Ruralite April 2010

Golden Valley

APRIL 2010

Dall sheep perch on a rocky ledge.

PHOTO BY GOLDEN VALLEY PHOTO CONTEST WINNER LAUREN PENNINGTON

Director Candidate Profiles Inside

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Bylaw Changes; Your Vote is Required PAGE 4

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Simple Pleasures

The Best of Interior Alaska

CEO

Russell Green, CCC CEO

AdministrAtivE Russell Green, CCCmAnAgEr Wendy Kelly

ADMINISTRATIVE MANAGER AdministrAtivE AssistAnt Wendy Kelly

Sharon Lippert

ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT

mEmbEr sErviCEs COOrdinAtOr Sharon Lippert Brenda Somes, CCC

MEMBER SERVICES COORDINATOR EditOr Brenda Somes, CCC

Curtis Condon, CCC

signs of spring

EDITOR AssistAnt EditOr Curtis Condon, CCC

Mike Teegarden, CCC ASSISTANT EDITORS

AssistAnt EditOr Mike Teegarden, CCC Pam Blair, CCC AssOCiAtE ASSOCIATE EditOr EDITORS

Jeff Durham Mike Federman AssOCiAtE EditOr Mike Federman ADVERTISING COORDINATOR Janis Corrieri COOrdinAtOr AdvErtising Janis Corrieri MAGAZINE ASSISTANT Linda Wiseman mAgAzinE AssistAnt Linda Wiseman Ruralite Board: Chairman Clay Fitch, Vice Chairman Eldrige, Secretaryruralite board:Steve Chairman Clay Fitch, Treasurer LauraSteve McClure, DonSecretaryVice Chairman Eldrige, Anderson, Tom Jones, Meera Kohler, Treasurer Laura McClure, Don Orin LaRitchie.

Anderson, Creden Huber, Tom Jones, Meera Kohler, Orin LaRitchie.

Ruralite Publications Committee: Chairwoman Elissa Glassman, Vice ruralite Publications Committee: Chairwoman Elissa Mary Zimmerman, Chairwoman Glassman, Vice Corinne Bradish, Troy Berglund, Jim Chairwoman Mary Zimmerman, Donahue, Jeff Cromie, Dave D’Avanzo, Corinne Bradish, Troy Berglund, Jim Lynn Culp,Jeff Barbara Johnson.

Donahue, Cromie, Dave D’Avanzo, Lynn Culp, Barbara Johnson.

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Canada geese. Above, the return of geese to Creamers Field is a sure sign of spring. Photo by Carol Falcetta of Fairbanks, Alaska. majestic mirror. Left, an ice-free pond offers an amazing reflection. Photo by Amber Wynen of Fairbanks, Alaska.

Inside Debt Distress 14

April 2010 Vol. 57, No. 4

Money guru Dave Ramsey offers tips for getting and staying out of debt.

Also In This Issue SNAP Decisions 6 Side Roads 10 In the Kitchen 16 At Home 18

Outdoor Fun 20 Marketplace 21 Great Picture Hunt 26 Parting Shot 30

Your local utility pages: 4-8, 25, 28-29, 32

APRIL 2010

3

Golden Valley Electric

Proposed Bylaw Changes Your Vote Is Required

The Seven Cooperative Principles 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

Voluntary and Open Membership Democratic Member Control Members’ Economic Participation Autonomy and Independence Education, Training and Information Cooperation Among Cooperatives Concern For Community

You might not recognize a co-op unless it’s pointed out. It looks and acts like any other business, but it is different. And that difference matters. The Cooperative Principles are guidelines your electric co-op takes to heart. It’s with that philosophy in mind that we approached updating our bylaws.

We first asked a Member Advisory Committee (MAC) task force to review the bylaws. They brought a fresh look – one specifically from the members’ perspective. The task force met six times over four months. Several common themes emerged from their evaluation.

Use of the Internet to conduct business is one item. Several of the proposed bylaw changes add provisions to use this now universal medium to conduct business. They don’t replace our traditional means of operating and communication, but offer an additional option.

Transparency is another reason for several proposed amendments. Our goal is to provide members easier access to co-op information. It is also an opportunity to update language. For example, one change moves from a requirement to 4

ap r i l 2 0 1 0

publish a “phone number” to the generic language of “contact information.” This allows inclusion of email or website addresses in addition to phone numbers.

A third theme that emerges strengthens co-op governance.

Several changes aim to strengthen the criteria that ensure an ethical and experienced board of directors. And there are several amendments that seek to move procedures that have been tested and proven effective into bylaws.

As always, we approach any decision from the perspective of curbing costs.

We saw opportunities to save members money while maintaining reliable service and the integrity of your co-op.

The MAC task force unanimously recommended these changes, which your board of directors also unanimously approved. Our bylaws require a vote of the members before any changes or updates can become effective.

Next month, your Ruralite magazine will contain your bylaw amendment packet, ballot and return envelope.

Ballots are due to GVEA’s Fairbanks office by 5 p.m. June 8, 2010.

If you have any question, contact us at 452-1151, info@gvea.com or join us at the Annual Members’ Meeting on April 27. See page 32 for more details.

“Your Board of Directors applauds the diligent work of the Member Advisory Committee in representing your best interests. And we unanimously recommend approval of the bylaws. Please vote.” ~ Bill Nordmark, Board Chairman

In Their Words

Win FREE electricity for a year.

Here’s what a few of the MAC members who spent six months evaluating and refining GVEA’s bylaws had to say about the process and results.

Bylaws require a minimum of 10 percent return for a valid election. We’ve always exceeded this number, but we really want outstanding member participation. To encourage members to vote, we’re offering a drawing of free electricity for a year – just for returning a valid bylaw ballot. Valid means it is signed by the member whose name appears printed on the reply envelope.

The winner will be drawn June 8, 2010 following the ballot count. The winner will be chosen by a random drawing of all valid returned ballot envelopes.

Free electricity is based on the average residential usage of 8,400 kilowatt-hours per year. Value will not exceed $1,760.00 and will be credited to the member’s account.

IrS form request for Taxpayer Identification Number and Certification (W-9) will be required as well as a valid photo I.D.

“Working on the bylaws was synergy at its best; invariably one member would discover a portion of the document that we’d need to address and, as a group, we’d make the text better.” ~ Anita Holmes

“The MAC task force was able to make recommendations from the perspective of the members to the language and content of this important document so that it may better address the organization and operation of our co-op.” ~ Hollis Hall

“I enjoyed the opportunity to look more deeply at the bylaws and be a part of making changes that not only corrected problems and inconsistencies, but also helped translate the bylaws into a tool that will make GVEA run better.” ~ Gary Pedretty

You can download Golden Valley’s bylaws at http://www.gvea.com/ about/bylaws/ or call us and we’ll mail you a copy.

452-1151 • 1-800-770-GVEA • www.gvea.com

Bylaw Ballot Return Deadline: 5 p.m. June 8 to GVEA’s Fairbanks Office APrIl 2010

5

Golden Valley Electric

Make the SNAP Decision Enter to Win a Share of Rosie Creek Farm’s Organic Produce This Summer Renewable energy is a good thing, right? So is fresh organic produce.

Golden Valley is offering you a chance to support locally generated solar and wind power and a chance to win a weekly share of the harvest from the locally owned and operated Rosie Creek Farm.

For as little as $2 per month, you can support locally generated solar and wind power. Forty of your fellow Golden Valley members are producing renewable energy in the Interior for GVEA’s SNAP program. Last year, they produced enough renewable energy to power 15 average Interior residences for a year.

These SNAP power producers are paid from funds members donate.

So here’s your chance to do something good for the planet and for your dinner table. Sign up for SNAP before May 1 and

be entered into a drawing to win a 12-week share of the produce from Rosie Creek Farm.

Seasonal vegetables include: • Salad Greens • Braising Greens • Radishes • Scallions • Lettuce • Broccoli • Beets • Snap Beans • Carrots • Peas • Potatoes • Onions • Pumpkins • Tomatoes Rosie Creek Farm has four different distribution site: two in Fairbanks, one at the farm, and one at Denai Park.

For more information on community supported agriculture and the farm’s harvest visit www.rosiecreekfarm.com.

Promotion valid for new SNAP contributors only.

LOCAL PEOPLE LOCAL POWER LOCAL DECISONS

Sign up for SNAP at www.gvea.com Photo courtesy of Mike Emers, Rosie Creek Farm

6

APRIL 2010

Members Ask...

What’s Right In the Right of Way? “We are planning to put in a 14’ by 20’ greenhouse this summer. The sunniest spot on our lot is the power line right of way. Is it OK to put our green house there?” asked a member recently.

“It’s a good thing the member asked before constructing the greenhouse, since Golden Valley had to advise against it.

“A 14’ by 20’ structure, even if it is a greenhouse, is considered an encroachment into the easement.

We try to keep our easements clear of any encroachments, not only for safety and accessibility for our crews but also for the benefit of the property owner.

Encroachments become a problem for the property owner when selling or refinancing the home.

Banks pick up the encroachment on a plot plan, and in our experience, it can become a problem for the property owner at closing.

Lending institutions generally don’t want to finance properties where there are encroachments into an easement.

Fencing is another common issue when it comes to rights of way. While they are important and often necessary for the property owner’s privacy, they can prevent our access to power lines.

In general, a minimum distance of 10 feet from all poles

or underground transformers is required. When building a fence across the right of way, a 12-foot gate is needed to provide our equipment access. And locked gates need to be double locked. For more details on fencing across a right of way, visit www.gvea. com/memserv/row/.

Spring Safety Tip Trees falling or growing into power lines are one of the leading causes of power outages on our system. They are also dangerous.

Never touch a tree that is in contact with a power line. Trees contacting power lines can become energized, catch fire and create deadly situations for anyone in contact with them.

If cutting trees on your property is on your to-do list this spring or summer, use caution. If you suspect a tree is hazardous to power lines, call GVEA and we’ll evaluate it for you.

452-1151 • 1-800-770-GVEA • www.gvea.com

APRIL 2010

7

Golden Valley Electric

Co-op Connections Card Business Focus

Brad Jones, owner

Geek City Electronics

NEW LOCATION 418 3rd Street (907) 455-7281 Monday - Friday, 9:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Co-op Connections Card Discount: 5% off any internal hardware component.

An internal component is defined as anything that is plugged inside a laptop or desktop computer with no cables or power required from external devices. Examples: hard drives, ram or video cards.

8

APRIL 2010

The Co-op Connections Card is a benefit of being a Golden Valley Electric member. Use your card at any local business displaying the Co-op Connections window sticker and save money.

Need a Co-op Connections Card? Want to sign your business up to participate?

Email info@gvea.com or call 452-1151.

For a complete list of participating businesses, visit www.gvea.com or call GVEA at (907) 452-1151 or (800)-770-GVEA (4832) ď Ž

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Side Roads

Discoveries Off the Beaten Path

Unearthing Lost Treasures Rich Mulcahy combs beaches and haunts in search of fun, adventure and priceless rewards

By Denise Porter

Where the Buffalo Roam The most conspicuous animal at Yellowstone National Park is the American bison. It is a common sight in every season. The animals have grown so accustomed to traffic they seem to know when to use the slowmoving vehicle turnouts as directed.

Photo by linda Freeman

10

aPril 2010

Rich Mulcahy’s business card proudly says, “All is not lost.”

Those who ask for Rich’s help have had valuables stolen by cunning, Herculean-sized thieves. His opponents are Pacific Ocean beaches.

Rich often is a last resort after all other methods have failed.

His weapons are his brain, a small sand spade and his metal detector.

The cost of Rich’s services is nothing. The reward for his clients is priceless.

Rich remembers the first time he helped a couple recover a cherished treasure.

A few years back, the pair were vacationing at Cannon Beach, Oregon, near Rich’s hometown of Nehalem when the woman lost an heirloom ring in the sand. After searchWhen Rich Mulcahy isn’t treasure hunting for his own pleasure, he makes his ing in vain, the couple relucservices available to people who have lost valuables at the beach. tantly checked out of their hotel to continue their vacation. They left a The ring was found. cell phone number in hopes “There was a group of people watching,” someone would find the ring. he recalls. He grins sheepishly while recalling Donna Scott, manager of the their applause.

Land’s End Hotel—where the That day, Donna called Rich “The Metal couple were staying—knew of Man.” Rich’s talents and called him to In reality, he is a modern-day adventurer, look for the ring. buccaneer, romantic and detective, scouring Setting up a spiral search the north Oregon Coast pirating rings, bracepattern in the estimated lets and valuables others have lost back from range where the couple had the sandy bulk that has swallowed them. walked, Rich heard a series Most of the people Rich helps are from of unique beeps erupting north Tillamook and south Clatsop counties, from his earpiece 15 minor vacationing in those areas. utes later, and confirmed But Rich says he will help anyone within the find on the detector’s reasonable driving distance who has lost somedigital monitor. thing “critical,” such as car keys, wedding rings

Open Road Freedom

Patrick Juell‘s idea ushers bedrolls into the 21st century.

Photo by Eric Hansen

Entrepreneur’s new product harkens back to a bygone era

By Sue Hansen

Picture an Old West cowboy riding the range, his bedroll strapped to his saddle. Fast-forward to the 21st century and a motorcycle rider heading down the highway, a bedroll attached to his bike.

Both roaming free spirits sleep beneath the stars.

Thanks to motorcycle man Patrick Juell of Corvallis, Oregon, his modern version of the bedroll—modeled after the bedding of yesterday—is more compact, providing greater comfort and more freedom on the open road.

After two years and seven prototypes, Patrick’s Oregon Bedroll was introduced in April 2009.

Its popularity is growing not only among motorcycle riders, but anyone who prefers sleeping outdoors.

“My Oregon Bedroll was targeted toward motorcyclists, but it’s catching on elsewhere—from tent campers to horse riders, even soldiers in Afghanistan,” Patrick says.

For Patrick, the bedroll idea developed on an extended solo motorcycle trip into Mexico in 2007. With lots of

and other important articles.

“Anything (lost) that causes personal trauma, I’ll be there as soon as possible,” he says.

Rich treasure hunts for his own pleasure when he isn’t busy finding lost items for others.

Since 2005, when he retired from

time to think while riding, he mentally created the kind of bedroll he would like if he needed one.

“I’m more a hotel guy after I quit camping 10 years ago,” he admits.

“However, during my bike trip, I ended up in Las Vegas on my way home and couldn’t find a hotel room within 60 miles due to the National Finals Rodeo.

Suddenly, my bedroll made sense.”

The bedrolls are manufactured by inmates at Eastern Oregon Correctional Institution in Pendleton. Patrick didn’t want to be in the manufacturing business and learned about the prison’s work skills program after buying a pair

Neah-Kah-Nie High School as an English teacher and track coach, Rich has amassed a collection of rings, bracelets, rare coins and countless other knickknacks.

He keeps the items—which he says would be an easy target for thieves— locked safely in a bank.

of Prison Blue Jeans.

“The small team making my bedrolls are great because they care about this product,” Patrick says.

“They’re also compensated, though the bulk of their pay is applied toward restitution to families and the state.”

The bedroll is made in the USA, with a Therm-A-Rest selfinflating air mattress built inside.

Patrick sells 20 to 25 bedrolls a month, with orders coming from all 50 states and Canada. He is working hard to spread the word to the world.

For Patrick, Oregon Bedrolls equal independence on life’s freeway.

“I like to live outside my comfort zone, and packing a bedroll offers true freedom on the road, Easy Rider style,” he says. “Instead of booking hotel rooms, there’s adventure in roaming, letting the road take you wherever. And if you can’t find a hotel at the end of the day, Plan B is your bedroll.” n For more information about the Oregon Bedroll, visit www.oregonbedroll.com, e-mail patrick@ oregonbedroll.com or call (541) 754-2443.

The mystery of the treasures adds to their charm, he says, noting “each piece has its own story.”

Some have inscriptions, which capture Rich’s imagination.

A coin collector from childhood, Rich Continues on page 12 april 2010

11

Side Roads

Unearthing the Lost Continues from page 11

says above all he enjoys finding old silver coins—“particularly U.S. coins minted from 1878 to 1964 and large silver coins such as Morgan silver dollars and old half dollars.”

One he is especially proud of finding is an authenticated genuine bronze Roman coin from the 194-211 A.D. reign of Septimius Severus.

“Imagine something this old Rich shares the stories behind some of his finds. getting here,” he says, gazing at the coin’s photo and authentication time to decrease the voltage to ambient certificate. levels. Underground objects’ metal densiAnd what of the rings he finds? Did ties flash on the digital screen, along with they simply slip from pockets, or were a picture of what the detector believes the some of them flung into the ocean after object to be. heated arguments between lovers?

Today, Rich works three or four days Rich can only surmise that the four a week during the summer. He says gold tooth fillings he found belonged to winter hunts bring some of the greatest one or more people who perished in the treasures, as rock walls crumble onto the ocean’s angry swells. beach and high tides strip away sands.

Rich became interested in metal Low tide hunts take four to six hours. detecting in 1995 when a friend, Mike While “it’s fun work, (it’s) a concentrated Blaser, invited him to come along on a type of work,” Rich says. “You put your metal find with Mike’s detector. time in.”

Rich was drawn to the spirit of advenLike most beginners, Rich learned ture and treasure hunting. more and more about the detector each “I grew up in a family of hunters,” Rich time he ventured out. explains—scavenger hunters, that is.

Unless he has been called to find As a boy in Olympia, Washington, something lost, or underground pipes, Rich recalls spending family time at the Rich detects almost exclusively on sand. ocean digging for clams and searchHe says the digging is easier, and the ing for rocks and other collectibles that items he finds can be more mysterious. washed up on shore.

Rich keeps a journal of all of his finds, The anticipation of the hunt, the thrill recording his feelings about “having a at a discovery and the reward of bounty moment” of discovery. at the end of the day piqued his interest He tries to locate the owner of pieces from an early age, he says. that may have been lost by contacting Rich began his metal detecting hobby area hotels. in 1996. In 2001, he upgraded to his curAlthough Rich doesn’t charge for helprent detector, which he says performs ing folks find lost treasures, “I’m overwell in and around saltwater. whelmed by how generous people are,” It uses “pulse induction” technology he says of the cash and gift certificates he to blast the ground with electromagnetic receives in the mail. n pulses, searching for conductive underRich Mulcahy can be contacted at (503) 368ground objects, which will take more 6392.

12

april 2010

Heaven For Horse Worshippers Cowboy Campsite offers members scenic vistas, uncrowded place to ride

By David Rauzi

From paved highway to gravel road, you literally experience the decades roll back as you travel above U.S. Highway 12 and atop Harris Ridge. Here, the green rolling hills studded with blue Camas blooms command an impressive view of Idaho County, where one can see snowcovered Gospel Peaks to the south and across the Camas Prairie to the north, where yellow rape fields lead you to Cottonwood Butte and beyond.

It is a rare place for a gallop, but that is the setting for the Cowboy Campsite.

Cattle ranchers Phil and Beth Wykle serve as hosts for the rustic recreation destination, which is sandwiched between the Clearwater River and Maggie Creek Canyon near Kooskia, Idaho.

It is a place to literally get away from it all—especially electricity—where horse riders can enjoy work and play with their animals, and where even non-riders can come to enjoy one of Idaho County’s most scenic vistas.

“The facility is designed for horse people—a place to bring their horses, build their own corral and staging area, a place they can come and play with their horses,” says Phil.

The idea for Cowboy Campsite started nearly four years ago in Northwest Washington by horse enthusiasts who were tired of crowded trails and campsites.

Phil and Beth Wykle are Cowboy Campsite hosts.

Formerly, they ran cattle on the property for 33 years.

“It’s really frustrating to plan a weekend trip and spend the driving time, drive up and find the campground is full,” says Beth. “This way they always know it’s here for them to use.”

The idea by the campsite developers was to provide horse riders a guaranteed camping spot and access to trails, free from crowds and competing use by motorized recreationists. With the popularity of their site in Sedro Woolley, Washington, they looked to expand.

Two years ago, their Clearwater River site was established on the Wykles’ Harris Ridge ranch.

Owners purchase a membership.

Under guidelines designed to retain the camp’s rustic nature, owners can build their own tack room, corrals and recreation structures, and have a place to pull in an RV. Horse boarding facilities also are available.

Building standards are Old West: “No old school buses or anything like that,” Phil jokes.

Campsites are limited—only 29 are available—to prevent overcrowding on the 25-acre campground. An onsite pavilion and riding track are available, and from the campsite riders have access on nearby private and state lands to hundreds of miles of trails that skirt the region and head into Montana.

“There are a variety of events they can participate in,” Phil says, noting cowboy challenge rides. “We also rent to groups, and you don’t have to have horses.”

Recently, they hosted 100 people from a church group who came just for the location.

“They went hiking, picking flowers, the kids were running around,” Phil says, noting it is a safe, secure environment for families.

Non-riders also can use the facility as a staging area, as some do for fishing trips.

“It’s a great headquarters to the Selway-Lochsa area,” Phil says.

Getting into the business of hosting Cowboy Campsite was a good transition for the Wykles, who ran cattle on the property for 33 years.

“We still run cows, and if members want to come up with us when we’re doing that, that’s fine,” Phil says.

However, the introduction of gray wolves a few years ago was a big factor in transitioning out of the cattle business.

“Expenses keep going up more than the price of cows,” Phil notes. “It squeezes you more and more—and I’m a lot older than I was.”

Still, the Wykles were hesitant about

selling because they didn’t want the land subdivided.

“Selling property is always a disappointment,” Beth says. “You always wish you hadn’t. We wanted to share what a wonderful place we have without losing control of it.”

They pursued the Cowboy Campsite offer, and were helped by Idaho County’s lack of building restrictions, red tape and hoops to jump through to turn a shovel of dirt, Phil says.

The facility offers opportunities from work on corral training a colt to acclimating a horse to the experiences of the backcountry trails.

Badger holes, narrow trails and all of Idaho’s critters are part of the campsite experience, but in a secure setting that allows the horse to become accustomed to what it will potentially face—rather than having to find out the hard way in a remote location.

If you fall off your horse and he runs back to camp, he is right where you are, Phil jokes.

“They can experience the cowboy way of life without having to buy the ranch,” Phil says, “and they don’t have to spend a lot of money.” n For information about Cowboy Campsite, call (360) 319-6236, e-mail duke@cowboycampsite. com or go online at www.cowboycampsite.com.

april 2010

13

DEBT distress

By Valerie Lemke

Fresh out of college, Dave Ramsey made it big buying and selling real estate.

Then he went broke.

“I went from rags to riches to rags before I got some common sense and found out how money really works,” said the best-selling author and nationally syndicated radio host.

For the past 17 years, Dave has offered his strategies for getting out of debt to listeners laboring under monumental expenses.

The Keys to Debt Free “Getting out of debt is not rocket science,” Dave says. “It’s common sense, self-discipline and a budget. A budget is a written game plan that tells your money where to go instead of wondering where it went. You need to commit to it and stick to it.”

It means you start paying off the debt, and it definitely means living on less than you make, he adds.

Seven precepts, which Dave calls “baby steps,” are at the core of his program.

Combined with your budget and commitment, they virtually guarantee success in becoming debt free.

The steps are designed to offer quick results and keep you motivated, while offering additional income to fight your other expenses: • Establish a $1,000 emergency fund for unexpected events. It should be in place before attacking the next six steps.

• Eliminate debts with the “debt snowball,” which pays off debts from the smallest to the largest. List debts in that 14

april 2010

Money guru Dave Ramsey demonstrates one way to start down the road to being debt free: cutting up credit cards. Dave has helped millions of people reduce their debt through his books, workshops and radio show.

order and pay the minimum on all of them monthly. Put any remaining money on the smallest debt to get it paid off as soon as possible. Then move on to the next smallest debt and repeat the process.

This method offers immediate positive feedback and encourages you to keep going.

• Accrue savings that total three to six months of expenses. This is money you plan for something within the next

five years, such as a car, college or a great trip. It is best kept in a money market account where it is safe and available when you want it—regardless of how the stock market is performing that day.

• After you have paid off your debts, invest 15 percent of your income into IRAs and pre-tax retirement plans. Do not withdraw from them unless you want to face a penalty.

• Research college funding options.

Investing For the Long Haul Idaho investment club offers a priceless learning experience

By Dianna Troyer

Investor Naida Olson uses Value Line, which offers financial and other information about publicly traded companies, to research stock prospects.

Look into grants and scholarships, affordable colleges and part-time work before considering student loans.

• Pay off your home early. You can do this when you become debt free.

• Build wealth and give back by empowering others with the practical truths of debt-free living.

“The average time for people to become debt free—except for a home mortgage and an emergency savings—is between 18 months and 2½ years,” Dave says.

He acknowledges that getting out of debt is tough.

“But these are a pretty tough bunch of fighters,” Dave says of people following his plan. “And financial peace is worth what it takes to achieve.”  Forms for budgeting what you have, what you need and what you owe can be downloaded from his Web site, www.daveramsey.com. Other tools include an online 13-week course, access to others who are conquering debt and Dave’s best-selling books, such as “The Total Money Makeover.” © 2010 Creators.com

With a little humor and a lot of financial research, members of a southeastern Idaho investment club have picked some winning stocks and a few duds, too.

Their learning experience has been priceless, regardless of whether they have made a profit.

Members admit they sometimes have chosen stocks poorly and joke they belong to a “buy high and sell low” club.

While they may not take themselves too seriously at times, club members take their investing seriously.

Naida Olson, 78, a member of the Professional Investment Club in Pocatello, joined the club with her daughters Karen Shropshire and Laurie Peters in 1997 to learn more about investing.

Learning the Ropes “It’s a great way to educate yourself,” Naida says. “Belonging to a group helps develop self-discipline, too, and makes you do research regularly.

It was originally a group of nurses.

We had 22 members when we started.

Now we have eight. Some people have moved, and when the stock market is in a downturn, people aren’t that interested in joining, but that’s usually when it’s a good time to buy stocks.”

The club organized through the National Association of Investment Clubs. Each member makes a monthly contribution. Club members meet regularly, discuss stocks and vote on what to buy, sell or hold.

Each investment club member has a certain number of units, based on the total value of the club’s portfolio and each member’s contribution. When one member moves, a new member can buy that person’s shares or start from

scratch, Naida explains.

“Each of our members contributes $50 a month, and we buy stocks through T.D. Ameritrade,” Naida says.

Members are assigned stocks to track. A stock Naida is following this year is Pepsico Inc., which has retained its value at about $60 a share, despite the downturn in the stock market.

“We earn dividend income from the stock, too,” Naida says.

Research Matters To pick stocks, club members read Better Investing Magazine, published monthly by the National Association of Investment Clubs. They also use investment tools at the organization’s Web site, www.betterinvesting.org.

“We discuss the stocks written about in the magazine,” Naida says. “If we’re interested in buying a stock, we fill out a stock selection guide (SSG) worksheet provided in the magazine. We always do an SSG of our stock of interest and don’t always pick the stocks suggested in the magazine.”

The worksheet helps investors evaluate a stock’s potential risk and reward, five-year growth potential, price-earnings history and company’s management.

In addition to the magazine, club members read “The Value Line Investment Survey”—a stock analysis newsletter available at public libraries. Another source of solid investing advice is “Investors Business Daily”—a daily newspaper—and Peter Lynch’s book, “One Up On Wall Street.”

The club avoids investing in certain sectors for personal reasons.

“We won’t invest in gaming or beer and alcohol stocks,” Naida says. “We prefer environmentally friendly companies, too.”

Naida says people considering an investment club “shouldn’t join unless you really have an interest and are willing to invest some time into researching stocks.”  april 2010

15

In the Kitchen

Recipes that Satisfy

Flavorful New Ideas for Pantry Favorites Families across the country are dusting off their stoves and rediscovering the art of home cooking. In fact, the Food Channel recently released its food trends list and home cooking ranked number one, which is not surprising in today’s tough economic climate.

As America returns to the kitchen, simple, crowd-pleasing and budgetfriendly recipes are in high demand.

One secret to success is stocking the pantry with flavorful and nourishing basics that can inspire a variety of delicious dishes. Even some of your favorite pantry items like tomato soup offer a healthy, flavorful and versatile base for a meal.

Big on taste and little on time and money, each of the following recipes

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are easy to prepare and cost between $1.06 and $3.27 per serving. Try one tonight.

For more delicious, mouth-watering recipes visit www.campbellskitchen.com.

Fiesta Chicken And Rice Bake 1 103/4 ounce can condensed tomato soup 3/4 cup water* 3/4 cup uncooked regular longgrain white rice 1 teaspoon chili powder 4 skinless, boneless chicken breasts (about 1 pound) 1/4 cup shredded Cheddar cheese

Stir the soup, water, rice and chili powder in 2-quart shallow baking dish. Place the chicken on the rice mixture. Sprinkle with additional chili powder, if desired.

Cover the baking dish.

Bake at 375 degrees for 45 minutes or until chicken is cooked through and the rice is tender. Sprinkle with cheese. *For creamier rice, increase water to 11/3 cups.

Cost per recipe: $5.65. Cost per recipe serving: $1.41 Nutritional values per serving: calories 356, total fat 6g, saturated fat 2g, cholesterol 81mg, sodium 422mg, total carbohydrate 41g, dietary fiber 1g, protein 32g, vitamin A 11% DV, vitamin C 7% DV, calcium 8% DV, iron 17% DV. Serves 4.

Sweet and Tangy Grilled Chicken Salad 1 103/4 ounce can condensed tomato soup 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce 2 tablespoons vinegar 2 tablespoons honey 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder or 2 cloves garlic, minced 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger 4 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves (about 1 pound) 8 cups mixed salad greens torn into bite-sized pieces 2 cups fresh vegetables (sliced carrots, yellow pepper strips, broccoli flowerets and sliced cucumber)

Stir the soup, soy sauce, vinegar, honey, garlic powder and ginger in a shallow, nonmetallic dish or gallon-size resealable plastic bag. Reserve 3/4 cup of soup mixture for dressing. Add the chicken to the remaining soup mixture and turn to coat.

Cover the dish or seal the bag and refrigerate for 15 minutes.

Lightly oil the grill rack and heat to medium. Grill the chicken for 15 minutes or until cooked through, turning and brushing often with marinade. Discard any remaining marinade. Slice the chicken.

Arrange the salad greens and vegetables on a platter. Top with the chicken.

Drizzle the reserved dressing over the chicken before serving.

Cost per recipe: $13.06. Cost per recipe serving: $3.27.

Nutritional values per serving: calories 238, total fat 3g, saturated fat 1g, cholesterol 73mg, sodium 498mg, total carbohydrate 22g, dietary fiber 3g, protein 29g,vitamin A 76% DV, vitamin C 68% DV, calcium 5% DV, iron 12% DV.

Cost per recipe: $8.44. Cost per serving: $1.06.

Nutritional values per serving: calories 266, total fat 13g, saturated fat 5g, cholesterol 96mg, sodium 529mg, total carbohydrate 13g, dietary fiber 1g, protein 22g, vitamin A 3% DV, vitamin C 3% DV, calcium 3% DV, iron 14% DV.

Best Ever Meatloaf

Simple Ways to Say Goodbye to Bland

Serves 4.

2 pounds ground beef 1 10 3/4-ounce can condensed tomato soup 1 envelope (about 1 ounce) dry onion soup and recipe mix 1/2 cup dry bread crumbs 1 egg, beaten 1/4 cup water

Thoroughly mix the beef, 1/2 cup tomato soup, onion soup mix, bread crumbs and egg in a large bowl. Place the mixture into a 13-by-9-by-2-inch baking pan and firmly shape into an 8-by-4-inch loaf.

Bake at 350 degrees for 1 hour 15 minutes or until the meatloaf is cooked through. Let the meatloaf stand for 10 minutes before slicing.

Heat 2 tablespoons pan drippings, remaining tomato soup and water in a 1-quart saucepan over medium heat until the mixture is hot and bubbling. Serve the sauce with the meatloaf.

Serves 8.

Shake up family mealtime and make the most out of flavorful pantry staples. From canned vegetables, seafood and soups to boxes of dry pasta or rice, there are many pennywise ways to perk up meals. Here are a few quick ideas: Pour a zesty bottled picante sauce over chicken or fish before baking. It not only keeps the meat moist, but it also makes for an easy and delicious sauce.

XX Canned beans are a healthful way to extend a hearty pasta entree. Simply substitute canned beans for all or half the amount of meat called for in a recipe.

It’s not only filling and convenient, but the beans are packed with nutrients, too.

XX Use lower sodium broths or stocks in place of water when boiling rice, couscous or other grains to add a boost of flavor.

XX

APRIL 2010

17

At Home

Books, Hobbies, Crafts and more

Books Looking for books, etc. on the sayings of “Silver Birch.” Thank you.

Robert Girrard 1216 W. Ave. La Grande, OR 97850

Want complete set of encyclopedias, preferably with bookcase, like we used to have in our homes, schools and libraries. Thank you.

Earl Richards 68978 Graham Ct. Sisters, OR 97759

Would like 1968, 1969 and 1970 Sandpoint High School yearbooks (Monticola). Will pay reasonable price. Thank you.

Linda Lacy 17515 Hwy. 2 Sandpoint, ID 83864 diamondgirllacy@aol.com

Searching for 1982-1983 Oregon State University yearbook. Thank you.

Searching for a pattern for a womans small kuspuk. Thank you.

Kelly Bowen 162502 W. Richards Rd. Prosser, WA 99350

Joan Thisby 58034 Seven Devils Rd. Bandon, OR 97411

Need a manual and recipes for Galloping Gourmet Perfection Air Cooker, model AX 707, convection oven. Thank you.

I would like to learn to tat, have shuttle and some patterns. Thank you.

Art Jette P.O. Box 453 Condon, OR 97823

Looking for a 1946-1947 University of Oregon mother’s cookbook. Thank you.

Francis Sessions 3870 S. Immonen Rd. Lincoln City, OR 97367

Odds Looking for 8-inch squares of flannel, any color, blues and greens are a favorite.

Thank you.

got recipes? want coupons?

Minnette Wilcox 62240 Dodds Rd. Bend, OR 97701

I am 11 years old and really like to collect stamps. Could anyone help me find stamps from around the U.S. and the world?

Thank you.

Jesse Wilson 750 Sunset Acres Rd. Othello, WA 99344

Want any used Christmas cards for crafts. Will pay postage.

Thank you.

www.justapinch.com 18

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Virginia Binschus P.O. Box 384 Mount Vernon, OR 97865

Julie Hammond 3247 S.W. Valleyview Dr. Redmond, OR 97756 winkerz2@gmail.com

Would like crochet instructions published by Annie’s Attic in ’60s-’70s for baby shoes that looked like sneakers, cowboy boots, etc. Thank you.

Therese Auirich 31225 McCravens Lane Lebanon, OR 97355

Want children’s suspenders, boy or girl, size 6-8. Thank you.

Nana Kana 3310 Cactus Pahrump, NV 89048

I am searching for Password game. Will pay reasonable price. Thank you.

Carol Slewing 830 Crestwood Pl. Brookings, OR 97415

Looking for piano duet sheet music for “Qui Vive 1.” Thank you.

Sally Hill 3649 S. 4th Ave. #18A Yuma, AZ 85365 8333beach@gmail.com

Recipes Would like recipes to add to a fund-raiser cookbook for Relay for Life. Please include any notes, your name, town and state. Thank you.

Cindy Gibbons 409 Wolf Fork Rd. Dayton, WA 99328 wolf.fork@gmail.com

Submitting A Request For At Home To have a request printed in the At Home section, send it to: At Home, P.O. Box 558, Forest Grove, OR 97116, or e-mail it (no attachments) to: athome@ruralite.org. Please be sure to fill in the subject line. n Acceptance, scheduling and editing

are at the editor’s discretion. Single requests only, please.

n Telephone numbers will not be

published. E-mail addresses will be published if part of the ad. However, the request also must include a postal address to which people may respond.

n All requests must include your name,

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

n We request you not send in duplicates.

All are handled on a first-come, firstserved basis.

Want a recipe like cowboy bread served at the Durkee Steak Feed. Thank you.

Karel Dyer 3625 Eighth Dr. Baker City, OR 97814

Looking for huckleberry recipes; pies, etc. Thank you.

Martha Judson 37398 Hwy. 95 DeSmet, ID 83824

I’m having trouble with my lefse, can’t find a potato that sticks together to make lefse easy to roll out. I’ve tried Idaho, California and Montana potatoes.

Any ideas? Thank you.

Dorothy Jones 8553 Clear Creek Rd. Quincy, CA 90971

Searching for an oldfashioned peach cobbler recipe. Thank you.

Kathy Harkness P.O. Box 57274 North Pole, AK 99705

Poultry Recipes Cookbook Ruralite reader submissions from this cook booklet features such recipes as Pollo Dorado, Southern Scalloped Chicken, Hawaiian Meatballs, Texas-Style Turkey Salad and Sweet and Sour Chicken.

The cookbook is spiral-bound with covers, indexed and costs $6 (U.S.). Price includes postage.

To order a copy: Include your name and address along with a check or money order in the appropriate amount to: Poultry Cookbook, P.O. Box 558, Forest Grove, OR 97116.

For VISA/MasterCard/Discover orders, call (503) 357-2105. You also can order online at www.ruralite.org.

Allow 10 working days for delivery.

Outdoor Fun

Enjoying the Natural World Around Us

Learn and Do In the Outdoors

Transitions between seasons offer interesting contrasts. Winter grudgingly begins to release its grip on the upper lakes of the Northwest, such as this frigid scene photographed last spring at Odell Lake in the central Oregon Cascades.

Photo by Jim Drew of Oakridge, Oregon

Scott Linden’s Web site offers video clips from his new TV series “Wingshooting USA,” dog training tips and a comprehensive gear checklist for upland game bird hunters.

Visit www.scottlindenoutdoors.com.

20

April 2010

Fish Like Creature Comforts “No duh” of the day: Locating good fishing spots can be frustrating.

Find structure and you enhance your chances of landing the big ones … or a least a few small ones.

Structure is a catch-all term for virtually anything that changes a lake bottom from flat, lifeless watery desert to home sweet home for finny folk: boat docks, rock piles, fallen trees, stumps, weed lines, rip-rap, drop-offs.

The line between warm and cold water can attract fish.

Other fishy spots are inlets and outlets, windward and shaded banks, especially in bright weather. An algae slick, floating debris, even a few boats rafted together can harbor fish.

Structure holds fish because it can shelter them from sun, current or bigger fish. It also is habitat for insects or smaller fish, both of which are on the menu of bigger fish.

How They ‘Duck’ Cold Feet You may have seen them: Ducks and geese standing for hours on solid ice, yet they never suffer from frostbite. Wonder how?

A specialized network of arteries and veins in their legs and the rest of their body manages blood flow differently than ours. When the temperature plummets, those blood vessels constrict and limit circulation to the critters’ limbs.

Enough blood gets through the shrunken arteries to keep feet and legs from freezing, but not so much that it transfers the chill to the rest of their body via the circulatory system.

Where do I sign up?

Spotlight: Mountain Quail Lewis and Clark were astounded by what they saw on their trek across the Pacific Northwest.

The first animal they collected was one most of us never see: mountain quail. It is a separate species from the more common valley quail or the more southerly dwelling bobwhite quail.

The mountain quail is bigger than those, and both male and females wear plumes that arch backward, rather than over their eyes like the valley, or a small tuft on the bob.

Usually found at higher elevations than other quail species, they eat berries, bulbs and seeds. The young will feast on protein-rich insects in the spring and summer. Contrary to most similar birds, mountain quail will migrate up to 20 miles from their high altitude breeding habitat to less-severe winter range.

I don’t know anyone else who has had this experience, but I have found mountain quail coveyed up with valley quail on several occasions, then scattering like ashes in the wind as Buddy points them.

Campcraft, Outdoor Lore and More • Before leaving home, photocopy your child’s shoe print to help identify their tracks on a trail, should searchers be called out. Write down a description of clothes worn by your child. And never smoke around your child. It is a misleading scent for search dogs.

• If you want to take good photographs of wildlife, get to eye level with your subject. For a rabbit, lie down. For a coyote, kneel. For a deer, stand up. And for that fish your friend caught, have him hold it out at arm’s length to make it appear bigger. n

Marketplace Books, Magazines, Videos Ride a Shadowed Trail, western/ historical fiction, $19.95, $3s/h.

Order from: author Eunice Boeve, 269 West F St., Phillipsburg, KS 67661. www.euniceboeve.net.

1210 Book restoration. Bibles, cookbooks, cherished family heirlooms. Beautiful work. We give renewed life, more durable than original, to last for generations. salacanstudio@yahoo.com; (775) 537-2399. 0410

Building Materials Contractors, owners. Instant renew roof coating (sm) saves replacement metal, rubber, flat roofs. Winter, summer. Hotels,

How To Place a Line Ad in Marketplace n Ads are subject to editor’s approval

and to editing.

n Closing deadlines (in our office):

June issue—Apri 30, 2010.

n Ad cannot be longer than 25

words, and must include how you wish to be contacted.

n All e-mail addresses will be counted

as three words. All Web addresses will be counted as three words if using www, otherwise counted as two words.

n Subscribers and nonmembers are

not eligible to place ads.

n Ads must be direct and first person. n Submissions are accepted by mail,

e-mail or fax only; no phone orders.

Ads must be sent with payment of $35 per ad, per month, at time of submission (check, money order or credit card only). Include name, address, telephone and name of your electric utility. Your check, money order stub or credit card statement is your receipt.

n Mail ad submission along with check

or money order to: Marketplace, P.O. Box 558, Forest Grove, OR 97116. For credit card orders, fax (503-3578615) or e-mail (info@ruralite.org) your ad, and call (503) 357-2105 with your credit card information.

schools, factories, offices, farms, trailers. Manufacturer direct. Details (573) 489-9346. 0810

Business Opportunities Empty nesters. Need additional income? Do you have 10 hours per week to be productive? Work from home. $1500+/mo.

Performance based position. (541) 817-6165. 0410 Are you an entrepreneur? Great franchise opportunities abound in the Northwest. I can find the right one for you. Kim, (541) 729-8007; kgoodwin@4axxiom.com. 0810 Make money, have fun doing it with ice cream carts & motorized trikes. No overhead, fast return on investment. (541) 567-6890. blcdctch@eotnet.net, www. foodconcessionwagons.com. 0710 Huge income potential if you like helping people, have integrity & drive. Work from home full support, free Web site, no experience necessary. For interview, (208) 659-6077. 0410

Help Wanted Full time hunt club manager. Good salary and benefits in rural Nevada.

Prefer a couple. Contact Jack Logan at (775) 624-6450. 0410

Livestock, Supplies We have alpacas at today’s market price. Have you ever thought about owning these beautiful animals? Info: www. squaretopranch.com. (520) 4554600. 0510

Miscellaneous Cemetery markers, sales & placement. Affordable granite & bronze memorials. Shipping available. Please call Joe Plass for service, (541) 382-8806. 0710 Stop wildfire, defend your defensible space with StopLoss Wildfire Protection Systems and Barricade Gel, USFS approved, environmentally safe, easy to apply, free information. (503) 5025366. 0810 LCR EcoMiracle ag-wash. Greenest product available in the industry. $8 per acre. Fertilizer alternative, plus more, better than organic.

9509) 758-5445, www. larsoncenturyranch.com. 0410 Trees, 10’ first year. Windbreaks, shade, privacy. 50yr maintenancefree life. Roots don’t spread. Free

shipping. Aussie hybrid willows.

Wholesale to you. www. aussiewillow.com, (541) 782-2872; (360) 766-5313. 0710

Personals, Health Summit Springs Village, exceptional senior living in rural setting. Retirement, assisted living & new intimate memory care residence. (541) 384-2101; bdyeradmin@tds.net; P.O. Box 687, Condon, OR 97823. 0610

Pets, Supplies AKC registered Airedales. Fort Sage Kennels, Patricia Sharp, P.O. Box 246, Doyle, CA 96109; (530) 8272271. 0311 Chesapeake choco lab mix puppies. Due March 1, 2010. Order now. $200. Top lines, bitch & stud.

(541) 935-5810. 0410

Real Estate Finance your home with Washington Trust Bank. Take advantage of fast approvals & great rates. Jeff Bergland, (800) 283-0742; e-mail jbergland@ watrust.com. 1210 Tillamook, Oregon, lower Trask River, 1.2ac, 2bdr, 2ba updated.

River frontage, dock, covered RV parking, outbldgs. Terms. judy@ haltinerrealty.com, (503) 842-4428.

0610 $245,000. 3bdr, 1-1/2ba home on 16.77ac with view of the Clearwater River. House is located 6mi from Orofino, Idaho. (208) 476-5922. 0410 House in Plush, Oregon, 1700sqft,, 3/1, 24x48 enclosed shop, fruit trees, garden, new roof. Oregon Sunstone business also available.

(541) 947-3194, $155,000. 0410 Wheeler, Oregon, 3 bay view lots, Hwy. 101 & Spruce. Contiguous 250’ frontage w/corner. Assistedliving facility, 15 condos? Owner financing. $600,000, offers, trades?

(760) 409-3117. 0510 Tranquil 1.47ac+/-. Sunriver area.

2bd, 1ba home, detached 2-car garage/shop. PUD water/sewer. $224,900. Photos, details, Slohand58@aol.com. Bob (541) 593-2203. 0610 Paisley, Oregon, by owner. 1/3ac lot, singlewide mobile with additions. 2bdr, 2ba, city water, sewer, mature trees. $34,500. (541) 943-3184. negus_a@yahoo.com.

0410

Pilot Valley, Nevada, outside Wendover/Wells, Nevada. Home for sale. 4bdr, 2ba, frplc, 3-car attached garage, 2 sheds, horse corral, on 10 fenced acres. $232,000. (775) 489-8134. 0410 Private tax free Alaskan hideaway, 4.88ac, 3bdr, 1-1/2ba, 1995sqft; 2 creeks, mountains. Owner finance. http://nelchinapropertysale.com; reatha_esther@hotmail.com.

0410 Tidewater, Oregon, Westwood Village, Bain Dr. 2bdr, 2ba home with dock on Alsea River $249,000.

8mi up river from Waldport, Oregon. (775) 635-2556, (775) 7415186. 0710

Recreational Rentals Oceanside, Oregon. New custom home with fabulous views. EZ 300’ walk to beach. Sleeps 2-8. Fully furnished with slab granite, cherry floors. Non-smoking. (503) 3244049 0510 Three John Day Valley vacation rental homes. Renovated & fully furnished, slps 2-11. Pictures & info. Jim & Sandy, (541) 932-2725.

0910 Whale Watcher Inn. Fully furnished 4-plex on the beach at Rockaway Beach, Oregon. Comfortably accommodates small or large groups to 24. (360) 366-5086; www.whalewatcherinn.com. 0810 Rockaway & Manzanita vacation homes; 11 homes to choose from, most pet friendly. Slp 2-20. Rates from $79/night. (866) 355-0733; www.northcoastbeachrentals.com.

0410 Rockaway Beach & Neskowin.

Beautiful fully equipped vacation homes. Pet friendly. Couples discount. Info & pictures, www. ofvr.com; mark@ofvr.com; (503) 297-3838. 0410 High mountain lookout near Potlatch, Idaho. 360-degree view.

Full bath and kitchen. Easy access.

Second view cabin also available.

Shirley (208) 245-3552. 0510 Oregon coast oceanfront, bay rentals. Netarts & Garibaldi; kitchens, frplcs, Jacuzzi’s, fish, crab, clam cleaning station, crab cooker, cottages allow pets. (888) 4251050, (503) 842-1300; www. oregoncoastvacrentals.com. 0211

APRIL 2010

21

Marketplace Recreational Rentals (continued) Kauai vacation rental, 2bdr, full kitchen. Minutes from beaches. $600/wk. (808) 245-6500; makanacrest.com; kauaiweddings. com. 0211 Bend country cabin. Very clean & fully furnished cabin on private ranch. Close to recreation areas.

Very nice. $60/night. (541) 3823050; bendcountrycabins@gmail. com. 0410 Mexico home in Los Ayala 45mi north of Puerta Vallarta, 3bd, 2ba.

Quiet, clean. Avail. Dec.- May. $500/wk. Gene, (775) 664-2978; genemac@wrecwireless.coop.

0510 Siletz River cabin. Fully furnished, slps 4 comfy. Kitchen, cable.

Private river access. Fishing, wildlife. Inland Newport, Oregon.

No pets. $50/night, 7th free. (541) 444-1394. 0410 Oceanside, Oregon, custom homes, main house, guest quarters, honeymoon retreat, large decks, big ocean views, very clean.

No smoking/pets. dreamvacationspots.com; (503) 982-4250, (503) 649-9463. 0410 Rockaway Beach, Hilltop House.

Spectacular ocean view, fully furnished, quiet, slps 16, cable, VCR, DVD, w/d. Two night min.

Nonsmoking, no pets. (559) 2266414; rockawayhouse@sbcglobal. net. 0610 Oceanside, Oregon, SeaSweet vacation rentals. Breathtaking ocean views, private Jacuzzis, fully furnished, slps 2-16, nonsmoking, no pets, great rates, discounts. www.oregoncoast.com/skymac; (503) 815-3937, (503) 812-2313.

0510 Oceanside, Oregon, Vista House vacation rentals. Three units, slps 2-16. Cozy elegance. Very clean, unsurpassed ocean view. (503) 842-8859; vistahouseoceanside. com, no smoking, no pets. Owner operated. 0510 Los Cabos Golf Course. Memorial week. Beautiful 1bdr, plus lockoff.

(6). 3ba, 2 kitchens, all amenities.

Championship golf, discount. (541) 868-7342; dbar30thst@hotmail. com. 0410 Sunriver 4+bdr, 3.5ba, slps 11, hot tub, AC, 2 TV/VCR, tennis, swim pass, bikes. No smoking, pets.

Season specials. (800) 362-4381.

DCCA #887. 0410

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Kona, Hawaii, Paradise Villa condo located on the 18th fairway of Kona Country Club with sweeping ocean views; 3bdr, 2ba. www. konacondo.info or (503) 318-5347.

1010 Log cabin in mountains, Sumpter, E. Oregon. Reasonable rates, hunt, fish, snowmobiling. Fully furnished, slps 8, additional facilities available. (866) 894-2482, (541) 524-9506; historicsumpter. com lodging. 0610

Resorts, Camps, Tours Eagle Lake, Susanville, California, seasonal RV spaces, full hookups.

Geat trout fishing, boat launch, store, laundromat 5 minutes away, public airstrip. (619) 445-3210; jlashmetecfd@jyahoo.com. 0410

Want to Buy Gold silver coins currency buy sell.

Collections wanted. Fair prices paid. 22 yrs in retail store. Baker City, Oregon. (800) 556-2133; bgands@eoni.com. Will travel.

0810 Collecting old American Indian baskets, blankets, beadwork, silver, and old cowboy items. Great old signed paintings by known artists of American West. (760) 409-3117; amer.ind.baskets@gmail.com.

0510

How To Use Rural Mailbox n No telephone numbers or e-mail addresses will be printed

for Rural Mailbox. n This service is exclusively for member-readers 18 and older, and the ad MUST be from the person it is representing. n To respond to an ad: Address a “mailing” envelope to Rural Mailbox, including a return address on the outside. Include $1 per response letter in this envelope to assure delivery (please, no coins). Please do not staple or use tape. n Place each response letter in its own “secrecy” envelope.

Label each secrecy envelope with the appropriate Rural Mailbox response number found at the beginning of the ad. Response letters should include your name and contact information. Do not place money in this envelope. n Place the secrecy envelope(s) in the mailing envelope. n Failure to follow these instructions may require us to open the secrecy envelope or may result in no delivery. n Make check payable to Rural ­Mailbox, and mail to Rural Mailbox, P.O. Box 558, Forest Grove, OR 97116.

ABBREVIATIONS are permitted only for the following words: A = Asian B = Black C = Caucasian H = Hispanic NA = Native American D = Divorced S = Single W = Widowed F = Female M = Male ISO = in search of LTR = long-term relationship No D/D/S = no drinking, drugs or smoking.

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APRIL 2010

Alaska News

Alaska Lawmakers Focusing on Energy “This is the definitely the year of energy,” Alaska Power Association (APA) Executive Director Marilyn Leland said last month during a legislative briefing for the electric utility trade association’s membership in Juneau, Alaska.

Renewable energy generation, state energy policy, transmission interties, in-state gas, a Railbelt generation and transmission organization and affordable electric power were the top issues discussed at the APA Legislative Conference March 9-10. APA is the statewide trade association for the electric utilities that supply power to more than a 500,000 Alaskans in communities from Barrow to Unalaska and down the Inside Passage. Nearly 100 electric utility directors, general managers and government relations staff from across the state convened in Alaska’s capital city to advocate on behalf of electric utility customers.

The trade association’s legislative conference

featured five interactive panel discussions with state policymakers and administration officials, federal energy issue updates from the offices of U.S. Sens. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) and Mark Begich (D-Alaska), and U.S. Rep. Don Young (R-Alaska), and a visit from Gov. Sean Parnell (R-Alaska).

Regulatory Commission of Alaska Chairman Robert Pickett delivered the luncheon keynote address.

Representatives from APA member utilities took advantage of opportunities to have face-to-face conversations with senators and representatives and their respective staff during office visits in the Capitol, panel discussions during the conference and an evening reception.

APA’s legislative priorities and resolutions are posted on the organization’s Web site at www. alaskapower.org. Photographs from the conference on posted on APA’s Facebook page. n

State Sens. Bill Wielechowski (D-Anchorage), Lesil McGuire (R-Anchorage) and Gary Stevens (Senate president, R-Kodiak) participated in the Senate Leadership panel moderated by Joe Gallagher, public relations coordinator for Homer Electric Association.

Nearly 100 electric utility directors, general managers and government relations staff from across the state convened in Juneau to advocate on behalf of electric utility customers.

Gov. Sean Parnell talks with Kimberley Strong, Inside Passage Electric Cooperative (IPEC) board member, as IPEC Chief Executive Officer Jodi Mitchell (center) watches the conversation.

An energy expert panel featured the following administration officials, from left: Gene Therriault, senior policy adviser on instate energy; Steve Haagenson, executive director, Alaska Energy Authority; and Joe Balash, intergovernmental coordinator, Alaska Department of Natural Resources.

Photos by Mary Schonberger, Alaska Power Association

ap r i l 2 0 1 0

25

The Great Picture Hunt

Photo Tips from David LaBelle David shot this photo with a disposable camera that cost less than $5.

OK, so the lens isn’t so sharp, but it created a slightly blurry, action feel.

Good Pictures, Even From Disposables People often approach me and ask what kind of camera I use. Depending on my mood, I may look at the camera with puzzlement and say, “Gee, I don’t know?”

The truth is, the brand of camera used is not nearly as important as the person using it. I have seen wonderful pictures shot with simple pointand-shoot cameras. I also have seen far too many terrible pictures made with cameras that cost more than cars.

You see, a camera doesn’t have instincts or emotions— you do! As beautiful and complex as some cameras are, they are just tools like hammers, saws or computers.

In this age of digital

everything, the simple pointand-shoot film camera is still a wonderful, inexpensive way to make lasting pictures with decent quality.

So, if technology intimidates you and you don’t want to mortgage your home to be able to shoot pictures, you might consider an inexpensive point-and-shoot film camera.

And whether you choose a simple point-and-shoot disposable film camera or your cell phone camera, the potential to make a great picture is ever present.

Here are a few things to remember about using disposable cameras: • It is probably best to

David LaBelle is an internationally known photographer, teacher, author and lecturer. He has worked for newspapers and magazines across the United States and taught at two universities. He grew up on a frog farm in rural California, roaming the creeks and hills with his coon dogs. Many of the lessons he learned during those magical boyhood years have been applied to photography and teaching the essence of this artform. For more information, visit www.greatpicturehunt.com.

26

APRIL 2010

get one with a built-in-flash.

Flash is good when there is not enough light and for filling in shadows on harsh, sunny days. If you are resourceful, you can even learn to get the double-A battery that provides power for the flash out of the camera when you are finished.

• If you are going to shoot outdoors, look for a camera with an ISO of 100 or 200.

Higher ISOs create contrasty images on sunny days that often lack middle tones • When shooting mostly indoors, consider a camera with an ISO of 400 or even 800. You still can use a flash to reinforce the available or existing light.

• Don’t be afraid to use flash outdoors on sunny days to fill in those deep shadows on faces.

• Get close, but not too close. With most disposable cameras, your subject must be at least 3 to 4 feet away from the lens to be sharp.

• Consider underwater

disposable cameras. These puppies usually run around $10 and are great for pools, lakes, bathtubs or rainy days.

• Most disposable cameras are film cameras that will require processing. Ask that the images be made into large jpeg files and put on a CD. With the CD, you can look at the images on your computer and choose the ones you wish to print. If you do not own a computer, you can take the CD to most any photo kiosk and look at the images before you print. Or, you can have prints made when you have a CD made.

• Remember, cool film is happy film. Avoid leaving these plastic cameras on your dashboard on scorching days.

• Finally, have fun! Don’t let your fear of technology or not looking cool because you are not seen with an expensive digital SLR around your neck keep you from shooting pictures. It isn’t the paintbrush that creates the masterpiece, but the master. 

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Power Lines

Energy News For Consumers

Global Connection It’s a small world when local utilities assist their counterparts in distant lands

By Mike Federman

When the opportunity came to travel to the other side of the globe and help people improve their lives, Bobby Ball said absolutely.

The Valley Electric Association lineman left his job based in Pahrump, Nevada, for three weeks in 2008 to ply his skills in Yei, Sudan, as a participant in NRECA International, a global outreach program sponsored by the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association.

Bobby says photos brought back by a co-worker who participated in the program were enough to peak his desire.

“I thought, ‘Man, if I ever got a chance to do that, I would,’ ” Bobby says. “It was an opportunity to help out people who had never experienced electricity before.”

After arriving in Sudan, he went to work modernizing the electrical system in Yei, which has become a haven for refugees of many tribes in the violence-torn nation.

“One of the big things for them was lighting security for the township,” Bobby says.

Most people in Yei live in unlighted tukles—a mud hut with a grass roof. In town, “a few businesses might have a light bulb,” Bobby says.

Raising power poles with security lights without a bucket truck was a challenge. Mechanized equipment so vital for line

Team Assesses Damage in Haiti NRECA International sent a four-person rapid-response team to Haiti in January to assess damage to the electric power sector following the January 12 earthquake that claimed nearly 200,000 lives on the island nation.

The NRECA International Foundation has been present in Haiti since 1998. It contributed $50,000 to the initial Haiti earthquake relief effort, according to NRECA. In its first weeks there, the team completed an initial field assessment of Electricite du Haiti, the national electric company. After assessing power needs at principal relief centers, the team coordinated the installation of an emergency generator donated by the Dominican Republic at the main hospital in Port-au-Prince.

28

A P R I L 2 0 10

work in the United States is nonexistent in Yei, so most of the work was done by hand.

“Just to load equipment in a truck takes a lot of people,” Bobby says, noting his penchant for hard work. “I really enjoy the physical part of it. We had no other choice than to do it by hand.”

It wasn’t all work, though. Bobby was able to make a side trip to Uganda to visit Murchison Falls, a famous waterfall on the Nile River.

“It was just a chance to see something extraordinary so far away,” he says.

Rebuilding American Samoa For Siaosi Panapa, a lineman with Lane Electric Cooperative, based in Eugene, Oregon, “far away” is actually home.

Siaosi was born in American Samoa. He did his apprenticeship and earned journeyman status there before coming to the mainland about three years ago. His family has lived on the island for centuries.

An 8.1-magnitude earthquake followed by a tsunami on September 29, 2009, devastated the Pacific islands of American Samoa, Samoa and Tonga, killing more than 200 and wiping out homes, businesses and infrastructure.

Siaosi’s wife, Madi, lost her grandmother as attempts to save her were thwarted by a wave of water that reached Siaosi Panapa more than 40 feet high in some areas.

Siaosi did not hear whether his mother and other family members were OK for three days after the disaster. Even after hearing from them, he was determined to return to his home country to help out any way he could.

Lane Electric told him if he took along his tool belt it would be considered a work trip, allowing the cooperative to help fund his expenses. Siaosi was joined by three other Eugene-area electric utility workers who went to American Samoa to help restore electricity.

Lighting the World Besides assisting the effort in American Samoa on its own, Lane Electric has had linemen participate in NRECA International as recently as 2007.

Left, it takes a lot of manpower to raise a power pole by hand in Yei, Sudan.

Below, while fixing a power pole cross arm in American Samoa, a work crew takes a break to pose for a photo.

Bottom, Valley Electric Association lineman Bobby Ball, right, made new friends while volunteering in Yei. Photos courtesy of Bobby Ball and Siaosi Panapa

Since the international program was established in 1962, more than 100 million lives in more than 40 developing nations have been empowered with access to safe and reliable electricity, according to NRECA. Representatives from American electric utilities teach people how to build and maintain simple power grids and run their own utilities. They also introduce people to the cooperative business model, showcasing what electric power can do for schools, health clinics, farms and local economies.

Funding comes in part from the NRECA International Foundation—a registered charitable organization and part of NRECA International Programs—and the U.S. Agency for International Development.

NRECA International is so popular even a small cooperative such as Kotzebue Electric Association (KEA), based in Kotzebue, Alaska, finds a way to contribute.

Besides monetary donations to the foundation, KEA donates used but still serviceable equipment.

In the past, used KEA utility trucks were barged to Seattle and sold at auction to raise funds for the NRECA International Foundation, says KEA General Manager Brad Reeve. This past year, KEA donated transformers it replaced during an upgrade to its distribution system.

“We believe in recycling what we can, and not just throw it in the trash for the grandkids to find later,” Reeve says, noting the KEA transformers will be used in the Philippines.

“We thought we would try the international group. There always seems to be someone who appreciates our help.”  Learn more about NRECA International at www.nrecafoundation.coop.

APRIL 2010

29

Parting Shot

Readers Share Their Special Photos

Cat Scan Taffy the kitten appears to be examining the teeth of her buddy, Buck.

“When I brought the kitten home with me from Oregon, the two fell in love,” says Barbara Woosley of Pahrump, Nevada. “Buck lets Taffy crawl all over him.” n We are always looking for photos to feature in Parting Shot and Simple Pleasures. We pay $25 for one-time use. Photos are returned following publication. Send your best photos to: Parting Shot, P.O. Box 558, Forest Grove, OR 97116.

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Moving Forward “Forward” is the theme for this year’s Annual Members’ Meeting. It’s an appropriate message because we are immersed in plans to move forward to kick our oil habit and provide you with some rate relief.

At the Annual Meeting, you’ll be able to talk to the employees involved in moving the Healy Clean Coal Plant purchase forward. We’ll also be prepared to answer your questions about the liquefied natural gas opportunity as well.

These are serious subjects that promise long-term relief for rates. But the annual meeting presents a good time and some great opportunities for members. Here are some of the highlights for your annual meeting: • Registration bonus choice of $15 credit to your bill, Smart Strip power strip or donation to GVEA’s SNAP renewable energy program • Bucket truck rides, weather permitting • Chance to win a used GVEA truck • Live 10,000-volt electrical safety demonstration • Meet board of director candidates for Districts 5 and 6 • Refeshments • Cash door prizes For new contributors to our SNAP renewable energy program, we’re offering the chance to win a weekly share of the harvest from Rosie Creek Farm. See page 6 of this issue for more details and stop by the SNAP booth at the annual

meeting.

If free produce doesn’t interest you, maybe free electricity for a year will.

To encourage members to vote on the upcoming bylaw ballot, we’re offering a chance to win free electricity for a year for returning a valid ballot. See page 4 for more details. We’ll also have more information at the annual meeting Members have asked if we could start the meeting earlier, allowing everyone to get home at a decent time on a week night. It’s a good suggestion and we’ve been able to accommodate. Both registration and the business portion of the meeting will start a half hour earlier than in the past.

Registration: 5:30 to 7 p.m.

Business Meeting: 7 p.m.

This is your electric co-op and your annual meeting. I hope you’ll find the time to attend and learn more about how we’re moving Forward with your best interests at heart.

Brian Newton President & CEO

Annual Members’ Meeting April 27, 2010 Carlson Center, Fairbanks Golden Valley Electric Association