Apply for an Operation Round Up grant by Nov. 20.
Dubois REC’s
winner
Three times A Evan Olinger earns another ‘Best of Show’ in calendar contest
pages 19–24
NOVEMBER 2020
from the editor
Talking turkey …
no matter what it looks like
Thanksgiving will certainly be a bit different this year. Friends and relatives may choose to attend a virtual turkey day celebration instead of an in-person dinner. And those prepping the feast may not only be shielded by aprons, but face masks as well this year. Holiday safety precautions nowadays go far beyond making sure the turkey is thoroughly cooked and the leftovers aren’t left out too long before they’re packed into the refrigerator. Social distancing now must be considered when we invite others to break bread with us. Yet Thanksgiving will also always be a time of tradition. We pull out recipes passed down through generations to recreate family favorites. Platters and bowls of the main attractions — turkey, stuffing and cranberry sauce — take the spotlight and often reappear in the days to follow reimagined in everything from sandwiches to soups to casseroles. Speaking of “reimagined,” this year’s turkey feast could also come in a plastic bag. Brach’s candy, makers of the autumn classic, candy corn, has introduced candy corn just for Thanksgiving. The bite-sized candies mimic the flavors of what you’d normally pile on your holiday dinner plate. There’s the cranberry sauce and the sweet potato pie. (Yum!) There’s carrots, glazed with ginger. And, then we get to the green beans and (pause for effect) the stuffing and turkey! Fans of “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” may remember Willy Wonka’s threecourse dinner flavor gum which literally turned the bratty Violet Beauregarde violet. Wonka’s gum — which morphed from tomato soup to roast beef with baked potato to blueberry pie a la mode (Violet’s eventual downfall) throughout the chewing experience — always disgusted me. So, the thought of eating meat flavored candy is not getting me in the holiday spirit. But still, if pouring some candy on a plate will lessen my time in the kitchen on Thanksgiving Day (while still giving everyone the flavors they expect) I might consider it. Making post-holiday turkey and noodles is going to be a problem though if the only dinnertime leftovers I have are tiny little corn-shaped candies.
Curious
about this candy?
EMILY SCHILLING
See below to find out how to win a bag.
Editor eschilling@indianaec.org
On the menu: February 2021 issue: Bananas, deadline Dec. 1. March 2021 issue: Recipes featuring coffee, deadline Dec. 1. If we publish your recipe on our food pages, we’ll send you a $10 gift card.
Giveaway: Enter to win a Spencer County prize bundle and one of two bags of Brach’s
Thanksgiving candy corn. To learn more about the Spencer County gift pack and to enter both contests, visit indianaconnection.org/talk-to-us/contests. Entry deadline for giveaways: Nov. 23.
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 70 • NUMBER 5 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 Stacey Holton Creative Services 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, 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.
NOVEMBER 2020
3
contents
NOVEMBER
10
17
energy
food
03 FROM THE EDITOR
14 COUNTY OF THE MONTH
05 CO-OP NEWS Energy news and information from your electric cooperative.
Spotlighting Spencer County.
10 ENERGY Use your thermostat to save money.
more.
12 I NSIGHTS
16 INDIANA EATS Pick Oak and Alley for an amazing burger … and
17 FOOD Culture Club: Yogurt offers calcium and probiotics.
FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA
Indiana Connection
19
29
cover story 19 COVER STORY Three times a winner: Evan Olinger earns another “Best of Show” in calendar contest. 24 OUTDOORS ‘The Bears of Blue River’ … revisited. 25 SAFETY Deck the halls with boughs of safety.
profile
26 BACKYARD Mugwort, wormwood: A real problem by either name. (Not in all editions) 28 H OOSIER ENERGY/ WABASH VALLEY NEWS 29 PROFILE Former pro wrestler Carmine Azzato now travels the country as an evangelist.
On the cover Evan Olinger rounded out his high school career as an artist by winning his third “Best of Show” in last spring’s Cooperative Calendar of Student Art contest. It was also his seventh consecutive grade division win. The Sellersburg native is now pursuing a degree in visual communications at Purdue University. PHOTO BY TAYLOR MARANION
4
NOVEMBER 2020
co-op news
www.duboisrec.com CONTACT US Office: 812-482-5454 Billing Dept.: 812-482-1664 Operations Dept.: 812-482-1188 After Hours: 812-482-5455 Fax: 812-482-7015
Giving back
to our community
CEO AND GENERAL MANAGER Joe Henson OFFICE HOURS 7 a.m.–4 p.m., Monday-Friday 7 a.m.–3:30 p.m. for Line Dept. STREET ADDRESS 1400 Energy Drive Jasper, IN 47546 MAILING ADDRESS P.O. Box 610 Jasper, IN 47547-0610 EMERGENCY POWER OUTAGES To report service interruptions, call: 812-482-5454 (during regular hours) or 812-482-5455 (after hours) day or night. Please have your account number ready when reporting outages. BOARD OF DIRECTORS Brad Knies, President Richard A. Wendholt, Vice President Randall L. Stemle, Secretary-Treasurer Mark Montgomery Andy Schwenk Steve Speedy David Rudolph KEY STAFF Greg Dilger Manager of Engineering Ruth Hopf Billing Supervisor Tina Hunter Manager of Finance and Office Services Kyla Jones Employee and Member Relations Manager Patrick Lichlyter Manager of Operations Larry Schuler Manager of Purchasing CUSTOMER SERVICES Budget billing SmartHub Pay by Phone 24/7 Drive-through window Night depository Medical account watch This institution is an equal opportunity provider and employer.
Over the years,
the most recent round of Operation
you’ve probably
Round Up grants on page 7.) Through
heard or read
our Youth Tour program, we take our
about Dubois
community’s brightest young people
REC’s concern for
to Washington, D.C., for a week-long
our community.
immersion to experience democracy
This is one of the
in action.
core principles that sets cooperatives apart from other types of utilities and businesses. We’ve always taken this mission and responsibility to heart. It’s who we are as a co-op.
We also have a strong commitment to safety — not just for our employees, but for our community as well. We host electrical safety demonstrations to teach children of all ages how to stay safe around electricity through
Over the past few months, like so
our school days program at Dubois
many of you, we’ve risen to meet new
REC.
challenges and strengthen the safety net for our community, particularly for those who are most vulnerable. Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, we’ve made numerous adjustments to programs and operations to maintain business continuity while staying focused on the bigger mission of helping our members during this turbulent time. Now, with the holidays fast approaching, these recent events have made me pause and think about the role we play in our community. While
You’ll also see our employees serving on local boards, coaching youth sports, volunteering at charitable events and leading various youth groups. When you work at a co-op, you understand how important a strong community is — after all, without you, the co-op wouldn’t exist. We know that our core job is to keep the lights on, but our passion is our community. We live and work here, too, and we want to make it a better place for all.
our purpose is to provide safe and
If there’s anything we can do to help
reliable energy to you, the members
you — whether providing ener-
we serve, we have a greater mission
gy-saving advice to help lower your
— to be a catalyst for good.
monthly bill or discussing payment
You’re probably aware of our Operation Round Up program, where we take donations from generous members like you who have “rounded up” the amount due on their electric bill to help fund worthwhile causes in our community. (You can see
plan options during these difficult times — please reach out to us. You can contact us through our website, www.duboisrec.com, and also access a wealth of information.
JOE HENSON CEO and General Manager NOVEMBER 2020
5
co-op news
bill credit
Win a $50
FOLLOW THESE SIMPLE STEPS FOR A CHANCE TO WIN $50 IN ELECTRICITY.
Clip the form below. Complete and return the form to the office with your monthly payment before the 15th of the month. (Delinquent payments are not eligible.) Coupons are dated monthly and are not available at the office. The winner will be notified, and his or her name will be published here. OCTOBER’S WINNER: PATRICK MARKS, CELESTINE
FOR OCT. BILLING, PAID BY NOV. 15
Members who utilize ACH (automatic bill pay) are already entered in this monthly drawing.
NAME: ADDRESS: ACCOUNT NO.: PHONE NO.:
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Rate schedule Service charge Single-phase................................................... $24 Three-phase................................................... $40 Energy charge The first 500 kWh at.......................$.10522 /kWh The next 2,500 kWh at....................$.09772/kWh All remaining kWh at.......................$.09462/kWh
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Dubois REC, Inc. P.O. Box 610 Jasper, IN 47547-0610 www.duboisrec.com
Electric bills due by the 20th of each month.
6
NOVEMBER 2020
co-op news
Spare change changes lives Dubois REC is proud to have a program in place that can easily get funds to local groups and organizations. These funds have a big impact and improve lives in our community. This program is called Operation Round Up. Dubois REC members who participate in Operation Round Up allow their monthly electric bills to be “rounded up” to the next dollar. That spare change is placed in a community fund, overseen by a volunteer board of trustees. This volunteer board meets each quarter to review the requests for grants. Local community groups, non-profits, fire departments, school programs and similar organizations can apply. In the most recent round of grants Northeast Dubois Intermediate School received a $1,000 grant to help fund a physical education program for students in grades 3-6. Habitat for Humanity of Dubois County was awarded a $2,000 grant to help fund installation of electricity for a home being built through the Habitat for Humanity program. The Jefferson Township Fire Department received a $1,100 grant to replace the drafting mechanism on each of its engines. This piece of equipment is what allows crews to connect to a hydrant or draft water
from a portable tank. The current fitting being used is a storz type. These will be replaced with threaded fitting that should perform better than the current fittings. Young Life received a $2,000 grant to purchase a new laptop for the Young Life staff. Young Life is a program that helps positively impact the lives of teens and adolescents in the community through mentorship and programmed events.
APPLY FOR A GRANT If your group or organization could benefit from an Operation Round Up grant, visit duboisrec. com and look in the “Community” section for information on our Operation Round Up program. Download an application, complete it and submit the application and supporting documents between Nov. 1 and Nov. 20 to be considered for our next round of community grants.
Does Dubois REC owe you money? Dubois REC is a not-for-profit, member-owned electric cooperative. That makes us VERY different than most utilities. If we have money left over after paying expenses, we keep track of how much of it is your share. We invest that money in the cooperative, and after a period of time, we pay that money back to you, our members. These payments are called capital credits. Some members will be receiving a check in November that represents their share of recently refunded capital credits.
Free calendars now available Pick up your 2021 Cooperative Calendar of Student Art in the Dubois REC office, while supplies last. This calendar is illustrated by the best student artists in the state.
NOVEMBER 2020
7
co-op news
DEADLINES APPROACHING
DUBOIS REC REBATE PROGRAM Your co-op offers incentives and rebates for members who install energy-efficient equipment in their home or business. But you need to act fast; the deadline to apply for a Dubois REC rebate for energy-efficient HVAC and water heating equipment is Dec. 1. Get more info and an application at our website, www.duboisrec.com.
GEOTHERMAL TAX CREDIT The federal tax credit for purchasing a geothermal HVAC unit has been extended until 2022, but is being stepped down each year as follows: • 26% for systems placed in service after Jan. 1, 2020, and before Dec. 31, 2020. • 22% for systems placed in service after Jan. 1, 2021, and before Dec. 31, 2022. Get more information about geothermal and other renewable energy tax credits at https://www. waterfurnace.com/literature/collateral/ br1507mw-tax-credit-residential.pdf.
8
NOVEMBER 2020
energy
A simple thermostat setting to reduce energy use In my role as energy
I say this because
If this is done with a
to a comfortable
advisor at Jackson
adjusting the
heat pump, the five-
temperature and
County REMC, I have
temperature more
degree temperature
leaving it alone can
helped members
than two degrees
change is asking your
help reduce your
like you find ways to
will force your HVAC
HVAC system to be
energy use this
reduce energy use
system to use more
all-hands-on-deck!
season.
during the fall and
energy as it works to
To do this, it will turn
winter months.
adjust the temperature
on what is known
as quickly as possible.
as auxiliary heat
For homes with heat
so the temperature
pump systems, I
For example, if it is
like to begin at the
50 degrees outside
thermostat. A simple
and a thermostat is
thing you can do is
set to keep the house
to set your desired
at 65 degrees during
temperature and
the day, once it starts
don’t adjust it more
to cool off in the
than two degrees at
evening, it makes
a time. The fewer
sense to bump the
Following this simple
changes you make to
temperature up to a
process of setting
the temperature, the
warmer setting — say
your thermostat
better.
70 degrees.
10
NOVEMBER 2020
can quickly rise five degrees. This is where the resistance heat coils are used and it is a less efficient way to warm the air. It is more expensive too.
Brian Reynolds by
Energy Advisor Jackson County REMC
United States Postal Service Statement of Ownership, Management and Circulation 1. Publication Title: Indiana Connection. 2. Publication Number: 0745-4651. 3. Filing Date 9/21/20. 4. Issue Frequency: Monthly. 5. Number of Issues Published Annually: 12. 6. Annual Subscription Price: $3.12. Complete Mailing Address of Known Office of Publication: Indiana Electric Cooperatives, 8888 Keystone Crossing, Suite 1600, Indianapolis, Marion County, IN 46240-4606. Contact Person: Emily Schilling. Telephone: 317-487-2220. 8. Complete Mailing Address of Headquarters or General Business Office of Publisher: Indiana Electric Cooperatives, 8888 Keystone Crossing, Suite 1600, Indianapolis, Marion County, IN 46240-4606. 9. Full Names and Complete Mailing Address of Publisher, Editor, and Managing Editor: Publisher: Indiana Electric Cooperatives, 8888 Keystone Crossing, Suite 1600, Indianapolis, Marion County, IN 46240-4606. Editor: Emily Schilling, Indiana Electric Cooperatives, 8888 Keystone Crossing, Suite 1600, Indianapolis, Marion County, IN 46240-4606. Managing Editor: None. 10. Owner: Indiana Electric Cooperatives, 8888 Keystone Crossing, Suite 1600, Indianapolis, IN 46240-4606. 11. Known Bondholders, Mortgagees, and Other Security Holders Owning or Holding 1 Percent or More of Total Amount of Bonds, Mortgages, or Other Securities: None. 12. Tax Status (For completion by nonprofit organizations authorized to mail at nonprofit rates). The purpose, function, and nonprofit status of this organization and the exempt status for federal income tax purposes has not changed during preceding 12 months. 13. Publication Title: Indiana Connection. 14. Issue Date for Circulation Data Below: Oct. 2020. 15. Extent and Nature of Circulation: Electric co-op members in Indiana. a. Total Number of Copies (Net press run): Average No. Copies Each Issue During Preceding 12 Months: 287,498. No. Copies of Single Issue Published Nearest to Filing Date: 305,474. b. Paid Circulation (By Mail and Outside the Mail). (1) Mailed Outside-County Paid Subscriptions Stated on PS Form 3541 (Include paid distribution above nominal rate, advertiser’s proof copies and exchange copies): Average No. Copies Each Issue During Preceding 12 Months: 286,171. No. Copies of Single Issue Published Nearest to Filing Date: 304,059. (2) Mailed In-County Paid Subscriptions Stated on PS Form 3541 (Include paid distribution above nominal rate, advertiser’s proof copies and exchange copies): Average No. Copies Each Issue During Preceding 12 Months: 0. No. Copies of Single Issue Published Nearest to Filing Date: 0. (3) Paid Distribution Outside the Mails including Sales Through Dealers and Carriers, Street Vendors, Counter Sales, and Other Paid Distribution Outside USPS: Average No. Copies Each Issue During Preceding 12 Months: 0. No. Copies of Single Issue Published Nearest to Filing Date: 0. (4) Paid Distribution by Other Classes of Mail Through the USPS (e.g. First-Class Mail): Average No. Copies Each Issue During Preceding 12 Months: 0. No. Copies of Single Issue Published Nearest to Filing Date: 0. c. Total Paid Distribution ((Sum of 15b (1), (2), (3), and (4)): Average No. Copies Each Issue During Preceding 12 Months: 286,171. No. Copies of Single Issue Published Nearest to Filing Date: 304,059. d. Free or Nominal Rate Distribution (By Mail and Outside the Mail). (1) Free or Nominal Rate Outside-County Copies included on PS Form 3541: Average No. Copies Each Issue During Preceding 12 Months: 237. No. Copies of Single Issue Published Nearest to Filing Date: 282. (2) Free or Nominal Rate Copies In-County Copies Included on PS Form 3541: Average No. Copies Each Issue During Preceding 12 Months: 0. No. Copies of Single Issue Published Nearest to Filing Date: 0. (3) Free or Nominal Rate Copies Mailed at Other Classes Through the USPS (e.g. First-Class Mail): Average No. Copies Each Issue During Preceding 12 Months: 0. No. Copies of Single Issue Published Nearest to Filing Date: 0. (4) Free or Nominal Rate Distribution Outside the Mail (Carriers or other means): Average No. Copies Each Issue During Preceding 12 Months: 0. No. Copies of Single Issue Published Nearest to Filing Date: 0. e. Total Free or Nominal Rate Distribution (Sum of 15d (1), (2), (3) and (4): Average No. Copies of Each Issue During Preceding 12 Months: 237. No. Copies of Single issue Published Nearest to Filing Date: 282. f. Total Distribution (Sum of 15c and 15e): Average No. Copies Each Issue During Preceding 12 Months: 286,408. No. Copies of Single Issue Published Nearest to Filing Date: 304,341. g. Copies not Distributed (See Instructions to Publishers #4 (page #3): Average No. Copies Each Issue During Preceding 12 Months: 1,090. No. Copies of Single Issue Published Nearest to Filing Date: 1,133. h. Total (Sum of 15f and g): Average No. Copies Each Issue During Preceding 12 Months: 287,498. No. Copies of Single Issue Published Nearest to Filing Date: 305,474. i. Percent Paid (15c divided by 15f times 100): Average No. Copies Each Issue During Preceding 12 Months: 99.9 %. No. Copies of Single Issue Published Nearest to Filing Date: 99.9 %. Publication of Statement of Ownership. If the publication is a general publication, publication of this statement is required. Will be printed in the November 2020 issue of this publication. 17. Signature and Title of Editor, Publisher, Business Manager or Owner (Signed): Emily Schilling, Editor. Date: 9/21/20 I certify that all information furnished on this form is true and complete. I understand that anyone who furnishes false or misleading information on this form or who omits material or information requested on the form may be subject to criminal sanctions (including fines and imprisonment) and/or civil sanctions (including civil penalties).
12
NOVEMBER 2020
A year’s worth of student art The 2021 Cooperative Calendar of Student Art is available at participating electric co-op offices across the state. • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
Bartholomew County REMC Boone REMC Carroll White REMC Clark County REMC Decatur County REMC Dubois REC Fulton County REMC Harrison REMC Heartland REMC Henry County REMC Hendricks Power Cooperative Jasper County REMC Jay County REMC Johnson County REMC Kankakee Valley REMC Kosciusko REMC LaGrange County REMC Marshall County REMC Miami-Cass REMC
2021
Cove r art kinde rgartby Lily Jone s, en divis ion winn er
23R D ANN UAL
SHO WCA SE OF
Prod uced
AWA RD-W INNI
by Indi ana
Con nect
NG WOR KS BY
ion for Indi ana’
INDI ANA STUD
s REM Cs
ENTS
Cove r art by Lily Jone s, kinde rgart divis ion winn er en
• Newton County REMC • Noble REMC • Orange County REMC • RushShelby Energy • Southeastern Indiana REMC • Steuben County REMC • Tipmont REMC • UDWI REMC • Whitewater Valley REMC • WIN Energy REMC Copies are also available through the mail from Indiana Connection.
ORDER YOUR 2021 CALENDAR TODAY! Please send ______ copy (copies) of the Cooperative Calendar of Student Art 2021 at $6 each to: Name: Address: City, State and ZIP: Price includes shipping and Indiana sales tax. Make check payable to “Indiana Electric Cooperatives.” Send this completed form and a check to Indiana Connection Calendar; 8888 Keystone Crossing, Suite 1600; Indianapolis, IN 46240.
LETTER TO THE EDITOR Interest in ICAN surges I cannot tell you how many people have contacted us by email or phone, AND the donations we are receiving via your story (about the Indiana Canine Assistance Network in the September 2020 issue). We are getting a lot of questions coming in through our website as well and due to the surge, we know it’s because we have reached so many people throughout the state. This was a blessing to ICAN to be featured in your publication. I was even at my parent’s home in Seymour and my mom and dad got it in the mail. They were so proud to see a story about ICAN that when they moved to assisted living last Saturday, my dad INSISTED on taking it with him to share it with his new friends! So, thank you again. We are truly grateful to you and the talent you have in writing such a beautiful piece about the work we are doing to bring hope to others.
Denise “Dino” Sierp Director of Development & Outreach, Indiana Canine Assistance Network
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county feature
Spencer County A five mile stretch of Ind. 162 in Spencer County takes a traveler from the boyhood home of perhaps the greatest president in U.S. history to the “summer home” of one of the most beloved characters in the history of humankind. Both are closely tied to the national holidays we celebrate this month and next. Most folks are aware that Abraham Lincoln lived in Spencer County. But he did more than pass through. His 14 years in Southern Indiana were his formative years and would be a quarter of his life. There, he developed his intellect, his love of learning and law, and his melancholia after the heartbreaking deaths of his mother and sister. And there, he grew to his adult 6-foot-4 frame and into the man he was. He was 21 when he joined his father, stepmother and her family in the move to better farmland in Illinois in 1830. Today, the land that was the Lincoln family farm is the Lincoln Boyhood National Memorial. The memorial offers visitors the opportunity to walk trails where Lincoln walked and see what life was like on the harsh Hoosier frontier at a living historical farm which is operated in the summer months. A visitor’s center offers a film and a small museum, two memorial halls and five large relief sculpture panels depicting phases of his life. At the site is a headstone for his mother, Nancy Hanks Lincoln, who died in 1818. The Lincoln State Park, across the highway from the Boyhood Memorial, is also dedicated to his memory
14
NOVEMBER 2020
Five relief sculptures depicting stages of Abraham Lincoln’s life and death adorn the exterior of the Lincoln National Boyhood Memorial in Spencer County. The site is located on the land where Lincoln grew from a lad to adulthood.
and offers plenty of outdoor recreational opportunities. Lincoln’s sister, Sarah Lincoln Grigsby, who died in 1828 giving birth to a stillborn son, is buried at the Little Pigeon Cemetery inside the state park.
y t n u o C acts F
FOUNDED: 1818
NAMED FOR: Spier Spencer, a captain in the Indiana militia killed in the Battle of Tippecanoe POPULATION: 20,327 (2018 estimate) COUNTY SEAT: Rockport
As president during the Civil War in 1863, Lincoln made the last Thursday of November an annual national holiday. Thanksgiving, as it was in 1863, falls this year on Nov. 26.
A jog to the east of the Lincoln sites, Spencer County also celebrates a great historic figure … Santa Claus! The town there, first known as Santa Fe, fortuitously took its present name in 1856 after the U.S. Post Office rejected its attempt to establish a post office because Indiana already had a Santa Fe. Over the years, Santa Claus — the town and post office — became world famous for its association with the jolly Christmas elf. In 1946, the nation’s first “theme park” — Santa Claus Land — opened
there. In 1984, the park changed its name to Holiday World, and today, with the addition of its Splashin’ Safari, is a combination theme park and water park that annually adds to its offerings and ranks among the best in the country. It is especially respected for its wooden roller coasters and cleanliness.
CLARIFICATION: The description of Charles Carroll, after whom Carroll County was named, should have stated he was the last surviving signer of the Declaration of Independence (October’s County of the Month). Several other “founding fathers” did not sign the Declaration and survived Carroll.
NOVEMBER 2020
15
Indiana eats
Pick Oak and Alley
for an amazing burger … and more
BY JENNIFER BARGER Warsaw, Indiana, is home to a lot of great things. There are some pretty sweet parks, an exceptional greenway, an evolving downtown, a LOT of lakes, and a population of dreamers who just keep making this town better. A slightly less well-known fact is that Warsaw is also home to the most amazing burger you will ever sink your chops into. Oak and Alley serves a myriad of craft burgers from a classic cheeseburger to the famous “Traveler” burger. The “Traveler” is Oak and Alley’s take on a weekly special — but it’s so much more than that. It’s really an ever-changing creative combination of tantalizing flavors and textures. Oak and Alley is for burger lovers of all kinds – even those who prefer plant-based options. Hands down, this joint has the best veggie burger you will ever eat. Coupled with these mouthwatering burgers is a selection of pub-style sides! Oh, the sides! The sides menu includes everything delicious and fried. French fries, onion rings, mushrooms, spicy cheese curds, poutine; the list goes on to include salads (#goals.) Looking for a game-changer? Try the PB&J Sweet Potato fries. For real.
OAK AND ALLEY 2308 E. Center St., Warsaw
574-387-6114 www.oakandalley.com Monday-Thursday: 11 a.m.-2 p.m., 5-9 p.m. Friday-Saturday: 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Sunday: Closed
16
NOVEMBER 2020
THE BELGIAN Brussels sprouts, red onion, bacon, thyme, creme fraiche and aged parmesan
So what makes an Oak and Alley burger better than everyone else’s? It’s the toppings! And the pretzel buns — always the fresh pretzel buns. Who puts umami, sriracha, pickled veggies, and peanut butter on a burger? Oak and Alley does! And it’s phenomenal. In Oak and Alley’s humble beginning, it was the proverbial “hole in the wall” found only by locals who knew the right Alley to explore. Fast forward a few years, and Oak and Alley can be found front and center as you enter town on Center Street, lit up with outdoor seating. You can’t miss it. Oak and Alley boasts some of the best seasonal drinks around: try their “Lemon Shakeup” or their “Boozy Thin Mint Shake.” If specialty drinks aren’t your vibe, take your pick from a wide selection of craft beers and cocktails. With upbeat music, refreshing drinks, and a welcoming atmosphere, you’ll find
THE veggie Black bean patty with cheddar, cilantro, avocado, tomato, red onion and chipotle aioli
yourself in chill-mode as soon as you sit down. Are you looking for an excellent location for a business lunch? Pick Oak and Alley. Or maybe you’re looking for a quick grab and go? Pick Oak and Alley. Is it time for a much needed night out with good food, belly laughs, and great friends? Pick Oak and Alley. Are you watching your calorie intake in preparation for the holidays? Pick another place. Self-control has no place at Oak and Alley. Jennifer Barger is manager of marketing and communications at Kosciusko REMC in Warsaw, Indiana.
food CHICKEN IN WINE SAUCE Kathleen Tooley, Berne, Indiana 6-8 chicken breasts ½ cup water 1 t. salt 1 (10 ¾ oz.) can cream of mushroom soup 1 ½ cups plain yogurt ¼ t. pepper ½ cup milk or cream ¾ cup cooking sherry 1 large (6 oz.) jar sliced mushrooms Cook chicken in water and ½ t. salt on high heat until steam appears. Simmer for 15 minutes. Blend soup, yogurt, ½ t. salt, pepper and sherry. Add milk or cream and mushrooms. Put chicken in greased baking dish. Pour sauce over all and bake uncovered at 350 F for 1 hour.
Culture Club IN GOES THE YOGURT, IN GO CALCIUM AND PROBIOTICS
NOVEMBER 2020
17
food
POUND CAKE Patricia Piekarski, Harvey, Illinois ½ cup butter 3 eggs ½ cup plain fat-free yogurt 1 ½ cups flour ¼ t. baking powder 1/8 t. baking soda 1 cup sugar ½ t. vanilla Let butter, eggs and yogurt stand at room temperature for 30 minutes. Grease one loaf pan. Stir together flour, baking powder and baking soda. In bowl, beat butter with mixer for 30 seconds. Gradually add sugar. Beat in vanilla. Add eggs, one at a time, beating after each addition. Alternately, add flour mixture and yogurt to butter mixture, beating on low speed after each addition. Pour batter into pan. Bake at 325 F for 60-75 minutes. Cool on wire rack for 10 minutes.
CHOCOLATE CHIP YOGURT COOKIES Marilles Mauer, Greensburg, Indiana ½ cup granulated sugar ½ cup packed brown sugar ½ cup butter, softened ½ cup plain yogurt 1 ½ t. vanilla 1 ¾ cups flour ½ t. baking soda ¼ t. salt
YOGURT FRUIT SMOOTHIE Jan Hackman, Columbus, Indiana 1 banana, cut up 1 ½ cups frozen fruit or berries 1 cup plain Greek yogurt ½ cup chocolate chips ¼ cup chocolate syrup ¾ cup milk Mix ingredients in a blender for approximately two minutes. Makes two servings.
18
¾-1 cup chocolate chips Preheat oven to 375 F. In a large bowl, cream together the sugars and butter until light and fluffy. Add yogurt and vanilla. Beat well. Stir in flour, baking soda and salt. Mix well. Mix in chocolate chips. If you think the batter is a bit sticky, chill for about 30 minutes. Use a tablespoon to scoop out the dough and drop two inches apart onto ungreased cookie sheets. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until light golden brown. Remove the cookie sheets from the oven and place on cooling racks. Leave the cookies undisturbed for 5 minutes, then remove the cookies from the cookie sheet and let cool completely on a wire rack.
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
NOVEMBER 2020
times a winner By Richard G. Biever Good things came in threes for Evan Olinger … make that … threes and sevens. For an unprecedented third time, Evan has won the “Best of Show” in the latest Cooperative Calendar of Student Art contest. Winning the 12th grade division also made Evan a seven-time consecutive grade winner — another unprecedented accomplishment in the calendar contest’s 23 years. The winning works from the contest, which was judged in June after the pandemic caused the judging’s delay, will be used to illustrate the upcoming 2021 art calendar. It will be available from participating electric cooperatives around the state and through Indiana Connection (Please see page 12). The contest was created and is coordinated annually by Indiana Connection staff.
continued on page 20 NOVEMBER 2020
19
continued from page 19 Evan, who graduated in May from Silver Creek High
Over the years, his winning subject matter varied from
School in Sellersburg, rounded out his high school
whimsical children to a dog to a kitten to a scarecrow
career in the contest with two color pencil entries; either
to his latest, a “Winter Wonderland,” of Christmas
one would have placed first. Judges ended up selecting
decorations on a fireplace mantel. But each year, as
a highly textured sentimental Christmas still life over
Evan’s ability and self-taught technique improved with
his other entry that featured two orange-furred foxes
his age, each work was rendered skillfully in layers
against a cold snowy blue landscape.
of colored pencil, creating textures and realism rarely
“My main goal with the REMC calendar contest, and my approach to creating in general, is just to keep things
seen in a student artist, especially in grades when Evan began winning.
fresh and unique,” Evan said. “I don’t like to create the
“With the REMC contest, it was all about having fun
same piece of art twice.”
with what I was creating, while still trying to top my
Sixth grade — June 2015
eighth grade — AUGUST 2017
Evan’s first appearance in the calendar is still one of his favorites, he said. “That was an exploratory year for me because I was moving from cartoons to realism.” After winning an “Award of Merit” a couple of times before, he was thrilled to have finally won his grade division. “That was a good boost in how I felt about my art.”
Evan won his grade division with a “self-portrait” of a younger Evan as a tot at the State Fair.
ninth grade — SEPTEMBER 2018 seventh grade — July 2016 The next year, Evan won for a Fourth of July illustration of a girl that was his first “Best of Show.”
20
NOVEMBER 2020
The family pet “Snickerdoodle” became one of his first animal illustrations and gave him confidence in tackling animals. The work brought him many commissions, he added, doing illustrations of pets for family, friends and strangers who saw his art in that year’s calendar.
tenth grade — October 2019
eleventh grade — november 2020
Evan’s second “Artist of the Year” designation for Best of Show is still probably his favorite, he said recently. It featured a kitten popping out of a jack-o’-lantern. “I’ve always loved cats, but I’m allergic, so I can’t have them.”
Evan turned to a scarecrow against an autumnal sky and landscape, again, not subjects he said he would normally have done for fun.
artwork from previous years,” Evan said. “One of the things I’ve always loved about the contest is that it gave me a chance to explore new subject matter I wouldn’t necessarily explore. Taking a break from my usual subject matters to draw a couple of light-hearted and colorful pieces was always a breath of fresh air, and was why I always was so excited to enter the contest.” Evan began taking his art to a new level this fall: pursuing a degree in visual communications design at Purdue University. Through the degree, he will also minor in art history. “It’s a big step into a field of art which isn’t as familiar to me, but I couldn’t be more excited,” he said. “I’ll be taking my technical skills that I’ve built up throughout the years and filtering them into making creative, refined, and meaningful concepts.” His first two classes at Purdue are fundamentals: drawing and design. Despite COVID-19, his art classes are still meeting in person. He’s hoping to land some internships during his undergraduate career that will help point to his career in art and design that could take him
twelfth grade — december 2021 The still life of his mom’s Christmas mantel decorations is a sentimental piece he did for his mom. “She has fun putting up her decorations. And she’s always been very supportive of my art. I thought I could go out on a bang with a tribute to my mom.” He photographed last year’s display and added a background. “I really love how the combination of all the colors together make the decorations pop, so I wanted to capture that in my drawing,” he said.
to magazines or any number of directions. And he expressed interest in staying a part of the contest. “If I could do one more year, I would,” he said. “I’m not the type to get too emotional, but I will miss having that time of the year. It was always a very routine thing … I would come up with a composition, and I would work on it about the same month every year. But I’ll still be very interested in seeing everyone else’s entries
Indiana Connection would love to have him help judge the contest. The next one — to illustrate the 2022 calendar — is now underway! And no student artist has been as accomplished as he.
Richard G. Biever is senior editor of Indiana Connection.
in the following years and seeing the art they create. Maybe I’ll be able to be a judge one day.” NOVEMBER 2020
21
Changes to the art contest yet some things stay the same
L
ike most everything else in 2020, the annual Cooperative Calendar of Student Art contest was affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Normally held in late March or early April, the art contest judging was delayed to June because of the school closures and the closure of Indiana Connection’s office at Indiana Electric Cooperatives. IEC staff has coordinated and conducted the contest for its 23 years. Winning works from the contest are used to illustrate the following year’s cooperative calendar that is distributed to electric cooperative consumers around the state by participating electric cooperatives. Complimentary calendars will soon be available at participating co-ops or for $6 each through the mail from Indiana Connection. (See the list and order form on page 12.) Because schools had been closed for in-person classes and turned to remote e-learning for the ending of the 2019-2020 school year, recognition for the art contest was altered. As usual, 13 first place winners were awarded in grades K-12. Those works will illustrate the cover and the corresponding months inside. Kindergartners were assigned the cover, and first graders were assigned January, second graders had February, and so on through 12th grade illustrating December. But this year, judges awarded 13 honorable mentions, as well, one for each grade. In past years, there were only nine at-large honorable
22
NOVEMBER 2020
mentions awarded. Honorable mention works will appear in a special six-page section at the back of the calendar After first place was selected for each grade, judges gathered grade division finalists to make the honorable mention selections.
Cover: Kindergarten, Lily Jones
Each first-place winner received a prize of $200. The “Artist of the Year,” 12th grade division-winner Evan Olinger, won an extra $100 for having the “Best of Show.” Each honorable mention winner received $75. The Best of Show was Evan’s third since he began winning his grade division as a sixth grader in 2015’s calendar. He won his grade division every year since. Another artist of note is Danielle Sommerman, last year’s Best of Show winner. The Crawford County High School student won the 11th grade division for the 2021 calendar which was her fifth consecutive win. She’s won her grade division six times and also won an honorable mention as a third grader in 2013’s calendar and as a sixth grader in 2016’s calendar. Grade division winners shown on these pages represented the grade the respective winners were in during the 2019-2020 school year. Continuing a partnership begun in 2010 between Indiana’s electric
cooperatives and the Hoosier Art Salon, Indiana’s prestigious arts organization, the stuJanuary: First dent artists Grade, Violet Kesler featured in the calendar had their works exhibited at the Indiana State Museum in downtown Indianapolis. This was in conjunction with the Salon’s annual juried exhibition. For details on the art contest to illustrate the 2022 calendar, please go to IndianaConnection.org. Its deadline will be March 20, 2021. To view the 13 honorable mention winning works for the 2021 calendar and all the past calendar art, 1999-2020, please visit our “Gallery of Art,” also on our website.
February: Second Grade, Olivia DeSchamp
May: Fifth Grade, Logan Huff
March: Third Grade, Evie Huff
June: Sixth Grade, Harley Koons
July: Seventh Grade, Bryan Michael Yoder
April: Fourth Grade, SaRai Fontanez
winning art continued on page 24 NOVEMBER 2020
23
winning art continued from page 23
August: Eighth Grade, Hannah Stewart
outdoors
‘The Bears of Blue River’ … REVISITED?
September: Ninth Grade, Mary Batz For more than a century, the tales of frontier teenager Balser Brent and his adventures with bears, guns and Native American treasure along Indiana’s Blue River in the 1800s left generations of young Hoosiers spellbound. But the sad reality for those hoping to track and trap a bear: Black bears had vanished from Indiana long before Hoosier author Charles Major ever wrote about them in the early 1900s. But now, a black bear has been confirmed by the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife north of Prospect, Kentucky. That’s right across from Clark County, Indiana. Because bears are strong swimmers, the bear may cross the Ohio River into the Hoosier state. According to Brad Westrich, nongame mammologist with the Indiana Department of Natural Resources, the sighting is not a cause for alarm but a time to prepare. “This sighting provides an opportunity for Hoosiers in the area to secure outdoor grills, trash cans, or pet and bird food,” said Westrich. “Black bears prefer to avoid humans and removing potential food sources goes a long way to prevent negative interactions.”
October: Tenth Grade, Elizabeth Miller
Since 2015, Indiana DNR has confirmed three black bears in the Hoosier state. Populations of black bears in neighboring states continue to increase, so it is not unusual for bears to disperse into Indiana. The deciduous forests and rough terrain in southern Indiana provide great habitat for black bears. DNR urges citizens to be BearWise (bearwise. org) to minimize the possibility of conflict with black bears. Individuals are encouraged to report any bear sightings using the DNR’s large mammal online report form at on.IN.gov/largemammal, or by calling DNR Law Enforcement at 812-837-9536. Observations with evidence such as photos, video, tracks, or scat may require a follow-up visit by a DNR biologist for confirmation. More information on black bears is at wildlife.IN.gov/8500.htm.
November: Eleventh Grade, Danielle Sommerman
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NOVEMBER 2020
JACK SPAULDING is a syndicated state outdoors writer and a member of RushShelby Energy. Readers can email him directly at jackspaulding@hughes.net.
safety
Deck the halls with boughs of
safety
When Ralphie Parker’s dad attempts to plug his glorious but tragically fra-gee-lee “Italian” leg lamp into an overloaded wall outlet in the holiday movie classic “A Christmas Story,” there first came a “snap of a few sparks” and the “whiff of ozone” before the lamp blazed forth in the front window. While that’s a funny movie scene, those at your electric cooperative want to remind you overloaded circuits and sparks are never funny, especially this time of year. According to the National Fire Protection Association, one of every three home Christmas tree fires is caused by electrical problems. And though not common, Christmas tree fires are more serious than typical home fires. One of every 31 reported Christmas tree fires results in a death. “This is such a beautiful and special time of year,” said John Gasstrom, CEO at Indiana Electric Cooperatives. “It’s always tragic to hear of home fires and loss of life, especially when it’s caused by something like a Christmas tree or holiday decorations meant to bring joy and celebration.” Here are some things to keep in mind when decorating your home for the holidays:
• If you decorate with a real tree, make sure it’s fresh. Needles should not drop or come off easily. • When you get your tree home, cut a few inches off the bottom of the trunk and immediately place the tree in water, even if you do not yet intend to decorate it. • Make sure the tree is watered daily throughout the holiday. • Decorate the tree with LED lights that do not get hot and use 75% to 90% less electricity for the same amount of light. • With any light set, carefully inspect each light and the cord. Cracked and loose bulbs and frayed or bare wires can shock or start a fire. • Follow the manufacturer instructions on how many strands can be connected together. It differs based on the type of light. Obviously, Ralphie made it to adulthood to look back warmly on that Christmas he got a BB gun in “A Christmas Story.” And even though he almost shot his eye out and the neighbor’s hounds ate their turkey, at least the Parkers were not displaced, or something worse, by the old man’s overloaded outlets.
HOLIDAY SAFETY TIPS FOR KIDS Keep an eye out for younger family members when putting up the holiday lights. • Those popular lights shaped like candles perched on “bubbling” colored liquid should be kept away from youngsters who may be tempted to break the glass and drink the colorful, hazardous liquid. • Handmade paper ornaments can cause fires if they come in contact with electrical connections. • Most strings of Christmas tree lights are coated with plastic containing lead. Since the amount of lead varies greatly, it’s difficult to determine how dangerous the lights might be. To be safe, don’t allow young children to handle the lights. • Playful youngsters can easily get tangled in light strings. Watch children closely and warn them of the dangers.
NOVEMBER 2020
25
co-op news
Simplify
YOUR MONTHLY BILL
What is paperless billing? It’s paperless — fewer bills in your mailbox
Set up autopay and never forget a monthly payment!
result in less clutter. If
Autopay
can easily print one at
With autopay, you just enroll and set up your notifications in SmartHub.
you need a copy of your bill for your records, you any time.
By using autopay, money is withdrawn directly from your bank account to pay your electric bill each month. The automatic draft is processed
It’s GREEN —
on the 20th of each month. If this date falls on a holiday or weekend,
paperless billing
the draft will occur the next business day. Once you sign up for the
is better for the
program you will still receive your bill each month, but it will state “Do Not Pay” on the statement in red.
Paperless billing
environment. It’s convenient —
When signing up for paperless billing or e-billing in SmartHub, you can
review your account
set up an email or text notification, which notifies you when your bill is
at any time. You’ll
ready each month. The electronic version of the bill looks just like the
receive a monthly email
paper copy. You can also pay by using any existing payment option: by
notification when your
phone, SmartHub (at duboisrec.com) or drop off your payment or use
bill is ready to view.
the drive-through window at our office.
It’s secure — a unique user ID and password mean your account information is secure.
26
NOVEMBER 2020
Hoosier Energy news
member training
Hoosier Energy provides
Year-round, comprehensive lineworker training continues during pandemic Even facing restrictions in the
descend a pole to handling 7,200
consistency across the member-
pandemic, hands-on learning
volts of electricity, apprentices
ship regardless of co-op size or
continues to take place year-
also receive classroom training
resources. “What it boils down to
round for participants in the
on everything from the theory of
is safety,” he said. “It’s all about
Hoosier Energy Apprentice
electricity to how to use personal
our members and providing a
Training and Safety program.
protection equipment.
better training service for them
With altered schedules, masks and social distances, lineworkers are honing their troubleshooting skills so they can identify situa-
According to Gentry, having apprentices learn at Hoosier Energy’s training center offers
tions encountered in the field. “Interacting with underground components is becoming more and more a greater part of a lineman’s everyday job,” said Brandon Gentry, Hoosier Energy safety and training specialist. When an electric cooperative hires a line apprentice, that person goes through a fouryear, 8,000-hour on-the-job training program that prepares them in skills necessary to do their jobs safely and efficiently. From learning how to climb and
Gary Rhodes of Advanced Technical Sales (second from the right) works with apprentices at Hoosier Energy’s Franklin Training Center on how to find faults and locate underground cables.
28
NOVEMBER 2020
to be more productive and go out and troubleshoot in a timely manner.”
profile
Out of the ring
... onto the pavement
Former pro wrestler now travels the country as an evangelist
A
s an imposing 6-foot-6,
But by the early 2000s, it all came
to church and youth groups min-
340-pound burly bad guy
crashing down like a slam into the
istering to people of all walks. Their
professional wrestler, Carmine
turnbuckle that left him flat on the
“Hitting the Pavement” ministry
Azzato wasn’t the type of guy you’d
mat. And that’s when he said he
just launched a new website last
want to bump into on a dark street
was restored and transformed by
month as they embark on a new
corner.
Jesus Christ.
phase of their ministry from their
Azzato wore demonic face makeup,
Now 51, instead of scaring the
akin to Gene Simmons of the heavy
bejeebers out of people, Azzato’s
“We’re not a new ministry,” Az-
metal rock band KISS, and wrestled
sharing Christ’s redemptive love as
zato said, emphasizing both he
under stage names like “Demolition
an evangelist.
and Jules are evangelical veterans
Blast,” “Gravedigger” and “Molokai the Grim Reaper” as he rose to fame and fortune in the 1990s.
He and his wife of three years, Jules, travel the country speaking
New Richmond home.
who’ve been tried and tested by life’s hard knocks. “We’re a ‘willing ministry’ — willing to change and try new things,” he explained.
For 23 years, Carmine Azzato pounded opponents in the wrestling ring as a world-champion professional wrestler, most notably as “Blast,” part of the tag team known as Demolition. Today, based out of his New Richmond home, he pounds the pavement across the country as an itinerant evangelist with his wife to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ.
That means taking their itinerant evangelism, which is a 501(c)3 organization, wherever it needs to go. “You can’t meet people where they are unless you’re willing to hit the pavement.” He admits he was not a willing conscript or convert when Christ first tagged him. A knee injury brought an end to the heyday of his pro career in 2000 when he was just 31. Wrestling professionally since just before his 18th birthday, he had traveled the world and cracked elbows with the most famous wrestlers. He experienced its success … and its excess. After the injury and semi-retirement, he fell on hard times. “And then, as it happens, you don’t want to show people that you’re hurting
P HO TO BY TAY L OR MA R A N ION I NS E T P HO TO C OU R T E SY OF C A R M I N E A ZZATO
continued on page 30 NOVEMBER 2020
29
profile continued from page 29 and you’re struggling for money. I
they loved him and told him about
chose to do something that wasn’t
the unconditional love of Christ.
upstanding.”
Like Azzato, both had once been
Azzato allowed himself to be used
down before being restored.
in an auto insurance scam by
“I didn’t want any part of it,” Azzato
someone he thought was a friend.
recalled. The wrestling career and
That friend was being investigated
the fame made him leery of people
by the FBI, and Azzato was arrested
and their motives. As a defense, he
with about 60 others. Unlike the
pushed people away. “When I start-
others, Azzato immediately plead
ed to see these guys were for real
guilty to the fraud, and the judge
and just completely in love with the
showed mercy. He was sentenced
Lord, I started to ease up a little bit.
only to probation, but the experi-
They really wanted to know me.
ence left him even more broken.
Somebody saw the value in me when I couldn’t see it in myself. — CARMINE AZZATO one in the WWF entourage saw the big kid with the massive cast on his leg and how he carried himself. He
“All of a sudden, my heart started
could tell Azzato was charismatic
That’s when a childhood acquain-
getting chiseled a little bit. That
in the way he interacted with his
tance gave him a job as a con-
rough exterior started getting
classmates and how they respond-
struction foreman. Azzato’s dad
knocked down.” Azzato said he did
ed. He persuaded Azzato to consid-
had been a contractor, so Azzato,
a “180 conversion” and accepted
er pro wrestling as a career, and a
who grew up in New York City, was
Christ in November 2002. “Since
lightbulb came on, Azzato said.
familiar with the industry. Soon,
that day, I just never went back to
two Christian coworkers could tell
the old me.”
Azzato needed some reconstruc-
His post-wrestling construction career eventually brought him
Azzato speaks to Christian denom-
to Indianapolis a decade ago. In
inations of all kinds. “I’m preaching
2013, he decided to turn to evan-
relationship. Jesus wasn’t religious.
gelical ministry and motivational
Carmine Azzato
He was relational. For me to love
speaking full time. In 2016, he met
and draw close to Him, I had to
Jules — living just up the road in
CAREER: Professional wrestler
understand that He was about
Montgomery County — via a health
(retired); evangelist; motivational
relationship.”
products convention in Orlando.
speaker
His two coworkers weren’t the first
While his life’s path has had as
WRESTLING HONORS:
to see something in Azzato worth
many twists and turns and ups and
pursuing. In high school, his only
downs as a well-scripted wrestling
dream was to play in the NFL. But
match, he’s now “wrestling for
a compound fracture to his leg in
souls,” he said.
tion of his own. Daily, they told him
• Two-time World Heavyweight Champion • One-time Intercontinental Champion • One-time Television Champion • Five-time World Tag Team Champion For more information and to see where Carmine and Jules will be preaching, visit: HittingThePavement.com.
30
NOVEMBER 2020
practice his junior year ended his football dreams. Scholarship offers disappeared. He fell into depression and turned to drugs and suicidal thoughts, he said.
“We have to see the gold in everyone,” he said. “We have to see the value … because somebody saw the value in me when I couldn’t see it in myself.”
About that time, the World Wrestling Federation staged a fundraising event for his Staten Island high school’s football program. Some-
Story by Indiana Connection using some material provided by Tipmont REMC
36
FEBRUARY 2019