Issuu

Harness the power of the sun...

...by using the Earth.

Geothermal gives you the freedom to focus on life WaterFurnace geothermal systems provide reliable operation 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year—rain or shine, day or night, windy or not. They use the stored solar energy in the ground to provide your family luxurious comfort and incredible savings. In fact, it’s the only HVAC system that’ll pay you back—and with the renewed 30% federal tax credit1, there’s never been a better time to switch to the Reliable Renewable. Contact your local WaterFurnace dealer today.

visit us at waterfurnace.com/Reliable

Arcadia/Mondovi Water Source Htg & Clg (715) 833-9001

Eau Claire/Osseo Water Source Htg & Clg (715) 833-9001

Beaver Dam/Green Lake Air Care, Inc. (920) 356-8860

Ellsworth/Lake City Comfort By Design (715) 273-3658

Beloit/Rockford Don Martin Htg (608) 758-9882

Fond du Lac/Kiel Advanced Custom Geothermal (920) 894-3999

Cashton/Sparta Flock’s Htg & A/C (608) 269-1500 Cornell/New Auburn Water Source Htg & Clg (715) 833-9001

Osceola/St. Croix Falls Comfort By Design (715) 273-3658

Superior/Ashland Northern Ground Source (218) 848-2869

Marinette/Peshtigo/ Escanaba GPS Htg & Clg (715) 732-2111

Phillips/Merrill PGA Inc. (715) 355-6717

Tomah/Oakdale Dean’s Refrig. & Htg (608) 372-6928

Richland Center/ Viroqua Strang’s Htg Electric Plmb (608) 647-2855

Tomahawk/Minocqua PGA Inc. (715) 355-6717

Menomonie/Bloomer Water Source Htg & Clg (715) 833-9001

Green Bay/Oneida Van’s Refrig. (920) 833-2051

Neillsville/Medford Northern Indoor Comfort (715) 937-2676

Hudson/Stillwater Comfort By Design (715) 273-3658

Oconto/Rhinelander Van’s Refrig. (920) 833-2051

1. 30% through 2019, 26% through 2020 and 22% through 2021

02_0012.indd 1

Janesville/Fort Atkinson Don Martin Htg (608) 758-9882

Siren/Hayward Earth Energy Systems (715) 566-0735 Spring Valley/Amery Comfort By Design (715) 273-3658

Wausau/ Stevens Point PGA Inc. (715) 355-6717 Westby/La Crosse Flock’s Htg & A/C (608) 654-5522

• The Reliable Renewable is a trademark of WaterFurnace International, Inc.

11/7/18 8:37 AM

CooperaN

COOPERATIVE

News

Wisconsin

ENERGY Cooperative

contents December 2018

News

NEWS BRIEFS

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

Co-ops honor award winners

8 15 28 30

Pennies from HEAVEN

A little generosity goes a long way.

Food triggers feelings of family and friends.

CO-OP DIFFERENCE

Holidays bring family memories.

MY CO-OP

On the

COVER

Mabel Tainter Theater shines at the holidays.

RECIPES

Holiday desserts are merry delicious.

Kids and

CRITTERS

Cute co-op kids get cozy with their critters.

ELECTRIFY YOUR HOLIDAY GIFT LIST

Advances in electronics offer something for everyone.

Find out whatâ€™s happening at your local electric cooperative.

CLASSIFIEDS

Buy, sell, and trade with readers from across Wisconsin.

EVENTS

Find something festive to do this month!

December 2018

WECN Dec18TOC.indd 1

11/15/18 5:25 PM

LETTER FROM

THE EDITOR Family, friends, and food

WECN readers love recipes. That simple little message comes through loud and clear with every Dana Kelroy, Editor readership survey we conduct. So it was no surprise to us that when we asked readers to send us their favorite dinner recipes back in September, we got a huge response. We offered a $25 VISA gift card to the reader whose recipe was chosen in a random drawing of all the entries, but somehow I doubt the chance of a $25 prize was the key motivator for the many members who answered our call. I believe there are deeper, intangible reasons why so many of our members respond to recipes, whether by entering a contest like the one we just held, answering another reader’s request for a particular recipe through our Recipe Exchange page, or simply preparing a meal for the family using a recipe found in the pages of this magazine. For me, and I think for many others as well, food is practically synonymous with family and friends, especially at the holidays. Some of my happiest holiday memories involve the people I love gathered around a table laden with all of our family favorites—foods that keep us connected through the generations and across the miles, triggering thoughts and memories of special people, special places, and special times. We’re grateful that so many readers took the time to share their own family favorites with us. The winning recipe is printed below; we’ll be sharing other entries in this magazine throughout the year. We hope you’ll discover a special recipe among them that becomes a family favorite in your own home. In the meantime, we wish all of our readers a happy holiday season ﬁlled with family, friends, and of course, food.

B Rockies

Neillsville Lydia Schumacher,

1–1/2 tsp salt 1 pkg frozen buns, or 1 tsp pepper d e sauce homemade if preferre 2 Tbsp Worcestershir ef , chopped be d age 1 lb groun 1 small head of cabb d pe op ch , ion on ge 1 lar ckage to shorten e speed method on pa us n, pa a on e ris to mburger and onion; add Set buns a saucepan, brown ha In d. rre fe cabbage and pre if e tim wait uce. Once browned, add de enough sa e hir ers st ce or W salt, pepper, and sed, pull apart wi lts. Once buns are rai lespoons of filling, cook until cabbage wi tab th approx. 2–3 wi ns bu seam l Fil g. llin fi to place up. Place sealed buns of bun and seal back ide ins ll fi to h are ug eno buns ntinue to fill until all prox. side down on a pan. Co (ap ed ok co are ns bu until r on filled and sealed. Bake buns lightly with butte h us Br ). tes nu 15–20 mi joy! top while cooling. En

December 2018 Vol. 79 No. 6 The Wisconsin Energy Cooperative News (Formerly Wisconsin R.E.C. News) has been published monthly and distributed since July 1940 to members of Wisconsin’s non-profit, consumer-owned rural electric cooperatives. It is available to non-members for $10 per year or $28 for three years. Members pay $6.93 per year. Published by the Wisconsin Electric Cooperative Association, 222 W. Washington Ave., Ste. 680, Madison, WI 53703. Steve Freese, president & CEO. USPS number: 688-480. Postmaster: please send address changes to Wisconsin Energy Cooperative News, 222 W. Washington Ave., Ste. 680, Madison, WI 53703. Periodicals postage paid at Baraboo, Wis. Send correspondence to Wisconsin Energy Cooperative News, 222 W. Washington Ave., Ste. 680, Madison, WI 53703. Phone (608) 467-4650. Web site: www.wecnmagazine.com. Co-op Members: Please send address changes to your local electric co-op. Contact information can be found on page 18. Steve Freese Dana Kelroy Mary Erickson David Hoopman Ann Bailey Dylan Pingitore Geri Miller

WECA president & CEO editor associate editor contributing writer graphic designer editorial assistant advertising consultant

For advertising opportunities please email ads@weca.coop. The appearance of advertising does not constitute an endorsement of the products or services advertised. We reserve the right to refuse advertisers. Please recycle

Wisconsin Energy Cooperative News

WECN DecEditor2018.indd 1

11/13/18 8:39 AM

SUPER COUPON

WARN

BEATS

WITH

Customer Rating 12,000 LB. ELECTRIC WINCH WITH REMOTE CONTROL 12,000 LB.

CAPACITY

12,000 LB.

YES

EFFICIENT SERIES WOUND MOTOR

YES

DUST AND WATER RESISTANT WINCH

YES

BADLAND ZXR 12000

SAVE $ 400

NOW

4.4

LOADED LINE SPEED (FPM)

3.6

YES

AUTO LOAD BRAKE

YES

CABLE TENSIONER

3/8"

CABLE DIAMETER

3/8"

359

AMP DRAW @ 12,000 LBS

399 99

9 $2999

MODEL: L4825HV

*WARN 96820 stated specs

LIMIT 5 - Coupon valid through 4/1/19*

NOW

$5 99

COMPARE TO

MODEL: VEN4145

$79

TEQ $

14999

*93127940 * 93127940

MODEL: T830018Z

$1 49

• Air delivery: 5.8 CFM @ 40 PSI 4.7 CFM @ 90 PSI

20"

SAVE $ 79

ITEM 64264/64266/64879/64881 61282/62326/61253 shown

COMPARE TO

HONDA

Customer Rating

ITEM 69904/68892 shown

BLUE HAWK $ 99

SAVE 70%

MODEL: 77280

ITEM 69505/62418/66537 shown

NOW

$ 99

$5 99

$229 $

249

18" WORKING PLATFORM STEP STOOL

Customer Rating

• 350 lb. capacity

NOW

COMPARE TO

ALC

34999 SAVE $120 ITEM 63842

MODEL: ALC-AWS3266

COMPARE TO

GPL

MODEL: H-21

ITEM 62515/66911 shown

$1 999

SAVE 61%

2999

*93131734 * 93131734

*93132962 * 93132962

*93141921 * 93141921

*93133464 * 93133464

LIMIT 5 - Coupon valid through 4/1/19*

LIMIT 8 - Coupon valid through 4/1/19*

LIMIT 3 - Coupon valid through 4/1/19*

LIMIT 7 - Coupon valid through 4/1/19*

• Great outdoor accent lighting • Super bright light

Customer Rating • Boom extends from

36-1/4" to 50-1/4" • Crane height adjusts from 82" to 94"

NOW

SAVE 70%

COMPARE TO

NOW

COMPARE TO

IRONTON

HAMPTON BAY MODEL: 82056-055SR

199

MODEL: 46218

$9999

SAVE $ 100

ITEM 61858/69512/69445 shown

ITEM 62533/63941/64625/68353 shown

SUPER COUPON

1 TON CAPACITY 18 VOLT LITHIUM CORDLESS FOLDABLE 3/8" DRILL/DRIVER KIT SHOP CRANE Customer Rating

Customer Rating

17999

NOW

9 $299 COMPARE TO

RYOBI $

MODEL: P1810

Customer Rating

• 12,600 cu. in. of storage • 580 lb. capacity • Heavy duty gas struts hold lid open at 90 degrees W

3999

SAVE 56%

SUPER COUPON

30", 4 DRAWER TECH CART

15999 $1 0799

SAVE $691 $

COMPARE TO

ITEM 64118

SNAP-ON

79995

MODEL: KRBC10TBPC

Side tray sold separately.

ITEM 64818/64096 shown

*93134558 * 93134558

*93136240 * 93136240

*93141494 * 93141494

*93137631 * 93137631

LIMIT 8 - Coupon valid through 4/1/19*

LIMIT 5 - Coupon valid through 4/1/19*

LIMIT 3 - Coupon valid through 4/1/19*

LIMIT 4 - Coupon valid through 4/1/19*

SUPER COUPON

AUTOMATIC BATTERY FLOAT 8", 5 SPEED CHARGER BENCHTOP Customer Rating DRILL PRESS

10 FT. x 20 FT. PORTABLE CAR CANOPY Customer Rating

SAVE $106 COMPARE TO

SHELTER LOGIC

$ $

205

MODEL: 23522

99 NOW99

119 $99 ITEM 63054/62858 shown

$499 SAVE 50%

SAVE $ 55 $6499 NOW COMPARE TO 99 BUFFALO BLACK

$ 99 $11095 ITEM 69594/69955/64284/42292 shown

SUPER COUPON

80 PIECE ROTARY TOOL KIT

Customer Rating

NOW

$54

MODEL: DP5UL

ITEM 62520/60238 shown

Customer Rating

SAVE 73% COMPARE TO $ 35 PROFESSIONAL WOODWORKER MODEL: 51832

$ 99

ITEM 68986/63235/63292/97626 shown

NOW

$699

*93137775 * 93137775

*93137981 * 93137981

*93141065 * 93141065

*93141478 * 93141478

LIMIT 5 - Coupon valid through 4/1/19*

LIMIT 9 - Coupon valid through 4/1/19*

LIMIT 3 - Coupon valid through 4/1/19*

LIMIT 8 - Coupon valid through 4/1/19*

*Original coupon only. No use on prior purchases after 30 days from original purchase or without original receipt. Valid through 4/1/19.

hft_wisconsinenergy_1218_M-REG128297.indd 1 Dec 18_adsPasted.indd 5

999

SUPER COUPON

72" x 80" 4 CHANNEL WIRELESS MOVING SURVEILLANCE SYSTEM BLANKET WITH 2 CAMERAS

COMPARE TO

MODEL: EU2000i

LIMIT 3 - Coupon valid through 4/1/19*

SUPER COUPON

NOW

SOLAR ROPE LIGHT

COMPARE TO

MODEL: C201H

• Night vision

79999 SAVE $500

ITEM 62523

229

*93128481 * 93128481

SUPER COUPON

49999 SAVE 549

LIMIT 5 - Coupon valid through 4/1/19*

Customer Rating

MODEL: 873100

*93128058 * 93128058

39999OW

DIRECT-LIFT

99 $449

LIMIT 4 - Coupon valid through 4/1/19*

• Diamond plate steel platform and ramp • Lift range: 7" to 29-1/2"

$299

NOW

17499

COMPARE TO

HUSKY

• 4.7 hour run time

ITEM 61454/69091/62803/63635/67847 shown

SUPER COUPON

2000 WATT SUPER QUIET INVERTER GENERATOR

Customer Rating

*93127988 * 93127988

LIMIT 8 - Coupon valid through 4/1/19*

1000 LB. CAPACITY MOTORCYCLE LIFT

Limit 1 coupon per customer per day. Save 20% on any 1 item purchased. *Cannot be used with other discount, coupon or any of the following items or brands: Inside Track Club membership, Extended Service Plan, gift card, open box item, 3 day Parking Lot Sale item, compressors, floor jacks, safes, saw mills, storage cabinets, chests or carts, trailers, trencher/backhoe, welders, Admiral, Ames, Bauer, Cobra, CoverPro, Daytona, Diamondback, Earthquake, Fischer, Hercules, Icon, Jupiter, Lynxx, Poulan, Predator, Tailgator, Viking, Vulcan, Zurich. Not valid on prior purchases. Non-transferable. Original coupon must be presented. Valid through 4/1/19.

SUPER COUPON

21 GALLON, 2.5 HP, 125 PSI VERTICAL OIL-LUBE AIR COMPRESSOR Customer Rating NOW

NOW

COMPARE TO

ITEM 37050, 37051, 37052, 64417, 64418, 61363, 68497, 61360, 61359, 68498, 68496 shown

Cannot be used with other discounts or prior purchases. Original coupon must be presented. Valid through 4/1/19 while supplies last. Limit 1 FREE GIFT per customer per day.

SUPER COUPON

SAVE $ 70

*93126669 * 93126669

ITEM 69030/47737/69031 shown

*93127702 * 93127702

699

• Weighs 73 lbs.

Customer Rating

VENOM $ 99

457

RAPID PUMP® 3 TON STEEL HEAVY DUTY LOW PROFILE Customer Rating FLOOR JACK

• 5 mil thickness

SAVE 40%

ANY SINGLE ITEM*

KOMELON $ 98

WARN 96820

SUPER COUPON

POWDER-FREE NITRILE GLOVES PACK OF 100

1" x 25 FT. TAPE MEASURE

COMPARE TO

PRICE

ANY PURCHASE

• Thumb Lock • Rubber Wrapped Case

*93127852 * 93127852

ITEM 64045 64046/63770 shown

20% OFF

FREE

900 Stores Nationwide • HarborFreight.com

SUPER COUPON

At Harbor Freight Tools, the “Compare to” price means that the specified comparison, which is an item with the same or similar function, was advertised for sale at or above the “Compare to” price by another national retailer in the U.S. within the past 90 days. Prices advertised by others may vary by location. No other meaning of “Compare to” should be implied. For more information, go to HarborFreight.com or see store associate.

10/22/18 11:56 AM 11/5/18 11:16 AM

NEWS BRIEFS CO-OP SERVICE EARNS STATEWIDE HONORS Three longtime Wisconsin electric co-op employees were honored for their committed service during the November annual meeting of the Wisconsin Electric Cooperative Association (WECA) in La Crosse. Seen here (l–r) are award winners Jim Hathaway of Dunn Energy Cooperative, Mary Kay Brevig of Eau Claire Energy Cooperative, and Lance Burke of Dairyland Power Cooperative. Hathaway, Dunn Energy CEO since 1994, was presented with the ACE (Ally of Cooperative Electrification) Award, WECA’s highest honor, given for exemplary service above and beyond the standards of routine job performance. Remarks submitted in support of his nomination cited Hathaway’s focus on the needs and interests of the co-op membership, the respect of his fellow co-op leaders, and his skills in the public policy arena. Brevig, Eau Claire Energy’s communications and public relations manager, received the N.F. Leifer Memorial Journalism Award. Named for the Vernon Electric Cooperative manager who played a key role in this magazine’s 1940 founding, the

award recognizes overall excellence in the monthly local co-op pages prepared by staff members across the state. The annual award is Brevig’s third in a row. She also captured the Leifer in 2014. Burke, Dairyland’s safety manager for power delivery, is this year’s winner of the Herman C. Potthast Award for exceptional performance in the job-training and safe-

BOARD MEMBERS ASSUME DUTIES Directors of the Wisconsin Electric Cooperative Association began the 2018–19 term November 15 at the organization’s annual meeting in La Crosse. Serving on the board are David Paudler, Riverland Energy; Larry Dokkestul, Pierce Pepin Cooperative Services; Judi Anibas, Eau Claire Energy; Dallas Sloan, Barron Electric; Diane Zimmerman, East Central Energy; David Hischke, Oconto Electric; Bill Fischer, Rock Energy; Steve Lucas, Scenic Rivers Energy; Jerry Huber, Jackson Electric (for Dairyland Power); and David Orf, St. Croix Electric. Board elections regularly occur in July,

NEW MANAGER AT ST. CROIX ELECTRIC

A former Minnesota co-op manager took over in November from St. Croix Electric Cooperative President and CEO Mark Pendergast, who retired after serving in the position since 1993. Brian Zelenak had been CEO and gen6

but Orf (at right) was elected at the annual meeting to fill a vacancy created when Derrick Oberle, also of St. Croix Electric, resigned after accepting employment outside Wisconsin. The board oversees policy decisions and activities of the statewide association representing Wisconsin’s 25 electric cooperatives.

eral manager of Aitkin, Minnesota-based Mille Lacs Energy Cooperative since 2016. Before joining Mille Lacs Energy, Zelenak served in multiple positions with Xcel Energy, most recently as regulatory affairs manager.

ty of electric utility workers. Burke was praised for promoting a culture of safety at Dairyland, where he’s responsible for safety education, training, and incident prevention. The award is named after the training master who led the development of electric utility safety programs in Wisconsin and nationwide beginning in the 1940s.

PROPANE SUPPLY EXCEEDS AVERAGE

Early fall additions to Midwest propane inventories boosted supplies above the five-year average for the end of October, the Energy Information Administration (EIA) reported. Wisconsin is one of ten states with the highest percentage of homes—between 10 and 25 percent—relying on propane as their primary space-heating fuel, EIA statistics show. As recently as the winter of 2014, tight supplies affected by extreme cold weather and limited pipeline capacity had propane suppliers and state officials scrambling to meet demand. Nationwide, the EIA reported, propane prices averaged about 4 percent higher than last fall, but wholesale prices were expected to moderate, with prices over the winter averaging only about 1 percent higher than in 2017, the EIA projected.

Wisconsin Energy Cooperative News

WECN Dec18Newsbriefs.indd 1

11/16/18 8:20 AM

Stay Safer & More Independent with a Jacuzzi® Luxury Walk-In Bathtub

SAVE $1,500

on your NEW Walk-In Tub with ONE DAY installation

NEW!

Epsom Salt Compatible

Enjoy Legendary

Jacuzzi®

Low Entry Step

Jet Technology

Now enjoy the relaxing health beneﬁts of Epsom salt in your tub without the worry of rust or damage to your tub’s components.

Don’t let mobility concerns end your ability to enjoy a relaxing & therapeutic bathing experience The safety features of the Jacuzzi® Walk-In Bathtub help with mobility in and out of the tub, and also help you feel more secure and independent when bathing at home.

✔ NEW! A quieter and energy efﬁcient pump

✔ NEW! Heated back and seat for more provides a more enjoyable bathing experience comfort and relief ✔ PLUS! Installation in as little as one day! ✔ NEW! Relaxing Bubble Foot Massage

CALL TODAY & SAVE $1, 500

Call now for limited-time savings on your new Walk-In Bathtub and details on installation that takes as little as ONE DAY! ITE LIM D

LIFETIME RAN

Call: 1-888-410-9180 or Visit: www.JacuzziWalkIn.com

Ask About Affordable Financing

The NEW Gold Standard of Walk-In Bathtubs Dec 18_adsPasted.indd 7

11/5/18 11:18 AM

HOLIDAYS

BRING

FAMILY MEMORIES

Steve Freese President and CEO

Where has the year gone?

t seems like yesterday we were celebrating The Fourth of July and now, if you’re like my family, you’re in full swing getting ready for the winter holidays. The Thanksgiving leftovers are pretty well used up and Christmas is just around the corner. A couple of years ago I shared with you a number of my family’s Christmas traditions. As we’ve since moved back to the family farm I thought this year I would share a few more. Both my grandparents’ and parents’ homes on the farm had wood stoves, so just after Thanksgiving we would go into the woods to get some cedar logs to burn on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve so the house would ﬁll with the aroma of cedar. Mom would be busy making homemade sweet rolls and pecan rolls for Christmas and New Year’s Day breakfasts. My sister and I continue to make them the day after Thanksgiving so we can send them home with our kids for their enjoyment. Mom is 92 and loves supervising our baking procedures, and the stories she tells from Christmases past are what make this time of the year so special for us. When we make our Christmas cut-out cookies it’s always with the cookie cutters used by my great-grandmother, grandmother, and my mom. Four generations have cared for these cookie cutters, and I will pass them on to my kids when the time comes. We always have the same meal on Christmas Eve and it’s one of my favorites: homemade meatballs with spaghetti sauce simmered all day. What an aroma. Mom is originally from Oklahoma so our green beans are always made with onion and bacon and simmer for the afternoon as well. Dessert is always homemade prune cake that four generations of our family have made every Christmas. When we tell people we are having prune cake most turn up their noses until they taste it. It really is a great spice cake and well worth the wait. In the past I shared with you my love of bubble lights, and this year they are already on the tree in the living room shining brightly. Virtually all the decorations on my Christmas tree are family heirlooms handed down over six generations, and they help the tree come alive for the holidays. Just after Christmas my parents would throw a party out on the bluff of our farm that overlooks the Mississippi River. Dad would get the big sled with a hay rack on it, and in the early days it would be pulled by horses and later by one of his Allis Chalmers tractors. There would be a big bonﬁre and all the neighbors would come to celebrate the coming of the New Year. Those were wonderful times for my family. I’m sure you have your own special stories, and I hope when your family gets together for the holidays you’ll take time to tell the kids some of those stories that help them understand where they come from. I wish you the very best this Christmas and Hanukkah season and hope you have a very happy New Year!

Wisconsin Energy Cooperative News

WECN Dec18Steve.indd 1

11/12/18 10:15 AM

“To you, it’s the perfect lift chair. To me, it’s the best sleep chair I’ve ever had.” — J. Fitzgerald, VA

Easy-to-use remote for massage, heat, recline, and lift

Sit up, lie down — and anywhere in between!

Our Perfect Sleep Chair® is just the chair to do it all. It’s a chair, true – the finest of lift chairs – but this chair is so much more! It’s designed to provide total comfort and relaxation not found in other chairs. It can’t be beat for comfortable, long-term sitting, TV viewing, relaxed reclining and – yes! – peaceful sleep. Our chair’s recline technology allows you to pause the chair in an infinite number of positions, including the Trendelenburg position and the zero gravity position where your body experiences a minimum of internal and external stresses. You’ll love the other benefits, too: It helps with correct spinal alignment, promotes back pressure relief, and encourages This lift chair puts you better posture to prevent back and muscle pain. safely on your feet! Dec 18_adsPasted.indd 9

The Perfect Sleep Chair®

1-888-757-9986 Please mention code 110449 when ordering. Because each Perfect Sleep Chair is a custom-made bedding product, we can only accept returns on chairs that are damaged or defective.

Tan

Long Lasting DuraLux Leather

Burgundy

Chocolate

Burgundy

Black

DuraLux II Microfiber

Cashmere

Fern

Chocolate

Blue

Indigo 46482

We’ve all had nights when we just can’t lie down in bed and sleep, whether it’s from heartburn, cardiac problems, hip or back aches – it could be a variety of reasons. Those are the nights we’d give anything for a comfortable chair to sleep in, one that reclines to exactly the right degree, raises feet and legs to precisely the desired level, supports the head and shoulders properly, operates easily even in the dead of night, and sends a hopeful sleeper right off to dreamland.

And there’s more! The overstuffed, oversized biscuit style back and unique seat design will cradle you in comfort. Generously filled, wide armrests provide enhanced arm support when sitting or reclining. The high and low heat settings along with the multiple massage settings, can provide a soothing relaxation you might get at a spa – just imagine getting all that in a lift chair! It even has a battery backup in case of a power outage. Shipping charge includes white glove delivery. Professionals will deliver the chair to the exact spot in your home where you want it, unpack it, inspect it, test it, position it, and even carry the packaging away! You get your choice of fabrics and colors – Call now!

11/5/18 11:19 AM

PENNIES FROM

Heaven A LITTLE GENEROSITY GOES A LONG WAY

ince the very beginning of the rich history of electric cooperatives in America, the Wisconsin co-ops have justifiably taken pride in their contributions to the rural electrification movement’s success. This magazine would be an especially pertinent example, as the nation’s very first statewide publication for electric cooperative members. You’re reading the 941st monthly edition. But the subject of this article is not something the Wisconsin co-ops invented or were even the first to embrace. It is something a great many individual Wisconsin co-op members support, finding that by opening their hearts even in a small way, they can have a big effect on behalf of people in need. The credit for creating Operation Round Up goes to South Carolina’s Palmetto Electric Cooperative. Its history dates to 1989. Since then it’s been adopted by more than 300 electric cooperatives in 40 states. It’s a concept that’s elegant in its simplicity.

In for a Penny… Operation Round Up—and numerous other co-op charitable programs traveling under different names but based on similar principles—is a 100-percent voluntary effort supported entirely by co-op members who choose to participate. Members simply notify the cooperative of their wish to contribute and the co-op then begins automatically rounding the bottom-line amount of their monthly bills to the next higher even dollar amount. Beyond the amount actually owed, whatever spare change is left goes into the program fund. If your bill is for $101.02, you’re in for an extra 98 cents; if it’s $101.99, you’re in for a penny. Experience has shown that a 10

typical member’s voluntary contribution averages about $6 over the course of a year. But what a difference that modest $6 can make…

Communities Decide The seventh of seven principles that are expected to guide every cooperative in the conduct of its affairs is “Concern for Community.” In an article about Operation Round Up four years ago, South Carolina Living, that state’s electric co-op magazine, quoted an employee of one of its member cooperatives pointing out that beyond bringing electricity to rural areas, their mission involves a broader commitment to improving the lives of those they serve. In other words, concern for community. A typical rounding program would be governed by a board of directors made up of co-op members who hold regularly scheduled meetings where they consider applications for assistance from the program’s trust funds. Such decisions can also be made at any time on a case-by-case basis. Receipt of beneﬁts from the program is not necessarily conditional on co-op membership. Local food pantries are frequent recipients of Operation Round Up assistance. Within the service area of Ellsworth, Wisconsin-based Pierce Pepin Cooperative Services, there are eight. Each October, they’re included among the Operation Round Up grant requests. Though the amount contributed differs annually, the program has been able to donate an average of $1,500 to each of the eight, each year. The co-op credits the food pantries’ combined purchasing power with enabling an impact far greater than might be

Wisconsin Energy Cooperative News

Feature 1 Dec2018.indd 2

11/12/18 1:55 PM

Whatever the Need…

Whether they’re called Operation Round Up or Community Change or Community Cents, the cooperative-based charities are distinguished by their flexibility. Instead of giving people whatever it is that the programs provide, the co-op programs are in the business of finding out what people need. That frees them to pitch in with

whatever looks like it will do the most good. In recent years that’s meant thermal cameras for a local fire department and a dishwasher for a community nutrition program, from Adams-Columbia Electric Cooperative. Pierce Pepin Cooperative Services has donated an average It’s meant a of $1,500 to each of eight food pantries in the co-op’s service freezer for a local territory every year through Operation Round Up. food pantry and financial help for a young widow with Round Up takes all of these small donachildren and a man blinded by an operations—on average 50 cents per member, tion, from Chippewa Valley Electric. per month—pools them all together, and It’s meant support for communicreates these huge impacts. It is a great ty reading programs and a “piercing giving model.” nozzle” enabling a local fire department One activity supported by Dunn to introduce water into confined spacEnergy’s program is Project Bookworm. es from an adjacent room, from Dunn Volunteers from the Dunn County Home Energy Cooperative. and Community Education program take It’s meant financial assistance to time one day each month to visit area remodel houses and install wheelchair HeadStart and 4K programs, read to the ramps, to help people with disabilities extend the time they’re able to live in NOW AVAILABLE their own homes, from Oconto Electric. for the ﬁrst time ever... And when a specific problem affecting the membership was identified, DR® SNOW it’s meant Rock Energy Cooperative’s BLOWERS! Project Lift Up, a bill-rounding program Professional-duty that raises funds to supplement Rock performance you can depend on... Cooperative Care, which helps members year after year! whose incomes are too high to qualify for federal energy assistance but too low NO to keep up with the bills. SNOW? NO WOR RIES! Other beneficiaries of Oconto Elec1 YEAR FREE SHIPPING TRIAL Now in Effect! tric’s Community Change program are disabled people who receive social and • 4 Models from 24" to 34" wide, and with engines from 7 to 14 HP. vocational services from New View • EZ-TURN™ Steering for effortless 180º turns at Industries. They learn daily living skills the end of your driveway. and some are enabled to enter the main• 6 Speeds Forward/2 Reverse on all models. stream workforce—thanks in part to six • Extra-Wide Impellers throw snow up to 50 feet. • Rugged Chute Controls with weatherIPADs purchased for their prevocational protected drive gears for speed and durability. skills program by Community Change.

What Makes It Special

Not surprisingly, people closely involved with coop bill-rounding programs have pretty consistent views of what makes them a special benefit to the communities. Jolene Neisius, who works in marketing and member services for Dunn Energy Cooperative, marvels that “Operation

expected. A co-op news release quotes Jennifer Thatcher, executive director of Pierce County’s Hunger Prevention Council, saying, “For every dollar donated, Pierce County food pantries are able to provide four meals,” adding, “On a dollar-for-dollar conversion, one dollar donated equates to five dollars in food purchases for our pantries.” Other frequent beneficiaries of Operation Round Up and similar co-op programs statewide include local ambulance services, fire departments, public libraries, and senior citizen centers. Pierce Pepin points out a tie-in with another co-op philanthropy, the Federated Youth Foundation (FYF). The foundation was created to provide scholarships and other charitable contributions financed by proceeds from the investment of capital credits accumulated by co-op members and left unclaimed when they’ve died or moved away. (Legally, the alternative is to hand over the funds to the state treasury.) The Round Up board reviews educationrelated requests, and often FYF is able to provide funds for classroom equipment or musical instruments, to cite just two examples. A grimmer expression of charity, and a recurring one in annual reports of Operation Round Up activities across the state, is assistance to people who have suffered a residential house fire. In November, Charity Lubich, Pierce Pepin executive assistant and HR administrator, told us the quick assistance at a difficult time is greatly appreciated and it’s given without reference to a member contributing to the program. “Some of these members are participating in the Operation Round Up program and some are not, but all have been the recipient of the generosity of the combined membership,” she said.

• LED Headlight and Heated Hand Grips with separate on/off controls.

FREE SHIPPING

1 YEAR TRIAL

SOME LIMITATIONS APPLY

Call for FREE Buyers Guide & Special Offer!

DRsnowblowers.com TOLL FREE 888-571-4198 December 2018

Feature 1 Dec2018.indd 3

11/12/18 1:55 PM

(1) Adams-Columbia Electric Cooperative’s Operation Round Up program helped a local school purchase a Padcaster that students will use to make videos. (2) New View Industries, an organization that provides social and vocational services to people with disabilities, has been a beneficiary of Oconto Electric’s Community Change program. Clients of this program have given back to the co-op in turn by visiting the office to show their appreciation for linemen. (3) Oconto Electric has spent Community Change funds to help individuals install wheelchair ramps and other needed home modifications. (4) Project Bookworm, which provides books for area children enrolled in HeadStart and 4K programs, has received funds through Dunn Energy’s Operation Round Up program.

kids, and send a book home with them. “In helping fund the program, it’s more than just providing money. It’s helping kids in our area get off to a good start,” Neisius says. “It’s doing right by those around us through our guiding Cooperative Principles, namely Principle 7: Concern for Community.” Beth Alesch, communications manager at Arcadia-based Riverland Energy, says her cooperative’s bill-rounding program “has helped replenish supplies for local food pantries, helped purchase supplies and equipment for fire departments and emergency responders, and helped children of all ages by supporting community youth activities and school programs.” “We believe the strength of our communities affects all aspects of life from health and well-being to our local economy and education,” Alesch adds. “The actions of the members are what make a community great and we reflect the compassion of our members through Riverland Community Cares.” A longtime employee who’s been working for electric cooperatives since just before Palmetto Electric created the first bill-rounding program—and has thereby seen countless examples of members’ small contributions adding up to make other people’s lives a little better—has the experience to back up her statement that “These co-ops are doing some really big things in their communities through their Operation Round-Up and similar programs.” 12

Building Blocks

One of the things that programs like Operation Round Up bring immediately to mind is that they are a very clever method of making a positive difference in the lives of people facing hardship, without heavily burdening anyone. A more subtle aspect of the programs is what might be called a “multiplier effect” on the activities of numerous small groups that do good for their communities but can accomplish a lot more in cooperation with other organizations. Charity Lubich tells us some Pierce Pepin grants have given local organizations the start-up funds they needed to create their own programs which, in turn, have gone on to serve their communities. At the same time, applications for grants have made the cooperative aware of other groups it can partner with and help grow their community service. Poring over lists of Operation Round Up funding recipients and organizations whose projects the programs have advanced prompts the mind to return over and over again to a classic phrase: “the little platoons we belong to in society.” When Edmund Burke, the 18th century writer and member of Parliament, authored that phrase, his reference was primarily to the family, but also to the small civic and community organizations with which Burke saw families interacting as the building blocks of a civilized society. Count the electric co-ops in the roll call of those little platoons.—Dave Hoopman

Wisconsin Energy Cooperative News

Feature 1 Dec2018.indd 4

11/12/18 1:56 PM

ELECTRIFY

YOUR HOLIDAY GIFT LIST

ADVANCES IN ELECTRONICS OFFER SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE

Don’t Always Buy the Cheapest

Inexpensive rechargeable batteries, for example, can catch ﬁre. Or their charges can be limited, giving just a few minutes of use at a time. Buy from reputable companies, and shop around to compare prices.

Be Cyber Safe

Any internet-connected device can be hacked. Even security cameras and smart TVs come with a preset and lousy password. Change it. Keep the software updated—updates often include security ﬁxes. Sloboda adds, “Don’t let the fear of hacking prevent you from enjoying these devices. Just be aware of what could happen and take necessary precautions.” Here’s your idea list for giving, or receiving.

For the Cook

Sous-vide is the latest kitchen trend. In French, it means “under vacuum,” but it’s basically a cooking technique that seals the food in a plastic bag and slow cooks it in water. “It is used by a number of restaurants,” says Sloboda. “It doesn’t get rid of the nutrients in the food through overcooking.”

Sous-vide devices come as an electric pot, or for less money, as a wand that you stick into your own pot of water with the plastic bag. And of course, there’s an app for that—you can control the sous-vide cooking with your smart phone.

For the Handyperson

Electric lawnmowers, trimmers, and chainsaws eliminate spills and trips to the gas station. But they’re not for everyone—Sloboda says professional landscapers need the power of gasoline. Rechargeable battery models are best for suburban yards where the job takes about 30 minutes. Plug-in versions have the hassle and distance limits of a cord, but are

more powerful and cheaper. Another big advantage is electric models are quiet and won’t disturb the neighbors. With leaf blowers in particular, Sloboda says, some states are passing noise-limiting regulations. Electric blowers pollute a lot less—Sloboda says the types of motors in gasoline leaf blowers “put more pollutants into the air than most gas-powered cars.”

For Fun “It’s a good time to buy electronics,” says Sloboda. “Televisions are getting thinner and lighter, and they’re coming down in price, all because LED

Easy-On, Easy-Off Snow Plow Perfect for Homeowners! Plow your own driveway and save! Pays for itself quickly if you currently hire a plow. Don’t struggle snowblowing your entire driveway… give yourself a break with the DR® Redi-Plow™!

For trucks, and SUVs.

Attaches to a front receiver hitch (included). Automatically engages when you drive forward and releases when you reverse. Works on gravel or pavement. Can be locked in travel position.

lectricity doesn’t just have to light up your tree this Christmas—it can also power your holiday gift list. Electric gadgets can cook, entertain, help with chores, and improve your health, says Brian Sloboda, a program and product manager at the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA). He says electric devices will almost always get the job done quieter, cheaper, and more efﬁciently. Sloboda has a couple of tips before you head to the store or online to start shopping:

One pass and you’re free to go! Never be trapped waiting

for a snow plow again. The DR® Redi-Plow™ is light enough for one person to handle. Clear your parking area, and a path to the garage with ease!

Tough Enough For Any Snowstorm!

• No Hydraulics or Electric Components • Heavy-Duty Rubber Blade Edge • Receiver Hitch Included

FREE SHIPPING 1 YEAR TRIAL SOME LIMITATIONS APPLY Call or go online for details.

Go Online or Call for FREE Buyers Guide!

DRrediplow.com TOLL FREE

888-571-4198 December 2018

WECN Dec18Feature2.indd 1

11/12/18 10:27 AM

Home assistants, like Amazon’s Echo shown top left, make great holiday gifts for friends and loved ones. Source: Pixabay

Looking to upgrade electronics for the whole family to enjoy? Televisions are getting thinner, lighter, and less expensive—all because LED (light-emitting diode) technology has improved. Source: Pixabay

Need a gift for your favorite health nut? Smart watches and wrist bands not only keep track of how far you walk each day, but can appeal to your competitive streak by choosing a virtual walking or running mate. Source: Pixabay

Keep an eye on your fur baby when you’re away. Consumers have numerous options for home video monitoring. The PetChatz® system, shown here, allows pet owners to watch and talk to their pets when away—and even toss tasty treats! Image Credit: PetChatz®

(light-emitting diode) technology has improved.” If the video games in your house are a few years old, gamers will get much better graphics with an upgrade, and they will save energy, says Sloboda, because “we’ve seen the video game console manufacturers improve the efficiency of their products.” For outdoor activities, flying remote-controlled drones has gotten popular, and they’re available in a range of prices. Before you buy, check battery life between recharges so you know whether your gift provides 30 minutes of fun, or three minutes. E-readers make books quickly and cheaply available, and now you can even check out electronic books from your library. Virtual reality glasses or goggles not only put you right in the middle of the action in a video game, they can be useful in home repair—companies are starting to offer virtual reality diagnostics for their products that can show details like which way to turn the wrench to fix a problem.

For Health Smart watches and wrist bands not only keep track of how far you walk each day, but can appeal to your competitive streak by choosing a virtual walking or running mate. A wide range of power scooters are available for fun or for commuting, and some even have pedals to supplement the motor, so you can get a bit of exercise too. Be aware that good motorized bikes and scooters are expensive. For the Home

Amazon’s Alexa and Echo, as well as other smart speakers, are getting popular, but Sloboda says

they’re not being used to their full potential yet—most people just ask their speaker to play music or give a weather report. Companies are working on addressing privacy concerns—smart speakers are listening all the time—but Sloboda says solving security questions would open up uses like home banking and controlling appliances with a voice command. To recharge all your devices, you can choose options like smart power strips that avoid continuing to use electricity after a device is fully charged, or portable block chargers to extend your phone’s battery life while traveling. Sloboda advises against wireless charging devices because they use a lot of electricity to operate.

For Your Pet

Electronics will shoot tennis balls for your dog to fetch, feed and water pets while you’re away, monitor their health, and cameras can keep track of what they’re up to when you leave. “I aimed one of my security cameras at my dog,” says Sloboda. “Now I always push the chairs up to the dining table before I leave, otherwise within five minutes our dog is standing in the middle of the table looking for anything he can chew on.” Sloboda also advises supplementing all the electronic gifts with a good old-fashioned football or basketball. Merry Christmas and happy New Year!

Paul Wesslund writes on consumer and cooperative affairs for the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association, the national trade association representing more than 900 local electric cooperatives. Electric co-ops serve as engines of economic development for 42 million Americans across 56 percent of the nation’s landscape.

Wisconsin Energy Cooperative News

WECN Dec18Feature2.indd 2

11/12/18 10:27 AM

Why pay $2,300 or more?

HEAR BETTER 45-DAY RISK-FREE TRIAL

FOR ONLY

$299 EACH!

✔ Buy direct from manufacturer ✔ 100% Risk-FREE 45-day trial ✔ FREE shipping ✔ Payment plans available ✔ Licensed professionals Doctor Designed

●

SEND NO MONE Y N O W ! FOR QUALIFIE D BU YERS.

SAME HIGH QUALITY HEARING AIDS OFFERED BY AUDIOLOGISTS AND ENT’S!

FDA Registered

100% Digital

●

Try our Apollo-6200 hearing aid risk-free for 45 days. High-quality American-made electronics

Trusted Since 1979

• Hearing aids by mail for 39 years • Over 750,000 satisfied customers

Visit us online and SAVE:

A+ www.HearingHelpExpress.com

If you like it then pay only $299 per hearing aid or simply send it back. Sorry, send no money offer not available online. Call us toll-free!

Promo code: 66-207 Expires 2/28/19

RATING

Call toll-free (Mon-Fri • 8 am - 5 pm CST)

1-888-847-1189

Premium Hearing Aid BATTERIES Eco-Gold MAX ®

• PREMIUM BRAND • GREAT LOW PRICE

39¢ ONLY

each

42 batteries for $16.38 (just 39¢ each)! Compare to $49.98 you SAVE 67%! Highest power, freshest batteries LIMITED-TIM E OFFER FREE Shipping!

ORDER TODAY!

1-800-246-3854 Mon-Fri • 8 am - 5 pm Central Time PROMO CODE 66-209

www.HearingHelpExpress.com PAYMENT IN FULL REQUIRED FOR ONLINE ORDERS

Dec 18_adsPasted.indd 19

TRY Eco-Gold ® MAX RISK-FREE – YES, risk-free! Invoice will be included with order. If not completely satisfied, return the batteries within 30 days and owe nothing.

SEND NO MONEY NOW! Clip and mail this coupon today. ✓ YES! Send me 42 Eco-Gold® MAX Zinc-Air batteries for only $16.38. (Just 39¢ each) with FREE Shipping. Include invoice. Battery Size & Tab Color: Dr / Mr / Mrs / Ms Address City/State/Zip Phone (Required)

✁

Save 67% ONLY 39¢ EACH

Limit: two orders per household.

Offer expires 2/28/2019

Mail To:

A+ RATING

Hearing Help Express 1714 Sycamore Rd, Dept 66-209 DeKalb, IL 60115-0586

11/5/18 11:24 AM

Doughnut Truffles 4 old-fashioned cake doughnuts, broken into pieces 1 container (8 oz) Mascarpone cream cheese 6 oz white baking chocolate, chopped 2 Tbsp espresso powder Coffee beans or chocolate-covered coffee beans, optional

Photos and recipes courtesy Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin

Merry

Place doughnuts and mascarpone in a food processor; cover and process until mixture is smooth. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap. Refrigerate overnight. Line a 15x10-inch baking pan with parchment paper. Roll doughnut mixture into 11 two-inch balls; place on prepared pan. Refrigerate 1 hour. Melt white baking chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl on 50 percent power in 30-second intervals; stirring until smooth. Dip balls in white baking chocolate, let any excess chocolate drip off. Return to parchment-lined pan. Dust with espresso powder. Garnish with coffee beans, if desired. Refrigerate until serving.

Wisconsin Energy Cooperative News

WECN Dec18Recipes.indd 2

11/9/18 1:58 PM

Chocolate Caramel Mascarpone Tart 1 pkg chocolate sandwich cookies (36 cookies) 1-1/2 cups (3 sticks) unsalted butter, cubed and divided 2/3 cup packed brown sugar 3-1/2 cups cold heavy whipping cream, divided 1 pkg (12 oz) semi-sweet chocolate chips 2 containers (8 oz each) Mascarpone cheese, room temperature 3/4 cup confectioners’ sugar, divided 1 tsp vanilla extract Chocolate curls

Photos and recipes courtesy Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin

Chocolate Tarts

1 cup milk chocolate chips 1 container (8 oz) Mascarpone cream cheese 24 frozen miniature phyllo tart shells, thawed Sweetened whipped cream, decorative sprinkles, or maraschino cherries

Grease a 10-inch fluted tart pan with a removable bottom (at least 2-inches deep). Place cookies in a food processor; cover and process until fine crumbs. Melt 1/2 cup butter in a bowl. Add butter to cookie crumbs; process until combined. Press cookie mixture into bottom and up sides of prepared tart pan; freeze for at least 15 minutes. Combine 1/2 cup butter and brown sugar in small saucepan. Cook over medium heat, whisking constantly, until mixture begins to boil. Cook and whisk 1 minute longer. Remove from heat. Whisk in 1/4 cup cream until combined. Cool caramel for 15 minutes; pour over bottom of prepared crust. Freeze for 30 minutes. Meanwhile, combine remaining butter, 1/2 cup cream, and chocolate chips in a large microwave safe bowl; microwave on high for approx. 2 minutes, whisking every 30 seconds, until chocolate is melted and mixture is smooth. Whisk in mascarpone until smooth. Set aside. Beat 3/4 cup cream in another large bowl until it begins to thicken. Add 1/4 cup confectioners’ sugar; beat until stiff peaks form. Gently fold whipped cream into the reserved chocolate mixture. Spoon into crust. Freeze for 30 minutes. Beat remaining cream in a large bowl until it begins to thicken. Add remaining confectioners’ sugar and vanilla; beat until stiff peaks form. Pipe whipped cream on tart. Garnish with chocolate curls. Serve immediately. Refrigerate leftovers.

Melt chocolate chips in a microwave, stirring every 20 seconds until smooth. Cool to room temperature, stirring occasionally. Beat mascarpone and melted chocolate in a medium bowl for 2 minutes. Pipe mascarpone mixture into phyllo shells. Garnish with whipped cream and sprinkles or cherries as desired. Refrigerate until serving. Chocolate-Peppermint Cookies:

1 pkg (12 oz) semisweet chocolate chips 1/2 cup crushed peppermint candies or candy canes

Mascarpone Sugar Cookies

Cookie Dough:

1/2 cup butter, softened 1 cup sugar 1 large egg yolk 1-1/2 tsp vanilla extract 1 container (8 oz) Mascarpone cream cheese 2-1/2 cups all-purpose flour In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add egg yolk and vanilla; beat until blended. Beat in mascarpone just until combined. Gradually add flour, mixing well after each addition. Divide dough into thirds. Next steps for each portion of dough are located under cookie type.

WECN Dec18Recipes.indd 3

Toffee Cookies:

1/3 cup plus 1/2 cup milk chocolate English toffee bits, divided Stir 1/3 cup toffee bits into 1/3 preparted dough. Place dough on waxed paper; shape with paper into a 6-inch long round roll. Wrap in plastic wrap. Freeze for at least 1 hour. Roll dough in remaining 1/2 cup toffee bits. Rewrap; freeze for at least 30 minutes. Cut dough into 1/4-inch slices. Bake 10– 12 minutes on parchment-lined baking sheets in 350 degree oven. Let cool for 5 minutes before removing to wire rack. Cool completely.

Reindeer Cookies:

1 tube each black and white decorating icing or gel Red milk chocolate M&M’s

Shape 1/3 dough ball into a disk; wrap in plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour. Heat oven to 350 degrees. Roll out dough on a floured surface to 1/4-inch thick. Cut with a floured 2-1/2-inch round cookie cutter. Place 1 inch apart on parchment-lined baking sheets. Bake for 10–12 minutes or until golden brown. Let cool for 5 minutes before removing to a wire rack. Cool completely. Pipe antlers and eyes with black decorating icing on cookies. Dot white decorating icing to secure M&M noses. Makes approx. 2 dozen cookies.

Place 1/3 of dough ball on waxed paper; shape with paper into a 6-inch long rectangular roll. Wrap in plastic wrap. Freeze for at least 1 hour. Heat oven to 350 degrees. Cut dough into 1/4-inch slices. Place 1 inch apart on parchment-lined baking sheets. Bake for 10–12 minutes or until golden brown. Let cool for 5 minutes before removing to a wire rack. Cool completely. Melt chocolate chips in a microwave, stirring every 20 seconds until smooth. Dip half of each cookie into chocolate, letting any excess chocolate drip off. Place on waxed paper-lined baking sheets. Sprinkle with peppermint candies. Refrigerate until chocolate is set. Approx. 2 dozen cookies. December 2018

11/9/18 2:24 PM

RECIPE EXCHANGE Pierogi Ham Casserole

Aunt Martha’s Pumpkin Torte Bottom Layer: 24 square graham crackers, rolled to crumbs 1/3 cup sugar 1/2 cup butter

Lavonne Swiggum, Gays Mills

2 lbs frozen pierogies 8 oz cream cheese, softened 3/4 cup sour cream 3/4 cup chicken broth 1-1/2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded 3/4 cup chopped onion 2–3 cups ham, cut into chunks

2 eggs 2 Tbsp milk 2 Tbsp shortening, melted 2 Tbsp ﬂour 3/4 tsp salt 1/8 tsp pepper 1/4 small onion, ﬁnely chopped 2 cups raw potatoes, peeled and diced, divided

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Spray or lightly grease a glass 9x13-inch cake pan. Spread out pierogies. Add ham chunks. In a bowl, mix cream cheese, sour cream, chicken broth, and shredded cheese. Stir in chopped onion. Spoon mixture over the pierogies and ham. Cover pan with aluminum foil. Bake for approx. 30–40 minutes.

Submit your favorite recipes to be featured on our reader recipe page. Email to dylan@weca.coop. For bonus recipes, go to http://wecnmagazine.com/recipes/.

Potato Pancakes

In a blender, mix eggs, milk, shortening, ﬂour, salt, pepper, onion, and 1 cup potatoes. Add remaining 1 cup potatoes and mix for 8 seconds, until coarsely chopped. For each pancake, pour 1/4 cup mixture onto hot, greased griddle; brown on both sides. Makes 8 pancakes. Serve with syrup or applesauce.

Crock Pot BBQ Beef Grace Clark, La Crosse

5 lbs beef roast 1 onion, chopped 1 cup steak sauce 1 cup water 1 cup BBQ sauce 1 tsp mustard Salt and pepper

All American Casserole Nancy Rutter, Ladysmith

1 lb hamburger 1 onion, chopped 1 (8 oz) can corn 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce 1/4 cup black olives 2 cups uncooked noodles 2 cups water 1 tsp oregano 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded In a skillet, cook hamburger and onion; drain. Stir in corn (with liquid), tomato sauce, olives, noodles, water, oregano, and cheese. Heat to boil and then bring to simmer. Stir occasionally for 20 minutes, or until noodles are cooked.

Place thawed roast and onion in slow cooker. Mix remaining ingredients together and pour over top. Cook on high for 1 hour, then continue on low for at least 6 additional hours. Remove roast and shred. Return to cooker and mix well. Cook on low for 45 minutes or until ready to serve.

REQUESTS from our

READERS

Ida Zimmerman, Colby

Alison Meyer, Elk Mound

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Combine crackers, sugar, and butter; place in bottom of 9x13-inch oven-safe dish. Second Layer: 2 eggs, beaten 3/4 cup sugar 8 oz cream cheese Combine eggs, sugar, and cream cheese. Pour over graham cracker crust. Bake for 20 minutes. Third Layer: 1 pkg plain gelatin 1/4 cup cool water 2 cups pumpkin 3 eggs, yolks and whites separated 1/2 cup plus 1/4 cup sugar 1/2 cup milk 1/2 tsp salt 1 tsp cinnamon Whipped cream Soak gelatin in water. Mix together pumpkin, egg yolks, 1/2 cup sugar, milk, salt, and cinnamon. Cook in a double boiler until thick; remove from heat and add gelatin mixture. Cool. Beat egg whites and remaining 1/4 cup sugar, fold into cooled custard. Pour over baked crust and top with whipped cream.

Reader Patricia Mullens from Friendship sent in a request: “I’m looking for a southern recipe for Baked Corn Casserole. Can someone help me out?” If you can help, have a request of your own, or would like to submit a recipe for publication, please write to Wisconsin Energy Cooperative News, What’s Cooking? 222 West Washington Ave., Suite 680, Madison, WI 53703-2719 or contact us via our website, www.wecnmagazine.com. Thanks!

Wisconsin Energy Cooperative News

WECN Dec18ReaderRecipes.indd 1

11/9/18 3:32 PM

CALL US FOR YOUR INSTALLATION NEEDS! ELKHORN 1-866-772-2577

FOND DU LAC 1-800-637-3780

SURING 1-877-544-1912

Order Online at www.mobilehomestuffstore.com White Rubber Roofs with 2-inch Polystyrene

Rapid Wall Insulated Skirting

14’ x 70’ Home

160 Lineal Ft. at 28” Height

$4500 INSTALLED

$3640

Call for your FREE estimate!

INSTALLED

Capture heat loss and help prevent water line freeze ups. Skirting is laminated to 2” polystyrene. R10 Insulating Value. Available in 4 colors: White, Tan, Clay & Grey

Guardian Mobile Home Furnaces Formerly Coleman

FURNACES 70,000 BTU starting at

$2100 INSTALLED

2 Year Parts Warranty 1 Year Labor Warranty Ask about our convenient 24 month payment Plan!

We offer 12, 24, or 36 month financing with approved credit.

Steel Entry Door With White Conventional Storm

NOW

$750.

Sizes Available 34” x 76” 34” x 80”

Metal Roofing 20 Yr Warranty

14’ x 70’

16’ x 80’

28’ x 56’

$4900 $5950 $6925 INSTALLED INSTALLED INSTALLED No messy tear-off No more ice build up Energy Star finish

Optional roof overhang 17 colors to choose

December 2018

Dec 18_adsPasted.indd 23

11/5/18 11:31 AM

TAKING

Center Stage HISTORIC THEATER SHINES DURING THE HOLIDAYS

f all the world’s a stage, the Mabel Tainter Center for the Arts in Menomonie is a leading player. Named one of the 15 Spectacular Theaters of the World by CNN Travel, this historic theater in northwest Wisconsin holds its own on CNN’s distinguished list that includes venues like Shakespeare’s Globe Theater in London and the Margravial Opera House in Germany. CNN Travel said of the Mabel Tainter, “If this tiny theater is anything to go by, bigger certainly doesn’t mean better.” Ken Stein of the League of Historic American Theaters added, “This jewel boxlike theater feels like it could have been inspired by a child’s doll house.” The 250-seat Mabel Tainter is beautiful at any time of the year, but during the holidays it’s a real showstopper. That’s when the building is adorned with period Christmas decorations complementing the facility’s three distinct architectural styles, and the theater schedule is ﬁlled with seasonal performances.

Wisconsin Energy Cooperative News

December2018WisFac.indd 2

11/8/18 7:27 PM

WISCONSIN FAVORITES

This theater was built as a memorial to Mabel Tainter (shown in the painting above), the daughter of Captain Andrew Tainter and his wife, Bertha. Bertha’s portrait is also on display, as is seen on the cover of this magazine. Lucy Weidner, whose volunteer duties at Mabel Tainter include leading tours of the facility, explained that Captain Tainter was modest and chose not to call attention to himself, so he gave his wife’s painting a place of prominence at the grand staircase, where it remains today. (Cover photo designed by Weidner and taken by Mabel Tainters’s Executive Director Jeff McSweeney; theater photo also by McSweeney)

December 2018

December2018WisFac.indd 3

11/8/18 7:27 PM

Left: The Mabel Tainter Theater in its Victorian heyday, as depicted by local artist Rozan Henning, a member of Eau Claire Energy Cooperative. Right: The Mabel Tainter Center for the Performing Arts today.

Lucy Weidner, a Dunn Energy Cooperative member, is a longtime volunteer at Mabel Tainter. Her many tasks include overseeing the Christmas decorating, a process that takes multiple days and a team of volunteers to complete. The decorations enhance the theater’s unique features, of which there are many. “It has the only operational butterfly curtain in the United States right now,” Weidner said. “There’s a stone arch outside the building as you enter that has 13 individual pieces that were all individually hand-carved. The seats are original. And the stenciling is so intricate in so many of the different rooms.”

Memorial

The theater was built in 1889 as a tribute to Mabel Tainter, a young woman who loved music and the arts. After her untimely death at age 19 in 1886, Mabel’s parents, Captain Andrew Tainter and his wife, Bertha, commissioned the building. Captain Tainter was a lumber baron and silent partner with the region’s dominant lumber company, Knapp, Stout, & Co. He spared no expense in the building’s construction. The exterior was made of sandstone quarried along the Red Cedar River southeast of the present village of Downsville. The architecture includes the Moorish style of curved surfaces. Inside, the building was outfitted with hand-stenciled walls and ceilings, marble staircase and walls, walnut and oak woodwork, brass fixtures, and four fireplaces. The original pipe organ, which has been fully restored, has 1,597 pipes ranging in size from 2 inches to 16 feet. Despite the lavish fixings, the Mabel Tainter was more than just a theater and was also used for some simpler purposes. “Back when this building was created for this community of 4,400 people, it really was a community center,” Weidner said. “Besides being a theater, it was the first library for Menomonie and a space for men to congregate after the war. There was an area set aside for the men where they could play billiards and socialize. There was also a place where the women had their sewing circle. And it was also a Unitarian church. It was a truly a multi-purpose building.”

Rescued and Restored Any building of this magnitude can be a challenge to maintain, and Weidner said the Mabel Tainter found itself in danger of demolition by 1958. That’s when 26

the Menomonie Theater Guild was formed. Still very active today, this group of concerned citizens began holding fundraisers to support the first restoration of the theater. The most recent renovation, begun in 2007, gave the building a new exterior of sandstone from the original quarry and made it handicap accessible. The building’s historic qualities were preserved. Viewing a performance in the theater is the same intimate experience it was 130 years ago. “You’re no more than 35 feet from the stage regardless of where you sit,” Weidner pointed out. There are plenty of opportunities to enjoy the Mable Tainter theater experience. The Menomonie Theater Guild stages four local productions a year there, and the rest of the calendar is filled with performances by guest artists and troupes. December’s schedule includes the Menomonie Theater Guild’s performances of “A Christmas Carol” as well as the Ballet Co. Laboratory’s performance of “Nutracker in Wonderland,” a twist on the holiday classic. Stage performances aren’t the only way to enjoy the Mabel Tainter. Holiday tours are offered on two Saturdays—December 1 and 8—from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Group tours can also be scheduled. In addition, visitors are welcome to stop in during building hours of 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesdays though Saturdays for a look at the main areas of the building.

Leading the Way Although the Menomonie community is committed to preserving the Mabel Tainter’s past, those involved with the theater are also looking to the future. Executive Director Jeff McSweeney said future plans call for establishing the Mabel Tainter as an arts leader in western Wisconsin, something it’s uniquely suited to do thanks to its 130-year history and distinctive presence. He sees potential for other communities to raise their own profile in the performing arts and understand its value as an economic development tool. “We want to take our physical structure and the entertainment that we offer and provide it as a beacon to everybody else for what can be done in this region,” he said. Spectacular theaters, after all, can do spectacular things.— Mary Erickson To learn more, visit www.mabeltainter.org or call 715-235-9726.

Wisconsin Energy Cooperative News

December2018WisFac.indd 4

11/8/18 7:28 PM

YOUNG MEMBERS

Kids and Critters December 2018 2

JANUARY

icks Staff P

off B Beesstt o

2018

1. Drew and Chloe patiently wait for cookies. Matthew Wellens, a member of Oconto Electric, sent in the photo. 2. Carson, Dane, Easton, and Blake were photo bombed by a giraffe at the zoo. Photo sent in by Grandma Julie Prey, member of Oconto Electric. 3. Abigail is on her tippy toes for the topline. Photo submitted by Kari Begert, a member of Clark Electric.

SEPTEMBER

4. Annalise learns where milk comes from. Photo submitted by Grandpa Scott Ausen, a member of Riverland Energy. 5. Cashton decided to just lay on the dog to nap. Dixie didn’t move but kept an eye open. Photo submitted by Cashton’s Great-Grandma Joanne Henchen, a member of Eau Claire Energy.

MAY

6. I call shotgun. Cinnamon cruises with Cole and Madison. Photo submitted by Grandpa John Sebion, a member of Riverland Energy. 7. Caution, wet paint. Lydia is distracted by some bovine beauties while painting the fence. Photo sent in by Brittany Hall, a member of Vernon Electric.

8. Peanut was Charlie Marie’s first pony. She lead line barrel raced him this summer. Photo submitted by Charlie’s grandparents, Dan and Betty Staab, members of Eau Claire Energy.

JANUARY 6

MARCH

Upload photos directly

to the new wecnmagazine.com through the “Submit a photo” tab. Send photos of kids with animals, along with a brief description, to WECN Magazine, 222 W. Washington Ave., Suite 680, Madison, WI 53703-2719.

FEBRUARY

Please include the name of your electric co-op. Photos will be returned. If in good-resolution, electronic format, photos may also be uploaded via wecnmagazine. com through the “Submit a photo” tab. By submitting, sender implies that he/she has rights to and owns the image, and grants WECN permission to use the image. By submitting, the parent or legal guardian also authorizes us the right to publish the image.

December 2018

WECN Dec18KidsCrits.indd 1

11/9/18 8:34 AM

CLASSIFIEDS MISCELLANEOUS

COLLECTOR BUYING WAR SOUVENIRS: German, Japanese, U.S. weapons, medals, helmets, daggers, swords, military items. 715-213-4565. WANTED: DEER TAGS, BACK TAGS. Trapping, bear, hunting, and ﬁshing licenses. Otter, bobcat, ﬁsher tags. Any old traps. David Schober, W4234 Rock Creek Rd., Loyal, WI 54446. 715-255-9284.

REAL ESTATE

VACATION RENTAL. Cape Coral, Fl. Beautiful 3 bedroom home on gulf access canal. 10,000lb boat lift. Weekly rental or more. Call Al. 608-295-7433.

WANTED: PAYING CASH FOR WW-2 GERMAN, JAPANESE FLAGS, DAGGERS, SWORDS, GUNS. ETC. 715-340-1974.

FOR SALE: IDEAL HUNTING BASE: 3 bedroom lake cabin on Upper Clam Lake, Ashland County. Center of the Chequamegon National Forest. Includes furnishings, appliances, ﬁreplace, boat, dock, and more. 23501 Nyberg Rd. Clam Lake, WI. See Craigslist Northern Wis. Lake cabin for sale. Call Tim 715-572-2632 or timgapen@ wctc.net. $82,000.

USED BILLBOARD VINYLS/TARPS: Sizes available: 14x48=$50, 10x36=$28.80, 10x30=$24. Expired billboard faces, hemmed. Shipping and tax not included in listed price. Vinyls can also be picked up at Jones Sign, 1711 Scheuring Road, De Pere, WI 54115. PLEASE CALL FOR AVAILABLITY PRIOR TO PICK UP 800-536-7446.

NORTH WISCONSIN REMOTE FORESTED 80 acres in Bayﬁeld Co, 12 miles west of beautiful Bayﬁeld. Two sides adjacent to thousands of acres of county forest land, laced with ATV, walking, hunting trails. Priced below similar properties in area. Near Cornucopia, WI, northernmost village on Lake Superior, 5 miles from winter ice caves. $1,000/acre. Please call 715-373-5252.

GOT WOOD! NEW PORTABLE SAWMILLS. We sell Forestry Equipment for the hobbyist to the professional. Band Sawmills, Firewood Processors, Skidding Winches & more. A-F County Market an authorized Hudson Forest Equipment Dealer. Adams, WI 53910. Phone Joe or Rich 608-339-6703.

REACH MORE THAN 171,000 MAILBOXES EACH MONTH Advertise with us! ads@weca.coop

SEPTIC PROBLEMS: Do you have standing water on your drain ﬁeld? Have you been told you need a new expensive septic system? I have an alternative that works, also comes with a warranty (no digging). Call toll free 855-7976072 or email mmtagm@yahoo.com.

PLANTS & SHRUBS

PREMIUM SPRUCE TREES 7-8 FOOT TALL when planted. balled & burlapped and ready to plant. Perfect for a manicured yard or a natural fence or along a driveway. These are nicely shaped and full from all sides. $79.99 call 608-981-2169. COVER SPRUCE TREES 8-10 FOOT TALL random sizes. balled & burlapped and ready to plant. These trees are nice but they are not perfect. Great for wildlife or blocking a messy neighbor or even making a windbreak. $64.99 Call 608-981-2169. HARDWOOD AND CONIFER SEEDLINGS AND TRANSPLANTS. Thousands available, Oaks, Maples, Highbred Poplar, Hickory, Cherry, Dogwoods, Ninebark, Cranberry, Balsam Fir, Fraser Fir, Spruce, Pine, Cedar, Food plot and grafted apple trees too, Large bareroot shade trees including Autumn Blaze Check us out on the web at www.paintcreeknursery.com , Facebook and Youtube also. Paint Creek Nursery, Cadott, WI 715-723-2072. FRUIT, NUT, SHADE, & ORNAMENTAL TREES AVAILBLE FOR SPRING PLANTING Also evergreens & deciduous seedlings and transplants, strawberries, blueberries, asparagus, rhubarb, and much more. For additional info: Call Toll Free 888803-8733 or write to Woodstock Nursery, N1831 State Hwy 95 Neillsville, WI 54456. Also check us out at Wallace-Woodstock.com.

LAND STEWARDSHIP PLANS AND MONITORING: Ecologist working in the Driftless Area will conduct an assessment of your land and develop a management and monitoring plan. Find out if you have areas to restore, invasive species that need attention. trilliumlax.com; 608-615-8692. zip=54650. WANTED: Parker and A.H. Fox S/S shotguns. Also vintage wooden Decoys. FFL lics. Call 608-306-3577 after 7 p.m.

Classified ads reach more than 171,000 mailboxes. RATES: For non-members of Wisconsin rural electric co-ops: one insertion, $25 minimum (up to 20 words); additional words, $1.25 each. For members of Wisconsin rural electric co-ops: one insertion, $14 minimum (up to 20 words); additional words, $.70 each. Count name, address, and phone number as part of ad. Please include zip code. FOR PROOF OF MEMBERSHIP, please include your address label from your copy of the magazine. FREQUENCY DISCOUNTS: 2% discount for 3 months; 5% for 6 months; 10% for 12 months. DEADLINE: 1st of the month prior to the month in which the ad is to appear. All classified ads must be paid in advance. There is no agency discount on classifieds. Make check or money order payable to: WECA. Mail to: WECN, Attn. Dylan Pingitore, 222 W. Washington Ave., Ste. 680, Madison, WI 53703. Ph: 608-467-4599. Email dylan@weca.coop. We reserve the right to refuse ads.

18DecClassifieds.indd 1

11/9/18 3:43 PM

OUR 56th YEAR

LOOKING FOR A GIFT IDEA? Consider giving a gift subscription to Wisconsin Energy Cooperative News! The price is just $10 per year for 12 issues or $28 for three years (36 issues). Include subscriber’s name, address, city, state, Zip Code, and check payable to WECN. Mail to: WECN, 222 W. Washington Ave., Ste. 680, Madison WI 53703.

Power to Your Community For Your Community

ADVERTISE WITH US

“I get my power from my co-op, so I can put my energy into waking up the neighborhood. Co-op members aren’t just customers, they’re family, working together to create a different kind of energy network, one that puts members first.” Touchstone Energy Cooperatives. Your source of power. And information.

ads@weca.coop

December 2018

Dec 18_adsPasted.indd 29

11/5/18 11:40 AM

WISCONSIN EVENTS 1 Cookie Walk—Wisconsin Rapids. St. Lawrence Catholic Church, 8:30–11 a.m. 1 Christmas Sale—Cable. United Church of Christ, 9 a.m.–2 p.m. Sale of gently used holiday items. Proceeds to benefit Cable Area Food Shelf and The BRICK Ministries. Refreshments available. 715-798-3066. 1 Community Christmas Fair—Fall Creek. Firehouse, 9 a.m.–2 p.m. Cookies, lefse, Christmas crafts & décor, books, honey, rugs, and more! 715-877-2790. 1 Santa Visit & Bake Sale—Rio. Community Library, 10 a.m.–12 p.m. Santa comes by fire truck, free goody bags, and photos with Santa. Bake sale to benefit Rio Community Library. 1 Pictures With Santa—Downsville. Community Museum, 10 a.m.–1 p.m. Picture visit with Santa, hot beverages, and snacks. 715-619-1440. 1 Cookie Walk—Reedsburg. Downtown, 10 a.m.–1 p.m. Spend the day visiting participating businesses and receive a homemade holiday treat at each stop. Take home a box full of Christmas goodies to share. Boxes can be purchased for $10 at Chamber of Commerce, event limited to 125 boxes. 1, 2 Christmas Open House—Mauston. Boorman House, 12–7 p.m. 2 FFA Alumni Farm Toy Show—Black River Falls. High School, 9 a.m.–3 pm. Admission $3; 10 and under are free.

December 2018 2 Kid’s Christmas with Santa—Montello. Granite Falls Supper Club, 12–2 p.m. First 200 kids receive a cookie to decorate, free toy, and hotdog. 6 Chicken Dinner—Eau Claire. Westgate Sportsman Club, 4–7:30 p.m. All you can eat, includes full soup & salad bar, dessert, and coffee. Meat raffle at 5 p.m. Adults $13; senior, military, and student $11; children 6–12 $6; 5 and under are free. 7 Christmas Tree Lighting—Montello. Daggett Memorial Park, 5:30–6:15 p.m. Montello choir will be caroling. Girl Scouts will be offering hot chocolate and cookies (donations appreciated). Santa arriving by fire truck at 6 p.m. sharp. 7 Living Windows—Reedsburg. Downtown, 6–8 p.m. Watch as store windows come to life. This year’s theme, “All I Want For Christmas Is…” Enjoy caroling, refreshments, fire barrels, and horse-drawn wagon rides. Santa and Mrs. Claus to make appearance at Cornerstone Building between 6:30–8 p.m. 8 Cookie Walk—Suring. Our Redeemer’s Lutheran Church, 9 a.m. 8 Harvest of Talents Home Tour—Ladysmith. Yvonne & Bill Rands, 10 a.m.–2 p.m. All proceeds benefit needy in Rusk County. 8 4-H Cookie Walk—Eleva. Pleasant Valley Community Center, 10 a.m.–1 p.m. Holiday cookies by the pound, local vendors, hot lunch, kids’ craft, Mr. & Mrs. Claus.

Upload your event WECNMAGAZINE.COM

12 Presentation of Lessons & Carols—Montello. St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, 8 a.m. Scripture readings mixed with Advent and Christmas season music. Everyone welcome! Huge reception to follow the service. 14, 15 Christmas Open House—Neillsville. 1897 Clark County Jail Museum, Fri 4–7 p.m.; Sat 10 a.m.–3 p.m. Christmas open house. Caroling with the 1860 pump organ, Christmas cookies, and hot cider. 15 Cookie Walk & Bake Sale—Bowler. Grace Bible Church, 9 a.m.–12 p.m. Walk through and purchase your Christmas cookies from our great selection. Sold by the pound unless previously marked. 15 Wrap It for Christmas—Scandinavia. ScandiHus, 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Bring your unwrapped gifts to ScandiHus and get them wrapped for free. Donations will be accepted. Bring the kids from 11 a.m.–2 p.m. for a photo opportunity with Santa! 15 Cookie & Candy Walk—Cassville. Municipal Building, 10 a.m.–2 p.m. The Cassville Lioness will be holding a cookie and candy walk with proceeds going to the Grant County Cancer Coalition. 24 Candlelight Service—Nekoosa. Woodland Lutheran Church, 4–10 p.m.

Upload events directly to the new wecnmagazine.com through the “Events” tab.

Upload your January events by December 7. Wisconsin Events is a public service for our readers. Submissions should be received early in the month prior to the month in which the event will occur. Due to space limits, we may need to eliminate details, so be sure to include a phone number (with area code) where callers may obtain more info. If we receive more listings than space allows us to print, we reserve the right to select those we believe will be of interest to the greatest number of readers.

Upload events to wecnmagazine.com

Wisconsin Energy Cooperative News

30_0012 2018.indd 1

11/13/18 11:57 AM

DENTAL Insurance Physicians Mutual Insurance Company

A less expensive way to help get the dental care you deserve If you’re over 50, you can get coverage for about $1 a day* Keep your own dentist! You can go to any dentist you want No wait for preventive care and no deductibles – you could get a checkup tomorrow

Coverage for over 350 procedures – including cleanings, exams, fillings, crowns…even dentures

NO annual or lifetime cap on the cash benefits you can receive

FREE Information Kit

1-866-588-4468 www.dental50plus.com/WICOOPDec18

*Individual plan. Product not available in MN, MT, NH, NM, RI, VT, WA. Acceptance guaranteed for one insurance policy/ certificate of this type. Contact us for complete details about this insurance solicitation. This specific offer is not available in CO, NY; call 1-800-969-4781 or respond for similar offer. Certificate C250A (ID: C250E; PA: C250Q); Insurance Policy P150 (GA: P150GA; NY: P150NY; OK: P150OK; TN: P150TN) 6096E-0917

Dec 18_adsPasted.indd 31

MB17-NM008Ec

11/5/18 11:32 AM

The perfect combination:

Safety and affordability.

“The walk-in tub is AWESOME and so easy to get in and out of, the quality is great!” – Fuss, Combined Locks, WI

KOHLER Belay™ Walk-In Bath

Save $1,000

Call Now 800-574-1399

for a FREE in-home consultation and quote.

LIMITED TIME OFFER. *

• Ultra-low step-in height, over 30% lower than most other walk-in baths. • Extra-wide door. • Beautifully designed and easy-to-grip handrails. • KOHLER whirlpool jets and bubble massage targeted at stress points along legs, feet and spine. • Heated back, neck and shoulder surfaces. *The Lifetime Limited Warranty is good for as long as the original consumer purchaser owns his/her home. For complete details, call 800-574-1399. ©2016 Kohler Co.

32_0012.indd 1

Installed in as little as one day by a KOHLER-certiﬁed specialist at a surprisingly aﬀordable price. Installation included. Only available by calling 800-574-1399 or visiting KohlerWalkInBath.com

11/12/18 1:36 PM