BY JULIE YOUNG It’s a brief, collaborative meeting designed to update parents about their child’s academic progress, social development, and classroom behavior. Conducted a few weeks into a new semester, the parent-teacher conference is an opportunity to build a powerful partnership that can bridge the gap between home and school.  While no one will ever… Continue reading.

BY JULIE YOUNG Participation in extracurricular activities is an important part of a student’s academic experience. They build confidence, teach discipline, instill a sense of teamwork, improve social skills, and create well-rounded individuals. They also look great on college applications. But how many extracurriculars are too many?  According to experts, the answer largely depends on… Continue reading.

Our June cover feature highlighted the STARTedUp Foundation and its high school pitch competition. That same month, STARTedUp held its State Finals and invited me to attend. I was curious to see the “Shark Tank-style” competition and what the students were presenting, so I made my way to Butler University’s Clowes Memorial Hall to watch…. Continue reading.

By Natalie Derrickson While a certain Montana-based TV show may have partly inspired renewed interest in a slower lifestyle and a deeper connection with nature, a visit to the Treasure State isn’t the only way to reconnect with the great outdoors.  Wild Winds Buffalo Preserve is a special place, a haven, for the majestic American… Continue reading.

By Nichole Thomas Along the Ohio River in southeastern Indiana is Switzerland County, known as the birthplace of Indiana’s wine industry and one of the Midwest’s most distinctly Swiss communities. The county is also home to Patriot, one of the state’s smallest incorporated towns, with a population of roughly 200 residents. From store to stage… Continue reading.

Earlier this year, Indiana Connection set out to celebrate the unique and vibrant offerings of our great state by asking our readers to nominate the “Best of Indiana.” This contest brings together contributions from communities across the state, highlighting the places, experiences, and flavors that define Indiana.  From charming bed-and-breakfasts and bustling breweries to family-friendly… Continue reading.

Did you know that it took 117 years for “The Star-Spangled Banner” to become the United States national anthem? Before 1931, several patriotic songs were used at official functions without official designation. One of the first was “Hail Columbia” which was written for George Washington’s 1789 inauguration. Composed by German immigrant Philip Phile, lyrics were… Continue reading.

By Julie Young Although fireworks displays are a traditional part of our Independence Day celebrations, nearly 15,000 people are treated in emergency rooms for fireworks-related injuries each year.  While some accidents are the result of amateurs attempting to launch professional-grade explosives, others are caused by legal fireworks that stay on the ground and can be… Continue reading.

What do the terms semiquincentennial, bisesquicentennial, sestercentennial, and quarter millennium have in common? They are all very long words used to describe a very big anniversary. Why are there so many names for America’s 250th birthday? Mainly because it’s such a rare achievement that it lacks a simple, easy-to-pronounce English word for it. As a… Continue reading.

The spring and summer months are prime time for electric cooperative Annual Meetings and member appreciation events. Due to budget constraints or reduced interest, some co-ops have shifted to virtual meetings. However, many still offer in-person events. Annual Meetings are typically a place to exercise Cooperative Principle #2: Democratic Member Control. Unlike for-profit electric companies,… Continue reading.

BY NATALIE DERRICKSON Smoke, sunshine, and sweet tunes fill the air during one of the most awaited events of the summer: the Madison BBQ party.  A southern Indiana staple for over 20 years, the Madison BBQ Party celebrates everything great about summer during the third weekend of August. In its new era as the Madison… Continue reading.

BY NICOLE THOMAS Bordered by the Ohio River and Blue River, Crawford County offers abundant opportunities for outdoor recreation. Visitors can camp at Patoka Lake State Park, one of Indiana’s largest campgrounds with more than 500 campsites. They can also hike to waterfalls at Hemlock Cliffs in Hoosier National Forest or explore deep valleys and… Continue reading.