Country Living September 2016 Midwest

MIDWEST ELECTRIC, INC.

SEPTEMBER 2016

Official publication of your electric cooperative www.ohioec.org

Last chance to tour Cardinal

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Climbing Kilimanjaro for a cause Greenhouse grows independence Hands on at Farm Science Review Discover Johnny Appleseed

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inside FEATURES

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CLIMBING FOR A CAUSE

Co-op family to hike Mount Kilimanjaro and raise money for international electrification.

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LIVING THE PRINCIPLE

The final co-op principle, “Concern for Community,” is brought to life by the nonprofit organization Lettuce Work.

12 A WOOL GATHERING

The place where artists, alpacas, and spinning wheels meet.

24 FARM SCIENCE REVIEW

Annual event is an opportunity to learn, socialize, and see the future of agriculture.

26 ELK FOR OHIO?

Native elk have not been seen in Ohio since the 1830s.

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28 CELEBRATE JOHNNY APPLESEED

Take a bite out of history at the Johnny Appleseed museum and festival.

32 FALL FESTIVAL ROUNDUP

German, Italian, and 19th-century oil-town culture and fare are highlighted.

40 BE A CO-OP VOTER

Why you should vote in the November election.

DEPARTMENTS 2 COOPERATIVE CONNECTION 4 POWER STATION 6 OHIO ICON 8 THE 7 COOPERATIVE PRINCIPLES

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14 F O O D S C E N E 16 C O - O P P E O P L E 26 WOODS, WATERS, AND WILDLIFE 30 M E M B E R I N T E R A C T I V E 34 S E P T E M B E R C A L E N D A R 37 O H I O Q U I Z

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Cooperative Connection

PAT O’LOUGHLIN, PRESIDENT & CEO • OHIO RURAL ELECTRIC COOPERATIVES & BUCKEYE POWER

To the polls!

Just as summer winds down and the afternoons are cooling off, this year’s election cycle is heating up (who thought it could get any hotter?). While the presidential race makes daily headlines, numerous other state, local, and national offices are being contested. The results of the election will set a tone and direction for government policies nationally and for Ohio, which will likely affect the operation of your electric cooperative. Despite the differences of opinion that we may have on individual candidates or political parties, it remains imperative that we exercise our right to vote. It’s a privilege, but it’s also

a duty, and one with which we’re honored to be obliged. Our country remains unique in the world because we embrace individual rights and we encourage the peaceful expression of varying opinions. Our most powerful expression remains our right to vote.

Ohio’s Electric Cooperatives supports the “Co-ops Vote” campaign (see page 40). In 2012, rural voter turnout was down a staggering 18 percent. We need to remedy that in 2016 — there’s too much at stake.

There are millions of cooperative members eligible to vote, and together, we have the weight to impact election results.

Express your point of view — stand up and cast your vote this election season.  1. Register to vote by Oct. 11.

2. Remember that early voting starts Oct. 12 (avoid the lines).

3. Absentee/mail-in ballots are available by contacting your county election board.

4. Visit www.action.coop to let your voice be heard on issues important to your community.

5. Contact your co-op to join ACRE Co-op Owners for Political Action® or to become more informed on issues that affect your electric co-op.

6. Vote on Nov. 8 if you chose not to vote early.

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September 2016 Volume 58, No. 12

Ohio Rural Electric Cooperatives 6677 Busch Blvd.

Columbus, OH 43229 614-846-5757 memberinteract@ohioec.org www.ohioec.org Patrick O’Loughlin Patrick Higgins Magen Howard Samantha Rhodes Nikki Heath

President & CEO Dir. of Communications Interim Managing Editor Associate Editor Communications Specialist

COUNTRY LIVING (ISSN 0747-0592) is the official publication of Ohio Rural Electric Cooperatives, Inc. With a paid circulation of 294,359, it is the monthly communication link between the electric cooperatives in Ohio and West Virginia and their members. Nothing in this publication may be reproduced in any manner without specific written permission from Ohio Rural Electric Cooperatives, Inc. All rights reserved.

Alliance for Audited Media Member

National advertising representatives: NATIONAL COUNTRY MARKET, 800-NCM-1181 State advertising representatives: Sandy Woolard 614-403-1653 Tim Dickes 614-855-5226 The fact that a product is advertised in Country Living should not be taken as an endorsement. If you find an advertisement misleading or a product unsatisfactory, please notify us or the Ohio Attorney General’s Ofce, Consumer Protection Section, 30 E. Broad St., Columbus, OH 43215, or call 1-800282-0515.

Periodicals postage paid at Columbus, OH and at additional mailing ofces.

POSTMASTER: Send address changes to editorial and advertising ofces at: 6677 Busch Boulevard, Columbus, OH 43229-1101

Cooperative members: Please report changes of address to your electric cooperative. Country Living staff cannot process address changes.

ohioec.org Check out the mobile-friendly website and digital edition of Country Living, as well as other timely information from Ohio’s electric cooperatives.

Online exclusives Flittering, fluttering butterflies Every year, the Butterfly Migration Celebration is held at the the Children’s Garden in Lima. With 12 educational stations, the garden setup allows children to learn about the butterfly’s body, life cycle, and diet.

Every child has the opportunity to name and release one of about 150 monarch butterflies at the celebration’s end, waking the butterflies out of envelopes so they can begin their flight to Mexico. Under the “Country Living” button, click on the cover of the current issue and go to page 19.

Fall-tastic events With crisp breezes and colorful foliage, autumn in Ohio is prime time for festivals. Check out the homespun fun and hearty food at various fiber and apple events. The calendar can be found under “Online Exclusives.”

Recipes Home economist Patty Miller will entertain Farm Science Review visitors with microwave-cooking demonstrations and samples during shows offered throughout the event (see pages 24-25 for more information).

Check out Patty’s additional quick and easy microwave recipes under the “Food Scene” button.

In this issue: Yellow Springs (p. 12) Troy (p. 16) London (p. 24) Kettering (p. 32) Minster (p. 32)

Follow us on :

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POWER STATION

Climbing

for a cause

B Y Z U R A I DA H H O F F M A N

Co-op family to hike Mount Kilimanjaro and raise money for international electrification accelerate the pace of electrification to bring safe, Steve Rhodes lives for challenges. As the CEO reliable, and affordable power to the developing of the Choctawhatchee Electric Cooperative (CHELworld, and to refine new ideas that can enhance and CO), he leads an organization of 140 employees and improve existing programs. But that takes funding, serves more than 48,000 members in four counties and that’s where Steve, Tami, and Samantha want to in the Florida panhandle. He is also responsible for a make an impact. utility services subsidiary with another 50 employees “It’ll be the experience of a lifetime, and the best and is the immediate past president of the Touchpart is that we all get to share it as a family — as the stone Energy® Cooperatives board of directors. best things in life should be,” Samantha added. “So But Steve thinks it’s time to raise the stakes. Soon, when the means and timing combine perfectly with Steve and his family will take the message of rural an open door of opportunity, you have to make the electrification to new heights.

Their mission: Climb Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania to raise $30,000 for the NRECA International Foundation to support rural electrification around the world.

At more than 19,300 feet, Mount Kilimanjaro is the highest peak on the African continent and will be far from an easy climb. But Steve and his fam- most of the circumstances God has granted you. And that’s just what we’re doing.” ily of hikers have been in intensive training to reach Samantha also explained that the Rhodes motto is the peak with the goal of personal, family, and global “Family comes first,” something Steve instilled from a growth motivating them the whole way up. young age. Her brother, Nick, will be supporting the “It’s the perfect combination of family, pushing family adventure from afar. our limits, memory making, and philanthropy all bundled into one trip,” says daughter Samantha Rhodes, who recently joined the staff of Ohio’s Electric Cooperatives, the statewide service organization for electric co-ops, as Country Living’s associate editor.

The NRECA (National Rural Electric Cooperative Association) International Foundation, a philanthropic organization created in 1985, partners with NRECA International, U.S. electric cooperatives, and others to foster economic development and improve lives in developing countries. The foundation is supported solely through voluntary donations of time, money, and materials to support dozens of projects in Asia, The Rhodes family (from left — Steve, Tami, Samantha, and Nick) has been hiking Africa, and Latin America. and involved in outdoor excursions for years. Always ready for an adventure, the The foundation’s goal is twofold: Rhodes family is pictured above during a 2012 surfing lesson in Hawaii.

‘It’ll be the experience of a lifetime, and the best part is that we all get to share it as a family.’

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lation has access to electricity, according to NRECA “Over the years, I’ve come to realize that adversity International. builds strength,” Steve says. “Whether we overcome a “If you think about it, nothing improves a life challenge or not, we are better for having taken it on. more than access to electricity,” Steve says. “From I think this holds true for building character, as well daily chores to nighttime security to modern technolas building and strengthening bonds between family ogy, nothing has a bigger impact than electricity. As a members. By facing this challenge together, win or lose, we share an experience that we’ll always remem- family, we want to do our part.”  ber because of the difficulty involved. A vacation will never provide the inner satisfaction and bonding that ZURAIDAH HOFFMAN is the communications climbing a mountain does.” manager for NRECA International, based in Before joining CHELCO, Steve was CEO of Arlington, Virginia.

Kosciusko REMC in Indiana. It was during this time that Steve first became involved with NRECA’s international work. Steve worked with other co-ops in the state to send volunteer linemen and other personnel to Guatemala to construct electric lines in a rural village. Through their combined efforts, they brought electricity to those who had never known its benefits.

“I saw firsthand the excitement in my linemen’s eyes and in their words when they returned home and shared their stories,” Steve says. “It touched them deeply. Their The Rhodes family will hike the Lomosho Shira Plateau route to climb Mt. Kiliexperiences lit a fire in me, and if we can play manjaro. The route was pioneered in 1984 and is the most remote and scenic trail just a small role to raise funds for similar on the mountain — as well as the one with the highest success rate, 90 percent. efforts throughout the world, I’m in.”

The eight-day itinerary allows the optimum chance of successful acclimatization Since 1962, NRECA International has during ascension, with the aim of preventing headaches, nausea, and severe provided access to electricity to 110 million mountain sickness as oxygen levels decrease. people in 42 developing countries in the world. The team has helped facilitate the growth of improved health, education, and economic opportuTo follow the Rhodes family’s journey and support their mission, visit nities, resulting in increased agricultural productivity, their blog at www.RhodestoKili.com. Donations can be made online millions of new jobs in micro and small enterprises, or by mailing a check to NRECA International Foundation, Attention: and higher incomes and quality of life for many rural Rhodes To Kili, P.O. Box 75472, Baltimore, MD 21275-5472. communities.

Tanzania, where the Rhodes family will ascend Mount Kilimanjaro, is one of the countries identified in the recently signed Electrify Africa legislation that would benefit greatly from aid and assistance to receive reliable and affordable electricity for its population. Only 10 percent of Africa’s rural popu-

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ICON

Script Ohio The Ohio State University Marching Band, Columbus B Y DA M A I N E V O N A DA

Location: A ritual of The Ohio State University Marching Band, Script Ohio is performed at the Buckeyes’ home football games and on the road.

Provenance: The brainchild of band director Eugene J. Weigel, the Script Ohio formation debuted at Ohio Stadium on Oct. 10, 1936. During halftime of the Ohio State–Pittsburgh game, Weigel had the band’s 120 musicians play an arrangement of Robert Planquette’s rousing military march “Le Régiment de Sambre et Meuse” while spelling out O-h-i-o in cursive. After Drum Major Wesley Leas led the band members through the formation of each letter, John Brungart, who played E-flat cornet, dotted the “i” in that seminal Script Ohio.

Weigel developed his appreciation

for martial music while serving in a U.S. Navy band during World War I, and the marquee sign at the Ohio Theatre in downtown Columbus supposedly inspired the font style he selected for Script Ohio. In 1937, Weigel tweaked the formation by making a sousaphone player the “i” dotter.

His swap stuck, and sousaphone players have put the finishing touch on Script Ohio ever since.

Significance: Marking its 80th anniversary this October, Script Ohio is the marching band’s signature formation and a quintessential Ohio State custom. It’s not only beloved by Buckeyes fans but is also one of college football’s most famous and enduring traditions.

Currently: Now 225 members strong, the marching band is one

of the nation’s few all-brass-andpercussion collegiate bands. It typically performs the flowing Script Ohio letters and “Le Régiment” music during pre-game shows, and only sousaphone players who are at least fourthyear band members can fulfill the prestigious “i”-dotting role.

It’s a little known fact that: The marching band occasionally gives the honor of dotting the “i” to non-band individuals. Honorees have included Ohio senator and astronaut John Glenn, legendary OSU football coach Woody Hayes, comedian Bob Hope, golfer Jack Nicklaus, and businessman Les Wexner.  For additional information about Script Ohio and The Ohio University Marching Band, call 614-292-2598 or visit www.tbdbitl.osu.edu.

(Photo courtesy of Crockett Photography for The Ohio State University) 6

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The Cooperative Principles

S T O R Y BY S A M A N T H A R H O D E S PHOTOS COURTESY OF DOUG SHARP

Principle 7: Concern for Community

In our seven-part series, you’ll learn how the same seven principles that guide cooperatives around the world also govern your local electric co-op, keeping you — a valued member-owner — the primary focus.

Principle 7, “Concern for Community,” reads as follows: “While focusing on member needs, cooperatives work for the sustainable development of their communities through policies accepted by their members.”

We find the cooperative principles around us every day. For example, Lettuce Work operates with concern for community members, just like electric cooperatives.

Lettuce Work: Growing professional skills for adults with autism Autism spectrum disorder now affects one in 68 children, an increase of over 119 percent from one in 150 in 2000, according to the Autism Society, the

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Workers do a variety of administrative, planting, packaging, or delivery tasks, depending on their interests.

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ARP

deliv-

nation’s leading autism advocacy organization. Every year, autism services cost U.S. citizens upward of $236 billion.

That isn’t news to the Sharp family of Central Ohio.

One of Doug and Julie Sharp’s two sons, Daniel, was diagnosed with autism at 3 years old. As Daniel grew older, Doug and Julie started to notice something alarming: When autistic children age out or graduate from high school, very little support is available.

“There’s this assumption by most people that the state takes care of everyone,” Doug says. “But the reality is that even though people may qualify for services based on their disabilities, the funding isn’t there, and there’s a long wait list.”

A report from the A. J. Drexel Autism Institute found that two-thirds of young autistic adults had neither a job nor educational plans for the first two years after high school and into their early 20s. Even worse, the unemployment rate for these adults teeters around 70 percent.

“It’s not that they aren’t able to do the work — their IQ ranges are the same as the general population. The problem is that they don’t understand social norms,” Doug says. “So we created a business that would help them get work experience, and in particular, help them with social and communication skills, which is where a lot of kids with autism really struggle.”

Doug and Julie’s nonprofit is Lettuce Work, a hydroponic commercial greenhouse, packaging, and processing center in New Albany. It began operation in 2014, after years of market research and funding from both state grants and private donors. The social enterprise, also a member of Mt. Gilead-based Consolidated Electric Cooperative, provides vocational training to local autistic high school students from Oakstone Academy in Westerville, where Julie teaches and Daniel attends school, as well as clients from the Department of Developmental Disabilities.

Co-ops give millions to local communities Hundreds of electric co-ops around the nation participate in Operation Round Up®, a monthly program that rounds up members’ electric bills to the next dollar and donates the spare change to worthy community causes.

Using those funds, Consolidated Electric Cooperative (CEC) created The People Fund, a charitable nonprofit that provides grants to help those who can’t find or do not qualify for help through other charitable agencies.

Since its incorporation in 2002, CEC and The People Fund have been able to grant over $1 million to neighbors and organizations, including local fire departments, libraries, and individuals in need, like a young paraplegic who received a fully loaded van so he could travel with ease. One grant even funded a weeklong camp experience at Flying Horse Farms in Mt. Gilead for children suffering serious illnesses.

“Compassion and open hearts offer hope,” says Pam Hawk, Consolidated Electric Co-op’s vice president and chief human resources officer.

“Concern for our community is the very fabric of who we are. We aren’t here to make money as a business; we’re here to make their lives better, their schools better, support small businesses, help the ball team out with a sponsorship, and provide resources for struggling nonprofits trying to help individuals who fall through the cracks.”

(Continued on page 10)

(Photo courtesy of Consolidated Electric Cooperative)

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The 7 Cooperative Principles (—continued from page 9)

Workers do a variety of administrative, planting, or delivery tasks, depending on their capabilities and interests.

“We have one nonverbal young lady, for example, who does all of our labeling,” Doug explains.

“When she started, she couldn’t follow onestep directions without somebody standing there prompting her. Now she does the whole thing on her own and even tells us when the best-by dates are wrong.”

Their product, a spring salad blend, is sold at 25 Doug and Julie Sharp with their two sons, Daniel and Ryan.

Kroger, Giant Eagle, and independent grocery stores in the northern Columbus pendent lives. area, retailing for around $2.99.

Just as Lettuce Work cares for the members of its Seeing that clam-shall package on shelves has a community and their future, your electric cooperative profound effect. The Sharps get periodic photos from is also concerned for your community’s well-being. students posing proudly in stores with the salad they Whether it’s donating funds through Operation helped create, which Doug says fosters self-worth and Round Up or volunteering to give electrical safety confidence in their abilities. demonstrations at schools, your co-op wants to make a difference wherever possible.

Living the principle “Our goal is to show the world these kids can make great employees,” Doug says. “There’s a win in there Lettuce Work is also a win for the community at for all of us.”  large. The Autism Society says the cost of lifelong care for an autistic individual can be reduced by twothirds with early intervention, meaning that Lettuce SAMANTHA RHODES is Country Living’s associate Work saves community dollars by helping students editor. move on to other employment and lead more inde-

Lettuce Work is a hydroponic commercial greenhouse, packaging, and processing center in New Albany.

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A Wool Gathering

STORY AND PHOTOS B Y DA M A I N E V O N A DA

The place where artists, alpacas, and spinning wheels meet Ed and Etta Rowe discovered A Wool Gathering several Septembers ago when they stopped at Young’s Jersey Dairy after biking near Yellow Springs. The couple immediately knew that they wanted to participate in the annual fiber arts festival.

“The Wool Gathering is our kind of thing,” Etta says. “What more could you ask for than wool and ice cream?”

The Rowes are members of Lorain-Medina Rural Electric Cooperative, based in Wellington in northeast Ohio. They have been actively engaged in the fiber arts since 2003, when they left Cleveland to spend their retirement on three country acres near Oberlin.

A former manufacturing director at a molding machine company, Ed built a workshop next to their new home and has developed a second career as Ed the Wheel Healer, which his business card describes as “Maker of Great Wheels, Mender of All Things Spinning.”

Etta, however, has been hooked

on weaving since she made pot holders on a toy loom in elementary school. “It took me 50 years to get my first real loom, but now I have three,” she says. An ex-Latin teacher, Etta taught herself to knit as a teenager and recently added embroidery and spinning to her repertoire.

Ed’s involvement began by accident when a woman in Etta’s spinning wheel classes asked him to repair a wool winder. “I told her I’d take a look at it because technical things are really interesting to me,” Ed says. After he fixed a problem with the wool winder’s gear teeth, people started bringing him their broken spinning wheels.

“That was the beginning of a very steep slope.”

Today, Ed not only makes and repairs spinning wheels but also fabricates accessories like niddy noddies for winding yarn or stick shuttles for weaving. At shows, Etta sells his wares and talks shop with customers while Ed gives spinning demonstrations. He always draws a crowd and patient-

Ed Rowe demonstrates how to use a spinning wheel.

ly answers questions from both aspiring and veteran spinners.

“People who are into the fiber arts are [part of a] community that’s always open to new people,” Etta says. “It’s like a circle. Just because it gets bigger, that doesn’t mean it changes its shape.”

Like the Rowes, several of the fiber artists attending A Wool Gathering this year are electric cooperative members. Cathy Moore of Straightfork Farm near Graysville belongs to the Washington Electric Cooperative, based in

Contact the fiber artists

If you go:

Shirley Hamler, Fourwinds Weaving 740-983-4150; fourwindsweaving@gmail.com

What: A Wool Gathering, featuring more than 100 fiber artists and vendors, plus fiber animals like sheep, llamas, alpacas, and rabbits.

Cathy Moore, Straightfork Farm 740-934-9318; straightfork@yahoo.com

Where: Young’s Jersey Dairy. 6880 Springfield Xenia Rd., Yellow Springs, OH 45387

Carolyn Sittler Art – 614-312-8029; www.carolynsittlerart.com

When: Saturday, Sept. 17, 10 a.m.-7 p.m., and Sunday, Sept. 18, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Admission is free.

Ed “The Wheel Healer” Rowe and Etta Rowe 216-269-5413; erowe132@aol.com

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For more information: 937-325-0629; www.awoolgathering.com

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Marietta, and is a weaver, spinner, and knitter who specializes in items made from Ohio-grown alpaca fleece.

“Alpaca is heavier and drapier than most wools,” Moore says. She plans to offer washed white alpaca fibers as well as alpaca batts, yarns, and ready-to-spin rovings at the event. Because alpacas love to roll in pastures and get dirty, Moore washes the fleece herself and even hand-dyes her yarns. She makes the yarns in many beautiful colors, but two of her bestsellers are vivid Purple Passion and multi-hued Faded Denim.

Shirley Hamler of Fourwinds Weaving has turned the front parlor of her home near Ashville into a studio, where she spins and weaves silk into the scarves and shawls she takes to A Wool Gathering. “They’re popular items because they fit anybody,” says Hamler, a member of South Central Power Company, based in Lancaster. Hamler likes to put patterns, such as huck lace, into everything she makes, and because she brings her loom to the show, festival-goers can watch while she weaves. “Men look at the mechanics of how the loom works,” Hamler says, “but women look at what I’m weaving.”

When Carolyn Sittler’s job as a CPA was outsourced several years ago, the South Central Power member got in touch with her creative side and started Carolyn Sittler Art. Working in a garage studio at her Canal Winchester home, she makes hand-hooked rugs, Christmas ornaments, wine bottle and candle bags, and fabric bowls. At A Wool Gathering, people invariably ask how she makes the bowls.

“They’re always surprised that I use old-fashioned clothesline wrapped with cloth,” Sittler says.

Although she embellishes her fabric bowls with buttons, beads, or jewelry, Sittler seldom follows a specific design. “Each project speaks to me as I go along,” she says. “It takes on a life of its own.” 

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FOOD SCENE

They’re back!

The Farm Science Review microwave-cooking duo debuts a spate of new recipes

BY MARGIE WUEBKER

Patty Miller and Sherry Bickel are popular presenters at the Farm Science Review, preparing tasty food for visitors to sample with two often overlooked kitchen appliances — the microwave oven and the bread machine.

So popular are the cooking demonstrations that this marks the 27th year the two ladies have appeared in the Ohio’s Electric Cooperatives building at the review, this year Sept.

20-22 at the Molly Caren Agricultural Center near London (read more on page 24).

“People are amazed at what you can prepare in the microwave,” says Miller, a home economist by trade. “It does so much more than merely heating up leftovers or making popcorn. You can make an entire meal without heating up your kitchen.

“Bread machines were so popular, but interest gradually waned,” she adds. “Time has come to take them off the shelf.”

This year, Farm Science Review visitors will have the opportunity to taste mac and cheese made with cauliflower; sausage and apples; pumpkin spice cake; an easy Mexican cheese dip; and granola bread (see a sample of recipes on the opposite page).

Finding suitable recipes is an ongoing process that starts for the next year soon after the review closes up shop. Sometimes visitors share their own favorites, and members of Miller’s dining club also offer suggestions.

“I search the internet, and Pampered Chef has been a source of good recipes,” Miller says.

“There are not that many microwave cookbooks on the market. Manufacturers used to include nice thick cookbooks with their ovens, but there isn’t much new for newcomers these days.”

The latest trend in microwave cookery is individual cakes or desserts made in coffee mugs, but they don’t stretch far enough to feed a crowd. And a crowd it is at each of Miller and Bickel’s Farm Science Review demonstrations — Miller says leftovers are never a problem.

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SMOKED SAUSAGE AND APPLES 1 16-ounce pkg. plus 1 18-ounce pkg. smoked sausage (you can use turkey sausage) 5 to 6 cups Granny Smith apples, sliced 1½ cups onion, roughly chopped ¼ cup plus 2 Tbsp. brown sugar ¼ cup plus 2 Tbsp. water Slice smoked sausage into 1-inch coins and place in microwave casserole with lid. Add apples and onions. Sprinkle brown sugar over all. Add water. Cover. Microwave on HIGH for 5 minutes or until apples are tender. Season with salt and pepper. Makes 6 servings.

Visitors leave with cookbooks featuring all the recipes Miller and Bickel demonstrate, courtesy of Ohio’s Electric Cooperatives, the statewide service organization and power supplier for the electric co-ops serving Ohio. The organization is also a major participant in Farm Science Review.  For more microwave and bread machine recipes, visit www.ohioec.org/countryliving. To learn more about Farm Science Review, visit www.fsr.osu.edu.

EASY MICROWAVE MEXICAN DIP 8 ounces cream cheese 1 can Hormel chili w/beans 1 cup Mexican shredded cheese Spread cream cheese in pie plate or 8 x 8-inch pan. Spread Hormel chili over cream cheese. Sprinkle shredded cheese all over.

Microwave 4 to 5 minutes. Serve with tortilla chips/scoops or Fritos.

Call for entries: Thanksgiving without the turkey Turkey is usually the star of Thanksgiving meals, but some families prefer to serve another entrée — prime rib, ham, duck, venison, chicken, rabbit, or maybe a vegetarian alternative. Does your family buck tradition on Thanksgiving? Send your story and recipe to food editor Margie Wuebker at lwuebker@roadrunner.com by Sept. 15 for a chance to be featured in November’s issue of Country Living.

GRANOLA BREAD 1¼ cups milk, 80 to 90 degrees F 2½ Tbsp. unsalted butter, ½-inch pieces at room temperature 2½ tablespoons honey 1¼ tsp. salt 1 cup granola 3¾ cups bread flour ¾ tsp. cinnamon 2¼ tsp. active dry, instant, or bread machine yeast Place ingredients, in order listed, in bread pan fitted with kneading paddle. Place bread pan in bread machine. Press Menu and select White. Press Crust and select Medium (or to taste.) Press Loaf Size. Press Start to mix, knead, rise, and bake. When cycle is completed, remove bread from machine and transfer to wire rack to cool. Bread slices are best when allowed to cool. Makes 2-lb. large loaf.

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CO-OP PEOPLE

Fly in to the WACO Air Museum

STORY AND PHOTO

BY BECKY L IN HAR DT

which leads directly to their home hangers.

Ohio’s aviation heritage is alive, well, and flying, Nationally, there are three WACO clubs, and many thanks in part to WACO airplane enthusiasts in Troy, pilot/owners belong to all three. Beisner belongs to the about 25 miles north of Dayton.

“Truthfully, there are a lot of great guys here in Ohio WACO Historical Society, and, while president, he was involved in the organization’s purchase of the 77-acre who are loyal to Ohio-made planes, such as those proparcel of land where a grass airstrip and the WACO duced by Troy-based WACO Aircraft Company,” said Air Museum are located, just south of Troy on County Jim Beisner, who is also a member of Pioneer Electric Road 25A. Cooperative, based in Piqua.

Delcamp is also a member of the WACO HistoriThe WACO Aircraft Company operated in Troy cal Society and has chaired the annual Fly-In at the from 1920 to 1947. In the 1920s and 1930s, the largest nearby WACO Air Museum percentage of airplanes for the past six years. He flew registered in the U.S. were If you go: his bright yellow WACO 1941 WACO-made, and during What: WACO Air Museum Fly-In UPF-7 the few miles from its World War II, hundreds of Where: WACO Air Museum and Aviation Learning home hanger to last year’s area residents were emCenter, 1865 S. Co. Rd. 25A, Troy, OH 45373 event, and the grass landing ployed there, making gliders When: September 16-18 strip could be very active for the U.S. Army. The Featuring: Bi-plane airplane rides on a first-come, again this year. planes are commemorated first-served basis dependent on weather. Check web“We hope to have as many each year at the WACO Air site for times and register immediately. Call 937-335as 25 WACO planes fly in,” Museum Fly-In, this year 9226 or visit www.wacoairmuseum.org. says Gretchen Hawk, the Sept. 16-18 at the museum. museum’s executive director.

Now retired from his career teaching science and aviation at Troy High School, “Those who live nearby often fly in for the day. Others Beisner and friends Russ Berry and Tim Pinkerton are from farther away will fly in on Friday and stay nearby restoring a 1920s-era WACO Model 10 (GXE) bi-plane for the weekend.”

Planes will be lined up on the grass for viewing. in Beisner’s hangar.

Many will be landing and taking off from the grass “Not that I can afford it, but I love to do it!” Beisner airstrip, including a newer WACO Classic open cockpit says. “Restoring a plane is an intriguing activity — bi-plane that offers airplane rides on a first-come, firstmodern archeology where we learn from those before served basis, weather permitting. us.” Their WACO will be powered by a World War I At the Fly-In, groups gather to work on airplane ensurplus Curtiss engine, and all parts, old and new, are logged. “Newer brakes and balloon tires are much gines, discuss strategies for restorations, renew friendbetter than original parts. Some modifications are ships, and answer questions from visitors sharing their required for safety since this plane will be flown.” love of aviation — all kinds of aviation.

Don Delcamp, also a Pioneer Electric member, is “We set up a youth tent, and we’ll be making paper an orthopedic surgeon with a practice in Troy and rockets,” says Nancy Royer, the museum’s Learning is a fellow WACO enthusiast. “I have been flying Center director. “Using air-compressed propulsion, the my WACO for a little over 11 years,” Delcamp said. rockets can go about 300 feet.”

“I obtained my WACO because I love antiques and There will also be a robotics demonstration. airplanes, and with it being built here in Troy, it was a If the weather is rainy or too hot, Fly-In attendees natural acquirement.” can duck inside the museum to enjoy the many disThe two Pioneer Electric members are part of a plays, visit with WACO owners, try the Glider simulamodest fly-in community of 10 homes along a country tion, and learn more about Ohio’s aviation heritage.  road south of Troy. They rotate mowing duties for the taxiway that’s made of wide, adjoining lawns conBECKY LINHARDT is a freelance writer from necting to the grass landing strip behind their homes, Cincinnati.

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MIDWEST ELECTRIC, INC.

Become a co-op voter 06029 County Road 33A P.O. Box 10 St. Marys, OH 45885-0010 1-800-962-3830 Payments due by the 10th of each month.

Account access online www.midwestrec.com or

Android

Apple

facebook.com/midwestelectric

@midwestrec

Office Hours Monday – Friday 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Manager/CEO Rick D. Gerdeman rgerdeman@midwestrec.com

Board of Trustees Larry Vandemark, President James Wiechart, Vice Pres.

Randy Heinl, Secy.-Treas.

Steve Bauer, Trustee Bob Barnt, Trustee Kathy Brake, Trustee Gary R. Knapke, Trustee Gary Profit, Trustee Roger W. Rank, Trustee Courtney Burton, Attorney

A copy of Midwest Electric, Inc.’s Articles of Incorporation and Code of Regulations is available from the co-op office and also is available online at midwestrec.com. Call us to receive your copy.

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Take the pledge to help improve our political system Voting plays a crucial part in our nation’s representative democracy. Federal, state, and local elections offer an opportunity to exercise a civic responsibility — to select the best leaders for our communities.

Yet in places all over America, citizens aren’t exercising that right.

In the 2012 national elections, voter turnout dropped overall, but the decline in rural counties was 18 percent — twice that of the nation as a whole.

Rick Gerdeman, And when voters miss the chance to vote, they also lose the opportunity to communicate their concern to our leaders Manager/CEO about the issues that matter to us: where we work, live, and raise families.

When we go to the polls with the cooperative principle of “Concern for Community” in mind, we instantly improve our political system. I’d like you to join me in a new initiative to get every eligible person registered to vote — you, me, our family and friends — and take the pledge to BECOME A CO-OP VOTER. Midwest Electric has joined America’s electric cooperatives in launching a campaign to help call voters into action and insert issues important to co-ops into the public discussion. Called “Co-ops Vote,” this effort will help boost voter turnout in areas served by cooperatives across the country to ensure that our voices are heard loud and clear.

Visit the Co-ops Vote website, WWW.VOTE.COOP, and take the pledge to BECOME A CO-OP VOTER to support your community and electric cooperative when casting your vote in 2016. The website will give you information on your elected officials and candidates, the voter registration process, election dates and locations, and background about eight key co-op issues we want our elected leaders to understand: rural broadband access, hiring and honoring veterans, low-income energy assistance, cyber security, water regulation, rural health care access, affordable and reliable energy, and renewable energy.

Co-ops Vote is a nonpartisan program developed by the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA), the national service organization that represents the nation’s more than 900 private, notfor-profit, consumer-owned electric cooperatives. With 42 million members across the nation, electric co-ops are a powerful voice on national issues that have a local impact.

Please visit WWW.VOTE.COOP today, and get to the polls on Nov. 8! The voter registration deadline is Oct. 11. 

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O

Manage your energy use with these handy mobile apps Tracking your steps, tracking your children, monitoring your bank activity, or locating your parked car — these days, it seems like there’s an app for everything. That said, if you want to manage your energy use, there’s an app for that, too.

Purchasing a smart thermostat for your home is a great way to begin managing your energy use. But if you’re looking for a more granular way to obtain information about your energy use, an app can provide useful insight into how specific actions impact your utility bill. The following is a snapshot of a few energy-efficiency mobile apps, all of which are available for Apple and Android smartphone systems.

While none are clear standouts, we recommend trying a few and choosing the one that works best for you.

Nest

Together We Save Touchstone Energy® Cooperatives offers the Together We Save app, which enables users to calculate the energy use of many household appliances based on national averages. This free app includes roughly 100 calculators that determine the projected cost of particular appliances and activities, also offering practical, energy-saving tips.

For Touchstone Energy Cooperative members like you, the app calculates energy costs based on your actual utility rates, providing even greater accuracy.

In addition, the app links to Midwest Electric Cooperative’s website for timely updates and relevant

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information.

To learn more or to download the app, visit www.touchstoneenergy. com/together-we-save.

SmartHub The SmartHub app transmits meter data enabling consumers to see near real-time information about their energy use. Essentially, this app Dave Waltermire, Energy Advisor helps customers better understand how and when they use energy. You can also use this app to pay your Midwest Electric bill, check on service orders, update your account information, set up outage and electric use alerts, and much more.

Lennox iComfort

Owned by Google, created by Nest Labs, and linked only to the Nest® thermostat, this free app has several useful features. You can adjust your home thermostat by simply using your smartphone, iPad®, or iTouch® — whether in your car or on your couch. App users can view and edit a thermostat schedule and keep an eye on how much energy is being used. You can also opt to receive extreme temperature alerts before your pet overheats or your pipes freeze, avoiding unnecessary hardships. In addition, there’s an option for smoke and carbon monoxide alerts, among others.

To learn more, visit www.nest.com/app.

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Like the Nest app, the Lennox iComfort® app is only compatible with Lennox products — in this case, the Wi-Fi thermostat. It has features similar to the Nest, in that users can remotely control their home thermostat and other settings.

In addition, the app allows users to program the system to an energy-saving “away mode” when no one is home. For example, you can select the settings you wish to run, then cancel the “away mode” as you return home to ensure a comfortable temperature awaits you upon arrival.

To learn more, visit www.myicomfort.com.

Your trusted energy resource – Midwest Electric While these apps employ the latest technology to maximize your ability to manage your energy use, the next generation of energy apps will likely integrate across multiple platforms — managing your thermostat, appliances, water heater, home electronics, and other devices all from the convenience of your smartphone. In the meantime, while app technology continues to evolve, your best resource for saving energy and money is your local electric co-op.

Midwest Electric Cooperative can provide guidance on energy savings based on your account information, local energy use, weather patterns for your region, and other factors unique to your location. Contact us at 1-800-962-3830 to learn more about ways to save. 

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Ott earns accounting certificate Midwest Electric Staff Accountant Coreen Ott has earned the Accounting Electric Certificate from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Rural Utility Service (RUS). The program is run through Graduate School USA and the USDA. The yearlong course covers work orders, financial and statistical reports, the technical aspects of cooperative utility accounting, the use of continuing property records, and loan funds.

Congratulations, Coreen!

Stop by for

Member Appreciation Days Friday, Oct. 7 & Monday, Oct. 10 • Two $100 cash prizes

(One entry allowed per member each day. Can only win once.)

• Snacks, drinks, doughnuts, cider, coffee, cookies, and more — 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day • Lunch from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. both days

You’ve heard about coal power plants. Visit yours Sept. 29!

This is your chance to see what it takes to make power for your community. As a co-op member, you have part ownership in the Cardinal Generating Station. This 1,230-megawatt coal-fired plant sits on the banks of the Ohio River near Steubenville and has had more than $1 billion in environmental upgrades. It’s now among the cleanest coal power plants in the world.

Our tour is Thursday, Sept.

29. The charter bus leaves our parking lot in St. Marys at 7 a.m. and will be back by 8 p.m.

The cost is $35 per person and includes transportation, lunch, snacks, beverages, and the plant tour. On the way home, we’ll stop at a fast food restaurant for supper (not included in cost). You must RSVP at 1-800-962-3830.

Free hot dogs, soups, snacks, and drinks.

• Free giveaways • Coloring contest

Download sheet at midwestrec.com > News and click on the Member Appreciation Days story. Coloring sheets are due by 5 p.m., Monday, Oct. 10. One $50 gift card winner per age category (ages 0-4; 5-7; 8-12; and 13 up, including adult).

• Meet your Energy Advisor • Learn about our digital solutions:

- Monthly, daily, and hourly electric use charts - Reporting outages with your smartphone or tablet - Receiving text or e-mail alerts for power outages and billing matters We’re at 06029 County Road 33A, east of St. Marys.

Take U.S. 33 to Townline-Kossuth, and go south to our office.

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MIDWEST ELECTRIC, INC.

Midwest Electric members donate $14,419 Members of Midwest Electric recently donated $14,419 to 16 west-central Ohio charities and community projects through the cooperative’s Community Connection Fund.

Since the program started in 1998, the Midwest Electric Community Connection Fund has provided $920,333 to 747 area projects.

The latest recipients are: • St. Marys Middle School health class — $1,519 to buy infant simulators and software.

• American Township Fire Department — $1,500 to purchase a rescue drone.

• Kiwanis Club of Delphos — $1,500 toward the splash pad at the city swimming pool.

• Mercer County Council on Aging — $1,500 to upgrade to a digital radio communications system.

• West Ohio Food Bank — $1,250 to buy infrared temperature devices for food safety.

• Family Care Options in Celina — $1,000 to build a wheelchair-accessible exit.

• Lima’s Samaritan House — $1,000 toward restroom and building updates.

• Grand Lake Christian School — $800 to purchase laptops for students.

Community Connection Fund Trustee Diane Lefeld (right) presents a $1,000 check to Kristine Lim, CEO/nurse for Family Care Options, and Andrea Schelich. The donation will help build a wheelchair-accessible exit.

• St. Anthony Dinner Theater in Ft. Recovery — $750 to help build a handicap bathroom for a local family.

• Resource and Opportunity Center in St. Marys — $700 to buy materials for a budgeting class for lowincome families.

• YMCA of Van Wert County — $500 to support senior citizen programs.

• Mercer County Fairgrounds — $500 toward a new building on the fairgrounds.

• Lima Symphony Orchestra — $500 for the Young People’s Concert.

• Delphos Senior Citizens — $500 for the Matter of Balance fall prevention program.

• Lima Allen County Neighborhoods in Partnership — $500 to help install a heating unit in the garage.

• Sugar Creek Township Park — $400 to seal the blacktop tennis courts and basketball court.

The Midwest Electric Community Connection Fund is a voluntary charitable program. Participating members’ monthly electric bills are rounded up to the next dollar, with the additional pennies deposited in the fund.

A board of trustees, composed of cooperative members and separate from the Midwest Electric Board of Trustees, oversees the application and allocation process.

Individuals or organizations can obtain an application to be considered for the funds by contacting Midwest Electric at 419-394-4110 or 1-800-962-3830. 

Please consider serving on our CCF board Our Community Connection Fund (CCF) needs three cooperative members — one each from Mercer County, Auglaize County, and Allen-Putnam counties. The terms are expiring this fall for trustees John Dippold, Mercer County; Nancy Clum, Allen-Putnam counties; and Georgiana Schroer, Auglaize County.

The CCF board meets four times a year — about 90 minutes per meeting — to review grant applications

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from area community groups. You’ll learn a lot about community needs, and you’ll gain a tremendous feeling of satisfaction, according to current trustees.

No special background is necessary. It’s a voluntary position, but you’ll be reimbursed for related expenses.

This is an appointed (non-elected) position. If you’re interested or have any questions, please call Matt Berry at 1-800-962-3830 or e-mail mberry@midwestrec.com.

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Friends, farm, fun

Annual Farm Science Review is an opportunity to learn, socialize, and see the future of agriculture The Farm Science Review represents the crossroads of agriculture and technology. But the annual, three-day exhibition at the Molly Caren Agricultural Center in London, Ohio, is more than a trade show.

“It’s a go-to event every year,” says Matt Sullivan, the agricultural center’s superintendent. “It’s a place to see new equipment and to learn about new educational opportunities in agriculture, but it’s also a social event where people get together to see friends they haven’t seen for a while.”

The Farm Science Review, held this year Sept.

20-22, is put on by Ohio State University’s College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences, Ohio State University Extension, and the Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center.

It’s the 54th annual review, and Sullivan says nearly 150,000 people are expected to attend, including about 6,000 FFA students.

“They will get to witness all the different aspects of agriculture and related professions,” Sullivan says. There will be agricultural field demonstrations and lots of education on farm management, energy use, home design, gardening and conservation, and even an antique farm equipment show.

The review is also a chance for attendees to shop for tools, from a pair of gloves to huge farming equipment, and attend programs on farm technology, safety, and water quality.

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BY MICHAEL PRAMIK

For instance, attendees will see how drones can provide aerial imagery to illustrate heat stress on crops. One field demo will showcase how highspeed planters can react to varying soil conditions.

Another will teach chainsaw safety, including how to properly fell a tree.

Energy education and fun Ohio’s Electric Cooperatives is one of the review’s long-standing participants, offering a bevy of activities inside its large building along Wheat Street, near the eastern edge of the property.

“It’s a showcase for many of the programs and services electric co-ops offer,” says Janet Rehberg, Ohio’s Electric Cooperatives marketing director.

New this year in the co-ops’ building is a Kids Zone, where young attendees can don temporary tattoos or play games for prizes.

The Ohio Energy Project will be on hand with the energy bike, which allows kids to see how fast they have to pedal to create energy to power various household appliances.

Ohio’s Electric Cooperatives partners with the organization to bring energy efficiency and energy science curriculum to middle-school classrooms across the state in a program called Be E3 Smart.

Logo submissions from the Be E3 Smart logo contest will also be on display.

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A long-running highlight of the cooperatives’ building is the microwave cooking demonstration.

Patty Miller and Sherry Bickel will appear for their 27th year and will perform demonstrations up to four times per day. This year’s recipes include granola bread, Mexican dip, and smoked sausage and apples. (See Food Scene on pages 14-15 for a preview.)

Life beyond the farm Check out these other activities: • Ohio State will showcase universal design with a small house that will include conveniences to make life easier as people age.

• An aquaponics demonstration will show how a garden can be fertilized from water circulating from a fish tank.

• The Gwynne Conserva(All photos courtes tion area will show how polliy of Farm Science Re view) nator plots can be used to promote wildflower growth.

• At the “Ask a Vet” program, representatives of The Ohio’s Electric Cooperatives building, located along the eastOhio State’s College of Veterinary Medicine will adern boundary, is a great place to learn about energy and have fun: dress questions about large and small animals alike.

“It’s really a smorgasbord of agriculture,” Sullivan Plug into the Energy Wall: Learn about ways to save energy says.  and money with efficient water heaters, windows, and lights and through your cooperative’s “load management” programs.

MICHAEL PRAMIK is a freelance business and travel Snap a selfie on us: Visit our selfie booth, and put yourself on writer from Columbus. the cover of Country Living!

Win a grand prize: At the new farm equipment showcase and prize giveaway, adults can register to win a leaf blower, and kids can take home a battery-powered, four-wheel Gator.

See electrical safety up close: Sponsored by South Central Power Company, this safety demonstration illustrates how quickly foods (and non-food objects) can fry up when they come in contact with a live power line.

See the balloons: Watch the Touchstone Energy® Cooperatives hot air balloon soar high above Farm Science Review twice a day (weather permitting), or check out the mini cold-air balloon inside the barn.

Visit new vendors: New this year are Momper Insulation, WaterFurnace geothermal systems, Mitsubishi heat pumps, EGO Power Plus Products power tools, Roessner energy products, Retrofoam insulation, and Security Systems.

Welcome returning vendors: Back again are Dickman Supply lighting, Fresh Zone water filters, New Energy Systems farm energy auditing, Enertech Global geothermal systems, NuWool insulation, and Area Energy & Electric.

Visit Ohio’s Electric Cooperatives

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WOODS, WATERS, AND WILDLIFE

Elk for Ohio?

S T O R Y A N D P H O T O BY W. H . “ C H I P ” G R O S S

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I once knew a trapper here in Ohio who had set a trap along a stream to catch raccoons, muskrats, or mink. But to check the trap, he had to approach it by wading in water several feet deep, and every time he did, he stubbed his toe on what he thought was a root or stick on the stream bottom.

After several days of this aggravating routine — and once nearly pitching headlong into the stream — he pulled on a pair of shoulder-length rubber trapping gloves and reached down into the cold water to pull up the obstruction: a large section of elk antler. The antler must have lain buried and preserved in the clay of the stream bottom for at least 150 years, as the last wild elk is believed to have been extirpated from the Buckeye State sometime around 1838.

David Zeisberger (1721-1808) was a missionary to the Delaware tribe of Native Americans once living in eastern Ohio at the forks of the Muskingum River, near present-day Coshocton. In his book History of the Northern American Indians, written in 1780, he describes elk in Ohio and the American Indians’ interaction with them.

“As the skins are very thick and heavy and of no particular value, elk do not tempt the Indians to the chase [hunting]. Occasionally, one is shot that happens near an Indian, but most of the flesh is left in the forest for beasts

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of prey, even though the animals are always fat, in summer as in winter, and do not become lean, like the deer.”

Today, elk are thought of more as a western U.S. species of wildlife. But in recent years, all the states surrounding Ohio, except Indiana, have reintroduced elk and now have small, but thriving, herds. Elk are doing so well in some of these states that the size of the herds must now be controlled through sport hunting.

Why has Ohio not reintroduced elk? David Kohler, head of wildlife management for the Ohio DNR, Division of Wildlife, cites three main concerns: lack of quality and quantity of elk habitat; the safety of Ohio motorists; and the possibility of transferring or introducing diseases, such as chronic wasting disease, into Ohio’s white-tailed deer herd.

The disease has been detected in captive-bred deer facilities in Ohio but has not been in the wild herd.

Kohler also cited the staggering cost of reintroduction.

“A recent three-year elk reintroduction project in Missouri cost $1.5 million in staff time and $3.2 million for elk relocation costs,” he says. “What’s more, a reintroduction effort doesn’t end once an animal is released. There is a need for a significant and ongoing commitment of funding and time dedicated to the maintenance of a program and of a new species.”

If you’d like to see elk in the wild this fall, there is no better place than the Elk Country Visitor Center in northwestern Pennsylvania, near the small town of Benezette, about a fourhour drive from central Ohio.

My wife and I stopped by one afternoon last October to do some photography, and we were not disappointed.

It begins as a long, drawn-out, high-pitched whistle or squeal followed by several deep, guttural grunts. It’s a sound almost unworldly, a sound you’d swear an animal that weighs nearly half a ton could never produce. In hilly or mountainous country, the sound echoes from valley to ridge and back again — a sound that literally makes the hair on the

Will we ever again hear that haunting bugle from a wild Ohio elk herd?

“The refuge is home to the largest wild elk herd west of the Mississippi, about 1,000 animals,” says Toby Neal, conservation education coordinator at the Visitor Center. “Typically, we hear bugling from late August through November, with the peak being September. And it’s in September that we usually see the largest, most mature bulls and the most rutting activity.”

The elk visible from Visitor Center grounds are truly wild, not penned, so there is no guarantee of seeing elk when you visit. But arriving during late afternoon or early morning, when the bulls, cows, and calves are most active, increases your odds. Keep your eyes open as you approach the Elk Country Visitor Center along Winslow Hill Road — elk may be seen anywhere along that stretch for miles.

If you ever hear a bull elk bugle, you’ll never forget that sound.

back of your neck stand on end.

Will we ever again hear that haunting sound from a wild Ohio elk herd, or is an elk bugle forever relegated to Ohio’s frontier past?

Sadly, at least for now, the latter seems to be the case.  W. H. “CHIP” GROSS is Country

Living’s outdoors editor and a member of Consolidated Electric Cooperative. Have an outdoors story idea or photograph to share? Send it to Chip at whchipgross@gmail.com or visit www.chipgross.com.

If you go: What: Elk Country Visitor Center Where: 134 Homestead Drive Benezette, PA 15821 When: August through November for best elk viewing For more information: 814-787-5167; www.elkcountryvisitorcenter.com

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Take a bite out of history at the Johnny Appleseed Museum and festival S T O R Y A N D P H O T O B Y DA M A I N E V O N A DA

When visitors tour the Johnny Appleseed Educational Center and Museum at Urbana University, someone almost always asks, “What did Johnny Appleseed look like?”

Disappointingly, nobody really knows.

“No likeness of Johnny Appleseed was ever made while he was alive,” says museum director Cheryl Ogden. “He was far too active a human being to sit still for a portrait or a sketch.”

The museum’s current exhibit, “The Many Faces of Johnny Appleseed,” underscores the ambiguity about his appearance. It features more than 20 different images that range from an 1850s illustration of an unkempt, barefoot Johnny to a 1948 Disney film portrayal of a very neat and clean Johnny, sporting a cooking pot on his head. According to Ogden, Johnny Appleseed did go barefoot but probably never substituted a saucepan for a hat.

“The upside-down pot on his head is a popular misperception that people want to be true,” Odgen says. “But Bibles and apple seeds were pretty much the only things Johnny carried with him.”

Another misconception is that Johnny Appleseed was a myth like Pecos Bill or Paul Bunyan. He was, in fact, a real person who was born John Chapman in Massachusetts in 1774. By the time Chapman was in his 20s, he was living in western Pennsylvania and growing apple trees from seeds obtained at cider mills near Pittsburgh. The entrepreneurial Chapman migrated into present-day Ohio around 1800, starting nurseries to supply saplings to the pioneers pouring into the Northwest Territory. Apple trees were ideal for those settlers, who not only had 28

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to plant fruit trees to secure their land ownership, but who also could use apples for cider and food.

Chapman spent about 30 years in Ohio, where he acquired more than 1,000 acres of land and established nurseries in Steubenville, Mt. Vernon, Mansfield, Wooster, St. Marys, and Urbana. Because Chapman considered himself a missionary for the Swedenborgian Church, he also cultivated a friendship with Urbana attorney John James, whose

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father-in-law, Francis Bailey, was among the nation’s earliest Swedenborgian converts. James donated land for a Swedenborgian seminary that opened in 1850 and eventually became Urbana University, about 45 miles west of Columbus.

companies like John Hancock Insurance and Shell Oil that have used his name or image.

Two of the museum’s prize possessions are a cider press that belonged to James, used to process apples from trees that Chapman had planted, and a

‘No likeness of Johnny Appleseed was ever made while he was alive.’

Its first building was Bailey Hall. Today, Bailey Hall is home to the Johnny Appleseed Museum, a one-room venue that boasts the world’s largest collection of memorabilia and written material about the American legend.

“People are always amazed by how much information we have in such a small space,” Ogden says.

Displays include books, newspaper articles, and comic books about Johnny Appleseed; bark from trees he planted in Ohio and Indiana; commemorative plates from assorted Johnny Appleseed festivals; and advertisements from

Bible of Chapman’s that’s on permanent loan from descendants of his half-sister. “It’s the Bible that Chapman had with him when he passed away in Fort Wayne, Indiana,” Ogden says.

Chapman died in 1845, but the exact location of his grave in Fort Wayne remains a mystery.

That doesn’t seem to deter the 150,000-plus people who show up every September for the Johnny Appleseed Festival, Fort Wayne’s incomparable salute to Chapman’s life and times.

“Everything about the Johnny Appleseed Festival reflects the period of time when he was alive,” festival director Bridget Kelly says. “There are no elephant ears, frozen drinks, or plastic cups at our event.”

Everyone who participates has to wear early 1800s-style garments, and vendors must cook over open fires and serve foods that Johnny Appleseed would have eaten, including chicken and dumplings, corn on the cob, homemade root beer, and apple fritters. Crafters sell items made from wood, wool, and other period materials; musicians entertain with fifes, drums, and Scottish pipes; and the farmers market sells pumpkins, Indian corn, and — of course — apples.

The event is held in two adjacent parks, and one of them contains a fenced-in plot of ground that serves as a memorial to

Johnny Appleseed. People make pilgrimages to the hillside site and pay their respects with a festival tradition.

“They pick apples off a nearby tree,” Kelly says, “and then lay them on the memorial.”  Johnny Appleseed Educational Center and Museum, 579 College Way, Urbana, OH 43078; 937-772-9297, johnnyappleseedmuseum.org. Open Tues.-Fri., 10 a.m.-3 p.m.; Sat., 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Group tours by request.

If you go: What: Johnny Appleseed Festival Where: 1502 Harry Baals Dr., Fort Wayne, IN 46805 When: Sat., Sept. 17, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sun., Sept. 18, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

For more information: 260-427-6003; www.johnnyappleseedfest.org

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MEMBER INTERACTIVE

Sports superstars

See our guidelines and deadlines for future months’ submissions on page 31.

Submitted by Dennis and Avis Kreais, Union Rural Electric Cooperative.

Pictured is their granddaughter, Iliana Lipinski.

Submitted by Patty Quaglia, South Central Power.

“Our granddaughter catching for Conotton Valley Rockets.”

Submitted by Brandy Vannoy, South Central Power.

Pictured is her neighbor, Will Riffle, a freshman last year who started varsity for the AmandaClearcreek Aces.

Submitted by Candace Cavdill, Logan County Electric Cooperative.

Pictured are her husband, “Boo,” and nephew, Hayden.

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Submitted by Barbara Hayes, MidOhio Energy.

“My grandson with a catch for an out and a win!”

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Member Interactive: Send us your photos!

If we use your photo, you’ll get a Country Living tumbler.

For January, send us photos of “It’s so cold!” by Oct. 15.

For February, send us photos of “What’s romantic to you?” by Nov. 15.

Guidelines: 1. One entry per household per month.

2. Send a self-addressed stamped envelope if you want anything returned.

3. Include your name, mailing address, and the name of your electric co-op.

4. E-mail: memberinteract@ohioec.org

By U.S. mail: Editor, Country Living, 6677 Busch Blvd., Columbus, OH 43229

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Fall festival

roundup

(Photo courtesy Brian Andzik) (Photo courtesy of Curt Albers)

Minster Oktoberfest

BY MARGIE WUEBKER

Don your lederhosen or dirndl dress and head to Auglaize County for the 41st annual Minster Oktoberfest. Colorful tulips and wooden shoes decorate the streets saluting the community’s rich German heritage.

Visitors can see numerous German bands, a large car show, running of the beer tray relay, crowning of Miss and Little Miss Oktoberfest, games for children and adults, and the popular Oktoberfest Classic 10K, which traditionally draws more than 1,000 runners. The highlight for many is the Sunday afternoon parade. High schools bands, colorful floats, equestrian units, comedy entries, fire trucks, and marching units are expected in keeping with this year’s theme, “Willkommen Freunde (Welcome Friends).”

Even more enticing will be the menu, featuring cabbage rolls, sausage and sauerkraut, frites (French fries), reuben sandwiches, deep-fried chicken, cream puffs, apple dumplings, and apple strudel. Vendors offer arts and crafts, as well as commemorative beer mugs and festival buttons. Don’t miss the whimsical chicken hats — perfect headgear for doing the chicken dance in front of the village’s landmark gazebo.

Sept. 30-Oct. 2, Fourth Street Parks, Minster. For more information, visit www.minsteroktoberfest.com.

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Italian Fall Festa B Y DA M A I N E V O N A DA

The numbers alone explain why the Italian Fall Festa is one of the Dayton area’s favorite foodie events: 23,000 meatballs; 6,000 spaghetti dinners; 5,000 sausage sandwiches; 4,000 pizzas; and 10,000 Italian cookies, cakes, and cannoli. Sponsored by the local Sons of Italy lodge, the three-day Festa attracts 50,000 hungry people to Bella Villa Hall every September. What’s the secret of its success?

“Our lodge members make everything we serve from their own family recipes,” says Festa chairman Brian Andzik. “People love that the food is homemade.”

Folks come to eat, but they stay for the Festa’s warm and friendly atmosphere.

“It feels like a giant family all weekend,” Andzik says. The lodge’s park-like grounds have tables and chairs for relaxing over bowls of pasta fagioli while bands play Italian and swing tunes. Bocce courts are open throughout the Festa, and football fans can catch the games on big-screen TVs. Sept. 9-11, John Pirelli Lodge, Order Sons of Italy in America, at Bella Villa Hall, 2625 County Line Road, Kettering. Free admission, parking, and shuttle service. For more information, call 937258-3600 or visit www.italianfallfesta.com.

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See restored engines like this one, named Bessie, at Volcano Days in West Virginia. (Photo courtesy of Johnnie and Kathy Boston)

Volcano Days B Y JA M I E R H E I N

In the mid-1800s, Volcano, West Virginia, just east of Parkersburg, was an oil-boom town where an endless cable system, powered by one engine, pumped 40 wells at a time. In 1879, when a fire consumed most buildings, Volcano headed to ghost town status.

Thanks to Volcano Days Antique Engine Show and Festival, Volcano’s prominence as a black gold powerhouse is not forgotten.

Held in Mountwood Park, where Volcano bustled with stores, saloons, and an opera house, the festival pays noisy tribute to yesteryear. Restored engines sputter, hum, and whir as wheels and gears turn like they used to. This trip to the past includes shingle-making and blacksmithing demonstrations. Mustsee tours include the ruins of Stiles Mansion, owned by William Cooper Stiles Jr., a West Virginia oil pioneer, and the Volcano Museum. Also enjoy live music, craft vendors, and food.

The sign on the old shanty reads, “In memory of Grandad Eb and Uncle Pete Layfield.” (Photo courtesy of Johnnie and Kathy Boston)

Sept. 23-25, Mountwood Park, 1014 Volcano Road, Waverly, WV (10 minutes from Parkersburg off Route 50). For more information, visit www.mountwoodpark.org/ volcano_days.html.

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SEPTEMBER 2016 CALENDAR

NORTHWEST THROUGH SEPT. 18 – “Hot Spot: Contemporary Glass from Private Collections,” Toledo Museum of Art, 2445 Monroe St., Toledo. Free.

More than 80 stunning works of art in glass. 419-255-8000 or www. toledomuseum.org/exhibitions.

THROUGH NOV. 8 – “I Approve This

Ad: Decoding Political Messages,” Toledo Museum of Art, 2445 Monroe St., Toledo. Free. Nonpartisan exhibit shows how political ads are used to stir emotions and capture votes. 419255-8000 or www.toledomuseum. org/exhibitions.

SEPT. 2–4 – Perch, Peach, Pierogi, and Polka Festival, downtown Port Clinton, Fri. 5–8:30 p.m., Sat.–Sun. 11 a.m.–8:30 p.m. $3, kids free. Enjoy Lake Erie perch sandwiches or dinner, hot pierogis, Polish sausage, and delicious peach cobbler. www.kofc1750.org.

SEPT. 2–5 – Firelands Labor Day Festival, New London Recreation Park, 2 Blake St., New London.

Events include truck and tractor pulls, demo derby, 5K, and more. 419-9294091 or www.newlondonohio.com.

Jammin’ Food Truck Fest, lower level of Historic Schoenbrunn Village, 1984 East High Ave., New Philadelphia, Sat. 11 a.m.–7 p.m. $20, C. $12. Lots of food and entertainment that you just can’t miss.

740-922-6776.

SEPT. 3 –

10th Annual Simon Kenton Chili Cook-off Festival and Hoopla Parade, downtown Urbana, 1 Monument Square, 11 a.m.–6 p.m.

Assorted vendors, live entertainment, chili tasting and contests, dedicated kids’ zone, and more. 614-440-7560 or www.chilicookoffofurbana.com.

SEPT. 3–5 – Cleveland National Air Show, Burke Lakefront Airport, 1501 N. Marginal Rd., Cleveland, 9 a.m.–4 p.m. $21, C. $14, age 5 and under free. Take a journey back to when the WWII B-25 Mitchell Bomber Georgie’s Gal makes its first appearance. 216-781-0747 or www. clevelandairshow.com.

Rural Northwest Ohio Beer and Wine Fest, Henry Co. Fgds., 821 S. Perry St., Napolean, 3–11 p.m. $5–$20. Local breweries, wineries, bands, and more! 419-592-9096.

SEPT. 24 –

Oktoberfest, downtown Findlay, noon–10 p.m. Authentic German food and libations, live polka music and dancing, competitions, kids’ activities, and more. 419-4223313 or www.downtownfindlay.com.

SEPT. 24 –

SEPT. 24 – In Memoriam, William J. Knight, Stryker Heritage Ctr., 205 N. Depot St., Stryker. Tribute to the Civil War Medal of Honor recipient who was the engineer on Andrews Raid.

419-902-8551 or 419-636-3807.

Vernon McIntyre’s Appalachian Grass, Johnny Appleseed Farm Park, 1582 Slabtown Rd., Lima, 2 and 4 p.m. Free. 513-6071874 or www.fotmc.com.

SEPT. 24 –

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SEPT. 3, 4 – Made in Ohio Art and Craft Festival, Hale Farm and Village, 2686 Oak Hill Rd., Bath, 10 a.m.–5 p.m. $5. Features Ohio artisans and local restaurants. 330-6663711 or www.madeinohiofestival.org.

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An Ideal Husband, Schiller Park German Village Amphitheater, 1000 City Park Ave., Columbus, Thur.–Sun., 8–10 p.m. $20. 614-444-6888 or www. ohio.org/events.

PLEASE NOTE: Country Living strives for accuracy but strongly urges readers to confirm dates and times before traveling long distances to events. Submit listings AT LEAST 90 DAYS prior to the event by writing to Country Living, 6677 Busch Blvd., Columbus, OH 43229 or events@ ohioec.org. Country Living will not publish listings that don’t include a complete address of where the event takes place or a number/website for more information.

Harrison Rally Day Festival, downtown Perrysburg, 9:30 a.m.–4 p.m. Enjoy a full day of fun including a parade, food, artists, crafters, and more. 419-874-9147 or www.perrysburgchamber.com.

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“A Walk with Spirits of the Past,” 144 N. Broadway, Medina, 7 p.m. $6; C. 12 and under, $3.

Guided walk around Medina Public Square to see re-enactments of Medina Co. history. 330-722-5502 or www.medinacountyartscouncil.org.

SEPT. 8–10 –

SEPT. 9–11 – Grand Lake St. Marys State Park Fall Festival, Campground, 834 Edgewater Dr., St. Marys, begins Fri. at 4 p.m. and ends Sun. at 3 p.m. Free. Arts and craft vendors, car cruise-in, band, kids’ activities. 419-394-3611.

SEPT. 10, 11 – 54th Annual Stumptown Steam Threshers Reunion and Show, St. Rte. 519, 1 mile west of New Athens between U.S. 22 and St. Rte. 9. $5. 330-2653659, 740-968-4796, or 304-2426856.

“Dine with Spirits of the Past,” Miss Molly’s Tea Room, W. Washington St., Medina, 3 p.m. $23.

Advance reservations required. 330725-6830.

SEPT. 11 –

THROUGH SEPT. 4 –

“Ohio’s Eight Presidents: American Political Items Collectors,” Ohio Statehouse, 1 Capitol Sq., Columbus. Free. See collectors’ items from Ohio presidents and their campaigns. 888-6446123 or www.ohiostatehouse.org/ events.

THROUGH SEPT. 28 –

SEPT. 16–18 – Lake Shore Park Rib Burn-off, Lakeshore Park, 1700 E. 1st St., Ashtabula, Fri. 4–10 p.m., Sat. noon–10 p.m., Sun. noon–8 p.m. Live music, Kidz Zone, ribs, along with many other traditional fair foods. www.lakeshoreparkashtabula.org.

SEPT. 17 – Firelands Model Train and Toy Show Extravaganza, Richland Co. Fair Grounds, 750 N. Home Rd., Mansfield, 10 a.m.–4 p.m. $5; under 18, free. Free parking. 419318-0980 or www.fsomr.com.

SEPT. 17, 18 – Annual Johnny Appleseed Festival, 4 South Park Ave., Lisbon, Sat. 10 a.m.–11 p.m., Sun. 11 a.m.–8 p.m. Free. Enjoy various apple-based treats and a wide variety of crafts, food vendors, and more. 260-427-6003 or www.johnnyappleseedfest.com.

Beriswill Farm Market and Corn Maze, 2200 Station Rd., Valley City, Tues.–Fri. 11 a.m.–6 p.m., Sat. 11 a.m.–10 p.m., Sun. 11 a.m.–5 p.m. Closed Mondays.

330-350-2486.

SEPT. 17–OCT. 30 –

SEPT. 18 – 34th Annual Wellington Harvest of the Arts, 101 Willard Memorial Square, Wellington, 11 a.m.–4 p.m. Free admission and parking. Juried arts and craft fair.

Handmade quilt raffle, kids’ activities, lunch available. 440-647-2120 or www.wellingtonfriends.org/oh.

SEPT. 30, OCT. 1 – Tree City Quilters’ Guild Quilt Show, Wooster Church of the Nazarene, 3100 Oak Hill Rd., Wooster, Fri. 9 a.m.–7 p.m., Sat. 9 a.m.–3:30 p.m. $5. Quilt raffle, vendors, demos, and more. 330262-5660 or http://treecityquiltguild. blogspot.com.

SEPT. 2, 3 – Country Jam, Legend Valley/Buckeye Lake, 7585 Kindle Rd., Thornville. Gates open Fri. at 5 p.m., Sat. at 4 p.m. 614-743-5224 or www.legendvalleyfestivals.com.

SEPT. 3–5 – Canal Winchester Labor Day Festival, 36 S. High St., Canal Winchester, Sat. noon–11 p.m., Sun. 10:30 a.m.–11 p.m., Mon. 10:30 a.m.– 6 p.m. Free admission. Parade, car cruise-in, live music, food, and more. 614-837-7716 or www.cwlaborday.org.

Marion Popcorn Festival, downtown Marion, Center St., Marion, 11 a.m.–midnight. Enjoy a parade, 5K, free entertainment, and, of course, popcorn! 740-387-FEST (3378) or www.popcornfestival.com.

SEPT. 8–10 –

C.O.G. Bog Mud Volleyball Tournament, Church of God, 25822 St. Rte. 159, Circleville, 10 a.m. Registration starting at 8:30 a.m. 24-team limit. 740-503-3519 or 740-474-7732.

SEPT. 10 –

SEPT. 11 – All Horse Parade, Delaware Co. Fgds., 236 Pennsylvania Ave., Delaware, beginning at 3 p.m. at main gate.

Non-motorized parade featuring 400 horses, more than 120 units, and great bands. 614-506-8320 or www. delawarecountyfair.com.

Gathering Stitches Mini Quilt Shop Hop, Gramma Fannie’s Quilt Barn, 4369 St. Rte. 39, Berlin.

A fun day of doughnuts, demos, and discounts. Limited tickets available.

330-893-3243 or www.amishfarmvillage.com.

SEPT. 16 –

“Travel Through Time,” Sawyer-Ludwig Park, 1313 White Oaks Rd., Marion, Sat. 10 a.m.–5 p.m., Sun. 10 a.m.–4 p.m.

Meet Native Americans, militia, settlers, and Civil War soldiers as you step back in time. 740-387-4255 or www.marionhistory.com.

SEPT. 17, 18 –

CENTRAL THROUGH SEPT. – “Blooms and Butterflies,” Franklin Park Conservatory, 1777 E. Broad St., Columbus, 10 a.m.–5 p.m. $13. 614715-8000 or www.fpconservatory. org.

Delaware Co. Fair, Delaware Co. Fgds., 236 Pennsylvania Ave., Delaware, beginning 8 a.m. 740-362-3851, 800-3353247, or www.delawarecountyfair. com.

SEPT. 17–24 –

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SEPTEMBER 2016 CALENDAR Little Brown Jug, Delaware Co. Fgds. Racetrack, 236 Pennsylvania Ave., Delaware, beginning at 11 a.m. Grand circuit harness racing paced on the fastest half-mile track in the world. 740-362-3851, 800-335-3247, or www.delawarecountyfair.com.

SEPT. 9, 10 – Lithopolis Honeyfest, downtown Lithopolis, Fri. 3–7 p.m., Sat. 10 a.m.–7 p.m. Enjoy honey bake-offs, mead and wine tasting, hive inspection, and learn from the best beekeepers around. 614-8297355 or www.lithopolishoneyfest. com.

SEPT. 23, 24 – Sims Fall Festival,

SEPT. 10 –

SEPT. 22 –

11300 Chillicothe-Lancaster Rd., Amanda, Fri. 5–8 p.m., Sat. 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Special Civil War encampment and battle enactment, plus firing of Gen. Sherman’s cannon.

Antique farm equipment also on display. 740-969-2225.

SEPT. 23, 24 – North Market Microbrew Festival, North Market, 59 Spruce St., Columbus. Features Ohio breweries, food sampling, and entertainment. 614-463-9664 or www.northmarket.com.

Lawrence Orchards Applefest, 2634 Smeltzer Rd., Marion, 10 a.m.–5 p.m. $5. Hay rides, petting farm, hay maze, apple bar, and lots of food. Fun for the whole family! 740-389-3019 or www. lawrenceorchards.com.

SEPT. 24 –

Hops and Vines Fest, 117 Creekside Park, Gahanna. $40. Enjoy local beers, great wine, live music, and gourmet tacos. 614342-4250 or www.gahanna.gov.

SEPT. 24–26 –

Y-City Barbershop Annual Show, Secrest Auditorium, 334 Shinnick St., Zanesville, 3 p.m.

740-454-6851 or www.zanesvillebbs. org.

SEPT. 25 –

SOUTHEAST National Imperial Glass Museum Tours, 3200 Belmont. St., Bellaire, Thur.–Sat., 11 a.m.–3 p.m. Learn about and view extensive displays of Imperial glassware. 740-671-3971.

THROUGH OCT. –

SEPT. 3–5 – 10th Annual Harvest Moon PowWow, Gallipolis City Park, 300 block of Second Ave., Gallipolis, Sat.–Sun. 10 a.m. to dark, Mon. 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Free. Experience music, dancing, and other traditions of Native American culture. 740-2455511.

SEPT. 4 – 1964: The Tribute, Sugarloaf Mountain Amphitheatre, 5968 Marietta Rd., Chillicothe, 7 p.m. $21. Re-creation of an early-1960s live Beatles concert. 740-775-4100.

Belmont Co. Fair, 45420 Roscoe Rd., St. Clairsville.

Gates open Tues. at 12 p.m.

Admission $8 Wed.–Sun., $5 Tues.

A family tradition since 1849. www. belmontcountyfair.org.

SEPT. 6–11 –

3rd Annual Gallia Co. BBQ Festival, Gallipolis City Park, 300 block of Second Ave., Gallipolis, 12–3 p.m. Free. 740-446-6882.

SEPT. 16-18 – 2016 Ohio Pawpaw Festival, Lake Snowden, Albany, Fri. 4 p.m.–midnight, Sat. 10 a.m.–midnight, Sun. 10 a.m.–5 p.m. $15–$30.

Pawpaw music, food, contests, art, and more. www.ohiopawpawfest. com.

Cambridge Main Street Brew B-Q, Guernsey Kitchen, 711 Wheeling Ave., Cambridge, 1–6 p.m. $30. Enjoy microbrew tasting and barbecue with live music from Dirty Mule, a 50/50 drawing, door prizes, and more. 740-439-3238 or www. downtowncambridge.com.

SEPT. 17 –

SOUTHWEST SEPT. 2-4 – SamJam Bluegrass Festival, Pike Co. Fgds., 311 Mill St., Piketon, Fri. 1–10 p.m., Sat. noon–10 p.m., Sun. 11:15 a.m.–9 p.m. $100 per ticket. 812-699-0962 or www. samjambluegrass.com.

Fair at New Boston, George Rogers Clark Historic Park, 936 S. Tecumseh Rd., Springfield, 10 a.m.–6 p.m., rain or shine. Relive the adventures and drama of life in frontier Ohio. $10, C. 6–11 $3. Military active duty $7 with ID. 937-882-9216 or www.fairatnewboston.org.

SEPT. 3, 4 –

Springfield Swap Meet and Car Show, Clark Co. Fgds., Springfield, Fri./Sat. 7 a.m.–6 p.m., Sun. 7 a.m.–3 p.m. $8. Indoor and outdoor vendors, cars for sale, show cars, vintage racing exhibit. 937-3760111 or www.ohioswapmeet.com.

SEPT. 9–11 –

Italian Fall Festa, Bella Villa Hall, 2625 County Line Rd., Kettering, Fri. 6–11 p.m., Sat. noon–11 p.m., Sun. noon–8 p.m.

Free admission. 937-258-3600 or www.italianfallfesta.com.

SEPT. 11-13 –

Apple Harvest Open House, Hirsch’s Fruit Farm, 12000 St. Rte. 772, Chillicothe, noon–8 p.m. $8. Spend a day of family fun on the farm. 740-775-7055 or www. hirschfruitfarm.com.

SEPT. 12 –

153rd Annual Emancipation Celebration, Bob Evans Farm, 10854 St. Rte. 588, Rio Grande, 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Celebration of the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation. Reportedly the longest continually running Emancipation Celebration in the United States.

740-446-7611.

SEPT. 16, 17 – Piqua Bike Fest, downtown Piqua. Community celebration of riding and fun for the whole family. 937-381-9389 or www. piquabikefest.com.

SEPT. 17, 18 –

SEPT. 17, 18 –

Barnesville Pumpkin Festival, 117 Cherry St., Barnesville.

Parade, 5K, food, and Giant Pumpkin Weigh-Off. 740-425-2593 or www. barnesvillepumpkinfestival.com.

SEPT. 22–25 –

Ross Co. Quilt Guild, 33rd Annual Quilt Show, Tabernacle Baptist Church, 221 E. Main St., Chillicothe, Fri. 10 a.m.–5 p.m., Sat. 10 a.m.–4 p.m. $5. Quilt raffle and door prizes, vendors, food, and free demos. 740-773-0222.

SEPT. 23, 24 –

Country Night Lights, The Venue of Athens, 8003 St. Rte. 56, Athens. Featuring Jake Owen, Brett Eldredge, and more. www.countrynightlights.com.

SEPT. 23, 24 –

Lucasville Trade Days, Scioto Co. Fgds., Lucasville, Sat. 7 a.m.–7 p.m., Sun. 7 a.m.–4 p.m. $3. Flea market items, animals, antiques and primitives, indoor and outdoor vendors. 937-728-6643 or www.lucasvilletradedays.com.

SEPT. 24, 25 –

The Taste of India, Hindu Temple, 4920 Klatte Rd., Cincinnati, noon–8 p.m. Food, shopping, games, pony rides, dancing, and fireworks. 513-271-7171 or www. tasteofindiacincinnati.com.

SEPT. 16-18 – Ohio Fish and Shrimp Festival, Freshwater Farms of Ohio, 2624 N. U.S. Hwy. 68, Urbana, Fri. 4–10:30 p.m., Sat. 10 a.m.–10 p.m., Sun. 11 a.m.–5 p.m. $2–$5. 937-6523701 or www.fwfarms.com.

WACO Celebration and Fly-In, WACO Historic Airfield and Learning Ctr., 1865 S. Co. Rd. 25A, Troy. $6, C. $3. Free parking.

See the WACO aircraft close-up, tour the museum, enjoy great food, and take a ride in an open cockpit biplane! www.wacoairmuseum.org.

SEPT. 16–18 –

Buttercream Festival, 810 E. Dixie Dr., West Carrollton, 8 a.m.–8 p.m. Enjoy cupcake showcasing, see the Miss Buttercream Pageant, and end the night with a hot air balloon glow. www.buttercreamfestival.com.

SEPT. 17 –

Country Applefest, Warren Co. Fgds., 665 N. Broadway St., Lebanon, 10 a.m.–7 p.m. Free.

Homemade crafts, great food, and entertainment. 513-320-2775 or www.countryapplefest.com.

SEPT. 24 –

SEPT. 24 – Twisted Pretzel Bike Tour, 33 N. Cherry St., Germantown, Sat. 8 a.m.–5 p.m. $15–$25. Take a beautiful bike ride through the countryside with fresh pretzel and apple cider breaks. 937-855-6020 or www. twistedpretzeltour.com.

Prairie Days, Shawnee Prairie Preserve, 4267 St. Rte. 502, Greenville, Sat. 10 a.m.–5 p.m., Sun. noon–5 p.m. Bring your family to the prairie and step back in time. 937-458-0165 or www.darkecountyparks.org.

SEPT. 24, 25 –

Tipp City Mum Festival, Tipp City Park, 325 E. Main St., Tipp City. 937-387-6774 or www. tippcitymumfestival.org.

SEPT. 23–25 –

WEST VIRGINIA Evening in Paradise with the Buffet Man, Coach’s Crab Shack on the Lake, 69 Mont Chateau Rd., Morgantown, 6 p.m. Enjoy a casual evening featuring live music and great food. 304-4353469 or www. coachscrabshackwv.com.

SEPT. 1 –

Morgantown Farmers Market, Marketplace Pavillion, 400 Spruce St., Morgantown, 8:30 a.m.–noon. Find a diverse collection of more than 40 vendors bringing in the freshest produce, meats, eggs, breads, and more.

SEPT. 3 –

53rd Annual Harvest Moon Arts and Crafts Festival, City Park, Parkersburg, Sat. 10 a.m.–6 p.m., Sun. 10 a.m.–5 p.m. $3, Srs. $2, C. 10 and under admitted free.

SEPT. 19, 20 –

75th Annual Preston Co. Buckwheat Festival, Kingwood. Buckwheat cakes and sausage dinners, parades, FFA and 4-H project livestock shows, carnival rides, crafts, and more. www.buckwheatfest.com or e-mail info@buckwheatfest.com.

SEPT. 29–30, OCT. 1–2 –

Ohio Quiz (Answers from page 37) 1. Bowling Green State University 2. Victory Bell 3. Zippy 4. The Ohio University Marching 110 5. Gold pants charm 6. Wagon Wheel 7. University of Toledo 8. Ohio Stadium 9. Ohio State and Michigan 10. Penalty flag 11. Muskingum College, Wilmington College, College of Wooster 12. Heidelberg University

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OHIO QUIZ

College Football Customs Since college football season is starting, this month’s quiz features team and game-day traditions at Ohio’s colleges and universities. For example, if the clue is “Ohio State’s marching band routinely plays this rock song during the break between the third and fourth quarters of football games,” the answer would be “Hang On Sloopy.”

CLUES 1. “Ay Ziggy Zoomba” is the unofficial fight song of this university’s warriors.

2. Painted in the University of Cincinnati’s red and black colors on one side and Miami University’s red and white colors on the other, it’s the trophy given to the winner of the Bearcats–Red Hawks rivalry football game.

3. This kangaroo has been the University of Akron’s mascot since 1953.

4. Dubbed “The Most Exciting Band in the Land,” it’s known for high-energy performances at Bobcat games.

5. It’s been given to Ohio State coaches and players who win the Michigan game since the 1930s.

6. Rotating between the University of Akron Zips and Kent State Golden Flashes, this victory trophy is painted blue and gold because those are the colors of both teams.

7. The Black Swamp Showdown and the Battle of I-75 are

both names for the annual rivalry game between Bowling Green State and this university.

8. It’s nicknamed “The House that Harley Built” because three-time All-American (1916, 1917, and 1919) Charles “Chic” Harley’s thrilling touchdown runs put Ohio State on the college football map.

9. The annual contest between these archrivals is so intense that it’s simply called “The Game.”

10. Youngstown State has used this American football fixture longer than any other team because coach Dwight “Dike” Beede invented and introduced it at a home game in 1941.

11. The “Fighting Muskies,” the “Fighting Quakers,” and the “Fighting Scots” battle on the gridirons at these three colleges.

12. This team’s Student Prince mascot is Siggy, thanks to the eponymous operetta by Sigmund Romberg.

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Be a CO-OP VOTER November’s election needs you As member-owned electric cooperatives, voting is already in our DNA. It’s how we maintain an electric utility that is responsive to the consumers it serves. But voting also plays a crucial part in our representative democracy. Federal, state, and local elections offer an opportunity to exercise a civic responsibility — to select the best leaders for our communities.

Yet in places all over America, even those served by electric cooperatives, citizens aren’t exercising that right. In the 2012 national elections, voter turnout dropped overall, but the decline in rural counties was 18 percent — twice that of the nation as a whole.

Reliable electricity, access to rural broadband, and the quality of our health care system are just a few issues we all care about. Still, they only become priorities if enough people show elected officials that they’re paying attention. Registering to vote and actually voting are the most effective ways to send a message and improve our political system.

Please join us in a new initiative to get every eligible person registered to vote — you, me, our family, and friends — and take the pledge to BECOME A CO-OP VOTER. Ohio’s Electric Cooperatives has joined America’s electric cooperatives in launching a campaign to help insert issues important to co-op members into the public discussion. Called “Co-ops Vote,” the effort will help boost voter turnout in areas served by cooperatives across the country to ensure that our voices are heard loud and clear every day — especially on Election Day. How can you help? Visit the Co-ops Vote website, www.vote.coop, for all the information you need to be ready for the November ballots. Find information on your elected officials and candidates, the voter registration process, election dates and locations, and background about eight key co-op issues we want our elected leaders to understand: rural broadband access, hiring and honoring veterans, low-income energy assistance, cyber security, water regulation, rural health care access, affordable and reliable energy, and renewable energy.

Co-ops Vote is a nonpartisan program developed by the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association, the national service organization that represents the nation’s more than 900 private, not-for-profit, consumer-owned electric cooperatives. With 42 million members across the nation, electric co-ops are a powerful voice on national issues that have a local impact.

To dig even deeper, you can also join ACRE Co-op : y a D n o Owners for Political Action®, which will make your voice 2016 Electi heard to policymakers. For almost 50 years, the Action Nov. 8 Committee for Rural Electrification (ACRE®) has been t. 11 c O : e n li d a e d working to support members of, and candidates for, the tion Voter registra U.S. Senate and House of Representatives who under2 rts: Oct. 1 ta s g n ti o v y rl stand and support electric cooperatives and consumEa er-members like you.

By joining Co-op Owners, you can help elect state and federal government officials who will: • Keep your energy bills affordable.

• Help your cooperative keep your energy service reliable.

• Assist your efforts to use energy more efficiently.

• Make renewable energy more affordable for you.

• Help rebuild your cooperative after a storm.

• Protect our economy and jobs when making energy laws.

If you have questions or want to join Co-op Owners, please contact your electric cooperative or visit www.action.coop. 

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