PVREA_June 2025 CCL Magazine

CRAFT SODAS • OUTDOOR OASIS • REPLACEMENT WINDOWS

FACES, PLACES & VOICES OF PVREA COMMUNITY-DRIVEN SUPPORT FOR AT-RISK YOUTH

THERAPY, SAFETY AND INDEPENDENCE

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

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12 Volume 56 • Number 6 • June 2025

In This Issue

26

4

Viewpoint

6

From the Editor

7

Your Co-op News

11

At Home

12

Get Outside

14

Industry

16

Feature Story

20 Energy Expert 24 Recipes 26 Getaway 28 Marketplace 29 Discoveries 30 Reader Photos

29

Monthly Giveaway Hitting the road this summer? Win a $50 gift card to help get you where you’re going. To enter, navigate to the Monthly Giveaway page on our website at coloradocountrylife.coop.

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 June 20.

Colorado Country Life

June 2025

3

Delivering Value that Matters — Supporting the Next Generation

BY JEFF WADSWORTH PRESIDENT & CEO

At Poudre Valley REA, we frequently discuss the various services we provide to our members, including Power Peak Rewards, smart EV charging options, home energy assessments, convenient billing options, energy efficiency rebates, engaging events like our annual meeting, and other member-focused activities.

However, many of our value-added benefits are geared towards supporting the next generation.

We believe it is essential to support our youngest members — not only to enrich their lives but also to instill in them the importance of cooperative membership.

After all, this generation will one day become community and possibly cooperative leaders.

For high school seniors, we offer 30 merit- and need-based scholarships.

This year, we awarded over $50,000 to local students, funded by unclaimed member credits. These are the member credit checks that go uncashed, and we believe investing in our area’s future is a worthy use of these funds. See page 8 for a listing of this year’s scholarship winners.

High school juniors also have the opportunity to participate in the annual Electric Cooperative Youth Tour, where we send students to Washington, D.C., for a weeklong educational excursion every June. Additionally, each July, we send several students to Cooperative Youth Leadership Camp in Steamboat Springs, designed to provide an educational experience about the organization and operation of cooperatives.

We also conduct safety demonstrations for young people of all ages. This year, Poudre Valley employees visited numerous schools and the Colorado Farm Show to teach kids about electrical safety using an energized tabletop model that illustrates real-life situations and the consequences of unsafe behavior.

Our support for youth extends to local clubs, where we provide sponsorships for programs such as youth football, hockey, soccer, band, and basketball. Participation in these local clubs helps improve social skills, teamwork, and overall health. Additionally, each year, we make purchases at the 4-H and FFA junior livestock sales in each county we serve. Youth involved in livestock projects learn valuable skills such as responsibility, time management, record keeping, and public speaking.

Through various successful programs — including educational events, leadership camps, and scholarships — Poudre Valley REA is committed to inspiring the next generation of leaders and providing value to every member of our community.

ABOUT YOUR CO-OP PVREA serves energy solutions to more than 57,000 homes and businesses in Boulder, Larimer, and Weld counties. We are a memberowned co-op, led by those we serve.

OUR MISSION We are committed to providing safe, reliable, efficient energy solutions with exceptional service to our members.

CONTACT US 1.800.432.1012 pvrea@pvrea.coop www.pvrea.coop

MAILING ADDRESS Poudre Valley REA 7649 REA Parkway Fort Collins, CO 80528

SOCIAL facebook.com/PoudreValleyREA instagram.com/poudre_valley_rea youtube.com/PoudreValleyREA

BOARD OF DIRECTORS Chair Peter Hyland Weld County

Director Rick Johnson Larimer County

Vice Chair Bryan Ehrlich Larimer County

Director Jan Peterson Larimer County

Secretary Thaine Michie Larimer County

Director Jack Schneider Weld County

Director Steven Anderson Larimer County

Director Ron Sutherland Boulder County

Director Sheryl Dryer Henderson Larimer County

SERVE YOUR

community!

EARN YOUR BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN NURSING

IN WALSENBURG.

LEARN MORE 719.549.2478

csup_nursing@csupueblo.edu

A Light in the Dark

CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS

Who makes your world brighter?

As we think ahead to the season of shorter days and twinkling lights, we’d like to make space to appreciate the people who bring light into our lives.

Has someone helped you through a hard time with a kind word, a warm meal, or just by being there? Maybe it was a friend who made you laugh when you needed it most, a neighbor who stepped in when you were struggling, or a stranger whose simple act of kindness stuck with you.

We’d love to hear your story for our December 2025 issue. Keep it short and heartfelt — we’re looking for the everyday stories that remind us how powerful a little light can be. Content may be edited for space and clarity.

• Deadline: September 20 • Word count: 200–300 words • Submit by: • Email: editor@coloradocountrylife.org • Online: coloradocountrylife.coop/light-in-the-dark • USPS: Colorado Country Life, Attn: Editor 5400 Washington St., Denver, CO 80216

Let’s shine a little light together.

New page.

New

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New

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.

Advertise with Colo ado Co Life and connect with tho sands of lo al readers across olorado 720 407 0712 .

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advertising@coloradoco ntr life.org

Ask a o t digital ads

!

FROM THE EDITOR

The Colorado Room

A

bout seven years ago, we started looking for new slipcovers for an old sofa. Our family room had been through three rounds of baby spit-up, leaky toddler sippy cups, and grubby little-kid hands. Long story short, that internet search for a simple couch refresh set us on a six-month journey of selling our house and moving.

During the housing search, we saw countless suburban homes. After a while, houses started to blur together, and it was tough to keep track of all By Kylee Coleman Editor the features and layouts. We resorted to nicknaming the various options on the market at that time: “Long Entry Cat House,” “Smokehouse Ranch,” and “Dog Slobber Kokopelli” were a few that made it to the “We’ll pass” list.

Late in the search, our agent scheduled a showing and mentioned that this particular house had a Colorado room, which was just a fancy name for a covered back deck.

Our journey brought us to an unexpected place and I’m grateful we landed at “The Colorado Room House.”

The covered back deck turned into my happy place. It’s sunny in the morning and cool and shaded in the heat of the afternoon. It is lovely in the fall, and you can even find me perched under a blanket in my chair on a chilly winter day.

On page 11, writer Becky Jensen offers practical tips for creating an outdoor oasis. There are simple steps you can take to create a space where you can enjoy fresh air, sunshine, backyard birdwatching, and maybe even a s’more or two on a warm summer night.

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 June 2025

Advertising Standards Publication of an advertisement in Colorado Country Life does not imply endorsement by any Colorado 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

YOUR CO-OP NEWS

COMMUNITY-DRIVEN SUPPORT FOR AT-RISK YOUTH

In Northern Colorado, one organization is making a lasting difference in the lives of at-risk youth.

NoCo Unify — Northern Colorado United for Youth — has become a beacon of hope and opportunity, providing critical financial assistance to child-focused charities and programs.

Since its founding in 2007, the nonprofit has granted over $5 million to support underserved and at-risk children, thanks to a passionate and growing network of volunteers, donors, and community partnerships.

“For our community, NoCo Unify serves as a catalyst for positive change,” said Reed Miller, PVREA member & NoCo Unify President. “We support a range of charities that provide essential services so children have access to opportunities and resources they might otherwise lack.”

“These are kids from various walks of life generally facing some form of life-altering conditions,” says Scott Dillon, PVREA employee and NoCo Unify Board Liaison of Sponsorship and Auction. “This could range from food insecurity (1 in 7 kids in northern Colorado), homelessness (22,000 plus statewide), mental/ physical hurdles, and various forms of assault.”

NoCo Unify’s mission is grounded in the belief that every child deserves a chance to thrive. Through engaging, high-impact fundraising events like the Kids Classic Golf Tournament on June 6 and The Suitcase Party on August 15, the organization

Colorado Country Life

brings together community members to support youth in need, raising both funds and awareness.

“To me, NoCo Unify’s mission embodies the spirit of community engagement and proactive support,” says Reed. “It’s about uniting efforts to create meaningful change in the lives of children, while also cultivating leadership and service among young professionals.”

With strong community backing and a clear mission, NoCo Unify is well-positioned to continue making a profound difference for children and families across our region.

“One moment that stands out as exceptionally powerful is visiting a grant recipient’s facility and meeting the incredible staff and kids,” says Scott. “Seeing children, some as young as four, fighting battles bigger than most adults I know, and to feel the happiness that pours out of them and the staff is one of the most incredible gifts ever.”

At Poudre Valley REA, we proudly support organizations like NoCo Unify who empower futures and strengthen our communities. We support the causes that matter to our members and employees by offering financial assistance to community-based efforts and encouraging our members and employees to give back.

To learn how you can support NoCo Unify, visit nocounify.org

June 2025

7

YOUR CO-OP NEWS

Congrats to the 2024-2025 Scholarship Winners!

As a cooperative, we have a focus on education. As your local electric cooperative, we strive to enrich the lives of the future leaders within the communities we serve.

We awarded $53,500 in scholarships to 30 high school seniors who are furthering their education.

These awards are part of our College Scholarship Fund, which is sponsored entirely through unclaimed member credits.

Scholarship applications for seniors graduating next year will be available this August at www.pvrea.coop.

Sofia Ambrosek Severance High School

Kyrah Bennett Wellington High School

Landon Blanco Poudre High School

Lincoln Brown Resurrection Christian High School

Staci Brown Heritage Christian Academy

Cornella Brown Eaton High School

Levi Carlson University High School

Jaimie Dang Fossil Ridge High School

Emi Dean Severance High School

Mady Douglass Frontier Academy

Dani Douglass Frontier Academy

Elsa Ebel Rocky Mountain High School

Luke Foster Poudre High School

Jack Friesen Liberty Common High School

Madeleine Holloway Fossil Ridge High School

Justine Jaros Berthoud High School

Hayley Jones Berthoud High School

Grace Kinnison Mountain View High School

Cavanaugh Martucci Fossil Ridge High School

Jake McDill Rocky Mountain High School

Wyatt Meyer Platte Valley High School

Brody Nelson Fossil Ridge High School

Tamsen Ojala Ascent Classical Academy of Northern Colorado

Alexander Pygott Berthoud High School

Olivia Redmon Poudre High School

la Reistad Fossil Ridge High School

Kyler Schwartzenberger Fossil Ridge High School

Nathan Temple Fossil Ridge High School

Ethan Willits Mountain View High School

Reece Yahn Severance High School

8 June 2025

Colorado Country Life

YOUR CO-OP NEWS

Rewards Season

SUMMER SAVINGS YOUR WAY!

Poudre Valley REA members have many ways to save — including rebates, rewards, and more.

POWER PEAK REWARDS A great time to join Power Peak Rewards is before the summer heat wave hits.

Earn a $50 enrollment bonus, an annual $30 participation reward, and up to $50 towards the purchase of a new smart thermostat.

Details and application at www.pvrea.coop/power-peak-rewards

REBATES Start the summer by saving big on new electric products and appliances.

Rebates include outdoor power equipment, e-bikes, and more. If you’re thinking of upgrading to a new heat pump for both heating and cooling your home or garage, we have you covered!

View all available rebates at www.pvrea.coop/rebates

EV CHARGING REWARDS Earn rewards for charging your electric vehicle.

DrivEV Rewards offers an easy way to receive monthly bill credits for charging your EV at home during reward times.

Learn more at www.pvrea.coop/ev-charging-rewards

ENERGY TIPS & TOOLS Learn how to use less energy.

As your trusted energy expert, we’re here to give you the tools, tips, and resources so you can use energy smarter, more efficiently, and less expensively.

Explore home management tools at www.pvrea.coop

Colorado Country Life

June 2025

9

YOUR CO-OP NEWS

Out & About Pick up energy tips, meet your neighbors, and make a real impact in your community by supporting local events.

How Drones Prevent Problems from the Sky Down Drone inspections are a powerful tool for maintaining the electric grid, offering a clear aerial view that ground crews can't often see.

Summer is the perfect time for PVREA members to get out, have fun, and connect with their local electric cooperative.

They help spot issues like equipment damage or overgrown vegetation early — before they become outages or safety risks.

From fairs to fundraisers and celebrations, our summer schedule is packed with opportunities to meet members where they are — right in the heart of our communities!

Drones allow your local electric co-op to respond quickly and keep power reliable.

But they aren’t all about fun in the sun — they also reflect our commitment to service, partnership, and supporting the towns and organizations that strengthen our region.

See where we’ll be at www.pvrea.coop/events

Take advantage of the warmer weather to reduce home energy use. Avoid using your oven and use a grill instead.

JUNE 2025

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Energy Efficiency Tip of the Month

Not only will cooking outdoors eliminate the energy used to power the oven or stove, but it will also avoid raising the temperature inside your home, reducing the need for additional air conditioning.

FLAG DAY

» Saturday, June 14

Honoring the American flag as a symbol of national unity, pride, and the values of freedom and democracy.

10 June 2025

Colorado Country Life

AT HOME

How to Create an Outdoor Oasis

Expert tips for getting started

By Becky Jensen

O

ne of the greatest joys about living in Colorado is our state’s natural beauty. That, and its glorious weather. The outside beckons year-round, offering abundant fresh air and sunshine to help us unwind and recharge.

A good way to get a daily dose of outdoor therapy is to create a relaxing oasis in your own backyard. But where to begin?

“Whether you do it yourself, or hire a pro, it all starts with a thoughtful design,” said Kira Koldeway, general manager of design for HighCraft Builders, a custom home and remodeling company in Fort Collins. “Start by envisioning how you’d like to use your backyard, then focus on your must-haves — like a grilling station, entertainment lounge, raised garden beds, or open space for family games.” Whether you tackle it all at once, or in phases, Koldeway said an outdoor design plan can guide you, keep you on budget, and help you feel less overwhelmed.

“A plan also helps you avoid costly mistakes and wasted time,” added Clint Lucas, owner of Fort Collins-based Detailed Landscape. “There’s nothing more frustrating than having to redo work.”

When designing a backyard oasis, Koldeway and Lucas suggested the following to get started:

DEFINE THE SPACE Whether it’s a cozy hammock for solo naps, or an outdoor entertainment area for gathering with friends, the key is to create an intimate space that echoes your favorite indoor room. Anchor furniture on weather-resistant rugs to define spaces. Install metal or wood screens for added privacy, and plant grasses, trees, or vines for another layer of seclusion once they mature.

MAKE IT SAFE, COMFORTABLE, AND INVITING Pick outdoor seating for your patio that encourages relaxation. Choose colors and fabrics that draw you in and make you want to stay. Use café or landscape lighting for a soft glow and welcoming atmosphere. To create shade, opt for a tension sail, pergola, awning, or retractable canopy. To add warmth, position chairs around a central fire feature — be sure to check local restrictions if burning wood. For added safety and comfort, ensure activity areas are spacious enough for guests to easily move between activities and around furniture.

Colorado Country Life

Photo by Cassihise Photography

BE MINDFUL OF MATERIALS AND WATER Select durable materials, finishes, and plants that can handle Colorado weather extremes — especially our freeze-thaw cycles, and exposure to UV rays and high winds. Before purchasing any plants, develop a realistic budget, and make sure you’re prepared to care for whatever you put in. Give all plants, especially trees, enough room to grow, and keep them away from your foundation.

To be water wise, reduce turf grass and incorporate drought-tolerant plants. When installing a sprinkler system, include drip lines and rain-sensing technology to conserve water. If adding a water feature, choose a self-circulating sculpture versus a pond or river option.

“Consider your outdoor oasis an investment — one that will bring you joy, support your wellbeing, and will likely increase the value of your home,” Lucas suggested.

If the thought of creating a backyard retreat seems daunting, “Start small,” Koldeway recommended. And if you still feel like you’re in over your head, contact a professional for advice.

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.

June 2025

11

Photo by Dennis Smith

GET OUTSIDE

One Marmot at a Time

By Dennis E. Smith

W

e were fishing for brook trout on a little meadow stream somewhere in the Medicine Bow Mountains when we heard a short, high-pitched whistle coming from the rock-studded hillside above us. At first, we thought it might be a bird or maybe a person trying to get our attention, but there were no birds or people in sight. We shrugged our shoulders and went back to fishing. A few minutes later we heard it again, this time from a different place on the hill. Still, we could see nothing. But then, a flash of movement caught our eyes, and there, in a cluster of moss rock and wildflowers, perched a yellow-bellied marmot. It was staring directly at us. Within a few minutes, we spotted several more.

The largest members of the ground squirrel family, marmots are fascinating creatures. They are found primarily in mountainous regions across the Northern Hemisphere from the Rockies to the Himalayas. They usually live in colonies of up to 20 critters, somewhat like our eastern prairie dogs, and they have an affinity for rocky fields, which probably explains why they are sometimes referred to as rock chucks. The piercing, high-pitched sound they use to communicate with each other is likely the reason for their other nickname, whistle pig.

12 June 2025

There are 14 species of marmots, and while they all appear to be similar, one is distinctly unique. All of them are herbivores and winter hibernators, but the eastern woodchuck — or groundhog as it is more commonly known — differs in size, social order, geographic distribution, habitat preferences, and diet.

Yellow-bellied marmots are typically smaller than woodchucks, seldom exceed 11 pounds, and live in colonies. Woodchucks can weigh up to 13 pounds and are solitary creatures except during the breeding season when they seek the company of others … for obvious reasons. Yellow-bellied marmots prefer open, rocky fields at high elevations in remote areas; woodchucks can be found in lowland river bottoms, agricultural fields, cow pastures, woodlands, and even suburban subdivisions. All marmots dine almost exclusively on grass and insects common to their local habitat, and woodchucks, though also herbivorous, eat fruits, herbs, flowers, and garden vegetables where available — a trait that does not endear them to farmers or backyard gardeners. But only one marmot (and a groundhog, at that), Punxsutawney Phil, has achieved legendary status as a nationally recognized weather forecaster. I guess you could call that one a “meteorologist marmot.”

Dennis Smith is a freelance outdoors writer and photographer whose work appears nationally. He lives in Loveland.

Colorado Country Life

Oh, SHELL NO Colorado’s drinking water could be impacted by Aquatic Nuisance Species (ANS) TAKE ACTION Be a Pain in the ANS

cpw.info/PainIntheANS Botón de traducción disponible en el sitio web.

CPW (IE/BC_EK/IND) 04/25/2025

INDUSTRY

Co-ops Ramp Up Fire Prevention

By Jim Hight

N

a wildfire or something benign like a campfire. Then, othing provokes nightmares for electric two or more cameras triangulate the fire’s location co-op staff like a wildfire does. Fires can and alert local fire departments. melt power lines, burn utility poles, destroy When cameras detected a fire near Nucla last year, equipment, and knock out power to co-op Pano AI notified firefighters so quickly that crews members. And fire risks in Colorado are increasing were on their way before the first 911 call came in. due to lower humidity, more forest diseases, and “So much of wildland fire protection is about early more human settlement and activity in fire-prone detection, and that’s exactly what the Pano system areas. “When there are red flag warnings due to dry and windy conditions, I have trouble sleeping at night,” does,” Telluride Fire Protection District Chief John Bennett said. said San Miguel Power Association Chief Operating SMPA also gets notifications from Pano about fires, Officer Jeremy Fox. SMPA serves southwestern Coloand the co-op uses this real-time information to initirado and is based in Nucla. ate its mitigation plans, which may include rerouting Co-ops are standing up to this evolving challenge power flows or de-energizing parts of their grid as with greater usage of traditional methods like trimnecessary to avoid additional ignitions. ming trees near power lines, wrapping wooden poles More than 300 miles east of SMPA, Falcon-based with fire-retardant material, and educating their Mountain View Electric Association has a multimembers about fire-safe landscaping. They’re also pronged fire-risk mitigation strategy developed with deploying advanced grid technology that is more help from two consulting firms. Fort Collins-based responsive to fires. And some — including SMPA and EDM and Michigan-based Atwell “helped us assess Glenwood Springs-based Holy Cross Energy — use our overall fire risk and identify our most at-risk sophisticated camera systems to detect and locate distribution circuits,” said MVEA Junior Planner and fires quickly.

Distribution Engineer Kevin Dimmett.

At strategic locations across SMPA’s service terriWith this refined understanding of its fire risks, tory, four Pano AI cameras scan for smoke 24 hours a MVEA is replacing certain reclosers and substation day. When a camera recognizes signs of smoke, Pano’s relays — components that detect and manage faults — software and human observers determine if it’s from

14 June 2025

Colorado Country Life

INDUSTRY FIVE STEPS YOU CAN TAKE TO PREVENT WILDFIRES 1. Properly extinguish campfires. Always douse your campfire with water, stir the ashes, and ensure everything is cool to the touch before leaving the area.

Wildfire risks will always be a part of life for electric co-ops. By taking proactive and innovative measures, co-op leaders will sleep easier knowing they’re doing what they can to keep their communities safe.

with newer versions that are more sensitive to fire and weather conditions. It is also wrapping wooden poles with fire-retardant materials.

The co-op’s most expensive measure is replacing about 3 miles of its 6,242 miles of power lines with underground conductors. “We’re investing in this solution in our highest fire-risk areas,” Dimmett said.

MVEA partially funds these measures with a $771,000 U.S. Department of Energy grant obtained through a national consortium of co-ops.

Funding, of course, limits how much any co-op can invest in reducing its fire risks. SMPA, for example, is devoting a significant portion of its fire mitigation budget to help fund the Pano AI network, sharing costs with the Telluride Fire Protection District. “We’d like to expand that network, and we are working with other interested parties on grant proposals to do that,” Fox said.

To address a threat from trees that were growing too close to power lines, Sangre de Cristo Electric Association’s board voted in 2021 to add a monthly surcharge to its members’ bills. The Buena Vistabased co-op was already engaged in extensive wildfire risk-mitigation efforts — a necessity in the mountainous terrain it serves. But this wasn’t enough, it determined. “Without this surcharge, it would take us more than 20 years to clear potentially dangerous trees Colorado Country Life

2. Don’t burn on windy days. Avoid outdoor burning when it’s windy or dry, as embers can easily spread and ignite surrounding areas.

3. Clear vegetation and debris. Maintain a defensible space around your home by removing dry leaves, dead branches, and other flammable materials.

4. Use equipment safely. Tools like lawn mowers or chain saws can spark fires. Use them during cooler times of the day and keep them in good working condition.

5. Follow local fire regulations. Always check for burn bans or restrictions in your area before burning anything or using open flames outdoors.

For more information on wildfire prevention and preparedness, visit redcross.org.

from our electric wires,” SDCEA Manager of Operations Ryan Doke said.

SDCEA felt a growing urgency to act after Colorado experienced three of the five largest wildfires in its history in 2020. “We’d also had the Decker and Hayden Creek fires nearby, and we knew our region was potentially at risk for more wildfires,” said SDCEA Manager of Communications Chris McGinnis.

SDCEA’s surcharge, known as a “rate rider,” is currently $8 per month and will sunset when the board determines it’s no longer necessary. While the cost is not trivial for some co-op members, SDCEA and its members prioritize community safety and well-being, according to McGinnis. “Investing in preventive measures to help protect our service territory is not just a cost but a necessary step to safeguard lives, property, co-op assets, watersheds, and the environment.”

Wildfire risks will always be a part of life for electric co-ops in Colorado. But by taking proactive and innovative measures like those described here, co-op leaders will sleep easier knowing they’re doing what they can to keep their infrastructure and communities safe.

Jim Hight is a writer, research analyst, and consultant based in Buena Vista, Colorado, where he is a grateful member of Sangre de Cristo Electric Association.

June 2025

15

FEATURE STORY

Power Trip

EV scenic byways bring adventure and fun

By Irene Middleman Thomas

A

n electric car? I had never driven one, nor had I even considered doing so. But I was intrigued when I learned of the Colorado Electric Vehicle Byways program. Off I went to have my first EV experience.

Driving a rented Subaru Solterra — I called it my ‘“spaceship” due to its uber-modern design — felt quite similar to a gas-powered car, except that it was silent. No sound is emitted when the car turns on, nor when it turns off. Another big difference, I found, is the need for careful planning. Those who already own EVs know this; but if you have only used your EV locally, there is much to learn and to do.

In 2023, the Colorado Scenic & Historic Byways Commission prioritized the electrification of all 26 byways as an initial milestone for the state to reach its greenhouse gas emission reduction targets. There are now 17 recognized Colorado Electric Scenic Byways.

To be designated as an electric byway, dual-port DC fast charging stations must be located at least every 100 miles within the start and finish of the byway.

When byways are less than 100 miles, a dual-port DC fast charging station must be available within 15 miles of the start or end of the byway. The Colorado Tourism Office has partnered with the Colorado Department of Transportation and the Colorado Energy Office to assist in installing charging infrastructure

16 June 2025

in communities along the 26 Colorado Scenic & Historic Byways.

For my EV scenic byway adventure, I chose two in southern Colorado: the Highway of Legends and Santa Fe Trail. They intersect in the town of Trinidad, making a loop. Both boast stunning and unique scenery and are dotted with small- to medium-size towns offering plenty of art, culture, and charm. I traveled in late summer, hoping that I might see some of the first male tarantulas on their annual early autumn mating trek near La Junta.

I was advised by my EV-owning friends to fully charge the car before departing, as one never knows if charging stations along the way will be operational. Since I don’t have a charging station at home, I headed to a nearby gas station, which my PlugShare app informed me had chargers. At the one open port, I lifted the pump handle and was surprised by its heaviness. I couldn’t figure out how to connect it, but fortunately an Uber driver who charges his car there daily offered to help. It was simple once he demonstrated. Thanks to my EV-owner friends’ advice, I had brought a book along to pass the charging time, which was about an hour. Charging times vary greatly according to whether the stations are fast or slow chargers. Charging times on the trip ranged from one hour to six hours.

Colorado Country Life

At the end of her trip along the Highway of Legends and the Santa Fe Trail in southeastern Colorado, Irene charges her rented Subaru Solterra EV in Lamar, before returning home to Denver through eastern Colorado.

Photos on pages 16–17 by Irene Middleman Thomas

HIGHWAY OF LEGENDS EV SCENIC BYWAY: WALSENBURG TO TRINIDAD From Denver, I drove south on I-25 to exit 52 U.S. Route 160 west, toward Walsenburg, where I picked up the Highway of Legends Electric Scenic Byway — Colorado state Route 12. The car was still adequately charged, I was relieved to note, so there was no need to find a charging station yet. Without stops, driving the byway takes two hours, traveling through the San Isabel National Forest, crossing the nearly 10,000-foot Cucharas Pass and the 11,000-foot Cordova Pass.

I had been through Walsenburg before but hadn’t ever stopped to look around. I was advised to stop for coffee at Walsenburg Mercantile, a 1904 brick building housing an array of more than 70 purveyors, including local crafts and jewelry makers, baked goods, and the unique menu of the popular RegalBurg Deli.

Walsenburg, with about 3,000 residents and sitting at just over 6,000 feet altitude, is the launch point for the Spanish Peaks region. Folks in this old mining town are very friendly to those from other parts. As I walked through the small, mural-adorned downtown streets, two older men chatting on a park bench tipped their Western hats to me with a cheery “hello.”

I spent an hour perusing the remarkable Museum of Friends and its eclectic variety of some 1,600 works of art, in both permanent and rotating exhibits. The Spanish Peaks Country Welcome Center offers assistance and literature to travelers.

Upon embarking on the 82-mile trip to reach Trinidad, I was mesmerized by the Spanish Peaks, part of the Sangre de Cristo range; it’s the spectacular backdrop for the Highway of Legends. The twin East and West peaks rise over the lush green valley, standing at 12,708 feet and 13,623 feet, visible from up to 160 miles away.

Stopping in the artsy, funky town of La Veta on the eastern side of La Veta Pass, I was enchanted by the combination of ranch country-boho vibe. A certified Colorado Creative District with only about 800 people, La Veta is known as the art hub of Spanish Peaks country, with many galleries and the world-renowned Shalawalla Gallery — a batik school with exquisite, intricate batiks for sale and on display.

I happily discovered that the delightful La Veta Inn has an EV fast charger conveniently located on premises and charges just $10 for guests. The inn’s front desk attendant told me that at least one patron uses the charger each week.

Here, the Francisco Fort Museum — the only original adobe fort still standing in the state — offers Colorado Country Life

FEATURE STORY

One of Walsenburg’s many murals with the courthouse in the background.

Highway of Legends EV SCENIC BYWAY: WALSENBURG TO TRINIDAD View of the Spanish Peaks from Highway 12.

La Veta’s Francisco Fort Museum is the only original adobe fort still standing in the state.

Trinidad’s Temple Aaron, circa 1883, is the oldest continuously operating Jewish synagogue in the mountain West.

June 2025

17

FEATURE STORY

The scenic Comanche National Grassland along the Santa Fe Trail.

Santa Fe Trail

SCENIC & HISTORIC BYWAY: TRINIDAD TO LAMAR

Highway 50 east of La Junta, near Bent’s Fort, leads you through farm and ranch country to the eastern plains.

30–60 minutes south of La Junta and the byway, you can see dinosaur tracks and tarantulas.

Bent’s Fort was a significant trading post and gathering place on the Santa Fe Trail.

18 June 2025

Spanish, Native American, and pioneer artifacts from the region, along with a one-room schoolhouse and a saloon from Old La Veta with its bullet-riddled bar.

My next stop was Trinidad, which has an unusual and quite varied history. Today its popularity is due to its expansive red brick streets, dating from the long-gone town brickyard, and to its well-preserved historic buildings including the impressive Temple Aaron, circa 1883 — the oldest continuously operating Jewish synagogue in the mountain West. Equidistant from Santa Fe and Denver, Trinidad is the cultural, social, and economic hub of southeastern Colorado.

High-quality art and jewelry is found in several galleries, particularly the Purgatoire River Trading Company.

From the exceptionally friendly welcome center, I took the free open trolley ride for an hourlong tour of Trinidad and a bit of the surrounding area. It included a stop at Mount San Rafael Hospital to admire an enormous, three-dimensional ceramic mural created

by Sister Augusta Zimmer over a four-year period in the 1970s, that depicts the history of Trinidad.

SANTA FE TRAIL SCENIC & HISTORIC BYWAY: TRINIDAD TO LAMAR After the trolley tour, which is offered from May to Labor Day, I embarked on the Santa Fe Trail Scenic & Historic Byway, en route to La Junta. The route was the famed 19th-century transportation route that connected Missouri to Santa Fe. The 188-mile scenic byway takes four hours without stops to drive from Trinidad to Lamar on U.S. Highways 350 and 50.

I passed through the enormous, 400,000+ acre Comanche National Grassland, and took a side trip to Bent’s Fort, a well-restored and operational former trading post. This route is mostly bucolic prairie and flat farmlands, with very little traffic. The Picket Wire Canyonlands, south of La Junta, feature the largest dinosaur track site in the United States, with more than 1,400 prints in 100 separate trackways. Vogel Canyon is the best spot to view the tarantulas in the autumn. And yes, happily, I did spot two of them, even though it was just early September.

La Junta is home to a quirky and delightful KOA Journey Campground where I spent two nights in a tiny house. The campground is famed for its authentic, very charming, 1928 AT&SF railroad caboose, for which reservations are recommended. The campground is next to a Village Inn with four EV charging stations, and I spent a couple of hours enjoying a hot fudge sundae and several coffees while the car fully charged.

Photos on this page by Getty Images, with the exception of the tarantula photo, which is by Irene Middleman Thomas Colorado Country Life

FEATURE STORY To conclude my EV byway adventure, I had a sophisticated meal at the excellent Tavern 1301 in Lamar’s Cow Palace Inn to fortify myself for the drive home through rural eastern Colorado. Whether in an EV or a gas-operated car, southern Colorado and its scenic byways offer so much history, beauty, art, wildlife, and peace.

Irene Middleman Thomas is a Denver-based writer who thrives on telling underdiscovered and untold stories from all over the world.

She is especially proud to promote the lesser-known adventures, people, and destinations in her own state of Colorado.

CHARGING RESOURCES In addition to the built-in resources available in many EV models that provide information about charging locations along a route, mapping resources such as PlugShare, ChargePoint, and A Better Route Planner can help EV drivers locate nearby chargers.

These tools show the location of public EV chargers and whether the chargers are currently operational, although it was not always accurate in real time. Try to keep a close eye on your mileage and range. Additionally, the charger you are seeking might be occupied. When renting an EV, ask the car rental company about resources to find operational EV chargers.

PREPARATION IS KEY To avoid range anxiety, EV owners and renters must plan and be flexible. Also, if there are no Level 3 fast chargers, it may take several hours for the car to charge sufficiently to make it to the next stop. If Wi-Fi is needed to download apps, be sure to download them before you leave home. Remote areas don’t always have open Wi-Fi access or reliable cell service.

The author’s Subaru Solterra rental car in front of the Tarabino Inn in Trinidad.

Photo by Irene Middleman Thomas

LEARN MORE ABOUT SCENIC BYWAYS AND EV CHARGING STATIONS More information on scenic byways can be found through the Colorado Department of Transportation, including maps and weather guides.

Plan your routes with COtrip.org to get the latest road conditions, and mark your routes using MyScenicDrive.com.

PlugShare is the world’s largest EV driver community. Users contribute station reviews and photos to help drivers make the most informed charging decisions possible.

An EV charging station at the La Veta Inn. Photo by Irene Middleman Thomas

Colorado Country Life

There are publicly available chargers in Trinidad, La Veta, La Junta, Lamar, and Walsenburg, as well as in towns and cities on the way.

June 2025

19

ENERGY EXPERT

Choosing the Best Replacement Windows

By James Dulley

Q: I want to replace my original windows. How can I compare the various window design and material characteristics?

A: Selecting the best replacement window is not only dependent on the design characteristics, but also your specific house and family’s lifestyle.

The three main criteria to consider when selecting replacement windows are the frame material, style of window, and glass type. For energy efficiency, the glass type and style of window are more important than the frame material. Various frame materials have a greater impact on functionality, durability, maintenance, and appearance.

The typical frame materials for residential windows are vinyl, fiberglass, wood, and clad wood; there are advantages to each. Vinyl window frames are energy efficient and virtually maintenance-free.

They also are made to the precise dimensions of the window opening instead of having to shim out standard sizes.

To attain adequate rigidity, the vinyl frame extrusions have many internal chambers inside. These chambers create natural insulation, improving energy efficiency. For even greater efficiency, choose ones with foam insulation injected inside the chambers.

Vinyl frames for large windows, especially dark colors in hot climates, should have internal steel reinforcement. When vinyl gets hot in the sun, it loses strength.

Fiberglass window frames are very strong and can be painted any color to match the interior or exterior. Since the primary component of fiberglass is glass, these frames expand and contract at about

20 June 2025

the same rate as the glass panes. This minimizes stresses between the glass and frame as the temperature changes.

This characteristic is an advantage for dark frame colors exposed to the sun, which can create a substantial temperature range throughout the day and night.

The strength of fiberglass frames is also an advantage for smaller windows because narrower frame cross sections are acceptable. With other frame materials, a thicker frame reduces the glass area too much.

The best window style depends on the appearance and features you desire more than its efficiency.

People often select double-hung windows because they can be tilted in for easy cleaning. Windows that close on a compression seal — such as casement and awning windows — tend to provide the best longterm airtight seal. Casement windows also can catch cross breezes for better natural ventilation.

The glass type is the key to the efficiency of a window. Double-pane glass with low-emissivity coatings and inert gas (krypton or argon) in the gap between the panes is adequate for most climates.

Triple-pane glass makes sense for very cold climates but is more expensive and heavier.

If you decide to replace your home’s windows, there are many options that fulfill different preferences. Get quotes from several companies on the varying styles so you can make the best choice for your home.

Colorado Country Life

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RECIPES

Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad Recipe by Kait Welch | Photo by Ty Pierce Photography

With fresh and colorful ingredients, salads can be a staple summertime meal. And though some prep is needed, they’re relatively easy to throw together. This tasty salad can be enjoyed on its own or paired with a protein option. Enjoy this recipe excerpted from Kait Welch’s blog, Habits of a Modern Hippie. Find more healthy recipes in Welch’s cookbook, Cooking Mindfully.

INGREDIENTS

INSTRUCTIONS

4 cups shaved Brussels sprouts 2 cups chopped red cabbage 1 cup grated carrots ½ cup chopped green onion ¼ cup chopped cilantro

Shave the veggies, using a grater for the carrots, a food processor for the Brussels sprouts, and a knife to chop the cabbage, green onion, and cilantro.

For the dressing: ¼ cup olive oil 2 tbsp lemon juice 1 tbsp shallot ½ tsp ginger salt and pepper to taste

24 June 2025

Add all ingredients except for the dressing into a large bowl.

For the dressing, finely mince the shallot and ginger.

In a small bowl, whisk together the ginger, shallot, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.

Drizzle the dressing on the salad and mix well.

Colorado Country Life

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Colorado Country Life

The brainchild of northeastern Colorado radio station 97.5 BOB FM, Bobstock Music Festival is a jam-packed weekend tradition in Fort Morgan. It originated in 2008 and takes place around Glen Miller Park during the second weekend every July. When asked about her favorite part of the weekend, festival host Lindsey Bruntz stated, “The entire festival is free to attend and has been since year one.”

What began with four bands and a single stage has grown to a grand community event spread over six blocks with five stages, three beer gardens, and 20 musical acts.

This year’s headlining musical guests are Uncle Kracker, Molly Hatchet, and April Wine. What helps make the event successful and free is Bobstock’s devoted partners.

One stage is sponsored by the local electric co-op and its power suppliers. Morgan County REA Director of Communications Maddie Pollart said, “Bobstock has always been about making big-city entertainment available to anyone who likes awesome music. Morgan County REA is happy to be part of it.”

For more information, visit bobstockmusicfestival.com.

Colorado Country Life

DITCH THE DRIVE

Come for the weekend and stay in Fort Morgan for the ultimate Bobstock experience. The Best Western Plus Overland Inn is the sponsoring hotel for the event, and walkable options include Hampton Inn, Terrace Park Inn, and Central Motel.

COME HUNGRY

This year there will be more than 25 food vendors across the six-block festival. You can find something for everyone and every taste imaginable. Local favorites include Pabst German Pockets and Sugar Beet Treats.

FUN FOR ALL AGES

As in previous years, an arcade bus will be a popular spot for kids, and InFunity Events will host inflatables, obstacle courses, and carnival games. Bands are asked to keep their performances family friendly so all can enjoy.

June 2025

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Colorado Country Life

Scrumptious

DISCOVERIES

Colorado Sodas

By Gaylene Garcia Granger It’s no surprise that many Coloradans have traded in the usual brand-name sodas for something better and more flavorful. The craving for tasty and enjoyable refreshment is real — and Colorado has bubbled to the top of the class.

This month, we’re popping by to introduce you to Coloradocrafted sodas you’ll want to get your hands on for summer.

ROCKY MOUNTAIN SODA Rocky Mountain Soda offers 15 unique, hand-crafted soda flavors including elderberry, prickly pear, huckleberry, sarsaparilla, and peaches & cream — all are made with cane sugar. This family-owned business also introduced two sparkling waters — lavender lemon and citrus. These refreshing new additions are sugar-free, lightly carbonated, and deliver a delicate yet sophisticated taste. Founded in 2009, Rocky Mountain Soda has stayed true to its roots — making high-quality, small-batch sodas with care. Order online at rockymountainsoda.com.

ZUBERFIZZ Durango’s Zuberfizz takes the time to enhance the craft soda experience. Using cold carbonation creates a soda with smaller bubbles and a smoother taste. At Zuberfizz, you’ll discover delicious and unique flavors like strawberry rhubarb, chocolate cream soda, and key lime sweetened with cane sugar. They also bring a playful twist to their packaging with a bottle cap spelling game: Underneath every cap is a letter, and if you collect enough to spell “Z-u-b-e-r-f-i-zz,” you win a T-shirt — shipped right to your door, in your size. Order online at zuberfizz.com/shop.

SAN LUIS VALLEY BREWING COMPANY Sodas from the San Luis Brewing Company in Alamosa have delighted customers since 2005, when owners Scott and Angie Graber first introduced their personal favorite flavors: root beer and black cherry cream soda, “a classic with a twist” according to Scott. Much like the brewery’s beer, the soda is served on tap. But first, it’s crafted in large kegs using San Luis water and then force carbonated with carbon dioxide. Once carbonated, it’s transferred to 15 1/2-gallon kegs and chilled for serving. For nearly two decades, the rich and flavorful sodas have been especially popular with kids and lovers of nonalcoholic craft beverages. These sodas are served by the glass at the brewery and are available to take home in 64 oz. growlers. To learn more, visit slvbrewco.com.

Colorado Country Life

June 2025

29

READER PHOTOS

Mountain View Electric member Julie Knuth travels with her copy of the magazine to Glenorchy, New Zealand, a filming location for “The Lord of the Rings” movies.

The Scott and Clark families — Poudre Valley REA members — enjoy CCL at the Toa Luau at Waimea Valley on the north shore of Oahu in March.

Mark Garcia is grateful to have family time together and create lasting memories with his wife, kids, and grandboys on a Caribbean cruise. Here the San Isabel Electric members stop for a photo with the magazine before exploring St. Kitts.

Cheri and Randy Scott board the Amtrak Crescent line in New Orleans, Louisiana, with their CCL magazine on their way to Philadelphia. The Scotts are members of Grand Valley Power.

Erika Roslie, a Mountain View Electric Association member, travels through Turkey in April and pauses her adventure to take a photo with her magazine in the ancient city of Ephesus. The building behind her is the Library of Celsus.

Grand Valley Power members Donald and Carol Leche bring CCL to an active volcano in Arenal, Costa Rica.

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

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Y-W Electric member Mindi Segelke and her sisters Susan Watson and Mitzi Taft enjoy CCL at Tambor Beach in Costa Rica.

Mountain View Electric members Kevin and Sherri Bornhoft visit Mount Vernon, Washington, during the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival in April. They are celebrating 40 years of marriage!

Mountain View Electric Association member Larry Painter enjoys the magazine along the Mississippi River during a river cruise.

Colorado Country Life

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Subject to availability. Get $1,995 off windows with a minimum purchase of 4, $1,995 off patio doors with a minimum purchase of 2, and $1,995 off an entry door combined with a sidelight and/or transom. Patio door or entry door may be counted as window to reach purchase minimum. Limited to one $1,995 discount per window, patio door and entry door product category. Cannot be combined with other offers. To qualify for discount offer, initial contact for an appointment must be made and documented on or before 6/30/25 with the purchase then occurring on or before 7/10/25. 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 4521. Subject to credit approval. 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.

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