Currents, Mohave Electric Cooperative, November 2021

Currents

MOHAVE ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE

NOVEMBER 2021

Time Encapsulated MEC’s tenured team reflects on the past.

Page 4

ALSO INSIDE >>

Annual Meeting Recap Engaging With Members

In celebration of Mohave Electric’s 75th anniversary, the auto shop team created a time capsule using the shop’s welding equipment. Read more about the capsule on page 4.

PHOTO BY JULIA GARRINGER

FROM THE PIONEER TEAM

Ruralite Reflecting This Veterans Day Currents November 2021 • Volume 56, No. 6 ANZA ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE

Sherri Stafford

ARIZONA’S GENERATION AND TRANSMISSION COOPERATIVES

Geoff Oldfather

DUNCAN VALLEY ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE

Steven Lunt

ELECTRICAL DISTRICT NO. 2

Roselyn Bever

GRAHAM COUNTY ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE

Diane Junion

MOHAVE ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE

Heather Foreman EDITOR

Victoria Hampton Currents (USPS 030-520) is published bimonthly for members for $1.73 a year, plus postage, by Pioneer Utility Resources, 5625 NE Elam Young Pkwy Ste 100, Hillsboro, OR 97124—a notfor-profit Oregon cooperative corporation—to serve the communication needs of 53 consumerowned electric utilities in Oregon, Washington, Alaska, Idaho, Nevada, California, Arizona and Hawaii.

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The decision to serve one’s country is a personal one. Soldiers, Marines, sailors, airmen and Coast Guardsmen decide to serve their country for a variety of reasons.

Some are hard-charging, gung-ho patriots.

Others want an adventure or a challenge. Some are looking to earn their U.S. citizenship. Many simply need a direction.

I enlisted in the Army at the age of 25—an old man by basic training standards—because I needed a change. I wanted to make a difference, sure, but I also wanted some adventure and, eventually, to go back to college.

I got it all ... and something I didn’t expect: self-confidence and a sense of purpose.

Before I enlisted, my stutter was serious enough there were days I could barely introduce myself to a stranger or even hold a conversation with close friends. As a child, there was constant ridicule, even into middle school. I sat back and listened, but rarely spoke in groups.

That all began to change. As a public affairs specialist, my primary role was to tell the Army story: to highlight the efforts, achievements and sacrifices of men and women in uniform.

I had no choice but to talk with peers, senior enlisted, senior officers and service members at home, and leaders in Iraq and Afghanistan.

I learned I can handle unexpected challenges and rely on myself.

There is little I wouldn’t do to help out a fellow veteran, or anyone seriously in need.

I doubt I would be the person I am today were it not for the uniform. While there were

challenges, I wouldn’t change a thing—although I’m sure my co-workers and family would appreciate fewer puns throughout the day.

Veterans Day is November 11. If you Brandon Pomrenke would like to do something special to help or thank a veteran, here are a few ideas: • Donate to Operation Gratitude, which prepares care packages for troops throughout the world. Go to www. operationgratitude.com to learn more.

• Have a neighbor, friend or family member with a deployed loved one? Check on them and see how they are doing.

• Donate gently used clothing and household goods to Vietnam Veterans of America.

• Attend a local VFW or American Legionsponsored event.

• Volunteer at a VA medical center or veterans’ home.

• Tell your kids or grandkids about a family member’s service.

• Check out DAV Charitable Service Trust.

• Easiest of all is to just say thanks when you see a veteran in a service-related ballcap or T-shirt.

To all who served and continue to serve, and the families who support them, thank you.

Brandon Pomrenke Assistant Editor

Surviving in the Wilderness

Delivery Issues: Utility members should contact the local utility office listed on the back cover. Nonmembers should contact Pioneer Utility Resources at maiilingdept@pur.coop.

Clay Hayes reflects on his experience on TV series ‘Alone’

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Powwows celebrate Native American traditions

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The Heart of Community, Page 12 Plugged In In the Kitchen

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Photo Hunt Before You Go

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Utility Pages: 4-5, 8, 25, 32

NOVEMBER 2021

3

Time Encapsulated MEC’s tenured team reflects on the past

By Julia Garringer Mohave Electric Cooperative (MEC) has been serving our members for 75 years, and we look forward to 75 more. As we approached this anniversary, our employees came up with the idea to freeze this 4

N O V E M B E R 2021

moment in time with a first for us—a time capsule. Our auto shop workers, Shawn Walker and Brent Vinderslev, have designed the capsule from the ground up with only two directions: it must survive the elements underground for the next 25 years, and it must be big enough for MEC’s 83 employees and nine board members to contribute.

Sometimes to look towards the future, it is best to remember the past, so we asked our most tenured employees for their thoughts.

“A co-op is a unique place to work. As a

member-owned utility, we really do our best for our members and the co-op takes care of its employees,” stated Ellen Brown, Community Liaison for MEC. Ellen Brown has been with our cooperative for over 40 years and has worn many hats within our organization. File Clerk, Member Services Representative, and Consumer Accounting Manager are just a few of the jobs Ellen has performed at MEC. After 20 years as Consumer Accounting Manager, Ellen was promoted to her current position of Community Liaison.

When asked what Ellen would have put

MOHAVE ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE

FROM LEFT: Ellen Brown celebrates 30th birthday at MEC, circa 1989. Gary Fiser moves printer at MEC in the early 1990s. PHOTOS COURTESY OF MEC OPPOSITE PAGE: MEC auto shop workers, Shawn Walker and Brent Vinderslev, designed the time capsule. PHOTO BY BRENT VINDERSLEV

in the time capsule when she first started at MEC, Ellen said she would have chosen “a computer punch card to show the tremendous growth in technology. We had one mainframe that we fed ‘punch cards’ in to store data. No one had a computer on their desk! We would get one large printout each week of all the members and how much they owed, so when they came in to pay, we would look them up in the book to see how much they owed.”

Now employees just need simple identifying information to be able to search for member records on their computers in seconds. Times have changed at MEC but not just for those that work in our offices.

Area Supervisor of Bullhead City and Kingman, Don Champney, has been working in the field for MEC for 30 years. Don started with MEC in 1991 as a Warehouseman and worked that position until 2005.

He then became the Substation Technician Apprentice and later served as a Substation Technician until 2009. Don moved up to Substation and Metering Supervisor before promoting to his current role as the Bullhead City and Kingman Area Supervisor.

Don says that he would have put a Transformer Turns Ratio (TTR) tester in the time capsule 30 years ago, “It would

take literally a full day to test a Substation Transformer. The new one takes 30 minutes.”

Not only does this save our employees valuable time, but also means we can service our members quickly and efficiently.

None of this would be possible without the loyalty of our people.

Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Technician, Gary Fiser, is yet another employee that witnessed the changing times at MEC. Gary started at Mohave Electric 35 years ago as a Mapper, and then moved up to AutoCAD Supervisor before reaching his current position as the GIS Technician.

“I would have put an old ink pen and some mylar film we used to draw maps on in a time capsule when I first started,” states Gary. “All maps were produced using India ink and mylar film. It was very slow process and not 100% accurate. When copies needed to be made, we had to make blueprints for the outside crew or contractors. Copies had to be mailed out, since there was no email at the time.”

Bill Nielsen, MEC’s Energy Services Supervisor, started at Mohave Electric in 1984 as a staking technician before moving up to a Planning Technician. After

a short hiatus from working for MEC, Bill returned as a Planning Coordinator and later became the first Certified Key Accounts Executive at Mohave Electric.

Now, with the help of Energy Management Specialist Steve Bouman, Bill is responsible for planning and implementation of MEC’s Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Programs, as well as Arizona Corporation Commission compliance with each.

When asked what has changed the most in his time at Mohave Electric, Bill said “Technology has changed. What I appreciate the most, is what hasn’t changed… the cooperative difference. Everything we do is for the well-being of our members.

You may not see it early on, but over the years, you see that it is the right way to do business.”

In our 100th year, MEC will look back to November 9, 2021, in wonder. Times will always create change, but the cooperative model stands strong. Computers will get faster and old equipment will become obsolete, but our employees will weather the storms of time. Because in 25 years when we open our time capsule, it is the people that we will remember. Mohave Electric Cooperative cheers to the future, but we will always cherish the past. n NOVEMBER 2021

5

PLUGGED IN

How Power Is Restored When the power goes out, we expect it to be restored within a few hours. But when a major storm or natural disaster causes widespread damage, extended outages may result. Line crews work long, hard hours to restore service safely to the greatest number of consumers in the shortest time possible.

1

2

High-Voltage Transmission Lines

Transmission towers and cables that supply power to transmission substations––and thousands of members––rarely fail. But when damaged, these facilities must be repaired before other parts of the system can operate.

AD

Distribution Substation

A substation can serve hundreds or thousands of consumers. When a major outage occurs, line crews inspect substations to determine if problems stem from transmission lines feeding into the substation, the substation itself or if problems exist farther down the line.

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N O V E M B E R 2021

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Main Distribution Lines

If the problem cannot be isolated at a distribution substation, distribution lines are checked. These lines carry power to large groups of consumers in communities or housing developments.

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Tap Lines

If local outages persist, supply lines––also known as tap lines––are inspected.

These lines deliver power to transformers––either mounted on poles or placed on pads for underground service––outside businesses, schools and homes.

NOVEMBER 2021

7

MOHAVE ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE

PHOTOS BY MICHAEL LUNA PHOTOGRAPHY

Mohave Electric Cooperative Celebrated Its 75th Annual Meeting Mohave Electric Cooperative (MEC) celebrated 75 years at the annual meeting on September 16, 2021. The annual meeting moved to Anderson Auto Group Fieldhouse for the first time with great success. MEC members entered the building and made their way down to the fieldhouse floor after registering and receiving their free meals. Members in attendance received complimentary gift bags filled with an assortment of goodies that ranged from beach towels and light bulbs, to portable chargers.

Members were entered into a drawing for prizes such as power credits and gift cards. Prior to the start of the business portion of the meeting, members visited informational booths provided by AZG&T Cooperatives, Asplundh Tree Expert Company, TWN Communications, and Mohave Electric.

MEC CEO Tyler Carlson gave a presentation to members and guests describing both past stories of success and current MEC achievements. The nine, member-elected directors that comprise Mohave Electric Cooperative’s Board of Directors 8

N O V E M B E R 2021

were in attendance along with CEO Colin Wood of TWN Communications, Grand Canyon State Electric Cooperative Association (GSECA) CEO Dave Lock, and Arizona Generation and Transmission Cooperatives (AZG&T) CEO Patrick Ledger.

“A cooperative is about people and the spirit of working together to accomplish a goal. MEC has come full circle from providing electricity to starting a fiber optic network in our 75th anniversary year. Our story is putting members’ needs first and not only meeting the needs of today, but the future,” stated MEC CEO Tyler Carlson.

Carlson addressed the capacity scarcity that Texas faced last winter when thousands of consumers in Texas had no power. He spoke about transmission policy changes in California affecting the energy market in the western states including Arizona. Carlson also discussed the lowered Purchased Power Adjustor (PPA) which Continues on page 25

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UP CLOSE

Surviving in the

Clay Hayes reflects on his experience on TV series ‘Alone’

By Victoria Hampton As the biting cold along a remote Canadian lake gnawed at the outside of his shelter, Clay Hayes’ thoughts drifted home. Down 40 pounds, Clay’s body was struggling through the early stages of starvation.

Curled up in his sleeping bag, listening to the howling wind and the grumbling of his belly, Clay stared at a photo of his wife, Liz, and their two boys, Coye, 12, and Fen, 9.

A primitive bow maker, author and hunter from Kendrick, Idaho, Clay was one of 10 competitors on season 8 of History Channel’s survival series “Alone,” which was filmed last fall.

Compared to his competitors, Clay was succeeding. He built a shelter with a firepit that protected him from the elements. He foraged for berries and mushrooms, caught fish and hares, and was the only competitor to kill a mule deer buck with his bow and arrow.

But with these victories came losses. On top of losing 20% of his body weight, Clay 10

N O V E M B E R 2021

Clay Hayes won $500,000 by winning the History Channel’s show, “Alone.” He is an expert bow maker.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE HISTORY CHANNEL

spent months battling the relentless mental and physical struggles of surviving alone in the wilderness, thousands of

miles from his family.

“I kept reminding myself that as bad as I missed them, this whole thing was temporary,”

Clay says. “My wife could handle everything. I kept reminding myself that whenever it ended, they would be there.”

Not knowing when the end was near became its own game.

Growing up on a horse ranch in Milton, Florida, Clay had a calling for the outdoors from a young age.

“You know, I think that a lot of us are born with different types of affinities,” Clay says.

“Like my dad. He’s drawn to horses. He has always been drawn to horses and made his living as a horse trainer. My draw has always been to the woods.”

Competitors on “Alone” are more than everyday outdoor enthusiasts. They are survivalists who have learned how to thrive off the land.

Their skills are tested as they are taken to undisclosed locations to survive as long as they can in isolation.

Each competitor is equipped with 10 survival tools. Clay’s backpack contained a sleeping bag, pot, ax, saw, multitool, bow and arrows, paracord, fishing line and hooks, snare wire and ferro rods.

Competitors self-document their experiences on multiple cameras, capturing moments that take the audience into the day-to-day struggles and triumphs of each participant.

Even the smallest missteps can spell game over. An accidental cut on the hand, a twisted ankle, empty fish nets and animal snares, or running out of dry firewood in wet weather can lead a participant to tap out and call for help using an emergency GPS. That call for help eliminates them from the competition.

They also are eliminated if deemed physically or mentally unsound during weekly

Thinking of his family—wife, Liz, and his boys Fen, left, and Coye— helped sustain Clay as he competed on “Alone.” PHOTO COURTESY OF CLAY HAYES

medical tests and interviews.

The survivalist who endures the isolation, harsh weather, and hunting and foraging the longest wins $500,000.

“Most of the reality shows out there are fabricated,” Clay says, insisting “Alone” is different. “The first episode I ever saw I said, ‘If I was going to be a on a reality show, it would be that one.’ It is the ultimate test to be dropped off somewhere and have to use the skills you developed.”

For 21/2 months, Clay survived on the shore of Chilko Lake, British Columbia.

The remote wilderness has one of the densest grizzly bear populations in the world.

Clay encountered a grizzly, a mountain lion and a crafty fisher that stole his snared hares.

“I’ve spent a lot of time in the mountains and in the backcountry by myself, but never anything like that,” Clay says. “Total isolation from my family for that long is something that I have never experienced before.”

Clay met his wife, Liz, when they were 17 years old.

After Clay earned a master’s

degree in wildlife ecology from Mississippi State University, the couple moved to Idaho, where Clay worked for Idaho Fish and Game.

In 2009, Clay started making YouTube videos about traditional archery, bow building, hunting, and survival and outdoor skills. The couple moved to Kendrick in 2010, where Clay continued his career as a wildlife biologist and grew his bowyer side business.

That became his full-time job in 2017. Clay teaches bowbuilding classes, produces YouTube videos, manages his online store and has written two bowhunting books.

Clay and his family live off the land. Most of their food comes from hunting, fishing, foraging and the large garden on their homestead.

As one who has dedicated his life to the outdoors, Clay had the ideal skill set to compete on “Alone.” What he couldn’t prepare for, though, was the mental struggle that came with being away from his family for so long. Yet in the end, that was what kept him going.

His darkest day didn’t come

in the dead of night or facing down a grizzly. It happened somewhere between 50 to 60 days alone. The weather was cold and harsh. The nights were long, and the days began to blur together. Clay didn’t have much to eat and was beginning to starve.

“I stayed in my shelter all day and I thought to myself that next morning my two sons were going to see this on national television,” Clay says. “This was not the example I was going to set for them. I wasn’t going to do that anymore. I made the decision to view it as something I wasn’t going to suffer through but use as an experience.”

Clay outlasted his competitors, spending 74 days in the remote wilderness to win season 8.

When Clay got home, he says everything fell right back into place. Five days after returning, he was back out in the mountains with his family.

“The whitetail (deer) hunt was still open,” he says. “We packed up the truck and caught the last few days of the season in Idaho.”

After experiencing an outdoor survival challenge like no other, Clay says he learned an important lesson.

“I knew my family was the most important thing in my life, but this experience really puts it front and center,” Clay says. n Follow Clay Hayes at www. youtube.com/ibprimitive and on Facebook and Instagram @clayhayeshunter.

NOVEMBER 2021

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By Leanna Thesken

At the Pahrump, Nevada, powwow, you can hear the beat within you. Listen to the call of the singers, and watch dancers honor their ancestors. Let the music move you into stories told through the sound of the drums, known as the universal heartbeat of the nation.

Native American music and dance date back thousands of years. Those traditions continue as tribes and the general public join together to celebrate life.

The Pahrump Social Powwow—and others like it— keep Native American customs alive by sharing the artistry and traditions with the next generation and the broader population.

Zia Pueblo and Chickasaw Native American dancer Chris Hixenbaugh has been dancing since he was 5 years old. He continues to dance, including at the Pahrump Powwow.

His love and appreciation for his Native American heritage are clear.

“I just love going to powwows,” Chris says, struggling for the words to describe his favorite part about the Pahrump Powwow. “I love dancing, making new friends, and seeing my old friends and family there.”

That strong connection between family and friends is exhibited in music and the shared experience of powwows.

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Native American beliefs are rooted in all things living and spiritual. Life and death are viewed as an inevitable circle.

Powwow ceremonies celebrate this circle with tribal drums, dancing, traditional healing rituals and chanting.

The success of the Pahrump Powwow requires months of hard work and preparation.

From organizing the event to practicing dances and crafting regalia, everyone strives to make it a moving and unforgettable experience.

Organizer Paula Elefante anticipates 500 to 750 people will attend the November 2021 event, which unites Native American tribes for a threeday celebration filled with drummers, dancers, musicians, food and craftsmen.

Native Americans and nonnatives alike gather for cultural festivities that uplift, embrace and educate others in the culture.

An integral part of powwows is the deep, roaring beat of tribal drums.

The instruments serve as a way for Native American

The Heart of Community

Young and old dance in colorful regalia during a previous powwow in Pahrump, Nevada. PHOTO BY ALEXANDRA CROW/VISITPAHRUMP.COM

NOVEMBER 2021

13

Powwows Near You

people to connect with the spiritual world and with their people. They call upon people to dance, sing and celebrate.

Aztec dancer Aldofo Arteaga says the powerful tribal drums connect everyone through the beats that are not only heard but felt.

Tribes believe the sound compares to a human’s heartbeat and ultimately signifies the heartbeat of Mother Earth. Whether dancing, singing or listening, the sounds and rhythms ground everyone to the heartbeat of Mother Earth.

“The drums move everything,” Aldofo says.

“That’s when the magic starts, and everyone becomes part of the whole.”

As the sound and feel of the drums beat, Aldofo says he feels transported into ancient times.

“It’s like a portal,” he says.

With the pounding drums at the Pahrump Powwow, each tribe gathers for its own tribal dances in addition to an intertribal dance. Styles 14

N O V E M B E R 2021

include men’s chicken, grass, fancy, traditional and straight dances and women’s buckskin, cloth, jingle and fancy shawl dances.

At the core, powwows are a celebration of life— of heart and soul.

Chris knows firsthand the power of participating in traditional dance. He credits dance with helping him turn his life around.

In 1999, Chris lost his house and all his handmade regalia in a fire.

“From there, I basically turned my life upside down,” he says. “Instead of moving forward, I moved backward. I started partying, drinking and doing drugs.”

The downward spiral lasted 16 years. Then, the spark within him was reignited through his passion for dancing.

As Chris resumed dancing, he was overcome with emotion.

“When I first stepped back into the arena during grand entry, I had chills—the good kind of chills,” he says.

The dance community embraced Chris. His friends and family celebrated his homecoming and encouraged him, welcoming him back to the powwow.

Alaska: Native Arts, Culture, and Languages Celebration, every other June, Juneau Arizona: Avi Kwa Ame Powwow, January, Fort Mojave Reservation Page High Unity Powwow, April, Page Flagstaff Healing and Wellness Powwow, April, Flagstaff Tucson Indian Center Social Powwow, August, Tucson AISES Powwow, September, Phoenix Prescott Powwow, September, Prescott Navajo Nation Fair and Powwow, September, Window Rock Orme Dam Victory Days Powwow Intertribal Powwow, Fort McDowell California: Yuba-Sutter Winter Powwow, February, Marysville SIR Powwow, May, Susanville Yuba-Sutter Summer Powwow, May or June, Yuba City Sacramento Contest Powwow, August, Sacramento Morongo Thunder and Lightning Pow Wow, September, Cabazon Redding Rancheria Stillwater Powwow, September, Anderson Suscol Intertribal Powwow, October, Napa Central Valley New Year’s Eve Red Road Powwow, December, Fresno Idaho: Chief Joseph and Warriors Memorial Powwow, June, Lapwai Shoshone-Bannock Festival, August, Fort Hall He says that is the point where he made a decision to change his ways.

“I didn’t look at my past, I looked toward the future,”

Montana: Little Shell Chippewa Powwow, August, Great Falls Native Wellness Center Annual Powwow, September, Butte Nevada: Avi Kwa Ame Powwow, January, Laughlin Ely Shoshone Tribe Powwow, July, Ely Numaga Indian Days Powwow, September, Sparks Elko Band Powwow, October, Elko Pahrump Social Powwow, November, Pahrump NYE Sobriety Social Powwow, December, Reno Oregon: WACIPI Powwow, January, Portland Lane Community College Powwow, April, Eugene Multicultural Student Union Powwow, April, Monmouth Wildhorse Annual Powwow, July, Pendleton South Umpqua Falls Traditional Intertribal Powwow, July, Umpqua National Forest Washington: Starry Nights Round Dance and Mini-Powwow, January, Toppenish Suquamish Renewal Powwow, April, Suquamish Arrow Lakes Memorial Powwow, May, Inchelium Indian Encampment and Powwow, August, Omak Muckleshoot Powwow, August, Auburn Celebration of Generations Contest Powwow, August, Darrington See powwows.com for more information and events.

Chris says. “It’s like I had never left. When you’ve been dancing since you were 5, there’s no way you can stop dancing.”

Powwows are an important

10 Etiquette Tips

ABOVE: Musicians set the beat at a powwow in Napa, California. PHOTO COURTESY OF SUSCOL INTERTRIBAL COUNCIL OPPOSITE PAGE: Each part of a dancer’s regalia represents something personal. PHOTO BY ALEXANDRA CROW/VISITPAHRUMP.COM

expression of Native Americans’ identity. They are sacred social gatherings that honor culture.

For Chris, that sacredness is a way of life.

“When we’re out there in that arena, that circle is our church,” Chris says. “We’re not only there dancing, we’re also there to heal people. Every step and dance that we do out there in the arena is a prayer we’re sending out. That’s our church that we do our praying at.”

Aldofo describes the arena as a symbol of energy generated through the power of everyone there.

Jicarilla Apache Native

American dancer Candice Hixenbaugh also has been dancing since a young age.

“When I dance, I pray,” she says. “I dance for those who can’t dance, those who came before us and those to come after us.”

For Candice, powwows play a key role in preserving history and passing traditions on to future generations.

“It’s important to pass down our traditions and culture to our children so that they can teach their children and so on and so forth,” Candice says.

She hopes each powwow visitor and participant will

become more educated about Native American culture.

“By dancing, it shows everyone that our culture is still out there, and we have not gone anywhere,” Chris adds.

Aldofo values the rich culture of powwows and honors his ancestors by upholding their traditions.

“I’m here on Earth to pass these traditions down,” he says. “That’s why we’re here.

That’s why we’re passing it on.

That’s why we do powwows.

We bring people together through ceremony.

“We do this for the love of humanity.” n

Customs, rules and regulations vary from one celebration to another. Be respectful of the uniqueness of each event.

X Dress modestly. Avoid wearing swimsuits, short clothing, and shirts with inappropriate or questionable slogans.

X Always listen to the master of ceremonies or announcers.

X Stand during opening ceremonies. Standing is a sign of respect for the dancers as they enter.

X Do not sit in seats nearest to the dancing circle. These are reserved for singers, dancers and drummers.

X Respect your elders. When possible, give up your seat to an elder or let them move ahead of you in line.

X Some songs require you know the routine to participate. If you are not familiar with a particular dance, observe and learn.

X Do not point fingers.

X Never cross the arena floor.

Stay on the perimeter.

X Absolutely no drugs or alcohol are permitted.

X Do not refer to the dancer’s attire as a “costume.” It is their regalia. Regalia is handmade and takes months to make.

X At certain times, the audience will be asked to not take photos. These include during veterans songs, flag songs, prayers or any time announced by the master of ceremonies.

X When in doubt, ask about the appropriateness of taking photos. Ask a dancer for permission before taking an individual picture.

ABOUT THE SERIES: Pioneer Utility Resources, publisher of this magazine, is shining a light on rural arts, hoping to tell a comeback story.

The Heart of Community receives support from the M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust.

NOVEMBER 2021

15

IN THE KITCHEN

OH MY

Gourds!

Roasted Butternut Squash and Kale Pasta 1 tablespoon olive oil 8 ounces thick-cut bacon, diced into 1/2-inch pieces 1 large butternut squash, diced into 1/2inch pieces 1 bunch kale, cut into 1-inch pieces 1 clove garlic, minced

Recipes by Gertrude Treadaway PHOTO BY KATIE WILCOX

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N O V E M B E R 2021

1 pound cavatappi pasta Freshly grated Pecorino Romano cheese Salt Pepper Red pepper flakes 1/2 stick butter

Heat oven to 400 F. Toss bacon and squash on a sheet pan. Drizzle with olive oil. Roast for 30 minutes.

Remove the pan from the oven. Stir in kale and garlic. Roast for another 5 minutes.

Meanwhile, bring a pot of generously salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the box’s instructions to al dente. Drain and return to the pot. Tip the contents of the sheet pan into the pasta pot. Toss with butter and a generous amount of Pecorino Romano cheese. Add salt, pepper and red pepper flakes to taste.

Toasted Pumpkin Seeds

Seeds from 1 large 2 tablespoons olive oil pumpkin, cleaned, rinsed Salt and dried Freshly ground black pepper

Heat oven to 400 F. Scatter pumpkin seeds onto a sheet pan in a single layer.

Drizzle with olive oil. Sprinkle with salt and pepper, and toss to coat. Bake for about 15 minutes, until seeds are light brown and crispy.

Pumpkin Soup

2 cans pumpkin puree 1 onion, sliced 2 garlic cloves, peeled and whole 4 cups chicken broth

Salt and pepper ½ cup heavy cream, plus extra for drizzling Fresh parsley Crusty bread

Place the pumpkin, onion, garlic and broth in a pot. Bring to a boil, uncovered. Reduce heat and let simmer about 10 minutes.

Remove pot from heat. Use a stick blender to blend the soup until smooth. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Stir in heavy cream.

Ladle soup into bowls. Drizzle a bit of cream on top.

Sprinkle with pepper and parsley, and serve with crusty bread.

Squash Casserole

1 tablespoon olive oil 6 to 8 yellow squash, sliced 1 large onion, thinly sliced 1 tablespoon butter 1/2 cup sour cream 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 cup shredded extra-sharp cheddar cheese Salt Pepper 1 sleeve buttery crackers, crushed

Heat oven to 350 F. Grease a 2-quart casserole dish.

Heat the oil and butter in a large skillet over mediumhigh heat. Sauté the squash and onion until soft. Remove from heat. Stir in sour cream, Parmesan and cheddar. Add salt and pepper to taste.

Scoop mixture into the prepared casserole dish. Sprinkle cracker crumbs evenly over the top. Bake for 20 minutes or until the top is golden and bubbly.

Twice-Baked Spaghetti Squash 2 spaghetti squash 1 cup pasta sauce 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, plus extra for topping

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning Fresh grated Parmesan cheese Salt Pepper

Heat oven to 375 F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

With a sharp knife, carefully cut spaghetti squash in half lengthwise. With a spoon, gently remove seeds and discard.

Place spaghetti squash cut-side down on baking sheet. Bake for 45 minutes or until a fork can pierce the shell easily.

Remove squash from oven and cool slightly. With a fork, loosen and separate spaghetti squash strands from shell.

Reserve shells.

Place strands in a bowl. Mix strands with pasta sauce, mozzarella, Italian seasoning, salt and pepper. Spoon mixture back into empty shells. Top with a little mozzarella, and sprinkle with Parmesan.

Bake for 10 minutes, or until cheese is bubbly and slightly browned. Spoon and serve directly from shell.

Zucchini Burrito Boats 3 large zucchini 1 cup cooked brown rice 15-ounce can black beans, drained 1/2 cup corn kernels 2 cloves garlic, minced 1/2 jalapeno, deseeded and chopped

1/2 onion, diced 1 tablespoon olive oil 1 tablespoon taco seasoning 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, finely chopped 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Heat oven to 400 F. Line a casserole dish with aluminum foil.

Slice each zucchini in half lengthwise. Using a spoon or melon baller, hollow out the center of each zucchini. Place zucchini skin-side down in the casserole dish.

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the garlic, jalapeno and onion. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes or until soft.

Add rice, corn, beans and taco seasoning. Cook for another 2 to 3 minutes. Turn off heat, and mix in cilantro.

Spoon the filling inside each zucchini. Sprinkle with cheese. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes.

NOVEMBER 2021

17

READER EXCHANGE

Books/Magazines Looking for a copy of a book my late mother gave to me. I loaned it to a friend, who left it on an airplane. The title is “Long Winter’s Ride.” The author may have been Tom Laverine. In brief, it is a story about a winter in Utah and two cowhands eluding bounty hunters. There is a memo in the book about transcripts from Utah Archives.

Rex Davis 62326 Starr Lane La Grande, OR 97850 rex-maynard @live.com

My husband and I have created a free online travel magazine that we would like to share with everyone. Please visit www.

HippieDayTripper.com to enjoy our stories and photos of the Pacific Northwest.

Su Stella 48464 Vine Street Oakridge, OR 97463

Crafts/Hobbies I am looking for greeting cards to make bowls out of. I make these bowls to give away and make people smile. When I go to the doctor and hospital I always take some to give away. New or used work fine for me. If anyone has any cards they don’t need or know what to do with, please mail them to me. Thank you.

Millie Shelton 85460 Christmas Valley Hwy Silverlake, OR 97638

I would like embroidery patterns for pillowcases and tea towels. I’ll pay your postage and a small fee if requested. Thank you.

Connie D Remsen 64575 Sylvan Loop Bend, OR 97701 diann47@msn.com

Milestones My mother will be 100 in November. She gets great pleasure from receiving mail, and even drives her ATV to the top of her hill to get the mail every day. It would be so special for her to receive cards to 18

N O V E M B E R 2021

celebrate her birthday milestone. Please send cards to Cressie Dunham, 66 Old Point Whitney Road, Brinnon, WA 98320 Patrick and Nancy Dunham Redmond, Oregon

My mom turns 82 in November. Each month, she looks forward to the latest Ruralite Reader Exchange and the opportunity to send birthday cards to the requests in milestones. It would be wonderful if you could brighten her day with birthday wishes this year. Thanking you very much for sending cards to, Ilse Pettey, 3410 8th Drive, Baker City, OR 97814.

Stephanie Pettey Hermiston, Oregon

My wife, Tina, will turn 60 in November.

She has always enjoyed sending cards to all posted requests—a lot of them she hand makes. It would be a wonderful surprise for her to receive birthday cards for the big 60 from you kind folks. Thanks you. Please send to Tina Crispin, 231 Moser Avenue #3B, Bullhead City, AZ 86429.

M.C. Bullhead City, Arizona

Odds I have many VHS videos on Bible stories.

I would like to give them to anyone who would like them.

Joyce Lee 843 Chenowith Loop The Dalles, OR 97058

I’ve collected the undamaged fronts of greeting cards for years. I used to send them to an organization in Montana that used them to make new cards to raise money for disadvantaged youth groups.

I have moved and no longer have their contact information. If anyone is aware of this or any other organization that can put these card fronts to use, I will ship them at my expense. You may contact me via email or the USPS. Marcia Brissenden 4911 S. Westmoor Road Holladay, UT 84117 mbrissen@yahoo.com

Thanks I would like to thank all the generous people who have donated yarn for my project. Your kindness, warm words and thoughtfulness are greatly appreciated.

Every little skein of yarn will go a long way.

A special thank you to Julia W. You are truly amazing.

L. Hargett Harrisburg, Oregon

Submitting Requests Is Free 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. 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 first-come, first-served basis and as space allows. We cannot honor every request.

Please affirm you have authorization from all appropriate parties before submitting. By submitting, you indemnify Reader Exchange, Pioneer Utility Resources, Inc., its officers, directors, employees, utility clients and insurers from all legal liability incurred by the publication of information.

We no longer accept pen pal requests. You may submit a pen pal request as a Marketplace ad.

Marketplace pricing applies.

When submitting a milestone request, send 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.

Make your home more comfortable than ever

Your upgrade from couch to first class has been approved.

Whether you want to sleep, read or watch TV the perfect sleep chair is . . . Just perfect NOW

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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.

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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. Call now!

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Because each Perfect Sleep Chair is a made-to-order bedding product it cannot be returned, but if it arrives damaged or defective, at our option we will repair it or replace it. © 2021 Journey Health and Lifestyle

46571

Footrest may vary by model

ADVENTURE AWAITS

Get into the winter spirit in

Leavenworth

You Can See Clearly Now ADOBE STOCK PHOTO BY MYK CRAWFORD

What Is It? Walk through a winter wonderland in Central Washington by visiting Leavenworth, a town replicating villages in the German Alps.

20

N O V E M B E R 2021

In the 1960s, Leavenworth— a former logging town—decided to focus on tourism. The downtown area was rebuilt to look like Oberammergau, Germany, hosting Bavarian-style festivals, including Maifest, Oktoberfest and Christmas celebrations.

Take a Train

What To Do Leavenworth is home to many restaurants and breweries serving pretzels, sausage, sauerkraut as well as non-German foods. Visit the Leavenworth Nutcracker Museum which has more than 7,000 nutcrackers from around the world, with some dating back to Roman times.

Holiday Fun Leavenworth goes all-in on holiday celebrations.

In the winter, the city glows as trees and buildings are fully decorated with strings of lights. In November, Leavenworth opens Christkindlmarkt, an outdoor market with food and entertainment.

Leavenworth averages more than 95 inches of snowfall annually. The town is largely walkable, so rather than fret over the drive, take the train into Leavenworth and enjoy the scenery.

Amtrak trains arrive daily at Leavenworth’s Icicle Station, heading westward toward Seattle or east toward Chicago.

More Info For updated event information and local health ordinances, visit leavenworth. org or call 509548-5807.

A

d a e h

e v r u C e h t f o

Not shown actual size.

Limited Collector’s Edition

Damascus steel forged to throw them for a curve at only $79

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What customers are saying about Stauer knives...

or centuries, a Damascus steel blade was instantly recognizable and commanded immediate respect.

Recognizable because the unique and mysterious smelting process left a one-of-a-kind, rippled texture on the steel, and respected because Damascus steel’s sharp edge and resistance to shattering were the stuff of legend. If you carried Damascus steel, you were ahead of the curve.

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 “Very hefty, well-built knife and sheath. Extremely goodlooking and utilitarian.”

— R., Lacey, Washington Damascus Curva Knife, you’ll be ready to throw a curve of your own.

Limited Reserves. Damascus steel blades are a lost art form that only a handful of artisan bladesmiths have mastered. These legendary blades take time to forge and only a few are crafted each month. Don’t let this beauty slip through your fingers. Call today!

BONUS! Call today and you’ll also receive this genuine leather sheath!

The Damascus Curva Knife celebrates those legendary blades.

It uses modern Damascus steel, with the same rippled texture pattern on the blade, to create a curved folding knife that’s 6 ¾" in total length. With a liner lock mechanism, which allows the knife to be opened and closed using just one hand, and a ergonomic handle made of buffalo horn and colored bone, this $79 knife is a trophy for any hunter or collector.

Your satisfaction is 100% guaranteed. Feel the knife in your hands, wear it on your hip, inspect the impeccable craftsmanship of Damascus steel. 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. But we believe that once you hold the

“The most common aspects of Damascus steel knives that enthusiasts consider ideal are the aesthetics and high performance.” –– Knife Informer

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THE GREAT PICTURE HUNT

As someone who loves baseball, I am moved by this photograph of an old mitt. I wondered about the mitt’s history. When I learned its story from the owner, “Field of Dreams” actor Dwier Brown, above, my connection to the image became even stronger.

PHOTOS BY DAVE LABELLE

NIKON D800, 32mm lens ISO 400, f/5 at 1/100

Stories That Connect Us

Above is a vintage baseball glove, likely from the 1930s. I imagine it has seen many games of catch through the decades— maybe even a World Series game.

Sitting alone on a dark wooden table, the aged leather and loose fingers carry a nostalgic beauty of a glorious baseball era.

But a closer look reveals a deeper story— one that elevates our connection to the image when we know more about it.

Purchased by his father after borrowing $5 from his grandfather—which his father paid back—this is the glove Dwier Brown grew up sharing with his brother more than a half-century ago. It is the same mitt his father used to play catch with Dwier and his brother on their Ohio farm.

Dwier, now 62, played John Kinsella in the 1989 movie, “Field of Dreams.” After he landed the role, Dwier stopped by his parents’ house in Ohio on his way to Iowa and retrieved the mitt.

Tragically, his dad died during his visit.

Dwier went from his father’s funeral to

the movie set, ironically playing a father who returns from the dead to play catch with his son.

Although Dwier didn’t use the glove in the making of the movie—Kinsella was a catcher, so he had to use a vintage mitt that didn’t bend—having the glove with him maintained his connection to his father.

Dwier—who wrote, “If You Build It ...” in 2014—continues traveling the world speaking and spreading goodwill.

To this day, Dwier carries his childhood glove with him everywhere, using it to play catch with fans around the globe during his regular visits to Field of Dreams—the movie set baseball field that was turned into a pop-culture tourist attraction in Dubuque County, Iowa, near Dyersville.

Sometimes knowing the backstory of an item changes the way we feel about it. For me, the story transforms the photograph from a piece of art to a vessel carrying rich memories that connect us to the photograph. n

Internationally renowned photographer, author and lecturer Dave LaBelle has captured special moments for more than half a century. He has shared photo tips and life perspectives with readers since 2009. For more of his writings, visit www.greatpicturehunt.com and bridgesandangels.wordpress.com.

Reader Challenge

Writing prompts—choosing an item and making up a story about it—is a popular exercise in many writing circles. However, I challenge you to choose an item—a family heirloom, an old bell in front of a downtown store, a statue—and do your research, then write a nonfiction story that brings this forgotten piece of history to life, connecting us in a way that forever changes the way we see the item.

Email your best image (just one, please) with caption information, including an explanation of how it affects you to GPH@pur.coop. We may share the best submissions on our website and social media channels.

Grab Your Piece of America’s Silver Legacy 99.9% Fine Silver Bars

Actual size is 30.6 x 50.4 mm

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ot only are these hefty bars one full Troy ounce of real, .999 precious silver, they’re also beautiful, featuring the crisp image of a Morgan Silver Dollar struck onto the surface. That collectible image adds interest and makes these Silver Bars even more desirable.

Minted in the U.S.A. from shimmering American silver, these one-ounce 99.9% fine silver bars are a great alternative to one-ounce silver coins or rounds. Plus, they offer great savings compared to other bullion options like one-ounce sovereign silver coins. Take advantage of our special offer for new customers only and save $5.00 off our regular prices.

Morgan Silver Dollars Are Among the Most Iconic Coins in U.S. History

What makes them iconic? The Morgan Silver Dollar is the legendary coin that built the Wild West. It exemplifies the American spirit like few other coins, and was created using silver mined from the famous Comstock Lode in Nevada. In fact, when travelers approached the mountains around the boomtown of Virginia City, Nevada in the 1850s, they were startled to see the hills shining in the sunlight like a mirror. A mirage caused by weary eyes?

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No, rather the effect came from tiny flecks of silver glinting in the sun.

A Special Way for You to Stock Up on Precious Silver

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You’ll enjoy owning these Silver Bars.

They’re tangible. They feel good when you hold them, You’ll relish the design and thinking about all it represents.

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GovMint.com • 14101 Southcross Dr. W., Suite 175, Dept. MSB161-01, Burnsville, Minnesota 55337 GovMint.com® is a retail distributor of coin and currency issues and is not affiliated with the U.S. government. The collectible coin market is unregulated, highly speculative and involves risk.

GovMint.com reserves the right to decline to consummate any sale, within its discretion, including due to pricing errors. Prices, facts, figures and populations deemed accurate as of the date of publication but may change significantly over time. All purchases are expressly conditioned upon your acceptance of GovMint.com’s Terms and Conditions (www.govmint.com/terms-conditions or call 1-800-721-0320); to decline, return your purchase pursuant to GovMint.com’s Return Policy. © 2021 GovMint.com. All rights reserved.

Famous Volcano Has Strange Effect On Women

This 4-carat stunner was created from the aftermath of Mount St. Helens eruption!

Man and nature collaborate to create a glamorous green ring guaranteed to rock her world! Own it today for ONLY $99 plus FREE studs with ring purchase! n May 18, 1980, Mount St. Helens The classic pairing of colors in a vintageerupted, sending a column of ash and inspired setting makes for a statement ring O smoke 80,000 feet into the atmosphere. that’s simply impossible to ignore!

From that chaos, something beautiful emerged—our spectacular Spirit Lake Helenite Ring.

Created from the superheated volcanic rock dust of the historic Mount St. Helens eruption, helenite has become EXCLUSIVE the green stone of choice for jewelry and fashion designers Helenite Studs worldwide. Helenite’s color and im-a $129 value- vivid with purchase of maculate clarity rivals mined emeralds that Spirit Lake Ring can sell for as much as $3,000 per carat.

Today you can wear this 4-carat stunner for only $99!

Our exclusive design highlights the visually stunning stone with a concave cut set in .925 sterling silver loaded with brilliant white, lab-created DiamondAura®.

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Beauty from the beast. Also known as “America’s Emerald,” helenite is not an emerald at all, but a brighter and clearer green stone that gem cutters can facet into spectacular large carat weight jewelry. “It’s just recently that What our clients are saying about Stauer Helenite jewelry: “My wife received more compliments on this stone on the first day she wore it luxury jewelers have fallen in love than any other piece of jewelry I’ve ever given her.” with helenite,” says James Fent, GIA – J. from Orlando, FL, Stauer Client Graduate Gemologist. “Clear green Rating of A+ color in a stone this size is rarely found in emeralds but helenite has come to Spirit Lake Helenite Ring the rescue.”

Total value with FREE studs $478* Your satisfaction is 100% guaranteed.

Now, Offer Code Price Only $99 + S&P Save $379!

Bring home the Spirit Lake Helenite Ring and see for yourself. If you are not completely blown away by the exceptional beauty of this rare American Your Insider Offer Code: SLR719-02 stone, simply return the ring within 30 You must use this insider offer code to get our special price. days for a full refund of your purchase Special price only for customers using the offer code versus the price on price. It’s that simple. But we’re betting *Stauer.com without your offer code. that once you slide this gorgeous green 14101 Southcross Drive W., Ste 155, beauty on your finger, it will take a force ® Dept. SLR719-02, Burnsville, Minnesota 55337 of nature to get you two apart! www.stauer.com

Holiday Recipes Perfect for gift-giving or as an addition to your own kitchen, just in Holiday Favorites time for the holiday season.

Delicious holiday recipes—everything from tried-andtrue family favorites passed down through generations to tempting new recipes to add flavor to the holidays. More than 300 wonderful recipes. The price is $8, which includes postage To order by mail, submit with proper payment, name, address and number of cookbooks wanted to Ruralite Cookbooks, P.O. Box 1306, North Plains, OR 97133.

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SHEEPSKIN SLIPPERS

MADE IN MONTANA from the finest American wool pelts, our slippers have been a Rocky Mountain Gift tradition for

Recipes Submitted by Readers for the November 2002 Contest

To pay with Visa, MasterCard, Discover card or American Express, call 503-3572105.

To order online, visit www.ruralite. com. Allow 2-3 weeks for delivery.

nearly fifty years. Now with an improved foot-hugging design and a durable outsole. Color: Acorn with brown tipped wool.

Full sizes only: Womens 5 thru 10: Mens 7 thru 13 (if you wear a half size we suggest the next size down) $79.50/pair. Also

available with sheepskin soles (indoor use only) $69.50/pair.

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VISIT OUR WEBSITE TO BROWSE OUR ADDITIONAL PRODUCTS!

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MOHAVE ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE

Annual Meeting Continued from page 8

dropped from -1.25 cents to -2.25 cents per kWh, effectively putting more money back in the members’ pockets each billing cycle.

“As a not-for-profit utility, MEC makes every effort to save its members money by negotiating the most reliable, yet affordable power prices possible. While the changing power market does not always provide an opportunity to save money for our members, when we are able to secure power cost savings, we make sure to pass those on to our members,” says Carlson.

Carlson’s presentation included information about Capital Credits, MEC’s commitment to community, and programs that help members such as Weatherization and the River Fund.

MEC employees Rojeana Wymbs, Fiber/Broadband Member Liaison, and Jerry Hardy, Manager of Engineering and Operations, informed members about the progress that MEC and TWN

are making to provide fiber to MEC’s service territory. Hardy highlighted the areas where connections will be available to members for TWN’s fiber broadband service while Wymbs emphasized the importance of pre-registering.

“There are already more than 100 members that have the option to sign up today and receive services from TWN, and through the end of 2021 you will continue to see a strong increase in the number of members ready for fiber connection,” stated Hardy. Now in November 2021, there are over 600 members able to connect.

Members in attendance at the 2021 MEC Annual Meeting voted to approve a proposed Bylaw amendment. MEC also hosted three district gatherings earlier in the week where members in attendance recommended incumbents John B. Nelssen of District 1, Kevin Nestrick of District 2, and Michael Bartelt of District 3 be formally seated at the October Board of Directors meeting. n

NOVEMBER 2021

25

MARKETPLACE Agriculture Reinforced custom-sized pond liners (35 cents/sqft). Hay covers, greenhouse covers, any width & length. Truck tarps & more.

High puncture & tear strength. Best price guaranteed. Celebrating 40 years in business. www.btlliners.com; 541-447-0712. 0522 Antiques and Collectibles Gem-quality rocks for sale by piece or lot.

Petrified wood, agates, crystals, thundereggs, picture rock, jasper & tumbled. Call Larry, 509521-5147. 1121.

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. 1121AR May my heartfelt tribute to America’s heroes, citizens and allies who saved my life during World War II, the Berlin Airlift and the post-war be an inspiration to you. “Divine Providence, Celebrating Humanity.” Author Erika Ursula Friedman. Available on Amazon and in bookstores. 1221 Building Supplies Oak hardwood flooring, 145 bundles 2 1/4“ wide oak shorts Bruce #2 common, 50+ years old, stored in dry area, Coquille, OR. $6,000 takes all. 907-347-1624. 1121 Business Opportunities Thriving custom-meat shop & mobile slaughter business serving NW Montana & N Idaho. Includes upgraded 3bdr, 1.5ba home, almost 2ac. Troy, MT. 406-295-4737; 406-2952510. lamax@frontiernet.net. 1121 It is only $19 to join our shopping club. Our patented vitamins help strengthen your immune system. I would love to meet you on

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Call or text 208-400-0013. 1121AR

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. 0222

Emergency Preparedness Build your safe space in this world: Harden your home, build an underground shelter & learn how to protect everything you love.

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Cessna 421, 1968 and 1969. Low time, well equipped, out of license. $50K & $60K. Yumaaircraftsupply@gmail.com. 1121

Free Items

Personals, Health

Church, government uniting, suppressing “religious liberty,” enforcing National Sunday Law. Be informed. Need mailing address only.

TBS, P.O. Box 374, Ellijay, GA 30540. 888-2111715; thebiblesaystruth@yahoo.com. 1221AR

Active senior widower would like to meet senior lady for possible LTR. 20yr Pahrump resident, 37yr Moose member, homeowner, loves dancing, including line dancing, enjoys karaoke, dominoes, eating out. Nonsmoker.

Have had 2 Pfizer vaccination shots. Dean, 775-253-0579.

Furniture, Appliances Magic Mill wheat stone grinder, 3/4 hp Leeson motor, electric & manual operation Model C6C17DB15A, always covered, clean stone. $249 obo. bksmith97754@gmail.com.

541-903-0763. 1121 Hobbies, Gifts, Games Personalized Santa letter packages handcrafted in North Pole, Alaska, for kids, teens, adults & pets. Choose from Alaska critters, books, ornaments or Northern Lights packages. Coupon code GV11 saves 10%. 907488-8118; www.SantasLettersAndGifts.com.

Home and Hearth New kitchen knife storage frees counter or drawer space. Our reviews tell it all.

Handcrafted by retired teachers in Oregon, USA. Visit Jbwoodturn.com. 1121

Widow, nonsmoker, outgoing, adventuresome.

Loves life, traveling & people. Looking for a male companion and my own home. Call 1-406-295-4833.

Pets, Supplies UKC-registered bluetick pups. Born August 9. 4 females, 3 males. Parents hunt mountain lion, bear, bobcat & raccoon. $500 each.

Located in NE Nevada. Contact Carl, 775-3970350. 1121 Stud service for mini Australian shepherd.

Photos available. Crescent Lake, Oregon. Liz Sanders, 360-901-1291. 1121 AKC-registered Airedales. Fort Sage Kennels, Patricia Sharp, P.O. Box 246, Doyle, CA 96109; 530- 827-2271. 0322

Miscellaneous

Real Estate

Local commercial fisherman sells summer catch gourmet canned tuna on internet September-June. 100% guaranteed the best canned tuna you ever tasted. 206-799-1082; twofisherstuna.com. 0122

Long Creek Lodge in rural Long Creek, OR. Hwy 395 N, Malheur National Forest.

Hunting, fishing, popular bicycling route. 6,000 sqft. 2-story ‘40s era as is, large lot. Long established. $485,000. By appt. 541-421-9212. lesliebarnett47@yahoo.com 1121

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 503-357-2105 or info@pur.coop.

Ads are for customers of member co-ops, PUDs and municipals only. Subscribers and nonmembers may inquire for pricing at 503-357-2105 or info@pur.coop.

Ads must be direct and in first person, and are subject to approval and editing.

Closing deadlines (in our office): January issue— November 30, 2021.

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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.

Call 503-357-2105 to pay by credit card.

As is: 16.155ac. 10mi paved south of Lewistown, Montana. Well, septic, electric, runners for manufactured home, 28’X40’ garage/shop, hills, trees, hayfield, stream running through. 907-479- 3356. 1121 Let me help you buy or sell ranch, farm & recreation property in Oregon. Fourthgeneration Oregonian, ranch owner. Historic bldg .66ac in Antelope, OR, $349,000. John Gill, 541-480-9161; johngill@landandwildlife.com.

Land And Wildlife brokerage. 1221 Get away from it all. Modern 3-bedroom house in Akhiok, Kodiak Island, AK. Wildlife, salmon, scenery. $45,000. Call or text 907-764-0244.

1221 For Sale. Historic Mineral County High School.

Superior, Montana. Building: 26,555 sf; acres: 1.515. Tenants in place. Great mixed-use potential. In a Montana Opportunity Zone.

National Register of Historic Places property. $695,000. MLS #: 21912651. Kathi Olson, BHHS Montana Properties. 406-544-7359; Kathi.

Olson@BHHSMT.com. 1121 15 off-grid acres. 3-5 contiguous acres facing 2 separate roads. Outstanding views of Mt. Blanca, one of Colorado’s 14,000’ peaks. 5mi to Ft. Garland, CO. Just awaiting your cute cabin. $72,500. 541-729-3198. 1221 If your property is near a river or lake, we will sell it for more. OregonRiverRealty.com.

Premiere Oregon Properties: 30yrs’ experience getting the best price for sellers and buyers.

4 sale: Old Mill Farm Store in business since 1853. $960k. 4 sale: 238ac 2.5mi Umpqua River frontage. Possible wetland mitigation property. $680k. 541-480-0212. James Wardrope Realty. OregonRiverRealty.com; office@RiverInnElkton.com. 1121AR 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.

1221 Wavecatcher: oceanfront, central Oregon Coast. Easy beach access. $140/night winter, $175/night summer +cleaning/tax; seventh night free. Two bedrooms w/double beds, sleeping loft w/double beds. Full kitchen/bath, linens. Pet friendly. COVID-cleaned between guests. 541-740-9953. Check availability, wavecatcherbeachrentals.com. 1121AR

Services J&R Lawn Services, located in White Salmon, WA, offers everything from concrete landscaping to home gardening. Specializing in concrete landscaping services all year long.

In winter we offer a 15% discount on concrete services. Call us for a free estimate at 509310-9176. 1121 Want to Buy Wanted, old Indian items: Navajo rugs and jewelry, pueblo pottery, beadwork & any other old Indian items. Collecting over 50 years. 303-888-2103, carnold21@gmail.com 1221 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. 0222 Wanted: 1967-1972 Buick Skylark, GS, Stage 1, GSX. Cars, parts or leads. Or any ’60s or ’70s vehicles. Email billybibbett@hotmail.com.

1121 Buy, sell, repair rock saws and everything lapidary. Buying old rock & gem books & catalogs. CigarBoxRock.com. 541-280-5574; cbr@bendnet.com. Bend, Oregon 97701. 1221 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. 0122 Gold, silver, coins/currency, buy, sell.

Collections wanted. Fair prices paid. 42yrs in retail store. Baker City, Oregon. 800-556-2133; garrymclin@aol.com. Will travel. 1022 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. 1221 Looking for used shoe shop equipment in Oregon, Washington or Idaho. Contact Gary at rxboxer@hotmail.com or call 541-786-2031.

1121 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.

1121

Comfort Foods

Order your copy of our newest cookbook, Comfort Foods. Our readersubmitted recipes—from pasta and casseroles to treats and desserts—are sure to warm your heart and soothe your soul. You can give this as a gift or add it to your collection for just $9, shipping included.

To order by mail, submit with proper payment, 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.com.

LIMITED QUANTITIES AVAILABLE!

Bend country cabin. Very clean & fully furnished cabin on private ranch. Close to recreation areas. Very nice. $95/night. 541382-3050; bendcountrycabins@gmail.com.

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NOVEMBER 2021

27

ARIZONA G&T COOPERATIVES

Sandra Gamez fills out a voter registration form at the National Voter Registration Day drive presented by Arizona G&T Cooperatives in Benson on Tuesday, September 28. PHOTO BY GEOFF OLDFATHER

Local Elections Offer Important Opportunity to Rural Voters Off-year elections give rural voters a chance to decide critical races

By Geoff Oldfather They are known as off-year elections, when voter turnout is traditionally lower and voters are less interested in the outcomes, even though the result of local races can be critical to rural residents.

Laura Vogel, senior adviser for political affairs for the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association, says rural voters can dominate these elections—and should.

“The saying ‘all politics is local’ rings even more true in an offelection year,” Laura says. “It’s these local elections that determine 28

N O V E M B E R 2021

the course of the communities in which we live—what gets attention and what doesn’t.

“It’s really a chance for rural citizens to shape the direction of the hometowns they love.”

Casey Ratlief, director of government relations and grassroots advocacy at Grand Canyon State Electric Cooperative Association, also says this year’s elections are critical.

He notes they are a good way to help decide some of the broader issues that will be contested in the 2024 general election, when voters will decide on everything, including president.

“Elections are becoming more and more competitive in Arizona, so it is critical that everyone—especially rural voters— participate in every election,” Casey says. “We’re a year away from the 2022 election, but it’s never too early to start learning about the issues and making a plan to vote.”

Arizona G&T Cooperatives—a strong advocate for rural voter participation and a supporter of the National Co-ops Vote and National Voter Registration Day campaigns—has been awarded NRECA’s five-star status several years in a row for its grassroots advocacy for getting out the rural vote.

This year, the G&T once again partnered with both NRECA’s Co-ops Vote program and the National Voter Registration Day program to promote voter participation with AzGT employees, member cooperatives and local communities.

Anyone can get started by going to the vote.coop home page to confirm voter registration status, or register to vote. The site also lists local, state, and federal incumbents for legislative and congressional districts and registered candidates.

The website provides links for absentee voting, election rules, the official Arizona elections page and detailed instructions on how to register for the permanent early voting list to ensure you receive a mail ballot for any election in which you are eligible to vote.

“Co-ops Vote is a vital program that provides our memberconsumers with the tools they need to ensure they are ready to vote in each and every election,” Laura says. “Since its inception in 2016, Co-ops Vote has helped drive more rural voters to the polls and is starting to turn the tide of voter turnout decline.”

After years of declining voter registration and voter participation in the nation’s rural areas, in the two most recent general elections, rural voters turned out in record numbers.

However, polls indicate interest is waning in rural areas and turnout may not be strong in coming elections.

Jorge Canaca, director of federal relations and regulatory services at GCSECA, says with so much at stake, there are more reasons than ever to vote, even in an off-year election.

“Critical legislation is in play involving infrastructure,” Jorge says, citing broadband funding and deployment for rural areas, voting rights, health care, regulatory policy, wildfire and water management issues. “All impact rural America and rural Arizona.

“This democratic republic depends on all of us participating in it, because voting equates to being counted and heard—a right many have fought and died for. If we don’t vote, others will dictate the future of rural Arizona.”

GCSECA CEO Dave Lock agrees.

“People who don’t think their vote matters are hugely mistaken,” Lock says. “It matters a lot. Voting is one of the most important privileges we enjoy as Americans. People need to exercise this important privilege every chance they get.”

Laura says it is up to everyone to do their part. She credits cooperatives for successful voter registration and get-out-the vote drives in Arizona.

“I’m so grateful for your ongoing support and excited about the work you’re doing to help register rural voters and get them to the polls,” says Laura.

“Please help us keep that momentum going.” n

A Program of America’s Electric Cooperatives

America’s Electric Cooperatives understand what’s important to our homes and our communities, and we understand registering to vote and voting in every election is vital to protecting our way of life. So is building relationships with elected officials, so they understand the unique issues we face.

America’s Electric Cooperatives serve 42 million members across the nation. Co-ops Vote is a nonpartisan campaign focused on enhancing the political strength of electric cooperatives through relationship building and voter engagement.

The main goal of the campaign is to boost voter turnout in cooperative areas, ensuring our members exercise one of their most basic rights—the right to vote.

Working in collaboration with states and local co-ops, this effort educates and engages candidates and voters on important issues like: X Expanding broadband coverage throughout rural America.

X Ensuring continued access to reliable electricity.

X Promoting the work of co-ops within the communities they serve.

For more information on Co-ops Vote, please visit vote.coop.

NOVEMBER 2021

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BEFORE YOU GO

The Big Question Cropping the question: Leave it to a fifthgeneration farmer, tapping a couple of modernday tools—a GPS for mapping and drone to check his work—to carve out a wedding proposal that surely could not be missed. But it almost was.

The backstory: Alex Lyle and Sabrina Osman met during their freshman year at Washington State University. She’s now a fourth grade teacher while he tends to the 120-year-old family farm in Lyle, Washington.

Their field of dreams: After gaining her parents’ blessing and satisfied with his handiwork in the field, earlier this year Alex got Sabrina in a helicopter in a ruse about surveying the family farm. Once hovering above, Alex was ready to pop the question, but had trouble getting Sabrina’s attention. He poked her arm, then poked again, hitting the sore spot where she had been vaccinated. Reacting to her less thanhappy-look, he quickly popped out the ring.

The mood quickly elevated with a great big “yes.” The rest is family history.

d e r i p s n I Get

Alex Lyle surprised his now-fiancee, Sabrina Osman, with this aerial proposal.

Each letter is 150 feet tall. PHOTO COURTESY OF ALEX LYLE

• The Heart of Community is a podcast on saving the arts,

with voices, sounds and unique insights from the rural artists featured on these pages.

• New to podcasts? Fret not, go to www.ruralite.com/podcasts and you are an easy click away from a whole new experience in storytelling.

The Heart of Community 30

N O V E M B E R 2021

AZ-146 Postmaster: Send address changes to Currents, 5625 NE Elam Young Pkwy. Ste. 100, Hillsboro, OR 97124 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

A Message from the CEO MEC Finishes Out Year by Engaging With Members 2021 Community Risk Reduction Safety Event MEC always enjoys participating in the Bullhead City Fire Department’s safety day. MEC shared numerous tips with members on electrical safety. The “Hazard Hamlet” simulation demonstrates several situations avoidable to promote electrical safety.

National Night Out Mohave Electric Co-op has partnered with Bullhead City Police Department for 20+ years to co-host National Night Out, and 2021 was another great success. MEC sponsored face painting, door prizes, event tables and chairs, refreshments, and handed out educational materials on energy efficiency tips and outage safety. If you didn’t attend this year, please join the fun next year.

Tyler Carlson

Member Appreciation Month October was Member Appreciation Month, and MEC used this opportunity to celebrate our members every week. All members were welcome on Thursdays at our Member Service office to chat with staff and visit tables with door prizes, cookies, coffee, and fresh popcorn. Thank you to everyone who stopped by to visit.

Veterans Day Parade Mohave Electric thanks all active-duty military and veterans who have sacrificed so much for our freedom. On November 6, MEC will be honoring veterans by riding in the Veterans Day Parade.

Look for Old No. 1 and wave. n

What’s Happening

CEO

h November 6—Veterans Parade

Tyler Carlson

h November 11—Office Closed h November 13—Operation Cool Shade

Bullhead City Pickup

h November 20—Operation Cool Shade

Kingman Pickup

h November 25-26—Office Closed h December 3—Boom Box Parade h December 24—Office Closed

Look for MEC at this year’s Veterans Day Parade.

PHOTO BY MEC

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h December 31—Office Closed