Give a H.U.G. for the holidays.
Kosciusko REMC’s
Toy Wonders pages 20–24
Indiana couple crafts toys that harken back to Christmases past
DECEMBER 2019
from the editor
The gift of warmth One of my favorite Christmas traditions is spreading some holiday cheer to a lucky reader. In the past, I’ve given out ornaments, Christmas CDs, one of my favorite holiday movies and a gift basket of Christmas goodies. This year, I’d like to share something meaningful as well as practical: the gift of warmth. With the emergence of winter’s chill, I can often be found snuggled in a throw blanket — not just at home, but often while I’m at my desk at work. In fact, as I write this column, there’s a throw draped over my shoulder! I hate being cold! However, there are people throughout the state facing the coldest months of the year, without blankets, coats, gloves and hats to shield them from bitter temperatures. December — and the next few months of upcoming snow and ice — are not a winter wonderland if you’re not prepared for the elements. Several REMCs, and organizations in your communities, collect hats, scarves and gloves to distribute to those in need. During this holiday season, consider donating snuggly fleece and knitted items for folks who are struggling. Not only will you give the gift of warmth to others, you’ll get a warm feeling inside, too. And, that feeling will make your Christmas extra special. Wishing you a warm and blessed Christmas! To learn how you can win this warm throw, see below.
EMILY SCHILLING Editor eschilling@indianaec.org
Giveaway: Enter to win a French Lick prize package. Details on pages
14–15. Also, enter to win a holiday blanket. (See above.) Visit indianaconnection.org/talk-to-us/contests. Entry deadline for giveaways: Dec. 31.
On the menu: April issue: Potluck recipes, deadline Feb. 3. May issue: Rhubarb
recipes, deadline Feb. 3. If we publish your recipe on our food pages, we’ll send you a $10 gift card.
Three ways to contact us: To send us recipes, photos, event listings, letters
and entries for gift drawings, please use the forms on our website indianaconnection.org; email info@indianaconnection.org; or send to Indiana Connection, 8888 Keystone Crossing, Suite 1600, Indianapolis, IN 46240-4606.
VOLUME 69 • NUMBER 6 ISSN 0745-4651 • USPS 262-340 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 280,000 residents and businesses receive the magazine as part of their electric co-op membership. CONTACT US: 8888 Keystone Crossing, Suite 1600 Indianapolis, IN 46240-4606 317-487-2220 info@indianaconnection.org IndianaConnection.org INDIANA ELECTRIC COOPERATIVES OFFICERS: Gary Gerlach President Walter Hunter Vice President Randy Kleaving Secretary/Treasurer John Gasstrom CEO EDITORIAL STAFF: Emily Schilling Editor Richard George Biever Senior Editor Holly Huffman Communication Support Specialist Ellie Schuler Senior Creative Services Specialist Taylor Maranion Creative Services Specialist Stacey Holton Creative Services Manager Mandy Barth Communication Manager ADVERTISING: American MainStreet Publications Cheryl Solomon, local ad representative; 512-441-5200; amp.coop Crosshair Media 502-216-8537; crosshairmedia.net 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 safe‑keeping or return of unsolicited material. 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, Ind., and at additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send change of address to: Indiana Connection, 8888 Keystone Crossing, Suite 1600, Indianapolis, IN 46240-4606. Include key number. No portion of Indiana Connection may be reproduced without permission of the editor.
DECEMBER 2019
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contents
DECEMBER
10
17
energy
03 FROM THE EDITOR 05 CO-OP NEWS Energy news and information from your electric cooperative. 10 ENERGY Newer heat pump technology can keep you comfortable for less.
20
food
12 C OOPERATIVE CALENDAR OF STUDENT ART Enter the contest. Order a calendar. 14 COUNTY OF THE MONTH Spotlighting Orange County. 16 INDIANA EATS Santa’s sweet tooth satisfied at Santa’s Candy Castle. 17 FOOD Recipes that are “Very Vanilla.”
FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA
Indiana Connection
cover story
30
pets
20 COVER STORY Toy wonders: Northern Indiana couple handcrafts wooden toys.
30 PETS How to tell if your kitty has heart disease. (Not in all versions)
26 EVENTS CALENDAR
32 H OOSIER ENERGY/ WABASH VALLEY NEWS
What’s going on around the state. 29 SAFETY Protect your furry family members from electrical dangers.
33 TRAVEL Hohman for the holidays: A Christmas Story comes to life. (Not in all versions) 34 PROFILE Steuben County REMC Energy Advisor Josh Durbin. (Not in all versions)
On the cover Trains still tickle the fancy of children — like Avery Mynsberge. His toy train is one of many old-fashioned toys handcrafted by My Unique Wooden Toys of Silver Lake, Indiana. Avery, who turns 3 in January, lives in rural Oldenburg, Indiana; his home is served electrically by RushShelby Energy. COMPOSITE PHOTO ILLUSTRATION BY RICHARD G. BIEVER AND GETTYIMAGES
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DECEMBER 2019
co-op news
merry & bright May your holiday season be
www.kremc.com CONTACT US Local: 574-267-6331 Toll-Free: 800-790-REMC EMAIL mail@kremc.com OFFICE HOURS 7:30 a.m. – 4 p.m., Monday-Friday ADDRESS 370 S. 250 E., Warsaw, IN 46582 SERVICE INTERRUPTIONS To report a service interruption after hours, please call 267-6331 or 800-790-REMC. BOARD OF DIRECTORS William Stump Jr., Chairman Dan Tucker, Vice Chairman John Hand, Secretary/Treasurer Kim Buhrt Terry Bouse Tony Fleming Pam Messmore Steve Miner Rick Parker
LAUNDRY EFFICIENCY Dry towels and heavier cottons separately from lighter clothing. You’ll spend less time drying the lighter-weight items. — U.S. DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY
Use your Co-op Connections Card to save at local businesses Heart of Lakes Antique Mall in North Webster 10% off any item $20 and over.
LIKE US ON FACEBOOK www.facebook.com/kosciuskoremc
The holidays are a time of year that many of us eagerly anticipate. The season is marked by tradition, lights and decorations, and festivities. Right here in Kosciusko County, we look forward to the annual lighting of Center Park, The Twinkle Light Parade downtown, and incredible displays of Christmas trees marking the main streets in small towns across this community.
Scan this QR code with your smart phone to take the broadband survey now.
We cherish carrying on old family traditions and enjoy creating new ones. I look forward to more time spent with family and friends. However, given the hustle and bustle of the season, the holidays can also offer an opportunity to slow down and reflect. For all of us at Kosciusko REMC, we are grateful for you, the members of the co-op. Looking ahead to 2020, we hope you will share your opinions with us. We recognize that our members have a valuable perspective, and that’s why we continually seek your input. Whether through community events, our social media channels, or the annual meeting, we want to hear from you. You lead us, and we depend on your feedback. We are currently seeking your thoughts on whether or not KREMC should bring broadband to our service territory. If you haven’t already, please take a minute and visit our website or scan the QR code on this page to take that survey. As we prepare for next year, we look forward to the opportunity to serve you and the greater community. On behalf of the KREMC family, we hope your holidays are indeed merry and bright!
BRUCE GOSLEE President and CEO
KREMC rates and rebates RATES
REBATES
Residential and farm service Service charge ............................$24.50 per month Kilowatt-hour (kWh) charge ......@$.0922 per kWh Tracker charge ..................... @-$.003330 per kWh
Electric water heaters 50 gallons or larger: • Gas to electric replacement — $125 • New construction water heater — $125 • Geothermal desuperheater — $50
Outdoor Lights* 40w LED........................................$8.75 per month 70w LED......................................$12.25 per month
HVAC: • Geothermal system installation — $250 • Air-source heat pump system — $150 • Programmable thermostat — up to $25 Visit www.kremc.com for complete guidelines and restrictions. Additional rebates can be found at powermoves.com.
DECEMBER 2019
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DECEMBER 2019
co-op news
Season’s Greetings from KREMC! KREMC HOLIDAY HOURS: Our office will be closed Dec. 24–25 and Jan. 1. Please use our kiosk to make a payment when the office is closed. Your account will be updated immediately.
C’mon, bring it in. Looking for a practical gift for your loved one this year? Consider a KREMC Household Utility Gift (H.U.G.)! A H.U.G. from KREMC is the perfect way to share the love this winter! It is easily redeemed by sending it along with a monthly bill payment or bringing it to our office. It doesn’t get much
Have you started your holiday shopping yet? Consider giving a H.U.G. for the holidays instead!
easier than a H.U.G.! DECEMBER 2019
7
5 1 6 7 2 8 3 9 4 10 Even the happiest of times can turn to tragedy if everyone’s not careful. This winter, practice some commonsense electrical safety. You could prevent accidents, fires and injuries — and save the season for everyone who gathers in your home for the holidays. Here are 10 electrical safety tips:
B UY L IG HT S DESIGNED F OR O U TDO O R USE. The lights you use to safely decorate your indoor tree are not safe to use outside, where it’s cold, damp, windy and exposed. Luckily, it’s easy to find lights that are designed specifically for the outdoors.
C HO O SE A FIR ER E SISTANT T R EE.
On an artificial tree, look for label that guarantees it is “fire retardant” so it will resist burning and will be easy to snuff out if it does catch on fire. If you’re a fan of live holiday trees, choose one that is fresh and water it every day.
KEEP YO UR T R EE A WAY F R OM HEAT.
Not only will the heat dry out a live tree’s needles, it can catch a real or artificial tree on fire. Keep trees and other combustible decorations at least three feet away from a heat source, like a radiator or portable electric heater.
B E PIC KY AB O UT HOOKS.
Never staple, screw, nail or tack your outdoor lights to your roof, gutter, railings or doors, as you could cut right through the wires on the light strands. Instead, buy insulated hooks. You’ll greatly reduce the risk of a fire, and they won’t damage your roof.
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DECEMBER 2019
EX AMINE THE LIGHT S. Whether you just bought a new set or you’re reusing last year’s indoor or outdoor lights, inspect them to make sure they all light up and their wires aren’t damaged.
INSIST ON “CERTIFI E D. ” The UL label on Christmas lights, replacement bulbs and decorations means the products have passed tests that prove they are fire- and shock-resistant.
U SE EX TENSION COR D S SPARINGLY. Extension cords extend the reach of your light strands. But if you hide them under rug, they’ll get trampled on — and can overheat and catch that rug on fire.
F OLLOW INSTRU CTI O N S. Manufacturers of incandescent holiday lights usually recommend that you string no more than three sets together before plugging them in. More than that creates a fire hazard. If you’re using energy-efficient LEDs, however, you can safely link up to 25 strands.
U SE BATTERY-OPERA T E D CANDLES. Almost half of decoration-related fires are started by candles with real flames, according to the National Fire Protection Association.
INSTALL SMOKE ALA RMS. A beeping smoke alarm could be your first clue that you need to get everyone out of the house. Change your alarm’s batteries before your home fills with company.
s p i t 10
to prevent Christmas catastrophes GIVE GIFTS THAT SAVE ENERGY Holiday gift giving may warm hearts, but it generates
rechargeable batteries. If the gift requires standard batteries,
a million tons of waste between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Eve.
let the recipient know where to recycle them.
To offset some of it, why not stuff those stockings with energy-efficient small appliances like kitchen aids and grooming devices? Look for the Energy Star label on TVs, DVD players and computers. It guarantees that the appliance you’re buying is energy-efficient. If you’re buying a batterypowered present, include
Give your time instead of a department store item. Offer to baby sit, work in the yard or cook dinner. Loved ones will be touched by your consideration, and it can save you money and energy. Lastly, wrap your gifts in reusable bags and yesterday’s newspaper. Glam them up a bit with hand-drawn greetings. The paper can later be used as packing material.
energy
Newer heat pump technology can keep you comfortable for less Many people feel the heat of high energy costs when weather turns chilly. Fortunately, air source heat pumps can warm your home without wearing down your wallet. Hoosiers use a variety of heating fuels to keep them cozy in the fall and winter. Liquid propane, fuel oil, natural gas, and electricity can be found in our members’ homes. New technology can provide more energyefficient ways to keep you warm while minimizing your energy costs. Some balk at air source heat pumps (which use electricity) because of concerns about how they perform in very cold temperatures. Yet air source heat pumps have become more efficient over the last few years, and can provide energy savings compared to other options to heat and cool your home.
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DECEMBER 2019
Air source heat pumps contain a condenser, which circulates refrigerant, and an air handler that moves the conditioned air throughout your home. Air source heat pumps essentially pull heat from the air — in the summer the system pulls the warm air from your home and pumps it outside; in the winter, it pulls the heat from the air outside and pumps that heat into your home. Typical heat pumps can lose their efficiency when the temperature drops near 20 degree F. But newer Variable Speed Compressors are capable of efficiently heating a home well below 0 degrees F. As the air grows colder, the heat pump must work harder to pull heat from the outdoors. This is why air source heat pumps need a backup heat source. In an all-electric home, this may be electric resistance
How an air source heat pump works: SUMMER Heat from the air is absorbed by refrigerant in indoor coil
compressor Refrigerant in outside coil releases heat to the air
WINTER Heat from the air is absorbed by refrigerant in outdoor coil
compressor
heat or auxiliary heat, which are coils that warm the air passing through the air handler. For those who have a hybrid heating system, liquid propane (or even natural gas) would be that backup heat source. If your home uses liquid propane as a heat source, you may benefit from adding an air source heat pump. Energy efficient air source heat pumps, which have a minimum Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) of 16 and a Heating Season Performance Factor (HSPF) of 9, can provide long-term energy savings compared to solely using
Refrigerant in indoor coil releases heat into house
liquid propane or fuel oil as a heat source. If your system is almost 15 years old, it may be time to plan for a replacement. Contact the energy advisor at your local electric cooperative if you have questions; your co-op may even have rebates available for energy efficient upgrades. Don’t be left out in the cold when your system gives out!
by
Joe Spear
Energy Advisor Carroll White REMC
win $200
You could
ENTER YOUR BEST ARTWORK Fill the pages of the 2021 calendar!
ELIGIBILITY
DETAILS AND DEADLINE
PRIZES
Indiana public, private or home-schooled students in kindergarten through 12th grade during the 2019-20 school year are eligible to enter the contest.
A complete set of rules and required entry forms are available at indianaconnection.org/foryouth/2021-contest. Artwork must be received by March 20, 2020.
A first-place artist will be selected for each grade, K-12, and will receive $200. The artwork of each grade level winner will also illustrate either the cover or a month of the calendar. Up to nine additional artists will earn honorable mention awards and will receive $75. Their artwork will appear in a special section of the calendar. An “artist of the year” will be selected from among the first place winners and will receive an additional $100. Judges will also select merit award winners who will receive certificates.
ORDER YOUR 2020 CALENDAR TODAY! Please send ______ copy (copies) of the Cooperative Calendar of Student Art 2020 at $6 each to: Name:
Price includes shipping and
Address: City, State and ZIP:
Indiana sales tax. Make check payable to “Indiana Electric Cooperatives.” Send this completed form and a check to Indiana Connection Calendar; 8888 Keystone Crossing, Suite 1600; Indianapolis, IN 46240.
12
DECEMBER 2019
county feature
Orange County BY RICHARD G. BIEVER
Within three years of his French
Franklin D. Roosevelt probably didn’t dub his successful 1932 presidential campaign — “New Deal” — after unsuccessfully playing cards in a French Lick gambling house. But he
Countycts Fa FOUNDED: Feb. 1, 1816
NAMED FOR: Orange County, North Carolina, from where many of its earliest settlers — families of Quakers and free blacks fleeing slavery — came in 1811.
event
would be the Hoosier National Forest.
hilly terrain of south central Indiana
table at the 1931 National Governors’
had been cut by the early 1900s, and
Conference at the renowned French
its abuse and erosion made for poor
Lick Springs Hotel.
farmland. By the 1930s, the state asked
Along with the location itself, one of the cards in the hand FDR played in his June 2, 1931, address to the conference has heavily shaded the colorful history of Orange County to this day.
the federal government to help it do something with the lands residents were abandoning in large numbers. The Hoosier National Forest was created in 1934, and through New Deal programs like the Civilian Conservation Corps,
In the depths of the Great Depression, Roosevelt called for a new role for government to assure relief and fairness. When the Democratic New York governor addressed the conference, he also laid out an reforest nonproductive farmland. The speech had all the makings of became his platform, and Roosevelt
reforestation began. Other parts of the Forest surround Patoka Lake in Orange County’s southwest corner. Most of the lake, the state’s second largest, lies within Orange County. Created in the 1970s primarily for flood control and water supply, Patoka Lake is a major destination for outdoor recreation. A century before Patoka Lake, mineral
won an unprecedented four terms.
Through Dec. 23 1-800-74-TRAIN
DECEMBER 2019
southern half of Orange County. That
Much of the forest land across the
French Lick Scenic Railway’s “The Polar Express Train Ride”
14
legacy that includes almost the
deal for the American people” on the
a presidential platform. Of course, it COUNTY SEAT: Paoli
administration created an enduring
first laid what became his bold “new
innovative agricultural program to POPULATION: 19,500 (2018 estimate)
Lick speech, President Roosevelt’s
This magical experience includes entertainment, hot chocolate, a cookie, and a keepsake sleigh bell to take home. Families are encouraged to wear their pajamas for the ride! Dates and times are available by visiting https://frenchlickthepolarexpressride.com. (Please note: tickets for Polar Express do sell out. As of press time, some Saturday and Sunday excursions were sold out, but many were still available.)
county feature
PHO TO BY RI CHARD G . BI EV E R
The West Baden Springs Hotel — with its enormous atrium under dome — is always amazing to see, but it’s even more magical to visit at Christmastime as a giant tree takes center stage.
water was the draw to Orange
200-foot dome above an atrium —
restored them to their original
County. Mineral springs at French
began.
grandeur.
The heady days were not to last.
With the world-class resorts and
The Great Depression brought the
casino, natural resources providing
closure of the West Baden hotel
recreation and relaxation, and
in 1932; the French Lick hotel
small town and rural charm in its
survived but passed through a
midst, Orange County still provides
number of owners and decline.
what FDR said he and the other
Both historic resort hotels
attendees at that 1931 Governors’
experienced a renaissance at the
Conference received: “true Indiana
turn of the 21st century under the
hospitality of the finest kind.”
Lick and West Baden lured guests from across the country for relaxation and the alleged curative powers of the bottled mineral water and spas as the two neighboring resorts became fierce competitors. Almost simultaneously at the turn of the century, the building of the grand French Lick Springs Hotel, with its distinct buff-colored brick, and the circular West Baden Springs Hotel — with its amazing
sole ownership of Bloomingtonbased Cook Group which
Courtesy of Visit French Lick West Baden and French Lick Resort Enter at: https://www. indianaconnection.org/talk-to-us/ contests/ Contest will run from Dec. 1 to Dec. 31.
Richard G. Biever is senior editor of Indiana Connection.
Prize Includes: Two Night Stay at French Lick Springs Hotel, Two KidsPlus passes, Carriage Ride for four at French Lick Resort, Foot Golf for four at French Lick Resort, French Lick West Baden Museum for four, Giraffe Encounter at Wilstem Wildlife Park for four, French Lick Scenic Railway for four (excluding special excursions)
DECEMBER 2019
15
Indiana eats
Santa’s got a sweet tooth!
P H O TO B Y MARTY JONES
Candy Castle offers goodies for good boys and girls No need to leave a plate of cookies
Harris’ unexpected death in 1950 and
choosing to drink their cocoa cold can
for Santa later this month. He already
a series of new owners up until the
opt for the castle’s self-proclaimed
has his pick of delectable sweets at
1970s. But those new owners could
“legendary” frozen hot chocolate
Santa’s Candy Castle in the Spencer
never recapture the magic of the
which is available in a 16-ounce size
County town named after him.
business’ heyday.
or the half-gallon “Avalanche” version.
Since the jolly old soul is also
That changed when Kevin Klosowski
hospitable, he invites you to visit and
bought the castle in 2005, restored
indulge in an overwhelming variety
it, and reopened it to the public in
of candy and chocolatey goodies any
2006. Today, the real-life candy
time of the year, too.
land purveys handmade gourmet
Santa’s Candy Castle is an actual brick castle built in 1935 by businessman Milton Harris. Harris hoped the castle would be the first attraction in “Santa Claus Town,” a kids’ wonderland that would sell toys and treats. In 1936, Santa’s Workshop and a Toy Village opened
The “Avalanche” is the world’s largest cocoa beverage. Those who finish it receive a bumper sticker and have their photo placed on the Candy Castle’s “Wall of Fame.”
confections, flavored popcorn,
Celebrate an early Christmas, and
flavored candy canes, different
Santa’s Candy Castle’s 84th
varieties of salt water taffy, and retro
anniversary, on Dec. 22
candy favorites like wax lips, candy
from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
buttons, candy cigarettes, Pop Rocks,
Enjoy giveaways, raffles
Clark bars and Fruit Stripe bum.
and 84 cent specials.
There’s an entire room dedicated to PEZ and PEZ dispensers, and Belly varieties.
Santa’s Candy Castle
onset of World War II ended Harris’
When visiting the Candy Castle,
15499 State Road 245
dreams of further expansion. Santa
you’ll want to indulge in its signature
Santa Claus, Indiana 47579
Claus Town and its iconic candy
hot chocolate. There are 33 flavors
800-356-1935
store remained in business through
of this tummy-warming treat. Those
their doors, but soon after, a lawsuit with a rival businessman and the
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DECEMBER 2019
another room fully stocked with Jelly
santascandycastle.com
very vanilla
food
Sweeten the holidays with this classic flavor
Old Fashioned Vanilla Cream Pie Connie Loehmer, Monterey, Indiana 1 baked 9-inch pie shell â…” cup sugar Âź cup cornstarch 1/2 t. salt 3 cups milk 4 egg yolks, slightly beaten 2 T. soft butter 1 T. plus 1 t. vanilla
Stir together sugar, cornstarch and salt in a saucepan. Blend milk and
Meringue
thickens and boils. Boil 1 minute.
4 egg whites (leftover from making the pie) Âź t. cream of tartar 6 T. sugar 1 t. vanilla extract
Remove from heat; blend in butter
Beat egg whites until foamy. Beat
and vanilla. Immediately pour into
in cream of tartar and sugar (one
baked pie shell; press plastic wrap
tablespoon at a time). Beat until stiff
onto filling. Chill pie thoroughly,
and glossy. Beat in vanilla. Top pie
at least 2 hours. May serve with
and brown in a 400 F oven until lightly
sweetened whipped cream.
browned.
egg yolks; gradually stir into sugar mixture. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until mixture
Pie can also be topped with meringue.
food Vanilla No Bake Cookies Marilles Mauer, Greensburg, Indiana ¾ cup unsalted butter ⅔ cup unsweetened vanilla almond milk 2 cups sugar 2 t. vanilla extract Pinch of salt 3 ½ cups quick oats 1 (3.4 oz.) box instant vanilla pudding ¼ cup white chocolate chips Lay a long strip of foil on your counter or table to place cookies on when done. In a medium-sized pot over medium heat, add butter, almond milk and sugar. Stir mixture occasionally and bring it to a boil. Boil for 1 minute, then remove
Spanish Flan
from heat. Stir in vanilla extract, salt,
Spanish Flan
and half the oats. Slowly stir in dry
Denise J. Hershman, Ligonier, Indiana
pudding mix. Once all the pudding is mixed in, stir in chips and the rest of
1 cup sugar
the oats. Stir until completely combined.
3 eggs
Use desired size cookie scoop to drop cookies on the foil. Let set and cool. Vanilla No Bake Cookies
1 (14 oz.) can sweetened condensed milk 1 (12 oz.) can evaporated milk 1 T. vanilla extract Melt the sugar in a saucepan over medium heat. Pour into a 9-inch round baking pan, coating the sides. Beat the eggs. Add the sweetened condensed and evaporated milk, and the vanilla. Pour this mixture into the baking dish. Cover with foil. Bake at 350 F in preheated oven for 1 hour. Carefully invert the flan on a serving plate when cool. Makes 8 servings.
Homemade Vanilla Extract Charlotte Rymph, Monterey, Indiana 6 vanilla beans, split lengthwise 2 cups vodka Place vanilla beans in a tall jar; cover with vodka. Seal jar tightly. Let stand in a cool dark place at least 6 weeks, gently shaking the jar once a week. Cook’s note: Rum or bourbon can be used instead of vodka, but the flavor will not be as clean. Depends on your taste and the recipe in which it will be used.
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DECEMBER 2019
FO O D PREPARED BY I NDI ANA CONNE CTI O N S TA FF PHO TO S BY TAY L O R MA RA NI O N
Toy Wonders Northern Indiana couple’s handcrafted wooden toys harken back to Christmases past By Richard G. Biever When Christmas dawns and children
such, the rural Kosciusko County
scamper with wide-eyed anticipation
couple has a share in Christmas
to the tree, often the most anxious
mornings across all of kiddom —
to gather are the parents and
from New York to California and
grandparents bringing up the rear.
everywhere in between.
As the wrapping paper and ribbons
“Every Christmas morning we always
start flying, there are so many things
say, ‘Well, I wonder if all the kids
for the adults to ponder among the
are happy with what they got,” said
wonder. Will each child burst with
Teresa.
glee at the first glimpse of that special something longed for all year? Did Santa bring what each child whispered
When the emails start ringing in, they know …
in his ear? Will the clothes fit? Does
• “The train bank looks like a piece
the shape of those two big remaining
of art. My grandchildren … will
presents for Addie from her grandmas
cherish them forever! Thank you
look an awful lot alike?
so much for putting all your love
Teresa Martin-Gay and husband Darren Gay know that ponderation. They have 12 grandkids, ages 10 years to 2 months. But come Christmas morning, their anxiousness and wonder isn’t twelvefold; it’s more like twelve-hundred.
into the things you build.” • “My baby loves [the wooden infant rattler toys].” • “Beautiful wooden train set and very well made. Looks like a piece of art but rolls around like a busy little choo-choo! No rough edges
The two are makers of handcrafted
anywhere. I can tell this will be
wooden toys sold mostly online. As
used a lot.”
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DECEMBER 2019
Avery Mynsberge, who turns 3 next month, sure loves trains. Decked out in his hickory-striped railroad cap and overalls, he is the engineer and conductor as he plays with one of My Unique Wooden Toys’ creations. The beautiful walnut wood and handcrafted quality keep the simple toy an on-time arrival under any tree at Christmas. Avery’s family lives in rural Oldenburg, Indiana, where their home is served electrically by RushShelby Energy.
Teresa and Darren’s Etsy store, www.etsy.com/shop/myhandmadetoy, has nearly 800 five-star reviews.
Choo-choos and fishing rods My Unique Wooden Toys, the company Teresa and Darren started 13 years ago, specializes in, as its name says, unique wooden toys. From scratch, the two handcraft
CO M PO SI TE PHO TO I LLUSTRATI O N BY RI CHARD G . BI EVER AND G ETTYI M AG ES
planes; trains; automobiles; fishing
site posts the reviews that buyers
finding on our website or Etsy shop or
rods; farm sets with fences; tractors;
leave on each seller’s page. A
store, you’re not going to be able to go
stick horses; gun cutouts; and more.
brief survey clicking through 155
out and find at a big box store.”
They also make prop rifles used by
pages of the reviews for Teresa and
color guards and dance recitals like
Darren’s account, which goes by
performances of the Nutcracker Ballet.
“MyHandMadeToy” on Etsy, reveals
Nine out of the 10 toys they sell are through Etsy, the online shopping
a satisfied clientele giving Teresa and Darren five stars on most all sales.
In this age of mass-produced, “flyingoff-the-shelf” over-hyped toys and throwaway electronic gadgets that are cheaply made overseas, there’s something to be said for the charm
mall of handcrafted and vintage
“We are making something that is
of individually made, sanded and
merchandise. Customer satisfaction
unique. That’s USA made. That’s
finished timeless old-fashioned toys.
is right up front. The Etsy shopping
quality,” said Teresa. “The stuff you’re
continued on page 22 DECEMBER 2019
21
“There is a clientele that looks for that
“What inspires us were the toys that
In 2004, Teresa, who is now 58, and
type of thing,” Teresa said. “They don’t
my kids actually made when they were
Darren, now 53, met online. Darren
want China. China’s done the lead
growing up,” Teresa said. “My kids
was a bachelor from Georgia. The two
paints and everything else. They’re
grew up on a farm. They played with
began a relationship. He moved to
done with China. And they want to
stick horses and guns. So, where we
Indiana, and they married. But milking
help small family businesses; that’s a
came from was: ‘Let’s go back. We’re
400 cows three times a day began
big thing.”
going to just do the toys that my kids
taking a toll on the new couple and
loved to play with.’ Those were the
her children. By 2006, Teresa said her
first things we made.”
children were tired of it. “That was a
Parents or grandparents shopping My Unique Wooden Toys will learn they are all made right here in Indiana by Teresa and Darren. They use only child-safe paints and finishes, some
From milking parlor to woodshop
lot of demands for kids.” The family sold the dairy cows and went into other farming ventures.
of which Darren and Teresa mix
In the early 2000s, Teresa and her first
Though Teresa still keeps the books
using mineral oil and beeswax in their
husband, Randy Martin, were running
for the farm now run by Landon,
workshop. They also source most of
a dairy farm on Kosciusko REMC
neither she nor Darren would continue
their lumber — walnut, maple, cherry
lines southeast of Silver Lake after
as farmers. She said she and Darren
— locally and mill it out themselves.
relocating from Elkhart County. They
asked themselves, “Well, now what
had four children: Landon, Tosha,
are we going to do?”
Teresa said they often get emails or messages from customers that say
Trent, and Kyle.
Darren had been a woodworker in
things like: “This takes me back to
Days before Christmas 2003, Randy
Georgia. He worked for a company
my childhood”; “This is something
died in traffic accident. At the time,
whose main client was Georgia-based
like I had”; “My grandkids are playing
their oldest child, Landon, was 20 and
fast-food chain Chick-fil-A. The firm
with stick horses like we did in our
their youngest, Kyle, was 13. Teresa
designed and built the serving count-
childhood.”
carried on running the dairy farm with
ers and cabinetry for all the Chick-fil-A
help of her kids and farmhands.
restaurants across the country.
And that’s by design.
Teresa Martin-Gay uses a drill press working on one of the toys she and her husband, Darren Gay, created in their rural Kosciusko County workshop. Having multiple drill presses allow them to work more quickly on toys requiring 2019 holes of variousDECEMBER sizes.
22
PH O TO BY RI CH A R D G. B IE VE R
After some online research, Darren
“We picked
and Teresa thought they found their
up where he
new career — making wooden toys
left off,” said
they could sell on the internet.
Darren.
As an aside: It’s odd that the Chick-
One of the
fil-A mascot imploring folks to “eat
toymaker’s big
mor chikin” (instead of beef) is a
clients was
black and white Holstein cow, a
Lifetouch, a
breed mostly used for dairy. But how
nationwide
apropos that Darren, who perfected
chain of
his woodworking skills working for the
photography studios,
Chick-fil-A contractor, set up a wood
which uses the toys as
shop in the farm’s former milking
props in photos of children.
parlor.
Darren and Teresa made 485
Teresa said their e-business plans brought a negative reaction from an unexpected source: her kids. “How is anybody going to find you?” they pooh-poohed. “My four kids laughed at us,” Teresa added. “But they’re not laughing now.”
wooden planes, four-piece train sets, race cars, and “cookie cutter” pieces meant to look like cookies. They are currently making 546 trains for Lifetouch due in April. The biggest boon to their business, though, came from
Going online
Etsy. “I was told not to create
The couple that first found each other
overtake your business,” said Teresa.
online quickly found a niche for their new enterprise online. Starting in November 2006, they began their own dot-com toy store and created an account on Etsy. To help establish their presence, they asked a maker of similar toys in Pennsylvania if they could sell his goods on their website, as well, a practice known as “drop shipping.” He agreed. Two years later, the toymaker
an Etsy account because it will “And it does.” But that was a good thing. “We’ve never been where we’re looking for work,” she added. “We never would have known it would be this big,” said Darren. Based in Brooklyn, New York, Etsy was launched in 2005. The dot-com says it has some 2.3 million active
The Vermont Teddy Bear’s “Gone Fishin’ Bear” sports a wooden handmade fishing rod and reel that Darren and Teresa created in their Hoosier workshop. The designer bear sells for $79.99 online at www.vermontteddybear.com/15-gone-fishin-bear. PHO TO PRO VI DED BY VERM O NT TEDDY BEARS
fishing hat and vest, sells for $79.99 online. “They wanted a very, very small fishing pole set for their bears,” Teresa said. “That was not a product we had online. But they specifically were looking for somebody to make what they were originally getting from
sellers and 42.7 million buyers. Etsy
China, and we created that.”
accounts racked up $3.9 billion in
That order was for 600 wooden rod
had a question for them: He was
gross sales in 2018.
retiring and wanted to know if they
Through their Etsy account, Teresa
fish attached.
would buy his business. They did.
and Darren were contacted by
As they were hitting their stride online,
They traveled to Pennsylvania to pick
Vermont Teddy Bears, makers of high-
up his toy patterns, and they picked up his customers. “His clientele was valuable,” noted Teresa, “because it had a lot of wholesale. That was what really got us in the wholesale business. We were able to grandfather in.”
end handcrafted soft furry designer teddy bears. The Vermont-based company was fishing for an American supplier to tackle the tackle accessory for its “Gone Fishin’ Bear.” The 15inch bear, which also comes with a
and reels with string and a wooden
disaster hit on the homefront. On Nov. 17, 2013, a tornado leveled nine of the 11 buildings on the farm, including the milking parlor-turned-woodshop. An area resident generously offered Teresa and Darren a woodshop he
continued on page 24 DECEMBER 2019
23
rarely used until they got back on their feet, and they barely skipped a beat fulfilling Christmas toy orders that year. As they rebuilt the farm, Darren and Teresa took a corner parcel for a new house for themselves. The new house included a walkout basement they turned into their new workshop. A portion of the basement was set aside as a small showroom and store for their work. At the store and online, they also sell the work of an Amish associate who makes barns and toy farm implements. Perhaps the most frequent shoppers at the store are the grandkids who all live nearby. “They come with their dollar bill,” said Teresa. “We let them pay because I think it’s good that they know they have to pay for something. They just can’t come to Me-me’s house and ‘I want this … I want this … I want this,’ and Me-me gives it to them.” But she noted with a laugh, “They
Teresa Martin-Gay and Darren Gay met online in 2004 and married. Not long after, they traded dairy cows for wooden toys to create a successful online handmade wooden toy company. They also have a small store adjacent to their workshop just east of Silver Lake in southern Kosciusko County. P H OTO B Y RI CHARD G . BI EVER
don’t pay full price … they do get the ‘friends and family discount.’” In addition, she said her grandkids are their “testers” in product development. “We have this new toy. Try it out,” they’ll tell them. “We’ll let them experiment on that. There were some things we had to redo because they didn’t work so good,” she said. “We’ll take it back to the drawing board.” Teresa noted though the store is off the beaten path, people seemed pleased when they find it. And Teresa and Darren, by living upstairs, are able to accommodate evening hours by appointment for folks unable to shop during the day. Another bonus, she
24
DECEMBER 2019
said: “It’s not going to be like your big crowded stores.”
Christmas afterglow In the glowing aftermath of the crazed Christmas morning rush, most parents and grandparents sit back, take a deep breath and rest on the laurels of another successful holiday. But Teresa and Darren, who kiddingly call themselves “The Elves,” soldier on. For as soon as one holiday passes, another looms. “We have a busy season,” said Teresa, “and a busier season.”
Richard G. Biever is senior editor of Indiana Connection.
TERESA MARTIN-GAY AND DARREN GAY’S TOY SHOP ADDRESS: 11152 S. 100 W., Silver Lake, Indiana PHONE: 260-578-0725 EMAIL: dgtm@localnet.com WEB: MyUniqueWoodenToys.com ETSY: etsy.com/shop/ MyHandmadeToy
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DECEMBER 2019
25
calendar NORTHWEST
21, 28 Jan.
1
GLOWING LIGHTS NIGHT, Michigan City (LaPorte), The Barker Mansion. Selfguided tour of the historic home, which has been decorated for the holiday season. 4-6 p.m. Cost: $5-$8. 219-873-1520. akalin@emichigancity.com. www.barkermansion.com 3-DUNES CHALLENGE FIRST DAY HIKE, Chesterton (Porter), Indiana Dunes State Park. Meet at the Nature Center and hike through the high dunes. 10 a.m.- Noon CST. This program is free after paying the gate admission for the park. 219926-1930. www.facebook.com/ events/3173349292737785/ ?active_tab=about
Jan.
4
RUMELY ALLIS-CHALMERS HERITAGE CENTER OPEN DATE, LaPorte (LaPorte), Rumely AllisChalmers Heritage Center. The center promotes the agricultural and industrial heritage of the Rumely and Allis-Chalmers companies. Free (donations accepted). 9 a.m.-1 p.m. (219) 369-1690. www.rumelyallis.com
CENTRAL
21
SARA EVANS, Nashville (Brown), Brown County Music Center. 8 p.m. Tickets: $59. 802-255-1826. emilycarterhere@gmail.com. Order tickets: www. soundchronicle.com/tickets/Sara_Evans_Nashville_IN_2019-12-21_20-00
31
NEW YEAR’S EVE CELEBRATION, Kokomo (Howard), Downtown Courthouse Square. Annual lighted ball drop, live music, activities and fireworks show. 10:30 p.m.Midnight. Free. 765-457-5301. visitkokomo.org/events
Jan.
1011
NTPA WINTER NATIONALS, Cloverdale (Putnam), C Bar C Expo Center. Indoor pull event at the world’s largest indoor track. 320’ Smoke Tube, trade show and open pits. Event and ticket information at www. ntpawinternationals.com
SOUTHWEST
20
2ND ANNUAL WINTER AT RICKENBAUGH HOUSE, Bristow (Perry). Tour of the Rickenbaugh House presented by the Hoosier National Forest along with other winter activities. 10 am- 2 pm. Free. 812-547-9231. alexander.johnson@ usda.gov. www.fs.usda.gov/hoosier
28
SOUNDS OF SUMMER: A BEACH BOYS TRIBUTE, Mitchell (Lawrence), Mitchell Opera House. 7 p.m. Cost: $22 for adults and $10 for children. 812-547-7933. aprince@hoosieruplands.org. perrycountycvb@psci.net. www.mitchelloperahouse.com
31
SILVERSTERNACHT, Tell City (Perry), Tell City Jr-Sr High School. Be sure to also enjoy fireworks and the annual Apple Drop at the city hall. 8 pm–Midnight. Free. 812-849-4447. perrycountycvb@psci.net. www.pickperry.com
26
DECEMBER 2019
DEC.
JAN.
To ensure our readers have sufficient time to plan ahead to attend these events, we have revamped the timeline of our calendar. Our events listing runs from the 15th of the current month to the 15th of the next month. We hope you find this revised schedule helpful.
NORTHEAST
2728
SHIPSHEWANA ICE FESTIVAL, Shipshewana (LaGrange), downtown. Ice carvers compete and create sculptures representing local merchants. $5 admission for chili cook-off. Pins for sale at participating merchants and chili cook-off. Pin ensures January discounts. Festival is free. 866-631-9675. shipshewana.com
2728
RUMBLE IN FORT WAYNE, Fort Wayne (Allen), Allen County War Memorial Coliseum. Midget car racing. Event and ticket information at www.rumbleinfortwayne.com
Jan.
DUO DOLCE: BOUNDLESS MUSIC SERIES, Portland (Jay), Hall-Moser Theatre. Featuring cellist Kristen Yeon-Ji Yun and pianist Phoenix Park-Kim. 7:30 p.m. Tickets: $9-$15. 260-726-4809. artsland.org/hall-moser-performances
11
SOUTHEAST
21
BIG OAKS NWR ANNUAL CHRISTMAS BIRD COUNT, Madison (Jefferson), Big Oaks National Wildlife Refuge. Volunteers may sign up to count birds for a half day (until noon, or noon to sunset) or all day. Lunch provided. Begins at 8 a.m. To participate, contact the refuge at 812-273-0783. Free. www.fws.gov/refuge/Big_Oaks
through ELF THE MUSICAL, Clarksville
31
(Clark), Derby Dinner Playhouse. Musical based on the holiday film. 6 p.m. Tickets: $39-$49. Ticket price includes dinner, show, tax and parking. 812-2888281. derbydinner.com/show/ elf-the-musical
Jan.
4
MARIO THE MAKER, New Albany (Floyd), TheatreWorks of Southern Indiana. 11 a.m.Noon. Tickets: $12-18. 812-7257601. info@theatreworksofsoin. com. www.eventbrite.com/e/ mario-the-maker-magiciantickets-69887159375.
This calendar is published as a service to readers and the communities electric cooperatives serve. Indiana Connection publishes events free of charge as space allows, giving preference to free community festival and events in and around areas served by subscribing REMCs/RECs. While Indiana Connection strives for accuracy, please note that events, dates and time may change without notice. Indiana Connection advises using contact phone numbers or internet sites to check times and dates of events before making plans. To add events to Calendar, please use the “Submit and Event” form under the “Talk to Us” or “Calendar” buttons at indianaconnection.org; or mail your info to: Calendar, Indiana Connection, 8888 Keystone Crossing, Suite 1600, Indianapolis, IN 46240. Please submit info two months before the date of the event.
DECEMBER 2019
27
safety
PROTECT ALL YOUR FAMILY MEMBERS FROM ELECTRICAL DANGERS...
even the ones with paws! Spending a little time “pet-proofing” your home will help you avoid a pet-related accident. If you have a pet, check out these tips to protect your furry friend from electrical hazards: • Small mammals and birds
Picture this all too familiar scene: You walk into the living room after a long day at work and find your dog chewing on something (again). You ask him what he has in his mouth (like he’s going to answer you!). On most days, he’s chewing on your
tangled up and injured. • Just like kids, pets hate certain foods because of
If you have any other questions about pet electrical
spray from a pet shop and
safety, reach out to your
coat your electrical cords
electric co-op for more
to discourage chewing.
advice and information.
on things, which might
deter them is to give your
include exposed electrical
pets toys to play with.
cords. Try to block access
Some dog and cat breeds
to these cords by strate-
have more energy, so
gically placing your furni-
make sure you under-
ture so pets can’t reach
stand your pet’s needs.
should consider wrapping or encasing them.
• Invest time in training. You can train a dog to stop chewing the couch, you can train a cat to keep
• Most hardware stores sell
off the counters, and you
this time, he has an electrical
flexible safety cables and
can train your pet to stay
cord in his mouth. Being
PVC. Aesthetically speak-
away from wires.
cute and cuddly won’t help
ing, they’re not the best
him now. He may have put
solution, but safety comes
himself in danger of injury
first. Electrical shock is
or death and created a shock
not the only issue with
or fire hazard in your home.
wires. If you have multi-
favorite pair of shoes. But
ple cables close to each other, your pet might get
your pet.
purchase a pet deterrent
Another great way to
to hide every wire, so you
detect just by looking at
how they taste. You can
have a habit of gnawing
them. Sometimes it’s hard
symptoms aren’t easy to
• If the worst happens, visit a veterinarian immediately. Remember that electrical shocks are life-threatening and should be treated as emergencies. Some
What to do if your pet is shocked If you think your dog has suffered from an electric shock, approach him with caution and care. He is already going to feel stressed and you don’t want to startle your pet. Also, if the wire is still live you don’t want to be exposed to the source. Take your pet to your veterinarian or pet emergency center as soon as possible to see if treatment is needed. If your pet becomes tangled in cords, again, try to keep him calm. You may need help from another person to gently remove the cords and keep your pet still. DECEMBER 2019
?
pets
HOW TO TELL IF YOUR KITTY HAS HEART DISEASE The Purdue University Small Animal Hospital provides 24/7 assistance and a referral practice for questions and concerns about your pet. 765-494-1107, or visit: https://www.purdue.edu/ vet/vth/small-animal/.
M
any a cartoon shared among cat lovers on Facebook depicts skeletal remains of cat owners who died rather than upset snoozing kitties, still on their laps. While “cat naps” are part of a cat’s nature, if your cat becomes lethargic, he can be suffering from or heading to the same health issues inactive humans develop or have: heart disease. Cats tend to mask signs of illnesses better than dogs, and, therefore, they go longer without detection. Since early detection is key to treatment, here are some signs of heart issues to look out for in cats: VOMITING. While coughing is a major symptom of heart disease in dogs, it does not often occur in cats. Cats, however, do vomit as a result of heart disease. LABORED BREATHING. Your cat may experience shortness of breath or begin to breathe more rapidly than usual. BLOOD CLOTS. Often blood clots are the first noticeable sign of feline heart disease. Most frequently, it is “saddle thrombus,” by which a blood clot lodges
30
DECEMBER 2019
at the end of the aorta and cuts off proper blood supply to the hind legs. Symptoms are pain and the inability to walk normally on the hind legs. DEPRESSION/WITHDRAWAL. Your cat may begin acting depressed or isolating itself. POOR APPETITE. A cat will not suddenly lose its appetite for no good reason. There will almost always be a larger cause behind a poor appetite. PHYSICAL CHANGES. While weight loss is definitely a symptom of heart disease, weight gain can be, too. More likely than weight gain is a bloated or distended abdomen. LETHARGY. Cats nap a lot under normal conditions, but yours may appear less playful or tire more easily. While most feline heart issues have origins that are either genetic or unknown, some are caused by such things as hyperthyroidism, high blood pressure, gum disease, or heartworms.
Many pet owners don’t realize that protection from heartworms is as important for cats, even indoor cats, as it is for dogs. While heartworm disease in dogs presents itself as heart failure, cats are typically only infected with one or two heartworms. Heartworm larval migration to a cat’s heart can cause changes in the pulmonary arteries that can trigger a debilitating or even fatal asthma-like condition. Heartworms can also cause a fatal artery blockage. All of this adds up to making sure your kitty visits the vet for its annual examination. If the vet hears a rapid heartbeat or murmur, or notices something else suspicious, he or she might suggest an X-ray or other tests to make sure your cat isn’t concealing a health problem that can be addressed immediately and, therefore, be more effectively treated. SOURCE: PURDUE UNIVERSITY COLLEGE OF VETERINARY MEDICINE AND PETMD.COM
travel
Hohman
for the Holidays C H R I S T M A S C O M E DY C L A S S I C C O M E S T O L I F E I N H A M M O N D
BY RICHARD G. BIEVER If words and phrases like: • • • •
“You’ll shoot your eye out” “Triple-dog dare” “Fragil-ee” and “Oh, fuuuuuudge!!”
immediately bring smiles to your face and visions of BBs ricocheting in your head, have we found a home for you this holiday season! Hammond’s “‘A Christmas Story’ Comes Home” is a holiday exhibit and festival fashioned around events and characters from the classic comedy “A Christmas Story.” The oft-shown 1983 flick is about young Ralphie Parker’s Christmas quest for a Red Ryder BB gun. Set in the early 1940s in the fictional town of Hohman, Indiana, the movie is based on the semi-fictional collection of short stories by the late humorist Jean Shepherd. Hohman was a disguise for Shepherd’s real hometown: Hammond. Hohman is one of Hammond’s busiest downtown streets. Now in its 12th season, the exhibition and events, which run through Dec. 31, take place at Hammond’s Indiana Welcome Center, 7770 Corinne Drive. The center is easily accessible on the southwest side of the Interstate
94/80 interchange with Kennedy Avenue and sits between the Wendy’s and the Cracker Barrel Old Country Store. Highlights include: • THE EXHIBIT — Six animated displays depicting scenes from the movie that were first showcased in the windows of the Macy’s in New York City. • SANTA’S MOUNTAIN — A great photo op with Santa atop a mountain — just like the one in the movie — where youngsters can share their Christmas wishes and then ride the red slide down into a pillow of snow. • HOLIDAY MARKET — More than a dozen artisans from around the Region will be selling handmade items. Dec. 7-8, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. • ALL IS CALM — Santa welcomes children with autism or other special needs in a sensory friendly and accessible visit. Dec. 13, 10 a.m-1 p.m. and 4-7 p.m. • OH FUUUDGE! RELAY RACE — Two different age groups of kids, 4-7 and 8-12, along with a parent will partially (it’s hoped) recreate the flat tire scene from the movie, racing against time to remove lug nuts, run an
‘A Christmas Story’ Comes Home When: (Nov. 9) Through Dec. 31 Where: Indiana Welcome Center, 7770 Corinne Drive, Hammond, Indiana Tickets: Free Information: 800-255-5253 www.AChristmasStoryComesHome.com
obstacle course with the lug nuts in a hubcap, and re-install the lug nuts. Dec. 14, 10 a.m. • MOMMY’S “LITTLE PIGGY” EATING CONTEST — Another movie scene is recreated to see who can eat the most mashed potatoes. Four age groups will compete for major awards: 4-7, 8-12, 13-17 and 18-and-over. Pre-register online. Dec. 21, 10 a.m. For a full list of activities, events, dates and times, please visit www. achristmasstorycomeshome.com. And if you go, just be sure to: • consult trusty Blue’s compass in the stock, • avoid tripledog dares, • beware of bullies with yellow eyes and toadies, • D-R-I-N-K Y-O-U-R O-V-A-L-T-I-N-E, • but mostly — deck your holiday with Christmas cheer and song … “fara-ra-ra-raaaa, ra-ra-raraaaaaaaa …”
DECEMBER 2019
33
career profile
Finding solutions for a changing industry
Top 3
responsibilities in a day: •
Data Analysis. Finding solutions to issues our consumers are facing and answering residential and commercial bill questions.
•
Energy Evaluation. Determining usage and trying to help consumers understand their bill and how they can be more efficient.
•
Commercial Accounts. Energy analysis inside businesses to look for opportunities for rebates.
What part of your job do you find to be most fulfilling? I really enjoy being a problem solver. I am a research and data junkie. I love to dive deep into trying to figure out a problem. I like helping a consumer find solutions to a high bill or comfort issue within a home. I also feel fortunate helping commercial consumers understand their energy footprint.
Why did you choose to accept a job at a co-op? While in college I was able to intern at an electric cooperative. This gave me a glimpse of what
34
DECEMBER 2019
Josh Durbin Energy Advisor Steuben County REMC the cooperative world was like and the type of company they are. Upon graduation, I actually turned down an offer with the cooperative thinking there were bigger fish in the sea. Shortly after, I realized how great the local electric cooperatives were. As I started to look for different job opportunities, I heard of this position and did not hesitate to put my name in the hat.
Do you see opportunity for growth in this position? Absolutely. In the short time I have been in the industry I have seen
vast changes in technology. When we look at things like renewable energy, electric vehicles and smart appliances, we see consumers are better able to control their energy use than ever before. There are so many more things on the horizon; it will be exciting to see what the future holds.
INTERESTED IN AN ELECTRIC CO-OP CAREER? Visit WePowerIndiana.org to learn about available careers or tell us about yourself.