Ruralite, West Oregon Electric Cooperative, November 2026 by utilitypioneers

Ruralite WEST OREGON

NOVEMBER 2026

Feeding the Elk

The Jewell Meadows Wildlife Area offers a unique family adventure Page 4 PHOTO BY SCOTT LAIRD

ALSO INSIDE >>

Put the Garden to Bed | Efficiency Recommendations for Renters

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FROM THE PIONEER TEAM

Ruralite November 2026 • Volume 73, No. 11

CEO Michael Shepard SENIOR VP OF CONTENT Leon Espinoza EDITORIAL DIRECTOR Chasity Anderson, CCC DEPUTY EDITORIAL DIRECTOR Noble Sprayberry SENIOR EDITOR Jennifer Paton, CCC LEAD CONTENT EDITOR Victoria Hampton, CCC ASSISTANT EDITORS David Herder, CCC; Sable Riley, CCC; Nina Todea, CCC ASSOCIATE EDITOR Valeri Saldanha Rosa PUBLICATIONS PRODUCTION SR. MANAGER Elizabeth Beatty SENIOR PUBLICATIONS COORDINATOR Alyssa McDougle

Ruralite (USPS 397-460) is published monthly for members for $6 per year, plus postage, by Pioneer Utility Resources Inc., 5625 NE Elam Young Parkway, Suite 100, Hillsboro, OR 97124—a not-for-profit Oregon cooperative corporation—to serve the communication needs of 46 consumer-owned electric utilities in Oregon, Washington, Alaska, Idaho, Nevada and California. Preferred periodical postage paid at Hillsboro, Oregon, 97123 and additional mailing offices. © 2026 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 Parkway, Suite 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 503-357-2105, option 3, or email mailingdept@pioneer.coop.

Pull Up a Chair A great deal of life’s real work happens at the kitchen table. That’s where this month’s Spotlight feature begins: two friends drinking coffee when the lights go out in Janna Kainos’ home. She had the money to pay the electric bill. What she didn’t have, after years of alcohol addiction, was the strength to manage a life that had grown too hard to carry alone. Susie Cottis could have judged her. Instead, she asked a question: “How do we make sure your life doesn’t stay this hard?” Later, when Janna walked out of a treatment program and told Susie not to come over, Susie replied, “I’ll see you in 5 minutes.” For 45 days, someone from Susie’s family checked on her. “She could have left, but she didn’t,” Janna says. Janna has been sober since 2010. Today, the two women lead Omega NW, a nonprofit that walks alongside women rebuilding their lives after addiction, homelessness, abuse or incarceration. Their story begins on Page 12. Making time for someone is its own kind of service, and no one understands that better than the volunteers in our Up Close feature. At VFW Marion Post 661 in Salem, Oregon, volunteers have gathered more than 2,200 military uniforms, from the Spanish-American War to today. Yet

83-year-old Tom Vanderhoof, a retired Air Force sergeant, cares less about the fabric than the person who wore it. He drives all over Oregon to sit with donor families and learn each veteran’s story. “I tell people, ‘We’re going to spend some time together,’ ” he says. As Veterans Day approaches, I can’t think of a better way to honor service. In a sidebar to the Spotlight, Susie lists simple ways anyone can help someone in need find their footing. Her first suggestion has stayed with me: Invite someone who is different than you to coffee, then listen. As we head into a season of full tables, who could use a seat at yours?

Until next time, Chasity Anderson Editorial Director

Got a story idea? We want to hear it. Scan the QR code with your smartphone camera or visit tinyurl.com/SendStoryIdeas.

Veterans Keep Serving

Back issues: Back issues and extra copies are $3. Prepayment required. Supply is limited. Be sure to identify edition, month and year. Call first if ordering back issues to check availability.

VFW post collects, displays uniforms from wars past

To contact Ruralite: Ruralite magazine is published by Pioneer Utility Resources, P.O. Box 1306, North Plains, OR 97133-1306; 503-357-2105; email: info@pioneer.coop. For more information, visit pioneer.coop.

Up Close, Page 10

A Bridge to Change

As women struggle to rebuild their lives, Omega NW walks alongside them

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Spotlight, Page 12 Reader Exchange 18 Great Picture Hunt 22

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In the Kitchen, Page 16

NOVEMBER 2026

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Feeding the Elk The Jewell Meadows Wildlife Area offers a unique family adventure Story and photos by Scott Laird Around the West Oregon Electric territory, it’s not unusual to see a herd of elk in a field or even crossing the road. But the opportunity to see the animals up close and help feed up to 200 of them all together in one place, is a special experience that can only happen at the Jewell Meadows Wildlife Area. The Jewell Meadows Wildlife Area is managed by the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife to provide winter habitat for a resident herd of Roosevelt elk and other wildlife species. It covers about 1,114 acres in three tracts. The Fishhawk Creek Tract parallels Highway 202 and is where viewing the resident elk herd is recommended. There, you can see up to elk from November to

April, as the elk come down out of the surrounding hills and take advantage of the feed delivered by the resident caretakers. You can take part in helping feed the elk off a trailer pulled by a tractor from December through February. This is a unique, free and fun family adventure. Reserve a spot on these popular elk feeding tours—space fills up fast, so be ready to call at 8 a.m. Dec. 1. There is only one phone line at the headquarters and you may get a busy signal, but keep trying. Dress warm and take rain gear, including rain pants and waterproof boots. The trailer bench seating is open to the weather. On the tour, you’ll see cows with young calves born in June, and yearlings, some

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WEST OREGON young male spikes. If you’re lucky, the bulls with their huge antlers will also join in the feeding. Cows usually weigh between 550 and 650 pounds and bulls average about 750 pounds but can weigh as much as 1,200 pounds. The winter feeding program helps keep elk off of adjacent farming properties where they can cause extensive damage. Even if you can’t book a spot on a feeding tour, Jewell Meadows is always open. You may spot elk from the parking areas along Highway 202. There are two paved parking areas, four viewing areas, interpretive signage and restrooms. Elk from Jewell Meadows have been used in repopulation programs in the Cascade and Coast ranges and even as far away as Northern California and Alaska. The Jewell Meadows Wildlife Area was established in 1969 with just 183 acres. Over the next two years, 119 additional acres were bought, which completed what is now the Fishhawk tract. More land was added in 1973 and 1976. Beyond the Jewell Meadows area, 1,826 acres of land are jointly owned by the Oregon Department of Forestry, Weyerhaeuser and Stimson Lumber to provide even more wildlife refuge. n To make a reservation for the Jewell Meadows elk feeding tour, call 503-755-2264 starting Dec. 1.

ABOVE and LEFT: On the elk feeding tour you’ll see Roosevelt elk cows with their calves, young spikes and even some bulls. Elk feeding tours are held December through February. Make a reservation beginning Dec. 1. NOVEMBER 2026

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PLUGGED IN

Have a Holly Jolly Kitchen soups, stuffing or desserts while the stovetop and oven Smart gadgets can make potatoes, are occupied. Look for models that include a variety of cooking programs, holiday cooking easier delayed-start options and recipe integration through a companion

By Drew Woolley

The holiday season means warm family gatherings, pulling out favorite recipes and sharing memorable meals. It can also bring crowded kitchens, packed schedules and stress over that perfect entree overcooking. Fortunately, smart kitchen devices can take the pressure out of home cooking. If you want to monitor food remotely, automate routine tasks or just get rid of some of the guesswork, there are tools to help experienced chefs and culinary newbies alike. These connected kitchen gadgets continue paying off long after the holidays are over. Smart Coffee Maker Holiday mornings often begin before sunrise, and a smart coffee maker can have a fresh pot waiting before anyone reaches the kitchen. Many models allow users to schedule brewing from a smartphone, create recurring routines and integrate with voice assistants for hands-free operation. Consider brewing capacity, programmable schedules and compatibility with whole pot or singleserve brewing preferences when comparing options. Kitchen Display A smart display serves as a digital recipe book, cooking timer, ADOBE STOCK PHOTO BY RH2010 entertainment hub and communication center all in one device. It can display step-by-step recipes, manage multiple timers, stream music or video and answer cooking questions without requiring users to touch a phone with messy hands. When selecting a model, compare screen size, voice assistant compatibility and integration with other smart-home devices. Displays that support video calling can also help families connect during the holidays. Smart Multicooker A connected multicooker combines the functions of a pressure cooker, slow cooker, rice cooker and saute pan into one appliance while adding smartphone controls and guided recipes. During the holidays, it can free up valuable space by preparing mashed 6

app. Capacity is another important consideration, with larger households typically benefiting from 6- or 8-quart versions.

Wireless Meat Thermometer A wireless smart meat thermometer allows cooks to monitor the internal temperature of turkey, ham, beef or other meats from a smartphone without opening the oven or smoker. Many models estimate cooking times, alert users when food reaches the desired temperature and provide guided cooking recommendations to help avoid overcooking. When shopping, consider how many probes are included. Larger families or frequent entertainers may appreciate systems that can monitor multiple dishes at the same time, while singleprobe models are often sufficient for everyday use. Smart Air Fryer Connected air fryers allow users to start cooking, adjust temperatures and receive notifications through a mobile app. They’re ideal for preparing appetizers, vegetables, rolls and reheating leftovers quickly during busy holiday gatherings. The basket size should match the number of people typically ADOBE STOCK PHOTO BY MISS IRINE served. Dual-basket models provide additional flexibility by allowing two foods to cook at different temperatures simultaneously. Countertop Oven A smart countertop oven can bake, roast, air fry, broil and toast while offering app connectivity, automatic cooking programs and recipe guidance. These appliances are especially useful during the holidays, when the primary oven is filled with a turkey or roast and additional cooking space is needed for side dishes and desserts. Interior capacity is one of the biggest differences between models. Shoppers should also compare available cooking modes and determine whether remote monitoring or automatic cooking adjustments are important features. Connected Wall Oven Smart wall ovens connect to home Wi-Fi networks, allowing users to heat them remotely, watch cooking progress and receive alerts

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when dishes are finished. Some premium models feature internal cameras or food-recognition technology that can provide additional guidance throughout the cooking process. Because these appliances are built into cabinetry, buyers should carefully verify dimensions, installation requirements and compatibility with existing kitchen layouts before buying. Smart Microwave Connected microwaves can automatically adjust cooking times, download cooking instructions through companion apps and send notifications when food is ready. They simplify reheating leftovers, preparing vegetables and handling quick side dishes while the rest of the holiday meal comes together. ADOBE STOCK PHOTO BY ROAD RED RUNNER Capacity, sensor cooking functions and compatibility with existing smart-home ecosystems are among the most important features to compare when choosing a model.

ADOBE STOCK PHOTO BY VADYM

Connected Stand Mixer While stand mixers have long been a staple for holiday baking, newer connected versions can guide users through recipes, recommend mixing speeds and synchronize with companion apps. They’re ADOBE STOCK PHOTO BY RUSLAN GILMANSHIN particularly helpful when preparing cookies, cakes, breads and festive desserts. Consider bowl capacity, motor power and the availability of optional attachments that expand the appliance’s versatility beyond baking. Holiday meals keep the kitchen busy with dozens of dishes, careful timing and plenty of coordination. Smart cooking tools can’t take care of everything on their own. But families that enjoy cooking together or playing host can simplify many tasks that make holiday cooking stressful so they can focus on what makes this time of year special. n NOVEMBER 2026

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NORTHWEST GARDENING

Get a head start on spring by tackling a short list of outdoor jobs. ADOBE STOCK PHOTO BY KABARDINS PHOTO

PUT THE GARDEN TO BED BEFORE WINTER

From leaves to lawnmowers, chores now will pay off in the spring We’re running right into the holidays, daylight is in short supply, and rain comes down days at a time. If you can get work done in the garden or at least the garage this fall, you’ll be happier come spring. A perpetual question is whether to cut down plants now or in spring. With vegetable gardens, removing spent plants is essential because of the risk of disease. Soilborne diseases can remain viable for years. It’s more of a decision for herbaceous perennials, which are plants that die back to ground level each winter and regrow each spring. Some perennials are good choices to clean up now because they die to ground level anyway. Clear up the debris and throw it into the compost pile or yard debris bin. Plants plagued by disease should go in the garbage can. Some perennials—such as ornamental grasses, coneflower, Joe-Pye weed, sedum and black-eyed Susan—provide birds with much-needed seeds and insects with places to spend the winter. These are good candidates to leave standing. To spread leaves around the garden 8

or rake them up is another oft-asked question. Place them on vegetable beds, where they’ll protect the soil from compaction from the rain, suppress weeds, increase soil fertility and help open soil structure to keep it draining well. Spreading leaves around shrubs is also a good idea. The benefits of distributing leaves around ornamentals outweigh the disadvantages. It is a good idea, though, to keep leaves and bark dust away from slug favorites, such as hostas. Slugs love to lay their eggs under garden debris, but that can be mitigated with a low-toxicity slug bait. One chore you can take off your plate is pruning. Consider waiting until late February to prune shrubs and trees. Springblooming plants, such as rhododendrons, azaleas, lilacs and forsythia, shouldn’t be trimmed until they are done blooming. Finally, remove fruit still hanging in trees or rotting on the ground to minimize next year’s diseases and pests. Onward to the garage, where tools and lawnmowers await your attention.

Throughout the year, you should clean your tools as you go. But if you can’t do so every time, clean them now so they don’t sit dirty and rust during winter. Wash, dry and sharpen them, oil moving parts and rub linseed oil on wooden handles to keep them from drying out and cracking. Smooth-edged tools can be sharpened at home, but other types—think pruning saws, chainsaws and the like—should be taken to a professional to avoid damage to the tools or injury to yourself. Lawnmowers need attention now, too. The most important task is to empty the gas. Turn on the motor and let it warm up for 30 seconds, then shut it off and siphon the gas. Restart the engine and let it run until it quits. Gas has 10% ethanol, which absorbs water from the atmosphere. You do not want water to collect in your lawnmower. Next, change the mowers’ oil, spark plugs and air filters. Now all you have to do is wait for spring. n Information courtesy of OSU Extension Service.

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UP CLOSE

Veterans Keep Serving VFW post collects, displays uniforms from wars past By Melanie Jones Retired Lt. Col. H.A. “Mac” MacDonald worked several jobs when he returned from Vietnam, one of which was as a teacher. One day, when he asked students to talk about Veterans Day, he realized none of them knew the significance of the federal holiday. He obtained an old Navy uniform and displayed it in the classroom, creating a launching point for discussions about military service and the lives of men and women who serve. That was more than 30 years ago, but it sparked a movement that has grown exponentially, becoming a collection of more than 2,200 uniforms at VFW Marion Post 661 in Salem, Oregon. Generations of history live in the post’s attic. The collection includes a uniform from the Spanish-American War, with uniforms from World War I next in the lineup. The collection includes every major war since, as well as uniforms from times of peace. In addition, there are authentic replicas of Revolutionary War and Civil War uniforms, including a replica of the uniform worn by Brig. Gen. Francis Marion, the Revolutionary War hero known as the Swamp Fox for whom Post 661 is named. Joining Forces At 83, retired Air Force Sgt. Tom Vanderhoof is now the oldest keeper of the collection and its main story collector, a job he has cherished for the last 20 years. Each uniform has a biography when it is displayed. Tom likes to Retired Air Force Sgt. Tom Vanderhoof has worked with the uniform collection since 2006. PHOTO BY TOM VANDERHOOF

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meet with the donors who come to the museum or go meet them where they are to discuss the person the uniform belonged to. He learns more than rank and file. He learns the history of troops who wore the uniforms. “I drive all over to meet people,” Tom says. “It gives us time to talk, and it’s more comfortable, more personal. I tell people, ‘We’re going to spend some time together.’ ” Sometimes, he meets the veterans themselves. On one occasion, veterans from the museum, including Tom and Mac, went to a nursing home to set up a display. A staff member noticed one of the uniforms had belonged to Jake DeShazer, a member of the famous Doolittle crew on the Pacific Front during World War II, and told Tom that Jake was a resident there. “My eyes lit up, and my heart started beating faster,” Tom says. But Jake didn’t say anything when they wheeled him out or when he saw the uniform. That changed, however, when Mac started talking to him in Japanese. “You couldn’t get him to stop talking,” Tom says. “That made my day.” Jake spent decades in Japan after the war. His plane was shot down during the Doolittle raid, Tom says, and he was taken prisoner. He was starved and tortured each day but later returned to Japan as a missionary, teaching of God’s love and reconciliation for 30 years. Jake wasn’t the only famous soldier whose uniform is included in the collection. The museum also features one from Don Malarkey, who was featured in the book and miniseries “Band of Brothers,” lived in Salem and donated his uniform. Personal Connection Tom became involved in the effort when he donated his own uniform. He was looking for something to do and called Mac to see if the effort needed any help. “Mac reached out his hand and came through the phone and pulled me through,” Tom says, jokingly. He’s been involved ever since. ADOBE STOCK PHOTOS BY LEIGH PRATHER AND DEEPAK

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RIGHT: An authentic Civil War uniform reproduction, representing a Union corporal, was displayed at the Oregon Capitol building in April 2026. BELOW: The collection includes uniforms from every war from the Spanish-American War to the present, including one from a Marine sergeant who served in Korea. PHOTOS BY STACY NALLEY

It’s only natural that Tom would be part of a military uniform collection. He was born at the base hospital at West Point, where his father was stationed, and spent part of his childhood there. His dad shared tales of the young boy getting him in trouble because he ran in and among the parades and marches. “I liked the pomp and ceremony,” he says. “I liked the shining medals and the badges and patches and uniforms.” Now he spends time collecting those items of regalia and learning the stories behind them. He visited families and started learning the ropes in 2006. “I kept doing it and learning more and more,” he says. Finally, he asked to do the research. “Let’s learn about everything that is on the uniforms,” he says of the ribbons, badges, medals and braids. “I would like to do that.” Travel Ready While the work of collecting, cataloging and assembling the uniforms takes place at the post, there is not a static museum there. But the uniforms are on mannequins and ready to be deployed for exhibits across the state, such as the Marion County Fair, the state fair and an annual display at the Oregon Capitol building. The uniform crew keeps a running list of organizations and businesses that want a display every year. Wherever they travel, Tom goes along with a stack of business cards to distribute to veterans and families interested in donating uniforms. He went to the Oregon State Fair in September with 300 business cards. He had 30 when he left. “They were just enamored with what they saw,” Tom says of the fair exhibit’s visitors. “People call me every day since about donating uniforms.” New Collectors The uniform collectors at the post are about to age out of their positions, Tom says. He’s the oldest at 83, and the others are also getting older. Jerry Brixius and Jim Hardy are longtime volunteers and now are training a new generation of collectors and storytellers. David Cain, a veteran of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, has joined Tom on trips to pick up uniforms and meet families. There are others getting involved, too. “We’re mentoring them as they’re getting ready to take over,” Tom says. But he doesn’t plan to hand over the reins soon. There are more people to meet and more memories to be preserved. n To learn more or donate a uniform, email Tom Vanderhoof at tmvsalem@gmail.com.

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A Bridge to Change As women struggle to rebuild their lives, Omega NW walks alongside them

ADOBE STOCK ILLUSTRATION BY MIFTAKHUL

By Pam Blair Janna Kainos and Susie Cottis sat at the kitchen table drinking coffee and chatting when the lights suddenly went out. Susie looked out Janna’s window. The 7-Eleven across the street still had power. The neighbors’ homes were also lit up. Susie was puzzled, but Janna knew the darkness was inevitable. It had been 90 days since Janna paid her electric bill. She had the money. Three paychecks from her job as assistant manager at Starbucks were on the counter. But it wasn’t as simple as it seemed. Janna had to decide how vulnerable to get with this woman who had recently befriended her. Sitting in the darkness, Janna figured she had little to lose. A series of poor decisions flagged her as a bad credit risk. Banks wouldn’t give her a checking account. No direct deposit. No online banking. She had to pay a business to cash her checks, buy money orders to pay her bills and either mail or deliver them in person. All of it was exhausting—and in the midst of a life riddled with alcohol addiction and abuse, she didn’t have the energy to stay on top of it. Rather than judge, scold or belittle Janna, Susie responded with compassion. It not only changed Janna’s life, but the lives of other women with similar struggles. “How do we make sure your life doesn’t stay this hard?” Susie asked Janna. Two Worlds Collide A shared sense of humor sparked an unexpected friendship when this “old lady,” as Janna jokingly describes Susie, applied for a parttime job at Starbucks so she could get better health insurance. 12

Different backgrounds, experiences and strengths have made Susie Cottis, left, and Janna Kainos a powerful team. Their journey together during Janna’s recovery from addiction became a blueprint for Omega NW. Thanks to their efforts, women who commit to the program are overcoming past challenges and creating future success. PHOTOS BY MICHAEL BUNDAY

Janna trained Susie. A month later, their working relationship ended when Janna transferred to a different location— coincidentally, one close to Susie’s house. The two women periodically saw each other there, including the day Susie took Janna flowers to celebrate her birthday. In Susie’s world, such a gesture was common. But for Janna, it was a big deal. “Someone I barely knew but liked was obscenely generous to me,” Janna says, noting it was the only acknowledgment of her birthday that year. “We don’t realize what those little things mean. It is who she is—her nature—just like cussing like a sailor was mine.” Their relationship grew as Susie provided steady support while Janna struggled to overcome her dependence on alcohol and, ultimately, regain control of her life. That model became a calling for the two friends, who wanted to share hope through the Christ-centered philosophies Janna credits for her transformation. Extending the Help Since 2012, Janna and Susie have joined their distinctly different

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SPOTLIGHT communication, problem-solving and goal-setting skills. “We provide lift where the burden feels heavy, and remind every woman of her inherent value, strength and ability to keep moving forward,” says Susie, Omega NW director of operations. The bridge from survival to sustainable self-sufficiency includes a maximum 30-week internship paid by Omega NW in safe, skillbuilding environments at partnering businesses. “We know that rock bottom only ends when you stop digging,” Janna says. “Each woman who comes to Omega knows the hurt of pain and failure, but she is determined to change her story.”

perspectives, walking alongside women who find themselves in situations similar to Janna’s and cofounding the nonprofit organization Omega NW. “She could have left, but she didn’t,” Janna says of Susie. “She didn’t shame me. Instead, she made sure I no longer was alone. That is the DNA of Omega NW. That is the blueprint of what we do.” Omega NW provides a compassionate community of consistent, ongoing support to women caught in the challenges of addiction, homelessness, domestic violence, sex trafficking and former incarceration. “We step in and help fill the gaps that may be missing in a woman’s work history, while also providing weekly one-on-one mentoring and support to ensure success,” says Janna, executive director of Omega NW. “Starting over begins with having the right people in your corner. No matter where your past has taken you, we believe every woman can regain a life worth living with the right tools and support.” Through understanding and grace, mentors offer life-building

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A Lifetime of Challenges Janna’s story of alcohol addiction started when she was 12 years old. While vacationing in Hawaii, she drank a pina colada with her mother. “With each sip, I felt the weight of my worries melt away,” Janna says. “Little did I know that this seemingly happy day would mark the start of a 20-year relentless pursuit born from the depths of a longing soul, plagued by depression and addiction, yearning to recapture the elusive essence of peace and acceptance.” Janna grew up in a small Montana town as part of a large Mormon family. “We were skilled at maintaining a polished image in our community, portraying ourselves as successful business owners and a moral family,” she says. “We could really show up looking put together, but behind closed doors, our home was full of contradictions, secrets and lies, leading to a childhood filled with confusion, drinking and stress.” At 20 years old, Janna learned her parents’ business success was a sham. Everything they owned was auctioned off, and they fled town—leaving behind debt in her name, broken relationships and unpaid taxes. “I coped with the instability in my life with drugs and alcohol,” Janna says. By 23, she was married but tormented by her inability to have children. “I felt aimless, realizing my life was far from what I had dreamed,” Janna says. “Fueled by despair, I dove headfirst into my career and embraced reckless behavior, drowning in alcohol.” The weight of depression led to her first suicide attempt. “All my life I had been able to push through using my Montanagrit work ethic,” Janna says. “But at age 27, I reached a breaking point where there were no more bootstraps to pull up. My marriage had ended, and my depression led to more suicide attempts.” Janna achieved sobriety for the third time after committing her life to the Lord, but relapsed 2½ years later. At that point, Susie had known her about a year. “There was nothing in my background that would help me understand what it meant,” Susie says. “She was drinking.” And not just a little. During a three-month period, Janna had alcohol poisoning twice, was cutting again and suicidal. “I had tried everything,” Janna says. “AA. God. I thought there was no hope for me.”

9/30/2026 4:38:13 PM

LEFT: Janna hugs Jasmine, a young woman who has overcome educational gaps and housing challenges thanks to the Omega NW mentorship program. She now attends college, has a car and a stable place to live. ABOVE: Connection begins with listening. Janna and Susie not only administer Omega NW activities, but they are actively involved in helping women in the program grow. Jasmine and other mentees become extended family members.

Somehow, Janna not only held onto her job, but she was promoted. Eventually, Starbucks management insisted she enter treatment again, not only paying for it, but continuing to pay her salary. Most importantly, Susie refused to let Janna push her away— and Janna didn’t lock Susie out. A Turning Point After seven days in a 28-day treatment program, Janna decided it was dumb, checked out and headed home. “Susie wanted to come over, but I said, ‘No,’” Janna says. “She said, ‘I’ll see you in 5 minutes.’ For 45 days straight, every day, someone from her family had eyes on me.” During that time, Janna watched a video of the cosmos that ended with an image of a cross. It profoundly affected her. “In the depths of my soul, I yearned to grasp the truth about God,” Janna says. “Did the creator of the vast universe choose me? I felt small and insignificant, yet I desperately longed to believe that God loved me unconditionally and would never abandon me.” On a drive, with tears streaming down her face, Janna says she had her first real conversation with God. “Don’t tell me you are all in, that you are here for me and that you love me unless you mean it—tomorrow, the next day and every day after,” she recalls saying. In her heart, she says she heard God’s reassuring response. She took a detour and drove to Susie’s house. “God loves me,” Janna told her friend. “It’s about time,” Susie responded.

Janna says the relapse in her sobriety taught her that the power to not drink comes from God. “In that moment, I knew without a doubt that God loves me, and everything changed,” Janna says. “Since that day in 2010, I have remained sober.” Sharing the Love As Janna healed, she kept thinking about the people she had met in treatment centers, support groups and psych wards. “What if there was a way to show them there is hope?” Janna wondered. “What if God can use my story for his good?” The result is Omega NW, which teams the woman who has come through the fire of life with the woman who refused to leave her side. “This was not a relationship I was going to get involved with,” Susie says of her contact with Janna. “I told myself we have nothing in common, and I don’t have time for that nonsense. But the Lord had something else in mind.” Janna says she still enjoys poking holes in Susie’s “wholesome world,” and Susie values how Janna has taught her to love differently. Today, they consider one another family. “We wanted to build a bridge for women coming out of compromised backgrounds and show them a way forward through relationship and hard work,” Janna says. “I want the women who come to Omega to know that they are loved. If God can take someone like me—cold, bitter and angry—and soften my heart, then he can take anyone and do remarkable things.” n Omega NW is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. To learn more and support the mission, visit omeganw.org/contribute.

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9/30/2026 4:38:16 PM

SPOTLIGHT

Community Starts With You By Pam Blair

ADOBE STOCK ILLUSTRATION BY PRONOIA

Small efforts can have a huge impact on the lives of those around you. To make a difference, start by identifying the needs of others. Common challenges are poverty, homelessness, environmental issues, education, healthcare and lack of support for older adults. Speak with educators at local schools, church leaders, hospital administrators, shelter officials, community organizations and neighbors to find out what kind of donations and assistance are needed in your area. Then, assess your skills and interests. Here are some effective ways you can step in and help: • Volunteer your time. Partner with local organizations or charities such as food banks, shelters or community centers. Mentor someone who can benefit from your life experiences. • Foster community spirit by organizing community projects. Initiate or participate in community cleanups, tree planting or neighborhood improvement projects. Consider starting a community garden or hosting neighborhood gatherings. • Support the community. Shop and dine at local businesses to help boost the economy and create jobs. Donate supplies to support local schools and contribute to senior centers. • Advocate for important issues. Attend town hall meetings or join advocacy groups that address community concerns. Raise money for causes you support. Susie Cottis, co-founder and operations director of Omega NW, says common areas of vulnerability she sees are social isolation, lack of healthy and supportive relationships, no trusted person to ask everyday life questions and transportation barriers to work, school, medical appointments or interviews.

“Unmet needs are consistent encouragement from someone who believes in them; practical life skills taught in a safe, judgment-free environment; opportunities where employers are willing to offer a second chance; and mentors who can simply listen, ask good questions and provide accountability,” Susie says. She offers the following no-cost ways anyone can help: • Invite someone different from yourself to coffee, then listen. • Become a mentor or commit to meeting regularly with someone who wants support. • Offer rides to appointments, interviews or classes. • Help with meal planning and go grocery shopping together. • Teach practical skills, such as monthly budgeting, parenting strategies, resume writing, interviewing or basic computer skills. • Help someone practice for a job interview. • Introduce someone to people in your professional network. • Attend important court appointments if someone wants the support. • Help organize paperwork, create a calendar or set achievable goals. • Check in with a phone call or text each week. • Encourage local businesses to consider second-chance hiring, a practice that offers employment to someone with a criminal history. “Lasting change rarely happens through a single program,” Susie says. “It happens through relationships. Every person has knowledge, experience or encouragement that could help someone else move one step closer to stability. “When we share our time, listen without judgment and connect people to resources already available in our community, we create a network of hope where people are empowered to build sustainable, independent lives.” n

NOVEMBER 2026

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9/30/2026 4:38:21 PM

IN THE KITCHEN

Soup Season Is Here

WARM UP WITH A BOWL FULL OF COMFORT Pasta Fagioli

1 tablespoon olive oil 4 slices thick-cut bacon or 4 ounces pancetta, chopped 3 large carrots, peeled and chopped 2 ribs celery, finely diced 1 medium onion, finely diced 4 cloves garlic, minced 1 tablespoon tomato paste 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning ½ teaspoon salt ¼ teaspoon black pepper 5 cups chicken stock

Recipes by Gertrude Treadaway ADOBE STOCK PHOTO BY PIXEL-SHOT

14-ounce can petite diced tomatoes 19-ounce can white kidney beans, drained and rinsed 19-ounce can red kidney beans, drained and rinsed 1 bay leaf 1 Parmesan rind 1 cup ditalini pasta, uncooked 2 cups freshly chopped spinach or kale ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese Parsley or thyme, for garnish

In a large Dutch oven or soup pot, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add bacon or pancetta. Cook until lightly browned. Add carrots, celery and onion. Cook until translucent. Stir in garlic, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, salt and pepper. Cook 1-2 minutes. Add stock, tomatoes, beans, bay leaf and Parmesan rind. Bring to a simmer over medium-high heat, then reduce heat to medium. Cover. Cook for 10 minutes or until vegetables are nearly tender. Stir in uncooked pasta. Cover and cook until al dente. Just before serving, stir in spinach and adjust seasonings as desired. Top with Parmesan, then garnish with parsley or thyme.

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9/30/2026 4:06:38 PM

Cream of Chicken and Wild Rice Soup 6-ounce package long-grain and wild rice blend, quick-cooking version with seasoning packet 1⁄2 teaspoon black pepper 1⁄2 cup all-purpose flour 2 boneless chicken breast halves, cooked and cubed

6 cups chicken broth 3⁄4 cup butter 1 cup carrot, diced 1 cup celery, diced 1 cup onion, diced 3 cups half-and-half

Open rice and remove seasoning packet. Set aside. In a small bowl, combine pepper and flour. Set aside. In a large pot over medium heat, combine chicken and broth. Bring to a boil, then stir in rice. Cover, then remove from heat. Melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add carrots, celery and onion. Saute for 5 minutes. Stir in contents of seasoning packet. Continue cooking vegetables until softened, about 5 minutes. Add seasoned flour gradually while constantly stirring to form a roux. Saute roux for 3-4 minutes to cook out raw flour taste. Whisk in half-and-half, a little at a time, until fully incorporated and smooth. Cook until thickened, about 5 minutes. Stir half-and-half mixture into broth and rice. Cook over medium heat until heated through and rice is done, about 15 to 20 minutes.

Mexican Chicken Soup 2 teaspoons canola oil or extra-virgin olive oil 1 medium bell pepper, chopped 1 large onion, chopped 1 medium jalapeno, diced and seeded 2 cloves garlic, minced 1 teaspoon garlic powder 2 teaspoons ground cumin 5 cups fat-free, low-sodium chicken broth

1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes 15.5-ounce can low-sodium kidney beans, drained and rinsed 14.5-ounce can low-sodium kernel corn, drained and rinsed 1 large tomato, diced 1/2 cup chopped cilantro, plus extra for garnish

Heat oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add bell pepper, onion and jalapeno. Cook 5 to 7 minutes, stirring often until vegetables are tender. Stir in garlic, garlic powder and cumin. Cook another minute. Add broth to saucepan, increase heat to high and bring to a rapid simmer. Add chicken. Cook until no longer pink, about 5 minutes. Stir in beans, corn, tomato and cilantro. Cover. Cook on medium heat for 10 minutes. Top with cilantro before serving hot.

Minestrone

2 teaspoons olive oil 1 cup diced carrots 1/2 cup diced celery 1/2 cup chopped onion 4 garlic cloves, minced 32 ounces chicken stock 28-ounce can petite diced tomatoes 1 tablespoon tomato paste 15-ounce can white beans, drained and rinsed 15-ounce can red kidney beans, drained and rinsed Parmesan cheese rind

1/2 teaspoon kosher salt Black pepper 1 fresh rosemary sprig 2 bay leaves 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil 1/4 cup chopped fresh Italian parsley 1 medium zucchini, diced 2 cups baby spinach, chopped kale or chopped collard greens Parmesan and red pepper flakes, for garnish

Heat oil in a large Dutch oven or pot over medium-high heat. Stir in carrots, celery, onion and garlic. Saute until tender and fragrant, about 15 minutes. Add stock, tomatoes, tomato paste, beans, Parmesan cheese rind, salt and pepper. Add rosemary, bay leaves, basil and parsley. Bring to a boil, then cover. Cook on low for 40 minutes. Remove the bay leaves, rosemary sprig and Parmesan rind. If you prefer a thicker soup, pulse a few times with an immersion blender. Add the zucchini and spinach. Cover. Simmer until the zucchini is tender, about 8 to 10 minutes. Season to taste with salt and black pepper. Garnish with Parmesan and red pepper flakes.

Russian Mushroom and Potato Soup 5 tablespoons butter, divided 2 leeks, chopped 2 large carrots, sliced 6 cups chicken broth 1 teaspoon dried dill 2 teaspoons salt

1/8 teaspoon black pepper 2 pounds potatoes, peeled and diced 1 pound fresh cremini mushrooms, sliced 1 cup half-and-half

Melt 3 tablespoons butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Mix in leeks and carrots. Cook for 5 minutes. Add broth, dill, salt and pepper. Mix in potatoes. Cover. Cook for 20 minutes or until potatoes are tender but firm. Add half-and-half. Mix with an immersion blender until slightly thickened. If you don’t have an immersion blender, ladle soup into a hot-safe blender and blend before pouring back into the saucepan. Melt remaining butter in a skillet over medium heat. Saute mushrooms for 5 minutes, until lightly browned. Stir into soup before serving. NOVEMBER 2026

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9/30/2026 4:06:39 PM

READER EXCHANGE Books/Magazines I am looking for Little Golden Books to add to a collection I have started. Send them media mail. Thank you. Anisa Troyer 35711 SE Kennel Road Albany, OR 97322

Crafts/Hobbies I would greatly appreciate donations of the following craft supplies that will be used by my friends at an assisted living community: fabric for sewing and quilting, all varieties of yarn, crochet hooks, 300-piece puzzles, canvas boards for painting and unpainted small ceramic figurines. Thank you. Phillip McFadden 81339 Highway 202 Seaside, Oregon 97138 helenpringleson@gmail.com

My grandson, Milo, is almost 7 years old. He has autism and occasionally gets obsessed with something. First, it was exit signs. Now it is license plates. Anyone who might have old license plates that they no longer want, please consider blessing this awesome little guy with one. It would make him so happy. Send to Milo Pearson, 18072 N. Santiam Highway SE, Stayton, OR 97383. Kristine Tiersma Sisters, Oregon

Milestones In November 1956, the Mount Emily Lumber Company gave the deed for the land at its headquarters to the Blue Mountain Conservative Baptist Association, and Camp Elkanah was born. We are celebrating its 70th anniversary this year and would love your help. Did you work or live at the lumber company when it was operational? Have you been on the staff, a volunteer, part of the Dream Team or a camper at Camp Elkanah? We would love to hear from you. What years were you there, favorite memories, etc. Your memories are what make this place so special. You are welcome to submit a sentence or a book as we appreciate each one. You can contact us through our information below. Camp Elkanah P.O. Box 150 La Grande, OR 97850 elkanah@campelkanah.com 541-963-5050

Happy Thanksgiving!

My mom turns 86 in early December and has had a struggle of a year getting over an extended illness. She loves mail, cards and stickers (especially stickers). She would be thrilled to receive birthday cards or stickers from all of you. She has devoted her life to caring for the family. She has never missed a family birthday. I would like her to receive the love back this year. An avid “Real Housewives,” Labubu and Elvis fan, she is hip and very up with the times, including being a whiz at texting and social media. She looks 50 at the most and is the former Miss Sunnyside 1959 of Sunnyside, Washington. Please send mail to Mona Burns, 20402 Pine Vista Drive, Bend, OR, 97702. Suzanne Burns Bend, Oregon

School/Labels I have a project planned for our one-classroom school K-8. We will be using feathers. If you can share feathers 6 inches or smaller, we would so appreciate the donations. Thank you. Rene Crawford 76160 Eden Lane Enterprise, OR 97828

Thanks My mom, Jerry, and my entire family would like to thank all the wonderful people who sent birthday cards to celebrate mom’s 100th birthday. She received almost 200 cards and loved reading each and every one of them. Thank you so much for making this milestone celebration a wonderful one. Trish Walker Brookings, Oregon

Submitting Requests Is Free Send your request—no attachments, please—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. If replying to a reader submission, please only send what is requested. Submissions are handled first-come, first-served 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, please send it at least two months before the milestone. Phone numbers are not published. Email addresses are published if part of the ad, but you must include a postal address. Requests must include the name and address of the electric utility that provides your magazine.

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10/22/2026 10:02:11 AM

Meet the Beauty in the Beast Discover this spectacular 6½-carat green treasure from Mount St. Helens!

or almost a hundred years it lay dormant. Silently building strength. At 10,000 feet high, it was truly a sleeping giant. Until May 18, 1980, when the beast awoke with violent force and revealed its greatest secret. Mount St. Helens erupted, sending up an 80,000-foot column of ash and smoke. From that chaos, something beautiful emerged… our spectacular Helenite Necklace.

EXCLUSIVE

FREE

Helenite Earrings -a $99 valuewith purchase of Helenite Necklace

Helenite is produced from the heated volcanic rock of Mount St. Helens and the brilliant green creation has captured the eye of jewelry designers worldwide. Today you can wear this massive 6½-carat stunner for only $99!

Impo Was ssible Pric $299 , Nowe

$99

Make your emeralds jealous. Our Helenite Necklace puts the green stone center stage, with a faceted pear-cut in a luxurious gold-finished setting. The explosive origins of the stone are echoed in the flashes of light that radiate as the piece swings gracefully from its 18" luxurious gold-finished chain. Today the volcano sits quiet, but this unique piece of American natural history continues to erupt with gorgeous green fire.

Your satisfaction is guaranteed. Bring home the Helenite Necklace and see for yourself. If you are not completely blown away by the rare beauty of this exceptional stone, simply return the necklace within 30 days for a full refund of your purchase price.

JEWELRY SPECS: - 6 ½ ctw Helenite in gold-finished setting - 18" gold-finished chain

Limited to the first 600 orders from this ad only Helenite Necklace (6 ½ ctw) . . . . . . . . . . . . . Only $99 +S&P Helenite Stud Earrings (1 ctw) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $99 +S&P Helenite Set $198 . . . . . . . . . . . Call-in price only $99 +S&P (Set includes necklace and earrings)

Call now to take advantage of this extremely limited offer .

Necklace enlarged to show luxurious color.

1-800-333-2045 Promotional Code HNN268-07

Please mention this code when you call.

Rating of A+

14091 Southcross Drive W., Dept. HNN268-07 Burnsville, Minnesota 55337 www.stauer.com

“My wife received more compliments on this stone on the first day she wore it than any other piece of jewelry I’ve ever given her.” - J. from Orlando, FL Stauer Client

Stauer… Afford the Extraordinary.®

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10/21/2026 5:09:32 PM

ADVENTURE AWAITS

See a winter wonderland atop layers of lava flows at Idaho’s

Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve

What’s in a Name? Lots of Lava

What Is It? During the winter, a blanket of snow covers the unique, rugged landscape Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve in Idaho. The site is known for its lava flows, cinder cones and sagebrush, and it transforms into a great spot for winter sports and exploration once the snow arrives. 20

Craters of the Moon is home to a huge lava field with many caves, lava tubes and cinder cones. The area’s distinctive landscape began forming between 15,000 and 2,000 years ago, when lava repeatedly flowed from the ground. One cinder cone—Big Cinder Butte—is 700 feet tall. Tourists interested in entering the tubes or caves must get permits from the visitor center.

Winter Sports With a high altitude of 5,900 feet, Craters of the Moon has an extended winter, typically running from November through March. When visiting in summer, 7-mile Loop Road is a great way to take in the sights. During winter, once snowpack has built up—typically by January—the road is groomed for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.

Local stories had long said the area resembled the moon, and it was sometimes called the “Valley of the Moon.” Robert Limbert popularized the name “Craters of the Moon” in a 1924 National Geographic article. He helped the area receive national monument status that same year. Before heading to the actual moon, crew members of Apollo 14 visited the area in 1969 to learn about geology, because they would be collecting rock samples on their moon mission.

PHOTO COURTESY OF NATIONAL PARK SERVICE

More Information Craters of the Moon is open every day of the year, although the visitor center is closed Nov. 30 through Jan. 28. Visitors need passes, and the standard passes are $20 per vehicle. For more information and to start planning your trip, call 208-5271300 or visit nps.gov/crmo.

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10/20/2026 4:35:03 PM

Sacred Stone of the Southwest is on the Brink of Extinction

enturies ago, Persians, Tibetans and Mayans considered turquoise a gemstone of the heavens, believing the striking blue stones were sacred pieces of sky. Today, the rarest and most valuable turquoise is found in the American Southwest–– but the future of the blue beauty is unclear.

On a recent trip to Tucson, we spoke with fourth generation turquoise traders who explained that less than five percent of turquoise mined worldwide can be set into jewelry and only about twenty mines in the Southwest supply gem-quality turquoise. Once a thriving industry, many Southwest mines have run dry and are now closed.

26 carats of genuine Arizona turquoise

ONLY $99

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

Your satisfaction is 100% guaranteed. If you aren’t completely happy with your purchase, send it back within 30 days for a complete refund of the item price.

The supply of Arizona turquoise is limited, don’t miss your chance to own the Southwest’s brilliant blue treasure. Call today! Jewelry Specifications: • Arizona turquoise • Silver-finished settings

Sedona Turquoise Collection A. Pendant (26 cts) $299 * $99 +s&p Save $200 B. 18" Bali Naga woven sterling silver chain $149 +s&p C. 1 1/2" Earrings (10 ctw) $299 * $99 +s&p Save $200 Complete Set** $747 * $249 +s&p Save $498 **Complete set includes pendant, chain and earrings. Call now and mention the offer code to receive your collection.

1-800-333-2045 Offer Code SDT239-01

You must use the offer code to get our special price.

Rating of A+

Necklace enlarged to show luxurious color

*Special price only for customers using the offer code versus the price on Stauer.com without your offer code.

14091 Southcross Drive W., Dept. SDT239-01 Burnsville, Minnesota 55337 www.stauer.com

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Stauer… Afford the Extraordinary.®

10/21/2026 5:11:06 PM

THE GREAT PICTURE HUNT

iPhone XR 4.2mm lens ISO: 80 f/1.8 at 1/121

BugsA and Butterflies time to get close

Story and photo by Dave LaBelle

The old adage says sometimes we can’t see the forest for the trees. We are so preoccupied sometimes with our busy lives and the big picture that we end up missing small, valuable details that give our lives much-needed flavor. A note scribbled on a bench, an unlikely flower climbing through a crack in a sidewalk or a small creature—such as a ladybug or butterfly—can catch our attention and stop us in our tracks. On my way to a morning budget meeting and carrying only my cellphone—I live 2 blocks from the newspaper office—I spotted these crazy-looking eyes on the window of a nearby business. I recognized the creature as a large moth. I stopped to admire its beauty and design and to make several pictures with my iPhone. I learned later it was a polyphemus moth, with a wingspan of 4 to 6 inches. The pattern of the eyespots on its wings looks like the face of a great horned owl, something its predators find frightening. Capturing these small but important details can be challenging. However, because my iPhone focuses at a minimum of 3 inches, it was perfect for capturing this resting creature.

Macro photography is a fascinating proposition and something easy to get addicted to. Seeing and capturing details such as an ant’s jaws can be scary but inviting. In past years, I attached my camera lens to a microscope to capture such magnification. I was zealously experimental in my younger years, whereas now I focus more on moments and storytelling. If you find macro photography compelling and want to get even closer, many smartphone models have macro features, often on Pro phone models. Many cameras also have a macro setting. To use your phone’s macro setting, place your phone close to your subject, and it should automatically adjust. If you’re unsure if your phone shoots macro, just corral someone younger to help. You can also look for add-on lenses and accessories from third-party vendors. n

Photographer, author and lecturer Dave LaBelle has captured special moments for more than half a century, sharing photo tips and life perspectives with readers. For more of his writing, visit davidlabelle.com and his blog at bridgesandangels.wordpress.com.

Reader Challenge

Slow down, observe, listen, stop and appreciate the small storytelling details that enrich your life. These can be found in your home or in nature. Whether you use a cellphone or a DSLR (35mm digital camera), get close and see if you can capture a storytelling picture. Email your best image—just one—with caption information and an explanation of how it affects you to gph@pioneer.coop. We may share submissions on our website and social media channels. 22

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10/19/2026 12:13:33 PM

There is Nothing a

Child Who Stutters Cannot Do!

www.StutteringHelp.org THE

STUTTERING FOUNDATION

pp23 November2026.indd 4

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10/21/2026 5:27:47 PM

Got a Story Idea? We Want to Hear It.

Ruralite is a magazine about the people, places and moments that make the region home, and nobody knows those stories better than you. Whether it’s a hidden gem in your community, a local hero worth celebrating or an organization doing great work in your area—we’re listening. Scan the QR code or visit the link to submit your story idea. Our editors read every submission. Thanks for reading.

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Scan the QR code with your smartphone camera or visit tinyurl.com/SendStoryIdeas.

ADOBE STOCK PHOTO BY MDURSON

10/21/2026 5:00:34 PM

CUT YOUR UTILITY BILLS Thick curtains can help keep heat out in the summer and make the room feel warmer in the winter. PHOTO BY MARK GILLILAND/PIONEER UTILITY RESOURCES

Efficiency Recommendations By Miranda Boutelle Renting a house or apartment can put you in a challenging spot when it comes to energy efficiency. Renting means you can’t make all the decisions about energy-efficient upgrades in your home, even though renters are usually responsible for paying the electric bills. If the home has inefficient equipment, you’re going to use—and pay for—more energy. Typically, it’s the owner’s responsibility to make energy-efficiency upgrades, such as adding insulation or new heating and cooling equipment. Don’t assume they won’t make upgrades. If the home needs upgrades, just ask. I’ve had landlords let me pay for an upgrade and provide a credit on my rent to offset the cost. In a situation where you don’t have control over all the decisions, focus on what you can control. The thermostat is a great place to save energy. Nudging the thermostat a few degrees closer to the outside temperature can help you save money. Adjust the settings when you aren’t home or at night when you’re sleeping. Adding thick curtains can help keep heat out in summer and make the room feel warmer in winter. A rug can make a cold floor feel warmer. These additions can make changing the thermostat a few degrees more comfortable. Make sure your property owner follows through with annual maintenance and heating, ventilating and air-conditioning filter changes. Ignoring these can lead to unnecessary energy waste. Lighting is another element you can typically control. If your home has incandescent or compact fluorescent bulbs, switch to efficient LEDs. If you’re unable to change the lighting installed in your home, consider using plug-in LED lighting or lamps. Check whether your water heater is wasting energy. The U.S. Department of Energy recommends setting it to 120 degrees. This keeps the water hot enough to be safely stored in the tank and

for Renters

prevents scalding. I recommend calling the owner or property management company to request an adjustment. One benefit of renting is that you aren’t on the hook when equipment breaks down. If the water heater is more than 10 years old or shows signs of possible failure, such as leaking, unusual noises or discolored water, let the owner know. Upgrading to a heat pump water heater could be a great fit for your home, saving energy and preventing possible damage caused by a failed water heater. Another way to save is by finding available rebates and incentives for efficiency upgrades. Because renters typically pay the electric bills, a landlord doesn’t see the financial benefit of monthly energy savings. You can make it easier for them by finding opportunities for energy-efficient upgrades in your home. Your rental might be eligible for insulation, water heater or HVAC upgrades. You might also be eligible for discounts on products you buy, such as air purifiers, dehumidifiers or other small home appliances. If your home has electric heat, adding a ducted or ductless heat pump—also called a mini-split—provides more efficient heating as well as air conditioning. Energy-efficient upgrades could benefit the homeowner by increasing the property value or keeping a good renter from looking for another place to live. It doesn’t hurt to ask for upgraded equipment and provide information on eligible rebates or incentives. Partnering with your landlord on projects is a great opportunity to benefit you both. n Miranda Boutelle has more than 20 years of experience helping people save energy. She has worked on energyefficiency projects from the Midwest to the West Coast. Today, Miranda is chief operating officer at Efficiency Services Group in Oregon, a cooperatively owned energyefficiency company. This content was originally created by Efficiency Services Group LLC under contract with NRECA. NRECA retains ownership of this content. NRECA does not endorse Efficiency Services Group, its views herein expressed, or any products or services it offers. NOVEMBER 2026

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MARKETPLACE Agriculture

Reinforced custom-sized pond liners (39 cents/sqft). Hay covers, greenhouse covers, any width and length. Truck tarps and more. High puncture and tear strength. Best price guaranteed. Celebrating 45 years in business. btlliners.com; 541-447-0712. 0427 Organic frozen blueberries. Call for price and delivery possibilities. Sold in 1-gallon bags. 503-314-0145. 1226 Antiques and Collectibles Buying American Indian collectibles, Navajo jewelry, blankets, rugs. CA/AZ baskets and beadwork. Quality paintings of the early Southwest and Americas. Call 760-409-3117 or send photos to amer.ind.baskets@gmail.com. WC Collectibles. We buy comic books. Local to Inland Northwest. Willing to travel. WCCollectiblesCheney@gmail.com; 509-496-1835. Buying antiques and collectibles: advertising signs, porcelain signs, gas pumps, beer signs, antique toys, cast-iron coin banks, neon signs and more. Jason, 503-310-3321 or tjabaughman@yahoo.com. 0327 Old baseball cards. Paying cash, via PayPal or Venmo. Will pay for shipping to Sutherlin, OR. budandvicky@msn.com. Call or text, 541-430-6900. Automotive 2015 wheelchair-accessible Chevrolet Silverado SVM conversion pickup. 32K miles in excellent condition. Side-opening powerlift and additional driver’s seat. Prosser, WA. $35K. 509-948-5759. 1126 Community Events Art Center East’s 18th annual Handmade Holidays Makers Market. Nov. 20-21. Local and regional artists/artisans. Art Center East in La Grande, OR. artcentereast.org. 1126 Fill Your Pantry Corvallis, OR: One-day farmers market with bulk and storage focus. Noon to 3 p.m. Sunday Nov. 15. Benton County Fairgrounds, www.tenriversmarketplace.com.

Quick, Affordable: How to Place an Ad

Ads 25 words or fewer are $35 per month. Ads of up to 35 words are $50 per month. Contact information is included in the word count. Phone numbers and emails count as one word. Longer ads may be placed. Contact 503-357-2105 or info@pioneer.coop for pricing. Ads are for customers of member co-ops, public utility districts and municipals only. Subscribers and nonmembers may inquire about pricing at 503-357-2105 or info@pioneer.coop. Ads must be direct and in first person, and are subject to approval and editing. Closing deadline (in our office): January issue—Nov. 30 If submitting an 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 a check or money order payable to Ruralite. We accept credit card payments for ads submitted to info@pioneer.coop. Call 503-357-2105 to pay by credit card. Advertisements are accepted in good faith. Pioneer Utility Resources is not liable for interactions between buyers and sellers.

Miscellaneous Granite cemetery markers at affordable prices. Will ship to most places. For more info: Joe, highdesertmemorials@gmail.com or 541-815-8906; highdesertmemorials.com. Attention, landowners. Grants available now. Wildland fire fuel reduction service. Steep ground, remote, rocky, small lot, big acreage—no problem. Blue Mountain Defensible Space LLC. 509-399-3473 or Bluemountainbrush@gmail.com; bluemountainbrush.com. 1126 We are back. Local commercial fisherman sells summer catch of preserved freshness by blast freezing at sea, gourmet canned tuna online. October until sold out. 100% guaranteed the best canned tuna you ever tasted. Original, jalapeno and dill flavors available. To order: twofisherstuna.com or 206-799-1082. Pets

Frontier Art Center is putting on a Youth Art Show. 5-7 p.m. Nov. 22 at Burns Elk Lodge. Burns, OR. 1126 Education

American Eskimo/mini-husky stud available. White. Photos available. No puppies available. Central OR. Contact Liz, 360-901-1291. 1226

Long Creek Virtual Learning Acellus Academy. Free in OR, online, accredited, K-12 education. Contact Long Creek School for info and to sign up. longcreekschool.com; 541-508-9164. 1226

Thriving turnkey all-inclusive business in Seneca. Bear Valley store. $395K. 4 Rivers Realty Inc. 541-987-2363, ddwr@ortelco.net. 1126

Real Estate

Let me help you buy or sell ranch, farm and recreation property in OR. Fourth-generation Oregonian, prior ranch owner. For sale: Deschutes Canyon mountain views, 118 acres, riverfront. $11.9M. John Gill, 541-480-9161 or johngill@landandwildlife.com. Land and Wildlife brokerage. 1126 Local cash buyer for all real estate and homes. Any condition or situation. No agents, no repairs, no waiting. Ready with serious offers. AJ, 509-530-1182. 1126 Oregon riverfront orchard for sale. 13 acres on the north fork John Day River, Kimberly, OR. Great building site has a manufactured home. More than 800 apple trees, Honeycrisp and Fuji. Certified water rights. Great swimming hole. $245K. Will consider property trade and/ or contract for land in Tillamook. bluemntman@icloud.com. 1126 Recreational Rentals WaveCatcher 2027: oceanfront cottage, direct beach access, sleeps 6, pet friendly, full house amenities, open April-Oct. Info: www.wavecatcherbeachrentals.com. Reservations, text 541-740-2846. 1126

Your ad could be here in January. See instructions above for details.

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100% Guaranteed Protective Sleeves

Recreational Vehicles 2016 wheelchair-accessible 7x14’ carry-on cargo trailer. Wheelchair lift and rear door actuator. Batteries wired to electronics, power jack, built-in handrails, storage shelf, tiedowns, spare tire holder, parking block and Line-X coated flooring. Dual axle. $9.5K. 509-948-5759. Prosser, WA, area. 1126 2014 Solo Rider Electric golf cart. Swivel and stand-up seat for disabilities or handicaps. Gently used and well maintained. Headlights, sun canopy, new batteries and charger. $5K. 509-948-5759. 1126 Services Blue Mountain Defensible Space LLC. Wildfire fuel reduction: clearing brush, thinning trees, animal habitat enhancement. Expert service. Grant money available: OR, WA, ID. Bluemountainbrush@gmail.com; 509-399-3473; bluemountainbrush.com. 1126 Post-wildfire recovery for landowners. Wildfire property damage remediation services. 509-399-3473. Old West Coffins. Simple, dignified, traditional. Pine coffins, made-to-measure in the USA. Live the cowboy way, leave the cowboy way. oldwestcoffins.com. 530-640-1940. 1126 Dawn Till Dusk Masonry. Brick, block, stone and pavers. Small jobs and repairs welcome. dawntillduskconstructionmasonry.com; 541-388-7605; 541-410-6945. License #245760, bonded and insured. La Pine, OR. 1226 Mel’s Furniture Restoration. Repair, rebuild and restore. Rescuing family heirlooms. Serving Oregon from Bend since 1975. Contact Frank, mfrankspiecker@gmail.com; 541-382-8316. Idaho County Predator Control. 30 years experience. Coyotes, raccoons, beaver, wolves. Trap, snare, call or live traps. Whatever you need, reasonable prices. Doug, 208-630-3695. 1226 Want to Buy Buying American Indian collectibles, Navajo jewelry, blankets, rugs. CA/AZ baskets and beadwork. Quality paintings of the early Southwest and Americas. Call 760-409-3117; send photos to amer.ind.baskets@gmail.com. Gold, silver, coins/currency, buy, sell. Collections wanted. Fair prices paid. 46 years in retail store. Baker City, OR. 800-556-2133; garrymclin@aol.com. 1027 Old carpenter tools, planes (wood/metal), levels, chisels, slicks, adzes, axes, hatchets, handsaws, old rulers, spokeshaves, wrenches, shipwright tools, old tool chests. 503-659-0009 or 971-666-0659. 1126

Comfort Foods

Sometimes, the best cure for what ails you is food that provides emotional comfort. From pasta and casseroles to treats and desserts, readers submitted their favorite comfort foods in our 2017 contest. The perfect-bound book is $13 (plus TO ORDER BY MAIL: Submit payment with cookbook title, your name, address and number of cookbooks wanted to: Ruralite Cookbooks P.O. Box 1306 North Plains, OR 97133 TO PAY BY PHONE: Call 503-357-2105 for credit card payments with VISA, MasterCard, Discover or American Express. TO ORDER ONLINE: Visit ruralite.com.

•Prevents Cuts & Scratches •Durable Soft Leather •Adjustable Air-Flow

a r m c ha p s. c o m 6 5 1- 492-4830

Poultry Recipes Cookbook This cookbook features Ruralite reader submissions such as as Pollo Dorado, Southern Scalloped Chicken, Hawaiian Meatballs, Texas-Style Turkey Salad and Sweet and Sour Chicken. The cookbook is indexed with covers and costs $8 (plus $3 shipping for any size order). To order by mail, submit proper payment and include the cookbook title, your 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 ruralite.com. Allow 2-3 weeks for delivery.

Please allow two to three weeks for delivery.

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The Cost of a Facing increased demand on an aging electric grid, the Western United States faces a costly path to grid reliability By Greg Mason In the high desert of Northeastern California, a small electric utility is leading the charge to make power more reliable for its consumers. For decades, Susanville-based Lassen Municipal Utility District has relied on a single transmission route to serve more than 10,000 meters across its approximately 1,900-square-mile remote area. Power purchased from regional suppliers feeds the Caribou transmission line, owned by Pacific Gas and Electric Co., which passes through the rugged mountainous area and is prone to outages due to wildfire, snow, maintenance and more. LMUD has a backup source: a 30-megawatt biomass plant operated by Greenleaf Power. But if the plant suffers an unexpected failure at the same time

the Caribou line is down, the whole community will go dark—just as it did during the 2020 Hog Fire. “The whole Susanville area has been plagued with the Caribou transmission line, you know, forever,” LMUD General Manager Nick Dominguez says. “It’s always been an issue. People are just used to it. They’re prepared for day, multiday outages where all of Susanville has no power because the PG&E line went down, and there’s really nothing that we can do.” LMUD’s experience illustrates a broader challenge across the West: Utilities must add enough generation and transmission to serve rapidly growing demand while keeping electricity reliable and affordable. Western Transmission Expansion Coalition’s 10-Year Horizon Report concludes the West will need more than 12,600 miles of new or upgraded high-voltage transmission lines to meet demand, strengthen reliability and support decarbonization targets in Western states by 2035. The estimated cost is about $60 billion. The WestTEC report predicts regional power demand will increase by about 50,000 MW in the next decade. For reference, 10,000 MW typically power about 7.5 million homes. The report

states large commercial customers and increased electrification are among the factors driving regional growth estimates. It projects data centers to account for just 8,000 MW of this growth. Northwest Power and Conservation Council’s draft Ninth Power Plan recommends meeting these needs with a mix of approaches by everyday energy users, utilities and energy suppliers, from energy conservation to more than 16,000 MW of new power generation and storage. By 2032, the plan recommends the region achieve 1,060 average MW of conservation, 11,100 MW of new generation and 5,200 MW of energy storage. “The results of this analysis show a significant gap between where the system is today and where it needs to be in the future,” the plan says. Kurt Miller, Northwest Public Power

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Association executive director, says legislators in Washington and Oregon are not acting with enough urgency to prevent potential widespread blackouts caused by an inability to meet winter peak demand. “That is driven primarily by, one, weather and by, two, policies that would essentially move people off of natural gas heating and onto the electric grid for heating,” Kurt says. “The electrification of home heating demand, I think, is probably the biggest single driver that makes it the most dangerous.” Washington and Oregon have adopted laws requiring substantial reductions in greenhouse gas emissions from electricity generation by 2030. North American Electric Reliability Corp.’s 2025 Long-Term Reliability Assessment says the Northwest will be at high risk of energy shortfalls by 2029 during periods of extreme weather unless energy resources are added. The push to meet the region’s energy demand with only clean, renewable energy sources while removing reliable generation sources, such as natural gas, during a period of potential shortfall is unrealistic, Kurt explains. “We just aren’t able to do that,” he says. The regional picture is not uniform. Washington and Oregon have adopted energy policies opposing new thermal generation, such as natural gas and coal, while Idaho has not. Idaho Power’s

2025 integrated resource plan identifies a portfolio that includes building three new gas plants totaling 819 MW of new generation, as well as wind, solar and battery storage additions, in 2029 and 2030. According to Northwest Power and Conservation Council, gas-fired power plants provide about 21% of the region’s electricity, while hydropower leads at about 51% of the total supply. Even still, natural gas provided almost three-quarters of the energy used across the region during the January 2024 cold snap, according to Northwest Gas Association. “People aren’t aware of how big a role natural gas, as an end-use source of energy, plays in keeping the region energysufficient,” Kurt says. Even once rising demand is met, the region needs improved transmission infrastructure to deliver power where it is needed. The draft Ninth Power Plan calls for faster resource and transmission procurement through streamlined permitting and interconnection processes. With the transmission concerns, governors from 11 Western states have formed a coalition to address the West’s transmission needs and improve regional coordination, with WestTEC’s horizon report as the group’s north star. Smaller rural utilities often must take matters into their own hands to address reliability concerns in their communities. LMUD is working across state lines to create a second connection to the regional grid, partnering with NV Energy to connect its system to the 345-kilovolt

Reno-Alturas transmission line. The new Skedaddle Substation is expected to come online by Dec. 1, capable of transferring power from the RenoAlturas line to LMUD’s local distribution system. The project has been roughly 15 years in the making, hamstrung by unexpected cost hikes and long lead times exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. The project will cost LMUD $70 million, Nick says. The district will pay approximately $35 million to build the substation and pay NV Energy over 20 years for transmission services and any necessary system upgrades. For a utility with annual revenue of approximately $30 million, Skedaddle represents an unprecedented undertaking. LMUD began setting aside money for a second transmission connection in 2011, shortly before making its final payment on the bonds used to buy the electric system. “Not only does that give us a more reliable source of energy, but it also gives us access to a wider energy market so that we can procure resources in Nevada and Utah and Idaho and all over the Western U.S.,” Nick says. For LMUD customers, that broader connection means the loss of one transmission line should no longer produce a systemwide outage. For the West, it offers a small-scale example of regional coordination that planners say will be essential as electricity demand continues to grow. n

ADOBE STOCK ILLUSTRATION BY ABBASY KAUTSAR

ENERGY MATTERS

Lassen Municipal Utility District’s Skedaddle Substation connects the remote community of Susanville to a more reliable power supply and expands the utility’s power purchasing options as part of a larger energy market. PHOTO COURTESY OF LASSEN MUNICIPAL UTILITY DISTRICT

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BEFORE YOU GO

Otterly Curious

A North American river otter watches passersby while basking in the sun along the Columbia River near The Dalles, Oregon. PHOTO BY VICTOR KIKEL

To submit your photo, email a JPEG to photos@pioneer.coop. Include “Before You Go” in the subject line and share a bit about what inspired you to make your photo.

Meet the Hybrid That Never Needs Gas A one-of-a-kind timepiece for the Impossible Price of $39!

ImpStaue ® ossi r b Onl le Price y

$39

nnovation drives Stauer. That’s why we developed the Yellowjacket Hybrid Watch—a head-turning timepiece originally priced at $399. But while others raise prices, we slashed ours 90%—to ONLY $39. Digital or analog? Why choose? The Yellowjacket combines classic analog style with a precise quartz-powered digital display, featuring a stopwatch, alarm, a.m./p.m. settings, and day, date and month complications. With its large face, masculine two-tone design and 3 ATM water resistance, it’s ready for everything from the back nine to happy hour. Act now! Only 1,115 were available, and half have already sold. If you’re not completely satisfied, return it for a full refund—no questions asked. Men’s Yellow Jacket Watch Watch Specifications: • Precision movement $399 $39* + S&P Save $360 • Two-tone stainless steel band *Special price only for customers using the offer code. • Stopwatch, alarm, a.m./p.m. settings and day, date and month complications • Water-resistant to 3 ATM Your Insider Offer Code: YHW203-01

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AFFORD THE EXTRAORDINARY

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SHUTTERSTOCK PHOTO BY BRENT HOFACKER

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More than 300 recipes are featured in this 2004 contest cookbook—from tried-and-true family favorites passed down through generations to tempting new recipes to add flavor to the holidays. The 8½-by11-inch indexed book is $10 (plus $3 shipping for any size order). TO ORDER BY MAIL: Submit payment with cookbook title, your name, address and number of cookbooks wanted to: Ruralite Cookbooks P.O. Box 1306 North Plains, OR 97133

TO PAY BY PHONE: Call 503-357-2105 for credit card payments with Visa, MasterCard, Discover or American Express. TO ORDER ONLINE: Visit www.ruralite.com.

Please allow two to three weeks for delivery.

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652 Rose Ave. P.O. Box 69 Vernonia, OR 97064 503-429-3021 Toll free 800-777-1276 westoregon.org Office Hours: 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Closed for lunch from 11 a.m. to noon Monday through Thursday BOARD OF DIRECTORS President Patricia Jordan (District 1 – Jewell, Elsie, Hamlet) Vice President Ray Taber (District 5 – Timber, Buxton) Secretary/Treasurer Mark Ludeman (District 7 – Manning, Hagg Lake, Yamhill County) Paul Seamons (District 2 – Mist, Apiary, Birkenfeld) Jim Buxton (District 3 – Vernonia, Keasey) Brett Costley (District 4 – Vernonia) Jolene Jonas (District 6 – Chapman, Scappoose) GENERAL MANAGER Billi Kohler CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER Daniel Huggett ENGINEERING & OPERATIONS MANAGER Andrew Larson ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES MANAGER/HR Laura Hein The November board meeting is at 5 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 17. Members are welcome.

OR-14

Let the Cooperative Spirit Shine This Thanksgiving Dear Members, As Thanksgiving approaches, many of us think about the people and places that make life special. At West Oregon Electric Cooperative, we have much to be thankful for. At the top of that list are the members and communities we’re proud to serve. Being a cooperative means we are more than an electric utility. We are part of the communities we serve. Our employees live here, raise families here, shop at local businesses, attend local schools and churches, and volunteer alongside many of you. The power lines that stretch across our service area connect more than homes and businesses. They connect neighbors, families and communities. That connection is at the heart of the cooperative spirit. Cooperatives were built on a simple idea: People can accomplish more when they work together. We see the same spirit throughout our communities every day. We see it when neighbors help one another, when volunteers give their time, when teachers support their students and when local organizations come together to meet a need. We are thankful to play a part in those efforts. Whether we are supporting local classrooms, investing in the next generation, helping community organizations or simply working each day to provide safe and reliable electricity, our purpose goes beyond keeping the lights on. We are thankful for the trust you place in us. Serving our members is a responsibility we take seriously. Your patience during outages, your kind words when you see our crews working and your participation in cooperative programs help make WOEC stronger. As families and friends gather around Thanksgiving tables this month, we hope you take a moment to appreciate the people who make your community feel like home. From all of us at West Oregon Electric Cooperative, thank you for allowing us to serve you. We are grateful to be your cooperative, your neighbor and part of the communities we all call home. Our office is closed Thursday, Nov. 26, for Thanksgiving. We wish you and your family a safe, happy and blessed Thanksgiving. Best, General Manager Billi Kohler

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