Carroll White REMC — January 2019 Electric Consumer

Carroll White REMC

YOUR INDIANA COOPERATIVE COMPANION

J ANUARY 2 0 1 9

IN AN INSTANT

Grab a pressure cooker to make this month’s recipes

Cheap tricks

Handy household hacks that use more imagination than money

FOCUSED ON RELIABILITY AND SAFETY Members at heart of co-op’s budget and work plan

PAGE

20

from the editor

A boy named Boy Back in 1969, when Johnny Cash sang about A Boy Named Sue, listeners laughed about the improbability of anyone saddling their son with such a scandalous (for a guy) name.

VOLUME 68 • NUMBER 7 ISSN 0745-4651 • USPS 262-340 Published monthly by:

Fast forward a half century and unusual monikers are not so unusual anymore. In fact, nowadays it’s more unlikely that your name would be Tom, Dick or Harry than, let’s say, Liam, which was the most popular name given to newborn boys in 2018.

But why pick a trendy name like Liam for your son when you can choose something as unorthodox as Sue was in 1969? The U.S. Social Security Administration has compiled a list of the weirdest baby names of 2017, and some of them are, let’s say, very creative.

The oddest name in my opinion is Espn. I’m not sure how that’s pronounced and as for its origin, it has to be inspired by the sports network, right? I’m especially shocked that 12 girls and six boys born during the Year of the Rooster are walking around with this name. Though rare, can you believe this name caught the fancy of at the very least 18 parents?

ELECTRIC CONSUMER 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 272,000 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 ec@ElectricConsumer.org

One hundred six girls were named Empress and 145 boys were bestowed with the name Pharaoh. Those parents obviously have some lofty expectations of their children.

Another boy’s name, Havoc, frankly scares me. I imagine destruction occurring wherever he heads. That may be bad enough when he’s a toddler but could get progressively worse as he grows up. Speaking of frightening treks to adulthood, 11 little boys were named Arson. That’s not a destiny to aspire to.

I was especially surprised by two other names that were actually inscribed on multiple birth certificates in 2017. Believe it or not, at least 28 little boys are out there with the first name “Boy.” At least 19 girls answer to “Girl” with a capital “G.” That’s the best name their parents could come up with? If so, what’s wrong with Sue?

ElectricConsumer.org INDIANA ELECTRIC COOPERATIVES OFFICERS Gary Gerlach President Walter Hunter Vice President Randy Kleaving Secretary/Treasurer Elmer Stocker Interim CEO EDITORIAL STAFF Emily Schilling Editor Richard George Biever Senior Editor Holly Huffman Member Relations/ Advertising Manager Ellie Schuler Senior Communication Specialist ADVERTISING American MainStreet Publications, 512-441-5200; amp.coop Crosshair Media, 502-216-8537; crosshairmedia.net Paid advertisements are not endorsements by any electric cooperative or this publication.

EMILY SCHILLING Editor eschilling@electricconsumer.org

On the menu: April issue: Eggs, deadline Feb. 1. May issue: Southern Barbecue, deadline Feb. 1. If we publish your recipe on our food page, we’ll send you a $10 gift card.

Giveaway: Winner of the Lil Bub plush toy was Annette Coenen of

UNSOLICITED MATERIAL: Electric Consumer 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: Readers who receive Electric Consumer through their electric co-op membership should report address changes to their local co-op.

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

Warsaw. Her parents, Tom and Donna Miller of Winona Lake, submitted her name in the giveaway. Winners of the $50 Amazon gift card in our “Rename Electric Consumer” contest were Bob and Diane Shockey of West Lafayette.

POSTMASTER: Send change of address to: Electric Consumer, 8888 Keystone Crossing, Suite 1600, Indianapolis, IN 46240-4606.

Include key number.

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 ElectricConsumer.org; email ec@ElectricConsumer.org; or send to Electric Consumer, 8888 Keystone Crossing, Suite 1600, Indianapolis, IN 46240-4606.

No portion of Electric Consumer may be reproduced without permission of the editor.

JANUARY 2019

3

contents

JANUARY

10

17

energy

03 FROM THE EDITOR 05 CO-OP NEWS What’s happening at your local electric cooperative.

10 ENERGY Understand the causes of increased winter energy use.

12 INSIGHTS

30

food

17 FOOD In an instant: No pressure with pressure cooker prep.

20 COVER STORY Hacking the hacks. Make something stylish, special and useful with finds from the bargain aisles at your local dollar stores.

14 COUNTY OF THE MONTH Spotlighting Monroe County.

Find us on Facebook www.facebook.com/ElectricConsumer Follow us on Twitter www.twitter.com/Electriconsumer Find us on Pinterest www.pinterest.com/Electriconsumer Follow us on Instagram www.instagram.com/ElectricConsumer

34

backyard

profile

26 EVENTS CALENDAR

31 P RODUCT RECALLS

28 DIY Winter survival guide to keep in your car.

32 H OOSIER ENERGY/ WABASH VALLEY NEWS

29 SAFETY

Biscuits and the Brickyard: Clabber Girl Museum.

Generator safety protocols for your home.

30 BACKYARD A breath of fresh air.

33 TRAVEL

34 PROFILE All in the family: Marcum continues Jack’s Donut legacy.

On the cover Whether you’re a crafty sort who revels in DIY projects or are all about savings strategies, you’ll want to don your tool belt, and pull out your hack saw, tools and trusty hot glue gun before turning to this month’s cover story, starting on page 20. We’ll tell you how to repurpose bargain store finds, and turn junk drawer staples into the used and useful.

PHOTO BY RICHARD G. BIEVER

4

JANUARY 2019

co-op news Trees & Wind, 201 “This institution is an equal opportunity provider and employer.”

Small Birds & Animals, 174

CARROLL WHITE REMC P.O. Box 599; Monticello, IN 47960 800-844-7161 (Toll Free) www.cwremc.coop

Unknown, 124

2018

MONTICELLO OFFICE 7:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., Monday – Friday DELPHI OFFICE 7:30 a.m. – 1 p.m., 2 p.m. – 4:30 p.m., Monday – Friday

Vibration & Deterioration, 108 Lightning, 77

OUTAGES

EMAIL info@cwremc.coop

Maintenance, 56

JANUARY THROUGH NOVEMBER

CEO Randy W. Price

Vehicles & Machinery, 51 Power Supplier, 29

BOARD OF DIRECTORS Kevin M. Bender, 574-686-2670 4280 W, 700 N, Delphi

Equipment, 29

Margaret E. Foutch, 219-279-2677 7535 W, 500 S, Chalmers

Gary E. Gerlach, 574-595-7820

AMR, 25

9833 S. Base Road, Star City

Kent P. Zimpfer, 765-479-3006 4672 E. Arrow Point Court, Battle Ground

Tina L. Davis, 219-204-2195 7249 W, 600 S, Winamac

Milton D. Rodgers, 765-566-3731 3755 S, 575 E, Bringhurst

Ralph H. Zarse, 219-863-6342 1535 S, 100 E, Reynolds

MISSION STATEMENT The mission of Carroll White REMC is to provide members with superior energy and related services, meaningful contributions to their communities and a safe, productive environment for employees. “No job is complete until the member is satisfied.”

IMPORTANT DATES Cycle 1 December bills are due Jan. 5 and are subject to disconnect Jan. 23 if unpaid. Cycle 2 December bills are due Jan. 20 and are subject to disconnect Feb. 7 if unpaid. Meters are read using the Automated Meter Reading system. Cycle 1 meters will be read on Jan. 1.

Cycle 2 meters will be read Jan. 15.

New technology to help lessen outages During 2018, we surveyed many members

ture as we continue to work

with one of the questions being, “What

on our system. It will be

drives your satisfaction with Carroll White

an on-going improve-

REMC?” The number one answer was

ment process over the

Outages/Reliability. This is not surprising,

next several years.

and it is the answer we expected.

“We work very hard

Carroll White REMC‘s crews work ex-

across departments

tremely hard to ensure outages or inter-

for implementation

ruptions are kept to a minimum. In the

of new technology and

past, an outage persisted until its cause

equipment in an effort to

was fixed or changed in some way. Today,

exceed members’ expecta-

that’s not the case. We are able to tie our

tions of CW REMC,” Roper said. “We

distribution circuits together to provide

are very proud of the way this budget

back-up. This allows us to feed you from

and workplan came together and it was

another substation should you experience

all done with one thought in mind- the

a problem or issue.

members of CW REMC.”

“This 2019 budget works to increase

To show part of what drove some of

capacity of our substations and distribu-

the decisions for the 2019 budget and

tion system which should provide greater

workplan, a pie chart indicating our

LIKE US ON FACEBOOK www.facebook.com/ carrollwhite.remc

reliability for our members,” said Director

2018 outages and their causes are shown

of Engineering Joel Roper. “We really are

above. There are several types and causes

working to build a smart grid which will

for outages. We deal with them on a daily

FOLLOW US ON TWITTER www.twitter.com/cwremc

have the capabilities to self-heal in the fu-

basis in our efforts to serve you.

IS YOUR HOT WATER TANK WARM TO THE TOUCH? Consider insulating it to save 7 to 16 percent annually on water heating costs. Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations.

— U.S. DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY

JANUARY 2019

JOEL ROPER

5

co-op news

Members at heart

of Carroll White REMC’s budget and work plan INCREASING RELIABILITY, ENSURING SAFETY As a member-owned cooperative,

“

Each budget year, we

Carroll White REMC diligently creates

balance our workload,

a budget to benefit its members. The

which is caring for 2,200

2019 budget and work plan were designed to increase reliability and

miles of line, more than

With a sound budget in place, implementing that budget can be influenced by situations beyond our control. Weather is the greatest unknown factor. “Weather is always an unknown.

It can affect what gets accomplished in our work plan for the year,” Raderstorf

40,000 poles and lots

said. “If we have several days where

dependable service at a fair price is our

of specialty equipment.

crews are working on restoring power

objective.

We balance the work to

ensure safety. Providing quality,

“With every

maintain the system with

budget and

the least impact on rates,

work plan

while never compromising

we strive

safety and reliability.

to balance

”

how we invest in facilities

RANDY W. PRICE

to provide members with the highest value or ROI (Return On Investment),” said CEO Randy W. Price.

“Each year, we evaluate the past and look for ways to improve in the new budget year,” Price said. “Technology and equipment keep advancing. This drives us to work smarter. In every choice, we put safety first … safety for the public and our employees. We also put reliability at the top of our priority list.

“Our work plans and business decisions are made to meet the needs for today and to build long-term success for future generations,” Price said. “We are always optimistic about the future and we seek ways to add value to the communities we serve.

6

JANUARY 2019

RANDY W. PRICE, CARROLL WHITE REMC CEO

planned projects.”

Carroll White REMC depends on some outside contractors for specific jobs, such as tree trimming. “Their availability comes into plan on projects as well,” noted Raderstorf.

“As part of the 2019 work plan, we are going to rebuild/ about 13 miles

REMC Chief

of line. We also

Operating

have to replace

Officer Cathy

approximately

Raderstorf

MARK JARGSTORF

160 poles that

said, “We are not any distribution

it will delay completion of some of the

re-conductor

Carroll White

anticipating

or repairing damage caused by a storm,

tested bad this year,” Mark Jargstorf, CATHY RADERSTORF

rate changes for members this year. The Carroll White REMC board of directors reviews increases/decreases from our power supplier, Wabash Valley Power.

director of operations, said. “All of this is being done to increase reliability. In several cases, these upgrades will divide the load and provide better voltage.”

Specific 2019 projects that

Those changes may be adjusted on

Raderstorf outlined are:

members’ bills and is noted as ‘Wholesale

• Update Anderson Substation

Power Tracker.’ Power costs make up approximately 70 percent of the budget, so periodic adjustments may be required.”

and Honey Creek Substation to make them safer and more reliable.

co-op news • Install distribution devices and

operations to deliver quality services, all

equipment that will provide additional

while encouraging improvement through

data to help the REMC better monitor

the intelligent use of data.”

the system.

“The technology work plan will leverage

• Begin replacing some of the old AMI meters.

as well as information resources to

• Increase tree trimming to help decrease the number of outages caused by trees. This also will help lower line loss costs.

• Upgrade 12.4 miles of line and 14.5 miles of distribution circuit to improve and expand the system.

• Conduct a system field inventory. This will improve several areas at Carroll White REMC — mapping, outage prediction, member notifications, billing, etc.

TECHNOLOGY CRITICAL In today’s world of technology, more and more devices on the Carroll White REMC system have electronic or information technology components.

These components play a key factor in system’s efficiency.

“Technology is critical for the REMC’s successful operations and to create

support the mission of the cooperative,” Wrede said. “The plan draws upon the cooperative’s strategic goals, IT priorities, key IT trends in the energy sector, and an analysis of current business processes to gain operational efficiencies.”

bill credits!

You can save $30 or more if you participate in the new PowerShift

The 2019 technology

programs offered by Carroll White REMC

work plan includes four goals:

this year. Our popular water heater

1. Advance the mission of the cooperative through innovative and effective technologies, resources, and services.

program with a demand response switch

2. Leverage our reliable, secure, and efficient information technology infrastructure and maximize staff potential to foster innovation and excellence.

3. Advance business processes and operational efficiencies through effective implementation of information technology.

4. Provide technologies to enhance communications with field equipment and operations staff to ensure a safe, reliable and efficient work environment.

Carroll White

is needed

reliable and emerging technologies

Sign up for new program and receive

will continue to be offered.

In 2019, you can receive a $30 annual credit for allowing a switch to be installed on your central air conditioner and/or $30 annual credit for a switch installed on your pool pump. Switches can also be installed on irrigation systems.

This switch helps members minimize long-term energy costs by adjusting energy consumption during specific times.

Together, with switches already installed, more than 53 megawatts of energy can be saved. That’s electricity we don’t have to buy and power plants we don’t have to build. This helps keep everyone’s long-

BRYAN WREDE

term energy costs low.

a strategic

For more details, call Carroll White

advantage for the cooperative’s

REMC at 800-844-7161 and ask about

relevancy,” said Bryan Wrede, director

our PowerShift program! We will only

of information technology. “When technology initiatives align with the strategic goals of the cooperative, the impact can be transformative — empowering employees to enhance the

be taking sign-ups on these PowerShift additions through the end of March.

Register now and receive bill credits this summer!

member experience, improving business

JANUARY 2019

7

co-op news

youth programs

A P P LY FOR

touchstone energy camp

JUNE 5–8

Indiana Youth Tour

JUNE 13–20

A fun, powerful

Carroll White

and unique

REMC wants to

camp experience

send you on a

designed for

weeklong, all-

students entering

inclusive trip

seventh grade in

of a lifetime to

2019. Horseback

Washington,

riding, canoeing,

D.C.

swimming, zip

Monuments,

lining, learning

museums, legislators, friends, trip

about electrical

of a lifetime, history. Must be a high

safety and bucket truck rides.

school junior to apply.

APPLY: Go to www.cwremc.coop or

APPLY: Go to www.cwremc.coop or

www.touchstoneenergycamp.org.

www.indianayouthtour.org. New

New this year, these applications

this year, these applications must be

must be completed online.

completed online.

SIGN UP FOR OPERATION ROUND UP Together our small change makes a difference!

If you are able to participate in Operation Round Up®, please complete and return this card to Carroll White REMC. You can send it with your payment, drop it by either the Delphi or Monticello office, call in to join program or sign up on SmartHub at www.cwremc.coop.

Quarterly updates will appear in this monthly magazine to inform you about the latest distributions Operation Round Up has made in our communities.

We thank you for your contribution.

Please enter information below exactly as it appears on your statement.

NAME: ___________________________ ADDRESS: ________________________ CITY: _____________________________ STATE: ________ ZIP: ______________ REMC ACCOUNT NUMBER(S): _________________________________ SIGNATURE: ______________________ DATE: ____________________________

8

JANUARY 2019

Why is my bill higher this month?

energy

Understanding what causes increased winter energy use RECENT QUESTION FROM AN

stated in the question above. Chang-

ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE MEMBER:

ing this setting could save as much as

“I’m calling because I received my December electric bill, and it seems a little high compared to my usual bill. We keep our house’s tem-

10 percent on a member’s heating cost.

You may be thinking “that’s way too

Lifestyle When you use electricity is as important as how much energy you use. If you are willing to adjust the time of

chilly for cold winter nights!” You can

day you use your high use appliances,

certainly set your thermostat higher

you may want to participate in your

than 68 F. Just remember, the harder

co-op’s Demand Side Management

your furnace has to work to maintain

changed it much. Could you help

Program and move to the Time of Use

the temperature setting inside the

(TOU) rate. Contact your local elec-

my wife and I understand why our

home, the higher your use will be.

tric cooperative for more information

electric use increased last month?”

Increased Visitors

about these programs.

As member-consumers receive their

If you drew the short straw to host

Thermal Envelope of Home

first winter bill, this is a frequently

the holiday party this year, remember

asked question. Here’s some insight

If your home is not well insulated,

that having increased visitors in your

into understanding why your winter

or your windows or heating/cooling

home increases energy use. Maybe

ducts are leaking, your use may be higher. Simple fixes, like caulking

perature set at 78 F and have not

use may differ from the rest of the

you have children home from col-

year.

lege or on winter break from middle

around windows and doors, sealing

Seasonal Weather

school. Keep in mind that they are

your heating/cooling ducts, or adding

Winter is notorious for keeping us indoors during inclement weather, resulting in higher home appliance use and higher thermostat settings. When it’s colder outside than inside, your heating system has to work harder to maintain the temperature setting inside the home.

utilizing multiple appliances through-

attic insulation can make a big differ-

out the day; increasing the normal

ence in the energy efficiency of your

amount of electricity your home uses

home.

when you are away at work and your home is empty. Those additional showers with hot water, cooking with your electric oven, or snuggling up beside your electric space heater can all attribute to your higher energy bill

Thermostat Settings

in winter.

The biggest users of energy in the

Monitor Your Use

household are the furnace and air conditioner. If you are interested in saving energy easily and efficiently, the Department of Energy (DOE) recommends setting your thermostat at 68 F in the winter. This is a 10 F decrease from the setting of 78 F as

Interested in additional resources and information about energy savings around your home? Contact your local electric cooperative to schedule a home energy audit. Your electric coop offers many incentives and rebates.

Visit your local cooperative’s webpage or call for more information.

Utilize your cooperative’s electric use app to target periods of high use. The hour-by-hour readings allow member-consumers to pinpoint when you’re using more electricity. They can also identify the appliance(s) that may be causing the increase.

by

Sharon Barnhart

Southeastern Indiana REMC

10

JANUARY 2019

M

New amplified phone lets you hear AND see the conversation.

o ct N tra e n Fe o Co N hly t on

Breakthrough technology converts phone calls to captions.

The Hamilton® CapTel® Captioned Telephone converts phone conversations to easy-to-read captions for individuals with hearing loss.

A simple idea… made possible with sophisticated technology. If you have trouble understanding a call, captioned telephone can change your life.

During a phone call the words spoken to you appear on the phone’s screen – similar to closed captioning on TV. So when you make or receive a call, the words spoken to you are not only amplified by the phone, but scroll across the phone so you can listen while reading everything that’s said to you. Each call is routed through a call center, where computer technology – aided by a live representative – generates voice-to-text translations. The captioning is real-time, accurate and readable.

Your conversation is private and the captioning service doesn’t cost you a penny. Internet Protocol Captioned Telephone Service (IP CTS) is regulated and funded by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and is designed exclusively for individuals with hearing loss. To learn more, visit www.fcc.gov. The Hamilton CapTel

phone requires telephone service and high-speed Internet access.

WiFi Capable. Callers do not need special equipment or a captioned telephone in order to speak with you.

Finally… a phone you can use again. The Hamilton CapTel phone is also packed with features to help make phone calls easier.

The keypad has large, easy to use buttons. You get adjustable volume amplification along with the ability to save captions for review later.

It even has an answering machine that provides you with the captions of each message.

NEW Wide Screen Display

“For years I avoided phone calls because I couldn’t understand the caller… now I don’t miss a thing!”

SEE what you’ve been missing!

See for yourself with our exclusive home trial. Try a captioned telephone in your own home and if you are not completely amazed, simply return it within 60-days for a refund of the product purchase price. It even comes with a 5-year warranty.

Captioned Telephone Call now for our special introductory price!

Call now Toll-Free

1-888-738-8047 Please mention promotion code 110525.

The Captioned Telephone is intended for use by people with hearing loss. In purchasing a Captioned Telephone, you acknowledge that it will be used by someone who cannot hear well over a traditional phone. Hamilton is a registered trademark of Nedelco, Inc. d/b/a Hamilton Telecommunications. CapTel is a registered trademark of Ultratec, Inc.

81138

Do you get discouraged when you hear your telephone ring? Do you avoid using your phone because hearing difficulties make it hard to understand the person on the other end of the line? For many Americans the telephone conversation – once an important part of everyday life – has become a thing of the past.

Because they can’t understand what is said to them on the phone, they’re often cut off from friends, family, doctors and caregivers. Now, thanks to innovative technology there is finally a better way.

Phone Email Websi te

CON TAC T

insights

Support

PROJECT INDIANA

Indiana linemen featured in Project Indiana calendar

Tipmont REMC

JASON GATES

$20

price includes tax Shipping additional

Project Indiana, the philanthropic

rugged mountainous terrain to build 31

initiative founded by Indiana Electric

miles of power line — all by hand.

Cooperatives, is changing lives in underdeveloped countries and inspiring those of us in Indiana to do all we can to help our global neighbors.

Electric Consumer’s November cover story included information on how you can help Project Indiana. And now, there’s another way you can support

2019

TE ROBERT WHI

Orange County

REMC

Project Indiana’s mission to empower global communities.

The Project Indiana wall calendar includes color photos of 16 of the linemen who were part of the Project Indiana mission trip to El Zapotillo, Guatemala, in 2017. These linemen battled temperature extremes and

OCTO SUNDA

S

SEPT M

Y

MOND

EMBE

T

R 201 9 W T F

BER

AY

TUESD

NOVE MBER 2019 S M T W T F S 3 4 1 2 5 6 7 8 10 11 9 12 13 14 15 17 18 16 19 20 21 22 24 25 23 26 27 28

S

3 4 1 2 5 6 7 8 10 11 9 12 13 14 15 17 18 16 19 20 21 22 24 25 23 26 27 28

AY

WEDNE

6

7 us Day

20

27

14

21

28

22

29

THURS

30

FRIDA

17

24

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SATUR

DAY

4

10

16

23

DAY

3

9

15

is $20 (includes sales tax, shipping additional). Thanks to a generous donation from Fineline Printing, 100 percent of the proceeds from the calendar will go toward the 2019 electrification project in San Jacinto, Guatemala.

To order the Project Indiana calendar, please visit ProjectIndiana.org or send a check or money order made out to “Project Indiana” along with the order form below to Indiana Electric Cooperatives, 8888 Keystone Crossing, Suite 1600, Indianapolis, IN 46240.

ISAAC

2

8

Columb

13

in a large format on heavy paper stock,

Kosciusko H A R P REMC

20 19

SDAY

1

The limited edition calendar, presented

5

11

18

25

12

19

26

31

ORDER YOUR 2019 PROJECT INDIANA CALENDAR TODAY! Please send _______ copy (copies) at $20 each plus $5 shipping per calendar to: Name: _______________________________________________________ Address: _____________________________________________________ City, State and ZIP: _____________________________________________ Price includes shipping and Indiana sales tax. Make checks payable to “Project

Purchase your 2019 Project indiana calendar:

projectindiana.org

Indiana.” Send this completed form to “Project Indiana Calendar” at Indiana Electric Cooperatives; 8888 Keystone Crossing, Suite 1600; Indianapolis, IN 46240. You also can purchase a calendar online at ProjectIndiana.org.

Name game

THANKS FOR YOUR NEW NAME SUGGESTIONS Electric Consumer readers, we’ve discovered, have many good and creative ideas about a new name for our publication. We thank you for the hundreds of suggestions we received from you since we announced in December that we were rebranding ourselves.

Starting with the March issue, a new cooperative magazine will be coming to your mailbox. But it will continue to focus on you, your co-op, how you can save money and energy, Indiana lifestyle and features you’ve grown to enjoy. And we’ll continue to evolve with new features and content in the months to come.

Stay tuned as we unveil our new name. Will it be a name you suggested?

12

JANUARY 2019

JANUARY 2019

13

county of the month

Monroe County Electric Consumer presents a new page feature: County of the Month. Each month, we’ll focus on one of Indiana’s 92 counties, providing some basic data along with a brief story about places or events or people that make the county unique.

As a gateway to Southern Indiana’s beautiful and rustic uplands and home to Indiana University’s main campus, Monroe County offers a wide range of recreational and cultural activities.

The glaciers from the last Ice Age that scoured the northern two-thirds of Indiana flat stopped at the county’s doorstep. Left behind were a spine of tree-covered rolling hills and hollows all the way south to the Ohio River.

FOUNDED: 1818

NAMED FOR: James Monroe, fifth president of the United States, 1817-1825

POPULATION: 146,986 (2017)

COUNTY SEAT: Bloomington

14

JANUARY 2019

Monroe Lake was also the site of the reintroduction of the bald eagle in Indiana by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources back in the 1980s. Since then, a population of “native” Hoosier bald eagles has been sustained at Monroe and other Indiana reservoirs, lakes and rivers. And, since Indiana’s fickle winter weather rarely freezes Monroe Lake over, the open

In winter, the population of bald eagles at Monroe can double or triple, noted Jill Vance, the lake’s interpretive naturalist with the DNR. “One of the main reasons we do eagle events during the winter is indeed the addition of the birds that travel to us from northern areas,” she said. (See below for this year’s event.)

Back up the newly-completed Interstate 69 extension from the lake is Bloomington, Monroe County’s seat. Bloomington is, of course, most noted for IU’s sprawling, beautiful campus of limestone buildings and trees. Indiana’s renowned “limestone belt,” which runs from Bloomington south to Bedford, has produced the stone facades for such famous buildings as the Empire State Building and numerous buildings in Washington, D.C. While some counties hibernate through winter, Monroe remains active: offering IU basketball to heat things up on the inside, and bald eagle watching outdoors.

The DNR will once again be hosting an eagle event this winter.

Unlike recent years when events were held over a weekend, this year’s “Bald Eagle Driving Tour” will be held on the afternoon of Jan. 26. It will meet at Paynetown SRA and commence to various locations around Monroe Lake where eagles have been sighted. (Start time was not available when this issue of Electric Consumer went to press, but more up-to-date information should be found at http://bit.ly/monroelakeprograms).

event

y t n u o C acts F

The hill country just south of Bloomington is where the Hoosier National Forest begins and outdoor recreational opportunities abound.

Beside the northern edge of the national forest, Monroe Lake is the largest body of water in the state and provides recreational boating, skiing and fishing opportunities.

water entices a bevy of bald eagles from the north to join the resident eagles for some inspiring winter bird watching for folks on shore.

Indiana eats

Hog Heaven

Holy Smoke family-owned, Christ-centered Locally-owned, one-of-a-kind restau-

ice cream for dogs on the menu,” Bray

rants are a foodie’s dream — and as

said. “If you order the ‘Reno Special,’

Indiana Eats has discovered, our state

you get a pup cup full of ice cream with

is blessed with many unique dining

mini hot dogs in it.” The Lawrences

options. For those who enjoy a tasty

named the special for “a very special

smoked meat meal, Holy Smoke Hog

pit bull who taught us all to live each

Roast in downtown Martinsville is a

day with joy and love everyone you

must-visit destination.

meet.” This fur baby treat is free when

Owners Roger and Mary Lawrence

added to any lunch or dinner entrée.

describe their fare as safe, whole-

Among Holy Smoke’s popular menu

some, simple, flavorful and affordable.

items are house made smoked sau-

Holy Smoke, located across from

sage, tater tot and pulled pork BBQ

the Morgan County courthouse, is

nachos, and baby back ribs. A lunch

a Christ-centered business and the

buffet featuring meats, sides, seasonal

entire Lawrence family is involved in

fruit and soft drinks is available every

running it.

day except Saturday. Holy Smoke

State Sen. Rod Bray hits Holy Smoke when he’s in the mood for tender slow-smoked brisket. But though he

serves a breakfast buffet with favorites like waffles and biscuits and gravy on Sundays until 1 p.m.

loves the restaurant’s smoked-on-site

The Lawrences also have catering

specialties, Holy Smoke’s dog-friendly

and bartending services available for

patio is something Bray finds espe-

special events like wedding receptions

cially intriguing. “This restaurant has a

and family reunions.

great outdoor dining and even has an

HOLY SMOKE HOG ROAST 43 S. Main Martinsville, Indiana 317-371-3861 Monday through Wednesday: 11 a.m. – 8 p.m.

Thursday and Saturday: 11 a.m. – 9 p.m.

Friday: 11 a.m. – 9:30 p.m.

Sunday: 9 a.m. – 8 p.m.

www.holysmokehogroast.com

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JANUARY 2019

ABOUT STATE SEN. ROD BRAY: Indiana State Sen. Rod Bray represents District 37, serving Johnson, Morgan, Owen and Putnam counties.

An attorney, Bray serves as president pro tempore of the Indiana Senate.

food

Introducing the Instant Pot What’s an Instant Pot®? It’s the kitchen gadget world’s Jack of all Trades. It can pressure cook, slow cook, steam, make yogurt and even make cake.

It’s been around since 2010, though its popularity exploded in the last couple of years.

Be sure to read and follow the

in an

instant

No pressure with pressure cooker prep

accompanying instruction booklet when using your Instant Pot. Remember

Lemon Dill Salmon

to close the pressure-

2 3-oz. salmon filets, 1 inch thick

release valve for all cooking

1 t. fresh chopped dill

functions except “slow cook,”

½ t. salt

”yogurt” and “saute.” For both

¼ t. pepper

the “slow cook” and “saute”

1 cup water

functions, there are three

2 T. lemon juice

temperature settings — low,

½ lemon, sliced

medium and high. Since the Instant Pot is so versatile,

Sprinkle salmon with dill, salt and pepper. Place steam rack into

take the opportunity to try

Instant Pot® and pour water into pot. Place salmon on steam rack,

different recipes that utilize its various functions. The

skin side down. Squeeze lemon juice over salmon and put lemon slices on top. Click lid closed. Press the “steam” button and adjust time to 5 minutes. When timer beeps, quick-release the pressure.

following recipes will help

Use a meat thermometer to ensure fish has completely cooked to at

you explore all that an

least 145 F. Serve with additional dill and lemon slices.

Instant Pot can do.

S A LMON PREPARED BY EM I LY SCHI LLI NG P H OTO BY RI CHARD G . BI EVER

JANUARY 2019

17

food Asian Pot Roast 3 T. olive oil 1 (2-lb.) chuck roast, trimmed of excess fat, or more to taste 1 onion, chopped 2 T. fresh ginger, minced 3 cloves garlic, minced Salt and ground black pepper to taste ⅔ cup water ¼ cup soy sauce 15 drops liquid stevia 1 beef bouillon cube 2 red bell peppers, cut into strips 2 T. arrowroot powder ¼ cup chopped cilantro

Turn on Instant Pot® and select “sauté” function. Add 2 T. olive oil. When hot, add chuck roast and brown on all sides, about 10 minutes. Remove roast and set aside. Add remaining olive oil to the pot.

Add onion, ginger, garlic, salt and pepper; cook and stir for 5 minutes. Add water, soy sauce, stevia and bouillon cube.

Easy Maple Syrup Applesauce

Roasted Brussels Sprouts

2 ½ lbs. apples, peeled, cored and chopped

2 T. olive oil

3 T. water 2 T. maple syrup 1 cinnamon stick

Return roast to the pot. Close and lock the

¼ t. nutmeg

lid; set pressure to “high” and set the timer

Pinch of salt

for 60 minutes. Allow 10 to 15 minutes for pressure to build. Release pressure using the natural-release method according to manufacturer’s instructions for 10 minutes.

Release remaining pressure carefully using the quick-release method according to manufacturer’s instructions, about 5 minutes. Unlock and remove the lid.

Remove roast and transfer to a plate.

Add red bell peppers to the pot and whisk in arrowroot. Set pot to “sauté” mode; cook and stir until sauce is thickened and bell peppers are softened, about 5 minutes.

Return roast to pot; stir until heated through, about 3 minutes more. Top with chopped cilantro.

18

JANUARY 2019

Combine apples, water, maple syrup, cinnamon stick and nutmeg in Instant Pot®. Close and lock the lid. Select “high pressure” according to manufacturer’s instructions.

Set timer for 8 minutes. Allow 1015 minutes for pressure to build.

Release pressure using the natural release method according to manufacturer’s instructions, 10-40 minutes. Unlock and remove lid.

Remove cinnamon stick and season with salt. Blend with an immersion blender to desired consistency.

1 onion, chopped 1 lb. whole Brussels sprouts 1 t. salt ½ t. ground black pepper ½ cup vegetable broth Turn on Instant Pot® and select “sauté” function. Heat olive oil and cook onion until translucent, about 2 minutes.

Add Brussels sprouts and cook for 1 minute more. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Pour vegetable broth over Brussels sprouts. Close and lock the lid. Select “high pressure” according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Set timer for 3 minutes. Allow around 10-15 minutes for pressure to build once 3-minute timer on Instant Pot has finished. Release pressure carefully using the quick-release method according to manufacturer’s instructions, about 5 minutes.

Unlock and remove lid.

Cheap tricks Handy household hacks that use more imagination than money LIST COMPILED & PHOTOS BY RICHARD G. BIEVER

F

ixing a recurring, irritating problem or adding just that right light touch to a drab room can be done without that hard-tofind “right” tool or “right” bauble. An effective solution could be

right under your nose at the local general store or already in that junk drawer in the kitchen. It just takes the right “hack” to give new life and purpose to old stuff or cleverly upcycle affordable finds into something that looks much more luxe.

Fortunately, Pinterest, YouTube and other internet sites provide hundreds of household hacks right at your fingertips. And here are 22 hacks we’ve found or come up with that can get you started.

P HO TO S BY RI CHARD G . BI E V E R

We used inexpensive safari animals attached to wood plaques as both wall hooks and bookends.

NEED WALL HOOKS FOR A KID’S

dust your baseboards or even clean

a clear coat just on the handles if

ROOM? A stylish design these days

soap scum from the shower glass

you want to use the utensils for food

uses safari animals as the hooks. You

with them. And they leave the room

preparation.

can make these from inexpensive

smelling nice, too.

solid plastic animals. Simply place the animal in a vice and carefully cut them in half with, appropriately

PATCHING OR PAINTING WALLS? HAVE HARD WATER STAINS INSIDE

To remove the dust or cobwebs, etc.,

YOUR FANCY GLASSES THAT YOU

use a floor Swiffer or other mopping

CAN’T REACH INTO? Fill the glass

system with cleaning sheets. It

full of white rice, add water, cover

allows you to reach all the way to the

and shake. The rice acts like a gentle

ceiling and works a lot better than

abrasive to scour the nooks and

going up and down on a ladder with

crannies clean.

a towel and all that arm movement.

picture mounting hardware on the

If you ever watch Chip

A spring-loaded shower curtain

back of the critter to figure what

and Joanna Gaines on

rod over the bathtub makes a great

might work best for your particular

HGTV, you know WOODEN

LAUNDRY DRYING AREA for things

animal. You can even paint and

UTENSILS are a popular

you don’t want to put in the dryer.

mount the back half of the critter, if

kitchen display motif. You

Put the item on plastic hangers to

you want no piece of the animal to

can make these yourself

avoid rust stains, and the rod will

go unused.

with wooden utensils

hold a lot in a small space. As an

dipped in the paint of your

added bonus: if you don’t use the

choice to create “Magnolia

tub much for bathing, it works as a

Home”-style kitchenware.

second closet until you get time to

Use non-toxic paints and

finally put the clothes away!

enough, a hack saw. You can paint them to match the decor. To mount them to the wall, we recommend first screwing them onto a flat piece of wood or craft wood plaques by running a screw or two through the back of the wood into the animal. Or, if you want to mount them directly to a wall, experiment with using

FEATHER DUSTER FLEW THE COOP? Use dryer sheets. You can

JANUARY 2019

21

Make your own FOAMING HAND SOAP at great savings by refilling an empty foaming soap container a quarter of the way with regular liquid hand soap and the rest with water.

RUNNING OUT OF STORAGE SPACE IN YOUR HOUSE? Simply look up. In an unfinished basement for instance, you have lots of space between the floor joists. Run a wire shelf rack or scrap strips of wood across the joists, and you’ve just created a storage area that takes no additional space. Find boxes or get plastic containers that fit into the approximate 14-inch wide by 9-inch tall space to store Christmas decorations out of season or whatnots throughout the year.

ZIP TIES are the modern home’s “duct tape.” They can be used for almost anything that needs attached or extra securing. Unlike duct tape,

rope onto the glue. (To ensure the

they don’t leave a sticky residue

rope is extra secure, you may want to

behind. Think of using zip ties to

make two slits with an X-acto knife

temporarily secure items to other

just above and below the rope where

things without damaging either

it starts. Loop a zip tie through the

item. For example, zip tie a baby gate

slits, rotate its lock so it will not be as

to a stair banister for extra sturdiness

visible, and pull it tight to anchor the

without damaging the wood.

rope. Snip off the excess zip tie.)

MAKE A DRAIN SNAKE. Cleaning

Apply thin lines of glue a couple of

the most disgusting parts of cleaning

inches long every several inches

the bathroom, but it’s a necessary

horizontally around the basket. Wrap

task when the water won’t drain

copies of Electric Consumer, sewing

the rope around the basket on the

properly from a sink or bathtub. If

items, electronic chargers or snuggly

glue keeping it taut as you go. Then

you find yourself dealing with a

blanket handy beside your easy

apply glue right under the first line

clogged drain and you don’t have

chair? Here’s an easy solution that

of rope, and continue wrapping

a drain snake handy, don’t worry.

won’t cost fancy store prices.

the rope on the basket right against

Create a drain snake by cutting slits

the first line of rope. Continue

in a zip tie. And since zip ties won’t

alternating the glue and rope till you

slip off once you’ve zipped them

spiral to the bottom and your basket

through the lock, you can string your

is covered in rope. If you’d like, line

zip ties together to add to the length

Start at the very top of the basket and

the basket with an attractive piece of

of your snake to go deeper than ones

apply glue and press the end of the

cloth to finish it off.

you’d usually buy at the store.

Need a BASKET to keep your back

A simple plastic basket, some burly “nautical” rope and glue will make an attractive “rope basket” in no time.

22

JANUARY 2019

out a drain is quite possibly one of

Use zip ties or bungee cords to attach a battery-powered torch or flashlight tightly against the side of an empty plastic water or milk jug to get a bigger, brighter LANTERN.

Use a muffin tin to SERVE CONDIMENTS at a barbecue. It also cuts down on dishes to wash later!

Bird feeders are a delight this time of year, but the BAGS OF SEED are

Whenever you buy new garments,

When drilling a hole into dry wall,

often, plastic clothes hangers with

bend a Post-It note into a V-shape

clips comes with them. SNIP OFF

and attach it to the wall directly

THE CLIPS AND USE THEM TO

below where you need to drill to

SEAL OPENED BAGS OF CHIPS.

CATCH THE DUST.

sometimes a pain. They rip open, and in your rush to get out of the cold weather, you end up spilling

ELIMINATE STATIC ELECTRICITY

more seed on the ground than you

in your pants legs with a safety pin

get into the feeder. Or the bags fall

pinned in the cuff.

over and you spill seed.

Cut the bottom from a plastic jar.

Then, carefully slice open the a top corner of the feed bag and thread it through the bottom of the jar’s opening. Pull the plastic down around the outside of the jar and you have a pourable bag of seed. Screw the cap on the jar when done. The threads usually work over the plastic bag and make a tight seal.

Or, cut the bottom off a plastic milk jug and you have scoop and a funnel to refill the bird feeder.

SPRAY PAINTING a small craft object like your son’s Pinewood Derby car or your animal wall hangers (see page 21)?

Use a large corrugated box to keep the paint confined. Simply turn the box on its side. Prop up the object with scrap wood inside the box or dangle it from string tied through what’s now the top of the box. Use the flaps on the box as doors to control the size of the opening.

You’ll still want to spray in an open area to avoid a build up of fumes, but the box will confine the overspray.

Cut the bottom side of a triangular plastic or metal coat hanger several inches from the corners and use it as a MOBILE PAPER TOWEL DISPENSER. Hang it on a cabinet handle or anywhere you need to clean up a spill or dab up the puppy’s “accident” so that the roll can stay

To PROTECT YOUR CAR DOOR AND/OR DRYWALL IN YOUR GARAGE, use a pool noodle or extra pipe insulators cut in half and mounted to the side of your garage.

cleanly above the fray.

JANUARY 2019

23

s u l l e T

YOUR FAVORITE HACKS Email ec@electricconsumer.org with your favorite household hack, and we’ll add it to this story online and share it on our Facebook page.

Use a pool noodle under the fitted sheet on the edge of a bed to HELP KEEP RESTLESS SLEEPING TODDLERS FROM FALLING OUT OF BED.

List compiled by RICHARD G. BIEVER, senior editor of Electric

NO MORE FLOPPING OVER. Cut pool noodles to fit into tall leather boots when you store them to help keep their shape.

Running out of space in your basement?

If you have an unfinished basement, take advantage of the space between the floor joists and add a wire shelf rack across the joists. See more about this hack on page 22.

24

JANUARY 2019

Consumer from internet sources, Facebook friends, and electric cooperative employees around the state.

calendar NORTHWEST

5

ANGELO CICCO, Valparaiso (Porter), Lambstone Cellars. Come hear this talented musician as he covers a wide range of musical styles and a repertoire close to some 1,000 songs. 5-8 pm. Free. 219-510-5673. www.allevents.in/indiana/ angelo-cicco-live-at-lambstone-cellars/20002866604623.

19

ANNUAL ICE FISHING DERBY, Morocco (Newton), Willow Slough Fish and Wildlife Area. Prizes for each age group. Must register to win and must weigh in before 11 am. Indiana fishing license required for those 18 and older. 6-11 am. www.southshorecva.com/event/ annual-ice-fishing-derby/11429.

2019, LaPorte 25- WINTERFEST (LaPorte), various locations. Ice 27 sculpture demonstrations, family

game night, “Snowball” softball tournament, community snow angel gathering, horse-drawn wagon rides and more. 219326-9600. www.cityoflaporte. com/450/WinterFest.

CENTRAL

12

CINDERELLA, West Lafayette (Tippecanoe), Elliott Hall of Music. Cinderella is the Tony Award®- winning Broadway musical from the creators of “The Sound of Music” and “South Pacific.” 7 pm. Tickets: $28-$60. 765-494-9712. convos@ purdue.edu. www.purdue.edu/convocations/event/cinderella.

FLY FISHING, 19- HEARTLAND Lebanon (Boone), Boone County 4-H 27 Fly fishing personalities, 20 Fairgrounds. the latest fishing equipment, locations to fish, fishing exhibits and tour guide info. Admission charge. www.heartlandflyfishingfestival.com.

DANIEL TIGER’S NEIGHBORHOOD LIVE, West Lafayette (Tippecanoe),Elliott Hall of Music. Daniel Tiger learns what it takes to be King of the Neighborhood of Make-Believe.

Based on the PBS kids’ series.

3 p.m. Tickets: $17.50-$75. convos@purdue.edu. www. purdue.edu/convocations/ event/daniel-tiger.

SOUTHWEST

8

MARK WILLS, Mitchell (Lawrence), Mitchell Opera House. The Academy of Country Music award-winning artist, who charted two number one hits and several top 10 singles, will perform. 7 pm. Tickets: $20-35. 812-849-4447. www.mitchelloperahouse.com.

19

ANTIQUE SHOW, Huntingburg (Dubois), Huntingburg Event Center. Primitives, furniture, pottery, signage, glassware and more. 9 am4pm. 812-683-2221. www. huntingburgeventcenter.org.

26

JANUARY 2019

19

JEANNE ROBERTSON “ROCKING CHAIR” TOUR, Evansville (Vanderburg), Victory Theater. Jeanne Robertson continues to charm audiences with her humorous observations about life around her. The former Miss North Carolina has a vivacious personality, heart and sense of humor. 6 pm. Tickets: $26-$41. 812-422-8000. www.victorytheatre. com/events/ viewall/details/ ?event_id=182.

JANUARY NORTHEAST

1

FORT WAYNE HOBBY AND COLLECTIBLES SHOW, Fort Wayne (Allen), Classic Café Catering and Event Center. Kid-friendly event and environment selling modern and classic collectibles. This includes action figures, comic books, sports and non-sports trading cards, TV and movie memorabilia. Free. 260-4147053. mcgauleys@frontier.com. www.visitfortwayne.com/event/fort-waynehobby-and-collectibles-show/20393.

19

ENSEMBLE 4.1, Portland (Jay), Arts Place. One-of-a kind chamber group featuring oboe, clarinet, bassoon, horn and piano with musicians from Germany’s top orchestras. 7:30 pm. Tickets: $18. 260-726-4809. www.artsland.org.

25

JOSH TURNER, Shipshewana (LaGrange), Shipshewana Event Center. The multi-platinum country music artist with several Grammy, CMA and ACM nominations performs. 7:30 pm.

Tickets: $29.95-$99.95 (ticket only); $46.95-$116.95 (dinner and theater). 888-447-4725. www. riegsecker.com/shipshewana/ blue-gate-theatre/schedule/ index.php?artist=#1198.

SOUTHEAST

4-5

DERBY DINNER PLAYHOUSE PRESENTS: A TRIBUTE TO JOHN DENVER, Clarksville (Clark), Derby Dinner Playhouse. Hailed as one of the nation’s most exciting tribute bands, the award-winning Chris Collins and Boulder Canyon present a tribute to the music and legacy of John Denver. 7:15 pm. Tickets: $32$39. This show available for purchase by phone only. Please call the box office at 812-288-8281. amyers@derbydinner.com. www.derbydinner.com.

6

MEET THE PALEONTOLOGIST — FOSSIL FISH TALES, Clarksville (Clark), Falls of the Ohio State Park. Park paleontologist Alan Goldstein will focus on Devonian and Mississippian fossil fish describing why complete specimens are so rare in the Ohio Valley. 2-3 pm. Free. 812-2809970. www.fallsoftheohio.org/ event/meet-the-paleontologistfossil-fish-tales.

19

LOUISVILLE ORCHESTRA: 1812 OVERTURE, New Albany (Clark), The Ogle Center at Indiana University Southeast. The Louisville Orchestra performs three beloved works by Pyotr Tchaikovsky. 7:30 pm. Tickets: $20 (adults), $10 (students).

812-941-2525. www.oglecenter. com/events/lo/louisvilleorchestra-011919.php.

This calendar is published as a service to readers and the communities electric cooperatives serve.

Electric Consumer 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 Electric Consumer strives for accuracy, please note that events, dates and time may change without notice. Electric Consumer 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 electricconsumer.org; or mail your info to: Calendar, Electric Consumer, 8888 Keystone Crossing, Suite 1600, Indianapolis, IN 46240. Please submit info two months before the date of the event.

JANUARY 2019

27

diy

flashlight and batteries

bag of abrasive material jumper cables

snow shovel

HAVE KIT, WILL TRAVEL

blankets, hats, gloves jackets

Prepare for the unexpected with winter driving kit first aid kit

In the Hoosier state, winter invariably brings freezing temperatures along with snowy and/or icy roads. While roadside breakdowns can strike at any time, unexpected automotive troubles during the winter months can be especially dangerous. Are you — and your vehicle — prepared to handle winter’s grasp if the unexpected happens?

flares or emergency triangles

AAA Hoosier Motor Club recommends that all automobiles be equipped with an emergency survival kit for winter driving. Make sure to include these items for a safe journey!

snow brush/ice scraper

Source: AAA Hoosier Motor Club

basic tools screwdrivers, pliers and adjustable wrench

rope

fire extinguisher windshield wiper deicer fluid

fully charged phone and car charger

28

JANUARY 2019

drinking water and snacks for pets, too!

safety

GENERATOR Dos and Don’ts DO operate a generator outdoors in an area with plenty of ventilation.

DO install CO alarms

Generator

safety protocols

W

hen preparing for winter weather, many homeowners rely on whole house generators and portable generators to power their homes in the event of a long-term power outage. While they are great resources for your home, there are three major risks that are important to consider.

Risk #1: Carbon Monoxide Poisoning To prevent carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning, keep generators outdoors, away from doors, windows and vents that could allow CO indoors. CO can’t be seen or smelled; if you start to feel sick, dizzy, or weak while using a generator, get to fresh air right away and call for assistance! To better prepare your home, install CO alarms in central locations on every level of your home and outside sleeping areas.

Risk #2: Electrocution or Electric Shock Water and electricity do not mix – and that stands true with generator safety. To avoid electrocution, do not use in wet conditions to avoid electric shock.

Before plugging in a generator, first check that the cord is undamaged and the plug has all three prongs, especially a grounding pin.

To keep utility workers, neighbors and those in your household from electrocution dangers, never plug a stationary generator into a wall outlet. This process is called

inside the home to provide an early warning of carbon monoxide.

DO NOT plug a generator into the wall without installing a

for your home

transfer switch to prevent

“backfeeding” and can be deadly to those nearby. “Backfeeding” sends power out through the main breaker to the transformer.

It then converts it to volts and tries to energize local utility lines. Workers attempting to restore power might unexpectedly encounter this high voltage, which could cause fatal shock.

DO turn the generator

To prevent a “backfeed,” have a professional install a transfer switch.

Risk #3: Burns and fire When utilizing a generator, it’s always a good idea to have an extra fuel source. Store fuel for the generator in an American National Standards Institute-approved container in a cool, well-ventilated place. Check the instructions or the label on the generator to determine what type of fuel to use. To guard against accidental fire, do not store it near a fuel-burning appliance, such as a natural gas water heater in a garage.

backfeed.

on before plugging in appliances.

DO NOT touch the generator with wet hands to avoid electrocution.

DO turn off the generator before refueling with gasoline to allow it to cool down.

DO NOT overload the generator.

DO use a heavy duty, outdoor-rated extension

Before refueling your gas-powered generator, turn it off and let it cool. Gasoline spilled on hot engine parts could ignite. Keep children and pets away as well. Many generator components are hot enough to burn you during operation.

cord that is rated at least

Keeping these three risks in mind when installing or utilizing your home’s generator will aid in the safety of you, your home and others.

as a permanent solution.

equal to the sum of the connected appliances.

DO NOT use a generator

JA NU A R Y 2 019

29

backyard

A breath of

The Golden Pothos

Winter is the worst time of year for indoor air quality. House plants do more than simply make your home look better. These plants can help make your home healthier and better for you to live in by improving the air quality. racaena is a long striped plant that D can easily thrive in your home because it only needs small amounts of sun and moderate watering.

However, it offers your home a range of benefits. Dracaena eliminates trichloroethylene, which comes from varnish and solvents. These chemicals are also found in printing inks and adhesives. When present in your home, they can cause headaches, dizziness, vomiting and drowsiness, which could lead to a coma with long-term exposure.

furniture and carpets. Placement in the bedroom will also help you have a better night’s sleep.

I f you have trouble keeping plants alive, you’ll love the Golden Pothos.

This plant is quite hard to kill and the vines grow quickly, which makes it a great hanging plant or one that is placed on an elevated surface. It’s considered to be one of the best starter plants for indoor plant newbies. Like the Snake Plant, the Golden Pothos is able to remove formaldehyde from the air, and it doubles as an effective carbon monoxide remover.

in the throat, heart problems, kidney damage and confusion.

English Ivy is a great indoor plant because it spreads easily.

It’s also very versatile when it comes to growing conditions and will not require much maintenance. This plant is recommended for households where there are smokers. The ivy is able to eliminate carcinogens from the air which is caused by second-hand smoke. This air purification is good for the lungs and for any children in the house. English Ivy is also able to remove trichloroethylene from the air and benzene.

The Dragon Tree is very popular in office spaces and homes because of its attractive look.

The Snake Plant The Snake Plant is one of the few plants that turn carbon dioxide into oxygen during the night.

It’s best placed in bedrooms and living rooms because it removes formaldehyde from the air, which can come from wood

30

JANUARY 2019

You can even pot a number of these plants together and train them to grow into a braid. The Dragon Tree has amazing purifying powers, but you’ll need to be careful if you have cats and dogs as it can be toxic to them if they eat it. It pulls xylene from the air, which is a chemical released by cigarettes, car exhausts, and paints. Short-term exposure to xylene can cause irritation

English Ivy

Story provided by Comfy Home Corner, which is dedicated to creating a better environment for homes. For more information, visit comfyhomecorner.com.

product recalls

Are these products in your home?

They could pose a risk.

2

3

1 1. Wet/dry vacuum poses shock hazard

2. Bedside fire alarm can fail to fully alert consumers

3. Bathroom heater recalled for fire hazard

Emerson Tool Company has recalled RIDGID NXT wet/dry vacuums, models HD06000 (6-gallon) and HD09000 (9-gallon). The on/ off switch can become dislodged and expose energized wiring, posing a shock hazard to consumers. The orange and black wet/dry vacuum has four swivel casters, a carrying handle, a hose and accessories. RIDGID is printed on the front of the vacuum. The model number can be found on a silver product identification label on the back of the vacuum’s powerhead assembly. The vacuums were sold exclusively at Home Depot stores nationwide and online from March 2018 through July 2018 for about $50 for the 6-gallon wet/dry vacuum and for about $60 for the 9-gallon wet/dry vacuum.

A bedside fire alarm and clock has been recalled because it can fail to operate and fully alert consumers to a fire. This recall involves Lifetone HLAC151 Bedside Fire Alarm and Clock with serial numbers ranging from AC160600001 through AC160604102 and AC170100001 through AC170106030 only.

The bedside alarm and clock is an assistive alerting device intended for in-home use by individuals with hearing loss.

The Smart Thermaflo Bathroom Heater Fan with nightlight has been recalled by its manufacturer, Seabreeze International. The safety cutoff can fail allowing the heater to rapidly overheat which can pose a fire hazard.

Call 888-847-8718 or go online at www. emerson.com/en-us/commercialresidential/emerson-tool-company and click on Safety Notifications.

The white, rectangle clock measures 8.5 inches wide by 4.2 inches high by 4.5 inches deep. The clocks were sold online at www. lifetonesafety.com for about $215 and installed by fire departments and the American Red Cross nationwide from November 2016 through September 2018.

As a service to our readers and to promote electrical safety, here are some recent recall notices provided by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. Visit www. cpsc.gov/en/recalls for full details of these recalls and for notices of many more.

The alarm detects the T3 emergency signal given by existing smoke alarms and gives an alarm at a lower frequency, which may be better heard by individuals with mild to severe hearing loss. The alarm also gives spoken emergency signals “FIRE GET OUT.” But the optional bed shaker, if attached, will not operate.

The model SF14TA Smart Thermaflo Bathroom Heater Fan, manufactured in 2015 and 2016, is a white rectangle about 13 inches wide and 10 inches high with a plastic grill on the front. “Seabreeze International Corporation,” SF14TA and date code are on a label on the bottom or side of the fan. Affected units have a date code ending in 5 or 6.

The fan was sold at Ace Hardware, Amazon, HomeDepot.com, Wayfair, Sharper Image, Brookstone and Air, and Water Inc. in store and online from August 2015 through May 2017 for between $60 and $65.

Call 800-668-6095, email at SF14TA@ seabreeze.ca, or go online at www. seabreeze.ca and click on SF14TA Recall for more information.

Call 800-648-7923, or go online at www. lifetonesafety.com and click on the Product Safety tab for more information.

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Wabash Valley Power news

Your energy efficiency updates could bring

more than savings The energy efficiency updates you’re planning for your home in 2019 will help save you money, but you could also qualify for a rebate, depending on the projects you have planned.

To see more, including rebates for your business, visit www.PowerMoves.com.

Geothermal Heat Pump (with Electric Backup) • Closed loop ≥ 19.0 EER / ≥ 4.0 COP • Open loop ≥ 23 EER / ≥ 4.5 COP • Condenser and coil must be replaced and installed as a matched set

CLOSED LOOP, REPLACING: electric resistance, fossil fuel, or into new construction

$1,500

OPEN LOOP, REPLACING: electric resistance, fossil fuel, or into new construction

$1,500

Air Source Heat Pump - Split System (with Electric Backup) (Ducted) • • • •

≥ 16 SEER ≥ 9.0 HSPF Electric backup only Condenser and coil must be replaced and installed as a matched set • New system must heat and cool entire home

REPLACING ELECTRIC RESISTANCE: electric furnace, ceiling cable, baseboard

$750

REPLACING FOSSIL FUEL: propane or fuel oil

$750

REPLACING EXISTING AIR SOURCE HEAT PUMP

$250

≥ 20 SEER ≥ 10.0 HSPF Electric backup only Condenser and coil must be replaced and installed as a matched set

REPLACING ELECTRIC RESISTANCE: electric furnace, ceiling cable, baseboard

$300

REPLACING FOSSIL FUEL: propane or fuel oil

$300

REPLACING EXISTING AIR SOURCE HEAT PUMP

$300

Natural Gas, Propane, and Fuel Oil with Heat Pump – Split System (Ducted) • • • •

≥ 16 SEER ≥ 9.0 HSPF ≥ 90 ≥ AFUE Condenser and coil must be replaced and installed as a matched set • New system must heat and cool entire home

REPLACING ELECTRIC RESISTANCE: electric furnace, ceiling cable, baseboard

$500

REPLACING FOSSIL FUEL AND CENTRAL AIR CONDITIONING

$500

Heat Pump Water Heater • Minimum UEF of 2.0.

REPLACING ELECTRIC RESISTANCE TANK

$400

NEW CONSTRUCTION

$400

REPLACING EXISTING SINGLE STAGE POOL PUMP

$250

Variable Speed Pool Pump • ENERGY STAR®

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JANUARY 2019

AHRI Certificates required for all geothermal, air source heat pump, and heat pump water heater rebate applications.

Heat loss/heat gain calculations required for geothermal and air source heat pumps.

Failure to provide requested information may result in forfeiture of rebate.

All installations are subject to verification and/or inspection.

Ductless Air Source Heat Pump (with Electric Backup) (Mini Split) • • • •

Purchase receipts are required for all rebate applications.

For full requirements, see applications.

Rebate program ends Dec. 31, 2019, and is subject to change without notice.

Looking for more information or have questions?

Visit PowerMoves.com or call your local electric cooperative's Energy Advisor for more information.

d n a Biscuits the

travel

Brickyard

Museum celebrates the life, times and contributions of the Clabber Girl – and her family

BY RICHARD G. BIEVER If someday the mortar holding together the famed “Yard of Bricks” at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway is found to be mixed with baking powder — Clabber Girl Baking Powder, to be exact — it should come as no surprise.

How the seemingly incongruent worlds of racing and baking forever merged at Indy dates back to 1945.

But it’s a story worth hearing at the Clabber Girl Museum in downtown Terre Haute.

At the museum, which has no admission charge, visitors learn the history of the Hulman family and its many contributions. One is the kitchen cupboard staple for more than a century that enhanced the art of baking. The other is saving and elevating the Indianapolis 500, Indiana’s most famous worldwide export, that enhanced the art of racing.

A revolving door at the corner of Ninth and Wabash spins visitors back into the 1800s.

The spacious and attractive museum inhabits the remodeled first floor of the Hulman & Company Building, which has served the Hulman headquarters since it opened in 1893.

Through original and re-created artifacts, and late 1800s/early 1900s office and store-front settings, the museum shares the history of one of the oldest brands in America. It also features glimpses into the history of Terre Haute and the evolution of American baking over the past two centuries.

The museum shows and tells how two German immigrant brothers, Francis and Herman Hulman, started their family business as a wholesale supplier of groceries, tobacco and liquor in Terre Haute in the 1850s. By 1878, the Hulman family company began manufacturing its first brand of baking powder called Milk Brand. In 1899, Milk Brand became Clabber

Baking Powder — with “Clabber” being a type of sour milk that in the early 1800s was mixed with pearl ash, soda, cream of tartar, and a few other ingredients to make what we know today as baking powder. In 1923, the name was changed to “Clabber Girl.”

If you go...

Terre Haute

In 1930, 29-year-old Anton “Tony” Hulman Jr., grandson of Herman Hulman, joined the company. He started a nationwide sales campaign and soon, Clabber Girl Baking Powder and its line of other baking products became household names coast to coast as Hulman became president of the family-owned business.

The Clabber Girl Museum

After World War II ended in 1945, Hulman purchased the Indianapolis Motor Speedway from owner Eddie Rickenbacker, the World War I flying ace. During the war, the famed speedway had been neglected and was falling apart. Hulman sensed it was an opportunity to further promote Clabber Girl.

Museum Hours: Mon.-Fri.: 8 a.m.-5 p.m., Sat.: 8 a.m.-3 p.m., Closed on Sundays

900 Wabash Ave. on the northeast corner of Wabash Avenue and Ninth Street in downtown Terre Haute

Terre Haute, Indiana 47807 Website: clabbergirl.com

PHO TO S BY RI CHARD G . BI EVER

Hulman rebuilt the track, and the race itself entered a golden era. Over the next 50 years, the Indy 500 truly became “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing” and remains the world’s largest single day sporting event. Each Memorial Day Sunday, one out of every 1,000 Americans will be perched somewhere around the 2.5 mile rectangular oval.

Whenever it rains on race day, you can bet some radio broadcaster will relay at some point that a “break in the clouds,” “a window of opportunity,” has “opened up in Terre Haute” and is heading Indy’s way. Interestingly, that weather forecast seems to sum up the story of how the Clabber Girl and her plate of buttered biscuits came to utter “start your engines” for all these years at the Brickyard. And Indiana is forever better for her contributions to kitchens and race cars.

Admission to the museum is complimentary.

Groups of more than 10 people are highly encouraged to contact the museum for a guided tour and Bake Shop Café reservations.

RICHARD G. BIEVER is senior editor of Electric Consumer.

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profile

family ALL IN THE

MARCUM CONTINUES JACK’S DONUT LEGACY

BY H OLLY H U FF MAN At the age of 24, Jack “Lee” Marcum III had a choice: Come back home to run the family business or pursue a degree in computer science.

Marcum went with his heart. He chose family and the business he came to love. Since then, the CEO of New Castle, Indiana-based Jack’s Donuts has continued the legacy started by his grandfather, the original “Jack.”

The company, which began in 1961 when Marcum’s grandfather took over a New Castle doughnut shop, now boasts 21 locations in Indiana and in Utah.

According to Marcum, the company is continuing to grow.

We chatted with Marcum about his journey as a young CEO, running a growing family-based business, and the future of Jack’s Donuts.

You were 24 when you took the helm at Jack’s Donuts. Has it been challenging running the business as a young CEO? Yes, but it has made me tough. Being taken serious at a young age was not easy, but I was able power through. I’ve learned that people want a leader; they want to be led. I try to lead by example.

Your grandfather and father running the business previously.

Did you feel like you needed to walk in their footsteps?

Not for a second. My dad always told me to “be me“ and to do whatever I wanted to do. I never felt like I had to do this. It was my destiny.

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JANUARY 2019

Your company has remained local since its founding in 1961. Why is that important to you and to the business?

New Castle is where it all began. Jack’s Donuts wouldn’t be where it is without the great people of Henry County. We will one day be a worldwide company, but our headquarters will always be in New Castle.

Do other family members work for the company?

Yes! My father, Jack Marcum II, works for me as well as my cousin, Austin Marcum.

It is always nice to have someone that you can trust no matter what. Our company is full of great people, but having my dad and Austin around takes a big load off of my shoulder.

Describe the production process for the doughnuts.

Some “wet“ ingredients are shipped into all Jack’s Donuts locations from New Castle, but the majority of everything is made in house. Each Jack’s Donuts franchise employs a skilled head baker who makes doughnuts by hand at each location.

What are your goals for the future of Jack’s Donuts?

Two words — worldwide domination!

What has been your biggest accomplishment as CEO? The opening of Jack’s Donuts Utah. I remember thinking to myself originally,

JACK “LEE” MARCUM III “how am I going to pull this off?” We did, and Utah is now a very important part of our company.

What’s the most popular doughnut at Jack’s?

The tiger tail doughnut. No matter where we go, that doughnut is always a hit!

What’s your favorite doughnut?

The old school chocolate iced roll. I still eat a few every week. I love them!

Holly Huffman is member relations/ advertising manager at Electric Consumer.

Always call 811 before starting fencing & landscaping projects.

Landowners completing these projects were more than three times more likely to hit a buried utility because they did not call 811 before breaking ground.