Colorado Country Life MVEA October 2012

[October 2012]

Keepin’ It Country

[contents]

October 2012 [departments]

[features]

4 Viewpoint

14 Co-ops Span World

5 Letters 6 Calendar 7 Co-op News 12 NewsClips 29 Funny Stories 30 Discoveries

16 Keepin’ It Country

Magazine celebrates 60 years of sharing the co-op message

Members support community in global co-op celebration The magazine celebrates its 60th anniversary this October

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30

[columns]

16

20 Recipes

29

Funny Stories

Cheddar adds taste zest to warm fall meals

22 Gardening

Add succulents to your garden

24 Outdoors

Pimordial stirrings come with fragrance of fall

25 Energy Tips

Learn to use ceiling fans with heating and cooling

20

22

24

[cover]

Publisher/Editor Mona Neeley (right) and Associate Editor Donna Wallin smile while keepin’ it country at Pedicore Stables in Littleton.

Photo by Brent Ward at brentwardphoto.com.

COMMUNICATIONS STAFF: Mona Neeley, CCC, Publisher/Editor@303-455-4111; mneeley@coloradocountrylife.org Donna Wallin, Associate Editor; dwallin@coloradocountrylife.org • Amy Higgins, Write/Editorial Assistant; ahiggins@coloradocountrylife.org ADVERTISING: Kris Wendtland@303-902-7276; NCM@800-626-1181

The official publication of the Colorado Rural Electric Association || Volume 43, Number 08

OFFICERS: Bob Bledsoe [ Tri-State] President; Bill Midcap [Fort Morgan] Vice President; Don Kaufman [Sangre de Cristo] Secretary; Jack Schneider [Poudre Valley] Treasurer; Kent Singer [CREA] Executive Director BOARD OF DIRECTORS: Bill Patterson [Delta-Montrose]; John Porter [Empire]; Don McClaskey [Grand Valley]; John Vader [Gunnison]; Jim Lueck [Highline]; Megan Gilman [Holy Cross]; Dan Mills [K.C.]; Tom Compton [La Plata]; Stan Cazier [Mountain Parks]; B.D. Paddock [Mountain View]; Joseph Costa, Reg Rudolph [San Isabel]; Mike Rierson, [San Luis Valley]; Marcus Wilson, Kevin Ritter [San Miguel]; Randy Phillips [Southeast]; Jim Jaeger, Ron Asche [United Power]; Bill Jordan [ White River]; Stuart Travis [ Y-W ]; Scott McGill [Yampa Valley]; Basin Electric, CoBank, Moon Lake Electric, Wheatland Electric [Associate

Members] EDITORIAL: Denver Corporate Office, 5400 N. Washington Street, Denver, CO 80216; Phone: 303-455-4111 • Email: MNeeley@coloradocountrylife.org • Website: coloradocountrylife.coop • Facebook: Colorado Country Life • Twitter: @COCountryLife Colorado Country Life (USPS 469-400/ISSN 1090-2503) is published monthly for $9/$15 per year by Colorado Rural Electric Association, 5400 N. Washington Street, Denver, CO 80216. Periodical postage paid at Denver, Colorado.

POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Colorado Country Life, 5400 N. Washington Street, Denver, CO 80216 Publication of an advertisement in Colorado Country Life does not imply endorsement by any Colorado rural electric cooperative or the Colorado Rural Electric Association. Editorial opinions published in Colorado Country Life magazine shall pertain to issues affecting rural electric cooperatives, rural communities and citizens. The opinion of CREA is not necessarily that of any particular cooperative or individual.

[viewpoint]

Magazine Informs, Entertains, Educates CCL celebrates 60 years of sharing the co-op message

BY KENT SINGER || CREA EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR || KSINGER@COLORADOREA.ORG

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This month we are celebrating the 60th anniversary of Colorado Country Life magazine. For 60 years, we have used CCL to inform, educate and entertain you, the electric co-op member-owners who receive the magazine as one of the many benefits provided by your local electric co-op.

The very name of the magazine, Colorado Country Life, tells you who we are and what the electric co-op program is all about. Colorado’s electric co-ops are proud to provide affordable and reliable electric service to rural Colorado. Yes, over the years some electric co-op service territory has become more suburban and even urban in nature, but we were born in the country and that is where our roots run deepest.

Our many dedicated readers typically take the time to read all of the columns and stories and as a result are some of the most astute energy consumers in the state. Surveys have shown that readers Kent Singer of CCL spend up to an hour and a half per month reading the magazine, so we know the importance of providing accurate, timely and balanced information.

We also try to entertain you with the magazine. You will find feature stories that tell you about Colorado’s hidden treasures that even natives don’t know about. We may also introduce you to someone in your community who is doing something that is unique or extraordinary (or maybe they just have a crazy hobby).

Colorado is filled with beautiful places and fascinating people and we try to uncover those untold stories and bring them to you.

And when I say “we,” I am of course referring to our incredible CCL staff: Mona Neeley, Donna Wallin and Amy Higgins. It is really difficult to put into words the amount of hard work, dedication and sheer commitment to excellence that goes into CCL each month. These folks work long hours (including evenings and weekends) to

To read past issues of CCL, visit coloradocountrylife.coop

Colorado Country Life is distributed to more than 190,000 co-op memberowners each month, making it the most widely distributed monthly Colorado magazine in the state. CCL is the most effective tool we have to knit together the diverse Colorado electric co-op community and keep everyone informed about issues that impact the co-ops. We do our best to provide the most thorough and up-to-date information on the energy business and how various political developments may impact your power bills.

produce a publication that is worthy of your time.

This is not just a proud statewide director talking: In 2008, Colorado Country Life was recognized by the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association as the best statewide publication in the country. CCL is competing with magazines from other states that have larger staffs and more resources, but with ingenuity and creativity CCL is in the running for this award every year. Even with this past success, however, Mona, Donna and Amy continuously strive to make CCL better with the latest industry news and the most compelling stories.

Without the electric co-op program, it’s unlikely that every Coloradan who wants electric service would be able to have it. And without CCL it would be very difficult for us to tell our story and engage you in the political process.

For the last 60 years, CCL has been the voice of the electric co-op community. That voice is stronger and clearer than ever before, and we will continue to use it to defend and protect the coop program. Happy anniversary, CCL!

Kent Singer, Executive Director

FOLLOW EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR KENT SINGER’S BLOG AT COLORADOREABLOG.WORDPRESS.COM

ColoradoCountryLife.coop 4 October 2012

[letters] The Heart of Hunting I whole-heartedly agree with outdoors writer Dennis Smith (July ’12). Hunting contests are not sportsmanlike and do not contribute to the betterment of wildlife or the image of hunting. When I was younger, stories abounded of “hunters” making a kill and leaving it to rot because it “wasn’t big enough.”

I’m 77 and I started hunting with my best pal, my dad, when I was about 6. Dad always said that the best part of hunting was being out in the mountains with your family and friends. If you were lucky enough to get something, use it all, don’t waste any and appreciate it. I still love hunting and being in the mountains with my family, but I surely despise unsportsmanlike conduct in the mountains and that is what hunting contests develop into.

Newt Burkhalter, Grand Junction

Electricity and Growth Electricity is the number one issue to contribute to America’s economic growth.

Hopefully folks will continue to cut back on electrical usage, as the July issue states.

I would like to see more information on how to cut back on outdoor night and day lighting. Yes, day lighting. I see it.

Pam Morrow, Pagosa Springs

Thanks from the Library Thank you so much for your recent donation of books to the Mancos Public Library. These will be a great addition to our collection and will be appreciated by patrons for years to come.

Lee Holly, director

Goal: Affordable Power What would I like to see my co-op invest my money in? Electric co-ops should not act as a “re-distributor” of ratepayer money. Stick to a mission of providing affordable power for all residents. Maintain a good system and plan adequately for the future. Price your product accordingly.

Brynn Johns, Bayfield

Send your letter to the editor by mail to Colorado Country Life, 5400 Washington St., Denver CO 80216 or email mneeley@coloradocountrylife. org. You must include your name and address to be published. Letters may be edited.

ColoradoCountryLife.coop October 2012 5

[calendar]

[October] Through October 28 Black Forest Fall Fest Wishing Star Farm 10 am-dark • wishingstar farm.com Through October 31 Boulder Pumpkin Patch Fall Festival Cottonwood Farm 10 am-6 pm • cottonwood farms.com Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays Cañon City Diana’s Pumpkin Patch Corn Maze 719-821-9133 • dianas pumpkinpatch.com Saturdays and Sundays Byers Harvest Festival and Pumpkin Patch May Farms 303-822-5800 mayfarms.com October 10 Monument Empty Bowls Dinner & Silent Auction Lewis-Palmer High School 5-7:30 pm • emptybowls.net October 11-13 Colorado Springs Reynolds Ranch Harvest Festival Western Museum of Mining & Industry 719-488-0880 • wmmi.org October 12-14 Littleton Pumpkin Festival Denver Botanic Gardens at Chatfield botanicgardens.org

October 13-14 Durango The Great Pumpkin Patch Express Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad 888-872-4607 • durangotrain. com October 13 Elbert County Craft Fair North Central Fire House & Community Center 10 am-2 pm • ncfpd.us October 13 Longmont Grass at the Grange concert Altona Grange 7-10 pm • coloradobluegrass. org October 13-14 Monument Fine Art and Craft Show Lewis-Palmer High School 719-488-3046 October 13 Pueblo “Don’t Be Extruded” workshop Cup & Bowl 719-404-3469 • cupandbowl. org October 16 Colorado Springs Baking with Pumpkin workshop Garden of the Gods Gourmet 6 pm • 719-471-2799 October 20 Colorado Springs Lego Engines, Wings Over the Rockies & Cool Science!

Western Museum of Mining & Industry 719-488-0880 • wmmi.org October 20 Durango Bark & Wine Fundraiser LPC Fairgrounds 6-10 pm • lpchumanesociety. org/bark_wine.html

October 13-14 Calhan Calhan Slavic Fest October 20-21 St. Mary’s Orthodox Church 719-332-2796 • holydormition. Grand Junction Gem, Mineral & Jewelry Show net Two Rivers Convention Center 970-255-8374 • grandjunction rockclub.org

ColoradoCountryLife.coop 6 October 2012

October 20 Johnstown Quilt, Craft, Demo Show Roosevelt High School 970-587-2899 October 21 Loveland Loveland Loves to Read author event Thompson Valley High School 7 pm • friendsoftheloveland library.org October 26 Pueblo “The 39 Steps” on stage Sangre de Cristo Arts Center 7:30 pm • 719-295-7200 October 27 Cortez Pumpkin Festival Cortez Cultural Center 970-565-1151 October 27 Elizabeth Harvest Festival Main Street 12-3 pm • 303-646-4287 October 27 Fort Collins Halloween Enchanted Garden Gardens on Spring Creek 10 am-2 pm • fcgov.com/ gardens October 27 Fowler Arts and Crafts Sale Fowler Junior High 9 am-3 pm • 719-263-5188 October 27-28 Golden Trick or Treat Train Colorado Railroad Museum 9 am-5 pm • 303-279-4591 October 27 Grand Junction Spooktacular 6th & Main Street 3:30-5 pm • 970-245-9697

[November] November 1-4 Black Forest Fall Arts Craft Show & Sale Black Forest Community Center bfacg.org

November 2-3 Fort Collins Artisans’ Collection Holiday Sale Lincoln Center home.comcast.net/~pcook55/ schedule.html November 2 Pueblo “Backstage Pass” on stage Pueblo Performing Arts Guild 855-543-2430 • pueblopag.org November 2-4 Pueblo Water color workshop El Pueblo Museum 713-882-6987• junegalaz@q. com November 3 Akron Holiday Craft Show Washington County Event Center 970-345-2720 November 3 Buena Vista Women’s Missionary Bazaar Congregational United Church of Christ 9 am-6:30 pm • bvcucc.org November 3 Fort Collins Quilt Show & Vintage Collectibles Sale Christ United Methodist Church 9 am-3 pm • 970-226-2341 November 3 Meeker Capitol Christmas Tree Sendoff Celebration Downtown Meeker 2 pm • 970-878-5510 November 10 Lamar Art, Craft & Food Festival Lamar Community College Wellness Center 9 am-4 pm • 719-336-1678

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SEND CALENDAR ITEMS

TWO MONTHS IN ADVANCE TO:

Calendar, Colorado Country Life, 5400 N. Washington St., Denver, CO 80216; fax to 303-455-2807; or email calendar@coloradocountrylife.org.

For more information on these and other events, visit coloradocountry life.coop

MOUNTAIN VIEW ELECTRIC ASSOCIATION

Ellen Copley Retires After 40 Years of Service

BY JIM HERRON || CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER || HERRONJC@MVEA.ORG

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If I were to ask you about what kind of positions there are at Mountain View Electric Association, probably the first thing that comes to mind is lineman or meter reader. These, of course, are the people you see out and about and are recognizable as MVEA employees. But it Jim Herron takes many more hardworking folks to make sure that our cooperative runs smoothly and efficiently and keeps the lights on at your house. One of these employees has served this company for 40 years, and I have been fortunate to have personally worked with her for over 16 years as a member of the senior leadership team.

Ellen Copley, administrative manager, started with MVEA in 1969 as a general office clerk at the Limon Headquarters. At that time, the majority of the 38 employees were located in Limon with just a few on the west side of the system. Most of the 5,662 members were on the east side of the territory. We had $4.5 million in kilowatthour sales and had $6.8 million in plant.

Today, MVEA has over 47,280 members; 132 employees; $737 million in kWh sales and $253 million in plant. The majority of our members live on the west side of the territory and only about 36 employees work in Limon with the rest located in our Falcon office. “I’m proud of being part of the growth that MVEA has experienced over the years,” Ellen stated.

With the growth of the company, Ellen has seen major changes in the way MVEA operates and helped usher in many of those changes as she moved up the company ladder. After serving as general office clerk until 1971, Ellen left MVEA to spend time with her two young children. In April 1974, she was back as the secretary of member services. In 1975 she moved to work order clerk for four years. In 1979, Ellen became the corporate bookkeeper and in 1988 she was promoted to her present position of administrative manager.

Starting with the company at such a young age, Ellen experienced the changes in chief executive officers and MVEA board members throughout the years.

In her administrative manager position, Ellen attended the board meetings each month and had an inside view of how the cooperative was changing and growing.

She was always supportive of the CEOs and board members and they appreciated her very much.

Ellen will retire from MVEA at the end of October. She and Bill, her husband of 44 years, are not making any big changes right away and hope to spend more quiet time at their place at Lake McConaughy in Nebraska. They are also planning on seeing a lot more of their children, Mark and Kristin, and all the grandchildren. Mark and his wife, Irene, live near Boise, Idaho,

and have four children and four grandchildren. Kristin and her husband, Neil, live in Highlands Ranch, Colorado, with their two sons. So Ellen and Bill will be on the road quite a bit. They would also like to take one really special trip each year.

When asked what advice Ellen would like to impart to current and future employees, her response was, “Serve our members well. I appreciate the opportunity and chance to meet all the people I’ve worked with over the years. It has been very enriching,” she said.

Ellen is one of the most professional and knowledgeable people that I have known.

She is by far the most organized Ellen Copley person that I have worked with in my career and has been a valuable asset to the Association. I have a great deal of respect for Ellen as a professional and as a person. She will be missed by the board and the staff. I wish her a long, happy and healthy retirement.

HAPPY RETIREMENT

Answer the Call

Survey on the Cooperative Difference Please answer the call to help us make key decisions impacting the electric industry and meet your expectations in the future as part of the 2012 National Survey on the Cooperative Difference. If you have caller ID, you may see Opinion Counts or see a 336 area code, although it may differ based on different service providers. Thank you for your participation!

ColoradoCountryLife.coop October 2012 7

MOUNTAIN VIEW ELECTRIC ASSOCIATION

Welcome New Employees

CONGRATULATIONS! Zach Schoenfeld, journeyman lineman, passed his final test with the Merchant four-year apprenticeship program.

[Country Kitchen] Cheinette Van Wyk

Kenneth Murray

Congratulations to our new Mountain View Electric employees Cheinette Van Wyk, administrative manager, and Kenneth Murray, apprentice lineman. We are happy to have you on board at Mountain View!

Bessie Bohannon, a frequent contributor, shares this recipe for zucchini relish that she thought would “come in handy this time of year” and put your garden-fresh vegetables to good use.

If you have a recipe you would like to share, please send it to MVEA, Attn.: Sarah Schaefer, 11140 E. Woodmen Road, Falcon, CO 80831. You will receive a $10 credit on your electric bill the month your recipe appears in Colorado Country Life magazine.

Zucchini Relish 4 cups zucchini, diced 1 large onion, thinly sliced 2 celery ribs, sliced 2 medium carrots, sliced 1 medium sweet red pepper, sliced 2 tablespoons salt ¾ cup sugar ½ cup water ½ cup cider vinegar ½ teaspoon celery seed dash of onion salt dash of ground turmeric In large bowl combine vegetables, sprinkle with salt and cover with cold water. Let stand 3 hours. Rinse and drain. In large saucepan, bring the remaining ingredients to a boil. Stir in zucchini mixture and return to boil. Reduce heat.

Simmer uncovered for 5 minutes. Transfer to large bowl. Cool to room temperature. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 days. Yield: 4 cups.

ColoradoCountryLife.coop 8 October 2012

MOUNTAIN VIEW ELECTRIC ASSOCIATION

Announcing Winners for 2013 Photo Calendar Contest

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Narrowing down the top 12 photo winners from the over 130 entries was a difficult task for the employee judges of the MVEA photo calendar contest. Photographs taken within MVEA service territory reflecting the seasons and the people, lifestyle or landscape of the area were submitted by members. The 2013 calendar design, like in 2012, will incorporate additional images in the layout. Employees from the Falcon and Limon offices voted for their favorite images taken in our service territory. We extend a huge thank you to all the photographers who participated in this calendar. The 2013 winners are shown below. A limited number of 2013 calendars will be available to our members in November (please limit one per household).

Peak View, Cover, Debbie Hickey, Colorado Springs

The MVEA 2014 calendar contest will begin January 1, 2013, so start taking those photos now.

Early Morning Majesty, January Dennis Rundlett, Colorado Springs

Transformed, February Randy Nitcher, Monument

Painted Mines, March Ron Ruhoff, Limon State flower: Columbine, May Patty Anderson, Colorado Springs

Where did Mommy go?, June Cara Kolczynski, Elbert

Barnstorm, April Meridian Dental, Falcon Hummer, August Dave Munns, Colorado Springs

Past, Present & Future, July Stan Lewis, Peyton

Neighborhood Watch, September Katherine Rose, Colorado Springs Ducky Day at Craig Ranch Bed and Breakfast and Horse Motel, November Beth Craig, Limon

Hugo State Wildlife Area, October Ron Ruhoff, Limon

Winter Morn Frosted, December Dave Munns, Colorado Springs ColoradoCountryLife.coop October 2012 9

MOUNTAIN VIEW ELECTRIC ASSOCIATION

Colorado’s Touchstone Energy Cooperatives Sponsor Junior Livestock Sale at State Fair

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On Tuesday, August 28, nearly $500,000 went Teenager Shelly Chambers of Agate’s fourth to young people who brought championship place market beef was purchased for $4,250 livestock to the Colorado State Fair. The anby Tri-State Executive Vice President and nual Touchstone Energy Cooperatives Junior General Manager Ken Anderson Livestock Sale is the largest event of its kind in Colorado and the championship event for the state’s 4-H and FFA youth. According to state fair officials, the 2012 sale broke last year’s record and accumulated $478,800 from the state’s most dedicated bidders. Last year, the sale drew in $407,325.

The sale is sponsored each year by Colorado Country Life, the Colorado Rural Electric Association, the Colorado Rural Electric Members Service group, Tri-State Generation and Transmission, Mountain View Electric Association and 17 other electric co-ops in Colorado, all unified under the Touchstone Energy brand name. The young exhibitors who won champion, reserve champion, first, Craig earned a $12,000 bid by the Denver Rustlers buying club. second, third and fourth place in their liven The grand champion goat exhibited by Tanner Fetzer of stock divisions have the opportunity to auction their animals at Kersey earned a $5,000 bid by the Denver Rustlers. this sale.

“The Colorado State Fair is honored to host this annual event,” n The grand champion rabbits exhibited by Sydney Baty of Loveland earned a $3,000 bid by Legacy Bank. stated State Fair General Manager Chris Wiseman. n The grand champion chickens exhibited by Rochelle Weigel “Animal agriculture plays a vital role in all our lives and the of Castle Rock earned a $3,000 bid by the Friends of the Fair participants at the Colorado State Fair’s livestock shows are on buying club. the road to becoming important contributors to tomorrow’s All sale results can be found at http://www.coloradostatefair. agricultural industry,” continued Wiseman. com/page.aspx?name=eventResults.

One particular highlight of the sale was for teenager Shelly Chambers, of Agate. Her fourth place market beef was purchased for $4,250, by Tri-State Executive Vice President and General Manager Ken Anderson. Shelly is a senior at Limon High School and has been a member of 4-H for 14 years. This was her eighth fair and third time to place in her livestock division at the sale. “This sale was very special, this was the first steer we raised and it made it to the sale,” shared Shelly. The first time she placed was with a sheep and second time she placed was with a pig. Back at home, she continues breeding sheep and has put half of the amount brought in from the sale into an account she’ll access for that year-round need. The remaining funds are in a college account. She plans to attend Hutchinson Community College in Kansas next year. Shelly is the niece of MVEA employee Penny Chambers of Limon.

Some additional highlights of the sale include: n The grand champion beef exhibited by Cody Huwa of Roggen earned a $55,000 bid by Sam Brown and family. n The grand champion hog exhibited by Jaime Beach of Westcliffe earned a $26,000 bid by Sam Brown and family. n The grand champion lamb exhibited by Darren McLaughlin of

ColoradoCountryLife.coop 10 October 2012

ColoradoCountryLife.coop September 2012 11

[newsclips]

CREA INNOVATIONS SUMMIT Look at what’s new in the electric industry

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QUOTE:

Power from biomass, electric cars, smart grid rollout, shortages of rare earth metals and research that will affect the future of the electric industry will be up for discussion Monday, October 29, when the Colorado Rural Electric Association convenes its annual Energy Innovations Summit.

Those interested in the latest in energy issues are encouraged to register now.

On the agenda are leaders from all parts of the energy industry including coops, investor-owned utilities, research institutes and investment groups.

Energy experts will be speaking about these topics and providing differing perspectives and a behind-the-scenes look at challenges that come with new technologies and new requirements. Speakers will also provide a glimpse into the future, looking at what may be coming as technology advances.

Anyone with an interest in the electric industry is invited to attend the Energy Innovations Summit, either as a guest or as an exhibitor. Find more information and a registration form at crea.coop. Click on the Innovations Summit box in the upper right corner of the web page.

“Today, while nuclear only provides 20 percent of electricity in this country, it provides 70 percent of the carbon-free electricity.

We need to keep it in the mix.”

— James E. Rogers, CEO of Duke Energy in EnergyBiz magazine

Readers Worry About Food and Water

When asked in September what the biggest concerns are during an electrical outage, readers said water because they are dependent on a well with a pump and keeping a freezer full of beef frozen.

This month, during National Cooperative Month, we’re asking: What do you most appreciate about your electric co-op?

Email your answer to info@coloradocountrylife.org.

An exhibitor talks with a potential buyer at the state fair livestock auction.

Co-ops Sponsor Livestock Auction

C SOURCE: Buildings Energy Data Book 2012. 2.1.16 Operating Characteristics of Electric Appliances in the Residential Sector, published by the U.S. Department of Energy, March 2011. A kilowatt hour is the common unit of measurement for the electricity we use. It is calculated by the number of watts a device needs every hour it’s in use. According to the Energy Information Administration, the average family uses about 10,654 kWh/year.

ColoradoCountryLife.coop 12 October 2012

College scholarship funds grew for young people across Colorado following the Touchstone Energy Cooperatives Junior Livestock Sale at the Colorado State Fair in late August.

The sale, the largest 4-H and FFA event of its kind in the state, accumulated $478,800 from buying groups for the young livestock exhibitors at the fair. The sale is sponsored each year by Colorado Country Life, the Colorado Rural Electric Association, the Colorado Rural Electric Member Service group, Tri-State Generation and Transmission and 18 electric co-ops.

ColoradoCountryLife.coop October 2012 13

CO-OPS SPAN THE WORLD Members use business model to effect change globally

BY MEGAN MCKOY-NOE, CCC

As every craftsman knows, the right tool can make or break a project. For more than 75 years, the electric cooperative business model, when wielded effectively by engaged members, has served as a handy tool to improve the quality of life in rural areas.

How can that be? How can a community harness a business model to enact change? Cooperatives — democratically governed businesses operating on an at-cost, not-for-profit basis — are unique. While profit-driven utilities worry about Wall Street, electric co-ops focus on Main Street.

“At a time when folks are losing faith in big corporations, we have an opportunity to showcase the many ways the local, consumer-owned and member-controlled cooperative form of business benefits communities across the country and the world,” explains National Rural Electric Cooperative Association Chief Executive Officer Glenn English.

That holds true for all types of cooperatives. Agricultural coops, for example, fight for fair prices for farmers while marketing co-ops provide nationally known branding for products.

Credit unions lend at competitive rates, and grocery co-ops give shoppers a say in what’s stocked on shelves.

Cooperation thrives in Colorado with 286 co-ops serving approximately 2 million members, notes the University of Wisconsin’s Center for Cooperation. Colorado’s co-op economy employs nearly 10,000 Coloradans, and nationally more than 2.1 million jobs are supported by co-ops.

The United Nations General Assembly designated 2012 as International Year of Cooperatives, under the banner “Cooperative Enterprises Build a Better World.” The resolution recognizes the vital role cooperatives play in the economic and social well-being of nations around the globe and encourages countries to foster cooperative development as a way to generate local wealth, employment and marketplace competition.

Dame Pauline Green, president of the International Cooperative Alliance, celebrated IYC 2012 with elecDame Pauline Green, presitric cooperative leaders at the annual dent of the International meeting of the National Rural Electric Cooperative Alliance, spoke to electric coopCooperative Association, the Arlingerative leaders at NRECA’s ton, Virginia-based national service 2012 annual meeting. organization representing more than ColoradoCountryLife.coop 14 October 2012

900 consumer-owned, not-for-profit electric cooperatives, public power districts and public utility districts. Green says the fact that electric co-ops serve 42 million people “shows that even in the most developed country in the world, the cooperative model of business has a proven track record of commercial success and deep roots in local communities.”

Spilling the (co-op) beans

U.S. co-ops are taking that cooperative spirit around the world, including to Guatemala.

There, some coffee growers providing the western world’s critical caffeine boost each morning don’t enjoy simple luxuries like electricity. Their community is a perfect case study of cooperatives powering These coffee growers are a community and empowering members of Manos Campesinas, which organizes small-scale cofmembers. fee producers in the highlands For four weeks this fall, of southwestern Guatemala. the Colorado Rural Electric Association’s counterpart in Indiana, the Indiana Statewide Association of Rural Electric Cooperatives, sponsored 32 volunteer linemen and support staff from various Hoosier State co-ops to three small coffee-producing villages in the mountainous Guatemalan province of Huehuetnango (pronounced way-wayten-nang-oh).

“I want to make things better for those folks, and I feel really privileged to be able to go,” says Stephen Campbell, a line foreman with Martinsville-based South Central Indiana Rural Electric Membership Corporation.

The effort, nicknamed “Hoosiers Power the World,” was coordinated through NRECA International Programs, a division of NRECA created 50 years ago to assist developing countries in delivering safe, reliable and affordable electricity. After several intense weeks of scaling ravines and climbing poles set on cliffs, the Indiana electric co-op contingent connected 170 families to life-changing electricity.

Powering Colorado communities

Closer to home, Colorado’s 22 electric co-ops partner with their communities to boost the economy. For example, Highline Electric Association used Rural Economic Development Loan and Grant program funds to help pay for a community center in Crook as well as a hospital in Holyoke. In 2011, Morgan County Rural Electric Association and Tri-State Generation and Transmission helped sponsor the Colorado Mission of Mercy free

dental clinic where approximately 1,300 patients received the dental care they could not afford. In addition, many Colorado electric co-ops help support their local fire departments and youth organizations.

Engaged electric co-op members attend annual meetings and use the power of the cooperative network to have their voices heard by elected officials. Electric co-op employees represent member interests and build local communities in many ways, including volunteering with Boys and Girls Clubs, serving on the boards of the United Way and other charities and tackling economic development challenges through chambers of commerce.

My Co-op Rocks

Grocery co-ops give members something to sing about through the biannual “My Co-op Rocks” video and photo contest at mycooprocks.coop. Organized by the National Cooperative Grocers Association, the program rewards creative co-op members with up to $1,500 in co-op gift certificates; winnings can also be donated to a nonprofit organization.

“So many people simply aren’t aware of what a cooperative is, how co-ops operate or how many opportunities they have to become involved with co-ops in their own communities,” explains

Kelly Smith, director of marketing and communications for NCGA. “The more that co-op members engage with this contest and similar events designed to build awareness, the Tell your co-op story at mycooprocks.coop better. We are stronger together.”

The latest round of the competition kicked off on September 1, and entries can be submitted through the end of October.

“If you think your co-op rocks, tell us why,” Smith says.

“Creating a video to celebrate the impact your co-op makes in your community is a fun way to share the co-op story with your friends, family and the co-op nation as a whole.”

Megan McKoy-Noe writes on consumer and cooperative affairs for the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association, the Arlington, Virginia-based service arm of the nation’s electric cooperatives.

CARE/ACRE is proud to endorse the following candidates for

election in the State of Colorado: CONGRESS: CD 1 Diana DeGette (D) - Denver CD 3 Scott Tipton (R) – Cortez CD 4 Cory Gardner (R) – Yuma CD 5 Doug Lamborn (R) - Colorado Springs CD 6 Mike Coffman (R) - Aurora CD 7 Ed Perlmutter (D) - Lakewood COLORADO STATE SENATE: SD 4 Mark Scheffel (R) - Parker SD 8 Randy Baumgardner (R) – Cowdrey SD 10 Owen Hill (R) – Colorado Springs SD 12 Bill Cadman (R) - Colorado Springs SD 19 Lang Sias (R) – Arvada SD 21 Jessie Ulibarri (D) - Sherrelwood SD 22 Ken Summers (R) - Lakewood SD 23 Vickie Marble (R) - Fort Collins SD 25 Mary Hodge (D) – Brighton SD 26 Dave Kerber (R) – Greenwood Village SD 27 David Balmer (R) - Centennial SD 31 Pat Steadman (D) – Denver SD 33 Mike Johnston (D) –Denver SD 35 Larry Crowder (R) – Alamosa

COLORADO STATE HOUSE HD 2 Mark Ferrandino (D) -Denver HD 3 Brian Watson (R) - Greenwood Village HD 4 Dan Pabon (D) – Denver HD 9 Paul Rosenthal (D) – Denver HD 11 Ellyn Hilliard (R) – Longmont HD 14 Dan Nordberg (R) – Colorado Springs HD 15 Mark Waller (R) – Colorado Springs HD 16 Janak Joshi (R) – Colorado Springs HD 17 Mark Barker (R) – Colorado Springs HD 18 Jennifer George (R) - Colorado Springs HD 19 Amy Stephens (R) – Monument HD 20 Bob Gardner (R) – Colorado Springs HD 21 Lois Landgraf (R) – Fountain HD 23 Rick Enstrom (R) – Lakewood HD 25 Cheri Gerou (R) – Evergreen HD 26 Diane Mitsch Bush (D) – Steamboat Springs HD 27 Libby Szabo (R) - Arvada HD 28 Amy Attwood (R) - Lakewood HD 29 Robert Ramirez (R) - Westminster HD 30 Jenise May (D) – Aurora HD 31 Beth Humenik (R) – Thornton HD 32 Dominick Moreno (D) - Commerce City HD 33 David Pigott (R) - Broomfield

HD 34 Steve Lebsock (D) – Thornton HD 35 Brian Vande Krol (R) – Westminster HD 37 Spencer Swalm (R) - Centennial HD 38 Kathleen Conti (R) - Littleton HD 39 Polly Lawrence (R) - Littleton HD 40 Cindy Acree (R) - Aurora HD 43 Frank McNulty (R) - Highlands Ranch HD 44 Chris Holbert (R) - Parker HD 45 Carole Murray (R) - Castle Rock HD 47 Clarice Navarro-Ratzlaff (R) - Pueblo HD 48 Steve Humphrey (R) - Severance HD 49 Perry Buck (R) – Windsor HD 50 Skip Carlson (R) - Greeley HD 51 Brian DelGrosso (R)- Loveland HD 52 Joann Ginal (D) - Fort Collins HD 55 Ray Scott (R) – Grand Junction HD 56 Kevin Priola (R) - Henderson HD 57 Bob Rankin (R) – Carbondale HD 58 Don Coram (R) - Montrose HD 59 J. Paul Brown (R) – Ignacio HD 60 James Wilson (R) - Salida HD 64 Tim Dore (R) - Elizabeth HD 65 Jerry Sonnenberg (R) – Sterling

CARE is a non-partisan Political Action Committee that endorses candidates for statewide races who support electric cooperatives. ACRE is the PAC supporting federal candidates, administered by the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association. CARE and ACRE are funded through individual personal contributions. No co-op rate payer money is involved.

Paid for by Colorado Advocates for Rural Electrification (CARE) ColoradoCountryLife.coop October 2012 15

Amy Higgins

Mona Neeley

Keepin’ It Country

Donna Wallin

Colorado Country Life at

BY KRISTEN HANNUM

I A story on Lorraine Melgosa, who supplies a horse-drawn hearse for veterans’ funerals inspired an avalanche of letters of appreciation for the article and for Melgosa.

ColoradoCountryLife.coop 16 October 2012

60

It doesn’t always sound as though Mona Neeley and Donna Wallin are talking about a magazine when they describe Colorado Country Life.

“It’s family,” says Neeley, the magazine’s editor and publisher.

“And we all need family,” associate editor Wallin explains.

Magazine, family or some combination of the two, Colorado Country Life turns 60 years old with this October 2012 issue. It’s gone through dozens of changes over those years — from a newspaper tabloid to a magazine format, from spreading the word about how great washing machines are to articles explaining R-values, from Truman to Obama. It’s also seen more than half a dozen editors and gone by nearly as many names.

p

During all six decades, though, some things have stayed the same. “It’s not on fancy paper, it’s not trying to be something that it’s not,” says Wallin. “We’re keeping it cottage, keeping the focus on what’s important for country families.”

Colorado Country Life reaches more than 190,000 co-op members, giving it one of the largest magazine circulations in the state. And yet it’s just Neeley and Wallin on salary at the magazine’s editorial offices, with Amy Higgins, writer and editorial assistant, pitching in part time. “Colorado Country Life is one of the top notch magazines in the country,” says Perry Stambaugh, editor and director of the national Rural Electric Magazine, based in Arlington, Virginia. “They accomplish so much with so little staff.”

Neeley says that’s only possible because of all the work that takes place outside her offices. In the same way that the electrical cooperatives have been efficient and innovative, so has Colorado Country Life. Each of the state’s 15 electric associations that use the magazine put together four pages of local news every month.

These pages are the heart of the magazine, with crucial information for members about what’s happening in their backyards.

“The co-op has to be efficient, since we don’t have much of a margin,” says Ashley Valdez, communications manager at San Isabel Electric Association in Pueblo West, who assembles the pages for San Isabel’s members.

Valdez says the magazine, with San Isabel’s section, is the best way to communicate about what the co-op is doing and why.

Statewide articles and news fill out the bulk of the magazine, with additional articles and safety tips from the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association office in Virginia.

Members help as well. In some ways the magazine reflects the ongoing conversation between the Colorado

12 issues

published yearly

Rural Electric Association and the individual co-ops, the national association, related organizations and members.

And that conversation takes all kinds of turns. Neeley says they sometimes hear from readers who’ve lost a recipe they’d saved for years. “I think it May 2004 issue ran in the 1980s,” the member might say. Older issues aren’t online or archived electronically, and so when these calls come in it means digging through the archives — usually with success. The two women have been with the magazine long enough (Neeley since 1994 and Wallin since 1997) that they have a good idea of when stories, letters and even recipes ran.

They enjoy and run many of the letters they receive — although the magazine doesn’t have nearly enough pages to print everything, especially on some hot-button issues. Many read like comfortable notes between friends.

“I wanted to share…” begins a handwritten letter on peachcolored paper from Loreta Drenel in Nathrop, who moved there from Kansas and wanted to learn more about her new home.

“The articles were a joy and full of information to help me become a Coloradan!” she writes.

The May 2004 issue especially pleased Drenel. It featured a four-wheel drive “rock crawling” on Mount Princeton, just across the Arkansas River behind her home. She knew she had to find Chinaman Gulch and Carnage Canyon, mentioned in the article. “I don’t drive my Jeep on it. Ha! No! No!” she writes, adding, “I also enjoy the electric co-op information, great recipes and the jokes. I think I’ll include some jokes in another envelope! Thanks again for Colorado Country Life.”

“Keep up the good work!” emails Cindy Woods. “The magazine reminds us why we live here.”

Reader Vicki Swanson bought property west of Pueblo when she returned to Colorado from Alaska. She emails the magazine that “the closest electrical source was $100,000 away over hill and dale.” In 2004, a neighboring rancher subdivided his property. That brought Swanson electricity from Sangre de Cristo Electric Association and Colorado Country Life with it.

“I’ve never been more proud of being an American and born in Colorado than I was after reading the article ‘Honoring Sacrifice With a Dignified Farewell’ regarding Lorraine Melgosa, the Wellington Carriage Co. and her funeral horse,” writes Swanson.

Melgosa supplied a horse-drawn hearse for veterans’ funerals at no charge, and the story inspired an avalanche of letters of appreciation for the article and for Melgosa.

15 different versions of the magazine monthly

[continued on page 18]

ColoradoCountryLife.coop October 2012 17

Recipes are tested by staff before we publish them

A master gardener shares her experiences gardening in Colorado [continued from page 17]

Another reader, Kay Cooke, also began receiving the magazine when she moved to Colorado. “It’s a homey-feeling magazine,” she says, speaking to her lifelong love of gardening, canning and farm life.

Rose Woods emailed to say her family appreciates the magazine in part because the Mountain View Electric Association’s scholarships announcement led to their daughter receiving one.

The young woman has gone on to receive a doctorate in physics.

The magazine bolsters community in other ways as well.

“People like to see good news about their family in print,” says Nancy Berges, member services director for Highline Electric Association in Holyoke.

Berges, who celebrated 48 years working for the northeast Colorado co-op this August, also describes the magazine as a resource for safety, for information on equipment and techniques, for saving money and for rural advocacy. “One of the best things the magazine does is discuss issues at the state legislature and in Congress.”

At Highline Electric Association, Berges feels as though she’s at the center of the continuing changes that electricity has brought. “The technology is what blows my mind; it’s unbelievable,” she says. “Think about how irrigation works now, how they can monitor exactly how many inches of water they put on.

All geared by electricity.”

Earliest days Although Highline was one of Colorado’s first co-ops, incorporated in 1938, Berges says many area residents still talk about “when the lights came on.”

Merle Koch remembers. Up by their windmill, the highest place around, he and his family passed around watermelon slices and then watched their farm world light up. “We thought, ‘Oh, that’s living,’” Koch says.

He explains that electricity revolutionized farmers’ lives, made them self-sufficient with air compressors and other tools, no longer relying on neighbors when something needed to be done.

“I was a kid when the dust storms came in the ’30s; I wonder ColoradoCountryLife.coop 18 October 2012

why my folks ever stayed,” Koch says. “Then, in the latter ’30s and ’40s, came the rains and electricity. There’s a lot to be thankful for, looking back.”

Colorado’s earliest electric cooperatives, founded in 1936 and 1937, were without a publication for more than a dozen years before the Colorado Rural Electric Association introduced its monthly publication — a newspaper tabloid called Colorado REA News.

It rode the same wave of good fortune as its readers, promoting better living that promised to just keep getting better, year after year. Early issues provide a fascinating snapshot of the time, with articles and editorials on electrical legislation, farm safety, irrigation, recipes and appliances. Every issue celebrated the still-new miracle of electricity. The magazine helped members use new tools safely, and, especially in those early days, it shared a sense of awe over what rural families could now accomplish. In the second issue, in November 1952, Lewis E. Amend, CREA’s president, penned an editorial titled, “Freedom from Drudgery Our Greatest Blessing.”

“The average kilowatt-hour consumption in this state runs around 2,960 per year,” he wrote, “which means that each of you control on average 3,968 horsepower-hours, and for every horsepower [-hour], you have the equivalent of eight [man-hours] at your command. Each of you, the Lord and Master of 31,944 man-hours serving you and your needs throughout the year.

Whether they light the lamps, pump and carry the water, turn the grinding wheels, cool your house or cook your food, they are there and they will work at the touch of your finger.”

Co-op conspiracies These were years when co-ops — farmers’ co-ops, electrical co-ops, all kinds of co-ops — were relentlessly attacked by the private utilities and their allies as being a socialist plot against free enterprise. The farmers and ranchers didn’t see it that way.

In 1952, at the time of Colorado REA News’ first issue, nearly everyone could remember when there was no electricity in most of Colorado. Rural Coloradans lived far differently than their Denver cousins. Nights were truly dark, kerosene lanterns lit the kitchen tables where youngsters did their homework, farmers used a variety of dangerous and unreliable jerry-rigged systems. Car engines and other generators were used for small jobs needing electricity, and woodstoves and fireplaces warmed farmhouses — but not enough to keep ice off the inside of a windowpane.

The lack of electricity in rural America was a drag on the economy. Less than 11 percent of U.S. farms had electricity in the early 1930s, compared to 90 percent of farms in France and Germany. Still, private electric utilities said they couldn’t make a profit stringing miles of line in rural areas. Where they did go, they often charged rural customers four times what they charged urban customers, reflecting the difference in their costs.

On May 11, 1935, President Franklin D. Roosevelt took the controversial step of creating the Rural Electrification Adminis-

An early rural electric crew sets a power pole by hand.

The first issue of Colorado Country Life’s predecessor was published in 1952.

tration through an executive order. A year later Congress passed the Rural Electrification Act and provided funding for loans to help local member-owned electric cooperatives get their start.

The cooperatives erected poles, strung lines, built power plants or contacted with existing plants and distributed electricity.

“No longer did the ranchers have to go to bed early,” says Rosemary Knerr, director of communications and member services at Mountain Parks Electric, Inc. “The families changed their lifestyles.”

The privately owned utilities had lobbied hard against the establishment of the co-ops and the accompanying loans that brought electricity to rural areas, and their opposition didn’t let up. Colorado REA News, like a number of its sister publications, began in part to counter the relentless anti-co-op propaganda.

None of the 32 statewide publications, including Colorado Country Life, have gone under. They now reach a total of 12 million readers in 38 states.

Neeley steers clear of gratuitous politics, but she, like the editors before her, takes seriously her charge to keep members

informed about developments that could hurt co-ops. Today’s electric associations contend with regulations and rising costs, including the costs of building and maintaining poles and wires.

The co-ops all continue to fight to keep electric bills affordable and to keep power reliable and safe. And there is still a difference between the co-op model and that of private utilities.

Valdez came to San Isabel Electric from investor-owned Black Hills Power. “There were nice surprises that came with the change,” Valdez says. “At an investor-owned company, the concern is for your shareholders. Sometimes I’d be explaining initiatives there that were good for the shareholders, but not so good for customers. Here, we have members, not customers, and they’re the owners. Everything we do is for them.”

Valdez sees explaining the complexities of how co-ops work as an important part of her mission.

“That’s complicated!” agrees Rod Martinez, a board member since 1987 of Grand Valley Rural Power Lines, Inc. “There are tons of issues I understand now that I didn’t before. I didn’t understand the supply chain, the political issues, the different ramifications of decisions and, more recently, renewables. Our goal as directors is to keep our electricity reliable and affordable, but it’s more complicated than I would have ever thought.”

And yet it all comes back to members and their families.

Knerr puts together the four Mountain Parks pages for that north central co-op. “I meet people on the street who tell me they love it when I write stories about members,” she says.

A favorite was about a couple of children with hearing disabilities whose family moved to Granby. The elementary school responded by teaching all its students sign language basics.

Kids began signing to each other at home, and when the holiday pageant rolled around, all the kids sang and signed together.

“You couldn’t pick out which two were deaf,” Knerr says.

The kids were in it together. That’s a value Knerr, who has worked for the co-op for 30 years, emphasizes. “I’ve seen a lot of changes in the industry and in legislation, but nothing like what’s happening now,” she says. “We’re in this together, so it’s important for members to be aware of the impacts of the changes that are coming.”

Members can depend on Colorado Country Life to cover that news.

Here’s to another 60 years of keepin’ it country.

Kristen Hannum, a Colorado native, is a freelance writer and editor living in Denver. The is her second feature for CCL.

And Now We Are Keepin’ It Country Digitally Visit coloradocountrylife.coop

and read an expanded version of the feature story and see more photos. Click on Contests to find out how to win tickets to the new History Colorado Center.

Facebook/Colorado Country Life Twitter: @COCountryLife

ColoradoCountryLife.coop October 2012 19

[recipes]

Comfort Cooking With Cheese

Cheddar adds taste, zest and warmth to fall meals

BY AMY HIGGINS || AHIGGINS@COLORADOCOUNTRYLIFE.ORG The Most Marketable Moos Because of their ability to produce large volumes of milk, butterfat and protein, black-andwhite (or sometimes red-andwhite) Holsteins are the most popular dairy cows in the United States, making up 90 percent of the total herd.

Good News for Sensitive Tummies For those with lactose intolerance, cheese can be an important source of calcium.

Natural cheeses, such as cheddar, Colby, Monterey Jack, mozzarella and Swiss, contain minimal amounts of lactose, because most of the lactose is removed when the curds are separated from the whey in the cheese-making process.

I

It’s that time of season. Time to slip into those thick wool socks, light an evening fire and nosh on something toothsome and comforting. Whatever you whip up, cheddar cheese is a delicious ingredient that can turn a recipe from ho-hum to yum. It is hearty with an unmistakable salty flavor and, not surprisingly, it’s one of the most popular varieties of cheese in the United States.

Tonight, rustle up a cheesy concoction and satisfy your cravings. Here are some recipes that made our mouths water:

Cheddar Cream Biscuits 2 cups unbleached all-purpose flour 2 teaspoons baking powder 1/2 teaspoon salt 4 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, finely diced (about 1 cup) 1 1/2 cups heavy cream

Place rack in upper third of oven and preheat oven to 450 degrees. Butter baking sheet and set aside.

In large bowl, sift flour, baking powder and salt. Stir in cheese. With fork, stir in cream a little at a time until no dry bits remain and dough has formed.

(You may not need all the cream.) Turn dough out onto lightly floured work surface and knead about six times. Roll or press dough into 3/4-inch-thick circles. Cut out rounds with floured 2 1/2-inch cutter or inverted glass, pressing scraps together to cut additional biscuits. Place cutouts 1 inch apart on prepared baking sheet. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until golden.

Find more cheesy recipes at coloradocountrylife.coop.

ColoradoCountryLife.coop 20 October 2012

Cheddar Mashed Potatoes 2 pounds russet potatoes (4-6 medium), peeled and cut into large chunks 1/2-3/4 cup half-and-half or milk 2 tablespoons salted butter, cut into small pieces 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/8 teaspoon ground white pepper or 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper 10 ounces sharp cheddar or extra sharp cheddar, grated (about 2 1/2 cups) In large saucepan, cover potatoes with water.

Bring to simmer over medium-high heat. Reduce heat to maintain steady simmer, partially cover pan and cook until potatoes are tender when pierced with skewer, 15 to 20 minutes.

Drain thoroughly. Heat half-and-half or milk in small saucepan or microwave. In large bowl, mash potatoes with potato ricer or masher.

Add butter, salt and pepper. A few tablespoons at a time, vigorously stir in enough of hot half-and-half or milk to make potatoes fluffy but not soupy. Stir in cheese. (If potatoes have cooled too much, reheat in microwave for 1 to 2 minutes, or cover and set over pan of barely simmering water for up to 30 minutes.)

Join the discussions and giveaways at facebook.com/COCountryLife

ColoradoCountryLife.coop October 2012 21

[gardening]

Succulent “Semps”

Add lusciousness to your garden with succulents

BY EVA ROSE MONTANE || ABUNDANTEARTHGARDENS.COM || GARDENING@COLORADOCOUNTRYLIFE.ORG

I

I’ve had an ongoing love affair with succulent plants, but this summer it became an overt fullfledged fling. The succulents in my garden have flourished and I sometimes wonder why I bother to grow anything else.

One group of succulents with which I am particularly smitten is Sempervivum, most commonly known as Hens and Chicks. At about 4 inches tall and spreading to 2 feet, they make a charming ground cover. They are generally grown for their foliage although they do flower. Sempervivum are great for covering the soil in containers housing taller airy plants that don’t cast a ton of shade, such as Mexican feather grass. They are rock garden rock stars and I’ve seen them do fabulously in vertical stone walls.

Apparently, “semps” — a nickname used by admirers such as myself — also do well on rooftops. They are native to Europe where they were traditionally grown on thatch roofs as a fire prevention measure, as they are considered fire resistant with all that juicy moisture held in their fleshy leaves.

Although they are considered “drought tolerant” by some, I do not believe semps to be fully xeric. I found they went from looking measly to stunning when I watered mine during the summer. Suffice it to say, they most likely would not have made it through the drought we had this summer without being watered regularly. Not surprising since Europe, at least parts of it, is much more moist than Colorado.

Their common name, Hens and Chicks, is also logical unlike so many common names. By the time the Hens flower they will have managed to put out a number of Chicks. The Hens will not bloom again and can be plucked from the flock.

Sempervivum, the genus name, means “ever living” because these little cuties are evergreen and the chicks are easy to propagate when their needs are met. They require well-drained soil and do well with eastern exposure or partial shade. They’re considered deer resistant by some but I’ve seen them nibbled to the ground in my garden, albeit infrequently.

I used to think semps were boring, but there are so many different varieties of this one genus it will blow your mind.

If you are in the camp I used to be in, I encourage you to reconsider. So go get an assortment of Sempervivum and add some succulents to your life.

ColoradoCountryLife.coop 22 October 2012

A variety of Hens and Chicks sempervivum add interest to a rock wall.

Eva Rose Montane is a garden coach, consultant and designer.

Read more gardening advice at coloradocountrylife.coop.

Click on Living in Colorado and then Gardening.

ColoradoCountryLife.coop Septembere 2012 23

[outdoors] STATEMENT OF OWNERSHIP, MANAGEMENT & CIRCULATION 1. Publication Title: COLORADO COUNTRY LIFE 2. Publication No.: 469-400; 3. Filing Date: 09/19/2012; 4. Issue Frequency: Monthly 5. No. of Issues Published Annually: 12; 6. Annual Subscription Price: $9; 7. Complete Mailing Address of Known Office of Publication: 5400 Washington St., Denver, CO 80216; Contact Person: Mona Neeley; Telephone: 303-455-4111; 8. Complete Mailing Address of Headquarters or General Business Office of Publisher: 5400 Washington St., Denver, CO 80216; 9. Full Names and Complete Mailing Addresses of Publisher, Editor, and Managing Editor Publisher: Mona Neeley, 5400 Washington St., Denver, CO 80216; Editor: Mona Neeley, 5400 Washington St., Denver, CO 80216; Managing Editor: Not applicable; 10.

Owner Full Name: Colorado Rural Electric Association; Complete Mailing Address: 5400 Washington St., Denver, CO 80216; 11. Known Bondholders, Mortgagees, and Other Security Holders Owning or Holding 1 Percent or More of Total Amount of Bonds, Mortgages or Other Securities: None; 12. Tax Status (For completion by nonprofit organization authorized to mail at special rates). The purpose, function, and nonprofit status of this organization and the exempt status for federal income tax purposes: Has Not Changed During Preceding 12 Months; 13. Publication Title: Colorado Country Life; 14. Issue Date for Circulation Data Below: September 2012; 15.

Extent and Nature of Circulation - Average No. Copies Each Issue During Preceding 12 Months; a. Total Number of Copies (Net press run): 190,374; b. Paid Circulation (By Mail and Outside the Mail): (1) Mailed OutsideCounty Paid Subscriptions Stated on PS Form 3541 (Include paid distribution above nominal rate, advertiser’s proof copies and exchange copies): 189,059; (2) Mailed In-County Paid Subscriptions Stated on PS Form 3541 (Include paid distribution above nominal rate, advertiser’s proof copies, and exchange copies): None; (3) Paid Distribution Outside the Mails Including Sales Through Dealers and Carriers, Street Vendors, Counter Sales, and Other Paid Distribution Outside USPS: 694; (4) Paid Distribution by Other Classes of Mail Through the USPS (e.g. First-Class Mail®): None; c. Total Paid Distribution (Sum of 15b (1), (2), (3), and (4)): 189,753; d. Free or Nominal Rate Distribution (By Mail and Outside the Mail): (1) Free or Nominal Rate Outside-County Copies included on PS Form 3541: 87; (2) Free or Nominal Rate In-County Copies Included on PS Form 3541: None; (3) Free or Nominal Rate Copies Mailed at Other Classes Through the USPS (e.g. First-Class Mail): None; (4) Free or Nominal Rate Distribution Outside the Mail (Carriers or other means): 400; e. Total Free or Nominal Rate Distribution (Sum of 15d (1), (2), (3) and (4)): 487; f. Total Distribution (Sum of 15c and 15e): 190,240; g. Copies not Distributed: None; h. Total (Sum of l5f and g.): 190,240; (i) Percent Paid (15c divided by 15f times 100): 99.7%. - No. Copies of Single Issue Published Nearest to Filing Date; a. Total Number of Copies (Net press run): 190,210. b. Paid Circulation (By Mail and Outside the Mail): (1) Mailed Outside-County Paid Subscriptions Stated on PS Form 3541 (Include paid distribution above nominal rate, advertiser’s proof copies and exchange copies): 189,100. (2) Mailed In-County Paid Subscriptions Stated on PS Form 3541 (Include paid distribution above nominal rate, advertiser’s proof copies, and exchange copies): None; (3) Paid Distribution Outside the Mails Including Sales Through Dealers and Carriers, Street Vendors, Counter Sales, and Other Paid Distribution Outside USPS®: 637; (4) Paid Distribution by Other Classes of Mail Through the USPS (e.g. First-Class Mail®): None; c. Total Paid Distribution (Sum of 15b (1), (2), (3), and (4)): 189,737; d. Free or Nominal Rate Distribution (By Mail and Outside the Mail): (1) Free or Nominal Rate Outside-County Copies included on PS Form 3541: 88; (2) Free or Nominal Rate In-County Copies Included on PS Form 3541: None; (3) Free or Nominal Rate Copies Mailed at Other Classes Through the USPS (e.g. First-Class Mail): None; (4) Free or Nominal Rate Distribution Outside the Mail (Carriers or other means): 385; e. Total Free or Nominal Rate Distribution (Sum of 15d (1), (2), (3) and (4)): 473; f. Total Distribution (Sum of 15c and 15e): 190,210; g.

Copies not Distributed: None; h. Total (Sum of l5f and g.): 190,210; (i) Percent Paid (15c divided by 15f times 100): 99.8%. 16. Publication of Statement of Ownership: If the publication is a general publication, publication of this statement is required. Will be printed in the October 2012 issue of this publication. 17. Signature and Title of Editor, Publisher, Business Manager or Owner: /s/ Mona Neeley Date: 09/19/12 I certify that all information furnished on this form is true and complete. I understand that anyone who furnishes false or misleading information on this form or who omits material or information requested on the form may be subject to criminal sanctions (including fines and imprisonment) and/or civil sanctions (including civil penalties).

PS Form 3526, September 2007 ColoradoCountryLife.coop 24 October 2012

The Fragrance of Fall

Primordial stirrings come with cool mornings

BY DENNIS SMITH

W

Whether you believe the prehistoric gene resides in your DNA or the slightest trace of hunter’s blood courses through your veins, you probably began recognizing the signs a few weeks ago — even if you didn’t know why.

You had to have noticed, for example, that dawn arrives just a wee bit later now, lingers longer, seems cooler, damper and somehow more refreshing than in weeks past. Early morning flights of Canada geese with young-of-the-year fledglings in tow began winging their way to ancestral feeding grounds with predictable regularity, yelping and honking in anticipation. Backyard garden patches suddenly turned vibrant with the color of ripening peppers, tomatoes and winter squash.

Mums began popping, hollyhock stalks went thick with bursting seed heads and miniature flocks of goldfinches appeared out of nowhere to attack your sunflower blooms with fevered urgency. Raccoons also began pulling nightly raids on your grapevines and crab apple trees. And news of the annual corn roast festival started headlining your local newspaper.

Autumn is in the air, and while some may be reluctant to admit it, the subtle yet unmistakable fragrance of fall stirs the hunter-gatherer’s heart in all of us.

We all react to the undeniable pull of autumn’s harvest in different ways.

Some will ready the stockpots, canning jars, lids and other apparatus associated with putting up their garden’s bounty for winter. Others may begin digging out the knives, meat grinders and rolls of freezer papers vital to butchering, processing and preserving wild game for future use.

Some do both. Others do neither, relying instead on the efforts and industry of commercial providers. But we all par-

A bow hunter glasses an early autumn quakie grove in the Colorado high country for elk. ticipate one way or the other in the great circle of life.

Bow hunters have already been afield for weeks now in pursuit of deer, elk or antelope. Small game hunters began taking doves, dusky grouse and chukar partridge on September 1, and waterfowlers had their first crack at ducks on September 8 when the early teal season opened. Numerous big- and small-game seasons follow in succession in strictly regulated seasons until the spring of 2013.

What’s important to remember here is that whether you choose to grow your own produce, raise your own beef or pork, tend a flock of laying hens, hunt for food or buy your provisions from commercial outlets, we are all participants in — and consumers of — Mother Earth’s bounty.

And that primordial stirring you feel on these cool, damp mornings is just our Creator’s way of reminding us we’re all descendents of the ancient hunter-gatherers in spirit. It’s in our DNA.

Miss an issue? Catch up at coloradocountrylife.coop. Click on Outdoors.

[energy tips]

SAVING IS A BREEZE

Ceiling fans for comfort

BY JAMES DULLEY

H

How do you correctly operate a ceiling fan to save energy and money?

A CCL SUBSCRIPTION MAKES A GREAT CHRISTMAS GIFT Did you know that you could get a Colorado Country Life subscription for $9 in-state and $15 out-of-state? Just call the nice people at CCL at 303-4554111.

You know my sister lives in Arizona and would really like to read about home.

I will get her a subscription for Christmas. Thanks for the great gift idea!.

Ceiling fans can cut your electric bills year-round, but before you run out and buy a few, it’s important to understand how they save energy. The important thing to remember is that the fan itself does not cool air or things — fans cool people, so they should be turned off when the room is empty.

During summer, ceiling fans cool the skin by creating a downward breeze, which should make you feel comfortable enough to turn up the air conditioner a few degrees. Look at the pitch of the blades to determine which rotation direction This decorative makes the air blow ceiling fan has downward. Setting blades extended above the attached the thermostat higher light fixture. saves much more electricity than the ceiling fan consumes.

During winter, flip the small switch on the side of the ceiling fan housing to reverse the blade rotation. Run the fan on low speed so it creates a gentle upward breeze, which will force the warm air — which naturally rises — back down where it’s needed. Then, you can set your furnace a few degrees lower and save energy there, too.

Some new ceiling fans also have a builtin electric heater with a handheld remote thermostat or control. It functions the same way as a standard ceiling fan during summer. During winter, it automatically reverses rotation when it is switched to the heating mode. The heater allows you to take advantage of zone heating.

For more information on ceiling fans to help you save money, visit coloradocountry life.coop. Click on Energy Tips .

ColoradoCountryLife.coop October 2012 25

[marketplace]

LEARN ABOUT THE LATEST INNOVATIONS IN COLORADO’S ENERGY INDUSTRY REGISTER TODAY AT

www.crea.coop

Colorado Rural Electric Association

ENERGY INNOVATIONS SUMMIT

Monday, Oct. 29, 2012 Embassy Suites Denver Convention Center Hotel

Learn more and register online at www.crea.coop

Cost: $125

Lunch and Trade Show included • 7 CLE Credits Available

31 speakers + Trade Show = 1 GREAT EVENT The Colorado Rural Electric Association is the trade association representing Colorado’s electric cooperatives.

For more information go to www.crea.coop or call 303-455-2700.

2012

CELEBRATE the INTERNATIONAL YEAR of COOPERATIVES QUESTION: In the 1920s, before widespread rural electrification efforts commenced in the mid-1930s, how many American farms had electricity?

ANSWER: 2.6 percent.

BONUS: By 1953, the number had increased to 88 percent.

QUESTION: How many states have electric cooperatives?

ANSWER: 47 BONUS: Name the three that don’t.

ANSWER: Massachusetts, Connecticut and Rhode Island.

QUESTION: How much tax revenue do electric cooperatives generate for state and local municipalities?

ANSWER: $1.4 billion.

QUESTION: In what country did the modern cooperative movement begin?

ANSWER: England.

BONUS: The cooperative was called the Rochdale Society of Equitable Pioneers.

QUESTION: One in ___ Americans belong to a cooperative.

ANSWER: Four.

“Cooperative Enterprises Build a Better World” ColoradoCountryLife.coop 26 October 2012

[marketplace]

ColoradoCountryLife.coop October 2012 27

[classifieds] TO PLACE A CLASSIFIED AD Please type or print your ad on a separate paper.

Indicate how many months you would like your ad to run and which month to start. There is a minimum of 12 words at $1.63 per word/month.

Be sure to include your full name and address for our records. Check MUST accompany this order or call to pay by credit card. Send your ad to: mail: Colorado Country Life

5400 N. Washington St., Denver, CO 80216 phone: 303-902-7276 fax: 303-455-2807 email: classifieds@coloradocountrylife.org

ANTIQUES ANTIQUE RESTORATION STUDIO — Antique conservation. Quality craftsmanship since 1974. Bayfield, CO, www.antiqueresdurango.com 970-884-1937. (988-12-12) AUTUMN ANTIQUES, Pueblo, CO, October 20-21. Biannual antique show, sale. Colorado State Fairgrounds. Saturday 9-5, Sunday 10-4.

Admission $3, n/c 14 and under.

Café service, free parking, jewelry appraiser available on Saturday.

Great selection of rare treasures, furniture, glassware, pottery, primitives, jewelry, and much more. Info: Jo Peterson 719-596-1022 (510-10-12) BUY, SELL, TRADE, RESTORE antique woodstoves, cookstoves, early gas heaters, always looking for stoves, parts. Bob 303-902-7709 (049-01-13) CHAIR CANING, hand caning, machine caning, fiber rush caning. Pueblo West, 719-547-0723. chaanita@q.com (858-04-13)

BOOKS IZZY AULD’s incredible e-Books.

Download mysteries, intrigue, suspense, from Amazon or B&N, www.izzyauld.com (014-12-12) RODEO ROOTS to Modern-Day Cowboys is a fine, fun book about rodeo. Great gift! $15. Bulk order discounts. Call 303-455-4111 to order one today. (106-12-12)

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES (These opportunities have not been investigated by Colorado Country Life.)

EARN YOUR WAY TO $500/day mailing our postcards. National Homeworkers Association – Dept 7507 – Visit our website – www. easymoneyathome.com/500aday (911-10-12) LEGITIMATE WORK AT HOME opportunity. No sales, investment, risk. Training/website provided.

Weekly/monthly income plus bonuses, benefits. Call Carrie 303579-4207, www.workathomeunited. com/ourabundance (932-10-12) NW MISSOURI BUSY, PROFITABLE convenience store/gas station.

Price includes all inventory!

Variety of food services. Seating for 25 in this extremely clean, well-maintained business! Could be owner financed. Servicing Graham, Maitland, & Skidmore areas, and the only one around! Call Rick 660-939-2296 www.rockyspitstop. net (059-10-12) PIANO TUNING PAYS. Learn with American School home-study course. Tools included. Call for info.

800-497-9793. (158-01-13) START YOUR OWN BUSINESS – home/internet. Simply the highest quality candles/beauty/fundraising.

Enter free drawing. www.natures best.scent-team.com (831-11-12)

CARS/TRUCKS/BOATS 50 SUBARUS! (1995-2011) Outbacks, Foresters, Imprezas, Tribecas & more! Great prices! Warranties available! Dealer: www.Monument Motors.com 719-481-9900 (57408-13) ColoradoCountryLife.coop 28 October 2012

CLOCK REPAIR & RESTORATION DURANGO AREA. CLOCKS of all kinds repaired. Antique and modern. Clocks bought and sold. Call Robert 970-247-7729, bob.scott@ usa.net (109-01-13)

ENERGY LET ME HELP YOU LEASE YOUR MINERALS for the best deal! 32 years of experience! Contact Michelle Smith, The Quiat Companies, (720) 318-2763 or (303) 759-1000, michelle@quiatcompanies.com.

Visit us at www.quiatcompanies. com (065-12-12)

EQUIPMENT & SUPPLIES 2 JOHN DEERE TRACTORS, good condition. 1949 A, styled, 3 pt. hitch, 8’ blade. 1936 B, unstyled. 303-9328878, c720-272-8792 (071-10-12)

FINANCIAL SERVICES

FREE

REAL ESTATE

FREE BOOKS/DVDS. Soon the “Mark of the Beast” will be enforced as Church and State unite!

Let the Bible reveal. The Bible Says, POB 99, Lenoir City, TN 37771. thebiblesaystruth@yahoo.com 888-211-1715. (814-12-12)

40-ACRE BLUFF SITE. Mountain views. Between Pueblo and Colorado City. 6 miles from I-25. $98,500. Call 719-564-1100. (072-11-12)

FREE CURE on people wanting to be rid of stress, guilt, PTSD, suicide, Rapture Cult, and dead church syndrome. Write Dr. Edwin Vrell, 2210 Main St., #304, Longmont, CO 80501 or 303-772-8825 (995-01-13)

HELP WANTED $400 WEEKLY ASSEMBLING PRODUCTS FROM HOME. For free information, send SASE: Home Assembly – CC, Box 450, New Britain, CT 06050-0450.

HOBBIES & CRAFTS

COMMERCIAL MORTGAGE LOANS - $100,000 and up. Contact over 700 direct lenders nationwide — www.c-loans.com/r.cgi?r=000289 (911-12-12)

BOOKS, PATTERNS, CLASSES, knitting, felting, crocheting, weaving, spinning, natural dye extracts, Jacquard and Gaywool dyes. www. tablerockllamas.com Colorado Springs, 866-495-7747 (791-01-13)

FOR SALE

HOUSEHOLD HELPS

FIREWOOD – BLOCKED (NOT SPLIT) 15-17” seasoned Ponderosa - $8.25 per foot of your pick-up bed, moderate round. (8-foot bed: $66) or $50 per load of limbed not blocked random length pieces. (54” length and longer). You pick up. West Loveland area. Pole Hill Road (18E).

303-665-5749 saddlenotchridgellc@ gmail.com (939-12-12)

LOOKING TO REPLACE AMWAY PRODUCTS? Lose your distributor?

I can ship to your home, no hassle, no salesman. Monika Cary 970-7242912. (982-11-12)

GRASSFED YAK MEAT for sale.

Delicious and nutritious. Delivery available. Fourth, half, or whole.

720-256-3364 (029-11-12) HEATMOR OUTDOOR FURNACES. Heat your home with wood, coal, used oil, or pellets with a stove that is backed with Limited Lifetime Warranty. Financing available. www.heatmor.com 307-710-6264 woodmountainstoves@gmail.com (058-12-12) OXYGEN CONCENTRATORS - $380 with warranty. Also sell portable concentrators and oxygen supplies.

Repair and service of equipment.

Aspen Concentrators Repair Service 719-471-9895 (040-12-12)

Happy Halloween October 31

INSURANCE TURNING 65? Learn your Medicare options. Call for information or in-person appointment. Terri Schierbeek 719-447-5104. Licensed Independent Agent. (054-10-12)

MACHINERY & PARTS SAWMILL EXCHANGE: North America’s largest source of used portable sawmills and commercial equipment for woodlot owners and sawmill operations. Over 800 listings. THE place to sell equipment.

800-459-2148 www.sawmill exchange.com . (267-09-13)

MISCELLANEOUS PUT YOUR OLD HOME MOVIES, slides, or photos on DVD. 888-6099778 or www.transferguy.com.

(465-12-12)

GRAND JUNCTION HORSE FARM, 3130 A 1/2 Rd, 3550+ sq. ft. home on 14 acres. Newly remodeled, new central air, new boiler, new water heater, new roof, half brick ranch w/new vinyl siding. 5 bdrm, 3 1/2 bath, living room, dining room, large kitchen, large family room.

New carpet/tile/wood floors.

Full horse barn w/indoor stalls & outside runs. All steel fencing, arenas, loafing sheds on large pastures. Additional fencing around home & inground heated pool. RV building (50x28’), two large ponds, etc. $625,000. Ginny 970-260-9629, Terry 970-261-3001, Gtraudt@ edbozarth.com 3% to 6% to any REALTOR w/buyer (946-12-12) HOWARD, COLORADO. Tree covered residential home site.

Year round access. Owner finance.

719-276-7294 (050-10-12) MONUMENT. SECLUDED 5-acre homesite. Views. Utilities available.

Terms. Easy access to I-25. $189K. 719-661-2027. (060-10-12) WANTED: PROPERTY TO LEASE for hunting, fishing. We can offer landowners numerous benefits.

303-460-0273 (069-12-12)

RELIGION BECOME AN ORDAINED Minister by correspondence study. Founded in 1988. Free info. Ministers for Christ Outreach, PMB 767, 6630 W Cactus, B107, Glendale, AZ 85304. http:// www.ordination.org (441-12-12)

TICKETS NFR & PBR RODEO TICKETS – Las Vegas. All seating levels available.

Call 1-888-NFR-rodeo (1-888-6377633) or www.NFR-Rodeo.com. *BBB Member; Since 1990. (912-11-12)

VACATION RENTAL

QUILTS

KAUAI VACATION RENTAL, 2bdr, full kitchen. Minutes from beaches. $600/wk. 808-245-6500; makana crest.com; kauaiweddings.com.

(756-05-13)

AWARD WINNING LONG-ARM QUILTING Services - Karen Niemi, 303-470-9309, http://creative. stitching.home.comcast.net, creative.stitching@comcast.net (846-02-13)

LUSH TROPICAL “BIG ISLAND” VACATION rental. Enjoy the real Hawaii, go online or call. www. vrbo.com/423408 1-808-443-8659.

(066-01-13)

[funny stories] WANTED TO BUY

WANTED TO BUY

WANTED TO BUY

NAVAJO RUGS, old and recent, native baskets, pottery. Tribal Rugs, Salida. 719-539-5363, b_inaz@ hotmail.com (817-10-12)

OLD GAS AND OIL items: Gas pumps, advertising signs, globes, etc. Pieces, parts, etc. considered. Also 1932-34 Ford cars and trucks, parts and pieces, too. Any condition. Brandon, 719-250-5721.

(519-11-12)

VINTAGE FISHING TACKLE. I buy rods, reels, lures, creels, etc. Call Gary at 970-222-2181 (960-12-12)

OLD COLORADO LIVESTOCK brand books prior to 1975. Call Wes 303757-8553. (889-02-13) OLD COWBOY STUFF–hats, boots, spurs, chaps, Indian rugs, baskets, etc. ANYTHING OLD! Mining & railroad memorabilia, ore carts! We buy whole estates. We’ll come to you! Call 970-759-3455 or 970-5651256. (871-11-12)

WANT TO PURCHASE minerals and other oil/gas interests. Send details to: PO Box 13557, Denver, CO 80201.

(402-02-13)

OLD POCKET WATCHES – working or non-working and old repair material. Bob 719-859-4209 watchdoctor@hotmail.com.

(870-12-13)

Gift Givin g Guide

TO ADVERTISE IN THE CLASSIFIED SECTION CALL KRIS AT 303-902-7276.

Seniors still need print media.

I was visiting my son last night when I asked if I could borrow a newspaper.

“This is the 21st century,” he said. “I don’t waste money on newspapers. Here, you can borrow my iPad.” I can tell you, that fly never knew what hit him.

Anonymous

My 8-year-old grandson was recently here for a visit. He hadn’t done much fishing and was interested in going to the lake with his grandpa for the day.

I was relaxing and enjoying the day, when he asked, “Grandpa, what does conception mean?”

I stammered a bit before I asked him where he came up with that question. He brought over the jar of salmon eggs and pointed to the label, which read, “Not for human consumption.”

Thank goodness I was off the hook for that part of the fishing trip!

Rodger Ives, Yellow Jacket

Tom had been a compulsive worrier for years until he found a way to overcome it. His friends noticed the dramatic change. “You don’t seem to be worried about anything anymore,” one friend said.

“I hired a professional worrier for $1,000 a week,” Tom said. “I haven’t had a single qualm since.”

“A thousand a week!” his friend replied. “I know you don’t have enough money to pay that kind of bill!”

Tom calmly said, “That’s his problem.”

Liz Ackerman, Cheyenne Wells

My granddaughter thanked me for coming to

It’s time to let Colorado Country Life’s 376,000 readers know what you have to sell for the Holiday Season. Place an ad in this year’s Gift Guide.

Deadline for the December issue: November 1

Call Kris at 303-902-7276 for more information.

the Grandparents Day celebration at her school. I told her I had so much fun and that I’d love to come back if she’d invite me. With just a small hesitation, she said, “We’ll have another one next year. I hope you live long enough.”

Bonnie McEnulty, Howard

We pay $15 to each person who submits a funny story that’s printed in the magazine. At the end of the year, we draw one name from those submitting jokes and that person will receive $150. Send your 2012 stories to Colorado Country Life, 5400 N. Washington St., Denver, CO 80216 or email funnystories@ coloradocountrylife.org. Don’t forget to include your mailing address, so we can send you a check.

ColoradoCountryLife.coop October 2012 29

[discoveries]

Bent’s Old Fort

E

East of La Junta sits a wonderful blast from the past where guests can get a glimpse of what an old trading settlement looked like. It’s a historic site called Bent’s Old Fort and between 1833 and 1849 it’s where trappers and Indians would trade, primarily for buffalo robes. It was also a middle ground between Missouri and Santa Fe where travelers could stock up on supplies and repair their wagons.

Bent’s Old Fort was abandoned and destroyed in 1849, but in 1976 the fort was reconstructed. Today, visitors can get a taste of what life was like “way back when” at the fort through re-enactments, special events, tours, demonstrations and special programs.

To find out more about Bent’s Old Fort, call 719-3835010 or visit nps.gov/beol.

Visit Fort Collins Museum of Discovery

O

The History Colorado Center

A

After four years of hard work, the 133-year-old history museum in Denver was reconstructed to become the History Colorado Center, a state-of-the-art museum that opened earlier in 2012.

Inside the facility guests can revisit Colorado’s past through interactive exhibits, videos and historic memorabilia.

One popular exhibit at the museum is the Time Machine.

The Time Machine is a large, moveable contraption that tells a story when users roll over a hotspot on the 40- by 60-foot map beneath your feet. The more than two dozen topics include the preservation of Mesa Verde, the Ludlow Massacre, mountain man Mariana Medina and Shep the Tollbooth Dog. On November 17, the museum will unveil its new exhibit, Denver A to Z. For information, call 303-447-8679 or visit historycoloradocenter.org.

The Time Machine

[Overland Trail Museum]

I

If you’re in the Sterling area, be sure to visit the Overland Trail Museum. There you’ll see outstanding historical collections and equipment in a village where some buildings predate 1915.

A must-see is the Dave Hamil/R.E.A. Building where you can learn about how electricity has influenced the way of life for those living in rural America. Also at the top of the list are the Stoney Buttes one-room schoolhouse, the granary barn, the replica of an early 1900s barbershop and the old filling station.

For more information, call 970-522-3895 or visit sterlingcolo.com/?page_id=145.

ColoradoCountryLife.coop 30 October 2012

On November 10, the Fort Collins Museum of Discovery will open its doors to the public for a grand opening. With more than 47,000 square feet of usable space, the sparkling new building will house scores of exciting exhibits.

“The Museum of Discovery will be the first museum in the country to place exhibits in the context of both science and history through hands-on and artifact-based experiences,” says Cheryl Donaldson, the museum’s co-director. “We’ll tell a global story through a local lens.”

At the grand opening, visitors can expect to see: • The 360-degree Digital Dome Theater.

• Six exhibit zones in a 16,000-square-foot area featuring Music & Sound; Wildlands & Wildlife; People on the Move; First Peoples; Food, Forage & Farm; and the Science Discovery Zone.

• A 42-foot long plesiosaur, a replica of the dinosaur that was discovered near Horsetooth Reservoir.

• A 5,000-square-foot traveling exhibit gallery.

• A rooftop observation deck.

• Two classrooms with fully glassed garage doors.

• More than 200,000 photographs, documents and memorabilia that chronicle the history of Fort Collins and surrounding areas from the 1860s to the present.

• A visitors center where guests can find more information about the area and meet some adorable black-footed ferrets.

Find out more about the Museum of Discovery by calling 970-221-6738 or visiting fcmdsc.org.