July 2020 — Indiana Connection

JULY 2020

you

HERE’S TO

Senior's anthem for the Class of 2020 goes viral pages 20–25

from the editor

Christmas in July

One of my favorite Christmas traditions is watching Hallmark Channel Christmas movies.

Typically, these movies are “happily ever after” flicks that also provide viewers with the holiday of their dreams: small towns decked out to the nines, festively decorated homes, plates of cookies and mugs of hot cocoa, Christmas caroling, snowman building and buggy rides. The plots are far from complex. But I don’t watch the movies for the plots. I watch them because these movies are Hallmark greeting cards come to life. They make me feel good.

I love Hallmark Christmas movies so much that I’ve been known to watch them throughout the year. My favorites tend to be about cookie baking competitions — which are a common theme in these holiday movies.

Baking cookies is not my forte. My natural inclination is to bake cookies until they look done. Looking “done” to me means “soft brown.” And when you’re making chocolate chip cookies, “soft brown” does not translate to the soft, chewy texture that I prefer. Baking sheet after baking sheet of my cookies come out crispy and overbaked. They definitely aren’t Hallmark movie caliber!

Unfortunately, I fail at other Hallmark movie pastimes as well. For instance, I can’t carry a tune and, therefore, would opt out of a caroling outing, and I’ve never built a respectable snowman.

But it never hurts to dream. So, in the dead of summer when I yearn for the cozy Christmas feeling, I whip up a mug of (instant) hot chocolate, turn on a Hallmark movie, and get lost in the happy holiday spirit … five months early. Sometimes you just need a little “merry.”

VOLUME 70 • NUMBER 1 ISSN 0745-4651 • USPS 262-340 Published monthly by Indiana Electric Cooperatives Indiana Connection is for and about members of Indiana’s locally-owned, not-for-profit electric cooperatives. It helps consumers use electricity safely and efficiently; understand energy issues; connect with their co-op; and celebrate life in Indiana. Over 280,000 residents and businesses receive the magazine as part of their electric co-op membership.

CONTACT US: 8888 Keystone Crossing, Suite 1600 Indianapolis, IN 46240-4606 317-487-2220 info@indianaconnection.org IndianaConnection.org INDIANA ELECTRIC COOPERATIVES OFFICERS: Walter Hunter President Randy Kleaving Vice President Steve McMichael Secretary/Treasurer John Gasstrom CEO EDITORIAL STAFF: Emily Schilling Editor Richard George Biever Senior Editor Holly Huffman Communication Support Specialist Ellie Schuler Senior Creative Services Specialist Taylor Maranion Creative Services Specialist Stacey Holton Creative Services Manager Mandy Barth Communication Manager ADVERTISING: American MainStreet Publications Cheryl Solomon, local ad representative; 512-441-5200; amp.coop Crosshair Media 502-216-8537; crosshairmedia.net Paid advertisements are not endorsements by any electric cooperative or this publication.

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EMILY SCHILLING Editor eschilling@indianaec.org

On the menu: October issue: Recipes featuring phyllo dough,

deadline Aug. 3. November issue: Substituting yogurt for another ingredient, deadline Aug. 3. If we publish your recipe on our food pages, we’ll send you a $10 gift card.

Three ways to contact us: To send us recipes, photos, event listings, letters

and entries for gift drawings, please use the forms on our website indianaconnection.org; email info@indianaconnection.org; or send to Indiana Connection, 8888 Keystone Crossing, Suite 1600, Indianapolis, IN 46240-4606.

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JULY 2020

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contents

JULY

10

17

energy

03 FROM THE EDITOR 05 CO-OP NEWS Energy news and information from your electric cooperative.

10 ENERGY Efficient electrification: How technology is helping reduce energy use.

19

food

12 I NSIGHTS

33

cover story

travel

19 COVER STORY

29 SAFETY

Spotlighting Perry County.

Here’s to You: Crawfordsville senior’s anthem for the Class of 2020 goes viral.

Safeguard electronics with surge protectors.

16 INDIANA EATS

26 CALENDAR

Here come the sunflowers.

(Not in all editions)

(Not in all editions)

27 AUTO

32 H OOSIER ENERGY/ WABASH VALLEY NEWS

14 COUNTY OF THE MONTH

Come to Papa’s Grill in Columbus.

17 FOOD Haute dog: Tasty ways to dress your franks.

FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA

Indiana Connection

On the road again: Make sure your car is in ship shape.

30 BACKYARD

33 TRAVEL Get away nearby at Indiana campgrounds.

On the cover Instead of a commencement speech, Crawfordsville High School senior class president Abby Bannon gave her classmates a song filled with memories during a virtual ceremony in May. The talented singer/songwriter penned another song about the memories the Class of 2020 lost to COVID-19 that went viral nationwide on social media.

PHOTO BY KAYLA BACON LANG; KAYLABACON.COM

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JULY 2020

h g i t l t on o sp

SUMMER SUMMER G E T T H E S C O O P O N S U M M E R T I M E S A F E T Y, S A V I N G S A N D E N T E R T A I N I N G — A N D T H E G R E A T O U T D O O R S — A S W E S W I N G I N T O J U LY.

HOST AN ENERGY-FREE POTLUCK PARTY

Setting off fireworks on the 4th? Look for power lines If the fireworks show is in your yard this July 4, steer clear of power lines.

Most people celebrate by watching a local, professional show — supervised by firefighters. But if you’re starting the performance early with consumer fireworks, here are some tips: Your fireworks might be legal, but that doesn’t mean they are safe. The U.S. Fire Administration reports thousands of fireworks-related injuries each summer. The biggest threat: firecrackers, followed by bottle rockets and sparklers, which burn at about 2,000 degrees.

Fireworks are especially dangerous when used near power lines, so stay clear. Light fireworks only in open areas where no power lines can be seen and call your cooperative immediately if your celebration gets tangled in an overhead wire.

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JULY 2020

Follow these additional safety tips from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission: Children should be spectators, not participants, in the show. Never give children fireworks or sparklers.

Read and carefully follow directions and warning labels.

Most injuries result from improper use.

Keep spectators at least 20 feet away and not downwind from where the fireworks will be set off.

Light fireworks only on a smooth, flat surface away from all flammable materials, including dry leaves.

Never try to relight fireworks that don’t function.

Keep a bucket of water nearby in case of fire.

If it’s too hot to fire up the grill this July 4, then it’s too warm indoors to heat up the oven. The solution: Host an energy-free potluck for the holiday and ask each guest to bring a cold dish that does not require any cooking before the party or heating during the event.

Hard CHEESES and fancy

Some suggestions:

Tangy homemade SALSA

SALADS featuring ripe, red tomatoes and other fresh veggies from the backyard garden

BRUSCHETTA

(a mix of chopped tomatoes, olive oil and basil)

CRACKERS COLESLAW. Try shredding apples instead of cabbage for a summery twist

WATERMELON

mixed with a drizzle of oil, apple cider vinegar, cilantro and mint

and guacamole

FRUIT PLATTER for dessert A bonus: The no-heat menu means no sweaty, lastminute kitchen duty for the hostess.

TO SAVE ON A/C, SPEND MORE TIME OUTSIDE If just the thought of easing up on the air conditioning in the middle of a summer heat wave makes you sweat, consider this trick to save electricity: Go outside.

1 Spend weekend days outdoors.

Before you leave the house for the day, turn the a/c up a few degrees. No need to keep your house super-cool if you’re not going to be in it.

2 Turn all of the lights and electronics off before you head outdoors, even for a little while.

3 Don’t cook on your stove or in your oven. Grill outdoors; prepare big salads; pack a picnic; or order in.

Cilantreo Lim Salsa

INGREDIENTS ⅓ cup freshly squeezed lime juice 2 cups coarsely chopped onion 1½ t. coarsely chopped garlic 2 large jalapenos, minced 1 bunch cilantro, coarsely chopped 1 T. honey 1 t. salt Combine ingredients in the work bowl of a food processor and pulse for 30 seconds.

Taste and adjust seasonings. Serve with red, yellow, orange and green pepper spears or tortilla chips.

Plant for beauty and energy efficiency You might plant shrubs and bushes to make your yard look nicer. They might also lower your energy bill.

Careful landscape planning can help protect a house from summer’s hot sun and winter’s cold winds.

Here’s a quick guide to saving energy through smart planting: Determine the climate in your community and even in your yard. Does your house sit on a sunny hill, or does it get more wind than most?

The best landscapes combine trees for shading in the summer and those that serve as windbreaks in the winter.

Trees not only shade the house, but they can reduce the air temperature nearby by up to 9 degrees, according to the Department of Energy. Air underneath trees can be 25 degrees cooler than the area above unshaded blacktop.

Plant deciduous trees — the kind that shed their leaves in the fall — with high, spreading branches to the south of your home. This allows for ultimate shading in the summer, while still letting winter solar heat filter in. To the west, plant trees with lower crowns to block afternoon sun.

Deciduous trees of six feet to eight feet can begin to shade the home the first year, although five to 10 years will pass before they’re tall enough

to shade the roof. Use shrubs, vines and groundcover plants to line walkways and windows for additional cooling.

If winter wind is your concern, design windbreaks to reduce wind chill. Plant a combination of trees, shrubs and bushes with low crowns to the north and northwest of the home.

Dense evergreen trees protect best, but plant them at a distance of two to five times the maximum height. As a backup, plant bushes and vines about a foot from the house to create insulating air space.

By incorporating energy-saving ideas into your landscape plans, you can have both a beautiful yard and a lower energy bill year-round.

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Overheated, damaged or exposed wires literally can start to smoke and burn inside your wall. So can a dead mouse — or anything from loose insulation to debris of any kind — if it gets trapped in the box behind the outlet.

The dead-animal smell — or a smell like burning rubber — is a warning sign, so don’t ignore it.

Ins and outs of outlets DEAD OUTLET? CHECK IT OUT BEFORE CALLING AN ELECTRICIAN When you plug a lamp or an appliance into a socket, you expect to be able to turn it on.

Sometimes, though, you’ll find that the outlet is “dead.”

Before you call an electrician, check a few things out:

1

Plug something different into the same outlet. It could be that the problem is with the device and not the outlet. If this one turns on, that’s the case.

2

If more than one device is plugged into the same outlet — or if a power strip full of plugs is plugged in there, notice if everything else is working. If not, try this: Unplug one device at a time until something turns on. It could be that you’ve overloaded the outlet.

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JULY 2020

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If nothing is turning on at that outlet, check your circuit breaker. This is usually located in the garage, basement, laundry room or a closet. Open the door and notice if a single switch is turned off; if so, turn it back on. If you can’t locate the circuit that belongs to that outlet, turn all of the breakers off and then turn them back on one at a time.

4

If you plug the lamp back into the outlet and the circuit trips again, it’s time to call an electrician.

5

And if your “dead” outlet is a GFCI outlet, you might be able to solve the problem simply by pressing the “reset” button on the face of the outlet.

Instead, inspect every outlet in the house until you locate the one that smells. Unplug everything from the outlet; the plug will probably be hot.

Then, call a licensed electrician to diagnose the problem and repair the outlet.

THREE WAYS TO PREVENT ELECTRICAL FIRES Three of the most common causes of electrical fires in the home are 100 percent preventable.

More than 1,300 die or are injured in the 26,000 house fires caused by electricity mishaps every year, the U.S. Fire Administration estimates.

Here’s how to rid your home of the most common culprits:

1

Extension cords. These handy wire-stretchers are not designed for continuous use. They’re made to solve temporary problems.

WHAT’S THAT SMELL?

Too many homeowners use extension cords year-round, and that can cause them to overheat. An overheated cord is a fire hazard.

The next time you think you can smell a dead mouse in the house but can’t find one, check your electrical outlets.

Solution: If you don’t have enough outlets, or if your heart is set on locating a lamp out of reach, have an electrician

install additional outlets, including one closer to the lamp.

2

Old wiring and outlets. If your home is more than 20 years old and its electrical wires and outlets have never been updated, a hazard could lurk behind its walls.

Electrical standards have changed over the years as the experts have become more knowledgeable about electrical safety. And the electrical load in your home has grown as computers, phone chargers and mega-size TVs have moved in.

The electrical systems in older homes were designed to handle less activity.

Overloading that system can trigger a fire.

Likewise, electrical components don’t last forever.

If yours are deteriorating, it’s time to replace them.

Finally, older homes have few grounded outlets. All outlets in every room that has water or that gets wet — bathrooms, kitchens, basements, garages and laundry rooms, for instance — need ground-fault circuit interrupters. Adding them is a job for a professional electrician.

3

Overloaded outlets. Even if your home is new, you can overload its outlets.

Plugging too many appliances, lamps and electronics into a single outlet can overheat the wires and the outlets. That can lead to a fire. If your circuits are tripping often, that’s a sure sign that something’s wrong.

Call in a pro.

energy

PART #1

Efficient electrification How technology is helping reduce energy use

The benefits of

co-ops are actively

into horsepower where

improving the efficiency

electricity are all around

working on the future

gasoline-powered

in the ways we travel

us. From increased

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heat pumps are helping

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impact on all of us.

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members reduce energy

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use while improving the

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of us spend one-fifth

comfort of their homes.

benefits are best

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high-efficiency through

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Through a diverse

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Together, these

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stored in their batteries

advancements are

10

JULY 2020

by

Larry Edwards

Engineering Services Supervisor Clark County REMC

insights

Making the year brighter WINNERS SELECTED IN 23RD STUDENT ART CONTEST Just as COVID-19 restrictions delayed many events and activities this spring, judging for the Cooperative Calendar of Student Art contest, normally held in April, was pushed back until June.

Through the contest, now in its 23rd year, artwork from talented young artists from throughout the state was chosen to illustrate a wall calendar which will be distributed through Indiana’s electric cooperatives and also through Indiana Connection magazine.

• September: Mary Batz, Williams, Ninth Grade • October: Elizabeth Miller, South Whitley, 10th Grade • November: Danielle Sommerman, English, 11th Grade • December: Evan Olinger, Sellersburg, 12th Grade

Evan Olinger of Sellersburg was named Best of Show winner for the third time for his colored pencil drawing for the month of December.

A grade division winner for seven consecutive years, Olinger was a senior when he entered the art contest during the 2019-20 school year.

• Kindergarten: Ellie Sherman, Flora • First Grade: Primrose Jones, Charlestown • Second Grade: Victoria White, Medora • Third Grade: Knox Coen, Fairland • Fourth Grade: David White, Medora • Fifth Grade: Ally Brown, South Whitley • Sixth Grade: Jeremy J. Loveras, Lebanon • Seventh Grade: Alessandra Dominguez Javier, Seymour • Eighth Grade: Heidi Kreutz, Seymour • Ninth Grade: Lauren Brewster, Portland • 10th Grade: Sanchali Pothuru, Carmel • 11th Grade: Kayla Florian, Morocco • 12th Grade: Emmaline Zink, Winona Lake

First place winners and the months they will illustrate are: • Cover artist: Lily Jones, Charlestown, Kindergarten • January: Violet Kesler, Warsaw, First Grade • February: Olivia DeShamp, Jasper, Second Grade • March: Evie Huff, Monrovia, Third Grade • April: SaRai A. Fontarez, Seymour, Fourth Grade • May: Logan Huff, Monrovia, Fifth Grade • June: Harley Koons, Seymour, Sixth Grade • July: Bryan Michael Yoder, Shipshewana, Seventh Grade • August: Hannah Stewart, Salem, Eighth Grade

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Honorable mention winners will also have their artwork printed in the calendar. Those students are:

The Cooperative Calendar of Student Art will be available in October. For information about entering next year’s calendar art contest visit indianaconnection.org/ for-youth/art-contest.

BOO! How do you do the ‘boo?’

Halloween brings out the kid in all of us. We can dress up ourselves, our homes and even our food to get in the “spirit” of the season.

Our October cover story will focus on what readers like you do to celebrate Halloween.

Tell us about your favorite DIY costumes and how you made them. Share your decorating tips for making your home “spook-tacular.” Or, do you have a favorite trick-or-treat memory?

We’d like to hear about it!

Send us your photos and share your stories by Aug. 17. Five random readers who participate in our Halloween feature will each be “treated” to a $50 prize.

There are three ways to contact us: our website (www.indianaconnection. org); through email (info@ indianaconnection.org); or mail (Indiana Connection, 8888 Keystone Crossing, Suite 1600, Indianapolis, IN 46240).

JULY 2020

Looking for kids who are making a difference Indiana’s electric cooperatives, along with Indiana Connection, are accepting applications for the Youth Power and Hope Awards. This awards program honors fifth through eighth graders who are leaders in their communities.

Five winners will each received $500 and be featured in an upcoming issue of Indiana Connection.

Interested? Simply submit an application, examples of how you have been involved in your local community, and a reference letter from a trusted adult by Friday, Oct. 2. Visit indianaconnection.org/?p=230 for an application and to learn about past award recipients. Contact us at info@ IndianaConnection.org or 317-487-2220 if you have any questions.

Marketplace Our Marketplace offers maximum exposure for your business or organization at a minimal cost. A limited number of display ads (such as the one to to the right) are available each month.

Don’t miss this opportunity to reach over a half million consumers at an affordable rate!

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

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county feature

Perry County Tucked along the state’s southern contours amid the rolling hills of the Hoosier National Forest and the Ohio River, Perry County is one of Indiana’s best kept secrets.

Almost three quarters of the county is within the southernmost boundaries of the National Forest which offers Perry County residents and visitors a variety of outdoor activities at six recreation sites.

As a major thoroughfare for transporting goods and people in the 1800s, the Ohio River played even a bigger role in shaping the county’s settlement and economy than it did creating the county’s squiggly contours. Perry County’s three largest communities — Cannelton, Tell City and Troy — share the same span of riverbank on the county’s west side.

Beginning in 1849, Cannelton was slated to be the center of an ambitious textile industry development. When the Cannelton Cotton Mill opened in 1851, the five-story structure with twin 100-foot towers was the largest industrial building west of the Allegheny Mountains.

While the rest of the development never materialized, cotton flowed continuously from the mill until it closed in 1954. In 1991, the abandoned structure was named a National Historic Landmark. After a major restoration and renovation investment, the mill became a low-income apartment complex in 2003.

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PHO TO BY RI CHARD G . BI EVER

Perry County’s seat, Tell City, honors legendary Swiss freedom fighter and renowned marksman William Tell.

According to legend, Tell was forced to shoot an apple off his son's head with a bolt from his crossbow after refusing to bow before the hat of the Austrian ruler. The statue, modeled after one in Altdorf, Switzerland, stands atop a fountain at the town’s city hall.

For over 100 years, Tell City, founded in 1858, was known for its furniture manufacturing and wood craftsmanship. But in the late 1970s, competition from cheaply-made furniture abroad started a 30-year downward spiral for U.S. manufacturing which led to the shuttering of Tell City’s woodworking industry.

Along with its recreational tourism, Perry County has continued to rebuild its historic economic base in manufacturing. Waupaca Foundry located a new facility on the outskirts of Tell City in 1997.

The producer of several types and grades of iron, used in machinery manufacturing, was attracted to the county by the availability of skilled workers not long after the iconic Tell City Chair Company closed, the railroad spur the county had just purchased, and river port it had begun developing.

Today, the Hoosier Southern Railroad is a 22-mile short line that operates between Cannelton and Lincoln City, where it interchanges rail traffic with the Norfolk Southern Railway and provides access to the Ohio River.

y t n u o C acts F FOUNDED: 1814 NAMED FOR: Oliver Hazard Perry, the victorious U.S. naval commodore in the War of 1812 POPULATION: 19,102 (2018 estimate) COUNTY SEAT: Tell City

All aboard for river and rural scenery The Ohio River Scenic Railway is now offering several excursions through Perry County river towns and into the fields and forests where Abraham Lincoln grew up in neighboring Spencer County.

Operating along the same lines as The Hoosier Southern Railroad from Tell City to Lincoln City, the scenic railway was to begin its inaugural season in April, but the pandemic tossed a monkey wrench into those plans. As of press time for this issue, excursions were rescheduled to begin June 20.

Visit www.OhioRiverTrain.com for information about this new Perry County attraction.

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Indiana eats

Come to Papa’s Columbus eatery offers tasty wings and more Locally-owned, family

wings, slathered in a variety

generous and prices are

friendly, convenient … and

of sauces (Honey BBQ,

reasonable.

yummy food, of course.

Honey Garlic Teriyaki,

When we’re choosing

Asian Ginger, Buffalo Hot,

a place to eat, these

Buffalo Mild and Cajun Dry

important considerations

Rub) to satisfy every wing

lead us to our eventual

aficionado. Other patron

favorite restaurants.

picks from Papa’s are the

Papa’s Grill in Columbus ticks all those boxes — and some more, too.

Reuben sandwich, the Buffalo Chicken Salad and the quintessential Hoosier favorite, the tenderloin, one

Papa’s is not only a good place to stop for a meal en route to a Southern Indiana getaway; with four 50-inch HD plasma TVs and 11 beers on tap — along with those afore-mentioned wings — it’s the perfect spot to watch a game.

Established in 2008, Papa’s

of the menu items prepared

Meanwhile, those desiring

is tucked away in a small

with seasonings from

sandwich, salad and soup

strip mall on State Road

Brownstown, Indiana-based

options and convenient on-

46 right off I65. Its eclectic

spice manufacturer, Marion-

the-go deli box lunches can

menu features something

Kay Spices. The other is

try out Papa’s Deli, located

for everyone: appetizers,

the hand-breaded whitefish

at Third and Chestnut

salads, sandwiches,

served in a fish and chips

streets in Columbus. You’ll

entrees and a menu just for

basket or topped with an

find some of Papa’s Grill’s

the kiddos.

onion, tomato, pickles,

favorites there, along with

Menu musts include both

and lettuce in Harry’s Fish

a wide array of specialty

Sandwich. Portions are

items including subs,

traditional and boneless

Papa’s Wing Basket in Asian Ginger Sauce with Papa’s Fries and Coleslaw

unique vegetarian offerings, and various takes on chef’s

Papa’s Grill 3780 W. Jonathan Moore Pike Columbus, Indiana

812-342-9736

PAPASFAMILY.NET Temporary hours: 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily

salad.

Buffalo Chicken Salad

Papa’s also offers catering, carry out and delivery options so you can enjoy your Papa-licious favorites wherever you’d like.

Now more than ever, it’s important to support local restaurants in your community and throughout the state. If you’re in the Columbus area, come to Papa’s!

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JULY 2020

Papa’s Grill in Columbus, Indiana

food

Haute Dogs TASTY WAYS TO DRESS UP YOUR FRANKS

Humble hot dog no more! Celebrate National Hot Dog Month by upgrading everyone’s favorite summertime staple. Set up a toppings bar of creative extras to bring out the best in the wurst. Turn the page to find out how.

JULY 2020

17

food

FRANKS

fully loaded

GOT LEFTOVER HOT DOGS? Chop them up and add them to: scrambled eggs, macaroni and cheese, marinara sauce, twicebaked potatoes, tomato soup

By adding a few tasty extras, your dog can explode with flavor. First step in setting up a simple yet wowworthy hot dog bar: print out recipe cards for these four sandwiches at indianaconnection.org/printablehot-dog-recipes. Then, stock up on the ingredients, including your favorite hot dogs and buns. On the day of your get-together, set out the ingredients and recipe cards, grouped together according to sandwich, on your buffet or picnic table. Finally, invite your guests to create their own culinary masterpieces.

the bahn mi: Sriracha mayo Sliced jalapeno peppers Pickled carrots Cilantro

chicago dog: Dill pickle spears Tomato slices Pepperoncini Mustard

For those who prefer going “freestyle� with their franks, set out an array of toppings like: Barbecue sauce Hoisin sauce Nacho cheese sauce Chili or chili sauce Pesto Marinara sauce

Relish

Ranch dressing

Chopped onion

Hummus

mexican street corn dog: Cilantro

French onion chip dip Hot pepper sauce Sauerkraut

Grilled corn

Crumbled bacon

Mayonnaise

Pulled pork

Cotija cheese

Cole slaw

all american dog: Ketchup

Sliced radishes Baked beans Crushed corn chips

Mustard

Shredded lettuce

Relish Chopped onion

You can also include other options for those who want to go beyond the bun. Pita bread, tortillas and lettuce leaves are all good alternatives for the traditional hot dog bun.

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JULY 2020

THE BAHN MI

food

CHICAGO DOG

ALL AMERICAN DOG

MEXICAN STREET CORN DOG

Readers: Send us photos of your hot dog bars. Our contact information is on page 3.

JULY 2020

19

you

HERE’S TO

CRAWFORDSVILLE SENIOR’S ANTHEM FOR THE CLASS OF 2020 GOES VIRAL

BY RICHARD G. BIEVER

As president of her graduating class, Abby Bannon was expected to deliver the traditional speech welcoming classmates, family, faculty and friends to the 2020 Crawfordsville High School commencement in May. Instead, in a year that’s been anything but traditional, the talented singing/songwriting senior penned an ode for her classmates filled with school memories they shared.

For an encore, she wrote a second song filled with the memories they missed.

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JULY 2020

As the COVID-19 pandemic abruptly shut down campuses nationwide, students had to quarantine and turn to e-learning. All sports, extracurriculars, even traditional graduation ceremonies were canceled or postponed.

“It affected every aspect of this senior year we always dreamed of and hoped for and thought about,” Abby said. “The hardest part: I wanted to be with my friends and my fellow seniors who were going through the same thing, but we couldn’t mourn and be together because we were quarantined.”

Her welcoming song was performed in front of just two others, her principal and a videographer May 22. It then played at the start of her high school’s “virtual” graduation ceremony on YouTube released the night of their original graduation May 29.

The second song, called “Here’s to You,” Abby videoed herself singing in the guest bedroom in her family’s basement and posted it on social media. Accompanying herself on acoustic guitar, Abby sang “here’s to the ones who won’t get the chance to take the field at their

After Abby Bannon’s home-recorded solo version of “Here’s to You” went viral on social media in late March, a Nashville music production company, with which the Bannon family had connections, signed Abby to produce a studio version. Because of COVID-19 restrictions, she was unable to travel to Tennessee for the recording, but instead went to Kokomo’s Whisper Studios to record her vocals.

Producers in Nashville then added backing instruments and vocals. The song was released in April.

In May, “CBS Sunday Morning” with Jane Pauley featured high school and college seniors coping with the COVID-19 campus closures. The segment used Abby’s video singing her song for its opening and closing, dissolving a close up of her face into one the show’s iconic “sun” images used at the end of each segment.

“I knew all my friends would enjoy it,” Abby said of the four-minute song, “and I could picture the moms at my school sitting and crying. But I never expected this kind of attention or support.”

Abby received messages from fellow seniors saying everything from, “This is so real to us!” to “Thank you for putting to music what’s in my mind and heart right now.”

“Reading all these messages makes me feel like I’ve contributed positively to others experiencing similar emotions,” she said. “I’m grateful for that and hope everyone who hears this song can find a point of light in it.”

Missing high school moments isn’t the worst that could happen during a health crisis, Abby noted. “I kept reminding myself and my friends that it really could be so much worse. There are so many better days ahead and so many other things to look forward to.”

‘making them who they are’ P H OTO B Y K AYL A B A C ON LA N G K AYLA B A C ON .C OM

last home game, or ask that girl to prom, or sing their school fight song.” (See full lyrics on next page.)

With a soft pop-country vibe, the song about all that the virus took away went viral itself. It became an anthem for high school and college graduates of the Class of 2020.

Within weeks, from April into May, the song had over a million streams and drew the attention of Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb during one of his Friday COVID-19 updates and even the national “CBS Sunday Morning” broadcast.

Abby is one of those overachieving students most every school sees passing through from time to time ... the kind you’ll find on about every other yearbook page. She was involved in multiple clubs and activities and was a rare four sport athlete: volleyball, swimming, softball and track. She was also among the top 10 academically in her class and earned several scholarships.

In addition to school, Abby was active in her church, Rock Point, on the south edge of Crawfordsville, as one of the worship singers and was involved in the youth group.

That’s how “Here’s to You” really came about.

I ... hope everyone who hears this song can find a point of light in it.

Abby started writing songs just last autumn with her mentors and friends, Rock Point’s worship directors Grace Stewart and Rhett Thomas, “like Thomas Rhett (the country singer),” Abby noted, “but backwards.” The three share the writing credit for “Here’s to You” and are planning to record an album of original Christian music.

Abby’s musical influences straddle contemporary Christian and contemporary country, and include Taylor Swift, Thomas Rhett, Dan + Shay, and older artists like George Strait.

She said she and Grace would meet once a week to practice writing together. After social distancing was put into place, they continued the weekly sessions on FaceTime. “As songwriters, you need to be writing all the time,” Abby said to work out different experiences and feelings and the feel of the music. “Here’s to You” was just another practice song they came up with.

“I wanted to write a song for the seniors,” she said. “So, I just put my thoughts down on paper: the things I was missing out on and the things I’ve heard my friends talk about, and being upset about.

And the ‘here’s to you’ kept coming back up. So we ran with that. After CONTINUED ON PAGE 22 JULY 2020

21

HERE’S TO YOU Remember on the first day Walkin through the hallway Talkin bout how we couldn't wait To get to leave this place, And graduate.

Now we're in our last year, Yeah we should be there Surrounded by our friends Making memories … that's how it should be.

Yeah I wish that we could turn back time But we will have to leave it all behind.

So, here's to the ones who won't get the chance to Take the field at their last home game, Or ask that girl to prom, Or sing their school fight song.

Here's to the ones who have to say goodbye To the past four years of their lives That made them who they are.

Here's to you, here's to you.

I'm staying in these four walls Thinkin’ bout the phone call When they told us we were done.

Who would've thought that it would come to this.

And I'm trying not to look back Knowin’ that we get that diploma in our hands One of these days.

But it won't be the same.

And we know that we can never turn back time So now we will have to leave it all behind.

So, here's to the ones who won't get the chance to take the field at their last home game Or ask that girl to prom, Or sing their school fight song.

And here's to the ones who have to say goodbye To the past four years of their lives That made them who they are.

Here's to you.

And to the rest of your life.

It's gonna fly right by.

So be thankful for each moment And don't waste your time.

And on the road ahead, I hope you understand That there is purpose in the hard times.

So, here's to the ones who won't get the chance to Take the field at their last home game Ask that girl to prom, Sing their school fight song.

And here's to the ones who Have to say goodbye to the past four years Of their lives that made them who they are.

Here's to you, here's to you, here’s to you.

Lyrics by Abby Bannon, Grace Stewart, Rhett Thomas © 2020 Songs of Fourward Music (BMI), Abby Bannon Music (BMI) admin by Songs of Fourward Music, Sarah Grace Stewart Publishing JULY 2020 Designee (BMI), Garrett Jonathan Thomas Publishing Designee (BMI). All rights reserved. Used by permission.

22

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 21 we finished it, I knew I needed to share that. So, I recorded myself singing it and posted it.”

Abby noted that when they wrote the song the third week of March, Crawfordsville had not officially shut down for the year. It was written more out of empathy for seniors at other schools that had already announced their closure. She was not ready to concede. After two weeks off in March, which included spring break, the hope was the virus would blow over, and they’d be back in April. “We left anticipating coming back. I was just trying to have a positive attitude about it. All the way up until the day they told us we weren’t coming back, I was confident we would.”

The day she and her classmates received the fateful news in April, as the song gained national attention, a podcast in Texas was interviewing her about it. That’s when it became too real. “I cried on the interview because I had sung it for the first time since we had found out we were actually going to be done,” she recalled. “It just hit closer to home because we weren’t going back. That was really hard to deal with. That was a rough day.”

The Class of 2020 will be remembered perhaps most for its rough beginnings and endings. The class that graduated with the coronavirus pandemic was the born during the horrific events of 9/11. Abby, in fact, was born Sept. 12, 2001, the day after the terrorist attacks. “It’s crazy being born into that and graduating during this time,” she said.

“It’s been a crazy life span.”

Abby has been singing since middle school choir and playing guitar since eighth grade. But it was not until last autumn, about the time she started seriously writing songs, did she ever start considering a career in music that may now be in her future. That change of direction came about over a fish fry during a deer hunt.

Abby poses with her little brother, Henry, during a deer hunting trip to Southern Illinois last autumn. Abby and her dad are avid turkey and deer hunters. During the trip, Nashville musicians who heard her sing and play encouraged her to go to Nashville.

PHO TO PRO VI DED BY ABB Y BANNO N

Her dad, Jeff Bannon, had long taken Abby, the oldest of his three kids, turkey and deer hunting. He and his wife, Amanda, also have another daughter, Alyx, and son, Henry. A genuine “country girl,” Abby said she loves the time out in the country hunting with her dad.

A lot of aspiring singers and songwriters go to Nashville seeking that big break. With Abby, Nashville met her halfway — at a deer hunting club in southern Illinois.

Long-time friends of the Bannon family include Rob and Shannan Hatch. The couple is involved in the Nashville country music scene.

Rob is a musician and has written several top songs for Florida Georgia Line, Jason Aldean, Lee Brice and others. Shannan had just recently been named president of Fourward Music, a talent management and production company with an office in Nashville.

The Hatches and Brice joined Abby, her dad and brother, along with a group of about 50 other deer hunters at the club. One night as the group gathered for dinner, Rob Hatch and Brice asked Abby to join them playing music.

“Abby played a few songs,” said Shannan Hatch, “and blew us all away.”

At the time, Abby was planning to attend Purdue University this fall.

But the three from Nashville sat Abby and her dad down and said they know talent when they see it. They told them Abby needed to move to Nashville.

mont University, a small Christian school near downtown Nashville, to study music and business. Through Belmont, she’ll also be able to have an internship with Fourward Music to learn more about the music industry.

Abby had planned on visiting Shannan during spring break to get a preview of what she could expect, but then came COVID-19 which nixed those plans, too. Ironically, that’s when “Here’s to You” came along. Abby sent her video to Shannan and Rob who immediately realized how special it was and decided it needed to be recorded professionally and released. And time was of the essence.

Because of the pandemic, instead of going to Nashville to record it, Abby went to Whisper Studios in Kokomo to record the vocal. Rob and Shannan and their production team hooked up virtually with Whisper Studios, Shannan said, “So we could talk real time and hear real time and help produce the vocals from Nashville.”

“And then they did all their magic and recorded all the instruments and back up vocals and things like that,” said Abby, “and I just really sat back and watched it all play out.”

‘on the road ahead’

The final produced version of the song was quickly released. “We decided we wanted to keep it scaled down, not produced too much but produced enough that radio would play it if they started picking up on it,” Shannan said.

After the deer hunt experience, and with the full support of her parents, Abby will now be attending Bel-

It was the first time Abby recorded professionally, and she was amazed. “There is no way that is

my voice, and that is my song,” she said when she first heard the final production.

“With this song,” Shannan said, “Abby has created so much joy for so many people. It has been such a great feel-good project to work on during this time. It’s been good for my soul, too.

“She’s got a knack for writing songs that are very relevant to her age group,” Shannan continued. “A lot of times when I see younger people writing songs, they’re trying to write about things they haven’t necessarily experienced. With Abby and her content, she’s writing from a very personal point of view.”

‘Purpose in the hard times’ The twist of fate that kept Abby home from Nashville for spring break, yet launched her beyond a mere introduction to Nashville is not lost on Abby or Shannan.

“It’s very strange how things work out,” Shannan said. “I feel like everything happens for a reason even though we don’t know what the reasons are. With this case, Abby’s trajectory went a lot faster because of this scenario.”

“My heart wanted that college CONTINUED ON PAGE 24 JULY 2020

23

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 23 experience,” Abby said. “I was in love with Nashville, and I have been to Belmont. It’s just a beautiful campus. And so I prayed about it for a long time, and then God opened the door for me to go to Belmont and be able to intern with Shannan through that. And then [“Here’s to You”] happened that had nothing to do with all that. It’s just crazy how all these pieces are falling into place.”

So now, Shannan is champing at the bit to get Abby to Nashville. “I’m excited about really exploring what all she can do.

When someone’s creative, they thrive in a creative setting. And that’s something Abby hadn’t had a chance to experience yet.

She’s from a good family, and she’s got good Christian values.

There’s just nothing bad about the child.”

Just as in her song, it must seem the last 10 months of Abby’s life have flown right by. She’s thankful for each moment; but she’s not wasting any time.

“If something comes of it while I’m in Nashville, then great,” Abby said. “I’m like: ‘Take me if you want me. I’m down for anything right now. But my plan is to study business and do something in the [music] business. I think there’s a lot of opportunity, so we’ll see.”

“She has a unique perspective in the way she writes. And the way she can relate to people,” added Shannan. “It’s something that can’t really be taught. It’s just something certain people have, and Abby has that ‘it’ factor.

There’s something very special about Abby Bannon.”

24

JULY 2020

As with any good commencement address, Abby’s “Here’s to You” ends on an upbeat note.

Like other schools, Crawfordsville is now planning for late this month a prom and a live commencement ceremony where Abby hopes to perform before her classmates one last time.

Much has already changed for the Class of 2020 in the months since they were told they were done. There’s talk what the “post-COVID-19 world” will hold, just as there was for the “post9/11 world” they were born into; they have witnessed marches for racial equality and protests like none in over 50 years; and they have seen America, after nine years, launch back into space.

So, here’s to you, Abby. And here’s to all the graduating seniors in the Class of 2020.

Godspeed you all on your way.

Richard G. Biever is senior editor of Indiana Connection.

HERE FOR YOU

crew

HOOSIERS HELPING OTHERS Face masks have been de

rigueur in these COVID times and crafty folks throughout the country have been turning their fabric scraps into these important personal protective items. In Pulaski County, a group of women has sewn some 5,000 masks to help make this northern Indiana community safer. Carroll White REMC member Michelle Schmicker of Winamac is one of the “Scrappy Sewers,” the local quilting group that began face mask production back in March.

The women initially provided face masks to the employees and patients of Pulaski Hospital and on May 1, when it became

ABBY BANNON

mandatory in their community to wear face masks, Schmicker and her husband, Todd, handed out

Watch her lyric video:

527 masks from their front porch.

youtube.com/watch?v=lI89QGaBms

Not only was this face mask

Listen to more songs: youtube.com/channel/ UCcdl6mb3ZFFvjCsCGs745rQ

Follow Abby on Instagram, Twitter and TikTok: @abbybannon_

project spotlighted on South Bend’s ABC Channel 57, Gov. Eric Holcomb cited the group’s efforts on his April 29 COVID-19 briefing.

“Their model is one lady leaves them

Resources. “This young lady has

large heart,”

out on the front porch, and then you

brought so much fun and life to our

Bryles noted.

take what you need and that’s it,”

clients at the Rensselaer facility

“A lot of the

he noted. “And if that isn’t Hoosier, I

where my husband and I also work,

clients do not

don’t know what is.”

helping people with disabilities,”

understand

Bryles wrote.

why they can’t

Todd Schmicker who shared the

go to the stores

“Scrappy Sewers” story with us

CDC helps its clients in a variety of

agrees. “If you want to see local

ways. Those participating in the day

heroes, it’s these ladies.” The group

service program are bused to the

also sews quilts of valor, homeless

facility daily to learn life, social and

mats and pillowcases for children’s

academic skills. CDC also manages

hospitals.

group homes and assistance living

Bryles says she is amazed by

apartments for other clients.

Tokarz’s abundance of energy and

A joyful, positive attitude goes a long way in soothing others’ spirits in a challenging and frightening time. That’s why Elizabeth Bryles of Wheatfield nominated Marie Tokarz for the Here for You Crew. Tokarz works in human resources at CDC

Throughout the pandemic, Tokarz has helped with projects for staff and clients to do together and makes it a point to visit everyone, entertaining them with her funny antics. “Marie has displayed the caring, happy, selfless spirit of a person with a

or out to eat, so we just give a lot of reassurance that we will get through this crisis.”

joy. A single mother of two young boys, one of whom is autistic, Tokarz is well aware of the challenges CDC clients face. “She is alongside all of us sharing the difficult times with the fun times and making a difference with such passion that we all have for our clients we serve,” Bryles said.

JULY 2020

25

calendar

JULY

AUGUST

Due to the ever-changing coronavirus situation, please note that the events below may not occur at their originally scheduled times. Be sure to reach out to the event contacts below to ensure that the programs you are interested in are still taking place.

NORTHEAST

NORTHWEST

25

30Aug.

2

ZANESVILLE LIONS CLUB HOMESPUN DAY FESTIVAL, Zanesville (Allen/ Wells counties), Zanesville United Methodist Church. Music, car parade, craft/flea market booths, food, co-ed softball tourney, antiques, horse and wagon rides, car show (registration fee), town-wide garage sales, and more. 260-638-4327 or 260-479-8235. https://www.facebook.com/ zanesvillehomespunday/ BARNSTORMING JASPER COUNTY — BIPLANE RIDES, Rensselaer (Jasper), Jasper County Airport. Barnstormers Andrew King of Bald Eagle Biplane Rides and Dewey Davenport of Goodfolk & O’Tymes Biplane Rides will offer vintage open-cockpit biplane rides. Rides are first come, first serve and start at $80 for adults and $60 for kids 12 and under, with a two-person minimum. 8 a.m.-Sunset (7/30-8/1); 8 a.m.-Noon (8/2). 219-866-2100. info@jaspercountyairport.com. http:// jaspercountyairport.com/biplane-rides/

Aug.

SHIPSHEWANA ANTIQUE FESTIVAL, Shipshewana (LaGrange). Farmstead Event Pavilion. Steam and tractor show, working demonstrations, an antique telephone show. Food and door prizes. Free. 8 a.m.4 p.m. 260-768-4129. info@ shipshewanatradingplace.com. https://shipshewanatradingplace. com/events/shipshewanaantique-market/

Aug.

ANGOLA ART FESTIVAL, Angola (Steuben), downtown. Artists, antiques, street performers, music and kids’ activities. Free. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. 260-665-5386. downtownangola-in.org

1

1

CENTRAL Aug.

1

Aug.

6-8

GRISSOM AIR MUSEUM WARBIRD CRUISE-IN, Peru (Miami), Grissom Air Museum. Car show, food, vendors. Museum open. Admission charge.

765-689-8011. grissomairmuseum.com POPCORN FESTIVAL OF VAN BUREN, Van Buren (Grant), across from the library. Parade, car show, 5k run, free entertainment, food booths, and Lions Club tenderloin booth. Schedule varies by day. Free. 765-9982966. Popcornfestivalofvanburen.org

SOUTHWEST

30Aug.

2

Aug.

5-8

OAKLAND CITY SWEET CORN FESTIVAL, Oakland City (Gibson), Wirth Park. Parade, music, rides, food vendors, fried chicken and pork chop dinners, and corn-eating contest. Free. 812-677-0728. gibsoncountyin.org

SCHWEIZER FEST, Tell City (Perry), City Hall Park. Amusement rides, games, food, beer garden, wine tasting, exhibit market, live entertainment nightly, talent show, queen pageant, road run, baby contest, and golf event.

Free. 888-343-6262. tellcityschweizerfest.com

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

Indiana Connection publishes events free of charge as space allows, giving preference to free community festival and events in and around areas served by subscribing REMCs/RECs. While Indiana Connection strives for accuracy, please note that events, dates and time may change without notice. Indiana Connection advises using contact phone numbers or internet sites to check times and dates of events before making plans.

26

JULY 2020

SOUTHEAST Aug.

PIG ROAST IN THE PARK, Scottsburg (Scott), Beechwood Park. Music, food, craft booths, kids’ games, fireworks, sporting and various activities. Free. 812752-9211. greatscottindiana.com

Aug.

DINO EXTRA TRIATHALON AND 5-MILE TRAIL RUN, Versailles (Ripley), Versailles State Park.

Swim, mountain bike, and trail run. Mountain bike and helmet required. Check-in/Registration at race site Aug. 7, 6-8 am. Triathalon starts Aug. 8 at 9 am. Registration charge. Brian Holzhausen, 317336-7553. dinoseries.com.

1415 8

To add events to Calendar, please use the “Submit and Event” form under the “Talk to Us” or “Calendar” buttons at indianaconnection.org; or mail your info to: Calendar, Indiana Connection, 8888 Keystone Crossing, Suite 1600, Indianapolis, IN 46240. Please submit info two months before the date of the event.

do-it-yourself OIL AND FILTER. If you’re close

ON THE

to your scheduled oil change, go ahead and have it done before the trip. The oil is the lifeblood of your

ROAD AGAIN

engine. If it breaks down, your en-

MAKE SURE YOUR CAR IS IN SHIP SHAPE FOR SUMMER TRAVEL

even windshield wiper fluid. Coolant,

gine breaks down. If a change is not necessary, make sure you check the oil level and keep it properly filled.

ENGINE FLUIDS. Double-check levels on low transmission fluid, power steering fluid, coolant, and in particular, is critical. The greatest cause of summer breakdowns is overheating. Check your coolant’s

The Fourth of July traditionally kicks off the height of summer travel season. For most American families, that means hitting the road. How fast the nation stretches and gets back on its feet after the pandemic hibernation is anyone’s guess. But whether you’re planning to shake off cabin fever now and cannonball into the travel waters, or slowly dip your big toe first and wade in, here are some tips on what to check and inspect from the AAA Hoosier Motor Club, Firestone Complete Auto Care and CarWise.com to make sure your vehicle is road ready when you and your family are willing and able.

level and appearance in the overflow reservoir. It should be clear and not cloudy. If your coolant hasn’t been changed for over five years or 100,000 miles, a flush-and-fill is probably a good idea. CAUTION! Never remove the radiator cap when the engine is hot — boiling coolant Continued on page 28

JULY 2020

27

do-it-yourself Continued from page 27

accurate reading, check tire pressures

WINDSHIELD WIPERS. If your

under pressure could cause serious

when the tires are cold. Always follow

current blades are leaving streaks

burns.

inflation pressure recommendations

behind when it rains or turn the cloud

in your vehicle owner’s manual or on

of gnats you just hit into a blinding

the tire information label located in

smear, it’s time for a new pair. Top off

the glove box or on the driver’s door

your wiper fluid while you’re changing

jamb. Do not use the inflation pressure

the blades.

BATTERY. Summer heat can damage your car’s battery more than freezing winter temperatures. If a battery is more than three years old, it’s a good idea to have it tested by a trained technician to determine how much longer it will last.

ALIGNMENT. If your car pulls to one side, your steering wheel vibrates, or your steering wheel isn’t centered when you’re driving straight, get your vehicle’s alignment checked out.

molded into the tire sidewall, which may not be the correct pressure for your particular vehicle.

EMERGENCY KIT. Even with preventive maintenance, summer breakdowns can still occur. Keep a

AIR CONDITIONER. Run your

well-stocked emergency kit in your car

air conditioner for a little while before

that includes water, non-perishable

your trip to make sure it blows out cold

food items, jumper cables, a flashlight

air. Are there any strange noises or

with extra batteries, road flares or an

odors? If you notice anything unusual,

emergency beacon, basic hand tools

the system may need to be cleaned

and a first aid kit.

BRAKES. Is there anything more

or recharged, or it could have a leak.

important than good brakes in your

During extreme summer heat, an

If you are unable or uncomfortable

vehicle? Stop-and-go traffic, road

air-conditioning system can be more

checking many of these items on

construction, and inclement conditions

than just a pleasant convenience: It

your own, plan to have your car

may have done a number on your

can reduce fatigue, which plays an

checked over by a professional

brakes.

important part in driver alertness and

mechanic at least several days

vehicle safety.

before your planned departure.

TIRE PRESSURE. Make sure your tires (including your spare!)

BELTS, CLAMPS AND HOSES.

are properly inflated before hitting

Visually inspect your engine’s drive

the road. Driving on under-inflated

belts, clamps and hoses. If anything

tires can cause tires to overheat and

looks worn or frayed, take it to a

increase the likelihood of a blowout,

mechanic and have them checked out

especially when road temperatures are extremely high. For the most

28

JULY 2020

LIGHTS. Inspect all lights and replace burned out bulbs.

safety

Safeguard electronics with

surge protectors Nearby lightning strikes are most often associated with power surges in your home’s wiring that can damage electronics and appliances.

But smaller power surges — voltage increases above the intended level in the flow of electricity — are far more common and can happen at any time of day, regardless of weather. Surge protectors are relatively inexpensive devices that can help protect your electrical devices from these more common power surges.

High-powered pieces of equipment are more likely than lightning to cause power outages. These powerful electrical devices, such as air conditioners and refrigerators, require a lot of energy to turn on and off quickly.

Other sources of power surges can include faulty wiring and downed power lines.

Any spike in voltage can harm your electrical devices if the increase is above the device’s

intended operating voltage. The excess voltage can cause an arc of electrical current, which heats and damages the device. Smaller surges may still damage electronics and gradually shorten the device’s life.

Point-of-use surge protection devices, the most common type of surge protector, protect the items directly plugged into it. This surge protector can’t stop the surge, but it instead diverts the surge to the ground, away from your electronic devices. The best point-of-use surge protectors have an indicating light and/or alarm that shows when it should be replaced.

Meanwhile, service entrance surge protection devices protect your home’s entire electrical system and are mounted on your main electrical panel at the base of the electric meter. This option protects what can’t be plugged

into a point-of-use device, such as outlets and light switches. Wholehouse surge protectors can handle surges from outside the home of up to 20,000 volts; standard outlet surge protectors typically can’t handle more than 6,000 volts.

But when lightning strikes near a power line, the electrical energy from the lightning can boost electrical pressure by millions of volts. Most surge protectors can’t tolerate extremely large power surges. For best protection, your electric co-op recommends unplugging sensitive electrical devices and electronics during storms.

JULY 2020

29

backyard

HERE COME THE

Sunflowers

BY B. ROSIE LERNER

As recovered COVID-19 patients were being wheeled from some Indiana hospitals to family members waiting to take them home this spring, they were cheered by hospital workers and serenaded with the eternally cheerful Beatles tune, “Here Comes the Sun.” You needn’t have experienced “a long cold lonely winter” — or spring — to appreciate the warmth and brightness the sun brings. And that goes for what sunflowers can bring to your garden, too. Sunflowers are traditional in the typical Midwestern garden. But modern hybrids have greatly expanded the palette of colors, sizes, and whether you want something pretty to look at or seed for the birds.

Gardeners will find two different types of sunflowers available from garden centers and online catalogs: Those grown for their edible seeds, and those grown primarily as ornamentals. Traditional sunflowers are generally quite tall (over 5 feet) with bright yellow blooms. Modern

cultivars now offer a range of orange, gold, lemon-yellow, bronze, amber, mahogany-red and even white.

To harvest sunflower seeds for eating or for feeding the birds:

Another new development is more highly branched plants that may carry numerous smaller flower heads, rather than one large head.

Some cultivars have been bred to fill the center with additional rows of ray-type flowers, giving a fuller, double-flowered appearance. And for smaller gardens and containers, you’ll find sunflowers ranging in height from dwarf types (1-2 feet).

Many of the newer garden types are intermediate height (3-5 feet).

two-thirds of the seeds are

Sunflowers are easy to grow in just about any type of garden soil and climate. Choose a sunny location for best flowering. Sunflowers are generally considered to be a warmseason crop plant.

So, whether to look at or for seed, sunflowers just have something that, after a long, cold lonely time, returns smiles to our faces.

B. Rosie Lerner is the Purdue Extension consumer horticulturist and is a consumer of Tipmont REMC. Questions about gardening issues may be sent to “Ask Rosie,” Indiana Connection, 8888 Keystone Crossing, Suite 1600, Indianapolis, IN 46240-4606, or use the form at IndianaConnection.org.

30

JULY 2020

Cut the head when at least mature; the outer shell of the seed will be hardened, and the back of the head will be brown and dry.

You may need to protect your harvest from the birds by covering the maturing head with cheesecloth, netting or a paper bag.

Cut the head from the plant, leaving 1-2 feet of stem attached.

Hang the heads in a paper or cloth bag to catch the falling seeds, and place in a warm, well-ventilated area for a few weeks to cure.

Wabash Valley Power news

Then & Now:

WVPA’S APPROACH TO MAKING ELECTRICITY Believe it or not, there’s a stiff, cold wind out there that’s helping to heat your home in the winter. And there’s a blazing hot sun in the sky that can keep you cool all summer long.

Over the past decade, the way we generate electricity has changed dramatically.

Advances in technology have made sustainable energy sources like wind and solar power not just good for the environment — but more and more affordable.

“Renewables like wind and solar were not the most economical choice for the first part of the last 10 years,” said Lee Wilmes, executive vice president of risk and resource portfolio at the Wabash Valley Power Alliance. “But with more efficient, taller wind turbines and less expensive solar panel production, these resources have become an economical component of our power supply portfolio.”

That’s why Wabash Valley Power has taken a different approach to energy generation: a more balanced approach that incorporates a variety of fuel sources. “We’ve always said it’s not a smart idea to put all your eggs in one basket,” stated Wilmes. “We believe an approach that includes a variety of fuels and multiple sources of supply helps to cut down on electric market volatility and overall supply risk.” And that approach now includes less reliance on coal, the incorporation of more renewables and energy efficiency programs that help ensure affordable, reliable electricity not just now, but for decades to come.

To support this diversification strategy, Wabash Valley Power purchases electricity from several wind farms and utility-scale solar arrays throughout Indiana and Illinois and has developed smaller, community solar arrays in all 3 states that it serves: Missouri, Illinois and Indiana. Since as early

Hoosier Energy news

Diligent effort

as 2006, Wabash Valley has been capturing the methane gas from regional landfills and using that gas to power small turbines to make electricity. In fact, with 15 different sites throughout the Midwest, our landfill gas-to-electricity program is one of the largest in the region.

That’s an approach that supports the longterm energy needs of homeowners and businesses no matter which way the wind blows in the world of energy.

And, according to Wilmes, there’s more innovation yet to come — a transition to even more non-carbon-based resources and batteries that can help store electricity to better match the supply of energy with the ever-changing demand.

“Alternative energy is no longer an alternative,” Wilmes said. “It’s a big part of keeping energy costs lower, now and in the future.”

Co-op power provider employees rise to the challenge of providing energy throughout pandemic

THANK YOU!

ABOUT HOOSIER ENERGY

Hoosier Energy employees who work in operations can’t always practice social distancing to get the job done. The work these employees do is recognized by many including Merom Generating Station Plant Manager Karl Back. “Our people are responding very well to a difficult situation, which is not surprising to me with the culture we have at Hoosier Energy.”

Hoosier Energy is a non-profit generation and transmission cooperative (G&T) founded in 1949 to provide wholesale power and services to member distribution cooperatives. Headquartered in Bloomington, we serve 18 locally owned member cooperatives in southern and central Indiana and southeastern Illinois. Our mission is to provide members with assured, reliable and competitively priced energy and services in a safe and environmentally acceptable manner.

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travel

Nature NURTURED BY

Get away nearby at Indiana campgrounds

The restorative power of nature is a recurrent theme in literature, music and art. And if ever Hoosiers could use a little restorative power, it’s right about now.

If you are looking to get away this month, but maybe not to a crowded or far away place, Indiana offers a diverse group of public campgrounds.

Here is a list of Indiana state parks, state forests, and federal recreation areas within the Hoosier National Forest you might want to consider.

Campsites may vary from offering electricity to being primitive and some are listed as being for horse camping.

In addition, be sure to go online and check with local visitors bureaus for privately-owned campgrounds, RV parks and cabin rental facilities in areas you’d like to visit. Also, many other of the state forests and fish and wildlife areas also offer limited primitive camping. Also, Hoosier National Forest horse camps offer camping to any Forest visitors.

INDIANA DNR FACILITIES To make reservations, go online to www.Camp.IN.Gov.

Hardy Lake • Scottsburg Hardy Lake has a 740-acre lake with great fishing and water skiing opportunities.

Brown County State Park • Nashville Brown County encompasses nearly 16,000 acres of rugged hills, ridges and ravines.

Harmonie State Park • New Harmony The park brings together the small historic town and beautiful scenery.

Chain O Lakes State Park • Albion This is lake country and a small boater’s paradise with nine connecting lakes.

Charlestown State Park • Charlestown The Ohio River is the main feature of this park with many recreational opportunities.

Clifty Falls State Park • Madison The waterfalls and fossils are the highlights of the park that offers exciting year-round hiking and scenery.

Deam Lake State Recreation Area • Borden A Forest Education Center on property has a full-time naturalist to provide interpretive programming.

Indiana Dunes State Park • Chesterton Indiana Dunes consists of 2,182 acres of primitive, beautiful and unique Hoosier landscape with more than three miles of beach along Lake Michigan’s shoreline.

site, offers hiking trails, lakes, and an interpretive center.

McCormick’s Creek State Park • Spencer

Explore the spectacular limestone canyon, flowing creek, and scenic waterfalls that highlight Indiana’s first state park.

Mississinewa Lake • Peru

Mississinewa Lake and its surrounding area are rich in American Indian history. Pleasure boating, water skiing, fishing and hiking are only a few of the activities available.

Monroe Lake • Bloomington

Six miles south of the main Indiana University campus, Monroe Lake is the largest body of water in Indiana.

Activities at Monroe include fishing, hunting, hiking, camping, picnicking, water recreation, bird/eagle viewing, and many others.

Mounds State Park • Anderson

Mounds State Park features 10 unique earthworks built by prehistoric Indians known as the Adena-Hopewell people. The largest earthwork, the Great Mound, is believed to have been constructed around 160 B.C. O’Bannon Woods State Park • Corydon

Lieber State Recreation Area • Cloverdale In 1952, Cagles Mill Lake was built as Indiana’s first flood control reservoir. Mill Creek feeds the 1,400-acre lake and is home to beautiful Cataract Falls.

O’Bannon Woods State Park (formerly Wyandotte Woods State Recreation Area) lies in the central and extreme southern part of the state, bordering the Ohio River. It is nestled inside 26,000-acre Harrison Crawford State Forest.

Lincoln State Park • Lincoln City Discover the boyhood home of Abraham

Ouabache State Park • Bluffton

Lincoln. The state park, across the highway from the national boyhood

“Ouabache,” pronounced like “Wabash,” is the French spelling of a Continued on page 34 JULY 2020

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Miami Indian word, “waapaahšiki,” so don’t be surprised to hear many folks call it o-ba-chee.

Patoka Lake • Birdseye With 26,000 acres of land and water, Patoka Lake is a fine example of lake ecology. An 8,800-acre lake provides habitat for freshwater jellyfish and bald eagle nesting sites. River otters and osprey were reintroduced at Patoka by the DNR. Pokagon State Park • Angola One of the state’s original parks, Pokagon features the unique work of the Civilian Conservation Corps, whose members lived and worked at Pokagon from 1934 to 1942. Natural lakes created by glaciers that melted 10,000 to 15,000 years ago, frame the park and offer abundant opportunities for boating, swimming, fishing and scenic sunsets.

Potato Creek State Park • North Liberty The park features a wide array of activities and facilities for year-round enjoyment, including the 327-acre Worster Lake, old fields, mature woodlands, restored prairies and diverse wetlands.

Prophetstown State Park • West Lafayette Established in 2004, Indiana’s newest state park offers camping, hiking, biking, fishing, birding, and wildlife observation. The park is unique because of the large expanses of tall prairie grasses, blooming native wildflowers, and numerous wetlands that wait to be explored.

Raccoon Lake • Rockville Includes the Raccoon State Recreation Area and Historic Mansfield Roller Mill.

Cecil M. Harden Lake resulted from the damming of Big Raccoon Creek for flood control. The lake also provides recreation, wildlife management and economic benefits.

Salamonie Lake • Andrews A 12,000-acre outdoor recreation property with a 2,855-acre lake for boating, swimming and fishing. The property features horse riding, hiking, mountain bike trails; campgrounds; an interpretive (nature) center; and marina.

Shades State Park • Waveland Shades State Park is a favorite for hikers and canoeists with beautiful sandstone

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cliffs overlooking Sugar Creek and numerous shady ravines provide the backdrop for your journey through this nature lover’s paradise.

200 acres, the Brookville/Whitewater complex offers great fishing, boating and swimming.

Shakamak State Park • Jasonville Three man-made lakes offer 400 acres of water for fishing and boating while a new family aquatic center provides swimming fun. About two-thirds of the campsites are in a wooded area.

HOOSIER NATIONAL FOREST FACILITIES

Spring Mill State Park • Mitchell The park links Indiana pioneers: a restored pioneer village including working grist mill and pioneering astronaut Virgil “Gus” Grissom with the Grissom Memorial.

Starve Hollow State Recreation Area • Vallonia Some of the best camping in southern Indiana can be found here with 90 electric camp sites some of which are right on the shore of a 145-acre lake.

Summit Lake State Park • New Castle Excellent fishing for bass, crappie, yellow perch, channel catfish, walleye and sunfish can be had at the park’s 800-acre lake. All campsites have electric and water hookups with modern comfort stations.

Tippecanoe River State Park • Winamac This is a nature lover’s park with many opportunities to observe wildlife and explore the outdoors. The property borders seven miles of the Tippecanoe River.

Turkey Run State Park • Marshall The natural geologic wonders of this beautiful park will astound hikers along its famous trails. The park offers the chance to explore deep, sandstone ravines, walk along stands of aged forests, and enjoy the scenic views along Sugar Creek.

Versailles State Park • Versailles This area has deep history rooted in both the Civil War and the Civilian Conservation Corps. Fish on the 230acre lake where you can rent a rowboat, kayak or canoe.

Whitewater Memorial State Park • Liberty Constructed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in 1975, Brookville Lake is about 5,260 acres. Combined with Whitewater Lake of about

The Hoosier National Forest offers a variety of camping opportunities, from cabins to primitive camping. For more info, visit www.fs.usda.gov/ hoosier.

Buzzard Roost • Magnet An overlook on the Ohio River provides a panoramic view of the river bottom.

The site has a primitive picnic area and trails though no toilets or water are provided.

German Ridge • Rome Recreation site offers a 24-mile multiple use trail, a scenic lake, swimming and picnicking.

Hardin Ridge • Heltonville The 1,200-acre recreational complex is located on the shores of Monroe Lake.

Indian-Celina Lakes • St. Croix A tranquil getaway, the recreation area contains the 164-acre Celina Lake and the 152-acre Indian Lake. Activities include camping, boating (electric motors or paddles only), fishing, and hiking.

Additional amenities include the historic Rickenbaugh House, an amphitheater and interpretive trail.

Saddle Lake • Gatchel Saddle Lake has a primitive campground, a boat ramp and a hiking trail.

This scenic, somewhat remote lake is an excellent place to get away from crowds and you will often have the place to yourself!

Tipsaw Lake • St. Croix The 131-acre Tipsaw Lake in Perry County offers camping, picnicking, swimming, hiking and biking. Amenities include a beautiful swimming beach with playground equipment, a modern bathhouse, and a boat launch.