Ruralite, Alaska Village Electric Cooperative, February 2024 by utilitypioneers

Ruralite

ALASKA VILLAGE ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE FEBRUARY 2024

view of Alaska Village

Cooperative’s wind turbine. PHOTO BY JAMES TROTTER

FEELING REJUVENATED WITH CBD

Everyone feels the hurt as you age, but CBD can help you deal with it

By: Beth Giles

Life really does y by. Before I knew it, my 60s had arrived, and with them came some new gifts from dear ol’ Mother Nature—frequent knee pain, stress, low energy and sleeplessness. Now, I’m a realist about these things, I knew I wasn’t going to be young and springy forever. But still, with “golden years” nearly on my doorstep, I couldn’t help but feel a little cheated. at is until I found my own secret weapon. Another gift from Mother Nature.

It began a few months back when I was complaining about my aches and pains to my marathon-running granddaughter, Jen. She casually mentioned how she uses CBD rub to help with her joint pain. She said that CBD gave her more focus and clarity throughout the day and that her lingering muscle and joint discomfort no longer bothered her. She even felt comfortable signing up for back-toback marathons two weekends in a row this year. at made even this self-proclaimed skeptic take notice.

But I still had some concerns. According to one study in the Journal of the American Medical Association, 70% of CBD products didn’t contain the amount of CBD stated on their labels. And, as a consumer, that’s terrifying! If I was going to try CBD, I needed to trust the source through and through. My two-fold research process naturally led me to Zebra CBD. First, I started calling my family and friends. Call me old fashioned but I wanted to know if

was impressed by its array of products, including CBD oils called tinctures, topicals, chewable tablets, mints and gummies. After reading on their website that all their products are made with organically-grown hemp, I ordered... and it arrived within 2 days!

there were people whom I trusted (more than anonymous testimonials) who’ve had success using CBD besides my granddaughter.

Secondly, I wanted cold hard facts. Diving deep into the world of CBD research and clinical studies, I came across Emily Gray M.D., a physician at the University of California at San Diego (UCSD) Medical School and medical advisor to Zebra CBD who is researching the e ects of CBD. Dr. Gray wrote “early results with CBD have been promising and we have a lot of research underway now. I’ve had several patients using CBD with good success. It’s important that you know your source of CBD and how to use it properly.”

After hearing it from the doctor’s mouth, I returned to my research, asking more people and was amazed by the number of close friends and family who were already on the CBD train. Apparently, I was the only one without a clue! And funny enough, a couple of friends who commented were using the same brand as my granddaughter—Zebra CBD. ere was no consensus as to why they were using CBD, but the top reasons given were for muscle & joint discomfort, mood support, sleep support, stress and headaches, as well as supporting overall health & wellness.

Eventually, even the most skeptical of the bunch can be won over. With a trusted CBD source in mind, I decided to give it a go.

When I viewed Zebra CBD’s selection online, I

e rst product I tried was the Rub. Now this stu was strong. Immediately after rubbing it on my knee, the soothing e ects kicked in. It had that familiar menthol cooling e ect, which I personally nd very relieving. And the best part is, after two weeks of using it, my knee pain no longer a ected my daily mobility.

e Zebra Sleep Gummies, on the other hand, had a di erent but equally positive e ect on my body. To take it, the instructions suggest chewing thoroughly. is was simple enough, and the taste was, well, lemony. After about 15 minutes, a sense of calm came over my body. It's hard to describe exactly; it's de nitely not a "high" feeling. It's more like an overall sense of relaxation—and then I was out. Needless to say, I slept great and woke up refreshed. I haven’t slept like that in a long time.

While it hasn’t been a catch-all x to every one of my health issues, it has eased the level and frequency of my aches. And it sure doesn’t seem like a coincidence how rejuvenated I feel. All-in-all, CBD is one of those things that you have to try for yourself. Although I was skeptical at rst, I can safely say that I’m now a Zebra CBD fan and that I highly recommend their products. Also, I managed to speak with a Zebra CBD spokesperson willing to provide an exclusive. If you order this month, you’ll receive $10 o your rst order by using promo code “RL10” at checkout. Plus, the company o ers a 100% No-Hassle, Money-Back Guarantee. You can try it yourself and order Zebra CBD at ZebraCBD.com/CM or at 1-888-762-2699.

Ruralite

February 2024 • Volume 72, No. 2

CEO Michael Shepard

SENIOR VP OF CONTENT Leon Espinoza

EDITORIAL DIRECTOR Mike Teegarden, CCC

DEPUTY EDITORIAL DIRECTOR Noble

Sprayberry

SENIOR EDITOR Jennifer Paton, CCC

ASSISTANT EDITORS Chasity Anderson, CCC; Victoria Hampton, CCC, David Herder CCC

ASSOCIATE EDITORS

Valeri Pearon, Nina Todea

PUBLICATIONS PRODUCTION SR. MANAGER

Elizabeth Beatty

PUBLICATIONS COORDINATOR

Alyssa McDougle

Ruralite (USPS 397-460) is published monthly for members for $4.83 per year, plus postage, by Pioneer Utility Resources Inc., 5625 NE Elam Young Pkwy. Ste. 100, Hillsboro, OR 97124—a not-for-profit Oregon cooperative corporation—to serve the communication needs of 47 consumer-owned electric utilities in Oregon, Washington, Alaska, Idaho, Nevada and California. Preferred periodical postage paid at Hillsboro, Oregon, 97123 and additional mailing offices. © 2024 Pioneer Utility Resources. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited.

Postmaster: Send address changes to Ruralite, 5625 NE Elam Young Pkwy. Ste. 100, Hillsboro, OR 97124-6454

HOW TO CONTACT RURALITE

Subscription services:

Nonmember subscriptions $15 (U.S.) per year; $25 per year (foreign). Prepayment required. Allow 4-8 weeks for first issue. Be sure to identify which local edition you want to receive.

Address Changes:

Utility members, contact your local utility. Subscribers, call us at 503-357-2105 option 3 or email mailingdept@pioneer.coop.

Back issues:

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

To contact Ruralite: 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 www.pioneer.coop.

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Ruralite Celebrates 70

Ruralite magazine hits a milestone this year: 70 years of storytelling and serving readers throughout the Northwest.

Ruralite magazine started in 1954 with a handful of electric cooperatives. It now serves 46 public power utilities, including co-ops, PUDs and a municipal utility. Every month, we mail more than 360,000 magazines to readers across the region in Alaska, Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana, Nevada and California. Did you know Pioneer Utility Resources, which publishes Ruralite magazine, is a co-op? We are owned by the more than 250 utilities we serve. We don’t just tell the cooperative story; we live it.

Speaking of stories, our main feature in February shares tips for finding your healthy living bliss in 2024. Personally, I’m a big fan of yoga. The breathing techniques are useful in stressful situations, and the gentle stretching helps keep me in good shape for more strenuous activities such as golf and pickleball.

Our Up Close story shares the success of entrepreneur Jasmin Smith. The owner of Baby Vend sells baby supplies in vending machines in 23 cities across the country. She was inspired to start her business after realizing she was short on supplies during a trip to the mall with her twin babies. She understood if this was a problem for her, other parents might also need a hand, and she found a way to help.

Adults are not the only ones with great ideas. We want to feature youth entrepreneurs in a future issue of Ruralite. If you know someone in their teens or younger who is running a successful business, we would love to hear from you. You can share your idea by visiting www.wkf.ms/3idk8B6.

Sincerely,

Mike Teegarden Editorial Director

Innovation Can Happen Anywhere

Baby Vend CEO Jasmin Smith is changing the way families travel Up Close, Page 10

Health and Wellness

Small choices can result in big improvements

Spotlight, Page 12 Plugged In 6 In the Kitchen 16

Photo Hunt 22 Before You Go 30 Utility Pages: 4-5, 8, 25, 28-29, 32

CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT: Two Winged Friends with Whale. Before Jumping Away. Winged Friend with Seal. Resting in the Wind. DRAWINGS BY BRAYDEN KOZEVENIKOFF

Capturing the Spirit of Subsistence Living

grandson, is in 10th grade at Emmonak School. Math is his favorite subject.

By Lisa Scheerer

The village of Emmonak, Alaska, is located on one of the many channels near the mouth of the mighty Yukon River, about 400 air miles northwest of Anchorage. The land is a mostly flat, marshy plain. Crisscrossed waterways serve as highways for transporting goods and accessing hunting and fishing.

Alaska Village Electric Cooperative Power Plant Operator Mike Andrews Jr. has served his community for seven years. He was born in Bethel and raised in Emmonak with most of his family. Brayden Kozevenikoff, his 14-year-old

For the past few years, Brayden has been drawing while subsistence hunting. Being the proud grandfather he is, Mike mailed a few of Brayden’s drawings to AVEC.

“The detail in the pictures is because Brayden got close to the animals to draw them,” Mike says. “I am proud of him. Proud for whatever he catches while subsistence hunting.”

In the summer, seals and other animals are common subjects to draw and hunt. In winter, the subjects are mostly rabbits and ptarmigan.

We are always grateful when members send in stories about their communities and

families for AVEC to share with other members. We are also thankful to Mike for his hard work and dedication as a Power Plant Operator for Emmonak. n

The MysteriousCloud

And Other Internet Storage Enigmas

By Jen Calhoun

For years now people have been talking about the cloud. “That document is in the cloud,” they’ll say, or, “I saved those pictures in the cloud.” Meanwhile, nobody ever bothers to explain it.

Let’s end that vague talk once and for all. It’s time to get a grip on this shadowy figure known as the cloud.

What Is the Cloud?

Simply put, the cloud is the concept of using someone else’s computer server to store, host or process data. The cloud is a service offered by all kinds of companies. If you use a computer, smartphone, smart

TV or any other kind of electronic device that connects to the internet, chances are you’ve used some form of cloud service. There are all kinds of cloud services. Netflix is one. So are Google Drive, Apple iCloud, Yahoo Mail, Dropbox and Microsoft OneDrive. There are many more, but you get the drift.

Why Does the Cloud Matter?

The cloud allows us to access large amounts of information on any device with an internet connection. Think about streaming a movie or episodes of a show on Netflix. Now, imagine trying to store every single movie or show available on Netflix on your home computer. It would stop working. Cloud technology is how we can choose from tens of thousands of movies to watch at the touch of our remotes.

Cloud services are how your child can write a paper on their laptop and you can edit it from an entirely different place, whether it’s your office

The cloud is a service.

The cloud.

NOTthe cloud.

or another city, state or country. The cloud’s remote servers handle much of the computing and the storage, so you don’t have to buy a Pentagon-worthy computer.

The cloud also allows us to store and back up our own data. For instance, you can store and view documents, videos and your photo collection on a cloud service without overloading your computer or smartphone’s internal storage.

If you use cloud services, anything you save is backed up and accessible from anywhere, provided you remember usernames and passwords. A fire, network outage or a power surge might destroy your devices, but your information can still be secure in the cloud if you backed it up.

Where Is the Cloud?

The cloud is not actually in the clouds. Cloud services are right here on Earth, stored inside computer servers that are most likely sitting inside server farms— giant, temperature-controlled facilities full of computer servers that store and transmit information. Next time you picture the

cloud, think of rows of black boxes with blinking lights.

Not-so Silver Linings

There can be downsides to storing and accessing information remotely, however. For one thing, many cloud services cost money. Some devices, such as iPhones, offer free cloud storage up to a certain amount of data. After that, you’ll need a subscription. Business cloud services often charge per gigabyte of storage.

Also, cloud services only work with internet access. Without the internet, there is no connecting to the cloud. And despite serious security measures set in place by cloud service companies, hackers can still find ways to get in. Other calamities that could disrupt your cloud services are natural disasters and other disruptions that cause network outages. n

Avoid QR Mischief

QR codes—short for quick response codes— pop up frequently. TV ads, restaurant menus and many more businesses and services rely on these little squares of blocky lines to link a smartphone user to handy information, a download or as a way to digitally send money to someone.

The FBI, however, has warned that cybercriminals may tamper with the codes. The FBI offers a few tips so you can take advantage of QR codes while staying safe and secure:

X After scanning a QR code, check the URL to make sure it is the site you want. A malicious domain name may be similar to the intended URL but with typos or a misplaced letter.

X Be cautious when entering login, personal or financial information.

X If scanning a physical QR code, ensure the code shows no signs of tampering, such as a sticker placed over the original.

X Do not download an app from a QR code.

X If you receive an email asking you to complete a payment through a QR code, call the requesting company to verify. Look up the company’s number on a trusted site—don’t use a number from the email.

X Do not download a QR code scanner app— the built-in phone camera is a safer option.

X If you get a QR code you believe to be from someone you know, contact them through a known number or address to verify.

X Avoid making payments through a site navigated to from a QR code. Instead, manually enter a known and trusted URL to complete the payment.

FROM

Santa Stops in Shageluk

Shageluk, Alaska, is approximately 400 miles west of North Pole. Considering everywhere Santa visits Christmas Eve, he probably considers this village to be his neighborhood.

A few days before Christmas, John Penny, Alaska Village Electric Cooperative Field Power Plant Operator Trainer, was approached by Keith Workman, the chief of Shageluk Native Village. Keith asked John if he could cover for Saint Nick in the event that the busy man was running late on his return home. Without hesitation, John said he would be happy to help.

About 40 people showed up at the Shageluk Community Hall to celebrate, which is almost the whole the village. Under the tree, wrapped presents of every shape and size were waiting to be opened. The three elves, Emory Roach, Elora Hamilton and Zeke Hamilton, helped Santa John hand out a gift to each resident. Santa pictures were taken, and Santa John “shook everyone’s hands and wished them all a Ho-Ho-Ho Merry Christmas!”

Despite the temperature being -25 degrees outside, John claimed he “was roasting in Santa’s suit, wig and beard,” so he decided to change before dinner.

John headed back to the venue and visited with Jeannette Demite, Alex Edwards and other guests over a prime rib and shrimp dinner.

“It was a very nice Christmas party,” he says.

John says covering for Santa was a rewarding way to spend the evening, and Saint Nick wishes he had arrived in Shageluk in time for the celebration. n

CLOCKWISE

ABOVE: Santa John and his helpers, from left, Emory Roach, Zeke Hamilton and Elora Hamilton, pass out gifts. The 40 Shageluk residents who attended the event, including Rudy Hamilton, took turns meeting with Santa John. Along with photos and dinner, each attendee received a present. PHOTOS COURTESY OF JOHN PENNY

Better Way to hearTV®

“Now Jack can control the volume on his TV•Ears while I set the TV volume or mute it for complete quiet. Once again, he can understand every word and we can watch our favorite TV shows together.” — Darlene & Jack B., CA

Doctor recommended TV•Ears has helped millions of people with hearing loss enjoy their favorite television shows, movies and streaming content without disturbing others.

The Voice Clarifying Technology® reduces background noise and clariﬁes hard to hear television dialog making voices and words understandable. 120db of volume makes TV•Ears the most powerful television listening system on the market!

Quiet TV mode lets others mute the television or set the volume to their preferred level while you listen as loud as you want on the headset.

Innovation Can Happen Anywhere

Baby Vend CEO Jasmin Smith

is changing

the way families travel

By Chiara Profenna

Jasmin Smith is no novice in the world of entrepreneurship. The prominent business owner has left her mark in Alaska, changing communities and increasing access to necessities in every way she knows how.

“In Alaska, I’m a pretty well-known serial entrepreneur,” Jasmin says. “I had a lot of award-winning experience in starting businesses in general and consulting, but I had just never had a product-based business.”

Her first product-based business, Baby Vend, introduces a vending machine that provides on-the-go travel essentials for parents in a pinch. By including a range of products—from diapers and baby wipes to activity kits and snacks—Baby Vend machines are raising the bar for convenience and access.

An Idea Is Born

The idea struck Jasmin in 2015 while she was out with her twins.

“I was shopping at a mall in Anchorage, and I didn’t have enough supplies with me,” she says. “I was telling myself, ‘If I don’t have what I need somewhere in this mall, I’m gonna go home because I don’t feel like coming back with twin babies.’”

Jasmin realized accessible child-care supplies are a necessity for many families traveling. She spent the next six months saving up to buy vending machines to see her vision come to life. By 2016, Jasmin had formed Baby Vend and started the lengthy process of running a startup and maintaining vending machines.

“It was just me navigating a startup, but also figuring out what exactly to do and who exactly to talk with,” Jasmin says. “I didn’t know, so it was literally just me planning by myself.”

Through perseverance and the support of the Anchorage community, Jasmin grew her business nationally in only a few years.

It Takes a Village

Although Jasmin has seen her business flourish beyond state lines, Anchorage was the scene of her first success.

“Being in a smaller community helped me a lot because I was able to fast-track contracts that I know I would have had to fight for in other cities,” she says. “Because I’ve been here my whole life

and everyone knows me as an entrepreneur, I was able to quickly get an airport contract.”

In 2019, Jasmin unveiled her first vending machine at Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport. Since then, she has expanded her business to 23 cities across the country.

Jasmin’s Anchorage community connections were critical to her success in placing her first machine at the Anchorage airport. She returns the favor by providing small businesses the opportunity to include their products in Baby Vend machines and offering support to those wishing to install and manage their own machines.

While the Alaskan network of support gave Jasmin a leg up with her business, the community is no stranger to challenge. She says Alaskan communities don’t always have equal access to supplies, which has created obstacles in maintaining a thriving business.

“I think the hardest part was just geographically being so far away and in a perceived rural area,” Jasmin says. “I had to kind of figure out how to keep myself connected and balance higher costs.”

Leaving a Legacy

Since starting her journey with Baby Vend, Jasmin has navigated

the challenges of running a business and been victorious. In 2017, she was named to the Alaska Top Forty Under 40 list and has also been recognized by Alaska Gov. Mike Dunleavy for her entrepreneurship and community leadership. She has coached more than 650 entrepreneurs across the nation.

Looking ahead to the future of Baby Vend, Jasmin remains committed to innovation and growth. With plans to evolve her business to continue meeting the needs of her customers, Jasmin’s ventures as a successful entrepreneur are far from over.

“I think right now, our biggest thing is just kind of pivoting some of our customer bases to more contract base and really expanding on our product line,” Jasmin says.

Her long-term vision is in line with her desire to continue revolutionizing convenience for families on the go while encouraging the next generation of business owners. Through her work, Jasmin has learned a lot about entrepreneurship, but one of the lessons that has stuck with her is to be flexible and not take anything personal when it comes to business.

“I’ve learned to not internalize so many things that happen in business,” Jasmin says. “Just learn from it and just keep pivoting and growing and seeking that feedback … and remembering those that have been with me along this whole journey.” n

FROM LEFT: The Anchorage, Alaska, community has been instrumental in supporting Jasmin’s business, ultimately culminating in the installation of her first vending machine at Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport in 2019. Jasmin founded Baby Vend in 2016 after realizing parents need more access to child care products while traveling. Baby Vend machines are constantly improving, incorporating cutting-edge technology and products sourced from local small businesses. PHOTOS COURTESY OF BABY VEND

Small choices can result in big improvements

By Pamela A. Keene

ADOBE STOCK PHOTO BY DESIGNPICS

Although the COVID-19 pandemic has subsided, its effects linger. The pandemic changed the way we interact with each other, how and where we earn a living, how we spend our free time and how we approach the choices we make to keep us healthy. Life today is definitely different than it was five years ago.

“During the pandemic, people faced much more isolation, worry and fear, and this has left residual health and wellness issues,” says Dr. Ginger Nicol, associate professor of psychiatry at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis. “People stayed at home more, their circle of faceto-face relationships shrank. They became more sedentary, influencing mental and physical health and wellness.”

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention National Center for Health Statistics, approximately 12% of those surveyed aged 18 and older in 2022 said they regularly had feelings of worry, nervousness or anxiety.

“These feelings can lead to more serious mental health issues,” Ginger says. “However, there are ways that can improve your overall health and wellness— both mental and physical—to result in more day-today enjoyment and health, and ultimately result in a better quality of life. Choosing to add more movement and activity, increasing time spent with family and taking time for personal reflection can all contribute to better health and happiness.”

The pandemic cannot be wholly blamed for a decline in people’s mental and physical health. Today’s society is less active and exponentially more sedentary than it was several decades ago.

Even before the pandemic, many Americans sat in front of some type of screen for much of their waking hours.

With COVID-19, dependence on screens and technology expanded.

During COVID-19, those with existing health issues were less likley to spend time outdoors—nor did they socialize with family or friends—so the feelings of isolation and angst were magnified. Depression, weight gain and other factors contributed to a decrease in physical fitness.

“Physical and mental health are inseparable,” Ginger says. “Research has shown that people who are active tend to have a better mental outlook and lead more enjoyable lives. The reverse is also true. People with a positive outlook are more likely to participate in some sort of regular activity.”

What Is Wellness?

Numerous factors contribute to a healthy life, from nutrition and exercise to ample sleep. Wellness encompasses physical and mental health, and taking care of mind and body promotes a balanced lifestyle.

“Our needs change as we grow older,” Ginger says. “As such, it’s important for us to be aware of these changes and how we can address and adjust to them without compromising our wellness. Being responsible for our aging can help us reduce risk of disease, such as diabetes, stroke, heart attack and cardiovascular issues, depression and anxiety.”

Many things can contribute to a longer and more fulfilling life, such as regular wellness visits with a primary care physician to stay on top of potential health concerns; completing age-appropriate testing, such as colonoscopies and cancer screenings; and being willing to adjust eating, behavior and lifestyle habits.

Being proactive with your health is the best way to manage aging.

“The sooner you can identify an issue the better chance you have of making a meaningful change,” Ginger says. “Starting good behavioral practices for both physical and mental health can help your body and mind be more resilient and handle more serious challenges.”

Physical Improvements

Making small physical changes to add movement every day is one of the first ways to improve health and fitness. Getting up from a chair can be a revealing way to test physical ability.

“Some people simply cannot rise from a seated position without either using their arms to push themselves up or rocking several times to gain momentum,” Ginger says.

“I’ve seen people in their 30s and 40s who have difficulty standing from sitting in a chair or on the sofa. If this is difficult for you, it’s a good idea to practice a little every day until you can rise unassisted.

“As we age, our muscles lose mass and volume, plus our tendons get tighter. By tackling this basic movement, you can begin to increase your physical strength and mobility, as well as improve your balance and help prevent falls.”

According to the CDC, one in five falls causes serious injuries. Each year, more than 3 million people 65 and older are treated in emergency departments for fall injuries.

Falls are one of the main causes of nonfatal and fatal injuries. Whether they’re caused by tripping, losing balance, vision problems or a health problem, they can

result in broken bones, head injuries, cuts and bruising. Falls are the most common cause of traumatic brain injuries.

“Simple things—like practicing standing on one foot while you’re brushing your teeth or when next to the kitchen counter—can help improve your general core strength,” Ginger says. “If you can improve your ability to stand up from sitting and also increase your confidence in your balance, you’re making good headway toward a healthier and safer life.”

Brain Health

Technology is a huge distraction in creating a healthy life. It can prevent people from relaxing, letting go of anxieties or working through challenges.

“Train your brain to let go of external diversions by turning off your smartphone, taking a walk in a park,” Ginger says, “or simply finding a quiet place to sit and daydream for a bit. Daydreaming can be a powerful tool to help your brain slow down to the external stimuli and allow you to notice things you’d ordinarily glance over.”

Ginger suggests using a positive trigger to help increase awareness and help with relaxing.

“Perhaps you’ve gone on a vacation and remember a pleasant sight, sound or feeling that can take you back to that time: the deep blue of the ocean, the sound of the leaves rustling on a chilly fall day or seeing a stunning sunset,” she says. “Use that to disconnect you from the worries of the day to reconnect with yourself.”

Other ways to unwind can include reading just for fun, spending an hour in the garden, pursuing a favorite hobby or experiencing a new one as a way to give your mind a rest.

“We spend our lives in front of screens, and we just don’t get outside enough to simply reflect and be very present in the moment,” Ginger says. “Some people meditate, others practice yoga, but the secret is to find a way to slow down your brain waves and clear your mind. Give it time to refresh and you’ll be surprised how much more happy you can be.”

Health and wellness are parts of life’s journey that require heightened awareness and a commitment to make changes when necessary.

“Adding a bit more movement each day, taking time to build meaningful social connections and allowing yourself to unplug from time to time can do wonders for your mental and physical health,” Ginger says. n

Long walks on the beach, quality time with loved ones and yoga are ways to rejuvenate the mind and body. PHOTOS COURTESY OF PIXABAY

Find Comfort IN A BOWL OF SOUP

Minestrone

2 teaspoons olive oil

1 cup diced carrots

½ cup diced celery

½ cup chopped onion

4 garlic cloves, minced

32 ounces chicken broth

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

½ teaspoon kosher salt

¼ teaspoon fresh black pepper

1 fresh rosemary sprig

2 bay leaves

2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil

¼ cup chopped fresh Italian parsley

1 medium zucchini, diced

2 cups baby spinach, chopped kale or chopped collard greens

Salt and pepper, to taste

Parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes for garnish

Heat oil in a large Dutch oven or pot over medium-high heat. Add the carrots, celery, onion and garlic. Stir. Saute until tender and fragrant, about 15 minutes.

Add broth, tomatoes, tomato paste, beans, cheese rind, salt, pepper, rosemary, bay leaves, basil and parsley. Bring to a boil. Cover. Cook on low for 40 minutes.

Remove the bay leaves, rosemary 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 cheese and red pepper flakes.

Recipes by Gertrude Treadaway

PHOTO BY KATIE WILCOX

Zuppa Toscana

16 ounces Italian sausage links, medium or hot

6 slices bacon

¾ cup chopped onion

1½ teaspoons minced garlic

2 tablespoons chicken soup base

1 quart water

Heat the oven to 300 F.

2 large potatoes, cut into ¼-inch slices

2 cups kale, washed, dried and shredded

1⁄3 cup heavy whipping cream

Parmesan cheese

Place sausage links on a sheet pan. Bake for 25 minutes or until cooked through. Cut links in half lengthwise, then cut at an angle into ½-inch slices.

Cook bacon and onion in a large saucepan over medium heat until onion is almost clear. Remove bacon and crumble. Set aside.

Add garlic to the pan with the onion. Cook together for about 1 minute. Add chicken soup base, water and potatoes. Simmer for 15 minutes. Add bacon, sausage, kale and cream. Simmer for about 5 minutes. Top with Parmesan cheese before serving.

Cream of Chicken and Wild Rice Soup

6 cups chicken broth

2 boneless chicken breast halves, cooked and cubed

6-ounce package long grain and wild rice blend, quick-cooking version with seasoning packet

½ teaspoon black pepper

½ cup all-purpose flour

¾ cup butter

1 cup carrot, diced

1 cup celery, diced

1 cup onion, diced

3 cups half-and-half

Open rice package. Set aside the seasoning packet. In a small bowl, combine pepper and flour. Set aside. In a large pot over medium heat, combine broth and chicken. Bring to a boil, then stir in rice. Cover, and remove from heat.

In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. Add carrots, celery and onion. Saute for 5 minutes. Stir in the contents of the 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 to 4 minutes to cook out raw flour taste.

Whisk in cream, a little at a time, until fully incorporated and smooth. Cook until thickened, about 5 minutes.

Stir cream mixture into broth and rice. Cook over medium heat until heated through and rice is done, 15 to 20 minutes.

Loaded Baked Potato Soup

2 large onions, chopped

3 tablespoons butter

2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

2 cups water, divided

4 cups chicken broth

2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced

1½ cups mashed potato flakes

½ pound sliced bacon, cooked and crumbled

¾ teaspoon pepper

½ teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon dried basil

1⁄8 teaspoon dried thyme

1 cup half-and-half

½ cup shredded cheddar cheese

2 green onions, sliced

In a large skillet, saute onions in butter until tender. Stir in flour. Gradually stir in 1 cup water. Bring to a boil. Stir for 2 minutes or until thickened. Transfer to a 5-quart slow cooker.

Add the broth, potatoes, potato flakes, bacon, pepper, salt, basil, thyme and remaining water. Cover. Cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or until potatoes are tender. Stir in cream, and heat through. Garnish with cheese and green onions.

Chicken Gnocchi Soup

4 tablespoons butter

1 small yellow onion, diced

1 stick of celery, diced

½ cup carrots, julienned

2 garlic cloves, minced

¼ cup all-purpose flour

4 cups chicken broth

2 cups half-and-half

½ teaspoon thyme

½ teaspoon mustard powder

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts

16 ounces potato gnocchi

1 cup fresh spinach, roughly chopped

1 pinch red pepper flakes,

Salt and pepper, to taste

Melt the butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onions, celery and carrots. Cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic. Cook for 1 more minute.

Add the flour, and stir to combine. Cook until the flour begins to turn a golden color, about 2 minutes.

Add the chicken broth and half-and-half in splashes, stirring to incorporate. Don’t add it too quickly, or you will break the roux. Add the thyme and mustard powder.

Add chicken breasts to the broth. Bring it to a gentle boil. Simmer until the chicken is cooked through, about 10 minutes. Remove the chicken and let it rest for 5 minutes. Dice the chicken, and add it back to the soup. Let the soup simmer until reaching the desired consistency. It will continue to thicken as it simmers.

Add the gnocchi. Simmer according to package instructions.

Reduce heat to low. Add the spinach, red pepper, salt and pepper. Simmer until spinach is wilted, about 1 minute.

READER EXCHANGE

Books/Magazines

I am searching for a book by Amanda Grant: “Where has Jessie Gone.” If you have a copy you can part with, please let me know.

Caroline N. 4016 Berry Court Fairbanks, AK 99709

Crafts/Hobbies

I’m helping homeless people out on the streets. I recently learned how to knit and made scarves and hats for them as Christmas presents. I am looking for anyone willing to donate yarn and other things homeless people could use, as well as some words of encouragement.

Abigail Cowart 29 Hilltop Lane Wahkiacus, WA 98670 Cowartabigail26@gmail.com

I’m requesting old, broken and unwanted jewelry of any kind. I take it apart, clean it and repurpose it into decorative frames, mirrors, etc. Thank you in advance.

Holly Hill P.O. Box 1006 Port Orford, OR 97465 Turdsmama@outlook.com

Milestones

My stepdad turns 90 this month. He spent his 37-year career in law enforcement, retiring from the California Highway Patrol. He and my mom were married for 10 years before she passed in 2015. He loved her dearly. He spends his time with his dog, Polly. I know he would be surprised to receive birthday cards for this special birthday milestone. If you’d like to send a card, address it to Bob Allee, 1080 E. Lassen Ave., Apt 37, Chico, CA 95973. Thank you.

Pam Scheideman Chico, California

My mom will celebrate her 88th birthday in February. I would like to honor her and her special day by inviting you to send birthday wishes her way. She loves getting mail and would be most grateful to receive birthday cards. Thank you for your kindness. She will be delighted. Mail to Velma Larson, 1024 Anna St., Prosser, WA 99350.

Jeanne Whitenack

Prosser, Washington

Music

I’m seeking cello sheet music—particularly upbeat Celtic tunes— and an instructor for beginner adults near Oakridge, Oregon. Thanks in advance.

Barbara Counsil

P.O. Box 899 Oakridge, OR 97463

Odds

I am a retired Navy veteran. I served my country from 1956-60. I had hoped to make the Navy a career, but situations existed that prevented this. Over the years, I gave away some of my uniform garments and wonder if anyone out there has some items I would like to have: a black silk neckerchief, watch cap, peacoat (extra large) and formal naval hat. Willing to pay postage and reasonable cost of objects. I do have a uniform and hat. Thank you for your help in advance.

Don Maddy 43 Mill Drive Wahkiacus, WA 98670

I’m looking for a cider press and fruit grinder for home use.

Rosemarie Hausmann P.O. Box 471 Reedsport, OR 97467

Recipes

I’m looking for an old recipe my mom had and said ran in one of the Bake Off cookbooks in the late 1960s or early ’70s. It’s a cheesecake made in a 9-by-13-inch pan, lined with a yeast-raised dough, and filled with a mixture of crushed pineapple, cottage cheese and cream cheese. I can’t remember the last part. I think this part is cooked on a stovetop before being put in the crust. It is topped with another crust, baked and glazed when it’s done, and cooled. It is super delicious.

Marcene Berends 52875 Ranch Drive La Pine, OR 97739 Otterlover1157@gmail.com

Submitting Requests Is Free

Send your request (no attachments) to readerexchange@ ruralite.org or mail to Reader Exchange, 5625 NE Elam Young Parkway, Suite 100, Hillsboro, OR 97124. Fill in the subject line with Reader Exchange.

Acceptance, scheduling and editing are at the editor’s discretion. Single requests only, please. No duplicates.

Submissions are handled 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 (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 if they are 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.

Kenai Fjords National Park

What Is It?

Mountains, ice and the ocean all come together in Kenai Fjords National Park in Southern Alaska. Just southwest of Seward, Alaska, and above the Gulf of Alaska, the fjords are home to behemoth fields of ice.

Nice Ice

The 23,000-year-old Harding Icefields and its outflowing glaciers are more than 700 square miles large. The ice is thousands of feet thick, but that isn’t always enough to cover the mountains underneath. The exposed mountaintops are called nunatak, or lonely peaks.

Drive a Fjord

The fjords are not the most accessible national park, given the giant glaciers that cover it. Many drive up the east side to see Exit Glacier—the only part of the park accessible by road—and see how glaciers reshape the landscape. Open year-round, Exit Glacier is home to a few trails of varying difficulty.

Take a Boat

Much of the park is only accessible by boat. Boat tours, available in the summer, offer the ability to see tidewater glaciers—the glaciers that reach the sea. When these glaciers calve ice into the sea, the ice serves as floats for local harbor seals. The waters around the park are also home to otters, porpoises, whales and more.

COURTESY OF NATIONAL PARKS SERVICE/JIM PFEIFFENBERGER

More Information

Kenai Fjords National Park has no entrance fee. To plan your trip, call 907-422-0500 or visit www.nps.gov/kefj.

PHOTO

It was a warm summer afternoon and my wife and I were mingling with the best of them. The occasion was a 1920s-themed party, and everyone was dressed to the nines. Parked on the manse’s circular driveway was a beautiful classic convertible. It was here that I got the idea for our new 1920s Retrograde Watch.

Never ones to miss an opportunity, we carefully steadied our glasses of bubbly and climbed into the car’s long front seat. Among the many opulent features on display was a series of dashboard dials that accentuated the car’s lavish aura. One of those dials inspired our 1920s Retrograde Watch, a genuinely unique timepiece that marries timeless style with modern technology. With its remarkable retrograde hour and minute indicators, sunburst guilloche face and precision movement, this design is truly one of a kind. What does retrograde mean? Instead of displaying the hands rotating on an axis like most watches, the hands sweep in a semicircle, then return to their starting point and begin all over again.

Retrograde watches by the big brands can set you back thousands; one recent offering from a big French fashion house is selling for more than $150,000! But because we’ve designed the 1920s Retrograde Watch in-house, we can offer it to you for just $99!

This watch is so wildly popular with our customers that we’re actually concerned about running out; we only have 937 729 left for this ad!

1920s Style for a 1920s Price

Join more than 1  smart people who love stauer watches

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• Water-resistant to 5 ATM

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• Fits wrists up to 8"

1920s Retrograde Watch

$399 $99* + S&P Save $300

*Special price only for customers using the offer code.

“An elegant and exciting timepiece that every collector will love.”

“[A] unique and beautiful timepiece.”

— Carlos C., Los Banos, CA

— George omas, internationally renowned watch expert

Grow Where Planted

By Dave LaBelle

It’s an old saying: “Grow where you are planted.”

Most of us struggle with being content, often feeling we want or even need to be somewhere else—maybe someplace more exotic? Anywhere other than where we are.

Generally, I am content wherever I am. But, admittedly, now and then I catch myself mentally whining—wishing I could be photographing international events in those glamorous places my

Renowned author,

Dave

captured special moments for more than half a century. For more of his writings, visit davidlabelle.com and bridgesandangels.wordpress.com.

globe-trotting friends go.

During these pity parties, pride seizes me, and I mumble under my breath, “I could make great pictures, too, if I could be where they are.”

Shame on me.

Truth is, beauty and heartache are present everywhere humans exist, and as a homeless friend once wisely advised, “It’s all a matter of putting on your perspecticles.”

I have lived and worked in many states across our great country and even in other countries, and each and every place has its unique beauty.

In California, I was obsessed with photographing the moody ocean, rolling hills and “two trees,” landmarks that stood on the foothills above Ventura for decades and could be seen from miles away. I never tired of trying to make a better, unique

photograph of these beloved twins.

We presently live in Iowa. How long we will live here, I do not know. But this I do know: If my heart is always wandering the hills and oceans of faraway places, my eyes of envy will rob me from seeing the unique beauty surrounding me right here.

Iowa is a land of seductive openness, uncluttered landscapes where dreams dance playfully between swaying oceans of corn fields. It is a comforting place where I can watch forever skies kiss the Earth.

It is also a special place that draws people from across the globe to experience the “Field of Dreams” movie site. One of my greatest joys has been getting to know and photograph some of the original Ghost Players who were in the 1989 movie. n

Reader Challenge

Ask yourself what makes where you live different, compelling, beautiful or even unique? Is it the way the winter light awakens a particular mountaintop? Or the color or life-rhythm of a fishing village? Perhaps it is a river or lake that brings you the greatest joy or comfort? If I came to your town or city, what would you want to show me?

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

photographer and lecturer

LaBelle has

NIKON D800, 58mm lens ISO 100, f/3.2 at 1/320

Against a backdrop of dark skies and green hills, pickers cut and box celery in fields in Ventura, California. PHOTO BY DAVE LABELLE

Now you can nally have all of the soothing bene ts of a relaxing warm bath, or enjoy a convenient refreshing shower while seated or standing with Safe Step Walk-In Tub’s FREE Shower Package!

✓ First walk-in tub available with a customizable shower

✓ Fixed rainfall shower head is adjustable for your height and pivots to o er a seated shower option

✓ High-quality tub complete with a comprehensive lifetime warranty on the entire tub

✓ Top-of-the-line installation and service, all included at one low, a ordable price Now you can have the best of both worlds–there

You are a man of the wilderness. The only plan you have is to walk up that mountain until you feel like stopping. You tell your friends that it’s nothing personal, but this weekend belongs to you.

You’ve come prepared with your River Canyon Bowie Knife sheathed at your side. This hand-forged, unique knife comes shaving sharp with a perfectly fitted hand-tooled sheath. The broad stainless steel blade shines in harmony with the stunning striped horn, wood and bone handle. When you feel the heft of the knife in your hand, you know that you’re ready for whatever nature throws at you.

This knife boasts a full tang blade, meaning the blade doesn’t stop at the handle, it runs the full length of the knife. According to Gear Patrol, a full tang blade is key, saying “A full tang lends structural strength to the knife, allowing for better leverage ...think one long steel beam versus two.”

With our limited edition River Canyon Bowie Knife you’re getting the best in 21st-century construction with a classic look inspired by legendary American pioneers. What you won’t get is the trumped up price tag. We know a thing or two about the hunt–– like how to seek out and capture an outstanding, collector’s-quality knife that won’t cut into your bank account.

How to Be Cut Off From Civilization

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

This quintessential knife can be yours to use out in the field or to display as the art piece it truly is. But don’t wait. A knife of this caliber typically cost hundreds. Priced at an amazing $49, we can’t guarantee this knife will stick around for long. So call today!

Your satisfaction is 100% guaranteed. Feel the knife in your hands, wear it on your hip, inspect the craftsmanship. If you don’t feel like we cut you a fair deal, send it back within 30 days for a complete refund of the sale price. But we believe that once you wrap your fingers around the River Canyon’s you’ll be ready to carve your own niche into the wild frontier.

What customers are saying about Stauer knives...

“First off, the shipping was fast and the quality is beyond what I paid for the knife. Overall I am a satisfied customer!”

— D., Houston, Texas

14101 Southcross Drive W., Ste.155, Dept. RCK482-01 Burnsville, Minnesota 55337 www.stauer.com

Empowering the Next Generation

By Michael Rovito

Every time you flip a light switch or plug in your electronics, it’s not just machinery sending power your way. Behind the power, there are dedicated and highly trained Alaskans, making sure it all works and continually improving the system.

These professionals receive initial training to gain the knowledge necessary to excel as electric utility employees at colleges or technical schools.

Students can face financial hurdles on their way to achieving their educational goals, but it’s imperative to the future that as retirees move on, their replacements are prepared to take over.

Alaska Power Association, the statewide trade association for the electric utility industry, offers two scholarships to help with the financial commitment for the next leaders of our industry. Encouraging young people to work toward a career in the electric utility profession benefits everyone.

Applications are now open for the 2024 APA scholarships:

Hank Nikkels Scholarship for Engineers

The Hank Nikkels Scholarship for Engineers is APA’s memorial scholarship named for the 25-year management employee at Anchorage’s Municipal Light & Power who died in 2002.

To honor Hank’s legacy, the scholarship offers up to $4,000 to Alaska residents attending college full time or part time and working toward a doctoral, master’s or Bachelor of Science degree in engineering. The Nikkels Scholarship is also available to

Apply for the 2024 Alaska Power Association Scholarships Apply by June 7. For more information, visit APA’s website at www.alaskapower.org, or contact APA Deputy Director Michael Rovito at mrovito@alaskapower.org.

Alaskans attending university outside of the state, especially if they convey a strong desire to return to Alaska for their career.

Students must be at least a college sophomore with a minimum grade-point average of 3.25. They must provide a letter of recommendation from an instructor or department chair, community member, industry member or employer and a personal reference. A 500-word essay is also required.

APA-IBEW Local 1547 Scholarship

Maintaining electric distribution is often left to electric utility lineworkers and technical employees. Like engineers, training for work on power poles or within power plants costs money. In 2014, APA and International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 1547 teamed up to help pay the bill.

The APA-IBEW Local 1547 Scholarship offers up to $4,000 to Alaska residents who intend to work in the electric industry and who are enrolled in an accredited Alaska vocational school, such as the Alaska Joint Electrical Apprenticeship and Training Trust, the Alaska Institute of Technology, the University of Alaska Fairbanks Community and Technical College, and the University of Alaska Anchorage Technical Vocational Educational Program.

Candidates for the scholarship must provide an official transcript and two letters of recommendation—one from an instructor and one from a personal reference—along with a 250-word essay. Funds go directly to scholarship recipients, allowing them to buy tools or other necessities or help pay tuition as they continue their training.

The baby boomer generation is beginning to retire en masse. To keep the lights on, it is important to have a workforce that can step in and keep it running. With a little financial help, the next generation is training in classrooms and out in the field, preparing to carry the torch of reliable electricity into the future. n

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 42 years in business. www.btlliners.com. 541-447-0712. 0424

4x5 round bales, Meadow Foxtail Orchard Grass. 4x4 Timothy, small square. nas@cpcinternet.com; 208-435-4637 or 208-435-4002. 1224

Antiques and Collectibles

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. 0324

Buying American Indian collectibles, Navajo blankets and rugs, baskets, beadwork, etc. Also, quality paintings of the early Southwest and Americas. Call 760-409-3117 or send photos to amer.ind.baskets@gmail.com. 0224

Lifetime collection Fender vintage amps 1960s70s. Serious inquiries only. 541-589-2807.

WC Collectibles. We buy comic books! Local to the Inland Northwest, willing to travel. WCCollectiblesCheney@gmail.com; 509-496-1835. 0724

Books, Magazines, Videos

More “Montello Remembered” novels available. I’m also liquidating my NV history collection. Many rare and hard-to-find books now available. pruitt2010@frontier.com; 775-753-3254. 0324

Book restoration. Bibles, cookbooks, cherished family heirlooms. Beautiful work. We give renewed life, more durable than original, to last for generations. salacanstudio@gmail.com; 775-537-7066. 0224AR

Business Opportunities

A great business opportunity in Boardman, OR. A small cafe you can use your imagination in. Frontage view of freeway, quick in and out access. A coffee shop on property for extra income. $1.3M. For more information, call Karen at 541-571-0636. 0224

Quaint hardware store in Maupin, OR, for sale. Inventory and interior store recently updated and refreshed. See ad on Bizbuysell.com or email Maupincountrystore@gmail.com. $309K.

Looking to purchase a small business in Northern Idaho. Call or send information on any opportunities. Can do a quick purchase. 559-269-5554; mike@rouchbuilders.com. 0324

Quick, Affordable: How to Place an Ad

Ads 25 words or fewer are $35 a month. An extended ad of up to 35 words is $50 a month. Contact information is included in the word count. Phone numbers and emails count as one word.

Longer ads may be placed. Contact 503-357-2105 or info@pioneer.coop for pricing information.

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 deadlines (in our office): April issue—February 29, 2024.

If submitting ad by mail, send appropriate payment with your name, address, email, phone number and the name of the electric utility that provides your magazine to: Marketplace, P.O. Box 1306, North Plains, OR 97133. Make check or money order payable to Ruralite.

We accept credit card payments for ads submitted by email. Send ad to info@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.

Free Items

Free materials—church, government uniting, suppressing “religious liberty,” enforcing National Sunday Law. Be informed. Need mailing address only. TBS, P.O. Box 374, Ellijay, GA 30540. tbsmads@yahoo.com; 888-211-1715. 0424AR

Miscellaneous

Local commercial fisherman sells summer catch of preserved freshness by blast freezing at sea, gourmet canned tuna on the internet. Sept.-June. 100% guaranteed the best canned tuna you ever tasted. Original, jalapeno and garlic flavors available. Twofisherstuna.com. Call 206-799-1082 to place your order. 0324

Alaskan Yellow Cedar. Great for planter boxes, herb and flower beds, fencing or decks. Various sizes available. Pete, 541-206-0727. Lisa, 541-747-5025, ext. 21. 0624

Custom handmade knives. Now taking orders for hunters, chefs, bowie or utility. Damascus or 1095 high-carbon steel guaranteed. Call or text 509-250-2662. Pictures available. 0224

Granite cemetery markers at affordable prices. Will ship to most places. For more info: Joe, 541-815-8906; www.highdesertmemorials.com; and highdesertmemorials@gmail.com. 0524

Cigar box guitars. 3 string; electric or acoustic. American art you can play. $200-300. Call or text for pic and pricing, 701-425-1576. 0224

Pets, Supplies

Purebred white shepherd puppies. Protective instincts of German shepherds and the loving attitude of labs. They’re not hyper or yappy. Born 10/31/2023. Eugene, OR. 541-913-0253.

Idaho Shag (border collie x Airedale). The best dog you will ever have. Farm/ranch dog. Males and females. $450 each. Colton, OR. 971-804-1706. 0224

Get the absolute best farm dog. English shepherds are good with all stock, are great watchdogs, superb varmint hunters, friendly and easy to train. Our litter was born Dec. 4, and our pups will be ready for their forever homes just in time for Valentine’s Day! $900 each. Applications are available at www.goodearthfarm.org. 541-913-5980; admin@goodearthfarm.org. 0224

Real Estate

Columbia Gorge National Scenic Area, Dallesport, WA. 1,608 sqft. mobile home for sale in park. $670 monthly rent. Excellent condition. Professional upgrades. Motivated seller. $109K. 503-396-1251. 0424

Lakefront home Eagle Lake, CA. 3-bd, 2-ba, 2-car garage, fully furnished and stocked, move-in ready, docks, boat lift. $299K or trade? 775-771-5263 or bdl1962@gmail.com.

$600K interior Alaskan turnkey roadhouse and 2 dry cabins. Well-maintained on 5 acres with pond. 50 scenic miles south to Denali Park entrance. 907-460-9292. 0524

Let me help you buy or sell ranch, farm and recreation property in Oregon. Fourthgeneration Oregonian, ranch owner. For sale: Sisters, OR, 40 acres. $1.7M. John Gill, 541-480-9161 or johngill@landandwildlife.com. Land And Wildlife brokerage. 0224

Rare 1.34-acre, view lot for cabin/retreat in Mt. Aire Canyon, 4 minutes from Salt Lake City. 270º views, elevation 7,200 at confluence of 5 canyons. Water on-site, transformer adjacent. $325K. charles@cc-tdi.org; 801-232-8038; Instagram: @mtairekitebox. 0224

Newly constructed, beautifully finished home, open concept living, 4 bed, 2.5 bath, garage. $399.5K. Duke Warner Realty, 541-987-2363 or ddwr@ortelco.net. 0224

Off-grid homestead. Ideal for wind/solar power. NE Elko County, NV. Has equipment, quarters, shop. Year-round access. Water and power nearby. $35K. geopup58@gmail.com.

Recreational Rentals

Wavecatcher: Oceanfront. Central Oregon coast. Summer $175/night mid-May to mid-Oct.; $140/ night mid-Oct. to mid-May. (plus cleaning/tax). Three rooms w/double beds. Pets welcome. Wavecatcherbeachrentals.com. Reservations: 541-740-2846. 0324AR

Bend country cabin. Very clean and fully furnished cabin on private ranch. Close to recreation areas. Very nice. $95/night. 541-382-3050; bendcountrycabins@gmail.com. 0224

Recreational Vehicle

Hook up a steelhead at The Hook Up RV Park in Ahsahka, ID. Daily or longer rents available. 208-391-2919; hookuprvpark@gmail.com. 0324

Services

Call Pahrump Lock and Safe for all your residential, commercial and safe services. 24-hour emergency service in Pahrump, NV. 702-379-8441; Jim@pahrumplockandsafe.com. 0324

We all want delicious, fresh, nourishing food to feed our families. We’ve got pastured pork corn/soy/GMO-free. Delivery to your door or drop sites. Order at www.rural-roots-ranch.com or text Christy at 541-589-4674. 0624

Holistic nurse consultant. Herbal/natural nutritional advice. Complementary medicine practitioner. Free initial consultation. Available in Brookings, OR, area only. 707-951-1882. 0224

Want to Buy

Gold, silver, coins/currency, buy, sell. Collections wanted. Fair prices paid. 44 years in retail store. Baker City, OR. 800-556-2133; garrymclin@aol.com. 1024

Old carpenter tools, planes (wood/metal), levels, chisels, slicks, adzes, axes, hatchets, handsaws, old rulers, spoke shaves, wrenches, shipwright tools, old tool chests. 503-659-0009 or 971-666-0659. 0224

Wanted: mid-1960s 2-door Ford Falcon, Fairlane or Mercury Comet/Cyclone. Grandkids have outgrown my ’66 Ranchero, need something with a backseat. Dan, 541-663-9091. 0224

Your ad could be here in April. See the opposite page for details.

A Better Bucket List

By Robin Howard

In her poem “The Summer Day,” Mary Oliver asks, “Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?”

Some discover it early and some late, but eventually, we all realize life is a profound but fleeting gift. Enter the bucket list: a list of things to do, see, accomplish or experience before you kick the bucket—a 17th-century term of which you really don’t want to know the origin.

In movies and on social media, bucket lists tend to lean toward the exotic. Scroll for a few minutes, and you will find photos of people doing such things as swimming with whale sharks off the coast of Mozambique, smoking cigars in Havana, riding ostriches in Morocco or visiting Dracula’s castle in Romania. With so much bucket list inundation,

it’s easy to imagine life might be more meaningful if you could just see the wildebeests migrating across the Serengeti from a hot air balloon.

However, the true purpose of a bucket list is to live a full life replete with experiences and accomplishments that fit our values and bring lasting joy.

If your bucket list is full of things like jumping out of a helicopter into a shark cage, you risk building a life that feels like something to get through before death mercifully takes you—broke, broken and exhausted.

If you already have a list, it might be valuable to scrutinize it before you find yourself BASE jumping off the Eiffel Tower.

Beware of Live Large Lists

Especially in the age of Instagram, bucket lists can create expectations to live an unnecessarily risky, wild or flashy life.

A recent study titled “Effects of Social Comparison, Travel Envy and Selfpresentation on the Intention to Visit Tourist Destinations” found travel posts on social media trigger social comparisons that can harm self-esteem.

When we see others posting “evidence” of wealth, achievement, happiness or status, it can cause envy and a domino effect of what the study calls aspirational consumption—the social pressure to do what we see other people doing.

Bucket lists can serve as a guide for how we think we should live, when in truth, a meaningful life means figuring out our unique path. Do you really want to freeze waiting for the elusive Northern Lights in Norway, or is that someone else’s idea?

Is It Discovery or Display?

On social media, exotic travel photos have become pictorial trophies that have

Do you yearn to discover more about the world and people around you, or are you searching for the perfect photo to post on social media? It may be time to reevaluate your purpose. ADOBE STOCK PHOTO BY PAUL PRESCOTT

A meaningful bucket list can—and should—consist of more than trips to exotic places.

nothing to do with seeing new places, learning new things or enjoying a personal accomplishment. Is your bucket-list goal about discovering how people live, how nature works or what happened in history, or is it about posting the perfect photo?

The joy that comes from discovery far outweighs the brief rush of an exotic selfie.

Is It Vacation or Expensive Escapism?

Vacation and travel are important. It’s a time to recharge and see the world from a new perspective.

On the other hand, escapism just kicks the can down the road. Expensive and stressful escapism masquerading as a bucket list can distract you from growing, solving problems and making changes in your present life that would bring real happiness or contentment.

Marketers are adept at positioning expensive trips as bucket list adventures despite the lack of long-term returns, so beware of glossy photos and tempting text.

There’s nothing wrong with having a travel destination on your bucket list, but if you’re unhappy in daily life, you will be just as unhappy when you return from an escapism trip.

What Makes a Good Life?

In the end, checking off a list of things that look or sound cool can end up feeling empty. A well-lived life isn’t always simple or Instagram-worthy. Building a bucket list—one that gives life true meaning— requires soul searching.

Scan your list for experiences that are gratifying in the long term, even if they are hard. Experiences that provide longterm meaning, allow you to experience flow, create or build relationships, or give you a sense of accomplishment are the true ingredients for a life well-lived.

Meaning. A meaningful life isn’t always easy, and meaningful experiences aren’t always easy either. Meaning—the feeling that your life matters and has purpose— is one of the most gratifying emotions we can experience. Starting a business, rescuing animals, becoming a regular volunteer or creating a scholarship fund may be better bucket list experiences than snorkeling in the Maldives.

Flow. Flow—that magical state of being when we’re so fully engaged in something that we lose track of time—strongly contributes to a feeling of well-being.

You don’t have to be an artist or an athlete to experience flow. Just make time to do things you enjoy until you

can do them really well. Adding classes or workshops to your bucket list can lead you to experience flow. If your class is in a bucket-list location, even better.

Relationships. Thrilling experiences have a short-term effect on happiness; however, it’s scientifically proven that strong social connections give us a longterm sense of satisfaction. Traveling with a friend or loved one can be a bonding experience. Having a bucket list with a partner, group of friends or family makes for a better life than going it alone.

Accomplishment. You don’t have to complete the Death Valley Ultra-Marathon to feel accomplished. All that matters is you can look back and say you did something, and you did it well. It might be developing a lifelong exercise, meditation or gratitude practice, starting a business, mastering a skill or overcoming a fear.

If you have an accomplishment on your bucket list, ask yourself what the long-term effects of reaching the summit or crossing the finish line might be.

Bucket lists can help us evaluate what kind of life we want to live and what we want to contribute and experience. The key to a list that makes for a good life is to include experiences that provide longterm meaning. n

ADOBE STOCK PHOTO BY MIKOLAJ NIEMCZEWSKI

BEFORE YOU GO Letters Let Love Simmer

By Dan Gibson

More than 30 years ago, in response to a personal ad in the August 1992 Ruralite, romance blossomed.

As a truck driver, I had little opportunity to date, let alone find a wife. Since another family member found true love and married a gentleman through Ruralite personals, maybe there was a young lady for me to write to as well.

I began writing to X38—Emily—and was instantly smitten. Emily included a beautiful photo, which I quickly attached to the dash of my semitruck. I dreamed about marrying her.

After nine months of writing, phone calls and flights back and forth, we were happily married in May 1993 in Bonners Ferry, Idaho. After honeymooning on the Oregon Coast, we settled down in Harrisburg, Oregon, to raise a family.

By 2019, the children were grown and on their own, so we sold our house and moved back to north Idaho to be closer to family and friends. We waited four years until the home of our dreams went up for sale—the house my wife grew up in and that her father built. We moved into our house in May 2023, exactly 30 years to the day after we married. It was amazing to see how God answered my prayers for a wonderful wife and, 30 years later, answered our prayers for a house to buy that has so many fond

memories for us.

Take it from us: The old-fashioned way of writing letters and waiting for a response is the best way to find a mate. It lets love simmer into something beautiful. n

Dan and Emily Gibson met through Ruralite in 1992. PHOTO COURTESY OF EMILY GIBSON

Donny Coursey and his wife, Cathy

1Based on technical performance data. Check with your carrier for local regulations 214-day risk-free trial- Return within 14 days of purchase for a full refund of purchase price

PM230527 EN_EX_USA

859 Ward Drive, Suite 200, Goleta, CA 93111

Inogen® is a trademark of Inogen, Inc. The usage of any Inogen, Inc. trademark is strictly forbidden without the prior consent of Inogen, Inc. All other trademarks are trademarks of their respective owners or holders.

USES: The Inogen Portable Oxygen Concentrator provides a high concentration of supplemental oxygen to patients requiring respiratory therapy on a prescriptive basis. It may be used in home, institution, vehicle, and various mobile environments. DO NOT USE IF: This device is not intended to be used in any way other than described in the indications for use. Do not use in parallel or series with other oxygen concentrators or oxygen therapy devices. This device is to be used as an oxygen supplement and is not intended to be life sustaining or life supporting. ONLY use this product if the patient is capable of spontaneous breath, able to inhale and exhale without the use of a machine. The conserving, or pulse dose, oxygen delivery technique used by this device is contraindicated in persons whose breathing during normal resting would be unable to trigger the device. Proper device triggering, setup and operation must be confirmed by an experienced clinician or other respiratory professional. Not for pediatric use. Not for use by tracheotomized patients. WARNINGS: The device produces enriched oxygen gas, which accelerates combustion. Do not allow smoking or open flames within 2m (6.56ft) of this device while in use. If you feel ill or uncomfortable, or if the concentrator does not signal an oxygen pulse and you are unable to hear and/or feel the oxygen pulse, consult your equipment provider and/or your physician immediately. If you are unable to communicate

Board of Directors

Chair

Fred Sagoonick, Shaktoolik

Vice Chair

Helena Jones, Ambler

Secretary

Phyllis Clough, Old Harbor

Treasurer

Sandra Tall-Lake, Hooper Bay

Directors

Homer Hunter Jr., Scammon Bay

Frederick P. Beans, Mountain Village

Peter Demoski, Nulato board@avec.org

Communities Served

Alakanuk

Ambler

Andreafsky

Anvik

Bethel

Brevig Mission

Chevak

Eek

Ekwok

Elim Emmonak

Gambell

Goodnews Bay

Grayling

Holy Cross

Hooper Bay

Huslia

Kaltag

Kasigluk

Kiana

Kivalina

Kobuk

Kotlik

Koyuk

Lower Kalskag

Marshall

Mekoryuk

Minto

Mt. Village

New Stuyahok

Nightmute Noatak Noorvik

Nulato

Nunapitchuk Old Harbor

Oscarville Pilot Station

Pitkas Point

Quinhagak Russian Mission

St. Mary’s St. Michael

Savoonga

Scammon Bay

Selawik

Shageluk

Shaktoolik

Shishmaref

Shungnak

Stebbins Teller

Togiak

Toksook Bay

Tununak

Twin Hills Upper Kalskag Yakutat

Wales

Alaska Village Electric Cooperative, Inc.

4831 Eagle Street

Anchorage, AK 99503

907-561-1818

800-478-1818

www.avec.org

Tariff Rate Changes and Annual Meetings

For the last two years AVEC has been operating at a loss. Stated another way, the amount of money AVEC collected from its members in rates was not sufficient to pay for its cost of operation. The biggest cost for AVEC to provide power in Rural Alaska (more than half) is for the fuel it consumes to generate power. Fuel cost is volatile and the cost to deliver it varies widely by community. For these reasons fuel cost is calculated separately for each community and is charged as a separate part of everyone’s electric bill. These fuel costs are tracked and adjusted every couple of months to be sure we are not overcharging or undercharging for fuel.

The other part of electric rates pays for everything else; the “non-fuel costs”. This part of the rates varies less often, however, this year we are planning to raise non-fuel rates an average of 14.9% system wide. The cost of everything has gone up over the last few years. Materials, equipment, labor, lodging, food, transportation, freight, insurance and interest rates have all added to the expense of living and of doing business in rural Alaska. AVEC worked with our primary lender, the National Rural Electric Cooperative Finance Corporation, to perform a cost of service study and help devise electric rates that will keep AVEC in a sound financial position. AVEC continues to control costs and strives to keep rates low but a rate increase is necessary so we can continue to pay our bills and maintain a positive margin. The new rates, as approved by the board after the public hearing held on January 29, 2024, will go into effect starting in March 2024.

Time is running out for communities to hold their AVEC Community Meeting. AVEC Community meetings are to be held between the beginning of November and the end of February to elect a delegate and submit resolutions to send to the AVEC Annual Meeting to be held in Anchorage on April 18, 2024. If your community has not yet held their meeting, please contact your community chairperson, (or AVEC Member Services for help), to be sure your community is represented at the Annual Meeting. At the Annual Meeting, delegates meet with the board and staff to help guide the goals and priorities of the Cooperative.

Bill Stamm AK-105