S E P T E M B E R 2014

Students Tour Washington, D.C.Forty students and nine chaperones from Arizona and California visited the nation’s capital in June as part of the Washington Youth Tour. Clockwise from top left: Austen Schiavone, Teddy Brumley, Bria Ramon, Rathin Kacham and Kandie Anton tour the Capitol; Marissa Green, Heather Udall, Alaura Millet and Michael Pearce point to electricity on a relief wall at the FDR Memorial; Savanah Foster, Heather Udall, Emily Clouse, Xavier Sturdevant and Katelynn Claridge in front of the White House; Heather Udall, Casandra Bowler, Grace McGuire, Raquel MacDonald and NaRayah Runyon at John F. Kennedy’s grave at Arlington National Cemetery; Dakota Encinas sits with Abraham Lincoln at Madame Tussauds Wax Museum; the student contingent at the Capitol; and Weston Wilbank and Riley Fite at the National Cathedral. See the story on page 12.

Students Tour Washington, D.C.Students Tour Washington, D.C.Forty students and nine chaperones from Arizona and California visited the nation’s capital in June as part of the Washington Youth Tour. Clockwise from top left: Austen Schiavone, Teddy Brumley, Bria Ramon, Rathin Kacham and Kandie Anton tour the Capitol; Marissa Green, Heather Udall, Alaura Millet and Michael Pearce point to electricity on a relief wall at the FDR Memorial; Savanah Foster, Heather Udall, Emily Clouse, Xavier Sturdevant and Katelynn Claridge in front of the White House; Heather Udall, Casandra Bowler, Grace McGuire, Raquel MacDonald and NaRayah Runyon at John F. Kennedy’s grave at Arlington National Cemetery; Dakota Encinas sits with Abraham Lincoln at Madame Tussauds Wax Museum; the student contingent at the Capitol; and Weston Wilbank and Riley Fite at the National Cathedral. See the story on page 12.

Students Tour Washington, D.C.Forty students and nine chaperones from Arizona and California visited the nation’s

Austen Schiavone, Teddy Brumley, Bria Ramon, Rathin Kacham and Kandie Anton tour the Capitol; Marissa Green, Heather Udall, Alaura Millet and Michael Pearce point to electricity on a relief wall at the FDR Memorial; Savanah Foster, Heather

Wilbank and Riley Fite at the National Cathedral. See the story on page 12.

Students Tour Washington, D.C.

A N Z A E L E C T R I C C O O P E R A T I V E

Celebrating 60 Years of Service PAGE 4 Interested in a Trip of a Lifetime? PAGE 25

1013⁄16

101⁄2

103⁄4107⁄8

1013⁄16

101⁄2

103⁄4107⁄8

81⁄4

881⁄8

77⁄8

73⁄475⁄8

83⁄8

81⁄4

881⁄8

77⁄8

73⁄475⁄8

83⁄8

81⁄4 8

81⁄8

77⁄8

73⁄4

75⁄8

83⁄8

81⁄48

81⁄8

77⁄873⁄4

75⁄8

83⁄8

107⁄8

101⁄2

1013⁄16103⁄4

107⁄8

101⁄2

1013⁄16103⁄4

01_B_I_V = Live Area: 7 x 10, 7x10 Magazine Master, 1 Page, Installment, Vertical updated 11/2011

Price

❏

Logo &

Address

❏

JobCode

❏

TrackingCode

❏

YellowSnipe

❏

ShippingService

❏

*Plusing dis sh

Summer’s Heritage ©2011 Thomas Kinkade

©2014 The Bradford Exchange 01-15616-001-BIRL

Featuring a classic red barn and a Farmall tractor, both proud symbols of America, Thomas Kinkade’s charming farmyard scene comes to life on a hand-stretched canvas print in this premiere presentation. Better still, you can enjoy your art without installing expensive artwork lighting. Just fl ip on the switch and 10 LED lights built into the custom wood frame cast a soft glow for up to 4 hours thanks to a convenient timer.

An exceptional value—and a money-back guarantee

Act now to acquire yours in four interest-free installments of $33.75, for a total of $135.00*, backed by our 365-day money-back guarantee. You need send no money now. Just complete and mail the Reservation Application today. Don’t miss out—act now!

www.bradfordexchange.com/tkfarmall

Thomas Kinkade Farmall HeritageIlluminating Canvas Print

First ever! Thomas Kinkade Illuminating Canvas Print

YES. Please reserve the Thomas Kinkade Farmall Heritage Illuminating Canvas Print for me as described in this announce-ment. Limit: One per order Please Respond Promptly

*Plus $16.99 shipping and service. Limited-edition presentation restricted to 295 crafting days. Please allow 4-8 weeks after initial payment for shipment. Sales subject to product availability and order acceptance.

Mrs. Mr. Ms. Name (Please Print Clearly)

Address

City

State Zip

Email (optional)

01-15616-001-E59591

9345 Mi lwaukee Avenue · Ni les, IL 60714-1393

RESERVATION APPLICATION SEND NO MONEY NOW

With the fl ip of a switch, this Illuminating Canvas Print lights up from

within!

Shown much smaller than actual size of about 20" wide by 15¾" high by 1½" deep. Arrives fully assembled and ready to display. Lighting timer can be powered by adaptor or 3 “AAA” batteries (both not included).

LICENSED PRODUCT

CNH America LLC

Nearl

y 2 fee

t wide!

01_15616_001_BIRL.indd 1 7/29/14 1:32 PM

Energy SmartsMaking the Most of Your Electricity

ANZA ELECTRIC COOPERATIVEKatherine MacIver

ARIZONA’S GENERATION AND TRANSMISSION COOPERATIVESGeoff Oldfather

DUNCAN VALLEYELECTRIC COOPERATIVESteven Lunt

ELECTRICAL DISTRICT NO. 2Roselyn Bever

GRAHAM COUNTYELECTRIC COOPERATIVEDiane Junion

CURRENTS EDITORPam Blair, CCC

Currents (USPS 030-520) is published bimonthly for members for $2.03 a year, plus postage, by Ruralite Services Inc., 5605 NE Elam Young Pkwy., Hillsboro, OR 97124—a not-for-profit Oregon cooperative corporation—to serve the communication needs of 53 consumer-owned electric utilities in Oregon, Washington, Alaska, Idaho, Nevada, California, Arizona and Hawaii. Preferred periodical postage paid at Hillsboro, Oregon 97123 and additional mailing offices. © 2014 Ruralite Services Inc. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited.

Postmaster: Send address changes to Currents, 5605 NE Elam Young Pkwy., Hillsboro, OR 97124.

HOW TO CONTACT CURRENTS

Subscription services: Nonmember subscriptions $6 (U.S.) per year. Pre-payment required. Allow eight weeks for first issue. Be sure to identify the local edition you want to receive. Have a problem receiving your edition of Currents? Utility members should contact the local utility office listed on the back cover. Nonmembers should call (503) 718-3717 or write to Subscriptions, 5605 NE Elam Young Pkwy., Hillsboro, OR 97124.Back issues and extra copies: $2 each, pre-payment required. Supply is limited. Identify edition, month and year. Call to check availability.Reprint permission: Direct all requests to Reprints and Permissions.To contact Ruralite: 5605 NE Elam Young Pkwy., Hillsboro, OR 97124; (503) 357-2105; email info@ruralite.org.Manuscripts and photographs:Please do not send unsolicited materials. If you are interested in writing for Currents, query first. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope for writer’s guidelines. Address requests and queries to Writers Guidelines to the address above.

DISPLAY ADVERTISING INQUIRIES

National Country Market611 S. Congress Ave. Suite 504Austin, TX 78704(800) 626-1181 or (512) 441-5200www.nationalcountrymarket.com

Plugged In 6Side Roads 10In the Kitchen 16At Home 18

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

Your local utility pages: 4-5, 8, 25, 28-29, 32

Also In This Issue

September 2014Vol. 49, No. 5

A Historic Opportunity 12Washington Youth Tour delegates make a lifetime of memories during their trip to the nation’s capital.

Inside

Find us at your favorite social media site ...

It is often the most experi-enced do-it-yourselfers who injure themselves as they repair and improve their homes during the summer.

The more confident we are in our skills, after all, the less likely we are to read instructions or take routine safety precautions.

Here are a few of the most common errors DIY-ers make that can land them in the hospital:

• Substituting the proper tool for a job with a second choice. Maybe you need a circular saw to make a proper cut. You don’t have one, so you use a jigsaw instead. The two are designed for dif-ferent kinds of cutting. Using one as if it works the same as the other is risky.

• Altering a tool or appliance so it is easier or more convenient to use. Don’t remove safety features, such as blade guards, from a tool. Never saw off the grounding pin of a three-prong plug so you can force it into a two-prong outlet.

• Using a tool that is clearly damaged or too hot. This can burn you or surprise you with unexpected motion.

Some Good-Sense Safety Tips• If you don’t have the right tool for a job

and don’t want to buy it, rent it. Most home-improvement stores have a good selection of tools for lease.

• Buy a tool only after you find its UL mark. This tells you the tool meets high safety standards for fire and electric shock.

• Inspect your corded tools annually for frayed power cords and damaged parts and plugs. Don’t try to repair a broken tool yourself; take it to a qualified technician—or replace it.

• Maintain your tools. Tools need cleaning and some need lubrication. The manufacturer’s instructions that came with the tool will tell you what to do and how often.

Be Careful With Power Tools

S E P T E M B E R 2014 3

Celebrating 60 Years of ServiceAnnual meeting focuses on concern for community

Hundreds attended Anza Electric Cooperative’s 60th Annual Membership Meeting in July. The theme, “Concern for Community: Our Cooperative Cares,” was based on the seventh cooperative principle.

Many area residents have been hit hard by the economic downturn. Less funding is avail-able from government and local agencies to assist those in need. Earlier this year, AEC launched the Cooperative Care Program, which has helped 29 families with everything from utility assistance to food to water-well repairs.

Funds come from two sources: Operation Roundup and unclaimed capital credit checks.

More than 200 members participate in Operation Roundup, which AEC started last year. The concept behind the program is neighbor helping neighbor.

Through AEC’s billing system, members who vol-unteer to participate agree to have their electric bill rounded up each month to the next higher dollar amount. The extra change is deposited in a special account and given to local charities—Anza Thimble Club and Smiles For Seniors—for disbursement.

To participate in Operation Roundup, see page 8 or sign up online at www.anzaelectric.org and select the Community tab. For more information about the Cooperative Care Program and other assistance programs, visit www.anzaelectric.org.

During the annual meeting, information on ways to save on your energy bill was available, along with a hands-on caulking station for those who want to tackle energy-savings projects and had never used a caulking gun before or needed a refresher course.

Several businesses that participate in the Co-op Connections Card program provided information to members. Last year, one business owner garnered sev-eral leads from his attendance at the annual meeting.

Golden State Power Cooperative General Manager Jessica Nelson discussed the organiza-tion’s efforts to help AEC’s members with legislative and regulatory challenges at the state and federal levels. Grand Canyon State Electric Cooperative Association CEO John Wallace and Arizona Electric Power Cooperative CEO Patrick Ledger also made presentations.

This year’s keynote speaker, Assemblyman Brian Jones from the 71st District, talked about the impor-tance of family, community and his ongoing work in Sacramento on behalf of his constituents.

In keeping with this year’s meeting theme, mem-bers were given a questionnaire asking them what they cared about. General Manager Kevin Short addressed several of their concerns in his presenta-tion. He also shared the good news that AEC con-tinues to provide power at a rate approximately 31 percent lower than neighboring Southern California Edison. Using a side-by-side comparison, Short showed the difference in cost.

Mike and Renette Davies register for the Annual Membership Meeting with the help of Anza Electric Cooperative employees Tami Slusher and Paula Ruiz.

Anza Electric

Celebrating 60 Years of ServiceThe Seven Cooperative Principles Voluntary and open membership Democratic member control Members’ economic participation Autonomy and independence Education, training and information Cooperation among cooperatives Concern for community

4 S E P T E M B E R 2014

State Assemblyman Brian Jones addresses the 60th Annual Membership Meeting as the Anza Electric Board of Directors and General Manager Kevin Short look on.

Three seats were open on the board of directors. Re-election petitions were filed by Michael Machado and Belinda Hepler, who were unchallenged and automatically seated. Two petitions were received for the District I position: one from incumbent Ryall Stewart and the other from Steve Packard.

Ballots were included in the July issue of Currents magazine. The Ballot Box—an election administra-tion service—oversaw the processing and counting. A representative announced Stewart had received the majority of the votes. He was declared the winner.

During a reorganization meeting, the following officers were elected: Billy Adams, president; Ryall Stewart, vice president; Joel Carlisle, secretary; and Harold Burdick, treasurer.

The Thimble Club prepared breakfast (the recipe is at right). The Anza Valley Christian Men’s Service Club and Anza Lions assisted with parking, and the VFW presented colors. The Member Advisory Committee assisted with setup and helped provide information at the giveaway tables.

Thanks to everyone who helped with the 60th annual meeting.

Easy Breakfast Casserole withSausage and Potatoes½ pound spicy or mild pork sausage1 medium onion, chopped4 cups frozen diced hash brown potatoes, thawed (about 16 ounces)1½ cups shredded Monterey Jack or cheddar cheese, divided3 eggs, beaten1 cup milk¼ teaspoon pepperMild salsa (optional)

In a large skillet, cook sausage and onion, breaking up sausage with a spatula. When sausage is cooked through, drain o� excess fat. In an 8x8x2-inch square baking dish, layer the hash brown potatoes, half of the shredded cheese, browned sausage and onion mixture, and remaining shredded cheese. In a bowl, combine eggs, milk and pepper; pour egg mixture over cheese. Bake, covered, in a 350-degree oven for 45 to 55 minutes, or until a knife inserted near center comes out clean. Transfer casserole to a wire rack and let stand for 10 to 15 minutes. Cut into squares. Serve with salsa, if desired. Serves 6.

S E P T E M B E R 2014 5

Plugged InUsing Electricity Safely & Efficiently

2014 has been the year for updated light bulb efficiency guide-lines. No need to use bulbs with a twist; light-emitting diodes can help you switch on savings.

Congress called for improved energy-efficiency standards for traditional incandescent bulbs under the federal Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007. This year, light bulbs using 40 to 100 watts must consume at least 28 percent less energy than classic bulbs.

The change is saving Americans an estimated $6 billion to $10 billion in lighting costs annually.

When the next wave of standards kicks in, traditional 40W and 60W incandescents no longer will be available. In their place, some consumers are filling the gap with a solid solution: light-emitting diodes or LEDs.

‘Solid’ LightingIncandescent bulbs create light using a thin wire (filament) inside a glass bulb—a delicate connection that easily can be broken, as frustrated homeowners can attest. In contrast, LEDs are at the forefront of solid-state lighting: small, packed

electronic chip devices. Two conductive materials are placed together on a chip (a diode). Electricity passes through the diode, releasing energy in the form of light.

Invented in 1960 by General Electric, the first LEDs were red. The color depends on materials placed on the diode. Yellow, green and orange LEDs were created in the 1970s and the recipe for the color blue—the foundation for white LEDs—was unlocked in the mid-1990s. Originally used in remote controls, exit signs, digital watches, alarm clocks and car signal lights, LEDs quickly gained momentum for large-scale lighting.

Measuring LED PotentialThe Arlington, Virginia-based Cooperative Research Network has partnered with several electric cooperatives throughout the United States to test LEDs. Researchers are cautiously optimis-tic. LEDs offer several benefits:•  They could last longer, perhaps for decades.•  The energy to use LEDs could be substantially less than

that of compact fluorescent lamps or other fluorescents.•  With no mercury content, LEDs are more environmen-

tally friendly.•  The products are rugged and more resistant to breakage.•  They perform well in cold climates, especially outside.•  They can be dimmed and produce a more pleasing light.Some consumers avoid LEDs because the price tag exceeds

Head into fall with improved efficiency

By Megan McKoy-Noe and Brian Sloboda

Solid Solutions

6 S E p t E m b E r 2014

the cost of conventional light bulbs. But the true value lies in the lifetime of the bulb. It takes about 50 traditional incan-descent bulbs, or eight to 10 CFLs, to last as long as one LED lamp.

Buyer BewarePoor-quality LED products flood the marketplace. Some are manufactured outside of the United States with components that produce low light levels, don’t boast a long service life or make exaggerated energy-saving claims.

Don’t be fooled. Look for the U.S. Department of Energy’s Energy Star logo for guaranteed color quality over time, steady light output during the lifetime, high efficiency and a warranty.

You also can look for an LED Lighting Facts label. The label helps consumers compare products to manufacturer claims and similar products with a summary of performance in five areas:

• Lumens. Measures light output. The higher the number, the more light is emitted.

• Lumens per watt (lm/W). Measures efficiency. The higher the number, the more efficient the product.

• Watts. Measures the energy required to light the product.

The lower the wattage, the less energy is used.• Correlated color temperature (CCT). Measures light

color. “Cool” colors have higher Kelvin temperatures (3,600–5,500 K); and “warm” colors have lower color temperatures (2,700–3,000 K). Cool white light is usually better for visual tasks. Warm white light is usually better for living spaces because it casts a warmer light on skin and clothing. Color tem-peratures of 2,700 to 3,600 K are recommended for most gen-eral indoor and task lighting.

• Color rendering index (CRI). Measures the effect of the lamp’s light spectrum on the color appearance of objects. The higher the number, the truer the appearance of the light. Incandescent lighting is 100 on the CRI.

Shedding Light on LEDs More lighting efficiency changes are coming. Congress’ measure mandates light bulbs become 70 percent more efficient by 2020.

Curious to know if LEDs are right for you? Learn more at www.lightingfacts.com/about/consumers. Homeowners can visit www.energysavers.gov/lighting to compare LEDs to new energy-efficient incandescent bulbs and CFLs.

Lights OutWhether you haven’t been able to train your kids to turn out lights when they leave a room or you need a better outdoor lighting scheme, automatic controls might be a cost-eff ective solution.

No matter what type you use, “the most important thing to remember for any lighting control is to use a type of light bulb that doesn’t need to ‘warm up,’” says brian Sloboda, a senior program manager specializing in energy effi ciency for the Cooperative research Network, the research and development organization for the nation’s electric co-ops. “All of the light bulbs for residential use now on the market will work: incandescents, compact fl uorescent lamps and light-emitting diodes.”

IndoorsOccupancy sensors are helpful indoors, as long as they are positioned to detect people in any corner of the room. they also are good as task lighting—above places such as a desk or kitchen sink—so you get the extra light you need while working, but you don’t forget and leave it on all night.

there are two types of occupancy sensors: ultrasonic and infrared. Ultrasonic sensors detect sound; infrared sensors detect heat and motion.

timers make an empty home look occupied. If kids are still running in and out, however, timers are not as eff ective as occupancy sensors. plug timers into a wall outlet or install them in the wall, like a light switch or thermostat. New varieties are digital.

photosensors are generally best outdoors, but new applications have proven useful for LED nightlights. When an overhead light is on, the nightlight shuts off automatically.

OutdoorsIf you already have or are thinking about installing an outdoor security light, consider combining it with a photosensor to keep it from burning all day. A motion sensor goes one step further, if you don’t want continuous light.

timers are commonly used for aesthetic or holiday lighting, sometimes in conjunction with a photosensor—so they turn on at dusk and turn off at a designated time.

Visit www.energysavers.gov to learn more about energy effi ciency in your home.

S E p t E m b E r 2014 7

Anza Electric

Your spare change alone may not make a big di� erence. However, when you combine it with of all your neighbors’ spare change, it can change lives. With that concept in mind, Anza Electric Cooperative established Operation Roundup as a wayfor the cooperative’s 4,000 members to combine their spare change for the bene� t of the communities in this area.By allowing AEC to round up your electric bill to the next higher dollar amount each month, the extra pennies are contributed to the AEC Operation Roundup fund. The program was set up with the goal of making a big di� erence with small change.

Operation Roundup was started in 1989 by Palmetto Electric Cooperative in South Carolina. Since then, more than 278 electric cooperatives nationwide have adopted the program. The idea behind the program is to extend the principle on which electric cooperatives were built more than 60 years ago—neighbor helping neighbor—and as a Touchstone Energy Cooperative to follow one of the core principles: commitment to community. “Small change that changes lives” is the foundation upon which Operation Roundup is built.

Through AEC’s billing system, members who volunteer to participate in Operation Roundup agree to have their electric bill rounded up each month to the next higher dollar amount. For example, a bill of $73.75 becomes $74. The extra 25 cents is deposited in a separate account: the AEC Operation Roundup fund.

Individually, this is pretty small change. On average, members contribute about $6 a year to the program. But imagine what we can do together. The program is used to help the less fortunate and the deserving, and fund some worthwhile organizations. Money collected through Operation Roundup is forwarded to local charitable organizations for disbursement.

Small change changes lives.

We can make a difference in our community. Can we count you in?

A community service program fromAnza Electric Cooperative Inc.

Sign up today and help us change lives.Complete the form below and return it to the cooperative o� ce.

Yes, I would like to participate in Operation Roundup.

Name _______________________________________________________________________

Street address ________________________________________________________________

City/State/Zip ________________________________________________________________

Home phone __________________________ Cell phone _____________________________

AEC account number __________________________________________________________

Email address_________________________________________________________________

Signature___________________________________________ Date_____________________

Operati on Roundup

8 S E P T E M B E R 2014

www.DreamProducts.com

1.800.530.2689

(website offers may vary)

ORDER NOW TOLL-FREE

FREE Surprise Gift with Every Order

CA residents must add 7.5% sales tax $

TOTAL

$

$

$

$

$

INDICATE NUMBER OF PAIRS ORDERED UNDER SIZE

FREE Regular Shipping FREEAdd $2.00 Handling (No matter how many you order) 2.00

2.95q4FOR EXPEDITED SHIPPING (optional)

Add An Additional $2.95(receive your order 5-7 days from shipment)

Ladies’

Men’s______

______ ______ ______ ______

______ ______ ______

Check or money order payable to: Dream Products, Inc.Send Order To: 412 Dream Lane, Van Nuys, CA 91496

Name

Address

City ST Zip

Daytime Phone #

Email Address

q VISA q MasterCard q Discover®/NOVUSSMCards Card# Exp. Date

Dept. 69899 /#96040S (5-61⁄2)

#96611XS (5-6)

#96045S (61⁄2-7)

96046M (71⁄2-81⁄2)

#96047L (9-101⁄2)

#96041M (7-81⁄2)

#96042L (9-101⁄2)

#96043XL (11-12)

_____ Pr(s) Comfort Moccasins @ $9.99 pr.

UNBELIEVABLE LUXURIOUS COMFORT

ONLY $999FREEShipping

Fleecy lining

WearIndoors or out!

SAVE $7.00 Off Original Price

Satisfaction Guaranteed or Return For Your Money Back

Keep Your Feet Warm & CozyWhether you’re relaxing indoors or making a trip out to the

mailbox, these ankle high, fleece lined moccasins will keep you warm and comfortable. These fashionable faux suede moc-

casins have a thick fleece lining and memory foam insole that hugs your feet, making them so comfortable you’ll feel like

you’re walking on clouds. Fashion import made with a non-slip tread is great for indoors and out. Hurry, order today and your

shipping is FREE plus a FREE surprise gift!

Memory Foam Insoles and Thick Fleecy Lining Caress

Your Feet

For Men & WoMen

YOUR FEET HAVE NEVER FELT SO GOOD!MeMory FoaM Insoles

Indoor/OutdoorComfort Moccasins

Dept

698

99 ©

201

4 Dr

eam

Pro

duct

s, In

c. (P

rices

valid

for 1

yr.)

PLEASE PRINT CLEARLY

Side RoadsDiscoveries Off the beaten path

Miranda Rommel pulls a ball of wool from a bag and begins working it with a felting needle. Her hands exhibit years of practice as they work the wool and needle. What was once a fibrous ball begins to take shape, ultimately becoming an exact replica of a customer’s Pembroke Welsh Corgi.

“I like assembling a bunch of wool and turning it into a little animal that looks just like someone’s little pal,” Miranda says. “People really like them and that makes me really happy.”

This 4-inch-tall felted wool figurine is part of Miranda’s newest art product: Fiber Friends.

The inspiration for the product is her 4-year-old Corgi, Pocket. Miranda made a felted wool figurine of Pocket as a Valentine’s gift for her husband. Her first attempt lacked the refined detail seen in her recent creations, but she improved by watching online tutorials and practicing.

Each Fiber Friend takes Miranda six to eight hours to create. For personalized figurines, customers send in several pho-tos of their pets so Miranda can capture the animal’s markings and shape. Her production process is always the same: core of body, back legs, front legs, head and then adding color.

“I make them with three toes instead of four like the tiger from ‘Calvin and Hobbes.’ They’re cuter that way,” Miranda says.

Miranda has created many dog breeds along with cats, penguins, foxes, sheep and pigs, and recently the Queen of England and her Corgis.

Whether Miranda is creating a felted pet portrait, “nubbin”—a bust-style figurine with a tail—baby mobile, holiday themed ornament, collectible or any of the numerous add-ons, such as toys, scarves or name inscription, all are

creations credited to her resilience during the 2009 economic collapse.

“In 2005, you could get $6,000 for illustrating a book. By 2009, you couldn’t make an illustration bid for anything even close to what you’re worth,” says Miranda, who has a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree in art. “Some people were bidding to fully illustrate a book for $200.”

Miranda knew then it was time to regroup and rethink what she wanted to do. That realization prompted her to familiarize herself with wool and

Fiber FriendsAn Oregon artist breathes life into her felted wool creations

By Victoria Hampton

Happenings Out West

Pendleton Round-Up, September 6-13

2012 Pendleton Round-Up bull riding champion Parker Breding of Edgar, Montana, attempts to go the distance on a bull at the 2013 event.photo by bob Click

the 2014 pendleton round-Up marks the event’s 104th year of rodeo action, and Western pomp and ceremony. It is ranked among the top-10 rodeos in the world. Crowds of more than 50,000 people fl ock to pendleton, Oregon, each september for the weeklong festivities, which include traditional rodeo events, parades, relay races and an Indian pageant. For more information about this year’s pendleton round-up, call (800) 457-6336, send an email to info@pendletonroundup.com or visit www. pendletonroundup.com.

10 s e p t e m b e r 2014

techniques for working it. In the process, Fiber Friends was created.

In 2012, she decided her Fiber Friends creations were good enough to release to the public. She posted them on Etsy—a world marketplace where people sell unique goods. As their popularity grew, she launched a website: www.fiberfriendsonline.com.

Her fiber art now enjoys a global audience, with sales to customers in Australia, France, Singapore, Canada and throughout the United States.

Miranda believes her entrepreneurial nature helps her to maintain a career in the art business.

“Being an entrepreneur is something that is part of someone,” Miranda says. “You need to be self-motivated and be able to market your product.”

Although felting wool has allowed Miranda to do what she loves and also make a living, she was uncomfortable with her product being a commodity.

“They’re luxury items and I’m not a

person to spend money on such things,” Miranda says.

Yet she realized Fiber Friends were something greater than just keepsake figurines. Her product allows her to con-nect with customers on a personal level. Customers who recently had lost a pet or bought a memento of their cherished

animal send Miranda testimonials of how special her product is to them.

“Collectible figurines are cool, but having something that looks exactly like your pet is special,” Miranda says. “I like receiving testimonials. The detail (of the figurines) blows people away. It’s pretty neat to know I can do that.” n

By Robert Springer

Other things can wait. Conrad Parker of La Pine, Oregon, has bigger plans: He wants to change the world.

Isn’t that a lofty goal for a 17-year-old? Perhaps, but not many high school seniors are on their home-town’s city council.

Conrad is the first high school student to sit on the La Pine City Council. The multifaceted, self-possessed young man can offer cogent comments and opinions about local, as well as national, issues.

Conrad remembers he had but-terflies when he arrived for his first council meeting in 2013.

“But then I got up there and all those city councilmen and the mayor were all really fun, then it wasn’t a big deal anymore,” he remembers.

Most high school students would be bored to tears at a city council meeting. Not Conrad—at least not a good part of the time.

“Most of the meetings are pretty interesting,” Conrad says. “Occasionally, we’ll talk about one subject for a very long time. That’s when they tend to get boring. Lots of things that we talk about are impor-tant for La Pine.”

Conrad is not alone on his nascent

political journey. He has a mentor, city councilor Stu Martinez. Stu’s advice has been valuable because “otherwise at some of the meetings I would get so lost,” Conrad says.

Since Conrad is an appointed, non-elected member of the council, he cannot vote on issues, but he can ask questions just like the other councilors. He picks his spots, chiming in when he feels he has something to offer.

“The mayor and Stu will ask for input on things,” Conrad says. “Most of the time I only comment on things I feel that I can really grasp. The waste and water management meeting was way over my head.” n

The Young Face of City Council

17-year-old Conrad Parker attends a La Pine City Council meeting wearing his signature tie.Above, a sculpture of felted wool begins to take

shape in the hands of fiber artist Miranda Rommel of Pedee, Oregon. Left, Miranda’s Corgi, Pocket, is the inspiration for her Fiber Friends artwork.

s e p t e m b e r 2014 11