Ruralite
LASSEN MUNICIPAL
JUNE 2024
2025 Calendar Photo Contest Page 4
Susanville Bluegrass Festival Page 28
Manager’s Message Page 32
Spring flowers bloom on Whaleback Mountain, along Eagle Lake Road. PHOTO BY BRUCE BROWN
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-toback 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
June 2024 • Volume 72, No. 6
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.
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Stories to Inspire
Every once in a while, a phone call elevates my day. A few months ago, Carole McDonald reached out to suggest we put together a presidential election trivia story, just like we did in 2008.
Carole has been a loyal reader for some time and is also a history buff. She has an indescribable sparkle evident even during a phone call. Ever curious, I asked writer Ginger Meurer to write a story about Carole, which you will find on Page 10. If you meet Carole, be ready for her to quiz your history knowledge. And look for that trivia story in October.
Some of my favorite family vacations were car trips where we listened to books on CD while we drove. It was fun to experience the geographic changes as we traveled. Our children appreciated impromptu stops for snacks and soccer ball breaks. I capped off each trip with a photo book commemorating our time on the road.
Celebrating 70 Years
Our Spotlight feature on Page 12 may inspire you to pack a bag and book a trip. We have lots of ideas for ways to see the country by boat, train and car. But this story isn’t about how to pack every minute full of adventure. Instead, we offer tips for ways to slow down and soak up your surroundings.
This month, Ruralite magazine celebrates 70 years. To commemorate the event, we are publishing a recipe from our very first magazine in 1954. You can check out the chocolate refrigerator cake recipe on Page 30. I hope some of you are inspired to try it out.
Sincerely,
Mike Teegarden Editorial Director
Sweet and Spicy
Retired teacher doles out cookies and history lessons Up Close, Page 10
LASSEN MUNICIPAL
2025 Calendar Photo Contest
Attention shutterbugs: Submit your photos for LMUD’s 2025 calendar by August 15
LMUD distributes more than 6,000 copies of the Ruralite calendar each year to customers in Susanville and the surrounding area. Would you like to see your photo in the calendar?
Here’s the scoop:
h Thirteen amazing photos will be chosen by an unbiased team of judges at Ruralite magazine.
h Winning photos will be featured in the calendar and possibly on the cover of the Lassen Ruralite magazine. Winners will be announced during Public Power Week, October 1-7.
h Winners will receive a $50 LMUD energy gift card. Limit one per entrant, regardless of the number of photos chosen.
h By entering the contest, you agree to give LMUD rights to publish your photo in the calendar, on the Ruralite cover and in various communication channels, including print and digital, with photo credit.
Gotta play (by the rules) to win!
h Photographers must live at a residence served by LMUD or own a business served by LMUD.
h Photos must be within LMUD’s service territory and may include people, places or things. Photos from all seasons will be considered.
h Only horizontal (landscape) format photos will be considered.
h Only digital JPEG photos will be accepted and can be emailed or submitted on a CD. Photos must be at least 300 dpi at 11 inches wide by 9 inches tall. Vertical photos and files larger than 30 megabytes will not be accepted.
h Each photo submission must include the photographer’s name, address, LMUD account number, email address, phone number, location of the photo and a short description of the photo.
h Maximum three photos submitted per contestant.
h Photos will be accepted until August 15, 2024.
h Submissions should be sent to information@lmud.org or mailed to LMUD, 65 S. Roop St., Susanville, CA 96130, along with supporting information. Please put the words “2025 Calendar Photo Contest” in the subject line.
h Contact Theresa Phillips at 530-257-6944 or email information@lmud.org with questions.
Helpful Hints:
h Use the highest resolution setting on your digital camera or cellphone.
h Photograph beautiful places and wildlife. Successful photos will have dramatic colors or scenery.
h Submit photos that suggest a season or holiday.
h Show us the best hidden spots in our area.
h Avoid photos of pets.
h Pay attention to lighting. Just after sunrise and just before sunset are beautiful times to photograph
Email your high-resolution photos to information@lmud.org with the subject line “2025 Calendar Photo Contest.” Include your name and photo description(s) in the email. Submit Your Photos
Past Photo Winners
PHOTO BY BRUCE BROWN
PHOTO BY MICHAEL LAZZAR
PHOTO BY JEREMY SUSANVILLESTUFF.COMCOUSO,
PHOTO BY KAILIE SHOEMAKER
PHOTO BY MIKE LEE
Make the Switch to a Heat Pump Water Heater
By Victoria Hampton
Advancements in technology have increased efficiency and lowered energy use for many home appliances. While smart thermostats and refrigerators are common home upgrades that help people save on electricity bills, one of the most efficient upgrades homeowners can make is to an appliance many haven’t touched in months—the water heater.
A standard electric water heater accounts for nearly 20% of the energy use in a home, which is more than a refrigerator, clothes washer and dryer combined, says Bonneville Power Administration Program Manager David Murphy.
Learn about the technology and potential energy savings for switching to an energy-efficient heat pump water heater.
Savings and Features
Heat pump water heaters can save up to $450 a year, or $4,500 over the system’s lifetime, David says. Savings are dependent on each home’s utility rates and hot water use. Systems come with a 10-year warranty.
David says heat pump water heaters can provide more hot water than similarly sized standard systems. Many tanks also have leak detection that can warn homeowners if an issue arises.
Systems have several automated settings, including maximum hot water generation when guests stay the night, high-efficiency eco mode and advanced vacation mode settings, allowing homeowners to program their return—so they come home to hot water.
“Automation, like many things we see in the technology realm, increases control of your settings,” David says. “[You]
Heat pump water heaters use about one-third of the energy of a standard electric water heater. This increases efficiency and can lead to lower electric bills. PHOTO COURTESY OF BONNEVILLE POWER ADMINISTRATION
get the benefits you need while still using less energy.”
Although the upfront cost of a heat pump water heater is typically more than a standard system, homeowners can save with rebates and incentives. Electric utilities can provide information on available savings for heat pump water heater upgrades.
“Always talk to your local utility to see what they have available,” David says.
Heat Pump Efficiency
Think of a heat pump water heater as a refrigerator in reverse. A refrigerator pulls heat from inside the box and sends it outside the appliance. A heat pump water heater pulls heat from the surrounding air.
“It is a unit driven by a compressor that harvests heat from the air and puts it into your water tank,” David says.
What is the importance of this state-of-the-art heat pump technology? It uses about one-third of the energy of a standard electric water heater. This increased efficiency can lead to lower electric bills.
Installation Considerations
Heat pump water heaters are ideal for garage and basement placement. When installing in a closet, consider the compressor noise and cold air released when it is running. The compressor can also be vented outside.
Pulling heat from the air creates moisture. Each system has a condensate line pipe—a plastic tube using gravity to draw out excess condensation from the unit. This feature does require a small amount of space near the heat pump water heater for the condensate removal pump or drain piping to the outside of the house.
Also, as with any water heater, homeowners should choose a tank size that matches the number of people in the home. Tanks vary in price.
Heat Pump Water Heater Maintenance
Heat pump water heaters add a few more simple tasks to your quarterly home maintenance check. When changing the HVAC air filter every three months, clean the heat pump water heater filter as well. Use a vacuum or rinse it with water to remove any debris.
Check the condensate line pipe for clogs and dirt when cleaning the filter. The line can be cleaned with a brush or rag.
When it is time to upgrade the household water heater, make the switch to an efficient, energy-saving heat pump water heater.
Watch a video about how to use and maintain a heat pump water heater at comfortreadyhome.com/guides/ hpwh-user-guide
Mini-Split Systems Are Gaining Traction
By Leslie Tate
A ductless air conditioner, also called a mini-split system or air-source heat pump, offers a variety of options for heating and cooling, particularly for older homes and buildings.
A mini-split system can provide several benefits, but the most attractive feature is the capability to regulate temperatures in specific rooms or areas of the home.
An indoor air-handling unit, or evaporator, and an outdoor compressor/condenser comprise the two major components of a mini-split system. In many ways, mini-split air conditioners operate like conventional air-conditioning systems. In cooling mode, the system transfers heat from inside the home to the outside. With a central air system, cold air is blasted throughout all the ducts in the house from a single air handler, such as a large fan in an attic or basement. Because a mini-split can blow air from up to six independent air handlers, it can regulate temperatures for different rooms or areas inside a home or business.
Mini-splits are a viable alternative to duct systems for home additions or homes where a duct system may not be practical. When a duct system is too expensive to install, a mini-split system can efficiently heat and cool a space while keeping installation costs down.
Compared to conventional heating, ventilation and air-conditioning systems, minisplits can save up to 30% on cooling costs and 50% on heating costs. Additionally, inverter technology, which enables variable-speed operation in most mini-split systems, increases energy efficiency and is cheaper to operate.
In addition to greater control over heating and cooling, mini-splits can often be managed with a mobile app, smart thermostat or remote control. They provide better air quality, and homeowners can easily replace filters themselves and save on duct cleanings needed for conventional systems. Reheat dehumidification is a common feature of minisplit systems to maintain a steady room temperature while lowering humidity.
A few factors should be considered before installing a mini-split system. Determine the right size and quantity of units. Mini-split placement should consider how to best distribute air throughout the home or business. A qualified contractor can offer advice on these factors. Additionally, your home should be properly air sealed for the minisplit system to operate efficiently.
For many homeowners, a mini-split ductless heating and cooling system can be a fantastic alternative for heating and cooling. Contact your local electric utility if you have questions about mini-split systems.
DRINK COFFEE, IMPROVE SOIL DRINK COFFEE, IMPROVE SOIL
One of the world’s most-consumed beverages has multiple benefits
Between 400 billion to 1 trillion cups of coffee are consumed around the world every year. That’s a lot of coffee, which equals a lot of spent coffee grounds.
Spent coffee grounds can be used as a soil amendment and compost ingredient, keeping them out of the waste stream and giving gardeners another option for caring for plants.
Linda Brewer, Oregon State University Extension Service soil scientist, says coffee grounds can be worked into the soil or added to a compost pile but should be done with some restraint.
“Like most kitchen waste, it is a fine amendment for the garden,” she says. “But like anything else, coffee grounds can be overdone.”
It’s a myth that coffee grounds are acidic and lower the pH of soil. After brewing, the grounds are close to pH neutral, between 6.5 and 6.8. Research shows whatever change coffee grounds bring to the soil is short-lived. So, don’t depend on them to keep a lower soil pH.
Although coffee grounds provide some nitrogen and micronutrients, they aren’t a major source of plant nutrition. As grounds break down, nitrogen is tied up
by soil microorganisms using it to grow and reproduce. To adjust, add a nitrogen fertilizer or other nitrogen source—such as composted animal manure, alfalfa meal or grass clippings—when incorporating uncomposted coffee grounds.
The grounds are best at improving the soil. As they feed the soil microbes, microbial glues are released that promote good soil structure and improve drainage.
When using coffee grounds as a soil amendment, incorporate a half-inch to a depth of 4 inches. If using grounds as a mulch on top of the soil, layer leaves or bark mulch to help keep the grounds from drying out and repelling water.
When using grounds in a compost bin or pile, layer three parts leaves to one part fresh grass clippings to one part coffee grounds by volume. Turn once a week and monitor for moisture. The compost will be ready in three to six months.
The composition of the compost pile should not exceed 20% coffee grounds by volume, or it can be toxic to plants.
Excess coffee grounds, if applied to the soil before composting, have multiple effects on the soil system. In addition to microorganisms tying up nitrogen
temporarily, the caffeine residues in the spent coffee grounds can suppress germination and slow the growth of some plants. Perhaps more exciting than the positive effect of coffee grounds as a compost and soil amendment is coffee’s potential as a slug killer.
Research shows using a 1% to 2% coffee solution mixed with water as a soil drench causes 100% of slugs to leave the treated soil and subsequently die of caffeine poisoning. A 2% solution of caffeine applied to the growing medium of orchids kills 95% of orchid snails and gives better control than a liquid metaldehyde product, which is common slug bait.
To make a soil drench, add one part water to two parts strong brewed coffee. For example, use 1 cup water to 2 cups of coffee. To reduce slug feeding on foliage, add nine parts water to one part brewed coffee. Apply it as a spray.
“Apply diluted coffee to a sample of leaves and wait for a few hot and sunny days to watch for leaf burn or other damage,” Linda says. “If there’s no damage, go ahead with spraying.” n
Information courtesy of Oregon State University Extension Service.
Spent coffee grounds can be used as a soil amendment and compost ingredient, while liquid coffee acts as an effective slug killer.
ISTOCK PHOTO BY NORGAL
“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
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Retired teacher doles out cookies and history lessons
old mixer died, saying, “You can’t have
Other friends bring her nuts to hand grind for her vanilla crescents or provide labor to help roll out savory treats like her famous pierogies or her poultry-filled
Pierogies can take days to make, and grinding nuts the old-fashioned way is challenging, though not as rough as when her father had to crack the nut shells first. It’s hard work, but Carole loves to please.
“I’m a frustrated pastry chef, what can I say? I should have gone to culinary school,”
Instead, the Pennsylvania native studied to be a teacher and taught second and third grades in Cleveland, Ohio, where she
It was Carole’s first-generation PolishAmerican family that encouraged her to teach. Her parents didn’t want her to do
“She’d buy a yard of material and make a dress. When that wore out, she’d take the zipper from that dress and sew it into the new one. She was very resourceful,”
Carole still uses her educator skills crafting quick history quizzes to share at the DMV, the post office and the grocery store.
“What’s my question today?” the gas station attendant asks her whenever she goes in.
Carole loves to make people laugh, too, especially when she issues invitations to join her “elite club.” The club has no meetings and charges no dues. It’s a farflung collection of people who own the fancy crochet toilet paper cozies she started making just before the pandemic.
Carole took a cozy to her cardiologist.
“All the nurses started laughing, and they all wanted them,” she says. “I brought a little levity to the health care industry.”
She went on to give them to everyone she met: her dentist, her lawyer, the doctor next door, even strangers in parking lots. We’ll never know if the red, white and blue toilet paper cozy Carole sent Donald Trump is sitting on the back of a golden toilet. But the
CLOCKWISE FROM
Pizzelle Italian Cookies
½ pound butter
½ pound Fleischmann's original margarine
1½ cups granulated sugar
6 eggs
3 teaspoons anise extract (or sambuca, an anise-flavored liqueur if anise prices keep going up)
2 teaspoons vanilla
5 cups flour
4 teaspoons baking powder
You can add 1 teaspoon salt, but Carole doesn’t. Cream the butter, margarine and sugar. Add the eggs one at a time. Then add extracts. Sift dry ingredients, then add them to the wet. Cover the batter with foil and refrigerate overnight. Heat your pizzelle iron. Then drop one tablespoon batter on each side and cook for 30 seconds.
share a glamor portrait she had taken years ago. Carole loves to crochet and share her work, whether it be granny square blankets or toilet paper toppers. Carole’s pierogies are stuffed with potatoes and cheese or with onions and sauerkraut. It takes Carole two days to make her poultry pastry squares.
presidential seal gleams through the glass on a framed thank-you note for the “kind letter and humorous gift.”
Carole MacDonald’s oatmeal cookies are made using the recipe on the back of the butterscotch chip bag.
Carole guesses she’s made more than 200 toilet toppers, and they’re in at least 44 states and three countries. But she’s not slowing down. In 2021, she had her knee replaced and brought a stash of yarn to the hospital.
“It was a diversion,” she says. “I don’t want to think about the pain. So, I was making them and giving them away to the nurses in the hospital.”
Carole loves to laugh, but she also has a serious side that helped her lead her rural
homeowners organization for 20 years. There was no management company. Carole did it all from hand-delivering meeting notes and notices to all 250-plus houses to keeping distant landowners who hadn’t built yet responsible for lot upkeep. She fought for the homeowners, as well, heading “over the hump from Pahrump” to speak out against proposed legislation that may have weakened the organization. After a few years, state officials insisted she wasn’t qualified to do the job. So, Carole drove more than an hour each way to the University of Nevada, Las Vegas to take classes and get her certification. She didn’t
hang up her hat until 2018 when she broke her back. In recovery after surgery, she resolved, “No more.”
Though she’s no longer the face of the HOA, Carole keeps cooking, crocheting, learning and, most of all, laughing.
A while back, Carole tripped over a cord, and 911 was called to check her out. The EMTs came with the gurney ready.
“I asked them, ‘Would you like to be a member of my elite club?’ And I said, ‘Pick whichever one you want.’”
“You don’t want to go to the hospital?” they asked.
“Nah, I’m OK,” she replied. n
TOP: Carole MacDonald takes a break in her Pahrump, Nevada, kitchen to
Boats, Trains and Automobiles
By Pamela A. Keene
Think about your last vacation. What do you remember? Did you hurry from one activity or place to another, getting a bird’seye view of too many things to enjoy the journey?
If so, there’s good news. You can use 2024 to do something different: Explore iconic highways, ride the rails to multiple destinations or board a riverboat on the country’s waterways.
“There’s a growing trend called ‘slow tourism,’ a chance to enjoy the journey, make memories, eat like a local, participate in experiences and discover the heart of a destination,” says Berkeley Young, president of tourism research and consulting firm Young Strategies Inc. “You can travel by road, rail or boat; set your own pace; and create lasting memories—all without a passport.”
Similarly, Kim Orlando, founder and CEO of women’s travel site SheBuysTravel, says she’s seen an increase in domestic travel for all kinds of users—families, girls’ getaways, affinity groups and multigenerational travelers.
“Domestic destinations are packed with experiences that range from riverboat cruising to road trips, and it's usually more affordable than traveling overseas,” she says. “Vacation varieties are endless: mountains, desert, oceans, lake life. Busy cities and charming small towns offer travelers diverse cultural experiences and cuisines.”
Kim says domestic travel has many advantages.
“The language, roads and monetary systems are familiar, and time differences are not as drastic, giving you more fun time in your destination and less stress,” she says. “You can literally hop in your car and go.”
Asphalt Icons
When you ask people about America’s iconic drives, three or four big routes come to mind, depending on where you live: the Pacific Coast Highway from Dana Point, California, to Leggett, Washington; historic Route 66 from Chicago to Santa Monica/ Los Angeles; and U.S. 1 on the East Coast from Key West, Florida, to Fort Kent, Maine.
“Taking a road trip along any of America’s iconic highways opens up a whole world of itineraries, regardless of where you live and what you enjoy,” Berkeley says. “Whether you take a long weekend or an extended trip, consider exploring some of the country’s more unusual and diverse regions defined by their distinctive highways.”
He says a highway route rather than a connect-the-dots system of interstates can make for a more relaxing vacation.
Ride the Rails
With more than 21,400 miles of routes and more than 500 destinations across 46 states and parts of Canada, travel via Amtrak connects people to big cities, small towns, national parks, historic sites, popular travel destinations and off-thebeaten-path adventures.
“Train travel can be a good alternative to driving or flying, and these days, customers have many options when taking a trip by rail,” says Kimberly Woods, senior public relations manager at Amtrak’s Washington, D.C., office. “Diverse destinations and
the variety of routes and accommodations broaden choices, whether you’re traveling with children, as a couple, solo or with a group of friends.”
Amtrak is the only national passenger rail service in the United States. In 2023, it had more than 28 million passengers, according to the company’s annual report.
“We’re seeing a strong increase in people who choose to travel with us because of the convenience, the chance to see more of the country than flying and the simple novelty of being on a train,” Kimberly says.
Amtrak offers multiple options to travel short distances, such as from Washington, D.C., to New York, Chicago to Milwaukee and various locations in Southern California.
Leisure travelers opt for overnight travel on several longdistance trains. The configurations of accommodations can include several types of service. First class offers private rooms with chairs that convert to upper and lower berths, larger bedrooms, family suites and accessible bedrooms. Coach cars have extra legroom and dedicated luggage storage.
A white-tablecloth dining car features traditional chef-curated menus. Customers can visit a cafe car to buy more casual options for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Passengers can also bring their own food, beverages and snacks. Basic Wi-Fi is offered, and passengers can travel with small pets or bring their bicycles.
The Auto Train offers daily service from Lorton, Virginia, to Sanford, Florida, and allows customers to travel with vehicles.
In the Northeast between Washington, D.C., New York and Boston, customers travel for work, vacation or day trips. However, as Amtrak’s routes fan out westward, the number of leisure travelers increases.
“You can board in New York and travel along the East Coast to Washington, D.C., to Florida and as far south to Miami,” Kimberly says. “Chicago is our hub for Western itineraries to Seattle, Washington; Portland, Oregon; Oakland/San Francisco; and Los Angeles with a variety of other destinations along the way in large cities and smaller towns alike.”
In addition to direct routes, spur lines fill in across the lower half of the country. The Amtrak USA Rail Pass includes hop on/off access for 10 segments over 30 days for a single fare.
“When you travel by train, you can be as busy or relaxed as you want,” Kimberly says. “You’ll have space to work, read, watch movies on your devices, have good old-fashioned face-toface conversations or just sit back and look out the window to enjoy the scenery.”
Rolling Down the River
The sight of a paddle-wheeler cruising down the Mississippi River conjures up romantic images of an earlier time in America’s history when waterways transported pioneers and settlers westward. Today, traveling by riverboat or small ship has been significantly modernized, yet the romance and adventure remain.
River cruises allow visitors to enjoy laid-back transportation with an itinerary of interesting stops.
“Cruising the Mississippi River, you can visit St. Louis to
ADOBE STOCK IMAGE BY MICHAEL URMANN
Whether you choose to travel by boat, train, plane or car, allow time for discovery stops to explore unexpected treasures along the way. Those off-the-beaten-path finds can be the highlights of your trip.
see the iconic Gateway Arch National Park, the Anheuser-Busch Brewery, and Forest Park and its many free attractions,” says Katie Blake, public relations specialist with Missouri Division of Tourism. “Smaller towns along the river reveal much of the country’s history and culture, especially because many of them were founded as the nation grew.”
Alexa Paolella, manager of public relations for American Cruise Lines, says people love the different twist on U.S. vacations that small ships offer.
Traveling the country’s waterways by riverboat opens a whole new experience that’s like a flashback in time,” she says. “No passport is required, and your hotel travels with you from port to port, so you unpack once. It’s a much more relaxed pace for discovery with more time to explore small river towns and picturesque shoreside villages, especially the places large cruise ships don’t go.”
American Cruise Lines’ fleet of 19 ships sail America’s coastlines and rivers. Accommodations vary from 90 to 180 passengers, depending on the vessel. Classic paddle-wheelers and modern riverboats navigate the Mississippi and Columbia rivers.
The company’s small cruise ships transport guests along both coasts, with itineraries in Alaska and Puget Sound and cruises exploring the New England coast all the way to the Florida Keys. It has also added national park tours to its offerings.
PHOTO BY VISITMO.COM
PHOTO BY SEEING SOUTHERN
PHOTO BY AMERICAN CRUISE LINES
Many of the company’s itineraries are themed around music, history or cuisine that explore the distinctive characteristics of each ship’s ports of call.
“All our cruises offer a variety of experiences and activities ashore each day, providing access to larger cities but also the opportunity to relish the unique experiences only found in the smaller towns along the way,” Alexa says. “Onboard, curated entertainment and chef-prepared daily meals complement the comfortable and relaxing travel that comes with sailing on America’s waterways.”
Best Resources for Local Knowledge
“Some of the best planning resources are state tourism divisions and local convention and visitors bureaus,” Berkeley says. “Their job is to know their states, towns and counties and to provide easy ways to take a vacation that suits your interests and lifestyles.”
Every state has a dedicated tourism department with staff who promote visitation by creating trip plans around music, food, culture and history. Research them first before drilling down to specific stops along the way via city/town or county-specific visitors bureaus and welcome centers.
“State and local agencies work with local attractions, accommodations, dining and special events and maintain extensive information about what to do, the best times to visit, outdoor activities and much more,” he says. “They have access to information about recommended routes and many times offer promotions for hotels, restaurants and attractions.”
Key travel planning resources include state tourism and economic departments, and local convention and visitors bureaus.
Berkeley says true leisure travel is about the experience, but vacationers in a hurry to get where they’re going may miss interesting discoveries along the way.
“Just remember: Don’t sweat the tiny details,” he says. “ Determine the path you want to explore, book your transportation and some lodging, and get out there,” he says. “Fill in your itinerary as you go along. Meet locals and eat local. Be adventuresome—go find the real America.” n
Asphalt Icons: Take Your Pick for Your Next Road Trip Discovery
By Pamela A. Keene
Ohio native Kim Taddie saw the ocean for the first time when she was nearly 22 years old, landing a job in Ocean City, Maryland. She’s been exploring ever since. She and her husband, Gordon McLachlan, have traveled across North America and around the globe. Now residents of Ocean Beach, California, they have spent much of their 40-year marriage on the road.
“Growing up in Cleveland, Ohio, our family would go camping but only to places nearby, so I’d never really been anywhere until my early 20s,” says Kim, a retired nurse practitioner. “When we met, Gordon had been an avid traveler, not just in the U.S. but all over the planet. It was a perfect match: I wanted to travel more, and Gordon was living my dream.”
Aside from their globe-trotting, they’ve traversed the United States, mostly on the road in their motorhome. One of Kim’s favorite courses is along the first transcontinental highway, Route 66 between Chicago and Southern California.
“Traveling along the two-lane asphalt road is like going back to the 1950s with roadside attractions, motor courts, crazy statues and all kinds of nostalgia,” she says. “It’s not as popular as a travel route since the interstates have opened up, but it is so worth the drive because of what it represents in our country’s history.”
Among Gordon’s favorite routes is the 1,650-mile Pacific Coast Highway, which hugs the shores of the Pacific Ocean from Dana Point, California, north to Leggett, Washington.
“Spectacular views, the chance to see whales and other wildlife offshore, plus memorable sights like Big Sur between Carmel and San Simeon, the Avenue of the Giants in Weott, California, and the Heceta Head Lighthouse in Florence, Oregon, are why we keep going back,” he says. “Camping in state parks along the way allows us to take our time and discover other treasures, too.”
Nicky Omohundro, an Oklahoma City-based editor who launched Littlefamilyadventure. com to encourage family travel, says the country’s iconic highways are a great place to start a family road trip.
“Each has its own trademark stops, like the Delta Blues Trail that’s part of the Great River Road along the Mississippi River and, of course, Route 66,” she says.
Nicky advises tackling renowned highways in sections, and she often travels with no cellphone, just a map.
“For me, when we do this, it’s more about the journey than the destination,” she says. “And we’re never disappointed.
“Kitschy street art in many of the towns, retro diners, motor courts and gas stations are just a few of the reasons we love Route 66. You almost have to see it to believe it. Giant statues of American music and film stars like Elvis, James Dean and Marilyn Monroe at the Braidwood, Illinois, Polk-A-Dot Drive In and the Catoosa, Oklahoma, Blue Whale prove the point. The route doesn’t really take itself too seriously.”
ADOBESTOCKIMAGEBYVECTORPOCKET
It's Coming Back: ZUCCHINI SEASON
Roasted Summer Squash
1 pound summer squash
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
Heat oven to 400 F.
1 tablespoon panko bread crumbs
1/2 teaspoon lemon pepper seasoning
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
Cut squash into ½-inch-thick slices. Toss with olive oil. Combine the remaining ingredients in a small bowl, and toss with squash.
Place the squash on a baking sheet. Roast for 12 to 14 minutes or until squash is tender.
Broil for 1 to 2 minutes or until crumbs are lightly browned.
Recipes by Gertrude Treadaway
ADOBE STOCK
PHOTO BY SVETLANA KOLPAKOVA
Easy Summer Squash and Zucchini Bread
1/2 cup yellow squash, grated
1/2 cup zucchini, grated
1/2 cup of brown sugar
1/2 cup white granulated sugar
1/2 cup butter, melted
2 extra-large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla
11/2 cups all-purpose flour
Heat oven to 350 F.
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon allspice
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 cup chopped pecans and walnuts, plus extra for topping
Cinnamon and sugar for sprinkling
Combine yellow squash, zucchini, brown sugar, white sugar, butter, eggs and vanilla in a bowl. Mix well. Add flour, baking powder, baking soda, allspice and cinnamon. Combine until mixed and all ingredients are wet. Fold in nuts.
Pour into a greased 9-by-5 loaf pan. Top with extra nuts, and sprinkle with cinnamon and sugar. Bake for 45 to 50 minutes.
Let cool for 10 minutes before removing from the pan.
Zucchini Pesto Pasta
1 pint cherry tomatoes
Olive oil
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
6 medium yellow squash or zucchini, or mix of both
Heat oven to 400 F.
16 ounces spaghetti
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup basil pesto
1/2 cup pasta cooking water
1 cup coarsely grated Parmesan cheese
Fill a large pot with salted water, and bring to a boil.
Toss tomatoes with olive oil, salt and pepper. Spread out in one layer on a baking sheet. Roast for 15 to 20 minutes. Wash zucchini. Cut off ends, then cut in half lengthwise. Slice into half-moon pieces.
Cook pasta until al dente. While it is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large frying pan over medium-high heat. Use a pan that’s big enough to hold all the pasta when it’s cooked. When the oil is hot, add the minced garlic. Turn down the heat to medium. Saute until you can start to smell garlic, about one minute.
Add the sliced zucchini. Season to taste with salt and fresh-ground black pepper. Cook until the zucchini is tender-crisp, about 5 minutes. Add the pesto to the cooked zucchini. Gently stir to combine. Add the roasted tomatoes. Add the drained cooked pasta to the zucchini/pesto/ tomato combination. Gently mix, adding pasta cooking water until the mixture is combined. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese before serving.
Southern Squash Casserole
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon butter
6 to 8 squash, sliced
1 large onion, thinly sliced 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup shredded extra-sharp cheddar cheese
1/2 cup sour cream
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 sleeve crushed buttery crackers
Heat oven to 350 F. Grease a casserole dish.
Heat the oil and butter in a large skillet over mediumhigh heat. Saute the squash and onion until soft. Remove from heat. Stir in the Parmesan, cheddar and sour cream. Add salt and pepper, to taste.
Scoop the mixture into the prepared casserole dish. Sprinkle the cracker crumbs evenly over the top. Bake for 20 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
Marinated Zucchini and Summer Squash
2 tablespoons white wine vinegar
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon minced garlic
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil
1 pound zucchini (about 3 large), trimmed and sliced diagonally, about 1/2-inch thick
1 pound yellow crookneck squash (about 3 large), trimmed and sliced diagonally, about 1/2-inch thick
Whisk the vinegar, lemon juice and garlic in a large bowl to blend. Season with salt and pepper. Gradually whisk in the oil.
Spoon 3 tablespoons of the marinade into a small bowl. Cover and set aside.
Add the zucchini and yellow squash to the remaining marinade in the large bowl. Toss to coat.
Transfer the mixture to a 9-by-13 glass baking dish. Cover and marinate at room temperature for at least three hours, or cover and refrigerate for up to one day.
Prepare a grill for medium-high heat.
Grill the vegetables until they are crisp-tender and brown, turning occasionally, about 8 minutes.
Transfer the vegetables to a platter. Drizzle with the reserved marinade. Serve hot or at room temperature.
READER EXCHANGE
Crafts/Hobbies
Senior lady looking for marbles, beads, small trinkets, costume jewelry and small polished rocks for resin crafting. Thank you in advance.
Patti Gordon 180 Jacob Acres Lane Curtin, OR 97424
Looking for 21/2" strips of cotton fabric— different kinds of fabric from all over. Anything longer than 6 inches (21/2"x 6"). Thank you.
Becky Robison 6575 Seattle Ave. Bay City, OR 97107
I am looking for any Scrabble tiles you are willing to donate to do an art project for a close friend who is grieving the loss of her husband. This will be a tribute to her husband and their life together. Hopefully, it will be a way to help in her grieving process. Thank you for your help and your heart.
Debby Barich
31323 Woodsia Lane Eugene, OR 97405
Milestones
My friend, Margaret, turns 102 in June. I would love for her to receive cards to congratulate her on this amazing age. Please send to Margaret Brunner, Baron’s Residential Care, 5289 Loci St., San Diego, CA 92117.
Lynda Alberico Susanville, California
My mom turns 89 in June. She has Alzheimer’s and lives with family. Even though she can no longer correspond, she loves to receive mail. She enjoys pictures of animals. I know she would be thrilled to receive cards. Thank you in advance for your kindness and thoughtfulness. Please send to Shirley Rae, 4927 Genevieve Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90041.
Kathleen Ahern St. Maries, Idaho
My father celebrates his 100th birthday in June. He is a retired U.S. Air Force veteran and postal worker. One of his most meaningful memories is being selected for an Honor Flight. He enjoys people and loves to lend a listening ear to those in need. Quiet and reserved, he is our family historian. As many of his friends are no longer here to celebrate with him, please join in celebrating his milestone with a card. I know he will read each card and share the broadest and warmest of smiles. Send to Forrest Williams, 2140 Center St., Apt. 201, Ashland, OH 44805. Thank you.
Lea Ann Curry Pahrump, Nevada
Odds
I am in need of 60-watt incandescent light bulbs for a cat’s house. She uses the light bulbs in the winter to keep warm. LED light bulbs are great but do not generate heat to keep Ringo warm. Thank you in advance.
Donna Morelini
476-980 Jeffrey Lane Susanville, CA 96130
Submitting Requests Is Free
I bought the wrong ink for my Canon printer. It is unopened. 245 Black and 244 Color Fine cartridges to be donated to anyone with the correct Canon printer.
Mary Cooke
1503 Conklin Lane Cove, OR 97824
Recipes
Every Thanksgiving and Christmas, my mom would bake an egg-based Germanstyle dinner roll. The recipes I have found don’t have the golden color or flavor. If anyone knows about this type of roll and has a recipe, I would appreciate it.
Richard Firman P.O. Box 6 Likely, CA 96116
Thanks
In the June 2023 edition I requested help translating postcards written in Schweizerdeutsch. The response was overwhelming. There were 14 readers willing to help me. It’s a project still in progress, but I wanted to send my sincere thanks to all who responded.
Jerilee Henderson Tillamook, Oregon
Have a safe summer!
Send your request—no attachments, please—to readerexchange@ruralite.org or mail to Reader Exchange, 5625 NE Elam Young Parkway, Suite 100, Hillsboro, OR 97124. Fill in the subject line with Reader Exchange. Acceptance, scheduling and editing are at the editor’s discretion. Single requests only, please. No duplicates.
Submissions are handled on a first-come, first-served basis and as space allows. We cannot honor every request. Please affirm you have authorization from all appropriate parties before submitting. By submitting, you indemnify Reader Exchange, Pioneer Utility Resources Inc., its officers, directors, employees, utility clients and insurers from all legal liability incurred by the publication of information.
We no longer accept pen pal requests. You may submit a pen pal request as a Marketplace ad. Marketplace pricing applies. When submitting a milestone request, please send it at least two months before the milestone. Phone numbers will not be published. Email addresses will be published if part of the ad, but you must include a postal address. Requests also must include the name and address of the electric utility that provides your magazine.
See rocks reach for the skies in Utah at
Bryce Canyon National Park
What Is It?
See a forest of hoodoos—tall shafts of rock—reach for the sky in Southern Utah at Bryce Canyon National Park. The spires and vistas are a great chance to take in the beauty of nature.
How Do Hoodoos Form?
First, at one point roughly 50 million years ago, the area was the low point of an ancient floodplain, where particles were deposited and bound together. Tectonic plates caused uplift as the North American plate was pushed upward by a subducted plate to the west. Then, rain, water and ice eroded much of the sediment, with the towers remaining.
What to Do
Be sure to see the Bryce Amphitheater. Most of the hoodoos are in the amphitheater. The main park road has a series of drivable scenic viewpoints, which also serve as trailheads for hikes. If you continue along the main park road, the next 15 miles are known as the Southern Scenic Drive. It shows more arches and other geologic formations and highlights the park’s large change in elevation—more than 1,000 feet.
The Grand Staircase
Bryce Canyon is toward the top of a series of geologic features known as the Grand Staircase. The staircase stretches more than 100 miles, starting at the Grand Canyon and working north up a series of cliffs. These features are useful to geologists because they expose roughly 600 million years of Earth’s rock layers largely undisturbed by glacier scouring or other events.
More Information
Visitors must purchase a pass to enter the park. It is $20 per person or $35 per standard vehicle, with other passes available. To start planning your trip, call 435-8345322 or go online to www.nps.gov/brca.
ADOBE STOCK PHOTO BY LUCKY-PHOTO
THE GREAT PICTURE HUNT
By Dave LaBelle
I love black-and-white photos. I always have.
In my memory bank are powerful black-and-white images, such as Dorthea Lange’s “Migrant Mother” and Nate Fein’s “Babe Ruth Farewell at Yankee Stadium.”
But alongside these iconic photographs are equally powerful color images.
One such color photograph is “Afghan Girl,” made by American photojournalist Steve McCurry and published on the cover of National Geographic in 1985. The penetrating green eyes, red scarf and green background in the portrait of a then-unknown 12-year-old Sharbat Gula connected with readers as no other image had before. It became the magazine’s most popular cover ever, and CNN called it the world’s most famous photograph.
Just as I do not believe Dorthea’s 1936 gripping Depression-era photo of Florence Owens Thompson would have had the same impact in color, Steve’s poignant portrait wouldn’t have
enjoyed its far-reaching impact in black and white.
How colors play off each other is a consideration.
The Afghan girl, with green eyes and a small sliver of green beneath her red scarf, works well against that green background. Another color behind her might not have yielded the same impact.
Reader Challenge
See if you can see in color. Find or make a photograph that communicates only in color and would fail to have the same impact in black and white. If it is a dull, overcast day, consider adding a little flash to awaken the colors.
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.
Color affects our moods. Marketers and advertisers know this. Businesses spend millions trying to determine how humans will respond to certain colors and influence our buying habits. Studies have proven that, while color perception is individual, people of different age groups respond and gravitate to different colors.
My wife might say color affects our energy. n
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.
Storm clouds encroach on lateday sun over a corn field. PHOTO BY DAVE LABELLE NIKON D700, 24-70mm lens ISO 200, f/4 at 1/1000
2025
By Walt Amacher, Oregon—Tillamook PUD
Ruralite Calendar Photo Contest
It is time to share your favorite photos for a chance to appear in our 2025 Ruralite calendar.
Up to 13 winners will be selected and receive $100. Photos must be submitted by July 15, 2024.
The contest is open to recipients of Ruralite and Currents magazines. Each person may only submit up to two photos. Each photo submission must include:
• Photographer’s name, address and electric utility.
• A short description of what is shown.
• Photographer’s email address and phone number.
• Digital JPEG photos only. Photos must be horizontal or landscape format and at least 300 dpi at 11 inches wide by 9 inches tall. Vertical photos and files larger than 30 megabytes will not be accepted. Send submissions to calendar@ruralite.org. Put “2025 Calendar Photo Contest” in the subject line.
Winning Tips
• Use the highest resolution setting on your digital camera.
• Photograph beautiful places and wildlife.
• Capture scenes full of vivid color.
• Reflect the seasons.
• Focus on the beauty of your geography.
• Make us feel something (awe, joy).
Visit ruralite.com/2025contest for more information and an FAQ about entering the contest.
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Before you leave for vacation, reduce energy waste and wear and tear on your home’s equipment by following these energy-saving tips.
PHOTO BY MARK GILLILAND/PIONEER UTILITY RESOURCES
Set Your Home to Vacay Mode
By Miranda Boutelle
Q: How can I lower my electric bill when I’m gone on vacation?
A: Just like you, the equipment in your home is hard at work getting through the daily grind. While you are off enjoying a new adventure or time away, give your home’s equipment a vacation, too. Doing so can reduce unnecessary energy waste and unneeded wear and tear on your heating and cooling system, appliances and more. Here’s how to set your home to vacay mode. Your heating and cooling system keeps you comfortable. If you aren’t there, it doesn’t need to be quite so comfortable in your home. Setting the thermostat closer to the outdoor temperature can save you energy and money. I don’t recommend completely turning off the heating or cooling system. In extreme weather, your heating and cooling system also helps protect your home from freezing pipes or damage from excessive heat.
As a rule, you can typically set your thermostat 5 to 10 degrees closer to the outdoor temperature when you aren’t home. Each home is different, and the weather varies depending on where you live. Consider the right temperature
balance for your house.
Installing a smart thermostat that has a corresponding phone app gives you the ability to control your settings remotely. You can adjust the temperature after you leave home and right before you return.
Most water heaters have a vacation mode setting. This setting drops the temperature to reduce wasted energy when you are not home. A storage water heater is like an insulated tea kettle, ready to provide hot water whenever you need it. Give that water heater a vacation, too. Changing the setting to vacation mode keeps it on at a lower setting, saving energy. Leave yourself a reminder note to turn it back on when you get home, so you don’t wind up with a disappointing shower before the first day back at work.
Closing the curtains can have two benefits. It can keep heat from the sun or the cold at bay. This reduces the load on your heating and cooling system, which saves energy. It also blocks visibility into your home when you’re away.
For security, some people use timers or leave on exterior lights. Make sure any lights left on are LEDs, instead of incandescents or compact fluorescents. LEDs use less energy and have less impact
on your electric use when left on all night. Also consider adding smart LEDs to your home, which can be controlled remotely through an app on your phone.
Did you know there are devices in your home that continue to draw power from your electric outlets even when turned off or on standby? Before you leave, walk through your home and unplug devices and appliances. Make sure gaming devices and computers are fully powered down. Unplugging any devices that have lights, clocks or use standby mode can also reduce wasted energy.
Having peace of mind that your home is powered down and secure can help you enjoy your vacation. After all, we all need an occasional break. n
Miranda Boutelle has more than 20 years of experience helping people save energy. She has worked on energyefficiency projects from the Midwest to the West Coast. Today, Miranda is chief operating officer at Efficiency Services Group in Oregon, a cooperatively owned energy-efficiency company.
MARKETPLACE
Agriculture
Reinforced custom-sized pond liners (39 cents/sqft). Hay covers, greenhouse covers, any width and length. Truck tarps and more. High puncture and tear strength. Best price guaranteed. Celebrating 43 years in business. www.btlliners.com. 541-447-0712. 0425
4x5 round bales, meadow foxtail orchard grass. 4x4 Timothy, small square. 208-435-4637 or 208-435-4002; nas@cpcinternet.com. 1224
Antiques and Collectibles
Buying antiques and collectibles: advertising signs, porcelain signs, gas pumps, beer signs, antique toys, cast-iron coin banks, neon signs and more. Jason, 503-310-3321 or tjabaughman@yahoo.com. 0924
WC Collectibles. We buy comic books! Local to the Inland Northwest, willing to travel. WCCollectiblesCheney@gmail.com; 509-496-1835. 0724
1850 British sideboard in excellent condition. Will furnish photo and history. 360-376-2245. Leave message. 0624
Books, Magazines, Videos
Idaho author Tova R. Cladouhos offers children’s books on Amazon or email her at tovarae@gmail.com. These books are perfect for elementary-aged children; factual stories based on friendship, affection, protection and farm animal adventures. Tova loves barns, pastures, dogs, cats, sheep and ponds. Her books include, “The Nine Lives of Milo the Cat,” “Saving Lily,” “Little Molly” and “Little Molly’s Secret.” 0724
Book restoration. Bibles, cookbooks, cherished family heirlooms. Beautiful work. We give renewed life, more durable than original, to last for generations. 775-537-7066; salacanstudio@gmail.com. 0624AR
Business Opportunities
Quaint hardware store in Maupin, OR, for sale. Inventory and interior store recently updated and refreshed. See ad on Bizbuysell.com or email Maupincountrystore@gmail.com. $275K. 0924
Community Events
5th Annual Ely Rock and Gem Swap is 10 a.m.4 p.m. June 21-22. Buy-sell-trade. Presented by the White Pine Public Museum, 2000 Aultman St., Ely, NV 89301. Entry fee: adults $7, children $4. Children’s activities and more. www.wpmuseum.org; 775-289-4710; wpmuseumnv@gmail.com. 0624
Quick, Affordable: How to Place an Ad
Ads 25 words or fewer are $35 a month. An extended ad of up to 35 words is $50 a month. Contact information is included in the word count. Phone numbers and emails count as one word.
Longer ads may be placed. Contact 503-357-2105 or info@pioneer.coop for pricing information.
Ads are for customers of member co-ops, public utility districts and municipals only. Subscribers and nonmembers may inquire about pricing at 503-357-2105 or info@pioneer.coop.
Ads must be direct and in first person, and are subject to approval and editing.
Closing deadlines (in our office): August issue—July 1, 2024.
If submitting ad by mail, send appropriate payment with your name, address, email, phone number and the name of the electric utility that provides your magazine to: Marketplace, P.O. Box 1306, North Plains, OR 97133. Make check or money order payable to Ruralite.
We accept credit card payments for ads submitted by email. Send ad to info@pioneer.coop.
Call 503-357-2105 to pay by credit card.
Advertisements are accepted in good faith. Pioneer Utility Resources is not liable for interactions between buyers and sellers.
Fun, family community event. 100+ vendors, food trucks, music entertainment, children’s activities, rhubarb pies, adult beverages. Free event. www.lapineseniorcenter.org, info@lapineseniorcenter.org. June 15-16. 0624
Summerfest at White Sulphur Springs Ranch. An outdoor festival of food and music 3-7:30 p.m. June 30, at historic White Sulphur Springs Ranch Site in Clio, CA, 2200 Highway 89. www.WhiteSulphurSpringsRanch.com; 530-836-2530. 0624
Free Items
Free materials - church, government uniting, suppressing “religious liberty,” enforcing National Sunday Law. Be informed. Need mailing address only. TBS, P.O. Box 374, Ellijay, GA 30540. tbsmads@yahoo.com; 888-211-1715. 0824AR
Media
Watch local TV on the go for free on your TV, phone, tablet, computer or Roku. 775-727-9400. Visit www.kpvm.tv and stream live today.
Miscellaneous
Alaskan yellow cedar. Great for planter boxes, herb and flower beds, fencing or decks. Various sizes available. Pete, 541-206-0727. Lisa, 541-747-5025, ext. 21. 0624
Local commercial fisherman sells summer catch of preserved freshness by blast freezing at sea, gourmet canned tuna on internet. Sept.June. 100% guaranteed the best canned tuna you ever tasted. Original, jalapeno and garlic flavors available. Twofisherstuna.com. Call 206-799-1082 to place your order. 0624
Granite cemetery markers at affordable prices. Will ship to most places. For more info: Joe, highdesertmemorials@gmail.com or 541-815-8906; www.highdesertmemorials.com.
Pets, Supplies
Alaskan husky. Male, 4 years old. Neutered; has all his shots. Good with children. Great disposition. Doesn’t bark. 541-875-4172. 0624
Idaho shag (border collie x Airedale). The best dog you will ever have. Farm/ranch dog. Males and females. $450 each. Colton, OR. 971-804-1706. 0724
AKC-registered Airedales. Fort Sage Kennels, Patricia Sharp, P.O. Box 246, Doyle, CA 96109; 530-827-2271. 0924
Your ad could be here in August. See instructions above for details.
Plants, Garden Supplies
Cactus for sale. Cold/winter hardy. Good for landscaping. Sunnyside/Mabton, WA, area. Local pickup only. marybarthlow@gmail.com; 509-391-5546. 0724
Real Estate
Christmas Valley, OR. 40 acres with perimeter fence. 36x36 metal building, two carports, water well 370 ft deep, storage container on chase. Taking only serious offers. 541-536-5776. 0724
Let me help you buy or sell ranch, farm and recreation property in Oregon. Fourthgeneration Oregonian. For sale, Sisters, OR, 40 acres. Price reduced $1,595,000. John Gill, 541-480-9161 or johngill@landandwildlife.com. Land And Wildlife brokerage. 0624
North ID forested 20-acre property. Multiple building sites, power at property line, 6 miles to Bonners Ferry. $380K, offers considered. 530-715-0030; bgbkkr@gmail.com. 0624
320 acres east of Adel, OR. Borders Hart Mountain, Steens Mountain and Beaty Butte. Property is a dark sky sanctuary. $267K. For maps contact: 541-659-1573; thejugglingman3@gmail.com. 0624.
Dale Store. 11 acres along U.S. Hwy 395. Live and work in this recreational enthusiast area. $550K. Duke Warner Realty: 541-987-2363; ddwr@ortelco.net. 0624.
$179.9K-fully loaded, remote, AK property for sale. Log cabin, fully equipped with all living amenities, SeaArk river boat (less than 200 hrs), 5 acres, chain saw sawmill, tractor, DR mower, tool shed full of everything you will need and much more. River and trail access. Half-hour boat ride upriver from Nenana, AK, boat dock. Outside borough, so no property taxes. Only serious buyers. 907-388-7080. 0624
Comfortable 2 bd, 1 ba, 1,200 sqft. Eagle, AK, home, on Yukon River. 4 lots. 2 cabins. $175K OBO. Ann, 907-251-9094. Gary, 907-505-8263. See listing on Land.com. 0624
Wanted: Arable acreage located in Tillamook County. Zoned exclusive farm use. For growing fruit, flowers, produce and plants for Saturday Market. olsond1954@gmail.com; 503-580-7540.
Buying or selling in Brookings, OR? Call Pat Piper at Century 21 Agate Realty first. Experience. Empathy. Education. Exceptional. 541-251-2152; patpiperbroker@gmail.com.
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. 0624
Summer getaway, 2 bd, 1 ba on lot located in Mountain City, NV. Needs work. $40K. Call 775-304-2398. 0624
15 off-grid acres. At 8,400-ft., near Fort Garland, CO. Great view of the state’s 4th highest peak. On Person’s Road in Sangre de Cristo Ranches. Pinon trees, year-round access. $52.9K. 541-729-0374. 0924
Recreational Rentals
Wavecatcher: oceanfront cottage. Central Oregon coast. Summer $175/night mid-May to mid-Oct.; $140/night mid-Oct. to mid-May. (plus cleaning/tax). Three bd, 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. 0724
Vacation Rental: Syringa, ID. Rustic, 2-bd furnished frame cabin. Near 3 rivers, mountains, wilderness. www.airbnb.com/rooms/356491; glenscott.swearingen@gmail.com. 0624
Recreational Vehicles
Sunseeker 24 on Mercedes Sprinter classic. 57,000 miles. 50% tires. Good condition. 8-ft slide out. $53.9K. FOB Eugene or Bend. 541-556-0517. 0724
1999 Dutch Star 38-ft. RV. Diesel pusher. 3126B Caterpillar engine. Freightliner chassis. One slide. Excellent condition. 95,000 miles. Many upgrades. Asking $25K. 530-616-0388. 0624
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. La Pine, 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
Timeshare victims? Call TimeShareBeGone, 800-214-4460. We will get your timeshare legally canceled. A+BBB, 5-star reviews, 16 years experience. 100% money-back guarantee. 1024
Want to Buy
Wanted: 1967-’72 Buick Skylark, GS, Stage 1, GSX. Cars, parts or leads. Or any ’60s or ’70s vehicles. Email billybibbett@hotmail.com. 0824 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. 0624
Wanted: early Corvette ’58-’62, any condition. Call/text Randy, 503-544-3807. 0824
WELCOME HOME THE BRAVE
Susanville Bluegras s Festival
The Susanville Bluegrass Festival is making a triumphant return in 2024 after a hiatus in 2023. The Susanville Bluegrass Music Alliance, led by Dan and Cheryl Douglas, is excited to bring back this beloved event for its 13th celebration.
The festival will take place June 21-23 at the Lassen County Fairgrounds in Susanville. This year’s festival promises a stellar lineup of bluegrass talent, ensuring a weekend filled with unforgettable music and good vibes.
In addition to the festival, the Susanville Music Camp is June 18-20 with campers welcome to set up on Father’s Day, June 16. The camp offers an opportunity for musical immersion and camaraderie leading up to the main event.
Returning this year is the weeklong quilt room activity, where participants can work on their projects while enjoying live music piped in from the stage.
The festival will also feature day and evening jam sessions throughout the grounds, inviting attendees to join in and experience the communal spirit of bluegrass music.
Tune up your instruments, put on your dancing boots and get ready to celebrate the vibrant tradition of Bluegrass music against the beautiful backdrop of the Diamond Mountains.
The 2024 Susanville Bluegrass Festival and Music Camp are set to be an extraordinary celebration of music, family and community. Don’t miss out on this magical experience. n
ADOBE STOCK PHOTO BY PASEVEN
Don’t tread it, don’t spread it. Behead it!
Management:
Puncturevine, goatheads, caltrop, and devils thorn are all names for the same plant known botanically as Tribulus terrestris.
This is the plant whose seed burrs, dubbed goatheads, pop your bike tire, stick in your dog’s paw, or stab your foot in your yard.
Why remove it? It’s an invasive, non-native plant, that hurts people and pets, and can infest gardens!
Learn to recognize puncturevine as a seedling for easy control. Kill plants before seeds form, and check for seedlings often during the summer.
Hand-pull or hoe plants for small infestations. Use paint rollers, foam kneeling pads, or carpet pads to pick them up.
Dispose of plants and goatheads in tear-proof containers. Treat as trash. DO NOT put in green waste bin. DO NOT attempt to burn or bury.
Identification: Low spreading plant with yellow flowers and opposite leaves. Can form large, densely tangled mats.
When they grow: Germinates and flowers throughout the growing season. Can produce seed within 4 weeks mainly JuneSept. Seeds remain viable in the soil up to 6 years.
Where they grow: Roadsides, walkways, disturbed areas, areas mowed for summertime weed abatement.
For large infestations, spray plants before flowers form. For herbicide and other information search “Puncturevine UC IPM” online. Help
For more information on biology and control methods visit: https://ucanr.edu/goatheadsipm
Goathead seedling. Photo credit: Jack Kelly Clark
BEFORE YOU GO
The First Ruralite Recipe
June is the month for cool, luscious desserts that can be prepared at your leisure and kept in the refrigerator until time to serve them. Here is a dessert that is simple to prepare, elegant to look at and wonderful to eat.
Chocolate Refrigerator Cake
4 ounces sweet milk chocolate
¼ cup hot water
1⁄ 8 teaspoon salt
4 egg yolks
1 teaspoon vanilla
4 egg whites
½ cup powdered sugar
1 cup cream, whipped
2 dozen ladyfingers or a sponge cake
Melt chocolate with hot water and salt in double boiler. When well-blended, beat in
AI-GENERATED
ILLUSTRATION BY GEMINI
egg yolks and cook and stir over hot water for 4 or 5 minutes or until egg yolks are set. Remove from heat and chill slightly.
Beat egg whites until stiff but not dry, then beat in the powdered sugar. Fold into the chocolate mixture. If desired, reserve
1/4 cup of cream before whipping for the garnish. Whip the cream until stiff and fold into the chocolate mixture. Arrange the ladyfingers on the bottom and sides of a spring form mold. Pour in part of the chocolate mixture. Chill for several hours or overnight. Serves 8 to 10.
If using the sponge cake, cut away the center of the sponge cake leaving a shell about ¾-inch thick. Layer the cake that has been removed from the center and the chocolate mixture into the sponge cake shell and chill.
The extra whipped cream is used for a garnish topped with shaved milk chocolate. n
Editors note: As Ruralite magazine celebrates 70 years, we bring you the first recipe published in our magazine in June 1954. We hope you enjoy this walk down memory lane.
Now you can finally have all of the soothing benefits of a relaxing warm bath, or enjoy a convenient refreshing shower while seated or standing with Safe Step Walk-In Tub’s FREE Shower Package!
✓ First walk-in tub available with a customizable shower
✓ Fixed rainfall shower head is adjustable for your height and pivots to offer a seated shower option
✓ High-quality tub complete with a comprehensive lifetime warranty on the entire tub
✓ Top-of-the-line installation and service, all included at one low, affordable price
Now you can have the best of both worlds–there isn’t a better, more
65 S. Roop St.
Susanville, CA 96130
Phone: 530-257-4174
Fax: 530-257-2558
www.lmud.org
Board of directors
Daren Hagata, President
Fred Nagel, Vice President
David Ernaga, Treasurer
H.W. “Bud” Bowden
Jess Urionaguena
staff
General Manager
Robby Hamlin
Electric Operations Manager
Cort Cortez
Administrative Services Manager
Karen Rollings
Public Relations Manager
Theresa Phillips
Accounting and Finance Manager
Catherine Schroeder
Customer Service Manager
Christina M. Nystrom
IT Manager
Thomas Plummer
In case of an outage: If your electricity is off for more than a few minutes, call 530-257-4174. Office hours are 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Outside of normal business hours, calls are monitored by our answering service and forwarded to the appropriate LMUD personnel.
The board meets at 5:30 p.m. the fourth Tuesday of each month. CA-106
Developing LMUD's Budget
Each June, our board of directors adopts a budget for the coming fiscal year, which runs from July 1 through June 30 of the following calendar year. Developing the budget presents an opportunity for staff and the board to evaluate how we use available funds to fulfill our mission as a publicly owned electric utility. Boiled down to its simplest terms, that mission is to provide reliable electric service at the lowest practical cost.
This month, the board will hold a budget workshop where staff will present a draft of the 2024-2025 budget. The workshop is an opportunity for the board and staff to go over the budget details, capital projects and related issues. The workshop date will be set at the May 28 board meeting. The final review of the budget is during the regular board meeting on June 25.
During this meeting, staff will ask the board to formally adopt the budget—this process is defined by the Municipal Utility District Act of California. Once adopted, the budget will become our guiding financial document for the fiscal year.
We are keenly aware that controlling our costs is important to our customers, since cost increases directly impacts the rate you pay for the service we provide. Overall, the budget will reflect the efforts of LMUD to control costs where we can and minimize the impact of increases out of our control, such as those imposed through state and federal regulations and increased costs of materials and equipment.
The largest variable cost is the price we pay to buy power and have it delivered to our system. The past few years have seen rising wholesale power costs, with little relief in sight. As stated, we have little control over purchase power cost, so we make every effort to manage fixed costs. Examples of fixed costs include operating and maintaining the electric distribution system; metering, billing and customer service; and general and administrative costs.
As a community owned utility, we are dedicated to keeping costs as low as possible while providing high-quality, reliable service to our customers. The budget process helps us focus on this goal, but the effort continues year-round.
As always, we encourage you to attend our monthly board meetings at 5:30 p.m. on the fourth Tuesday of month in the LMUD boardroom at 65 S. Roop St. You can also view our agendas and minutes at www.lmud.org.
Robby Hamlin General Manager