Ruralite, Orcas Power & Light Cooperative, May 2025

Ruralite

ORCAS POWER & LIGHT COOPERATIVE

MAY 2025

Island Efficiency

Local business embraces energy efficiency and makes the switch to ductless heat pumps Page 4

Ruralite

May 2025 • Volume 72, No. 5

CEO Michael Shepard

SENIOR VP OF CONTENT Leon Espinoza

EDITORIAL DIRECTOR Chasity Anderson, CCC

DEPUTY EDITORIAL DIRECTOR

Noble Sprayberry

SENIOR EDITOR Jennifer Paton, CCC

ASSISTANT EDITORS Victoria Hampton, CCC; David Herder, CCC; Sable Riley, CCC

ASSOCIATE EDITORS

Valeri Saldanha Rosa, Nina Todea

PUBLICATIONS PRODUCTION SR. MANAGER

Elizabeth Beatty

SENIOR PUBLICATIONS COORDINATOR

Alyssa McDougle

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The Measure of Our Moments

Time is a curious thing. We count it in seconds, minutes, years—yet its true value isn’t in its measurement but in how we fill it.

In this month’s issue, I was drawn to how our story subjects measure their moments. James Du Bois captures literal droplets of time in his Oregon Du Drops, preserving rainwater in delicate glass bulbs that mark weddings, births, memorials and more.

“It’s the closest thing to catching time in a bottle,” he tells us, creating physical mementos of fleeting moments.

Time takes on different dimensions for the ultramarathon runners featured in our McKenzie River Trail Run Spotlight feature. These remarkable athletes measure hours not by clock ticks but by miles conquered—testing physical limits while forming deep bonds with fellow runners and the natural world. What started as five men running 50 miles evolved into an event that sells out within 24 hours, drawing participants from 18 states and beyond.

Perhaps most poignant is Aaron Reed’s relationship with time. The ultrarunner and

musician faced the ultimate countdown when diagnosed with a brain tumor.

“If we don’t get it out immediately, you got maybe six weeks,” his doctor told him. Today, recovered and training again, Aaron views each day as a gift, noting a higher power gave him back his most precious resource: time.

As we move into May, I’m reminded we each have our own way of marking our days. For some, it’s through creative pursuits—capturing raindrops or photographing new life, as Dave LaBelle encourages in his column. For others, it might be pushing our physical boundaries or simply savoring a sweet moment inspired by one of our spring desserts.

However you choose to measure your moments, I hope you find inspiration in these pages to make them count.

Until next time, Chasity Anderson Editorial Director

Do you know someone who spends their time in a unique, interesting way? I’d love to learn more. You might see them showcased in an Up Close article later this year. Reach me at editor@pioneer.coop.

For supplemental and interactive content, search @Ruralite on your favorite social media sites. Reader Exchange 18 Photo Contest 19

Rainy-Day Relics

Oregon Du Drops are perfect for reflecting on life

Up Close, Page 10

McKenzie River Trail Run

A world-renowned ultramarathon with a local mission

Spotlight, Page 12

Spring Into Flavor With Fruity Desserts

In The Kitchen, Page 16

Island Efficiency

A local business makes the switch to ductless heat pumps

One of the many things that makes the San Juan Islands so special is the rich culture of small and family-owned businesses. In the San Juans, the love and care islanders put into their establishments is obvious.

Many islanders also make efforts to run their businesses sustainably and do what they can to improve energy efficiency and earth-conscious practices every day. One such place is the Earthbox Inn and Spa in Friday Harbor.

Laura Saccio, co-owner of Earthbox Inn and Spa, runs her establishment with a personal touch. Laura incorporates many of her passions and personal interests into

her day-to-day operations. These passions include sustainability, energy efficiency and supporting local businesses.

The Earthbox property is home to three historic buildings, one of which houses the spa. The spa building, built in 1895, was the home of Capt. William Kasch of the Inter Island Navigation Co.’s fleet vessel Yankee Doodle.

It was important to Laura and the Earthbox team to preserve the beauty and charm of the historic buildings on the property, even as they made changes.

In 2019, Sustainable Connections— an organization Orcas Power & Light

Cooperative frequently partners with to encourage energy efficiency and savings for co-op members—conducted a commercial energy audit on the Earthbox property.

The results of the audit revealed the heating system in place at the time—cadet wall heaters and baseboard heating—was inefficient and guzzling a lot of energy. Making the swap to a more efficient heating device, like a ductless heat pump, would cut down significantly on energy costs in comparison.

The Sustainable Connections team recommended improving the buildings’

ABOVE: Laura Saccio is the co-owner of Earthbox Inn & Spa and Bird Rock Hotel.

OPPOSITE PAGE: The Earthbox Inn lobby is warm and welcoming. PHOTO COURTESY OF OPALCO

insulation so heated and cooled air would better circulate through the rooms and not seep through poorly insulated walls.

With a specific plan in mind, the Earthbox team could get to work on improving the property’s energy efficiency. Following the recommendations of the energy audit, the team updated the insulation in all buildings on the property. It started by clearing out the crawlspaces and then installing the highest level of insulation.

While renovating and updating the building’s interiors, the team ensured the exteriors kept their historic charm. The buildings remain cute and cozy for guests.

In 2022, the first round of ductless heat pump installations began, starting with the largest building on the property. In the past few years, the business upgraded to ductless heat pumps in stages with the help of OPALCO’s commercial rebates.

By January, mini split upgrades were complete in all but one building on the property. Gone are the energy-guzzling baseboard and forced air heaters. In their place is a remote-controlled ductless system that keeps the indoor temperature perfect throughout the year.

In addition to the desire to conserve

Consider the Switch to Ductless Heat Pumps

Are you a business owner in San Juan County or a residential Orcas Power & Light Cooperative member looking to make the switch to energy-efficient ductless heat pumps? OPALCO’s Switch It Up program lets members choose from a variety of efficiency projects to improve their home or business and finance the project on their OPALCO bill. Learn more about qualifying projects and the Switch It Up process at opalco.com/switchitup.

OPALCO business owners can also enroll for a commercial energy audit and get connected with incentives through Sustainable Connections. Email communications@opalco.com for more information.

and more efficiently use energy, guest experience and satisfaction was a huge driving factor for these updates.

“Temperatures have been changing over the years, so while back in the day nobody had HVAC systems in the Northwest, now people have gotten used to sleeping in cool conditions or having the ambient noise, and that plays a big part in guest comfort,” Laura says.

The system also made some of the staff’s day-to-day tasks more efficient.

“If housekeeping misses turning down the thermostat in one of the rooms, we can control it via the cloud and have it ready for the next guest to check in,” Laura says.

These practices—and many more— demonstrate the intention and care that goes into all aspects of business at Earthbox Inn & Spa. n

Interested in seeing the space for yourself? Stay at the Inn or make an appointment at the spa and see all these things in practice. Visit earthboxinn.com to make reservations.

Laura’s personal interest in being a sustainable business owner guides the way she runs her businesses. The Earthbox team has increased the amount of environmentally friendly products it uses. The guest room toiletries are locally made by Handmade La Connor, bought in bulk and refilled in dispensers. All single-use eating utensils are made from cornstarch and are fully compostable. As toilets need upgrading, they are replaced with lowflow alternatives to conserve water with each use.

A closer look shows the new ductless heat pump in one of the Water Place rooms at Earthbox Inn. PHOTO COURTESY OF ORCAS POWER & LIGHT COOPERATIVE

PHOTO COURTESY OF EARTHBOX INN & SPA

Power Life

May is Electrical Safety Month

By Abby Berry and Nina Todea

Every May, Electrical Safety Month serves as a vital reminder of the importance of preventing electrical hazards at home. Electricity powers nearly every aspect of modern life, but if handled improperly, it can pose serious risks, including injuries and property damage.

Your electric utility understands the risks associated with improper electricity use, which is why we’re committed to reminding you to stay vigilant and practice electrical safety year-round.

By following key safety practices, you can reduce the risk of electrical hazards and ensure your family stays protected. Here are eight essential tips for powering up safely at home:

1. Be vigilant. Regularly inspect your home’s electrical system, including smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors, for signs of damage or outdated components.

Electrical fires can start silently and out of sight, making functional smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors essential for early detection. Test alarms monthly, replace batteries annually and ensure you have alarms installed in key areas of your home, including inside and outside of bedrooms.

2. Replace frayed electrical wires or cords. The Electrical Safety Foundation International estimates roughly 3,300 home fires originate from extension cords every year, primarily due to overloading, overheating or fraying. If you’re relying on extension cords as permanent power solutions, consider contacting a qualified electrician to install additional outlets where you need them.

3. Use surge protectors. Safeguard your sensitive electronics and appliances with surge protectors. These handy devices help divert excess voltage away from your electronics, reducing the risk of damage or electrical fires. Not all power strips include surge protection, so read the product label carefully. Additionally, surge protectors can lose effectiveness over time and should be replaced when damaged or outdated.

Avoid overloading electrical outlets with power strips that exceed the outlet’s capacity.

PEXELS PHOTO BY ZION

Safel y

4. Practice safe use of power strips. Avoid overloading electrical outlets with power strips that exceed the outlet’s capacity. High-energy devices, such as heaters, microwaves and hair dryers, should be distributed across multiple outlets. Overloading an outlet with “busy” power strips can lead to overheating and create a fire hazard, so be sure to check the power strip’s wattage rating before plugging in items.

5. Don’t mix water and electricity. It may seem obvious, but accidents involving water contact with electrical items happen. Always keep electrical appliances and devices away from water sources, such as sinks, bathtubs or swimming pools. Make sure your hands are dry before touching any electrical switches or appliances. Never handle electrical devices with wet hands. Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters should be installed in areas where water and electricity are typically in proximity, including kitchens, bathrooms and outdoor outlets.

6. Hire a qualified electrician for major work. While DIY projects may seem like a tempting way to save money, working with electricity requires specialized knowledge of your home’s electrical system and national safety codes. Cutting corners can be a costly mistake beyond your wallet.

Recent data from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission reports nearly 400 electrocutions in the United States each year, 14% of which are related to wiring hazards. A licensed electrician has the expertise to handle major electrical tasks, such as installing new wiring, upgrading your circuit breaker panel or troubleshooting electrical issues. When it comes to electricity, safety should always be your priority—leave the major jobs to the experts.

7. Educate family members. One of the best ways to ensure the safety of everyone in your household is to talk about electrical safety. Teach children not to play with electrical outlets or appliances, and ensure they understand the potential dangers of electricity. Create and practice a home fire escape plan that includes electrical safety precautions in the event of an emergency.

Practicing electrical safety at home is essential for protecting your family, property and peace of mind. Remember, electrical safety isn’t just a one-time effort—it’s a year-round responsibility. Taking these steps can help ensure a safer, more secure home for you and your loved ones. n

Electrical Fire Do’s and Don’ts

Homeowners should always take precautions to mitigate the risk of electrical fires and other electrical hazards—but what happens if those precautions are still subject to human error?

Faulty wiring, power surges or malfunctioning appliances can ignite flames in an instant. In those critical moments, knowing exactly what to do can mean the difference between safely containing an electrical fire and facing a devastating loss. Follow these guidelines if an electrical fire breaks out in your home:

Do cut the power: If a faulty appliance causes the fire, unplug it immediately. If you can’t reach the plug but have a safe path to your home’s breaker panel, turn off the electricity at the panel.

Do use a fire extinguisher: Not all fire extinguishers are created equal. Electrical fires should be extinguished with Class C fire extinguishers, which are specifically designed to address electrical fires. Fire extinguishers should only be used on small, contained fires. Electrical Safety Foundation International recommends homeowners buy a fire extinguisher large enough to effectively put out a small fire, but not so heavy that it is difficult to handle. In a pinch, small electrical fires can also be smothered with a fire blanket or baking soda.

Don’t use water: Although it may be your first instinct, water conducts electricity and can make the fire worse or cause electrocution.

Do evacuate immediately: If the fire spreads out of your control, get everyone out of the house and to safety, then call 911. Closing doors behind you can slow the spread of the fire.

San Juan County Comp Plan— Get Involved

San Juan County is updating the County Comprehensive Plan, an important guiding document for managing land use and infrastructure in a coordinated and sustainable way.

Comp Plan goals and policies can help local organizations prepare and adapt as climate disruption accelerates. The plan addresses key elements, including land use, housing, transportation, capital facilities, utilities and economic development.

Essential infrastructure organizations like Orcas Power & Light Cooperative use the document to guide long-term planning. Most of the plan elements touch on OPALCO’s day-to-day mission.

The Comp Plan calls for energy independence, yet San Juan County land use designations make it difficult to install local renewable generation projects, such as utility-scale solar and battery projects. This year, OPALCO wants to get co-op members involved in the plan’s updates.

The OPALCO team is making recommendations on the various elements of the Comp Plan that affect the work OPALCO does. The Comp Plan needs to be action-oriented, focus on practical implementation and incorporate datadriven planning to support policy decisions.

The Comp Plan acknowledges the significant challenges our county faces, such as climate change, mainland power outages, water shortages, the lack of affordable and worker housing, and local infrastructure needs. However, it does not prioritize meaningful action and lacks the urgency needed to put this plan into effect.

Within the climate element, OPALCO

recommended the plan address the urgent need to expand local renewable energy generation, simplify permitting for utilityscale solar projects and improve energy resilience in light of imminent regional power shortfalls.

Our recommendations also advocate for planning to ensure adequate water supply, worker housing and infrastructure capacity through 2045. The revisions further emphasize practical climate adaptation strategies, including wildfire risk reduction, regenerative agriculture and effective implementation of climate goals through measurable targets.

In the utility element, OPALCO included actionable items that support the expansion of local renewable generation, such as increased permitting predictability, and revised land use policies and acknowledgment of utility-scale solar as essential public infrastructure. The revisions emphasize the need for workforce housing with more flexible income requirements to aid utility

operations and suggest practical solutions, such as density incentives and flexible land use.

During recent Comprehensive plan Outreach for Meaningful Public Action and Sustainable Solutions (COMPASS) community engagement sessions, the public expressed strong support for expanding local solar energy production, implementing progressive electricity rates, promoting energy-efficiency policies and advancing the electrification of transportation.

OPALCO has led the charge on rooftop solar and energy-efficiency initiatives by providing incentives and low-interest financing, and facilitating installations on homes and businesses. Local solar energy has reached adoption levels comparable to California, generating more than 10 times more energy per load than the state average. That said, even with the full use of suitable rooftops and impermeable surfaces, the

Continues on Page 25

Comprehensive plan Outreach for Meaningful Public Action and Sustainable Solutions meetings were held throughout the islands to gather feedback on the San Juan County Comp Plan climate element. PHOTOS COURTESY OF OPALCO

Rainy-Day

Relics

Oregon Du Drops are perfect for reflecting on life

By Vicki Hillhouse

Inside a Rockaway Beach gallery off U.S. Highway 101, tiny water worlds dangle overhead. Delicate glass bulbs filled with Oregon rain and topped with brass temple bells hang like droplets suspended in time.

Artist James Stephen Du Bois— known to all simply as Du Bois— began making the bulbs for his own delight about 50 years ago. In 1999, after honing his creative process, he decided to fill them with Oregon rainwater and sell them as works of art. People occasionally asked if he had rain from a specific date. Soon, he was collecting and cataloging rain to customize his bulbs for birthdays, weddings, anniversaries and memorials.

“It’s the closest thing to catching time in a bottle,” Du Bois says. Most rewarding are the emotional bonds that tie his Oregon

Du Drops with the people who buy them.

“We call that nonmonetary compensation,” he says. “There’s such reward from touching people’s lives.”

On days he and his wife, Cathleen “Cat” Freshwater-Du Bois—both in their 70s— contemplate retirement, this is what drives him to continue.

“I like the idea that I’m making something for someone I don’t even know is going to come in,” he says. “When they do come in, and they see it, and it’s meaningful to them, then I know I’m doing something important.”

A Drop of Inspiration

Oregon Du Drops date back to Du Bois’ 1970s college days at Indiana University. One early morning, he was walking in the woods when the rising sun illuminated a flowering bush blanketed in dew drop-covered spiderwebs.

“It was just the most interesting thing I’d ever seen,” Du Bois says. He stood captivated for the longest time, wanting to re-create

James Stephen Du Bois is the creator of Oregon Du Drops.

PHOTO BY WESLEY LA POINT

Oregon Du Drops is easy to spot with its bright red color off the Oregon Coast Highway in Rockaway Beach. A giant mobile of reflective drops outside the building is known for catching the eyes of travelers, who turn their vehicles around to see what’s inside. PHOTO BY VICKI HILLHOUSE

the refraction and reflections. Once home, he dug out a spent light bulb, opened the metal with pliers, cleaned out the bulb and filled it with water.

“I was getting the same effect that I saw in the dew drops,” he says.

He started making them for his home, displaying them in windows, and sometimes adding plant cuttings. The exploding roots, though, robbed the reflective aspect—one of the first lessons of making Du Drops. Over the decades, Du Bois learned how to prevent the invasion of microorganisms in the bulbs with isopropyl alcohol and how to seal the orbs with adhesive.

“I played with them myself, about 25 years, just enjoying them,” he says. “A lot of people said along the way, ‘You ought to be sharing these with people.’ I never saw myself as an artist. I was just interested in what I was seeing.”

In 1999, while living in Springfield, Oregon, he began selling his drops at a Saturday market in Eugene. That year, Eugene experienced a 90-day drought, and Du Bois ran out of rainwater. Determined never to go without a water supply again, he now uses a dehumidifier to pull moisture from the air, collecting a gallon a month.

He met Cat in 2001 when he had a booth at Rockaway Beach’s Wine, Cheese and All That Jazz Festival, where she belted out tunes throughout the afternoon as a performer.

Cat enjoyed the Du Drops and set out to buy one filled with Valentine’s Day rain. Short on funds, she and Du Bois agreed to put the bulb on layaway. When they went to shake on the deal, Cat was so taken with the bespectacled artist that she kissed him instead.

“We’ve been together ever since,” she says.

They married a year later and eventually moved to Rockaway Beach.

Making Memories

Most customers discover Oregon Du Drops by driving past the couple’s home gallery. A metal mobile outside holds the drops, and passing motorists turn their cars around to check it out. Inside,

other

beams of light from the windows and skylight bounce off mirrors in sparkling resplendence.

The simplest bulb takes about eight days to make. Du Bois juggles several at a time in different stages of production. An icicle version can take three weeks as he shapes the glass with fire. Each drop hangs from a different color of ribbon depending on the month it was made.

Du Bois adds test tubes inside some bulbs and fills them with birthstones. He’s filled requests, too, to add cremated ashes inside. For such orders, he lights a candle as he makes the Du Drop and plays the favorite music of the person who died.

Cat engraves each Du Drop with dates, names or special messages.

“I wanted her hand on every Du Drop,” Du Bois says.

Cat also runs the gallery and serves as the voice on the phone, taking orders.

Shelves in the downstairs “rain cellar” are lined with 1-liter bottles. Demand for specific days has been relatively random. A recent customer requested a Du Drop from his October 1999 birth date. To Du Bois’ delight, that date was the starting point of his library.

Du Bois diligently updates the water catalog on his Oregon Du Drops website. The earliest years of collection don’t include specific dates. But recent years break down each day water was collected and whether it was dew or rain. Some supplies have been used up, such as the last four months of 2020.

For the time being, Du Bois is committed to continuing the business in one-year increments. He plans to keep making bulbs for Oregon Du Drops until at least 2026. He entertains the idea of making YouTube tutorials so others can make their own when he’s unable to do it. For now, he continues to touch lives with his watery wonders.

“That’s one of the nicest parts of the job—connecting with people’s lives,” he says. n

Oregon Du Drops is located at 450 U.S. Highway 101, Rockaway Beach, and can be found online at oregondudrops.com.

ABOVE AND LEFT: Each drop made by Du Bois is suspended with ribbon corresponding to the month when the rainwater inside was collected. He gathers a gallon of water each month to fill the decorative bulbs, commemorating birthdays, anniversaries, deaths and

memorable dates. PHOTO BY JAMES STEPHEN DU BOIS

McKenzie River

A world-renowned

ultramarathon

with a local mission

By Victoria Hampton

For nearly four decades, hundreds of runners have risen early to find their place behind the starting line of the McKenzie River Trail Run in Oregon. Instead of hitting the pavement, these athletes are getting off the beaten path. Along the 31-mile challenge are awe-inspiring waterfalls, an old growth forest and a lake so clear and blue it seems otherworldly.

These are just a few of the highlights that make the McKenzie River Trail Run a sought-after experience for ultrarunners.

“The physical beauty of the trail itself it unbelievable,” 73-year-old Race Director Tim Hooton says. “It rivals almost any scenic place.”

The event has tested runners’ strength and stamina along the Oregon trail for 38 years. The physical feat is paired with nature and camaraderie, some of the key differences that set ultramarathons apart from other competitions.

What started in the late ’80s with five men running 50 miles is now an annual 50K race that sells out in 24 hours, attracting runners from near and far.

“This year’s registration, we have people from 18 states and two foreign countries— New Zealand and Australia,” says Tim, who has been involved with the run for decades.

Ultramarathon runners push their physical limits while competing for top placement or simply crossing the finish line. The organizers behind these events dedicate their time to keeping participants coming back, all for the love of the sport.

What is ultrarunning?

Ultramarathons are characterized as anything longer than a 26.2-mile marathon. While 31-, 50- and 100-mile races are common, there are challenges of far greater distances.

While the races put runners to the ultimate test, UltraRunning Magazine

Editor Amy Clark says competitors find community and connectedness with smaller participant size and support along the trail.

“As ultrarunners, we understand that physical and mental breakdown of just trying to get through,” she says. “Most of the people who are drawn to this sport really care about each other. We want to see each other succeed.”

These events attract runners from all age ranges and walks of life. Race rosters list participants in their early 20s up to 80 years old.

Tim reflects on his lifetime of running, noting the increasing popularity of trail running since the late ’80s, which led to the growth of ultramarathons throughout the country.

The number of runners finishing ultramarathons in North America has steadily increased—with some dips when races were canceled during COVID-19 years 2020-2022—from 11,171 finishes in 1998 to 142,890 in 2024, according to UltraRunning Magazine.

Also on the rise is the number of female participants. In 2024, of the 2,949 ultraraces with 50 or more finishers in North America, female competitors won more than 51 ultramarathons.

“Our race is almost 50% women,” Tim says. “We’re talking women who can hang with the men and even kick butt. It has been fun to watch.”

He walked the remaining 89 miles in 52 hours, completing the race in four days, eight hours, 16 minutes and 33 seconds.

While achieving some of his best performances, on the trail and stage, a bigger threat was growing inside him.

Divine Intervention

At the end of the year, following a series of tests at the hospital, Aaron was diagnosed with a brain tumor.

“It’s kind of interesting, because (the tumor) was in there … I was racing really hard,” he says. “I was doing really well in races, the music, just everything was going so well, and then this happened.”

Due to the severity of the tumor, the surgeon didn’t know if it was possible to remove it all or what type of life Aaron would have after surgery. He could lose his vision, his ability to speak or, in the worst case, his life could be cut short.

“If we don’t get it out immediately, you got maybe six weeks,” Aaron recounts the doctor’s prognosis. “How long if I get it out? Thirteen months.”

Aaron’s wife, Becca, says time seemed to move backward as she stood next to her husband in a hospital bed and tried to process the news.

“I felt like things were going slow but incredibly fast,” she says. “The neurosurgeon came in, and it felt like this weird time warp of slow motion and super quick all at the same time.”

As a nurse, Becca helps people through some of the worst times in their lives. Yet, knowing her husband was facing a lifethreatening diagnosis was different.

“Nothing can prepare you for it,” she says. “It just absolutely floored me.”

Becca kept replaying the morning before Aaron’s seizure in her mind. They were drinking coffee together and planning the weekend. She savored the last moments of normalcy as she came to terms with the fact that if her husband survived, his life may never be the same.

As Aaron awaited surgery, Becca and Phil huddled with him on his hospital bed, shedding tears and holding on to the person they loved in his toughest moment. Aaron says a calm washed over him as he drifted into a deep sleep.

That is when he heard a voice. From somewhere unexplained and unsolicited, Aaron experienced a moment of divine intervention, offering him protection and peace of mind.

“God just literally put me to sleep,” Aaron says. “As soon as he put me to sleep, he said, ‘You’re gonna be OK.’ I just came out of it knowing I was going to be OK.”

Eight days after Aaron’s seizure, doctors successfully removed his tumor. Now, everyone waited to see what would remain of Aaron’s abilities when he woke up.

Shortly after finding out Aaron was awake, the doctor returned to his family with an update.

“He came storming back in and said, ‘He’s awake,’” Aaron says. “‘He knows his name. He knows where he’s at. He knows where he’s from. He just said the Packers game is on in 45 minutes. He’s talking.’”

On Christmas Day, just two days after surgery, Aaron was released from the hospital. He was back on a stationary bike seven days later. Since then, he’s started racing again in preparation for ultramarathons this summer.

Aaron’s pathology tests continue to show improvements.

“I know this isn’t going to be the thing I die from,” he says.

Coming Together in McKenzie River

In June, Aaron, Becca and Phil are joining the McKenzie River Trail Run, an ultramarathon coordinated by their friend, Tim Hooton.

“Tim is one of my soul friends,” Aaron says. “It’s cool to get to be there and get to do this thing he puts so much work in.”

During race weekend, Aaron and Becca will commemorate their 10 years of marriage with a vow renewal.

“McKenzie River has always been a really special place for us,” Becca says. “There’s something magical in that area. The forest and that river, you feel like you’re so far

away. There’s barely any cell service. It’s just a time to disconnect from the craziness of the world, and it just feels really peaceful and serene and quiet.”

While the worst is behind Aaron, building his mental stamina is just as much a part of his daily life as his physical fitness. Aaron writes in a journal, meditates twice a day and eats healthy. His practices include writing on paper five things he’s grateful for each day and placing the list in a jar.

“It seems to do quite a bit, especially if you’re one of those people who tends to gravitate towards the gloom and doom,” Aaron says. “I always have believed that the mind is super powerful.”

Yet, he doesn’t give himself credit for his miraculous recovery. Aaron believes a higher power gave him back his most precious resource: time.

“I didn’t have to tell myself it was OK,” Aaron says. “God literally came to me uninfluenced and just told me I would be OK.” n

To listen to Aaron and Phil’s music, visit thebrothersreed.com.

Since he recovered from a brain tumor, Aaron Reed and his wife, Becca, view every day as a gift. The couple will compete in the McKenzie River Trail Run in June.

“I didn’t realize anything was wrong until I had a seizure,” Aaron says.

Ultrarunner beats the odds Keeping Time

By Victoria Hampton

As a runner and musician, Aaron Reed’s life revolves around keeping time. From pace to beat, he follows a rhythm of performance as he traverses trails and takes the stage.

In December 2024, time took on new meaning when Aaron collapsed during a routine gym workout. Suddenly, he was hanging in the balance between life and death.

He was facing an unexpected challenge— time running out. Yet, mental and physical strength, along with divine intervention, prepared Aaron for the fight of his life.

Going the Distance

Aaron, 42, has loved running since middle school. When he moved to Oregon in 2004, he ran along the state’s scenic trails and found a path to the ultrarunning community.

“I was always really into long runs and as I got older, got into running ultras,” Aaron says.

Aaron continues taking on challenges at longer distances and finds new trails to explore while touring and performing with his brother, Phil. Known as The Brothers

Reed, the duo takes the stage at intimate venues from Washington to Arizona, combining storytelling with original lyrics.

During a tour stop in Arizona, Aaron discovered the Cocodona 250, a 250-mile ultramarathon from Black Canyon City to Flagstaff through some of state’s most scenic landscape.

In May 2024, seven months before he collapsed in the gym, Aaron found himself relying on his mental strength to push his body through the challenge. He was 80 miles in when he sensed something was wrong. By mile 161, he suffered a stress fracture in his leg.

“I had to make the decision,” Aaron says. “I am going to finish. The only way I won’t is if I am taken out of the race.”

At mile 161 of the Cocodona 250, Aaron Reed suffered a stress fracture in his leg. His mental fitness and stamina pushed him on to the finish line. PHOTOS COURTESY OF AARON REED

WITH FRUITY DESSERTS Spring Into Flavor

Strawberry Trifle

1 cup whole milk

1 cup sour cream

3.4-ounce package instant vanilla pudding mix

1 teaspoon grated orange zest

2 cups heavy whipping cream, whipped

8 cups cubed angel food cake

4 cups sliced fresh strawberries

Additional sweetened whipped cream for topping

In a large bowl, beat the milk, sour cream, pudding mix and orange zest on low speed until thickened. Fold in whipped cream.

Place half the cake cubes in a 3-quart glass bowl. Arrange a third of the strawberries around the side of bowl and over the cake. Top with half the pudding mixture. Repeat layers once. Top with remaining berries. Refrigerate for 2 hours. Top with additional sweetened whipped cream just before serving.

Recipes by Gertrude Treadaway

ADOBE STOCK

PHOTO BY SASHAMAGIC

Pistachio Fluff (Watergate Salad)

1/2 cup maraschino cherries

2 31/2-ounce packages instant pistachio pudding mix

24 ounces whipped topping

20-ounce can crushed pineapple, undrained

2 cups chopped walnuts

1 pound mini marshmallows

Chop the cherries into quarters, but reserve a few whole cherries.

Combine pudding mix with whipped topping and pineapple. Add walnuts, chopped cherries and marshmallows. Combine well.

Refrigerate for at least 2 hours. Garnish with whole cherries on top before serving.

Almond Cheesecake

Crust

11/4 cups crushed vanilla wafers (about 40 wafers)

1/4 cup sugar

Filling

4 8-ounce packages cream cheese, softened

11/4 cups sugar

Topping

2 cups sour cream

1/4 cup sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Heat oven to 350 F.

3/4 cup finely chopped almonds

1/3 cup salted butter, melted

4 extra-large eggs, room temperature, lightly beaten

2 teaspoons almond extract

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/8 cup toasted sliced almonds

In a bowl, combine the wafer crumbs, sugar and almonds. Stir in the butter, and mix well. Press into the bottom of a greased 10-inch springform pan. Set aside.

To make the filling, beat cream cheese and sugar in a large bowl until smooth. Add eggs. Beat on low speed just until combined. Stir in extracts. Pour into crust. Place on a baking sheet.

Bake for 50 to 55 minutes or until center is almost set. Remove from the oven. Let stand for 5 minutes, but leave the oven on.

To make the topping, combine the sour cream, sugar and vanilla. Spoon the mixture around the edge of cheesecake. Carefully spread over filling. Bake 5 minutes longer. Cool on a wire rack for 10 minutes. Carefully run a knife around the edge of the pan to loosen. Cool for 1 hour before refrigerating overnight.

Just before serving, sprinkle with almonds. Remove side of pan. Refrigerate leftovers.

Lemon Mousse

2/3 cup sugar

2 tablespoons cornstarch

Dash of salt

3 extra-large egg yolks

2/3 cup whole milk

1/2 cup lemon juice

2 teaspoons grated lemon zest

1 cup heavy whipping cream, plus more for topping

Lemon slices

In a small saucepan, mix sugar, cornstarch and salt. Whisk in egg yolks and milk until smooth. Whisk in lemon juice until blended. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly. Cook and stir until thickened slightly, about 2 minutes longer. Stir in lemon zest.

Transfer mixture to a bowl. Cover and refrigerate until cold.

Once cold, beat whipping cream in a small bowl on high speed until soft peaks form. Fold into lemon mixture. Spoon into serving dishes. Top with additional whipped cream and lemon slices.

Strawberry Pretzel Salad

2 cups crushed pretzels

3/4 cup butter, melted

Filling

2 cups whipped topping

1 cup sugar

Topping

2 3-ounce packages

strawberry gelatin

2 cups boiling water

Heat oven to 350 F.

3 tablespoons sugar

8-ounce package cream cheese, softened

2 16-ounce packages frozen sweetened sliced strawberries, thawed

Additional whipped topping and pretzels

In a bowl, combine the pretzels, butter and sugar. Press into an ungreased 9-by-13-inch baking dish. Bake for 10 minutes. Cool on a wire rack.

To make the filling, beat whipped topping, sugar and cream cheese in a small bowl until smooth. Spread over pretzel crust. Refrigerate until chilled.

To make the topping, dissolve gelatin in boiling water in a large bowl. Stir in sweetened strawberries. Refrigerate until partially set. Carefully spoon over filling. Refrigerate until firm, about 4 to 6 hours. Cut into squares. Serve with additional whipped topping and pretzels.

Crafts/Hobbies

My wife, Stephanie, is an avid gardener. She has only been doing it for a couple of years now, but she has more than 300 dahlia plants and rows of wildflowers and vegetables. She would love it if you would send her pictures of your garden or flowers and give each other hints/tips. She has spent every month for the past 15 years responding to this magazine and writing birthday wishes, recipes, etc. It really fills her bucket. It would be great if she could receive the same. Thanks.

Joe Randall

24753 Vaughn Road Veneta, OR 97487

I worked with a lovely lady named Jamie from Hermiston, Oregon, this corn harvest. During the season, she slipped and fell onto an extremely fast conveyor belt while unloading corn from a truck’s hopper and experienced severe injuries. She has not been able to work or do many of her favorite activities in recent months. Shopping for vintage marbles and paperweights at antique stores and yard sales is her favorite thing to do, but that's been a challenge lately since she doesn’t have the income she used to. She hasn’t been able to make any of her epoxy river charcuterie boards, cutting boards or river tables. She does very beautiful work. I wanted to see if any readers could donate vintage marbles and paperweights to her during this time. Please send to Jamie, P.O. Box 547, Irrigon, OR 97844

Anonymous friend of Jamie Hermiston, Oregon

My grandson and I just finished building a “marble run” which takes up half of the workshop. We only have a handful of marbles and need more. Instead of going to the store to buy some I thought I would try here first. Who has some marbles laying around? They can be “boulders” and “steelies.” Thank you very much.

K. Johnson 55271 Suba Road Coquille, OR 97423

Milestones

My mother-in-law will be 96 this month. She lives in a care home and would love to receive birthday wishes. Please mail to Lillian McClimans, Silver Spring Personal Care Home, 125 State Road #4, Mechanicsburg, PA 17050. Thank you.

Pamela McClimans

Lebanon, Oregon

Our mom, Jo, turns 93 this month. She grew up in Bellingham, WA. She was the lead in “You Can’t Take It With You” in high school and was Worthy Advisor in Rainbow Girls. She moved with our dad during his Navy years, and settled in Southeastern Washington to raise a family. Dad paved roads all over Montana, Idaho and Oregon. Mom made a home for us wherever his work took us. Dad is gone, after 70 years of marriage. Mom enjoys doing crosswords, Sudokus, texting her grandchilden, and watching old episodes of “Matlock,” “ The Andy Griffith Show” and “The Lawrence Welk Show.” She is an avid follower of Gonzaga basketball. Please consider sending “Jo” a birthday card. Thank you. Send to Jo c/o Karen Walton, 2644 Harris Ave., Richland, WA 99354.

Karen Walton Richland, Washington

Submitting Requests Is Free

Our mom will be 97 this month. She is a wonderful mom and a very strong lady. She has been adjusting to assisted living in Oregon. She lived in Yuma for about 20 years on her own. She loves mail. She has had quite a diverse life. Rancher, logger, commercial fisherman, miner, and wife, mother, grandma, great-grandma and great-great-grandma. She loved to travel and play games. Please send to Grande Ronde Retirement, Verna Oliver, 1809 Gekeler Lane #104, LaGrande, OR 97850.

Susan Mascal Baker City, Oregon

My mom turns 89 years old this month. Although a strong woman of faith, the last 21/2 years have been a roller coaster. She went into assisted living, and my mom and dad celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary. Sadly, Dad died two months later. Two great-grandchildren died; two others were born healthy. A granddaughter married and Mom’s dearest sister died. Mom loves to receive mail and would be delighted to hear from people across the country. Please send to Phyllis Crist, 1651 NE 108th Ave., Portland, OR 97220.

Debbie Larson Vernonia, Oregon

Send your request—with no attachments—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.

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Doctor urges seniors to carry medical alert device

Seniors snap up new medical alert device that comes with no monthly bills

People don’t always do what their doctor says, but when seasoned veteran emergency room physician, Dr. Philip B. Howren, says every senior should have a medical alert device, you better listen up.

“Seniors are just one fall away from being put in a nursing home,” Dr. Howren said. “With a medical alert device, seniors are never alone. So it keeps them living independently in their own home. That’s why seniors and their family members are snapping up a sleek new medical alert device that comes with no monthly bills ever,” he said.

Many seniors refuse to wear old style help buttons because they make them look old. But even worse, those medical alert sys -

tems come with monthly bills.

To solve these problems

Universal Physicians, a U.S. company went to work to develop a new, modern, state-of-the-art medical alert device. It’s called “FastHelp™” and it instantly connects you to free unlimited nationwide help everywhere cell service is available with no contracts, no deposits and no monthly bills ever.

“This slick new little device is designed to look like the pagers doctors wear every day. Seniors love them because it actually makes them look important, not old,” Dr. Howren said.

FastHelp is expected to hit store shelves later this year. But special newspaper promotional giveaways are slated for seniors in select areas. ■

■ NO MONTHLY BILLS: “My wife had an old style help button that came with hefty bills every month and she was embarrassed to wear it because it made her look old,” said Frank McDonald, Canton, Ohio. “Now, we both have FastHelp™, the sleek new medical alert device that our grandkids say makes us look ‘cool’ not old,” he said. With FastHelp, seniors never have to worry about being alone and the best part is there are no monthly bills ever.

Seniors born before 1961 get new medical alert device with no monthly bills ever

It’s just what seniors have been waiting for; a sleek new medical alert device with no contracts, no deposits and no monthly bills that instantly connects you to free unlimited nationwide help with just the push of a button for a one-time $149 price tag that’s a real steal after today’s instant rebate

The phone lines are ringing off the hook.

That’s because for seniors born before 1961, it’s a deal too good to pass up.

Starting at precisely 8:30am this morning the Pre-Store Release begins for the sleek new medical alert device that comes with the exclusive FastHelp™ One-Touch E 911 Button that instantly connects you to unlimited nationwide help everywhere cell service is available with no contracts, no deposits and no monthly bills ever.

“It’s not like old style monitored help buttons that make you talk to a call center and only work when you’re at home and come with hefty bills every month. FastHelp comes with state-of-theart cellular embedded

(Continued on next page)

because it instantly

FLYING OUT THE DOOR: Trucks are being loaded with the new medical alert devices called FastHelp. They are now being delivered to lucky seniors who call the National Rebate Center Hotline

(Continued from previous page) technology. That means it works at home or anywhere, any time cell service is available whether you’re out watering the garden, driving in a car, at church or even hundreds of miles away on a tour or at a casino. You are never alone. With just a single push of the One-Touch E Button you instantly get connected to free unlimited help nationwide with no monthly bills ever,” said Jack Lawrence, Executive Director of Product Development for U.S. based Universal Physicians.

“We’ve never seen anything like it. Consumers absolutely love the sleek new modern design and most of all, the instant rebate that practically pays for it and no monthly bills ever,” Lawrence said.

FastHelp is the sleek new medical alert device with the best of combinations: a quality, high-tech engineered device that’s also an extremely great value because there are no monthly bills ever.

Better still, it comes with no contracts, no deposits and no monthly bills ever – which makes FastHelp a great choice for seniors, students and professionals because it connects to one of the largest nationwide networks everywhere cell service is available for free.

And here’s the best part. All those who already have an old style monitored medical alert button can immediately eliminate those monthly bills, which is why Universal Physicians is widely advertising this announcement nationwide.

“So if you’ve ever felt a medical alert device was too complicated or expensive, you’ll want to get FastHelp, the sleek new medical alert device with no monthly bills,” said Lawrence.

The medical alert device slugfest was dominated by two main combatants who both offer old style monitored help buttons that come with a hefty bill every month. But now

Universal Physicians, the U.S. based heavyweight, just delivered a knockout blow sending the top rated contenders to the mat with the unveiling of FastHelp. It’s the sleek new cellular embedded medical alert device that cuts out the middleman by instantly connecting you directly to highly trained 911 operators all across the U.S. There’s absolutely nothing to hook-up or install. You don’t need a land line and

you don’t need a cell phone. Everything is done for you.

“FastHelp is a state of the art medical alert device designed to make you look important, not old. Old style monitored help buttons you wear around your neck, or require expensive base station equipment or a landline are the equivalent of a horse and buggy,” Lawrence says. “It’s just outdated.”

Millions of seniors fall every year and spend hours lying on the floor helpless

HOW TO GET IT:

IF BORN BEFORE 1961:

and all alone with no help.

But seniors who fall and get immediate help are much more likely to avoid getting sent to a nursing home and get to STAY living in their own home independently.

Yet millions of seniors are still risking their safety by not having a medical alert device. That’s because seniors just can’t afford to pay the monthly bills that come with old style medical alert devices.

That’s why seniors born

before 1961 are rushing to cash in the whopping $150 instant rebate before the 21 day deadline ends.

So there’s no need to wait for FastHelp to hit store shelves later this year because seniors born before 1961 can get it now just by using the $150 instant rebate coupon printed in today’s newspaper before the 21 day deadline ends. If lines are busy keep trying, all calls will be answered. ■

IF BORN AFTER 1961: You cannot use the rebate coupon below and must pay $299 Call: 1-800-330-9423 DEPT. HELP8533

THE BOTTOM LINE: You don’t need to shop around. We’ve done all the leg work, this deal is too good to pass up. FastHelp with the instant rebate is a real steal at just $149 and shipping and there are no monthly bills ever.

PROS: It’s the sleek new medical alert device that comes with the exclusive FastHelp One-Touch E 911 Button that instantly connects you to free unlimited nationwide help everywhere cell service is available with no contracts or deposits. It connects you to the vast available network of cellular towers for free and saves seniors a ton of money because there are no monthly bills ever making this deal irresistible. Plus it’s the only medical alert device that makes seniors look important, not old.

CONS: Consumers can’t get FastHelp in stores until later this year. That’s why it’s so important for seniors born before 1961 to call the National Rebate Center Hotline within the next 21 days. For those who miss that deadline, the sleek little medical alert device will set you back over $300 bucks.

Photographing New Life

By Dave LaBelle

I must have been 10 or 11 years old the day my mother drove 10 miles, took me out of my junior high class and rushed me home so I could watch my cat have kittens. Recognizing education comes in many packages, she figured me witnessing a cat giving birth was as valuable as what I might miss in the classroom that day. I didn’t have a camera yet, or I am sure I would have photographed the educational event. However, in the decades following, I photographed numerous animal and human births. Watching new life enter our world never gets old.

I like to think I’m a positive guy who usually doesn’t allow the hard things in life to get me down and to embrace the biblical admonition of focusing on things that are good and lovely. However, sometimes I can slip into dark moods. After all, a person can take only so much lying, cheating, posturing, stealing and killing. Watching animals in person or online, especially parents caring for their newborns, helps push away those poisons.

I was in a melancholy mood this past week, troubled too deeply about the state of our country, until a video of a baby elephant snuggling humans tickled me. It felt good to laugh. And then I watched rare footage shot from the mouth of a mountain lion den as a mother played with her kittens. Finally, I became engrossed with a livestream of bald eagles hatching eggs at California’s Big Bear Lake.

Reader Challenge

This is the time of year a lot of creatures give birth. Explore to see if you can find a spot to observe new life entering the world. This might be a nest near a lake or in a backyard tree. Perhaps you know where there’s an active fox den or a large hole in a tree where raccoons or squirrels have chosen to bring their young into the world.

Without disturbing, see if you can capture new life and the behavior as the offspring ventures into the world. I can’t wait to see what you find.

Email your best image (just one) with caption information, including an explanation of how it affects you, to gph@pioneer.coop. We may share submissions on our website and social media channels.

I was again reminded how amazing our natural world is.

Just as a slow walk in nature calms my spirit and reminds me of the awe-inspiring creation we inhabit, watching baby animals enter the world and witnessing the care of their parents lifts my spirit. n

Photographer, author and lecturer Dave LaBelle has captured special moments for more than half a century, sharing photo tips and life perspectives with readers. For more of his writings, visit davidlabelle.com and his blog at bridgesandangels.wordpress.com.

NIKON D800

— Gene H.

Tactical Meets Practical

Switzerland is synonymous with expensive, big-name luxury watches like Rolex®, Piaget® and Patek Philippe® that sell for thousands, but the Stauer Swiss Tactical Watch delivers Swiss precision for a fraction of the cost. Inspired by military timepieces like the American A-11, it combines rugged performance, simplicity, and legendary craftsmanship — built for action, not display cases.

Precision Takes Time

Swiss excellence demands patience. Each Stauer Swiss Tactical takes nearly nine months to complete, and this is a limited edition of 4,900. Crafted by master watchmakers, some of whom have worked with the other prestigious brands, this is your chance to own a rare, precision-engineered tactical watch without the inflated luxury price tag.

Why Pay for a Name?

Big brands charge more for status. Stauer delivers the same quality and precision with high-contrast markers for instant readability, a shock-resistant case to withstand hard knocks and Swiss-made movement for impeccable timing.

Limited Offer – Act Now

Don’t miss this rare combination of Swiss craftsmanship and unbeatable value. Only 4,900 available — once they’re gone, they’re gone.

Why pay more when you can own precision, heritage, and adventure for less? Order now — time is running out.

Watch Specifications:

• Made in Switzerland with precision Swiss Ronda 515 movement. Stainless steel caseback. Brown leather band

• 44 mm diameter case. Date window at 3 o’clock

• Water-resistant to 3 ATM. Fits wrists up to 8 ¼”

Stauer Swiss Tactical Watch

$399 $59* + S & P Save $340

*Special price only for customers using the offer code.

San Juan County Comp Plan

Continued from Page 8

energy produced would still account for less than 5% of the county’s total energy needs. OPALCO encourages rooftop solar for co-op members but also sees the need for utility-scale projects.

With no new hydropower available, a declining snowpack and submarine cables projected to reach capacity within a decade, the county must prioritize significant local solutions. OPALCO is legally obligated to provide safe and reliable service to co-op members. The power cannot be rationed.

Utility-scale solar, requiring less than 1% of county land—about 875 acres— presents a cost-effective and resilient alternative. When combined with agrisolar partnerships, it can improve food production, soil health and farm income while delivering reliable, winter-optimized energy at a fraction of the cost of rooftop systems.

It is crucial for the Comp Plan to encompass actionable and feasible solutions that protect and prepare our community. This plan, along with clear policies and measurable goals, will help San Juan County cultivate a sustainable community now and into the future. We urge co-op members to encourage the County Council to support these priorities.

There are several ways co-op members can participate in this comp plan update:

Speak at a county council meeting. The county council meets regularly at 9 a.m. on Mondays and Tuesdays. These meetings are open to the public either online or in person and include public access time at the beginning of each meeting. Visit sanjuancowa.portal.civicclerk.com.

Speak at a planning commission meeting.  The commission meets at 8:30 a.m. on the third Friday of the month. There is public comment time at the beginning of each meeting, and anyone can share their input. Check the meeting agenda to see which elements will be discussed. Provide written feedback. Email comments or questions to compplan@ sanjuancountywa.gov.

Let the OPALCO team know your thoughts. Let us know your ideas or what

you plan to share with the county. Email communications@opalco.com.

Here are some talking points members can give to the county to support the work OPALCO is doing and wants to do:

Prioritize local energy independence to prevent future blackouts. San Juan County is facing a growing energy reliability crisis due to regional power shortages, declining hydropower and limited submarine cable capacity. The comprehensive plan must support local renewable energy development—especially utility-scale solar—to ensure we can power our homes, ferries and essential services during increasing demand and climate-driven grid instability.

Streamline permitting for utility-scale solar and agrisolar projects. OPALCO has maximized rooftop solar deployment— achieving participation levels similar to California—but rooftops alone can only satisfy about 5% of our energy needs. To meet future demand, we need to use less than 1% of county land for utility-scale solar, ideally co-located with farms. The plan should modernize land use codes and ensure permitting certainty to facilitate the efficient construction of these projects and access crucial grant funding.

Recognize local renewable energy projects as essential public facilities. Energy infrastructure is as critical as water, communications and emergency services. The comprehensive plan should formally

recognize utility-scale solar and microgrid facilities as essential public facilities, giving them the same planning priority and permitting pathways as other crucial services needed to support our island community and local energy independence. Support worker housing. OPALCO and other essential service providers face challenges in hiring and retaining skilled staff due to a significant housing shortage. This affects low-income and middle-income workers. The county should permit flexible workforce housing solutions—such as density incentives, multiunit housing on utility-owned land and co-located housing with agrisolar projects—to sustain the reliable utility services islanders rely on. Plan for resilience, not just conservation. While conservation, rooftop solar and electric vehicles are important and OPALCO supports them, the comprehensive plan must adopt a balanced approach. We need to plan not only for sustainability but also for realistic resilience. That means backing utility-scale solutions that can operate during outages, accommodate growing electric demand, and ensure islanders have access to safe, affordable and reliable power now and in the future. n

Visit opalco.com/compplan to learn about OPALCO’s suggested plan edits and detailed response to the COMPASS engagement sessions. Stay tuned for OPALCO’s input on the Unified Development Code, which can help addresses these challenges.

San Juan County residents share their input and ideas on the County Comprehensive Plan.

MARKETPLACE

Agriculture

4x5 round bales, Meadow foxtail orchard grass. 4x4 Timothy, small square. 208-435-4637 or 208-435-4002; nas@cpcinternet.com. 1225

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 44 years in business btlliners.com. 541-447-0712. 0426

Irrigation system in NW MT. $15K, OBO. Includes 2 1/4 mile wheel lines, 1,380-ft. mainline w/25 risers; 2,400-ft. handline in 4x3x2-in., handline pipe trailer, 10hp electric motor w/Cornwell pump, 6-valve opener. tlazym82@gmail.com; 907-590-1454. 0525

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. 0925

Buying American Indian collectibles, Navajo blankets and rugs, baskets, beadwork, etc. Also, quality paintings of the early Southwest and Americas. Call 760-409-3117 or send photos to amer.ind.baskets@gmail.com. 0625

WC Collectibles. We buy comic books. Local to Inland NW. Willing to travel. 509-496-1835; WCCollectiblesCheney@gmail.com. 0525

Rural collector/historian buying clothing items and accessories from 1860-1915. Hats, shoes, dresses, etc. Also items from Lonerock and Condon, OR. 971-404-8332. 0525

1954 first issue of “Sports Illustrated” and next 9 consecutive issues available to collectors, great condition. Send offer to, sunstar@iinet.com. 0525

Assisted Living Facility

Haven House in Fossil, OR has rooms to rent on a month-to-month basis. 2 bd, $1.2K, 1 bd, $1K; and studio, $800. Lou G., 541-763-4651. 0525

Boats

Aluminum drift boat with trailer. Fish tray, bow and stern anchor system. Composite oars. 14- ft. by 8 in. with 54-in. bottom. Dry box with two seats. Wheeler, OR. $2.7K. 503-530-0315. 0525

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): June issue—April 30, 2025.

„ 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.

Community Events

Art exhibits “Explorations” (Dr. John Lundy) and “Thin Red Thread” (Bayly Lay). May 2-June 28. Art Center East. La Grande, OR. artcentereast.org. 0525

High Desert Music Jamboree at Harney County Fairgrounds in Burns, OR. June 12-14, Oregon Oldtime Fiddlers District 9. 541-573-1323; ootfa.org. 0525

Equipment/Tools

Farmi JL 300 logging winch, small woodlands, $1K. 13 push-pull control cables, $50 each. 60 16-inch nylatron and steel sheaves, 1/2-inch rope, $50 each. 4-ft. towbehinds Land Pride mower, $800. Kubota rototiller, near new, $1.5K. Ted, 458-910-3727. 0625

For Rent, Lease

Seeking ranch lifestyle in retirement? 2-bd, 2-ba home available in Central OR. Heritage ranch. Rent negotiable with handyman discount. Phone calls only, 206-818-9673. 0525

Free Items

Free materials—When church/government unite, enforcing Sunday Law, the “Mark” of the “Beast” is here. Don’t be deceived, be informed. Leave mailing address only, TBSM, POB 374, Ellijay, GA 30540. 888-211-1715; tbsmads@yahoo.com. 0625AR

Help

Wanted

The Wheat Land Communities’ Fair in Ritzville is seeking a responsible summer groundskeeper/camp host. Responsibilities include mowing, watering, general maintenance, overseeing the campground and other duties as needed. Would ideally be on-site May through mid-Sept. Full hookup provided. Contact Dan at skamaniadan@gmail.com or mail a letter of interest to: P.O. Box 14, Ritzville, WA 99169.

Dry-land wheat farm looking for skilled worker in field and shop work. Full-time (40plus hours a week with seasonal overtime). Ideal candidates have experience operating/ maintaining heavy equipment related to a dry-land operation. Some on-job training available. Walla Walla, WA. Resume to mike9681@charter.net. 0525

Miscellaneous

3 cemetery plots, Salt Creek Cemetery near Dallas, OR. $1.2K each. Open to offers on all. Message, 503-457-8084. 0625

Foster parents needed to care for teen youth in Wasco and Hood River counties. Agency provides on-call support, training, $2.1K/youth monthly reimbursement, 2 days off/month. Fosterinfo@nextdoorinc.org; 541-308-2207.

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. To order: twofisherstuna.com or 206-799-1082. 0525

Granite cemetery markers at affordable prices. Will ship to most places. For more info: Joe, highdesertmemorials@gmail.com or 541-815-8906; highdesertmemorials.com.

Looking for that special knife? I hand make custom hunting and fishing knives. I also make other metal and wood crafts. Buckeyeknives.com; 559-212-0693. 0625

Pets

Fort Sage Kennels closing. AKC-registered Airedales. Females, 1 year old. Males 2 to 3 years old. 530-827-2271 or 530-249-7896. 0525

Plants

Cactus for sale. Cold/winter hardy. Good for landscaping. Sunnyside/Mabton, WA, area. Local pickup only. 509-391-5546; marybarthlow@gmail.com. 0725

Real Estate

Impressive family home with high-end upgrades on the John Day River. $439K. Duke Warner Realty: ddwr@ortelco.net, 541-987-2363. 0525

320 acres east of Adel, OR. Borders Hart Mountain views, Steens Mountain and Beaty Butte. Landowner tags, very rural. $263K. For maps: thejugglingman3@gmail.com; 541-659-1573. 0525

$180K. 160 acres, proven gold claims. 131 miles north of Fairbanks, AK. 50-yard-per-hour shaker plant. Complete water system. Text, 907-223-3036. 0525

Granite, OR. 3 city lots, 3/4 acre each, one has an off-grid cabin. Year-round activities: hunting, fishing, hiking, skiing, snow-mobiling, 4x4, etc. $200K for all 3. 541-519-9077; billpathanley@gmail.com. 0525

82 acres with Doug Fir (planted 2008) and permitted rock quarry. Approx. 27 miles north of Roseburg, near I-5 exit 150. $2.1M. Lee Real Estate: john@northwestfarmbroker.com; 503-245-9090. 0525

Irrigon, OR. 3-bd, 2-ba. Manufactured home on permanent foundation. Lawn maintenance business with equipment. Huge shop and garage stick-built, unattached. One full city block property. $435K. 541-922-9675. 0625

Southern CA, Riverside County property for sale. 60 acres. I-10 at Joshua Tree exit. Parcel #715300006. $120K cash. Reasonable offers considered. lrehburg@aol.com; 714-349-7981.

Well-established Real Estate Brokerage expanding its team. Specializing in residential, commercial, vacant land, and ranch properties throughout Eastern OR. We’re a smaller brokerage focused on supporting our agents. Michael: Michael.ccp@outlook.com; 541-390-1032. 0525

20 acres buildable land Oakland, OR. Established road, driveway, building pad. Previous septic approval. Zoned agriculture/ wood. Stunning views, varied timber. $419K. Jim, 541-430-7576. 0525

Let me help you buy or sell ranch, farm and recreation property in OR. Fourth-generation Oregonian, prior ranch owner. For sale: Klamath Marsh, OR. 173.65 acres. $2.5M. Guest Ranch Overlay. John Gill, 541-480-9161; johngill@landandwildlife.com. Land and Wildlife brokerage. 0525

10-acre parcel near Denali Park, across from Otto Lake in Healy. Build to suit: lodge, home or rehab cabins on-site. richellekillian@gmail.com. 0525

Awesome view of the Nestucca River, still in tidewater, across from a great fishing hole. Newer, glassed in Trex deck overlooking the river. 2-bd, 2-ba home with knotty pine interior. 2-car garage, plenty of room for kayaks. A short walk to a beautiful beach. $524.9K. steelheadsteven@gmail.com; 503-680-9799. 0525

Recreational Rentals

Oceanfront cottage on the spectacular Central OR Coast. Stunning views, sandy beach. Scoters, spindrift and seals. 2-bd + loft all w/ double beds. Rates and reservations: relax@WaveCatcherbeachrentals.com, wavecatcherbeachrentals.com, 541-740-2846.

Enjoy your ideal Maui getaway. This updated 2-bd, 2-ba condo sleeps 4 and features a charming “surf shack” design. Just half a block from a beautiful beach, it’s perfect for morning strolls and sunsets. Plus, you’re steps away from shops and restaurants at Azeka Plaza. tinyurl.com/MauiGetaway. 0525

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. 0625

Recreational Vehicles

2015 Momentum 380ToyHauler. Garage 9.7x7.9ft. Sleeps 6, center island, pantry, fireplace, 3 slides, Onan generator. Excellent condition. Photos available. $55K. 406-827-0618; shoffland54@gmail.com. 0525

Services

Dawn Till Dusk Masonry. Brick, block, stone and pavers. Small jobs and repairs welcome. dawntillduskconstructionmasonry.com. 541-388-7605; 541-410-6945. License #245760 bonded and insured. La Pine, OR. 0525

Blue Mountain Defensible Space LLC Wildfire Fuel Reduction: clearing brush, thinning trees, animal habitat enhancement. Expert service. Grant money available OR, WA, ID. Bluemountainbrush@gmail.com, 509-399-3473; Bluemountainbrush.com. 0126

Want to Buy

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; 971-666-0659. 0525

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. 1025

Buying American Indian collectibles, Navajo blankets and rugs, baskets, beadwork, etc. Also, quality paintings of the early Southwest and Americas. Call 760-409-3117 or send photos to amer.ind.baskets@gmail.com. 0625

Your ad could be here in July. See instructions on Page 26 for details.

Eatonville United Methodist Church

A Spiritual Base Camp On The Way To Paradise. Mashell Avenue North P.O. Box 205 Eatonville, WA 98328 360-832-4021 Home: 360-832-4562 Pastor Bernard Preston Ritchea Cell: 361-330-9666

Facebook: Eatonville United Methodist Church of Washington OPEN HEARTS OPEN MINDS OPEN DOORS OPEN TABLE WORSHIP SERVICE BEGINS AT 10:30 a.m.

A pseudo-grain, quinoa is promoted as a climate-smart food. It can thrive in dry, harsh climates, making it well-suited for a warming world. Unlike most plants, it does well in salty soils, which is especially important given salt intrusion on coastal lands with sea-level rise.

PHOTO BY ROBERT DASH

Providing a Different Perspective

Local author and co-op member uses art to explore agriculture, climate change

Robert Dash is an Orcas Power & Light Cooperative member, educator and self-taught photographer who lives in Deer Harbor on Orcas Island.

Robert moved to Orcas Island in 2012 as a teacher at the Orcas Island School District’s Orcas Alternatives for Student Initiated Studies program. He won two Nautilus Book Awards for his first book, “On an Acre Shy of Eternity/Micro Landscapes at the Edge,” which was a three-year study of the land where he lives with his partner, artist Ranna McNeil. His latest book is “Food Planet Future: The Art of Turning Food and Climate Perils into Possibilities.”

The journey toward putting out his latest book started with an investigation of the tiny and the large. Robert made 100 trips to the scanning electron microscope at Friday Harbor Labs to explore the environment around him at up-close, personal and microscopic levels. He says he followed his curiosity toward plants that filled him with awe and wonder, inspiring him to go deeper.

Robert’s newest book is a culmination of art and inspirational stories. He realized these stories of positive food practices that are also healing toward the planet could offer a different perspective on climate change.

“We all get the doom-and-gloom stories of global warming, but I wanted to share something more playful, full of curiosity, artistic and educational,” Robert says.

The future is our responsibility, and Robert showcases different practices people and communities are already using—ones that can teach others how to thrive on the warming planet.

“Food Planet Future” combines Robert’s life’s work and interests: art, science, photography, conservation, biodiversity, food and agriculture. Flipping through the pages, readers can find stories about a variety of foods from all over the world, though many can be found in the San Juan Islands.

One example is the food crop flax. Robert outlines its various uses, including why it is a beneficial crop in modern times.

All of his stories are all accompanied by micro and macro images.

There is also a page about the benefits of agrisolar,

which pairs traditional farming practices with renewable energy generation.

The book explores more than 80 topics, each paired with photographs, most taken by Robert. He describes his current favorite.

“The quinoa image has many layers of fascination for me,” he says. “When I first saw the inside of a quinoa seed with the microscope, I was absolutely stunned by the starch granules, which look almost like soccer balls. The leaf itself has these phenomenal trichome structures that are so gorgeous and surprising, and you’d never know about them if you didn’t look closely.”

Robert says there’s a backstory: Rwandan researcher Cedric Habiyaremye came to the Northwestern Washington Research and Extension Center in Mount Vernon. As a child, he had lived in refugee camps and nearly starved.

“He earned his Ph.D. at the research station where I collected and photographed quinoa grown there,” Robert says. “He brought the same quinoa variety back to Rwanda and introduced it to farmers all over East Africa, offering a high-protein, resilient crop capable of flourishing in difficult conditions.

“Things like that are mind blowing. Not just the absolute beauty of what we’re looking at, but also the human consequences of studying and sharing that kind of valuable food.” n

Robert’s book is for sale at foodplanetfuture.com or locally at Darvill’s Bookstore on Orcas Island or at the San Juan Islands Museum of Art. For information on Robert’s traveling exhibition, visit robertdashphotography.com.

Robert Dash takes a new approach to understanding food with his most recent book. PHOTO BY RANNA MCNEIL

PHOTO BY MITCHELL WALLACE

A Bright Start to the Day

Highlighting the beauty all around him, Mitchell Wallace captures the sun as it peeks over a hill on a ranch in Baker City, Oregon.

To submit your photo, email a JPEG to photos@pioneer.coop. Include “Before You Go” in the subject line and share a bit about what inspired you to make your photo. n

Your member-owned, not-for-profit cooperative utility. Providing energy services to San Juan County since 1937.

Eastsound Office

183 Mount Baker Road

Eastsound, WA 98245-9413

Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Friday Harbor Office 1034 Guard St.

Friday Harbor, WA 98250-9240

Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Lopez Crew Station 4232 Center Road

Lopez Island, WA 98261-8098

No regular office hours

360-376-3500

General Manager Foster Hildreth

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

President

Vince Dauciunas, District 1

Vice President

Jerry Whitfield, District 4

Secretary/Treasurer

Tom Osterman, District 3

Mark Madsen, District 1

Chuks Onwuneme, District 2

Wendy Hiester, District 2

Brian Silverstein, District 3

Board meetings are the third Thursday of each month, unless otherwise indicated on our website. Board materials are posted on the website the Monday before the meeting.

opalco.com

Back to Business With a New Sidekick

I’m back! I took a much-needed break last month—being a canine energy influencer is hard work. I’m constantly being asked to take new selfies and try out the latest lightbulbs. What’s a pup to do? Take a nice long nap, of course!

Many people have been asking me about this magazine. A few years ago, Orcas Power & Light Cooperative partnered with another co-op, Pioneer Utility Services, to reach co-op members with important energy-related messages through Ruralite magazine.

Pioneer helps OPALCO produce the magazine, manages most of the advertisements and creates some of the content—OPALCO customizes eight pages each month. We realize not everyone is on social media. It’s important to give members real stories and useful information, and talk about some of the big issues facing our community. By working with Pioneer, we are able to keep the costs down while reaching our co-op members spread out across the country.

Please make sure your contact information is up to date in our system so we have your current billing information and can give you the latest information on power outages. Call one of our fabulous member services team members to update your info at 360-376-3500. They also have the best dog treats.

I hope you enjoy the cool stories inside this month’s magazine about fellow co-op members completing energy-saving projects, highlighting innovative climate solutions and just making our community an awesome place to live—canines and humans alike. Let me know if you have any story requests or ideas, and I’ll get to work on it!

Happy May!

Pepper

P.S. OPALCO has a new puppy in the building. His name is Bubba, and I’ve been told he may occasionally take the pen or social media spotlight. He’s clued in early to the treats you get for looking cute for the camera.