June 2024 Indiana Connection

Summer in Indiana

From festivals to sporting events and the great outdoors, embrace all the Hoosier state has to offer during the year’s warmest months

Pages 20-25

from the editor

In honor of the papas

Father’s Day is June 16. Last month, I talked about the wonderful women in my life. This month is for the papas.

My dad, Kevin, is one of my loudest supporters. He encouraged any dream I had growing up, including when I went through a Sherlock Holmes phase and wanted to be a detective when I was 9 or 10. He set up “clues” all over our property for me to figure out who stole a flashlight. Spoiler alert — it was our cat. He also taught me the value of hard work, how to have a positive outlook, and how leadership is more than being the loudest voice in the room.

My father-in-law, Shannon, is the biggest family man I know. He’s a steady presence for all of his children and grandchildren. He loves nothing more than having all of us in one place at the same time, especially when a game of HORSE in the driveway is involved.

My husband, Brooks, made the transition into fatherhood look easy. The moment they placed our daughter in his arms at the hospital, I could see him embrace his new role. He’s been with me every step of the way in raising Gwen and is always helpful, including with making the food you see every month in the recipe section. Because he’s such a great dad, he makes it easier for me to be a good mom.

I know Mother’s Day gets most of the hype, but take time on the 16th to celebrate the dads, grandpas, and father figures in your life. They would appreciate a phone call, too. If you’re looking for the men in my life that day, I’m sure you will find them on the golf course.

Britt Davis Editor bdavis@indianaec.org

On the menu: September: Submit your favorite recipes featuring bacon, deadline July 1. If we publish your recipe on our food pages, we’ll send you a $10 gift card.

Giveaway: Enter to win a car emergency safety kit. Visit indianaconnection.org/talk-to-us/contests or send your contact information to the address below. The deadline to enter is June 30.

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.

VOLUME 73 • NUMBER 12 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 311,000 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

Holly Huffman Communication Support Specialist

Lauren Carman Communication Manager

Kiley Lipps Graphic Designer

Ashley Curry Production and Design Coordinator

Amber Knight Creative Manager

Mandy Barth Vice President of Communication

ADVERTISING:

American MainStreet Publications

Cheryl Solomon, local ad representative; 512-441-5200; amp.coop Crosshair Media 502-216-8537; crosshairmedia.net

Paid advertisements are not endorsements by any electric cooperative or this publication.

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

SUBSCRIPTIONS:

$12 for individuals not subscribing through participating REMCs/RECs.

CHANGE OF ADDRESS:

If you receive Indiana Connection through your electric co-op membership, report address changes to your local co-op.

POSTAGE:

Periodicals postage paid at Indianapolis, 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.

My dad and I during a visit to the Grand Canyon in 2016.

give

oven a rest with

DIY investments to enhance your family’s safety at

To celebrate the summer solstice, Indy Yoga Movement sponsors a huge outdoor yoga class called Monumental Yoga at Monument Circle in downtown Indianapolis. This year’s event is on June 21 at 4 p.m. For more information, visit monumentalyoga.com

Let's hit

Summer doesn’t officially begin until June 20, but many are planning for summer travel. This is the season for a good old-fashioned road trip. Making a playlist and gathering snacks aren’t the only preparations required to make a successful trip. Check out the following pages for tips to help safely get you and your family to your destination.

Is your vehicle ready?

Summer road trips can create ever-lasting memories. Make sure those memories are positive by checking for potential issues suggested by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) before you start your journey.

RECALLS

NHTSA's Recalls Look-up Tool lets you enter your vehicle identification number (VIN) to quickly learn if your vehicle has a critical safety issue that has not been repaired and how to get that repair done for free. You can also download NHTSA’s SaferCar app and enter your vehicle and equipment information. You will get an alert on your phone if a recall is issued.

TIRES

Ensure each tire is filled to the vehicle manufacturer’s recommended inflation pressure, listed in your owner’s manual, and on a placard located on the driver’s door pillar or door frame. Don’t forget to check your spare if your vehicle has one. Do not inflate your tires to the pressure listed on the tire itself. That number is the maximum pressure the tire can hold, not the recommended pressure for your vehicle. Underinflation is the leading cause of tire failure.

BELTS AND HOSES

High temperatures accelerate the rate at which rubber belts and hoses degrade. Look under the hood and inspect all belts and hoses to make sure there are no signs of bulges, blisters, cracks, or cuts in the rubber. It’s best to replace them now if they show noticeable wear. While you’re at it, make sure all hose connections are secure.

COOLING SYSTEM

Make sure you have enough coolant in your vehicle and that the coolant meets the manufacturer’s specifications. You or a mechanic should check the cooling system for leaks, test the coolant, and drain or replace the old coolant as needed.

FLUID LEVEL

Check your vehicle’s oil level periodically. If it’s time or nearly time to change the oil, now would be a good time to do it. Also, check the following fluid levels: brake, automatic transmission or clutch, power steering, and windshield washer. Make sure each reservoir is full. If you see any signs of fluid leakage, take your vehicle in to be serviced.

BATTERIES

Have a mechanic check your battery and charging system and make any necessary repairs or replacements.

LIGHTS

Check your headlights, brake lights, turn signals, emergency flashers, and interior lights. Be sure also to check your trailer lights and signals, if necessary.

Before you go

Before you depart, make sure you’re fully prepared for unexpected problems or emergencies.

STOCK YOUR VEHICLE

Even a well-maintained vehicle can break down, so it’s advisable to put together an emergency roadside kit to carry with you. A cell phone tops the list of suggested emergency kit contents since it allows you to call for help when and where you need it. Recommended emergency roadside kit contents include:

• Cell phone and charger

• First aid kit

• Flashlight

• Flares and a white flag

• Jumper cables

• Tire pressure gauge

• Jack (and ground mat) for changing a tire

• Work gloves and a change of clothes

• Basic repair tools and some duct tape (for temporarily repairing a hose leak)

• Water and paper towels for cleaning up

• Nonperishable food, drinking water, and medicines

• Extra windshield washer fluid

• Maps

• Emergency blankets and towels

PLAN YOUR ROUTE

Before heading out, check the weather, road conditions, and traffic. Don’t rush through your trip; allow plenty of time to reach your destination safely. Always familiarize yourself with directions and maps before you go, even if you use a GPS, and let others know your route and anticipated arrival time.

BE AWARE OF THE HEAT

As the temperature rises, your A/C must work harder to keep your vehicle cool. Check A/C performance before traveling. A lack of air conditioning on a hot summer day affects everyone but is particularly dangerous for people in poor health or sensitive to heat, such as children and older adults.

The summertime months have proven to be especially deadly for children when it comes to hot car deaths. Heatstroke in vehicles often occurs when a child is left unattended in a parked vehicle or manages to get into an unattended vehicle. Never leave children alone in the car — not even for a few minutes. Vehicles heat up quickly. Even if the outside temperature is in the 70s and the windows are cracked, the temperature in a vehicle can rapidly reach deadly levels. A child’s body temperature rises three to five times faster than an adult’s. Visit NHTSA.gov/heatstroke to learn more tips and reminders to prevent heatstroke.

The right music is key to a successful road trip. Here are some suggestions to get you started on your playlist:

• I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles), THE PROCLAIMERS

• Don’t Stop Believin’, JOURNEY

• Cruel Summer, TAYLOR SWIFT

• Bohemian Rhapsody, QUEEN

• Born to Be Wild, STEPPENWOLF

• Life is a Highway, RASCAL FLATTS

• All Star, SMASH MOUTH

• Africa, TOTO

• Hotel California, EAGLES

• Free Fallin’, TOM PETTY

• Sweet Caroline, NEIL DIAMOND

• American Pie, DON MCLEAN

• Livin’ on a Prayer, BON JOVI

• Carry on Wayward Son, KANSAS

• You Make My Dreams (Come True), HALL & OATES

• Bennie and the Jets, ELTON JOHN

• Thunderstruck, AC/DC

Let electricity keep your house safe while traveling

Traveling is more fun and relaxing when you don’t have to worry about whether your home is safe and secure. Here are five ways to prevent mishaps and save energy during your absence.

Create the illusion that someone is home. Ask a trusted neighbor to pick up newspapers, mail, and home deliveries that might arrive while you’re away. A pile of newspapers in the driveway is an invitation to an intruder looking for an empty house to break into.

Attach your outdoor lights to timers. Instead of leaving them on to burn day and night while you’re gone, install a timer that will switch the lights on when it gets dark and off when the sun comes up each day.

Indoors, plug lamps into programmable timers set to “random” so the lights turn on and off throughout the day and evening. That will make your home look lived-in. You also can plug a TV or stereo into a timer so your house sounds lived-in, too.

Motion detectors will not only light your property when your neighbor stops by to check on it, but they will also turn the outdoor lights on if anyone approaches your home — making it harder for an intruder to hide. They also save you energy because you won’t have to pay for lights to burn when nobody is around to benefit from them.

Unplug electronic devices like your TV, computer, printer, and small kitchen appliances before you leave. Left plugged into a wall socket, those items continue to draw small amounts of electricity that show up on your energy bill.

TECHNICAL knowledge

NEW DEVICES OFFER MORE INSIGHT AND EFFICIENT CONTROL OF ELECTRICITY

Your ability to save money on energy costs could be as easy as touching a screen. These days, there’s no shortage of new technology to try or upgrades available to convince you that now’s the time for the next smartphone or watch upgrade. Yet advancing technology also offers you, families, and even electric cooperatives new opportunities to use energy more efficiently to minimize costs. This can lead to some serious savings for everyone.

PLANNING FOR DEMAND

Many new appliances and devices, such as thermostats, water heaters, and more, offer internet connectivity to control their operation even when away from home. This connectivity can also offer better control of devices during times of high electricity demand. Devices such as irrigation systems, water heaters, and air conditioners can be controlled to shift energy use to times of lower demand. If your electric cooperative offers time-of-

use rates, you can schedule some devices or systems to off-peak times to help minimize your energy costs.

SMART LOOK

Home energy monitors have been available for several years, yet their value cannot be understated. People can connect a home monitor to their circuit breaker panel to get an in-depth look at their home’s energy use in real time. This can be useful in diagnosing “vampire” loads that may be contributing to high energy bills or just getting a better idea of how to manage energy use more effectively to lower costs.

STAR POWER

Many newer devices use less electricity than their older counterparts — particularly those

that may be a decade or more old. Technology that has earned an ENERGY STAR ® certification uses significantly less energy than many products on the market. By doing a bit of research, you can plan your purchase and save on long-term energy costs. Your co-op may even offer energy efficiency rebates for qualifying appliance upgrades or heating and cooling systems. By planning your next upgrade, you can research and buy energyefficient options that will minimize long-term energy use. You can also contact your local electric cooperative’s energy advisor for questions about your home’s energy use and additional advice that can lead you to long-term savings.

by Steve Hite Energy Advisor, Hendricks Power Cooperative

Clinton County COUNTY FACTS

Spanning 400 square miles in central Indiana, Clinton County features historical buildings, recreational parks, and rural charm with more than 200,000 acres of farmland. Its county seat in Frankfort is home to the only high school in the country whose mascot is the Hot Dogs, which won ESPN’s best Indiana nickname in 2009.

VINTAGE WHEELS ON DISPLAY

From June to October, the Clinton County Chamber of Commerce hosts Thunder Thursday, a cruise-in for classic cars. Thunder Thursday honors the memory of Jason Wilhite, who was the director of membership and events at the Clinton County Chamber of Commerce for 10 years. Car owners across Indiana, Michigan, and Kentucky drive to Frankfort’s main street on the first and third Thursday of each month to show off their rides while enjoying local shops and restaurants.

LIGHTS, CAMERA, AIDMAN

Born in Frankfort in 1925, Charles Aidman was an actor whose stage, film, and television career continued for four decades. The most notable of his 15 feature film roles include Captain Wallace Pratt in the 1962 war film “War Hunt” and Gerald Kotcher in the 1971 comedy-drama “Kotch.” He also gueststarred on the TV shows “The Dick Van Dyke Show” and “The Andy Griffith Show” throughout his more than 150 television roles.

In addition to his acting career, he adapted the collection of free-verse poems, “Spoon River Anthology” by Edgar Lee Masters, into a theater production. It is widely performed 61 years after its inception. His last significant role before his death in 1993 was narrating more than 30 episodes of the sci-fi series “The Twilight Zone.”

RELISHING IN FESTIVAL FUN

Held the last weekend of July, Frankfort’s annual Hot Dog Festival brings live music, games, and carnival food to the city’s downtown. During the festival’s 5K Bun Run and Walk, visitors can race through the city’s paved streets alongside Frankie the Hot Dog, the city’s mascot. Visitors’ pet dachshunds also race head-tohead during the festival’s Doxie Derby. Pet owners can register their furry friends to try their paws at long jumps, high jumps, and speed retrieves with various DockDogs events throughout the weekend. In past years, the Cincinnati Circus and bluegrass group Seth Mulder & Midnight Run have performed as the two-day festival’s main attractions.

FOUNDED: 1830

NAMED FOR: DeWitt Clinton, the sixth governor of New York State and architect of the Erie Canal

POPULATION: 33,190

COUNTY SEAT: Frankfort

INDIANA COUNTY NUMBER: 12

Frankfort

Nicole Thomas is a freelance writer from Indianapolis.

Photo courtesy of Frankfort Hot Dog Festival

Photo by Brande Seibert, Courtesy of Clinton County Chamber of Commerce

Photo courtesy of Universal City Studios

LETTERS EDITOR TO THE

The March article about Vanderburg County mentions Bosse Field and states that it’s the third oldest field in the country, behind Fenway and Wrigley. It’s actually the fourth oldest field. Rickwood Field in Birmingham, Alabama, built in 1910, is four years older than Fenway. It was a segregated field and the home of the Birmingham Barons and the Black Barons. Hall of Famers such as Willie Mays, Jackie Robinson, Hank Arron, and Babe Ruth played there.

Charlie Finley, from LaPorte, Indiana, owned the Kansas City Athletics (later the Oakland Athletics). His Double-A team played at Rickwood. In 1967, Finley decided to allow an integrated crowd at Rickwood, the first integrated athletic event ever to occur in Alabama.

— MIKE PETTIBONE

I read your April editor column and thought of two organizations I support, both financially and as a volunteer, for their great work on the lakes in Kosciusko County.

The Lilly Center for Lakes and Streams is led by Dr. Nate Bosch. It’s a research and education center at Grace College in Winona Lake The organization recommends lake-focused best practices based on thorough research and helps local families and businesses adopt them.

Lynn Creighton leads the Watershed Foundation, an environmental nonprofit dedicated to protecting and improving water quality in the lakes and streams of the Upper Tippecanoe River Watershed.

I have a summer place on Chapman Lake in Warsaw and see the results of what they do for the lake. It’s worth touting.

— WAYNE KUBEK

MARKETPLACE

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

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

We know how to find all water leaks underground. Call us! 812-987-4119

Serving IN, OH, IL, KY & TN www.WhatsBelow.com

calendar winners

WINNERS SELECTED

FOR THE 2025 COOPERATIVE CALENDAR OF STUDENT ART

From 754 entries, 25 student artists were selected as firstplace and honorable mention winners in the annual art contest sponsored by Indiana’s electric cooperative. Their artwork will be featured on the cover and inside pages of the 2025 edition of the Cooperative Calendar of Student Art.

The calendar will be printed this fall and distributed statewide by participating electric cooperatives and Indiana Connection.

Along with the grade division winners and honorable mentions, the judges also award a “Best in Show.” This year, the honor goes to Cassidy Skinner of South Whitley for her incredibly lifelike scratchboard art of a dog. Skinner also won both first place and honorable mention for the 11th-grade category.

Students who enter the art contest are asked to create artwork that illustrates the month that corresponds numerically with their grade at the time they enter the contest. Kindergarteners could use their imagination when creating art for the calendar’s cover.

The contest began in 1998 to recognize and encourage student artists, and in the 26 years since, almost 99,000 pieces of art have been created and entered.

GRADE DIVISION WINNERS

Kindergarten

Kora Gehlhausen, Birdseye

First grade

Rowyn Mellencamp, Seymour

Second grade

Eva Harrison, Greensburg

Third grade

Caroline Buck, Fort Wayne

Fourth grade

Adelyn Luckey, Columbia City

Fifth grade

Flynn Cissell, Borden

Sixth grade

Lena Goller, Shoals

Seventh grade

Zoe Bubp, Fort Wayne

Eighth grade

Cooper Baird, Fort Wayne

Ninth grade

Isabelle Ferguson, Worthington

10th grade

Alena Hindbaugh, South Whitley

11th grade

Cassidy Skinner, South Whitley (Best in Show)

12th grade

Justine Ocken, South Whitley

HONORABLE MENTIONS

Kindergarten

Evelyn McIlrath, Flora

First grade

Remy Yeager, Elizabeth

Second grade

Mason Malicki, Columbia City

Third grade

Easton Cole, Birdseye

Fourth grade

Eden Grace Fawver, Knightstown

Fifth grade

Lily Fouts, Seymour

Sixth grade

Ella Stein, Fort Wayne

Seventh grade

Braydon Snider, Fort Wayne

Eighth grade

Elliana Heintz, Fort Wayne

Ninth grade

Miley Baugh, Georgetown

10th grade

Adyn Bajer, Walkerton

11th grade

Cassidy Skinner, South Whitley

12th grade

Katelyn Cripe, South Whitley

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

Don’t tamper with your meter Work with your co-op

Making ends meet might be hard for many Hoosiers right now. If you find yourself falling behind paying monthly utility bills, contact your electric cooperative for help before you face losing service. Your local electric cooperative has programs that can help consumers keep the lights on.

If your electricity has already been disconnected, never tamper with your meter or try to reconnect power yourself. These acts are extremely dangerous and illegal.

“If you’re unable to pay your bill, please don’t resort to theft,” said Jon Elkins, vice president of safety, training and compliance at Indiana Electric Cooperatives. “Contact them, let them know your situation, and they will work with you as best they can. They have programs that will keep your power on and help you pay down previous bills.”

Co-ops see an uptick in the number of delinquent accounts and cases

of meter tampering during economic downturns, especially after the winter moratorium on disconnections of delinquent accounts has passed.

“Tampering is hazardous to the person doing it and to the public after it’s done,” said Elkins, “because all the safety precautions that the co-op put in place are now bypassed. The big hazard with trying to reconnect yourself is an arc flash since the components are close together and right in your face. If you’re standing in water or wet grass, there’s the possibility of electrocution. But what always worries me most is usually we find the tampered meter base left open — so kids could get into it, and any unsuspecting person could be exposed to that hazard.”

Elkins also said tampering can cause the overload protections for the transformer on the utility pole to fail or other problems, as well as potentially causing power outages to neighbors and others along the line.

Like shoplifting, electricity theft is not a victimless crime: all the utility’s consumers ultimately pay for the stolen power through higher rates. Consumers caught meter tampering or stealing electricity, as they usually are, can face hefty penalties. Depending on the amount of electricity involved in the theft and the circumstances, the co-op may take the case to the sheriff’s department and the county prosecutor.

“Because electric co-ops are owned by their consumers, coops go the extra mile to help those consumers going through hard times. Disconnections and collection agencies are the last resorts we hope to avoid. And certainly, we never want to see consumers risking their lives or endangering others stealing electricity,” said Elkins. “But we can only help consumers who will let us help them and will work with us.”

Photo courtesy of Northeastern REMC

These no-bake recipes allow you to save some energy and give your oven a rest as we enter the warmest months of the year.

FOOD PREPARED BY INDIANA CONNECTION STAFF

BY KILEY LIPPS

CHEWY GRANOLA BARS

Deborah Imhoff, Rochester, Indiana

2 Tbsp butter

2 Tbsp canola oil

14 oz. bag of marshmallows

2 Tbsp peanut butter

1⁄4 cup honey

4 3⁄4 cups rice krispies

2 1⁄ 2 cups quick oats

1⁄ 2 cup graham cracker crumbs

1⁄ 2 cup mini chocolate chips

3⁄4 cup raisins

1⁄ 2 cup coconuts

1⁄ 2 cup peanuts (optional)

Melt together the first five ingredients, then add all remaining ingredients. Press into a jelly roll pan or cookie sheet with sides. Cool and cut into bars.

this month's bonus recipe, Decadent Peanut Butter Pie from Patricia Sharp in Monticello, Indiana.

PHOTOS

BACON, LETTUCE, AND CORN CHIP SALAD

Fannie Schrock, Loogootee, Indiana

1 head of lettuce, chopped

1⁄ 2 lb bacon, fried

6 hard-boiled eggs

1 1⁄ 2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded

1⁄ 2 bag of corn chips

DRESSING:

1 cup mayonnaise

1⁄4 cup milk

1 1⁄ 2 Tbsp mustard

1⁄4 cup sugar

2 Tbsp vinegar

1⁄ 2 tsp celery seed

Mix together the first four ingredients. Add dressing and corn chips right before serving.

PINEAPPLE DELIGHT

Alicia Unger, North Manchester, Indiana

CRUST:

1 3⁄4 cups vanilla wafers crumbs

5 Tbsp salted butter, melted

FILLING:

½ cup salted butter, softened

1 cup powdered sugar, sifted to remove any clumps

4 oz cream cheese, softened

½ tsp vanilla extract

¼ cup plain Greek yogurt

TOPPING:

8 oz container whipped topping

20 oz can crushed pineapple, drained well

¼ cup vanilla wafers crumbs

In a medium bowl, combine 1 3⁄4 cups of divided vanilla wafers crumbs and the melted butter. Mix until combined thoroughly. Press the mixture into the bottom of an 8x8-inch baking pan firmly using the bottom of a measuring cup or similar cooking utensil. Set the pan with the vanilla wafers crust in the refrigerator and chill for at least 15 minutes.

While the crust is chilling, use a mixer to beat together the salted butter and powdered sugar until creamy, about one to three minutes. Beat in the cream cheese and vanilla extract until completely combined, for another one to three minutes. Fold in the plain Greek yogurt. Pour this filling into the pan that has the chilled crumb mixture. Use a spatula to spread the filling evenly.

In a separate bowl, combine the whipped topping and the crushed pineapple. Stir until evenly mixed and then spread on top of the filling. Sprinkle the remaining 1⁄4 cup of vanilla wafers crumbs on top of the pineapple layer and then refrigerate for two to three hours or until the dessert has set. Making this dessert one day prior to serving makes it easier to cut into slices.

Summer in Indiana

From festivals to sporting events and the great outdoors, embrace all the Hoosier state has to offer during the year’s warmest months

Summer is a busy time for Hoosiers. School is out, the warm weather is here, and everyone is ready to spend time outside. It’s also a time for vacation. Instead of planning an expensive trip outside of state lines, consider the many experiences available closer to home. Check out the following pages for special offerings around the state and some of the biggest events to experience in June, July, and August.

When summer hits in central Indiana, the biggest hits come on the crack of the bat during an Indianapolis Indians game at Victory Field.

Fans are guaranteed to have a blast at the ballpark, with numerous promotions on deck through the summer months. Meet the team for autographs and receive a bobblehead giveaway during Prospects Weekend (June 7-9), salute the Indianapolis Clowns on Negro Leagues Night (June 22), enjoy three consecutive nights of fireworks for the July Fourth Celebration (July 4-6), cast spells and receive a Hogwarts giveaway during Harry Potter Weekend (July 13-14), meet your favorite superheroes during Marvel Weekend (Aug. 17-18),

and celebrate a first in Indians history, when the club welcomes Razor Shines back to Indy to retire his No. 3 jersey and cap the final homestand during Razor Shines Weekend (Sept. 13-15).

Daily Deals add to the fun, affordable entertainment, too. Each homestand begins with a Tuesday Dollar Menu, when hot dogs, peanuts, potato chips, popcorn, Cracker Jack®, and churros are available at concessions for a buck. Throw in Half-Off Wednesday Nights with tickets marked 50% off, Thirsty Thursdays with drink specials and beer starting at $3, fireworks after every Friday home game, and Kids Eat Free Sundays, when all kids 14 and under receive a free hot dog,

CELEBRATING MADISON: YOUR ‘#1 BEST SMALL TOWN

Nestled along the serene banks of the Ohio River, Madison, Indiana, is abuzz with excitement as it proudly celebrates its recent recognition as the #1 Best Small Town in the Midwest by USA Today’s 10 Best Readers’ Choice Awards. The town is gearing up to welcome visitors for unforgettable summer adventures. Madison has the perfect blend of small-town charm and endless summer fun.

The Madison Farmers Market starts their extended summer hours, May through October, where fresh produce, artisan products, live music, and more boasts the Historic Broadway Fountain. The 30th biennial Madison in Bloom will return for a tour of seven private gardens in Madison’s downtown back-to-back weekends, June 8 and 9 and June 15 and 16. Look for a special “linger longer” garden tour itinerary centered around the tour.

Bicentennial Park offers a serene setting for weekend outings, where anyone can enjoy Mayor’s Movies at the Park or live concerts under the stars at Music in the Park. During Juneteenth Weekend Celebrations, Madison honors the end of slavery with historic discussions, a community gathering at Lanier Mansion State Historic Site, and a 5K event. Music at the Mansion fills summer evenings with music, dancing, and unforgettable memories against the backdrop of Madison’s crown jewel.

Plan your visit around Madison’s signature summer festivals, including the Madison Regatta and Roostertail Music Festival, July 5-7. The event includes the world’s fastest boats, a Hometown USA Parade, a music festival, and free riverfront fireworks. Don’t miss the Madison Ribberfest BBQ & Blues on Aug. 16 and 17. And top off the summer Labor Day

bag of chips and Capri Sun® juice pouch with the price of admission — there’s a bargain for everyone!

Tickets start as low as $13. Visit IndyIndians.com and add an Indians game into your summer 2024 lineup today.

IN THE MIDWEST’ FOR SUMMER ADVENTURES VICTORY FIELD OFFERS AFFORDABLE

Weekend with the Rockin’ on the River Car Show and Concert.

History buffs can explore the town’s rich heritage through captivating tours, uncovering architectural gems and cultural landmarks. Every week, live music performances add to the town’s lively nightlife, offering visitors a chance to enjoy local and regional talent in lively venues. For a full calendar of events, festivals, and weekly to-dos in Madison and Jefferson County, visit VisitMadison.org.

Photo courtesy of Adam Pintar/ Indianapolis Indians

Photo courtesy of Brent Spry

MILITARY HISTORY COMES ALIVE AT GRISSOM AIR MUSEUM

The Grissom Air Museum in Peru, Indiana, was created by seven volunteers who wanted to tell the story about the base and those who served. The base was started during WWII as Bunker Hill Naval Air Station, nicknamed “U.S.S. Cornfield”. They trained pilots to fly missions protecting our nation. While many service members came through the base, Ted Williams of Baseball fame, got his start here.

About 1954, the U.S. Air Force asked to take over the base and changed the name to Bunker Hill Air Force Base. Fast forward to 1968, the base had changed its name to honor a Hoosier native and hero to Grissom Air Force Base after the death of Lt. Col. Virgil I. “Gus” Grissom.

DISCOVER

The Grissom Air Museum tells the history of the Bunker Hill Naval Air Station through Grissom Air Force and Reserve Base. Guides share stories about crew members and the aircraft that were flown and maintained.

Museum visitors can see more than 28 military aircraft on the grounds, such as a Boeing B-47 Stratojet. Introduced in 1947, B-47s were the world’s first strategic swept-wing bombers. Another popular plane is the museum’s Republic-Fairchild A10 Thunderbolt, which was built to destroy Soviet armored columns. Introduced during the early 1970s, Thunderbolts are still used in combat.

THE OUTDOOR OPPORTUNITIES

Nestled in the heart of Indiana, Boone County offers a treasure trove of outdoor adventures waiting to be explored. From tranquil fishing spots to exhilarating hiking trails, there’s something for every nature enthusiast.

Fishing bliss: Eagle Creek and Moving Waters Outfitters

Boone County boasts excellent fishing opportunities, particularly along the serene waters of Eagle Creek. Known for its abundance of smallmouth bass, catfish, and other native species, Eagle Creek provides a tranquil setting for a day of casting lines and soaking up the area’s natural beauty.

For those seeking expert guidance or looking to rent equipment, Moving Waters Outfitters is the go-to destination. Their knowledgeable staff can offer insights into the best fishing spots and provide all the gear needed for a successful excursion.

The museum is open seven days a week from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the summer. Guided tours are available. The museum has paved wheelchairand stroller-friendly sidewalks in the airpark and a picnic pavilion.

To learn more about the Grissom Air Museum and its calendar of events, call the museum at 765-689-8011 or visit grissomairmuseum.com.

IN BOONE COUNTY

Scenic trails: the Big 4 Trail

Outdoor enthusiasts looking to stretch their legs and immerse themselves in nature should visit the Big 4 Trail. This former railway line has been transformed into a picturesque trail, offering miles of scenic views and opportunities for walking, jogging, or cycling.

Wandering along the Big 4 Trail, visitors will encounter lush greenery, charming bridges, and perhaps glimpses of local wildlife. The Big 4 Trail promises an unforgettable outdoor experience for all ages.

Golfing galore: outdoor sporting

Boone County is also a haven for golf enthusiasts, boasting several top-notch courses. Whether you’re a seasoned golfer or just starting out, you will find the perfect course to suit your skill level and preferences. Courses like Ulen Country Club, Trophy Club, Golf Club of Indiana, and Zionsville Golf Course offer

challenging holes and immaculately groomed fairways.

Boone County offers endless opportunities to embrace the great outdoors. With its abundance of natural beauty and recreational activities, it’s a hidden gem for outdoor enthusiasts seeking adventure and relaxation alike. Plan your visit today and discover the unforgettable experiences that await in this idyllic corner of Indiana.

Photo courtesy of Grissom Air Museum

Photo courtesy of Discover Boone County

CAN’T-MISS SUMMER EVENTS

JUNE

RISING SUN SUMMER FEST

June 8 | Rising Sun

Family-friendly with live music, arts and crafts, food trucks, and a kid zone. Adult beverages are available. No admission charge. enjoyrisingsun.com

BUFFALO COMMUNITY DAZE

June 8 | Buffalo

BBQ, buffalo burgers, ice cream, wine, and more are available. The event features town-wide yard sales, craft and flea market vendors, and a car and motorcycle show. All proceeds benefit Buffalo’s Christmas lights. enjoywhitecounty.com

HUNTINGTON HERITAGE DAYS

June 12-16 | Huntington

The event includes a carnival, hot air balloon launches at Huntington North High School, two car shows, a kids’ zone, entertainment, a parade, and more. The JeFFFest outdoor art festival on Sunday evening features fun food, fab music, and fine art. huntington-chamber.com

NORTH JUDSON MINT FESTIVAL

June 14-16 | North Judson

Indiana’s only mint festival celebrating mint agriculture unique to the local area. Cooking with mint, family activities, bands, car show, carnival, food/craft vendors, 5K walk, and pet parade on Saturday. Traditional parade on Sunday. facebook.com/groups/547169598778061

Cities, towns, and local organizations in every region of Indiana are hosting summer events that have something for everyone. Take a look at some of the offerings below, and visit indianafestivals.org for a comprehensive, searchable list of events around the state.

MORGAN COUNTY ANTIQUE MACHINERY

ASSOCIATION’S SHOW

June 21-23 | Martinsville

The event will showcase antique tractors, oil field and hit-miss engines, garden tractors, steam engines, old cars and trucks. It will also have food vendors, a large flea market, a toy show, and an auction on Sunday. morgancountyantiquemachineryassociation.org

JULY

SHOALS CATFISH FESTIVAL

July 4-7 | Shoals

This celebration features a variety of flea market booths and a fishing contest from the Hwy. 50 Bridge. There will be a separate largest catfish fishing contest, a running and walking race, and a parade. The best catfish sandwiches around! townofshoals.com/community/special-events

HARRISON COUNTY POPCORN FESTIVAL

July 5-6 | Corydon

The Popcorn Festival celebrates one of Harrison County’s biggest agricultural products and Indiana’s official state snack: popcorn! Enjoy food, entertainment, fireworks, and more. thisisindiana.org/events

ANGOLA BALLOONS ALOFT

July 12-13 | Angola

Indiana’s premier hot air balloon competition has 30-plus balloons and night illuminations, a car show, food and retail vendors, musical entertainment, and more. angolaballoonsaloft.com

THREE RIVERS FESTIVAL

July 12-20 | Fort Wayne

The 55th annual Three Rivers Festival provides families and friends with nine days of celebration in beautiful downtown Fort Wayne. Live music, food, a parade, shopping, art, carnival rides, and over 80 fun, family-friendly events! threeriversfestival.org

DOWNTOWN BLUES AND JAZZ FESTIVAL

July 20 | Lafayette

Downtown Blues and Jazz Festival will host local stalwarts from the Lafayette jazz and blues scene. Come out and enjoy a great night of music. homeofpurdue.com/events

INDIANA GOSPEL MUSIC FESTIVAL

July 27 | Noblesville

The best of Indiana’s Southern Gospel artists perform during a combined concert at the Hamilton County Fairgrounds Exhibition Hall. igmfonline.org

AUGUST

JASPER STRASSENFEST

August 1-4 | Jasper

Family-oriented, German-themed street festival with German music. Lots of great entertainment for all on three stages. Food, dancing, rides, games, beer and wine garden, run/walk, and other events including a hot air balloon launch, tractor and car show, arts and crafts booth, and a parade on Sunday. jasperstrassenfest.org

SHIPSHEWANA ANTIQUE MARKET

August 3 | Shipshewana

Saturday antique and vintage market with 50-plus vendors selling in the Shipshewana Event Pavilion and grassy areas surrounding the beautiful grounds in Indiana’s Amish country. Enjoy food and prizes while shopping at antiques and vintage vendors. shipshewanatradingplace.com/events/shipshewanaantique-market

169TH ANNUAL OLD SETTLERS FESTIVAL

August 8-11 | Delphi

Enjoy carnival rides, games, food and more. A familyfriendly event with live music and entertainment nightly. The 169th meeting of the Old Settlers’ is on Saturday. delphimainstreet.com/old-settlers

WAMMFEST

August 17 | Greenwood

Indiana wineries and craft breweries, live music throughout the day, food and juried art fair featuring over 60 artists.

wammfest.com

TRI-STATE ANTIQUE GAS ENGINE AND TRACTOR SHOW

August 21-24 | Portland

Over 3,000 engines and tractors at the Jay County Fairgrounds. Antique and craft dealers, and entertainment. Sawmill and threshing daily. tristategasenginetractor.com

Professional progression:

LOVE AT FIRST SIGHT

For Hannah Carter, it was love at first sight, and it all started the summer after her high school graduation. An internship at Orange County REMC blossomed into a full-blown career.

“After that first summer working here, I told my mom I wanted to work at the co-op. I wanted to stay there full time,” she said. Now, Carter is the human resources and benefits administrator at the REMC. And she says she’s in this relationship for the long haul.

Carter said her internship gave her a complete education in the workings of the cooperative. “I started working out front as a member services representative. I took payments and ran to the bank and post office every day. And then I did a little bit of all the tasks. I helped with the annual meeting. The longer I was there, I was able to do service orders, take phone calls, and walk customers through highbill complaints and things like that. They threw me into anything and everything. I helped with some of the operations. I would work outages in the night.”

After her first summer at the REMC, Carter went to the University of Southern Indiana, where she began working on her human resources and business management degree. She continued interning at the REMC through the following three years.

After graduating from USI, the co-op did not have a full-time position available.

Disappointed, Carter took an HR position at a nearby manufacturing facility. The following year, the office manager called and said the REMC had added broadband fiber to its services and was hiring. Carter leaped at the opportunity and started as a member services representative.

In 2021, the REMC had grown so much with its new fiber division that it pulled HR out of the office manager’s duties and promoted Carter as the first HR and benefits administrator. “HR, in general, is a rewarding job. You get to help people; you can learn about their families. Being at the co-op, where you’re not as big as a factory, we get that small town, family feel. It’s been a wonderful opportunity for me,” Carter said.

“The small-town life is just superior to city life … Everybody knows everybody. And that’s one thing I love about the co-op: you’re able to build so many relationships with the members.”

In her HR position, Carter gathers and reviews all job applications, does phone screening, sets up and sits through interviews, offers positions and onboards new hires, does payroll,

Human Resources and Benefits Administrator Orange County REMC

and more. One of her favorite duties is overseeing the intern program.

“We’ve had a decent number of interns who have become full-time employees. That program means a lot to me because that’s how I started. I started when I was 18, and I learned how to do real life here. All the big moments in my life were here: I graduated high school, and then I got married and bought my first house,” she said.

“Interns,” she continued, “just have such potential for a long career with a cooperative. And the amount of growth they are capable of, and the amount of growth you can see from them being a high school intern to a college intern to a fulltime employee.”

Hannah Carter

Takes 10 Years Off Your Face in as Little as 10 Minutes

Women are raving about the life-changing effects of this powerful formula.

There’s no denying that people — mostly women — are on a mission to discover the best way to eliminate fine lines and wrinkles permanently. The $14 billion dollars spent on aesthetic procedures in 2021 alone is a clear indication of that fact.

But now science appears to be offering a simpler solution. It’s a special delivery technology adapted for skincare that gets superior results.

Known as advanced liposome technology, this powerful distribution system ensures that vital nutrients are delivered exactly where your skin needs them the most, providing your skin with maximum anti-aging benefits.

New Age-Defying ‘Dermal Filler’ Cream in High Demand

Al Sears, MD, of Palm Beach, Florida, recently released an anti-aging cream that adapts this breakthrough medical technology into the realm of skincare, and he’s struggling to keep up with consumer demand.

Dr. Sears is South Florida’s leading anti-aging pioneer. He has authored over 500 reports, scientific papers, and books on anti-aging. A frequent lecturer at global anti-aging conferences, Dr. Sears spoke at the WPBF 25 Health & Wellness Festival featuring Dr. Oz, along with special guest, Suzanne Somers. Thousands of people were in attendance as Dr. Sears discussed his latest anti-aging breakthroughs.

This powerful cream, known as Restore, keeps selling out faster than it’s produced — and people are raving about the effect it’s having on their skin.

“Within a few minutes of applying the cream, it visibly plumps out the under-eye area and my cheeks as well as those annoying lines that deepen as we age between the nose

and lips. It also felt like it was tightening and smoothing my skin at the same time. I definitely feel I look younger whenever I use it,” said Amy B., of Montville, New Jersey.

“The lines around my mouth and eyes are filled in and my skin is tightened. I love having younger-looking skin, so I will continue using Restore” raves Cathy C., of Florida.

The best part is that this cream has no adverse side effects, doesn’t require a doctor’s visit or prescription, and is 100% natural.

“Advanced liposome technology ensures that vital nutrients are delivered exactly where your skin needs them the most.”

Powerful Delivery System Ensures Nutrients Penetrate Deep into Your Skin

The dermis is the underlying layer of skin that supplies nourishment and oxygen, and removes waste. In other words, it’s responsible for keeping your outer layer of skin healthy. Liposome technology is designed to support and nourish this deeper layer of skin by delivering nutrients directly to it.

“All of Restore’s powerful ingredients are encapsulated in a liposome shell — an organic container that carries the beautifying agents deep into the skin cells,” explained Dr. Sears.

“Restore’s liposome shell is composed of phosphatidylcholine or PC for short. While cell membranes repel water, they absorb PC because they’re actually made of it. As a result, Restore is delivered deep into the cell for maximum firming and

volume.”

When you apply liposome cream to your face, the liposomes in the skin cream work their way inside your skin, fuse with the skin cell membranes and then release their contents directly to the cells. Regular skin creams don’t have this capability.

A Formula Designed to Take Years off Your Face in Minutes

Once it’s penetrated the deeper layer of skin, Restore releases a unique blend of botanicals, vitamins and essential oils that reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, gives skin a more even tone, and moisturizes the interior layers of your dermal cells, firming and plumping your skin.

Restore’s first skin-enhancing agent is Madonna lily leaf stem cell extract. It helps produce an even-toned complexion. In a clinical study reported in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, participants treated with this extract for 28 days showed improvements in skin luminance and tone around the eyes.

Restore is also loaded with vitamin C, which British researchers have found reduces both wrinkles and dryness. “In Restore we use magnesium ascorbyl phosphate, a more stable form of vitamin C that

doesn’t break down in liquid as does ordinary C,” explains Dr. Sears. “That means the antioxidant molecules stay intact within your skin cells where they can prevent damage from dangerous free radicals.”

This powerful formula also features guarana seed extract, coenzyme Q10, and avocado oil. Japanese researchers have also found that coenzyme Q10 supports production of the thin membrane that separates layers of your skin, and French studies have shown that avocado oil improves skin cell metabolism and enhances skin thickness.

Where To Get Restore

To secure the hot, new Restore formula, buyers should contact the Sears Health Hotline at 1-800-2357821 TODAY. “It’s not available in retail stores yet,” says Dr. Sears. “The Hotline allows us to ship directly to the customer.” Dr. Sears feels so strongly about Restore, all orders are backed by a 100% money-back guarantee. “Just send me back the bottle and any unused product within 90 days from purchase date, and I’ll send you all your money back.”

Call NOW at 1-800-235-7821 to secure your supply of Restore. Use Promo Code ICRS624 when you call. Lines are frequently busy, but all calls will be answered!

Revolutionary Formula Reduces the Appearance of Wrinkles in Minutes

Hoosier Energy news

HOOSIER ENERGY CELEBRATES 75TH ANNIVERSARY

Hoosier Energy celebrated its 75th anniversary during the 2024 Annual Meeting in French Lick, but the company chose to do so by looking ahead instead of looking back.

During the day’s final session, called Palisades Nuclear Collaboration — Cooperative History in the Making, Hoosier Energy President and CEO Donna Walker sat down with Wolverine Power Cooperative’s Eric Baker and Holtec International’s Kelly Trice to discuss the alliance.

It was an opportunity to draw back the curtain on a partnership and agreement that stands to shape the energy industry’s future.

The Palisades Nuclear Generation Station in Covert Township, Michigan, operated for nearly 50 years before being shut down in May 2022. In June 2022, it was sold to Holtec, which specializes in the design and manufacture of parts for nuclear reactors.

Restarting the plant was not on the table initially, but interest in doing

so had utilities across the country negotiating with Holtec. However, it wasn’t until Baker and Wolverine Power Cooperative came to the table that the process really gained traction.

In September 2023, Holtec and Wolverine announced they had reached a power purchase agreement to restart the plant. Wolverine is committed to purchasing at least half of the power generated, while Hoosier Energy will purchase the remaining balance.

Trice gave the cooperatives all the credit.

“We’ve never taken a loan. This will be the first loan we’ve ever had,” he said. “This is the only time in the world [restarting a nuclear plant] has happened. It would not have happened had the co-ops not come to the table because I’d been negotiating with the big utilities for months.”

The federal loan was approved in late March, putting the first nuclear energy plant restart in the world’s history on

center stage. Trice also called it a full-circle moment.

“It’s ironic that co-ops helped start nuclear in this country,” he said. “Now the co-ops are saving nuclear in this country.”

With Wolverine taking the lead in their home state, Hoosier Energy has followed the principle of cooperation among cooperatives as the process of bringing the Palisades plant back online unfolds in the coming years. It will be a long-term piece of Hoosier’s resource portfolio.

“It’s a baseload foundation to build the future on,” Walker said. “People ask me, ‘What if there’s a new technology down the road that is less expensive or something better?’ I say, ‘I hope that happens.’”

“We have room in our future for that new technology and to put it on top of this base we have with Palisades. I’m super excited to be where we’re at now.”

Donna Walker of Hoosier Energy, Eric Baker of Wolverine Power Cooperative, and Kelly Trice of Holtec International discuss the Palisades Nuclear Generating Plant restart during Hoosier’s Annual Meeting in French Lick.

Keep your cool INSIDE THIS SUMMER

With the hot, humid temperatures during the long daylight hours when kids are out of school, it may seem difficult to keep your cool at home this summer — literally and figuratively. Yet, in the literal sense, keeping your cool indoors could pay off by keeping more green in your wallet. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to help.

Seal, insulate, equip

Start with sealing the air leaks up in the attic — including any ductwork. From there, ensure your home is properly insulated to help maintain your home’s temperature. Attic insulation less than a R-19 (typically less than 6 inches of the fluffy stuff) can benefit from adding more insulation. Empty walls should be filled. Finally, if your house is adequately sealed and insulated, you may need to update your HVAC system. You can receive a Power Moves ® rebate on a qualifying energy-efficient system. You may even find that a smaller, right-sized system will control indoor humidity to help keep you more comfortable.

Properly

use your doors,

windows, and curtains

You can benefit from turning off the A/C and opening windows in the evenings and nights to let the breeze cool your home. Open doors inside your home to get air circulating when windows are open or the air conditioner is on. During the day, close your curtains to keep the sun from heating the house.

Program your thermostat

Schedule Wi-Fi and programmable thermostats so they cool only when you are at home, or set your thermostat a few degrees higher when you are away. Wi-Fi thermostats can learn how your cooling system is used to improve energy efficiency

and save you money. Be sure to use vacation mode to minimize your costs while away.

Ensure air conditioner efficiency

Schedule an air conditioner cleaning and tune-up with a local HVAC contractor to review your system and ensure that it is running properly. Check your air filter monthly and replace it if it’s dirty to allow proper airflow and prevent your system from working harder than needed.

By taking these steps, you can improve your home’s energy efficiency during the sweltering summer months. For more energysaving tips and advice, contact your local electric co-op’s energy advisor or visit PowerMoves.com

Blankets of blooms

Northern Indiana’s Heritage Trail is draped, literally, in mega-sized quilts in mural and garden form

Millions of vibrant blooms in hot pinks, cool purples, and sunny yellows stand tall, sharply defining their esteemed role in a thoughtfully designed pattern installed by 200-plus thoughtful and generous volunteers. These aren’t just any old public garden beds. They are the Quilt Gardens along the Heritage Trail in Elkhart County.

Blossoming from two test gardens plotted in 2007, 13 Quilt Gardens dot the Elkhart County map this summer across six cities and towns, including Elkhart, Goshen, Middlebury, Nappanee, Bristol, and Wakarusa. Hand-painted, super-sized murals of stunning quilts painted by artist Jeff Stillson of Nappanee can be found alongside three of the Quilt Gardens. Others stand on their own, adorning gathering spaces like the Elkhart Civic Theatre in Bristol and at community standbys like Martin Ace Hardware in Middlebury.

Visitors can enjoy these stunning displays all summer long, from May 30 through Sept. 15. Take your time and enjoy the journey by lingering

at the Quilt Gardens’ host locales. History buffs can combine interests at Quilt Garden stops at Ruthmere in Elkhart, Krider World’s Fair Gardens in Middlebury, and Goshen’s Elkhart County Courthouse and Elkhart County 4-H Fairgrounds. Stand in awe at the largest Quilt Garden at Das Dutchman Essenhaus and check out the site’s quilt mural before you fill your belly with authentic Amish-style meals.

With 13 gardens and 12 murals to visit, taking your time is encouraged — and so is keeping track of your stops. Get the Quilt Gardens Passport and log each garden and mural you visit this summer to earn points and win prizes from the Elkhart County Convention and Visitors Bureau. Enjoying the Quilt Gardens is free and open for all to enjoy at their own pace during daylight hours. Learn more about the Quilt Gardens, plot your route, and download your passport at QuiltGardens.com

Natalie Derrickson is a freelancer from Indianapolis.

Photos courtesy of Elkhart County, Indiana CVB

For safety’s sake

June is National Safety Month, which focuses on emergency preparedness and injury and accident prevention. Let’s explore some simple, cost-effective DIY investments to enhance your family’s safety at home and gain peace of mind.

LIGHT UP THE NIGHT

Integrated landscape lighting boosts safety and aesthetic appeal by eliminating dark shadows around your home. Low-voltage kits brighten walkways and landscape features. Bury cables under mulch beds or in shallow trenches for a tidy look and to reduce tripping hazards. Add solar path lights where cables don’t reach. A motion-sensing porch light welcomes guests and deters intruders. Equip other outdoor spaces with motion-sensing flood lights with adaptive dawn-to-dusk timers. While away, programmable smart bulbs in lamps give the appearance that you are home. Opt for long-life, efficient LED bulbs inside and out to help lower energy bills.

HOME SAFE HOME

Fortify entry points by upgrading windows, doors, and locks. Stick-on wireless contact alarms for windows emit a piercing sound when their magnetic seal is broken. A hotel-style door security latch bolsters security, especially in rentals. Swap out old locks for electronic smart locks that let you create and manage codes for people needing temporary access. Consider an exterior garage door opener keypad with programmable access codes, too. Help prevent forced entry with door reinforcement kits and high-security deadbolts.

EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS

Smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms are essential. Smart models alert your phone to the slightest detection of fire or dangerous gas build-ups and send reminders to check batteries. Interconnected smoke alarms work together to send alerts throughout your home. Tuck a few fire extinguishers around your house and near your grill. Stow a collapsible fire escape ladder in older kids’ rooms and ensure they know how to use it.

DO IT YOUR (SAFE) SELF

When tackling outdoor DIY with small machinery, keep safety top of mind. Grab protective glasses, dust masks, and ear protection to avoid injury from flying debris, loud motors, and kicked-up dust and pollen. Heavy-duty suede work gloves and knee pads help prevent blisters and achy joints. Apply non-slip treads to garage floors, outdoor steps, ladder rungs, and slippery areas. Finally, pick up a handy first-aid kit for dealing with minor injuries quickly.

Mike Radamaker is the store manager of Max Hardware in Marion, a Do it Best member. Do it Best is a Fort Wayne-based home improvement cooperative supporting thousands of hardware stores, home centers, and lumberyards throughout the U.S. and worldwide. Visit your local Do it Best store or doitbest.com for thousands of the best home improvement products.

(This article is for informational purposes only. Indiana Connection and Do it Best assume no liability for the accuracy or completeness of the information contained herein, or for injuries, property damage, or the outcome of any project.)