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
Power to Care
Benton REA’s bill assistance program helps members keep their lights on in hard times
By Emily McLaughlin
The Power to Care Bill Assistance Program has been a beacon of support for 347 Benton REA members since its creation four years ago, ensuring their lights stayed on during challenging times.
Fueled by the realization that some members couldn’t qualify for other assistance programs, Benton REA’s management and board members conceptualized this innovative program in 2020.
The idea is simple: Benton REA members voluntarily round up their monthly bills to the nearest dollar, contributing spare change to a fund dedicated to aiding fellow members in settling their overdue electric bills.
Enrolled members donate between 0 and 99 cents each month. For instance, if a member’s total bill is $55.25, it gets rounded up to $56, with the extra 75 cents becoming a contribution to the bill assistance program.
The average donation is only $6 a year, with $11.88 the largest contribution possible. Members and others from the community can donate more if they wish.
Currently, 738 Benton REA members actively contribute to the program. Signing up is easy, and the ripple effect of such a simple gesture is profound in the lives of fellow members.
“There have been people in tears in the office, so grateful that we are able to help them,” says Benton REA Member Experience Representative Laura Rivera. “It’s nice to see that we can offer our members this program and help them in their time of need.”
Unlike other assistance programs with prolonged processing times, applications to Power to Care are expedited, providing relief within a shorter time frame.
“Contributions only go to past due balances,” Laura says. “We only help the members who are behind on their bills and need assistance.”
Since 2020, participants have raised a remarkable $92,525 for to Power to Care, keeping fellow Benton REA members afloat.
“It’s important for us to keep helping each other,” Laura says. “Times are tough, especially these days, and I believe that this program is a true blessing to people who are in need.” n
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.
Get Winter Ready
Winter weather can bring more than just cold temperatures, snow and ice. It can also bring unexpected power outages.
Outages are inconvenient and can be a little scary, but having a plan in place can ease your mind. Here are some tips to help you be winter ready.
Before the Storm
Have a plan in place and get the family involved. Gather the items listed on the graphic on the right and be sure everyone knows where the items are stored.
Add Benton REA to your phone contacts so you can quickly report outages. Our outage reporting line is 509-786-2913. It’s equally important to be sure Benton REA has your current phone number and email address so you can be informed about major outage restoration and planned maintenance outages in your area.
Follow Benton REA on Facebook and Twitter to see up-to-date outage information. As soon there is information to report, we will post the status and provide updates as crews work to restore power.
After the Storm
If you experience an outage, report it to Benton REA with any important information you have observed or heard, such as “line down” or “heard loud boom.” Have patience and use the items in your emergency kit.
Lineworkers first restore power to critical services such as hospitals and schools. They often work long shifts moving from neighborhood to neighborhood until every home and business has power again.
When your power is restored, thank a lineworker. It’s not easy working in extreme temperatures and being called out during all hours. One thing is for sure—we will continue to work as hard as we can for you, our members, to give you the best service possible.
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
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
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.
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
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✓ 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!”
During these colder months, you may see an increase in your electric bill.
When outdoor temperatures drop, electricity use increases. That’s because we’re doing more activities inside, and our heating systems are running longer and more often to counteract colder outdoor temperatures.
If you receive a larger than normal bill and need help determining your usage or how it compared to last year, call a Benton REA member experience representative at 509-786-2913. You can also view your most recent bill and usage history by logging into your SmartHub account.
There are some things you can do to control your energy use and save a few dollars along the way.
Adjust Your Thermostat
Select the lowest comfortable thermostat setting and turn it down several degrees whenever possible. Your heating system must run longer to make up the difference between the thermostat
temperature and the outdoor temperature.
Pro tip: Seal air leaks around windows and exterior doors with caulk and weatherstripping. Air leaks and drafts force your heating system to work harder than necessary.
Limit Appliance Use
Limit your use of large appliances such as dishwashers, ovens and dryers.
Pro tip: Start the dishwasher before you go to bed and use smaller countertop appliances like slow cookers and air fryers to save energy.
Maintain Your Heating System
Ensure that your heating system is optimized for efficiency with regular maintenance and proper insulation.
Pro tip: Make sure your furnace filter isn’t clogged and dirty. Replace it as needed.
Use Cold Water
When possible, use cold water to reduce water heating costs.
Pro tip: Setting your water heater thermostat to 120 degrees can help you save energy and reduce mineral buildup and corrosion in your water heater and pipes.
Unplug Devices
Unplug devices when not in use to eliminate unnecessary energy use. Even when turned off, electronics in standby mode consume energy.
Pro tip: Plug devices into a power strip so you can turn them all off at once with the push of a button.
By adopting energy conservation practices during periods of extreme cold, you save money on your electric bills.
If you are interested in making energy efficiency upgrades to your home, call our energy efficiency advisors at 509-786-8265 to schedule an energy efficiency consultation. They will help you determine what projects will get you the most bang for your buck and let you know what rebates are available. n
Prosser Office
402 7th St. Prosser, WA 99350
509-786-2913
Mailing Address:
Report an Outage:
Contact the Office: Website:
Board of Trustees
West Richland Office
6095 W. Van Giesen St. West Richland, WA 99353
509-967-2921
P.O. Box 1150 Prosser, WA 99350
800-221-6987
509-786-2913 www.BentonREA.org
Bob Evans, President, District 3
Mike Freepons, Vice President, District 2
Catherine Russell, Secretary/Treasurer, District 8
Dan Plung, District 1
Ron Johnson, District 4
Tim Grow, District 5
Scott Fisher, District 6
Ted Wallace, District 7
Board Meetings, Agendas & Minutes
The board of trustees meet the last Wednesday of each month at 6 p.m. unless otherwise indicated on our website.
The board agenda for the upcoming meeting is available to members upon request no earlier than six days prior to the board meeting. Minutes of prior board meetings are available to members upon request. To request board agendas or minutes, visit a Benton REA office, call 509-786-8260 or email priorityrequests@bentonrea.org.
Management Staff
Ryan J. Redmond, CEO
Troy L. Berglund, Deputy General Manager and VP of Member Experience
Steve Catlow, VP of Finance
Andrew Gould, VP of Engineering and Operations
Justin Waldron, VP of Human Resources
Power to Care
In 2020, Benton REA created a wonderful program for members called Power to Care. Due to your generosity, we have been able to provide financial assistance as a credit on 347 members’ electric bills since the program began.
After meeting many of you this last year, it’s not a surprise that Power to Care has made such a difference for our membership. Your focus on bettering our community and wanting the best for your neighbors is clear. It is a value that we as a cooperative keep at the core of our daily business.
I would like to thank each one of you for making Power to Care a success. Every donation has made a profound difference in someone’s ability to care for themselves and their family.
A monetary donation is not the only way you can help. If you hear of someone struggling, please let them know about the program, and have them reach out to Benton REA. Share the article in this Ruralite with your friends, family or social circles so others can learn and take advantage of the benefit.
For more information about Power to Care, contact our Member Experience Representatives at 509-786-2913 or visit BentonREA.org/powertocare.
