Ohio Cooperative Living - June 2019 - Firelands

OHIO

JUNE 2019

COOPERATIVE

Living

Official publication of Firelands Electric Cooperative | www.firelandsec.com

Treasure in the trees Unique lodging in Knox County

ALSO INSIDE Managing the Cardinal Plant A ride on The Wilds side Cincinnati’s Lazarus lizards

power future

Electric cooperatives the

We’ve come a long way from milking cows by hand. Now, we can use their waste to generate electricity.

What will they think of next?

Whatever new technology is on the horizon, cooperatives will be there to power the future.

ohioec.org/purpose

OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • JUNE 2019

INSIDE FEATURES 24 RIVER CROSSING Ferries traversing the Ohio River are important bonds in the communities they connect.

30 BURR’S LAST STAND Hamilton’s nemesis tried to organize a final grab for power on an island in the middle of the Ohio River.

34 LAZARUS LIZARDS If you’ve been to Cincinnati, you’ve no doubt seen them — but just where did those little critters come from?

Cover image on most issues: With help from area Amish craftsmen and from Discovery Channel’s Treehouse Masters, Kevin Mooney (on the cover in front of “Little Red”) built The Mohicans, where adventurous travelers can sleep in a variety of elevated accommodations. See page 28 for the story.

This page: The mansion on Blennerhassett Island, host to Aaron Burr in his post-Hamilton days, is expertly reconstructed for the period.

JUNE 2019 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING 1

UP FRONT

CARDINAL

RELIABLE AND AFFORDABLE

O

wning a power plant and being responsible for the day-to-day operations of a power plant are two very different things.

Ohio’s electric cooperatives got together to form Buckeye Power in 1959, built (in partnership with American Electric Power) the Cardinal Power Plant on the banks of the Ohio River near Brilliant, Ohio, and began generating electricity there in 1968. That allowed cooperatives to hold our energy destiny in our own hands in a way we’d never been able to before. Even so, we relied on AEP to run the plant, and while we had a say in all the major decisions, responsibility for daily operations belonged to AEP. That ended a little more than a year ago, when AEP decided to scale back its role in the Ohio power generation business. All those years of observation, gathering knowledge, and acquiring experience at Cardinal were put to use as we assumed responsibility for operational control there, as well as at our other generation facilities.

Not surprisingly, as a cooperative, we do things a little differently than the way a large multistate utility like AEP does them. We seek greater involvement from our employees in decision-making and are less tied to “the way we’ve always done things” (see an example of that in our story on page 4).

As not-for-profit co-ops, we operate at cost and we have a financial responsibility to our members to be both reliable and cost-competitive. We have a responsibility to the local community to operate in an environmentally responsible manner. Most importantly, we have a responsibility to our employees to operate safely.

Meanwhile, we’re committed to an all-of-the-above energy approach, and we continue to explore and investigate economically sustainable sources of renewable power. However, we’ve also made significant investments in people, environmental controls, and technology, to help assure that our traditional power plants continue to provide value. Today, the Cardinal Power Plant simply offers the best combination of reliability and affordability for our members — ready to meet your needs each and every day, during the most blistering heat wave or any bone-chilling polar vortex that comes our way.

That’s power generation for the generations.

2 OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • JUNE 2019

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

As not-forprofit co-ops, we operate at cost and we have a financial responsibility to our members to be both reliable and costcompetitive.

MORE INSIDE

June 2019 • Volume 61, No. 9

DEPARTMENTS 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: Colleen Romick Clark, W.H. “Chip” Gross, Sarah Jaquay, Catherine Murray, James Proffitt, Damaine Vonada, Kris Wetherbee, Rick Wetherbee, and Kevin Williams.

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

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

4 POWER LINES

Fulfilling our mission: A change in culture has accompanied a change in operators at the Cardinal Plant.

4

8 WOODS, WATERS, AND WILDLIFE

On The Wilds side: Chip Gross gets a behind-the-scenes look at the reclaimed surface mine, now a wildlife sanctuary.

10 OHIO ICON

The Buckeye Trail: Ohio’s longest scenic hiking trail celebrates its 60th anniversary this year.

8

12 IN THE GARDEN

Potted herbs: A good, portable container gives you instant access to all your kitchen favorites.

15 GOOD EATS

Pucker up: When life gives you lemons, there’s way more to do with them than just making lemonade.

12

18 CO-OP SPOTLIGHT

Future leaders: Children of Ohio electric cooperative members take home nearly $37K in scholarships.

19 LOCAL PAGES

15

News and important information from your electric cooperative.

28 CO-OP PEOPLE

Treehouse lodging: Want to feel like a kid again? Spend a luxurious night in a treehouse.

37 CALENDAR

28

What’s happening: June/July events and other things to do.

40 MEMBER INTERACTIVE

Creature comfort: Readers turn their cameras away from their pets and toward animals a bit less domesticated.

40

JUNE 2019 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING 3

POWER LINES

FULFILLING

our mission

P

art of the process of removing sulfur dioxide (SO2) from emissions at the Cardinal Power Plant involves the use of limestone. The process is complicated and can be messy, and when heavy deposits build up in the scrubber, the entire generating unit must come offline.

An employee at the plant suggested adding a chemical to the process that not only would allow for less limestone to be used, it would reduce those deposits in the scrubber — meaning lower maintenance time and cost.

It’s just one example of the kind of employee input that’s encouraged at the plant — even more so now since Cardinal Operating Company, overseen by Buckeye Power leadership, assumed operational control there from American Electric Power just over a year ago. Buckeye Power is the wholesale power provider for all 24 Ohio electric cooperatives, as well as one co-op based in Michigan.

“The partnership between AEP and Buckeye Power has been successful for many years, but the way AEP did things isn’t necessarily the way we do things,” says Pat O’Loughlin, CEO of Buckeye Power. “Cardinal was operated as part of their system, and their plants were operated in a common fashion. Today, we are focused on the best way to run this plant, and we are counting on our employees to help us find ways to eliminate waste and be more efficient.”

Finding those efficiencies was one of the benefits Buckeye Power hoped for when it began operating the plant. In the last decade, Ohio’s electric cooperatives have invested more than $1.2 billion in environmental safeguards — such as the scrubbers — that make Cardinal one of the cleanest coal-burning plants in the world.

Those investments resulted in increased cost to produce power between 2003 and 2013. Since then, however, those rates have remained relatively flat, and O’Loughlin says he expects that trend to continue for at least another year.

Cardinal Operating Company and its employees are working hard to hold rates down.

BY JEFF McCALLISTER

4 OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • JUNE 2019

“When people see those rates stay about the same for that amount of time, they may think that means there’s not much going on to affect the rates, but in fact it’s taken a lot of work by a lot of people to make it happen,” he says.

In addition to generating power at Cardinal and at other plants around the state, Buckeye Power is also responsible for delivering it to the distribution substations at the local electric cooperatives.

Because the co-ops own only a small percentage of the high-voltage transmission lines that carry electricity from the plant to the individual co-ops for distribution to their consumermembers, Buckeye Power’s wholesale rates are tied to the transmission rates charged by the investor-owned utilities that own those lines. Transmission owners are now investing heavily in line upgrades, and they’re passing a portion of the costs on to Buckeye Power and its members. Transmission costs represent a smaller portion of the power costs than generation, but still have doubled in the last six years.

“We’ve been able to offset the rising transmission costs with reductions in fuel costs and the other costs associated with running the plant,” O’Loughlin says.

Cardinal Plant Manager Bethany Schunn and Sustainability Lead Julie Jones (opposite page) say that actively seeking input from plant employees has led to more efficient operations there.

Fuel costs, generally, are fixed; with the closure of so many coal-fired plants in recent years, the price of coal has come down, at least temporarily. Some of the environmental investments at Cardinal have also allowed the company to use coal that’s mined locally, which is both less expensive to purchase and less costly to transport.

The new environmental controls have also allowed the company to turn some of the byproducts of the burning and scrubbing, which would otherwise go into a landfill, into sellable commodities, such as wallboard-quality gypsum or bottom ash that can be used to safely treat icy roads in the winter.

More savings are being found all the time, especially since company officials have begun enlisting employees for help. The chemical addition in the SO2 scrubbing process is just one example of such employee input.

“We actively solicit ideas from the employees — it’s just part of the culture here now,” says Julie Jones, sustainability lead at the plant. “We share a lot more information with them now, and in return, they’re taking an active role in finding places that we might be wasting money.

Continued on page 6

JUNE 2019 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING 5

Continued from page 5

SCRUBBERS AT WORK Cardinal Plant’s $1.2 billion emission control system

Cooling Water Vapor Plume Flue Gas Water Vapor Plume

Coal-Fired Steam Generator Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) System

SO3 Mitigation System

Catalyst Layers

Electrostatic Precipitator

Low-NOx Burners

Ammonia Gas Injection

Pulverized Coal

80% of SO3 Removed

Flue Gas Desulfurization (FGD) SO3 Mitigation Absorber System Induced Draft Fan

Air Heater

Ammonia Production System

This illustration is conceptual.

Relationships — in size and volume — may not be accurately portrayed.

“It just makes sense because they’re on the front lines and see these things every day. They can help change it.”

Employee suggestions have led to other changes as well. Coal is handled more efficiently from the time it’s unloaded from barges until it’s loaded into the boiler. Employee input brought about the replacement of a conveyor belt that was constantly spilling coal, which was costly to clean up. That upgrade to a larger-size belt could save as much as $500,000 every year. Another suggestion led to operational changes that may allow the plant to generate less power overnight, when power is needed less and therefore, is less valuable.

“We are committed to our mission to deliver competitively priced, reliable power for the benefit of our 25 distribution cooperative members and their communities,” O’Loughlin says. “That, in turn, helps the local communities thrive in this challenging energy environment.”

Upper right, Brad Loy, Rob Webber, and Brian Richardson are part of the coal yard maintenance team at the Cardinal Plant and assisted with changing out a conveyor belt that was causing a series of costly spills. Right, Jeff Gremelspacher, chemist and plant environmental process owner, suggested adding a chemical that improved the sulfur-scrubbing process, saving time and money.

6 OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • JUNE 2019

CEMS

Limestone Slurry

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JUNE 2019 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING 7

WOODS, WATERS, AND WILDLIFE

Wilds

BEHIND THE SCENES AT

The

STORY AND PHOTOS BY W.H. “CHIP” GROSS

O

ne of the three largest wildlife conservation facilities in North America — The Wilds — is located in the Buckeye State, just south of Cambridge. Now encompassing nearly 10,000 acres, The Wilds was incorporated in 1984 to reclaim surfacemined land, with a mission “to lead and inspire by connecting people and wildlife.”

More than two dozen wild species from around the world — most either endangered or threatened — live there to be studied in natural habitats. Critters vary in size from the diminutive American burying beetle, about an inch and a half long, to the southern white rhinoceros, which can grow to as much as 5,100 pounds.

A typical tour of The Wilds involves climbing aboard a canopied, open-air bus and viewing the herds of wildlife from a distance as a tour guide slowly drives the miles of gravel roads throughout the complex. But if you’re a bit more adventurous, consider taking the two-and-a-half-hour Wildside Tour. You’ll pile into the open bed of a four-wheel-drive pickup truck — yes, there are padded bench seats — and go off-roading right into the heart of the herds.

“No matter which tour you choose, no two are ever alike,” says Brock Gorrell, director of park operations.

“The animals change their behaviors from season to

season. We consider the Wildside Tour our premium tour. Your guide will be a member of our animalmanagement staff, and each of those employees has a special connection to and knowledge of the animals.”

Gorrell added that highlights of a Wildside Tour may include the chance to hand-feed a giraffe or other wildlife, and each tour makes a visit to the Carnivore Center for close-up views of cheetahs, dholes (Asian wild dogs), and a family of African painted dogs.

Limited to just eight people, the Wildside Tour is more pricey than the standard tour ($125 per person as opposed to $30), but well worth the extra money. Heck, it’s as close as most of us will ever get to experiencing the thrill of a safari.

A Wildside Tour is also the ultimate exotic wildlife photography opportunity. So whether you take pictures with a cellphone, point-and-shoot, or digital single-lens reflex (DSLR) with interchangeable lenses, don’t forget your camera.

The Wilds (www.thewilds.org) is an extension of the Columbus Zoo and a member of Guernsey-Muskingum Electric Cooperative.

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

Among the endangered animals residing at The Wilds are (from left) red-crowned cranes, scimitar-horned oryxes, and cheetahs.

8 OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • JUNE 2019

The Wildside Tour may include feeding giraffes (top); the southern white rhinos are one of the more imposing animals at The Wilds (middle); a family of Sichuan takins takes a rest (bottom).

JUNE 2019 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING 9

OHIO ICON

The Buckeye Trail STORY AND PHOTO BY DAMAINE VONADA

Location: Around the state of Ohio in places that encompass forests and fields; riverbanks and lakeshores; public lands and private property; old canal towpaths and new bike paths; and cities, towns, and villages.

Provenance: In a 1958 Columbus Dispatch article, Merrill Gilfillan of the Ohio Department of Natural Resources proposed a public hiking path from Cincinnati to Lake Erie. Gilfillan and other supporters of his idea formed the Buckeye Trail Association (BTA) to develop Ohio’s first long-distance hiking trail, and on Sept. 19, 1959, the Buckeye Trail’s initial 20-mile section was dedicated in Hocking County. BTA founding members who participated in the dedication hike included Gallia County’s Emma “Grandma” Gatewood, who, at age 67, was the first woman to walk the entire Appalachian Trail on her own.

The Buckeye Trail’s original termini were Cincinnati’s Eden Park and Headlands Beach State Park in Mentor, and blue streaks — called blazes — were painted on trees and posts to mark its route.

Following the blue blazes became so popular that in 1967, state legislators designated the Buckeye Trail as Ohio’s official trail, and it evolved into a circular route that now loops through 49 of the state’s 88 counties. Still managed by the nonprofit BTA, the Buckeye Trail is maintained by volunteers and financed through donations. “BTA takes no state or federal money,” says Executive Director Andrew Bashaw. “It’s a point of pride that we’re self-funded by people who worked to build and preserve a trail they want to hike.”

Significance: Celebrating its 60th anniversary this year, the Buckeye Trail covers 1,452.7 miles and is Ohio’s longest scenic hiking trail. It also ranks among the nation’s largest and most diverse hiking trails and is believed to be the only trail encircling an entire state. of the American Discovery Trail and North Country National Scenic Trail, the Buckeye Trail is considered the backbone of Ohio’s ever-expanding network of trails. With more than 1,200 members, BTA partners with entities ranging from ODNR to “Trail Town” destinations to help protect and promote the Buckeye Trail, and this fall, it will open a new 15-mile-long trail section in Adams County’s Edge of Appalachia nature preserve.

It’s a little-known fact that: The color of the Buckeye Trail’s blue blazes is called “Sweeping Blue,” and Grandma Gatewood herself purchased the first can of “Sweeping Blue” paint and donated it to the BTA. The Buckeye Trail and Buckeye Trail Association, P.O. Box 5, Shawnee, OH 43782.

For additional information, call 740-394-2008 or visit www.buckeyetrail.org.

10 OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • JUNE 2019

PHOTO BY ANDREW BASHAW,

Currently: Overlapping numerous local trails as well as portions

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JUNE 2019 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING 11

IN THE GARDEN

Growing HERBS in pots

BY KRIS WETHERBEE; PHOTOS BY RICK WETHERBEE

T

he late spring and summer season are great times to fill your outdoor living space with the lively colors, textures, and fragrances of herbs grown in containers. Potted herbs bring instant visual attraction to your outdoors, and their portability allows you to position plants where they grow and look their best.

Just about any herb can be grown in a container, as long as the pot is sized right for the plant. Most culinary herbs are prime picks, especially familiar favorites like chives, parsley, mint, oregano, sage, thyme, rosemary, and basil.

Tropical and tender herbs like lemon grass, scented geraniums, sweet bay, and lemon verbena can be grown in pots and brought in to overwinter in a sheltered area or even indoors.

Pot pointers Whether you choose a small glazed pot, large stone urn, or even a vintage washbasin or retired wheelbarrow to plant your herbs, keep these two things in mind: • Make sure that the pot or container is deep enough to accommodate growing roots. Bigger pots result in bigger plants.

• Your pot or container should have holes in the bottom for adequate drainage — poke or drill additional holes if you need more.

Soil and planting Garden soil is simply too heavy for use in containers and lacks the porosity needed to grow healthy potted herbs. Instead, use a lightweight potting mix that is friable and drains well. Look for a potting mix that includes pumice or perlite, or you can add either ingredient to help loosen and aerate the final mix.

When planting your pots, fill the container two-thirds full with potting mix, then plant herbs so that the top of the plant’s root ball sits about 1 to 2 inches below the container’s rim. Fill in with additional potting soil as needed, press plants firmly in place, then water thoroughly.

Water and maintenance Water needs vary according to the plant’s need for moisture, its location, time of year, and the pot’s size and type. Let the potting soil dry slightly between waterings for drought-tolerant and Mediterranean herbs such as rosemary, sage, and thyme; keep the mix slightly moist at all times for basil, chives, and other herbs with moderate to average moisture needs. Always water thoroughly until you see water flowing freely from the pot’s bottom drainage holes.

Feed plants during the growing season every three to four weeks with an organic liquid fertilizer such as fish emulsion, kelp, or compost tea, or apply a slow-release organic fertilizer two or three times a year.

Removing faded flowers will encourage more blooms. Pinch back leggy stems for bushier, fuller, and more productive plants. Remember, you can always enjoy the trimming and flowering stems of any culinary herbs in the kitchen.

12 OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • JUNE 2019

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GOOD EATS

When life gives you lemons, there’s way more to do with them than just making lemonade.

RECIPES AND PHOTOS BY CATHERINE MURRAY

JUNE 2019 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING 15

ZESTY LEMON HUMMUS (page 15) Prep: 10 minutes | Servings: 8 2 15.5-ounce cans chickpeas/ garbanzo beans 1 lemon 2 cloves garlic

1 tablespoon olive oil water, optional salt and pepper to taste lemon-infused olive oil, optional

Drain chickpeas, reserving liquid. Set liquid aside and rinse chickpeas. Wash lemon under water. With a knife, carefully remove the outer peel, keeping as close to the yellow rind as possible (the white pith can taste bitter.) Set peel aside and juice the lemon. Discard the pulp and remains.

Place lemon juice, lemon rind, chickpeas, garlic, and olive oil in food processor. Grind, adding small amounts of chickpea liquid a little at a time until mixture begins to loosen. Run food processor for 3 to 5 minutes, alternating fresh water and chickpea liquid until preferred texture is reached.

Add salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with lemon-infused olive oil, if desired.

Per serving: 381 calories, 8 grams fat (1 gram saturated fat), 61 grams total carbs, 17 grams fiber, 19 grams protein

CHICKEN PICCATA Prep: 10 minutes | Cook: 20 minutes | Servings: 4 4 chicken breasts (approximately 1 pound) 2 tablespoons flour 1/2 cup flour 1 cup chicken broth 1 lemon, zest and juice 1/2 cup white wine 1/4 teaspoon salt 3 tablespoons capers, drained 1/4 teaspoon pepper 2 tablespoons chopped parsley 2 tablespoons olive oil 1 lemon, sliced thin 2 tablespoons unsalted butter Pound the chicken breasts to about 1 inch thick. Cut breasts in half if needed to fit in the skillet. Combine 1/2 cup flour, lemon zest, salt, and pepper. Coat chicken with flour mixture, shaking off excess. In a wide skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat and cook chicken 4 to 5 minutes per side, or until cooked through. Set aside, covered. In the same pan, melt butter and add 2 tablespoons flour to create a roux. Whisk until smooth, cooking 1 to 2 minutes.

Gradually whisk in chicken broth, lemon juice, white wine, and capers. Simmer 3 minutes to thicken. Add chicken and simmer 3 more minutes to reheat chicken and infuse flavor. Top with parsley and lemon slices. Serve over pasta or with favorite vegetables.

Per serving: 351 calories, 16 grams fat (5 grams saturated fat), 17 grams total carbs, 1 gram fiber, 28 grams protein

LEMON BEEF AND BROCCOLI Prep: 5 minutes | Cook: 30 minutes | Servings: 4 1 cup milk 2 tablespoons unsalted butter 2 tablespoons cornstarch 1 pound boneless beef grilling steak, cut into strips 1 lemon, zest and juice 6 cups broccoli, cut in pieces 1/3 cup low-sodium soy sauce 1/4 cup chopped red pepper 1 tablespoon honey 2 tablespoons grated ginger 1/4 teaspoon hot pepper flakes 2 cups cooked rice In a bowl, whisk a little milk into cornstarch to make a paste. Whisk in remaining milk, lemon zest, soy sauce, honey, and hot pepper flakes. Set aside. Melt butter in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add beef and stir-fry for 3 minutes or until browned. Pour milk mixture over top. Cook 15 to 20 minutes, until beef is tender and sauce has thickened. Add broccoli, red pepper, and ginger to skillet. Cook another 5 to 10 minutes until broccoli has reached desired tenderness. Add lemon juice and serve over rice.

Per serving: 769 calories, 19 grams fat (9 grams saturated fat), 99 grams total carbs, 6 grams fiber, 48 grams protein

16 OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • JUNE 2019

LEMONADE CAKE Prep: 30 minutes | Cook: 20 minutes | Servings: 12 1 cup sugar 2 large eggs 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, 2 large egg whites softened 2 cups all-purpose flour 1 tablespoon lemon zest 1 teaspoon baking powder 3 tablespoons thawed lemonade 1/2 teaspoon baking soda concentrate 1/2 teaspoon salt 2 teaspoons vanilla extract 11/4 cups low-fat buttermilk FROSTING: 8 ounces 1/3-less-fat cream cheese 2 tablespoons thawed lemonade concentrate 4 tablespoons grated lemon rind (about 2 lemons’ worth) 31/2 cups powdered sugar candied lemon slices, optional With a mixer, beat first 5 ingredients until well blended.

Add eggs and egg whites; beat well. Combine flour, baking

powder, baking soda, and salt. Add flour mixture and buttermilk alternately to egg/sugar mixture. Beat well after each addition.

Preheat oven to 350 F. Pour batter into two 9-inch round cake pans coated with cooking spray. Bake 20 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean. Cool in pans 10 minutes, then remove. Cool completely on wire rack before frosting.

For frosting, place cream cheese, grated lemon rind, and lemonade concentrate in a large bowl. Beat on high until fluffy.

Add powdered sugar and beat on low until just blended.

Place one cake layer on intended serving tray; spread with 1/2 cup frosting. If frosting is too runny, refrigerate for an hour and try again. Top with second cake layer. Spread remaining frosting on top, letting icing run down the sides, if desired.

Decorate with candied lemon slices, if desired. Store cake loosely covered in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

Per serving: 415 calories, 11 grams fat (7 grams saturated fat), 73 grams total carbs, 1 gram fiber, 7 grams protein JUNE 2019 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING 17

Children of Members

scholarship winners O

hio’s electric cooperatives are committed to investing in the youth in their communities. This spring, each cooperative held a scholarship contest for the children of members, to award promising high school seniors funds toward furthering their education. Each co-op’s winner then came to Columbus to compete for additional awards from Ohio’s Electric Cooperatives, the co-ops’ statewide services organization. A panel of independent judges reviewed the applications and interviewed the finalists to determine the winners.

First place: Aleah Schrock, Holmes-Wayne Electric Cooperative Planned college course of study: History

Valedictorian of her class, Aleah holds leadership roles in National Honor Society, marching band, and her church, among others. In a letter of recommendation, her math teacher said, “Aleah is one of those rare students that makes it such a blessing to have the job that I do. I love seeing what she is capable of and knowing that she wants to be pushed as a learner.”

Aleah Schrock

Second place: Rachel Partington, Midwest Electric Planned college course of study: Bioengineering or biomedical engineering

In addition to being involved in her church and her community, Rachel is a scholar, an athlete, and a musician. Her math teacher said, “Rachel is one of the best in the graduating class of 2019. She has a bright future at any college she chooses to attend.”

Third place: Carson McCarthy, North Central Electric Cooperative Planned college course of study: Computer science and engineering

Carson has been class president, 4-H president, and committee chair of National Honor Society. His high school principal said of him, “Carson is a distinguished student and is committed to academic excellence.”

Rachel Partington

Other children of members who earned statewide scholarships: Josephina Fornara, The Frontier Power Company; Evan Frankfather, Hancock-Wood Electric Cooperative; Benjamin Schafer, Firelands Electric Cooperative; Caroline Liggett, The Energy Cooperative; Kathryn Meier, Mid-Ohio Energy Cooperative; Hunter Humphreys, Buckeye Rural Electric Cooperative; Christian Nartker, Paulding Putnam Electric Cooperative; Lily Arledge, Union Rural Electric Cooperative; Emma Blankenship, Lorain-Medina Rural Electric Cooperative; Jerilyn Garrett, Adams Rural Electric Cooperative; Rachel Gordon, South Central Power Company; Madelyn Harrison, Butler Rural Electric Cooperative; Harry Harman, Guernsey-Muskingum Electric Cooperative; Kloey Murphey, Darke Rural Electric Cooperative; Erin Spangenberg, Tricounty Rural Electric Cooperative; Caroline Stollar, Washington Electric Cooperative; Payton Taylor, Carroll Electric Cooperative; Grant Tiefenthaler, Pioneer Electric Cooperative; Rachel Webb, North Western Electric Cooperative; and Madeline Weisburn, Consolidated Cooperative.

Carson McCarthy

18 OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • JUNE 2019

FIRELANDS ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE LOCAL PAGES IN THE COMMUNITY

Cooperative holds dedication and open house event On Saturday, April 27, over 200 people attended Firelands Electric’s dedication and open house event at the co-op’s new facility. Located at 103 Industrial Drive in New London, the building sits on 15 acres within the Village of New London and has both a 12,180-squarefoot office and a 22,800-square-foot warehouse.

152 (335-watt) panels, which are a generation resource currently being offered to the members under Firelands Electric’s OurSolar program. Those who attended were also able to check out the future of the automotive industry. Local resident Dave Bailey displayed his Tesla Model 3 electric car during the cooperative’s open house and answered any questions guests had regarding the vehicle.

Members also received free gifts and registered to win several prizes. Winners of the prize drawings included Continued on page 20

Members of the community took self-guided tours of the new facility. Guests also viewed electrical safety demonstrations, checked out hands-on energy efficiency displays, and enjoyed planned children’s activities.

The cooperative provided sandwiches, hot dogs, chips, cookies, ice cream, and other refreshments.

Guests had an opportunity to view the cooperative’s 50-kilowatt community solar array, consisting of

Above: Line Superintendent Zach Collins, left, and Journeyman Lineman Rick Bowers, right, perform a power line safety demonstration during the cooperative’s April 27 open house.

Top right: Firelands Electric member Dave Bailey’s Tesla Model 3 electric car was on display throughout the day.

Bottom right: Firelands Electric Cooperative held a dedication ceremony for its new facility prior to the open house on April 27.

Pictured, left to right, are Firelands General Manager Dan McNaull, Ashland Chamber of Commerce President Barbie Lange, Firelands Board Officer Carl Ayers, Firelands Board President Dan Schloemer, and Firelands trustees W.E. Anderson and Kevin Reidy.

JUNE 2019 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING 19

FIRELANDS ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE LOCAL PAGES Continued from page 19

Stacy Smith of New London, who won a 50-inch Vizio Smart TV. Mary Fries of Willard and Jim Ropp of Ashland both won $100 bill credits.

Firelands Electric Board President Dan Schloemer and General Manager Dan McNaull unveiled a dedication plaque for the new facility and noted that the new facility was built for one purpose — to serve the cooperative’s members. “This building is a commitment to the fine members and the community,” said McNaull. “It was built to serve many generations of Firelands Electric members.”

Additional photos of the new cooperative facility and the open house are available on Firelands’ Flickr page at www.flickr.com/ photos/firelandsec/ albums/.

Lead Lineman Fred Hartman, above, performs a safety demo at the children’s station during the co-op’s open house. At left, Energy Advisor Scott Carbary helps a member review heating and cooling system options.

OUR GROWING COMMUNITY Firelands Electric Cooperative is getting a new neighbor.

In mid-October, University Hospitals (UH) broke ground in New London for a new healthcare facility. The 3,500-square-foot building will house a 1,700-square-foot urgent care, leaving 1,800 square feet of space for future growth. Located on Main Street, the building is just to the south of Firelands’ new facility.

On April 17, Firelands crews installed the permanent electric service at UH’s new facility. The large, pad-mounted transformer needed to service the urgent care is 150 KVA — which is ten times the size of the pole transformer found on the average home.

UH’s urgent care is expected to be open for business sometime this summer.

Lead linemen Phil Pickering and Rob Swiger, journeyman linemen Chris Rowland and Evan Clemons, and new groundmen Matt Whiteside and Chris Kent recently installed a transformer at University Hospitals’ new urgent care facility, which is located next to the cooperative in New London.

20 OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • JUNE 2019

Grow Together

CO-OPS & COMMUNITIES

2018 Annual Report

JUNE 2019 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING 20A

2018 REPORT FROM THE PRESIDENT AND GENERAL MANAGER

Dan Schloemer, President BOARD OF TRUSTEES

Firelands Electric Cooperative is pleased to announce that 2018 was a very successful year.

Thanks to management and employees, we were able to finish the year with margins — the money left after bills have been paid — totaling $840,708. We will be refunding over $1 million in capital credits to our members this year.

Since 1948, Firelands Electric has refunded over $15.3 million in capital credits back to its membership, which is just one of the many benefits of being a co-op member.

Our primary focus continues to be reliability, technology, and increased communications — especially after the completion of the cooperative’s new facility.

NEW COOPERATIVE FACILITY After two years of planning and construction, on Dan McNaull Jan. 17, Firelands Electric GENERAL MANAGER Cooperative moved into its new all-in-one facility, which is located on 15 acres within the Village of New London. The new building consists of a 12,180-square-foot office and 22,800 square feet of warehouse space, which replaces the co-op’s former three inefficient buildings.

The cooperative’s board of trustees worked with general contractor Janotta & Herner, based in Monroeville, to build a long-lasting structure that will serve Firelands

20B OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • JUNE 2019

Electric and its membership for many years to come.

The new facility incorporates LED lighting, energyefficient heat pumps in the office, radiant floor heating in the warehouse, foam insulation, and other innovative technologies — including an advanced IT network infrastructure.

The new location offers a convenient drive-thru window and payment drop box for members and improved security and storage space for employees. It also includes an onsite 50-kilowatt community solar array consisting of 152 (335-watt) panels. The solar panels were energized in September 2018 and are a generation resource currently being offered to the co-op’s membership under its OurSolar program.

“This wonderful new building is a commitment to the fine members and the community. Its efficient design and ample space will serve many future generations of Firelands Electric members,” says General Manager Dan McNaull.

TOP-RANKING MEMBER SATISFACTION In keeping with our commitment to providing outstanding service, we are proud that Firelands Electric ranks among the top energy utilities in the country in customer satisfaction. According to the 2018 American Customer Satisfaction Index, on a zero-to-100 scale, your cooperative scored 87. That’s above the combined average among Ohio’s electric cooperatives, as well as above the national average for investor-owned energy utilities and municipal energy utilities.

SERVICE RELIABILITY AND OPERATIONS Firelands Electric works hard to reach its goal of 100% reliability by patrolling electric lines and trimming trees spanning across 995 miles of line in 28 townships and five counties. The continued focus on vegetation maintenance, brush cutting, trimming, and necessary tree removal has reduced the number and frequency of outages — improving service quality for all cooperative members.

In pursuing greater reliability, the cooperative’s right-of-way

maintenance program completed 215 miles of brush hogging, cutting, trimming, and necessary tree removals in 2018. Much of this work was completed in Green and Mifflin townships in Ashland County, along with Mifflin and Monroe townships in Richland County. Crews also completed vegetation management at Pleasant Hill Lake Park in the Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District, and worked on line rebuild projects in some areas.

In 2018, crews upgraded nearly seven miles of power lines in Huron and Ashland counties. Firelands Electric completed work on a 3.2-mile After more than two years of planning and construction, Firelands Electric stretch of three-phase line Cooperative moved into its new all-in-one facility on Jan. 17, 2019. around the Village of New London, in addition to nearly a mile of line that will provide electricity use, billing history, and bill comparisons with backfeeding capabilities for the New London Recreation local weather trends, Messenger communicates with Park and other areas. The cooperative inspected 2,427 members by sending email and text messages regarding utility poles in Huron County, replacing 53 poles found electric bill notices, power outages, and more. These to be deficient since last inspected in 2008. secure and efficient messages are automated with the The NASA Orion project included the replacement cooperative’s system — providing members with timely of 53 structures in Fitchville, Greenwich, and Hartland information they can access anywhere (by computer, townships in Huron County. This project was necessary phone, or tablet). to gain proper clearance to transport the module, and Firelands Electric is continually evolving its technology will also improve reliability for members located in and enhancing cybersecurity. The cooperative’s those areas.

SmartHub downloadable app is safe and secure, encrypting every transaction, and no personal information is stored on your computer or mobile device. The SmartHub app also provides billing and outage alerts to keep you well informed.

In 2018, the cooperative continued to enhance Communication with our members is vital. Whether you its SmartHub secure online payment system prefer news in printed form, on your computer, or on and Messenger capability. In addition your mobile device, Firelands Electric has you covered. to providing members with detailed In addition to traditional printed media, such as Ohio Cooperative Living, and mailers, the cooperative also keeps its members informed of the latest news through numerous online outlets. Stay connected with Firelands Electric online at www.FirelandsEC.com, and check out the cooperative’s Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, YouTube, Pinterest, and Flickr channels.

MEMBER SERVICES AND COMMITMENT TO THE COMMUNITY

Continued on page 20D

JUNE 2019 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING 20C

Continued from page 20C

Firelands Electric Cooperative offers a variety of energy conservation programs, appliance rebates, and incentives. In 2018, the cooperative helped reduce energy use in more than 200 homes, assisted with lighting upgrades, and provided 290 appliance rebates, totaling $53,840. That’s big savings!

responsibility. Firelands Electric teaches kids about electrical safety and energy efficiency by supporting various youth programs. The cooperative is a corporate sponsor of school sports teams, community events, county fairs, and 4-H organizations.

For over 40 years, Firelands Electric has offered members an annual opportunity for a close-up look at where their power is generated. Last year, 36 co-op members and guests toured the Cardinal Power Plant, a coal-fired plant located just south of Steubenville. The group included 12 South Central Middle School students who were able to see the environmental control equipment that makes Cardinal one of the cleanest facilities of its type in the world. This provided members a better understanding of why electric cooperatives across the United States continue to fight stringent regulation mandated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

FIRELANDS ELECTRIC PEOPLE FUND

Concern for community is another way the electric cooperative distinguishes itself as something more than just a power company. Since 2007, Firelands Electric has been a collection site for the USO of Northern Ohio “Step Up For Soldiers” campaign.

Members of the community package the donations and distribute them to soldiers and their families during the Christmas season.

Since 2009, the cooperative has served as a regional pop tab collection site for the Ronald McDonald House of Akron. Last year, Firelands Electric collected 73.5 pounds of pop tabs — roughly 126,875 tabs. Employees, trustees, members, and the community have donated a total of 1,128.5 pounds of aluminum tabs over the past decade, which is over 1.4 million tabs that benefit the Akron house.

Charitable giving is also powered by blue jeans and sneakers. For over 15 years, co-op office employees have dressed down on Fridays in exchange for $5 a week.

Although everyone enjoys wearing jeans to work, the real reason behind their deep pockets is that it’s all for a good cause. The money raised is donated to a local charity or family in need and is distributed to a different cause each month. In 2018, office employees raised $3,100 to those in need.

Firelands’ commitment to community continues with our youth programs, funding $10,600 last year in scholarships for graduating high school seniors and sponsoring the Youth Tour to Washington, D.C., for high school sophomores and juniors. Educating the next generation of community leaders with a better understanding of energy and its efficient use is our 20D OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • JUNE 2019

For 24 years, members of the cooperative have been supporting the Firelands Electric People Fund by participating in the Operation Round Up program.

Members allow their electric bills to be “rounded up” to the next dollar, with the average contribution around 50 cents per month, or $6 per year. Firelands Electric’s participation rate is nearly 85 percent of its roughly 9,122 members.

In 2018, the members enrolled in Operation Round Up contributed $46,630. This money was awarded to individuals and organizations within our local communities to help fund special needs and projects.

Our members, our employees, and our communities — we all work together to make life better, just as our founders did 83 years ago.

Grow Together

CO-OPS & COMMUNITIES

CAPITAL CREDITS: YOUR OWNERSHIP IN THE CO-OP As a Firelands Electric member-owner, you receive electric service at cost, and any margin the cooperative makes — the money left over after all bills are paid — is allocated back to your capital credits account. We invest those capital credits in new poles, wire, transformers, substations, and other infrastructure in order to provide a reliable supply of cost-effective electric power. Those credits are then retired, or paid back, to you as it is financially feasible to do so.

1

2

CAPITAL CREDITS REFUNDS 1948-2009 $ 7,950,430 2010 $ 125,778 2011 $ 717,451 2012 $ 970,368 2013 $ 962,762 2014 $ 959,541 2015 $ 923,723 2016 $ 1,071,487 2017 $ 856,661 2018 $ 840,708 TOTAL $ 15,378,909

At the end of the year, Firelands completes financial matters and determines whether there is excess revenue, called margins.

Your co-op tracks how much electricity you buy and how much you pay for it throughout the year.

3 Firelands’ trustees allocate the margins to members as capital credits, based upon their use of electricity during the year.

4 When Firelands’ financial condition permits, your board of trustees decides to retire, or pay, the capital credits.

5 Firelands Electric notifies you of how and when you’ll receive your capital credits retirement.

JUNE 2019 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING 20E

CO-OPS & COMMUNITIES GROW TOGETHER ATTEND YOUR ANNUAL MEETING ON SATURDAY, JUNE 22 OFFICIAL NOTICE The 2019 annual meeting of the members of Firelands Electric Cooperative will be held on Saturday, June 22, at Ashland University Myers Convocation Center, Ashland, Ohio. Members attending the cooperative’s annual meeting will elect representatives for board districts 4, 5, and 8. A district map is available at www.firelandsec.com/content/board-trustees. Make a difference with your vote!

Please join us for 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.

FUN FOR THE ENTIRE FAMILY • Registration begins at 8:30 a.m.

• Breakfast will be served from 8:30 to 9:15 a.m.

• Streamlined business meeting starts at 9:15 a.m.

• Kids’ Zone activities for children ages 10 and under from 9:15 to 10:15 a.m.

• Special prize drawings begin at 10:15 a.m.

Members must bring their Official Annual Meeting Registration Card on June 22 to receive a $5 bill credit on their August electric bill and a complimentary membership bag and gifts and to be entered in special prize drawings. Members of ACRE Co-op Owners for Political Action will be recognized for their dedication and will receive a special gift.

collecting pop tabs for the Ronald McDonald House of Akron at the cooperative’s annual meeting. Please bring a container or resealable plastic bag filled with pop tabs and help make a difference.

All registered co-op members will also have the opportunity to be entered into prize drawings for a KitchenAid 5-quart stand mixer, a Milwaukee 18V cordless tool set, and $300 in bill credits (four $25 credits, two $50 credits, and one $100 credit). Winners must be present to win. Firelands Electric will also be

Seating is limited for the hot breakfast buffet, so your reservation must be submitted before June 14. Complete your reservation online at www.firelandsec.com/ content/annual-meeting-members, OR by contacting Firelands Electric’s office at 1-800-533-8658.

RSVP BEFORE JUNE 14

MEMBERS ATTENDING THE ANNUAL MEETING WILL BE ENTERED INTO SPECIAL DRAWINGS FOR: • KitchenAid 5-quart stand mixer • Milwaukee 18V cordless tool set • $300 in bill credits (four $25 credits, two $50 credits, and one $100 credit)

20F OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • JUNE 2019

Must be present to win

YOUR BOARD OF TRUSTEES: LEADING THE WAY District 1 - Richmond, Norwich, and Greenfield townships District 2 - New Haven, Ripley, Greenwich, Ruggles, Cass, and Blooming Grove townships District 3 - Peru, Bronson, Fairfield, and Hartland townships, and Fitchville Township west of State Route 250 District 4 - Clarksfield and Rochester townships, Fitchville Township east of State Route 250 and north of

CSX rail in New London municipality, and New London Township District 5 - Monroe, Green, and Lake townships District 6 - Butler, Clear Creek, Orange, Weller, Milton, Mifflin, and Madison townships north of State Route 42 District 7 - Vermilion, Mohican, Montgomery, and Perry townships District 8 - Mifflin Township south of State Route 42 in Ashland and Richland counties District 9 - South of CSX rail in New London municipality and New London Township

NORWICH

1

RICHMOND

Dan Schloemer

Gene Lamoreaux

DISTRICT 1

DISTRICT 2

PERU

BRONSON

GREENFIELD

NEW HAVEN

HARTLAND

CLARKSFIELD

FAIRFIELD

FITCHVILLE

NEW LONDON

RIPLEY

GREENWICH

RUGGLES

3

2

BUTLER

4

9

ROCHESTER

TROY

CLEAR CREEK

ORANGE

JACKSON

MILTON

MONTGOMERY

PERRY

6 WELLER

MIFFLIN MIFFLIN

Steve Gray

Bruce Leimbach

Carl Ayers

DISTRICT 3

DISTRICT 4

DISTRICT 5

8

MOHICAN

5 MONROE

Kevin Reidy

Rob Turk

W.E. Anderson

John Martin

DISTRICT 6

DISTRICT 7

DISTRICT 8

DISTRICT 9

7

VERMILLION

GREEN

LAKE

Firelands Electric Cooperative is governed by a board of trustees that is nominated and elected by our members in accordance with our Code of Regulations. Our service area is divided into nine districts, which are drawn based on equitable representation of the geographic areas served by the cooperative.

JUNE 2019 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING 20G

BOARD OF TRUSTEE CANDIDATES Firelands Electric Cooperative serves more than 9,130 homes and businesses throughout rural areas of Ashland, Huron, Lorain, and Richland counties. Firelands’ service territory is composed of nine districts, which are each represented by a member who is elected to serve on the board of trustees that governs Firelands’ operations.

Each candidate has submitted a valid petition signed by members living within his or her Firelands Electric Cooperative district. All members in attendance at the 2019 annual meeting will vote for candidates to represent districts 4, 5, and 8 for the next three years on the board of trustees. Nominations from the floor at the annual meeting are not permitted.

DISTRICT 4 • Clarksfield and Rochester townships, Fitchville Township east of State Route 250 and north of CSX rail in New London municipality, and New London Township

BRUCE LEIMBACH • 904 State Route 60 South, New London Leimbach is a financial consultant for Civista Wealth Management and has worked in the Farm Credit System for 30 years in various roles, including branch manager, vice president of marketing, and vice president. He has been a member of Firelands Electric for 28 years, has served on the cooperative’s board of trustees since 2016, and is an ACRE Century Club member.

Leimbach is an active member of the New London Ruritan and Norwalk Kiwanis clubs and a member of the Clarksfield Methodist Church.

Bruce Leimbach

His senior management leadership experience and solid background in finance and accounting are areas that Leimbach feels assist him in making sound business decisions. He feels that a cooperative’s money and assets must be used in such a way that they fulfill the co-op’s mission and protect the interests of all of its members. Leimbach has spent 30 years working for a cooperative, which makes him a firm believer in the principles for which they stand.

Leimbach believes in the importance of minimizing rates for members while maintaining a financially sound cooperative. He considers it essential to improve reliability and infrastructure, keep the cooperative’s workers safe, and continue to educate staff and employees while managing controllable costs to keep the member’s rates affordable.

DISTRICT 5 • Monroe, Green, and Lake townships

CARL AYERS • 1046 County Road 2786, Perrysville, Ohio 44864 Ayers has been a lifelong dairy farmer and is a partner in Ayers Farms. He has been a member of the Firelands Electric for over 50 years, has served active on the cooperative’s board of trustees since 2010, and is an ACRE Century Club member. Ayers is active with the Ashland County Farm Bureau and Helping Hand Mission in Loudonville. He is also a member of Loudonville’s First Presbyterian Church.

Serving on the cooperative’s board of trustees for the past nine years has provided Ayers with a vast amount of knowledge in the electrical generation and transmission industry and the costs involved. Ayers says he applies his agricultural business experience toward directing the cooperative to provide members with safe, dependable power. He believes in the cooperative model and its ability to deliver service at an affordable rate.

Carl Ayers

Ayers feels that keeping our electric supply and distribution system viable and efficient in the face of challenges such as the rising costs of energy, increased regulations, and the everchanging sources of energy are an ongoing concern for all cooperative members.

20H OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • JUNE 2019

DISTRICT 8 • Mifflin Township south of State Route 42 in Ashland and Richland counties

W.E. ANDERSON • 1834 County Road 1095, Ashland, Ohio 44805 Anderson is a retired chemistry teacher and science department chairperson. He has been a member of Firelands Electric for 55 years, has been active on the cooperative’s board of trustees since 2009, and is an dedicated ACRE Century Club member. Anderson is a current member of the Hayesville Lions Club and Hillsdale Board of Education. He has also served as president of the Ashland County West Holmes Career Center Board of Education, Mifflin Township zoning inspector, and board member of the Ashland County Farm Bureau. Anderson also operated a custom baling and farming business and attends Grace Church in Ashland.

W.E. Anderson

Serving on the cooperative’s board of trustees has shown Anderson the importance of working to develop necessary policies that will best serve the members. These same policies guide the cooperative in providing a safe, reliable, and affordable source of electrical energy. Anderson earned his Credentialed Cooperative Director designation from the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association in 2014.

Anderson believes that maintaining a reliable and affordable supply of electrical energy, while incorporating different sources of energy and still complying with the ever-changing government regulations, continues to be a challenge for electric cooperatives. In order to accomplish this, he considers it essential to adopt sound operating policies and employ skilled people to implement those policies.

ELAINE OSWALD • 852 Pugh Road, Mansfield, Ohio 44903 Oswald is retired from the chemical and agricultural research field. She has also worked in the medical records department at several hospitals and taught medical records courses for several years. Oswald is involved with volunteer work at local hospitals and food and clothing banks, as well as serving in group and jail ministry programs. She currently does precipitation monitoring for the Richland County Soil and Water Conservation Service. Her family raised milk goats in Ashland County for 27 years before moving to the Mansfield area. A member of Firelands Electric Cooperative for 16 years, she has been part of ACRE Co-op Owners for ten years.

Elaine Oswald

With an extensive background in the sciences, record-keeping, teaching, and leadership roles, Oswald has acquired a wide range of skills to make sound decisions regarding the electric cooperative industry and its members. She believes in analyzing and discussing alternative options to reach the best resolution to any problem. Oswald feels that cooperation and compromise are crucial to making choices that are in the best interests of the members, while continuing to operate the cooperative effectively and efficiently.

Oswald believes that providing safe and affordable electricity, while navigating the current cost and availability of traditional and renewable energy sources, is a challenge for cooperatives. She considers the co-op’s ability to adapt to the ever-changing landscape of the industry important to maintaining a sound infrastructure while minimizing the cost to members.

JUNE 2019 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING 20I

PROPOSED AMENDMENTS Your board of trustees is proposing three amendments to the Firelands Electric Cooperative Code of Regulations, which will be voted on at the 2019 annual meeting of members by ballot.

If approved by the membership, the amendments will: • Permit voting to be conducted by mail and/or electronic ballot; • Revise the director qualifications to provide that individuals who are employed by or financially interested in a business that sells goods or services similar to those goods or services sold by the cooperative are not qualified to serve as directors; and, • Update the duties performed by the officers of the cooperative to bring them in line with the cooperative’s current practices.

Members attending the June 22 annual meeting will be voting on all three proposed amendments. The board is recommending passage of all three: • It believes that allowing the members to vote by mail and/or through a secure website will increase member participation in the cooperative’s elections.

In the recent past, less than 4% of the cooperative’s total membership has voted in its elections. More than half of Ohio’s electric cooperatives already allow mail or electronic voting, and those cooperatives implementing such voting procedures experience voting participation between 10% and 15% of their membership; • It believes that revising the director qualifications to prohibit individuals from serving on the board who are employed by or financially interested in a business that sells goods or services similar to those sold by the cooperative protects the cooperative from board members who could pose serious conflicts of interest which could work against the best interests of the cooperative and its members; and, • It believes that updating the code’s description of duties performed by the cooperative’s officers is necessary to bring the code in line with the current practices of the cooperative. The newly described

20J OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • JUNE 2019

duties reflect not only current practices of our cooperative, but other Ohio electric cooperatives as well.

• Proposed changes include strikethrough words of removed language and capitalized red font containing new language.

AMENDMENT 1 - MAIL AND/OR ELECTRONIC VOTING With the first proposed amendment, the membership is being asked to amend five sections of Article II of the Code of Regulations (Meetings of Members), and one section of Article III (Trustees). Since all of these proposed changes are related, members will cast a single vote on whether to approve or reject these proposed amendments, which together, will implement mail and/ or electronic voting.

Currently, voting for trustees or amendments to the Code of Regulations can only take place at the annual meeting of members. This code amendment would give the board the option of using mail and/or electronic voting for any issue, including election of trustees, amendments to the Code of Regulations, or amendments to the Articles of Incorporation. In this amendment, the board does retain the option to conduct voting at member meetings, in lieu of mail and/or electronic voting. However, both voting methods cannot be used simultaneously; that is, in any election, voting must either be conducted by mail and/or electronic ballot, or in person at a meeting of members.

This amendment permits voting to take place with or without a meeting, and permits the board to hire an independent third party to conduct an election by mail and/or electronic ballot and tally the votes cast. It also revises the trustee election timetable by changing the time for the filing of nominating petitions by candidates for the position of trustee, by requiring petitions to be filed 25 days earlier than currently required. This will ensure adequate time for preparation of ballots and making arrangements to conduct mail and/or electronic voting.

The amendment also provides that tie votes will be decided by a coin toss; that the results of any election conducted by mail and/or electronic ballots will be announced at the annual meeting by the cooperative’s election committee; and, that the agenda of business to be conducted at an annual meeting is a listing of items required to be addressed, but not the order in which they must be addressed.

Full text of the proposed amendments to Article II, Sections 1, 4, 5, 7, and 8; and Article III, Section 2, of the Code of Regulations, reads as follows:

Article II, Section 1. Annual Meeting.

The annual meeting of the members shall be held each year beginning with the year 1996 at such day, hour, and place within the service area of the cooperative, as determined by resolution of the board of trustees and as shall be designated in the notice of the meeting, for the purpose of electing trustees, passing upon reports covering the previous fiscal year, ANNOUNCING THE RESULTS OF ANY ELECTION CONDUCTED BY MAIL OR ELECTRONIC BALLOT, and transacting such other business as may come before the meeting.

If the election of trustees shall IS not be held OR THE RESULTS OF A MAIL OR ELECTRONIC BALLOT NOT ANNOUNCED on the day designated herein for any annual meeting, or at any adjournment thereof, the board of trustees shall cause the election to be held EITHER at a special meeting of the members, OR BY MAIL OR ELECTRONIC BALLOT, as soon thereafter as conveniently may be. Failure to hold the annual meeting at the designated time shall not work a forfeiture or dissolution of the cooperative.

Article II, Section 4. Quorum.

Fifty members EITHER present or in person OR CASTING A VOTE BY MAIL OR ELECTRONIC BALLOT shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business at all meetings of the members. In case of a joint membership, the presence at a meeting of either husband or wife, or both, OR THE MAIL OR ELECTRONIC VOTE OF EITHER, shall be regarded as the presence of one member. 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. The annual meeting shall not be adjourned more than thirty (30) days.

Article II, Section 5. Voting. (a) ONE VOTE. Each member shall be entitled to one (1) vote and no more upon each matter submitted to a vote at a meeting of the members. If a husband and wife hold IN CASE OF A JOINT MEMBERSHIP, they THE MEMBERSHIP shall jointly be entitled to one (1) vote and no more, CAST BY EITHER MEMBER, upon each matter submitted to a vote at a meeting of the members. Voting by proxy shall not be permitted, except that a wife present at a meeting SPOUSE may vote her husband’s THEIR SPOUSE’S membership and vice versa. (b) MANNER OF VOTING. VOTING BY THE MEMBERS MAY BE CONDUCTED EITHER IN PERSON AT A MEETING OF THE MEMBERS, OR BY MAIL AND/OR ELECTRONIC BALLOT EITHER WITH OR WITHOUT A MEMBER MEETING, IN A MANNER CONSISTENT WITH THIS ARTICLE II, SECTION 5 OF THIS CODE OF REGULATIONS AND AS DETERMINED BY THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES. (c) MAIL OR ELECTRONIC VOTING WITHOUT A MEMBER MEETING. A MEMBER MAY VOTE OR ACT ON ANY MATTER BY MAIL OR ELECTRONIC BALLOT WITHOUT A MEMBER MEETING, BUT ONLY AS PROVIDED IN THIS CODE OF REGULATIONS. IN SUCH INSTANCES, THE COOPERATIVE WILL DELIVER OR PROVIDE TO EACH MEMBER ENTITLED TO VOTE ON THE MATTER A WRITTEN MAIL BALLOT AND/OR ACCESS TO AN ELECTRONIC BALLOT. THE MATTER OR ACTION IS APPROVED IF THE NUMBER OF COMPLETED MAIL AND/OR ELECTRONIC BALLOTS RECEIVED

BY THE COOPERATIVE EQUALS OR EXCEEDS THE QUORUM REQUIREMENTS SET FORTH IN ARTICLE II, SECTION 4 OF THIS CODE OF Continued on page 20L

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REGULATIONS, AND THE NUMBER OF VOTES FAVORING THE MATTER OR ACTION EQUALS OR EXCEEDS THE NUMBER OF VOTES REQUIRED TO APPROVE THE MATTER OR ACTION. (d) MAIL OR ELECTRONIC VOTING WITH A MEMBER MEETING. A MEMBER MAY VOTE OR ACT

BY MAIL OR ELECTRONIC BALLOT ON ANY MATTER TO BE CONSIDERED IN CONJUNCTION WITH A MEMBER MEETING, BUT ONLY AS PROVIDED IN THIS CODE OF REGULATIONS. THE COOPERATIVE WILL DELIVER OR PROVIDE TO EACH MEMBER ENTITLED TO VOTE ON THE MATTER A WRITTEN MAIL BALLOT AND/OR ACCESS TO AN ELECTRONIC BALLOT. IN SUCH INSTANCES, ALL VOTES SHALL BE CAST BY MAIL AND/OR ELECTRONIC BALLOT, AND VOTING IN PERSON AT THE MEETING OF THE MEMBERS SHALL NOT BE PERMITTED. 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 BALLOT. THE MATTER OR ACTION IS APPROVED IF THE NUMBER OF COMPLETED MAIL AND/OR ELECTRONIC BALLOTS RECEIVED BY THE COOPERATIVE EQUALS OR EXCEEDS THE QUORUM REQUIREMENTS SET FORTH IN ARTICLE II, SECTION 4 OF THIS CODE OF REGULATIONS, AND THE NUMBER OF VOTES FAVORING THE MATTER OR ACTION EQUALS OR EXCEEDS THE NUMBER OF VOTES REQUIRED TO APPROVE THE MATTER OR ACTION. THE RESULTS OF THE VOTE SHALL BE ANNOUNCED AT THE MEMBER MEETING. WHENEVER THIS CODE OF REGULATIONS REQUIRES ACTION TO BE TAKEN AT A MEMBER MEETING, A VOTE BY MAIL OR ELECTRONIC BALLOT IN CONJUNCTION WITH A MEMBER MEETING SHALL BE DEEMED TO BE ACTION TAKEN AT A MEMBER MEETING. (e) MAIL OR ELECTRONIC BALLOT CONTENTS. A MAIL OR ELECTRONIC BALLOT MUST: (1) SET FORTH AND DESCRIBE A PROPOSED ACTION, IDENTIFY A CANDIDATE(S), AND/ OR INCLUDE THE LANGUAGE OF A MOTION, RESOLUTION, CODE OF REGULATIONS AMENDMENT, OR OTHER WRITTEN STATEMENT, UPON WHICH A MEMBER IS ASKED TO VOTE OR ACT; (2) STATE THE DATE OF A MEMBER MEETING AT WHICH THE RESULTS OF THE ELECTION

20L OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • JUNE 2019

OR VOTING ARE SCHEDULED TO BE ANNOUNCED, OR IF NO MEMBER MEETING IS SCHEDULED, STATE HOW THE RESULTS WILL BE ANNOUNCED; (3) PROVIDE AN OPPORTUNITY TO VOTE FOR OR AGAINST THE MATTER; (4) INSTRUCT THE MEMBER HOW TO COMPLETE, RETURN, OR CAST THE BALLOT; AND, (5) STATE THE TIME AND DATE BY WHICH THE COOPERATIVE MUST RECEIVE THE COMPLETED MAIL BALLOT. (f) RESCISSION OF MAIL OR ELECTRONIC BALLOTS. EXCEPT AS OTHERWISE PROVIDED IN THIS CODE OF REGULATIONS OR BY THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES, A MEMBER MAY NOT REVOKE OR RESCIND A COMPLETED MAIL OR ELECTRONIC BALLOT RECEIVED BY THE COOPERATIVE. A MEMBER’S FAILURE TO RECEIVE A MAIL OR ELECTRONIC BALLOT DOES NOT AFFECT ANY VOTE OR ACTION TAKEN IN THAT BALLOTING. (g) FRAUDULENT MAIL OR ELECTRONIC BALLOTS. 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. (h) NUMBER OF VOTES REQUIRED. At all meetings of the members at which a quorum is present, AND FOR ALL VOTES CONDUCTED BY MAIL OR ELECTRONIC BALLOT IN WHICH A QUORUM PARTICIPATES, all questions shall be decided by a vote of the majority of the members voting thereon in person, except as otherwise provided by law, the Articles of Incorporation of the cooperative, or this Code of Regulations. Voting by mail shall not be permitted, provided, however, that in any vote of the members for which this Code of Regulations or the Articles of

Incorporation requires the affirmative vote of greater than a majority of a quorum, such matter shall be submitted to the members for vote pursuant to an election by mail in accordance with such procedures as the board may determine in its discretion. (i) PROOF OF AUTHORITY OF AGENTS. WHETHER VOTING IN PERSON AT A MEETING OR BY MAIL OR ELECTRONIC MEANS, AGENTS OF Ccorporations, firms and bodies politic may be required to submit proof of their authority or evidence satisfactory to the members present at the annual meeting of their authority to vote at any meeting, but, in no case shall the AN agent delegated to vote the membership of the A corporation, firm, or body politic be a member of the cooperative:; nor shall any one agent represent more than one membership.

Article II, Section 7. Nomination and Election of Trustees. (a) Nomination by Petition. Not less than sixty-five NINETY days nor more than one hundred twenty FORTY-FIVE days before any meeting at which trustees are to be elected, OR IN THE CASE OF AN ELECTION CONDUCTED BY MAIL AND/OR ELECTRONIC BALLOT BEFORE ANY MEETING AT WHICH THE ELECTION RESULTS ARE TO BE ANNOUNCED, any member residing in a district from which a trustee is to be elected may obtain from the secretary of the cooperative a nominating petition. The nominating petition may nominate for trustee any member residing in the district who possesses the qualifications for trustee specified in Section 2, Article III of this code. The petition shall be signed by not less than twenty (20) members who are residents of the district, and filed with the secretary of the cooperative not later than four P.M. of the sixtyfifth NINETIETH day before the date of the meeting at which the trustee election shall be held, OR THE MAIL AND/OR ELECTRONIC BALLOTING RESULTS SHALL BE ANNOUNCED. The secretary shall verify the signatures contained in the petition.

Any qualified member who timely files a petition with the verified signatures of not less than twenty (20) members who are residents of the district shall be declared an official candidate of the district. There shall be no limitation on the number

of official candidates for trustee. A member may sign more than one nominating petition. (b) Election of Trustees. Not less than seven (7) days before an annual or special meeting of the members at which trustees are to be elected, the secretary of the cooperative shall mail to each member a list of the official candidates, the names to be arranged by districts and in alphabetical order. This list may be included with the notice of the meeting. At the meeting, the secretary of the cooperative shall place in nomination the names of the official candidates of each district. Election of trustees shall be by printed or ELECTRONIC mimeographed ballot. The ballots shall be arranged by districts with the names of candidates appearing in alphabetical order. Each member of the cooperative present at the meeting shall be entitled to vote for one candidate from each district. The candidate from each district receiving the highest number of votes at this meeting shall be declared elected as trustee. IN THE EVENT OF A TIE VOTE AMONG THOSE CANDIDATES RECEIVING THE HIGHEST NUMBER OF VOTES, THE TIE SHALL BE RESOLVED BY A COIN TOSS CONDUCTED BY THE ELECTION COMMITTEE CHAIRPERSON. (c) Election Committee. At any meeting at which a IN ANY Trustee or Trustees are to be elected, ELECTION, each candidate shall designate a teller. Together, all designated tellers, along with a chairperson appointed by the board of trustees, shall comprise the election committee.

IN ANY ELECTION CONDUCTED AT A MEETING OF THE MEMBERS, it shall be the responsibility of the committee to count all ballots or other votes cast in any election or in any other matter and to rule upon the effect of any ballots or other votes irregularly or indecisively marked or cast. In the exercise of its responsibility, the committee shall have available to it the advice of counsel provided by the cooperative.

The committee’s decision, as reflected by a majority of those actually present and voting, shall be final.

IN ANY ELECTION OR VOTE CONDUCTED BY MAIL OR ELECTRONIC BALLOT, THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES MAY RETAIN AN INDEPENDENT

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JUNE 2019 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING 20M

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THIRD PARTY TO CONDUCT THE ELECTION AND COUNT ALL BALLOTS OR OTHER VOTES CAST. IN ANY SUCH ELECTION CONDUCTED

BY AN INDEPENDENT THIRD PARTY, IT SHALL BE THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE ELECTION COMMITTEE TO REVIEW A REPORT OF THE RESULTS BY THE INDEPENDENT THIRD PARTY AND TO ANNOUNCE OF THE RESULTS TO THE MEMBERSHIP AT THE MEMBER MEETING. (d) Credentials Committee. Any other questions relating to members voting and the election of trustees, including, but not limited to, the validity of either the nomination or the qualifications of candidates, the regularity of the nomination and election of trustees, and hearing and deciding any protest or objection filed with respect to any election or to conduct affecting the results of any election, shall be determined by a credentials committee appointed by the board of trustees of the cooperative. The board shall appoint one member in good standing from each of the cooperative’s nine (9) trustee districts. A committee member cannot be a current member of the board of trustees, a close relative of a trustee, or a member of the election committee. The credentials committee shall choose its own chairperson whenever it is called upon to meet. The committee shall have available to it the advice of counsel provided by the cooperative.

In the event a protest or objection is filed concerning any election, such protest or objection must be filed during, or within three (3) business days following the adjournment of the meeting in which the voting is conducted OR THE ELECTION RESULTS ARE ANNOUNCED. The credentials committee shall thereupon commence a meeting not less than seven (7) days after such protest or objection

20N OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • JUNE 2019

is filed. The committee shall hear such evidence as is presented by the protestor(s), who may be heard in person, by counsel, or both, and any opposing evidence. The committee by a vote of a majority of those present and voting, shall, within a reasonable time but not later than thirty (30) days after such hearing render its decision. The committee may, in its discretion, affirm the election, change the outcome of the election, or set the election aside. The credentials committee’s decision, as reflected by a majority of those actually present and voting, shall be final.

Article II, Section 8. Order ITEMS of Business.

The order ITEMS 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: 1. Call of the roll.

2. 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.

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

4. Presentation and consideration of, and acting upon, reports of officers, trustees, and committees.

5. Election of trustees, OR ANNOUNCEMENT OF RESULTS OF ANY ELECTION CONDUCTED BY MAIL AND/OR ELECTRONIC BALLOT. 6. Unfinished business.

7. New business.

8. Adjournment.

Article III, Section 2. Qualifications and Tenure. (a) At each annual meeting of the members bBeginning with the year 1948, trustees shall be elected by ballot, by and from the members, subject to the provisions of this Code of Regulations with respect to the removal of trustees. No member shall be eligible to become or remain a trustee or to hold any position of trust in the cooperative who is not a bona fide resident of the particular district he is to represent; or who is in any way employed by or financially interested in a competing enterprise, or a business selling electric energy or supplies to the cooperative, or a business primarily engaged in selling electrical or plumbing

appliances, fixtures, or supplies to the members of the cooperative; or who has been an employee of the cooperative or any subsidiary of the cooperative at any time during the three years immediately prior to election or appointment to the board. When a membership is held jointly by a husband and wife, either one, but not both, may be elected a trustee; provided, however, that neither one shall be eligible to become or remain a trustee or to hold a position of trust in the cooperative unless both shall meet the qualifications hereinabove set forth. Nothing in this section contained shall, or shall be construed to, affect in any manner whatsoever the validity of any action taken at any meeting of the board of trustees.

Trustees elected from districts 1, 3, and 6 shall hold office for the remainder of the term of one year to the date of the 1948 annual meeting and until the election and qualification of their successors. Trustees elected from districts 2, 7, and 9 shall hold office for the remainder of the term of two years to the date of the 1949 annual meeting and until the election and qualification of their successors. Trustees elected from districts 4, 5, and 8 shall hold office for the remainder of the term of three years to the date of the 1950 annual meeting and until the election and qualification of their successors; provided that at each annual election, commencing with the year 1948, and thereafter, the successors to the trustees of each group whose terms shall expire in each year shall be elected to hold office for the term of three years from the date of their election and until the election and qualification of their successors. (b) Redelineation of the districts at the 1990 annual meeting has resulted in the creation of a new district 8. A trustee from the newly constituted district 8 shall be elected at the annual meeting of the members in the year 1991. The trustee shall hold office to the date of the 1992 annual meeting and until the election and qualification of his successor. Thereafter, the trustee from district 8 shall be elected for the same term and at those annual meetings called for in Article III, Section 2(a), above.

AMENDMENT 2 - TRUSTEE QUALIFICATIONS The second proposed amendment would revise Section 2. of Article III of the Code of Regulations by prohibiting an individual who works for or is financially interested in a business which sells goods or services similar to those

provided by the cooperative, from serving as a Trustee of the cooperative. It removes the prohibition of an individual who sells appliances or fixtures to members of the cooperative from serving on the Board, as the cooperative is not in the business of selling appliances or fixtures to its members.

Full text of the proposed amendments to Article III, Section 2, of the Code of Regulations, reads as follows:

Article III, Section 2. Qualifications and Tenure. (a) At each annual meeting of the members beginning with the year 1948, trustees shall be elected by ballot, by and from the members, subject to the provisions of this Code of Regulations with respect to the removal of trustees. No member shall be eligible to become or remain a trustee or to hold any position of trust in the cooperative who is not a bona fide resident of the particular district he is to represent; or who is in any way employed by or financially interested in a competing enterprise, or a business selling electric energy or supplies to the cooperative, or a business primarily engaged in selling electrical or plumbing appliances, fixtures, or supplies to the members of the Cooperative PROVIDING A GOOD OR SERVICE SIMILAR TO A GOOD OR SERVICE PROVIDED BY THE COOPERATIVE OR ANY SUBSIDIARY OF THE COOPERATIVE; or who has been an employee of the cooperative or any subsidiary of the cooperative at any time during the three years immediately prior to election or appointment to the board. When a membership is held jointly by a husband and wife, either one, but not both, may be elected a trustee; provided, however, that neither one shall be eligible to become or remain a trustee or to hold a position of trust in the cooperative unless both shall meet the qualifications hereinabove set forth. Nothing in this section contained shall, or shall be construed to, affect in any manner whatsoever the validity of any action taken at any meeting of the board of trustees.

Trustees elected from districts 1, 3, and 6 shall hold office for the remainder of the term of one year to the date of the 1948 annual meeting and until the election and qualification of their successors. Trustees elected from districts 2, 7, and 9 shall hold office for the remainder of the term of two years to the date of the 1949 annual meeting and until the election and qualification of their successors. Trustees elected from districts 4, 5, and 8 shall hold office for the

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JUNE 2019 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING 20O

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remainder of the term of three years to the date of the 1950 annual meeting and until the election and qualification of their successors; provided that at each annual election, commencing with the year 1948, and thereafter, the successors to the trustees of each group whose terms shall expire in each year shall be elected to hold office for the term of three years from the date of their election and until the election and qualification of their successors. (b) Redelineation of the districts at the 1990 annual meeting has resulted in the creation of a new district 8. A trustee from the newly constituted District 8 shall be elected at the annual meeting of the members in the year 1991. The trustee shall hold office to the date of the 1992 annual meeting and until the election and qualification of his successor. Thereafter, the trustee from district 8 shall be elected for the same term and at those annual meetings called for in Article III, Section 2(a), above.

(a) shall be the principal executive officer of the cooperative and shall preside at all meetings of the members and of the board of trustees; (b) shall ON THE COOPERATIVE’S BEHALF, sign, with the Secretary, certificates of membership, the issue of which shall have been authorized by resolution of the board of trustees, and may sign any deeds, mortgages, deeds of trust, notes, bonds, contracts or other instruments DOCUMENTS PROPERLY authorized OR APPROVED by the board of trustees OR MEMBERS to be executed, except in cases in which the signing and execution thereof shall be IS expressly delegated by the board of trustees or by this Code of Regulations to some other officer or agent of the cooperative, or shall be required by law to be otherwise signed or executed; and (c) in general, shall perform all OTHER duties, incident to the Office of President and such other duties HAVE ALL OTHER RESPONSIBILITIES, AND EXERCISE ALL OTHER AUTHORITY as may be prescribed by the board of trustees from time to time.

AMENDMENT 3 – DUTIES OF OFFICERS

Article V, Section 6. Vice President.

The third proposed amendment would revise Article V of the Code of Regulations by updating the descriptions of the duties to be performed by the officers of the cooperative, to bring the descriptions in line with the current practices of the cooperative. This amendment would also revise Article IV of the Code to insert the new address of the cooperative’s headquarters.

In the absence of the president, or in event of his inability or refusal to act, the vice president shall perform the duties of the president, and when so acting shall have all the power of and be subject to all the restrictions upon the president and shall perform such other duties as from time to time may be assigned to him PRESCRIBED by the board of trustees.

Full text of the proposed amendments to Article VI, Section 1; and Article V, Sections 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9 of the Code of Regulations, reads as follows:

Article V, Section 7. Secretary.

Article IV, Section 1. Regular Meetings.

(a) keep or cause to be kept the minutes of meetings of the members and the board of trustees in one or more books provided for that purpose;

A regular meeting of the board of trustees may be held without notice other than this Code of Regulations, immediately after, and at the same place as, the annual meeting of the members. A regular meeting of the board of trustees shall also be held monthly at headquarters building, One Energy Place 103 INDUSTRIAL DRIVE, New London, Ohio at such time and date as the board of trustees may provide by resolution. Such regular monthly meetings may be held without notice other than such resolution fixing the time and date thereof.

Article V, Section 5. President.

The President SHALL:

20P OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • JUNE 2019

The Secretary shall:

(b) see that BE RESPONSIBLE FOR all notices are duly REQUIRED TO BE given in accordance with this Code of Regulations or as required by law; (c) be custodian of AND MAINTAIN AND AUTHENTICATE the corporate records, and of the seal of the Cooperative and see that AFFIX the seal of the cooperative is affixed to all certificates of membership prior to the issue thereof and to all documents, the execution of which on behalf of the Cooperative under its seal is duly authorized in accordance with the provisions of this Code of Regulations.

(d) Keep a register of the post office address of each member which shall be furnished to the Secretary by such member; (e) Sign with the President certificates of membership, the issue of which shall have been authorized by resolution of the board of trustees; (f) Have general charge of the books of the Cooperative in which a record of the members is kept; (d) Keep MAINTAIN on file at all times a complete copy of the Code of Regulations of the Cooperative containing all amendments thereto, which copy shall always be open to the inspection of any member, and UPON REQUEST at the expense of the cooperative, forward a copy of this Code of Regulations and all of the amendments thereto to each ANY member; and (e) In general perform all duties incident to the office of secretary and such other duties as from time to time may be assigned to him PRESCRIBED by the board of trustees.

Article V, Section 8. Treasurer.

COOPERATIVE PRINCIPLES COOPERATIVE PRINCIPLES 1.

Voluntary And Open Membership

2. Democratic Member Control 3. Members’ Economic Participation

The Treasurer shall:

4. Autonomy And Independence

(a) have charge and custody of and be responsible for all funds and securities of the Cooperative;

5. Education, Training and Information

(b) receive and give receipts for moneys due and payable to the Cooperative from any source whatsoever, and deposit all such moneys in the name of the Cooperative in such bank or banks as shall be selected in accordance with the provisions of this Code of Regulations; and

6. Cooperation Among Cooperatives

(c) in general perform all the duties incident to the office of Treasurer, SHALL HAVE ALL RESPONSIBILITY, AND MAY EXERCISE ALL AUTHORITY and such other duties as from time to time may be assigned to him PRESCRIBED by the board of trustees.

Article V, Section 9. GENERAL Manager.

The board of trustees shall appoint a GENERAL manager who may be, but who shall not be required to be, a member of the cooperative. The manager shall perform such duties as the board of trustees may, from time to time, require of him and shall have such authority as the board of trustees may, from time to time, vest in him.

7. Concern For Community

FIRELANDS ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE MISSION STATEMENT Improving the quality of life of our members by delivering reliable electric service at competitive prices, following the Seven Cooperative Principles, while supporting the communities where our members live and work.

JUNE 2019 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING 20Q

YOUR CO-OP’S FINANCIAL HEALTH For the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 2018

2017

$ 43,093,295

6,284,764 49,378,059

$ 43,260,745

1,956,533 45,217,278

(15,113,517) 34,264,542

(14,661,285) 30,555,993

9,931,172 463,662 10,394,834

9,399,731 584,878 9,984,609

Cash and cash equivalents Accounts receivable, consumers and other, less allowance for doubtful accounts of $213,593 ($204,424 in 2017) Materials and supplies Accrued utility revenues Assets held for sale Other current and accrued assets

Total Current Assets

865,504

1,491,582

1,635,817 321,525 389,872 293,742 36,570 3,543,030

1,671,247 218,607 459,641 38,130 3,879,207

$ 48,202,406

$ 44,419,809

$ 30,633 21,576,297 1,748,707 23,355,637

$ 31,842 20,651,237 1,659,929 22,343,008

21,211,434

18,797,066

811,782 1,409,982 283,591 734,668

395,312 3,635,335

768,128 1,120,290 278,615 727,369

385,333 3,279,735

$ 48,202,406

$ 44,419,809

UTILITY PLANT

Electric plant in service Construction work in progress

Less: Accumulated provision for

depreciation and amortization

Net Utility Plant

NON-CURRENT ASSETS

ASSETS

Investments in associated organizations Deferred charges

Total Non-Current Assets

CURRENT ASSETS

EQUITIES & LIABILITIES

20R OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • JUNE 2019

Total Assets

STATEMENTS OF REVENUE & EXPENSES FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2018 AND 2017

2018

2017

$ 20,132,551

$ 18,676,689

Cost of power Distribution expense - operations Distribution expense - maintenance Consumer accounts Administrative and general Depreciation and amortization Taxes Total Operating Expenses

11,627,349 1,260,183 1,543,941 766,577 1,236,002 1,367,607 567,796 18,369,455

10,863,351 1,289,144 1,420,845 751,588 1,202,377 1,430,267 524,813 17,482,385

Operating margins before fixed charges Interest on long-term debt

1,763,096 750,323

1,194,304 697,466

Operating margins after fixed charges Patronage capital assigned by associated organizations Net Operating Margins

1,012,773 843,932 1,856,705

496,838 778,930 1,275,768

40,566 5,374 (182,184) (17,027) (153,271)

37,419 (15,231) 22,188

$ 1,703,434

$ 1,297,956

$ 1,703,434 20,651,237 22,354,671 (778,374)

$ 1,297,956

20,147,020 21,444,976 (793,739)

$ 21,576,297

$ 20,651,237

OPERATING REVENUE OPERATING EXPENSES

NON-OPERATING MARGINS Interest income Gain on sale of assets Loss on impairment of assets Other income (expense) Total Non-Operating Margins

Net Margins for Period

PATRONAGE CAPITAL & OTHER EQUITY Net Margins Beginning of Year Subtotal Retirement of Capital Credits and Other Contributions (Net)

Patronage Capital & Other Equities End of Year

The accounts of your cooperative for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 have been audited.

The auditor’s complete report is on file at the office of the cooperative and is available for inspection by the members of the cooperative.

JUNE 2019 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING 20S

accountable reliable affordable since 1936 20T OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • JUNE 2019

integrity

accountability

community commitment

innovation

YOUTH PROGRAMS

ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE Winners of April drawing receive iTunes gift cards

Education helps shape the leaders of tomorrow. That’s why Firelands Electric includes it as one of our seven core principles.

At the beginning of 2017, the cooperative introduced a new program to encourage students in their pursuit of academic excellence. Students in grades 6–8 are invited to become part of “The A Team” and be recognized for their hard work and dedication to education.

Emma Packard

Emily Weaver

Ashland Middle School Daughter of Josh and Wendy Packard

Crestview Middle School Daughter of Dean and Becky Weaver

Send us your grade card and win!

The next drawing will be held on July 10.

How you can win Students in grades 6–8 who have a minimum of three A’s on their most recent report card and whose parents or guardians are members of Firelands Electric Co-op are eligible to apply. A copy of the report card should be submitted by mail to Attn: The A Team, Firelands Electric Co-op, P.O. Box 32, New London, OH 44851. Report cards may also be emailed to members@firelandsec.com.

Be sure to include the student’s name, age, school, grade, address, phone number, the parents’ name(s), and email address on your entry.

Complete program details are available at www.firelandsec.com/ content/team.

Kara Eberling St. Edward School Daughter of Tim and Michelle Eberling JUNE 2019 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING 21

FIRELANDS ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE LOCAL PAGES

highlights

COOPERATIVE UPDATE

BOARD MEETING Firelands Electric Cooperative’s board of trustees met March 26 and covered the following items:

• McNaull reviewed with the board the current status on the sale of the cooperative’s former buildings.

• Board President Dan Schloemer reported that the cooperative received 25 membership applications for approval by the board.

• The board discussed capital credits retirement amounts for 2019.

• The board reviewed a report for a safety and training meeting held on March 20.

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

• BHM, CPA Group, Inc. presented the results of the cooperative’s 2018 audit. The auditors were pleased to report another clean audit.

• The board finalized proposed changes to the Code of Regulations, which will be brought to the membership for consideration at the annual meeting on June 22.

• General Manager Dan McNaull advised the board of plans to hire two new groundmen.

• Director of Member Services and Communications Andrea Gravenhorst reported on recent activities involving the member services department.

• McNaull reminded the board that petitions for trustee candidates for districts 4, 5, and 8 are due by 4 p.m. on April 12. He also reminded them that each trustee will appoint a Credentials Committee member at the April meeting.

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, June 25, at Firelands Electric’s new facility, located at 103 Industrial Drive, New London.

• The board reviewed final arrangements for the auction of surplus equipment scheduled for April 20 and the open house that is to take place on April 27.

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. 8 a.m.–5 p.m. www.firelandsec.com

Bruce Leimbach Vice President, District 4

Carl Ayers 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 • JUNE 2019

District 7

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STORY AND PHOTOS BY JAMES PROFFITT

B

efore there were bridges across the mighty, sometimes swift and muddy Ohio River, there were dozens of ferries that carried people, cargo, and the vehicles of the day from Ohio to Kentucky and West Virginia. Today, there are nearly 50 bridges, but only three ferries remain. Each of those that still ply their trade is cherished.

The Anderson Ferry, operating a dozen miles west of Cincinnati, is the busiest. Its three vessels and their crew deliver hundreds of passengers every day but Christmas.

24 OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • JUNE 2019

While the nearby Northern Kentucky International Airport and area businesses rely on the ferry, lots of folks take it just for fun. “We get plenty of people who just enjoy the ride,” says owner Paul Anderson, who may or may not be related to the George Anderson who founded the ferry in 1870.

The ferries feature towboats, all named for Daniel Boone, that are attached to flat barges on a large pole, swinging around to reverse direction at each riverbank. The original Anderson Ferry had a rope that captains used to

Opposite, the City of Sistersville II patiently awaits early May — the beginning of her season. Left, a pipe and a calm river make this Anderson Ferry captain happy.

Below, deckhand Jerry Mofferd chats it up with a passenger aboard the Jenny Ann.

hand-propelled. Today, the Augusta Ferry’s modern version still performs the same task between Augusta, Kentucky, and Higginsport, Ohio. For walk-on passengers, the trip is free.

Audrey Clos and Sheryl Cruse, who live nearby, recently enjoyed lunch with their grandchildren and decided to see the sights in the quaint river town.

“It was such a pretty day that after we had pizza, we decided we’d take a little walk down by the river.

When we came around the corner, we saw the ferry coming in. So I said, ‘C’mon, kids!’” Cruse says. “The price is a great deal, too,” she adds, laughing.

Captain Devin Claypool says the Jenny Ann runs all year long, river and weather permitting. Sometimes, though, they just don’t permit.

“I got stuck one year in about 2 or 3 inches of ice.

Got halfway across and couldn’t go anymore, so I wriggled around a little bit, got turned around, and headed right back the way I came,” he says.

The Augusta Ferry is truly full-service, according to deckhand Jerry Mofferd. “We might get stuck sitting Continued on page 26

propel themselves across the river. That soon evolved into a two-horsepower paddle wheel configuration — literally, that is: Two horses walked on a treadmill to power the paddle wheel.

More recently, one of Anderson’s towboats underwent a one-of-a-kind outfitting. “It’s the only ferry I know of with a Mack truck engine,” Anderson says.

About 60 river miles upstream is another historic ferry, in operation since 1797, when it, too, was

JUNE 2019 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING 25

Continued from page 25

on the other side for a few hours,” he says, “but if we see a car back here, we’ll come get ’em.

“I’ve been doing this a long time,” he continues. “There’s people who — I know who they are and I know their entire family history, and to me, they’re just like family.”

After taking Taylor Royalty’s five bucks, Mofferd chats it up with the Ohio resident, who drives to visit her boyfriend across the river regularly. When asked if Mofferd is bothering her, she laughs. “No, absolutely not,” she says. “He’s my favorite one on the ferry. I enjoy talking every time.”

About 350 river miles upstream, in the middle of what future president George Washington in 1770 called “The Long Reach” — the straightest 20-mile section in the 981-mile river — another historic ferry has in recent years struggled to remain.

The Sistersville Ferry, linking Sistersville, West Virginia, and Fly, Ohio, is a beloved one. Barb Gage, president of the ferry’s board, says times have been tough for the little ferry the last decade or so. It’s owned by the city of Sistersville and is required to be self-supporting.

“What really hurt us is when the price of diesel went way up,” she says, going on to describe a newly required maritime insurance policy as extremely expensive. “We just can’t afford to run seven days.”

“We only run Thursday through Sunday and May through October,” explains Janet Witten Conn, another board member. “If we extended its operation, we wouldn’t be able to run in the black. It’s been here for better than 200 years, so we don’t want that to go away.”

For the small sum of $1 anytime, folks can ride the ferry back and forth across the river as many times as they wish, so long as they don’t disembark.

Gage says captains and deckhands aboard the Sistersville II, like those on the Jenny Ann, have never met a stranger.

“That’s what happens — they get to know everybody and become like family. So much that we just had a request for our retired captain to return for a day, just so he can captain for a high school graduation party on the ferry for a customer’s son, who’s always loved the ferry.”

Each July, the two water-linked communities celebrate their connection with a fundraising event that spans the river. The Ferry Festival has helped keep the Sistersville II afloat, hosting more than 1,200 passengers during the festival.

Nowadays it’s just plain too easy to cross by bridge. Instead, try grabbing a map (or a cellphone) and find the ferries. Get right down on the water, and enjoy the modern version of the old ride. Maybe you’ll make a friend on the deck.

JAMES PROFFITT is a freelance writer from Marblehead.

Left, the Augusta Ferry’s Jenny Ann heads for Ohio, where drivers pull right off and go about their day.

Above, Audrey Clos and Sheryl Cruse enjoy the view from the deck.

26 OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • JUNE 2019

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Ohio Cooperative Living magazine is looking for photos from Ohio and West Virginia electric cooperative members to use in its 2020 cooperative calendar. We’re interested in seasonal scenes from each month of the year — images that really “pop” and convey a sense of time and place. Photo subjects must be interesting and the shot well planned and framed.

If their images are chosen for publication, amateur co-op photographers could earn $100 or more.

RULES

• One photo entry per member.

• High-resolution, color, digital images only.

• No prints, slides, or proof sheets — no snail mail! Send submissions by email attachment only to photo@ohioec.org.

• Photo format must be horizontal and capable of filling an 8 x 11-inch image area.

• Include an explanation of the photo — the where, what, when — as well as who took the shot.

• Include your name, address, phone number, and the name of your co-op.

• Shots featuring people who can be identified within the photo must be accompanied by a signed publication release.

Deadline for submission: Aug. 16 • photo@ohioec.org

JUNE 2019 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING 27

CO-OP PEOPLE

TREEHOUSE

LODGING Want to feel like a kid again?

Spend a night in a treehouse — only this time with a lot more luxury.

STORY AND PHOTOS BY W.H. “CHIP” GROSS

T

he Mohicans, located near Glenmont in the remote, rugged, wooded hills of extreme northeastern Knox County, offers no Kevin and Laura Mooney less than six treehouses available for a night’s stay. Ranging from rustic to romantic, even their various names invite a visit: Moonlight, Old Pine, White Oak, Little Red, Tin Shed, and a very unique and cozy one-room honeymoon suite: The Nest.

A family business begun in 2012, The Mohicans is owned and operated by Kevin and Laura Mooney. “I got the idea of building treehouses for adults from a couple of my friends,” Kevin Mooney says. “At first, I thought they were crazy, but it’s worked out better than our wildest dreams. At the time, no one within hundreds of miles was offering that type of vacation lodging. I also have to credit the Amish builders and carpenters in our area who helped us. We literally couldn’t have done it without them.”

Mooney contacted Pete Nelson — star of the Discovery Channel’s hit TV series Treehouse Masters — to design both his White Oak and Little Red treehouses. “Little Red was even featured on the show,” Mooney says.

Each of the treehouses has electricity and a modern restroom with a sink and a flush toilet. The showers, however, are outdoors on the surrounding deck. Don’t worry — they’re enclosed, except for overhead. But hey, the birds and squirrels won’t laugh if they see you naked.

Two new treehouses are coming online during 2019. The Castle is a two-story octagon. The View will be made mostly of glass, giving visitors a 180-degee panorama of the surrounding woodlands from bed.

Never short on ideas, the Mooneys have future plans of putting a full-sized Airstream travel trailer up in a tree. “It will have a customized interior and sleep four,” Kevin says.

If you prefer that your overnight stay be on solid ground, four cabins are also available that each sleep from 8 to 10 guests. Like the treehouses, the cabins are Amish-built, but these are named for the Mohican, Walhonding, and Kokosing rivers and Killbuck Creek.

Looking for a wedding venue? The Grand Barn Event Center hosts nearly 100 weddings per year, accommodating up to 200 guests. Bridal parties come from all over the country, not just Ohio and surrounding states.

“Last year, we had five couples from California married here,” Mooney says. “One of the brides was from San Diego, and I asked her if she had ties to Ohio. She said, ‘No, I just saw a picture of the Grand Barn online, then clicked on the pictures of your treehouses. That’s when I turned off my computer and picked up the phone. I knew I wanted to be married at The Mohicans.’”

The Mohicans is a member of The Energy Cooperative.

W.H. “Chip” Gross is Ohio Cooperative Living’s outdoors editor.

A year ago, he and his wife, Jan, celebrated their 45th wedding anniversary at The Mohicans in The Nest treehouse.

28 OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • JUNE 2019

The Tin Shed treehouse features a spiral staircase and swinging bridge (left and top); The Nest is a romantic getaway (middle and bottom).

JUNE 2019 2019 • OHIO • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING 29 LIVING 29

TheIsland WHERE IT HAPPENED

Visitors can see the site of Aaron Burr’s weird, desperate endgame in the middle of the Ohio River.

BY SARAH JAQUAY PHOTOS COURTESY OF GREATER PARKERSBURG CVB AND THE STONEWALL GROUP

T

hanks to Lin-Manuel Miranda’s smash hit musical, Hamilton, most Americans know how and where Alexander Hamilton’s story ended: in a duel with Aaron Burr in Weehawken, New Jersey, in July 1804 — Burr killed Hamilton and became persona non grata among the Eastern political elite.

Fewer Americans know what became of Burr after that infamous duel. Ohioans and West Virginians, however, are among the fortunate who can take a day trip to

30 OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • JUNE 2019

Blennerhassett Island Historical State Park (BISP) and explore the place where Burr made his last attempt to become king of something.

The park is in a gorgeous sylvan setting in the middle of the Ohio River between Marietta and Parkersburg, part of the West Virginia state park system. Along with a fascinating bit of history, it offers plenty of natural beauty and fun activities for the whole family.

Visitors are transported back in time the minute they step onto the Island Belle, a steam-powered sternwheeler that departs Parkersburg from May through October. Visitors may hike, bike, take wagon rides, and picnic on the island. Docents in periodappropriate clothing take visitors through the accurately rebuilt mansion, decorated according to its time in history, and tell the tale of the island’s part in a strange bit of U.S. history.

Burr and Blennerhassett A few years before the infamous duel, in 1797, an AngloIrish aristocrat named Harman Blennerhassett and his wife, Margaret, bought part of the island. They carved space out of the wilderness to build an imposing Palladian-style mansion and furnished it with the finest goods from England and Ireland: paintings, sculptures, Oriental rugs, alabaster lamps, and marble clocks.

The estate included a 2-acre flower garden and was considered the most beautiful home in the country west of the Alleghenies. The island “Eden” drew the attention of travelers plying the Ohio River, and the Blennerhassetts were known to be gracious hosts. Among their visitors was the former vice president, Burr.

Visitors get to the island aboard the Island Belle, a steam-powered sternwheeler that departs Parkersburg from May through October.

Burr visited Harman and Margaret for the first time in 1805, a year after the duel. Having lost his political influence and in search of funds, he’d undoubtedly heard about the Blennerhassetts’ opulent lifestyle. After three visits, the couple had been charmed by the witty and persuasive Burr, and by 1806, Burr was using the island, and the couple’s funds, to stockpile weapons and supplies — and militiamen.

Historians are divided on the exact intent of Burr’s scheme, but many think it was a plan to invade the Spanish-owned territory that’s now Texas and create a new, independent nation there.

When then-President Thomas Jefferson got wind of the military exercises, he dubbed it a treasonous plot to separate the American West from the Union and had Burr and Harman Blennerhassett arrested. Blennerhassett was released only after Burr was ultimately acquitted of treason in 1807. Both men’s reputations and finances were irreparably damaged by the scandal, and both finished their lives in obscurity.

Sadly, Virginia militiamen occupied and plundered the Blennerhassett Mansion shortly after the arrests, and irate locals burned it to the ground in 1811.

Reenactors (above) perform at the annual “Mansion by Candlelight” event, shown from outside the mansion (below).

Today, there are numerous special events at the Blennerhassett Island State Park throughout the summer and fall, but the pinnacle may be “Mansion by Candlelight,” when visitors can experience one of the Blennerhassetts’ legendary parties at the carefully reconstructed mansion.

During the annual event (Oct. 11 and 12), visitors time-travel to the year 1805. On this evening, Harman and Margaret greet guests at the entrance, and music and dancing fills the mansion, while elsewhere on the island, the Servants’ Party features a bonfire, cloggers, ghost stories, and fortune-tellers.

For more information, visit https://wvstateparks.com/ park/blennerhassett-island-historical-state-park.

JUNE 2019 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING 31

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JUNE 2019 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING 33

LAZARUS LIZARDS I

Why, exactly, are there so many of the little reptiles in Cincinnati?

Because of one boy.

n 1951, a young boy was vacationing with his family near Milan, Italy. The boy, George Rau, was a scion of the well-known Lazarus family, which, for generations, ran one of the largest department store chains in Ohio.

Rau became enchanted with the docile lizards that sunned themselves on the rocky walls around Milan, and so he tucked 10 of them into a sock and brought them back to Cincinnati, where he released them in his family’s Torrence Court backyard.

Lazarus department stores are no more — absorbed by the Macy’s chain in 2005 — but the lizards, who apparently found Cincinnati’s climate and topography to their liking, have spread far and wide. Their connection to Ohio’s famed retailer has earned those common European wall lizards the moniker “Lazarus lizards,” and the area surrounding Torrence Court is now known locally as “Lizard Hill.”

Today, the descendants from those 10 — perhaps as few as only three actually procreated — are everywhere in greater Cincinnati; chances are, they’ll be arriving at a rock ledge near you soon.

Take a walk on a warm, sunny spring day in Ault Park or Fairview Park in Cincinnati, and you’ll see the lizards basking on the many rock ledges or foraging for food. In some areas, the density of lizards can reach over 1,000 on half a city block, or up to 1,500 an acre, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources.

“Their range expansion has been quite far and at high densities,” says Ken Petren, dean of the McMicken College of Arts and Sciences at the University of Cincinnati and an expert on invasive species, who has created a database of the Lazarus lizards’ spread throughout southwestern Ohio.

Reports have documented the lizards’ spread up through rural western Butler County to Oxford (the red bricks and stone walls of Miami University are an ideal habitat), the Kings Island area, Middletown, and even as far as Dublin, Ohio.

Ohio’s other native lizards have been having a tough time of it with urban and suburban expansion gobbling up habitat, but the Lazarus lizards do just fine in the city (and everywhere else).

34 OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • JUNE 2019

BY KEVIN WILLIAMS

“The native lizards are at much lower densities and perhaps are even in decline; people don’t see them as often as they have in the past,” Petren says. “The wall lizards, though, have really adapted.”

For the most part, the Lazarus lizards occupy areas that don’t compete with Ohio’s native ones, according to Ryan Dumas, head keeper of the Cincinnati Zoo’s reptile team.

“They typically only occupy areas that haven’t historically been occupied by other lizards,” Dumas says. “In a few areas, five-lined skinks have been outcompeted, but those areas seem to be few.”

The lizards have spread their geographic range in several ways.

The rocky beds of railroad tracks prove to be natural corridors for their expansion, so you see them spreading out from Cincinnati along railroad tracks so that coverage maps look like spokes from a wheel. Lizards have been known to hitchhike on floating logs in the Ohio River, which further spreads their population downstream.

They also hitch rides in loads of mulch that are then scattered around town and, Petren says, some people have admitted to moving the lizards themselves (which is illegal).

Anywhere there are southern-facing limestone rock walls, with nearby flat areas for foraging, is prime habitat for the lizards.

While the lizards forage, they also have proven to be tasty snacks for other Ohio critters.

“Birds eat them, especially jays, crows, kestrels, and shrike,” Petren says.

Ohio’s wildlife department has generally welcomed the non-natives, so much so that the lizards are now considered permanent residents.

One thing is certain: The Lazarus lizards all originated from that one boy’s sock.

“We have genetic analysis,” Petren says. “We know they are all from the same source.”

Equal measures of patience and luck are sometimes required to get an up-close look at one of the swift creatures.

JUNE 2019 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING 35

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Clogged, Backed—up Septic System…Can anything Restore It? Dear Darryl DEAR DARRYL: My home is about 10 years old, and so is my septic system.

I have always taken pride in keeping my home and property in top shape. In fact, my neighbors and I are always kidding each other about who keeps their home and yard nicest. Lately, however, I have had a horrible smell in my yard, and also in one of my bathrooms, coming from the shower drain. My grass is muddy and all the drains in my home are very slow.

My wife is on my back to make the bathroom stop smelling and as you can imagine, my neighbors are having a field day, kidding me about the mud pit and sewage stench in my yard. It’s humiliating. I called a plumber buddy of mine, who recommended pumping (and maybe even replacing) my septic system. But at the potential cost of thousands of dollars, I hate to explore that option.

I tried the store bought, so called, Septic treatments out there, and they did Nothing to clear up my problem. Is there anything on the market I can pour or flush into my system that will restore it to normal, and keep it maintained?

Clogged and Smelly – Lubbock , TX 36 OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • JUNE 2019

DEAR CLOGGED AND SMELLY: As a reader of my column, I am sure you are aware that I have a great deal of experience in this particular field. You will be glad to know that there IS a septic solution that will solve your back-up and effectively restore your entire system from interior piping throughout the septic system and even unclog the drain field as well. SeptiCleanse® Shock and Maintenance Programs deliver your system the fast active bacteria and enzymes needed to liquefy solid waste and free the clogs causing your back-up.

This fast-acting bacteria multiplies within minutes of application and is specifically designed to withstand many of today’s anti-bacterial cleaners, soaps and detergents. It comes in dissolvable plastic packs, that you just flush down your toilets. It’s so cool. Plus, they actually Guarantee that it restores ANY system, no matter how bad the problem is.

SeptiCleanse® Shock and Maintenance Programs are designed to work on any septic system regardless of design or age. From modern day systems to sand mounds, and systems installed generations ago, I have personally seen SeptiCleanse unclog and restore these systems in a matter of weeks. I highly recommend that you try it before spending any money on repairs. SeptiCleanse products are available online at www.septicleanse.com or you can order or learn more by calling toll free at 1-888-899-8345. If you use the promo code “OHS1”, you can get a free shock treatment, added to your order, which normally costs $169. So, make sure you use that code when you call or buy online.

2019

JUNE/JULY COMPILED BY COLLEEN ROMICK CLARK

CALENDAR CENTRAL

JUN. 14–16 – Coshocton Dulcimer Days Festival, Roscoe Village, 600 N. Whitewoman St., Coshocton.

Free admission and parking; workshop fee $15. Hear Appalachian and traditional music played on mountain dulcimers, hammered dulcimers, bowed psalteries, fiddles, guitars, banjos, and other instruments. 740-5456265 or www.coshoctondulcimerdays.com.

JUN. 16, 30 – Zanesville Memorial Concert Band Performances, Zane’s Landing Park, west end of Market Street (along river), Zanesville, 7 p.m. Free. www.zmcb.org.

JUN. 20–SEPT. 7 – Ohio Annual Art Exhibition, 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. www.zanesvilleart.org.

THROUGH AUG. 3 – “Luminous: Encaustic Works by JUN. 22 – Dublin Kiwanis Frog Jump, Coffman Park, Barbara Vogel,” Zanesville Museum of Art, 620 Military 5600 Park Rd., Dublin, 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Multiple playoff Rd., Zanesville, Wed./Fri./Sat. 10 a.m.–5 p.m., Thur. 10 rounds followed by a championship. Prizes, inflatables, a.m.–7:30 p.m. www.zanesvilleart.org. food, and fun for the whole family. 800-245-8387 or www.

THROUGH AUG. 11 – CAPA Summer Movie Series, Ohio visitdublinohio.com.

Theatre, 55 E. State St., Columbus, Wed.–Sun. 7:30 p.m., Sun. matinee 2 p.m. America’s longest-running classic film JUN. 22 – Uptown Food Crawl, Marysville, 11 a.m.–2 p.m. Enjoy a tasty walking tour of restaurants and series. 614-469-0939 or www.capa.com. confectionaries in uptown Marysville. Proceeds benefit THROUGH OCT. 26 – Delaware Farmers Market, N. Union County Guardianship Services. Advance ticket Sandusky St. (between William and Winter), Delaware, required; contact Linda Fisher at 937-209-2275 ext. 1 or Wed. 3–6 p.m., Sat. 9–12 p.m. Accepts SNAP, Produce ucvgp1@gmail.com.

Perks, SourcePoint, and Ohio Health Vouchers. 740JUN. 28–29 – Scott Antique Market, Fayette Co. 362-6050 or www.mainstreetdelaware.com/event/ Fgds., 213 Fairview Ave., Washington Court House, farmers-market.

9 a.m.–5 p.m. $1 admission, good all weekend. Free THROUGH OCT. 26 – Zanesville Farmers Market, parking. America’s favorite treasure hunt! 740Muskingum Co. Fgds., 1300 Pershing Rd., Zanesville, 569-4112, info@scottantiquemarket.com, or www. every Sat., 9 a.m.–12 p.m. June through September, the scottantiquemarket.com. market is also open every Wed. 4–7 p.m. at North 3rd JUL. 1–6 – Marion County Fair, 220 E. Fairground St., Street. www.zanesvillefarmersmarket.org.

Marion. Rides, livestock shows, tractor and truck pulls, THROUGH OCT. 27 – Rock Mill Weekends, Stebelton rodeos, live music, and much more. Enjoy spectacular Park at Rock Mill, 1429 Rockmill Place NW, Lancaster, fireworks at 10 p.m. on the 4th. 740-382-2558 or www. every Sat. and Sun., 12–4 p.m. Free. Tour the restored marioncountyfairgrounds.com.

1824 gristmill, walk on the iconic Rock Mill Covered JUL. 3 – Red, White & BOOM!, downtown riverfront Bridge, and enjoy Hocking River Falls. 740-681-7249 or and the Arena District, Columbus, noon–midnight. www.fairfieldcountyparks.org.

Kids’ activities, live music, parade, and much more, JUN. 13 – Pizza Challenge, Circleville, 5–9 p.m. Sample ending with Ohio’s largest fireworks display. www. pizza from across Pickaway County and enjoy a free redwhiteandboom.org. concert by McGuffey Lane. 740-474-3636 or www.

JUL. 4 – Stars and Stripes on the River, Zane’s Landing pickaway.com.

Park, west end of Market Street (along river), Zanesville.

WEST VIRGINIA

THROUGH OCT. 27 – Blennerhassett Voyage Package, North Bend State Park, 202 North Bend Park Rd., Cairo. $130 package includes one night of lodging for two at North Bend, plus two tickets for a sternwheeler ride to and from Blennerhassett Island, a wagon ride tour of the island, a tour of Blennerhassett Mansion, and passes for the Blennerhassett Regional History Museum.

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

JUL. 5–7 – Wild and Wonderful Craft Festival, Jackson Co. Jr. Fgds., Cottageville, Fri. 10 a.m.–8 p.m., Sat. 10 a.m.–6 p.m., Sun. 10 a.m.–5 p.m. A festival like no other, featuring an impressive range of crafts and tunes by some of the country’s most talented artisans. 304-531-2009 or www.wildandwonderfulcrafts.com.

Live music, great food, and activities for all ages. All proceeds benefit the community. www.zanesvillejaycees. org/Events/Stars-Stripes-On-The-River-Zanesville-Ohio.

JUL. 5 – First Friday Art Walk, downtown Zanesville, 5–8 p.m. Stroll through downtown as you tour over 35 participating art galleries, studios, and local businesses, many of which offer demos, make-and-take activities, and complimentary refreshments. Free shuttle service also available. www.artcoz.org.

JUL. 9–13 – Pottery Lovers Reunion Week, Holiday Inn Express, Zanesville. Join fellow pottery lovers from across the nation at the largest and oldest gathering of pottery collectors and dealers. 609-407-9997, potteryloversinfo@ gmail.com, or www.potterylovers.org.

JUL. 11 – Roundtown Blues and BBQ, Pumpkin Show Park, Circleville, 5–9 p.m. Free community event featuring barbecue food as well as blues music by Mike Milligan and Steam Shovel. 740-474-3636 or www.pickaway.com.

JUL. 11–13 – Hull Pottery Association National Show, Crooksville High School, 4075 Ceramic Way, Crooksville, Fri. 10 a.m.–4 p.m., Sat. 10 a.m.–3 p.m. for general public; members admitted at 9 a.m. both days. The largest Hull Pottery show in the world. Hundreds of authentic, rare, and one-of-a-kind pieces of Hull Pottery and other favorite pottery on display. Drawings and giveaways. HPA Annual Social held Jul. 11, 6–8 p.m., at the Roseville Community Center. 800-743-2303 or www.visitzanesville.com.

JUL. 11–13 – Picktown Palooza, 89 N. Center St., Pickerington. Fun and family-oriented event featuring live entertainment each night, food vendors, beer garden, and games. 614-379-2099 or www.picktownpalooza.org.

JUL. 12–13 – Coshocton Canal Quilters Quilt Show, Coshocton County Career Ctr., 23640 Airport Rd., Coshocton, 10 a.m.–5 p.m. $5, under 13 free. Free parking. Handicap accessible. Theme of this year’s show is “Quilting Through the Seasons.” www.facebook.com/ CCQQuiltShow.

JUL. 13–14 – A Palace Production of The Music Man, Marion Palace Theatre, 276 W. Center St., Marion. Adults $19–$40, children $12. Meredith Willson’s six-time, Tony Award–winning musical comedy follows fast-talking traveling salesman Harold Hill as he cons the people of River City, Iowa. 740-383-2101 or www.marionpalace.org.

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.

Continued on page 38

JUNE 2019 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING 37

2019 CALENDAR

JUNE/JULY

Continued from page 37

p.m., Sat. noon–11 p.m., Sun. noon–6 p.m. Parade Sat. 11:30 a.m. $3 daily. www.loraininternational.com.

JUN. 29–30 – Mad River Bike Tour, Mad River Harley Davidson, 5316 Milan Rd., Sandusky. Registration Sat. 10 a.m.–2 p.m. Ride to the Kelleys Island Ferry in Marblehead, tour the island for a chance to win a vacation. $10 for the tour, $20 per bike for the round-trip ferry ride. 419-746-2360 or www.kelleysislandchamber. com.

JUL. 3–6 – Rib, White, and Blue, Lock 3, 200 S. Main St., Akron, 11 a.m.–11 p.m. Free admission. Rib vendors from all over the state and other concessions. Concerts at 7 and 8:30 p.m. 330-375-2877 or www.lock3live.com.

JUN. 13, 20, 27, JUL. 4, 11 – Fort Steuben Summer Concert Series, Berkman Amphitheater, Fort Steuben JUL. 4 – Fort Laurens Fourth of July Ceremony, 11067 Park, 120 S. 3rd St., Steubenville, 7 p.m. Bring a blanket Fort Laurens Rd. NW, Bolivar, 11 a.m.–noon. Free. Wreathand picnic basket and enjoy a free concert at this site laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Patriot overlooking the Ohio River. 740-283-1787 or www. honors the soldiers who lost their lives at Fort Laurens. oldfortsteuben.com.

Includes guest speaker, color guard, and Revolutionary War honor guard. 330-874-2059 or www.fortlaurens.org.

JUN. 15–JUL. 14 – Ohio Light Opera, Freedlander Theatre, 329 E. University St., Wooster, 2 and 7:30 p.m.

JUL. 6 – Loudonville Car Show and Fireworks, 131 W. Shows include South Pacific, Girl Crazy, Into the Woods, Main St., Loudonville, 9 a.m.–4 p.m. Free. Over 500 cars and Pirates of Penzance. 330-263-2345 or www. on display! Enjoy music, food, a raffle, and downtown ohiolightopera.org. shopping. Fireworks at 9:30 p.m. or dusk. http:// JUN. 21–23 – Cy Young Days Festival, Newcomerstown. loudonvillechamber.com/events.

Food, entertainment, contests and competitions, car JUL. 6–7 – Loudonville Antique Festival, Central Park, show, old-fashioned baseball games, and parade with Loudonville. Buy, sell, and trade antiques and collectibles. former Cy Young Award winner Randy Jones. Check 419-994-4789 or www.discovermohican.com. website for updates. www.cyyoungdaysfestival.com.

JUL. 6–7 – Ashland County Yesteryear Machinery Club JUN. 22 – Ohio Scottish Games, Lorain Co. Fgds., Show, Ashland County–West Holmes Career Ctr., 1783 23000 Fairgrounds Rd., Wellington. $12–$20, under St. Rte. 60 S., Ashland. Free. Featuring Avery and B.F. 11 free. Animal shows, kids’ games, pipes and drums Avery tractors and engines, all makes garden tractors, competitions, Highland dance competitions, and other fun and Hercules and Jeager engines; car show on Sunday. activities. www.ohioscottishgames.com.

Wagon rides, threshing, and corn husking. 419-651-4109 JUN. 28–30 – Lorain International Festival and Bazaar, or www.yesteryearmachinery.org.

Black River Landing, Black River Lane, Lorain, Fri. 5–11

NORTHEAST

SOUTHWEST

THROUGH SEPT. 13 – Sculptures on the Square, Prouty Plaza, downtown Troy. Twenty life-sized Seward Johnson sculptures along with other works of art by regional artists. 937-339-5455.

THROUGH SEPT. 26 – Uptown Music Concert Series, Uptown Park, Oxford, every Thur. 7–9:30 p.m. Free. 513523-8687 or www.enjoyoxford.org.

JUN. 8 – Return of the Snakes, Serpent Mound, 3850 OH-73, Peebles, 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Free with $8/vehicle parking fee. Live reptile displays and presentations on Ohio’s native reptiles and amphibians. 937-365-1935 or http://arcofappalachia.org/return-of-the-snakes.

JUN. 14–16 – Versailles Poultry Days, 459 S. Center St., Versailles. Free admission and parking. World-famous barbecue chicken dinners and many fun events. 937-5269773 or www.versaillespoultrydays.com.

JUN. 15 – West Milton Triathlon, West Milton Municipal Park. 3.5 miles canoeing, 5 miles running, and 17 miles biking. Compete solo or in teams of two. Registration fee.

937-698-0287 or www.speedy-feet.com.

38 OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • JUNE 2019

JUN. 22 – Music at the Mound with Steve Free, Serpent Mound, 3850 OH-73, Peebles, 2 p.m. Free with $8/vehicle parking fee. http://arcofappalachia.org/steve-free.

JUN. 22 – Summer Solstice Dinner and Celebration, Serpent Mound, 3850 OH-73, Peebles, 2–10 p.m.

Afternoon archaeological lecture. Guided tour of mound followed by quiet hour preceding sunset. Optional BBQ dinner is $15/plate. Preregister at 937-365-1935 or http:// arcofappalachia.org/solstice.

JUN. 22 – Spectacular Summer Cruise-In and Concert, Miami Valley Centre Mall, 987 E. Ash St., Piqua.

Free. Country music star Neal McCoy headlines. www. facebook.com/2019-Spectacular-Summer-Cruise-inConcert-292810964722576.

JUN. 22–23 – Brush and Palette Art Guild’s Annual Art Show, Southern State Community College, 100 Hobart Dr., Hillsboro, 1–5 p.m. Free admission and parking. Works from professional and nonprofessional artists are judged and offered for sale. Light refreshments. 937-393-4193.

JUN. 22–23 – Vectren Dayton Air Show, Dayton International Airport, 3800 Wright Dr., Vandalia, 9 a.m.–6 p.m. $13–$25. One of America’s leading air shows. See the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds as well as performers and aircraft displays. www.daytonairshow.com.

JUL. 3–4 – Americana Festival, Franklin and Main streets, Centerville. Free. Concert and fireworks on the 3rd at Centerville High School, 500 E. Franklin St.; doors open at 6 p.m. Festival on the 4th, 10 a.m.–7 p.m., features parade, 5K run, and street fair with craft and food booths. 937-433-5898 or www.americanafestival.org.

JUL. 4 – Piqua 4th Fest, Lock Nine Park, downtown Piqua, noon–9:30 p.m., fireworks at 10 p.m. Activities for

JUL. 7–14 – Trumbull County Fair, 899 Everett Hull Rd., Cortland. An array of grandstand entertainment, daily shows, local bands, exhibits, and rides. 330-637-6010 or www.trumbullcountyfair.com.

JUL. 11–13 – Olde Canal Days Festival, 123 Tuscarawas St., Canal Fulton, Thur./Fri. 5–11 p.m., Sat. 11 a.m.–11 p.m. Free admission. Rides $1 each, or $15 for all-day wristband. Saturday events include Grande Parade at 11 a.m., Trucks-N-Tykes at 12–2 p.m., and fireworks at 10 p.m. Also enjoy games and other entertainment, arts and crafts, concessions, and St. Helena III canal boat rides.

330-854-9095 or www.discovercanalfulton.com.

JUL. 12–13 – “Wine on Rails,” Lorain & West Virginia Railway, 46485 St. Rte. 18, Wellington, Fri. 7 p.m., Sat. 6 p.m. Taste wines from Matus Winery during a 90-minute train ride. Tickets available on our website. 440-647-6660 or www.lwvry.org.

JUL. 12–14 – Great Mohican Indian Pow-Wow, 23270 Wally Rd., Loudonville, Fri./Sun. 10 a.m.–6 p.m., Sat. 10 a.m.–7 p.m. $8, C. (6–12) $4, under 6 free. Native American live music, dancing, drum competitions, storytelling, tomahawk throwing, and fire starting demos.

800-766-2267 or www.mohicanpowwow.com.

JUL. 13–14 – Revolution on the Tuscarawas, Fort Laurens, 11067 Fort Laurens Rd. NW, Bolivar, Sat. 10 a.m.–5 p.m., Sun. 10 a.m.–4 p.m. $10; age 12 and under, $5. Revolutionary War reenactment and encampment.

Colonial history, musket drills, mock battle, early American games, and crafts. 330-874-2059 or www.fortlaurens.org.

JUL. 14 – Ohio Daylily Society Annual Show, Kingwood Center Gardens, 50 Trimble Rd., Mansfield, noon–4 p.m. See hundreds of beautiful daylilies by some of Ohio’s top cultivars; get information on growing daylilies and becoming a member of this group. www. ohiodaylilysociety.org. all ages at this hometown celebration of Independence Day. www.piquaoh.org/piqua-4th-fest.

JUL. 4 – Red, White and Blue Ash, Summit Park, Blue Ash, 4–10:30 p.m. Music, rides, games, food and drink, and family fun. Biggest and best fireworks in the tri-state area at 10 p.m. http://blueashevents.com.

JUL. 9 – Neal and Coleen Walters: Old-Time and Appalachian Tunes, Germantown Church of God, 760 Farmersville Pike, Germantown, 7–9 p.m. $12. Sponsored by the Germantown Dulcimer Society. Appalachian dulcimer, autoharp, bass, banjo, guitar. Contact Debbie Simpkins at 513-594-7855.

JUL. 11–14 – Greenville Farm Power of the Past, Darke Co. Fgds., 800 Sweitzer St., Greenville. $5. Case and Oliver tractors and equipment, oil field engines, and Michigan-built engines. 937-547-1845 or www. greenvillefarmpower.org.

JUL. 11–14 – Kathy Slack Troy Summer Skating Competition, Hobart Arena, 255 Adams St., Troy. This figure and freestyle competition is part of the 2019 National Solo Dance Series and 2020 Non-Qualifying Series, with over 300 participants from the Midwest and beyond. www.troyskatingclub.org.

JUL. 13–14 – History Alive at the Johnston Farm, 9845 N. Hardin Rd., Piqua, 12–5 p.m. Reenactors present a historical timeline of the years 1748 to 1862, bringing to life people and events that had a great impact on the course of both American and Ohio history. Visit the Johnston home, tour the Indian and Canal Museum, and ride on the canal boat General Harrison of Piqua. 800752-2619 or www.johnstonfarmohio.com.

NORTHWEST

THROUGH OCT. 12 – The Great Sidney Farmer’s Market, 109 S. Ohio Ave., 8 a.m.–noon. Farmers bring their freshest produce, and crafters offer a large variety of homemade items. Fresh baked goods, jams and jellies, plants, and flowers. 937-658-6945 or www. sidneyalive.org.

JUN. 15–16, JUL. 6–7 – 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. Free admission and parking; handicap accessible. 250 to 400 dealers per show. 419-447- 9613, tiffinfleamarket@gmail.com, or www.tiffinfleamarket.com.

JUN. 21–22 – Perrysville Homestead Festival, Bridge St., Perrysville, Fri. 5–11 p.m., Sat. 10 a.m.–11 p.m. Music and comedy entertainment; food vendors; arts, crafts, and hobbies; merchant tent; bingo. Parade Sat. 10 a.m.; garden tractor pull Fri. 6 p.m. 330-465-9230 or www. perrysvilleecodev.com.

JUN. 22 – Findlay Country Fest: Tunes and Trains, Northwest Ohio Railroad Preservation Inc., 12505 Co. Rd. 99, Findlay. Gates open at 4 p.m.; show starts at 5 p.m.

Quarter-scale train rides will be offered before the show and during intermissions. 419-423-2995, www.nworrp. org, or www.facebook.com/nworrp.

JUN. 29 – The Great Downtown BBQfest, downtown Sidney, 11 a.m.–10 p.m. Sample pork ribs, pulled pork, and BBQ chicken legs. Farmers market opens at 8 a.m. We partner with United Way agencies, nonprofit organizations, and local businesses and churches to

SOUTHEAST

THROUGH SEPT. 27 – Rise and Shine Farmers Market, 2135 Southgate Pkwy., Cambridge, Fridays, 8 a.m.–noon.

740-680-1866.

THROUGH DEC. – Athens Farmers Market, 1000 E. State St., Athens, Wed. 9 a.m.–1 p.m., Sat., 9 a.m.–noon.

Organic and conventionally grown fresh produce, meats, eggs, cheeses, honey, maple syrup, flowers and nursery plants, baked goods, breads, herbs, teas, jarred products, and much more. 740-593-6763 or www. athensfarmersmarket.org.

JUN. 14–15 – Firefly Workshop: Field ID and Firefly Ecology, Highlands Nature Sanctuary, 7660 Cave Rd., Bainbridge. In addition to learning to recognize the distinct flash patterns of each species during this peak week of firefly activity, you will also learn about firefly conservation, ecology, and natural history. Space

provide a free FUN Kids Zone for ages 12 and under. 937658-6945 or www.sidneyalive.org.

JUN. 29–30 – Northwest Ohio’s Picker’s Paradise, Henry Co. Fgds., 821 S. Perry St., Napoleon, 9 a.m.–5 p.m. Huge flea market, with inside and outside spaces.

Antiques, car parts, handcrafted arts and crafts, and food vendors. ksgeil@yahoo.com or 419-235-3264.

JUL. 4 – Independence Day Concert, Rutherford B. Hayes Presidential Library and Museum, Spiegel Grove, Fremont, 2–3:30 p.m. Free. Bring your own chair or blanket for this patriotic concert, performed by the Toledo Symphony Concert Band on the verandah of the historic Hayes Home. Civil War reenactors will punctuate the performance of the “1812 Overture” with cannon fire.

419-332-2081 or www.rbhayes.org.

JUL. 4–6 – Old-Fashioned Fourth of July Weekend, Sauder Village, 22611 St. Rte. 2, Archbold, 10 a.m.–5 p.m. $18, Srs. $16, C. (6–16) $12, under 6 free. Veterans and active-duty military admitted free. Enjoy hand-cranked ice cream, old-fashioned games, and patriotic songs played on the reed organ. Witness a U.S. District Court naturalization ceremony on July 4 at 11 a.m. 800-5909755 or www.saudervillage.org.

JUL. 5 – First Fridays Downtown, Sidney.

Participating downtown shops and restaurants stay open later and offer a First Friday discount. 937-6586945 or www.sidneyalive.org.

JUL. 6 – Beach Spectacular and Fireworks, Indian Lake State Park, Old Field Beach, Russells Point. Pageants, food, swimming, games, and other fun activities.

Classic car show registration 10 a.m.–3 p.m.; fee $10, with dash plaques to first 50 participants; awards at 3 p.m. Fireworks at 10 p.m. 937-843-5392 or www. indianlakechamber.org.

JUL. 6–7 – Toledo Lighthouse Waterfront Festival, Maumee Bay State Park, 1750 State Park Rd. #2, Oregon, Sat. 10 a.m.–7 p.m., Sun. 11 a.m.–5 p.m. $5 donation requested; free parking. Live music, kids’ activities, Nautical Art and Craft Village, lighthouse story telling, food, and silent auction. Concert Sat. at 7 p.m. Boat rides to lighthouse, weather permitting ($30); for reservations,

email sandylakeerie@aol.com. 419-691-3788 or www. toledolighthousefestival.com.

JUL. 7 – Presentation: “Walk in Their Shoes, Die in Their Shoes,” Fort Recovery State Museum, Community Room, 1 Fort Site St., Fort Recovery, 3 p.m. Free. Speaker Joe Beatty is a fifth-generation descendant of two officers who served in St. Clair’s army at the Battle of the Wabash in 1791. The presentation includes original letters, documents, and pictures. 419-375-4384 or www. facebook.com/FortRecoveryMuseum.

JUL. 12–14 – Flag City Daylily Tour, locations throughout Findlay and Hancock counties. Fri./Sat. 10 a.m.–6 p.m., Sun. 12–6 p.m. Free. The fourth annual tour features seven daylily gardens, each with its own special personality. Tour at your leisure and see more than 3,000 different registered daylilies. Some sites will have plants for sale. 419-889-8827, www.pplantpeddler.com, on Facebook, or email anders@findlay.edu.

JUL. 12–14 – Huron River Fest, Huron Boat Basin, 330 N. Main St., Huron. Free. Pageants and contests, parades, live entertainment, games and rides, 5K and Fun Run, Road Show, and other fun activities. Fireworks Friday at 10:15 p.m. over the river. www.huronriverfest.com.

JUL. 13 – Family Fun Day, Northwest Ohio Railroad Preservation Inc., 12505 Co. Rd. 99, Findlay, 11 a.m.– 4 p.m. $10 per person for all-day access. Enjoy games, quarter-scale train rides, bounce houses, and other family-friendly activities and events all day long for one price. Watch our website and Facebook page for additional information. 419-423-2995, www.nworrp. org, or www.facebook.com/nworrp.

JUL. 13 – Malinta Festival, 8931-Co. Rd. K-2, Malinta, 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Flea market, car show, BBQ chicken, bounce house, wagon rides, live auction, entertainment. 419-9669909 or find us on Facebook.

JUL. 13 – Summer on the Farm, Sauder Village, 22611 St. Rte. 2, Archbold, 10 a.m.–5 p.m. $18, Srs. $16, C. (6–16) $12, under 6 free. Experience life on the farm with handson activities, games, special demonstrations, and fiddle music! 800-590-9755 or www.saudervillage.org.

is limited. Register at 937-365-1937 or http:// arcofappalachia.org/wonder_workshop.

JUN. 15 – Ice Cream Social, Little Muskingum Volunteer Fire Department, 15015 St. Rte. 26, Marietta. Serving will begin at 4 p.m., Bingo at 5 p.m., and Country Store drawing at 8 p.m. Please join us for food, fun, and entertainment for the whole family. Find us on Facebook.

JUN. 21–22 – Kicking Bear One-on-One, Deerassic Park Education Ctr., 14250 Cadiz Rd., Cambridge. Free event, but pre-registration is required. 740-435-3335 or www.deerassic.com.

JUN. 22 – Youth Bluegill Derby, Ross Lake, 501 Musselman Mill Rd., Chillicothe, 8 a.m. Free. Open to kids ages 1 to 15. Participants must provide their own fishing tackle and bait and can fish anywhere at Ross Lake.

Plaques will be awarded to three age groups for biggest and most fish. www.visitchillicotheohio.com.

JUN. 27–29 – The Butterfly Course, Highlands Nature Sanctuary, 7660 Cave Rd., Bainbridge. Learn field identification and the natural history of the captivating butterfly species that call the Eastern prairies and forests home. This course is led by John Howard, accomplished naturalist, teacher, and lepidoptera enthusiast.

Registration is required. 937-365-1935 or http:// arcofappalachia.org/butterfly-course-home.

JUN. 28–29 – National Cambridge Glass Collectors Show and Sale, Pritchard Laughlin Civic Ctr., 7033 Glenn

Hwy., Cambridge, Fri. 1–5 p.m., Sat. 10:30 a.m.–4 p.m. $5 admission good for both days. 740-432-4245 or www. cambridgeglass.org.

JUL. 3–4 – Gallipolis River Recreation Festival, Gallipolis City Park, 300 block of Second Ave., Gallipolis.

Contests and races, food, musical entertainment, arts and crafts, parade, and fireworks. 740-446-0596 or www.gallipolisriverrec.com.

JUL. 5–7 – Ohio Jeep Fest, Ross Co. Fgds., 344 Fairgrounds Rd., Chillicothe, Fri. noon–8 p.m., Sat. 9 a.m.–7 p.m., Sun. 9 a.m.–4 p.m. $10–$25. Drivers test their wheeling skills and participate in trail-rated challenges. Daily kids’ zone, vendors, obstacle course, mud pits, and much more. www.ohiojeepfest.com.

JUL. 10–13 – Ohio Hills Folk Festival, Quaker City.

Celebrate the festival’s 115th year! Parades, car show, country store, entertainment, rides, and activities for kids.

740-670-2070.

JUL. 11–14 – Chillicothe Civic Theatre presents Beauty and the Beast, Chillicothe High School Auditorium, 425 Yoctangee Parkway, Chillicothe, 3 and 7 p.m. $12–$15. www.cctchillicothe.com.

JUL. 14 – Barton Polkafest, 52176 Center St., Barton.

Polish foods, crafts, CD sales, cash bar, and raffles. Music by “The Boys” from Maryland, and the reunion of “The Jolly J’s” polka band. 740-695-3029.

JUNE 2019 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING 39

MEMBER INTERACTIVE

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Creature comfort 3

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1. O ne of our LaMancha goat does with her newborn kids.

Elaine Beekman Lorain-Medina Rural Electric Cooperative member 2. One of five baby raccoons born in the buckeye tree in our front yard. We called this one“Monkey.”

Debra Durning Firelands Electric Cooperative member 3. A bullfrog popped up right in between the cattails in our pond in Ada, Ohio.

Rebecca Hazelton Mid-Ohio Energy Cooperative member

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4. A robin feeding her young on our back porch!

Patty and Larry Quaglia South Central Power Company members

8. My nephew’s 4-H pig enjoying the grass.

Penny Rauch Midwest Electric member

5. My husband found this beautiful barred owl resting in a tree near our house.

Patricia Lambert Buckeye Rural Electric Cooperative member

9. I got a camera for my 12th birthday 52 years ago and snapped this picture at the zoo.

Debra Malusky Carroll Electric Cooperative member

6. W e have 18 nest boxes, and many are home to beautiful bluebirds!

Leslie Swonguer Logan County Electric Cooperative member

10. My friendly deer in my woods.

Sharon Coleman Adams Rural Electric Cooperative member

7. Horse whisperers on an Amish farm in Knox County.

Rachel Blevins Consolidated Cooperative member

Send us your picture!

For September, send “Back to school” by June 15; for October, send “Picking pumpkins” by July 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 • JUNE 2019

A COMMUNITY’S

Success

is our success

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

GRANTS

SEVEN RIC ELECT IVES RAT years E P O CO past two in the TEN D E D AWAR ,000 for $15 grants

ment ctive p o l e v e pe site-d eir res s. h t n i use e area servic

ohioec.org/purpose