Community

Member Spotlight

Stephen and Charla McEvoy

Kicking off our monthly Member Spotlight, we thought, who else but the McEvoy's who bring so much cheer to the community? The McEvoy’s have been members of Southeastern Indiana REMC for over two decades! Thank you for being such an integral part of our cooperative and community.

Just outside of Osgood Indiana, a dazzling display of holiday spirit lights up the night each December, capturing the hearts of visitors near and far. Stephen and Charla McEvoy transform their property into a Christmas wonderland featuring over 500 inflatables every year. Their extraordinary effort has become a beloved tradition, earning them recognition as one of the most festive holiday displays in the community.

The McEvoys’ journey into holiday decorating started over a decade ago, today their property is a whimsical landscape of characters, scenes, and lights that bring joy to all who visit. From Santa Claus and snowmen to reindeer and larger-than-life holiday villages, the display offers something magical for everyone.

The McEvoys’ display, lovingly referred to as “Inflatable Wonderland,” has become a seasonal attraction that draws in many visitors each year. Located at 2606 North Old Michigan Road, the display is open nightly from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., weather permitting, through New Year’s Day. Guests can stroll through the property, taking in the vibrant scenes and snapping photos with their favorite inflatables.

Local businesses and community members have praised the McEvoys’ for their dedication to the festive show. Many families make visiting the display an annual tradition, and for some, it marks the official start of the holiday season. While the display is free to visit, the couple welcomes donations.

The McEvoys' dedication to their community doesn’t stop with their festive show. If you’re craving an M&M pancake or a nice lunch, you might find Charla at her cozy little café in the heart of Osgood called “Whistle Stop”. She spends her days running the gift shop while her reliable team serves delicious meals to the hungry members of her beloved town.

Their commitment to their Inflatable Wonderland and Whistle Stop is seen by all the members of the community. Each inflatable is thoughtfully placed, and every plate is made with her customers in mind.

While it’s too late to see the Christmas Display of 2024, stop by next year! It’s a sight to see. In the meantime, grab a bite at Whistle Stop and say “Hi” to Charla!

Community Corner

SOUTHEASTERN INDIANA REMC'S COMMUNITY EFFORTS

At Southeastern Indiana REMC, we believe in making a positive difference in our community, especially during the holiday season. This December, we were honored to participate in several initiatives that brought warmth, joy, and generosity to Southeastern Indiana.

Leading the Way in the Light Parade
On December 7th, we had the privilege of sponsoring and leading the annual Home for the Holidays light parade in Versailles. This welcoming event brings the community together to celebrate the season with dazzling lights and holiday cheer. As the first float in the parade, our team helped kick off the festivities in style, creating magical moments for families gathered along the town square. It’s an honor to play a part in such a special event that unites our community during the most wonderful time of the year.

Bikes for Kids
This holiday season, our employees partnered with the American Legion Post 173 in Versailles to provide bikes for children in need across our area. The “Bikes for Kids” drive encouraged employees to donate small children’s bikes or contribute funds to purchase them. Thanks to the incredible generosity of our employees, we were able to purchase numerous bicycles, ensuring that many kids woke up to a brighter Christmas morning.

Coat Drive
Winter can be a tough time for families who struggle to stay warm, so the employees of Southeastern Indiana REMC teamed up with a local church to collect gently used coats and outerwear for children and families in need. These donations were part of a larger toy giveaway effort, ensuring recipients had both holiday gifts and warm clothing for the season. Our employees rallied behind this cause, cleaning out closets and contributing coats that will make a real difference during the colder months. It’s amazing to see what we can accomplish when we come together for a shared purpose.

Looking Back and Moving Forward
Reflecting on this season of giving, we are reminded of the power of community and the importance of supporting one another. From leading the parade to collecting bikes and coats, our efforts this December exemplify Southeastern Indiana REMC’s commitment to enriching the lives of our members and neighbors.

As we look ahead, we remain dedicated to finding new ways to give back and foster connections within our community. We thank everyone who joined us in these efforts and look forward to another year of service, compassion, and community impact.

Youth to Yellowstone of Ripley County

Youth to Yellowstone exemplifies how Operation RoundUp grants are helping

create opportunities and making a difference right here in our community.

Youth to Yellowstone of Ripley County offers local teens the opportunity to experience the awe-inspiring beauty of Yellowstone National Park. Each year, students embark on a life-changing journey where they are immersed in nature and inspired to grow as individuals and community members. With a mission "To use the grandeur of nature to inspire teens toward greater self-development for their community," this program combines adventure and personal growth in a way that leaves a lasting impact.

The next expedition is scheduled for July 5–17, 2025. For more information about this incredible initiative or to learn how you can support their efforts, visit www.YouthToYellowstone.org.

Co-op

Kitchen

Kickstart the New Year with a Healthy Tradition!
This month’s Co-op Kitchen recipe features a Kielbasa and Cabbage Skillet, a hearty and wholesome dish that’s perfect for starting the year off right. Packed with fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants, cabbage is not only great for your health but also holds a special New Year’s significance. In many cultures, cabbage symbolizes luck and prosperity, making it a delicious way to welcome success and abundance into the year ahead.

Kielbasa and Cabbage Skillet

Serves

Prep

5 minutes

Cook

20 - 24 minutes

February is all about warming up with comfort food. Share your favorite soup recipe to be featured in our Co-op Kitchen. Whether it’s a hearty chili, a creamy bisque, or a classic chicken noodle, we’d love to highlight your go-to winter warmer. Submit your recipe and help our members stay cozy this season!

Ingredients

12 to 16 ounces kielbasa sausage
1/2 small (2- to 3-pound) head green cabbage
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1/4 teaspoon caraway seeds
Pinch red pepper flakes
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 tablespoon whole-grain mustard
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

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Instructions

Halve 12 to 16 ounces of kielbasa sausage lengthwise, then cut crosswise into 1/2-inch-wide pieces. Core and chop 1/2 head of green cabbage into rough 1-inch pieces (about 8 cups).
Melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter in a large cast iron or regular skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1/4 teaspoon of caraway seeds and a pinch of red pepper flakes, and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add the kielbasa and cook until browned, 6 to 8 minutes.
Add the cabbage, 1/4 teaspoon of kosher salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper, and cook, stirring occasionally and scraping the bottom of the pan to release any browned bits, until tender and lightly browned, 8 to 10 minutes. Add 1 tablespoon of whole-grain mustard and 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar and toss to combine.