Access Energy Cooperative announces early dividend retirement New ideas for home improvement projects Asparagus and rhubarb recipes - Lineworker ...
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MAY 2021
Lineworker scholarship winners announced See Page 12
Access Energy Cooperative
announces early
Visit our website at www.accessenergycoop.com dividend retirement
New ideas for home
improvement projects
Asparagus and
rhubarb recipes
Iowa Association of
Electric Cooperatives
Volume 74 • Issue 5
EDITOR
Ann Thelen
ART DIRECTOR CONTENTS M AY 2021
Joel Clifton
________________________
EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT Features
Chuck Soderberg
D I R E C T O R O F C O M M U N I C AT I O N S 6 Unified efforts power rural
Erin Campbell economic development
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Steve Seidl, District 5 – President National Economic Development Week
Don Shonka, District 2 – Vice President
Roger Solomonson, District 3 – Secretary/Treasurer is in May, making it a great time to
Darrell Jensen, District 4 – Asst. Secretary/Treasurer recognize electric cooperative-inspired
6
Gordon Greimann, District 6
Neal Heldt, District 7 economic development success stories
Kenneth VandenBerg, District 1
Marion Denger, Prairie Energy Cooperative –
across Iowa.
NRECA Representative
Brian Krambeer, MiEnergy Cooperative –
Managers’ Representative
8 Asparagus and rhubarb recipes
________________________
Celebrate the foods of spring with these
Living with Energy in Iowa magazine (ISSN: 1935-7176) is published
monthly by the Iowa Association of Electric Cooperatives, a not-for-
asparagus and rhubarb recipes from
profit organization representing Iowa’s member-owned local electric Iowa’s co-op cooks. PLUS: Find out how
8
cooperatives. Association address: 8525 Douglas Ave., Suite 48, Des
Moines, IA 50322-2992. The phrase Living with Energy in Iowa is you can receive a $25 credit on your
a mark registered within the state of Iowa to the Iowa Association of
Electric Cooperatives. The magazine does not accept advertising. power bill!
Editorial Office: 8525 Douglas Ave., Suite 48, Des Moines, IA
50322-2992. Telephone: 515-276-5350. E-mail address:
editor@livingwithenergyiniowa.com. Living with Energy in Iowa
10 Trending now: Home
magazine does not assume responsibility for unsolicited items. improvement projects
Website: www.livingwithenergyiniowa.com
The pandemic led to a rise in home
Postmaster: Send address changes to Living with Energy in Iowa
magazine, 8525 Douglas Ave., Suite 48, Des Moines, IA 50322-2992. improvement projects, and it’s a trend
Periodicals Postage Paid at Des Moines, Iowa, and at additional
that’s continuing. Discover tips for
10
mailing offices.
Change of Address: Every local electric cooperative maintains making environmentally friendly and
an independent mailing list of its members, so please send your
change of address directly to your local electric cooperative’s
cost-effective choices.
office. Living with Energy in Iowa magazine cannot make an
address change for you.
© Copyright 2021, Iowa Association of Electric Cooperatives.
Favorites
No portion of the editorial, photographic or other content of Living
with Energy in Iowa magazine or its website may be reproduced 3 Statewide Perspective 14 In the Community
without written permission of the editor.
State programs provide financial Shine the Light contest
assistance for co-op members
To have your photo considered for a 3 Editor’s Choice Contest 15 Out Back
future cover, email high-res images to
editor@livingwithenergyiniowa.com.
Win 10 shade trees Gardening genes don’t
If we select your photo, you’ll be
grow here
awarded with
$100. ON THE COVER
Congratulations to
Marty Hulsebos,
21
MAY 20
See Page 3
membership
an Arbor Day Foundation
Win 10 shade trees and
an Access Energy
Cooperative member,
for supplying the
cover image for this
month’s issue of
power rural
Unified efforts lopment
economic deve
Living with Energy in
Iowa magazine!
wa.com
ithenergyinio
e at www.livingw
Visit our websit home
New ideas for
projects
improvement
Asparagus and
es
rhubarb recip
2 LIVING WITH ENERGY IN IOWA May 2021
S TAT E W I D E PE R S PE C T I V E
State programs provide financial assistance with
mortgage, rent and utility bills due to COVID-19
BY R E G I G O O D A L E
Many households and businesses which may include a past due utility There is a maximum assistance per
have been financially impacted by or rent notice or eviction notice. household of $3,600.
the COVID-19 pandemic. Full eligibility details This short-term program will be
Iowa’s electric cooperatives are available at www. available until funds are exhausted or
are committed to the IowaHousingRecovery. a new federal program is launched.
communities we serve, and com. The website includes Program funding is provided through
we want to share some new an eligibility precheck and federal CARES Act funds. Complete
state resources with our answers to frequently asked eligibility details are available at
readers. questions. You can also www.IowaHousingRecovery.com or
In late March, Gov. Kim call Iowa’s Utility Recovery by calling the Housing Recovery Line
Reynolds announced two new Hotline at 515-348-8976 at 855-300-5885 or 515-348-8813.
programs to assist eligible or 877-463-3269 for more At www.IowaMortgageHelp.com,
Iowans who have been impacted information about this program. you can also learn more about Iowa
by the COVID-19 pandemic and mortgage help, which offers free,
need financial assistance: The Iowa Iowa Homeowner Foreclosure confidential mortgage counseling
Homeowner Foreclosure Prevention Prevention Program to Iowa homeowners at risk of
Program and the Iowa Rent and This program reopened in late foreclosure.
Utility Assistance Program. Both March to provide mortgage payment If you are at imminent risk of
programs are administered by the assistance for income-eligible foreclosure and need legal assistance,
Iowa Finance Authority. homeowners impacted by COVID-19 Iowa Legal Aid may be able to assist
who are at risk of foreclosure. you at no cost. Call 800-532-1275 or
Iowa Rent and Utility Eligible homeowners can receive visit www.IowaLegalAid.com.
Assistance Program mortgage assistance for up to
Funded by the federal Consolidated four months (including up to two Regi Goodale is the director of regulatory
Appropriations Act of 2021, this months in arrears), beginning with affairs for the Iowa Association of Electric
program will provide rent and/or an April 1, 2020 mortgage payment. Cooperatives.
utility assistance for up to 12 months.
Eligible renters can receive financial EDITOR’S CHOICE CONTEST
assistance with past due rent,
electricity, gas, propane, fuel oil,
water, sewer and/or trash removal
bills incurred no earlier than
Win 10 shade trees
March 13, 2020. Shade trees can help lower summer
Utility payments through the energy bills. To help you get started,
program will be made directly to we’re giving 10 lucky electric co-op
utility providers and applied to members 10 free shade trees up to a
the applicants’ accounts. If you foot tall. The winners also will receive
need assistance with electric bill a one-year membership to the Arbor
documentation for your application, Day Foundation, which includes a
please contact your local electric subscription to the organization’s
cooperative. bimonthly newsletter, a copy of The
Eligible households must be current Tree Book and discounts on future
renters earning no more than 80% of tree and shrub purchases.
their county’s area median income.
One or more individuals in the
household must have either qualified Visit our website and win!
for unemployment benefits or have Enter this month’s contest by visiting www.livingwithenergyiniowa.com no later than
May 31, 2021. You must be a member of one of Iowa’s electric cooperatives to win.
experienced a documented financial There’s no obligation associated with entering, we don’t share entrant information with
hardship as a result of the COVID-19 anyone and multiple entries from the same account will be disqualified. The winner of the
pandemic. And the household can Home Technology Package from the March issue was Larry Heitmeier from Access Energy
demonstrate a risk of experiencing Cooperative.
homelessness or housing instability,
May 2021 LIVING WITH ENERGY IN IOWA 3
ACCESS ENERGY COOPER ATIVE NEWS
UPCOMING EVENTS LOCAL PERSPECTIVE
We’re ready for storm
season. Are you?
B Y KE V IN WHEELER
Now that spring’s in full swing, outage, turn off major appliances,
like many of you, I welcome more TVs, computers and other sensitive
opportunities to be outdoors and electronics. This will help avert
enjoy the warmer weather. damage from a power surge and will
But the spring and summer also help prevent overloading
May 9 Mother’s Day months also make conditions the circuits during power
May 31 Office closed for right for dangerous storms. restoration. Leave one light
Memorial Day These potential weather on so you will know when
events can cause destruction power is restored. If you
August 3 Annual meeting election to our electrical system, but plan to use a small generator,
announcement at I want you to know that make sure it’s rated to handle
7 p.m.; no in-person Access Energy Cooperative the amount of power you will
meeting crews are ready and standing need, and always review the
by to respond should power manufacturer’s instructions
Even when our office is closed, outages occur in our area. to operate it safely.
you can call us at 866-242-4232, When major storms knock Listen to local news or a NOAA
24 hours a day, seven days a week out power, our line crews take all Weather Radio for storm and
for answers to billing and account necessary precautions before they emergency information, and check
questions, paying your bill, and service get to work on any downed lines. I Access Energy Cooperative’s
interruptions. encourage you to also practice safety website or Facebook page for power
and preparedness to protect your restoration updates.
family during major storms and After the storm, avoid downed
Access Energy Cooperative is outages. power lines and walking through
dedicated to exceeding members’ The Federal Emergency flooded areas where power lines
expectations for safe, reliable and
efficient service, while being a
Management Agency recommends could be submerged. Allow ample
good citizen in our communities. the items below as a starting point room for utility crews to safely
Office: Access Energy Cooperative for storm and disaster preparedness, perform their jobs, including on
1800 W. Washington St., P.O. Box 440 but you can visit www.ready.gov for your property.
Mount Pleasant, Iowa 52641 additional resources. Planning for severe storms or other
Phone: 319-385-1577 or 866-242-4232
Fax: 319-385-6873 Stock your pantry with a three- emergencies can reduce stress and
Call Before You Dig (Iowa One Call): 8-1-1 day supply of non-perishable anxiety caused by the weather event
Website: www.accessenergycoop.com food, such as canned goods, and can lessen the impact of the
Facebook: facebook.com/AccessEnergyCoop
Twitter: twitter.com/AccessEnergyC energy bars, peanut butter, storm’s effects. Sign up for NOAA
E-mail: contactus@accessenergycoop.com powdered milk, instant coffee, emergency alerts and warnings and
Office Hours: Monday-Thursday, 7 a.m.-4:30 p.m. water and other essentials. save our website address: www.
Friday, 7 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
Call our office 24/7: 319-385-1577. Confirm that you have adequate accessenergycoop.com to stay abreast
Payments can be placed in dropbox under flag pole.
sanitation and hygiene supplies, of power restoration efforts and
Visa and MasterCard accepted. including towelettes, soap, toilet other important co-op news and
General Manager/CEO: Kevin Wheeler paper, diapers and hand sanitizer. information.
Editor: Kimberly Davis Ensure your first-aid kit is stocked I hope we don’t experience severe
Assistant Editor: Cherity Wibben
Officers and Directors:
with pain relievers, bandages storms this summer, but we can
Marvin Newton District 3 President and other medical essentials, and never predict Mother Nature’s plans.
Marvin Larson District 1 Vice President current prescriptions. At Access Energy Cooperative,
Robert Chesnut III
David Hollingsworth
District 3 Secretary
District 1 Treasurer
Include flashlights, batteries, we recommend that you act today
Fred Hickenbottom District 1 Director manual can opener, portable because there is power in planning.
Jerry Barker District 2 Director battery-powered radio or TV. We hope you have a safe and
Robert P. Smith District 2 Director Organize emergency supplies so wonderful summer.
Larry White District 2 Director
Michael Holtkamp District 3 Director they are easily accessible in one
location. Kevin Wheeler is the general manager/CEO
This institution is an equal opportunity provider.
In the event of a prolonged power of Access Energy Cooperative.
4 LIVING WITH ENERGY IN IOWA May 2021
R E C DAY O N T H E H I L L ANNOUNCEMENT
Connecting with local 2021 Access Energy
Cooperative
lawmakers Annual Meeting of
Access Energy Cooperative Members
thanks the legislators who were able
to join us for a virtual REC Day on
the Hill in 2021.
Your co-op is active on the
political scene to make sure the
cooperative’s interests are conveyed
to legislators on the federal, state
and local levels. The staff and board
of directors maintain relationships
with our local legislators through
frequent visits, emails and phone
calls and serve as a resource The Access Energy Cooperative
to ensure they understand the board of directors voted to modify
cooperative business model and the format of the 2021 Annual
issues facing the electric industry. Meeting of Members scheduled for
Rest assured that local legislators are Aug. 3, 2021, to eliminate the in-
working on your behalf. person portion of the meeting and
In March, electric cooperatives conduct the election of directors by
throughout the state annually mail and electronic voting only.
converge on the capital to have REC As everyone is still faced with
on the Hill. Although our “personal uncertainties on the safety of
calls” this year were virtual, we gathering in numbers, current
still appreciate their time to talk information available must be used
about issues that may impact your to make decisions that affect future
cooperative. plans. This decision did not come
easy for the board again this year;
however, Access Energy Cooperative
concluded it is the responsible choice
to make.
Use your
The cooperative encourages
members to take part in the director
election. Voting materials and
mobile instructions will be mailed July 7,
2021. The election results will be
device to aired as a live Facebook event on
Aug. 3, 2021, at 7 p.m.
monitor Congratulations
energy usage iOS Android
to Marty Hulsebos, an Access Energy
Cooperative member from Fairfield,
for supplying the cover image for this
Members of Access Energy Cooperative have a month’s issue of Living with Energy in
Iowa magazine!
tool called the SmartHub App that makes it easy to
pay your bill, look up account information, notify
you if your power is out and so much more!
Download the SmartHub app on your mobile
device and start using it today. You can also use
it on your computer through our website at
www.accessenergycoop.com.
May 2021 LIVING WITH ENERGY IN IOWA 5
Unified efforts power the economic development puzzle BY K AY S NYD E R The second week of May marks National Economic Development Week, providing an opportunity to highlight the strategic and unified effort that goes into supporting business growth and community vitality across Iowa. As part of its foundational principle of Concern for Community, your electric cooperative works with numerous partners to foster a thriving business climate in your area. Economic development means different things to different people. On a broad scale, anything a community does to foster and create a healthy economy can fall under the umbrella of economic Through active marketing, development. Most of the time, Trinity Industries became interested economic development focuses on in the property as a location for the promoting investment, creating jobs $60 million TrinityRail Maintenance and improving the quality of life for Services facility, which purchased residents. Economic development the entire park. Local players came is truly a puzzle, with a diversity of together to work through the essential players coming together company’s requirements. Butler to address dozens of core activities There are hundreds of examples County REC secured a $2 million accomplished by accessing many of electric cooperative-inspired pass-through loan from the U.S. programs and resources. economic development success Department of Agriculture to support Recognizing the benefits of a stories across Iowa, including the installing nearly 8,000 additional unified effort to power the “puzzle following two recent examples. feet of rail to the IANR main track, of economic development” and fit necessary to meet the company’s these pieces together, Iowa’s electric Powering business growth requirements. cooperatives created the Iowa Area The Butler Logistics Park, located “With any project such as this, there Development Group (IADG) to in rural Butler County near Shell are numerous parts that have to come serve as its economic development Rock, provides a perfect example together, including the work of many organization. For decades, IADG of how an industrial park can individuals,” says Craig Codner, CEO staff has been immersed in statewide spark incredible regional growth of Butler County REC. Our staff put economic development, compiling through business location and in many hours toward this project the network of partners, knowledge job creation. Butler County REC, and continues to be engaged as the of programs and project experience Butler-Grundy Development park expands. We have a tremendous needed to support this vital business Alliance, Iowa Northern Railway working relationship with the Butler- initiative. IADG focuses on business Company (IANR) and Central Iowa Grundy Development Alliance, who attraction, existing business Water Association are vital partners was instrumental in attracting the expansion, entrepreneurship and in developing this 230-acre and plant to the park.” community development projects. expanding industrial park. “I also cannot say enough about 6 LIVING WITH ENERGY IN IOWA May 2021
MARKETING BUSINESS
AND BUSINESS RETENTION AND
RECRUITMENT EXPANSION
SMALL
BUSINESS WORKFORCE FOSTERING
DEVELOPMENT DEVELOPMENT ENTREPRENEURSHIP
CREATING
NEIGHBORHOOD STRATEGIC NETWORKS AND ACCESS TO
DEVELOPMENT PLANNING PARTNERSHIPS CAPITAL
IADG
RURAL UTILITY REVITALIZATION
PARTNERS
the IANR team. This was a true development project spotlight. With the goal of “one Faith House
partnership with everyone’s goal the 818 Forward with Faith (FWF) is at a time,” FWF is working toward
same, to bring the plant to the Butler a non-profit dedicated to building constructing a home for women also
Logistics Park,” Codner adds. homes where adults with disabilities to be located in Pella.
The impact of the 230-acre rail can lead lives of dignity while their “Pella is a small community where
maintenance facility is the creation of specialized physical, emotional we step up to take care of each
more than 250 career opportunities and social needs are met. FWF was other and work to support those in
for current residents and those founded by Jerry and Judy Fynaard, need. Pella Cooperative Electric and
attracted by these positions, and an whose son Caleb was born with Southwest Iowa REC were honored
overall boost to the local economy. cerebral palsy. It was right after high to use our resources to help Forward
Spurring additional growth, in school when Caleb was involved with Faith develop a solution for
October 2020, Mid-Iowa Cooperative, in an automobile accident, and a need in our community,” Pella
a farmer-owned cooperative based the special care he needed became Cooperative Electric CEO Jon Miles
in east-central Iowa, broke ground more than his current living facility says.
on Shell Rock Soy Processing, a could provide. That is what spurred While just two projects were
$270 million soybean crushing plant the Fynaards to found FWF with highlighted in this article, examples
located on an expansion of the Butler the mission of providing homes for of large and small “wins” are
Logistics park. The facility is expected adults with disabilities that are an frequently included in your local
to create 50 high-quality jobs when extension of their childhood home newspapers, electric cooperative and
operational in 2022. and a safe haven for the residents and chamber newsletters, and Living with
their families. Energy in Iowa magazine.
Powering community services and Pella Cooperative Electric Rural utilities have an important
entrepreneurship Association and Southwest Iowa presence in local communities.
Concern for Community and REC provided $300,000 from their Throughout the past several years,
Cooperation among Cooperatives Revolving Loan Funds to support the local ownership of businesses
are two of the cooperative principles the FWF home construction, which in rural communities continues to
that shine in this community opened in Pella in November 2019. trend downward. So does the pool of
stakeholders willing and able to invest,
engage and support local business
and community development efforts.
Your electric cooperatives actively
participate and contribute to business
and community initiatives across
the state.
We’re grateful that electric
cooperative staff, and their members,
volunteer time and talents to
support local communities across
Iowa. Every one of these roles is a
vital piece of powering economic
development.
Kay Snyder is the director of marketing
and communications for the Iowa Area
Development Group.
May 2021 LIVING WITH ENERGY IN IOWA 7
Creamy Rhubarb
Dessert
½ cup butter
1½ cups plus 2 tablespoons flour, divided
1 cup pecans, chopped, divided
4 cups rhubarb
1 cup plus 3 tablespoons sugar, divided
16 ounces cream cheese
2 teaspoons vanilla, divided
3 eggs, lightly beaten
1½ cups sour cream
Cut together butter and 1½ cup flour. Add ½ cup
pecans and press into 13x9-inch pan. Mix rhubarb,
½ cup sugar and 2 tablespoons flour. Spoon over
crust and bake at 350 degrees F for 15 minutes.
Mix together cream cheese, ½ cup sugar and
1 teaspoon vanilla until smooth, then add eggs.
Pour over hot rhubarb and bake at 350 degrees F for
30-35 minutes. Cool 10 minutes. Mix sour cream,
3 tablespoons sugar and 1 teaspoon vanilla. Spread
over hot cheesecake, sprinkle with ½ cup pecans.
Cool 1 hour then refrigerate. Serves 12-16
Cindy Bru • Marshalltown
Grundy County Rural Electric Cooperative
Chicken Asparagus
Casserole
Rhubarb Surprise Pie
4 chicken breasts
1½ teaspoons seasoned salt
¼ teaspoon pepper
1 cup flour, sifted ¼ cup vegetable oil
1 teaspoon baking powder 20 ounces frozen asparagus
Fresh Facts Source:
½ teaspoon salt 10½ ounces cream of chicken soup (1 can)
Iowa Department
of Agriculture and 2 tablespoons butter ½ cup mayonnaise or sour cream
Land Stewardship 1 egg, beaten 1 teaspoon lemon juice
2 tablespoons milk ¼ teaspoon curry powder
3 cups rhubarb, diced 1 cup cheddar cheese, grated
MEDICINAL 1 package strawberry Jell-O (3 ounces)
ROOTS ½ cup flour Cut chicken into bite size pieces and season with
Rhubarb is 1 cup sugar seasoned salt and pepper. Sauté chicken in oil for
a very old ½ teaspoon cinnamon 5-6 minutes until white and opaque. Remove and
plant that ¼ cup butter, melted drain on paper towels. Cook asparagus as directed
dates back to on package. Drain and place in greased 9x13-inch
ancient China Sift together 1 cup sifted flour, baking baking dish. Add chicken pieces. In a separate bowl,
in 2700 BC. powder and salt. Cut in 2 tablespoons butter, mix soup, mayonnaise or sour cream, lemon juice
At that time, add egg and milk then mix. Press into a and curry powder. Pour over chicken and sprinkle
it was used greased 9-inch pie pan. Arrange rhubarb in with cheese. Bake at 350 degrees F for 30 minutes.
for medicinal pie pan and sprinkle with Jell-O. Combine
purposes.
Serves 8
½ cup flour, sugar, cinnamon and ¼ cup
The roots of
melted butter and sprinkle on top of pie.
F R E S H FAC T S
Linda Terlouw • Pella
the Chinese
variety are Bake at 350 degrees F for 50 minutes or until Pella Cooperative Electric Association
still used in rhubarb is tender. Serves 6
medicine
today. Lea Bradley • Mount Pleasant
Access Energy Cooperative
8 LIVING WITH ENERGY IN IOWA May 2021
Cherry Rhubarb Rhubarb Dump Cake ONLY EAT
Crunch 1
1
pound rhubarb, chopped (3-4 cups)
cup sugar
THE STALKS
Rhubarb is a
perennial plant
2¼ cups oatmeal 1 package strawberry Jell-O (3 ounces) that is usually
¾ cup flour 1 package yellow cake mix eaten fresh
¾ cup brown sugar 1 cup water and harvested
¾ cup oleo ¼ cup butter, melted in the spring
1 cup sugar when the
2 tablespoons cornstarch Spread rhubarb evenly over bottom of a greased stalks are
1 cup water 9x13-inch cake pan. Sprinkle sugar over the tender. Only
1 can cherry pie filling rhubarb, then the dry Jell-O, then the cake mix. the stalks
4 cups rhubarb, diced Pour water and melted butter over the top. Do not (petioles)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract should be
stir. Bake at 350 degrees F for 45 minutes or until
eaten because
F R E S H FAC T S
rhubarb is tender. This comes out like a cobbler. the leaves
Combine oatmeal, flour, brown sugar and
contain
oleo. Cut together to make crumbs. Save ¾ cup Kathy Carter • Williams • Prairie Energy Cooperative moderately
crumbs for top and spread the rest in 9x13-inch poisonous
pan. In saucepan, combine sugar, cornstarch and
water; cook until thick. Remove from heat and Asparagus Bacon oxalic acid.
add pie filling, rhubarb and vanilla extract. Pour
over crumb crust and sprinkle with remaining Quiche
crumbs. Bake at 350 degrees F for 40 minutes. THREADED
1 pound fresh asparagus
ON STRAW
Barbara Dather • Melvin 6 bacon strips
Strawberries
North West Rural Electric Cooperative 1 9-inch baked pastry crust
are thought
3 eggs
to have
1½ cups half and half cream
Ham and Asparagus
originated
1 cup grated Parmesan, divided
with the
1 tablespoon green onions, sliced
Roll-Ups
Romans,
1 teaspoon sugar
maybe as
½ teaspoon salt
far back as
¼ teaspoon pepper
30 fresh asparagus spears the Greeks.
1 pinch ground nutmeg
15 ham slices The name
8 ounces cream cheese “strawberry”
Trim asparagus and cut into 1-inch pieces, may have
then cook and drain. Cook and crumble bacon. resulted from
Trim asparagus to length of ham slices. Wash Arrange bacon and asparagus in pastry crust. In children in the
F R E S H FAC T S
the asparagus and blanch briefly for 2 minutes a bowl, beat eggs, then add cream, ½ cup cheese, 19th century,
in boiling water. Remove stalks and put in bowl onions, sugar, salt, pepper and nutmeg. Pour over who threaded
of ice water. Spread cream cheese on ham slices asparagus and bacon. Sprinkle with remaining the berries on
then add two asparagus spears and roll them up. cheese. Bake at 400 degrees F for 10 minutes. straw and
Keep refrigerated until served. Serves 15 Reduce to 350 degrees F and bake for 23-25 sold them.
minutes longer.
Ann Clark • Panora
Guthrie County Rural Electric Cooperative Association Anna Domnick • Rock Rapids
Lyon Rural Electric Cooperative PACKED WITH
VITAMIN C
Strawberries
Wanted: Chicken Recipes contain
vitamin C,
The Reward: $25 for every one we publish! folic acid,
potassium
Winner, winner, chicken dinner! A versatile protein, chicken is a EMAIL: recipes@livingwithenergyiniowa.com and fiber.
recipe favorite. Whether it’s grilled, baked, fried or in sandwiches, (Attach your recipe as a Word document or Eight fresh
salads or casseroles, the possibilities are endless. If we run your PDF to your email message.) strawberries
recipe in the magazine, we’ll send a $25 credit for your electric provide
F R E S H FAC T S
co-op to apply to your power bill. Recipes submitted also may be MAIL: approximately
archived on our website at www.livingwithenergyiniowa.com. Recipes the same
The deadline is May 31, 2021. Please include your name, address, Living with Energy in Iowa magazine amount of
telephone number, co-op name and the recipe category on all 8525 Douglas Ave., Suite 48 vitamin C as
submissions. Also provide the number of servings per recipe. Urbandale, Iowa 50322 an orange.
May 2021 LIVING WITH ENERGY IN IOWA 9
Trending now: Home improvement
Tips for making environmentally friendly and cost-effective choices
BY J U L I A R O B I N S O N
With ongoing pandemic concerns
and expanded remote working
options, many of us are not only
spending more time at home, but
we’re also considering a home office
upgrade, creating a music room
or enhancing an outdoor space.
Mischa Fisher, chief economist for
HomeAdvisor, says the growth in
home improvement in 2020 was
huge: “We nicknamed it the year of
the home.”
“In past years, there was a significant
focus on return on investment,” Fisher
says. “People do a project because
they’re planning on selling their
house.” Last year was different because
41% of people said they planned
upgrades specifically to make their
homes better suit their lifestyle. It’s a
trend that’s continuing in 2021. Make sure your music room has plenty of outlets for your
No matter what project is on instruments, microphones and amplifiers, and that all are
connected to the same circuit to avoid a ground loop buzz.
tap, it’s essential to start with basic
improvements that ensure your energy
needs are met safely and efficiently. increasing overall energy efficiency, hazards, make a thermographic
HomeAdvisor, a digital marketplace beginning with modest repairs. inspection with infrared scanning,
that aims to connect clients with The next step involves pricier and conduct a blower test that
prescreened local service professionals, improvements like replacing windows measures the quality of air sealing
found home maintenance budgets and upgrading to more efficient around ducts, doors and windows.
doubled in 2020 compared to previous appliances. The most advanced The auditor then prepares a
years. Simple updates to infrastructure improvements center on renewable report detailing their findings and
can make every home kinder to the energy generation and storage. recommendations. According to
environment and safer, with the added Pfeiffer suggests homeowners start the U.S. Department of Energy,
benefit of trimming electric bills. by eliminating energy-wasting gaps the average home has enough air
in the home’s structure and shading
Green building with simple windows and walls.
improvements
Simple improvements based on a
STEPS TO ELIMINATE
home’s current condition can go a ENERGY-WASTING GAPS
long way toward improving energy
efficiency. “Often improvements 1 Audit energy use
are more beneficial than investing To find your home’s trouble
in newer technology, such as solar spots, engage a professional for a
panels,” says Peter Pfeiffer, president home energy audit. Your electric
of an architecture firm and an early co-op offers advice on audits,
advocate for the ENERGY STAR® which likely includes a review of
program, which encourages energy- your electric bills and a thorough A good energy audit will use a blower door
efficient appliance purchases. examination of your home. test to establish the baseline airtightness of
He recommends that homeowners Auditors will inspect the quality your home. After repairs are made a second
blower test will show improvement.
plan their improvements based on of insulation, test for electrical
10 LIVING WITH ENERGY IN IOWA May 2021projects
Replacing regular window
screens with solar screens
can keep your home
10-15 degrees cooler in the
summer by blocking the
sun’s rays that can heat
the inside of your home.
leakage to add up to a 2-square- 6 Take additional steps to
foot hole that remains open 24 reduce demand
hours a day. Fortunately, simple Once you’ve invested some
remedies can save up to 30% on time and a little money into
utility bills. With your co-op’s making basic improvements,
guidance, an energy audit will help Pfeiffer advises implementing
you prioritize fixes for tightening additional energy-saving
your home and using shade to measures. Replacing older
your advantage. appliances and windows with
ENERGY STAR®-rated and
2 Keep outside air outside e-coated products will save
Managing the infiltration energy over the lifetime of your
of outside air can affect With good planning, adding home. Solar panels can help you
homes year-round. Common insulation to your home can be create your power, but they won’t
a successful DIY project. have as big of an impact unless
recommendations are to update
weatherstripping and caulk you first address your energy
around doors and windows, clean energy efficiency. Pfeiffer says demands.
filters and vents, and seal leaks that optimal roofing materials “Before you go to the sexy
in your ducts. Pfeiffer points out combined with shade will prevent things like solar on the roof, or
that leaky ducts are more wasteful radiant heat from leaking into the things that you can talk about
than an inefficient air conditioner. home in the first place. Sealing at a cocktail party, let’s reduce
It’s more important to make sure basements and crawl spaces and the demand of energy first,”
you have an airtight heating, wrapping your water heater in Pfeiffer says.
ventilating and air conditioning a thermal blanket also improve
system before upgrading to a new energy efficiency. Make safety a priority with home
air-handling system. improvement projects
5 Upgrade lighting Rewiring your lights and adding
3 Prevent radiant heat Efficient lighting and lighter new electrical systems to your home
Radiant heat is absorbed from colors are key considerations when are complex and hazardous tasks
sunlight and can be transmitted adding a home office or hobby that are best left in the hands of a
through roofs and windows space. licensed electrician.
into the home. Pfeiffer advises Replace lightbulbs with energy- Replacing old electrical outlets
using roof overhangs, awnings or efficient CFLs or LEDs to decrease with ground-fault circuit interrupter
planting trees and landscaping energy consumption. An Energy- (GFCI) outlets, while not a cost-
to shade west-facing windows to Star qualified CFL uses about saving improvement, is a necessary
prevent the sun’s rays from hitting one-fourth of the energy and lasts safety upgrade for outlets around
the windows directly. Thermal 10 times longer than traditional water. GFCIs protect against shocks
drapes and window coverings incandescent bulbs, and Energy- by breaking the flow of electrical
can also deflect heat from sunny Star-qualified LEDs last 15 to 25 current if they detect a fault. They
rooms. Radiant barriers in an attic times longer. Light fixtures should are required in new construction,
can prevent heat from the roof hang close to the work or hobby but the Electrical Safety Foundation
from transferring to the attic floor space without getting in the way. International estimates 40 million
and warming the rest of the house “The color of the horizontal homes do not have these lifesaving
in the summer, saving money on reflecting surfaces in the room outlets in all “wet” rooms.
cooling bills. makes a big difference in how In addition, consider having an
much energy you use,” Pfeiffer arc-fault circuit interrupter (AFCI)
4 Add insulation says. “You need about three times breaker professionally installed.
Adding insulation to a as much lighting if you’ve got dark AFCIs protect against fire-causing
home’s attic, basement, walls countertops compared to light- arcing that is commonly caused by
or crawl spaces will improve colored countertops.” damaged or worn wiring.
May 2021 LIVING WITH ENERGY IN IOWA 11ACCESS ENERGY COOPER ATIVE NEWS
SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS HOW YOUR CO - OP WORKS
Access Energy Cooperative announces Statement of
lineworker scholarship winners non-discrimination
In accordance with Federal civil
Congratulations to Dalton Gavin is a
rights law and U.S. Department of
Gardner and Gavin Thompson, graduate from Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations
who will each receive a $2,000 Danville High and policies, USDA, its Mission Areas,
scholarship to enroll in an electric School and will agencies, staff, offices, employees,
lineworker program. begin classes in the and institutions participating in or
Dalton is Powerline program administering USDA programs are
currently a high at NCC this month. prohibited from discriminating based
school senior The lineworker on race, color, national origin, religion,
at Mt. Pleasant scholarship is a new program sex, gender identity (including gender
Community High launched at Access Energy expression), sexual orientation, disability,
School and plans to Cooperative this year. We are age, marital status, family/parental status,
enroll at Northwest pleased to be able to award this income derived from a public assistance
Community financial assistance to such program, political beliefs, or reprisal or
College (NCC) in the Powerline deserving and ambitious potential retaliation for prior civil rights activity,
program next May. future linemen. in any program or activity conducted or
funded by USDA (not all bases apply to all
programs). Remedies and complaint filing
MEMBER SERVICE deadlines vary by program or incident.
Program information may be made
How to address service concerns available in language other than English.
Persons with disabilities who require
Access Energy Cooperative strives representative qualified to assist alternative means of communication to
to exceed members’ expectations in resolving the complaint can be obtain program information (e.g., Braille,
for service, including resolving reached for assistance available from large print, audiotape, American Sign
issues and complaints promptly and the Iowa Utilities Board. Language) should contact the responsible
Mission Area, agency, or staff office; the
courteously. Our employees who If a member complaint is related
USDA TARGET Center at (202)720-2600
receive telephone calls and office to service disconnection, safety or
(voice and TTY); or the Federal Relay
visits from members are qualified engineering standards, or renewable Service at (800) 877-8339.
and trained in screening and energy and Access Energy To file a program discrimination
resolving complaints. They also will Cooperative is not able to resolve complaint, a complainant should
provide identification to the caller your complaint, you may request complete a Form, AD-3027, USDA
so that they can reach the same assistance from the Iowa Utilities Program Discrimination Complaint Form,
employee again if needed. Board by calling 515-725-7321, or which can be obtained online at https://
Access Energy Cooperative is toll-free 877-565-4450, by writing to www.ocio.usda.gov/document/ad-3027,
required to notify its members 1375 E. Court Avenue, Des Moines, from any USDA office, by calling (866)
of the address and telephone IA 50319-0069, or by email to 632-9992, or by writing a letter addressed
number below where a cooperative customer@iub.iowa.gov. to USDA. The letter must contain the
complainant’s name, address, telephone
number, and a written description of the
M O T H E R ’S DAY
alleged discriminatory action in sufficient
Happy
detail to inform the Assistant Secretary for
Civil Rights (ASCR) about the nature and
date of the alleged civil rights violation.
The completed AD-3027 form or letter
must be submitted to USDA by:
Mother’s
Photo credit: Karen Corrick 1. Mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture
Office of the Assistant Secretary
for Civil Rights 1400 Independence
Avenue, SW Washington, D.C.
Day!
20250-9410; or
2. Fax: (833) 256-1665 or
(202) 690-7442; or
3. Email: program.intake@usda.gov
USDA is an equal opportunity
provider, employer, and lender.
12 LIVING WITH ENERGY IN IOWA May 2021THANK YOU BENEFIT OF MEMBERSHIP
Members helping Early retirement of dividends
members to members
RECare is a program where The Access Energy Cooperative Accounts with dividend payments
members help other members in board of directors voted to return due of less than $5 will continue to
need. Access Energy Cooperative is patronage dividends early to members accumulate and will be paid in the
proud that even during the COVID-19 this year. Payments are distributed year they reach or exceed $5.
pandemic our members have stepped to members based on the amount of Patronage dividend checks are
up to help others in need. We dividends in their account normally distributed at the
have seen an increase in voluntary for the years being paid in annual meeting of members
donations to the 2021 and will be available in August, and checks
RECare program mid-June. not picked up are mailed
and helping other Dividends owed to out after the meeting.
members with members that are less than This year, due to the
financial difficulties. $25 will be paid in the form continued uncertainty still
In the RECare of a credit on the member’s surrounding restrictions
program, we can accept a one-time
bill. Dividends owed greater than and requirements of large groups
contribution to help others, or you
may enclose an amount each month $25 will be mailed to the member as to gather in the coming months,
with your monthly electric bill. Just a check. Members can request that the board of directors approved to
$1 a month helps someone in need. their dividends be paid as a bill credit, modify the format of the 2021 Annual
This program is administered by the regardless of the amount, by returning Meeting of Members to eliminate
Iowa Community Action Program, and the information below, calling us the in-person portion of the meeting
recipients must meet their guidelines. at 866-242-4232 or contacting our and conduct the election of directors
Funds are used to assist people in finance department by email: finance by mail and electronic voting. The
southeast Iowa. @accessenergycoop.com. The due date election results will be announced live
Thank you for your generosity in for the 2021 dividend payment to be on Facebook at 7 p.m. on Aug. 3. No
supporting fellow co-op members! applied as a bill credit is June 1, 2021. other business will be conducted.
SAF E T Y M AT T E R S
DIVIDEND BILL CREDIT REQUEST FORM
I wish to have all dividend payments earned for my account(s) be paid in
the form of a bill credit. The due date for the 2021 dividend payment to be
applied as a bill credit is June 1, 2021.
Member name_______________________________________________________
Address_____________________________________________________________
City________________________________________________________________
State _________________________________ ZIP___________________________
Account number(s)____________________________________________________
Access Energy Cooperative
lineworkers work on dangerous
equipment, keeping your power Phone number_______________________________________________________
on. The last thing they need to
worry about is being hit by an Email address________________________________________________________
oncoming vehicle.
If you see them working on the Return this form to:
side of the road, move over to Finance Dept
the other lane and slow down. Access Energy Cooperative
Give them room to work – we
all thank you!
PO Box 440
Mt Pleasant IA 52641
May 2021 LIVING WITH ENERGY IN IOWA 13IN THE COMMUNITY
New contest shines the light
on community volunteers
Iowa’s electric cooperatives month of June. The three winners
are excited to announce a new will be announced during the Iowa
statewide contest, which celebrates State Fair in August. In addition Step 1:
our cooperative commitment to to receiving a $1,500 donation for
community. Called Shine the Light, their charity or nonprofit of choice, Go to www.IowaShineTheLight.com
the contest will accept nominations the winners will also be featured in from June 1-30 to make a nomination
in June and award three winners the September issue of Living with and to review the contest rules.
with a $1,500 check to their local Energy in Iowa magazine.
charity or community organization.
“We’re excited to launch this How to nominate
cooperative effort to shine the Member-consumers and As a nominator,
light on local volunteers,” says employees of Iowa’s electric provide your contact
Erin Campbell, director of cooperatives are eligible to information and
communications for the Iowa nominate local volunteers. If you answer the following
Association of Electric Cooperatives. receive electricity from an electric Step 2: question in 500
“So many people throughout the cooperative in Iowa, you’re a co-op words or less.
areas served by Iowa’s electric member-consumer and invited to How has your
cooperatives deserve to be nominate someone who is making a
recognized for making a positive positive impact in the community.
nominee made a
impact.” The volunteer being nominated positive difference in
Sponsored by the Touchstone does not need to be a co-op the community, and
Energy Cooperatives of Iowa, the member-consumer. Minors may be why do they deserve
Shine the Light contest will accept nominated with consent from their to be recognized?
contest entries online during the parents or legal guardians.
14 LIVING WITH ENERGY IN IOWA May 2021OUT BACK
Gardening genes don’t
grow here
BY VA L E R I E VA N KO OT E N
Once spring quits messing around
and gets into high gear, all those
garden-minded folks will be out
staking, planting and cleaning out
old beds. I have great respect for
them. They are feeding their families
and their neighborhoods. They
are enjoying nature and providing
beautiful bouquets.
I do not appear able to scale their
ranks.
Skipped by the gardening gene
Somehow the gardening gene
skipped me. My grandparents had
lovely spreads beside their houses.
My mother’s flower garden includes
heirloom blooms from her great-
grandmother. My dad enjoys planting
a few beans and peppers. Together,
they can and freeze apples, pears and
peaches. My uncle, for many years,
owned a huge truck farm and sold at
markets all over central Iowa.
I have some irises in front of my
house.
Oh, it’s not that I didn’t try. When
we moved into our present home 20
years ago, I was determined to have
a little bed behind our house. It was small when I started. I’d be able to fill flower patch quickly get ahead of me
a gush of optimism – new home, it up immediately! That was before I unless I’m incredibly determined. My
fresh dreams of the Becky Home- reckoned with our property’s extreme one glory are my irises, which seem
Ecky in me coming out. Even then, clay soil. I clawed the seeds into the to like our difficult soil and my glibly
I’m not sure what made me think ground where they stayed, a pathetic negligent care.
it would work. When Kent and I patch of doomed dreams and a real I have resigned myself to being the
lived in Pammel Court at Iowa State pain to mow around. In desperation, broken link in a family line of green
University, we rented a small garden I put out some mint plants, which thumbs, although that trait seems to
allotment from the university. Despite immediately took over the entire area. have passed itself to my middle son,
a brave start, the result was a complete Even today, when I mow, the scent of who has a new sunroom full of plants
disaster, with the rabbits eating most chocolate mint wafts up. and a yard with lots of bulbs that seem
of what we had grown. In retrospect, Over the years, I’ve half-heartedly undisturbed by wildlife, neighbor dogs
I think we were the trashy allotment, tried a few things. Tulip bulbs were or little kids.
the one the neighbors despaired of. We dug up by the voles and squirrels I hope things work out for him. If
didn’t renew the next year. in the area. My dependence on not, I’ll lend him a few irises.
perennials and thinking they’ll come
Putting faith in peas and zinnias back every year, and I won’t have to Valerie Van Kooten is a writer from Pella
who loves living in the country and telling
However, going forward, I bravely do anything, met a quick death when its stories. She and her husband Kent have
put my faith in pea pods and zinnias. they bloomed one year and refused to, three married sons, two incredibly adorable
My 15-by-15 foot garden seemed so well, perennial. The weeds in my little grandsons and a lovely granddaughter.
May 2021 LIVING WITH ENERGY IN IOWA 15You can also read
