Henry County REMC — October 2020 Indiana Connection

Watch the Annual Meeting on Facebook LIVE on Oct. 9.

Henry County REMC’s

Sweet

Memories How readers capture the Halloween spirit

pages 19–24

OCTOBER 2020

from the editor

Spice girl

I’LL TELL YOU WHAT I WANT: NO MORE VINEGAR! For most of us, 2020 has been the year of getting organized. I know the quarantine certainly ramped my spring-cleaning tendencies into overdrive, and my closets, drawers, pantry and refrigerator were weeded out, reconfigured and tidied up as never before.

The organizational adventure continues for me into the fall. I’m just now tackling my spice and condiment shelves, throwing out items that are expired or that I’ll just never use.

I must admit, I’m somewhat obsessed with spices. Since I love cooking ethnic cuisine, my spice and sauce selection includes several curry sauces and spices, Korean bulgogi sauce, Chinese five-spice powder, saffron and Japanese dashi.

And that’s in addition to more common flavor boosters like seasoned salt, garlic powder, and good old salt and pepper.

As I discover hidden jars in the backs of my numerous spice shelves, I’ve learned something about myself: I’m a bona fide spice hoarder!

My evidence: Five jars of mustard seed (the essential ingredient for my mustarddill grilled salmon topping) and four jars of mustard powder, four jars of oregano and two containers plus a jumbo-sized dispenser of sesame seeds. That doesn’t include my assortment of vinegars including three bottles of apple cider vinegar, two bottles of balsamic vinegar, and bottles of rice wine vinegar, white wine vinegar, and flavored balsamics like chocolate, vanilla, cranberry, raspberry, strawberry and pear. Oh, and I’ve accumulated my fair share of oils — coconut, sesame, rape seed, pumpkin seed, chile, and various flavored olive oils.

I recently read that when Martha Stewart organized her pantry, she found 47 types of salt and 27 varieties of olive oil in it. Though I am nowhere near being a Martha-level spice girl, I recognize some similar tendencies. So, I am hereby vowing to stay far away from aisle W9 at my local store until I deplete my current stockpile. Now I need to pull out my mustard dill sauce recipe and get cooking!

EMILY SCHILLING Editor eschilling@indianaec.org

On the menu: February 2021 issue: Bananas, deadline Dec. 1.

March 2021 issue: Recipes featuring coffee, deadline Dec. 1. If we publish your recipe on our food pages, we’ll send you a $10 gift card.

Giveaway: Enter to win a $50 gift certificate from The Sherman in Batesville. Visit indianaconnection.org/talk-to-us/contests. Entry deadline for giveaway: Oct. 30.

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 70 • NUMBER 4 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.

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

POSTAGE: Periodicals postage paid at Indianapolis, 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.

OCTOBER 2020

3

contents

OCTOBER

10

17

energy

food

03 FROM THE EDITOR

12 I NSIGHTS

05 CO-OP NEWS Energy news and information from your electric cooperative.

14 COUNTY OF THE MONTH

10 ENERGY Deciphering your home’s energy use — and what you can do about it.

19

29

cover story

diy

19 COVER STORY

27 RECALLS

Spotlighting Carroll County.

Sweet memories: How readers capture the Halloween spirit.

28 H OOSIER ENERGY/ WABASH VALLEY NEWS

16 INDIANA EATS

25 SAFETY

The Sherman: Tastes of Germany right here in Indiana.

17 FOOD Can’t stop the phyllo.

FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA

Indiana Connection

Electrical fire safety: Prepare and prevent.

26 PETS Prepare for your pet’s wintertime needs.

29 DIY Chip and seal: Simple first aid for your car’s paint job.

30 PROFILE Stockman Tyler Schoffner motivated to make a difference.

On the cover Halloween creates some of the sweetest childhood memories, but they’re not all about the “treats.” Readers shared memories of special family time creating costumes, decorating, and having fun. And some who enjoy Halloween most are big kids — whose inner youth is only slightly veiled by a thin mask of age.

PHOTO BY TAYLOR MARANION

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OCTOBER 2020

co-op news

Power on www.hcremc.com CONTACT US 800-248-8413 Fax: 765-529-1667 OFFICE HOURS 7:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., Monday – Friday STREET ADDRESS 3400 S. State Road 3 New Castle, IN 47362 MAILING ADDRESS P.O. Box D New Castle, IN 47362 A night deposit box is available 24 hours a day.

EMAIL hcremc@hcremc.com SERVICE INTERRUPTIONS To report a power outage, please call 800-248-8413, day or night.

MISSION STATEMENT The mission of Henry County REMC is to provide reliable, safe and cost-competitive electrical service to enhance the lives of our members and the communities we serve.

BILL DUE DATES Bills mailed Nov. 9 are due Nov. 29.

Bills mailed Nov. 16 are due Dec. 3.

Bills mailed Nov. 30 are due Dec. 17.y.

OCTOBER IS NATIONAL CO-OP MONTH As an electric cooperative, our top priority is always to provide reliable, affordable energy to you, the memberconsumers we serve. Because we are a co-op, our mission is to enrich the lives of our members and serve the long-term interests of our local community — and this mission has never been more critical than in recent months. One of the seven principles that guides all co-ops is “concern for community.” To me, this principle is the essential DNA of HCREMC, and it sets us apart from other electric utilities.

October is National Co-op Month, and electric cooperatives across the country are highlighting the many ways we “Power On.” Keeping this theme in mind, I recognize the essential role we play in serving a special community like ours.

Who would have fathomed in March that the COVID-19 virus would test our community and our nation?

The changing circumstances due to the pandemic have created both challenges and opportunities. Over the past several months, we’ve all been challenged to operate differently, and HCREMC has stepped up to help our members and strengthen the safety net for our more vulnerable neighbors.

As an essential service and to ensure reliability of your power supply, we modified our operations to safeguard business continuity. Our line crews and other employees began working on staggered schedules to maintain separation. Some staff worked remotely. In the office, we limited and modified meetings and gatherings to allow for safe separation. We also adjusted our walk-in office availability and in-person service calls to ensure the health and safety of our

CONTINUED ON PAGE 6

Know what’s below.

Call 811 before you dig!

LIKE US ON FACEBOOK www.facebook.com/ HenryCountyREMC FOLLOW US ON TWITTER www.twitter.com/ HenryCountyREMC

OCTOBER 2020

5

co-op news CONTINUED FROM PAGE 5 employees and our valued members. In addition, on Oct. 9, we will host our first ever Facebook LIVE online Annual Meeting event, rather than our typical in-person event. For the health and safety of everyone, we think these measures were the prudent course of action for the times.

For our members impacted by COVID-19 who needed help with their electric bills, we waived late fees and worked with those hit the hardest to make special payment arrangements. We also offered payment assistance through our Operation Round Up program. The Operation Round Up board made the decision to donate dollars to our Interlocal Community Action Program (ICAP) agency.

Struggling members were advised to contact ICAP, and ICAP managed the donated funds.

While we certainly have missed visiting with you in person, we found new ways to stay connected.

Your REMC partnered with Watch Communications to bring broadband internet to the underserved areas of our service territory. With more memberconsumers and their families working and learning from home, fast, reliable internet was a huge necessity. Although we are still working to reach specific areas in our territory, we have made a lot of progress with this project. We also implemented a system that automatically sends phone and text message updates to our member-consumers, boosted social media engagement efforts and utilized communication resources through the SmartHub app, our online account management tool.

I tell you about all of these efforts not to boast about HCREMC, but to explain how much we care about this community — because we live here too.

We’ve seen other local businesses rising to meet similar challenges during this time, because that’s what communities do. While the challenges caused

by COVID-19 have been daunting, I’m heartened to see how everyone is pulling together.

In 1936, HCREMC was built by the community to serve the community, and that’s what we’ll continue to do — Power On.

SHANNON THOM CEO

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OCTOBER 2020

2020 Annual Meeting WATCH THE MEETING LIVE ON FACEBOOK OCT. 9 ELECTION RESULTS Each year, HCREMC hosts a director election for three of the nine districts in the REMC service territory. In 2020, the districts open for election were 3, 5 and 6.

The election results are in. We congratulate the winning candidates. The following candidates were newly elected to the HCREMC board of directors:

District 3 Nate LaMar

District 5 Sam Sparks

District 6 Jamey Marcum

NEW THIS YEAR! Due to the pandemic, the in-person HCREMC Annual Meeting event, where we normally announce director election results and conduct HCREMC business, has been changed to an online Facebook LIVE event and is scheduled for Oct. 9 at noon.

A mailing was sent to all HCREMC member-consumers on Sept. 21. Member-consumers will need to respond to this mailing. All members will be asked to ratify the election results, approve the minutes of the (previous) 2019 annual meeting event, review HCREMC financial information and RSVP for our online Facebook LIVE annual meeting event Oct. 9. Your response to this mailing will register you for prize drawings held during the Facebook LIVE event.

Member-consumers will be contacted if they are drawn for a prize. Please note, a video recording of the Facebook LIVE event will be published to our website, Facebook page and YouTube channel for future viewing.

Prizes include: • • •

Riding lawnmower Generator Electric billing credits ranging from $50–$350

co-op news

You’re not alone in the dark Electricity powers our lives. We depend on it for nearly everything we do. So we understand how frustrating it can be when you’re left in the dark.

Power outages are never convenient.

It takes a lot of hands to keep your power on, and even more hands to get it up and running when an outage occurs. HCREMC works hard to restore your electric service when outages occur, but there are necessary steps to take to ensure that power is restored to the majority of members as quickly, and safely, as possible.

After a major storm, HCREMC line crews must identify which poles and lines have incurred damage.

Depending on the severity of the damage, the damage could have affected hundreds of memberconsumers.

Transmission companies provide power to HCREMC at the substations.

HCREMC does not own or operate either transmission or substation facilities. When an outage occurs at those locations, HCREMC crews usually work behind the scenes to get updates from those other companies to pass along to our membership or they prepare plans to transfer load to another source and restore power to areas affected by the outage.

When the outage is the result of damage to HCREMC distribution facilities, our line crews are equipped with technology that can help them pinpoint a line segment to patrol for the problem. Once the damage is repaired, which can require varying degrees of resources, power will be restored to the meters served by those lines.

Tap lines carry power to the transformers outside of homes and other buildings. HCREMC line crews

Mother Nature can sometimes down trees and wreak havoc on power lines. When power outages occur, remember that HCREMC follows a protocol to ensure that power is restored to the majority of members as quickly and as safely as possible.

identify which damaged lines to work on first based on which lines will restore power to the greatest number of members.

Many times, the issue is resolved once the tap lines are repaired. But have you ever lost power only to look next door and see the lights still blazing from your neighbor’s window? When this happens, it generally means that the service line between your home and the nearby transformer has been damaged. If this happens, call HCREMC at 800-248-8413 right away so we can send a line crew to your home.

We appreciate your patience and cooperation whenever an outage occurs. For more information on outages, stay connected with us on Facebook and Twitter, or check our website at hcremc.com.

Power restoration can be a tricky business, so if you lose service in your home or neighborhood please remember the following: • Stay clear of downed power lines.

Contact with these lines could be life threatening.

• Report the outage to HCREMC (800-248-8413) as soon as possible.

• Make sure to inform us if loss of power to your home affects life support systems or could cause any additional threat to health and safety.

UNPLANNED OUTAGE HOURS BY CAUSE 33% trees 30% public 27% transmission 7% lightning and wind 1% design equipment failure 1% animals 1% unknown

co-op news

LOCAL GROUPS RECEIVE OPERATION ROUND UP GRANTS

CO-OP MONTH FILL-IN-THE-BLANK Did you know October is National Co-op Month?

Complete the fill-in-the-blank activity below to learn about a few ways co-ops are unique!

Use the word bank if you need help.

The Operation Round Up program is simple, but effective. HCREMC members voluntarily allow the co-op to round their monthly bills up to the next dollar, and the extra change is collected in a fund overseen by an independent board of trustees.

Organizations in the local community can then apply for grants from this fund.

The board of trustees meets each quarter to discuss donation requests.

Most recently, the board approved the following donations.

• ICAP COVID-19 aid to REMC member-consumers: $5,000 • New Castle Family & Internal Medicine for its Reach Out and Read Program: $1,000 • Jefferson Township Volunteer

1. Co-ops and their members work together toward a common ____________.

2. Co-ops are ____________ organizations, so they understand the communities they serve.

3. All co-ops operate according to the same set of seven cooperative ____________.

4. Concern for ____________ is the seventh cooperative principle.

5. Co-ops don’t have customers; we have ____________.

6. Co-ops are ____________ by the members they serve.

Fire Department for equipment

• Bundy Auditorium for audio

WORD BANK

equipment: $2,460 • New Castle Schools – Food Service for metal racks on wheels for food transportation: $1,571 This information and more can be found at hcremc.com. Thank you to everyone who participates in this program. Your small change is changing lives and bettering the community we live and work in.

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OCTOBER 2020

LED

GOAL

MEMBERS

LOCAL

PRINCIPLES

COMMUNITY

Answer Key: 1) goal 2) local 3) principles 4) community 5) members 6) led

(matching grant): $1,500

ENERGY EFFICIENCY

Tip

The average household owns 24 electronic products, which account for roughly 12% of home energy use.

Consider purchasing ENERGY STAR®-certified products, which can be 70% more efficient than conventional models.

SOURCE: ENERGY.GOV

OCTOBER 2020

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energy

KILOWHAT? Deciphering your home’s energy use – and what you can do about it

A glance at your monthly electric bill shows you the amount of energy powering your home. Yet all the information on the bill may also leave you in the dark about what exactly it all means.

Fortunately, we can shed light on it!

energy consumed multiplied by your local electric cooperative’s kWh rate leads to the total of your monthly energy cost. Different appliances use varying amounts of energy, and their consumption is based on how frequently they are used:

Measuring Your Energy Your monthly energy bill includes a lot of information.

For instance, your bill may include a facilities charge, which incorporates the cost of maintaining the poles and wires to safely and reliably deliver electricity to your home. And, yes, your bill also includes the amount of electricity your house used during the previous month.

• 1,000-watt coffeemaker: Used every day for a year would use about 365 kWh annually

Your home’s energy use is typically measured in kilowatt-hours, or kWh, for short. This is the amount of electricity needed to do 1,000 watts of “work,” or 1 kilowatt, for 1 hour. The amount of kilowatt-hours of

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OCTOBER 2020

• Clothes dryer: Used four hours each week would use about 580 kWh each year • 26-cubic-foot refrigerator: Uses on average about 725 kWh annually More electricity is used to heat and cool buildings than nearly any other activity; this is why your energy bills are the highest during the dog days of summer and winter’s coldest months. Your air conditioner and heating system are working the

hardest during these times to maintain the thermostat settings to keep you comfortable.

Improve Your Energy Use Fortunately, there are steps you can take to improve your home’s energy use. LED light bulbs that are ENERGY STAR-certified are much brighter, have longer lifespans, and use significantly less energy than incandescent bulbs.

ENERGY STAR-certified appliances also use less energy than other options on the market.

You also can consider ENERGY STAR-certified heating and cooling equipment and water heaters.

You can consider a blower door test, which will measure how airtight your home is, and identify potential air leaks. Air leaks lead to treated air escaping your home. This forces your heating and cooling systems to work harder than needed, wasting

energy and costing you money.

For more tips and advice, you can visit the ENERGY STAR website at www.energystar. gov. You also can contact your electric cooperative’s energy advisor. Your energy advisor can analyze your home’s energy use and even recommend an energy audit, which will feature a list of recommended action items that you can take to improve your home’s energy efficiency. This will help make your home more comfortable while lowering your home’s long-term energy costs.

by

Carly Nichols

Marketing and Communications Coordinator Jay County REMC

insights

ELECTION DAY DRAWING NEAR The 2020 general election day is Nov. 3.

editor

LETTERS TO THE

Who can vote? To vote in the 2020 general election here in Indiana, you must be both a U.S. citizen and a resident of Indiana; be at least 18 years of age on or before the general election; not currently be in prison after being convicted of a crime; have lived in the precinct where

Thanks from Hall of Fame

you vote for at least 30 days prior to the

Thank you so much from

How to vote. There are two ways to vote in

all of us at the Mascot Hall

the general election: by absentee ballot or in-

of Fame for all the time you

person on Election Day.

took with the interview and

To register for an absentee ballot, you must qualify under one of the 11

how well it came out (August

election; and are registered to vote.

reasons listed on the Indiana Secretary of State’s website. Visit https://www.

cover story). Nothing but

in.gov/sos/elections/2402.htm. Absentee ballots must be received by your

positive comments from so

county election board by Oct. 22.

many people. We are obviously very proud of the Mascot Hall of Fame and everything “connected” to it.

Al Spajer Director, Community Engagement Mascot Hall of Fame Whiting, Indiana

If you plan to vote in-person on Election Day but are not sure where to go, visit https://indianavoters.in.gov and click on “Find My Polling Location.” You can search by both voter registration (your name and birthday) as well as by county.

By casting your vote on Nov. 3, you can be assured your voice is heard on the local and national levels. As you evaluate the candidates and determine who to support, remember that elected officials play a very important role in ensuring that your electric cooperative can continue providing safe, reliable, and affordable electricity.

I just wanted you to know that I really enjoyed your article in the August issue about embracing our five senses (“From the Editor,” August issue). I’m making copies to share with my granddaughter and with my friends.

Thanks again,

Elda Myers

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OCTOBER 2020

VOTE n ov. 2 O2 O

Sharing your article

3

Cybersecurity

Tips to keep you safe online

Use strong passwords and change them regularly. The best passwords are at least eight characters and include different types of characters — try using a memorable verse from your favorite song and adding a few numbers and special characters, ($ ! _ &) or even a space.

Install software updates. Your apps and operating systems will periodically send updates. Install them — they often include protections against the latest security threats. But remember, those updates come from the apps and not from emails or social media notices.

Use two-factor authentication for online accounts. A second factor will be something you have, like your phone to receive a passcode, or something you are, like a biometric fingerprint, in addition to something you know, like a password or security question.

Think before you click. Be wary of any offer or link that comes through the internet, whether by email or social media, or even a phone call instructing you to get online. Don’t click on a link unless you know for certain what it is.

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

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

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

CUSTOM POLE BARNS, DESIGNED TO LAST

WE LIVE IT — YOU’LL LOVE IT

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Two Convenient Locations:

History, Shopping, Cuisine

• Dayton, OH (937) 503-2457

Award-Winning Local Wines

• Decatur, IL (217) 864-5835

Campgrounds and Boat Launches

MidwesternBuildings.com

switzcotourism.com

county feature

The historic canal boat, “The Delphi,” gives voyager visitors to the Wabash and Erie Canal Interpretive Center a taste of traveling the historic manmade waterway of 175 years ago.

Carroll County In the very year Carroll County was founded — 1828 — the Indiana General Assembly accepted a federal grant for a massive project that would impact the county’s future, most notably its seat of Delphi, for the next 40 years. Its legacy remains a source of pride Delphi shares into present day.

The project was the Wabash and Erie Canal, the longest canal ever built in North America. The ambitious 468-mile artificial waterway linked the Great Lakes to the Ohio River. Though the canal didn’t survive even a half century because of maintenance issues and the railroads, its memory and legacy are fondly featured in Delphi’s city logo and an interactive museum that tells the canal story.

The Wabash and Erie Canal was actually four canal projects linked together: the Miami and Erie Canal from the Maumee River near Toledo, Ohio, to Junction, Ohio; the original Wabash and Erie Canal from Junction to Terre Haute, Indiana; the Cross Cut Canal from Terre Haute to Worthington, Indiana (Point Commerce); and the Central Canal from Worthington to Evansville, Indiana. From there, the Ohio River gave shippers access to the Gulf of Mexico. Construction began in Fort Wayne in 1832.

Operation began in the summer of 1843.

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OCTOBER 2020

y t n u o C acts F

Travel along the canal included both freight and passenger “packets.”

FOUNDED: 1828 Packets were narrow shallow boats pulled NAMED FOR: by three horses, oxen, Charles Carroll, a signer or a mixture of oxen of the Declaration of and horses from a Independence and a towpath alongside the senator from Maryland. canal. Within the first He was the last surviving decade of operation, founding father, dying at however, the canal’s age 94 in 1832. economic viability was in doubt. Travel was POPULATION: slow and quarters were 20,127 (2018 estimate) tight for passengers.

COUNTY SEAT: Delphi Maintenance was high as the canals constantly had to be dredged, and the banks and towpaths eroded.

Canal Association, a community Those issues along with rapidly nonprofit organization dedicated expanding railroads soon made the to Indiana’s canal heritage. The canal obsolete. museum includes a 2.5-mile While use of the canal ceased in 1876, Delphi did not let the history of the engineering marvel fade. The Wabash & Erie Canal Interpretive Center opened in 2004 as the only museum designed to tell the whole story of the Wabash and Erie Canal’s 44-year operational history.

The interpretive center is operated by the Wabash & Erie

segment of the canal that has been rebuilt and reopened as a waterway and parallel towpath along with a miniature reservoir, aqueduct, lock, and gristmill, a pioneer village and more. The museum is usually open daily, and an admission fee is charged. (During the pandemic, please check its website, wabashanderiecanal.org, for updates on reopening and operating hours.)

OCTOBER 2020

15

Indiana eats

Enter to win a $50 gift certificate to The Sherman.

Tastes of Germany right here in Indiana

Learn more on page 3.

Historic building home to German restaurant and 22-room hotel

Sauerbraten with Braised Red Cabbage

Gulf Shrimp Cocktail

Blackened Salmon with Mushroom Risotto

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OCTOBER 2020

At a time when traveling beyond our borders is not an option, one of the best cures for wanderlust is to sample cuisines of other countries. And one of the best restaurants to enjoy authentic German cuisine right here in the Hoosier state is The Sherman, a combination bar/restaurant/ hotel in Batesville.

Formerly known as The Sherman House, the German tudor-style building was constructed in 1852, making it the one of the state’s oldest buildings. Its name honors Gen. William Tecumseh Sherman and the 83rd Indiana Volunteer Infantry who marched under him in the Civil War. The Sherman’s owners — husband and wife Georg Heringer of Bavaria and Peyton Hughes from Fort Worth, Texas — offer an eclectic menu blending German and American favorites at The Sherman’s recently renovated Circa 1852 Restaurant. Sauerbraten with braised red cabbage and whipped potatoes, and the appropriately named “Best Wurst Platter Ever” (featuring three different German sausages, a trio of

mustards and sauerkraut) are standouts for German cuisine lovers. The impressive Bavarian Giant Pretzel, served with bier cheese and mustard trio is a not-to-be missed appetizer.

a quick autumn getaway.

Designated a Historic Hotel of America, The Sherman has 22 restored guest rooms, all with the ambience of European boutique hotel rooms.

Meanwhile, restaurant regular State Sen. Jean Leising also vouches for menu items like shrimp cocktail, ribeye steak and filet mignon. Homemade cheesecake and bread pudding, she said, are among the restaurant’s finest desserts. “(The Sherman) is the nicest restaurant with quality food in the Batesville area,” Leising said.

Visit the restaurant for lunch and dinner from Monday through Saturday. Though the restaurant is closed on Sundays, the Black Forest Bar is open for Sunday dinner from 3-9 p.m.

For those preferring the vibe of a German-style bar or biergarten while enjoying a variety of beers (including Hoosier craft beers), wines and cocktails, The Sherman offers three options: The Black Forest Bar, which features a 20th century antique bar and a fairy tale ambience; the Biergarten; and the Bier Hall. The Sherman also offers catering and box lunches.

Its convenient location between Indianapolis and Cincinnati makes an overnight stay at The Sherman perfect for those wanting

ABOUT STATE SEN. JEAN LEISING:

Sen. Jean Leising (R) represents District 42 which covers Rush County and portions of Decatur, Fayette, Franklin, Henry, Ripley and Shelby counties. She chairs the Senate’s Agriculture Committee and serves on the Utilities, Commerce, Natural Resources, Education, and Health and Provider Services committees. The Oldenburg resident is a farm owner and travel agent.

THE sherman 35 S. Main St., Batesville 812-934-1000 800-445-4939 www.the-sherman.com

food

Can’t Stop

the Phyllo THIS THIN DOUGH MAKES A HUGE IMPACT

APPLES IN PHYLLO CRUST Charlotte Rymph, Monterey, Indiana

6 medium tart apples, peeled and sliced 2 T. lemon juice 1 cup packed brown sugar 2 T. quick cooking tapioca ½ t. cinnamon 2 t. oil 6 sheets phyllo dough ¼ cup graham cracker crumbs (about 4 squares) 2 t. cinnamon sugar

In a large saucepan, combine apples and lemon juice. Stir in brown sugar, tapioca and cinnamon. Let stand 15 minutes. Cook and stir over low heat until sugar is dissolved and apples are crisp-tender. Cool. Brush oil on both sides of phyllo sheet. Sprinkle lightly with cracker crumbs. Place one sheet of phyllo, crumb side up and evenly centered in a 10-inch pie plate. Do not trim.

Place second sheet at a 45-degree angle to the sheet below it. Continue with remaining sheets placing each layer at a 45-degree angle to the bottom sheet.

Pour the apple filling into phyllo pastry. Fold alternate points of phyllo over the filling. Brush top with oil. Sprinkle with cinnamon sugar. Bake at 350 F for 30 minutes or until golden brown. Cool on wire rack.

Editor’s note: A sprinkle of powdered sugar atop this dessert made it “picture perfect.”

OCTOBER 2020

17

food

BLACK BEAN TACO CUPS Marilles Mauer, Greensburg, Indiana 1 roll phyllo dough, thawed ¼ cup melted butter 1 t. taco seasoning, divided 1 can black beans ½ cup chopped tomatoes ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese ½ cup guacamole ½ cup sliced olives 2 T. chopped fresh cilantro Remove four sheets of phyllo dough from package. Cover with a clean towel. Mix melted butter and ½ t. taco seasoning together. Place one phyllo dough sheet on a cutting board. Brush with butter. Place another sheet of dough directly on top of the first sheet. Brush lightly with butter. Repeat with third sheet. Place fourth sheet on top.

Do not butter. Using a pizza cutter or sharp knife, cut dough into 3-inch squares. Grab each stack and place in mini muffin tins, pressing dough down in the corners. Bake in a preheated oven at 375 F for 8-10 minutes until golden. When slightly cooled, carefully remove from muffin tins. Pour beans in a colander and rinse. Shake to remove excess water. Pour beans in a bowl and mix in ½ t. taco seasoning. Add 1-2 teaspoons of beans to the bottom of each cup. Add a small amount of cheese, tomatoes and guacamole

TURKEY PHYLLO PIE

Patricia Piekarski, Harvey, Illinois 2 leeks, sliced thin 1 clove garlic, minced 1 T. butter or margarine 3 beaten eggs 1 (10 oz.) package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese 2/3 cup milk 2 T. grated Parmesan cheese Dash pepper 2 cups chopped, cooked turkey 4 (18-by-14-inch) sheets frozen phyllo dough, thawed 3 T. butter or margarine, melted In a skillet, cook leeks and garlic in 1 T. butter or margarine until tender. In a large bowl, combine leek mixture, eggs, spinach, mozzarella cheese, milk, Parmesan cheese and pepper. Stir in turkey. Brush one sheet of phyllo with some melted butter. Fold in half crosswise. Press folded phyllo dough into a 9-inch pie plate; let ends hang over. Repeat with remaining phyllo dough and butter, staggering phyllo in pie plate so bottom and sides are evenly covered. Spoon turkey filling into crust. Fold ends of phyllo toward center. Bake uncovered at 375 F for 45-50 minutes. Let stand 10 minutes. Cut into wedges.

so cups are full. Top with olives and cilantro.

FO O D PREPARED BY I NDI ANA CO NNECT I O N S TA FF PHO TO S BY TAYLO R MA RA NI O N

18

OCTOBER 2020

Sweet

Memories How readers capture the Halloween spirit

A

rare full moon — a blue one at that — will rise into the evening sky on Halloween this year. For the abnormal year that’s been 2020, why should we expect the annual celebration of the paranormal to be normal?

Whether the pandemic and social distancing will affect traditional Halloween activities like door-todoor trick-or-treating, Haunted Houses, hayrides and parties remains to be seen. But not even COVID-19 will scare off folks from decorating their homes and finding ways to have small get-togethers.

No matter what memories are made this Halloween, it won’t affect the memories and the costumes from the past. Earlier this year, Indiana Connection asked readers to share photos and stories of their favorite Halloween memories, costumes and decorations.

Some 65 readers submitted over 100 photos and shared memories of Halloweens past. Some of our favorites are presented here. In addition, we drew five names randomly from all those submitted for $50 prizes for submitting their memories. Those five readers are listed on page 24.

OCTOBER 2020

19

Spirited Halloweens haunt Ghost Hollow Road Of course we love Halloween ... we live on Ghost Hollow Road! Is it haunted? That depends on who you ask, but it does make for the best hayrides, Halloween parties, and conversation starters!

We started a tradition of making our own coordinating themed costumes when we built our home in Ghost Hollow. We have continued our tradition for well over 12 years and now includes our children. The best part — we keep our costumes a secret from our family and friends until Halloween!

Our favorite costume of all time (and the one that took the longest to make) was our green plastic army men costume. When we decided to start a family, we didn’t let that hinder our costume tradition.

As our kids are getting older, it’s getting a little more difficult to come up with coordinating costumes for not only the five of us, but something that also keeps our twins in outfits that match each other. Our son helped us come up with our first family-of-five costume theme. He had nicknamed our twins “Itsy and Bitsy” before they were born because he liked to sing the Itsy Bitsy Spider to them.

Once Halloween came, we decided to all be parts of the Itsy Bitsy Spider song: the sun, the rain, the spout, and the twins were “Itsy and Bitsy!”

Our second costume as a family of five was also inspired by our children: their favorite food — a hot dog, French fries, Easy Mac, ketchup and mustard.

We love our Halloween tradition for our family. Who knows what costume will come from Ghost Hollow this year?!

Darin and Ashley Bowling Veedersburg, Indiana

20

OCTOBER 2020

Never too old for trick-or-treat As a rural homemaker, my mother joyfully engaged her children in all of the “fuss and frenzy” of holiday activities. When “trick-or-treating” became popular in the early 1950s, she sewed my older brother and me our first Halloween costumes — matching red polka dotted clown outfits. The costumes were classic clown outfits, not the scary kind of today’s horror movies.

As we grew older, she encouraged us to create homemade costumes, like hoboes, fishermen and farm hands, from a grab bag of discarded old clothes.

A store-bought mask usually completed the outfit. (On Halloween, my parents then drove us to family, friend and neighbor homes. We also tried to come home early so we wouldn’t miss the “trick-or-treaters” who came to our house for homemade popcorn balls! One Halloween in the early 1960s, she also sewed another clown costume for my brother’s last grade school Halloween costume party.

Farm at Prophetstown State Park.

Just a few weeks before Halloween in 2017, the staff asked me to

This traditional orange and black clown costume

participate in

eventually found its way to a grab bag of Halloween

its Halloween

clothes. As my brothers and I grew older and no

celebration of

longer trick-or-treated, my mother took the grab bags

“Trick-or-Treating

of Halloween clothes to nursing homes where she

with the Animals.”

volunteered. Dressing in the orange and black clown

Could I decorate

costume, she encouraged the residents to put on some

the Gibson House,

of the grab bag clothes and relive the fun of bygone

as if the family was

Halloween parties. After my mother passed in 2012, I

celebrating traditional

rediscovered the Halloween grab bags.

Halloween? Could

I just could not discard the vintage, but now a little

I wear an appropriate costume?

worn, orange and black clown costume. With no plans for its future use,

My mind almost immediately went to the classic orange and black clown costume. With the help of a

I washed it and

former teaching colleague, the costume was patched

put it away in the

and renewed. It fit! These last few Halloweens, I have

laundry room.

entertained and engaged visitors at the Farm in a

After my

truly traditional costume. This simple classic costume

retirement from

continues to bring enjoyment to youngsters who are

teaching in 2016, I

celebrating their first Halloweens, and it connects me

began volunteering

to fond memories of my family’s traditions.

at the 1920s

Mary E. Anthrop West Lafayette, Indiana

OCTOBER 2020

21

Costumes have magical transformational powers Did you know Halloween costumes have magical

coordinating gold belt. Courtesy of the internet again,

powers? Slip into one, and you miraculously slip into

Prince Charming’s gold epaulettes are the real deal ...

a new identity! And did you also know that youth is

no drapery fringe for a prince! Cinderella’s accessories

not required for this mystical transformation to take

were easy: earrings out of my jewelry box and ribbon

place? We know! It’s happened to us … and we’re senior

for a necklace and for my hair. Of course, Cinderella’s

citizens!

costume had one other very important requirement:

Of all the “alter egos” we’ve had the chance to

Glass slippers!

experience, perhaps Cinderella and Prince Charming

Once again, the internet obliged and provided some

are our favorite. When we are in those costumes,

very lovely (if terribly uncomfortable!) glass slippers.

children respond so genuinely and in doing so, truly

But in the end, it’s worth it. To become “REAL,” to make

DO create magic. While dressed as the personas of

a child believe in fairy tales. That’s priceless.

Cinderella and Prince Charming, we met a small girl in her own Halloween costume. She literally threw herself, in tears, into the folds of my skirt because she was so overjoyed to see Cinderella!

Oh, and as a side note: I’m not so sure that Cinderella and Prince Charming really ARE our alter egos. My dear husband truly IS even more charming than Prince Charming...and he certainly makes ME feel like

Through the magic of a homemade costume I

a princess ... even when my shoes AREN’T made of

became, in her eyes, Cinderella — alive and in person!

glass!!

That same magic transformed me. I temporarily ceased to be a “senior-citizen-office-worker-fromLafayette-Indiana” and was suddenly a PRINCESS, making a little girl’s dreams come true. You’ll never be able to convince me that that’s not magic.

Our costumes are both homemade. I sewed Cinderella’s dress and the Prince’s jacket from patterns bought at the local fabric store. But the real fun was in creating the rest of the costumes’ components.

My favorite saying is, “The difference is in the details.”

And I applied that to these costumes.

For the Prince, I added gold trim to pre-purchased red pants and shopped the internet for a

22

OCTOBER 2020

Rosalind Rupp Mulberry, Indiana

The ‘leaf’ of the party When my children were growing up,

When she walked into our church

we avoided scary or gory costumes.

to attend the children’s Halloween

In 1976 I made my 5-year-old

party, someone said, “Oh, look! A

daughter a costume so she could

tree!” She immediately set them

dress as a pile of autumn leaves. I

straight, saying, “I’m not a tree!!

draped an old sheet around her like

I’m a pile of LEAVES!!”

a hooded cape, pinning it under her chin and down the front, and cutting the bottom to ankle-length.

I picked up a couple of maple leaves

The ribbon she is holding in the picture is the prize for “Most Original Costume.”

out of our yard, traced them on

P.S.: I told my husband that if I

construction paper until I had about

ever again came up with such

70-80 copies, cut them all out by

a time-consuming, labor-

hand with scissors, and sewed them

intensive idea, he should do an

onto the sheet by hand with a few

intervention.

stitches through the middle of each

Mary C. Blair

leaf. She wore a red half-mask to

Corydon, Indiana

complete the costume.

Halloween costume with a ‘twist’ My daughter, Holly, always had the best ideas for Halloween costumes, and this is the one that truly became our family favorite. In 2011 she requested a tornado costume. I am a seamstress, but at the time was eight months pregnant and miserable. It took roughly a couple hours to create it by sewing black fabric into a cone shape and (I still am unsure how I managed this part) sewed a hula hoop into the top of the cone. To keep it on her shoulders I sewed ribbon in a cross for her head to go through and the ribbon would not slip off her shoulders.

The fun part came when we used a glue gun to adhere shades of white, gray and purple tulle to the outside of the cone. We completed the look by adding little plastic animals, vehicles and people to the tornado. I swirled her hair into a funky mess to duplicate the twisting of a volcano.

On Halloween, she was the only warm kid on the block as she was able to wear a winter coat underneath the tornado costume. She would spin from house to house while trick or treating.

Beth O’Donald Georgetown, Indiana OCTOBER 2020

23

Halloween grab bags Some of my favorite Halloween memories are from my aunt’s Halloween parties over the years. The whole family would get together, and everyone (young and old) would go all out with their costumes. One of my favorites was the year my now-husband and I went as Curious George and The Man in the Yellow Hat. And one of the best parts of the evening? A family hayride put together by my uncle!

Laura Messmer Jasper, Indiana

This big guy’s name is Harry, and he shows up every Halloween. He keeps getting bigger every year!

Tony Lilly Floyds Knobs, Indiana

Homemade costumes are the best. This was one of my favorites. It was pretty easy to put together. Kids wear long sleeve black shirts, leggings and black gloves. I made the sheep costumes from material bought at a fabric store. The ears were black felt, and they also had little black tails! The staff was made from a pole and aluminum foil, duct taped, and spray painted white. I made the bonnet out of cardboard wrapped in material. The skirt I owned, and just added an apron over the top, with a white shirt. My kids have many fond memories, and trophies from my creative ideas!

Kim Handy Oxford, Indiana

First you get your craziest camping friends together. Then you cast a “spell” that makes them get Addams Family costumes ready. Poof! These are some of the best Halloween memories of our lifetimes.

Karen Rayman Washington, Indiana

Saw this idea from a Martha Stewart article. I used white bulletin board paper and free handed the ghosts from black paper and glued them to the white paper, then taped them to the windows from inside the house. They are on all three sides of the house facing a highway, and I pray every year that it won’t cause a wreck when drivers glance over and see it.

Kim Renneker New Salisbury, Indiana

$50 random drawing winners 24

OCTOBER 2020

Heather Murphy, Butlerville, Indiana

Judy McMillin, Columbus, Indiana

Kim Renneker, New Salisbury, Indiana

Mary Hayes, Knightstown, Indiana

Nancy Moore, Kendallville, Indiana

safety

electrical fire safety prepare and prevent

Home fires started by malfunctioning electric appliances and faulty wiring kill nearly 500 Americans each year and cause $1.3 billion in property damage. But many electrical fires can be prevented simply by following basic safe practices and being aware.

“The statistics are staggering and disturbing,” said John Gasstrom, CEO at Indiana Electric Cooperatives. “But behind the statistics are our families, friends and neighbors. Hearing about anyone injured in an electrical fire is what’s most upsetting. Oftentimes, injuries or the fire itself could have been avoided.”

Electrical wiring consists of metal wires that “conduct” or move electricity from place to place and materials like rubber that “insulate” the conductors and keep electricity from escaping its intended path. Electrical fires can start when its protective insulator or connections are compromised and electricity escapes. Among them: • Improperly installed or outdated wiring • Faulty outlets • Exposed wires on cords, including extension cords and device cords • Problems with light fixtures, lamps and outdated appliances • Misuse of electrical cords, such as overloading circuits and outlets An “arcing fault” results when a conductor’s insulation is

compromised. This creates a discharge of electricity between two or more conductors and results in heat, which can further break down a wire’s insulation and trigger an electrical fire.

Arc faults can occur when older wires become frayed or cracked, when a nail or screw damages wiring in a wall, or when outlets or circuits are overloaded.

If you experience dimming or flickering lights, unusual burning odors, unusual buzzing or sizzling sounds, or circuit breakers that trip repeatedly, contact a qualified electrician immediately.

“While it’s important to do all we can to prevent electrical fires, we must also prepare for the worst beforehand,” Gasstrom said.

Installing smoke detectors is the number one way to proactively keep the home and family safe. Smoke detectors should be installed in every bedroom, outside each sleeping area, and on every level of a home. They should be tested monthly and have their batteries replaced annually, or in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.

A fire escape plan should also be in place and practiced regularly. Make sure any fire extinguishers you have are labeled for Class C, or electrical fires. Multipurpose extinguishers can be used on different types of fires and will be labeled with more than one class, like A-B-C.

TIPS TO AVOID ELECTRICAL FIRES AT HOME • Install smoke alarms in every bedroom, outside each sleeping area, and on every level of the home. They should be tested monthly, and batteries should be replaced each year.

Replace alarms every 10 years, or according to manufacturer suggestions on the alarm.

• Have your home inspected by a qualified electrician to ensure all electrical work is up to code, especially if it’s older than 20 years.

• Do not overload outlets. Power strips do not provide more power to a location, only more access to the same limited capacity of the circuit into which it is connected.

• Keep heat-producing appliances unplugged when not in use.

• Install arc fault circuit interrupters (AFCIs) to safeguard against arc faults, which could cause a fire.

OCTOBER 2020

25

pets

WINTERTIME IS COMING Are your pet’s needs on your list of preparations?

It may be only October, but

failure. Another way to

if you look around, nature

protect the paws is to put

is beginning its prepa-

booties on your dog when

ration for winter. You’re

it goes outside.

probably thinking about winter, too: Planning to get the gutters cleaned, the furnaced checked, and the snowblower unburied from the shed and tuned up.

2

Pets can easily get frostbite on their extremities, such

as their ears, legs and tail.

Try to control the amount of time your pet stays

4

Cats seek places where it is warm.

Make sure out-

7

Pets should not be left alone in vehicles due to

door cats are not sleeping

the potential for carbon

in warm car engines. If

monoxide poisoning or

you park outside, be sure to

hypothermia.

pound on the hood of your car prior to starting it.

5

Decrease fre-

8

If your pet must stay outdoors, be sure to provide

quency of baths

a warm shelter. A good

You should also think

outside and use booties

so you don’t dry

“house” will have three en-

about your pet’s needs

to prevent frostbite to

out your pet’s skin. Also,

closed sides, will be elevat-

before winter arrives.

the feet. Although some

use a moisturizing sham-

ed off the ground, and will

Winter can be hard on your

pets are conditioned to

poo to combat dryness.

contain generous amounts

animal, too, whether it is

cold weather, veterinary

Your veterinarian can rec-

of bedding such as straw or

an inside pet or outside.

experts agree that you

ommend shampoos to use

hay. Do not use old carpet

The veterinary experts at

should bring outdoor pets

during winter months. For

or blankets on the floor that

Purdue’s College of Veter-

indoors if the temperature

pets with long hair, proper

can retain moisture — and

inary Medicine have eight

drops below 20 F. Puppies,

grooming is essential to

freeze — unless you check

tips to keeping your furry

kittens and short-haired

help them maintain a layer

them daily and replace

friend happy and healthy

pets should come inside

of warming air within their

them when wet. Make sure

this winter.

anytime the temperature

coat.

the roof doesn’t leak and

1

Be sure to wipe your dog’s paws to remove any

salt or deicer after it goes

goes below 40.

3

To encourage your dog to eliminate outdoors

6

Smaller dogs would benefit from using a

sweater or coat when go-

outdoors. Salt and ice can

when there is snow on the

ing outside to help retain

cause trauma to pads.

ground, clear a small path

body heat.

Also, deicer is toxic to the

on your lawn.

kidneys and causes renal

26

OCTOBER 2020

that the siding is as tight as possible to reduce drafts. If you build your pet’s shelter, adding an inner wall with even a thin layer of Styrofoam insulation between it and the outside siding will add to your pet’s comfort for little cost.

product recalls

Not up to safety standards The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission is warning consumers about two different types of bicycle helmets for adults and children that failed to meet federal safety standards and may not perform as expected in case of a fall or crash.

MORPHER FLAT-FOLDING HELMET: The CPSC is warning consumers of the Morpher flat-folding bicycle helmets to stop using them and to dispose of them. The helmets do not comply with the federal safety standard for bicycle helmets and may not offer protection in case of a fall or crash. Morpher is no longer in business and is unable to conduct the recall. Amazon and Morpher are contacting all known purchasers directly.

Morpher flat-folding bicycle helmets were sold in one size, fitting head circumferences from 52 to 58 centimeters (20.5 to 22.8 inches). The helmets were sold with a storage bag and in a variety of solid and dotted colors. The Morpher name and logo appear on both sides of the helmet; the Morpher logo appears on the back of the helmet.

The helmets were sold online at Amazon.com, CyclingSafetyGear.com and MorpherHelmet.com from April 2017 through November 2019 for about $150.

WOOM BIKES CHILDREN’S HELMETS: These helmets for children, sold in blue, green, purple, red and yellow, also do not meet the federal safety standards. “Woom” is printed on both sides of the helmets and the size “S” appears on the back of the helmet. Only the small-sized helmets are included in this recall. The helmets were sold online at us.woombikes.com and Amazon.com from December 2018 through July 2019 for about $70.

Contact woom bikes USA at 855-966-6872; or online at https://us.woombikes.com and click on Safety and Recalls at the bottom of the page for more information.

SOAKER GUN HAS TOUCH OF LEAD Hasbro has recalled two models of Nerf Super Soaker water blasters due to violation of the federal lead content ban. The models, XP 20 and XP 30, were sold exclusively at Target from March to July 2020 for about $8 (XP 20) and $13 (XP 30).

The decorative sticker on the water tank of the water blaster toys contain levels of lead in the ink that exceed the federal lead content ban. Lead is toxic if ingested by young children and can cause adverse health effects.

The Super Soaker XP20 (E6286) is a green and orange hand-held water blaster, and the XP 30 (E6289) is an orange and blue hand-held water blaster. “Nerf Super Soaker” and the model number are printed on the sticker on the side of the water blaster.

Contact Hasbro Inc. at 888-664-3323; or online at https://shop.hasbro.com/en-us and click on “MORE INFO” at the bottom of the page for more information.

OCTOBER 2020

27

Hoosier Energy news

Did you know...

Facts about your co-op’s power provider About Hoosier Energy Hoosier Energy is a non-profit generation and transmission cooperative (G&T) founded in 1949 to provide wholesale power and services to member distribution cooperatives. Headquartered in Bloomington, Indiana, we serve 18 locally owned member cooperatives in southern and central Indiana and southeastern Illinois. Our mission is to provide members with assured, reliable and competitively priced energy and services in a safe and environmentally acceptable manner.

1,675 MILES OF TRANSMISSION

LINE OUR MEMBERS SERVE MORE THAN

12

TH

LARGEST GENERATION AND TRANSMISSION ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE IN AMERICA • BASED ON MEMBER MWH GENERATED

28

OCTOBER 2020

300,000 HOMES, FARMS, BUSINESSES

Chip & Seal

do-it-yourself

SIMPLE FIRST AID FOR YOUR CAR’S PAINT JOB Chips in the paint of our vehicles are

parts department should have the

a pen or tiny bottle of it to add on top

inevitable, especially if we drive rural

exact match, or take your VIN or the

of the touch-up paint after it thoroughly

“chip-and-seal” county roads before

vehicle’s paint code to an auto parts

dries. Use the same dotting layer

they’re fully “sealed.”

store to find the match.

technique.

More than just making our vehicle

Now, you’ll have to act like a surgeon

APPLY THE BAND-AID:

look bad, chips deep in the paint, like

— and not lose your patience.

filled in the chip so that it’s smooth

Shake the touch-up paint 15-20

with the rest of the surrounding paint

a tiny cut on our body, can lead to worse problems when left untreated.

If the car’s three layers of protection

seconds to thoroughly mix.

— clear coat, paint and primer — are

Grab some toothpicks or invest in

damaged, rust can start forming,

something like a Loew-Cornell Fine

festering and eating at your vehicle’s

Line Painting Pen — which has a

metal. So, seal them up simply.

small reservoir on its end to hold

Just as a little cleaning, antibiotic and a band-aid will handle most small cuts, most small chips in the paint can be touched up with a little cleaning, touch up paint and polish. It just takes patience and proper techniques.

CLEAN THE WOUND:

First, wash at least

the part of the car with the chips with soap and water. When dry, rub each chip thoroughly with a Q-tip dipped in rubbing alcohol, lacquer thinner or acetone to remove old wax, soap, and any remaining dirt. Let it air dry.

TOUCH UP:

Make sure your touch-up

paint matches your car. Your dealer’s

paint (available at places that sell art supplies or online for around $10). Set aside any small nail-polish brush that might come with your bottle of touchup paint; you won’t use it.

The key is to apply the paint in tiny dots — do not brush the paint into the chip. Little by little in layers, fill in the chip with touches of tiny drips off the toothpick or from the paint pen.

Let each layer dry before applying the next. Keep building up the layers till you overfill the chip. The paint will shrink a bit as it dries.

If your paint doesn’t come pre-mixed

Once you have

and it’s dried and cured, apply your favorite wax to the whole area to help protect your work.

There are many videos on YouTube that show you how to perform simple fixes like this, or more involved chips.

For instance, if rust has already begun and is visibly expanding underneath existing paint, additional steps are required such as scraping out the rust and sanding the chip before filling it in with paint.

As with any DIY project, know your abilities and limitations. It’s always best to follow the medical profession’s oath: First, do no harm. If you realize fixing the chips is more than you care to tackle, turn to professionals at the local car shop to help you get your car looking show-room new again.

with clear coat, you might want to get

OCTOBER 2020

29

career profile

Wearing many hats Top 3

responsibilities in a day: • Ensuring our employees are equipped and trained to work safely.

• Improve the overall reliability of HCREMC’s distribution system.

• Work with members and land owners to address concerns and meet their needs.

What part of your job do you find most fulfilling?

HCREMC’s history and system are very unique and challenging. Some areas have had chronic reliability issues for decades, and seeing improvement come as a direct result of our team working out solutions is a gradual, but rewarding process.

What’s the most challenging part of your job?

Most cooperatives run lean on personnel, which means an employee must wear multiple hats every day. You must be prepared to deal with the huge issues, of course, but you must also be able to deal with those smaller items that are equally important to somebody impacted.

Have you had to master new skills in this role?

Absolutely. I will have to continue learning new skills for the rest of my employment. Technology, equipment and work practices continue to evolve every day.

30

OCTOBER 2020

Adam Warwas Manager of Engineering and Operations Henry County REMC

How would you describe working for a co-op?

I would liken the experience of working here to that of any team, as we each have to do our individual parts while also supporting each other in order to accomplish our overall goals and better our communities.

INTERESTED IN AN ELECTRIC CO-OP CAREER? Visit WePowerIndiana.org to learn about available careers or tell us about yourself.

36

FEBRUARY 2019