The Mohave Electric Cooperative member services team is ready to answer
PHOTO BY BO HELLAMS
Ruralite
March 2021 • Volume 68, No. 3
CEO Michael Shepard
VICE PRESIDENT OF CONTENT Leon Espinoza
EDITOR Mike Teegarden, CCC
SENIOR EDITOR Pam Blair, CCC
ASSISTANT EDITORS Chasity Anderson, CCC; Jennifer Paton, CCC; Brandon Pomrenke, CCC
ASSOCIATE EDITOR David Herder
PUBLICATIONS ADMINISTRATOR Linda Wiseman
EDITORIAL ASSISTANT Alyssa McDougle
GRAPHIC DESIGNER Duy Mai
Pioneer Utility Resources Board: Secretary/Treasurer John Bartley, Robert Callison, Libby Calnon, Lisa Johnson and Scott Peters.
Ruralite (USPS 397-460) published monthly for members for $3.53 per year, plus postage, by Pioneer Utility Resources Inc., 5625 NE Elam Young Pkwy. Ste. 100, Hillsboro, OR 97124—a not-for-profit Oregon cooperative corporation—to serve the communication needs of 47 consumer-owned electric utilities in Oregon, Washington, Alaska, Idaho, Nevada and California. Preferred periodical postage paid at Hillsboro, Oregon 97123 and additional mailing offices. © 2021 Pioneer Utility Resources. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited.
Postmaster: Send address changes to Ruralite, 5625 NE Elam Young Pkwy. Ste. 100, Hillsboro, OR 97124-6454
HOW TO CONTACT RURALITE
Subscription services:
Nonmember subscriptions $15 (U.S.) per year; $25 per year (foreign). Prepayment required. Allow 4-8 weeks for first issue. Be sure to identify which local edition you want to receive.
Address Changes:
Utility members, contact your local utility. Subscribers, call us at 503-718-3717 or email info@pur.coop.
Back issues:
Back issues and extra copies $3. Prepayment required. Supply is limited. Be sure to identify edition, month and year. Call first if ordering back issues, to check availability.
To contact Ruralite: PO Box 1306, North Plains, OR 97133-1306; 503-357-2105; email: info@pur.coop.
DISPLAY ADVERTISING INQUIRIES
American MainStreet Publications 611 S. Congress Ave., Suite 504 Austin, TX 78704 800-626-1181 or 512-441-5200
For supplemental and interactive content, search @Ruralite on your favorite social media sites.
Relieving the Power Bill Blues
Could it really be that simple?
That is what you may come away asking yourself after reading “30 Ways to a More Efficient You.”
This month’s Plugged In feature on pages 6 and 7, and at ruralite.com, offers concrete steps—30 of them in all—you can take individually or as a family to save on your household utility bill while also helping the environment.
Most of the actions are practical, easy to do and cost nothing more than being intentional in the moment. You could do one step each day for a month and save.
The piece by Danielle Brusby—one of our social media aces and a mom with a busy household full of energy users—is crafted with you in mind.
That is by design. Plugged In is our consumer-friendly feature. It is all about looking out for readers, whether it is sharing how to light up your home safely during the holidays—as we warned, don’t mimic Clark Griswold—to ways to prepare for storms, stay cyber-safe or save on your utility bill.
As we roll into spring, we hope you enjoy the chance to do a little spring cleaning when it comes to your energy use.
Take That, COVID!
In this month’s Heart of Community main feature—part of a yearlong look at rural arts in the Northwest and West—we spotlight a violinist from Fairbanks who made it on Broadway, but then pivoted when the curtain fell, creating a virtual space for artists like her from Fairbanks to New York and beyond to thrive and keep the music alive.
Leon Espinoza
Your friends at Pioneer Utility Resources have launched a podcast series, also called the Heart of Community, to complement the storytelling on these pages. You can find the latest episode at ruralite.com.
Leon Espinoza Vice President of Content
Plugged In 6 In the Kitchen 16
Before You Go 30
Ready to improve your foodpreservation knowledge? Up Close, Page 10
The Music Goes On
Fairbanks fiddler creates virtual stage to help traditional musicians through the pandemic
The Heart of the Community, Page 12
Utility Pages: 4-5, 8, 25, 28-29, 32
Photo Hunt 22
Look What’s New at MEC
Paperless billing, a new payment kiosk and the same great service
As Mohave Electric Cooperative enters its 75th year of providing members with reliable electricity, we continue to look for ways to enhance our services while ensuring ongoing quality support for members.
Members now have the option to “Go Green” with paperless billing and have their electric bill sent via email to avoid a paper pile. Just as before, features remain the same when viewed on your computer or mobile device using the SmartHub app. Bills can also be paid in person during business hours at MEC’s member service office on Hancock Road.
To sign up for paperless billing, log in to your SmartHub account and you will be
prompted to a paperless option for billing. Your e-bill will be formatted just as your paper bill was with current information, detailed billing data and updates.
Selecting the paperless option will not opt you out of receiving Currents magazine. That subscription will continue to be physically mailed to you every other month, just as before.
Members can enroll in paperless billing without using SmartHub. Call or visit our member service office at 928-7631100 or visit us at 928 Hancock Road in Bullhead City. One of our member service representatives can sign you up.
Members now have another way to pay their bill. MEC installed an outdoor
kiosk available to members 24 hours a day. This will give members who work or are unavailable during our normal business hours the flexibility to pay their bills at a time that works best for them.
The kiosk is on the east side of the member service office.
“The kiosk will bring ease to those members that desire to social distance and would like to pay their bills after business hours, but do not want to pay over the phone or online,” says Member Service Manager Gina Reese.
The kiosk accepts three types of payments: cash, card and check.
When paying with cash, remember the kiosk will not give you change. If your
Member Service Team meets to discuss operations before the day begins. PHOTOS BY BO HELLAMS
Welcome, Allison Ellingson
bill is $19.95 and you pay with a $20 bill, 5 cents will be credited to your account. Paying with card and check will be processed just like making a payment with a member service representative inside the building.
Our member service team is dedicated to serving you and answering questions about Mohave Electric Cooperative.
They can help members set up a new electric account, assist with bill payments, answer questions about services or help members review energy use.
Gina is ready to answer members’ questions. If she is uncertain of the answer, she will find information and follow up with members in a timely manner.
MEC’s member service employees are knowledgeable about all programs. Brochures are available for members, with a goal of providing resources that enhance their membership.
Whether you need help logging in to
SmartHub for the first time or want to track your electrical use, a team member is there to help you along the way. Mohave Electric Cooperative takes pride in serving our members, and we demonstrate that daily in our member services office. Stop by and meet the team. They are here to answer your questions whenever you visit in person or call for assistance. n
Mohave Electric Cooperative welcomed Allison Ellingson as manager of public affairs and regulatory compliance in February.
Allison brings extensive experience, with more than 15 years in public relations, community outreach, government relations, legislation and energy policy from both private and public sectors.
For the past eight years, Allison has worked for OPR Communications in Riverside, California, most recently as director of public affairs, overseeing a dozen high-profile clients. She also served as a field representative for former California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger and worked for the Western Riverside Council of Governments.
Allison has a bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of California, Riverside, and served on various boards and commissions at the Greater Riverside Chambers of Commerce, Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Inland Empire and Friends of California Citrus Park.
“Allison brings broad experience in public affairs, leadership skills and a demonstrated record of success,” says MEC CEO Tyler Carlson. “She works effectively with others and will be an asset to our members.”
Allison lives in Golden Shores and has family in Bullhead City, Mohave Valley and Kingman. She is a lifetime member of the local Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 6306 Auxiliary.
ABOVE: A member service representative assisting members over the phone. RIGHT: The new MEC kiosk is ready to accept payments, day or night.
30 Ways to a More Efficient You
By Danielle Brusby
Traditionally, the beginning of spring signaled a time to deep clean one’s home after a long winter.
According to The Washington Post, the year’s first big clean historically took place in spring because winter left many homes coated with “a layer of soot and grime.” In 1925, only half of all U.S. households had electricity, meaning the others were heated with coal or wood, with lamps presumably lit with whale oil or kerosene.
Imagine the residue that built up in a home over a long winter, and be happy you live in a world where you don’t have to clean up after that mess.
Technology and electricity have made spring cleaning significantly less grimy. We now live in a world where we need to be more concerned with the mess we are leaving our children and grandchildren in the form of environmental effects created by the sheer amount of electricity we use daily. This spring, work to decrease your energy footprint. Simple changes can make a big difference over the life of a home and there is no better time to take steps toward a healthier utility bill and a cleaner environment.
1. Unplug items from the wall and turn off power strips. Many devices use electricity even when turned off, including TVs, printers, chargers, copiers, coffee makers, microwaves and lamps.
2. Switch off lights when leaving the room. It’s an easy way for every member of your household to contribute to energy savings.
3. Close windows and shades when you’re not home. This helps keep the spring and summer sun from heating up your home, forcing your AC to work harder.
4. Use a programmable thermostat. Set your thermostat at a comfortable temperature, but program it to raise and lower the temperature when you are away from home or sleeping to save on heating and cooling costs.
5. Use dimmer switches. Dimmer switches reduce the flow of electricity, saving you energy and money.
6. Lower your water heater temperature. For safety and efficiency, set your water heater thermostat to 120 F.
7. Weatherstrip exterior doors and windows. Sealing air leaks around doors and windows saves energy and can reduce heating and cooling costs 10% to 30%.
8. Line dry your laundry. Line drying your clothes saves around $1.08 a load. While that doesn’t seem like much, a family that does five to 10 loads of laundry a week can save between $280 and $560 a year.
9. Turn off the heat dry on your dishwasher. Allow dishes to air dry to save energy and money on your electricity bill.
10. Use ceiling fans, but only when you’re in the room. Fans cool people, not rooms, by creating a windchill effect. If the room is unoccupied, turn off the ceiling fan to save energy.
11. Keep your refrigerator and freezer stocked. A full fridge and freezer cuts electricity use by acting as insulation.
12. Use LED lighting. Residential LEDs use at least 75% less energy and last 25 times longer than incandescent lighting.
13. Wash laundry in cold water. Today’s washing machines are designed to work efficiently with cold water. You can save up to $60 a year by selecting the cold water setting when you wash.
14. Keep your computer in sleep mode. You may be done using it, but if not set on sleep mode, the computer still uses electricity.
15. Upgrade outdated appliances with Energy Star appliances. Look for newer, more energy-efficient models. The energy savings and tax rebates available will be worth the initial cost.
16. Turn off the air conditioner. Depending on where you live, using your air conditioner may be unnecessary— especially in spring and early summer.
PHOTO BY SCOTT VAN OSDOL
ISTOCK/JUANMONINO
PHOTO BY NEST
17. Plug electronics into a smart power strip. Replace standard power strips with advanced power strips. Smart power strips can detect when a device is in standby mode and cut power off to save energy. A standard power strip must be physically turned off when not in use.
18. Fix leaky faucets. One drop a second can cost you up to $35 a year and wastes 1,661 gallons of water.
19. Use wool or rubber dryer balls. This helps reduce drying time and cuts down on static. Bonus: Wool dryer balls also absorb extra moisture and are an alternative to dryer sheets.
20. Limit your oven use. To save energy, use a slow cooker, air fryer, microwave or toaster oven instead of the oven.
21. Insulate your electric water heater. This can reduce standby heat loss 25% to 45% and save 7% to 16% in water-heating costs.
22. If your toilet was manufactured before 1995, replace it. Newer ones come with many water-saving options and use a fraction of the water as older counterparts.
23. Properly insulate your attic. Insulation reduces heat losses and gains, saving you money and improving comfort.
24. Install outdoor solar lighting. These are easy to install and are practically maintenance free. Bonus: Using them won’t increase your electric bill.
25. Empty the dryer lint-trap. It removes a fire hazard and contributes to efficiency.
26. Install low-flow showerheads. Your family will use less water, saving precious water and money.
27. Plant trees and shrubs. The proper vegetation provides shade to a home’s east, south and west sides, and can provide a windbreak on the north side.
28. Change your HVAC filters frequently. As your filter traps more dirt, dust and allergens, efficiency decreases. A good rule of thumb is to change filters every 90 days.
29. Use lids when cooking. Food cooks faster, so you can turn off your stove sooner.
30. When in doubt, have an energy audit conducted on your home. This will help you decide what additional home maintenance tasks can help you save on future energy bills.
When it comes to saving energy, every little bit counts. Make small changes now, and you will be on your way to seeing a lower electric bill in the future. n
Search out ways to reduce your electricity use to save dollars and reduce your environmental footprint. ADOBE STOCK PHOTO BY TIERNEY
PHOTO BY EMBERTEC
PHOTO BY NRECA
Savings for Our Members
A utility operating under the cooperative model—a not-for-profit entity—exists to provide its members with a key service at cost, taking little to no profit.
Mohave Electric Cooperative has been serving its members strong for 75 years. Unlike most items over time, the cost of electricity has stayed relatively the same for the past 75 years, equating to an additional 5 cents per month per year. These stable, low-cost prices are nearly unheard of in a utility!
Successful efforts this year in the wholesale power market have allowed Mohave Electric Cooperative to buy power at a lower cost than anticipated. Last summer, to avoid further cost increases, MEC asked members to conserve power to reduce exposure to high market prices or forced rolling outages.
Efforts from members and our transmission energy purchases throughout the year have led to fantastic results. The savings MEC worked diligently to secure are directly passed on to our members in the Purchased Power Adjuster on every member’s monthly bill.
“As a not-for-profit utility, MEC makes every effort to save its members money by negotiating for the most reliable, yet affordable, power prices possible,” says MEC CEO Tyler Carlson.
This is one of the perks of receiving power from a business that follows the cooperative model.
Below are graphs and charts from our bill. The item highlighted in green is the PPA, which reflects the current MEC savings/ credits for 2021.
On December 17, 2020, the MEC Board of Directors
Then to Now Cost Comparison
approved modifying the Purchased Power Adjuster from a factor of -$0.0075 per kilowatt-hour sold to a factor of -$0.0125 per kWh sold. It took effect February 1. The difference is an additional $4.25 savings a month, based on 950 kWh residential average use.
“In a world of ever-inflating product margins, MEC is proud to continue to provide service with less than 1.2 times the energy cost for the past 75 years,” Tyler says.
For more information on how MEC is saving our members money or questions regarding the PPA, visit mohaveelectric.com or stop by the office at 928 Hancock Road in Bullhead City. Members can also call 928-763-1100 with questions or concerns. n
UP CLOSE
Enjoy Your Harvest Year-Round
By Pamela A. Keene
There’s nothing better than using homecanned tomatoes in an Italian recipe or pulling out a quart of fresh-frozen peaches to make a bubbly cobbler. However, if the only thing you know about food preservation is from your grandmother’s jam-making on hot summer afternoons, you have a whole lot of catching up to do.
“People have been preserving food for centuries, but as we learn more about foodborne illness and spoilage—and changes in our food supply and developments in canning equipment take place—recommendations are updated frequently to provide reliable ways to safely reap the bounty of our garden’s harvest,” says food safety specialist Elizabeth Andress. “Food preservation knowledge and techniques need to
be based on sound food science for safety. We’re still targeting the same bacteria in canning as we have for a long, long time.”
From the garden to the table, food handling and kitchen hygiene standards are crucial to successful food preservation, says Elizabeth, who is director of the National Center for Home Food Preservation with Georgia Cooperative Extension.
She encourages consumers to rely on recent information rather than tradition.
Start With Some Canning Basics
Different equipment is needed for each of three canning methods: pressure canning, water-bath canning and steam canning.
“Each has its benefits and drawbacks, but in any case, it’s important to follow the instructions exactly and familiarize yourself with each before attempting to can at
home,” Elizabeth says. “An important consideration for choosing the proper canning technique depends on the acidity of the food you’re canning. For instance, higheracid foods like fruits can be processed in a water-bath canner. But foods with a loweracid content—such as meats and soups— must be preserved using a pressure canner.”
Foods such as tomatoes can be preserved using a water bath, but it’s important to add citric acid or lemon juice to acidify them. Because of the added vinegar, pickles can be canned using a water bath if a tested recipe is followed.
“For a beginner, we suggest canning peaches or making applesauce to become comfortable with the equipment and the process,” Elizabeth says. “Both use the water-bath method, which involves placing filled containers into a large pot of boiling
water that covers the whole jar and lid, and boiling them for the exact time shown in the recipe. Whenever canning, we recommend using a tested recipe from a reliable source, such as the National Center for Food Preservation.”
Peaches can be peeled, cut into halves or slices, packed into jars, then covered with water or sugar syrup before putting on the lids and placing the jars in boiling water.
“Choose between raw pack or hot pack when you fill the jars,” Elizabeth says. “With the raw pack, put the freshly peeled and sliced peaches into a clean hot jar, then cover with hot syrup. Hot-pack canning means that you cook the peaches in syrup first, then fill the jars with the hot fruit and liquid before processing.”
Applesauce can be processed using a water bath as well. Use the hot-pack method for filling the jars.
“When putting on the lids, be sure to wipe the jars’ sealing edges with a clean, damp cloth to remove bits of food that may prevent the jars from sealing properly,” Elizabeth adds.
Consider Freezing Some Items
Certain foods freeze better than others.
“Many vegetables are not suited for freezing, such as cucumbers, radishes, raw potatoes or onions,” Elizabeth says. “On the other hand, vegetables like green beans and asparagus, and fruits like blueberries or peaches, are easy to freeze.”
Green beans, corn, carrots and broccoli need to be blanched—submerged in boiling water for the prescribed time on the recipe—before freezing. Transfer them to an ice bath for rapid cooling.
“Once they’re blanched and drained, place them in a single layer on a cookie
sheet and freeze them individually,” Elizabeth says. “Then pack into freezer-safe containers, label and store.”
Blueberries, cherries, grapes, fresh sliced peaches and strawberries can be placed on cookie sheets and frozen individually before packing. Remove as much air as possible before sealing.
“Fruits can be frozen with or without added sugar or liquid, depending on what you plan to use them for,” Elizabeth says. “Freezing can be an easy way to preserve food. However, the same safe-handling guidelines apply. Keep your work surfaces clean, wash your hands often, and carefully label the packages with the date processed and the contents.”
Herbs can be frozen, too.
“If you grow basil or oregano in the summer, just chop the fresh leaves and put them into ice-cube trays covered with water,” Elizabeth says. “Once they’re frozen,
package them in a freezer-safe container. When you need some herbs for soup or a sauce recipe, take out the frozen cube and add it to the sauce. You can also do this for smaller quantities of hot peppers or onions.”
Getting Back to Kitchen Basics
Today’s conveniences have made it easier to enjoy the rewards of growing your own food long after the harvest is over.
“Because of the pandemic, more and more people are turning to home food growing and preservation,” Elizabeth says. “Just be certain to follow all the guidelines and recipes exactly. Don’t take any shortcuts or change ingredients or timing.
“The recipes we provide through the National Center for Preservation have been extensively tested. The key is to be meticulous, whether you’re canning or freezing. That way you can be assured of the freshest flavors and the safest results.” n
Practice Good Kitchen Hygiene When Processing and Preserving Food
X Label and date your home-processed foods.
X If a lid does not properly seal when canning, refrigerate the contents and consume them within seven days. You can reprocess within 24 hours if the food was processed correctly but the lids did not seal, using new lids and jars. If the food was under-processed—whether the lids have sealed or not—reprocess within four hours.
X Use new flat lids when canning. It is not necessary to use new rings.
X Choose containers specifically designed for preserving food, such as Ball glass jars for canning and freezer-weight plastic bags and boxes.
X Process foods exactly as described in recipes. Do not reduce times.
X Canned foods may be stored for up to 12 months in a cool, dark place, such as a pantry or closet. If processed correctly, they may be stored longer, but they may lose quality and nutritional value. Frozen fruits and vegetables may be stored at 0 degrees for eight to 12 months.
X Do not use chipped or cracked glass containers to preserve foods.
X Beware of conditions that create botulism, including under-processed foods, containers with bulging lids, contents with discoloration on the top when opened or bad smells. Discard these foods.
Elizabeth Andress measures a jar before canning to make sure it has adequate head space.
PHOTO BY THE NATIONAL CENTER FOR HOME FOOD PRESERVATION-UGA
The Music Goes On
Fairbanks fiddler creates virtual stage to help traditional musicians through the pandemic
By Molly Rettig
Caitlin Warbelow plays an Irish jig on her fiddle while a dozen Alaskan huskies swirl around her feet, rolling in the grass and sniffing her microphone. Behind them, the Chena River flows past quietly, fringed by tall white spruce reaching toward the sun—a classic summer day in Fairbanks, Alaska.
As Caitlin tips her head back and the
song gathers speed, a black-and-white dog saunters over to her chair and casually lifts a leg.
While the scene is different than the set of Caitlin’s Broadway show, the Alaskagrown musician is perfectly at home in this land of sled dogs, mountains and boreal forest.
“It doesn’t matter the weather or temperature or the mosquitoes, I’m probably happiest sitting around a
ABOVE: Musicians and dancers from eight states and four countries perform together onscreen during Tune Supply’s Mother’s Day 2020 concert finale. PHOTO COURTESY OF TUNE SUPPLY OPPOSITE PAGE: Tune Supply co-founder Caitlin Warbelow performs with Steve Brown and the Bailers as part of the Fairbanks Summer Arts Festival at the Howling Dog Saloon in Fairbanks, Alaska, before the COVID-19 shutdowns.
PHOTO BY TODD PARIS
The Heart of Community
campfire with friends singing songs or playing tunes,” she says.
Part of a well-known Fairbanks aviation family, Caitlin grew up flying around the mountains in her father’s Super Cub, landing on ridges and sandbars to catch a view or a grayling. While she comes from a long line of bush pilots, she gravitated to music early, starting violin at age 3. She later discovered the melodies of Ireland, learning to play reels, jigs and slow airs by ear from any CD she could find.
Caitlin’s musical talent took her to New York City and onto the world’s largest stage. But the coronavirus pandemic forced her to create an entirely new stage—one without walls or crowds—where she could share traditional music with people around the world, infused with the spirit and beauty of Alaska.
As the tempo picked up at Caitlin’s outdoor performance in Fairbanks, the huskies shared in the excitement. But they weren’t the only audience for the riverside jig. More than 100 people were watching through Tune Supply, an online platform Warbelow created with her partner, Chris Ranney—a native of Spokane,
Washington—to help traditional musicians make up some of the income from lost jobs and performances.
Traditional music—often called “trad” music—refers to age-old tunes and songs from Ireland passed down through generations, typically learned by ear and played by memory rather than written down. Telling the stories of mountain mists, barley fields and beautiful barmaids, the style has taken root across the world, helped along by popular exports like Riverdance.
When the pandemic hit last year— shuttering theaters, pubs and restaurants where many trad musicians earned their keep—Caitlin knew she had to do something to help.
“Trad musicians have very little safety nets, even in the best of times,” she says. “Now all these people were about to lose their work right before St. Patrick’s Day.”
Tune Supply sells a variety of products: private gift performances delivered via video; music and dance lessons; and a unique subscription service wherein customers receive a daily video—often with a theme of some sort—in their inbox.
“Throughout the ages, music has been with us both in good times and bad. It doesn’t always have to be uplifting. There’s something about having a sad song that allows you to exist in the doldrums, move through it and out of it.”
—CAITLIN WARBELOW, ON HOW MUSIC HELPS PEOPLE THROUGH TOUGH TIMES
Caitlin and Chris work with more than 250 musicians from all over the world, from Argentina to Belgium, Boston to Dublin. The group started with friends and blossomed from there.
Since March, Tune Supply has paid nearly $100,000 to more than 250 musicians. In the process, Caitlin has built an international community, pioneered new ways to listen and learn, and even raised the level of music.
“It’s really unfortunate that such a cool thing was born out of such a massive amount of suffering,” she says.
One upside of a virtual business is the ability to create content from just about anywhere. Last summer, Caitlin and Chris crisscrossed Alaska recording shows for their online audiences, traveling to remote bush villages, playing at historic copper mines and swooping over snowcapped mountains.
“We saw a few bears when we were filming in Denali National Park,” Caitlin says. “That was pretty exciting.”
The couple took their viewers along for the ride. Chris, the associate musical director for the hit Broadway show “Come
“We can all be playing together; you can have one level, I can have another level. It’s kinda democratic music. Someone else might be doing a hundred more complex ornaments, someone else playing simple. It’s very communal.”
—AIDEN CONNOLLY ON WHAT MAKES TRADITIONAL MUSIC SPECIAL
From Away,” mixed these recordings with others sent in from eight countries, creating two-hour productions viewers could watch and play along with.
These sessions, which air Thursdays, have the feel of a variety show, flashing from Caitlin fiddling on a crevassestreaked glacier to an accordion player sitting by a peat-burning fireplace. The sets are stitched together with live commentary from Caitlin and Chris, trivia questions, nuggets of history, and the occasional puppy or black bear video submitted by their viewers. A chat bar on the side of the site resembles the banter heard in a music circle at a pub.
A pub is where Mimi Chapin would typically get her music fix. Before COVID19, she and her husband, Terry, gathered at a local pizza pub every week to play folk music with friends.
Mimi and Terry are part of a vibrant arts and music community in Fairbanks that rotates from backyard sessions to breweries to lively concerts and summer festivals, producing professional musicians,
Broadway stars and scholars such as Mimi’s son Keith, who is a music professor in Wales, U.K.
“I think people in Alaska tend to play music more because we’re used to it being dark and cold in the winter, and so we spend lots of time inside,” Mimi says. “We use music to get ourselves out of the cabin fever.”
Now that she’s holed up at home during the pandemic, Mimi spends Thursday evenings watching Tune Supply sessions, often while cooking dinner or washing dishes. If she hears a tune she knows, she’ll grab her cello and strum along.
During a period of social isolation, with children and grandchildren living far away, Tune Supply has brought music back into the couple’s lives.
“It’s a high spot for the week,” Mimi says. “It relieves the sameness of the days for us.”
Mimi always makes sure to throw some money in the virtual contribution jar, which supports the day’s performers. They earn a gig fee on par with what
a bar would pay.
Around Christmas, Mimi also bought a “Tradvent” calendar, a spinoff of a traditional advent calendar. Subscribers received a special performance by email each day—some with a holiday theme, others celebrating the winter solstice.
“They were really excellent performances and made the dark days of December exciting,” Mimi says.
She is not the only one who has leaned on Tune Supply to get through the pandemic. The platform has helped keep some musicians afloat.
Aidan Connolly is a young specialeducation teacher in Dublin who gives fiddle lessons on the side. When Ireland went into lockdown last spring, he lost his job at school, as well as his teaching gigs.
“Tune Supply got me through economically,” he says.
Aidan has performed a handful of concerts, becoming something of a celebrity for his intricately layered tunes and ability to connect with people, even through the screen. He teaches students
The Heart of Community
with a fiddle and a Zoom account from all over the world—South Korea, Boston, France and Japan.
In addition to concert performances and classes, Aidan fills orders for gift videos for clients who want to buy a personalized performance for a birthday or an anniversary.
“It’s a great idea that you can’t replicate live,” he says. “I think they’ve found a unique little niche there.”
Ironically, the pandemic has helped trad music grow. Hunkered down in Limerick now, Aidan has plenty of time to practice more challenging tunes, weaving in sounds from Spain, Latin America and other places he’s traveled.
“I spent the day learning northern Spanish jotas (folk songs), which are very different than Irish music,” he says. “I needed a pen and paper to write down the structure. If it weren’t for COVID, I don’t think I would have invested the time.”
Still, Aidan misses the vibe of a live crowd. It’s just not as fun, he says, when there’s no chance of messing up in front of everyone.
“You run the risk of it becoming sterile and too perfect,” he says. “If you go onstage and things go wrong, you can’t do anything about it. I find it invigorating.”
Aidan is not alone in missing in-person events, of course. While much of the world aches to get together again, Tune
Supply has given us something to listen to while we wait. With the click of a button, you can hear Aidan on the fiddle, accompanied by a bodhrán or Irish drum, close your eyes and wander, for a moment, to the west coast of Ireland—with its castles, cliffs and brilliant greens—letting the music take you places you wish you could go. n
Go to https://tune.supply and https://aidanconnollymusic.com for more information. Watch Caitlin play with the sled dogs at https://tinyurl.com/4nbatnl5.
Molly Rettig is a writer in Fairbanks, Alaska. Her first book, “Finding True North: Firsthand Stories of the Booms That Built Modern Alaska,” was published by the University of Alaska Fairbanks Press in March 2021.
ABOUT THE SERIES: Pioneer Utility Resources, publisher of Ruralite magazine, will shine a light on rural arts in the Northwest and West through early 2022, revealing how the arts enrich communities and sharing a comeback story in these challenging times. The series, the Heart of Community, receives support from the M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust—a private nonprofit foundation serving nonprofits across the Pacific Northwest.
ABOVE: New York City-based string quartet The Overlook performs during a recent Tune Supply concert. Formed during the pandemic, The Overlook’s mission is to amplify the works of Black composers, and share this music with their community and neighbors. PHOTO COURTESY OF TUNE SUPPLY OPPOSITE PAGE: Tune Supply musician Aidan Connolly plays at a pre-COVID house concert in Japan with musician Fu Akamine.
PHOTO COURTESY OF AIDAN CONNOLLY
A PERFECT PAIR: Eggs and Ham
By Anne P. Braly
Hard-Boiled Eggs Benedict
4 hard-boiled eggs
2 English muffins, split in half
4 slices ham
Chopped parsley
4 large egg yolks
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1/2 cup butter, slightly softened and cut into five pieces
Pinch of salt
Dash of cayenne pepper
Prepare hollandaise sauce by placing a heat-proof bowl over a pan of about 1½ inches of gently simmering water. The bottom of the bowl should not touch the water. Alternatively, use a double boiler.
Add egg yolks and lemon juice to the bowl. Whisk vigorously, until the mixture becomes shiny and thickens. Whisk one piece of butter into mixture until fully incorporated. Repeat with remaining pieces, one at a time. Whisk in salt and cayenne. If mixture is too thick, whisk in a bit of warm water, a tablespoon at a time. Remove from heat and use immediately.
In a hot skillet, heat the ham over medium heat. Toast the English muffins until lightly browned. Slice each hard-boiled egg into fourths.
Assemble by placing an English muffin half on a plate, cut side up. Top with one slice of ham and four pieces of egg. Drizzle with 1/4 of the hollandaise sauce. Top with parsley and serve warm.
Make this dish a little easier by using an envelope of Knorr’s hollandaise sauce mix.
PHOTO COURTESY OF MILLER PHOTOGRAPHY
Ham and eggs go together like cookies and cream, peanut butter and jelly, or burgers and fries
This time of year, you can barely think of eggs without thinking of ham. They are often seen together on an Easter menu. But what do you do once Easter dinner is over, and you’re faced with leftover ham and lots of eggs?
For starters, make sure you’ve handled all the food safely. With multiple cooks in the kitchen and a lot of food being prepped, sometimes safe food-handling practices fly out the window. Make sure you are preparing—and storing—food properly:
• As long as you’re boiling eggs to dye for Easter eggs, boil some extras. Keep them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to use them.
• Don’t serve or eat any eggs that have been at room temperature for more than two hours.
• If your ham is ready to eat, just warm it up. If you must roast it, make sure the internal temperature reaches 145 F.
Ham and Egg Casserole
2 medium cooked potatoes, peeled and sliced
4 large hard-boiled eggs, chopped
1 cup cooked ham, diced 1/2 teaspoon salt
Heat oven to 350 F.
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1 large egg
11/2 cups sour cream
1/4 cup dry breadcrumbs
1 tablespoon butter, melted
In a large bowl, combine potatoes, cooked eggs, ham, salt and pepper. In another bowl, combine the raw egg and sour cream. Add to potato mixture and gently toss to coat. Transfer to a greased 7-by-11-inch baking dish.
Toss breadcrumbs and butter; sprinkle over casserole. Bake, uncovered, for 20 minutes or until bubbly and cooked through.
Creamed Ham and Eggs
3 tablespoons butter
3 tablespoons flour
1/2 teaspoon dry mustard
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper
2 1/4 cups milk
1 cup diced cooked ham
4 hard-cooked eggs, chopped
4 biscuits
Melt butter in a large saucepan over low heat. Stir flour, mustard, salt and pepper into butter until mixture is smooth and bubbly. Remove from heat and add milk. Return to heat and bring to a boil, stirring constantly. Boil until mixture thickens, about 1 minute.
Stir ham and eggs into milk mixture and cook until heated through. Spoon creamed ham and eggs onto biscuits.
Hot Ham Sandwiches
1 cup finely chopped cooked ham
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 small onion, chopped
1/3 cup sliced pimientostuffed olives
Heat oven to 400 F.
2 hard-boiled large eggs, chopped
1/2 cup chili sauce
3 tablespoons mayonnaise
8 hot dog buns
In a bowl, combine ham, cheese, onion, olives and eggs. Stir in chili sauce and mayonnaise. Place about 1/3 cup in each bun and wrap individually in foil. Place on a baking sheet. Bake for 10 minutes or until heated through.
Puffy Ham and Egg Quiche
171/3-ounce box frozen puff pastry
8 ounces ham, chopped
4 hard-boiled eggs, sliced
8 ounces mozzarella cheese, shredded
1 beef bouillon cube
Heat oven to 375 F.
1/4 cup evaporated milk, warm
1 tablespoon parsley, chopped
2 eggs, beaten
4 tablespoons Parmesan cheese, grated
Roll one sheet of puff pastry into a pie dish. Sprinkle ham on the bottom of the pie. Add a layer of sliced hardboiled eggs and a layer of mozzarella cheese.
Dissolve the beef bouillon in the warm milk. Mix with parsley, beaten eggs and Parmesan cheese. Pour over ham, eggs and cheese. Cover the pie with the second puff pastry. Bake for 45 minutes or until golden brown. Let sit for 5 to 10 minutes before cutting and serving.
Crafts/Hobbies
I would appreciate any wool yarn or wool combination yarn for my project—knitting hats, gloves, mittens and socks for local youth and family shelters.
L. Hargett 29509 Cartney Drive Harrisburg, OR 97446
Is anyone in need of cork? I am giving away cork for free. If you are interested, please write me a note and we can discuss how to exchange. Thank you.
Judy Davis P.O. Box 453 Heppner, OR 97836
I am the mask-maker where I work. I am in need of any spare or leftover cotton fabric you may like to donate. I also need bias tape for ties. Thank you.
Vicky Hawkins 30001 Scappoose Vernonia Highway Scappoose, OR 97056
I am going to be a great-grandma. I would like to find hooded baby towels and terry fabric bibs from Charles Craft and any design books for counted cross-stitch for the same.
Betty Mercado 1820 E 10th St. The Dalles, OR 97058 bettym@centurylink.net
Are you tired of hanging onto anything cross-stitch related? I am just picking up the hobby. You will be giving them to a good home.
Tanya Dronoff P.O. Box 270693 Susanville, CA 96127
Milestones
My favorite aunt will be 93 in March. We are very close, as she took care of me while my mother worked. She is in constant pain now and each day is “one day at a time.” If you would like to make her day, please address a birthday card to: Geneva Lee, 1093 Central Blvd., Hayward, CA 94542. Thank you.
Brenda Burgess Susanville, California
My father-in-law turns 98 in March. He is an amazing soul. He is a curious man, still full of wonder, and he is loved by us all. He loves hunting, fishing and raising cattle,
and, of course, his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Please send birthday cards to Gaylon Mortensen at 19434 Country Road Y.5, Sanford, CO 81151. Thank you.
Katherine Smith-Mortensen Mohave County, Arizona
An Idaho treasure, Al Larson, the “Bluebird Man”, is turning 99 in March. His love and protection of birds and especially bluebirds, geology, and all spaces in nature, runs deep. Please help me in wishing him a wonderful birthday this year. Send cards to Al Larson, 86 Goslin Loop, Cascade, ID 83611. Thank you.
Leslie Feltman Stanley, Idaho
Odds
I have plastic containers from wrapped lunch meat, with lids and empty pill bottles that need a new home.
Gisela Young P.O. Box 57265 North Pole, AK 99705
I am looking for Kodak 884 movie reels to preserve family history. I am willing to pay a fair price and shipping.
Virginia Swenson P.O. Box 369 Bandon, OR 97411
Wanted: an expert to clean a Weber gas grill near Stanley, Idaho. Please contact me at my email.
Harvey P. Dale P.O. Box 110 Stanley, ID 83278 hpd@hpdale.org
Thanks
I would like to thank everyone for the cards and letters sent to my mother. Every card warmed her heart, made her her smile and, in some casess made us all cry. The overwhelming kindness and support will never be forgotten. My family will be forever grateful for all the prayers and kindness. It is with a saddened, broken heart I say my mother passed away October 24.
Kim Kozlowsk McGill, Nevada
Thank you so much to those who sent me beads, broken and wearable jewelry
plus other supplies to make jewelry and other crafts to help with co-pays. I will be having a few surgeries over the next year and this helps so much. Not only does this help with expenses, I’ve put some in a container to work on fine motor skills with my two-year-old grandson, who has Down syndrome. It’s helped with more than I can find words to express.
Loretta Thomas Scio, Oregon
Thank you to all who sent my 95-year-old mom cards. She received more than 700 and is still talking about all of them.
Ruby Pourchot Doyle, California
Submitting Requests Is Free
Please send your request—with no attachments—to readerexchange@ ruralite.org or mail to Reader Exchange, 5625 NE Elam Young Parkway, Suite 100, Hillsboro, OR 97124. Please fill in the subject line with Reader Exchange. Acceptance, scheduling and editing are at the editor’s discretion. Single requests only, please. No duplicates. Submissions are handled on a firstcome, first-served basis.
We no longer accept pen pal requests. If interested in placing a request of this nature, you may submit the request as a Marketplace ad. Marketplace pricing applies.
When submitting a milestone request, please consider sending at least two months before the milestone.
Phone numbers will not be published. Email addresses will be published if part of the ad, but the request must include a postal address. Request must include the name and address of the electric utility that provides your magazine.
You can’t always lie down in bed and sleep. Heartburn, cardiac problems, hip or back aches –and dozens of other ailments and worries. Those are the nights you’d give anything for a comfortable chair to sleep in: one that reclines to exactly the right degree, raises your feet and legs just where you want them, supports your head and shoulders properly, and operates at the touch of a button.
Our Perfect Sleep Chair® does all that and more. More than a chair or recliner, it’s designed to provide total comfort. Choose your preferred heat and massage settings, for hours of soothing relaxation. Reading or watching TV? Our chair’s recline technology allows you to pause the chair in an infinite number of settings. And best of all, it features a powerful lift mechanism that tilts the entire chair forward, making it easy to stand. You’ll love the other benefits, too. It helps with correct spinal alignment and promotes back pressure relief, to
prevent back and muscle pain. The overstuffed, oversized biscuit style back and unique seat design will cradle you in comfort. Generously filled, wide armrests provide enhanced arm support when sitting or reclining. It even has a battery backup in case of a power outage.
White glove delivery included in shipping charge. Professionals will deliver the chair to the exact spot in your home where you want it, unpack it, inspect it, test it, position it, and even carry the packaging away! You get your choice of Genuine Italian leather, stain and water repellent custom-manufactured DuraLux™ with the classic leather look or plush MicroLux™ microfiber in a variety of colors to fit any decor. New Chestnut color only available in Genuine Italian Leather and long lasting DuraLux™. Call now!
Pictured: Italian Leather chair chestnut color. Chestnut color
Join a colony on the Oregon Coast at the
Sea Lion Caves
What Is It?
A colony of sea lions leave the ocean water to bask on the rocks of the Sea Lion Caves near Florence, Oregon.
Lion’s Den
The Sea Lion Caves are home year-round to Steller sea lions, or northern sea lions. The caves are America’s only known mainland Steller sea lion rookery and hauling area— a congregation place during mating and nonmating season, respectively. If you visit on the right day, you can see hundreds of sea lions, as well as eagles and puffins.
A Big Cave
At 125 feet tall and covering nearly 2 acres, the Sea Lion Caves are America’s largest sea cave. Visitors can see the full cave system from an observation area. Colorful lichen covers the caves’ walls, making the caves America’s largest sea grotto.
Steller Facts
Steller sea lions are part of the Otariidae family, or eared seals. These sea mammals have an average lifespan of 20 to 30 years and can swim up to 17 mph. The average male grows to nearly 10 feet long and weighs 1,500 pounds, but some can weigh more than 2,200 pounds.
Ocean Views
The Sea Lion Caves are along Highway 101, which follows the Pacific Coast. Take a trip up the highway, and you may see sea lions or even whales in open waters. Oregon’s beaches are publicly owned, so stop and take a walk on the sand.
More Info
To learn more about Steller sea lions, the Sea Lion Caves and to plan your trip, visit www. sealioncaves. com.
ADOBE STOCK PHOTO BY FRANK FICHTMÜLLER
ADVA NCED DIGITAL
How can a rechargeable hearing aid that costs only $29 999 be every bit as good as one that sells for $2,400 or more?
The answer: Although tremendous strides have been made in Advanced Digital Hearing Aid Technology, those cost reductions have not been passed on to you. Until now...
The MDHearingAid® VOLT+ uses the same kind of Advanced Digital RECHARGEABLE Hearing Aid Technology incorporated into hearing aids that cost thousands more at a small fraction of the price.
Over 600,000 satisfied MDHearingAid customers agree: High-quality,digital, FDA-registered rechargeable hearing aids don’t have to cost a fortune. The fact is, you don’t need to spend thousands for a hearing aid. MDHearingAid is a medical-grade, digital, rechargeable hearing aid offering sophistication and high performance, and works right out of the box with no timeconsuming “adjustment” appointments. You can contact a licensed hearing specialist conveniently online or by phone — even after your purchase at no cost. No other company provides such extensive support. Now that you know...why pay more?
“This is truly a miracle… I don’t even know how to begin thanking you for giving me my life back!” – Sherri H., Granville, NY
THE GREAT PICTURE HUNT
Precious Memories
I DON’T LIKE LIVING IN THE PAST. It is too painful. For someone who has made a living with pictures most of my life, I confess looking back at old family photos is bittersweet. As much as I cherish the photograph and its ability to capture and trigger memories, looking back through old photos—whether personal or professional—a heavy cloud of melancholy seizes me.
In old photos, my children are small, happy and trusting. Irrationally, I want them to stay that way forever. I get misty each time I sort through those images. My intellectual heart overflows with gratitude, but my emotional heart pleads to stop time.
Lately, as I approach my 70th year in June, I have been consumed with organizing my archives so those who follow me do not have to sort through boxes of unlabeled negatives, prints, CDs, DVDs and an assortment of hard drives.
This has proven to be a more daunting and tougher task than I imagined, even during winter and a pandemic, which encourage us to spend more time at home.
For me, photography has always been the joyful, often playful pursuit of trying to capture beauty and life moments that express what I am seeing, experiencing, feeling. Once I see the image captured on film, a print or even a digital screen, I am ready to move on. The past is gone. I was never born to be a clerk.
I know of photographers—driven and consumed with being on the streets and making pictures—who have little interest in even developing the film to see what they captured. Some died with hundreds of unprocessed rolls of film, and were content to have it that way. I am not so pure in approach. I like to see what I have shot. Depending on my mood, I enjoy looking back through old photos and, yes, even reliving past moments.
That admitted, I much prefer the challenge of the hunt than sitting in a dark room years later shuffling through yesteryear.
Nonetheless, my archival heart leaped with joy when I found tucked away between 50-year-old negatives a small black-and-white photograph of me and my siblings, likely made by my mother with her Brownie Hawkeye in the early 1960s.
Had I found $1,000, I could not have been happier. I am scanning these images, creating a larger digital file to share with family members. n
A Letter to Readers
For 14 years, I have written this column. Even though it is about photography, I have shared personal insights and emotions far beyond picturetaking fundamentals.
I sincerely thank you for your many letters and emails of support through the years. As cliché as it sounds, I feel like we are family. I see you in my heart. When I write, I try to imagine you reading or attempting the tips and techniques. Because we are family and so many of you have shared personal stories, I ask that you indulge me to share a piece of my past.
Fifty-two years ago, on a Saturday morning, January 25, 1969, I watched helplessly as my young mother, Jeanetta, only 39, was swept away in muddy floodwaters.
My life and those of my father, brothers, sisters and friends who spent that night with us were changed forever.
I share this so that you might know how much I have needed and truly appreciate you.
I need to share—to tell others what I see and feel. Photography became a lifesaving voice— a way to tell the world, and myself, what I was experiencing, feeling and suffering.
My heart aches for you who have lost family members, especially loved ones you were unable to touch or hold during this pandemic. I don’t understand your grief, but I share in the helplessness of not being able to say goodbye.
Even after 52 years, I still miss my mother. But I have tried since that terrible day to honor her by living empathetically and trying to see those in pain and in need of comfort.
Her life was not easy, raising five children with scarcely enough to survive. Through it all, she was my matrix and comforted me like no other.
Whatever kindness and empathy I possess is, in part, because of her loving and sacrificial example.
—Dave LaBelle
Reader Challenge
First, let your camera be your guide on today’s adventure. Try visually living in and capturing “The Moment.” Second, look through old photos you have stashed away and give them new life by copying and sharing them with others.
The LaBelle siblings, from left: Brian, Susan, Steven, David and Faye Marie. INSET: Jeanetta.
Bad to the Bone
The very best hunting knives possess a perfect balance of form and function. They’re carefully constructed from fine materials, but also have that little something extra to connect the owner with nature.
If you’re on the hunt for a knife that combines impeccable craftsmanship with a sense of wonder, the $79 Huntsman Blade is the trophy you’re looking for.
The blade is full tang, meaning it doesn’t stop at the handle but extends to the length of the grip for the ultimate in strength. The blade is made from 420 surgical steel, famed for its sharpness and its resistance to corrosion.
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. But we don’t stop there. While supplies last, we’ll include a pair of $99 8x21 power compact binoculars and a genuine leather sheath FREE when you purchase the Huntsman Blade.
Your satisfaction is 100% guaranteed. Feel the knife in your hands, wear it on your hip, inspect the impeccable craftsmanship. If you don’t feel like we cut you a fair deal, send it back within 30 days for a complete refund of the item price.
Limited Reserves. A deal like this won’t last long. We have only 1120 Huntsman Blades for this ad only. Don’t let this beauty slip through your fingers. Call today!
Stauer® 8x21
Compact Binoculars -a $99 valuewith purchase of Huntsman Blade
What Stauer Clients Are Saying About Our Knives
êêêêê
“This knife is beautiful!”
— J., La Crescent, MN êêêêê
“The feel of this knife is unbelievable...this is an incredibly fine instrument.”
— H., Arvada, CO
customers who use the offer code versus the listed original Stauer.com price.
California residents please call 1-800-333-2045 regarding Proposition 65 regulations before purchasing this product.
Saving Energy Dollars: The Possibilities Are Huge!
Saving energy dollars is a real thing, and it goes further than turning a light off or adjusting your thermostat.
Weatherization programs can help protect a building or residence from weather, such as direct sunlight and wind, to reduce energy use and cost.
Did you know Mohave Electric annually supports Bullhead City and Mohave County Western Arizona Council of Governments to offer free weatherization programs, along with necessary repairs to home heating, air conditioning, plumbing, roofing and electrical systems; and for general home repair and improvements to qualifying low-income families?
Mohave Electric is pleased to partner with these agencies to help MEC members not only save money on their electric bills, but enhance the energy efficiency of their house for years to come—all for free!
Called Weatherization, Mohave Electric’s partnership helps members receive substantial upgrades to their homes and keep money in our members’ pockets, thanks to lower utility bills.
Depending on your location in our service territory, either eastern or western, you have the ability to apply for the Housing Rehabilitation Project program through Bullhead City—if your home is within the city limits—or with the Weatherization program through WACOG for all other members.
With MEC’s $3,000 investment in the program (per qualified member), you could see drastic improvements to your home that exceed $20,000 to $30,000 in repair costs/improvements.
Mohave Electric’s goal is to benefit our members. Bullhead City’s goals are to “benefit very low-, low- and moderateincome families in the city of Bullhead City in upgrading their living conditions” and to “improve and preserve the quality and appearance of the housing” to benefit the
environment in the community.
Homeowners who participate in the Weatherization program will gain knowledge and support of permitted contractors, and be shown how to continue upkeep and saving of energy dollars.
For more information, call Mohave Electric’s energy management team at 928763-1100, call Bullhead City at 928-7630197 or WACOG at 928-782-1886
Although MEC sponsors the Weatherization program with our $3,000 per qualified member, you will not work through us when applying. Instead, MEC’s partners handle the application procedure and distribution of funds and upgrades after clear and precise determination of what it would take to make your home as energy efficient as possible with the allotted funds.
We hope our members continue to participate in these programs that can truly benefit their way of life. We have many energy-dollar saving programs such as commercial lighting and heat pump rebates, renewable energy, Operation Cool Shade and a home energy audit.
If you have any questions regarding these programs, please call 928-7631100. All our programs are funded by our Energy Efficiency/Demand Side Management (EE/DSM) and Renewable Energy Standard Tariff (REST) surcharges.
Visit our website at mohaveelectric.com/ energy-solutions (scan QR code) to learn more about what program(s) might be best suited for you. Tips, hints and helpful energy-saving guides are available at our member services office at 928 Hancock Road in Bullhead City. n
MARKETPLACE
Agriculture
Reinforced custom-sized pond liners (39 cents/sqft). Hay covers, greenhouse covers, any width & length. Truck tarps & more. High puncture & tear strength. Best price guaranteed. American made since 1981. www.btlliners.com; 541-447-0712. 0421
Antiques and Collectibles
For sale. Horse-drawn wagon, 10’ disc, tools, grinding wheels, stove. Aaron.Buffington@ yahoo.com. 0321AR
Books, Magazines, Videos
Book restoration. Bibles, cookbooks, cherished family heirlooms. Beautiful work. We give renewed life, more durable than original, to last for generations. 775-537-7066; salacanstudio@gmail.com. 0321AR
“Justifiable Kidnapping,” the Whitelaw childabduction case. Ron’s ex-wife threatened to murder his childen. The family hid in Oregon 7 years. Ron was caught & faced a precedentsetting trial that captured national headlines. Amazon. 0621
Business Opportunities
Earn extra income with Avon. Sign up for free. www.youravon.com/ccessnun. Call or text 541-740-1284. 0321
Work and shop from home with an Idahobased online shopping club. Safer, cheaper products, shipped to your door. It is like Amazon or Costco only cheaper. www.earthandanimalwellness.com. Supplement your income. Call or text 208-400-0013. 0321AR
Emergency Preparedness
Build your safe space in this world: Harden your home, build an underground shelter and learn how to protect everything you love. KeepYourTribeAlive.com. 0321
Free Items
Church, government uniting, suppressing “religious liberty,” enforcing National Sunday Law. Be informed. Need mailing address only. TBS, PO Box 374, Ellijay, GA 30540. 888-2111715; thebiblesaystruth@yahoo.com. 0321AR
Home and Hearth
Residents of Franklin County, WA. Receive a $100 voucher to remove fruit-bearing and ornamental trees (flowering plum, crab apple, Hawthorne). Voucher(s) are redeemable at participating locations. Residental trees only—no commercial orchards. Call for details before you remove trees. Franklin County Horticultural Pest and Disease Control Board, 509-545-3580. 0921
Horse, Accessories
Horse stall mats. Heavy-duty mats for stalls & walkway. For info, text or call Ken, 503-351-8677. 0321AR
Miscellaneous
’99 Mazda Miata MX-5, needs work, does not run. Asking $1,500. ’60s Oliver Tractor, needs restoration, make offer. Olympia, Washington. littelbear56@gmail.com. 0321
Local commercial fisherman sells summer catch gourmet canned tuna on internet AprilSeptember. 100% guaranteed the best canned tuna you ever tasted. Twofisherstuna.com, 206-799-1082. 0521
Cemetery markers, both granite & bronze. Also offering bronze plaques, signage. All at affordable prices. Shipping available. Call Joe Plass for more info, 541-815-8906; www.highdesertmemorials.com. 0621
Pets, Supplies
Stud service for AKC-registered red toy poodle available. Bonnie Todd, Braejay’s Lil Toy Poodles, 509-551-4322. Benton City, Washington. 0621
Quick, Affordable: How to Place an Ad
Ads 25 words or fewer are $35 a month. An extended ad of up to 35 words is $50 a month. Contact information is included in the word count.
Longer ads may be placed. For pricing, contact 503-718-3717 or info@pur.coop.
Ads are for customers of member co-ops, PUDs and municipals only. Subscribers and nonmembers may inquire for pricing at 503-718-3717 or info@pur.coop.
Ads must be direct and in first person, and are subject to approval and editing.
Closing deadlines (in our office): May issue—March 31, 2021.
AKC-registered Airedales. Fort Sage Kennels, Patricia Sharp, PO Box 246, Doyle, CA 96109; 530-827-2271. 0322
Real Estate
Premiere Oregon Properties: 30yrs’ experience getting the best price for sellers and buyers. 4 sale: Old Mill Farm Store in business since 1853. $935k. 4 sale: 238ac 2.5mi Umpqua River frontage. Possible wetland mitigation property. $690k. 541-480-0212. James Wardrope Realty. OregonRiverRealty.com; office@RiverInnElkton.com. 0521
For sale or lease. 56ac in Southeast Nevada, next to Grant Wilderness. Remote w/access & spring. Hunt, hike, prospect. 775-318-0049; Aaron.Buffington@yahoo.com. 0321AR
Remodeled split-level, 4bdr, 3ba home w/ canyon views, 2,154sqft. City utilities, broadband, lots of storage, partially furnished. Canyon City, Oregon. $260K. MLS 220109225. 541-987-2363. 0321
4 2.25ac lots (1 commercial), Sandy Valley, Nevada. Close to Las Vegas. $55,000ea, make deal for all 4. Possible OWC. Near post office, store. Some utilities. 775-209-2830. 0321
Let me help you buy or sell ranch, farm & recreation property in Oregon. Fourthgeneration Oregonian, ranch owner. 640ac for sale, Ironside, OR. $640,000. John Gill, 541-480-9161; johngill@landandwildlife.com. Land And Wildlife brokerage. 0221
Idaho, peaceful, private Hagerman Valley. 3.38ac. Private drive, valley views. Two buildable pads. Domestic spring water, irrigation water & electricity on property. Call 208-431-0788. 0321
Buildable, 4.26ac. Gated community above Ochoco Reservoir, Prineville, Oregon. Spectacular views. 400-amp service; shared well w/cistern ready. RV parking, if shielded.
If submitting ad by mail, send appropriate payment with your name, address, email, phone number and the name of the electric utility that provides your magazine to: Marketplace, P.O. Box 1306, North Plains, OR 97133. Make check or money order payable to Ruralite.
We accept credit card payments for ads submitted by email. Send ad to info@pur.coop.
Septic approved. $110,000. 503-622-6515. 0321
Recreational Rentals
Maui vacation rental, 1bdr, full kitchen, across from beach. For further details, plus 10% discount when booked through owner, call 541-974-4427, leave message if unavailable. 0621
Wavecatcher: oceanfront, central Oregon Coast. Easy beach access. $120/night winter, $150/night summer; seventh night free. Two bedrooms w/double beds, sleeping loft w/ double beds. Full kitchen/bath, linens. Pet friendly. COVID-cleaned between guests. 541740-9953. Check wavecatcherbeachrentals.com for availability. 0521AR
High mountain getaway. Palouse Divide Lodge. 3 full-service cabins. Gift shops on site. East of Potlatch, Idaho, on Highway 6, milepost 26. Shirley Hathaway. 208-245-3552. 0421
Bend country cabin. Very clean & fully furnished cabin on private ranch. Close to recreation areas. Very nice. $90/night. 541-382-3050; bendcountrycabins@gmail.com. 0321
Recipes
Looking for a quiet getaway? Look no further. Vista House Vacation Rental in quaint hillside village of Oceanside, Oregon. Panoramic ocean views, sunsets, winter storms. 3 units, slp 2-16. 503-730-7149; vistahouseoceanside.com. Ask about monthly rates. 0321
Lincoln City, Oregon. Beautiful ocean views. Slps 12. 4bdr (2 w/king), 3 full baths, Wi-Fi, cable, frplc, W/D, dishwasher, 2nd kitchen upstairs. Info/pics: VRBO.com/693193. Call for special prices. fbeckwithfamily@gmail.com; 503-720-6144. 0321
Want to Buy
Cash paid for old gas station and oil company signs, pumps, globes, metal oil cans. Good condition. Discreet cash settlement. Clifton Jones, collector. 512-413-4459. 0821
Wanted: 1967-1972 Buick Skylark, GS, Stage 1, GSX. Cars, parts or leads. Or any ’60s or ’70s vehicles. Email billybibbett@hotmail.com. 0421
Buy, sell, repair rock saws and everything lapidary. Buying old rock and gem books & catalogs. CigarBoxRock.com. 541-280-5574; cbr@bendnet.com. Bend, Oregon 97701. 0521
for the New Year
Buying old Navajo blankets, rugs & old jewelry, old beadwork & baskets, etc. Also, signed paintings of the American West, & abstract artists. One piece or collections. ’60s muscle convertible or ? Photos. 760-409-3117, amer.ind.baskets@gmail.com. 0521
Gold, silver, coins/currency, buy, sell. Collections wanted. Fair prices paid. 41yrs in retail store. Baker City, Oregon. 800-556-2133; garrymclin@aol.com. Will travel. 1021
Wanted. Vintage wristwatches, pocket watches, watch collections, watchmakers’ estates, etc. Call 541-760-1050. Please leave a message if I don’t answer. Will travel. Thank you. 0421
Old carpenter tools, planes (wood/metal), levels, chisels, slicks, adzes, axes, hatchets, handsaws, old rulers, spoke shaves, wrenches, shipwright tools, old tool chests. 503-659-0009. 0321
Wanted: Restorable 1965, 1966, 1967 or 1968 Ford Mustang Fastback. Please, no coupes or newer models. Call 541-388-1192 and please leave a message. 0321
POULTRY: Ruralite reader submissions from this cook booklet features such recipes as Pollo Dorado, Southern Scalloped Chicken, Hawaiian Meatballs, Texas-Style Turkey Salad and Sweet and Sour Chicken. The cookbook is spiral-bound with covers, indexed and costs $6 (includes postage).
DESSERTS: Mouth-watering desserts abound in this cookbook of reader recipes. There are more than 400 recipes featuring desserts, such as Mexican Fruit Cake, Apple Dumplings, Maple Walnut Cake, Fudge Cake, Chocolate Drop Cookies, and much more. Price is $6, shipping included.
To order by mail, submit with proper payment, include the cookbook title, name, address and number of cookbooks wanted to Ruralite Cookbooks, P.O. Box 1306, North Plains, OR 97133.
To pay with Visa, MasterCard, Discover card or American Express, call 503-357-2105. To order online, visit www.ruralite.org.
Allow 2-3 weeks for delivery.
Ruralite readers share their favorite recipes
ARIZONA G&T COOPERATIVES
PHOTO COURTESY OF BRITTANY ABBOTT
A Mayor Among Us
Machinist Mechanic Joe Konrad starts 2021 as Benson’s new mayor
By J.D. Wallace
A philosophy that can often be heard echoing among business leaders and innovative thinkers is that much of an organization’s wealth is its people. Arizona Generation and Transmission Cooperatives is no exception.
The experience many AzGT employees have and the length of time they spend here provide an invaluable resource for AzGT and the community it serves.
Joe Konrad provided one of the latest examples when the AzGT machinist mechanic was elected to be Benson’s next mayor.
“I was excited and deeply humbled,” Joe says. “It was certainly an honor. I was sworn in by Cochise County Sheriff Mark Dannels. The sheriff and I were at an event back in November, and he offered to administer my oath. As with everything else right now, COVID prevented the city from having a large gathering for the ceremony, but I was surrounded by my family— and that was as special as an occasion can be.”
Joe is no stranger to local politics. He was first elected to the city council in August 2014 and sworn in the following January.
“I got involved in city council because I saw an
“As a council member, I participated in training that is provided by the League of Arizona Cities and Towns. This training gave me quite a bit of insight into how municipalities operate, so I felt that I was up to the challenge.”
—JOE KONRAD
Monday nights. Perhaps more significant is the training he received in the succession management program, and the advice he got from Director of Administrative Services Emery Silvester, who retired in January. It serves as one more example of the wealth of knowledge in AzGT serving not only its own purposes but those of its community.
opportunity to give something back to the community that I call home,” Joe says. “My family—especially my wife, Vicky, encouraged me to run. She got the word out that I was interested. I was surprised and humbled by the number of people who showed up to support me. I knew then that it was the right thing to do.”
After five years on the council, Joe says running for mayor felt like a natural progression. His peers in Benson city government— which includes the previous mayor, Toney King—supported his decision. He credits training he received on the council for preparing him for the new position.
“As a council member, I participated in training that is provided by the League of Arizona Cities and Towns,” Joe says. “This training gave me quite a bit of insight into how municipalities operate, so I felt that I was up to the challenge.”
Less than a month into his tenure in the new office, Joe already knows how he wants to start that challenge. By reviewing where the city has been and where the council wanted to go five years ago, he will see how they can improve and attract growth for a sustainable future.
“I want to go back and review the strategic plan that we developed in 2015-2016 and make sure we are on track with that plan,” Joe says. “Benson needs to see some growth and economic development.
“We want to be a great place to call home and provide the amenities that our citizens want and deserve. This can only be accomplished by building and maintaining a reliable and sustainable revenue stream.”
Joe started at AzGT in 2003, long before he ran for Benson City Council. He credits his four-day schedule at AzGT for allowing him to attend council meetings on
“I was in the first group of employees who completed the succession management program,” Joe says. “The knowledge I gained from that program has been a great benefit on and off the job. My friend and former co-worker, Emery Silvester, was my mentor at the end of the succession management program.
“Emery once said to me, ‘Joe, would you rather be right all the time or would you rather be effective?’ I have always been grateful for the guidance and wisdom that Emery shared with me. I wouldn’t have that if not for being a part of this organization.
“Our cooperative is recognized by the city of Benson as a key community partner. Being a part of this organization and being able to serve as mayor says a lot about how we adhere to the seventh cooperative principle, Concern for Community.” n
Vaccines, Alaska Style
Failure is not an option. The can-do spirit of Alaska was in full force this winter as members of the Yukon-Kuskokwim Health Corporation, based in Bethel, Alaska, delivered COVID-19 vaccines to the Alaskan bush.
Operation Togo. In a scene reminiscent of the 1925 diphtheria outbreak in Nome, Alaska—which inspired the Iditarod dog sled race—teams transported vaccines to villages in all manner of transportation, from barges and small planes to snow machines and ice roads. The vaccine delivery was called Operation Togo after the name of the lead sled dog in the famous diphtheria serum run to Nome.
Sleeves up. When weather allowed, small charter planes delivered the vaccination team to remote villages, where they were greeted on the tarmac by a line of bare-armed clinic staff awaiting shots. As soon as the team completed the vaccinations, they were back on the plane and off to the next village. n
Sarah Lind, a nurse with Yukon-Kuskokwim Health Corp.—Southwest Alaska’s tribal health care provider—vaccinates James Evan in December. They are on the tarmac in the village of Napakiak, where Evan works for YKHC at the clinic. PHOTO COURTESY OF YUKONKUSKOKWIM HEALTH CORP.
Now you can finally have all of the soothing benefits of a relaxing warm bath, or enjoy a convenient refreshing shower while seated or standing. Introducing Safe Step Walk-In Tub’s exclusive Shower Package!
✓ First and only walk-in tub available with a customizable shower
✓ Fixed rainfall shower head is adjustable for your height and pivots to offer a seated shower option
✓ Durable frameless tempered glass enclosure available
✓ High-quality tub complete with a comprehensive lifetime warranty on the entire tub
✓ Top-of-the-line installation and service, all included at one low, affordable price
Now
P.O. Box 22530
Bullhead City, AZ 86439
Member Services: 928-763-1100
Outage Reporting: Toll free 844-632-2667 or text “outage” to 55050 from the phone number linked to your MEC account. mohaveelectric.com
Mohave Electric Cooperative Board of Directors
President Joe Anderson
Vice President
Deborah Johnson
Secretary Toni Barbaro
Treasurer
Rich Tempelman
Michael Bartelt
Cindy Christy
John Nelssen
Kevin Nestrick
Jose “Joe” Solar
CEO
Tyler Carlson
What’s Happening
h March 11, Mohave Valley Daily News Winter Expo
h March 16, Follow our Speak Out 2.0 spot on KNTR 106.3 FM
h March 24, Topock MEC/Fiber information meeting, 5-6 p.m.
A Message from the CEO
A Lot to Celebrate in 75 Years
If you have not seen or heard yet, Mohave Electric Cooperative is celebrating serving our members for 75 years—refining our cooperative model, and working to save the members on their energy needs. We are proud to continue serving our members strong for many more years with continued system improvements and staff that is always here to help.
To get a jump start on the 75th year, we launched our commemorative logo, which can be found on your bill and in Currents magazine. We will use this logo for the 75th year and return to our regular logo as the year ends, when we will continue to serve our members under the trusted logo they know.
On February 1, we put our paperless billing option into motion, which is open to all members. Look for more information in our article on page 4. Although this is a small enhancement to our members, we are always trying to find ways to create ease. If you decide to go paperless and set up an account with our Mohave Easy Pay Program, I’m sure you will find it to be a smooth and efficient way to stay current with your electric needs.
Here is more good news: MEC increased the Purchased Power Adjuster credit on February 1. The PPA allows us to adjust our cost of energy, both negative and positive, directly to the member. Although it might sound strange, a negative factor increases the savings to members, whereas a positive factor adds to the price a member pays. As a cooperative, we only want to charge our members what is needed to operate. When we buy energy at a lower cost, those savings are passed directly to the residential members we serve. We went from a factor of -$0.0075 to -$0.0125, saving members an extra $4 on average per billing cycle. Read more about this savings on page 8 to gain a full understanding of what a PPA does for you.
One part of our cooperative that receives little highlight but deserves many thanks is our member service office. The employees in that office serve our members daily on any topic regarding membership, service or programs the cooperative or partners have to offer. We are proud to have dedicated employees serving our residential members. Whether you need help understanding the charges on your bill, setting up service for the first time, accessing one of our programs, or are just stopping by and say hello, the employees are here to help you from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Members often ask about the partnership between TWN and Mohave Electric, which is bringing reliable broadband service. Mohave Electric is bringing our members fiber to better enhance our electrical operations. Members will have the choice to sign up with TWN, which will use our fiber network to provide reliable internet and phone. The internet service comes with symmetrical upload and download speeds for members’ homes and businesses. I am proud to say that we have more than 100,000 feet of fiber installed, and are closer to “lighting up” our members with quality service.
Although we are proud of how far we have come in 75 years of serving our members, we will continue to take great strides in serving our current members and adapting to serve members to come. Mohave Electric plans to continue to live up to the name, brand and services our members have come accustomed to receiving.
—Tyler Carlson, CEO
Tyler Carlson