Illinois Country Living April 2010

Your

Electric Cooperative’s

April 2010

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Electric

Your Cooperative’s

PAGE 10

April 2010

COVER STORY

Volume 67, No. 12, April 2010 COMMENTARY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Energy issues can be solved with involved and informed members.

CURRENTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 PM 3/18/2010 1:28:55

U.S. utilities are allocating more funds in 2009 toward energy efficiency programs. Among efficiencies for members is using CFL bulbs. Learn just how much longer a CFL lasts than a regular bulb.

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THE WHOLE HOUSE APPROACH TO ENERGY EFFICIENCY

SAFETY & HEALTH . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

See how the experts seal out the leaks in your home to create a more energy efficient environment.

Changing something as simple as a light bulb can be deadly. Check out a list of general safety measures to use when installing a bulb.

YARD & GARDEN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 The cuddly Easter Bunny is a garden nightmare. Keep rabbits out with some helpful fencing tips.

Published by Association of Illinois Electric Cooperatives 6460 South Sixth Frontage Road East, Springfield, IL 62712

ENERGY SOLUTIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 If you have a dirty sock smell permeating your home, you could have a moisture problem. Doug Rye has solutions.

www.icl.coop

ENJOY THE JOURNEY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

800-593-2432 • aiecinfo@aiec.coop John Lowrey........................................................................Editor Jonie Larson........................................................ Assistant Editor Catrina McCulley Wagner ...........................Contributing Editor Ed VanHoose ...............................................Contributing Editor Lisa Rigoni ..................................................Advertising Manager Sandy Wolske ........ Advertising Coordinator/Graphic Designer Jennifer Danzinger, Kathy Feraris & Chris Reynolds ....................................... Graphic Designers Connie Newenham ............................. Circulation Coordinator

Travel with ease on tracks that will take you near or far. With Amtrak you can see the scenery, take extra baggage and save money.

MARKETPLACE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 FINEST COOKING . . . . 22

DATEBOOK . . . . . . . . . 29

Illinois Country Living is a monthly publication serving the communications needs of the locally owned, not-for-profit electric cooperatives of Illinois. With a circulation of more than 176,000, the magazine informs cooperative members about issues affecting their electric cooperative and the quality of life in rural Illinois. Illinois Country Living (ISSN number 1086-8062) is published monthly and is the official publication of the Association of Illinois Electric Cooperatives, 6460 South Sixth Frontage Road East, Springfield, IL 62712. The cost is $2.50 plus postage per year for members of subscribing cooperatives and $10 per year for all others. Periodical postage paid at Springfield, Illinois, and additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: Illinois Country Living, P.O. Box 3787, Springfield, IL 62708. ADVERTISING: Contact Lisa Rigoni, Advertising Manager – 1-800-593-2432 or lrigoni@aiec.coop. The national advertising representative is The Weiss Group. 1-877-934-7747. Acceptance of advertising by the magazine does not imply endorsement by the publisher or the electric cooperatives of Illinois of the product or service advertised. Illinois Country Living is not responsible for the performance of the product or service advertised. For change of address, please contact your local cooperative.

www.touchstoneenergy.com

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The Association of Illinois Electric Cooperatives and 25 Illinois electric cooperatives are members of Touchstone Energy, a national alliance of 660 electric cooperatives. Touchstone Energy cooperative employees adhere to four core values — integrity, accountability, innovation and commitment to community.

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COMMENTARY 4 April_Base.indd 4

Tough choices call for strong voices Energy demand, regulation and cost can be solved with informed voices

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or the past year the phrase, ‘Tough Choices Call For Strong Voices’ has served as the theme for National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA) meetings. Considering the times we are in and the challenges we face, it is well chosen. Permit me to list and briefly examine three of the tough choices. First on my list are energy costs. As a cooperative director, my number one focus is the electric bill received by my fellow consumer/ owners. The goal is simple — the electric bill must be affordable. Meeting that goal is the challenge. Not withstanding the recent economic slow down, energy costs have been on the rise over the past 10 years and the primary mover has been increased demand. The truth is that growing economies need increased energy to provide for economic expansion. Legislation and regulation have also contributed to increasing energy costs. This Congress has continued to consider new legislation to address environmental concerns. Whatever our stance, new legislation will lead to higher energy prices and those prices will be paid by consumers. Regulation is also impacting energy costs. Currently, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is considering extending the Clean Air Act (CAA) to address carbon emissions. Many fear that this will lead to a “glorious mess.” I personally would respectfully suggest that the CAA is simply the wrong tool for this task. What can we do? We can join the ‘Our Energy, Our Future’ campaign and send a strong message to our leaders to resist the urge to address carbon emissions through regulation and the CAA. Go to www.ourenergy.coop today and contact your elected officials. Second on my list is energy efficiency. As energy demand increases we have two options: build new generation or use the energy from current generation more efficiently. Energy efficiency makes the best ‘short term’ sense. One of the passions of my life is the bicycle. I was surprised to learn that one of the quickest ways to improve one’s performance on the bike is some-

thing quite simple — improve the efficiency of your pedal stroke. Tests have shown that a good pedal stroke can improve performance from five to 10 percent. Improved pedal stroke is the ‘low hanging fruit’ and easily accomplished if you apply yourself. Energy efficiency is the ‘low hanging fruit’ for the electric industry. How do we capture this fruit? We have a whole host of ways in which we can become more efficient with our energy usage: 1) construct new homes in more energy-efficient ways, 2) better insulate existing homes, and 3) purchase and use energy-efficient appliances. What can you do? Call your electric cooperative today and ask about the programs they offer to address energy efficiency. Third on my list of tough choices is an impending energy abyss. Energy efficiency is a good ‘short term’ option to address growing energy demand, but this option has its limits. Ultimately, new generation must be built to meet our nation’s growing energy needs. If new generation is not built in a timely manner, we place the economic future of our nation at risk. Jon Hofmeister, former CEO of Shell Oil, spoke to attendees at the NRECA annual meeting. He said fossil fuels are under attack in the USA. Plans to build over 100 new coal plants have been scrapped. Offshore oil drilling is plagued with delays. Even the tapping of natural gas reserves draws opposition. Hofmeister warned that unless we change our ways, the USA would face an “energy abyss” in about 10 years. He warns that we will begin to run out of electricity and experience shortages of gasoline. He argues that our nation must develop a clear policy to address this concern. What can we do about this challenge? Let us put our ‘politics’ aside. These are not Republican, Democrat or Libertarian issues. They are simply American issues. Let us speak with strong voices, with informed voices as we advocate for policies that are good for our nation, our consumers and our children. Phil Carson serves as a board director for Tri-County Electric Cooperative, the Association of Illinois Electric Cooperatives, Southern Illinois Power Cooperative and the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association.

ILLINOIS COUNTRY LIVING • www.icl.coop

3/18/2010 10:14:03 AM

Looking for a better alternative to your existing furnace? Look no further than a GeoComfort ® geothermal system. Replacing your fossil fuel furnace with a GeoComfort system can reduce your monthly utility costs by up to 70%. What’s more, geothermal systems are the cleanest, quietest and most comfortable systems on the market. It’s never too late or too early to consider a GeoComfort geothermal system for your home. GeoComfort. Live comfortably™.

For more information, visit your local GeoComfort dealer: www.geocomfort.com

Bratcher Heating & Air Conditioning

Keck Heating & A/C Quincy 217-223-5325

R & H Plumbing & Heating Inc.

Bloomington/Normal 309-454-1611 Champaign 217-378-4328 Paxton 217-370-6305 www.bratchercomfort.com

Kuchefski Heating & A/C Danville 217-442-1454 Champaign 217-373-1454

Keenes 618-732-8268

Climate Company

LD Mechanical Contractors

South Side Hardware

Charleston 217-345-9633

Greenfield 217-368-2705

Mark's Heating & Cooling

Steffen Heating & A/C Inc.

Greenville 618-664-2499 www.markshc.com

Effingham 217-342-2062

Breese 618-526-2135

Engel Heating & Cooling Collinsville 618-344-0359

Altamont 618-483-6159

Davis Electric Rushville 217-322-6677

Neal's Heating & Cooling

Rightnowar

Stevens Heating & A/C

Marissa 618-295-3402

Quincy 217-222-5220 www.stevensquincy.com

Neuhaus Heating & Cooling

Weeke Sales & Service

Litchfield 217-324-2818

Okawville 618-243-5333 www.weekecustomcomfort.com

Ernst Heating & Cooling Hamel 618-633-2244

Fowler Heating & Cooling Marion 618-997-5288

Philhower Electric, Plumbing, & Heating

Whitt Sales & Service, Inc.

Jesse Heating & A/C

Tiskilwa 815-646-4481

Farina 618-245-6404

Decatur 217-422-1744 Champaign 217-352-8511

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CURRENTS April_Base.indd 6

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.S. utilities increased their budgeting for energy efficiency programs by 43 percent in 2009 to $5.3 billion, according to a report by the Consortium for Energy Efficiency (CEE), a non-profit group that represents energy

efficiency program administrators in the United States and Canada. CEE’s Annual Industry Report said $4.4 billion was budgeted for U.S. electric energy efficiency programs and $930 million for natural gas programs.

That represents a 38 percent increase for electric programs and a 79 percent increase for natural gas programs compared to 2008 levels. Source: CFC Solutions News Bulletin March 5, 2010

Call 811 before you start digging

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ULIE Inc., Illinois’ One-Call System, has declared April 1 as the official start of Illinois Safe Digging Month, a statewide initiative aimed at raising awareness of the importance of notifying JULIE by calling 811 before all digging. By calling 811 you’ll reduce the risk of striking underground utility lines. State law requires all underground utility lines to be marked prior to breaking ground. This

is a free call and service. Professional locators are sent to the requested digging site to mark the approximate locations of underground lines with flags or spray paint. In addition to common spring digging projects, such as landscaping or deck-building, JULIE recognizes that many people will be planting trees for Earth Day and Arbor Day

projects on April 22 and 24 respectively. Notify JULIE by calling 811 at least two business days ahead so underground utility lines can be marked. Visit www.call811.com or www.illinois1call.com for more Illinois state information about 811 and the call-before-you-dig process.

Donate your e-waste to non-profits

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lectronic waste, or “e-waste” as it’s called, is a growing problem. Obsolete or broken computers and other electronic equipment are taking up landfill space and potentially leaking hazardous substances. The non-profit Silicon Valley Toxics Coalition reports that 70 percent of the heavy metals in U.S. landfills are from discarded electronics. If your old units still work but have merely been eclipsed by newer models, then by all means donate them to a needy cause. You could also earn a tax deduction. But be aware that not every charity accepts old equipment. A good place to start is Goodwill, which often accepts equipment. Proceeds fund programs to help the disabled, illiterate, homeless and those on welfare by providing job training and placement programs. The Salvation Army runs similar programs and also typically accepts donated old office equipment. Another option is to donate your equipment to needy schools, either directly or via a service like iLoveSchools.com. Also, the web site

Photo by George Hotelling

RESEARCH TRENDS LEGISLATION NEWS 66

Utilities expand energy efficiency

GreatNonprofits.org maintains a list of charities in need of various types of office equipment. For more info go to: Silicon Valley Toxics Coalition, www.svtc.org; Goodwill, www.goodwill.org; Salvation Army, www.salvationarmy.org; iLoveSchools.com, www.iloveschools.com; and GreatNonprofits.org, www.greatnonprofits.org Source: www.emagazine.com

ILLINOISCOUNTRY COUNTRYLIVING LIVING •• www.icl.coop www.icl.coop ILLINOIS

3/18/2010 10:15:50 AM

Fun fungi hunting in Illinois starts now

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ou’ve been cooped up too long this winter. Time to go morel hunting. Grab your walking stick and a youngster and get out in the woods this month. Depending on location in the state, the first black morels begin to appear toward the end of March into early April. The white and yellow morels usually follow one to two weeks later. Usually the morel season will end by the second week in May in south-central Illinois, and one to two weeks later in northern Illinois. The true unseen mushroom “body” is an underground network of fine thread-like material known as mycelium. It is believed that the largest living land organisms are mycelial bodies, which through DNA tests have been shown to spread many square miles from a single parent source. Always know what you are looking for, enlist the help of experienced “shroomers”, and access the abundant literature and other sources of information on the topic if you are a beginner. Always follow the old adage: “When in doubt, throw it out” when hunting mushrooms. Source: University of Illinois Extension

EPA moves forward with greenhouse gases regulations he U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced that greenhouse gases threaten public health. Under authority of the Clean Air Act, passed in 1970, the EPA is heading down the road of regulating green house gas emissions and starting with cars and trucks. Businesses and power plants may also fall under the EPA regulation. “The Clean Air Act was never designed to deal with carbon, and it would be awkward at best and probably a disaster at worst,” says Glenn English, CEO of the Arlington, Va.-based National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA). English insists that any climate change legislation should protect consumers and preempt use of the federal Clean Air Act and any other existing laws. But Senate leaders have admitted that climate change legislation has stalled. This legislative logjam makes it all the more important for co-ops and consumers to pay careful attention to the EPA’s current efforts. Some members of Congress have recognized the danger to our economy if EPA moves forward with regulation ahead of Congressional action. In

Photo by Jake McGuire

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March two additional bills were introduced to suspend the ability of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to use the Clean Air Act to regulate greenhouse gases. “We are pleased that Senator Jay Rockefeller and Representatives Rick Boucher, Nick Rahall and Alan Mollohan have introduced legislation to provide for this important timeout,” said English. Electric co-ops are working with co-op members and political leaders

from both parties to ensure that any climate change policy goals adopted are fair, affordable and achievable. To make your voice heard in this debate, join NRECA’s Our Energy, Our Future™ grassroots awareness campaign at www.ourenergy.coop. To date, more than 600,000 of your fellow co-op members across the country have already done so. Join this cooperative, grassroots effort and together we can add a consumer voice to the debate.

ILLINOIS COUNTRY LIVING • April 2010

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Free listing available for agritourism farms

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he North American Directory of Agritourism Farms and Ranches (RuralBounty.com) will now provide free listings to all agritourism farms in the United States and Canada. Premium listings are also available for just $45 annually. Rural Bounty

is designed to assist the public in locating farm fresh fruits and vegetables, activities, entertainment, attractions, lodging, family events and festivals. Listings on RuralBounty.com are available to all businesses with a

rural base, including farms, ranches, wineries, farmers’ markets, bed and breakfasts, CSA programs, organic farms, farm stands and market, rural lodging and outdoor sports such as hunting lodges and cross country ski lodges. For more information, visit www.RuralBounty.com or call 314862-6288.

Six field days offered for small-scale farming

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oil testing, cover crops, rotational grazing and selecting the right equipment are some of the topics that will be addressed at six New Farmer Field Days being offered this spring and summer for small-scale farming operations. “The Central Illinois Farm Beginnings (CIFB) Field Days are geared toward people interested in launching a small farm business that is both economically and environmentally sustainable,” said Deborah Cavanaugh-Grant, University of Illinois Extension Specialist, Small Farm and Sustainable Agriculture and CIFB co-facilitator. Starting April 10 and running through August 14 the topics include: Developing Value-Added Products and Navigating Food Rules, Equipment for Small Farmers, Evaluating Soil Quality and Soil Maps, Rotational Grazing and Fencing, Cover Crops, Farmland Access To register, visit http://web.extension.uiuc.edu/smallfarm/begin_farm.html or contact Deborah Cavanaugh-Grant 217-968-5512 or cvnghgrn@illinois.edu).

Do CFL bulbs really last longer?

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ast month a reader asked a great question — “How long do CFL bulbs really last?” The claim is they last eight to 10 times longer. That is generally true. But there is an “it depends clause.” It depends on the quality of the bulb and the way you use it. First, you should know that switching a CFL on and off a lot can reduce its life. A CFL does well when it is turned on no more then five times a day and left on for more than 15 minutes at a time. If you flip the switch more than that expect at least a 30 percent reduction in bulb life. Using the wrong CFL bulb in the wrong application can dramatically reduce the life of the bulb. For example, using a higher wattage CFL in a recessed ceiling can, creates heat that affects the electronics in the ballast. This can reduce the life of the CFL as much as 70 percent. Some CFLs can be used outside, but low temperatures can drastically impact the life of regular CFLs. If you have dimmer switches you should buy CFLs made for the situation. The same is true for three-way lamps. But you can use regular CFLs on the middle setting. Using CFLs in a ceiling fan that vibrates or garage door opener will also reduce the life of CFLs significantly. Check the package for different applications. If you want to verify the life of your CFL bulb write the date of installation on the base of the bulb. For more information go to www.gelighting.com and click on “Save Energy. Save Money with GE CFL bulbs.”

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ILLINOIS COUNTRY LIVING • www.icl.coop

3/18/2010 10:17:39 AM

Believe it fluorescent light light bulbs, bulbs,you’re you’rechanging changingaawhole wholelot lotmore more it or not, when you switch to compact fluorescent than just a bulb. You’re changing the way you use use electricity. electricity. Or Or rather, rather,the theway wayyou’ll you’lluse useless lessofofit.it. Switching to to compact flfluorescent Switching uorescent bulbs bulbs can can reduce reduceyour yourlighting lightingcosts costsby byup uptoto70%. 70%.And Andthat’s that’sjust justthe the start. By ensuring your home isis well well insulated, insulated, properly properlysealed, sealed,and andusing usingenergy energyefficient effcientappliances, appliances,aalot lot of of little changes really learnmore moreabout aboutsaving savingenergy, energy, visit visit TogetherWeSave.com. touchstoneenergysavers.com. little changes cancan really addadd up.up. ToTo learn

Looking out for you. ILLINOIS COUNTRY LIVING • April 2010

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The Whole House Approach to Energy Efficiency By Ed VanHoose

Winter is becoming a memory, but your energy bills are still haunting you. With summer just around the corner, what can you do to cut down on your future spending? According to Brian Kumer of Thermal Imaging Services, Inc. the first line of defense against high energy bills is to seal all of the air leaks within your home. In order to find leaks, he recommends an energy audit prior to performing any work.

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Kumer says, “The first thing that should be done is to find and seal the leaks. That should be done even before insulating the attic. Otherwise, you simply won’t see the return in energy savings from insulating.” The method Kumer employs is a blower-door system. A basic blower-door system includes three components: a calibrated fan, a doorpanel system, and a device to measure fan flow and building pressure. The blower-door fan is temporarily sealed into an exterior doorway using the door-panel system. The fan is used to blow air into or out of the building, which creates a small pressure difference between inside and outside. This pressure difference forces air through all holes and penetrations in the building enclosure. The tighter the building (e.g. fewer holes), the less air is needed from the blower-door fan to create a change in building pressure.

ILLINOIS COUNTRY LIVING • www.icl.coop

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“Once the blower door is in place, then an infrared camera can be used to see where air is coming in or out,” says Kumer. “Once we find the leaks, then they can be sealed with caulk and spray foam insulation.” After sealing the internal leaks within the building, then insulating the attic and basement ceiling will have the greatest impact upon the bottom line of your energy bills. In order to determine the type and amount of insulation needed for your home, the Department of Energy has added a Zip-Code Insulation Program to their website (http:// www.ornl.gov/~roofs/Zip/ZipHome. html). The interactive module allows home owners to enter the first three digits of their zip code, and information about their home to find the suggested amount of insulation needed in a particular area, based upon factors such as climate, home type and home age. Kumer says the average home in Illinois requires an R-value anywhere from R39 to R50. According to the DOE, R-value simply refers to how insulation is rated in terms of thermal resistance, which indicates the resistance to heat flow: The higher the R-value, the greater the insulating effectiveness. The R-value of thermal insulation depends on the type of material, its thickness and its density. In calculating the R-value of a multi-layered installation, the R-values of the individual layers are added. Kumer adds, “When purchasing insulation, check the label. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has rules about the information that must appear on labels of packaging for residential insulation.” Regardless of whether you use a professional auditor or choose to perform a self-guided energy audit, you should choose a “whole-house” approach to upgrades. By looking throughout your entire home for air leaks and then adding insulation where needed, you can find real savings on your energy bills.

The frame should attach the flexible panel material snugly to the door frame.

There are two types of blower doors: calibrated and uncalibrated. It is important that auditors use a calibrated door. This type of blower door has several gauges that measure the amount of air pulled out of the house by the fan. Uncalibrated blower doors can only locate leaks in homes. They provide no method for determining the overall tightness of a building.

Testing the air tightness of a home using a special fan called a blower door can help to ensure that air sealing work is effective. Often energy efficiency incentive programs, such as the DOE/EPA Energy Star Program, require a blower-door test (usually performed in less than an hour) to confirm the tightness of the house. (Source: www.energysavers.gov)

ILLINOIS COUNTRY LIVING • April 2010

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One of the first steps in performing an energy audit is to use an infrared camera to detect air leaks invisible to the human eye. As you can see from the photos (inset bottom), there is a significant amount of leakage from the kitchen soffit.

Caulk forms a flexible seal for cracks, gaps, or joints less than 1-quarter-inch wide. You can use a caulking compound to seal air leaks in a variety of places throughout your home, including around windows and door frames.

Turn off the HVAC power to avoid bubbles in the caulk. Caulk the seams and joints of your duct work using caulk mastic. Use a putty knife to adequately cover the seams and joints. For areas you cannot get your caulk gun into, use foil tape; its acrylic adhesive will bond better than duct tape. Check the caulk tube to find out how long it needs to cure before you turn the power to your HVAC unit back on.

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ILLINOIS COUNTRY LIVING • www.icl.coop

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Blown-in cellulose insulation is an environmentally friendly way to insulate your house. The main ingredient in cellulose insulation is recycled newspaper. Chemical additives make it fire retardant. It is acoustically superior at blocking noise. It fills in gaps reducing air infiltration and energy loss.

Quick Tips to Save Energy Interested in saving energy? Try conserving with this list of 10 ideas provided by Touchstone Energy. Replace Your Light Bulbs Compact Fluorescent Lights (CFLs) are 70% more efficient than incandescent bulbs and cost about $2 a piece. Payback? A few months. Insulate Your Attic Attics can be sources of heat loss in the winter and heat gain in the summer. Payback varies by region, but it’s usually within two years. Programmable Thermostats The average home will spend more than $1,000 a year on heating and cooling. Programmable thermostats adjust the temperature during unoccupied hours. Payback is within a year. Maintain Your HVAC System Heating and cooling system equipment runs best when maintained. Change your filters on a regular basis and have it serviced annually to make sure it’s running efficiently. Unplug Check around the house to see if devices are unnecessarily plugged in. Cell phones, iPod chargers, plasma TVS, entertainment systems, computers and appliances are still drawing power when not in use.

Weatherization Weatherizing your home means sealing out air around doors, windows and places where pipes enter the home. Conduct Your Own Energy Audit Do you really need two refrigerators? Is there a fish tank with no fish? Is your house so hot in winter that you need to wear a Hawaiian shirt? Walk around your house to check for wasted energy sources. Replace Your Single Pane Windows Upgrading to more energy efficient windows can help control temperature and air infiltration in your home. It can be costly but payback may be just a few years. Save With the Stimulus Package Homeowners can take advantage of the efficiency tax credit of up to $1,500, or 30 percent, of the cost for new energy upgrades. Check out http://www.energystar.gov/index. cfm?c=tax_credits.tx_index. Contact Your Local Touchstone Energy Electric Cooperative. Many electric cooperatives offer energy audits and rebates on the purchase of new more efficient appliances. Check with your electric cooperative.

For more information on energy efficiency tips, including links to helpful resources, please visit www.touchstoneenergysavers.com.

ILLINOIS COUNTRY LIVING • April 2010

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SAFETY & HEALTH 14 April_Base.indd 14

Changing a light bulb can kill you Sounds like a joke, but even simple tasks can be deadly

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n a recent trip to Kansas City to visit my daughter, we stopped at our favorite restaurant. While eating suddenly an incandescent light bulb exploded over a table directly across from us. Fortunately the hot glass fragments did not injure the occupants at the table. The manager contacted a busboy to cleanup the table and informed him to replace the light bulb. The busboy proceeded to wipe off the table with a wet rag and then started to use the rag to remove the broken pieces of the lamp still inside the fixture. If the exploding lamp did not get the attention of the patrons around us my best dad’s voice did. In a stern and loud voice I said, “Son I would not do that if I were you!” Well, he turned and looked at me with the same look my kids give. It was like what are you talking about old man? Leave me alone, I know what I am doing. I then proceeded to explain to him that the broken fragments inside the lamp could still be energized and by using that wet washcloth he would receive the shock of his life. Well, that got his attention as well as everyone around us. He went and got his manager. I informed him that he should probably perform this task when power could be shutoff to this circuit. He agreed and moved the patrons to another table and closed off the table, hopefully for the day. While I was reviewing this column and getting ready to post this near-miss story on my blog, a coworker came in and shared a similar story. The bulbs were out in his ceiling fan. When he went to change them they exploded in his hand. It tripped his breaker in his panel. He went to reset the breaker but it would not reset. A well-meaning friend with just enough knowledge to be dangerous told him he would come over and change the 15-amp breaker to a 20amp breaker because maybe it was just overloaded. He was consulting me to find out what could cause the resetting problem. I informed him that by changing the breaker on a 15-amp circuit on 14-gauge wire to a 20 amp breaker could cause a worse problem. An immediate fire hazard would be created should it not trip.

It is important to remember that even changing a light bulb can become deadly. General safety measures to remember when changing light bulbs are: 1. A general knowledge of safe electrical practice comes in handy. If you do not have knowledge of electrical safety, even changing broken light bulbs should be left to professionals. 2. Always de-energize the circuit before changing a light bulb. This can simply be done by turning off the switch to the fixture. Light bulbs can have broken screw shells that when turned can break and short out in your hand. 3. Light bulbs should be allowed to cool before removal. A hot lamp can exceed temperatures of 5,000 F and can cause severe burns. 4. Never stand on chairs, tables, or aluminum stepladders to do electrical work. Use wood or fiberglass ladders that have been tested and inspected for that use. 5. Inspect the steps and rungs of ladders before use. If they are broken or damaged do not use them, destroy them so that others will not get hurt should they use them. More people have been injured by falls when working with electricity than by shock. 6. Never stand on the top step of a ladder and never overextend your reach. Use the right size ladder for the job. 7. When working with power tools, make sure they are in good operating condition. Check to make sure that they are not frayed, that the insulation is in tact and the ground prong of the chord is intact. 8. The same goes for extension chords. Make sure they are not frayed or damaged in anyway. If they are, take them out of service or repair or destroy them. 9. Last, but not least, always use a ground fault circuit interrupter when using power tools and extension chords. You can start by learning more at www.safeelectricity.org. Michael L. Ashenfelter is the Sangamon County Electrical/ Mechanical Inspector and a member of the Safe Electricity Advisory Team (www.safeelectricity.org), 217-747-5111, MikeA@co.sangamon.il.us.

ILLINOIS COUNTRY LIVING • www.icl.coop

3/18/2010 10:19:29 AM

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YARD & GARDEN 16 April_Base.indd 16

Controlling garden Godzillas How to stop those cute and voracious carrot eaters

A

pril makes me think of Easter and of course Easter lilies. They are marginally hardy in Illinois and best treated as a potential fall re-blooming flower if stuck in the ground at the end of this month. And if the winter is mild and you’re in the bottom third of the state and throw on lots of mulch, it just might live for another year. Easter also makes a gardener think, however briefly in a smile-inducing positive fashion, of rabbits. Bunnies are cute when dressed in human clothing, delivering chocolate eggs in plastic grasslined baskets, or hopping merrily down the bunny trail, hippity-hoppity. That moment comes and goes when spring gardening is in full tilt. Then rabbits, however cute and cuddly-looking only a few weeks earlier, take on the persona of an evil garden Godzilla. Rabbits have the lock on the animal world “cuteness” factor. They tend to be innocuous, blending in with the grass, trees, shrubs and bark. Their furriness makes you just want to pick them up and cuddle them to the point where you are about ready to squeeze them to death. And to top it off, they hop from place to place. Dogs run and lope all over the place. Cats slither and just move sneakily as if they are hiding something, which they probably are. Rabbits hop. Sure, they run every now and then when the above mentioned dog spies them and decides that the game is on. But minus the predator, rabbits hop and then stop and then hop some more and then stop. We smile at them and think back to some of our childhood games of hopping around. If rabbits ate nothing but dandelions and crabgrass, or if their DNA was somehow ingrained to go after Japanese beetles, they would be nature’s perfect creature. As it is, their DNA tells them to aim for the tender young vegetables and flower transplants as well as perennials poking up through the ground in April and May. Occasionally, they’ll seek out the young sapling or shrub to chew on, though this is to grind down their teeth as opposed to sustaining their life.

There are more green thumbers who swear at the rabbits than those that try to prevent them. It’s almost “I really hate you Mr. Rabbit, but you are so darn cute that I’m just going to get mad at you, but plant the peas, carrots, marigolds and lettuce in the exact same way so you can make another meal off them.” Some swear by the gunpowder, though that’s not the best route, especially if rabbit hunting is out of season. Others resort to a large dog that may be faster than the rabbit, though sometimes the rabbits are so sneaky and can stand stark still for so long that you don’t see them move. There are some rabbit repellent chemicals. Some work. Most make you feel good while the rabbit, like a squirrel, sits and hops around in circles, still trying to figure out how to get the tender plants. Many of the repellents also have to be constantly applied, especially after a typical spring rain. Ultimately, if you want to protect an area from rabbits, you have to exclude them, you have to fence them out. A simple chicken wire fence is good enough because most won’t jump over it, unless chased by a dog at which time the rabbit’s vertical leap seems to multiply by 10 and even a 2 foot fence is nothing more than a low hurdle. At that time, the dog jumps over or crashes through the fence and your garden is mangled by both. True, nothing is eaten. Only damaged. Rabbits are also crafty like foxes. They can look at that fence, but then realize they might be able to crawl or dig under it. And they do. To get around that, bend about 6 inches of the bottom of the fence toward the garden and put some bricks on it. Burying it would be ideal, but that may involve trenching around the entire plot or yard. Then again, you can always provide scraps for the rabbit in some other location in the yard with the hopes that he or she will leave your other plants alone. David Robson is an Extension Educator, Horticulture, at the Springfield Extension Center, University of Illinois Extension, P.O. Box 8199, Springfield, IL 62791. Telephone: 217-782-6515. E-mail: drobson@uiuc.edu.

ILLINOIS COUNTRY LIVING • www.icl.coop

3/18/2010 10:21:00 AM

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ENERGY SOLUTIONS 18 April_Base.indd 18

Solving the dirty sock smell in your home House wrap and crawl space vapor barrier help prevent mold and mildew

O

ne of the most often asked questions I get is, “Do I need a house wrap?” The answer is, for energy purposes on a Doug Rye house, no. But, there’s more to the story. For weatherproofing or moisture-proofing purposes, the answer is yes. When you build your house to my specifications, which includes insulating your walls with cellulose or foam insulation, all air infiltration will be stopped at the walls. Therefore, a house wrap for this purpose would be of no benefit. However, Mother Nature can play havoc with a house, especially when it is under construction. As a house is being built, it rarely escapes rain, fog and high humidity. And even when it is finished, it often is pounded with high winds and rain. A house wrap, properly installed, will be of great benefit to the house by keeping it dry during construction and when completed. One of the best-known brands is Tyvek, which is made by DuPont. According to the company’s Web site, it is made from very fine, high-density polyethylene fibers and “offers all the best characteristics of paper, film and fabric in one material.” Simply put, it is an extremely tough plastic-type material that is a moisture barrier. With a properly installed house wrap, your home is better protected from moisture, which is the key component of mold and mildew. Do I recommend that you use a house wrap? Yes, I absolutely do. Now let’s talk about one of the most important places to install a vapor barrier — the crawl space. Mold in air conditioning ducts is not uncommon in homes with a crawl space. Mold results in musty smells, allergies, and sometimesserious health problems. Proper HVAC duct construction and a crawl space vapor barrier installation help eliminate this mold growth problem. When sealing a crawl space, I suggest using a 10 to 20-mil plastic or polyethylene vapor barrier. A 16-mil plastic vapor barrier should be heavy enough to resist punctures during installation. A tip when installing vapor barriers in a crawlspace is to overlap each section one foot or

so, then use a short piece of duct tape about every three feet along the seam to hold it together and prevent gaps. Turn the vapor barrier up the wall about eight inches and make sure there is contact between the barrier and the wall. You need to close the vents on the outside walls, too. If you leave them open, humid air from the outside enters the crawlspace. Excess condensation leads to mold and mildew problems. When warmer humid air comes in contact with the colder surface of your ductwork, it causes condensation. Musty odors in your home are sometimes referred to as “dirty sock syndrome.” Any leakage in your ductwork causes moisture and odor to be brought into your house. You should also insulate inside the stem wall of a crawl space with foam or cellulose; a heavy plastic or vinyl ground cover should be used as a moisture barrier and close all vents. If this method is used to insulate a crawl space, it is critical that the elevation of the ground in the crawl space be higher than the ground elevation outside the crawl space. It is also critical there are no standing water or moisture problems within the crawl space. Insulating the slab keeps its temperature similar to that of the conditioned space. Insulating and sealing the crawl space stops sharp contrasts in temperature and humidity. It’s similar to an insulated basement. If the foundation is a concrete slab, insulate the perimeter of a slab using extruded 1" extruded polystyrene foam board. Place it between the outer edges of the slab and foundation. It should extend vertically 4-inches and 24-inches horizontally under the edge of the slab. If you are searching for a solution for a basement vapor barrier, please call me at my office at 501-653-7931. Vapor barriers cannot be covered with a “blanket” answer. Several factors must be taken into consideration when considering a basement vapor barrier. Doug Rye, the “Doctor of Energy Efficiency-the King of Caulk and Talk” can be heard on several different Illinois radio stations. Or you can go to his Web site at www.dougrye.com, e-mail him at info@philliprye.com, or call 501-6537931. You can also sign up for a free newsletter and order his “how to” videotapes.

ILLINOIS COUNTRY LIVING • www.icl.coop

3/18/2010 10:22:33 AM

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3/18/2010 10:24:33 AM

Enjoy the journey Trains can provide your vacation transportation or be the focal point of your trip

By Chelsey Simpson

I

n the less populous regions of America, west of the Eastern seaboard, train travel occupies a place in many people’s hearts – but not in their daily lives. Passenger trains are the stuff of folk songs, Western legends and bandit tales; cars and planes are the way we get around. When it comes to vacation planning, however, trains shouldn’t be overlooked. They can be a cheaper, faster and less-stressful way to get from point A to point B, but most train enthusiasts will tell you it’s the journey in between that really matters. Why Trains? “I think every reason you would be going down the interstate highway is

20 April_Base.indd 20

a reason you would be riding Amtrak,” says Marc Magliari, a media-relations manager for Amtrak. “In a lot of places and a lot of ways, we make more sense than driving.” He notes that some people ride the trains because it’s cheaper; but others are traveling upscale. Amtrak, the nation’s primary passenger-rail provider, operates 21,000 route miles in 46 states. For many riders, reaching one of Amtrak’s 500 destinations is the main goal, while others are simply along for the ride and the scenery. When it comes to sightseeing, there are also a number of non-Amtrak excursion trains operating across the country, such as the Pikes Peak Cog Railway and the Branson Scenic Railway. Michael Gleason owns and edits TrainTraveling.com, which offers a

wealth of information about excursion trains and Amtrak. He also sees good reasons to take to the rails. “Some people will go anywhere just to ride a train,” he says. “Some people have never liked flying, and some feel flying is just getting worse and worse. There are destinations that you can get to faster on a train, by the time you wait at the airport, get your luggage and make your way into the city.” Planes allow you to cross the continent in a matter of hours, but if your trip isn’t that far or you aren’t in a hurry, taking a train could be a good alternative and a focal point for your next vacation. Here are some things to consider: Time When you weigh the duration of a train journey against a comparable flight, make sure you consider how early you will have to arrive at the airport, as well as its location. While you don’t want to invite the kind of cinematic drama that comes with arriving at the last minute and running to catch your train, it also isn’t necessary to arrive more than 30 minutes early for Amtrak service in most situations. And while airports are usually on the outskirts of cities, train stations are often in the heart of downtown. Amtrak is an especially good

ILLINOIS COUNTRY LIVING • www.icl.coop

3/18/2010 10:26:23 AM

alternative for flights with an in-air time of one hour or less, which means train travel might be a real time-saver if you plan to visit multiple cities within a region. Money Traveling round trip on Amtrak doesn’t always come out cheaper than driving or flying, and there are often far fewer scheduling options. The real bargain aspect of rail travel is that long-haul trips can serve as your transportation, entertainment and lodging all in one. For example, if you really want to see America, you could buy two tickets with a Superliner Roomette (sleeping car for two) on the Southwest Chief from Chicago to Los Angeles. If you booked several months out for a trip in mid-July, the one-way cost would be about $550 for the 43-hour journey. If you decided to drive the same route, you would have to figure in gas prices and hotel stays, the view might not be as scenic, and you would have to do the driving. Sleeping cars are an especially good deal for couples and families, because Amtrak charges by the room for sleepers, not by the person. Children through the age of 15 receive half-price fare. If traveling light is not your style, Amtrak allows as many as three checked and two carry-on bags on some of its routes, and three additional pieces can be checked for just $10 each. Unusual items, like ski equipment and bicycles, can also be checked on many trains without an extra charge. Food and even alcohol are also allowed as carryons, so plan a picnic, bring a corkscrew and make the ride a party. The Intangibles Trains are an experience. Many Amtrak routes offer a real departure from the billboard-lined interstate, charting a course instead through the backyards, small towns and wild spaces of America. For example, Amtrak’s California Zephyr passes through two mountain ranges and the Painted Desert; the Adirondack and the Vermonter are prime leaf-peeper routes in the fall; and the Empire Builder passes through Glacier National Park. Comfort is another plus of train travel.

“Our coach seating is comparable to most airline’s first class, and our business seating exceeds that,” Magliari says. Food, restroom breaks and general leg stretching are also easy.

Start in Chicago and stop in Memphis, Tenn., for some barbeque and Elvis; head on to Jackson, Miss., for culture and civil rights history; then stay a few days in New Orleans before heading back. Tips Be aware, however, that there When it comes to planning a trip, isn’t regular service in all smaller Amtrak.com and TrainTraveling.com communities, so, you’ll want to explore are both great resources. Amtrak offers the availability in your area. Amtrak’s an interactive route Illinois Service travels atlas and a space to through 30 Illinois Amtrak Illinois can get you cities statewide, order free planning from Chicago directly to: publications. A virtual including stops tour of each sleepingdirectly in many of Carbondale • Centralia cabin option is also the cooperatives’ Galesburg • Kewanee online. areas: Carlinville Macomb • Mendota Information (MJM Electric Normal • Springfield about deals and disCooperative), Macomb counts is also available (McDonough at Amtrak.com. Power Cooperative), Military personnel, veterans and AAA Bloomington (Corn Belt Energy members are just a few of the groups Corporation), Marion (Southern Illinois eligible for discounts. Magliari says Power Cooperative) ... and other stops booking well in advance of your trip is a that are likely near or on cooperative good way to snag the best fares. lines. TrainTraveling.com has inforMagliari recommends first-time mation about Amtrak, excursion trains riders, especially those who will be and regional commuter trains. You can traveling with children, take a day trip browse routes by region or state, and first before committing to a long or each listing includes a short description overnight journey. Amtrak is making and a link for more information. improvements. Soon all of their trains If you’re taking a longer trip, research will have electric outlets at every seat so public transportation options in your laptops, DVD players and other enterdestination city or make plans to rent a tainment devices can be used easily. car. Amtrak recommends Washington, Traveling by rail certainly isn’t for D.C., New York City, Orlando, everyone. But if you don’t mind getting Seattle, Boston, Chicago, Portland and lost in scenery, climb aboard, settle in, San Diego as the cities with the most and enjoy the journey. attractions easily accessed by foot. For additional information on the sites Or instead of one big destination, to see in various cities and other Amtrak chart a path that includes several stops. opportunities, visit Amtrak.com.

Join America’s Greatest Recipe Swap!

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ILLINOIS COUNTRY LIVING • April 2010

April_Base.indd 21

21 3/18/2010 10:27:18 AM

FINEST COOKING

Bridging the Generations Who: Aldersgate United Methodist Church in Rockford, IL Cost: $10, plus $3.50 shipping Details: soft-backed, spiral-bound Pages of recipes: 149 Send checks to: Beth Boettner, 1345 Deanna Drive, Rockford, IL 61103 or call 815-633-6416.

Baked Chicken with Peaches 2 lbs. chicken pieces 1/4 C. butter, melted 1 tsp. salt 1 lb. can peach halves, drained (reserve juice) 1 C. barbecue sauce 1 T. lemon juice 1 can onions, drained Place chicken in a shallow roasting pan. Brush with butter and sprinkle with salt. Bake at 375° for 30 minutes. Combine peach syrup, barbecue sauce and lemon juice. Pour over chicken and bake an additional 30 minutes at 350°. Arrange onions and peaches around chicken and baste with sauce. Bake 10 more minutes.

Cranberry Coffeecake

Peanut Crisscross ) ies (above k o o Butter C 1 C. shortening 1 tsp. vanilla da 2 tsp. baking so 1/2 tsp. salt 2 eggs gar 1 C. brown su cher cookies use 2 C.) ri or (f r ou fl 3 C. r 1 C. white suga er tt bu ut an pe 1 C. , sugars, eggs eam shortening Sift dry Thoroughly cr er. tt ir in peanut bu and vanilla. St mixture. ed m ir into crea St s. nt ie ed gr in a greased d teaspoons on Drop by rounde with the back of a fork ess e in a 350° cookie sheet. Pr ss pattern. Bak ro sc is cr a e ak to m ne. utes or until do oven for 10 min

Visit www.icl.coop www icl coop to see an archive of past Illinois Country Living recipes.

22

Crisscross Peanut Butter Cookies Cri Polly’s Spinach Pie 1 lb. hamburger 1 onion, chopped 2 pkgs. thawed, chopped spinach, drained 1/4 tsp. garlic 1 C. sour cream 1 tsp. oregano 1/2 C. minute rice 1 can cream of celery or cream of mushroom soup 1 pkg. shredded Mozzarella cheese Grated Parmesan cheese Brown hamburger and onion together. Drain. Add spinach, garlic, sour cream, oregano, rice and soup and mix well. Pour into a round casserole dish and bake at 350° for 30 minutes. Add Mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses and bake an additional 15 minutes.

Cake: 1/2 C. margarine 3/4 C. sugar 2 eggs 1/2 pt. sour cream 1 tsp. baking soda 1 tsp. baking powder 2 C. flour 1/2 tsp. salt 3/4 tsp. almond extract 1 lb. can whole cranberry sauce 1/2 C. broken walnuts Frosting: 3/4 C. powdered sugar 1 T. warm water 1/4 tsp. almond extract Cake: Combine baking soda, baking powder, flour and salt. Set aside. Cream margarine and sugar together; add eggs one at a time. Mix on medium speed. Reduce speed and add dry ingredients, alternating with sour cream. Add almond extract. Grease a 9x13-inch pan. Put half the batter in the pan. Swirl half a can of cranberry sauce over the batter in the pan. Add remaining batter and swirl with remaining sauce on top. Sprinkle nuts over all. Bake at 350° for 50 minutes. Frosting: Mix powdered sugar, water and almond extract together. Pour over cake while warm.

ILLINOIS COUNTRY LIVING • www.icl.coop

Cooking0410.indd Sec1:22

3/18/2010 12:00:05 PM

Celebrating 130 Years

Chocolate Chip Cheeseball (above right)

Who: The Fairbury Fair, Fairbury, IL Cost: $10, plus $4 shipping Details: soft-backed, spiral-bound Pages of recipes: 141 Send checks to: Terri Wells, 6787 N 1900 E. Road, Fairbury, IL 61739 or call 815-692-2535.

1 (8-oz.) pkg. cream cheese, softened 1/2 C. butter, softened (no substitutions) 1/4 tsp. vanilla extract 3/4 C. confectioner’s sugar 2 T. brown sugar 3/4 C. miniature semi-sweet chocolate chips 3/4 C. finely chopped pecans 1/4 C. miniature semi-sweet chocolate chips Graham crackers or graham cracker sticks In a mixing bowl, beat cream cheese, butter and vanilla together until fluffy. Gradually add sugars; beat just until combined. Stir in 3/4 C. chocolate chips. Cover and refrigerate for 2 hours. Place cream cheese mixture on a large piece of plastic wrap; shape into a ball. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour. Just before serving, mix pecans and 1/4 C. chocolate chips together. Roll cheese ball in mixture. Serve with graham crackers.

Upside Down Pizza 2 lbs. hamburger 1 sm. onion, chopped 1 pkg. McCormick spaghetti sauce mix 2 (8-oz.) cans tomato sauce 1/2 C. sour cream 2 C. mozzarella cheese, shredded 1 (8-oz.) pkg. crescent rolls 2 T. butter, melted Parmesan cheese Brown hamburger and onion, drain. Add spaghetti sauce mix and tomato sauce. Pour into an ungreased 9x13-inch pan. Mix sour cream and Mozzarella cheese. Pour over hamburger. Top with crescent rolls (pressed out). Pour melted butter over rolls. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese. Bake 20-30 minutes at 350°.

Chocolate Chip Cheeseball Spaghetti Salad (below) 1 lb. spaghetti, cooked and drained 1 green pepper, chopped 1 red pepper, chopped 1 C. celery, chopped 1 onion, chopped 1 sm. can sliced black olives 1 C. cucumber, chopped

2 tomatoes, chopped 4 T. Parmesan cheese 1/2 bottle Salad Supreme 1 (16-oz.) bottle Kraft Zesty Italian salad dressing Salt and pepper, to taste

Mix all ingredients together. Refrigerate overnight. Keeps well in the refrigerator for a week. Makes a large bowl.

Spaghetti Salad

Super Hero Skillet Supper 1 lb. lean ground beef 1 (14.5-oz.) can diced tomatoes with basil, garlic and oregano 1 (8-oz.) can tomato sauce 1-1/4 C. hot water 1 C. frozen mixed vegetables 5-oz. star shaped (or any shape) pasta 1/2 C. shredded Mozzarella cheese Brown beef and drain well. Stir in tomatoes, tomato sauce, water, vegetables and pasta. Bring to a boil, and then reduce heat. Cover and simmer for 15 minutes or until pasta is tender. Garnish with cheese.

ILLINOIS COUNTRY LIVING • April 2010

Cooking0410.indd Sec1:23

23 3/18/2010 11:30:51 AM

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First Street Restaurant Equipment used slicers, tenderizers, grinders, meatsaws, ss sinks, tables. New and used cooking equipment, pottery wheels and kilns. 2615 So. First, Springfield, 217-5223934, 217-971-8592.

Authorized Rainbow distributor. Repairs, supplies and service. Living air purifiers. L&L Distributing, 116 S. VanBuren St., Newton, IL 62448. 618-783-3755. Filter Queen/Defender sales, service and supplies. For free information, call 800-753-5401, 618-948-2874 or write She-N-I, Inc. RR1, Allendale, IL 62410. Insulation. 4x8 sheets, foil-backed foam. Also rolls of foil-bubble pakinsulation. All factory seconds. www.nichols5.com.Contact Ken Nichols, 800-424-1256. Midwest Bird and Animal Swap & Sale, April 25 and May 30 at Monroe County Fairgrounds, Waterloo, IL from 5:30 to Noon. 618-939-6809. Guest House Vacation Rental. Elizabethtown, IL. 2BR, 2Bath. Overlooking Ohio River. Near Garden of the Gods/Shawnee Forest. www.Hardincountybluehouse.com 618-876-9118.

4' white pine trees, delivered, planted, mulched. $64.50 per tree. Buy 10 get 1 free. Call for other sizes, varieties or shades. Price may vary depending on geographical location. www.atwoodtrees.com. Call 217-886-2316. Fish, Camp, Relax. 80 acres of water stocked twice a year. Permanent camp sites. Full hook-up. Leave year-round with lake frontage. G.C. Fishing Camping Club. 309-826-8444. Lake Weed and Algae Control. “Mother Nature’s Way.” No chemicals. Biological method with live bacteria that dissolves plant nutrients, black muck, and rotten egg odor. Controls all aquatic vegetation. Proven product. Guaranteed results. 309-826-8444. Stay and Play in Southern Illinois’ Hardin County. Shawnee Forest, Ohio River, Garden of the Gods, Cavein-Rock. www.hardincountyil.org. Illinois Mile After Magnificent Mile. 618-287-4333.

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Rent customized and affordable twoway radio systems. Serving corporate, security, manufacturing, maintenance, campus, fairs and event clients. We set up the system and supply all your radios. Weekly, monthly and yearly contracts available. Visit www.buzbcorp.com or call 630-543-5560. Assistant innkeeper: half-time working split shifts cooking, cleaning & sleeping overnights sometimes. Need “empty nester” and non-smoker. Myrna @ 217-824-7220. Mute swans. Will beautify your pond. Good moss control. No chemicals. Average life 20 years. $475.00 a pair. 217-414-1349. Looking for vacation rental? Business luncheons, family picnics or just a country getaway? Go to www.LakeviewLodgeResort.com. Timeshare for sale. Royal Dunes Hilton Head, N.C. 3 brs. Red week, Floating. Asking Price - $7,000.00. Call 309-879-2472. Wanted to buy: Old Barns. Also buy/ sell reclaimed wood and architectural features. www.willowsalvage.com or call 217-473-6958. 16 acres for sale - located on the Jackson-Union County line near Bald Knob Cross Alto Pass. Excellent deer hunting. Wanted: Hay trolleys/carriers from barns, animal traps, fur, fish, game magazines, old trapping catalogs, wooden wheel farm wagons. Call Mark at 217-834-3331. Taylor soft serve ice cream machines. 4 model 754s, 2 model - 731s. All ready to go. 309-825-3162. Wanted to buy: Standing timber. All species. Pay top price. Clear or select cut. Call 815-434-4141. Miniature Mediterranean donkeys. Pet, show and breeding quality. Gray duns, chocolates, spotteds and blacks. Visitors welcome. Canton, IL. 309647-7162. www.copperascreek.com.

25 3/18/2010 10:30:21 AM

It’s planting time. We have white pine and Norway Spruce to plant as wind break or privacy screen. Call John at TurfGreen Landscaping. 217-7931114 or 217-306-0248.

Wanted to buy: Standing timber, most species. Pay top prices. Call 217-2852760.

22 wooded acres. Prime hunting located in Shawnee Natural Forest. 217-855-8580.

How to place an ad:

Fiberglass corrugated, 26-inch wide. 8-12- foot long. 8 ft.-$6. 12 ft.-$9. Large supply, all colors. Dongola, IL. 618-827-4737.

1) Type or print ad neatly.

Earn $2,000 to $5,000/mo. without leaving your job! Call this 3 min. message and listen to what these people have done. 866-274-0657.

3) Prepayment is required. Include check or money order with ad for amount due. Also include address label from Illinois Country Living or other proof of Illinois electric cooperative membership. Only members of Illinois electric cooperatives may place Marketplace ads.

We reserve the right to reject any advertisement. Ads postmarked after the deadline will be placed in the next available issue.

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ILLINOIS COUNTRY LIVING • www.icl.coop

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Nominate a father for

Illinois Country Father of the Year W hile every father is special, some are just extraordinary in their willingness to help their families and others. If your dad or another man in your community is deserving of this honor, nominate him. Tell us in 500 words about that special dad, what he does and why he deserves to win the title. Plus, complete the following form and send it along with your essay. If sending your essay by e-mail, just include this information, also.

His Name Address

City

State

Zip

In which Illinois electric cooperative territory he resides Organizations to which he belongs

Person nominating him Relationship to the nominee Your phone number with area code Nominee’s phone number with area code (we would contact him only if he wins)

Rules: The contest is open to any father served by an electric cooperative. No purchase is necessary. The winner will be selected by committee, and featured in the June edition of the Illinois Country Living magazine. All nomination letters submitted will be published in June on Illinois Country Living’s Web site at www.icl.coop.

What wi ll the Illi nois C Father o f the Yea ountry r win? $100 gif t certifica te and othe r prizes DEADLINE TO SUBMIT:

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28 April_Base.indd 28

ILLINOIS COUNTRY LIVING • www.icl.coop

3/18/2010 10:32:50 AM

DATEBOOK MAY 2010 1, Antique Farm Show at Lincoln’s New Salem State Historic Site in Petersburg. 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Plowing demonstrations using draft horse teams and antique farm equipment. www.lincolnsnewsalem.com. 1, Ride the Ups and Downs in Jo Daviess County. A one-day bicycle ride on the scenic and hilly back roads of Jo Daviess County. Four routes available ranging from 22-60 miles. Color-coded maps, bag service and snacks will be available on the route. Register at the Jo Daviess/Carroll Area Vocational Center in Elizabeth. 815-275-0041 or www.elizabeth-il.com/Ride.html. 1, Spring Fling in downtown Elizabeth. Festive fun and food. Visit the Apple River Fort State Historic Site. Raffles, pet parade, town-wide garage sale, street vendors and more. Outdoor musical entertainment. 815-858-2028 or www.elizabethil.com. 1, Spring Music on Main in down4/30 - 5/1, Friends of the Mount Carroll Public Library Quilt Show at the Mount Carroll Church of God in Mount Carroll. Friday, 4 p.m. – 8 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Windows Through Time will benefit the library restoration program and will feature over 150 new and vintage quilts, demonstrations, vendors, concessions, boutique, raffle quilt, raffle baskets, bed turnings and more. Admission is $5. 800-244-9594 or www.mountcarrollpubliclibrary.org.

town Galena from 5 – 10 p.m. Enjoy great live music, food, activities for kids and outdoor fun for all. 815-777-9050 or www.galenachamber.com.

1, The Sonshiners Quartet at The Barn in Pana. 7 p.m. 217-825-6713 or www.thebarn-pana.com. 1-2, Kites Over Lake Storey in Galesburg. A family oriented event that will feature kite flying for kids, a candy drop, singleline and show kites with many of America’s top flyers. 309-343-2485 or www.visitgalesburg.com.

6-7, The Third Annual May Plant Sale in Red Bud. 8 a.m. – 2 p.m. Purchase 10-inch herb bowls and 10-inch hanging baskets. Preorders can be placed by April 29 and picked up starting in the afternoon of May 5. Funds will be used to purchase equipment for the Human Service Center’s electronic recycling program. 618-282-6233 or www.humanservicegroup.com.

Visit our Web site, www.icl.coop ILLINOIS COUNTRY LIVING • April 2010

Datebook0410.indd Sec2:29

29 3/18/2010 10:43:27 AM

DATEBOOK MAY 2010 2, Spoon River China Art Guild Annual China Show at the Donaldson Center in Canton. 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. Hand painted China displays, door prizes, China painting demonstrations and refreshments. Free.Donations accepted. 309-647-3390.

1-2, The Fourth Annual Route 66 Red Carpet Corridor Festival from Joliet to Towanda. Plan to spend a weekend on this self-guided driving tour of towns and rural areas from Joliet to Towanda, along the “Mother Road” – Route 66! Garage sales, antiques, flea markets, historic sites, museums, entertainment and good country cookin’ – something for everyone! Il66redcarpetcorridor.org or 800-835-2055.

8, Browning Barn Sale in Benton. Purchas glassware, jewelry, knick-knacks, household goods, crafts, home decor and much more. Proceeds go back to the local community and charities. 618-439-9750. 8, Mississippi Adventure Day hosted by Fever River Outfitters in Galena. A guided 7-mile kayak, three-mile hike, and 16-mile bike ride. Equipment and lunch provided. Registration required and limited. 815-776-9425 or www.feverriveroutfitters.com.

15, The Frank Lloyd Wright Preservation Trust’s 36th annual Wright Plus House-walk in historic Oak Park and River Forest. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tickets are $80 for Frank Lloyd Wright Preservation Trust members and $95 for non-members. GoWright.org or aross@gowright.org.

15, The Evening Thyme Garden Club’s 12th Annual Garden Fair at the Clark County Fairgrounds in Marshall. 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. Vendors will offer a large variety of bulbs, bedding plants, yard ornaments and garden decor. Demonstrations, a raffle and food will be available. Free. 217-889-2280.

15, Golf Demo Day at Eagle Ridge Resort & Spa in The Galena Territory. See what’s new for golf lovers and get great tips to help your game. 800892-2269 or www.eagleridge.com. 22, Night Sky Watch and Native American Storytelling at Apple River Fort State Historic Site in Elizabeth. Join us for stories and folklore around a campfire followed by a viewing of constellations and other objects in the night sky through telescopes. Light snacks provided. Weather permitting. 815-858-2014 or www.planets.org.

22-23, The 15th Afrocentric Fine Art Show at the Illinois State

22, Manito Art and Wine Festival at Manito Public Park in Manito. 217-335-3279.

22-23, The 10th Annual Woodcarving Show presented by the Corn Belt Carving Club at the Shirk Center at Illinois Wesleyan in Bloomington. Saturday: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., Sunday: 12 – 5 p.m. Hundreds of outstanding carvings will be on display (some for sale). Eight hand-carved/ hand-painted items by club members will be raffled, including Christmas ornament sets, a duck decoy, Santa Clause, a 10-piece Nativity set, a carved box and a bowl turned and scrollsawn. www.cornbeltcarving.org.

University Alumni Center in Normal. Saturday: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Sunday: 12 p.m. – 4 p.m. Throughout the two-day event, stunning and stimulating works of art aree exhibited, featuring African-American artists and artists from the African Diaspora and galleries from around the country. Rich in music, culture, family, and nature, the event nourishes the soul. Free. www.sistersandfriendsartshow.com.

To be considered for inclusion, please submit events in the format used above. Preference is i given i to t events t sponsored d by b non-profi fitt entities. Submitting an event is not a guarantee of publication. Photos are welcome, but will not be returned unless a self-addressed and stamped envelope is provided. Events are subject to change, so please contact the event sponsor for confirmation. Deadline: April 15 for July Events. Mail to: Illinois Datebook, PO Box 3787, Springfield, IL 62708. E-mail to: lrigoni@aiec.coop

30

ILLINOIS COUNTRY LIVING • www.icl.coop

Datebook0410.indd Sec2:30

3/18/2010 10:24:43 AM

It takes a special contractor to become a WaterFurnace geothermal dealer. It requires an ongoing commitment to the industry’s best training and education programs. WaterFurnace only invests in dealers who are passionate about providing the finest in products and service, and are less concerned with simply being the cheapest. Maybe that’s why WaterFurnace is the most recognized and respected name in residential geothermal. Or maybe it’s because WaterFurnace units use the clean, renewable energy found in your backyard to provide savings up to 70% on heating, cooling and hot water. Or is it thanks to the industry’s best warranty? Contact a local WaterFurnace expert for more information and decide for yourself. CONTACT YOUR LOCAL WATERFURNACE DEALER Albers Toennies Service Co. (618) 248-5130

Effingham Jansen’s Heating & Air Energy RSP Heating & Cooling (618) 942-2424

Bloomington Wm. Masters, Inc. (309) 662-8481

Fairbury Popejoy Plumbing, Htg & Electric (815) 692-4471

Brighton Den-Son Heating & Cooling (618) 372-8375 Canton Spoon River Mechanical Services (309) 647-5009

Flora Electro Electric, Inc. (618) 662-4520 Gifford Duden and Silver (217) 568-7954

Carbondale GL Morris (618) 457-0190

Goodfield Hinrichsen Heating & Air (309) 965-2604

Charleston Jansen’s Heating & Air (217) 235-5223

Hamilton Peters Heating & Air, Inc. (217) 847-2777

Chester Schumer Bros (573) 547-6517

Harrisburg D&C Heating & Air (618) 997-6577

Cissna Park Boyce Heating & Cooling (815) 457-2700

Lawrenceville Tracy Electric, Inc. (618) 943-2243

Decatur Design Air (800) 452-7845

Lincoln Albert Service Heating & A/C (217) 735-9990

Delevan Jeckel Plumbing & Heating (309) 244-8265 Edwardsville Cummings Heating & Cooling (618) 656-8953

Litchfield Snell Enterprises, Inc. (217) 324-4560

Pontiac Kupferschmid (815) 844-4109

Macomb Arnold Brothers Heating & Cooling (309) 833-2852

Quincy Peters Heating & Air, Inc. (217) 222-1368

Marion D&C Heating & Air (618) 997-6577

Red Bud DeRousse Heating & Air, Inc. (618) 282-2224

Mount Vernon Holloway Heating & Air, Inc. (618) 242-5481

Salem Booher Tin Shop (618) 548-1295

Oglesby John’s Service & Sales (815) 883-3637

Springfield Collins Plumbing & Heating (217) 793-8031

Pana Jansen’s Heating & Air (217) 562-5201

Taylorville Jansen’s Heating & Air (217) 824-4138

Paxton Houston Plumbing & Heating (800) 379-2165

Thomasboro Hoveln Heating & Cooling, Inc. (217) 643-2125

Peru Service Pro’s Heating & Cooling (815) 223-0715

Tilton Blackie’s Automatic Engineering (217) 442-1440

Petersburg Collins Plumbing & Heating (217) 632-3670

Virden Snell Enterprises, Inc. (217) 965-3911

Pittsfield Peters Heating & Air, Inc. (217) 285-1600

Waterloo DeRousse Heating & Air, Inc. (618) 282-2224 Winchester Little Heating & A/C, Inc. (217) 742-3332

visit us online at waterfurnace.com | (800) GEO-SAVE April_Base.indd 31

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