Henry County REMC - August 2024 Indiana Connection
PAGES 20-24
Smart homeowners around the world have scrapped their old furnaces and air conditioners and replaced them with a WaterFurnace geothermal comfort system. That’s because geothermal comfort systems use the free, renewable energy found in your own backyard to save up to 70% on heating, cooling and hot water. You won’t need that old inefficient furnace or that unsightly outdoor air conditioner because a WaterFurnace system provides complete comfort for your home with a single unit. And because the system doesn’t burn fossil fuels, there are no fumes or carbon monoxide concerns. Make the smart switch to geothermal. Contact your local WaterFurnace dealer today to learn more.
Colliers Htg & Air Conditioning (574) 203-2492 trustcolliers.com
Waterloo Gibson’s Htg & Plbg, Inc. (888) 754-1668 gibsonsgeothermal.com
Westfield
Precision Comfort Systems, Inc. (317) 867-2665 precisioncomfort.com
West Lafayette
Blue Fox Htg & Clg (765) 252-0051 bluefoxhvac.com
Don’t forget to contact your local electric utility provider for rebates and incentives!
visit waterfurnace.com
from the editor
A special letter to the editor
I’m always delighted to get letters from our readers, both good and bad, because it’s exciting that someone has taken the time to read the magazine and give me their opinion about it. I recently received a letter that I thought deserved some special attention:
As I read your May and June editorials about Mother’s and Father’s Days, I kept hoping for a mention of those of us for whom one or both days are not days of celebration but yearly days of pain to survive. I was deeply disappointed when you did not mention us.
Being a wife and mother was always my dream. I am now in my 40’s and neither has happened. My best friend, my precious mother, Jeannette Cook, went to heaven on February 18, 2022. Both of my grandmothers, Grandmas Swesey and Cook, whom I loved dearly, passed away 27 and 25 years ago.
For my younger brother, his dream was to become a dad. A rare medical condition and the difficulty of fostering and adopting have meant that his dream has not come true. My older brother is also childless. “Grandpa” is not a word my brothers and I could say to the real person. Our father, Lee, whom we are blessed to still have with us, buried his father on his 30th birthday and became a dad two months later with the birth of my older brother. Our other grandpa died three months before my birth. Each day I have with Dad is a treasure.
I have been blessed to have good relationships with both my parents. Still, I know that others are not so fortunate and that for them, Mother’s and Father’s Days are also sources of hurt, in addition to those of us who are involuntarily childless or have lost parents we had great relationships with.
As I figure out how to live without the family I dreamed of, I am incredibly blessed to be related to and know many people who never had children but still blessed others and lived meaningful lives.
— Katia Cook, Heartland REMC member
Katia was right to call out that I didn’t acknowledge that these holidays can be challenging for people who haven’t been as lucky as me. I’m sure she’s not our only reader who feels this way. I appreciate her sharing her story and allowing me to share it here.
Britt Davis
Editor
bdavis@indianaec.org
On the menu: November: Submit your side dish recipes, deadline Sept. 1. If we publish your recipe on our food pages, we’ll send you a $10 gift card.
Giveaway: Enter to win a copy of “Secrets of the Garden Path, with Recipes” from Stream Cliff Herb Farm, Tearoom and Winery. Visit indianaconnection.org/talk-to-us/contests or send your contact information to the address below. The deadline to enter is Aug. 31.
Three ways to contact us: To send us recipes, photos, letters and entries for gift drawings, please use the forms on our website indianaconnection.org; email info@indianaconnection.org; or send to Indiana Connection, 11805 Pennsylvania Street, Carmel, IN 46032.
VOLUME 74 • NUMBER 2 ISSN 0745-4651 • USPS 262-340
Published monthly by Indiana Electric Cooperatives
Indiana Connection is for and about members of Indiana’s locally-owned, not-for-profit electric cooperatives. It helps consumers use electricity safely and efficiently; understand energy issues; connect with their co-op; and celebrate life in Indiana. Over 311,000 residents and businesses receive the magazine as part of their electric co-op membership. The average printed and mailed cost per issue is 54 cents.
CONTACT US: 11805 Pennsylvania Street Carmel, IN 46032 317-487-2220 info@indianaconnection.org
IndianaConnection.org
INDIANA ELECTRIC COOPERATIVES OFFICERS: Steve McMichael President Dr. Richard Leeper Vice President
Jamey Marcum Secretary/Treasurer John Cassady CEO
EDITORIAL STAFF: Britt Davis Editor
Holly Huffman Communication Support Specialist
Lauren Carman Communication Manager
Kiley Lipps Graphic Designer
Ashley Curry Production and Design Coordinator
Amber Knight Creative Manager
Mandy Barth Vice President of Communication
ADVERTISING: American MainStreet Publications
Cheryl Solomon, local ad representative; 512-441-5200; amp.coop Crosshair Media 502-216-8537; crosshairmedia.net
Paid advertisements are not endorsements by any electric cooperative or this publication.
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Periodicals postage paid at Indianapolis, Indiana, and at additional mailing offices.
POSTMASTER: Send change of address to: Indiana Connection, 11805 Pennsylvania Street, Carmel, IN 46032. Include key number.
No portion of Indiana Connection may be reproduced without permission of the editor.
Tiny
www.hcremc.com
CONTACT US
800-248-8413 Fax: 765-529-1667
OFFICE HOURS
7:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m., Monday–Friday
STREET ADDRESS
3400 S. State Road 3 New Castle, IN 47362
MAILING ADDRESS
P.O. Box D New Castle, IN 47362
A night deposit box is available 24 hours a day.
EMAIL hcremc@hcremc.com
SERVICE INTERRUPTIONS
To report a power outage, please call 800-248-8413, day or night.
MISSION STATEMENT
The mission of Henry County REMC is to provide reliable, safe and cost-competitive electrical service to enhance the lives of our members and the communities we serve.
BILL DUE DATES
Cycle 1 will be due on Aug. 5
Cycle 2 will be due on Aug. 12
Cycle 4 will be due on Aug. 25
Cycle 5 will be due on Aug. 26
YOUR VOICE IS IMPORTANT: Become a grassroots advocate
Since Boone REMC, Indiana’s first electric cooperative, was founded in 1936, electric cooperatives have succeeded because their consumer-owners stay politically engaged. Today, that engagement is more important than ever. Electric cooperatives continue to be well positioned to create a bright future for the communities they serve by engaging in political activity.
Politics can be a touchy subject these days, but electric cooperatives were borne out of the political process. Unlike other electric companies, the consumer-owners of an electric cooperative have the right and responsibility to democratically elect their cooperative’s board of directors. Like other elected officials, those directors are responsible for promoting the interests of the consumer-owners they serve.
Electric cooperatives have thrived by working with state and federal governments to improve the quality of life in their communities. Important policies are advanced every year because electric cooperatives stand up and speak out.
Don’t forget you have an important role to play in the political conversation. Join our grassroots advocacy list today by visiting action. indianaec.org. When you register as a grassroots advocate for Indiana’s electric cooperatives, you will be updated on major legislative and political utility issues at both the state and federal levels. Together, we have a strong voice. Let’s use it to improve rural communities across Indiana.
Political engagement helps electric cooperatives continue to serve rural Indiana well. Grassroots advocacy is a crucial component of this engagement.
FOLLOW
Up to five qualified candidates will each receive $500 and be featured in an upcoming issue of Indiana Connection, among other highlights.
Interested? Simply complete the online application. When doing so, provide examples of and information about your community service activities and share any relevant photos if available. Be sure to list references who we may contact for additional information.
Parents, please visit indianaconnection.org/youthpowerandhope to apply and learn more.
QUESTIONS? info@IndianaConnection.org or 317-487-2220
Applicant’s parent(s)/guardian(s) must be members of an Indiana electric cooperative to apply for the awards.
APPLICATIONS ARE DUE FRIDAY, OCT. 4
ANNUAL MEETING WINNERS
ELECTRIC BIKE
Brian Yanos
BUBBA ELECTRIC FILLET KNIFE
Justin Polk
$250 BILL CREDITS
Mark Cherry
Mark Hancock
Mark Lomison
Jason Martin
Gerald Nichols
Rita Shock
Donna Showalter
Shannon Thom
$100 BILL CREDITS
Troy Herschman
Timothy Reno
Roger Ronk
2024 HCREMC SUMMER COOPERATIVE CAMP
Thank you to all the campers who participated in this year’s Summer Co-op Camp, which was held June 24-28. From team-building activities to hands-on learning experiences, these young minds collaborated to bring their innovative ideas to life. It was a pleasure to see their hard work and cooperative spirit in action. We’re so proud of everything they accomplished together!
Pump up your savings with our HVAC rebate
Did you know nearly half of your monthly energy bill goes into heating and cooling your home, making it your biggest expense? Upgrading to a modern, energy-efficient heat pump will provide you comfor t and longterm savings. Thanks to Henry County REMC you can apply for a rebate to upgrade your unit.
• Increase energy efficiency
• Cost savings over time
• Enhanced comfor t and per formance Visit www.hcremc.com to learn more and apply. Hurr y, this offer is limited!
#1 Selling Walk-In
e best walk-in tub just got better with breakthrough technology! Presenting the all new Safe Step Walk-In Tub featuring MicroSoothe. ® An air system so revolutionary, it oxygenates, softens and exfoliates skin, turning your bath into a spa-like experience. Constructed and built right here in America for safety and durability from the ground up, and with more standard features than any other tub.
✓ Heated seat providing warmth from beginning to end
✓ Carefully engineered hydro-massage jets strategically placed to target sore muscles and joints
✓ High-quality tub complete with a comprehensive lifetime warranty on the entire tub
✓ Top-of-the-line installation and service, all included at one low, affordable price
You’ll agree – there just isn’t a better, more affordable walk-in tub on the market.
WHAT IS A kilowatt-hour?
One of the keys to understanding the utility industry or your utility bill is understanding the terminology.
A common term is kilowatt-hour, the standard billing unit for electrical energy, abbreviated as kWh.
It is worth noting that a kilowatt is a unit of power, while a kilowatt-hour is a unit of energy. In other words, power is the rate at which energy is consumed or produced, while energy is the quantity of electricity consumed or produced over a certain amount of time. And don’t confuse those two with kilowatt per hour, which would be the rate of change in the flow of power.
One popular analogy is a bucket being filled with water.
The rate at which the water flows into the bucket represents electrical power, aka the kilowatt, while the amount of water in the bucket represents electrical energy, aka the kilowatt-hour.
The higher the rate of flowing water, the quicker the bucket fills up. Likewise, the more power being used or produced, the faster energy is consumed or produced.
With that in mind, the cost of running an electrical device is
calculated by multiplying the power consumption in kilowatts by the operating time in hours and then multiplying by the price per kilowatt-hour, which is subject to change. However, the current average price in Indiana is about 15 cents per kilowatt-hour, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration.
So, how do we put a kilowatt-hour in practical terms?
As far as human power is concerned, a healthy adult performing manual labor performs work equal to about half a kilowatthour throughout an eight-hour workday.
Even in that description, note the inclusion of time when a kilowatthour is discussed. This is a must.
For example, I can tell you that an air conditioner uses 10 kilowatthours, but you would want to know for how long — a day, two days, a week?
The answer is going to make a big difference on your electric bill.
If your air conditioner uses 10 kilowatt-hours per week, you’re paying for approximately 40 kilowatt-hours ($6) per month. But if the air conditioner uses 10 kilowatthours per day, you’re paying approximately 280 kilowatt-hours ($42) per month.
The official United States fuel economy window sticker for electric vehicles now uses kilowatthours, showing that the more we understand the term, the more we know how it relates to our lives.
by Brian Reynolds Energy Advisor Jackson County REMC
county feature
Sullivan County COUNTY FACTS
Known as the home of outdoor recreation, Sullivan County has more than 26,000 acres of recreational grounds for various activities, from hunting and golfing to ATV riding and water skiing. Shakers, a Christian sect known for their celibacy and communal lifestyle, were the county’s first settlers in the early 1800s. This group resided just west of Carlisle, one of Sullivan County’s six towns.
CRAFTING CONNECTIONS
In March 2013, the Sullivan Area Art Guild Gallery opened in downtown Sullivan to showcase locals’ artwork. From ceramics to hand-crafted furniture, the gallery accepts art from guild members and other practicing artists in the area. Artworks’ prices typically range from $3 to $25. The guild also hosts art classes for children and adults, from jewelry making to handmade postcards. These classes attract visitors from across the state, including one family who drove nearly three hours from Aurora for the guild’s barn quilt painting class.
REELING IN ADVENTURE
With over 120 lakes scattered across its 9,000 acres of woodland, GreeneSullivan State Forest in Dugger, Indiana, offers visitors many fishing opportunities to catch largemouth bass, bluegill, and redear sunfish. The Department of Natural Resources founded the forest in 1936 after several coal companies donated more than 3,000 acres of their property. In 1972, Harold L. Catey set Indiana’s record for the largest bluegill — 3 pounds, 4 ounces — which he caught at GreeneSullivan State Forest’s Reservoir #26. In addition to fishing, visitors can enjoy mushroom hunting, horseback riding, and camping.
A LITERARY LANDMARK
Beginning in 1899, women’s clubs throughout the United States lobbied to establish community libraries. About 75 percent of the libraries established during this post-Civil War period were thanks to women’s clubs’ efforts. The Woman’s Club of Sullivan requested a $10,000 grant to establish a Carnegie library — a building funded by donations from Andrew Carnegie, a Scottish-American businessman and philanthropist. The Sullivan County Public Library was one of 1,689 Carnegie libraries built in the United States. The two-story, domed Indiana limestone library opened in 1905 with 1,222 books. Now, the library has five branches to serve patrons across Sullivan County.
FOUNDED: 1817
NAMED FOR:
General Daniel Sullivan, an American military officer during the American Revolutionary War
POPULATION: 20,817
COUNTY SEAT: Sullivan
INDIANA COUNTY NUMBER: 77
Sullivan Dugger
Nicole Thomas is a freelance writer from Indianapolis.
Photo courtesy of Naturally Indiana
Photo courtesy of Sullivan Area Art Guild
Photo courtesy of Gage Skidmore
Applications open for the YOUTH POWER AND HOPE AWARDS
Indiana Connection and Indiana’s electric cooperatives are proud to sponsor the Youth Power and Hope Awards program. Since 2009, the program has annually honored Indiana youth in grades 5-8 for their community service. Past winners’ community projects have included raising money for Riley Hospital for Children and donating toys for its patients, collecting coats for the less fortunate, and providing police officers with stuffed animals to comfort children in crisis situations. Could a communityminded young person in your life be one of our next winners? Encourage them to apply!
Up to five qualified candidates will receive $500 and be featured in an upcoming issue of Indiana Connection, among other recognition. The candidate’s parent or guardian must be a member of an Indiana electric cooperative.
For more information and to complete an application, visit indianaconnection.org/youthpowerandhope. The deadline to apply is Friday, Oct. 4.
MARKETPLACE
Our Marketplace offers maximum exposure for your business or organization at a minimal cost.
Please contact Cheryl Solomon, 847-749-4875 or cheryl@amp.coop , for other small business advertising opportunities in Indiana Connection .
Auction & Flea Market
SHIPSHEWANA FLEA MARKET OPEN NOW THROUGH SEPT. 25
Midwest’s Largest Flea Market
Every Tuesday & Wednesday 8 a.m.-4 p.m.; rain or shine
(Special Weekend Market Aug. 2 & 3)
Weekly Antique Auction
Every Wednesday, year-round
ShipshewanaFleaMarket.com
We know how to find all water leaks underground. Call us!
www.WhatsBelow.com
Shipshewana
Indiana eats
A family-owned treasure
Stream
Cliff Farm, Restaurant and Winery offers delicious local dishes in a welcoming atmosphere
Stream Cliff Farm, Restaurant and Winery, the proud home of Indiana’s oldest herb farm, offers a diverse range of gastronomic and social encounters throughout the spring, summer, and early fall. Located in Commiskey, each visit to the farm promises a new and exciting experience.
With a history dating back to 1821, Stream Cliff Farm runs as deep as America’s roots. James Harmon’s father received the plot of land for serving in the Revolutionary War. Now owned by locals Gerald and Betty Manning with the assistance of their adult children, Elizabeth and Greg, the property has taken on new life, preserving and repurposing many of its original structures.
Guests can enjoy delicious local dishes, sample wines, hunt for clothing and antiques, and even get married in one of its gardens. In
addition to seasonal food offerings, the Farm offers experiences like live concerts, tea blending classes, and a succulent make-and-take workshop.
Twigs & Sprigs Restaurant offers a unique dining experience with thoughtfully presented artisan plates. Each plate features fresh herbs and wine cultivated onsite and is topped with an herb sprig or edible flower.
Favorite menu items include the dill and rosemary chicken salad, birdseed pasta salad, soups in edible bread bowls, and half-pound burgers. The chef and staff also pride themselves in providing fresh and inventive seasonal specials featuring the best of local produce.
The desserts at Twigs & Sprigs are no less than divine. The team serves comfort classics like hummingbird cake, bread pudding with bourbon sauce, and fruit cobblers.
Twigs & Sprigs also offers candlelight dinners outside the restaurant’s regular operating hours, for which separate reservations must be made. The property also hosts private parties, large groups, meetings, and other special events.
The winery typically offers 18 to 20 wines, including Golden Gallop, a dry Pinot Grigio, and Marquette, often called the “grandson of Pinot Noir.”
Uniquely monikered dry reds like Iron Hand, Rawhide, Old Bo, and Running Horse Red and whites like My Dolly, Spotted Horse, and Horsefeathers are available to sample and buy. Guest favorites include blackberry wine and its holiday offering, Santa’s Secret Recipe, only available from October through December.
Stephanie Bernaba is a freelancer with national reach who thrives on topics like food and entertainment.
Photos courtesy of Stream Cliff Farms
1920s Style for a 1920s Price
It was a warm summer afternoon and my wife and I were mingling with the best of them. The occasion was a 1920s-themed party, and everyone was dressed to the nines. Parked on the manse’s circular driveway was a beautiful classic convertible. It was here that I got the idea for our new 1920s Retrograde Watch.
Never ones to miss an opportunity, we carefully steadied our glasses of bubbly and climbed into the car’s long front seat. Among the many opulent features on display was a series of dashboard dials that accentuated the car’s lavish aura. One of those dials inspired our 1920s Retrograde Watch, a genuinely unique timepiece that marries timeless style with modern technology.
With its remarkable retrograde hour and minute indicators, sunburst guilloche face and precision movement, this design is truly one of a kind. What does retrograde mean? Instead of displaying the hands rotating on an axis like most watches, the hands sweep in a semicircle, then return to their starting point and begin all over again.
Retrograde watches by the big brands can set you back thousands; one recent offering from a big French fashion house is selling for more than $150,000! But because we’ve designed the 1920s Retrograde Watch in-house, we can offer it to you for just $99!
This watch is so wildly popular with our customers that we’re actually concerned about running out; we only have 937 729 left for this ad!
Watch Specifications:
• Precision movement
• Stainless steel case, caseback and crown
• Retrograde hour and minute indicators
• Water-resistant to 5 ATM
• Brown genuine leather band
• Fits wrists up to 8"
1920s Retrograde Watch
$399 $99* + S&P Save $300
*Special price only for customers using the offer code.
“An elegant and exciting timepiece that every collector will love.”
— George omas, internationally renowned watch expert
“[A] unique and beautiful timepiece.”
— Carlos C., Los Banos, CA
DON’T LEARN THESE LESSONS FROM EXPERIENCE
Teen drivers should know about electrical road hazards before getting behind the wheel
For an inexperienced teen driver, wrecking the family car is almost a rite of passage. The only way for young drivers to gain experience is to get behind the wheel and put miles behind them.
Some dangers, though, cannot be learned from personal “experience.” Take this example: an accident involving a utility pole. How the driver and passengers handle themselves in those moments after the car comes to a stop may mean the difference between life and death.
“Stay in the car, stay in the car, stay in the car!” is the mantra Indiana Electric Cooperatives wants young drivers to remember.
“When a power line is involved, even a minor accident can become tragic,” said Jon Elkins, vice president of safety, training and compliance at Indiana Electric Cooperatives. “Staying put for all involved and warning others to stay away, too, cannot be stressed enough. You should only get out after a qualified first responder arrives on the scene and says it’s OK.”
Staying put may go against a driver’s first inclination; you want to get out and check the car and see if everyone around is OK.
Teenagers, especially, might worry that “Dad is going to kill me!” But stepping out of the car immediately after striking a utility pole may kill you — for real. Here’s why:
• POWER LINES FALL. When a pole is struck, power lines and hardware can break loose from their insulated perches on the pole.
• FALLEN POWER LINES CAN STILL BE ENERGIZED. Even touching the ground, they can still carry 7,200 volts or more, although they may not spark or buzz.
• POWER LINES ARE NOT INSULATED. Unlike the power cords on appliances we use, overhead power lines are bare strands of metal wire. This means grabbing one, grazing up against one, or touching something that’s touching it can kill you.
• FALLEN POWER LINES ARE HARD TO SEE. They may seem easy to see up on poles, silhouetted against the sky, or glistening in sunlight. But when knocked down and twisted with tall grass or trees as a background, especially at night, they are almost impossible to see.
• ELECTRICITY SEEKS THE QUICKEST PATH TO GROUND. You become that path if you get out of the car and touch a live power line and the ground.
• IF YOU ARE ALIVE, YOU ARE SAFE. Immediately after a collision with a utility pole, you may not know if power lines have broken loose and are on your car. If you are alive, you are not creating that deadly “path to ground.” But fallen power lines might be touching and energizing your vehicle or the ground near you. If so, and you step out onto the ground, the electricity flowing around your car will go through you to the ground.
• CALL 9-1-1. After hitting a pole, call 9-1-1. Tell them you hit a pole. And wait patiently. Tell others to stay back. Wait till you know it’s safe before exiting.
Choose a homelift, not a stairlift
The Modern Solution
A Stiltz Homelift is a safe, attractive, & affordable alternative to stairlifts. It requires no special machine room, and no supporting walls.
Economical & Flexible
A Stiltz Homelift can t just about anywhere in your house. It has a compact footprint, similar in size to a small armchair. A Stiltz Homelift plugs into a standard home electrical outlet, using less power than boiling a kettle.
Your Forever Home
Avoid the expense and distress of relocating, or the disruption of adapting your home for downstairs living. A Stiltz Homelift helps you live safely and independently in the home you love.
It’s Never Too Soon
Some Stiltz customers need a Homelift immediately. But others want to “future-proof” their homes for when the stairs become a challenge.
Homelift
Specialists
Stiltz is a world leading Homelift manufacturer, so you’ll be in good hands. Your elevator will be installed and maintained by Stiltz trained professionals - who truly care about your freedom.
“I can’t imagine what we’d do without it. I wish we had installed our Stiltz Homelift several years ago!”
– Mr. James, Roanoke VA
Pucker up
Lemon brings a bright, summery blend of sweet and sour to any recipe
HEAVENLY LEMON OREO CHEESECAKE
Marilles Mauer, Greensburg
1 (14.3 oz) package golden Oreos
½ cup butter, melted
2 packages (3.4 oz each) instant lemon pudding mix
3¼ cups milk
2 (8 oz) containers Cool Whip
1 (8 oz) package
cream cheese
1 cup powdered sugar
Crush all the Oreos in a food processor. Reserve a ¾ cup of crumbs for the topping. Pour the remaining crumbs into a 9x13inch pan, spreading them out evenly. Pour melted butter all over the crumbs and mix together. Press down into the bottom of the pan to create a crust.
In a medium bowl, combine both lemon pudding mixes and milk. Whisk well to combine. Cover the bowl and place it in the refrigerator for 5 minutes to thicken. In a separate bowl, blend the cream cheese until smooth. Then blend in the powdered sugar until combined. Fold in one container of Cool Whip. Spread this evenly over the Oreo crust. Spread the lemon pudding over the cream cheese layer. Then, spread the remaining container of Cool Whip over the top. Sprinkle the top with the remaining crushed Oreos. Cover and chill in the refrigerator for 2 hours before serving.
LEMON CRINKLE COOKIES Laura Garza, Beech Grove
2 cups all-purpose flour
½ tsp baking soda
¼ tsp salt
½ cup butter, melted and cooled
1 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 large egg yolk
2 Tbsp freshly squeezed
lemon juice
1 Tbsp freshly grated lemon zest
1 tsp lemon extract
½ cup powdered sugar
Mix together flour, baking soda, and salt and set aside. In a large bowl, mix the melted butter and granulated sugar with a whisk until smooth. Add the egg and egg yolk and combine with a whisk. Add lemon extract, lemon juice, and lemon zest and whisk together. Stir in the dry ingredients and mix until a dough forms. Refrigerate for 2-4 hours.
Preheat the oven to 325 F. Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and roll in the powdered sugar, coating completely. Place the balls 2 inches apart on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 10-12 minutes until the edges are fully set, and the middle is not too wet to the touch. Cool completely before serving. Makes 18 cookies.
LEMON CHICKEN ORZO SOUP
Suetta Tingler, Corydon
1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 Tbsp olive oil
1 medium onion, diced
3 carrots, diced
3 celery ribs, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
6 cups chicken stock
1 bay leaf
1/2½ tsp oregano
¾ cup uncooked orzo
8 oz fresh baby spinach
Juice of 1 lemon
Salt and pepper to taste
Chop the chicken into bite-size pieces. Season with salt and pepper. Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook, stirring often, until golden on all sides for about 5 minutes. Remove the chicken and set aside. Add the onions, carrots, and celery to the pot and cook over medium heat, stirring often, until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for 30 seconds more. Add the chicken stock, bay leaf, and oregano to the pot and bring to a boil. Add the orzo and chicken to the pot and simmer for 10 minutes or until the orzo has softened. Stir in the spinach and cook until wilted or about 2 minutes. Remove from the heat and stir in the lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper as needed.
BY CHRIS ADAM
The market for smaller, sustainable living options continues to grow TINY HOUSES, BIG OPPORTUNITIES
If you’re interested in living in a tiny house, you may be grateful to call Indiana home. The state has been called one of the best for tiny houses — thanks partly to more relaxed regulations and communities across Indiana that welcome those who own one.
Indiana has a Log Cabin Rule that allows you to build a tiny house on your property. It can be used as your permanent residence, recreational space, or for work.
Unlike other states, Indiana law allows you to live there full-time. Keep in mind, however, you will still need to follow local zoning rules and regulations. If you’re ready to explore
the big opportunities that can come with tiny houses in Indiana, here’s a look at some things to know as you consider all your options.
WHAT IS A TINY HOUSE?
Before we look at life in tiny houses in the Hoosier State, it’s helpful to understand what “ tiny “ means when it comes to homes. In general, they are units under 400 square feet. The term applies to homes built on a permanent foundation or a mobile platform.
Tiny homes can be built on wheels to RV standards or residential building code standards. A unit built to the residential building code standards
can be built on wheels, but it needs to be affixed to the ground when sited.
If you’re ready to build your own tiny house, keep in mind that Indiana residential codes and other rules need to be followed. According to TinyHouse, a website dedicated to providing information on tiny homes, here are some rules to follow:
• The ceilings cannot be lower than 6 feet (this applies to hallways and all habitable spaces).
• The loft or the living room should have a minimum horizontal floor space of 5 feet.
• The loft area needs a minimum height of 3 feet.
• The width of the staircase should not be less than 17 inches at or above the handrail.
• The roof window in the loft area can be considered an emergency exit route, and the bottom of the opening should be no more than 44 inches above the loft base.
WHAT ARE PREFAB AND MODULAR HOMES?
According to Jesica Lozano from PrefabList, prefab is a broad term encompassing several building styles. A prefab building is constructed partially or entirely in a factory and transported whole or in parts to be assembled on the building site.
Modular homes are created in sections, often called modules, assembled on-site like Legos. Typically, these pieces must be moved via flatbed truck, meaning historically, most modules were constrained
to 16 feet in width. However, new construction technology is making modular homes more customizable than ever.
According to Lozano, there are four primary types of prefab buildings:
• Standard prefab homes: Similar to stick-built homes, only constructed offsite.
• Tiny homes: Smaller living spaces, similar in size to RVs, can be wheeled or on a platform.
• Offices, studios, bunkies: Usually one-room buildings used for work or extra sleeping and typically don’t have plumbing.
• Guesthouses (cabins and cottages): Similar to prefab homes but generally smaller and intended as a second home, weekend getaway, in-law suite, or rental property.
The PrefabList website lets you compare hundreds of examples of these types of buildings.
A RISE IN POPULARITY
Why have tiny houses become so popular in recent years? According to Fortune magazine, “The phenomenon has its roots in the early 2000s when many Millennials rebelled against the McMansion-leaning norms of late 20th-century culture.”
According to Lozano, “The popularity of tiny homes in the United States stems from a movement, which was incited by the ballooning size of the average American home, decreasing home affordability for the average American, and increased environmental awareness.”
continued on page 22
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“People want tiny homes in Indiana for the same reasons they want them in other parts of the country,” said Daniel Fitzpatrick, president of the Tiny Home Industry Association. “They help fill the need for affordable housing with flexibility.”
According to Fitzpatrick, one of the most prominent groups of buyers of tiny houses is Baby Boomers, especially those who are retired or about to retire. He said they want to build tiny houses in their backyard to meet the needs of their family. For instance, they may want a unit to house their adult children or grandchildren. In other cases, they need a place for a caretaker to live on the property. Putting a tiny house in the backyard can help defray costs.
Fitzpatrick said young working adults are also buying tiny houses as they struggle to find affordable studio and one-bedroom living options in some growing metro areas. Many also want to be more environmentally friendly and not have an entire house for just one person.
If they’re just starting their careers, tiny homes offer the flexibility to relocate for future jobs.
ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES
Fitzpatrick said tiny houses offer many advantages to buyers and their communities compared to larger residences. In addition to lower purchase prices and construction material waste, they offer reduced carbon footprints and significantly reduced energy consumption. While costs can vary widely, according to Fortune, the average tiny home costs about $50,000.
Photo courtesy of Wind River Built
Photo courtesy of Wind River Built
Tiny homes also come with some challenges. One obvious challenge is the potential lack of storage space. In addition, due to the smaller house size, you may have to get creative with appliances and sleeping arrangements.
According to Lozano, tiny homes are often compared to RVs, but they can be differentiated by their use of traditional building techniques and materials and their aesthetic similarity to larger homes.
Unlike traditional stick-built homes, tiny homes are built to be moved, which allows the flexibility to disassemble them even after they have been placed on their current foundation and moved from one location to another.
HOOSIER TINY HOUSE COMMUNITIES
If you decide to be a part of the tiny house community in Indiana, you have lots of choices to choose from beyond your yard for where to build. According to TinyHouse, here are some of the best places to build a tiny house in the Hoosier State:
• Carmel
• Evansville
• Fort Wayne
• Indianapolis
• Schererville
• South Bend
RV parks and other tiny home colonies may offer a welcoming community. Some tiny home communities provide more than reduced-size housing.
Sage Valley, located in Worthington, is a small, intentional community of residents striving for a minimal and sustainable environmental impact.
The ecovillage is a registered nonprofit and operates an event space and education center. It also supports a nature school where children of all ages can experience the positive impact of being in nature.
Circle City Village in Indianapolis offers hope through tiny houses.
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Photo courtesy of Wind River Built
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It is a community that serves as transitional housing, where people experiencing homelessness can find healing and take the next steps to a sustainable life in an environment that supports and embraces them. According to their website, “Residents are not simply clients or projects to be fixed by staff and volunteers. They become members of a community with a vested interest in working together to build strong support networks for each other. Residents develop a sense of dignity and ownership by being involved in the community’s decision-making, maintenance, and management.”
MANUFACTURERS NEAR INDIANA
If you’re looking for tiny house manufacturers near Indiana, you have a variety of choices. Here are a few of the options.
Great Lakes Tiny Homes
With offices in Blanchard, Michigan, and Baltic, Ohio, Great Lakes Tiny Homes is a family-run business that is passionate about living a sustainable lifestyle. The company offers several models with intriguing names, including Hunter’s Dream, The Elope, and The Cub.
Woodland Park
Woodland Park, based in Middlebury, Indiana, blends high-quality craftsmanship with innovation to offer personalized living units. The company was founded 30 years ago by Ernie and Edna Yoder, who grew up in large Amish families. They work with dealers all across the Midwest to showcase their homes.
New Energy Homes
New Energy Homes offers tiny homes and modular homes in Nappanee, Indiana. For over 55 years, the company has provided people and businesses with sustainable, attractive, and affordable buildings through innovative engineering and quality components. They also participate in philanthropic work around the world, creating churches, orphanages, and other humanitarian buildings.
Woolywagons
You may never have seen tiny homes like the ones offered by Woolywagons in Russiaville, Indiana. Along with tiny homes, they create gypsy wagons that look like the wagons of the 1800s. Company founder Steve Auth used his experiences with ranch life and as a horse owner to bring the wagons to the market.
Wind River Built
Wind River Built is a fast-growing company based in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Operating out of its 92,000-square-foot facility, the 10-year-old company builds both modular and tiny homes, which have shipped to 30 states. The company is passionate about creating stylish, functional housing for its customers’ exact needs.
A NEW KIND OF FREEDOM
It’s safe to say that a tiny home is not for everyone. However, if you’re interested in living a more environmentally conscious lifestyle, owning fewer material things, and having a greater ability to travel, it’s possible a 400-square-foot home can give you the freedom you desire.
A FEW THINGS TO CONSIDER WHEN BUYING A TINY HOME
• Where would you like to build your home? What are the residential building codes and other regulations in the area?
• How many people will live in the home? What space, including storage, do they need?
• How are you going to finance it? Most tiny homes don’t qualify for traditional mortgages.
• Think about what kind of insulation and HVAC system you want for your tiny house to help you beat the outside temperatures and conditions.
• If you want an off-grid lifestyle, consider solar power options.
• Look at your choices for an exterior deck to maximize your tiny house space.
• Think about the location of your tiny home and the available shade from trees and landscaping.
Will This Strange Antarctic Squid Solve America’s Memory Crisis?
New Deep Sea Discovery Proven to Be The #1 Natural Enhancer of Memory and Focus
Half a mile beneath the icy waters off the coast of Argentina lives one of the most remarkable creatures in the world.
Fully grown, they’re less than 2 feet long and weigh under 10 pounds…
But despite their small size, this strange little squid can have a bigger positive impact on your brain health than any other species on the planet.
They are the single richest source of a vital “brain food” that 250 million Americans are starving for, according to a study published in the British Medical Journal.
It’s a safe, natural compound called DHA – one of the building blocks of your brain. It helps children grow their brains significantly bigger during development. And in adults, it protects brain cells from dying as they get older.
Because DHA is so important, lacking enough of it is not only dangerous to your overall health but could be directly related to your brain shrinking with age.
With more than 16 million Americans suffering from ageassociated cognitive impairment, it’s clear to a top US doctor that’s where the problem lies.
Regenerative medicine specialist Dr. Al Sears, says thankfully, “there’s still hope for seniors. Getting more of this vital brain food can make a life changing difference for your mental clarity, focus, and memory.”
Dr. Sears, a highly-acclaimed, board-certified doctor— who has published more than 500 studies and written 4 bestselling books — says we should be able to get enough DHA in our diets… but we don’t anymore.
“For thousands of years, fish were a great natural source of DHA. But due to industrial fish farming practices, the fish we eat and the fish oils you see at the store are no longer as nutrient-dense as they once were,” he explains.
DHA is backed by hundreds of studies for supporting razor sharp focus, extraordinary mental clarity, and a lightning quick memory… especially in seniors.
So, if you’re struggling with
focus, mental clarity, or memory as you get older…
Dr. Sears recommends a different approach.
THE SECRET TO A LASTING MEMORY
Research has shown that our paleo ancestors were able to grow bigger and smarter brains by eating foods rich in one ingredient — DHA.
“Our hippocampus thrives off DHA and grows because of it,” explains Dr. Sears. “Without DHA, our brains would shrink, and our memories would quickly fade.”
A groundbreaking study from the University of Alberta confirmed this. Animals given a diet rich in DHA saw a 29% boost in their hippocampus — the part of the brain responsible for learning and memory. As a result, these animals became smarter.
Another study on more than 1,500 seniors found that those whose brains were deficient in DHA had significantly smaller brains — a characteristic of accelerated aging and weakened memory.
PEOPLE’S BRAINS ARE SHRINKING AND THEY DON’T EVEN KNOW IT
Dr. Sears uncovered that sometime during the 1990s, fish farmers stopped giving their animals a natural, DHA-rich diet and began feeding them a diet that was 70% vegetarian.
“It became expensive for farmers to feed fish what they’d eat in the wild,” explains Dr. Sears. “But in order to produce DHA, fish need to eat a natural, marine diet, like the one they’d eat in the wild.”
“Since fish farmers are depriving these animals of their natural diet, DHA is almost nonexistent in the oils they produce.”
“And since more than 80% of fish oil comes from farms, it’s no wonder the country is experiencing a memory crisis. Most people’s brains are shrinking and they don’t even know it.”
So, what can people do to improve their memory and brain function in the most effective way possible?
MEMORY-RESTORING SENSATION: The memory-saving oil in this Antarctic squid restores decades of lost brain power starting in just 24 hours.
Dr. Sears says, “Find a quality DHA supplement that doesn’t come from a farmed source. That will protect your brain cells and the functions they serve well into old age.”
Dr. Sears and his team worked tirelessly for over 2 years developing a unique brain-boosting formula called Omega Rejuvenol It’s made from the most powerful source of DHA in the ocean, squid and krill — two species that cannot be farmed.
According to Dr. Sears, these are the purest and most potent sources of DHA in the world, because they haven’t been tampered with. “Omega Rejuvenol is sourced from the most sustainable fishery in Antarctica. You won’t find this oil in any stores.”
MORE IMPRESSIVE RESULTS
Already, the formula has sold more than 850,000 bottles. And for a good reason, too. Satisfied customers can’t stop raving about the memory-boosting benefits of quality-sourced DHA oil.
“The first time I took it, I was amazed. The brain fog I struggled with for years was gone within 24 hours. The next day, I woke up with the energy and mental clarity of a new man,” says Owen R.
“I remember what it was like before I started taking Omega Rejuvenol… the lack of focus… the dull moods… the slippery memory… but now my mind is as clear as it’s ever been,” says Estelle H.
“My mood and focus are at an
all-time high. I’ve always had trouble concentrating, and now I think I know why,” raves Bernice J. “The difference that Omega Rejuvenol makes couldn’t be more noticeable.”
And 70-year-old Mark K. says, “My focus and memory are back to age-30 levels.”
These are just a handful of the thousands of reviews Dr. Sears regularly receives thanks to his breakthrough memory formula, Omega Rejuvenol
WHERE TO FIND OMEGA REJUVENOL
To secure bottles of this brainbooster, buyers should contact the Sears Health Hotline at 1-800-4406052. “It takes time to manufacture these bottles,” says Dr. Sears. “The Hotline allows us to ship the product directly to customers who need it most.”
Dr. Sears feels so strongly about this product, he is offering a 100%, money-back guarantee on every order. “Send back any used or unused bottles within 90 days and I’ll rush you a refund,” says Dr. Sears.
The Hotline is taking orders for the next 48 hours. After that, the phone number may be shut down to allow for inventory restocking. Call 1-800-440-6052 to secure your limited supply of Omega Rejuvenol. Readers of this publication immediately qualify for a steep discount, but supplies are limited. To take advantage of this great offer use Promo Code ICOM824 when you call.
A CHANGE OF passion
Temporary
job leads to a new career for Singing Crust bakery owner
If you’re driving through Clayton on U.S. 40, you can’t miss the big red barn situated on the south side of the highway. That barn is where you will find Singing Crust, a bakery owned by Emily Waits, specializing in artisan breads and pastries.
For Waits, baking wasn’t always her passion. As a matter of fact, she earned her undergraduate and master’s degrees in music and had plans to earn a doctorate degree and teach voice lessons.
“I studied voice. I was never a very good performer, so I planned to teach voice,” said Waits. “I was taking a year off after my master’s degree before applying to doctorate programs, and I got a job in a grocery store bakery where we made the bread from scratch, and I really enjoyed it.”
That’s when her plans changed.
In 2014, Waits began her small bakery. The name Singing Crust
comes from a baking term that describes the cracking sound bread makes when it is taken out of the oven. With Wait’s love of music, the name made perfect sense.
Waits initially baked goods at the Hendricks County Fairgrounds. She started by selling at local farmers markets, including Avon, Brownsburg, and Columbus. Farmers markets begin on Saturdays in May and continue into September.
“We sell approximately 500 products at each farmers market, including 20 varieties of bread and 10 varieties of pastries,” said Waits.
Today, she still sells at the farmers markets and also provides bread and pastries to the Oasis Diner; however, her small endeavor has grown into so much more.
In 2021, Singing Crust opened a storefront in Clayton, supplying the local community with baked goods. At first, Waits rented the space,
along with other people who needed a commercial kitchen. When the owners decided they wanted to sell the building, Waits jumped at the chance to make it her own. And now, with nearly a dozen employees, she has aspirations to someday open a second location.
Some of the most popular items include sourdough bread and almond croissants. Some of Singing Crust’s items are always available, but some of the pastry and dessert flavors change with the season or are only available at the retail location, such as lemon bars, macarons, cheesecake, and cream puffs.
“What I enjoy most is making a lot of products and filling the empty shelves and racks,” said Waits. “There’s just something special about knowing that your hands were the ones that made all those items.”
Jodi Borger is a freelance writer from Tipp City, Ohio.
The “Little Pink Miracle” That’s Revolutionizing CoQ10
Pioneering Anti-Aging MD combined this pink power-generator with the world’s most absorbable CoQ10 – revitalizing millions of Americans suffering from occasional fatigue and other symptoms of aging.
Millions of Americans rely on caffeine and sugar to get through their to-do lists. Yet a “little pink miracle” is helping adults over 50 to regain the youthful energy of a 20-something.
The Surprising Link Between Flamingos and Endless Energy
South Florida doctor and anti-aging pioneer, Dr. Al Sears reveals the secret to all-day energy and vitality. He says it lies within one of nature’s most beautiful and iconic creatures – the amingo.
Combining this energizing pink nutrient with the unique and well-established powers of CoQ10 might solve people’s feelings of fatigue and many common aging symptoms.
Nature’s Most Potent Energy-Boosting Nutrient
“Most people don’t realize that amingos are born gray. But their diet is made up almost entirely of one incredible pink nutrient. And that’s what turns their feathers bright pink,” says Dr. Sears, “But what’s more remarkable is that while small birds live 2-5 years, and hawks and eagles can live up to 25 years. Flamingos often live up to 50 years – and the record is 83.”
Astaxanthin (asta-zan-thin) is a revitalizing pink nutrient. It’s a special type of antioxidant carotenoid with 6,000 times the free radical scavenging power of vitamin C.
Researchers have shown it helps promote a healthy immune system. It also supports healthy blood sugar and focused eyesight. It also helps boost endurance and athletic performance.
In fact, experts agree, astaxanthin is the single most powerful antioxidant in the world.
Astaxanthin may explain the amingo’s incredible lifespan. It also gives salmon their similar pink color. And, more importantly, the strength and endurance they need to swim upstream against powerful currents during their spawning season.
The Most Powerful Source of Lasting Natural Energy –No Caffeine Jitters, Sugar Crashes, Or Artificial Anything
Dr. Sears added astaxanthin to Ultra Accel Q, his already ground-
breaking supplement. This is the product’s fourth generation. It leads the industry in quality and ef cacy. It has already sold over 725,000.
Ultra Accel Q combines the highest-potency astaxanthin available today with a vitamin-like nutrient called PQQ. It also includes the most absorbable CoQ10 form available — ubiquinol.
Creating the purest, cleanest source of lasting natural energy available anywhere.
PQQ and CoQ10: The Dynamic Duo for Cellular Energy Production
Pyrroloquinoline Quinone or PQQ earned the nickname “Mitochondrial Fertilizer” because it promotes the growth of new mitochondria within your cells.
Your mitochondria are the “power plants” that generate your body’s energy. Mitochondria are crucial for producing energy. More power plants are the rst step to igniting energy and stamina throughout the day.
The next step is fueling all those new “power plants”. And that’s where the 4th generation of CoQ10 comes in.
CoQ10 is the high-octane fuel that powers all our activities, like thinking, breathing, walking, and running. It also acts as a potent antioxidant that protects your mitochondria from damage and helps them function at peak ef ciency.
“We used to need tremendous doses to even come close to meeting the CoQ10 needs of adults over 40.” But Dr. Sears says he has identi ed the world’s most absorbable form –a way to not only meet but exceed the needs.
Dr. Sears insists on Ubiquinol – it is by far the most absorbable form of CoQ10. Dr. Sears was the rst to offer this energizing nutrient to American health enthusiasts like you.
PQQ and CoQ10 enhance energy production at the cellular level. And when combined with astaxanthin, the results are truly remarkable.
Real People, Real Results: Ultra Accel Q is Changing Lives
Early reviews of Ultra Accel Q have been nothing short of incredible. Men and women wake up feeling refreshed, energized, and ready to take on their day.
Energize your life with Ultra Accel Q — Now with three of nature’s most potent rejuvenators!
William M. from Jupiter, Florida writes, “At 64 years old, I cannot remember feeling this good, even as a kid. I’m exercising again, yoga, push-ups, jumping jacks… I feel so good it’s almost beyond description.”
“I have girlfriends 10 years younger than myself, and when we go out, people think I’m the youngest… Even though I am 67, I feel 40.” That is from Dianne M., Victoria, Australia
And Mark H. says, “I’m 60 years old and work physically every day. And basically, I never get tired. I have three granddaughters that live with me. They are 2, 4, and 7 years old… I feel like I’m one of them!”
Now It’s Your Turn to Feel True Lasting Natural Energy
You could be just days away from experiencing the rejuvenating spark that comes with fueling real cellular energy. And as the days and weeks pass, that spark will grow into the kind of boundless energy and vitality typically reserved for people years, even decades younger.
You’ll start every day feeling condent, vibrant, focused, and optimistic. I’m talking about the kind of vitality that people can’t help but notice. So, get ready for the admiring comments about how great you look and how much energy you have. Because that’s the power of Ultra Accel Q.
It’s Not Surprising That Ultra Accel Q Is Quickly Gaining Popularity
It’s making waves in the industry
and creating a buzz among people who are fed up with feeling tired, sluggish, and mentally foggy.
And because Ultra Accel Q is only available through Dr. Al Sears’ company Primal Force, demand is high, and stocks are running out faster than they can be replenished.
That’s probably because Dr. Sears is currently offering readers a riskfree trial of Ultra Accel Q.
Get Ultra Accel Q
Before It’s Gone!
“It’s not available in retail stores yet,” says Dr. Sears. The reason? Dr. Sears doesn’t want pro t-driven third-party retailers raising the price of a unique, revolutionary product that has the power to truly transform people’s lives.
“We want to keep Ultra Accel Q affordable for anyone who wants to try it. And not only can we ship directly to the customer, but we’re able to get orders in the mail within 24 hours.”
And for anyone who still feels skeptical, Dr. Sears is backing every order with a risk-free, 100% money-back guarantee.
To take advantage of this special offer, simply call the Sears Toll-Free Health Hotline at 1-800-228-5045 now. Use Promo Code ICUAQ824 when you call.
Due to recent media exposure for Ultra Accel Q, Primal Force is experiencing unprecedented demand. If the phone line is busy when you call, please try again to avoid missing this exclusive one-time-only offer.
Hoosier Energy news
REAL, MEANINGFUL WORK
Lafferty gains beneficial experience during Hoosier Energy internship
When Darian Lafferty graduated from Bloomington High School North in May, she started her summer internship at Hoosier Energy.
However, it would be the second time she interned for the Bloomingtonbased generation and transmission cooperative. Lafferty served as a high school intern — the first at Hoosier in recent memory — from September to May in an experience that proved beneficial for both parties.
“She did great work,” System Planning Manager Carl Field said. “This was not an internship where we said, ‘Oh, let’s assign some random busy work, some filing and stuff that’s been piling up on our backburner.’ She was doing real, meaningful work and did a great job of it.
“She showed maturity, initiative, and motivation far beyond what we would expect from a high school student.”
Lafferty, who will be studying electrical engineering at the University of Southern Indiana this fall, found the experience only confirmed her chosen major.
“I have been interested in engineering in general for a few years because my stepdad works with mechanical and electrical engineering with HVAC systems,” she said. “It’s a different ballfield, but still interesting working with circuits. I’ve always leaned towards math and building and construction and that mindset.”
With the help of System Planning Engineer Greg Jekel, a recent Purdue graduate, Lafferty found herself diving into the deep end of the pool of realworld experience.
“The thing I learned most from Carl, Greg, and Mike (Dix) was learning to think like an engineer,” she said. “You can problem solve in school, but you usually have directions. In the real world, it’s more like here is what it looks like. Figure it out. You have to have a goal in mind, break it into steps, and work backward…It’s a different way of thinking.”
Lafferty doesn’t mind different. She was also a golfer and violinist in high school and saw some similarities between three of her biggest interests.
Meanwhile, Hoosier Energy sees potential beyond this summer.
“We will keep an eye on Darian because, in four years, she will be graduating from engineering school,” Field said. “By then, it may be time to see if she wants to stay local after graduation.”
Intern Darian Lafferty with System Planning Manager Carl Field
EXPERIENCE AUTOMOTIVE HISTORY
Kick off Labor Day weekend with fun for the whole family at the Auburn Cord Duesenberg Festival
Art, ingenuity, and power collide in Auburn, Indiana, this summer as hundreds of proud preservers of automotive history share their rides with the masses.
Although a century has passed since the Duesenberg won the Indianapolis 500, the cool factor of automobiles from a bygone era hasn’t aged a bit. See the striking design of Deusenbergs of yesteryear and the sleek modern machines of today at the Auburn Cord Duesenberg Festival. Hundreds of cars are expected at this year’s festival, where attendees will have a once-in-a-lifetime chance to see and even experience automotive history.
“The Auburn Cord Duesenberg Club cars are the stars of the show,” said the Festival’s Executive Director, Leslie Peel. “It's so exciting to see those cars driving around Auburn over Labor Day weekend. Many of those owners leave their cars on loan with our local museums year-
round for all to enjoy and then take them out to drive during the festival.”
Spend your Friday at the Downtown Cruise-In at Auburn’s Courthouse Square. Here, entrants showcase their beloved cars for all to see starting at 10 a.m. while onlookers can weave into shops, dine at restaurants and food trucks, marvel at the murals, and refresh their palates at the official downtown bar. Tell the kids to save some room for the ice cream social at 5:30 p.m. before the free concert starts at 6:15 p.m.
If your Friday evening wasn’t jampacked enough, the fun starts all over on Saturday morning. Wake with the owners and make your way to Eckhart Park to see the ACD Club cars for their show and judging before they roll out for Parade of Classics, which makes its way through the parade route starting at 1 p.m. and culminating at Courthouse Square.
Want to take a ride? Pick up a free Ticket to Ride at Auburn Fort Financial Credit Union starting Aug. 5 or at the festival and ride through downtown Auburn in one of the classics from 4 to 5 p.m. Generations of automotive history come together Saturday night for Fast and Fabulous powered by SweetCars. Over 100 exotic sports cars like Lamborghinis, McLarens, and Ferraris will cruise in from 4:30 to 7 p.m., with the Fast and Fabulous concert running from 6 to 11 p.m.
The Auburn Cord Duesenberg Festival runs Aug. 29-31 and is free to attend. While most events are centralized downtown, Auburn’s automobile museums and auction will host events during the festival. Learn more at acdfestival.org
Natalie Derrickson is a freelancer from Indianapolis.
Photo courtesy of Daniel Church from Visit DeKalb
The contented hum of sunflowers
One of the best reasons to visit a field of sunflowers is for the way it sounds. The inescapable beauty of such a place attracts gawkers and admirers of all kinds who create a contented hum that can be found nowhere else.
We are in the season for sunflowers, which mature for backyard gardeners and commercial growers alike by mid-July to early August. Where there is a field of blossoming sunflowers, there is not only an abundance of bees and beetles and birds but plenty of human passersby, those who cruise country roads with open windows, who set up camera tripods, and those drawn by the inevitable social media buzz.
A summer ago, a farmer friend of ours who grows acres of organic sunflowers in Eastern Parke County realized the attraction of his fields. For as long as there was daylight, a steady stream of cars idled past his property on roads typically driven only by the few folks who live along them. They are narrow country lanes, many graveled or mostly patched, with some inexplicable compass point associated with their green road signs, yet they are found as if people are on some sort of hunt for treasure.
At times, my friend grew irritated with the strangers who laid claim to his sunflowers, some who parked in the road and brazenly walked into his fields, others who clipped the heads of particularly pretty flowers, and still others who left their trash behind. Since I fancy myself a photographer, I showed up too, pulling my truck into a grassy ditch on several evenings, and, with his permission, snapped away.
On one occasion, as I stood on the truck’s tailgate with a camera, a wiry pedestrian speed-walked by, out, I suspected, for her usual head-clearing evening exercise. As I turned to see her, a car crept by, its radio turned up louder than it needed to be. She was clearly irritated by the unwelcomed disturbance, and even though I said something pleasant to her about the splendor of the field on that gorgeous summer night, it was obvious that she wasn’t particularly happy to see me there either. I understood that a quiet but pleasant drone near sunflowers could only be heard in near silence.
Members of the aster family and the genus, “helianthus” (a literal Greek translation of their name), sunflowers were cultivated by North
American peoples long before Europeans came here. They are not a single flower at all, but 1,000 to 2,000 “florets” bloom in each. Sunflowers attract insect friends and foes alike, the latter a variety of destructive moths and beetles that challenge farmers. The former are beneficial pollinators, from honeybees to hoverflies, ladybugs to lacewings. As far as birds go, goldfinches are sunflower connoisseurs.
In this summer of heat and baked earth, it is a challenge to find a more pleasant place than a sunflower field. If you know of one, take in the splendor of its bright faces and vivid colors. But, just for a moment, close your eyes and listen.
Mike Lunsford is a freelance columnist, feature writer, and photographer, primarily for the Terre Haute Tribune-Star and Terre Haute Living magazine. The author of seven books lives in Parke County with his wife, Joanie. Contact Lunsford at hickory913@gmail.com.
