Boone Power - January 2026 Indiana Connection

Hidden Our side hazards of the ofgrowth space heaters, story, page page 5 29

Boone Power’s

T he

LITTLE LIBRARY that could Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library celebrates 30 years

SAFE, RELIABLE, RESPONSIBLE Celebrating top safety performance and a cooperative approach to growth PAGE 6

of inspiration

PAGE 20

JANUARY 2026

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from the editor

The spark of imagination

VOLUME 75 • NUMBER 7 ISSN 0745-4651 • USPS 262-340

Growing up, my mom made sure I had plenty of books and read to me every night before I went to bed. When we had our daughter, Gwen, I also wanted to make books a priority for her. My husband and I have been reading to her every night since before she even understood what a book was. Now, she loves being read to at any time of the day. Some of her favorites are the Berenstain Bears books.

Gwen is also enrolled in Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, which we highlight in this month’s feature story. When the idea was suggested to sign her up for the library just before she was born, I was a little hesitant.

I mistakenly thought that the Imagination Library was only for kids “in need.” I didn’t want to take a spot away from a child who needed it more.

However, after looking into the program, I realized it was intended for all children, regardless of their families’ financial situations.

I’m so glad we signed her up. She gets very excited when she receives a new book and wants to read it right away. The books cover a variety of subjects and are made of durable paper, allowing her to read them many times and spend time looking at them on her own. She enjoys “Tad and Dad,” a book about a growing tadpole and his annoyed frog father, and

Published monthly by Indiana Electric Cooperatives Indiana Connection is for and about members of Indiana’s locally-owned, not-for-profit electric cooperatives. It helps consumers use electricity safely and efficiently; understand energy issues; connect with their co-op; and celebrate life in Indiana. Over 320,000 residents and businesses receive the magazine as part of their electric co-op membership. The average printed and mailed cost per issue is 54 cents.

CONTACT US: 11805 Pennsylvania Street Carmel, IN 46032 317-487-2220 info@indianaconnection.org IndianaConnection.org INDIANA ELECTRIC COOPERATIVES OFFICERS: Steve McMichael President Dr. Richard Leeper Vice President Jamey Marcum Secretary/Treasurer John Cassady CEO EDITORIAL STAFF: Britt Davis Editor Mandy Barth Vice President of Communication Lauren Carman Communication Manager

“Ice Cream Face,” about a kid who loves ice cream so much he wants it

Ashley Curry Production and Design Coordinator

for every meal. Both books have unique artwork that she loves to look at.

Holly Huffman Communication Support Specialist

I encourage you to sign up the children in your life for this special program, as fostering a love of reading provides lasting benefits through childhood and into adulthood.

On the menu: April: Submit your favorite recipes

Kiley Lipps Graphic Designer ADVERTISING: American MainStreet Publications Cheryl Solomon, local ad representative; 512-441-5200; amp.coop Paid advertisements are not endorsements by any electric cooperative or this publication.

UNSOLICITED MATERIAL: Indiana Connection does not use unsolicited freelance manuscripts or photographs and assumes no responsibility for the safekeeping or return of unsolicited material.

Britt Davis Editor bdavis@indianaec.org

Amber Knight Creative Manager

you.

using coffee, deadline Feb. 1. If we publish your recipe on our food pages, we’ll send you a $10 gift card.

Giveaway: Enter to win a coffee gift set. Visit

indianaconnection.org/talk-to-us/contests or send your contact information to the address below. The deadline to enter is Jan. 31.

Three ways to contact us: To send us recipes, photos, letters and entries for gift drawings, please use the forms on our website indianaconnection.org; email info@indianaconnection.org; or send to Indiana Connection, 11805 Pennsylvania Street, Carmel, IN 46032.

SUBSCRIPTIONS: $12 for individuals not subscribing through participating REMCs/RECs. CHANGE OF ADDRESS: If you receive Indiana Connection through your electric co-op membership, report address changes to your local co-op.

POSTAGE: Periodicals postage paid at Indianapolis, Indiana, and at additional mailing offices.

POSTMASTER: Send change of address to: Indiana Connection, 11805 Pennsylvania Street, Carmel, IN 46032. Include key number.

No portion of Indiana Connection may be reproduced without permission of the editor.

JANUARY 2026

3

contents

JANUARY

12

18

county

03 FROM THE EDITOR 05 CO-OP NEWS Energy news and information from your electric cooperative 10 ENERGY Resolve to save money (and energy) in the new year

food

20

29

co-op news

feature story

12 COUNTY Grant County

18 FOOD Create your ideal rice bowl

28 WABASH VALLEY NEWS

14 INDIANA EATS Aspasia Coffee and Bake Shop is making gluten-free dreams come true

20 FEATURE STORY Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library celebrates 30 years of inspiration

29 CO-OP NEWS The hidden hazards of space heaters: A safety and efficiency guide

16 SAFETY Be prepared for winter storms

26 BEST OF INDIANA Nominate your favorite places for our readers’ choice awards

FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA

Indiana Connection

On the cover Boone Power exceeded expectations in numerous categories during a fall 2025 safety audit. For example, our linemen demonstrated the proper technique for using rubber “cover-up” hoses to reduce the risk of line contact.

PICTURED: CHAD REVELL, JOURNEYMAN LINEMAN

4 JANUARY 2026

FROM THE co-op news PRESIDENT & CEO

CONTACT US 800-897-7362 WEBSITE boonepower.com EMAIL contactus@boonepower.com OFFICE HOURS

Responsible planning supports reliable power

7:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

STREET ADDRESS

HOW BOONE POWER KEEPS MEMBER PRIORITIES FRONT AND CENTER

1207 Indianapolis Ave. Lebanon, IN 46052 MAILING ADDRESS P.O. Box 563 Lebanon, IN 46052 POWER OUTAGES The easiest way to report a power outage is on the SmartHub mobile app.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS District 1 — W. Daniel Lawson District 2 — Thomas E. Dull District 3 — Mark Gruninger District 4 — Brian Gott District 5 — Jon Stevens District 6 — Alan D. Cragun District 7 — Bruce Guernsey District 8 — Mark Starkey District 9 — Noel R. Kendall

READ ONLINE! Find a digital flipbook version of the magazine on the SmartHub mobile app or on our website.

Follow us on social media for energy-saving tips and important updates and reminders.

Growth affects every utility, but cooperatives approach it differently.

As large projects look to our region, we evaluate their impact carefully to avoid unnecessary risk. Before large developments come to our community, we work with our wholesale partner, Wabash Valley Power Alliance (WPVA), to ensure the power is available, can be delivered reliably, and that financial protections are in place.

In every conversation, negotiation, and agreement, we never lose sight of the fact that growth without purpose is not success; it’s risk. As not-for-profit cooperatives, neither Boone Power nor WVPA answers to distant shareholders.

Boone County is experiencing significant change, but I want to assure the members of Boone Power that we will not allow growth to negatively impact our commitment to reliability, a fair and reasonable rate structure, or our level of service.

Reliability Our 2024 member satisfaction survey showed that reliability is one of the most important expectations our members have. We take that seriously with proactive programs like vegetation management, copper wire replacements, and regular system inspections.

Boone Power members experience 65% less outage time than their neighbors

served by investor-owned utilities.

From 2020-2024, our members averaged just 1 hour and 40 minutes without power each year, compared to 4 hours and 43 minutes for nearby investor-owned utilities.* We’re proud that 87% of members are satisfied with our reliability, and we aim to increase that to 90% when we conduct our next survey this spring.

While some outages are unavoidable — caused by vehicle accidents, severe weather, transmission-level issues, or even animals damaging equipment — we prepare for every situation. Our linemen live within a required distance of our headquarters and are available 24/7. We’ve implemented technologies that help us isolate issues more quickly and restore power faster.

As you will read on page 7, we have a strong safety culture that also enhances reliability.

Fair and reasonable rates As I shared in my column in October, growth helps spread fixed costs across more consumers, which strengthens rate stability for all members.

C O N T I N U E D O N P A GE 6 *Statistics based on System Average Interruption Duration Index (SAIDI), which is the average minutes of interruption per customer. It is calculated by dividing the sum of all customer interruption durations (in minutes) by the total number of customers. [Sources: Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission; National Rural Utilities Cooperative Finance Corporation]

JANUARY 2026

5

co-op news C O NTINUE D FROM PA G E 5

Boone Power’s average cost per kilowatt-hour, based on an average household usage of 1,200 kilowatthours per month, is 17.1 cents.

According to the latest U.S. Energy Information Administration data (September 2025), the Indiana average is 17.3 cents, and the East North Central region (which includes Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, and Wisconsin) averages 18.7 cents.

For several years, we’ve taken a steady approach with small annual adjustments to avoid sudden, steep increases. This helps us responsibly manage rising material and equipment costs while continuing to improve our distribution system so we can fulfill our mission of delivering the most reliable service possible.

Level of service Our new facility, currently under construction, will give us the space we need to support a growing membership. We’re focused on making it easy for our members to do business with us. For example, we’re expanding our in-house call center so that, whenever possible, your call is answered by a Boone Power employee, and as quickly as possible. We do, occasionally, however, have to rely on an off-site vendor — such as during after-hours or widespread outages — to help us answer the phones.

We’re also offering more self-service options. Members can manage

Applications open for trip to Washington HIGH SCHOOL JUNIORS A R E E N C O U R A G E D T O A P P LY

Applications for the Indiana Youth Tour to Washington, D.C. are open. Interested high school juniors whose parents/guardians receive service from Boone Power should submit their applications by Feb. 13.

The all-expenses-paid trip will take place June 14-21.

Don’t miss this chance to explore historic monuments, meet Indiana’s congressional delegation — and make lifelong friends along the way. Visit IndianaYouthTour.org for details and to apply.

To learn more about the 2025 experience from two local students, check out the December Indiana Connection magazine at boonepower.com/indiana-connection-magazine.

6 JANUARY 2026

their communication preferences and self-schedule energy advising appointments from SmartHub. As Boone County grows, Boone Power will growth with it — responsibly, reliably, and always with a focus on serving our members.

BILL CONLEY

President & CEO

Calling all K-12 student artists!

ANNUAL ELEC TRIC C O-OP ART C ONTEST ENTRIES ARE DUE FEB. 27 Indiana students in grades K–12 are invited to submit artwork for the 2026 Cooperative Student Art Contest!

This long-running statewide program celebrates creativity at every grade level. A first-place winner ($100) and an honorable mention ($50) are selected from each grade, and one overall Best of Show winner earns an additional $100.

Each grade is assigned a month to illustrate — beginning with January for first graders and wrapping up with December for high school seniors. (Kindergarteners may choose any subject, season, or event.) Winning pieces will be featured in Indiana Connection magazine, which reaches households across the state.

Students can review full guidelines, view previous winners, and submit their artwork at indianaconnection.org/for-youth/art-contest.

Employees are equipped with face shields, gloves, and highly visible reflective gear.

co-op news

BOONE POWER EARNS EXCEPTIONAL SAFETY RECOGNITION When Boone Power was reviewed by independent safety experts this past fall, the results were exceptional! Our cooperative exceeded expectations in numerous different categories of safety, a result of a continued focus on safety since the last audit in 2022.

These unannounced evaluations, conducted through the Rural Electric Safety Achievement Program (RESAP), provide a comprehensive assessment of the co-op’s facilities, equipment, procedures, and safety culture.

They’re designed to affirm what we’re doing well and identify opportunities to enhance safety.

Safety has always been a priority, but we’ve continued to enhance our safety program and staffing.

For example, we’ve formalized our internal safety committee, made up of employees from across departments. The group meets regularly to identify risks, share learning opportunities, and strengthen our processes. Their work, along with the daily vigilance of every employee, contributed to this year’s outstanding review.

“Seeing this level of excellence across so many areas is truly a testament to the dedication and professionalism of our employees,” said Dan Hoch, director of risk management and compliance. “Our goal is simple: everyone goes home safe, and our members receive reliable service every day.”

The improvements behind this accomplishment also benefit our members.

GREATER RELIABILITY: Safe crews can work more efficiently with fewer accidents or disruptions, which means fewer outages and faster restoration times.

LOWER LONG-TERM COSTS: A strong safety culture reduces equipment damage, lowers workers’ compensation claims, and improves operational efficiency — all of which help keep rates stable.

EXCEEDING EXPECTATIONS TESTING AND INSPECTIONS Glove and sleeve testing is conducted more frequently than required. Monthly

PROTECTION FOR OUR EMPLOYEES AND OUR COMMUNITY: Many of the improvements directly reduce risks for employees working near energized equipment, handling hazardous materials, or working after hours. When our people stay safe, they stay ready to serve you.

tool inspections exceed

FASTER RESPONSE DURING STORMS AND EMERGENCIES: From daily mapping updates to expanded access to system controls, employees can respond more quickly and accurately to service interruptions.

Newly purchased kits meet

We are proud of this recognition, and in the spirit of continuous improvement, we will continue to refine procedures, invest in equipment, and train employees to ensure your cooperative remains a leader in safety and reliability.

After all, when we take care of our people and our system, we’re taking care of you.

industry norms.

VEHICLE AEDS Instead of one per crew, every vehicle is equipped with a high-quality Automated External Defibrillator.

FIRST AID KITS American National Standards Institute standards. They are waterproof and include higher-quality items that can withstand various environmental conditions.

DOCUMENTATION All regulatory documentation is in good order throughout the company. All required documents, such as registrations and DOT inspections, are organized in every truck in the Boone Power fleet.

JANUARY 2026

7

co-op news

WeBo Youth Baseball and Softball received Operation Round Up funds to upgrade their field surfaces and fencing.

R EM IND E R :

Director petitions due Jan. 30 As we move into the 2026 board of directors election cycle, a key deadline is approaching: members interested in being placed on the ballot through the petition process must submit completed materials by Jan. 30.

Directors will be elected this year to represent Districts 1, 2, and 3. Eligible members who live in these districts may seek a spot on the ballot by completing a candidate questionnaire and gathering the required number of member signatures. District number appears in the top right corner of your billing statement, and all forms are available at boonepower.com/ board-of-directors.

Our election process, including the petition option, ensures equal access for members who wish to participate in cooperative governance, whether as a candidate or as a voter. All petitioners and incumbents will have their eligibility verified before the ballot is finalized.

Watch for voting information in the coming months!

Operation Round Up funding nears $1.1 million To date, our Operation Round Up program has provided nearly $1.1 million in local grant funding.

In 2025, the program’s board of trustees awarded nearly $60,000

Foundation • Sugar Creek Art Center • SullivanMunce Cultural Center

for projects that support our

• Trader's Point Post Prom

community. Grantees were:

• Trader’s Point Educational

• Back to the Fifties Festival • Black Box Theatre • Boone County Historical Society • Boone County Mentoring Partnership

Foundation • WeBo Youth Baseball and Softball • Western Boone Post Prom • Western Boone Educational Foundation

• DirectEmployers Institute

• Zionsville After Prom

• Hussey-Mayfield Memorial

• Zionsville Alliance for

Public Library • Indiana Center for Prevention of Youth Abuse & Suicide • Lebanon Educational Foundation • Lebanon Post Prom • Packing Hope • Senior Citizens INC of Lebanon • Sheridan After Prom

8 JANUARY 2026

• Sheridan Educational

Mental Wellness • Zionsville Educational Foundation Operation Round Up, an initiative Boone Power started in 2006 to provide funds for local nonprofit projects. The program, offered by electric co-ops across the country, is funded by members who allow their monthly electric bill payments to be rounded up to the next highest dollar.

energy

RESOLVE TO SAVE MONEY (AND ENERGY) IN THE NEW YEAR A

s you set your goals for the

system can provide more consistent

and cooling systems. This enables

coming year, you can resolve

service to keep you and your home

you to control settings and monitor

to keep more money in your wallet

comfortable.

energy use even when away from

— while saving energy and staying

Save on long-term costs: Most

home. Some appliances even alert

comfortable all year long.

newer appliances and HVAC

you if an issue arises.

Homeowners do not often think

systems are more energy efficient

By planning proactively, you can

about their appliances, such as

than those created over a decade

research the best options available

a water heater or HVAC system,

ago. They will use less energy than

for your replacement. You can visit

until they break. If your HVAC

older equipment, leading to savings

your electric cooperative’s website

system is over 15 years old or

in long-term energy costs. Plus,

to see if any upgrades qualify for

has experienced more frequent

most upgrades typically come with

rebates. You can also contact your

breakdowns, start planning for

a warranty, eliminating those costly

co-op’s energy advisor to begin the

a replacement now, rather than

repairs. With proper maintenance,

conversation.

waiting until it stops working during

it should operate optimally for

extreme weather. Your local electric

years to come. The combination of

cooperative may offer rebates for

improved efficiency and reliability

upgrading to a more energy-efficient

helps save you money over the life

product. You can see multiple

of the equipment.

advantages to your upgrade:

Greater control: Many new

Improved comfort: As appliances

appliances and HVAC systems

and HVAC systems age, they may

now feature internet connectivity,

struggle to maintain the same level

allowing for greater control.

of service as when they were new.

Appliances such as heat pump

Older water heaters may run out of

water heaters may already have

by Andrew Wray

hot water, or heating and cooling

this feature integrated into the device, while Wi-Fi thermostats

Energy Advisor

systems may struggle to get to the desired temperature. A new, modern

allow for remote control of heating

10 JANUARY 2026

Hendricks Power Cooperative

START THE NEW YEAR RIGHT

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county feature

Grant County Grant County has a rich history in motorcycling. Harley-Davidson first earned the nickname “hog” after the winners of the 1920 Cornfield Classic International Motorcycle Race in Marion, Indiana, took their victory lap with their team’s pig mascot. Grant County still celebrates its motorcycling heritage today with the Cornfield Classic, now a vintage motorcycle rally, and the Jonesboro River Rally. Both rallies draw hundreds of bikers each year.

COUNTY FACTS FOUNDED:

REVVING UP TRADITION Founded initially as Harrisburg in 1867, Gas City, Indiana, gained its current name after natural gas was discovered during the Indiana Gas Boom. When the Gas City Land Company was established on March 21, 1892, the small town of about 150 residents adopted the name Photo courtesy of Ducktail Run “Gas City.” Most of its natural gas reserves were largely depleted by the late 1800s due to inefficient extraction. Today, the city is best known for its annual “Ducktail Run,” a car show featuring vehicles from 1972 and earlier.

1831

NAMED FOR: Samuel and Moses Grant, captains who were killed during a battle in 1789 with Native Americans in Switzerland County

POPULATION: 66,674

Photo courtesy of Marion-Grant County Convention and Visitors Bureau

Public Domain

COUNTY SEAT: Marion

INDIANA COUNTY NUMBER: 27

INDIANA’S HOLLYWOOD REBEL FOLLOW THE GARFIELD TRAIL Marion is the hometown of Jim Davis, who created the comic strip, “Garfield.”

To celebrate the lasagna-loving cat, Grant County’s Garfield Trail features 14 fiberglass statues throughout nearby cities. Visitors can dial 765-997-7034 for the trail’s cell phone tour, which features recordings providing more information about each of the 5-foot-tall statues. For example, one of the statues stands in front of Jonesboro City Hall, depicting Garfield wearing a firefighter hat and holding a fire hose beside a hydrant. It’s a tribute to Jonesboro’s role as the place of Grant County’s first fire department.

12 JANUARY 2026

Hollywood icon James Dean was born in Marion in 1931. After his television debut in a Pepsi commercial, Dean quit attending UCLA to pursue acting fulltime, where he starred in three major films — “Rebel Without a Cause,” “East of Eden,” and “Giant” — before his death at the age of 24 in a car accident.

Every year, Fairmount, Indiana, hosts a memorial service, festival, and classic car show in his honor. Fans can tour the James Dean Museum, which houses his motorcycles and personal artifacts, or visit the James Dean Gallery featuring a collection of rare memorabilia and collectibles. Art enthusiasts can also admire three cut-out James Dean murals by John Cerney, a renowned mural artist from California.

By Nicole Thomas

Marion

COOPERATIVE STUDENT ART CONTEST SUBMISSIONS

NEW BUILDS • ADDITIONS • REMODELS We’re here to help with all your residential construction needs.

The 2026 Cooperative Student Art Contest has

Entries for the Cooperative Student Art Contest are due by Friday, Feb. 27.

begun. Submissions for the contest should be mailed to the Indiana Connection office by Feb. 27.

A first-place winner will be selected for each grade, K-12, and will receive $100. One “Best

Circleventerprise@gmail.com 260-228-3440 • Circleventerprise.com

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of Show” will be selected from the first-place

MARKETPLACE

winners and will win an extra $100. Additional artists from each grade will be selected for honorable mention awards and will receive $50.

Our Marketplace offers maximum exposure for your business or organization at a minimal cost.

The contest is open to Indiana public, private, or home-schooled kindergarten through 12th-grade students during the 2025-26 school year. A complete set of rules and required entry forms are available at indianaconnection.org/for-youth/art-contest.

Please contact Cheryl Solomon, 847-749-4875 or cheryl@amp.coop, for other small business advertising opportunities in Indiana Connection.

Order your

2026 CALENDAR TODAY! SEND US A CHECK AND A NOTE WITH YOUR NAME AND ADDRESS. COPIES OF THE COOPERATIVE CALENDAR OF STUDENT ART ARE $7 EACH.

Limited quantities of the 2026 Cooperative Calendar of Student Art are available at participating electric cooperative offices across the state.

The price includes shipping and Indiana sales tax. Make the check payable to “Indiana Electric Cooperatives.” Send your order to Indiana Electric Cooperatives, 11805 Pennsylvania Street, Carmel, IN 46032.

2026 CALENDA PRODUCE D BY

Cover art by

Orders can also be submitted online at goiec.org/calendar.

Jane Olsen, kinderg arten division

winner

R

INDIANA CONNECT

ION FOR INDIANA

STUDENT ART

’S ELECTRIC COOPERA

TIVES

• Bartholomew County REMC • Carroll White REMC • Clark County REMC • Daviess-Martin County REMC • Dubois REC • Fulton County REMC • Harrison REMC • Heartland REMC • Jasper County REMC • Jay County REMC

• JCREMC • Kankakee Valley REMC • Kosciusko REMC • LaGrange County REMC • Marshall County REMC • Newton County REMC • Noble REMC • Orange County REMC • RushShelby Energy • Whitewater Valley REMC • WIN Energy REMC

JANUARY 2026

13

Indiana eats

ASPASIA COFFEE AND BAKE SHOP is making gluten-free dreams come true

By Stephanie Bernaba

For anyone navigating life without gluten, the search for tasty treats that don't disappoint seems neverending. Between the dry cookies, crumbly cakes, and gritty bread, many gluten-free options fail to stand up — both figuratively and literally. Eva Tomlinson, who knew this frustration intimately, embarked on a journey to fix that.

SEEING AN OPPORTUNITY When Tomlinson retired from trade compliance in January 2020, the pandemic lockdown gave her plenty of time to bake. The catch? She couldn't eat any of it.

"I wanted to figure out how to make gluten-free products because I couldn’t find any gluten-free products that I liked," Tomlinson recalled.

After six months of meticulous experimentation, she developed two proprietary flour blends (bread and cake) that transformed both her retirement and her life. Friends who tasted her creations expressed both shock and delight, as they couldn't discern that they were gluten-free — the highest compliment a gluten-free baker can receive. More importantly, her friends and loved ones believed her baked goods were delicious enough to sell.

14 JANUARY 2026

By October 2022, Aspasia Coffee and Bake Shop opened its doors in Zionsville, backed by a separate production kitchen that launched months earlier. Today, the completely dedicated gluten-free facility serves a remarkably diverse menu. Morning pastries, cinnamon rolls, and breakfast casseroles give way to flatbreads, soups, and salads throughout the day. Custom cakes elevate weddings and celebrations, while Hawaiian and dinner rolls ship frozen nationwide.

CREATING FOR HER CUSTOMERS What sets Aspasia apart isn't just her gluten-free guarantee — it's Tomlinson's relentless pursuit of perfection and gracious responsiveness to her customers.

"I listen to my customers," Tomlinson explained. "If they say, ‘I really want to try this,’ I give it a whirl. And, many times, it's turned into something that we offer on a regular basis."

When someone requests a new flavor or item, she labors intensely to bring their idea to life. Magic bars were added to the permanent menu in this way, as was an impressive croquembouche for a recent wedding.

"We're pretty tenacious," Tomlinson said, "so if we set our mind to something, we make it work."

This customer-centered approach extends to accommodating various dietary needs. Approximately 90 percent of Aspasia's offerings are dairy-free in addition to being gluten-free, with fully vegan options also available.

CONTINUED GROWTH The business has flourished, with wholesale accounts now comprising half of her sales. Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis serves Aspasia products through its catering partner. And this month, she will be adding various bagel sandwiches to the menu.

Aspasia’s customer base has become so vast that Tomlinson is developing both loyalty and subscription programs.

With every perfectly crafted pastry, Tomlinson proves that onceelusive gluten-free dreams can become reality.

ASPASIA COFFEE AND BAKE SHOP aspasiabakeshop.com Aspasia Zionsville

3091 US-421, Zionsville, IN 46077 317-344-2169

Aspasia Carmel PRODUCTION KITCHEN

(Pick up only, no seating) 9830 N. Michigan Rd, Ste C. Carmel, IN 46032 317-663-4538

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safety GENER AT OR S A FET Y: Avoid carbon monoxide poisoning

B E P RE PA RE D

for winter storms

outages, but using them improperly can cause carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning.

• Never run a generator,

By Chris Adam

Winter in Indiana often brings heavy

Generators are useful during

grill, camp stove, or any

snow, freezing rain, ice storms and

EMERGENCY KITS FOR HOME AND CAR

fuel-burning device inside

strong winds. These conditions

Having storm kits ready at home and in

not only create travel hazards

basement, or other

your vehicle can make a big difference

but can also cause electrical

enclosed space.

if you’re stuck inside for days or

dangers, warns Indiana’s electric

stranded on the road.

cooperatives.

your home, garage,

• Operate generators and store fuel outdoors, at

At home, stock at least two weeks

“Safety around electricity should be

least 20 feet away from

of supplies, including bottled water,

doors, windows, and

top of mind year-round,” said John

nonperishable food, emergency

garages.

Cassady, CEO of Indiana Electric

blankets, first aid supplies, flashlights,

Cooperatives. “In the winter, snow

a battery-powered or hand-crank radio,

and ice on power lines can cause

extra batteries, and basic toiletries.

them to snap or lead to broken

For your vehicle, pack at least three

CO buildup. Because

days of essentials such as blankets,

CO cannot be seen or

warm clothes, jumper cables, bottled

smelled, it can quickly

water, nonperishable food, sand or cat

cause illness or death.

poles. That’s why people must stay alert to the risks of downed power lines.”

• Opening doors and windows or running fans will not prevent

POWER LINE SAFETY

litter for traction, backup batteries, and

Keep these tips in mind if you

phone chargers.

encounter downed lines:

IF THE POWER GOES OUT

home, on every level, and

• Stay at least 35 feet away —

If an outage occurs, conserve heat by

outside sleeping areas for

about the length of three cars.

keeping doors closed to unused rooms

early warning.

• Never touch the line or anything touching it.

• Call 911 immediately and warn others to keep clear.

• Always assume the line is live and dangerous.

16 JANUARY 2026

and limiting trips outside.

Also remember food safety. Once a refrigerator rises above 40 degrees, perishable foods may become unsafe.

Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed as much as possible to help food last longer.

• Install CO alarms in central areas of your

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food

Create your ideal rice bowl Unleash your culinary creativity with these tasty rice bowl recipes.

Whether you love hearty chicken dishes or prefer colorful vegetarian options, these flavorful combinations are sure to satisfy your cravings and fill you up.

CHICKEN BURRITO RICE BOWL Glenda Ferguson, Paoli

2 cups white rice, uncooked 4 chicken thighs, boneless, skinless, cut into small chunks

½ red onion, chopped into small pieces 2 limes 1 can black beans,

½ tsp paprika

drained and rinsed

½ tsp chili powder

1 large tomato, chopped

2 Tbsp oil

6 oz shredded cheese

2 cups corn, frozen

1 cup shredded lettuce

2 Tbsp cilantro, chopped

Salt and pepper to taste

Prepare the rice according to package directions. Season the chicken with salt, pepper, paprika, and chili powder. Cook the chicken in the oil until browned. Add ½ cup of water to the pan.

In a small container, add the corn, cilantro, and red onion. Season with salt and pepper. Squeeze the juice from one of the limes onto the corn, then mix it all together.

To prepare the rice bowl, spoon rice and black beans on the bottom. Add the chicken over the rice and beans. Top with the corn mixture, tomato, cheese, and lettuce. Season with another lime over the top.

18 JANUARY 2026

FOOD PREPARED BY INDIANA CONNECTION STAFF PHOTOS BY KILEY LIPPS

food

VEGETARIAN POWER BOWL Kristie Bishop, West Lafayette

½ cup brown

¼ cup garbanzo

rice, cooked

beans, canned

¼ cup peas, frozen

¼ cup guacamole

¼ cup mushrooms,

¼ cup salsa

fresh or canned Prepare the rice according to package directions.

Heat the cooked rice with the peas, mushrooms, and garbanzo beans until hot. Add guacamole and your favorite salsa. The bowl can be enjoyed with tortilla chips or your favorite other kind of chips.

F O R T H E B U F FA L O C H I C K E N

O T H E R I N G R E DIEN TS

SLOW COOKER BUFFALO CHICKEN RICE BOWLS

1.5 lbs boneless,

1½ cups ranch

Staff submitted

½ cup Frank's Red Hot Sauce

rice, uncooked

¼ cup melted butter

1 cup shredded carrots

1 tsp paprika

½ cup blue

skinless chicken breasts

1 tsp garlic powder

1 cup brown or white

cheese crumbles

½ tsp salt To cook the chicken, place the chicken at the bottom of the slow cooker. Add the buffalo sauce, melted butter, and spices on top. Toss everything gently to coat the chicken. Cook on low for 6-7 hours, or high for 2-3 hours. Shred and keep set to warm until ready to serve.

Cook the rice according to the package directions. To assemble the bowls, add some rice, shredded buffalo chicken, and carrots to a bowl. Drizzle with the ranch dressing and top with blue cheese crumbles.

JANUARY 2026

19

One of the books available through the program was written by Dolly Parton herself. “A Coat of Many Colors” is based off of her popular song.

T he

LITTLE LIBRARY that could Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library celebrates 30 years of inspiration

Photos courtesy of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library

By Julie Young

S

he is one of the most revered and celebrated multi-hyphenates of

all time. In addition to being a global music icon and an award-winning singer/songwriter with over 3,000 compositions in her catalog, she is also an accomplished actress, best-selling author, successful businesswoman, and the largest employer in Sevier County, Tennessee. But for millions of children, Dolly Parton is simply “The Book Lady,” a title she wears with pride.

20 JANUARY 2026

The library offers a bilingual program with English and Spanish books in 21 states.

Launched in 1995, Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library works to spark a love of reading in children everywhere by gifting a high-quality, ageappropriate book free of charge each month from birth to age five. What began as a local program for a few hundred children in her home county became a national effort in 2000 and, since then, has expanded into an international initiative that delivers more than 3 million books each month to children across the United States, Canada, Australia, Ireland, and the United Kingdom.

Since its inception, Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library has gifted over 300 million books worldwide and has no plans of slowing down any time soon.

“You can never get enough books into the hands of enough children,” Parton said.

ONCE UPON A TIME As most fans of her music know, Parton grew up in a one-room cabin on a rural ridge in the Great Smoky Mountains near the town of Sevierville. While her mother, Avie Lee (née) Owens, took care of the home and cared for the children, her

Although she was a big dreamer with

However, it was her deep admiration

musical ambitions at a young age,

for her father, combined with an

Parton knew that her key to success

awareness of the doors that literacy

was staying in school and earning her

could open, that inspired the “Jolene”

diploma. She was proud to be the first

singer to create Dolly Parton’s

member of her family to graduate from

Imagination Library. It has evolved

high school. One day later, she moved

into the flagship program of The

to Nashville to start her music career,

Dollywood Foundation and has been

and the rest, as they say, is history.

recognized for improving literacy

father, Robert Lee Parton Sr., worked

After achieving unparalleled

as a sharecropper, tobacco farmer,

success in music and film, Parton

and occasional construction worker

sought ways to give back to others.

to keep his family clothed and fed.

She established The Dollywood

Despite never learning how to read or

Foundation in 1988 to inspire children

write, Parton described her father as

in her home county to achieve

one of the smartest men she had ever

educational success. She created

met and credited him with instilling

the Buddy Program, which offered a

in his children a sense of hard work,

$500 incentive to seventh and eighth-

humility, and pride. However, she also

grade students who graduated from

knew that his inability to read took an

high school. The program was so

emotional toll on him and crippled him

successful that it reduced the dropout

from reaching his full potential in life.

rate from 35 to 6%.

habits, kindergarten readiness, and supporting grade-level reading by the third grade. From its humble beginnings, the Imagination Library has experienced exponential growth over the past three decades. In the U.S. alone, the library reaches one in seven children under the age of five, which is not only an achievement that reflects remarkable growth, but also showcases the power of a simple, lifechanging gift: a book. continued on page 22

JANUARY 2026

21

The library offers a variety of books to children from birth to 5 years old.

known and respected program allowed her to combine many of her passions — early literacy, philanthropy, and communitybuilding partnerships — in the best possible way.

“I have been promoting literacy my entire career, and a love of books and reading offers the foundation for literacy skills that set children up for future success,” she said. “Encouraging increased interaction

continued from page 21 “Before he passed away, my Daddy told me that the Imagination Library was probably the most important thing I had ever done,” Parton said. “And that’s saying a lot!”

provide additional support to

with children and their caregivers

expand access. They help fund and

around books and reading strengthens

coordinate statewide efforts while

their bond and promotes positive

supporting volunteers and staff to

brain development.”

ensure that all children — regardless

Although the Imagination Library has

of location — can benefit from free reading materials.

been available in Indiana for over 20 years, it has only been a statewide

SUPPORTING CHARACTERS

“The average cost of the program per

program since August 2023. Before

Naturally, Parton doesn’t do it

child, per month is $2.60 or around

that time, only 54 counties participated

alone. Although The Dollywood

$31 per child per year. In states

in the program, with many of these

Foundation covers the overhead and

where there is a state match, the

counties having limited coverage.

administration expenses, coordinates

cost decreases to $1.30 per child per

Today, every county in the state has

the Blue Ribbon Book Selection,

month to around $15 for the whole

an Imagination Library program, and

provides the secure online database,

year,” said Katie Mullins, community

thanks to the work of local and state

and manages ordering and fulfillment,

engagement coordinator for Dolly

partners, enrollment has doubled

the real heroes of Dolly Parton’s

Parton’s Imagination Library

over the past two years from 70,000

Imagination Library are the thousands

of Indiana.

to 138,000. To date, nearly 2.9

of local partners and organizations that have taken her dream and made it their own. Local program partners cover the wholesale cost of the books, as well as the postage to mail them, while also promoting the program and enrolling children in their communities.

Statewide partners (where applicable)

22 JANUARY 2026

Mullins joined Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library in 2023, bringing an extensive background in public

million books have been mailed to Hoosier children of all socioeconomic backgrounds.

libraries and a firm belief that every

Mullins said there is often a

child should grow up in a home

misconception about who is eligible to

filled with books. She said that the

take part in Dolly Parton’s Imagination

opportunity to be part of such a well-

Library, and the answer is, everyone!

The universality of the program is deeply personal to Parton. As a child, she knew her family struggled to make ends meet, but she didn’t realize how poor they were until they began receiving handouts from others. Because of that experience, Parton decided that the Imagination Library would be for every child and not merely for those “in need.”

“After 30 years, we’ve seen the power of that decision. A universal program means that more books reach more children overall and, importantly, even more books find their way into the hands of children who need them the most,” Mullins said.

Give a child the gift of books Want to sign up the child in your life for the Imagination Library? Visit imaginationlibrary.com/check-availability to determine if the program is available in your area.

continued on page 24

JANUARY 2026

23

Parton reads to a group of children at the Library of Congress in 2018.

continued from page 23

chant, was one of Parton’s favorites as

respected early childhood experts.

a child, and she said she saw herself

Over the course of a three-day review,

in the title character. Each subsequent

the committee evaluates each title

book is thoughtfully selected through

and selects those that best represent

a carefully developed process, with

outstanding children’s literature.

age appropriateness as the guiding

Books with political, overtly religious,

principle. Selections also reflect the

or polarizing themes are excluded

“They’ve all shared the experience

values of The Dollywood Foundation

to keep the focus on the mission:

of reading the same books, creating

and Parton herself — love, respect,

to inspire a love of reading. Parton

a sense of connection and leveling

appreciation, kindness, and empathy.

herself is the author of two books in

the playing field for every child,”

Braille and audio Imagination Library

the Library: “I Am a Rainbow”, which

Mullins said.

books are also available through a

discusses the various moods a child

partnership with the American Printing

experiences, and “Coat of Many

House for the Blind (APH).

Colors,” a literary version of her hit

Another beautiful outcome is that children, regardless of their socioeconomic status, start kindergarten on a more level playing field.

CHOOSING THE RIGHT BOOKS When children sign up for Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, the first book they receive is “The Little Engine That Could” by Watty Piper. The story of a little train’s optimism and hard work, embodied in its “I think I can”

24 JANUARY 2026

According to Mullins, each year, the library’s exclusive publisher, Penguin Random House, presents new children’s titles to the book selection committee, a group of highly

song about bullying and acceptance.

A SUCCESS BY ANY MEASURE Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library has been the recipient of numerous awards and accolades, including

By the numbers the 2000 Honors Award from

time “The Book Lady” sends out

the Association of American

another story. Some parents

Publishers and the 2012 Best

cherish the smile and squeal that

Practices Award from the Library

accompany each new arrival,

of Congress. Although her own

while others note how their child’s

children were older when Dolly

confidence grows with every story.

Parton’s Imagination Library

1995 The year the Imagination Library was founded

OVER 300 MILLION

Parton understands that parents

was launched in her county, Mullins has a niece and nephew in Tippecanoe County who are eager participants in the program.

The number of books gifted worldwide

and caregivers are a child’s first

since the library’s inception

teacher, and they set the course

OVER 138,000

for developing their child’s love of books and reading. She also

“My niece stops everything when

knows that reading to a child from

it is time to get her new book from

birth to age five not only promotes

the mailbox, and immediately her

their future reading ability, but also

parents have to read it to her,”

their academic success.

Mullins said. “Then at bedtime, she eagerly snuggles in to once again read her new book.”

The number of Hoosier children enrolled in the program

NEARLY 2.9 MILLION The number of books gifted to

“The first step is always the

Hoosier children so far

hardest,” Parton said, “but if you can read, you can teach yourself

It’s an experience that is replayed

$2.60

anything!”

The cost of the program for each

countless households every

child per year

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Best of Indiana

NOMINATION FORM To celebrate the uniqueness of Indiana, please exclude national chains from your responses. Don’t forget to include the name of the town in which each answer is located. Feel free to tell us why you

Indiana Connection Readers’ Choice Awards

Best of

a n a i Ind

made your nomination. Use an additional piece of paper if needed.

BED AND BREAKFAST/COUNTRY INN:

BREWERY:

CAMPGROUND:

COMMUNITY FESTIVAL:

Indiana Connection wants to recognize some of our readers’ favorite places in

LIVE THEATER:

an upcoming “Best of Indiana” feature.

To nominate your favorites, fill out the form below and mail it to Indiana

MUSEUM:

Connection at 11805 Pennsylvania Street, Carmel, IN 46032. You can also submit your nominations online at

PLACE TO TAKE THE KIDS:

indianaconnection.org/2026-best-ofindiana-awards.

Nomination forms are due by

RESTAURANT:

March 1. Our readers will vote on the top-nominated places in future issues.

Send any questions to Editor Britt Davis at bdavis@indianaec.org. Help

TENDERLOIN SANDWICH (NAME THE SPECIFIC PLACE):

us showcase some of the places that make the Hoosier State great!

WINERY/VINEYARD:

Name: Address: City:

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Wabash Valley Power news

POWERING COMMUNITIES with SMART SOLUTIONS As we step into 2026, I’ve been

That means savings. By avoiding

reflecting on the priorities that drive

expensive peak times, we reduce

our work. Each year brings its own

costs for our members. It also helps

challenges and opportunities, but

stabilize prices overall. Just like

one thing remains constant: our

any other market, electricity follows

commitment to providing affordable,

supply and demand. When demand

reliable electricity to the communities

soars, so can prices. By dispatching

we serve.

batteries during those times,

That guides everything we do at Wabash Valley Power Alliance.

Wabash and our member co-ops can save money.

Every day, I’m focused on how

But affordability is only half the story.

we can strengthen service for our

These batteries also boost reliability.

member communities. It’s a message

Imagine a frigid winter storm or a

I reinforce with my team, and it’s

sweltering summer afternoon. Stored

at the core of our new Substation

energy can be dispatched exactly

Battery Program.

when it is needed most. That not

This initiative brings state-of-the-art energy storage to several of our

only keeps power flowing but can strengthen the system.

member substations. These are

The Substation Battery Program

not massive batteries you will see

may be a quiet addition to your local

towering over the landscape. In fact,

co-op, but its impact will be powerful.

most people won’t even notice them.

It is one more way we’re living out

But the difference they can make for

our mission: keeping your electricity

your co-op is significant.

affordable, reliable, and ready for

Here is how it works: the batteries

2026 and beyond!

will be installed behind the meter,

Happy New Year,

keeping stored energy right in the

Jeff Conrad President and CEO Wabash Valley Power Alliance

community. They will charge when demand and costs are low, then discharge when demand and costs spike.

28 JANUARY 2026

co-op news

THE HIDDEN HAZARDS OF SPACE HEATERS:

By Rasha Aly

A SAFETY AND EFFICIENCY GUIDE By Rasha Aly

I

Only use space heaters in an emergency situation, such as an extended power outage, as they pose a safety risk and drive up your energy bill.

t’s a common paradox: the very

space heaters were involved in

However, in those emergency

appliance many people rely on

an average of 1,600 fires per year

situations, Hendricks said there

for comfort and warmth can pose a

from 2019 to 2021. This resulted in

are steps families can take to

danger and drive up energy bills.

an average of 70 deaths and 160

ensure they’re using heaters safely.

injuries yearly.

For instance, he explained users

DANGEROUS REA LIT Y

shouldn’t plug a portable heater into

A space heater is a primary risk

E S S E N T IA L

factor for household disasters.

D O S A N D DON 'TS

According to the National Fire

Some users rely on space

Protection Association, heating

heaters as a primary heat

equipment is one of the leading

source, but according to

causes of home fire deaths.

Lebanon Fire Department Deputy

Between 2020 and 2024, space

Chief of Administration Jason

heaters and heating stoves were

Hendricks, they are designed for

Most outlets have 15 amps of

responsible for the largest share

emergencies only.

electricity, Hendricks said, while most

of losses caused by heating equipment, accounting for approximately 50% of fires.

“That’s not the way they’re being used,” Hendricks said, noting that it’s common for families to use extra

The Consumer Product Safety

heaters even when the home’s main

Commission estimates that electric

heating system works well.

the same circuit as other devices, because that could overload the circuit. Too much electrical current can damage appliances, trip circuit breakers (shutting off power), and create a serious fire hazard.

electrical heaters run on 12 amps.

Having multiple devices on one circuit can easily exceed 15 amps, causing the circuit to overload.

C ON T I N U E D ON PAG E 3 0 JANUARY 2026

29

co-op news C ON TIN UED FROM PAGE 2 9

Other tips to follow to prevent

CO S T A N D E N E RGY

spike in your energy use to keep

fires and accidents include:

E F F ICIENC Y

your bills in check.

• MAINTAIN A 3-FOOT CLEAR ZONE: Keep all materials at least three feet away from portable heaters.

• TURN OFF WHEN UNATTENDED: Turn heaters off whenever you leave the room or go to sleep.

• LOOK FOR SAFETY FEATURES: Use only newer

It’s also important to note that while many people depend on space heaters, they aren’t very energy efficient, said Matt Walters, Boone Power’s director of member engagement.

Walters said that using a space heater for an hour uses about 1.5 kilowatt-hours. To illustrate the impact, if you used a space heater eight hours a day for a month,

Boone Power recommends the following tips for improving your home’s efficiency this winter — keeping heat inside and cold air outside: • CHECK FOR COLD AIR DRAFTS: Ensure all windows and exterior doors are tightly sealed. Use caulking to keep drafts out.

space heaters with safety

you would consume 360 kilowatt-

• CHECK AIR FILTERS: Proper

features built in, as older

hours, adding an extra $44 to your

maintenance of your HVAC

models often lack critical

electric bill.

system improves its efficiency.

safeguards.

• KEEP CHILDREN AND PETS AWAY: To prevent burns and

Echoing the advice of the Lebanon Fire Department, Walters said it’s best to save space heaters for

tipping accidents, keep children

emergencies. You can turn your

and pets away from

thermostat down a few degrees,

the heaters.

wear an extra layer, and reduce a Check your HVAC system manufacturer’s instructions for how often to change air filters and to ensure you’re using the correct size of filter.

Check the manufacturer’s instructions for how often to change the filters and to ensure you’re using the correct size (thickness) of filter. Additionally, a MERV rating of 8 or above is a good rule of thumb.

• MONITOR THERMOSTAT SETTINGS: When the temperature outside goes below freezing, keep a close eye on your thermostat to ensure it doesn’t get stuck on the auxiliary or emergency setting. This can put your system in overdrive and lead to higher electric bills.

• SCHEDULE AN ENERGY EVALUATION: If you want to learn more about how to be more efficient, contact Boone Power for a free energy evaluation. Call us at 800-897-7362 or schedule an appointment via the SmartHub app or at boonepower.com/ energy-advisor-services.

30 JANUARY 2026

Indiana’s electric cooperatives

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