MIDSTATE ELECTRIC
JUNE 2024
Board member enjoys representing the co-op’s eastern district Page 4
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.
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
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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.
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.
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.
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
Retired teacher doles out cookies and history lessons Up Close, Page 10
Midstate board member enjoys representing co-op’s eastern district
By Craig Reed
“Have I got a deal for you.”
When Alan Parks, a Midstate Electric Cooperative board member, called Dan Jansen three years ago, that was his pitch.
The “deal” was for Dan to run for election to the Midstate Electric Cooperative Board of Directors. If elected, he would represent the irrigation and farming industries and residents of the co-op’s District 8, including Christmas Valley and the land, residents and businesses to the east.
Dan and his wife, Marlene, are hay growers on acreage east of Christmas Valley. They grow mainly alfalfa for the export market, with most of their product sold to Pacific Rim nations through a broker. The couple also have a small but
expanding herd of cows.
“I didn’t know much about the co-op,” Dan admits, recalling that 2021 phone conversation. “Talking a little bit about it with Alan, it sounded like something that would work for me and be of interest. I’m always up to learning something new.”
Alan says he told Dan being a board member required attendance at “only one meeting a month with a lot of good cookies.”
Dan accepted the invite and was the lone candidate to apply for the District 8 election. He replaced Diana Cox, who retired after several years on the co-op board.
“Dan brings a huge number of talents and a broad background in agriculture, education, business, personal relationships and coaching to the board,” Alan says. “He was an excellent choice, and he’s proven that to be true.”
Dan quickly discovered being a Midstate board member involved more
than attending a monthly meeting and eating cookies. He took classes early in his three-year term to get up to speed on co-op principles and learn about electric power sources, rates and other issues.
“It was a little more involved than I thought it would be,” he says. “It takes lots of hours. But I love working with Midstate. I think we have a great management staff and an awesome board of directors.
“In my first three years, I’ve just been trying to soak it all in, to understand all the bits and pieces of the power industry.”
Dan, now 52, says he was one of the youngest and least experienced board members when elected three years ago. But he says a “good veteran core” on the board was willing to mentor him.
In addition to helping the board make and approve management decisions, Dan serves on the marketing and scholarship committees.
Although he had a lot to learn during
his first term, Dan says his background has helped make it a smooth process. He is a Lake County Hay and Forage Association board member, having been the organization’s president for six years until recently stepping down.
He is also a North Lake School Board member, a high school boys basketball coach and a High Desert Rangeland Fire Protection Association board member.
Dan grew up on a dairy farm owned by his parents, Pete and Irene Jansen, and graduated from Forest Grove High School in 1989. He attended Portland Community College and then transferred to Oregon State University, earning a general agriculture degree with a minor in crop science in 1993.
A year later, Dan earned a master’s degree in agricultural education from OSU.
For the next 10 years, he taught agriculture and shop classes at Sherwood High School. In 2004, he returned to
Oregon State and was an instructor for general ag and ag education classes. He earned a doctorate in science and math education during the next three years while teaching.
Dan then transitioned to being an Ecampus instructor and, at the same time, started a consulting project—Curriculum for Agricultural Science Education. The purpose of the latter “was to try to beef up the science and math connections to agriculture in high school and college classes,” Dan says.
Marlene, who has a master’s in ag science from OSU, was also part of the project. The couple worked with teachers in 32 states across the United States.
“There are natural connections in agriculture to help kids learn math and science,” Dan says. “We were trying to make ag courses more appealing to schools and their students.”
Because the couple could do their consulting work remotely, they moved to
Christmas Valley in 2012. They settled on the ranch owned by Marlene’s parents, Richard and Carolyn Mensch. Marlene was raised there.
“We wanted to get away from the rain and the crowds,” Dan says.
The Jansens helped with the ranch work until deciding in 2018 to quit the curriculum consulting business and go full time into ranching.
Dan says he’s come full circle, from growing up on a dairy farm and growing hay for cows, to studying farming, then teaching about farming and now back to growing hay.
He continues to share his time with Midstate Electric since his reelection in May to another three-year term.
“We’ve got some challenges ahead regarding power supply and power pricing,” Dan says. “I hope my past experiences and my last three years on the board can help in the decision-making for the cooperative going forward.” n
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.
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]
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.
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 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
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.
Join in on the fun with MEC’s annual calendar photo contest! Share your best photos for a chance to be featured in our 2025 calendar. Thirteen winners will be chosen, with each monthly winner receiving $50 and the cover photo winner scoring a $200 grand prize.
Submit your digital entries online at www.midstateelectric.coop/ calendar-contest.
Printed submissions can be dropped off at our office or mailed to:
Midstate Electric Marketing & Communications
PO Box 127, La Pine, OR 97739
By entering, you grant MEC onetime rights to publish your photo in the calendar and to use it for future promotional purposes. Contest is open exclusively to MEC members. Submissions close on August 5, 2024.
Each person may submit up to five photos. Each photo should include:
h Photographer’s name and address.
h A short description of what is shown in the photo. Preference will be given to photos taken within MEC’s service areas.
h An email address and telephone number where the photographer can be contacted.
h Printed photo entries must be at least 300 dpi at 10 inches wide by 8 inches tall.
h Digital JPEG photos must be at least 300 dpi at 10 inches wide by 8 inches tall.
h Horizontal or landscape photos only. Vertical photos and files larger than 20 megabytes will not be accepted.
Foreign objects can tear utility workers’ protective clothing
Signs, balloons, and other materials on utilities poles are more than just an unpleasant neighborhood eyesore; they can be dangerous —even life threatening— to the professionals who maintain our vital lines of electricity, communication and other services. Midstate Electric and Safe Electricity urges everyone to help keep utility poles free of such materials.
The clamped safety boots used by line workers to climb poles are vulnerable to becoming snagged on staples and nails embedded in posts. Foreign objects can also tear utility workers’ protective clothing, which is the first line of protection from an electric shock.
They can also injure workers despite the safety gear they wear to avoid contact with rough surfaces.
Posting items to power poles can also be a public safety hazard. The materials posted on the poles not only distract people as they drive, but they also degrade the quality, effectiveness, and stability of the wood. Posting items to utility poles is usually a violation of local ordinances as well.
It is also just as important to avoid tampering with or disrupting the guy wires that surround utility poles. Please inform children not to play or swing on them and maintain your distance when performing yard work. If you see the poles or guy wires are disrupted in some way, please give us a call.
“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 powerful assistive listening device has helped millions of people enjoy their favorite television shows, movies, and streaming content without disturbing others.
Voice Clarifying Audio® works better than hearing aids for watching TV as it eliminates background noise and boosts hard to hear television dialog making voices, whispers, and accents understandable.
120db of volume provides extra power not found in hearing aids or regular TV headphones. Hear as loud as you want on the headset while others listen at a comfortable volume.
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
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.
CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: Carole MacDonald takes a break in her Pahrump, Nevada, kitchen to 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
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.”
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.
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.”
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
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.
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.”
“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
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.”
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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
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
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
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
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
By Walt Amacher, Oregon—Tillamook PUD
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.
• 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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Shuting off or deenergizing power lines to help ensure our equipment does not start or contribute to wildfires during red flag conditions.
These are issued by the National Weather Service when strong gusty winds are combined with high temperatures and low humidity.
MEC’s vegetation management program includes tree trimming, brush clearing to reduce flammable material and mitigate fire risk.
MEC places the power lines on a high sensitivity setting during red flag conditions. Only under imminent danger to life or property will we implement a PSPS.
In case of a PSPS, have an emergency plan in place, restock emergency supplies, ensure back up generators/batteries are operational.
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
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
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
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.
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 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
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.
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.
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
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
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
According to the Department of Energy, solar energy is the fastest-growing and most affordable source of new electricity in America. DOE also says the cost of going solar decreases every year. But that doesn’t mean it is a viable solution for everyone. Below are some common questions and answers to help you decide if solar power is right for you.
By Jennifer Paton
This is overwhelming. Where do I start?
Start with your electric utility. Its staff can help you understand rate structures, your monthly electric bill costs and the monthly costs you will have after installing solar.
Solar contractors can provide proposals outlining system designs and costs.
Can I expect to see around the same cost for a solar system from any contractor?
“Costs, features and warranties can vary substantially, so get more than one quote on a system,” says Thomas Elzinga, energy services manager at Central Electric Cooperative, based in Redmond, Oregon.
“It’s OK to shop around. You could save thousands of dollars.”
Are there any incentives for installing a solar panel system?
Ask the contractor and your electric utility about incentives, which vary by location.
Do all solar contractors know the various ins and outs of solar programs?
Not necessarily.
“As you talk with contractors, ask if they are familiar with your utility’s solar program and interconnection requirements,” Thomas says. “Confirm what your contractor says with the utility so there are no surprises.
“Make sure the solar company is local. If the system needs maintenance, you can reach out to the company so it can service your system.”
If you choose an out-of-the-area company, getting anyone to perform repairs could be difficult.
How do I know what size system I need?
“Ask your utility what your annual use is to help the contractor determine what size system you need,” Thomas says. “It is in your best interest not to generate more power than you would need in a year.”
Ask your utility if it has a net-metering program and how it works.
What is net metering?
Net metering is a program offered by some utilities. This billing mechanism gives homeowners credit for any extra electricity their systems produce and supply to the power grid.
“Not all utilities offer net metering, and the way the participating utilities calculate and apply credits can differ, too,” says Miranda Boutelle, chief operating officer at Efficiency Services Group, based in Hillsboro, Oregon. “Always directly check with the utility to get details before you agree to installing solar.”
Can a solar panel system go on any roof?
“Depending on the age of your roof, you might consider getting a roof inspection,” Thomas says. “This will give you an idea if your roof needs to be replaced before the panels are installed.”
Homeowners should be aware they could void the warranty on their roofs by adding solar panels.
Do I have to pay upfront for a solar installation?
There are several ways to pay for a solar system and installation. You can pay in full with cash or finance it with a loan. These options allow you to own the system immediately or at the end of the loan term. State and federal tax incentives can help offset the costs.
Installing a solar system through a lease or power purchase agreement is also an option. In this structure, a third party— such as the solar installer—owns the system.
“They install the system on your property, then sell you the energy produced at a predetermined rate,” Miranda says. “They are responsible for maintaining the system and own it at the end of the agreement term.”
Will solar panels keep me from losing power during outages? No. Solar does not keep your home
energized during power outages.
“Solar systems are designed to shut off when your power goes out,” Thomas says. “This is for the safety of utility personnel when they make repairs during outages.”
An exception is if the solar system is paired with a battery or generator backup and a transfer switch is installed. Batteries can sometimes be added after installation. Consult with your solar contractor for details.
Will I save money once panels are installed and they start to generate power?
Many factors contribute to the financial benefit of generating your own electricity: your energy use, the system’s cost, electric rates, and the specific rules and regulations for your state and electric utility.
Regardless of how much power you use, you must still pay facilities charges to your utility. The bottom line is, unless you disconnect from local electric service
completely, you will still have a monthly electric bill.
Will my solar panels be effective year-round?
Solar generation drops during overcast skies and snow events. In many areas, this happens often during the winter.
“If you live in an electrically heated home, this is when you use the most power,” Thomas says.
Who else is involved?
You or your contractor will work with your local building department to receive necessary permitting before installing the system. Once it is installed, you will likely need final inspections from the building department and the electric utility.
Your utility grants permission to operate before energizing your system. Don’t assume your local building department communicates with your electric utility.
“Because the solar installation process involves multiple parties, preapproval and post-inspections, it is important to check with your local utility and building department before committing to a solar installation,” Miranda says.
How can I lower my carbon footprint at home without installing solar?
Using power the most efficient ways you can is the best way to reduce greenhouse emissions at home.
“This can involve everything from better power-using habits—like using cold water for laundry—to making equipment upgrades—like installing a heat pump water heater—in your home,” Thomas says. “You can find great advice and equipment recommendations in this magazine throughout the year and by reaching out to your utility.
“There may even be some incentives from your utility, state or federal government to help you make those upgrades.” n
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.
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,
P.O. Box 127
La Pine, OR 97739
www.midstateelectric.coop
info@midstateelectric.coop
541-536-2126 • 800-722-7219
Departments
Member Service Option 3
Engineering ........... Option 4
Marketing ............. Option 5
Operations Option 6
After-Hours Outages and Emergencies: 541-536-2165 or 800-752-5935
OFFICE HOURS
Monday through Thursday
7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Closed Fridays and holidays
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
President
Dick Luebke, Sunriver
Vice President
Ron Cass, La Pine
Secretary/Treasurer
Tanna King, Chemult
Daniel Jansen, Christmas Valley
Garry Journey, Crescent
Steven R. Miles, Fall River
Alan Parks, Fort Rock
Gil Ernst, Gilchrist
Bud Kendall, La Pine
The board meets the fourth Monday of each month at the co-op office.
STAFF
General Manager
James “Jim” Anderson
Engineering Manager
Tom Weller
CFO/Accounting Manager
Jami Steinhauer
Information Services Manager
J.D. Powers
HR and Communications Manager
Sina Streeter
Marketing Manager
Britni Davidson
Operations Manager
Brian Sharr
Attorney
Raymond Kindley
OR-23
Consumers with water, gas and electricity connections have long been targets for utility scams. In today’s digital world, every swipe and click increases the risk of potential scams.
Scammers are more sophisticated than ever, and they understand our growing reliance on technology. Scammers have adapted their tactics to trick unsuspecting consumers.
Midstate Electric Cooperative wants to help you avoid energy scams, whether a financial loss or leak of your personal information. I want to share some of the latest scams and tips to help you stay safe from even the craftiest scammers.
Scammers typically disguise themselves as utility employees or representatives to steal consumers’ money or personal information. A common trick is to claim a consumer’s bill is past due and threaten to disconnect service if payment isn’t received immediately.
Scammers approach consumers through a variety of means. However, the digital line of attack is increasingly more common.
For example, new capabilities disguising caller ID or “spoofing” can make the phone number you see on caller ID appear to be from a trusted source. Spoofing makes it easier for scammers to deceive you because it’s more difficult to verify the call.
Another scam uses fraudulent websites identical to a utility payment webpage. What’s worse, these pages are often promoted on search engines to trick consumers into clicking and making a payment.
There are several red flags you can watch
for to identify an energy scam. Scammers often use high-pressure tactics to create a sense of urgency.
Scammers may ask for unusual payment methods, such as gift cards or cryptocurrency. If someone pushes for an unusual payment method, it’s likely a scam.
You’ve probably noticed many digital scams, such as emails or text messages, include poor grammar, spelling errors and odd email addresses. These are red flags, so when you see these dodgy forms of communication, consider it a potential scam.
MEC employees never demand an instant, immediate payment or threaten to disconnect your service without warnings. We strive to resolve challenging situations and work with our members to avoid disconnects.
We never ask for your Social Security number or banking details over the phone or through email. We offer several secure payment options, including in person, scheduled payments and through SmartHub.
Always be suspicious of an unknown individual claiming to be an MEC employee requesting banking or other personal information.
If you’re ever in doubt about a potential energy scam, call us at 541-536-2126 so we can help. By notifying us about attempted scams, you can create the first line of defense. Help us spread the word and prevent others from falling victim.
Jim Anderson CEO/General Manager
“Trust, but verify.” —Ronald Reagan