North Dakota Living is 70 years old! What story do you remember most? What is your favorite part of the magazine?
READER REPLY
Happy 70th, North Dakota Living!
My favorite part of the magazine has always been the “Reader Reply.” While I was growing up, it was the first thing I would read when the magazine came. I do not remember if I ever answered any of the questions, but there was always a discussion. Just this morning, my sister and I talked about the questions and how we would answer them.
With age, I find myself reading the magazine from cover to cover, always learning something new. I wondered just the other day what it will be like when I can’t read Al Gustin’s column anymore. He is my second favorite part of the magazine.
Since moving back to North Dakota in 2020, I got a kick out of seeing my dear lifelong childhood friend, Casey, when his photo appeared. Keep up the good work for the community and state.
Cheers to many more years of great reading.
Rhonda Billig
Mor-Gran-Sou Electric Cooperative
TEENAGE MEMORIES
I always loved “Gap Rap” when I was growing up. My mom and I had many letters published. My most memorable letter was in answer to the question, “If you could visit anywhere, where would you go?” (Or something like that.) I said I would like to visit Alaska to see what it was like to be really cold, so I could appreciate our North Dakota winters more.
A teenager my age wrote to me and said her family had moved from Oakes to Wasilla, Alaska, and North Dakota was colder! (Wasilla is in a more temperate part of Alaska, but occasionally we really are even colder than Barrow, Alaska.)
Bonnie Johnson
KEM Electric Cooperative
LOCAL PAGES
In honor of the 70th anniversary of what is now known as North Dakota Living, I should cite the historical review of the evolving North Dakota electric cooperative program, from the formation of cooperatives, installation of power poles and lines, along with other infrastructure in the late 1930s, to bringing power to homes, farms, schools and businesses in the northeastern part of the state as the outstanding feature story.
However, as significant as our rural electrification history is to moving forward our generation, distribution and wise use of electricity, I also offer my personal appreciation for other features and articles of the monthly magazine.
I especially enjoy the “center section” of the magazine, with special features highlighting one of the electrical distribution cooperatives (startup microbrews, wineries, food trucks and other stories). I also read the monthly Capital Electric Cooperative board meeting excerpts.
Other special features I’ve enjoyed through the years include one on the fundraising bake sale, with the proceeds going to a local animal shelter, planned by students of Mandan elementary teacher, Linda Okerson; the Lansford teen who authored her first book at age 15; expansion of Bismarck’s Gateway to Science; advances in electric vehicles in North Dakota; utilization of technology in farming/ranching; grocery distribution in rural North Dakota; and attracting and retaining doctors in our rural areas.
I always look for the words of wisdom from author Roxanne Henke in her entertaining “Inspired Living” pieces. I am so often amazed and impressed with the “Teen-2-Teen” special features, which also offer profound wisdom from teenage North Dakota writers.
JeAnne Selby
Capital Electric Cooperative
READING ABOUT HOME
Happy 70th, North Dakota Living! I eagerly anticipate your arrival in my mailbox each month!
The story I remember most is entitled “‘More than mail:’ Prairie post offices connect rural past to present and future.” The magazine cover, which included pictures of small-town post offices, initially caught my attention. Then, when I turned the page to read more, I incredulously saw a picture of the post office where I had worked for almost 15 years!
In this story, it was discussed how physical post offices not only provide a time-honored public service, they may also be a patron’s only connection to the federal government. In addition, a local post office may be a town meeting place, support economic vitality in the community and deliver basic necessities, like medications and implement parts (and baby chicks for a poultry farmer). The post office is an important symbol of the community.
My favorite section in North Dakota Living is the middle section containing local cooperative news. This is the first section I look at when the magazine appears in my mail receptacle, as I may read of familiar people from the area I have called “home” for almost 35 years.
Yvonne Sortland-Stegner
Formerly of Slope Electric Cooperative
CO-OP COUNTRY
Congratulations on being around for 70 years!
Though we thoroughly enjoy North Dakota Living and everything it offers, I don’t have a specific story that I favor. From promoting our great state of North Dakota, to helping spread the good news of what farmers, lineworkers and first responders do for us, to the amazing recipes and family stories you share, we enjoy it all!
However, I can tell you our favorite part of your magazine! Hands down, it’s the pictures you share on the last pages! Whether it’s kids, pets, agriculture, fun or flowers, it’s always the first place we go when North Dakota Living comes in the mail! Thanks for sharing the joy! And, happy birthday!
Brooke Zimmerman
Mor-Gran-Sou Electric Cooperative
INSPIRED LIVING
Happy birthday, North Dakota Living! It’s my 70th birthday this year, too!
My husband and I have been members for over 40 years and enjoy your publication, especially the stories of small communities getting a leg up with businesses and civic events with your support. Your assistance to struggling communities is commendable.
My favorite reads are the stories by Roxanne Henke. Her inspiring tales sometimes sound like a page from my life!
Keep up the good work and cheers to another 70 years!
Deb Larson
Capital Electric Cooperative
I was the eldest daughter in a rural family and eagerly became mother’s kitchen helper. At an early age, I was preparing meals, often searching for new creations in “Recipe Roundup” pages of North Dakota Living (formerly the North Dakota REC Magazine). Recipes were collected and reused, becoming a future supplement to my lifetime career as a home economics instructor.
Of those recipes, the “Cavatini” and the “Cheesy French Loaf,” published in the June 1990 issue of the magazine, have been used the most. After 33 years, the original pages darken, but the flavor combinations of Shelly Carlson’s “Cavatini” and Delores Hintz’s “Cheesy French Loaf” are still savored. The recipes are requested again and again by the teenagers in the classroom and family members. Lots of joy was spread and memories made through “that” “Recipe Roundup” page.
Lucille Des Roches
Northern Plains Electric Cooperative
UPCOMING READER REPLY QUESTION:
SEPTEMBER: Is there a first responder you would like to thank? Share your gratitude for a local first responder with us!
Deadline for submission: Aug. 11
OCTOBER: As we observe World Mental Health Day in October, share what you do to maintain your best mental health.
Deadline for submission: Sept. 11
We want to hear FROM you: Submissions should be no more than 250 words, typewritten or in legible handwriting. Include your name, complete address, daytime phone number and name of your electric cooperative. Note: Magazine staff reserves the right to make editing changes and cuts. We pay $25 for each letter we print. Email to ndliving@ndarec.com or mail to READER REPLY, North Dakota Living, P.O. Box 727, Mandan, ND 58554-0727
