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Help other CVEC members in need with RECare See Page 12

Tips to manage holiday energy use Visit our Visitwebsite our atwebsite www.livingwithenergyiniowa.com at www.cvrec.com

Gift ideas from families and businesses served by co-ops

Pie recipes for Thanksgiving Iowa Association of Electric Cooperatives

Volume 73 • Issue 11 EDITOR Ann Thelen ART DIRECTOR CONTENTS NOVEMBER 2020 Joel Clifton ______EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT Features Chuck Soderberg DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS 6 Iowa linemen help restore Erin Campbell power to Louisiana BOARD OF DIRECTORS Steve Seidl, Coon Rapids – President Even though Iowa has had its share of Don Shonka, Independence – Vice President Roger Solomonson, Leland – Secretary/Treasurer storms, including an August derecho, Darrell Jensen, Menlo – Asst. Secretary/Treasurer nearly two dozen linemen recently Gordon Greimann, Hampton Neal Heldt, Mallard helped a Louisiana co-op restore power Kenneth VandenBerg, Albia to its members. Marion Denger, Dows – NRECA Representative 6 Jeff Ten Napel, Sibley – Managers’ Representative ______8 Thanksgiving pie recipes Living with Energy in Iowa magazine (ISSN: 1935-7176) is published monthly by the Iowa Association of Electric Cooperatives, a not-for- Just in time for the big feast, Iowa’s profit organization representing Iowa’s member-owned local electric cooperatives. Association address: 8525 Douglas Ave., Suite 48, Des co-op cooks share their favorite pie Moines, IA 50322-2992. The phrase Living with Energy in Iowa is recipes. PLUS: Find out how you can a mark registered within the state of Iowa to the Iowa Association of Electric Cooperatives. The magazine does not accept advertising. receive a $25 credit on your power bill! Editorial Office: 8525 Douglas Ave., Suite 48, Des Moines, IA 50322-2992. Telephone: 515-276-5350. E-mail address: 8 [email protected]. Letters may be edited for clarity 10 Gift ideas from families and and length before publication. Living with Energy in Iowa magazine businesses served by co-ops does not assume responsibility for unsolicited items. Website: www.livingwithenergyiniowa.com We’ve rounded up a sampling of some Postmaster: Send address changes to Living with Energy in Iowa Iowa-based products to consider adding magazine, 8525 Douglas Ave., Suite 48, Des Moines, IA 50322-2992. Periodicals Postage Paid at Des Moines, Iowa, and at additional to your gift-giving list. Discover unique mailing offices. products to fill stockings, put under the Change of Address: Every local electric cooperative maintains an independent mailing list of its members, so please send your tree or deliver to neighbors! change of address directly to your local electric cooperative’s 10 office. Living with Energy in Iowa magazine cannot make an address change for you. Favorites © Copyright 2020, Iowa Association of Electric Cooperatives. No portion of the editorial, photographic or other content of Living 3 Statewide Perspective 14 Concern for Community with Energy in Iowa magazine or its website may be reproduced without written permission of the editor. Readership survey results Residential bill assistance

3 Editor’s Choice Contest 15 Out Back Win a rotisserie fryer and In every church You’ll find more steamer basement than 1,500 free recipes on our website! ON THE COVER The Bakker family farms www.livingwithenergyiniowa.com near Dike and is served by Grundy County REC. Shari Bakker is a fourth- generation farmer and owner of Farm Sweet Farm Candles. Each year, she donates a portion of the proceeds from her candle sales to an agricultural youth organization. Read more on Pages 10-11. Photo courtesy of Shari Bakker.

2 LIVING WITH ENERGY IN IOWA November 2020 STATEWIDE PERSPECTIVE Thank you for investing your time with us every month BY ANN THELEN

In the spirit of the season, I Survey respondents rated their find it useful in their lives. want to personally thank you level of agreement to several Your local electric cooperative also for investing time in reading questions about content preferences, sees the value in using this publication this publication each and energy efficiency to provide education on electric safety, month. We work hard to content ranked very high. emerging technologies and energy develop compelling stories Our readers want to save efficiency, in addition to keeping you about how Iowa’s electric money and energy, and we’ll informed about local co-op news. cooperatives are powering continue to share home I wish you and your family a lives and empowering improvement tips and do- wonderful Thanksgiving. While communities, and it means it-yourself projects in every gathering around the dining room so much to hear your issue. table might look different this year positive feedback. As the editor of Living due to the pandemic, we can still Over the summer, we with Energy in Iowa for reflect on our blessings and be conducted a scientific survey to more than two years, it is a privilege grateful for the simple things. I am learn more about our readers’ to present these stories to you every certainly thankful to know more preferences and demographics. month. It is a responsibility that about you, our valued readers. We worked with Iowa’s local I do not take lightly. I am deeply electric cooperatives to email encouraged to know that many of Ann Thelen is the editor of Living with survey invitations to those who our readers value the content and Energy in Iowa magazine. receive the magazine, and 722 electric co-op members completed EDITOR’S CHOICE CONTEST our online survey. This response gives us a 3.6% margin of error ® and a 95% degree of probability in Win a Cuisinart our findings, establishing a solid baseline to guide our decision Extra-Large making. We learned some great things Rotisserie Fryer about our readers. Almost 90% of the co-op members who receive and Steamer Living with Energy in Iowa magazine read it every month, and nearly 50% This multitasking marvel not of those who receive the magazine only fries an entire 14-pound spend more than 10 minutes turkey in an hour using less oil reading it. These findings are very than a traditional fryer, it also encouraging in an environment fries up big portions of delicious saturated with marketing messages appetizers, entrées, side dishes, and businesses clamoring for your breakfast treats and more! Use attention. We also learned that 62% it without oil to steam all your of our readers are under the age favorites, like vegetables and of 65. Print is still a relevant and dumplings. From appetizers to valuable communications tool, even entrées to desserts, the options in a digital world. are endless! We have a very educated readership; 82% of our respondents Visit our website and win! have received education beyond Enter this month’s contest by visiting www.livingwithenergyiniowa.com no later than Nov. 30, high school. Our survey results also 2020. You must be a member of one of Iowa’s electric cooperatives to win. There’s no obligation indicate that about one-third of our associated with entering, we don’t share entrant information with anyone and multiple entries from the same account will be disqualified. The winner of the slow cooker from the September readers have been co-op members issue was Robert Jansen, Farmers Electric Cooperative, Inc. for 10 years or less.

November 2020 LIVING WITH ENERGY IN IOWA 3 LOCAL PERSPECTIVE Holiday season comes with an increase in energy usage BY LEILANI TODD

As we say goodbye to high summer Update Old Wiring – With all the season, but all year long. When temperatures and blasting air holiday spending coming up, you you’re shopping for light bulbs, conditioning, we welcome cooler may be thinking now is not the time compare lumens to be sure you’re temperatures, accompanied to tackle the faulty wiring in getting the amount of light, or level by fall and the upcoming your home. However, the last of brightness, you want. A lumen is a holiday season. Turkeys thing you want when you’re measure of the amount of brightness and Christmas trees are just hosting this holiday season of a light bulb – the higher the around the corner, and the is for something to go up in number of lumens, the brighter the holiday season will be in full smoke. Your electrical system light bulb. Purchasing light bulbs swing before we know it. is often put to the test over the based on lumens could decrease This time of year, consumers holidays with an increase in wattage use, while actually providing should expect to not only energy use, making it prime more light. No matter the need, spend money on gifts for time for things to go wrong. there’s a right light to help prepare loved ones, but also on significantly For safety, conduct your own home your home for the holidays. higher electric bills. A combination of electrical inspection by ensuring Use Heating Wisely – When cold weather and higher consumption wiring is not frayed, looking for entertaining, turning down the heat of electricity will leave many feeling electrical shorts (which are evident in your home can save money, as the hefty impact of their electric bills. by burn marks on outlets) and the reduction in temperature will be It is not just the consumption confirming circuit breakers are tight. offset by guests giving off body heat. of heat and the occurrence of cold Always avoid overloading outlet Another heating tip is to use your weather that causes electricity bills extenders and use appropropriate fireplace to heat your home instead to skyrocket. Holiday lights are cords for the environment. Power of your thermostat. If you are using a illuminating entire blocks, children strips are a great way to control programmable thermostat, now is a are out of school on “holiday break” multiple devices at once. great time to check the schedule. and relatives are visiting from out of Upgrade Old Appliances – With There are many simple and easy town, which all increase household all the cooking, baking and storage ways to save energy during the electrical consumption. From cooking you’ll need for chilling cookie holidays. Taking the initiative to to entertaining, a lot goes into every dough or packing away leftovers, an reduce energy usage will not only event you host during the holidays. upgrade may be just what you need! positively impact your finances, but Here are a few things that can help After all, Energy Star® appliances will it will also benefit the environment. prepare your home for the holidays help you save more on your energy We at CVEC hope that you have a so you can make the most out of the bill in the long run. Another way happy and healthy holiday season season. to save energy and money is to use and that you utilize these ways to smaller kitchen appliances like a slow save energy! cooker or even cook on the grill! Rethink Lighting – The right Leilani Todd is the general manager of light says it all. Not just this holiday Chariton Valley Electric Cooperative.

OFFICE CLOSING

Office 2090 Highway 5 South P.O. Box 486 Albia, IA 52531-0486 Happy Thanksgiving Office Hours Monday through Friday, 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Closed Saturdays, Sundays and holidays Telephone Numbers We accept to all our members! Days, nights or holidays: 641-932-7126 (local) or 800-475-1702 Website Our office will be closed Nov. 26-27 www.cvrec.com This institution is an equal opportunity provider.

4 LIVING WITH ENERGY IN IOWA November 2020 HOW YOUR CO-OP WORKS Affordable power is a top priority When Chariton Valley Electric Cooperative’s power supplier – Associated Electric Cooperative – generates electricity, producing affordable power is a top priority for the Springfield, Missouri-based cooperative. Its mission – to provide a reliable, economic power supply – has remained constant throughout its 59-year history of providing service to local distribution cooperative member-consumers. Associated is owned by and provides wholesale power to six regional and 51 local electric distribution cooperative systems Making the most of electric in Missouri, southeast Iowa and HYDRO generation resources northeast Oklahoma that serve 2.1 COAL Many hours, Associated has million member-consumers. generation available above its member-consumers’ needs. When Members want – and need – 9% utilities outside of the Associated affordable electricity 12% Each day, member-consumers 50% system need power, they can buy the cooperative’s excess generation. The across three states receive power 29% supplied by Associated. Who are revenue from these power sales helps these members? Surveys conducted keep member costs lower than they otherwise would be. by Associated and member NATURAL GAS “The balance and flexibility of our distribution cooperatives show most WIND members are over 45 and have been diverse generation fleet allow us, at a cooperative member for more times, to have significant volumes than 10 years. Most members – of excess generation we can sell to nonmembers, which reduces our more than 50% – are categorized as consumers’ needs to the most middle income. As a result, members overall costs,” says Associated’s affordable generation resource. Michael Denning, manager, need and expect affordable power Associated invests in coal power to ensure their homes, farms and energy marketing. “That’s good for plants that run around-the-clock to Associated and its members.” businesses thrive. make them more efficient. Along Diverse generation helps with natural gas plants, they are an The bottom line: Balance deliver affordable power important part of a balanced, diverse benefits members How does Associated generate generation mix that enables the A balance of generating options power to serve member-consumers cooperative to run the less expensive used to produce electricity allows across three states affordably? units at the time electricity is needed. Associated to do what is necessary to In a word: balance. Associated’s While coal is traditionally a less control costs on behalf of member- commitment to reliable, responsible costly fuel to make electricity than consumers. Whether using the and affordable power requires many other sources, low natural lowest-cost electricity produced by options for generating electricity. gas prices in 2019 and 2020 have, at Associated’s power plants or selling Associated continues its time-tested times, made Associated’s natural gas extra power off-system to bring in strategy of maintaining a diverse generating units less expensive to run revenue that relieves rate pressure and flexible portfolio of generation than coal units. During those times, for members, providing affordable resources that includes coal, natural more of the members’ energy is power is a top priority. gas, wind and hydropower. coming from natural gas. The ability to choose among different ways to Next month: Learn more about how wind power, hydropower and emissions Options for generating generate power – like coal or natural reductions have formed the foundation power lead to lower costs gas – is a tremendous advantage that of Associated’s responsibly generated Associated’s goal is to match local benefits member-consumers with electricity for Chariton Valley Electric distribution cooperative member- lower costs. Cooperative’s member-consumers.

November 2020 LIVING WITH ENERGY IN IOWA 5 Iowa linemen demonstrate the power of “Cooperation Among Cooperatives” Crews restore power to region impacted by Hurricane Laura

BY ANN THELEN

Iowa has seen its fair share of Helping after a hurricane answered the call for mutual aid and weather-related disasters, including On the heels of the destruction headed south to Louisiana on Sept. 18 25 Federal Emergency Management the summer derecho caused in our for two weeks. When a cooperative Agency declared disasters in the past state, linemen from Iowa’s electric provides aid in these situations, the 10 years. From flooding to tornadoes cooperatives didn’t waver in their impacted co-op reimburses for the to ice storms, the heart of the Midwest commitment to assist other co-op services. isn’t immune from situations that take members when another massive Dillon Clark and Aaron a toll on electric power infrastructure. storm hit. Nippert, linemen from Harlan- When there’s a disaster or On Aug. 27, Hurricane Laura based Nishnabotna Valley REC, significant power outage, Iowa’s – a Category 4 hurricane – made aren’t strangers to tough working electric cooperatives embody the co- landfall in the Gulf Region and conditions. Nippert volunteered op principle of “Cooperation Among knocked out electricity to more than when Category 5 Hurricane Katrina Cooperatives.” It’s a foundational 1 million people. Beauregard Electric hit the Gulf Coast in 2005. Clark part of a members-first philosophy in Cooperative (BECi) in DeRidder, has helped other states and most ensuring safe, affordable and reliable Louisiana, was hit incredibly hard. recently helped other Iowa co-ops power delivery. When someone is in The hurricane left 43,000 BECi restore power after the derecho. need, co-op employees and directors members in the dark, and due to the “By the time we arrived, the co-op step up to help. Whether it’s helping massive damage, 13,000 members members had already been without a neighboring co-op or going across were still without power three weeks power for three weeks. A lot of the state lines as part of a mutual aid after the storm. debris had been removed, so we effort, Iowa co-ops have a long history That’s when 21 linemen from could drive our vehicles to the job of coming forward to serve members. seven of Iowa’s electric cooperatives sites,” Nippert says.

6 LIVING WITH ENERGY IN IOWA November 2020 Iowa linemen demonstrate the power of “Cooperation Among Cooperatives” Crews restore power to region impacted by Hurricane Laura

He adds, however, that five consecutive days of rain from Tropical Storm Beta shortly after the Iowa Iowa cooperatives crews arrived contributed to difficult and linemen providing working conditions. Large tents at power restoration aid Georgia Pacific Lumber served as the camp for the crews, and the ground to Louisiana was saturated. The tents were situated on plastic grates on the ground. Access Energy Cooperative Because the Louisiana soil there Kurt Lowenberg doesn’t drain well, the rain quickly Ben Smith pools and sits. Fire ants and other Colton Stephens insects contributed to uncomfortable Jon Trumpold living conditions. social distancing. The crew enjoyed a “With another approaching storm, variety of traditional Louisiana food, Chariton Valley Electric we were all moved to the local airport, including delicious Cajun dishes. Cooperative which was all on a hard surface. It “Where we worked, a lot of people Thad DeMoss made the temporary living conditions had poor living conditions, yet they Ryan Romanco much better,” Clark says. “The were so thankful we were there to Mark Waechter members were initially told they would help,” says Jared Howard, a foreman be without power for two months, so with Anamosa-based Maquoketa Linn County Rural they were really happy when power Valley Electric Cooperative. Howard Electric Cooperative was restored after a month.” has also worked in hurricane- and Cory Cushion Kurt Lowenberg, line foreman with storm-impacted regions in Iowa and Colby Duggan Access Energy Cooperative in Mount the U.S. Dana Mortensen Pleasant, has also been on the ground “Any of those people would have Justin Willett restoring power following a hurricane. given us the shirt off their back if “It’s gratifying to help others. we would have needed it. When When your own co-op and member- Maquoketa Valley Electric the derecho hit our co-op’s service Cooperative consumers are going through a territory, my home was out of power major outage situation, we know how Jared Howard for three days. That was long enough Travis Manders grateful we are to receive the mutual for me, and I can’t imagine being out aid assistance,” Lowenberg says. “The Matt Osweiler of power for a month.” Mason Paustian residents made signs thanking us and “Cooperation Among Cooperatives” gave us goodie bags with soda, water – it’s not just a tagline or phrase. It’s and candy bars.” a promise co-op member-consumers Midland Power Cooperative With the potential spread of can always count on, day in and day Jordan Bos COVID-19 a concern, the lineworkers out. Cody Busher had regular temperature checks before meals, and cots and tables were Ann Thelen is the editor of Living with Nishnabotna Valley Rural spread out to facilitate a degree of Energy in Iowa. Electric Cooperative Dillon Clark Aaron Nippert

Prairie Energy Cooperative Austin Codner Scott Muhlenbruch

November 2020 LIVING WITH ENERGY IN IOWA 7 Kentucky Pecan Pie 1 cup white corn syrup 1 cup dark brown sugar 1/3 teaspoon salt 1/3 cup butter or margarine, melted 1 teaspoon vanilla 3 whole eggs, slightly beaten 1 9-inch pie shell 1½ cups whole pecans

Combine syrup, sugar, salt, butter and vanilla. Mix well, then add slightly beaten eggs. Pour into a 9-inch unbaked pie shell. Sprinkle pecans over entire pie. Bake at 350 degrees F for approximately 45 minutes.

Phyllis J. Kline • Missouri Valley Harrison County Rural Electric Cooperative Good Ole Gooseberry Pie 3 cups gooseberries, divided 1½ cups sugar 3 tablespoons quick cooking tapioca ¼ teaspoon salt Tips source AllRecipes.com 2 9-inch pie shells Butternut Squash Pie 2 tablespoons butter PARTY ON A Wash and stem gooseberries. Set aside 2½ cups, PLATE 1 9-inch single pie crust Use cutout 1¼ cups sugar then crush remaining ½ cup. Add sugar, tapioca and shapes, crimps, 4½ teaspoons cornstarch salt. Cook until bubbly and then cook 2 additional braids and 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon minutes, stirring occasionally. Add remaining whole other fun tricks 3 cups butternut squash, cooked berries. Line 9-inch pie plate with pastry, fill with to make your and mashed berries and dot with butter. Add top crust, cut slits on pie look like ½ cup butter, softened top or make heart shapes with knife. Seal edges and a party on a 2 large eggs bake at 400 degrees F for 35 minutes.

PIE TIPS plate. ¼ cup water 3 teaspoons vanilla extract Betty Sorden • Webster • T.I.P. Rural Electric Cooperative whipped cream

Line a 9-inch pie plate with pastry, trim and ROLL OUT THE flute edges. Cut out scrapes with a leaf shaped Pumpkin Pecan Pie DOUGH cookie cutter for garnish, if desired. Place on 3 eggs, slightly beaten Use as little baking sheet and set aside. In a large bowl 1 can pumpkin flour as possible combine sugar, cornstarch and cinnamon. Beat 1 cup sugar when rolling in squash, butter, eggs, water and vanilla until ½ cup dark corn syrup out the dough. smooth. Pour into crust. Cover edges loosely 1 teaspoon vanilla The pastry can ½ teaspoon cinnamon absorb extra with foil. Bake at 350 degrees F for 15 minutes. ¼ teaspoon salt flour, which Remove foil and bake 35 to 40 minutes longer ¾ cup pecans, chopped will also make or until knife inserted in the center comes 1 9-inch pie shell it tough. After out clean. Bake leaf cutouts for 5 to 7 minutes rolling out the or until golden brown. Cool pie and cutouts Combine first 8 ingredients. Pour into unbaked pie dough, brush off on a wire rack for one hour. Refrigerate pie shell. Bake at 350 degrees F for 40 minutes or until a loose flour with until chilled. Garnish with pastry leaves and knife inserted halfway between the middle and the a pastry brush or whipped cream. gently brush it edge comes out clean. Cool before serving. with the edge of Sue Harrison • Le Mars a clean kitchen North West Rural Electric Cooperative Dode Westendorf • Waverly

PIE TIPS towel. Butler County Rural Electric Cooperative

8 LIVING WITH ENERGY IN IOWA November 2020 Southern Sweet Gingersnap CHILL THE DOUGH Potato Pie Cranberry Lime Pie Chill the dough after 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour 4 ounces gingersnap cookies, rolling it out 12/3 cups sugar approximately 18 and lining the 1 cup mashed sweet potatoes 1 cup walnut pieces pie pan. This 2 eggs 4 tablespoons butter, melted step relaxes ¼ cup light corn syrup 3 tablespoons brown sugar the dough ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg 12 ounces cranberries, frozen or fresh and prevents pinch of salt 1½ cups sugar, divided it from ½ cup butter, softened 1/3 cup water shrinking in ¾ cup evaporated milk 3 large eggs

the oven. PIE TIPS 1 9-inch pie shell, unbaked 2 large egg yolks ½ cup orange juice In a large bowl, combine flour and sugar. Add 2 tablespoons orange zest sweet potatoes, eggs, corn syrup, nutmeg, salt, 1/8 teaspoon salt butter and milk. Beat well, then pour into pie shell. ¾ cup cold butter, cubed LET IT COOL Bake at 350 degrees F for 55 to 60 minutes. Cool on garnish: whole berries coated in sugar whipped topping AND SET wire rack for 1 hour. Refrigerate for at least 3 hours Fruit pies before serving. Pulse cookies, walnuts, melted butter and should cool brown sugar in a food processor. Press into at least four Karen Caldwell • Albia bottom and sides of a deep pie pan. Bake at 350 hours before Chariton Valley Electric Cooperative, Inc. slicing; degrees F for 12 to 15 minutes, until browned. custard pies Allow to cool. Cook cranberries, 1 cup sugar should cool and water until berries burst and most liquid for two hours Sour Cream Raisin Pie evaporates, approximately 12 to 15 minutes. before serving 2 eggs Cool to lukewarm then puree until smooth. Add or being

1 cup sour cream puree, remaining sugar, eggs, egg yolks, orange refrigerated. PIE TIPS ¾ cup white sugar juice, orange zest and salt to a double boiler. 1 teaspoon vanilla extract Cook until thick enough to coat a spatula, ¼ teaspoon salt approximately 8 to 10 minutes. When just ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg warm, add butter one piece at a time, beating on 1 cup raisins high speed until the curd is lighter in color. Pour SET THE 1 9-inch pie crust into crust and chill for 2 hours. Garnish with STRUCTURE whipping cream For custard whole berries and serve with whipped topping. pies and cream pies, it’s often In a large bowl, combine eggs, sour cream, sugar, Carol DeJong • Sibley a good idea vanilla, salt and nutmeg. Beat until smooth, then Osceola Electric Cooperative, Inc. stir in raisins. Pour filling into pie crust. Bake in to pre-bake lower half of oven at 375 degrees F for 40 minutes the crust, a.k.a. “blind baking” or until filling is set. Allow to cool before serving Search our online recipe the crust. PIE TIPS with a dollop of whipping cream. archive for thousands of recipes from Iowa’s rural kitchens. Tamara Kramer • Le Mars North West Rural Electric Cooperative www.livingwithenergyiniowa.com/recipes

IN THE OVEN Bake pies on the lowest Wanted: Irish Recipes! oven rack on The Reward: $25 for every one we publish! a preheated sheet pan. This helps You don’t have to hail from Ireland to celebrate the favorite foods of EMAIL: St. Patrick’s Day! From corned beef and cabbage to Shepherd’s Pie, Irish Stew [email protected] prevent soggy and shamrock desserts, we’re looking for Irish-inspired foods. If we run your (Attach your recipe as a Word document bottom crusts. recipe in the magazine, we’ll send a $25 credit for your electric co-op to apply or PDF to your email message.) A rimmed pan to your power bill. Recipes submitted also may be archived on our website at MAIL: also prevents www.livingwithenergyiniowa.com. Recipes juicy fruit pies The deadline is Nov. 30, 2020. Please include your name, address, Living with Energy in Iowa from bubbling telephone number, co-op name and the recipe category on all submissions. 8525 Douglas Ave., Suite 48 over onto the NEW: Please also provide the number of servings per recipe. Des Moines, IA 50322-2992 oven floor. PIE TIPS

November 2020 LIVING WITH ENERGY IN IOWA 9 Gift ideas from families and businesses served by co-ops Shopping local benefits Iowa’s communities BY KAY SNYDER This year has brought about unprecedented situations, from the COVID-19 pandemic to a derecho, many Iowans’ lives and businesses have been impacted. Even in a typical year, buying products that are locally grown or made helps keep our local communities strong. More than ever, people are looking for more ways to support businesses run by friends, neighbors and community members. With Iowa’s electric cooperatives powering businesses in all of the state’s 99 counties, there are many opportunities to shop local this upcoming holiday season. We’ve rounded up a sampling of some Iowa-based products to consider adding to your gift-giving list. In your communities, we invite you to discover the unique businesses that line Main Street or reside along the rural landscape. Loess Hills Lavender Farm – Missouri Valley Country View Dairy – Hawkeye In 2005, Mary and Tim Hamer visited lavender fields In 2011, Carolee and Dave Rapson built a creamery on their family farm and in Sequim, Washington. The expanded their product offerings. Country View Dairy makes all-natural farmstead trip ignited a spark in Mary yogurt, in both original and Greek style, using the wholesome milk from the family’s to bring lavender to Iowa. In dairy herd. Additional dairy products include sour cream, frozen yogurt and whole 2006, the Hamers planted milk. Their state-of-the-art creamery is their first 20 lavender plants located on the family farm, guaranteeing and began the lavender the freshest premium quality products. farming journey. Loess Hills Visit their on-farm store to shop for dairy Lavender Farm, located items, candles, soaps and more. To shop north of Missouri Valley, has their products online and access a list of cultivated a thriving business distributors, visit countryviewdairy.com. and enthusiastic following. Served by Allamakee-Clayton In addition to the beautiful Electric Cooperative lavender field, the farm boasts a gift shop with a full line of skincare and bath products and goods from many local artists. Handmade lavender Hinterland Dairy Farmstead Cheese - Donnellson products include lavender Hinterland Dairy, owned by Ralph and Colleen Krogmeier, opened their butter balm, lavender lotion, cheese processing and retail business on their Iowa farm in 2019. Hinterland is shower gel, spritz, bar soap a European term describing “land that is off and scented sachets. For from what is typically visible.” This depicts more information, visit their 400-acre dairy farm nestled between loesshillslavender.com.

Fort Madison and Donnellson. Hinterland’s Served by Harrison County milk is handcrafted with the best cultures Rural Electric Cooperative and finest salt, creating a flavor that is unique to the farm. Products include cheese, cheese curds, cheese bundles and a wide variety of other local products. Visit their online store at hinterlanddairy.com.

Served by Access Energy Cooperative

10 LIVING WITH ENERGY IN IOWA November 2020 Gift ideas from families and businesses served by co-ops Shopping local benefits Iowa’s communities

BY KAY SNYDER

Farm Sweet Farm – Dike Shari Bakker is a fourth-generation farmer who farms alongside her husband Jarrod and three children. Shari grew up on a Century Farm in southwest Iowa, where her family raised hogs and row crops. She met her husband at Iowa State University, and they later moved to his hometown of Dike. They currently raise hogs, grow corn and soybeans, and both work off-the-farm jobs to IOWA SMOKEHOUSE support their dreams. meat snacks and laura Shari created Farm Sweet beth’s jar goods (Preferred Farm Candles out of her love Wholesale, Inc.) – Albia for agriculture and a passion Preferred Wholesale, Inc. started for starting her own business. as a snack food distribution Each candle is made from soy-based waxed and hand- business in 1984. After many years created by Shari, with products researched and approved of distributing other companies’ by her family. The scents are based on agricultural products, and wooden wicks products, owner Lee Holsman and provide a crackling ambiance. Shari believes in giving back, and each year his family decided to create their donates a portion of the proceeds from her candle sales to an agricultural youth brands. The company started with organization. laura beth’s all-natural jams, salsas Farm Sweet Farm Candles celebrate all types of agriculture, and as the and pickled jar goods, and then seasons change, so do the products and scents. Shari says, “My candles added IOWA SMOKEHOUSE jerky celebrate American agriculture and the farmers who provide us with so and meat snacks. These products many choices.” For more information and to shop the online store, visit are now available across the U.S. farmsweetfarmcandles.com. Look for IOWA SMOKEHOUSE meats and laura beth’s products Family served by Grundy County Rural Electric Cooperative at Bomgaars, Mills Fleet Farm, Theisen’s, Tractor Supply, Hy- Vee, Fareway, Orscheln, Casey’s Stensland Dairy – Larchwood and more. Preferred Wholesale, Inc. will launch an online store in Stensland Family Farms is a 2021, after completing a facility multigenerational farm, which started expansion project. To learn more, in 1915 outside of Larchwood. The visit preferredwholesaleinc.com. Stenslands operate a 200-cow dairy and recently opened an on-farm Served by Chariton Valley creamery. Approximately 1,500 Electric Cooperative acres of cropland feeds the cows that produce milk for the dairy. The milk is bottled and also used to create ice When you “Buy Iowa,” you’re cream, supporting local families and helping aged cheese businesses thrive. In addition to and cheese curds. Stensland’s products are online purchasing and home delivery, available at its on-farm store, Sioux Falls location many businesses also offer gift cards and local grocery stores. To learn more, visit for products and services. stenslandfamilyfarms.com. Kay Snyder is the director of marketing Served by Lyon Rural Electric Cooperative and communications for the Iowa Area Development Group.

November 2020 LIVING WITH ENERGY IN IOWA 11 CONCERN FOR COMMUNITY IN THE COMMUNITY Light bulb painting is underway Many of Chariton Help others by Valley Electric Cooperative’s giving to RECare employees and their Chariton Valley Electric Cooperative family members are (CVEC) established RECare, a program already spending that facilitates members helping other countless hours members. RECare provides funds to local painting and community action agencies that then refurbishing 100 distribute the assistance to low-income CVEC members. Your support helps pay old light bulbs winter heating bills and assists in the from streetlight weatherization of homes. change-outs and As a member of CVEC, you can make transforming them a one-time contribution or a monthly into one-of-a-kind Christmas pledge to help your neighbors in need. If ornaments. you choose to make a monthly pledge, CVEC will sell the light bulb it will be automatically added to your ornaments for $10 each at the Albia electric bill. Chamber of Commerce during $1,000 donation from CVEC from If you are interested in donating, Albia’s Victorian Stroll on Dec. 5. this fundraiser’s proceeds. please complete and return this form When the event is over (and You won’t want to miss your to our office. Any amount you give is greatly appreciated! Please note, your hopefully all 100 light bulb chance to snag one of these unique contributions are also tax deductible. ornaments are sold!), the Victorian ornaments for yourself or as a Stroll Committee will receive a holiday gift!

IN THE COMMUNITY Please complete this form if you wish to participate in RECare. Simply detach the completed form and send directly to CVEC (PO Box 486 | Albia, IA 52531) or include Cleanup beginning soon it with your next payment. Not many members would know utilized in many different facets – I care and want that the building located at the hair salon, pizza place, stone statue YES, to contribute intersection of Iowa Highways 5 manufacturer and more! CVEC has and 137 belongs to Chariton Valley been working with Alliant Energy to I will make a one-time contribution to Electric Cooperative. The building clean up the property and remove the RECare. My check is enclosed. was once a manufactured gas old building at the entrance of Albia. plant, owned by one of Interstate Once the site is clear, it will be I will contribute $______per Power and Light’s predecessor utilized as a natural green space. month to RECare. I understand this amount will be automatically added companies, now known as Alliant The work is expected to start to my monthly electric bill. You may Energy, and operated from 1914 in November and could take discontinue your pledge at any time by to 1947. The former plant served approximately four to six weeks to simply contacting our office by phone Albia for decades, processing coal to complete. (641-932-7126), or by mail (PO Box generate coal gas for local 486 | Albia, IA 52531). customers, and supplying homes and industries CVEC Account #:______with fuel for heating, cooking and lighting. Printed Name: ______CVEC acquired the building through Albia Signature: ______Light and Rail during the merger in 1984. Date: ______Over the years, the building has been

12 LIVING WITH ENERGY IN IOWA November 2020 ENERGY EFFICIENCY Three efficient appliances for your kitchen BY MARIA KANEVSKY

With more people staying at home Photo Credit: Whirlpool than ever before, many of us are spending more time in the kitchen. Whether you’re roasting a chicken, blending your favorite smoothie or baking a loaf of sourdough bread, kitchen appliances are used nearly every day. Using energy-efficient kitchen appliances can help you save energy in the long run and ultimately lower your monthly energy bills. For any home chef interested in new, electric gadgets for the kitchen (while also being energy efficient), there are several options available. Stoves consume a great deal of energy in the kitchen. One of the most energy-efficient forms of cooking is with an induction cooktop. Electromagnetic energy used in induction cooktops is directly transferred to the pan, which reduces cooking time and saves energy. Gas stovetops are generally less energy efficient than induction of the kitchen to achieve that daily smarter. Some microwaves can even cooktops or any other type of electric brew. Electric kettles are more energy scan barcodes of microwaveable cooktop for that matter. This is efficient than cooktop kettles since meals and heat them accordingly. because a significant amount of the heating component underneath Others can be paired with an energy from the the kettle Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant gas stovetop is directly heats and react to voice commands. Many not transferred the water. The of these additional features are directly to the electric kettle’s becoming increasingly common food. Instead, automatic among smart home devices the stove also shutoff feature to provide extra comfort and heats the further helps to convenience. surrounding air reduce energy Kitchen appliances aren’t replaced and warms up and prevents very often, so be sure to do your your kitchen. overheating. research before purchasing any Since induction Another benefit new gadgets. Different types of cooktops use a magnetic field to with electric kettles is that you can products provide varying benefits heat pans, you can touch the stove choose the exact temperature to heat and understanding your needs on without burning yourself, which the water, which allows for a finer the front end will help you make the adds a safety bonus. It’s important brew that brings out the best flavor right choice. to note that induction cooktops only in any tea or coffee. Overall, electric Maria Kanevsky is a program analyst for work with compatible cookware kettles are more convenient, efficient the National Rural Electric Cooperative that is magnetic. An easy test for and portable than their cooktop Association, the national trade association compatibility is to place a magnet counterparts. representing more than 900 local electric near the cookware; if it sticks, it will Microwaves are typically the cooperatives. From growing suburbs to work with an induction cooktop. most efficient way to cook or heat remote farming communities, electric co-ops serve as engines of economic A cup of morning coffee or tea is food compared to other kitchen development for 42 million Americans a daily ritual for many. This makes appliances, and state-of-the-art across 56 percent of the nation’s the hot water kettle an essential part microwaves are becoming much landscape.

November 2020 LIVING WITH ENERGY IN IOWA 13 CONCERN FOR COMMUNITY Iowa announces COVID-19 Residential Utility Disruption Prevention Program In October, Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds and the Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA) announced the launch of the new Residential Utility Disruption Prevention Program. The program will provide eligible households with up to $2,000 toward electric, natural gas and water bills if they are at risk of disconnection due to an inability to pay due to a COVID-19-related loss of income. Payments through the program will be made directly to utility providers and applied to the applicant’s account. “We are facing an unprecedented pandemic and from the very beginning the state has made it a priority to provide critical assistance to families, farmers, renters, homeowners and small business vice president/general manager of income (job loss, reduction in owners,” Gov. Reynolds says. “For the Iowa Association of Electric hours, reduction in pay) on or Iowans who lost their job or saw their Cooperatives. after March 17, 2020, which paycheck shrink as a result of the To be eligible to receive assistance, resulted in hardship in paying COVID-19 pandemic, the Residential a residential electric, natural gas and/ bills for electric, natural gas, and/ Utility Disruption Prevention or water utility customer must have: or water utility service provided Program will help them keep the A primary Iowa residence with between March 17, 2020, and power on and their water running.” active residential utility accounts, Oct. 31, 2020. The state allocated approximately renters may apply as long as the “Iowans, especially our low-income $14.5 million of federal CARES utility account is in the citizens, have been greatly impacted Act funds for utility assistance applicant’s name. due to the COVID-19 pandemic,” programs (the Small Business Utility An unpaid utility bill balance or IEDA and Iowa Finance Authority Disruption Prevention Program have previously entered into a Director Debi Durham says. “We launched in mid-July). payment plan with their utility are proud to make available this “We’re pleased this program has provider. program offering to help our most been established to help provide An annual income that is 80% of vulnerable maintain critical utility some financial relief to local families the median family income, based services.” in need during the pandemic,” on county and household size. For a full list of eligibility says Chuck Soderberg, executive Experienced a COVID-19 loss of requirements, additional information and to apply, visit iowahousingrecovery.com. ENERGY EFFICIENCY Applications will be accepted between Oct. 8, 2020, and Nov. 20, 2020, or until funding is depleted, TIP OF THE MONTH whichever comes first. Assistance will be awarded based on application Cooler weather is here! Heating requires more completeness and eligibility in order energy than any other system in your home, received until all funds have been typically making up about 42% of your energy bill. exhausted. With proper equipment maintenance and upgrades If you need assistance with like additional insulation and air sealing, you can documentation for your application, save about 30% on your energy bill. please contact your local electric Source: energy.gov cooperative.

14 LIVING WITH ENERGY IN IOWA November 2020 OUTBACK In every church basement BY VALERIE VAN KOOTEN I recently found myself in the basement of the church I grew up in. It wouldn’t matter how old I was – I would know the smell of that church anywhere: a chalky dryness just this side of musty, with a little lemon cleaner thrown in. Over the years, I’ve visited many basements in houses of worship – for camps, Bible schools, baby showers, speaking engagements and teen lock-ins. And it’s occurred to me that every church basement worth its salt has some of the same things in common. First, there’s the bar of gold soap in the bathroom, one split with black cracks, that has been perched on the edge of the sink since approximately 1972. Hand-pumped liquid soap has been slow to catch on in older churches. Probably because no one has dared to dump the rock-like bar that’s still there “and has plenty of use in it.” Then, have you ever noticed the similarity of church dishware? I can just hear a ladies’ society in 1946 picking out these dishes: “They’ve got to last! I’m sick of bake sales!” What’s unfathomable, though, is the basement will be the church a coat rack, will be a Lost and Found why serviceable and sturdy equals nursery. You could probably make Box. These receptacles invariably ugly. In my girlhood church, a fortune in here – some of these contain the same items: a small doll the dishes are a heavy off-white toys are most assuredly antiques with no hair, a little girl’s plastic porcelain, with a thick maroon band and probably unsafe for any child purse, a vinyl coin purse that zips around the edges, looking for all the under 3. In a recent nursery I (with 22 cents in it) and 14 ink pens world as if they were seconds from visited, toys I hadn’t seen for 40 flaunting seed corn insignia on the an institution. years sat in the bin: a popcorn-type sides. Curtains are another matter of dome with wheels that was pushed Perhaps we could start a bingo equality in church basements. I around, colored balls hopping game of going from church to have yet to visit the nether parts of wildly; wooden blocks that were so church to mark various church a church that didn’t have curtains faded you couldn’t see whether there oddities on our cards. The winner worthy of a Sound of Music sequel were numbers or letters printed on would get the contents of the Lost – you know the one, where the the sides; and a toy xylophone that and Found Boxes. And you’ll get von Trapp children get play clothing seemed to be missing the mallet. On bonus points if the nursery has made from old draperies? In a burst top of everything else, this room is avocado green shag carpeting. of 1950s secular flair, they scream of often the recipient of shag carpeting in a 1970s shade of blazing orange Valerie Van Kooten is a writer from Pella tropical pineapples and palm leaves who loves living in the country and on a heavy, lined – and very dusty or golden sunset. telling its stories. She and her husband – print. Somewhere in the kitchen, maybe Kent have three married sons and two Tucked away somewhere just off in a cupboard, or possibly on top of incredibly adorable grandsons.

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