FEBRUARY 2024
Wildlife center provides rescue services to native animals in Clatsop and Tillamook counties Page 4 A red-tailed hawk with frostbite damage to its toe joints was rehabilitated and released in Tillamook after 125 days of care at Wildlife
Everyone feels the hurt as you age, but CBD can help you deal with it
By: Beth Giles
Life really does y by. Before I knew it, my 60s had arrived, and with them came some new gifts from dear ol’ Mother Nature—frequent knee pain, stress, low energy and sleeplessness. Now, I’m a realist about these things, I knew I wasn’t going to be young and springy forever. But still, with “golden years” nearly on my doorstep, I couldn’t help but feel a little cheated. at is until I found my own secret weapon. Another gift from Mother Nature.
It began a few months back when I was complaining about my aches and pains to my marathon-running granddaughter, Jen. She casually mentioned how she uses CBD rub to help with her joint pain. She said that CBD gave her more focus and clarity throughout the day and that her lingering muscle and joint discomfort no longer bothered her. She even felt comfortable signing up for back-toback marathons two weekends in a row this year. at made even this self-proclaimed skeptic take notice.
But I still had some concerns. According to one study in the Journal of the American Medical Association, 70% of CBD products didn’t contain the amount of CBD stated on their labels. And, as a consumer, that’s terrifying! If I was going to try CBD, I needed to trust the source through and through. My two-fold research process naturally led me to Zebra CBD. First, I started calling my family and friends. Call me old fashioned but I wanted to know if
was impressed by its array of products, including CBD oils called tinctures, topicals, chewable tablets, mints and gummies. After reading on their website that all their products are made with organically-grown hemp, I ordered... and it arrived within 2 days!
there were people whom I trusted (more than anonymous testimonials) who’ve had success using CBD besides my granddaughter.
Secondly, I wanted cold hard facts. Diving deep into the world of CBD research and clinical studies, I came across Emily Gray M.D., a physician at the University of California at San Diego (UCSD) Medical School and medical advisor to Zebra CBD who is researching the e ects of CBD. Dr. Gray wrote “early results with CBD have been promising and we have a lot of research underway now. I’ve had several patients using CBD with good success. It’s important that you know your source of CBD and how to use it properly.”
After hearing it from the doctor’s mouth, I returned to my research, asking more people and was amazed by the number of close friends and family who were already on the CBD train. Apparently, I was the only one without a clue! And funny enough, a couple of friends who commented were using the same brand as my granddaughter—Zebra CBD. ere was no consensus as to why they were using CBD, but the top reasons given were for muscle & joint discomfort, mood support, sleep support, stress and headaches, as well as supporting overall health & wellness.
Eventually, even the most skeptical of the bunch can be won over. With a trusted CBD source in mind, I decided to give it a go.
When I viewed Zebra CBD’s selection online, I
e rst product I tried was the Rub. Now this stu was strong. Immediately after rubbing it on my knee, the soothing e ects kicked in. It had that familiar menthol cooling e ect, which I personally nd very relieving. And the best part is, after two weeks of using it, my knee pain no longer a ected my daily mobility.
e Zebra Sleep Gummies, on the other hand, had a di erent but equally positive e ect on my body. To take it, the instructions suggest chewing thoroughly. is was simple enough, and the taste was, well, lemony. After about 15 minutes, a sense of calm came over my body. It's hard to describe exactly; it's de nitely not a "high" feeling. It's more like an overall sense of relaxation—and then I was out. Needless to say, I slept great and woke up refreshed. I haven’t slept like that in a long time.
While it hasn’t been a catch-all x to every one of my health issues, it has eased the level and frequency of my aches. And it sure doesn’t seem like a coincidence how rejuvenated I feel. All-in-all, CBD is one of those things that you have to try for yourself. Although I was skeptical at rst, I can safely say that I’m now a Zebra CBD fan and that I highly recommend their products. Also, I managed to speak with a Zebra CBD spokesperson willing to provide an exclusive. If you order this month, you’ll receive $10 o your rst order by using promo code “RL10” at checkout. Plus, the company o ers a 100% No-Hassle, Money-Back Guarantee. You can try it yourself and order Zebra CBD at ZebraCBD.com/CM or at 1-888-762-2699.
February 2024 • Volume 72, No. 2
CEO Michael Shepard
SENIOR VP OF CONTENT Leon Espinoza
EDITORIAL DIRECTOR Mike Teegarden, CCC
DEPUTY EDITORIAL DIRECTOR Noble
Sprayberry
SENIOR EDITOR Jennifer Paton, CCC
ASSISTANT EDITORS Chasity Anderson, CCC; Victoria Hampton, CCC, David Herder CCC
ASSOCIATE EDITORS
Valeri Pearon, Nina Todea
PUBLICATIONS PRODUCTION SR. MANAGER
Elizabeth Beatty
PUBLICATIONS COORDINATOR
Alyssa McDougle
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Ruralite magazine hits a milestone this year: 70 years of storytelling and serving readers throughout the Northwest.
Ruralite magazine started in 1954 with a handful of electric cooperatives. It now serves 46 public power utilities, including co-ops, PUDs and a municipal utility. Every month, we mail more than 360,000 magazines to readers across the region in Alaska, Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana, Nevada and California. Did you know Pioneer Utility Resources, which publishes Ruralite magazine, is a co-op? We are owned by the more than 250 utilities we serve. We don’t just tell the cooperative story; we live it.
Speaking of stories, our main feature in February shares tips for finding your healthy living bliss in 2024. Personally, I’m a big fan of yoga. The breathing techniques are useful in stressful situations, and the gentle stretching helps keep me in good shape for more strenuous activities such as golf and pickleball.
Our Up Close story shares the success of entrepreneur Jasmin Smith. The owner of Baby Vend sells baby supplies in vending machines in 23 cities across the country. She was inspired to start her business after realizing she was short on supplies during a trip to the mall with her twin babies. She understood if this was a problem for her, other parents might also need a hand, and she found a way to help.
Adults are not the only ones with great ideas. We want to feature youth entrepreneurs in a future issue of Ruralite. If you know someone in their teens or younger who is running a successful business, we would love to hear from you. You can share your idea by visiting www.wkf.ms/3idk8B6.
Sincerely,
Mike Teegarden Editorial Director
Baby Vend CEO Jasmin Smith is changing the way families travel Up Close, Page 10
Small choices can result in big improvements
Spotlight, Page 12 Plugged In 6 In the Kitchen 16
Photo Hunt 22 Before You Go 30 Utility Pages: 4-5, 8, 25, 28-29, 32
Aaron Shannon helps rescue a pelican in Rockaway Beach. The bird spent several months recuperating at Wildlife Center of the North Coast.
By Chelsea Yarnell
Rescue. Rehab. Release. That is the mission at Wildlife Center of the North Coast.
Founded in 1997 by the late Sharnelle Fee, Wildlife Center—based in Astoria— is a rehabilitation and conservation education center that rescues and rehabilitates injured, sick, orphaned and displaced native wildlife in Clatsop and Tillamook counties.
“We are here to help,” Executive Director Kari Henningsgaard says. “We are the only wildlife care hospital in the region. I hope to let people know that
we’re there to serve Tillamook County as well.”
Each year, the center cares for more than 1,000 animals. Many of those birds, particularly raptors and owls, come from Tillamook County.
Kari says one of her favorite rescue stories is about a red-tailed hawk brought into care last February. The bird, unable to fly, was found on the ground in Tillamook.
“The hawk had frostbite damage in its toe joints and was clenching its feet,” she says. “After treatments and time, it extended most of its toes, but never gained full extension in one of its outside toes.
Amputation was needed. After that healed, at 125 days, the hawk was released back where it was found in Tillamook.”
An injured bird or animal’s journey to recovery can begin with a phone call. The center asks that anyone who finds an injured animal call the wildlife hotline at 503-338-0331 before approaching the animal and making contact with it.
“Call it in and get some advice on what to do,” Kari says. “They are wild animals, and we want everyone to be safe, including the animal and the person that finds it.”
The hotline is available seven days a week, from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Staff provides information on how to safely contain the animal. If the person is unable to bring the animal to the center, the center has a volunteer network of people who can help.
Wildlife Center relies on the support of volunteers to accomplish its mission.
“With how large our service area is, it’s important to have a large number of volunteers to be able to respond,” Kari says. “We always need volunteers. We absolutely would not be able to continue in the way that we currently are without volunteers.”
Overseeing the organization’s 140 volunteers is Volunteer Coordinator Annie Cahill.
“We are a pretty small organization, so things are very volunteer-dependent,” she says. “We’re a very community-oriented organization. We try to make ourselves available to the community not just for animals, but for volunteers from the community.”
There are several ways to volunteer with the center, including in-person work in Astoria.
“Volunteers with us get to do a lot,” Annie says. “We’re very hands-on. You could expect to wash dishes or laundry, prepare diets for the animal patients or assist with medical exams.”
While not everyone can dedicate time to drive to Astoria, Annie encourages Tillamook County residents to consider
being transport volunteers. When an animal is found, the center sends out a message to see if anyone can pick it up.
“Then we ‘leapfrog’ it up to the center,” Annie says. “As a volunteer, you don’t have to drive all the way here—maybe just partway—then hand the animal to someone else. It makes the commitment a lot less, and it helps us get the wildlife here quicker. This makes people feel involved in a way that works for their life and schedules.”
Annie is actively recruiting Tillamook County residents to add to the transportation network.
“Because Tillamook County is an area where we happen to get a lot of calls from, it’s just far enough to be challenging,” she says. “We’re here and available to Tillamook County residents. We’re working really hard to make our network of volunteers more robust.”
Christa Shannon, of Rockaway Beach, began volunteering with Wildlife Center two years ago.
“I started volunteering there because I wanted to get back into wildlife rehab,” she says. “I had done some wildlife rehab previously and had really enjoyed it.”
Each Friday, Christa drives to Astoria to help with rehabilitation duties.
“You don’t have to have experience,” she says. “If it’s something you’re interested in, there are so many roles people play there. If you’re not comfortable with handling
A red-tailed hawk rescued from Tillamook receives medical care at the center.
animals, there are so many other things, like getting things ready for school groups and summer camps, or even folding laundry.”
During her time with Wildlife Center, Christa’s favorite rescue was one close to home.
“I had gotten a call saying there was a brown pelican in Rockaway Beach, so my husband, Aaron, went out to wrangle this pelican,” she says. “This was the first bird experience he ever had.”
The couple decided to walk the beach in opposite directions in search of the distressed bird.
“He had a sheet and went north, and I went south,” Christa says. “I finally found it. He ran down the beach to me with the sheet. This bird was more active than rescues I’d done before. I went to grab the bird with the sheet. Its head popped out of the sheet, and it reached for my husband and tapped him on the nose.”
Aaron wasn’t hurt by the interaction, and neither was the pelican. After being evaluated at the center, the pelican did not have any physical ailments. He simply missed migration with the rest of the flock.
“It was just a sad bird on the beach, in the cold, and it didn’t know what to do,” Christa says with a laugh.
After spending a few months in rehabilitation at Wildlife Center, the pelican was taken to California to be reunited with a flock.
The center accepts most native birds and animals and specializes in seabirds. It does not accept seals, sea lions, deer, elk, bears, raccoons or nonnative species.
The center is a nonprofit.
“We survive strictly on grants,” Kari says. “We get no federal funds. We’re always happy to accept donations.” n
For more information on Wildlife Center of the North Coast, email info@coastwildlife. org or call 503-338-0331. For information about volunteering, email Annie Cahill at volunteer@coastwildlife.org. Monetary donations can be made at coastwildlife.org, or donors may buy items via the center’s Amazon wish list.
By Jen Calhoun
For years now people have been talking about the cloud. “That document is in the cloud,” they’ll say, or, “I saved those pictures in the cloud.” Meanwhile, nobody ever bothers to explain it.
Let’s end that vague talk once and for all. It’s time to get a grip on this shadowy figure known as the cloud.
Simply put, the cloud is the concept of using someone else’s computer server to store, host or process data. The cloud is a service offered by all kinds of companies. If you use a computer, smartphone, smart
TV or any other kind of electronic device that connects to the internet, chances are you’ve used some form of cloud service. There are all kinds of cloud services. Netflix is one. So are Google Drive, Apple iCloud, Yahoo Mail, Dropbox and Microsoft OneDrive. There are many more, but you get the drift.
The cloud allows us to access large amounts of information on any device with an internet connection. Think about streaming a movie or episodes of a show on Netflix. Now, imagine trying to store every single movie or show available on Netflix on your home computer. It would stop working. Cloud technology is how we can choose from tens of thousands of movies to watch at the touch of our remotes.
Cloud services are how your child can write a paper on their laptop and you can edit it from an entirely different place, whether it’s your office
The cloud is a service.
or another city, state or country. The cloud’s remote servers handle much of the computing and the storage, so you don’t have to buy a Pentagon-worthy computer.
The cloud also allows us to store and back up our own data. For instance, you can store and view documents, videos and your photo collection on a cloud service without overloading your computer or smartphone’s internal storage.
If you use cloud services, anything you save is backed up and accessible from anywhere, provided you remember usernames and passwords. A fire, network outage or a power surge might destroy your devices, but your information can still be secure in the cloud if you backed it up.
The cloud is not actually in the clouds. Cloud services are right here on Earth, stored inside computer servers that are most likely sitting inside server farms— giant, temperature-controlled facilities full of computer servers that store and transmit information. Next time you picture the
cloud, think of rows of black boxes with blinking lights.
There can be downsides to storing and accessing information remotely, however. For one thing, many cloud services cost money. Some devices, such as iPhones, offer free cloud storage up to a certain amount of data. After that, you’ll need a subscription. Business cloud services often charge per gigabyte of storage.
Also, cloud services only work with internet access. Without the internet, there is no connecting to the cloud. And despite serious security measures set in place by cloud service companies, hackers can still find ways to get in. Other calamities that could disrupt your cloud services are natural disasters and other disruptions that cause network outages. n
QR codes—short for quick response codes— pop up frequently. TV ads, restaurant menus and many more businesses and services rely on these little squares of blocky lines to link a smartphone user to handy information, a download or as a way to digitally send money to someone.
The FBI, however, has warned that cybercriminals may tamper with the codes. The FBI offers a few tips so you can take advantage of QR codes while staying safe and secure:
X After scanning a QR code, check the URL to make sure it is the site you want. A malicious domain name may be similar to the intended URL but with typos or a misplaced letter.
X Be cautious when entering login, personal or financial information.
X If scanning a physical QR code, ensure the code shows no signs of tampering, such as a sticker placed over the original.
X Do not download an app from a QR code.
X If you receive an email asking you to complete a payment through a QR code, call the requesting company to verify. Look up the company’s number on a trusted site—don’t use a number from the email.
X Do not download a QR code scanner app— the built-in phone camera is a safer option.
X If you get a QR code you believe to be from someone you know, contact them through a known number or address to verify.
X Avoid making payments through a site navigated to from a QR code. Instead, manually enter a known and trusted URL to complete the payment.
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Quiet TV mode lets others mute the television or set the volume to their preferred level while you listen as loud as you want on the headset.
By Chiara Profenna
Jasmin Smith is no novice in the world of entrepreneurship. The prominent business owner has left her mark in Alaska, changing communities and increasing access to necessities in every way she knows how.
“In Alaska, I’m a pretty well-known serial entrepreneur,” Jasmin says. “I had a lot of award-winning experience in starting businesses in general and consulting, but I had just never had a product-based business.”
Her first product-based business, Baby Vend, introduces a vending machine that provides on-the-go travel essentials for parents in a pinch. By including a range of products—from diapers and baby wipes to activity kits and snacks—Baby Vend machines are raising the bar for convenience and access.
The idea struck Jasmin in 2015 while she was out with her twins.
“I was shopping at a mall in Anchorage, and I didn’t have enough supplies with me,” she says. “I was telling myself, ‘If I don’t have what I need somewhere in this mall, I’m gonna go home because I don’t feel like coming back with twin babies.’”
Jasmin realized accessible child-care supplies are a necessity for many families traveling. She spent the next six months saving up to buy vending machines to see her vision come to life. By 2016, Jasmin had formed Baby Vend and started the lengthy process of running a startup and maintaining vending machines.
“It was just me navigating a startup, but also figuring out what exactly to do and who exactly to talk with,” Jasmin says. “I didn’t know, so it was literally just me planning by myself.”
Through perseverance and the support of the Anchorage community, Jasmin grew her business nationally in only a few years.
Although Jasmin has seen her business flourish beyond state lines, Anchorage was the scene of her first success.
“Being in a smaller community helped me a lot because I was able to fast-track contracts that I know I would have had to fight for in other cities,” she says. “Because I’ve been here my whole life
and everyone knows me as an entrepreneur, I was able to quickly get an airport contract.”
In 2019, Jasmin unveiled her first vending machine at Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport. Since then, she has expanded her business to 23 cities across the country.
Jasmin’s Anchorage community connections were critical to her success in placing her first machine at the Anchorage airport. She returns the favor by providing small businesses the opportunity to include their products in Baby Vend machines and offering support to those wishing to install and manage their own machines.
While the Alaskan network of support gave Jasmin a leg up with her business, the community is no stranger to challenge. She says Alaskan communities don’t always have equal access to supplies, which has created obstacles in maintaining a thriving business.
“I think the hardest part was just geographically being so far away and in a perceived rural area,” Jasmin says. “I had to kind of figure out how to keep myself connected and balance higher costs.”
Since starting her journey with Baby Vend, Jasmin has navigated
the challenges of running a business and been victorious. In 2017, she was named to the Alaska Top Forty Under 40 list and has also been recognized by Alaska Gov. Mike Dunleavy for her entrepreneurship and community leadership. She has coached more than 650 entrepreneurs across the nation.
Looking ahead to the future of Baby Vend, Jasmin remains committed to innovation and growth. With plans to evolve her business to continue meeting the needs of her customers, Jasmin’s ventures as a successful entrepreneur are far from over.
“I think right now, our biggest thing is just kind of pivoting some of our customer bases to more contract base and really expanding on our product line,” Jasmin says.
Her long-term vision is in line with her desire to continue revolutionizing convenience for families on the go while encouraging the next generation of business owners. Through her work, Jasmin has learned a lot about entrepreneurship, but one of the lessons that has stuck with her is to be flexible and not take anything personal when it comes to business.
“I’ve learned to not internalize so many things that happen in business,” Jasmin says. “Just learn from it and just keep pivoting and growing and seeking that feedback … and remembering those that have been with me along this whole journey.” n
By Pamela A. Keene
Although the COVID-19 pandemic has subsided, its effects linger. The pandemic changed the way we interact with each other, how and where we earn a living, how we spend our free time and how we approach the choices we make to keep us healthy. Life today is definitely different than it was five years ago.
“During the pandemic, people faced much more isolation, worry and fear, and this has left residual health and wellness issues,” says Dr. Ginger Nicol, associate professor of psychiatry at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis. “People stayed at home more, their circle of faceto-face relationships shrank. They became more sedentary, influencing mental and physical health and wellness.”
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention National Center for Health Statistics, approximately 12% of those surveyed aged 18 and older in 2022 said they regularly had feelings of worry, nervousness or anxiety.
“These feelings can lead to more serious mental health issues,” Ginger says. “However, there are ways that can improve your overall health and wellness— both mental and physical—to result in more day-today enjoyment and health, and ultimately result in a better quality of life. Choosing to add more movement and activity, increasing time spent with family and taking time for personal reflection can all contribute to better health and happiness.”
The pandemic cannot be wholly blamed for a decline in people’s mental and physical health. Today’s society is less active and exponentially more sedentary than it was several decades ago.
Even before the pandemic, many Americans sat in front of some type of screen for much of their waking hours.
With COVID-19, dependence on screens and technology expanded.
During COVID-19, those with existing health issues were less likley to spend time outdoors—nor did they socialize with family or friends—so the feelings of isolation and angst were magnified. Depression, weight gain and other factors contributed to a decrease in physical fitness.
“Physical and mental health are inseparable,” Ginger says. “Research has shown that people who are active tend to have a better mental outlook and lead more enjoyable lives. The reverse is also true. People with a positive outlook are more likely to participate in some sort of regular activity.”
Numerous factors contribute to a healthy life, from nutrition and exercise to ample sleep. Wellness encompasses physical and mental health, and taking care of mind and body promotes a balanced lifestyle.
“Our needs change as we grow older,” Ginger says. “As such, it’s important for us to be aware of these changes and how we can address and adjust to them without compromising our wellness. Being responsible for our aging can help us reduce risk of disease, such as diabetes, stroke, heart attack and cardiovascular issues, depression and anxiety.”
Many things can contribute to a longer and more fulfilling life, such as regular wellness visits with a primary care physician to stay on top of potential health concerns; completing age-appropriate testing, such as colonoscopies and cancer screenings; and being willing to adjust eating, behavior and lifestyle habits.
Being proactive with your health is the best way to manage aging.
“The sooner you can identify an issue the better chance you have of making a meaningful change,” Ginger says. “Starting good behavioral practices for both physical and mental health can help your body and mind be more resilient and handle more serious challenges.”
Making small physical changes to add movement every day is one of the first ways to improve health and fitness. Getting up from a chair can be a revealing way to test physical ability.
“Some people simply cannot rise from a seated position without either using their arms to push themselves up or rocking several times to gain momentum,” Ginger says.
“I’ve seen people in their 30s and 40s who have difficulty standing from sitting in a chair or on the sofa. If this is difficult for you, it’s a good idea to practice a little every day until you can rise unassisted.
“As we age, our muscles lose mass and volume, plus our tendons get tighter. By tackling this basic movement, you can begin to increase your physical strength and mobility, as well as improve your balance and help prevent falls.”
According to the CDC, one in five falls causes serious injuries. Each year, more than 3 million people 65 and older are treated in emergency departments for fall injuries.
Falls are one of the main causes of nonfatal and fatal injuries. Whether they’re caused by tripping, losing balance, vision problems or a health problem, they can
result in broken bones, head injuries, cuts and bruising. Falls are the most common cause of traumatic brain injuries.
“Simple things—like practicing standing on one foot while you’re brushing your teeth or when next to the kitchen counter—can help improve your general core strength,” Ginger says. “If you can improve your ability to stand up from sitting and also increase your confidence in your balance, you’re making good headway toward a healthier and safer life.”
Technology is a huge distraction in creating a healthy life. It can prevent people from relaxing, letting go of anxieties or working through challenges.
“Train your brain to let go of external diversions by turning off your smartphone, taking a walk in a park,” Ginger says, “or simply finding a quiet place to sit and daydream for a bit. Daydreaming can be a powerful tool to help your brain slow down to the external stimuli and allow you to notice things you’d ordinarily glance over.”
Ginger suggests using a positive trigger to help increase awareness and help with relaxing.
“Perhaps you’ve gone on a vacation and remember a pleasant sight, sound or feeling that can take you back to that time: the deep blue of the ocean, the sound of the leaves rustling on a chilly fall day or seeing a stunning sunset,” she says. “Use that to disconnect you from the worries of the day to reconnect with yourself.”
Other ways to unwind can include reading just for fun, spending an hour in the garden, pursuing a favorite hobby or experiencing a new one as a way to give your mind a rest.
“We spend our lives in front of screens, and we just don’t get outside enough to simply reflect and be very present in the moment,” Ginger says. “Some people meditate, others practice yoga, but the secret is to find a way to slow down your brain waves and clear your mind. Give it time to refresh and you’ll be surprised how much more happy you can be.”
Health and wellness are parts of life’s journey that require heightened awareness and a commitment to make changes when necessary.
“Adding a bit more movement each day, taking time to build meaningful social connections and allowing yourself to unplug from time to time can do wonders for your mental and physical health,” Ginger says. n
Minestrone
2 teaspoons olive oil
1 cup diced carrots
½ cup diced celery
½ cup chopped onion
4 garlic cloves, minced
32 ounces chicken broth
28-ounce can petite diced tomatoes
1 tablespoon tomato paste
15-ounce can white beans, drained and rinsed
15-ounce can red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
Parmesan cheese rind
½ teaspoon kosher salt
¼ teaspoon fresh black pepper
1 fresh rosemary sprig
2 bay leaves
2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
¼ cup chopped fresh Italian parsley
1 medium zucchini, diced
2 cups baby spinach, chopped kale or chopped collard greens
Salt and pepper, to taste
Parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes for garnish
Heat oil in a large Dutch oven or pot over medium-high heat. Add the carrots, celery, onion and garlic. Stir. Saute until tender and fragrant, about 15 minutes.
Add broth, tomatoes, tomato paste, beans, cheese rind, salt, pepper, rosemary, bay leaves, basil and parsley. Bring to a boil. Cover. Cook on low for 40 minutes.
Remove the bay leaves, rosemary and Parmesan rind. If you prefer a thicker soup, pulse a few times with an immersion blender.
Add the zucchini and spinach. Cover. Simmer until the zucchini is tender, about 8 to 10 minutes. Season to taste with salt and black pepper. Garnish with Parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes.
16 ounces Italian sausage links, medium or hot
6 slices bacon
¾ cup chopped onion
1½ teaspoons minced garlic
2 tablespoons chicken soup base
1 quart water
Heat the oven to 300 F.
2 large potatoes, cut into ¼-inch slices
2 cups kale, washed, dried and shredded
1⁄3 cup heavy whipping cream
Parmesan cheese
Place sausage links on a sheet pan. Bake for 25 minutes or until cooked through. Cut links in half lengthwise, then cut at an angle into ½-inch slices.
Cook bacon and onion in a large saucepan over medium heat until onion is almost clear. Remove bacon and crumble. Set aside.
Add garlic to the pan with the onion. Cook together for about 1 minute. Add chicken soup base, water and potatoes. Simmer for 15 minutes. Add bacon, sausage, kale and cream. Simmer for about 5 minutes. Top with Parmesan cheese before serving.
6 cups chicken broth
2 boneless chicken breast halves, cooked and cubed
6-ounce package long grain and wild rice blend, quick-cooking version with seasoning packet
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ cup all-purpose flour
¾ cup butter
1 cup carrot, diced
1 cup celery, diced
1 cup onion, diced
3 cups half-and-half
Open rice package. Set aside the seasoning packet. In a small bowl, combine pepper and flour. Set aside. In a large pot over medium heat, combine broth and chicken. Bring to a boil, then stir in rice. Cover, and remove from heat.
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. Add carrots, celery and onion. Saute for 5 minutes. Stir in the contents of the seasoning packet. Continue cooking vegetables until softened, about 5 minutes. Add seasoned flour gradually while constantly stirring to form a roux. Saute roux for 3 to 4 minutes to cook out raw flour taste.
Whisk in cream, a little at a time, until fully incorporated and smooth. Cook until thickened, about 5 minutes.
Stir cream mixture into broth and rice. Cook over medium heat until heated through and rice is done, 15 to 20 minutes.
2 large onions, chopped
3 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups water, divided
4 cups chicken broth
2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
1½ cups mashed potato flakes
½ pound sliced bacon, cooked and crumbled
¾ teaspoon pepper
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon dried basil
1⁄8 teaspoon dried thyme
1 cup half-and-half
½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
2 green onions, sliced
In a large skillet, saute onions in butter until tender. Stir in flour. Gradually stir in 1 cup water. Bring to a boil. Stir for 2 minutes or until thickened. Transfer to a 5-quart slow cooker.
Add the broth, potatoes, potato flakes, bacon, pepper, salt, basil, thyme and remaining water. Cover. Cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or until potatoes are tender. Stir in cream, and heat through. Garnish with cheese and green onions.
4 tablespoons butter
1 small yellow onion, diced
1 stick of celery, diced
½ cup carrots, julienned
2 garlic cloves, minced
¼ cup all-purpose flour
4 cups chicken broth
2 cups half-and-half
½ teaspoon thyme
½ teaspoon mustard powder
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
16 ounces potato gnocchi
1 cup fresh spinach, roughly chopped
1 pinch red pepper flakes,
Salt and pepper, to taste
Melt the butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onions, celery and carrots. Cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic. Cook for 1 more minute.
Add the flour, and stir to combine. Cook until the flour begins to turn a golden color, about 2 minutes.
Add the chicken broth and half-and-half in splashes, stirring to incorporate. Don’t add it too quickly, or you will break the roux. Add the thyme and mustard powder.
Add chicken breasts to the broth. Bring it to a gentle boil. Simmer until the chicken is cooked through, about 10 minutes. Remove the chicken and let it rest for 5 minutes. Dice the chicken, and add it back to the soup. Let the soup simmer until reaching the desired consistency. It will continue to thicken as it simmers.
Add the gnocchi. Simmer according to package instructions.
Reduce heat to low. Add the spinach, red pepper, salt and pepper. Simmer until spinach is wilted, about 1 minute.
I am searching for a book by Amanda Grant: “Where has Jessie Gone.” If you have a copy you can part with, please let me know.
Caroline N. 4016 Berry Court Fairbanks, AK 99709
I’m helping homeless people out on the streets. I recently learned how to knit and made scarves and hats for them as Christmas presents. I am looking for anyone willing to donate yarn and other things homeless people could use, as well as some words of encouragement.
Abigail Cowart 29 Hilltop Lane Wahkiacus, WA 98670 Cowartabigail26@gmail.com
I’m requesting old, broken and unwanted jewelry of any kind. I take it apart, clean it and repurpose it into decorative frames, mirrors, etc. Thank you in advance.
Holly Hill P.O. Box 1006 Port Orford, OR 97465 Turdsmama@outlook.com
My stepdad turns 90 this month. He spent his 37-year career in law enforcement, retiring from the California Highway Patrol. He and my mom were married for 10 years before she passed in 2015. He loved her dearly. He spends his time with his dog, Polly. I know he would be surprised to receive birthday cards for this special birthday milestone. If you’d like to send a card, address it to Bob Allee, 1080 E. Lassen Ave., Apt 37, Chico, CA 95973. Thank you.
Pam Scheideman Chico, California
My mom will celebrate her 88th birthday in February. I would like to honor her and her special day by inviting you to send birthday wishes her way. She loves getting mail and would be most grateful to receive birthday cards. Thank you for your kindness. She will be delighted. Mail to Velma Larson, 1024 Anna St., Prosser, WA 99350.
Jeanne Whitenack
Prosser, Washington
Music
I’m seeking cello sheet music—particularly upbeat Celtic tunes— and an instructor for beginner adults near Oakridge, Oregon. Thanks in advance.
Barbara Counsil
P.O. Box 899 Oakridge, OR 97463
I am a retired Navy veteran. I served my country from 1956-60. I had hoped to make the Navy a career, but situations existed that prevented this. Over the years, I gave away some of my uniform garments and wonder if anyone out there has some items I would like to have: a black silk neckerchief, watch cap, peacoat (extra large) and formal naval hat. Willing to pay postage and reasonable cost of objects. I do have a uniform and hat. Thank you for your help in advance.
Don Maddy 43 Mill Drive Wahkiacus, WA 98670
I’m looking for a cider press and fruit grinder for home use.
Rosemarie Hausmann P.O. Box 471 Reedsport, OR 97467
I’m looking for an old recipe my mom had and said ran in one of the Bake Off cookbooks in the late 1960s or early ’70s. It’s a cheesecake made in a 9-by-13-inch pan, lined with a yeast-raised dough, and filled with a mixture of crushed pineapple, cottage cheese and cream cheese. I can’t remember the last part. I think this part is cooked on a stovetop before being put in the crust. It is topped with another crust, baked and glazed when it’s done, and cooled. It is super delicious.
Marcene Berends 52875 Ranch Drive La Pine, OR 97739 Otterlover1157@gmail.com
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Mountains, ice and the ocean all come together in Kenai Fjords National Park in Southern Alaska. Just southwest of Seward, Alaska, and above the Gulf of Alaska, the fjords are home to behemoth fields of ice.
The 23,000-year-old Harding Icefields and its outflowing glaciers are more than 700 square miles large. The ice is thousands of feet thick, but that isn’t always enough to cover the mountains underneath. The exposed mountaintops are called nunatak, or lonely peaks.
The fjords are not the most accessible national park, given the giant glaciers that cover it. Many drive up the east side to see Exit Glacier—the only part of the park accessible by road—and see how glaciers reshape the landscape. Open year-round, Exit Glacier is home to a few trails of varying difficulty.
Much of the park is only accessible by boat. Boat tours, available in the summer, offer the ability to see tidewater glaciers—the glaciers that reach the sea. When these glaciers calve ice into the sea, the ice serves as floats for local harbor seals. The waters around the park are also home to otters, porpoises, whales and more.
COURTESY OF NATIONAL PARKS SERVICE/JIM PFEIFFENBERGER
More Information
Kenai Fjords National Park has no entrance fee. To plan your trip, call 907-422-0500 or visit www.nps.gov/kefj.
It was a warm summer afternoon and my wife and I were mingling with the best of them. The occasion was a 1920s-themed party, and everyone was dressed to the nines. Parked on the manse’s circular driveway was a beautiful classic convertible. It was here that I got the idea for our new 1920s Retrograde Watch.
Never ones to miss an opportunity, we carefully steadied our glasses of bubbly and climbed into the car’s long front seat. Among the many opulent features on display was a series of dashboard dials that accentuated the car’s lavish aura. One of those dials inspired our 1920s Retrograde Watch, a genuinely unique timepiece that marries timeless style with modern technology.
With its remarkable retrograde hour and minute indicators, sunburst guilloche face and precision movement, this design is truly one of a kind. What does retrograde mean? Instead of displaying the hands rotating on an axis like most watches, the hands sweep in a semicircle, then return to their starting point and begin all over again.
Retrograde watches by the big brands can set you back thousands; one recent offering from a big French fashion house is selling for more than $150,000! But because we’ve designed the 1920s Retrograde Watch in-house, we can offer it to you for just $99!
This watch is so wildly popular with our customers that we’re actually concerned about running out; we only have 937 729 left for this ad!
Join more than 1 smart people who love stauer watches
Watch Specifications:
• Precision movement
• Stainless steel case, caseback and crown
• Retrograde hour and minute indicators
• Water-resistant to 5 ATM
• Brown genuine leather band
• Fits wrists up to 8"
1920s Retrograde Watch
$399 $99* + S&P Save $300
*Special price only for customers using the offer code.
“An elegant and exciting timepiece that every collector will love.”
“[A] unique and beautiful timepiece.”
— Carlos C., Los Banos, CA
— George omas, internationally renowned watch expert
By Dave LaBelle
It’s an old saying: “Grow where you are planted.”
Most of us struggle with being content, often feeling we want or even need to be somewhere else—maybe someplace more exotic? Anywhere other than where we are.
Generally, I am content wherever I am. But, admittedly, now and then I catch myself mentally whining—wishing I could be photographing international events in those glamorous places my
Renowned author, photographer and lecturer
Dave LaBelle has captured special moments for more than half a century. For more of his writings, visit davidlabelle.com and bridgesandangels.wordpress.com.
globe-trotting friends go.
During these pity parties, pride seizes me, and I mumble under my breath, “I could make great pictures, too, if I could be where they are.”
Shame on me.
Truth is, beauty and heartache are present everywhere humans exist, and as a homeless friend once wisely advised, “It’s all a matter of putting on your perspecticles.”
I have lived and worked in many states across our great country and even in other countries, and each and every place has its unique beauty.
In California, I was obsessed with photographing the moody ocean, rolling hills and “two trees,” landmarks that stood on the foothills above Ventura for decades and could be seen from miles away. I never tired of trying to make a better, unique
photograph of these beloved twins.
We presently live in Iowa. How long we will live here, I do not know. But this I do know: If my heart is always wandering the hills and oceans of faraway places, my eyes of envy will rob me from seeing the unique beauty surrounding me right here.
Iowa is a land of seductive openness, uncluttered landscapes where dreams dance playfully between swaying oceans of corn fields. It is a comforting place where I can watch forever skies kiss the Earth.
It is also a special place that draws people from across the globe to experience the “Field of Dreams” movie site. One of my greatest joys has been getting to know and photograph some of the original Ghost Players who were in the 1989 movie. n
Ask yourself what makes where you live different, compelling, beautiful or even unique? Is it the way the winter light awakens a particular mountaintop? Or the color or life-rhythm of a fishing village? Perhaps it is a river or lake that brings you the greatest joy or comfort? If I came to your town or city, what would you want to show me?
Email your best image (just one, please) with caption information, including an explanation of how it affects you, to GPH@pur.coop. We may share submissions on our website and social media channels.
Now you can nally have all of the soothing bene ts of a relaxing warm bath, or enjoy a convenient refreshing shower while seated or standing with Safe Step Walk-In Tub’s FREE Shower Package!
✓ First walk-in tub available with a customizable shower
✓ Fixed rainfall shower head is adjustable for your height and pivots to o er a seated shower option
✓ High-quality tub complete with a comprehensive lifetime warranty on the entire tub
✓ Top-of-the-line installation and service, all included at one low, a ordable price
Now you can have the best of both worlds–there isn’t a better,
You are a man of the wilderness. The only plan you have is to walk up that mountain until you feel like stopping. You tell your friends that it’s nothing personal, but this weekend belongs to you.
You’ve come prepared with your River Canyon Bowie Knife sheathed at your side. This hand-forged, unique knife comes shaving sharp with a perfectly fitted hand-tooled sheath. The broad stainless steel blade shines in harmony with the stunning striped horn, wood and bone handle. When you feel the heft of the knife in your hand, you know that you’re ready for whatever nature throws at you.
This knife boasts a full tang blade, meaning the blade doesn’t stop at the handle, it runs the full length of the knife. According to Gear Patrol, a full tang blade is key, saying “A full tang lends structural strength to the knife, allowing for better leverage ...think one long steel beam versus two.”
With our limited edition River Canyon Bowie Knife you’re getting the best in 21st-century construction with a classic look inspired by legendary American pioneers. What you won’t get is the trumped up price tag. We know a thing or two about the hunt–– like how to seek out and capture an outstanding, collector’s-quality knife that won’t cut into your bank account.
BONUS! Call today and you’ll also receive this genuine leather sheath!
This quintessential knife can be yours to use out in the field or to display as the art piece it truly is. But don’t wait. A knife of this caliber typically cost hundreds. Priced at an amazing $49, we can’t guarantee this knife will stick around for long. So call today!
Your satisfaction is 100% guaranteed. Feel the knife in your hands, wear it on your hip, inspect the craftsmanship. If you don’t feel like we cut you a fair deal, send it back within 30 days for a complete refund of the sale price. But we believe that once you wrap your fingers around the River Canyon’s you’ll be ready to carve your own niche into the wild frontier.
What customers are saying about Stauer knives...
“First off, the shipping was fast and the quality is beyond what I paid for the knife. Overall I am a satisfied customer!”
— D., Houston, Texas
14101 Southcross Drive W., Ste.155, Dept. RCK482-01 Burnsville, Minnesota 55337 www.stauer.com
Tillamook PUD is excited to welcome Tamra Perman to the Board of Directors.
In January, Tamra was appointed by the Tillamook PUD board to fill the vacant Subdivision 1 Director position. The Subdivision 1 Director represents constituents in the Pleasant Valley, Beaver, Cloverdale, Hebo, Pacific City and Neskowin areas.
Tamra has a variety of skills and unique insights from her professional and educational experiences. She previously worked for Frito Lay North America as a planning manager and with the Tillamook County Creamery Association as director of continuous improvement.
Tamra and her husband, Todd, own and operate JAndy Oyster Co. She enjoys wearing many hats at JAndy but spends most of her time in the company’s nursery and garden area.
She is deeply connected to the community through her professional endeavors and volunteer work. She currently serves on the Tillamook Bay Community College Board of Directors.
“Tillamook PUD is a unique entity in an exceptional area that is dear to my heart,” Tamra says. “I am eager to learn more about Tillamook PUD and the vital role it plays within the community, region, state and beyond.”
Welcome to the Tillamook PUD Board of Directors, Tamra. We look forward to serving the customers and our community with you!
Tillamook PUD said goodbye to longtime Director Doug Olson at the December 2023 board meeting. For the past 15 years, Doug represented constituents in Tillamook PUD service territory’s Subdivision 1 area. Doug stepped down from his role as a Tillamook PUD Director with his appointment to the Tillamook County Board of Commissioners.
Tillamook PUD thanks Doug for his years of service with the district and wishes him the best in his new endeavors. n
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 42 years in business. www.btlliners.com. 541-447-0712. 0424
4x5 round bales, Meadow Foxtail Orchard Grass. 4x4 Timothy, small square. nas@cpcinternet.com; 208-435-4637 or 208-435-4002. 1224
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. 0324
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. 0224
Lifetime collection Fender vintage amps 1960s70s. Serious inquiries only. 541-589-2807.
WC Collectibles. We buy comic books! Local to the Inland Northwest, willing to travel. WCCollectiblesCheney@gmail.com; 509-496-1835. 0724
More “Montello Remembered” novels available. I’m also liquidating my NV history collection. Many rare and hard-to-find books now available. pruitt2010@frontier.com; 775-753-3254. 0324
Book restoration. Bibles, cookbooks, cherished family heirlooms. Beautiful work. We give renewed life, more durable than original, to last for generations. salacanstudio@gmail.com; 775-537-7066. 0224AR
A great business opportunity in Boardman, OR. A small cafe you can use your imagination in. Frontage view of freeway, quick in and out access. A coffee shop on property for extra income. $1.3M. For more information, call Karen at 541-571-0636. 0224
Quaint hardware store in Maupin, OR, for sale. Inventory and interior store recently updated and refreshed. See ad on Bizbuysell.com or email Maupincountrystore@gmail.com. $309K.
Looking to purchase a small business in Northern Idaho. Call or send information on any opportunities. Can do a quick purchase. 559-269-5554; mike@rouchbuilders.com. 0324
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): April issue—February 29, 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.
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. 0424AR
Local commercial fisherman sells summer catch of preserved freshness by blast freezing at sea, gourmet canned tuna on the internet. Sept.-June. 100% guaranteed the best canned tuna you ever tasted. Original, jalapeno and garlic flavors available. Twofisherstuna.com. Call 206-799-1082 to place your order. 0324
Alaskan Yellow Cedar. Great for planter boxes, herb and flower beds, fencing or decks. Various sizes available. Pete, 541-206-0727. Lisa, 541-747-5025, ext. 21. 0624
Custom handmade knives. Now taking orders for hunters, chefs, bowie or utility. Damascus or 1095 high-carbon steel guaranteed. Call or text 509-250-2662. Pictures available. 0224
Granite cemetery markers at affordable prices. Will ship to most places. For more info: Joe, 541-815-8906; www.highdesertmemorials.com; and highdesertmemorials@gmail.com. 0524
Cigar box guitars. 3 string; electric or acoustic. American art you can play. $200-300. Call or text for pic and pricing, 701-425-1576. 0224
Purebred white shepherd puppies. Protective instincts of German shepherds and the loving attitude of labs. They’re not hyper or yappy. Born 10/31/2023. Eugene, OR. 541-913-0253.
Idaho Shag (border collie x Airedale). The best dog you will ever have. Farm/ranch dog. Males and females. $450 each. Colton, OR. 971-804-1706. 0224
Get the absolute best farm dog. English shepherds are good with all stock, are great watchdogs, superb varmint hunters, friendly and easy to train. Our litter was born Dec. 4, and our pups will be ready for their forever homes just in time for Valentine’s Day! $900 each. Applications are available at www.goodearthfarm.org. 541-913-5980; admin@goodearthfarm.org. 0224
Real Estate
Columbia Gorge National Scenic Area, Dallesport, WA. 1,608 sqft. mobile home for sale in park. $670 monthly rent. Excellent condition. Professional upgrades. Motivated seller. $109K. 503-396-1251. 0424
Lakefront home Eagle Lake, CA. 3-bd, 2-ba, 2-car garage, fully furnished and stocked, move-in ready, docks, boat lift. $299K or trade? 775-771-5263 or bdl1962@gmail.com.
$600K interior Alaskan turnkey roadhouse and 2 dry cabins. Well-maintained on 5 acres with pond. 50 scenic miles south to Denali Park entrance. 907-460-9292. 0524
Let me help you buy or sell ranch, farm and recreation property in Oregon. Fourthgeneration Oregonian, ranch owner. For sale: Sisters, OR, 40 acres. $1.7M. John Gill, 541-480-9161 or johngill@landandwildlife.com. Land And Wildlife brokerage. 0224
Rare 1.34-acre, view lot for cabin/retreat in Mt. Aire Canyon, 4 minutes from Salt Lake City. 270º views, elevation 7,200 at confluence of 5 canyons. Water on-site, transformer adjacent. $325K. charles@cc-tdi.org; 801-232-8038; Instagram: @mtairekitebox. 0224
Newly constructed, beautifully finished home, open concept living, 4 bed, 2.5 bath, garage. $399.5K. Duke Warner Realty, 541-987-2363 or ddwr@ortelco.net. 0224
Off-grid homestead. Ideal for wind/solar power. NE Elko County, NV. Has equipment, quarters, shop. Year-round access. Water and power nearby. $35K. geopup58@gmail.com.
Wavecatcher: Oceanfront. Central Oregon coast. Summer $175/night mid-May to mid-Oct.; $140/ night mid-Oct. to mid-May. (plus cleaning/tax). Three rooms w/double beds. Pets welcome. Wavecatcherbeachrentals.com. Reservations: 541-740-2846. 0324AR
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. 0224
Hook up a steelhead at The Hook Up RV Park in Ahsahka, ID. Daily or longer rents available. 208-391-2919; hookuprvpark@gmail.com. 0324
Call Pahrump Lock and Safe for all your residential, commercial and safe services. 24-hour emergency service in Pahrump, NV. 702-379-8441; Jim@pahrumplockandsafe.com. 0324
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. 0624
Holistic nurse consultant. Herbal/natural nutritional advice. Complementary medicine practitioner. Free initial consultation. Available in Brookings, OR, area only. 707-951-1882. 0224
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. 0224
Gold, silver, coins/currency, buy, sell. Collections wanted. Fair prices paid. 44 years in retail store. Baker City, OR. 800-556-2133; garrymclin@aol.com. 1024
Old carpenter tools, planes (wood/metal), levels, chisels, slicks, adzes, axes, hatchets, handsaws, old rulers, spoke shaves, wrenches, shipwright tools, old tool chests. 503-659-0009 or 971-666-0659. 0224
Wanted: mid-1960s 2-door Ford Falcon, Fairlane or Mercury Comet/Cyclone. Grandkids have outgrown my ’66 Ranchero, need something with a backseat. Dan, 541-663-9091. 0224
Your ad could be here in April. See the opposite page for details.
At its December meeting, the Tillamook PUD Board of Directors:
X Approved the minutes from the November 14 regular board meeting, the December 6 budget workshop, the December 6 executive session and the December 12 executive session.
X Approved the 2024 IBEW union contract.
X Appointed Tamra Perman as the TPUD board member for Subdivision 1.
X Approved Resolution No. 2312-09, “A Resolution Amending Benefits Handbook Policies Opt-Out, VEBA, Retirement Plan (PERS) and Compensation and Salary Program, and Employee Handbook Policy No. 47.1 Regular PTO Accrual, No. 48 Sick Leave for Regular Represented Employees, No. 52 and 52.1 Floating Holiday.”
X Approved Resolution No. 2312-10, “A Resolution Establishing the General Manager’s Compensation.”
X Approved the 2024 property and liability insurance premium for $238,628.
X Approved the general manager to sign a three-year contract with Bell Lumber and Poles for $820,000.
X Approved the accounts payable of $7,151,748.90 for November 2023.
General Manager Todd Simmons recognized Director Doug Olson, as he was leaving the board of directors at the end of the month. Todd thanked Doug for 15 years of service.
Public Relations Manager Joanna Stelzig reported that most of the 2023 Community Support Grant projects would be completed by the end of 2023.
The 2024 Community Support Grant program is accepting applications until Thursday, February 22, at 5:30 p.m. Local not-for-profit organizations with community projects that promote community livability and economic development are eligible to apply.
Application forms, procedures and additional information are available at www.tpud.org/news-community/community-support-grants or at the Tillamook PUD office.
Although we are inching closer to spring, winter is still upon us.
Tillamook PUD encourages customers to stay prepared for extreme weather and the possibility of power outages. We are available 24/7 to respond to electrical emergencies, such as power outages, downed power lines and damaged equipment. After-hours power outages and electrical emergencies can be reported by calling 503-842-2122 or 800-842-2122. Customers can also report a power outage online through SmartHub at www.tpud.org.
After-hours calls are routed to our on-call dispatcher, who is a TPUD employee. Our 24/7 dispatcher is not equipped to answer billing or administrative questions. The after-hours number is to report power outages or electrical emergencies only.
The employee answering calls also dispatches crews to respond and restore power. Crews respond as quickly as possible to outage areas; however, this can take some time depending on the location and situation. The Tillamook PUD service territory is widespread and rural, with several miles of coastline, forested areas
and many waterways. A variety of causes may disrupt power, including storms or collisions with poles.
There are also times we may have to schedule a planned power outage for maintenance. In this situation, we notify affected customers in advance.
Though we work diligently year-round to maintain and harden our electric system to mitigate power outages, these events still occur. Customers are encouraged to be prepared for power outages and have a backup plan that includes emergency standby generation, especially if life and/or livelihood is dependent on uninterrupted power. Customers considering installing a backup generator system should consult a qualified electrician to ensure the safe and proper installation of a home generator. We appreciate the support from our customers and community members when we restore power and as we work to maintain and improve our electric system. n
For more information, contact Tillamook PUD at service@tpud.org or 503-842-2535, or visit www.tpud.org.
February 1-29
Fresh Start AA meeting, Tuesdays and Thursdays, 8:15 a.m., Wheeler City Hall, 775 Nehalem Blvd. 503-739-0293
February 1-29
Civil Air Patrol Tillamook County Composite Squadron, Thursdays, 6:15 to 9 p.m., ATV Training Center, 5995 Long Prairie Road, Tillamook. 262-308-1482
February 1-29
Tillamook Awakening Al-Anon family group, every Thursday, 7 to 8 p.m., St. Alban’s Church, Tillamook. 503-842-5094
February 1-29
Tillamook Rotary Club weekly meetings, Every Tuesday, noon, at Tillamook Elks Lodge. Joanna, 503-812-7079
February 1-29
Tillamook Kiwanis Club meeting, Wednesdays, noon, Tillamook Bay Community College or virtually via Zoom. Everyone is welcome. patsykct@gmail.com for link
February 1-29
Rockaway Beach Lions Club meeting, first and third Tuesdays, 11:30 a.m., 268 S. Anchor St. Juanita, kittermanj2020@gmail.com; 503-896-0062
February 1-29
Overeaters Anonymous, 5 p.m., every Monday, held via Zoom. Everyone is welcome. Sylvia, 503-812-0838, for link
February 1-29
Nehalem senior lunches, Tuesdays and Thursdays. Seating at 11:30 a.m. with lunch served at noon, Nehalem Bay United Methodist Church, 36050 10th St. Delivery available for homebound. $5 suggested donation. Doug, nbumcnsl2020@gmail.com
February 1-29
We The People Tillamook County meetings, first and third Mondays, 6 p.m., Tillamook. wethepeopletillamookco@yahoo.com; www.wethepeopletillamookcounty.com
February 1-29
Tillamook Senior Center Meal Site, meals to go, Monday through Friday, 11:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.; Meals on Wheels, Wednesdays and Fridays. Greg, 503-842-9660
Contact Joanna Stelzig at 503-815-6024 or jstelzig@tpud.org to list items in the calendar.
February 1-29
Tillamook Senior Center: Mondays—coffee hour, 8:30 to 11:30 a.m.; square dancing, 4 to 6 p.m.; Second Wednesday—bunco, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.; Fridays—pinochle, 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Every Wednesday except for the second Wednesday, all levels of sewing come together, bring a portable sewing machine, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Bring a lunch for lengthy activities. Hall rental is available, 316 Stillwell Ave. Senior Center, 503-842-4511, leave a message
February 1-29
Take Off Pounds Sensibly meeting, Thursdays, 10 to 11 a.m., Bay City. Pat Neman, 503-801-2229
February 1-29
Meals for Seniors lunches, Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Seating at 11:30 a.m., St. Mary by the Sea, 279 S. Pacific St., Rockaway Beach. $4 suggested donation. Teri, 503-317-8967
February 3
Household hazardous waste collection, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Tillamook Transfer Station. 503-815-3975 or recycle@co.tillamook.or.us
February 5
Cloverdale-Nestucca Valley Lions Club meeting, 6 p.m., 34510 Parkway Drive, Cloverdale.
February 10
Tillamook Beekeepers Association meeting, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., Port of Tillamook Bay Office. Brad York, 719-896-0000
February 10
Heart of Cartm Repair Café, every second Saturday, 3 to 5 p.m., 395C Nehalem Blvd., Wheeler. RSVP on the Heart of Cartm Facebook page.
Jessi Just, 971-389-8414
February 11
All-you-can-eat pancake breakfast, 8 a.m. to noon, Bay City Arts Center. 503-377-9620
February 12
Monday Musical Club of Tillamook presents, “Music is in the Air-Be My Valentine,” 7 p.m., St. John’s United Church of Christ, 602 Laurel Ave.
Ron Watson, 541-992-3575
February 16
Nesko Women’s Club meeting, 11:30 a.m., Kiawanda Community Center, Pacific City. Cathy, 541-622-3104
February 17
Tillamook Beekeepers Association beekeeping class, 1 to 3:30 p.m., Tillamook County Library Community Room. $15 each or $20 per family. www.tillamookbeekeepers.org
February 19
THS Alumni Scholarship Committee meeting, noon, Elks Lodge, Tillamook. Debbi, debrakay54@charter.net
February 20
FL63 USCG Auxiliary Station Tillamook Bay meeting, 7 p.m., held virtually. Cammy Hickman, 503-961-2212 for login information
February 21
American Legion Tillamook Post 47 monthly meeting, 1 p.m., Tillamook Elks Lodge, 1907 Third St. Kevin, 360-489-7471
Beginning this month, Tillamook PUD customers will see a new SmartHub customer account management system. Customers can enjoy the same features SmartHub previously offered through an enhanced user interface that is more intuitive and user-friendly. Through SmartHub, customers can monitor their electricity use, pay their bills and receive important notifications.
Customers with SmartHub accounts automatically transition into the new system. For more information or to create a SmartHub user account, visit www.tpud.org. www.tpud.org
By Dan Gibson
More than 30 years ago, in response to a personal ad in the August 1992 Ruralite, romance blossomed.
As a truck driver, I had little opportunity to date, let alone find a wife. Since another family member found true love and married a gentleman through Ruralite personals, maybe there was a young lady for me to write to as well.
I began writing to X38—Emily—and was instantly smitten. Emily included a beautiful photo, which I quickly attached to the dash of my semitruck. I dreamed about marrying her.
After nine months of writing, phone calls and flights back and forth, we were happily married in May 1993 in Bonners Ferry, Idaho. After honeymooning on the Oregon Coast, we settled down in Harrisburg, Oregon, to raise a family.
By 2019, the children were grown and on their own, so we sold our house and moved back to north Idaho to be closer to family and friends. We waited four years until the home of our dreams went up for sale—the house my wife grew up in and that her father built. We moved into our house in May 2023, exactly 30 years to the day after we married. It was amazing to see how God answered my prayers for a wonderful wife and, 30 years later, answered our prayers for a house to buy that has so many fond
memories for us.
Take it from us: The old-fashioned way of writing letters and waiting for a response is the best way to find a mate. It lets love simmer into something beautiful. n
1Based on technical performance data. Check with your carrier for local regulations 214-day risk-free trial- Return within 14 days of purchase for a full refund of purchase price
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USES: The Inogen Portable Oxygen Concentrator provides a high concentration of supplemental oxygen to patients requiring respiratory therapy on a prescriptive basis. It may be used in home, institution, vehicle, and various mobile environments. DO NOT USE IF: This device is not intended to be used in any way other than described in the indications for use. Do not use in parallel or series with other oxygen concentrators or oxygen therapy devices. This device is to be used as an oxygen supplement and is not intended to be life sustaining or life supporting. ONLY use this product if the patient is capable of spontaneous breath, able to inhale and exhale without the use of a machine. The conserving, or pulse dose, oxygen delivery technique used by this device is contraindicated in persons whose breathing during normal resting would be unable to trigger the device. Proper device triggering, setup and operation must be confirmed by an experienced clinician or other respiratory professional. Not for pediatric use. Not for use by tracheotomized patients. WARNINGS: The device produces enriched oxygen gas, which accelerates combustion. Do not allow smoking or open flames within 2m (6.56ft) of this device while in use. If you feel ill or uncomfortable, or if the concentrator does not signal an oxygen pulse and you are unable to hear and/or feel the oxygen pulse, consult your equipment provider and/or your physician immediately. If you are unable to communicate
1115 Pacific Ave. • P.O. Box 433
Tillamook, OR 97141
Phone: 503-842-2535
Toll free: 800-422-2535 www.tpud.org
Office hours are 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday.
For EMERGENCY service after business hours, call 800-842-2122.
Board of Directors
Barbara Trout, President
Valerie Folkema, Vice President
David Burt, Treasurer
Harry Hewitt, Secretary
Tamra Perman, Director
General Manager
Todd Simmons
Board meetings are in the PUD office at 6 p.m. the third Tuesday of the month.
Our Mission
Through collaboration and operational excellence, Tillamook PUD provides safe, reliable, sustainable and competitively priced power to our customers.
Our Vision
Tillamook PUD provides high value to our customers, staff and community, performing now and preparing for the future. We balance community, economic and environmental commitments.
OR-35
There is no place quite like Tillamook County. Our beaches, forests, farmlands and rivers are breathtaking. The communities that stretch throughout our area are welcoming, and all have interesting aspects. One-of-a-kind businesses and fantastic food are crowning touches.
Many factors make our local area incredible, but one aspect contributes most to the uniqueness of Tillamook County: our community members. Community members make things happen and are the driving force behind what makes our area great. The efforts our community puts into volunteering, supporting programs, creating opportunities, promoting the arts, protecting natural resources and preparing for emergencies help ensure our community is the best place it can be.
Tillamook PUD loves being a member of the community. We enjoy connecting with residents and supporting our area in a variety of ways, including through our Community Support Grant Program. The program was developed in 2002 by Director Barbara Trout.
Since its inception, the annual program has helped more than 140 local not-for-profit entities with their community-based projects and programs. Entities awarded a grant use funds for their projects within the calendar year they are awarded. Individual grant funding is limited to $10,000 a year. Entities are eligible to receive no more than $20,000 of grant funds within a five-year period.
When selecting grant recipients, the TPUD Board of Directors evaluates each project based on its potential to support economic development and promote community livability. Throughout the years, the board has awarded funding to various types of projects. Past projects include electrical upgrades at civic organizations, community emergency preparedness initiatives, energy-efficiency improvements at community spaces and support with community educational opportunities.
The PUD is accepting applications for the 2024 Community Support Grant Program until Thursday, February 22. Not-for-profit groups interested in applying can find application materials at www.tpud.org/news-community/community-support-grants or at the Tillamook PUD office. We look forward to seeing all the cool projects our community has planned.
It is exciting to see how Tillamook County continues to evolve. I appreciate the many people who have worked hard to get us where we are today and those who continue to make the county a great place for everyone.
Sincerely,
Joanna Stelzig Public Relations Manager and Tillamook County’s No. 1 Fan