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HOW TO CONTACT RURALITE
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This Is the Last One—For Me
See that young guy on the left? That is me more than 30 years ago on my first trip for this magazine. I was ambitious, energetic and excited about embarking on a new career as an assistant editor at a magazine, my dream job. Today, I am writing my last column before retiring at the end of the year. What a glorious ride it has been.
During my time, I have traveled to places I only dreamed of seeing. I spent a week on a tug-and-barge off the coast of Alaska. I traveled to Guatemala, where I spent three weeks photographing lineworkers bringing electricity to a small community for the first time. I have been in small, rural Alaskan villages only accessible by plane, boat or sled. I have covered forest fires in Oregon and a plucky young barrel racer in Arizona who is paralyzed from the waist down. I’ve been hoisted 70 feet in the air in a bucket truck and flown in a hot air balloon. And I have attended countless utility annual meetings, talking with readers like you.
In the past few years, I’ve received many calls, letters and emails from you. Some of you were grateful for a story or hopeful I would publish
For supplemental and interactive content, search @Ruralite on your favorite social media sites.
one. Others took exception to something in the magazine or found an error you thought I should know about.
A few of you sent me milkweed seeds in my quest to create a monarch butterfly habitat.
I appreciate your passion about what is printed each month. You have kept me on my toes. Thank you. My success here is due to two factors: The support of my wife and kids when I worked long hours and traveled at inopportune times; and through the support of a wonderful team of friends who do amazing work every day. I wish I had room to list each one of you, but you know who you are.
Starting next month, Chasity Anderson takes over duties as editorial director. She is a friend and someone I have great respect for. I know she will serve you well.
And now, friends, I say goodbye. I hope you continue to be faithful readers.
Farewell,
Mike Teegarden Editorial Director
From Service to Leadership
Air Force veteran continues to lead in local and state VFW Up Close, Page 10
Sleep in Heavenly Peace
Volunteers build beds so no child has to sleep on the floor
A Salute to Service
Recognizing Veterans of Umatilla Electric Cooperative
At Umatilla Electric Cooperative, we are proud to honor the remarkable Veterans who continue to make a lasting impact within our organization. Their service in the armed forces has instilled in them the dedication, leadership, and resilience that are integral to our cooperative’s success. The skills and values they’ve gained through their military experience enhance our team and enrich our culture in countless ways. Please join us in celebrating these exceptional individuals who make UEC great every day.
UEC is proud to honor this group, and all who have served, on Veterans Day, Monday, Nov. 11, 2024. Thank you for your service.
Brian Bierwirth System Operator
Branch: Air Force Service Yrs.: 12
Military Occupation: Flight Engineer
Chris Dirkes Lineman Apprentice
Branch: Marine Corps. Service Yrs.: 5
Military Occupation: Infantry Rifleman and Light Armored Reconnaissance
Joshua Burns Project Administrator
Branch: Air Force Service Yrs.: 8
Military Occupation: Air Traffic Control and Airfield Operations Officer
Branch: Army Service Yrs.: 3
Military Occupation: Heavy Wheel Vehicle Mechanic Bob Findley Journeyman Serviceman
Brandon Davis GIS Administrator
Branch: Air Force Service Yrs.: 12
Military Occupation: Nuclear Weapons Specialist
Military Occupation: Field Wireman, Switch Board Operator, and Data Encryption Scott Hall System Operator
Branch: Marine Corps. Service Yrs.: 4
biting cold if you need to venture outdoors to tend to animals or assist neighbors.
For Cliff, layering is key. Multiple thinner layers will keep you warmer than one thick layer. Consider adding safety gear, such as helmets or high-visibility vests, to your kit.
“Good warm, waterproof boots are necessary for harsh winter conditions,” Cliff says. “I dress for the worst and hope for the best.”
Also include within reach a shovel for clearing snow and an ice scraper for your vehicle.
Navigating Icy Conditions
Braving the weather is often unavoidable. When you must venture out, tread carefully, whether on foot or in your vehicle.
If you’re shoveling snow, stay hydrated and take regular breaks to maintain alertness. Lineworkers know cold weather can be deceptive; you might not realize you’re getting fatigued or dehydrated until it’s too late.
“To stay focused and alert when out in inclement weather, especially for longer periods, it is important to keep your core temperature up, rest when you can and then caffeinate—in large quantities—when you can’t,” Cliff says.
If driving, check your tires prior to the winter season so your vehicle is in good condition and can manage icy roads. Be aware of others—including lineworkers, who might be working to restore power— drive slowly and remove potential distractions. If you encounter downed lines, always assume they are live. Steer clear of the lines, and call your utility to report the damage.
Remember that your safety, and the safety of your community, is more important than arriving early to your destination. Always check the weather forecast to know what to expect.
Winter weather can be unpredictable. By understanding the risks associated with winter storms and taking steps to mitigate those risks, you can ensure your family stays safe and warm. n
Anatomy of a Power Outage
By Scott Flood
Moments ago, a stray bolt of lightning connected a menacing cloud with a power pole about a mile east of your home. Your lights flickered briefly before going out. Things become eerily quiet as all your home’s devices equipped with motors and fans stop providing their constant symphony of background noise.
You’re experiencing a power outage, so you reach for your phone and call your electric utility. Good move. Sometimes, consumers don’t call because they assume their neighbors will. However, the more who call, the more quickly the utility is able to pinpoint the outage location.
Back at the office, the utility’s grid system operator noticed the sudden pause at the moment 300 million volts of lightning danced around a transformer, and they’re able to triangulate the location of the outage. The system estimates around 500 consumers are in the dark as a line crew tosses their dinners aside and steers their trucks in that direction.
Thirty minutes later, the lineworkers slowly drive along a stretch of road, keeping one eye on traffic while inspecting every pole, wire and transformer. In another eight minutes, they stop and step out for a closer look. The mystery is solved with one glance at the burn mark across the surface of the transformer. Readying the truck and ensuring it’s safe, they move closer.
If you watch the lineworkers, you might mistakenly assume they’re not motivated. After all, you’re dealing with a power outage you want to end as soon as possible. But there’s a good reason the lineworkers aren’t rushing or running around.
Power lines carry high-voltage electricity. It’s safe when all elements of the system are in good working order, but it’s potentially deadly when that’s not the case. Lineworkers approach what they do deliberately, efficiently and—most of all—safely. Every action is carefully planned so they can spot potential hazards. They follow standard procedures and safety requirements to ensure repair is effective and sound. The work may take a little extra time, but it means they’ll make it home safely at the end of the day (or night).
Less than an hour after finding the cause of the outage, the lineworkers load their tools and gear back onto the trucks. This time, the problem was easy to spot, the repair was fairly straightforward, and the weather cooperated. But no two outages are exactly alike. The next could be in severe weather or on a remote segment off the main road. It could involve a fallen tree that needs to be cut with chainsaws or a broken pole that needs to be replaced.
Driving back to the utility, the lineworkers watch the passing homes and smile. The warm glows coming from the windows means the power’s back on again.
Lightning isn’t the only threat to the electric system. Outages can occur from a variety of causes, including fallen trees, vehicle crashes, extreme weather and even curious critters, such as squirrels.
Electric utilities invest in technology and equipment designed to protect the power grid and prevent outages from plunging your home into darkness. But when the power does go out, lineworkers put themselves at risk to return your life to normal.
UMATILLA ELECTRIC
Construction Continues: Second Story Taking Shape in UEC Expansion
Umatilla Electric Cooperative (UEC) headquarter in Hermiston is continuing to see progress on its transformation after serving the membership for over 40 years. In order to meet the needs of the growing community, the facility is expanding, better utilizing existing spaces and adding a second story to the east side of the building. Construction activities began in April, with crews working diligently for over six months with no safety incidents.
The initial stage of the project focused on demolition, removing all existing walls and infrastructure, to prepare for a redesign. Demolition was finalized earlier this year and installation of structural steel set the scene for a second story. Crews have worked hard throughout the summer months and into fall, as the second story over the east side of the building is now in place, with a concrete floor poured and exterior framing complete. Interior walls throughout the building are prepared to be framed as well, creating a new footprint of working space for UEC employees.
The stand-alone drive-thru structure (pictured above) has also been removed, opening up the parking lot for a reorganized entrance area. The new main entrance will be located at the center
of the building, centralizing access from the front parking lot.
Fire supression sytems are being positioned in preparation for installation in the ceilings, including a dry fire protection system in the attic space, adding an additional layer of safety.
On the first floor, the member access areas are being framed and electrical and plumbing framework are being installed throughout the building. At this phase, the basic infrastructure for lighting, fixtures, and plumbing are put in place before walls, floors, and ceilings are fully sealed up.
The second story is seeing exterior walls being filled between the steel structure. Though still an expansive open space, the existing framing showcases where windows will be installed later.
“We are excited to get the roof and siding up in the next few weeks,” says Kevin Kiniry, project superintendent for Chervenell Construction. “Once the exterior is complete, crews will be working hard to finish the interior parts of the building. ”
For more updates on this project, visit UmatillaElectric.com and keep an eye out on our social media platforms for videos, behind the scenes looks, and to hear from your UEC leadership team.
Progress continues forward at the 750 W. Elm location with construction crews working diligently to frame the second story, enclose the structure, and prepare the exterior of the building for winter months.
Construction crews remove the previous drive-through structure, opening the parking lot up for access to the relocated main entrance.
INSET: The second story concrete floor has been finished and internal wall framing is being installed. The framing showcases where windows will be placed later in the construction timeline.
Sleep in Heavenly
Volunteers build beds so no child has to sleep on the floor
By Ginger Meurer
A joyful chorus from excited children greets the chapter members of Sleep in Heavenly Peace Nye County, Nevada, as they deliver seven beds to a Pahrump home. The number is just one shy of the organization’s record.
“When we came, they had nothing,” says Nye County Chapter President Carmen Murzyn. “Tonight, they all get to sleep in their own beds.”
Volunteers hauling headboards, railings, mattresses, bedding and tools stream in the door and up the stairs—home to children ranging in age from 6 months to 15 years old. The house is empty except for a television, a camping mattress and a few blankets.
The children’s mother said they moved from Las Vegas in search of a better job and more affordable housing. Her previous landlord wanted $3,000 a month for their apartment.
“I finally gave up and said, ‘I can’t afford it,’” she says.
Without a truck or funds for the move, the family left most of
their belongings behind and started over in Pahrump.
Chapter Delivery Manager Steve Filarowski and Chapter Build Manager Jim Murzyn—Carmen’s husband—assemble the wooden beds with power tools.
“They’re so basic, but they’re built well,” Jim says. “They’re solid. In this case, it’s the only piece of furniture in the house, but a lot of times they’re the nicest piece of furniture in the house.”
Jim and Steve say the basic components of the beds make them easy to assemble and sturdy.
“If we ever have an earthquake, I’m getting under one of these,” Jim says.
“They’re really built to last,” Steve adds.
Interested children can assist with assembly. On this day, only the oldest braves the screech of the power tools. Jim and Steve help her safely guide the screws into her bunk.
“Don’t be afraid of it! You’re doing good,” Jim says as she pushes the driver trigger. “It just makes noise.”
Once the beds are up, Carmen and volunteers Marjorie
Jeanette and Jim Prior run the Eugene, Oregon, chapter of Sleep in Heavenly Peace, building beds for kids. PHOTO COURTESY OF JIM AND JEANETTE PRIOR
each year, including builds with coaches and players from the University of Oregon’s athletics programs. A July build brought in nearly 200 coaches, players and volunteers from multiple Oregon chapters who turned out 155 beds in less than four hours.
Nationally, Lowe’s—one of the organization’s biggest sponsors— hosts huge builds with multiple chapters.
The bed-building process has evolved a lot since 2012.
“I used to be on hands and knees trying to square corners,” Luke says. “It would take two hours just to build a bed, let alone sand it and stain it.”
Now, at some of the biggest builds, a bed is completed every 24 seconds.
“It’s crazy,” Luke says. “I like to say Henry Ford would be pretty proud of our assembly line.”
Everyone involved agrees that while building beds is fun, the most important part of the mission is the children.
When the beds were complete at the Pahrump home, 3-yearold Jazita was first to hug her freshly cased pillow and lie down on her new bed. She was speechless when asked what she thought of it, but her smile and expression of “Is this really for me?” were unmistakable.
Carmen isn’t surprised by Jazita’s reaction. Before the delivery, she talked about what it’s like when kids get their own beds.
“It’s like it’s their own space,” she says. “It’s their place; it’s nobody else’s. We’ve had quite a few kids get right in, and they’re already going to sleep before we’re out the door. The kids will jump in their bed no matter what time it is.”
Even though it was only 4 p.m., that’s exactly what Jazita did. n
For more information on volunteering or to apply for a bed, visit shpbeds.org.
ABOVE: Jazita can’t wait to try out her new bed. PHOTO BY GINGER MEURER TOP: Volunteers sand boards in an assembly line to build beds in Pahrump. PHOTO BY JOHN CLAUSEN
Pumpkin Mac and Cheese
¼ cup plus 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
3 cloves garlic, grated and divided
½ cup panko breadcrumbs
2 teaspoons kosher salt, divided, plus more for pasta water
¾ teaspoon ground black pepper, divided
1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 pound dry cavatappi pasta
6 sage leaves
½ medium yellow onion, grated
2 tablespoons flour
1 teaspoon ground mustard
¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
2 cups whole milk
15-ounce can pumpkin puree
8 ounces fontina cheese, shredded
8 ounces smoked gouda cheese, shredded
In a small nonstick skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add 1 grated garlic clove. Cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Stir in the breadcrumbs, 1/2 teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon pepper. Toast, stirring frequently, until the breadcrumbs are golden brown, about 2 minutes. Remove the mixture to a small bowl. Cool for 5 minutes. Stir in the Parmesan. Bring water to a boil in a large pot. Add the pasta, and salt to taste. Cook, stirring the pasta, until just under al dente, 5 to 6 minutes. Drain the pasta, reserving 1/2 cup of the pasta water.
In the same pot over medium heat, melt the remaining ¼ cup of butter. Stir in the sage leaves. Cook, stirring frequently, until the sage is lightly fried and the butter is deeply golden and smells toasty. Move the sage leaves to a paper towel-lined plate, and add the onion to the butter. Cook until the onion is soft and translucent, 3 to 4 minutes. Add the remaining two grated garlic cloves. Cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
Whisk in the flour, mustard, nutmeg, cayenne, the remaining 11/2 teaspoons of salt and the remaining 1/2 teaspoon pepper. Cook until the raw flour smell disappears, 3 to 4 minutes. Gradually whisk in the milk until smooth. Whisk in the pumpkin puree. Cook until thick, 5 minutes.
Remove the pot from heat. Gradually add the shredded cheeses, whisking until melted before adding more. Taste for salt.
Fold in the drained noodles, adding pasta water 1 tablespoon at a time until the sauce coats the noodles.
Serve the mac and cheese hot, sprinkled with the toasted panko bread crumbs and crumbled sage.
Apple Butter Cheese Twists
1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
17.3-ounce package puff pastry sheets, thawed
1 large egg, lightly beaten
1/3 cup apple butter
2 teaspoons chopped fresh thyme
Heat oven to 400 F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. In a medium bowl, combine the cheeses. Sprinkle a clean work surface with ¼ cup of the cheese blend. Place one puff pastry sheet over the cheese, and sprinkle with another ¼ cup of cheese blend. Use a rolling pin to press the cheese into the pastry. Roll the sheet into a 10-by-14-inch rectangle. Repeat the rolling-out process with a second sheet of puff pastry and 1/2 cup of the cheese blend.
Brush the surface of one pastry sheet with egg wash. Place the other sheet on one of the prepared baking sheets. Brush the surface with the apple butter, maintaining a 1-inch border. Sprinkle with the remaining 1/2 cup of the cheese blend and thyme. Top with the second sheet, egg wash-side down, pressing the layers gently together. Refrigerate the assembled sheet for 30 minutes.
Transfer the chilled sheet to a cutting board. Using a sharp knife, cut the pastry into ¾-inch-wide strips. Transfer the strips to the baking sheets, spacing them at least 1 inch apart. Pinch the ends to close, and twist each end in the opposite direction to create a spiral. If they start to untwist, gently press the ends into the parchment.
Refrigerate the twists for 30 minutes, then brush with more egg wash. Bake until golden brown and crisp, 20 to 25 minutes.
Cool the twists on a wire rack. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Butternut Squash Casserole
2 to 2½ pounds butternut squash
¼ cup whole milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup light brown sugar, packed
Topping
1 cup pecan halves
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
¼ teaspoon salt
2/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
2 extra large eggs, lightly beaten
2 tablespoons light brown sugar, packed
1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Heat oven to 350 F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil. Set aside. Cut the squash in half, lengthwise. Scoop out the seeds and discard. Place the squash cut-side down on the baking sheet. Bake for about 45 minutes or until the squash is tender when pierced with a fork. Allow the squash to cool enough to handle.
Spray a casserole dish with vegetable cooking spray. Set aside. While still warm, scoop out the butternut flesh and transfer to a large mixing bowl. Mash the squash with a potato masher until no chunks remain. Add the milk, vanilla, sugar, butter and cinnamon. Stir until combined. Add the eggs. Fold together until blended.
Pour the mixture into the prepared baking pan. Bake until almost set, about 30 minutes. While the casserole is baking, prepare the topping.
In a small bowl, combine the pecans, melted butter, brown sugar and cinnamon. Stir until coated. Remove the baking dish from the oven, and sprinkle the pecan mixture over the squash. Continue baking until set, about 15 minutes.
READER EXCHANGE
Books/Magazines
I would appreciate any Catherine Cookson books you may have and no longer want.
Marsha King 16637 William Foss Road La Pine, OR 97739
Crafts/Hobbies
I would love any old stamp collections or singles you would like to part with. Thanks in advance.
Rosalie Ferry 109 Raven Lane Careywood, ID 83809-9711
I’m seeking to illuminate my winter days with sparkle therapy. Living with a disability on a fixed income can be challenging, but your gift would bring sunshine. If you're willing to part with unwanted jewelry, components or treasures—for men or women—I’d be thrilled to accept them. Your thoughtfulness would give me a sense of fulfillment and happiness. Thank you in advance. I am forever grateful for your generosity.
Carly Wagner 913 Stillwell Ave. Tillamook, OR 97141
We are starting a respite care and are looking for old jewelry—broken or not— chains, beads, pearls and any items used to make jewelry or crafts for dementia patients. We would really appreciate anything you can give.
Diane Whitley
P.O. Box 1629 Eastsound, WA 98245
Milestones
My mother turns 92 this month. She is the wife of a retired Air Force man who took us all over. On base, she was a Girl Scout leader, VBS teacher and spent a lot of time at our sports events. She spends her days now reading, lunching with her greatgrandchildren and playing games online. It would be such a treat for her to receive wishes for her birthday. Send to Betty West, 1860 17th St., Springfield, OR 97477.
Laura Crowe Springfield, Oregon
My dad turns 94 in December and would be delighted to receive birthday cards. He was born in England and served in the R.A.F. as a navigator. He came to the United States in 1965 and worked in sales until he retired. Since my mom’s passing, he spends his time watching the news and all sports on TV. He does some light gardening and still reads without glasses. His favorite hobby is sampling new beers, so if any readers could make suggestions of a new beer for him to try, he would love that. Send cards to Peter Burgoyne, 5549 Our Lane, Zephyrhills, FL 33542.
Larry Burgoyne Sagle, Idaho
Recipes
I am looking for a recipe for pecan praline fudge. I have one, but it failed both times I’ve used it. Can you help? Thank you in advance.
Pat Moss
P.O. Box 61155 Fairbanks, AK 99706
Submitting Requests Is Free
Thanks
A special thank you to all who contributed to my button collection. Your response was overwhelming, and I deeply appreciate you.
Bette McCarthy Pahrump, Nevada
Thank you to all the Ruralite readers who sent my friend, Elsie Bergold, almost 500 cards for her 105th birthday. We played poker and had cake. She was completely shocked by all the cards and the gifts that were sent from complete strangers. She opened all of her cards and read every one of them. KVAL News did a story on her for the nightly news.
Martha Curl Creswell, Oregon
Thank you to all the wonderful, amazing and kind readers that sent me buttons and my grandfather’s yearbook. It was like Christmas. I received them in packages, boxes and envelopes. Thank you so very much for your time, thoughts and kindness. I am so very thankful to everyone.
Kim Koester Fairbanks, Alaska
Have a happy and safe Thanksgiving!
Send your request—no attachments, please—to readerexchange@ruralite.org or mail to Reader Exchange, 5625 NE Elam Young Parkway, Suite 100, Hillsboro, OR 97124. Fill in the subject line with Reader Exchange. Acceptance, scheduling and editing are at the editor’s discretion. Single requests only, please. No duplicates.
Submissions are handled on a first-come, first-served basis and as space allows. We cannot honor every request. Please affirm you have authorization from all appropriate parties before submitting. By submitting, you indemnify Reader Exchange, Pioneer Utility Resources Inc., its officers, directors, employees, utility clients and insurers from all legal liability incurred by the publication of information.
We no longer accept pen pal requests. You may submit a pen pal request as a Marketplace ad. Marketplace pricing applies. When submitting a milestone request, please send it at least two months before the milestone. Phone numbers will not be published. Email addresses will be published if part of the ad, but you must include a postal address. Requests also must include the name and address of the electric utility that provides your magazine.
NORTH AMERICA’S
#1 Selling Walk-In
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✓ Heated seat providing warmth from beginning to end
✓ Carefully engineered hydro-massage jets strategically placed to target sore muscles and joints
✓ High-quality tub complete with a comprehensive lifetime warranty on the entire tub
✓ Top-of-the-line installation and service, all included at one low, affordable price You’ll agree – there just isn’t a better, more affordable walk-in tub on the market.
Someone To Be Thankful For
By Dave LaBelle
Thanksgiving comes in different shapes and is expressed in different ways.
Herb Recker never felt he deserved to take advantage of the Honor Flights that carry veterans to Washington, D.C.
Herb died in January at the age of 71. His Iowa friend, Tom Klaren, who served with him in the Iowa National Guard, carried Herb’s encased flag in May on an Honor Flight.
When veterans gathered at the World War I Memorial in Washington, D.C., they saluted the folded flag Tom brought, which had been given to Herb’s widow, Mary, at his funeral.
“I feel so passionate at what we owe those people, so much of what they gave up,” Tom says. “What their wives gave up, what their mothers and fathers gave up. Sometimes the ultimate sacrifice.
“I am a veteran myself, but not to the point these guys are, who served overseas. I just feel I am a step down from these
writings, visit davidlabelle.com and bridgesandangels.wordpress.com.
Reader Challenge
As storytellers, we are always looking for fleeting moments that best express the pulse of a story. While I occasionally talk about photo fundamentals, my greatest interest and love is about the psychology of photography.
Perhaps you know a veteran who would agree and even enjoy the attention sitting still for a portrait would bring. Remember, when you make someone’s picture or listen to their story, you are honoring them.
Stay focused and alert. So many times, it is often those ever-fleeting gestures that reveal the most.
guys, that’s how I feel. Actually, Herb felt like I did. Since we were in the National Guard, we felt like we didn’t deserve to go like the guys who actually were in combat.”
Though Tom has made three Honor Flight trips as a guardian for four different veterans, he never made the trip as an “honored” veteran.
Herb and Tom were best friends from grade school, high school and in the National Guard. It was Tom’s honor to carry Herb’s flag to Washington, D.C.
“He was in my wedding, and I was in his wedding,” he says.
After interviewing Tom, I made several pictures with his best friend’s flag in two different places in his home before asking him to carry Herb’s flag outside on his front lawn. Nothing I shot expressed the emotion this patriotic man felt. Then, after I was finished and sitting on the lawn, Tom grew openly emotional because it had been less than a week after returning from his trip to Washington, D.C. Emotions for Tom were still raw. Looking up, I saw him
relax and drop his guard. A small window opened, and I quickly raised my camera and was able to make two frames before the fleeting moment passed.
Once again, I was reminded of the importance of anticipating the unexpected. Sometimes the best unguarded storytelling moments happen when the formal shoot is over. Deep and buried emotions often surface ever-so-briefly once the camera is off. n
Renowned author, photographer and lecturer Dave LaBelle has captured special moments for more than half a century. For more of his
An emotional Tom Klaren holds the flag of his deceased friend, Herb Recker. Tom carried the flag to Washington, D.C., in May 2024 on an Honor Flight. PHOTO BY DAVE LABELLE NIKON D810, 180mm lens ISO 100, f/5 at 1/200
MonthlyNEWS
Powering Dreams:
Brennin Nash’s Journey from Scholarship to Service
At Umatilla Electric Cooperative (UEC), we believe in powering not just homes and businesses, but the futures of our community members. Through initiatives like our Lineman Scholarship Program, we aim to support individuals who are passionate about making a difference in the electric utility industry. One such individual is Brennin Nash, a Hermiston native whose story of dedication, community, and hard work exemplifies UEC’s mission.
Growing up in Hermiston, Brennin always had a love for the outdoors. He began exploring career options during high school, with a particular interest in the trades. A family friend in the line construction field inspired him to look into becoming a lineman.
“It was something I was always interested in,” Brennin recalls, “and I liked the idea of being outside, working with my hands, and taking on a job that’s as rewarding as it is challenging.”
After receiving our Lineman Scholarship, awarded annually to one aspiring lineman, Brennin’s plans became more concrete. The scholarship, open to UEC members or students whose parents or guardians are active members, was a game-changer for him.
“It kept me motivated and held me accountable,” he shares. “I didn’t have to stress about affording school.”
With that peace of mind, Brennin was able to focus on his studies at Northwest Lineman College in Meridian, Idaho, where he honed the skills and knowledge necessary for a successful career.
“I liked the idea of being outside, working with my hands, and taking on a job that’s as rewarding as it is challenging.”
Brennin Nash Groundman, Umatilla Electric
His hard work and determination paid off on Sept. 9 when he applied for and was selected for a UEC Groundman position. This achievement followed the successful completion of his training at line school, along with various hard-working roles he held along the way. In this new role, Brennin will continue to develop his skills as he awaits the opportunity to apply for an Apprentice position when it becomes available.
Joining the cooperative that supported his educational journey was a meaningful, full-circle moment.
“Growing up in Hermiston, I’ve always seen what UEC does for the community,” he reflects. “I wanted to be a part of a company that makes such an impact.”
His journey from scholarship recipient to full time employee reflects UEC’s mission of investing in our local students, while growing our community’s future. Brennin hopes that future recipients of the UEC Lineman Scholarship Program will make the most of the opportunity and, as he says, “Make it worth it.”
With more than 200 recipes, this cookbook from our 2007 contest offers options for potlucks, family reunions or picnics. As a bonus, additional pages feature previously unpublished barbecue recipes from a 2006 contest. The 8½-by-11-inch spiral-bound, indexed book is $10 (includes postage).
TO ORDER BY MAIL:
Submit payment with cookbook title, your name, address and number of cookbooks wanted to:
Ruralite Cookbooks
P.O. Box 1306
North Plains, OR 97133
TO PAY BY PHONE: Call 503-357-2105 for credit card payments with Visa, MasterCard, Discover or American Express.
