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Celebrating Youth
When I was a child I lived out in the country on 50 acres. Opportunities to earn money were few and far between. I did earn 50 cents a day for feeding the sheep occupying our leased pasture. I also picked strawberries and boysenberries in the summer. My best days were when my mom came out and picked with me. To this day, I don’t know how she filled those containers so fast. Later, we moved to a more populated area and I was able to mow lawns. I think I was getting $5 a lawn at my peak.
I had a brief career in fruit sales. I set up a sign and a box of sad-looking apples at the end of our long driveway. Did I mention this was rural and few cars passed by each day? After one day and only one car stopping, I decided to pursue other opportunities.
Our Up Close story on Page 10 profiles a group of young people who are having a lot more success than I ever did as entrepreneurs. These
three young people are already dipping their toes into the business world by creating and selling their own products. From art to crafts and food, these entrepreneurs are making money and developing skills that will last a lifetime.
Our Spotlight feature starting on Page 12 highlights the creative way a small Oregon community has retained its local school by opening its doors to international students. With only 145 residents in the Spray community, dwindling numbers put the viability of the school at risk. Thirty years ago, the school started bringing in students from other countries to bolster their numbers. This year, nine international students live, learn and soak up rural American culture at the unique school.
The local students benefit too, because they can continue their education closer to home and are exposed to other cultures. Everyone wins. I hope you enjoy the story.
Sincerely,
Mike Teegarden Editorial Director
Young Minds, Big Dreams
Ambitious youth entrepreneurs of the Pacific Northwest excel Up Close, Page 10
The Global Experience
International students soak up culture at rural school Spotlight, Page 12
Photo Hunt
Under the Surface
Know the dangers lurking in the water before you take the plunge
By Nina Todea
With the long-awaited warmth of summer arriving soon comes the desire to spend our days outside, whether swimming, boating or camping. Although we’re far more unplugged outdoors, many electrical hazards still accompany these leisurely summer activities—and they often lurk beneath the surface.
Water safety is more than just boating speeds and life jackets. Electric shock drowning, dubbed the “silent killer,” occurs when faulty wiring sends electric current into a body of water. The current then passes through the body and causes paralysis, which can ultimately result in drowning.
This current isn’t nearly as visible as a bolt of lightning. According to Electrical Safety Foundation International, as little as 10 milliamps of current—1/50 the amount used by a 60-watt lightbulb—can cause
paralysis and drowning. Even the best swimmers will feel their bodies freeze as they lose muscular control.
Often misclassified as drowning, ESD injures and kills people every year, whether it happens around a dock, or in a pool or hot tub. Unfortunately, there is no ESD statistics database, and—partly due to inaccuracies in reporting—many people are still unaware of the threat.
“Most people are unaware because there is no visible warning to electrified water,” says ESFI President Brett Brenner. “Without that visual, they are unaware of the dangers of electrified water.”
Boating and Marina
Just like your home, having your boat inspected regularly by a licensed electrician is critical. Familiarize yourself with the electrical system so you can identify and correct any potential hazards.
ESFI encourages boat owners to routinely
inspect boats and stay up to date on maintenance.
Ground fault and equipment leakage circuit interrupters—both safety devices required at marinas—should be tested monthly. A leakage test determines if electrical current is escaping the vessel.
In an emergency, an informed owner who knows where the main breakers are on the boat and the shore power source can respond quickly and effectively.
Alongside the safety of your boat’s electrical system, make sure all boat operators and swimmers understand the hazards so everyone works to keep them at bay. Never allow swimming near the boat, marina or launching ramp. Residual current could flow into the water from the boat or the marina’s wiring, potentially putting anyone in the water at risk of ESD.
Marina owners should do their part, too.
“Plan annual safety events at your marina where owners can learn about boat and
Young
By Chiara Profenna
Ambitious youth entrepreneurs of the Pacific Northwest excel Big dreams: MINDS,
As the first days of summer emerge, countless youth eagerly embrace their newfound time for leisure and relaxation. But for a distinctive few, summer signifies an opportunity to refine their business skills and embark on entrepreneurial ventures.
Meet some youth entrepreneurs spending their free time blossoming small businesses in the Pacific Northwest. Spanning from the outskirts of Oregon to the northern reaches of Alaska, these young leaders are shaping the next generation of entrepreneurs.
Fortitude Rural Youth Entrepreneurs
At 11 years old, Macy Richcreek, a fifth grader at McGovern Elementary School in Winston, Oregon, is taking over Fortitude Rural Youth Entrepreneurs from her brother, Ryder Sawyer.
The all-kids market operates out of Porter Creek Mercantile in Tenmile.
“My brother started it around 2020,” Macy says. “When he was little, he would sell stuff. He started doing adult events, but then he realized that kids should (be able to) make money.”
A seasoned entrepreneur, Macy began pastry and dessert venture Sassy Sweets when she was 6 years old. In addition to running her table, Macy oversees the market, which typically hosts about 15 children and their various goods.
“My brother has a Bigfoot section,” Macy says. “And we have a lot of different things, like wood carvings, shave ice, spray paint art, bath bombs.”
For the next step of her entrepreneurial journey, Macy is starting a new line—Sassy Sports—to sell sports-themed jewelry.
Managing all her business ventures has been a challenge, Macy says. However, the experiences have inspired her to continue branching out and trying new things.
Starting Sassy Sweets at 6 years old, Macy Richcreek is now ready to expand her business with a new line specializing in jewelry.
PHOTOS COURTESY OF MACY RICHCREEK
Taking over the Fortitude Rural Youth Entrepreneurs from her brother, Macy steps into the larger role of managing a group of youth entrepreneurs while overseeing her businesses.
international students in hopes of keeping its doors open. With a dwindling number of students, the school was at risk of being combined with nearby Fossil Charter School and Mitchell High School.
Having a school in each town is incredibly important to the parents and students, says Spray High School social studies teacher Marc Antonio. While the international students bring financial security to the school through district funding, their presence is valued far beyond the monetary contribution.
“We just enjoy the kids so much,” Marc says. “They really do infuse a light and a curiosity about things.”
Each year, Spray locals look forward to meeting the new boarders, according to dorm parent Sadie Garrett.
“When you come into a small community, it’s not just the kids at the school, it’s the staff,” Sadie says. “The whole town comes together.”
A small collection of rural schools throughout Oregon participates in similar programs to support their schools. Burnt River, Mitchell, Paisley and Huntington school districts all accept international students to fill their classes. The programs are served by different agencies, such as International Experience and International Student Exchange, both used by Spray School District.
Marc says the program has seen monumental success since its inception, benefiting the community, the school district and the students.
“With kids around here, a lot of them don’t travel,” Marc says. “Their world is small. And to have [international] kids come here, it’s huge. We learn about them as much as they learn about us.”
Why Spray?
In a town with only one major road, it’s hard to imagine students getting the complete American high school experience. However, the community in Spray begs to differ.
“Because it’s smaller classes, I think for them, they don’t feel swallowed,” Marc says. “They don’t disappear. And because of that, they get to know us teachers really well. They get to know the kids really well. I think their ability to absorb American culture increases so much because it isn’t this overwhelming 10 million people in their school.”
“The teachers are so kind, especially Mr. Marc and Mr. Starr,” says Phong Thai, a junior from Vietnam. “They will stop class or slow down to help explain things.”
Additionally, the relatively safe environment provides parents with peace of mind. The students live in dorms near the school with community members Crystal Rey and Sadie, who oversee
International students from Thailand, South Korea, Vietnam, Germany and Russia have become friends as they experience life together in small-town America. PHOTO COURTESY OF SADIE GARRETT
Meatless Meals EAT YOUR VEGGIES
Cheesy Burrito Bake
2 tablespoons canola oil
2 bell peppers, sliced
1 medium onion, sliced
1 teaspoon cumin
2 cups water
1 cup brown rice, uncooked
12-ounce can evaporated milk, divided
Heat oven to 350 F.
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
4-ounce can diced green chiles, undrained
16-ounce can refried beans
6 8-inch wheat tortillas
Salsa, optional
Guacamole, optional
In a large skillet, heat canola oil. Cook peppers and onion with cumin until tender. In a saucepan, add water and brown rice. Cook for 45 minutes.
In a second saucepan, add 11/4 cups evaporated milk, cheddar cheese and green chilies. Cook over medium heat until cheese is melted and smooth. Stir 3/4 of the cheese mixture in with the cooked rice. Set the remaining cheese sauce aside.
In a medium bowl, add refried beans and the remaining evaporated milk. Microwave for 3-4 minutes.
Lay out tortillas. Layer refried bean mixture, rice mixture and pepper-onion mixture. Roll into burritos and place in a baking pan. Top burritos with the remaining cheese sauce. Bake for 20-25 minutes.
Garnish with salsa and guacamole, if desired.
Source: Culinary.net
Grilled Apple Portobello ‘Burgers’
1 large sweet apple
2 portobello mushrooms
1/4 cup olive oil, divided
1 tablespoon lemon juice
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon oregano
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup herbed goat cheese
2 brioche buns
2 large pieces butter lettuce
2 tablespoons mayonnaise
Heat the grill to medium heat. Slice apples horizontally into thick round wedges. Remove seeds using a fork. Remove portobello stems.
In a small bowl, combine 1/8 cup olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano and salt.
Using a basting brush, coat portobellos on both sides with the olive oil mixture. Grill stem sides down for 2 minutes, then flip. Add goat cheese to portobellos. Grill for 2-3 minutes until cheese is melted. Remove from grill. Use remaining olive oil to coat apple rounds. Grill apple rounds for 1-2 minutes per side to lightly char.
Serve portobellos with apple rounds on brioche buns with lettuce and mayonnaise.
Source: Envy Apples
Golden Beet and Rice Burger Sliders
71/2 ounces white beans, drained and rinsed
1 egg, beaten
1/2 tablespoon water
14 ounces jasmine rice, cooked and cooled
4 ounces golden beets, cooked and grated
3 ounces goat cheese, crumbled and divided
1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh dill
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
12 leaves bibb lettuce
1 cup arugula
2 tablespoons Sriracha sauce
In a food processor, pulse beans, egg and water until mashed.
Transfer the bean mixture to a large bowl. Add rice, beets, 11/2 ounces goat cheese, dill, salt and pepper. Stir until combined. Divide the mixture into six portions. Shape into 1/2-inch-thick patties.
In a large, nonstick skillet over medium heat, heat 1 tablespoon of oil. Cook patties in two batches, 3-5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and heated through. Add remaining oil, as necessary.
Place two lettuce leaves together, overlapping ends to form a pocket. Place a patty inside the lettuce pocket. Top with arugula and remaining goat cheese. Drizzle with Sriracha sauce. Repeat with remaining burgers.
Source: Success Rice
Pomegranate and Arugula Rice Salad
1/3 cup olive oil
3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
2 tablespoons minced red onion
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon honey
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
2 cups jasmine rice, cooked and cooled
5 ounces arugula
1 cup pomegranate seeds
1/3 cup slivered almonds, toasted
Crumbled goat or blue cheese, optional
In a large bowl, whisk together oil, vinegar, red onion, mustard, honey, salt and pepper.
Add rice, arugula and pomegranate seeds to the bowl. Toss to coat thoroughly. Sprinkle with almonds.
For added flavor, top the salad with crumbled goat or blue cheese.
Source: Minute Rice
Cheesy Asparagus Tart
5 cups water
1 pound asparagus
Ice water
2 teaspoons vegetable oil
1/4 teaspoon salt, plus additional to taste, divided
1/4 teaspoon pepper, plus additional to taste, divided Flour, for dusting
Heat oven to 400 F.
1 sheet frozen puff pastry, thawed
1 cup grated fontina cheese
1 cup grated gruyere cheese
1 tablespoon shallot, minced
2 egg yolks
3 tablespoons milk
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
1 lemon, zest only
In a large skillet, add water and asparagus. Cook for 5-8 minutes until asparagus is bright green. Drain asparagus and soak in ice water.
In a large bowl, mix drained asparagus, vegetable oil, salt and pepper until combined.
Flour surface area. Using a rolling pin, roll out the pastry to a 10-by-16-inch rectangle. Transfer the pastry to a parchment-lined baking sheet. Prick the pastry with a fork. Bake for about 12 minutes or until golden brown. Cool slightly on the baking sheet.
In a large bowl, mix fontina cheese, gruyere cheese, shallot, egg yolks, milk, nutmeg, salt and pepper until combined. Spread cheese over the pastry, leaving 1 inch around the edges. Lay asparagus over the cheese mixture.
Bake for 5 minutes or until the cheese has melted. Sprinkle lemon zest over the tart before serving.
Source: Culinary.net
READER EXCHANGE
Books/Magazines
I’m looking for Ralph Compton’s “Trail Drive Series” books.
Elizabeth A. Samul P.O. Box 37 Antelope, OR 97001-0037
Crafts/Hobbies
We are gathering items again for Operation Christmas Child. If you sew, knit or crochet, we would love to have Barbie doll clothes, hats or finger puppets. We are also collecting Matchbox or Hot Wheels cars, cloth pencil pouches and Beanie Babies. Last year, we sent 558 shoeboxes worldwide. Our goal is to send as many or more this year. Many thanks to those of you who have sent items in the past, you have shared kindness and joy with children near and far, many of whom have never received a gift. If you have other gift ideas for children 3-14, let us know. Sometimes items are too large for the shoeboxes. We cannot send liquids or sweets.
Peggy Hodge 10106 Edgewood Drive Anderson Island, WA 98303 peggyocc2000@gmail.com
I’m requesting all types of yarn, old jewelry, cotton, fabric, buttons, wine corks and artificial flowers. I make things and donate to shelters, food banks, churches, pregnancy centers and anyone in need. Thank you in advance for anything you can send.
Christen Rath 6577 Lucky Lane #802 Brookings, OR 97415
I sew aprons, pot holders, etc. I would love to find an inexpensive source for fabric. Any good-sized scraps will work. Thank you.
Diane Sauer 17468 Auklet Drive Bend, OR 97707 dianelpn13@live.com
Milestones
Our amazing and precious mother, Verneil, is turning 100 years old in May. She has spent a lifetime helping others, never complaining, and always being there with a smile and a pleasant attitude. Please join us in celebrating this very special lady’s birthday. Send cards to Verneil Johnson, 611 S. Harriman Ave. #219, Amery, WI 54001.
Clayton Johnson Gold Beach, Oregon
At the end of May, mom will be 99 years old. I am thankful to still be able to receive her wisdom, reminisce memories and traditions, or sort buttons from the “purple tin” with great-grandkids. Birthday wishes from readers would be special. Betty Beckwith, The Forum at Town Center, 8709 SE Causey Ave. #226, Happy Valley, OR 97086.
Nancy Welfelt Redmond, Oregon
A very good friend of mine turns 97 in May. She would be tickled to receive a mailbox full of birthday wishes. She was a nurse for many years, raised her family and has always been a loving, giving person. Thank you so much. Send cards to Trudy Schoelkoph, 160 Joshua St., Grants Pass, OR 97526
Missy Murphy Bend, Oregon
Submitting Requests Is Free
Thanks
I would like to thank all the readers who sent crochet cotton to me. What generous members there are. I have more than enough to finish my tablecloth, and enough to do another tablecloth, plus place mats and a table runner. The colors are so bright and cheerful. Thank you all so much.
Patty Gassner Scio, Oregon
My mother, Gail Simmons, of Eugene, turned 80 in January. I requested birthday cards for her birthday and words of encouragement for still being a nurse in these difficult times. I was there when she checked her mailbox the first time, and the look on her face was priceless. She received more than 700 cards from all over the United States thanking her for her dedication to the medical field. I wanted to thank everyone from the bottom of my heart for making her 80th birthday special. She read every one of the cards, some homemade and with hand-drawn pictures from children. What a blessing that something so small as a stamp and words of kindness go so far displaying the humanity left in the world. For those who wrote, God bless you, and thank you to the magazine for allowing us to share kindness in Milestones.
Robert Shafer Heppner, Oregon
Send your request—no attachments, please—to readerexchange@ruralite.org or mail to Reader Exchange, 5625 NE Elam Young Parkway, Suite 100, Hillsboro, OR 97124. Fill in the subject line with Reader Exchange. Acceptance, scheduling and editing are at the editor’s discretion. Single requests only, please. No duplicates.
Submissions are handled on a first-come, first-served basis and as space allows. We cannot honor every request.
Please affirm you have authorization from all appropriate parties before submitting. By submitting, you indemnify Reader Exchange, Pioneer Utility Resources Inc., its officers, directors, employees, utility clients and insurers from all legal liability incurred by the publication of information.
We no longer accept pen pal requests. You may submit a pen pal request as a Marketplace ad. Marketplace pricing applies. When submitting a milestone request, please send it at least two months before the milestone. Phone numbers will not be published. Email addresses will be published if part of the ad, but you must include a postal address. Requests also must include the name and address of the electric utility that provides your magazine.
Now you can finally have all of the soothing benefits 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 offer 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, affordable price
Now you can have the best of both worlds–there isn’t a better, more aff ordable walk-in tub!
A Time to Honor
By Dave LaBelle
It’s a real paradox for me: I hate war, but I love and honor those who have sacrificed their lives for the freedoms we enjoy.
Michael Rummel called me from his Southern California home and asked if we could talk. He had met my son at Field of Dreams in Iowa and had read my latest book. Michael was struggling with some unfinished business—a promise he had made in Vietnam to fellow Marine Ron Denton some 50 years earlier. While drinking beer in Vietnam, the men had made a pledge: Whoever died first,
Renowned author, photographer and lecturer Dave LaBelle has captured special moments for more than half a century. For more of his writings, visit davidlabelle.com and bridgesandangels.wordpress.com.
the other was to visit the deceased’s grave, drink a beer, say a few choice “Marine things,” then crumple the can and spike it into the earth. Silly perhaps, but a promise nonetheless.
Michael didn’t know where Ron was buried, but a search led him to Bowling Green, Kentucky, where Ron had lived the last part of his life.
“Fate is telling me to go to Bowling Green and say my special goodbye to Ron,” Michael said.
But he was still on the fence about going. Hearing how troubled he was, I encouraged him to find Ron’s grave and keep his promise. Because I once lived in Bowling Green while teaching at Western Kentucky University, I told him I would meet him there.
“I have struggled with that decision for seven years now,” Michael confessed. “Your response has tipped the scale in
favor of doing it.”
He made the trip and completed his mission, thankful he did.
This brings me to another short but important story.
A young soldier from the small town I was living in had been killed in action. Out of respect, I dressed appropriately and photographed the sensitive outdoor burial service from a distance using a telephoto lens.
Upon seeing me, a decorated military officer assigned to the burial detail left the grave site and approached me as I photographed the interment. He firmly asked me not to photograph.
I respectfully refused his request.
“This young man died for the very freedoms you are asking me to deny,” I told him.
Unsure how to respond, he left me alone.
Reader Challenge
On this Memorial Day, make a photograph that honors the day and those who gave their lives in service. Remember, you are not taking anything but giving and honoring the fallen and their families when you celebrate their sacrifices. Move slowly and with reverence when documenting any service. Not overshooting is important.
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.
I meant no disrespect to the officer, the family or the fallen soldier. To the contrary, I was showing them respect for the laws and rights of our nation and honoring the young man’s service. n
Vietnam veteran Michael Rummel fulfills a promise to a brother in arms. PHOTO BY DAVE LABELLE
Abigail Bonus and Cherish Deng will represent Benton REA from June 17-22 on the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association’s Electric Cooperative Youth Tour.
More than 1,700 student delegates selected by electric cooperatives across the United States will meet in the capital for one week. They will tour historic buildings, museums and memorials, meet state representatives and listen to motivational speakers.
Youth Tour expenses are paid for through Benton REA’s education fund, supported through members’ unclaimed or donated ownership credits.
Abigail Bonus
Abigail has a great interest in history and wants to see first hand the monuments and locations that she has learned about.
She is the second member of her family to be selected as a Youth Tour delegate. Her sister was chosen a few years ago.
“I’m most excited to visit the Holocaust museum and the Smithsonian. A lot of public education is spent learning about the Holocaust, and though it is a tragic event, I’m curious to experience some of the things that I’ve learned,” she says. “I also look forward to seeing the Smithsonian museums as I’ve heard they are magnificent.”
Abigail has not finished mapping out her post high school plans quite yet. She wants to attend Columbia Basin College and explore careers such as nursing, counseling and education. She knows she wants to serve and care for others.
Cherish Deng
Cherish’s love of traveling and desire for a deeper understanding of the government system motivated her to apply for the Youth Tour.
“My parents immigrated to the U.S., but growing up here, I’ve taken everything for granted and never thought about what it meant to live in America and what makes it so special,” Cherish says. “I hope to gain a deeper understanding of American government and see more of what being a citizen means by hopefully meeting representatives and senators. I will get to learn more about our country’s fascinating history and political system by being there and experiencing it.”
After high school Cherish will attend a four year university to study medicine and social work. She wants to become a certified nursing assistant and work while studying. She hopes to advocate and make a positive change in the world through social work and health care. ■
CHERISH DENG
Prosser High School
ABIGAIL BONUS
Hanford High School
May is National Electrical Safety Month
Practice safety with these tips
Benton REA recognizes Electrical Safety Month in May, but it is important to practice safety year-round.
According to the Electrical Safety Foundation International, thousands of people in the U.S. are critically injured or electrocuted as a result of electrical fires and accidents in their own homes. Many of these accidents are preventable.
Frayed Wires Pose a Safety Hazard
Power cords can become damaged or frayed from age, heavy use or excessive current. If cords become frayed or cut, replace them.
Avoid Overloading Circuits
We all use more electronics than ever. But circuits can only cope with a limited amount of electricity. Overload happens
Schedule a Safety Presentation
Benton REA’s Energy Efficiency Advisors are available for school or community events to present our tabletop electrical safety demonstration.
Contact Benton REA by e-mailing memberservices@bentonrea.org or call 509-786-8265.
when you draw more electricity than a circuit can safely handle—often by having too many devices running on one circuit.
Use Extension Cords Properly
Never plug an extension cord into another extension cord. If you “daisy chain” them together, it could lead to overheating.
Don’t exceed the wattage of the cord. This creates a risk of overloading the cord and creating a fire hazard.
Extension cords should not be used as permanent solutions. If you need additional outlets, contact a licensed electrician.
Modern Wiring for Modern Equipment
Contact a qualified electrician if your home is more than 40 years old and you need to install new large appliances that
consume significant amounts of electricity.
Child Safety
Children should know how to play it safe and smart around electricity. Help them be aware of overhead power lines near where they play outdoors.
Outlet covers can be helpful in keeping little fingers and objects from entering outlets in your home. Install outlet covers on all outlets that are within a child’s reach.
Benton REA’s top priority is providing you with reliable electricity, 365 days per year. But equally important is keeping our community safe around electricity.
Visit www.BentonREA.org/safety for additional electrical safety tips. ■
Chad Smith, Benton REA efficiency manager, demonstrates the dangers of electricity at a recent community event.
We Have a New Look
Benton REA has a new, refreshed logo
We are pleased to announce that Benton REA has a new logo.
Behind the scenes, Benton REA has been working hard to come up with a new design that is both modern and keeps our classic feel that so many members have come to recognize.
As you can see we chose to keep a similar red color and added in charcoal and a splash of blue.
Benton REA plans to roll this logo out slowly. We will start with print items like business cards, letters, bills, newsletters and
this Ruralite magazine. Staff will soon order and wear hats and clothing with the new logo. We will then move to vehicles, and later, signage at substations and buildings.
Benton REA’s last logo was rolled out in 2001—23 years ago. A lot has changed in the time since and we want our logo to match the advancements we are striving to make for our members. We hope you like it! ■
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
509-786-2913
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 Vacant Position, 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 scheduled.
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 509-781-6719 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
Electrical Safety is Top of Mind at Benton REA
In May, many utilities celebrate Electrical Safety Month. It’s a time for us to remind members to stay safe around electricity and safeguard your homes or businesses from electrical hazards.
Safety is a serious issue, especially when it comes to electrical safety. At Benton REA, it’s our number one priority. We have created a culture of safety by putting the safety of our employees and our community above all else. At its essence, Benton REA’s mission is to provide safe, affordable and reliable electricity to its member-owners. At the end of the day, we strive to deliver affordable and reliable electricity to our member-owners, but equally important, we want to return our workers home safely to their families each and every night. To do this requires ongoing focus, training and vigilance.
Because we live and work in the community we serve, we care about our neighbors. As you saw on page 28, Benton REA conducts electrical safety demonstrations in schools and for community events. We will also have a high-voltage safety trailer on display at our annual family fun event that is coming up this summer—Voltage 2024. Please bring your families by to learn more about electrical safety directly from our lineworkers.
According to the Electrical Safety Foundation, each year thousands of people in the United States are critically injured or electrocuted as a result of electrical fires, accidents and electrocution in their own homes. Many of these accidents are preventable. Don’t attempt electrical DIY projects or overload your outlets. Report downed power lines, unlocked substations, padmount transformers that look amiss.
Contact us for additional electrical safety tips. If you would like us to provide a safety demonstration at your school or community event, please contact our Member Services Department at 509-786-8265 or email memberservices@bentonrea.org.
Be mindful when it comes to electrical safety—your life depends on it.
