Ohio Cooperative Living - April 2019 - Butler

OHIO

APRIL 2019

COOPERATIVE

Living

Official publication of Butler Rural Electric Cooperative | www.butlerrural.coop

The men behind the

power

Celebrating co-op lineworkers

ALSO INSIDE Sasquatch watchers Giving vinyl a spin Scientist captains

Celebrate National Lineworker Appreciation Day: April 8

Lineworkers serve on the front lines of our nation’s energy needs, and we honor the men and women who work in challenging and oft en dangerous conditi ons to keep the lights on.

To recognize your co-op’s dedicated employees, #ThankALineworker this April.

ohioec.org/purpose

OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • APRIL 2019

INSIDE HIGHLIGHT 24 GIVING VINYL A SPIN Cleveland’s Gotta Groove rides a wave

of nostalgia in the recording industry.

FEATURES 30 SCIENTIST CAPTAINS

Academics studying Lake Erie have found an invaluable, if unexpected, source of data.

34 THESE WALLS CAN TALK Dozens of Ohio post offices contain history lessons on community and American can-do spirit.

Cover image on most issues: Union Rural Electric Cooperative crew leader Sean Luellen captured this image of URE line technician Sam Bevis at work in the bucket during a gorgeous autumn day. Lineworker Appreciation Day is April 8.

APRIL 2019 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING 1

UP FRONT

ALWAYS ON DUTY April showers bring out the best in cooperatives.

A

cross the state, Ohio’s electric co-ops invest in new and updated equipment to bring electricity to your home or business on a continuous and uninterrupted basis. Cooperatives engage technological advances to track the performance of our electric distribution networks and to solve problems quickly. We train our staff to be available when you need us and to resolve issues safely and reliably.

Today, more than ever, our world is powered by our electric system. Yet, in spite of investments in technology, time, and preparation, Mother Nature still puts us in our place from time to time.

The past winter brought an unexpected ice storm to northwestern Ohio, followed by a brutal February windstorm that caused power outages across the state. Now, as the season thaws into spring, we brace ourselves for inevitable thunderstorms, while crossing our fingers to ward against tornadoes.

Your electric cooperative is staffed with dedicated employees who respond to each and every event that comes our way. From the member service representatives who take your calls to the engineers and managers who formulate appropriate action plans to the linemen who brave the elements to restore your electric service, each member of the team is committed to the three “R’s” — respond, restore, and reassure.

April 8 is Lineworker Appreciation Day, when we recognize the professionals who put themselves in peril to provide the power that energizes us. Even under the best circumstances, line work is a difficult and potentially dangerous job. As recent events remind us, the skills of lineworkers are most crucial when conditions are worst.

To do the job effectively and consistently, lineworkers rely on their support systems. Training, obviously, is of utmost importance, and your co-op ensures that lineworkers stay up to date on best practices. The rest of the co-op team is there to be sure that work is dispatched efficiently and that proper materials and equipment are on hand for repairs. They let our members know what to expect. Often overlooked, but perhaps most important, is the pillar of our families, as we respond to routine and emergency calls alike.

Electric cooperatives are sometimes compared to a big family — check out page 4 to read about a few Ohio linemen who have taken that to another level … and the next time you turn on a light, thank a lineman.

2 OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • APRIL 2019

Pat O’Loughlin PRESIDENT & CEO OHIO'S ELECTRIC COOPERATIVES

April 8 is Lineworker Appreciation Day, when we recognize the professionals who put themselves in peril to provide the power that energizes us.

April 2019 • Volume 61, No. 7

MORE INSIDE

Ohio Rural Electric Cooperatives 6677 Busch Blvd.

Columbus, OH 43229 614-846-5757 memberinteract@ohioec.org www.ohioec.org Patrick O’Loughlin President & CEO

Patrick Higgins Director of Communications

Jeff McCallister Managing Editor

Rebecca Seum Associate Editor

Anita Cook Graphic Designer Contributors: Brian Albright, Colleen Romick Clark, Victoria Ellwood, W.H. “Chip” Gross, Catherine Murray, James Proffitt, Jamie Rhein, Damaine Vonada, and Kris Wetherbee.

OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING (USPS 134-760; ISSN 2572-049X) is published monthly by Ohio Rural Elec­tric Co­op­eratives, Inc. It is the official com­mun­ication link be­tween the elec­­­­tric co­operatives in Ohio and West Virginia and their mem­bers. Subscription cost for members ranges from $5.52 to $6.96 per year, paid from equity accruing to the member. Nothing in this publication may be reproduced in any manner without written permission from Ohio Rural Electric Cooperatives, Inc. All rights reserved.

DEPARTMENTS 4 POWER LINES

FAMILY AFFAIR: Line work is a profession that often sees fathers and sons, or even brothers, follow in each other’s footsteps.

8

WOODS, WATERS, AND WILDLIFE

SQUATCHER GATHERING: A Salt Fork State Park conference is the epicenter of Ohio’s Bigfoot phenomenon.

10 OHIO ICON

MIAMISBURG MOUND: The Adena mound near the Great Miami River is one of the nation’s tallest earthworks.

12 IN THE GARDEN BROCCOLI BASICS: It takes a bit of finesse to grow a stalk that’s

head and shoulders above the rest.

15 GOOD EATS

FLAVORFUL FUNGUS: High in fiber and vitamin-rich, mushrooms are a healthy and versatile way to enhance any meal.

18 CO-OP SPOTLIGHT

GUERNSEY-MUSKINGUM ELECTRIC: The east-central Ohio co-op counts The Wilds and Ohio’s largest state park among its members.

19 LOCAL PAGES For all advertising inquiries, contact

Cheryl Solomon American MainStreet Publications 847-749-4875 | cheryl@amp.coop The fact that a product is advertised in Ohio Cooperative 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 Of­fi ce, Consumer Protection Sec­tion, 30 E. Broad St., Col­um­bus, OH 43215.

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

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

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

Alliance for Audited Media Member

News and important information from your electric cooperative.

28 CO-OP PEOPLE RAMPING IT UP: After a fortuitous find, South Central Power Company members specialize in aromatic agriculture.

37 CALENDAR

WHAT’S HAPPENING: April/May events and other things to do.

40 MEMBER INTERACTIVE MUD SEASON: Readers get down and dirty after April showers.

IN THIS ISSUE Marietta (p.4) New Concord (p.4,18) Paulding (p.5) Marysville (p.5,6,34) Newark (p.6) Lore City (p.8) Miamisburg (p.10) Cleveland (p.24) Gibralter Island (p.30)

Ada (p.34) Waverly (p.34) Granville (p.34) Springfield (p.34) Fairborn (p.34) New London (p.34) Georgetown (p.34) Portsmouth (p.34)

Ohio’s Electric Cooperatives is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

APRIL 2019 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING 3

POWER LINES

ALL IN THE Electric cooperatives are often thought of as “family” — after all, they share common principles and a commitment to their communities that make for relationships that go deeper than just another business or utility.

Sometimes, though, “family” is literal. Line work, especially, is a profession that often sees fathers and sons or brothers, perhaps, follow in each other’s footsteps on the job. Here are some of their stories.

BY VICTORIA ELLWOOD

Frank Wells and Jake Wells Between the two of them, brothers Frank and Jake Wells have more than half a century of service working on co-op lines. Jake is a crew foreman at Washington Electric Cooperative, based in Marietta, while Frank, the younger of the two, is a journeyman lineman with Guernsey-Muskingum Electric Cooperative, based in New Concord.

Frank got into the business first, citing the compensation and chance to work outdoors as incentives. He didn’t waste time in sharing those attributes with his brother.

“I tried everything else first — all sorts of different jobs,” Jake says, “but Frank kept trying to talk me into working with him as a lineman. At first I said ‘no way.’ I was scared to death to climb those poles.

Not because I was afraid of heights, but because of the hazards of working with electricity.”

He soon came around. “Back then, you just had to be brave enough to try it,” he says. While most line crews primarily use bucket trucks to maintain lines these days, Jake says he still climbs regularly. “We’re currently replacing 150 poles. I’m getting my hooks out and helping pave the way for the contractors.”

The brothers grew up together on the family farm — where Jake still lives — north of Marietta. He cares for about a dozen head of cattle on his 60 acres and raised show pigs for a long time. Frank, on the other hand, calls his acreage a “hobby farm,” with some horses and a couple of pigs and “just enough land to keep me busy.”

The brothers also enjoy caring for their co-op members. “You meet all kinds of different people, and I like that aspect of my job,” Jake says. “At the end of the day, when you get 400 to 500 people’s power back on when it’s five below zero, you feel pretty darn good.”

4 OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • APRIL 2019

Mike Klima and Jake Klima Mike Klima, a journeyman lineman for 22 years at Paulding Putnam Electric Cooperative in Paulding, says he thinks he inspired his son, Jake, to follow in his career footsteps. “He saw that I liked my job and enjoyed the work,” Mike says. “We have a lot in common — working outside and doing things with our hands — so the job seemed like a good fit. I’m very proud of him.”

Jake, a journeyman lineman at Union Rural Electric Cooperative, based in Marysville, is proud of his dad, too. “As a boy, it was normal for Dad to leave family functions and holidays when he was on call,” he remembers. “We kids understood that. It made us proud that he was helping people and restoring their electricity. I learned from him at an early age what the co-op was all about — we put our members’ needs first — so, when I was a senior in high school, I made my decision to be a lineman, too.”

Getting to know the co-op members is central to the job, Mike says. “It’s a very rewarding career, especially as you get to know the customers. We always talk to people before we work on their property. We explain what we’ll be doing. They’re so appreciative of us working out there in all kinds of weather — rain or snow or 10 below zero.”

Father and son also enjoy hunting and fishing together, whether angling on the waters of Lake Erie or dropping a hook in a pond near Jake’s house.

The best thing, they both say, is swapping stories. “We can talk shop, share information, and compare how we do our jobs. Usually, I give Jake a call early in the morning to see how his day’s going to go,” says Mike. Adds Jake: “It’s fun to discuss different ways to get the job done.”

APRIL 2019 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING 5

Dana Springer, Ernie Springer, and Tyler Springer When Dana Springer was a youngster, he and his siblings could hear electric company dispatches come through on a scratchy radio at home when his dad, Ernie, was on call. Ernie, now retired, worked as a lineman and line supervisor for 35 years for Licking Rural Electric Cooperative, now The Energy Cooperative, based in Newark. “We could hear that old radio all night long.

But we didn’t mind,” Dana says.

In fact, it probably inspired him. Dana went to college for a couple of years and then worked on the family’s 1,000acre farm in eastern Ohio, where they grew corn and soybeans and raised cows and pigs. “Farming wasn’t very profitable in the 1980s, so I sent an application to the coops and started as an apprentice lineman at Union Rural.

Now, I’ve been on the line crew for almost 34 years.”

His dad, however, hasn’t completely given up the farm.

Now retired from the co-op for more than three decades, Ernie still farms about 80 acres, and Dana still helps out during harvest time.

6 OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • APRIL 2019

The two enjoy hunting and fishing together, and they also like to talk shop. “We get together and talk about how things are done,” says Dana. “He still looks at the lines when we’re driving down the road; it’s hard to get it out of your system.”

Dana’s son, Tyler, has followed in his dad’s and grandpa’s footsteps, too, and works as a transmission operations reliability supervisor for AEP; his team is responsible 24/7 for the regional AEP transmission system, monitoring power flows and voltages.

Dana says he’s always appreciated his job’s challenges.

“I like working outside and doing something different every day, no matter what’s happening. A couple of weeks ago, we had two car wrecks that damaged poles and a windstorm that made a tree come down and break a pole.”

Through the challenges, Dana always keeps some longtime advice in mind. “Dad’s always said, ‘Keep your mind on the job, keep your eyes on what you’re doing, make sure you get home at night. Be safe.’”

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WOODS, WATERS, AND WILDLIFE

SQUATCHER Salt Fork State Park conference is the epicenter of Ohio’s Bigfoot phenomenon STORY AND PHOTOS BY W.H. “CHIP” GROSS

D

o I believe in the existence of Bigfoot, a hair-covered, 8-foot-tall mysterious monster that smells bad and has been rumored to live in remote Ohio woodlands since the mid-1700s? No. No, I don’t.

But many people do. So many, in fact, that the Buckeye State has no less than three annual conferences dedicated to Bigfoot believers. Much of the activity takes place in and around Ohio’s largest state park, Salt Fork State Park in Guernsey County near Cambridge.

“The Bigfoot page is the most visited section of our website,” says Debbie Robinson, executive director of the Cambridge/Guernsey County Visitors and Convention Bureau.

“Our 2019 events calendar includes the annual Ohio Bigfoot Conference, Bigfoot Adventure Weekends, Creature Weekends, and monthly Bigfoot night hikes at the park.”

Another name for Bigfoot is Sasquatch, and true believers refer to themselves as “Squatchers.” USA Today even ranked Salt Fork as one of the top 10 “Squatchiest” places in the country.

John Hickenbottom, a state naturalist at Salt Fork, coordinates the monthly summer Bigfoot night hikes, which take place during the holiday weekends of Memorial Day, the Fourth of July, and Labor Day. “The hikes have become very popular,” says Hickenbottom, “with anywhere from 150 to 300 people attending each time we hold one. We offer both a family-friendly hike and one for adults only.”

Saturday, May 4, will mark the eighth annual Ohio Bigfoot Conference at Salt Fork. Attended by several thousand people including vendors, the official conference is only one day, but activities extend over the entire weekend. Its website says the conference has grown into the world’s premier Bigfoot conference.

One of a half-dozen Bigfoot experts and celebrities who spoke at last year’s conference — and who is scheduled to appear again this year — is James “Bobo” Fay. Hailing from California, Fay is best known for his role on the Animal Planet TV show Finding Bigfoot. Fay says he sighted his first Sasquatch in 2001 in northern California and has seen several more in various places across the country. He’s not yet spotted a Sasquatch during his visits to Ohio, but claims to have heard two, both at Salt Fork State Park.

8 OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • APRIL 2019

GATHERING A carved Bigfoot family tries to look inconspicuous at the Ohio Bigfoot Conference (left); Bigfoot expert Bobo Fay (black shirt) poses for a photo with a fan.

Asked why he believes Salt Fork is so “Squatchy,” Fay says that it’s the perfect Bigfoot habitat. “Sasquatch are omnivores, eating both vegetation and preying on other animals, and Salt Fork is a large natural area with plenty of wild foods. It also has a huge white-tailed deer population, which helps a Bigfoot survive the winter.”

Bigfoot sightings have been reported from every state except Hawaii and by all demographics. “The number of reports nationally tends to correlate with rainfall totals,” Fay says. “For instance, 95 percent of Bigfoot reports come from areas with at least 20 inches or more of annual rainfall. In desert regions, there are very few sightings, virtually none. So, a Bigfoot sighting is not a cultural phenomenon — it’s a biological phenomenon.”

According to Fay, the Ohio Bigfoot Conference is the oldest, biggest, and best-run Bigfoot conference in the country. “It’s a great time and definitely something people should check out,” he says.

By the way, Salt Fork State Park is on Guernsey-Muskingum Electric Cooperative lines. Would that make any Bigfoot found living within the park an electric co-op member?

For more information, visit www.ohiobigfootconference.org and www. visitguernseycounty.com.

W.H. “CHIP” GROSS (whchipgross@gmail.com) is Ohio Cooperative Living’s outdoors editor, and in all his years spent outdoors, he’s not yet spotted a Bigfoot ... but he’s looking!

APRIL 2019 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING 9

OHIO ICON

THE MIAMISBURG MOUND Miamisburg

BY DAMAINE VONADA

Location: On a 100-foot-high bluff near the Great Miami River in Miamisburg Mound Park.

Provenance: Originally measuring 68 feet or more in height, the conically shaped Miamisburg Mound was built by members of the Adena culture, who flourished in what is now southern Ohio from approximately 800 B.C. to 100 B.C. The Adena — and later, the more sophisticated Hopewells — built thousands of earthworks near the Ohio River and its tributaries, and it’s believed that the Miamisburg Mound was constructed layer by layer as a burial place. “The Miamisburg area was probably an Adena gathering site,” says Miamisburg Historical Society curator Gary Petticrew. “We don’t know when they started the Miamisburg Mound, but it probably took hundreds of years to reach its zenith.”

Pioneer Jacob Lawres purchased acreage containing the mound in 1806 and subsequently sold it to John Treon, who appreciated the mound’s historical and archeological significance. Although most ancient earthworks were leveled to make way for farms, quarries, roads, and factories during the 1800s, Treon and his descendants protected the Miamisburg Mound. In 1920, the Treon family sold it to Dayton industrialist Charles Kettering, who later donated the mound and 37 surrounding acres of parkland to the state historical society. The Civilian Conservation Corps constructed stone steps as a public works project in the 1930s, allowing visitors to ascend from the base to the top of Miamisburg Mound.

Significance: Despite an 1869 excavation attempt that likely diminished its height to 65 feet, the Miamisburg Mound remains Ohio’s tallest — and one of the nation’s largest — conical earthworks. With 116 steps leading to an observation platform at its summit, the mound also is famous for its panoramic views of the Great Miami River Valley.

Currently: The Ohio History Connection owns the Miamisburg Mound, the city of Miamisburg maintains Mound Park, and the Miamisburg Historical Society organizes tours and special events.

It’s a little-known fact that: Two pioneering archaeologists from Chillicothe — newspaper editor Ephraim Squier and physician Edwin Davis — surveyed the Miamisburg Mound for their landmark scientific research study, Ancient Monuments of the Mississippi Valley. Released in 1848, Ancient Monuments was the Smithsonian Institution’s debut publication, and its very first figure depicts the “Great Mound at Miamisburgh, Ohio.”

The Miamisburg Mound, 900 Mound Rd., Miamisburg, OH 45342. For additional information, call 866-580-6508 or 937-859-5000 or visit www.ohiohistory.org/visit/museum-and-site-locator/ miamisburg-mound or www.historicalmiamisburg.org.

10 OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • APRIL 2019

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APRIL 2019 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING 11

IN THE GARDEN

BROCCOLI BASICS Broccoli is one of the easiest of veggies to grow, but it takes a bit of finesse to finish with a cut that’s head and shoulders above the rest.

BY KRIS WETHERBEE; PHOTO BY RICK WETHERBEE

M

any of us gardeners have our vegetable favorites, but truth be told, I’m a bit biased when it comes to broccoli. Not only do its flowers attract beneficial insects, but its culinary versatility and ease of growing make this cool-season favorite one of the most desirable vegetables to grow in the kitchen garden. When grown in the cool weather of spring or fall, the result is a sweeter-tasting head with gourmet flavor. Growing broccoli with sweet, tender, tasty heads is all about getting plants off to a good start, keeping them content, and heeding the signs.

The need for speed — One of the best-kept secrets to growing a prime head of broccoli is to grow it fast. Any setbacks that slow down the plant’s growth will result in inferior-tasting heads. Transplants are key for early-spring plantings. Set out four- to six-week-old hardened-off starts in the ground about four weeks before your last spring frost (young seedlings can withstand a light frost, but be sure to cover them if a heavy frost is expected). For fall-harvested crops, seeds sown directly into the ground in July to early August may produce more vigorous plants.

Another way to speed things along is with the right amount of sun, soil, and water.

Choose a sunny location with at least five hours of daily sun. Moist but well-draining soil rich in organic matter is best, with a soil pH between 6.0 and 6.8 and soil temperatures between 55 and 75 degrees. Deep, consistent moisture is key — lack of adequate moisture can result in premature, poor-quality heads. Mulch helps to maintain soil moisture, moderate soil temperatures, and keep roots cool.

Happy plants make for tasty heads — Broccoli is a moderately heavy feeder, so keep plants well-fed by digging in a 2- to 4-inch layer of compost or a thin layer of rotted manure before planting. Work in about a half shovelful of either aged manure or compost or mix in 1/4 cup (per plant) of complete, nitrogen-rich organic fertilizer.

If your soil fertility needs a boost, you may also need to side-dress plants with additional compost, rotted manure, or other nitrogen-rich fertilizer, such as fish meal. Start with a light side dressing when the central head is about an inch across.

More may be needed once the central main head has been cut.

Heed the harvest signs — All your efforts to grow broccoli with great taste will be in vain if you miss the signs on when to harvest the head. For best flavor, harvest when the unopened flower buds are just starting to swell, but before they begin to yellow. Wait too long and the stalks will become tough, with stronger-tasting heads.

Harvest heads in the cool of the morning before the heat sets in the plant. Cut the central stalk at a 45-degree angle, about 5 to 8 inches below the head. Doing so will encourage side-shoot production and increase plant yield. Harvesting these side shoots regularly will encourage continued production.

KRIS WETHERBEE is a master gardener from Oregon.

12 OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • APRIL 2019

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READER RECIPE CONTEST

Meatless Monday

Ground rules • Entrants must be electric cooperative members or residents of an electric cooperative household.

Does your family do “meatless Mondays” or something similar? Are you a full-time vegetarian, or maybe just an occasional one?

For our 2019 Ohio Cooperative Living reader recipe contest, we’re looking for the best meatless main dish recipe in Ohio. Whether it’s extra hearty or more on the lighter side, send us your best!

The grand-prize winner will receive an Ohio-made KitchenAid stand mixer.

• To enter, write down your recipe, including all ingredients and measurements, directions, and number of servings. Then tell us the basic story behind your recipe — when, why, or how YOU do meatless. Is your recipe a family tradition, passed down through generations? Or did you make it up one day out of thin air? A good back story can never hurt!

• Submissions may be an original recipe or one adapted from an existing recipe published elsewhere, with at least three distinct changes from the published version.

• On each recipe, include your name and address, a phone number and email address where you can be contacted, and the name of your electric cooperative.

• Entries should be submitted by email to memberinteract@ohioec. org, or sent to Catherine Murray, care of Ohio Cooperative Living, 6677 Busch Blvd., Columbus, OH 43229.

• Limit of three recipes per entrant.

Two runners-up will receive consolation gifts.

Entry deadline: May 16, 2019

• Contest winners will be announced in the September edition of Ohio Cooperative Living.

Technical Scholarships Available for Adult and High School Co-op Members Rules and applications are available at www.ohioec.org/TechnicalScholarship APPLICATION DEADLINE: April 30

14 OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • APRIL 2019

GOOD EATS

Ffungus lavorful

High in fiber and vitamin-rich, mushrooms are a healthy and versatile way to enhance any meal.

SIMPLE MUSHROOM SALAD Prep: 5 minutes | Servings: 4 Le aves from 1 large head bibb lettuce, washed 16 ounces white mushrooms, sliced thin 2 tablespoons oregano

2 teaspoons garlic salt 1/2 teaspoon pepper 4 tablespoons olive oil 1 lemon, juiced

On four salad plates or a large platter, lay down lettuce leaves. Top with sliced mushrooms and sprinkle with oregano, garlic salt, and pepper. Drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice. Serve cold.

Per serving: 172 calories, 15 grams fat (2 grams saturated fat), 7.4 grams total carbs, 3 grams fiber, 4.6 grams protein

APRIL 2019 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING 15

PORTOBELLO BEEF BURGUNDY Prep: 20 minutes | Cook: 7–9 hours | Servings: 6 3 tablespoons canola oil 1/4 cup all-purpose flour 11/2 cups dry red wine 1 teaspoon salt 1 tablespoon beef bouillon 1 teaspoon garlic powder 1 pound sliced baby portobello 1/2 teaspoon thyme mushrooms 1 teaspoon rosemary 1 pound egg noodles, cooked 1/2 teaspoon pepper parsley for garnish (optional) 2 pounds stew beef In a large bowl, combine first six ingredients. Add beef, tossing to coat.

Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Brown beef in a single layer, flipping to brown all sides. When done, transfer to slow cooker.

Add wine to skillet, stirring to loosen browned bits from pan. Add bouillon and bring to a boil. Transfer to slow cooker. Cover and cook on low for 7 to 9 hours, until meat is tender. Stir in mushrooms. Cover and cook on high 30 minutes longer, until sauce is slightly thickened.

Serve hot over noodles and garnish with parsley if desired.

Per serving: 474 calories, 18 grams total fat (1 gram saturated fat), 28 grams total carbs, 2 grams fiber, 40 grams protein

MUSHROOM AND SUN-DRIED TOMATO CROSTINI Prep: 15 minutes | Cook: 25 minutes | Servings: 12 8 ounces sun-dried tomatoes in French or Italian baguette olive oil 1/4 cup olive oil 4 ounces Parmesan cheese, divided 1 teaspoon salt 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard 1/4 teaspoon pepper 11/2 teaspoons garlic powder 1 pound white mushrooms 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper Preheat oven to 350 F. Cut baguette into ½-inch slices. In a shallow dish, pour olive oil and mix in salt and pepper. Dip each slice into olive oil, coating both sides, and place on an ungreased baking sheet. Bake for 20 minutes or until bread is golden brown and crispy, flipping halfway through. Remove crostini and let cool.

In a food processor, finely chop mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes, and 2 ounces of Parmesan cheese. Stir in Dijon mustard, garlic powder, and crushed red pepper. Place mushroom mixture in large skillet and sauté on medium heat until hot and bubbling. Serve on top of crostini, garnished with Parmesan cheese.

Per serving: 158 calories, 11 grams fat (2.5 grams saturated fat), 10 grams total carbs, 1.6 grams fiber, 6 grams protein

16 OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • APRIL 2019

BAKED MUSHROOM AND SPINACH TAQUITOS Prep: 15 minutes | Cook: 15 minutes | Servings: 4 1/2 pound portobello mushrooms, sliced thin 6 ounces lite cream cheese, softened 1/3 cup plus 1/2 cup light sour cream 4 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, divided 1 teaspoon plus 1/4 teaspoon cumin 2 cups spinach 11/2 cups shredded colby jack cheese 12 6-inch corn tortillas cooking spray 1 tablespoon minced fresh cilantro 1 teaspoon lime juice 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder Preheat oven to 425 F. Cook mushrooms in a single layer in a dry skillet over medium heat for 2 to 3 minutes to release moisture.

In a food processor, blend cream cheese, 1/3 cup sour cream, 2 chipotle peppers, and 1 teaspoon cumin until smooth. Add mushrooms, spinach, and colby jack cheese, pulsing to combine.

In batches of 4, spread tortillas out on a microwave-safe plate. Cover with a damp paper towel and microwave for 30 seconds. Take out of microwave and remove one tortilla at a time from plate. Place filling on one end of tortilla and roll tightly, careful not to overfill. Place seam-down in a 9 x 13-inch baking dish coated with cooking spray. Repeat with remaining tortillas and filling.

Spray top of taquitos with cooking spray. Bake 13 to 15 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.

To make dipping sauce, chop remaining two peppers and combine them with remaining 1/2 cup sour cream, 1/4 teaspoon cumin, cilantro, lime juice, and garlic powder. Serves 4 as appetizers, 2 as a meal.

Per appetizer serving: 496 calories, 27 grams fat (17 grams saturated fat), 45 grams total carbs, 8 grams fiber, 21 grams protein

APRIL 2019 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING 17

CO-OP SPOTLIGHT

GUERNSEY-MUSKINGUM ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE

G

uernsey-Muskingum Electric Cooperative (GMEC) serves 17,091 consumer-members in east-central Ohio. The unglaciated terrain doesn’t lend itself to wide swaths of farmland, but the hills make for fine pasturelands for cattle raising, and poultry barns fit nicely in the valleys. Because it’s situated in the midst of the Utica Shale, the oil and gas industry is a strong economic driver for the region.

Avon calling!

GMEC’s largest consumer-member, in terms of electricity use, is the Avon distribution center in Zanesville. Around 2.8 million Avon products are handled in this nearly 600,000-square-foot facility every day.

Proud heritage Astronaut and Senator John Glenn and his wife, Annie, grew up in the area and attended nearby Muskingum University. The John and Annie Glenn Museum in New Concord offers tours that enlighten visitors about the statesman’s life and career.

The great outdoors The area has much to offer for outdoorsmen and women. Hunting is a popular pastime in this area of the state, and an abundance of state-owned and privately run spaces in the area served by GMEC means there’s no lack of opportunities for getting back to nature.

One of GMEC’s best-known consumer-members, The Wilds is a 10,000-acre conservation and education center operated by the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium.

Visitors ride in open-air vehicles through the habitats of wild creatures, including rhinos, zebras, giraffes, and ostriches. Wild animals aren’t always friends to electrical distribution, though. GMEC once had to help the facility safely relocate ospreys that thought the tops of electrical poles were a good place to build their massive nests.

GMEC also powers Ohio’s largest state park. Hiking, fishing, golfing, a public beach, educational programs led by a naturalist, and more are available within the 17,229 acres of Salt Fork State Park. Fully equipped cabins are available to rent, as are accommodations with plenty of amenities at the lodge.

Most recently, the state opened the Jesse Owens State Park and Wildlife Area, adding 5,735 acres of recreational land to the region, with a promise to expand to over 13,000 acres.

Deerassic Park Education Center holds programs and events designed for the whole family to learn about and enjoy the outdoors. A herd of 30 deer call the property their home. Guernsey-Muskingum Electric Cooperative hosts a family fun day there every year, providing food and activities for members and their families.

18 OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • APRIL 2019

BUTLER RURAL ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE

Don’t forget to register for the annual meeting!

Join us at the cooperative’s annual meeting on Thursday, April 25 How to register for the meeting The meeting is at Miami University’s Millett Hall.

Registration begins at 5 p.m., and the business meeting takes place at 6:30. Tickets are $8.50 per person and will be added to your electric bill after the meeting. To register for the meeting, fill out the registration card on the front cover of the February issue of this magazine, visit butlerrural.coop, call the cooperative’s office at 513-867-4400 or 800-255-2732, or email butler@butlerrural.coop.

Annual meeting entertainment Entertainment will follow the business meeting. Guests will enjoy the popular band the Atlantic City Boys this year. The Atlantic City Boys are four dynamic lead singers who have wowed audiences in Las Vegas and Walt Disney World. They have also performed on cruise ships around the world.

Their show is an exciting mix of world-class vocals and interactive comedy featuring the rock-n-roll harmonies of The Beach Boys, The Drifters, the Bee Gees, and Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons. The Atlantic City Boys have performed with many greats like Jay Leno, Huey Lewis, Patti LaBelle, and The Temptations.

Democratic member control As a member of Butler Rural Electric Cooperative, you are also an owner of the cooperative. It is your right and responsibility to understand how the cooperative operates, and the annual meeting will provide that opportunity for you. The meeting also gives you the

chance to discuss issues and changes you feel would positively affect the entire cooperative membership.

As a not-for-profit electric cooperative, we operate with the sole purpose of serving you, our member.

The cooperative relies on your input to make changes, set goals, and prepare for the future needs of our members.

Robert Hoelle VICE PRESIDENT, BOARD OF TRUSTEES

At the annual meeting, you will be involved with and participate in the democratic process by voting for members of the board of trustees if you have not voted by mail or online before the meeting.

Democratic member control is one of the principles the cooperative was founded on and still abides by today. Our members have the responsibility of choosing trustees who will best reflect their interests and the interests of their community.

We hope to see you soon!

Your attendance at the annual meeting is appreciated and valued. It’s a time for members to be together, socialize, and have an enjoyable evening. You will also exercise your rights and privileges as a cooperative member and witness the cooperative business model in action, doing what it does best — looking out for you.

APRIL 2019 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING 19

BUTLER RURAL ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE

Official Notice of Annual Meeting of Members Butler Rural Electric Cooperative Inc. 3888 Stillwell Beckett Road Oxford, OH 45056 The 82nd meeting of the members of Butler Rural Electric Cooperative Inc., will be held on Thursday, April 25, 2019, at Millett Hall, Miami University in Oxford, Ohio. Dinner and registration will begin at 5 p.m., and a business meeting will follow at 6:30 p.m. to take action on the following matters: 1. The report of officers, trustees, and committees; 2. The election of three trustees of the cooperative; 3. All other business that may come before the meeting or any adjournment thereof.

In connection with the election of three trustees scheduled for this meeting, the following members have been nominated for trustees by the nominating committee or petition pursuant to the Code of Regulations:

District #3 Somers Township Tom McQuiston 2283 Oxford Germantown Road Camden, Ohio 45311

District #4 Gratis and German townships

District #9 Ross, Fairfield, Crosby, and Colerain townships

Richard Bair 8517 Gratis Jacksonburg Road Camden, Ohio 45311

Chuck Benjey 2645 London Ridge Trail Hamilton, Ohio 45013

Tammy Mann 4027 Northern Road Somerville, Ohio 45064

William “Butch” Foster Jr. 3216 Layhigh Road Hamilton, Ohio 45013 Charles “Chuck” Heis 11668 Oxford Road Harrison, Ohio 45030

David Evans, Secretary/Treasurer Dated: January 30, 2019

20 OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • APRIL 2019

BUTLER RURAL ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE

ALL MEMBERS VOTE! One of the easiest ways for you to have a voice in the cooperative is to participate in the election of the Butler Rural Electric Cooperative Board of Trustees. Trustees are members of the cooperative just like you and serve as the voice of the membership.

Seven Cooperative Principles set Butler Rural Electric Cooperative apart from other utilities and businesses.

These principles lead the cooperative to do business in a better way every single day. The second cooperative principle is “Democratic Member Control.” This principle states that members vote for trustees who represent them on the board of trustees, which governs the cooperative.

Beginning this year, Butler Rural Electric Cooperative members will have the opportunity to vote online, by mail, or at the annual meeting. These voting options ensure that all members have a voice in the democratic process of their cooperative.

Ways to vote: Mail All members will receive a ballot in the mail. Included with the ballot will be instructions on how to vote, board candidate information, and a postagepaid envelope. Ballots will be mailed to all members on Friday, March 22, and will be accepted through Thursday, April 18. Ballots must be returned by mail using the envelope included with the ballot. Your vote is completely confidential. The ballots you receive in the mail will not be accepted at the annual meeting.

Online Members can vote online by going to the cooperative’s website, butlerrural.coop. Instructions for voting online will be included with the voting information that will be mailed to all members on March 22.

Online voting will begin on March 22 and will end on April 18. Your vote is completely confidential.

Annual meeting Voting will take place during the cooperative’s annual meeting. The 2019 annual meeting is Thursday, April 25, at Miami University’s Millett Hall, 500 E. Sycamore St., Oxford, Ohio 45056. Registration begins at 5 p.m. and the business meeting begins at 6:30. Members are encouraged to vote online or by mail even if they plan to attend the annual meeting. If you vote online or by mail, you will not be permitted to vote at the annual meeting.

APRIL 2019 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING 20A

Committed to the job.

Committed to safety.

Committed to you, our members.

Lineworker Appreciation Day April 8, 2019

20B OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • APRIL 2019

BUTLER RURAL ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE

MEET THE CANDIDATES Three board seats are up for election in 2019. The members running for Butler Rural Electric Cooperative’s Board of Trustees are listed below and on the following pages. Members can vote for one candidate in each district up for election.

All candidates were asked to provide the following information: 1. Number of years as a member of Butler Rural Electric Cooperative 2. Education and specific degrees 3. Current employment and employment history 4. Leadership and community activities 5. Why are you interested in becoming a member of Butler Rural Electric Cooperative’s Board of Trustees or serving another term?

District 3 Somers Township Number of years as a member 47 years Education High school graduate Employment Full-time farmer

Tom McQuiston RESIDENT OF SOMERS TOWNSHIP

Leadership and community activities I serve on the boards for the Preble County Park District, McCulloughHyde Hospital Foundation, Ohio Rural Electric Cooperatives, and the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association. In the past, I have served as a county commissioner, Farm Bureau board member, and Soil and Water Conservation District board member.

Why are you interested in serving another term on Butler Rural Electric Cooperative’s Board of Trustees?

Having served for a number of years

as a trustee on Butler Rural Electric Cooperative’s board, as well as our statewide association and national association, my experience has allowed me to form an appreciation for the work cooperatives have done to improve the way of life for our members, and I feel that in a small way, I have been a part of that work. With new technologies on the horizon, renewable energy sources, and many other opportunities and challenges, I feel that this is an important time to be involved in our industry, and that is why I would like to continue serving as a trustee for the members of Butler Rural Electric Cooperative.

Tom McQuiston is running unopposed. The cooperative’s Code of Regulations allows a candidate to run unopposed for Butler Rural Electric Cooperative’s Board of Trustees.

APRIL 2019 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING 20C

BUTLER RURAL ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE

District 4 Gratis and German townships Number of years as a member 42 years Education Preble Shawnee High School graduate, attended Miami University Employment I served in the U.S. Army from 1970 to 1973, with a tour in Korea. I retired from AK Steel after 30 years in the Energy Department as a stationary steam engineer.

Richard Bair RESIDENT OF GRATIS TOWNSHIP

Gratis Township fiscal officer for 12 years. I was a Butler Rural Electric Cooperative trustee for 12 years, earning my Credentialed Cooperative Director Certificate and Board Leadership Certificate.

Why are you interested in becoming a member of Butler Rural Electric Cooperative’s Board of Trustees?

I would like to be a trustee because I thoroughly enjoyed being a trustee for the organization.

Leadership and community activities I served as a Gratis Township trustee for 20 years and was the

District 4 Gratis and German townships Number of years as a member 21 years Education Franklin High School, Hondros College of Insurance Employment Allstate Insurance Company insurance agent Leadership and community activities I am a previous board member, coach and sponsor for SAY Soccer, and have been involved with Preble County

Tammy Mann RESIDENT OF GRATIS TOWNSHIP

20D OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • APRIL 2019

Head Start. I have coached many young people in different sports. My company, Tammy Mann Insurance Agency, has participated in Toys for Tots for the past eight years.

Why are you interested in serving another term on Butler Rural Electric Cooperative’s Board of Trustees?

I would like to continue to serve as a trustee because I believe it is important to continue to provide affordable electric service to our members.

BUTLER RURAL ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE

District 9 Ross, Fairfield, Colerain, and Crosby townships

Chuck Benjey RESIDENT OF ROSS TOWNSHIP

Number of years as a member 21 years

engineer, working directly with doctors and nurses worldwide.

Education Bachelor of Science, electrical engineering

Leadership and community activities I am my homeowners association president. I chair association meetings and manage covenant compliance. As an association member, I participate in neighborhood clean-ups. I also co-chaired the street repaving committee, where I managed specification development, bidding, and contract award through the completion of the paving project.

Employment Retired from a dual career as a consulting engineer, where I was involved from feasibility through construction and start-up of utility, chemical, and pharmaceutical facilities for 22 years. I worked a subsequent 22 years for a Fortune 500 surgical device company. During the initial years, I designed and managed several awardwinning corporate energy management projects, exceeding corporate-mandated 10 percent reductions by achieving 25 percent reduction. I then transitioned into the Quality and Regulatory Compliance Division as a field quality

Why are you interested in becoming a member of Butler Rural Electric Cooperative’s Board of Trustees?

I believe as a member of Butler Rural Electric Cooperative, it is my obligation to volunteer and share my energybased experience to the benefit of the cooperative and the community.

District 9 Ross, Fairfield, Colerain, and Crosby townships Number of years as a member 32 years Education Eastern Kentucky University, Bachelor of Science, livestock production; Ohio Environmental Protection Agency Class 3 Wastewater Operator License; 3G welding certified

William “Butch” Foster Jr. RESIDENT OF ROSS TOWNSHIP

Employment I have worked on my family’s farm since 1975. I have also worked for Ford Motor Company and am a retired industrial wastewater operator. I also did light excavating, dump truck service, and minor welding and machining jobs.

Leadership and community activities I am a former FFA officer and am a Southwest Antique Tractor Club board director. I presided over eight different Masonic bodies and was charter master for one. I am the assistant troop leader and parent committee chair for Boy Scout Troop 923 in Ross and am a Ross Community United Methodist Church trustee.

Why are you interested in serving another term on Butler Rural Electric Cooperative’s Board of Trustees?

I want to teach members about the Seven Cooperative Principles. My biggest concern is helping members receive the best value of electricity. I’m also excited to see the development of solar power as technology advances. I see solar as a major power supplier in several generations.

APRIL 2019 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING 20E

BUTLER RURAL ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE

District 9 Ross, Fairfield, Colerain, and Crosby townships Number of years as a member 33 years Education Certified Public Accountant Certificate; University of Cincinnati, Bachelor of Business Administration in accounting, Master of Business Administration in quantitative analysis

Charles “Chuck” Heis RESIDENT OF CROSBY TOWNSHIP

Employment I am a retired certified public accountant and retired as the city of Hamilton income tax auditor. I was the previous controller and internal auditor for Home Federal Savings Bank in Hamilton.

Leadership and community activities I am a Crosby Township trustee and a previous Crosby Township fiscal officer.

I am a board member of Western Joint

BILL CREDIT WINNERS Did you attend the cooperative’s 2018 annual meeting? If so, you could be the winner of a $50 bill credit! All attendees who did not win a bill credit at the annual meeting are eligible to win. Congratulations to the February winners!

Emerson Adkins Merle Depew Mary Dorrel Steven Fritzsche Joseph Pater

20F OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • APRIL 2019

Ambulance District and am the Crosby Township Historical Society treasurer. I also served as president, vice president, and treasurer for my church in the past.

Why are you interested in becoming a member of Butler Rural Electric Cooperative’s Board of Trustees?

I believe in promoting renewable energy, especially hydroelectric plants and residential environment-friendly sources.

Member satisfaction and employee safety would be my main concern as a trustee.

Chuck Heis was nominated by petition.

To submit a petition, Chuck collected 25 signatures from cooperative members and submitted the petition to the cooperative’s office. Chuck was interviewed by the nominating committee and the committee determined Chuck is qualified to run for the board of trustees.

Energy Efficiency Tip of the Month Streaming content with electronic equipment that has earned the ENERGY STAR rating will use 25 to 30 percent less energy than standard equipment.

Source: energy.gov

BUTLER RURAL ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE

Proposed Code of Regulations changes At the annual meeting on April 25, cooperative members will have the opportunity to discuss and vote on changes to the Code of Regulations. The following pages outline the proposed changes.

The proposed changes reflect changes to the voting process for the cooperative’s board of trustees. If the proposed changes are approved, voting for trustees will

ARTICLE III MEETING OF MEMBERS SECTION 1. Annual Meeting.

The annual meeting of the members shall be held each year at such time and place as selected by the Board and which shall be designated in the notice of the meeting, for the purpose of reporting the results of the election of Trustees, for the purpose of electing Board members, passing upon reports for the previous fiscal year and transacting such other business as may come before the meeting. It shall be the responsibility of the Board to make adequate preparations for the annual meeting.

Failure to hold the annual meeting at the designated time shall not work as forfeiture or dissolution of the Cooperative. In the event that such annual meeting is not held, for any reason, all matters to be attended to will be considered at the next annual meeting, the date and time to be designated by the Board of Trustees.

SECTION 2. Special Meetings.

Special meetings of the members may be called by resolution of the Board, or upon a written request signed by any three Board members, by the President, or by ten percent or more of all members, and it shall thereupon be the duty of the Secretary to cause notice of such meeting to be given as hereinafter provided.

Special meetings of the members may be held at any place within the service area of the Cooperative designated by the Board.

SECTION 3. Notice of Members’ Meetings.

Written or printed notice stating the place, day and hour of the meeting and, in case of a special meeting or an annual meeting at which business requiring special notice is to be transacted, the purpose or purposes for which the meeting is called, shall be delivered not less than ten days nor more than fifty-five days before the date of the meeting, either personally or by mail, by or at the direction of the Secretary, or upon a default

no longer take place at the annual meeting. Voting for trustees will take place online or by mail only.

Copies of the Code of Regulations will be available at the annual meeting. If you would like a full copy prior to the meeting, please contact the cooperative’s office by calling 513-867-4400 or 800-255-2732 or by email at butler@butlerrural.coop.

in duty by the Secretary, by the persons calling the meeting, to each member. If mailed, such notice shall be deemed to be delivered when deposited in the United States mail, addressed to each member as the address appears on the records of the Cooperative, with postage thereon prepaid. The failure of any member to receive notice of an annual or special meeting of the members shall not invalidate any action which may be taken by the members at any such meeting. Notice of adjournment of a members’ meeting need not be given to members present at such adjournment if the time and place to which it is adjourned are fixed and announced at such meeting.

SECTION 4. Quorum.

Two percent of the total membership, present in person at a member meeting, shall constitute a quorum. If less than a quorum is present at any meeting, a majority of those present in person may adjourn the meeting from time to time without further notice, provided that the Secretary shall notify any absent members of the time and place of such adjourned meeting. The members entitled to vote present in person at any meeting of the members duly called and held shall constitute a quorum.

SECTION 5. Voting.

Each member shall be entitled to one (1) vote and no more upon such each matters submitted to a vote of the members. All questions shall be decided by a vote of the majority of the members voting thereon in person or in a manner as provided by the Board of Trustees in accordance with law, the Articles of Incorporation, or this Code of Regulations Voting shall be conducted in person at any meeting of the members for general cooperative business. Voting for the Board of Trustees shall be by mail or electronic ballot only and at a time and manner consistent with these Articles of the Code of Regulations as described hereafter and as determined by the Board of Trustees.

Continued on page 20H

APRIL 2019 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING 20G

BUTLER RURAL ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE

Continued from page 20G

SECTION 6. Order of Business.

The order of business at the annual meeting of the members and, so far as possible, at all other meetings of the members, shall be essentially as follows, except as otherwise determined by the members at such meeting: 1. Reading of the notice of the meeting and proof of the due publication or mailing thereof, or the waiver or waivers of notice of the meeting, as the case may be.

2. Reading of unapproved minutes of previous meetings of the members and the taking of necessary action thereon.

3. Presentation and consideration of reports of officers, Board members, and committees.

4. Confirmation of Nominating Committee 5. Election of Board members Announce the Board of Trustees election results.

6. Unfinished business.

7. New business.

8. Adjournment.

ARTICLE IV BOARD OF TRUSTEES SECTION 1. General Powers.

The entire business and affairs of the Cooperative shall be managed by a board of nine trustees which shall exercise all of the powers of the Cooperative except such are as by law, the Articles of Incorporation or this Code of Regulations conferred upon or reserved to the members.

SECTION 2. Election and Tenure of Office.

The Board shall divide the service area of the Cooperative into nine (9) districts so that equitable representation may be given to the geographic areas served by the Cooperative. The Board shall have the power to change the boundaries of such districts whenever in their opinion the purpose of this Section requires such a change. Each district shall be represented by not less than one Board member. Three Board members shall be elected each year by secret mail or electronic ballot at the annual meeting of the members, or at any meeting held in lieu thereof as hereinbefore provided, by and from the members the membership to serve for a term of three (3) years or until their qualified successors shall have been elected, subject to the provisions of this Code of Regulations with respect to the removal of Board members. Board members may be elected by a plurality vote of the members. Candidates 20H OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • APRIL 2019

standing for election to the Board of Trustees by the membership shall either be nominated by the Nominating Committee or nominated by petition, both in accordance with the Code of Regulations.

A member may vote for members of the Board of Trustees only by mail or electronic ballot by casting their votes at a time prior to the annual member meeting in accordance with the following: (1) the Cooperative will deliver or provide to each member a written mail ballot and/or instructions to access an electronic ballot; (2) the cooperative must count as a member’s vote, a properly completed mail or electronic ballot received on or before the time and date stated in the mail or electronic ballot; (3) a mail or electronic ballot must: (a) identify candidate(s); (b) state the date of a member meeting at which the results of the election or voting are scheduled to be announced; (c) instruct the member how to complete, return, or cast mail or electronic ballot; and (d) state the time and date the completed mail or electronic ballot must be received by the Cooperative.

Except as otherwise provided in this Code of Regulations or by the Board of Trustees, a member may not revoke a completed mail or electronic ballot received by the Cooperative. A member’s failure to receive a ballot does not affect a vote or action taken by mail or electronic ballot.

A mail or electronic ballot may not be procured or cast through fraud or other improper means. As determined by the Cooperative, a mail or electronic ballot procured or cast through fraud or other improper means is invalid.

SECTION 3. Qualifications.

Only the following shall be eligible to become or remain a member of the Board: (a) The candidate or member of the Board must be a natural person who: i. is a member and bona fide resident in the particular district within the service area of the Cooperative which the trustee is to represent. ii. is not in any way employed by or financially interested in a competing enterprise or business including but not limited to the following: A) a business selling electric energy or supplies to the Cooperative,; or B) a business primarily engaged in selling electric energy, electrical appliances, fixtures, or supplies to the members of the Cooperative.

BUTLER RURAL ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE

iii. is not or has not within the last five (5) years preceding the date of the current year’s annual meeting been an employee of the Cooperative in any capacity. iv. is not employed in any capacity by any governmental regulatory agency having jurisdiction or authority over the Cooperative. v. has not been adjudged legally incompetent by any court of law.

An individual seeking appointment or election to the Board shall be qualified by the following: 1) by the Board of Trustees when considering individuals for Board replacement as a result of an Article IV, Section 6 vacancy; 2) by the Committee of Nominations Nominating Committee for individuals seeking election to the Board pursuant to Article IV, Section 2 or Section 4; and 3) by the Committee of Nominations Nominating Committee for individuals seeking election to the Board of a replacement Board member removed pursuant to Article IV, Section 5.

Nothing contained in this Section shall affect in any manner whatsoever the validity of any action taken by the Board.

SECTION 4. Nominations.

It shall be the duty of the Board to annually appoint a Committee of Nominations Nominating Committee consisting of two members from each district so as to ensure equitable representation on the committee to the geographic areas constituting the service area of the Cooperative. The Committee of Nominations Nominating Committee shall be confirmed by the members present at a meeting at which members of the Board are to be elected the annual meeting of the members following their appointment. Members on the Committee of Nominations Nominating

Committee shall possess the same qualifications as required of Board Members pursuant to Article IV, Section 3. No member of the Board or officer may serve on such committee. The committee shall seek out, qualify pursuant to Article IV, Section 3 of the Code of Regulations, and nominate no more than two candidates from each district for each Board member position to be filled pursuant to Article IV, Section 2 and for Board positions that may have resulted from the removal of a Board member pursuant to Article IV, Section 5 of the Code of Regulations. Any twenty-five (25) or more members may also make other nominations for Board positions to be filled pursuant to Article IV, Section 2 by petition not less than one hundred and twenty days (120) days prior to the meeting of the members, said nominations also being subject to Article IV, Section 3. Thereafter, the names of the individuals nominated by the committee and by petition and qualified by the committee shall be posted at the principal office of the Cooperative at least ninety (90) days before the meeting of the members. The Secretary shall be responsible for mailing with the notice of the meeting of members in accordance with Article III, Section 3, a statement of the number of Board members to be elected and the names and addresses of the candidates nominated by the Committee of Nominations Nominating Committee and by petition.

No person shall be voted upon for membership on the Board who has not signified their willingness to serve if elected. Nothing contained in this Section shall affect in any manner whatsoever the validity of any election of Board members or any action taken by the Board.

APRIL 2019 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING 21

BUTLER RURAL ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE

BENEFITS OF TREE TRIMMING

Clearing trees and overgrown vegetation is vital to provide safe, reliable power to our consumer-members.

We clear certain areas in our service territory, known as rights-of-way, to: • Keep power lines clear of tree limbs • Restore power outages more quickly • Keep crews and members of our community safe • Reduce unexpected costs for repairs

Vegetation management improves service reliability for you — our members!

BOARD OF TRUSTEES

Thomas McQuiston

GENERAL MANAGER

Robert Hoelle

Jade Sturgeon

VICE PRESIDENT

CONTACT

David Evans

513-867-4400 | 800-255-2732 butlerrural.coop

SECRETARY/TREASURER

Thomas Humbach

OFFICE

William Foster Jr. Ronald Kolb Tammy Mann James Meador Robert Spaeth Michael Tilton

3888 Stillwell Beckett Road Oxford, Ohio 45056 OFFICE HOURS

Monday–Friday 8 a.m.–5 p.m.

22 OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • APRIL 2019

Michael L. Sims

PRESIDENT

ATTORNEY

TRUSTEES

COMMUNICATIONS REPRESENTATIVE

SMARTHUB

Access your electric use and pay your bill 24/7 through SmartHub at butlerrural.coop.

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APRIL 2019 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING 23

revival Cleveland’s Gotta Groove finds success in record revival.

BY BRIAN ALBRIGHT

24 OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • APRIL 2019

COURTESY OF GOTTA GROOVE RECORDS

GIVING VINYL A SPIN

W

According to the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), vinyl sales hit rock bottom in 2005, when they accounted for less than 1 percent of industry revenues. But Slusarz (a former executive at Newbury-based manufacturer Kinetico) and Earley (a record wholesaler) both felt that vinyl was about to experience significant growth, while existing manufacturing capacity was limited.

“A lot of the new records were being made by indie rock acts, but there weren’t enough copies being made,” Earley says. “It was a challenge at the wholesale level because once a record sold out, it was a long time before you could get more pressed.”

BRIAN ALBRIGHT

hen Vince Slusarz and Matt Earley teamed up to open Gotta Groove Records in Cleveland, a casual music fan might have wondered if they were out of their minds. In 2009, the facility was one of the first new record-pressing plants to open in decades — long after sales of vinyl LPs had been eclipsed by CDs, downloads, and musicstreaming services.

Slusarz had retired and was interested in starting his own company — one that would create manufacturing jobs in the region. He was a longtime fan of vinyl and took note when his college-age daughter started buying new vinyl records.

“I looked at the statistics and saw that vinyl sales were creeping up, and I wondered if there could be a potential business in it,” Slusarz says.

Earley, meanwhile, had come to a similar conclusion about the vinyl market.

He reached out to the same New Jersey pressing plant to make an offer on the equipment, but Slusarz already had the presses. Earley made contacted Slusarz, and after a few months of meetings, he stepped in as Gotta Groove’s vice president of sales and marketing.

Continued on page 26

BRIAN ALBRIGHT

Slusarz had to clear two hurdles, though: He didn’t know anything about making records, and there hadn’t been any new record presses made in decades. He was able to buy his first presses from a New Jersey plant that was about to shut down. He drafted a mechanic from his former company to help set up the equipment.

COURTESY OF GOTTA GROOVE RECORDS

Above: Gotta Groove owner Vince Slusarz displays raw vinyl (top) as well as a lacquer disc used to create the metal record pressing plates. Opposite, a newly pressed record comes off of the stamper. Below, there’s just something about playing a record on a turntable that streaming can’t match.

APRIL 2019 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING 25

Sounds of success Gotta Groove almost immediately attracted clients because of the dearth of pressing plants in the U.S. at the time (there are now around 30), but Slusarz has since grown the business by targeting underserved clientele.

While roughly 20 percent of Gotta Groove’s business comes from major labels, the company primarily fills a niche by providing one-stopshop record production and distribution services for smaller labels and independent artists.

BRIAN ALBRIGHT

Continued from page 25

Gotta Groove occupies part of a sprawling, century-old industrial complex that used to house Tyler Elevator Products. A few dozen employees (many of them local musicians themselves) work at the factory, which operates eight presses and two shifts.

Slusarz’s bet on vinyl has paid off. The RIAA reports that vinyl sales rose from $66 million in 2009 to $395 million in 2017. Gotta Groove now presses 1 million records or more each year — everything from a reissue of Fleetwood Mac’s Greatest Hits to local indie releases.

They also press records for a number of Ohio-based labels, including Rockathon Records, home to Dayton-based indie rock veterans Guided by Voices.

“There’s a desire among people to own something tactile and physical, and there’s some backlash to digital music, too,” Slusarz says. “For younger people, there’s also a social aspect to vinyl. No one says, ‘Come over to my house and listen to streaming music.’ But you can invite people over to put on records, and they can thumb through your albums while they listen. It’s a pleasurable experience.”

Gotta Groove Records is located at 3615 Superior Ave., Suite #4201A, Cleveland, OH 44114. Visitors can tour the plant — just call ahead at 800-295-0171.

Visit their website at www.gottagrooverecords.com.

26 OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • APRIL 2019

BRIAN ALBRIGHT

Making a record is a multistage process. Master recordings are first transformed into a lacquer disc, which is used to create a two-part metal stamper. Those stampers are affixed to the record presses at Gotta Groove, where chunks of raw vinyl are pressed between them, like batter in a waffle iron. Cold water stiffens the vinyl, and after the excess is trimmed off the edges, the records drop into a stack. Quality control staff inspect the records and listen to a sample of each batch before they are packaged and prepared for shipping.

Gotta Groove employees Heath Gmucs (closest to the press) and Kevin McCann inspect one of the company’s record presses (bottom). Once the record is pressed, the excess vinyl is trimmed and the finished record is dropped onto a stack (top).

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APRIL 2019 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING 27

CO-OP PEOPLE

RAMPING it up fter a fortuitous find, South A Central Power Company members specialize in aromatic agriculture.

T

he pursuit of fortune often leads people far from home. Sometimes, however, Lady Luck shows up unannounced literally right in your own backyard.

In 1976, David and Jane Kunkler purchased 40 rural acres in Perry County at a sheriff’s sale, built a home, and moved in. “The land had been uninhabited since 1888,” David Kunkler says. “A family by the name of Elder last lived on it. The husband and wife raised 13 children here.”

The Kunklers, members of South Central Power Company, enjoyed their picturesque property immensely, but they were often curious about the small, green plants that emerged from the forest floor during late winter each year. Growing in profusion, the plants covered 5 acres or more.

28 OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • APRIL 2019

“It wasn’t until 2008, while reading an issue of Bon Appetit magazine, that I discovered the plants were ramps,” Kunkler says. “I learned that some people were paying big money for them — $13 per pound on the East Coast.”

Also known as spring onions, wild leek, wood leek, or wild garlic, ramps grow wild throughout much of the eastern U.S. and north into eastern Canada. According to the Kunklers, the epicenter of ramps in North America is West Virginia. Huntington’s annual April ramp party — April 27 this year — is known as Stink Fest.

Ramps smell and taste much like a crisp, garlicky onion.

The Kunklers prefer them minced into sauces or chopped up and cooked with rice and a little butter. Sliced and fried with potatoes and eggs is also tasty. During spring, the entire plant is edible, including bulb, stem, and slim leaves that measure about 10 to 12 inches long.

David Kunkler, left, shows off part of his harvest from the family ramp-farming operation in Perry County. Kunkler and his wife, Jane, came across acres of ramps growing on their property shortly after they bought it in 1976, and they have turned the find into a profitable mail-order business.

The Kunklers sell ramp seeds (60 seeds for $4) and bulbs ($10 per pound) year-round. They sell whole plants (also $10 per pound) during spring.

“People buy whole plants to eat, but they buy the seeds and bulbs to begin growing their own ramp gardens,” Kunkler says. “It takes five years for seeds to develop into a harvestable ramp patch, but much less time if you plant bulbs.”

The Kunklers are split about how the ramps came to be growing on their property and not on those of any of their neighbors. “I believe it was the Elder family who planted them years ago,” Kunkler says. “Winter vitamin deficiencies were common during the 1800s, and eating spring ramps literally saved people’s lives.”

His wife disagrees, however. “I think that ramps have always grown here naturally, as our land is too steep and rocky for farming. As a result, it has never been plowed or even timbered,” she says.

Jane and David first began selling their ramps to a market in Columbus’s Short North District, as well as to a few highend restaurants in central Ohio. Today, they sell mainly online, shipping 500 to 600 pounds of ramps annually to gourmets in every state except Alaska and Hawaii.

“Our local postmistress in Somerset tells us she knows exactly when one of our boxes arrives for shipping,” Jane Kunkler says. “She can tell by the smell.”

For more information on the Kunklers’ ramp business or to order, visit www.ledgerockfarms.com.

APRIL 2019 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING 29

Scientist CAPTAINS

Academics studying Lake Erie have found an invaluable, if unexpected, source of data.

PHOTO COURTESY OF OHIO SEA GRANT

BY JAMES PROFFITT

Charter captain Dave Spangler (in yellow) practices a little citizen science aboard a Stone Lab vessel near Middle Bass Island.

I

t’s no secret that Lake Erie’s recent algae blooms have a small army of scientists and conservationists working nonstop to remedy its troubles. But a little-known faction has been feeding valuable data to those problemsolvers: charter captains.

Now, more than a dozen captains provide a steady seasonlong stream of info to scientists. “We give the exact location we were when we sampled and offer the water temperature, depth, clarity, and also wind conditions and anything else that’s happening at the time,” Spangler says.

“We first started with the Ohio EPA,” says Dave Spangler, longtime captain and vice president of the Lake Erie Charter Boat Association (LECBA). The EPA, he says, sent lab technicians wading near shore to collect samples. “The better part of the Western Basin just wasn’t getting covered,” he says. “We’re all out there every day already, so why not (make use of us)?”

Algae blooms, which can create harmful toxins in the water, have been around for years, but gained notoriety in 2014, when a massive bloom caused Toledo’s drinking water to become unusable for three days. The Toledo water crisis made international news — and it was terrible for tourism, including the fishing business. Captains’ work as scientists has been expanding ever since.

30 OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • APRIL 2019

PHOTO BY JAMES PROFFITT

Ohio Wildlife Council member George Klein takes a break from fishing to check out the most recent data compiled by charter captains.

“During the past two seasons, we’ve been sport fishing out on the lake with Ohio Division of Wildlife, and we implant walleye with radio telemetry transmitters,” says Paul Pacholski, LECBA president. Pacholski works nearly full time on education, public relations, and data collecting for the group. “We’ve recently worked with Wayne State University on an invasive species study and Heidelberg University on a Maumee River water flow study,” he says. In fact, Pacholski says he and other charter captains have worked with just about every university in the region on not only Lake Erie-related research projects, but also inland marshes and estuaries.

When asked if charter captains weren’t supposed to be out on the lake during the algae crisis, Pacholski laughs. “My mom wrote me a note that said I can go anywhere I want,” he brags.

Justin Chaffin, research coordinator at Stone Lab, Ohio State University’s island science spot (situated on tiny Gibraltar Island at Put-in-Bay), says the partnership works well. “We train the captains to collect the samples, but also to talk about the data and issues with their customers, and that translates into a really great outreach project.”

Chaffin says info from charter captains gets compared to bona fide, professional data — and it’s solid. “It’s surprising how accurate the charter captain data set is,” he says. “The added benefit is they have opportunity to talk with the public about all the issues and disseminate accurate information.”

Captains have their fishy fingers into more than just algae blooms and radio telemetry. Another Stone Lab study determines how water turbidity and algae affect the vision of both walleye and their favorite food, emerald shiners.

“We’re learning some really cool things about which lure colors that walleye prefer under different conditions,” says Suzanne Gray, assistant professor of aquatic physiological ecology at Ohio State. Spoiler alert: “When there’s an algae bloom, I believe having black components in the lure is beneficial,” she says.

While Gray and staff have been working with fish in the laboratory, captains are doing the same on the lake via a cellphone app developed by graduate student Chelsey Nieman. The app allows captains to capture and send on-the-water data — and photos — back to Stone Lab. The photos provide information as detailed as a fish’s eye size, exact location of a catch, and an image of water at the site, all of which is meshed with satellite imagery and info from scientific buoys and weather stations.

“They have a vinyl sheet with a ruler on it,” Gray says.

“There’s a color wheel and a place to put the lure that caught the fish. They place fish on the ruler, the lure in the box, and take a photo off the side of the boat. Some of the charter captains love to email Chelsey with their stories. I think it’s great.”

This summer, Gray, staff, and students will fish with captains in controlled angling studies. “So far, they’re only telling us what’s successful, not all the lures they switched out, all the ones that didn’t catch fish. This is the first time I’ve tapped into the expertise of people who are actually out there, the ones on the water. They know the lake and they know the fish, and that’s been truly awesome.”

JAMES PROFFITT is a freelance writer from Marblehead.

APRIL 2019 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING 31

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APRIL 2019 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING 33

These walls can talk Dozens of Ohio post offices contain history lessons on community and American can-do spirit.

BY JAMIE RHEIN

D

uring the Great Depression, two federal programs — the Public Works of Art Project (PWAP) and the Federal Art Project (FAP), which was a part of the Works Progress Administration (WPA) — put thousands of artists to work. Murals were painted across the U.S., including more than 60 in Ohio, with post offices reaping the bounty.

The post offices, several of which themselves were built with WPA money, “are a great snapshot of Ohio history and public art,” says Barbara Powers, head of the State Historic Preservation Office. “So many murals focused on scenes with local connections and an element of nostalgia.” Many of the buildings still retain their original woodwork and features.

The murals, mostly oil on canvas and glued to the walls, are as varied as the communities that inspired them.

When artist Albert Kotin took on the Ada post office mural in 1939, he imagined life in the 1800s when “people had settled down to peaceful pursuits,” he wrote.

His Country Dance is a lively mix of musicians, partnerswinging couples, and children joining in.

In Marysville, James Egleson’s nostalgic view depicts two farmers, hoes propped nearby, reading their newspapers as their cows look on. In 1940, Egleson painted The Farmer fresco-style, directly on a post office wall.

Ron Best’s 1942 mural in the Waverly post office also tells of nostalgic times. Arrival of the Packet shows a boat with passengers traveling along a canal while townspeople look on.

Artist Wendell Jones turned to Granville’s religious past for inspiration. In the 1938 First Pulpit in Granville, settlers join in thanks after cutting down a tree for their first altar

34 OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • APRIL 2019

and pulpit. For Jones, his painting shows Americans as those who “shall never be destroyed.”

At age 13, Herman Wessel went to the Cincinnati Art Academy, beginning a career that spanned the world. His two 7-foot murals in the Springfield post office depict the city’s early industries. Printing in Springfield and Manufacture of Farm Implements are in the post office’s original section, which is now a museum. The detailed, art deco postal windows and the period artifacts round out the artistic touches in the room.

Like the Springfield post office, other post offices have changed. The original post office in Fairborn has been turned into a library. Fortunately, the 1941 Wright Brothers in Ohio mural by Henry Simon was moved to the town’s new post office.

In 1940, when Lloyd R. Ney painted his New London Facets in the New London post office, town resident Vaughn Neel was 11 years old. Later, as the post office’s window clerk, Neel created a binder of mural-related correspondence and articles. “This is one of three murals like it in the U.S.,” recalls Neel, who at 88, recently retired as treasurer of the New London Historical Society. Ney pushed for his abstract design to be accepted by the FAP, which leaned toward realistic scenes. Recently cleaned, the mural showcases the bright colors of Ney’s vision, and the post office still has the binder that Neel created.

Ohio native Richard Zoellner has murals in two post offices.

Tobacco Harvest, painted in 1938 for the Georgetown post office, shows farmers in a tobacco field with Georgetown’s prominent buildings in the background. His smaller 1937 murals in the Portsmouth post office, Coal Barges and Waterfront, depict that town’s river history.

Also at the Portsmouth post office, town native and artist Clarence H. Carter’s four murals, Characteristic Local Scenes in Portsmouth, cover three walls. Although Carter’s visual story of Portsmouth’s riverboat, farming, and factory history is stunning, for longtime resident Robert Mohl, the mural of the town’s 1937 flood is most remarkable. “See how the sacks were filled to try to stop the water,” he says, pointing to the frantic scene.

For Mohl, 80, the murals opened his mind when he was a child. “When you are a kid, you are down so low — the murals are up so high.

It’s staggering to realize that the world isn’t billboards once you appreciate the world of handmade, of brushes, colors, and ideas.”

JAMIE RHEIN is a freelance writer from Columbus.

Opposite page: Richard Zoellner’s Tobacco Harvest adorns the wall at the post office in Georgetown; Manufacture of Farm Implements (above) is one of two murals Herman Wessel created for the post office at Springfield; right, top to bottom: Country Dance in the Ada post office imagines life in the 1800s; Lloyd R. Ney had to lobby the Federal Art Project to accept his abstract design for the New London post office; Clarence H. Carter painted four murals that cover three walls at the post office in Portsmouth.

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APR. 13 – Bucyrus Model Railroad Association Train Show and Swap Meet, Crawford Co. Fgds., 610 Whetstone St., Bucyrus, 10 a.m.–4 p.m. $5, under 12 free. Club Room will be open with operating layouts for all to enjoy. Exhibit tables available for selling, trading, and swapping. 866-562-0720 or 419-462-5035.

APR. 13 – CMP Monthly Air Rifle and Air Pistol Match, 1000 Lawrence Dr., Port Clinton. Free admission and parking. Competitions feature a Junior Air Rifle 3x20 and 3x10; 60 Shots Air Rifle and Air Pistol match; and 20shot Novice Prone match. Rental equipment is available for a small fee. 419-635-2141 (Brad Donoho), lsherman@ THROUGH APR. 28 – “Expanded Views: Native thecmp.org, or www.thecmp.org.

American Art in Focus,” Toledo Museum of Art, 2445 APR. 20 – Hayes Easter Egg Roll, Spiegel Monroe St., Toledo. Both historical and contemporary Grove, Rutherford B. Hayes Presidential Library and Native American art is featured, including new acquisitions Museums, Fremont, 2–3:30 p.m. Admission is three and a large-scale work by James Lavadour. 419-255-8000 hard-boiled colored eggs. For kids age 3–10. Prizes, or www.toledomuseum.org. games, crafts, and visits with the Easter Bunny. 419APR. 5, 12, 19, 26; MAY 3, 10 – First Fridays, 332-2081 or www.rbhayes.org. downtown Sidney. Participating shops and restaurants APR. 20 – Easter Egg Hunt, Northwest Ohio stay open later, and many offer a First Friday discount.

Railroad Preservation Inc., 12505 Co. Rd. 99, Findlay.

937-658-6945 or www.sidneyalive.org.

Adults, $3; children 12 and under, $2 (includes a train ride).

APR. 7 – Toledo Doll, Bear, and Toy Show, Lucas Continuous egg hunt with multiple age divisions from Co. Fgds., Maumee Rec. Ctr., 2901 Key St., Maumee, 10 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Quarter-scale train rides continue until a.m.–4 p.m., early admission 8:30 a.m. Admission $6; 4 p.m. 419-423-2995, www.nworrp.org, or www. early bird, $20. Free parking. Antique, vintage, artist, and facebook.com/nworrp. modern dolls and bears, as well as accessories, antique APR. 21 – Easter Egg Hunt on the Square, 109 S. toys, vintage holiday items, appraisals, and on-site doll Ohio Ave., Sidney. The hunt starts promptly at 11 a.m. Four stringing. 734-282-0152, sandy4085@hotmail.com. or groups: ages 1–2; 3–5; 6–8; and 9–11. 937-658-6945 or www.toledodollshow.com. www.sidneyalive.org.

APR. 11 – Through the Drinking Glass Tasting APR. 22, 24 – Hidden Spaces, Secret Places and Pairing Event: Ohio Wines, 109 S. Ohio Ave., Tour, downtown Sidney. Tour starts at 109 S. Ohio Ave. Sidney. Time to be determined. 937-658-6945 or www.

Tickets available on website; space is limited. 937-658sidneyalive.org.

6945 or www.sidneyalive.org.

APR. 12–13 – Home Sweet Home: A VintageAPR. 27 – Chocolate and Wine Walk, 5495 Liberty Inspired Market, Allen Co. Fgds., 2750 Harding Hwy., Ave., Vermilion, 11 a.m.–5 p.m. $20. Take a stroll through Lima, Fri. 5–8 p.m., Sat. 9 a.m.–4 p.m. $5, under 12 free. downtown Vermilion while sampling chocolate treats and/ Free swag bags to the first 50 guests. Vintage, rustic, or wine as you visit the quaint shops. 440-967-4477 or primitive, shabby chic, antiques, repurposed, and upcycled http://vermilionchamber.net. items. Food trucks on site. 419-230-1756 or http:// APR. 27–28 – The Fantastic Tiffin Flea Market, homesweethomevintagemarket.com.

Seneca Co. Fgds., 100 Hopewell Ave., Tiffin, Sat. 9 APR. 12–14 – Southern Gospel Expo, Trinity a.m.–4 p.m., Sun. 9 a.m.–3 p.m. Free admission and Friends Church, 605 N. Franklin St., Van Wert, Fri. 5 p.m., parking; handicap accessible. 250 to 400 dealers per Sat. 4 p.m., Sun. 6:30 (doors open at 4 p.m.). Free. Over show. 419-447- 9613, tiffinfleamarket@gmail.com, or 25 gospel groups from around the country. Food court www.tiffinfleamarket.com. available each night. 419-238-2788 or www.trinityvw.com.

APR. 27–28 – Ghost Town Spring Crafts and APR. 12–14 – Zombie Prom: Atomic Edition, Antiques Festival, 10630 Co. Rd. 40, Findlay, Sat. 9 McDonald’s Youth Theatre, 991 N. Shore Dr., Lima, Fri./ a.m.–5 p.m., Sun. 10 a.m.–4 p.m. www.facebook.com/ Sat. 7:30 p.m., Sun. 2 p.m. A girl-loves-ghoul rock ‘n’ roll Ghost-Town-Findlay-Ohio-1525098627787387. off-Broadway musical set in the 1950s. www.amiltellers.org.

NORTHWEST

WEST VIRGINIA

APR. 6 – Wheeling Jamboree Anniversary Show, Capitol Theatre, 1015 Main St., Wheeling, 7–10 p.m. $20–$65. This annual event celebrates the occasion when

the country music program left the radio studio to become the second-oldest country broadcast stage show in history.

304-243-4470 or www.capitoltheatrewheeling.com.

APR. 21 – Easter Day Buffet, North Bend State Park, 202 North Bend Park Rd., Cairo, 11 a.m.–3 p.m. $23.95.

Reservations recommended. Easter egg hunt at 2 p.m.

304-643-2931 or www.northbendsp.com.

MAY 1–OCT. 27 – Blennerhassett Voyage Package, North Bend State Park, 202 North Bend Park Rd., Cairo. $130, includes one night of lodging at North Bend, sternwheeler ride to and from Blennerhassett Island, wagon ride tour of the island, and tour of Blennerhassett Mansion. 304-643-2931, www.northbendsp.com, or www. blennerhassettislandsatatepark.com.

APR. 28 – Glass City Marathon, 2801 W. Bancroft St., Toledo. 26.2-mile marathon, 13.1-mile half marathon, 5K, and five-person relay. www.glasscitymarathon.org.

MAY 1–5 – Annual Quilt Show, Founder’s Hall at Sauder Village, 22611 St. Rte. 2, Archbold, Wed.–Sat. 10 a.m.–5 p.m., Sun. 11 a.m.–4 p.m. Quilts on display from around the region, vendor market, exhibits, and workshops. Appraisals Thur. and Fri., and Sat. by appointment only. 800-590-9755 or https:// saudervillage.org.

MAY 3–12 – Biggest Week in American Birding, Maumee Bay Lodge and Conference Ctr., 1750 State Park Rd., Oregon. Free. Enjoy the spectacular birding in northwest Ohio, the “Warbler Capital of the World.”

Activities include guided walks through Magee Marsh, bird ID workshops, birding by canoe, and birder’s marketplace. 419-898-4070 or www. biggestweekinamericanbirding.com.

MAY 4 – Kentucky Derby Affair on the Square, 109 S. Ohio Ave., Sidney. Time to be determined. Get your hats and bow ties ready! Vote for your favorite jockey, and enjoy southern fare and bourbon mint juleps at the cash bar (21 and over). 937-658-6945 or www. sidneyalive.org.

MAY 4–5 – “Springtime in Ohio” Art and Craft Show, Hancock Co. Fgds., 1017 E. Sandusky St., Findlay, Sat. 10 a.m.–5 p.m., Sun. 11 a.m.–4 p.m. $6 for unlimited entry both days; under 12 free. Repurposed goods and furniture, décor, jewelry, kids’ activities, and demos. 419436-1457 or http://cloudshows.biz/event-calendar.

MAY 5 – Fort Recovery Museum Opening, 1 Fort Site St., Fort Recovery. 1 p.m. Free. Dedication of battlefield exhibits; virtual tour; unveiling of 1793 fort wall discovery/demarcation. Speaker at 3 p.m. 419-375-4384, www.fortrecoverymuseum.com, or find us on Facebook.

MAY 11 – Lilac Festival and Street Fair, downtown Defiance. Celebrate the official flower of Defiance with the community’s largest arts and crafts fair. Free lilacs to the first 500 attendees. 5K race, the Power of Purple parade, music, vendors, and kids’ activities. 419-782-0739 or http:// visitdefianceohio.com/annual-events.

MAY 11 – Spring on the Farm, Sauder Village, 22611 St. Rte. 2, Archbold, 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Explore the farm with your children through great books and many fun hands-on activities. 800-590-9755 or https://saudervillage.org.

Continued on page 38

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

APRIL 2019 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING 37

2019 CALENDAR

APRIL/MAY

Continued from page 37

Stop by the Visitor Center at 120 S. 3rd St. to get a map.

740-283-1787 or www.visitsteubenville.com/events.

APR. 25–28 – Geauga County Maple Festival, Historic Chardon Square, Chardon. Arts and crafts, lumberjack competition, beard and mustache contest, bathtub races, pageants, and other events. Enjoy allyou-can-eat Pancakes in the Park every day, 8 a.m.–2 p.m.: adults $8, under 6 free. 440-286-3007 or www. maplefestival.com.

APR. 26–27 – 55th Annual International Watch Fob Association Show and Sale, Lakeside Sand and Gravel, 3540 Frost Rd., Mantua, Fri. 9 a.m.–8 p.m., Sat. 9 a.m.–5 p.m. Free admission. The world’s largest watch fob, construction memorabilia, and toy show. Free refreshments. 440-816-1882 or chuck@ dhsdiecast.com, www.watchfob.com, or www.facebook. com/iwfai.

APR. 27 – Medina Spring Avant-Garde Art and Craft Show, Medina Community Rec. Ctr., 885 Weymouth Rd., Medina, 10 a.m.–5 p.m. $3, under 12 free.

Join us at our newest show launching this spring! Feature artists and crafters selling their original handmade items. www.avantgardeshows.com.

APR. 27 –18th Annual Lakeside Sand and Gravel Open House and Antique Equipment Show, 3450 Frost Rd., Mantua, 9 a.m.–5 p.m.

Antique construction and mining demos. Bus tours of the company’s sand and gravel operations. Lunch provided with donation. 330-274-2569 or www. lakesidesandgravel.com.

APR. 27–MAY 11 – Annual Spring Art Show and Sale, Eastern Gateway Community College, 4000 Sunset Blvd., Steubenville. Sponsored by Steubenville Art Association. 740-264-2959.

MAY 3–4 – Dandelion May Fest, Breitenbach Wine Cellars, 5934 Old Rte. 39 NW, Dover, Fri. noon–7 p.m., Sat. 9 a.m.–7 p.m. Dandelion food and wine tastings, dandelion sangria, dandelion picking contest and jelly-making, entertainment, and vendor fair. 5K run.

330-343-3603 or www.breitenbachwine.com/events/ dandelion-festival.

MAY 4–5 – Ohio Civil War Show and Artillery Show, Richland Co. Fgds., 750 N Home Rd., Mansfield, Sat. 9 a.m.–5 p.m., Sun. 9 a.m.–3 p.m. $7, under 12 free.

Free parking. Military items, relics, and memorabilia to buy, sell, or trade. Cannon firing and WWII small arms demos, Civil War hospital scenario and encampments, and much more. www.ohiocivilwarshow.com.

MAY 4–5 – Model Train Days, Painesville Railroad Museum, 475 Railroad St., Painesville, 10 a.m.–5 p.m. $5, C. (3–12) $3, Family $12. Operating layouts in N, HO, and S scale, and O and G gauge. Flea market on grounds.

Food and drinks available. 440-417-6746 or www. painesvillerailroadmuseum.org.

MAY 5 – Harrison Career Ctr. FFA Tractor, Truck, Engine, and Car Show, Harrison Co. Fgds., 550 Grant St., Cadiz, 11 a.m.–4 p.m., registration starting around 9:30 a.m. Donation for admission. 330-440-5578, HCCFFA@yahoo.com, or www.facebook.com/HCCFFA. MAY 11 – Harrison Coal & Reclamation Historical Park Dinner/Auction, Wallace Lodge, Sally Buffalo Park, 100 College Way (43000 Industrial Park Rd.), Cadiz. $18. Doors open at 5 p.m., dinner at 6 p.m., followed by speaker and auction. For reservations or to donate items: 740-391-4135, 740-942-3895, info@ hcrhp.org, www.hcrhp.org, or www.facebook.com/ HCRHP. MAY 11 – German Maifest, Historic Zoar Village, 198 Main St., Zoar, 10 a.m – 5 p.m. Free. Traditional German food and drink, music, dancing, games, art projects, and a Maypole. Grand opening of the “Sense of Zoar” art exhibit at the Bimeler House. 800-262-6195 or www. historiczoarvillage.com/events.

MAY 11 – Avon Spring Avant-Garde Art and Craft Show, Emerald Event Ctr., 33040 Just Imagine Dr., Avon, 10 a.m.–5 p.m. $3, under 12 free. www. avantgardeshows.com.​ MAY 11 – Zoar Plant Sale, Zoar Garden, 168 W. 4th St., Zoar. 8 a.m.–4 p.m. Annuals, perennials, hanging baskets, vegetables, shade plants, and shrubs. www. historiczoarvillage.com/events.

tickets, and raffle. Lunch at 12:30 with the Style Show to begin shortly afterward. 740-439-8151 or http:// seormc.org.

APR. 13 – Patty Griffin, Stuart’s Opera House, 52 Public Square, Nelsonville, 8 p.m. $43–$58. 740-7531924 or www.stuartsoperahouse.org.

APR. 14 – Ben-Hur, Athena Grand, 1008 E. State St., Athens, 6 p.m. $12.50. 60th anniversary of this film classic. 740-593-8800 or www.athenagrand.com.

APR. 20 – Earth Gathering Festival, Pump House Ctr. for the Arts, 1 Enderlin Circle, Chillicothe, 11 a.m.–6 THROUGH DEC. – Athens Farmers Market, p.m. Free admission. Juried art festival with an Earth 1000 E. State St., Athens, Wed. 9 a.m.–1 p.m., Sat., Day theme. Affordable handmade art and great music 9 a.m.–noon. Farmers, orchardists, specialty food from local and regional artists. 740-772-5783 or http:// producers, bakers, horticulturalists, cheese makers, and visitchillicotheohio.com. more. 740-593-6763 or www.athensfarmersmarket.org.

APR. 20 – Easter Egg Hunt, Deerassic Park APR. 12–14 – Annual Wildflower Pilgrimage, Education Ctr., Cambridge, 11 a.m.–1 p.m. Free. Youth Highlands Nature Sanctuary, 7660 Cave Rd., Bainbridge. under 12 hunt eggs for tickets and prizes. 740-435-3335 Join us for a weekend of guided hikes, delicious meals, or www.deerassic.com. and special talks from our guest speakers. Our 2019 APR. 25–28 – Pike County Dogwood theme is “Signature Animals of the Great Eastern Festival, Main St., Piketon. Daily entertainment, Forest.” Space is limited and registration is required. food, contests, rides, parade, and more. www.

937-365-1935 or www.arcofapplachia.org/annualpikecountydogwoodfestival.com. wildflower-pilgrimage.

APR. 27–28 – Lucasville Trade Days, Scioto Co. APR. 13 – 51st Wing 12 Daffodil Luncheon, Fgds., 1193 Fairground Rd., Lucasville. $3, under 13 free; Pritchard Laughlin Civic Ctr., 7033 Glenn Hwy., early bird admission, $4. Free parking on fairground lots.

Cambridge. Doors open at 11:30 a.m. Vendors, quilt 937-728-6643 or www.lucasvilletradedays.com.

APR. 28 – Spring Hike, Adena Mansion and Gardens, 847 Adena Rd., Chillicothe, noon–4 p.m.

Free. Guided woodland hike, limited to the first 30 who register the day of the hike. Two hikes, at noon, and 2 p.m. Children must be accompanied by an adult. http:// visitchillicotheohio.com/event/spring-hike-2.

MAY 2–5 – Wild Turkey Festival, 100 E. Main St., McArthur, Thur. 5–11 p.m., Fri./Sat. 11 a.m.–11 p.m., Sun. noon–5 p.m. Carnival rides, games, car show, quilt show. Parade and crowning of the Wild Turkey Festival Queen at 6 p.m. Saturday. 740-591-1118, chriscram59@ gmail.com, or www.wildturkeyfestival.com.

MAY 3–5 – Spring Women’s Retreat, Highlands Nature Sanctuary, 7660 Cave Rd., Bainbridge. Enjoy the company of other like-minded women and get back to nature in the way that suits you best. Space is limited.

Register at http://arcofappalachia.org/womens-retreat/ or 937-365-1935.

MAY 3–SEPT. 27 – Rise and Shine Farmers Market, 2135 Southgate Pkwy., Cambridge, Fridays, 8 a.m.–noon. 740-680-1866.

MAY 4 – Spring Fest, Deerassic Park Education Ctr., Cambridge. 740-435-3335 or www.deerassic.com.

NORTHEAST

THROUGH APR. 22 – I-X Indoor Amusement Park, IX Center, One I-X Dr., Cleveland. Annual spring event offers a full day of family fun at a budget-friendly price! Rides, games, food, and attractions, all under one roof. 216-265-2586 or www.ixamusementpark.com.

APR. 1–13 – Spring Quilt Show, Historic Fort Steuben Visitor Ctr., 120 S. 3rd St., Steubenville, Mon.–Fri. 10 a.m.–4 p.m., Sat. noon–4 p.m. 740-283-1787 or www. oldfortsteuben.com.

APR. 4–6 – Vernal Poolooza Science Conference, Ashland University Convocation Ctr., 638 Jefferson St., Ashland. www.ohwetlands.org/ vernalpoolooza-2019.

APR. 13 – Canton Spring Avant-Garde Art and Craft Show, St. George Serbian Ctr., 4667 Applegrove St. NW, North Canton, 10 a.m.–5 p.m. $3, under 12 free.

440-227-8794 or www.avantgardeshows.com.

APR. 14 – Black Violin: Classical Boom, Connor Palace, Playhouse Square, 1519 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, 7 p.m. $10–$45. 216-771-4444 or www.playhousesquare. org/events.

APR. 19–MAY 12 – Shrek the Musical, Geauga Lyric Theater Guild, 101 Water St., Chardon, Fri./Sat. 7:30 p.m., Sun. 2 p.m. $10–$18. Based on the Oscar-winning film. 440-286-2255 or www.geaugatheater.org.

APR. 21–MAY 12 – The Great Steubenville Eggsibition, various locations, Steubenville. Huge handpainted “eggs” offer a downtown scavenger hunt!

SOUTHEAST

38 OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • APRIL 2019

CENTRAL

THROUGH SEPT. 15 – “Blooms and Butterflies,” Franklin Park Conservatory, 1777 E. Broad St., Columbus, daily 10 a.m.–5 p.m. $12–$19,under 3 free.

Daily butterfly releases at 1 and 3 p.m. 614-715-8000 or www.fpconservatory.org.

THROUGH AUG. 3 – “Luminous: Encaustic Works by Barbara Vogel,” Zanesville Museum of Art, 620 Military Rd., Zanesville, Wed., Fri., Sat. 10 a.m.–5 p.m., Thur. 10 a.m.–7:30 p.m. $4–$6; under 10 and members free. www.zanesvilleart.org.

APR. 5–7, 12–14 – O’Donnell’s Pub, Zanesville Community Theatre, 940 Findley Ave., Zanesville, Fri./ Sat. 8 p.m., Sun. 2:30 p.m. Comedy by Zanesville native Christopher Brooks. 740-455-6487 or www.zct.org.

APR. 6, 13, 20, 27 – Spring Farmers’ Market, Weasel Boy Brewing Company, 126 Muskingum Ave., Zanesville, 11 a.m.–2 p.m. www. zanesvillefarmersmarket.org.

APR. 7 – Ragtime Rick and the Chefs of Dixieland, Clintonville Woman’s Club, 3951 N. High St., 2–5 p.m. $15–$20. Sponsored by the Central Ohio Hot Jazz Society. 614-558-2212, www.cohjs.org, or Facebook. com/COHJS. APR. 11–14 – Equine Affaire, Ohio Expo Ctr., 717 E. 17th Ave., Columbus. $8–$15, under 6 free. Experience the nation’s premier equine exposition. 740-845-0085 or www.equineaffaire.com.

APR. 12–13 – Spring at the Round Barn, Fairfield Co. Fgds., 157 E. Fair Ave., Lancaster, Fri. 4–8 p.m. (early buying: $10), Sat. 10 a.m.–4 p.m. ($5, under 12 free). Free

SOUTHWEST

parking. An upscale market bringing together more than 125 vendors. Farmhouse décor, clothing, candles, jewelry, crafts, live music, and food trucks. 614-296-1621 or find us on Facebook.

APR. 13 – Church Basement Ladies: Rise Up, O Men, Marion Palace Theatre, 276 W. Center St., Marion, 2 p.m. $20–$35. Hilarious new national touring musical is the latest addition to the Church Basement Ladies series.

740-383-2101 or www.marionpalace.org.

APR. 13 – Midwest Scholastic Rowing Sprints, Dillon Lake, 5265 Dillon Hills Dr,, Nashport. www. midwestscholasticrowing.com.

APR. 13–14 – AG Days, presented by Hocking County Farm Bureau, Hocking Co. Fgds., 150 N. Homer Ave. Logan, Sat. 9 a.m.–5 p.m., Sun. 9 a.m.–4 p.m.

Historic farming practices, antique tractors, threshing machines and corn sheller, steam-powered sawmill, and hit-and-miss engines. Bluegrass band, kids’ activities.

740-474-6284 or www.ofbf.org.

APR. 13, 27, MAY 11 – Nelson T. Gant Homestead Tours, 1845 W. Main St., Zanesville, 11 a.m.–1 p.m. or call for appointment. Officially recognized as an Underground Railroad site. 740-453-0988, 740-3191157, or www.nelsontgantfoundation.org.

APR. 26–28 – Mohican Wildlife Weekend: Pick Your Path, various locations in Ashland and Richland counties. Free. A celebration of wildlife habitat, heritage, and natural history. Workshops and demonstrations. 800642-8282 or www.mohicanwildlifeweekend.com.

APR. 26–28 – Vintage Market Days, Franklin Co. Fgds., 4951 Northwest Pkwy., Hilliard, Fri./Sat. 10 a.m.–5 p.m., Sun. 10 a.m.–4 p,m. $10 for early buyer, $5 for Sat./ Sun. only, under 13 free. An upscale vintage-inspired indoor/outdoor market featuring original art, antiques, clothing, jewelry, decor, outdoor furnishings, and more. www.vintagemarketdays.com.

APR. 27 – Earth Day Celebration, Coshocton County Career Ctr., 23640 Airport Rd., Coshocton, 12–4 p.m. Free. Exhibits and vendors including artisans, organic farmers, community groups, and Native American culture.

Explore solar power and green enterprises. Live raptor demos, kids’ activities, entertainment, and food. 740-5026546 or www.cecaware.org.

St., Hamilton, 7–9 p.m. Free. Lively bluegrass music. vaughnjh@gmail.com.

APR. 5, MAY 3 – Vernon McIntyre’s Appalachian Grass, Butler County Coon Hunters Club, 200 Warwick Rd., Hamilton, 7–9 p.m. Donations requested. Enjoy an evening of lively bluegrass music.

513-410-3625.

APR. 12–13 – Midwest Ceramic Association Show, Butler Co. Exhibition Bldg., Butler Co. Fgds., 1715 Fairgrove Ave., Hamilton, 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Ohio’s original ceramic show. www.midwestceramics.org.

APR. 14 – Annual Farm Toy Show, Champaign Co. THROUGH JUNE 16 – Butterflies of Ecuador, Fgds., 384 Park Ave., Urbana, 9 a.m.–3 p.m. $2, under 12 Krohn Conservatory, 1501 Eden Park Dr, Cincinnati, 10 free. Look, buy, sell, or trade. Over 120 tables, including a.m.–5 p.m. $7, Srs. $6, C. (5–17) $4, under 5 free. 513parts dealer. 937-826-4201.

421-5707 or www.cincinnatiparks.com/krohn.

APR. 21 – Easter Egg Hunt, Young’s Dairy, 6880 APR. 1–31 – Easter Egg Paperweight Blow, Springfield-Xenia Rd., Yellow Springs, 2 p.m. Free.

Neusole Glassworks, 11925 Kemper Springs Dr., Open to children up to age 10. 937-325-0629 or www.

Cincinnati, 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. $40 per 30-minute session. youngsdairy.com/easter-egg-hunt/.

For ages 5 and older. Sculpt molten glass into egg-shaped APR. 26–28 – Bellbrook Sugar Maple Festival, paperweights! Pickup in 7 days. Reservations required. downtown Bellbrook. Live bands, beer garden, parade, 513-751-3292 or neusoleglassworks@hotmail.com. children’s tent, 5K run, dog show, recycled sculpture APR. 1 – Vernon McIntyre’s Appalachian Grass, contest, and more. www.sugarmaplefestival.com.

Miami University Downtown Downhome, 221 High

APR. 27 – Ohioana Book Festival, Columbus Metropolitan Main Library, 96 S. Grant, Columbus, 10:30 a.m.–5 p.m. Free. More than 100 Ohio authors gather with readers for a day of panel discussions, readings, a book fair, children’s activities, and more. 614-466-3831 or www. ohioana.org.

APR. 27 – Taste of Marysville, Marysville High School Field House, 800 Amrine Rd., Marysville, 5–9 p.m. $10 buys 8 tasting tickets; you choose the vendors.

937-243-5833 or www.tasteofmarysville.com.

APR. 28 – Southeastern Ohio Symphony Orchestra Concert, Brown Chapel, College Dr., New Concord, 7 p.m. $15. Season finale of favorites! 740-8268197 or www.seoso.org.

APR. 28 – Zane Grey Day, National Road–Zane Grey Museum, 8850 E. Pike, Norwich, 1–4 p.m. An afternoon of fun outdoor activities. www.ohiohistory.org.

MAY 3 – Chocolate Hop, Columbus and Center Sts., Pickerington, 6–8 p.m. $5, receive a map of locations around the Olde Village where you will receive a chocolate treat. www.pickeringtonvillage.com.

MAY 3 – The Everly Brothers Experience, Marion Palace Theatre, 276 W. Center St., Marion, 7:30 p.m. $15– $28. The Zmed Brothers simulate the sound of the legendary rock ’n’ roll singing duo. 740-383-2101 or www. marionpalace.org.

MAY 4–5, 11–12, 18–19, 25–26 – Rock Mill Weekends, Stebelton Park at Rock Mill, 1429 Rockmill Place NW, Lancaster, Sat./Sun. 12–4 p.m. Free. Tour the restored 1824 gristmill. Grinding demos on May 26. 740681-7249 or www.fairfieldcountyparks.org.

MAY 4, 11, 18, 25 – Spring Farmers’ Market, Muskingum Co. Fgds., 1300 Pershing Rd., Zanesville, 9 a.m.–12 p.m. www.zanesvillefarmersmarket.org.

MAY 11–12 – Midwest Scholastic Rowing Championships, Dillon Lake, 5265 Dillon Hills Dr,, Nashport. www.midwestscholasticrowing.com.

APR. 26–28 – Vintage Market Days, Greene Co. Fgds., 120 Fairground Rd., Xenia, Fri./Sat. 10 a.m.–5 p.m., Sun. 10 a.m.–4 p,m. $10 for early buyer, $5 for Sat./Sun. only, under 13 free. An upscale vintage-inspired indoor/ outdoor market featuring original art, antiques, clothing, jewelry, home décor, outdoor furnishings, and more. www.vintagemarketdays.com.

MAY 5 – Music at the Mound with Steve Free, Serpent Mound, 3850 OH-73, Peebles, 1 p.m.

Free admission; $8 parking fee. http://arcofappalachia. org/steve-free.

MAY 10 – Taste of the Arts, Main and Ash Sts., Piqua. An evening of fun, music, and food. Shop, enjoy live music, and sample food from various local restaurants and caterers. 937-773-9355 or www. mainstreetpiqua.com.

MAY 10–12 – Appalachian Festival, Coney Island Amusement Park, 6201 Kellogg Ave., Cincinnati, Fri. 9 a.m.–9 p.m., Sat. 10 a.m.–9 p.m., Sun. 10 a.m.–6 p.m. $10, Srs. $5, C. (2–12) $2, under 2 free. Crafts, food, Living History Village, old-time dance, storytelling, and music. www.appalachianfestivalcincinnati.org.

APRIL 2019 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING 39

MEMBER INTERACTIVE 1

Mud Season 3

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4. Our grandchildren, Jeffrey and Jaime, having fun making mud pies.

Patty and Larry Quaglia South Central Power Company members

1. Our son, Kyle Ross, doing what he does best — playing in the mud.

Tim and Cathy Ross Lorain-Medina Rural Electric Cooperative members

2. DIY mud boots and gloves — Shelby, daughter of Ryan and Jen Michaels.

Jenifer Michaels North Central Electric Cooperative member

3. Our dog, Finley, LOVES the mud season.

Julie Puckett Pioneer Electric Cooperative member

5. Years ago, my son, Spencer, and his friends, Maddi and Morgan, enjoyed the end of summer at an annual Swamp Festival in Moreland.

Tonya Schmid Holmes-Wayne Electric Cooperative member

6. The Urbansky brothers, Avan and Ean, take a mud bath.

Betty Urbansky Lorain-Medina Rural Electric Cooperative member

7. My grandsons, Nick and Jake Swisher, happily riding in a field of mud!

Pat Swisher Buckeye Rural Electric Cooperative member

8. Pugs and Nubs were caught in the Pig Scramble at the Attica Fair by Lily and Lucas Pifher.

Ruth Pifher North Central Electric Cooperative member

9. Our children, Emily and Luke, enjoying the country life.

Troy and Kim Howard South Central Power Company members

10. Grandson Wesley Cadigan and grandnephew Ashton Fannin out mudding in the spring.

Steve Lemon South Central Power Company member

40 OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • APRIL 2019

At Ohio’s electric cooperatives, we work hard to take care of our neighbors—whether that’s across town or across the globe. Ohio cooperative linemen brought electricity for the first time to three remote Guatemalan villages over two trips in two years. We’re helping to light the world, one village at a time.

ohioec.org/purpose