OREGON TRAIL ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE DECEMBER 2024
Enzo is ready for winter fun in Anthony Lakes. PHOTO COURTESY OF OREGON TRAIL ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE
Ruralite
December 2024
• Volume 72, No. 12
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
ASSOCIATE EDITORS
Valeri Pearon, Nina Todea
PUBLICATIONS PRODUCTION SR. MANAGER
Elizabeth Beatty
SENIOR PUBLICATIONS COORDINATOR
Alyssa McDougle
Ruralite (USPS 397-460) is published monthly for members for $5.43 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 46 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
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Address Changes:
Utility members, contact your local utility. Subscribers, call us at 503-357-2105 option 3 or email mailingdept@pioneer.coop.
Back issues:
Back issues and extra copies $3. Prepayment required. Supply is limited. Be sure to identify edition, month and year. Call first if ordering back issues to check availability.
To contact Ruralite:
Ruralite magazine is published by Pioneer Utility Resources.
P.O. Box 1306, North Plains, OR 97133-1306; 503-357-2105; email: info@pioneer.coop. For more information, visit www.pioneer.coop.
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Here’s to New Beginnings
With this issue, I step into the position of editorial director. I am incredibly grateful to Mike Teegarden for his help in preparing for this role and support during our transition.
I take the reins deeply mindful of the incredible leaders who came before me. They set the foundation with stories that challenged, enlightened and resonated deeply— stories that became touchstones for our readers and industry. I am humbled to follow in their footsteps and carry forward the legacy.
A recent note from reader Abigail Cowart brought me great joy. She thanks everyone who donated yarn to her project of making hats and scarves for the homeless. She’s made and distributed 100 hats and scarves so far. Want to find ways you can help fellow readers? Learn more on Page 18.
For supplemental and interactive content, search @Ruralite on your favorite social media sites.
Storytelling has always been more than just words on a page to me. It is an art, a powerful way of connecting across space and time. A wellcrafted story can shift perspectives, stir empathy and ignite dialogue that lingers long after the page is turned. Over the years, I have come to see how stories provide comfort, provoke thought, and, most importantly, help us understand ourselves and the world around us. I am committed to preserving that legacy.
I want to foster a space where storytelling continues to thrive and where writers are encouraged to take risks, dig deep and capture the essence of our communities and the stories they hold.
At the same time, beginning this role signifies a new beginning, a chance to explore fresh
directions and uncharted themes. I look forward to bringing my voice and vision to this new chapter, working alongside our talented team to keep the magazine relevant, thought-provoking and vibrant. Together, we will honor the past while pushing forward, blending tradition with innovation to craft stories that inspire and resonate for years to come.
What about you? Do you have ideas for stories we haven’t yet told? I’d love to learn more. Reach me at editor@pioneer.coop. Here’s to new beginnings, rich storytelling and the road ahead.
Chasity Anderson Editorial Director
Taking Stock
Breeding program preserves heritage livestock Up Close, Page 10
All in the Family
Cooperative Family Fund helps children after tragic loss Spotlight, Page 12
In The Kitchen, Page 16
Picture Hunt 22 Before You Go 30 Utility Pages: 4-5, 8, 25, 28-29, 32
OTEC Scholarships
Academic scholarship applications are open until March 16, 2025, but don’t wait. Start now to ensure you have plenty of time to complete your application and to give those who are writing recommendation letters adequate time as well.
Regardless of your age, if you are looking into higher education, you should check out the Oregon Trail Electric Cooperative academic scholarships. Scholarships are available for graduating high school seniors, including homeschoolers; those continuing college; and adults looking to start or return to college.
If you or someone you know is interested in earning a degree from Eastern Oregon University, be sure to check out the OTEC–EOU Rural Scholarship, which pays all four years of tuition and fees at EOU.
OTEC scholarships are funded through donations and unclaimed capital credits. Visit otec.coop/scholarships to learn more and apply for OTEC scholarships.
OTEC Offices Closed for Christmas
Oregon Trail Electric Cooperative offices are closed Wednesday, Dec. 25, for Christmas. We wish you a very merry Christmas!
Ruralite
Calling All Photographers!
Do you enjoy Ruralite magazine? Would you like to have your photo on a cover in 2025? Oregon Trail Electric Cooperative is holding its annual Ruralite cover photo contest. Send in your best high-resolution photos, and OTEC’s team will select winners for 2025.
There are a few rules:
• The contest is only open to OTEC member-owners. Each entrant may submit up to three photos. Photos must be vertical (portrait) orientation. All submissions must include the photographer’s name and location of the photo.
• Photos must be taken within OTEC’s service territory. Submissions must be high-resolution digital images in jpeg format, 300 dpi at approximately 8-by-10 inches. Prints ARE NOT accepted. Email your high-resolution photos to communications@otec.coop. Winners receive $100 checks.
• The deadline is Sunday, Dec. 15, 2024. By submitting photos to this contest, you agree to give OTEC the right to use submitted photos on the cover of Ruralite magazine, and on the OTEC website and social media pages.
Intelligent Insight Make informed decisions when buying smart appliances
By Scott Flood
Santa isn’t the only one who makes an appearance this month. As the year nears its end, retailers start trumpeting deep discounts on home appliances. That’s great if you’ve considered replacing some of your home’s tired appliances with one of today’s smart models. But before buying a smart appliance, take some time to learn what they offer—and think about what you really need.
Begin with an honest look at how you live, and consider the role your current appliances play in your daily routine. Would the capabilities of a smart appliance make your life easier? For example, if you frequently forget to start the laundry or your dishwasher, Wi-Fi-enabled appliances with remote start capabilities may save you time and trouble.
If you’re thinking about stepping up to a smart appliance because it has a cool feature you might use once a year, ask yourself if it’s worth the extra cost.
Next, think about any smart devices you already use in your home. Make sure they’re compatible with the smart appliance’s operating system, so you can get all the benefits you expect. For example, many of these appliances are engineered to work with familiar voice assistants, such as Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant or Apple’s Siri. Incompatible systems might limit your ability to use the features most important to you.
Is your home’s infrastructure ready to handle the demands of a smart appliance? Depending on the model you choose, it might require anything from a basic internet connection to a home Wi-Fi network to provide the operation you expect.
Some smart appliances may require Bluetooth, Zigbee, Z-Wave or other systems for connectivity. Others can receive software updates via Wi-Fi. Having
access to the right technology ensures your system functions correctly and can handle updates as they become available.
It’s always important to consider energy efficiency when buying a new appliance. Most smart appliances are designed to reduce energy consumption, with operating modes that deliver the performance you want while making more efficient use of energy.
Smart appliances that are Energy Starcertified meet or exceed federal energyefficiency standards, and some may use only half as much energy as standard appliances. Many let you schedule operations during times of the day when energy rates are lower. That’s particularly beneficial with high-energy appliances, including washing machines, dishwashers and clothes dryers.
Repairs to smart appliances can be expensive, so be sure to consider
Most smart appliances are designed to reduce energy consumption, with operating modes that deliver the performance you want while making more efficient use of energy. PHOTO COURTESY OF LG
the warranty. Generous manufacturer warranties demonstrate the company’s confidence in the quality of its products.
Finally, because most smart appliances are connected to the internet, make sure you think about privacy and security. Research the manufacturer’s privacy policies and security features to ensure data —like your voice commands and shopping habits—don’t fall into the wrong hands. Making sure the manufacturer takes your privacy and online safety as seriously as you do is a smart strategy.
For most homeowners, the biggest downside to smart appliances is they carry higher price tags than their not-so-smart counterparts. However, price is just one factor in the cost of any appliance. When you also consider the long-term value smart appliances deliver—whether that’s in energy savings, helpful conveniences or improved reliability—most save you money over their service life.
Smart appliances may be eligible for rebates and tax incentives, so ask your retailer what’s available.
What’s ahead for smart appliances in the foreseeable future? The marketplace is starting to see the integration of basic artificial intelligence capabilities that can make smart appliances provide better service, greater reliability and lower energy needs. As these AI-fueled systems become more common, your refrigerator might know your habits so well it can generate a shopping list for you. Your dishwasher could adjust its operating cycle to better clean your family’s uniquely dirty dishes.
There was a time when appliances changed little from decade to decade. Today, products advance more quickly than ever before, and we can expect to see more big changes ahead. n
BY
Shop Wisely and Be an Energy Star
By Jennah Denney
As the days grow colder, you may be considering ways to stay cozy while also managing home energy use. One of the best ways to make your home more energy efficient is by choosing products with the Energy Star label. But what exactly does the label mean, and how can it benefit you?
How Products Earn the Energy Star Label
Energy Star is a program by the U.S. Department of Energy and the Environmental Protection Agency to help consumers identify energyefficient products that save money and reduce environmental impact.
Products that earn the Energy Star label must meet strict guidelines for energy efficiency, performance and cost effectiveness. Here’s how the process works:
The product must be more energy efficient than typical models. This helps you save on energy bills by using less electricity while still providing the same performance.
The product must be tested in EPA-recognized labs following standardized procedures. These tests ensure the product meets all energyefficiency and performance requirements.
Once tested, the product’s data is reviewed by a third-party certification body to verify it meets the set standards. This ensures only the best products receive the Energy Star label.
Even after a product is certified, the EPA conducts off-the-shelf testing on random samples of Energy Star products to ensure they continue to meet the required standards. If a product fails to meet the performance requirements during verification testing, it can be disqualified from the Energy Star program. The EPA has clear procedures for handling such disqualifications to maintain the integrity of the label.
Speaking of Labels
Whether you’re upgrading your refrigerator, replacing lightbulbs or buying new electronics, the blue Energy Star label is your assurance the product has passed all energy-efficiency tests. It’s easy to spot and can be found on products ranging from small and major appliances to electronics.
Many large appliances, such as washing machines and clothes dryers, include a yellow Energy Guide label that provides estimated energy use. Comparing these labels can help you determine how much you can save with an Energy Star model compared to a standard model.
While Energy Star products can cost a little more upfront, their energy savings over time often cover the difference. They help reduce your household energy consumption, which could translate to lower utility bills.
As you shop for appliances, electronics or other home equipment this holiday season, look for the Energy Star label. Whether it’s a new washing machine or energy-efficient lighting options, these products are a simple and effective way to save money and lower energy use. Check with your electric utility about rebates or incentives for buying Energy Star products.
To browse products that have earned the Energy Star® label, visit www.energystar.gov.
Make your home more energy efficient by choosing products with the Energy Star label.
PHOTO
MIKE GATTORNA
ADOBE
Taking Stock
Breeding program preserves heritage livestock
By Les O’Dell
Denise Hanna’s herd of cattle looks different from others seen near her Etna, California, ranch. That’s because they are different. That distinction is what first attracted her to belted Galloway cattle, and that’s why they draw so much attention.
Belted Galloways—informally known as “belties”—are best known for their appearance: usually black (although sometimes red or roan) with a wide, white belt running vertically between the shoulder and hind legs, leading some to refer to the breed as “Oreo cows.” Looks aside, the breed is known for its efficiency on rough forage, being good mothers and producing high-quality beef.
The cows are among a wide variety of heirloom breeds of agricultural livestock— animals once common across the United States but now considered endangered.
Known as heritage breeds, they are a throwback to a time before industrial agriculture became a mainstream practice.
According to The Livestock Conservancy, a North Carolina-based not-for-profit organization working to promote and protect these animals, heirlooms are breeds that were carefully selected and bred over time to develop traits that made them welladapted to the local environment. The breeds thrived under farming practices and cultural conditions that are very different
from some found in modern agriculture. Because of unique characteristics such as slower rates of weight gain, these breeds fell out of favor with commercial producers, pushing some of the old breeds to the brink of extinction.
Today, The Livestock Conservancy lists more than 180 agricultural breeds across 11 species—ranging from rabbits, ducks and geese to cattle, horses and pigs—on its Conservation Priority List, an annual report ranking the danger of disappearance of each breed. The classifications are critical, threatened, watch, recovery and study. Based on these rankings, conservationists work to preserve these breeds.
Denise shares the organization’s mission when she speaks to those who ask about her Belted Galloways.
“I talk about how they are a heritage breed, and there are not as many of them,” she says, explaining the uniqueness of the breed and quality of the beef she sells online. “I’ve been very pleased with the taste of the beef. I find that they don’t need as much marbling to be tender and taste great.”
Across the country, more than 4,000 volunteer breeders and 150-plus breed associations work to ensure endangered breeds like belted Galloways—ranked under the “watch” category on the conservation list—don’t disappear. Homesteaders and farmers choose heritage breeds for a variety of reasons. Some,
including Rex Studyvin of Jerome, Idaho, are attracted to the uncommon breeds.
Rex’s farm includes milking Devon cattle (listed as critical), Jacob-American sheep (threatened) and mule-foot hogs (critical). He says many of the characteristics of heritage breed animals— such as resistance to some parasites and diseases or ability to pasture in less-thanideal settings—may prove to be valuable over the long term.
“They have genetics that we don’t want to lose because if those genetics are gone and we need them, we will have problems,” he says.
Denise Frye of Addy, Washington, calls it “maintaining genetic diversity for the future.” She got into raising a variety of chickens, turkeys, ducks and geese through an interest in permaculture.
“Permaculture is basically a lifestyle that incorporates sustainability into all of its principles, and heritage livestock certainly fills the bill in that regard,” Denise says.
Denise has been recognized for her work in conservation breeding of the cotton patch goose, which moved from critical to threatened on the 2023 list. She established the Cotton Patch Goose Society to further promote and protect the breed a dozen years ago.
The protection of biodiversity and genetic resources are other important reasons for protecting these breeds, says Alison Martin, program director for The Livestock Conservancy. Many producers
choose heritage animals because they want to make a difference.
“None of us has a crystal ball to see what the future of agriculture is going to look like. This is about keeping these breeds around as a genetic reservoir,” she says, adding these animals are key to food security. “If we didn’t have this diversity, eventually, we would narrow our food system down to where it wasn’t sustainable. There would be no backup.”
That’s not lost on Denise.
“I do honestly, 100% believe that the cotton patch goose would have gone extinct if not for some of this work,” she says.
Efforts seem to be paying off. Since first establishing the Conservation Priority List 37 years ago, The Livestock Conservancy has yet to lose a breed to extinction. In fact, in the last dozen years, 12 breeds have graduated from the list, meaning those animal populations no longer need continual monitoring.
In 2024, two breeds—Southdown sheep and Hereford pigs— graduated from the list, and 15 breeds were reclassified within the list’s four tiers, most in a positive direction.
For farmers, educators and conservationists, the work of raising and promoting heritage breeds and their products is a labor of love. n
More information about these animals and the Conservation Priority List can be found at www. livestockconservancy.org.
FROM TOP: Denise Hanna’s herd of belted Galloway cattle are part of a program designed to preserve heritage breeds. Rex Studyvin raises several heritage breeds, including milking Devon cattle. Denise Frye has a flock of cotton patch geese. PHOTOS COURTESY OF DENISE HANNA, REX STUDYVIN AND DENISE FRYE
American flags along the side of the road each Memorial Day and Independence Day. With the cooperative’s help, they plan to keep Trent’s flags flying for years to come.
“I feel like I’m very blessed that he worked for them,” Betsey
says. “They didn’t have to be as good to us as they were, considering he had worked there for barely 30 days. The fact that they would put my son into this fund, that they would be willing to do that for him, meant a great deal to me.”
A Gift for the Future
For Cooperative Family Fund Board President Tony Anderson, providing support for each member of the cooperative family—no matter how long they have been part of it—is what Cooperative Family Fund is all about. The idea for the fund first came to Tony after a series of funerals for lineworkers across the country. He realized cooperative support often ends after the funerals.
“We’re really good at funerals in our business, but we don’t
If we care about our employees while they’re here at work, I don’t think that care evaporates when there is an untimely death.
— Bryan Case, Fall River Rural Electric Cooperative General Manager
do anything after,” he says. “We always talk about being a family in the co-op world, and I believe we’ve proven that over the years. But I felt this would make us a stronger family. And member services, engineers, accountants, managers—we’re all part of that family.”
Tony discussed the idea with other cooperative leaders and proposed it to the National Rural Utilities Cooperative Finance Corp. in January 2022. While there are no statistics on how many electric co-op employees are lost annually, the goal is to
Trent started a tradition of flying flags for Memorial Day and Independence Day, which Fall River Electric Cooperative will continue. PHOTO COURTESY OF THE SMITH FAMILY
Trent died after being on the job at Fall River Propane for only a month. PHOTO COURTESY OF THE SMITH FAMILY
ABOVE and OPPOSITE PAGE: Pages from a memory book created for Luke Hackman’s family after he died in 2022.
continually raise funds so any child younger than 18 who loses a parent employed by an electric co-op would receive a $10,000 trust. That trust accrues interest until the first day of the month after the child’s 18th birthday. At that point, recipients can put the money toward whatever they choose.
“Every child is going to take a different path or has different needs,” says Anne Harvey, one of the CFF founding board members. “If college education is something for them, rather than saying this is for books, maybe they need help with housing. The skilled trades are so needed at distribution co-ops, so maybe they want to go that route, or this could give them a gap year. Each child is going to have a different need, and we just can’t wait to see how they use the fund.”
In addition to encouraging cooperative staff to remain engaged with each family, Cooperative Family Fund also helps the cooperative put together a memory book of its time with the employee to give to family members. The books are an important inclusion for Tony, who was 2 when his father died. Tony has only a single photo of the two of them together.
“I have very few stories of him, less than five probably,” he says. “The memory book was important to me because I knew the kids would appreciate it over time. When you lose somebody, the biggest thing you’re worried about is people forgetting them. And when you give that family a memory book, they feel like their loved one is not forgotten because the memories are captured in that book.”
Healing Together
For cooperatives mourning the loss of one of their own, offering meaningful support to families has been just as important as the money. Hollee McCormick, general manager of AllamakeeClayton Electric Cooperative based in Postville, Iowa, recalls her team putting together a memory book for Luke Hackman. A member of the co-op’s broadband department, Luke died in a car accident the same month the Cooperative Family Fund
was announced. His two children were the first to receive trusts through the program.
“We were all grieving the loss of Luke, and putting that book together kind of had a healing effect for all of us,” Hollee says. “I always tell Tony there was so little we could do for that family. Being able to talk to his wife and tell her that the nation of co-ops had put this program together and we would be able to help a little bit more was meaningful.”
Brad Janorschke, general manager of Homer Electric Association based in Homer, Alaska, was supportive of Cooperative Family Fund when it officially launched in December 2022. What he did not expect was that his utility would need to make use of the fund just days later, when lineworker Sam Clyde was killed in a car accident, leaving behind five children.
“He was pretty much loved by everybody,” Brad says. “His picture is still in the hallway out of the office he worked at. His dad was a retired lineman for our utility, as well. It was fantastic that the fund was there. It really helped out the family, and now the cooperative contributes to it annually.”
While many participating co-ops donate through the board or give employees the chance to contribute from their paychecks, others have found ways to involve their communities. Flathead Electric Cooperative in Kalispell, Montana, held a cookie bake-off contest, and Beltrami Electric Cooperative in Bemidji, Minnesota, had a rummage sale. Proceeds from both events went to the fund.
Care That Continues
The fund has raised $1.2 million in its first two years and provided 78 trusts for the children of 37 employees across 20 states. Those numbers serve as a reminder of just how much the fund was needed, even to early supporters like Fall River Rural Electric Cooperative General Manager Bryan Case.
Oftentimes, co-ops are conscientious of the dangers of the job, Bryan says.
HOLIDAY BREAKFAST Make Ahead
Spiced Gingerbread Loaf With Orange Icing
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
11/2 teaspoons ground ginger
11/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon fresh ground pepper
2/3 cup dark molasses
Recipes by Gertrude Treadaway
3/4 cup hot water (about 100 F)
8 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
1/3 cup packed light brown sugar
1 extra-large egg, at room temperature
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1 cup powdered sugar, sifted
2 to 3 tablespoons orange juice
Heat oven to 350 F. Grease a 9-by-5-inch loaf pan. Set aside.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, salt and pepper. Set aside. In a separate bowl or dish, whisk together the molasses and hot water.
In a large bowl, using a handheld or stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat the butter on high speed until smooth and creamy, about 1 minute. Add the brown sugar. Beat on high speed for 1 minute until creamed together fairly well.
On medium-high speed, beat in the egg and vanilla extract until combined. With the mixer on low speed, add the dry ingredients in three additions, alternating with the hot water/molasses and mixing each addition just until incorporated. Avoid overmixing. The batter will be thin. Whisk out any big lumps.
Pour batter into the prepared pan. Bake for 50 to 60 minutes or until the loaf is baked through. To test for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center of the loaf. If it comes out clean with only a few moist crumbs, it is done. Set the pan on a wire rack, allowing the bread to cool completely before removing it from the pan.
To make the icing, whisk together the powdered sugar and orange juice. Drizzle over the cooled loaf.
ADOBE STOCK PHOTO BY ZI3000
Overnight Breakfast Casserole
1 pound mild breakfast sausage
1 can crescent rolls
6 extra-large eggs, beaten
Heat oven to 350 F.
1 block cream cheese, cut into small cubes
2 cups shredded extra-sharp cheese
Spray a 9-by-13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. Brown sausage in skillet. Drain excess grease. Unroll crescent roll dough and press to cover the bottom of the baking dish. Top with sausage, then pour eggs over sausage. Spread cream cheese cubes evenly. Top with cheese. Bake for 30 minutes.
You can prepare the casserole the night before. Cover with plastic wrap. Refrigerate until ready to bake.
Spinach and Gruyère Breakfast Strata
8 to 10 1/2-inch-thick slices
French or Italian bread
5 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided 2 large shallots, minced 10 ounces frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
1 teaspoon salt
Pepper, to taste
1/2 cup white wine
11/2 cups shredded Gruyère cheese
6 extra-large eggs
13/4 cups half-and-half
Heat oven to 225 F. Arrange bread in a single layer on a baking sheet. Bake until dry and crisp, about 40 minutes, flipping slices halfway through baking. When cooled, spread one side of slices with 2 tablespoons butter. Set aside.
Meanwhile, melt 2 tablespoons butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add shallots. Cook until softened and translucent, about 3 minutes. Add spinach, and season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until spinach is warmed through, about 2 minutes. Transfer to a medium bowl. Set aside.
Add wine to the skillet. Increase heat to mediumhigh, and simmer until reduced to 1/4 cup, about 2 to 3 minutes. Set aside.
Grease an 8-inch square baking dish with the remaining butter. Arrange half of the bread slices, buttered side up, in a single layer in the dish. Sprinkle half of the spinach mixture and 1/2 cup Gruyère evenly over bread slices. Repeat layering with remaining bread slices, remaining spinach mixture and 1/2 cup Gruyère. Whisk eggs in a medium bowl until combined. Whisk in half-and-half, reduced wine and salt. Season with pepper. Pour mixture over bread layers. Wrap dish tightly in plastic wrap, pressing plastic flush to surface of strata. Weigh down strata with three 16-ounce cans to submerge ingredients. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour or up to 24 hours.
Heat oven to 325 F. Remove dish from refrigerator, and let it sit for 20 minutes. Remove weights and plastic. Sprinkle remaining cheese over top of strata. Bake until edges and center are barely puffed and edges have pulled away slightly from sides of dish, about 50 minutes. Cool on wire rack for 5 minutes before serving.
Cinnamon Muffins
Paper muffin liners or cooking spray
1 cup packed light brown sugar, divided
4 teaspoons ground cinnamon, divided
1 cup whole milk
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 cup canola oil
2 extra-large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Heat oven to 375 F. Line a standard 12-well muffin pan with paper liners, or coat the wells with cooking spray.
Place 1/4 packed cup of light brown sugar and 2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon in a small bowl. Stir to combine, breaking up any lumps.
Place flour, baking powder, the remaining 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon, salt and nutmeg in a large bowl. Whisk to combine.
Place milk, the remaining 3/4 packed cup light brown sugar, canola oil, eggs and vanilla extract in a medium bowl. Whisk until well combined and no lumps of sugar remain.
Pour the milk mixture into the flour mixture. Stir until just incorporated and no dry spots remain.
Divide half the batter among the muffin wells, about 2 tablespoons of batter per well. Sprinkle 1 teaspoon of the cinnamon sugar evenly over each muffin. Divide the remaining batter among the muffin wells. Sprinkle each muffin with the remaining cinnamon sugar, about 1 teaspoon per muffin.
Bake until the muffins are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean, about 18 minutes. Let cool for 5 minutes before removing the muffins from the pan.
Nutella Swirl Banana Bread
Cooking spray
8 tablespoons salted butter
3 medium bananas, very ripe
1 cup granulated sugar
2 extra-large eggs
1/4 cup whole milk
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
2/3 cup Nutella, divided
Heat oven to 350 F. Line a 9-by-5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper, so it hangs off two sides to form a sling. Coat the pan and parchment with cooking spray.
Place 8 tablespoons butter in a small microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on high power in 10-second increments until melted. Mash bananas in a large bowl with a fork or potato masher until smooth. Add the butter, sugar, eggs, milk and vanilla extract. Stir to combine.
Add flour, baking soda and salt. Stir with a rubber spatula until no dry spots remain.
Transfer half the batter to the prepared pan. Using a spoon, dollop 1/3 cup of Nutella onto the batter. Swirl Nutella into the batter with a table knife. Top with the remaining batter. Dollop the remaining 1/3 cup Nutella onto the batter. Swirl with a knife.
Bake until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs attached, 55 to 65 minutes. Let cool for 20 minutes in the pan, then flip the bread out of the pan onto a wire rack. Cool completely before slicing.
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See a range of environments and natural beauty in Washington at
Olympic National Park
What Is It?
Sprouting up along the Pacific Coast, Olympic National Park—and all of Washington’s Olympic Peninsula along the state’s west edge—offers grand natural beauty, with rivers and beaches, deep rain forests and soaring mountains. The region got its name in the late 1700s when an explorer saw the mountains and thought they, like the Greek Mount Olympus, were majestic enough to be home to gods.
One Peninsula, Many Ecosystems
Olympic National Park has 73 miles of coastline, with Ruby and Realto beaches being popular oceanfront stops. Further ashore, the Hoh Rain Forest has plenty of hiking trails and is home to One Square Inch of Silence, one of the quietest places in the country. Towering above it all are the Olympic Mountains, including the 7,980-foot-tall Mount Olympus.
Rise and Grind
The Olympic Mountains are relatively young, by geological standards. They are roughly 34 million years old, rising as the Juan de Fuca tectonic plate subducts below the North American plate along the Pacific Coast. While this process still occurs, pushing the mountain upward, the mountains are not growing, as environmental factors grind, weather and erode the range.
Casting a Large Rain Shadow
On the west side of the peninsula, closer to the Pacific Ocean where many rain clouds form, the Hoh Rain Forest receives almost 12 feet of precipitation each year, and Mount Olympus receives an average of 50 feet of snowfall annually. However, precipitation has a hard time crossing the range, creating a dark rain shadow. Sequim, a town on the east side of the peninsula, averages just 16.5 inches of rain a year.
More Information
Entering the national park requires a pass. A Standard Entrance Pass costs $30 for a vehicle, and includes entry for up to 15 passengers. To start planning your trip, call 360-565-3130 or go online and visit www.nps.gov/olym.
PHOTO BY BILL BACCUS/ NATIONAL PARK SERVICE
We’ve
Found the Most Beautiful Endangered Species
Theirs sold at auction for $226,000. Ours is JUST $29! Curious? Read on!
To art nouveau jewelers at the turn of the last century, nothing was more beautiful than the dragonfly. In the dragonfly’s long body and outstretched wings, jewelers found the perfect setting for valuable stones. ese jewelers’ dragonfly designs have become timeless statements of style; a dragonfly pendant designed by French jeweler René Lalique recently sold at auction for $226,000. Inspired by his stunning artistry, we’ve crafted our Dragonfly Nouvelle Collection, an elegant jewelry set for JUST $29!
True artisanship in Austrian crystal and yellow gold. is necklace and earring set features gorgeous multicolored enamel paired with Austrian crystals and a yellow gold finish. Ask any jeweler and they’ll tell you it takes true artisanship to properly blend the blues and purples found in this enamel. While art nouveau dragonflies are hard to come by, we’re helping to repopulate their numbers with this artfully stylized depiction of some of nature’s smallest wonders!
Buy the pendant, get the earrings FREE. If Stauer were a normal company, we’d sell the necklace and earrings for $199 each, but because we engage the world’s best artisans and cut out the middlemen to sell directly to you, we’re offering the necklace for JUST $29! Even better: If you buy within the next few days, we’ll throw in the earrings for FREE! at’s a nearly $400 value for JUST $29!
Act fast! e first time we ran this jewelry in our catalog, it sold out in a matter of days. Get this collection now before this offer goes extinct!
Jewelry Speci cations:
• Enamel with Austrian crystal. Yellow gold finish
• Pendant: 1 ½" W x 1 ¼" H.
Chain: 18" + 2", lobster clasp. Earrings: 1 ¼" L, french wire
pendant, get earrings FREE! Dragonfly Nouvelle Collection
A. Necklace $199 $29* + S&P Save $170
B. Earrings $199 FREE with purchase of Dragonfly Nouvelle Necklace
*Special price only for customers using the offer code.
What Stauer Clients Are Saying About Our Knives
“Outstanding knife of high quality and a great price. I now have a number of your great cutlery in my growing collection!”
— Robert F.,
WeSee the Forest Through the Trees
Richardson, TX
know you. You’re not interested in everyday, run-ofthe-mill, common cutlery. You want something with a story, a unique feature that you can brag about. We’ve got just the thing for you. Our Mighty Conifer Knife is a unique tool with a Damascus steel blade and a handle crafted from an enhanced and stabilized natural pinecone. While our competitors are charging hundreds for similar knives, we’re offering the Mighty Conifer for JUST $99! at’s what we call our Stauer Impossible Price.
Each pinecone — and therefore, each knife — has its own unique characteristics. And the back of the handle features hand tooling, a further demonstration of each piece’s individual nature.
e blade is nothing to scoff at either. Constructed of Damascus steel, a modern reworking of the legendary steel forged by ancient swordsmiths, this nearly 5-inch blade features 256 layers of steel that have been folded on top of each other to increase its durability. Our competitors are charging hundreds for boring, run-of-the-mill knives with no features worth bragging about. We’re asking JUST $99 for a knife unlike any you’ve seen before!
With its full-tang construction and high-quality genuine leather sheath, the Mighty Conifer Knife is the perfect blade for the
person who wants to stand out. CALL NOW! If you’re one of the first 700 587 callers for this ad, we’ll throw in a pair of Stauer 8x21 Compact Binoculars — a $99 value — ABSOLUTELY FREE! Satisfaction guaranteed or your money back!
EXCLUSIVE FREE
Stauer 8x21 Compact Binoculars a $99 value with your purchase
Knife Speci cations:
• 9 ½" overall length. Full-tang construction
• Damascus steel blade and natural pinecone handle
• Genuine leather sheath
Mighty Conifer Knife
$299 $99* + S&P Save $200
*You must use Insider Offer Code: MCK233-01 to get this price. California residents please call regarding Proposition 65 regulations before purchasing this product.
1-800-333-2045
Your Insider Offer Code: MCK233-01
BY NERUDOL
Comfort Foods Comfort Foods Cookbook
P.O. Box 1306 North Plains, OR 97133
ADOBE STOCK
PHOTO
Decorate Safely This Holiday Season
As the old song says, “It’s the most wonderful time of the year.” For many, the holidays are a wonderful time to celebrate with friends and family.
As part of our annual festivities, many of us enjoy decorating our homes to reflect our holiday spirit. As you decorate, keep these safety tips in mind.
Safety Tips Around the House
Inspect lights and cords. Check for frayed wires, cracked sockets and damaged plugs. Replace damaged items immediately. Avoid overloading extension cords and outlets to prevent electrical fires.
Use the right lights for the job. Only use indoor-rated lights inside your home, and use outdoor-rated ones for external decorations. Opt for LED lights. They generate less heat, reducing fire hazards and saving energy.
No matter what lights you buy, look for the blue Energy Star label. Energy Star products can use up to 70% less energy and can last up to 10 times longer than other products.
Choose safe places. Keep lights and cords away from water sources, such as fountains or pools. Avoid running electrical cords under rugs or across hightraffic areas to prevent tripping or damage. Incorporate timers and surge protectors. Use automatic timers to avoid leaving lights on overnight or when you’re away. Use surge protectors when possible. Read all instructions. Do not string more lights together than guidelines recommend.
Ladder Safety Tips
Look up. Know where overhead power lines and equipment are, and stay at least 10 feet away. Do not swing ladders or hang decorations within 10 feet of power lines.
Pick the right size. Use a ladder tall enough to reach your working area without overextending. Keep 10 feet away from power lines, Check for damage. Inspect the ladder for cracks or loose parts. Ensure it has
nonslip feet and is stable before use. Set it up safely. Place the ladder on a level, stable surface. If the ground is uneven, use a ladder with adjustable legs. Follow the four-to-one rule: Place the base 1 foot away from the wall for every 4 feet of height.
Climb safely. Maintain three points of contact—two hands and one foot or two feet and one hand—at all times. Avoid leaning or overreaching. Descend and move the ladder if needed.
Work with a partner. Have someone hold the base of the ladder to stabilize it. They can also hand up decorations and tools to prevent unnecessary trips up and down.
Check the weather. Avoid using a ladder in high winds, rain or icy conditions to prevent slips and falls. By following these safety practices, you can ensure a festive and accident-free holiday season. n
MARKETPLACE
Agriculture
Reinforced custom-sized pond liners (39 cents/sqft). Hay covers, greenhouse covers, any width and length. Truck tarps and more. High puncture and tear strength. Best price guaranteed. Celebrating 43 years in business. www.btlliners.com. 541-447-0712. 0425
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, tjabaughman@yahoo.com or 503-310-3321. 0325
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. 0225
Three minature wood dollhouses. Multiple accessories and furnishings. $1.2K for all. 541-584-2710. Elkton, OR. 1224
25-piece Forest Service china collection. Plates, cups, bowls, serving platters, covered sugar bowl. $2.5K. 208-305-2868. 1224
Automotive
1985 Cadillac Eldorado. 110K miles. Like new. $20K. 530-233-5051. 1224
For sale: Subaru Impreza 1994. 132K miles, always kept in garage, bright red, very good condition. One owner, never an accident, $1.5K. 541-752-0522, Bill@Randallclan.net. Corvallis, OR. 1224
Books, Magazines and Videos
Holiday shopping? Idaho author Tova R. Cladouhos sells children’s books on Amazon or by email at tovarae@gmail.com. These books are perfect for elementaryaged children with factual stories based on friendship, affection, protection and farm animal adventures. Tova loves barns, pastures, dogs, cats, sheep and ponds. Her books include, “The Nine Lives of Milo the Cat,” “Saving Lily,” “Little Molly” and “Little Molly’s Secret.” 0125
Book restoration. Bibles, cookbooks, cherished family heirlooms. Beautiful work. We give renewed life, more durable than original, to last for generations. 775-537-7066; salacanstudio@gmail.com. 1224AR
Business Opportunities
Tremendous opportunity to own restaurant, bar, liquor store with pull tabs and lotto sales near Fairbanks, AK. Located near university, airport and musk ox farm. Ivory Jacks since 1975. Dick: 907-455-6666; cell 907-888-6668; dickells74@gmail.com. Website: ivoryjacksrestaurant.com. 1224
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): February issue—Dec. 30, 2024.
If submitting ad by mail, send appropriate payment with your name, address, email, phone number and the name of the electric utility that provides your magazine to: Marketplace, P.O. Box 1306, North Plains, OR 97133. Make check or money order payable to Ruralite.
We accept credit card payments for ads submitted by email. Send ad to info@pioneer.coop.
Advertisements are accepted in good faith. Pioneer Utility Resources is not liable for interactions between buyers and sellers.
For sale: quaint hardware store in Maupin, OR. Inventory and interior store updated and refreshed. See ad on Bizbuysell.com or email Maupincountrystore@gmail.com. $239,999.
Turnkey cafe, pizza, bakery in the picturesque town of Cedarville, CA. Newly renovated, fully equipped commercial kitchen, cozy dining and bar room, potential mini brewpub. Priced for quick sale, $225K. Shelia, 530-569-0529. 1224
Community Events
“The Big” Annual Open Exhibit Dec. 6-Feb. 1 at Art Center East in La Grande, OR. Local and regional artists. artcentereast.org. 1224
Free Items
Free materials—church, government uniting, suppressing “religious liberty,” enforcing National Sunday Law. Be informed. Need mailing address only. TBS, P.O. Box 374, Ellijay, GA 30540. tbsmads@yahoo.com; 888-211-1715. 1224AR
Help Wanted
The Cape Blanco Heritage Society needs volunteers at the Cape Blanco Lighthouse Greeting Center and Hughes House for 2025. Background checks are required. Free RV hookups are available to volunteers. heritage32@frontier.com; 541-332-0521. 1224
Hobbies, Gifts, Games
Santa letters and cheerful artwork for gift giving and holidays, made in AK. We ship high-quality gifts and custom artwork, including letter bundles, totes, jewelry, prints, cards, relief prints, tiles. GV12 saves 10%. www.PamelaSueArtandDesigns.com. 1224
Miscellaneous
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. 0225
Granite cemetery markers at affordable prices. Will ship to most places. For more info: Joe, 541-815-8906 or highdesertmemorials@gmail. com; www.highdesertmemorials.com. 1224
Alaskan yellow cedar. Great for planter boxes, herb and flower beds, fencing or decks. Various sizes available. Pete, 541-206-0727. Lisa, 541-747-5025, ext. 21. 1224
Pets and Supplies
Husky, male. 4 years old. Very gentle. Great with children. 541-875-4172. 0125
Border collie/McNab puppies. The best dog you will ever have. Males and females, $450 each. Colton, OR. 503-314-0145. 1224
Real Estate
Let me help you buy or sell ranch, farm and recreation property in OR. Fourthgeneration Oregonian, prior ranch owner. For sale: Sisters, OR. 40 acres. Price reduced. $1.55M. John Gill, 541-480-9161 or johngill@landandwildlife.com. Land And Wildlife brokerage. 1224
Newly constructed, beautifully finished singlelevel home with Strawberry Mountain views. $389.5K. Duke Warner Realty, 541-987-2363; ddwr@ortelco.net. 1224
Ranch, south/east Pahrump, NV. Large home for rent. 2.5 fenced acres for children, pets, horses, gardening/farming, etc. Inexpensive well water. 702-530-3720. 1224
80 acres for sale at 259 Cache Creek Road, Nespelem, WA. Water and electric available. $100K. Contact at allenmckendr@yahoo.com or 509-634-8710. 1224
20 acres located east of Montello, NV. Fully livable. Year-round access. Power and water nearby. Comes with equipment and facilities. $35K. geopup58@gmail.com. 1224
Last chance to get an undeveloped buildable lot (8,000 sqft.) in Sportsman’s Park (Wasco County, Tygh Valley, OR). Sewer to property line, water on property, power available. National forest on backside. 7 miles to Wamic. $86.6K. Eric, 971-370-0220. 1224
Recreational Rentals
Bed and Birds, a guesthouse. Very private. Wet meadows, range, forest, dark sky. Lakeview, OR. Explore or ride? Near ski hill. Reasonable. 541-219-2044. 1224
Bend country cabin. Very clean and fully furnished cabin on private ranch. Close to recreation areas. Very nice. $95/night. bendcountrycabins@gmail.com; 541-382-3050. 0125
Wavecatcher: oceanfront cottage. Central Oregon coast. $175/night (plus cleaning/tax). Open April through Oct. Holds up to 6 (plus children and pets). Reservations: 541-740-2846. Wavecatcherbeachrentals.com. 1224
Getaway at either of our Airbnbs in Lenore, ID. $90 per night. We are on the Clearwater River with great fishing and hiking. Hope to see you. Cindy and Rocky Wines. 208-400-0013. www.bearcountrygetaways.com. 1224
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. 1224
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. 1224
Situations Wanted
Northern NV RV site available. Free rent and utilities in exchange for light lawn care. Private farm. Mature trees. Orovada, NV, area. 208-250-2026. 1224
Want to Buy
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
Cash paid for old gas station and oil company signs, pumps, globes, metal oil cans. Good condition. Discreet cash settlement. Clifton Jones, collector. 512-413-4459. 0225
Looking for candle-making molds from 6 to 10 inches. Taper molds, antique metal or silicone. pfrazier0407@gmail.com; 503-880-8863. 1224
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. 0225
OTEC Remains Committed to the Healthy Rural Communities of Eastern Oregon
By Shane Stenquist
If you are a regular Ruralite reader, we at Oregon Trail Electric Cooperative hope you have enjoyed our series this year on the pillars of healthy communities. We have looked at the importance of health care, education, the agricultural industry, and arts and culture in making and keeping our communities healthy and vibrant.
We talked about embracing innovation and how we can use artificial intelligence to not only help businesses but carry out essential tasks such as detecting and monitoring wildfires. We discussed the vital impact of our rural fire departments and first responders. We explained the importance of economic development for a vibrant and healthy future.
Throughout the healthy communities series, we have demonstrated how having a strong, stable electric cooperative contributes to our area’s well-being and success—from donating to rural fire departments in our service territory and hosting economic development forums to supporting youth through scholarships and donations to schools. Oregon Trail Electric Cooperative believes in being a good neighbor and a positive contributing force throughout Baker, Grant, Harney and Union counties.
The No. 1 way OTEC contributes to our communities is by staying focused on our core business, the business of providing you—our member-owners—with safe, reliable and competitively priced electricity.
OTEC invests in training and equipment to keep our crews safe while
they engage in work that can be extremely dangerous, especially in challenging weather conditions. We invest in system hardening and monitoring to help ensure our system is safe and reliable in the varied landscapes and climates of our service territory.
We dedicate time and resources to educate member-owners on our wildfire mitigation strategies and efforts, Public Safety Power Shutoffs and other safety measures designed to safeguard the flow of electricity while also protecting beautiful Eastern Oregon.
2024 OTEC Projects
As you travel throughout Eastern Oregon, you’re likely to see our line crews out and about, performing preventative maintenance, repairing lines and
ABOVE and ABOVE RIGHT: Oregon Trail Electric Cooperative line crews work on clearing lines and restoring power during an outage.
equipment when there is an outage, or running new connections.
Here is a brief list of projects completed in 2024 to improve systems for memberowners in each county:
• In Baker County, OTEC worked on a distribution line rebuild from Old Auburn to California Gulch. The co-op replaced 19 distribution poles and more than 8,000 feet of primary conductor.
This is part of a multiyear strategy to upgrade the section of line that serves 908 service locations from Bowen Valley to Granite. This project helps harden the line for improved reliability and wildfire mitigation.
• In Union County, OTEC performed a distribution line rebuild along Lower Cove Road, replacing 42 poles and more than 10,000 feet of primary conductor. This project improves the tie line and reliability by reducing span length between Janson Lane Substation and the city of Cove.
• In Grant County, crews replaced 11 deteriorated poles on the 69-kilovolt transmission line between the Bates and
Hardy step-down transformers to improve reliability and harden against wildfire. This line is an important tie line between OTEC and Idaho Power Co. as a redundant transmission supply to Grant County.
• In Harney County, OTEC replaced 50 deteriorated poles and more than 11,000 feet of distribution conductor along Highway 78 to improve reliability of the distribution and sustain reliability of the 69-kV tie line with Idaho Power Co. into Harney County.
OTEC began operations almost 40 years ago when we purchased a dilapidated system. Since then, we have invested more than $200 million in system maintenance and improvements. That’s an average of more than $5.5 million every year to continue to ensure we provide safe, reliable energy.
Mutual Aid Contributes to Healthy Communities in a Power Emergency
Another way OTEC contributes to healthy communities is through our mutual aid. When an electric cooperative and its members are in need, other co-ops lend aid to shorten the emergency and help with recovery.
Earlier this year, when Lane Electric Cooperative, headquartered in Eugene,
experienced widespread damage to its system from a winter storm, OTEC and other electric co-ops sent crews to assist in its restoration efforts. Without the aid, restoration could have taken months, but thanks to the joint efforts, 99.9% of Lane Electric members had power restored in days.
“This demonstrates the power of the cooperative network and exemplifies the cooperative principle of Cooperation Among Cooperatives,” says Lea Hoover, OTEC’s director of member and strategic services.
OTEC members can be confident that in an emergency, co-ops from across Oregon would provide aid to us as well.
As a cooperative, OTEC is dedicated to serving you. From the board of directors, which is elected by our memberowners, to our CEO and throughout the cooperative, we stay focused on what is most beneficial for our member-owners. After all, we are all member-owners of OTEC. We live and work and raise our families right here in Eastern Oregon. We take pride in our work, and we will continue to strive for healthy communities throughout the region.
We look forward to serving you in 2025 and beyond. n
Holiday Hankies
In Ruralite magazine’s July 2024 Reader Exchange, Kathy Heitkemper asked for Christmas-themed hankies for an art project. The photo at right, made with 35 hankies, is the result of her talent combined with our readers’ generosity.
Seventeen readers sent 53 hankies, though not all were Christmas-themed.
“I have been holding on to these way too long,” wrote a reader from Aguanga, California. “I am sending them in their original boxes ... they were my aunt’s. She lived in St. Paul, Minn.”
A cousin of Kathy’s husband read the request and sent two hankies, adding a special family tie to her tree.
“I just so much appreciate all those who contributed to this long-lasting Christmas project,” Kathy says. n
Help Us Help Your Neighbors
#SleevesUp to donate blood for your community
At Pioneer Utility Resources, the publisher of Ruralite magazine, we are always working to put the right letters together to tell a story. The American Red Cross story can’t be told without three letters: A, B and O. They represent the main blood types. When those important letters are missing from blood bank shelves, lives are at stake.
With the recent hurricanes in Florida adding to the need for blood nationwide, we encourage each of you to consider donating blood by rolling up your sleeves and visiting a local Red Cross donation center before Dec. 25. Your gift of blood can save more than one life.
Visit https://rcblood.org/3zJ1rxU or scan the QR code to the right to sign up to help us reach our goal. Fill in the missing blood types so patients can receive the lifesaving care they need. Make and keep an appointment to give blood to the American Red Cross. n
https://rcblood.org/3zJ1rxU
Soup, Stews and Chowders
Get more than 220 recipes in a perfect-bound 8½-by-11-inch indexed book for $10, postage included.
BY MAIL: Send payment and number of cookbooks wanted, along with your name and address, to Ruralite Cookbooks, P.O. Box 1306, North Plains, OR 97133. BY PHONE: with Visa, MasterCard, Discover card or American Express.
Best Breads Cookbook
This 8½-by-11-inch indexed cookbook features yeast breads, quick breads, scones and specialty breads for $10 (includes postage).
TO ORDER BY MAIL: Submit payment with cookbook title, your name, address and number of cookbooks wanted to: Ruralite Cookbooks P.O. Box 1306 North Plains, OR 97133
TO PAY BY PHONE: Call 503-357-2105 for credit card payments with Visa, MasterCard, Discover or American Express.
TO ORDER ONLINE: Visit www.ruralite.com. Please allow two to three weeks for delivery.
