EEA Nov 2025 CCL Magazine

FINDING WAYS TO SAVE • NORDIC SKIING • SPACE HEATER SAFETY

A HERO’S JOURNEY

Honor Flight creates connection and closure

Volume 56 • Number 11 • November 2025

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In This Issue 4

Viewpoint

6

From the Editor

7

Your Co-op News

11

At Home

12

Get Outside

14

Industry

16

Feature Story

Make your pet’s space as comfortable as yours

20 Energy Expert

20

Simple steps will help keep your energy bills in check this winter

22 Getaway 24 Recipes 26 Marketplace 28 Discoveries

Holiday markets are festive and fun ways to shop for unique gifts

28 MAGAZINE STAFF Publisher Cassi Gloe cgloe@coloradocountrylife.org Editor Kylee Coleman kcoleman@coloradocountrylife.org Editorial Assistant Melinda Taylor mtaylor@coloradocountrylife.org EDITORIAL Corporate Office

455 S. Pierce St., Lakewood, CO 80226

info@coloradocountrylife.org, 303-455-4111 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.

COPYRIGHT All content © 2025 Colorado Rural Electric Association. All rights reserved. Reproduction of this issue or any portion of it is expressly prohibited.

Colorado Country Life

30 Reader Photos

COLORADO COUNTRY LIFE (USPS 469400/ISSN 1090-2503), Copyright © 2025 is published monthly by the Colorado Rural Electric Association, 455 S. Pierce St., Lakewood, CO 80226. Business and Editorial Offices: 455 S. Pierce St., Lakewood, CO 80226, Accounting and Circulation Offices: 455 S. Pierce St., Lakewood, CO 80226.

Call 303-455-4111 to subscribe. Periodicals postage is paid at Denver, Colorado.

POSTMASTER Send address changes to Colorado Country Life at 455 S. Pierce St., Lakewood, CO 80226.

SUBSCRIBERS Report change of address to your local cooperative. Do not send change of address to Colorado Country Life. Cost of subscription for members of participating electric cooperatives is 30 cents per month, paid from equity accruing to the member.

For nonmembers, a subscription is $15 per year in state/$20 out of state.

ADVERTISING 720-407-0712 advertising@coloradocountrylife.org National advertising representative: American MainStreet Publications 611 S. Congress St., Suite 504 Austin, TX 78704 | 800-626-1181 ADVERTISING STANDARDS Publication of an advertisement in Colorado Country Life does not imply endorsement by any Colorado rural electric cooperative or the Colorado Rural Electric Association. Call for reprint rights. View advertising and editorial policy terms and conditions online at coloradocountrylife.coop.

November 2025

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Photo by Erman Gunes/iStock /Getty Images Plus via Getty Images

VIEWPOINT

Powering Forward

Electric co-op leaders meet to conduct business

By Kent Singer Executive Director

E

very fall the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association, of which the Colorado Rural Electric Association and Colorado’s electric co-ops are members, hosts regional meetings for the purpose of considering member resolutions and conducting other business. The resolutions adopted by electric co-ops around the country guide the policy direction of our national trade group and reflect the bottom-up approach to governance.

This year’s Regions 7&9 Meeting (Colorado is in Region 7) was held in beautiful Bellevue, Washington.

At this meeting, delegates representing states in these two regions heard presentations from a variety of different experts in the energy industry as well as updates from co-op leaders and other affiliated companies that support electric co-ops.

One of the main objectives of the meeting is to have the regional delegates consider proposed new resolutions and amendments to existing resolutions.

This year, electric co-op leaders voted on two new resolutions. The first encourages NRECA to lobby for reliable postal service. As you may have experienced, postal service has been deteriorating in rural Colorado, in some cases impacting the delivery of this magazine and other communications from your co-op. Electric co-ops and their members depend on reliable postal service, and we will continue to let our members of Congress know that the recent problems are unacceptable.

The second new resolution encourages NRECA to support the development of artificial intelligence technology that could benefit electric co-ops. While co-ops, in many cases, are challenged to provide the power necessary to support AI data centers, there are also AI use cases that can improve the efficiency of co-ops.

4 November 2025

Other resolutions that were considered at the regional meeting related to reducing the risk of wildfires, providing for voluntary membership in regional transmission organizations, and setting a reasonable time frame for the industry to incorporate more renewable energy.

When it comes to considering the new resolutions or amendments to existing resolutions, NRECA has a very thorough process that encourages member participation and input. I chaired the Region 7 resolutions committee as well as the vote that took place the next day to approve the resolutions. Every NRECA member who attended the regional meeting had the right and opportunity to suggest changes to any of the resolutions that govern NRECA’s lobbying activities.

At the regional meeting, I also counted votes for a director election to the board of directors of CFC, one of the banks that provides capital to electric co-ops.

We checked and double-checked the votes to make sure we arrived at the same outcome each time.

Everyone associated with the electric co-op program takes voting and elections very seriously, and we do our best to make sure the results are accurate.

You can rest assured that this responsibility is also fulfilled by your local electric co-op whenever there is an election for board members or other business.

Kent Singer is the executive director of CREA and offers a statewide perspective on issues affecting electric cooperatives.

CREA is the trade association for 21 Colorado electric distribution co-ops and one power supply co-op.

Colorado Country Life

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FROM THE EDITOR

What Feeds Us in Fall

By Kylee Coleman Editor

T

here is something about the chill of November and the short days of fall that makes me crave the kind of food you can’t rush — a chuck roast and red potatoes in the slow cooker, an apple pie that wraps the whole house in a sweet cinnamon perfume, a cheesy casserole that feeds a crowd. Amid the holiday rush, these are my favorite excuses to slow down.

Food does more than feed us. It nourishes relationships and fuels community at football stadium tailgate parties, potlucks, holiday dinners, friendly cookie exchanges, and chili cook-offs. Maybe you volunteer at a local soup kitchen or food bank and serve neighbors facing food insecurity. Tastes differ, but food unites us in the moments we share.

What is your favorite fall recipe or cooking tradition? Share with us a dish that simply tastes like home, or your go-to meal you bring to a neighbor after a new baby or a loss. Go to coloradocountrylife.coop/submit-your-recipe, or email me directly at kcoleman@coloradocountrylife.org. I can’t wait to see what brings you comfort and joy.

Monthly Giveaway Colorado skies grow dark early this time of year. Enter to win a Nite Ize rechargeable LED dog leash to help keep your nighttime walks safe and bright. Find pet-friendly home tips on page 11.

6 November 2025

Photo courtesy of Nite Ize.

To enter, visit us online at coloradocountrylife.coop or send a postcard with your name, phone number, mailing address, and the name of your electric co-op to 455 S. Pierce St., Lakewood, CO 80226. Contest closes November 20.

Colorado Country Life

YOUR CO-OP NEWS

Finding Ways to Save

By Andy Carter Member Engagement Manager

T

rying to make paychecks go further has been on everyone’s mind. Inflation has dropped, but the latest Consumer Price Index for the past 12 months is 2.9%, which means prices are still going up.

Empire Electric Association experiences the same inflation pressure as its member-owners. Cost of the equipment and services we use to provide safe and reliable power continues to increase.

Just like you, we at EEA are always looking for ways to make the co-op’s dollars go further. Two ways you can help us reduce costs and keep rates lower are by choosing how we send your monthly billing statement and how you pay it.

Postage and printing costs continue to climb. EEA spent $116,000 in the last 12 months printing and mailing monthly statements to members. EEA offers a paperless billing option where, instead of receiving a paper bill in the mail, you receive an electronic notice.

You can choose to be notified by email or SMS text message. An electronic copy of your billing statement is available along with other usage information on SmartHub, EEA’s online member information platform. SmartHub can be accessed using a computer and a web browser, or there is an app available for Apple and Android mobile devices. You can find out more at eea.coop/smarthub-tips. Sign up for paperless billing in SmartHub in the Settings menu or by calling EEA at 970-565-4444.

How you pay your bill also has an impact on EEA expenses. EEA spent $309,000 in the last 12 months receiving and processing payments for monthly billing statements. The most expensive method per transaction was our lobby kiosk. Although only 0.5% of transactions were made at the kiosk, it accounted for 19% of our expenses. EEA discontinued the kiosk in September. The second most costly is processing paper check payments, which represent 15% of transactions but 38% of expenses, or $117,000.

The lowest cost method for EEA to receive your payment is when you take advantage of your bank’s bill payment program. To sign up, talk to your bank.

The next lowest is to pay through SmartHub using an electronic check from your bank account. The third least expensive is auto-pay using SmartHub and paying from your bank account. The key is paying directly from a bank account. Credit card payment fees accounted for 31% of payment processing expenses. Changing your payment method to a bank account in SmartHub is easy. Login to SmartHub, click on Settings, and select Stored Payment Accounts.

To start auto-pay, click the Bill & Pay menu and select Auto Pay Program.

In these times of rising prices, we can all use a little help. Please consider helping EEA keep all expenses lower by opting in to paperless billing and paying your bill from a bank account. We appreciate your support.

EMPIRE ELECTRIC ASSOCIATION, INC Empire Electric Association’s primary mission is to safely, responsibly, and reliably meet the electrical energy needs of our member-owners.

801 N. Broadway P.O. Box K Cortez, CO 81321 phone 970-565-4444 toll free 800-709-3726 pay by phone 833-923-1409 eea.coop

Office Hours Monday – Thursday – 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Friday – 7:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

Colorado Country Life

Facebook.com/EEACortez @eeacortez

November 2025

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Photos by Tri-State G&T

YOUR CO-OP NEWS

Home Lighting 101

L

ighting is something most of us don’t think much about — until it’s wrong. Maybe the living room feels too dim for reading, or the kitchen lights cast an odd yellow glow. We often grab whatever bulb or fixture looks good without considering how it will actually perform in the space. But with a little planning, you can make your home brighter, cozier, and more energy efficient.

WATTS VS. LUMENS When you’re shopping for light bulbs, it’s easy to focus on watts, but wattage only defines how much energy a bulb uses. When it comes to brightness, focus on the lumen count. Lumens describe the actual light output. A helpful rule of thumb: higher lumens mean brighter light and lower watts mean less energy consumed.

Always check wattage ratings for fixtures and only install bulbs that meet the fixture’s wattage safety requirements.

COLOR TEMPERATURE AND CONSISTENCY Light bulbs also vary in color temperature, which ranges from warm yellow to cool white or even bluish tones. This detail often gets overlooked — until you replace one bulb and notice the new light doesn’t quite match the others. If mismatched tones drive you crazy, consider replacing bulbs in a room at the same time with the same brand, color, and lumens. That way, the look stays consistent, and you won’t be stuck hunting for a perfect match later.

DIMMERS AND SWITCHES Installing dimmers instead of standard on/off switches can be a game changer. Dimmers give you more

8 November 2025

control over brightness, help save energy, and create a more comfortable atmosphere. Not all bulbs are dimmable, so double check labels before buying.

FIXTURES: FORM MEETS FUNCTION Bulbs are only part of the equation — fixtures matter too. Each type serves a purpose. Ambient lighting from sconces or glass-covered ceiling fixtures provides general illumination. Task lighting — pendants, desk lamps, or track lighting — focuses light where you need it most. When choosing a fixture, think beyond looks and consider if a fixture and bulb combination provide the right amount of light for the space. A beautiful chandelier might look perfect over the dining table but leave the rest of the room too dim. Alternatively, an oversized fixture could flood the room with more light than you need, wasting both energy and money.

Good lighting doesn’t just make your home look better — it makes it feel better too. With a little planning, you can create spaces that are welcoming, functional, and energy efficient.

How much can you save?

1,000 Lumen Output

7 hours per day $0.95/kWh

11 watt LED

75 watt Incandescent

Annual Energy Cost $2.67

Annual Energy Cost $18.20 Annual Savings $15.53 Colorado Country Life

YOUR CO-OP NEWS

EOC makes a difference in Colorado communities by providing energy assistance and clean energy programs. In 2024, EOC helped more than 43,000 households.

EEA members can sign up at eea.coop for monthly donations to EOC, which will be matched by EEA. Onetime donations are also accepted.

REMEMBER AND HONOR VETERANS DAY

Colorado Country Life

2026 Purchased Power Increase Forecast

E

mpire Electric Association was notified by Tri-State Generation and Transmission Association that the wholesale power supplier’s rate will increase an average of 7.5% on January 1, 2026. Tri-State’s rate increase is being driven by increased maintenance costs on aging thermal generators, ownership costs related to new solar generators coming online in 2025, less dependence on deferred revenue compared to prior years, and higher costs for purchased power including a substantial increase from Basin Electric, a key wholesale power supplier.

Power that EEA purchases from Tri-State represents between 50%-60% of EEA member bills.

Depending on your rate class and usage, expect your February 2026 bill to increase 3.75%-4.5%. EEA does not currently anticipate increasing its base rates. If a base rate increase is necessary, that would be in addition to the forecast purchased power increase.

The rate component that will reflect the purchased power increase is the power cost adjustment. The PCA is also impacted by revenue and expenses from 2025 and will not be finalized until January 2026.

EEA will provide notice of any base rate increase through bill messages and on eea.coop. We will post the final PCA rates when they are available in late January. We appreciate your support and understanding as we work to keep your power delivery reliable in an environment where we all face increasing costs.

November 2025

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Photo by OlenaMykhaylova/iStock/Getty Images Plus via Getty Images

YOUR CO-OP NEWS

Space Heater Safety

P

lanning on using an electric space heater to provide supplemental heat at home or in the barn? Make sure your unit is in safe working order before you plug it in. Check the plug and cord for signs of overheating or cracked insulation. Make sure safety guards are in place and test the automatic shut off switch if the unit is tipped over.

If you find any problems or have an older unit that does not have up-to-date safety features, it is time to buy a new unit.

Multiple types are available, but the most important thing to remember is to buy one that you can operate safely and has a certification from a product safety organization such as Underwriters Laboratories (UL).

TYPES OF SPACE HEATERS Metal coil and fan: Uses electricity to heat a metal coil that is safely tucked inside. The fan pulls cold air from the room through the heater and returns warm air to the room.

Ceramic radiant: Like the metal coil variety, these space heaters also include ceramic plates inside. They absorb and store heat so that it radiates outward, even after you turn the heater off, making these heaters more efficient.

Infrared: These heaters use electromagnetic radiation in the infrared spectrum to heat objects in the room like furniture, walls, and even you. Instead of heating the air, objects are safely heated and they in turn radiate heat and the room temperature rises.

No matter what type of heater you choose, please remember to use it safely. More space heater safety tips can be found at SafeElectricity.org.

MONTHLY CALENDAR & CO-OP PHOTO CONTEST WINNER November 11 – Veterans Day. November 14 – EEA board meeting begins at 8:30 a.m. at its headquarters in Cortez. The agenda is posted 10 days in advance of the meeting at eea.coop. Members may attend in person or remotely. Instructions to attend remotely are included on the agenda.

November 27 – Thanksgiving Day. EEA’s office will be closed November 27 and 28 for the holiday.

MBER 13, 2 02 VE O N 11 AM TO 1 PM 5

OPEN HOUSE

Inviting our Members The New Member Services building is almost finished!

We invite you to drop by, explore the space, and enjoy a bite to eat.

23999 Road L.4 - Cortez, CO

Grace. Photo by Amber Fisher

10 November 2025

Photo courtesy of Tri-Hurst Construction Colorado Country Life

AT HOME

Creating a Pet-Friendly Space Five ways to set up a safe, cozy home for cats and dogs As much as you love your pets and work hard to make them part of the family, they are also a big responsibility. Part of that responsibility includes setting up your home so it is equal parts stylish for you and functional for Fido. Show furry friends a little love beyond the walks and snuggles by making your home more pet friendly.

SET UP THEIR SPACE NEAR AN ENTRY It is common for pet owners to desire a dedicated space to keep all their furry friends’ belongings and avoid clutter. Ensure convenience and cleanliness by establishing an area near the door where you can store leashes, collars, toys, and more. Consider keeping a towel or two nearby for wiping wet or muddy paws after going outside. You can also keep your pets’ beds, food, and water bowls in this space so it feels like their own little home when returning from a walk or when they go to sleep at night.

CONSIDER STAIN-RESISTANT FABRICS Avoiding fabrics that attract pet hair is a no-brainer for pet owners looking to escape a constant mess. Silk and velvet are virtual magnets for fur, while alternatives like leather or microfiber offer more practical choices that are easier to clean.

INSTALL RESILIENT FLOORING Reduce your fear of zoomies causing damage to your floors by installing resilient flooring focused on reducing wear. Resilient floors are a great solution to address muddy paws, often only requiring the mud to be easily wiped away, without using harsh cleaning products.

DON’T FORGET ELECTRICAL SAFETY Electrocution is the most common type of electrical injury for household pets. Be sure to push plugs fully into outlets. Partially plugged-in cords can expose metal prongs, which curious noses, paws, or tongues might touch — leading to a dangerous shock. Puppies and cats love to chew on electrical cords, including holiday light strands and extension cords, so keep all Colorado Country Life

cords out of sight or hidden with a cord cover.

Do not leave your pets unattended around potential burn sources such as space heaters or curling irons.

And discourage them from sleeping near or behind electronics such as televisions or speakers. Many pets are attracted to the warmth these emit, but this can be a fire hazard.

PAWS, PLAN, AND PREPARE Assemble an emergency kit for your pets in case you must evacuate your home. Your pets will appreciate having familiar comforts during a stressful time. Take time before an emergency to note your pet’s favorite hiding spots around the house so you can find them quickly during emergencies.

Include these essential items in your pet’s emergency evacuation kit: • Food and water: Pack several days’ worth and store in waterproof containers.

• Medicine: Include an extra supply of your pet’s daily medication.

• ID tag and gear: Add a backup leash, collar, ID tag, and pet registration.

• Carrier: Secure a sturdy travel crate or bag for each pet.

• Sanitation: Include a litter box and litter, paper towels, and trash bags.

• Photo: Take and save a picture of you with your pet for easier identification if you become separated during an emergency.

• Comfort items: Gather toys, treats, and bedding.

Sources: Family Features, Safe Electricity, and Beautifully Responsible.

November 2025

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GET OUTSIDE

Nordic Skiing Skip the lift lines and glide on the trails

By Eugene Buchanan

L

et’s just say my first-ever Nordic race over three decades ago was a tad embarrassing. My wife, a former collegiate racer for the University of Montana, talked me into it. This was right when Bill Koch first brought skate skiing into the limelight, There wasn’t skate skiing gear at the time, just heavy telemark equipment — complete with leather boots and three-pin bindings — so I raced in that. I didn’t set any speed records, even after swallowing my pride and taking a shortcut or two.

Flash-forward 30-some years and I’m a Nordic convert.

Of course, it helps when you live in a place like Steamboat Springs, which is home to more Olympians — many of them Nordic — than any other town in the country. But I love it for its versatility, exercise, and ease of entry. Simply gear up and go — no lift lines, expensive tickets, parking issues, or crowded slopes. Choose from conventional classic cross-country where kick wax or fish scales let you stride and glide straight forward, or skate skiing, where you push off to the side herringbone style for propulsion.

Classic lets you take to groomed trails or venture off-piste, while skate skiing restricts you to manicured trails.

I’ll go early in the year up on Rabbit Ears Pass, when Bruce’s Trail offers some of the earliest skate skiing in the country, and kick and glide on trails meandering across Rabbit Ears and Buff Pass. Local trails around town — as well as four different Nordic centers — offer escapes from crowded midwinter slopes, and then springtime serves up its own special category of “crust” skiing. That’s when you don’t need groomed trails at all; the diurnal freeze/ thaw temperatures Zamboni meadows smooth and hard, letting you color outside the lines on a canvas where you can skate wherever your heart — and heart rate — takes you.

This ski season, forego those locked-down Alpine bindings and elbow-room-only resort slopes. Free your heel and free your mind by giving Nordic skiing a whirl, whether you’re out on your own or with friends and family. Skating or striding, that hot chocolate afterward will never taste better.

Eugene Buchanan is a former reporter for the Denver Business Journal and 14-year publisher and editor-in-chief of Paddler magazine. His freelance articles have been published in The New York Times, Men’s Journal, Outside, National Geographic Adventure, Forbes Life, and more.

12 November 2025

NORDIC SKIING OFFERINGS TO GET YOU STARTED SUMMIT COUNTY

The Breckenridge Nordic Center offers 28 kilometers of groomed trails for all abilities, as well as rentals, lessons, and guided tours. Located at the Breckenridge Golf Course, the Gold Run Nordic Center offers 30 km of groomed ski trails and lets you bring your dog along — look for the dog symbol on the map.

The Frisco Nordic Center offers 30 km of ski trails, with mountain vistas along Lake Dillon.

The Keystone Nordic Center serves up 17 km of groomed trails and backs up to 40 km of White River National Forest backcountry trails. Accessed from the Frisco Nordic Center/ Ball Field parking lots or Summit High School, the Winter Rec Path is a free, groomed path, extending 12 km from Frisco to Breckenridge, with dogs allowed on a leash.

GRAND COUNTY

Named the No. 1 Cross-Country Ski Resort in North America by USA Today, Devil’s Thumb Ranch near Winter Park offers 120 km of trails at the base of the Continental Divide, complete with lodging and fine dining. Snow Mountain Ranch/ YMCA of the Rockies lets you glide on 82 km of groomed Nordic trails — including 40 km of pet-friendly trails — through pine forest and open meadows, with a variety of affordable lodging options and other activities.

BOULDER COUNTY

Eldora Nordic Center has 40 km of trails through old-growth forests and alpine meadows for classic skiing, skate skiing, and snowshoeing, plus rentals, instruction, and a retail store. But give yourself some time after eating that breakfast burrito as it’s a bit hilly.

Colorado Country Life

Keep Colorado Wild

Let Nature Unlock Your Creativity Get the $29 Keep Colorado Wild Pass with your next vehicle registration.

The pass gives you entry to all state parks, funds local educational opportunities and helps conserve wildlife. cpw.info/KeepColoradoWildPass

Jay Moore, artist Roxborough State Park

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INDUSTRY

Strength in Service Electric co-ops unite to restore power after wildfire

By Jim Hight

T

he worst of the Elk and Lee fires had been contained, but smoke still wrapped the hills of Rio Blanco County in northwestern Colorado when six linemen from Grand Valley Power arrived to help White River Electric Association rebuild its devastated grid and restore power to members.

After a WREA lineman told them where to deploy, they loaded their trucks with poles and wires and drove into a scene from a disaster movie. “Everything was burned black, and the wind was blowing ash everywhere,” recalled Preston Dillingham, GVP line foreman. The hillside was so steep, they couldn’t use their digger derrick to replace burned poles but had to improvise with an excavator.

This was the first morning of what turned into a grueling week of 14-hour days pulling wires by hand, climbing poles when their bucket truck couldn’t access remote terrain, and avoiding electrocution when a de-energized power line came alive with induced voltage from a high-voltage transmission line overhead. They rushed through meals and bunked in shared rooms at a motel in Meeker.

Yet, Dillingham and his crew would do it again in a heartbeat.

“This was a special opportunity for them to serve in an emergency, to work in challenging conditions without the equipment they’re used to, and to build camaraderie,” said Grand Valley Power CEO Tom Walch.

14 November 2025

“The days were long, but it was really cool how everybody came together as a team,” agreed Dillingham. “And we all have stories to tell for years.”

For White River Electric Association, Colorado’s smallest electric co-op with just 27 staff, the tale of how Grand Valley Power and other cooperatives and affiliated groups rushed to its aid last August after fires destroyed about 400 poles and thousands of yards of electric conductors will no doubt be an enduring one as well. “It was pretty wonderful to receive the help that we did,” said Brett Berthelson, operations manager at WREA. “For starters, we were low on certain materials. So, the crew from Holy Cross Energy brought poles and other hardware,” he said.

Nearby Yampa Valley Electric Association responded as soon as it had repaired the fire damage sustained by its own infrastructure. “We got our damaged poles and wires replaced within 36 hours, then we sent a four-man crew to White River with three trucks,” said John Cromer, YVEA operations manager.

In all, about 30 linemen showed up to help repair the fire damage on WREA’s widely dispersed territory.

“Every crew that showed up just dove in headfirst and got to work doing pole replacements,” Berthelson said.

Some stayed as long as three weeks.

The cooperatively owned Tri-State Generation and Transmission Association sent a team to rebuild high-voltage lines. And the Colorado Rural Electric Colorado Country Life

INDUSTRY

Photo at left: A Grand Valley Power linecrew travels to work with White River Electric Association crews to rebuild after wildfires devastated the Meeker-based co-op’s infrastructure. At right: Remote and hilly terrain requires linemen to climb poles to string power lines.

Association Director of Safety and Loss Control Curt Graham was there doing everything from advising on safety matters to delivering lunches. “This is what the cooperative spirit is all about,” Graham said. “No questions asked, we show up. I received calls from most of the co-ops in the state that asked, ‘Curt, do they need any more help?’”

CREA helps coordinate the mutual aid program that enabled resources and personnel from other co-ops to stream quickly and efficiently into WREA’s remote corner of the state.

The Colorado electric co-op mutual aid agreement includes information on resources each co-op can provide — a feature that was exceptionally useful to YVEA when it was hammered by an intense snowstorm in 2023.

“We lost a lot of wire and poles, and we didn’t have the equipment to travel across snow that was 4 to 8 feet deep,” Cromer recalled. However, the mutual aid system enabled YVEA to reach out to a co-op that was accustomed to operating in severe winter weather: Mountain Parks Electric in Granby, where temperatures are below 0 degrees nearly 80 nights each year. “They brought in their snowcats so we could repair the damage,” Cromer said.

“Knowing that your nearby co-ops — and any co-op in Colorado — will be there when you need them gives us a sense of security,” Cromer continued. “Co-ops are a family, and we all take care of each other.” And as Cromer pointed out, Cooperation Among Cooperatives is one of the seven guiding principles of electric co-ops.

Mutual aid is not free, however, and WREA is responsible for covering the salaries and other costs incurred by the co-ops that helped restore its grid. WREA will receive funding from FEMA if the federal government approves the state’s request for a major disaster declaration to fund recovery efforts in Rio Blanco County. (It was pending when this issue went to press.) In the meantime, the co-op has established a line of credit with its lending institution. “We anticipate the costs will be large,” said Berthelson.

All the repairs on WREA’s distribution system serving homes, businesses, schools, and other institutions are complete. Its high-voltage transmission lines — with which the co-op powers oil and gas operations in its service territory — still need to be repaired. “We’re currently feeding the oil and gas operators with our last contingency backup, a 138-kilovolt transmission line from the west,” Berthelson said.

Costs aside, Berthelson reported that WREA staff, board, and community are extremely grateful for the help extended by neighboring co-ops in their time of need. “The crews who came to our aid were truly incredible,” he said. “They understood what we needed and worked really hard until the job of repairing the distribution system was done.”

This is what the cooperative spirit is all about. No questions asked, we show up.

I received calls from most of the co-ops in the state that asked, ‘Curt, do they need any more help?’”

— Curt Graham, CREA Director of Safety and Loss Control

The crews who came to our aid were truly incredible. They understood what we needed and worked really hard until the job of repairing the distribution system was done.”

— Brett Berthelson, WREA operations manager

Jim Hight is a writer, research analyst, and consultant based in Buena Vista, Colorado.

Colorado Country Life

November 2025

15

FEATURE STORY

Healing Hearts and Souls Rocky Mountain Honor Flight celebrates veterans, helps with closure

J

im Adams waited outside a gathering hall where lunch was about to be served to 30 military veterans, including Jim. He looked fit and healthy and offered a firm handshake as he introduced himself. It was hard to imagine that nearly 60 years had passed since Jim was drafted to fight in the Vietnam War. “I was only 17 when I went to boot camp,” he said. Growing up in a military family, he had been proud to leave for basic training and ready to serve his country back then.

Once he deployed to Vietnam, Jim reported to an Army intelligence unit in the 23rd Infantry Division. He saw combat during his tour in 1968 and 1969 and lost several close friends in the horrors of jungle warfare. When Jim finally came home, he landed in San Francisco at the height of the anti-war movement. He never received a hero’s welcome — was never thanked for his service. Instead, he was met with disgust and

16 November 2025

called a baby killer.

“We were just kids when we went over,” he said of his platoon, most of them fresh out of high school. “We all did our duty and lost our childhood innocence in the process. We tried to make some semblance of a normal life when we came back home.”

But nothing was normal for Jim after Vietnam. Wracked by survivor’s guilt and battling severe PTSD, the experience scarred him for life.

“There’s been a hole in my heart, an abyss so deep, I thought nothing would ever bridge it,” Jim said of his invisible war wound — a pain compounded by the death of his first wife, his childhood sweetheart. “I thought I would never heal. That’s the only way I know how to describe it, as having a hole in my heart.”

Jim spent his entire adult life living like this.

But in recent years, with the love and support of his children and second wife, he began lookColorado Country Life

Photos in outer margin by Andrew Garner

By Becky Jensen

FEATURE STORY

ing for ways to heal. Jim became a member of the honor guard for American Legion Post 22 in Northglenn, providing military funeral honors for veterans at Fort Logan National Cemetery. It was a way to show his respect and give back to veterans and their families, he explained — to find a modicum of peace. But with each flag he folded at a burial, Jim couldn’t help but think about his own mortality.

“The reality is, I’m in the twilight of my life now,” he said. Time is precious, and something still felt unfinished to the Vietnam veteran.

When Jim heard about Rocky Mountain Honor Flight — a Denver nonprofit that takes veterans to visit military monuments and memorials in Washington, D.C. — he thought it might be the answer.

He had been to D.C. before, but he would never go to the wall, Jim said of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. “It was too hard to see the names of my friends there.”

Yet, his need to honor them, to say a proper goodbye, eventually overruled any lingering hesitation. In 2024, he applied to Rocky Mountain Honor Flight to finally face the wall and his past and redefine his concept of “tour of duty.” After a year on the waitlist, Jim was offered a seat on a 2025 flight.

When asked what the upcoming trip to D.C. would mean to him, Jim looked away, his Colorado Country Life

Above: WWII, Vietnam War, and Korean War veterans leave Denver International Airport to travel to Washington, D.C., to visit war memorials as part of an Honor Flight. Photo by Chris Coleman

eyes welling with tears. He took a moment to compose himself.

“It’s time,” he said, clearing his throat. “It’s time to visit some old friends.”

ON A MISSION Founded in 2007, Rocky Mountain Honor Flight provides veterans with an all-expenses-paid trip to the nation’s capital as an expression of gratitude for their military service and sacrifice. As one of 130 hubs in the national Honor Flight Network, Rocky Mountain Honor Flight celebrated its 50th flight in April, which represented over 1,500 veterans served in its nearly 20-year program.

Terry Garner was never in the military, but his father served in World War II, so veterans’ causes have always been close to Terry’s heart.

After his dad died, Terry applied to become a guardian — chaperone — for Rocky Mountain Honor Flight. He was on a mission to help other veterans make this trip of a lifetime — a trip his dad was never able to take.

Volunteer guardians and medical personnel ensure a safe journey for veterans on each Honor Flight. The program covers all meals, lodging, and travel, including round-trip airfare and November 2025

17

FEATURE STORY

When we left Denver, and landed in Maryland, we were greeted by so many people … It was the welcome home I always wish I had.

United States Army veteran Jim Adams.

Photo by Chris Coleman

chartered bus service while in Washington, D.C. All funding comes from individual and corporate donations and grants.

Terry said he was so impressed by how the organization ran its business, how things went on that first trip, and what they did for the vets that he vowed to become more involved with the nonprofit. Today, he’s treasurer of Rocky Mountain Honor Flight and a member of its board.

“Our mission is to give veterans the recognition and the thank-yous they’ve earned. That’s our whole reason for existence,” Terry said.

Rocky Mountain Honor Flight serves veterans from practically anywhere, not just the Denver area. “We’ve taken vets from all over Colorado, and from Wyoming, Nebraska, even South Dakota,” Terry said. “And they don’t need to have combat experience to apply.”

The nonprofit can accommodate 30 veterans per trip, four flights per year, with priority given to WWII, Korea, and Vietnam veterans and the terminally ill.

The program is so popular that there are two other Honor Flight hubs in Colorado: High Plains Honor Flight in the Fort Collins-Greeley area, and Honor Flight of Southern Colorado based in Colorado Springs. Each has its own unique trip format, Terry explained, and veterans can apply to a hub that’s closer to home or that offers a program that’s right for them. Which-

18 November 2025

— Jim Adams, Vietnam War Veteran

ever hub a veteran chooses, older veterans are encouraged to apply sooner than later. “We add you to our list in the order received.”

Terry said Honor Flights are more than just thanking veterans. “A great part of the program is that vets can connect with other vets who have walked in their shoes. They can tell their own stories and share experiences. That’s where a lot of the healing comes from.”

MAKING MEANINGFUL CONNECTIONS That’s a big reason why Liz Fiddes, former director of member services and education for the Colorado Rural Electric Association, volunteers her time with Rocky Mountain Honor Flight. She’s seen healing and connection happen firsthand.

“When I worked for CREA, I would take a group of high school students from our co-op service territories to Washington, D.C., every year. We’d spend a week in D.C. where the kids could meet their members of Congress, learn about government, and visit museums and memorials,” Liz explained. “During these trips, we would run into Honor Flight [veterans] from time to time at the military memorials.”

One experience at the World War II Memorial stood out for Liz. “We saw some Honor Flight vets coming toward us. The kids lined up on both sides of the walkway and just clapped for Colorado Country Life

Photos in outer margin by Andrew Garner

An emotional moment at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C., to honor friends lost in the line of duty.

Photo by Andrew Garner

It healed the hole that’s been in my heart since Vietnam.

I finally walked out of the jungle, into a calm clearing, after this trip.”

FEATURE STORY

Our mission is to give veterans the recognition and the thank-yous they’ve earned. That’s our whole reason for existence.

Honor Flight veterans watch the changing of the guard at Arlington National Cemetery in Washington, D.C. Photo by Andrew Garner

A great part of the program is that vets can connect with other vets who have walked in their shoes. They can tell their own stories and share experiences.

That’s where a lot of the healing comes from.”

— Terry Garner, Rocky Mountain Honor Flight board member

Rocky Mountain Honor Flight board member Terry Garner (left) visits with veterans at the airport before their Honor Flight to D.C. Photo by Chris Coleman

these guys as they came through.” The emotional encounter left a lasting impression on the students, the veterans, and Liz. “Our kids got down on their knees to talk to the guys in wheelchairs. It just did my heart good to see the connection.” She’s been volunteering with Rocky Mountain Honor Flight since retiring from CREA two years ago.

FINDING CLOSURE Home from his recent trip to D.C. with Rocky Mountain Honor Flight, Jim was exhilarated.

“It was excellent,” he said of the experience.

“Quite the emotional trip, but in a good way.”

When asked if he would recommend Rocky Mountain Honor Flight to other veterans, Jim replied, “100%, especially for veterans left with a bad taste in their mouth from their time in the military. I was a lucky guy to get to go on this trip.”

He added, “When we left Denver, and landed in Maryland, we were greeted by so many people who cared — all wishing us well. It was the welcome home I always wish I had.”

The changing of the guard at Arlington National Cemetery was another highlight for Jim and his fellow travelers. “Every time they walked past us vets, they clicked their heels as a sign of respect.”

When he described his time at the VietColorado Country Life

nam Veterans Memorial, Jim struggled to put it into words.

“I used to ask, ‘Why them, not me?’” he said of his fallen comrades. “But I’m learning to put that behind me now.”

The trip with Rocky Mountain Honor Flight surprised Jim in more ways than one. “I thought I was visiting my old friends for the last time,” he said of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. “I took a picture of their names. But when I look at those photos now, back home, I can see the reflection of me in the wall with my friends. They are with me, I’m with them.”

That time of reflection in D.C., and back home in Colorado, did something else Jim doubted would ever happen. “I feel healed, as much as I can be,” he said. “When I came home, my wife saw a lot of change in me for the better.”

He paused in thought, wanting to get the words right. “It healed the hole that’s been in my heart since Vietnam,” he said in a hopeful voice.

“I finally walked out of the jungle, into a calm clearing, after this trip.”

To learn more about Rocky Mountain Honor Flight, make a donation, or apply to be part of a future trip to Washington, D.C., go online to rockymountainhonorflight.org.

Becky Jensen is a writer who lives and works in a little cabin on a big river in northern Colorado. She’s also a proud member of Poudre Valley REA. You can find her at beckyjensenwrites.com.

November 2025

19

ENERGY EXPERT

Prep Now for Winter Savings

By Miranda Boutelle

Q: What can I do now to manage my winter energy bills?

A: You’ll be thankful you prepared in the fall for colder weather when you receive your first winter energy utility bill. The following steps can be taken now to use less energy at home before the winter chill sets in. They also help lower the strain on the electric grid during extreme winter weather when energy use is at its peak in your community.

Consider your home’s layers. Just like layering your winter flannels, fleeces, and down jackets with waterproof, wind-stopping shells, gloves, and hats, your home needs layers too. Air sealing and insulation protect your home from the elements while locking in the warm air to keep you cozy.

To offset the costs, federal tax credits for energy efficiency upgrades are available through December 31, 2025. Homeowners can claim a total of 30% of the cost of installation, up to $3,200. Tax credits are available for insulation, heat pumps, air conditioning systems, and more. There’s even a tax credit for electrical panel upgrades, which might be needed to accommodate new energy-efficient equipment.

There’s also a $150 tax credit for an energy audit, which allows a professional to help determine what your home needs and how to prioritize potential projects. Visit energystar.gov for more information.

When it comes to do-it-yourself projects, there are a few upgrades you can take care of. Lock in savings with window cleaning and maintenance. Make sure sash locks and window cranks are in good working order and are clear of any dirt and leaves so they

20 November 2025

close snugly. I find the crevice tool attachment on my vacuum cleaner, combined with a small, dry scrub brush or an old toothbrush, works great. The locks should pull the top and bottom window sashes together tightly. For casement windows, the locks should pull the window tightly to the frame.

Although it might not seem like a significant difference, reducing airflow through and around windows can make your home more comfortable in the winter.

Replacing broken or nonfunctional sash locks can be a reasonable DIY project, but it is best to avoid doing it when winter winds are blowing. Also, use caulk to seal all gaps around the window trim. If you have operable storm windows, make sure they close.

If you have a forced-air heating or air conditioning system, replace the filter. First, turn the system off to check it. If your filter is dirty, leave it in place until you have a replacement. Running your system without a filter can send any dust or dirt in the ductwork directly into the components and damage your equipment. Make a note of the filter’s size on your shopping list or take a picture of the filter with your phone so you can reference it when you’re out running errands.

This fall, look for opportunities to protect your home from the elements and maintain your equipment before the cold of winter.

Miranda Boutelle is the chief operating officer at Efficiency Services Group in Oregon, a cooperatively owned energy efficiency company. She has over 20 years of experience helping people save energy at home.

Colorado Country Life

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GETAWAY

Durango: Find Adventure

By Robin Bradfield

Photo courtesy of the Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad

FESTIVE MOUNTAIN JOURNEY The historic Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad operates year-round but transforms into THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride from November 21 to January 3. It has evolved into a cherished annual tradition for many, and wearing pajamas is encouraged to fully capture the holiday spirit.

Tickets: durangotrain.com/events/ the-polar-express-train-ride

SLEEP IN A LANDMARK The Strater Hotel, a proud fixture in downtown since 1887, features a blend of Italianate, Romanesque, and Renaissance architectural designs. Reserve one of the 88 unique rooms, complete with Victorian-style furnishings. One particular room is named after the author Louis L’Amour, a frequent guest. Free tours are offered three days a week.

Durango was established in 1880 with the development of the Denver and Rio Grande Railroad, built specifically to transport ore, freight, and passengers. Today, Durango continues to celebrate its vibrant history with a year-round train service and a historic downtown area featuring 86 buildings that showcase the architectural charm of its early years. Durango is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, offering a variety of adventures throughout every season.

Reservations: strater.com

Photo courtesy of the Exchange

Photo courtesy of the Hotel

BARGAIN GEAR The nearby San Juan and La Plata mountains offer a fantastic playground for jeeping, zip lining, skiing, as well as hiking and mountain biking. For anyone looking to explore a new outdoor activity without breaking the bank, Durango Outdoor Exchange could be the perfect solution. The store offers a space for consignors to sell their gently used gear, alongside a selection of new equipment for purchase.

Get gift cards, buy, sell, and more: durangooutdoorexchange.com

22 November 2025

Colorado Country Life

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We found a limited supply of turquoise from Arizona and purchased it for our Sedona Turquoise Collection. Inspired by the work of those ancient craftsmen and designed to showcase the exceptional blue stone, each stabilized vibrant cabochon features a unique, one-of-a-kind matrix surrounded in Bali metalwork. You could drop over $1,200 on a turquoise pendant, or you could secure 26 carats of genuine Arizona turquoise for just $99.

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RECIPES

Celebrate the Harvest

with Stuffed Squash

By Mary Peck

Acorn squash is a fall favorite in Colorado. Its mild, slightly sweet, and nutty flavor complements hearty fillings like savory sausage, grains, and cheese. Thanks to its sturdy walls and round shape, acorn squash is easy to stuff and makes a satisfying main dish.

Choose acorn squash that is heavy for its size, with a dark-green rind and stem that is dry and firmly attached.

STUFFED ACORN SQUASH Makes 2-4 servings

INGREDIENTS

INSTRUCTIONS

2 medium acorn squash

Preheat oven to 350 F.

1 tbsp olive oil

Prepare the squash: Scrub before cooking. Set the squash on a thick towel and use a heavy, sharp knife to carefully cut it in half from the stem to the base. Scoop out and discard the seeds.

½ pound ground Italian sausage ½ cup chopped onion 1 cup chopped cremini mushrooms 4 oz chopped fresh spinach or kale

Place the halves cut side down in a baking dish. Add ½ inch of water to the dish and cover with foil. Bake until tender, 45 to 55 minutes.

½ cup shredded Parmesan

Remove and let the squash halves cool, leaving the oven on.

1 cup cooked brown rice

cheese, divided

½ tsp salt ⅛ tsp black pepper

Prepare the filling: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sausage and use a wooden spoon to break into pieces. Cook thoroughly until golden brown, then remove it from the pan to a plate lined with a paper towel. Drain all but about 1 tablespoon of the fat.

Add the chopped onion to the hot skillet and cook over medium heat until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the mushrooms and spinach or kale, cooking for 3 to 4 minutes, until tender and fragrant. Remove from heat and mix in the cooked sausage, cooked brown rice, and ¼ cup of the Parmesan cheese, combining thoroughly.

Turn the squash halves cut side up and season with salt and pepper. Spoon the filling evenly into the squash cavities and top with the remaining ¼ cup of cheese.

Return the baking dish to the oven and bake uncovered until heated through, about 15 minutes.

24 November 2025

Colorado Country Life

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DISCOVERIES

Explore Holiday Markets Shop handmade this season

By Gaylene Garcia Granger

Shopping takes center stage this month, and one way to enjoy it is at a holiday market.

With steaming peppermint cocoa in hand and carols in the air, community holiday markets are the best place to look for the one-of-a-kind ornament you’ve been seeking.

Bring your shopping bag and your nice list — it’s time to check off some names.

DOLORES CHRISTMAS CRAFT BAZAAR

Dolores Community Center | December 6 and 7 | 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Across two days, you will find 60-80 vendors selling everything you need for Christmas at the Dolores Christmas Craft Bazaar. Julie McGuire, the market’s organizer for the last three years, boasts that there are a lot of homemade goods including jewelry, ceramics, baked treats, and wood crafts. She says, “There are different vendors each day and it’s really festive. Santa also comes on Saturday around 11 a.m.” Of course, all that shopping works up an appetite, and there are plenty of delicious holiday goodies.

Find information at facebook.com/DoloresCommunityCenter.

FRUITA HOLIDAY ARTS AND CRAFTS FAIR

Fruita Community Center | December 13 | 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The Fruita Holiday Fair is one of the most festive events you’ll find.

The market has 62 vendors of unique goods in all varieties including jewelry, textiles, candles, soaps, and exquisite artisan-crafted blown glass. The amount and variety of handcrafted items is extensive. If you’re looking for a gift for someone special, this is the place to be.

The vendors are hand selected by the market review committee to ensure you are getting something truly unique.

Visit eventeny.com/events/holiday-arts-and-crafts-fair-2025-22213 for more information.

FREIGHT’S MOTHERLODE HOLIDAY MARKET Leadville | December 12-14 | 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Photos courtesy of each event

Under the warm embrace of massive wooden trusses and custom chandeliers at FREIGHT event venue, this holiday market has over 30 vendors selling handmade pottery, jewelry, toys, hats, skin care items, decorations, and teas. Shoppers will find unique goods and artisans including Whistle for Dixie Pottery and Craftionistas. “We have high-quality vendors from the area selling high-quality goods,” FREIGHT Operations Manager Amber Winter said. “It can be a quick stop in or a whole day activity with family and friends.” The event has a variety of live bands playing each day to help bring holiday cheer, Santa and Mrs. Claus will be available for photo opportunities, and the outdoor courtyard will host food vendors.

Visit freightleadville.com/leadville-co-events to learn more.

28 November 2025

Colorado Country Life

Oh, SHELL NO Colorado’s beer industry could be impacted by Aquatic Nuisance Species (ANS) Take Action Be a Pain in the ANS

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CPW (IE/BC_EK/IND) 08/28/2025

READER PHOTOS

Sangre de Cristo Electric member Karen Isham is with CCL on top of Mount Mojanda in Ecuador.

Poudre Valley REA members Roger and Deanna Hebbert bring CCL to Scotland in September to visit Outlander filming locations, to tour the Eilean Donan Castle on the Isle of Skye, and as pictured here, to walk the West Highland Trail northwest of Glasgow.

Sangre de Cristo Electric members Art and Linda Wilson bring CCL to visit the east side of Greenland. The only town they saw was Ittoqqortoormiit, and they also enjoyed seeing animals and big ice!

San Isabel Electric members Scott and Alison Jones bring CCL to visit Beachy Head chalk cliffs near Eastbourne, England.

Harriet Jan Scoggins, a San Isabel Electric member, brings her copy of the magazine to Dodge City, Kansas, to convince Doc Holliday about the benefits of an electric co-op.

PACK. SNAP. Show us your adventures with SHARE. the magazine

WIN!

Morgan County REA member Judy Busch and her sister, Joan Bengford, visit the Shrine to Our Lady of Fatima in Portugal during a trip to Portugal, Spain, and France. Thank you for bringing CCL along!

Corey Humphreys, a Highline Electric Association member, brings CCL to El Yunque National Park in Puerto Rico.

for a chance to WIN $25.

Upload your photo with CCL at coloradocountrylife.coop.

Find more reader photos on Facebook @COCountryLife and Instagram @cocountrylife.

Dennis and Lauri Echer, members of Grand Valley Power, bring CCL to the University of Notre Dame for a football game.

30 November 2025

Kim and Rick Krueger, Grand Valley Power members, bring CCL on a cruise to Alaska with a stop at Skagway.

Colorado Country Life

2026 PHOTO CONTEST It’s time to share your best photos for the annual Colorado Country Life photo contest.

Categories

13 Winners | 13 Prizes

• Scenic Landscapes • Animals • Plants & Flowers • People

• $150 cover • $150 first place • $75 second place • $50 third place

Winning Tips 1. Use the highest resolution setting on your digital camera.

2. Capture scenes full of vivid color.

3. Make us feel something with your photo (awe, happiness).

Rules • Enter up to two photos per category.

• Digital JPEG photos only.

• Photos must be at least 300 dpi at 8" x 10".

• All vertical photos entered will be considered for the cover photo. If you have a photo you think will make a perfect cover of CCL, it must be at least 300 dpi at 9" wide x 13" tall.

• Winners will be announced and published in a spring 2026 issue.

• The contest is open for entries through Sunday, November 30, 2025.

Read full rules and enter online at coloradocountrylife.coop/photo-contest-2026 Photos from previous photo contests. Photographers (top to bottom): David Dahms, Connie Chamberlain, Glenn Rivera, and Lynnae King

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303-562-2548

TopWindowsColorado.com Subject to availability, with the required minimum purchase of 6 professionally installed windows to qualify for promotion. Purchase must occur on or before 12/1/25. Promotion is available during first in-home appointment only. Cannot be combined with other offers. Products are marketed, sold and installed (but not manufactured) by Renewal by Andersen retailers, which are independently owned and operated under Window Warmth, LLC d/b/a Renewal by Andersen of Colorado. CO Lic. # 244783. NM Lic. # 399874. See complete information and entity identification at www.rbaguidelines.com. ©2025 Andersen Corporation. Plan 2541. Subject to credit approval. Renewal by Andersen Retailer is neither a broker nor a lender. Rates range from 14.26% - 21.19% APR (interest rates range from 15.99% - 24.99%).

Loan amount and rate will vary based on your income and creditworthiness. Monthly payments are not required during the Promo Period. Loans for the GreenSky® consumer loan program are provided by Synovus Bank, Member FDIC, NMLS #408043, without regard to age, race, color, religion, national origin, gender, disability, or familial status. GreenSky Servicing, LLC services the loans on behalf of your lender, NMLS #1416362. www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org. GreenSky® is a registered trademark of GreenSky, LLC and is licensed to banks and other financial institutions for their use in connection with that consumer loan program. GreenSky Servicing, LLC is a financial technology company that manages the GreenSky® consumer loan program by providing origination and servicing support to banks and other financial institutions that make or hold program loans. GreenSky, LLC and GreenSky Servicing, LLC are not lenders. All credit decisions and loan terms are determined by program lenders. ©2025 Lead Surge LLC. All rights reserved.

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