KC May 2025 CCL Magazine

2025 SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS • RAFTING • FRIED ICE CREAM

HARVESTING GOODNESS A 5 ne e J u s id ng I n ti rt ee po l M Re ua al nn nu n A

KC

Delivering reliable energy is our top priority There’s a reason reliability is the first thing we reference in our mission statement. When individuals, businesses and communities are counting on it, the power must be on. This means we have to ensure we have the power supply to meet our member requirements. It’s a constant process of measuring, evaluating, planning and responding.

Built by and for our members, we power what matters to you.

That’s the value of our cooperative family. To learn how we’re on our mission, visit www.tristate.coop

Tri-State is a not-for-profit power supplier to cooperatives and public power districts in Colorado, Nebraska, New Mexico and Wyoming.

Volume 56 • Number 5 • May 2025

In This Issue

11

4

Viewpoint

6

From the Editor

7

Your Co-op News

11

At Home

12

Get Outside

14

Industry

16

Feature Article

20 Energy Expert 22 Getaway 24 Recipes 26 Marketplace 28 Discoveries

12

30 Reader Photos

Monthly Giveaway Enter to win four fancy glass ice cream bowls to serve your foolproof “fried” ice cream in style!

See page 22 for the recipe.

To enter, navigate to the Monthly Giveaway page on our website at coloradocountrylife.coop.

20 Colorado Country Life

Need a different way to enter? Send a letter with your name, phone number, mailing address, and the name of your electric co-op to 5400 Washington St., Denver, CO 80216.

Contest closes May 20.

May 2025

3

VIEWPOINT

Legislative Wins for Colorado’s Electric Co-ops A statewide viewpoint

By Taylor Ward Director of Government Relations

T

he Colorado General Assembly adjourns May 7, and it’s been a successful session for Colorado’s electric cooperatives. CREA entered the session with a new government relations team, and we’re extremely proud of how we’ve advocated on behalf of our member cooperatives. From day one, we set out to build new relationships with lawmakers while strengthening existing ones — and we’re proud to say we’ve done just that.

CREA’s team reviews every bill introduced during the session to assess how proposed laws may affect electric co-ops. This year, we were thrilled to support bills that add tools to help utilities achieve state-mandated clean energy goals and backed measures that strengthen wildfire resilience — a critical issue for many electric co-ops. While each session brings a mix of helpful and concerning proposals, this year was especially active for bills that could have challenged co-ops’ ability to deliver the reliable, affordable, and safe electricity their communities count on. Here are a few highlights from our work this session: HB25-1234: Service Disconnection Ban. As introduced, this bill would have prohibited electric co-ops from disconnecting service to their members between October and May and in certain other circumstances.

Co-ops have strong safeguards in place to prevent shutoffs, such as advance-notice policies, flexible payment options, payment assistance programs, and medical exemptions. A state-mandated prohibition on disconnections would have severely hampered the ability of co-ops to provide service to their members. CREA successfully lobbied for an amendment to this bill to remove any applicability to co-ops.

HB-1286: Extreme Temperature Worker Requirements. This bill aimed to require employers to implement protections for workers who are exposed to extreme hot or cold temperatures at the worksite.

We were able to explain to the sponsors of this bill how electric co-ops prioritize their employees’ health and safety, even when lineworkers and other co-op employees face extreme temperatures during their work to keep the lights on. This bill was postponed indefinitely by the sponsors.

4 May 2025

HB25-1090: Elimination of Junk Fees. Everybody, including electric co-ops, hates junk fees!

We certainly understood the intent of the bill — to eliminate junk fees such as excessive airline charges, surprise hotel costs, and hidden concert fees — but we were concerned that the bill’s language could create confusion around the rates electric co-ops charge their members. Co-ops do not impose junk fees on their members. As not-for-profit electric utilities, co-ops only recover enough money through their rates as is required to provide safe, affordable, and reliable electric service. CREA worked with the sponsors of HB25-1090 to clarify that it did not apply to the rates charged by electric co-ops.

HB25-1010: Prohibition on Price Gouging. As with junk fees, electric co-ops are certainly opposed to price gouging, a practice that has occurred in some states in the wake of a natural disaster. The devil is always in the details when it comes to legislation, and we made sure that co-ops were not implicated in this bill since co-ops absolutely do not engage in price gouging. We successfully negotiated new language in the bill with the support of the bill sponsors.

These bills are just a few examples of CREA’s achievements this session. We’re incredibly grateful to our state legislators, many of whom partnered with us this session to address key challenges facing Colorado’s electric cooperatives. Their dedication to public service — and to the communities Colorado’s electric co-ops serve — is invaluable. We're proud of the meaningful progress made this year. The relationships we've continued to build and the groundwork we've laid will strengthen our advocacy moving forward.

The success of electric co-ops is essential to the well-being of the Coloradans they serve, and we’re thrilled with the outcomes of this legislative session.

CREA Director of Government Relations Taylor Ward advocates for the statewide association’s membership at the capitol. Ward works with legislators and other stakeholders to advance the interests of Colorado’s electric cooperatives.

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FROM THE EDITOR

Priceless Connection

E

ach spring, communications staff from Colorado’s electric cooperatives gather for an educational seminar. The goal is to promote professional development, share best practices, and connect with peers who have similar roles at electric co-ops across the state.

Electric co-op communicators work tirelessly to tell the electric co-op story. In addition to being creative innovators when it comes to finding ways to share that with you, their co-op members, they are also genuinely terrific humans.

This year’s meeting at the end of April was graciously hosted by San

By Kylee Coleman Editor Miguel Power Association in Ridgway. During lunch on the first day of the seminar, I was excited to present awards to the communicators who participated in our annual Excellence in Communication contest to celebrate the best content that they created for a co-op publication. We honor these communicators’ efforts and the content they produce because we value the cooperative principles — one of which is Education, Training, and Information. When we share the co-op story across all sorts of communication channels, we are putting this cooperative principle into action.

This opportunity to connect with fellow co-op communicators is priceless, and I feel lucky to be part of it.

EDITORIAL ADVERTISING STAFF

advertising@coloradocountrylife.org 720-407-0712

Kylee Coleman, Editor kcoleman@coloradocountrylife.org

National advertising representative: American MainStreet Publications 611 S. Congress St., Suite 504 Austin, TX 78704 | 800-626-1181

Cassi Gloe, Publisher cgloe@coloradocountrylife.org

Melinda Taylor, Editorial Assistant mtaylor@coloradocountrylife.org

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.

6 May 2025

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. Colorado Country Life (USPS 469-400/ISSN 1090-2503) is published monthly by Colorado Rural Electric Association, 5400 Washington St., Denver, CO 80216-1731. Periodical postage paid at Denver, Colorado. ©2025, Colorado Rural Electric Association. Call for reprint rights. View advertising and editorial policy terms and conditions online at coloradocountrylife.coop.

Denver Corporate Office

5400 Washington St.

Denver, CO 80216 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.

Colorado Country Life

K.C. ELECTRIC ANNUAL REPORT

From the General Manager

By David Churchwell General Manager

H

ere at K.C. Electric association, our mission is to provide safe, reliable service at the lowest cost while maintaining an environmentally responsible, accountable, and sustainable operation now and into the future. Our annual meeting held each June plays an essential role in upholding that mission. Our annual meeting informs members of the state of their electric cooperative and allows them to actively participate in the decisions being made.

K.C. Electric is served by a nine-member board which is elected by the membership. The board is composed of five representatives from Kit Carson County, three representatives from Cheyenne County, and one representative from Lincoln County. Each year during our annual meeting three directors are elected to serve a three-year term. This year, one director from Cheyenne County, one director from Kit Carson County, and one director from Lincoln County are up for reelection. Incumbent directors who are seeking reelection this year are Dave Ritchey from Cheyenne County, Wayne Parrish from Kit Carson County, and Eric Poss from Lincoln County.

Thanks to our dedicated and hardworking employees, K.C. Electric had another successful year both

operationally and financially. Operating margins and total margins continue to remain solid, and in 2024, more than $1.6 million in capital credits was returned to K.C. member-owners through general and estate retirements.

In June, Duane Highley, the CEO of our wholesale power provider Tri-State Generation and Transmission will attend our annual meeting. He will discuss where our power comes from, the future of power generation, and the reliability of Tri-State’s grid. There will be time at the end of his presentation for you to ask any questions you may have.

I encourage everyone to attend our 79th annual meeting on June 5 at Stratton High School. In addition to the business meeting, we will recognize this year’s scholarship recipients, give away numerous prizes — including a grand prize drawing for $1,500 cash. As usual we will serve dessert at the conclusion of the meeting. Be sure to bring the whole family — this is a great opportunity for your children or grandchildren to learn about the benefits of being a member-owner of an electric cooperative. We look forward to seeing you on June 5.

You're Invited

K.C. ELECTRIC ASSOCIATION ANNUAL MEETING

Thursday, June 5, 2025 Stratton High School 219 Illinois Ave, Stratton, Colorado Doors open at 6 p.m. | Meeting begins at 6:30 p.m.

Colorado Country Life

Annual meeting special guest speaker Duane Highley, TriState Generation and Transmission May 2025

7

K.C. ELECTRIC ANNUAL REPORT

Operating Statements 2023

2024*

$5,330,526

$5,361,076

Irrigation

$6,533,574

$8,561,313

Commercial

$15,033,620

$15,108,983

Street Lighting Other Total Revenue from Electric Sales

$99,676 $114,931 $27,112,327

$91,789 $118,463 $29,241,624

Purchased Power

$18,219,216

$19,377,719

O&M Exp.

$2,977,802

$3,129,077

$510,045

$505,943

A&G

$1,297,184

$1,293,467

Depreciation

$1,621,449

$1,642,013

Interest and Other

$360,303

$349,230

$24,985,999

$26,297,449

$2,126,328

$2,944,175

Other Income

$492,874

$916,531

Tri-State Capital Credits Allocated

$136,227

$1,224,454

Other Margins and Capital Credits Allocated

$80,674

$96,051

$709,775

$2,237,036

$2,836,103

$5,181,211

Consumer Exp.

Total Cost of Electric Service Operating Margin

Total Other Income Total Margin

2023 REVENUE BY RATE Street Lighting 0%

Other 0%

Commercial 56%

2024 REVENUE BY RATE*

Residential 20%

Irrigation 24%

Street Lighting 0%

A&G 5%

8 May 2025

Residential 18%

Irrigation 29%

2024 EXPENSES

Interest and Other 1%

Consumer Exp. 2% O&M Exp. 12%

Other 1%

Commercial 52%

2023 EXPENSES Depreciation 7%

*Unaudited

Description Residential

Depreciation 6% A&G 5%

Interest and Other 1%

Consumer Exp. 2%

Purchased Power 73%

O&M Exp. 12%

Purchased Power 74% Colorado Country Life

K.C. ELECTRIC ANNUAL REPORT K.C. ELECTRIC STATISTICAL INFORMATION Counties Served................................................... Cheyenne, Kit Carson, Kiowa, Lincoln Number of Employees....................................................................................................... 25 Year Organized................................................................................................................ 1946 Power Source............................................. Tri-State Generation and Transmission, Inc. Monthly Board Meeting...................................................................................4th Tuesday Total Members................................................................................................................3,316 Meters Served................................................................................................................7,507 OH Line............................................................................................................................2,779 UG Line............................................................................................................................... .127 Transmission Line..............................................................................................................145 Total Miles of Line..........................................................................................................3,052 Meters Per Mile................................................................................................................2.46 Annual Revenue.................................................................................................. $29,241,624 Annual Wholesale Power Cost..........................................................................$19,377,719 Total Energy Purchased by Members (kWh) �������������������������������������������������� 239,483,32 Total Plant In Service.........................................................................................$58,856,878 Property Taxes Paid................................................................................................$343,765

Board of Directors K.C. ELECTRIC EMPLOYEES

JERRY ALLEN

ROBERT BLEDSOE

DAN MILLS

WAYNE PARRISH

KEVIN PENNY

ERIC POSS

DAVE RITCHEY

JUSTIN RUEB

TERRY TAGTMEYER

Colorado Country Life

Lani Blevins Jason Brandon David Churchwell Cortney Davis George Ehlers J.C. Ely Darren Fox Elliot Friesen Louden Hornung Casey Hyle Alex Cruz Ibarra Cameron Klann Greg Martell Chris Notter Trey Pearce Skye Perry Rogan Pike Bo Randolph Deanna Sanchez Jason Scheler Jacque Schmidt Riley Shaffer Jacob Smith Austin Talbert George Unruh

May 2025

9

K.C. ELECTRIC ANNUAL REPORT

2025 K.C. Electric Scholarship Recipients

K

.C. Electric is pleased to announce the 2025 scholarship winners. K.C. Electric awards two $2,000 scholarships, three $1,000 scholarships and is the administrator for three scholarships awarded by related electric utility organizations. These scholarships are given to students in the cooperative’s service area who demonstrate academic excellence and who are pursuing continuing their education after high school.

Congratulations!

JAYLYN KECHTER

THOMAS SCHAAL

Idalia High School $2,000 K.C. Electric Scholarship

Burlington High School $2,000 K.C. Electric Scholarship

GAGE LEVIN

HAILEY LOUTZENHISER

DAPHNE HARTMAN

CAITLYN PIMENTEL

Stratton High School $1,000 K.C. Electric Scholarship

Arriba/Flagler High School $1,000 K.C. Electric Scholarship

Hi-Plains High School $1,000 K.C. Electric Scholarship

Burlington High School $1,000 K.C. Electric Scholarship

10 May 2025

CUTLER MCARTHUR

MADDIE POWELL

BRADY SIMMONS

Eaton High School $1,000 Basin Electric Power Cooperative Scholarship

Bethune High School $500 Tri-State Generation and Transmission Scholarship

Genoa/Hugo High School $500 Tri-State Generation and Transmission Scholarship

Colorado Country Life

AT HOME

Electrical Dangers in the Home Keep your family safe

By Vicki Spencer

C

omparing the few electrical appliances we had in my childhood home with the smart home devices my grandchildren take for granted reminds me of innovations that have occurred during my lifetime. But one thing has not changed: the importance of electrical safety — especially when it comes to children.

My first childhood lesson in electrical safety came after getting shocked from an outlet. I don’t remember putting something in it, but I do remember my father explaining the correct way to remove cords from outlets was not by yanking on the cord, but by holding the cord’s plug and gently removing it. Today, you can put plastic safety caps on outlets to protect children from electric shock.

We often teach children that water and electricity don’t mix. While most homes have GFCI outlets installed in water-prone areas, take this lesson to heart. Keep appliances and electrical devices away from sinks, tubs, aquariums, and even potted plants, where they might come into contact with water.

Some small appliances use energy even when not in use. If a small appliance has a status light or if there’s a digital clock — like on your coffee maker, for example — it is using energy. Improve safety and avoid phantom loads by unplugging those when not in use. This also helps to prevent accidents from curious children who might pull on dangling cords. This is especially important when the appliance is plugged into an outlet at your kitchen island. Those outlets are typically at eye level with toddlers. The last thing you want is for your child to pull on a cord attached to a slow cooker that is heating tonight’s dinner.

If unplugging cords is inconvenient, install smart plugs and control appliBACHELOR OF ances with voice commands or apps. Smart controls can protect phones SCIENCE IN NURSING from damage caused from overcharging. Lithium-ion batteries in many WALSENBURG. devices can be a fire hazard, explode, and release toxic gas when damaged.

Inspect regularly for defects such as a change in color, shape, and odor, and dispose properly — not in the trash.

LEARN MORE Other simple tips include using the correct wattage for bulbs in your light 719.549.2478 fixtures. LED bulbs use less wattage than traditional bulbs; they save energy csup_nursing@csupueblo.edu and have less risk of overheating. Gain additional peace of mind by installing smoke detectors in kitchens and bedrooms. Test them regularly to make sure they are working.

Follow these tips to avoid overworking your electrical system, lower the risk of accidents, and keep your family safe.

SERVE YOUR

community!

EARN YOUR IN

Vicki Spencer writes on a variety of topics including gardening, electrical safety, and more.

Sources: U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, National Fire Protection Association.

Colorado Country Life

May 2025

11

GET OUTSIDE

There’s No “I"in Teamwork

By Dennis E. Smith

Riding the rapids together

By Eugene Buchanan

L

“

eft side back, right side forward!” I scream.

The paddlers in front of me, clients taking a day trip down Browns Canyon of the Arkansas River, respond quickly, without having to mull their lefts and their rights. Our raft turns in the nick of time to squeeze through a slot between two giant boulders in Pinball Rapid. But there’s no time to pat ourselves on the back.

“All forward! Dig, dig, dig!” I command next, to avoid another obstacle. They do, as if their lives depend on it, and we glide through the rapid’s final hole, a splash of sparkling water crashing over the bow into their beaming faces.

It doesn’t matter if the passengers are doctors, police officers, politicians, or janitors. Here, everyone’s equal and must work as a team. It’s a classic case of the whole being greater than the sum of its parts — the whole being the course our raft takes through a maelstrom of white water. Few gravity sports, other than maybe bobsledding and road biking, require such teamwork. Done correctly, it’s a thing of beauty. Incorrectly, a sinus-irrigating catastrophe.

Colorado’s other main sport, skiing, is a solo one — just you and the mountain. But when that snow on our Rocky Mountains melts off, it spawns another activity relying on that same precipitation and gravity — and in a paddle raft, teamwork. The Colorado River Outfitters Association reports nearly 550,000 people take outfitted trips here every year on more than 30

12 May 2025

Photo courtesy of Lakota Guides

rivers, from the Animas and Rio Grande down south to the Poudre and Yampa up north — all providing the same thrills, spills, and chills. And the Arkansas leads the pack, in both statistics and splashes, with most of those trips in paddle rafts.

Although you can hop on an oar boat and let your guide do all the work, paddle rafts — whether with friends, family, or strangers — provide that sense of accomplishment that can only come from joining in on the action (and they let you put your blades up for a congratulatory high-five afterward). They’re the embodiment of that “together each achieves more” — TEAM — adage, which is what we hope will get us through the rest of Browns Canyon. We might’ve made it through Pinball, but ahead still lies Class 3-4 Zoom Flume, Big Drop, Staircase, Widowmaker, and Raft Ripper. I tell my passengers these names and that’s all they need to kick into gear. “All forward!” I yell. “We’re in this together.”

Eugene Buchanan is a writer from Steamboat Springs. His articles have been published in The New York Times, Men’s Journal, Outside, National Geographic Adventure, Forbes, Life, and more.

HEADING TO THE RIVER?

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INDUSTRY

Move Over to Protect Roadside Crews

By Scott Flood and Kylee Coleman

W

hen lineworkers are perched in a bucket truck repairing power lines along a busy road, they have good reason to be concerned about their safety. However, most are less apprehensive about working with high voltages or falling. Their biggest worry is also the most unpredictable: a distracted driver slamming into their vehicle or a nearby power pole.

The National Safety Council reports that 891 people were killed and 37,701 people were injured in work zone crashes during 2022 — these are the most recent reported statistics. Most of those crashes occur in construction sites, which are usually well marked.

Colorado’s electric co-op crews are likely to face even greater danger, as they are often working along remote stretches of roads, frequently in heavy rain or other adverse weather conditions that can reduce drivers’ visibility.

The danger of work zone crashes led every state to adopt Move Over laws that require drivers to lower their speed and switch lanes when possible to protect emergency vehicles. The goal is to provide an added safety buffer and minimize the potential for accidents.

Drivers caught violating the laws can face penalties including significant fines.

Unfortunately, the Journal of Road Safety reports that just 14 states’ move-over laws protect other types of service vehicles, such as construction trucks and utility vehicles. That means drivers in those states are under no legal obligation to give linecrews that added margin of safety.

In 2023, Colorado’s Slow Down or Move Over law expanded to provide greater protection for people and

14 May 2025

their vehicles on the side of the road. According to the Colorado State Patrol, the enhanced law requires you to move over for all vehicles stopped on the road, including emergency responders, work crews, tow trucks, maintenance vehicles, and passenger vehicles.

Compounding the issue of utility trucks being hit on the side of the road is the dramatic increase in distracted driving. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported that as many as 1,000 people in the U.S. are injured each day because of activities that take drivers’ attention away from the road. The most common distraction is reading and responding to text messages. If a driver traveling at 55 miles per hour glances at their phone for just five seconds, they’ll have traveled the length of a football field before returning their gaze to the road. Texting while driving is illegal for all drivers of all ages in Colorado.

To help reduce accidents caused by distracted driving, a new Colorado law went into effect January 1 prohibiting drivers from using a mobile electronic device while driving; only hands-free accessories are permitted. It is now illegal to hold or manually use a phone or other mobile device for voice calls or any other reason; all drivers must use a handsfree device. According to Colorado Department of Transportation, there are several options available for hands-free driving accessories, including: • Dashboard/phone mounts. These secure your phone in a visible but safe position, enabling the use of navigation or hands-free calls without holding the device.

Colorado Country Life

INDUSTRY Photo at left: Co-ops serving rural and remote areas often have power lines along winding, hilly roads. Locals accustomed to driving those roads at fairly high speeds may be startled and have little time to react when they encounter a work crew past a hill or around a curve.

Photo by Jerry Mosemak, NRECA Photo below: Besides the potential for lineworker injuries, roadside accidents can also damage or destroy expensive service vehicles, reducing a co-op’s ability to respond to outages and other problems. Photo by Andy Barth

• Apple CarPlay/Android Auto. Built-in or aftermarket systems integrate your smartphone with your vehicle’s display and allow you to control your phone through voice commands or your car’s interface.

• Built-in car speaker systems. Many cars come equipped with Bluetooth-enabled speaker systems that allow hands-free communication and audio navigation. If your car does not have Bluetooth, there are plug-in devices for purchase that enable the feature through your vehicle’s existing stereo system.

Beyond distractions, geography can also be a factor in work zone accidents. Electric co-ops serving Colorado’s rural and remote areas often have power lines along twisty and hilly roads. Locals who are accustomed to driving those roads at fairly high speeds may be startled and have little time to react when they encounter a work crew past a hill or around a curve.

Besides the potential for lineworker injuries, accidents can also damage or destroy expensive service vehicles, reducing a co-op’s ability to respond to outages, among other problems. Power poles and other infrastructure may also suffer severe damage.

Colorado Country Life

Many of the tasks performed by lineworkers, such as reconnecting high-voltage power lines, are inherently dangerous and require their complete focus.

When their attention is distracted by speeding or noisy vehicles, they’re more likely to make mistakes that can complicate the repair or cause injury.

Co-ops are considering ways they can modify bucket trucks and other service vehicles to make them more visible. Bright colors and additional lighting such as flashing strobe lights and lighted detour arrows can attract attention from a distance. Reflective “work zone ahead” signs can also alert drivers to be ready for an unusual situation. Sometimes, a little bit of extra attention is all that’s needed to prevent a serious incident.

For more than four decades, business writer Scott Flood has worked with electric cooperatives to build knowledge of energyrelated issues among directors, staff, and members.

SLOW DOWN OR MOVE OVER LAW Colorado drivers have two choices when they see an emergency, tow, maintenance, utility, or passenger vehicle with emergency hazards on: • Move over at least one lane from that vehicle.

• If they cannot safely move over, then they must slow down to a safe speed.

• “Safe speed” means drivers must slow down to 25 mph or less in a 40 mph zone.

• Drivers must slow by at least 20 mph in a 45 mph or higher zone.

If you fail to move over or slow down and are ticketed, this is a Class 2 misdemeanor traffic offense and includes a $150 fine and three-point license violation.

May 2025 15

FEATURE STORY

Harvesting Goodness

Colorado Farm to Table gives everything it grows to the hungry

By Becky Jensen

A

line of hungry people formed outside the Arkansas Valley Christian Mission in Buena Vista. They shifted their feet in silence, waiting for the doors to open.

The Mission is known for serving hot lunch to hundreds of neighbors in need, three times a week, at no charge. It also provides a food pantry where a growing number of struggling families, older adults, military veterans, and unhoused seasonal workers can shop for free. No questions asked.

Cathy Storey, volunteer food coordinator for the Mission, finished restocking the food pantry shelves.

She stepped back and smiled, admiring the latest donation. “It’s like Christmas in August,” she said, knowing how much her clients would appreciate the wish list items.

Cathy unlocked the front door and greeted folks as they filed into the small building. When her clients spotted the full pantry shelves, their faces lit up.

“The vegetables are in!” a woman cried out in delight, pointing to the cabbage, broccoli, and sweet corn hand-picked that morning. Shoppers began to chat excitedly, sharing recipes they were eager to try.

An older man selected a firm cabbage. “It’s so good,” he said. “I just eat it raw with a little salt.” A

16 May 2025

young mother chose a large head of broccoli to feed her children.

The nourishing produce was grown and harvested

by Colorado Farm to Table, a nonprofit dedicated to providing the freshest vegetables to people in need.

For nearly 30 years, the small farm in Salida has donated everything it grows to a network of more than 20 nonprofit distribution partners — including churches, food banks, community centers, and community meal providers — with priority given to nearby Chaffee County programs.

Since its founding, Colorado Farm to Table estimates it has fed more than half a million low-income individuals across the state.

ROOTED IN COMPASSION It all started in the 1990s when career farmer Tony Madone, Jr. noticed that most donations to food pantries were processed foods that held little nutritional value and were about to expire. Of the small number of vegetable donations, many were bruised seconds on the verge of going bad.

Tony felt his hungry neighbors deserved better than stale leftovers. In 1996, he planted a 2-acre garden plot in Salida and donated his entire harvest to Colorado Country Life

FEATURE STORY Photo on facing page: Broccoli harvested north of Salida

by Colorado Farm to Table volunteers is distributed to food pantries all over the state. Photo by Scott Anderson

local food pantries. Tony wanted people who shopped at food banks or ate at local soup kitchens to know that a farmer was growing vegetables just for them.

He wanted them to know someone cared about their health and well-being.

By 2005, Tony moved the farm to its current 15-acre location north of Salida. The following year, he formed the nonprofit Colorado Farm to Table, with a mission to “sustainably grow nutritious vegetables for donation to those in need of healthy food throughout Colorado.”

To many, the phrase “farm to table” is associated with pricey cuisine served by chefs at expensive urban restaurants to the privileged few. But when Tony named the nonprofit back in 2006, he chose Colorado Farm to Table to describe its purest intention: the delivery of fresh vegetables straight from his farm to the tables of less-fortunate Coloradans. Tony was determined to provide equal access to nutrition for all.

In 2014, Tony hired Thomas “T.J.” McDaniel, a young farmer from Kansas who deeply connected with Tony’s humanitarian mission. Over the years, Tony taught T.J. everything he knew. And before retiring from Colorado Farm to Table in 2020, Tony promoted T.J. to farm manager and director, leaving the nonprofit in good hands.

“Tony had a vision,” T.J. said of his mentor, “and I’m here to see it through.”

THE GROWING NEED Food insecurity has been on the rise in Colorado since the pandemic began in 2020. The Colorado Blueprint to End Hunger reports, “Many [Coloradans] are struggling due to low incomes, lack of affordable housing, chronic health conditions, and other life storms — and such circumstances can lead to difficult choices,

T.J. McDaniel, farm manager and director of Colorado Farm to Table, tends seedlings in the greenhouse.

We couldn’t do it without volunteers. I can irrigate, I can work the fields, I can cultivate, but there’s no way I could ever get that all planted by myself. The farm would be buried in weeds if volunteers weren’t going up and down the rows hoeing by hand. There’s absolutely no way I would ever get it harvested and loaded on my own.”

— Thomas “T.J.” McDaniel, farm manager and director, Colorado Farm to Table

Volunteers hoe weeds at the farm during growing season.

Photo by Scott Anderson

Colorado Country Life

May 2025 17

FEATURE STORY

Intern Adelaide Kriebel harvesting cabbage. Photo by Becky Jensen

A roadside banner advertises the farm’s mission.

Photo by Becky Jensen

CFTT volunteer and board president Allison Groom helps harvest vegetables at the farm in Salida. Photo by Scott Anderson

like having to pay rent instead of purchasing nourishing foods.”

A recent Colorado Health Foundation poll found that two in five — nearly 40% — of Coloradans were worried about affording food. And the Colorado Children’s Campaign reported that one in six Colorado families said their children were not eating enough food because it wasn’t affordable. These challenges are even more pronounced among communities of color.

“Every partner agency says their demand has been increasing for several years now,” T.J. confirmed. “I have yet to find a single food pantry, or food bank, that says they need less.

They all say, ‘We can always use more fresh produce if you’ve got it.’”

CULTIVATING CAPACITY At Colorado Farm to Table, the biggest challenge isn’t bad weather or pests that threaten to destroy crops. “Our biggest challenge is funding,” said Laurie Kari, executive director of Colorado Farm to Table since 2023.

Laurie was quick to thank the Shine family, who have generously donated the use of their farmland for nearly two decades and counting.

She said that every donated dollar, or in-kind equivalent, makes a big difference.

T.J. agreed.

“Donations helped us hire Laurie part-time, which allowed us to do more grant writing, which brought in new funding to help purchase a reliable tractor, which improved our productivity and yield,” he said, demonstrating the ripple effect. Although Colorado Farm to Table has access to 15 acres, the nonprofit can only plant and harvest 10 acres given its current budget and staffing constraints. The ability to hire a farmhand, T.J. said, would be a game changer.

“Increasing our funding would increase capacity, which would feed more people,” Laurie said. “There’s a lot of room for growth.”

Even on the farm’s modest budget, T.J. — with the help of two part-time interns and a crew of loyal volunteers — manages to plant, grow, tend, and harvest around 100,000 pounds of fresh vegetables annually.

“It’s not enough,” T.J. stated, after loading several palettes of cabbages and broccoli onto Photo on facing page: The 5-acre Colorado Farm to Table field grows vegetables to feed hungry Coloradans . Photo by Becky Jensen

18 May 2025

Colorado Country Life

FEATURE STORY a semitruck for Food Bank of the Rockies. The Denver nonprofit will share its haul among smaller food pantries in the metro area.

“We filled the Denver Rescue Mission’s truck the day before,” T.J. said, “and we have a local homeless shelter coming tomorrow.”

When the vegetables are ready to pick, T.J. must time each harvest perfectly to maximize yield, leverage available volunteer labor, and share the produce fairly among the many food pantries in need. And because the farm lacks a cold storage area, there’s little room for error.

In addition to trucks coming from Denver, other nonprofit groups have driven all the way from Pueblo, Colorado Springs, Alamosa, Montrose, Fairplay, and Dillon, to pick up vegetables at the Salida farm. “We make sure everybody gets something,” T.J said.

THE REAL HEROES “We couldn’t do it without volunteers,” T.J. emphasized, acknowledging the thousands of hours they contribute to Colorado Farm to Table each year.

“I can irrigate, I can work the fields, I can cultivate, but there’s no way I could ever get that all planted by myself,” T.J. explained, pointing at row after row of healthy crops. “The farm would be buried in weeds if volunteers weren’t going up and down the rows hoeing by hand. There’s absolutely no way I would ever get it harvested and loaded on my own.”

Penny Meierdirk, a longtime volunteer with Colorado Farm to Table, showed no signs of slowing down as she bent her back to the work of harvesting another head of broccoli. “We are really close to producing 3 million pounds of food from this field,” she said, the milestone a source of intense pride.

“Over the years, I’ve done almost every part of volunteer work on the farm. One time, I even took two

We are really close to producing 3 million pounds of food from this field.”

— Penny Meierdirk, a longtime volunteer with Colorado Farm to Table

Colorado Country Life

cases of corn on the back of my motorcycle to a tiny food bank when it first opened in Westcliffe.”

Penny always looks forward to Community Gleaning Day, where anyone can pick whatever is left in the fields at the end of the summer. The free event ensures nothing goes to waste at Colorado Farm to Table.

“This year, I imagine we’re going to have a lot of people show up for that again,” Penny said. “The years when inflation and hardship is greater, we have a lot more people come out.”

FEEDING MORE THAN STOMACHS Back at the Arkansas Valley Christian Mission, hungry shoppers migrated from the food pantry into the dining area for lunch. In addition to stocking the Mission’s pantry shelves with quality vegetables, Colorado Farm to Table provides fresh ingredients that go into the hot meals served three times each week.

Cabbage is often made into delicious soups, sauerkraut, and coleslaw. Zucchini goes into hearty stews, casseroles, and bread.

“Many of our clients have nutritional needs, medical needs, and Colorado Farm to Table provides the healthiest food,” Cathy said, noting that the Mission’s food pantry is often her clients’ only source of fresh produce. “They consider vegetables a treat.”

Cathy said it felt good to know that nonprofits like Colorado Farm to Table exist in the world. “They really care about the health of their neighbors and want to make a difference. By growing and donating these vegetables, it tells our clients that their lives matter.”

The farm’s outreach, she added, feeds more than just empty stomachs. “What starts with the farmer planting a single seed has such a far-reaching effect on the physical and mental health of our community,” Cathy marveled. “I’ve seen the gift of vegetables touch so many lives. It’s amazing to be part of it.”

To learn more about Colorado Farm to Table or to make a donation, visit coloradofarmtotable.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.

May 2025 19

ENERGY EXPERT

Prep Now for Summer Savings

By Miranda Boutelle

Q: How can I prepare my home for lower energy bills this summer?

A: Summer is right around the corner. There are many ways to get a jump-start on preventing summertime high bills and energy waste.

Add your cooling equipment to the spring-cleaning checklist. An annual tuneup by an HVAC professional should include refrigerant charge, airflow adjustment, and condenser and evaporator fan-coil cleaning.

This helps maximize your system’s efficiency and the life span of your equipment, reducing wasted energy and costs.

Some HVAC companies offer discounts for cleaning equipment during the months when they are less busy. Once high temperatures hit, they are more likely to be swamped with calls to repair or replace broken equipment.

A dirty furnace filter can waste energy by causing your system to work harder. Make sure you have a stack of replacement filters ready to go so you are more likely to replace them as needed.

As we transition to warm weather, keep an eye on your thermostat settings. The United States Depart-

20 May 2025

ment of Energy recommends setting cooling temperatures to 78 degrees when you are home and higher when you are away. You can save as much as 10% every year on heating and cooling by adjusting your thermostat 7 to 10 degrees from its normal setting for 8 hours each day.

One way to feel cooler is by using fans in the room you’re in during the day or when you’re sleeping. A fan can make you feel cooler without having to adjust the thermostat. Remember, fans cool people, not rooms; turn off fans in unoccupied areas.

Cooking outdoors in summer is also a great way to save energy. Using the stove or oven heats your kitchen, which requires more energy for cooling.

Get the grill cleaned now so you are ready to enjoy outdoor cooking.

Incorporate these tips into your summer prep to save energy and lower your bills.

Miranda Boutelle is the chief operating officer at Efficiency Services Group in Oregon, a cooperatively owned energy efficiency company.

Colorado Country Life

The LOWEST Price You Will Ever Pay for a Swiss Watch

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GETAWAY

Pagosa Springs Soaking up small town adventure

By Kailey Pickering

Descending the hairpin turns of Wolf Creek Pass — U.S. Highway 160 — pastures dotted with evergreens greet travelers entering Pagosa Springs. Pagosa’s namesake stems from the Southern Ute tribe, which named the area’s bubbling mineral springs the Ute term for “healing waters.” Read on and discover all this quaint town in southwestern Colorado has to offer.

The San Juan River is a beautiful sight running through Pagosa Springs.

Photo by Kailey Pickering

SOAK UP THE MINERALS

DELICIOUS EATS

EXPLORE NATURE

In a town named after mineral springs, soaking opportunities are abundant at several resorts.

The favorite among CCL staff — The Springs Resort & Spa — sits right on the San Juan River and hosts 24 pools with varying temperatures. Feeling extra adventurous? Take a plunge in the river after getting “cooked” in The Lobster Pot soaking pool at 100+ degrees. pagosahotsprings.com

Pagosa is filled with delectable delights. Pagosa Baking Company provides confections within a yellow-and-blue abode, including pies, scones, and cinnamon rolls.

La Plata Electric Association board member Kirsten Skeehan contributes to the bakery’s charm as an owner. Visitors can also grab a homestyle breakfast at Cafe Colorado, enjoy handcrafted pizza at Rosie’s Pizzeria, or dine on refined cuisine at the Alley House Grille. pagosabakingcompany.com

Seeking activity and exploration?

Marvel at local waterfalls through four different hikes. Treasure Falls’ 1/4-mile hike leads to a deck where rushing waters mist hikers.

The 1-mile trail at Piedra Falls is easy and accommodates hikers of various ages. Fourmile Falls is a 3-mile uphill trek to witness the cascading waters. Silver Falls’ 1/8-mile hike to the base of the falls gets increasingly steep. visitpagosasprings.com/pagosasprings-waterfalls

22 May 2025

Colorado Country Life

GETAWAY

The Springs Resort & Spa sits right on the San Juan River in Pagosa Springs.

Getty Images

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May 2025

23

RECIPES

Foolproof

“Fried” Ice Cream Recipe by Cindy McCaskill | Photo by Ty Pierce

“Fried ice cream” sounds impossible — like a melted mess waiting to happen. But thanks to CCL reader Cindy McCaskill, you can enjoy crispy, creamy goodness without any frying at all. This version is easy to make, and the only cleanup required (dishes not included!) is grabbing a napkin for those last delicious bites. Cindy swears by this recipe for potlucks, where it’s always a crowd favorite. Our CCL taste testers agree and think it’s a perfect sweet ending to Taco Tuesday — or any weeknight meal.

INGREDIENTS

INSTRUCTIONS

1 cup brown sugar

Melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium-low heat. Add brown sugar and stir until dissolved. Add the crushed cornflakes, chopped nuts, and shredded coconut. Stir to combine.

½ cup butter 2 ½ cups crushed cornflakes cereal ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts ½ cup sweetened shredded or flake coconut 1 to 1 ½ qt vanilla ice cream, softened

Spread a layer of the crumb mixture on the bottom of an 11"×7" pan or a pan of similar size.

Scoop and spread the softened ice cream over the crumb layer.

Sprinkle the remaining crumb mixture on top of the ice cream layer and press it into the ice cream.

Cover and store in the freezer until firm. Take the pan out of the freezer 5 to 10 minutes before serving so it is easier to cut into squares.

24 May 2025

Colorado Country Life

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A World’s First Creates The Lowest Mintage Silver Eagle…Ever!

The American Silver Eagle is arguably the most popular coin on the planet. First struck in 1986 for US citizens to own physical silver bullion, the Silver Eagle is made from one ounce of 99.9% fine silver.

It’s no wonder why these hefty silver dollars have become THE global standard for silver bullion coins, with over 640,000,000 coins minted to date.

And now, the US Mint has released a special Silver Eagle that might just become THE greatest of all time…the Star Privy Silver Eagle!

What’s So Special?

There are two “key” reasons why the Star Privy Silver Eagle is poised to become the most sought-after coin in the Silver Eagle series; One, collectors LOVE “Firsts” and the Star Privy is the FirstEver bullion Silver Eagle to have a Privy Mark, cementing its permanent place in Silver Eagle history.

Two, collectors also GO CRAZY for low mintage coins, the lower the better. And the Star Privy Silver Eagle not only has a low mintage. It’s the lowest mintage bullion Silver Eagle EVER!

First-Ever Privy-Marked Bullion Silver Eagle

Privy marks are small symbols added to coin, oftentimes to commemorate special occasions and/or historic events. In this case, the US Mint has added a “star” to the Silver Eagle to celebrate the release of a new mobile gaming app, 8th Era, a groundbreaking new mobile gaming app that marries gaming with coin collecting to inspire the next generation of collectors. It’s an instant “must-have” for Silver Eagle collectors.

Consider this….the 1996 Silver Eagle is the lowest mintage with 3,603,386 coins made. The Star Privy Silver Eagle has a mintage of only 500,000 coins.

That’s SEVEN TIMES LOWER. Just look at the graph for perspective.

The First 50,000 Coins Released

Each coin comes certified in Gem Brilliant Uncirculated condition, coming from the first 50,000 coins issued, the “top 10%” if you will, certified by the leading independent 3rd party grading company NGC. Those are bragging rights every collector would dream of having!

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All information is correct as of the date of publication and is subject to change. Coins and other items are sold as collectibles and not as investments. © 2025 RARCOA DIRECT

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Coming Soon CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS

Next month, we will begin advertising a call for submissions. We are seeking stories about what brings light to your life.

Share your story and you might see it published in an upcoming issue in 2025. Start to think about who or what makes your world brighter, and watch for more details in the June issue of Colorado Country Life.

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Colorado Country Life

THERAPY, SAFETY AND INDEPENDENCE

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

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DISCOVERIES

Discover Colorado State Parks It is time to start planning your summer outdoor adventures. And what better place to explore than in our very own backyard?

According to Colorado Parks & Wildlife Statewide Public Information Officer Bridget O’Rourke, Colorado is home to the most beautiful parks in the country. “I encourage everyone to experience Colorado’s incredible state park system for themselves and see the amazing public land and outdoor opportunities that exist in our gorgeous state.” With 42 parks to choose from, there is truly something for everyone.

We’ll get you started by highlighting three of our favorites that are in electric co-op territory, but you can find your perfect adventure at cpw.state.co.us.

28 May 2025

Photo courtesy of CPW

By Gaylene Garcia Granger

Barr Lake offers stunning view of the Front Range.

Photo by Kylee Coleman

BARR LAKE STATE PARK, BRIGHTON With over 2,500 acres and 21 miles of trails, Barr Lake State Park offers visitors a serene oasis in Adams County. Roughly 30 miles north of Denver, Barr Lake is easy to access and has a fishing area, wildlife refuge with a viewing boardwalk, archery range, and nature center. Sailboats, hand-propelled craft, and boats with electric trolling motors or gasoline motors 10 horsepower or less are permitted on the lake. CCL Editor Kylee Coleman enjoys launching her paddleboard at Barr Lake and says, “The views of the Front Range are unbeatable.” Discover more and plan your perfect visit at cpw.state.co.us/state-parks/barr-lake-state-park.

Colorado Country Life

DISCOVERIES ARKANSAS HEADWATERS RECREATION AREA, LEADVILLE-PUEBLO When people think of Colorado state parks, they often envision an abundance of wildlife, acres of evergreen, and fields of wildflowers. The Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area is all that and 152 miles of free-flowing river for endless outdoor adventure. Stretching from Leadville through Salida, Cañon City, and Florence to the Pueblo Reservoir, AHRA is one of Colorado’s premier destinations for rafting, fishing, and camping. The park also boasts breathtaking views of the Sawatch and Sangre de Cristo mountain ranges. According to Bureau of Land Management ranger, Brian Garcia, “This Colorado Parks and Wildlife area has breathtaking views with a multitude of outdoor activity opportunities from world-class white water rafting to phenomenal mountain biking and hiking trails as well as hundreds of miles of off-highway vehicle trails. This is the heart of Colorado.”

With more than 25 developed river access points between Salida and Leadville, AHRA is a must-visit for outdoor enthusiasts. For more about AHRA visit cpw.state.co.us/state-parks/ arkansas-headwaters-recreation-area.

The Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area is a playground for outdoor enthusiasts.

Photo courtesy of CPW

RIFLE FALLS STATE PARK, RIFLE

Rifle Falls is a Colorado treasure.

Photo courtesy CPW

Colorado Country Life

Rifle Falls requires a bit more hiking than some other state parks, but the experience is well worth it. This Colorado treasure offers something special in every season. In the coming warmer months, a scenic hike leads to three stunning 60-foot waterfalls. Fed by the year-round rushing waters of East Rifle Creek, the falls cascade from the cliffs above, creating a misty wonderland of moss-covered rocks and lush foliage.

Beneath the falls, hidden caves are nestled in the limestone cliffs, including a 90-foot cavern that requires a flashlight to explore. Interpretive displays throughout the park reveal the history of the falls, the formation of limestone, and other unique features of this natural gem. To get there, visit cpw.state.co.us/ state-parks/rifle-falls-state-park.

May 2025

29

READER PHOTOS

Morgan County REA members Jennifer and Lance Schwindt and their friends from BRUSH! enjoy CCL at the top of Mount Pilates during a community trip to Switzerland.

Mark and Mendi Lutze and Pam and Aaron Worley bring Colorado Country Life to the Cliffs of Moher in Ireland. Both couples are members of Highline Electric Association, and Mendi is employed at Highline as the co-op’s accounting clerk.

Lan and Dien Nguyen enjoy a mini getaway to Ft. Lauderdale after 2-plus years taking care of Dien’s mother, who is a stroke survivor. These Mountain View Electric Association members report that it was a much-needed vacation from being full-time caregivers.

CCL travels to Seoul, South Korea, with Empire Electric Association member Susan DeStefano.

San Isabel Electric Association members Stephen McKiernan and his wife Katherine Brickley take CCL to San Pedro, Belize. Stephen says, “We had to bring along our favorite magazine — we’re having an ‘Un-Belizable’ time!”

John Potter and Art Donoho, both Grand Valley Power members, stop in the town square in Holguin, Cuba, for a photo with the magazine after a 10-day motorcycle tour.

Poudre Valley REA member Beverly Kilgore and her crew from Windsor travel to Arizona for spring training to soak up baseball and sunshine. Beverly says, “Thanks to PVREA for keeping the lights on while we’re gone — we know you’ve got it covered! Go team!”

Mountain View Electric Members Ernest and Elke Greene pause for a selfie with CCL in Ushuaia, the last stop on a 17-day cruise to Antarctica, their trip of a lifetime.

“Little did we know, what beautiful scenery and wildlife was to be discovered,” they report.

DON’T FORGET TO PACK CCL FOR YOUR NEXT TRIP!

Show us where you enjoy CCL for a chance to win! Take a photo of someone (or a selfie!) with the magazine and share it with us on our website at coloradocountrylife.coop. Each month we’ll draw one photo to win $25. See all the submitted photos on our Facebook page @COCountryLife.

30 May 2025

Emily Williams and a group of Highline Electric Association members travel to Rome, Italy, and take a break from their full sightseeing schedule to take a photo with the magazine. Emily’s dad, Nate, is the Otis area supervisor for Y-W Electric Association.

Colorado Country Life

Throw Yourself a Bone Full tang stainless steel blade with natural bone handle —now ONLY $79!

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The handle is made from genuine natural bone, and features decorative wood spacers and a hand-carved motif of two overlapping feathers— a reminder for you to respect and connect with the natural world.

This fusion of substance and style can garner a high price tag out in the marketplace. In fact, we found full tang, stainless steel blades with bone handles in excess of $2,000. Well, that won’t cut it around here. We have mastered the hunt for the best deal, and in turn pass the spoils on to our customers.

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Subject to availability, on a total purchase of 6 or more windows and/or 2 or more entry or patio doors. $350 off windows and $850 off doors discount valid during first appointment only. Cannot be combined with other offers. To qualify for discount offer, initial contact for an appointment with purchase must be made and documented on or before 5/31/25. 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. ©2025 Lead Surge LLC. All rights reserved.

2 Plan 6136. Subject to credit approval. Loan term is 36 months at fixed rate of 0.00% APR. For example, assuming the full credit limit is used on loan approval date, for every $1,000 financed at 0% APR, 36 monthly payments of $27.78. This example is an estimate only. Actual payment amounts based on amount and timing of purchases. Call 866-936-0602 for financing costs and terms. 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.

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