Carroll White REMC — May 2019 Indiana Connection

Going the distance with REMC Director Ralph Zarse.

Carroll White REMC’s

I N D I AN A

CONNECTION

INDIANA’S

National Treasures

page 19 MAY 2019

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from the editor

Sparking joy!

VOLUME 68 • NUMBER 11 ISSN 0745-4651 • USPS 262-340 Published monthly by:

Hoarders take note! Decluttering our homes is all the rage thanks to Marie Kondo, a proponent of living more sparsely, simply and, ultimately, stress-free. Kondo says you should get rid of everything that does not “spark joy” in your life.

You might have seen Kondo on television in shows like Good Morning America, Rachael Ray, and Entertainment Tonight or her own Netflix series, Tidying Up with Marie Kondo. She has written two books about ditching clutter and she earned a spot on Time magazine’s Top 100 Influential People list in 2015.

As part of Kondo’s “KonMari” organizational method, anything that doesn’t make you happy should receive a proper and literal “thank you” before being relegated to the trash pile. Yes, she actually speaks to her discards, acknowledging that they served their purpose, but that, hey, it’s time for the heave-ho.

Kondo’s philosophy intrigues me. I tend to keep more than I should. There’ve been a few instances when I threw out items I ended up needing, so now I overanalyze whether I really should be parting ways with a lot of my possessions.

Ah, but the promise of a clutter-free life is so inviting! And if I can’t accomplish it environmentally, perhaps I’ll start with Kondo’s tips for decluttering the mind. By getting down to the core of what makes me happy — what sparks my joy — I can theoretically concentrate less on nagging everyday issues that take up a lot of head space and focus on what is fundamentally important to me. Once I straighten myself up (a true herculean task!), I just might tackle my junk drawer!

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 292,000 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: Gary Gerlach President Walter Hunter Vice President Randy Kleaving Secretary/Treasurer John Gasstrom CEO EDITORIAL STAFF: Emily Schilling Editor Richard George Biever Senior Editor Holly Huffman Member Relations/ Advertising Manager Ellie Schuler Senior Communication Specialist ADVERTISING: American MainStreet Publications, 512-441-5200; amp.coop Crosshair Media, 502-216-8537; crosshairmedia.net Paid advertisements are not endorsements by any electric cooperative or this publication.

EMILY SCHILLING Editor eschilling@indianaec.org

On the menu: August issue: Lemon recipes, deadline June 4.

September issue: Recipes featuring nut butters, deadline June 4. If we publish your recipe on our food pages, we’ll send you a $10 gift card.

Giveaway: Look inside for a chance to win an Indiana Dunes

National Park poster. Also find out how to get discounted English Lake Train Trip tickets from the Hoosier Valley Railroad Museum.

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.

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

SUBSCRIPTIONS: $12 for individuals not subscribing through participating REMCs/RECs. CHANGE OF ADDRESS: Readers who receive Indiana Connection through their electric co-op membership should report address changes to their local co-op.

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

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.

MAY 2019

3

contents

MAY

14

19

county

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

10 ENERGY Mini split may save you

28

cover story 14 COUNTY OF THE MONTH Spotlighting Floyd County.

16 INDIANA EATS A Shelbyville institution: Chapperal Café.

energy and money.

17 FOOD Taking your ‘cue:’ Barbecue

12 INSIGHTS

recipes.

19 COVER STORY Indiana’s national treasures.

FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA

Indiana Connection

34

outdoor

26 EVENTS CALENDAR 28 OUTDOOR Clusters of critters or hordes of herds.

profile

30 BACKYARD Rhubarb bolting and hydrangea pruning.

(Not in all versions) 31 PRODUCT RECALLS

29 SAFETY Air conditioner and fan safety.

32 H OOSIER ENERGY/ WABASH VALLEY NEWS 34 PROFILE Fast times: Go kart racer Bryce King.

On the cover After exploring a secluded area on Lake Michigan’s shores, hikers head up the Cowles Bog Trail at Indiana Dunes National Park. The 4.7 mile trail, named after Dr. Henry Cowles, “the father of plant ecology” in North America, showcases several distinct habitats — ponds, marshes, swamps, black oak savannas, and beaches. It was designated a National Natural Landmark in 1965.

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE U.S. NATIONAL PARK SERVICE

4

MAY 2019

co-op news “This institution is an equal opportunity provider and employer.”

CARROLL WHITE REMC P.O. Box 599; Monticello, IN 47960 800-844-7161 (Toll Free) www.cwremc.coop MONTICELLO OFFICE 7:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., Monday – Friday DELPHI OFFICE 7:30 a.m. – 1 p.m., 2 p.m. – 4:30 p.m., Monday – Friday EMAIL info@cwremc.coop CEO Randy W. Price BOARD OF DIRECTORS Kevin M. Bender, 574-686-2670 4280 W, 700 N, Delphi

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

Gary E. Gerlach, 574-595-7820 9833 S. Base Road, Star City

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

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

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

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

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

IMPORTANT DATES Cycle 1 April bills are due May 5 and are subject to disconnect May 29 if unpaid. Cycle 2 April bills are due May 20 and are subject to disconnect June 11 if unpaid. Meters are read using the Automated Meter Reading system. Cycle 1 meters will be read on May 1. Cycle 2 meters will be read May 15.

DON’T PLACE ITEMS NEAR THERMOSTATS Thermostats sense heat, which could cause A/C to run longer than necessary.

— U.S. DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY

LIKE US ON FACEBOOK www.facebook.com/ carrollwhite.remc FOLLOW US ON TWITTER www.twitter.com/cwremc

CW REMC DIRECTOR RALPH ZARSE...

going the distance!

In this ongoing seven article series, we’ll introduce you to each of Carroll White REMC’s board members. This issue, we feature Ralph Zarse, who represents CW REMC’s fifth district.

Carrroll White REMC Director Ralph Zarse is a marathon runner who appreciates his community of runners as well as his community at large. “Running marathons inspires me because I like to stay fit and mentally tough to take on all challenges concerning health and other challenges that arise,” Zarse said.

In a marathon, the runner completes 26.2 miles at one time. Through training and competitions, runners prove to themselves and others that they value time and energy management, self-sacrifice and dedication. These are qualities that Zarse brings to the CW REMC boardroom.

Zarse joined the White County REMC board of directors in March 2007. “I had been a nominator for Dale Dahlenburg, the director in my district for several years, and when he decided to retire from the board, I decided to run myself,” Zarse said.

He currently represents District 5.

“I like to do things that involve tough decision-making, and I thought the board would satisfy that and be interesting as well,” Zarse said. “It has all been interesting, but the consolidation was really the most interesting.

“A lot of time and effort went into the consolidation,” said Zarse. “I enjoyed meeting new people and working with the Carroll County REMC board.” With the evolution of CW REMC, Zarse has enjoyed collaborating within the larger footprint of REMC. Since the consolidation, he has served as CW REMC board secretarytreasurer.

“I’ve enjoyed learning from the other directors, staff and members,” Zarse said. If there is one thing that he would like members to know about CW REMC it is that “the board always has the best interest of the members in their entire decision-making process.”

A 1963 graduate of Reynolds High School, Zarse’s class was the last one to graduate from that school prior to consolidation.

While in high school, Zarse ran cross country and played basketball.

Following graduation, he began farming with his brother, Carl, in Honey Creek Township. The two brothers continue to farm together. “Being a farmer has helped me in the boardroom because farming involves tough decisions, large

CONTINUED ON PAGE 6 MAY 2019

5

co-op news CONTINUED FROM PAGE 5 expenditures, constant change and the need to improve the bottom line,” Zarse said. His goal has always been to “do all I can to help our members have consistent and safe energy at a very reasonable rate.”

Zarse and his wife, Bonnie Lou, have two daughters: Christa Zarse and Kathleen (Brad) Perry. Both girls live in Ohio. Like her dad, Christa enjoys running. Father and daughter are training to compete

together in a half-marathon in Columbus, Indiana.

Zarse has competed in countless races, including one as far away as Florida.

He said he has no training schedule to prepare for his running competitions.

Since he runs in the country, neighbors may see his headlight helmet if he is out for a night run. While running on country roads, Zarse said he sees REMC poles and thinks about how he can do a better job for the REMC. He looks at the corn and

thinks about his farming operation. Zarse is deliberate in wanting to make a positive impact in the boardroom and in his life.

When a runner completes a marathon, he or she traditionally gets a medal, makes friends and enjoys that internal satisfaction of completing something significant. As a CW REMC board member, Zarse is running the race with dedication and determination, knowing that his work is significant. And that is enough.

$12,900 awarded in Operation Round Up grants Ten grants totaling $12,900 were awarded through Operation Round Up in the organization’s second quarter. All grants will benefit non-profit entities in CW REMC’s service territory.

The Democrat Township Volunteer Fire Department in Cutler, Indiana, received the largest grant. “The fire department needs a generator in case of severe adverse weather or other emergency situations that many cause the station to lose power,” said grant writer Cody Miller.

The department will purchase and install a Briggs & Stratton 20 kW generator with its $3,500 donation.

“The largest concern for the fire department is that the weather alert siren does not function when power is lost at the station,” Miller said. “Fire department volunteers utilize the ‘Fire Text Response’ system to receive notifications of emergency calls directly to their cell phones. When the fire station loses power, this computerized system also loses power and will no longer send notifications to first responders.”

The new generator will help ensure the department’s power needs are met in times of emergency — and that fire department members and those in the community have an added degree of safety.

Other grants awarded included:

6

MAY 2019

American Legion Post 251/Brookston: A $2,000 grant will help the post provide an Honor Guard for military funerals and parades. The grant will cover the cost of shirts with official American Legion buttons and gold shoulder lanyards, and a bugle to play “Taps” at military funerals.

White County Ag Association/Swine: Its $1,500 grant will be used for renovations to the inside of the Swine Barn. The goal is to improve safety, mobility, and education of the exhibitors, visitors and animals during the White County 4-H Fair.

West Central Elementary P.T.C.: The Parent-Teacher group will use its $1,500 grant to help purchase three new pieces of playground equipment which will meet the Indiana Safety Code requirements. Area children use the playground during and after school.

Carroll Elementary School: A $1,000 grant will assist in purchasing “little bits” blocks to be used in the computer science classes. These blocks snap together and include built-in circuits. Children can use them to invent tech items like programmable robots. The blocks enhance the school’s computer science coding initiatives.

Carroll County Community Center: The center’s $1,000 grant will help fund busing for children in the Summer Day

Camp program. The camp is an affordable summer care option for children in Carroll and surrounding counties. The bus transportation includes fuel costs, bus rental and driver fees.

Humanitarian Distribution Center (HDC): Forty-three Northwest Indiana food pantries will benefit from the center’s $1,000 grant. The grant will be used to help provide food to the pantries. The group is also purchasing a new forklift to ensure dependability. All of the food and products distributed by HDC are handled by forklifts.

Community Wellness Center/Winamac: Operation Round Up donated $1,000 to help support this group’s financial aid program. Annually, the center assists community children who participate in youth sports and activities by paying their fees.

Carroll Jr. Sr. High School After-Prom Committee: The After-Prom Committee was awarded $200 to help provide a safe place for students.

North White High School After-Prom Committee: The committee was granted $200 to help provide a fun, safe AfterProm venue.

co-op news

Carroll White REMC Annual Meeting...

re-energized!

FEATURING NELSON’S BBQ, KID’S ZONE AND MORE!

DINING ZONE Featuring Nelson’s BBQ & Catering TIME: 4:30 – 6:45 p.m.

PLACE: Twin Lakes High School Cafeteria. “Spill-Over” in the Auxiliary Gym. Located in Wakarusa, Indiana, Nelson’s has been serving Indiana and Michigan with the finest barbecued food for over 45 years!

During the Depression, Nelson Gongwer worked as a manager of

MONDAY, JUNE 17

a small poultry processing plant

at Twin Lakes High School

of chicken that would taste like

Mark your calendars today to attend CW REMC’s Annual Meeting on June 17 at Twin Lakes High School.

her kitchen. For many years on

We have re-energized the traditional Annual Meeting’s activities by creating zones for members to better enjoy the meeting experience.

Attend and receive a $10 bill credit!

in Wakarusa. Nelson wanted to find a way to cook large quantities Grandma’s chicken served in weekends, Nelson worked on different processes.

In 1967, Nelson accomplished exactly what he had set out to do, and the Port-A-Pit® system and Nelson’s™ Food Service Corporation were born,

KIDS’ ZONE

according to the company’s website.

After years of persistence, Nelson had

Featuring supervised, fun activities

simplified his hobby of entertaining

for children and grandchildren:

guests while promoting poultry

TIME: 4 – 8 p.m.

PLACE: Twin Lakes High School Main Gymnasium.

While you attend the annual business meeting or

and also had, more importantly, created the process that would soon make Nelson’s a household name throughout northern Indiana.

check out the information zone, there will be supervised

In the 1980s, Dean Gongwer, Nelson’s

activities for children, beginning school age through

son, managed the family business,

junior high in the main gymnasium.

and today, Tad Nelson Gongwer is

A variety of activities will be included in this new zone,

the third generation manager of the

especially for children. Treats and children’s door prizes are

family-owned business.

included in the plans!

Attend the annual meeting for great food, fellowship and fun! Hope to see you there June 17!

MAY 2019

7

co-op news

Project Indiana: Empowering global communities for a better tomorrow!

In late March, CW REMC Lineman MATT BASSETT joined a crew of 13 other Indiana electric cooperative lineworkers who traveled to Guatemala as part of an international initiative to bring electricity to a developing area in Guatemala.

The crew electrified the village of San Jacinto in east central Guatemala. When completed, 90 homes, two churches, a school, clinic and a pump house had electricity! The electric power is being generated at a hydroelectric facility in the region.

The 2019 mission marked the fourth time that Indiana Electric Cooperatives have traveled to Guatemala to turn on the lights.

When the project was completed, village residents hosted an “inauguration” ceremony. Linemen were escorted into the village in parade-style, followed by the national anthems of both countries and remarks by officials.

Project Indiana reports that there is a similar thread that runs through every project they have sponsored in Guatemala. The children of these villages capture the hearts of even the most hardened lineman. And the San Jacinto children left the same deep impression.

The linemen are humbled by the children. How happy they are with so little. Their joy and spirit, the way they follow and watch the linemen, ready to help and play and learn. They often remind the linemen of their own children back in the states – curious, eager for attention and innocent.

But, the Guatemalan children live a much harder life. Just as they would for their own children, the linemen can’t help but want more for them – a better life than their parents have had.

On this mission, the Indiana linemen collected $1,000 to purchase new shoes for every child in the village. The number of shoes purchased totaled 192 pairs with money left over for two pinatas, fireworks and 10 soccer balls!

8

MAY 2019

CW REMC Lineman Matt Bassett helped bring electricity to San Jacinto, Guatemala, as part of the Project Indiana initiative.

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MAY 2019

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insights

letters

to the editor OUTDOOR MYTH BUSTERS ARTICLE INCLUDES A MYTH Several readers wrote us about an inaccuracy in columnist Jack Spaulding’s February article, “Outdoor myth busters.” In the article, he stated the Hoosier National Forest is home to some of the largest diamondback rattlesnakes in North America. However, the diamondback rattlesnake is native to Texas and areas in the southwest United States, and are not found in Indiana.

Indiana is instead home to the timber rattlesnake (Crotalus horridus) in the southern end of the state and the massasauga rattlesnake (Sistrurus c. catenatus) in the far northern part of the state.

Project Indiana

Electric cooperatives power developing region of Guatemala A crew of 14 Indiana electric cooperative lineworkers were in San Jacinto, Guatemala, March 24–April 9 as part of an international initiative to bring electricity to a developing area in Guatemala.

During the two-week trip, part of the “Project Indiana” initiative, the project team electrified approximately 90 homes, a school, two churches, and a pump house.

This east central Guatemalan village that previously had no electricity. The electric power for the village is generated at a hydroelectric facility in the region.

According to the Indiana DNR website, the eastern massasauga is federally threatened and the timber rattlesnake is state-endangered.

Through Project Indiana, Indiana’s electric cooperatives are helping global communities advance by adopting villages, bringing them electric power and supporting them as they form electric cooperatives that enable them to enjoy a better way of life — and a brighter future.

(Thank you Terry L. Wise, LHM,and Brian Roth for letting us know.)

Learn more about Project Indiana’s San Jacinto trip in your June issue of Indiana Connection.

HOLY SMOKES! THE HOURS WERE WRONG

Trump signs Lewis and Clark Trail extension bill

My husband and I were on our way to McCormick’s Creek State Park, Canyon Inn, and decided to stop at Holy Smoke Hog Roast (highlighted in the January issue of the Electric Consumer) for dinner as we passed through Martinsville.

We were so very disappointed to find the restaurant closed on Mondays. The magazine reported their hours on Monday as 11 a.m.– 8 p.m. I just thought you might wish to add a correction in the next issue of your magazine

In mid-March, President Trump

Lewis and William Clark then met in

signed into law a bill that expands and

Clarksville, Indiana, in October 1803

improves America’s public lands system,

near the Falls of the Ohio, to build their

and extends the Lewis and Clark Trail

Corps of Discovery exploration crew.

1,200 miles from St. Louis, Missouri, to

Eleven days later, on Oct. 26, 1803, Lewis,

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The Lewis and

Clark and the 33 members of the Corps of

Clark Trail extension portion of legislation

Discovery departed Indiana via the Ohio

was re-introduced in the U.S. Senate by

River on their historic journey.

Though history books suggest the Lewis

will help boost tourism in the Hoosier

Cheri and Gil Bearman, Hoagland

and Clark expedition to explore the

state. “The extension of the trail will help

(Editor’s note: Here are Holy Smoke Hog Roast’s hours: Closed on Monday.

11 a.m.–8 p.m., Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Sunday. 11 a.m.–9:30 p.m., Friday and Saturday.)

west began in Camp Dubois in Illinois,

educate Americans on the historic Lewis

it officially started in Pittsburgh, where

and Clark partnership, and will boost

Meriweather Lewis launched his 50-foot

tourism in the areas of Indiana that the

boat in August 1803.

trail crosses through.”

12

MAY 2019

Indiana Sen. Todd Young in mid-January.

Young is confident the new legislation

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county feature

Floyd County Floyd might be Indiana’s second smallest county by area, but what it lacks in size it more than makes up for in geographical features and history.

From the banks of the Ohio River, the county’s terrain quickly rises to the rugged Southern Indiana upland. The eroded hills along the edge of this plateau — the famed “Floyds Knobs” — stand in bold relief to the Ohio’s flood plain and feature some of the state’s hilliest country.

But, as with most of the counties on the state’s southern fringe, it’s the Ohio River that shaped Floyd’s development as much as its contours.

y t n u o C acts F FOUNDED: 1819

NAMED FOR: James John Floyd (or Davis Floyd) POPULATION: 77,071 (2017)

events

COUNTY SEAT: New Albany

14

Floyd County celebrates its bicentennial this year with several events and programs, including:

MAY 2019

Into the 1860s, Floyd County experienced a huge boom in population, doubling many times over which came for the industry the river enabled. The county attracted immigrants of Irish, German, French and African American origins. By 1850, about one in six county residents had been born in other countries. From the 1850s through the Civil War, Floyd County’s seat, New Albany, had the largest population in Indiana until being surpassed by Indianapolis. Not only that, Floyd County had a well-to-do population: an 1850s survey showed that more than half of the Hoosiers making over $100,000 per year lived there.

With county’s prominence at that time came the New Albany National Cemetery — one of the original seven established in 1862 by the U.S. Congress.

This New Albany church’s 160-foot high clock tower and steeple, visible from across the river, stood as a “beacon of hope” for runaway slaves seeking freedom north of the Ohio prior to the abolishment of slavery in 1865. The church was a safe haven as a stop on the Underground Railroad.

More than 5,000 people were buried there from the Civil War to the Vietnam War. Floyd County celebrates its bicentennial this year. The county was created from parts of Clark County to its east and Harrison County to its west in 1819. For whom the county was named remains unclear. According to the Indiana State Library, it’s named after James John Floyd, a leading pioneer from the Louisville area. Others maintain it’s named after his nephew Davis Floyd, who also was a local political figure.

Along with being on the Ohio River, Floyd County benefited from the Buffalo Trace passing through. The Buffalo Trace was a cluster of firmly-packed paths, created over time by giant gangs (please see The Great Outdoors column on page 28) of migrating American bison. It ran from Kentucky, crossed the Ohio River at the Falls, and then ran northwest to Vincennes and into Illinois. The Trace, because it offered relatively smooth passage over rugged terrain, became an important corridor for westward settlement.

Floyd County Bicentennial Parade

Dedication of John Baptiste Ford Indiana Historical Bureau marker, First Harrison Bank

May 18, noon, Greenville.

It will be the first parade in Greenville since the 1980s.

May 19, Greenville. Ford was a local entrepreneur and philanthropist in the mid-1800s credited with building a fleet of steamboats and the first commercial plate glass operation in the United States.

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MAY 2019

15

Indiana eats

A Shelbyville Institution

PHO TO S BY FRED G RANG E R PRO VI DED CO U RTE S Y O F TRAVEL I NDI ANA

Chapperal Café has been feeding the community since 1968 For 51 years, Chapperal Café owner Shirley Bailey has manned the kitchen at her downtown Shelbyville eatery. She gets there at 3:30 a.m. each morning to open the doors and start cooking breakfast for regulars who stop in for their coffee, bacon and eggs, or biscuits

Chaperral Café’s signature dish, the Stardust Breaded Tenderloin

and gravy.

And she doesn’t stop cooking — or making her guests feel right at home — until

chaperral café

the early evening when the restaurant closes.

14 E. Broadway St. Shelbyville 46176 317-398-7118

Bailey, who dreamed of owning a restaurant since she was a child, is as much of a fixture in Shelbyville as Chaperral Café’s signature

Chapperal Café owner Shirley Bailey has prepared home-style favorites at the Shelbyville eatery for 51 years.

Monday: 4 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Tuesday – Sunday: 4 a.m. – 7 p.m.

dish, the Stardust Breaded

daily buffet is a great option

ral Café celebrated its 50th

Tenderloin, is. The tender-

for grazers who prefer sam-

anniversary in March 2018,

loin, hand-pounded and

pling a bit of this and a bit of

and Bailey treated everyone

breaded, and aptly billed

that. Everything served has

who stopped by with free

as “bigger than your head”

that home-cooked, country

food, the restaurant was

ABOUT STATE REP. EBERHART:

(and definitely bigger than

style appeal. And whatever

overflowing.

Rep. Sean

the bun it’s served on!) is a

Bailey makes is liberally sea-

favorite of State Rep. Sean

soned with love — just as if it

Eberhart. The Stardust

came from Mama’s kitchen.

Breaded Tenderloin is a Bai-

For the consummate hostess, who says she thanks the Lord every day for her long

Eberhart (R) serves District 57 which includes portions of Bartholomew, Hancock and

The café is named after

career doing something

the popular 1960s western

she loves, celebrating her

show, “The High Chaparral.”

success by serving others

Its regular patrons include

couldn’t have been a better

He also serves on the

Fried chicken is another

just about everybody in the

testament to a long life

Environmental Affairs,

Chaperral Café favorite. A

local community. So it’s no

dedicated to keeping others

Financial Institutions and

surprise that when Chapper-

well-fed and happy.

Public Policy committees.

ley exclusive. She created it while working at the Stardust Drive-In years ago.

16

MAY 2019

Shelby counties. He serves as chair of the Natural Resources committee.

food

Taking your ‘cue’ Readers’ barbecue recipes take meat to whole new levels

Barbecue Marinade for Chicken

by Kathleen Tooley, Berne, Indiana 1 cup oil 2 eggs 1 qt. vinegar 1 T. salt 1 T. poultry seasoning 2 cloves garlic, smashed 1 t. pepper 3-5 lb. chicken, cut up Mix oil and eggs together. Add the rest of the ingredients except chicken.

Marinate chicken for 2-4 hours. Cook chicken on grill, basting often.

Coca-Cola Barbeque Sauce

by Simon May, Fort Wayne, Indiana 1 cup cola 1 cup ketchup

ue Barbec de Ma r i n a cken for Chi

¼ cup Worcestershire sauce 1 t. liquid smoke ½ cup A.1. steak sauce ½ t. onion powder ½ t. garlic powder ½ t. ground black pepper

ola Coca-C ue Barbeq Sauce

Combine all the ingredients in a saucepan and gradually bring to a boil over medium heat. Reduce the heat slightly to obtain a gentle simmer.

Simmer the sauce until reduced by a quarter, 6-8 minutes. Use right away or transfer to a large jar. Cover, cool to room temperature and refrigerate. The sauce will keep for several months.

Cook’s note: Try with other dark sodas for different flavors.

MAY 2019

1

food

FO O D PREPARED BY I NDI ANA CO NNECT I O N S TA FF PHO TO S BY RI CHARD G . B I E V E R

Southern Barbecue Turkey

by Jan Hackman, Columbus, Indiana 4 cups shredded baked turkey ½ cup cider vinegar ½ cup packed brown sugar ½ cup ketchup ½ cup chili sauce ¼ cup Worcestershire sauce 2 T. chopped onions 1 T. lemon juice ½ t. ground mustard 1 garlic clove, minced Dash of cayenne pepper Place turkey in 3 quart crock pot. Warm remaining ingredients in a saucepan. Pour sauce over and stir.

Simmer on “low” for 3 hours.

Serves 16.

Barbecue Style Pork Ribs

by Patricia Piekarski, Harvey, Illinois 2½ to 3 lbs. country-style pork ribs 1 cup chopped onions 1 garlic clove, minced 1 T. oil 1 can (8-oz.) tomato sauce ¼ cup packed brown sugar 3 T. lemon juice 2 T. Worcestershire sauce 1 T. mustard ½ t. celery seed ½ cup water Place ribs, bone side down, on a rack in a shallow roasting pan. Bake at 350 F for 1 hour. Drain. In saucepan, cook onion and garlic in oil. Stir in tomato sauce, brown sugar, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, celery seed and water. Simmer 15 minutes. Spoon sauce over ribs. Bake covered for 1 hour.

Serves 4.

18

MAY 2019

Barbecue Style Pork Ribs

Indiana’s National Treasues

BY RICHARD G. BIEVER When we think of “treasures,” we might think of things buried in our own backyards — gold and gemstones left by the forces of nature … gold and jewels left by the devices of men.

We might think of precious people who left marks on history, or precious plants and animal life that are so rare they soon may be only a part of history.

This month, we connect you to four of Indiana’s “National Treasures.” These are properties that — for natural, historical and cultural reasons — have been set aside for preservation and are managed by the federal government.

Though uniquely “Hoosier,” these places transcend just Indiana and are significant to our nation.

When making plans for summer vacations and weekend excursions, consider these four special places — especially if you’ve never been to them before or it’s been a while. One, though it hasn’t changed, has suddenly found itself much more prominent in the national consciousness of protected places.

P HO TO CO U R T ES Y OF T H E IN D IA N A D U N E S N ATION A L PA R K

MAY 2019

19

Indiana Dunes National Park 1215 N. State Road 49 Porter, IN 46304 219-395-1882 www.nps.gov

NEWEST NATIONAL PARK A northerly wind curls the blue water

from the water and stands silhouetted

well-acquainted with the fascinating

against the pale blue hazy horizon like a

flora, fauna and natural formations

tiny pewter chess set.

found along this special 15 miles of

Share this imagery with most folks not familiar with the location, and they’d say it was somewhere exotic. At least … more exotic than Indiana’s northwest corner known mostly for its industry, steel mills and urban decay. But not

newbies who never knew such a naturally pristine and “otherworldly” experience awaited them not far from rusted rail yards and shuttered factories.

Out of the storm clouds of the feder-

est “National Park.”

al government shutdown at the start

The Indiana Dunes National Park — for-

grasses. From the sandy shoreline, the

merly “National Lakeshore” — eagerly

distant skyline of Chicago seems to rise

awaits the seasonal return of regulars

MAY 2019

personnel are anxious to welcome the

only is it Indiana, it’s the nation’s new-

into whitecaps and rustles the tall dune

20

Lake Michigan beachhead. And park

of the year came this five-line silver lining for the shoreline and its advocates. Tucked a couple of hundred

PHO TO CO URTESY O F THE I NDI ANA DUNES NATI O NAL PARK

pages into the thousand-page omnibus

the National Park surrounds — Indiana

a National Historic Site, or a National

bill President Trump signed Feb. 15

Dunes is expected to be the equivalent

‘quote unquote’ Park are protected at

were the following words: “Public Law

of the seventh most visited national

the same level.”

89–761 is amended — striking ‘National

park in the country after Yellowstone. It

Lakeshore’ … each place it appears and

is already Indiana’s top tourist attraction

inserting ‘National Park.’”

with 3.6 million visitors last year.

And just like that, the nation gained

The Dunes’ National Park recognition

tainly feels like a promotion for those

its 61st “National Park.” Indiana Dunes

took effect immediately, though chang-

who promote the area for tourism. “This

joined the prestigious ranks of Acadia,

ing “National Lakeshore” on signage

name change is wonderful,” Rowe add-

Glacier, The Grand Canyon, the Great

will be a process.

ed. “It gets us more prominence, more

Smoky Mountains, Yellowstone and the like. Combining the attendance at the Indiana Dunes National Park with the Indiana Dunes State Park — which

“It’s a different name, but it’s really the same thing,” said Dunes Park Ranger

While technically the “Park” status may not change things with how it’s preserved and protected by the NPS, it cer-

publicity, so that we can share this special place with more people.

Bruce Rowe. “All [National Park Service]

“The day after the name change, we got

sites, whether it’s a National Lakeshore,

a call from a guy who is doing a book MAY 2019

21

on all the national parks, but he was doing one on the 60 national parks, not on the 418 national park sites. So, he said, ‘I’m stopping production on my book. I want to come up here. I want to get photographs and interview people.’

We ended up in a book that we wouldn’t have been in otherwise.”

A SPECIAL PLACE While the Dunes may not possess the sublime beauty and grand vistas of the namebrand “Grand” and “Great” picture postcard parks we all know, Rowe said the beauty of the Dunes — beyond the picturesque actual shoreline and tall dunes — lies in its detail of diversity.

The park’s 1,100 native plants make it the fourth most diverse in plant life within the entire National Park System.

“We have 28 species of orchids,” noted Rowe, “which is more than the state of Hawaii has. Certainly that number of orchids is just incredible.

“Geologists have told me that just the ancient shorelines of Lake Michigan are preserved here better than anywhere else that they had seen,” he said. “It’s the best example of the history of the Great Lakes that’s intact.”

Lincoln Boyhood National Memorial

in days of

3027 E. South St. P.O. Box 1816 Lincoln City, IN 47552 812-937-4541 www.nps.gov/libo/index.htm

Indiana for a new life on

BOYHOOD HOME LETS VISITORS ENTER LINCOLN-ERA FRONTIER

a quarter of his life. In his boyhood

In the same woods where Abraham

statehood — after crossing the Ohio River from Kentucky.

The Lincolns came to land free of title disputes and the taint of slavery.

It would be here that Lin-

Before Abraham Lincoln became the 16th president, he lived in northern Spencer County from age 7 to 21.

coln spent his formative years which would be years in Indiana come the tales of his intermittent schooling and rail splitting. Here he developed his intellect, his wit, his interest in law, his deep

May 16–19

Lincoln “grew up” from a 7-year-old

INDIANA DUNES BIRDING FESTIVAL

to the Lincoln Boyhood National Memorial can contemplate Lincoln;

Life on the Indiana frontier was

Showcasing over 370 species of birds found along the beaches, wetlands, prairies, and forests that encompass over 40 miles of Lake Michigan shoreline

visit the headstone of his mother; or

not easy. Work was hard and life

watch “pioneers” go about the typical

was harsh. At age 9, Lincoln lost his

daily chores of the 1820s at the Living

mother, Nancy Hanks Lincoln, to

Historical Farm.

milk-sickness that struck the Little

boy to a 21-year-old man, visitors

The northern Spencer County memorial site is located on about 200 acres which include the land that was

GIVEAWAY! Enter to win an Indiana Dunes National Park poster. We’re giving away two. More details online at indianaconnection.org/ talk-to-us/contests.

22

Indiana’s

MAY 2019

the Lincoln homestead from 18161830. The National Park Service has

compassion, and the melancholy side of his nature.

Pigeon Creek settlement. We now know it was brought on by drinking the tainted milk or eating the meat of cows which ate the toxic white snakeroot growing in the woods.

preserved and operated the site since

Her headstone is along the trail that

1962.

runs north from the national memori-

It was here that the Lincoln family settled in December of 1816 — with-

al’s visitor center to the Lincoln cabin site and the historical farm. Later, Lincoln’s sister, Sarah, died in child-

P HO TO CO URTE S Y O F THE LI NCO LN BO Y HO O D NATI O NAL ME MO RI AL

birth. She’s buried in a cemetery inside

part of the Indiana State Parks. In 1962,

Falls of the Ohio River in October 1803

Lincoln State Park across the road from

the land was deeded to the federal gov-

to begin their little camping expedition

the national boyhood site.

ernment and is now administered by

to the Pacific Ocean, his older brother

the National Park Service.

George Rogers Clark made his mark in

In 1829, Abraham and his father had

history by helping create the “continen-

started work on a new family cabin. But

The visitor center offers a small muse-

before it was completed, they migrated

um, theater and gift shop. The center is

to Illinois with the family of Abe’s step-

bookmarked by two memorial halls on

In February 1779 during the Revolution-

mother. A century later, an archaeolog-

either end: a chapel and a meeting hall.

ary War, Lt. Col. George Rogers Clark

ical excavation of the farm discovered

The halls can be rented for weddings

led his army of about 170 Americans

the foundation outlining the bound-

and public gatherings.

and Frenchmen on an epic 18-day trek

ary of that unfinished cabin and the fireplace hearthstones. It was preserved in a bronze casting and surrounded by a low-standing wall near the historical farm.

The building itself features exterior stone relief sculptures depicting different periods of Lincoln’s life. Originally the two memorial halls, built by the state in 1940, were connected by an arched

Next to the bronze cast stands the

cloister. The visitor center was created

replica farmstead. The log cabin and

when the Park Service was deeded the

outbuildings are the types of structures

site by enclosing the cloister.

Lincoln would have been familiar with and come from within and around Spencer County. Park rangers in full period clothing work the 1820s-style farm, making it a living history site. The Living Historical Farm is open seasonally, from mid-spring to early fall; it cultivates crops, raises livestock, and uses and displays historic farm implements.

In addition, there are nature trails and the “Trail of Twelve Stones” which features stones taken from places of significance during Lincoln’s life. There are over 2 miles of hiking trails in the park.

The boyhood memorial was originally

tal nation” Lewis and Clark explored.

through the freezing floodwaters of the Illinois country to capture Fort Sackville from the British in Vincennes. The fort’s capture assured United States claims to the frontier, an area nearly as large as the original 13 states. (Please see the February issue and the Knox County “County of the Month” feature for more details.)

George Rogers Clark National Historical Park

Dedicated in 1936, the Clark memorial,

401 S. Second St. Vincennes, IN 47591 812-882-1776 www.nps.gov/gero

The memorial building is a circular

THE PLACE WHERE CLARK SACKED FORT SACKVILLE

of Clark and large murals featuring key

A quarter century before William Clark met up with Meriwether Lewis at the

on the banks of the Wabash at what is believed to be the site of the fort, passed through a number of administrative entities before the U.S. National Park Service assumed responsibility in 1966. granite structure surrounded by 16 granite fluted Greek Doric columns.

Inside is a larger than life bronze statue events in Clark’s military career. Be sure to check out the visitor center and stroll the grounds along the Wabash River.

PHO TO CO URTESY O F M ARTY JO NES

MAY 2019

23

The Hoosier National Forest HNF Headquarters: 811 Constitution Ave. Bedford, IN 47421 Phone: 812-275-5987 1-866-302-4173 HNF Regional Office: 248 15th St. Tell City, IN 47586 Phone: 812-547-7051 www.fs.usda.gov/hoosier

MECCA FOR RECREATION The spine of south central Indiana’s forested hills pays no heed to the state’s national reputation as a flat farming state. Through thick canopies of leaves in summer, sunlight barely dapples the deep lush hollows and forest floor where the box turtles and centipedes hang out. Ridge tops open up to reveal vistas of rolling hills or the wide and blue meandering Ohio River below.

This is Hoosier National Forest country.

The Hoosier National Forest covers more than 203,000 acres across nine counties from Bloomington south to the Ohio. Managed by the U.S. Forest Service, the HNF — with its rolling hills, back-country trails, and rural crossroad communities — is a treasure where visitors can explore, fish, hike, hunt, camp, and reconnect with nature.

The trail system offers some 266 miles to hike and allows for horseback riding and mountain biking. Campgrounds are located adjacent to large lakes and connect to some of the trail systems.

Five horse camps are associated with equestrian trails. Hardin Ridge Recreation Area is popular with boaters and anglers alike because of easy

24

MAY 2019

PHO TO CO URTESY O F M ARTY JO NES

access to Lake Monroe. Recreation

land bordering the southeast side of

areas are also located on Celina Lake,

Lake Monroe. Hikers, backpackers,

Indian Lake, Tipsaw and German Ridge

and horseback riders are drawn to

Lake. The Little Blue and Lost River offer

the wilderness and its 39 miles of

opportunities for seasonal float trips

trails.

through the Forest.

• Hemlock Cliffs Recreation Area

The scenic national byway that parallels the Ohio River along the Indiana border weaves through historic towns and rolling hills. It provides panoramic views of the forest and countryside.

The mix of open land and forest

in Crawford County contains one of the most scenic hiking trails in Indiana. The box-shaped canyon includes sandstone formations, seasonal water falls and rock shelters.

• The Lick Creek Settlement, south

provides a wide variety of wildlife

of Chambersburg, was a settlement

habitats. Common mammals include

of free blacks led by the Quaker

white-tailed deer, fox, woodchuck,

Jonathan Lindley from around 1819

opossum, and gray squirrel. Common

to around 1865. Research is ongoing

birds are turkey, pileated woodpecker,

on whether it may have been a

several neotropical migrant songbirds,

way station on the Underground

and migratory waterfowl. Bald eagles can be found around lakes Monroe and Patoka.

Railroad.

• Pioneer Mothers Memorial Forest, south of Paoli, is an 88-acre oldgrowth forest and archaeological

Archaeological sites are still being

site. It is the Forest’s only Research

discovered, indicating human use

Natural Area.

of this area for thousands of years.

Cemeteries and historic buildings on the Forest give visitors a glimpse into the past.

• Rickenbaugh House in Perry County is a stone house built in 1874, used as a local post office and church meeting house. It is now on the

Along with the plentiful recreation

National Register of Historic Places.

and hiking opportunities, here are some other fascinating features of the Hoosier National Forest:

Richard G. Biever is senior editor of Indiana Connection.

• Buzzard Roost offers scenic views and trail along the Ohio River in northeastern Perry County.

• The Charles C. Deam Wilderness Area, established in 1982, is the only recognized wilderness area left in Indiana. This means that no motorized vehicles are allowed in the area, and, instead, mules and horses must be used to maintain hiking trails. There are almost 12,500 acres of pristine forest The pileated woodpecker is a common bird at the Hoosier National Forest.

MAY 2019

25

calendar

MAY NORTHWEST

4, 11, 18 & 25

English Lake Train Trips, North Judson (Starke), Hoosier Valley Railroad Museum. Trains travel from the depot across the Kankakee River bridge at English Lake and return to North Judson. The 10-mile trip takes about 45 minutes. Trains run through September. 574-896-3950. Purchase tickets online: hoosiervalley.org.

Exclusive discount Indiana Connection readers can receive $1 off each train ride ticket purchased in May and June by using code “CONNECTION” at hoosiervalley.org.

SOUTHEAST

25

41st Annual Starlight Strawberry Festival, Starlight (Clark), St. John’s Catholic Church. Build-your-own strawberry shortcake, strawberry smoothies, strawberry fondue, and other food selections. 5k Run/ Walk, craft booths, games, raffles, contests, music, entertainment, and kids’ inflatables. 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Free parking and admission. 812-923-5785. starlightstrawberryfest.com.

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MAY 2019

NORTHEAST

12

Kite Day, Kendallville (Noble), Mid-America Windmill Museum.

Colorful kites of all sizes and shapes flying high over the grounds. Make a free kite working with the Hoosier Kiteflyer’s Society. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. $2 per person (children under 12 are

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

free). 260-347-2334. www.midamericawindmillmuseum.org/

around areas served by subscribing REMCs/

kiteday_midamericawindmill.html.

RECs. While Indiana Connection strives for accuracy, please note that events, dates and time

CENTRAL

11

West Point Car Show and Flea Market, West Point

may change without notice. Indiana Connection advises using contact phone numbers or

(Tippecanoe), Cadet Park. Car show sponsored by Lions

internet sites to check times and dates of events

Club from 8 am-12 pm. United Methodist Church will

before making plans.

sponsor a Community Flea Market and Crafts, 8 a.m.-1 p.m. $10. 765-572-3550. janehaan1@gmail.com.

SOUTHWEST and Patio Show, Bloomfield (Greene), Greene County 3-4 Flower Community Event Center. Variety of vendors focused on gardening. Free trees to first 300 visitors. Kids’ activities and guest speakers. Friday: 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; Saturday: 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Visit the Facebook page “Purdue Master Gardeners of Greene County” for more information. 317-513-7534.

To add events to Calendar, please use the “Submit and Event” form under the “Talk to Us” or “Calendar” buttons at IndianaConnection.org; email info@ 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.

MAY 2019

27

outdoors

Clusters of Critters or Hordes of Herds

BY JAC K SPAULDI NG

While gathering information about eagle watch programs across the state, I came across something noting that a group of eagles was not technically called a “flock.” Doing what is totally unexpected of an outdoors writer, I researched the proper terms for collective groups of animals. Sure enough: A group of eagles is known as a “convocation!”

Some of the collective names we give animal groups are quite descriptive while others make little sense. Here are some of the more interesting ones I collected.

All my life, I have called a group of buffalo a “herd.” Yep … that was wrong. In proper terminology, they are known as a “gang” or an “obstinacy.” I don’t want to be obstinate, but if the buffalo being described are here in North America, they are actually bison.

Some groups like bees (swarm) and bats (colony) I knew offhand. But, when making reference to a group of bears, one should say a “sloth” or a “sleuth.”

Which begs the question: Is a group of the slow-moving rainforest mammals called “a sloth of sloths?”

I would call a group of cats a “bunch” of cats; and I would be wrong. They are collectively known as a “clowder” or a “glaring” … unless they are wild cats. Then, most appropriately, they are referred to as a “destruction.”

Who, too, came up with a “business” of ferrets? And I’ve heard of a “cast of thousands,” but not a “cast” of falcons!

A “school” of fish? That, I get. But a “stand” of flamingos? That must relate to how we see them most often … just standing there on one leg — in wetlands or on kitschy front lawns.

A “prickle” of porcupines I can understand. But a “pandemonium” of parrots is something to talk about.

MAY 2019

a group of giraffes being referred to as a “tower” because of their height. And though hippos are bloated, who first thought of calling them a “bloat?” Hyenas are called a “cackle”; jaguars are a “shadow”; and leopards are a “leap.” The proud kings of the jungle are a “pride.”

But a “conspiracy” of lemurs?

Now here is one I consider most descriptive — a group of skunks is called a “stench.” I can vouch for this nomenclature as I have suffered the stench by disturbing a “stench!” Meanwhile, my wife has been doing a lot of laboring in her garden leveling out mole mounds.

I’m not mentioning the irony of the collective term: a “labor” of moles.

Through all this research, I can’t help but happily wonder: As more “convocations” of eagles come together, should

The collective names for many African critters are both quite creative and descriptive, but others are also a little

the combined group now appropriately

sketchy! Consider: A group of cam-

Jack

els is naturally called a “caravan,” and

This bunch of turtles on a single hippo’s back is called a bale.

28

elephants would be a “parade.” I can see

be called a “revival?”

‘til next time,

JACK SPAULDING is a state outdoors writer and a consumer of RushShelby Energy living along the Flatrock River in Moscow. Readers with questions or comments can write to him in care of Indiana Connection or email jackspaulding@hughes.net.

safety

FOR FANS OF FANS Switch the electric fan off immediately if you notice a burning smell or any unusual noises.

Don’t leave your fan running

STAY COOL & SAFE Best tip for cooling off this summer?

Know how to keep your AC units safe.

overnight or while you are out of the house.

Think about replacing electric fans once you’ve had yours for a few years — old motors can begin to overheat.

Don’t balance the fan on the edge of the counter or anywhere it could fall off.

During the summer, many people are concerned about staying cool. Whether you rely on a central air-conditioning unit, a fan or a window AC unit, be aware of safety threats they may pose.

Air conditioners and fans are everyday appliances, and knowing how to properly clean, fix and maintain them is important for your safety!

Every spring, schedule professional AC maintenance to inspect the appliance for any issues that could lead to a fire.

In addition to annual maintenance check-ups, change your air filter every 30–60 days. Inspect your outdoor unit periodically to ensure it has proper airflow, remove debris and clean the condenser unit. You can even use a garden hose to periodically clean your condenser coils. (Make sure you turn the breaker off first!)

If you rely on a window AC unit during the summer, do not plug it into an extension cord or power strip. It should have its own dedicated outlet. Before installing, make sure the window and frame are in good condition — there should be a metal bracket, mounting rails or some sort of firm support system. If the unit doesn’t fit, do not try

and force it. Never put anything on top of the unit.

Since these units are exposed to the elements, they tend to be more at risk for a fire or other dangers. To prevent these risks, never position them where water is or could spill. Clean or replace filters as instructed and continue to inspect cords for damage regularly.

Take care that children and pets don’t chew on or pull the cable.

Always unplug the electric fan at the outlet when not in use.

If you fancy a fan to keep you cool, here are some quick safety tips to follow this summer: • Only purchase fans that have been tested in a recognized, independent lab.

• Check for product recalls at cpsc.gov.

• Double check that air intakes are not blocked.

• Keep fans away from water.

Finally, always be aware of changes in your AC unit. You should know when something sounds out of the ordinary. If you see wires sticking out of the AC unit, or if you see leaking refrigerant or hear noises coming from the unit, you should take these as signs of trouble. Don’t wait to contact a professional for help — act immediately!

MAY 2019

29

backyard

Rhubarb is prone to bolting We can be so difficult to please. When plants flower when we want them to flower, we call it “blooming.” But when plants flower when we don’t want them to, we call it “bolting.” Flowering is an undesirable trait when growing rhubarb; therefore, bolting describes the event.

Gardeners frequently ask why their rhubarb is bolting. Well, if you think of it from the plant’s perspective, it is just a part of the plant’s natural life cycle. Flowering is part of the reproductive phase that leads to the production of fruit and seed.

But from the gardener’s perspective, the production of flowers, fruit and seed in rhubarb wastes the plant’s resources, which could be better spent on producing edible stalks or storing carbohydrates to use for the following season. And if allowed to mature seed, the resulting seedling offspring are often less desirable than the mother plant, which we paid good money to buy as a named cultivar.

In fact, seedling offspring are often more likely to bolt than some of the more modern hybrid cultivars. Seedling offspring can also be vigorous enough or

just numerous enough to take over the original planting.

It does appear that some rhubarb plants are more prone to flowering than others.

Old-fashioned varieties, such as Victoria and MacDonald, are reported to be heavy seed stalk producers. Canada Red and Valentine are less likely to bolt. Plant maturity is also a factor, with more mature plants being more likely to bolt than youngsters. Dividing the crowns every four or five years should help rejuvenate the planting. Applying moderate amounts of fertilizer, such as well-composted manure, each spring should also discourage bolting.

Weather no doubt has a role to play as well. Rhubarb is a cool season perennial that can remain productive for 8-15 years, if given proper care. Plant stress, such as temperatures above 90 F, prolonged drought during hot weather, poor nutrition, etc., may also promote bolting.

The bottom line is that rhubarb may bolt for a variety — and likely a combination — of several factors. Many gardeners may not know what cultivar they have,

Early spring pruning will tame this hydrangea Q: I have a hydrangea that is overgrown. It’s falling over and is too tall and wide. I would like it not to block the window. But I don’t know how/ when/how much to prune to a smaller size. — T.B., Morgan County A: Pruning time and technique depends on the particular species of hydrangea. Yours appears to be the panicle hydrangea, Hydrangea paniculata.

Panicle hydrangea blooms on new wood, meaning the flower buds are produced on new stems produced each year. So the best time to prune is in late winter or early spring before the new growth begins. Since you want to overall reduce the size of the plant, you can hard prune down near the bottom of the stems. Just make sure you cut back to just above healthy buds as these will give rise to the new stems

30

MAY 2019

Rhubarb’s unwanted flowering is referred to as bolting.

PHO TO CREDI T: PURDUE EXTENSI O N

and there’s not much we can do about the weather. So, if your rhubarb should happen to bolt, remove the flowering stalks just as soon as they are visible, to which the plant will likely respond by sending up another. If you keep at it, soon the plant will return to the desired priority for foliage production.

Another question that sometimes comes up is whether the flowering makes the leaf stalks poisonous. The answer is no, the leaf stalks remain edible, regardless of whether flower stalks are present.

However, the leafy blade portion is always poisonous due to a high level of oxalic acid.

Ask

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

product recalls Honda recalls portable generators Honda has recalled two popular models of its popular portable generator — models EU2200i and EB2200i.

The portable generator can leak gasoline from the fuel valve, posing fire and burn hazards. The recalled portable generators were sold with a red cover. The

Indiana Connection Marketplace

names “HONDA” and the generator model name are printed on the control panel. The serial number is located on a lower corner of one of the side panels of the generator. The following model numbers within a range of serial number are being recalled.

The generators were sold at Honda Power Equipment dealers and home improvement stores nationwide and online from February 2018 through February 2019 for about $1,100$1,300.

Honda has received 19 reports of fuel leaking from the fuel valve. No injuries have been reported.

Call 888-888-3139; or go online at https://powerequipment.honda.com and click on “Recalls and Updates” at the bottom of the page for more detailed information.

CANADIAN RIVER CRUISING Experience the beauty and history of Canada’s rivers.

More than a hot foot: heated socks recalled Tech Gear 5.7’s Mobile Warming Performance Heated Socks are being recalled. The lithium-ion battery can

4-7 night cruises departing Kingston, Ottawa, Quebec City.

Reservations: 1-800-267-7868

overheat, melt or ignite when charged with a charger other than the one provided with the product, posing fire and burn hazards to the user. Only socks with serial numbers

StLawrenceCruiseLines.com

MW18A04-17-14, MW18A04-17-15, MW18A04-M4-10/W6-11 and MW18A04-M10-14 are included in the recall.

The socks heat when the battery is connected and is in the “on” position.

The socks were sold at sporting goods, workwear and farm supply stores nationwide and online from September through November 2018 for about $130. Tech Gear 5.7 has received four reports of batteries overheating, melting or igniting, resulting in minor property damage in two instances, and melting of the battery case in the others. No injuries have been reported.

Call 888-908-6024; or go online at www.mobilewarming.com and click on “Recall Information” for more information.

Indiana Connection’s new Marketplace provides exposure for your business or organization at a minimal cost.

A limited number of these display ads are available each month. Reach over a half a million consumers at an affordable rate!

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.

QUESTIONS ABOUT ADVERTISING IN INDIANA CONNECTION? Email info@indianaconnection.org.

MAY 2019

31

Wabash Valley Power news

Don’t drown in high energy costs this summer from your pool pump The sweltering summer heat can

which requires half the energy use

pool over a moderately longer period

mean diving into your swimming pool

as pool vacuuming, ENERGY STAR

of time. Some variable speed pool

— and high diving deep into energy

reports. Conventional pool pumps

pumps can be programmed to filter

costs.

over time will use significantly more

overnight, helping shift power use

electricity, meaning higher energy

away from peak periods of the day.

bills in the summer months (when the

Best of all, the quieter compressor

air conditioner is already leading to

does the job without keeping

higher energy costs). ENERGY STAR-

everyone wide awake.

With temperatures starting to rise, you may be eyeing the swimming pool to help cool you off this summer.

If you have a pool at your home, you likely are not yearning as much for those summer bills that reflect your pool’s energy use. ENERGY STAR® reports that your pool pump can add more than $500 to your annual energy bills. If your pool pump is older or inefficient, an upgrade could help save you money.

Variable speed pool pumps with the ENERGY STAR certification

certified variable speed pool pumps can significantly reduce your home’s energy use, saving up to more than $400 in energy costs each year.

If your pump is struggling or is close to 10 years old, it may be time consider a replacement. Fortunately, your electric co-op can make it more

IT’S (RELATIVELY) WHISPER QUIET!

attractive! Your local cooperative can

…when running at lower speeds. A

pool pump upgrades.

variable speed pool pump’s lower speed can still handle filtering the

offer a $250 Power Moves® rebate for qualifying ENERGY STAR-certified

You can contact your local coop’s energy advisor of visit www.

use variable speed compressors

PowerMoves.com for details. For more

that work only as hard as needed.

information on ENERGY STAR-

Conventional pool pumps use the same pump speed for all tasks, such as for filtration,

32

MAY 2019

certified pool pumps that can save money in long-term energy costs, visit www.EnergyStar.gov.

Powerful pioneer The name Clark

woodstove-heated heavy “sad iron,” and

of directors was chosen. Woody was

Woody may not

the well-worn washboard. All would

elected secretary-treasurer. The REMC’s

mean anything

be replaced by electricity’s modern con-

first power line — the first in Indiana to

for those living

veniences, which were initially known

be built with an REA loan — was built to

beyond Boone

only by urban residents.

Woody’s farm on July 22, 1935.

“None of us little fellas out here in the

Getting people to agree to initial elec-

country realized what was goin’ to

tric service was no easy task, Woody

happen when this rural electricity thing

recalled about the long hours canvass-

started,” Woody once said. He was one

ing the farms and rural homes, asking

of the 15 incorporators of Boone Coun-

folks to agree to pay to have power

ty REMC (now Boone REMC), head-

lines constructed to their residences.

quartered in Lebanon, Indiana. Resolute

“At that time, many people were afraid

about ensuring life in the country could

to sign up because they thought that

be as tranquil as he initially envisioned

they’d lose their farms to the govern-

Woody, a former school teacher who

it was, he acquired allies in his mission

ment if this electricity thing failed; and

battled ulcers before deciding to settle

and went to work. “…Some fellas around

there was a lack of money, too,” Woody

down to a tranquil life on a 120-acre

here were really thinkin’ hard about

explained. After all, this was the heart of

farm in rural Thorntown, Indiana, was

getting’ electricity, so I just kind of

the Great Depression. “When that first

one of the rural men and women of the

egged them on,” Woody said. “Four or

60 miles of line got electricity in 1936,

era who worked tirelessly to bring elec-

five of us went to Washington, D.C.

the country went crazy — everybody

tricity to the countryside by creating ru-

Went down to the REA office and talked

wanted electricity then.”

ral electric cooperatives. But unlike his

with the administrator.”

County’s borders.

But in the 1930s,

Boone County

Woody played a significant role in ensuring you, as a customer of an electric cooperative, have access to the power you rely on in every facet of your life.

fellow power pioneers, Woody acquired a singular claim to fame. His farm was the first in Indiana — and one of the first in the nation — to be electrified through Rural Electrification Administration lines. It all happened on May 22,

Woody passed away on July 5, 1973, a

Soon after that, on June 18, 1935,

little over a month shy of his 91st birth-

a group of farmers met “in a little

day. A historical marker at a rest stop on

courtroom” to discuss bringing rural

I-65 in Boone County commemorates

electrification to Boone County. A set

Woody’s role the state’s electrification

of bylaws was adopted and a board

history.

1936.

“There were men everywhere — in all the rooms and closets, turning on all the lights and switches to make sure they worked; they weren’t really sure it would work,” Woody’s wife, Lois, recalled in an interview years later.

Electricity, you see, was still an enigma in rural America — a miracle which eliminated the dim light of the kerosene lamp, the scorching heat of the Clark Woody's farm in Thorntown was the first Indiana residence to be electrified by Rural Electrification Administration-financed power lines. Woody, left, is shown with Herman Antle, Boone County REMC manager from 1938-73, who displays the second meter installed by the REMC. The first meter was destroyed by fire in the 1940s.

MAY 2019

33

profile

Fast

BY RICHARD G. BIEVER

Times

Bryce King is growing up fast.

The second grader at Kouts Elementary likes his Hot Wheels cars and remotecontrol race cars. But his need for speed puts him behind the wheel of scaleddown race cars traveling at 50, even 60, miles per hour.

“He’s all about fast,” said his dad, Chris King, who also acts as the chief mechanic, pit crew and team boss.

Bryce King, already a racing veteran with several years under his flame-retardant suit, will be racing this go-kart, under development in his family’s garage, this season.

His family’s rural Kouts home is served electrically by Kankakee Valley REMC.

Bryce has already been racing for three and half years in the junior circuits with

Gordon, A.J. Foyt, Mario Andretti, to name

car pretty quickly. Within two or three laps

other kids his age. He competed last

a few, all started young in the stepping-

you know what you’re going to get. He’s smart

season in a Quarter Midget national

stone race classes. In fact, Bryce’s favorite

about things. He takes chances when he needs

circuit that took him and his family — dad;

race car driver, NASCAR’s Alex Bowman,

to but doesn’t foolishly tear up stuff.”

mom, Holly; and older sister, Madalyn —

once drove for the Quarter Midget owner

traveling over 20,000 miles last year to

who sponsored Bryce’s car last year. Bryce

race tracks in Nashville, Tennessee; Ohio;

said he hopes he can take his love of

Texas; and Michigan. Along with meeting

racing to NASCAR some day.

professional drivers, another highlight was taking a lap around the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Bryce also drove the 2.5 mile oval in 2016. “It’s an experience I don’t think he’ll ever forget,” said Holly.

Bryce got his love of racing from his dad, a three-time Legends car racing champion on the quarter-mile Illiana Motor Speedway in Schererville, Indiana.

The track closed in 2016. “I just knew

While Bryce tired of ovals because he doesn’t like driving in circles, the one big reason he prefers NASCAR over IndyCar has to do with driving really small tight circles — the ones

This year, Bryce will be racing in the Go

at the end of races with spinning tires, lots of

Karts Junior 1 division. Go karts provide

smoke and waves to the crowds.

more speed and variety than the Quarter Midgets.

“I thought they were not that fun,” Bryce said of the Midgets. They race only on

“If you win,” Bryce said, “you get to do doughnuts!”

RICHARD G. BIEVER IS SENIOR EDITOR OF INDIANA CONNECTION.

ovals. In Junior 1 Go Karts, Bryce will be competing on road courses. “You go faster, and there are more turns,” he said.

he’d follow in his dad’s footsteps,” said

While there won’t be a team sponsor for

Holly. “I had apprehensions, but to see the

this car, the traveling is not as far. Bryce

determination to do good, the love he has

will be racing downstate at race courses in

for it, and the focus just made it worth it.”

Whiteland and New Castle.

This is how professional drivers get their

“He does very well for his age,” noted Chris.

start. Tony Stewart, Sarah Fisher, Jeff

“He gets everything he can get out of the PHO TO CO URTESY O F BLU TREE STUDI O S

34

MAY 2019

Always call 811 before starting fencing & landscaping projects.

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

36

FEBRUARY 2019