NOVEMBER 2025
Tax levy-funded office helps veterans access federal benefits while sponsoring wellness programs Page 4
November 2025 • Volume 72, No. 11
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; Nina Todea, CCC
ASSOCIATE EDITORS
Valeri Saldanha Rosa
PUBLICATIONS PRODUCTION SR. MANAGER
Elizabeth Beatty
SENIOR PUBLICATIONS COORDINATOR
Alyssa McDougle
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The simplest acts of kindness can create the most profound transformations. This month’s stories celebrate people who understand healing doesn’t always require grand gestures or massive resources. Sometimes it just takes showing up with exactly what someone needs.
Clarissa Black discovered this truth more than 15 years ago when she brought her huskymalamute mix, Bear, to visit veterans at a VA medical center more. Bear had an uncanny ability to sense what each person needed. When someone required quiet company, he could lie perfectly still for hours. When people looked into his eyes and spoke to him, he’d cock his head and respond with one of his signature husky “woos.”
That experience sparked Pets for Vets, which has since matched more than 800 specially trained companion animals with veterans living with post-traumatic stress disorder, traumatic brain injuries and other challenges. The matching process reflects Clarissa’s core belief that the most powerful relationships happen when both parties get what they need. It’s not just about finding a good dog—it’s about finding exactly the right dog.
Rhiannon Menn’s story follows a similar arc. When the COVID-19 pandemic left her San Diego neighbors isolated and struggling, she started leaving pans of homemade lasagna on their doorsteps.
What began as one person’s simple response to community need evolved into Lasagna Love, a nonprofit that’s delivered meals to more than
23 million people in four countries.
“Radical kindness and generosity continues to spread,” Executive Director Andria Larson says. “What better way to do that than a pan of homemade lasagna?”
Both organizations understand something essential: Healing happens through connection, and connection often starts with meeting basic needs. A veteran struggling with isolation finds purpose through caring for a dog who needs him just as much as he needs the dog. A family stretched too thin finds hope in a warm meal delivered with a note of encouragement. These aren’t abstract solutions—they’re tangible expressions of care that remind people they’re not alone.
What moves me about this month’s stories is how they challenge our assumptions about what it takes to make a difference. We don’t always need special training, substantial funding or elaborate programs. Sometimes the most meaningful help comes from noticing what’s needed and responding with what we have. It’s the transformative power of showing up.
Until next time, Chasity Anderson Editorial Director
Bonds Up Close, Page 10
Organization matches those in need of a meal with a home-cooked lasagna Spotlight, Page 12
Story and photos by Chelsea Yarnell
About 2,500 veterans live in Tillamook County. Of those, nearly 800 receive benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs. Helping them access social services, medical care and pension benefits is the work of veterans benefits counselors in the Tillamook County Veterans’ Services Office.
“Our focus is VA compensation claims, VA applications and VA health care,” Tillamook County Veterans’ Services Officer Nicholas Torres says. “We screen veterans, ask them questions and then figure out what benefits best fit them.”
Located in the basement of the Tillamook County Courthouse, the Tillamook Veterans’ Services Office is funded by a tax levy that provides sustained funding for managing the program. The
current tax rate is $0.07 per $1,000 assessed value and brings in roughly $378,800 to support the department. The tax will be on the ballot again in 2027.
“The tax levy came into existence because Doug Henson really led that charge,” Nicholas says. “He had to go out and get signatures, filled the courthouse with veterans and finally got the tax on the ballot. Without him, this program wouldn’t exist at the level that it is.”
Nicholas says the supporting tax allows for a higher-than-average veteran to benefit counselor ratio in Tillamook County compared to neighboring counties. The work of their department helps return $12 million of federal benefits annually to local veterans and their dependents.
“It completely changes a veteran’s life,” Nicholas says. “I’ve had Vietnam veterans who have never enrolled in VA benefits. They worked, are drawing on social security and are sick from Agent Orange exposure. They come in and file a claim, and next thing they know, they’re
getting $4,000 a month for health care.”
The Tillamook County Veterans’ Services Office helps Tillamook County residents who are U.S. military veterans access many benefits, including:
• Service-connected compensation claims
• Non-service-connected pension claims
• VA health care enrollment
• VA burial benefit assistance
• Travel arrangements to VA medical facilities
• Board of Veterans appeals assistance
• Communication assistance with other social service agencies
• Veterans outreach
• Veterans suicide awareness advocation
• Service record acquisition
Tillamook County Veterans’ Services Office can also supply information about:
• Assisted living arrangements
• Obtaining service animals
• Food bank availability
• Veteran home improvement programs
• Agent Orange exposure compensation
• Benefits for dependents
• Post-9/11 GI bill questions
Veterans who are Oregon residents are encouraged to reach out to Tillamook County Veterans’ Services for any inquiries regarding benefits via email or by dropping by the office in the basement of the Tillamook County Courthouse.
“We’re happy to help any veteran or dependent that we can,” Nicholas says. “I want this program to be strong. It’s an investment in our community. We’ve got to take care of veterans. They’ve done a lot for our country.”
To gain awareness of their offerings, Tillamook Veterans’ Services is active in its work with the VFW Post 2848, American Legion Tillamook Post 47 and other community programming.
“These events give me access to clients and a way to pitch our services,” Nicholas says.
One of the outreach programs Tillamook County Veterans’ Services supports is Yoga for Veterans, held twice weekly at the North County Recreation District and the Tillamook County Family YMCA.
“One of our missions is suicide
prevention and awareness,” Nicholas says. “Exercise is a good thing for anybody, but this helps with fellowship with other veterans. And there’s a snowball effect: It gets those good endorphins going, which reduces the suicide rate.”
Instrumental in getting Yoga for Veterans off the ground was Veterans for Peace member Brian McMahon. After some encouragement from his wife, he was inspired to bring the right people together to make a local program happen.
“She read an article about how yoga was beneficial to veterans, especially those with PTSD,” Brian says. “Then I had a friend who saw an article in an American Legion magazine. So, I started thinking about starting the program here.”
Yoga for Veterans is held at 10:45 a.m. Mondays at the Tillamook County YMCA and 10:30 a.m. Wednesdays at NCRD.
Molly Carlson has led the Yoga for Veterans class at the Tillamook County YMCA since 2021.
“As a pacifist, I was excited to work with veterans who were looking to heal, restore and promote nonviolent conflict resolution in their own lives
The community’s annual Veterans Day Ceremony is hosted at the Tillamook Air Museum on Tuesday, Nov. 11.
“We usually have a good turnout, with 250 to 300 people,” Tillamook County Veterans’ Services Officer Nicholas Torres says. “The color guard will march out and present the colors. The air museum is a great place to host the event, as it teaches history through their ever-growing exhibits.”
Brittney Bakes caters breakfast for the community from 8-11 a.m., and the ceremony begins at 11 a.m. This year’s theme is focused on military members and their service animals. Visit tillamookair.com/events for more details.
Nehalem Bay Fire & Rescue members attend the 2025 Memorial Day ceremony at American Legion Cemetery in Nehalem.
and beyond,” Molly says. “In over a decade of teaching yoga, I have witnessed firsthand the restorative qualities of a regular yoga practice, particularly for those with traumatic experiences.”
Molly says yoga incorporates mind-body practices in a safe environment that enables participants to manage emotions that may otherwise be left unattended.
“The deep breathing utilized in yoga provides a place to pay attention to our breath, control our breath and use our breath to stay grounded,” she says. “All of these skills are important in handling everyday emotions, as well as those that arise from past experiences.”
The classes are held in person and virtually. Veterans and nonveterans are invited to attend. n
For more information on Tillamook County Veterans’ Services, Oregon state veterans can email Nicholas Torres at nicholas.torres@tillamookcounty.gov or stop by the office in the basement of the Tillamook County Courthouse.
By Scott Flood and Jennifer Paton
The wind howls outside your windows as a major storm system blows through the area in the late evening. Your lights flicker for a moment or two before you’re plunged into darkness. The social media feed on your phone is packed with reports of damage and power outages, and the storm shows no sign of letting up for hours. Fortunately, you had the foresight to
service. That’s why many consumers consider buying backup generators to provide for their family’s needs while waiting for service to resume.
Backup generators fall into one of two categories. Standby generators are permanently wired into the home’s electrical system by a qualified electrician. They come in various sizes so homeowners can match the generator to their home’s power needs.
Portable generators, as the name implies,
plane during the daytime.
“If the power goes out in the middle of the night, there is literally no way to get to a place with power when the islands go dark,” Manager of Communications Krista Bouchey says. “Most islanders are prepared to deal with power outages one way or another, but if you have medical needs or a freezer full of meat, a lot of locals invest in generators.”
anyone who accidentally comes in contact with power lines. Backfeed can also damage the generator.
While line crews at Consumers Power Inc., based in Philomath, Oregon, occasionally encounter unsafe generator connections, it’s not the only hazardous practice they’ve witnessed.
“We’ve also seen situations where members try to improvise connections, sometimes using extension cords or makeshift wiring, which can create fire hazards or damage sensitive electronics,”
Chief Member Officer Jon Kloor says. “These kinds of unsafe hookups not only endanger our employees but also pose a risk to the member’s home, family and neighbors.”
These potential hazards are why permanently installed generators are required to have a transfer switch, which should be installed by a qualified electrician. The transfer switch creates a barrier between your home’s electrical system and outside wires so backfeed cannot occur. When the transfer switch senses power has been restored, it switches the power from the generator back to the
The biggest danger associated with backup generators is one that’s invisible and deadly. Because backup generators burn
fossil fuels, they generate a variety of gases, most notably carbon monoxide. One portable generator can produce as much CO as hundreds of cars, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission. The agency reports nearly 100 Americans die each year because of CO poisoning from backup generators. That’s why generators should only be used in dry, well-ventilated areas away from your home and garage.
CO gas is also odorless. The National Institutes of Health warns that CO can kill in as little as five minutes. People exposed to CO typically become dizzy, feel nauseated and experience headaches. Often, they lose consciousness before noticing any symptoms. Anyone exposed to CO should be moved to fresh air immediately.
If you buy a portable generator, protect your home and family by taking the time to read the manufacturer’s instructions. Don’t use portable generators in rainy or wet conditions unless you keep them wellventilated and dry.
When starting a portable generator, make sure nothing is plugged into it. You can reduce the potential for damage to your appliances and lighting by turning them off or unplugging them from the wall. After the generator starts, plug
X Never connect a portable generator directly to your home’s wiring. Standby generators must be permanently wired by a qualified electrician.
X Always plug appliances directly into generators.
X Use heavy-duty, outdoor-rated extension cords.
X Ensure your generator is properly grounded.
X Never overload a generator.
X Turn off all equipment powered by the generator before shutting it down.
X Keep the generator dry.
X Always have a fully charged fire extinguisher nearby.
X Never fuel a generator while it is operating.
X Read and adhere to the manufacturer’s instructions for safe operation.
Information courtesy of the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association
them in and turn them on one at a time to make sure you aren’t overloading your generator’s capacity. Unplug them from the generator before turning off the generator. Unless the manufacturer recommends otherwise, always turn the generator off and allow it to cool before adding fuel.
Finally, as with many home appliances, regular maintenance is the key to ensuring your portable generator operates safely for years to come. When storing it, drain the fuel from the tank. In addition, check the oil and fuel levels, filters and other components once a season so you know it will be ready to run safely and efficiently the next time a big storm blows through. n
Tillamook People’s Utility District is the recipient of federal financial assistance from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). The USDA prohibits discrimination against its customers, employees, and applicants for employment on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity (including gender expression), sexual orientation, disability, age, marital status, family/parental status, income derived from a public assistance program, political beliefs, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity, in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA. Not all prohibited bases will apply to all programs and/or employment activities. Remedies and compliant filing deadlines vary by program or incident.
The person responsible for coordinating Tillamook PUD’s non-discrimination compliance efforts is:
Shane Stuart, Human Resources Manager
503-815-8637
sstuart@tpud.org
Tillamook People’s Utility District is an equal opportunity provider and employer.
If you wish to file a Civil Rights program complaint of discrimination, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint form, AD-3027, found online at How to File a Program Discrimination Complaint at ascr.usda.gov/ complaint_filing_cust.html or at any USDA office, or call 866-632-9992 to request the form. You may also write a letter containing all of the information requested in the form.
Send your completed complaint form or letter by mail, fax or e-mail:
U.S. Department of Agriculture
Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights 1400 Independence Avenue, S.W. Washington, D.C. 20250-9410
Fax
202-690-7442
Email program.intake@usda.gov
Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.), should contact the responsible Agency or USDA’s TARGET Center at 202-720-2600 (voice and TTY) or contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at 800-877-8339. Additionally, program information may be made available in languages other than English.
USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer and lender.
Pets for Vets is a four-star-rated, nonprofit organization that relies on donations to provide free services to veterans. There are several ways to donate.
Donate online: Visit petsforvets.com/donate to make a secure online donation.
Donate by mail: Pets for Vets Inc., P.O. Box 10860 Wilmington, NC 28404
By Jen Calhoun
When Clarissa Black first took her husky-malamute mix, Bear, to visit veterans at a Veterans Administration medical center, she had no idea he was about to change hundreds of lives.
Of course, she knew Bear was special. He had a way about him. When someone needed quiet company, Bear could lie perfectly still for hours. If someone was working on improving mobility, Bear would position himself at the perfect distance, paws up, as if to offer encouragement. And when people looked into the dog’s eyes and spoke to him, he’d cock his head and let out one of his husky “woos” right on cue.
“People really felt like he was talking to them,” says Clarissa, whose background in animal science and anthrozoology gave her a deeper insight into the interactions. “They felt seen, and they felt heard.”
Clarissa’s experience with Bear at the VA hospital sparked the idea for Pets for Vets, a nonprofit organization that matches veterans with specially trained companion animals. Since she founded it more than 15 years ago, Pets for Vets has matched more than 800 animals with veterans across the country.
The program generally serves veterans dealing with posttraumatic stress disorder and traumatic brain injuries, but the organization is open to helping any vet who could benefit from a deep connection with a pet. While the service is completely free to the veterans, it relies on donations from the public and a network of more than 100 volunteer animal trainers across the United States.
Other ways to give: The organization accepts cryptocurrency and vehicle donations, including cars, trucks, boats and motorcycles.
Volunteer: Fill out the volunteer form at petsforvets.com to offer your time and expertise.
For more information about the program or to apply for a companion animal, visit petsforvets.com or email contactus@petsforvets.com.
After Leif Mesinger returned home from Iraq, the world felt different. It was harder to navigate and harder to understand. The Army infantryman and gunner suffered a traumatic brain injury from an improvised explosive device blast, and it changed everything.
“My mind was racing, and I struggled to communicate,” Leif says in a Pets for Vets testimonial video. “I felt disconnected from everything I used to know.”
Help arrived in the form of a tiny, hairless waif of a dog named Spyder. Clarissa Black, founder of Pets for Vets, discovered the dog after meeting with Leif and finding out what he might need in a companion animal.
Spyder’s superpower was that he loved to jump into people’s laps and lick them. It was a trait Clarissa intentionally honed in Spyder before presenting him to Leif. She knew that kind of gentle, rhythmic contact could ground a person dealing with anxiety.
In time, Spyder’s constant presence gave Leif a growing sense of purpose and a deepening bond. Thanks to more than 15 years with Spyder, Leif’s communication with others has improved and his life is more fulfilling than ever.
“Spyder was kind of like that saving grace that centered me again and brought me back,” he says.
It’s important to note that Pets for Vets animals aren’t service dogs that have been highly trained to assist people with disabilities. Still, the organization works hard to meet the veterans’ needs as well as the animals’.
“We’re not just asking what the dog gives the veteran,” Clarissa says. “We want to know what the veteran gives the dog. We’re looking for that reciprocal match where both are getting exactly what they want.”
LEFT: Spyder’s tendency to jump in laps and lick faces helps calm and center Leif Mesinger when he feels frustrated. PHOTOS COURTESY OF PETS FOR VETS
OPPOSITE PAGE: Clarissa Black, founder and executive director of Pets for Vets, with her late dog, Bear, who sparked the idea for the nonprofit organization.
Once the group approves a veteran’s application for a companion animal, the search gets underway. Clarissa’s experience as a marine mammal trainer taught her the most powerful relationships happen when both parties get what they need. The process isn’t about finding a good dog. It’s about finding exactly the right dog.
The matching process is not only thorough, it’s personal. Veterans work closely with trainers to identify their needs and prepare for pet ownership.
“We spend a lot of time getting to know our veterans, finding out what it is they need, what they’re looking for and what would be a good fit for them,” Clarissa says. Meanwhile, trainers visit shelters and rescue groups to conduct one-on-one “interviews” with potential companion animals, which can include cats, rabbits and other species, as well. If a veteran enjoys outdoor activities, for example, the trainer might look for a more active dog that loves to fetch and hike. On the other hand, a more sedentary vet might need a peaceful pooch or calm cat.
From there, each animal undergoes foundation training customized for its future human. During this time, which often
takes place in a foster situation, trainers enhance what Clarissa calls the animal’s “superpowers,” or the natural behaviors that made them perfect for their veteran in the first place.
“Ultimately, that connection is what’s going to fulfill them and maybe even heal them,” she says. “There’s some research out there that suggests that it’s not just any dog, it’s the right dog—the dog that people feel connected to—that can help mitigate anxiety and depression.” n
Born of the pandemic, organization matches those in need of a meal with a home-cooked lasagna
By Cheré Coen
It’s a common dilemma, one that unfortunately plagues society daily. The world’s so big and full of pain, what can one person do?
Rhiannon Menn found the answer in a pan of homemade lasagna.
The need in Rhiannon’s community became painfully clear in 2020 as she witnessed medical workers in San Diego stretched thin and families and individuals isolated inside their homes during the COVID-19 pandemic. California was the first state to shut down, and many residents lost their jobs, leaving some destitute. Rhiannon began making meals she left on doorsteps— a pan of lasagna to feed her neighbors and remind them they weren’t alone.
What she didn’t expect from her simple act of comfort-food kindness is how the neighborhood, then the city, then the world, would react.
As word spread about Rhiannon’s lasagnas, others reached out, asking to join the effort. A network soon came together to match those in need with home chefs wanting to cook. No one asked questions or required information from those seeking help. They just offered support within a home-cooked meal.
“It started to grow like firecrackers,” says Andria R. Larson, executive director of Lasagna Love, the nonprofit that grew out of Rhiannon’s original delivery. “We were able to bring people together through nourishment.”
As word got out in late 2020, Rhiannon and Andria had to develop spreadsheets to keep up with the demand. A volunteer from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology helped develop their website.
“We were just random acts of kindness that came together,” Andria says. “And the ripple effect keeps going. We’re now in four countries and all 50 states.”
Lasagna Love’s mission is simple: address food insecurity in an oldfashioned way, with a home-cooked dish. Those in need—people who have lost their job or housing, families struggling to make ends meet or even college students away from home longing for a home-cooked meal—can register on Lasagna Love’s website. The main office sends on the information to local leaders throughout the United States, Canada, Australia and the United Kingdom, who match them with home chefs. The lasagna chefs are volunteers—as are 99% of the organization’s members. The chefs buy the ingredients, prepare the lasagnas and deliver the meals to recipients with notes of encouragement.
Not everyone who volunteers with Lasagna Love cooks. Some donate money and ingredients, while others provide administrative help.
“Some love to cook, some want to donate their skill set,” Andria says. “They are all part of the larger mission.”
To date, more than 23 million people have been affected by Lasagna Love, with more than 80,000 volunteers serving up assistance in one capacity or another. Lasagna Love ambassadors deliver, on average, 3,500 lasagnas each week.
“Radical kindness and generosity continues to spread,” Andria says. “What better way to do that than a pan of homemade lasagna?”
Andria insists that even those who have difficulty in the kitchen can create a pan of lasagna.
“It’s really not that complicated,” she says. “It’s meat, sauce, noodles, cheese, and repeat.”
main ingredient is always a desire to help.
“Through all of it, kindness continues to be needed and woven back into our community,” Andria says. “No one should be without food, but we find many in need.”
Home chefs may be individuals, families or groups, but the primary contact must be at least 18 years old.
In Tennessee, state director Melanie Johnson finds many groups wanting to
community service goals with earning a Lasagna Love Patch. To receive a patch, Scouts explore how to initiate positive change in their neighborhoods, engage in activities that match the core values of Lasagna Love and explore the challenges individuals face today, such as food insecurity. Participating troops help address local waitlists by preparing and delivering meals “while learning invaluable skills and fostering a spirit of
Radical kindness and generosity continues to spread. What better way to do that than a pan of homemade lasagna?
— Andria R. Larson, executive director of Lasagna Love
Some recipe tweaks are necessary if recipients have dietary restrictions. For instance, some noodles might need to be gluten free, and vegetarians may request a meatless dish. Many chefs incorporate family recipes, so recipients receive a meal that’s been beloved for generations. Some chefs may use recipes from the main office, along with a tutorial on how to put the pieces together.
No matter which recipe is used, the
serve lasagna weekly across the state. She continually works with church groups, parents homeschooling their children and those looking for community service hours. Members of a ladies group in Clarksville deliver their lasagnas once a quarter. She’s even had a yoga class volunteer.
“It’s a great group activity,” Melanie says. “For families, it’s a great opportunity to involve kids at different age levels.”
Lasagna Love recently partnered with the Girl Scouts to marry the Scouts’
altruism,” according to the organization.
Andria agrees that creating and delivering lasagna is “passion work” and fosters the idea of a village mentality when society’s support systems fail or are not in place. She insists volunteers receive just as much emotional support as the recipients.
“It’s an emotional connection that you can’t duplicate,” she says of cooking and delivering the meals. “This is definitely more than lasagna.”
For recipients, it’s as easy as signing up on the Lasagna Love website. There are no hoops to jump through, no paperwork to determine need. No fee is required, and privacy is paramount. Deliveries are contact-free to the doorstep unless the recipient requests otherwise. Recipients set the time, date and place of the delivery, and the process crosses all language and cultural barriers.
Sometimes, it’s not the lack of finances that brings people to Lasagna Love. It may be someone in need of emotional sustenance.
“Most people have a need, but sometimes it’s a harried parent who’s working and tired of bringing home fast food,” says Brenda Walkenhorst, local leader for the New Orleans metropolitan area. “You don’t have to show reason.”
For some, it’s the first time they have asked for help. The lack of bureaucracy eases their anxiety, Andria says.
“We want to make the experience easy,” she says. “There’s no judgment, no qualifications. Hard times can happen anytime. We don’t want people to face it alone. We’re here.”
Lasagna Love is always in need of volunteers—and not just those who love to cook. The organization accepts donations, and sponsors may be called on to do everything from helping in the organization’s administration to providing ingredients to chefs each month.
“It’s a way for people to get involved without cooking,” Andria says.
Volunteers may cook as many or as few lasagnas as they’re able, as individual volunteers or as a group activity. Many volunteers use the opportunity to create lasagna with family members, church groups and other organizations. They sometimes add their own styles to the pan.
Those who wish to cook must complete a brief online training course on safe food preparation and share how often they wish to take part. Volunteers may participate as much or as little as they are able.
The ripple effect Rhiannon and Andria started in 2020 remains, Andria says, and the organization continues to grow thanks to the steady stream of volunteers. This year, Lasagna Love began spreading kindness in the United Kingdom.
“One of the things I did not expect from a group of five women to the state we are in now was being able to see how many people generally want to help,” she says. “It really is impressive to see.” n
For more information about Lasagna Love, visit lasagnalove.org.
Messages of hope are delivered with each pan of lasagna.
Monday is Justine Drewery’s work day.
For the past two-plus years, Lasagna Love’s local leader for Seattle has gathered information gleaned from the main office to match her volunteers with recipients of home-cooked pans of lasagna. She reads the recipients’ stories to make sure none requires emergency services—which is rare—and looks for dietary restrictions, such as gluten intolerance. Justine then sends out a call to her 115 active volunteer chefs—home cooks who make the lasagnas and deliver them throughout the Seattle metropolitan area.
“We service a large area, from Marysville to Kent,” Justine says. “It’s pretty much all of Seattle.”
Lasagna Love doesn’t require its chefs to meet the lasagna recipients. This ensures privacy for both parties.
“It’s supposed to be contactless,” Justine says. “We don’t want to make the recipients uncomfortable.”
Shawn Burkland has been a Seattle-area
Lasagna Love volunteer since 2021, getting involved shortly after the organization began. When she returned home from working overseas, Shawn was searching for a way to help her community.
“I love to cook and I thought, ‘What can I do to give back with my cooking?’” Shawn says. “Lasagna Love’s a wonderful organization. It’s been a great match.”
As of late summer, Shawn has cooked 149 lasagnas, delivering them to recipients up to 30 miles away. She’s brought lasagnas to apartments, tiny homes and even to an unhoused recipient on a street corner. During the pandemic, she rarely met the people receiving her meals, but today, she prefers the connection.
“I don’t force it, but I have met almost every one of my deliveries,” she says. “Most people actually want to meet you. So many people are so appreciative. Everyone has been delightful.”
In the beginning, Shawn experimented
with ingredients, creating lasagnas with sausage and vegetables, such as onions, peppers and carrots. She quickly learned tastes vary widely, plus a standard recipe makes it easier to cook in bulk, so she now keeps it simple.
“To me, because I make so many, I keep it plain,” Shawn says. “And people like it plain. It’s still delicious.”
In addition to providing the Seattle area with lasagna love, Justine engages in outreach to keep the process moving smoothly. She uses social media, such as Facebook, and other online resources, such as Volunteer Match, to attract volunteers and recipients. Her biggest success comes from local food banks and through flyers delivered to libraries, she says.
Once a year, volunteers work with the city’s Festa Italiana, an all-volunteer community event the last week of September at the Seattle Center. Justine’s chefs demonstrate making lasagna and offer samples to the crowd. n
1½ cups chickpea flour
3 cups water
1 teaspoon coarse kosher salt, plus extra for sprinkling
Recipes by Gertrude Treadaway
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
1 pinch fennel seeds
Sunflower oil for frying
Lemon wedges for serving
Place chickpea flour, water and salt in a medium-sized saucepan. Whisk until smooth. Set over medium heat, and whisk constantly as the mixture slowly heats. Keep whisking, scraping the bottom and sides of the pan frequently, until the mixture is smooth, thick and starts to pull away from the sides of the pan, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat. Stir in parsley and fennel seeds.
Pour mixture onto a parchment-covered baking sheet that is approximately 12-by-15 inches. Quickly spread the mixture with a spatula, before it cools and sets, so it fills the pan in an even layer, about ¼-inch thick. Refrigerate for about an hour, until completely firm.
Once cooled, cut into squares with a sharp knife. Carefully lift the pieces from the pan with a spatula or your hands.
To fry the panelle, pour enough oil into a wide, heavy skillet to cover the bottom to a depth of ½ inch, and set over medium heat. When the oil is hot, fry the panelle about 3 minutes, until the underside is crisp and golden. Flip and brown the other side, about 2-3 minutes.
Place the panelle on paper towels to absorb excess oil. Sprinkle lightly with salt and a squeeze of lemon juice. Serve hot.
1 yellow onion, diced
1 tablespoon olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon oregano
½ teaspoon chili flakes
14-ounce can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
½ cup sundried tomatoes, sliced
1 can full-fat coconut milk
3 tablespoons tomato paste
Salt, to taste
Pepper, to taste
1 cup baby spinach
4-5 fresh basil leaves, julienned
Garlic naan
In a large pan over medium heat, saute onion in olive oil until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add garlic, oregano and chili flakes. Saute for another 1-2 minutes.
Add chickpeas, sundried tomatoes, coconut milk, tomato paste, salt and pepper to the pan. Bring the mixture to a low simmer, then reduce heat to low. Simmer for 10-15 minutes.
Add basil and spinach. Stir until wilted. Serve with naan.
Creamy Chickpea Tomato Soup
3 garlic cloves, unpeeled
4 medium, fresh tomatoes
1 small yellow onion, sliced into quarters
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for drizzling
½ teaspoon sea salt, plus a pinch for sprinkling
Freshly ground black pepper
1/3 cup canned chickpeas
14-ounce can diced tomatoes
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
½ teaspoon maple syrup
2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves
¼ to ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
Croutons or crusty garlic bread
Heat oven to 450 F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Wrap garlic cloves in a piece of foil. Place them on the baking sheet with whole tomatoes and onion wedges. Drizzle with olive oil and a pinch of salt and pepper. Roast for 20 to 25 minutes, or until tomatoes and onions are browned. Peel garlic, and transfer roasted vegetables to a blender.
Reduce oven to 400 F. Line baking sheet with a fresh sheet of parchment paper.
To the blender, add chickpeas, canned diced tomatoes, vinegar, syrup, thyme, 1 tablespoon olive oil, red pepper flakes, ½ teaspoon sea salt and freshly ground pepper. Blend until creamy. Taste and adjust seasonings as desired. At this stage, the soup should still be hot. If not, pour into a pot to reheat. Serve with croutons or garlic bread.
Korma Curry
1 tablespoon coconut oil
1 medium onion, finely diced
1 tablespoon garlic, finely chopped or minced
1 tablespoon fresh ginger, finely chopped or grated
1 tablespoon fresh green chili, finely chopped
1 tablespoon mild curry powder
1 teaspoon ground coriander
½ teaspoon turmeric
½ teaspoon ground cardamom
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
2 tablespoons tomato paste
2 tablespoons butter
1 can coconut milk
2 cans chickpeas
½ teaspoon salt
A handful fresh cilantro, roughly chopped Cooked rice or naan
Heat coconut oil in a large, deep pan. Cook onion for 3-4 minutes over medium heat.
Add garlic, ginger and fresh green chili. Cook for 1 minute.
Stir in spices, and cook for 1 minute. Add tomato paste, butter and coconut milk. Stir to combine until sauce is smooth.
Add chickpeas and salt. Bring to boil, then lower heat. Cover the pot, and simmer for 10 minutes. Stir in cilantro. Serve over rice or with naan.
1 tablespoon olive oil
½ onion, chopped
1 clove garlic, minced
1 tablespoon chili powder
1 tablespoon cumin
1 teaspoon turmeric
1 teaspoon garam masala
1 teaspoon sea salt
Dash of cinnamon
Dash of cayenne
2 14-ounce cans chickpeas, drained and rinsed
2 14–ounce cans fireroasted diced tomatoes, undrained
Cucumbers, chopped
Couscous, cooked
Mint, minced
Parsley, minced
Cilantro, minced
Yogurt or hummus
Olive oil
Lemon juice
Toasted pita wedges
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion, and saute until soft. Add garlic, spices, salt and chickpeas. Stir until fragrant. Add tomatoes. Simmer for 20 minutes while preparing the other ingredients. Arrange bowls with desired amounts of remaining ingredients.
I make hats for veterans and homeless people, so I’m looking for scrap yarn to make hats. Any donations will be appreciated. Thank you.
Elizabeth Martensen 1015 Madrona Ave. Tillamook, OR 97141
My mom and my father had a cabin in The Narrows on the Wilson River. They met during World War II and were together until he passed at 75. One of their favorite things to do in Tillamook was collect seashells on the beach. Now that mom is in assisted living, she doesn’t get to collect new shells and misses my dad dearly. If you have extra shells to add to her collection and any encouraging notes, I know she should love them. Please send to Mary Finn, 8685 SW 151st Place, Beaverton, OR 97007.
Sheila Finn Green Valley, Arizona
Philatelists, I have a collection of used stamps from 138 foreign countries, some no longer exist. All are individually packaged by country. Another 86 packages of used USA stamps are separated by denomination. I’ll send them free of charge and postage paid if you’re interested. They belonged to my deceased brother who enjoyed collecting them from neighbors, friends and church members. I would like them to go to someone who would appreciate them.
Rich Tempelman
5684 S. Desert Lakes Drive Fort Mohave, AZ 86426 rtempelman1944@gmail.com
I had an ad several years ago asking for quilting scraps. I make quilts of all sizes and donate them to care and pregnancy centers to help young women who don’t have a lot for their babies. It’s so rewarding. With that said, if you have any spare fat quarter or other scraps—as in 6-inch squares on up—I will gladly put them to good use. Thank you in advance.
Kimberly Cody
298 Basham Lane Troy, MT 59935
Our dear father turns 100 later this month. He is a wonderful father of seven children. He served his community wherever he lived and is a World War II Navy veteran. He would love to receive cards. Thank you in advance. Please send cards to Hugh Whitbread, 3234 S. Nye, Apt. 25, Pendleton, OR 97801.
Gail Hogge Adams, Oregon
My mom turns 100 this month. She received cards from many of you on her 90th birthday, and I would like for her to receive 100 cards for this birthday. Reading her mail is one of the highlights in her day. Please send birthday cards to my mom: Rachel Farnsworth, P.O. Box 545, Doyle, CA 96109.
Ruby Pourchot Doyle, California
My parents have had a momentous year celebrating their 90th birthdays, and they celebrate their 69th wedding anniversary this month. However, these wonderful milestones have also come with many health challenges, activity limitations and adjustments in living arrangements. They would love to receive cards from you to brighten their spirits. My mom, Beverly, was a school lunch manager, tremendous cook and caregiver. She loves to color and do crafts. My dad, Tom, plays old-time fiddle music on his bass and banjo. He also enjoys woodworking and loves to talk. They lived their whole lives in rural areas and small towns in Idaho. Your cards and well wishes would be greatly appreciated. Send to Tom and Beverly Hackwith, 813 Airway Ave., Lewiston, ID 83501.
Pam Gehrke Boise, Idaho
Wow. My grandmother Marian and our family wish to express gratitude for the incredible outpouring of cards, artwork, cookie recipes, recollections and blessings that were sent in celebration of her 100th birthday. She’s saving the greetings in a scrapbook and has organized the recipes to keep her busy as she tests baked treats for a long time to come. Thank you.
Cora Rose
Brookings-Harbor, Oregon
Send your request (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. If replying to a reader submission, please only send what is requested. Submissions are handled first-come, first-served 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 (pricing applies).
When submitting a milestone request, please send it at least two months before the milestone. Phone numbers are not published. Email addresses are if they are part of the ad, but you must include a postal address. Requests must include the name and address of the electric utility that provides your magazine. Happy Thanksgiving!
See volcanic remnants in a winter wonderland in California at
Each winter, snowfall in Lassen Volcanic National Park blankets a landscape that was previously covered by lava. Mountain peaks, remnants of volcanic activity and pristine nature draw visitors to the more than 100,000-acre park in Northern California.
The park was shaped by volcanic activity over hundreds of thousands of years. Most recently, the park has seen eruptions from Lassen Peak roughly 100 years ago. Lassen is one of the best places on Earth to see all four types of volcanoes: shield, composite, cinder cone and plug dome.
Lassen Volcanic National Park typically gets up to 30 feet of snow between November and May. The snow will eventually melt into four different watersheds. Because of the snow, Highway 89—the main road travelling through the park—is often closed for the season starting in mid-November. Check the National Park Service site for up-to-date closure information.
When covered with snow, the park is a popular area for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. The area around Manzanita Lake offers easier slopes and routes— although at 5,800 feet of elevation, you’ll still breathe heavy. One of the easiest tracks is the 1.5-mile Manzanita Campground loop, while the more difficult Chaos Jumbles Area has excellent views.
The park requires an entry pass and has moved to a cashless fee-collecting system. For more information on passes, closures and to start planning your trip, go to nps.gov/lavo or call 530-595-6100.
As one of the largest purveyors of collectible knives in the country, you can trust Stauer to give you the best knife for your money.
Case in point: The Blades of a Feather Knife –– a remarkable hunting and adventure knife with an even more remarkable price. This is the kind of knife people flock to.
This stick tang knife boasts a stainless steel blade with a scalloped edge that gives it a distinct feathered appearance. This “feathered” edge is more than a striking aesthetic touch; it enhances the knife’s performance by creating air pockets in the spaces. These air pockets prevent shredding and allow for a cleaner, smoother cut. Consider it your edge up.
Recalling the days of the great American frontier, this knife’s artisan handle is crafted of natural bone, redwood and brown Pakkawood. It’s a great addition to your collection, and will prove a trusty companion for all your outdoor adventures from hunting and fishing to camping and hiking. It also makes one heck of a letter opener. Plus, by making the call today, you are guaranteed to receive a genuine leather sheath in the deal.
Your satisfaction is 100% guaranteed. Feel the knife in your hands, wear it on your hip, inspect the impeccable 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 item price.
We invite you to join the hundreds of thousands of Stauer knife collectors who appreciate a fine blade along with a fine deal. We assure you, you’ll be in good company. Don’t let this beauty slip through your fingers. Call today!
Knife Speci cations:
Call today and you’ll also receive this genuine leather sheath!
• Stainless steel stick tang blade; 12” overall length
• Natural bone, redwood & brown Pakkawood handle
Blades of a Feather Knife $249 $49* + S&P Save $200 California residents please call 1-800-333-2045 regarding Proposition 65 regulations before purchasing this product.
*Special price only for customers using the offer code.
1-800-333-2045
Your Insider Offer Code: BFK157-02
feel of this knife is unbelievable... this is an incredibly fine instrument.”
NIKON D810, 48mm lens ISO 160, f/4.5 at 1/200
By Dave LaBelle
One of the most famous Christ statues in the world sits on the summit of Mount Corcovado in Rio de Janeiro, in southeastern Brazil. Christ the Redeemer was built in 1931 and stands 98 feet tall.
There is no shortage of statues honoring Jesus Christ across the globe. Many cemeteries, often Catholic, have Christ statues as their centerpieces.
Even as a young photographer, I have always been drawn to cemeteries, especially older ones, with interesting lines, shapes and simple markers. Some of the cemeteries in the Midwest and South often have unusual, contrasting backgrounds.
Cemeteries are usually places of tranquil respite from the rest of the loud and busy world. Like most who wander among the headstones reading names, dates of birth, dates of passing and farewell sentiments, I find graveyards a place to rest and maybe even reset priorities.
When I see others cleaning gravesites or placing flowers, I often approach them and ask about those they are visiting. Most are willing to talk about loved ones gone and often thank me for asking. However, I also realize not everybody can visit a cemetery, nor do they feel comfortable sharing with a stranger.
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.
Find a cemetery, preferably one that has served an area for decades, even centuries. Go early or visit late in the day and study the lines, shapes and tones. Walk quietly, listening. See if you can make a photograph that embodies the unusual beauty or serenity of the place. Moments when snow blankets the earth are great times to visit and photograph.
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.
Centuries ago, Persians, Tibetans and Mayans considered turquoise a gemstone of the heavens, believing the striking blue stones were sacred pieces of sky. Today, the rarest and most valuable turquoise is found in the American Southwest–– but the future of the blue beauty is unclear.
On a recent trip to Tucson, we spoke with fourth generation turquoise traders who explained that less than five percent of turquoise mined worldwide can be set into jewelry and only about twenty mines in the Southwest supply gem-quality turquoise. Once a thriving industry, many Southwest mines have run dry and are now closed.
We found a limited supply of turquoise from Arizona and purchased it for our Sedona Turquoise Collection . Inspired by the work of those ancient craftsmen and designed to showcase the exceptional blue stone, each stabilized vibrant cabochon features a unique, one-of-a-kind matrix surrounded in Bali metalwork. You could drop over $1,200 on a turquoise pendant, or you could secure 26 carats of genuine Arizona turquoise for just $99
Your satisfaction is 100% guaranteed. If you aren’t completely happy with your purchase, send it back within 30 days for a complete refund of the item price.
The supply of Arizona turquoise is limited, don’t miss your chance to own the Southwest’s brilliant blue treasure. Call today!
Jewelry Specifications:
• Arizona turquoise • Silver-finished settings
Sedona Turquoise Collection
A. Pendant (26 cts) $299 * $99 +s&p Save $200
B. 18" Bali Naga woven sterling silver chain $149 +s&p
C. 1 1/2" Earrings (10 ctw) $299 * $99 +s&p Save $200 Complete Set** $747 * $249 +s&p Save $498
**Complete set includes pendant, chain and earrings.
Discover all 13 of our cookbooks at www.ruralite.com. Each measures 8.5-by-11 inches. Prices shown include postage and tax.
Please allow two to three weeks for delivery.
ORDER BY MAIL: Submit payment with cookbook title, your name, address and number of cookbooks wanted to: Ruralite Cookbooks
P.O. Box 1306 North Plains, OR 97133
PAY BY PHONE: Call 503-357-2105 for credit card payments with Visa, MasterCard, Discover or American Express.
ORDER ONLINE: Visit www.ruralite.com and find Store.
December 4, 2025 4-6:30 p.m.
TILLAMOOK PUD OFFICE
*Enter through the TPUD truck yard gate on 11 Street. th
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.
Buying antiques and collectibles: advertising signs, porcelain signs, gas pumps, beer signs, antique toys, cast-iron coin banks, neon signs and more. Jason, tjabaughman@yahoo.com or 503-310-3321. 0326
Buying American Indian collectibles, Navajo jewelry, blankets, rugs. CA/AZ baskets and beadwork. Quality paintings of the early Southwest and Americas. Call 760-409-3117 or send photos to amer.ind.baskets@gmail.com.
1950s Monarch piano. Good condition, dark finish. Upright, 45x56x24”. Call Becky, 541-676-5342 or evanslive@hotmail.com.
Classic ’89 Reatta. 120K miles. Clean, runs great. $4.5K. OBO. 541-894-2423. 1125
Books, Magazines, Videos
Book restoration. Bibles, cookbooks, cherished family heirlooms. Beautiful work. We give renewed life, more durable than original, to last for generations. 775-537-7066; salacanstudio@gmail.com. 1125
Business Opportunities
For sale: quaint hardware store in Maupin, OR. Inventory and interior store recently updated and refreshed. See ad on Bizbuysell.com or email Maupincountrystore@gmail.com. $129K. 1125
Art Center East’s 17th annual Handmade Holidays Makers Market. Nov. 21-22. Local and regional artists/artisans. La Grande, OR. artcentereast.org. 1125
Free Item
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, P.O. Box 374, Ellijay, GA 30540. 888-211-1715; tbsmads@yahoo.com. 1225AR
Ads 25 words or fewer are $35 a month. An extended ad of up to 35 words is $50 a month. Contact information is included in the word count. Phone numbers and emails count as one word.
Longer ads may be placed. Contact 503-357-2105 or info@pioneer.coop for pricing information.
Ads are for customers of member co-ops, public utility districts and municipals only. Subscribers and nonmembers may inquire about pricing at 503-357-2105 or info@pioneer.coop.
Ads must be direct and in first person, and are subject to approval and editing.
Closing deadlines (in our office): January issue—Dec. 1, 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.
We ship vintage Santa letters and natureinspired artwork from Alaska for holidays and gift giving. Choose from Santa letter bundles, watercolor prints, cards, block prints, earrings and more. GV11 saves 10%. PamelaSueArtandDesigns.com. 1125
Stained glass supplies: glass, grinder, books, tools, lead, solder irons, light box, etc. $200 OBO. Kennewick, WA. Have photos of stuff. Contact drew.g.kachele@gmail.com or 509-627-3811 (landline). 1125
Granite cemetery markers at affordable prices. Will ship to most places. For more info: highdesertmemorials.com; Joe, 541-815-8906 or highdesertmemorials@gmail.com. 1125
Crushed rock for sale. John Long quarry on John Long Road at Rice Hill. 541-459-3072.
Attention, landowners. Grants available now. Wildland fire fuel reduction service. Steep ground, remote, rocky, small lot, big acreage, no problem. Blue Mountain Defensible Space LLC. Bluemountainbrush@gmail.com; Bluemountainbrush.com; 509-399-3473. 1126
Tulsa 3-stage gear reduction. Good for building 4-ft. tunnel digger, as track drive for Link Belt or P&H 100-ton crane. Ted, 458-910-3727. 0126
30x50x14’ Quonset hut. 16-gauge galvalume with connector plates. 10x10’ opening. 76 PSI snow load, 169 mph wind. Baker City, OR. $17.5K. 541-206-8584. 1125
Beautiful John Day, OR home with fabulous golf course views on 4 acres. $520K. Duke Warner Realty, ddwr@ortelco.net, 541-987-2363.
320 acres east of Adel, OR. Borders Hart Mountain views, Steens Mountain and Beaty Butte. Landowner tags, very rural. $147K. Quick sale, due to injury. For maps: thejugglingman3@gmail.com; 541-659-1573.
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 G., 541-480-9161; johngill@landandwildlife.com. Land and Wildlife brokerage.
1996 Redmond single-wide manufactured home in Prairie City, OR. 56x14’. 2 bd., 1 ba. Needs some TLC. Priced right. $13K. Serious inquires only. 541-610-4797. 1125
10 acres in Northern New Mexico. Good for off-grid homestead or vacation cabin. 50 miles from Taos. $16K. Consider trade for park model. 520-260-4095; adironrick@gmail.com. 1125
80 patented acres. Gold property, approximately 22 miles north of Nome, AK. Water on property. Accessible by 4x4s. Not maintained. Call, 775-990-3444. 1125
Recreational Rentals
Oceanfront cottage with direct beach access, on the spectacular Central Oregon Coast. Sleeps 6. All house amenities. Winter closure November-March. Reservations/information, email relax@wavecatcherbeachrentals.com or text 541-740-2846 or 541-740-9953. 1125
Recreational Vehicles
2016 Coachman Prism, 2150 LE, 25’ Class C motorhome 3500 Freightliner chassis, V6 Mercedes, one owner, 72K, very good condition. Call for details, 541-478-3312. $55K.
1998 Jayco 28’ 5th wheel, gooseneck adapter. Great condition. Covered storage. Never leaked/smoking. Many upgrades. Slide-out. Winterized. $6.5K, OBO. Serious inquiries only. For photos/details, email mountainmeadow@protonmail.com.
Resorts, Camps, Tours, Lodges
Cruises: Alaska, Caribbean, Mediterranean, Panama Canal, Hawaii and more. River cruises, safaris, resorts. UdoU Travel LLC: udoutravelllc.com, 541-256-0100; cindygreenup@gmail.com. 1125
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. 0226
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. 1126
67-year-old city boy, 5’8”, 230 lbs. Brown eyes, silver hair. Doesn’t drink or smoke, good looking. Looking for pretty female companion age 57-67. Date for breakfast or lunch, just looking for a good time and good conversation. Sparks or no sparks, we’re adults and will figure it out. Casa Grande, AZ, and surrounding areas only. Contact, amaliaven11@gmail.com.
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. 1125
Gold, silver, coins/currency, buy, sell. Collections wanted. Fair prices paid. 45 years in retail store. Baker City, OR. 800-556-2133; garrymclin@aol.com. 1026
Buying American Indian collectibles, Navajo jewelry, blankets, rugs. CA/AZ baskets and beadwork. Quality paintings of the early Southwest and Americas. Call 760-409-3117 or send photos to amer.ind.baskets@gmail.com.
Cash paid for old gas station and oil company signs, pumps, globes, metal oil cans. Good condition. Discreet cash settlement. Clifton Jones, collector. 512-413-4459. 1225
Wanted: Kodak Carousel 860-slide projector. Mine does not work. Need to see slide trays from 1970s. Call/text Claudia, 541-251-1944.
As we head toward winter, cooler temperatures make a hot bowl of soup, stew or chowder a welcome treat. Get more than 220 recipes in a perfectbound 8½-by-11-inch indexed book for $10, postage included. When ordering, specify you want the “Soup, Stews and Chowders” cookbook. Check out other titles at ruralite.com.
Tillamook PUD is closed Thursday, Nov. 27, for Thanksgiving.
The Customer Assistance Program at Tillamook PUD lends a helping hand throughout our community. Funded by customer contributions matched by Tillamook PUD, these resources help pay the electric bills of our neighbors in need.
If you are able, consider contributing to the program. Donations may be given as a one-time gift or set up as a recurring monthly donation. All contributions are appreciated.
The board approved the August 2025 regular board meeting minutes and accounts payable.
Human Resources: Shane Stuart announced TPUD received the 2025 Top Workplaces in Oregon Award. He noted Tillamook PUD is one of the few electric utilities in Oregon to earn this distinction.
Visit tpud.org/about-us/boardof-directors for additional board meeting information, including archives and upcoming agendas.
Tillamook People’s Utility District has been designated as a top workplace in 2025 by The Oregonian. Organizations are selected for this honor based on employee feedback gathered through a third-party survey administered by employee engagement technology partner Energage LLC. This confidential survey uniquely measures the employee experience and its component themes, including employees feeling respected and supported, enabled to grow and empowered to execute.
“It is an honor to be recognized as a top workplace in the region for the second consecutive year,” Tillamook PUD General Manager Todd Simmons says. “Our organization values the dedication and contributions of our employees, whose efforts make Tillamook PUD an outstanding place to work and an integral part of the community.”
Energage is a purpose-driven company that helps organizations turn employee feedback into useful business intelligence and credible employer recognition through Top Workplaces. Built on 18 years of culture research and the results from 27 million employees surveyed across more than 70,000 organizations, Energage delivers the most accurate competitive benchmark available. With access to a unique combination of patented analytic tools and expert guidance, Energage customers lead the competition with an engaged workforce and an opportunity to gain recognition for their people-first approach to culture. For more information or to nominate your organization, visit energage.com or topworkplaces.com. n
For more information about top workplaces and to view the 2025 organizations with this honor, visit https://tinyurl.com/bdht376s.
Do you have changes to your contact information? Please let us know. Updated phone numbers, email addresses and mailing addresses help us serve you quickly and more efficiently.
To update your information, contact the Tillamook PUD Customer Services Department at 503-842-2535 or 800-422-2535, or email service@tpud.org.
We appreciate your support as we enhance our service quality.
Nov. 1-30
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, 36115 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.; Thursday, cribbage and mahjong, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Bring a lunch for lengthy activities. Accepting donations for Nov. 7-8 rummage sale. Call for dropoff hours. 316 Stillwell Ave. Senior center, 503-842-4511, leave a message
Tillamook Rotary Club meetings, Tuesdays, noon, Pacific Restaurant, 205 Main Ave., 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, 276 US-101. 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, 34600 Cape Kiawanda Dr., Pacific City. $3 suggested donation for seniors, $6 for others. 971-212-7131, kiawanda.com
Nov. 1-30
Fresh Start AA meeting, Tuesdays and Thursdays, 8:15 a.m., Wheeler City Hall, 775 Nehalem Blvd. 503-739-0293
Tillamook Kiwanis Club meeting, Wednesdays, noon, Rendezvous Bar & Grill, 214 Pacific Ave., Tillamook. 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, 2102 Sixth St., Tillamook. 503-842-5094
Oct. 30, 31 and Nov. 1
Fall rummage sale. Donations intake Thursday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sale Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturday, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Netarts Community Club, 4949 Netarts Hwy W. Clothing, household items, games, puzzles, useful furniture, sports or tools. All proceeds are for charitable donations. Phyllis Holmes, 503-842-4964
Nov. 1
Have Fun Drawing Fungi workshop, 1 p.m., Tillamook Forest Center, 45500 Wilson River Highway, Tillamook. 866-930-4646, tillamookforestcenter.org
Nov. 6
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
Nov. 8
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
Nov. 10
Nestucca Valley Lions Club meeting, 6 p.m., 34510 Parkway Drive, Cloverdale. nestuccavalleylions@gmail.com
Monday Musical Club of Tillamook presents, “Thankful & Blessed,” 7 p.m., Tillamook Adventist Church Sanctuary, 2610 First Street, Tillamook. Ron Watson 541-992-3575
Contact Joanna Stelzig at 503-815-6024 or jstelzig@tpud.org to list items in the calendar. Items are due the first of the month prior to the month they should run.
Nov. 11
South Tillamook County Library Club board meeting, 6 p.m., Winkleman Library, 6200 Camp St., Pacific City. Stclc101@gmail.com
Nov. 17
THS Alumni Scholarship Committee meeting, noon, Tillamook Elks Lodge, 1907 Third St. Debbi, debrakay54@charter.net
Nov. 18
FL63 USCG Auxiliary Station Tillamook Bay meeting, 7 p.m., Upper Station Galley. Cammy Hickman, 503-961-2212
Nov. 19
American Legion Tillamook Post 47 meeting, 1:30 p.m., Tillamook Elks Lodge, 1907 Third St. Kevin, 360-489-7471
Nov. 21
NESKO Women’s Club Meeting, 11:30 a.m., Kiawanda Community Center, 34600 Cape Kiwanda Dr., Pacific City. Robin, robinkaeredmond@gmail.com or 530-913-4171
Nov. 27
Tillamook County Democrats virtual meeting, 7 p.m. To attend the meeting, go to tillcodems.org and click on “Join Us,” “Attend Virtual Meeting” and “Main Room.” tillcodems@gmail.com
Nov. 28-30
Holiday wreath making, 11 a.m., Tillamook Forest Center, 45500 Wilson River Highway, Tillamook. 866-930-4646, tillamookforestcenter.org
Nov. 29
Rockaway Beach Meals for Seniors French toast breakfast fundraiser, 8 a.m. to noon, St. Mary’s by the Sea Catholic Church, Rockaway Beach. Terri Bruneau, 503-317-8967
Dec. 6
Old Fashioned Christmas Bazaar, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Cloverdale. Sandy, sandra_dust40@yahoo.com
Nature surprises us through sunsets, picturesque landscapes and even by friendly wildlife visits to your backyard.
“‘Moose-sensitive plants are behind the tall chain-link fence, but this year, I discovered they also like Swiss chard,” Anita Hartmann says after a mother moose and her twins visited her garden.
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
A moose and her twins help clean up garden beds in Fairbanks, Alaska, at the end of the growing season.
PHOTO BY ANITA HARTMANN
Chicken, turkey and other poultry star in this cookbook from our 1999 contest. Dishes include salads, casseroles and main dishes. Among the featured recipes are Chicken Quiche, Ground Turkey Meatloaf and BBQ Emu Meatballs. The 8½-by-11-inch indexed book is $8 (includes postage).
TO ORDER BY MAIL:
Submit payment with cookbook title, your name, address and number of cookbooks wanted to:
Ruralite Cookbooks
P.O. Box 1306
North Plains, OR 97133
TO PAY BY PHONE: Call 503-357-2105 for credit card payments with Visa, MasterCard, Discover or American Express.
TO ORDER ONLINE: Visit www.ruralite.com.
Please allow two to three weeks for delivery.
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.
To ensure consistent and dependable electric service, Tillamook PUD implements a comprehensive range of strategies, including upkeep of electrical facilities, development of new infrastructure and integration of advanced technologies.
While we invest significant effort into maintaining and improving our local electric infrastructure, hydropower remains a critical component in our ability to deliver dependable and affordable electricity to our customers. The consistent availability of hydropower is fundamental to upholding the reliability and the cost-effectiveness of our power delivery. By leveraging hydropower, we can ensure our community continues to benefit from stable energy prices and a constant supply of electricity.
Hydropower generates about 85% of the Northwest’s renewable, carbon-free electricity each year. For nearly a century, we have depended on this affordable and environmentally friendly energy source. While hydropower is key to providing reliable and low-cost power, it faces ongoing challenges. Environmental groups argue the dams on the Columbia and Snake rivers harm fish populations, even though average fish returns have tripled since federal dams began operating in 1938.
Recently, the federal government ended the Columbia Basin Salmon Agreement, which was a Memorandum of Understanding focused on salmon restoration, energy growth, and transportation development in the Columbia Basin. This agreement provided a long-term pause to Endangered Species Act litigation over federal hydro system operations, allowing tribes such as the Yakama, Umatilla, Warm Springs and Nez Perce—along with the states of Oregon and Washington—to set aside legal disputes and instead work together. The aim was to find comprehensive solutions that took everyone’s interests into account.
Following the termination of this MOU by the federal government, collaborative efforts were discontinued, leaving some of the parties involved feeling disappointed with the federal government’s actions. Consequently, several environmental organizations and the state of Oregon have petitioned for a federal court injunction that would mandate continual water spill from the Columbia and Snake river dams much of the year.
While the effectiveness of this spill practice in supporting salmon recovery has not been conclusively demonstrated, it is associated with substantial costs to electricity and poses potential risks to grid reliability. If this injunction is granted, public power ratepayers could face annual expenses amounting to hundreds of millions of dollars, along with an increased probability of regional blackouts.
Factors outside our immediate control can affect our ability to supply electricity. Still, we are committed to providing you with reliable and affordable power. While we can’t control everything, we can make a difference through involvement and advocacy. We stay active with the Public Power Council, Northwest Requirements Utilities and Northwest RiverPartners— groups that advocate on our behalf to offer facts and solutions that promote environmental, energy and transportation progress in the Columbia Basin.
For the Pacific Northwest to succeed, cooperation is essential. It’s only through collective effort that we can ensure a positive outcome for all.
Sincerely,
General Manager Todd Simmons
For more information about hydropower’s critical role in the Northwest, visit ppcpdx.org, nru-nw.com and nwriverpartners.org.