Director election open July 26.
Kankakee Valley REMC’s
One chick and a hammer pages 18–23
MEET BUSINESSWOMAN, HGTV STAR AND AUTHOR MINA STARSIAK HAWK
JULY 2021
from the editor
A preponderance of paper Those who’ve lived in their homes for many years probably have boxes filled with forgotten treasures tucked away in seldomvisited nooks and crannies under the stairs, in the basement or in the attic. I know I have. So, for the past few months, I’ve devoted several hours each weekend to unearthing what’s inside my collection of rediscovered boxes. Several boxes, including one that I most recently came across, are filled with old magazines and newspapers. They must have been significant to me once, right? And, I’ve got to admit — it is fun now to flip through them to reacquaint myself with the “good ol’ days.” But I’m starting to wonder: why did I keep these random periodicals and, perhaps more importantly, why do I not remember keeping them? Maybe, I’ve decided, I didn’t have time to read all this stuff 15 years ago so I just stuffed them in a box for a “rainy day” that never came. In that decade and a half, my always present “to be read” pile continued to grow, augmented by an exploding email inbox and a soft spot for the latest novels from my go-to favorite authors. I think I’m finally starting to realize that there will never be enough rainy days to read everything that I want to! So, I’m doing what I should have done years ago. I’m turning back the Time magazines from 2006, tossing turn-of-the-millennium Travel and Leisure magazines and bidding adieu to Peoples from the past. It’s easy to get bogged down with “stuff” — stuff you need to do, stuff you hope to do, stuff that you’ll tackle one of these days when you have time. Well, no more! It’s time to lighten the load so to speak and finally take the trash out! I’m sure I’ll soon run across a few boxes that will actually be worth unpacking. And once I ditch my preponderance of paper, I may have a place to set some actual keepsakes out and enjoy them!
EMILY SCHILLING Editor eschilling@indianaec.org
On the menu: November issue: Pumpkin, deadline Aug. 1.
December issue: Chocolate, deadline Oct. 1. If we publish your recipe on our food pages, we’ll send you a $10 gift card.
Giveaways: We have five prize opportunities this month. Weenee World, which is
showcased on page 14, is providing four $25 restaurant gift cards. Plus, we have an autographed copy of Mina Starsiak Hawk’s new children’s book, “Built Together.” For details and to enter, visit indianaconnection.org/talk-to-us/contests. Entry deadline for giveaways: July 30.
Three ways to contact us: To send us recipes, photos, event listings, letters
and entries for gift drawings, please use the forms on our website indianaconnection.org; email info@indianaconnection.org; or send to Indiana Connection, 8888 Keystone Crossing, Suite 1600, Indianapolis, IN 46240-4606.
VOLUME 71 • NUMBER 1 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. CONTACT US: 8888 Keystone Crossing, Suite 1600 Indianapolis, IN 46240-4606 317-487-2220 info@indianaconnection.org IndianaConnection.org INDIANA ELECTRIC COOPERATIVES OFFICERS: Walter Hunter President Randy Kleaving Vice President Steve McMichael Secretary/Treasurer John Gasstrom CEO EDITORIAL STAFF: Emily Schilling Editor Richard George Biever Senior Editor Holly Huffman Communication Support Specialist Ellie Schuler Senior Creative Services Specialist Taylor Maranion Creative Services Specialist Lauren Carman Communication Coordinator Stacey Holton Director of Creative Services 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, Ind., and at additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send change of address to: Indiana Connection, 8888 Keystone Crossing, Suite 1600, Indianapolis, IN 46240-4606. Include key number. No portion of Indiana Connection may be reproduced without permission of the editor.
JULY 2021
3
contents
JULY
10
14
energy
Indiana eats
03 FROM THE EDITOR
11 C ALENDAR
05 CO-OP NEWS Energy news and information from your electric cooperative.
12 INSIGHTS
10 ENERGY Improve your home’s energy use with Wi-Fi-enabled tech.
14 INDIANA EATS
13 COUNTY OF THE MONTH Spotlighting Miami County.
Weenee World serves up hot dogs, ice cream and fun.
FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA
Indiana Connection
15
28
food
15 FOOD Spilling the beans. 18 COVER STORY One chick and a hammer: Meet businesswoman, HGTV star and author Mina Starsiak Hawk. 24 SAFETY Electrical receptacle safety is as fundamental as the ABCs.
profile
26 BACKYARD Battling the mighty mite. (Not in all editions) 27 RECALLS (Not in all editions) 28 PROFILE Bill Wolfe’s sculptures keep heroes and legends alive. 30 H OOSIER ENERGY/ WABASH VALLEY NEWS
On the cover Mina Starsiak Hawk, the daughter in the motherdaughter dynamic duo of Two Chicks and a Hammer and the HGTV show “Good Bones,” talks to Indiana Connection about the success of the show, her restoration work in old Indianapolis neighborhoods and other new projects. PHOTO COURTESY OF TWO CHICKS AND A HAMMER
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JULY 2021
THREE WAYS TO VOTE.
Check your mailbox for official ballot for board of directors election. www.kvremc.com CONTACT US Toll Free: 800-552-2622 Local: 219-733-2511 OFFICE HOURS 7:30 a.m.– 4 p.m. Central Time Monday-Friday STREET ADDRESS 8642 W. U.S. Highway 30 Wanatah, IN 46390 MAILING ADDRESS P.O. Box 157, Wanatah, IN 46390 EMERGENCY POWER OUTAGES To report a power outage, please call 800-552-2622. We are available to serve you 24 hours a day. When calling, please provide the name in which your account is listed. Also, please be sure to check your fuses or breakers. KANKAKEE VALLEY REMC STAFF Scott Sears, Chief Executive Officer Lori Young, Executive Assistant Angie Swanson, Office Manager Josh Pepple, Director of Operations Amanda Steeb, Communications and Marketing Director Dave Howell, Purchasing and Facilities Manager Like us on Facebook www.facebook.com/KVREMC
When Kankakee Valley REMC was founded over 80 years ago, each member consumer contributed an equal share to obtain electricity that benefited not only themselves but the entire community. Back then, every member-consumer had an equal vote in matters that affected the cooperative. We still believe in our guiding principles of equitable economic participation and democratic control today. This is demonstrated annually during our board of directors election. As a cooperative member-consumer, you have a say in the organization’s leadership. Voting in the board of directors election is one way you can actively participate in your cooperative. We invite you to take part in this year’s election by casting a vote later this month. We will again be partnering with Survey and Ballot Systems, an organization with a longstanding reputation for providing secure election processes. Just as we have done the past two years, you will
be able to vote by mail, online or inperson. Beginning July 23, an election packet, including the items below, will be mailed to each memberconsumer: • A paper ballot that can be completed and mailed • A unique ID and election passcode for secure online voting • A registration card for admittance into the member appreciation event and annual business meeting. Mail-in and online voting will be open until Aug. 24. After that time, you will only be able to vote at the member appreciation event. Regardless of how you cast your vote, all memberconsumers who vote in the election will receive a $5 bill credit. We have included information on the member appreciation event and annual business meeting in this issue. Please take a moment to read about the great event we have planned for you on Aug. 26 at the Porter County Expo Center.
SCOTT SEARS CEO
WAYS TO VOTE for your board of directors
Find more details about Member Appreciation Day and the Annual Business Meeting on page 26.
MAIL IN
ONLINE
IN PERSON
JULY 2021
5
VOTE IN THE UPCOMING ELECTION
THREE DIRECTORS
TO BE ELECTED DIRECTORS TO BE ELECTED DURING THE ANNUAL BUSINESS MEETING AT MEMBER APPRECIATION DAY EVENT This year, the Kankakee Valley REMC membership will elect three
KANKAKEE VALLEY REMC BOARD DISTRICTS
member-consumers to serve on the KV REMC board of directors. Seven candidates have met the necessary requirements to run for directorship. Their names will be placed on the ballot. This year candidates are being elected for District 3, District 5 and one of the two at-large seats. DISTRICT 3 includes Lincoln, Johnson, Union, Noble, Pleasant, Washington, Hanna, Prairie, Dewey, New Durham, Clinton and Cass townships in LaPorte County, and Lincoln and Liberty townships in St. Joseph County. DISTRICT 5 includes Cass, Rich Grove, Franklin, Tippecanoe, Monroe, White Post and Jefferson townships in Pulaski County, and California, Jackson, Railroad and Wayne townships in Starke
To run for the board of directors in
Please see page 8 for detailed
County.
the election, member-consumers
information on how you can cast
were required to complete a
your vote in one of three ways this
petition containing signatures
year.
THE AT-LARGE DIRECTOR position is open to any member-consumer who resides in any area served by KV REMC.
6 JULY 2021
from 15 member-consumers who reside in their district and attend a mandatory informational meeting.
DISTRICT 3
BILL BOHLING
KATHY GROTT
JESSICA LINSCOTT
DISTRICT 5
MEET YOUR DIRECTOR CANDIDATES To learn more about your fellow member-consumers running for the board of directors, visit kvremc.com to watch their introduction videos or read their biographies. Candidate information will also be available in the voting packet mailed to you on July 23. Voting opens on July 26.
KATRINA HARPER
AT-LARGE
MICHAEL D. COLLINS
DAVE JANNEY
JIM POLAREK
JULY 2021
7
2021 MEMBER APPRECIATION DAY AND ANNUAL BUSINESS MEETING
YOUR GUIDE TO VOTING Kankakee Valley REMC makes it convenient for all member-consumers to participate in the board of directors election. At Kankakee Valley REMC, the process of electing your board of directors is a priority. For this reason, we provide you with three convenient ways to cast your vote in the election. You are able to vote by mail or online prior to the meeting, or in person at the Member Appreciation Day and Annual Business Meeting on Aug. 26. Beginning July 23, voting packets will be mailed that will include a ballot similar to the one featured below. To help you understand how to vote online or by mail, please review the diagram below.
REGISTRATION CARD.
Kankakee Valley REMC
2021 Member Appreciation Day and Annual Business Meeting Registration Card
012345 SAMPLE A. SAMPLE 123 SAMPLE ST SAMPLETOWN US 12345
E
Please bring this card to the Member Appreciation Day and Annual Business Meeting, August 26, 2021 at the Porter County Expo Center. Doors open at 4:30 p.m. CDT. PLEASE DETACH AND BRING REGISTRATION CARD TO THE MEMBER APPRECIATION DAY AND ANNUAL BUSINESS MEETING
Voting Instructions
Voting Online • To access the login page of the official Kankakee Valley REMC 2021 election, please type www.kvremc.com into the address bar located at the top of your internet screen. Then click on the “Vote Now” button at the top of the KV REMC homepage. • Above is your Member Number and your Election Passcode. Use both of these numbers to log in. • Once registered, follow the online voting instructions. • Online voting begins July 26, 2021 and ends at 10:59 p.m. CDT, August 24, 2021. • If you have any problems voting online, please email support@directvote.net
PL
Voting by Mail • Mark your selections by filling in the box next to the candidate of your choice. You may vote for one candidate in each district. • Detach ballot and place in the enclosed return envelope. Mail to Survey & Ballot Systems, 7653 Angram Drive, Eden Prairie, MN 55344. • Envelopes must be received no later than August 24, 2021. • Please allow sufficient time for delivery. • Do not mail your ballot if you plan to vote online.
M
MAIL-IN BALLOT.
To vote by mail, detach this portion of the ballot, mark your selection for director candidates as shown in the instructions and return it in the enclosed postagepaid envelope. This must be received by our thirdparty election management company by Aug. 24. Please allow sufficient time for mailing.
Election Passcode: 123456
Kankakee Valley REMC 2021 Board of Directors Election (One to be elected per district)
SA
This is your Member Appreciation Day and Annual Business Meeting event registration card. Detach this section and bring it with you on Aug. 26. This will help expedite the registration process and enter you in the cash and bill credit prize drawings.
Member Number: 123456
Completely fill in the box to the left of the candidate of your choice. Vote for one and only one candidate per district.
District 3
c Bill Bohling c Kathy Grott c Jessica Linscott
MARKING INSTRUCTIONS EXAMPLE g
District 5
At-Large
c Katrina Harper
c Michael Collins c Dave Janney c Jim Polarek
Paper ballots must be received no later than August 24, 2021.
VOTE AND RECEIVE A BILL CREDIT
2021
MEMBER NUMBER AND ELECTION PASSCODE.
This is your member number and election passcode to use when voting online. To access your online ballot, please go to kvremc.com and click on the “Vote Now” button at the top of the homepage. At the login page, you will enter in your member number and election passcode. This information is unique to you, so it can’t be shared with others. Online elections close on Aug. 24 at 10:59 p.m. CDT
Receive a $5 bill credit when you vote online, in person or by mail.
PLEASE TURN TO PAGE 26 FOR DETAILS ABOUT KV REMC’S AUGUST 26 MEMBER APPRECIATION DAY AND ANNUAL BUSINESS MEETING
8 JULY 2021
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JULY 2021
JULY
AUGUST
Due to the ever-changing COVID-19 situation, please note that the events below may not occur at their originally scheduled times. Be sure to reach out to the event contacts below to ensure that the programs you are interested in are still taking place. JULY 15-17: FAMOUS ST. JOE PICKLE FESTIVAL, Saint Joe (Dekalb), Riverdale School. Free. 260-337-5461. facebook.com/stjoepicklefest/ JULY 22-24: BERNE SWISS DAYS, Berne (Adams), downtown. Food, crafts, competitions, family-friendly rides, quilt show, horse pull, musical concerts, tours, polka music, parade and games. Free. 260-589-8080. swissdaysberne.com AUG. 5-8: JASPER STRASSENFEST, Jasper (Dubois), downtown and citywide. German-themed street festival with music and entertainment on three stages. Food, dancing, rides, games, beer and wine garden, and run/walk. Hot air balloon launch, tractor and car show, arts and crafts booths, church tours and more. Free. 812-482-6866. jasperstrassenfest.org MORE EVENT LISTINGS AT INDIANACONNECTION.ORG/EVENTS
JULY 2021
11
insights
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SHIPSHEWANA FLEA MARKET OPEN NOW THROUGH SEPTEMBER 29 Midwest’s Largest Flea Market Every Tuesday & Wednesday 8 am – 4 pm; Rain or Shine Weekly Antique Auction Every Wednesday, Year-Round ShipshewanaFleaMarket.com
Danielle Sommerman recalled Christmastimes with her grandparents in Florida when she created her Best of Show-winning entry.
Winning works selected for 2022 student art calendar Twenty-five Indiana student artists were selected as first place and honorable mention winners in the annual art contest sponsored by Indiana’s electric cooperatives. Their artwork will illustrate the cover and inside pages of the 2022 Cooperative Calendar of Student Art. The calendar will be printed this fall and will be distributed throughout the state by participating electric cooperatives (REMCs) and their statewide magazine, Indiana Connection. An “Artist of the Year” was selected for the work judges picked as “Best of Show.” That honor went to recent Crawford County High School graduate Danielle Danielle Sommerman of Sommerman English for her realistic illustration of Christmas ornaments on a bed of seashells to depict December. This was Sommerman’s second Best of Show. She has won her grade division six consecutive years. Students are asked to create art to illustrate the month that corresponds numerically with their grade at the time they enter the contest (ie: first graders-January, second graders-February … 12th gradersDecember). Kindergartners create the cover art which has no assigned theme. Indiana electric cooperatives began the contest in 1998 to recognize and encourage student artists. In the 24 years since, over 94,320 pieces of art have been created and entered in the calendar art contest. To view the winning works, please visit IndianaConnection.org and follow the links.
12
JULY 2021
Grade Division winners were: • Kindergarten — Arabella White, Medora • First Grade — Reid Blake, Greensburg • Second Grade — Flynn Cissell, Borden • Third Grade — Olivia DeSchamp, Jasper • Fourth Grade — Jessa Berg, Ferdinand • Fifth Grade — Rachael Shoemaker, Argos • Sixth Grade — Jackson Robbins, Rochester • Seventh Grade — Harley Koons, Seymour • Eighth Grade — Riley Aebersold, New Albany • Ninth Grade — Justine Ocken, South Whitley • 10th Grade — Andrew Zink, Winona Lake • 11th Grade — Hannah Brown, South Whitley • 12th Grade — Danielle Sommerman, English • Best of Show — Danielle Sommerman, English.
Honorable Mention winners were: • Kindergarten — Ella Lubbers, Ferdinand • First Grade — Cora Atkins, Ferdinand • Second Grade — Hannie McNeely, Fairland • Third Grade — Kaylin Fuller, Charlestown • Fourth Grade — Julie Bloomfield, Winona Lake • Fifth Grade — SaRai Fontanez, Seymour • Sixth Grade — Adilynn Meyers, Decatur • Seventh Grade — Lucy Hess, Crawfordsville • Eighth Grade — Cameryn Proxmire, Kendallville • Ninth Grade — Justine Ocken, South Whitley • 10th Grade — Sophia Watson, Charlestown • 11th Grade — Kaitlin Anderson, South Whitley • 12th Grade — Abigail Brinegar, Paoli.
THE SHOW MUST GO ON:
Peru will hold its annual Circus City Festival the week of July 17-24. PeruCircus.com
Miami County Our state may be called “Indiana” but only two of the state’s 92 counties, Delaware and Miami, honor groups of Native Americans by name. Miami County was founded in 1833 in north central Indiana, an area that was home to the Miami tribe. But at the very time the state was being forever dubbed “the land of the Indians,” the Native Americans were being forced from their native land by European-American settlers and the U.S. government. In 1846, most of the Miami were forced to leave, too. At Peru, Miami County’s seat, 327 tribe members boarded riverboats on the Wabash for relocation to Kansas. But by treaty, five family groups of the Miami who had amassed some wealth and land were allowed to stay in Indiana. These included the family of Frances Slocum, the white settler kidnapped by Delaware Indians in eastern Pennsylvania when she was 5. She later married a Miami chief and lived as a Miami Indian named Maconaquah. The family of Francis Godfroy was another. He was a Miami leader who owned a trading post and was one of the most influential and wealthiest Hoosiers at the time.
By 1897, the federal government claimed the Miami who had remained in Indiana were no longer living as a “tribal community” and stripped them of their federal tribal recognition. For the past 124 years, Indiana’s Miami tribe has worked tirelessly but unsuccessfully through the courts and Congress to overturn that federal dictate. Today, the Miami Nation of Indians of Indiana operates as a non-profit organization from the former Peru High School complex. The tribe, with an enrollment of 6,000 individuals, actively provides community services at the complex; maintains tribal cemeteries in the area; and continues preserving and sharing its distinct culture, language, and heritage. Two blocks from the Miami tribal center is another Miami County landmark — the Peru Circus Center, permanent home of Peru’s Amateur Circus, the Circus City Festival and Parade, a circus museum and gift shop. Peru became the “Circus Capital of the World” after 1884 when local livery stable owner Benjamin E. Wallace launched his own. The Hagenbeck-Wallace Circus grew to
PHO TO PRO VI DED BY HARM O N PHO TO G RAP HY I NC.
County Facts FOUNDED: 1834 NAMED FOR: Miami tribe of Native Americans. POPULATION: 35,567 (2018 estimate) COUNTY SEAT: Peru INDIANA COUNTY NUMBER: 52 become America’s second-largest circus behind only Ringling Bros. Wallace’s winter headquarters outside Peru also served as the winter home for Ringling Bros., and others. Even after Wallace sold his show in 1913, the Peru quarters continued to shelter animals and equipment of circuses until 1938. Efforts to revive Peru’s circus heritage led to its first circus festival in 1959 and amateur youth circus in 1960. Meanwhile, the old winter grounds became a National Historic Landmark and is now the International Circus Hall of Fame museum. The Peru Amateur Circus, with local performers ranging in age from 7 to 21 years, continues to this day during the festival week.
JULY 2021
13
Indiana eats
speaking
FRANKLY This is the perfect time to indulge your children — as well as your inner child — in the iconic food and fun of the season. We’re talking hot dogs, onion rings, banana splits and lemon shakeups. And not only that — throw in some old-fashioned kiddie rides, playground equipment, cotton candy and hula hoops that will entertain the little ones for hours. These are the keys to the success of a sandwich and ice cream shop that you’ll only find in New Castle, Indiana. Weenee World is reminiscent of drive-in restaurants of yore with picnic table dining and a full menu of comfort food served primarily either in buns, cones or straight from the deep fryer. This isn’t a place to be fancy. It’s all about fun! Naturally if you come to Weenee World, you’ll want to try a weenee — which come in various sizes prepared various ways including fried, steamed or dipped in corn batter (corn dogs!) and with your choice of traditional toppings or mouthwatering coney
sauce. Since Sloppy Joe sandwiches are a restaurant menu rarity, if you have a craving for this messy-butworth-it tasty treat, don’t miss Weenee World’s version. Its tenderloins, famous for being amazingly ginormous, landed Weenee World on the Indiana Foodways Alliance’s “Tenderloin Lovers Trail.” The popular landmark also grabbed a spot on the “Just Cruisin’ Trail” and “I Scream for Ice Cream Trail.” Weenee World’s ice cream flavors include unusual selections like Henry County Pothole (chocolate with black tan fudge and chunks of chocolate “asphalt”), Sea Turtle (sea-salt caramel and salty caramel swirl with chocolate caramel turtles) and Unicorn Stars (purple vanilla ice cream whirled with blue frosting, sparkly glitter star candies and “magical” sprinkles). Hungry for a perennial favorite sweet treat? Try Weenee World’s generously sized Banana Split, a delicious way to beat the heat. When visiting Weenee World, keep in mind inside dining is not available. So, get your food via the drive-through or at the walk-up window and grab a picnic table if you’d like. It’s summertime: enjoy the day and savor the food!
WEENEE WORLD
14
JULY 2021
Weenee World not only serves up “fair-style” food like hot dogs and ice cream. Its playground area offers tons of fun for the little ones.
601 N. MEMORIAL DRIVE NEW CASTLE
765-529-5530 Closed Mondays and Tuesdays
CONEY DOG
BANANA SPLIT
ONION RINGS
food
END OF THE TRAIL BEANS
Sharon H. Miller, Greensburg, 1 (15 oz.) can lima beans 1 (15 oz.) can red kidney beans 1 (15 oz.) can white navy beans 1 clove garlic 3 T. bacon fat ½ cup catsup 3 T. brown sugar 3 T. vinegar 1 t. salt 1 t. dry mustard ¼ t. black pepper Drain beans and combine with other ingredients. Pour into a baking dish and bake covered at 325350 F for 1 hour. Uncover, stir and continue baking (uncovered) for 15-20 minutes more. Serves 9.
Spilling the beans
‘Turn the bean around’ with these reader recipes
JULY 2021
15
food
GARBANZO BEAN HUMMUS Ruth Ann King, Warsaw
2 (15 oz.) cans garbanzo beans (chickpeas) 6 T. olive oil 3 T. lemon juice 1 T. chopped garlic ½ t. salt ½ t. pepper ½ t. cumin ¼ t. cayenne pepper 1 t. paprika
PINTO PIE
Linda Bertke, St. Meinrad Crust: ¾ cup all purpose flour ½ cup quick cooking oats ½ t. salt ¼ cup canola oil 3-4 T. cold water 1 t. cornmeal Filling: ¾ cup canned pinto beans, drained and mashed (or buzz them in the food processor) ⅓ cup melted butter 1 t. vanilla extract
Drain beans, rinse in cold water.
1¼ cups sugar
Combine all ingredients in
2 eggs, lightly beaten 1 cup pecans or ½ cup chopped pecans and ½ cup chopped sweetened flaked coconut
food processor. Process until desired consistency. Keeps for several days in the refrigerator. Serve with pita chips, toasted pita bread or crispy vegetables. Makes 2 cups.
Optional: whipped topping or ice cream for serving To make crust, buzz the flour, oats and salt in a food processor. Slowly drizzle in oil. Gradually add water until a ball forms. Roll out dough between two sheets of waxed paper;
invert dough into a 9-inch pie plate. Remove remaining waxed paper. Trim and flute edges. Sprinkle the bottom of the crust with cornmeal just before filling. To make filling, preheat oven to 350 F. Mix together beans, butter, vanilla, sugar and eggs just until blended well. Stir in pecans or the pecan/ coconut mixture. Pour into crust. Bake for 30 minutes. Check the pie and use an aluminum foil collar around the pie if the crust or filling is browning too fast. Bake 15-20 minutes longer until a knife inserted near the center comes out clean but still moist. Cool on a wire rack. Serve warm with whipped topping or ice cream if desired. Refrigerate leftovers. Serves 8. Cook’s note: An old southern recipe and one of many Depression-era pie recipes that used inexpensive ingredients to make a delicious budget dessert. Tastes like a pecan pie with less sugar, fewer eggs and a little bit of fiber from the pinto beans.
FO O D PREPARED BY I NDI ANA CO NNECT I O N S TA FF PHO TO S BY TAYLO R MA RA NI O N
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JULY 2021
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After successfully rehabbing her own home, Mina Starsiak Hawk, above left, discovered a passion for giving new life to old homes. Joined by her mom, Karen E Laine, right, they founded Two Chicks and a Hammer, an Indianapolis-based home renovation company in 2007. Two Chicks works mostly in struggling inner-city neighborhoods in their Indianapolis hometown. Two Chicks was discovered by an HGTV scout seven years ago and Mina and Karen's show "Good Bones" took off. Fans of the show, which just began its sixth season, love the "reveal" portion of each show to see how Mina and Karen add just the right touches to make each remodeled room "pop."
18
PHO TO S PRO VI DED BY TWO CHI CKS AND A HAMME R
JULY 2021
Meet Mina
This chick’s varied projects involve more than a hammer
Mina Starsiak Hawk, the
years ago and its offshoots:
INDIANA CONNECTION: You were
latter half of the dynamic
a new company store
renovating homes with your mom for
mother-daughter duo of the
(Two Chicks District Co.), a
seven years before the production
HGTV show “Good Bones,”
branded line of affordable
company’s talent scout stumbled across
was enjoying a cup of
home goods, and a nascent
your Facebook page and reached out to
coffee on a beautiful blue-
501(c)3 nonprofit foundation.
you. Was it your company’s moniker, your
sky morning in May near
She is especially pleased
personalities, or what that encouraged
downtown Indianapolis. All
to talk about the nonprofit
them to find out more about you?
around were the fruits of her
because its goal is to help
labors. Down the street from
fixed-income neighbors
the coffee shop, she could
affected by rising property
see four houses she and her
taxes that come with the
mom, Karen E Laine, had
revitalization of old worn-
previously renovated in the
down neighborhoods that
revitalized near-southside
Two Chicks works in.
neighborhood so near and dear to where the 36-year-old lives with her husband, Steve, and their two children.
MINA HAWK: Probably the name was catchier than some others. Just “Mina’s Renovations” or something probably wouldn’t have been as interesting. And then when they looked, I’m sure I had some videos on there. So, it was pretty obvious that it was me and my mom.
She also has her hands full
We’re both redheads. So, I think those
raising Jack, who’ll be 3 in
few things piqued their interest.
August and is in the diapershedding stage, and newborn
IC: Did you think that you and your mom’s
Starting work on a possible
daughter, Charlotte. But
relationship and what you were doing to
seventh season on HGTV,
she paused long enough to
revitalize Indianapolis would make an
the DIY-star is no D-I-V-A.
talk to Indiana Connection
interesting show?
Comfortable in holey jeans,
editors Emily Schilling and
T-shirt and work boots, she’s
Richard Biever by phone
wholly a Hoosier — hard
about the popularity of the
working, plain speaking,
show; new projects, including
community minding.
becoming an author of a
Her busy schedule includes overseeing the home renovation company — Two Chicks and a Hammer — she and her mother started 14
children’s book; and her love of Indianapolis. Here is part
MH: Not so much the construction aspect. But throughout my life, high school on, my family, our interactions, crazy things have happened. I’ve been told by plenty of people, “Oh my God, you guys need a TV show. This is ridiculous!”
of the conversation. (To read
So, I really think it’s more the personal
more, visit this story online at
aspect than the renovations. There are
IndianaConnection.org.)
CONTINUED ON PAGE 20
JULY 2021
19
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 19 so many people that renovate homes, but that are sticks in the mud or boring. What really makes the show work is, yes, you get like a good
OUR NEIGHBORS AND NEIGHBORHOODS HAVE ‘GOOD BONES,’ NOT NECESSARILY OUR HOUSES. Mina Starsiak Hawk
renovation, and there are fun demo scenes. But, for whatever reason, people like us on a personal level, or they either love or hate us. Some people think my mom’s laugh is like daggers in their eyes, but they keep watching because they’re interested. IC: Who came up with the name “Good Bones?” MH: It’s definitely a construction term, but we didn’t name the show. It was given to us. And it is not applicable at all to the homes we buy because they did not have “good bones.” When we first got the name, we were halfway through filming the season. And I thought my producer was playing a joke on me because I’m fairly easy to rile up. I was like, “No, no, I’m not falling for that.” She was like, “No, it’s ‘Good Bones.’” And I was like, “I’m not even gonna get mad. That’s dumb. That makes no sense.” And she said, “You say that now. But in a year from now, you won’t be able to imagine it being called anything different, and she was right. I don’t know why it works that way. But what we kind of lean into is the “good bones of the neighborhood.” You can renovate anywhere. But if you’re renovating in a neighborhood that doesn’t have neighbors that care, it’s just going to get run down again immediately. So, our neighbors and our neighborhoods have “good bones,” not necessarily our houses. IC: When you graduated from Indiana University, did you ever dream you’d be doing what you were doing? MH: I had no idea what I would be doing. I just didn’t want a desk job. But I didn’t know what that was going to look like so I was still just waiting tables, while I gave myself time to figure it out.
Though Season 6 premiered last month, filming for “Good Bones” typically takes place year-round. Just as you see on the show, Mina takes an active role in all aspects of a home makeover — from “hammer time” to adding finishing touches with decor items.
20
JULY 2021
After I renovated my house, I was like, “Oh, this is fun. This is going to be different every day, and I don’t suck at it. I did all right on my first tile install,” and things like that. I don’t know how
much I believe in fate or a universal
really big, but it feels like a small town.
peripheral attention span doesn’t
plan or anything like that. So probably
People are friendly in the Midwest. I
really exist. But we’ll be walking and
a combination of having certain
wanted to stay and raise my family.
my husband will be like, “That girl is
intentions in life, and then things just falling into place in the right way worked out well. IC: Do you renovate homes throughout the year or just during the season?
A lot of times, it feels like making TV, you’re just kind of like a dancing monkey. There’s not a whole lot of meaning to it. The things that do make it feel a little more important, in the big picture, are being able to help someone else’s success. We do get to
freaking out …” like a 12-year-old that doesn’t want to come ask for pictures. But everyone, I think again partially because it’s just the Midwest mentality, has been super friendly and not weird or overbearing or overstaying their welcome.
MH: The season is all year. We
spotlight local artists and cool people
I’ll be at dinner and someone will
haven’t had downtime between
doing cool things.
come up and just say, “I really love the show. Thank you so much for what
seasons since Season 2 and 3. And since then, they’ve always given us
IC: And that’s something that the
you’re doing for the city.” And it’s a
the go-ahead to start the next season
producers were on board with?
nice exchange. There’s not ever been
before we’re done with the previous one. So right now, we still have three reveals left for Season 6, and we started filming for a possible Season 7. It takes 10 months to film the season, if not a little bit more, so we’ll get a break again eventually … when the show is canceled. IC: Why are you so passionate about Indianapolis and the state of Indiana and spotlighting the local and state
MH: From the beginning, they wanted Indianapolis to be a character in the show — which is awesome. One of the things that’s particularly nice about our show is you feel you could do what we do: You’re buying a $30,000
anything where I felt like it was too much. IC: You and your mom have such great chemistry on the show. Have you always been that way?
house; you’re putting $100,000 into it,
MH: We’ve always had a very up-and-
compared to LA. I could afford a toilet
down mother-daughter relationship
… maybe. So, it seems very realistic
which a lot of people can probably
and attainable in an identifiable place.
relate to. At various points in my adolescence and adulthood we didn’t
IC: How do you and your family cope
talk much, and then there have
with being “those celebrities” in the
been times where we were probably
MH: I never wanted to live anywhere
big city that’s like a small town? Are
dysfunctionally close. So, it’s still
else. I went to IU in Bloomington for
you recognized and have you had any
just kind of that. We have a lot of fun
school and got to travel a bit out of the
awkward encounters?
together, and we also annoy each
businesses you do?
country. So, it’s not that I haven’t been anywhere. I just really like Indy. I like the size of it. I like that we’re actually
MH: None awkward. I’m always kind of just like head in the sand working or going to the next thing, so my
other a lot. That’s just, I think, part of the charm of the show. CONTINUED ON PAGE 22
TWO CHICKS DISTRICT CO. 1531 S. East St. Indianapolis, IN 46225 twochicksdistrictco.com Mina’s newest venture on the south side of downtown Indianapolis offers home decor items, furnishings and other small items, and also serves food and beverages. JULY 2021
21
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 21
IC: And how are the kids?
IC: So, when you’re talking to each
MH: Oh, they’re so good. I was
other on the show, kind of kidding each other … that’s not scripted.
doing a little recording with Visit Indy yesterday for some convention folk.
That’s just you?
We were over at the store, and Jack
MH: Yeah. They do try to script us
waiting for me to wrap up. Jack is in
sometimes because we do what’s called “pickups.” They’ve edited most of the episode, and maybe in one of our interviews, we — shocker — are long-winded about explaining something. And so they give us this list of lines to re-say so it’s short enough to fit into the slot they need. If it’s given to Mom ahead of time, she marks the whole thing up and edits it. IC: With your mom’s retirement, not from the show but from Two Chicks, has she slowed down at all when it comes to renovating homes? MH: She’s doing the fun, retired woman stuff. She’s not doing a lot of the floor plan work and the design build out stuff with me. She’s just enjoying semi-retired life.
and Charlotte and Steve were there, the potty training phase. At one point, he dropped his shorts and pulled his diaper off and is running around in the background. Thank God his shirt was
It’s called “Built Together.” And it’s the two things I know: Construction and non-traditional family structures. The subliminal message is that you can build your family just like you build a house: Any way you want — as long as you have the right foundation and the right tools. IC: Is that something you’d like to explore in a book for adults, too?
long enough that you don’t actually
MH: There are so many self-help
see anything. That’s pretty much his
therapeutic books. I hate the word
MO right now. Charlie’s a little over 8
“memoir” — I’m 36 — I don’t want to
months, and just got her first tooth …
write a “memoir.” But I think my adult
she’s really cranky. But they’re both
book, eventually, would be just sharing
just really sweet kids.
the whole story. Anyone that’s on TV or in the spotlight, you get this very
IC: You recently wrote a children’s
small snippet of their life. The show
book. Is writing something you thought
is a very accurate representation of a
you would do and would like to pursue
very small chunk of my life. There’s all
maybe in the future, too?
this other stuff that if you knew would
MH: I really enjoy it. I actually have a Google Doc called “Ramblings.” And
make you feel better about your own life, but they don’t show any of that.
that’s what it is. But I don’t get enough
That’s why on social media I try to be
time. The kids’ book was a more
super open. That’s why I was public
manageable version, because it’s
about my plastic surgery. [Mina had
short; it’s for kids.
a “mommy makeover” in December.] When I see pictures of people in
Though Karen has retired from Two Chicks and a Hammer, she’ll continue to appear in “Good Bones.” The signature light-hearted banter between the mother and daughter adds to the show’s appeal.
swimsuits, I’m like, “Oh, my God, they had three kids. Why do they look like that?” And now that I had a tummy tuck, I know: “Oh, because they had a tummy tuck.” So, when I post my family vacation pictures next month, I don’t want some other moms thinking, “I’m just not working out hard enough like she obviously does.” IC: Tell us more about your 501(c)3? MH: It’s called “Two Chicks Give Back.” The gist of it is to help bring something positive to the potential negative effects gentrification can have. The negative part of
22
JULY 2021
gentrification is that you’re pricing people out of the neighborhoods who have been here forever. For the most part, that’s people on a fixed income, like Social Security. I can talk until I’m blue in the face about how the positives [of home restoration
Giveaway!
and neighborhood revitalization] outweigh the negatives. But that doesn’t mean that the negatives don’t exist. For us, the negatives aren’t necessarily something we can fix by just stopping renovating homes because we’re not living in a bubble. There are other people doing that, too.
Mina recently wrote a children’s book that focuses on two things she knows: construction and non-traditional family structures. Her daughter, Charlotte, loves looking at the pictures. Mina and husband Steve’s struggle with conceiving Charlotte was among the personal issues Mina has talked about in a public way on her show and in social media.
You think it’s good that you’re raising their property value for them, but that also raises the property taxes. For a lot of people, if they’re simply existing, that is make or break. And while we can’t necessarily fix that, what we’re trying to do is offer assistance to the neighborhoods we work in. So, if it is the older couple with a dog that keeps escaping because they can’t afford to fix their fence, they can apply for funds from the 501(c)3. Or, if they care for their grandkids who live in the home and need help with schoolbooks or winter clothes or really any need in the neighborhoods that we function in — that’s the overall idea.
IC: There must be a great sense of
ENTER TO WIN AN AUTOGRAPHED COPY OF MINA STARSIAK HAWK’S NEW CHILDREN’S BOOK, “BUILT TOGETHER.”
INDIANACONNECTION.ORG/ TALK-TO-US/CONTESTS
accomplishment to look around the old neighborhoods near downtown Indy knowing that you, your mom and your company have helped revitalize so many of these old homes that will now live on for another century. MH: I am in one of our neighborhoods right now. I can see four of our houses from the parking lot I’m sitting in. It’s just
CATCH SEASON 6 OF 'GOOD BONES' AT 9 P.M. TUESDAYS ON HGTV THIS SUMMER.
nice because I remember what they
For more
looked like before we did them.
information about
Not that we fixed up the house
Two Chicks and a Hammer,
and then the neighbors are going
check out the website
to automatically fix theirs up, but it does seem to have this impact on
2CHICKSANDAHAMMER.COM
the neighborhood in general. JULY 2021
23
safety
ELECTRICAL RECEPTACLE SAFETY
is as fundamental as the ABCs
An electrical receptacle, with its oval
consider these devices and familiarize
— wherever there may be water and/
shape and tiny symmetrical slots
yourself with them, especially when
or dampness present. GFCIs have
over the little round hole, can look
children are in the home.”
“reset” and “test” buttons associated
like an emoji of a face to imaginative children. Look closer, and it’s the emoji of a shocked face. And shock is what outlets can do if a child, left unsupervised, inserts a paper clip, coin, key, or bobby pin into those slots.
Here are three types of electrical receptacles installed today.
TRR Tamper-resistant receptacles have an interior spring-loaded cover that closes off the slots of the receptacle
But receptacles don’t pose
until a plug is inserted. They open
dangers just to children. Accidents
only when two prongs of a plug are
or carelessness with plugged-in
inserted simultaneously to compress
appliances around water or simply
both springs at the same time for the
faulty receptacles and wiring can
electrical circuit to be created. Since
cause electrical shocks and fires that
2008, the National Electrical Code has
can lead to disaster and tragedy.
required new and renovated dwellings
“Electrical safety is always improving,” said John Gasstrom, CEO of Indiana Electric Cooperatives. “There are many consumer safety devices that are now either code and are standard in any newer home, or available and can be installed to make you home electrically safer. It’s important to
24
JULY 2021
be equipped with TRRs.
with them. It is a circuit breaker that stops the flow of electricity the instant it detects an imbalance in the current going to and returning from equipment along the circuit.
AFCI Arc-fault circuit interrupters are similar to GFCIs but detect a different kind of problem. AFCIs prevent an electrical fire in your home due to “arcing.” An arc fault is an unintended arc created by current flowing through an unplanned path. Arcing creates highintensity heating, resulting in burning particles that can ignite nearby
GFCI
material like wood or insulation.
Ground-fault circuit interrupters have
If your home doesn’t have these
been around for many years and
three life-saving types of receptacles,
are required in receptacles found
contact a qualified electrician about
in bathrooms, kitchens or laundry
installing them where needed.
rooms and on those found outdoors
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thursday, AUg. 26
Porter County Expo Center 215 E. Division Road, Valparaiso
2021 Kankakee Valley REMC
Member Appreciation Day AND ANNUAL BUSINESS MEETING
ATTEND THE EVENT AND YOU COULD WIN A CASH PRIZE OR BILL CREDIT.
Grand Prize- $2,000
5-$250 cash prizes • 7-$100 bill credits 12-$50 bill credits
Kids Entertainment 5:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. The Chester Mouse Funhouse Show presents, “An Experiment Gone Wrong.” This family show features comedy and ventriloquism. Join in a chance to win some prizes! Bingo will be available from 5 -8 p.m.
Live Performance by
The Van Dells
For 47 years, The Van Dells have been entertaining audiences of all ages across the country with their upbeat show packed with comedy, choreography and tight harmonies as they pay tribute to the ‘50s and ‘60s. You will be taken on a nostalgic trip through time reliving the magical era with songs like “At The Hop” and “Morse Code of Love.” From doowop favorites to Motown classics, and everything in between, The Van Dells will have you smiling, clapping and laughing the entire time.
26
JULY 2021
Free Catered Dinner Hot meal served by Birky’s Catering from 4:30 -6:30 p.m.
VotE for Directors Registered member-consumers who did not vote using the mail-in or online option can vote in person from 4:30-7 p.m.
Bill Credit Each member-consumer who votes receives a $5 bill credit. Attend Member Appreciation Day and receive an Indianashaped bamboo cutting board, too.
Doors open at 4:30 p.m. CDT Dinner 4:30 – 6:30 p.m. CDT Business Meeting 7:30 p.m.
AN ENERGY SOURCE THAT
LASTS 8DESERVES BILLION YEARS A 5-MINUTE PHONE CALL. Solar energy is the future. Let’s make sure it’s right for you! Before you sign a contract for a new solar array, call Kankakee Valley REMC to verify our interconnection agreement, buy-back rate, insurance requirements, and other details. It’s free! We’d like to help you take the best approach to solar for your home and budget. Contact us at 800-552-2622.
has your ticket to
Fair Fun and Savings
Kankakee Valley REMC member-consumers can take advantage of a special admission discount when they visit the LaPorte County and Porter County fairs. Simply show your electric bill at the gate and receive the one day admission discount. Stop by the KV REMC booth on the nights listed below and you could win a chance at a $50 bill credit.
Don’t miss the area county fairs! Pulaski – June 26-July 1 St. Joseph – July 2-10 Starke – July 10-18 LaPorte – July 10-17 Porter – July 22-31 Marshall – July 21-25
One lucky winner will be drawn at each fair.
LaPorte County Fair
Starke County Fair
Porter County Fair
Show a copy of your electric bill at the gate and receive $2 off adult and senior admission tickets. Children 10-15 years old receive $1 off their ticket. Visit the KV REMC booth between noon and 8 p.m.
Kankakee Valley REMC will present a high-voltage safety demonstration on Thursday, July 15, at 8:30 pm. The Starke County Fair is a free fair. Visit the KV REMC booth between 8 a.m.-noon and 4-8 p.m.
Show your electric bill at the gate to receive $2 off admission. Children under 10 are free. In addition, a high-voltage safety demonstration will be at 7 p.m. Visit the KV REMC booth between noon and 8 p.m.
KV REMC Day Tuesday, July 13
KV REMC Day Thursday, July 15
KV REMC Day Friday, July 23
Lake – Aug. 6-15 JULY 2021
27
tributes
MONUMENTAL
WOLFE’S SCULPTURES KEEP HEROES AND LEGENDS ALIVE BY RICHARD G. BIEVER
Danielle Long asked artist Bill Wolfe to hold her 1-year-old son as she stepped onto a riser in Wolfe’s studio. Then, she peered deep and long into the eyes and face of the sculpture Wolfe had conjured from clay. It was the face of her late husband, fallen Terre Haute police officer Brent Long. “You know?” she said turning to Wolfe, still holding the couple’s little boy. “It’s almost like he’s still alive.” For Wolfe, entrusted to preserve the likeness of the slain officer for a memorial, it was a powerful moment. “You’re like, ‘Wow.’ It’s really emotional. Just no words can describe that feeling, and, of course, my eyes welled up.” For 20 years, Wolfe has been pressing life and soul into clay sculptures. He’s gaining a reputation for the realism he brings to life-sized and largerthan-life monuments and memorials of heroes lost and Hoosier legends that are then cast in bronze. Among the most visible works the West Terre Haute artist has created: • The 15-foot Larry Bird, in his Indiana State University basketball uniform, taking a jump shot in front of ISU’s Hulman Center. • Indiana aviation pioneer and World War I flying ace Weir Cook greeting travelers entering the Indianapolis International Airport terminal named for him. • Muncie’s tribute to Hurley Goodall, a retired firefighter and a long-time leader in the community and the state’s black legislative caucus; poet James Whitcomb Riley hanging out in front of his boyhood
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JULY 2021
P H OTO B Y R IC H A R D G. B IE V E R
home in Greenfield; and French-Canadian explorer and military leader François-Marie Bissot, Sieur de Vincennes, surveying the Wabash River along the riverwalk in Vincennes. • American servicemen and women for various community memorials and monuments in Terre Haute, Avon and Carmel. And sadly, he’s now enshrined forever in bronze two Terre Haute police officers from the past decade: Long, who died 10 years ago this month, and Rob Pitts in 2018. “The most emotional ones,” the 66-year-old artist said, “are here in Terre Haute. We’ve had two officers killed in the line of duty. We’re getting ready to put both of those statues together on a memorial plaza in front of the new police station.” Wolfe guesses he’s done around 20 statues, some larger than others.
THE PROCESS He starts with lots of photos of his subjects — if available. “Getting a good likeness is probably the hardest part. But if you have plenty of pictures to work from, that’s a godsend,” he said. Since he hadn’t met Larry Bird before Bird’s statue’s dedication, he used photos of the French Lick phenom in action from all angles. Wolfe usually starts with the head, shaping the clay. Lately, he noted, he’s been cutting the basic forms of the statues from foam. Then he applies a layer of clay over the foam in which he sculpts the details. “Once my clay is completed and the client looks at it and gives approval, then I take it to the foundry.” There, a wax mold is created of the clay sculpture and cut
Vincennes, he had no references to work from. “There are no pictures of Vincennes in 1730 to 1750.” Wolfe created his own portrait of the man in his mind. “I pretty much started on the head again. I work late hours, two o’clock in the morning. I just looked at this egg shape that I carved out of foam, and then I kind of channeled François. I said ‘OK, Mr. Vincennes, tell me what you look like.’ So, I just started sculpting, just applying the clay. Now, some people told me I made him look like me. If I did, it wasn’t intentional.”
REMEMBERING ‘SLICK’ LEONARD
P HO TO CO U R T ES Y OF B IL L WOL F E
Bill Wolfe stands with his interpretation of François-Marie Bissot, Sieur de Vincennes, for the riverwalk in Vincennes. He said Knox County’s historian nixed the mustache and beard for the final version of the French military officer. “Of course, my argument was, ‘Well, he was out on the frontier with a few other soldiers and a bunch of Indians. I don’t think he was real concerned about waking up every morning and looking in a mirror and going, ‘Oh, I gotta shave for the boys,’” Wolfe explained. Nevertheless, he shaved the clay facial hair to suit those who commissioned the work.
into sections. From the wax, a bronze casting is made. The bronze sections are then welded together and the seams are smoothed out. Finally, the bronze is heated and a chemical combination called “liver of sulfur” is applied to give it a dark patina. If the subject is still living, Wolfe might ask to do something he admits sounds “really weird” before starting. He’ll ask if he can run his hands over and around the subject’s head. “I can
gather as much information that way as just looking at them because a lot of sculpting is just feel … touching.” With Goodall’s statue a few years ago, he asked Goodall, who is now 94, if he could touch his head and got the OK. “He let me just kind of feel his brow and his forehead and all around the bulk of his head. And I truly got a lot from that.” With his latest completed and installed work of
One missed opportunity Wolfe said he regrets came in April with the death of Indiana basketball legend Bobby “Slick” Leonard at age 88. Leonard hit the winning free-throw for the 1953 Indiana University NCAA basketball championship team and also coached the Indiana Pacers to three ABA championships. He then became the enthusiastic “Boom Baby” voice of the Pacers. Wolfe wanted to make photos and prepare a statue of him. “Terre Haute should have something made because this was his hometown.” Wolfe got Leonard’s phone number, but then, “I kind of chickened out because I didn’t want him to get that feeling that ‘Bill Wolfe is contacting you before you die.’ When I heard that he passed … I said I should have just went for it.” Wolfe still recalls when the Bird statue was unveiled at ISU; he politely shook the hand of Bird and basketball legends Quinn Buckner and Bill Walton who were on
the stage with him, but his biggest thrill was down the line with Leonard. “When I shook Slick Leonard’s hand, he looked at me and said, ‘Bill, we’re so proud of what you’ve done for Larry. And I just want to thank you.’ “It gave me goosebumps,” Wolfe added. “I almost started crying.” Wolfe said all the memories as a kid looking up to Leonard as the Pacers coach came back. “How much better can that get for an artist: to be able to do that and meet Larry Bird and Slick Leonard?”
KEEPING MEMORIES ALIVE Though he’s now beyond “retirement age,” Wolfe said another great thing about being an artist is there is no retirement age. But he does look back. “In my life I’ve been lucky to have a profession that is something that I love to do. And in that profession, I’m giving respect and honor to people who have done great things with their lives.” While some figures he’s sculpted, like Orville Wright and Larry Bird, would have always lived on, others, like the fallen local police officers might not. “It keeps their memory alive,” Wolfe added of his works. “If you didn’t have [the statues], they would gradually fade away over the years. It keeps their names in the lights.” Bronze casts should last a thousand years, Wolfe noted. Long after all who are alive today have turned to dust and clay, the tributes Wolfe’s hands once pressed into clay will live on and on.
Richard G. Biever is senior editor of Indiana Connection. JULY 2021
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30
JULY 2021