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Page 2 - November 2016

Watt High Lights - (USPS 669-580) is published monthly for $3.00 per year (electric rates include subscription) by Jackson County Rural Electric Membership Corporation, a consumer owned utility, 274 E. Base Road, Brownstown, Indiana 47220. Periodicals postage paid at Brownstown, Indiana. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Watt High Lights, P.O. Box K, Brownstown, Indiana 47220.

Watt High LightsJackson County Rural Electric

Membership Corporation274 E. Base Road (Venus Road)

P.O. Box KBrownstown, IN 47220-0311Local calls - 812-358-4458

Toll free - 800-288-4458FAX only - 812-358-5719

E-mail - info@jacksonremc.comWeb site - www.jacksonremc.com

Pay bills online - visit our website (above)Pay bills by phone - 1-888-999-8816

Office Hours7:30 AM to 4:30 PM

Monday through FridayTo report outages or emergencies

812-358-4458 (local) or toll free 1-800-288-4458 day or night

Board of DirectorsPresident John Trinkle - district 3

Vice-President Earl Pottschmidt - district 8Secretary-Treasurer Jerry Kelley - district 5

John Hackman - district 1Walter Hunter - district 2

Paul Elliott - district 4Mark Trisler - district 6

Curtis Wischmeier - district 7John Miller - district 9

OUR COVER

Delegations from Jackson County REMC and Clark County REMC celebrated the dedication of Hoosier Energy’s newest renewable energy project on October 7. See the article on the facing page for more informa-tion about this project.

Giving back is theco-op way

Mark McKinney, General Manager

As I have mentioned in in the past, cooperatives across the globe adhere to the same Seven Cooperative Principles that guide all of our decisions, from how we run the cooperative, to how we engage with our local communities. Concern for community is the seventh cooperative principle, and it is one that the employees and board of directors of Jackson County REMC value.

We have a proud history of giving back to the communities in which we serve. As you will see on pages 4 and 5, eight employees spent the day at the Hardy Lake Dwight R. Chamberlain Raptor Center to help with a variety of projects as part of the Indiana Electric Cooperatives Community Day. Whether it is through a donation of time for a project, supporting a local school program, or buying a 4-H animal at the fair are examples of our concern for community.

In the September issue of the Watt High Lights, I reported that we are retir-ing $3.3 million in capital credits for the years of 1979 through 1983. Later this month we will mail close to 6,400 refund checks to current and former members, or their heirs. Some of the individuals who are eligible to receive a refund check have chosen to give back by donating their capital credits refund check directly to a variety of charitable organizations.

Our commitment to giving back is also global. Since 2012, we have sup-ported Project Indiana in an effort to electrify villages in Guatemala that have never experienced the benefits of electricity. In spring of 2017, another group of linemen and staff from electric cooperatives across Indiana will be going to El Zapotillo, Guatemala to continue with this worthy project. Visit www.projectindiana.org to learn more.

There are many ways you can give back to the community that go beyond a financial donation. For example, take some time to go through your closets and find clothes that no longer fit or have lost their use. Bag those items up and take them to your local Salvation Army, Goodwill, or church clothing drive. Or, volunteer at a local food or toy drive, deliver meals to the sick and the elderly or simply make a meal for a neighbor in need.

No matter how great or small the act, every time we give back, we demon-strate our concern and strengthen our community.

Under bright sunny skies, directors and representatives from Jackson County REMC, Clark County REMC, Hoosier Energy and local officials dedicated a new, cooperative-owned, solar array on Friday, October 7. Installation of the utility-scale project began in mid-summer and was completed in just 90 days. Thousands of solar panels which sit on 10 acres along Interstate 65 just south of the Scottsburg interchange are now supplying energy to the grid for the benefit of cooperative consumers throughout southern Indiana. The 4,100-panel array is capable of generating one megawatt of power, and at full capacity, the solar array will provide enough electricity for about 150 homes and businesses. Jackson County REMC and Clark County REMC worked alongside Hoosier Energy, our power supplier, to identify a prime location for the array.

“As a cooperative, our focus is always local, and what is best for our members” said Mark McKinney, General Manager of Jackson County REMC. “Thanks to this project, we are in a better position to learn together how to best tap into the power of the sun to bring renewable energy to our communities,” added David Vince, General Manager of Clark County REMC. The array is the 5th of 10 in our power supplier’s solar program, which is part an “all-of-the-above” power supply strategy to diversify the generation portfolio and further the cooperative commitment of affordability, reliability and community. Collectively, the solar sites represent an opportunity for Jackson County REMC to obtain information on how the latest utility-scale solar technology can provide low-cost electricity for member consumers. Once collected, this information will help Jackson County REMC learn more on how this variable energy resource integrates with the grid and how solar power might offset the need for other, more costly energy resources.

With the demand for renewable energy projects growing, Jackson County REMC is bringing the benefits of utility-scale solar energy to our community.

Sun Shines on Jackson County REMC Solar Initiative

November 2016 - Page 3

Page 4 - November 2016

Day of Caring is literally“for the birds”

REMC employees spend a day working at the Dwight Chamberlain Raptor Rehab Center in Scott County

By Betty Baute, Member Services Representative

A group of eight Jackson County REMC employees spent the day of October 14 doing work that was, quite literally, “for the birds.” Their workday at the Dwight Chamberlain Raptor Center was part of the REMC’s annual “Day of Caring Day” that gives back to the REMC community.

The Dwight Chamberlain Raptor Cen-

ter is owned by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources and is located at Hardy Lake State Recreation Area east of Austin in Scott County

Center director Leslie Grow and employee Alex Clem oversaw the group as they cleaned cages, hauled

gravel for flooring, washed feeding and watering equipment, raked leaves and debris and even prepared food for the birds of the Dwight Chamberlain Raptor Rehabilitation Center near Hardy Lake in Scott County.

Leslie explained that the Chamberlain Center accepts and rehabilitates ill and injured birds-of-prey. She added that there are other private facilities in Indi-ana, but the Dwight Chamberlain facility is the only state-owned facility.

“We rehab and release between 60 and 100 birds each year,” Leslie pointed out. “Most are able to be returned to the wild.” At the time of our work day,

the center had a female juvenile bald eagle in one of the center’s large “fly cages.” (Bald eagles are considered to be juveniles until their get their white head and tail feathers around the age of five.) This is normally the last step before the bird is ready to be released.

Unfortunately, some birds have seri-ous permanent injuries, such as an owl with only one eye and a hawk that had been struck by a train, and they can-not survive on their own. These birds become ambassadors for the Dwight Chamberlain Center, or are released to zoos or other educational facilities.

About a dozen such birds, including a barred owl, red-tailed hawk and a red-shouldered hawk, make appear-ances in programs conducted at Hardy Lake and for schools, clubs and orga-nizations throughout Indiana. Such programs are the only way you can see the birds from the center.

“We don’t allow the public to visit the center,” Leslie explained, “because we don’t want to get them used to human contact. Getting used to humans can be detrimental to their welfare after they are reintroduced to the wild.”

Funds to pay the naturalists, like Les-lie and DNR employee Alex Clem, are provided by the state, but all monies required for bird care, including medical needs, equipment and food costs, are paid through donations to the non-profit group “Friends of Hardy Lake.” Without donations this center could not provide care to injured and orphaned raptors.

Indiana DNR employee Leslie Grow handles an adult male bald eagle at the Dwight Chamberlain Raptor Rehabilitation Center. The eagle, which is about 12 years old, suffered a broken wing and leg when it fell from its nest as a fledgling and is unable to be released into the wild. The bird serves as an educational ambassador for the center located near Hardy Lake in Scott County.

November 2016 - Page 5

Indiana DNR employee Alex Clem introduced a male American kestrel to our employee volunteers. The kestrel was turned over the Dwight Chamberlain Raptor Rehabilitation Center after suffering a badly broken wing. He would not be able to fend for himself in the wild and now serves an avian ambassador for the center.

This year’s REMC Day of Caring work group included employees (front row, from left) Heather Stevens, Jeff Kriete, Tim Warren, Betty Baute (back row, from left) Nicole Ault, David Guthrie, Perry Myers and Nancy Stidham. Also pictured on the far right is Indiana DNR employee Leslie Grow with an adult bald eagle that is an ambassador bird at the Dwight Chamberlain Raptor Rehabilitation Center in Scott County.

and doesn’t cost you a thing.

Friends of Hardy Lake also maintain a “wish list” of donation items on its website (www.friendsofhardylake.org). The group is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization and all donations of items and money are tax deductible.

A 2017 breakfast schedule will be posted on the group’s website as soon as the dates are established.

Want to learn more about the raptor

A local group. Friends of Hardy Lake, raises funds for the raptor center through monthly breakfasts held at the Hardy Lake shelter house in the spring, summer and fall. They also host special events, such as the annual Raptor Days and “Owl-o-ween,” during the year.

The group is also registered with the Amazon Smile campaign. By choosing Friends of Hardy Lake when you make an Amazon purchase, .5% of the price of eligible items will go to the Friends. It’s an easy way to support the Center

rehab center? Visit them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/Dwight-R-Cham-berlain-Raptor-Center-322532810799/ or visit the Friends of Hardy Lake website.

Though the work was hard on the REMC Day of Caring, the group agreed that it was a wonderful experience. It was a rare treat to get to see these magnifi-cent birds up close and to learn about them from Leslie and Alex, who lovingly care for these special creatures.

Page 6 - November 2016

DECK THE HALLS WITH

Boughs of safety!

Follow these tips for asafe holiday season

Our friends at Indiana Electric Cooperatives want you to have a happy and safe holiday season. They are sharing some easy ways to help ensure that you deck your halls free from fires, falls and fears:

u Never plug more than three standard-size sets of lights into an extension cord.

u Extension cords can occasionally overheat. Periodically touch-test the cord. If it’s hot, unplug it!

u Elevate extension cords’ plugs and connectors with a brick to keep snow, water and debris out of the connec-tions.

u Make sure you smoke detectors are in good working or-der.

u It’s lights out at bedtime and when you leave your home. This includes lights on your tree and other decorations, both indoor and out. Lights can short and start a fire.

u When it’s time to pack the lights away until next year, put them

in a well-sealed container that will keep them dry and away from rodents.

November 2016 - Page 7

Page 8 - November 2016

Good food with family & friends

by Betty BauteMember Services Representative

There is something special and comforting about gathering with family and friends around the table during the holidays. The food -- whether simple or grand -- is an important, but secondary, part of each and every time we share a meal with those we love.

This month I’m including three of my family’s favorites that appear at nearly every holiday gathering. Here’s hoping that they will grace your tables, too.

* * * * *

Coming in December

Our family always gets together to prepare treats for our “unsung heroes” at Christmas. Watch for some recipes for goodies to share with your mail carrier, the paper delivery person, your children’s teachers and others who deserve a spe-cial “thank you” during the holidays.

* * * * *

Save energy in the kitchen during the coming holidays

= Serve hot foods buffet-style by us-ing slow cookers. The hot foods stay hot -- and safe -- all day long for just pennies.

= Bake several items that can cook at the same temperature in the oven at the same time.

= Resist the temptation to open the oven door or lift the slow cooker lid to see how your food is cooking. This allows heat to escape and extends the cooking time. Set a timer for the shortest recom-mended cooking time, then check your dishes when the timer sounds.

Thanksgiving salad(From the late Gert Wolka, mother of my second REMC boss, Brian Wolka)

2 packages (3 ounces each) lemon gelatin 1/4 cup orange juice1 cup boiling water 1 teaspoon grated orange rind1-1/2 cups sugar 1/4 cup chopped nuts1 package (12 to 16 ounces) cranberries, 1 can (20 ounces) crushed coarsely ground pineapple in juice1/2 cup sliced celery

Dissolve gelatin in boiling water. Stir in sugar until dissolved. Combine with all of the remaining ingredients. Refrigerate until set. Yield - 6 to 8 servings

Persimmon pudding(From the late Margaret Schleter, wife of my first REMC boss, the late Fred Schleter)

1 cup persimmon pulp 1 tablespoon butter, melted1 cup sugar 1 cup all purpose flour1 egg, beaten 1/4 teaspoon baking powder1 cup milk pinch of salt

Combine persimmon pulp, sugar, egg, milk and butter, stirring well after each addition. Sift together flour, baking powder and salt. Add to persimmon mixture. Pour into a lightly greased 8 X 8 pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 1 hour or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Serve warm or cold with Cool Whip or whipped cream. Yield - about 9 servings.

Streamlined yeast bread(A favorite from my mom, Betty Underwood Londot)

1-1/2 cups warm water 2 tablespoons sugar1 package yeast 2 teaspoons salt2 tablespoons shortening 3 cups all-purpose flour

Whisk together water and yeast; allow to proof for 5 minutes. Using electric mixer on medium speed, add shortening, sugar, salt and half the flour. Beat on medium speed for 2 minutes. Stir in the remaining flour until smooth. Al-low to rise about 30 minutes in a warm place. Stir down with a spoon for about 25 strokes. Transfer to a greased loaf pan and allow to rise about 40 minutes. Bake at 350 degrees for 45 to 50 minutes. Cool in pan on a wire rack for 10 minutes, then turn out on rack and cool completely before slicing. Yield - 1 loaf.

Order furnace filters on-line and receive free shipping!

Just call 1-888-939-9788 or visit www.filterchange.coop/?affid=IN092

You can keep your HVAC system in top working order with regular filter changes. The REMC has partnered with FilterChange.coop to offer a simple way to order filters online and sign up for a filter change reminder e-mail. Plus, if you need to return the new filters, return shipping is free too! Homeowners who are not REMC members may also order filters. Just call FilterChange or log onto their website and let the savings begin!

November 2016 - Page 9

Page 10 - November 2016

To have your non-profit group’s event listed in our “Community Calendar,” please contact us by letter, phone or e-mail (bbaute@jacksonremc.com) at least six weeks before your event date. Include a phone number we can call to verify your information.

Brown CountyDecember 1, 2 & 3 - An Evening Beneath the Stars fund-raising banquet at Hilltop Christian Camp. Each night features dinner and the performance of “Sunny,” the musical adaptation of the story of the prodigal son performed by Tommy and John Thomas Oaks. Con-tact the camp at 812-988-4991 for more information.

Jackson CountyNovember 17, 18 & 19 - Joyful Tidings Open House at The Cougar’s Den (Trinity Lutheran High School resale shop) on Second Street in Seymour. Hours are 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Thurs-day and Friday, 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on Saturday. All proceeds from the shop benefit the students at Trinity Lutheran High School. Call the shop at 812-522-8126 for more information.

November 19 - 22nd annual Croth-ersville FFA Craft Show from 9:00 a.m. to

2:00 p.m. Two gyms filled with more than 100 tables of crafts and gifts. Silent auc-tion; entertainment; lunch available; free admission. Contact the school (812-793-2051) or e-mail misenhower@crothers-ville.k12.in.us for more information or to inquire about booth space. Proceeds benefit the FFA toy drive.

November 19 - 26th annual Seymour Special Education Parents Advisory Council holiday arts and crafts mar-ket from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Seymour American Legion Annex. Free admission; lunch available. Contact Beth White (812-445-3815) for more informa-tion.

November 24 - Seventh Annual Girls Inc. Turkey Trot 8-K run and 5-K walk starting at 7:30 a.m. at Girls Inc., 956 N. O’Brien St., Seymour. Registration forms available at Girls Inc., at www.indianatim-ing.com, and www.signmeup.com/112558 Call 812-522-2798 for more info.

December 2, 3, 4, 9, 10 & 11 - Jackson County Community Theatre

COMMUNITYCALENDAR

presents “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever” at the Royal-Off-the-Square in Brownstown. Show times are 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 2:30 p.m. on Sundays. Tickets may be purchased at Family Drug in Brownstown, Artistic Impressions in Seymour or online at www.jcct.org. Call 812-358-5228 for more information or for ticket assistance.

December 3 - Annual Medora Christ-mas Festival - vendors, music and activities beginning at 9:00 a.m. Parade with Santa and Mrs. Claus at 1:00 p.m. Pictures with Santa available after the pa-rade. Contact Jerry Ault (812-216-5537) for more information.

December 3 - Annual Christmas Cook-ie Walk at Immanuel Lutheran Church, 605 South Walnut Street, Seymour beginning at 9:00 a.m. Sponsored by the Immanuel Guild. Many varieties of home-made cookies will be available. Price will depend on the size of decorated coffee can you select, with as many cookies as you can fit and still close the lid. Enter the Fellowship Hall through the Walnut Street entrance (Near the fountain). Thri-vent Financial for Lutherans will provide matching funds. Contact Lisa Lewis (812-522-5498) for more information.

December 10 - Breakfast With Santa at the Pershing Township Volunteer Fire Department in Freetown. Enjoy break-fast and pictures with Santa from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Biscuits and gravy, donuts and drinks available for purchase. Sponsored by the Pershing Township VFD Ladies’ Auxiliary. Proceeds benefit the fire department. For more informa-tion e-mail Kari Smith at karismithphoto@yahoo.com.

Continued on next page

Holiday office closings

The REMC office will be closed on the follow-ing dates during the holiday season. A crew will be on standby to handle outages and emergencies.

Thursday, November 24Friday, November 25

Monday, December 26Monday, January 2

November 2016 - Page 11

Every Monday evening - Com-munity Diner serves free meals every Monday from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church on East Third Street in Seymour. They are looking for volunteers to help prepare and serve meals. Contact communitydinersey@gmail.com for additional information.

Jennings CountyDecember 4 - Christmas Open House at the Hayden Historical Museum on Sun-day, December 4 from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Get in the holiday spirit by visiting the various Hayden museum buildings. The newest attraction, ‘A Place Called Yesterday’, shows what home entertain-ment was like before electricity. Christmas music will be playing on the vintage music boxes, record players and pump organs throughout the afternoon. Refreshments will be available. No admission charge but donations accepted. Email hayden@seidata.com or call 812-592-8445 for more information.

Lawrence CountyDecember 4 - Annual Holiday Home Tour in Bedford. Visit homes decorated for the holidays from 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on this driving tour (no buses). Pro-ceeds benefit the Lawrence County Can-cer Patient Services program. Tickets are $15.00 and can be purchased at Copy Trolley (812-279-8978) or Twelve Months of Christmas (812-275-2001) in Bedford. Contact Becky Tumey (812-583-8710) or Teena Ligman (812-278-0139) for more information.

MORE COMMUNITY

CALENDAR EVENTS

Scott CountyNovember 26 - 2016 Lighted Christ-mas Parade in downtown Scottsburg. Entries are to line up at the elementary school at 5:00 p.m. at the parade begins at 6:00 p.m. All entries must be lighted. Trophies for best fire department, best business, best church or civic group and best automobile. Sponsored by the City of Scottsburg and the Scottsburg Beau-tification Committee, the Scott County Chamber of Commerce and the Scott County Tourism Commission. Call 812-752-3169 for more information.

November 29 - Annual silent auction at the Scott County Heritage Center and Museum will begin November 29 and end at 4:00 p.m. at the annual open house on December 18. A variety of items will be entered. Have fun with the bidding, get some holiday bargains, and enjoy the atmosphere. The entire museum will be decorated for the holidays. Admission is free during regular hours of 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Saturday. Call 812-752-3388 for more information.

December 2 & 3 - Christmas gift bazaar at Scottsburg United Methodist Church (615 S Honeyrun Parkway) from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Friday and 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Saturday. Country store goodies and holiday crafts. Contact Beth Maloney (812-752-3545 or bmalo-ney.sumc@gmail.com) for more informa-tion.

December 18 - Annual Christmas Open House and end of the holiday silent auction at the Scott County Heritage Center and Museum from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. The event will be free and holi-day desserts will be served. The entire museum will be decorated for this event. Call 812-752-3388 for more information.

2016 rebate deadline is

December 31The deadline to apply for rebates for heating and cooling systems and hybrid water heat-ers installed in 2016 is rapidly approaching. If you have installed one of the following this year, or will be installing one of these units before the end of December, please talk to your contractor about applying for our rebate program:

= New or replacement all-electric heat pump

= New or replacement dual-fuel heat pump

= New or replacement central air conditioner

= New “mini-split” heat pump system

= New or replacement geothermal heat pump system

= New hybrid water heater

Call us or visit our website for rebate requirements and application forms.

When calling or w

riting please give the name and

customer num

ber above your name on this label

or your account number show

n on your bill.

TELEPHONE - 812-358-4458TOLL FREE - 800-288-4458

During regular office hours you will be connected with our customer service representatives. After regular hours you will be connected with our answering service. Please call during regular office hours for all business other than out-ages or emergencies.

OFFICE HOURS7:30 AM to 4:30 PM - Monday through Friday

FAX only - 812-358-5719E-mail - info@jacksonremc.com

Web site - www.jacksonremc.comPay bill online - visit our website (above)

Pay bill by phone - 1-888-999-8816

Happy Thanksgiving wishes from your REMC directors,

staff and employees.