Indiana Connection - September 2024

Page 1


Page 20-23 SEPTEMBER 2024

Smart homeowners around the world have scrapped their old furnaces and air conditioners and replaced them with a WaterFurnace geothermal comfort system. That’s because geothermal comfort systems use the free, renewable energy found in your own backyard to save up to 70% on heating, cooling and hot water. You won’t need that old inefficient furnace or that unsightly outdoor air conditioner because a WaterFurnace system provides complete comfort for your home with a single unit. And because the system doesn’t burn fossil fuels, there are no fumes or carbon monoxide concerns. Make the smart switch to geothermal. Contact your local WaterFurnace dealer today to learn more.

Contact Your Local WaterFurnace Dealer

Delphi

Blue Fox Htg & Clg (765) 822-2200 bluefoxhvac.com

Farmersburg

Heady Htg & Clg (812) 696-2396

Flora

Camflo Htg & Clg (574) 967-4200 camfloheatingandcooling.com

Fort Wayne

Masters Htg & Clg, Inc. (866) 824-4328 mastersingeothermal.com

Greensburg

Wallpe Htg & Clg (812) 663-7252 wallpegeothermal.net

Indianapolis

Masters Htg & Clg by Van Valer, Inc. (317) 881-9074 mastersingeothermal.com

Jasper Hulsman Refrigeration, Inc. (812) 634-1492 hulsmanrefrigeration.com

Laotto

T&T Plbg, Htg, A/C & Geothermal (260) 200-4003 tt-ph.com

Lebanon

Blue Fox Htg & Clg (765) 859-0880 bluefoxhvac.com

North Vernon

Air One Htg & Clg, Inc. (888) 346-1790 aironehvac.com

Ossian Collier’s Comfort Services (260) 622-6622 collierscomfort.com

Warsaw

Colliers Htg & Air Conditioning (574) 203-2492 trustcolliers.com

Waterloo Gibson’s Htg & Plbg, Inc. (888) 754-1668 gibsonsgeothermal.com

Westfield

Precision Comfort Systems, Inc. (317) 867-2665 precisioncomfort.com

West Lafayette

Blue Fox Htg & Clg (765) 252-0051 bluefoxhvac.com

Don’t forget to contact your local electric utility provider for rebates and incentives!

visit waterfurnace.com

from the editor

An inspiring lady

One of the things I like most about my job is getting the opportunity to meet new people. I have met some interesting people in my short time at Indiana Connection, and Elaine Smith, profiled in our September feature, is no exception.

Elaine and her husband, Tom, came to our office so we could take photos for our feature story about her career in the FBI. After being a teacher for almost a decade, she switched careers and became one of the first female FBI agents in the Chicago bureau. During a tour of our office, she told Kiley (our photographer for this story) and me some stories about that time in her life. Tom was also an FBI agent, and they said Elaine was the first FBI spouse to join the program after marrying an agent. They joked that some people thought her joining the agency would lead to a divorce, but over 50 years later, these high school sweethearts are going strong.

The Smiths have one daughter, and I thought it was amazing that their daughter was 7 years old when Elaine got a break in her case with Ken Eto and Chicago organized crime. She said that although it was a lot to juggle, she and Tom had help from Tom’s mother to make sure everything was covered at home.

Elaine also mentioned that she had a soft spot for people who work with electricity. Her father worked to bring electricity to parts of Kentucky after the Rural Electrification Act in the 1930s. That experience allowed him to become an electrician in Chicago after WWII. Elaine said she will always be thankful for his electrician career because it enabled him to pay for her and her sister to attend college.

The Smiths are warm and engaging, and Kiley and I enjoyed talking to them. I hope you take the time to read our feature inside and feel as inspired by her story as I do.

On the menu: December: “Leftover revamps” — Submit your favorite recipes that utilize leftovers, deadline Oct. 1. If we publish your recipe on our food pages, we’ll send you a $10 gift card.

Giveaway: Enter to win a signed copy of, “A Gun in My Gucci” by Elaine Smith. Visit indianaconnection.org/talk-to-us/contests or send your contact information to the address below. The deadline to enter is Sept. 30.

Three ways to contact us: To send us recipes, photos, letters and entries for gift drawings, please use the forms on our website indianaconnection.org; email info@indianaconnection.org; or send to Indiana Connection, 11805 Pennsylvania Street, Carmel, IN 46032.

VOLUME 74 • NUMBER 3 ISSN 0745-4651 • USPS 262-340

Published monthly by Indiana Electric Cooperatives

Indiana Connection is for and about members of Indiana’s locally-owned, not-for-profit electric cooperatives. It helps consumers use electricity safely and efficiently; understand energy issues; connect with their co-op; and celebrate life in Indiana. Over 311,000 residents and businesses receive the magazine as part of their electric co-op membership. The average printed and mailed cost per issue is 54 cents.

CONTACT US: 11805 Pennsylvania Street Carmel, IN 46032 317-487-2220 info@indianaconnection.org

IndianaConnection.org

INDIANA ELECTRIC COOPERATIVES OFFICERS: Steve McMichael President Dr. Richard Leeper Vice President

Jamey Marcum Secretary/Treasurer John Cassady CEO

EDITORIAL STAFF: Britt Davis Editor

Holly Huffman Communication Support Specialist

Lauren Carman Communication Manager

Kiley Lipps Graphic Designer

Ashley Curry Production and Design Coordinator

Amber Knight Creative Manager

Mandy Barth Vice President of Communication

ADVERTISING: American MainStreet Publications

Cheryl Solomon, local ad representative; 512-441-5200; amp.coop Crosshair Media 502-216-8537; crosshairmedia.net

Paid advertisements are not endorsements by any electric cooperative or this publication.

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

SUBSCRIPTIONS:

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

CHANGE OF ADDRESS:

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

POSTAGE:

Periodicals postage paid at Indianapolis, Indiana, and at additional mailing offices.

POSTMASTER: Send change of address to: Indiana Connection, 11805 Pennsylvania Street, Carmel, IN 46032. Include key number.

No portion of Indiana Connection may be reproduced without permission of the editor.

Pick up a cup of

These

recipes add some sizzle to any time of day

was a trailblazer in the

and took on Chicago’s organized crime

Retreat to beautiful Holtkamp Winery for an experience a decade in the making (NOT IN ALL

Budget-friendly ways to lighten and brighten your home

IN ALL EDITIONS)

Elaine Smith, a former FBI agent, visited the Indiana Connection office in July.

Read more about Smith’s extraordinary career and her involvement with card shark and mob-informant Ken Eto in this month’s cover feature.

Fall fitness

You don’t have to wait until the start of a new year to improve your health. Fall is a great time to adopt a new fitness routine before the craziness of the holidays arrives. Read on for explanations of the four types of exercise, tips for staying motivated, and suggestions for making healthier eating choices.

Fitness 101

FOUR TYPES OF EXERCISE CAN IMPROVE YOUR HEALTH AND PHYSICAL ABILITY

Research has shown that it’s important to get all four types of exercise: endurance, strength, balance, and flexibility. Each one has different benefits. Doing one kind can also improve your ability to do the others, and variety helps reduce boredom and the risk of injury. Here are the basics on the four types of exercise from the National Institute on Aging. No matter your age, you can find activities that meet your fitness level and needs.

ENDURANCE

Endurance activities, often called aerobics, increase your breathing and heart rate. These exercises improve the health of your heart, lungs, and circulatory system. They also can delay or prevent many diseases that are common in older adults, such as diabetes, colon and breast cancers, heart disease, and others. Physical activities that build endurance include:

• Brisk walking or jogging

• Yard work (mowing, raking)

• Dancing

• Swimming

• Biking

• Climbing stairs or hills

• Playing tennis or basketball

Build up to at least 150 minutes of weekly activity that makes you breathe hard. To reach this goal, try to be active throughout your day and avoid sitting for long periods.

STRENGTH

Your muscular strength can make a big difference. Strong muscles help you stay independent and make everyday activities feel easier,

like getting up from a chair, climbing stairs, and carrying groceries. Keeping your muscles strong can help with your balance and prevent falls and fall-related injuries. Some people call using weight to improve your muscle strength “strength training” or “resistance training.”

If you choose to use weights to help improve your strength, start using light weights first, then gradually add more when you can easily do two sets of 10 to 15 repetitions. You can also use resistance bands, stretchy elastic bands with varying strengths. Try to do strength exercises for all your major muscle groups at least twice a week, but don’t exercise the same muscle group on any two days in a row.

BALANCE

Balance exercises help prevent falls, a common problem in older adults that can have serious consequences. Many lower-body strength exercises also will improve your balance. Other balance exercises include yoga, Tai Chi, standing on one foot, and the heel-to-toe walk.

FLEXIBILITY

Stretching can improve your flexibility. Moving more freely will make it easier to tie your shoes or look over your shoulder when you back your car out of the driveway. Make sure to stretch after endurance or strength exercises, and don’t stretch so far that it hurts. Always remember to breathe normally while holding a stretch. Talk with your doctor if you are unsure about a particular exercise.

Physical activity is a great way to gain substantial health benefits and maintain a healthy lifestyle. Remember, being active is one of the most important things you can do each day to maintain and improve health, so try to make exercise a priority. Try these tips from the National Institute on Aging to help you stay motivated.

Find simple ways to make exercise fun and enjoyable

Some people like to walk on a treadmill at the gym. Others find that kind of activity boring. The key to sticking with exercise is to make it interesting and gratifying. Be creative. Do things you enjoy, but pick up the pace. Do all four types of exercise — endurance, strength, balance, and flexibility. The variety helps keep things interesting! Try some new activities to keep your interest alive.

Find ways to fit exercise into your day

You are more likely to exercise if it’s a convenient part of your day. Try exercising first thing in the morning. Combine physical activity with a task that’s already part of your day, such as walking the dog or doing household chores. If you don’t have 30 minutes to be active, look for three 10-minute periods. As you progress, add more 10-minute sessions until you hit your goal!

Stay motivated to exercise

Make exercise a social activity

Many people agree that an “exercise buddy” keeps them going. Take a walk during lunch with coworkers or try a dance class — salsa, tango, square dancing — it’s up to you. Use family gatherings as a time to play team sports or do outdoor activities.

Keep track of your exercise progress

The best way to stay motivated is to measure and celebrate your successes. Make an exercise and physical activity plan that works for you, and track your daily physical activity. Find new ways to increase your physical activity and keep track of your monthly progress to see improvement. Update your exercise plan as you progress.

Reward yourself for being active

Don’t forget to build rewards into your plan. Write down something you will do for yourself when your goals are achieved. Treat yourself to something special: a movie, a trip to the museum, a new audiobook, or a massage. Celebrate your successes!

Healthy eating for all ages

Healthy eating is essential at every age. Eat a variety of fruits, vegetables, grains, protein foods, and dairy or fortified soy alternatives. When deciding what to eat or drink, choose options full of nutrients and limited in added sugars, saturated fat, and sodium. Here are some tips for a healthier diet from the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

ENJOY FRUITS AND VEGETABLES

Regardless of age, fruits and veggies provide key nutrients and dietary fiber. Their colors, flavors, and textures make meals more enjoyable.

BE MINDFUL OF YOUR NUTRIENT NEEDS

Focus on dietary changes that increase your dietary fiber, calcium, and vitamin D and decrease added sugars, saturated fat, and sodium. Compare nutrition and ingredient information by reading the nutrition facts label to make the best choice for your needs.

GO EASY ON THE SALT

Choose fresh foods when possible or low-sodium packaged foods. Try fresh and dried herbs and spices, such as basil, oregano, and parsley, to add flavor without the salt.

SHIFT YOUR SWEET TOOTH

Choose foods with little or no added sugars and drink water or unsweetened sparkling water instead of soda or juice. Fruits are naturally sweet and packed with nutrients.

STRIVE FOR A HEALTHY WEIGHT

To achieve or maintain a healthy weight, make food and beverage choices from all five food groups. Ask your doctor or visit MyPlate.gov to determine what is right for you.

MAKE EATING A SOCIAL EVENT

Enjoy meals with friends or family members as often as possible. Take advantage of technology to enjoy meals virtually with loved ones in different cities or states.

DRINK PLENTY OF LIQUIDS

You may not always feel thirsty when your body needs fluids, and that’s why it’s important to drink beverages throughout the day. Enjoy coffee, tea, or some water, milk, or 100% juice.

Powering through outages

Electric

co-ops

collaborate to ensure reliable electricity serves the community

A flickering light during a thunderstorm may be the first time people think about their electric service.

Fortunately, that flickering light can be a sign that the energy grid is performing as designed — minimizing service disruption to families and businesses.

Few people think about electricity until an outage occurs. Fortunately, many people at your local electric cooperative and the generation and transmission cooperatives serving them are constantly planning and investing in technology to ensure that electricity flows all day, every day. When there is a mishap or outage, they work quickly to resolve the problem — many times without a service interruption to families and businesses. There are several ways that technology supports continuous service and minimal downtime during outages and emergencies.

Real-time monitoring maximizes response time

Electric cooperatives monitor service in various ways to detect issues

immediately. Generation and transmission cooperatives, which manage high-voltage power lines transporting electricity from power plants, also monitor their lines and substations. They can detect issues when they occur and resolve them quickly.

Technology quickens response while ensuring minimal disruption

New technology seems to be everywhere, and that includes the energy grid. Substations, for instance, frequently have multiple transmission lines serving a site. If something unexpected happens, a changeover switch can detect the issue and switch to the alternate line, ensuring continuous service while the issue can be addressed. This can sometimes be the momentary flickering lights that people may notice.

Mobile substations provide service during outages

Generation and transmission cooperatives can dispatch mobile

substations when unexpected incidents require longer repairs. These arrive on-site and provide the electrical service the substation usually offers while the site is offline for service or repairs. The mobile substations can be invaluable to quickly provide service while an emergency repair or maintenance is completed.

From parents’ morning coffeemakers to children’s nightlights, people expect their electrical devices, appliances, and systems to always work. Fortunately, countless people make it their job to ensure that the energy grid can reliably and safely deliver affordable power. They work to help power you through your day.

Fulton County REMC

• FDA-Registered

• Doctor-Designed

• 20-Hour Battery Life

• Portable Charger

• FREE Shipping

• FREE Lifetime Support

• 100% Money-Back Guarantee

county feature

DeKalb County

Known as “The Home of the Classics,” DeKalb County in northeastern Indiana features four automotive museums honoring the county’s rich classic car heritage.

A CENTURY OF PICKLING

The town of St. Joe has celebrated its Pickle Festival every July since 2000. Featuring a variety of activities like a pickle-eating contest and a volleyball tournament, the festival honors Sechler’s Pickle Factory, founded in 1921. Ralph Sechler leased two pickle-receiving stations for farmers to bring their cucumbers, and he initially shipped brined pickles to processors like the D.M. Sears Company in Fort Wayne. After this company went bankrupt during the Great Depression, Sechler and his wife, Anna, began pickling in their home kitchen. As their business grew, they converted their barn into a factory and established Sechler’s Pickles in 1948. Today, the company remains dedicated to traditional pickling methods and continues offering its original 1920s recipes, like its Genuine Dills and Candied Sweet Orange Strip Pickles.

AUBURN’S TIMELESS TREAT

Martha’s Popcorn Stand has been a downtown Auburn staple since the 1940s. Martha Falka, who worked at Auburn Automobile Company, opened her original popcorn business in a restaurant next to Carbaugh Jewelers, which remains on 7th Street in downtown Auburn. When a local car salesman donated his small office space to Falka, her popcorn stand moved in and has been there for over 70 years. The popcorn stand’s current owner, Jordan Yarde, serves fresh buttery popcorn and homemade caramel corn from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., Thursday through Saturday, from May to September.

COUNTY FACTS

FOUNDED: 1835

NAMED FOR: Johann de Kalb, a French military officer in the American Revolutionary War

POPULATION: 43,265

REVVING UP HISTORY

Every Labor Day weekend since 1971, the Auburn Cord Duesenberg Festival celebrates automotive history with an 800-car cruise-in, live music, food trucks, and a collector car auction. The festival collaborates with the Auburn Cord Duesenberg Automobile Museum. Founded in 1974, the museum is dedicated to preserving cars the Auburn, Cord, and Duesenberg motor companies produced in the early 20th century. It is housed in an Art Deco building that was once the Auburn Automobile Company’s headquarters and showroom. It offers seven galleries across three floors with over 120 classic and antique luxurious cars.

COUNTY SEAT: Auburn

INDIANA COUNTY NUMBER: 17

Auburn
St. Joe
Nicole Thomas is a freelance writer from Indianapolis.
Photo courtesy of Martha’s Popcorn Stand
Photo courtesy of St. Joe Pickle Festival
Photo courtesy of Auburn Cord Duesenberg Festival

DEADLINE TO APPLY FOR THE YOUTH POWER AND HOPE AWARDS

OCT. 4

Indiana Connection and Indiana’s electric cooperatives are proud to sponsor the Youth Power and Hope Awards program. Since 2009, the program has annually honored Indiana youth in grades 5-8 for their community service. Past winners’ community projects have included raising money for Riley Hospital for Children and donating toys for its patients, collecting coats for the less fortunate, and providing police officers with stuffed animals to comfort children in crisis situations. Could a communityminded young person you know be one of our next winners? Encourage him/ her to apply!

Up to five qualified candidates will receive $500 and be featured in an upcoming issue of Indiana Connection, among other recognition.

For more information and to complete an application, visit indianaconnection.org/youthpowerandhope The deadline to apply is Friday, Oct. 4.

MARKETPLACE

Our Marketplace offers maximum exposure for your business or organization at a minimal cost.

Please contact Cheryl Solomon, 847-749-4875 or cheryl@amp.coop , for other small business advertising opportunities in Indiana Connection .

Auction & Flea Market

SHIPSHEWANA FLEA MARKET OPEN NOW THROUGH SEPT. 25

Midwest’s Largest Flea Market

Every Tuesday & Wednesday 8 a.m.-4 p.m.; rain or shine (Swap Meet September 21)

Weekly Antique Auction

Every Wednesday, year-round ShipshewanaFleaMarket.com

We know how to find all water leaks underground. Call us!

www.WhatsBelow.com

Shipshewana est 1922

Indiana eats

A purrfect combination

Pick up a cup of coffee and maybe a new furry friend at one of Indiana’s cat cafés

After the first cat café opened in Taiwan in 1998 and became a global tourist destination, they spread like a fertile field of catnip throughout Japan, England, and Canada. The first in the United States opened its doors in California in 2014, acting as a bridge between shelters and new homes for cats. Since then, more than a dozen cat cafés have sprung up across Indiana, offering food, beverages, and plenty of creative activities.

NINE LIVES CAT CAFÉ

1315 Shelby St. #1 Indianapolis, IN 46203 ninelivescatcafe.com

If you didn’t know that a hug around the neck by a gray feline with penetrating green eyes was exactly what you needed, Nine Lives Cat Café in the Fountain Square neighborhood of Indianapolis is the place to discover that it is. Among his adoptable peers, Weeble is the resident “Love Monster.” Nine Lives, opened by father and daughter Eric and Selena Hubbard in 2016 and purchased by Kelley Niiyama in 2020, is the premier cat café in Indiana.

Nine Lives offers cat-themed merch, brewed, iced, bubbly, or blended drinks, and fresh treats from 4 Birds Bakery. It hosts special events, from comedy shows to “Yoga with Cats.” Through its two cat lounges and connections to three shelters to vet adoptive pet parents, around 2,000 cats and kittens have found forever homes through Nine Lives.

BTOWN MEOW CAT CAFÉ

5015 Hwy 46, Unit O Bloomington, IN 47404

btownmeow.com

Along with steaming or icy beverages and purring lap snugglers, Btown Meow Cat Café in Bloomington offers regular and special events like bingo and Kitty Kids Camp. The café was opened in November 2023 by Amber Moore and her daughter, Karrah.

Visitors can view the cat lounge from the coffee shop side with a sweet treat, reserve a spot to socialize with the whiskered little wonders from Bloomington Animal Shelter, or select a gift, from key chains to hoodies, to reflect their love of cats.

CAT LADY CAFÉ

401 E. Colfax Ave., Suite 104 South Bend, IN 46617

catladycafesouthbend.com

Kim Sult, owner of Cat Lady Café in South Bend, estimates that “rescue math” means that two lives are saved with every cat adoption — the one who has found a loving home and the rescued one who will take its place in the cat lounge.

Through her connection with the Humane Society of St. Joseph County, the Cat Lady Café has helped create more than 120 new cat parents since March 2023.

Human guests can enjoy lemonade blends, flavored lattes and brews from Bendix Coffee Roasters, baked treats from Thistle & Knead Gluten Free Bakery and The Cakery, and regular and special events, from “Crochet with Cats” to bingo, mini golf, and “Cat Chats” with local veterinarians.

Weeble, the resident "Love Monster" at Nine Lives Cat Café

THE REGION CAT CAFÉ

281 W. 80th Place

Merrillville, IN 46410 theregioncatcafe.com

With her close friend, Chef Jason, and foster-based rescue, Second Chance 4 Pets, The Region Cat Café owner Linda Ramos has helped over 400 cats find new homes since December 2021.

Chef Jason freshly makes soups, desserts, and signature sandwiches — like croissant chicken salad and roast beef with caramelized onions — daily. A beverage menu offers specialty hot or iced coffees, cold and warm drinks, and even beer and wine. Events have included painting with cats, a book club, and a free class on safe essential oils for cats.

Veni Fields is a journalist and freelance writer from Virginia Beach.

The lounges within the cat cafés may have age restrictions and fees. Check out their websites and social media accounts for detailed information and photos of prospective adoptees.

• Up to 2X the power of the competition

• Cut 3" thick brush and tall field grass with ease

• Widest selection of deck sizes and features

• Go-anywhere power steering and hydrostatic drive options

• Commercial, Electric, Walk- and Tow-Behind models available, including the NEW PRO MAX60T!

$1,99999

The Region Cat Café

safety

Be safe around electricity when moving farm equipment

As harvest season ramps up in Indiana, farmers and their crews are busy moving equipment to and from the fields. This increased activity, however, raises the risk of accidents, especially involving electricity, cautioned Jon Elkins, vice president of safety, training and compliance at Indiana Electric Cooperatives.

“Combines and grain augers are large pieces of equipment,” said Elkins. “People assume everything

will fit under the power lines, but that isn’t always the case. The biggest cause of electrocutions on farms is equipment accidentally touching power lines.”

To prevent such dangerous incidents, Indiana Electric Cooperatives offers the following safety guidelines:

• Observe your surroundings. Always check above and around before moving or raising equipment. Remember, power lines can sag, especially in hot weather. Maintain a minimum clearance of 10 feet from all power lines and poles.

• Never try to raise power lines to allow tall equipment to pass through. Even non-metallic objects like wood poles or branches can conduct electricity.

• Be cautious around power poles. Striking a pole can cause it to break and drop live wires onto your equipment.

• Lower equipment properly. Ensure that equipment like grain augers and other portable equipment are fully lowered before transporting.

• Use a spotter. When navigating near power lines, having a spotter can enhance safety by providing an extra set of eyes.

• Plan your route. If there's any doubt equipment will clear a power line, opt for an alternative route.

• Stay put in emergencies. If you’re in equipment that touches power lines, stay in the cab and call for help. Tell others to stay away. In the rare case of a fire and an emergency exit is necessary, jump clear without touching the ground and the equipment simultaneously, then shuffle with both feet together for at least 30 feet to avoid electrical shock.

“Working the land has enough hazards in the work itself,” said Elkins. “With care and planning, moving to and from the fields shouldn’t be one of them.”

Knowledge is power

Anyone who operates farm equipment and augers should be educated about safe operating procedures and hazards, including the possibility of coming in contact with electric lines. Be alert when you’re at work!

The best walk-in tub just got better with breakthrough technology! Presenting the all new Safe Step Walk-In Tub featuring MicroSoothe. ® An air system so revolutionary, it oxygenates, softens and exfoliates skin, turning your bath into a spa-like experience. Constructed and built right here in America for safety and durability from the ground up, and with more standard features than any other tub.

✓ Heated seat providing warmth from beginning to end

✓ Carefully engineered hydro-massage jets strategically placed to target sore muscles and joints

✓ High-quality tub complete with a comprehensive lifetime warranty on the entire tub

✓ Top-of-the-line installation and service, all included at one low, affordable price

You’ll agree – there just isn’t a better, more affordable walk-in tub on the market.

Bring home the bacon

Bacon adds some sizzle to any time of day with these dishes

ROASTED POTATO SALAD

Doris Anne Kahlert, Berne, Indiana

4 cups red potatoes

Vegetable oil or cooking spray

2 hard-boiled eggs, chopped

6 slices of bacon, crisply cooked and crumbled

¼ cup onion, finely chopped

½ to 1 cup of mayonnaise

Salt and pepper

Preheat the oven to 325 F. Scrub the potatoes and cut them into bite-sized pieces, leaving the skins on. Roast on a lightly oiled baking sheet until tender, about 40 minutes. Cool.

Mix potatoes with eggs, bacon, onion, mayonnaise, salt, and pepper to taste. Chill thoroughly.

SPINACH QUICHE

Patricia Piekarski, Harvey, Illinois

BACON-WRAPPED CHICKEN BITES

Jon Elkins, Martinsville, Indiana

1 store-bought pie sheet, single crust, bake as directed

½ cup onion, chopped

6 slices of bacon, chopped

8 eggs, beaten

½ cup sour cream

½ cup milk

¼ teaspoon salt

Dash of pepper

3 cups fresh spinach, chopped

2 ⁄ 3 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded

½ cup Swiss cheese, shredded

In a skillet, cook onion and bacon until crisp, then drain. In a bowl, stir together eggs, sour cream, milk, salt, and pepper. Stir in onion mixture, spinach, and cheese. Pour the egg mixture into the hot baked pie shell. Bake 325 F for 45 to 50 minutes or until firmly set. Let stand 10 minutes before serving.

1 lb. thick sliced bacon

4 chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes

2 ⁄ 3 cup brown sugar

2 Tbsp chili powder

1 ⁄ 3 cup Franks hot sauce or to taste

Preheat oven to 350 F. Mix together the brown sugar, chili powder, and hot sauce. Marinate the chicken in the sauce while cutting the bacon strips in half to fit the chicken pieces. Wrap the bacon around the chicken.

Bake for 35 to 40 minutes or until the bacon is crisp.

Elaine Smith’s face holds a thousand secrets, but one would never know it at first glance. Sitting unassumingly on a couch next to her greatest cheerleader and husband, Tom, one would think she’s sailed smoothly into retirement after a relatively docile life.

The Smiths took some time to discuss her life on an early May morning from their home in Carmel, Indiana, before heading to Chicago to consult on a movie based on her life and book, “A Gun in My Gucci.” The book chronicles her early career as one of the FBI’s first female agents and her relationship with the mobster

with whom she ultimately took down organized crime in Chicago.

Smith, one of the most prolific and accomplished women in FBI history, does not prefer the spotlight. She has been a most humble servant of the agency and does not take a single accolade she’s earned for granted.

FROM ELEMENTARY SCHOOL TO THE FBI

In 1979, Smith was an elementary school teacher. She followed Tom, an FBI agent, around the country, picking up teaching jobs each time he was reassigned. When the couple learned the FBI was recruiting female agents, her husband encouraged her to join.

“Tom said women are starting to come into the forces, and I think you would be really good,” Smith remembered.

With the unwavering support of her partner and high school sweetheart, and after over a decade as a teacher, Smith applied to become an agent.

According to Smith, the road to the position that would forever impact her life and country was decidedly tricky.

“When I joined the FBI,” Smith said, “there were so few women. In fact, in Chicago, there were six of us out of maybe 250 men, and they were not [our] friends. Most of them didn’t think that women would make very good agents.”

After earning her stripes at Quantico with only a handful of other women, Smith set out to take on organized crime.

THE RIGHT KIND OF CONFIDANTE

Lacking confidence that she would be effective in her position, her supervisor assigned her an “old dog,” a cold case passed around from agent to agent but never solved. The subject of the case was Ken Eto, a JapaneseAmerican card shark who ran gambling operations all over Chicago.

Smith had made his acquaintance three times, introducing herself and chatting with him as an exercise in “getting out there” to talk to potential

informants. After a botched mob hit where Eto was shot in the head three times and survived, Smith was the only one to whom Eto would talk.

With nothing else to lose, Eto declared he was the property of the FBI and that he would spill everything he knew, but only to Smith. During that time, she came to know Eto, gathering binders full of information that demolished every level of organized crime in Chicago.

During the True Crime Cases podcast with Lanie Hobbs on Aug. 3, 2020, Smith shared she was not afraid to take on such a dangerous position due to her experience as a

schoolteacher in Chicago during the city’s infamous race riots.

She shared that nothing, unfortunately, could have been more disturbing than some of the things she saw in Chicago during such a tumultuous time. She even had her mobile 4thgrade classroom burned to the ground by rioters.

Smith also explained that as a young lady living in Chicago, she narrowly escaped a kidnapping, which she said helped her begin to hone in on and commit details like license plate numbers and car makes and models to memory.

continued on page 22

continued from page 21

Though she found that experience particularly jarring, it helped prepare her for such a unique and demanding career.

However, she said that as an agent, she had been smart enough to avoid physical conflict.

“I hopefully always presented myself as friendly and approachable and not in an antagonistic way. And I think my husband taught me that,” she said. “I thought they would always know that you have the upper hand, you’re the one with the gun, you’re the FBI agent, you have backup. You have no reason to be arrogant or act like a jerk.”

Her relationship with Eto, over time, also took on tender notes.

“I was like his daughter,” she said. “He treated me wonderfully. I felt very beholding to try to take care of him.”

Smith advocated for Eto to receive a benefit to help him survive after his ordeal with the mob, which he was later awarded.

“When he passed away, I was unable to attend his funeral, but I wrote a memorial for him telling his family that they will never really know what he did to provide justice.”

Being handed the previously unsolvable Eto case was fortuitous for Smith.

“When you solved an old dog,” Tom explained, “it’s really kind of a badge you wear. You solved the case.”

Solving that case propelled her to unprecedented success as a female in the agency, leading to multiple awards and eventually to her expert status in financial fraud and money laundering.

“They did recognize her quite a bit,” Tom explained. “She had a supervisor who completely backed her.”

“For some reason, I developed an ability to follow money,” Smith said.

“I became qualified as an expert in money laundering. I had a real interest in banking and flow.”

“Then they wanted her to go to Boston when they were doing the Whitey Bulger investigation,” Tom added. “And she declined because she didn’t want to move around.”

The couple had one daughter, Kim, now 52, and vowed to provide stability for her, so they declined cases that would take them away from home.

A PIVOTAL ROLE IN THE 9/11 INVESTIGATION

Smith took on a significant role after Sept. 11, 2001. After the attacks on the Twin Towers, she was tasked with reconstructing the financial histories of the 9/11 terrorists.

She explained that she was supervising a team of 26 during the attacks. She told her team that no one was leaving — they would work night and day until the case was solved. She recalls this period as cooperative but highly stressful.

The case — and the event — took such an enormous emotional toll on her that she did not truly feel it until much later.

Ken Eto walks out of the hospital under federal protection after the murder attempt.

“I didn’t realize actually how traumatic it was for me until a year later,” Smith said. “I was giving a speech, and I was talking about it, and I burst out crying. I think probably the most traumatic experience I ever had was working on that case and trying to solve it.”

Smith shared that at that time there was no training on how to endure some of the more difficult aspects of being an FBI agent.

“Nobody trained us for 9/11,” she said. “Nobody trained you to see a dead body. Nobody trained you for when one of your informants is shot three times, rolled in a rug, thrown in an alley, and set on fire. No one can ever train you for that.”

She credits her husband and her social network for helping her through. In 2022, after 22 years of service to the FBI, 15 of which served concurrently with her husband, Smith retired. Since then, she has been invited to various speaking engagements to discuss her life in the agency, what it was like to be a trailblazer in her field, and to encourage women never to give up on their dreams.

“Women should not be reticent about trying, becoming an FBI agent, or tackling different professional positions. You can always try to work it

Smith said.

A MOVIE DEAL IN THE WORKS

The Smiths have been working with movie producer Donna Gigliotti since 2015 on a movie based on “A Gun in My Gucci.” Gigliotti is known for her work on Silver Linings Playbook (2013), Hidden Figures (2016), 80 for Brady (2023), and Shakespeare in Love (1998), for which she earned an Academy Award, among others.

Smith will continue to provide consultation on the film and help groom actors for their roles. She is hopeful the movie, which will be released commercially, will come to fruition this year.

“I’m very grateful to have the book come to life on the screen,” she said.

When asked if she would make a cameo, Smith noted that she was too shy to appear in the film.

Gigliotti told Ann Marie Shambaugh of Current Publishing in January 2023,

“Elaine’s story is amazing. I was struck by what a pioneer she was within the FBI ranks in the 1980s. Add to that her unlikely alliance with Ken Eto — that these two outsiders managed to bring down some of Chicago’s biggest mobsters — it’s a movie, for sure.”

After a storied career as one of the country’s first — and top — female FBI agents, Smith has shifted her focus to simpler things. She and her husband, both 79, enjoy spending time with their two granddaughters. The oldest is a senior at Indiana University, and the youngest is a freshman in high school.

She shared that the most important lesson she’s learned on this journey was to remain grounded in what is important.

“Your family and dear friends are the most important things in life,” she said. “All the rest of it you can deal with, but they should always be number one on your agenda.”

“A Gun in My Gucci” is available wherever books are sold.

out if you have the right management,”
Smith receives her FBI credentials from her husband, Tom, who was an agent himself.
Smith in one of her classrooms in 1973. She worked as a teacher for over 10 years before joining the FBI.

Doctor urges seniors to carry medical alert device

Seniors snap up new medical alert device that comes with no monthly bills

People don’t always do what their doctor says, but when seasoned veteran emergency room physician, Dr. Philip B. Howren, says every senior should have a medical alert device, you better listen up.

“Seniors are just one fall away from being put in a nursing home,” Dr. Howren said. “With a medical alert device, seniors are never alone. So it keeps them living independently in their own home. That’s why seniors and their family members are snapping up a sleek new medical alert device that comes with no monthly bills ever,” he said.

Many seniors refuse to wear old style help buttons because they make them look old. But even worse, those medical alert systems

come with monthly bills.

To solve these problems Universal Physicians, a U.S. company went to work to develop a new, modern, state-of-the-art medical alert device. It’s called “FastHelp™” and it instantly connects you to free unlimited nationwide help everywhere cell service is available with no contracts, no deposits and no monthly bills ever.

“This slick new little device is designed to look like the pagers doctors wear every day. Seniors love them because it actually makes them look important, not old,” Dr. Howren said.

FastHelp is expected to hit store shelves later this year. But special newspaper promotional giveaways are slated for seniors in select areas. ■

■ NO MONTHLY BILLS: “My wife had an old style help button that came with hefty bills every month and she was embarrassed to wear it because it made her look old,” said Frank McDonald, Canton, Ohio. “Now, we both have FastHelp™, the sleek new medical alert device that our grandkids say makes us look ‘cool’ not old,” he said. With FastHelp, seniors never have to worry about being alone and the best part is there are no monthly bills ever.

Seniors born before 1956 get new medical alert device with no monthly bills ever

It’s just what seniors have been waiting for; a sleek new medical alert device with no contracts, no deposits and no monthly bills that instantly connects you to free unlimited nationwide help with just the push of a button for a one-time

The phone lines are ringing off the hook.

That’s because for seniors born before 1956, it’s a deal too good to pass up.

Starting at precisely 8:30am this morning the Pre-Store Release begins for the sleek new medical alert device that comes with the exclusive FastHelp™ One-Touch E 911 Button that instantly connects you to unlimited nationwide help everywhere cell service is available with no contracts, no deposits and no monthly bills ever.

“It’s not like old style monitored help buttons that make you talk to a call center and only work when you’re at home and come with hefty bills every month. FastHelp comes with state-of-the-art cellular embedded technology. That means it works

(Continued on next page)

■ FLYING OUT THE DOOR: Trucks

(Continued from previous page)

at home or anywhere, anytime cell service is available whether you’re out watering the garden, driving in a car, at church or even hundreds of miles away on a tour or at a casino. You are never alone. With just a single push of the One-Touch E Button you instantly get connected to free unlimited help nationwide with no monthly bills ever,” said Jack Lawrence, Executive Director of Product Development for U.S. based Universal Physicians.

“We’ve never seen anything like it. Consumers absolutely love the sleek new modern design and most of all, the instant rebate that practically pays for it and no monthly bills ever,” Lawrence said.

FastHelp is the sleek new medical alert device with the best of combinations: a quality, high-tech engineered device that’s also an extremely great value because there are no monthly bills ever.

Better still, it comes with no contracts, no deposits and no monthly bills ever – which makes FastHelp a great choice for seniors, students and professionals because it connects to one of the largest nationwide networks everywhere cell service is available for free.

And here’s the best part. All those who already have an old style monitored medical alert button can immediately eliminate those monthly bills, which is why Universal Physicians is widely advertising this announcement nationwide.

“So if you’ve ever felt a medical alert device was too complicated or expensive, you’ll want to get FastHelp, the sleek new medical alert device with no monthly bills,” said Lawrence.

The medical alert device slugfest was dominated by two main combatants who both offer old style monitored help buttons that come with a hefty bill every month. But now Universal Physicians, the U.S. based heavyweight, just delivered a knockout blow sending the top rated contenders to the mat with the unveiling

of FastHelp. It’s the sleek new cellular embedded medical alert device that cuts out the middleman by instantly connecting you directly to highly trained 911 operators all across the U.S. There’s absolutely nothing to hook-up or install. You don’t need a land line and you don’t need a cell phone. Everything is done for you.

“FastHelp is a state of the art medical alert device

designed to make you look important, not old. Old style monitored help buttons you wear around your neck, or require expensive base station equipment or a landline are the equivalent of a horse and buggy,” Lawrence says. “It’s just outdated.”

Millions of seniors fall every year and spend hours lying on the floor helpless and all alone with no help.

But seniors who fall and get immediate help are

HOW TO GET IT:

IF BORN BEFORE

much more likely to avoid getting sent to a nursing home and get to STAY living in their own home independently. Yet millions of seniors are still risking their safety by not having a medical alert device. That’s because seniors just can’t afford to pay the monthly bills that come with old style medical alert devices.

That’s why seniors born before 1956 are rushing to

cash in the whopping $150 instant rebate before the 21 day deadline ends.

So there’s no need to wait for FastHelp to hit store shelves later this year because seniors born before 1956 can get it now just by using the $150 instant rebate coupon printed in today’s newspaper before the 21 day deadline ends. If lines are busy keep trying, all calls will be answered. ■

IF BORN AFTER 1956: You cannot use the rebate coupon below and must pay $299 Call: 1-800-330-9423 DEPT. HELP8312

THE BOTTOM LINE: You don’t need to shop around. We’ve done all the leg work, this deal is too good to pass up. FastHelp with the instant rebate is a real steal at just $149 and shipping and there are no monthly bills ever.

PROS: It’s the sleek new medical alert device that comes with the exclusive FastHelp One-Touch E 911 Button that instantly connects you to free unlimited nationwide help everywhere cell service is available with no contracts or deposits. It connects you to the vast available network of cellular towers for free and saves seniors a ton of money because there are no monthly bills ever making this deal irresistible. Plus it’s the only medical alert device that makes seniors look important, not old.

CONS: Consumers can’t get FastHelp in stores until later this year. That’s why it’s so important for seniors born before 1956 to call the National Rebate Center Hotline within the next 21 days. For those who miss that deadline, the sleek little medical alert device will set you back over $300 bucks.

PROFESSIONAL PROGRESSION:

FAST TRACK TO ENGINEERING AND LEADERSHIP SUCCESS

When Ryan Stuthers was pursuing an electrical engineering degree at Anderson University, he wasn’t sure what type of electrical engineer he wanted to be. “There are a lot of avenues you can take in that career field,” he said.

Though he was exposed to most avenues, one he had never heard about was electric cooperatives. “I had no idea what an electric co-op was,” the Terre Haute native admitted. But passing through a career fair on campus his junior year, he ran into Ann Mears, careers and youth partnerships director at Indiana Electric Cooperatives.

That day, Mears introduced Stuthers to Indiana’s electric cooperatives. “I thought it was a fascinating concept and couldn’t believe I didn’t know anything about it.”

Their brief conversation led to followup emails and phone calls. Those led to a job shadowing opportunity at WIN Energy REMC and his “a-ha” moment. “They gave me an overview of not just co-op-specific things but all of the concepts that fall within the realm of distribution engineering, all of the technologies and their history and how it’s advancing,” he said. “What piqued my interest the most was connecting theory — the vast array of electrical engineering concepts from various college classes — to real-world application.”

Hardly a month after graduation, Stuthers was hired as Tipmont’s distribution engineer. Today, he’s the distribution system engineering supervisor. Like most jobs at electric

cooperatives, his positions covered many broad areas and have allowed him to pursue his diverse interests in electrical engineering concepts. The positions also gave him responsibility over engineering and advancing technology, which was unique among his college classmates who took other paths.

Stuthers said there’s never a dull moment. “When I first started, I think I can almost quote myself saying something naïve along the lines that I will have this job figured out in a year. I was very wrong. Because there continues to be new things to learn and new challenges.”

With his latest position, he said, “I’ve taken on a leadership role. You have to be able to communicate with lots of different people. Whether that’s people in member services, operations, other personnel in the office, or members. You must interact and engage with those people and be able to explain concepts that are pretty difficult to explain.”

Looking back, he noted that’s one aspect of his liberal arts university education he wasn’t sure he would use. Despite being on an engineering track, his professors emphasized the importance of communication, leadership skills, and empathy. Like all the engineering concepts, those skills serve him well today, too. “It’s crazy I’ve found myself in a position that emphasizes that so much — along with the technical expertise. The co-op is like a fast track to building interpersonal and leadership skills.”

Your home is a good fit for Well-Connect system if: You Have a Well. You heat your home with propane, fuel oil, electricity, or wood.

Your home has ductwork or room to add ductwork.

Hoosier

WHAT’S SUMMER WITHOUT CAMP?

South Central Indiana REMC and Henry County REMC host camps to create interest in electric cooperatives

On the final day of camp at Henry County REMC, summer cooperative camp participants gather around the Milwaukee Tools demo

South Central Indiana REMC (SCI) hosted a one-day Energy Explorers Camp for students in grades four through six, while Henry County REMC hosted a full-week Summer Cooperative Camp for high school students.

While the camps are still coming of age, being in their third and sixth years, respectively, they are finding a way to raise awareness of and interest in electric cooperatives among a younger generation.

“This is not just five days of entertainment,” Henry County REMC Camp Co-Director Heather Ruggles said. “The skilled trades industry is

growing, and our heart is in helping kids who are undecided on a direction. We want to reach them at high school age to say, ‘There is a way other than college. We’re here to show you the different things you can do.’ It’s a good start for them.”

That start included classroom sessions inside as well as plenty of hands-on work outside, such as treetrimming and pole setting. To wrap up the week, there were an array of activities — trenching, pole climbing, knot tying, locating services, running fiber, and riding the bucket truck. Campers came from as far as three hours away to participate.

Participants at South Central Indiana REMC’s Energy Explorers Camp listen during a warehouse tour.

The experiences for the Energy Explorers at SCI were simpler and more condensed but no less valuable. Campers did a solar jar activity, watched a live-line demonstration featuring hot dogs, grapefruits, and balloons, learned what to do if the car they were riding in came in contact with downed power lines, and took a warehouse tour. Afternoon stations consisted of fiber, vegetation management, dispatch, a bucket truck, and drones.

“The kids had a great time. We made it so they barely had any downtime,” said SCI Member Services Communications Specialist Haley Jansen.

With a pizza lunch and a lineman relay in the afternoon to burn off some energy, the camp kept flowing from start to finish.

“Our team at SCI demonstrated exceptional teamwork and collaboration, ensuring everything came together,” Jansen said. “We are prepared to provide a fun and educational experience for the kids.”

Both camps had approximately 20 attendees and are looking forward to growing numbers in the future.

tent.

A winning lottery ticket Trades

career paths available amidst nationwide worker shortage

Before conducting home energy audits as LaGrange County REMC’s Energy Advisor, Jake Taylor was involved in building houses — from breaking ground to handing the keys to the new homeowner. He also taught a trades class to many of the young builders working on them and showed them the potential of a career.

Taylor spent more than a decade teaching at Fremont High School and Impact Institute, which teaches high school students a variety of trades. The lessons included carpentry, framing, heating and cooling,

plumbing, and electrical work. Other trades, including welding, were also part of the program. The lessons involved learning by experience, with students helping to build houses from beginning to end.

“I’ve got several kids in my programs that have gone on to become electricians making six figures right now,” Taylor said. “Same with plumbers and others. They are doing really well.”

The program provided a career pathway for many students interested in the trades, filling a significant need.

The Home Builders Institute (HBI)

reported last year that by 2026, more than 2 million new skilled construction workers will be needed.

“Sometimes students didn’t like to sit and study or read a book, but they could work with their hands in an amazing fashion,” Taylor said. “When those kids get in those circumstances when they can work with their hands and build something, it was something that they took pride in.”

In its spring report, HBI cited data from the Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics program showing that half of payroll workers in construction earn more than $58,500, while the top quarter makes at least $76,980. Both are well above the U.S. median wage and the top quartile range.

The construction workforce shortage appeared following the 2008 home mortgage crisis when many people left homebuilding and related trades, said Brian Kerkhoff, president of KA Components and chairperson of workforce development for the Builders Associations of Greater Lafayette. The shortage has grown as high school graduates pursued college or careers outside the construction or trades industries.

“We call it a winning lottery ticket,” Kerkhoff said of a career in the construction industry. “Turn in your ticket, if you will, at one of many companies building our communities with the potential to achieve a successful and gratifying career.”

Wine down

Retreat

to beautiful Dearborn

County for a winery experience a decade in the making

If the reset you needed came with the promise of wine, pizza, and a gorgeous view, how long would it take you to pack up the car and go?

Most businesses are born when passion and an unmet need intersect. For Doug Holtkamp, that meant taking his winemaking hobby from a treat shared with friends and family into what’s now an award-winning, beloved destination in southeastern Indiana. Today, Holtkamp Winery is a family-owned, true Estate Winery, producing and bottling wines using grapes from their six acres of estate vineyards planted in 2013. Their 17 varieties of Hoosier-grown grapes, including Catawba, Osceola Muscat, Traminette, and Vidal Blanc, join sourced grapes from California and Oregon and juice from Midwestgrown fruit to create over 30 wines. Doug and fellow vintner Mike McCann create wines ranging from classic dry and semi-dry red and whites to sweet fruit, bourbon barrelaged, and specialty dessert wines. However, the quality of their wines isn’t the only draw: Holtkamp’s tasting room and winery grounds offer a sweet reprieve from the

hustle and bustle, plus wine, music, and brick-oven pizza just 70 miles from Indianapolis.

“Throughout the year, we host a variety of events, including music nights and wine and food pairing events,” shared co-owner Julie Holtkamp. “Our family-friendly winery offers a unique country setting with lake and vineyard views from our covered deck, patio, and picnic areas.”

From their annual Holtkamp Wine and Fireworks Festival on the Saturday of Labor Day weekend to their Holiday open house on Dec. 7 and 8, Holtkamp Winery is worth adding to your calendar. Music lovers will look forward to their cigar and music night on Oct. 5 and the Fall Haul on Nov. 2 and 3, offering complimentary foods made with Holtkamp wines. No matter when you visit, be sure to try customer-favorite Golden Harvest, one of Holtkamp’s estate-grown white blends, whose peach nectar and candied lemon notes earn rave reviews, especially when paired with best-selling Carni brick oven pizza. Natalie Derrickson is a freelancer from Indianapolis.

Visit Holtkamp Winery at 10868 Woliung Road, Sunman, IN 47041, Wednesday through Sunday, year-round, with their popular brick oven pizza available Friday through Sunday. For hours, events, and tips, go to holtkampwinery.com.

Photos courtesy of Holtkamp Winery

do-it-yourself

Budget-friendly ways to lighten and brighten your home

You don’t have to take out a loan to liven up your living space. These simple DIY ideas and projects can make a big impression without breaking the bank — and deliver extra appeal to potential homebuyers.

Bright and connected

Bring some dimension to your kitchen with under-cabinet lighting. A threepack of surface-mounted LED puck lights is easy to install. You could also choose a plug-and-play smart light strip controlled through an app or a self-adhesive tape light kit that is trimmable to desired lengths. Add lighting to areas lacking, such as closets, hallways, and pantries. Place battery-operated tap lights in dark corners or closets, hallways, and pantries not wired with fixtures.

A popular feature for modern homebuyers, wireless smart thermostats increase home value and offer substantial energy savings by optimizing heating and cooling schedules. Many can be installed in place of existing units, providing smart home integration and remote control via apps. Try smart plug-in outlets with remote control. Insert into a standard outlet and control lights and appliances, holiday decorations, or hard-to-reach fixtures for the mobility impaired.

Easy-to-install dimmer switches enhance ambiance while reducing energy used, a selling point for

homebuyers. Replace standard light switches with programmable timer options. Many models are designed for easy installation with standard wiring. Convert a standard electrical outlet into one with USB ports for convenient charging. A batterypowered wireless doorbell’s chime unit plugs into a standard outlet, and the button attaches to the door frame.

The power of paint

Paint is one of the simplest and most cost-effective ways to transform a space. Revitalize a childish-looking bedroom color with a soothing neutral for broader appeal. To get started, stock up on new roller covers, painter’s tape, a painting extension pole, and drop cloths.

Garage floor paint is an easy (and popular) way to change the feel of that space. Plus, there are endless options for color flake additives for extra pizzazz. Use anti-skid paint

additives in porch and floor enamel for added safety on your exterior entry, unfinished basement floors, and concrete steps.

Take advantage of cooler weather and give some TLC to your wooden fence. New paint or stain is a quick way to refresh its look for added curb appeal. Polish the look of your front door with a few fresh coats and a new pop of color.

Paint can give an old brick fireplace a modern makeover. Use a masonry cleaner or TSP solution with a stiff bristle brush to loosen baked-on grime. Next, use a heavy nap roller cover and apply a stain-blocking masonry primer to cover up soot stains. Complete the contemporary look with a bright white high-gloss, heat-resistant acrylic paint suitable for masonry and high-heat enamel on areas exposed to direct heat.

TJ Leininger is the manager of Enyart’s Hardware in Rochester, a Do it Best member. Do it Best is a Fort Wayne-based home improvement cooperative supporting thousands of hardware stores, home centers, and lumberyards throughout the US and worldwide. Visit your local Do it Best store or doitbest.com for thousands of home improvement products.

(This article is for informational purposes only. Indiana Connection and Do it Best assume no liability for the accuracy or completeness of the information contained herein, or for injuries, property damage, or the outcome of any project.)

EAT INDIANA TURKEY

Every day Your Indiana Turkey Farmers work hard to bring you the best turkey products on the market. Visit IndianaTurkey.com to learn more about turkey production in Indiana and get turkey recipe inspiration for your late Summer grilling and Fall season tailgate parties. Can you find the bolded words in the puzzle?

Turkey is versatile, with a wide range of cuts and products available, such as ground turkey, turkey sausage, and turkey breast, it’s easy to incorporate turkey into any meal.

Turkey is healthy, an outstanding source of protein and B vitamins for your family.

Turkey is tasty, the perfect protein for your favorite spice, sauce or rub.

Indiana ranks fourth nationally in turkey production, raising over 20 million turkeys in the state each year.

Hoosier turkey farmers take great pride in raising healthy birds that eat a diet of corn and soybeans grown right here in Indiana.

commercial turkey farm
Indiana.
the QR Code to see the completed word search puzzle.

Turn static files into dynamic content formats.

Create a flipbook
Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.