A Toy Story

Veach's Imagination Station

celebrates 75 years
Staying Inn
Indiana's state park inns
promise winter fun and value
A mAgAzine for indiAnA fArm BureAu memBers
my-indiana-home.com
Winter 2012-13
FeATureS
8
From Gas to Glass
Kokomo Opalescent Glass builds
unbreakable reputation
12
Sustainable
Stewardship
Indiana hog farm commits
to environmental efforts
16
A Toy Story
Children of all ages climb aboard
the imagination-inspired Veachs
Toy Station
DepArTmenTS
6 In Almanac
How will the drought affect you?
20 Eat In
Dip recipes perform double duty
24 Travel In
Stay inn at Indiana state parks
30 In the Garden
A gift guide for gardeners
31 In Focus
Reader photos sent in by you
32 Insurance
New tool provides convenience
for customers

On The cOVer
Abe martin Lodge at Brown
County state Park in nashville
Photo by Jeff Adkins
2
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Indiana home Indiana Farm Bureau

Winter 2012-13 my-indiana-home.com 3

VOlume 3, number 2
president Don Villwock
Vice president Randy Kron
Second Vice president Isabella Chism
chief Operating Officer & Treasurer Mark Sigler
editor Andy Dietrick
managing editor Kathleen Dutro
marketing & public relations Specialist Mindy Reef
multi-media Specialist Mike Anthony
Web Designer/Developer Diane Brewer
Administrative Assistant Charla Buis
content Director Jessy Yancey
project manager Blair Thomas
proofreading manager Raven Petty
content coordinator Rachel Bertone
contributing Writers Carol Cowan, Kim Galeaz,
Susan Hayhurst, Celeste Huttes, Colletta Kosiba,
Margie Monin Dombrowski
creative Services Director Christina Carden
Senior Graphic Designers Stacy Allis, Laura Gallagher,
Jake Shores, Vikki Williams
creative Technology Analyst Rebecca Ary
photography Director Jeffrey S. Otto
Senior photographers Jeff Adkins, Brian McCord
Staff photographers Todd Bennett, Michael Conti
Web creative Director Allison Davis
Web content manager John Hood
Web Designer II Richard Stevens
Web Development lead Yamel Hall
Web Developer I Nels Noseworthy
Ad production manager Katie Middendorf
Ad Traffic Assistants Krystin Lemmon, Patricia Moisan
I.T. Support Technician Daniel Cantrell
Accounting Diana Guzman, Maria McFarland, Lisa Owens
executive Secretary Kristy Duncan
receptionist Linda Bishop
chairman Greg Thurman
president/publisher Bob Schwartzman
executive Vice president Ray Langen
Sr. V.p./Operations Casey Hester
Sr. V.p./Sales Todd Potter
Sr. V.p./Agribusiness publishing Kim Newsom Holmberg
V.p./Visual content Mark Forester
V.p./external communications Teree Caruthers
V.p./content Operations Natasha Lorens
controller Chris Dudley
Distribution Director Gary Smith
Senior Integrated media manager Robin Robertson
My Indiana Home is produced for the Indiana Farm Bureau
by Journal Communications Inc., 725 Cool Springs Blvd.,
Suite 400, Franklin, TN 37067, (800) 333-8842. All rights
reserved. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced
in whole or in part without written consent.
My Indiana Home (ISSN 2157-1465 USPS 249-880)
is published quarterly by Indiana Farm Bureau Inc.,
225 S. East St., Box 1290, Indianapolis IN 46206-1290.
Controlled circulation. Subscription price of $2 per year
included in the dues of Farm Bureau members in Indiana.
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additional entry points.
Postmaster: Send address changes to My Indiana Home,
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A mAgAzine for indiAnA fArm BureAu memBers
FArm
O christmas Tree
Some 200 farms in Indiana produce more than 200,000 Christmas trees
each year. Go online to my-indiana-home.com/christmas-trees to find
an Indiana tree farm near you.
my-indiana-home.com
Connect to your food, your farmers and a uniquely Hoosier lifestyle
FOOD TrAVel FArmS hOme & GArDen my InDIAnA
FOOD
Deck the Table
Find dozens of recipes perfect for holiday parties and
potlucks at my-indiana-home.com/holiday-food.
4
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Indiana home Indiana Farm Bureau Winter 2012-13 my-indiana-home.com 5
Tis the season
to deck the
tables with new
recipes and old
favorites.
1. Get into the holiday spirit at
Jasper OTannenbaum Days.
2. Spend the night at a state park
inn, such as Abe martin lodge
in nashville.
3. Let your sweet tooth be the guide
on the cookie recipe Trail
in hendricks county.
4. Connect with your inner child
at Veachs Toy Station in
richmond.
5. Learn how to make stained
glass on a tour of Kokomo
Opalescent Glass.
6. Discover how a pig farm in
Wheatfield cares for both its
animals and the environment.
I learned to love all things persimmon while we lived in southern
Indiana. Cannot get it up here [in northern Indiana] and so miss that flavor!
Jan harshman
via Facebook
The first time I ate persimmon pudding was at Indiana university
Kokomo in a folklore class. A guy named John made and shared it with
the class about 25 years ago. I liked it! They are like mushrooms, hard to
get and expensive if you have to buy the pulp!
Judi barnett
via Facebook
We have two persimmon trees, one Japanese and one American.
The critters keep beating me to the fruit. Can I pick them and let them
ripen on the window sill as I would a tomato?
David Kern
via my-indiana-home.com
Response from persimmon grower Jerry Lehman: Sorry to say, but once
the persimmon is picked, the ripening process basically stops. The cause
of astringency is a chemical compound that absorbs moisture in the mouth
but becomes insoluble in the mouth when ripe. However, if picked very
shortly before ripening, the fruit can be placed in a container along with
an apple or two, and it will ripen. In Japan, they ripen Asian persimmons
by placing them in used sake barrels. In China, they ripen them overnight
using a complicated warm water-bath process. The bad news is persimmons
ripened off the tree dont develop the persimmon flavor as those that ripen
on the tree and then drop to the ground.
We love hearing from you, whether by email, comments
on our website, my-indiana-home.com, or even a tweet
or Facebook post. In many cases, your notes can help us
improve the experience of other readers or website visitors,
so please keep them coming!
Do you have a question about something you read
in My Indiana Home? Send questions, feedback
and story ideas to myindianahome@jnlcom.com.
In BOx
In This Issue

Grower Jerry Lehman strives to commercialize the seasonal fruit

W
hen leaves start to turn brilliant colors
in the fall, thoughts of favorite autumn
foods come to mind. For many in
Indiana, persimmon pudding and
persimmon cookies are at the top of the list.
Terre Haute grower Jerry Lehmans freezer is
brimming with persimmon pulp always ready for
his familys beloved desserts. To say hes passionate
about persimmons wouldnt be an exaggeration. In
fact, Lehman is so enthusiastic about the globular,
bright orange fruit that he has dedicated his retirement,
nearly 15 years, to developing a persimmon tree that
can be commercially produced in the United States. FROM FARM TO ORCHARD Raised on a farm in Berne, Lehmans family instilled
in him persistence and patience, traits key to starting his
orchard in southwestern Vigo County and growing it to
nearly 1,000 trees. Lehman and his wife, Barbara, use golf carts to
traverse the orchards. He can cite the type of tree,
planting date and fruit characteristics as if giving
information about his grown children.
Though there are about 20 farms producing
persimmons in Indiana, there are no commercial
persimmon growers like there are commercial apple
orchards, Lehman explains. In my experimental orchard,
Im trying to develop a viable American persimmon tree
with hardiness and quality. My goal is not to mass produce
the fruit but work toward commercializing the American
persimmon to benefit consumers and provide another
avenue of income for Hoosier farmers.
Much of Lehmans 85-acre orchard is planted in
American persimmon trees, but Asian persimmon
trees have also been grown from seeds and cultivated
in open pollination. They, too, dot his landscape and
have been backcrossed to American trees.
The Asian fruit is really good and sweet and red in
color, says Lehman, the first fruit producer to import the
Asian-American hybrid to the United States in 1992. Two
years later, he became the second to grow and test the
viability of the hybrid. My zest for growing persimmons comes from my
mentor, the late Jim Claypool of St. Elmo, Ill., Lehman
says. He was considered the most prolific persimmon
grower in the world. Claypool had some 2,400 hand-selected, pollinated
trees and was looking for someone to carry on his work.
When he died, his family allowed Lehman to move about
100 of Claypools trees to his Hoosier farm.

PER
SIM
M
O
N
S
Story by Susan Hayhurst | Photography by Jeff Adkins
P
A
S
S
IO
N
A
for
Fall 2012
my-indiana-home.com 13
Fall 2012
my-indiana-home.com 13
12 my Indiana Home
Indiana Farm Bureau
Id like to thank you for the
excellent article on persimmons.
Ive had more phone calls and
emails from this article than any
other ever written. That is the
kind of attention needed to help
promote the lowly persimmon
to commercial status someday
for Indiana orchard operators.
Winter 2012-13 my-indiana-home.com 5
GOODEness
Gracious
MultitalentedCrisGoodeisthemastermindbehindtheGOODEnessGracious
blog,whereshecooksupGoodefoodwithasideoflifestories.Writer,
consultantandspeakerbyday,theIndianawifeandmomkeepsitlightand
funonherblog,whippingupeasyfamilymealsandsharingsupermommy
secretslearnedfromraisingherdaughter,whosnow4.
Crisbeganbloggingin2009after
seeingthePioneerWomanswebsite.
Asalifelongjournalkeeper,shewas
immediatelydrawntotheblogging
mediumandknewshewantedtoshare
alittleaboutherownexperiences.
GOODEnessGraciousisalsoa
resourceforbusymomslookingfora
no-nonsensewaytofeedtheirfamilies
andhavefundoingit.VisitCrisblogat
www.goodenessgracious.com.

CisforCookieRecipes
CelebratethesweetsideoftheholidayswithHendricksCountysannual
HollyDaysCookieRecipeTrail.Visitanyofthedestinationsonthetrailforholiday
shopping,refreshmentsandatasty,festivecookierecipetobakeandsharewith
friends.Participantscollectcookiecodesattrailspotsandenterthemintothe
eventswebsiteforafreedownloadoftherecipe.Formoreinformationandalist
oftrailstops,visitmy-indiana-home.com/cookie-trail.
Pay
Premium
Online,
byPhone
Jointhethousandsofclients
whopaytheirinsurance
premiumsonlineandover
thephone,securely,easily
andconveniently,24/7.
ScanningtheQR(quick
response)codeonourpaper
invoiceswithyoursmartdevice
takesyoudirectlytoour
paymentservicewebpage.
Gotopage32tolearnabout
theOnlineAccountManager
thatallowsyoutomake
apayment,viewpolicy
informationandprintan
autoIDcard.
45%
Percentage of
the daily
recommended
amount of
vitamin C that
one medium
potato
contains.
7
Numberofvarietiesofpotatoes
grownintheUnitedStates.
36
Numberofstatesthatcommercially
growpotatoeswiththetop
producersbeingIdaho,Washington
andWisconsin.
Potatoes provide more
potassium than bananas.
They also contain fiber and
cancer-fighting antioxidants.
Whenselectingpotatoes,lookfor
spudsthatarewell-formed,smooth
andfirm.Theyshouldnthave
discoloration,cracksorsoftspots.
Sources: USDA Census of Agriculture, U.S. Potato Board
- -
Potatoes
IndIana
harvested2,288acres
ofpotatoesin2007.
6
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Indiana home Indiana Farm Bureau Winter 2012-13 my-indiana-home.com 7
In ALMANAC
The 2012 OTannenbaum Days celebration
takes place Nov. 30 through Dec. 2. Learn more
about the event at www.visitduboiscounty.com.

noV. 30 - dec. 2
JoyoftheSeason
inJasper
Embrace the holiday spirit in Jasper at the annual
OTannenbaum Days celebration. Greeted by an
enormous Christmas tree, guests can visit downtown area
stores to see artisans demonstrate quilting, woodcarving
and pottery. Visits with Santa, carolers and carriage rides
supply the magic of the season, while historic Jasper
landmarks, such as the magnificent St. Joseph Church,
offer tours and special performances.
NiceandSlow
Usingaslowcookermaybeconsideredoneoftheeasiestcooking
methods,butherearesomehelpfultipstoenhanceflavorsandmake
yourslowcookerrecipeseventastier:
Brownmeats,poultryandotherproteinsbeforeaddingthemtotheslow
cooker.Thisbuildstheflavorofthedish.
Usedriedratherthanfreshherbsinslow-cookerdishes.Toenhancethe
flavorwithfreshherbs,addthemattheendofthecookingperiod.
Asageneralrule,dishescookedonlowcanbecookedsafelyonhigh
forhalfthetime.
Donttouchthatlid!Slowcookerscanlose20-30minutesofcooking
timewhenthelidisremoved.
Layeringredientssothatthedensestingredients(suchaspotatoes)and
ingredientsthattakethelongesttocookareonthebottom.
Findmoretipsandrecipesatmy-indiana-home.com/slow-cooker.
FiguringOut
theDrought
Itwasntagoodsummertobea
farmeroranyonewithalawn
asIndianasufferedthedriestJune
since1988andoneofthehottest
anddriestJulysonrecord.Thankfully,
thePurdueExtension,theIndiana
StateDepartmentofAgriculture
andotherresourceshelpedfarmers
andhomeownersworkwiththe
toughconditions.
However,consumersshouldntworry
thatthedroughtwillbereflectedin
drasticpricehikesatthegrocery
store.Anumberoffactorsaffectthe
costoffood,withorwithoutadrought.
Economistspredictfoodpriceswill
increasejusthalfapercentmorein
2013thantheydidin2012.Beefprices
areexpectedtorisethemostdueto
higherfeedgrainprices,butonlyby
apercentmorethanlastyear.
Formoreinformationonthedrought
andtipsonhowtodealwithits
effects,visitwww.in.gov/drought.
P
h
o
t
o

C
o
u
r
t
e
s
y

o
f

k
a
t
h
l
e
e
n

m
.

d
u
t
r
o
Winter 2012-13 my-indiana-home.com 7
story by Celeste Huttes | Photography by Brian McCord
W
hen a 20-foot-high flame
shot from a cornfield to
light up the sky near
Kokomo one October
night in 1886, it marked the beginning
of the Indiana gas boom and much
more. That flame also sparked a 125-year
legacy of light known today as the
Kokomo Opalescent Glass company.
The companys founder, Charles Edward
Henry, was one of many entrepreneurs
drawn to central Indiana by the discovery of
natural gas. The fuel was so abundant that
growing gas companies offered Henry free
gas as an enticement to open the Opalescent
Glass Works in Kokomo two years later.
These days, the companys gas bill is
substantially higher up to $65,000 a
month and the name has changed to
Kokomo Opalescent Glass. But the
fundamentals remain the same.
Then as now, the company specializes in
colored sheet glass. One of the companys
first shipments went to none other than
Louis Comfort Tiffany of stained glass fame
(see sidebar on page 11). Skilled artisans still
create that glass in the same location, in
buildings that date back to the companys
1888 opening. Descendants of the three
local businessmen who purchased the
business in 1891 are among the 35 people
who work there today.
We are Americas oldest art glass
manufacturer, and one of only six in the
United States, says Cindy Locke, manager
of the companys gift shop, The Op Shop.
Kokomo Opalescent Glass, the only art
glass factory that manufactures glass sheet
by hand, uses time-honored techniques
and recipes developed by its founders.
Kokomo glass offers unparalleled color,
clarity, texture and workability qualities
that made Tiffany a loyal customer and
continue to draw artisans from around
the world.
While stained glass is painted, sheet
glass is created. The color goes all the way
through the glass for a richer, more lasting
effect. And those colors are nothing if not
abundant. In fact, Kokomo Opalescent
Glass offers an array of 22,000 colors, as
well as seven densities (transparencies)
From Gas
to GlASS
KokomoOpalescentGlassbuildsunbreakablereputation
If you Go
Kokomo Opalescent
Glass is known around the
world, but it remains an
undiscovered treasure for
many in Indiana. Learn
more about Kokomo
Opalescent Glass, and find
out why the companys
tour was named the states
best factory tour in 2011.
Tours are offered Tuesday
through Friday at 10 a.m.
for $5 per person. Classes
in stained glass, bead
making and shadow art
are also available. For
more information, go to
www.kog.com or call
(765) 457-8136.
Kokomo
Kokomo opalescent glass features a hot glass studio and a factory that produces and restores glass.
8
.
Indiana home Indiana Farm Bureau

Visit my-indiana-home.com/glass
to view a quick video of Kokomo
Opalescent Glass.
Winter 2012-13 my-indiana-home.com 9
and 19 textures from rippled to
mottled to marbleized.
Each sheet is its own unique
piece of art, says Locke, who likes
to introduce visitors to her favorite
color (No. 111) while leading the
companys award-winning tour.
Featuring a four-color mix of red,
lime green, cobalt blue and white,
No. 111 is bright and bold it has
a lot of life to it. Other colors offer
a softer, watercolor-like effect.
Even after 33 years at the company,
Lockes job still offers daily delights,
as she fields unusual and high-profile
requests from all around the world.
This is such an incredible place
you never know who youll end up
talking to when you pick up the phone,
she says. When Disney calls to place
an order, Im as excited as a 12-year-
old, as if Mickey Mouse is going to
hit the (Glass) Trail
The Kokomo Opalescent Glass company is
just one of the treasures youll discover when
you follow the Indiana Glass Trail. The trail
links five destinations in central and southern
Indiana that share a tradition of glass art, from
works by world-renowned glass artist Dale
Chihuly to the artist next door. Explore dozens
of studios, galleries, antique shops, museums,
festivals and workshops along the Indiana
Glass Trail. Visit www.indianaglasstrail.com
for more information.
sandy Headrick gets hands-on lessons during a beadmaking class at the hot glass studio.
10
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Indiana home Indiana Farm Bureau Winter 2012-13 my-indiana-home.com 11
The Tiffany connection
Originally known as Opalescent
Glass Works, one of the
companys first customers was
Louis Comfort Tiffany, whose
name has become synonymous
with sublime stained glass
windows and lamps. Before
Tiffany arrived on the scene,
art glass was completely
transparent (known as cathedral
glass). But Tiffany had an
unusual preference for
imperfections in the glass.
Glassmakers at the time were
reluctant to intentionally leave
impurities in their glass, so
Tiffany began making his own,
using opalescent glass. (Any
art glass that contains white is
considered an opalescent.) As
its name implies, Kokomo
Opalescent Glass specializes
in this uniquely American style
of glass, earning a loyal fan in
Tiffany. His opalescent
proclivity and use of vibrant
colors and strong textures
continue to be hallmarks of
Kokomo Opalescent Glass today.
be on the other end of the line.
Hosting an Arabian prince who
flew to Kokomo on a private jet in
1982 was nothing if not a surreal
experience. And a rush job the
company completed for Pope Benedict
XVI still gives Locke goose bumps.
Hollywood comes calling on a
regular basis, too. You can find
Kokomo glass in the elf tower at
the North Pole in The Santa Clause
movie starring Tim Allen. And the
lighting sconces that illuminate the
mayhem as dinosaurs chase Ben
Stiller in Night at the Museum
Theyre all Kokomo glass, Locke says.
Kokomo Opalescent Glass
is a favorite among artists doing
restoration work. Locke recently
filled an order that will help refurbish
130 stained glass windows used in
the abandoned Ohio prison featured
in The Shawshank Redemption, which
is now open to the public for tours.
From a prison church to the
Vatican, Locke estimates that 75
percent of the worlds churches
contain Kokomo glass.
Its comforting it soothes the
soul, Locke says. Every time I go to
a church, I think thats glass blown
at Kokomo glowing on me.
In 1998, the Kokomo Opalescent
Glass company added a hot glass
studio to create hand-blown and
hand-cast art glass objects using its
own celebrated glass.
You can take home some of that
classic Kokomo beauty from The
Op Shop, which offers tours and
products, such as sun catchers,
paperweights, memorial urns
and awards.
Our gift shop offers 100 percent
American-made products that are
made right here on the premises,
Locke says.
From Tiffany lamps to Frank
Lloyd Wright homes, Navy Pier to
the Vatican, Kokomo glass can be
found in some of the worlds most
beautiful places and pieces of art.
Perhaps thats because the glassmakers
at this historic company make much
more than glass they summon
sunlight, invite inspiration and
beckon beauty.
And as the lasting legacy of
Kokomo Opalescent Glass proves,
beauty never goes out of style.
John odonnell serves as Ceo of Americas oldest art glass company, founded in 1888.

Winter 2012-13 my-indiana-home.com 11
Winter 2012-13 my-indiana-home.com 13 12
.
Indiana home Indiana Farm bureau
Sustainable
Stewardship
Indianahogfarmcommitstoenvironmentalefforts
story by Susan Hayhurst
Photography by Brian McCord
S
ome consider farmers to be
the first environmentalists.
Today that idea continues
to resonate with award-
winning modern pork operations,
such as Pembroke Oaks Farm
in Wheatfield.
This green business was named
one of just four environmental
stewards in the country by the
National Pork Board and National
Hog Farmer magazine.
Located in northwestern Indiana,
Pembroke Oaks Farm is dedicated
to providing an environmentally
comfortable atmosphere for animals
and employees alike, as well as
incorporating state-of-the-art
technology in its pig facilities.
Launched in 1995 as a 1,200-sow
farrow-to-finish operation, Pembroke
Oaks retooled and upgraded in 2006
to accommodate the growing
industry for breeding pigs. Belstra
Milling Co., a feed purveyor, also
provides management and support
services for Pembroke Oaks and the
five other farms within the companys
structure.
malcolm deKryger is part owner of Pembroke oaks farm, a pig-breeding farm in Wheatfield that has
been recognized on a national level for its eco-friendly endeavors.
Winter 2012-13 my-indiana-home.com 13
The Wheatfield site now houses
2,400 sows producing 75,000 hogs
annually, says Jon Hoek, Pembrokes
production strategies officer. The
weaned animals then move to the
companys St. Ann, Ill., site to finish
growing before theyre sold.
FIne SWIne
Pembroke Oaks 15 full-time
employees, as well as 85 others
working at the rest of the farm sites,
ensure commitment to animal care,
environmental controls, and a safe
and high-quality protein product is
the highest priority.
We are called to be environmental
stewards for all our operations, says
Kurt Nagel, financial analysis and
environmental compliance officer
for Pembroke Oaks. Everything we
do is intentional.
Pembroke Oaks makes certain the
pigs are kept comfortable, too. The
barns operate with cool cells through
the walls, thereby cooling pigs in the
summer, Nagel says. We use heaters
in the winter.
The cooled walls also enable
the operators to monitor water
quality. Snout coolers, part of the
air-controlling system, provide cool
air comfort for hogs.
Even with high-end technology,
the company constantly monitors
efficiencies. Our carbon footprint
tells the tale, Hoek says. Where we
used to feed 4 to 5 pounds of corn to
make 1 pound of pork, we now feed
2.5 to 2.8 pounds of corn. The
improved efficiency shows it takes
5,000 acres less corn to feed our pigs
today than 30 years ago. Now, the
5,000 acres of corn can be used for
other purposes.
Hoek emphasizes their pigs
genetic improvement occurs through
natural selection and data collection,
not through genetically modified
organisms (GMOs).
A big pig Adventure
A new endeavor, the Fair Oaks Pig Adventure Legacy Farms, broke
ground in summer 2012 near Fair Oaks Dairy Adventure in northern
Indiana. The Pig Adventure is a joint effort between Fair Oaks Farms,
Belstra Milling Co.s Legacy Farms and Indiana Pork.
Legacy [Farms] is being built in honor of our forefathers, when it was
harder and more difficult to farm, but who helped shape how the industry
has evolved, says Jon Hoek, production strategies officer for Pembroke
Oaks Farm, also under the Belstra umbrella.
The site will be a nonprofit, educational experience with the goal of
teaching kids and adults about modern farming.
Over 400 people at a time will be able to view what modern farming is
about from skyboxes above the production floor, Hoek says. The effort
marries two major economic forces in Indiana ag and tourism.
Fair Oaks Pig Adventure is slated to open to the public in summer 2013.
environmental controls, such as cooling cells in
the summer and heaters in the winter, help keep
the animals comfortable. even the manure gets
recycled into nutrient-rich fertilizer to help grow
crops in nearby fields.
14
.
Indiana home Indiana Farm Bureau Winter 2012-13 my-indiana-home.com 15
GOInG Green
The farm cautiously watches all
aspects of production even the
manure output, which gets recycled
into nutrient-rich fertilizer. The
manure in the pits under the hog
barns becomes fertilizer in the spring
and fall to supply nutrients to the soil
in nearby fields, which contributes to
the following years corn crop.
We make sure things run correctly
from a management standpoint and
through the manure application
process, Nagel says. Were aware
of our neighbors and make sure
there is little odor when the manure
is injected in area fields. Nutrient
content boosts next years crops.
One of Pembroke Oaks largest
neighbors is the 8,000-acre Jasper-
Pulaski State Fish and Wildlife Area.
When the hog operation was in the
planning stages, they sought out the
Indiana Department of Natural
Resources to assure the agency they
would be worthy stewards of the
adjacent land. They also pledged
that the annual migration of 40,000
sandhill cranes through the area
would continue to be protected.
FeeDInG The WOrlD
Belstra Millings annual pig
production totals around 300,000.
The majority of hogs are sold for
meat, although about 30 percent
are sold as breeding stock. A small
percentage is used in the human
medical field for surgical
reconstruction material for burn
victims, Hoek says.
Though that production number
may seem sizable, Nagel reminds us
that few countries outside the United
States can feed themselves. Farming
has adapted to the needs of the world,
he says, but its mostly the same farm
families, generation after generation,
that are growing your food.
He underlines the significance of
the change from agrarian to urban
lifestyles. The romanticizing of the
40s and 50s is not really romantic
at all, Nagel says. Droughts, dust
bowls and more crop failures than
any other time showed us that that
level of ag does not feed the world as
the United States has to do. Farms
have gotten larger because the
population has grown.
Most farmers are in it for more
than just the money, Hoek says.
Its a business, but its also a calling.
We want people to know we are
committed to making moral and
ethical decisions in everything we
do. Its a blessing to feed the world.
Kurt nagel checks on sows and piglets at Pembroke oaks farm, where he oversees the operations environmental compliance.
Winter 2012-13 my-indiana-home.com 15
Childrenofallagesclimbaboardthe
imagination-inspiredVeachsToyStation
story by Margie Monin Dombrowski | Photography by Brian McCord
S
tep inside Veachs Toy Station in
downtown Richmond, and youll
immediately understand why the
toy store captivates the hearts of
children young and old. With roughly
16,000 square feet teeming with toys,
crafts, hobbies, puzzles, games, erector
sets, science fair project kits and dress-up
items, and an entire floor overrun with
electric trains inviting you to play, the
giant specialty store sells toys you wont
see anywhere else.
Kids jaws drop when they walk in,
says third-generation owner John Veach,
whose grandfather founded the store in
1938. At Veachs, you wont find any video
games, because the store focuses on
educational toys for all ages with play
value. Here, kids can engage with toys
powered by their own imaginations.
Veachs has come a long way since Louis
Veach opened the store as a five-and-dime
department store and lunch counter,
selling pots, pans, toys and hardware
supplies. But times change, and to remain
competitive, the family decided to
specialize in toys in 1996. Toys have
always been our strong point, John
Veach says.
Some things remain the same. Veachs
has been in the same location for about 70
years and still offers layaway so families
can save up for the perfect Christmas gift
a rarity today.
Toy
Story
A
Three-year-old oliver Caldwell plays with toys at Veachs Toy station in richmond. The shop known as the imagination
station has been specializing in toys since 1996, though its doors first opened as a five-and-dime back in 1938.
Visit Veachs
Veachs Toy Station
is located at 715 East
Main St. in Richmond. To
learn more, go online to
www.veachstoystation.com
or call (765) 962-5761.
16
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Indiana home Indiana Farm Bureau
18
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Indiana home Indiana Farm Bureau Winter 2012-13 my-indiana-home.com 19
12 days from $1,998*
Join Other Hoosiers!
Departs: June 11, July 23 or August 20, 2013
Fly to Anchorage to start your land tour of the
best of Alaskas interior! Tour includes the Iditarod
Headquarters; Talkeetna (made famous in the TV
show Northern Exposure); Scenic drive to Denali,
Denali National Park and Preserve; city tour of
Anchorage; and the scenic drive to Seward. Board
your state-of-the-art ship the fve-star Celebrity
Millennium for your seven-day Alaska cruise from
Seward, through the Gulf of Alaska, to Hubbard
Glacier (the largest tidewater glacier in North America); located on the edge of Mendenhall Glacier, the
state capital of Juneau; Skagway (where the gold rush began); uniquely Alaskan, Icy Strait Point; and
the fshing village of Ketchikan. Youll disembark in Vancouver and take the picturesque drive to Seattle
for one-night, then fy home. *Price per person, based on double occupancy. Airfare is extra. Add $200 for July 23 date.
Call for more information & itinerary:
1-800-888-8204
Standing Rib RoaSt
Place roast bone side down in a large roasting pan. Bake at 350
degrees for 20-25 minutes per pound or until meat thermometer
reaches desired doneness (for medium-rare, a thermometer should
read 135 degrees, medium 150 degrees, well-done 160 degrees).
Let stand for 15 minutes before slicing. Allow 1 pound per adult
when purchasing.
How do Hoosiers
spend the holidays?
Find Indiana festivals
and travel ideas at
my-indiana-home.com.
m y - i n d i A n A - H o m e . C o m
Personal attention and friendly
customer service are keys to the
stores success over the years.
Trying out toys is encouraged, and
employees will open any box to show
customers how to use whats inside.
We have unique games you wont
see on television, so you have to
explain them, Veach says.
Theyll even let you take a game
home to try it out and see if you like
it before buying. That makes us
unique, he says. We trust customers
and they always bring it back.
That trust goes both ways,
because customers constantly ask
for recommendations on toys and
games. We help the customer find
the right gift, toy or workbook they
need to help their child over the
summer. We take the time to get
to know the customers.
One family makes the trek to this
eastern Indiana town all the way
from Florida twice a year to stock
up on games that Veach personally
suggests for them. They come back
and ask, Whats a brand-new game
that we have not seen? or, Show us
something different. Its always a
challenge to have something new
for them, he says.
Stories like this keep faithful
customers coming back. Even when
they grow up and move away,
customers will ship toys from Veachs
to their children and grandchildren
in other states.
In 2013, Veachs turns 75 and will
mark its anniversary with a special
celebration for its customers. Its
going to be a yearlong birthday party,
he says. No doubt, it will include
plenty of fun for the whole family.
John Veach carries on the family business founded by his grandfather 75 years ago.
Winter 2012-13 my-indiana-home.com 19
story and recipes by Kim Galeaz | Photography by Jeffrey S. Otto | food styling by Mary Carter
Dips on
Double Duty
Scoopupgoodhealthwith
thesenutritiouspartypleasers
K
ick off the new year with
smart, nutrient-rich eating
even at parties, celebrations
and family gatherings. One of
the easiest ways to do this is with double-
duty dips designed to offer both great taste
and good health.
hOT WInGS hummuS
This spicy, three-pepper hummus
offers the traditional flavor of Buffalo
wings but with far less fat and calories.
Fiber, potassium and protein-rich
garbanzo beans create the base for three
spicy pepper ingredients: red pepper sauce,
Ancho chili powder and cayenne pepper.
Dont dismiss the power of peppers. All
peppers provide a hefty dose of antioxidants
and phytonutrients to boost good health.
Scoopers and dippers, such as celery sticks
and whole-wheat crackers, get in on the
double-duty act, too.
SmOKeD SAlmOn DIp
Smoked Salmon Dip is a tasty way
to eat more heart-healthy omega-3 fats.
Enhance its healthy qualities by using low-
fat yogurt and reduced-fat cream cheese
instead of higher fat versions. The red
onions, green onions and chives pack a
powerful punch of nutrients to help reduce
cancer and heart disease. This savory
lemon-dill dip is a perfect conduit for
eating more fruits, too, since it goes well
with dippers and scoopers like thick slices
of apples and pears.
WArm TurnIp GreenS
AnD bAcOn DIp
If youve ever wondered how to use
green leafy vegetables, start with a decadent
dip that combines them with two always-
popular ingredients, cheese and bacon.
Frozen turnip greens contain all the fiber,
vitamins A, C and K as fresh turnip
greens, but without the cleaning and
chopping time. All dark leafy greens
contain phytonutrients good for
maintaining healthy eyes. Serve with
whole-grain bread cubes and crackers
for extra fiber and nutrients.
Registered dietitian Kim
Galeaz is an Indianapolis-
based writer and culinary
nutrition consultant
to the food, beverage and
agriculture industry. Shes
passionate about blending
good taste with good health
in every culinary creation
even decadent dessert
and balancing with daily
power-walking. A link to her
blog, The Dietitian Does
Dessert ... Breakfast, Lunch
and Dinner, Too is at
www.kimgaleaz.com.


Find more dips and appetizer
inspiration along with additional
nutrition benefits of these recipes
online at my-indiana-home.com/dips.
Winter 2012-13 my-indiana-home.com 21 20
.
Indiana home Indiana Farm Bureau
EAT In
2 cans (15-16 ounces each) garbanzo beans, rinsed
and drained, reserving 1 cup liquid*
2 tablespoons barbecue sauce**
3 tablespoons cayenne pepper sauce,
or more, to taste
1 tablespoon distilled white vinegar
cup tahini (sesame seed paste)
4 garlic cloves, coarsely chopped
4 tablespoons freshly squeezed
lemon juice
teaspoon salt
teaspoon Ancho chili powder
teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
*Make sure you save the garbanzo bean liquid when you
drain and rinse them. Just put a large bowl under your
colander rather than draining right into the sink.
**Use any favorite barbecue sauce, preferably a plain one,
as lots of smoke, hickory and bourbon flavors will affect the
dip flavor.
Place all ingredients in food processor. Add cup plus
2 tablespoons reserved bean liquid. Puree until smooth
and creamy. Add additional reserved liquid if you prefer
a thinner hummus.
Serve with celery sticks, waffle-style pretzels, pretzel crisps
or whole-grain crackers.
yields 3 cups, or 14 servings
of cup each






Hot Wings Hummus
Winter 2012-13 my-indiana-home.com 21 Winter 2012-13 my-indiana-home.com 21
Smoked Salmon Dip
1 cup nonfat or low-fat plain
Greek yogurt
4 ounces reduced-fat cream
cheese, softened
4 ounces thinly sliced (nova)
smoked salmon, chopped
2 tablespoons finely chopped
fresh chives
3 tablespoons finely chopped green
onions (green parts only)
3 tablespoons diced red onion
1 teaspoons finely minced
fresh dill
2 teaspoons freshly squeezed
lemon juice
teaspoon finely minced
lemon zest
teaspoon prepared horseradish
salt and pepper, to taste
Mix yogurt and cream cheese together
in medium bowl with a fork or wooden
spoon. Add salmon and all remaining
ingredients. Stir to blend thoroughly.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Refrigerate at least 1 hour before
serving.
Serve with thick slices of Granny Smith
and Honeycrisp apples, cucumber
circles, whole-grain crackers, bagel
chips and/or pumpernickel toasts.
yields 2 cups, or 8 servings
of cup each


.
.

Winter 2012-13 my-indiana-home.com 23 22
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Indiana home Indiana Farm bureau
Smart Selection,
Storage & prep
hot Wings hummus
Garbanzo beans are also
called chickpeas. Like all
legumes and dried beans,
they are filled with iron,
potassium, magnesium,
complex carbohydrates,
some protein and lots of
fiber, especially the soluble
type that can help reduce
cholesterol.
Tahini is a thick paste
of ground sesame seeds.
Look for jars of tahini in
the Middle Eastern ethnic
section of supermarkets.
Customize the heat level
by increasing or decreasing
the three hot pepper
ingredients.
Smoked Salmon Dip
Substitute reduced fat,
light sour cream if you cant
find nonfat or low-fat plain
Greek yogurt.
Substitute teaspoon
dried dill instead of fresh
for convenience.
Find packages of smoked
salmon in the refrigerated
seafood case.
If youre not a horseradish
fan, just leave it out and add
a smidgen more lemon juice.
Warm Turnip Greens
and bacon Dip
Choose 4% cottage
cheese rather than 2% low-
fat or nonfat for a thicker dip.
Either way, cottage cheese
is rich in high-quality protein.
One-half cup cottage cheese
contains between 12 grams
and 15 grams of protein.
Save time and use
precooked, ready-to-eat
bacon.
No white wine vinegar?
No problem! Just substitute
regular white distilled vinegar.
Kale, collards or chopped
spinach can be used in
place of the turnip greens.
1 cup onions, diced
3 garlic cloves, finely minced
1 cups 4% cottage cheese
cup (4 ounces) reduced-fat cream
cheese, softened
cup finely grated parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons low-fat mayonnaise
2 tablespoons white wine vinegar
1 bag (12 ounces) frozen turnip
greens, thawed
1 can (8 ounces) sliced water chestnuts,
coarsely chopped
cup finely shredded part-skim
mozzarella cheese
4 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
and divided
teaspoon paprika
teaspoon salt
teaspoon crushed red pepper
1 teaspoon finely grated lemon zest
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray a
1-quart baking dish or 9-inch, deep-dish
pie plate with vegetable cooking spray and
set aside. Place the onions and garlic in a
bowl and microwave to soften, about 2
minutes. Puree cottage cheese in food
processor until smooth. Add cream cheese,
Parmesan cheese, mayonnaise and vinegar
and puree. Transfer cheese mixture to large
bowl, add softened onions and garlic, thawed
turnip greens, water chestnuts, half of the
crumbled bacon, paprika, salt, red pepper
and lemon zest. Stir until thoroughly combined.
Place in baking dish and cook, covered with
foil, for 30 minutes. Remove foil and cook an
additional 20 to 30 minutes, or until heated
through in center. Remove and sprinkle with
remaining crumbled bacon.
Serve warm with whole-wheat crackers,
flatbread, pita chips or bread cubes.
yields 5 cups, or 20 servings
of cup each
Warm Turnip Greens and Bacon Dip





Winter 2012-13 my-indiana-home.com 23
24
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Indiana home Indiana Farm bureau
Staying Inn
Stateparkinnspromisewinterfunandvalue
C
ozy inns nestled in several
of Indianas state parks
are great places to get
away and escape the
winter doldrums. Each inn offers
a unique roster of events and
attractions to keep things lively
throughout the winter months.
And an off-season special rate of
two nights for the price of one
Sunday through Thursday makes
the inns a great value to boot.
In Lawrence County at Spring
Mill Inn in Spring Mill State Park,
the restored 1800s-era Pioneer
Village comes to life December 7-8,
2012, for Christmas in the Village.
Father Christmas makes his rounds
by candlelight, and visitors can shop
for gifts at the Mercantile. Pioneer
Village also offers hearth-cooking
classes during the holiday season.
Spring Mill Inn has an indoor
pool, a game room with a fireplace
and a comfy gathering spot around
a massive fireplace in the lodge-
inspired main lobby. A gift shop
showcases items handcrafted in
Indiana such as cutting boards,
trivets, walking sticks, Amish-made
rugs and cornmeal from the authentic
working gristmill in Pioneer Village.
Guests can also participate in
various one-day craft workshops.
The inns full-service restaurant
puts on Thanksgiving and Christmas
dinners, but make your reservations
early, advises Tonya Chastain, group
sales director, because those do sell
out quickly.
Snow turns the park into a
winter wonderland where hiking
trails remain open year round and
benches along the lake offer an
excellent vantage point for bird
and wildlife watching.
Spring Mill Inn is a great
getaway, especially in the winter,
because its so peaceful and quiet.
We are sitting in the middle of a big
woods, Chastain says. Come on
out and sit by the fire.
story by Carol Cowan | Photography by Jeff Adkins
The front of the Canyon Inn lights up at dusk at McCormicks Creek State Park in Spencer.
Winter 2012-13 my-indiana-home.com 25
TRAVEL In
Also on the grounds is the
recently remodeled Virgil I. Gus
Grissom Memorial, home of the
Unsinkable Molly Brown space
capsule and other artifacts honoring
Americas second man in space.
Hours are 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily;
admission is free.
At Canyon Inn in McCormicks
Creek State Park in Owen County,
getaway weekends for card players
both euchre and bridge and for
those interested in arts and crafts,
such as photography and quilting,
are popular attractions. The dates
that sell out quickest, however, are
the wine- and beer-tasting stays.
These all-inclusive getaway packages
feature wine and beer tasting, along
with tips on pairing beverages with
foods, a four-course meal, a nights
stay at the inn and breakfast the
next morning.
This years brew masters
weekend will be on Jan. 12, 2013,
with Bloomington Brewing Company
or BBC, as its affectionately known
around here, says Jane Klausmeier,
special events coordinator. It will
be a beer tasting and beer pairing
with a meal, just like wine tasting.
People just seem to love these events.
Guests can check in at 4 p.m. and
mingle for a while, and then come
Clockwise from top left: mcCormicks Creek state Park features one of the few waterfalls in indiana;
the lobby of the Abe martin Lodge in nashville contains gift shops and occasionally hosts musicians,
artists and other events; the indoor/outdoor swimming pool is a popular attraction at the spring mill
inn at spring mill state Park in mitchell; visitors enjoy an afternoon walk at mcCormicks Creek state
Park, which has eight trails varying in length from three-quarters of a mile to 3.5 miles.
26
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Indiana home Indiana Farm Bureau Winter 2012-13 my-indiana-home.com 27
to the Oak Room and have appetizers
and taste the products and then sit
down and have the meal. Its all over
and done by 10 or 10:30, and folks go
off to their rooms.
A wine getaway featuring selections
from the new Owen Valley Winery in
Spencer will take place on Jan. 19,
and Bloomingtons popular Oliver
Winery returns to the inn on Feb. 23.
Canyon Inn also serves a Christmas
buffet and hosts a New Years Eve
party, complete with dinner, a deejay
and dancing, balloons and party hats,
a nights stay and breakfast on New
Years Day.
Abe Martin Lodge in Brown
County State Park is a favorite
among families, thanks to its
12,000-square-foot indoor water
park. The aquatic center features
a zero-entry pool, which means its
edge gradually slopes into the water
like a natural beach. Youll also find
a water slide, water channel, fountains,
water volleyball and basketball, and a
whirlpool with a waterfall.
Other winter activities and events
include mountain biking; the Reindeer
Romp, an 8K race that takes off from
the Nature Center; square dancing;
a traditional Christmas feast; and a
New Years Eve family celebration
Winter Fun at Toboggan run
Toboggan Run at Pokagon State Park has been thrilling visitors for
75 years. Indianas only refrigerated toboggan slide, Toboggan Runs
side-by-side quarter-mile tracks each have a total vertical drop of 90 feet,
producing speeds between 35 to 40 miles per hour during the exhilarating
30-second ride.
Each toboggan carries a maximum of four riders, and rental costs just
$10 per hour. The number of rides taken depends only on how busy the
hill is and how quickly riders can trek up the walkway and mount the stairs
of the 30-foot tower where Toboggan Run begins. For those in need of a
break, a cozy warming lodge at the base of the slide has restrooms and
concessions.
While the refrigerated track can operate without snow in temperatures
above freezing, this winter attraction is even more fun when the snowflakes
fall. Toboggan Run opens the Friday after Thanksgiving and operates on
weekends through February, with extended weekday hours over the
Christmas holidays. Visit www.tobogganrun.com for details.
and game night. Its annual winter
hike is slated for Jan. 19.
We also do different last-minute
things on the weekends, so theres
always something to do, says Missy
Meyers, assistant general manager
at Abe Martin Lodge.
In fact, all of the state park inns
offer off-season specials, holiday
celebrations and various types of
winter fun. For example, Potawatomi
Inn in Steuben Countys Pokagon
State Park lays out a huge spread
for Christmas in its historic dining
room, and the park is home to
Toboggan Run, a quarter-mile
refrigerated sled track thats a major
attraction for winter guests (see
sidebar). Breakfast with Santa is a
big hit at Fort Harrison State Park
Inn, just nine miles from downtown
Indianapolis. Clifty Inn, at Clifty
Falls State Park in Jefferson County,
has a Holiday with the Birds event,
as well as a mid-winter picnic and
bonfire. And Parke Countys Turkey
Run Inn hosts a winter wonderland
trail walk weekend in January.
Visit www.indianainns.com for a
complete listing of events and specials.
Winter 2012-13 my-indiana-home.com 27
member benefits
Did you know that your
Indiana Farm bureau
membership comes
with exclusive savings?
As a member, you can
take advantage of the
discounts on products
and services listed here.
For more information
on member savings
and benefits:
1-800-777-8252
www.itpaystobeamember.org
It pays to
be a member.
The goal of Indiana Farm Bureau Member
Benefit Programs is to provide discounts,
value-added benefits and convenience to
you, our members. Indiana Farm Bureau
does not endorse these products or
services. Indiana Farm Bureau and the
companies offering these programs do not
guarantee that program discounts will be
the lowest available price at any given time.
Farm Bureau members should provide the
ID number if applicable or identify themselves
as members of Indiana Farm Bureau when
calling any program. Programs are subject
to change or termination without notice
and some rules and restrictions may apply.
prescription
Savings
Farm bureau
Vehicle purchase
program
Instant Savings
on Prescription
Drugs
Average savings of 32%, with
potential savings of up to
50% (based on 2011 national
program savings data). Accepted
at thousands of participating
pharmacies nationwide. plus,
valuable savings on vision
products and accessories at
over 13,000 locations!
call 1-800-777-8252 or visit the
members Only section at www.
itpaystobeamember.org for your
ScriptSave card. DIScOunT
Only - nOT InSurAnce
Discounts are available exclusively through
participating pharmacies. The range of the
discounts will vary depending on the type
of provider and services rendered. This
program does not make payments directly to
providers. Members are required to pay for
all health care services. You may cancel your
registration at any time or fle a complaint
by contacting Customer Care. This program
is administered by Medical Security Card
Company, LLC (MSC) of Tucson, AZ.
Save time and
money on your
next car or truck
purchase!
The Farm bureau Vehicle
purchase program is easy to
use and hand-selected dealers
ensure a fast, haggle-free
auto buying experience. plus,
automatically receive a $500
Gm incentive included in your
member price.
Search for the vehicle you want.
Select a local program certifed
Dealer to see your savings.
bring your Farm bureau Savings
certifcate to your personal dealer
contact and drive home happy.
Visit www.fbverify.com/drive or
call 888-718-9053 to get started.
*Price is guaranteed by dealer and not the
Farm Bureau Vehicle Purchase Program or
TrueCar. **GM incentive available to qualifed
FB members in most, but not all states. Offer
available through 4/1/14, and valid toward
the lease or purchase of new 2011, 2012 and
2013 Buick, Chevrolet and GMC models,
excluding Chevrolet Volt according to the
rules of the Farm Bureau GM Private Offer.
28
.
Indiana home Indiana Farm Bureau Winter 2012-13 my-indiana-home.com 29
Save up to 55%
For only $36 per year, Indiana
Farm bureau members can
access a network of providers
for discounts on dental and
chiropractic services. call
1-888-540-9488 be sure to
mention that you are an Indiana
Farm bureau member.
This program is not a health insurance policy,
and the program does not make payments
directly to the providers of health services.
Dental care
Advantage
$500 Savings
eligible Indiana Farm bureau
members can now receive
a $500 discount on each
qualifying model year chevrolet,
Gmc or buick vehicle they
purchase or lease. This Farm
bureau member exclusive is
offered for vehicles purchased
or leased at participating
dealerships through Farm
bureaus Gm private Offer.
To qualify for the offer, individuals must have been
a Farm Bureau member for at least 60 days prior
to the date of delivery of the vehicle selected.
Members simply go to www.fbverify.com/gm,
enter their membership number and zip code,
and print off a certifcate to take to the dealership.
Very Important: Discount must be processed
at time of delivery.
The Farm Bureau discount is stackable with
some incentives and non-stackable with others.
GM Business Choice is an approved incentive
program. See dealership for full details.
Gm
T-mobile
Save 12%*
and receive
discounts on
new activations
new customers call
1-866-464-8662, option 3
existing customers call
1-877-453-8824 and reference
the Farm bureau program.
When calling provide IFb
membership number and use
promotional code 13032TmOFAV.
*on qualifying monthly recurring charges,
exclusions apply
Winter 2012-13 my-indiana-home.com 29
story by Colletta Kosiba
AGardenersGiftGuide
Usehigh-qualitytoolsandtricksforstress-freegardening
H
ave you ever used an
inexpensive trowel that bends
as you are digging? Take it
from me: Forget the cheap stuff and
ask for some quality garden tools this
holiday season. If you go with the
right option, you can wind up with
tools that will last 50 years before
being handed down to your children.
In spring or fall, we attack weeds
armed with a hoe or another favorite
implement. The choice of gardening
tools is extensive, so find the right fit
for the tasks at hand. Lets look at some
of must-have tools that have made
job easier for this aging gardener:
A fixed-length pruning stick
makes it a breeze to trim branches.
Look for one thats at least 62 inches
long, weighs less than 2 pounds
and has a 1-inch cutting span.
Lightweight and easy to use, these
are also sometimes called ropeless
pruners.
You can also get a small handheld
pruner for cutting up to 1 inches in
diameter. I recommend the PowerGear
Anvil Super Pruner, which won the
Ease-of-Use Commendation from
the Arthritis Foundation. This tool is
so light that you will look for chances
to use it! (Alas, you will still need
that large, heavy lopper for bigger jobs.)
Give your hands a rest with a
cordless grass shear. This rechargeable
shear is great for any job that you use
a small pruner or shear for, such as
trimming grass, deadheading flowers
and cutting fescue grasses. Most of
these tools come with a small shrub
blade, which works great for shaping
shrubs. A word of caution, though:
Its sharp, so be sure to wear gloves
when using this tool. This gardener
has sliced a finger a couple of times
when she was careless and without
gloves. In fact, a good pair of garden
gloves is another necessity for anyone
with a green thumb.
A few more on my list of great
garden tools include a folding saw;
a short, 2-foot shovel; a garden knife
and a garden fork, which does less
damage to plant roots than some
other tools.
But its not just expensive tools
from the home improvement store
that can be useful in the garden.
A laundry basket can tote weeds,
6-inch window blinds work as plant
markers and dental floss will tie up
vines. I also use pieces of nylon
stocking to anchor trees.
Try these helpful hints, and ask
Santa for some of the tools that are a
bit pricier but worth every penny
and youll have more time to smell
the roses and fewer aches at bedtime.
Colletta Kosiba of Hendricks County
has been a naturalist at Eagle Creek
Park in Indianapolis for 15 years.
She is an advanced Master Gardener,
Master Naturalist and past president
of the Hendricks County Master
Gardeners Association. Collettas
Gardens have also been featured on
Channel 8 television in Indianapolis.

The Door
to QualiTy,
SafeTy
and
SecuriTy
8070 castleton rd. indianapolis, iN 46250
(317) 570-5436 (317) 577-4996 fax
www.accessgarages.com
M
a
x
im
u
m
C
le
a
ra
n
c
e

Please visit my-indiana-home.com to
find winter gardening tips, including
how to order from a seed catalog.
30
.
Indiana home Indiana Farm Bureau
In THE GARDEN
SubmitYourPhotos
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JPEG(4x6inchesat300dpi),alongwithyournameandlocation,
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Tosubmitaphotoviamail,sendthephototo:MyIndianaHome,
ReaderPhotos,P.O.Box1290,Indianapolis,IN46206-1290.
Due to the high volume of photos we receive, we are unable to include every photo, and
if you mail your photo in, we will not be able to return it. So make sure you have a spare
we dont want to lose one of your family treasures!
In FOCUS
Photo submitted by
mark and diane reed of bluffton, indiana
Photo submitted by
sue bayless of marion, indiana
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martha Goodwin of terre haute, indiana
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inGrid kohlhaGen of monroe, indiana
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Winter 2012 my-indiana-home.com 31
story by Amy D. Kraft, Public Affairs Specialist, Indiana Farm Bureau Insurance
ConvenienceforCustomers
IndianaFarmBureauInsurancesnewtoolhelpsyoustopknockingonwood
D
istinctive customer service
is a high priority at Indiana
Farm Bureau Insurance, and
a new self-service option gives clients
one more tool to help manage their
policies.
The new Online Account Manager
provides clients with the opportunity
to access their insurance information
online. Options include viewing
policies and invoices, making
payments, and accessing and
printing auto identification cards.
This is a way for clients to get
their policy information when they
need it, regardless of the time of the
day or night, says Chera Brantley,
manager of mutual systems at Indiana
Farm Bureau Insurance. You can get
the information quickly. If you get
pulled over, you could pull up your
auto ID card on your smartphone if
you need to.
The idea for the Online Account
Manager came from a team of
Indiana Farm Bureau Insurance
employees working on a research
project. They found that clients were
asking for more. Though Indiana
Farm Bureau Insurance clients view
their agent as a partner they can rely
upon and trust, many clients wanted
the ability to access their policies
instantly and on their own time.
They also didnt want to contact
their agent for simple matters. The
group of employees reported on their
research, and the Online Account
Manager service was developed.
The companys culture includes
taking great pride in helping clients
fully understand their insurance.
As our advertising campaign
says, It is not OK to not know, says
Melissa Mann, manager of advertising
and brand strategy. This tool allows
you to know what you have; you can
access your insurance information
any time of the day or night.
Insurance is necessary, but its
also something that not everyone
understands. When it comes to
proper insurance coverage, you
cant just hope youre covered.
So often, people just pay the
money for this product and they
dont understand what exactly it is
that theyre paying for, Mann says.
The Online Account Manager is one
more customer service tool we can
use to help educate our clients on
their insurance.
The Online Account Manager will
not (and should not) replace your
agent. It is important to still review
your policies in person every year to
ensure you have the proper coverage.
Though convenient, this system
should not replace your agent,
Brantley says. We think you still
need that personal relationship with
your agent.
As we say, stop knocking on wood.
Dont just hope youre covered. Visit
www.infarmbureau.com to register
for the Online Account Manager.
Then log in and make sure you
understand what you have. If you
have any questions, our agents are
always here to help you translate
insurance into English.
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