Jay County REMC — March 2020 Indiana Connection

Java

and faith Local business offers coffee and faith

MARCH 2020

from the editor

Art from the heart As someone who spent her school years with paper, pencils, canvases and paint at the ready for whenever inspiration hit, I’m especially excited about this month’s issue. It explores the artistic aspects of the Hoosier state.

I love art. Seeing works by renowned masters like da Vinci, Monet, Van Gogh, Degas, Matisse and Rodin in museums around the world are high points of my life.

Although I regretfully haven’t experienced the calming act of sketching in years, I’ll always remember how rewarding it felt to create a personal masterpiece on paper — a drawing that only I could claim.

Art is one of the best ways people of all ages can express themselves. That expression can manifest itself in the artist’s choice of medium, color palette, and subject matter. And each artist sees and presents the world differently. Art is never boring either to the artist or to those who view the finished product.

Creativity has no boundaries. Those who create have access to a special place in their minds where anything is possible. It’s a powerful feeling to go beyond real world restrictions and stretch the limits of reality. All it takes is a pencil or paintbrush or clay or other medium and an active imagination to artistically go where no one has gone before. But creativity can also manifest itself through out-of-the-box problem solving so critical in the scientific and tech worlds.

I encourage everyone to spend some time exploring their artistic sides. I believe the best artwork doesn’t necessarily reside in a museum — it’s what YOU lovingly create from the heart and your imagination.

EMILY SCHILLING Editor eschilling@indianaec.org

Giveaway: Enter to win an Artrageous Prize Pack featuring an

Artrageous T-shirt and sweatshirt, an art portfolio and a sketchbook. Visit indianaconnection.org/talk-to-us/contests. Entry deadline for giveaway: March 31.

On the menu: June issue: Cherry recipes, deadline April 1. August

issue: Recipes featuring vinegar, deadline June 1. September issue: 30-minutes or less recipes, deadline June 1. 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.

VOLUME 69 • NUMBER 9 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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POSTMASTER: Send change of address to: Indiana Connection, 8888 Keystone Crossing, Suite 1600, Indianapolis, IN 46240-4606.

Include key number.

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

MARCH 2020

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contents

MARCH

14

17

county

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

10 ENERGY Helping food keep its cool — even in a power outage.

12 I NSIGHTS 14 COUNTY OF THE MONTH Spotlighting Vigo County.

28

food

diy

16 INDIANA EATS

28 DIY

The Chicken Place: Good to the bone.

Stage your home for a successful sale.

17 FOOD Dippity do: What to dunk those chips and veggies into.

29 SAFETY

20 COVER STORY From acorns of creativity.

26 EVENTS CALENDAR What’s going on around the state.

FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA

Indiana Connection

34

Spring into safety on the farm.

30 BACKYARD What’s killing the oak trees?

(Not in all versions)

profile

33 TRAVEL Center founded by Mellencamp diverse in arts programming. (Not in all versions) 34 PROFILE Henry Holcomb: Indiana’s top dog.

32 H OOSIER ENERGY/ WABASH VALLEY NEWS

On the cover Nate Heck may edit episodes of his “Artrageous with Nate” from his nifty backyard treehouse. But the series — comprised of six to nine minute videos available on YouTube — takes the Indianapolis artist and educator around Indiana and the world to explore and inspire art, creativity and innovation.

PHOTO BY RICHARD G. BIEVER

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MARCH 2020

co-op news CONTACT US Office: 260-726-7121 / 800-835-7362 WEBSITE www.jayremc.com EMAIL remc@jayremc.com OFFICE HOURS 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m., Monday-Friday STREET ADDRESS 484 S. 200 W. Portland, IN 47371 MAILING ADDRESS P.O. Box 904 Portland, IN 47371 POWER OUTAGES To report a power outage, call 260-726-7121 or 800-835-7362, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS Brian Addington Kenneth Denton Kent Homan Klint Moser Michael Ninde Steven D. Ritchie Diane Schrock, Secretary Ronald Smithson Tom Zimmerman, Chairman STAFF Neil Draper President/CEO Becky Napert Business Manager Dwayne Muhlenkamp Operations Superintendent Jeff Myers Assistant Operations Superintendent Cindy Denney Director of Marketing and Customer Services

Like us on Facebook www.facebook.com/ JayCountyREMC

YOU'RE INVITED! Stop by Jay County REMC on March 6 to wish retired President/ CEO Mark Arnold and retiring Director of Marketing and Customer Services Cindy Denney a happy retirement!

Welcome Neil Draper The Jay County REMC board of directors has appointed Neil Draper as the co-op's president and CEO. Draper assumes the role from Mark Arnold who retired in February.

“The board is pleased to have appointed Draper as our new president/ CEO after a thorough and rigorous selection process from a strong field of candidates,” said Jay County REMC Board President Tom Zimmerman. “I would like to thank Mark (Arnold) for his continued leadership of the cooperative and express my gratitude for his commitment to Jay County REMC for over four decades. Mark and Neil worked together to ensure a cohesive leadership transition.”

Draper comes to Jay County REMC from Heartland REMC where he was its system engineer. He is originally from Michigan and resides Wells County. He is a graduate of Bluffton High School and received his degree in electrical engineering from Indiana University Purdue University Fort Wayne. Draper also earned his Management Internship Program certification from the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association.

Draper is an outstanding leader who brings experience from the manufacturing and utility industries to the cooperative, along with exceptional strategic capabilities.

He has participated in activity-based and operational budgeting. Draper understands the history of power supply, the current challenges facing the electric cooperatives, and the utility industry as a whole.

Draper’s initial priorities will be to focus on engaging with employees and

members, and learning the co-op’s system and its service territory. He is excited to hit the ground running.

Draper wants to learn every phase of Jay NEIL DRAPER County REMC: audits, billing, line construction and, most importantly, maintaining the high standard of safety at the cooperative.

“I’m delighted to join Jay County REMC at an exciting time for the industry.

It is a respected cooperative with a long history of commitment to its membership and the community. I was very excited to learn the cooperative is a strong supporter of 4-H. I have been a 4-H leader for years and understand the value and importance of the organization,” said Draper. “I’m looking forward to working with an exceptional group of employees and directors over the coming years to continue to transform Jay County REMC into a powerful organization.”

Draper and his family look forward to the annual meeting on April 18. At the meeting, he and wife Leslie and their two children, Jace and Zoe, will have the opportunity to meet you, our members.

Jay County REMC currently has 19 fulltime employees and is governed by a membership-elected nine-person board of directors.

Please welcome Draper to the Jay County REMC team.

MARCH 2020

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co-op news

BIG changes coming to the REMC annual meeting Security measures and legalities are

not on the bill, please call our office so

the office and have the membership put

driving big changes at the 2020 Jay

we can update our records.

in your name.

If you are married and your spouse is

Call our office at 260-726-7121 prior to

the only one listed on the monthly bill,

the April 18 annual meeting to make any

contact our office and request a joint

changes to the account. Changes will

membership form. The form is also on

not be made the night of the meeting.

our website at www.jayremc.com, under

Making the changes will allow for a

the “Member” tab.

smooth registration so you will be able to

County REMC annual meeting on April 18. All members will be required to show proof of identification to vote, to receive a bill credit and to receive an attendance gift.

How do you know if you are the legal member? Your name will be on the account and monthly bill. If your name is

If the name listed on the bill is of a deceased member, you will need to call

Win a $50 bill credit Follow these simple steps for your chance to win $50 in electricity.

Clip the coupon below. Complete and return the form to the office with your monthly payment before the last working day of the month.

JANUARY WINNER: Michael G. of Randolph County

NAME:

vote, receive the $10 bill credit and the attendance gift.

Sidelines

What’s happening in your community • March 13 and 14: 17th Annual Jay County Fiber Arts Festival. Jay County Community Center. Various fiber related demonstrations. Friday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sat. 9 a.m.-4 p.m.

Admission: $1, age 12 and under free.

Gyneth, 726-3366.

— Sidelines information courtesy of Jay County Chamber of Commerce.

ACCOUNT NO.: PHONE NO.:

DRAWING WINNER The winner of the gift certificate from Crown City Logistics was Dane S. of Jay County.

SET YOUR CLOCKS AHEAD! 6

MARCH 2020

Daylight Saving Time begins March 8.

Set your clocks one hour ahead the night before and check your smoke detectors.

co-op news

Running for election

Get to know your 2020 board candidates Six Jay County REMC members submitted valid signed petitions to run for a seat on the board of directors. You can vote for the board of directors at the Jay County REMC Annual Meeting on April 18.

Ritchie is a Vietnam veteran and Portland High School graduate. He operates a family grain farm with his wife and son and works as an agricultural consultant. He is a member of the Church of Christ.

DISTRICT 1

CALEB LUTES, owner of Lutes and Sons Septic Services of Portland, is a candidate in District 4. He is a 2005 graduate of Jay County High School and went on to receive an CALEB LUTES associate of applied science degree from the University of Northwestern Ohio in 2007.

KLINT MOSER

KLINT MOSER is a lifelong resident of Adams County.

Moser was elected to the board in 2014 and is running unapposed. He serves on the co-op’s membership and public relations committee.

Moser lives in rural Decatur with his wife, Amy, and their two children — Grace and Kate. He is a graduate of Adams Central High School and continued his education at Vincennes University, earning a degree in diesel mechanics. Moser is self employed as a grain and livestock farmer.

He is on the Adams County Extension board’s crops committee and the board of the Christian Care Retirement Community of Bluffton. He is a member of the Apostolic Christian Church in Bluffton.

DISTRICT 4

STEVE RITCHIE

STEVE RITCHIE is the current director for District 4. He serves on Jay County REMC’s employee relations and operations committee and is chair of the negotition committee for its

union contract.

Ritchie has attended numerous workshops and training for the cooperative over the last three years. He is a regional 2019 Indiana Electric Cooperatives and National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA) voting delegate for Jay County REMC.

Prior to starting his own business, he worked as a police officer — starting at the State Capitol then moving back home to work at both the Portland Police Department and the Jay County Sheriff's Department. Beyond his employment, he has always worked on the family farm in rural Portland.

He and his wife, Angie, have two children — Gabriel and Graham.

DISTRICT 8

KENNETH (KEN) DENTON was elected to the REMC board in 2008.

He and his wife, Rene, have been married for 42 years.

The couple have three children — Israel, Kendra and KEN DENTON Brooke — and three grandchildren. Denton has lived most of his life in Jay County.

He is a graduate of Jay County High School and Ivy Tech with an electrical certification. Denton is a farmer and was employed at Dana Corporation in Richmond for 28 years as a journeyman

tool grinder. He has received his Credentialed Cooperative Director certificate from the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA) and his certification in board leadership. Denton is a lifetime member of the NRA. He currently serves on the finance committee of the cooperative and is the Wabash Valley Power Alliance representative for Jay County REMC and serves as chairman of its board.

ERIC BYRUM, a lifelong resident of Jay County and a graduate of Jay County High School, is running for the District 8 seat.

Byrum is a graduate of Indiana University with a degree in ERIC BYRUM public affairs. He has been employed by Hemmelgarn Masonry Inc. as a mason for 26 years.

Byrum is a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Portland, where he serves as a ruling elder and sits on its governing body. He and his wife, Cassandra, have three children — Katherine, Allison and Emily.

KURT THEURER, a lifelong resident of Jay County and a graduate of Jay County High School, is also running for the District 8 seat.

He is self-employed and has farmed for 19 years. Theurer is KURT THEURER chair of the Jay County Soil and Water Conservation board and is a member of the Salamonia Church of Christ. He and his wife, Mary, have two children — Abraham and Nora.

MARCH 2020

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See you at your annual

meeting!

SATURDAY, APRIL 18 Jay County High School • Registration begins at 5:30 p.m. — Photo ID required to register to vote (only active members whose name appears on the bill), to receive bill credit and attendance gifts.

• 5:30 p.m. to end of program­— Kids’ program chaperoned

by Boy Scout Troop 202 • 5:30 p.m. — Member Business EXPO • 6 p.m.— Entertainment by rising country music star Colton Chapman • 7 p.m. — Business meeting ATTENDANCE GIFTS: $10 BILL CREDIT, SURGE PROTECTOR AND MAGNETIC SCISSORS!

Entertainment provided

by Colton Chapman!

J AY C O U N T Y R E M C M E M B E R E X P O The 2020 Jay County REMC Annual Meeting will spotlight Jay County REMC members who are business owners or managers.

If your business is interested in participating in the Member Business EXPO, fill out the application below. There is no charge for participating. The EXPO will be held April 18 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at the Jay County High School during the annual meeting. Space is limited!

Member’s Name________________________________________________________________________________________ Member’s Map Location # ________________________________________________________________________________ Business Name________________________________________________________________________________________ Business Address______________________________________________________________________________________ Business phone _______________________________________________________________________________________ Electricity required (circle one)?: YES

NO

Are you having a drawing (circle one)?: YES NO The Jay County REMC will provide signage, a table and two chairs.

Please return to the REMC by March 19 to: Lynn Pinkerton, P.O. Box 904, Portland IN 47371.

You can also email pinkertonl@jayremc.com or call 260-726-7121, ext: 225.

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MARCH 2020

energy

Help food keep its cool — even in a power outage

With winter around

Before an emergency,

to be refrigerated. Doing

the cold temperatures

the corner, weather

put appliance

so will help keep you

to make ice. Fill buckets,

emergencies are bound

thermometers in

out of the refrigerator

empty milk cartons or

to happen — but they

your freezer and

and also provide you

cans with water and

don’t have to reach crisis

refrigerator. Freeze

with a backup food

leave them outside to

status in your household.

containers of water—

source in an extended

freeze. You can then use

If you prepare for power

like milk jugs — to put

blackout.

the homemade ice in

outages before they

in the refrigerator and

occur, you can minimize

help keep food cold

For a prolonged

your worries, especially

longer, but don’t fill

outage, find local

about food safety.

them to the top. Water

stores that sell dry ice

Finally, when the power

your refrigerator, freezer or coolers.

expands as it freezes, so

and block ice. Block

outage is over, don’t

The most important tip

leave some extra space

or dry ice will keep the

take chances if the food

to remember is to keep

in the container.

refrigerator as cold

is questionable. If in

as possible for longer

doubt, throw it out.

your refrigerator and freezer doors closed

If you know in

as much as possible

advance that adverse

during an outage. If

weather conditions

Though some may

electricity is out only for

are imminent, freeze

encourage you to,

a short time and your

leftovers, milk, fresh

don’t bury food in the

refrigerator maintains

meat and poultry that

snow, because this

a temperature of 40 F

you may not need

isn’t a safe alternative.

or below, your food will

immediately. Grouping

Frozen food can thaw

be safe for about four

food together in the

if exposed to the

hours. A full freezer will

refrigerator will help

sun’s rays, even if

stay cold for 48 hours —

items stay cool longer.

temperatures are frigid.

24 hours if it’s half full.

Also, stock up on food

Rather than storing food

supplies that don’t need

outside, consider using

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MARCH 2020

periods of time.

by

Leslie Beard

Director of Marketing and Member Services WIN Energy REMC

insights L ETTE R S TO THE

editor

Off the ‘to do’ list

I’ve had a “to do” item on my list for over a year … so today I am going to “do” it! I’ve long wanted to write you and tell you what a wonderful job you do with the monthly Indiana electric publication!

I’ve been a long time Dubois REC customer. Your contributions to my enjoyment each month have been significant! I know thousands of other Hoosiers have the same experience … but, like me, letting you know can be hard to get off the “to do” list. Thanks … and keep up the good work!

Mike Rendel, Mentor, Indiana

Still time to enter Calendar art contest deadline March 20 Indiana students in grades kindergarten through 12 still have time to enter the Cooperative Calendar of Student Art contest. But the deadline to enter the contest is just weeks away. Artwork must be received at the Indiana Connection office by 5 p.m. on March 20. The address is Indiana Connection, Calendar Art Contest, 8888 Keystone Crossing, Suite 1600, Indianapolis, IN 46240.

Winning entries will illustrate the 2021 art calendar sponsored by Indiana’s electric cooperatives.

‘For the people’ magazine

A complete set of rules and the required entry form are available at

Just finished reading your editorial in the recent magazine about your tiny house desire (January 2020 issue, page 3).

A first place artist will be selected for each grade and will receive $200.

I love all your articles. They speak to each and every one of us. Your magazine is something I look forward to each month. It is filled with interesting informative articles, chances for opportunities and good homemade recipes and restaurants to try. It also showcases parts of our beautiful state that otherwise might go unnoticed!

Thank you again for a great “for the people” magazine!

Jennifred E. Jones, Wingate, Indiana

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MARCH 2020

www.IndianaConnection.org/for-youth/2021-contest.

The artwork of each grade level winner will illustrate either the cover or one month of the calendar.

Honorable mention award winners will receive $75. Their artwork will appear in a special section of the calendar. An “Artist of the Year” will be selected from among the first place winners and will receive an additional $100. Judges will also select merit winners who will receive certificates.

Contact either Emily Schilling (eschilling@indianaec.org) or Richard G. Biever (rbiever@indianaec.org) at Indiana Connection if you have questions about the art contest.

MARCH 2020

13

county feature

Vigo County Vigo County has been home to a celebrated array of people. But let’s meet three: a songsmith, a saint, and Holocaust survivor.

PAUL DRESSER. Whenever Hoosiers sing about “the moonlight … along the Wabash,” they honor all Indiana homesteads. But really, that home gleaming with candlelight was that of Dresser, a Terre Haute native and songwriter who composed the song in 1897. “On the Banks of the Wabash, Far Away” was officially adopted as the state song in 1913.

y t n u o C acts F FOUNDED: 1818

NAMED FOR: Francis Vigo, an Italian-born fur trader who aided the American forces during the Revolutionary War, most famously as an informant to George Rogers Clark in recapturing the British-held fort at Vincennes.

POPULATION: 107,386 (2018) COUNTY SEAT: Terre Haute NOTED FOR: Vigo County is nationally known as a bellwether for U.S. presidential elections; it has voted for the winning candidate in every election since 1956, and in all but two elections since 1888 (1908 and 1952).

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MARCH 2020

Dresser’s birthplace and boyhood home, a state shrine listed on the National Register of Historic Places, now sits in Terre Haute’s Fairbanks Park, a stone’s throw from the Wabash. Dresser, it should be noted, was born Dreiser and was an older brother to another famous Hoosier, acclaimed writer and social reformer Theodore Dreiser.

SAINT THEODORA GUÉRIN. Long before Dresser wrote about “nature’s school,” a Catholic nun arrived at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods, a wilderness settlement in northwest Vigo County, in 1840 from France.

Mother Théodore Guérin, aided by several other sisters, advanced education and religious vocation in the region. One school she founded became Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College, which continues today as a Roman Catholic liberal arts school open to both women and men.

More than 50 years after she died in 1853, the first considerations began for her sainthood. Pope Benedict XVI canonized her in 2006. Saint Theodora Guérin is the only saint to have served in Indiana.

Eva Kor at the CANDLES museum in Terre Haute. She died unexpectedly on her annual CANDLES trip to Auschwitz July 4, 2019.

EVA MOZES KOR. While the Nazis killed her parents and older sisters during the Holocaust in World War II, young Eva and her twin sister, Miriam, were spared for the sadistic pseudoscientific experiments carried out on twins at the Auschwitz death camp in Germanoccupied Poland.

Though they survived, they suffered physical complications throughout the rest of their lives.

In 1960, she married American Michael Kor, also a Holocaust survivor, and settled in Terre Haute. In 1984, Kor founded CANDLES (an acronym for “Children of Auschwitz Nazi Deadly Lab Experiments Survivors”), and, in 1995, opened the CANDLES Holocaust Museum and Education Center in Terre Haute to educate the public about the Holocaust and the power of forgiveness.

Despite her age, Kor made annual trips to Auschwitz to tell others about her childhood experiences. During last year’s CANDLES trip, she died unexpectedly on July 4 near Auschwitz in Kraków, Poland. She was 85 years old.

This year, CANDLES museum celebrates 25 years and will be hosting programs and initiatives, speakers, events, and activities that carry on Kor’s legacy.

Indiana eats

Good to the bone The Chicken Place is THE place for your fried chicken fix This St. Patrick’s Day take a trip to

keeps the family tradition alive — as

Ireland — Ireland, Indiana, that is.

well as the area’s rich German tradi-

But don’t head to this small town in

tion. German Potato Salad and Ger-

Dubois County for an Irish Stew and

man Fries (potato slices fried with on-

Colcannon dinner. The Hoosier state’s

ions) are menu staples. Chicken can

Ireland is synonymous with fried chick-

be ordered by the piece or as quarter

en from The Chicken Place.

and half chicken portions. Hankering

Yes, this purveyor of good old-fashioned skillet-fried chicken, made fresh to order, is actually called “The Chicken Place.” Make no bones

for livers, gizzards or hearts? They’re on the menu, too. A full order of ’em all is aptly noted as “Organ Trail” in the Appetizers listing.

about what this Ireland institution is

Though fried chicken fanatics from

known for, although its menu includes

across the country have hit the trail

burgers, strip steak, ham, shrimp,

to Ireland, Indiana, locals love the

tenderloins and oysters.

eatery as well. Readers of The Dubois

Four generations of the Leinenbach family have been serving good-tothe-bone chicken using Katie Leinen-

County Herald voted it the “Best Fried Chicken” in the 2019 Best of Dubois County Awards.

bach’s top secret recipe since the

Patrons also love the restaurant’s 20

restaurant opened its doors in 1948

ounce scooners of draft beer which

as Leinenbach Café. The Chicken

are a perfect accompaniment to the

Place’s current owner, Chris Himsel,

crisp chicken.

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MARCH 2020

THE CHICKEN PLACE 970 W. State Road 56 Ireland, IN 47546

812-482-7600 thechickenplaceireland.com

HOURS: Monday–Tuesday: 4 to 8:30 p.m.

Wednesday–Friday: 4 to 9 p.m.

Saturday: 3:30 to 9 p.m.

Sunday: Closed

food

Dippity

Do

Take a veggie slice, cracker or chip ... and dip!

Jalapeno Popper Dip

Marilles Mauer, Greensburg, Indiana 2 (8 oz.) pkgs. cream cheese, softened 6-8 slices cooked bacon, crumbled 1 cup mayonnaise 4-6 jalapenos, seeded and chopped 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese ½ cup diced green onions 1 cup crushed buttery round crackers (about 18) ½ cup shredded parmesan cheese ¼ cup butter, melted

Preheat oven to 350 F. Spray 8-by-8-inch casserole dish with non-stick cooking spray and set aside.

Blend cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Combine with bacon, mayonnaise, jalapenos, cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, and diced green onions in a bowl. Stir well. Transfer mixture to a casserole dish. Spread evenly. In a small bowl, combine cracker crumbs, parmesan cheese and melted butter.

Sprinkle cracker crumb mixture all over the top of the dip. Bake 20-30 minutes or until bubbly.

Editor’s note: We garnished the dip with finely chopped red and yellow peppers.

food Pizza Dip

Pizza Dip Angela Rouch, Peru, Indiana 1 pkg. 8 oz cream cheese 1 t. Italian seasoning ¼ t. garlic powder 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese ¾ cup pizza sauce

½ cup finely chopped green pepper ½ cup finely chopped red pepper ½ cup mini pepperoni slices, optional Tortilla chips, breadsticks, or crackers for dipping

In a bowl, combine cream cheese, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder; spread on the bottom of a greased pie plate. Combine cheeses; sprinkle half over the cream cheese layer. Top with pizza sauce and peppers; can add pepperoni slices. Sprinkle with remaining cheeses. Bake at 350 F for 20 minutes. Serve with tortilla chips, breadsticks, or crackers.

Mexican Cheese Dip

Mexican Cheese Dip Kayla Knepp, Montgomery, Indiana 2 lbs. Queso Blanco - style pasteurized processed cheese ¾ cup milk 1 T. butter 2 (4 oz.) cans chopped green chiles ½ t. cumin ½ t. garlic powder ½ t. onion powder ⅛ t. cayenne pepper Place cheese, milk and butter in a saucepan over low heat. Cook until melted. Stir in green chiles, cumin, garlic and onion powders, and cayenne pepper. Serve with chips or over Mexican rice.

Editor’s note: We garnished the dip with chopped green onions and jalapeno slices.

FO O D PREPARED BY I NDI ANA CO NNE CTI O N S TA FF

18

PHO TO S BY TAYLO R MA RA NI O N

MARCH 2020

from Acorns of

Creativity...

by Richard G. Biever Nate Heck works in the world’s greatest office space.

But it’s not the cozy insulated and energized tree house in his backyard. Though editing video beneath a giant live oak limb that passes through definitely makes a unique and awesome studio.

It’s not the New York City museums, industrial plants, or even Holiday World where he’s made episodes of his internet-based educational series, “Artrageous with Nate.” Though visiting these places inspire and fascinate.

And it’s not even the beautiful and historic homes and basilicas in Spain or Italy he’s taken viewers to. Though touring Salvador Dali’s home on the Mediterranean seemed surreal.

No. Nate Heck toils and tarries within a space that embraces all these places — and limitlessly more. His work station is within the imagination.

His mission, the reason he created “Artrageous,” is to share the stories of creative people. The goal is to inspire and invite viewers to revisit their own imagination and creativity, and to project it outward. “Everybody’s creative,” Heck said. “The most fascinating creative people I have ever met are not artists. They’re usually

INDIANAPOLIS

20

MARCH 2020

Nate Heck sits back in his backyard tree house where he edits episodes of “Artrageous with Nate.” Along with a live oak limb running overhead, his workspace includes a loft, where he reads or his kids play, Emmys he’s won, and memorabilia.

PHO TO BY RI CHARD G . BI EVER

I NTERNATI O NAL PH O TO S CO URTE S Y O F ARTRAGE O US WI TH NATE

engineers, designers — people that are just looking at problems differently.”

And, “Wherever you see creativity and innovation,” he says in an introduction video for “Artrageous,” “I’ll be there.”

STORIES TO TELL Heck, 42, is trained as an artist and an educator. From his home on the east side of Indianapolis, he says he’s

PARIS, FRANCE

more of a speaker and a storyteller.

Nate Heck visits the Louvre, the world’s largest art museum.

“I still consider myself an educator.

I love storytelling. Good teaching is

“Art was a way that I didn’t feel

raised a few

good, good storytelling. I love telling

worthless,” he said. “I started doing

eyebrows. Though his students would

other people’s stories.”

local fair competitions … anything just

occasionally bring home a finished

to have a chance to have somebody

product, his classes would spend

see what I was making. Even if I didn’t

months on projects. A fifth grade class

win, I’d get some encouragement.

dissected various elements of the

Heck was the guest speaker at Indiana Electric Cooperatives’ Cooperative Calendar of Student

Sistine Chapel, for instance.

Art reception for the contest winners

“It is important,” he continued. “If it

last year. He’s been invited to be on

weren’t for these art competitions,

Another project had students building

the panel of judges for this year’s

where else are some of these kids

full-size mummies and sarcophagi

contest that concludes later this month

going to get to shine a little bit? It’s not

and turning the hallways outside

(please see page 12 for information

going to be the SAT. They’re not going

the art room into an Egyptian tomb.

about the contest). Winning works

to make the honor roll, per se. They

His students also erected a 30-foot

from the contest in all grades, K-12,

may not be the football star.”

tower of colorfully painted plastic

will illustrate the cover and the months of the 2021 wall calendar that will be made available by participating electric cooperatives around the state in the fall.

Despite his rough early start with academics, Heck went on to earn degrees in art education and telecommunications at Ball State

water bottles that looked like glass, akin to the Dale Chihuly blownglass sculpture at the Indianapolis Children’s Museum.

University. He then received a

But some parents would ask, “Where

Thinking back to his talk with the

master’s degree in educational

are the hand turkey things for

winners, Heck noted art contests like

technology from Indiana University.

Thanksgiving?”

After college, he and his wife, Jessica,

“I’m way more fascinated by the

who is a French and Spanish teacher,

process of creativity than I am whether

lived in France for a couple of years.

you make some beautiful painting,” he

In 2005, they returned to the east side

said. “I just wanted to immerse kids in

of Indianapolis where he taught high

experiences.”

the co-ops’ calendar project were important to him growing up. He was not strong in the core subjects, he noted, and even repeated third grade.

But inspired by his grandfather, an artist with The Indianapolis Star, Heck began using his imagination and creating with his hands.

school and elementary art for the next 10 years.

Heck’s unorthodox style of teaching

In the meantime, he had begun using his skills in videography to create

CONTINUED ON PAGE 22 MARCH 2020

21

MADRID, SPAIN CONTINUED FROM PAGE 21

Nate Heck interviews Oscar Sanz, CEO of Ink and Movement, at its headquarters.

Ink and Movement manages artists and creates art and cultural projects to bring contemporary art to the public. Vinnie Manganello, an Indianapolis based producer and videographer, handles the camera.

teaching resources that would tell the back story of artists and their works,

Then, as budget cuts came to his

measured or appreciated as the

like Edvard Munch’s “The Scream,”

school system, arts education was

courses within the STEM (Science,

or Georges Seurat’s pointillism, for

among the first casualties. Heck saw

Technology, Engineering, and Math)

example. “I couldn’t find anything like

fellow art teachers losing their jobs,

curriculum. “And if we can’t measure

what I wanted,” he said. “I love art

and he was forced to spread his time

it very simply on a test, we devalue

history. I love history, and I did not

thin teaching between two and then

it. Just because we can’t quantify it

like the way it was presented. It just

three schools.

perfectly, then somehow we think,

seemed really dry, and these kids were not connecting to the artists.”

Finally, by 2016, he realized he wasn’t putting into the art classes what he

‘Well, the arts are the first thing if we’ve got to cut.’”

With the help of the PBS station in

should and left teaching to focus strict-

Indianapolis, Heck’s videos became

ly on “Artrageous” to spur creativity

“Artrageous,” short 6- to 9-minute

and the need for the arts. “That’s why I

clips. They were disseminated over

got pretty passionate,” he said.

Heck admits part of the trouble with

The problem with the arts in schools,

general, is how they are presented

the internet and on PBS out of Washington, D.C.

22

MARCH 2020

he said, is that they are not as easily

THEORIES OF RELATIVITY the “arts” in school, and society in and interpreted.

“You can’t say ‘art.’ It just separates,”

it. I’m fascinated by making all of that

Safari theme park in southern Indiana

he said. “It’s a loaded word. I call it the

relatable.”

to talk about roller coaster design

‘un-four letter word.’”

“Artrageous with Nate” bridges that

and engineering. “It was one of my favorites because it was great seeing

He said people will immediately

gap between the art room and what’s

separate between those who have the

beyond it. In the short engaging clips,

skill sets to paint and draw, and those

Heck enthusiastically shows how

who feel they don’t, and, therefore,

creativity, imagination and art combine

couldn’t care less.

with math and engineering to create

Another episode featured an industrial

wonderful human experiences. In

designer at Delta Faucet near

everything from roller coasters to

Indianapolis. It followed her vision for

literally the kitchen sink, Artrageous

a new faucet design, inspired by an

explores the ins and outs of the

old milk bottle, from her sketches to

creative process and innovation

collaboration with engineers through

from the Renaissance to today, from

to a final beautiful functioning faucet.

“Where is it in the process … where is it in middle school or high school that something happens, and we start to think we either have ‘it’ or we don’t?” he said. “People always say ‘I can’t draw a stick person.’ But that’s not really what I’m concerned about. I’m

Indiana to Europe.

more concerned about them not losing

For one episode, Heck and his crew

the belief that they ARE creative. The

ventured to Holiday World/Spashin’

world actually needs more people thinking creatively through problems than making paintings.”

He said being innovative is the number one trait every business

all that come together. Design artists, engineers, the user experience. That was really fun.”

CONTINUED ON PAGE 24 LERMA, SPAIN Nate pauses for a picture beside the Collegiate Church of San Pedro, which was built in the early 1600s, while donkey trekking to a shoot in northwestern Spain near its border with France.

wants. To nurture that, “You need to support the arts. You need to support creative opportunities for kids so they have more time to just experiment.”

Heck said he’d like to see a new emphasis in arts curriculum. Instead of advocating for the addition of “A” for “art” to STEM to create STEAM, he said art — or rather the creativity, innovation and imagination the arts stimulate and strengthen — needs to extend beyond the art room. Those essential skills need to become fused with every STEM subject, too.

“When I speak at art conferences, a really a big question I am asking is: At what point do we stop calling it the ‘art room.’ If we want the arts to survive, I think we’re going to have to stop labeling it like that,” he said. “The only way to do it is to start connecting — by saying what happens in the art room connects to everything outside

MARCH 2020

23

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 23 With major funding from multiple sources, Heck has produced some

scientists, technicians, engineers, mathematicians — successful people in all walks — do the same.

100 episodes available on his website

“Imagination is more important than

or YouTube. “I love filming creative

knowledge,” once opined a guy

stories that focus on the relationship

known not as an artist but more for

between designers and engineers,

a few theories he concocted in the

form and function. I not only dig into

STEM line of work. But he added, “I

the culture they grew up in, but also

am enough of the artist to draw freely

into the companies and cultures

upon my imagination … Knowledge

that cultivate this type of innovative

is limited,” he said. “Imagination

thinking,” he noted

encircles the world.”

The show reaches an international

That guy was Albert Einstein.

audience, a little over half from the United States with the rest in Canada, Europe, Australia and India.

ACORNS OF INSPIRATION Acorns fall from the giant oak tree in Heck’s backyard. He hears them toppling onto the tree house roof.

Even after multiple rakings last fall, acorns still cover parts of the yard.

That’s how creativity often comes.

Inspiration doesn’t always come in a brainstorm of fully-blown ideas.

Creativity can come in persistent tapping that builds upon itself. And from those tiny acorns of inspiration, as they say, sprout mighty oaks carrying those ideas upward. They branch out and grow.

Artists nurture and harvest their creativity. Successful

Heck said every field of study is important. “But we must also realize creativity is often the fuel within it all, giving us everything from the lightbulb

NATE HECK,

to the iPhone. Nearly everything we

executive producer and host, Artrageous

wear, ride in, and live in has been touched by not just STEM but also a heavy dose of creativity.”

Research, he said, has proven that one side of the brain doesn’t do all the creative thinking while the other solves math equations. “Researchers are discovering creative thinking happens in multiple areas of the brain, with both hemispheres working together,” Heck said. “If our brains are designed this way, maybe our companies, schools, and industries should be, too.”

Richard G. Biever is senior editor of Indiana Connection.

Guide Cayetano Vinzia describes the history of the Basílica de la Sagrada Família (Holy Family basilica) for an episode of “Artrageous with Nate.”

MARCH 2020

NATE HECK Age: 42 Family: Jessica Heck, wife Children: Geneva, Phoenix, Zara Home: Indianapolis Education: • Ball State University, degrees in art education and telecommunications • Indiana University, Masters in educational technology Awards: Six Emmy Awards for episodes of “Artrageous with Nate” About 100 episodes produced for both digital and broadcast.

BARCELONA, SPAIN

24

You need to support the arts. You need to support creative opportunities for kids so they have more time to just experiment.

“Artrageous with Nate” is supported by major funding from the Christel DeHaan Family Foundation and the Allen Whitehill Clowes Charitable Foundation.

www.ArtrageousWithNate.com

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calendar NORTHWEST

17

ST. PATRICK’S DAY NIGHTTIME PARADE, Crown Point (Lake), downtown.

The only nighttime parade in Northwest Indiana. Parade at dusk. Free. 219662-3290.

21

TRACK THE PAST MODEL TRAIN SHOW, Rensselaer (Jasper), Rensselaer Public Library. Several different sizes and ages of model trains. Includes layouts that have buttons for the children to push and Thomas.. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. (Central Time). Free.

219-866-5881. jwilma@myjcpl.org

April

11

EASTER TRAINS, North Judson (Starke), Hoosier Valley Railroad Museum. Passengers ride in vintage coach or open-air sightseeing cars.

Approximately 12-mile round trip travels to the Kankakee River at English Lake and continues to a park for an Easter Egg Hunt and visit with the Easter Bunny. Purchasing tickets online is recommended as trains have sold out in the past. View train departure times and book tickets at hoosiervalley.org.

Tickets: $9 and up. 574-896-3950. marketing@hoosiervalley.org

CENTRAL

1718 21

DELAWARE COUNTY FARM FESTIVAL, Muncie (Delaware), Delaware County Exposition Center/Fairgrounds. Teaches children and adults about farming and agriculture, past and present, and the importance it plays in today’s society. 8:30 a.m-8 p.m. Joe Scott, 765-760-4443, or Dee Chambers, 765-760-8626. Visit Facebook page or https://www.farmfestival.org/ CHRIS KATTAN AND FRIENDS, Franklin April (Johnson), Beeson Hall. The former Saturday Night Live cast member, performs his stand-up comedy show.

Recommended for 17 and over. Tickets: $20 and $35. 6:30 p.m. https://www.etix. com/ticket/p/8876604/chris-kattanand-friends-in-franklin-franklinbeeson-hall?country=US&partner_ id=240&language=en&cobrand=mhshows

4-5

29TH ANNUAL TRADITIONAL POW-WOW, Lebanon (Boone), Boone County 4-H Fairgrounds. Native American singing, dancing, Red Road specials, vendors and food. Admission charge. 765-453-9025. americanindiancounci. wixsite.com/ americanindiancounci

SOUTHWEST

21

THE LICK CREEK BAND, Mitchell (Lawrence), Mitchell Opera House.

Eclectic acoustic music. 7 p.m. Tickets: Adults, $13; Children 12 and under, $6. Purchase tickets at ACE/Ben Franklin in Mitchell or online at www. mitchelloperahouse.com. Tickets can also be purchased at the door. 812-8494447. aprince@hoosieruplands.org.

2122

“THE GREAT WAR” WORLD WAR I LIVING HISTORY EVENT, Vincennes (Knox), Indiana Military Museum.

Hundreds of artifacts including artillery, vehicles and living history displays. Battles will be re-enacted both days. Free admission to outdoor events.

Saturday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sunday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. 812-882-4316. http://indymilitary.com/events

26

MARCH 2020

April

2

FERDINAND TOWN WIDE YARD SALE, Ferdinand (Dubois), townwide.

Housewares, clothing, home decor, toys, etc. Over 100 sites throughout and around town.

812-367-2041.

MARCH

APRIL

To ensure our readers have sufficient time to plan ahead to attend these events, we have revamped the timeline of our calendar. Our events listing runs from the 15th of the current month to the 15th of the next month. We hope you find this revised schedule helpful.

NORTHEAST

2122

MAPLE SYRUP DAYS, LaGrange (LaGrange), Maple Wood Nature Center.

“All-you-can-eat” pancakes and sausage meal, 7 a.m.–2 p.m. Horse drawn wagon rides into the sugar bush and tours of the sugar shack from 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Sugar making demonstrations, children’s entertainment, maple syrup and maple syrup-flavored food items for sale. All activities are free. The pancake breakfast requires a meal ticket purchased at the event (Adults, $7; Children, $3). 260-854-2225. larnold@lagrangecounty.org. http:// lagrangecountyparks.org/index.php?Itemid=106

28

SHIPSHEWANA STANDARDBRED HORSE SALE, Shipshewana (LaGrange), Shipshewana Auction and Flea Market. Standardbred auction. Preview and driving, 7-9:30 a.m. To consign a horse, call Dale Chupp, 260-499-0093.

9:30 a.m. sale begins. Free. info@shipshewanatradingplace.com. https:// shipshewanatradingplace.com/events/standardbred-horse-sale-auction

April

SPRING CRAFT BAZAAR, Fort Wayne (Allen), Allen County Fairgrounds.

9 a.m.-2 p.m. A food booth will be available the day of the event.

Free. 260-402-1315 or 260-623-3702. momriley5@yahoo.com. http:// allencountyfairgroundsin.com/event/2020-spring-craft-bazaar/

11

SOUTHEAST

27April

18

“FAB FOUR,” Corydon (Harrison), Artisan Center. Beatles themes portrayed by local area artists. Free. Visit https://www.thisisindiana.org/event/fabfour-at-the-artisan-center/ or visit the center’s Facebook page. 812-7382123.

28

METAMORA MANDOLIN GATHERING, Metamora (Franklin), MPA Opry Barn. Full day of workshops, jams and networking. Evening show open to the public. Admission charge. 317-627-1377. https://www.metamorampa. org/metamora-mandolin-gathering

April

FARM CLUB OF SOUTHEASTERN INDIANA SWAP MEET, Osgood (Ripley), Ripley County Fairgrounds. Buy, sell or trade. 8 a.m.-noon. $3 per person.

812-621-8302. chrismaryschmaltz@gmail.com. http://www.farmclubonline. com/id4.html

11

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.

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.

MARCH 2020

27

do-it-yourself

FIRST IMPRESSIONS MATTER stage your home for a successful sale When selling your home, you want it to look its absolute best

Or attach

for potential buyers. Home staging highlights your home’s

an air

most impressive assets. It can also greatly decrease the time a

freshening

home sits on the market. Follow these suggestions for a cost-

pad to your

effective way to make a big impact.

furnace

DE-PERSONALIZE: Staging helps buyers visualize the property as their own. If they’re distracted by a wall of family photos, a refrigerator covered in magnets and kids’ artwork, or tons of

filter for a fresh scent throughout.

toiletries on a bathroom counter, they’ll miss what’s important.

TOUCH UP AND REFRESH: Once you’ve de-personalized,

Take the personal stuff down and store it in bins with lids

decluttered, and cleaned, you’ll probably notice areas that

while your home is on the market. Replace wall hangings with

could use a little extra help. Nail holes that weren’t reused

neutral pieces so your walls aren’t completely bare. In the

will need some light spackling and touch-up paint. Speaking

bathroom, stow personal items in small bins so you can quickly

of paint, it’s best to neutralize brightly colored walls, another

hide them under the sink or in a linen closet, keeping counters

distraction to buyers. Paint is one of the most noticeable and

clutter free. Small decorative fabric totes corral items neatly on

cost-effective ways to freshen up a space.

open shelving.

Small fixes like a fresh bead of bathtub caulk, updated

DECLUTTER: Clutter takes up space, and space is what sells.

cabinet knobs, or new light switch plates quickly give a more

De-personalizing often takes care of some of the clutter but look around and see what else isn’t needed on a daily basis.

Don’t stash everything in closets, because buyers will look there to see if your home has enough storage space for their belongings. So, it’s a good time to start filling more bins or large sealable storage bags with extra clothing and outerwear

modern appearance. Add more light with brighter LEDs. And remember, a buyer’s first impression begins at the curb and front door. In the winter, make sure walkways are free of snow and ice. Your lawn and landscaping should look tidy and healthy the rest of the year. New mulch and pots of annuals do wonders for curb appeal, not to mention a modern doorknob

that’s out of season. Collectibles and knickknacks should be

on a freshly painted, great looking front door.

put away as well, so stock up on packing boxes, paper and

Visit your local Do it Best store or doitbest.com for thousands

tape.

of the best home improvement products, including storage,

CLEAN UP:

A clean home suggests to buyers that the current

cleaning, and touch up supplies for home staging.

occupants took good care of it. Make sure every area of the house is free of dust, dirt, and soap scum. Have plenty of cleaning supplies on hand to tackle the highly visible areas like countertops, bathrooms, sinks, and windows, as well as more hidden areas like refrigerator shelves. Try Mr. Clean eraser pads to remove scuffs from walls. Get some new reusable or disposable mop heads or Swiffer WetJets to keep kitchen floors shining. Dusters on extendable poles make it easy to

by

Pat Sullivan

Pat Sullivan is the owner of Sullivan Hardware & Garden stores in Indianapolis and is a member-owner of Do it Best Corp., a Fort Wayne-based cooperative of thousands of hardware stores, home centers and lumberyards throughout the US and around the world.

tackle dust and cobwebs on baseboards, ceiling fans, and wall corners. Buyers also judge your home’s cleanliness with their noses. Keep that “freshly cleaned” vibe going by discreetly placing plug-in style or solid air fresheners around the house.

28

MARCH 2020

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

safety

Spring into safety on the farm

Spring has sprung in the Hoosier state. It’s planting season for many of the state’s roughly 94,000 farmers. While you prepare to plant the crops that keep the world fed, Indiana’s electric cooperatives remind you to keep safety in mind — especially when working around electricity.

According to the U.S. Department of Labor Occupational Safety and Health Administration, 62 farm workers are electrocuted each year in the U.S. Farm worker deaths and injuries can be prevented by practicing some simple electrical safety measures around farm.

Helpful safety tips for farmers to keep in mind this season: • Make sure farm equipment like planter arms and sprayers safely clear overhead power lines. This tall equipment can easily become entangled in power lines and pose an electrocution risk. Keep

a minimum of 20-foot distance from power lines in all directions.

Consider asking your electric cooperative to move overhead lines around buildings or frequently used pathways. If you’re planning any new construction, consult your cooperative for information on minimum clearances and the location of overhead lines.

• Keep a safe distance from power poles and guy wires when working the land or planting crops.

Contact 911 immediately if your equipment comes into contact with a guy wire or power pole. Do not try to fix it yourself. Leave that to the experts.

• If your farm equipment comes in contact with power lines, call 911 immediately. Keep others away and remain calm. DO NOT try to exit the equipment or touch someone who has had electrical contact. If you must exit the equipment for life-threatening reasons, jump out and away from the equipment and make sure

to land with your feet together and touching. Then, shuffle at least three tractor lengths away with your feet touching. NEVER attempt to get back into or touch equipment that is in contact with a power line.

• If a standby generator is used on a single-phase system, it must be connected to the farm’s wiring system through a double pole, double-throw switch. The switch disconnects the farm’s electrical system from the electric cooperative’s lines during an outage and prevents backfeed – keeping lineworkers safe from the risk of electrocution.

• Finally, make sure full-time and seasonal farm workers are educated to stay safe on the farm.

Each worker should be aware of the dangers and use proper safety procedures.

Indiana’s electric cooperatives stress the importance of staying safe around electricity this planting season. It could save a life.

MARCH 2020

29

co-op news

Mike Collett is the owner of The Filling Station Coffee Haus in Berne.

JAVA and FAITH

By Cindy Denney The Clock Tower in Berne may have inspired the signature drink “The Clock Tower” at The Filling Station Coffee Haus. However, it was Jesus who inspired owner Mike Collett to open its doors, and his heart, to the community.

Collett’s personal transformation motivated him to refurbish the former gas station into a gathering place for multi-generations. He believes bonding over a freshly brewed cup of java helps people relax and enjoy the company of family and friends ... and maybe even make some new ones.

Collett understands the value of a good cup of coffee and the value of a welcoming establishment. “I felt with the closing of some landmark restaurants in Berne and in Adams County, we needed a new gathering place. It was with the grace of God and the support of my loving family: my wife, Lara, and our beautiful children — Vienna and Gwyneth — we chose to embark on this journey,” said Collett.

Further describing his motivation, Collett said, “I believe my past and spiritual guidance led me to opening The Filling Station Coffee Haus. When I lived in Marion, I would visit a coffee shop regularly. The people I met there helped me become the person I wanted to be. Those relationships led me to Berne where I met my wife. I

30

MARCH 2020

want to help people enjoy a delicious cup of coffee and experience the fellowship that visiting a coffee shop meant to me.”

your body and soul. Feel free to join him and others on a Sunday night when the shop is closed, but open for worship.

Walking through the doors to The Filling Station Coffee Haus, immediately lifts your spirits. The aroma of fresh-brewed coffee instantly makes you feel good. Coffee is not the only tasty treat available.

The shop offers a wide variety of coffee flavors and specialty drinks.

While the Clock Tower is its signature drink, I recommend the blended Scotcharoo latte.

The Filling Station Coffee Haus is the newest Co-op Connections Card business to offer a discount to Jay County REMC members. Show your card and receive 10% off a purchase of $10 or more.

In addition to coffees and other drinks, The Filling Station Haus has delicious soups and sandwiches. It serves up a daily special that’s always sure to please.

A favorite is the cheesy chicken tortilla soup. Yet, it is hard not to love a gourmet grilled cheese sandwich and tomato basil bisque soup.

Collett wants you to love visiting The Filling Station Coffee Haus to nourish

Visit The Filling Station Coffee Haus at 524 U.S. 27, Berne. You can also call them at 260-223-4885. Hours are Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Wednesdays from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. It is closed Sundays.

Collett is serving java and faith. He welcomes you to feel good at The Filling Station.

Cindy Denney is director of marketing and customer services for Jay County REMC.

Win a $50 gift certificate!

Name: ___________________________________________________________ Account number: ___________________________________________________ Phone number: ____________________________________________________ Complete this form for a chance to win a $50 gift certificate to The Filling Station Coffee Haus.

Mail entry to Jay County REMC, P.O. Box 904, Portland, IN 47371. You may also call 800-835-7362, ext. 225, or drop off your entry at the REMC. Entries can be emailed to denneyc@jayremc.com.

Drawing will be held March 31 at 4:30 p.m.

product recalls

Trek recalls electric bicycles due to fall hazard A wrong-sized bolt has led to a recall of a high-end electric bicycle. This recall involves Trek Super Commuter+ 8S electric bicycles, model years 2017, 2018, and 2019.

Trek has received two reports of the wrong bolt being installed to secure the front fender to the fork crown. This can cause the front fender to fall onto the front wheel and stop the bicycle suddenly, posing a fall hazard to the rider. One injury has been reported, resulting in a vertebrae fracture.

“Trek” is printed on the bicycle’s downtube and the bike has an integrated battery and motor. The bikes were sold at independent bicycle stores nationwide and online from June 2017 through June 2019 for about $5,200.

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

Call: 800-373-4594; or go online: www.trekbikes.com and click on Safety & Recalls at the bottom of the page.

Don’t make a withdrawal from this power bank

If you have this hammer … stop hammering

The Spare 10,000 mAh Power Banks, used to charge electronic devices, has been recalled. Its lithium-ion battery can overheat and ignite, posing fire and burn hazards. The power banks, given to consumers as free promotional products at meetings or events nationwide from July 2019 through September 2019, are white and are decorated with various logos. PO number 1813582 is printed on the back of the power bank. The power banks measure about 5.5 inches long by 2.5 inches wide.

A STANLEY® brand 16 oz. wooden handle nailing hammer has been recalled. The molded grip on the hammer can come loose, posing an injury hazard to consumers.

One fire with no injuries has been reported.

Call: 800-860-1555; or go to: www.pcna. com and click on the “Recalls” link at the bottom of the page.

Recalled is model number STHT51454. It’s etched below the STANLEY logo on the steel hammer head. The hammers have a metal head, a natural wood handle with a black over-molded grip.

STANLEY is marked on the wooden handle in black and on the steel hammer head.

The hammer sold exclusively at Walmart stores nationwide from July 2018 through August 2019 for about $6.

Call: 866-215-1132; or go online: www.stanleytools.com, click on Support, then Safety Notices and Recalls.

Mr. Steak can go up in flames Bass Pro has recalled two models of gas patio grills. The grill’s gas regulator hose with attached fuel gauge can melt if it comes in contact with the bottom of the grill’s firebox creating a fire hazard.

The recall involves MR. STEAK four and five burner models, MS-4B-PG, SKU 2472264 and MS5B-PG, SKU 2472265.

The stainless steel grills have black trim and four or five black and red dials.

Bass Pro has received nine reports of grill fires. No injuries or property damage have been reported. The grills were sold at Bass Pro Shops, Cabela’s, and appliance and electronics stores nationwide and online from May 2017 through July 2019 for about $500 for the four burner grill and $600 for the five burner grill.

Call: 1-833-677-8325; or go online: mrsteak.com, and click on “RECALL”; or mrsteak.com/ repairpartskit.

MARCH 2020

31

Wabash Valley Power news

MARCH

Mindfulness

Take advantage of the madness to upgrade to energy efficiency appliances This month, you may be one of the

can select a model that is ENERGY

millions of Americans turning on

STAR-certified. When in doubt, look

the television and heading to the

for the ENERGY STAR logo.

fridge as you watch your favorite college basketball team compete for a national championship. And among the school fight songs and busted brackets, the month’s madness also provides the chance to score savings by upgrading appliances. Many stores hold sales on televisions and other appliances to coincide with the college basketball tournament.

certified appliances to save.

Improved technology has led to newer appliances becoming more energy efficient than older models (particularly those more than a decade old).

ENERGY STAR, which certifies appliances that meet certain energy efficiency standards, includes a list of the most energy efficient appliances on its website. A new model can help you save on energy use – and if you want to be sure, you

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MARCH 2020

opened 33 times each day. That is a lot of opportunity to let cold air escape! Also, many people have extra refrigerators or freezers in their basements or garages. If they are plugged in but mostly empty, they may be wasting energy!

By intentionally planning your refrigerator use, you can minimize wasting energy. You may even be able to recycle your underused your home.

efficiency options. Many appliances with energy efficiency settings do not necessarily have them set by default. If you buy an energy efficient television, for example, you should check the settings to ensure that it is set as you would like. You may not be getting maximum energy – and cost – is on.

Select ENERGY STAR-

that the average refrigerator is

appliances and free up space in

update your home’s appliances to

include:

ENERGY STAR reports on its website

to take advantage of energy

savings unless the efficiency setting

costs. Factors to consider

appliances more efficiently.

Check your appliance settings

By planning in advance, you can help save in long-term energy

Plan so that you can use your

March provides an exciting time (and hapless heartache) for many sports fans. You also can take time to update your home with more energy efficient appliances that will lead to wallet winnings all year! If you have any questions, contact your local electric cooperative’s energy advisor or visit www.PowerMoves.com.

co-op news

Paxson graduates from program Seventeen lineworkers recently graduated from Indiana Electric Cooperatives’ Rural Electric Apprenticeship

Jay County REMC’s Dan Paxson and Duane Monroe with JAG participants.

Program (REAP). This year’s graduates included Dan Paxson from Jay County REMC. REAP is a four-year program that professionally trains apprentice lineworkers from across Indiana.

Graduates complete 576 hours of classroom-related study and 8,000 hours of on-the-job training at their electric cooperative. Students also

REMC visits JAG at local high school

complete four additional classes

As graduation nears, many students

through Ivy Tech Community

are undecided about a future career.

College. Upon completion of

A program at Monroe Central High

the program, graduates earn an

School, with assistance from Jay

Associate of Applied Science and a

County REMC, helps to lead students

journeyman lineman certificate.

toward a career path.

“Lineworkers are the backbone of

Jobs for America's Graduates (JAG)

strives to increase opportunities and

our operations and their dedica-

classes inspire juniors and seniors to

reduce poverty and unemployment by

tion to the consumers of Indiana’s

look at all the options available upon

fostering “A Nation Without Dropouts.”

electric cooperatives is outstanding.”

graduation. Some options do not

said Jon Elkins, vice president of safety, training and compliance at Indiana Electric Cooperatives. “We are proud to have these hardworking individuals as part of the cooperative family.”

Jay County REMC’s Dan Paxson receives his REAP certificate.

involve attending a four-year college.

Jay County REMC member and Monroe Central High School teacher Jeani Shrack invited Jay County REMC employees Duane Monroe, Dan Paxson and Cindy Denney to visit her classroom and discuss jobs in the utility industry.

to career advancement opportunities.

The JAG national network makes a measurable difference in the outcomes of public education and workforce development systems at the national, state and local level. It

Jay County REMC recognizes that students may be unaware their local electric cooperative may have job opportunities available for many different careers — including accountants, engineers, IT specialists, lineworkers, and more.

Monroe and Paxson spoke to the group on the line apprenticeship

For over 30 years, JAG has delivered

program, safety and technology while

consistent, compelling results —

Denney discussed marketing and

helping over 1.2 million young people

writing commercials. Listen to WZZY

stay in school through graduation,

and WPGW this month to hear the

pursue post-secondary education and

commercial the JAG class wrote for

secure quality entry-level jobs leading

Jay County REMC.

MARCH 2020

33

profile

INDIANA'S TOP DOG A hot-diggity conversation with Henry Holcomb While Statehouse politics were underway early this year, your Indiana

First Dog Henry

Connection team hounded out a behind-the-scenes interview with a Holcomb administration insider that’s

PHO TO CO URTE S Y O F THE G O VERNO R'S O FFI CE

not just another shaggy-dog story.

What follows is an edited portion of our

HH: We have a lot of really interesting

HH: I’m a huge fan of the Indiana

visitors, but the most famous person

Canine Assistant Network (ICAN),

I’ve gotten to sniff has to be rapper

that trains and places assistance

MC Hammer. He is on the board of

dogs with people with disabilities, and

INDIANA CONNECTION: Tell us

directors of “The Last Mile”, a program

humane societies across the state

about your pedigree. When did you

that prepares incarcerated people to

that help animals like me. This year,

come to live with the Holcombs?

re-enter society through business and

I invited my friend Grady [the mascot

technology training. Dad loves this

from the University of Indianapolis]

program and made Indiana the first

and some dogs from IndyHumane

state outside of California to have the

over to our house to celebrate my 9th

program.

birthday. I’m proud to say that we were

hot-diggity conversation with mover and shaker (especially when he’s wet) Henry Holcomb, First Pooch of Indiana.

HENRY HOLCOMB: I was born in Fort Wayne. I was a part of a litter of five dogs – four girls and yours truly.

I love my sisters, but they were pretty noisy and rambunctious. While they

IC: What’s your most embarrassing

were running, barking and making a

moment as First Dog?

scene when Mom [Janet Holcomb] and Dad [Gov. Eric Holcomb] came to visit to adopt one of us, I crawled right into Dad’s lap, curled up and fell asleep. You could say I snuggled my way into their hearts.

IC: Since you’ve become First Dog, who’s the most famous person you’ve gotten to sniff?

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MARCH 2020

able to get all five of my friends at IndyHumane adopted within a week!

HH: When Dad first started this job, we visited our new house and well – a

Follow Henry on social media.

certain miniature schnauzer may have

His handle is @FirstDogHenry on

accidentally peed on the curtains …

Facebook, Twitter and Instagram;

I’m not proud, but life comes at you

or write to him at Henry Holcomb,

fast.

200 W. Washington St., Indianapolis,

IC: Do you have any special causes you support?

IN 46204, Room 206.