Ruralite GOLDEN VALLEY ELECTRIC
NOVEMBER 2026
INSIDE >>
ENERGY EMERGENCY ALERTS
What Members Need to Know Meet GVEA’s Jacob Firis GVEA Board Elections: Apply to Serve on the Board ADOBE STOCK PHOTO BY LEUNGCHOPAN
c-37 pp01 November2026_v2.indd 1
10/21/2026 4:12:48 PM
Feel Better. Sleep Better. Live Better. Does this sound like you? Check every condition that applies.
A Safe Step Walk-in Tub turns your bathroom into a personal wellness retreat, right in the comfort of your own home. Whether it’s sore joints after a long day, restless nights, or simply wanting to feel safer and more confident at home – Safe Step was built for exactly this moment in your life. Safe Step packs spa-grade therapy and safety into one beautifully designed tub – so you get the relief you need and the independence you deserve. WARM FROM THE MOMENT YOU SIT DOWN. Heated seat and backrest
jets work where you need them most – loosening stiff joints and soothing sore muscles.
STEP IN WITH CONFIDENCE
Back Pain
Dry Skin
Anxiety & Stress
Poor Circulation
Diabetes
Mobility Issues
Recovery
A FOOT MASSAGE WITH EVERY BATH. Built-in foot jets melt away tension
The industry’s leading low step-in threshold, wide door, built-in grab bars, and anti-slip floor help you bathe safely and independently.
from the ground up – a feature you won’t fi nd in most walk-in tubs.
SPA-GRADE AIR THERAPY AT HOME. The MicroSoothe® Air Therapy System surrounds you with thousands of tiny oxygen-rich bubbles that soften skin, ease tension and promote relaxation.
If you checked even one box, a Safe Step Walk-in Tub could make a real difference in how you feel.
Reclaim Your Comfort. Reclaim Your Independence.
4 3
Insomnia
TARGETED PAIN RELIEF, ON YOUR SCHEDULE. 10 variable-speed hydro-massage
eliminate cold-tub shock, keeping you comfortable from start to fi nish.
1
Arthritis
2
MORE STANDARD FEATURES THAN ANY OTHER WALK-IN TUB ON THE MARKET: 9
8 6
7
5 1
Heated Seat & Backrest
4
Electronic Keypad Controls
8
Anti-Slip Tub Floor
2
MicroSoothe® Air Therapy System
5
Rapid-Fill Faucet
9
3
10 Variable-Speed Hydro-Jets
6
Industry-Leading Low Step-In
Personal Hygiene Therapy System & Bidet
7
Wider Door for Easy Entry
EXCLUSIVE SAVINGS – FOR A LIMITED TIME ONLY!
FREE TOILET + $2,000 OFF * Call Toll-Free Today
1-800-963-4075 YourSafeStepTub.com
Professional Blue Installation | Complete Lifetime Warranty on the Tub | Financing Available with Approved Credit *Offer expires 12/31/26. Free toilet with purchase and installation of a walk-in tub or walk-in shower only. Offer available while supplies last. No cash value. Must present offer at time of purchase. Cannot be combined with any other offer. Market restrictions may apply. Offer available in select markets only. CSLB 1082165 • NSCB 0083445 • 13VH11096000 • CGC1537181 • ROC 312990 • CCB 244331 • SAFESSW784PS • PA127501 • MHIC 134233 • TN 5887 • RL.884533 • RBB.49248 • UT 13229623-5501 • 1126
pp02 November2026.indd 4
10/21/2026 5:04:13 PM
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
DISPLAY ADVERTISING INQUIRIES American MainStreet Publications 611 S. Congress Ave., Suite 504 Austin, TX 78704 800-626-1181 or 512-441-5200
Spotlight, Page 12 Reader Exchange 18 Great Picture Hunt 22
Marketplace Before You Go
Utility Pages: 4-8, 25, 28-29, 32
26 30
Soup Season Is Here
Warm up with a bowl full of comfort
In the Kitchen, Page 16
NOVEMBER 2026
pp03 November2026.indd 3
3
10/22/2026 3:45:11 PM
GOLDEN VALLEY ELECTRIC
Your Voice Matters: Apply to Serve on GVEA’s Board of Directors By Molly Rettig Two seats are up for grabs on the Golden Valley Electric Association Board of Directors in 2027: District 4, which includes downtown Fairbanks, surrounding neighborhoods and subdivisions, and areas north of Fairbanks along the Steese Highway, including Chena Hot Springs Road; and District 7, which stretches from Nenana to Cantwell. The seven-member board oversees the cooperative’s leadership, manages $751 million in assets and sets the $316 million operating budget each year.* The job entails listening to local members’ needs and concerns, engaging with statewide and national energy entities, and overseeing the complex operation that keeps the state’s third largest power grid going. “You don’t realize it until the lights go out, but GVEA is the most important business in town,” says Tom DeLong, who served on the board since 2005 and stepped down this year. Tom was originally nominated by his neighbor, who served on GVEA’s Nominating Committee. The other pathway to getting on the ballot is applying by petition. A geologist by trade, Tom didn’t know a ton about energy at the time. “My dad was an oil man, and I went to high school here in Fairbanks during the oil boom, so I had a bit of background on energy and GVEA’s place in the community, but I was by no means an energy expert,” Tom says. Having a background in energy is not a requirement of the job. In fact, the only requirements are to live in the district you represent, have an interest in energy and the larger policy and economic framework governing how energy is made, distributed and consumed. The most effective boards, in Tom’s experience, have directors from all backgrounds who represent the geographic and cultural diversity of Interior Alaska. GVEA’s service area, which covers Fairbanks, Delta, Nenana, Healy and Cantwell, includes businesses, neighborhoods, military sites, mines, farms and critical urban services such as the hospital, police station and airport. These members use energy in different ways. “Our board reflects this diversity,” GVEA Board Chair Dave Messier says. “There are differing opinions about where we get our generation, how we maintain our systems and what our priorities should be, but we have respectful conversations. That’s something I try to guide us toward, having a healthy dialogue about the decisions and investments being made.” * Figures reflect GVEA’s 2026 operating budget and current financial data, which have not yet been audited. 4
N O V E M B E R 2026
Dave has been on the board since 2017. Before that, he spent years helping rural villages maintain and improve their microgrids, which gave him a strong grounding in the challenges facing remote power systems as well as the importance of cooperation. “If rural communities were going to survive with their power systems, they needed to work together. It’s the same on the Railbelt. For us to improve our service and get our costs down, we need to have coordination between Railbelt utilities,” Dave says. One example of such coordination is the Railbelt Reliability Council. Formed in 2022, the RRC ensures Railbelt utilities ranging from Fairbanks to Homer plan energy systems together rather than individually. GVEA’s board tackles other major questions, too: What kind of generation, storage and transmission systems should make up the future grid? When do you invest in new infrastructure versus double-down on maintenance? At the heart of every discussion is cost, Dave says. Nobody wants to see their rates go up. However, with much of Interior Alaska’s power infrastructure dating back to the 1970s, its poles, wires, and substations are aging. Without proper maintenance, power disruptions can become more frequent and severe. “Working on these different issues is a fun, interesting balance that ensures you have conversations with lots of members,” Dave says. Maintaining Current Assets and Shaping the Future Over two decades serving on GVEA’s board, Tom saw the cooperative grow, diversify and give back to the community. There are several initiatives he is most proud of. In 2005, GVEA launched the Sustainable Natural Alternative Power program enabling members to voluntarily contribute to clean energy projects, a program that still exists today. In 2011, GVEA launched the Good¢ents program, allowing members to round up their monthly bills to fund grants for local nonprofits doing critical work in GVEA’s service territory. To date, the program has provided nearly $2 million in grants to support organizations making a difference in local communities. In 2018, GVEA built a half-megawatt solar array in south Fairbanks, which—at the time—was the largest solar farm in Alaska. The growth of solar and other renewables has been one of the highlights for Tom. GVEA’s Board of Directors makes critical decisions about the generation resources and infrastructure that power Interior Alaska, shaping the reliability and future of electric service for every member across the cooperative’s service territory. PHOTOS COURTESY OF GVEA
NOVEMBER 2026
5
GOLDEN VALLEY ELECTRIC “Over the years, we’ve gotten to 12% renewable generation,” he says. “That comes from Bradley Lake hydroelectric, Eva Creek and our solar array. Plus, there’s quite a bit of solar on the grid from members now.” In addition to making a local impact, board members also have the opportunity to work at higher levels. For example, you could serve on the Alaska Power Association, the statewide trade organization that advocates for energy policy, giving a voice to Interior Alaska at the state and federal level. Past GVEA directors have also served on the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association, representing Alaska utilities on a national scale. Ultimately, both Tom and Dave say the greatest reward to serving on GVEA’s board is the member-oriented approach. “Since the farmers came together in 1946 and formed the cooperative to bring power to outlying areas, GVEA has been striving to improve quality of life for Alaskans. As a memberowned cooperative, our focus is on serving our members and the communities we power. Being able to go to meetings and use that as a guiding light is a great experience,” Dave says. n
Top: GVEA Board Chair Dave Messier connects with members at the Annual Meeting & Member Event, one of many opportunities throughout the year for members to engage directly with their board, learn about important cooperative issues and successes, and make their voices heard. Bottom: Tom DeLong, former GVEA Board Director, addresses members at the Annual Meeting, sharing information and strengthening the connection between the cooperative and the members it serves. PHOTOS BY RED PHOTOGRAPHY
6
N O V E M B E R 2026
District 4
Quick Facts About GVEA’s Board
• Districts up for election: District 4 includes downtown Fairbanks, north of Airport Way and east of Peger Road up to the Chena River; the subdivisions of Island Homes, District 7 Hamilton Acres, Shannon Park and Birchwood Homes; all areas east of the Steese Highway heading north out of Fairbanks and south of Goldstream Road, including Chena Hot Springs Road; also Secluded Acres Subdivision, located east of Fort Wainwright and north of the Chena River. District 7 includes the areas of Nenana, Clear, Anderson, Healy, McKinley Village and Cantwell. • Directors serve a three-year board term. • Monthly board meetings and frequent committee meetings are required • Some travel and national certification are required. On average, directors can expect to spend 500 hours a year on GVEA-related business. • Board members are paid meeting fees, plus standard mileage rates for travel. How to apply: Candidates may seek nomination by committee or petition. Learn more at: gvea.com/about-us/board-of-directors/elections.
NOVEMBER 2026
7
GOLDEN VALLEY ELECTRIC
Headed to College? Apply for an academic scholarship from Golden Valley Electric Association
Application Deadline:
FEB. 15, 2027
Applications open November 1 for $39,000 worth of scholarships from Golden Valley Electric Association. Eight scholarships will be awarded in May 2027. Scholarships are funded by unclaimed capital credits and have no impact on members’ electric rates. To be eligible for a GVEA scholarship, the applicant or someone in the applicants’ immediate family must be a member of GVEA. Applications can now be completed and submitted online. Visit gvea.com/scholarships to apply.
Scholarships
Academic Degree ($16,000 — one recipient) This is a four-year scholarship awarded to one student each year. Applicant must be a graduating senior from a high school, correspondence study or distance education program in GVEA’s service area. Applicant must be pursuing a four-year bachelor’s degree at any University of Alaska campus and have a minimum cumulative high school GPA of 3.5. Academic ($3,500 — three recipients) This nonrenewable scholarship is awarded to three students. Applicant must be a graduating senior from a high school, correspondence study or distance education program in GVEA’s service area. Minimum cumulative high school GPA of 3.0 required. Applicant must be pursuing a four-year bachelor’s degree at an accredited school. Continuing Education ($3,000 — three recipients) This nonrenewable scholarship is awarded to three students. Current year graduating high school seniors are not eligible. Applicant must be enrolled or accepted as a part-time (at least six credit hours per semester or four hours per quarter) or full-time student at an accredited school in a program working toward a bachelor’s or master’s degree. Applicant must have completed 12 or more credits with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5. Career & Technical Education ($3,500 — one recipient) This scholarship is for students considering a career in a health, industrial or technical field, such as cosmetology, dental hygiene, diesel/heavy equipment operation or auto mechanics. This is a nonrenewable scholarship awarded to one student. Applicant must be enrolled or accepted as a part-time (at least six credit hours per semester or four hours per quarter) or full-time student at an accredited school in a program leading toward a recognized license, certificate or an associate degree. Applicant must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 at the most recent educational institution attended (high school or post-secondary). Youth Rally Scholarship (Two recipients) Students from GVEA’s service area are selected annually to attend a weeklong leadership camp for high school sophomores and juniors. Students travel with chaperones, and GVEA covers all travel, lodging and meal expenses. Ainsley Sauer, Monroe High School, received a GVEA 2024 Academic Degree Scholarship. PHOTO BY GRACE WILSON
8
N O V E M B E R 2026
Get a FREE consultation! Call 866-407-6791
BLACK FRIDAY SAVINGS EVENT Financing Made Easy!
BUY NOW AND PAY NOTHING UNTIL NOVEMBER 2028! NO Money Down and NO Monthly Payments NO Interest for 2 FULL YEARS 1
1
MINIMUM PURCHASE OF 6 – INTEREST ACCRUES DURING PROMOTIONAL PERIOD BUT IS WAIVED IF PAID IN FULL WITHIN 24 MONTHS
TESTED, TRUSTED, AND TOTALLY PROVEN.2 Offer Ends 11/30/2026 Call for your FREE consultation.
866-407-6791 FINDYOURWINDOW.COM
1 DETAILS OF OFFER: Offer expires 11/30/2026. Not valid with other offers or prior purchases. Get 24-months no money down, no monthly payments, no interest when you purchase six (6) or more windows or entry/patio doors between 11/1/2026 and 11/30/2026. Only valid on initial visit. Subject to credit approval. 24-month Promotional Period: when no payments are due, interest accrues but is waived if balance is paid in full before Promotional Period expires. Any unpaid balance owed after Promotional Period, plus accrued interest, will be paid in installments based on terms disclosed in the financing agreement. Financing is provided by various financial institutions without regard to age, race, color, religion, national origin, gender, or familial status. Savings comparison based on purchase of a single unit at list price. Available at participating locations and offer applies throughout the service area. See your local Renewal by Andersen location for details. License numbers available at renewalbyandersen.com/license. Some Renewal by Andersen locations are independently owned and operated. See Renewal by Andersen® Products and Installation Transferable Limited Warranty for details. †It is the only warranty among top selling window companies that meets all of the following requirements: easy to understand terms, unrestricted transferability, installation coverage, labor coverage, geographically unrestricted, coverage for exterior color, insect screens and hardware, and no maintenance requirement. Visit renewalbyandersen.com/nationsbest for details. ‡Review aggregator survey of 5-star reviews among leading national full-service window replacement companies. Reputation.com March 2026. “Renewal by Andersen” and all other marks where denoted are trademarks of Andersen Corporation. ©2026 Andersen Corporation. All rights reserved. RBA14201
pp09 November2026.indd 4
10/21/2026 5:06:54 PM
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
10
N O V E M B E R 2026
pp10-11 November2026.indd 10
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
10/22/2026 1:22:24 PM
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.
NOVEMBER 2026
pp10-11 November2026.indd 11
11
10/22/2026 1:22:29 PM
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
N O V E M B E R 2026
pp12-15 November2026.indd 12
9/30/2026 4:38:12 PM
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
pp12-15 November2026.indd 13
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.
14
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.
N O V E M B E R 2026
pp12-15 November2026.indd 14
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
pp12-15 November2026.indd 15
15
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
16
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.
N O V E M B E R 2026
pp16-17 November2026.indd 16
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
pp16-17 November2026.indd 17
17
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!
18
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.
N O V E M B E R 2026
pp18 November2026.indd 18
10/22/2026 10:02:11 AM
Meet the Beauty in the Beast Discover this spectacular 6½-carat green treasure from Mount St. Helens!
F
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.®
pp19 November2026.indd 4
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.
N O V E M B E R 2026
pp20 November2026.indd 20
10/20/2026 4:35:03 PM
Sacred Stone of the Southwest is on the Brink of Extinction
C
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.
B.
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.
A.
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
pp21 November2026.indd 4
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
N O V E M B E R 2026
pp22 November2026.indd 22
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
CLEAR YOUR PATH WITH A DR SNOW BLOWER ®
FEATURE-RICH with the power to blast through heavy, compacted snow EZ-TURN STEERING for hasslefree 180-degree turns and maneuverability 3 MODELS AVAILABLE to clear 24", 28", or 30" wide paths
Clear More Snow and Ice Faster and Easier with a DR Snow Blower
PRO XL30B
Shop DRPower.com Today ®
FREE SHIPPING Options Available | Request a FREE CATALOG
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.
24
N O V E M B E R 2026
pp24 November2026story.indd 24
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
GOLDEN VALLEY ELECTRIC
GVEA Employee Spotlight:
Jacob Firis
A new adventure building the future of the GVEA IT department By Rachael Kvapil Jacob Firis comes by an adventurous spirit honestly. Growing up in Ohio, Jacob heard stories about his uncle, who worked on early warning systems on Shemya Island and on other computer-related projects in Alaska. When it came time for Jacob to focus on his own career after college, he stumbled upon several positions opening in the 49th state. “And I was like, ‘Oh, they have jobs in Alaska’,” Jacob says. “I thought, ‘I wonder what’s that like? Alaska is so big. I could vacation there two or three times and still not see everything I wanted, so maybe I should move there’.” Seven years into his adventure, Jacob still hasn’t seen everything in Alaska, but he has built a solid IT career. He worked at the University of Alaska Fairbanks until earlier this year, when he became the IT support services supervisor at Golden Valley Electric Association. Jacob says he’s always been interested in computers, primarily through video games. Several family members worked in the field, which further influenced him. Later, while attending Ashland University in Ohio, he worked at the help desk and found that IT was something he did well. “I’m good at helping people,” Jacob says. “I’m good at making them feel better, which I know is not a technical fix. But allowing them to express their frustrations can get us headed toward a solution.” The IT support services supervisor is a recently added position at GVEA, and Jacob says many of his duties are still taking shape. In general, he handles all corporate needs and manages GVEA’s contract with Alaska Connect, which provides some IT services for the utility. Mainly, he feels much of his job is translating regular user requests into technical language that makes it easier for the IT department. “I’ll also do a kind of triage,” he says. “I’ll manage what we’re going to call the service center, a formalization of IT support services that we will offer GVEA employees. It will show people where they can go for different kinds of help, so people get the services they need when they need them.” Jacob says he always asks one question when helping others: What is the program or machine doing, or not doing, that is making it work or not work? He knows it’s such a vague question, but he says it helps focus him and the user on the goal of making things work again. This means discussing the expected behavior and identifying why that’s not happening. In that way, a diagnosis is another form of the scientific method where some values are
PHOTO BY GRACE WILSON
static, and he is attempting to isolate the variable. Helping the Fairbanks community is as important to Jacob as helping fellow GVEA employees. The cause closest to his heart is anything that ends food insecurity, such as a food bank, soup kitchen or any other organization feeding families. “It drives me insane that in the richest country in the world, one in four kids are food insecure,” Jacob says. “I cannot tolerate the fact that anyone would go hungry, especially a child. It’s the one cause I’m very passionate about.” When Jacob isn’t dedicated to helping the community, he enjoys hiking, weightlifting, playing video games and watching movies. He recently bought a sewing machine and is excited to learn this new craft. Of course, he also loves to travel. “My uncle has passed on, but hopefully I can see some of those places where he spent so much time,” Jacob says. n NOVEMBER 2026
25
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
26
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.
N O V E M B E R 2026
pp26-27 November2026.indd 26
10/23/2026 10:38:59 AM
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.
NOVEMBER 2026
pp26-27 November2026.indd 27
27
10/23/2026 10:39:00 AM
GOLDEN VALLEY ELECTRIC
GVEA Introduces Energy Emergency Alerts By Deb Hickok
Sometimes—and increasingly more often—the demand for electricity outpaces the supply at hand Golden Valley Electric Association’s service area. To give members a heads-up when this situation occurs, GVEA is introducing a new system called Energy Emergency Alerts, also known as EEA. The four-level EEA system conveys when the electric co-op is experiencing a strain on the grid. Without members’ assistance, this could potentially lead to shortfalls of power. Golden Valley needs members to lend a helping hand by reducing energy use. In the early stages, voluntarily working together can help prevent the situation from worsening. “Putting the EEA together was in response to what situation we’re in, or could be in, in the next several years,” says Ashley Bradish, GVEA director of external affairs and public relations. Why Shortages Could Happen Ashley explains that several factors are contributing to potential supply deficits. First, since February 2024, GVEA has not received power produced by Cook Inlet natural gas, which had previously provided onethird of the co-op’s electricity. Second, for the next seven winters, GVEA is losing power from the Bradley Lake Hydroelectric Project near Homer while crews build needed transmission lines across the Kenai Peninsula. Third, GVEA concurrently expects demand to keep growing, especially from the industrial and military sectors. Add an unexpected event into the mix, such as a long stretch of extreme cold or a power plant failure, then GVEA may not have the backup power it typically depends on to avoid outages. During a late-August meeting, the GVEA Board of Directors discussed projects to increase local supply. Among their directives was approval of a new turbine at the North Pole Power Plant. “While Golden Valley has long-term plans to build more capacity, these generation issues are not going to go away in the near future,” Ashley says. Where the Grid Stands GVEA has not yet reached Level 3. But, from January to August of this year, the co-op experienced 15 Level 1 events and five Level 2 events. “If members help early, during a Level 1 or 2 alert, it can greatly help Golden Valley avoid the outages dictated by Level 3,” Ashley says. How to Prepare for Changing Grid Conditions GVEA offers these online resources for members to learn more about potential challenges to the grid and how to help prevent and prepare for an emergency: • Energy Emergency Alerts: gvea.com/energy-emergency-alert • Controlled Load Shed Program: gvea.com/safety/clsp • Emergency Outage Kit: gvea.com/safety/outages • Energy conservation for every room in the house and the exterior: gvea.com/member-resources/energy-saving-tips • Alaska Housing Finance Corporation financial programs: ahfc.us/efficiency
PHOTO BY PIXELPARTICLE
28
N O V E M B E R 2026
How the Alerts Work Modeled after alert systems used by electric co-ops in the Lower 48, the EEA defines four levels that characterize deteriorating grid conditions. Launched in early 2025, the Controlled Load Shed Program made GVEA members aware that the co-op could face generation shortfalls. The program divides the service area into 13 zones. If necessary, GVEA would conduct power interruptions lasting for 30 to 60 minutes that would temporarily rotate zoneby-zone throughout the area. The intent of Level 3 is to force a reduction in demand until sufficient power generation can be brought back online. n
Update: EEA System Activated for the First Time Since this story was written, GVEA activated its Energy Emergency Alert system for the first time, issuing a Level 2 alert on Oct. 12. The alert was triggered when an unexpected generating unit outage coincided with two units already offline for planned maintenance, significantly reducing available backup power. The incident demonstrated why GVEA introduced the EEA system: to keep members informed as power supply becomes more limited, provide guidance on conserving electricity and help members prepare for the possibility of controlled outages. While the alert system is new, the underlying power supply challenges described in this story are not. For more information about the first alert and what members should know, visit tinyurl.com/y8cpsv26
Have questions? Our member services representatives are ready to help. Call 907-4521151 or email ms@gvea.com.
NOVEMBER 2026
29
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
I
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
1-800-333-2045
Stauer, 14101 Southcross Drive W., Dept. YHW203-01, Burnsville, MN 55337 | www.stauer.com
AFFORD THE EXTRAORDINARY
30
N O V E M B E R 2026
pp30 November26_RL.indd 30
10/21/2026 12:45:09 PM
qxd
cover new.
4/11/2006
10:58 AM
SHUTTERSTOCK PHOTO BY BRENT HOFACKER
okbook Holiday co
Page 1
tes
vori Holiday Fa
Recipes
Readers Submitted by
test
ber 2002 Con
for the Novem
Holiday Favorites
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.
pp31 October2026.indd 4 Holiday full page.indd 4
10/21/2026 5:29:41 PM 3/6/2026 10:14:12 AM
Owned By Those We Serve BOARD OF DIRECTORS David Messier, Chair, District 1 Krista Zappone, Vice Chair, District 7 Rick Solie, Treasurer, District 3 Gary Newman, Secretary, District 4 John Sloan, District 6 Bradley Swope, District 5 Philip Wight, District 2
AK-37
Corporate Headquarters 758 Illinois St. P.O. Box 71249 Fairbanks, AK 99707-1249 907-452-1151 800-770-GVEA (4832) Fax: 907-458-6365 Delta Junction Office 1681 Richardson Highway Delta Junction, AK 99737 907-452-1151 800-770-GVEA (4832) Fax: 907-895-5472 Report Outages: 907-452-1151 800-770-GVEA (4832) Select: Option 1, Option 1 View Outage Map: gvea.com/outages gvea.com
Are You the One?
Consider running for the GVEA Board of Directors Nominating committees in Golden Valley Electric Association’s Districts 4 and 7 are seeking board of directors applicants. If you live in one of these districts and are interested in serving your electric cooperative, find everything you need at gvea.com/elections, including • Candidate application • Policy outlining directors’ qualifications • Application checklist Directors attend monthly board meetings and frequent committee meetings. Some travel and national certification are required. On average, directors can expect to spend 500 hours a year on GVEArelated business. Board members are paid meeting fees, plus standard mileage rates for travel. Health insurance is available. n ILLUSTRATION BY GOOD_STOCK
32
N O V E M B E R 2026
District 4 Includes downtown Fairbanks, north of Airport Way and east of Peger Road up to the Chena River; the subdivisions of Island Homes, Hamilton Acres, Shannon Park and Birchwood Homes; all areas east of the Steese Highway heading north out of Fairbanks and south of Goldstream Road, including Chena Hot Springs Road; and Secluded Acres Subdivision, located east of Fort Wainwright and north of the Chena River. District 7 Includes the areas of Nenana, Clear, Anderson, Healy, McKinley Village and Cantwell.
Application deadline: 5 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 9 Applications must be submitted online.
Applications and maps of each district are available at gvea.com/elections. If you have questions, call 907-458-4518 or email pr@gvea.com.