Ohio Cooperative Living - May 2020 - Firelands

OHIO

MAY 2020

COOPERATIVE Firelands Electric Cooperative

Bringing light Co-op linemen change lives in Guatemala ALSO INSIDE Coming to 150 years terms at KSU of Cedar Point

Seeking your potluck recipes

HERE’S A VALUE YOU KNEAD TO KNOW: LOAF OF BREAD

1936 .......................................................................$0.08 2019 .......................................................................$2.19 PRICE INCREASE : $2.11

ELECTRICITY

1936 .......................................................................$0.05 2019 .......................................................................$0.11 PRICE INCREASE : $0.06 We know you like your bread fresh and your electricity affordable.

For more than 80 years, we’ve helped keep it a stable value.

ohioec.org/energy

OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • MAY 2020

INSIDE FEATURES 24 THAT’S THE TICKET We mark the 150th year of Cedar Point, the roller coaster capital of the world, with a list of the park’s quintessential experiences.

30 COMING TO TERMS Fifty years after the Kent State shootings, the community comes together to ensure that those hardlearned lessons stick.

Cover image on most issues: Brian Bick from Malintabased Tricounty Rural Electric Cooperative was among a group of 16 Ohio co-op lineworkers who ventured to Guatemala in March, knowing they’d be changing people’s lives.

MAY 2020 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING 1

UP FRONT

New normal A

s I write to you in early April, it’s become increasingly difficult to imagine what the next few weeks will bring. I hope that this issue of Ohio Cooperative Living finds you safe and healthy and provides a pleasant diversion to your socially distanced lives.

As life has grown simpler, slower, and more daunting during the pandemic, we’re again reminded of how essential electric service is, not only to our comfort, but also to our health and well-being. I assure you that each electric cooperative serving Ohio and those across the nation are doing everything possible to ensure a reliable supply of electricity to your homes and businesses.

Extraordinary efforts are being made to assure that our lineworkers and power plant operators are as responsibly and compliantly safeguarded as possible, so that they can remain healthy and available to keep our systems running and to make necessary repairs, should trouble come our way.

In this issue, we’re featuring the story of Project Ohio 3.0, the mission trip sponsored by Ohio’s Electric Cooperatives to bring electricity to the remote Guatemalan village of Tierra Blanca Sebol and its hundreds of residents who have lived without the benefits of any electric service. The trip was dramatically affected by the global spread of COVID-19, but as you’ll read, our team was inspirationally awesome as they completed the assignment.

We’re grateful for the support we have received from so many, which enabled us to accomplish our goal to bring light, sanitation, and hope to the impoverished people of Guatemala — our third such endeavor in five years — as well as for the safe return of our volunteers.

Stay safe and strong. We’re in this together.

God bless you all.

2 OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • MAY 2020

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

As life has become simpler, slower, and more daunting during the pandemic, we’re again reminded of how essential electric service is, not only to our comfort, but also to our health and well-being.

MAY 2020 • Volume 62, 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

Dava Hennosy Editorial Intern Contributors: Colleen Romick Clark, W.H. “Chip” Gross, Sandra Gurvis, Toni Leland, Catherine Murray, and Damaine Vonada.

OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING (USPS 134-760; ISSN 2572-049X) is published monthly by Ohio Rural Elec­tric Co­op­eratives, Inc. It is the official com­mun­ ication 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.

POSTMASTER: Send address changes to editorial and advertising offices at: 6677 Busch Boulevard, Columbus, OH 43229-1101. Periodicals postage paid at Pontiac, IL 61764, and at additional mailing offices.

Nothing in this publication may be reproduced in any manner without written permission from Ohio Rural Electric Cooperatives, Inc. All rights reserved.

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.

For all advertising inquiries, contact

Cheryl Solomon American MainStreet Publications 847-749-4875 | cheryl@amp.coop

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

Alliance for Audited Media Member

DEPARTMENTS 4

POWER LINES

8

WOODS, WATERS, AND WILDLIFE

4

Powering up, powering through: A dedicated group of 16 Ohio linemen did heroic work to bring electricity to a Guatemalan village. That was only half their story.

8

Species on the edge: An ecologist works to boost Ohio’s dwindling timber rattlesnake population.

12 CO-OP PEOPLE

Tales from the Hart: Living historian Chris Hart of Port Washington is a man of multiple personalities.

12

15 GOOD EATS

Put a little mustard on it: The spicy sauce can add a delicious dimension to lots of different dishes.

19 LOCAL PAGES

News and information from your electric cooperative.

15

34 IN THE GARDEN

Going medieval: Plants that thrived in the Middle Ages can be mainstays in gardens of today.

37 CALENDAR

What’s happening: May/June events and other things to do around the state. Just make sure to confirm before you travel.

34

40 MEMBER INTERACTIVE

It’s not easy being green: From frogs to a faceful of food, members had fun with interpreting this month’s theme.

40

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

MAY 2020 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING 3

POWER LINES

Powering up, powering through 16 Ohio linemen did heroic work to provide electricity to a Guatemalan village. That was only half of their story.

BY JEFF MCCALLISTER

G

athering a group of 16 linemen from across Ohio, leaving the security of home and family, and going to a remote part of Central America could never be considered a routine endeavor.

sense of confidence, along with determination, as they set out to provide electricity for the first time to the 650 or so residents of Tierra Blanca Sebol, a tiny village in the mountainous northern region of the country.

This, however, was the third time Ohio’s electric cooperatives collaborated with the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA) International on a Project Ohio mission to Guatemala, and this group took with it the lessons of the previous trips. So the guys were feeling a

During the extensive planning and even on the day they left, the coronavirus was distant news, barely registering as a concern. The crew was much more worried about the logistics of the work: how the wire, transformers, equipment, and tools would get to the village, as well as

4 OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • MAY 2020

the water filtration systems, shoes, and other gifts made possible by donations from co-op employees around the state.

The day after they arrived in Guatemala, the team decided to make an impromptu stop in the village to check out the landscape of the job — to see the 67 homes and the school and get a look at the conditions they’d encounter.

As it turns out, the stop was critical. “What we found was that everything was all ready for us,” says Kyle Hoffman, the project leader and principal instructor at the training facility where most Ohio co-op linemen get their training. “We knew we weren’t going to have to go in search of tools, ladders, and supplies, so we were able to make a plan to jump right in. It felt like we had an entire day’s head start.”

Instead of taking a day or even two to gather supplies and do prep work, the team started actual work that first morning in the village.

They hung nearly 3 miles of wire from poles that had been set in the ground by EMRE (the local electric company that partnered on the project) and wired the buildings with receptacles and light sockets.

“I walked around after a day or two and saw every single group was ahead of schedule,” Hoffman says. “I even got it in the back of my mind I might be able to give the guys a day off to go sightseeing.”

The same day they started to work, the first COVID-19 cases were reported in Ohio. It didn’t make a huge impression right away, but the situation in those first few days evolved with lightning speed, and before long, the news from home began filtering through the team: high school tournament games first played with no fans in attendance, then postponed, then canceled; restaurants shutting down for everything but carryout; colleges sending students home for online classes for the rest of the semester. “We could tell it was getting very real, very fast,” Hoffman says. “As for us, we were probably in one of the safest places in the world, but all these guys

Ohio electric cooperative linemen, their counterparts from the local utility, and a group of student lineworkers from a nearby trade school electrified the village of Tierra Blanca Sebol, Guatemala, in March, just as the coronavirus pandemic swept the globe.

MAY 2020 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING 5

had family back home they needed to be thinking about, and it was tough.”

They picked up the pace. Rather than sightseeing, they were now hoping for an earlier departure date.

“We were as much as three or four days ahead of schedule,” Hoffman says. “There wasn’t much we could do about the situation other than keep doing our jobs, so that was what we did.”

As the overhead crew ran the conductor across the poles, another crew hung meters and did the outside work to get each house ready; the rough-in crew went to every house to mount the boxes for the switches, outlets, and panels; and the wiring crews followed right behind them, connecting everything together.

“We were really the first ones in each house, so we got to interact with all of those families and children, and it was a good reminder of why we were there,” says Mason Shoemaker, a lineman who works at Bellefontaine-based Logan County Electric Cooperative. “We were changing lives, giving them a better quality of life and more opportunities than they ever could have without electricity.

We felt like superheroes.”

Thanks to the head start and the increased sense of urgency, the team finished about 98% of their work just a week in. They were about four days ahead of schedule and figured they’d be able to flip the switch by nightfall on their seventh day.

But then the calls started coming in fast and furious — from families, from the NRECA: Guatemala had closed its borders. No one would be able to enter or leave the country for at least the next 15 days.

“We got word that they were pulling us out, and we needed to get to Guatemala City by midnight in order to be able to leave,” Hoffman says. “We had just a couple of hours to button everything up, make sure it was all safe for the local guys to energize the lines, and say our goodbyes.”

After those last inspections, the team gave out the water purifiers and some other gifts they’d brought — additional provisions were supposed to have been bought in-country, but there was no time — then loaded up their caravan and pulled out. They were in Guatemala City eight hours later, just before midnight.

On the job (from top): Crews installed light sockets, switches, and outlets in more than 70 houses and buildings with help from the local electric company and students from a nearby trade school; interacting with the children of the village is one of the most rewarding aspects of the project; the schoolhouse got lights in each of its four rooms; wiring the buildings went smoothly once the crews found their groove.

6 OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • MAY 2020

There, however, they hit a roadblock. It was no small feat to get the team out of Guatemala. They had permission neither to leave the country nor to land in the U.S. once they did get off the ground. With borders closed, Ohio’s Electric Cooperatives and the NRECA had to call in the diplomatic strength of the federal government. Senators Rob Portman and Sherrod Brown and representatives Bill Johnson, Troy Balderson, Bob Gibbs, and Bob Latta alerted the U.S. State Department to open diplomatic

Ohio linemen partnered with EMRE, the local electric utility, to bring electricity to the village; the men returned to a warm, relieved welcome at the Ohio’s Electric Cooperatives office in Columbus.

channels. Finally, the go-ahead came just after lunchtime the next day. The linemen wasted no time getting on a chartered flight to Miami, and after another long night, they arrived back in Ohio March 19, three days earlier than originally planned.

“The guys from EMRE energized the lines the morning after we pulled out,” Shoemaker says. “It was kind of a bummer, because it would have been great to see the lights turned on, but to be honest, it’s the same thing that happens when we work a storm back home. We don’t always get to see the results of the work, but we know we did an important job. Besides, a lot of us had been in the houses, and we

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Even for the overhead crews, who, because of the decision not to rotate job duties, didn’t get to meet all of the families, the job was intensely satisfying. “I didn’t go down there looking for gratitude,” says Lee Broadman, a lineman at Hancock-Wood Electric Cooperative in North Baltimore.

“Actually, it’s just the opposite. From the day we first walked through the village and saw how the folks live and what they live on, I couldn’t help but to feel even more grateful for everything that I have. I was honored to be able to help improve their lives.”

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MAY 2020 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING 7

WOODS, WATERS, AND WILDLIFE

Species ON THE EDGE

An ecologist works to boost Ohio’s dwindling timber rattlesnake population.

STORY AND PHOTOS BY W.H. “CHIP” GROSS

Unlike many people, Doug Wynn likes snakes. He likes them so much that he began studying them decades ago, and has since become Ohio’s leading expert on the state-endangered timber rattlesnake. A retired high school ecology teacher, Wynn is currently a visiting scholar at Ohio State University.

“Timber rattlesnakes are extremely docile,” says Wynn.

“I have approached more than 700 rattlesnakes in the wild, and only three actually rattled. I’ve never even had one strike at me … until I tried to catch it. Then look out, because they are like living lightning and will strike multiple times.”

Wynn has never been bitten, yet is still extremely cautious around the snakes, always handling them with a metal catch-stick. “A rattlesnake can strike the entire length of its body,” he says. “Meaning that a 3-foot snake — which is about the typical length in Ohio — can strike a distance of at least 3 feet. So, if you ever happen across one in the woods, give it a wide berth.”

The chances of that, however, are pretty slim.

Historically found in most every county plus the Lake Erie islands, only four small remnant timber rattlesnake populations remain, located in the extreme southern portion of the state: Shawnee State Forest, Tar Hollow State Forest, Vinton Furnace Experimental Forest, and one area of Wayne National Forest.

During his fieldwork, Wynn — a member of Logan County Electric Cooperative — makes finding snake dens a priority. By doing so, he can begin the process of notifying wildlife conservation organizations to help protect not only the den site but many, if not all, of the snakes that use the surrounding area. Rattlesnake dens are wintering areas located a few feet underground. Unlike dens in surrounding states, Ohio dens may or may not be located in a rock outcropping. For instance, an Ohio den opening may consist of a simple hole in the ground.

8 OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • MAY 2020

All the rattlesnakes Wynn and his fellow researchers encounter receive a microchip for identification — similar to those placed in domestic pets. A few of the snakes are also implanted with radio-telemetry transmitters for tracking purposes. Wynn says that the radioed snakes can then be detected from as far away as a kilometer (a little more than half a mile), though they’re most easily located from the air via a helicopter provided by the Ohio Division of Wildlife.

Why are timber rattlesnakes endangered in Ohio but not nationally? One of the reasons — in addition to persecution by humans — is a low reproductive rate. “The females don’t reproduce until age 6, then every four years after that,” says Wynn. “A typical litter size is only about seven.”

The snakes counter their low reproduction by being long-lived, from 25 to as many as 50 years. One individual rattler, captured in the state of New York, had been marked as an adult 43 years earlier.

Females give birth to live young, not in their winter dens but during late summer under a birthing log or in a hollow stump, which they defend from predators and other snake species. Wynn says that an area must have a minimum of 30 to 40 timber rattlesnakes to sustain a viable population.

Feeding primarily on small rodents, timber rattlesnakes are ambush hunters. Choosing a small log to coil up against, they rest their head on the log. As supper arrives — in the form of a mouse, chipmunk, or squirrel — and runs along the length of the log, the snake strikes.

An interesting side note is that opossums are immune to rattlesnake venom.

According to Wynn, the last human snakebite fatality in Ohio occurred in 1947. “A young mother near Tar Hollow State Park was bitten on the hand and died a few days later,” he says. “The best first aid for snakebite is your vehicle: Get to a hospital ASAP and try to remain calm so as not to spread the venom through your body more quickly — though I don’t know how anyone could remain calm in a situation like that. I certainly couldn’t.”

W.H. “Chip” Gross (whchipgross@gmail.com) is Ohio Cooperative Living’s outdoors editor and a member of Consolidated Cooperative.

Clockwise from top right: Doug Wynn, a member of Logan County Electric Cooperative, is Ohio’s leading expert on timber rattlesnakes; Wynn captures and bags a large male timber rattlesnake; the transmitters implanted in timber rattlesnakes are about the size of a AA battery; researcher Denis Case searches for timber rattlesnakes using radio-telemetry equipment; a timber rattlesnake in hunting posture at the base of a log.

MAY 2020 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING 9

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MAY 2020 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING 11

CO-OP PEOPLE

Tales from the Hart

Living historian Chris Hart is a man of multiple personalities.

BY DAMAINE VONADA

C

hris Hart dons a frock coat and sports a fancy walking stick as he prepares to portray John George Nicolay for the residents of StoryPoint Grove City, a senior living complex in suburban Columbus.

“I’m playing a refined character today,” says Hart, “so I brought a silver-handled stick.”

Today’s performance is “Mr. Lincoln’s White House,” a vignette set in 1900 that Hart scripted, featuring himself

12 OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • MAY 2020

as Nicolay, Abraham Lincoln’s personal secretary. Nicolay pays a visit to President McKinley and relates what 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue was like years before, during Lincoln’s tenure. As Hart enters the room where he’ll perform, StoryPoint residents greet him like groupies with smiles, handshakes, and fond words about his monthly presentations. “I started coming here a few years ago when StoryPoint had a Titanic celebration and asked me to do one of the survivors, Peter Daly,” says Hart.

Hart is a professional living historian whose “Tales from the Hart” repertoire includes more than 50 characters inspired by history and literature. Raised in Tuscarawas County, he still resides there in the village of Port Washington, where he’s a member of The Frontier Power Company.

Hart has been interested in history since grade school, and he even took his wife, Susie, to the Gettysburg battlefield during their honeymoon. While touring Appomattox Court House two years later, they saw a park employee acting the part of a Confederate soldier who described Lee’s surrender to Grant. “Watching him perform for visitors, I started thinking how wonderful it would be to do that,” says Hart. “To me, it was an ideal job.”

Hart, however, did not pursue first-person playacting until after he retired from his career as a retail pharmacist. His first opportunity came when Historic Roscoe Village in Coshocton approached him about playing the canal-era town’s doctor. He subsequently developed the character of canal boat captain John B. Reynolds, and when a local library requested his help with its Titanic event, he launched Daly.

“Daly is still one of my most popular characters because his story is true and his rescue was miraculous,” says Hart. “I know I’m doing my job when Peter Daly describes

how cold the water was, and people in the audience start pulling coats and sweaters tightly around themselves.”

Hart researches and writes his own material and prefers history’s footnote people to major figures. “Most of the folks I interpret are rather ordinary,” he says. “With a few exceptions, like Neil Armstrong and Cy Young, I don’t do anybody famous.”

Although he never had any theatrical training, Hart has a knack for lacing his performances with telling details that captivate audiences and dispatch the dust of history. As Nicolay, for example, he reveals that Lincoln’s impish son Tad once burst into a cabinet meeting beating a drum, and that after Lincoln’s assassination, soldiers carried his casket in their stocking feet lest they disturb his griefstricken widow.

Besides teaching pharmacy courses at several Ohio universities, Hart performs in community theaters and murder mystery troupes. He does about 75 first-person shows annually; his busiest seasons are Halloween and Christmas, when he takes on personas such as a middleaged Ichabod Crane returning to Sleepy Hollow or a grown-up Peter Cratchit divulging the fates of Dickens’ immortal characters in A Christmas Carol.

Contact Chris Hart at 740-408-4608 or chrishart72@yahoo.com.

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GOOD EATS

Put a little

MUSTARD on it

It’s easy to take that bright yellow bottle in the fridge for granted, but the spicy sauce can add a delicious dimension to lots of different dishes.

RECIPES AND PHOTOS BY CATHERINE MURRAY

HONEY MUSTARD ROTISSERIE CHICKEN SALAD Prep: 10 minutes | Servings: 4 ½ cup mayonnaise 2 stalks celery, diced 2 tablespoons yellow mustard ½ cup dried cranberries 3 tablespoons honey 4 large lettuce leaves 1 tablespoon rice vinegar 8 slices grainy wheat bread 1½ pounds shredded rotisserie chicken In a large bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, mustard, honey, and vinegar. Add chicken, celery, and cranberries, stirring to coat. Assemble sandwiches, topping with lettuce.

Per serving: 533 calories, 23 grams fat (6 grams saturated fat), 45 grams total carbohydrates, 5 grams fiber, 33 grams protein.

MAY 2020 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING 15

SLOW COOKER SWEET AND SOUR MEATBALLS Prep: 20 minutes | Cook: 3 to 4 hours | Servings: 6 1½ pounds ground beef 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce 2 eggs ¼ cup white vinegar 2/3 cup dry breadcrumbs 1 cup packed brown sugar 1 teaspoon garlic powder 3 bell peppers (red, orange, yellow), cut into large chunks Two 20-ounce cans pineapple chunks (in juice) 3 cups cooked white rice ½ cup spicy brown mustard 6 green onions/scallions, diced (greens only) 2 cups ketchup Notes: Frozen, pre-made meatballs can be used in place of the first four ingredients, in which case the cook time after adding meatballs can be reduced. For a healthier version, switch to a low-sodium ketchup and cut the brown sugar by half.

In a medium bowl, whisk together pineapple juice (from canned pineapple), mustard, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, vinegar, and brown sugar. Place pineapple chunks and bell peppers in a 7-quart slow cooker. Cover with sauce and cook on low for 3 to 4 hours.

About 30 minutes before sauce is done cooking, combine ground beef, egg, breadcrumbs, and garlic powder in a medium bowl. Mix thoroughly and shape into 18 meatballs. In a large, nonstick skillet over medium-high heat, brown meatballs on all sides. Add a little bit of oil to the pan if the meatballs start to stick. Place meatballs in slow cooker with the sauce, fully covering the meatballs.

Turn slow cooker up to high and cook 30 minutes, or until meatballs are cooked through. Serve over rice and top with diced green onions.

Per serving: 821 calories, 10 grams fat (3.5 grams saturated fat), 134 grams total carbohydrates, 3 grams fiber, 47 grams protein.

FRIED LIVER WITH MUSTARD SAUCE Prep: 10 minutes | Cook: 25 minutes | Servings: 4 2 tablespoons unsalted butter 2 tablespoons flat leaf parsley, finely chopped 3 shallots, finely chopped 1 tablespoon tarragon leaf, finely chopped 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar 1½ pounds calf liver ¼ cup dry white wine ½ cup all-purpose flour ¼ cup beef stock ½ teaspoon salt ¾ cup whipping cream ¼ teaspoon black pepper 3 tablespoons coarse ground mustard ¼ cup vegetable oil In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. Cook shallots for 3 minutes, stirring often, until soft. Add vinegar and white wine, stirring for 3 to 4 minutes until liquid is reduced by half. Add beef stock and continue cooking until liquid is reduced by half again. Whisk in cream and simmer to thicken, about 6 minutes. Stir in mustard, parsley, and tarragon. Set aside.

Rinse meat and pat dry. Cut into half-inch-thick slices. Pour flour, salt, and pepper onto a large, shallow plate and mix. Coat both sides of liver slices with flour mixture, shaking off the excess. Heat oil in a clean, large skillet over high heat. When oil is hot, lay a few liver slices at a time in the bottom of the skillet. Fry 3 minutes per side, or to desired doneness. During the last batch of frying, place saucepan with sauce back on the stove and heat carefully to rewarm. Place liver slices on serving plates and spoon sauce evenly over the top. Serve with favorite side dishes.

Per serving: 562 calories, 28 grams fat (12 grams saturated fat), 24 grams total carbohydrates, 1 gram fiber, 48 grams protein.

16 OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • MAY 2020

GARLIC MUSTARD STIR-FRY Prep: 10 minutes | Cook: 12 minutes | Servings: 6 ½ cup yellow mustard 2 cups shelled edamame (frozen or fresh) 1 to 2 tablespoons hot mustard (optional) 4 cups chopped broccoli ¼ cup lemon juice 1 small bok choy, chopped 3 cloves garlic, minced ½ pound snow peas 2 tablespoons canola oil 15-ounce can baby corn, drained and cut into chunks 3 cups shredded carrots Note: Other ingredients that work well in this dish: spinach, mustard greens, cauliflower, bean sprouts, tofu, scrambled egg. Mix and match!

In a small bowl, whisk together yellow mustard, optional hot mustard, lemon juice, and garlic and set aside. Heat oil in large skillet (or wok) over medium-high heat. Add shredded carrots and cook 5 minutes. Add edamame and broccoli and cook 3 more minutes. Toss in bok choy, snow peas, and baby corn and cook another 3 minutes. Pour in the sauce, toss to coat, and serve solo, over rice, or with noodles.

Per serving: 537 calories, 15 grams fat (2 grams saturated fat), 93 grams total carbohydrates, 17 grams fiber, 23 grams protein.

MAY 2020 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING 17

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18 OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • MAY 2020

83982

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The Zinger Chair is a personal electric vehicle and is not a medical device nor a wheelchair. Zinger is not intended for medical purposes to provide mobility to persons restricted to a sitting position. It is not covered by Medicare nor Medicaid.

FIRELANDS ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE LOCAL PAGES GM’S REPORT

UNITED WE CAN It is often said that “timing is everything,” but recent circumstances have made the timing of writing this article more difficult. As you read this, it is probably late April or early May, but to fulfill print deadlines, I am writing it at the end of March.

Communities throughout the state, country, and world have been affected by the coronavirus, changing even the most day-to-day activities in our lives. Ohioans were directed to stay home, per an order from our governor, beginning March 24.

As an essential business, Firelands Electric has a responsibility to keep the power on for our members, but we also have an obligation to safeguard the well-being of our community and our employees. To achieve this, Firelands Electric Cooperative made temporary changes to how we operate our business.

We closed our office to the public, encouraging members to use SmartHub, the telephone, mail, or our night drop to make payments. A week before the governor’s order, our line crews stopped sharing vehicles, and we divided them into small teams whenever possible to reduce exposure. Technology was put into place making it possible for most employees to work remotely from their homes. To help members who lost their job during this unprecedented chain of events, we suspended disconnections and late fees.

The Firelands Electric Cooperative office will be closed on

Monday, May 25 in observance of Memorial Day so that we may remember all those who gave the ultimate sacrifice serving our country.

I don’t know what will be happening in our country by the time this issue of Ohio Cooperative Living reaches your mailbox. I do know that our thoughts and prayers are with those impacted by this virus and that we will continue to serve our members the best we can. In these difficult times, members of our community who might have once seemed ordinary are now cast in a different Dan McNaull light. We see the health GENERAL MANAGER care professionals, first responders, and linemen as heroes on the front lines of this crisis. And we see those who are vital to our daily lives — grocery store workers, truck drivers, postal workers, utility workers, farmers, janitors, and so many more — with a new appreciation.

It remains to be seen what the result of this virus will be. What we do know is that Firelands Electric’s commitment to our community and our resolve to overcome the present circumstances won’t change.

The co-op community is resilient, and by working together, we will continue to remain a strong force for good in our community.

In closing, I want to remind you that May is Military Appreciation Month. I hope you will join me in pausing to reflect on the sacrifices of our country’s veterans and their families. I am especially thankful for those who gave the ultimate sacrifice so that we can enjoy the freedoms we have in this great country of ours. Please join us in taking a moment to show your appreciation to veterans and active duty members of the military — not just this month, but every month.

As always, emergency service is available 24/7 by calling 1-800-533-8658.

MAY 2020 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING 19

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FIRELANDS ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE LOCAL PAGES COOPERATIVE NEWS

Rate adjustment will offset rising overhead Firelands Electric’s board of trustees, management, and employees work hard to keep the cooperative’s controllable costs at the lowest levels possible. However, the time eventually comes when additional revenue is needed to maintain operations.

Your cooperative conducted a rate study in 2017, in response to financial forecasting that showed a need for additional future revenue to maintain operations.

We fully expected that we would need increased revenue (i.e., a rate adjustment) in 2018, but thanks to strong kWh sales combined with internal operational changes, we were able to delay a rate adjustment for nearly two years.

Looking ahead at our financial situation for the remainder of 2020 and into the future, we see a rate adjustment is now needed. Nearly everything the cooperative purchases in order to maintain a reliable electrical system has increased in price. Your board of trustees is very proud of the fact that Firelands Electric has not needed any type of increase since 2016.

During the period since 2016, your cooperative has paid back more than $3.7 million in capital credit refunds to the members. Members’ Economic Participation is cooperative principle No. 3, which is in action through our everyday operations — it’s what separates Firelands Electric Cooperative from the big investor-owned utilities.

Since your cooperative is not-for-profit, we don’t need to raise rates to generate more profits — we simply need to cover the cost of doing business. We’ve been fortunate that the cost of electricity from our cooperatively-owned Buckeye Power plants has remained relatively stable over the past decade. There have, however, been increases in the costs we pay for transmission of electricity from the power plants to our substations.

Beginning with members’ June bills, the distribution charge for residential and small commercial meters will increase $2 per month, and the kilowatt-hour charges will increase 3%. For a residential member, this represents an average 3.27% increase to the monthly bill, which equates to less than .17 cents per day. Even with these rate changes, electricity remains a truly

20

Dan Schloemer, President

Dan McNaull

BOARD OF TRUSTEES

GENERAL MANAGER

outstanding value when you consider everything it does for us every minute of the day.

Why is the distribution charge increasing?

The distribution charge is one component of your bill, while other sections are the kWh charge and wholesale power adjustment. The distribution charge covers the co-op’s fixed costs of delivering electricity to your home or business, which includes everything needed to build, operate, and maintain the electric system — poles, wires, transformers, trucks, fuel, tools, tree trimming, line maintenance, insurance, real estate taxes, depreciation, and emergency storm repairs. The cost of having a reliable distribution system in place and ready to deliver power is always present, regardless of how much electricity an individual member uses.

Why is the kWh charge also increasing?

From a purely business standpoint, all of the rate increase could have been applied to the distribution charge. The board and management team understand that this would have placed more of the increase on low kWh usage accounts. In order to lessen the effect on these members, the board decided to split the increase between the distribution and kWh charges.

OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • MAY 2020

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integrity

accountability

community commitment

innovation

When will my bill change?

The new 2020 rates go into effect this month and the change will appear on your June electric bill. The adjustment includes increases in the distribution charges and changes in the per kWh rates for all consumers.

How will this increase affect the co-op’s margins?

Firelands Electric is a not-for-profit, member-owned cooperative. We exist to serve our members with safe, reliable, and affordable power, and any margins (profits) we receive are invested into the electric system and allocated to you in the form of capital credits that will be used as operating capital before being be refunded to you.

OVERVIEW OF NEW RATE STRUCTURE Here is a summary of the new monthly rates. A detailed listing is available at www.firelandsec.com/content/rate-schedules.

Single-Phase General Service (SG) rate schedules for residential consumermembers requiring up to 100 kVA of installed transformer capacity.

Distribution Charge:

$36 /month

Energy Charge:

What can I do to reduce my electric bill?

First 500 kWh

$0.10785 /kWh

There are many ways to reduce your energy use. Learn ways to save energy at https://www.firelandsec.com/ content/energy-efficiency. You can learn more about energy-efficiency rebates and programs at https://www. firelandsec.com/content/member-programs or by calling 1-800-533-8658.

501 to 1000 kWh

$0.10350 /kWh

Over 1000 kWh

$0.08695 /kWh

As a not-for-profit electric cooperative, the operational costs of Firelands Electric are spread fairly across all of our members, regardless of electricity use. That is why every member pays the distribution charge to cover basic operational expenses. All residential members are charged the same amount for the cost of operation because all members receive the same service.

You can be certain that your cooperative has not entered into this matter lightly. With the members’ best interests in mind, diligence on the part of the board of trustees and all of the employees of Firelands Electric Cooperative delayed this rate adjustment for two years.

The cooperative is different from the investor-owned power companies because of our business model and the service we provide.

Change is difficult, but I believe that by working together, Firelands Electric Cooperative can continue to provide safe and reliable electric service at an affordable cost to all our members. For more information on changes to our rate structures and schedules, please visit the cooperative’s website at https://www.firelandsec. com/content/rate-schedules.

Board of Trustees President Dan Schloemer General Manager Dan McNaull

Large Single-Phase, Small and Large ThreePhase General Service (SG, ST, and LT) rate schedules for all three-phase consumermembers requiring greater than 100 kVA of installed transformer capacity.

Distribution Charge: Single-Phase

$51.65 /month

Three-Phase

$90.27 /month

Energy Charge: First 2500 kWh

$0.10785 /kWh

2501 to 5000 kWh

$0.10689 /kWh

Over 5000 kWh

$0.08596 /kWh

Net Rate per month when the billing demand is 50KW or greater.

Distribution Charge: Single-Phase

$51.65 /month

Three-Phase

$104.30 /month

Energy Charge: All kW

$0.0640 /kWh

Demand Charge: All kW

$10.75 /kWh

MAY 2020 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING 20A

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FIRELANDS ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE LOCAL PAGES ANNUAL MEETING

SAVE THE DATE Your annual meeting is June 20

Join us for Firelands Electric Cooperative’s 82nd annual meeting on Saturday, June 20, at the Ashland University Myers Convocation Center.

Your annual meeting will feature a complimentary hot breakfast buffet for members and their immediate families. All members are welcome and encouraged to attend the business meeting, but seating for the hot breakfast is limited, so make sure to RSVP.

REMINDER: Voting for trustees for districts 1, 3, and 6 will be conducted by mail and online from May 1 to June 17.

Results will be announced at the annual meeting.

Official annual meeting registration cards will be mailed to members in mid-May. Members must bring their official registration card on June 20 to receive a $5 bill credit on their August electric bill, get a complimentary membership bag and gifts, and be entered in special prize drawings.

• REGISTRATION BEGINS: 8:30 a.m.

• BREAKFAST SERVED: 8:30 to 9:15 a.m.

• BUSINESS MEETING: 9:15 to 10 a.m.

• SPECIAL PRIZE DRAWINGS: 10 a.m.

Your RSVP for the breakfast must be submitted before 4 p.m. on June 12. It can be completed online at www.firelandsec.com/content/annual-meeting-members, OR by contacting Firelands Electric’s office at 1-800-533-8658.

Please note: Due to the new voting methods, the length of the business meeting will be shortened, so children’s activities will not be offered this year.

20B

OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • MAY 2020

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integrity

accountability

community commitment

innovation

TRUSTEE ELECTIONS

CAST YOUR Trustee elections open May 1 A new process Members of Firelands Electric Cooperative will choose trustees to represent board districts 1, 3, and 6 this year. Elections will be conducted by mail and online ballot. Co-op Ballot, an independent service provider, will manage the election by printing and mailing ballots, overseeing the online voting portal, and receiving and tallying all votes.

Members will receive candidate biographies and a paper ballot in the mail at the end of April. Candidate information will also be available online at www.firelandsec.com and in the June issue of Ohio Cooperative Living magazine.

How to cast your vote Beginning Friday, May 1, Firelands Electric members can vote online via a secure link available on the co-op’s website (http://firelandsec.coopballot.com).

Members may also opt to vote by returning their completed paper ballot in the envelope provided. Ballots cannot be accepted by the cooperative’s office. You will need NORWICH the account number on record, which 1 is found on your printed or emailed monthly billing statement, to cast your vote online.

RICHMOND

PERU

BRONSON

GREENFIELD

NEW HAVEN

HARTLAND

CLARKSFIELD

FAIRFIELD

FITCHVILLE

NEW LONDON

RIPLEY

GREENWICH

RUGGLES

3

2

Only original paper ballots will be accepted; no photocopies are permitted.

If more than one ballot is submitted, or more than one voting method is used, the first ballot received by the independent service provider will be considered final.

BUTLER

4

9

ROCHESTER

TROY

CLEAR CREEK

ORANGE

JACKSON

MILTON

MONTGOMERY

PERRY

6

Timeline Voting will open on Friday, May 1, and will close Wednesday, June 17, at 11:59 p.m. Paper ballots must be mailed to the independent service provider and cannot be accepted at the co-op office. Any ballots received by the independent service provider after the close of voting will not be counted, so please allow ample time for delivery if sending by mail.

WELLER

MIFFLIN MIFFLIN

Winners of the election will be announced at Firelands Electric Cooperative’s annual meeting on Saturday, June 20, at Ashland University’s Myers Convocation Center. Results will also be posted on the co-op’s website and published in Ohio Cooperative Living magazine.

8

7

VERMILLION

MOHICAN

5 MONROE

GREEN

LAKE

MAY 2020 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING 20C

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FIRELANDS ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE LOCAL PAGES SAFETY

HOME SAFE HOME With proper maintenance, your home’s electrical system is safe and reliable. If used incorrectly though, it can become dangerous. By putting in just a little time and effort, you can easily prevent potential damage or injury.

Use the checklist below to make sure your home is up to par and help protect your family from serious — or even fatal — electrical hazards.

any other areas that may become wet or damp. GFCIs automatically shut off a circuit when it becomes a shock hazard.

Bathrooms • Never use electrical devices, such as cellphones or hair dryers, when the bathtub is being used.

Whole house

• Unplug small appliances when not in use.

• Check that electrical cords are not running across doorways or under rugs.

Kitchen

• Replace any damaged or frayed cords immediately.

• Position appliance cords away from heat sources, such as the stove.

• Use extension cords only on a temporary basis.

Bedrooms

• Don’t overload outlets with multiple devices. Hire a qualified electrician to install more outlets if needed.

• Make sure all lightbulbs are the correct wattage for the fixtures. Look for a label indicating the maximum wattage to be used.

• If there are small children in the home, install covers on all unused outlets.

• Install ground-fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) outlets in kitchens, bathrooms, laundry rooms, and

• Check electric blankets and heating pads for cracks or breaks in the cords.

• Turn off electric blankets and heating pads when not in use.

Basement • Keep the electrical panel free from obstructions, and make sure your hands and the floor are dry before touching the panel.

• Place portable heaters and dehumidifiers on a stable and level surface, at least 3 feet from walls and other objects.

• Make sure portable heaters turn off when they tip over and unplug them when asleep or not at home.

Outdoors • Install protective covers on all outlets and make sure they’re all GFCIs and weatherproof.

• Check that power tool cords aren’t cracked or frayed.

• Use only weather-resistant extension cords marked for outdoor use.

• Keep the area around electric meters, circuit breakers, and other electrical equipment clear of vegetation and debris.

• Power lines may be underground as well. Before digging, call 8-1-1 to have utility lines marked.

20D

OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • MAY 2020

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integrity

accountability

community commitment

innovation

YOUTH PROGRAMS

And the winners are …

Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI) designates the month of May as National Electrical Safety Month.

To help raise awareness of the importance of electrical safety among the cooperative’s future members, Firelands Electric sponsored an electrical safety contest. Children of co-op members in kindergarten through fifth grade were eligible to enter. Students who correctly answered at least six of the eight questions on the electrical safety quiz printed in the March issue of Ohio Cooperative Living magazine had their name entered into a drawing for a chance to win one of three restaurant gift cards.

Top: Mason Hessler, son of Charles and Kelly Hessler of Willard Middle: Dalton Reed, son of Greg and Corey Reed of Willard Bottom: Nick Wiltrout, son of Todd and Michele Wiltrout of Jeromesville

Electrical safety quiz answers 1. The charging cord for your tablet is damaged or frayed. What should you do?

B. Replace it immediately 2. Any amount of electrical current can be dangerous and cause serious injury.

A. True 3. If a toy or pet gets stuck on an electric pole or power lines, what should you do?

A. Have an adult call the electric company 4. It’s okay to touch electric tools, appliances, or toys if you are wet.

B. False 5. Which of the following is safe to use near the bathtub?

C. A towel 6. It’s perfectly safe to climb a tree near a power line.

B. False 7. You want to plant a tree. What should you do first?

C. Call 811 so that the electric company can show you where power lines are located 8. When you finish vacuuming, it’s okay to pull the plug out of the wall by the cord.

B. False

MAY 2020 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING 21

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FIRELANDS ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE LOCAL PAGES

highlights

COOPERATIVE UPDATE

BOARD MEETING Firelands Electric Cooperative’s board of trustees met Feb. 25 and covered the following items: • Board President Dan Schloemer reported that the cooperative received 33 membership applications for approval by the board.

• Director of Operations Don Englet reviewed recent activities and projects in the operations department.

• The board reviewed and approved reports on a safety meeting held on Jan. 22 and recent OSHA training conducted at OEC in Columbus.

• McNaull reviewed a report from Director of Communications and Technology Andrea Gravenhorst on recent activities involving the member services and IT departments.

Firelands Electric Co-op is democratically controlled and governed by local people committed to policies that result in a safe and reliable electric system, fair rates, financial responsibility, and superior member service.

The cooperative’s next board meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m. on Tuesday, May 26, at Firelands Electric’s facility, located at 103 Industrial Drive, New London.

• General Manager Dan McNaull reviewed the 2020 tree trimming maintenance plan and the bids received from third-party vendors to complete the work.

• The board was provided an update on the trustee petitions filed to date for the upcoming elections.

• McNaull reviewed the outage report for January.

• Trustees John Martin, Kevin Reidy, W.E. Anderson, and Bruce Leimbach recapped the governance seminar they recently attended in Columbus.

• Director of Finance and Accounting Tabi Shepherd reviewed the January financials and reported on recent accounting and billing department activities.

FIRELANDS ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE, INC.

BOARD OF TRUSTEES

GENERAL MANAGER

Dan Schloemer

Dan McNaull

OUTAGE HOTLINE

President, District 1

1-800-533-8658 OFFICE

103 Industrial Drive P.O. Box 32 New London, OH 44851 419-929-1571 OFFICE HOURS

Mon.–Fri. 7:30 a.m.–4 p.m. www.firelandsec.com

Bruce Leimbach Vice President, District 4

Carl Ayers

HAVE A STORY SUGGESTION?

Email your ideas to: members@firelandsec.com

Secretary/Treasurer, District 5

W.E. Anderson District 8

Steve Gray District 3

Gene Lamoreaux District 2

John Martin District 9

Kevin Reidy District 6

Rob Turk 22

OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • MAY 2020

05-20--May.indd 8

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MAY 2020 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING 23

That’s the

TICKET

Cedar Point, Ohio’s iconic amusement park, celebrates 150 years of thrilling fun.

BY DAMAINE VONADA; PHOTOS COURTESY OF CEDAR POINT

Editor’s note: The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic has delayed the beginning of Cedar Point’s 2020 season. As of mid-April, the park was tentatively scheduled to open for the season in midMay. Please double-check before traveling.

T

he postcard is undoubtedly old, and its Gilded Age image of Cedar Point’s beach is as evocative as an impressionist painting: the dreamy interaction of light and water, ladies in flowing skirts sauntering along the shoreline, gents in straw boaters enjoying the breeze, and children playing in the sand and waves.

Skirting the side of a slender Lake Erie peninsula, Cedar Point’s mile-long beach was its first attraction. Sandusky businessman Louis Zistel opened a bathhouse there in 1870 and ferried day-trippers across the bay for 25 cents. Now, 150 years later, Cedar Point is Ohio’s largest tourist destination. It hosts some 3 million guests annually and boasts a record-setting 71 rides that meld tradition (a 1912 carousel, a gigantic Ferris wheel) with technology (the 93-mph Millenium Force, the 400-foot-tall Top Thrill Dragster).

Everyone knows Cedar Point’s reputation as the world’s coaster capital, but for this year’s sesquicentennial, the park’s focus is its legacy of providing laughter, screams, and memories to people of all ages and from all walks of life. “For 150 years, Cedar Point has been the backdrop for many special moments,” says Communications Director Tony Clark, “but it all comes down to fun, relaxation, and spending time together.”

24 OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • MAY 2020

Ten quintessential Cedar Point experiences

1 2

Cedar Point Beach “If you don’t check it out, you’re missing the foundation of Cedar Point’s heritage,” says Clark.

Blue Streak pened in 1964, this wooden classic launched O Cedar Point’s coaster status. “Blue Streak is a great multigeneration ride,” says Clark. “It’s a good transition for kids wanting to graduate to a larger coaster.”

3 4

Top Thrill Dragster The original strata coaster goes 120 mph. “Its height and speed combination gives riders an awesome sense of freedom,” says Clark.

Festival fun “ Our special events are family-friendly and an added value,” says Clark. The Frontier Festival features barbecue, brews, and bluegrass; Light Up the Point stages one of the Great Lakes’ largest fireworks displays; Cedar Point Nights beach parties rock with silent disco, glow games, and bonfires; and HalloWeekends treat guests to pumpkin parades and autumnal activities.

MAY 2020 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING 25

5

Cedar Point & Lake Erie Railroad he retro train ride is a rare way to roll.

T “We have one of the few coal-fired steam locomotives in the world operating at an amusement park,” says Clark.

6

Frontier Town

7

Viewing Cedar Point from Lake Erie “ Seeing the park from the water is a perfect way to appreciate its unique skyline,” says Clark. “You can rent WaveRunners and go parasailing or ride the Jet Express, which stops at Cedar Point Marina.”

26 OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • MAY 2020

PHOTOS THIS PAGE BY DAMAINE VONADA

he only themed part of Cedar Point T presents Wild West adventures ranging from Lusty Lil’s cancan revue to the Barnyard petting zoo. Says Clark, “Our Frontier Trail is a quieter corner of the park with crafters and hands-on activities like candle-making.”

8

The food

9

Staying overnight

10

ew for 2020 are French Quarter N Confections and a Mac Shack featuring macaroni and cheese bowls, but old favorites such as cheese-on-astick are still on the menu — and not to worry: those signature fresh-cut french fries remain as well. edar Point offers lodging for a variety of C budgets and lifestyles, but the 1905 Hotel Breakers beautifully conveys the park’s venerable history. “The Breakers has been updated with modern amenities and sits beside Lake Erie,” says Clark.

“From the hotel, you can walk directly to the beach or a park entry gate.”

The three kid areas “ People often don’t realize how many rides and activities we have for kids because the Kiddy Kingdom, Planet Snoopy, and Camp Snoopy are in different locations spread throughout the park,” Clark says.

Join the party!

Cedar Point’s 150th birthday plans include: Snake River Expedition — a new riverboat adventure that lets passengers participate in secret missions.

Celebrate 150 Spectacular — scheduled from June 12 to August 15, nighttime parades feature dazzling floats that highlight park history and culminate in huge block parties.

Plenty of tours — m ­ obile app history tours, guided Segway tours, Taste of Cedar Point food tours, VIP coaster tours, and Boardwalk Cruiser wine tours.

For information and updates, call 419-627-2350 or visit www.cedarpoint.com.

MAY 2020 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING 27

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MAY 2020 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING 29

Coming to terms

50 years after the Kent State shootings, the community comes together to make sure the lessons stick.

BY SANDRA GURVIS

E

very May 4, students, faculty, and others on the campus of Kent State University honor the memory of four students killed and nine others injured when the National Guard opened fire during a protest against the Vietnam War on that day in 1970.

That tragedy not only informed a generation, says Alan Canfora, one of the nine who was injured by gunfire that day, “but essentially represented a turning point, in that excessive force was no longer used during the protests against the Vietnam War.” He and his sister,

30 OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • MAY 2020

Roseann (better known as “Chic”), who was a witness to the shootings, have devoted much of their lives to making sure that the lessons of May 4, 1970, are not forgotten.

This year marks 50 years since the tragedy, and plans had been in place to commemorate the occasion with dozens of speakers, symposia, and artistic tributes, until the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic canceled the events. Still, the events they had planned are an indication of how much has changed about the way the Kent State community perceives this part of their past.

“It took Kent a long time to come to terms with its history,” says Mindy Farmer, director of the May 4 Visitors Center, which first opened in 2014 with an extensive set of exhibits about events there and on other campuses, the 1960s, and Vietnam protests. Freshman orientation at Kent now includes a stop at the center.

Farmer says 2020 represents a sharp contrast from 1975, “when the university decided that five years was long enough to remember the shootings.” After the official commemoration ended that year, a group consisting mostly of students formed the May 4 Task Force, a grassroots organization that would take over the proceedings. That group has been integral in initiating memorials and programs ever since.

In 1977, the university’s decision to construct a gym annex over part of the shooting site further widened the rift. “People came from all over the country to protest,” says Farmer. Students created what became known as Tent City, which stood for two months. It ended only with the forced removal and arrest of almost 200 people — including some of the students injured and families of those who had been killed in 1970. The gym was built, but the struggle lasted for almost two years.

Many of those affected by the events carry it into other parts of their lives. Chic Canfora, for example, is now chief communications officer for Cleveland Public Schools. After the 2018 shootings at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, she went to

Above, members of the National Guard advance on students on the Kent State campus shortly before firing on the protesting crowd (photo courtesy of Kent State University Special Archives Collection); inset, a memorial in one of the student parking lots commemorates the May 4, 1970, shootings (photo by Sandra Gurvis); right, student Alan Canfora waves a black flag in protest moments before he was shot and injured by National Guard troops (photo courtesy of Alan Canfora).

MAY 2020 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING 31

as a result of the tragedy. She co-teaches a course on May 4 and its aftermath.

Sophomore Ethan Lower’s decision to attend Kent was partially based on family stories about his relative, the late geology professor Glenn Frank, who was instrumental in negotiating with the National Guard immediately after the shootings, helping defuse a volatile situation and preventing further tragedy. Lower is now head of the May 4 Task Force.

Kent State’s May 4 Visitors Center greets guests with displays, images, and words from the fateful day to add perspective and context to the events.

counsel students there — and while the circumstances of the shootings were vastly different, she says her experience helped them see that others can overcome and manage trauma.

Reconciling the events of the past has been a gradual process for the Kent State community. For example, Karen Cunningham became active in the May 4 Task Force while she was a student at KSU in the 1970s. She eventually returned to Kent as faculty in what is now the School of Peace and Conflict Studies, which was created

32 OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • MAY 2020

In 2019, the university came full circle, once again taking over the commemoration events. Rod Flauhaus, who works in the university president’s office, is the project manager for the 50th anniversary. He also was involved with the task force when he was a student, and worked closely with the group to plan this year’s events.

“While the university allowed the commemorations, they never really embraced them,” he says, until the 1980s, when a series of presidents garnered the support of the trustees and worked to establish educational programs and memorials. Stanchions now stand in the parking lot where the students were slain, for example, and the 17 acres where the events took place is now a National Historic Landmark.

“Many of the people who run the university today were students in the 1970s,” Flauhaus says. “The passage of time puts things into a different perspective.”

Sandra Gurvis is the author of 17 books, including a reissue of The Pipe Dreamers, a novel about protests against the war in Vietnam.

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IN THE GARDEN

GOING

Medieval

BY TONI LELAND

I

f you were to imagine a garden in A.D. 800, you might picture unusual and long-extinct plants, but in fact, gardens of the medieval period (or Middle

Ages) were filled with plants that have thrived for

Absinthe

centuries and still grow in our gardens today. Many once had names with religious overtones but now have modern, more familiar monikers. For example, cornflower was called Mary’s crown and foxglove was called Virgin’s glove.

Mandrake

What medieval plants might be in your garden? How about hollyhock (St. Joseph’s staff), basil (Holy Communion platter), dill (devil-away), or daffodil (Mary’s star)? You’re probably already familiar with those common plants and herbs, but there are plenty more that you can find to give your garden a medieval flair.

Absinthe, or wormwood, is from the Artemesia family and is a lovely accent to a modern garden. Absinthe was called Mary’s tree and was used as a spice herb as well as for medicinal purposes, such as stomach disorders or nausea, and to repel insects from the vegetable garden, but is known mainly for the alcoholic beverage that is made from it. Absinthe can be grown from seeds sown directly in the ground or planted from potted plants in light, well-drained soil in full sun.

34 OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • MAY 2020

Though not exactly as portrayed in the Harry Potter series, mandrake, or love apple, is an interesting and attractive plant with a colorful history of having magical properties.

Its medicinal use in the Middle Ages was for the treatment of rheumatic pain and for melancholy and mania. It is seldom prescribed in modern herbal medicine, due to the highly toxic alkaloids in the root. To grow mandrake, sow seeds in the fall. Young plants must be well watered through the season.

Milk thistle is a beautiful plant known as St. Mary’s thistle in medieval times. Thistles are weeds, but this variety has been valued for medicinal uses for more than 2,000 years; it is the most researched plant for the treatment of liver disease. This plant’s deep green leaves are veined with white, and the flower is dark red/purple, making it

an attractive addition to a garden. Be aware that it is not native to North America and can overtake a property with the seeds from a single plant.

Woad is a member of the mustard family and has long been prized for the dark blue/black fruit from which blue dye was made centuries ago — and still is used today by heritage crafters. Woad was also cultivated as a medicinal, used to heal wounds and jaundice. It’s an attractive biennial plant for the back of the flower bed, as it grows 3 to 4 feet tall. It thrives in most soils and light exposure.

Milk thistle

Perchance thou seekest more medieval plants for thy garden?

Thine options include: • • • • • • • • • • • •

Ajuga, or bugleweed (St. Lawrence plant) Chamomile Fennel (Our Lady’s fennel) Lady’s mantle (Mary’s mantle) Rosemary (Mary’s bouquet) St. John’s wort Yarrow (Our Lord’s back) Snapdragon (Infant Jesus’ shoes) Borage (Virgin’s face) Lavender (Mary’s drying plant) Grape hyacinth (church steeples) Sweet violet (Our Lady’s modesty)

Dill St. John’s wort

Woad

READER RECIPE CONTEST

Potluck!

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

• 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: Is it 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!

Is your covered dish the hit of every church carry-in?

Do friends always invite you over because they know you’ll bring that one mouth-watering morsel?

Appetizers, casseroles, desserts, and more: For our 2020 Ohio Cooperative Living reader recipe contest, we’re looking for your go-to potluck favorite.

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

Two runners-up will receive consolation gifts.

Entry deadline: June 6, 2020.

• 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.

• There is a limit of three recipes per entrant.

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

MAY 2020 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING 35

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2020 CALENDAR

MAY/JUNE

PLEASE NOTE: Because of the developing coronavirus situation, many of these planned events may have been postponed or canceled. Please seek updated information before traveling.

COMPILED BY COLLEEN ROMICK CLARK

NORTHWEST

THROUGH AUG. 7 – Limaland Motorsports Park Races, 1500 Dutch Hollow Rd., Lima, 7:30–10:30 p.m. Sprints, UMP Modifieds, Thunderstocks, and more! Pit gates open at 4:30 p.m., grandstand gates at 5 p.m., warmup laps begin at 6:30 p.m. See website for updated information. www.limaland.com.

MAY 8–17 – 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, bird ID workshops, birding by canoe, field trips, presentations, birder’s marketplace, and evening socials. 419-898-4070 or www. biggestweekinamericanbirding.com.

MAY 9 – Fanny Pack/Crazy Wig Party, Mac Experience DJ, Walnut Grove Campground, 7325 S. Twp. Rd. 131, Tiffin, 8 p.m.–12 a.m. $2.50 per person; age 4 and under free.

419-448-0914 or www.walnutgrovecampground.com.

MAY 15–16 – Hamler Country Fest, St. Rte. 109, Hamler.

An exciting weekend of great music and fun. Under roof with open seating; bring lawn chairs. Food and beverages available for purchase. Primitive camping sites available.

419-748-7459, hamlercountryfest@gmail.com, or www. hamlercountryfest.com.

MAY 16 – Tawawa Civic Park Cruise-In, Tawawa Dr., Sidney, 12–4 p.m., gates open at 10 a.m. No entry fee, no preregistration. This year’s cruise-in held in conjunction with the Vietnam Traveling Wall and Field of Crosses.

Goody bags to first 150 registered cars, dash plaques to first 100 registered, door prizes. Model T rides 1–3 p.m. www.facebook.com/ShelbyCountyHistoricalSociety.

MAY 16–17 – Settlers Encampment on the AuGlaize, 1750–1815, AuGlaize Village, 12296 Krouse Rd., Defiance. $5; 12 and under free. See reenactors clothed in period dress and demonstrating open-fire cooking, natural plant dyeing, spring lathe, blacksmithing, fire-starting with flint and steel, flintlock firing, cannon firing, and other daily living skills. Learn about Native American dress and culture of the period as well. auglaizevillage@gmail.com or www.facebook.com/History1750.1815.

MAY 16–17, JUN. 13–14 – The Fantastic Tiffin Flea Market, Seneca Co. Fgds., 100 Hopewell Ave., Tiffin, Sat. 9 a.m.–4 p.m., Sun. 9 a.m.–3 p.m., rain or shine. Free.

250 to 400 dealers per show. Antiques, collectibles, furniture, crafts, produce, tools, glass, and more.

419-447- 9613, tiffinfleamarket@gmail.com, or www. tiffinfleamarket.com.

MAY 17 – Shelby County Coin Club Coin Show, American Legion Post 217, 1265 Fourth Ave., Sidney, 10 a.m.–3 p.m. 937-339-5437.

MAY 21–25 – Main Street Port Clinton Walleye Festival, Waterworks Park, Port Clinton. Free concerts, kids’ fishing derby, parade, educational programs/ activities, 5K run/walk, carnival rides, and vendors. 419734-5503 or www.facebook.com/WalleyeFest.

MAY 22–24 – Buckeye Farm Antiques Annual Show, Shelby Co. Fgds., 655 S. Highland Ave., Sidney. Tractors and engines, threshing and corn shredding, corn shelling demonstration, truck and tractor pulls, flea market. Car, truck, and motorcycle show Sun. 10 a.m.–4 p.m. 937-7262485 or www.buckeyefarmantiques.com.

MAY 23 – Opening Day of the Great Sidney Farmer’s Market, 109 S. Ohio Ave., Sidney, 8 a.m.–noon. Open after this date every Saturday through mid-October. Fresh produce, crafters, baked goods, jams, jellies. 937-6586945 or www.sidneyalive.org.

MAY 23 – Band Night: Big Red Delux, Walnut Grove Campground, 7325 S. Twp. Rd. 131, Tiffin, 8 p.m.–12 a.m. $2.50 per person; age 4 and under free. 419-448-0914 or www.walnutgrovecampground.com.

MAY 25 – Memorial Day Service, Perry’s Victory and International Peace Memorial, 93 Delaware Ave.,

WEST VIRGINIA

MAY 23 – Engines and Wheels Festival, North Bend State Park, 202 North Bend Park Rd., Cairo.

Old-fashioned engines and industrial, oil field, and

farm machinery from the turn of the 20th century. Live demonstrations, craft vendors, and great food. Call Dave Wilson at 304-628-3587.

JUN. 3–5 – Family Trails Weekend, North Bend State Park, 202 North Bend Park Rd., Cairo. Celebrate National Trails Day by hiking on one of the park’s many unique trails. Guided hikes will be offered, or you can make your own route. 304-643-2931 or www.northbendsp.com.

JUN. 12–14 – Fostoria Glass Society of America Convention and Elegant Glass Show, Moundsville Ctr. Bldg., 901 8th St., Moundsville. Featured this year are elegant bowls, candlesticks, and vases from the 1920s.

304-843-4128 or www.fostoriaglass.org.

Put-in-Bay, 11 a.m.–noon. Free. 419-285-2184 or www.nps.gov/pevi/index.htm.

MAY 26–31 – Alumapalooza, 420 W. Pike St., Jackson Center. A family-friendly festival for people who love Airstream travel trailers. Open to Airstream owners and non-owners alike. 813-200-8877 or http:// alumapalooza.com.

JUN. 2–3 – “Majestik Spectacular” Motorcycle Stunt Show, Allen Co. Fgds., 2750 Harding Hwy., Lima. $12.

See the greatest FMX freestyle, BMX bicycles, and five motorcycles in the globe! www.majestikspectacular.com.

JUN. 6 – Baby Back Rib Cook-Off and Potluck, Walnut Grove Campground, 7325 S. Twp. Rd. 131, Tiffin, 6 p.m. $2.50 per person; age 4 and under free. Ribs are $1.25 each; bring dish to share. 419-448-0914 or www. walnutgrovecampground.com.

JUN. 7 – “Nothing About Us, Without Us,” Fort Recovery State Museum, 1 Fort Site St., Fort Recovery, 3 p.m. Free. Presentation by Diane Hunter, of the Miami Tribe of Oklahoma, and archaeologist Christine Thompson, from Ball State University, about Native American collaboration on a St. Clair’s Defeat exhibit. 419375-4384 or www.fortrecoverymuseum.com.

JUN. 12–14 – 4-Wheel Jamboree Nationals, Allen Co. Fgds., 2750 Harding Hwy., Lima, Fri. 10 a.m.–6 p.m., Sat. 9 a.m.–6:30 p.m., Sun. 9 a.m.–3 p.m. Enjoy everything 4-wheel, including monster trucks, tough truck racing, mud bogging, show trucks, and more! www.4wheeljamboree.com/lima_4_wheel_jamboree.

JUN. 13 – Antique Tractor Show, Sauder Village, 22611 St. Rte. 2, Archbold, 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Historic tractors from the 1920s to the 1960s will be on display. Kids can try the new pedal-tractor obstacle course! Guests can also enjoy hands-on activities as part of the “Agriculture Adventures” event, Jun. 11–13. 800-590-9755, aaron.hughs@ saudervillage.org, or www.saudervillage.org.

JUN. 13–14 – Quailcrest Farm Spring Garden Fair, Quailcrest Farm, 2810 Armstrong Rd., Wooster, Sat. 10 a.m.–4 p.m., Sun. 11 a.m.–4 p.m. Over 60 artists and craftsmen among the gardens. Full concessions plus caramel corn, baked goods, and homemade ice cream.

330-345-6722 or www.quailcrest.com.

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.

MAY 2020 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING 37

2020 CALENDAR

MAY/JUNE

PLEASE NOTE: Because of the developing coronavirus situation, many of these planned events may have been postponed or canceled. Please seek updated information before traveling.

NORTHEAST

MAY 23–24 – Great Lakes Fiber Show, Wayne Co. Fgds., 199 Vanover St., Wooster, Sat. 10 a.m.–5 p.m., Sun. 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Workshops on fiber-related crafts, competitions, wool fleece show and sale, knitting and crocheting items, sheep show, children’s activities, and great food. New this year: sheep-herding demonstrations!

740-686-2172 or www.greatlakesfibershow.com.

MAY 24 – “Quail Cup” Old Time Baseball, Quailcrest Farm, 2810 Armstrong Rd., Wooster, noon. Four teams will play simultaneous games for the seventh annual “Quail Cup” tournament. Bring a chair and enjoy some 1860s baseball! 330-345-6722 or www.quailcrest.com.

THROUGH MAY 31 – “Tying the Knot: The History of Bridal Fashion,” McKinley Presidential Library and JUN. 6–7 – Ohio Valley Frontier Days, Historic Fort Museum, 800 McKinley Monument Dr. NW, Canton.

Steuben, 120 S. 3rd St., Steubenville, 10 a.m.–8 p.m., Sun. Exhibit explores wedding fashions from the 1860s to 11 a.m.–5 p.m. $6, C. (6–12) $3, under 6 free. Meet the the present day. Learn more about the history behind soldiers, surveyors, settlers, and Native Americans who timeless wedding traditions such as the bouquet were a part of our 18th-century heritage. Crafts, music, toss, wedding cakes, the engagement ring, the role and food. 740-283-1787 or www.oldfortsteuben.com/ of the best man, and more! 330-455-7043 or www. frontierdays.php. mckinleymuseum.org/events.

JUN. 7 – Kelleys Island 5 & 10K Run/Walk, begins at MAY 1–17 – Mathilda the Musical, Geauga Lyric Theater Memorial Park, 112 Division St., Kelleys Island. Registration Guild, 101 Water St., Chardon, Fri./Sat. 7:30 p.m., Sun. 2 begins at 8 a.m., race at 10:45 a.m., followed by awards p.m. Stage musical based on the children’s novel by Roald ceremony. Pre-registration $20 online, ending one week Dahl. 440-286-2255 or www.geaugatheater.org. before race day; day of race, $25. 419-746-2360 or www.

MAY 1–7 – My Fair Lady, Mimi Ohio Theatre, 1511 Euclid kelleysislandchamber.com.

Ave., Cleveland. $10–$110. “A sumptuous new production JUN. 9–12 – Greek Food Festival, Holy Trinity of the most perfect musical of all time” (Entertainment Greek Orthodox Church, 300 S. 4th St., Steubenville, Weekly), directed by Bartlett Sher. See website for dates 11 a.m.–9 p.m. Experience the tastes and sounds of and times. www.playhousesquare.org/events.

Greece with traditional foods, music, and dance plus tours of the beautiful church. 740-282-7770 or www.

MAY 16 – Heirloom Doll Society Doll Show and holytrinitygreekfest.com.

Sale, Williamsfield Community Ctr., 5920 U.S. Rt. 322, Williamsfield, 10 a.m.–3 p.m. $4; age 10 and under JUN. 12–14 – Bacon Fest, Kelley’s Island Wine Co., free. Free parking; handicap accessible. 440-344-7747, 418 Woodford Rd., Kelleys Island. Go pig or go home! circlemranch25@gmail.com, or www.dollshowusa.com.

From bacon-infused drinks to a complete bacon menu, we have all your crazy bacon cravings covered.

MAY 16 – Medina Spring Avant-Garde Art and Craft Pig roast dinners served with all the fixings. Play Show, 885 Weymouth Rd., Medina, 10 a.m.–5 p.m. $3, carnival-style games to win some awesome bacon under 12 free. Features artists and crafters selling their prizes, and snap a photo in our porky pig photo booth. original handmade items. Full concessions stand on site.

419-746-2678, abbey.kiwineco@gmail.com, or www.

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

kelleysislandwineco.com.

JUN. 13 – Beachcliff Handmade Fest and Feast, Beachcliff Market Square, 19300 Detroit Rd., Rocky River, 11 a.m.–4 p.m. Free. Come hungry and ready to shop! All your favorite Market Square restaurants set up outdoors for a taste of Beachcliff. Includes an Avant-Garde Art and Craft Show with artisans and crafters selling their original handmade items. www.avantgardeshows.com.

JUN. 13 – International Wine at the Mill Festival, Loudonville, noon–10 p.m. Enjoy nearly 100 varieties of international and Ohio wines, domestic beers, live music, and great food. $10 adults over 21, $1 ages 10–20, under 10 free. 419-541-0161 or www.wolfcreekmill.org/events. html. See Facebook page for updates.

JUN. 13–14 – Quailcrest Farm Spring Garden Fair, Quailcrest Farm, 2810 Armstrong Rd., Wooster, Sat. 10 a.m.–4 p.m., Sun. 11 a.m.–4 p.m. $2 per car. Over 65 garden-related artists and craftsmen demonstrating and displaying their wares among the gardens. As always, view the great Quailcrest plants, giant ferns, and delightful garden whimseys. Food and ice cream available. 330345-6722 or www.quailcrest.com.

JUN. 13–20 – Ohio Craft Beer Week, various establishments, Kelleys Island. Ohio’s craft brewers will be showcased at island establishments all week long, with tastings, tap takeovers, food pairings, and live entertainment. 419-746-2800, info@islandhouseki.com, or www.kelleysislandchamber.com/events.

JUN. 14 – Pulp Fiction Convention, Doubletree Hilton Cleveland/Westlake, 1100 Crocker Rd., Westlake, 10 a.m.–4 p.m. $5, age 6 and under free. Free parking. A gathering of book, pulp, and film fans, with dealers and writers selling, buying, and trading all your favorites in pulp fiction: adventure, crime, fantasy, horror, mystery, noir, science fiction, and western. 330-353-0439 or jeff@ harpercomics.com.

SOUTHEAST

registration is required. https://arcofappalachia.org/ red-stone-hike.

MAY 27–31 – National Road Yard Sale, throughout Guernsey and Belmont counties. Find bargains, antiques, fresh produce, furniture, and more as you shop the sales along Historic U.S. 40. www.oldstorefrontantiques.com.

JUN. 13 – Steel Earthworks Guided Tour, Junction Earthworks Preserve, Chillicothe, beginning at 10 a.m.

Tour guide Tim Everhart, who has excavated at the Steel and Junction preserves the past two summers, will share the exciting discoveries made during his time in the field.

Space is limited and registration is required. https:// arcofappalachia.org/steel-tour.

JUN. 13–14 – Lucasville Trade Days, Scioto Co. Fgds., 1193 Fairground Rd., Lucasville, Sat. 7 a.m.–7 p.m., $5; Sun. 7 a.m.–4 p.m., $4; early bird admission Fri. 3 p.m., $5. Free for kids 12 and under all days. Free parking on fairground lots. Flea market; animals to sell, buy, or trade.

937-728-6643 or www.lucasvilletradedays.com.

THROUGH SEP. 25 – Rise and Shine Farmers Market, 2135 Southgate Pkwy. (near Tractor Supply Co.), Cambridge, Fridays, 8 a.m.–noon. 740-680-1866 or find us on Facebook.

MAY 9–10 – Chillicothe Trade Days, Ross Co. Fgds., 344 Fairgrounds Rd., Chillicothe. $5; free for kids 12 and under. Free parking on fairground lots. Flea market; animals to sell, buy, or trade. 937-272-2897 or www. chillicothetradedays.com.

38 OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • MAY 2020

MAY 16–17 – Kansas: Point of Know Return Tour, Peoples Bank Theatre, 222 Putnam St., Marietta, Sat. 8 p.m., Sun. 7 p.m. www.peoplesbanktheatre.com.

MAY 22–24 – Feast of the Flowering Moon Festival, Yoctangee Park, Chillicothe, Fri./Sat. 10 a.m.–10 p.m., Sun. 10 a.m.–6 p.m. Free. A family-oriented event featuring Native American music, dancing, traders and exhibits, mountain-men encampment depicting life in the 19th century, arts and crafts show, entertainment, and food. www.feastofthefloweringmoon.org.

MAY 22–25 – Oak Hill Festival of Flags, Aetna Park, 316 W. Main St., Oak Hill. Rides, crafts, food booths, contests and games, art and quilt show, children’s activities, and entertainment. The event wraps up with a pancake breakfast, a 5K run, and a car show. 740-682-9956 or www.oakhillfestivalofflags.org.

MAY 23 – Guided Hike at Red Stone Farm, Pike County, beginning at 10 a.m. Join naturalist Vicki Solomon on a guided hike at the farm and the Arc of Appalachia’s 200-acre conservation easement. Space is limited and

Vernon Rd., Utica. $5 per car. Fun-filled weekend for the entire family. Pony rides, car show, motorcycle show, games and contests, arts and crafts, great food, and ice cream, of course! 740-892-3921 or www. sertomaicecreamfestival.com.

MAY 25 – Memorial Day Parade and Commemoration, Veterans Memorial Park, 95 Landis St., Lockbourne.

Parade starts at 11:30 a.m., followed with a service honoring generations of families serving in the Armed Forces. 614-491-3161.

MAY 27–30 – Deercreek Dam Days Festival, Williamsport, Wed./Thur. 4–10 p.m., Fri. 4–11 p.m., Sat. 11 a.m.–11 p.m. Free. Fun for the whole family, MAY–OCTOBER – Zanesville Farmers Market, with music, food, games, and rides for all ages.​www.

Muskingum Co. Fgds., 1300 Pershing Rd., Zanesville, deercreekdamdays.com. every Sat., 9 a.m.–12 p.m. June through August, the market is also open every Wed. 4–7 p.m. at North 4th MAY 29–31 – Newark Strawberry Festival, Courthouse Street. www.zanesvillefarmersmarket.org.

Square, Newark, Fri./Sat. 11 a.m.–10 p.m., Sun. 11 a.m.–6 MAY 16 – “Art on the Canal” Art Stroll, downtown Canal p.m. Rides, games, crafts, food, and family entertainment.

A “must try” is our delicious strawberry shortcake served Winchester, noon–6 p.m. Live music, dancing, artistic with locally made Velvet Ice Cream. ddoney825@gmail. performances, and free classes along with a display of exquisite works from various central Ohio artists. Fine art com or www.newarkstrawberryfestival.com. and crafts will be available for purchase. Kids’ Zone area MAY 30 – Uncaged 2.0, National Trail Raceway, 2650 allows children to explore their artistic abilities. 614-270National Road SW, Hebron. 740-928-5706 ext. 24 or 5053 or www.canalwinchesterohio.gov/352/Art-Stroll. www.nationaltrailraceway.com.

MAY 16–17 – The Chrysler Power Classic, National Trail JUN. 3–6 – Commercial Point Homecoming, 28 Raceway, 2650 National Road SW, Hebron. 740-928W. Scioto St., Commercial Point. Fun-filled midway, 5706 ext. 24 or www.nationaltrailraceway.com. rides, games, great food, free entertainment, car MAY 20 – Pickerington Garden Club Monthly Meeting, show, beer garden, and more. Don’t miss our delicious ocean perch sandwiches! Fireworks Fri. 10 p.m., Pickerington Main Library, Pickerington, 1 p.m. Join us for a plant exchange and a talk about ticks by a naturalist concerts Fri./Sat. 8 p.m., parade Sat. 11 a.m. 614-9834836, dthooley@gmail.com, or www.facebook.com/ from Blacklick Woods Metro Park. The public is always commercialpointcommunitymensclub. welcome. Contact Robin Leja at robinleja@gmail.com or 614-582-4977.

JUN. 4 – Opening Day of Farmers Market, 89 N. Center St. (at Town Square Drive), Pickerington, 4–7 MAY 23–25 – Utica Sertoma Ice Cream Festival, p.m. Area farmers, bakers, and artisans offer fresh Ye Olde Mill and Velvet Ice Cream Co., 11324 Mt.

CENTRAL

SOUTHWEST

Grass while dining in the beautiful sanctuary. Bring your own or purchase a box lunch on site. 513-771-1544 or bryan.mock@christchurchglendale.org.

MAY 16 – Gourmet Food Truck Competition and Rally, Miami Co. Fgds., N. Co. Rd. 25A, Troy, 11 a.m.–9 p.m.

Free and open to the public. Teams of food trucks will gather to show off their best dishes and desserts. www. miamicountyohiofair.com.

MAY 22–24 – Springfield Swap Meet and Car Show, Clark Co. Fgds., 4401 S. Charleston Pike, Springfield (exit 59 off I-70), Sat. 7 a.m.–6 p.m., Sun. 7 a.m.–3 p.m. The MAY 6, 13, 20, 27, JUN. 3, 10 – Bluegrass Wednesdays, largest and most exciting swap meet in the Midwest! Car show held both days. Call 937-376-0111, fax 937-372-1171, Vinoklet Winery, 11069 Colerain Ave., Cincinnati, or visit www.ohioswapmeet.com.

6:30–8:30 p.m. Enjoy dinner, wine, and an evening of MAY 29 – Bluegrass Night, Fibonacci Brewing Company, lively bluegrass music by Vernon McIntyre’s Appalachian 1445 Compton Rd., Cincinnati, 7–9 p.m. Free. Enjoy an Grass. 513-385-9309, vinokletwinery@fuse.net, or evening of lively bluegrass music by Vernon McIntyre’s www.vinokletwines.com/post/2018/09/30/bluegrassAppalachian Grass, with lightning-fast instrumentals, close wednesdays-spaghetti-meat-balls. harmonies, and entertaining novelty songs. 513-832-1422 MAY 8–10 – Appalachian Festival, Coney Island, or http://fibbrew.com.

6201 Kellogg Ave., Cincinnati. Handmade crafts, food, MAY 30 – Oxford Wine and Craft Beer Festival, Living History Village and other educational exhibits, Memorial Park, 4 N. Main St., Oxford, 3–10 p.m. $20 in old-time dance, music, storytelling. Friday, May 8, enjoy advance or $25 at gate. Receive five tasting tickets, five an afternoon of lively bluegrass music with Vernon McIntyre’s Appalachian Grass and many other fine bands; beer sample tickets, and a souvenir wine glass to sample fine wines from around the world. Displays by area times to be announced. Frugal Friday pricing: $5, Srs. artisans, cooking demonstrations, and live performances $2, C. (5–11) $1, under 5 free. 513-251-3378 or www. throughout the evening. www.gettothebc.com/events/ appalachianfestival.org. oxford-wine-craft-beer-festival.

MAY 13 – Music Live with Lunch, Christ Church Glendale, 965 Forest Ave., Glendale, 12–12:30 p.m. Free. JUN. 6–7 – Troy Strawberry Festival, along the Great Miami River Levee and downtown Troy, Sat. 10 a.m.–8 Enjoy lively bluegrass by Vernon McIntyre’s Appalachian

produce, baked goods, crafts, and more. 614-3218221 or pickfarmers@hotmail.com.

JUN. 4–6 – Hot Air Balloon Festival, Coshocton Co. Fgds., 707 Kenilworth Ave., Coshocton. Balloon launches at dawn and dusk, balloon “night glow,” tethered balloon rides, musical entertainment, carnival rides, fireworks, food vendors, craft booths, and more.

740-622-4877, www.coshoctonhotairballoonfestival. com, or find us on Facebook.

JUN. 5 – Pickerington Village PetFest, Victory Park (accessed from Lockville Road), Pickerington, 6–8 p.m.

Free, family-friendly event. Food and pet-related vendors.

614-837-4311 or www.pickeringtonvillage.com.

JUN. 7 – Summer Avant-Garde Art and Craft Show, Makoy Event Ctr., 5462 Center St., Hilliard, 10 a.m.–4 p.m. $3; 12 and under free. Features artists and crafters selling their original handmade items. Full concessions stand on site. www.avantgardeshows.com.

JUN. 9 – Inventors Network Meeting, Rev1 Ventures for Columbus, 1275 Kinnear Rd., Columbus, 7 p.m.

Educational presentations and discussion about the invention process. Meetings held the 2nd Tuesday of each month. 614-470-0144 or www.inventorscolumbus.com.

JUN. 12–14 – Columbus Arts Festival, downtown riverfront, Columbus, Fri. 11 a.m.–10:30 p.m., Sat. 10 a.m.–10:30 p.m., Sun. 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Free. Features the nation’s top artists and craftspeople, live music, theater, dance, hands-on art activities, and gourmet food from Columbus’s finest restaurants. 614-224-2606 or www. columbusartsfestival.org.

JUN. 13 – Streetcar Takeover, National Trail Raceway, 2650 National Road SW, Hebron. 740-928-5706 ext. 24 or www.nationaltrailraceway.com.

p.m., Sun. 10 a.m.–6 p.m. Features strawberry cuisine along with a wide variety of other foods. Over 200 arts and crafts exhibitors, nonstop entertainment on two stages, kids’ activities, pie eating contest, and much more. 937-339-7714 or www.troystrawberryfest.com.

JUN. 12–13 – Banana Split Festival, Denver Williams Park, 1100 Rombach Rd., Wilmington, Fri. 4–10 p.m., Sat. 10 a.m.–10 p.m. Free. Food booths, live music, games, rides, classic car cruise-in, and, of course, banana splits! wilmingtonbanana@gmail.com or www. bananasplitfestival.com.

JUN. 13 – Old Fashioned Strawberry Festival, 4782 Cincinnati Brookville Rd., Shandon, 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Free.

Celebrate everything strawberry! Enjoy fresh food and produce, including strawberry shortcake and ice cream.

Local vendors and artists, antique tractor show, plus live Welsh harp music and organ music. 513-860-4194 or www.gettothebc.com/events.

JUN. 13–14 – Family Days at the Johnston Farm, Johnston Farm and Indian Agency, 9845 N. Hardin Rd., Piqua. Explore the family home of John Johnston with costumed interpreters, demonstrations, and hands-on activities; visit the Historic Indian and Canal Museum; and take a relaxing ride on the General Harrison of Piqua. 800752-2619, 937-773-2522, or www.johnstonfarmohio.com.

JUN. 14 – Music at the Mound with Steve Free, Serpent Mound, 3850 OH-73, Peebles, 1 p.m. Free admission; $8 parking fee. Join the acclaimed singer/songwriter for an open air concert. http://arcofappalachia.org/steve-free.

MAY 2020 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING 39

MEMBER INTERACTIVE 1

2

3

4

it’s not

Ebeing ASY GREEN 5 1. My wild country kids, Chuck, Ida, and Aaron Estadt, caught “Big Chungus” and posed like goofballs for a picture.

Tara Estadt Washington Electric Cooperative member

2. This toad was underfoot all day while I worked in the yard. He thought he was hiding.

Lu Ann Fox The Frontier Power Company member

3. My grandson, Colton Fetter, after enjoying his birthday cake.

Christine Moore Buckeye Rural Electric Cooperative member

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4. Kermit the Frog and Rowan Fyffe at COSI. Christina Stevens South Central Power Company member

5. This is my daughter, Julia, in costume for her third-grade school musical about spring.

Dawn Spicer Hancock-Wood Electric Cooperative member

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9

6. I caught this frog sunning while it was sitting on the rim of our pond.

Donna Wickerham Consolidated Cooperative member

7. This praying mantis seems to love my sedum plants.

Gayle Seymour South Central Power Company member

8. Ben Siemer, my son-in-law, took turns with my daughter cutting the grass when my riding mower broke down.

Anne Wanamaker Butler Rural Electric Cooperative member

9. Our granddaughter Brittany made these little frogs feel safe.

Wayne and Marlene Mohring Hancock-Wood Electric Cooperative members

Send us your picture!

For August, send “Cuddly kitties” by May 15; for September, send “Friday night lights” by June 15. Upload your photos at www.ohioec.org/memberinteractive — and remember to include your co-op name and to identify everyone in the photos.

40 OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • MAY 2020

May is

National Electrical

Safety Month ohioec.org/purpose

Safety is a cornerstone of our commitment to our consumers, our employees, and our community. When you’re working or playing outside, look up and stay away from power lines. For more safety tips, follow your cooperative on social media.