Free ticket to Homes on Parade inside.
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HOOSIER YOUTUBERS MAKE THEIR MARK WITH UNIQUE VIDEOS
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. SUBSCRIPTIONS: $12 for individuals not subscribing through participating REMCs/RECs. CHANGE OF ADDRESS: Readers who receive Indiana Connection through their electric co-op membership should report address changes to their local co-op. POSTAGE: Periodicals postage paid at Indianapolis, Ind., and at additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send change of address to: Indiana Connection, 8888 Keystone Crossing, Suite 1600, Indianapolis, IN 46240-4606. Include key number. No portion of Indiana Connection may be reproduced without permission of the editor.
SEPTEMBER 2019
3
contents
SEPTEMBER
10
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
34
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
4
SEPTEMBER 2019
co-op news
There is power in planning www.kremc.com CONTACT US Local: 574-267-6331 Toll-Free: 800-790-REMC EMAIL mail@kremc.com OFFICE HOURS 7:30 a.m. – 4 p.m., Monday-Friday ADDRESS 370 S. 250 E., Warsaw, IN 46582 SERVICE INTERRUPTIONS To report a service interruption after hours, please call 267-6331 or 800-790-REMC. BOARD OF DIRECTORS William Stump Jr., Chairman Dan Tucker, Vice Chairman John Hand, Secretary/Treasurer Kim Buhrt Terry Bouse Tony Fleming Pam Messmore Steve Miner Rick Parker
COOKWARE EFFICIENCY Copper-bottomed pans heat faster on the stove. In the oven, ceramic and glass dishes are better than metal. With ceramic and glass dishes, you can turn the oven down about 25 degrees, and your meal will cook just as quickly. — U.S. DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY
Use your Co-op Connections Card to save at local businesses Grossnickle Eye Center $100 discount (per eye) for LASIK vision correction LIKE US ON FACEBOOK www.facebook.com/kosciuskoremc
Here in Indiana, we’ve had our fair share of severe storms. In my 34 years serving this community, the worst I recall was the storm of 2003 when some KREMC members were without power for nearly three days. It’s those scenarios we don’t think about until we’re living them. What do you do when you don’t have power for a couple of hours? What do you do without power for a couple of days? Sometimes, we are warned of severe weather coming, and we can prepare. There are other times that the storm that arrives is far worse than the storm that was predicted. While we can’t predict which weather forecast will come true, we can plan, so when severe weather strikes, we have the tools and resources to weather the storm effectively. To stay prepared at home, consider these suggestions from the Department of Homeland Security. • Stock your pantry with a three-day supply of non-perishable food, such as canned goods, energy bars, peanut butter, powdered milk, instant coffee, water and other essentials (i.e., diapers and toiletries). • Avoid the temptation to check on your refrigerated goods. Keep the doors closed to keep food colder longer. • Keep sanitation supplies like towelettes, soap and hand sanitizer on hand. • Ensure your first aid kit is stocked with pain relievers, bandages and other medical essentials, and make sure your prescriptions are current. • Set aside essential household items you will need, including flashlights, batteries, a manual can opener and portable, battery-powered radio, or TV. • Organize emergency supplies, so they are together in an easily accessible location.
CONTINUED ON PAGE 6
KREMC rates and rebates RATES
REBATES
Residential and farm service Service charge ............................$24.50 per month Kilowatt-hour (kWh) charge ......@$.0922 per kWh Tracker charge ..................... @-$.003330 per kWh
Electric water heaters 50 gallons or larger: • Gas to electric replacement — $125 • New construction water heater — $125 • Geothermal desuperheater — $50
Outdoor Lights* 40w LED........................................$8.75 per month 70w LED......................................$12.25 per month
HVAC: • Geothermal system installation — $250 • Air-source heat pump system — $150 • Programmable thermostat — up to $25 Visit www.kremc.com for complete guidelines and restrictions. Additional rebates can be found at powermoves.com.
SEPTEMBER 2019
5
co-op news CONTINUED FROM PAGE 5 If we are lucky enough to receive advanced warning of an impending severe storm such as a tornado, take extra steps to safeguard your home. Shutter the windows and securely close exterior doors. Fully charge all cell phones, laptops and devices, so you have maximum power in the event of a power outage. If you have a generator, make sure it’s rated to handle the amount of power you will need, and review the manufacturer’s instructions to operate it safely. It’s always a good idea to let us know you have a generator installed for the safety of our linemen.
ADMIT ONE
2019 H O M E S O N PA R A D E
In the event of a prolonged outage, turn off your appliances, TVs, computers and other sensitive electronics. Doing this will help avert damage from a power surge and will also help prevent overloading the circuits during power restoration. That said, do leave one light on so you will know when power is restored. If utilizing a small household generator, consider using LED holiday lights to illuminate a living area. A strand of 100 white lights draws little energy yet produces considerable light. Solar lights also work, if they can receive some sunlight during the day for charging.
Homes on Parade
During thunderstorms that lead to outages, KREMC stays in touch with local news. Stay tuned in and check our outage map on kremc.com for restoration updates. You can also follow us on Facebook for instant alerts.
Participating builders and home locations include:
After a storm, avoid downed power lines and don’t walk through flooded areas where power lines could be submerged. Allow ample room for our crews so they can safely perform their jobs. A little planning for severe storms or other emergencies can reduce stress and anxiety caused by the event and can lessen the impact of the storm’s effects. As we look toward what this winter has in store for us, I encourage you to plan, because there is POWER in planning.
BRUCE GOSLEE President and CEO
6
SEPTEMBER 2019
Are you looking for some fresh ideas for your home? What better place to get those ideas than the 2019 Homes on Parade event brought to you by the Builders Association Kosciusko and Fulton Counties (BAKFC)? This annual event is scheduled for Friday, Sept. 27 (4 to 8 p.m.),
Saturday, Sept. 28 (noon to 8 p.m.) and Sunday, Sept. 29 (noon to 6 p.m.)
1 2 3 4 5 6
Coplen Construction: 1010 Country Club Drive S., Warsaw, IN 46580 Milestone Construction: 11107 N. Ideal Beach Drive, Syracuse, IN 46567 Miller Brothers Builders: 93 S. 250 E., Warsaw, IN 46582 Miller Brothers Builders: 26301 CR 52, Nappanee, IN 46550 Renewal Homes: 4 Trailside Drive, Winona Lake, IN 46590 T.L. Jackson Construction: 1497 S. Freedom Parkway, Winona Lake, IN 46590
KREMC members receive one free admission with coupon (found here). Admission to the Homes on Parade is $5. For more information on the Homes on Parade, visit the BAKFC website at www.bakfc.com.
co-op news
Operation Round Up grants awarded between July 1, 2018, and June 30, 2019 GRANTEE
DATE
AMOUNT
Kosciusko County Special Olympics
07/18/2018
-$210.31
Cancer Services of Northeast Indiana
09/04/2018
$1,500
Early Childhood Alliance
09/04/2018
$1,400
Heartline Pregnancy Center Inc.
09/04/2018
$1,400
Hoosiers Feeding the Hungry Inc.
09/04/2018
$5,000
Joe’s Kids
09/04/2018
$2,500
Kosciusko County Special Olympics
09/04/2018
$1,200
Little Lambs Preschool/Daycare Ministry Inc.
09/04/2018
$5,000
Real Services of Kosciusko County
09/04/2018
$2,000
Women of Grace USA
09/04/2018
$1,000
Treasurer of Kosciusko County
11/07/2018
$2,000
Boomerang Backpacks Inc.
12/03/2018
$5,000
Fellowship Missions
12/03/2018
$2,500
Kosciusko County Shelter for Abuse Inc.
12/03/2018
$1,100
Kosciusko Home Care and Hospice Inc.
12/03/2018
$1,500
Muscular Dystrophy Association
12/03/2018
$1,700
Tippecanoe Valley Middle School
12/03/2018
$2,500
Turning Point Inc.
12/03/2018
$2,500
Warsaw Parks & Recreation Department
12/03/2018
$1,500
Grace College and Seminary
03/04/2019
$3,400
Junior Achievement serving Warsaw and Tippecanoe Valley
03/04/2019
$2,835
Pierceton Elementary School
03/04/2019
$1,350
Kosciusko County Special Olympics
04/24/2019
-$48
Agaitas
06/03/2019
$2,800
Baker Youth Club
06/03/2019
$5,000
Combined Community Services
06/03/2019
$3,000
Fort Wayne Philharmonic Inc.
06/03/2019
$500
Grace Lutheran Church
06/03/2019
$2,000
Kate’s Kart Inc.
06/03/2019
$1,500
Kosciusko County Council on Aging and Aged Inc.
06/03/2019
$4,950
Kosciusko County Special Olympics
06/03/2019
$2,045
McMillen Center for Health Education Inc.
06/03/2019
$500
Tippecanoe Valley School Corporation
06/03/2019
$5,000
Warsaw Community School Corporation
06/03/2019
$2,000
TOTAL
$77,921.69
SEPTEMBER 2019
7
co-op news
Thirty years of service Times are changing. It’s not common
assigning four line crews, one service
to find a dedicated and reliable team
truck, and one technical equipment
member like Jeff Moore, Kosciusko
lineman. Under his supervision, 18
REMC’s operations supervisor.
men in the operations department
KREMC would like to recognize him
work fluidly together to meet the
for 30 years of dedicated service to
needs of KREMC members.
our members.
Moore’s contribution during major
Jeff Moore, Kosciusko REMC’s operations supervisor
Initially hired as a meter technician in
storms is essential. He is the ever-
1989, Moore worked diligently in the
watchful eye on KREMC territory.
meter department for six years. He
Moore tracks outages, pinpoints
attended apprentice lineman school
the source and assigns crews
and quickly joined KREMC’s line
accordingly.
Thirty years have flown by. Here’s
When asked what he enjoys most
hoping for many more with Moore!
about his job, without hesitation,
“Over the last 30 years, Jeff has
department. Moore worked hard as a lineman for five years before being promoted to lead lineman in 2005. He led a line crew for eight years. In
Moore said “technology.”
worked as a meter technician,
2013, Moore was promoted again
“The technology in this field is
lead lineman, and now operations
to operations supervisor. Moore has
constantly changing. It improves our
supervisor. He has overcome every
been in his current role for six years.
job performance exponentially,” he
challenge that has come his way,” said
KREMC would be hard-pressed to
said. “It’s always interesting to see
Kurt Carver, manager of engineering
find someone to fill his shoes. He
what new technology is out there and
and operations. “KREMC is fortunate
is responsible for supervising and
to learn how to utilize it.”
to have Jeff as part of our team.”
8
SEPTEMBER 2019
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
10
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
13
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.
16
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.
18
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
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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!
PREP YOUR HOME FOR AUTUMN AND WINTER As school buses resume roaming roads
are milder, now’s not the time to forget
working harder than it should — and
and the sun starts setting sooner, it
about your HVAC system! It won’t
costing you money.
won’t be long before autumn arrives.
be long before you’ll be reaching for
Yet before pumpkin pie aroma fills the
your thermostat to turn on the heat.
CONSIDER A HOME ENERGY AUDIT:
air and Halloween costumes decorate
Before you do, it will be a good time to
you want a deeper dive into energy use
storefronts, you can still take advantage
schedule an inspection of your heating
(and waste), consider an energy audit.
of the late summer to prepare your
and cooling system. You can consider
This will include an in-depth analysis
home for the fall and winter. Some
a “clean and tune,” in which an HVAC
of your home’s energy consumption, a
suggested considerations include:
professional will inspect and clean
blower door test, and actionable steps you
the blower, coils, and the elements or
can take to improve your home’s energy
burners.
efficiency. Taking those steps will help
TACKLING DIY PROJECTS:
You can take
advantage of the warmer weather and
If
reduce your home’s energy use, helping to
longer sunlight hours. Fortunately,
CHECK AND SEAL AIR LEAKS:
the most intense heat is (likely) past,
frequently think that drafty windows
making it more comfortable to be
are the reason that their homes are
Taking steps now can prepare
working on your home to-do list. If
expensive to heat in the winter and cool
your home for the bitter winter
there is a project you’ve been meaning
in the summer. In many circumstances,
temperatures. You can help minimize
to tackle, there’s no time like the
air leaks at the top and bottom of the
your energy costs, and taking care of
present. And if you’re looking for
home are the culprit, letting treated air
any HVAC issues now will lower the
inspiration on some energy efficiency
escape the house while at the same time
risk of your system breaking down
projects that can lower your home’s
bringing in unwanted outdoor air. You
and needing emergency repairs. You
energy use, we have ideas at www.
can check on common air leak sources,
also can contact your local electric
PowerMoves.com to get you started.
such as gaps near plumbing stacks and
cooperative’s energy advisor for
ductwork. While isolated gaps may not
information about scheduling a
HVAC INSPECTION:
You may feel relaxed
People
save money on your monthly energy bill.
seem like a big deal, together they can
home energy audit, and you can get
since your air conditioner just got you
add up to a lot of air escaping your
more energy efficiency ideas at www.
through summer. Though temperatures
home, leading to your HVAC system
PowerMoves.com.
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SEPTEMBER 2019
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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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.
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