Ruralite
PLUMAS-SIERRA
NOVEMBER 2024
BROADBAND BOOST
Plumas-Sierra Telecommunications awarded 11 Federal Funding Account grants Page 4 Make the Holidays Brighter Page 28 ALSO INSIDE >>
Black-necked Stilt and Its Reflection. PHOTO BY 2024
PSREC ANNUAL MEETING PHOTO CONTEST WINNER BOB MARSHAK
Sacred Stone of the Southwest is on the Brink of Extinction
Centuries ago, Persians, Tibetans and Mayans considered turquoise a gemstone of the heavens, believing the striking blue stones were sacred pieces of sky. Today, the rarest and most valuable turquoise is found in the American Southwest–– but the future of the blue beauty is unclear.
On a recent trip to Tucson, we spoke with fourth generation turquoise traders who explained that less than five percent of turquoise mined worldwide can be set into jewelry and only about twenty mines in the Southwest supply gem-quality turquoise. Once a thriving industry, many Southwest mines have run dry and are now closed.
We found a limited supply of turquoise from Arizona and purchased it for our Sedona Turquoise Collection . Inspired by the work of those ancient craftsmen and designed to showcase the exceptional blue stone, each stabilized vibrant cabochon features a unique, one-of-a-kind matrix surrounded in Bali metalwork. You could drop over $1,200 on a turquoise pendant, or you could secure 26 carats of genuine Arizona turquoise for just $99.
Your satisfaction is 100% guaranteed. If you aren’t completely happy with your purchase, send it back within 30 days for a complete refund of the item price.
The supply of Arizona turquoise is limited, don’t miss your chance to own the Southwest’s brilliant blue treasure. Call today!
Jewelry Specifications:
• Arizona turquoise • Silver-finished settings
Sedona Turquoise Collection
A. Pendant (26 cts)
B. 18" Bali Naga woven sterling silver chain $149 +s&p
C. 1 1/2" Earrings (10 ctw)
Set
* $99 +s&p Save $200
**Complete set includes pendant, chain and earrings.
You
A.
B.
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Necklace enlarged to show luxurious color
Ruralite
November 2024
• Volume 72, No. 11
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
SENIOR PUBLICATIONS COORDINATOR
Alyssa McDougle
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This Is the Last One—For Me
See that young guy on the left? That is me more than 30 years ago on my first trip for this magazine. I was ambitious, energetic and excited about embarking on a new career as an assistant editor at a magazine, my dream job. Today, I am writing my last column before retiring at the end of the year. What a glorious ride it has been.
During my time, I have traveled to places I only dreamed of seeing. I spent a week on a tug-and-barge off the coast of Alaska. I traveled to Guatemala, where I spent three weeks photographing lineworkers bringing electricity to a small community for the first time. I have been in small, rural Alaskan villages only accessible by plane, boat or sled. I have covered forest fires in Oregon and a plucky young barrel racer in Arizona who is paralyzed from the waist down. I’ve been hoisted 70 feet in the air in a bucket truck and flown in a hot air balloon. And I have attended countless utility annual meetings, talking with readers like you.
In the past few years, I’ve received many calls, letters and emails from you. Some of you were grateful for a story or hopeful I would publish
For supplemental and interactive content, search @Ruralite on your favorite social media sites.
one. Others took exception to something in the magazine or found an error you thought I should know about.
A few of you sent me milkweed seeds in my quest to create a monarch butterfly habitat.
I appreciate your passion about what is printed each month. You have kept me on my toes. Thank you. My success here is due to two factors: The support of my wife and kids when I worked long hours and traveled at inopportune times; and through the support of a wonderful team of friends who do amazing work every day. I wish I had room to list each one of you, but you know who you are.
Starting next month, Chasity Anderson takes over duties as editorial director. She is a friend and someone I have great respect for. I know she will serve you well.
And now, friends, I say goodbye. I hope you continue to be faithful readers.
Farewell,
Mike Teegarden Editorial Director
From Service to Leadership
Air Force veteran continues to lead in local and state VFW Up Close, Page 10
Sleep in Heavenly Peace
Volunteers build beds so no child has to sleep on the floor
BROADBAND BOOST
Plumas-Sierra Telecommunications awarded 11 Federal Funding Account grants
In 2021, a bipartisan infrastructure law was passed and through the Last Mile Federal Funding Account Grant Program, grant money would be distributed throughout the United States to bolster an ever-continuing interest in and need for increasing access to rural communities.
The state of California, via the California Public Utilities Commission, would receive more than $2 billion to help spur its ambitious goal of delivering fast and reliable fiberoptic internet to all residents in the state. In traditional cooperative fashion, Plumas-Sierra REC—along with its subsidiary, Plumas-Sierra Telecommunications—took action and applied. PST is pleased to announce it has accepted grant awards totaling nearly $67 million to bring high-speed broadband internet to areas in Plumas, Sierra, Lassen and Nevada counties.
The 11 new Last Mile Federal Funding Account Grant Program grants will bring broadband to some of the region’s hardest-to-reach areas. In total, these grants will provide high-speed fiber optic internet to more than 6,600 community members.
PST will build the network with many interconnection points and will convert all its coaxal lines in Plumas County to fiber-optic. These 11 grants will be implemented over several years with construction starting this fall.
“With these grants, we are focused on infilling our service territory, centered on central and eastern Plumas County, southern and portions of central Lassen County, and eastern Sierra County, which includes all our member-owners and most of the nearby communities,” says PST General Manager Bob Marshall. “This significant investment will enable PST to bring high-speed internet to hundreds of homes, businesses and community institutions that have been historically underserved by reliable broadband services.”
Plumas-Sierra Telecommunications crew member Austin Harvey descends a tower during tower climbing training. PHOTO BY PST FOREMAN DON CONN
These projects will benefit PST and Plumas-Sierra Rural Electric Cooperative, the member-owned electric utility that owns PST. Installation of fiber optics along PSREC’s lines will increase the footprint of PSREC’s supervisory control and data acquisition system.
The $2 billion grant program is administered by CPUC for last-mile broadband infrastructure projects to connect unserved Californians. CPUC received and reviewed 484 grant applications from every county in the state, totaling more than $4.6 billion in requests.
“These projects will build community-based, futureproof and equity-focused broadband infrastructure across California,” CPUC President Alice Reynolds says. “The Federal Funding Account—and these projects—are a shining example of our state’s Broadband For All values and objectives.”
“With broadband access now a necessity—much like electricity in the early 1900s—the award of Federal Funding Account grant funds will allow Plumas-Sierra Telecommunications to continue to bridge the digital divide in these rural areas that would otherwise remain unserved due to the high cost of fiber-optic cable construction in the Sierra Nevada Mountains of Northern California,” says Jeff Blagg, right-of-way engineer for PST and PSREC.
PST’s efforts to bridge the digital divide are not new. PST was formed in 1987 to offer C-Band satellite TV services. In 1995, it launched the first dial-up internet service in the area. Since then, PST has improved and expanded access to internet services in the region.
To combat the high costs of bringing broadband internet
to rural areas, PST has applied for and received numerous state and federal grants. As part of the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act of 2010, with additional funding from the California Advanced Services Fund, PST built the backbone of its fiber optic system that now serves as the core of its communications infrastructure and laid the groundwork for bringing high-speed internet access to the region. Additional CASF grants help to build out PST’s fiberoptic network to hard-to-reach areas of the surrounding communities.
Fast Facts on Fiber Optics
Netflix advises speeds of 25 Mbps or higher for streaming. Fubo TV recommends at least 40 Mbps.
A 4K TV needs a minimum of 50 Mbps to perform optimally. Faster speeds reduce time spent buffering.
Fiber-optic internet increases a home’s value on average by 3.1%. For a $400,000 home, that is more than $12,000.
Fiber is 1,000 times faster than DSL. It is 10,000 times faster than dial-up internet.
PST’s fiber-optic network can provide speeds up to 2.5 Gbps. It offers residential packages as low as $79 a month.
PST thanks CPUC and its staff for helping secure these grant funds.
If you have not already contacted PST to be added to the interest list, call 530-832-4126 or visit www.pst.coop. n
PLUGGED IN
Be Storm-ready this Winter
Think like a lineworker to winterize your home and prepare emergency measures before the chill of the season sets in
By Nina Todea
When winter temperatures drop and storms hit, it can be challenging to stay warm and safe. Extremely low temperatures, high winds and heavy snowfall can lead to power outages. During a power outage, utility crews work as quickly and safely as possible to restore your power, but it still takes time.
Lineworkers, who brave the elements to keep electricity flowing, have key insights to storm readiness and how to keep their families ready come winter. Think like a lineworker, and take proactive measures now to ensure your home remains safe and prepare your family to weather any storm coming your way.
Prepare Your Home for Winter Storms
Although the extremity of winter weather varies from one region to another, no area is immune to weather-related events.
In Northern Idaho, where Foreman Cliff Miller has been a lineworker with Clearwater Power Co. for 29 years, winters are cold with significant snowfall. Cliff’s experiences as a lineworker
influence his lists of tasks inside and outside the home.
He recommends ensuring your heating system is reliable and efficient. Start with scheduling a maintenance check for your furnace or heating source. A professional can clean filters, check for potential hazards and ensure your system operates smoothly.
If you rely on electric heat, have a backup heating option in place—such as a generator, fireplace or wood-burning stove—to stay warm during prolonged outages. Remember that fuel- and woodburning heat sources should always be properly ventilated.
Insulating your home and weatherstripping around doors and windows can prevent heat loss and keep your space more comfortable, with and without power. For a more budget-friendly option, consider thermal curtains to help retain warmth.
Outside the home, Cliff recommends disconnecting all hoses from bibs and hydrants, draining them and putting them away, as well as draining and winterizing
campers and boats to store them for the winter. Installing stock tank heaters and filling propane tanks before winter weather hits is also beneficial.
When a storm hits and a power outage is likely, unplug all sensitive equipment so it isn’t damaged in a potential power surge.
Build a Winter Emergency Kit
An effective winter emergency kit is crucial for any household. Stock up on essentials: nonperishable food items, bottled water and medications. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends families have at least a three-day supply of food and water per person.
“My home winter emergency kit includes water, freeze-dried meals, flashlights, a jet-boil or other backpack camping stove for heating water and food,” Cliff says. “Water and freeze-dried meals have served us best. I also always keep flashlights, blankets, a winter coat, a stocking hat and gloves in the vehicle during winter months.”
Warm clothing, such as gloves, hats and thermal layers, can protect against the
biting cold if you need to venture outdoors to tend to animals or assist neighbors.
For Cliff, layering is key. Multiple thinner layers will keep you warmer than one thick layer. Consider adding safety gear, such as helmets or high-visibility vests, to your kit.
“Good warm, waterproof boots are necessary for harsh winter conditions,” Cliff says. “I dress for the worst and hope for the best.”
Also include within reach a shovel for clearing snow and an ice scraper for your vehicle.
Navigating Icy Conditions
Braving the weather is often unavoidable. When you must venture out, tread carefully, whether on foot or in your vehicle.
If you’re shoveling snow, stay hydrated and take regular breaks to maintain alertness. Lineworkers know cold weather can be deceptive; you might not realize you’re getting fatigued or dehydrated until it’s too late.
“To stay focused and alert when out in inclement weather, especially for longer periods, it is important to keep your core temperature up, rest when you can and then caffeinate—in large quantities—when you can’t,” Cliff says.
If driving, check your tires prior to the winter season so your vehicle is in good condition and can manage icy roads. Be aware of others—including lineworkers, who might be working to restore power— drive slowly and remove potential distractions. If you encounter downed lines, always assume they are live. Steer clear of the lines, and call your utility to report the damage.
Remember that your safety, and the safety of your community, is more important than arriving early to your destination. Always check the weather forecast to know what to expect.
Winter weather can be unpredictable. By understanding the risks associated with winter storms and taking steps to mitigate those risks, you can ensure your family stays safe and warm. n
Anatomy of a Power Outage
By Scott Flood
Moments ago, a stray bolt of lightning connected a menacing cloud with a power pole about a mile east of your home. Your lights flickered briefly before going out. Things become eerily quiet as all your home’s devices equipped with motors and fans stop providing their constant symphony of background noise.
You’re experiencing a power outage, so you reach for your phone and call your electric utility. Good move. Sometimes, consumers don’t call because they assume their neighbors will. However, the more who call, the more quickly the utility is able to pinpoint the outage location.
Back at the office, the utility’s grid system operator noticed the sudden pause at the moment 300 million volts of lightning danced around a transformer, and they’re able to triangulate the location of the outage. The system estimates around 500 consumers are in the dark as a line crew tosses their dinners aside and steers their trucks in that direction.
Thirty minutes later, the lineworkers slowly drive along a stretch of road, keeping one eye on traffic while inspecting every pole, wire and transformer. In another eight minutes, they stop and step out for a closer look. The mystery is solved with one glance at the burn mark across the surface of the transformer. Readying the truck and ensuring it’s safe, they move closer.
If you watch the lineworkers, you might mistakenly assume they’re not motivated. After all, you’re dealing with a power outage you want to end as soon as possible. But there’s a good reason the lineworkers aren’t rushing or running around.
Power lines carry high-voltage electricity. It’s safe when all elements of the system are in good working order, but it’s potentially deadly when that’s not the case. Lineworkers approach what they do deliberately, efficiently and—most of all—safely. Every action is carefully planned so they can spot potential hazards. They follow standard procedures and safety requirements to ensure repair is effective and sound. The work may take a little extra time, but it means they’ll make it home safely at the end of the day (or night).
Less than an hour after finding the cause of the outage, the lineworkers load their tools and gear back onto the trucks. This time, the problem was easy to spot, the repair was fairly straightforward, and the weather cooperated. But no two outages are exactly alike. The next could be in severe weather or on a remote segment off the main road. It could involve a fallen tree that needs to be cut with chainsaws or a broken pole that needs to be replaced.
Driving back to the utility, the lineworkers watch the passing homes and smile. The warm glows coming from the windows means the power’s back on again.
Lightning isn’t the only threat to the electric system. Outages can occur from a variety of causes, including fallen trees, vehicle crashes, extreme weather and even curious critters, such as squirrels.
Electric utilities invest in technology and equipment designed to protect the power grid and prevent outages from plunging your home into darkness. But when the power does go out, lineworkers put themselves at risk to return your life to normal.
Making The Holidays Brighter For Families
Area charities are helping to brighten the holiday season by collecting money, toys, bikes, clothing, and nonperishables such as canned goods.
The following food banks, charities and local businesses are receiving items. Especially desirable are items for older children and teenagers. Please remember: All toys, bikes and clothing items must be unwrapped. All items donated are considered tax-deductible.
Plumas-Sierra Rural Electric Cooperative is assisting local charities
Eastern Plumas Angel Program
Visit angel trees at Leonard’s Market, Plumas Bank in Portola, Graeagle Store, Feather River Food Co-op, 7/11 in Portola and the Mohawk Community Resource Center to pick up angel tags for children starting Nov. 25. Drop off unwrapped gifts and new coats—with tags—by Dec. 13. Monetary donations can be mailed to P.O. Box 1551, Graeagle, CA 96103. Make checks payable to EPAP. For more information, call 530-836-0555.
Drop-off locations:
u Plumas-Sierra REC 73233 State Route 70, Portola u Plumas Bank 120 N. Pine, Portola u Mohawk Community Resource Center 8989 Highway 89, Blairsden
Eastern Plumas Community, Assistance Network Food Bank
The food bank welcomes donations of nonexpired, nonperishable food items. Monetary donations can be mailed to 120 Nevada St., Portola, CA 96122, throughout the year. For more information, call 530-832-4570.
Portola drop-off locations:
u Plumas-Sierra REC
73233 State Route 70, Portola
with toy, food and clothing drives for the upcoming holidays.
The PSREC Mitten Tree is available to decorate—mittens, hats, coats, snow boots, socks and scarves are welcome.
Join us in our Co-op Coats-4-Kids coat drive by dropping off new coats for children 15 years and younger. Help spread the warmth by dropping items at the PSREC office, 73233 State Route 70, Portola. Call 530-832-6032 when dropping off.
Angel Tree, Sierra County Holiday Planners and Terry’s Toys for Tots
These organizations provide food baskets, new clothing and toys. Gently used clothing and toys are also accepted, and items for teens are needed. Visit angel trees at various Loyalton businesses. Monetary donations can be mailed to P.O. Box 382, Loyalton, CA 96118.
For more information, call 530-993-4228.
Loyalton drop-off location:
u Sierra Co. Health & Human Services
202 Front St., Loyalton
Lassen County Toys for Tots
Items for older children and teens are in great demand. Monetary donations can be mailed to P.O. Box 171, Susanville, CA 96130. Follow Lassen County Toys for Tots on Facebook. For more information, call 530-260-1222.
Plumas County Sheriff’s Holiday Helping Hands
Donations of new, unwrapped toys and clothing are welcome. For monetary donations, make checks payable to Holiday Helping Hands and mail to 1400 E. Main St., Quincy, CA 95971. For more information, call
Drop-off locations:
Main Sheriff’s Office
1400 E. Main St., Quincy County Courthouse
Clerks Office
520 Main St., Quincy
Portola Substation
Quincy Rite Aid
Plumas-Sierra REC
73233 State Route 70, Portola
Plumas Eureka Fire Department
200 Lundy Lane, Blairsden
Plumas Bank (monetary donations and angel gifts)
120 N. Pine, Portola
From Service
Air Force veteran continues to lead in local and state VFW
By Melanie Jones
“It’s not a man’s world,” Carol Kacal says.
The Air Force veteran has been breaking glass ceilings for decades.
For 20 years, Carol served her country. Her service included a six-month stint in Turkey, where she held a leadership role. She says meeting all the different people and making lasting friends was a favorite part of her service.
the Air Force seemed like a good fit. She signed up at 18 and got her wish.
Along with assignments stateside in Missouri, Arizona and Colorado, Carol served in Guam, Germany, Korea and Turkey before her last assignment in Alaska. She liked it so much that she stayed after putting in her 20 years.
Carol says one of her most interesting stops was in Turkey, where she oversaw supplies and equipment coming in and out of the country for the Army and Air Force.
Carol Kacal, is proud of her service in the VFW.
PHOTO BY MIKE TEEGARDEN
to Leadership
in and take advantage of the different opportunities provided,” is her advice for anyone considering serving in the military.
But Carol has specific words of wisdom for women.
“Females need to work alongside others, not behind or think they are better or worse,” she says. “The big thing is learning to be a team.”
This holds true in the military and out.
Carol earned the right to join the VFW while serving in Korea. In the past, many women veterans chose to join the women’s auxiliary instead of the VFW itself, even though they had served in the military. Now, not only are more women joining, but more are serving in leadership roles.
“Joining the VFW brings camaraderie among people who have been in military situations together,” Carol says. “We pull together and are able to stand up for veterans’ rights that we’re promised when we sign the dotted line.”
Carol serves as quartermaster for VFW Post 10029 in North Pole.
“I believe in helping the veterans and their families,” she says.
One thing Carol is always proud to do is ensure there are flag lines for soldiers to walk through when they return home. She says some people at airports seem to think they are blocking servicemen and women from seeing their families when they get off their planes, but that’s not the intent. Organizers want to ensure that when service members step into the airport returning from their stations, all they see is a wall of U.S. flags.
Life isn’t all about the VFW, though. Serving in accounting and budgeting in the Air Force prepared Carol for her current job as an accounting assistant at Design Alaska.
There were a few struggles when she first left the military, though. For one thing, deciding what to wear was a hassle after 20 years of wearing a uniform almost every day. Another was keeping track of time.
“Now I work on an hourly basis, not on call 24/7,” she says.
Veterans Day is special for Carol. She and her veteran husband of 19 years, David, work with a second grade class
that holds a special program for veterans each year. They previously held the event at the VFW post, but it grew so large, they must hold it at the Moose Lodge in Fairbanks.
Last year, about 75 students performed a program for about 20 or 30 veterans, with parents and others in attendance. Recently, the students presented veterans with a flag with all their handprints on it.
Carol isn’t sure why there are so many women veterans in Alaska—it’s tied with Virginia for the greatest proportion—but she does know there are many dualenrollment couples in the state, meaning both spouses served in the military.
Regardless, Carol loves calling Alaska home and enjoys camping with David and playing with their cat and dog. The couple have three children and six grandchildren. When she’s not outside, working or helping other people, Carol enjoys doing puzzles on her computer and encouraging other women to join VFW.
“You have that right just as much as (men) do to be a comrade,” she says. “We have served side by side.” n
LEFT: Carol and David Kacal hold a flag made of students’ handprints that was presented to veterans. RIGHT: Carol and David, left, deliver toys at a local hospital. PHOTOS COURTESY OF CAROL KACAL
Sleep in Heavenly
Volunteers build beds so no child has to sleep on the floor
By Ginger Meurer
A joyful chorus from excited children greets the chapter members of Sleep in Heavenly Peace Nye County, Nevada, as they deliver seven beds to a Pahrump home. The number is just one shy of the organization’s record.
“When we came, they had nothing,” says Nye County Chapter President Carmen Murzyn. “Tonight, they all get to sleep in their own beds.”
Volunteers hauling headboards, railings, mattresses, bedding and tools stream in the door and up the stairs—home to children ranging in age from 6 months to 15 years old. The house is empty except for a television, a camping mattress and a few blankets.
The children’s mother said they moved from Las Vegas in search of a better job and more affordable housing. Her previous landlord wanted $3,000 a month for their apartment.
“I finally gave up and said, ‘I can’t afford it,’” she says.
Without a truck or funds for the move, the family left most of
their belongings behind and started over in Pahrump.
Chapter Delivery Manager Steve Filarowski and Chapter Build Manager Jim Murzyn—Carmen’s husband—assemble the wooden beds with power tools.
“They’re so basic, but they’re built well,” Jim says. “They’re solid. In this case, it’s the only piece of furniture in the house, but a lot of times they’re the nicest piece of furniture in the house.”
Jim and Steve say the basic components of the beds make them easy to assemble and sturdy.
“If we ever have an earthquake, I’m getting under one of these,” Jim says.
“They’re really built to last,” Steve adds.
Interested children can assist with assembly. On this day, only the oldest braves the screech of the power tools. Jim and Steve help her safely guide the screws into her bunk.
“Don’t be afraid of it! You’re doing good,” Jim says as she pushes the driver trigger. “It just makes noise.”
Once the beds are up, Carmen and volunteers Marjorie
Jeanette and Jim Prior run the Eugene, Oregon, chapter of Sleep in Heavenly Peace, building beds for kids. PHOTO COURTESY OF JIM AND JEANETTE PRIOR
Heavenly Peace
Washington and Charmayne Fazackerley help the children choose bedding. They unroll mattresses and teach them how to make their beds.
Deliveries like this tap the talents of Sleep in Heavenly Peace volunteers in more than 300 chapters in four countries united by one mantra: “No kid sleeps on the floor in our town.”
SHP founder Luke Mickelson says his first delivery in December 2012 melted his heart and left him resolved to do more. He built a set of bunks with a young men’s church group for a family in their Twin Falls, Idaho, congregation. After that, he built a bed with his family and delivered it to Haley, a 6-year-old girl who was in a new home with her mom after being homeless and sleeping in the backseat of their car.
“We went into little Haley’s bedroom, and there was a pile of clothes in the corner, and that’s what she slept on,” Luke says.
Haley’s joy and her mother’s tears of relief were eye-opening. Back then, it took hours to build a bed, but Luke realized there was nothing more worth his time.
“We ended up doing 22 beds before Christmas that year,” Luke says. “It was awesome.”
The next December, he got more people involved. In 2014, he set up a nonprofit because people wanted to donate to the cause. In 2015, Luke and his friend, now SHP Executive Director Jordan Allen, decided instead of just building at Christmas and for a few
Eagle Scout projects here and there, they should host builds all year. There were 15 build days that year.
Soon, SHP got calls from volunteers from Minnesota to Maryland who wanted to build beds in their hometowns. So, they flew people into Idaho to train them and help them form new chapters. By the end of 2017, they had chapters in five states and more on the way.
That’s when Mike Rowe of TV’s “Dirty Jobs” fame featured
Sometimes you have to be willing to challenge yourself to do more than you think you can do.
—Jim Prior, co-president of the SHP Eugene Chapter
them on his “Returning the Favor” Facebook Watch series. Mike leveraged community support for a rent-free warehouse for SHP for three years.
“But the biggest thing that came from that is we were viewed by 10 million people,” Luke says.
The episode aired Feb. 12, 2018. SHP put together an application for those wanting to start chapters.
“In the first year, we had like 2,000,” Luke says. “A crazy amount.”
SHP swiftly boomed from seven chapters to more than 120. Apart from a slowdown during the COVID-19 pandemic, SHP has consistently added 40 to 50 chapters a year.
Prospective chapter presidents must go to a build and prove they have enough community support to keep their chapters going. Then they fly to Lehi, Utah, for training.
Jim Prior, who serves as co-president of the SHP Eugene Chapter alongside his wife, Jeanette, says training is intense. They’d been involved in SHP for more than four years, so they felt like there was much they understood—but the training gave them much more to learn.
“It was still kind of like drinking from a fire hose,” Jim says. “Even though we knew the general concept of what was going on.”
The Priors took over when Eugene Chapter founders Bryce and Connie Jonas decided to step back a little over a year ago. No one had volunteered to take over, and the Priors
Jim Murzyn assembles a bunk bed during a delivery in Pahrump, Nevada. PHOTO BY GINGER MEURER
didn’t want to see the area’s needs go unmet.
“I thought, ‘Sometimes you have to be willing to challenge yourself to do more than you think you can do,’” Jim says. “Nobody was really stepping up. And it had been such a great charity. It really gives a hand up and not just a handout to families. So, I said, ‘Welp, let’s keep this going.’”
Jeanette was on board, too.
“Jim and I thought about it and did a lot of praying,” she says. “We didn’t really want to see it go away. We believe in what it does and how it helps kids, and just to see the smiles.”
Jim says raising funds isn’t hard. Once he is in front of an audience, the idea of helping children sells itself. Plus, the dollars raised stay in town. Other than 10% routed to the national headquarters for overhead such as insurance, logistics and website maintenance, every penny raised stays with each local chapter and goes directly into beds for kids.
Luke says only about 4% of the national money is labeled as management, which is “completely unheard of in the nonprofit world, especially for a nonprofit with nearly a $25 million annual budget. We’re pretty proud of that.”
While some builds invite the public to help, using donated funds to cover the $300 to $350 for a bunk, others are sponsored by organizations or businesses and frequently serve as teambuilding exercises. In Eugene, several sponsored builds occur
Volunteers fasten slats to the base of the bed frame. PHOTO BY JOHN CLAUSEN
University of Oregon football players stain wood while building beds in Eugene, Oregon. PHOTO COURTESTY OF JIM AND JEANETTE PRIOR
each year, including builds with coaches and players from the University of Oregon’s athletics programs. A July build brought in nearly 200 coaches, players and volunteers from multiple Oregon chapters who turned out 155 beds in less than four hours.
Nationally, Lowe’s—one of the organization’s biggest sponsors— hosts huge builds with multiple chapters.
The bed-building process has evolved a lot since 2012.
“I used to be on hands and knees trying to square corners,” Luke says. “It would take two hours just to build a bed, let alone sand it and stain it.”
Now, at some of the biggest builds, a bed is completed every 24 seconds.
“It’s crazy,” Luke says. “I like to say Henry Ford would be pretty proud of our assembly line.”
Everyone involved agrees that while building beds is fun, the most important part of the mission is the children.
When the beds were complete at the Pahrump home, 3-yearold Jazita was first to hug her freshly cased pillow and lie down on her new bed. She was speechless when asked what she thought of it, but her smile and expression of “Is this really for me?” were unmistakable.
Carmen isn’t surprised by Jazita’s reaction. Before the delivery, she talked about what it’s like when kids get their own beds.
“It’s like it’s their own space,” she says. “It’s their place; it’s nobody else’s. We’ve had quite a few kids get right in, and they’re already going to sleep before we’re out the door. The kids will jump in their bed no matter what time it is.”
Even though it was only 4 p.m., that’s exactly what Jazita did. n
For more information on volunteering or to apply for a bed, visit shpbeds.org.
ABOVE: Jazita can’t wait to try out her new bed. PHOTO BY GINGER MEURER TOP: Volunteers sand boards in an assembly line to build beds in Pahrump. PHOTO BY JOHN CLAUSEN
Flavors of Fall
Leftover Turkey and Dumpling Soup
Olive oil, as needed
1 large onion, sliced
2 medium carrots, peeled and diced
2 celery stalks, diced
½ cup frozen peas
2 sprigs fresh sage
2 sprigs fresh thyme
2 bay leaves
2½ quarts turkey or chicken stock
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 tablespoon sugar
1 teaspoon salt
1¾ cups heavy cream
1 pound leftover turkey, shredded
Salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
Heat a large, heavy-bottom pot over medium heat. Add enough oil to just coat the bottom. When the oil is hot, add the onion slices. Let them caramelize for about 8 minutes or until golden brown, stirring often. Add the carrots and celery. Season with salt and pepper. Saute for about 8 minutes.
Add the sage, thyme, bay leaves and stock. Stir well and bring the liquid to a simmer.
Simmer for about 25 minutes, stirring often. Season the soup with salt and black pepper, to taste.
Meanwhile, combine the flour, baking powder, sugar and salt in a mixing bowl. Stir to combine. Stir in the heavy cream until just incorporated. Don’t overmix. The dough should be somewhat lumpy.
Remove the herbs from the soup, and stir in the turkey. Use two spoons to drop the dumplings into the soup in an even layer. Cover the pot, and simmer for 8 minutes. Remove the lid, add the peas, and simmer for 3 minutes.
Serve the soup in large bowls topped with black pepper and any additional herbs.
Recipes by Gertrude Treadaway
ADOBE STOCK
PHOTO BY FOMAA
Pumpkin Mac and Cheese
¼ cup plus 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
3 cloves garlic, grated and divided
½ cup panko breadcrumbs
2 teaspoons kosher salt, divided, plus more for pasta water
¾ teaspoon ground black pepper, divided
1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 pound dry cavatappi pasta
6 sage leaves
½ medium yellow onion, grated
2 tablespoons flour
1 teaspoon ground mustard
¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
2 cups whole milk
15-ounce can pumpkin puree
8 ounces fontina cheese, shredded
8 ounces smoked gouda cheese, shredded
In a small nonstick skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add 1 grated garlic clove. Cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Stir in the breadcrumbs, 1/2 teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon pepper. Toast, stirring frequently, until the breadcrumbs are golden brown, about 2 minutes. Remove the mixture to a small bowl. Cool for 5 minutes. Stir in the Parmesan. Bring water to a boil in a large pot. Add the pasta, and salt to taste. Cook, stirring the pasta, until just under al dente, 5 to 6 minutes. Drain the pasta, reserving 1/2 cup of the pasta water.
In the same pot over medium heat, melt the remaining ¼ cup of butter. Stir in the sage leaves. Cook, stirring frequently, until the sage is lightly fried and the butter is deeply golden and smells toasty. Move the sage leaves to a paper towel-lined plate, and add the onion to the butter. Cook until the onion is soft and translucent, 3 to 4 minutes. Add the remaining two grated garlic cloves. Cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
Whisk in the flour, mustard, nutmeg, cayenne, the remaining 11/2 teaspoons of salt and the remaining 1/2 teaspoon pepper. Cook until the raw flour smell disappears, 3 to 4 minutes. Gradually whisk in the milk until smooth. Whisk in the pumpkin puree. Cook until thick, 5 minutes.
Remove the pot from heat. Gradually add the shredded cheeses, whisking until melted before adding more. Taste for salt.
Fold in the drained noodles, adding pasta water 1 tablespoon at a time until the sauce coats the noodles.
Serve the mac and cheese hot, sprinkled with the toasted panko bread crumbs and crumbled sage.
Apple Butter Cheese Twists
1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
17.3-ounce package puff pastry sheets, thawed
1 large egg, lightly beaten
1/3 cup apple butter
2 teaspoons chopped fresh thyme
Heat oven to 400 F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. In a medium bowl, combine the cheeses. Sprinkle a clean work surface with ¼ cup of the cheese blend. Place one puff pastry sheet over the cheese, and sprinkle with another ¼ cup of cheese blend. Use a rolling pin to press the cheese into the pastry. Roll the sheet into a 10-by-14-inch rectangle. Repeat the rolling-out process with a second sheet of puff pastry and 1/2 cup of the cheese blend.
Brush the surface of one pastry sheet with egg wash. Place the other sheet on one of the prepared baking sheets. Brush the surface with the apple butter, maintaining a 1-inch border. Sprinkle with the remaining 1/2 cup of the cheese blend and thyme. Top with the second sheet, egg wash-side down, pressing the layers gently together. Refrigerate the assembled sheet for 30 minutes.
Transfer the chilled sheet to a cutting board. Using a sharp knife, cut the pastry into ¾-inch-wide strips. Transfer the strips to the baking sheets, spacing them at least 1 inch apart. Pinch the ends to close, and twist each end in the opposite direction to create a spiral. If they start to untwist, gently press the ends into the parchment.
Refrigerate the twists for 30 minutes, then brush with more egg wash. Bake until golden brown and crisp, 20 to 25 minutes.
Cool the twists on a wire rack. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Butternut Squash Casserole
2 to 2½ pounds butternut squash
¼ cup whole milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup light brown sugar, packed
Topping
1 cup pecan halves
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
¼ teaspoon salt
2/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
2 extra large eggs, lightly beaten
2 tablespoons light brown sugar, packed
1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Heat oven to 350 F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil. Set aside. Cut the squash in half, lengthwise. Scoop out the seeds and discard. Place the squash cut-side down on the baking sheet. Bake for about 45 minutes or until the squash is tender when pierced with a fork. Allow the squash to cool enough to handle.
Spray a casserole dish with vegetable cooking spray. Set aside. While still warm, scoop out the butternut flesh and transfer to a large mixing bowl. Mash the squash with a potato masher until no chunks remain. Add the milk, vanilla, sugar, butter and cinnamon. Stir until combined. Add the eggs. Fold together until blended.
Pour the mixture into the prepared baking pan. Bake until almost set, about 30 minutes. While the casserole is baking, prepare the topping.
In a small bowl, combine the pecans, melted butter, brown sugar and cinnamon. Stir until coated. Remove the baking dish from the oven, and sprinkle the pecan mixture over the squash. Continue baking until set, about 15 minutes.
READER EXCHANGE
Books/Magazines
I would appreciate any Catherine Cookson books you may have and no longer want.
Marsha King 16637 William Foss Road La Pine, OR 97739
Crafts/Hobbies
I would love any old stamp collections or singles you would like to part with. Thanks in advance.
Rosalie Ferry 109 Raven Lane Careywood, ID 83809-9711
I’m seeking to illuminate my winter days with sparkle therapy. Living with a disability on a fixed income can be challenging, but your gift would bring sunshine. If you're willing to part with unwanted jewelry, components or treasures—for men or women—I’d be thrilled to accept them. Your thoughtfulness would give me a sense of fulfillment and happiness. Thank you in advance. I am forever grateful for your generosity.
Carly Wagner 913 Stillwell Ave. Tillamook, OR 97141
We are starting a respite care and are looking for old jewelry—broken or not— chains, beads, pearls and any items used to make jewelry or crafts for dementia patients. We would really appreciate anything you can give.
Diane Whitley
P.O. Box 1629 Eastsound, WA 98245
Milestones
My mother turns 92 this month. She is the wife of a retired Air Force man who took us all over. On base, she was a Girl Scout leader, VBS teacher and spent a lot of time at our sports events. She spends her days now reading, lunching with her greatgrandchildren and playing games online. It would be such a treat for her to receive wishes for her birthday. Send to Betty West, 1860 17th St., Springfield, OR 97477.
Laura Crowe
Springfield, Oregon
My dad turns 94 in December and would be delighted to receive birthday cards. He was born in England and served in the R.A.F. as a navigator. He came to the United States in 1965 and worked in sales until he retired. Since my mom’s passing, he spends his time watching the news and all sports on TV. He does some light gardening and still reads without glasses. His favorite hobby is sampling new beers, so if any readers could make suggestions of a new beer for him to try, he would love that. Send cards to Peter Burgoyne, 5549 Our Lane, Zephyrhills, FL 33542.
Larry Burgoyne Sagle, Idaho
Recipes
I am looking for a recipe for pecan praline fudge. I have one, but it failed both times I’ve used it. Can you help? Thank you in advance.
Pat Moss
P.O. Box 61155 Fairbanks, AK 99706
Submitting Requests Is Free
Thanks
A special thank you to all who contributed to my button collection. Your response was overwhelming, and I deeply appreciate you.
Bette McCarthy Pahrump, Nevada
Thank you to all the Ruralite readers who sent my friend, Elsie Bergold, almost 500 cards for her 105th birthday. We played poker and had cake. She was completely shocked by all the cards and the gifts that were sent from complete strangers. She opened all of her cards and read every one of them. KVAL News did a story on her for the nightly news.
Martha Curl Creswell, Oregon
Thank you to all the wonderful, amazing and kind readers that sent me buttons and my grandfather’s yearbook. It was like Christmas. I received them in packages, boxes and envelopes. Thank you so very much for your time, thoughts and kindness. I am so very thankful to everyone.
Kim Koester Fairbanks, Alaska
Have a happy and safe Thanksgiving!
Send your request—no attachments, please—to readerexchange@ruralite.org or mail to Reader Exchange, 5625 NE Elam Young Parkway, Suite 100, Hillsboro, OR 97124. Fill in the subject line with Reader Exchange. Acceptance, scheduling and editing are at the editor’s discretion. Single requests only, please. No duplicates.
Submissions are handled on a first-come, first-served basis and as space allows. We cannot honor every request. Please affirm you have authorization from all appropriate parties before submitting. By submitting, you indemnify Reader Exchange, Pioneer Utility Resources Inc., its officers, directors, employees, utility clients and insurers from all legal liability incurred by the publication of information.
We no longer accept pen pal requests. You may submit a pen pal request as a Marketplace ad. Marketplace pricing applies. When submitting a milestone request, please send it at least two months before the milestone. Phone numbers will not be published. Email addresses will be published if part of the ad, but you must include a postal address. Requests also must include the name and address of the electric utility that provides your magazine.
See the strength of nature’s architecture in Arizona at
Tonto Natural Bridge State Park
What Is It?
In Central Arizona, just north of Payson, Tonto
Natural Bridge
State Park is home to one of the largest natural travertine bridges in the world. The bridge is 60 feet thick, sits 183 feet off the ground and tops a roughly 400-footlong tunnel that measures 150 feet at its widest point.
Catch
Fall Leaves
When visiting, enjoy the short hike down to the bottom of the waterfalls that gently cascade over the bridge and surrounding rocks. The water flowing down from the bridge has created an ideal environment for the aspen, cottonwood and elder trees that brighten the park with magnificent fall colors. While the colors peak in later October, they continue throughout November.
How Was It Made?
The natural bridge is made of a crystalline form of limestone, known as travertine. Broadly, the rock forms when spring water rich in calcium carbonate evaporates, leaving the calcium behind. The calcium built up into a large structure, before a hole was worn through the rock, creating the bridge.
What To Do
In addition to the travertine bridge, the park has four hiking trails, a picnic area, a group use area and the historic Goodfellow Lodge. All trails are shorter than a half-mile, but they are steep and strenuous, so be sure to pack drinking water. The trails close an hour before the park closes, and no dogs are allowed on any of the trails.
More Information
The state park is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. but closed on Christmas. On Thanksgiving and Christmas Eve, the park closes at 2 p.m. Admission is $7 for adults, $4 for youth 7 to 13 and free for children 6 and under. If visiting in the winter, be prepared for reduced services. Go to azstateparks. com/tonto for detailed information.
ADOBE STOCK PHOTO BY JASON YODER
NORTH AMERICA’S
#1 Selling Walk-In
The best walk-in tub just got better with breakthrough technology! Presenting the all new Safe Step Walk-In Tub featuring MicroSoothe. ® An air system so revolutionary, it oxygenates, softens and exfoliates skin, turning your bath into a spa-like experience. Constructed and built right here in America for safety and durability from the ground up, and with more standard features than any other tub.
✓ Heated seat providing warmth from beginning to end
✓ Carefully engineered hydro-massage jets strategically placed to target sore muscles and joints
✓ High-quality tub complete with a comprehensive lifetime warranty on the entire tub
✓ Top-of-the-line installation and service, all included at one low, affordable price You’ll agree – there just isn’t a better, more affordable walk-in tub on the market.
Someone To Be Thankful For
By Dave LaBelle
Thanksgiving comes in different shapes and is expressed in different ways.
Herb Recker never felt he deserved to take advantage of the Honor Flights that carry veterans to Washington, D.C.
Herb died in January at the age of 71. His Iowa friend, Tom Klaren, who served with him in the Iowa National Guard, carried Herb’s encased flag in May on an Honor Flight.
When veterans gathered at the World War I Memorial in Washington, D.C., they saluted the folded flag Tom brought, which had been given to Herb’s widow, Mary, at his funeral.
“I feel so passionate at what we owe those people, so much of what they gave up,” Tom says. “What their wives gave up, what their mothers and fathers gave up. Sometimes the ultimate sacrifice.
“I am a veteran myself, but not to the point these guys are, who served overseas. I just feel I am a step down from these
more of his writings, visit davidlabelle.com and bridgesandangels.wordpress.com.
Reader Challenge
As storytellers, we are always looking for fleeting moments that best express the pulse of a story. While I occasionally talk about photo fundamentals, my greatest interest and love is about the psychology of photography.
Perhaps you know a veteran who would agree and even enjoy the attention sitting still for a portrait would bring. Remember, when you make someone’s picture or listen to their story, you are honoring them.
Stay focused and alert. So many times, it is often those ever-fleeting gestures that reveal the most.
guys, that’s how I feel. Actually, Herb felt like I did. Since we were in the National Guard, we felt like we didn’t deserve to go like the guys who actually were in combat.”
Though Tom has made three Honor Flight trips as a guardian for four different veterans, he never made the trip as an “honored” veteran.
Herb and Tom were best friends from grade school, high school and in the National Guard. It was Tom’s honor to carry Herb’s flag to Washington, D.C.
“He was in my wedding, and I was in his wedding,” he says.
After interviewing Tom, I made several pictures with his best friend’s flag in two different places in his home before asking him to carry Herb’s flag outside on his front lawn. Nothing I shot expressed the emotion this patriotic man felt. Then, after I was finished and sitting on the lawn, Tom grew openly emotional because it had been less than a week after returning from his trip to Washington, D.C. Emotions for Tom were still raw. Looking up, I saw him
relax and drop his guard. A small window opened, and I quickly raised my camera and was able to make two frames before the fleeting moment passed.
Once again, I was reminded of the importance of anticipating the unexpected. Sometimes the best unguarded storytelling moments happen when the formal shoot is over. Deep and buried emotions often surface ever-so-briefly once the camera is off. n
Renowned author, photographer and lecturer Dave LaBelle has captured special moments for more than half a century. For
An emotional Tom Klaren holds the flag of his deceased friend, Herb Recker. Tom carried the flag to Washington, D.C., in May 2024 on an Honor Flight. PHOTO BY DAVE LABELLE NIKON D810, 180mm lens ISO 100, f/5 at 1/200
Generational Wealth A future for generations to come
ea.
Minimum order of 5 coins
GENERATIONAL WEALTH is of paramount significance as it represents a beacon of financial stability. It serves as a tangible testament to the hard work, diligence, and financial acumen of previous generations, offering a solid foundation upon which future generations can build their dreams and aspirations.
American Gold Reserve is releasing Government issued $5 Gold American Eagles completely free of dealer mark-up for only $279 each. These beautiful $5 Gold American Eagles are a perfect way to enter the gold market. They are set for immediate public release and will sell out fast.
• Free of dealer markup. • Protection against inflation and deflation. • Gold offers financial cover during geopolitical uncertainty. • Good portfolio diversifier.
• 24", 28", and 30" clearing widths
• Easy 180 degree turns with 6 forward speeds and 2 reverse
• Heated hand grips, LED headlights, and rugged chute controls
Ruralite reader submissions from this cook booklet features such recipes as Pollo Dorado, Southern Scalloped Chicken, Hawaiian Meatballs, Texas-Style Turkey Salad and Sweet and Sour Chicken. The cookbook is indexed and costs $8 (includes postage).
To order by mail, submit proper payment and include the cookbook title, your name, address and number of cookbooks wanted to Ruralite Cookbooks, P.O. Box 1306, North Plains, OR 97133.
To pay with Visa, MasterCard, Discover card or American Express, call 503-357-2105. To order online, visit www.ruralite.org.
Allow 2-3 weeks for delivery.
Manager’s Message
Continued from page 32
For more information and a WRAP application, visit psrec. coop or call 530-832-4261.
Winter Preparedness
As we head into winter, being prepared for an emergency and knowing what to do during an outage are vital for personal safety and quick restoration of power. During a prolonged power outage or other emergency, this means having enough food, water and supplies to last at least a few days.
Plumas-Sierra Rural Electric Cooperative is proud of its efforts to keep the lights and internet on. But sometimes, circumstances beyond our control can leave us in the dark. There is power in preparation. Even at a modest level, preparation can help reduce stress, anxiety and lessen the impact of an emergency event. We recommend starting with the basics. Federal Emergency Management Agency recommends the following general guidelines. Assemble a grab-and-go disaster kit. Include items such as nonperishable food, water (1 gallon per person, per day), diapers, batteries, flashlights, prescription medications, a first-aid kit, battery-powered radio and phone chargers. Develop a plan for communicating with family and friends via text, social media or third party. Have extra cash available. During a power outage, electronic card readers and cash machines may not work. Store important documents— such as birth certificates and property deeds—in a safe place away from home, such as a bank safe deposit box. Fill your car with gas. More information on emergency kits can be found at www.ready.gov/kit.
COMMUNITY CALENDAR
Nov. 11
Veteran’s Day Ceremony: Honoring our Veterans. The gathering begins at noon with lunch afterward. The ceremony will commence at the Bell Tower in Downieville, California.
Nov. 16
Mountain Harvest Fair: Join us at the Mountain Harvest Fair. All are welcome to the Harvest Holiday Festival and Luncheon from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. at the Sierra City Community Hall. This event is sponsored by SCFA and SC Chamber.
For more information, call 530-862-1450.
Nov. 28
Happy Thanksgiving. Plumas-Sierra Rural Electric Cooperative gives thanks to all our employees and cooperative members and wishes everyone a happy Thanksgiving.
Turkey Trot: Come join the Lake Almanor Area Chamber on Nov. 28 at Bailey Creek Golf Course for a fun-filled morning of running, walking and trotting with friends and family. Registration opened Oct. 1. For more information, visit www.lakealmanorarea.com.
Nov. 30
Additionally, install surge protectors on sensitive electronics and appliances. Buy surge protectors that have a warranty for your connected load. Once winter begins and storms hit, if your lights start to flicker, turn off and unplug sensitive electronic equipment immediately and reduce any unnecessary load.
Caring for Vulnerable Family Members
If you have older family members or those with special needs, make sure they have enough medication and supplies for a few days. If they don’t live with you, arrange for a neighbor to check on them. If someone in your home depends on life-sustaining equipment, plan for backup power and call our office at 530-832-4261.
For more information on outage preparedness and safety, visit www.psrec.coop. To receive outage updates via text message, log in to SmartHub and set your notification preferences. If you need assistance signing up for outage communications, call 530-832-4261.
If you have any questions, call 530-832-6076 or email bmarshall@psrec.coop.
Wishing you a safe and happy holiday season!
Sincerely,
Bob Marshall General Manager
Graeagle Shop Small Saturday: Graeagle Shop Small Saturday is all about supporting small business and the community by spending locally. Enter for a chance to win Graeagle Bucks at participating locations. For more information, contact merchantsgraeagle@gmail.com.
Dec. 6
Christmas in Old Town: The event is in downtown Portola in the Caboose parking lot. Festivities include the “Golden Ticket” giveaway for children ages 3-14, a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus, the Old Town Marketplace, bonfire, caroling, tree lighting, food, drinks and more for the whole family. For more information, visit www.xmasinoldtown.com.
Quincy Sparkle: The event is 5 to 8 p.m. in downtown Quincy. Visit for late night shopping and dining, live entertainment, free pictures with Santa and the traditional Christmas tree lighting. For more information, call 530-3940541.
Dec. 7
Graeagle Holiday Festival: The festival is 1 to 5 p.m. in downtown Graeagle. All events are free at this old-fashioned Christmas festival and tree lighting. Visit the red shops, enjoy refreshments, have your picture taken with Santa and take a ride through town in a decorated Christmas-themed trolly. Hear the carolers sing and bring lots of good cheer. For information, visit www.playgraeagle.com
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.
Antiques and Collectibles
Buying antiques and collectibles: advertising signs, porcelain signs, gas pumps, beer signs, antique toys, cast-iron coin banks, neon signs and more. Jason, 503-310-3321 or tjabaughman@yahoo.com. 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. 1124
Automotive
‘66 and ‘67 Ford 2-door hardtop Fairlane 500s 289 V8, auto, straight, good glass, titles, project cars. ‘66 runs. ‘67 new upholstery. $5.5K each or $10K for both. LaGrande, OR. 541-663-9091. 1124
Business Opportunities
For sale: quaint hardware store in Maupin, OR. Inventory and interior store recently updated and refreshed. See ad on Bizbuysell.com or email Maupincountrystore@gmail.com. $239,999. 1124
Community Events
Art Center East’s 16th Annual “Handmade Holidays Makers Market” 4-8 p.m. Nov. 15 and 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Nov. 16 in La Grande, OR. artcentereast.org. 1124
Farm Equipment
Two 1937 rare co-op tractors. #2, #3 1952. $900 for both. $1.7K, 1959. 691 $2K. 208-507-1211. 1124
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 2024 and 2025. Background checks are required. Free RV hookups are available to volunteers. heritage32@frontier.com; 541-332-0521. 1124
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): January issue—Nov. 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.
Call 503-357-2105 to pay by credit card.
Advertisements are accepted in good faith. Pioneer Utility Resources is not liable for interactions between buyers and sellers.
Hobbies, Gifts, Games
Santa letters and cheerful artwork for gift giving and holidays, made in Alaska. We ship high-quality gifts and custom artwork, including letter bundles, totes, jewelry, prints, cards, relief prints, tiles. GV11 saves 10%. www.PamelaSueArtandDesigns.com. 1124
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 call 206-799-1082. 1124
Granite cemetery markers at affordable prices. Will ship to most places. For more info: Joe, highdesertmemorials@gmail.com or 541-815-8906; www.highdesertmemorials.com.
Alaskan 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
Real Estate
Let me help you buy or sell ranch, farm and recreation property in OR. Fourth-generation 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. 1124
Dale store. Live or work in a recreational enthusiasts’ location, store, fuel, post office, home, game cooler. $325K. Duke Warner Realty, 541-987-2363 or ddwr@ortelco.net.
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. 1124
Become an instant Nevadan. Wells: Fully equipped, nonoperating, Bar/Grill, 479 6th St., $395K. 3/2 home, 1355 Lake Ave., $230K. 160 acres with water rights and structures, $160k. Goldfield, ruins of Catholic Church, $65K. Pahrump, Resort Membership $1.8K. kisciniello@yahoo.com; 775-550-2263. 1124
Your ad could be here in January. See instructions above for details.
Newly renovated house in 55-plus community. Peaceful, park-like setting. Great location just minutes from downtown Astoria. 1 bd, 1 ba, country kitchen and cozy living room. $1.6K/ month. 900 sqft. 503-307-7875. 1124
320 acres east of Adel, OR. Borders Hart Mountain views, Steens Mountain and Beaty Butte. Landowner tags, very rural. $263K. For maps, contact thejugglingman3@gmail.com; 541-659-1573. 1124
Recreational Rentals
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. 1124
Getaway at either of our Airbnb’s here in Lenore, ID. We are on the Clearwater River, so great fishing and hiking. See www.bearcountrygetaways.com. Hope to see you. Cindy and Rocky Wines. 1124
Bed and Birds; a guesthouse. Very private. Wet meadows, range, forest, dark sky, lakeview. Explore or ride? Near ski hill. Reasonable. 541-219-2044. 1124
Recreational Vehicles
Forest River Sunseeker 24, 2016. Good condition. 58,200 miles. 8-ft. slide out with dinette. Seats 4, sleeps 6. $53.9K. OBO. tedbcsc1948@gmail.com; 458-910-3727.
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; 541-410-6945. License #245760 bonded and insured. La Pine, OR. 1124
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
Want to Buy
Wanted: 1967-’72 Buick Skylark, GS, Stage 1, GSX. Cars, parts or leads. Or any ’60s or ’70s vehicles. billybibbett@hotmail.com. 1124
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. 1124
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. 1125
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. 1124
Retired couple wants to buy older Bigfoot or Northern Lite truck camper in good condition. 406-827-3447; montanagirl@blackfoot.net.
Best Breads Cookbook
Who can resist the aroma of homemade bread baking in the oven? Try your hand at more than 400 mouth-watering recipes submitted by readers. This 8½-by-11-inc, 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.
360-832-4021 Home: 360-832-4562 Pastor Bernard Preston Ritchea Cell: 361-330-9666 Facebook: Eatonville United Methodist Church of Washington OPEN HEARTS OPEN MINDS OPEN DOORS OPEN TABLE WORSHIP SERVICE BEGINS AT 10:30
ADOBE STOCK IMAGE BY ANASTASIA IZOFATOVA
Win an All-Expenses-Paid Trip to Washington, D.C.!
Enter the 2025 Washington Youth Tour Essay Contest
Area high school sophomores, juniors and seniors have the chance win an all-expenses-paid trip to Washington, D.C. next summer to participate in the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association’s Electric Cooperative Youth Tour leadership program.
One local winner will be among 1,500 high school students chosen from across the nation to tour Washington, D.C., in June, 2025. The lucky winner will learn more about how government works, visit the Smithsonian Institute, Arlington National Cemetery, Capitol Hill, Mount Vernon, the FDR Memorial, the World War II Memorial and more.
To qualify, a high school sophomore, junior or senior’s primary residence in Plumas, Lassen, Sierra or Washoe counties must be supplied with either electric power through PlumasSierra Rural Electric Cooperative or Internet service through Plumas-Sierra Telecommunications.
An application form for the 2025 Washington Youth Tour is located on the opposite page and is available at the cooperative office in Portola, as well as on its website at www.psrec.coop. Complete the application and submit a typed or legibly-written
essay. The topic for this year’s essay is: “Washington Youth Tour students have an opportunity to visit with their congressman or woman. As a member of an electric co-op, write an essay about the concerns and questions you would discuss with your representative. Explain why these are important issues to you.”
The essay should be no less than 500 words and no more than 1,000 words.
Essays will be judged on creativity and content (with consideration given to spelling and grammar) by the editorial staff of Ruralite magazine in Oregon. Applications must be returned to Plumas-Sierra REC by Friday, January 17, 2025.
Due to uncertainties around the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, this trip may be postponed or cancelled at the discretion of the cooperative. n
To learn more about the Washington Youth Tour, please visit www.youthtour.coop.
The 2024 Washington Youth Tour Winner, Addison Gay, in front of the Lincoln Memorial with other Youth Tour Students and at the National Museum of the American Indian . Photos provided by Addison Gay.
2025 Washington Youth Tour Application Form
Name Address
City State Zip Code
Phone Number
E-mail Address
Plumas-Sierra REC Account Number
Plumas-Sierra Telecom (Internet) Account Number
Both Parents’ or Legal Guardians’ Names
Name of High School
Sophomore Junior Senior
I certify that this information is true to the best of my knowledge:
Your Signature
Parent or Guardian Signature
Please attach information to this application regarding your goals, hobbies, activities, awards or other achievements, as well as your typed or legibly written essay. This year’s topic is: “Washington Youth Tour students have an opportunity to visit with their congressman or woman. As a member of an electric co-op, write an essay about the concerns and questions you would discuss with your representative. Explain why these are important issues to you.”
Essays should be no less than 500 words and no more than 1,000 words.
Applications must be submitted to Plumas-Sierra REC by Friday, January 17, 2025
Mail (or drop off) the completed
by
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, which 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
Donate between Nov. 18 and Dec. 8, and you could receive two pairs of socks.
Facts About Blood Needs
X Every 2 seconds someone in the U.S. needs blood and or platelets.
X Approximately 29,000 units of red blood cells are needed every day in the U.S.
X Nearly 5,000 units of platelets and 6,500 units of plasma are needed daily in the U.S.
X Sickle cell disease affects 90,000 to 100,000 people in the U.S. About 1,000 babies are born with the disease each year. Sickle cell patients can require blood transfusions throughout their lives.
X According to the American Cancer Society, more than 1.9 million
donating blood by rolling up your sleeves and visiting a local Red Cross donation center between Oct. 25 and Dec. 25. Your gift of blood can save more than one life.
Visit this link—https://rcblood.org/3zJ1rxU—or scan the QR code below. Sign up to help us reach our goal and 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
people are expected to be diagnosed with cancer in 2025. Many of them will need blood, sometimes daily, during their chemotherapy treatments.
X Nearly 16 million blood components are transfused each year in the U.S.
X The average red blood cell transfusion is approximately 3 units.
X A single-car accident victim can require as many as 100 units of blood.
X Blood and platelets cannot be manufactured; they can only come from volunteer donors.
X The blood type most often requested by hospitals is type O.
X One donation can help save more than one life.
With more than 200 recipes, this cookbook from our 2007 contest offers options for potlucks, family reunions or picnics. As a bonus, additional pages feature previously unpublished barbecue recipes from a 2006 contest. The 8½-by-11-inch spiral-bound, indexed book is $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.
RURALELECTRICCOOP PSREC PLUMAS -SIERRA
73233 State Route 70
Portola, CA 96122
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
President
Fred Nelson, Clio fnelson@psrec.coop
Vice President
Dave Roberti, Sierra Valley droberti@psrec.coop
Secretary/Treasurer
David Hansen, Doyle dhansen@psrec.coop
Larry Price, Quincy lprice@psrec.coop
Richard Short, Graeagle dshort@psrec.coop
Tom Hammond, Herlong thammond@psrec.coop
Nancy Miller, Litchfield nmiller@psrec.coop Manager Robert (Bob) Marshall bmarshall@psrec.coop
PLUMAS-SIERRA TELECOMMUNICATIONS
Our subsidiary, Plumas-Sierra Telecommunications offers a variety of high-quality internet solutions.
To learn more, please visit www.pst.coop or call 800-221-3474
For information about any of our products, please call 800-555-2207 or visit our website at www.psrec.coop
CA-39
Manager’s Message
Dear Members:
As we mentioned in past issues of Ruralite and at the annual meeting, the staff of the cooperative is recommending the current $0.03 per kilowatt-hour wholesale power cost adjustment be rolled into regular rates. This means all rate classes across the board will see a $0.03 per kWh increase in their regular rate and a reduction of $0.03 per kWh of the WPCA. The net effect is the overall per kWh charge will be the same as it is now with the existing WPCA.
This is not an overall rate increase. It is a reclassification of the rates. Although power markets have settled somewhat, other costs— including vegetation management, overall inflation in the electric utility industry, expected increases in transmission costs, along with continued regulatory pressure—have increased.
We will hold a rate meeting regarding the reclassification in person and online at 6 p.m. Nov. 19. In-person meetings are at our Portola headquarters and at the Milford Community Center. There will be staff and directors at both locations. Attendees online and in person will be able to ask questions.
We are not yet recommending an increase for 2025, nor do we know if there will be a WPCA in 2025. Staff is recommending we hold off on any rate increase until we see how the hydropower situation looks at the end of winter.
Telecommunications
As mentioned in previous additions of Ruralite, Plumas-Sierra Telecommunications accepted a total of almost $67 million in Last Mile Federal Funding Account Grant awards. In total, these grants will provide high-speed fiber-optic internet service to more than 6,600 community members. The areas included in these 11 grants are: Portola/Delleker/
Whitehawk, Plumas Pines/Graeagle Meadows, Quincy, Greenhorn Ranch/LaPorte Road, Iron Horse/Valley Ranch, Mohawk Valley/C-Road, Loyalton Pines/Sierra Brooks, Calpine/Yuba Gap, Janesville/Milford, Doyle/Herlong and Truckee.
PST has begun construction on portions of the Graeagle/Plumas Pines/Goldridge project, as well as the Portola/Delleker/Whitehawk project. PST plans to begin the Quincy project over winter. If you have any questions, contact us at 530-832-4126.
Plumas-Sierra Telecommunications continues to focus on construction of many projects in its grant areas. Construction is complete on the Sierra Valley CASF Grant and the Southern Lassen CASF Grant, and members are ready to schedule installation. Call the office at 530-832-4126 to get on our schedule. Work is continuing on the Long Valley project, which includes Spring Garden to Little Bear Road, and will continue into the winter as long as we can.
Our fiber optic services can go as fast as 1 Gbps download, with dedicated business services available, if needed. With these speeds, you can stream videos on multiple devices at the same time without slowing down. You could even eliminate your cable or satellite TV bill with streaming services. For more information about products, including coverage maps, visit www.pst.coop or call 530-832-4126.
Winter Rate Assistance Program
We are accepting applications for the Winter Rate Assistance Program, which offers a discounted rate November through April to income-qualified members. WRAP provides information to help members conserve energy and offers a discounted electric rate during the heating season.
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