July 2009Vol. 58, No. 7

News for Members of Adams Electric Cooperative, Camp Point, Illinois

Wind Turbine Project Update

Page 3

Nominating Committee Report

Page 4

Pages 8 & 9

County Fair Schedule

Page 15

2 • Adams Outlet • July 2009 July 2009 • Adams Outlet • 3

by Jim Thompson PEGeneral ManagerThe wind turbine projects are moving forward. I wanted to provide the membership with an update on the progress.

We planned to start erecting the Adams County turbine in April. This start date has been pushed back to accommodate a new style inverter in the wind turbine. We are now hoping to start in August. We have several items accomplished for both the Adams and Brown County sites. Soil borings and survey work are complete. FAA approvals have been obtained. For the Adams County site, the foundation design work is complete and is scheduled to be poured in June.The gravel road and

the layout area are complete. The lease and easements are approved. Our crews have built in the three-phase overhead distribution lines from the Adams substation to the location where we will install the three-phase underground lines to the turbine. Once the foundation is poured, the transformer will be set and the underground distribution lines will be installed. Two grants and Clean Renewable Energy Bonds (CREBs) have been obtained. The two grants are from the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) and the Illinois Clean Energy Community Foundation (ICECF). For the Brown County site, the Cooperative is working on the

application for Clean Renewable Energy Bonds (CREBs). The application is due August 4, 2009. We probably will not know the results until December of 2009. If we receive approval from the IRS to issue the bonds, we will continue working on this location the first quarter of 2010. The road contractor and landowner for the Brown County site were notified that the Cooperative will be waiting before building the road and pouring the foundation for this site until

we receive the results on the CREB financing. We have received a grant for this site from the United States Department of Agriculture. The Cooperative continues to work with Kaskaskia Engineering on submitting an application for a permit from the Illinois Department

of Natural Resources (IDNR) for the incidental taking of endangered species. As part of the plan, we will perform some monitoring at the wind turbine sites to gather useful information for the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. Randy Rigg, Butch Passley, Pat Boylen, and Mike DeWitt completed training on wind turbine installation and maintenance. We believe it will be an advantage to have gone through the training prior to having our wind turbine erected. The group came back very excited and with great notes of things to watch out for during the building process. If all goes well, we should have clean renewable energy flowing for our members in the fall of 2009.

BOARD OF DIRECTORSPresidentRichard King ........................ HuntsvilleVice PresidentJim Benz ................................... QuincySecretaryAlan Acheson .........................RushvilleTreasurerJohn Kestner ............................ Payson DirectorGeorge Schneider ..................... LibertyDirectorMike Tenhouse .....................CoatsburgDirectorVacant .................................. District 8DirectorLyle Waner ...............................LoraineDirectorBob Willis ..........................Mt. SterlingGeneral ManagerJim Thompson PE ...................... QuincyAttorneyCharles Burton .......................Rushville

Wind Turbine Project Update

Dear Adams Electric Cooperative:On behalf of Liberty CUSD #2,I would like to thank you for the $800 Penny Power grant we received from Adams Electric Cooperative. We will be using this grant money to help purchase an automated external defibrillator to be used at one of our outdoor physical fitness facilities. This grant will help provide funds for this piece of equipment that Illinois law now requires. Unfortunately funding was not included in this legislation. We sincerely appreciate your help!Marcia Bankus, District Health Nurse

We are honored to be receiving the Penny Power grant for our roofing project. Thanks again for providing the exciting opportunity for the Quincy Art Center. We are all excited and can use our grant as a regional area “match” to other potential funding sources! Very best wishes,Julie Nelson, Executive Director and Curator

Greetings Employees of Adams Electric Cooperative:I would like to express my sincere gratitude for the relief efforts that the Adams Electric Cooperative provided during the aftermath of the winter storm. The efforts to quickly repair power lines and restore electricity eased suffering and greatly aided in the recovery. It is difficult times like these that the tireless work and generosity of individuals like the Adams Electric Cooperative workers make an even greater impact. Please convey my thanks to all of the linemen, dispatchers, and managers for their assistance during the ice storm. The recovery efforts during the ice storm represent the largest marshaling of state, federal, and private sector resources in the history of the Commonwealth. While the winter ice storm that we recently experienced was clearly one of the most difficult times for the Commonwealth, it allowed us to see ordinary people doing extraordinary things. Thank you for all your help in bringing power back to the citizens of all the counties, cities, and rural areas affected by the ice storm. Sincerely, Steven L. Beshear, Governor of Kentucky

Summer Hours for Line CrewDue to the hot weather, Engineering & Operations line crews will be working from 6:00am-2:30pm from June 29 through August 28. The Adams Electric Cooperative Office will be open as usual from 7:30am-5:00pm Monday-Friday.

Penny Power Application Board, Thank you for funding the grant for our new library books. We have already placed the order. It was very exciting. These wonderful books will be ready in the upcoming 2009-2010 school year. So many students, from kindergarten through high school, will be benefiting from these amazing books. Without your help, we could not have purchased these library quality, Perma-Bound, books. Thank you again for these books for our students. With regards,Susan Nixon & Rhonetta Marquess, Liberty School

Thank you so much for awarding our club the $400 Penny Power grant. With your help, we were able to collect/purchase 742 pounds of ground beef for the Community for Christ Assistance Center. Thanks again for supporting our 3rd Annual “Meating” the Need Community Service Project and nearly doubling our goal of 400 pounds. The Adams County Firecrackers 4-H Club, & Brenda Williams, Jeff & Angela Kill, Leaders

July 2009 • Adams Outlet • 5 4 • Adams Outlet • July 2009

The AIEC has received a $250,000 grant from the Illinois Clean Energy Community Foundation (ICECF) as a follow up to its ex-isting GeoAlliance program. The new grant monies incent geother-mal heating and cooling technol-ogy for Illinois schools (public or private) served by electric cooper-atives. Grants of up to $50,000 are available to assist with installation costs of those systems. For more information, contact Bill Stalder or Laura Dotson at Adams Electric Cooperative at (217) 593-7701.

Geothermal Grants Available for Schools

Representatives from AEC Attend Legislative ConferenceAdams Electric Cooperative General Manager Jim Thompson and Director Bob Willis attended the 2009 NRECA Legislative Conference held May 3-6, 2009. Thompson and Willis met with political leaders to discuss climate change, energy bills, and new laws transforming the electricity infrastructure. “The timing of the Legislative Conference was excellent with the mark-up bill on carbon legislation coming out in the middle of May,” said Thompson. “A lot of our efforts were focused on this subject due to the high cost this legislation will have on our members. The Cooperative wants to make sure electricity stays affordable to our members.”

Nominating Committee Report

Director Nominations By Petition

The bylaws of Adams Electric Cooperative provide that nominations can be made by petition of 25 Cooperative Members. Blank petitions are available at the Cooperative office.

The names of the nominees by petition will be listed on the official ballot to be voted on at the September 9, 2009 Annual Meeting. Petitions must be returned to the office by 5 p.m., Monday, August 3, 2009.

(l-r): Albert Peter, Bill Evans, Jack Padgett, Joy Moore, Eugene Meyers Jr., Greg Kestner, and Steve Quinn.

Pursuant to the Cooperative’s Bylaws, the Nominating Committee met at the office of Adams Electric Cooperative in Camp Point, Illinois on Monday, May 18, 2009 at 6:00 p.m. DST to nominate candidates for election of directors of Adams Electric Cooperative. The following Nominating Committee Members were present: Bill Evans and Albert Peter representing District 7; Stephen Quinn and Eugene Meyers, Jr., representing District 8; Joy Moore and Jack Padgett, representing District 9; and Greg Kestner, member-at-large. Charles Burton, Attorney, was present at the opening of the meeting and presented each Committee Member a copy of the Bylaws and called their attention to the qualifications of directors and the nominating procedure. At the consent of the Committee Members, Charles Burton served as Chairman Pro Tem until a Chairman had been elected. Charles Burton opened the floor to nominations for Committee Chairman. Eugene Meyers, Jr. nominated Steve Quinn. Jack Padgett seconded the motion. Albert Peter made a motion to close nominations and to cast a unanimous ballot to elect Steve Quinn as Chairman;

seconded by Joy Moore, the motion carried. Charles Burton opened the floor to nominations for Committee Secretary. Jack Padgett nominated Joy Moore. Albert Peter seconded the motion. Greg Kestner made a motion to close nominations and to cast a unanimous ballot to elect Joy Moore as Secretary; seconded by Eugene Meyers, Jr., the motion carried. Charles Burton excused himself from the meeting. Chairman Quinn opened the floor to nominations for director-candidate(s) of District 7 representing Lima, Ursa, Mendon, Riverside, and Ellington Townships of Adams County; and Rocky Run and Walker Townships of Hancock County. Albert Peter nominated Jim Benz. Bill Evans made a motion to close nominations; seconded by Greg Kestner, the motion carried. Chairman Quinn opened the floor to nominations for director-candidate(s) of District 8 representing Pea Ridge, Missouri, Lee, and Buckhorn Townships of Brown County. Steve Quinn nominated Roger Busen. Eugene Meyers, Jr. made a motion to close nominations; seconded by Albert Peter, the motion carried. Chairman Quinn opened

the floor to nominations for director-candidate(s) of District 9 representing Honey Creek, Camp Point, Clayton, Concord, and Mc Kee Townships of Adams County. Jack Padgett nominated Becky Barlow. Albert Peter made a motion to close nominations; seconded by Bill Evans, the motion carried. There being no further business to come before the Committee, the meeting was adjourned at 6:35 p.m. DST following a motion by Eugene Meyers, Jr.; seconded by Bill Evans, the motion carried.

___________________________Steve Quinn, Chairman

____________________________Joy Moore, Secretary

Wed., Sept. 9Bailey Park, Camp PointFree dinner, numerous vendor booths, activities for kids of all ages, entertainment, director election, door prizes and a registration gift. A fun and informative evening for the whole family.Mark your calendar!

July 2009 • Adams Outlet • 76 • Adams Outlet • July 2009

The summertime for thousands of families across the country means a chance to take a vacation and take a break from the normal everyday routine. However, summer vaca-tions can be expensive affairs with the sharp rise in gas prices, hotels, food, and entertainment. Make this summer vacation different by sav-ing money instead of spending it. The biggest expense of vaca-tioning is probably the travel to get to your destination, whether it is by car, plane, train, or even boat. Al-though it is the most expensive part of vacationing, you can bring down the cost by making your travel plans online. Several travel Web sites such as www.orbitz.com, www.expedia.com, and www.hotels.com offer great deals on airfare, hotels, and rental cars. Typically, these travel Web sites consolidate all of these items into a package that is less expensive than paying for them individually. Furthermore, if your vacation destination is not that far away, it

may be more affordable to drive. If you are able to drive, consider renting a car. Renting allows you to prevent putting further wear and tear on your own car. Besides transportation and lodging, entertainment while va-cationing is another big expense. When going to attractions and theme parks, take advantage of packaged passes instead of buying single day passes everyday. If theme parks are too crowded or expensive, save money and have fun by visiting

local museums or take a tour of the city. Instead of spending money on a summer vacation, apply the extra money towards a home improve-ment that can be enjoyed by you and your family year-round. This could be a variety of energy and money saving upgrades such as in-stalling Energy Star appliances, new windows and insulation, or perhaps an efficient cooling/heating system. Source: North Carolina Associa-tion of Electric Cooperatives and NRECA

How To Save Money This Summer

If you have a swimming pool or spa, you may have already learned that they are expensive to operate. The largest expense for most pool or spa owners is for heating the water to a comfortable temperature. However, the cost of operating circulating and filtration pumps can be considerable, too. Pool and spa pumps use elec-trical energy to move water. An electric motor turns a pump, and the pump pushes water through pipes, filters, and valves. Some of that

energy can be wasted if the motor is oversized, if the piping is too small, or if dirty filters restrict the flow of water. Modern high-efficiency motors can consume up to 20 percent less electricity than the standard motors used in most pools or spas. If you need to replace an existing motor, be sure to specify a high-efficiency motor. Motor and pump size are important, too, since it is cheaper to run a smaller motor for a longer period of time than to run a motor

that is too large for short cycles. Be sure to size any replacement motors or pumps according to the smallest specification allowed by the pool or spa manufacturer. Filtration motors run only part of the time and are controlled by a timer that turns the motor on and off only as needed to keep the water clean. You can save a substantial amount of electricity by reducing the time that your circulating mo-tors operate. Try reducing this run time and observe the water quality of your pool or spa for a few days. You may discover that you don’t need to run the filter motors all the time. The less the motor runs, the more you’ll save.Chris Dorsi is a nationally recog-nized expert on energy efficiency. For more free energy-saving tips, visit the Saturn Resource Manage-ment Web site at www.srmi.biz

Help Your Pool Run More EfficientlyBy: Chris Dorsi

Important: Did you switch to a cell phone recently and eliminate your land line? If so, make sure the Co-op has your current phone number on file.

8 • Adams Outlet • July 2009 July 2009 • Adams Outlet • 9

Many businesses start with a plan. People spend tireless hours detailing a marketing strategy with certain financial goals in mind. Then they try and many times fail. But other times busi-nesses grow naturally from the ground up. That’s exactly what happened for Fred and Norma Bennett of La Prairie. “I had a patch of daylilies near the road and people would stop and ask if they could have a start off of my plants,” describes Norma. “Word of mouth spread.” That was the beginning of Prairie Junction Gardens. That was close to 15 years ago. And, “grown,” it has! Now, eight hundred variet-ies of daylilies later, Fred and Norma have a business they love. “It started as a hobby and we still think of it as a hobby.” The Bennetts love flowers and working outside.

Norma recently retired from Southeastern school. Fred worked for 15 years for the ambulance crew and taught prior to that. He is also retired. If they’ve ever had a goal in mind, one could say they’ve reached it. Norma said she doesn’t want their gardens to get any bigger because they only have time to care for the plants they have. “We’ve said that 800 is our limit on the daylilies. We won’t get more without getting rid of some of the older ones.” The Bennetts also sell 500 varieties of irises. “We have 72 varieties of daffodils, several peonies, grasses, a lot of perennials, but the daylilies and irises are the only ones we sell.” Fred and Norma have served as American Iris Society judges in exhibitions in Chicago, Champaign, St. Louis, and other places.

The Bennetts also practice hybridizing which is the crossing of pollen from two different plants to create a new unique plant. Recently, they’ve had a couple of successes that seem to have potential. Once a unique plant is created and a hybridizer has at least 100 root systems, the plant can be nationally registered and given a name. Norma said, “It has to be a name that has never been used, it can’t be named after another plant and you can’t use the name of a color.” Names help a plant sell. For example, customers often ask for plants with the same names as all of their children, mother or grandmother. “Anything Elvis-related sells,” laughs Fred. “The Heartbreak Hotel is a big seller.” Prairie Junction Gardens is a certified display garden which meets requirements of the American Hemrocallis Society. Every flower has a label with its year of introduction and hybrid-izer’s name. No plant can crowd another so as each flower starts to crowd, those root systems are divided and may be sold. Every year since 1950, members of the American Hemrocallis Society name one variety of daylily as superior. The Bennetts have collected all of these flowers.

Prairie Junction Daylilies is owned and operated by Adams Electric Cooperative Members Fred and Norma Bennett of La Prairie.

The Bennetts buy their day-lilies direct from a hybridizer. A new variety can cost $100 or more, even $250 at times. How-ever, daylilies from a profes-sional hybridizer are a true match because they were reproduced by the root system or a shoot off the main plant. Often, stores will sell day-lilies which were reproduced through a tissue culture. The flowers are ground up and grown from a petri dish. There is no guarantee you’re buying the same color as the label. The prices at Prairie Junction Gardens range from $7 to $55 for daylilies and $7 for all irises. Daylilies can be purchased at any time. However, thoseinterested in purchasing irises should pick out irises while in bloom, then come back in August when bulbs can be dug up. The best time to view irises is from May through mid-June. Daylilies peak around the 4th of July and are best viewed the first three weeks of July. The Bennetts also

welcome visiters who just want to come and look. Their hours are: Mon.-Wed. 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Fri. & Sat. 10am-6pm, and Sun. 1-6 pm. (They are closed on Thursdays.) Appoint-ments are not required but are recommended. Prairie Junction can be reached by calling (217) 696-4463, (217) 242-0151 or by email at: pjgardens@adams.net.

10 • Adams Outlet • July 2009 July 2009 • Adams Outlet • 11

Listen to Doug Rye’s live radio program “Home Remedies” on WTAD every Saturday morning at 9:06 a.m. Doug Rye, a licensed architect living in Saline County works as a consultant for the Electric Cooperatives of Arkansas to promote energy efficiency to cooperative members statewide. To order Doug’s video, call Doug at 1-501-653-7931. More energy-efficiency tips can also be found at www.ecark.org. Source: Rural Arkansas Magazine

Energy Commandment No. 2: “Thou Shalt Invest”

by Doug Rye, the “Doctor of Energy Efficiency - the King of Caulk and Talk”

There are a lot of things happening in our country today that I do not understand. I do not understand how I bought gas at $1.49 a gallon in December when I paid $3.99 just a few months earlier. I don’t understand how wealthy corporations now have to have billions of dollars from the taxpayers to stay afloat. And I could mention many other things I simply don’t understand. It is better that I stay with the things I do understand. I know that making energy improvements is the best investment in the country today. I know that it is the only thing in your house that will save you money month after month and will have a payback. I also know that your home will be more comfortable as a result of these improvements. Last week Mr. Tom Hunt, who is my co-host on the Home Remedies radio show, said he is saving $50 per week on the cost of gasoline compared to a few months ago. He

said that added up to $200 per month. “What if we took that $200 per month and made energy improvements to our house?” he said. I responded: “Tom, you are a genius.” Well folks, both Tom and I don’t need these commandments because we built our houses to be super efficient from the beginning. So, please remember that these columns are for you, and we, like your electric co-op, want to help you. Energy Commandment No. 2: “Thou Shalt Invest.” Whether it is $5 per month or $200 per month, start setting some money aside for energy improvements. It is perfectly all right to do the least costly items first. For $20, you can buy and install several compact fluorescent lights. For $40, you might buy all the caulk you need to seal up air leaks as we discussed earlier. NOW OPEN YOUR MIND AND THINK OF THIS. For an investment of less than $100 and a few hours of

elbow grease, you might well reduce your average monthly utility bill by $10, $20, $30 or more a month. Where else could you invest $100, get your money back in three to 10 months and continue getting that savings forever? So start putting that money aside now, continue reading this column and you will be a genius of energy efficiency, just like Tom.

BRIGHT IDEA #23

Energy efficiency involves becoming more aware of your own energy use and ways you can eliminate waste. Whether your goal is to reduce your own energy bills or protect the environment, taking small steps to be more energy efficient can produce big benefits. Your electric co-op’s Energy Advisor can tell you more about energy efficiency and the steps you can take to use and waste less energy.

eleCTRiCiTy:USe iT. doN’T WaSTe iT.

www.petersheatingandair.com

Save Energy AND Money!

“We’ve saved an incredible amount ofmoney with our WaterFurnaceGeothermal system from Peters!”

Other locations in Kirksville, Hannibal & Columbia, MO

PROFES

SION

ALSERV

ICE

SINCE1955

1975 Keokuk St. • Hamilton, IL • (217) 847-27774520 Broadway • Quincy, IL • (217) 222-1368

1401 W. Washington • Pittsfield • (217) 285-1600

Ask about

Call Peters for details about BIG TaxCredits being offered now onWaterFurnace.

We’ll assess your current system andshow you how much you can save withgeothermal energy.

We use the latest installation techniquesfor city or country homes!

30%NO LIMIT

Tax Credit on WaterFurnace!

July 2009 • Adams Outlet • 1312 • Adams Outlet • July 2009

Pecan PieSubmitted by Tonya Richmiller

Unbaked 9 in. pie shell1 cup syrup1 cup brown sugar (light or dark)1/4 tsp. salt1/3 cup melted margarine1 tsp. pure vanilla extract3 slightly beaten eggs1 cup pecan bits, chopped into preferred sizeCombine all ingredients, except pe-cans; mix well. Stir pecan pieces into syrup mixture. Pour into pie shell. Bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes.

Microwave MeatloafSubmitted by Fran Hughes

1 can tomato sauce1/4 cup brown sugar1/4 cup apple cider vinegar1 tsp. prepared mustard1 1/2 tsp. salt1/4 tsp. pepper1 egg, slightly beaten1 medium onion, minced1/4 cup cracker crumbs2 lbs. ground beef

Combine tomato sauce, brown sugar, vinegar and mustard in a small bowl. Set aside. Com-bine egg, onion, cracker crumbs, ground beef, salt and pep-per in a mixing bowl. Add 1/2 of tomato mixture. Blend thor-oughly. Shape into an oval loaf and place in microwave safe oblong baking dish. Make a depression in top

of loaf. Top with remaining tomato mixture. Cook uncovered for 25-30 minutes or until center is cooked. After taking out of microwave, cover and let stand for 10 minutes before serving.

Mile-High Fudge Brownie Pie

Submitted by Connie Dietrich

4 squares Baker’s semi-sweet baking chocolate1/2 cup (1 stick) butter or margarine3/4 cup sugar2 eggs1 tsp. vanilla1/2 cup flour2 cups cold milk2 pkgs. (4-serving size ea.) chocolate instant pudding & pie filling1 tub (8 oz.) Cool Whip, thawed & dividedPreheat oven to 350 degrees. Melt chocolate and butter. Add sugar; stir until well blended. Add eggs and va-nilla. Mix well. Stir in flour until well blended. Spread into greased 9-inch pie plate. Bake 30 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool completely on wire rack. Scoop out center of brownie with spoon, leaving 1/2 inch thick layer of brownie on bottom and sides. (Reserve removed brownie pieces for later use.)Pour milk into large bowl. Add dry pudding mixes. Beat for 2 minutes or until well blended. (Mixture will be thick.) Gently stir in half of the whipped topping and all but 1/2 cup of the reserved brownie pieces. Spoon into brownie crust, top with remain-ing whipped topping and remaining 1/2 cup brownie pieces. Refrigerate 2 hours or until set. Store leftover des-sert in refrigerator. Note: A box of family size fudge brownie mix may be substituted for the brownie mixture. Mix according to package. Then follow rest of recipe.

Assignments of 2008 margins to members doing business with Adams Electric Cooperative have been calculated. A total of $917,577 of margins has been allocated as capital credits for the year 2008. The Cooperative has calculated each member’s share of the margins and credited that amount to your capital credit account. Allocation notices will be sent to each member who re-ceived service during 2008. These notices will inform you of your share of the capital credits. This amount is only an accounting credit. It cannot be claimed at the present time nor can it be applied against your current electric bill. The board of directors reviews the financial condition of the Cooperative before determining when and how much capital credits can be returned to the members. The Coop-erative has paid capital credits through 1981, so it will be some time before we will pay 2008 capital credits. Please remember, you must be a member and have ser-vice in your name to have capital credits assigned. If you are receiving electric service in someone else’s membership or the service is in the name of a deceased person, you will not receive capital credits. The capital credit check will always be issued in the name of the person on the member-ship or the estate of a deceased member. If you ever move off Cooperative lines, please provide us with your new address so we can send your future capi-tal credit checks. Please contact Steve Jennings, manager of finance, if you have any questions.

Notification: Assignment of 2008 Margins

July 2009 • Adams Outlet • 1514 • Adams Outlet • July 2009

Ice Cream SocialJuly 12 (4-9pm), St. Joseph Church, 1435 E. 1500th St. (intersection of Columbus Rd. & Ellington Rd.). Homemade ice cream, toppings, sandwiches, & games. Carryouts & ice cream by the gallon available. (217) 434-8442

VBS Crocodile DockJuly 12-16 (light supper at 5:30pm, VBS 6-8pm), Camp Point United Methodist Church. For ages 3-5 (potty trained) & K-5th grade. (217) 593-6331

Alzheimer’s Association Pro-am Golf TournamentJuly 17, Spring Lake Country Club, Qcy. Annual fund raiser. For more info, contact (217) 228-1111

St. Anthony PicnicJuly 18 (5pm-midnight), St. Anthony, 2223 St. Anthony Rd., Qcy. Food, games, kids area, live auction, live music, dancing & raffle.(217) 222-5996

Heritage DaysJuly 18 & 19 (9am-5pm), Golden. Mill & Museum tours, 19th century demonstrations & daily life activities. Crafts, flea market, car show/cruise night, contests & entertainment. (217) 696-4859

Hancock Co. Courthouse Centennial CelebrationJuly 18 (7pm), Senior Center, 301 Main, Carthage. Free & open to public. Speaker Kris Pilkington. Refreshments. (217) 357-0043

Sweet Corn FestivalJuly 19, Golden Windmill. Annual homegrown sweet corn dinner served w/tender pork chops, brats, sauerkraut, potato salad, desserts & beverages. Adults/$10, Ages 4-11/$5, Under 4 eat free. (217) 696-2541

JWCC Workforce Development Center Open HouseJuly 19 (1-3pm), 4220 Koch’s Lane, Qcy. Open house & ribbon-cutting. Public invited. Tours, demonstrations & refreshments.

Homemade Ice Cream SocialJuly 19 (starts at 4pm), St. Peter’s Lutheran Church, Coatsburg. Homemade ice cream, sandwiches & beverages. (217) 455-2160

Mt. Sterling Ecumenical Vacation Bible SchoolJuly 20-24 (6-8pm), First Baptist Church, 140 E. Main, Mt. Sterling. Music, games, crafts, fellowship & fun. Sponsored by First Baptist, First Christian, Holy Family Catholic, Presbyterian & United Methodist Churches. To register, contact one of the above churches.

Ice Cream SocialJuly 23 (4-7pm), St. Peter’s of Lost Prairie Church, 5 miles down the Kellerville blacktop from 104 East. Enjoy famous homemade ice cream, pies, cakes, sandwiches & more! Freewill offering.

“The Producers”July 25, 26 & July 29-Aug 2 (evening shows at 7:30pm, Sun. matinee at 2pm), Qcy. Community Theatre, Oakley Lindsay Center, Qcy. Call (217) 222-3209 for details & tickets.

Illinois State Goldwing Riders Summer RallyJuly 31, Oakley Lindsay Center, 3rd & York, Qcy. Honda Goldwing Riders Association returns to downtown Quincy for their summer rally. (217) 214-3700

Farmer’s Market Every Tuesday (7am-Noon), Washington Park, 5th & Maine, Qcy. Fresh produce, baked goods & crafts all homegrown or homemade. (217) 228-8696

Great River Ski Club “Tuesday Night Lights”Every Tuesday, July 7-Aug. 11 (6:30pm), All America Park. Great River Ski Club performs on Quincy’s Riverfront. (217) 222-4517

Pike County Pig DaysJuly 10 & 11, Courthouse Square, Pittsfield, IL. Annual festival saluting the pork industry w/food, entertainment, rides & games. (217) 285-2971

Annual Ice Cream Social July 11 (3:30-7:30pm), Pleasant Grove United Methodist Church, 1 mi. south of airport, Rt. 104, on Plainville blacktop. Homemade ice cream, strawberries, homemade pies & cakes, maidrites, hotdogs and beverages. Carryouts available. Free will offering.

Nauvoo Quilt FestivalJuly 11, Nauvoo. Celebrate the rich history of quilting within Nauvoo and the surrounding regions. Exhibits, quilts, lectures & quilting merchandise. (217) 453-6648

Meet the Author Book Signing EventsJuly 11, 25 & Aug. 1. Meet local Christian romance author Michelle Tournear at area book signing events. July 11 (12-2pm), Mustard Seed, Qcy. Mall; July 25 (9am-12pm), The Good Book, Rushville; Aug. 1 (10am-2pm), Christian Ambiance Books & Gifts, 111 N. Main, Hannibal.

Quincy Gems Baseball GamesJuly 1-4, 8, 11, 16, 21, 22, 24, 26, 29-31, (Games start at 6:30pm), Q.U. Stadium, 18th & Sycamore. $4/adults. (217) 223-1000

Old Fashioned Ice Cream SocialJuly 2 (6:30-8:30pm), Quincy Museum, 16th & Maine. Homemade ice cream, musical entertainment, lawn games & activities for children. (217)224-7669

Ice Cream SocialJuly 3 (4:30pm-?), Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Golden. Homemade vanilla & chocolate ice cream, sandwiches, drinks & cake. Free will offering.

Carthage 4th of July CelebrationJuly 4 (8am-10pm), Carthage. Pancake breakfast, parade at 10:00am, craft & food vendors, entertainment & fireworks at dark. (217) 357-3024

Riverfront 4thJuly 4 (fireworks start at dusk), Clat Adams Bicentennial Park, Qcy. riverfront. Live music, food & fireworks over the Mississippi River.(217) 228-6600

Round Barn Event July 5 (1-5pm), Round Barn Museum, Hwy. 336, near Adams Co. Fairgrounds. Pony rides, kettle corn & rivet collector’s display. Open to the public.(217) 222-8130.

Calendar of Events

Schuyler County Fair • Rushville (217) 322-4409 / schuylercountyfair.org July 1 Harness Races-7pm 2 Harness Races-12pm, Talent Contest-5:30pm, Little Miss/Mr.-6:30pm, Queen Contest-8pm 3 LogHoggers-various times, Tractor Pull-6:30pm 4 Horseshoe Pitching-9am, Mud Sling-2pm, LogHoggers-various times, Fireworks-9:45pm 5 Demo Derby-12pm, LogHoggers-various times, Tuff Truck Competition-6pm

McDonough County Fair • Macomb (309) 837-3939 July 13 General Show Opens to Public-1pm 14 4-H Master Showmanship Contest-5:30pm, 4-H & Extension Auction-5:30pm 15 Farmer for a Day-9am-12pm, Quiz Bowl-2pm, Ag Olympics-3pm 16 Beef Show-8am, Fashion Revue /Awards Program-2:30pm 17 Horse Show-9am

Hancock County Fair • Augusta (217) 696-2350 / hancockfair.com July 15 Queen & Little Miss Pageant-6:30pm, Cowboy Mounted Shooting-7pm 16 IFPA Tractor Pull-6pm, Team Sorting-7pm, Sound n Light performs-8:30pm 17 FFA Shows-various times, Mud Bog-6pm, Western Horse Show-7:30pm, Staggered performs-9pm 18 Kid’s Day-1pm, Barrel Race-3pm, Demo Derby-6pm, Madd Hoss Jackson-9pm 19 Goat Show/Steer Show-10am, Antique Tractor Pull-11am, Team Roping-2pm

Pike County Fair • Pleasant Hill (217) 285-4832 / pikecofair.org July 16 Family Games- 6pm, Society Horse Show-6:30pm, Jr. Miss/Queen Pageant-7pm 17 Little Mr/Miss-6pm, Society Horse Show-6:30pm, Ranch Rodeo-7pm 18 Demo Derby-6:30pm, Dog Fun Show-7pm 19 Swine Show-8am 20 Western Horse Show-9am

Fulton County Fair • Lewistown (217) 964-2416 / adamsfair.org July 20 Queen Pageant & Talent Show-6pm 21 Motorcross Race-6pm 22 Livestock-9am, Evening Event (to be determined) 23 Kid’s Day, Livestock Show-9am, Harness Races-12pm, 4-H Livestock Auction-3pm, Calf/Pig/Etc. Scrambles-6pm 24 Harness Races-12pm, Kid’s Pedal Tractor Pull-4pm, IL Assoc. Truck & Tractor Pull & Minirods-6pm 25 Tri-County FFA Show-9am, Demo Derby-6pm

Adams County Fair • Mendon (217) 964-2416 / adamsfair.org July 30 12 & Under Pee Wee Fun Show-7pm, Queen Pageant-7pm 31 Open Horse Speed Show-6:30pm, The Lost Trailers Concert-8pm Aug 1 Western Horse Show-9am, Olde Tyme Parade-2pm, Team Sorting-6:30pm, Bull Riding-7:30pm 2 Garden Tractor Pull-12pm, Olde Tyme Parade-2pm, Bronc Busting-7:30pm 3 Truck & Tractor Pull-6:30pm, Mule Fun Show-7pm 4 3 Sort N Pen-6:30pm, Quad TT Races-7pm 5 13-18 Pee Wee Fun Horse Show, Demo Derby-6:30pm

Brown County Fair • Mt. Sterling (217) 894-6269 / browncofair.com Aug 4 Queen/Little Mr/Miss Pageant-7:30pm 5 Harness Races-7pm 6 1st Ever Kids Grand Nat’l Pedal Tractor Pull-5:30pm, Harness Races-7pm 7 Kids Tractor Pull Finals-7pm, Western IL Grand Nat’l Tractor Pull-7:30pm 8 Kid’s Day-9am, Special Arm Band Prices-10am-1pm, Demo Derby-7pm

County Fair SchedulesJuly

The above schedules are only a partial listing due to space limitations. Please call or visit the local fair websites for more information.

Pop QuizHow much do you know about the value of electricity?

1. True or False: For about the same cost as one can of soda, you can buy the electricity you need to run your refrigerator for a whole day.

2. True or False: The average Adams Electric Member can light their home for an entire month for less than the cost of an oil change.

3. True or False: Electricity prices have fluctuated drastically over the last 20 years just like gasoline, diesel fuel, natural gas, and propane.

4. True or False: For about the same cost as lunch at your favorite restaurant, most members get all the conveniences and comfort of electric-ity for one day.

Answers:1. True. For about 25¢ (the cost of one can of soda from a 12-pack as-suming $3/12=25¢), you can buy enough electricity to cool everything in your refrigerator for an entire day. With a high-efficiency Energy-Star® refrigerator, it would cost even less.2. True. Lighting typically makes up 10-20 percent of the average house-hold’s electric bill, or about $10-20 each month. Replacing incandescent bulbs with compact fluorescent bulbs will cut your electricity use by 75 percent per bulb.3. False. Electricity prices have re-mained much more stable compared to other fuels.4. True. The average Adams Electric Cooperative member spends about $4-5/day on electric. Depending on where you’re buying lunch, lunch might actually cost more than all of your daily electricity.