Ruralite
June 2024 • Volume 72, No. 6
CEO Michael Shepard
SENIOR VP OF CONTENT Leon Espinoza
EDITORIAL DIRECTOR Mike Teegarden, CCC
DEPUTY EDITORIAL DIRECTOR
Noble Sprayberry
SENIOR EDITOR Jennifer Paton, CCC
ASSISTANT EDITORS Chasity Anderson, CCC; Victoria Hampton, CCC; David Herder, CCC
ASSOCIATE EDITORS
Valeri Pearon, Nina Todea
PUBLICATIONS PRODUCTION SR. MANAGER
Elizabeth Beatty
PUBLICATIONS COORDINATOR
Alyssa McDougle
Ruralite (USPS 397-460) is published monthly for members for $4.83 per year, plus postage, by Pioneer Utility Resources Inc., 5625 NE Elam Young Pkwy. Ste. 100, Hillsboro, OR 97124—a not-for-profit Oregon cooperative corporation—to serve the communication needs of 47 consumer-owned electric utilities in Oregon, Washington, Alaska, Idaho, Nevada and California. Preferred periodical postage paid at Hillsboro, Oregon, 97123 and additional mailing offices. © 2024 Pioneer Utility Resources. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited.
Postmaster: Send address changes to Ruralite, 5625 NE Elam Young Pkwy. Ste. 100, Hillsboro, OR 97124-6454
HOW TO CONTACT RURALITE
Subscription services:
Nonmember subscriptions $15 (U.S.) per year; $25 per year (foreign). Prepayment required. Allow 4-8 weeks for first issue. Be sure to identify which local edition you want to receive.
Address Changes:
Utility members, contact your local utility. Subscribers, call us at 503-357-2105 option 3 or email mailingdept@pioneer.coop.
Back issues:
Back issues and extra copies $3. Prepayment required. Supply is limited. Be sure to identify edition, month and year. Call first if ordering back issues to check availability.
To contact Ruralite: Ruralite magazine is published by Pioneer Utility Resources.
P.O. Box 1306, North Plains, OR 97133-1306; 503-357-2105; email: info@pioneer.coop. For more information, visit www.pioneer.coop.
DISPLAY ADVERTISING INQUIRIES
American MainStreet Publications
611 S. Congress Ave., Ste. 504 Austin, TX 78704 800-626-1181 or 512-441-5200
For supplemental and interactive content, search @Ruralite on your favorite social media sites.
Stories to Inspire
Every once in a while, a phone call elevates my day. A few months ago, Carole McDonald reached out to suggest we put together a presidential election trivia story, just like we did in 2008.
Carole has been a loyal reader for some time and is also a history buff. She has an indescribable sparkle evident even during a phone call. Ever curious, I asked writer Ginger Meurer to write a story about Carole, which you will find on Page 10. If you meet Carole, be ready for her to quiz your history knowledge. And look for that trivia story in October.
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.
Celebrating 70 Years
This month, Ruralite magazine celebrates 70 years. To commemorate the event, we are publishing a recipe from our very first magazine in 1954. You can check out the chocolate refrigerator cake recipe on Page 30. I hope some of you are inspired to try it out.
Sincerely,
Mike Teegarden Editorial Director
Sweet and Spicy
Retired teacher doles out cookies and history lessons Up Close, Page 10
Festival Celebrates Co-op Members
Orcas Power & Light Cooperative held a member appreciation event April 26— the day after the virtual annual business meeting.
The first-ever Member Festival was held at the Eastsound office parking lot. It was a huge success, with more than 300 Co-op members in attendance. The parking lot was transformed into a family-friendly educational activity center.
The entire OPALCO team was on hand to welcome attendees, give out swag and help keep the event flowing.
Participants got the chance to hang out with the line crew by going up in the bucket truck, getting a lesson in electrical safety or trying out a hotstick—a tool lineworkers use to keep their distance
and stay safe as they work with energized equipment.
Members checked out the inner workings of a transformer with the Co-op’s engineering team and learned how to save money and electricity with OPALCO’s on-bill financing program, Switch It Up. The board and leadership team answered questions and took comments.
Seven car dealers from the mainland brought their latest electric vehicles, including Hyundai Ioniq 5, Porsche Taycan, Nissan Aria, Ford Mustang Mach E, Volkwagen ID.4 ProS, Kia EV9 and an all-electric boat from Pure Watercraft. There were also electric bikes and electric household tools to try out.
There was plenty for youngsters to do
during the festival, including snacking on hot dogs, hamburgers and cotton candy; tossing an EarthBall; playing cornhole and jumping in a giant bouncy house. Adults swung by the educational booths to get tips on maximizing energy savings in their homes, learn about electric vehicle programs and sign up for updates on the upcoming community solar project.
“That was so much more fun than we anticipated,” one Co-op parent said. “We’re already excited for next year.”
OPALCO is grateful to the community partners that came to the event and shared information, including Wildlife Cycles, Orcas Island Saw & Rental, Orcas Radio, Orcas Island Historical Museums, Island Rides, Clear Result, West Mechanical,
Make the Switch to a Heat Pump Water Heater
By Victoria Hampton
Advancements in technology have increased efficiency and lowered energy use for many home appliances. While smart thermostats and refrigerators are common home upgrades that help people save on electricity bills, one of the most efficient upgrades homeowners can make is to an appliance many haven’t touched in months—the water heater.
A standard electric water heater accounts for nearly 20% of the energy use in a home, which is more than a refrigerator, clothes washer and dryer combined, says Bonneville Power Administration Program Manager David Murphy.
Learn about the technology and potential energy savings for switching to an energy-efficient heat pump water heater.
Savings and Features
Heat pump water heaters can save up to $450 a year, or $4,500 over the system’s lifetime, David says. Savings are dependent on each home’s utility rates and hot water use. Systems come with a 10-year warranty.
David says heat pump water heaters can provide more hot water than similarly sized standard systems. Many tanks also have leak detection that can warn homeowners if an issue arises.
Systems have several automated settings, including maximum hot water generation when guests stay the night, high-efficiency eco mode and advanced vacation mode settings, allowing homeowners to program their return—so they come home to hot water.
“Automation, like many things we see in the technology realm, increases control of your settings,” David says. “[You]
Heat pump water heaters use about one-third of the energy of a standard electric water heater. This increases efficiency and can lead to lower electric bills. PHOTO COURTESY OF BONNEVILLE POWER ADMINISTRATION
get the benefits you need while still using less energy.”
Although the upfront cost of a heat pump water heater is typically more than a standard system, homeowners can save with rebates and incentives. Electric utilities can provide information on available savings for heat pump water heater upgrades.
“Always talk to your local utility to see what they have available,” David says.
Heat Pump Efficiency
Think of a heat pump water heater as a refrigerator in reverse. A refrigerator pulls heat from inside the box and sends it outside the appliance. A heat pump water heater pulls heat from the surrounding air.
“It is a unit driven by a compressor that harvests heat from the air and puts it into your water tank,” David says.
What is the importance of this state-of-the-art heat pump technology? It uses about one-third of the energy of a standard electric water heater. This increased efficiency can lead to lower electric bills.
Installation Considerations
Heat pump water heaters are ideal for garage and basement placement. When installing in a closet, consider the compressor noise and cold air released when it is running. The compressor can also be vented outside.
Pulling heat from the air creates moisture. Each system has a condensate line pipe—a plastic tube using gravity to draw out excess condensation from the unit. This feature does require a small amount of space near the heat pump water heater for the condensate removal pump or drain piping to the outside of the house.
Also, as with any water heater, homeowners should choose a tank size that matches the number of people in the home. Tanks vary in price.
Heat Pump Water Heater Maintenance
Heat pump water heaters add a few more simple tasks to your quarterly home maintenance check. When changing the HVAC air filter every three months, clean the heat pump water heater filter as well. Use a vacuum or rinse it with water to remove any debris.
Check the condensate line pipe for clogs and dirt when cleaning the filter. The line can be cleaned with a brush or rag.
When it is time to upgrade the household water heater, make the switch to an efficient, energy-saving heat pump water heater.
Watch a video about how to use and maintain a heat pump water heater at comfortreadyhome.com/guides/ hpwh-user-guide
Mini-Split Systems Are Gaining Traction
By Leslie Tate
A ductless air conditioner, also called a mini-split system or air-source heat pump, offers a variety of options for heating and cooling, particularly for older homes and buildings.
A mini-split system can provide several benefits, but the most attractive feature is the capability to regulate temperatures in specific rooms or areas of the home.
An indoor air-handling unit, or evaporator, and an outdoor compressor/condenser comprise the two major components of a mini-split system. In many ways, mini-split air conditioners operate like conventional air-conditioning systems. In cooling mode, the system transfers heat from inside the home to the outside. With a central air system, cold air is blasted throughout all the ducts in the house from a single air handler, such as a large fan in an attic or basement. Because a mini-split can blow air from up to six independent air handlers, it can regulate temperatures for different rooms or areas inside a home or business.
Mini-splits are a viable alternative to duct systems for home additions or homes where a duct system may not be practical. When a duct system is too expensive to install, a mini-split system can efficiently heat and cool a space while keeping installation costs down.
Compared to conventional heating, ventilation and air-conditioning systems, minisplits can save up to 30% on cooling costs and 50% on heating costs. Additionally, inverter technology, which enables variable-speed operation in most mini-split systems, increases energy efficiency and is cheaper to operate.
In addition to greater control over heating and cooling, mini-splits can often be managed with a mobile app, smart thermostat or remote control. They provide better air quality, and homeowners can easily replace filters themselves and save on duct cleanings needed for conventional systems. Reheat dehumidification is a common feature of minisplit systems to maintain a steady room temperature while lowering humidity.
A few factors should be considered before installing a mini-split system. Determine the right size and quantity of units. Mini-split placement should consider how to best distribute air throughout the home or business. A qualified contractor can offer advice on these factors. Additionally, your home should be properly air sealed for the minisplit system to operate efficiently.
For many homeowners, a mini-split ductless heating and cooling system can be a fantastic alternative for heating and cooling. Contact your local electric utility if you have questions about mini-split systems.
Meet the OPALCO Board
Electric co-ops are democratically run organizations. Every year, Orcas Power & Light Cooperative members vote for several board directors. The board is the governing body comprised of seven directors from four districts. Directors are elected for three-year terms. All members vote in all districts. The 2024 election closed April 22, 2024, and the results were announced at the annual business meeting.
District 1 (San Juan, Pearl, Henry, Brown and Spieden islands)
Vince Dauciunas—San Juan Island
Vince and his wife, Vikky, have been residents of San Juan Island since 2002. Vince was first elected to the OPALCO board in 2011. His experience includes development of systems for measurement, computation and communication in a variety of industries, including power generation, telecommunications, environmental science, water quality and biotechnology.
Mark Madsen—San Juan Island
Mark has lived on San Juan Island since 2006 and has served as an OPALCO director since 2014. He has worked at Realnetworks, Microsoft and Internap Network Services. Mark was a co-founder of AllRecipes.com, and serves as chief technical officer at WattIQ, a startup that uses sensor technology to help companies improve the sustainability of their equipment assets.
District 2 (Orcas, Armitage, Blakely, Obstruction, Big Double, Little Double and Fawn islands)
Chuks Onwuneme—Orcas Island
Chuks began his career at Nokia, where he helped build the Symbian smartphone operating system. After moving to
the Pacific Northwest he co-founded a company called Pillsy, which invented smart pill bottles. During the pandemic, Chuks began to lay roots on Orcas Island. He was elected to the OPALCO board in 2023.
Wendy Hiester—Orcas Island
Wendy started her career developing alternative energy solutions as an engineer with Mobil Research and Development Corp. While passionate about alternative sources of power, corporate restructurings and mergers meant Wendy followed a path that led through leadership positions in major projects and operations with Mobil and later BP.
After retiring from BP, Wendy went back to her roots in sustainable chemistry in the role of chief technical officer for a biotech startup that produces sustainable chemicals from crab shells.
She was elected to the OPALCO board this year.
District 3 (Lopez, Decatur, Center and Charles islands)
Tom Osterman—Decatur Island
Tom recently retired and relocated to Decatur Island after selling his national power systems manufacturing and integration firm. He and his wife are building a home on Decatur. He was elected to the OPALCO board in 2021.
Tom attended Western Washington University and had a 36-year career in the broadband network power industry.
Brian Silverstein—Lopez Island
Brian has been involved in the electric utility industry for four decades. He was elected to the OPALCO board in 2016. He and his wife, Leslie, became full-time Lopez residents in 2012.
Brian worked for the Bonneville Power Administration, a federal utility that provides energy to Northwest consumerowned utilities, such as OPALCO.
District 4 (Shaw, Crane, Canoe and Bell islands)
Jerry Whitfield—Shaw Island
Jerry and his wife, Carol, live on Shaw Island and have been OPALCO members since 1999. He was elected to the OPALCO board in 2018.
With a doctorate in aerospace engineer, Jerry served with such companies as Rolls Royce Aero Engines, General Electric Co. and Boeing Co.
An entrepreneur in the renewable energy field since the mid-1980s, Jerry invented the wood pellet stove, built and led a successful manufacturing company and helped pioneer the wood pellet industry across North America.
Read the full bios at www.opalco.com.
Retired teacher doles out cookies and history lessons
old mixer died, saying, “You can’t have
Other friends bring her nuts to hand grind for her vanilla crescents or provide labor to help roll out savory treats like her famous pierogies or her poultry-filled
Pierogies can take days to make, and grinding nuts the old-fashioned way is challenging, though not as rough as when her father had to crack the nut shells first. It’s hard work, but Carole loves to please.
“I’m a frustrated pastry chef, what can I say? I should have gone to culinary school,”
Instead, the Pennsylvania native studied to be a teacher and taught second and third grades in Cleveland, Ohio, where she
It was Carole’s first-generation PolishAmerican family that encouraged her to teach. Her parents didn’t want her to do
“She’d buy a yard of material and make a dress. When that wore out, she’d take the zipper from that dress and sew it into the new one. She was very resourceful,”
Carole still uses her educator skills crafting quick history quizzes to share at the DMV, the post office and the grocery store.
“What’s my question today?” the gas station attendant asks her whenever she goes in.
Carole loves to make people laugh, too, especially when she issues invitations to join her “elite club.” The club has no meetings and charges no dues. It’s a farflung collection of people who own the fancy crochet toilet paper cozies she started making just before the pandemic.
Carole took a cozy to her cardiologist.
“All the nurses started laughing, and they all wanted them,” she says. “I brought a little levity to the health care industry.”
She went on to give them to everyone she met: her dentist, her lawyer, the doctor next door, even strangers in parking lots. We’ll never know if the red, white and blue toilet paper cozy Carole sent Donald Trump is sitting on the back of a golden toilet. But the
Pizzelle Italian Cookies
½ pound butter
½ pound Fleischmann's original margarine
1½ cups granulated sugar
6 eggs
3 teaspoons anise extract (or sambuca, an anise-flavored liqueur if anise prices keep going up)
2 teaspoons vanilla
5 cups flour
4 teaspoons baking powder
You can add 1 teaspoon salt, but Carole doesn’t. Cream the butter, margarine and sugar. Add the eggs one at a time. Then add extracts. Sift dry ingredients, then add them to the wet. Cover the batter with foil and refrigerate overnight. Heat your pizzelle iron. Then drop one tablespoon batter on each side and cook for 30 seconds.
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
Boats, Trains and Automobiles
By Pamela A. Keene
Think about your last vacation. What do you remember? Did you hurry from one activity or place to another, getting a bird’seye view of too many things to enjoy the journey?
If so, there’s good news. You can use 2024 to do something different: Explore iconic highways, ride the rails to multiple destinations or board a riverboat on the country’s waterways.
“There’s a growing trend called ‘slow tourism,’ a chance to enjoy the journey, make memories, eat like a local, participate in experiences and discover the heart of a destination,” says Berkeley Young, president of tourism research and consulting firm Young Strategies Inc. “You can travel by road, rail or boat; set your own pace; and create lasting memories—all without a passport.”
Similarly, Kim Orlando, founder and CEO of women’s travel site SheBuysTravel, says she’s seen an increase in domestic travel for all kinds of users—families, girls’ getaways, affinity groups and multigenerational travelers.
“Domestic destinations are packed with experiences that range from riverboat cruising to road trips, and it's usually more affordable than traveling overseas,” she says. “Vacation varieties are endless: mountains, desert, oceans, lake life. Busy cities and charming small towns offer travelers diverse cultural experiences and cuisines.”
Kim says domestic travel has many advantages.
“The language, roads and monetary systems are familiar, and time differences are not as drastic, giving you more fun time in your destination and less stress,” she says. “You can literally hop in your car and go.”
Asphalt Icons
When you ask people about America’s iconic drives, three or four big routes come to mind, depending on where you live: the Pacific Coast Highway from Dana Point, California, to Leggett, Washington; historic Route 66 from Chicago to Santa Monica/ Los Angeles; and U.S. 1 on the East Coast from Key West, Florida, to Fort Kent, Maine.
“Taking a road trip along any of America’s iconic highways opens up a whole world of itineraries, regardless of where you live and what you enjoy,” Berkeley says. “Whether you take a long weekend or an extended trip, consider exploring some of the country’s more unusual and diverse regions defined by their distinctive highways.”
He says a highway route rather than a connect-the-dots system of interstates can make for a more relaxing vacation.
Ride the Rails
With more than 21,400 miles of routes and more than 500 destinations across 46 states and parts of Canada, travel via Amtrak connects people to big cities, small towns, national parks, historic sites, popular travel destinations and off-thebeaten-path adventures.
“Train travel can be a good alternative to driving or flying, and these days, customers have many options when taking a trip by rail,” says Kimberly Woods, senior public relations manager at Amtrak’s Washington, D.C., office. “Diverse destinations and
Whether you choose to travel by boat, train, plane or car, allow time for discovery stops to explore unexpected treasures along the way. Those off-the-beaten-path finds can be the highlights of your trip.
see the iconic Gateway Arch National Park, the Anheuser-Busch Brewery, and Forest Park and its many free attractions,” says Katie Blake, public relations specialist with Missouri Division of Tourism. “Smaller towns along the river reveal much of the country’s history and culture, especially because many of them were founded as the nation grew.”
Alexa Paolella, manager of public relations for American Cruise Lines, says people love the different twist on U.S. vacations that small ships offer.
Traveling the country’s waterways by riverboat opens a whole new experience that’s like a flashback in time,” she says.
“No passport is required, and your hotel travels with you from port to port, so you unpack once. It’s a much more relaxed pace for discovery with more time to explore small river towns and picturesque shoreside villages, especially the places large cruise ships don’t go.”
American Cruise Lines’ fleet of 19 ships sail America’s coastlines and rivers. Accommodations vary from 90 to 180 passengers, depending on the vessel. Classic paddle-wheelers and modern riverboats navigate the Mississippi and Columbia rivers.
The company’s small cruise ships transport guests along both coasts, with itineraries in Alaska and Puget Sound and cruises exploring the New England coast all the way to the Florida Keys. It has also added national park tours to its offerings.
PHOTO BY VISITMO.COM
PHOTO BY SEEING SOUTHERN
PHOTO BY AMERICAN CRUISE LINES
Many of the company’s itineraries are themed around music, history or cuisine that explore the distinctive characteristics of each ship’s ports of call.
“All our cruises offer a variety of experiences and activities ashore each day, providing access to larger cities but also the opportunity to relish the unique experiences only found in the smaller towns along the way,” Alexa says. “Onboard, curated entertainment and chef-prepared daily meals complement the comfortable and relaxing travel that comes with sailing on America’s waterways.”
Best Resources for Local Knowledge
“Some of the best planning resources are state tourism divisions and local convention and visitors bureaus,” Berkeley says. “Their job is to know their states, towns and counties and to provide easy ways to take a vacation that suits your interests and lifestyles.”
Every state has a dedicated tourism department with staff who promote visitation by creating trip plans around music, food, culture and history. Research them first before drilling down to specific stops along the way via city/town or county-specific visitors bureaus and welcome centers.
“State and local agencies work with local attractions, accommodations, dining and special events and maintain extensive information about what to do, the best times to visit, outdoor activities and much more,” he says. “They have access to information about recommended routes and many times offer promotions for hotels, restaurants and attractions.”
Key travel planning resources include state tourism and economic departments, and local convention and visitors bureaus.
Berkeley says true leisure travel is about the experience, but vacationers in a hurry to get where they’re going may miss interesting discoveries along the way.
“Just remember: Don’t sweat the tiny details,” he says.
“ Determine the path you want to explore, book your transportation and some lodging, and get out there,” he says. “Fill in your itinerary as you go along. Meet locals and eat local. Be adventuresome—go find the real America.” n
Asphalt Icons: Take Your Pick for Your Next Road Trip Discovery
By Pamela A. Keene
Ohio native Kim Taddie saw the ocean for the first time when she was nearly 22 years old, landing a job in Ocean City, Maryland. She’s been exploring ever since. She and her husband, Gordon McLachlan, have traveled across North America and around the globe. Now residents of Ocean Beach, California, they have spent much of their 40-year marriage on the road.
“Growing up in Cleveland, Ohio, our family would go camping but only to places nearby, so I’d never really been anywhere until my early 20s,” says Kim, a retired nurse practitioner.
“When we met, Gordon had been an avid traveler, not just in the U.S. but all over the planet. It was a perfect match: I wanted to travel more, and Gordon was living my dream.”
Aside from their globe-trotting, they’ve traversed the United States, mostly on the road in their motorhome. One of Kim’s favorite courses is along the first transcontinental highway, Route 66 between Chicago and Southern California.
“Traveling along the two-lane asphalt road is like going back to the 1950s with roadside attractions, motor courts, crazy statues and all kinds of nostalgia,” she says. “It’s not as popular as a travel route since the interstates have opened up, but it is so worth the drive because of what it represents in our country’s history.”
Among Gordon’s favorite routes is the 1,650-mile Pacific Coast Highway, which hugs the shores of the Pacific Ocean from Dana Point, California, north to Leggett, Washington.
“Spectacular views, the chance to see whales and other wildlife offshore, plus memorable sights like Big Sur between Carmel and San Simeon, the Avenue of the Giants in Weott, California, and the Heceta Head Lighthouse in Florence, Oregon, are why we keep going back,” he says. “Camping in state parks along the way allows us to take our time and discover other treasures, too.”
Nicky Omohundro, an Oklahoma City-based editor who launched Littlefamilyadventure. com to encourage family travel, says the country’s iconic highways are a great place to start a family road trip.
“Each has its own trademark stops, like the Delta Blues Trail that’s part of the Great River Road along the Mississippi River and, of course, Route 66,” she says.
Nicky advises tackling renowned highways in sections, and she often travels with no cellphone, just a map.
“For me, when we do this, it’s more about the journey than the destination,” she says. “And we’re never disappointed.
“Kitschy street art in many of the towns, retro diners, motor courts and gas stations are just a few of the reasons we love Route 66. You almost have to see it to believe it. Giant statues of American music and film stars like Elvis, James Dean and Marilyn Monroe at the Braidwood, Illinois, Polk-A-Dot Drive In and the Catoosa, Oklahoma, Blue Whale prove the point. The route doesn’t really take itself too seriously.”
ADOBESTOCKIMAGEBYVECTORPOCKET
It's Coming Back: ZUCCHINI SEASON
Roasted Summer Squash
1 pound summer squash
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
Heat oven to 400 F.
1 tablespoon panko bread crumbs
1/2 teaspoon lemon pepper seasoning
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
Cut squash into ½-inch-thick slices. Toss with olive oil. Combine the remaining ingredients in a small bowl, and toss with squash.
Place the squash on a baking sheet. Roast for 12 to 14 minutes or until squash is tender.
Broil for 1 to 2 minutes or until crumbs are lightly browned.
Recipes by Gertrude Treadaway
ADOBE STOCK
PHOTO BY SVETLANA KOLPAKOVA
Easy Summer Squash and Zucchini Bread
1/2 cup yellow squash, grated
1/2 cup zucchini, grated
1/2 cup of brown sugar
1/2 cup white granulated sugar
1/2 cup butter, melted
2 extra-large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla
11/2 cups all-purpose flour
Heat oven to 350 F.
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon allspice
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 cup chopped pecans and walnuts, plus extra for topping
Cinnamon and sugar for sprinkling
Combine yellow squash, zucchini, brown sugar, white sugar, butter, eggs and vanilla in a bowl. Mix well. Add flour, baking powder, baking soda, allspice and cinnamon. Combine until mixed and all ingredients are wet. Fold in nuts.
Pour into a greased 9-by-5 loaf pan. Top with extra nuts, and sprinkle with cinnamon and sugar. Bake for 45 to 50 minutes.
Let cool for 10 minutes before removing from the pan.
Zucchini Pesto Pasta
1 pint cherry tomatoes
Olive oil
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
6 medium yellow squash or zucchini, or mix of both
Heat oven to 400 F.
16 ounces spaghetti
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup basil pesto
1/2 cup pasta cooking water
1 cup coarsely grated Parmesan cheese
Fill a large pot with salted water, and bring to a boil.
Toss tomatoes with olive oil, salt and pepper. Spread out in one layer on a baking sheet. Roast for 15 to 20 minutes. Wash zucchini. Cut off ends, then cut in half lengthwise. Slice into half-moon pieces.
Cook pasta until al dente. While it is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large frying pan over medium-high heat. Use a pan that’s big enough to hold all the pasta when it’s cooked. When the oil is hot, add the minced garlic. Turn down the heat to medium. Saute until you can start to smell garlic, about one minute.
Add the sliced zucchini. Season to taste with salt and fresh-ground black pepper. Cook until the zucchini is tender-crisp, about 5 minutes. Add the pesto to the cooked zucchini. Gently stir to combine. Add the roasted tomatoes. Add the drained cooked pasta to the zucchini/pesto/ tomato combination. Gently mix, adding pasta cooking water until the mixture is combined. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese before serving.
Southern Squash Casserole
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon butter
6 to 8 squash, sliced
1 large onion, thinly sliced 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup shredded extra-sharp cheddar cheese
1/2 cup sour cream
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 sleeve crushed buttery crackers
Heat oven to 350 F. Grease a casserole dish.
Heat the oil and butter in a large skillet over mediumhigh heat. Saute the squash and onion until soft. Remove from heat. Stir in the Parmesan, cheddar and sour cream. Add salt and pepper, to taste.
Scoop the mixture into the prepared casserole dish. Sprinkle the cracker crumbs evenly over the top. Bake for 20 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
Marinated Zucchini and Summer Squash
2 tablespoons white wine vinegar
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon minced garlic
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil
1 pound zucchini (about 3 large), trimmed and sliced diagonally, about 1/2-inch thick
1 pound yellow crookneck squash (about 3 large), trimmed and sliced diagonally, about 1/2-inch thick
Whisk the vinegar, lemon juice and garlic in a large bowl to blend. Season with salt and pepper. Gradually whisk in the oil.
Spoon 3 tablespoons of the marinade into a small bowl. Cover and set aside.
Add the zucchini and yellow squash to the remaining marinade in the large bowl. Toss to coat.
Transfer the mixture to a 9-by-13 glass baking dish. Cover and marinate at room temperature for at least three hours, or cover and refrigerate for up to one day.
Prepare a grill for medium-high heat.
Grill the vegetables until they are crisp-tender and brown, turning occasionally, about 8 minutes.
Transfer the vegetables to a platter. Drizzle with the reserved marinade. Serve hot or at room temperature.
See rocks reach for the skies in Utah at
Bryce Canyon National Park
What Is It?
See a forest of hoodoos—tall shafts of rock—reach for the sky in Southern Utah at Bryce Canyon National Park. The spires and vistas are a great chance to take in the beauty of nature.
How Do Hoodoos Form?
First, at one point roughly 50 million years ago, the area was the low point of an ancient floodplain, where particles were deposited and bound together. Tectonic plates caused uplift as the North American plate was pushed upward by a subducted plate to the west. Then, rain, water and ice eroded much of the sediment, with the towers remaining.
What to Do
Be sure to see the Bryce Amphitheater. Most of the hoodoos are in the amphitheater. The main park road has a series of drivable scenic viewpoints, which also serve as trailheads for hikes. If you continue along the main park road, the next 15 miles are known as the Southern Scenic Drive. It shows more arches and other geologic formations and highlights the park’s large change in elevation—more than 1,000 feet.
The Grand Staircase
Bryce Canyon is toward the top of a series of geologic features known as the Grand Staircase. The staircase stretches more than 100 miles, starting at the Grand Canyon and working north up a series of cliffs. These features are useful to geologists because they expose roughly 600 million years of Earth’s rock layers largely undisturbed by glacier scouring or other events.
More Information
Visitors must purchase a pass to enter the park. It is $20 per person or $35 per standard vehicle, with other passes available. To start planning your trip, call 435-8345322 or go online to www.nps.gov/brca.
ADOBE STOCK PHOTO BY LUCKY-PHOTO
By Dave LaBelle
I love black-and-white photos. I always have.
In my memory bank are powerful black-and-white images, such as Dorthea Lange’s “Migrant Mother” and Nate Fein’s “Babe Ruth Farewell at Yankee Stadium.”
But alongside these iconic photographs are equally powerful color images.
One such color photograph is “Afghan Girl,” made by American photojournalist Steve McCurry and published on the cover of National Geographic in 1985. The penetrating green eyes, red scarf and green background in the portrait of a then-unknown 12-year-old Sharbat Gula connected with readers as no other image had before. It became the magazine’s most popular cover ever, and CNN called it the world’s most famous photograph.
Just as I do not believe Dorthea’s 1936 gripping Depression-era photo of Florence Owens Thompson would have had the same impact in color, Steve’s poignant portrait wouldn’t have
enjoyed its far-reaching impact in black and white.
How colors play off each other is a consideration.
The Afghan girl, with green eyes and a small sliver of green beneath her red scarf, works well against that green background. Another color behind her might not have yielded the same impact.
Reader Challenge
See if you can see in color. Find or make a photograph that communicates only in color and would fail to have the same impact in black and white. If it is a dull, overcast day, consider adding a little flash to awaken the colors.
Email your best image (just one, please) with caption information, including an explanation of how it affects you, to GPH@pur.coop. We may share submissions on our website and social media channels.
Color affects our moods. Marketers and advertisers know this. Businesses spend millions trying to determine how humans will respond to certain colors and influence our buying habits. Studies have proven that, while color perception is individual, people of different age groups respond and gravitate to different colors.
My wife might say color affects our energy. n
Renowned author, photographer and lecturer Dave LaBelle has captured special moments for more than half a century. For more of his writings, visit davidlabelle.com and bridgesandangels.wordpress.com.
Storm clouds encroach on lateday sun over a corn field. PHOTO BY DAVE LABELLE NIKON D700, 24-70mm lens ISO 200, f/4 at 1/1000
•
Switch It Up!
Get your summer projects done with OPALCO’s on-bill financing program
Switch it Up provides on-bill financing to support Orcas Power & Light Cooperative members’ energy-efficiency projects. The program finances eligible projects and gives consumers up to 10 years to pay back the costs, along with a 2% service fee.
Members can finance up to $100,000 on their power bills. Larger projects may be possible with the general manager’s approval.
OPALCO has $48 million from the U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Utilities Service to use for co-op member projects. Funds not used within a 10-year period return to the USDA. To date, OPALCO members have used about $10 million in San Juan County.
What can you do with Switch it Up funds? Almost anything that increases the efficiency of your electrical energy systems at home and in your business. New construction and renovation projects qualify. Here are eligible projects to consider:
Windows. Install energy-efficient windows to better insulate your home
and reduce energy loss.
Insulation. Upgrade insulation in your walls, attic and floors to maintain consistent indoor temperatures and lower your bill.
Solar and battery storage projects. Invest in solar panels and battery storage systems to generate renewable energy and increase self-sufficiency.
Ductless heat pumps. Replace traditional heating, ventilating and air conditioning systems with ductless heat pumps for more efficient heating and cooling.
Appliances. Upgrade to energy-efficient appliances such as refrigerators, washing machines and dishwashers to reduce electricity consumption.
Fiber installation. Enhance internet connectivity and home automation capabilities by installing fiber-optic broadband.
Electric vehicle home chargers. Install EV home chargers to power your electric or hybrid vehicle at home.
How does it work? Start by getting a bid from a contractor. Visit OPALCO’s website
to calculate your approximate monthly payment, which will show up on your monthly electric bill. Fill out the simple online application to get approval for your project. All OPALCO members in good standing are eligible for the program.
Why now? The clock is ticking on these USDA funds. In addition to OPALCO’s programs, there are federal incentives and tax credits available now through the Inflation Reduction Act, allowing you to double up on incentives while these funds last. Visit www.rewiringamerica.org for details on incentives and credits.
Switch it Up lets you get started on energy improvement projects with no money down, saves you money on energy expenses, reduces carbon emissions for the health of the planet, and positions you for a more affordable and resilient energy future.
The more efficient each member is, the more resilient our Co-op can be, reducing our demand for power and our reliance on shifting mainland resources. Plan your energy-saving project now. n
ADOBE
Plants, Garden Supplies
Cactus for sale. Cold/winter hardy. Good for landscaping. Sunnyside/Mabton, WA, area. Local pickup only. marybarthlow@gmail.com; 509-391-5546. 0724
Real Estate
Christmas Valley, OR. 40 acres with perimeter fence. 36x36 metal building, two carports, water well 370 ft deep, storage container on chase. Taking only serious offers. 541-536-5776. 0724
Let me help you buy or sell ranch, farm and recreation property in Oregon. Fourthgeneration Oregonian. For sale, Sisters, OR, 40 acres. Price reduced $1,595,000. John Gill, 541-480-9161 or johngill@landandwildlife.com. Land And Wildlife brokerage. 0624
North ID forested 20-acre property. Multiple building sites, power at property line, 6 miles to Bonners Ferry. $380K, offers considered. 530-715-0030; bgbkkr@gmail.com. 0624
320 acres east of Adel, OR. Borders Hart Mountain, Steens Mountain and Beaty Butte. Property is a dark sky sanctuary. $267K. For maps contact: 541-659-1573; thejugglingman3@gmail.com. 0624.
Dale Store. 11 acres along U.S. Hwy 395. Live and work in this recreational enthusiast area. $550K. Duke Warner Realty: 541-987-2363; ddwr@ortelco.net. 0624.
$179.9K-fully loaded, remote, AK property for sale. Log cabin, fully equipped with all living amenities, SeaArk river boat (less than 200 hrs), 5 acres, chain saw sawmill, tractor, DR mower, tool shed full of everything you will need and much more. River and trail access. Half-hour boat ride upriver from Nenana, AK, boat dock. Outside borough, so no property taxes. Only serious buyers. 907-388-7080. 0624
Comfortable 2 bd, 1 ba, 1,200 sqft. Eagle, AK, home, on Yukon River. 4 lots. 2 cabins. $175K OBO. Ann, 907-251-9094. Gary, 907-505-8263. See listing on Land.com. 0624
Wanted: Arable acreage located in Tillamook County. Zoned exclusive farm use. For growing fruit, flowers, produce and plants for Saturday Market. olsond1954@gmail.com; 503-580-7540.
Buying or selling in Brookings, OR? Call Pat Piper at Century 21 Agate Realty first. Experience. Empathy. Education. Exceptional. 541-251-2152; patpiperbroker@gmail.com.
Off-grid homestead. Ideal for wind/solar power. NE Elko County, NV. Has equipment, quarters, shop. Year-round access. Water and power nearby. $35K. geopup58@gmail.com. 0624
Summer getaway, 2 bd, 1 ba on lot located in Mountain City, NV. Needs work. $40K. Call 775-304-2398. 0624
15 off-grid acres. At 8,400-ft., near Fort Garland, CO. Great view of the state’s 4th highest peak. On Person’s Road in Sangre de Cristo Ranches. Pinon trees, year-round access. $52.9K. 541-729-0374. 0924
Recreational Rentals
Wavecatcher: oceanfront cottage. Central Oregon coast. Summer $175/night mid-May to mid-Oct.; $140/night mid-Oct. to mid-May. (plus cleaning/tax). Three bd, w/double beds. Pets welcome. Wavecatcherbeachrentals.com. Reservations: 541-740-2846. 0624AR
Bend country cabin. Very clean and fully furnished cabin on private ranch. Close to recreation areas. Very nice. $95/night. 541-382-3050; bendcountrycabins@gmail.com. 0724
Vacation Rental: Syringa, ID. Rustic, 2-bd furnished frame cabin. Near 3 rivers, mountains, wilderness. www.airbnb.com/rooms/356491; glenscott.swearingen@gmail.com. 0624
Recreational Vehicles
Sunseeker 24 on Mercedes Sprinter classic. 57,000 miles. 50% tires. Good condition. 8-ft slide out. $53.9K. FOB Eugene or Bend. 541-556-0517. 0724
1999 Dutch Star 38-ft. RV. Diesel pusher. 3126B Caterpillar engine. Freightliner chassis. One slide. Excellent condition. 95,000 miles. Many upgrades. Asking $25K. 530-616-0388. 0624
Services
Dawn Till Dusk Masonry. Brick, block, stone and pavers. Small jobs and repairs welcome. Check out our website at dawntillduskconstructionmasonry.com. 541-388-7605 or 541-410-6945. License #245760 bonded and insured. La Pine, OR. Call Pahrump Lock and Safe for all your residential, commercial and safe services. 24-hour emergency service in Pahrump, NV. 702-379-8441; Jim@pahrumplockandsafe.com.
We all want delicious, fresh, nourishing food to feed our families. We’ve got pastured pork, corn/soy/GMO-free. Delivery to your door or drop sites. Order at www.rural-roots-ranch.com or text Christy at 541-589-4674. 0724
Timeshare victims? Call TimeShareBeGone, 800-214-4460. We will get your timeshare legally canceled. A+BBB, 5-star reviews, 16 years experience. 100% money-back guarantee. 1024
Want to Buy
Wanted: 1967-’72 Buick Skylark, GS, Stage 1, GSX. Cars, parts or leads. Or any ’60s or ’70s vehicles. Email billybibbett@hotmail.com. 0824 Gold, silver, coins/currency, buy, sell. Collections wanted. Fair prices paid. 44 years in retail store. Baker City, OR. 800-556-2133; garrymclin@aol.com. 1024
Old carpenter tools, planes (wood/metal), levels, chisels, slicks, adzes, axes, hatchets, handsaws, old rulers, spoke shaves, wrenches, shipwright tools, old tool chests. 503-659-0009 or 971-666-0659. 0624
Wanted: early Corvette ’58-’62, any condition. Call/text Randy, 503-544-3807. 0824
WELCOME HOME THE BRAVE
Reviving History
Lopez Garage owners use rural energy grants to make building upgrades
Lloyd Weeks started Lopez Garage in 1929. He built the existing building in 1946 and owned the garage until 1975, when he retired and passed it on to his son Carroll.
Carroll operated the business until its sale in 2005.
Lloyd’s grandson, Lyn Sorensen, grew up coming to Lopez Island and staying with his grandparents during the summers. He fondly remembers the garage as a gathering place for locals and getting all the latest island news while pumping gas.
“I loved working in the garage and remember things always ran on island time,” Lyn says.
In 2020, Lyn and his wife, Katherine, were living almost full time on Lopez when the garage went up for auction. They
Lyn Sorenson—in Lopez Garage with his 1954 Chevy—is restoring the building with his wife, Katherine. PHOTO COURTESY OF ORCAS POWER & LIGHT COOPERATIVE
were surprised their bid won.
The couple knew the building needed a lot of work and weren’t sure what they were going to do with it. They started by working with Sustainable Connections to get a commercial energy audit.
Sustainable Connections works with island businesses to provide tools, access to incentives and technical assistance. Businesses can get energy and money savings through efficiency upgrades and renewable energy projects.
The first thing Lyn and Katherine did was replace and insulate the failing roof. Next, they replaced some of the singlepane windows. They plan to add inserts to some of the original windows to
retain their aesthetic while being energy efficient.
The building was originally heated with oil heaters, using old oil from cars as fuel. To modernize and heat the building more cleanly, the couple plan to add five ductless heat pumps. They also plan to install solar panels on the roof.
The solar and ductless heat pump upgrades were supported through two grants from the Rural Energy for America Program, which Sustainable Connections helped them access. Grant funds paid for about 40% of these projects.
Lyn and Katherine want the building to remain a part of the community. One of the bays was renovated into a
functional gym space for Lopez Strength and Conditioning. Another section of the building serves as a small distillery. The building still has a lot of work to be done, but little by little, it’s coming together.
Through current grant funds, businesses in San Juan County can access the same full-service commercial energy audit and grant funds. n
Contact energy@sustainableconnections.org or visit communityenergychallenge.org.
ABOVE: The current Lopez Garage. PHOTO COURTESY OF OPALCO
TOP: Lopez Garage in the late 1940s/early ’50s. PHOTO COURTESY OF THE SORENSON FAMILY
BEFORE YOU GO
The First Ruralite Recipe
June is the month for cool, luscious desserts that can be prepared at your leisure and kept in the refrigerator until time to serve them. Here is a dessert that is simple to prepare, elegant to look at and wonderful to eat.
Chocolate Refrigerator Cake
4 ounces sweet milk chocolate
¼ cup hot water
1⁄ 8 teaspoon salt
4 egg yolks
1 teaspoon vanilla
4 egg whites
½ cup powdered sugar
1 cup cream, whipped
2 dozen ladyfingers or a sponge cake
Melt chocolate with hot water and salt in double boiler. When well-blended, beat in
AI-GENERATED
ILLUSTRATION BY GEMINI
egg yolks and cook and stir over hot water for 4 or 5 minutes or until egg yolks are set. Remove from heat and chill slightly.
Beat egg whites until stiff but not dry, then beat in the powdered sugar. Fold into the chocolate mixture. If desired, reserve
1/4 cup of cream before whipping for the garnish. Whip the cream until stiff and fold into the chocolate mixture. Arrange the ladyfingers on the bottom and sides of a spring form mold. Pour in part of the chocolate mixture. Chill for several hours or overnight. Serves 8 to 10.
If using the sponge cake, cut away the center of the sponge cake leaving a shell about ¾-inch thick. Layer the cake that has been removed from the center and the chocolate mixture into the sponge cake shell and chill.
The extra whipped cream is used for a garnish topped with shaved milk chocolate. n
Editors note: As Ruralite magazine celebrates 70 years, we bring you the first recipe published in our magazine in June 1954. We hope you enjoy this walk down memory lane.
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
STAFF
General Manager
Foster Hildreth
Manager of Finance & Member Services
Nancy Loomis
Manager of Operations & Engineering
Russell Guerry, PE
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
President
Vince Dauciunas, District 1
Vice President
Jerry Whitfield, District 4
Secretary/Treasurer
Brian Silverstein, District 3
Mark Madsen, District 1
Chuks Onwuneme, District 2
Wendy Hiester, District 2
Tom Osterman, 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.
www.opalco.com
Let Your Voice Be Heard
It’s finally summer! I’ve been out and about with my people enjoying the beautiful islands.
It’s also the time of year when the pets of Orcas Island run to be the mayor of Eastsound. Even though I am the natural choice for mayor, my sibling Lilly— pictured here with me—will be running for office. I’ve been chatting with her a lot about climate change here in the islands and ways islanders can stay involved in this critical topic. She really cares about the next generation of islanders and will keep her eye out for ways to combat climate change.
If you’re looking for easy ways to act, take the San Juan County climate action survey. There are things our community can do to prepare, and the county wants to hear from us about our priorities. I took the survey with my people; it was super easy and took no time at all. Find the survey at https://engage.sanjuancountywa.gov/climate-action.
Co-op members can also use Switch It Up funds to make energy-efficiency upgrades to their homes or businesses. Upgrades help reduce the effects of climate change and make your power bill more affordable. Check out pages 28-29 to see how the historic Lopez Garage has used incentives and grants to make the old building more efficient. Get more details on our Switch It Up on-bill financing program on page 25.
Orcas Power & Light Cooperative is on the front lines as the world comes together to reverse climate change. We are increasing local energy production, beefing up the grid to power clean electric transportation and heating, and winning state and federal grants to fund these critical projects. All these things help the environment and improve local climate resilience. That’s the Island Way.
Enjoy these long days!
Pepper
P.S. Don't forget to vote Lilly for mayor and take the climate action survey.