FEBRUARY 2024
Page 4
ALSO
>> Apply for Scholarships Page 8
Beacon Broadband Wins Award Page 28 CEO’s Message Page 32
Everyone feels the hurt as you age, but CBD can help you deal with it
By: Beth Giles
Life really does y by. Before I knew it, my 60s had arrived, and with them came some new gifts from dear ol’ Mother Nature—frequent knee pain, stress, low energy and sleeplessness. Now, I’m a realist about these things, I knew I wasn’t going to be young and springy forever. But still, with “golden years” nearly on my doorstep, I couldn’t help but feel a little cheated. at is until I found my own secret weapon. Another gift from Mother Nature.
It began a few months back when I was complaining about my aches and pains to my marathon-running granddaughter, Jen. She casually mentioned how she uses CBD rub to help with her joint pain. She said that CBD gave her more focus and clarity throughout the day and that her lingering muscle and joint discomfort no longer bothered her. She even felt comfortable signing up for back-toback marathons two weekends in a row this year. at made even this self-proclaimed skeptic take notice.
But I still had some concerns. According to one study in the Journal of the American Medical Association, 70% of CBD products didn’t contain the amount of CBD stated on their labels. And, as a consumer, that’s terrifying! If I was going to try CBD, I needed to trust the source through and through. My two-fold research process naturally led me to Zebra CBD. First, I started calling my family and friends. Call me old fashioned but I wanted to know if
was impressed by its array of products, including CBD oils called tinctures, topicals, chewable tablets, mints and gummies. After reading on their website that all their products are made with organically-grown hemp, I ordered... and it arrived within 2 days!
there were people whom I trusted (more than anonymous testimonials) who’ve had success using CBD besides my granddaughter.
Secondly, I wanted cold hard facts. Diving deep into the world of CBD research and clinical studies, I came across Emily Gray M.D., a physician at the University of California at San Diego (UCSD) Medical School and medical advisor to Zebra CBD who is researching the e ects of CBD. Dr. Gray wrote “early results with CBD have been promising and we have a lot of research underway now. I’ve had several patients using CBD with good success. It’s important that you know your source of CBD and how to use it properly.”
After hearing it from the doctor’s mouth, I returned to my research, asking more people and was amazed by the number of close friends and family who were already on the CBD train. Apparently, I was the only one without a clue! And funny enough, a couple of friends who commented were using the same brand as my granddaughter—Zebra CBD. ere was no consensus as to why they were using CBD, but the top reasons given were for muscle & joint discomfort, mood support, sleep support, stress and headaches, as well as supporting overall health & wellness.
Eventually, even the most skeptical of the bunch can be won over. With a trusted CBD source in mind, I decided to give it a go.
When I viewed Zebra CBD’s selection online, I
e rst product I tried was the Rub. Now this stu was strong. Immediately after rubbing it on my knee, the soothing e ects kicked in. It had that familiar menthol cooling e ect, which I personally nd very relieving. And the best part is, after two weeks of using it, my knee pain no longer a ected my daily mobility.
e Zebra Sleep Gummies, on the other hand, had a di erent but equally positive e ect on my body. To take it, the instructions suggest chewing thoroughly. is was simple enough, and the taste was, well, lemony. After about 15 minutes, a sense of calm came over my body. It's hard to describe exactly; it's de nitely not a "high" feeling. It's more like an overall sense of relaxation—and then I was out. Needless to say, I slept great and woke up refreshed. I haven’t slept like that in a long time.
While it hasn’t been a catch-all x to every one of my health issues, it has eased the level and frequency of my aches. And it sure doesn’t seem like a coincidence how rejuvenated I feel. All-in-all, CBD is one of those things that you have to try for yourself. Although I was skeptical at rst, I can safely say that I’m now a Zebra CBD fan and that I highly recommend their products. Also, I managed to speak with a Zebra CBD spokesperson willing to provide an exclusive. If you order this month, you’ll receive $10 o your rst order by using promo code “RL10” at checkout. Plus, the company o ers a 100% No-Hassle, Money-Back Guarantee. You can try it yourself and order Zebra CBD at ZebraCBD.com/CM or at 1-888-762-2699.
February 2024 • Volume 72, No. 2
CEO Michael Shepard
SENIOR VP OF CONTENT Leon Espinoza
EDITORIAL DIRECTOR Mike Teegarden, CCC
DEPUTY EDITORIAL DIRECTOR Noble
Sprayberry
SENIOR EDITOR Jennifer Paton, CCC
ASSISTANT EDITORS Chasity Anderson, CCC; Victoria Hampton, CCC, David Herder CCC
ASSOCIATE EDITORS
Valeri Pearon, Nina Todea
PUBLICATIONS PRODUCTION SR. MANAGER
Elizabeth Beatty
PUBLICATIONS COORDINATOR
Alyssa McDougle
Ruralite (USPS 397-460) is published monthly for members for $4.83 per year, plus postage, by Pioneer Utility Resources Inc., 5625 NE Elam Young Pkwy. Ste. 100, Hillsboro, OR 97124—a not-for-profit Oregon cooperative corporation—to serve the communication needs of 47 consumer-owned electric utilities in Oregon, Washington, Alaska, Idaho, Nevada and California. Preferred periodical postage paid at Hillsboro, Oregon, 97123 and additional mailing offices. © 2024 Pioneer Utility Resources. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited.
Postmaster: Send address changes to Ruralite, 5625 NE Elam Young Pkwy. Ste. 100, Hillsboro, OR 97124-6454
HOW TO CONTACT RURALITE
Subscription services:
Nonmember subscriptions $15 (U.S.) per year; $25 per year (foreign). Prepayment required. Allow 4-8 weeks for first issue. Be sure to identify which local edition you want to receive.
Address Changes:
Utility members, contact your local utility. Subscribers, call us at 503-357-2105 option 3 or email mailingdept@pioneer.coop.
Back issues:
Back issues and extra copies $3. Prepayment required. Supply is limited. Be sure to identify edition, month and year. Call first if ordering back issues to check availability.
To contact Ruralite: Ruralite magazine is published by Pioneer Utility Resources.
P.O. Box 1306, North Plains, OR 97133-1306; 503-357-2105; email: info@pioneer.coop. For more information, visit www.pioneer.coop.
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For supplemental and interactive content, search @Ruralite on your favorite social media sites.
Ruralite magazine hits a milestone this year: 70 years of storytelling and serving readers throughout the Northwest.
Ruralite magazine started in 1954 with a handful of electric cooperatives. It now serves 46 public power utilities, including co-ops, PUDs and a municipal utility. Every month, we mail more than 360,000 magazines to readers across the region in Alaska, Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana, Nevada and California. Did you know Pioneer Utility Resources, which publishes Ruralite magazine, is a co-op? We are owned by the more than 250 utilities we serve. We don’t just tell the cooperative story; we live it.
Speaking of stories, our main feature in February shares tips for finding your healthy living bliss in 2024. Personally, I’m a big fan of yoga. The breathing techniques are useful in stressful situations, and the gentle stretching helps keep me in good shape for more strenuous activities such as golf and pickleball.
Our Up Close story shares the success of entrepreneur Jasmin Smith. The owner of Baby Vend sells baby supplies in vending machines in 23 cities across the country. She was inspired to start her business after realizing she was short on supplies during a trip to the mall with her twin babies. She understood if this was a problem for her, other parents might also need a hand, and she found a way to help.
Adults are not the only ones with great ideas. We want to feature youth entrepreneurs in a future issue of Ruralite. If you know someone in their teens or younger who is running a successful business, we would love to hear from you. You can share your idea by visiting www.wkf.ms/3idk8B6.
Sincerely,
Mike Teegarden Editorial Director
Baby Vend CEO Jasmin Smith is changing the way families travel Up Close, Page 10
Small choices can result in big improvements
Spotlight, Page 12 Plugged In 6 In the Kitchen 16
Photo Hunt 22 Before You Go 30 Utility Pages: 4-5, 8, 25, 28-29, 32
Coos-Curry Electric, your not-for-profit electric cooperative, is dedicated to powering your life with safe, reliable and costbased energy. To maintain this commitment in the face of rising external costs, the board of directors has approved a 4.95% average increase, effective March 1.
This adjustment will affect members’ bills differently based on their rate class. Residential members, for example, will only see a change in their base charge, which will increase from $28.38 to $34.65. Their per-kWh rate, however, will stay the same.
This decision follows a comprehensive Cost of Service Analysis conducted by an independent agency. It assessed various cost factors, such as rising operational expenses, planned infrastructure investments and increasing cost of materials, and wholesale power
rates. This analysis provides a forecast of electric rates that will collect the revenue needed to meet CCEC’s financial obligations.
It is important to note that Beacon Broadband’s financial performance is independent of CCEC and does not influence this electric rate increase.
“As co-op members, this rate increase hits our pocketbooks, too,” says CCEC Board President Jim Kolen. “CCEC is a not-forprofit electric utility so rate setting is a balance of maintaining financial integrity and providing safe and reliable service without charging more than we need to cover costs. The board sets responsible financial metrics while staff works hard to manage costs and provide the high-quality service we’ve come to expect from CCEC.”
“As co-op members, this rate increase hits our pocketbooks, too. CCEC is a not-for-profit electric utility so rate setting is a balance of maintaining financial integrity and providing safe and reliable service without charging more than we need to cover costs. The board sets responsible financial metrics while staff works hard to manage costs and provide the high-quality service we’ve come to expect from CCEC.”
-CCEC BOARD PRESIDENT JIM KOLEN
CCEC’s last rate increase was a modest 2.25% nearly four years ago in 2020. Following the pandemic, inflation has sky-rocketed to a 40-year high. Fortunately, our wholesale power costs have remained relatively stable over the last four years, mitigating what could have been a significantly higher rate increase.
“Like our members, CCEC has experienced significant increases in the prices of materials, from underground wire to overhead equipment,” says CCEC Purchasing Agent Tad Bell. “For example, transformer prices have soared 250% in just three years.”
Most electric utilities across the Northwest are implementing rate increases in 2024.
“Among consumer-owned utilities I am hearing of rate increases in the range of 3% to 10%,” says CCEC CEO Brent Bischoff. “The largest investor-owned electric utilities in Oregon are implementing rate increases of 13% to 18%.”
We understand that rate adjustments can be challenging, and we have some tools to help. If you have any questions, contact our Member Services team. CCEC offers several flexible billing options and energy-efficiency incentives to help you effectively manage your energy costs and budget:
• Online portal: Simplifies account management, including automatic payments and payment reminders.
• Budget billing: Averages annual energy use into equal monthly payments for predictable budgeting.
• Levelized billing: Similar to budget billing but adjusts monthly payments throughout the year to better reflect actual energy use.
• Energy-efficiency incentives: Visit our website at www.ccec.coop/rebates for ways to reduce energy consumption and lower your bill.
While a rate increase is never easy, this decision reflects CCEC’s commitment to providing reliable, cost-based electricity service while navigating the current economic landscape. We remain focused on the long-term well-being of our members and the sustained growth of the communities we serve. Together, we can continue to power a brighter future. n
By Jen Calhoun
For years now people have been talking about the cloud. “That document is in the cloud,” they’ll say, or, “I saved those pictures in the cloud.” Meanwhile, nobody ever bothers to explain it.
Let’s end that vague talk once and for all. It’s time to get a grip on this shadowy figure known as the cloud.
Simply put, the cloud is the concept of using someone else’s computer server to store, host or process data. The cloud is a service offered by all kinds of companies. If you use a computer, smartphone, smart
TV or any other kind of electronic device that connects to the internet, chances are you’ve used some form of cloud service. There are all kinds of cloud services. Netflix is one. So are Google Drive, Apple iCloud, Yahoo Mail, Dropbox and Microsoft OneDrive. There are many more, but you get the drift.
The cloud allows us to access large amounts of information on any device with an internet connection. Think about streaming a movie or episodes of a show on Netflix. Now, imagine trying to store every single movie or show available on Netflix on your home computer. It would stop working. Cloud technology is how we can choose from tens of thousands of movies to watch at the touch of our remotes.
Cloud services are how your child can write a paper on their laptop and you can edit it from an entirely different place, whether it’s your office
The cloud is a service.
or another city, state or country. The cloud’s remote servers handle much of the computing and the storage, so you don’t have to buy a Pentagon-worthy computer.
The cloud also allows us to store and back up our own data. For instance, you can store and view documents, videos and your photo collection on a cloud service without overloading your computer or smartphone’s internal storage.
If you use cloud services, anything you save is backed up and accessible from anywhere, provided you remember usernames and passwords. A fire, network outage or a power surge might destroy your devices, but your information can still be secure in the cloud if you backed it up.
The cloud is not actually in the clouds. Cloud services are right here on Earth, stored inside computer servers that are most likely sitting inside server farms— giant, temperature-controlled facilities full of computer servers that store and transmit information. Next time you picture the
cloud, think of rows of black boxes with blinking lights.
There can be downsides to storing and accessing information remotely, however. For one thing, many cloud services cost money. Some devices, such as iPhones, offer free cloud storage up to a certain amount of data. After that, you’ll need a subscription. Business cloud services often charge per gigabyte of storage.
Also, cloud services only work with internet access. Without the internet, there is no connecting to the cloud. And despite serious security measures set in place by cloud service companies, hackers can still find ways to get in. Other calamities that could disrupt your cloud services are natural disasters and other disruptions that cause network outages. n
QR codes—short for quick response codes— pop up frequently. TV ads, restaurant menus and many more businesses and services rely on these little squares of blocky lines to link a smartphone user to handy information, a download or as a way to digitally send money to someone.
The FBI, however, has warned that cybercriminals may tamper with the codes. The FBI offers a few tips so you can take advantage of QR codes while staying safe and secure:
X After scanning a QR code, check the URL to make sure it is the site you want. A malicious domain name may be similar to the intended URL but with typos or a misplaced letter.
X Be cautious when entering login, personal or financial information.
X If scanning a physical QR code, ensure the code shows no signs of tampering, such as a sticker placed over the original.
X Do not download an app from a QR code.
X If you receive an email asking you to complete a payment through a QR code, call the requesting company to verify. Look up the company’s number on a trusted site—don’t use a number from the email.
X Do not download a QR code scanner app— the built-in phone camera is a safer option.
X If you get a QR code you believe to be from someone you know, contact them through a known number or address to verify.
X Avoid making payments through a site navigated to from a QR code. Instead, manually enter a known and trusted URL to complete the payment.
Do you know a young person who will be graduating from high school and starting college, university or trade school in fall 2024?
Coos-Curry Electric Cooperative and the Coos-Curry Electric Charitable Foundation are excited to offer scholarships to support the educational aspirations of our local youth.
CCEC has established a youth scholarship program to recognize and reward dedication to education, participation in extracurricular activities and a commitment to community.
The co-op is granting up to six scholarships—each worth $1,000—to eligible candidates. To apply for a scholarship, students must meet the following criteria:
• Be a dependent of a Coos-Curry Electric Cooperative member.
• Be a high school senior.
• Have plans to enroll for the first time in a college, university or trade school.
• Maintain a GPA of 3.0 or higher.
• Provide transcripts and submit two letters of recommendation.
• Demonstrate volunteer work or employment in the past two years.
• Submit a senior class photo.
• Complete a five-minute video or a 750-word essay on a specified topic.
The application deadline is March 17. Review the essay question and submit an application at www.ccec.coop/scholarships.
CCECF is offering up to six Luck of the Draw scholarships to graduating high school seniors who will pursue further education. Recipients are selected randomly from the pool of qualified
applicants.
To apply for this scholarship, a student must:
• Be a high school senior.
• Fill out the scholarship application.
• Maintain a GPA of 2.5 or higher.
• Participate in at least two civic or volunteer activities.
• Provide transcripts and a letter of recommendation.
• Submit a senior class photo.
• Complete a questionnaire.
The Luck of the Draw scholarship application deadline is March 17. Apply now at www.ccecf.org.
Do you know a high school student who will be entering their junior year in August 2024?
High school juniors residing in the CCEC service area—whether attending a local school or being home-schooled—can now apply for an incredible all-expenses-paid trip to Washington, D.C., courtesy of CCEC.
CCEC’s Washington, D.C. Youth Tour delegate will proudly represent Oregon and the Northwest, joining more than 1,800 other students from all corners of the United States for this once-in-alifetime journey.
During the tour, CCEC’s delegates will have the opportunity to:
• Explore renowned historical sites.
• Engage with Oregon’s congressional leaders.
• Develop valuable leadership skills.
The application deadline is March 17. For additional information and to apply, visit www.ccec.coop/youth-tour. n
For more details about all youth programs, contact Kelsey Bozeman at kelsey.bozeman@cooscurryelectric.com.
Better Way to hearTV®
“Now Jack can control the volume on his TV•Ears while I set the TV volume or mute it for complete quiet. Once again, he can understand every word and we can watch our favorite TV shows together.” — Darlene & Jack B., CA
Doctor recommended TV•Ears has helped millions of people with hearing loss enjoy their favorite television shows, movies and streaming content without disturbing others.
The Voice Clarifying Technology® reduces background noise and clarifies hard to hear television dialog making voices and words understandable. 120db of volume makes TV•Ears the most powerful television listening system on the market!
Quiet TV mode lets others mute the television or set the volume to their preferred level while you listen as loud as you want on the headset.
By Chiara Profenna
Jasmin Smith is no novice in the world of entrepreneurship. The prominent business owner has left her mark in Alaska, changing communities and increasing access to necessities in every way she knows how.
“In Alaska, I’m a pretty well-known serial entrepreneur,” Jasmin says. “I had a lot of award-winning experience in starting businesses in general and consulting, but I had just never had a product-based business.”
Her first product-based business, Baby Vend, introduces a vending machine that provides on-the-go travel essentials for parents in a pinch. By including a range of products—from diapers and baby wipes to activity kits and snacks—Baby Vend machines are raising the bar for convenience and access.
The idea struck Jasmin in 2015 while she was out with her twins.
“I was shopping at a mall in Anchorage, and I didn’t have enough supplies with me,” she says. “I was telling myself, ‘If I don’t have what I need somewhere in this mall, I’m gonna go home because I don’t feel like coming back with twin babies.’”
Jasmin realized accessible child-care supplies are a necessity for many families traveling. She spent the next six months saving up to buy vending machines to see her vision come to life. By 2016, Jasmin had formed Baby Vend and started the lengthy process of running a startup and maintaining vending machines.
“It was just me navigating a startup, but also figuring out what exactly to do and who exactly to talk with,” Jasmin says. “I didn’t know, so it was literally just me planning by myself.”
Through perseverance and the support of the Anchorage community, Jasmin grew her business nationally in only a few years.
Although Jasmin has seen her business flourish beyond state lines, Anchorage was the scene of her first success.
“Being in a smaller community helped me a lot because I was able to fast-track contracts that I know I would have had to fight for in other cities,” she says. “Because I’ve been here my whole life
By Pamela A. Keene
Being proactive with your health is the best way to manage aging.
“The sooner you can identify an issue the better chance you have of making a meaningful change,” Ginger says. “Starting good behavioral practices for both physical and mental health can help your body and mind be more resilient and handle more serious challenges.”
Making small physical changes to add movement every day is one of the first ways to improve health and fitness. Getting up from a chair can be a revealing way to test physical ability.
“Some people simply cannot rise from a seated position without either using their arms to push themselves up or rocking several times to gain momentum,” Ginger says.
“I’ve seen people in their 30s and 40s who have difficulty standing from sitting in a chair or on the sofa. If this is difficult for you, it’s a good idea to practice a little every day until you can rise unassisted.
“As we age, our muscles lose mass and volume, plus our tendons get tighter. By tackling this basic movement, you can begin to increase your physical strength and mobility, as well as improve your balance and help prevent falls.”
According to the CDC, one in five falls causes serious injuries. Each year, more than 3 million people 65 and older are treated in emergency departments for fall injuries.
Falls are one of the main causes of nonfatal and fatal injuries. Whether they’re caused by tripping, losing balance, vision problems or a health problem, they can
result in broken bones, head injuries, cuts and bruising. Falls are the most common cause of traumatic brain injuries.
“Simple things—like practicing standing on one foot while you’re brushing your teeth or when next to the kitchen counter—can help improve your general core strength,” Ginger says. “If you can improve your ability to stand up from sitting and also increase your confidence in your balance, you’re making good headway toward a healthier and safer life.”
Technology is a huge distraction in creating a healthy life. It can prevent people from relaxing, letting go of anxieties or working through challenges.
“Train your brain to let go of external diversions by turning off your smartphone, taking a walk in a park,” Ginger says, “or simply finding a quiet place to sit and daydream for a bit. Daydreaming can be a powerful tool to help your brain slow down to the external stimuli and allow you to notice things you’d ordinarily glance over.”
Ginger suggests using a positive trigger to help increase awareness and help with relaxing.
“Perhaps you’ve gone on a vacation and remember a pleasant sight, sound or feeling that can take you back to that time: the deep blue of the ocean, the sound of the leaves rustling on a chilly fall day or seeing a stunning sunset,” she says. “Use that to disconnect you from the worries of the day to reconnect with yourself.”
Other ways to unwind can include reading just for fun, spending an hour in the garden, pursuing a favorite hobby or experiencing a new one as a way to give your mind a rest.
“We spend our lives in front of screens, and we just don’t get outside enough to simply reflect and be very present in the moment,” Ginger says. “Some people meditate, others practice yoga, but the secret is to find a way to slow down your brain waves and clear your mind. Give it time to refresh and you’ll be surprised how much more happy you can be.”
Health and wellness are parts of life’s journey that require heightened awareness and a commitment to make changes when necessary.
“Adding a bit more movement each day, taking time to build meaningful social connections and allowing yourself to unplug from time to time can do wonders for your mental and physical health,” Ginger says. n
Minestrone
2 teaspoons olive oil
1 cup diced carrots
½ cup diced celery
½ cup chopped onion
4 garlic cloves, minced
32 ounces chicken broth
28-ounce can petite diced tomatoes
1 tablespoon tomato paste
15-ounce can white beans, drained and rinsed
15-ounce can red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
Parmesan cheese rind
½ teaspoon kosher salt
¼ teaspoon fresh black pepper
1 fresh rosemary sprig
2 bay leaves
2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
¼ cup chopped fresh Italian parsley
1 medium zucchini, diced
2 cups baby spinach, chopped kale or chopped collard greens
Salt and pepper, to taste
Parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes for garnish
Heat oil in a large Dutch oven or pot over medium-high heat. Add the carrots, celery, onion and garlic. Stir. Saute until tender and fragrant, about 15 minutes.
Add broth, tomatoes, tomato paste, beans, cheese rind, salt, pepper, rosemary, bay leaves, basil and parsley. Bring to a boil. Cover. Cook on low for 40 minutes.
Remove the bay leaves, rosemary and Parmesan rind. If you prefer a thicker soup, pulse a few times with an immersion blender.
Add the zucchini and spinach. Cover. Simmer until the zucchini is tender, about 8 to 10 minutes. Season to taste with salt and black pepper. Garnish with Parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes.
16 ounces Italian sausage links, medium or hot
6 slices bacon
¾ cup chopped onion
1½ teaspoons minced garlic
2 tablespoons chicken soup base
1 quart water
Heat the oven to 300 F.
2 large potatoes, cut into ¼-inch slices
2 cups kale, washed, dried and shredded
1⁄3 cup heavy whipping cream
Parmesan cheese
Place sausage links on a sheet pan. Bake for 25 minutes or until cooked through. Cut links in half lengthwise, then cut at an angle into ½-inch slices.
Cook bacon and onion in a large saucepan over medium heat until onion is almost clear. Remove bacon and crumble. Set aside.
Add garlic to the pan with the onion. Cook together for about 1 minute. Add chicken soup base, water and potatoes. Simmer for 15 minutes. Add bacon, sausage, kale and cream. Simmer for about 5 minutes. Top with Parmesan cheese before serving.
6 cups chicken broth
2 boneless chicken breast halves, cooked and cubed
6-ounce package long grain and wild rice blend, quick-cooking version with seasoning packet
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ cup all-purpose flour
¾ cup butter
1 cup carrot, diced
1 cup celery, diced
1 cup onion, diced
3 cups half-and-half
Open rice package. Set aside the seasoning packet. In a small bowl, combine pepper and flour. Set aside. In a large pot over medium heat, combine broth and chicken. Bring to a boil, then stir in rice. Cover, and remove from heat.
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. Add carrots, celery and onion. Saute for 5 minutes. Stir in the contents of the seasoning packet. Continue cooking vegetables until softened, about 5 minutes. Add seasoned flour gradually while constantly stirring to form a roux. Saute roux for 3 to 4 minutes to cook out raw flour taste.
Whisk in cream, a little at a time, until fully incorporated and smooth. Cook until thickened, about 5 minutes.
Stir cream mixture into broth and rice. Cook over medium heat until heated through and rice is done, 15 to 20 minutes.
2 large onions, chopped
3 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups water, divided
4 cups chicken broth
2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
1½ cups mashed potato flakes
½ pound sliced bacon, cooked and crumbled
¾ teaspoon pepper
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon dried basil
1⁄8 teaspoon dried thyme
1 cup half-and-half
½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
2 green onions, sliced
In a large skillet, saute onions in butter until tender. Stir in flour. Gradually stir in 1 cup water. Bring to a boil. Stir for 2 minutes or until thickened. Transfer to a 5-quart slow cooker.
Add the broth, potatoes, potato flakes, bacon, pepper, salt, basil, thyme and remaining water. Cover. Cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or until potatoes are tender. Stir in cream, and heat through. Garnish with cheese and green onions.
4 tablespoons butter
1 small yellow onion, diced
1 stick of celery, diced
½ cup carrots, julienned
2 garlic cloves, minced
¼ cup all-purpose flour
4 cups chicken broth
2 cups half-and-half
½ teaspoon thyme
½ teaspoon mustard powder
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
16 ounces potato gnocchi
1 cup fresh spinach, roughly chopped
1 pinch red pepper flakes,
Salt and pepper, to taste
Melt the butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onions, celery and carrots. Cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic. Cook for 1 more minute.
Add the flour, and stir to combine. Cook until the flour begins to turn a golden color, about 2 minutes.
Add the chicken broth and half-and-half in splashes, stirring to incorporate. Don’t add it too quickly, or you will break the roux. Add the thyme and mustard powder.
Add chicken breasts to the broth. Bring it to a gentle boil. Simmer until the chicken is cooked through, about 10 minutes. Remove the chicken and let it rest for 5 minutes. Dice the chicken, and add it back to the soup. Let the soup simmer until reaching the desired consistency. It will continue to thicken as it simmers.
Add the gnocchi. Simmer according to package instructions.
Reduce heat to low. Add the spinach, red pepper, salt and pepper. Simmer until spinach is wilted, about 1 minute.
I am searching for a book by Amanda Grant: “Where has Jessie Gone.” If you have a copy you can part with, please let me know.
Caroline N. 4016 Berry Court Fairbanks, AK 99709
I’m helping homeless people out on the streets. I recently learned how to knit and made scarves and hats for them as Christmas presents. I am looking for anyone willing to donate yarn and other things homeless people could use, as well as some words of encouragement.
Abigail Cowart 29 Hilltop Lane Wahkiacus, WA 98670 Cowartabigail26@gmail.com
I’m requesting old, broken and unwanted jewelry of any kind. I take it apart, clean it and repurpose it into decorative frames, mirrors, etc. Thank you in advance.
Holly Hill P.O. Box 1006 Port Orford, OR 97465 Turdsmama@outlook.com
Milestones
My stepdad turns 90 this month. He spent his 37-year career in law enforcement, retiring from the California Highway Patrol. He and my mom were married for 10 years before she passed in 2015. He loved her dearly. He spends his time with his dog, Polly. I know he would be surprised to receive birthday cards for this special birthday milestone. If you’d like to send a card, address it to Bob Allee, 1080 E. Lassen Ave., Apt 37, Chico, CA 95973. Thank you.
Pam Scheideman Chico, California
My mom will celebrate her 88th birthday in February. I would like to honor her and her special day by inviting you to send birthday wishes her way. She loves getting mail and would be most grateful to receive birthday cards. Thank you for your kindness. She will be delighted. Mail to Velma Larson, 1024 Anna St., Prosser, WA 99350.
Jeanne Whitenack
Prosser, Washington
Music
I’m seeking cello sheet music—particularly upbeat Celtic tunes— and an instructor for beginner adults near Oakridge, Oregon. Thanks in advance.
Barbara Counsil
P.O. Box 899 Oakridge, OR 97463
I am a retired Navy veteran. I served my country from 1956-60. I had hoped to make the Navy a career, but situations existed that prevented this. Over the years, I gave away some of my uniform garments and wonder if anyone out there has some items I would like to have: a black silk neckerchief, watch cap, peacoat (extra large) and formal naval hat. Willing to pay postage and reasonable cost of objects. I do have a uniform and hat. Thank you for your help in advance.
Don Maddy 43 Mill Drive Wahkiacus, WA 98670
I’m looking for a cider press and fruit grinder for home use.
Rosemarie Hausmann P.O. Box 471 Reedsport, OR 97467
I’m looking for an old recipe my mom had and said ran in one of the Bake Off cookbooks in the late 1960s or early ’70s. It’s a cheesecake made in a 9-by-13-inch pan, lined with a yeast-raised dough, and filled with a mixture of crushed pineapple, cottage cheese and cream cheese. I can’t remember the last part. I think this part is cooked on a stovetop before being put in the crust. It is topped with another crust, baked and glazed when it’s done, and cooled. It is super delicious.
Marcene Berends 52875 Ranch Drive La Pine, OR 97739 Otterlover1157@gmail.com
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Mountains, ice and the ocean all come together in Kenai Fjords National Park in Southern Alaska. Just southwest of Seward, Alaska, and above the Gulf of Alaska, the fjords are home to behemoth fields of ice.
The 23,000-year-old Harding Icefields and its outflowing glaciers are more than 700 square miles large. The ice is thousands of feet thick, but that isn’t always enough to cover the mountains underneath. The exposed mountaintops are called nunatak, or lonely peaks.
The fjords are not the most accessible national park, given the giant glaciers that cover it. Many drive up the east side to see Exit Glacier—the only part of the park accessible by road—and see how glaciers reshape the landscape. Open year-round, Exit Glacier is home to a few trails of varying difficulty.
Much of the park is only accessible by boat. Boat tours, available in the summer, offer the ability to see tidewater glaciers—the glaciers that reach the sea. When these glaciers calve ice into the sea, the ice serves as floats for local harbor seals. The waters around the park are also home to otters, porpoises, whales and more.
COURTESY OF NATIONAL PARKS SERVICE/JIM PFEIFFENBERGER
More Information
Kenai Fjords National Park has no entrance fee. To plan your trip, call 907-422-0500 or visit www.nps.gov/kefj.
It was a warm summer afternoon and my wife and I were mingling with the best of them. The occasion was a 1920s-themed party, and everyone was dressed to the nines. Parked on the manse’s circular driveway was a beautiful classic convertible. It was here that I got the idea for our new 1920s Retrograde Watch.
Never ones to miss an opportunity, we carefully steadied our glasses of bubbly and climbed into the car’s long front seat. Among the many opulent features on display was a series of dashboard dials that accentuated the car’s lavish aura. One of those dials inspired our 1920s Retrograde Watch, a genuinely unique timepiece that marries timeless style with modern technology. With its remarkable retrograde hour and minute indicators, sunburst guilloche face and precision movement, this design is truly one of a kind. What does retrograde mean? Instead of displaying the hands rotating on an axis like most watches, the hands sweep in a semicircle, then return to their starting point and begin all over again.
Retrograde watches by the big brands can set you back thousands; one recent offering from a big French fashion house is selling for more than $150,000! But because we’ve designed the 1920s Retrograde Watch in-house, we can offer it to you for just $99!
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You are a man of the wilderness. The only plan you have is to walk up that mountain until you feel like stopping. You tell your friends that it’s nothing personal, but this weekend belongs to you.
You’ve come prepared with your River Canyon Bowie Knife sheathed at your side. This hand-forged, unique knife comes shaving sharp with a perfectly fitted hand-tooled sheath. The broad stainless steel blade shines in harmony with the stunning striped horn, wood and bone handle. When you feel the heft of the knife in your hand, you know that you’re ready for whatever nature throws at you.
This knife boasts a full tang blade, meaning the blade doesn’t stop at the handle, it runs the full length of the knife. According to Gear Patrol, a full tang blade is key, saying “A full tang lends structural strength to the knife, allowing for better leverage ...think one long steel beam versus two.”
With our limited edition River Canyon Bowie Knife you’re getting the best in 21st-century construction with a classic look inspired by legendary American pioneers. What you won’t get is the trumped up price tag. We know a thing or two about the hunt–– like how to seek out and capture an outstanding, collector’s-quality knife that won’t cut into your bank account.
BONUS! Call today and you’ll also receive this genuine leather sheath!
This quintessential knife can be yours to use out in the field or to display as the art piece it truly is. But don’t wait. A knife of this caliber typically cost hundreds. Priced at an amazing $49, we can’t guarantee this knife will stick around for long. So call today!
Your satisfaction is 100% guaranteed. Feel the knife in your hands, wear it on your hip, inspect the craftsmanship. If you don’t feel like we cut you a fair deal, send it back within 30 days for a complete refund of the sale price. But we believe that once you wrap your fingers around the River Canyon’s you’ll be ready to carve your own niche into the wild frontier.
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14101 Southcross Drive W., Ste.155, Dept. RCK482-01 Burnsville, Minnesota 55337 www.stauer.com
Coos-Curry
Convenient Ways to Pay Your Bill
Upcoming changes to your Coos-Curry Electric Cooperative bill will make managing your electric service more convenient. The back page of your bill has been redesigned to provide you with easier to understand information about your charges and use. Additionally, we have updated the payment remittance address to P.O. Box 4279, Brookings, OR 97415. This change will enable our Member Services team to handle payments more efficiently,
ensuring a seamless experience for our valued members. We would like to take this opportunity to express our gratitude for your continued support and trust in Coos-Curry Electric Cooperative. These improvements are part of our ongoing commitment to providing you with exceptional service.
Thank you for being a valued member of our cooperative. Reach out to us if you have questions or need assistance. n
Lakefront home Eagle Lake, CA. 3-bd, 2-ba, 2-car garage, fully furnished and stocked, move-in ready, docks, boat lift. $299K or trade? 775-771-5263 or bdl1962@gmail.com.
$600K interior Alaskan turnkey roadhouse and 2 dry cabins. Well-maintained on 5 acres with pond. 50 scenic miles south to Denali Park entrance. 907-460-9292. 0524
Let me help you buy or sell ranch, farm and recreation property in Oregon. Fourthgeneration Oregonian, ranch owner. For sale: Sisters, OR, 40 acres. $1.7M. John Gill, 541-480-9161 or johngill@landandwildlife.com. Land And Wildlife brokerage. 0224
Rare 1.34-acre, view lot for cabin/retreat in Mt. Aire Canyon, 4 minutes from Salt Lake City. 270º views, elevation 7,200 at confluence of 5 canyons. Water on-site, transformer adjacent. $325K. charles@cc-tdi.org; 801-232-8038; Instagram: @mtairekitebox. 0224
Newly constructed, beautifully finished home, open concept living, 4 bed, 2.5 bath, garage. $399.5K. Duke Warner Realty, 541-987-2363 or ddwr@ortelco.net. 0224
Off-grid homestead. Ideal for wind/solar power. NE Elko County, NV. Has equipment, quarters, shop. Year-round access. Water and power nearby. $35K. geopup58@gmail.com.
Wavecatcher: Oceanfront. Central Oregon coast. Summer $175/night mid-May to mid-Oct.; $140/ night mid-Oct. to mid-May. (plus cleaning/tax). Three rooms w/double beds. Pets welcome. Wavecatcherbeachrentals.com. Reservations: 541-740-2846. 0324AR
Bend country cabin. Very clean and fully furnished cabin on private ranch. Close to recreation areas. Very nice. $95/night. 541-382-3050; bendcountrycabins@gmail.com. 0224
Hook up a steelhead at The Hook Up RV Park in Ahsahka, ID. Daily or longer rents available. 208-391-2919; hookuprvpark@gmail.com. 0324
Call Pahrump Lock and Safe for all your residential, commercial and safe services. 24-hour emergency service in Pahrump, NV. 702-379-8441; Jim@pahrumplockandsafe.com. 0324
We all want delicious, fresh, nourishing food to feed our families. We’ve got pastured pork corn/soy/GMO-free. Delivery to your door or drop sites. Order at www.rural-roots-ranch.com or text Christy at 541-589-4674. 0624
Holistic nurse consultant. Herbal/natural nutritional advice. Complementary medicine practitioner. Free initial consultation. Available in Brookings, OR, area only. 707-951-1882. 0224
Buying American Indian collectibles, Navajo blankets and rugs, baskets, beadwork, etc. Also, quality paintings of the early Southwest and Americas. Call 760-409-3117 or send photos to amer.ind.baskets@gmail.com. 0224
Gold, silver, coins/currency, buy, sell. Collections wanted. Fair prices paid. 44 years in retail store. Baker City, OR. 800-556-2133; garrymclin@aol.com. 1024
Old carpenter tools, planes (wood/metal), levels, chisels, slicks, adzes, axes, hatchets, handsaws, old rulers, spoke shaves, wrenches, shipwright tools, old tool chests. 503-659-0009 or 971-666-0659. 0224
Wanted: mid-1960s 2-door Ford Falcon, Fairlane or Mercury Comet/Cyclone. Grandkids have outgrown my ’66 Ranchero, need something with a backseat. Dan, 541-663-9091. 0224
Your ad could be here in April. See the opposite page for details.
Excellence is always striving to be better.
Excellence is always striving to be better.
“The Beacon Broadband team is doing excellent work.”
- Paul Recanzone General Manager, Beacon Broadband
Each year, the Oregon Connections Telecommunications Conference brings together dedicated individuals and organizations committed to advancing broadband development in the state of Oregon. This event provides a platform for discussing successes, addressing challenges, and building collaborative solutions to promote equitable access to telecommunications services. Among the conference’s highlights are the Oregon Connections Awards, which celebrate and honor projects, organizations, and individuals making remarkable contributions to broadband in the state.
Beacon Broadband is honored to receive this year’s “Excellence in Telecommunications Project and Regional/Local Strategies” award. This award recognizes the outstanding efforts of an organization that has developed an innovative project or strategy to improve access, reliability, and affordability of telecommunications services for communities or has promoted and accelerated the adoption and utilization of these services.
“The Beacon Broadband team is doing excellent work,” said Paul Recanzone, Beacon Broadband’s General Manager. “It is exciting to have the team’s efforts recognized by Representative Boice, who nominated us for the award, and by the body of our peers in the industry who selected us.”
Oregon State Representative Court Boice, who represents House District One along the Oregon south coast, nominated Beacon Broadband for this
remarkable achievement. He emphasized the tireless dedication and exceptional teamwork of the Beacon Broadband staff in their mission to bring high-speed fiber connectivity to underserved and unserved areas.
Beacon Broadband’s extensive fiber network will serve all of Curry County and most of unincorporated Coos County, representing a truly regional solution to the broadband access challenge. Their dedication to “bring the high-speed fiber experience where no one else will go” is making a tangible difference in the lives of South Coast residents.
Beyond delivering high-speed fiber, Beacon Broadband is making a positive impact in several unique ways:
1. Connected Senior Program: Beacon Broadband’s “Connected Senior” program pairs high school students with senior citizens to help the elderly understand the benefits of broadband, fostering family connections and access to vital services.
2. Computer Science Education: Beacon Broadband is leading a computer science class at BrookingsHarbor High School, opening doors to technology careers for local students.
3. Local Workforce Development: Beacon Broadband collaborates with local vendors and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers to train local workers, creating opportunities for young people to gain valuable skills and contribute to expanding broadband infrastructure across Oregon and the nation.
Beacon Broadband’s commitment to the community, innovative strategies, and dedication to eliminating the digital divide have earned them the “Excellence in Telecommunications Project and Regional/Local Strategies” award at the Oregon Telecommunications Conference.
I am Representative Court Boice, representing House District One along the Oregon south coast. Coos and Curry Counties truly represent the disparity of the digital divide.
Our population is largely pushed against the coastline, with small population centers about 30 miles from each other along the scenic Highway 101 corridor. These communities have historically been served by big broadband service providers, having access to cable and DSL services. Fiber service has become available in our towns only within the past two years.
However, the reach of incumbent networks is limited. One home may have a choice of providers and service up to 2 Gbps, and their next-door neighbor will have nothing – no wired service because the incumbents’ networks do not reach them; no wireless service because there are no fixed wireless providers; no cellular or satellite service because hills or trees block the signal path.
We were truly in need of a regional solution that would eliminate the boundaries set by the incumbent providers and close the egregious broadband divide on the South Coast. Thankfully, Coos-Curry Electric
Cooperative – which serves power to most of my House District – recognized that better access to broadband for all its members would enhance its members’ lives.
The electric cooperative decided to take action, and it created Beacon Broadband. The cooperative gave its wholly-owned broadband subsidiary the challenge of making fiber connectivity available to every member address and to about 6,000 nearby unserved and underserved addresses. Beacon Broadband fiber will serve all of Curry County and most unincorporated Coos County and represent a truly regional solution.
I am proud of their efforts and excited about the impact they will have throughout my House District. I respectfully nominate Beacon Broadband and Coos-Curry Electric Cooperative for the Oregon Connections Excellence in Telecommunications Projects and Regional/Local Strategies Award.
*Excerpts of nomination
“Because Beacon Broadband is a local company, they have a truly local impact that goes well beyond the high-speed fiber they are deploying.”
-Court Boice
Oregon House District 1 Representative
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USES: The Inogen Portable Oxygen Concentrator provides a high concentration of supplemental oxygen to patients requiring respiratory therapy on a prescriptive basis. It may be used in home, institution, vehicle, and various mobile environments. DO NOT USE IF: This device is not intended to be used in any way other than described in the indications for use. Do not use in parallel or series with other oxygen concentrators or oxygen therapy devices. This device is to be used as an oxygen supplement and is not intended to be life sustaining or life supporting. ONLY use this product if the patient is capable of spontaneous breath, able to inhale and exhale without the use of a machine. The conserving, or pulse dose, oxygen delivery technique used by this device is contraindicated in persons whose breathing during normal resting would be unable to trigger the device. Proper device triggering, setup and operation must be confirmed by an experienced clinician or other respiratory professional. Not for pediatric use. Not for use by tracheotomized patients. WARNINGS: The device produces enriched oxygen gas, which accelerates combustion. Do not allow smoking or open flames within 2m (6.56ft) of this device while in use. If you feel ill or uncomfortable, or if the concentrator does not signal an oxygen pulse and you are unable to hear and/or feel the oxygen pulse, consult your equipment provider and/or your physician immediately. If you are unable to communicate
Board of Directors
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 Friday.
541-332-3931
After-Hours Outage Number
866-352-9044
Call Before You Dig 811
www.ccec.coop
OR-13
We are extremely fortunate at Coos-Curry Electric Cooperative to be the beneficiaries of the Federal Columbia River Power System (FCRPS), which consists of 31 federally owned hydroelectric dams within the Columbia and Snake River drainage. The Bonneville Power Administration was created to be the steward of the electricity generated by the FCPRS.
BPA markets and delivers this electricity across the Pacific Northwest to public power customers including municipalities, people’s utility districts and electric cooperatives, such as CCEC. For decades, there was an overabundance of low-cost FCRPS electricity, so BPA sold the surplus to large private customers in the region or exported it to markets outside the region, such as California.
Brent Bischoff
Over time, public power customer loads have grown while the FCRPS remained essentially the same size. Responding to this dynamic, BPA initiated a two-tiered rate structure for their public power customers in 2011. BPA allocated to each public power customer a proportionate share of the FCRPS electricity and sold it at cost-based rates called Tier 1. When a BPA customer exceeds their Tier 1 allocation, they can buy Tier 2 power from BPA or get their own resources to meet their growing needs. Tier 2 is a market-based rate because BPA must purchase electricity from other generation sources to serve customer loads above what the FCRPS can generate.
For several years after BPA established tiered rates, Tier 1 and Tier 2 rates were nearly equal. That meant a BPA customer did not incur higher wholesale power costs as they experienced load growth above their Tier 1 allocation. However, in the past three years, Tier 2 rates have more than doubled Tier 1 rates. This is mostly because the development of new renewable generation has not kept up with the decommissioning of low-cost coalfired power plants. It is simple supply and demand—electricity supply is shrinking while demand is growing.
What does this mean for CCEC? CCEC’s load growth is minimal, and though we are reaching our BPA Tier 1 allocation, we have not yet exceeded it. So right now, CCEC is not exposed to the dramatic increase of BPA Tier 2 market-based rates.
CCEC is, however, experiencing the inflationary cost pressures influencing all aspects of our economy, including CCEC’s biggest cost drivers: labor, materials and BPA Tier 1 wholesale power. Read more about CCEC’s cost pressures on pages 4-5.
Although CCEC is implementing a rate increase in March in response to inflationary pressures, we are fortunate not to be exposed to the dramatic cost increases of marketbased wholesale power like many utilities serving fast-growing communities.
Brent Bischoff General Manager and CEO brent.bischoff@cooscurryelectric.com