Clark County REMC - January 2023 Indiana Connection

from the editor

Saying goodbye

Thirty-nine years ago, I began a journey that ended up defining my lifetime. Just a couple of years out of college, I was hired to write a history book about rural electrification in Indiana and work on a tabloid newspaper called Electric Consumer. I never would have imagined back then that I would make a career of editing that publication and the magazine it later became, Indiana Connection.

Throughout that career, I’ve evolved, both professionally and personally. Not only have I learned about the electric cooperative industry, I’ve learned about the people behind it — the employees, the directors, the consumers. I’ve learned about Indiana. I’ve learned about you. I’ve even learned about me with every one of the 350-plus columns I’ve written. Sharing my musings, stories and informational nuggets with you has been a privilege I don’t take for granted.

That’s why saying goodbye now is one of the hardest things I’ve done. This is my last issue as editor of Indiana Connection. I’m slowing my pace down a smidge by entering the world of retirement. Stephanie Groves will be taking over my role starting with next month’s issue. She shares my dedication to making sure Indiana Connection is a magazine that entertains and informs and connects with you each month. I know you’ll enjoy getting to know her in the months and years ahead.

Before I go, I’d like to thank the talented and hard-working individuals who have worked on Electric Consumer/Indiana Connection through the years. Each one impacted the publication in his or her own way and contributed to its success. I remember and appreciate everyone who’s been part of our editorial team and am so thankful we were able to work together, collaborate and be part of each other’s lives — some for just a few months, and some, like my friend, Senior Editor Richard Biever, for over three decades. Thank you all for not only sharing your talents — but also the laughs and sometimes the tears.

I feel truly blessed to have been able to work for you, the readers, all these years. I’ll cherish the memories!

Giveaway: Enter to win an IEC prize pack featuring a 32 oz. stainless steel tumbler, bluetooth tracker, power bank, notebook, screwdriver, ice cream scoop, cord organizer, bottle opener and measuring tape. Visit indianaconnection.org/ talk-to-us/contests or send your contact information to the address below. The deadline to enter is Jan. 31.

Three ways to contact us: To send us recipes, photos, event listings, letters and entries for gift drawings, please use the forms on our website indianaconnection.org; email info@indianaconnection.org; or send to Indiana Connection, 8888 Keystone Crossing, Suite 1600, Indianapolis, IN 46240-4606.

VOLUME 72 • NUMBER 7

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 304,000 residents and businesses receive the magazine as part of their electric co-op membership. Member’s cost per issue is approximately 32 cents, plus postage.

CONTACT US: 8888 Keystone Crossing, Suite 1600 Indianapolis, IN 46240-4606 317-487-2220 info@indianaconnection.org IndianaConnection.org

INDIANA ELECTRIC COOPERATIVES OFFICERS:

Randy Kleaving President

Steve McMichael Vice President

Dr. Richard Leeper Secretary/Treasurer

Tom VanParis Interim CEO

EDITORIAL STAFF: Emily Schilling Editor

Richard George Biever Senior Editor

Holly Huffman Communication Support Specialist

Lauren Carman Communication Manager

Kiley Lipps Graphic Designer

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.

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

SUBSCRIPTIONS: $12 for individuals not subscribing through participating REMCs/RECs.

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

POSTAGE: Periodicals postage paid at Indianapolis, Indiana, 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.

On the cover

Reporter’s notebook and pen in hand, retiring Indiana Connection Editor Emily Schilling interviews an Indiana REMC director about the myriad of ways coops provide exceptional service to their consumers. The interview took place 30 years ago at the 1992 annual meeting of Indiana’s electric cooperatives.

PHOTO BY RICHARD G. BIEVER

CONTACT US

Office: 812-246-3316 / 800-462-6988 Outages: 866-480-REMC Fax: 812-246-3947

To pay your bill by phone or inquire about your account: 877-484-4042

EMAIL info@clarkremc.coop WEBSITE ClarkREMC.coop

OFFICE HOURS 7 a.m.-4 p.m., Monday-Friday

STREET ADDRESS 7810 State Road 60 Sellersburg, IN 47172

MAILING ADDRESS P.O. Box 411, Sellersburg, IN 47172

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Paul Graf, President John Biesel, Vice President Jeff Myers, Secretary/Treasurer Joe Basham Steve Dieterlen Mark Huber

Amberley Kendall

UPCOMING BOARD MEETINGS

Jan. 3 at 5:30 p.m. Feb. 7 at 5:30 p.m. March 13 at 5:30 p.m.

What's in store for 2023

It’s 2023, and I for one am excited for what’s in store at Clark County REMC. We have spent the last few months working with a national leader in technology planning, NRTC, to help us make the best use of the new technologies and systems out there. Much of this work will be happening behind the scenes, but I do want to share with you some of what we’ve been discussing these last few months.

The last major upgrade to our metering system was nearly twenty years ago, and the age of our system is starting to show.

look for a new metering system, a better member experience will be on the top of our list.

Like us on Facebook: facebook.com/ ClarkCountyREMC

Follow us on Twitter twitter.com/ClarkCountyREMC

Follow us on Instagram instagram.com/ClarkCoREMC

Follow us on LinkedIn linkedin.com/company/clarkcounty-remc

For example, the electric meters we use now can’t alert us if your home is out of power. We rely on you to call us and let us know. Reliability is extremely important to us, and we certainly don't want our electric meters to start failing because of their age. We want to give you the best possible service, so as we

We are also reviewing every option to bring affordable, reliable internet through our service territory. Given our proximity to Louisville, many of our communities already have an internet provider on their street. But for areas where no service already exists, we are exploring options and partnerships to ensure that all twenty-four thousand REMC members have access to the services they need, without jeopardizing REMC’s position as a strong and healthy utility. These strategic priorities will take years to accomplish. Since you, the members of this cooperative, are also the owners of the business, we care too much about your money to invest it without thorough research and due diligence. But rest assured that work is being done. We are committed to being the best electric provider we can be, both now and for years to come.

JASON CLEMMONS CEO

RETIREMENT FOR DAVE BARTON AND JAY MUNK

After 38 years of service to Clark County REMC, DAVE BARTON, manager of operations and engineering, retired at the end of 2022.

Barton started his career with REMC as a groundman and then was given the opportunity to be an apprentice lineman in 1984. His drive to continue training and learning didn’t stop in 1989 when he became a lineman. He continued his education, which eventually earned him an associate degree from Purdue in electrical engineering technology.

In 2000, Barton became the operations supervisor, which led him to the role from which he is retiring, the manager of operations and engineering.

Dave plans to enjoy small trips with his wife, Vickie, spend time with kids and grandkids, finish projects around the house and catch up with old friends and retired REMC employees.

Looking back on the past 38 years, Dave stated, “Every position that I have had over the years has been the best. My career has been very rewarding. I have had the privilege to work with some amazing people that all want to do what is best for the members of REMC. I’m looking forward to the next chapter in my life and I have no worries that REMC will continue to do what is best for the members because that is what we always strive to do.”

REMC wants to wish Dave all the best in the future and thank him for all that he has done over the past 38 years.

After 34½ years, JAY MUNK, staking/engineering technician, retired from Clark County REMC in December.

Jay started his career in 1988 as a meter reader and then was promoted to a staking engineer in 1998. He stated, “I’ve been very blessed to work for such an amazing company over the years. My co-workers have become my extended family. It is going to be hard to leave REMC after being here each day over the past 30 years, but I am looking forward to having more time to relax, spending more time with family and friends and whatever else may come my way after retirement.”

We thank Jay for his hard work and dedication to the cooperative over the past 34½ years and wish him all the best in this next chapter of his life. Congratulations, Jay!

Jay Munk in the early '90s posing for a picture while reading a meter.

Jay Munk

Dave Barton

Dave Barton in the mid-'90s at Charlestown High School doing a high voltage demonstration.

APPLY FOR

youth programs

CAMP KILOWATT

JUNE 7-10

A fun, unique and electrifying camp experience designed for students entering seventh grade in 2023. Horseback riding, canoeing, zip lining, archery, swimming, learning about electrical safety and bucket truck rides.

APPLY: Go to clarkremc.coop/camp to apply. Applications must be completed online by March 1.

INDIANA YOUTH TOUR

JUNE 11-18

Clark County REMC wants to send you on a weeklong, all-inclusive trip of a lifetime to Washington, D.C. Visit monuments, museums and legislators, make new friends and learn about our nation's history.

APPLY : Go to clarkremc.coop/youth-tour to apply. Applications must be completed online by March 1.

COOPERATIVE CALENDAR OF STUDENT ART CONTEST

2024

Since 1998, Indiana Connection and participating Indiana electric cooperatives have held an annual art contest for Indiana students in grades kindergarten through 12. The winning works from each grade are then used to illustrate the Cooperative Calendar of Student Art that participating REMCs/RECs have distributed.

ENTER: Visit clarkremc.coop/calendar-art-contest Enter your artwork by March 24.

Clark County REMC scholarships

Clark County REMC assists our members pursuing higher education by awarding scholarships to graduating seniors.

$1,000 scholarship for IUS, Ivy Tech Community College, and Purdue Polytechnic: • Clark County REMC is committed to helping collegebound students in our region. Each year, REMC offers 20, $1,000 scholarships to Indiana University Southeast, Ivy Tech Community College of Sellersburg and Purdue Polytechnic New Albany. Make sure to take advantage of this opportunity for your student!

The Cindy Hockensmith Memorial Scholarship: • In 2019, Clark County REMC created The Cindy Hockensmith Memorial Scholarship in the amount of $2,500 that will be awarded to one high school senior annually. The recipient of this scholarship must attend an Indiana college or university as a full-time student.

APPLY : Download an application at clarkremc.coop/ scholarships Applications are due by March 3.

Electric heat pumps have been around for a long time, and they’re among the most efficient and comfortable ways to heat and cool your home. But now there’s something even better — and it can save you big dollars on your heating bills every winter. Plus, with rebates offered by many local electric cooperatives, you can save even more. It’s called a cold climate air source heat pump. It’s an updated, more efficient version of the traditional air source heat pumps you probably know about. Air source heat pumps contain a condenser, which circulates refrigerant, and an air handler that moves the conditioned air throughout your home. Air source heat pumps essentially pull heat from the air — in the summer the system pulls the warm air from your home and pumps it outside; in the winter, it pulls the heat from the air outside and pumps that heat into your home.

Advancements in compressor technology allow cold climate air source heat pumps to gather up heat at much, much lower winter temperatures. When it’s 47 degrees Fahrenheit or above outside, cold climate heat pumps operate at nearly 400 percent efficiency. That is, they produce nearly four times the energy they consume. And, even when the temperature outside drops to zero, a cold climate heat pump can still operate at about 200 percent efficiency.

That means big savings for co-op members like you. If it costs you $400 to heat your home in a cold winter month with a traditional heat pump, a cold climate heat pump could drop that to $230 — a 43 percent savings.

Plus, just like traditional heat pumps, cold climate heat pumps are great air conditioners. They can efficiently keep your home cool and comfortable when the weather’s warm.

Cold climate heat pumps are available from several manufacturers, and you can check with the Northeast Energy Efficiency Partnership to see if the heat pump you’re considering qualifies for rebates. Or, contact your energy advisor at your local electric cooperative. We’re here to help you choose the system that will keep you comfortable — and keep you saving — all year long.

by Matt Walters Energy Advisor Boone REMC

LETTERS EDITOR TO THE

THE IMPORTANCE OF OBSERVING

I mused while reading your latest article about writer’s block (November 2022 issue), and how you come up with ideas to write about. For me, and likely many others, the beauty of your subject matter is that you appreciate even the simplest of things that life has to offer. That is a big part of living — being aware of how cool all things are!

In the “day-to-day,” it’s important to observe — fascinating nature, talented people in action, events that influence our world, etc. Heck, today I even marveled at a decades-old ginormous food prep mixer/ stand combo — behind-the-scenes can be pretty amazing! And, yes, the mixer was being used to make a large quantity of mashed potatoes.

Keep up your lovely writings!

Carolyn Pottschmidt Via email

TURKEY TRAPPING

Dear Jack Spaulding:

MEMORIES

I can’t tell you what a delight it is for me to read your November 2022 article in the REMC magazine! My grandfather, Clayton Mitchell, lived in Houston, Indiana, and worked on this project (of reintroducing the Eastern Wild Turkey to Indiana) in the early ’60s.

When I was a little girl, I remember that he had a green pickup truck with something written on the door. My parents would say, “Granddad works for the state.” The story that was always told was, he trapped grouse and they were traded to the state of Missouri for turkeys.

I can remember spending the night with my grandparents with the promise that I could “run the traps” with Granddad the next day.

On Sundays when we would visit, my dad would always ask what he had in his traps that week. I was always interested to hear and was especially “scared” when he would report an occasional rattlesnake.

One day when I was running traps with him, he had a covey of quail in the trap — eight to 10 beautiful quail! He boxed them up for me and I brought them back to our farm in Bartholomew County and turned them out.

Thank you so much for connecting some dots for me! Your story reads exactly the way I remember!

Debbie Flohr Via email

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.

La Porte County County Facts

Sharing Indiana’s 45 miles of Lake Michigan shoreline are three counties: La Porte, Porter and Lake. And while La Porte County has the fewest miles of lakefront property, it derives much of its character and even its name from its location on the lake.

La Porte County takes its name from the French term meaning “The Door” or “The Port.” This refers to the county as the gateway to the Great Lakes and its natural opening from dense forests that once covered the areas to the south and east.

Built in 1904, the Michigan City pier lighthouse is a popular symbol of Michigan City and is often described as “Indiana’s only lighthouse.”

An elevated walkway, known as the “catwalk,” was used by lighthouse keepers for 29 years to access the light tower. In 1933, the light was electrified, and in 1939, the U.S. Coast Guard took over the service. The lighthouse was fully automated in 1960. By 1983, the catwalk was in poor condition. The Coast Guard scheduled it for demolition as it was no longer needed. Local residents rallied and succeeded in saving the structure, getting it added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1988. Funds were raised and the catwalk was restored in 1994. The pier is a favorite spot for

fishing and watching sunsets and is frequently painted and photographed by local artists.

The previous lighthouse, built in 1858 on Michigan City’s harbor, is now the Old Lighthouse Museum. The museum has rooms displaying Great Lakes history and artifacts — including a rare Fresnel lens, shipwrecks, La Porte County history, a gift shop and more. It opened in 1973 after eight years of restoration. Nicknamed “Old Faithful,” the structure is also listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Michigan City boasts many attractions, including breweries and wineries, galleries, boat tours, beaches, gardens, shopping at several centers, a casino and a zoo. The city, the largest in La Porte County, receives a large amount of tourism from Chicago and other nearby cities in the region.

Michigan City is also noted for its proximity to Indiana Dunes National Park which crosses into the western edge of La Porte County. The park runs along

portions of all three of Indiana’s lakeshore counties. And while La Porte County has the least amount of park land of the three, it is home to perhaps the Indiana Dunes National Park’s most renowned landmark, Mount Baldy. Mount Baldy is a 120-foot sand dune at the eastern end of the national park. The wandering dune began forming some 4,000 years ago and is continually changing as a result of natural factors.

The Old Lighthouse Museum is located at 100 Heisman Harbor Road, Michigan City, IN 46360. For information, call 219-872-6133 or visit www. oldlighthousemuseum.org.

In the cold of winter, ice collects along the Lake Michigan shoreline at the pier lighthouse. The 1904 structure is a popular symbol of Michigan City and often a subject of photographers and artists.

PHOTO COURTESY OF MARSHA WILLIAMSON MOHR

winter storms Preparing for

When winter arrives, Hoosiers are never sure of what to expect. Indiana winters include everything from heavy snows, to freezing rain, to ice storms — sometimes all in one day. All of those forms of winter weather can create electrical hazards, warns Indiana Electric Cooperatives.

“Being safe around electricity is a year-round need, but Indiana winters include many dangerous hazards, especially where power lines are concerned,” said Jon Elkins, vice president of safety, training and compliance at Indiana Electric Cooperatives. “Snow and ice often accumulate on power lines, and the added weight may cause them to snap off the power poles, or to cause the poles to break,” Elkins explained. “That can bring power lines into contact with the ground, trees, homes, vehicles and other objects. If people or pets come in contact with a live power line, they can suffer serious injury or even death.”

During dangerous conditions, many residents may be confined to their homes for days at a time. That’s why it is important to have a plan in place, especially during these prolonged outages. To better prepare for a power outage, your electric co-op recommends members keep a storm preparedness kit fully stocked. The basic supplies in this kit should include:

• Bottled water

• Non-perishable food

• Emergency blankets

• First aid kit/medicine

• Flashlight

• Battery-operated or hand-crank radio

• Extra batteries

• Toiletries

Now that your family is prepared for a prolonged outage, what should you do if the lights do go out?

Keep warm air in and cool air out by not opening doors to unused rooms. Do not open doors to the outside unless necessary.

To protect homes’ electrical equipment during an outage, turn off and unplug all unnecessary electronics or appliances. This will keep equipment from being damaged by surges or spikes when the power returns.

Know how long your home healthcare supplies will last and have a backup plan. Plan for a safe alternative source such as a portable battery or generator if electricity is not available. Plan to get to a healthcare facility should your health worsen or if you are going to run out of necessary power.

WHEN IN DOUBT, THROW IT OUT

Food safety reminders during an outage

DURING AN OUTAGE:

First, use perishable food from the refrigerator. Perishables should have a temperature of 40 degrees Fahrenheit or below to be safe to eat. Use food from the freezer after consuming refrigerated food.

An unopened refrigerator will keep food cold for about four hours.

A full freezer will keep the temperature for about 48 hours (24 hours if it is halffull) if the door remains closed.

If it looks like the power outage will continue beyond a day, prepare a cooler with ice for your freezer items.

Keep food in a dry, cool spot and cover it at all times.

AFTER AN OUTAGE:

Throw away any food (particularly meat, poultry, fish, eggs and leftovers) that has been exposed to temperatures higher than 40 degrees Fahrenheit for two hours or more, or that has an unusual odor, color or texture.

Never taste food or rely on appearance or odor to determine its safety. If it has been at room temperature too long, bacteria causing food-borne illnesses can quickly grow.

If you are not sure food is cold enough, take its temperature with a food thermometer. If it is colder than 40 F, you can refreeze it.

tamales,

COME FOR THE COME BACK FOR TACOS AND TORTAS

BY EMILY SCHILLING

If you asked me what my favorite food is, I couldn’t come up with a definitive answer. I love so many foods: grilled sweet corn on the cob sprinkled with seasoned salt, skillet fried chicken, lobster dunked in warm melted butter, futomaki sushi rolls (no avocado), crème brûlée, artichoke and bacon pizza …

Though my list of culinary cravings could probably rival a Cheesecake Factory menu, I could rattle through my all-time favorite restaurants in seconds. The Tamale Place on Indianapolis’ westside is one of my recommendations.

I discovered this gem about 15 years ago, when our publication’s office was located near the tiny take-out eatery. (It’s since moved to a larger — but still relatively small — shop in a mini strip mall west of downtown Indianapolis.) Back then, as a tamale newbie, I tried a different tamale each time I visited, just to savor the various flavors. (The Tamale Place makes an estimated 150,000 hand-tied half-pound-size tamales per year all made with freshly ground masa.)

I was primarily fond of the chicken in red sauce, pork in green sauce, black bean and cheese, and the always amazing dessert tamales. The pineapple and raisin tamale is my all-time favorite dessert tamale flavor (it’s kind of like a pineapple bread pudding wrapped up in a corn husk), with chocolate a close second.

Once I made my way through the tamale offerings, it was time to taste The Tamale Place’s taco and torta selections. I’m so glad I did because there, I found a couple of my all-time favorite meals: the chipotle chicken taco (in a soft corn tortilla) and the chipotle chicken torta. (Yes, I’m a bit obsessed with chipotle chicken!)

The torta is a meal in itself, loaded with melted cheese,

onion, lettuce, pico de gallo, chiles and mayonnaise.

I often get the taco (ask for it with everything — cheese, cilantro and onion — with a lime wedge and salsita on the side) as a combo with black beans, tortilla chips with salsa, and a bottle of Mexican Coke. Since I can’t imagine anything as sublime as my chipotle chicken go-tos I haven’t tried anything else on the torta, taco or even nacho menu, although I hear the steak and egg taco is quite good too.

The Tamale Place is a stand-inline-to-order kind of place and, depending on the time of day, you may have to wait a while to get to the cash register. (The restaurant is that popular!) If you’re there for the tamales, keep in mind the eatery has a limited amount of the various flavors each day and your favorite variety may be gone by the time you’re ready to order (though you can call ahead to reserve the tamales of your choice). While in line, you’ll notice an autographed photo of Guy Fieri of the Food Network’s “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives” on the wall. Fieri’s visit to The Tamale Place culminated in a “Triple D” episode which aired in May 2011.

If you’re in Indy and want to sample some tasty Mexican food lauded not just by me but by Guy Fieri too, THE place to be is The Tamale Place.

Delicious tamales come out of the steamer ready for hungry guests.

5226 Rockville Road, Indianapolis 317-248-9771

www.thetamaleplace.com

Monday-Saturday, 9 a.m.-6 p.m.

Emily Schilling is editor of Indiana Connection.

Restaurant revamps

THESE RESTAURANT-INSPIRED RECIPES TASTE JUST LIKE THE REAL THING

‘

COPYCAT ’ TEXAS ROADHOUSE DINNER ROLLS

Glenda Sensenig, Cutler, Indiana

1¼ cups milk

2¼ t. yeast

¼ cup honey

4 T. butter, melted

1 egg, room temperature 4 cups flour

1 t. salt

Scald milk. Let the milk cool to 110-115 F and then mix the cooled milk with the yeast and honey. Let sit 5 minutes. In a large bowl, mix 3 T. of the melted butter, the milk mixture, the egg and 2 cups flour. Mix slowly until smooth. Slowly add the rest of the flour and then the salt. Knead for 8 minutes. Let dough rise 1 hour. Punch down and roll out to ½-inch thickness. Fold dough in half and gently seal. Cut dough into 24 squares and let rise until doubled in size. Place rolls on lightly greased baking sheets. Bake at 350 F for 12-15 minutes until golden. Brush with remaining butter. Serve warm with cinnamon butter.

CINNAMON BUTTER

1 cup butter, room temperature

4 t. cinnamon

1¾ cups powdered sugar

BY EMILY SCHILLING, STEPHANIE GROVES AND AMBER KNIGHT

BY KILEY LIPPS

1 cup non-dairy whipped topping

Beat butter until fluffy. Add cinnamon and powdered sugar. Fold whipped topping into mixture. Store in refrigerator.

FOOD PREPARED

PHOTOS

COPYCAT ’ MCDONALD’S BIG MAC SAUCE Doris Ann Kahlert, Berne, Indiana

Combine all the ingredients in a small bowl. Stir well. Place sauce in a covered container and refrigerate for several hours or overnight so flavors meld. Stir the sauce a couple of times as it chills. Makes about ¾ cup of sauce.

Bake frozen pie crust according to package directions. Remove from oven and allow to cool for 30 minutes. In a small saucepan over medium heat, whisk together sugar, cornstarch and water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes until thickened. Whisk in strawberry gelatin. Remove mixture from heat and set aside to cool. Add strawberries to the cooled pie crust then pour gelatin mixture over the strawberries. Refrigerate for a few hours until set.

Back in December 1983, Emily Born began what would become a 39-year career writing and editing for this publication.

Encapsulating time

By Emily Schilling

RETIRING EDITOR LOOKS BACK ON LONG CAREER

Magazine writers possess the enviable ability to encapsulate time with every word they write. That’s because their stories and articles often reflect what was going on when they were written. So, as I look back on 39 years at Indiana Electric Cooperatives/Indiana Connection, the articles, headlines and columns I’ve written; the photos I’ve taken; and the stories I’ve edited all tell the story of my career and the years past better than I could on my own.

FIRSTS

I joined Electric Consumer (former name of Indiana Connection) as a staff writer in December 1983. The first issue I worked on was the January 1984 issue. My first bylined news article appeared in that issue, a profile of the newly elected president of Indiana Statewide Association of Rural Electric Cooperatives, Inc. (now known as Indiana Electric Cooperatives), Ross Westfall:

Ross Westfall: REMC leader looks

ahead

“ While the nation enjoyed the radio adventures of Buck Rogers and Amos and Andy and followed the birth of rural electrics in 3-cents-a-copy newspapers, Ross Westfall spent his nights shoveling coal.

It was 1935 and he was working his way through college scooping lignite in a belching hospital boiler.”

Westfall was an avid reader of Electric Consumer throughout his life. A former teacher, he’d occasionally contact me if a grammar error made it to print. Knowing he was keeping an eye on things always kept me on my toes!

Later that year, I penned a couple of cover stories that showcased some timely topics in the mid-’80s.

In June 1984, my first cover story:

Computers go country

“ How’re you gonna keep ’em down on the farm after they’ve seen an Apple III?

Easy. Because now the whiz kid computer experts have made way for a new breed of terminal wizard — the farmer. And Elsie the cow, Porky the pig and 800 acres of soybeans can only benefit from the new trend.

Though some farmers were using computers back in the early ‘70s, agricultural computing has only programmed its way into the limelight in the past few years. Even with its relatively short history, on-farm computers have changed considerably and face an even more innovative future.”

Back then, personal computers were just coming into their own. To introduce readers to new-fangled tech terms, because “it’s obvious computers are here to stay” (even though floppy disks and CRTs weren’t) we included a sidebar which explained just what “computer” and “program” meant.

In August 1984, I interviewed a Clay County couple living on dioxincontaminated land. They suspected the toxic chemical was behind the mysterious death of their cows, a

Schilling (then Emily Born) interviewed Ross Westfall soon after he was elected president of Indiana Statewide Association of Rural Electric Cooperatives, Inc., in December 1983.

recurring skin rash and a story almost too unbelievable to be true.

Dioxin: Is it killing Mack's cows?

“ Dime-sized red welts spot Mack McCullough’s feet. His wife, Caroline, suspects it’s his rash creeping up again.

The itchy patches have plagued Mack the past five years. Along with 47 Holstein cows that have died mysteriously, rotting away from the inside out, and shovels-full of dead birds that have fallen from maple and locust trees around the farmhouse, the skin rash may be visible evidence of an unseen enemy at work, they believe.

For the McCulloughs, rural Clay County residents for 23 years, are living on dioxin-contaminated land.

An Environmental Protection Agency soil test of their dairy farm

last November revealed levels from 26 to 180 parts per billion of octadioxin, one of 75 man-made chemicals in the dioxin family. But neither of the McCulloughs, nor the EPA, know much about octadioxin’s hazards.”

In October 1984, Mike Hanley, who was managing editor of Electric Consumer when I was hired, was named editor and I became managing editor.

In May 1985, the publication commemorated the 50th anniversary of rural electrification in Indiana with historic photos, milestones and a timeline, and reader remembrances. This special issue was just one way Indiana’s electric cooperatives celebrated this golden anniversary. We held a statewide electricity-themed art contest and printed a calendar with historic photos, and I wrote a book about rural electrification in Indiana.

My first issue as editor of Electric Consumer was the October 1985 issue. I wrote my first “That Reminds Me” column in that issue:

“ There was going to be a picture of me accompanying my first column so you’d immediately know it was me and not Mike Hanley who was writing it.

Everything was going good until, in the middle of a hectic deadline week, the photographer handed me my 5 by 7 portrait. He was obviously pleased by his studio expertise.

I wasn’t. Through some measure of trick photography, I acquired a dark shadow on one side of my face resembling a half-shaven beard accentuated with a

handlebar moustache. I have many problems, but masculine facial hair is not one of them.”

Note: My photo, sans faux facial hair, did make it into the November 1985 issue.

The publication evolved through the years, from a tabloid newspaper to a “hybrid” style publication (on a whiter, heavier paper) in June 1993, finally to a slick stock magazine in February 2013.

That Reminds Me: Brand new, all for you

“ This month, Electric Consumer has shed its tabloid newspaper format and has relaunched as a magazine. As you peruse the pages, you’ll find a contemporary design, more extensive use of four color, and expanded energy, food and outdoor life sections.”

The "What killed Mack's cows?" feature story earned Schilling awards from the Cooperative Communicators Association and the International Association of Business Communications.

Through its 71-year history under two name changes (from Indiana Rural News to Electric Consumer to Indiana Connection), this magazine has had only four editors. Schilling, its fourth editor, has held the position since September 1985.

Our evolution continued and in March 2019, the magazine’s name was changed to Indiana Connection. My column that month addressed the name change: “As any new parent will tell you, selecting the perfect name is not easy.

Of course, naming a child and naming a magazine are not quite the same thing. But both scenarios usually involve hours of debate, input (both solicited and sometimes unsolicited) from numerous sources, and a long and often ongoing list of pros and cons for each suggestion.

There’s a reason for this arduous process. A name is something you can’t just change on a whim. You live up to it. Make it your own. Make it proud. It stands to reason that it takes time to settle on one that ‘fits.’”

FAVES

Among the favorite articles I’ve written:

1The “Cook’s Profile” feature we ran from March 1994 to December 2007. Getting to know some of the readers who submitted recipes to our food section through the years was great fun. I’ll always remember their hospitality during our visits to their homes.

2

A feature on newly crowned Miss America Katie Stam in 2009 and a followup interview five years later. Stam, who grew up on a farm on Jackson County REMC lines, is just as friendly, personable, well-spoken and humble as you’d imagine a Miss America to be.

An interview with Mina Starsiak Hawk of the HGTV home renovation series “Good Bones.” I’d met Starsiak Hawk and her mom/business partner/costar Karen E. Laine in 2016 when they spoke at a program I coordinated. Since then, we’d tried to do an article about them. Finally, Senior Editor Richard Biever was able to schedule an interview for the July 2021 issue, and together we had a great conversation with Starsiak Hawk soon after “Good Bones” began its sixth season.

3

4

I have several memorable columns. One was about my daughter’s horseriding days, when she gravitated toward a temperamental horse named Tucker and forged a special equine relationship. I also remember a whimsical story about my first boyfriend that I based on a favorite column from a college journalism class. (That relationship lasted one day. We were in kindergarten.) Plus, I enjoyed the Christmas columns I wrote through the years. In my early years,I talked about that season’s unusual or extravagant gifts, then later began giving away some of my favorite things in reader drawings.

FUTURE

Although I’m retiring from the magazine this month, I don’t think I’ll ever stop writing. Ever since I began my journalistic training — and later career — I’ve known writing and editing is what I’ve been meant to do. My dream now is to write a novel. So, if all goes according to plan, you’ll be able to read my work — in book form — sometime in the future.

Emily Schilling is retiring as editor of Indiana Connection this month.

In the spring of 2001, the Electric Consumer staff marked the publication's upcoming 50th anniversary. Staff members included Rose Anne Sellers, Connie Staggs, Schilling and Richard G. Biever.

Youth making a difference

Since 2009, Indiana Electric Cooperatives has recognized young Hoosiers through the Youth Power and Hope Awards.

The awards program — coordinated by the staff of Indiana Connection magazine — honors a select group of middle school students in grades 5 through 8 who are making an impact on their communities.

The winners for 2022 were acknowledged before a gathering of 500 Indiana electric cooperative leaders and guests at IEC’s annual Recognition Banquet, Dec. 5, in Indianapolis.

In mid-2022, Indiana’s electric cooperatives began seeking online nominations for the awards. Nominees were to give examples of their community service activities; explain why they choose to help their communities and describe how they see their community service evolving in the future. “This year’s nominees impressed the judges with their dedication to making a difference in others’ lives,” Indiana Connection Editor Emily Schilling said. “Thirteen years into the YPH program and we’re still blown away with all the ways our kids are rolling up their sleeves and putting in the work to help others.”

While every student nominee who selflessly serves his or her community deserves a sincere “thank you” and pat on the back, these five students stood out among this year ’s participants. Each winner received a $500 check to assist in furthering their community service activities.

Asher is active in 4-H, where he serves as a member, volunteer and student leader. At St. Michael Church, he is an altar server and participates in several community service projects including a fundraising picnic and a blood drive for the American Red Cross. And at his school, he helps with events such as food drives and a walk-a-thon.

The community project Asher is most proud of is one he does with his family. With the profit earned from selling eggs from the family’s chickens, the Abners create “Birthday Bundles” which are gift bags filled with cake mix, frosting, candles and other items to help those less fortunate celebrate special occasions that often are ignored. So far, the Abners have donated 150 Birthday Bundles to the Harrison County Community Services Food Pantry.

In his award entry, Asher described how he believes his community service will evolve and help him mature as he continues to assist the underrepresented.

Asher and his family are members of Harrison REMC. He is the son of Andrew and Linda Abner.

At school last year, Holland participated in a Young Entrepreneur class. After learning how to use a 3D printer in that class, she made over 100 articulated animal figures along with still figures such as castles and vases. She then sold the items, with the proceeds going to help a local animal shelter.

In addition, she is an active volunteer for Ascension St. Vincent Hospital where she has contributed her time to several events that raise funds for the hospital and its Peyton Manning Children’s Hospital.

As she mentioned in her award entry, her volunteer work has allowed her to “make a positive impact in areas that involve younger people.”

Holland is the daughter of Christopher and Maureen Beck. The Becks are members of JCREMC.

Asher Abner, 7th grade North Harrison Middle School

Holland Beck, 7th grade Franklin Community Middle School

Holland Beck

Josie is a member of her school’s FOR-Club which spotlights and encourages good deeds by students. One of Josie’s club projects was creating a “Compliment Board” to spread kindness at school. She raised $500 for the United Fund by leading a snack sale for students. And, Josie and her class also helped clean up her school following a storm. Due to her community spirit, Josie received her school’s Super Sixth Grader award.

Josie has also led a canned food drive and planted flowers at her church. She plants flowers at a local nursing home through her involvement in 4-H.

In her award entry, Josie said helping others has impacted her by showing her the best in herself, the kindness of her community and the outcome of hard work.

She is the daughter of Mark and Susan Hartman who are members of Decatur County REMC.

Henry is a role model and leader through his membership in the Mayor’s Youth Council. The council conducts a camp for fifth and sixth graders each year to promote leadership and making good choices. In addition to supporting the camp, Henry volunteers at the free movie and pool days that the club and local drug-free coalition sponsor.

Henry also assists his church with many events and by serving mass. He is also an active 4-H supporter.

In his award entry, Henry said being involved in his community helps make it a better place to live.

He is the son of Mark and Megan Spreckelson. The Spreckelsons are members of Decatur County REMC.

Elizabeth serves her local community by sending positive letters to nursing homes as part of her Girl Scout troop. She delivers flowers and baking treats through her 4-H club; volunteers at her church; and, like fellow winner Henry Spreckelson, is a member of the Mayor’s Youth Council.

Not only does Elizabeth serve others locally, she has taken her commitment to community overseas through her Girl Scout Silver Award project. She and two of her friends made and sold beaded jewelry which raised over $3,000. That money was used to purchase needed school supplies for children in Kenya.

This summer, Elizabeth was able to visit the African country and work in the same school that benefited from her donation.

When summarizing her community service philosophy, Elizabeth wrote: “When you help others, it helps you to realize how much of an impact you can make.”

Elizabeth is the daughter of Carrie and Johnathan Walden, and she and her family are members of Decatur County REMC.

Josie Hartman, 6th grade North Decatur Elementary

Henry Spreckelson, 7th grade Batesville Middle School

Elizabeth Walden, 8th grade Greensburg Junior High School

Elizabeth Walden

Hoosier Energy news

IMPROVING ALWAYS

Through a complex, dual-stage project, Hoosier Energy is working diligently to upgrade grid technology and infrastructure.

Straddling the White River in Greene County, just southwest of Bloomfield, is a three-quarter mile stretch of Hoosier Energy power lines in the territory of the Utilities District of Western Indiana (UDWI) REMC.

Those lines were strategically placed out of harm’s way some five decades or so ago. But, erosion, river migration and the watchful eyes of Hoosier Energy employees such as Working Foreman Phil Gardner, in keeping with one of Hoosier Energy’s strategic priorities — Grid Technology and Infrastructure — made replacing the poles for those lines a priority for the company.

The two-part Bloomfield River Washout Project wrapped “phase I” earlier this fall by installing seven steel casings, each eight feet wide and a half-inch thick, ranging from 70 to 95 feet in length. Inside each of those casings was placed a steel rebar cage, ranging from 14,000 to 46,000 pounds, and held in place by

approximately 130 yards of concrete — in other words, nearly 15 cement trucks worth. Top it off with an anchorbolt cage that the 80-foot pole will attach to, and you’ve got more than Paul Bunyan himself could do by hand — hence the need for a 300-ton crawler crane with a 130-foot mast.

Getting all of that equipment where it needed to go made for a unique task.

“Every project has its own nuances that make it unique, and there are others which rival this one in scale and complexity,” Hoosier Energy Vice President of Technical Services Will Kaufman said, “but what makes this one unique is gaining access to the site.

“You’re in the rolling hills near the river bottoms and you need to take a 300ton crane a mile off-road. This may be one of the more challenging access projects we have undertaken.”

It is also one of the biggest, and it started with Vegetation Management

Coordinator Jared Murphy helping to create a working path.

After a path was hewn, preparation needed to be made in case the river overflowed its banks or bad weather set in. The solution was 3,000 log mats, and each piece of hardwood was four feet wide, 16 feet long and eight inches thick — all delivered to the site by the semi-truckload. In addition, a helipad was built in case of emergency.

Over the course of 10 weeks, all seven foundations — five on the west side of the river and two on the east side — were installed.

Now, all that’s left to do is wait for “phase II” to begin next summer.

“We let the concrete cure, get our parts, and next year come in with some dry weather and knock all the lines out with new conductors and nice, new, shiny metal poles set up,” Hoosier Energy Senior Project Manager Kyle Eslinger said.

A crew works on the safety platform above one of the seven steel casings installed as part of the Bloomfield River Washout Project in Greene County.

In addition to our new logo, revealed last year, we took some time to revamp our website. Through our website you can pay your bill, take care of most account inquiries through our SmartHub portal, apply for rebates, keep up with REMC news and events, and check out all the youth programs that REMC has to offer. Visit the site today at clarkremc.coop.

DRIVE-THRU HOLIDAY EVENT is magical

We had a magical time at our 3rd annual Santa's Wonderland. Hundreds of members and their families came by to wave at characters from "Toy Story," "Frozen," "Charlie Brown," and "Elf." And watching kids' faces light up when they saw Santa, Mrs. Claus, and two real live reindeer made it worth all the work that went into this event. Thank you to those who came out, and we can't wait to see you again next year!

CANDLES Holocaust Museum and Education Center

Center founded by Holocaust survivor who forgave — but wanted no one to ever forget

Eighty years ago this spring, the Nazi regime in Germany, already in the throes of its genocide against millions of people it deemed undesirable and a World War it instigated, began conducting perverse pseudoscientific medical experiments on sets of twins. Among those pulled from the population bound to the concentration camps in the spring of 1944 and forever severed from their mother for the experiments were 9-year-old Eva Mozes and her twin sister Miriam. Eva and Miriam became guinea pigs of the massive, inhumane experimentation program headed by Dr. Josef Mengele at Auschwitz-Birkenau — a program aimed solely at thousands of twins, many of them children.

When the concentration camp was liberated in January 1945, the Mozes girls were among the survivors. They suffered physical complications throughout the rest of their lives from the year they were subject to the Nazi experiments.

In 1960, Eva married American Michael Kor, also a Holocaust survivor, and settled in Terre Haute.

In 1984, Kor founded CANDLES (an acronym for “Children of Auschwitz Nazi Deadly Lab Experiments Survivors”), and, in 1995, opened the CANDLES Holocaust Museum and Education Center in Terre Haute. Its mission was to prevent prejudice

and hatred through education about the Holocaust. Kor publicly forgave the Nazis to free her from the pain, anger and sorrow she endured, but she wanted to make sure no one ever forgot the evil it brought to the world. It is the only museum in Indiana solely dedicated to Holocaust education.

CANDLES is a place to reflect and learn. Docents are available for selfguided tours to offer more information and answer questions. The average tour time is about two hours to view the museum in its entirety.

The main exhibit is “Dimensions in Testimony Interactive Theater.” The exhibit is like a conversation with a Holocaust survivor. Created through specially recorded interviews with 12 Holocaust survivors, viewers can ask questions of the individual survivors about their life experiences and hear responses in real-time conversation. Visitors can hear their stories about topics such as life before the war, hiding, experiences in concentration camps, life after the war, forgiveness, family and more.

For each interview, the survivor answered as many as 2,000 questions. Using advanced language processing technology, the program matches questions viewers pose with the survivor’s most relevant response. Newly developed display techniques enable the interactive installation

to be placed in museums, national monuments or other locations, with emergent applications for mobile devices.

While the museum is open to all ages, the material is most appropriate for ages 12 and older. For children ages 7-11, the museum recommends that parents, guardians and educators talk with children ahead of time and then take cues before and during the visit on how the subject matter may be affecting each child. The museum does not recommend bringing children under the age of 6.

Despite her age, Kor made annual trips to Auschwitz to tell others about her childhood experiences. During Kor’s 2019 trip, she died unexpectedly on July 4 near Auschwitz in Kraków, Poland. She was 85 years old.

But Eva Kor’s legacy and the educational trips in her footsteps continue. This year’s trip will be June 17-25, and registration closes March 1. Visit the museum’s website for more information.

If you go:

CANDLES Holocaust Museum and Education Center

1532 S. Third Street

Terre Haute, IN 47802

candlesholocaustmuseum.org 812-234-7881

Child survivors of Auschwitz stand behind a barbed wire fence during their liberation by Soviet troops in January 1945. Twins Miriam Mozes and Eva Mozes are wearing knitted hats. USHMM/Belarusian State Archive of Documentary Film and Photography