Learn more about the PACE Program, page 5
Carroll White REMC’s
T he
LITTLE LIBRARY that could Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library celebrates 30 years of inspiration
PAGE 20
JANUARY 2026
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from the editor
The spark of imagination
VOLUME 75 • NUMBER 7 ISSN 0745-4651 • USPS 262-340
Growing up, my mom made sure I had plenty of books and read to me every night before I went to bed. When we had our daughter, Gwen, I also wanted to make books a priority for her. My husband and I have been reading to her every night since before she even understood what a book was. Now, she loves being read to at any time of the day. Some of her favorites are the Berenstain Bears books. Gwen is also enrolled in Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, which we highlight in this month’s feature story. When the idea was suggested to sign her up for the library just before she was born, I was a little hesitant. I mistakenly thought that the Imagination Library was only for kids “in need.” I didn’t want to take a spot away from a child who needed it more. However, after looking into the program, I realized it was intended for all children, regardless of their families’ financial situations. I’m so glad we signed her up. She gets very excited when she receives a new book and wants to read it right away. The books cover a variety of subjects and are made of durable paper, allowing her to read them many times and spend time looking at them on her own. She enjoys “Tad and Dad,” a book about a growing tadpole and his annoyed frog father, and
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 320,000 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 Mandy Barth Vice President of Communication Lauren Carman Communication Manager
“Ice Cream Face,” about a kid who loves ice cream so much he wants it
Ashley Curry Production and Design Coordinator
for every meal. Both books have unique artwork that she loves to look at.
Holly Huffman Communication Support Specialist
I encourage you to sign up the children in your life for this special program, as fostering a love of reading provides lasting benefits through childhood and into adulthood.
On the menu: April: Submit your favorite recipes
Kiley Lipps Graphic Designer ADVERTISING: American MainStreet Publications Cheryl Solomon, local ad representative; 512-441-5200; amp.coop 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.
Britt Davis Editor bdavis@indianaec.org
Amber Knight Creative Manager
you.
using coffee, deadline Feb. 1. If we publish your recipe on our food pages, we’ll send you a $10 gift card.
Giveaway: Enter to win a coffee gift set. Visit
indianaconnection.org/talk-to-us/contests or send your contact information to the address below. The deadline to enter is Jan. 31.
Three ways to contact us: To send us recipes, photos, 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.
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.
JANUARY 2026
3
contents
JANUARY
12
18
county
03 FROM THE EDITOR 05 CO-OP NEWS Energy news and information from your electric cooperative 10 ENERGY Resolve to save money (and energy) in the new year
food
30
outdoors
cover story
12 COUNTY Grant County
18 FOOD Create your ideal rice bowl
28 HOOSIER ENERGY/ WABASH VALLEY NEWS
14 INDIANA EATS Aspasia Coffee and Bake Shop is making gluten-free dreams come true
20 COVER STORY Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library celebrates 30 years of inspiration
16 SAFETY Be prepared for winter storms
26 BEST OF INDIANA Nominate your favorite places for our readers’ choice awards
29 TRAVEL Koteewi Run offers 700 feet of tubing lanes in central Indiana (NOT IN ALL EDITIONS)
FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA
Indiana Connection 4 JANUARY 2026
20
30 OUTDOORS Longing for nostalgic snow days (NOT IN ALL EDITIONS)
On the cover In 1995, singer, songwriter, and actress Dolly Parton launched the Imagination Library in Sevier County, Tennessee. Since then, the library, which offers free books to children from birth to age five, has grown into an international initiative that distributes over 3 million books each month. Learn more about this inspiring program in this month’s cover feature.
co-op news “This institution is an equal opportunity provider and employer.” CARROLL WHITE REMC P.O. Box 599; Monticello, IN 47960 800-844-7161 (Toll Free) www.cwremc.coop MONTICELLO OFFICE 7:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m., Monday–Friday DELPHI OFFICE 7:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m., Monday–Friday EMAIL info@cwremc.coop CEO Cathy Raderstorf BOARD OF DIRECTORS Marty Cotterman, 765-430-8000
As we begin a new year, Carroll White
The other two projects are in
5368 S 450 E, Monticello
REMC is excited for our 2026 projects
conjunction with Rose Acre Egg
and work plans. Throughout the year,
Farms sites. Here, solar power will
we will keep members updated in
charge batteries and help keep Rose
detail about goals that ensure that we
Acres Farms’ facilities operational
continue to provide you with reliable,
when needed. Rose Acres impacts
safe, and affordable service.
the local economy and has grown
Gary E. Gerlach, 574-595-7820 125 W 900 S, Star City
Kent P. Zimpfer, 765-479-3006 4672 E. Arrow Point Court, Battle Ground
Tina L. Davis, 219-204-2195 7249 W. 600 S, Winamac
Ralph H. Zarse, 219-863-6342 1535 S. 100 E, Reynolds
Aaron N. Anderson, 765-427-5592
As we kick off 2026, we are excited
to become the second-largest egg producer in the United States.
6634 W. 300 S, Delphi
about the upcoming PACE program.
Jeffery M. Newell, 765-490-7919
PACE stands for Powering Affordable
System reliability is vital to our
Clean Energy. With support from the
member-owned cooperative. PACE
U.S. Department of Agriculture and a
will allow us to make line and
nearly $30 million investment, Carroll
substation upgrades. It will also help
White REMC is working with our
with shifting energy use during peak
power supplier, Wabash Valley Power
times. This project will help stabilize
Alliance, to take part in PACE.
rates for our members.
What does this mean for our
The PACE program aligns perfectly
members? There are three PACE
with our Mission Statement of
projects identified to help members.
creatively enhancing our community
COLD WEATHER TIPS
The first project is a battery storage
through safety and service.
Check for air leaks and drafts around doors and windows, then seal them with weatherstripping or caulk. Consider installing insulating curtains to help keep warm air inside. You can also save energy by lowering your thermostat a few degrees. Even small adjustments like these can reduce heating costs and improve comfort during the coldest months. - Energy.gov
unit at the Waste No Energy digester
1261 N 450 W, Delphi
MISSION STATEMENT “Creatively enhancing our community through safety and service.”
Safety, Service and Community IMPORTANT DATES Important Dates: Cycle 1 Dec. bills are due on Jan. 5 and are subject to disconnect on Jan. 27 if unpaid. Cycle 2 Dec. bills are due Jan. 20 and are subject to disconnect Feb. 10 if unpaid. Meter reading dates are Jan. 1 and Jan. 15.
Energy Tip
CARROLL WHITE REMC’S 2026 PLANS INCLUDE EXCITING PACE PROGRAM
LIKE US ON FACEBOOK facebook.com/ carrollwhite.remc FOLLOW US ON X, FORMERLY KNOWN AS TWITTER twitter.com/cwremc
east of Monticello. The digester charges a battery storage unit. If our power east of Monticello near the Idaville area is interrupted, the battery
Carroll White REMC is excited about the future and looks forward to serving our members in innovative and better ways during 2026. Happy New Year!
storage unit will disperse power to help keep members connected. All energy from the PACE projects will be consumed by our Carroll White REMC members.
CATHY RADERSTORF CEO
JANUARY 2026
5
co-op news
An Exciting Summer Camp for Sixth Graders! Campers will learn about electricity, try cool camp activities, and make new friends!
PREPARATION IS KEY to
preventing home electrical fires Have your home inspected by a qualified electrician, especially if it’s older than 20 years. Install smoke alarms in every bedroom, outside each sleeping area, and on every level of the home. Test them monthly and replace the batteries every year. Replace alarms every 10 years or according to the manufacturer. Install arc fault circuit interrupters (AFCIs) to safeguard against arc faults.
July 26-29, 2026
Keep heat-producing appliances unplugged when not in use. Do not overload outlets. Power strips do not provide more power, only more access to the same limited capacity circuit. Use extension cords only temporarily and never run them through walls, doorways, ceilings, or floors. Unplug an appliance that repeatedly blows a fuse or trips a circuit breaker and have it repaired or replaced. Don’t ignore warning signs of trouble, such as flickering lights, odd odors, and unusual sounds.
6 JANUARY 2026
Visit CampKilowatt.org to apply by May 1, 2026!
JAN.
27 STUDENT ART
CONTEST
TAKE THE TRIP OF A LIFETIME TO D.C. High school juniors, pack your bags! Your electric co-op wants to send you on a weeklong, all-inclusive trip to our capital. Your front-row seat to legislators, landmarks and history — shared with students from across the nation.
JUNE 14-21
win $200 You could
2026
INDIANA ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE
SPEND A DAY AT THE STATEHOUSE Go beyond the classroom and experience government firsthand!
Engage with government leaders
Tour the Statehouse
ENTER YOUR BEST ARTWORK See the legislative process in action
ELIGIBILITY Indiana public, private or home-schooled students in kindergarten through 12th grade during the 2025-26 school year are eligible to enter the contest.
Apply by Jan. 9 at IECPageDay.org
DETAILS AND DEADLINE
REQUIREMENTS: You must be
A complete set of rules and required entry forms are available at indianaconnection. org/for-youth/art-contest. Artwork must be received by Feb. 27, 2026.
QUESTIONS? Contact Karlee Gable, 317-408-7903 or youth@indianaec.org.
Apply Now Visit cwremc.coop/youth to learn more and apply.
available Jan. 27 and have reliable transportation to and from the Indiana Statehouse that day. The program is open to high school students. Please confirm with school administrators, but Page Day is considered an excused absence in most instances.
JANUARY 2026
7
co-op news
CW REMC PROGRAMS AVAILABLE
MAKING GEOTHERMAL MORE AFFORDABLE Are the upfront costs of installing a geothermal heat pump keeping you from switching your home or business to this energy-efficient heating and cooling system? Carroll White REMC’s new Looped In program is here to help you!
YOUR PROJECT PARTNER Are those money-saving energy efficiency projects on your to-do list
Carroll White REMC will pay to have a member’s loop system installed. The REMC will own the loop portion and will add a small rider to your monthly bill for your use of the loop.
too daunting? Carroll White REMC
The process:
with their energy efficiency projects.
•
•
•
•
•
Call our energy advisor, Quinton Randle, at 800-844-7161 to set up a home visit.
can help! Partnership for Efficiency provides low interest loans to rural families and small businesses to help them
ENERGY EFFICIENCY PROJECTS/ REPLACEMENTS MAY INCLUDE:
HERE’S HOW PARTNERSHIP FOR EFFICIENCY WORKS: 1. Member must contact our energy advisor, Quinton Randle, to schedule a free energy audit. 2. Member should fill out the application. 3. A credit check is done to determine the loan amount. 4. Upon approval, the member
After consulting with Randle, you will select a licensed contractor to install the geothermal system and sign the necessary agreements and paperwork so work on the project can begin.
•
Lighting improvements
chooses a licensed contractor to
•
Building envelope
perform the work.
improvements
5. After the work is completed, the
•
HVAC systems
member contacts our energy
Carroll White REMC will select a contractor for the loop installation.
•
Heat pump water heaters
•
Motors
Post construction, Carroll White REMC will ensure all the work was done as expected and will finalize all rebates. A copy of the geothermal installation invoice from the member’s approved contractor will be required.
•
Appliance upgrades
•
Compressed air systems
•
Boilers, dryers, heaters, and
Our billing department will then add the monthly lease fee to your electric bill.
8 JANUARY 2026
process related equipment •
Other activities and investments directly related to efficiency
advisor to perform another energy audit to validate the energy efficiency was achieved. 6. Carroll White REMC pays the contractor. 7. Carroll White REMC adds the monthly loan charge to the member’s electric bill.
energy
RESOLVE TO SAVE MONEY (AND ENERGY) IN THE NEW YEAR A
s you set your goals for the
system can provide more consistent
and cooling systems. This enables
coming year, you can resolve
service to keep you and your home
you to control settings and monitor
to keep more money in your wallet
comfortable.
energy use even when away from
— while saving energy and staying
Save on long-term costs: Most
home. Some appliances even alert
comfortable all year long.
newer appliances and HVAC
you if an issue arises.
Homeowners do not often think
systems are more energy efficient
By planning proactively, you can
about their appliances, such as
than those created over a decade
research the best options available
a water heater or HVAC system,
ago. They will use less energy than
for your replacement. You can visit
until they break. If your HVAC
older equipment, leading to savings
your electric cooperative’s website
system is over 15 years old or
in long-term energy costs. Plus,
to see if any upgrades qualify for
has experienced more frequent
most upgrades typically come with
rebates. You can also contact your
breakdowns, start planning for
a warranty, eliminating those costly
co-op’s energy advisor to begin the
a replacement now, rather than
repairs. With proper maintenance,
conversation.
waiting until it stops working during
it should operate optimally for
extreme weather. Your local electric
years to come. The combination of
cooperative may offer rebates for
improved efficiency and reliability
upgrading to a more energy-efficient
helps save you money over the life
product. You can see multiple
of the equipment.
advantages to your upgrade:
Greater control: Many new
Improved comfort: As appliances
appliances and HVAC systems
and HVAC systems age, they may
now feature internet connectivity,
struggle to maintain the same level
allowing for greater control.
of service as when they were new.
Appliances such as heat pump
Older water heaters may run out of
water heaters may already have
by Andrew Wray
hot water, or heating and cooling
this feature integrated into the device, while Wi-Fi thermostats
Energy Advisor
systems may struggle to get to the desired temperature. A new, modern
allow for remote control of heating
10 JANUARY 2026
Hendricks Power Cooperative
START THE NEW YEAR RIGHT
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county feature
Grant County Grant County has a rich history in motorcycling. Harley-Davidson first earned the nickname “hog” after the winners of the 1920 Cornfield Classic International Motorcycle Race in Marion, Indiana, took their victory lap with their team’s pig mascot. Grant County still celebrates its motorcycling heritage today with the Cornfield Classic, now a vintage motorcycle rally, and the Jonesboro River Rally. Both rallies draw hundreds of bikers each year.
COUNTY FACTS FOUNDED:
REVVING UP TRADITION Founded initially as Harrisburg in 1867, Gas City, Indiana, gained its current name after natural gas was discovered during the Indiana Gas Boom. When the Gas City Land Company was established on March 21, 1892, the small town of about 150 residents adopted the name Photo courtesy of Ducktail Run “Gas City.” Most of its natural gas reserves were largely depleted by the late 1800s due to inefficient extraction. Today, the city is best known for its annual “Ducktail Run,” a car show featuring vehicles from 1972 and earlier.
1831
NAMED FOR: Samuel and Moses Grant, captains who were killed during a battle in 1789 with Native Americans in Switzerland County
POPULATION: 66,674
Photo courtesy of Marion-Grant County Convention and Visitors Bureau
Public Domain
COUNTY SEAT: Marion
INDIANA COUNTY NUMBER: 27
INDIANA’S HOLLYWOOD REBEL FOLLOW THE GARFIELD TRAIL Marion is the hometown of Jim Davis, who created the comic strip, “Garfield.” To celebrate the lasagna-loving cat, Grant County’s Garfield Trail features 14 fiberglass statues throughout nearby cities. Visitors can dial 765-997-7034 for the trail’s cell phone tour, which features recordings providing more information about each of the 5-foot-tall statues. For example, one of the statues stands in front of Jonesboro City Hall, depicting Garfield wearing a firefighter hat and holding a fire hose beside a hydrant. It’s a tribute to Jonesboro’s role as the place of Grant County’s first fire department.
12 JANUARY 2026
Hollywood icon James Dean was born in Marion in 1931. After his television debut in a Pepsi commercial, Dean quit attending UCLA to pursue acting fulltime, where he starred in three major films — “Rebel Without a Cause,” “East of Eden,” and “Giant” — before his death at the age of 24 in a car accident. Every year, Fairmount, Indiana, hosts a memorial service, festival, and classic car show in his honor. Fans can tour the James Dean Museum, which houses his motorcycles and personal artifacts, or visit the James Dean Gallery featuring a collection of rare memorabilia and collectibles. Art enthusiasts can also admire three cut-out James Dean murals by John Cerney, a renowned mural artist from California. By Nicole Thomas
Marion
COOPERATIVE STUDENT ART CONTEST SUBMISSIONS
NEW BUILDS • ADDITIONS • REMODELS We’re here to help with all your residential construction needs.
The 2026 Cooperative Student Art Contest has
Entries for the Cooperative Student Art Contest are due by Friday, Feb. 27.
begun. Submissions for the contest should be mailed to the Indiana Connection office by Feb. 27. A first-place winner will be selected for each grade, K-12, and will receive $100. One “Best
Circleventerprise@gmail.com 260-228-3440 • Circleventerprise.com
Licensed • Insured • BBB Accredited
of Show” will be selected from the first-place
MARKETPLACE
winners and will win an extra $100. Additional artists from each grade will be selected for honorable mention awards and will receive $50.
Our Marketplace offers maximum exposure for your business or organization at a minimal cost.
The contest is open to Indiana public, private, or home-schooled kindergarten through 12th-grade students during the 2025-26 school year. A complete set of rules and required entry forms are available at indianaconnection.org/for-youth/art-contest.
Please contact Cheryl Solomon, 847-749-4875 or cheryl@amp.coop, for other small business advertising opportunities in Indiana Connection.
Order your
2026 CALENDAR TODAY! SEND US A CHECK AND A NOTE WITH YOUR NAME AND ADDRESS. COPIES OF THE COOPERATIVE CALENDAR OF STUDENT ART ARE $7 EACH.
Limited quantities of the 2026 Cooperative Calendar of Student Art are available at participating electric cooperative offices across the state.
The price includes shipping and Indiana sales tax. Make the check payable to “Indiana Electric Cooperatives.” Send your order to Indiana Electric Cooperatives, 11805 Pennsylvania Street, Carmel, IN 46032. 2026 CALENDA PRODUCE D BY
Cover art by
Orders can also be submitted online at goiec.org/calendar.
Jane Olsen, kinderg arten division
winner
R
INDIANA CONNECT
ION FOR INDIANA
STUDENT ART
’S ELECTRIC COOPERA
TIVES
• Bartholomew County REMC • Carroll White REMC • Clark County REMC • Daviess-Martin County REMC • Dubois REC • Fulton County REMC • Harrison REMC • Heartland REMC • Jasper County REMC • Jay County REMC
• JCREMC • Kankakee Valley REMC • Kosciusko REMC • LaGrange County REMC • Marshall County REMC • Newton County REMC • Noble REMC • Orange County REMC • RushShelby Energy • Whitewater Valley REMC • WIN Energy REMC
JANUARY 2026
13
Indiana eats
ASPASIA COFFEE AND BAKE SHOP is making gluten-free dreams come true By Stephanie Bernaba
For anyone navigating life without gluten, the search for tasty treats that don't disappoint seems neverending. Between the dry cookies, crumbly cakes, and gritty bread, many gluten-free options fail to stand up — both figuratively and literally. Eva Tomlinson, who knew this frustration intimately, embarked on a journey to fix that.
SEEING AN OPPORTUNITY When Tomlinson retired from trade compliance in January 2020, the pandemic lockdown gave her plenty of time to bake. The catch? She couldn't eat any of it. "I wanted to figure out how to make gluten-free products because I couldn’t find any gluten-free products that I liked," Tomlinson recalled. After six months of meticulous experimentation, she developed two proprietary flour blends (bread and cake) that transformed both her retirement and her life. Friends who tasted her creations expressed both shock and delight, as they couldn't discern that they were gluten-free — the highest compliment a gluten-free baker can receive. More importantly, her friends and loved ones believed her baked goods were delicious enough to sell.
14 JANUARY 2026
By October 2022, Aspasia Coffee and Bake Shop opened its doors in Zionsville, backed by a separate production kitchen that launched months earlier. Today, the completely dedicated gluten-free facility serves a remarkably diverse menu. Morning pastries, cinnamon rolls, and breakfast casseroles give way to flatbreads, soups, and salads throughout the day. Custom cakes elevate weddings and celebrations, while Hawaiian and dinner rolls ship frozen nationwide.
CREATING FOR HER CUSTOMERS What sets Aspasia apart isn't just her gluten-free guarantee — it's Tomlinson's relentless pursuit of perfection and gracious responsiveness to her customers. "I listen to my customers," Tomlinson explained. "If they say, ‘I really want to try this,’ I give it a whirl. And, many times, it's turned into something that we offer on a regular basis." When someone requests a new flavor or item, she labors intensely to bring their idea to life. Magic bars were added to the permanent menu in this way, as was an impressive croquembouche for a recent wedding. "We're pretty tenacious," Tomlinson said, "so if we set our mind to something, we make it work."
This customer-centered approach extends to accommodating various dietary needs. Approximately 90 percent of Aspasia's offerings are dairy-free in addition to being gluten-free, with fully vegan options also available.
CONTINUED GROWTH The business has flourished, with wholesale accounts now comprising half of her sales. Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis serves Aspasia products through its catering partner. And this month, she will be adding various bagel sandwiches to the menu. Aspasia’s customer base has become so vast that Tomlinson is developing both loyalty and subscription programs. With every perfectly crafted pastry, Tomlinson proves that onceelusive gluten-free dreams can become reality.
ASPASIA COFFEE AND BAKE SHOP aspasiabakeshop.com Aspasia Zionsville
3091 US-421, Zionsville, IN 46077 317-344-2169
Aspasia Carmel PRODUCTION KITCHEN
(Pick up only, no seating) 9830 N. Michigan Rd, Ste C. Carmel, IN 46032 317-663-4538
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safety GENER AT OR S A FET Y: Avoid carbon monoxide poisoning
B E P RE PA RE D
for winter storms
outages, but using them improperly can cause carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning.
• Never run a generator,
By Chris Adam
Winter in Indiana often brings heavy
Generators are useful during
grill, camp stove, or any
snow, freezing rain, ice storms and
EMERGENCY KITS FOR HOME AND CAR
fuel-burning device inside
strong winds. These conditions
Having storm kits ready at home and in
not only create travel hazards
basement, or other
your vehicle can make a big difference
but can also cause electrical
enclosed space.
if you’re stuck inside for days or
dangers, warns Indiana’s electric
stranded on the road.
cooperatives.
your home, garage,
• Operate generators and store fuel outdoors, at
At home, stock at least two weeks
“Safety around electricity should be
least 20 feet away from
of supplies, including bottled water,
doors, windows, and
top of mind year-round,” said John
nonperishable food, emergency
garages.
Cassady, CEO of Indiana Electric
blankets, first aid supplies, flashlights,
Cooperatives. “In the winter, snow
a battery-powered or hand-crank radio,
and ice on power lines can cause
extra batteries, and basic toiletries.
them to snap or lead to broken
For your vehicle, pack at least three
CO buildup. Because
days of essentials such as blankets,
CO cannot be seen or
warm clothes, jumper cables, bottled
smelled, it can quickly
water, nonperishable food, sand or cat
cause illness or death.
poles. That’s why people must stay alert to the risks of downed power lines.”
• Opening doors and windows or running fans will not prevent
POWER LINE SAFETY
litter for traction, backup batteries, and
Keep these tips in mind if you
phone chargers.
encounter downed lines:
IF THE POWER GOES OUT
home, on every level, and
• Stay at least 35 feet away —
If an outage occurs, conserve heat by
outside sleeping areas for
about the length of three cars.
keeping doors closed to unused rooms
early warning.
• Never touch the line or anything touching it. • Call 911 immediately and warn others to keep clear. • Always assume the line is live and dangerous.
16 JANUARY 2026
and limiting trips outside. Also remember food safety. Once a refrigerator rises above 40 degrees, perishable foods may become unsafe. Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed as much as possible to help food last longer.
• Install CO alarms in central areas of your
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food
Create your ideal rice bowl Unleash your culinary creativity with these tasty rice bowl recipes. Whether you love hearty chicken dishes or prefer colorful vegetarian options, these flavorful combinations are sure to satisfy your cravings and fill you up.
CHICKEN BURRITO RICE BOWL Glenda Ferguson, Paoli
2 cups white rice, uncooked 4 chicken thighs, boneless, skinless, cut into small chunks
½ red onion, chopped into small pieces 2 limes 1 can black beans,
½ tsp paprika
drained and rinsed
½ tsp chili powder
1 large tomato, chopped
2 Tbsp oil
6 oz shredded cheese
2 cups corn, frozen
1 cup shredded lettuce
2 Tbsp cilantro, chopped
Salt and pepper to taste
Prepare the rice according to package directions. Season the chicken with salt, pepper, paprika, and chili powder. Cook the chicken in the oil until browned. Add ½ cup of water to the pan. In a small container, add the corn, cilantro, and red onion. Season with salt and pepper. Squeeze the juice from one of the limes onto the corn, then mix it all together. To prepare the rice bowl, spoon rice and black beans on the bottom. Add the chicken over the rice and beans. Top with the corn mixture, tomato, cheese, and lettuce. Season with another lime over the top.
18 JANUARY 2026
FOOD PREPARED BY INDIANA CONNECTION STAFF PHOTOS BY KILEY LIPPS
food
VEGETARIAN POWER BOWL Kristie Bishop, West Lafayette
½ cup brown
¼ cup garbanzo
rice, cooked
beans, canned
¼ cup peas, frozen
¼ cup guacamole
¼ cup mushrooms,
¼ cup salsa
fresh or canned Prepare the rice according to package directions. Heat the cooked rice with the peas, mushrooms, and garbanzo beans until hot. Add guacamole and your favorite salsa. The bowl can be enjoyed with tortilla chips or your favorite other kind of chips.
F O R T H E B U F FA L O C H I C K E N
O T H E R I N G R E DIEN TS
SLOW COOKER BUFFALO CHICKEN RICE BOWLS
1.5 lbs boneless,
1½ cups ranch
Staff submitted
½ cup Frank's Red Hot Sauce
rice, uncooked
¼ cup melted butter
1 cup shredded carrots
1 tsp paprika
½ cup blue
skinless chicken breasts
1 tsp garlic powder
1 cup brown or white
cheese crumbles
½ tsp salt To cook the chicken, place the chicken at the bottom of the slow cooker. Add the buffalo sauce, melted butter, and spices on top. Toss everything gently to coat the chicken. Cook on low for 6-7 hours, or high for 2-3 hours. Shred and keep set to warm until ready to serve. Cook the rice according to the package directions. To assemble the bowls, add some rice, shredded buffalo chicken, and carrots to a bowl. Drizzle with the ranch dressing and top with blue cheese crumbles.
JANUARY 2026
19
One of the books available through the program was written by Dolly Parton herself. “A Coat of Many Colors” is based off of her popular song.
T he
LITTLE LIBRARY that could Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library celebrates 30 years of inspiration
Photos courtesy of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library
By Julie Young
S
he is one of the most revered and celebrated multi-hyphenates of
all time. In addition to being a global music icon and an award-winning singer/songwriter with over 3,000 compositions in her catalog, she is also an accomplished actress, best-selling author, successful businesswoman, and the largest employer in Sevier County, Tennessee. But for millions of children, Dolly Parton is simply “The Book Lady,” a title she wears with pride.
20 JANUARY 2026
The library offers a bilingual program with English and Spanish books in 21 states.
Launched in 1995, Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library works to spark a love of reading in children everywhere by gifting a high-quality, ageappropriate book free of charge each month from birth to age five. What began as a local program for a few hundred children in her home county became a national effort in 2000 and, since then, has expanded into an international initiative that delivers more than 3 million books each month to children across the United States, Canada, Australia, Ireland, and the United Kingdom. Since its inception, Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library has gifted over 300 million books worldwide and has no plans of slowing down any time soon. “You can never get enough books into the hands of enough children,” Parton said.
ONCE UPON A TIME As most fans of her music know, Parton grew up in a one-room cabin on a rural ridge in the Great Smoky Mountains near the town of Sevierville. While her mother, Avie Lee (née) Owens, took care of the home and cared for the children, her
Although she was a big dreamer with
However, it was her deep admiration
musical ambitions at a young age,
for her father, combined with an
Parton knew that her key to success
awareness of the doors that literacy
was staying in school and earning her
could open, that inspired the “Jolene”
diploma. She was proud to be the first
singer to create Dolly Parton’s
member of her family to graduate from
Imagination Library. It has evolved
high school. One day later, she moved
into the flagship program of The
to Nashville to start her music career,
Dollywood Foundation and has been
and the rest, as they say, is history.
recognized for improving literacy
father, Robert Lee Parton Sr., worked
After achieving unparalleled
as a sharecropper, tobacco farmer,
success in music and film, Parton
and occasional construction worker
sought ways to give back to others.
to keep his family clothed and fed.
She established The Dollywood
Despite never learning how to read or
Foundation in 1988 to inspire children
write, Parton described her father as
in her home county to achieve
one of the smartest men she had ever
educational success. She created
met and credited him with instilling
the Buddy Program, which offered a
in his children a sense of hard work,
$500 incentive to seventh and eighth-
humility, and pride. However, she also
grade students who graduated from
knew that his inability to read took an
high school. The program was so
emotional toll on him and crippled him
successful that it reduced the dropout
from reaching his full potential in life.
rate from 35 to 6%.
habits, kindergarten readiness, and supporting grade-level reading by the third grade. From its humble beginnings, the Imagination Library has experienced exponential growth over the past three decades. In the U.S. alone, the library reaches one in seven children under the age of five, which is not only an achievement that reflects remarkable growth, but also showcases the power of a simple, lifechanging gift: a book. continued on page 22
JANUARY 2026
21
The library offers a variety of books to children from birth to 5 years old.
known and respected program allowed her to combine many of her passions — early literacy, philanthropy, and communitybuilding partnerships — in the best possible way. “I have been promoting literacy my entire career, and a love of books and reading offers the foundation for literacy skills that set children up for future success,” she said. “Encouraging increased interaction
continued from page 21 “Before he passed away, my Daddy told me that the Imagination Library was probably the most important thing I had ever done,” Parton said. “And that’s saying a lot!”
provide additional support to
with children and their caregivers
expand access. They help fund and
around books and reading strengthens
coordinate statewide efforts while
their bond and promotes positive
supporting volunteers and staff to
brain development.”
ensure that all children — regardless
Although the Imagination Library has
of location — can benefit from free reading materials.
been available in Indiana for over 20 years, it has only been a statewide
SUPPORTING CHARACTERS
“The average cost of the program per
program since August 2023. Before
Naturally, Parton doesn’t do it
child, per month is $2.60 or around
that time, only 54 counties participated
alone. Although The Dollywood
$31 per child per year. In states
in the program, with many of these
Foundation covers the overhead and
where there is a state match, the
counties having limited coverage.
administration expenses, coordinates
cost decreases to $1.30 per child per
Today, every county in the state has
the Blue Ribbon Book Selection,
month to around $15 for the whole
an Imagination Library program, and
provides the secure online database,
year,” said Katie Mullins, community
thanks to the work of local and state
and manages ordering and fulfillment,
engagement coordinator for Dolly
partners, enrollment has doubled
the real heroes of Dolly Parton’s
Parton’s Imagination Library
over the past two years from 70,000
Imagination Library are the thousands
of Indiana.
to 138,000. To date, nearly 2.9
of local partners and organizations that have taken her dream and made it their own. Local program partners cover the wholesale cost of the books, as well as the postage to mail them, while also promoting the program and enrolling children in their communities. Statewide partners (where applicable)
22 JANUARY 2026
Mullins joined Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library in 2023, bringing an extensive background in public
million books have been mailed to Hoosier children of all socioeconomic backgrounds.
libraries and a firm belief that every
Mullins said there is often a
child should grow up in a home
misconception about who is eligible to
filled with books. She said that the
take part in Dolly Parton’s Imagination
opportunity to be part of such a well-
Library, and the answer is, everyone!
The universality of the program is deeply personal to Parton. As a child, she knew her family struggled to make ends meet, but she didn’t realize how poor they were until they began receiving handouts from others. Because of that experience, Parton decided that the Imagination Library would be for every child and not merely for those “in need.” “After 30 years, we’ve seen the power of that decision. A universal program means that more books reach more children overall and, importantly, even more books find their way into the hands of children who need them the most,” Mullins said.
Give a child the gift of books Want to sign up the child in your life for the Imagination Library? Visit imaginationlibrary.com/check-availability to determine if the program is available in your area.
continued on page 24
JANUARY 2026
23
Parton reads to a group of children at the Library of Congress in 2018.
continued from page 23
chant, was one of Parton’s favorites as
respected early childhood experts.
a child, and she said she saw herself
Over the course of a three-day review,
in the title character. Each subsequent
the committee evaluates each title
book is thoughtfully selected through
and selects those that best represent
a carefully developed process, with
outstanding children’s literature.
age appropriateness as the guiding
Books with political, overtly religious,
principle. Selections also reflect the
or polarizing themes are excluded
“They’ve all shared the experience
values of The Dollywood Foundation
to keep the focus on the mission:
of reading the same books, creating
and Parton herself — love, respect,
to inspire a love of reading. Parton
a sense of connection and leveling
appreciation, kindness, and empathy.
herself is the author of two books in
the playing field for every child,”
Braille and audio Imagination Library
the Library: “I Am a Rainbow”, which
Mullins said.
books are also available through a
discusses the various moods a child
partnership with the American Printing
experiences, and “Coat of Many
House for the Blind (APH).
Colors,” a literary version of her hit
Another beautiful outcome is that children, regardless of their socioeconomic status, start kindergarten on a more level playing field.
CHOOSING THE RIGHT BOOKS When children sign up for Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, the first book they receive is “The Little Engine That Could” by Watty Piper. The story of a little train’s optimism and hard work, embodied in its “I think I can”
24 JANUARY 2026
According to Mullins, each year, the library’s exclusive publisher, Penguin Random House, presents new children’s titles to the book selection committee, a group of highly
song about bullying and acceptance.
A SUCCESS BY ANY MEASURE Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library has been the recipient of numerous awards and accolades, including
By the numbers the 2000 Honors Award from
time “The Book Lady” sends out
the Association of American
another story. Some parents
Publishers and the 2012 Best
cherish the smile and squeal that
Practices Award from the Library
accompany each new arrival,
of Congress. Although her own
while others note how their child’s
children were older when Dolly
confidence grows with every story.
Parton’s Imagination Library
1995 The year the Imagination Library was founded
OVER 300 MILLION
Parton understands that parents
was launched in her county, Mullins has a niece and nephew in Tippecanoe County who are eager participants in the program.
The number of books gifted worldwide
and caregivers are a child’s first
since the library’s inception
teacher, and they set the course
OVER 138,000
for developing their child’s love of books and reading. She also
“My niece stops everything when
knows that reading to a child from
it is time to get her new book from
birth to age five not only promotes
the mailbox, and immediately her
their future reading ability, but also
parents have to read it to her,”
their academic success.
Mullins said. “Then at bedtime, she eagerly snuggles in to once again read her new book.”
The number of Hoosier children enrolled in the program
NEARLY 2.9 MILLION The number of books gifted to
“The first step is always the
Hoosier children so far
hardest,” Parton said, “but if you can read, you can teach yourself
It’s an experience that is replayed
$2.60
anything!”
The cost of the program for each
countless households every
child per year
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Best of Indiana
NOMINATION FORM To celebrate the uniqueness of Indiana, please exclude national chains from your responses. Don’t forget to include the name of the town in which each answer is located. Feel free to tell us why you
Indiana Connection Readers’ Choice Awards
Best of
a n a i Ind
made your nomination. Use an additional piece of paper if needed.
BED AND BREAKFAST/COUNTRY INN:
BREWERY:
CAMPGROUND:
COMMUNITY FESTIVAL:
Indiana Connection wants to recognize some of our readers’ favorite places in
LIVE THEATER:
an upcoming “Best of Indiana” feature. To nominate your favorites, fill out the form below and mail it to Indiana
MUSEUM:
Connection at 11805 Pennsylvania Street, Carmel, IN 46032. You can also submit your nominations online at
PLACE TO TAKE THE KIDS:
indianaconnection.org/2026-best-ofindiana-awards. Nomination forms are due by
RESTAURANT:
March 1. Our readers will vote on the top-nominated places in future issues. Send any questions to Editor Britt Davis at bdavis@indianaec.org. Help
TENDERLOIN SANDWICH (NAME THE SPECIFIC PLACE):
us showcase some of the places that make the Hoosier State great!
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Wabash Valley Power news
POWERING COMMUNITIES with SMART SOLUTIONS As we step into 2026, I’ve been
That means savings. By avoiding
reflecting on the priorities that drive
expensive peak times, we reduce
our work. Each year brings its own
costs for our members. It also helps
challenges and opportunities, but
stabilize prices overall. Just like
one thing remains constant: our
any other market, electricity follows
commitment to providing affordable,
supply and demand. When demand
reliable electricity to the communities
soars, so can prices. By dispatching
we serve.
batteries during those times,
That guides everything we do at Wabash Valley Power Alliance.
Wabash and our member co-ops can save money.
Every day, I’m focused on how
But affordability is only half the story.
we can strengthen service for our
These batteries also boost reliability.
member communities. It’s a message
Imagine a frigid winter storm or a
I reinforce with my team, and it’s
sweltering summer afternoon. Stored
at the core of our new Substation
energy can be dispatched exactly
Battery Program.
when it is needed most. That not
This initiative brings state-of-the-art energy storage to several of our
only keeps power flowing but can strengthen the system.
member substations. These are
The Substation Battery Program
not massive batteries you will see
may be a quiet addition to your local
towering over the landscape. In fact,
co-op, but its impact will be powerful.
most people won’t even notice them.
It is one more way we’re living out
But the difference they can make for
our mission: keeping your electricity
your co-op is significant.
affordable, reliable, and ready for
Here is how it works: the batteries
2026 and beyond!
will be installed behind the meter,
Happy New Year,
keeping stored energy right in the
Jeff Conrad President and CEO Wabash Valley Power Alliance
community. They will charge when demand and costs are low, then discharge when demand and costs spike.
28 JANUARY 2026
travel
powder FRESH
Snowy slopes cascading across 700 feet of tubing lanes at Koteewi Run have all the makings of the best winter day ever
Photos courtesy of Hamilton County Tourism
By Natalie Derrickson
Head north to Noblesville for
with getting up and
one of central Indiana’s hidden
onto their tubes on the
gems: Koteewi Run Seasonal
designated child lanes.
Slopes, located within Strawtown
As one of winter’s top spots
During the season, the slopes
in central Indiana, reserving your slope
are open Monday and Tuesday
Tubing season kicks off in
times early is encouraged,
from 5 to 9 p.m., Friday from
December, where fresh powder
as holiday and weekend dates often
5 to 10 p.m., Saturday from noon
is produced on-site, and runs
book up weeks in advance. On
to 10 p.m., and Sunday from
through March, weather permitting.
weekends and holidays, two-hour
1 to 8 p.m. Enjoy extra tubing
For blocks of two or four hours, a
sessions are $35 for riders aged
time on holidays — the slopes
custom-made, single-seater tube is
13 to 59 and $30 for those 12 and
are open from noon to 10 p.m.
yours to ride. Leave your favorite
under or 60 and older. Weeknight rates
For additional dates, details,
sled or tube at home — Koteewi
are $30 for all riders and allow for four-
directions, and online booking,
Run’s tubes are the only ones
hour tubing sessions. Season passes
visit kotewi-adventures.com.
welcome on the slopes. Take the lift
are just $140 for riders aged 13 to 59
line to the top of the slopes and revel
and $120 for all others, making repeat
in the thrill of your journey down the
visits an affordable reality.
Koteewi Park.
groomed tubing lane.
If you get chilly, warm up with a
Koteewi Run Seasonal Slopes
This family-friendly destination
snack and a hot beverage at the
makes tubing easy, and as long as
on-site concession stand or warming
kids can handle their tubing tasks
area. On-site restrooms offer space
solo, they can ride. For safety’s
to change, should you be heading
Noblesville, IN 46060
sake, tubes are single-rider only,
out for more adventures after your
kotewi-adventures.com
but parents can assist younger riders
reservation.
11800 Koteewi Dr.
JANUARY 2026
29
outdoors LON GIN G FO R
nostalgic snow days W
e live in a rural county,
ushering them out the door leads
shoveling doesn’t spoil the magic.
one known for its hills
to more education than having
I walk through my woods to the
and ravines, its hairpin turns and
them sit with a glowing screen as
creak of bending trees, the light
hidden culverts, its covered bridges
a companion. Now that I think of
whistles of the wind, and the lonely
taken at a walk, its narrow gravel
it, from personal experience in the
caws of crows, the latter bringing
roads still named by family rather
art of sledding, snow days taught
back memories of the poet Robert
than number.
me quite a bit about the physical
Frost and his line about the “dust
sciences of weight distribution,
of snow.” I catch sight of my breath
friction, and speed. There was time
in the crisp air, hear the crunch
to read, of course, and I loved that
of my boots in the yet unbroken
as my play clothes dried over a
snow crust, feel the bite of the raw
warm furnace register.
breeze as it reddens my now-
Not so long ago, wintertime nearly always gave us a day or two when we needed to shut down a while just to let the snowplows open the roads; it was, to us anyway,
wrinkled face.
a pleasant diversion from the
Now, as four-wheel drive becomes
usual. Schools were closed, soup
more commonplace, most of us can
Years ago, minus the wrinkles,
heated on the stove, the mail went
get to where we want to go. The
at a time when even flannel
undelivered, and our sleds came off
sight of unbroken snow on a road is
shirts, mismatched cotton gloves,
garage walls.
rare. The sound of revving engines
scratchy wool long johns, and
replacing the muffled silence of
bread wrapper-covered feet could
a day when it used to be so quiet
only go so far to keep me dry and
you could hear the lightest wisps of
warm, I think I already knew that
snowflakes on a coated shoulder.
snow days were a treasure.
I long for no blizzard, no downed power lines, no slide-offs into the ditches, but I do wish we could feel the same way for winter that we used to. Of course, now our
I still look forward to a day with
children and grandchildren must
snow. Retired, with fewer places I
atone for “snow days,” often in the
have to be, I enjoy my cup of coffee
form of “e-learning,” but I think that
by a cabin window. Even a little
30 JANUARY 2026
Mike Lunsford is a freelance columnist, feature writer, and photographer based in Parke County. Contact Lunsford at hickory913@gmail.com.
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