Ruralite, Tillamook PUD, May 2025

Ruralite

TILLAMOOK PUD

MAY 2025

Tanner Baertlein—a student employed through Tillamook PUD’s High School Work Program—repairs materials in the PUD’s warehouse. See Page 28 for more information.

Ruralite

May 2025 • Volume 72, No. 5

CEO Michael Shepard

SENIOR VP OF CONTENT Leon Espinoza

EDITORIAL DIRECTOR Chasity Anderson, CCC

DEPUTY EDITORIAL DIRECTOR

Noble Sprayberry

SENIOR EDITOR Jennifer Paton, CCC

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

ASSOCIATE EDITORS

Valeri Saldanha Rosa, Nina Todea

PUBLICATIONS PRODUCTION SR. MANAGER

Elizabeth Beatty

SENIOR PUBLICATIONS COORDINATOR

Alyssa McDougle

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The Measure of Our Moments

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Until next time, Chasity Anderson Editorial Director

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

Rainy-Day Relics

Oregon Du Drops are perfect for reflecting on life

Up Close, Page 10

McKenzie River Trail Run

A world-renowned ultramarathon with a local mission Spotlight, Page 12

Spring Into Flavor With Fruity Desserts

In The Kitchen, Page 16

NESKO Women’s Club Celebrates a Century

The group’s mission and dedication to charity remains strong

By Chelsea Yarnell

In the 1920s, 13 farm wives from the Neskowin, Slab Creek and Oretown area decided to be more than just a group of friends. They were going to make a difference.

Founding member Evelyn Rock documented the origins of the club.

“It started with a shower for a cousin of mine at Mildred Sutton’s,” she wrote. “We decided we should get together regularly and do things. At first, we just brought our sewing, but then we decided we had better do some good in the community.”

One hundred years later, the focus on giving back to the community remains the NESKO Women’s Club’s vital mission. The organization honors its centennial this year with a community celebration May 3.

“We’re a family,” longtime member JoAnne Watters says. “We share in (each other’s) joys. We care about each other. We

care beyond our boundaries of what we do. We give all the time.”

JoAnne, the club’s social secretary, recalls the matriarchs of her younger years inviting her in and passing on the value of working together for the good of the community.

“They started donating back then and have always donated,” she says.

The NESCO Women’s Club—renamed in the 1960s to NESKO—organized Sept. 3, 1925. The first club officers were Edith Owens, Florence Scherzinger and Clara Affolter. The 13 women met once a month for a full day, and brought their children.

Members needed to be at least 16 years old, a resident of the local community and pay 10-cent monthly dues. It is documented that the group met for socialization, but charity was a prime activity.

In its early years, the club auctioned

off pies to raise money for the installation of a water pipe to the Oretown cemetery. During the Great Depression, members bought material and made shirts for a family in need, and the group bought candy and nuts for the children’s Sunday school Christmas Party. During WWII, the women assembled “ditty bags” full of razors, shaving cream, toothpaste and brushes and sent them to soldiers.

One of the longest-running fundraisers for the club was the Cancer Fund teas.

The annual event began in 1952 and raised more than $25,000 for cancer research in its 25-year run. The Oregonian documented it as one of the most successful Cancer Fund teas in the area. The American Cancer Society awarded the group a silver dish to mark its successful, decades-long campaign.

By the late 1980s, the club had initiated a July 4 book and bake sale—a tradition that continues today. The morning of the

What began as a small gathering of 13 women, NESKO Women’s Club has grown to an active group of 70 members. PHOTO BY CHELSEA YARNELL

holiday, locals and visitors are known to line up for coffee and doughnuts before digging through donations of used books. At the 1997 event, the club unveiled its first cookbook, “Cooking 101,” with a collection of 471 recipes.

In the ’90s, the women baked cookies for Evergreen Convalescent Center in Lincoln City.

Members voted not to discuss political issues at meetings but could make group members aware of environmental issues, wildlife rescues and community concerns.

For the club’s 80th celebration in 2005, the club raffled off gift baskets and funded the first NESKO college scholarship. Today, gift baskets and other items are raffled at each monthly meeting and annually fund five college scholarships.

Throughout the club’s history, there have been countless get-togethers, picnics, baby showers, Christmas dinners and friendships.

“I moved to the area and was looking for camaraderie and a group with purpose,” four-time club president Jeanette Miller says. “I went to a meeting, and the ladies were kind and very serious. I never went away. I was at the next meeting, the next meeting and the next meeting. They were always trying to get money to give back to the community in areas that needed help. I found out the true meaning of giving with these ladies.”

Today, NESKO Women’s Club is an active group of 70 members that meets

LEFT: Community members gather for the NESKO Women’s Club annual July 4 book and bake sale.

BELOW: Club ladies receive a speeding ticket on their way to a club meeting. PHOTOS COURTESY OF NESKO WOMEN’S CLUB

the third Friday of the month, September through May, at Kiawanda Community Center. Each meeting has an order of business and discussion of upcoming projects. Meetings often feature a community speaker.

“There’s a lot of people out there that are not getting any help” Jeanette says. “We don’t consider ourselves to be counselors of any kind, but we do know that money helps, and that’s what we do. We create events where we earn money and give back.”

To commemorate its 100-year anniversary, NESKO Women’s Club released a new edition of its cookbook, compiled by member Karen Petersen. The cookbook features recipes from the 80th

anniversary edition, recipes from current members and recipes from the Ladies of St. Joseph Church Altar Society.

Vintage photos from the club’s history are sprinkled throughout the book, but gracing the cover is a humorous one: a group of NESKO women receiving a speeding ticket on the way to a meeting in a 1920s Franklin car. n

The cookbooks are sold at Oregon Coast Bank in Pacific City for $25. They also will be sold at the club’s book and bake sale July 4. For information about contributing or joining NESKO Women’s Club, email club vice president Robin Redmond at robinkaeredmond@gmail.com.

NEKSO Women’s Club historical information is based on research and documentation from lifetime member Jessie Hershey.

TILLAMOOK PUD

ELECTRIC RATE CHANGE

Tillamook PUD Rates Change Effective May 1, 2025

Beginning with billing statements generated on or after May 1, 2025, Tillamook PUD customers will see a rate adjustment on their monthly electric bills.

Factoring in an increase from the Bonneville Power Administration of approximately 9% for power and 18% for transmission, it was determined through a cost-of-service analysis that an increase was needed in the residential, commercial, and industrial rate classifications. A cost-of-service analysis examines the PUD's revenue requirements across all rate classifications to determine the cost of providing electric service.

The rate adjustments for each rate classifications are listed at right.

HOW RATE DECISIONS ARE MADE

Tillamook PUD is a not-for-profit public entity. The PUD's revenues equal expenses. Generating a profit is not a consideration in the PUD's budgeting and ratesetting processes.

The responsibility for changes in Tillamook PUD’s rates begins with a cost-of-service analysis. Then, a recommendation from staff is provided to the board of directors for approval and adoption.

Residents of each district throughout the PUD's service territory elect directors to represent the best interests of customers. In accordance with the district’s policy and procedural guidelines, making and setting policies such as rates is the Tillamook PUD Board of Directors' responsibility.

At the direction of the board, staff develop several alternative rate schedules and provide the effects each rate schedule would have on a customer’s bill at varying levels of electricity use. The board evaluates the alternatives for affordability and fairness to all concerned, and considers whether the proposed rate adjustment will support the PUD’s cost of operations adequately.

WHAT IS THE BASIC CHARGE?

Whether you use 1 kilowatt-hour, 100 kWh or 1,000 kWh of electricity, certain expenses remain the same to bring power to your home or business. These are called fixed costs. Fixed costs do not vary based on the amount of electricity consumed. They include poles, wires, equipment, trucks, labor and operating systems, all of which must be in place to make sure customers receive safe and reliable electric service. To ensure the recovery of these fixed costs is not solely dependent on kWh sold, customers’ bills include a basic charge.

Beginning May 1, 2025, the public electric vehicle chargers at Tillamook PUD have a fee for charging.

For individuals charging an electric vehicle with the Level 2 charger, the fee is 0.070 per kWh delivered. The fee while charging with the DC fast charger is 0.090 per kWh delivered. Fees are collected through the ChargePoint system kiosk or app.

Prepare your Home or Business for Electric Vehicles

Thinking about purchasing an electric vehicle? Make sure your home or business is prepared for electric vehicle charging.

► Charging Types

Charging types vary based on the amount of electricity used and how fast they charge

Level2

FIRE AND SHOCK HAZARD: Never use an extension cord when charging electric vehicles. Doing so may lead to fires or electric shocks.

, Prepare your Home or Business

- Have a qualified electrician complete a site assessment to ensure your home or business has the right electrical capacity for EV charging

Make sure your charger and charging cords are certified by a Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory (NTRU

Make sure you have adequate GFCI protection to avoid electrical shocks

Level3

Available at businesses only. 80% charge in 20-30 minutes

Ensure you have enough space for an EV charger

All EV charger installations and site assessments should only be completed by qualified electricians who have been trained and are insured and bonded to complete electrical work

Follow manufacturer's instructions when charging electric vehicles Cover EV charging stations to avoid water damage. Refer to manufacturer guidelines for more information

Properly store charging cables to avoid damage which could lead to electric shocks and fires

Make sure EV chargers are properly maintained. Avoid vehicle contact with chargers and never use a charger with visual damage

Generational Wealth A future for generations to come

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Protection against inflation and deflation.

Gold offers financial cover during geopolitical uncertainty.

Rainy-Day

Relics

Oregon Du Drops are perfect for reflecting on life

By Vicki Hillhouse

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

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

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

Du Drops with the people who buy them.

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

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

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

A Drop of Inspiration

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

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

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

PHOTO BY WESLEY LA POINT

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Making Memories

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

and other

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

memorable dates. PHOTO BY JAMES STEPHEN DU BOIS

McKenzie River

A

world-renowned ultramarathon

with a local mission

By Victoria Hampton

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

What is ultrarunning?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Trail Run

While marathons attract thousands of competitors, ultramarathons typically draw fewer than 1,000. Many, such as the McKenzie River event, cap registration around a few hundred.

“The entire sport itself, it is so different from what I was used to with the running community,” Amy says.

Amy ran her first marathon in 2002 with the goal of eventually qualifying for the Boston Marathon. After having children, Amy returned to running marathons but found she didn’t have the same excitement for the experience. She decided to give ultrarunning a try at the McDonald Forest 50K in Corvallis, Oregon, in 2014.

“It was a completely different community and felt like a different sport than running on a road for 26 miles,” she says.

In a typical road-running experience, Amy’s goal was to run as fast as she could for as far as she could. In ultramarathons, she found people talking and encouraging each other between the eight check-in stations.

Along the route, volunteers are stationed to help runners get a quick snack, refill water bottles and attend to any medical needs.

“It’s a symbiotic relationship,” Amy says. “The volunteers, if they weren’t out there, it would be a lot harder. They are what help keep us going.”

Amy ran the McKenzie River Trail Run in 2015 and returns in June.

“That’s why I go out and run these races,” Amy says. “I love the scenery, experiencing it with other people and pushing yourself a little harder than another run.”

Giving Back

The McKenzie River Trail Run is about people over profit. When Tim became the race director in 2018, he had a vision to transform the one-day event into a vehicle for positive change in his rural community.

“I knew what I could do to expand it to have a greater impact,” he says.

The McKenzie River Trail Run became a nonprofit event seven years ago. Tim and event volunteers have expanded the number of annual participants. They find race sponsors and encourage racers to support local lodging, eateries, stores and services while in town.

The nonprofit donates race funds to community projects, including providing equipment for the local cross-country team, replacing freezers and storage shelves for the food pantry, repairing the roof at the community center and replacing gear for the volunteer fire department.

“We take great pride in our local community,” Tim says. “I cannot take the credit for all this stuff. I surround myself with people who are way smarter than me.”

Support is vital to the continuation of ultramarathons throughout the country. The McKenzie River Trail Run has held onto its roots for four decades and continues to take new strides to support the rural community.

“To have what McKenzie River has—a dedicated race director, a dedicated community and a dedicated volunteer base—is a unique thing and should be celebrated,” Amy says. n

For more information about the McKenzie River Trail Run, visit mrtr.org.

For 38 years, competitors have traversed an awe-inspiring trail through one of Oregon’s most scenic areas during the McKenzie River Trail Run. PHOTOS BY MICHAEL SHERMAN, SPRINGFEDMEDIA.NET

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

Ultrarunner beats the odds Keeping Time

By Victoria Hampton

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

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

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

Going the Distance

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Divine Intervention

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Aaron’s pathology tests continue to show improvements.

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

Coming Together in McKenzie River

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

WITH FRUITY DESSERTS Spring Into Flavor

Strawberry Trifle

1 cup whole milk

1 cup sour cream

3.4-ounce package instant vanilla pudding mix

1 teaspoon grated orange zest

2 cups heavy whipping cream, whipped

8 cups cubed angel food cake

4 cups sliced fresh strawberries

Additional sweetened whipped cream for topping

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

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

Recipes by Gertrude Treadaway

ADOBE STOCK

PHOTO BY SASHAMAGIC

Pistachio Fluff (Watergate Salad)

1/2 cup maraschino cherries

2 31/2-ounce packages instant pistachio pudding mix

24 ounces whipped topping

20-ounce can crushed pineapple, undrained

2 cups chopped walnuts

1 pound mini marshmallows

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

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

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

Almond Cheesecake

Crust

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

1/4 cup sugar

Filling

4 8-ounce packages cream cheese, softened

11/4 cups sugar

Topping

2 cups sour cream

1/4 cup sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Heat oven to 350 F.

3/4 cup finely chopped almonds

1/3 cup salted butter, melted

4 extra-large eggs, room temperature, lightly beaten

2 teaspoons almond extract

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/8 cup toasted sliced almonds

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

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

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

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

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

Lemon Mousse

2/3 cup sugar

2 tablespoons cornstarch

Dash of salt

3 extra-large egg yolks

2/3 cup whole milk

1/2 cup lemon juice

2 teaspoons grated lemon zest

1 cup heavy whipping cream, plus more for topping

Lemon slices

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

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

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

Strawberry Pretzel Salad

2 cups crushed pretzels

3/4 cup butter, melted

Filling

2 cups whipped topping

1 cup sugar

Topping

2 3-ounce packages

strawberry gelatin

2 cups boiling water

Heat oven to 350 F.

3 tablespoons sugar

8-ounce package cream cheese, softened

2 16-ounce packages frozen sweetened sliced strawberries, thawed

Additional whipped topping and pretzels

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

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

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

READER EXCHANGE

Crafts/Hobbies

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

Joe Randall

24753 Vaughn Road Veneta, OR 97487

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

Anonymous friend of Jamie Hermiston, Oregon

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

K. Johnson 55271 Suba Road Coquille, OR 97423

Milestones

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

Pamela McClimans

Lebanon, Oregon

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

Karen Walton Richland, Washington

Submitting Requests Is Free

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

Susan Mascal Baker City, Oregon

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

Debbie Larson Vernonia, Oregon

Send your request—with no attachments—to readerexchange@ruralite.org or mail to Reader Exchange, 5625 NE Elam Young Parkway, Suite 100, Hillsboro, OR 97124. Fill in the subject line with Reader Exchange. Acceptance, scheduling and editing are at the editor’s discretion. Single requests only, please. No duplicates.

Submissions are handled on a first-come, first-served basis and as space allows. We cannot honor every request.

Please affirm you have authorization from all appropriate parties before submitting. By submitting, you indemnify Reader Exchange, Pioneer Utility Resources Inc., its officers, directors, employees, utility clients and insurers from all legal liability incurred by the publication of information.

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 the request must include a postal address.

Request must include the name and address of the electric utility that provides your magazine.

Ruralite Calendar Photo Contest 2026

It is time to share your favorite photos for a chance to appear in our 2026 Ruralite calendar. Up to 13 winners will be selected and receive $100. Photos must be submitted by June 30, 2025. The contest is open to recipients of Ruralite and Currents magazines. Each person may only submit up to two photos. Each submission must include:

• Photographer’s name, address and electric utility.

• A short description of what is shown.

• Photographer’s email address and phone number.

• JPEG file photos only. Photos must be horizontal or landscape format and at least 300 dpi at 11 inches wide by 9 inches tall. Vertical photos and files larger than 30 MB will not be accepted. Enter today by visiting tinyurl.com/ruralitecalendar or use the provided QR code on this page.

Winning Tips

• Use the highest resolution setting on your camera.

• Photograph beautiful places and wildlife.

• Capture scenes full of vivid color.

• Reflect the seasons.

• Make us feel something—awe, joy, etc.

For more information, visit ruralite.com/2026contest.

BY ARLEN RICKE, OREGON— COOS-CURRY ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE

Doctor urges seniors to carry medical alert device

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

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

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

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

tems come with monthly bills.

To solve these problems

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

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

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

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

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

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

The phone lines are ringing off the hook.

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

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

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

(Continued on next page)

at 1-800-330-4294 DEPT. HELP8533 today. Everyone is calling to get FastHelp, the

new medical alert device because it instantly connects you to unlimited nationwide help everywhere cell

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Universal Physicians, the U.S. based heavyweight, just delivered a knockout blow sending the top rated contenders to the mat with the unveiling of FastHelp. It’s the sleek new cellular embedded medical alert device that cuts out the middleman by instantly connecting you directly to highly trained 911 operators all across the U.S.

There’s absolutely nothing to hook-up or install. You don’t need a land line and

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

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

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

HOW TO GET IT:

IF BORN BEFORE 1961:

IF

and all alone with no help.

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

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

That’s why seniors born

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

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

Use the rebate coupon below and call this Toll-Free Hotline: 1-800-330-4294 DEPT.

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

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

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

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

Photographing New Life

By Dave LaBelle

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

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

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

Reader Challenge

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

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

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

I was again reminded how amazing our natural world is.

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

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

NIKON D800

— Gene H.

Tactical Meets Practical

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

Precision Takes Time

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

Why Pay for a Name?

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

Limited Offer – Act Now

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

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

Watch Specifications:

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

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

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

Stauer Swiss Tactical Watch

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

*Special price only for customers using the offer code.

Offer Code: SST161-01

Beat the Energy Peak

By Miranda Boutelle

Q: What does “beat the peak” mean, and why should I care about it?

A: When utilities talk about “beat the peak,” it’s a call to action for energy consumers to reduce electricity use during periods of highest demand. Using less energy during peak times can ease the strain on the electric grid, benefit your electric utility and sometimes lower your electric bill.

Electricity generation and energy supply must match consumption in real time to ensure safe, reliable power. Every moment of every day, an entire workforce monitors energy use, adjusting power plant production up or down as needed to keep the grid balanced.

As energy demand grows, we can all do our part to use less. To put this in perspective, peak electricity demand is expected to increase by 38 gigawatts over the next five years, according to the Energy Information Administration. That’s like adding another California to our nation’s power grid.

Peak time varies for each utility but is typically in the morning when people get ready for the day and in the evening when they return home. During these times, we turn on lights, cook, adjust the thermostat, run the dishwasher and do laundry—to name just a few energy-consuming activities.

Typically, the price of power increases when demand is higher. Reducing your electric use during peak times can help lower market prices for everyone and lessen stress on the electric grid.

Electric utilities set electricity rates to cover costs. Some utilities have time-of-use rates that reflect higher costs during peak demand periods.

Whether they have time-of-use rates or not, these tips can help keep costs down for your utility and establish off-peak energy habits:

As a general rule, try to spread out your use of equipment and appliances. For example, I avoid cooking while also washing dishes and clothes. Running a lot of hot water causes your water heater to use more energy, too.

Increasing the energy efficiency of your home can lower its impact on the grid. Weatherize windows and doors, and add insulation to improve the comfort of your home. You can also

consider upgrading to energy-efficient appliances or using energysaving features on your existing appliances.

If you haven’t already, switch your incandescent lighting to LEDs, which use at least 75% less electricity and last up to 25 times longer, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. There are many affordable options on the market.

Schedule your dishwasher run time. My dishwasher, which is several years old, has a “delay start” button. This is also handy if your dishwasher is loud. Setting it to start after you go to bed shifts that energy consumption to off-peak hours, and you don’t have to hear it.

Running your washing machine and dryer during nonpeak hours can help, too. If you’re in the market for a new washer or dryer, look for a model with a high Integrated Modified Energy Factor and a low Integrated Water Factor to save water and energy.

Also, consider switching your charging habits for all devices to off-peak hours. If you have an electric vehicle, use the scheduled charge settings. Plug in your vehicle when you get home, and it starts charging automatically during the off-peak hours you choose.

Small changes at home can make a big difference to the energy grid. Incorporate these energy-wise habits into your daily routine. n

This content was originally created by Efficiency Services Group LLC under contract with NRECA. NRECA retains ownership of this content. NRECA does not endorse Efficiency Services Group, its views herein expressed, nor any products or services it offers.

Miranda Boutelle has more than 20 years of experience helping people save energy. She has worked on energyefficiency projects from the Midwest to the West Coast. Today, Miranda is chief operating officer at Efficiency Services Group in Oregon, a cooperatively owned energyefficiency company.

Instead of running the dishwasher right after loading it, use the delay start setting so it runs overnight. PHOTO BY MARK GILLILAND/PIONEER UTILITY RESOURCES

MARKETPLACE

Agriculture

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

Reinforced custom-sized pond liners (39 cents/sqft). Hay covers, greenhouse covers, any width and length. Truck tarps and more. High puncture and tear strength. Best price guaranteed. Celebrating 44 years in business btlliners.com. 541-447-0712. 0426

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

Antiques and Collectibles

Buying antiques and collectibles: advertising signs, porcelain signs, gas pumps, beer signs, antique toys, cast-iron coin banks, neon signs and more. Jason, 503-310-3321 or tjabaughman@yahoo.com. 0925

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

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

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

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

Assisted Living Facility

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

Boats

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

Quick, Affordable: How to Place an Ad

„ Ads 25 words or fewer are $35 a month. An extended ad of up to 35 words is $50 a month. Contact information is included in the word count. Phone numbers and emails count as one word.

„ Longer ads may be placed. Contact 503-357-2105 or info@pioneer.coop for pricing information.

„ Ads are for customers of member co-ops, public utility districts and municipals only. Subscribers and nonmembers may inquire about pricing at 503-357-2105 or info@pioneer.coop.

„ Ads must be direct and in first person, and are subject to approval and editing.

„ Closing deadlines (in our office): June issue—April 30, 2025.

„ If submitting ad by mail, send appropriate payment with your name, address, email, phone number and the name of the electric utility that provides your magazine to: Marketplace, P.O. Box 1306, North Plains, OR 97133. Make check or money order payable to Ruralite.

„ We accept credit card payments for ads submitted by email. Send ad to info@ pioneer.coop.

Advertisements are accepted in good faith. Pioneer Utility Resources is not liable for interactions between buyers and sellers.

Community Events

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

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

Equipment/Tools

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

For Rent, Lease

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

Free Items

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

Help

Wanted

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

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

Miscellaneous

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

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

Local commercial fisherman sells summer catch of preserved freshness by blast freezing at sea, gourmet canned tuna on internet. Sept.June. 100% guaranteed the best canned tuna you ever tasted. Original, jalapeno and garlic flavors available. To order: twofisherstuna.com or 206-799-1082. 0525

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

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

Pets

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

Plants

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

Real Estate

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Recreational Rentals

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

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

Bend country cabin. Very clean and fully furnished cabin on private ranch. Close to recreation areas. Very nice. $95/night. 541-382-3050; bendcountrycabins@gmail.com. 0625

Recreational Vehicles

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

Services

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

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

Want to Buy

Old carpenter tools, planes (wood/metal), levels, chisels, slicks, adzes, axes, hatchets, handsaws, old rulers, spoke shaves, wrenches, shipwright tools, old tool chests. 503-659-0009; 971-666-0659. 0525

Gold, silver, coins/currency, buy, sell. Collections wanted. Fair prices paid. 44 years in retail store. Baker City, OR. 800-556-2133; garrymclin@aol.com. 1025

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

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

Eatonville United Methodist Church

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

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

L ocal High School Internships Open

Tillamook PUD is accepting applications for the 2025 High School Student Work Program. There are three job positions available: one in the warehouse, one in the mechanic’s shop and one in the main office.

Selected students work after school and during school breaks, an average of 15 hours per week. While working, students

perform a variety of tasks within their assigned department. Local high school students entering their senior year in the 2025-26 school year are eligible to apply. Applications are due to Tillamook PUD on or before 5:30 p.m. Monday, May 19. For more information and to apply, visit tpud.org/about-us/ career-opportunities/employment-opportunities.

Tillamook PUD Board Meeting Highlights

At its March 18 meeting, the Tillamook PUD Board of Directors:

• Approved the Feb. 18 regular board meeting minutes and accounts payable.

• Approved the 2025 Community Support Grants recipients.

• Approved Ordinance 1-25, “An Ordinance Establishing Certain Retail Rates of the District as provided for in the Ordinance.”

Departmental Reports

• General Manager Todd Simmons discussed the first reading of Ordinance 1-25, “An Ordinance Establishing Certain Retail Rates of the District.” He said if the first reading is approved, the second reading and rate adoption takes place in April. He said there will be a separate rate classification added for the electric vehicle chargers and discussed various options with the board.

• Engineering Manager KC Fagen reported he expects the main construction of the transmission line to begin in June.

Tillamook PUD May Board of Directors Meeting

This month’s Tillamook PUD Board of Directors meeting is at 6 p.m. Tuesday, May 27, in the second floor conference room at the Rockaway Beach Resort in Rockaway Beach.

For additional board meeting information including meeting minute archives and upcoming meeting agendas, visit tpud.org/about-us/board-of-directors.

Calendar of Events

May 1-31

Overeaters Anonymous, Mondays, 5 p.m., held via Zoom. Everyone is welcome. Sylvia, 503-812-0838, for link

Nehalem Bay Al-Anon Family Group meeting, Mondays, 6 p.m., NRCD, 36225 Ninth St. Carolyn G., 503-702-0737

We The People Tillamook County meetings, first and third Mondays, 6 p.m., Tillamook. wethepeopletillamookco@yahoo.com; wethepeopletillamookcounty.com

Nehalem Al-Anon Family Group virtual meeting, Mondays and Thursdays, noon, Zoom ID: 824 7120 7748, PW: 973392. Judi M., 503-368-7356

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

Tillamook Senior Center meal site, meals to go, Monday through Friday, 10:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.; Meals on Wheels, Wednesdays and Fridays. Michelle, 503-842-9660

Tillamook Senior Center: Mondays—coffee hour, 8:30-10:30 a.m.; Mondays and Fridays— pinochle, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.; Tuesday—square dancing, 4-6 p.m.; second Wednesday—bunco, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Bring a lunch for lengthy activities. 316 Stillwell Ave. Senior Center, 503-842-4511, leave a message

Tillamook Rotary Club meetings, Tuesdays, noon, Rendezvous Bar & Grill, Tillamook. Joanna, 503-812-7079

Sisters in Sobriety Women’s Alcoholics Anonymous Zoom meeting, Tuesdays, noon to 1 p.m., ID: 86989656049, PW: 263508. Cecile, 503-338-8936

Salty Strings Ukulele Group of Rockaway Beach, 1-3 p.m., every Tuesday. Rockaway Beach City Hall. All levels welcome. Steve, stephen111452@gmail.com

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

Rockaway Beach Lions Club meeting, first and third Tuesdays, 11:30 a.m., 268 S. Anchor St. Juanita, kittermanj2020@gmail.com; 503-896-0062

Senior meals, Tuesdays and Wednesdays, 11:30 a.m., Kiawanda Community Center, Pacific City. $3 suggested donation for seniors, $6 for others.

971-212-7131, kiawanda.com

Fresh Start AA meeting, Tuesdays and Thursdays, 8:15 a.m., Wheeler City Hall, 775 Nehalem Blvd. 503-739-0293

May 1-31

Tillamook Kiwanis Club meeting, Wednesdays, noon, Rendezvous Bar & Grill. patsykct@gmail.com

Take Off Pounds Sensibly meeting, Thursdays, 9:30-10:30 a.m., Bay City. Pat Neman, 503-801-2229

Civil Air Patrol Tillamook County Composite Squadron, Thursdays, 6:15-9 p.m., ATV Training Center, 5995 Long Prairie Road, Tillamook. 262-308-1482

Tillamook Awakening Al-Anon family group, Thursdays, 7-8 p.m., St. Alban’s Church, Tillamook. 503-842-5094

May 1

Tillamook County Republican Central Committee meeting, 7 p.m., Port of Tillamook Bay, 4000 Blimp Blvd., Suite 100, Tillamook. tillamookcountygop.com or Mike Hanratty, 503-812-5443

May 2

Cannon Beach Chorus Spring Concert, “Dancing Through Life,” 3 p.m., Cannon Beach United Methodist Church, 132 E. Washington. Roy Seiber, 360-846-3747

May 3

Wildfire Community Preparedness Day, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Tillamook Forest Center, 45500 Wilson River Highway. 866-930-4646 or tillamookforestcenter.org

May 4

Knights of Columbus sausage feed, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Parish Hall, Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Tillamook. Sausage also available for purchase. Barbara, 503-730-7149

Cannon Beach Chorus spring concert, “Dancing Through Life,” 3 p.m., Nehalem Bay United Methodist Church, 36050 10th St. Roy Seiber, 360-846-3747

May 10

Tillamook Beekeepers Association meeting, meet and greet at 12:30 p.m., meeting 1-2:30 p.m., Port of Tillamook Bay Office. Brad York, 719-896-0000

Heart of Cartm Repair Cafe, 3-5 p.m., 395C Nehalem Blvd., Wheeler. RSVP on the Heart of Cartm Facebook page. Jessi Just, 971-389-8414

Bay Ocean Community Chorus presents, “Birds, Bees and Broadway,” 4 p.m., Tillamook United Methodist Church. Kathy Forbes, 503-842-4975

May 10-11

Nehalem Bay Garden Club annual plant sale, Saturday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Sunday, 10 a.m. to noon, 43080 Northfork Road, Nehalem. Barbara, 503-368-6874

Contact Joanna Stelzig at 503-815-6024 or jstelzig@tpud.org to list items in the calendar.

May 10-11

Steelhead release walk, 11 a.m., Tillamook Forest Center, 45500 Wilson River Highway. 866-930-4646 or tillamookforestcenter.org

May 12

Nestucca Valley Lions Club meeting, 4 p.m., 34510 Parkway Drive, Cloverdale. nestuccavalleylions@gmail.com

May 13

South Tillamook County Library Club board meeting, 6 p.m., Winkleman Library, 6200 Camp St., Pacific City. Stclc101@gmail.com

May 16

NESKO Women’s Club meeting, 11:30 a.m., Kiawanda Community Center, Pacific City. Robin, 530-913-4171 or robinkaeredmond@gmail.com

May 18

Monday Musical Club presents, “High School Junior/Senior Award Competition,” 2 p.m., Tillamook United Methodist Church. Ron, 541-992-3575

May 19

THS Alumni Scholarship Committee meeting, noon, Elks Lodge, Tillamook. Debbi, debrakay54@charter.net

American Legion Tillamook Post 47 meeting, 1:30 p.m., Tillamook Elks Lodge. Kevin, 360-489-7471

May 20

FL63 USCG Auxiliary Station Tillamook Bay meeting, 7 p.m., Upper Station Galley. Cammy Hickman, 503-961-2212

May 22

Tillamook County Democrats virtual meeting, 6 p.m. To attend the meeting, go to  tillcodems.org and click on “Join Us,” “Attend Virtual Meeting” and “Main Room.” tillcodems@gmail.com

May 23-26

Rummage sale to benefit Nehalem Bay Community Services programs. Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Sunday, noon to 4 p.m.; Monday 10 a.m. to noon. Fellowship Hall of Nehalem Bay United Methodist Church, 36050 10th St. Bobbie, 425-785-1057 (text)

May 24

Rockaway Beach Meals for Seniors French toast breakfast fundraiser, 8 a.m. to noon, St. Mary by the Sea Catholic Church, Rockaway Beach. Terri Bruneau, 503-317-8967

Memorial Day Closure

The Tillamook PUD office is closed Monday, May 26, in observance of Memorial Day. Have a safe holiday!

PHOTO BY MITCHELL WALLACE

A Bright Start to the Day

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

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

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1115 Pacific Ave. • P.O. Box 433

Tillamook, OR 97141

Phone: 503-842-2535

Toll free: 800-422-2535 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

Valerie Folkema, President

David Burt, Vice President

Tamra Perman, Treasurer

Barbara Trout, Secretary

Lonnie Jenck, Director

General Manager

Todd Simmons

Board meetings are at 6 p.m. the third Tuesday of the month in the PUD office.

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

A Rate Adjustment Is Coming This Month

As a not-for-profit electric utility, our goal is to provide electric service that helps our community thrive while also being reliable, environmentally responsible and affordable. Ensuring all of these elements are met can be a challenging balancing act— one that becomes increasingly more challenging as time goes on.

Present-day electric utilities have even more risks to be concerned about. Extreme winter weather patterns can cause unprecedented levels of damage. As such, utilities must implement varied mitigation tactics, including aggressive vegetation management programs and capital investments in system hardening.

The risk of wildfire is another growing concern in the region. This hazard potential has created a second storm season and brings with it threats to public safety and utility financial health.

Additionally, the region faces power supply deficits due to the rapid increase in demand and shortage in baseload resources. As steady and reliable baseload resources, such as coal, are retired and replaced with renewable energy resources, we gain carbonfree resources but lose reliability, as these resources produce electricity intermittently.

Tillamook PUD is not alone in this balancing act. Neighboring utilities and our power provider, Bonneville Power Administration, are also faced with similar challenges. We buy most of our power from BPA, a federal entity that markets the wholesale electric power generated at 31 hydroelectric dam facilities along the Columbia River Basin. BPA ensures the delivery of clean and reliable hydropower to approximately 3 million people.

Providing electricity to millions of people is no simple task. BPA has more than 15,000 circuit miles of high-voltage power lines to maintain, as well as more than 200 transmission and substation projects in its construction queue to be built. BPA is required to recover all of its costs through customer rates and has strict regulatory requirements it must adhere to, including environmental compliance. Additionally, BPA is tasked with meeting the growing demand for electricity.

At the close of 2024, BPA announced it would be increasing its power and transmission rates. As we progressed through the first quarter of 2025, BPA continued to review its revenue requirements to determine the increase needed for operations. We now know the increase for BPA customers is projected to be approximately 9% for power and 18% for transmission. To account for these higher costs, Tillamook PUD adjusted its budget but still determined an increase is needed. This rate increase is effective beginning May 1, 2025. Find more details regarding the rate adjustment on Pages 6-7 of this magazine and on the Tillamook PUD website.

Maintaining a balance of affordable, reliable and environmentally responsible electric service is challenging. It is our job to continue to strive for balance in all the decisions we make and the work we do so we can provide a high value for our customers.

Sincerely,

General Manager Todd Simmons