a living from strength, persistence and hard, often crushing, work. They relied on their neighbors when times were tough — a way of life alien to many people today, although a few are still around who remember when the lights first came on. While 95 percent of urban dwellers had electricity, only one in 10 rural Americans was so blessed. It was in this same year, on May 11, when President Franklin Delano Roosevelt signed Executive Order 7037 creating the Rural Electrification Administration. Immediately, “cowboy cooperatives” took the bit in their teeth and organized electric cooperatives all across America. Some might think that these cowboy co-ops were restricted to the West, but the case can be made that every cooperative was formed because of the cowboys of its area. They were tough, self-reliant, hardworking, honest, resilient men and women willing to take bold action to serve their interests and create a better life for their families. But working in your
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self-interest should not be confused as selfish. They worked together for their neighbors and communities. The term “cowboy” conjures up Hollywood images of hard-fighting, harddrinking, rugged individuals fighting injustice against great odds. Today, it can also be a pejorative term describing people who are unpredictable and unsophisticated in their actions. The actual character of the cowboy cooperative didn’t reflect the Hollywood image, but the cooperative model matched the cowboy ethic perfectly. A book written by a retired Wall Street executive, James Owen, captured this ethic and boiled it down to the following 10 points: 1. Live each day with courage. 2. Take pride in your work. 3. Always finish what you start. 4. Do what has to be done. 5. Be tough, but fair. 6. When you make a promise, keep it. 7. Ride for the brand. 8. Talk less and say more. 9. Remember that some things aren’t for sale. 10. Know where to draw the line.
Cowboys and cooperatives were a natural fit. These cowboys got busy organizing electric cooperatives and worked intently to bring light to rural America. Most of us have seen these poignant sepia images of remote places with men scrambling to light the rural landscape. They gathered their picks, shovels, ladders and whatever else was handy and dug holes by hand and walked the poles up in place to carry the electric lines. Wires were manhandled into place on the poles and cross arms. Creating the proper tension and securing the conductors to the insulators were all done by strength and might, and when the lines were damaged, either by man or nature, it all was redone the same way. Safety equipment was nonexistent. Over time, the hard hat was gradually introduced, and the first job site
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to mandate its use was the Hoover Dam, where falling debris caused many deaths. Fire retardant clothing wasn’t even a glimmer in anyone’s eye and climbing poles often involved ladders rather than spikes and safety belts. Many of these cowboys gave their lives to bring the benefits of electricity to their homes and communities. Once power was flowing, members reported how much they used, and the cooperative sent them a hand-prepared bill by regular rural free delivery or RFD mail. There were no automatic meter reading systems or computerized billing options; ledgers formed the permanent record of transactions.
2014
Today these tasks are completed using digger and bucket trucks assisted by mechanized tensioners. Smart devices control distribution systems, and cooperatives provide more consistent levels of service and quality at a much lower cost. The work remains dangerous and arduous, but modern safety tools, clothing and practices reduce the risk substantially. Technology continues to improve our ability to control system operations and costs while continuously improving quality and member service, and automated systems improve the accuracy of bills and simplify data management. Given all that happened over the decades, some might think the cowboy cooperative is a thing of the past. But the truth is, the cowboy cooperative is needed just as much in 2014 as it was in 1935. Changes are sweeping through the electric utility industry and if the cooperatives are to retain the benefits that electrification brought to rural America, bold, decisive action by a new breed of cooperative cowboy is required. A new generation of members is coming onto cooperative lines. Members who saw electric co-ops as “saviors” by turning on the lights are fading into
memory; the benefits of light, refrigeration and warmth are now an old hat for most. We now wrestle with the perception of being just another utility. Quite a fall from the savior ranks. Today we separate ourselves by being actively involved in numerous outreach programs, educational endeavors and community events. We work to improve where we live and work beyond the simple provision of power. As these efforts continue, we recognize that community for many of our new members exists on the Internet where members meet and interact with electronic communications rather than meeting in person. New members expect immediate responses and limitless information. It is a challenge worthy of a cowboy response. Engaging our membership in the future will be challenging, but so was bringing electricity to rural America. While the tools differ, the cowboy cooperative mind-set and ethic is unchanged. Think about the points Owen identified. They reflect values still consistent with the seven cooperative principles and underscore the relevance of the cowboy co-op in facing today’s challenges. The frontier life of today is different indeed. In the 21st century, co-ops continue to work in their self-interests. This means employees and members pitching in and doing whatever they can individually and collectively to ensure that the interests of our community are well-served and that electricity remains affordable and reliable. Just as it was in the 1930s, working in our self-interest won’t be selfish. It will be for the benefit of the families in our communities, the people we serve. Tom Tate writes on cooperative issues for the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association.
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The
LOVEof
BOOKS
BY JU LIE SIM PSON
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Rob Taylor loves to write and decided to turn that passion for writing into a book. A busy energy advisor and key accounts executive at Mountain Parks Electric in Granby, Taylor spent his evenings, weekends and other spare moments writing a story filled with love and laughs, then sent the manuscript off to publishing companies and waited. The result is Love By George, a romantic comedy that was published this past May. It is one of many great Colorado-connected books recommended in this year’s list of best books. With riveting mysteries, heartwarming romances, adventurous stories, kids books and more included, there is at least one book for everyone to love this fall.
Stars Go Blue
Laura Pritchett Ben Cross knows he is losing himself. His mind is washing away, fading into the nothingness he knows will come with his advancing Alzheimer’s disease. A rancher all his life, Ben also knows that the greatest kindness one can offer a suffering creature, and those who have to watch its suffering, is to put it out of its misery. He can’t stand the burden his illness has placed on his wife, on his daughters, on his grandchildren. Ben is determined to end it all, before his mind leaves him completely, with a clean syringe and the bottle of pink medicine stolen from the vet. But then his daughter’s killer, the man who shot her in Ben’s own kitchen, is released from prison. Ben sees the pain this brings back to those he loves and decides he needs to perform one last duty as a man. Stars Go Blue (Counterpoint, $25) is a poignant, emotional, elegantly written novel by Colorado author Laura Pritchett. Find this wonderfully heart-wrenching novel at counterpoint press.com.
The Sacrifice
Peg Brantley The horrific murder of his family at the hands of a vicious drug cartel haunts Mex Anderson during every minute of every day, despite his attempt to escape the darkness by moving from Mexico to the quiet Colorado Love by George town of Aspen Falls. When Vincente Vega, Robert Taylor the leader of that same cartel, comes to ask Every single person wants to find for Mex’s help, the ghosts of the past begin to that special someone with whom to turn Mex’s life into a living nightmare. spend the rest of his or her life. Vega’s daughter has disappeared, most likely taken by a But if everyone is looking, why is dangerous cult called Santeria. In exchange for Mex’s help, Vega romance so hard to find? Hope is a offers the most valuable of rewards: the name of the man who young woman who certainly knows ordered the killing of Mex’s pregnant wife and young children. the frustration and disappointment of a long, unbroken string of bad Will Mex’s desire for justice once again lead to the suffering of relationships. So when the online dating company, Love by George, those he loves? And, more importantly, will he be able to find hires her to teach the site’s “unmatchables” how to find true love, the girl in time to save her? she thinks they surely made a mistake. For yet another thrilling read by Colorado author Peg BrantGeorge, the wealthy founder of Love by George, doesn’t have any ley, look up The Sacrifice (Bark, $12.99) at pegbrantley.com. better ideas for teaching the “unmatchables” how to attract a mate. Embarrassingly, he himself has yet to find a woman who can look beyond his net worth to the man he really is. When the beautiful Hope is hired, he sees a glimmer of possibility for that love that he longs for. Hilarious and heartbreaking, Love by George (Black Rose, $15.95) is a novel primed and ready for a movie adaptation. A classic romantic comedy in the line of “You’ve Got Mail” is sure to have you laughing and crying by the end. For a fun and heartwarming read, find this book at blackrosewriting.com.
Scan this page with the Layar app (see page 2) and watch a video of author Rob Taylor sharing ideas for book club discussions of Love by George.
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Railway Avenue
Bob Puglisi Young Tommy DiNardo falls in love with Nickie Fiore the instant he catches sight of her brilliant blond hair the day his family moves to Railway Avenue. From riding bikes and holding secret club meetings as kids to being tumultuous adolescents getting into fights and loving the wrong people, Tommy and Nickie are always there for each other. Then Nickie gets pregnant and marries the father, and Tommy tries to forget his love for Nickie by going off to war in Vietnam. But even war can’t get her out of his mind. He returns to
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Railway Avenue and rescues her from her abusive husband. Their love finally has a future … until tragedy strikes. A moving tale of tragic star-crossed romance, Railway Avenue is a story about love, loyalty and growing up. Find this book by Colorado author Bob Puglisi (CreateSpace Independent, $12.99) at major online retailers.
Canyon Sacrifice
Scott Graham A trip to the Grand Canyon is just what Chuck Bender’s newly blended family needs to solidify their bond. Chuck gets to show his wife and stepdaughters his work as an archaeologist, and the girls get to enjoy their first experience of the park’s natural wonders. But when stepdaughter Carmelita is kidnapped, Chuck must think about his past as well as his future. A gripping page-turner, Canyon Sacrifice (Torrey House, $14.95) is an exciting debut novel by Colorado author Scott Graham. Dig up this book at online or local bookstores.
Monument Road
Charlie Quimby Leonard Self has come to the end of everything. His beloved wife of many decades was taken by cancer. His horses were sold. His land was parceled, ready to go to developers. No children, no business, no life except for memories of what once was. It’s time for him to fade out completely. A year from the day of his wife’s death, Leonard fulfills his promise to take her ashes to Artist’s Point on Monument Road and scatter them to the wind, intending to scatter himself along with them. But Monument Road is treacherous for more than just its sharp turns and steep drop-offs; it’s a trail of memories, covered with landmarks of the past. For a wellwritten, awardwinning read (Torrey House, $16.95) that addresses the changing face of western living, particularly on Colorado’s Western Slope, find this book online and at local retailers.
The All You Can Dream Buffet Barbara O’Neal
The Foodie Four, a group of food bloggers and close friends, have each been through a lot. Val, the wine expert, lost almost all of her family in a plane crash and is now trying to bring her remaining daughter out of a shell of grief. Vegan recipe master Ruby had her boyfriend leave her for another woman, only to find out she’s miraculously pregnant. And Ginny, the cake lady, had never left Kansas, where she was stuck in an unsatisfying marriage. The fourth member, Lavender, decides they all could use a vacation at her beautiful Lavender Honey Farms in Oregon. But Lavender has an ulterior motive: She’s getting old, and she wants one of the Foodie Four to take over her legacy of organic farming. A lovely story of love, friendship and finding happiness, The All You Can Dream Buffet (Bantam, $15) is an uplifting read about womanhood and the healing powers of nature by a Colorado Springs author. Find this easy-to-read book online or at local retailers.
Colorado Noir: Stories from the Dark Side
John Dwaine McKenna Two homeless men die in an icy river under a bridge. A man’s life is destroyed by the irresistible temptation of a beautiful emerald green car. A cat seems to predict who will die next in a lonely nursing home. All these stories and more fill the pages of Colorado Noir (Rhyolite, $16.95). In this short-story collection, Colorado author John Dwaine McKenna sets his fictional characters in the real places of downtown Colorado Springs. Some tales are gritty enough to be horribly true, depicting the difficult lives of those scratching out an existence on the frozen streets. Others are too fantastical to believe, but still succeed in capturing the evil in the hearts of all men. For a glimpse into the dark side of Colorado, find this book at johndwainemckenna.com and at major retailers.
The Dragon Business
Kevin J. Anderson King Cullin didn’t grow up in a castle like his son, Maurice. Where Cullin spent his early youth begging for food and trying to find a warm place to sleep, Maurice insists on staying inside all day reading silly books sold to him for exorbitant prices by clever con men. So Cullin decides it’s time for Maurice to learn about the dragon business. Funny and entertaining, The Dragon Business (47North, $14.95) is a classic and engaging tale from best-selling Colorado author Kevin J. Anderson. Though some adult humor and language make it inappropriate for younger children, this book makes a fun read for a wide age range of teens and adults. Find this laugh-outloud fairy-tale twist online and at local bookstores. [continued on page 18]
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Lost Contact
Joan Carson Lauren Reese hasn’t seen Jack Kelly since their dating days in college. He is as handsome as ever when she catches sight of him in the airport, but he seems agitated and preoccupied, unlike the carefree young man she once knew. She starts to understand why when his small plane reportedly crashes and he is presumed dead. Then he shows up on her doorstep, very much alive, and asking for her help. Dramatic and steamy, this action-adventure romance by Colorado author Joan Carson keeps readers frantically turning pages to the end. Look up Lost Contact (Crown Peak, $17.95) at crownpeak publishing.com.
Rope Burn
Bruce W. Most Nick DeNunzio is running away from his past without a destination in mind. He only stops in Wyoming because his car breaks down. But then the locals discover he’s a former cop and is recruited to stop the latest wave of cattle thefts. Nick takes the job, though he knows nothing about ranching. What he does know is that he needs to get to the bottom of the cattle-rustling story before the community shuts him out … or before the ghosts from the past track him down. Rope Burn (Custom Book, $21.95) is an entertaining neo-Western complete with riding and romance mixed with a classic police mystery. This book is available at major online retailers.
Wings For My Flight
Marcy Cottrell Houle When Marcy Cottrell Houle became a wildlife biologist, she never imagined that her work would make her one of the most hated people near Chimney Rock,
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Law of the Desert Born: A Graphic Novel Based on the short story by Louis L’Amour Adapted by Charles Santino Script by Beau L’Amour and Katherine Nolan Illustrated by Thomas Yeates A cowboy rides into a small dusty town. He finds the house he’s looking for, knocks on the door and shoots the man who answers the door dead on the spot. Thus begins the epic pursuit story of Law of the Desert Born, originally written by famous Western writer Louis L’Amour and now adapted into an entertaining graphic novel. After Shad Marone murders Jud Bowman over a water and cattle dispute, the sheriff must assemble an unlikely band of heroes to track the fugitive down. But the desert is deadly, and the men less than trustworthy. This book (Bantam, $25) is a work of art as well as literature, with large, beautifully crafted illustrations that make the story an engaging reading experience. For more information, track it down at lawofthe desertborn.com or buy it from an online or local bookstore.
Colorado. Her first project as a graduate student tasked her with watching the peregrine falcon pair that nested on the rock. In a candid, funny and heartbreaking memoir, Houle provides an intelligent and balanced perspective on species conservation and the value each creature holds beyond economic interests. Beautifully written, this true story not only entertains but also teaches readers about the history and amazing comeback of the American peregrine falcon. Learn more about Wings for My Flight (University of New Mexico, $24.95) at unmpress. com.
Despite This We Stay, Volume One: Critters, People and the Land
Carol Dunn Only locals can know how difficult it is to live in a place. And only locals can complain about these difficulties, yet still love that place with all their hearts. That place for Carol Dunn is Huerfano County, Colorado. This aptly-named collection of Dunn’s columns in the Huerfano World Journal documents that her area has its share of difficulties. A delightful, humorous record of how those who most love a place often complain about it every day, Despite This We Stay (Morris, $12.50) is a must-read for anyone who loves (and occasionally hates) their own piece of our beautiful state. Find this book at major retailers.
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From a Dead Sleep
John A. Daly The residents of Winston, Colorado, never liked Sean Coleman. A drunk and a troublemaker, Sean is the town laughingstock for his overblown imagination and hero complex. So when he tells the sheriff’s office that he saw a man kill himself on Meyer’s Bridge and then drop into the river, he’s front page news again for all the wrong reasons. Sean knows what he saw, though, and he’s not letting it drop, even if no one is taking him seriously. But Sean doesn’t realize just what kind of danger he is in until it is too late and his search for answers turns into a fight for his life. An epic thriller with a memorable, unorthodox main character, From a Dead Sleep (BQB, $19.95) is the first novel by Colorado author John A. Daly. For a riveting read, find this book at bqb publishing.com or major retailers.
And Life Comes Back Tricia Lott Williford
When Tricia Williford imagined her life in the future, she pictured happy years with her husband and two sons and decades of peaceful, ordinary living in Colorado. But when her husband dies suddenly, she has to find a way to adapt to her drastically different horizons. Painfully honest and open, Tricia records her poignant story of tragic loss, grief, anger and recovery of purpose and hope after dreams have been shattered. For readers who are suffering through their own tragedy, this book provides hope without requiring those mourning to move past their grief as if nothing was ever lost. This book is also a wonderfully insightful read for those close to someone hurting, teaching them what to do and what not to do and say to someone beset by tragedy. For a story of faith in the midst of grief, find this book (WaterBrook, $14.99) at waterbrookmultnomah.com and major retailers.
Book reviewer Julie Simpson is a Colorado native who now reads under the Texas sun. A former intern at Colorado Country Life, she now has her bachelor’s degree and master’s degree in English literature.
Read expanded book reviews plus reviews of additional books at coloradocountrylife.coop. Also download book club disscussion questions for Love By George by Rob Taylor. Check the Contests link at coloradocountrylife.coop for directions on how to win some of these great reads. The deadline to enter is November 17.
HOT OFF THE PRESS — DON’T MISS READS New, exciting, interesting books are published year-round and that means there are always books we wish we could include in this review issue, but were published after our deadline. Here are a few that look enticing and worth the read. Tough Men in Hard Places Esther Greenfield Historic photos take readers back to a time when men and machines battled unforgiving terrain and unknown challenges to bring electricity to southwestern Colorado. graphicartsbooks.com
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Super Broncos: From Elway to Tebow to Manning
Really Important Stuff My Dog Has Taught Me Cynthia L. Copeland Life lessons from man’s best friend for dog lovers everywhere. workman.com
The Spirit Tree Marilee J. Ross A special tree cut down in a right-of-way being cleared by the electric co-op finds its way back to its special spot in the forest. amazon. com
Woody Paige and Mike Klis Two sportswriters look back at the Denver Broncos’ last season and at one of football’s most beloved franchises. amazon.com
Around Granby Penny Rafferty Hamilton A history of this Grand County community, complete with historic photos, this book is available at local stores and at arcadiapublish ing.com.
All Are Family Marissa Bloom Matt Kaufman A sweet picture book that shows how all families are unique but still share love, respect and empathy. A worksheet at the end lets young readers add a picture of their own special family. marissabloombooks. com
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Playing Nice
Rebekah Crane Martina Hart has a perfect life. Good grades, nice clothes and involvement in all the right clubs — she’s on a life track that has been set for her by her parents. And she never questioned that life … until Lily Hatfield comes to school. Lil likes wearing black, smoking cigarettes and swearing, yet despite their differences, Marty can’t seem to write the new girl off as a troublemaker. An edgy and uplifting story of friendship and growing up, Playing Nice (In This Together, $11.99) captures the timeless story of a teenager trying to shape her identity in a world determined to tell her who she should be. Great for older teens and adults, this book by Colorado author Rebeka Crane is available online and at local bookstores.
The Miner’s Cap
Ann N. Black The coal mining town of Tabasco, Colorado, is home to Joe Mantonio and his Italian immigrant family. Joe loves baseball, hangs out with his best friend Eddie and has a crush on the pretty Welsh girl in his class. He also has a front row seat to the hardships faced by the coal miners of Colorado. When the miners strike, Joe, his family and all the other strikers’ families are sent to live at Ludlow, little more than a freezing, muddy tent colony. As the strike stretches on, tensions grow and shots are fired. The Miner’s Cap (Pinehaven, $13.99) is an educational and yet entertaining retelling of the true story of the Ludlow Massacre. Realistic without being too grisly, this book is appropriate for a wide range of ages. Look it up at major retailers.
Maggie is a complete “brainiac” and keeps bugging him with her … well, bugs. Her insect zoo is a real pain, until she helps with the team fundraising carnival and the tiny critters make a big impression. The classic boyhood baseball story takes a unique and educational turn with the addition of an insect zoo. For a great book about sibling support, look up Insects in the Infield (Burro Books, $8.95) at online and local bookstores.
The Secret of Ferrell Savage
J. Duddy Gill Ferrell Savage has a secret: He really wants to eat meat. For his strictly vegan family, though, this would be a crime next to murder. He’s never questioned this dietary rule much … that is, until he finds out why his family might be so afraid of a nice rare steak. It turns out that Ferrell is the descendant of the infamous Alferd Packer, a Colorado man who ate his fellow travelers when their group was trapped in the mountains. Not only that, but it turns out his best friend and secret crush, Mary Vittles is, descended from one of guys Packer ate. A meaningful story about how our
identities are not predetermined by the past, The Secret of Ferrell Savage (Atheneum, $15.99) is a hilarious book sure to be enjoyed by all ages. Find this book at online and local retailers.
Survival on Green Mesa
Tim Deal The worst-case scenario happened: Terrorists attacked the United States power grid, and the whole nation collapsed. And for two families in Colorado, it means a fight for survival. When they’re separated from their families in the wake of the disaster, teenagers Colin, Gannon and Tye must find food and water and avoid the bad guys while trekking through the mountains toward their summer cabin. But the cabin is destroyed, and they decide to continue to Mesa Verde. Though this book is written for young adults, disturbing and violent content might not be appropriate for some readers. Find this first novel (CreateSpace, $12.50) by Colorado author Tim Deal at major online retailers.
Insects in the Infield
Nancy Oswald Buster loves baseball — maybe a little too much, by the look of his math grade. But how can he care about division when his team, the Cougars, needs to concentrate on beating those no-good bullying Pirates? It doesn’t help that Buster’s little sister
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[recipes]
Please, Pass the Popcorn
Toothsome, corny recipes to be thankful for BY AMY HIGGINS || AHIGGINS@COLORADOCOUNTRYLIFE.ORG
Popping Up in Colorado Boulder, Cascade, Centennial, Colorado Springs, Lamar and Sterling are a smattering of gems in the Centennial State where you will find popcorn in numerous varieties and tastes. These companies pop up sweet and savory assortments you can purchase to suit your personal tastes or buy as gifts in handsome boxes or tins. Find links to these companies at coloradocountry life.coop. Click on the Recipes tab on the home page.
Scan this page for popcorn ideas or visit colorado countrylife.coop for more fall snack recipes.
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This month, we’re thankful for popcorn. Whether it’s caramel, cheesy or simply buttered, popcorn is a snack we love to indulge in by the handful. In fact, it is beloved by so many that culinary enthusiasts are finding more ways to enjoy the fluffy kernels in all types of recipes. While nothing quite holds a candle to a bucket of buttery popcorn when watching a good flick, these recipes are worth passing around during any occasion.
Popcorn Biscotti 3 eggs 1/2 teaspoon vanilla 2 cups flour, plus more for shaping 1 cup sugar 1 teaspoon baking soda 1/8 teaspoon salt 3 cups popped popcorn 1/2 cup raisins, currants or chopped, dried apricots, optional
Pumpkin Pie Spice Popcorn Bark
Preheat oven to 300 degrees. Spray two baking sheets with cooking spray; set aside. Beat eggs and vanilla together in a large mixing bowl. Sift together flour, sugar, baking soda and salt. Stir flour mixture thoroughly into egg mixture. Stir in popcorn and raisins. Lightly spread flour on a work surface. Turn dough out onto work surface and divide into 3 equal pieces. Sprinkle flour over dough as needed to prevent sticking and roll each piece of dough into a log about 8 inches long and 2 inches wide. Transfer logs to baking sheets, allowing space between for spreading. Bake 30 minutes and remove from oven (do not turn oven off). Allow cookie logs to cool about 5 minutes and transfer to cutting surface. Cut logs diagonally into 1/2-inch slices. Place cookies back on baking sheets in a single layer. Return cookies to oven and bake 20 minutes, turning cookies over after 10 minutes. Cool cookies on racks and store in an airtight container.
3 cups popped popcorn 1 cup mini marshmallows 1 cup chopped pecans 1/2 cup o-shaped crisp cereal 1/2 cup salted and shelled pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds 1/2 cup dried sweetened cranberries 1 teaspoon pumpkin spice mix 2 packages (6 ounces each) white baking chocolate, chopped Line a large baking sheet with foil and spray lightly with cooking spray; set aside. In a large bowl, combine popcorn, marshmallows, pecans, cereal, pumpkin or sunflower seeds, dried cranberries and pumpkin spice mix. Place chopped chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl and heat in microwave 1 minute. Stir to melt; microwave an additional minute. Stir until chocolate is melted and smooth. Pour melted chocolate over popcorn mixture. Mix until well coated then spread in an even layer into prepared pan. Cool at room temperature until firm (or refrigerate). Cut into squares to serve. Store in an airtight container.
Courtesy of the Popcorn Board
Courtesy of the Popcorn Board NOVEMBER 2014
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[gardening]
Growing Lettuce for the New Year Use cold frames to garden all winter long
BY KRISTEN HANNUM || GARDENING@COLORADOCOUNTRYLIFE.ORG
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Rick Visser’s 17 raised beds, small greenhouse, mini orchard, compost bins and shed are all important to the garden at his Longmont home, but it’s his cold frame — a 10-foot-long, 30-inch-wide bottomless box with a tilted and hinged window cover — that gets him really animated. Part of that, no doubt, is the joy of serving Sierra crisp lettuce from his garden for a New Year’s feast. November, he says, is a great month to get a cold frame started. Visser built his cold frame based on master gardener Eliot Coleman’s design from the book Four-Season Harvest: Organic Vegetables from Your Home Garden All Year Long. Coleman wrote that the Parisian gardeners of the 19th century were his inspiration for building cold frames. The maraîchers (market gardeners) fed all of Paris and exported to buyers as far away as London with up to eight crops a year. Lettuce in February! Cucumbers in May! Their secret? A variety of cold frames and cloches, those bell-shaped glass covers for plants, plus a lot of manure. Whether you want to get an early start on summer for your vegetables, to overwinter your tender perennials or to truly harvest vegetables all year round, a cold frame may be in your future. The first step is deciding on its south-facing location. A deciduWhether you want ous tree shades Visser’s cold frame in the summer and offers sun in to get an early autumn, winter and spring. His cold frame is tucked against a creamstart on summer colored shed that reflects heat toward it for warmth. for your vegetaOnce you know where your cold frame will go, prepare the bed it will sit upon. Visser dug down 8 inches, carted off that layer and then bles, to overwinter broke up the dirt another 8 inches down. He laid compost on top of your tender perenthat, and then topped the bed with about 3 inches of potting soil. Some nials or to truly gardeners also advise laying drainage gravel below the cold frame’s soil harvest vegetables bed. all year round, a Visser takes care to continually build and work his soil, figuring cold frame may be that the soil can yield vegetables about 40 percent of the time, with the balance for resting. That means only planting half his cold frame as he in your future. enriches the soil on the resting side. If you build your cold frame yourself, don’t be tempted to think that taller is better. Too much height makes for too much air to keep warm under its window-like lid. In addition to his long cold frame, Visser also makes use of an inexpensive, store-bought one. “We ate a lot of food out of that two-by-four frame,” he says. “It’s a good fallback for someone just getting started with the idea.” With cold frames, take into account the necessity to keep them, well, cold. Or cool. Left unvented, temperatures inside a cold frame can soar to 100 degrees and your plants will die as fast as they would if left abandoned in the car on a summer day. Automatic temperature-sensing vents are inexpensive, but Visser vents his cold frame manually. “Life calls for attention,” he explains. “Daily, caring attention. When I go out in the morning to open the cold frame, it’s a delightful thing. It’s no different than taking care of a child or a pet. You don’t say, ‘Oh, I don’t feel like milking the cow today.’ And there’s a deep feeling in that.”
Read
previous gardening columns at coloradocountrylife.coop. Search for gardening. Kristen Hannum is a native Colorado gardener. Email or write her with wisdom or comments at gardening@coloradocountrylife.org.
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Shades protect winter plants.
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[outdoors]
The Duck Factory Delivers
A duck hunt turns magical thanks to birds from up north BY DENNIS SMITH
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ENERGY WISE
If you’re preparing Thanksgiving dinner at your home, try turning the thermostat off to save energy. The heat from the oven and other cooking appliances, as well as your guests’ body heat, should warm your home sufficiently.
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If all goes well, decoys into by the time this the creek and issue goes to press I crept into our should be back from a little makeshift 10-day road trip to Manitoblind. Minutes ba with both of my sons and after legal shooting two of my three grandsons. light, our black Lab Ostensibly, we’re going duck began quivering hunting, but that’s hardly and whining, a sure the whole story. Manitoba, sign ducks were circling Alberta, Saskatchewan, overhead even though we Minnesota, the Dakotas couldn’t see them (bird dogs and parts of Montana lie never fail to amaze me). at the core of what was Derek blew a few This drake is a reminder once the largest expanse of soft quacks on his call of a magical morning. grassland in the world. Today and suddenly, out of it is known as the great North nowhere, they were right American Prairie Pothole Region, and there in front of us: mallards, 15 or 20 of 50 percent of all the waterfowl in North them, feet down, wings fluttering, ready America hatch there. to land. They looked as if someone hung At 276,000 square miles, the PPR is them there, suspended against the rising the largest waterfowl nesting ground in red sun and snow-covered cottonwoods. the Western Hemisphere and the staging We took four drakes from the flock and area for an annual waterfowl migration marveled at their incomparable beauty. of staggering enormity — on a par with These were “Northern” birds, no doubt: the renowned wildebeest migrations of late-season migrators just down from eastern Africa, only with feathers and Canada, easily distinguished by their beaks instead of hooves and hair. Malplump, heavily feathered bodies and exlards, pintails, blue- and green-winged quisite plumage heads of iridescent green, teal, American widgeon, scaup, shovelers, blue and purple; fiery chestnut breasts; redheads and canvasbacks converge here bright yellow bills; and impossibly orange by the millions, as do sandhill cranes and feet. Canada, snow and speckle-bellied geese. My drake wore a United States GeologiIt is affectionately referred to by conserva- cal Survey leg band that I promptly sent tionists and wildlife lovers as “The Duck in. I also had the bird mounted to hang Factory.” in my little office as a constant reminder So what’s the Colorado connection? of that magical morning. When the It’s simple, really, if a bit convoluted. In certificate came back from the USGS, 2004, on a bitterly cold December mornwe learned that the bird hatched in 2003 ing along a quiet little stretch of the Saint near Fairview, Alberta, Canada. I said to Vrain River a few miles east of Longmont, the boys, “We’ve got to go there someday the boys and I were hunting ducks. A to see that migration.” So we did. Only Canadian cold front pushed through the this time I did most of my shooting with night before, blanketing the cottonwoods, a Canon and a 400 mm lens instead of a cattails and riverbanks with snow and shotgun and 3-inch shells. glistening hoarfrost. We plopped a few Miss an issue? Catch up at coloradocountrylife.coop. Search for Outdoors.
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[energy tips]
EFFICIENT FIREPLACES Tips to stay warmer and safer with your fireplace BY JAMES DULLEY
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Photo by Nortline Expres
During the winter, a warm fire can be quite comfortable. Radiant heat from the flames and coals keeps you warm when you are sitting directly in front of an open fireplace. But unfortunately, most fireplaces lose more heat than they produce. These tips will help you preserve indoor heat. Avoid using the fireplace in extremely cold weather. All of the warm indoor air gets lost up the chimney and drawn outdoors. Crack open a window in the room by the fireplace and close doors leading to the room. Much of the excess air being drawn up the chimney will be cold outdoor air from the Heat-circulating fireplace grates open window. heat indoor air. Some grates use Install highfans, and others rely on natural quality glass convection circulation. doors. These doors control the amount of indoor air that escapes up the chimney when a fire is burning and also when one is not. Burn only well-seasoned wood or no more than one unseasoned log to three seasoned ones. Purchase a heat-circulating grate. Select a model with a blower that has several speeds and a thermostat with an on and off switch. This switch shuts off the blower when the fire burns down. Buy a heat exchanger that mounts at the top of the fireplace opening. This creates a tremendous amount of heat output. These models work with gas or woodburning fireplaces. When your fireplace is not in use, insert an inflatable chimney pillow or balloon in the fireplace flue. This seals much better than the chimney damper.
Did you know that you could get a Colorado Country Life subscription for $9 in-state and $15 out-of-state? Just call the nice folks at CCL at 303-4554111.
coloradocountrylife.coop
Thanks, my sister is in Arizona and always wants the news from home. I’ll get her a subscription for Christmas.
Colorado Country Life magazine makes a great holiday gift.
Learn more about energy-efficient fireplaces at coloradocountrylife.coop. Look under the Energy tab for Energy Tips.
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Happy Thanksgiving
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[classifieds] TO PLACE A CLASSIFIED AD Please type or print your ad on a separate paper. Indicate how many months you would like your ad to run and which month to start. There is a minimum of 12 words at $1.63 per word/ month. Be sure to include your full name and address for our records. Check MUST accompany this order or call to pay by credit card. Send your ad before the 10th of the month to: mail: Colorado Country Life 5400 Washington St., Denver, CO 80216 phone: 303.902.7276 fax: 303.455.2807 email: classifieds@coloradocountrylife.org
ANTIQUE RESTORATION
BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES
ANTIQUE RESTORATION STUDIO – Antique conservation. Quality craftsmanship since 1974. Bayfield, CO, www.antiqueresdurango.com 970-884-1937. (988-12-14)
LEGITIMATE WORK AT HOME opportunity. No sales, investment, risk. Training/website provided. Monthly income plus bonuses, benefits. Call Carrie 303-579-4207, www.workathomeunited.com/ ourabundance (932-02-15)
CHAIR CANING, hand caning, machine caning, fiber rush caning. Pueblo West, 719-547-0723. chaanita@q.com (858-10-15)
ANTLERS ANTLER CHANDELIERS made only from REAL antlers. We are the manufacturer and we sell all of our products at wholesale prices; save as much as 60% from store prices. Many other antler products and mounts, including 56” elk mount, giant moose paddles, and elk antlers. Showroom now open year ’round in Granby, CO. 17 years at this location, over 900 satisfied customers! Designers: We can provide you a single item or a whole houseful. Call ! (970) 627-3053. (085-09-15)
BOOKS
THE MINER’S CAP, by Ann N. Black — the Ludlow story. Colorado Book Award Finalist in Juvenile Fiction. Available: bookstores, museum shops, libraries, Amazon, and Kindle. (199-12-14) RURAL COLORADO — sometimes charming … sometimes NOT! Despite This We Stay: 2 books by award-winning humor writer Carol Dunn. Amazon.com or $15.50 Vol1; $17 Vol2, POB 1213, LaVeta, CO 81055 (151-12-14)
BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES (These opportunities have not been investigated by Colorado Country Life.)
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PIANO TUNING PAYS. Learn with American School home-study course. Tools included. Call for info. 800-497-9793. (158-01-15) WORK LESS & LIVE MORE! MiaBellaNation.com Department #745 (831-2-15)
CLOCK REPAIR & RESTORATION www.clockrepairandrestoration. com DURANGO AREA. CLOCKS of all kinds repaired. Antique and modern. Clocks bought and sold. bob.scott@usa.net Call Robert 970-247-7729, (109-11-14)
ENERGY HOT WATER SOLAR panel systems repair service. Free estimates. Contact Granite Installations, 719-250-2675. (204-12-14)
FINE ART NAVAJO RUGS, QUILTS, other weavings, wrought iron or Aspen textile display racks. Custom wallmounted or freestanding. www. TwinRavenz.com “Made in a good way.” (184-11-14)
FOR SALE
FOR SALE
REAL ESTATE
RELIGION
OXYGEN CONCENTRATORS - $380 with warranty. Also sell portable concentrators and oxygen supplies. Repair and service of equipment. Aspen Concentrator Repair Service 719-471-9895 (040-12-14)
40 ACRES, 15 miles west of Walsenburg, CO, on CR520. Fenced. Prime grazing. Small 2bd recently upgraded trailer on property with tenant. 8-10 gal./min. domestic well. $89,500. Serious offers considered. 719-251-1131, 719-989-0850, 719-738-3500 (207-12-14)
BECOME AN ORDAINED Minister by correspondence study. Founded in 1988. Free info. Ministers for Christ Outreach, 7558 West Thunderbird Rd, Ste 1 - #114, Peoria, AZ 85381. http://www.ordination.org (44106-15)
80 IRRIGATED ACRES ranchland for rent. Mancos, Colorado. jjtranch@ gmail.com 817-760-1883 leave a message. (206-02-15)
NFR & PBR RODEO TICKETS – Las Vegas. All seating levels available. Call 1-888-NFR-rodeo (1-888-6377633) or www.NFR-Rodeo.com. *BBB Member; Since 1990. (912-11-14)
FREE FREE BOOKS/DVDS. Soon the “Mark of the Beast” will be enforced as Church and State unite! Let the Bible reveal. The Bible Says, POB 99, Lenoir City, TN 37771. thebiblesaystruth@yahoo.com 888-211-1715. (814-12-14)
CENTRAL BOILER outdoor wood, corn, pellet furnaces. Clean, efficient heat. Kingdom Timber & Frame Inc. 575-756-2705 (194-12-14)
COLORADO MOUNTAIN GETAWAY near Pagosa Springs. 3bd/2ba/3car/ barn on 40+ wooded acres w/ views. National Forest/BLM two sides. Hunting/fishing/$30,000 below appraisal. ForSaleByOwner. com Listing ID 23994657 (189-11-14)
OUTSIDE WOOD FURNACE $1695.00, forced air, easy install, quick payback. Cheap shipping. Houses, mobiles, shops. 100K BTU. www.heatbywood.com 417-5817755 Missouri (196-12-14)
ENJOY YOUR WINTERS in balmy Palm Springs area. 2/2 furnished. Immaculate. Huge deck overlooks golf course. $105.00 monthly pays free golf, pool, spas. $86,500. 808640-9907 (205-11-14)
INSURANCE
OWN PROPERTY? NEED INCOME? We’ll rent exclusive hunting rights from you. Looking for antelope, goose, duck, coyote, & prairie dog habitat. Encourage young sportsmen by providing safe, private access. You make the rules. 303-460-0273 (069-12-14)
HEATING
DurangoColoradoInsurance.com ASK AN EXPERT *Free Expert Insurance Advice* Servicing Beautiful Colorado 970.385.4763. (128-11-14)
MACHINERY & PARTS www.sawmillexchange.com. SAWMILL EXCHANGE: North America’s largest source of used portable sawmills and commercial equipment for woodlot owners and sawmill operations. Over 800 listings. THE place to sell equipment. 800-459-2148 (267-09-15)
REAL ESTATE 2 ACRES, BEAUTIFUL VIEW, lots in southeast Arizona. Water, gas, electricity available. 928-359-2251 (203-01-15) 5 ACRES, 3BD, 2BA, large covered deck, 2-car garage, large metal building, 4 small storage buildings, well, septic. Meeker. $360,000. 970878-4715 (195-11-14)
FIREWOOD — Limbed to 51” length — $50.00 per 8’ pickup. Blocked to 17” by request - $65.00. You pick up. West Loveland. 720-352-3580 (939-02-15)
35 ACRES, Huerfano County. Great views of Spanish Peaks. Will sell or trade for land in Wells County. OWC. 303-883-4835 (209-12-15)
GRASSFED YAK AND BISON MEAT for sale. Delicious and nutritious. Delivery available. Quarter, half, or whole. 720-256-3364 (029-11-14)
The classified ads October winner was Priscilla Smith of Pueblo West
QUALIFIED BUYER LOOKING TO TRADE 80-acre ranch in east Texas (timber/ag production, wildlife, well-kept improvements, privacy) for similar property in Colorado. Suzan Pelloni, Western Exposures Realty, 970-623-2900 (197-12-14) SAVE — BUY OR SELL. 30% back to you at closing. Larimer, Weld, & Boulder counties. 970-663-7355 www.LovelandValleyRealty.com (198-11-14)
TICKETS
TOYS HAND LAUNCH GLIDERS — Tough and suitable for children. Easy to assemble. Models come pre-balanced. Excellent wing profile ensures long flights. Can be converted to radio control. www. flyingfunco.com (201-01-15)
VACATION RENTAL KAUAI VACATION RENTAL, 2bdr, full kitchen. Minutes from beaches. $600/wk. 808-245-6500; makana crest.com; kauaiweddings.com. (756-05-15) KONA, HAWAII, Paradise Villa condo located on the 18th fairway of Kona Country Club with sweeping ocean views; 3bdr, 2ba specials. www.konacondo.info; (503) 3692638 (116-11-14)
WANTED TO BUY MOSS ROCK, Colorado or Wyoming Moss Rock -– I will buy your moss rock or sell it for you. All types, colors, and sizes considered; the more moss the better, the more unusual the better. Call Tim for details, 303-588-5021 (208-02-15) NAVAJO RUGS, old and recent, native baskets, pottery. Tribal Rugs, Salida. 719-539-5363, b_inaz@ hotmail.com (817-12-14)
FIND HIDDEN TREASURES IN THE CLASSIFIEDS? Read through the ads and FIND the CCL classified explaining how to win a $25 gift card. It’s easy. You could WIN.
coloradocountrylife.coop
[funny stories] WANTED TO BUY
WANTED TO BUY
WANTED TO BUY
OLD COLORADO LIVESTOCK brand books prior to 1975. Call Wes 303757-8553. (889-02-15)
OLD GAS AND OIL items: Gas pumps, advertising signs, globes, etc. Pieces, parts, etc. considered. Also 1932-34 Ford cars and trucks, parts and pieces, too. Any condition. Brandon, 719-250-5721. (519-11-14)
WE PAY CASH for minerals and oil/ gas interests, producing and nonproducing. 800-733-8122 (099-02-15)
YOU FOUND THE TREASURE. Send an email with the number of classified ads on pages 28-29 to classifieds @coloradocountrylife. org. Subject line MUST say “Classified Contest.” Include name, mailing address and phone number in email. We’ll draw one name on November 17 from those who enter. Winner gets a $25 gift card. OLD COWBOY STUFF–hats, boots, spurs, chaps, Indian rugs, baskets, etc. ANYTHING OLD! Mining & railroad memorabilia, ore carts! We buy whole estates. We’ll come to you! Call 970-759-3455 or 970-5651256. (871-11-14)
Lila Taylor, Stratton
OLD POCKET WATCHES — working or non-working and old repair material. Bob 719-859-4209 watchdoctor@hotmail.com. (870-06-15) WANT TO PURCHASE minerals and other oil/gas interests. Send details to: PO Box 13557, Denver, CO 80201. (402-03-15) WANTED: JEEP CJ OR WRANGLER. Reasonably priced. No rust buckets. 888-735-5337 (099-04-15)
A lady was picking through the frozen turkeys at the grocery store but couldn’t find one big enough for her family. She asked the stock boy, “Do these turkeys get any bigger?” He replied, “No, ma’am. They’re dead.”
PLACE AN AD IN THE CLASSIFIED SECTION. CALL KRIS FOR INFORMATION 303-902-7276
Send us photos of you with Colorado Country Life
We’re Looking for photos of readers and their copy of Colorado Country Life. Got a great pic of you or your family member with the magazine at some fun place? Send it and your name and address to info@coloradocountrylife.org. We’ll post it on our Facebook page and on November 17 we’ll draw a winner from the submissions and send that winner a $25 gift card.
It is rare to be offered a meal at an airline these days, so I was surprised to hear the flight attendant ask the man sitting in front of me, “Would you like dinner?” “What are my choices?” he asked. “Yes or no,” she said. Kervyn Dimney, Peyton
My 4-year-old son, Tyler, was very excited when his grandpa from Pennsylvania came to visit. He talked his ear off with questions and stories. One question was, “Grandpa, how old are you?” Grandpa chuckled and said, “Older than dirt.” Tyler, puzzled, thought for a moment and then asked, “Grandpa, how old is dirt?” Tracy Spencer, Craig
The local Department of Motor Vehicles was packed. After waiting nearly an hour, one man finally got his license. He inspected his photo and said to the clerk, “I stood in line so long that I ended up looking pretty grouchy in this picture.” “It’s OK,” the clerk said. “That’s how you’ll look when the cops pull you over anyway.” Paul Vohs, Fort Collins
During a crisp fall recess my 1st grade students delighted in piling up huge mountains of leaves and diving in. Lisa jumped into the tallest mountain of leaves, covering her entire body. Peering out from the fall colors, her face and hair were absolutely swallowed by the leaves. She giggled in delight screaming, “I’m the MONA Leaf-Ah!” Susanmarie Oddo, Steamboat Springs
Jim Gibson is this month’s winner. Note that the article in Colorado Country Life has this rafter’s full attention; he is oblivious to the dangers ahead. coloradocountrylife.coop
We pay $15 to each person who submits a funny story that’s printed in the magazine. At the end of the year, we draw one name from those submitting jokes and that person will receive $150. Send your 2014 stories to Colorado Country Life, 5400 Washington St., Denver, CO 80216 or email funnystories@ coloradocountrylife.org. Don’t forget to include your mailing address, so we can send you a check.
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[discoveries]
Watch The Prairie Come to Life
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Inside the pages of a new book, The Prairie That Nature Built, lies a vivacious world in the prairies where nature and wildlife collude and collide (and move!). “I want children to understand how very alive and interconnected a prairie system is from the soil on up, just like the levels of a rain forest,” says author Marybeth Lorbiecki. “Too many North Americans think that prairies are dull, boring places.” Lorbiecki refutes that misconception by sharing with children an interesting and intimate interpretation of how life on the prairie functions underground and all around, and demonstrates how Mother Nature affects these areas as well. A key highlight to this children’s book is its illustrations, created by ColoBy Marybeth Lorbiecki Illustrated by Cathy Morrison rado’s own Cathy Morrison, which come to life with augmented real(Dawn Publications, $8.95) ity using a smartphone or tablet. Simply search “Pop-Up Prairie That Nature Built” in your app store, download the free app and point your device at the pages to see and hear the hustle and bustle in the prairie ecosystem. You can even touch the animals to watch them move. Download the Layar app on your smart device and then scan this page to get a sneak peek at the action within The Prairie That Nature Built.
A Novel Approach to Neighborliness
I Colorado Springs
Denver
Ignacio
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In a world where everything is digital, from time to time it’s nice to get back to the basics and flip through the pages of a reallife book. The Little Free Library promotes this type of love of reading and offers a genuine sense of community through free book exchanges. In 2009, as a tribute to his departed mother, former schoolteacher Todd Bol built a tiny schoolhouse, filled it with books and presented it on his yard with a “Free Books” sign. Delight and positive feedback followed, so Bol set in motion the Little Free Library. Today, approximately 15,000 Little Free Library creations are all over the globe inviting passersby to take a book, return a book, leave a book or all the above. It resembles a full-size library but in a petite package without the need for a library card. For $200 to $1,000, you can purchase a Little Free Library at littlefreelibrary.org. Or, gather some supplies, put a little elbow grease into it and create your own. When you finish, make it an official Little Free Library for $34.95. The nonprofit organization will send you a Little Free Library placard, and the location of your Little Free Library will be designated on the World Map.
Get all the information you need at littlefreelibrary.org. coloradocountrylife.coop
[discoveries]
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[discoveries]
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