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JUNE 2020
Access Energy Cooperative announces board candidates See Page 12
Access Energy Cooperative
photo contest winners
Visit our website at www.accessenergycoop.com
Co-op advocacy
remains focused on
member-consumers
Summer-inspired
turkey recipes
Iowa Association of
Electric Cooperatives
Volume 73 • Issue 6
EDITOR
Ann Thelen
ART DIRECTOR CONTENTS JUNE 2020
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
Erin Campbell
6 Co-op advocacy remains focused on
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
member-consumers
Steve Seidl, Coon Rapids – President
Don Shonka, Independence – Vice President Even during uncertain times, electric
Roger Solomonson, Leland – Secretary/Treasurer cooperative advocacy never shifts away
Darrell Jensen, Menlo – Asst. Secretary/Treasurer
from member-consumers. Learn how
6
Gordon Greimann, Hampton
Neal Heldt, Mallard
Kenneth VandenBerg, Albia
these efforts are also supporting Iowa
Marion Denger, Dows – NRECA Representative agriculture.
Jeff Ten Napel, Sibley – Managers’ Representative
________________________
Living with Energy in Iowa magazine (ISSN: 1935-7176) is published
8 Summer-inspired turkey recipes
monthly by the Iowa Association of Electric Cooperatives, a not-for-
profit organization representing Iowa’s member-owned local electric
June is National Turkey Lovers’
cooperatives. Association address: 8525 Douglas Ave., Suite 48, Des Month! Co-op cooks share recipes to
Moines, IA 50322-2992. The phrase Living with Energy in Iowa is
a mark registered within the state of Iowa to the Iowa Association of enjoy turkey during the summer and
8
Electric Cooperatives. The magazine does not accept advertising.
throughout the year. PLUS: Find out how
Editorial Office: 8525 Douglas Ave., Suite 48, Des Moines, IA
50322-2992. Telephone: 515-276-5350. E-mail address: you can receive a $25 credit on your
editor@livingwithenergyiniowa.com. Letters may be edited for clarity
and length before publication. Living with Energy in Iowa magazine
power bill!
does not assume responsibility for unsolicited items.
Website: www.livingwithenergyiniowa.com 10 5 remodeling projects with high
Postmaster: Send address changes to Living with Energy in Iowa
magazine, 8525 Douglas Ave., Suite 48, Des Moines, IA 50322-2992.
“Joy Scores”
Periodicals Postage Paid at Des Moines, Iowa, and at additional
mailing offices.
With people spending more time at
home because of COVID-19, now may
10
Change of Address: Every local electric cooperative maintains
an independent mailing list of its members, so please send your
change of address directly to your local electric cooperative’s
be the perfect opportunity to plan
office. Living with Energy in Iowa magazine cannot make an (and tackle!) some home improvement
address change for you.
projects.
© Copyright 2020, Iowa Association of Electric Cooperatives.
No portion of the editorial, photographic or other content of Living
with Energy in Iowa magazine or its website may be reproduced
without written permission of the editor.
Favorites
3 Statewide Perspective 14 Out Back
Providing assistance to Shopping trips become
Iowans in need tireless errands
3 Editor’s Choice Contest 15 Closing Thoughts
Win a $150 home improvement Our “love letter” to this
gift card year’s Youth Tour winners
ON THE COVER
David and Renae Vander
Schaaf, members of North
West Rural Electric Cooperative,
captured this shot in Sioux
County just as the crop was
beginning to peak through the
soil. The rainbow, following
a beautiful rain, echoes the
promise of the season and is
especially uplifting during these
turbulent times.
800-292-8989
2 LIVING WITH ENERGY IN IOWA June 2020
S TATE WIDE PE R S PEC TI V E
Providing assistance to Iowans in need
B Y B I LL BR AN D
By all accounts, our country is provide some financial relief in these programs and eligibility related to the
facing an unprecedented economic challenging times. Remember, we are COVID-19 pandemic.
crisis because of the COVID-19 all in this together! Unemployment insurance
pandemic. Many families Free financial consultation Iowa Workforce Development
have experienced job If you’re concerned about is the state agency that
loss or reduction in your finances and unsure where administers unemployment
employment. These to start, get free, confidential insurance benefits. Visit www.
circumstances could lead financial help from a family iowaworkforcedevelopment.gov or
to difficulty in paying finance educator at Iowa State call 866-239-0843 for eligibility
utility bills. University Extension and guidelines, application process and
There is help available Outreach. For more information, updates.
through Iowa’s network visit their Managing Personal
of community action Iowa regent universities
Finances in Tough Times Iowa’s three state universities
agencies if you find yourself in this webpage at www.extension.iastate.
situation. These agencies have an have established emergency
edu/humansciences/finance or leave a funds to support students who
office in all 99 counties of the state. message by calling the Iowa Concern
Families can apply for the Energy may be adversely affected by the
Hotline at 800-447-1985. COVID-19 pandemic. Iowa State
Assistance Program through their
local agency. This program can pay HealthWell Foundation University, the University of Iowa
a portion of an eligible household’s HealthWell Foundation is and the University of Northern Iowa
utility bill. Eligibility is based on a nonprofit organization that launched funds to help students
household income and size. To find provides financial assistance to address their most urgent needs
where to apply for energy assistance in cover the costs associated with as they transitioned from living
your county, visit https://humanrights. delivered food, medication, and learning on campus to online
iowa.gov/dcaa/where-apply. diagnostics, transportation and classes.
Applications for regular energy telehealth as a result of COVID-19 Iowa State University Cyclone
assistance are being accepted through risk or incidence. Visit www. Strong Fund: www.financialaid.
June 30. Applications for emergency healthwellfoundation.org/fund/ iastate.edu/cares-act
energy assistance are accepted year- covid-19-fund for more information. University of Iowa Student Life
round, contingent upon available Applications are also accepted by Emergency Fund: dos.uiowa.edu/
funds. Anyone facing difficulty in calling 800-675-8416. assistance/student-support-initiatives
paying their utility bill is encouraged Iowa Department of Human University of Northern Iowa
to contact their local agency. Services (DHS) COVID-19 Student Support Funds:
Community action agencies have The Iowa Department of Human pawprint.uni.edu/g/studentsupport/
other types of help available, as well, Services has several assistance about
including food and clothing pantries. programs such as food, childcare Bill Brand is the administrator, Division of
Learn more about community action and cash assistance. Visit dhs.iowa. Community Action Agencies at the Iowa
agencies from the Iowa Department of gov/COVID19 for information on Department of Human Rights.
Human Rights at https://humanrights.
EDITOR’S CHOICE CONTEST
iowa.gov/dcaa.
If you’re having difficulty paying
your utility bills in full, you should Win a $150 home
also reach out to your local electric
cooperative and other utility providers
improvement gift card!
Home improvement projects can boost the
to discuss payment options. Your curb appeal, resale value and energy efficiency of your home.
electric co-op can also share easy ways We’ll award one lucky winner with a $150 gift card from a local business or
to reduce your energy use, which will retailer of your choice for a home improvement project!
help lower your bills.
For many Iowa families struggling Visit our website and win!
right now, this may be the first time Enter this month’s contest by visiting www.livingwithenergyiniowa.com no later than
June 30, 2020. You must be a member of one of Iowa’s electric cooperatives to win. There’s
you’ve needed to reach out for public no obligation associated with entering, we don’t share entrant information with anyone and
assistance. We encourage you to multiple entries from the same account will be disqualified. The winner of the pollinator
explore other resources available at habitat from the April issue was Milton and Patricia Heifner from Guthrie County Rural Electric
the following organizations that may Cooperative Association.
June 2020 LIVING WITH ENERGY IN IOWA 3
ACCESS ENERGY COOPER ATIVE NEWS
UPCOMING EVENTS LOCAL PERSPECTIVE
Beware of utility and solar
BY KEVIN WHEELER
The energy industry is undergoing typically demand that you use a
rapid change, and technology is prepaid debit card or money order,
paving the way for innovation in the often within a very short, urgent time
July 2 Happy 82nd Birthday way energy is used, produced, frame to pay the “past due”
Access Energy stored and shared. Consumers amount.
Cooperative! are interested in more green You can combat this scam
July 8 Board election opens. energy alternatives, while by being aware of the status
Online voting available smart homes and apps make of your account. Never give
and packets mailed. managing energy use and your banking or personal
paying your electric bill more information over the phone
Aug. 3 Online voting closes; no convenient than ever. to someone you did not call.
longer accepting mailed- While the changing energy If you have a question or
in ballots. market has created more concern about your energy
Aug. 4 Annual Meeting of options for consumers, it has bill, call us directly at 319-
Members also resulted in more utility scams and 385-1577 or 866-242-4232. Do not
misleading information surrounding use the phone number given by the
You can call us at 866-242-4232, solar installations in particular. That’s scammer.
24 hours a day, seven days a week because of two factors.
– or use our SmartHub App – for Utility scams are common Avoid solar scams
answers to billing and account because of the vast number of Another scam we see from time
questions, paying your bill and service utilities that exist, and consumers to time is connected to a solar array.
interruptions. are understandably anxious with the Homeowners with a solar energy
threat of disruption to their electric, system may receive a sales call offering
heating or water service. Second, new an accessory, upgrade or extended
Access Energy Cooperative is products and services in the energy warranty to their solar array. The calls
dedicated to exceeding members’ industry provide an opening for could be from crooks claiming to
expectations for safe, reliable and
efficient service, while being a scammers and pop-up companies to represent a solar company, promising
good citizen in our communities. provide misleading information or to replace faulty or broken parts or
Office: Access Energy Cooperative shoddy products and services. improve efficiency. Again, if you
1800 W. Washington St., P.O. Box 440 are not expecting the call, don’t be
Mount Pleasant, Iowa 52641
Phone: 319-385-1577 or 866-242-4232
Avoid phone scams fooled. These calls offering misleading
Fax: 319-385-6873 A common phone scam typically information are likely a scam. Call
Call Before You Dig (Iowa One Call): 8-1-1 begins with a phone number that the company that installed the solar
Website: www.accessenergycoop.com appears to be from a valid utility array if you think there may be a
Facebook: facebook.com/AccessEnergyCoop
Twitter: twitter.com/AccessEnergyC company. The scammer will claim problem. Other than occasional
E-mail: contactus@accessenergycoop.com you have a past due account and cleaning, a solar energy system
Office Hours: Monday-Thursday, 7 a.m.-4:30 p.m. threaten to disconnect service or (if installed correctly) is virtually
Friday, 7 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
Call our office 24/7: 319-385-1577. take legal action. The scammer will maintenance-free.
Payments can be placed in dropbox under flag pole.
Visa and MasterCard accepted. OFFICE CLOSING Use trusted sources
General Manager/CEO: Kevin Wheeler
If you’re considering solar for your
home, make sure you are working
Editor: Kimberly Davis
Assistant Editor: Cherity Wibben Access Energy with a reputable company. Because
Officers and Directors:
David Hollingsworth District 1 President Cooperative’s this is still an emerging industry with
evolving technology, there has been
Marvin Newton
Robert P. Smith
District 3 Vice President
District 2 Secretary office is closed a proliferation of pop-up companies
Fred Hickenbottom
Marvin Larson
District 1 Treasurer
District 1 Director July 3 for in the market to make a quick buck.
Representatives of solar companies
Jerry Barker
Larry White
District 2 Director
District 2 Director Independence Day. may have more sales experience than
Robert Chesnut III District 3 Director
Marvin Holtkamp District 3 Director
knowledge of the energy industry, and
their primary goal could be making
This institution is an equal opportunity provider.
a sale and moving on to the next
4 LIVING WITH ENERGY IN IOWA June 2020
scams SmartHub –
Keeping us
prospect.
Access Energy Cooperative can
offer a candid assessment to determine
connected
whether a solar installation is right for Access Energy Cooperative continues to place a special emphasis on providing
you, as we have a different “bottom the safe, reliable, efficient service you have come to expect from your electric
line” that is not directly tied to the cooperative. Our SmartHub app is one tool that helps make this happen.
sale of a product or service. We take Members can use the SmartHub app through our website at www.
a more holistic, objective view of how accessenergycoop.com or downloaded on your mobile device. You can find all
to achieve energy and cost savings for your account information, pay your bill, monitor your energy usage, contact us
our members, and that may or may and so much more with the app.
not include a solar energy system. If you cannot resolve what you need with SmartHub, please remember
In this ever-changing environment, these other ways you can contact us to help you with your energy needs and
it’s important to remember you questions:
have a trusted energy advisor – your Call our office 866-242-4232 or 319-385-1577
local electric cooperative. We are a Visit our website, and send us an email through the “Contact Us” button:
community-focused organization that www.accessenergycoop.com
works to efficiently deliver efficient, Use our drop box located in the front of our building at 1800 West
reliable and safe energy to our Washington Street, Mount Pleasant, IA.
members. We are checking it every day.
Remember, we’re just one call or We are here for you. Power on!
click away, so please reach out with
iOS Android
any questions about your electric
service or bills – we’re here to help.
Kevin Wheeler is the general manager/CEO
of Access Energy Cooperative.
S A FE T Y M AT TE R S
Move Over Most of our linemen have families and children. Help us
wish them a Happy Father’s Day this month by keeping
Slow Down
our line workers safe! If you see workers on the side of
the road, move over to the other lane and slow down.
We all thank you!
June 2020 LIVING WITH ENERGY IN IOWA 5
Co-op advocacy remains focused
The cooperative principle of Concern for Community drives our response to the pandemic
B Y K E V I N C O N D ON
Community” has been driving our
Midwest ethanol Corn Soybean
response to the pandemic every day.
In rural Iowa, we grow corn and
production
prices are soybeans. We raise cattle, pigs and
down prices are
down
poultry. The agriculture economy is
52%
woven into the fabric of every county
63%
in the state. When ag struggles,
down since
May 2, 2019 Iowa struggles. In addition to farms
42% and homes, Iowa’s electric co-ops
provide power to many commercial
from 5-year highs
and industrial facilities, such as
biofuels plants, meat and poultry
Data as of May 20, 2020.
processing facilities, and the by-
product businesses directly tied to
Life is undoubtedly different from As decision-makers in D.C. scrambled those industries. The stability of those
a year ago. At this time last year, the to respond to the unraveling situation, installations provides strong markets
pages of this magazine highlighted restrictions have been placed on nearly that many member-consumers can
a productive Iowa legislative session every corner of the country, affecting depend on. The ripple effects from
and another successful fly-in to just about every aspect of daily life. disruptions are felt throughout the
Washington, D.C., to advocate on Throughout it all, our advocacy supply chain. A near collapse can be
behalf of Iowa’s electric cooperatives has never shifted from what we focus devastating.
and the 650,000 member-consumers on in good times and bad: you, the In May, a group of upper Midwest
we serve. We discussed tweaks to member-consumer. Everything Iowa’s statewide electric cooperative
the tax code that help you, a co-op electric cooperatives do in the public associations and their member
member-consumer, save more money policy arena is rooted in the fact that cooperatives penned a letter to the
by restoring the Iowa geothermal tax without you, there is no cooperative, region’s members of Congress urging
credit. We described our (eventually there is no community to provide additional support for the rural
successful) effort to convince power to, no economy to support. economy by adhering to the nation’s
Congress to fix an oversight from Your locally owned cooperative Renewable Fuels Standard (RFS). They
previous legislation that would have stayed true to its core mission of asked Congressional representatives
put your cooperative’s not-for-profit providing you reliable and affordable to reject additional waivers from the
status in jeopardy. power. Likewise, our outreach to Environmental Protection Agency,
This year, all of that “normal” Iowa’s elected officials at all levels of which would further erode demand
advocacy news is on hold. The Iowa government has not wavered from for ethanol at a time when fewer gas
Legislature stopped meeting in mid- those same goals. Making sure that tanks are being filled. The letter also
March with weeks of uncertainty we keep the lights on is always our highlights the gut-wrenching decision
about when it would reconvene. It highest priority. that many farmers have had to make
wasn’t until mid-May that plans in euthanizing cattle and pigs as food
were announced to resume the Working with Iowa’s ag leaders processing industries have closed due
session in early June. While Congress Your electric cooperative is speaking to COVID-19 outbreaks. Congress
has continued to meet during the with lawmakers to make sure they and the Trump Administration
pandemic, their time has been understand that the best way for them must do more to help these markets.
dominated by how best to equip to help the electric co-ops and Iowa’s Coincidentally, this cooperative
Americans to withstand the medical rural economy is to help you. The message was being delivered at about
and economic impacts of COVID-19. cooperative principle of “Concern for the time that a group of U.S. Senators,
6 LIVING WITH ENERGY IN IOWA June 2020
on member-consumers
feedstock purchases from Jan. 1, 2020, term aid.
through March 31, 2020, through the We are hoping to amplify the
Commodity Credit Corporation. strong message being delivered by
“The biofuels industry works our fellow rural-focused colleagues
directly with our farmers. And from groups, including the Iowa
the current disruptions from the Corn Growers Association,
pandemic have created ripple effects, Iowa Soybean Association, Iowa
including steep declines in corn and Renewable Fuels Association, Iowa
soybean prices. We need to continue Pork Producers Association, Iowa
to support those farmers who feed and Cattlemen’s Association, Iowa Poultry
fuel our country and the world. This Association and Iowa Egg Council.
bill will help ensure biofuel producers
survive this economic downturn and Navigating a new normal
also ensure corn and soybean farmers As Congress tackles the next phase
have a place to sell their products,” of federal assistance to COVID-19 and
Grassley says. as the Iowa Legislature reconvenes to
As the coronavirus pandemic address statewide impacts, your local
spread, gasoline use in the U.S. electric cooperative will insist that the
plummeted to 50-year lows around government’s response be focused on
the country. From March 8 to April member-consumers and protecting
4 of this year, the total miles driven your way of life. We know that when
dropped by 58 percent. This rapid member-consumers are healthy, the
decrease in consumption led to more co-op is healthy. Embracing the words
than 130 biofuel plants to partially or of President John F. Kennedy, “a rising
fully shut down. tide lifts all boats,” we will continue
“Grassley’s bill would provide much- to advocate for public policies that
needed relief for biofuels producers respond to the urgent needs of Iowa’s
in the face of COVID-19 demand rural communities.
destruction. The pandemic hit Iowa’s As we all discover the “new normal,”
biofuels industry hard and around remember that your cooperative is
40 percent of the state’s ethanol there for you. If you are experiencing
production capacity remains offline,” financial trouble in paying your
led by Iowa’s Joni Ernst and Chuck says Iowa Renewable Fuels Association utility bills in full, please reach out
Grassley, sent two separate letters Executive Director Monte Shaw. to your co-op to discuss payment
calling on the President to “uphold options. If you’re able to help your
the RFS” and provide assistance to Calling advocates into action fellow member-consumers meet that
the pork industry, whose “crisis is The electric cooperatives’ commitment, please reach out to your
immediate.” grassroots program – known as co-op to learn more about charitable
In late May, Sens. Grassley and Amy Iowa Rural Power – launched a “Call opportunities.
Klobuchar (Minnesota) introduced to Action” for our advocates. The You are our focus. You are our
legislation to support biofuel request encouraged Iowa lawmakers concern. You are the cooperative.
producers negatively affected by the to continue focusing on getting
pandemic. This legislation will require communities served by electric Kevin Condon is the director of government
the U.S. Department of Agriculture to cooperatives the critical assistance relations for the Iowa Association of Electric
reimburse biofuel producers for their needed now while preparing for long- Cooperatives.
June 2020 LIVING WITH ENERGY IN IOWA 7
Turkey Pasta Salad
6 ounces roasted turkey breast, shredded
12 ounces medium shell pasta, cooked, rinsed and
drained
1 small cucumber, cut into ¼-inch slices
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 medium carrot, peeled and grated
½ cup ranch dressing
4 cups romaine lettuce, shredded
In a large bowl, put all ingredients except the lettuce.
Toss until evenly coated. Divide lettuce on 4 plates
and top with pasta mixture.
J UN E IS NATIONAL
TURKEY LOVERS ' MONT H Joanne Zieser • Guthrie Center
Guthrie County Rural Electric Cooperative
Turkey Tetrazzini
1 can cream of chicken soup
1 can milk
¼ teaspoon pepper
½ cup mushrooms, sliced
½ pound spaghetti noodles
2 cups turkey, cooked and cubed
Grilled Turkey Burgers Parmesan cheese
20
ounces ground turkey Mix soup, milk and pepper; stir in mushrooms. Put
¼
cup non-fat Greek yogurt noodles in a casserole dish that has been sprayed
2
tablespoons mushrooms, finely chopped with non-stick spray. Mix turkey into noodles, then
2
cloves garlic, peeled and finely minced pour soup mixture overall. Sprinkle with Parmesan
Source for tips:
1
green onion, finely chopped cheese. Bake at 350 degrees F for 45 minutes.
National Turkey ½
teaspoon seasoned salt
Federation ½
teaspoon ground black pepper Annalee Buffington • Marshalltown • Consumers Energy
2
tablespoons parsley or cilantro, finely
Unstuffed Turkey and
chopped
GREAT ON Optional toppings: pepper jack cheese,
THE GRILL
Cabbage
lettuce, tomato, avocado, red onion, ranch
Indirect heat dressing
is ideal for
cooking whole
turkeys, which Mix the first 8 ingredients together until 1 pound ground turkey
need slower thoroughly blended. Divide into 4 equal balls ½ cup onion, chopped
cooking. Grill (roughly 1/3 pound each) and form into patties ¾ cup instant rice
the turkey for ¾-inch thick and 4-5 inches in diameter. 1 teaspoon salt
approximately Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Preheat grill 1 teaspoon pepper
12 to 15 to 400 degrees (medium high) F. It should be 1 small cabbage
2 10-ounce cans condensed tomato soup
minutes at this heat at least 5 minutes prior to grilling
per pound, 2 cups water
to preheat the grates. Grill the burgers until ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
according the bottom cooks through and juices start to
to the grill
pool on top of the patties, about 5 minutes. Flip Brown turkey with onion. Stir in rice, salt and
manufacturer’s
instructions.
and cook until the patties reach an internal pepper. Finely chop cabbage and layer into well-
Use a meat temperature of 165 degrees F, about 3-5 greased 9x13-inch pan. Spoon browned turkey
TURKEY TIPS
thermometer minutes. If desired, top with a slice of pepper mixture over cabbage. Mix soup and water and pour
to make sure jack cheese in the last minute or two. Remove evenly over the top. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
the turkey’s and rest on a raised rack and toast buns on the Cover pan with heavy duty aluminum foil and bake
internal grill. Assemble the burgers with additional at 350 degrees F for 90 minutes.
temperature optional items: lettuce, tomato, avocado, red
reaches 165 onion and some ranch dressing. Cindy Briggs • Centerville
degrees F.
Chariton Valley Electric Cooperative, Inc.
Jackie Netherton • Ida Grove • North West REC
8 LIVING WITH ENERGY IN IOWA June 2020
Turkey Salad Turkey Ranch Wraps VERSATILE
AND
2½ to 3 pounds turkey, cooked 8 thin slices cooked turkey NUTRITIOUS
2 cups mayonnaise 1 large tomato, thinly sliced Tasty, versatile
2 cups Miracle Whip 1 medium green pepper, cut into thin strips and available
2/3 cup onion, diced small 1 cup lettuce, shredded in a variety of
2/3 cup celery, diced small 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded cuts, turkey
10 shakes of Tabasco sauce 1/3 cup ranch dressing is naturally
TURKEY TIPS
2 teaspoons seasoned salt 4 flour tortillas low in fat
½ cup lemon juice and provides
Layer all ingredients over tortillas. Roll up tightly. immune-
Mix all ingredients in a large mixer. Chill. boosting
Delicious served on croissants or with crackers. Anna Domnick • Rock Rapids nutrients like
Lyon Rural Electric Cooperative iron, zinc and
Lauren Zollinger • Rock Rapids potassium.
Lyon Rural Electric Cooperative
Parmesan Turkey
Turkey Egg Roll
LOW IN
4-6 turkey breast pieces SODIUM, HIGH
in a Bowl
1 cup Greek yogurt, light mayo or a IN PROTEIN
combination of both A 3-ounce
½ cup fresh Parmesan cheese, plus more for portion of
1 pound ground turkey topping roasted
1 medium onion, chopped 1 teaspoon garlic powder skinless
2 tablespoons toasted sesame oil ½ teaspoon black pepper turkey breast
2 garlic cloves, minced contains only
Place turkey breasts in a baking dish. Combine 3 grams of
TURKEY TIPS
1 teaspoon ground ginger
3 tablespoons soy sauce Greek yogurt, Parmesan cheese and seasonings fat and is
½ head cabbage, thinly sliced in a bowl. Slather both sides of the turkey with naturally low
2 green onions, finely chopped in sodium.
the with the mixture. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese
salt and pepper, to taste Plus, it
over the top of the slathered turkey. Bake at 350 contains
degrees F for about an hour or until the turkey 26 grams of
Brown turkey in skillet over medium heat. is done on the inside (size of breast will dictate lean protein!
Increase temperature to high; add chopped onion amount of time). Grated Parmesan can be used
and sesame oil. Cook until onions are slightly but it is saltier than fresh.
browned. Add garlic, ginger, soy sauce and
SOAKS UP
cabbage (can substitute 1 bag coleslaw mix). Stir Sonya Colvin • Ames • Consumers Energy SEASONINGS
well. Cook for several minutes stirring often, until Turkey drinks
cabbage is tender and wilted. Remove from heat. in whatever
TURKEY TIPS
Add green onions, salt and pepper to taste. seasonings
or marinades
Monica Miller • Bristow
Butler County Rural Electric Cooperative
Search our online recipe it’s cooked
with, making
archive for thousands of recipes
from Iowa’s rural kitchens. it a versatile
choice in any
www.livingwithenergyiniowa.com/recipes cuisine.
LOADED WITH
Wanted: Comforting Pork Recipes! FLAVOR
Turkey is
The Reward: $25 for every one we publish! loaded with
flavor, no
When October arrives and the landscape turns to jewel tones, comfort EMAIL: matter how
food is on the menu! It’s also National Pork Month. Whether serving recipes@livingwithenergyiniowa.com you prepare it.
TURKEY TIPS
roasted pork loin, a stir-fry dish or warm casserole, pork is a favorite basis (Attach your recipe as a Word document or The dark meat,
for meals. Share your favorite pork-inspired dishes, and if we run your PDF to your e-mail message.) found in turkey
recipe in the magazine, we’ll send a $25 credit for your electric co-op to legs, thighs
MAIL:
apply to your power bill. Recipes submitted also may be archived on our and wings
Recipes
website at www.livingwithenergyiniowa.com.
Living with Energy in Iowa is especially
The deadline is June 30, 2020. Please include your name, address,
8525 Douglas Ave., Suite 48 succulent and
telephone number, co-op name and the recipe category on all
Des Moines, IA 50322-2992 flavorful.
submissions.
June 2020 LIVING WITH ENERGY IN IOWA 9
5 remodeling projects with
B Y K AT H Y WI T T
The renovation opens up
Before renovation, a the space, transforming
cramped kitchen is cut off the kitchen into the
from the rest of the house. heart of the home.
Americans love to remodel their 1 Open-concept kitchens and installing a tile wallsplash.
homes. In fact, they love it to the tune “People are so into entertaining
of $400 billion annually, according to and really want their kitchen to be the Reno cost range: $23,452 for a minor
the 2019 Remodeling Impact Report focal point,” says Doug King, owner of midrange remodel to $135,547 for
from the National Association of King Contracting, Inc., and president- a major upscale remodel. Source:
Realtors Research Group. With people elect of the National Association of Hanley Wood, a real estate media firm
providing analytics to the construction
spending more time at home because the Remodeling Industry. industry
of COVID-19, now may be the perfect “Homeowners want a bar and an
opportunity to plan (and tackle!) some island in the kitchen and, more and Joy Score: Kitchen upgrade 9.7,
home improvement projects. more, owners are sacrificing whole complete kitchen renovation 10
Homeowners have a wish list of walls that block views and natural
features they want for their home light to open the space and to create
and are willing to take on or hire out seating in the kitchen.” 2 Can you say ‘spa-cation’?
a variety of projects to achieve their Most of the homes built in the 1970s Running a close second on
home improvement goals. To borrow and 1980s were typically boxy – not homeowner wish lists is creating
the words of organizational guru really functional when it comes to a haven at home that feels like a
Marie Kondo, remodeling sparks joy – entertaining. People were separated by spa getaway. Like the kitchen, the
and lots of it. the walls. The kitchen is the heart of bathroom is personal as well as
In 2017, the National Association the house, where everyone is going to customizable to the homeowner.
of Realtors introduced the Joy Score, be. Today, designers are creating open The possibilities for transforming
which measures happiness and ranks kitchens, so everyone is part of the a bathroom into a spa-like retreat
the renovations that bring the most conversation. are endless, from simple options like
of it to homeowners. The Joy Score is While taking out walls generally painting the room in earthy colors
more about the size of a homeowner’s requires the pros, there are smaller for a peaceful environment and
smile than the size of the return on and more straightforward projects installing dimmer switches to reduce
investment generated by a given that handy do-it-yourselfers can tackle the lighting to a full-on remodel that
remodeling job. to upgrade and enhance the kitchen includes radiant heating underfoot
The biggest smile maker? A and customize the space to their and a luxurious rainfall showerhead
complete kitchen renovation, which taste. These include painting existing above. Or, perhaps adding a soaking
sticks the landing with a perfect 10! cabinets, updating cabinet hardware tub or walk-in shower.
10 LIVING WITH ENERGY IN IOWA June 2020high “Joy Scores” A floor replacement shows how vinyl
floors can transform a room to a "wow,"
while fulfilling a homeowner’s wish for
low-maintenance floors.
Photo: Tim Ellis/T.W. Ellis Design/Build/Remodel
The only two items with a higher
Photos: Doug King/King Contracting
Reno cost range: $3,000 to $5,000,
based on an average-sized closet. Joy Score are a kitchen reno and
Source: Thumbtack, an online service closet reno. Currently reigning in
that matches customers with local popularity among homeowners is a
professionals that has collated project lighter color palette of light whites,
costs from millions of customers
grays and light blues.
Joy Score: Closet renovation 10
Reno cost range: $200 to $2,500,
depending on the square footage,
4 Freshly painted interior type of paint and labor (if any).
One of a homeowner’s most Source: Thumbtack
coveted home improvements is also
one of the easiest DIY projects to Joy Score: Individual room 9.7,
full interior paint job 9.8
tackle – and one that nets the most
dramatic results: painting. A fresh
coat of paint, especially when it is
carried through the entire house, can 5 Wow-factor floors
The before and after pictures of this bathroom When homeowners set their
conversion show a dated bathroom and make a home feel brand new.
overcrowded closet opened up and transformed Painting is one of the least sights on upgrading or modernizing
into an owner’s spa retreat with custom
expensive ways to give a home’s their flooring, including wall-to-
cabinetry and storage solutions.
interior a facelift and keep it from wall carpeting and existing wood
looking dated – something no floors, the projects that come to
homeowner wants. Even targeting mind are installing wood or luxury
Reno cost range: $34,643 to $67,106
Source: Hanley Wood specific areas to paint – a single room, vinyl flooring, or refinishing
doors and trim – makes a difference the wood floors. Real hardwood
Joy Score: Bathroom upgrade/ and contributes to the goal of adding flooring has a huge wow factor.
renovation 9.3, bathroom addition 9.2 Whatever the motivation
more personality to the home.
– whether to achieve more
Photos: Dennis Gehman/Gehman Design Remodeling
functionality and livability or
3 Storage, storage, storage enhance the beauty and aesthetics of
Storage and finding ways to the home – homeowners feel a huge
better organize are key concerns sense of accomplishment with this
among homeowners. There simply finished project.
is never enough of the former – no Replacing carpeting with wood
matter how big a house is – and or vinyl also plays to a homeowner’s
always ways to improve the latter. dual desire to be as low- or no-
The owner of this first-floor townhouse wanted
Storage is always on the wish list. to open it up so the space would feel larger as maintenance as possible.
Homeowners want closets with well as brighten it up with up-to-date paint colors.
organizing systems and storage
solutions in the attic and/or Reno cost range: Vinyl planks $4 to
basement for off-season items. $6 per square foot; luxury vinyl tiles
$5 to $7 per square foot, plus the cost
Like the full kitchen renovation, a of installation. Source: Thumbtack
closet makeover scored a perfect 10
on the Joy Score. It can be as simple Reno cost range: Refinish hardwood
floors $1,074 to $2,400; install new
as buying a DIY closet organizing hardwood flooring $2,499 to $6,739.
kit from a big-box store to a much Source: HomeAdvisor, a contractor-
more elaborate (and expensive) matching service that connects
system that includes custom homeowners with prescreened, local
cabinetry fitted with a variety of service professionals
nooks and crannies, cubbies, shelves The renovation included making a wider opening
Joy Score: New wood flooring 9.2,
into the dining room, removing walls between the
and drawers, depending on the dining and kitchen rooms and uniting the space hardwood flooring refinish 9.5
owner’s needs. with luxury vinyl plank flooring throughout.
June 2020 LIVING WITH ENERGY IN IOWA 11ACCESS ENERGY COOPER ATIVE NEWS
HOW YOUR CO - OP WORKS
Meet the candidates running for director at this year’s
annual meeting on Aug. 4
The nominating committee of Access She maintains ongoing regular support of Association, Iowa Soybean Association
Energy Cooperative, duly appointed by the Faith United Methodist Church and its and Iowa Farm Bureau. Dan has been
the board of directors, nominated the after-service committee assignments, as on school and church committees and
following candidates to run for three- well as mentoring in local schools. is a volunteer for the Westpoint Sweet
year terms, all to be elected at the Corn Festival. He has also been involved
DISTRICT 2 in coaching, refereeing and umpiring
annual meeting of members.
JERRY BARKER children’s sports.
DISTRICT 1 Jerry Barker and his DISTRICT 3
wife, Jean, reside in
DAVID HOLLINGSWORTH Henry County. Jerry MICHAEL HOLTKAMP
David Hollingsworth earned a bachelor’s Michael Holtkamp and
and his wife, Jody, live in degree from Iowa his wife, Diane, reside in
rural Packwood. David Wesleyan College, and rural Lee County. Mike
is a graduate of Pekin did graduate work graduated high school
High School. Of the six at Western Illinois from Marquette in West
years he has served University. He completed Point. He then attained a
on the Access Energy the Dale Carnegie Human Relations and degree in ag production
Cooperative board of Effective Speaking course. Jerry was a from Southeastern
directors, he has held manager at Blue Bird Midwest for 40 Community College.
offices of secretary and president. He years. For three years, he was sales He is a self-employed corn and soybean
has earned his Credentialed Cooperative manager at Blockbuster, Inc. and is now producer, and a contract wean-to-finish
Director status and the Board Leadership retired. Of the 12 years he has served hog producer. Mike’s involvement in his
Certificate as certified by the National on the Access Energy Cooperative board community includes having held offices
Rural Electric Cooperative Association. of directors, Jerry has held offices of in each of the following organizations:
He is a farmer and a sales representative secretary and president. He has earned St. Mary’s Church, Knights of Columbus,
for Pioneer Hi-Bred. David served on his Credentialed Cooperative Director Lee County Farm Bureau, Lee County
the Pekin Community School Board status, the Board Leadership Certificate Pork Producers and Lee County Economic
as president for 12 of his 17 years in and a Director Gold Certificate as certified Development.
office. He is an active member of the by the National Rural Electric Cooperative
Packwood Christian Church. David has Association. He has been involved in MICHAEL THIMMESCH
been a member of the Packwood Fire reforestation management and Christmas Michael Thimmesch
Department for 33 years and currently tree production and sales. Jerry also has resides in rural Lee
serves as chief. In his spare time, he been involved in community, including County with his wife
enjoys running the scoreboard for Pekin Cub and Boy Scouts, Youth Leader, board Diane. As a teenager,
volleyball and basketball and is a member member and organizer of the Southeast he worked for his dad’s
of the Pekin football chain gang. Iowa Blood Center, Lions Club, Lay Leader construction business.
and board trustee at the First United After graduating from
CAROL WISECARVER Methodist Church. Burlington High School,
Carol Wisecarver is he graduated from
a lifelong resident of DAN FULLENKAMP the Ottumwa School of Radiological
Jefferson County, where Dan Fullenkamp and Technology. After passing the boards for
she raised three children his wife, Deborah, live in the American Registry of Radiological
with her late husband, rural West Point where Technology and the American Registry
Harold. Carol graduated they have owned and of Diagnostic Sonography, he began his
from Fairfield High operated the family career at the Jefferson County Hospital as
School and obtained farm for over 35 years. chief technologist. He currently works at
a liberal arts degree Dan has a degree in Great River Medical Center, where he has
at Parsons College, where she worked agriculture and currently served as administrative assistant and as
as a secretary in the admissions office works part-time for the manager of diagnostic testing. Mike’s
for 13 years. Thereafter, she worked Agrineed, Inc., while maintaining his involvement in community and civic
at Libertyville Savings Bank (LSB) as family farm. He is also retired from the organizations includes the Lee County
vice president of operations until her Lee County Secondary Roads where he Conservation Foundation, Three River
retirement in 2005. While at LSB, she worked for over 35 years. Dan is a trustee Tractor Club, Izaak Walton League, Tri-
directed the Libertyville Travelers Club, of the Pleasant Ridge Township and is State Gun Club, American Trap Shooting
coordinating local events and trips. Carol on the board of the West Point/St. Paul Association, Good Sam’s Club, The Society
is actively involved in many community Committee Fire Association. He has been of Diagnostic Medical Sonography and
and civic organizations, including Fairfield a volunteer firefighter for 10 years. He The American Society of Radiologic
High School Wall of Honor Committee. is a member of the Iowa Corn Growers Technologists.
12 LIVING WITH ENERGY IN IOWA June 2020IN THE NEWS
Congratulations to Access Energy Cooperative’s photo contest winners!
This year’s winning photo contest entries will
appear in the 2021 Access Energy Cooperative
calendar, and each will receive $50. Thank you to
everyone who submitted entries. The calendars will
Jan. 2021 • Belinda Allen Feb. 2021 • Tyler Cook
be available for you to pick up at the Annual Meeting Dec. 2020 • Mary Adkins Day’s End on the Farm Can We Play Outside
– or you can stop by our office after Aug. 4. Still Life • Lee Co. Henry Co. Van Buren Co.
May 2021 July 2021
Lindi Harryman Brenda Diers
March 2021 • Rosalie Kirchner April 2021 • Lori Warner Show Me Your Stuff June 2021 • Kendra Klein Learning from the Past
Reflections • Lee Co. Wild Turkey Display • Henry Co. Jefferson Co. Hay Loft Horizon • Henry Co. Jefferson Co.
Aug. 2021 • Marcia Rich
Mother Duck and Her Family Sept. 2021 • Terri Bain Oct. 2021 • Mary Adkins Nov. 2021 • Diane Jennings Dec. 2021 • Lindi Harryman
Henry Co. 9/11 • Henry Co. Hay Day! • Lee Co. Starr’s Cave • Des Moines Co. Serenity • Van Buren Co.
STUDENT LEADERS
Access Energy Cooperative scholarships awarded
Congratulations to six area to earn a degree in in cinema/ Isabella Smith,
high school students who were marketing. daughter of Chris
recently named as recipients of the Ryan Rebling, son and Kristin Smith,
2020 Access Energy Cooperative of Jared and Marikay graduated from
scholarship program! Each student Rebling, has been Danville Community
received a $1,500 award. home-schooled and High School and
Access Energy Cooperative plans to attend Indian plans to attend
awards six $1,500 scholarships Hills Community the University of Iowa to pursue
each year, two in each of its three College to pursue a degrees in business marketing and
districts. The parents or guardians career in diesel technology. management.
of the applicant must be members Abigail Ryon, Alexa Wenger,
of Access Energy Cooperative. daughter Joel and daughter of Jon and
Winners are chosen based on Heidi Ryon, graduated Ginger Wenger,
their academics, achievements, from Mt. Pleasant graduated from New
community involvement and a Community High London Community
submitted essay. School and plans to High School and plans
Chloe Davidson, attend the University to attend Kirkwood
daughter of Rusty of Iowa to major in health and Community College to study
and Judy Davidson, human physiology. occupational therapy.
graduated from Van
Buren County High R E BATE UPDATE
School and plans to
attend William Penn Upcoming changes to our rebate program
University to major in accounting. Effective Date: Jan. 1, 2021 program will be limited to the
Jacob Lamartine, Please be advised of two changes installation of LEDs, occupancy
son of Frank Lamartine approved for the Access Energy sensors, and exit lighting.
and Brenda Mansheim, Cooperative Rebate Program. 2. For dual fuel, mini-split and air-to-air
graduated from Central Changes to the program were source heat pumps, the requirement
approved May 22, 2020, and will of a fossil fuel backup system has
Lee High School and become effective Jan. 1, 2021. been removed. The minimum SEER
plans to attend the 1. Rebates for the business lighting of 17 will remain in effect.
University of Iowa
June 2020 LIVING WITH ENERGY IN IOWA 13OUT BACK
Shopping trips become
tiresome errands
Women are supposed to love
shopping. Before COVID-19,
advertisements would show gaggles
of girlfriends on weekend trips,
poking through unique stores
and quaint boutiques. Then, they
would unwind at a wine pub
before heading home with their
purchases.
I must be missing a gene that’s
been bestowed to other women.
It’s not that I don’t like to shop
when I have the time to do so,
which is seldom. No longer do I
have the luxury to mosey from
store to store on an aimless quest
for the perfect item. My shopping
trips are limited to purchasing
something specific/returning
something/picking up something
or dropping something off. I have
my list, complete with the order
of tasks to be performed to minimize
backtracking.
And it’s tiring. It burned me when specializing in bagels. Wow, I thought. and he proceeded to name a chain
the male members of my family The line is really long. Everyone must sandwich shop.
would comment that I’m going to Des have the same idea. What? I jerked my head up to look
Moines AGAIN to go shopping as if I crept along, getting closer at the sign. Yep, there it was. Not the
that included having a pedicure and and closer to the menu sign and bagel place at all. I shriveled into my
picking at a dainty tea room lunch. microphone. I didn’t glance at it – I seat and looked for the nearest exit to
By the end of said day, I was usually knew what I wanted. Finally, it was no avail. No room to bypass the cars
brain-fried, with just enough energy my turn, and I pulled up to order. A in front of me; no room to back up. I
to grab a drive-through coffee and chirpy voice asks, “What sandwich sat there, stuck, as I inched my way to
head home. can we get started on for you today?” the window. When it was my turn to
I had one of those days recently, Hmmm. “I don’t want a sandwich, stop and pay, I gave a sickly grin and a
one of my last “free” days before we I want some bagels,” I replied, a bit sheepish wave and sped onwards.
were homebound. It was a packed testily. Down the street to the bagel store.
Saturday of returning an online “We don’t have bagels, ma’am,” the At least there wasn’t a line there! As
order to the bricks and mortar store, disembodied voice crackled. “We have I pulled into the drive-through lane,
dropping off a ring that needed to be sourdough, wheat, white and rye.” another adolescent voice blared out at
re-sized, picking up something my “I know you have bagels,” I me: “I’m sorry. We closed 10 minutes
husband needed for a home project remonstrated. “I want six Everything ago.”
and grabbing some decorations for an Bagels.” I gave up and went home. We
upcoming business event at work. By I could hear muttering in the had cereal for breakfast Sunday
3:45 p.m., I was cranky and hungry, background. When the heck did a morning.
my feet hurt, and I was in need of bagel store quit carrying bagels?
caffeine. “Ma’am,” he croaked at me through Valerie Van Kooten is a writer from Pella
who loves living in the country and telling
Deciding to treat myself for the speaker. “There’s a bagel store its stories. She and her husband Kent have
breakfast the next morning, I pulled about a block up the street. Maybe three married sons and two incredibly
into the drive-through line of a shop you’re at the wrong place? This is …,” adorable grandsons.
14 LIVING WITH ENERGY IN IOWA June 2020CLOSING THOUGHTS
Our “love letter” to Youth Tour
Dear 2020 Youth Tour winners:
There’s only one way to say it – we’re going to miss you dearly! This is
the month that you would join hundreds of students across the country
to embark on one of the greatest trips of your life. Along with the 40 other
participants from Iowa, you would start the weeklong journey as strangers
and end the trip as lifelong friends.
During the days in our nation’s capital, you would walk in the footsteps
of history alongside some of our country’s greatest leaders. Your eyes
would light up in amazement as you climbed the stairs to see the larger-
than-life marble statue of Abraham Lincoln, who served as our country’s
16th president. Walking down the 58 steps to the plaza level, the reflecting
pool would lead your gaze to the Washington Monument. A beacon of
symbolism and stature, the monument embodies the awe, respect and
gratitude the nation feels for its founding father.
You would be humbled while observing the war memorials, realizing the
incredible sacrifices these men and women made in serving our country
and protecting our freedoms. It might have been hard for you not to become
emotional after seeing row after row after row of names along the wall of
the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. When your Youth Tour group placed
a ceremonial wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington
National Cemetery, the magnitude of the experience would leave you
breathless. The steady and unwavering cadence of the military service
personnel guarding the tomb would provide a sense of comfort at the
strength of those who serve.
We would take pride in knowing that you’re learning about how the
cooperative business model works and that your voice matters when it
comes to politics and government. You’ll always want to remember that
point – you can make a difference. We would cherish the stories you tell of
this life-changing experience at your local co-op’s annual meeting.
Every summer, the readers of this magazine look forward to experiencing
history through the eyes of Iowa’s Youth Tour participants. We can feel your
energy and enthusiasm in every photo. We celebrate how the experience
impacts you and contributes to the path you’ll eventually choose in life.
In the big picture of your life, we know you’ll have many incredible
experiences. For many of you who were selected for this year’s Youth Tour,
you’ll be able to go on the trip next year. It will be worth the wait – for you
and for those of us eagerly anticipating hearing from you when you return.
You are tomorrow’s leaders, and we’re proud of you. You were selected for
this incredible opportunity because you earned it, making the joy of the
experience that much sweeter. By watching you grow
and expand the limitless boundaries of learning, we
know our future is in capable hands.
This year, reminiscing about the great Youth Tours
of the past 61 years will have to suffice. On behalf of
our readers, we’ll miss you. We’re already counting
down the days until next year’s trip.
Ann Thelen, editor, Living with Energy in Iowa
June 2020 LIVING WITH ENERGY IN IOWA 15TOUCHSTONEENERGY.COM FOCUSED ON YOUR STREET. NOT WALL STREET. Think of your not-for-profit Touchstone Energy cooperative as your very own local energy advisor. After all, we’re owned by you and the other members in our community, which means you’ll always have a say in how your co-op runs. To learn more, visit TouchstoneEnergy.com. YOUR SOURCE OF POWER. AND INFORMATION.
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