Jasper County REMC - January 2026 Indiana Connection

Introducing our Interim CEO Violet Sistorvaris

T he

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

PAGE 20

JANUARY 2026

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from the editor

The spark of imagination

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Ashley Curry Production and Design Coordinator

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

Holly Huffman Communication Support Specialist

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

On the menu: April: Submit your favorite recipes

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

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

Britt Davis Editor bdavis@indianaec.org

Amber Knight Creative Manager

you.

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

Giveaway: Enter to win a coffee gift set. Visit

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

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

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

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

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

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

JANUARY 2026

3

contents

JANUARY

12

18

county

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

food

30

outdoors

cover story

12 COUNTY Grant County

18 FOOD Create your ideal rice bowl

28 HOOSIER ENERGY/ WABASH VALLEY NEWS

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

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

16 SAFETY Be prepared for winter storms

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

29 TRAVEL Koteewi Run offers 700 feet of tubing lanes in central Indiana (NOT IN ALL EDITIONS)

FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA

Indiana Connection 4 JANUARY 2026

20

30 OUTDOORS Longing for nostalgic snow days (NOT IN ALL EDITIONS)

On the cover In 1995, singer, songwriter, and actress Dolly Parton launched the Imagination Library in Sevier County, Tennessee. Since then, the library, which offers free books to children from birth to age five, has grown into an international initiative that distributes over 3 million books each month. Learn more about this inspiring program in this month’s cover feature.

co-op news

COMMITTED TO CONTACT US Office: 219-866-4601 888-866-REMC (7362)

serving this cooperative I’m Violet Sistorvaris, and I’m

of our members’ needs and wants,

pleased to introduce myself as the

learning from our employees, and

Connect Internet Service Tech Support: 219-866-4601, prompt 3 888-866-REMC (7362), prompt 3

Interim Chief Executive Officer of

supporting decisions that prioritize

Jasper County REMC. At the time

their interests.

WEBSITE www.jasperremc.com

cooperative for three days, and by

EMAIL jasperremc@jasperremc.com OFFICE HOURS 7:30 a.m.-4 p.m., Monday-Friday STREET ADDRESS 280 E. Wood Road Rensselaer, IN 47978

of this writing, I have been with the the time you receive this magazine, I will have had the privilege of serving this community for about a month. In this short time, it is already clear to me that this cooperative is built on dedication, professionalism, and a sincere commitment to its members.

I am grateful for the warm welcome I have received from the board of directors and from the employees who work every day to keep our system strong in serving you. I am also thankful for the many colleagues across the industry who have reached out; their support means a great deal and reinforces my commitment to serving this

MAILING ADDRESS P.O. Box 129 Rensselaer, IN 47978

My career in the utility industry

cooperative with integrity and

spans nearly 30 years, with most

dedication.

OUTAGES Report your electric outage day or night by phone or through SmartHub® at jasperremc.com or the SmartHub app.

public sector, where I have been

Jasper County REMC is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

of my experience gained in the responsible for human resources, operations, customer service, regulatory financial management, and strategic planning. These experiences strengthened my appreciation for the essential role

WHAT’S INSIDE LOOK FOR THESE STORIES! PAGE 6: Operation Round Up receives civic award PAGE 7: Christmas fun PAGE 8: Electric blanket and space heater safety Don’t forget to search for two hidden account numbers within pages 5-8!

If you find them, and one of them is your account number, call our office before the last working day of the month to claim your $25 bill credit.

utilities play in daily life. Reliability, transparency, and trust have always

In the coming months, I look forward to fully engaging with our team and serving the communities that depend on us. My priorities will remain centered on reliability, service, and communication. In addition, I’m committed to ensuring a smooth and thoughtful transition to the next CEO.

shaped my approach to leadership,

Thank you for the opportunity

and I am committed to bringing

to serve. I am excited for the

those values to this position.

work ahead and honored to lead

Although this is my first leadership role in an electric cooperative, I

Jasper County REMC during this important time.

have long respected the cooperative model. The focus on member ownership, community engagement, and service over profit aligns closely

VIOLET SISTORVARIS Interim CEO

with my own values. I look forward to gaining a deeper understanding JANUARY 2026

5

co-op news

BRIEFS SMALL BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT Do you want your small business highlighted in Indiana Connection?

Call our office or email jasperremc@jasperremc. com for more information.

UPDATE YOUR INFO Please update your contact information. Having an accurate phone number and email on file is important so we can keep you informed with electric or internet updates. Call the office, update it in SmartHub, or use the form on the back of your bill.

Operation Round Up Trustees Melissa Smith (right) and Brandee Moore accepted the award on behalf of Jasper County REMC.

Operation Round Up receives civic award The Greater Rensselaer Chamber of Commerce Presented Jasper County REMC with the Chamber Civic Award for Non-Profit of the Year for our Operation Round Up program. Brandee Moore and Melissa Smith, with the Operation Round Up Board of Trustees, accepted the award on our behalf.

Thank you

WHOLE-HOME

You may have received an email invitation in November or December

GENERATORS

to participate in our survey. Your responses will help ensure that we are

For the safety of our

serving our community effectively, planning to meet local needs, and

linemen, please notify our

responsive to opportunities to improve how

office if you have a whole-

we serve you.

home generator so we

As a community-owned cooperative,

can update your account

our members are our purpose. We exist

accordingly.

to serve you, and we are committed to providing the highest level of service now and into the future. Hidden #33687001.

Thank you for your membership and your input!

6 JANUARY 2026

Christmas fun

co-op news

We had so much fun in the

Christmas season! The Remington

and Rensselaer Christmas Parades were held on Dec. 6. Hidden #14568004. The linemen jumped in to decorate the bucket truck, and our inflatable friends were a big hit again this year.

JANUARY 2026

7

co-op news

KEEPING WARM

HEATING PADS, ELECTRIC BLANKETS AND SPACE HEATERS ELECTRIC SPACE HEATERS AND BLANKETS ARE GREAT WAYS TO STAY TOASTY WARM WHEN THE TEMPERATURE DROPS. BUT DON’T FORGET ABOUT SAFETY BEFORE YOU PLUG IN THESE CHILL-CHASERS. DURING THESE WINTER MONTHS, WHEN SPACE HEATERS AND ELECTRIC BLANKETS COME OUT OF HIBERNATION, HOME FIRES INCREASE. Remember: an electric space heater is a temporary option for supplemental heat. When you leave a room or go to sleep, it is important to turn off your electric space heater. They could overheat or fall. Also, always plug space heaters directly into a wall outlet. Never use an extension cord to avoid overheating.

Electric blankets and heating pads are also popular during the cold months. Never fold them and avoid using them while sleeping. Inspect them for dark, charred or frayed spots, and check to see if the electric cord is cracked or frayed. Read the manufacturer’s instructions and warning labels carefully.

While there is no risk for carbon monoxide poisoning with an electric space heater, it holds many other safety hazards if not used properly. To be safe, install smoke alarms on every floor of your home and outside all sleeping areas. If you already have them, test them once a month.

Don’t let your guard down if you keep yourself or your home warm with an electric space heater, electric blanket or heating pad. By following these tips, you and your family have a better chance of avoiding significant fire and electric shock hazards.

8 JANUARY 2026

energy

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

s you set your goals for the

system can provide more consistent

and cooling systems. This enables

coming year, you can resolve

service to keep you and your home

you to control settings and monitor

to keep more money in your wallet

comfortable.

energy use even when away from

— while saving energy and staying

Save on long-term costs: Most

home. Some appliances even alert

comfortable all year long.

newer appliances and HVAC

you if an issue arises.

Homeowners do not often think

systems are more energy efficient

By planning proactively, you can

about their appliances, such as

than those created over a decade

research the best options available

a water heater or HVAC system,

ago. They will use less energy than

for your replacement. You can visit

until they break. If your HVAC

older equipment, leading to savings

your electric cooperative’s website

system is over 15 years old or

in long-term energy costs. Plus,

to see if any upgrades qualify for

has experienced more frequent

most upgrades typically come with

rebates. You can also contact your

breakdowns, start planning for

a warranty, eliminating those costly

co-op’s energy advisor to begin the

a replacement now, rather than

repairs. With proper maintenance,

conversation.

waiting until it stops working during

it should operate optimally for

extreme weather. Your local electric

years to come. The combination of

cooperative may offer rebates for

improved efficiency and reliability

upgrading to a more energy-efficient

helps save you money over the life

product. You can see multiple

of the equipment.

advantages to your upgrade:

Greater control: Many new

Improved comfort: As appliances

appliances and HVAC systems

and HVAC systems age, they may

now feature internet connectivity,

struggle to maintain the same level

allowing for greater control.

of service as when they were new.

Appliances such as heat pump

Older water heaters may run out of

water heaters may already have

by Andrew Wray

hot water, or heating and cooling

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

Energy Advisor

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

allow for remote control of heating

10 JANUARY 2026

Hendricks Power Cooperative

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county feature

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

COUNTY FACTS FOUNDED:

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

1831

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

POPULATION: 66,674

Photo courtesy of Marion-Grant County Convention and Visitors Bureau

Public Domain

COUNTY SEAT: Marion

INDIANA COUNTY NUMBER: 27

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

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

12 JANUARY 2026

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

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

By Nicole Thomas

Marion

COOPERATIVE STUDENT ART CONTEST SUBMISSIONS

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

The 2026 Cooperative Student Art Contest has

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

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

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

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MARKETPLACE

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

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

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

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

Order your

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

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

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

2026 CALENDA PRODUCE D BY

Cover art by

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

Jane Olsen, kinderg arten division

winner

R

INDIANA CONNECT

ION FOR INDIANA

STUDENT ART

’S ELECTRIC COOPERA

TIVES

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

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

JANUARY 2026

13

Indiana eats

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

By Stephanie Bernaba

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

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

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

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

14 JANUARY 2026

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

ASPASIA COFFEE AND BAKE SHOP aspasiabakeshop.com Aspasia Zionsville

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

Aspasia Carmel PRODUCTION KITCHEN

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

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

B E P RE PA RE D

for winter storms

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

• Never run a generator,

By Chris Adam

Winter in Indiana often brings heavy

Generators are useful during

grill, camp stove, or any

snow, freezing rain, ice storms and

EMERGENCY KITS FOR HOME AND CAR

fuel-burning device inside

strong winds. These conditions

Having storm kits ready at home and in

not only create travel hazards

basement, or other

your vehicle can make a big difference

but can also cause electrical

enclosed space.

if you’re stuck inside for days or

dangers, warns Indiana’s electric

stranded on the road.

cooperatives.

your home, garage,

• Operate generators and store fuel outdoors, at

At home, stock at least two weeks

“Safety around electricity should be

least 20 feet away from

of supplies, including bottled water,

doors, windows, and

top of mind year-round,” said John

nonperishable food, emergency

garages.

Cassady, CEO of Indiana Electric

blankets, first aid supplies, flashlights,

Cooperatives. “In the winter, snow

a battery-powered or hand-crank radio,

and ice on power lines can cause

extra batteries, and basic toiletries.

them to snap or lead to broken

For your vehicle, pack at least three

CO buildup. Because

days of essentials such as blankets,

CO cannot be seen or

warm clothes, jumper cables, bottled

smelled, it can quickly

water, nonperishable food, sand or cat

cause illness or death.

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

• Opening doors and windows or running fans will not prevent

POWER LINE SAFETY

litter for traction, backup batteries, and

Keep these tips in mind if you

phone chargers.

encounter downed lines:

IF THE POWER GOES OUT

home, on every level, and

• Stay at least 35 feet away —

If an outage occurs, conserve heat by

outside sleeping areas for

about the length of three cars.

keeping doors closed to unused rooms

early warning.

• Never touch the line or anything touching it.

• Call 911 immediately and warn others to keep clear.

• Always assume the line is live and dangerous.

16 JANUARY 2026

and limiting trips outside.

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

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

• Install CO alarms in central areas of your

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food

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

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

CHICKEN BURRITO RICE BOWL Glenda Ferguson, Paoli

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

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

½ tsp paprika

drained and rinsed

½ tsp chili powder

1 large tomato, chopped

2 Tbsp oil

6 oz shredded cheese

2 cups corn, frozen

1 cup shredded lettuce

2 Tbsp cilantro, chopped

Salt and pepper to taste

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

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

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

18 JANUARY 2026

FOOD PREPARED BY INDIANA CONNECTION STAFF PHOTOS BY KILEY LIPPS

food

VEGETARIAN POWER BOWL Kristie Bishop, West Lafayette

½ cup brown

¼ cup garbanzo

rice, cooked

beans, canned

¼ cup peas, frozen

¼ cup guacamole

¼ cup mushrooms,

¼ cup salsa

fresh or canned Prepare the rice according to package directions.

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

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

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

SLOW COOKER BUFFALO CHICKEN RICE BOWLS

1.5 lbs boneless,

1½ cups ranch

Staff submitted

½ cup Frank's Red Hot Sauce

rice, uncooked

¼ cup melted butter

1 cup shredded carrots

1 tsp paprika

½ cup blue

skinless chicken breasts

1 tsp garlic powder

1 cup brown or white

cheese crumbles

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

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

JANUARY 2026

19

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

T he

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

Photos courtesy of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library

By Julie Young

S

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

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

20 JANUARY 2026

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

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

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

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

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

Although she was a big dreamer with

However, it was her deep admiration

musical ambitions at a young age,

for her father, combined with an

Parton knew that her key to success

awareness of the doors that literacy

was staying in school and earning her

could open, that inspired the “Jolene”

diploma. She was proud to be the first

singer to create Dolly Parton’s

member of her family to graduate from

Imagination Library. It has evolved

high school. One day later, she moved

into the flagship program of The

to Nashville to start her music career,

Dollywood Foundation and has been

and the rest, as they say, is history.

recognized for improving literacy

father, Robert Lee Parton Sr., worked

After achieving unparalleled

as a sharecropper, tobacco farmer,

success in music and film, Parton

and occasional construction worker

sought ways to give back to others.

to keep his family clothed and fed.

She established The Dollywood

Despite never learning how to read or

Foundation in 1988 to inspire children

write, Parton described her father as

in her home county to achieve

one of the smartest men she had ever

educational success. She created

met and credited him with instilling

the Buddy Program, which offered a

in his children a sense of hard work,

$500 incentive to seventh and eighth-

humility, and pride. However, she also

grade students who graduated from

knew that his inability to read took an

high school. The program was so

emotional toll on him and crippled him

successful that it reduced the dropout

from reaching his full potential in life.

rate from 35 to 6%.

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

JANUARY 2026

21

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

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

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

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

provide additional support to

with children and their caregivers

expand access. They help fund and

around books and reading strengthens

coordinate statewide efforts while

their bond and promotes positive

supporting volunteers and staff to

brain development.”

ensure that all children — regardless

Although the Imagination Library has

of location — can benefit from free reading materials.

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

SUPPORTING CHARACTERS

“The average cost of the program per

program since August 2023. Before

Naturally, Parton doesn’t do it

child, per month is $2.60 or around

that time, only 54 counties participated

alone. Although The Dollywood

$31 per child per year. In states

in the program, with many of these

Foundation covers the overhead and

where there is a state match, the

counties having limited coverage.

administration expenses, coordinates

cost decreases to $1.30 per child per

Today, every county in the state has

the Blue Ribbon Book Selection,

month to around $15 for the whole

an Imagination Library program, and

provides the secure online database,

year,” said Katie Mullins, community

thanks to the work of local and state

and manages ordering and fulfillment,

engagement coordinator for Dolly

partners, enrollment has doubled

the real heroes of Dolly Parton’s

Parton’s Imagination Library

over the past two years from 70,000

Imagination Library are the thousands

of Indiana.

to 138,000. To date, nearly 2.9

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

Statewide partners (where applicable)

22 JANUARY 2026

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

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

libraries and a firm belief that every

Mullins said there is often a

child should grow up in a home

misconception about who is eligible to

filled with books. She said that the

take part in Dolly Parton’s Imagination

opportunity to be part of such a well-

Library, and the answer is, everyone!

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

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

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

continued on page 24

JANUARY 2026

23

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

continued from page 23

chant, was one of Parton’s favorites as

respected early childhood experts.

a child, and she said she saw herself

Over the course of a three-day review,

in the title character. Each subsequent

the committee evaluates each title

book is thoughtfully selected through

and selects those that best represent

a carefully developed process, with

outstanding children’s literature.

age appropriateness as the guiding

Books with political, overtly religious,

principle. Selections also reflect the

or polarizing themes are excluded

“They’ve all shared the experience

values of The Dollywood Foundation

to keep the focus on the mission:

of reading the same books, creating

and Parton herself — love, respect,

to inspire a love of reading. Parton

a sense of connection and leveling

appreciation, kindness, and empathy.

herself is the author of two books in

the playing field for every child,”

Braille and audio Imagination Library

the Library: “I Am a Rainbow”, which

Mullins said.

books are also available through a

discusses the various moods a child

partnership with the American Printing

experiences, and “Coat of Many

House for the Blind (APH).

Colors,” a literary version of her hit

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

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

24 JANUARY 2026

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

song about bullying and acceptance.

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

By the numbers the 2000 Honors Award from

time “The Book Lady” sends out

the Association of American

another story. Some parents

Publishers and the 2012 Best

cherish the smile and squeal that

Practices Award from the Library

accompany each new arrival,

of Congress. Although her own

while others note how their child’s

children were older when Dolly

confidence grows with every story.

Parton’s Imagination Library

1995 The year the Imagination Library was founded

OVER 300 MILLION

Parton understands that parents

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

The number of books gifted worldwide

and caregivers are a child’s first

since the library’s inception

teacher, and they set the course

OVER 138,000

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

“My niece stops everything when

knows that reading to a child from

it is time to get her new book from

birth to age five not only promotes

the mailbox, and immediately her

their future reading ability, but also

parents have to read it to her,”

their academic success.

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

The number of Hoosier children enrolled in the program

NEARLY 2.9 MILLION The number of books gifted to

“The first step is always the

Hoosier children so far

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

It’s an experience that is replayed

$2.60

anything!”

The cost of the program for each

countless households every

child per year

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Best of Indiana

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

Indiana Connection Readers’ Choice Awards

Best of

a n a i Ind

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

BED AND BREAKFAST/COUNTRY INN:

BREWERY:

CAMPGROUND:

COMMUNITY FESTIVAL:

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

LIVE THEATER:

an upcoming “Best of Indiana” feature.

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

MUSEUM:

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

PLACE TO TAKE THE KIDS:

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

Nomination forms are due by

RESTAURANT:

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

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

TENDERLOIN SANDWICH (NAME THE SPECIFIC PLACE):

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

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Wabash Valley Power news

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

That means savings. By avoiding

reflecting on the priorities that drive

expensive peak times, we reduce

our work. Each year brings its own

costs for our members. It also helps

challenges and opportunities, but

stabilize prices overall. Just like

one thing remains constant: our

any other market, electricity follows

commitment to providing affordable,

supply and demand. When demand

reliable electricity to the communities

soars, so can prices. By dispatching

we serve.

batteries during those times,

That guides everything we do at Wabash Valley Power Alliance.

Wabash and our member co-ops can save money.

Every day, I’m focused on how

But affordability is only half the story.

we can strengthen service for our

These batteries also boost reliability.

member communities. It’s a message

Imagine a frigid winter storm or a

I reinforce with my team, and it’s

sweltering summer afternoon. Stored

at the core of our new Substation

energy can be dispatched exactly

Battery Program.

when it is needed most. That not

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

only keeps power flowing but can strengthen the system.

member substations. These are

The Substation Battery Program

not massive batteries you will see

may be a quiet addition to your local

towering over the landscape. In fact,

co-op, but its impact will be powerful.

most people won’t even notice them.

It is one more way we’re living out

But the difference they can make for

our mission: keeping your electricity

your co-op is significant.

affordable, reliable, and ready for

Here is how it works: the batteries

2026 and beyond!

will be installed behind the meter,

Happy New Year,

keeping stored energy right in the

Jeff Conrad President and CEO Wabash Valley Power Alliance

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

28 JANUARY 2026

travel

powder FRESH

Snowy slopes cascading across 700 feet of tubing lanes at Koteewi Run have all the makings of the best winter day ever

Photos courtesy of Hamilton County Tourism

By Natalie Derrickson

Head north to Noblesville for

with getting up and

one of central Indiana’s hidden

onto their tubes on the

gems: Koteewi Run Seasonal

designated child lanes.

Slopes, located within Strawtown

As one of winter’s top spots

During the season, the slopes

in central Indiana, reserving your slope

are open Monday and Tuesday

Tubing season kicks off in

times early is encouraged,

from 5 to 9 p.m., Friday from

December, where fresh powder

as holiday and weekend dates often

5 to 10 p.m., Saturday from noon

is produced on-site, and runs

book up weeks in advance. On

to 10 p.m., and Sunday from

through March, weather permitting.

weekends and holidays, two-hour

1 to 8 p.m. Enjoy extra tubing

For blocks of two or four hours, a

sessions are $35 for riders aged

time on holidays — the slopes

custom-made, single-seater tube is

13 to 59 and $30 for those 12 and

are open from noon to 10 p.m.

yours to ride. Leave your favorite

under or 60 and older. Weeknight rates

For additional dates, details,

sled or tube at home — Koteewi

are $30 for all riders and allow for four-

directions, and online booking,

Run’s tubes are the only ones

hour tubing sessions. Season passes

visit kotewi-adventures.com.

welcome on the slopes. Take the lift

are just $140 for riders aged 13 to 59

line to the top of the slopes and revel

and $120 for all others, making repeat

in the thrill of your journey down the

visits an affordable reality.

Koteewi Park.

groomed tubing lane.

If you get chilly, warm up with a

Koteewi Run Seasonal Slopes

This family-friendly destination

snack and a hot beverage at the

makes tubing easy, and as long as

on-site concession stand or warming

kids can handle their tubing tasks

area. On-site restrooms offer space

solo, they can ride. For safety’s

to change, should you be heading

Noblesville, IN 46060

sake, tubes are single-rider only,

out for more adventures after your

kotewi-adventures.com

but parents can assist younger riders

reservation.

11800 Koteewi Dr.

JANUARY 2026

29

outdoors LON GIN G FO R

nostalgic snow days W

e live in a rural county,

ushering them out the door leads

shoveling doesn’t spoil the magic.

one known for its hills

to more education than having

I walk through my woods to the

and ravines, its hairpin turns and

them sit with a glowing screen as

creak of bending trees, the light

hidden culverts, its covered bridges

a companion. Now that I think of

whistles of the wind, and the lonely

taken at a walk, its narrow gravel

it, from personal experience in the

caws of crows, the latter bringing

roads still named by family rather

art of sledding, snow days taught

back memories of the poet Robert

than number.

me quite a bit about the physical

Frost and his line about the “dust

sciences of weight distribution,

of snow.” I catch sight of my breath

friction, and speed. There was time

in the crisp air, hear the crunch

to read, of course, and I loved that

of my boots in the yet unbroken

as my play clothes dried over a

snow crust, feel the bite of the raw

warm furnace register.

breeze as it reddens my now-

Not so long ago, wintertime nearly always gave us a day or two when we needed to shut down a while just to let the snowplows open the roads; it was, to us anyway,

wrinkled face.

a pleasant diversion from the

Now, as four-wheel drive becomes

usual. Schools were closed, soup

more commonplace, most of us can

Years ago, minus the wrinkles,

heated on the stove, the mail went

get to where we want to go. The

at a time when even flannel

undelivered, and our sleds came off

sight of unbroken snow on a road is

shirts, mismatched cotton gloves,

garage walls.

rare. The sound of revving engines

scratchy wool long johns, and

replacing the muffled silence of

bread wrapper-covered feet could

a day when it used to be so quiet

only go so far to keep me dry and

you could hear the lightest wisps of

warm, I think I already knew that

snowflakes on a coated shoulder.

snow days were a treasure.

I long for no blizzard, no downed power lines, no slide-offs into the ditches, but I do wish we could feel the same way for winter that we used to. Of course, now our

I still look forward to a day with

children and grandchildren must

snow. Retired, with fewer places I

atone for “snow days,” often in the

have to be, I enjoy my cup of coffee

form of “e-learning,” but I think that

by a cabin window. Even a little

30 JANUARY 2026

Mike Lunsford is a freelance columnist, feature writer, and photographer based in Parke County. Contact Lunsford at hickory913@gmail.com.

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