An update on Kosciusko Connect.
Kosciusko REMC’s
Holiday
Heritage Readers delight in sharing their Christmas customs
PAGES
19–22
DECEMBER 2021
from the editor VOLUME 71 • NUMBER 6 ISSN 0745-4651 • USPS 262-340
COOKIE CUTTER CHRISTMAS Though our December social calendars are usually too packed to include yet another event, one invite that inevitably warrants a “count me in” RSVP is a holiday cookie exchange. I like to think of it as party on steroids (or should that be sprinkles?). Sure, it’s a fun social event, a time for friends to pause during the holiday madness to enjoy a cup of coffee or cocoa, some conversation, and some cookies. But it also allows us to conserve valuable time which is so important during a busy time of year. Instead of having to eke out time to bake and decorate multiple batches of different Christmas cookies, we only need to prepare one batch to share at the cookie exchange. And when we come home, voila! We’ve amassed a variety of cookies with no additional dirty mixing bowls or baking sheets to clean up! While some cookie exchange guests admittedly sneak store-bought treats to the sharing table (No judgment here! I like a good sugar cookie no matter who bakes it!), I prefer pulling out my favorite shortbread recipe and assortment of cookie cutters, and then indulging in an activity I so rarely have time to enjoy the rest of the year. Pristinely piped and frosted cookies are not my forte, but I’ve found that stirring red and green jimmies or nonpareils into the dough before rolling it out is a great way to give your cookies a festive feel with little effort. I hope you’re able to take some time this holiday season to make cookies and share them with friends. To help you get started, enter to win my Christmas cookie baker’s prize pack featuring a baking sheet, cooling rack, spatula, cookie cutters, a printed rolling pin and kitchen towels by Dec 20 (see below for entry details). If you’d like the recipe for my favorite shortbread cookies (which I’ll be making for the holidays) send me an email at the address below and I’ll send it to you. Wishing you a sweet Christmas season of sharing!
EMILY SCHILLING Editor eschilling@indianaec.org
On the menu: April issue: Recipes using baking powder,
deadline Feb. 1. June issue: Summer salads, deadline April 1. If we publish your recipe on our food pages, we’ll send you a $10 gift card.
Giveaways: Enter to win Emily’s Christmas cookie baker’s prize pack by Dec. 20. For details and to enter, visit indianaconnection.org/talk-to-us/contests.
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.
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 304,000 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: Walter Hunter President Randy Kleaving Vice President Steve McMichael Secretary/Treasurer John Gasstrom CEO EDITORIAL STAFF: Emily Schilling Editor Richard George Biever Senior Editor Holly Huffman Communication Support Specialist Ellie Schuler Senior Digital and Layout Design Specialist Taylor Maranion Senior Brand and Visual Design Specialist Lauren Carman Communication Coordinator Mandy Barth Vice President of Communication 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 2021
3
contents
DECEMBER
10
16
energy
03 FROM THE EDITOR 05 CO-OP NEWS Energy news and information from your electric cooperative. 10 ENERGY Make sure ‘vampires’ aren’t part of your holiday décor. 12 INSIGHTS
19
food
25
cover story
grassroots
14 COUNTY OF THE MONTH Spotlighting Dearborn County.
18 DIY When one tree is not enough.
24 H OOSIER ENERGY/ WABASH VALLEY NEWS
15 INDIANA EATS
19 COVER STORY
Why politics matter to cooperatives.
One Ten Craft Meatery: Creativity in the kitchen. 16 FOOD Choco-licious: Holidayperfect sweet treats.
FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA
Indiana Connection
Holiday Heritage: Readers share a sampler of Christmas customs 23 SAFETY Heed the dangers of backup generators.
25 GRASSROOTS
26 PROFILE Leslie Beard: Better things come to those who wait.
On the cover Barney Blilie, left, and Nick Stanger decorate Christmas cookies their wives baked as part of a long-standing “Cookie Day” tradition the two Steuben County couples share with each other. The day also includes eating the cookies with milk and watching the movie “Prancer.” Readers from all over Indiana shared their holiday traditions with us — and you. PHOTO SUBMITTED BY SANDY BLILIE
4
DECEMBER 2021
co-op news
An update on
KOSCIUSKO CONNECT
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
The past month has marked some important milestones in our fiber-to-the-home internet project, and I want to take a moment to update you on our progress and our plans. Our network is on and functional in Zone 1, and our first connections have been successful! For now, we are maintaining tight control of the speed of installations to ensure that everything is working perfectly, but we will gradually pick up the pace and continue our quality assurance testing as we go. Pre-registration is the key to getting our service as quickly as possible. Once you have pre-registered, you can rest assured that we will contact you as soon as we are able to schedule your service drop — the part of construction where crews extend fiber from the nearest splice point (usually located on a utility pole or in a splice box near a transformer) to the home or business that is receiving service. Once this step is complete at your home, we will be able to schedule your home installation and connect you to our fiber network. Construction in Zones 2-5 is not affected by our Zone 1 installation process. Our fiber crews are moving through Zone 2, and our make-ready crews who pave the way for fiber have made appearances in nearly every zone of our buildout.
HEADING OUT OF TOWN FOR THE HOLIDAY SEASON? Remember to unplug electronics that draw a phantom energy load. Some gadgets like TVs, phone chargers, gaming consoles and toothbrush chargers use energy when plugged into an outlet — even when they’re not in use. — U.S. DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY
Use your Co-op Connections Card to save at local businesses BodyWork by Tery 10% off any service.
FOLLOW KOSCIUSKO REMC ON FACEBOOK, INSTAGRAM AND TWITTER
Thank you for your patience with us as we begin. We understand that there is a great need for our service, and we are working to get it to you as quickly as we can. Please remember to pre-register so that we can contact you as soon as service is available in your area.
KURT CARVER 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 .................... @$0.001487 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 2021
5
co-op news
A new way to get in touch
ART CONTEST
DID YOU KNOW THAT YOU ARE ARE NOW ABLE TO REACH US DIRECTLY THROUGH OUR WEBSITE? The next time you visit kremc.com,
Monday-Friday, 7:30 a.m.-4 p.m. If
look in the bottom right of your
you have a question outside of that
screen for our new online chat
time, you are still welcome to leave
option. If you need help or have
us a voicemail, send us an email, or
a question while you are on our
message us on Facebook. Our team
website, you can send us a message
will get back with you as soon as
directly without having to pick up a
possible during the next business
phone or log on to Facebook.
day.
Our member services team is
We look forward to chatting with
available to answer questions via
you!
our chat during our office hours –
OUTAGE COMMUNICATION Our email, online chat and Facebook page are great options to get in touch and ask questions, but we do not monitor them 24/7. Visit kremc.com/outage-center for instructions on how to contact us in the case of an outage or emergency.
6
DECEMBER 2021
win $200 ENTER YOUR BEST ARTWORK
You could
Fill the pages of the 2023 calendar!
ELIGIBILITY Indiana public, private or home-schooled students in kindergarten through 12th grade during the 2021-22 school year are eligible to enter the contest.
DETAILS AND DEADLINE A complete set of rules and required entry forms are available at indianaconnection.org/for-youth/artcontest. Artwork must be received by March 18, 2022. Questions? Contact Indiana Connection, 317.487.2220 or info@indianaconnection.org.
co-op news
Kosciusko Connect hires broadband supervisor Join us in welcoming Richard Cinninger to the Kosciusko Connect team!
RICHARD CINNINGER
Cinninger boasts an impressive 33 years of experience in telecommunications, 20 of which have involved fiber. As the broadband supervisor for Kosciusko Connect, he will oversee the installation process, help ensure quality of construction, manage
GIVE THE GIFT OF A H.U.G.
inventory and more. Cinninger and his wife recently moved to the Fort Wayne area to be closer to their grandchildren.
There’s still time to buy a H.U.G. (Household Utility Gift) this holiday season!
When he moved, he was interested
A H.U.G. from KREMC is like a gift card for electricity. You can
services to residential customers.
purchase a H.U.G. for any amount that you would like. It can be redeemed easily by sending it in a monthly bill payment or
in getting back into his passion of delivering fiber-to-the-home He noticed our fiber construction crews on a trip to Winona Lake, and he called us to look for open
bringing it into our office.
positions.
If you want to give someone a H.U.G. for Christmas, make sure you
“We are so glad that Richard
visit our office by Wednesday, Dec. 22.
reached out to us,” said Curt Barkey, KREMC vice president of technology and broadband.
OUR OFFICE WILL
8
DECEMBER 2021
“With his extensive knowledge and hands-on fiber experience,
BE CLOSED DEC. 23,
he is already proving himself to
24 AND 31 FOR THE
be a major asset to the Kosciusko
HOLIDAYS.
Connect team.”
ADVERTISEMENT
energy via mobile device and offer added controls, such as dusk-to-dawn functionality.
Make sure ‘vampires’ aren’t part of your holiday decor
BUY ENERGY STAR®-RATED PRODUCTS. When shopping for new decorations – or even major appliances – search for items that have the ENERGY STAR label. Items and appliances with this rating use less electricity than other products available. The reduced energy use will save you
J
ust as kids will ravenously rip into
USE LED LIGHTS FOR ENERGY SAVINGS.
gift boxes later this
decorations are rated for outside use. Not all
money over the product’s lifecycle.
holiday lights are rated
Taking just a few steps can
month, many adults start
If you use the same
for exposure to rain or
holiday lights and
lead to holiday happiness
the month rummaging
snow. Using indoor lights
decorations for years, you
while ensuring safety and
through garages, attics
outside your home could
may be wasting money!
savings all season! You
and basements to dig out
damage them, leading
Technology has improved
can put that money to
ye olde lights of holidays
to a higher risk of fire or
the efficiency of holiday
good use – on additional
yore to once more
electrical shock.
lights which are now
sides for festive meals, or
commemorate the season.
USE TIMERS TO SCHEDULE DISPLAYS.
even gifts under the tree.
While decorations liven
energy advice or tips to
up the mood, it makes the
help you keep your wallet
most sense to have them
a bit greener all year long!
made with LEDs. If you Before you go searching for
have not updated your
those old lights and electric
lights in the last five years,
decorations, you should be
you may want to consider
wary that those splendid
upgrades. If you decorate
gingerbread characters,
with older illuminated
snowmen and other
lawn ornaments, consider
illuminating mascots may
switching the bulbs inside
actually be energy vampires
those ornaments with
sucking up way more
LEDs.
electricity than needed – driving your energy bill up! Here are a few steps to keep in mind when planning your holiday decorations to ensure safety while minimizing cost:
10
DECEMBER 2021
MAKE SURE YOUR OUTDOOR LIGHTS ARE PROPERLY RATED.
co-op for even more
on at times when people can enjoy them. Automatic timers can schedule your holiday decorations so that they are enjoyed when you want them – and not cost you money the rest of the time. You can even purchase an outdoor-rated
Before decorating
smart plug; these newer
outdoors, make sure
devices can be controlled
that your lights and
Contact your local electric
by Darrell
Marks
Energy Services Specialist Kankakee Valley REMC
ADVERTISEMENT
insights
Ready, set, draw Christmas break is coming up! It’s the perfect time for students to pull out their art supplies and begin working on their entries for next year’s Cooperative Calendar of Student Art contest. The deadline to submit artwork to illustrate the 25th annual student art calendar is March 18, 2022. First place winners in grade divisions kindergarten through grade 12 will receive $200 each. Their winning artworks will illustrate the calendar’s cover and the 12 months of the year. One “artist of the year” will also be selected and will earn an additional $100. In addition, the judges will select honorable mention winners whose artwork will also appear in the calendar. They will
ORDER YOUR 2022 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. Price includes shipping and
receive $75 each.
Indiana sales tax. Make
The contest is open to Indiana public, private or home-schooled
Electric Cooperatives.” Send
students. They must be in grades kindergarten through 12th grade
a note and check to Indiana
during the 2021-22 school year. A complete set of rules and required
Connection Calendar; 8888
check payable to “Indiana
entry forms are available at indianaconnection.org/for-youth/artcontest.
Keystone Crossing, Suite 1600; Indianapolis, IN 46240.
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DECEMBER 2021
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county feature
Dearborn County Like most all Indiana counties that border the Ohio River, Dearborn County’s earliest history and economy has been based along that major waterway. The county’s two largest towns, Lawrenceburg, the county seat, and Aurora are the first Hoosier towns travelers heading down river from nearby Cincinnati come to. Aurora is home to Hillforest Victorian House Museum, a stately 1855 Italian Renaissance mansion just blocks from the river and downtown historic district. The mansion was built by Thomas Gaff, an Aurora industrialist and financier. His family would call it home from 1855 to 1926. The mansion is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1992. Gaff and his brother, James, also established a distillery and brewing company, and were involved in a number of other businesses, including farming, Nevada silver mines, a Cincinnati jewelry store, foundry and machine works, turnpike and canal construction, and two Louisiana plantations. Their mill in Columbus, Indiana, produced “Cerealine,” which was touted as the first ready-made cereal in the world. With their heavy reliance on the Ohio River for shipping, the Gaff brothers also owned a fleet of steamboats that they used to transport their distillery and brewery products. Besides their many business ventures, the Gaff brothers were heavily involved in civic affairs.
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DECEMBER 2021
Gaff also helped to organize Aurora’s school system, and made numerous religious and charitable contributions. Gaff died in 1884, but his family continued living in the mansion until 1926. It was sold to a local furniture manufacturer and then became the clubhouse for the local Veterans of Foreign Wars from the late 1940s to the mid 1950s. In late 1955, a group of local residents, fearing the home would fall into disrepair and be torn down, banded together to purchase the mansion. They formed the Hillforest Historical Foundation as a nonprofit organization dedicated to the home’s restoration and preservation. Hillforest has been open to the public as a historic property museum since 1956. Taking off on a “hill-forest” theme of another kind, Dearborn County also offers another attraction … up in those hills and forests away from the river. That’s the Perfect North Slopes, an alpine skiing resort, that is a popular destination for skiers from the tri-states of Indiana, Ohio and Kentucky this time of year. Perfect North was formed by the Perfect Family and others in 1980. Today, it offers 23 trails of varying difficulty with all the conveniences of ski resorts found in areas more synonymous with the sport. Perfect North was where notable Olympic freestyle skier Nick Goepper got his start. Growing up about 15 minutes from the slopes, Goepper used to spend up to 12
PHO TO CO URTESY O F PERFECT NO RTH SLO PES
hours a day training at Perfect North before beginning his track to stardom. The two-time Olympic medalist is now readying himself for the Winter Olympics in China this coming February.
County Facts FOUNDED: 1803 NAMED FOR: Henry Dearborn, an American military officer during the Revolutionary War and War of 1812 and served as Secretary of War under President Thomas Jefferson. POPULATION: 49,568 (2018 estimate) COUNTY SEAT: Lafayette INDIANA COUNTY NUMBER: 15 For more information: HillForest.org PerfectNorth.com
CREATIVITY IN THE KITCHEN
Indiana eats delights like a duck egg crème brulee featuring lemon custard, lavender shortbread and candied lemon zest. Among One Ten’s fans is Rep. Craig Snow, a Warsaw resident who loves the restaurant’s atmosphere and food. “Jason has been very creative over the years and especially during the pandemic.” That creativity extends to One Ten’s extensive and innovative cocktail menu which is thoughtfully divided into categories like signature, bright, bubbly, sour and spiritous. Visit this Kosciusko County gem for dinner Wednesdays through Saturdays
SHORT RIBS: One of One Ten Meatery’s specialties is its slow braised short ribs. They are served atop smoked mashed potatoes and covered with mushroom demi glace. Swiss chard casserole is a perfect accompaniment.
from 5:30-8:30 p.m. You can also order food items online for pickup or have One Ten cater an event for you either at a location of your choice or at The Vic,
Serving great food and ensuring
fresh and in season. The menu is
One Ten’s event venue.
customers have a positive dining
varied and unique — with offerings like
One Ten patrons should be aware that
experience are hallmarks of a top-notch
street corn and poutine. Of course, with
tipping wait staff is not allowed. The
restaurant. But One Ten Craft Meatery
“meatery” in its name, expect savory
restaurant builds the tip into the price of
in downtown Warsaw goes above and
selections like wild boar tenderloin,
the food to ensure those waiting on you
beyond through its mission of creating
braised short ribs and steak cuts like
are paid competitive wages and receive
a strong community by investing in
ribeye, Denver, flat iron and filet. One
a guaranteed income.
people. Owner Jason Brown notes, “If
Ten also serves the most sought-after
you develop people, your community is
steak — Wagyu beef. Bacon lovers
a better place.” As well, he and his staff
(and who isn’t a bacon fan?) must try
donate to nonprofits, provide leftover
the Flight of Bacon appetizer with a
food to a local homeless shelter and
choice of three types of bacon served
recycle as much as possible to reduce
with creamed honey, duck-fat fried
their carbon footprint.
buttermilk biscuits, pork rinds and
Ingredients used at One Ten are locally sourced from in and around Indiana,
blackberry goat cheese.
ONE TEN CRAFT MEATERY 110 N. BUFFALO ST. WARSAW, INDIANA 574-267-7007
110craftmeatery.com
The dessert menu features delectable
ABOUT STATE REP. CRAIG SNOW: Rep. Craig Snow was elected to represent District 18 (which includes Wabash County and portions of Grant, Kosciusko and Miami counties) in 2020. He serves on the Agriculture and Rural Development; Elections and Apportionment; and Family, Children and Human Affairs committees. Snow is the board chair of Silveus Insurance Group and serves as CEO of Cedar Holdings Inc.
FIVE STATES: Indiana and the four states surrounding it not only serve as One Ten Meatery wall decor: The restaurant supports farmers and artisans in each of those states through its farmto-table philosophy.
DECEMBER 2021
15
food
CORRECTION:
CHOCOLATE BROWNIE CAKE
There was an error in the Dairy Free “Pumpkin” Pie recipe in the November issue. The first ingredient in the ingredient listing — 4 eggs — was mistakenly left out. We apologize for the error. Check out the corrected recipe at www.indianaconnection.org.
Nancy Moore, Kendallville, Indiana
Heat oven to 350 F. Prepare
To make ganache, place heavy
bundt pan with cooking spray.
cream in large microwave
1 (18.3 oz.) box fudge brownie mix
Combine first 5 ingredients
safe bowl and heat for about
4 large eggs
in large bowl and whisk for 2
2 minutes. You want cream to
minutes or until large lumps are
just come to boil. Carefully pour
mostly gone.
chocolate morsels into cream.
1 (15.25 oz.) box chocolate cake mix
1¼ cups water 1 cup vegetable oil Ganache: 1 cup heavy cream 1 (12 oz) bag semi -sweet chocolate chips
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DECEMBER 2021
Pour batter into bundt pan. Bake 50 to 55 minutes. Cool 5 minutes, turn out cake and cool 30 minutes.
It may rise and bubble and this is OK. Let sit for 5 minutes. Whisk the chocolate and cream until shiny and smooth, about 1 minute. Pour over cake
food HOT CHOCOLATE LASAGNA Marilles Mauer, Greensburg, Indiana Crust:
Pudding Marshmallow Layer:
36 chocolate sandwich cookies, ground
2 (3.8 oz.) boxes instant chocolate pudding mix
½ cup butter, melted Cocoa Cheesecake Layer: ½ cup butter, softened 8 oz. cream cheese, softened 1 t. vanilla 1 cup powdered sugar 5 (0.73 oz.) envelopes instant milk chocolateflavored hot cocoa mix 1½ cups heavy whipping cream
2¾ cups milk 1 cup mini marshmallows Whipped Cream Layer: 1¼ cups heavy whipping cream or 2½ cups whipped cream 2 T. powdered sugar Topping: 2 cups mini marshmallows Chocolate topping or sweetened hazelnut cocoa spread
To make the crust, place whole
the cheesecake mixture, then fold
beating 1¼ cups heavy whipping
cookies (with the filling) in a food
in the other half, incorporating
cream and powdered sugar until
processor and grind to fine crumbs.
everything well. Remove the crust
stiff peaks form. (Alternately, you
Stir in melted butter and press the
from the refrigerator and spread the
can skip this step and just use 2½
mixture into the bottom of a 13-by-
cheesecake mixture over the crust.
cups prepared whipped cream.)
9-inch pan. Place in the refrigerator.
Set in refrigerator until firm.
Spread over pudding marshmallow
To make cocoa cheesecake layer,
To make the pudding marshmallow
beat softened butter and cream
layer, whisk pudding mix and milk
cheese with vanilla and powdered
until it starts thickening. Stir in 1
Before serving, scatter 2 cups mini
sugar until creamy and smooth.
cup mini marshmallows and spread
marshmallows over whipped cream
In another bowl, beat heavy
over cocoa cheesecake layer. Place
layer. Serve drizzled with melted
whipping cream and hot cocoa
in refrigerator to set.
chocolate or sweetened hazelnut
mix until stiff peaks form. Fold half of the hot cocoa cream into
When pudding marshmallow layer
layer and place in refrigerator a few hours or overnight.
cocoa spread.
is set, make whipped cream by
RAISE THE BAR WITH HOLIDAY-PERFECT SWEET TREATS
Choco-licious! FO O D PREPARED BY I NDI ANA CO NNECTI O N STA FF PHO TO S BY TAYLO R M ARAN I O N
DECEMBER 2021
17
do-it-yourself
Indiana Connection editor Emily Schilling spreads her collections of “themed” Christmas ornaments around her home, each collection having its own tree: a “Santa Tree” (home for a red, white and blue Santa); a “Shoe Tree” (for a leopard-skinned high-top sneaker); and a cherry pie, below, for her “Dessert Tree.” Meanwhile, senior editor Richard Biever eagerly brings his collection of beavers together for the holidays as part of a giant Christmas village display.
WHEN ONE TREE IS NOT ENOUGH Every ‘tree’ tells a story for two long-time editors at Indiana Connection I read somewhere that once you have
Like Emily, my wife and I have multiple
three of the same kind of item, you have
collections of things that get incorporated
a collection. That philosophy — plus my
into Christmas decor. While we don’t
love of after-Christmas bargain-hunting
set up “theme trees” per se, our main
(including deeply discounted artificial
Christmas tree gets partitioned into little
trees) — lead me to collect Christmas
“neighborhoods” with groupings of family
trees. Each year, my husband and I put
ornaments and things our kids made when
up AT LEAST seven trees (sometimes
they were little, ornaments from vacations,
more if I’m feeling particularly festive).
ornaments from my hometown, etc.
The trees are of various sizes, ranging
My wife has a collection of Santa Claus
from 6 feet tall to a diminutive 12 inches.
ornaments and figurines she displays
One is a pink flocked tree, another a
near our tree. I collect all sorts of beavers
retro-looking metallic one. And not only
— ornaments, figurines, stuffed toys,
are they diverse in their appearance
cartoons. Because I couldn’t escape the
— each is decorated following its own
pronunciation of my last name (and the
theme.
grief it sometimes brought), I embraced it.
The theme trees were born when I started
The beavers are especially welcomed
accumulating more and more ornaments
among the holiday decorations. They
that fell in their own unique categories:
inhabit a large chunk of the ceramic
auto racing, cats, shoes, travel, angels,
Christmas village display on a shelf
Santas, even desserts. Before I knew it,
above the fireplace in our family room.
there were enough ornaments in these categories to fill their own trees.
The first beaver to adorn my Christmas tree wasn’t an ornament at all, though. It
Through the years, new theme trees have
was small stuffed toy named “Butterscotch
emerged, and others are retired. They’ve
Beaver,” a mid-1980s Dairy Queen
reflected particular interests at particular
collectible. Having few ornaments for my
times and showcase memories that are
first full-sized tree once I moved out on
unearthed only when these keepsake
my own after college, I looked around my
ornaments are unpacked from their boxes
apartment for stuff to add: a Mets baseball
once a year. When I lovingly hook an
cap; a bendable Domino’s Noid toy that
ornament on a tree branch, I’m creating
had come with a pizza delivery; the beaver
a representation of who I am, what I like, and what I want to see in my home during
18
toy. I nestled Butterscotch deep among the tree’s branches. He was a natural fit! And thus was the start of a holiday tradition I’ve
the holidays.
carried on now for 35 years.
EMILY SCHILLING ,
RICHARD BIEVER,
editor
senior editor
DECEMBER 2021
THEME TREE tips • Since theme trees reflect what you love, consider them works in progress. Additional ornaments are most probably going to be added to your trees so be prepared to switch tree sizes to fit your collection. • Consider coordinating your tree topper with the theme of your tree. An easy way to do that is by fashioning a “showy” bow with a ribbon decorated with a pattern that reflects your theme. (Example: a black and white checked ribbon for a race car theme tree.) • Not enough themed ornaments to properly fill out your tree? Add some clear plastic ornaments to the branches. • Make your tree extra-WOWworthy by matching the vibe of the presents under the tree to the tree’s theme. Choose wrapping paper and ribbon that coordinate with the ornaments’ colors or theme. For instance, if your tree highlights oldfashioned Santas, find retrolooking wrapping paper featuring St. Nick.
"Tradition is not the worship of ashes, but the preservation of fire." — Gustav Mahler, Bohemian composer
PHOTO SUBMITTED by Patricia Boscher
CUTTING CAKE TOGETHER
Holiday
Heritage
Readers delight in sharing their Christmas customs
When my husband Tom and I met, my kids were 14 and 12; his were 4 and 2. Not too much in common there. So, when Christmas came, I had to figure out something for both sets of kids despite the age difference. Everyone loves a birthday party! What better way to include everyone? After all, it is Jesus’ birthday! So, I made a cake. Since it was Christmas, I put on a sprig of holly. No birthday cake is complete without a candle – a big red one. Then, we sing "Happy Birthday" to Jesus. Then the
The December holiday season is
mailed and emailed submissions
all about celebrating traditions.
from around the state. Many were
From the holy religious and cultural celebrations and commemorations to the folklore
youngest gets to blow out the candle.
accompanied with photos. All
The best part is the “kids”
were touching or funny, colorful
are now 59, 57, 49 and 47,
or sweet, or a combination.
and we are still doing it! Now, the youngest is our great
to the commercial “cornucopia
Those whose stories appear here
… of unbridled avarice,” this time
received $50. One randomly
of year is special for most of us in
selected submission was also
Last year, I passed the candle,
many different ways.
selected for a $50 prize. That
holder, holly, and recipe to
reader was Susan Brown
our older daughter, but I’ll still
of French Lick, who shared
make the cake while I am able.
Like various cultures, every family seems to have its own way of celebrating this time of year, year after year, as well. We asked readers to share stories of their own holiday traditions, past or present. We received 59
memories of cooking with her grandmother.
granddaughter.
PATRICIA BOSCHER Mitchell, Indiana
Here’s a holiday sampler, beginning at right and continuing through page 22. We hope you enjoy them as much as we did.
DECEMBER 2021
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BAKING UP A TRADITION
PHOTO SUBMITTED by Sandy Blilie
Cookie Day is a favored
for the day is Christmas
And then, they always turn
tradition for several years
cutouts … double batches
out great looking cookies!
with treasured friends.
… times two. We bake
Not only is the day
them, and our husbands
enjoyable (and tiring), so
decorate them. The guys’
is the anticipation and
tradition is to complain
preparation for the day.
about how many cookies
The signature cookie
we make and devise ways to convince us to cut back.
We finish the day with milk and cookies while watching "Prancer." SANDY BLILIE Angola, Indiana
PHOTO SUBMITTED by Randy and Shari Rennhack PHOTO SUBMITTED by Christopher N. Lash
A SEASON OF LIGHT AND MEMORIES When I was growing up in Northwest Indiana with my two sisters, Mom and Dad always made this truly the most wonderful time of the year! Now that I am an adult, this love for Christmas that my family created for me still burns like a wild fire in my heart. But unfortunately, I was never able to have a family of my own. So, each year at my home, I decorate the entire interior and exterior for this amazing Christmas holiday. It is not the average setup, and I have often been called “Clark” (as in “Griswold” from the movie “Christmas Vacation”) because of my “hobby” — now full-blown obsession. My display consists of approximately 40,000 Christmas lights all synchronized to numerous Christmas carols along with numerous other handmade Christmas decorations and props. I now see about 5,000 guests each Christmas season as I nightly hand out candy canes and other Christmas treats to all. I see the glow of the lights in the eyes and on the faces of the children and even the “big kids” knowing that they are feeling like I do inside and that I am creating similar traditions for those families that my parents did for my sisters and me. CHRISTOPHER N. LASH Lafayette, Indiana
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DECEMBER 2021
HOLIDAY ON ICE Christmas is a wonderful time of the year for our family. We are blessed with four children and nine grandchildren. They love to ice skate. So, Papa and Mamoo make a 30-by-70foot ice skating rink in the back yard. We have a warm fire and watch the older kids skate, and they help teach the younger ones. We have so many memories of Christmas. It warms your heart to see them have so much fun with each other. RANDY AND SHARI RENNHACK LaGrange, Indiana
LINKS IN THE CHAIN Our Christmas tradition started in 1960 when my dad first made five pounds of sausage. We stuffed it using hog casings and an angel food cake pan. Our family always looked forward to the homemade sausage on Christmas morning. Mom always boiled the sausage a little too long, and I often wonder if it had anything to do with the eggnog! PHOTO SUBMITTED by Lisa Cramer
Dad loved auctions and bought an antique cast iron lard press/sausage stuffer in about 1968 which we still
PIECING TOGETHER FAMILY FUN
use today. The sausage making has evolved into the Annual Kreighbaum Sausage Party with family and
Our grandchildren enjoy working a Christmas puzzle
friends each Dec. 23. Everyone takes some sausage
together as each family arrives at our house to celebrate.
home. When we tipped the scale at about 90 pounds.
The first grandkids to arrive begin work immediately on the puzzle with anticipation of the “Cousin Christmas Fun”
(and ran out of counter space), we decided to set the
about to begin.
limit to 50 pounds. Last year because of COVID, our
This allows their parents to unload the car and settle in,
2021, to continue the
and the necessary secrets and behind-the-scene activities
fun.
tradition was canceled. We can't wait until Dec. 23,
to progress.
And now, our son
One year, the picture puzzle was themselves — the
has started this
grandchildren in front of our Christmas tree! The family
tradition in St.
photo Christmas puzzle remains a big hit with the kids!
Petersburg, Florida!
The memories shared as the puzzle is completed is a
JOHN
treasured tradition to make our Christmas special.
KREIGHBAUM Plymouth, Indiana
LISA CRAMER Greensburg, Indiana
SEEKING THE TRUE MEANING OF CHRISTMAS Christmas morning is such a
says “STOP” — with a ribbon
fun tradition every year and
magical moment. We began
leading them across the room
say it’s the most exciting part
a new tradition when our girls
to our Nativity set missing the
of Christmas. My husband
were young to highlight the
most important piece.
and I also look forward to
meaning behind Christmas. We decided to hide the baby Jesus from our Nativity set on Christmas Eve night.
PHOTO SUBMITTED by Darcy Newnum
In place of the missing Jesus is a clue leading them around the house to other clues until they have finally found the
Our girls wake up to the
most significant part of the
scene of gifts under the
Nativity set.
tree. But directly in front of the gifts is a small sign that
Our girls look forward to this
finding new and creative places to hide the baby each year. The mystery of the lost Christ-Child has become such a fun, anticipated part of our Christmas morning. DARCY NEWNUM Sullivan, Indiana DECEMBER 2021
21
SHADOW BOXES OF MEMORIES One Christmas, when my brother and I were adults, my mom gave us a handmade patchwork quilt. Right after the holiday, she hinted about her next creative idea, and all year long worked on making the gift. PHOTO SUBMITTED by Glenda Ferguson
That handmade tradition lasted for over 15 years. Some
of the items she made were a rug braided from strips of blue jeans, wooden birdhouses, and hand-wired lamps. Each one, she created with love. Unfortunately, the gifts didn’t last. The stitches would unravel, the wood splintered, and the lamps leaned to one side or the other. I never told Mom because I didn’t want to hurt her feelings. However, one gift is still very precious to me. Several years ago, Mom made three shadow boxes. Inside my brother’s and mine were our baby clothes and shoes, as well as
MEALS ON WHEELS WITH DAD After my father retired, he delivered meals for Meals on Wheels for many years. At Christmastime, one of my favorite traditions was to accompany him on his route. I'd wear my Santa hat, and we'd deliver the meals along with a special Christmas card for each recipient.
PHOTO SUBMITTED by Amy Ratcliffe
One year, my mother and I even put together small "goodie bags" of Christmas treats (we checked first to find out if anyone was on a special diet) and small gifts to give to the folks on his regular route. My father passed away in 2018, but one of my fondest memories will always be of delivering meals with a smile and a side of Christmas cheer to his Meals on Wheels clients. It was a special bonding time for us and put a little extra sparkle in the holidays for those who we delivered to.
photos of us wearing those very same outfits. She saved
AMY RATCLIFFE
all those items to pass on to us inside this special gift.
Lafayette, Indiana
Mom made one for herself, with her own baby clothes and a photo, that her own mother preserved. In 2018, right before Christmas, Mom passed away at the age of 86. I inherited her shadow box. As I was writing this story, I closely examined her baby clothing inside — a small white cotton dress and booties. Those were sewn by hand with small neat stitches and knitted carefully, probably by her mother or her grandmother. I always assumed Mom started the handmade Christmas tradition herself, but I now realize she came from a loving family that created unique gifts that have lasted many
LOVE REMAINS On Christmas 1987, my mom asked if I would play Santa for she was starting to have grandchildren. I was Santa for 30 years. I enjoyed
PHOTO SUBMITTED by Dan England
having the children sitting on my lap and listening to their Christmas wish list.
generations.
Sadly, mom passed away in 2019, and everything as it
Photo above: Glenda Ferguson holds the shadow boxes
and visited Mom's gravesite. That made others who
assembled by her mom, Geneva White. The one she holds contains the blue coat she wore at 15 months old. The other has a handmade white dress and knitted booties worn by her mom as a child in 1932. GLENDA FERGUSON Paoli, Indiana
was changed. At Christmas of 2020, I dressed as Santa were visiting the graves of their loved ones smile. They said they never thought they'd see Santa there. I know Mom smiled as she looked down from heaven that day. She always told me, “No matter what happens, love always remembers.” DAN ENGLAND Warsaw, Indiana.
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DECEMBER 2021
HEED THE DANGERS OF
safety
backup generators If your white Christmas goes dark from an electrical blackout, an electric generator can be a great resource for homeowners, especially if the storm and damage is severe and the outage is prolonged. But small portable generators pose risks homeowners need to guard against: carbon monoxide poisoning, electrocution or electric shock, and fire.
Risk #1: Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Small generators use a combustion engine that usually burns gasoline or other liquid fuels. Like any gaspowered machine, these small engines produce carbon monoxide. To prevent carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning, keep generators outdoors, away from doors, windows and vents. Position your generator's exhaust away from your home and locate the generator downwind, if possible.
Risk #2: Electrocution or Electric Shock To avoid the risk of electrocution, do not use a generator in rainy or wet conditions. It's also important to not handle the generator with wet hands to avoid electric shock. Before plugging appliances or electronics into your generator, make sure your generator is sized appropriately for the total electric
load you want it to run. Make sure the cords all fit appropriately and are undamaged. To keep utility workers, neighbors and those in your household from electrocution dangers, never plug your generator directly into your home's wiring. "Backfeeding" sends power from the generator throughout your house in reverse and can even feed onto your electric utility's power lines. Workers attempting to restore power might unexpectedly encounter this high voltage, which could cause fatal shock. To prevent a "backfeed," have a professional install a transfer switch if you want your generator to run your home's electrical system during an outage.
Risk #3: Burns and Fire When using a generator, store extra fuel in an American National Standards Institute-approved container in a cool, well-ventilated place away from fuel-burning appliances.
GENERATOR DOS AND DON’TS DO operate a generator outdoors in an area with plenty of ventilation. DO install CO alarms inside the home to provide an early warning of carbon monoxide. DON’T plug a generator into the wall without installing a transfer switch to prevent backfeed. DO turn the generator on before plugging in appliances. DON’T touch the generator with wet hands to avoid electrocution. DO turn off the generator before refueling with gasoline to allow it to cool down. DON’T overload the generator.
Before refueling your generator, turn it off and let it cool. Gasoline spilled on hot engine parts could ignite.
DO use a heavy-duty, outdoor-rated extension cord rated at least equal to the sum of the connected appliances.
Keeping these three risks in mind when installing or using your home's generator will aid in your safety, your home and others.
DON’T use a generator as a permanent solution. DO consult the owner’s manual for your generator for specific safety instructions. DECEMBER 2021
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Wabash Valley Power news
COMMUNITY CHANCE The holiday season offers an opportunity to benefit local organizations You’ve likely heard the phrase,
let volunteers leverage their
may offer a family sponsor
“‘Tis better to give than to
strengths on a variety of projects
program for gifts or clothes. Local
receive.” And this time of year is a
from nonprofits across the nation.
nonprofits such as the Salvation
wonderful opportunity to benefit
Army may offer these or similar
your community (and Concern
DONATE MONEY TO A LOCAL
programs; they frequently accept
for Community is one of our
ORGANIZATION. Nonprofits
monetary donations as well.
guiding Cooperative Principles!).
frequently have demand that
Given that the weather is getting
Here are a few ways you can
exceeds their capacity to serve.
colder this time of year, some
have a meaningful impact this
Even for organizations that accept
programs may accept winter
December:
items such as clothing or food,
weather clothing items such
monetary donations can help
as coats, hats and gloves. Even
VOLUNTEER YOUR SKILLS OR STRENGTHS.
nonprofits buy the items most
gently used items donated to
Everyone has a unique skill or
needed. Sometimes nonprofits
a thrift store can be incredibly
talent. Why not share it with a
can partner with local businesses
useful to their next owner!
nonprofit organization? Local
to purchase goods or services at a
organizations such as hospitals,
discount, further leveraging their
As we head into the holiday
churches and shelters often
funds. Your local electric co-op
season, it is a great time to
need volunteers to accomplish
may even offer a program such
consider ways to impact your
critical tasks to help those in
as Operation Round Up, which
community. Contact local
need. And organizations such
provides a unique way to support
organizations and think about
as Habitat for Humanity offer
nonprofits in your community.
ways that you can use your skills,
unique opportunities to make a
strengths or time to benefit an
difference in people’s lives. Also,
HOLIDAY SPONSOR PROGRAM. During
organization – and neighbors –
websites such as Catchafire can
the holiday season, organizations
where you are!
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DECEMBER 2021
grassroots
WHY POLITICS MATTER TO COOPERATIVES AND HOW YOU CAN HELP
F
or most people, their
electric cooperatives thrive
well as to promote the value of
electricity provider is just
when their consumer-owners
cooperative ownership to their
the company that keeps
stay politically engaged and
legislators.”
the lights on. But an electric
advocate for policies that help
cooperative’s relationship
cooperatives best serve their
with its consumer-owners is
consumers.
different. Since the 1930s when Indiana’s electric cooperatives were formed, they’ve thrived because of the political engagement between their consumer-owners and local, state and federal governments. Indiana’s electric cooperatives advocate for rural Hoosiers like you on the state and federal levels so they can continue providing safe, reliable and affordable energy — and maintain the quality of life in rural communities. But electric cooperatives need your help in the process, too. Indiana’s
Grassroots involvement means communicating with your local, state and federal legislators
How can you do this? It
on issues affecting electric
all starts with grassroots
cooperatives.
activism. In the context of the electric cooperative program, "grassroots" is a powerful word. In fact, the historical success of the electric cooperatives can be credited to grassroots activism.
Grassroots — the unified efforts and voices of the nation’s electric co-op supporters — has proven to be the foundation of the industry’s 85 years of success in serving electric
The electric cooperative
co-ops, their owners and their
definition of “grassroots” is
communities.
“electric cooperative activists — directors, managers, employees and consumer-owners — who take an active role in the political process to protect their cooperative from harmful
To become a grassroots advocate for Indiana’s electric cooperatives, visit
ACTION.INDIANAEC.ORG
legislation and regulation, as DECEMBER 2021
25
cooperative career Professional progression:
BETTER THINGS COME TO THOSE WHO WAIT The old saying about good things coming to those who wait is only partially true for Leslie Beard. She already had a good thing, she said; that was being hired not long after college as a customer service representative at WIN Energy REMC in 2000. But she was a marketing graduate, and that’s what she really wanted to pursue. She then patiently waited, learning all about the cooperative business and WIN Energy REMC’s consumers, moving next into the billing department. Finally, after 10 years, a marketing position was created at the southwestern Indiana electric cooperative. Beard applied and was offered the new position. Fast forward 10 more years to December 2020: After supplementing her past education and experiences with a master’s degree in business administration and many other leadership and personal growth opportunities the REMC offered, Beard was promoted to the chief operating officer. “Once I got into the cooperative,” she recalled, “I realized this is a really
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great place to work. I believed in the business model, and the values, and what we do. And even though I wanted to be in that marketing position, the time that I spent in customer service and the billing department made me better suited for the marketing position. I learned a lot and was able to apply what I learned.” Working in customer service and billing through the 2000s, Beard was able to apply what she learned at Indiana University’s Kelley School of Business. But the most important thing those experiences provided, she noted, was the opportunity to learn all the moving parts of the electric utility. “If I would have gone right into a marketing position, I would not have had the knowledge and background to be as successful as I was with having that previous experience,” she said. “Timing is everything in our industry. We don’t have a lot of turnover, and so sometimes waiting pays off.”
2000 hired
2002 PROMOTED
Customer Service Representative
Billing Representative
DECEMBER 2021
Leslie Beard
Chief Operating Officer
WIN Energy REMC
Once she started in marketing in 2010 as a one-person department, she was able to use her deeper understanding of the business to better connect with consumers. Five years later, her role grew dramatically when she was promoted to director of marketing and member services. In that position, she directed and supervised 13 employees in the billing, member services, marketing, purchasing, and warehousing departments. Rounding out her first year in the COO position, Beard looks back fondly on her previous roles and how they helped her get to where she is now. “You have to work toward where you want to be, and it takes time. But it’s definitely been good for me.”
INTERESTED IN AN ELECTRIC CO-OP CAREER? Visit WePowerIndiana.org to learn about available careers or tell us about yourself.
2010 PROMOTED
2015 PROMOTED
Manager of Marketing and Communications
Director of Marketing and Member Services
2020 promoted Chief Operating Officer