Ruralite
COOS-CURRY ELECTRIC
Recycling Tips Page 25 CEO’s Message Page 32
A view of Cape Blanco Lighthouse as the sun peeks through the clouds. PHOTO BY MARK DUVALL
FEELING REJUVENATED WITH CBD
Everyone feels the hurt as we age, but CBD can help you deal with it
By: Beth Giles
Life really does fly 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. That 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-to-back marathons two weekends in a row this year. That 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
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 effects 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. There 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
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!
The first product I tried was the Rub. Now this stuff was strong. Immediately after rubbing it on my knee, the soothing effects kicked in. It had that familiar menthol cooling effect, which I personally find very relieving. And the best part is, after two weeks of using it, my knee pain no longer affected my daily mobility.
The Zebra Sleep Gummies, on the other hand, had a different but equally positive effect on my body. To take it, the instructions suggest chewing thoroughly. This 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 definitely 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 fix 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 first, 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 off your first order by using promo code “RL10” at checkout. Plus, the company offers 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
April 2024 • Volume 72, No. 4
CEO Michael Shepard
SENIOR VP OF CONTENT Leon Espinoza
EDITORIAL DIRECTOR Mike Teegarden, CCC
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Pollinator Power
I like food, maybe a little too much sometimes.
About 35% of the food crops we eat depend on pollinators buzzing and flitting from one plant to the next.
In recent years, at the urging of my beekeeper friends, I have changed my gardening habits to be more bee-friendly. My yard is small, and I know this one act won’t change the world, but I feel good knowing I’m at least contributing to the pollinator ecosystem.
While bees are the most prolific pollinators, butterflies are important contributors. This month on Page 12, you can read about monarch butterflies, which are considered a vulnerable species.
Monarchs only lay their eggs in milkweed plants, which are becoming more scarce in the wild. I tried growing milkweed from seed last year, but my first attempt failed. But I’m stubborn and will try again using plant starts this time. Hopefully, I’ll have better luck. It would be
pretty exciting to have my own crop of monarch butterflies.
Check out our story for ways you can make your yard more pollinator friendly.
Our Up Close feature this month on Page 10 highlights Gwen Trice and her quest to bring to light a former logging community in Northeastern Oregon, where her father and grandfather lived in 1923. Maxville was one of the few places in Oregon where Black people and white people lived and worked together.
Gwen is working to cultivate a healing and educational environment at the site. She also is restoring a historic cabin on-site.
Finally, check out Before You Go on Page 30 to learn how Ruralite readers pitched in to help a school put on a successful Family Math night.
Sincerely,
Mike Teegarden Editorial Director
Meet the Logger’s Daughter
Gwen Trice preserves community through Maxville Heritage Interpretive Center
Up Close, Page 10
Hunt
Wildfire Mitigation
Utilities, agencies and communities play an active role in fire prevention
By Kelsey Bozeman
In Oregon, wildfire preparedness has emerged as a critical concern, particularly within Coos-Curry Electric Cooperative’s service territory. Following a devastating year that ravaged 211,810 acres statewide, the threat is greater than ever. More than 56,473 acres burned in or near CCEC’s service territory in 2023.
While no CCEC infrastructure or dwellings were destroyed, the proximity of these fires highlights the pressing need for stronger wildfire mitigation strategies.
Statewide efforts to bolster wildfire prevention are gaining momentum, with the state of Oregon leading numerous initiatives aimed at safeguarding communities and natural resources.
The Oregon Department of Forestry— backed by the 2021 legislature—has notably increased its staffing, and added firefighting aircraft to improve early wildfire response capabilities.
Nevertheless, prevention is crucial, and it begins before a wildfire ignites. The current climate—marked by hotter and drier conditions across the Western U.S.—further elevates the risk of frequent and severe wildfires, a concern highlighted by the U.S. Geological Survey. With climate change expected to intensify these conditions in our region, there is demand for a comprehensive approach to wildfire prevention, emphasizing the importance of creating defensible spaces around homes, power lines and community assets.
The Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety reports that up to 90% of
structural ignitions during wildfires result from embers, which can travel several miles. Establishing a defensible space, which involves a 10-foot clearance around homes and power lines and proper maintenance of trees and vegetation, is crucial for reducing wildfire spread and protecting properties.
Fuel management is another key component of reducing wildfire damage and suppression costs. The Oregon State Fire Marshal’s defensible space program offers free fuel assessments to help property owners identify and mitigate fire hazards. To find out more about this program, visit oregondefensiblespace.org. Sign up to schedule and submit a free assessment request by calling 503-934-0874.
Additionally, signing up for local emergency alerts through Coos County and Curry County Emergency Management systems is vital for receiving timely information prior to wildfire events:
• Coos County: https://tinyurl.com/ CoosCountyEMS
• Curry County: https://tinyurl.com/ CurryCountyEMS
CCEC is committed to wildfire mitigation, engaging in best practices and collaboration with state and local partners to enhance our wildfire preparedness efforts. CCEC Operations Manager Scott Adams recently attended the Wildfires: What Utilities Need to Know event hosted by the Northwest Public Power Association. NWPPA Executive Director Kurt Miller emphasized the necessity of a united front in wildfire mitigation efforts. “Wildfires jeopardize everything we
hold dear in the utility space,” Kurt says. “They present a huge danger to our communities and an existential threat to community-owned utilities.”
CCEC’s proactive measures include training crews in suppression tactics, expanding vegetation management and developing a comprehensive wildfire mitigation map to identify high-risk areas. Scott Adams emphasizes the importance of early preparation for the wildfire season.
“We can’t skimp on wildfire mitigation,” Scott says. “We have to be on the offensive, making sure that we are prepared early on in the wildfire season.”
Regular vegetation management and collaboration with the Coos Forest Protective Association are also part of CCEC’s strategy to minimize wildfire risks and ensure a reliable power supply. Partnerships among utilities and firefighting agencies, such as the one between CCEC and CFPA, is crucial in the collective fight against wildfires. The two organizations enhance the region’s preparedness and response capabilities by coordinating efforts and sharing informational resources.
Through ongoing education, preventative measures and strategic planning, CCEC works to protect its members and community at-large from wildfire risks. This collective effort underscores a commitment not only to reduce fire hazards but also to ensure the continuous, safe delivery of electricity— powering our members’ lives and supporting our service territory even in the face of escalating wildfire challenges. n
2023 Wildfires Near Coos Curry Electric's Service Area
2023 Wildfires
Upto 5 Acres Burned
Upto 10 Acres Burned
Upto 35 Acres Burned
22,000 to 342,000 Acres Burned
O'Brien Creek
Anvil Face Rock
Sixes River
Edson Creek Road
Goldbrick
Coos Bay
Coquille
Myrtle Point
Gold Beach
Port Orford
Think Ahead When Planting a Tree
By Scott Flood
“Why can’t they just leave my trees alone?”
Electric utilities are required to document that every piece of equipment and every foot of their power lines are a safe distance from trees and other vegetation. If a tree-trimming crew visited your home, it was likely because your trees were closer to power lines than the rules allow, and your electric utility is legally required to act.
Thinking about what’s above the ground is only part of tree-planting safety. Before you grab a shovel and start digging, contact 811 to make sure you won’t accidentally cut into any underground utility lines. The service sends people to your property to mark the approximate locations of utility lines. Because it can be challenging to pinpoint exact locations, use only hand tools when digging within a few feet of the markings.
decisions about vegetation management.
Electric utilities can also use fixed-wing aircraft and drones to monitor and control the growth of trees and plants near power lines. Drones fly close to equipment, take clear images and provide data to help show how close vegetation is to equipment and check the health of trees.
Many utilities use drones with cameras. When it comes to taking care of surrounding vegetation, drones are often used for detailed surveys rather than large-scale monitoring like satellites.
Once lidar or satellites—often together—have collected data on a large amount of vegetation near power lines, drones can be used to inspect a single area and do all the necessary checks.
Public power utilities place a high focus on vegetation management. It is the most crucial tool for reducing the likelihood of power outages. A thorough understanding of the vegetation’s past, present and projected future is essential for a successful approach to reducing these risks.
The growth of lidar, drone and satellite data presents an opportunity to close the loop with continual data-driven vegetation management intelligence and increase the power line system’s dependability and safety. In the end, all three technologies for managing vegetation serve different purposes, and electric utilities choose the options that work best for them. n
The last thing your utility wants to do is alter or remove a prized part of your landscaping. It would rather help you avoid conflict between electricity and greenery altogether. How? By reminding you to plant your new trees, shrubs or other vegetation where they won’t grow into power lines or other electric equipment. Whether you want to plant a tree, a decorative shrub or something else, it’s helpful to consider how it will grow during the next 20 or 30 years. Consider the eventual height and how wide the canopy of branches is likely to spread.
For example, even small trees and shrubs should be planted at least 20 feet from power lines. If you can’t plant that far away, make sure you choose a species that won’t top out at more than 15 feet high.
Trees that will be 40 feet high or less should be at least 25 feet from electricity. Larger trees should be at least 50 feet away.
Plant Trees Safely
Trees aren’t the only type of vegetation requiring thoughtful planting. If there’s a padmounted transformer in your yard, you might be tempted to hide it behind colorful flowers and neatly trimmed shrubs.
Unfortunately, if there’s a problem, crews need clear access to the transformer. That’s why it’s always a good idea to keep plantings at least 10 feet from the transformer’s doors and at least 4 feet from its sides. Otherwise, crews responding to a power problem may need to remove part of your landscaping.
Finally, if you notice your trees or other vegetation have grown dangerously close to power lines or equipment, don’t try to trim them on your own. Let your local electric utility know, or hire a professional arborist. Tree trimming is more dangerous than most people realize, and you don’t want to find yourself in an emergency room—or be the person who plunges your neighbors into the dark.
Drones can take clear images of electric infrastructure and provide data to monitor vegetation growth. PHOTO BY AMANDA JEAN FINNERTY
Lineworker Appreciation Day: Celebrating 85 Years of Dedication and Service
By Kelsey Bozeman
This year, as Coos-Curry Electric Cooperative commemorates Lineworker Appreciation Day, we not only celebrate the dedication of our lineworkers but also honor 85 years of commitment, resilience and service in powering the lives of our members.
From the rugged terrain and challenging weather conditions to technological advancements that have transformed the industry, our lineworkers have been the backbone of our operations, ensuring reliable, safe energy delivery to our communities.
The recent storms across the service territory in March serve as a poignant reminder of the critical role our lineworkers play in our community. A wind surge tore through the region, bringing down trees and disrupting power across our service territory. It was a challenging time for everyone affected, but our lineworkers—embodying the spirit of cooperation and determination—joined forces to restore power. Their commitment never wavered even in the face of adversity, showcasing their service-based attitude and dedication to keeping our members’ lights on.
To our lineworkers, thank you for powering our lives and for your commitment to safety, respect and integrity. You are the unsung heroes of our community, and today we celebrate you.
If you would like to honor our lineworkers with a thank-you note, visit our website at www.ccec.coop/thank-a-lineman.n
A herd of elk watches a Coquille lineworker make repairs to a power line. PHOTO BY SPENCER ALLRED
LEFT: Coos-Curry Electric Gold Beach Lineman Gary Willhoft hangs aviation markers across the Rogue River at the old mill site near Ferry Hole, circa 1965. RIGHT: In 1953, lineman Earl Foster climbs a power pole at the corner of Highway 101 and Fourth Street. PHOTO COURTESY OF COOS-CURRY ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE
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Meet the Logger’s Daughter
Gwen Trice preserves community through Maxville Heritage Interpretive Center
Story by Chiara Profenna
In the mountains of Northeastern Oregon lie what remains of an abandoned timber town. Once the most populous community in Wallowa County, Maxville now comprises a single log cabin atop 96 acres of empty land. Its past—nearly lost to history—echoes through the efforts of Gwen Trice, the founder and executive director of Maxville Heritage Interpretive Center in Joseph, Oregon.
In the past decade, Gwen has transformed Maxville into more than just a historical site. She has created a space where the past comes alive, and the spirit of community thrives.
Revealing an Untold Story
Gwen’s journey to preserve Maxville’s history began in 2003 when she discovered her heritage in connection with the township.
“I found out my father and grandfather were in the group of the first African Americans that came out by boxcar from Pine Bluff, Arkansas, in 1923,” Gwen says.
This discovery shocked Gwen, who knew her father, Lafayette “Lucky” Trice, as a respected businessman in La Grande, Oregon. After the revelation, Gwen uprooted her life in Seattle to return to Eastern Oregon—where she was raised—to reconnect with her past.
“I realized having grown up in this space where Black history wasn’t told … we weren’t a part of the narrative,” Gwen says. “I ended up moving to Wallowa County, where this history resides, and just really took up the gauntlet, more for myself. I really wanted to find out about my history.”
Gwen took to Maxville’s neighboring towns in search of stories. She began collecting and preserving the personal accounts of elders. Her project became the Oregon Public Broadcasting documentary, “The Logger’s Daughter,” which explores the history of Maxville through interviews and collected artifacts.
Images from the center display some of the rich history of the town. This photo captures Greek and Black loggers working in Maxville.
PHOTO COURTESY OF THE MAXVILLE HERITAGE INTERPRETIVE CENTER
The documentary’s first Oregon viewing was at the senior center in Wallowa. There was an overwhelming turnout, surpassing the room’s capacity. Upon seeing the elders weeping in the front row, Gwen realized how important it was to tell the story of Maxville in its entirety.
“I knew that it was bigger than me coming back, writing on screenplays and doing my family history,” Gwen says. “It was a history of a community. I had no idea how much bigger it would get.”
100 Years of Maxville
Not many Oregonians have heard of Maxville. The town of about 400 people was founded in 1923 by the Bowman-Hicks Lumber Co., which recruited loggers from the South to work in the timber industry. Unlike most lumber towns, Black and white loggers worked side by side.
The segregated township was one of the only places in Oregon where Black families lived due to Oregon’s exclusionary laws at the time. Despite the laws and segregation practices, the town was known for breaking down the barriers of race. Gwen says community members relied on each other and coexisted peacefully.
“(Maxville) is a place where my family came because they got to make more money and had the hope of possibly coming out of a space that we were being hung from trees in the South,” she says.
For a decade, Maxville prospered as a major logging town. But in 1933, it fell victim to the Great Depression, and the land was quickly vacated. Many families moved to nearby Wallowa or La Grande. The history of the once-bustling community faded from memory during the next few decades.
One hundred years later, Maxville is reentering the Oregon landscape thanks to Gwen’s efforts and advocacy. With the help of Hancock Timber, Eastern Oregon University and Clatsop Community College, Gwen is restoring the authentic cabin that remains on the townsite. She hopes to establish the site as a visitors center and permanent exhibition of the Maxville Heritage Interpretive Center.
Interpreting the History of Maxville
With her materials collected and the groundwork started, Gwen began to create the Maxville Heritage Interpretive Center in 2008. Since then, she has worked tirelessly to cultivate an educational and healing environment.
“To tell this inclusive story—the good, the bad, the ugly—in a truthful and transparent way is extremely healing and helpful,” Gwen says. “And it’s difficult. Some days are better than others.”
Gwen says the center is a healing place for not just for Black people but also allies.
“We’re creating a trauma and healing program right now,” she says. “Trauma and healing in the environment and making the connection to a lot of us that have been marginalized in one way or another.”
The program is in the early stages of development. As Gwen expands the center, she hopes visitors see it as a sacred and bright place for everyone.
“We all have different needs,” Gwen says. “But I hope that it provides a bridge to whatever healing they may be looking for.” n
Maxville Heritage Interpretive Center is at 103 N. Main St. in Joseph, Oregon.
CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT: Gwen stands proudly in front of a historic photo of the Black and white loggers from Maxville, where her father is pictured in the back row, fourth from the left. PHOTO BY CHIARA PROFENNA The interior of the Maxville Heritage Interpretive Center features a curated collection of photographs from Maxville, artistic renderings of the town and personal artifacts from families, painting a vivid portrait of life in Maxville. The historic Maxville cabin is being restored to create a new expansion for the center. Since the project began, the site has been nominated for the National Register of Historic Places. PHOTO COURTESY OF THE MAXVILLE HERITAGE INTERPRETIVE CENTER
Majestic M onarchs: Royalty Among
Pollinators
By Pamela A. Keene
ADOBE STOCK IMAGE BY BAZZIBA
When it comes to Western monarch butterflies, the statistics are alarming. Since the 1990s, their population has declined by 99%. But there’s good news for these vibrant butterflies that migrate from the Pacific Northwest to Southern California.
“Our census in 2023 showed a decline in the Western monarch population, but the decrease is not quite as severe as it was five years ago,” says Emma Pelton, senior conservation biologist with the Xerces Society, whose mission is to protect invertebrates and their habitats. “Our organization has been conducting annual monarch counts for the past 25 years, typically around Thanksgiving, and we have seen a steady decline.”
She attributes the reduction of the number of Western monarchs to loss of habitat from development, overuse of fertilizers and pesticides, and severe extremes in temperatures. Migrating north each spring from Southern California to their summer breeding grounds west of the Rocky Mountains, the butterflies seek shelter and adequate food for their larvae, which will become the next generation of adult monarchs.
“Places to feed, lay their eggs and protect themselves from predators are vanishing as native and natural habitats disappear,” Emma says. “It’s up to all of us to be aware of the monarchs’ dwindling population and to each do our part to help them survive and thrive.”
Monarchs rely on milkweed, laying their eggs on the underside of the leaves. Those eggs hatch into small, gray larvae, becoming the plump yellow, black and white caterpillars that feed on milkweed.
“Milkweed is the sole host plant for monarchs,” Emma says. “Once the eggs hatch into caterpillars, they can literally strip the plant of all its foliage, sometimes in less than a day. However, if the butterflies can’t find milkweed, they don’t have a place to lay their eggs. The caterpillars won’t hatch and morph into more adult monarchs.”
Butterflies join wasps, bees and birds as pollinators.
“If it weren’t for pollinators, humans would have a lot less variety in their diet because one of every three bites of goods we consume is the result of pollinators,” says Lora Morandin, associate director of Pollinator Partnership, based in San Francisco. “Monarchs are great ambassadors because they are colorful, showy and attract our attention. They’re also a gateway to learning about insects and other creatures that pollinate.”
Working globally, Pollinator Partnership manages North America’s annual Pollinator Week, slated for June 17-23, to raise awareness for all pollinators. A robust tool kit in multiple languages has been developed for Pollinator Week to be used by individuals, organizations and classrooms. The information can be found at pollinator.org.
“We can all help pollinators in some way,” Lora says. “The website offers extensive information that ranges from bee-friendly farming and gardening guidelines to responsible use of pesticides. We encourage the public to explore our website and adopt practices that will help pollinators, people and our planet.”
How You Can Help: Plant a Pollinator Garden
By Pamela A. Keene
From butterflies and bees to insects and birds, pollinators help feed the world. But they need human support to do their jobs.
“The best way to help pollinators is to plant a pollinator garden,” says Stephanie Hazen, a retired veterinarian and master gardener in Salem, Oregon. “That way, you’re helping provide pollinators a source of food, a place to nest and shelter from other predators.”
Stephanie says she started a new mission when she retired: focus on pollinators and native gardening, growing trees, shrubs, perennials and nonhybrid plants adapted to specific climates, soil conditions and environments.
“When you choose plants that are native to your area, you’ll be supporting the groups of insects, birds, bees and butterflies common where you live,” she says. “These creatures have four-season relationships with plants, and what better way to feed this symbiotic relationship than to include plants that naturally grow where you live? The pollinators will be attracted to them all year long.”
Stephanie recommends a mixture of plants that provide four-season interest to help pollinators.
“Pollinators need more than just blossoms in the spring, summer and fall to thrive,” she says. “Perennials, such as evening primrose, goldenrod and yarrow, are excellent choices. Once they bloom, the spent foliage and the hollow flower stems can become shelter for insects.”
Stephanie also suggests planting milkweed for Western monarchs.
“These beautiful butterflies rely on milkweed as their only host plant,” she says. “They lay their eggs on milkweed, and when the larvae hatch, they will feed on the leaves as they grow into caterpillars.”
A perennial garden should provide shelter and a shallow water source as well. Sources for native plants include local nurseries, local plant sales and various states’ Native Plant Societies. Some states’ Soil and Water Conservation Districts hold native plant sales as well. Each state’s Cooperative Extension Service, managed through land-grant universities, offers detailed pamphlets, plant lists and how-to publications that are free to read online or download.
“Anyone can add pollinator attractors to their landscapes, even if you live in an apartment or a condominium,” Stephanie says. “All it takes is a planter with a few flowering plants, and you’re all set.”
Pollinators in the Classroom
pollinator gardens at the school.
“In 2021, we began the garden program with two second grade classes, and the project has grown to six gardens maintained by three second grade and three fourth grade classes,” Julia says. “Each of the classes has time devoted to insects, and the gardens are filled with red ladybugs, praying mantis, earwigs and green lacewings, which feed on harmful bugs, such as aphids. Butterflies flit in and out and feed on the nectar of native plants.”
This year, Oregon State University graduate student Ashley Hall has joined the team as an intern for her environmental sciences thesis, focused on monarchs, including developing curriculum.
“Last September, Ashley was able to secure caterpillars for the students to raise and release after they morphed into butterflies,” Julia says. “Ashley also received a Bright Ideas grant from CoosCurry Electric Cooperative that was used to purchase educational supplies, butterfly enclosures, bug boxes and magnifying glasses.”
Community support also comes from Brookings Oregon Monarch Advocates, with master gardener volunteers as leaders.
Across the country, students participate in school gardening activities, growing fruits and vegetables, and studying the importance of pollinators.
In Brookings, Oregon, an original school garden from the early 2000s at Kalmiopsis Elementary School sees new life as a teaching tool. With a group of dedicated teachers, students and volunteers, students learn about where their food comes from and the vital roles of insects and other pollinators in feeding humans.
“Teaching youngsters about cultivating plants from an early age can help instill a love of gardening that will last them their whole lives,” says Julia Bott, who provides staff support for school programs through the Master Gardeners of Oregon State Extension.
Julia worked with volunteers and teachers to revive the
“The pollinator garden has become a focal point of our school and an educational complement to growing fruits, vegetables and flowers here,” Julia says. “At first, when some of the students saw a bug, they’d scream and take off running. Now, they’re learning about the benefits of insects and appreciate them more.”
Across North America, the profile of monarch butterflies and other pollinators is rising through environmental organizations, conservation groups and initiatives such as National Pollinator Week each June and the November Western Monarch Count.
“Helping preserve our pollinator habitats and protect these vital insects can be everyone’s mission,” Lora says. “Whether you volunteer for a community project, plant more natives in your landscape or put several perennials in a container on your deck or porch, you’re doing your part. Every little bit helps.” n
CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: A monarch caterpillar lives its entire life on milkweed. A tagged monarch visits its host plant, showy milkweed. PHOTOS BY STEPHANIE HAZEN A monarch butterfly emerges from its chrysalis.
PHOTO BY PIXABAY
Protecting Pollinators
Sends a Message
By Pamela A. Keene
Think about the possibilities. Electric utilities manage miles of transmission lines across the areas they serve. What if the land within those rights-of-way could create better food sources, shelter and protection for pollinators?
That’s exactly what the Bonneville Power Administration has done in Portland, Oregon’s Forest Park—one of the largest urban parks in the country—through a multiyear collaboration with Portland Parks and Recreation and Metro, a regional planning agency. By improving the land beneath power line rights-of-way in the 5,200acre park, about 67 acres of habitat now provide better nesting sites, shelter and food sources for pollinators.
Begun in 2016, the Forest Park project has increased pollinators along the rights-of-way while reducing the company’s maintenance costs. The initiative speaks to sustainability, environmental stewardship and community involvement.
“Pollinators are crucial to the environment and to the very food we eat,” says Nancy Wittpenn, BPA environmental protection specialist and a leader in BPA’s Pollinator Workgroup. “However, many people are not aware of the benefits butterflies, beetles, bees and other pollinators provide, so we wanted to involve our employees in education and activities to learn more.”
In 2018, the agency created its first Pollinator Workgroup.
“The Pollinator Workgroup formalized what some BPA staff had already been working on,” Nancy says. “Today, our Pollinator Workgroup has 20 or so members who plan events and activities for employees during National Pollinator Week, create educational opportunities and design hands-on projects to protect and support pollinators.”
Activities have included installing temporary mason bee houses at BPA facilities, promoting the weeklong National Pollinator Week each June and sponsoring speakers to educate BPA staff about the importance and benefits of pollinators.
Projects have included a monarch butterfly mapping program, native plant selection and advice for landscape design at BPA facilities, creating pollinator-friendly management best practices used by several groups within BPA, and partnerships to replicate the Forest Park model in other BPA rights-of-way.
In 2023, BPA received national recognition for its work in Forest Park through the Pollinator Electric Power Award from the North American Pollinator Protection Campaign. Nancy received the 2021
CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: The Bonneville Power Administration created a workgroup to organize and plan pollinator events. BPA's Nancy Wittpenn is an award-winning leader of BPA’s Pollinator Workgroup. Pollinators at work ensure our plants continue to flourish. PHOTOS COURTESY OF BONNEVILLE POWER ADMINISTRATION, AMBER BARNES AND POLLINATOR PARTNERSHIP
Power Delivery and Utilization Technology Transfer Award for her contributions to a documentary about pollinators. The Electric Power Research Institute produced the documentary as part of its Powerin-Pollinators initiative.
What has driven BPA’s commitment to pollinators?
“Our agency is in a very unique position to support pollinators while continuing to be effective environmental stewards,” Nancy says.
“BPA’s leadership and employees have made a commitment to pollinator survival, and this commitment has become an important part of our sustainability culture.
“We’re working within the organization, but many of our individual employees and their families are supporting pollinators in their own home landscapes and communities. It’s not only a win-win for BPA and the environment, but for the communities we serve, our customers and stakeholders, our employees and their families.”
Eggstraordinary EATS
Poached Egg Tostadas With Avocado-Tomatillo Salsa
Nonstick cooking spray
4 6-inch corn tortillas
4 cups water
Salsa
1 medium avocado, diced
1 medium Anaheim or poblano pepper, seeds and ribs discarded, diced
1 medium tomatillo, papery husk discarded, washed and diced
1/2 medium tomato, diced
1 tablespoon white vinegar
4 large eggs
1/4 cup diced red onion
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
1 medium garlic clove, minced
1/8 teaspoon salt
Heat oven to 400 F. Line baking sheet with aluminum foil. Lightly spray foil with nonstick cooking spray. Arrange tortillas in a single layer on foil. Lightly spray tortillas with nonstick cooking spray. Using a fork, pierce tortillas to prevent them from filling with air. Bake for 5 to 6 minutes on each side or until golden brown. Transfer to serving plates.
In a large skillet over high heat, bring water and vinegar to a boil.
Once water is boiling, reduce heat and simmer. Break egg into a cup, then carefully slip egg into simmering water. Repeat with remaining eggs, avoiding eggs touching in water. Simmer for 3 to 5 minutes, or until egg whites are completely set and yolks are beginning to set but aren’t hard. Using a slotted spoon, remove the eggs to a plate.
To make the salsa: In a medium bowl, gently stir together avocado, pepper, tomatillo, tomato, red onion, cilantro, lime juice, garlic and salt. Spoon onto the tostadas, then top each tostada with an egg. Recipe and photo source: American Heart Association
Herbed Spanish Omelet
1 pound potatoes, peeled and diced or shredded
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1/2 cup diced red onion
2 cloves garlic, minced
4 large whole eggs, lightly beaten
2 egg whites, lightly beaten
2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh parsley
2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh basil
2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh chives
Salt, to taste
Fresh parsley sprigs, for garnish
Place potatoes in a large pan. Cover with water. Bring to a boil and cook, uncovered, for 3 minutes. Remove from heat. Cover. Let stand for about 10 minutes or until potatoes are tender. Drain well.
Heat oil in a deep, 10-inch nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add onion and garlic. Cook for about 8 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add potatoes and cook for 5 minutes.
Combine whole eggs and egg whites. Stir in parsley, basil and chives. Season with salt, to taste. Pour mixture over potatoes in the hot skillet. Reduce heat and cook, uncovered, for about 10 minutes or until the bottom of the omelet is golden.
If desired, brown the top under a broiler. Garnish with fresh parsley sprigs.
Source: culinary.net
Breakfast Burrito
2 teaspoons canola oil
1 small red onion, diced
1 red bell pepper, seeded and diced
1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
Salt, to taste
Pepper, to taste
4 eggs
4 egg whites
1/2 cup shredded pepper jack cheese
Nonstick cooking spray
4 flour tortillas
1/4 cup sour cream
1/4 cup salsa
1 large tomato, seeded and diced
1 avocado, sliced Hot sauce
In a large skillet, heat canola oil over medium heat. Add red onion and red bell pepper. Cook for 8 minutes. Add black beans and red pepper flakes. Cook for 3 minutes. Season with salt and pepper, to taste. Transfer to dish. In a medium bowl, whisk eggs and egg whites. Stir in cheese until combined. Heat a large skillet over low heat. Add egg mixture and scramble for 3 minutes or until cooked through.
Spread sour cream over the tortilla. Spread salsa over sour cream. Spoon 1/4 bean mixture over salsa. Spoon 1/4 scrambled eggs over the bean mixture. Top with diced tomatoes and avocado. Drizzle with hot sauce, if desired. Roll up burrito. Repeat three times with the remaining ingredients.
Source: culinary.net
Poblano Frittata
4 large eggs
1/4 cup fat-free milk
2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
1 teaspoon olive oil
2 medium poblano peppers, seeds and ribs discarded, chopped
2 cups frozen corn, thawed
2 medium green onions, chopped
1/4 cup finely shredded cotija cheese or crumbled queso fresco
1 medium tomato, chopped
1/4 cup fat-free sour cream
In a medium bowl, whisk eggs, milk and cilantro. Heat oil in a medium skillet over medium heat, swirling to coat the bottom of the skillet. Cook poblano peppers for 3 minutes or until browning on edges, stirring frequently. Stir in corn and green onion. Reduce heat to mediumlow. Carefully pour in egg mixture. Cook, covered, for 10 minutes, or until the mixture is just set on the edges and still soft in the center. Avoid overcooking. Remove from heat. Sprinkle with cheese. Cut into eight wedges. Top with tomatoes and sour cream.
Source: American Heart Association
Sweet Potato Hash With Eggs
2 teaspoons canola oil
1/2 medium onion, chopped
4 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch cubes
1/2 medium red or green bell pepper, chopped
2/3 cup fat-free, low-sodium vegetable broth
2 teaspoons minced garlic
2 teaspoons smoked paprika
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme, crumbled
1/2 teaspoon coarsely ground pepper
1/8 teaspoon salt
4 large eggs
Hot pepper sauce
Heat oil in an electric pressure cooker set on saute. Cook onion for 3 minutes or until soft, stirring frequently. Turn off the pressure cooker.
Stir in potatoes, bell pepper, broth, garlic, paprika, cumin, thyme, pepper and salt. Secure lid. Cook on high pressure for 3 minutes. Quickly release pressure. Turn off the pressure cooker.
Remove the pressure cooker lid. Crack one egg into a small bowl. Using the back of a spoon, make a small well in potatoes. Slip the egg into the well. Repeat with the remaining eggs, making separate wells for each egg. Secure the lid with the pressure vent open. Saute for 2 minutes. Let stand on the keep-warm setting for 2 minutes or until eggs are cooked to desired consistency.
Serve hash sprinkled with a dash of hot pepper sauce.
Source: American Heart Association
— Darlene & Jack B., CA A 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.”
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.
Look up at cliffs and waterfalls in California at
Yosemite National Park
What Is It?
Home to huge waterfalls and cliff faces, Yosemite National Park is one of the country’s most visited national parks. Almost all of the California park’s 747,956 acres are classified as wilderness.
Water Falls
Yosemite is home to many waterfalls. Many of the falls flow heaviest in the spring—specifically May or June. Yosemite Falls is one of the largest falls, with a descent of almost a halfmile over three stages. Horsetail Fall, pictured, typically flows December through April, but can look as if it turns to lava when it catches the light of February sunsets.
Ground Rises
Many cliffs are interesting even without a waterfall. El Capitan is a rock face that rises 3,000 feet over Yosemite Valley. It is a favorite spot for rock climbers. Half Dome is even taller, reaching 5,000 feet above the valley. Half Dome is a batholith—an extrusion from Earth’s crust— visible from most of the eastern half of the Valley.
History
Yosemite was America’s third national park, designated by Congress in 1880. The Yosemite Valley and Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias were protected earlier, in 1864, by President Abraham Lincoln. This protection set aside the lands for public use, resort and recreation, and was the first place the United States preserved for such goals.
More Information
Yosemite National Park is heavily visited, and some days require reservations to visit. Plan ahead to see if you need a reservation for your trip. To start planning, visit www.nps.gov/yose or call 209-372-020.
ADOBE STOCK PHOTO BY PERRY GALLAGHER/ WIRESTOCK
Our Invisible Heroes
By Dave LaBelle
They scrub and vacuum our floors, clean our desks and windows and toilets. But we don’t really see them, even when we watch them working.
These are the invisible heros.
I recently learned that 87-year-old Shirley Vorwald was still washing dishes and cleaning at a nearby elementary school, as she had also done
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 past 48 years.
When I asked about Shirley from those who knew her well, all agreed she was a tireless worker and charitable giver. But they warned she would never let me do a story on her because “she is an introvert and is not likely to talk with you.”
They were wrong, at least about talking to me.
Shirley was cordial and talkative, and even invited me into her small home, showing me every detail—living room, bathroom, bedroom, kitchen, even the smaller-than-standard oven in which she bakes hundreds of pies each year. Besides holding down at least two jobs most of her life, she loves to bake pies for people.
In fact, some only know her as the pie lady.
Never married, she says with no bitterness, “My dad didn’t believe in marriage. He didn’t want to lose his help on the farm.”
Shirley is the last of nine children. Her brother, Jerry, died recently at age 92. The day before Christmas, she baked him a birthday cake he never got to eat.
“He was in bed. He could see it but he couldn’t eat it,” she shares.
She is content. Working has been and is her life since growing up on a farm. At a time in life when most count the days to retirement, Shirley just wants to keep working. n
ABOVE: NIKON D800, 31mm lens ISO 2000, f/3.5 at 1/250
Reader Challenge
Find an unseen hero in your community and shine a light on them. Explain to them that you see and appreciate them for what they do. You might have to persuade them since these invisible people can be shy. Honest, caring persistence can crumble those walls of distrust. Ask if you can interview them and do a portrait or even a short story about them. It is often easier to get shy people to talk than agree to be photographed, so talk first before asking about pictures.
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.
LEFT: NIKON D800, 50mm lens ISO 2000, f/9 at 1/60
Shirley Vorwald is dedicated to her work at a local elementary school, even after 48 years of cleaning. PHOTOS BY DAVE LABELLE
Curry Transfer Recycling Shares Recycling Tips
When you think about recycling, you should consider the big picture: reduce, reuse and recycle. When we recycle, we take materials that would be thrown away as trash and instead allow them to be turned into new products.
Recycling is important for so many reasons. According to the America Recycles Day website, there are several ways that recycling has a positive benefit on our everyday life:
• It saves energy and resources. By recycling items, such as newspaper, cardboard and aluminum cans, we use fewer natural resources, including trees, water and minerals.
• It reduces greenhouse gases. Recycling helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions and pollution by using fewer natural resources and less energy.
• It preserves the environment. Recycling helps reduce the amount of solid waste sent to landfills, conserves natural resources and prevents pollution by reducing the need to collect new raw materials. This helps preserve our natural ecosystem and wildlife.
• It creates jobs. Recycling creates a variety of jobs, from curbside collection crews to sorters.
• It gives garbage new life. By recycling used items, you help create something new.
Recycling in Curry County
Here are some tips to prepare your items for recycling:
• Keep it clean. Rinse all containers out to keep recycle materials free from food contamination.
• Keep it loose. Do not bag your recyclables.
• When in doubt, leave it out. To keep the recycling stream free from contamination, a good rule of thumb is: When in doubt, leave it out.
Recycling Collection Basics
In Curry County, Curry Transfer Recycling offers curbside recycling to all city and urban growth residential customers. This includes a 64-gallon recycle cart and 18-gallon glass bin.
They accept plastic jugs and bottles No. 1 and No. 2 that are rinsed out, newspapers, flattened cardboard, cereal/cracker boxes (no plastic liners), magazines, catalogs, scrap paper, egg cartons, aluminum cans (rinsed out), steel cans, clean foil and aluminum trays. These items are placed directly into your recycle cart.
In your glass bin, you may place rinsed food or beverage glass bottles or jars in any color.
Due to a robotic arm used to empty your recycle cart, there are a few key things to keep in mind:
• Do not bag your recyclables. Toss them directly into the cart.
• Make sure recycles are level when the cart is full, allowing the lid to close.
• Have your cart out the night before or by 6 a.m. every other week on your scheduled pickup day. Make sure the lid opens up toward the street.
• Do not wedge items in the cart. Make sure everything inside the cart can fall freely when the cart is emptied.
• Keep the cart 3 to 4 feet from other carts, 10 feet away from trees and power lines and at least 5 feet away from cars.
Waste Prevention
Waste prevention is an upstream activity that involves reducing waste through changes in the design, purchase and use of materials. In its simplest form, waste prevention means using less stuff.
Waste prevention “has potential environmental benefits. It typically reduces environmental impacts throughout all stages of the life cycle of materials, including resource extraction, manufacturing, transportation and end-of-life management, such as recycling or disposal.
For households and businesses, waste prevention can also typically save more money than recycling or composting. n
Pets, Supplies
Purebred golden retriever puppies available in April. Parents are AKC registered, redcolored, short-haired, athletic, gentle, loving and superb companion animals. 541-390-3417. Sisters, OR. 0424
Choose your hunting companion now. Retriever puppies are half-lab/half-golden retriever. 541-620- 8039 or 541-620-8639. 0424
AKC/UKC health-tested rat terrier puppies. Chocolate and chocolate tri-colors. 1 female. 4 males. Ready now. Approximately 20 lbs. Litterbox trained. Kennel trained. House training in progress. Super smart. Even temperaments, on and off switch. 218-220-0699; Skinnersteadfamily@gmail.com. 0424
Looking for stud services for 2-year-old female borgi in late April-early May. Black and white borgi or miniature/small full-bred border collie preferred. Willing to pay a stud fee and travel if necessary. Suzi Smith, 775-233-7242 or suzicooksmith@outlook.com. 0424
Real Estate
40 acres in Christmas Valley, OR. Water well, metal barn 36’x36’, two open carports, one container. Send offers to 52485 Sunrise Blvd., La Pine, OR 97739. 0524
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; bdl1962@gmail.com.
2-acre level lot with view. Well and power on-site with a nice mix of trees. On a paved road just minutes from Thompson Falls, MT, and the Clark Fork River. $195K. 406-923-8221.
$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. For sale Sisters, OR, 40 acres. Price reduced to $1,595,000. John Gill, 541-480-9161 or johngill@landandwildlife.com. Land And Wildlife brokerage. 0424
23 acres east of Cottage Grove, OR. 8 acres flat pasture, 15 acres forested hillside. 2 cabins, well, tractor, shed, firefighting equipment. City water, electricity. Quiet, secluded, views. Photos on request. $450K. hannond@comcast.net. 0424
Dayville Cafe. Be your own boss, located in the John Day Valley. $275K. Duke Warner Realty, 541-987-2363 or ddwr@ortelco.net. 0424
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
4 well-maintained 1,200-sqft. cedar homes with huge decks on year-round creek. 2.12 acres. Close to small town of Selma, OR. $875K. 541-597-2185. 0424
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. 0424
Recreational Rentals
Wavecatcher: oceanfront cottage. Central Oregon coast. Summer $175/night midMay to mid-Oct.; $140/night mid-Oct. to mid-May (plus cleaning/tax). Three bedrooms w/double beds. Pets welcome. Wavecatcherbeachrentals.com. Reservations: 541-740-2846. 0624AR
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.
Vacation rental: Syringa, ID, rustic 2-bd. furnished frame cabin. Near rivers, mountains, wilderness. www.airbnb.com/rooms/356491; glenscott.swearingen@gmail.com.
Recreational Vehicle
Selling 2023 Forest River Salem FSX 17-ft. travel trailer 170SS with slideout. Like new, many functions never used. Call for more info/ price. 509-521-5074. 0424
Services
Dawn Till Dusk Masonry. Brick, block, stone and pavers. Small jobs and repairs welcome. Check out our website at dawntillduskconstructionmasonry.com. 541-388-7605 or 541-410-6945. License #245760, bonded and insured. LaPine, OR.
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.
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. 0724
Want to Buy
Old postage stamp albums. 253-307-1881; brashearsj@hotmail.com. Please send photos and contact info. 0524
Wanted: Small, working oven element for a 1967-ish flair, double wall oven. 15 inches long, including 3-prong plug-in, 10.5 inches wide. 541-256-0990. 0524
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. 0524
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. 0424
Need to buy one copy of “Morrow County History Book” in good condition, published in 1983. Hard cover, 9x11 1/4”, dark green with gold agricultural design inset on front. Ione, OR. 541-422-7495; L8ucy5T@gmail.com.
Wanted: early Corvette ’58-’62, any condition. Call/text Randy, 503-544-3807. 0824
About Beacon Broadband
Beacon Broadband, powered by Coos-Curry Electric Cooperative, is constructing highspeed fiber internet across the south coast of Oregon. With a focus on delivering fast and reliable service, Beacon Broadband is using the latest fiber-optic technology that caters to the needs of residential and business customers.
“We are eager to connect Gold Beach’s residents and businesses to real fast, real local and real affordable fiber internet.”
rebeccam@beaconbroadband.com or by calling 541-698-7558.
Beacon Broadband is also opening a second location at 29692 Ellensburg Ave., #13, in the Gold Rush Building. This new space will host Beacon Broadband team members eager to assist with customers’ broadband needs.
Beacon Broadband will begin installing
Gold Beach customers in early April. Interested customers can join Beacon Broadband’s advance reservation program, ensuring priority for service installation once available. For more information on Beacon Broadband’s services or to sign up, visit www.beaconbroadband.com or call 541-254-9265. n
-BILL GERSKI BEACON BROADBAND VP OF SALES
AND MARKETING
From left, Beacon Broadband’s Erin Dumire, Rebecca Moore and Kassandra Marley are gearing up to serve new customers in Gold Beach. RIGHT: In February, Beacon Broadband employees hosted an event for community members to learn more about the company’s expansion and upcoming services. PHOTOS COURTESY OF BEACON BROADBAND
BEFORE YOU GO
Ruralite Readers Come Through
North Powder Charter School in North Powder, Oregon, is grateful to the generous Ruralite readers who sent decks of cards and dice to the school for Family Math Night in March. The request was published in a Reader Exchange ad in January.
The school received more than 400 decks of cards and 450 dice from across the United States, including places as far as New York City and Anchorage, Alaska. NPCS staff loved reading the personal notes enclosed with many of the packages.
The donations were used to make math game bags consisting of two decks of cards and a pair of dice. Students from preschool through sixth grade were invited with their families to enjoy a night of fun math games, dinner and bingo. Thirty-two families— more than 50 students—attended.
The math games build number identification skills and fluency with
addition, subtraction, multiplication and division. Students took home their math game bags with directions for each game so they can continue to play with their families. n
Powers
• Powered dumping
• Converts to a flatbed
• Bigger engines that chew up the
• Built USA tough for
Second grade teacher Dana Marlia plays salute with students and parents during Family Math Night at North Powder Charter School. PHOTO COURTESY OF NORTH POWDER CHARTER SCHOOL
Board of Directors
President
Jim Kolen, Gold Beach
Vice President
Cheryl L. McMahan, Southern At-Large
Secretary/Treasurer
John G. Herzog, Brookings/Harbor
Georgia A. Cockerham, Brookings/Harbor
Daniel Loshbaugh, Northern At-Large
Peter C. Radabaugh, Bandon/Coquille
Daryl C. Robison, Port Orford/Langlois
Attorney—Tyler Pepple
Staff
General Manager/CEO
Brent Bischoff
Corporate Services/CFO
Paul Keeler
Engineering Manager
Matt Mjelde
Chief Technology Officer
Dan Springer
Marketing and Member
Services Manager
Keith Buchhalter
Operations Manager
Scott Adams
Human Resources Director
Breanne Valliere
Area office hours 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday. Closed Fridays.
541-332-3931
After-Hours Outage Number
866-352-9044
Call Before You Dig 811
www.ccec.coop
OR-13
Distribution System Reliability
Last fall, I wrote about transmission grid reliability and how the principles of redundance and resilience improve electric system reliability. Redundance and resilience are built into the Coos-Curry Electric Cooperative distribution system, too. CCEC’s long-range plan and five-year capital work plan identify aging equipment that needs to be replaced. Ideally, we replace equipment near the end of its useful life but before it fails. These plans also identify key projects to build new reliability into the electric plant. I’ll give an overview of two projects we are completing to improve redundance, resilience and reliability.
CCEC owns a mobile substation. It is a substation power transformer on a semitrailer. There are 13 substations in the CCEC distribution system where large power transformers reduce electricity from the 115,000-volt transmission system to 12,500 volts for distribution. The mobile substation is a redundant, or backup, power transformer in case a substation power transformer fails. Substation transformers are built to order, and lead times are one to three years for delivery. The mobile substation can also serve an area during a scheduled substation upgrade when an old substation transformer is replaced.
CCEC has owned the mobile substation for many years, and it needed extensive maintenance and refurbishment. It is in the shop now and will be ready for service again this summer.
Some CCEC substations do not have space to set up the mobile substation. In these cases, the reliability plan is to build a distribution tie line from the nearest substation. With some substations, the distance to the adjacent substation and ruggedness of the terrain make it too expensive to build a distribution tie between substations. The Pistol River Substation is an example of this. A Gold Beach to Pistol River distribution tie line is identified in the long-range plan but has been too expensive to build.
With the construction of the Beacon Broadband fiber network, a fiber path between Pistol River and Gold Beach is necessary. We used this opportunity to share costs and build the Pistol River to Gold Beach electric distribution tie and fiber network path at the same time. The line is being built underground rather than overhead to improve resilience and wildfire mitigation.
The federal and state governments recently announced grant programs to improve electric system resilience in rural areas. CCEC is actively pursuing these grant opportunities to fund more projects that will strengthen our local power grid.
Most of us take electricity for granted and don’t think about what makes the power grid reliable. At CCEC, we like it that way because it indicates we are accomplishing our mission to serve you the energy that powers your life.
Brent Bischoff General Manager and CEO brent.bischoff@cooscurryelectric.com
Brent Bischoff