September 2019 — Indiana Connection

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AUGUST 2019

from the editor

Scent sense

You’ve probably heard educators talk about different learning styles. We learn best by engaging our dominant sense, be it sight, sound or touch.

I, however, believe my most evolved senses are taste and smell. Unfortunately, that doesn’t help me when it comes to learning anything. It’s impossible to eat my way to a math problem’s solution or sniff out a poorly constructed sentence. But I can usually surmise the exact spices, flavorings and ingredients used in various dishes. And with my amazing olfactory abilities I’ve been able to correctly determine “what’s for dinner” eight out of 10 times while standing at the other side of a building.

As you can imagine, with my “super power” senses, I’m pretty critical about what I eat and what scents I surround myself with. Perfumes and scented candles must have just the right smell because I definitely notice them.

While perusing online candle purveyors recently, I came across a candle called “Indiana.”

It didn’t just feature a drawing of our state on the label; it claimed it actually smelled like Indiana. And what does the Hoosier state smell like? According to Homesick Candles, when you breathe in Indiana air you get a whiff of popped kettle corn, coconut, denim and hay.

I’m not sure I agree with that (I’m still trying to figure out what denim smells like!), but I do appreciate an attempt to encapsulate Indiana’s uniqueness in a special scent.

You see, I’ve heard that the sense of smell can trigger memories and emotions, more so than our other senses. If a candle can ensure that we’re never far from our Indiana home, wherever we may actually be, than our noses may be a key to our

VOLUME 69 • NUMBER 3 ISSN 0745-4651 • USPS 262-340 Published monthly by:

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: 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 Taylor Dawson Creative Services Specialist ADVERTISING: American MainStreet Publications Cheryl Solomon, local ad representative; 512-441-5200; amp.coop Crosshair Media 502-216-8537; crosshairmedia.net

contentment.

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

EMILY SCHILLING Editor eschilling@indianaec.org

Giveaway: Two giveaways! Enter to win a Fort Wayne prize package

courtesy of Visit Fort Wayne. Details on page 14. Also, enter to win four 2020 Holiday World tickets. Visit indianaconnection.org/talk-to-us/contests. Deadline to enter: Sept. 30. Jemmie Stancil won the Family Cavern prize pack promoted in our July issue.

On the menu: December issue: Recipes using vanilla, deadline Oct. 1. January

issue: Chili recipes, deadline Oct. 1. If we publish your recipe on our food pages, we’ll send you a $10 gift card.

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

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

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.

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SEPTEMBER 2019

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contents

SEPTEMBER

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16

energy

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

10 ENERGY Choosing the right insulation.

12 INSIGHTS 14 COUNTY OF THE MONTH Spotlighting Allen County.

28

Indiana eats 16 INDIANA EATS Cork ‘n Cleaver: Setting the Bar. 17 FOOD Better with Nut Butter.

20 COVER STORY Best of Indiana: Food, fun and favorite sons.

FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA

Indiana Connection

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diy

24 TRAVEL At the Crossroads: Ruralthemed exhibit comes to Indiana.

26 EVENTS CALENDAR 28 DIY Wall of Frames: How to hang a gallery wall.

profile

29 SAFETY Baby-proofing your home.

30 BACKYARD Ask Rosie. (Not in all versions) 32 H OOSIER ENERGY/ WABASH VALLEY NEWS 34 PROFILE Sarah Mahnesmith goes above and beyond.

On the cover A family perches high upon the roof of its SUV for the beginning of “The Lion King” at the Georgetown Drive-In Theater earlier this summer. Readers of Indiana Connection selected the drive-in as that category’s “Best of Indiana” in our most recent survey.

PHOTO BY RICHARD G. BIEVER

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SEPTEMBER 2019

great

the

outdoors

NOW’S THE TIME FOR SAFETY AND SAVINGS This month, not only will farmers be busy with harvest, but even those who won’t be working in the fields may be working outside or enjoying the beautiful fall foliage and comfortable autumn weather. National Farm Safety and Health Week begins on Sept. 15. Learn how to stay safe on the farm — or while you’re out and about in the great outdoors. Also, learn how to save energy and money on your outdoor buildings.

NATIONAL FARM SAFETY AND HEALTH WEEK IS SEPT. 15-21

Farmers: Be aware of electrical hazards on the job KEEP YOUNG CHILDREN SAFE WHEN ON THE FARM Many families in rural America, including those here in Indiana, learn the hard way that a farm can be a dangerous place for a young child.

Here are some farm safety tips to keep your children safe on the farm:

1

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Children should not be extra riders on equipment.

SEPTEMBER 2019

2

Children should not play with machinery that is idle.

3

Equipment that might fall, such as front-end loaders, should be left in the down position.

4

When parked, selfpropelled machinery should be locked and keys removed from the ignition.

5

A tractor PTO should be in neutral when not in use.

6

Know where children are whenever starting machinery, and especially when backing up equipment.

Farmers and farm family members face dangers every day. Although tragedies such as tractor rollovers and grain bin suffocation receive the most attention, electrocution and electrical burn accidents are frequent on farms.

The simple movement of a portable grain auger from one bin to another can have tragic results if the individuals involved are not extremely careful. The use of tractors with large cabs and antennas, and oversized grain wagons can also result in preventable electrocution incidents.

Electrical equipment around fields, such as power lines in the end rows, may get overlooked during harvest season. Failure to notice

overhead power lines can be a deadly oversight.

Careful inspection of electric lines Most farmsteads could use a very careful overhead visual inspection of electric lines.

The service may no longer meet the proper height codes because of age and/or damage to poles and pole guy wires.

The sag may have increased over the years, while the height of the machinery being used today may be much higher.

Utility regulators require power lines to be 18.5 feet or more above the ground to provide adequate clearance.

However, even when collapsed for roadway transport, many pieces of equipment may exceed that 18.5 foot height.

Daily, check where the equipment will be moving to ensure that it will clear power lines. But never undertake the

7

Machinery should be kept in good repair, particularly protective shields, ROPS and seat belts.

13 Dangerous machinery

8

Children should not operate machinery until they complete safety training.

14 Electrical boxes should be

9

All ATV riders should wear helmets.

10 Farm ponds and manure pits should be fenced.

11 Fixed ladders should be out of reach or fit with a special barrier.

12 Portable ladders should

be kept away from danger areas such as grain wagons and silos.

components should be kept out of reach of small children.

kept locked.

15 Warning decals

recognizable to children should be on all grain bins, wagons, silos, barns, and trucks.

16 Chemicals and pesticides should be stored in a locked area.

17 All equipment used on

roads should have working lights, reflectors and a slow-moving vehicle emblem.

height measurement of the lines without the on-site help of utility officials.

Always maintain a 10-foot separation from a power line — above, below and on the sides — whether you are driving underneath or passing a grain auger near it.

Know how to stay safe In addition to a field survey of power lines, farmers should obtain safety information for the benefit of their workers and they should make sure everyone knows how to stay safe.

Where possible, install electrical safety warning signage to prevent equipment and personnel’s contact with power lines. This will also be beneficial to your suppliers who may be making deliveries to your farm. Always keep in mind that electricity doesn’t allow mistakes — and neither should you.

18 Set regular times for family safety instructions (for example, monthly family safety days).

Farm-related injuries occur while children are both at play and at work. The majority of children over the age of seven are participating in farm labor when injured. Children perform a lot of duties on farms and are a valuable resource, but children working on farms have a high rate of injury. Proper safety training can minimize the risk of injury to your child.

‘Labor’ wisely on Labor Day For many folks, Labor Day is a day of rest. For others, it’s a day to catch up on outdoor home projects before the season changes. Faulty extension cords are often a source of injury when working outside. So are metal ladders coming into contact with an electrical source. By following the tips below, you can “labor” safely on Labor Day.

EXTENSION CORDS AND POWER TOOLS

Do not plug one extension cord into another. Use the proper length for the job.

Check power tools and electrical cords to make sure they are in good condition. Power tools should be designed for outdoor use.

Never leave an open extension cord that is plugged into an outlet.

Unplug the cord when you are finished using it.

Extension cords should be designed for outdoor use.

They are thicker, more durable and have features for preventing moisture damage.

LADDERS

Use three-wire extension cords with three-pronged plugs.

Look for the amperage rating of the extension cord to make sure it will meet the power demand of the tool.

Use fiberglass or wood ladders when working around overhead power lines or electrical sources.

Metal ladders conduct electricity and can be fatal if the ladder comes into contact with electricity.

Lower the ladder when carrying it or moving it.

Never work on a windy day, as a gust of wind could shift the ladder into an overhead wire.

When placing the ladder on the ground, make sure the distance to the nearest overhead wire is at least twice the length of the ladder.

Make sure the ladder is placed on solid, level ground to prevent sliding.

— Consumer Product Safety Commission, Central Alabama Electric Cooperative

If you must use metal, carefully check the location of all overhead wires to avoid contact.

SEPTEMBER 2019

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5

top

ways TO BOOST OUTDOOR EFFICIENCY

Outdoor Adventures PREPARE FOR EMERGENCIES BEFORE CONNECTING WITH NATURE As summer winds down and fall begins, outdoor activities such as swimming, camping and hiking are rewarding ways to connect with nature before the chill of winter sets in. However, a few commonsense precautions can help to ensure a safe, fun excursion.

When planning your outdoor trip, make certain you know the area and weather forecast. Plan to go with at least one other person. Share your itinerary and list of any equipment you’re bring as well as the make, year and license plate number of your car to someone you trust.

Find out the location of the nearest hospital and also the nearest ranger station and phone, as cell phone coverage is not always available.

Take an American Red Cross Basic First Aid course so you can deal with common mishaps. The American Red Cross offers a Wilderness and Remote First Aid course,

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SEPTEMBER 2019

designed to teach folks how to respond to emergencies — such as animal bite wounds, broken bones, plant poisoning, lightning strikes, and hypothermia — when help is more than one hour away. Make sure everyone in your group is physically able to handle the trip. If you have a medical condition, get the approval of your doctor beforehand and pack extra supplies of any required medications.

Make an emergency checklist of necessary items for each potential situation and include them accordingly.

Although an overnight trip may not be planned, pack as though it were, with extra clothes, food, water, blankets, flashlights, waterproof matches and a whistle.

At the top of any emergency checklist should be a first aid kit. While available in a variety of sizes and prices, you may wish to assemble

on at home so you can tailor it to your specific needs.

Remember to pack all items in a waterproof container.

Below are lists of essential and optional materials to include: Essential: First aid manual, bandages, gauze, medical tape, knife, tweezers, scissors, pain reliever, antiseptic, antibiotic ointment, antacid, burn ointment, insect repellent, sunscreen, mirror, plastic gloves, pen/pencil, and notepad.

Could your garage, shed, barn or other building use an energy efficiency boost? Try these tips to save energy and money:

1

The same rules apply for outdoor buildings as houses: add insulation, install energy-efficient windows and seal ductwork.

2

Unplug power tools and battery chargers at the end of the season.

3

Install an insulated door and seal the sides and bottom to reduce air leaks.

4

Optional: Ace bandage; anti-allergy, anti-itch, antidiarrhea medicine; children’s medications; thermometer; ice pack; irrigation syringe; sling; splint; snake-bite kit; bee-sting kit; and saline solution.

Install motion sensors on outdoor lights.

These tips offer a good start to a safer outdoor adventure and may make the difference between a great trip and a potential disaster.

Look into LED retrofit kits for outdoor security lights. They cost more upfront, but payback is five to 10 years, and LEDs can last up to 20 years.

5

energy

Worth the investment

fiberglass cellulose

How to choose the right insulation for your home One of the best investments you can make for your home is insulation. To choose the best insulation you must consider location and if the comfort and energy savings outweigh the cost.

HEAT IS ‘ON THE MOVE’ You may not realize it, but the heat in your home is always moving. By insulating our homes, we can stop that movement or reduce it. That heat movement — or heat transfer — occurs in three ways: through conduction, convection or radiation. Here’s what those three terms mean: Conduction: That’s when heat moves from one solid to another cooler solid when they’re touching either. An example: your cold hands are warmed up when you’re holding a cup of hot cocoa.

Conduction is measured in R-value. R-value determines how well the material is blocking the heat. A high R-value means the resistance is greater; in other words, that the insulation is very effective.

Convection: Heat is transfered through the air. Have you heard the expression “Hot air rises and cool air falls to take its place”? That’s a simple way to describe convection. When air is leaked in and out of a

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SEPTEMBER 2019

foam

home, it’s due to convection.

Proper insulation can help reduce heat transfer caused by convection.

Radiation: Radiant heat passes through the air and heats solid objects. This is what happens when you place your cold hands near a warm fire or when you feel the sun’s heat outside in the summer.

Now that you know how heat moves, you can choose the best insulation for your home.

FIBERGLASS INSULATION Fiberglass insulation is made from strands of glass. That content — and the fact that this type of insulation is not compact — makes for a great heat deterrent. However, since it is not compacted, air may flow through it more easily.

So, steer away from fiberglass insulation if you’re dealing with convective heat loss or heat gain.

Fiberglass insulation comes in premade batts precut to fit wall or joist cavities. It can also be blown in loose, allowing for a more custom install with less opportunities for gaps.

CELLULOSE INSULATION Cellulose insulation is made up of finely cut-up newspaper.

It is blown or sprayed into

wall cavities or attics. If you want to reduce conductive heat flow, cellulose may be your insulation of choice.

Over time, though, this type of insulation settles and may lose some of its conductive properties, resulting in lower R-value. But since it is denser than fiberglass, even as it settles it will not allow as much air to flow through it.

Because cellulose is loose and is not a good air barrier, it does not address convection heat transfers.

FOAM INSULATION Foam insulation can be sprayed on or installed in sheets. The tiny plastic bubbles —known as “cells” — which are part of this insulation slow down heat transfer due to conduction. That’s because it takes longer for heat to travel through each bubble.

And, if the foam is applied thick enough, it becomes an air barrier strong enough to reduce convective heat loss or gain.

There are two main types of “cells” in foam insulation: opened and closed.

Opened cell foam is softer, lighter and not very dense.

In addition to providing R-value, it acts like a house wrap. It provides an air barrier.

However, it doesn’t provide a moisture barrier.

Closed cell foam is harder, heavier and denser. It has a higher R-value per inch. Use it when you need R-value, an air barrier, a vapor barrier and/or have a limited space to try and fit higher R-values into.

An energy audit may help to identify the characteristics of heat transfer in your home. For more information, visit www. energy.gov/energysaver/ weatherize/insulation.

by

Nick Geswein

Energy Advisor Harrison REMC

insights

Indiana tops list of lowest credit card debt There might be something to this notion of

Key statistics about Indiana’s debt

“Hoosier sensibility” or frugality, after all.

included:

Indiana has the lowest credit card debt in the nation.

• Median credit card balance: $2,313 • Median income: $42,438

According to a report from WalletHub, a

• Cost of interest until payoff: $167

personal finance website, Indiana holds the

• Expected payoff timeframe: 9 months,

51st spot (the report includes Washington, D.C.) in the ranking. The site’s researchers drew upon data from TransUnion, the Federal Reserve, the U.S. Census Bureau, and WalletHub’s proprietary credit card payoff calculator to determine the cost and

29 days Americans started 2019 off with over $1 trillion in credit card debt. A net increase of $70 billion is projected by the end of this year.

time required to repay the median credit card balance in each of the 50 states and the District of Columbia.

Honoring

community-minded youth

Apply for Youth Power and Hope Awards

Is all-electric future on the way?

In a first for California and the nation, the Berkley (California) City Council passed a historic ordinance in mid-July requiring that new buildings be built allelectric beginning Jan. 1, 2020. This

The program recognizes Indiana students in grades 5-8 who are making a difference in their communities.

new law means no gas hook-ups

Up to five winners will be selected.

Each winner will receive $500.

Winners will be formally recognized at the Indiana Electric Cooperatives annual meeting in Indianapolis on Dec. 10. Former Youth Power and Hope Award winner Sarah Mahnesmith, who was recently selected as Indiana’s Youth Leadership Council representative (see article on page 34), will be on hand to help honor this year’s winners.

buildings would not be affected.

Winners will also be featured in an Indiana Connection article.

Applicants do not have to live within REMC/REC territory although they must be Indiana residents.

Visit our website, www.IndianaConnection.org, for an application form.

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SEPTEMBER 2019

will be installed in new houses, apartments, and commercial buildings. However, existing

The city across the bay from San Francisco is not alone in pushing to reduce the use of gas, which is currently used for heating in 90 percent of California homes.

According to the Natural Resources Defense Council, more than 50 other California cities are exploring the use of local building codes and ordinances to encourage or require all-electric new construction, paving the way for all of California, and other states, to follow suit in eliminating fossil-fuel heating sources from buildings.

Indiana teachers in running for skilled trades prizes Two Indiana high school skilled trades

field of 749 skilled trades teachers who

teachers are among 50 teachers and

applied for the prize.

teacher teams from across the country who were semifinalists for the 2019 Harbor Freight Tools for Schools Prize for Teaching Excellence. They and their high school skilled trades programs are in the running for a share of $1 million in total cash awards.

Eric Fisher, an industrial technology teacher at Hamilton Heights High School in Arcadia, and Chad Sutton, a construction and manufacturing teacher at Garrett High School in Garrett, were chosen from among a

The 2019 semifinalists now advance to a second round of competition. Two rounds of judging, each by separate independent panels of reviewers, will narrow the field to 18 finalists and,

Freight Tools. The prize recognizes

finally, name the three first-place and 15

outstanding instruction in the skilled

second-place winners. Winners will be

trades in U.S. public high schools and

announced on Oct. 24.

the teachers who inspire students to

The Harbor Freight Tools for Schools Prize for Teaching Excellence was started in 2017 by Eric Smidt, the founder of national tool retailer Harbor

learn a trade that prepares them for life after graduation. Now, in the third year of the prize, more than 150 teachers have been recognized as winners or semifinalists.

SEPTEMBER 2019

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county feature

Allen County

BY RICHARD G. BIEVER For a county as renowned for its genealogy research center as Allen County, it’s no surprise it traces its own cultural and economic impact back long before the county’s 1824 founding.

Countycts Fa FOUNDED: 1824 NAMED FOR: Col. John Allen, an attorney and Kentucky state senator killed in the War of 1812 POPULATION: 377,872 (2017) COUNTY SEAT: Fort Wayne HOME TO: Do It Best Hardware Franklin Electric Steel Dynamics Vera Bradley

event

WaterFurnace

14

The confluence of the St. Joseph and St. Mary rivers, where the Maumee River begins, created a natural crossroads that attracted Native Americans for thousands of years, and, later, European explorers and traders. By the time U.S. Gen. Anthony Wayne built a fort at the confluence in 1794, the nearby Miami village of Kekionga was the tribe’s largest settlement and capital.

American pioneers began settling around the fort in 1815 after the Miamis surrendered their land. The settlement became the city of Fort Wayne whose growth was aided by the ease of transportation from the three rivers and the shortlived Wabash and Erie Canal.

Today, Fort Wayne is Indiana’s second most populous city.

Among the early travelers passing through was John Chapman, better known as Johnny Appleseed. Chapman was living in Fort Wayne when he died of pneumonia at age

Johnny Appleseed Festival

Sept. 21-22 | Admission: Free Johnny Appleseed Park/Archer Park, Fort Wayne www.johnnyappleseedfest.com

SEPTEMBER 2019

PHO TO PRO VI DED BY VI SI T FO RT WAYNE

70 in March 1845. Though the whereabouts of his actual grave is debated, a memorial marker is at Johnny Appleseed Park, site of an annual festival to his memory (see below).

giveaway!

Enter to win a Fort Wayne prize package courtesy of Visit Fort Wayne! One lucky winner will receive...

Fort Wayne’s Class A professional baseball team, the TinCaps, is also a tip of the cap to Appleseed who was known to wear his cooking pot on his head as he traveled.

The TinCaps wrap up their regular season on Labor Day at Parkview Field.

Two $50 gift cards to Tucanos Brazilian Grill

Parkview Field was part of the Fort Wayne’s downtown turnaround that began in the 1990s with redevelopment and investment, and continues today with new restaurants and entertainment opportunities.

Four tickets to the Botanical Conservatory

As noted, the Allen County Public Library is internationally known among genealogists and maintains the largest public genealogy department in the United States. The library’s reputation helped the library and the Indiana State Museum jointly secure the world’s largest private collection of Abraham Lincoln artifacts and documents when the Lincoln Financial Foundation sought a new home for its collection in 2008.

Other notable attractions in Allen County include: • The Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo which opened two new exhibits in its Central

Four tickets to the Fort Wayne Children's Zoo Four tickets to a TinCaps Baseball Game Two tickets to Science Central Four tickets to the Fort Wayne Museum of Art

Visit indianaconnection.org/ talk-to-us/contests to enter.

Zoo environment: Monkey Island and a new home for its otters. The zoo continuously ranks among the top zoos in the country.

• The Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory which encompasses some 100,000 square feet of gardens and displays with over 1,200 plants of 502 different species.

Fort Wayne’s newest attraction, which opened just last month, is Promenade Park.

The park features new river access points, dining, a Tree Canopy Trail, amphitheater, playgrounds, and many public spaces along the three rivers.

Richard G. Biever is senior editor of Indiana Connection.

Family oriented, 1800-period outdoor festival featuring food, crafts, and historical demonstrations commemorating the times of John Chapman — Johnny Appleseed — who died and was buried in Fort Wayne in 1845.

SEPTEMBER 2019

25

SETTING THE BAR

Mud Pie

This steakhouse also gets kudos for salad choices It isn’t every day that a steak place gets

Cork ‘n Cleaver used to be a nation-

rave reviews for its salad bar. But Cork

al chain with 80 locations across the

‘n Cleaver, an institution in Fort Wayne

country. Now, only three privately

(it opened in 1974), is renowned for its

owned locations remain. Besides the

52-item salad bar which State Rep. Bob

Fort Wayne restaurant, there is a Cork

Morris calls “the best salad bar in the

‘n Cleaver in Evansville (which also

state.” The recommendation comes

opened in 1974) and another in Fargo,

with good reason. Besides the obliga-

North Dakota.

tory lettuces and traditional toppings, the Cork ‘n Cleaver’s selections include anchovies, artichoke salad, creamed

The Fort Wayne restaurant’s motto as described on its website may be the

CORK ’N CLEAVER

reason it has thrived through the years:

221 E. Washington Center Road

“Eat Well, Laugh Often, Live Long.”

Fort Wayne

With its commitment to the Golden

260-484-7772

Cork ‘n Cleaver’s signature Mud Pie

Rule — treating others as we would like

Corkncleaveronline.com

is just as famous as its salad bar. It’s a

to be treated — and to quality service

sky-high treat featuring an Oreo cookie

and food, Cork ‘n Cleaver certainly has

crust, coffee ice cream, warm chocolate

discovered the recipe for success.

herring and, wait for it, caviar and … jelly beans!

fudge, toasted almonds and whipped cream. It’s such a large serving of sweet deliciousness that you will probably want to share it!

The restaurant’s menu is varied and unique in that is actually printed on a meat cleaver! (Don’t worry: the cleaver’s edges aren’t sharp.) With entrees like hand-cut steak, salmon, scallops, lobster and king crab, Cork ‘n Cleaver is an excellent dining option for those wanting to celebrate a special day.

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SEPTEMBER 2019

ABOUT STATE REP. BOB MORRIS: Rep. Bob Morris (R) represents District 85 which covers Allen County, including the city of Fort Wayne and St. Joseph Township. The small business owner serves on the Employment, Labor and Pensions, and Roads and Transportation committees. He is vice chair of the Commerce, Small Business and Economic Development committee.

Lunch: Monday–Friday: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Dinner: Monday–Friday: 5 to 10 p.m.

Saturday: 4 to 10 p.m.

Sunday: 4 to 9 p.m.

P H O TO S P R O V I D E D B Y C O R K ‘ N C L E AV E R

Indiana eats

food

nut butter better with Nut Butter Power Smoothie Heidi Stamets, Monroeville, Indiana ¾ cup uncooked rolled oats 1 cup unsweetened vanilla almond milk (or milk of choice) ½ cup frozen banana slices 1 T. honey 2 T. creamy peanut butter (or nut butter of choice) Place oats in a blender, grind until powdered. Add milk and blend for 1-2 minutes. Add remaining ingredients. Purée until smooth.

Serve immediately in a chilled glass.

Cook’s note: This is a great smoothie for adding your favorite supplement, like flax or chia seeds.

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

Peanut Butter Swirl Bars Ruth Ann King, Warsaw, Indiana ½ cup crunchy peanut butter ⅓ cup butter ¾ cup brown sugar ¾ cup sugar 2 eggs 2 t. vanilla 1 cup flour 1 t. baking powder

Oriental Pork Chops on Spinach with Thai Peanut Dressing

¼ t. salt

4 boneless pork loin chops (1 lb.)

12 oz. chocolate chips

8 cups torn fresh spinach (10 oz. bag)

combine all ingredients. Purée until

1 sweet red or yellow pepper, cut in strips

smooth. Place chops in a glass dish just big enough to hold in single layer.

4 green onions, chopped

Remove 2 T. of the dressing. Brush all

Cream butter, peanut butter and sugars. Beat in eggs and vanilla.

Add dry ingredients. Spread batter in greased 9-by-12-inch pan and sprinkle chocolate chips evenly over batter. Bake for 5 minutes at 350

2 cups sliced fresh mushrooms 2 cups bean sprouts

F and then remove from oven and

Thai Peanut Dressing:

swirl chips with a knife going back

⅓ cup packed fresh cilantro or parsley

and forth lengthwise and crosswise.

First make dressing: In a blender,

over chops. Let stand for 30 minutes at room temperature. Place chops on a greased grill over medium-high heat.

Cook, turning once, for about 10 minutes or until just a hint of pink remains inside.

Cut crosswise into strips. Meanwhile, in large bowl, toss spinach, red or yellow

Continue baking 10-15 minutes

¼ cup low sodium soy sauce

more until slightly brown around

3 T. cider vinegar

edges. Cookies will continue to

2 T. packed brown sugar

bake once removed from oven.

2 T. sesame oil

Cool before cutting into bars.

pork, drizzling with any accumulated

2 T. peanut butter

juices and remaining dressing.

2 T. dry sherry

Makes 4 servings.

Cook’s note: I usually make a double batch and bake in a jelly roll pan plus a 9-by-5-inch loaf pan.

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SEPTEMBER 2019

2 t. chopped fresh gingerroot 2 cloves garlic, quartered Dash hot pepper sauce

pepper, onions, mushrooms and bean sprouts with all but 1 T. of the remaining dressing. Arrange on plates. Top with

Cook’s note: The peanut dressing is delicious as a condiment on other meats, seafood or vegetables or as a salad dressing.

SEPTEMBER 2019

19

Readers rallied around fave businesses — and notables — from the southern part of Indiana in this latest round of voting. But the great thing about compiling a "best of" list is that it's ever-evolving as you discover new must-visits around the state to add to your current top spots!

Food, fun and

BEST OF

favorite sons

indiana Readers’ Choice Awards

Readers choose their ‘bests’ of Indiana Since 2002, readers of this magazine have cast their votes for their favorite people, places, products and

Greensburg

events (among other categories) in our recurring Readers’ Choice Awards.

Seymour

This year marks the seventh time we’ve asked you to share your picks in a variety of categories. Categories

French Lick

this time around include bakery, barbecue, drive-in

Paoli

theater and water recreation site. We also asked who your favorite Indiana musician/singer was and who you felt was a “hometown hero.”

Georgetown

Clarksville

Santa Claus

Best Bakery

there for sweet treats all their lives.

also does custom cakes and serves

The bakery’s offerings are spelled

commercial accounts — making the

WILLIAMS BAKERY

out on its white board menu: cookies,

daily bread for a Louisville deli and

pies, cakes, doughnuts, long johns,

sub shop, for instance.

1051 N. Clark Blvd.

Clarksville, Indiana 47129

and breads.

The bakery may be a tad off the

Chicken salad, Italian cannolis and

main drag, on a side street with more

812-284-2867

French crullers are also available.

residential and commercial area

williamsbakery1@yahoo.com

To wash ’em down, Williams Bakery

than bustling retail, but customers

williamsbakeryclarksville.com

offers coffee, milk, orange juice

still beat a path to door (or through

and sodas. Since the bakery offers

its drive-thru window, unique for

seating, you can grab a spot and get

bakeries). Operators Monica and

your sugar rush immediately — then

Chaz Ritenour say it’s a hot spot in

get a dozen doughnuts “to go” to

the morning. Fortuitously situated

share with your family. The bakery

between Clarksville High School and

WILLIAMS BAKERY is an institution in Clarksville, serving all manner of baked goods for over 115 years. Many of their patrons have been stopping

20

SEPTEMBER 2019

Providence High School, students frequent the shop before school or after. The bakery also does deliveries.

The Ritenours, both 27, took over operation from her grandfather, Ernie Polston, a couple of years ago.

Polston was an employee at the bakery when he purchased it from the original Williams family decades ago.

Though Monica says she grew up at the bakery — being babysat by her grandmother there and working there in high school — she never planned to take over the family business. She and Chaz were both studying music at the University of Evansville where they met. But after graduation, the opportunity to operate her family’s business presented itself, and they went for it.

While still providing the traditional goodies everyone might expect — like the popular apple fritters and deep-fried chocolate danishes — the younger couple has tried to mix in some new trendy baked products, like adding crazy toppings and trying new decorating techniques.

Asked about any new additions to the bakery line, Monica thought for a second then quipped, daughter Charlotte. Now 8 months old,

Monica and Chaz Ritenour take great pride in continuing the family-owned legacy of the century-old full-service Williams Bakery. The couple, both 27, began running the reader's choice winner a couple of years ago after Monica's grandfather retired. He purchased it from the Williams family decades ago. A new addition to the bakery lineup, besides trendy baked goods, is perhaps the future baker, daughter Charlotte.

Best Barbecue CARRIAGE ON THE SQUARE SMOKEHOUSE 117 N. Broadway St. Greensburg, Indiana 47240 812-222-2727

Charlotte is definitely in line to carry

PORKY’S

on the family-owned business in which

711 W. Main St.

her parents and great grandfather

Paoli, Indiana 47454

take great pride. And when Charlotte

812-723-2271

leaned from her mom’s arms as if to take a swipe at a colorful cake in front

Indiana Connection readers love their

of her on the counter, they were asked

barbecue but as for their favorite spot

if Charlotte has already developed a

to indulge in smoky deliciousness,

sweet tooth.

they couldn’t agree. Two eateries, 100

“She actually has two coming in,” winked her dad. And that’s a good

miles apart, tied for making the state’s best barbecue.

sign for our family-owned Readers’

At CARRIAGE ON THE SQUARE,

Choice bakery.

the onsite smoker flavors favorites

PHO TO BY RI CHARD G . BI EVER

like pulled pork, brisket and chicken.

Corned beef is another customer favorite. Menu items like smokehouse burritos and the Walking Pony and Running Pony nachos allow diners to try barbecue staples in a whole new way.

Customers say it’s worth the drive — no matter where you’re heading.

Tim and Cathy Looper were heading home to Markleville from a vacation in Tennessee when they detoured off I-65 to try Carriage’s barbecue a second time. “We enjoyed it so much, we thought we’d stop for lunch on the way home. We hit Columbus and cut across country to Greensburg. It was that good.”

As you’d expect, a lot of customers come in off I-74, which goes right by Greensburg, and are from Cincinnati, Indianapolis and points east and west.

SEPTEMBER 2019

21

Farther south in Paoli, PORKY’S

The days of enjoying

specializes in dry-rubbed smoked

movies under

meats including pulled pork, ribs,

the stars haven’t

chicken and brisket — all smoked in

disappeared in

house. Another specialty — apropos

the Hoosier state.

for a restaurant by its name — are

Indiana is home

the homemade pork rinds, served

to several drive-

fresh from the fryer. The Loaded

in theaters including our readers’

Porky Potatoes prove that fried spuds

favorite, Georgetown Drive-In. The

and pulled pork are a match made in

drive-in, which premiered in 1951,

heaven especially when cheese and

also topped this category in our 2013

onions are part of the deal.

Best of Indiana poll.

It, too, is situated on a well-traveled

Two facing screens show different

highway, U.S. 150/Ind. 56, that is a

movies simultaneously so movie-

popular route for folks heading toward

goers have a choice in what to watch.

the French Lick/West Baden resorts.

With a playground for youngsters, a concession stand, and special family-

PHO TO CO URTESY O F HO LI DAY WO RLD

Best Water Recreation Site

Best Drive-In Theater

friendly attractions, Georgetown Drive-

GEORGETOWN DRIVE-IN

The ticket price of $11 for adults (over

HOLIDAY WORLD & SPLASHIN’ SAFARI

13) and $6 for kids 6-12 (those 5 and

Santa Claus,

under get in free) covers the entire

Indiana

evening’s movies. (Four movies are

This Southern

8200 IN-64 Georgetown, Indiana 47122 812-951-2616

In is a fun destination for all ages.

shown; two per screen.)

georgetowndrivein.com

Indiana treasure — recently lauded

by TripAdvisor.com

A sliced brisket sandwich, topped with coleslaw on a pretzel bun, is one of the menu items that made Carriage on the Square Smokehouse in Greensburg a “Best of Indiana” for 2019. With so many great barbecue places around Indiana that have popped up in the last decade, readers had a hard time picking just one, though. Porky’s in Paoli tied with Carriage on the Square for the “readers’ choice.”

(Hall of Fame), Popular Mechanics (Best Roller Coaster in Indiana), and USA Today (Best Water Park in the Nation) — was voted Best Water Recreation Site by Indiana Connection readers. Previously, our readers have named Holiday World the Best Place to Take the Kids (2002 and 2003) and the Best Family Vacation Spot (2009).

Splashin’ Safari is home to Mammoth, the world’s longest water coaster. It towers seven stories high and covers over three acres. Meanwhile, the Wildebeest is billed as the world’s number one water park ride (voted on by Amusement Today magazine readers) and is the world’s second longest water coaster just behind the Mammoth. It spans one-third of a mile

22

PHO TO BY RI CHARD G . BI EVER

SEPTEMBER 2019

IN D IA N A C ON N E C TION FI LE PHO TO BY RI CHARD G . BI EVER

Hometown Hero LARRY BIRD Indiana Connection readers are just wild about Larry! Larry

enter to win

Bird has been a “Best

Four 2020 Holiday World Tickets

readers chose him as their favorite

MORE INFO: PAGE 3

of Indiana” winner since 2002, when Indiana sports figure. He repeated that designation in 2013 and last year, he was named readers’ Favorite Famous Hoosier. This year, he topped the Hometown Hero list.

and takes riders on a two-and-a-half minute thrill ride of drops, twists and turns.

Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari is

John Mellencamp, a name synonymous with small town Indiana, performs during the 2001 Farm Aid concert held at Deer Creek Music Center, now Ruoff Home Mortgage Music Center, in Noblesville.

free sunscreen and free parking.

Experience our readers’ favorite water park for free. Enter to win four 2020 season Holiday World tickets. Find out how to win on page 3.

of Fame, among other prestigious honors. Indiana Connection readers also recognized this Hoosier son as their favorite musician/singer.

Back in 1985, with Willie Nelson and Neil Young, Mellencamp organized

Favorite Indiana Musician/Singer JOHN MELLENCAMP

of basketball operations for the Indiana Pacers, Bird has excelled in all facets of basketball throughout his life: as a player, coach and team

renowned for its value. Its guests receive unlimited free soft drinks,

Currently the advisor to the president

the first Farm Aid concert to raise awareness of the loss of family farms and to raise money to keep farm families on their land. He continues to serve on the Farm Aid board and will

executive.

But through it all, Bird, who grew up in French Lick, hasn’t forgotten his small town roots and humble beginnings. He may be known as “Larry Legend” but to his Hoosier fans, Bird will always be one of them.

$50 winners

exhibit of his artwork.

Indiana Connection thanks all who took time to offer their opinions by filling out and mailing in the published ballot or by going online to vote. The three ballots randomly drawn for $50 participation prizes belonged to:

Mellencamp has been honored with a

Mellencamp splits his time among

Grammy, a Billboard Century award,

residences in Bloomington, Indiana;

• Valerie Stutler, Batesville

the Woody Guthrie Award and the

New York City; and South Carolina.

John Steinbeck Award, and he was

He has a recording studio outside

inducted into the Songwriters Hall

Nashville, Indiana.

Ever since his breakout hit “I Need a Lover” 40 years ago, Seymour native John Mellencamp has topped the charts, filled countless concert venues and made music that struck a chord with its raw honesty.

perform at the next Farm Aid concert Sept. 21 in East Troy, Wisconsin.

A prolific painter as well as a singer, songwriter, musician and performer, Mellencamp founded the Southern Indiana Center for the Arts in Seymour. The center has a permanent

• Fran Swartzentruber, Odon • Krista Henson, Lafayette

of Fame and the Rock and Roll Hall SEPTEMBER 2019

23

Visitors look over the national and local components of the “Crossroads” exhibit when it was in other states.

PHO TO S CO URTES Y O F V O O RHE E S CO LLE G E & I NDI ANA HUMANI TI E S

travel

At the Crossroads

Rural communities spotlighted in Smithsonian exhibit

Two-lane highways steadily brought people to Dillsboro over the first half of the 20th century. Then interstates sped them away. What remains of the small southeastern Indiana town, like so many rural towns everywhere, are empty buildings, fading photos, memories — and dreams for a revival that still flicker within.

Now, a Smithsonian-curated traveling exhibit, “Crossroads: Change in Rural America,” hopes to bring people back to Dillsboro and five other specially selected rural Indiana communities. (see sidebar) The exhibit looks at the economic and social changes that have affected the

24

SEPTEMBER 2019

fortunes of small towns over the past century. It explores how they adapted, identifies what makes them uniquely appealing, and fans discussions about the future. The exhibit opens this month at the Dillsboro branch of the Aurora Public Library, will spend six weeks in each of the six Indiana locations and will close in New Harmony in June 2020.

“Crossroads” is part of the Museum on Main Street program, a division of the Smithsonian that brings highquality exhibits and resources to rural communities. Indiana Humanities, a statewide nonprofit dedicated to promoting the public humanities,

helped bring the exhibit to Indiana and selected the six Hoosier hosts. Each of the six Hoosier communities will add its own local story to the exhibit.

“We really had to brainstorm to see what made the biggest change in Dillsboro,” said Cathy Wilkymacky in developing the local theme.

Wilkymacky is manager of the Dillsboro library branch. She wrote the town’s proposal for the exhibit and is also serving as the local project leader. “Everything led back to the roads — the change in the road patterns,” she said. “That’s what made the businesses end up closing. There was quite a big downtown area in

travel Dillsboro, lots of shops and stores, groceries, clothing stores, furniture stores. The thing that was the deciding dagger to the businesses was really the improved transportation with I-74 and I-275 around Cincinnati.”

Running through Dillsboro is U.S. 50 — once a major East-West national highway. As traffic on the two-lanes trickled out with the completion of the new interstates, so did many towns across rural America. The building of suburban malls and national chain stores around nearby larger cities also hastened the closings on Main streets as rural residents found lower prices and more selection just a short drive away.

“Conversations about change in our rural communities are vital to the future of Indiana,” said Keira Amstutz, president and CEO of Indiana Humanities. “We are excited to be able to utilize the ‘Crossroads’ exhibition as a catalyst for dialogue around the past, present and future of rural Indiana.”

This is the first Smithsonian Main Street Program to come to Indiana.

“Crossroads,” noted Megan Telligman, Indiana Humanities program manager,

aligned well with Indiana Humanities’ current two-year initiative called “INseparable.” INseparable invites Hoosiers to explore how we relate to each other across boundaries, real or imagined, and consider what it will take to indeed be “inseparable.”

“Crossroads” examines that urbanrural dynamic and how place affects identity.

Through community programs and creative activities, Museum on Main Street exhibitions and research are a launching point for storytelling and local pride.

“The people in this community are just so genuinely excited about the exhibit coming,” said Wilkymacky.

That community spirit doesn’t surprise her. “The pride in the community is just incomparable. The people that are from here, live here, are just are so involved and always wanting to do things to make it a better place.”

And while the exhibit is supposed to stimulate dialogue about the future, Wilkymacky said Dillsboro is already talking. She said the town has a revitalization plan in place, has developed things like a large farmer’s market and music programs, and is trying bring in new businesses and create an arts community.

SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION EXHIBIT COMING TO A MAIN STREET NEAR YOU Hosts and dates for “Crossroads: Change in Rural America” in Indiana are: 1• Sept. 7-Oct. 20: Dillsboro branch of

the Aurora Public Library in Dearborn County 2• Oct. 26-Dec. 8: Washington County

Historical Society in Salem 3• Dec. 14-Jan. 26, 2020: Jennings County Historical Society in Vernon

• Feb. 1-Mar. 15, 2020: Elkhart County 4 Historical Museum in Bristol • Mar. 21-May 2, 2020: North Manchester 5 Center for History in Wabash County 6 • May 9, 2020-June 21, 2020: University

of Southern Indiana/Historic New Harmony in Posey County The six hosts also will curate a unique section of the exhibit that tells the story of their communities.

Another nine states were chosen to receive grants to develop programs, mini-exhibits and other projects related to the themes of the “Crossroads” exhibit. To learn more visit IndianaConnection.org.

Bristol 4 North 5 Manchester

“We hope the exhibit starts a statewide conversation,” said Telligman, “in Evansville and Indianapolis and Fort Wayne, and encourages people to take a little road trip through rural areas to see the changes happening in front of them and the potential they have to evolve and flourish.”

Cathy Wilkymacky holds an old guest register from Dillsboro Sanitarium which will remain on display at the Disllboro Public Library during the exhibit.

Dillsboro Vernon 3

1

Salem 2 New 6 Harmony SEPTEMBER 2019

25

calendar NORTHWEST

2022

FRANCISVILLE FALL FESTIVAL, Francisville (Pulaski), corner of Montgomery and Bill streets. Arts, crafts, food, flea market, kids’ rides and “Chicken Bingo.”

Saturday afternoon parade with fireworks in the evening. Car show on Sunday. Special attractions include the Hillbilly Silly Science Spectacular and the Starry Trails Starlab. Friday, 4-9 pm; Saturday, 8 am-11 pm; Sunday, 8 am-4 pm. Free. 219-567-9689. bkruger9639@gmail.com. www. francesvillefallfestival.com

2122

TRAIL OF COURAGE LIVING HISTORY FESTIVAL, Rochester (Fulton), Fulton County Historical Society. Historic encampments, Chippeway Village, programs, food, booths, crafts and more.

Saturday, 10 am-6 pm.; Sunday, 10 am-4 pm. fchs@rtcol.com. www.fultoncountyhistory.org/ trail-of-courage

28

ST. PETER GERMANFEST, Portage (Porter), Founders Square. Authentic German food, beer, music, contests, raffles, and market. Admission charge.

219-381-1138. stpetergermanfest.com

CENTRAL

2022

WENDELL WILLKIE DAYS, Rushville (Rush), downtown. Friday: dinner in covered bridge, music (reservations needed). Saturday: parade, games, vendors, art show, farmer’s market, music, touch-a-truck, concert, bicycle ride. Sunday: suicide prevention walk. Free. 765-932-2880.

OF THE TURNING 27- FESTIVAL LEAVES, Thorntown (Boone), Street. Friday: Bluegrass 29 Main jam, 6 pm; Movie and fireworks,

Oct.

3-6

8 pm. Saturday: 5/10K, 9 am; Cornhole tourney, 1 pm; Parade, 1 pm. Sunday: Car show. Live entertainment (Saturday and Sunday), kids’ zone, vendors and food court. Free. 765-336-2488. thorntownfestival.org

RILEY FESTIVAL, Greenfield (Hancock), downtown.

Shopping, live entertainment, food, parades and more. 450 arts, crafts and food booths.

Flea market. Home arts and quilt, fine arts, and photography shows, and fun zone. Free. 317462-2141. rileyfestival.com

SOUTHWEST

2022 2629

26

BLOCK BASH, French Lick (Orange), Town Green. Ten of the nation’s top wood carvers compete. Music, entertainment, artists, wine and beer, car show, and live carving auction. Free. 812-936-3030. bearhollowwoodcarvers.com/ bash.html HERBSTFEST, Huntingburg (Dubois), Huntingburg City Park. Food and game booths, rides, horseshoe, dodgeball, cornhole tournament, and parade. Free. 812-683-5699. huntingburgherbstfest.org

SEPTEMBER 2019

Oct.

2-6

DUGGER COAL FESTIVAL, Dugger (Sullivan), Town Park. Carnival, arts and crafts, flea market, parade, entertainment, car show and more. Free. 812-699-9658.

SEPT.

OCT.

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

NORTHEAST

1721

BLUFFTON FREE STREET FAIR, Bluffton (Wells), downtown. Vendor booths, food, games, parades, idol contest, free entertainment, horse show, horse and pony pull. Free. 260-824-4351. blufftonstreetfair.com

28

AUTUMN HARVEST HOEDOWN, Angola (Steuben), Pokagon State Park South Beach Parking Lot. Music, square dancing, food. In case of bad weather, this event will be held in the CCC Shelter.

7:30-10 pm. 260-833-2012. niball@dnr.in.gov

Oct.

5

ATAXIA WALK ’N‘ ROLL, Fort Wayne (Allen), Foster Park. Twomile walk and door prize to raise awareness of the neurological disease ataxia. 9-10 am., walk registration. 10 am, walk begins.

11 am, door prize drawing.

260-452-6231. www.ataxia.org/ WalkFW

SOUTHEAST

15

SEPTEMBERFEST, Charlestown (Clark), St. Michael’s Catholic Church. Food, raffles, pull tabs, silent auction. Games for all ages. 11 am-4 pm. 812-2563200.

2122

DILLSBORO HERITAGE FESTIVAL, Dillsboro (Dearborn), various locations. Festival features a variety of events including a Pop-up Museum at the Dillsboro Civic Center (Saturday and Sunday) and the Festival Car Show at the Community Park (Sunday).

812-432-5648. http://www. dillsboro.in. See more about Dillsboro on pages 20-21.

Oct.

1112

SLEEPY HOLLOW CRUISIN’ CLASSIC, Vevay (Switzerland), 100 Ferry St. Cruise In at 6:30 pm Friday. Live band, pumpkin painting, ice skating, bounce houses, baked goods, handcrafted items and more.

Friday, 6:30-9 pm; Saturday, 9 am-6 pm. Free. 812-427-3237. lavender@switzcotourism.com. https://switzcotourism.com/ sleepy-hollow-cruisin

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

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

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

SEPTEMBER 2019

27

do-it-yourself

WALL OF FRAMES: Beating those hang up hang-ups Like a giant blank canvas waiting to be painted, a large blank wall may seem like a daunting vast expanse begging to be adorned.

A gallery wall is a creative and visually appealing way to show off your photos, artwork, or other hanging décor. It can really add a contemporary flair to a room, hallway, or staircase. Best of all, it only requires a handful of steps to accomplish it.

Step 1: Gather your materials First and foremost, determine what pieces you’d like to place together in your gallery. Think of your gallery wall as one piece of art, so try to keep the basic design of the frames cohesive. This may require repainting some frames or reframing them altogether. But if you prefer having lots of different frames and styles, you can certainly do that! Once you decide what pieces to include in your gallery wall, pick up the necessary tools and items to get the job done. You’ll need tape, a big roll of plain brown crafting paper, scissors, hanging hardware, nails (or screws and anchors), a hammer, and a pencil. You may also need a mini level.

Step 2: Plan the look Roll out the craft paper on the floor and begin placing your pieces on it in your desired pattern. If you’re creating a large gallery, you may need to tape together two widths of the paper to fit all the pieces. Straight columns or rows are fine, but juxtaposing the pieces in a random pattern is professional looking and much more interesting to the eye. Don’t stress if the spacing isn’t totally precise between each piece, but arranging them about 2-3 inches apart makes the placement seem purposeful. For a more balanced look, place the larger pieces in the center of the gallery, then work your way out from there by mixing in medium and smaller pieces.

28

SEPTEMBER 2019

Step 3: Make templates Once you’re happy with the arrangement, trace around every piece and write the name of the piece inside each tracing so you remember where they go. As accurately as you can, mark on the tracings where each nail would line up with that piece’s hanging hardware, be it a wire or sawtooth hanger. This mark will come in handy later. Next, there are two options for placing your templates on the wall. You could cut out each individual tracing from the paper and tape them to the wall where you want them. Or if you think the arrangement is perfect on the paper as it is, you can just tape the entire template showing all the tracings to the wall.

P H O TO B Y TAY L O R D AW S O N

Visit your local Do it Best store or doitbest.com for thousands of the best home improvement products, including prepping materials and hanging hardware essentials to create a beautiful gallery wall.

Step 4: Start hanging

JUDY MOORE

Since you marked exactly where each nail goes on its tracing, grab your hammer and nails and get going. If you taped up individual cut-outs, simply hammer the nail in the correct spot, then tear your paper tracing away. With one giant paper template, install all the nails where they need to go, then tear away the entire template. No matter your chosen placement pattern, nothing jars the eye more than pieces that aren’t level. A mini level is the perfect solution. Now step back and admire not only your artwork and decor pieces, but your handiwork, too.

is the owner of North Manchester Do it Best Hardware and is a member-owner of Do it Best Corp., a Fort Waynebased cooperative of thousands of hardware stores, home centers and lumberyards throughout the US and around the world.

(This article is for informational purposes only.

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

safety

SAFETY CHECKLIST Is your home fully baby-proofed?

Baby-proofing your home

CHECK THE CRIB. Make sure it meets today’s safety standards.

What’s our favorite way to kick off Baby Safety Month?

By taking a quick inventory of your home to be sure it’s electrically safe for your little ones!

INSTALL WINDOW

Whether you’ve recently welcomed your first baby, or you already have a full house, it’s vital to keep your home electrically safe for the little ones. Electrical safety should be at the top of the list when preparing a safe space for babies and children to thrive.

ATTACH SAFETY

“September is Baby Safety Month, and we want to encourage families to make smart electrical safety decisions when babyproofing their homes,” said John Gasstrom, CEO of Indiana Electric Cooperatives. “Tamperresistant receptacles cost as little as 50 cents more than a standard outlet and can save a child’s life.”

What are tamper resistant receptacles (TRRs)? These outlets are now required in all new homes and homes

renovated after 2008. The shutter system allows only plugs to be inserted because both springs must be compressed at the same time.

While they might be a little more expensive, you can’t put a price on a child’s life.

But why do we need TRRs in our homes? The top two things we lose just happen to be two of the top objects inserted into outlets — hairpins and keys. While we can be more conscious of what’s inserted in those outlets, we could also cut out the middleman and update to TRRs. Are there other ways to protect your children from electrical safety?

Of course! Keep all electrical cords out of reach or secured to the floor. There’s no telling what he or she could be pulling down on when tugging on a cord.

If outlets are occupied, an easy way to prevent children from pulling on these cords is No TRRs at home? Add by moving electrical furniture in outlet covers. front of the covers. If outlets are unoccupied, and you don’t have TRRs, its vital to find tight-fitting electrical outlet covers. Test them with your children to be sure they cannot pull them out.

Their chances of electrical shock will be decreased immensely.

Being electrically safe isn’t difficult, but it does take time to keep you and your family safe. For more information about TRRs and how to keep your home safe, reach out to your electric cooperative.

GUARDS, but remember, they do not substitute parental supervision.

LATCHES AND LOCKS for toilets, cabinets or drawers.

CUT BLIND CORDS or use safety tassels and inner cord stops to ensure children don’t get entangled.

PUT SAFETY GATES in front of any stairs in the house.

INSTALL CORNER AND EDGE BUMPERS. These will prevent injuries from falls.

USE DOORSTOPS AND DOOR HOLDERS. Keep small fingers from getting crushed.

SEPTEMBER 2019

29

backyard 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.

such as your plant. In other cultivars, it could be a unique color variegation in foliage or flowers, twisted leaves, weeping habit, etc.

The plant in your photo appears to be a dwarf Alberta spruce. The best approach is to prune out the errant branches, the sooner the

Dwarf spruce branch reverting back to “normal” size. Photo Credit: J.K., St. John, Indiana

REMOVE ERRANT BRANCHES TO SAVE ‘WEIRD’ TREE

Q:

Please don’t think I’m totally crazy, but I couldn’t get

anyone around here to answer this

Do we cut them

better. In addition to the larger

both down

branch habit, they tend to be

and start over,

more vigorous and can take over

or can we just

the plant. It is best to remove the

cut off the

branch by cutting back as close

branches that

to the point of origin without

do not match?

damaging the main trunk. The

I hate cutting

plant may continue to send these

down trees but

out from time to time, so keep after

honestly, this

them.

looks VERY weird sitting next to my house.

- J.K., St. John, Indiana

A:

Here are a few articles that we’ve published on this very subject. You can see you are in good company!

This is a great photo. What’s happening to your trees

https://ag.purdue.edu/btny/ppdl/ Pages/POTW_old/6-27-05.html

question and I thought someone

is not really a rare occurrence.

at Purdue could. I have two trees

You are indeed on the right track.

in my backyard that are growing

These are dwarf cultivars that

branches that are completely

are reverting back to what is the

Additional information on pruning

different from the rest of the trees.

normal growth for the species.

technique can be found in Purdue

It is NOT another tree coming up

Dwarf evergreens such as yours

Extension bulletin HO-4, Pruning

under them, which is what most

are usually selected from a plant

Ornamental Trees and Shrubs.

people tell me. Am I correct in

that showed a mutation/genetic

guessing this is a cultivar that went

variation from the species.

wrong?

Sometimes this is a dwarf habit

30

SEPTEMBER 2019

https://ag.purdue.edu/btny/ppdl/ Pages/POTW_old/5-31-10.html

https://mdc.itap.purdue.edu/ item.asp?itemID=22785.

You could be a winner. Tell us your story.

Are you an Indiana fifth through

a Are you r e l o o h c s middle a g n i k a m ur o y n i e c differen ity? n u m m co Parents, please visit indianaconnection. org/?p=230 for an application and to learn about past recipients.

Questions? info@IndianaConnection.org or 317.487.2220

eighth grader making a difference

in your community? APPLY NOW! Five winners will be selected to

travel to Indianapolis in December to be recognized at a special

program in their honor. They’ll

also receive $500, enjoy a free

night’s stay in Indianapolis, and be featured in an upcoming issue of Indiana Connection.

Interested? Submit an application, examples of how you have been

involved in your local community,

and a reference letter from a trusted adult.

Applications are due Friday, Oct. 4.

Wabash Valley Power news

Don’t fall behind!

Prepare your home for autumn and winter As school buses resume roaming roads

CHECK AND SEAL AIR LEAKS : People

will include an in-depth analysis of your

and the sun starts setting sooner, it won’t

frequently think that drafty windows are

home’s energy consumption, a blower door

be long before autumn arrives. You can

the reason that their homes are expen-

test, and actionable steps you can take to

still take advantage of the late summer to

sive to heat in the winter and cool in the

improve your home’s energy efficiency. Tak-

prepare your home for the fall and winter.

summer. In many circumstances, air leaks

ing those steps will help reduce your home’s

Some suggested considerations include:

at the top and bottom of the home are

energy use, helping to save money on your

the culprit, letting treated air escape the

monthly energy bill.

HVAC INSPECTION: You may feel relaxed

house while at the same time bringing in

since your air conditioner just got you

unwanted outdoor air. You can check on

Taking steps now can prepare your home

through summer. Though temperatures

common air leak sources, such as gaps

for the bitter winter temperatures. You

are milder, now’s not the time to forget

near plumbing stacks and ductwork.

can help minimize your energy costs, and

about your HVAC system! It won’t be

While isolated gaps may not seem like a

taking care of any HVAC issues now will

long before you’ll be reaching for your

big deal, together they can add up to a

lower the risk of your system breaking

thermostat to turn on the heat. Before

lot of air escaping your home, leading to

down and needing emergency repairs. You

you do, it will be a good time to schedule

your HVAC system working harder than it

also can contact your local electric coop-

an inspection of your heating and cooling

should — and costing you money.

erative’s energy advisor for information

system. You can consider a “clean and

about scheduling a home energy audit,

tune,” in which an HVAC professional will

CONSIDER A HOME ENERGY AUDIT: If

and you can get more energy efficiency

inspect and clean the blower, coils, and

you want a deeper dive into energy use

ideas at www.PowerMoves.com.

the elements or burners.

(and waste), consider an energy audit. This

Hoosier Energy news

The lawncare crew that loves its job You might have driven past one of the 10 cooperative solar arrays throughout central and southern Indiana. Each site provides renewable energy to co-ops like yours and is the size of nine football fields. This creates a challenge in the summer months — lawncare.

Hoosier Energy has hired a crew to help keep the grass under control at the solar site near Columbus, Indiana. They are good at what they do. They also have four legs!

Thirty sheep call this solar site their home away from home.

As the solar panels generate

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SEPTEMBER 2019

renewable energy, it only makes sense to have an environmentalfriendly solution to lawn care.

“Having the sheep on site allows us to keep the land in use for agricultural production while generating energy,” said Josh Cisney, renewable energy project developer.

The sheep don’t ask for much, just a few meals, water and some shade to rest their weary hooves.

See the sheep at the solar site on Hoosier Energy’s YouTube page: YOUTUBE.COM/ MYHOOSIERENERGY

SEPTEMBER 2019

33

profile youth power & hope Youth Leadership Council delegate Sarah Mahnesmith received a Youth Power and Hope Award as a fifth grader. Her community service activities back then included collecting over 2,000 pairs of shoes for the Share Your Souls organization.

ABOVE & BEYOND YLC delegate puts all her energy into what she does

By richard G. biever Going the extra mile is what makes Sarah Mahnesmith smile … and tick.

In track and field, instead of the one-mile, the Rensselaer Central High senior prefers running the two-mile. In 4-H, she wasn’t just a local leader; she represented Indiana at the National 4-H Congress.

In high school, her classmates have elected her president all four years, and she’s academically tops in her class. Her interest in public policy took her to the Richard G. Lugar Symposium for Tomorrow’s Leaders.

Her interest in a medical career took her to a high school conference hosted by Harvard in Boston.

“I always do the best I can to better myself and those around me …,” Sarah said, “… always doing as much as I can, going the extra mile, putting forth as much effort as I can, to give my all to something.”

So when her local electric cooperative, Jasper County REMC, selected her to go on the annual Indiana Youth Tour to Washington, D.C., in June, she applied for an added opportunity: Representing Indiana on the

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SEPTEMBER 2019

national Youth Leadership Council. This meant giving a speech in front of the other 103 Youth Tour participants from around the state and the trip’s electric co-op chaperones only hours after they had all first gathered in Indianapolis. Six finalists were then interviewed by chaperones later on the trip.

Sarah nailed the audition. She was selected for the YLC which meant returning to the D.C. area in July to learn more about electric coops, public policy and leadership. She’ll also be representing Indiana when the nation’s electric cooperatives gather for their annual meeting in New Orleans in March.

While the opportunity for another free trip to D.C. interested her, Sarah said that’s not why she signed up for YLC. “Bottom line: I thought it would be good preparation for interviews, and public speaking, and I thought it would be just a good opportunity to gain practice and gain skills in the areas. I never anticipated that I would be chosen.”

Chaperones also selected the YLC delegate based on their attitude and character they observed on the first parts of the trip. “We could see that Sarah was an ‘includer’ from the beginning of Youth Tour,” said Chaperone Tracey Miller from Tipmont REMC. “There was no hesitation when she noticed someone alone. She was able to interact and pull them into a conversation or activity with ease.

sarah mahnesmith Jasper County REMC

Sarah is the type of person who will step up to lead and communicate effectively in any situation with a smile and great attitude.”

This is not the first time Sarah’s been recognized by her local REMC and featured in this magazine. In 2012, as a fifth grader, Sarah was among five students, which also included three eighth graders and a seventh grader, to win a Youth Power & Hope Award for outstanding commitment and service to her community. (Please turn to page 12 to learn about this year’s YP&H Award program.)

Even though she’d always excelled in school, Sarah said that award gave her added incentive to succeed outwardly. “It gave me confidence at a young age to put myself out there and try new things and widen my perspective.”

And that commitment to helping others and her community remains just as strong today.

“I’m definitely a people person, and I really like to help people,” she noted. “I wouldn’t be the person I am today without my community and the people here that have pushed me and helped me become who I am, so I feel the need to give back.”

PHO TO BY RI CHARD G . B I E V E R

Sarah Mahnesmith is the daughter of Christine Scheurich and the late Kent Mahnesmith. Her stepfather is Pat Scheurich, an employee of Jasper County REMC.

SEPTEMBER 2019

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