Ohio Cooperative Living - December 2019 - Mid Ohio

OHIO

DECEMBER 2019

COOPERATIVE Mid-Ohio Energy Cooperative

Silent night ALSO INSIDE Youth Tour all-star Cardinals on the rise Fun holiday events

Winter energy efficiency tips ❆ Seal air leaks and insulate well to prevent heat from escaping and cold air from entering your home. ❆ Open blinds and curtains during the day to allow sunlight in to warm your home.

❆ Lower your water heater temperature.

The Department of Energy recommends using the warm setting (120 degrees) during fall and winter months.

❆ Close blinds and curtains at night to keep cold, drafty air out. ❆ Set your thermostat at a maximum of 68 degrees during cold weather.

ohioec.org/energy

OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • DECEMBER 2019

INSIDE FEATURES 14 O TANNENBAUM Is this the year to go with a live tree that you can plant after the holidays?

25 HOLIDAY TRAVEL Eight close-to-home holiday destinations that evoke the story of the first Christmas, foster good cheer, and brighten spirits.

34 SNOWSHOEING Check out a fun, healthy, and relatively inexpensive way to keep exercising — outdoors — during those snowy winter months.

Cover image on most issues: ’Tis the season of hopes and dreams, silence and celebration, wonder and delight.

Make sure to check out our guide to holiday-themed events around the state, beginning on page 25, and a full listing in our calendar section.

DECEMBER 2019 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING 1

UP FRONT

ANOTHER YEAR BETTER

Y

our electric cooperative has no higher purpose than to provide its consumermembers with reliable and affordable electricity and to do so in a safe and environmentally responsible manner. Looking back on 2019, a lot has happened that affects those goals.

Improving reliability: Significant investments in the high-voltage grid — lines that move electricity across the state from our generation sources to each co-op — improve reliability in many parts of rural Ohio, but much-needed upgrades are expensive and inevitably lead to escalating costs for the delivery of power to your co-op.

Holding down costs: We’ve been able to keep Buckeye Power’s cost to produce and deliver wholesale power to your co-op steady for the past seven years, despite the rising costs of a more reliable grid. We expect we will able to do so again next year; 2019 was our first full year handling operational responsibility at our Cardinal Plant, which generates the lion’s share of the electricity used by our members. In that time, we’ve been able to find efficiencies and operational savings that have enabled us to hold down costs.

More common-sense environmental regulations: When U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Andrew Wheeler needed a host to roll out the EPA’s new Affordable Clean Energy rule in July, he chose the Ohio’s Electric Cooperatives statewide office — a nod to how hard co-op leaders around the state have worked to achieve common-sense environmental improvements at the plant, which should keep it viable well into the future.

Member satisfaction: Collectively, consumer-members of Ohio electric cooperatives gave their co-ops an unprecedented high score on the American Consumer Satisfaction Index — citing service reliability, friendly and helpful employees, good communications, and having the members’ best interests at heart. Our scores compare favorably to some of the nation’s most popular brands, such as Chick-fil-A, Costco, and Amazon.

A few other significant notes from 2019: • The staff at Ohio Cooperative Living magazine won the George W. Haggard Memorial Journalism Award, presented annually to the nation’s top electric cooperative statewide consumer publication.

• The Central Ohio Lineworker Training (COLT) center set another record for the number of employees participating in job training and safety programs — preparing our people to meet your needs now and into the future.

• The employees at our statewide office and our families took part in the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society’s Light the Night walk in Columbus. We were among the top teams for fundraising and participation in the fight against cancer.

I’m looking forward to another great year in 2020. Wishing you a Merry Christmas and a blessed holiday season!

2 OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • DECEMBER 2019

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

Collectively, consumer-members of Ohio electric cooperatives gave their co-ops an unprecedented high score on the American Consumer Satisfaction Index.

DECEMBER 2019 • Volume 62, No. 3

MORE INSIDE 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

Dava Hennosy Editorial Intern Contributors: Colleen Romick Clark, W.H. “Chip” Gross, Catherine Murray, Craig Springer, Damaine Vonada, Margie Wuebker, and Patty Yoder.

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.

4 POWER LINES

Are we there yet? From Youth Tour to Youth Leadership Council to Harvard, Olivia Velasquez doesn’t shy away from the unfamiliar.

6 CO-OP SPOTLIGHT

Washington Electric Cooperative: The co-op’s rugged service territory includes mountain views, rolling hills, and the Ohio and Muskingum rivers.

8 OHIO ICON

Hanby House: Benjamin Hanby made his name by penning “Up on the House Top,” and for his family’s efforts to aid freedom seekers through the Underground Railroad.

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

8

10 CO-OP PEOPLE

Bright Christmas: Thousands of visitors flock each year to this winter wonderland home in Darke County.

12

12 WOODS, WATERS, AND WILDLIFE For all advertising inquiries, contact

4

Cardinals: Ohio’s state bird — the highly recognizable “Big Red” — enjoys a population boom in the Buckeye State.

16 GOOD EATS

Going nuts: Chestnuts roasting on an open fire? Winter’s a great time to enjoy a bountiful supply of numerous nutty favorites.

16

19 LOCAL PAGES

News and information from your electric cooperative.

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.

37 CALENDAR

What’s happening: December/ January events and other things to do around the state.

40

40 MEMBER INTERACTIVE

Silent night: Members pause for a moment to embrace the holiday cheer.

DECEMBER 2019 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING 3

POWER LINES

ARE WE THERE YET? From Youth Tour to Youth Leadership Council to Harvard, Olivia Velasquez doesn’t shy away from the unfamiliar.

BY REBECCA SEUM

O

livia Velasquez grew up in Gilboa, a tiny, two-road village in northwest Ohio, and though her path has taken her far away, her home remains the center of her compass.

In 2013, as a sophomore at Pandora-Gilboa High School, Olivia was chosen

by Hancock-Wood Electric Cooperative as a delegate to the Ohio’s Electric Cooperatives Youth Tour, an annual leadership program for high school students from families served by electric cooperatives. Since then, she’s made the most of each experience that has come her way.

Much more than a sightseeing trip, Youth Tour was established to inspire our next generation of leaders. The Ohio contingent joins cooperative youth from all over the country for a weeklong trip to Washington, D.C. Students visit important sites, meet members of their congressional delegation, and learn about both public service and the cooperative business model.

Olivia has taken the cooperative values to heart, incorporating Commitment to Community in her personal and professional life. “The Youth Tour trip enlightened me,” she says, “showing me that not only do cooperatives light up homes, but lives as well, by representing us, caring about us, and striving to make progress.”

Step by step Youth Tour participants return home with a deeper understanding of what it takes to be a leader and the skills to put that into action. During the trip, each state selects a delegate to serve on Youth Leadership Council, which meets in D.C. about a month after Youth Tour concludes. Olivia was chosen by her peers to represent Ohio on YLC. Olivia’s parents, Rick and Amy Velasquez, recognized her leadership characteristics from the outset. “Ever since she was small, she’s always been outspoken and independent,” Amy says. Olivia was a voracious reader, first listening to her mother read aloud to her and her sisters, then taking the books in her own hands. “I believe her love of learning came from all that reading,” Amy says.

YLC delegates play an important role during the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association’s annual meeting the following spring — they’re not only recognized on stage, but they have a hands-on experience with virtually every facet of the meeting. Olivia took her experience even another step; from the pool of YLC delegates nationwide, she was selected to be that year’s Youth Leadership Council national spokesperson — the first delegate from Ohio to win that honor.

Olivia’s speech at the NRECA annual meeting centered on the enduring lessons she gained from Youth Tour. “Although Youth Tour ended a mere week after we boarded that bus, the lessons I and my new friends learned 4 OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • DECEMBER 2019

“People in little towns like mine are heard, and this is how it’s done.” will last a lifetime,” she said. “I finally figured out my own answer to that question: Are we there yet? Youth Tour taught me that we will never be there. Instead, we must continually ask ourselves these questions — make changes in the directions to make progress. In the end, that progress is our destination.”

After YLC Not long after her YLC experience, Olivia was awarded the Ronald McDonald House Charities HACER National Scholarship, which was created in 1985 to help Hispanic high school students finance their college education. Given to only four students nationwide, the dollar amount is substantial — $100,000 — and with it, Olivia was able to take advantage of her acceptance to Harvard University.

Her participation with Youth Tour and YLC allowed her to meet people from all over the country whom she would never have had the chance to otherwise, and at Harvard, she expanded her scope even further — she tried Latin dancing, became a peer counselor, did laboratory research, studied abroad in Argentina, and made friendships with Alzheimer’s patients. “I felt like my mind was being opened day to day,” she says.

This spring, she graduated from Harvard with a degree in integrative biology and a secondary in mind, brain, and behavior. Now, she’s working at McLean Hospital, the Harvard-affiliated psychiatric facility, co-leading group therapy sessions and orienting new patients, with an eye toward medical school.

Olivia Velasquez (above) delivers her powerful speech to the delegates of the NRECA annual meeting — an experience that helped propel her to attend Harvard University (below).

New experiences, new challenges Olivia says her Youth Tour and YLC experience allowed her to meet people with big goals. She felt inspired by those around her, who were ambitious, yet grounded in their communities and their families.

“You know you can do anything you want to do,” she says, “but you don’t really believe it until you see it in the people around you.”

There are some subtler learning opportunities inherent to Youth Tour that go beyond the history and the monuments. “Going to a brand-new place with people you don’t know is daunting, but it really is a great opportunity to learn how to get to know people,” Olivia says. Additionally, the trip opened her eyes to her own community.

“I gained a lot of pride in my state and my town, juxtaposing it with D.C.,” she says. “People in little towns like mine are heard, and this is how it’s done.”

DECEMBER 2019 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING 5

CO-OP SPOTLIGHT

WASHINGTON ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE

W

ashington Electric Cooperative lies in the hilly Appalachian region of southeastern Ohio. Though there is farmland in the western part of the service territory, the best way to describe the surrounding landscape would be “rugged.” The terrain includes mountain views, rolling hills, and the Ohio and Muskingum rivers.

About 75% of Washington Electric’s 10,500 members are residential, but the co-op also serves some prominent commercial businesses, including several in the oil and gas industry.

Wayne National Forest and Seneca Lake A good bit of Washington Electric’s territory is located within the eastern portion of Wayne National Forest. In the Appalachian foothills, visitors can appreciate the natural beauty of the park, including rock formations and wildlife. Wayne National Forest is renowned for its biking, camping, and fishing opportunities. The forest has more than 300 miles of trails for hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, and ATV riding.

Seneca Lake Park is open year-round, with special events and activities during the summer. The lake, Ohio’s third-largest inland waterway, serves as a border with neighboring Guernsey-Muskingum Electric Cooperative, and is known for its boating, fishing, and other opportunities for family fun. Summer activities include a moonlit kayak tour, a magic show, and a movie at the lake. There is also a swimming beach with inflatable water toys for the kids.

Nearby festivals Nearby Marietta hosts a variety of festivals and events that draw tens of thousands to the area. The Marietta Riverfront Roar showcases professional powerboat racing on the Ohio River. Racers and their crews come from around the country for the event.

Spectators get free admission, a close-up view of the boats, and the opportunity to meet the drivers and crews. Marietta also hosts the Ohio River Sternwheel Festival, where 30 to 35 authentic old sternwheelers line the riverbank. The festival brings an estimated 100,000 visitors to the area over the weekend and preserves the town’s riverboat heritage. Beyond the sternwheelers, the festival offers family entertainment such as a car show, a photo contest, live music, and fireworks. After the events, visitors can explore downtown Marietta’s dining and unique shopping.

6 OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • DECEMBER 2019

Co-op Spotlight appears regularly in Ohio Cooperative Living to give a glimpse into the land and the people of Ohio’s 24 electric cooperatives.

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OHIO ICON

HANBY HOUSE

Westerville

BY DAMAINE VONADA

Location: In the Columbus suburb of Westerville near the western edge of Otterbein University’s campus.

Provenance: Built in 1846, Hanby House was the home of Rev. William Hanby and his family from 1854 to 1870. Hanby was a bishop of the Church of the United Brethren in Christ, a co-founder of Otterbein University, an active temperance advocate, and an ardent abolitionist who used the house as a station on the Underground Railroad. Inspired by the story of a broken-hearted slave separated from his sweetheart, Hanby’s son Benjamin wrote a song — “Darling Nelly Gray” — that he debuted in 1856 at a musical gathering in the home’s parlor.

Benjamin Hanby’s ballad became enormously popular and helped crystallize anti-slavery sentiment prior to the Civil War. Hanby started a singing school in New Paris, where in 1864, he composed the jolly tune “Up on the House Top” for a children’s Christmas program. Hanby wrote more than 80 songs before dying of tuberculosis at age 33 in 1867.

In the 1920s, Otterbein graduates John and Dacia Shoemaker rescued the dilapidated house from the wrecking ball and organized a renovation that turned it into a museum. Hanby House opened to the public in 1937.

8 OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • DECEMBER 2019

Significance: Operated by the Westerville Historical Society, Hanby House is part of the Ohio History Connection’s statewide system of historic sites and museums and is an identified destination on the National Park Service’s National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom.

Currently: Hanby House honors Benjamin Hanby’s musical legacy as well as his family’s efforts to aid freedom seekers. The exterior of Hanby House recently was painted, changed from white to its original butternut color. According to the site’s manager, Pam Allen, “A paint specialist determined that color by using an electron microscope to analyze all the layers of paint on the house.”

It’s a little-known fact that: Christmas open houses at Hanby House feature tours led by guides in period costumes, traditional refreshments such as mulled cider and ginger snaps, and live performances of “Up on the House Top” and other holiday songs.

Hanby House, 160 W. Main St., Westerville, OH 43081.

Christmas open houses Dec. 3 and Dec. 7, 2019.

For information, call 800-600-6843 or visit www. hanbyhouse.org.

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CO-OP PEOPLE

DREAMING OF A

BRIGHT CHRISTMAS

BY MARGIE WUEBKER

D

ick and Dianne Brown of Greenville welcome visitors by the thousands to their winter wonderland every year, treating guests to holiday trees, whimsical characters, sweet treats, and no fewer than 100,000 brightly colored lights.

2019 marks the 26th year for the Darke County display, and never has a design been repeated from the past — each new season brings a new twist, which draws people from near and far.

Dick Brown, a former business owner and real estate appraiser, remembers when holiday preparations involved putting up just two strings of lights — one on each side of the front door.

A move to a different house sparked his interest in more lights, and the addition of two daughters only intensified that interest. Soon, Brown had pushed his display to upward of 10,000 bulbs. “There were some problems with not enough outlets,” he recalls with a smile.

The Browns even accounted for their display in the plans for their current home on Requarth Road, which includes underground electrical service along the paved driveway and a 300foot swath that serves as a runway for Santa’s reindeerdrawn sleigh. Electricians added 200-amp service in the

10 OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • DECEMBER 2019

drawn sleigh. Electricians added 200-amp service in the garage to handle the anticipated load.

Brown says it takes a month to complete the decorating once he starts in mid-October. He starts with the tree ornaments, because arranging the group displays and laying cords for the lights must wait until lawn mowing is done for the season.

“I prefer to work at my own pace,” he says. “Sometimes I work a while in the morning and then come back outside in the afternoon or the evening.”

A 40- by 100-foot barn, which his granddaughter calls “Paw-Paw’s Christmas House,” houses all the decorations. Carefully labeled plastic totes contain lights and smaller items, and paths wind in and around the statues and larger decorations that are arranged on the concrete floor. A 50-foot counter provides space to perform any needed repairs.

The display is open for public viewing from 6 to 11 p.m. from Thanksgiving through Christmas. People can stay in their vehicles for a slow drive through the

wonderland. Others accept invitations to come inside for a quick peek at Dianne’s interior decorations, which include a quaint snow village and a majestic purple tree.

“We give everybody who comes a full-size candy cane,” Dick says. “That amounted to 10,000. I gave out the traditional peppermint ones, but Dianne had more than 90 flavors to choose from.”

Some visitors come bearing homemade treats or small gifts to show their appreciation, and the Browns sometimes find ornaments or other decorations on their doorstep.

“People also want to give us money to help with the cost,” Brown says. “We don’t want anything, because this is our gift to the community.”

The Browns reside at 5480 Requarth Road (at the intersection with Jaysville-St. John Road) near Greenville.

DECEMBER 2019 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING 11

WOODS, WATERS, AND WILDLIFE

Big Red Cardinals enjoy a population boom in the Buckeye State.

STORY AND PHOTOS BY W.H. “CHIP” GROSS

P

ublished in 2016, The Second Atlas of Breeding Birds in Ohio is not a casual read. A true tome totaling nearly 600 pages, the book is an inch and a half thick and weighs 6.5 pounds (don’t drop it on your toes).

It’s the go-to source for professional ornithologists and serious amateur birders in the Buckeye State for all things bird-related concerning the more than 200 species nesting here. It has some encouraging things to say about the northern cardinal, Ohio’s state bird (and that of six other states, too).

For instance, the atlas estimates the number of singing male cardinals in the state at a whopping 2.1 million, with the cardinal population as a whole having increased 1.1% per year since 1966. Yet as common as cardinals are, whether viewed on Christmas cards this time of year or on birdfeeders year-round, they have not always been numerous in Ohio.

12 OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • DECEMBER 2019

When our state was first being settled and the virgin forests cleared, cardinals were found primarily in the southern half of Ohio, expanding their population north during the late 1800s and early 1900s. Today, the familiar red birds are found statewide, but are most numerous in southwest counties where National Audubon Society Christmas Bird Counts can exceed 2,000 individuals.

Unlike many other songbirds, cardinals are the paragon of fidelity. Not only are they monogamous for life, or at least until their partner dies, they even stay together throughout the year, not just during breeding season.

In preparation for breeding, both sexes begin singing as early as mid-to-late winter. The singing is sometimes solo, but more often counter-singing — one mate begins a song that the other finishes. You could say they complete each other’s sentences, the ultimate sign of both devoted avian and human couples.

Cardinals (male, left; female, right) mate for life and remain together even when it’s not breeding season.

Once spring arrives, the male begins courtship feeding the female by bringing her tidbits of food, their beaks touching briefly — a kiss? — as she accepts the morsel.

Due to her muted protective coloration, the female has exclusive control of nesting. She selects the site, usually in dense shrubbery or a brushy field border, constructs the nest, then performs the nearly two weeks of incubation required to hatch her two to five eggs.

During that time, the male isn’t just free to go hang out with the boys. He remains somewhere close with an ear cocked, awaiting his mate’s call for food when she grows hungry.

Once the eggs hatch, both male and female bring the nestlings food, which is almost exclusively insects, due to their high protein content. After about 11 days, the fledglings leave the nest, and the male is in charge of feeding them on the ground. The female then

immediately begins a second nesting, producing as many as three or four broods of young cardinals per season in Ohio — hence the high population.

The next Ohio breeding bird atlas is scheduled to be published in another 20 years; what might it have to say about cardinals? Jim McCormac, one of five editors of the current edition, speculates.

“It is safe to say that our ‘redbird’ will be holding strong when the next atlas appears. Adaptability, tolerance of a variety of habitats, and a knack for cohabiting with people should ensure that the cardinal remains abundant into the future.”

In other words, Big Red will continue to boom in the Buckeye State.

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

DECEMBER 2019 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING 13

IS THIS THE YEAR TO GET

A LIVE CHRISTMAS TREE?

BY PATTY YODER

A

fter a few years of getting their tree from a corner lot or cutting their own, Hilliard resident Linda Lutz decided she should find out what type of Christmas tree was best for her young family, so she read everything she could find on the subject.

“I researched which option was best for the environment — artificial, live, or cut — then I did a cost analysis to compare prices over time,” she says. “The live tree won, so we tried it.”

For several years after, Linda and her husband, Jim, would dig a hole for their Christmas tree before the ground froze and plant it after the holidays.

Then, they waited. “Because it was winter, the tree would go dormant, so it would be spring before we knew whether it would survive,” Jim says.

Some trees did not last the harshness of winter, but others did.

Years later, evergreens of various sizes dotted their yard, marking Christmas memories with their twin sons, Johnny and Justin.

“We looked at the trees in our yard as a passage of time, the way some families mark their children’s height on a door frame each year,” Jim says.

The couple agreed there are upsides and downsides to having live Christmas trees, so they didn’t get one every year. Live trees weigh around 150 pounds, so they take considerably more effort to move.

With a large root ball at the bottom, the tree itself must be smaller, so there are fewer branches for ornaments and, importantly, less room for presents underneath.

On the positive side, their boys liked celebrating Christmas with a live tree, and everyone enjoyed the evergreen scent that filled their home.

Jim Lutz poses with his twin sons, Justin (left) and Johnny, in front of the family Christmas tree, circa 1990. Linda Lutz says the family enjoyed planting their live trees after the holidays, but they had to get smaller trees to accommodate the root ball in the living room.

14 OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • DECEMBER 2019

“Even our cat loved the live tree,” Linda says. “She would cuddle up next to it, thinking we went to all that trouble just for her.”

Live tree tips from an Ohio expert Matt Mongin is president of the Ohio Christmas Tree Association and owner of Spring Valley Tree Farm. With more than 30 years in the business, he offers these helpful tips for live tree care: • Select the right species for your property. Popular Canaan firs grow to be 20 feet tall and 12 feet wide, while some spruces can reach beyond 100 feet. Talk to the tree farmer about the right tree for your yard.

• Factor in the root ball. A 5-foot live tree comes with an 18-inch root ball, so choose a smaller live tree than you would a cut tree.

• Recruit a few friends. Live trees are heavy. Mongin recommends having several people to carry the tree up any steps, then setting it on a rug or plastic sheet to slide it to its final display spot. Some of his customers use skateboards to get the tree where it needs to go. Another option: Have your tree delivered.

• Store your tree until spring. After Christmas, keep the tree in a garage or other cool shelter until spring. “Add a cupful of water to the root ball every week, and it will be fine,” he says. “We have a 95% success rate with this method.”

Keep your cut tree beautiful all season Choosing a cut tree this year? Mongin offers this advice:

• Set yourself up for success. For the ultimate stability, use drywall screws to attach a traditional reservoir stand to a 3-foot by 3-foot piece of plywood. “The tree will be immovable,” Mongin says. Put a biodegradable tree bag around the stand for easy post-Christmas cleanup.

• Stop the sap. Sap on the tree base prevents water from moving up the tree. Remove the sap by cutting one-half inch off the base. If you don’t have a saw, ask the tree seller to cut it for you.

Once the tree is in the reservoir, add a gallon of very hot water to dissolve any remaining sap.

• Keep it cool. The display room should have moderate or no heat and twilight lighting.

• Check the water level daily. After the first watering, the water can be any temperature, but make sure the tree base always touches water. Additives are optional, but they can add a few more days to your tree.

• Got pets? Consider a Colorado spruce, which has prickly needles and a scent that cats don’t like. Add a hook to the ceiling to anchor the tree for more stability.

DECEMBER 2019 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING 15

GOOD EATS

Chestnuts roasting on an open fire? Winter’s a great time to enjoy a bountiful supply of numerous nutty favorites.

RECIPES AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY CATHERINE MURRAY

16 OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • DECEMBER 2019

BOURBON PECAN PIE Prep: 20 minutes | Cook: 35 to 40 minutes | Servings: 8 1 9-inch unbaked pie crust 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour 3 large eggs 1/2 teaspoon salt 3/4 cup light corn syrup 11/2 teaspoons vanilla 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, 13/4 cups chopped pecans melted (roasted, unsalted) 3/4 cup light brown sugar, 1/4 cup whole pecans (roasted, firmly packed unsalted) 4 tablespoons bourbon Preheat oven to 400 F. Place rolled-out pie crust into a 9-inch pie dish. Crimp edges. Chill pie crust in refrigerator while you work on the next step. In a large bowl, use a fork to mix together eggs, corn syrup, butter, brown sugar, bourbon, flour, salt, and vanilla until smooth. Mix in chopped pecans. Remove pie crust from refrigerator and place on top of a cookie sheet.

Pour pecan mixture into pie pan. Decorate top of pie with whole pecans. Bake pie on bottom rack at 400 F for 15 minutes, then reduce oven temperature to 350 F and bake for another 20 to 25 minutes. To prevent crust from burning, cover crust edges with aluminum foil. Bake until just set and bubbling at the edges; the inside will still wobble. Let pie cool for an hour before serving.

For an added kick, top with bourbon whipped cream.

Per serving: 584 calories, 37 grams fat (15 grams saturated fat), 56 grams total carbs, 1 gram fiber, 6.5 grams protein.

CASHEW CHICKEN Prep: 10 minutes | Cook: 20 minutes | Servings: 4 1 pound chicken breast, cut 3 cloves garlic, minced into chunks 1 tablespoon cornstarch 1 tablespoon olive oil 2 tablespoons water 1 bell pepper, sliced 3/4 cup chicken broth 1 medium onion, sliced 1/4 cup soy sauce 3 Thai (bird’s eye) red chili 2 teaspoons oyster sauce peppers, optional 1 teaspoon sesame oil 2 cups snow peas 2 cups cooked rice 3/4 cup unsalted roasted cashews In a skillet or wok over medium-high heat, add chicken and olive oil. Brown until almost cooked through. Add bell pepper, onion, and Thai chili peppers. Cook until vegetables are tender and chicken is no longer pink. Add snow peas, cashews, and garlic; cook another minute or two. In a medium bowl, whisk together cornstarch and water until a smooth paste is formed. Mix in chicken broth, soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil. Pour sauce into pan and stir until incorporated. Let simmer 2 minutes or until sauce has thickened. Remove Thai chili peppers, unless you like things SPICY! Serve over rice.

Per serving: 623 calories, 11.5 grams fat (1.5 grams saturated fat), 90 grams total carbs, 5 grams fiber, 37 grams protein.

DECEMBER 2019 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING 17

ZUCCHINI ITALIANO Prep: 10 minutes | Cook: 8 minutes | Servings: 2 2 cups zucchini, roughly julienned 1/4 teaspoon salt 3 cloves garlic, minced 1/4 teaspoon white pepper 1 tablespoon olive oil dash red pepper flakes 1/4 cup roasted unsalted almonds, 4 large slivers of Parmesan cheese roughly chopped Toss together zucchini and garlic. Heat olive oil in a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add a single layer of the zucchini/ garlic mixture and cook with skillet uncovered until zucchini starts to sear (brown), stirring occasionally, about 3 minutes. Remove from pan and set aside. Add another layer of zucchini, repeating steps until all zucchini is lightly seared. Bring all zucchini back to the pan.

Add almonds, salt, white pepper, and pepper flakes. Stir until heated through. Transfer to serving dish and immediately top with slivers of Parmesan. This dish can be served as an appetizer or side dish for two.

Per serving: 214 calories, 15.5 grams fat (5 grams saturated fat), 10 grams total carbs, 3 grams fiber, 12.5 grams protein.

BUCKEYES Prep: 45 minutes | Cook: 10 minutes | Chill: 1 hour | Servings: 50 2 cups creamy peanut butter (not 1/2 teaspoon vanilla all-natural) 5 to 6 cups powdered sugar, sifted 1/2 teaspoon salt 12 ounces dark chocolate (chips 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened or melting wafers) Beat peanut butter, salt, butter, and vanilla in large mixer bowl until incorporated. Mix in powdered sugar a half-cup at a time until mixture starts to become firm and pliable. Shape into 1-inch balls. If mixture is crumbly, add more peanut butter. If mixture is sticky, add powdered sugar. Dust hands with powdered sugar when rolling. Set balls on baking sheets, silicone sheets, or wax paper. Place in freezer for 1 hour to firm up before dipping.

Place chocolate in the top of a double boiler and fill the bottom level with water. Bring water to a boil, then lower to a simmer. Continually stir chocolate until smooth and melted. If chocolate is too thick, add a teaspoon of coconut oil, shortening, or butter. Remove chocolate from stove. Take peanut butter balls out of freezer in small batches so they stay cool. Use a toothpick or candy dipping tool to dip 3/4 of each ball into chocolate, leaving some of the peanut butter on top showing, like a buckeye nut. Tap each buckeye to remove excess chocolate, then place on a baking sheet to harden. Store in an airtight container. Buckeyes can be frozen, stored in refrigerator, or at room temperature if eaten within a day or two.

Per serving: 163 calories, 9 grams fat (3.5 grams saturated fat), 18 grams total carbs, 1 gram fiber, 3 grams protein.

18 OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • DECEMBER 2019

MID-OHIO ENERGY COOPERATIVE LOCAL PAGES

MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT & CEO

MAY YOUR HOLIDAY SEASON

BE MERRY AND BRIGHT T

he holidays are a time of year that many of us eagerly anticipate. The season is marked by special foods, seasonal decorations, and lots of festivities. We cherish carrying on old family traditions and enjoy creating new ones.

John Metcalf For me personally, I look forward to spending time with family and friends.

PRESIDENT & CEO However, even with the hustle and bustle of the season, the holidays can also offer an opportunity to slow down and reflect. On behalf of all of us at Mid-Ohio Energy, I’d like to say we are grateful for you, the members of the co-op.

You see, one of our founding principles as a co-op is Concern for Community.

While our main focus is providing safe, reliable, and affordable energy, we want to give back. We want to help our community thrive.

Reflection Looking back at this past year, I’m grateful that we were able to make a positive impact in the community.

Grants and matching funds available through our state and national cooperative networks also made it possible to support community initiatives like strategic planning for Hardin County and flood mitigation in the village of LaRue. As a result of members’ generous contributions to the Community Fund, we were able to help many members of our community. See page 20F for more details about the program and a couple of recent grants benefiting the community.

We are also grateful for the opportunity to partner with local schools to support education and athletics and raise awareness of the importance of electrical safety. We continue to work closely with our youth and our local high schools to award college scholarships. In 2019, we awarded $7,700 to local scholars. Details of our upcoming 2020 youth offerings can also be found in these December local pages (pages 20G–21).

There are other ways we can help the community — whether we’re providing information about new technologies such as renewable energy or electric vehicles, or helping you find ways to save energy at home, we want you to know we’re here to help.

Looking ahead Looking ahead to 2020, we hope you will share your opinions with us. We recognize that our members have a valuable perspective, and that’s why we continually seek your input. Whether through community events, our social media channels, or the annual meeting, we want to hear from you. We are led by you — the members of the co-op — and we depend on your feedback.

As we prepare for next year, we look forward to the opportunity to serve you and the greater community. On behalf of the Mid-Ohio Energy family, we hope your holidays are indeed merry and bright!

DECEMBER 2019 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING 19

MID-OHIO ENERGY COOPERATIVE LOCAL PAGES RATE REMINDER

SERVICE CHARGE ADJUSTMENT EFFECTIVE

JANUARY 1

$4 service charge adjustment ensures continued reliability, service

A

s announced in last month’s local pages, a $4 service charge increase will go into effect on Jan. 1, 2020. The service charge is a flat monthly fee charged to all members and is designed to help recover some of the fixed costs of providing power, such as meters, poles, wire, and more.

Typical breakdown of monthly costs Generation & Transmission Cost from Buckeye Power to generate and transport power.

Includes cost of fuel, environmental upgrades, and delivering power to the co-op’s substations.

For members in the residential and general service rate classes, the service charge is included in the “Distribution” line of your monthly billing statement.

For PrePay metering accounts, the service charge is factored with the account’s daily energy use. The rate all members pay per kilowatt-hour will remain the same.

•

PrePay metering — A pay-as-you-go program that allows members to take control and pay on their own terms; just keep a credit balance, and the rest is up to you! No late fees or deposits.

20 COOPERATIVE LIVING • DECEMBER 2019 20 OHIO OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • MARCH 2017

59%

Uncontrollable costs (Local)

22% 59%

19% Costs controllable by Mid-Ohio Energy

As a community-built electric cooperative, we’re dedicated to providing power to our member-consumers at cost. We aim to provide the highest possible level of service — for both electric reliability and unmatched member service.

Levelized budget billing — Reduce the budgetary impact of seasonal highs and lows. Call to enroll!

41%

Uncontrollable costs (Wholesale power cost)

The increase will also move the monthly service charge closer to the actual cost of providing service, which was determined by a cost-of-service study conducted by an independent third party.

•

Local cost from Mid-Ohio Energy, for power delivered from the substation to your meter. This includes the monthly service charge.

Mid-Ohio Energy’s controllable vs. uncontrollable costs

The upcoming $4 service charge adjustment is necessary to keep Mid-Ohio Energy’s finances healthy so we can continue to make investments in our distribution system and ensure near-perfect reliability for years to come.

This notice of service charge adjustment is intended to inform and prepare members in advance. As a reminder, we have many options available for helping members manage and contain energy costs, including:

Distribution

A large portion of the cost to provide power is uncontrollable (such as the cost of power, depreciation, and taxes). This means costs can’t be adjusted by our local board and management.

Costs the co-op can control include maintenance, administrative, and customer service.

•

Home energy audits — Professional home energy audits available for a fully reimbursable fee of $50!

•

Rebates for energy-efficient upgrades — receive energy credits for new heat pumps, water heaters, ENERGY STAR refrigerators/freezers, and more.

If you have any questions regarding the cooperative and/ or rates, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We’re local, available, and here for our members.

MANAGE HOME ENERGY COSTS WITH

ENERGY EFFICIENCY A

Energy audits, efficiency tips available from co-op s winter approaches, it’s a good time to pause and reflect on your home and the way it consumes energy. The U.S. Department of Energy estimates that 31% of the average consumer’s energy bill goes toward heating their home during the winter months. That’s the largest slice of your home’s utility bill throughout the year!

There are a number of things you can do to hold down energy costs and keep your hard-earned dollars from (quite literally!) floating out of your windows and doors this winter. Best of all, there are many energy-savings initiatives that require little or no investment.

“The cheapest kilowatt-hour is the one that you don’t use.” While this may be a cliché or very obvious statement, it also serves as a good reminder that you have control of the energy used in your home. Often, some of the most common-sense energy tips are the ones that are taken for granted and overlooked. See the “10 quick tips” graphic below for a good start.

Here you’ll find a collection of resources to help answer your energy questions. You can also access energy calculators that estimate appliance costs, lighting savings, and heating source comparisons.

Rebates If you plan to improve your home’s efficiency by upgrading major appliances, be sure to check with the cooperative. Energy credit rebates are available for new water heaters, air conditioners, air-to-air heat pumps, geothermal units, and refrigerator/freezers. Matching rebates are also available for air sealing and insulation upgrade projects.

Questions? Give us a call. We look forward to being your trusted energy advisors.

If cold winter weather drives up your energy use or you’re simply looking for ways to reduce your energy footprint, we want to help — and we have the resources to do it!

Home energy audits Mid-Ohio Energy offers free energy use consultations as well as comprehensive energy audits. Comprehensive home energy audits include a blower door and infrared camera scan and are available for a fully-reimbursable cost of $50. Any recommended upgrade or purchase made by the member goes toward the cost of the audit.

Asking your local electric co-op is a great way to get honest, unbiased info about your home’s energy use.

Being local, we’re familiar with what works (or doesn’t) when it comes to our climate zone and building practices. We encounter the same energy concerns that you do and have a history of putting members first.

Energy calculators and resources Wondering how much that portable space heater is costing you during winter months or if you should consider an upgrade to your HVAC system? Find help on the Energy Efficiency page on our website at MidOhioEnergy.com/efficiency.

DECEMBER 2019 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING 20A

MID-OHIO ENERGY COOPERATIVE LOCAL PAGES

Theft of power: Costly and dangerous

I

t is estimated that up to $4 billion of electricity is stolen annually nationwide. And just like shoplifting, it’s the honest people who end up paying for it.

In Ohio, theft of electricity is a first-degree misdemeanor if the value of the stolen electricity, plus any equipment repair, is less than $300. It’s a fourth-degree felony if more than $300 or the offender was previously convicted of the charge. Tampering with an electric meter carries similar penalties.

The offender doesn’t have to be caught in the act. The law states that reconnecting a meter disconnected by a utility or tampering with a meter is prima facie evidence that the user intended to defraud the utility. Conviction can mean from six months in jail and a $1,000 fine to five years in jail and a $2,500 fine.

Since we are a not-for-profit cooperative, someone who steals electric power is stealing directly from your pocket. But revenue loss isn’t the only risk. Theft of electric power requires the thief to take significant risks and endangers not only him or herself, but also our employees and anyone who happens to be nearby the tampered equipment or lines that the thief may have left exposed and unsafe.

If you know or suspect someone of stealing, let us know (anonymously, if you prefer) by calling our offices at 888-363-6446.

Power surging through a compromised meter can cause an electrical catastrophe. Only trained Mid-Ohio Energy personnel, wearing protective clothing, should work on meters.

20B OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • DECEMBER 2019

Co-op lights up Friday nights at Elgin, Ridgedale

A

s the electric provider for the entire campus of both Elgin and Ridgedale local schools, Mid-Ohio Energy partners with the schools on a number of projects including lighting upgrades, energy efficiency consultations, and educational initiatives.

During home football games at each school, MidOhio Energy sponsored Food & Football Friday as an appreciation of the unique partnership between the schools and the cooperative.

In October, the co-op wrapped up the season sponsorship events at a matchup between Hardin Northern and Elgin.

Earlier in the season, the co-op attended the WaynesfieldGoshen at Ridgedale game. Whenever the schedule permits, the co-op sponsors games where the visiting school district is also likely to contain co-op members.

As part of the events, Mid-Ohio Energy personnel attended the game to hand out concession stand vouchers to all fans in attendance, with the cooperative donating proceeds for all redeemed vouchers to the schools’ athletic boosters. Mid-Ohio Energy also provided special T-shirts for cheerleaders to toss into the crowd.

Additionally, the cooperative presented each school with a check for $1,000 to cover the approximate cost of powering the football stadiums and facilities throughout the entire football season.

In the spirit of the cooperative principle of Concern for Community, Mid-Ohio Energy is proud to share its knowledge and resources to benefit local schools and improve the communities where we live and work.

HARDIN NORTHERN @ ELGIN OCTOBER 18, 2019 Mid-Ohio Energy President and CEO John Metcalf presents Elgin High School Principal Chad Cunningham with a check to cover the approximate costs to power the football stadium and facilities through the entire 2019 football season.

DECEMBER 2019 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING 20C

MID-OHIO ENERGY COOPERATIVE LOCAL PAGES

ENERGY, CAREERS

TALKING WITH STUDENTS

F

ew events demonstrate the principles of electric cooperatives as well as speaking with local students to educate them about co-ops and electricity.

Two recent events, the ExploreAg Experience and a live line safety demonstration at River Valley Middle School, showcased principles of education, concern for community, and innovation.

The ExploreAg Experience was held at the Central Ohio Lineworkers Training facility in Mount Gilead. The event was open to students in grades 7–12, who gained hands-on experience in various careers in the electricity industry. A group of more than 30 students and their

parents rode in a bucket truck, controlled a drone, and worked with line tools, while learning how their academic interests could lead them to an exciting career.

A live line demo at River Valley Middle School in Marion offered students an up-close look at the dangerous potential of energized electric lines.

Throughout the day, linemen performed the demo for more than 300 students in grades 6–8. Co-op employees answered questions from students and talked about the training and skills required to obtain their jobs.

EXPLORE AG EXPERIENCE @ CENTRAL OHIO LINEWORKERS TRAINING FACILITY

Top right: Manager of Operations Technology Brent Ransome explains how Mid-Ohio Energy uses drones to inspect lines, substations, and communications equipment. Each student attending the event was able to get hands-on experience flying the drone.

Bottom right: Energy advisor Scott Carbary shares how he applies building science and energy use data to help members save energy and boost efficiency in their homes.

20D OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • DECEMBER 2019

LIVE LINE ELECTRICAL SAFETY DEMO @ RIVER VALLEY MIDDLE SCHOOL

Mid-Ohio Energy personnel conduct a live line safety demonstration for students at River Valley Middle School in Marion. The demo offers an accurate model of the co-op’s electric distribution system. During the presentation, students learn about electrical safety and co-op careers and experience what it’s like to dress like a lineworker by wearing protective gear like gloves, sleeves, and a hard hat.

Safety demos can be tailored to any school, first responders, or service group. Call 888-363-6446 for further information.

DECEMBER 2019 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING 20E

MID-OHIO ENERGY COOPERATIVE LOCAL PAGES

Community Fund grants awarded

E

ach year, the Mid-Ohio Energy Community Fund provides around $40,000 in grants to help individuals and organizations in our communities.

The funds for these grants are generated entirely by the generosity of co-op members. Each quarter, the Community Fund board meets to review applications and award grants. The Community Fund board consists of nine co-op members, with each individual representing one of Mid-Ohio Energy’s nine districts.

The Community Fund demonstrates the true power of cooperatives — local individuals banding together to benefit the whole community!

Fort Morrow Firefighters Association A $640 grant from the Mid-Ohio Energy Community Fund will help spread holiday cheer in Waldo. The grant was used to plant a live 12-foot Norway spruce at the Fort Morrow Fire Station in Waldo.

Last year, Maxwell Russell of Troop 100 built a shelter for community events outside of the station as his Eagle Scout project. This December, the Citizens of the Waldo Area and the Fort Morrow Consolidated Fire Department are joining forces to present the first annual Waldo Christmas Festival. The community is invited to the tree lighting ceremony on Friday, Dec. 6, at 7 p.m.

The festival will take place on Dec. 6 and 7 and will feature craft vendors, food, and activities for kids.

Fort Morrow Fire Chief Kevin Edington and festival organizer Bonnie Hightshoe inspect the Norway spruce planted at the Fort Morrow Fire Station in Waldo. The tree will be decorated and lighted as part of the first annual Waldo Christmas Festival.

New Hope Ministry Park Homeless Shelter New Hope Ministry Park homeless shelter received a $1,500 Community Fund grant to help with shelter renovations.

In 2018, the shelter provided a total of 939 nights of lodging for 45 men, 18 women, and 15 children.

The shelter recently made repairs and updates to the facilities, including renovating the kitchens, bedrooms, bathrooms, and laundry facilities.

The shelter is seeking bedding and food donations to help sustain its operations. A drop-off center is available at the shelter for donations.

20F OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • DECEMBER 2019

Delmar Cole and Linda Wilkinson, managers at the New Hope Ministry Park homeless shelter, present one of the shelter’s newly remodeled bedrooms. The shelter provides safe lodging for homeless men, women, and children around Hardin County.

HIGH SCHOOL SOPHOMORES AND JUNIORS: Interested in a life-changing leadership experience in Washington, D.C.?

June 19–25, 2020 While on Youth Tour, you’ll visit: United States Capitol World War II Memorial Jefferson Memorial Smithsonian Institution Lincoln Memorial Vietnam War Memorial Korean War Memorial Washington National Cathedral Arlington National Cemetery Gettysburg Battlefield ... and much more!

MID-OHIO ENERGY COOPERATIVE, INC.

What is Youth Tour?

The Ohio’s Electric Cooperatives Youth Tour is an annual leadership program sponsored by Mid-Ohio Energy. It’s a weeklong, all-expensespaid trip to Washington, D.C., that gives exceptional high school students the opportunity to meet with their congressional leaders at the U.S. Capitol, make new friends from across the state and country, and see many of the famous Washington, D.C., sights.

Electric cooperatives from 43 states will send about 1,800 delegates this year. Will you be one of them?

To apply for the Youth Tour ...

Successful applicants: • Must be a high school sophomore or junior.

• M ust be a son, daughter, or legal ward of a Mid-Ohio Energy member living on the cooperative’s lines and receiving electric service from the cooperative at the time of selection.

• Must submit an application of interest to Mid-Ohio Energy (see contact information below).

Students will explore the sights of Washington, D.C., like the U.S. Capitol building, with delegates from Ohio and all across the country.

Application deadline is Feb. 14.

For more information and to apply, visit MidOhioEnergy.com/YouthTour or call Mike Augenstein at 419-673-7289.

DECEMBER 2019 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING 20G

MID-OHIO ENERGY COOPERATIVE LOCAL PAGES

2020 GRADS: ARE YOUR PARENTS MID-OHIO ENERGY MEMBERS?

If so, you could win more than $4,800 in scholarships from

TO OBTAIN RULES AND APPLICATIONS FOR THE

CHILDREN OF MEMBERS SCHOLARSHIP: Visit www.MidOhioEnergy.com/scholarships Call the co-op at 419-673-7289 Stop by the co-op office Ask your guidance counselor Deadline to apply: Feb. 7, 2020

20H OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • DECEMBER 2019

GRADUATING SENIORS: Have you overcome unique and significant personal challenges on your way to academic excellence?

You could win $1,000 in the

Touchstone Energy Achievement Scholarship Program!

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Deadline to apply: Feb. 7, 2020

DECEMBER 2019 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING 21

MID-OHIO ENERGY COOPERATIVE LOCAL PAGES NEWS & NOTES

HOLIDAY CLOSINGS

Statement of Nondiscrimination

Mid-Ohio Energy wishes our members a happy and healthy holiday season.

Our offices will be closed on the following dates:

In accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its Agencies, offices, and employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity (including gender expression), sexual orientation, disability, age, marital status, family/parental status, income derived from a public assistance program, political beliefs, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity, in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA (not all bases apply to all programs).

Remedies and complaint filing deadlines vary by program or incident. Person with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.) should contact the responsible Agency or USDA’s TARGET Center at (202)720-2600 (voice and TTY) or contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800)877-8339. Additionally, program information may be made available in languages other than English.

Dec. 23 Dec. 24 Dec. 25 Jan. 1.

(Offices close at noon)

For emergency service, please call 888-363-6446.

HOLIDAY COLORING PAGES AVAILABLE Festive designs online at MidOhioEnergy.com/coloring

To file a program discrimination complaint, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, AD-3027, found online at: http://www.ascr.usda.gov/complaint_ filing_cust.html and at any USDA office or write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all of the information requested in the form.

To request a copy of the complaint form, call (866) 632-9992.

Submit your completed form or letter to USDA by: (1) mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C. 20250-9410; (2) fax: (202) 690-7442; or (3) email: program.intake@usda.gov

Happy H o from Your lidays Electric Co-op Wishing

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Energy Rememb er to Tip ene rgy-savi decorate your tree ng LED holiday ligh with ts.

USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.

MID-OHIO ENERGY COOPERATIVE, INC.

BOARD OF TRUSTEES

Robert Imbody CONTACT

Chairman

888-363-6446 www.MidOhioEnergy.com

Dan Harris Vice Chairman

HEADQUARTERS OFFICE

John Thiel

1210 W. Lima St. Kenton, Ohio 43326

Tony Hastings

DISTRICT OFFICE

2859 Marion-Upper Sandusky Rd. Marion, Ohio 43302 OFFICE HOURS

Mon.–Fri., 7:30 a.m.–4 p.m.

22 OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • DECEMBER 2019

Secretary Treasurer

Paul Beineke Trevor Fremont Howard Lyle Gene McCluer Brice Turner Trustees

John Metcalf President/CEO

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24 OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • DECEMBER 2019

Holiday Travel ’TIS THE SEASON FOR

Think mistletoe. Think holly. Think of Ohio as one big stocking, stuffed with cool Yule celebrations. We’ve selected eight close-to-home holiday destinations that evoke the story of the first Christmas, foster good cheer, and brighten spirits — all of them ideal spots for making merry with family and friends.

BY DAMAINE VONADA

DECEMBER 2019 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING 25

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE UNIVERSITY OF DAYTON

At the Manger University of Dayton, Dec. 2–Jan. 12 Artistry, imagination, and the reason for the Christmas season draw visitors to the University of Dayton’s Marian Library for At the Manger, an annual display of Nativity scenes from the library’s collection of 3,500 crèches representing more than 100 countries. The event shows how different people and cultures interpret the birth of Christ, and this year, the exhibit’s volunteers selected which Nativity scenes to display. Tour guide Ann Persensky picked “Black and Beautiful,” a contemporary crèche by a Dutch-born artist. “One of its Magi is a woman,” says Perensky, “and a curled-up sheep is cuddling beside Baby Jesus.”

PHOTOS COURTESY OF STAN HYWET HALL & GARDENS

937-229-4214; www.udayton.edu/marianlibrary/art-exhibits/at-the-manger.php.

26 OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • DECEMBER 2019

Deck the Hall 2019: A Classic Comic Hero Christmas Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens, Akron Select evenings, Nov. 29–Dec. 30 Held at the splendid estate created by Goodyear cofounder F.A. Seiberling and his wife, Gertrude, Deck the Hall offers an array of experiences — a million dazzling lights, wondrous holiday music, a gorgeous Christmas tree, hot cocoa, gingerbread, and boutique shopping in the carriage house — for the entire family. Since its

2019 theme is superheroes, the Manor House’s marvelous décor features Wonder Woman, Superman, Spiderman, Batman, and other comic book favorites.

330-836-5533; www.stanhywet.org/events/ deck-hall-2019-classic-comic-hero-christmas.

Dickens Victorian Village Cambridge, Nov. 1–Jan. 1

PHOTOS COURTESY OF CAMBRIDGE/GUERNSEY COUNTY VCB

With Cambridge’s Victorian-looking downtown as a backdrop, visitors stroll among more than 90 individual scenes with nearly 200 mannequins inspired by A Christmas Carol and Dickens-era England.

Continued on page 28

DECEMBER 2019 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING 27

Delightfully lifelike figures such as Tiny Tim, Bob Cratchit, carolers, lamplighters, and Father Christmas populate Wheeling Avenue, and at the courthouse, nighttime light and music extravaganzas are a joy to behold. “People tell me they’ve never seen better light shows anywhere,” says group tour coordinator Bev Keller. Also available are Victorian teas, carriage rides, and performances of an original Sherlock Holmes play, “The Case of the Christmas Carbuncle.”

PHOTOS COURTESY HAYES PRESIDENTIAL LIBRARY & MUSEUMS

740-421-4956; www.dickensvictorianvillage.com.

Hayes Home Holidays tours Rutherford B. Hayes Presidential Library and Museums, Fremont Tours, Dec. 20–22 Rare evening tours of the mansion where President Hayes and his wife, Lucy, lived after leaving the White House present a perfectly lovely opportunity to make holiday memories. “Seeing the home at night is a special experience,” says Kristina Smith, the museums’ communications 28 OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • DECEMBER 2019

manager. “Because almost all the home’s furnishings were their belongings, it feels like Rutherford and Lucy are still here to welcome you.” Other activities include the Hayes Train Special, a model railroad with traditional holiday scenery, and horse-drawn trolley or sleigh rides (depending on the weather) through the grounds surrounding the Hayes Home.

ISAAC MILLER/COURTESY HOCKING VALLEY SCENIC RAILROAD

419-332-2081; www.rbhayes.org/events.

Hocking Valley Scenic Railway holiday trains Nelsonville Depot; Select dates, Nov. 30–Dec. 31 Oh, what fun it is to ride on the HVSR’s trio of festive excursions. The Railway’s Santa Train features the Jolly Old Elf plus a grumpy Grinch, Continued on page 30

DECEMBER 2019 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING 29

while the New Year’s Eve Train stops for midnight fireworks and offers both a familyfriendly pizza and soda car and an adultoriented wine and cheese car. New for 2019 is the Holiday Express to Robbins Crossing, a re-created log village where passengers can see how the pioneers celebrated Christmas.

According to Isaac Miller, the conductor, it’s pulled by Ohio’s only operating standardgauge steam locomotive.

PHOTOS COURTESY PYRAMID HILL SCULPTURE PARK

855-323-3768; www.hvsry.org.

30 OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • DECEMBER 2019

Holiday Lights on the Hill Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park and Museum Hamilton, Nov. 22–Jan. 5 Drive through tunnels of twinkling lights and alleys of gleaming candy canes at Pyramid Hill, one of the nation’s few outdoor sculpture museums and a Butler Rural Electric Cooperative consumer-member. Covering rolling terrain graced by woodlands and lakes, the self-guided tour showcases the park’s internationally acclaimed collection of monumental sculptures.

Executive director Sean FitzGibbons says the event is quite popular because it accomplishes Pyramid Hill’s mission of bringing people to art in nature.

513-868-1234; www.pyramidhill.org/holiday-lights-on-the-hill.

Nutcracker Village and Advent Market Steubenville, Nov. 26–Jan. 4

PHOTOS COURTESY HISTORIC FORT STEUBEN

This truly hometown and homegrown event in Steubenville features the world’s largest collection of life-sized nutcrackers — more than 150 of them.

They’re all made in Steubenville and depict characters and individuals ranging from Santa Claus, Jack Frost, and Charlie Brown to Mother Teresa, John Glenn, and Steubenville native Dean Martin. “People like coming during the day to see the wonderful details on the nutcrackers, but at night with the colorful lights and holiday music, they’re just magical,” says Judy Bratton of the Steubenville Visitor Center.

Adding to the enchantment is a weekend Advent Market with European-style chalets where local vendors and artisans sell holiday foods, gifts, toys, and, of course, nutcrackers.

740-283-1787; www. steubenvillenutcrackervillage.com.

DECEMBER 2019 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING 31

Yuletides of Yesteryear Sauder Village, Archbold Dec. 6–7 “Our traditional Holiday Lantern Tours offer guests an interactive look at the American Christmas traditions from 1850 through the 1920s,” says Kim Krieger of Sauder Village media relations. Sauder Village is Ohio’s largest living-history museum, and the evening tours include visits to historic houses, an original Mennonite church, a oneroom schoolhouse, and a vintage train depot where people of all ages get to enjoy old-fashioned fun such as singing carols, frosting cookies, and a reading of “’Twas the Night Before Christmas.”

PHOTOS COURTESY SAUDER VILLAGE

800-590-9755; www.saudervillage.org.

32 OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • DECEMBER 2019

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Winter’s WALK Snowshoeing is fun, easy to learn — and good for you.

BY CRAIG SPRINGER

I

f you think of snowshoes as those tennis-racketlooking things strapped to your feet, like in those 1960s adventure movies, you might want to give them a closer look — especially if you’re looking for a fun, healthy, and relatively inexpensive way to keep exercising outdoors during those snowy winter months.

“If you can walk, you can snowshoe,” says Anthony Zembrodt, Midwest Regional Manager of L.L. Bean’s outdoors programs.

Snowshoes have been around for a long time, born of necessity for traversing the white stuff. Indigenous people of the north have used them for centuries, and European settlers in North America quickly adopted the concept when they arrived and began exploring in the 1600s.

Why use showshoes? When the snow gets deep, the walking gets tough. You have to pull your legs out of a hole with each and every step. It’s like slogging through a slug of mud, and it will tire you right quick. It doesn’t take much imagining for you to feel your hip flexors tiring and aching. Snowshoes, however, spread your weight over a larger area of snow, thus allowing you to travel near the surface, aloft on the snow. The less you sink, the easier the walking.

Modern snowshoes have certainly evolved from those early versions. Though the concept of the snowshoe seems nearly as involved as that of the wheel, the types of modern snowshoes range in nature depending on how they’re to be used. They’re typically made of aluminum frames with a sheath or decking of strong plastic around the part that binds to your boot.

According to Zembrodt, it’s essential that you pick a snowshoe according to your weight, not your height.

“The bigger the snowshoe, the more weight it can support,” he says. “It’s also important to consider the types of terrain you will be trekking — some shoes offer better traction than others.”

Bear in mind snowshoeing is not skiing. Shoeing is relatively inexpensive; you can buy a pair of recreational

34 OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • DECEMBER 2019

snowshoes for an adult for less than $100, less than $60 for youngsters. If you venture into more specialized territory, say, long-distance trekking, the shoes become significantly more expensive.

Snowshoeing is an opportune sport; you don’t have to go anywhere special to do it — you can snowshoe out your back door. Neither do you have to get on groomed, designated trails, as you do with most skiing. The equipment is low- to no-maintenance, and there’s little chance your shoes will break under normal wear. It’s easy to learn, too, and unlike skiing, there’s almost zero chance you’ll run into trees or careen off a cliff. Even if you do fall, you’re not going far. You can snowshoe as slow or as fast as you desire.

If you are a walker or a hiker, snowshoeing is a great way to keep up your routine over the winter — and that speaks to perhaps one of the best reasons to snowshoe: for the exercise.

Snowshoeing at a moderate pace burns hundreds of calories in an hour’s time, outpacing running, cycling, or walking in terms of caloric output. “Snowshoeing is a great aerobic activity,” Zembrodt says. “A lot of folks struggle to get outside in the winter months, even if they are frequent hikers during summer. It’s a great way to get outside and have fun in winter.”

With shoeing, the learning curve is flat and the investment minimal. With half a foot of snow on the ground, the bike path, nature center, golf course, or walking trail becomes a whole new adventure and the cold, dark winter a little more pleasant.

Let’s face it, though: Strapping on an extension to your foot to walk on snow is not normal. Of course, it will be a bit clumsy at first. Outdoors-oriented stores such as L.L. Bean, Cabela’s, Dick’s, and Field & Stream, among others, have the shoes you need, and many have clinics to get you breaking trail with that first big snowfall.

DECEMBER 2019 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING 35

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DEC. 12–15, 19–22 – Winter Wonderland Light Display, Sandusky Co. Fgds., 901 Rawson Ave., Fremont. Drivethrough Thur./Sun. 6–8 p.m.; walk-through Fri./ Sat. 6–9 p.m. $1, under 12 free. Craft show, games, horse rides, train rides, music, popcorn, cookies, hot chocolate, and Santa! Donations of food items accepted for food pantry.

419-332-5604 or www.sanduskycountyfair.com.

DEC. 14 – Train Town Show and Swap Meet, Allen Co. Fgds., 2750 Harding Hwy., Lima, 10 a.m.–3 p.m.

Operating model railroads; more than 200 tables with model railroad, railfan, and general railroad items for sale.

All scales. Food service will be available. 419-228-7141.

DEC. 20 – WinterFest and Santa’s House, Saint Andrew’s United Methodist Church, 120 W. Sandusky St., Findlay, 6–8 p.m. Free. Take a horse-drawn wagon ride around downtown, meet with Santa, and enjoy hot chocolate and sweet treats. www.visitfindlay.com.

DEC. 20, 22 – Silver Screen Classics: It’s a Wonderful Life, Valentine Theatre, 400 N. Superior St., Toledo, Fri. 7:30 p.m., Sun. 2 p.m. $5. See Frank Capra’s classic Christmas tale come to life on the big screen. 419-2422787 or www.valentinetheatre.com.

DEC. 21 – Toledo Jazz Orchestra Holiday Concert, Valentine Theatre, 400 N. Superior St., Toledo, 8 p.m. $28–$38 plus fees. 419-242-2787 or www. valentinetheatre.com.

DEC. 26–31 – Horse-Drawn Sleigh Rides at Spiegel Grove, 1337 Hayes Ave., Fremont, 1–4 p.m. $5.50, under 3 free. Ride through the grounds in a horse-drawn sleigh, as President Hayes did. Rides are by South Creek Clydesdales. Horse-drawn trolley ride may be used in addition to or in place of the sleigh depending on demand and staffing. 419-332-2081 or www.rbhayes.org.

JAN. 4 – Model Train Clinic, Hayes Presidential Library and Museums, Spiegel Grove, 1337 Hayes Ave., Fremont, 1–4 p.m. $10, C. (6–12) $5, under 6 free; ticket includes access to museum. Veteran model train hobbyists assist you with advice related to model train maintenance and repair, as well as estimating the value of older model trains. 419-332-2081 or www.rbhayes.org.

JAN. 4–5 – Tri-State Gun Show, Allen Co. Fgds., 2750 Harding Hwy., Lima (2 miles east of Lima on St. Rte. 309), Sat. 8:30 a.m.–4 p.m., Sun. 8:30 a.m.–3 p.m. $6, free for members, under 18 free. Over 400 tables of modern and antique guns, edged weapons, and sportsmen equipment. 419-647-0067 or www.tristategunshow.org.

JAN. 10 – Silver Screen Classics Double Feature: Dracula and Frankenstein, Valentine Theatre, 400 N. Superior St., Toledo, 7:30 p.m. $5. Two groundbreaking horror films from 1931, in all their black-and-white cinematic glory. 419-242-2787 or www.valentinetheatre.com.

DEC. 5–8, 12–23, 26–30 – Deck the Hall, Stan Hywet Hall and Gardens, 714 N. Portage Path, Akron, 5–8 p.m. $7–$22, under 5 free. The decorating theme this year is “A Classic Comic Hero Christmas,” featuring the stories of Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, Spiderman, and others. New this season: Step inside a giant interactive snow globe for your family photos! Santa lights the tree in the courtyard each day at 5:30 p.m. 330-315-3287 or www.stanhywet.org.

DEC. 14–15 – Winter Avant-Garde Art and Craft Show, Federated Church–Family Life Center, 16349 Chillicothe Rd., Chagrin Falls, Sat. 10 a.m.–5 p.m., Sun. 11 a.m.–5 p.m.

THROUGH DEC. 31 – Holidays at the Mansion: “Old $3, under 12 free. Artists and crafters selling their original Fashioned Christmas,” The Victorian House Museum, 484 handmade items. Full concession stand on site. www.

Wooster Rd., Millersburg, Sun.–Thur. 1–4 p.m., Fri./Sat. 1–8 avantgardeshows.com. p.m. $10; seniors and veterans/active military, $9; under 12 free. Tour the 28-room mansion, transformed into a holiday DEC. 15 – Flea Market of Collectables, Medina County Fgds. Community Center, 735 Lafayette Rd., Medina, 9 wonderland. Open house is Nov. 16, 4–8 p.m.; $5. “Santa a.m.–3 p.m. $2. Early bird special admission: 6–9 a.m., and Friend — Celebrate the Season!” is Dec. 7. 330-674$3. A treasure trove of vintage items and collectables.

0022 or www.victorianhousemuseum.org.

330-948-4300 or www.conraddowdell.com.

THROUGH JAN. 4 – Steubenville Nutcracker Village DEC. 21 – Winter Avant-Garde Art and Craft Show, and Advent Market, Fort Steuben Park and 4th and Markets Sts., Steubenville. Free. Over 150 unique, life-size Emerald Event Center, 33040 Just Imagine Dr., Avon, 10 a.m.–5 p.m. $3, under 12 free. Artists and crafters selling nutcrackers in an outdoor display with lights and music. their original handmade items. Full concession stand on Market open Fri.–Sun., 3–9 p.m. 740-283-1787 or www. site. www.avantgardeshows.com. steubenvillenutcrackervillage.com.

JAN. 4 – Antique and Collectible Toy Show, Lakeland THROUGH JAN. 4 – Christmas Wonderland and Gift Community College, AFC Auxiliary Gym, 7700 Clocktower Shop, Historic Fort Steuben, 120 S. 3rd St., Steubenville, Dr., Kirtland, 9 a.m.–2 p.m. $6, C. (6–12) $2, under 6 free.

Mon.–Thur. 10 a.m.–6 p.m., Sat. 10 a.m.–8 p.m., Sun. 11 a.m.–6 p.m. Free. Christmas gifts, nutcrackers, Nutcracker New and antique toys and dolls to buy, sell, or trade.

Diecast cars, trucks, and planes; pressed steel and tin Village memorabilia, and Christmas décor. 740-283-1787 toys and models; farm toys, mechanical toys, and more. or www.steubenvillenutcrackervillage.com.

216-470-5780 (ask for Tom), cleveshows@att.net, or www. neocollectibletoys.com.

JAN. 4 – Snow Dogs Train Show, presented by Cuyahoga Valley S Gauge Association, UAW Hall, 5615 Chevrolet Blvd., Parma, 10 a.m.–3 p.m. $6, under 12 free. Free parking. All-gauge show with over 150 tables of trains and toys, operating layouts, and good food at reasonable prices. 440-833-4366, jvendlinger@gmail. com, or www.cvsga.com. Mailing address: Ken Vendlinger, 28920 W. Willowick Dr., Willowick, OH 44095.

JAN. 8–12 – Ohio RV Supershow, I-X Center, One I-X Center Dr., Cleveland, Wed.–Fri. 12–9 p.m., Sat. 10 a.m.–10 p.m., Sun. 10 a.m.–6 p.m. $14, under 13 free. $10 parking. Over 600 of the newest RVs including tent campers, travel trailers, fifth wheels, and motor homes.

330-678-4489 or www.ohiorvshow.com.

JAN. 11 – Mohican Winter Fest, 131 W. Main St., Loudonville, 8 a.m.–5 p.m. Free. Aaron Costic and his crew from Elegant Ice Creations will offer six ice carving demonstrations hourly beginning at 11 a.m. Sponsored sculptures will be placed along Main Street on Friday evening or Saturday morning, weather permitting. 419994-2519 or www.discovermohican.com.

JAN. 11–12 – Medina Gun Show, Medina County Fgds.

Community Center, 735 Lafayette Rd., Medina, Sat. 9 a.m.–5 p.m., Sun. 9 a.m.–3 p.m. $7. 450 tables of displays.

330-948-4400 or www.conraddowdell.com.

JAN. 12 – Winter Hike, Mohican State Park, 3116 St. Rte. 3, Loudonville, 10 a.m.–2 p.m. Free. Take a 5K or 10K hike along Clear Fork Gorge. Enjoy hot soup, cookies, and drinks by the fire after the hike. 419-994-5125 or www. discovermohican.com.

NORTHWEST

THROUGH DEC. 26 – Lake of Lights, Saulisbery Park, 13344 St. Rte. 67 W., Kenton, 6–9 p.m. $5 per car. Special events on Sat. and Sun. evenings. 419-675-2547 or www. facebook.com/LakeOfLights.

THROUGH DEC. 31 – Lights Before Christmas, Toledo Zoo, 2 Hippo Way, Toledo, Sun.–Thur. 3–8 p.m., Fri./Sat. 3–9 p.m. $16–$19, under 2 free. Over 1 million lights, the award-winning Big Tree, and more than 200 illuminated animal images. 419-385-5721 or www.toledozoo.org.

THROUGH JAN. 5 – North Pole Express, 12505 Co. Rd. 99, Findlay, Fri. and Sat. 5:30–9:30 p.m., Sun. 5:30–8:30 p.m. Adults $4, children $3. Hop on board our quarterscale locomotive for a trip through a winter wonderland of sparkling lights and festive decorations. See operating model trains and hundreds of decorated trees, plus a visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus (on select days). 419-423-2995 or www.nworrp.org.

NORTHEAST

DECEMBER 2019 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING 37

2019–2020 CALENDAR

DECEMBER/JANUARY

Continued from page 37

CENTRAL

performance by Columbus Children’s Choir. Hours and schedule of events at www.stateauto.com/Christmas.

DEC. 21–22 – Scott Antique Market, Ohio Expo Center, Bricker and Celeste Bldgs., 717 E. 17th Ave., Columbus, Sat. 9 a.m.–6 p.m., Sun. 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Free admission; $5 parking.

America’s favorite treasure hunt! 800 exhibit booths. info@scottantiquemarket.com or www. scottantiquemarkets.com.

JAN. 3 – First Friday Art Walk, downtown Zanesville, 5–8 p.m. Stroll the downtown streets while touring over 35 participating galleries, studios, and local businesses, many of which offer demonstrations, make-and-take THROUGH JAN. 1 – Butch Bando’s Fantasy of Lights, activities, and complimentary refreshments. Free shuttle Alum Creek State Park Campgrounds, 3311 S. Old State Rd., Delaware, Sun.–Thur. 5:30–9:30 p.m., Fri./Sat. 5:30– service available on the Fun Bus. Tour maps available at participating galleries and businesses. www.artcoz.org.

10:30 p.m. $20–$30 per car. Drive-through light show.

614-412-3499 or https://butchbandosfantasyoflights.com. JAN. 3–5 – Columbus Build, Remodel, and Landscape Expo, Ohio Expo Center, Kasich Hall, Columbus, Fri. THROUGH JAN. 1 – “A Storybook Christmas,” 12–7 p.m., Sat. 10 a.m.–7 p.m., Sun. 10 a.m.–5 p.m. $6, Zanesville and Muskingum Co. locations. Over 100 under 18 free. From top-quality exhibits, to informative participating businesses. Drive or walk by to view the decorations or to visit. Nightly light and music show at the seminars, to insightful demonstrations and more, courthouse, Sun.–Thur. 6–9 p.m., Fri./Sat. 6–10 p.m. 740- you’ll discover thousands of smart, stylish, and costeffective ways to design or renovate your home. www.

455-8282, 800-743-2303, or www.visitzanesville.com. homeshowcenter.com.

THROUGH JAN. 2 – State Auto’s Christmas Corner, 518 JAN. 5 – Columbus Paper, Postcard, and Book E. Broad St., Columbus. Free. Historic life-sized Nativity Show, Ohio Expo Center, Rhodes Center, 717 E. 17th St., display. Official lighting is Dec. 4 at 5:30 p.m., with

Columbus, 9 a.m.–4 p.m. $6. Vintage paper collectibles including postcards, books, paper advertisements, stereo view cards, trade cards, old photographs, magazines, documents, non-sports cards, military paper items, paper sports collectibles, and protective storage options.

614-206-9103 or www.facebook.com/Columbus-PaperShow-134469001768.

JAN. 10 – Improv in the May, Marion Palace Theatre May Pavilion, 276 W. Center St., Marion, 7:30 p.m. $6.

An evening of improvisation comedy featuring audience interaction and suggestions for skits and games. 740-3832101 or www.marionpalace.org.

JAN. 10–19 – Ohio RV and Boat Show, Ohio Expo Center, 717 E. 17th St., Columbus, Wed.–Fri. 12–8 p.m., Sat. 10 a.m.–8 p.m., Sun. 11 a.m.–5 p.m. $14, C. (6–13) $3, under 6 free. Hundreds of campers and boats from over 21 dealers, plus camping gear, equipment, and related products. www.ohiorvandboatshow.com.

JAN. 11–12 – Columbus Weddings Show, Ohio Expo Center, Kasich Hall, 717 E. 17th St., Columbus, 11 a.m.–5 p.m. Sample wedding cakes and reception food, see the latest in wedding styles, and meet hundreds of wedding specialists. Daily runway shows. $12 at door; online discount and packages available. http:// cbusweddings,com.

SOUTHEAST

Muskingum Valley bluff between 4 and 4:30 p.m. in near perfect alignment with Sacra Via. Maps and a brief commentary will be provided by Castle archaeologist Wes Clarke. 740-373-1480 or www.mariettacastle.org.

DEC. 28 – Visit with the Pioneers, Campus Martius Museum, 601 Second St., Marietta. Visit the home of General Rufus Putnam to meet with some of Marietta’s citizens from the early 19th century. 740-373-3750 or www.campusmartiusmuseum.org.

DEC. 31 – New Year’s Eve Dance, 26100 Legion Rd., Langsville, 8–12 p.m. $10 cover charge. The Cadillacs out of Racine, Ohio, will be performing live. 740-669-1020 or josephfreeman476@gmail.com.

DEC. 31 – New Year’s Eve Gospel Sing, Harvest Christian Fellowship. Free. 740-704-1487.

DEC. 31 – New Year’s Eve Train and Fireworks, Hocking Valley Scenic Railway, Nelsonville Depot, 33 W. Canal St., Nelsonville, 10:30 p.m.–12:30 a.m. $22–$35. 740-2491452 or www.hvsry.org/trainlist.

JAN. 12 – Rhonda Vincent and The Rage, Stuart’s Opera House, 52 Public Square, Nelsonville, 3 p.m. $29–$39. A special matinee performance from “The New Queen of Bluegrass” and her award-winning band. 740-753-1924 or www.stuartsoperahouse.org.

performed each evening. 800-933-5480 or www. dickensvictorianvillage.com.

THROUGH JAN. 5 – “Space: A Journey to Our Future,” Bossard Library, 7 Spruce St., Gallipolis. Free. Interactive exhibition presented in cooperation with NASA and as seen at the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum. www.bossardlibrary.org.

DEC. 15 – It’s a Wonderful Life: The Musical, Majestic Theatre, 45 E. Second St., Chillicothe, 3 p.m. Presented by the Chillicothe Civic Theatre. Based on the beloved 1946 film, the musical faithfully follows George Bailey’s life THROUGH DEC. 22 – Santa Train, Hocking Valley Scenic from his childhood dreams to his midlife disappointments and beyond, as we all take a journey to discover whether Railway, Nelsonville Depot, 33 W. Canal St., Nelsonville, every Sat. and Sun., 11 a.m. and 2 p.m., and every Fri. at 6 his life has mattered at all. 740-772-2041 or www. majesticchillicothe.net. p.m. beginning on Nov. 30. $16–$21, under 3 free. www. hvsry.org/trainlist/#santa.

DEC. 18 – Phil Dirt and the Dozers, Majestic Theatre, 45 E. Second St., Chillicothe, 8 p.m. $20–$22. Fans THROUGH JAN. 1 – Dickens Victorian Village, of all ages can enjoy this family-friendly stroll through downtown Cambridge. Stroll the streets to view scenes the band’s oldies-but-goodies along with some of depicting life in 1850s England, featuring life-sized, their favorite Christmas songs. 740-772-2041 or www. handmade mannequins wearing real vintage clothing. majesticchillicothe.net.

800-933-5480 or www.dickensvictorianvillage.com.

DEC. 21 – Solstice Watch, Sacra Via Park (between Third THROUGH JAN. 1 – Guernsey County Courthouse and Second Sts.), Marietta, 4–5:30 p.m. If the weather Holiday Light Show, Cambridge, 5:30–9 p.m. cooperates, we will view the sun setting on the western nightly. Four different light and music shows

WEST VIRGINIA

THROUGH JAN. 1 – Winter Festival of Lights, Oglebay Resort, Wheeling. Featuring 300 acres of twinkling lights over a 6-mile drive. 3D holographic eyewear transforms every point of light into a magical display. Per-car donation requested; valid for the entire festival season. 877-4361797 or https://oglebay.com/events/festival-of-lights.

NOV. 22–DEC. 28 – Celebration of Lights, Morris Park, Fairmont, Fri.–Sun., 6–10 p.m. Suggested donation of $10 per car. See over 475 holiday light displays in this drive-through tour. 304-366-4550 or www. celebrationoflightswv.com.

38 OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • DECEMBER 2019

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 send an email to events@ohioec.org. Ohio Cooperative Living will not publish listings that don’t include a complete address or a number/website for more information.

SOUTHWEST

chocolate and cookies and entertainment by Santa’s elves. Reservations recommended. 513-933-8022 or www.lebanonrr.com/northpole.

THROUGH DEC. 31 – Light Up Middletown, Smith Park, 500 Tytus Ave., Middletown, 6–10 p.m. daily. Admission by cash donation — you set the price! A drive-through fantasy light display, open in all weather. Visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus every Fri. and Sat., 7–9 p.m., through Dec. 21. www.lightupmiddletown.org.

THROUGH JAN. 1 – Christmas at the EnterTRAINment Junction, 7379 Squire Court, West Chester. See the magic of Christmas at the home of the world’s largest indoor THROUGH DEC. 24 – Christmas in the Greenhouse, train display. Take the family on a “Journey to the North Milford Garden Center (in the Milford Shopping Center), Pole” where you’ll meet Santa and Mrs. Claus. 513-8981025 Lila Ave., Milford. Free. The greenhouse turns into a 8000 or www.entertrainmentjunction.com.

Christmas store, with cut and live trees for sale, crafts and goods made by local vendors, a large train display layout, THROUGH JAN. 5 – Holiday Lights on the Hill, Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park and Museum, 1763 Hamilton-Cleves and trains for purchase. Wreath-making classes weekly, Rd., Hamilton. Mon.–Thur. 6–9 p.m., $20 per car; Fri.– and Santa visits on Saturdays! Check website or call for updated hours. 513-248-4531 or www.grantsgreenhouses. Sun. 6–10 p.m., $25 per car; museum members $15. A 2-mile drive-through light display. 513-868-1234 or http:// com. pyramidhill.org/holiday-lights.

THROUGH DEC. 28 – North Pole Express, LM&M DEC. 13–14 – “Songs of the Season”: Oxford Musicians Railroad, 16 E. South St., Lebanon. $22–$35; children Holiday Concert, Oxford Community Arts Center, Oxford, under 2, $5. See website for days and times. Take a 7:30 p.m. $10. Each group does two or three numbers. ride on a vintage train to visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus!

Vernon McIntyre’s Appalachian Grass plays on Sat., Dec. Children will receive a small gift from Santa. Enjoy hot

14; exact time to be announced later. 513-524-8506, info@ oxarts.org, or www.oxarts.org.

DEC. 15 – Winter Avant-Garde Art and Craft Show, Oasis Golf Club and Conference Ctr., 902 Loveland-Miamiville Rd., Loveland, 10 a.m.–5 p.m. $3, under 12 free. Artists and crafters selling their original handmade items. Full concession stand on site. www.avantgardeshows.com.

DEC. 21 – Winter Solstice Sunset Observance, Serpent Mound, 3850 St. Rte. 73, Peebles, 4–5:30 p.m. 937-2050094 or www.serpentmound.org.

JAN. 1 – World Race for Hope 5K, Hobart Arena, 255 Adams St., Troy, 10 a.m.–12 p.m. Free. Join runners and walkers on New Year’s Day to kick off National Slavery Prevention and Human Trafficking Awareness Month.

Donations support the nonprofit Free To Run Foundation’s awareness/education programs and charity partners.

Register by Dec. 31 at https://runsignup.com/Race/OH/ Troy/WorldRaceforHopeTroy.

JAN. 4–5 – Wedding Expo and Show, Wright State University Nutter Center, McLin Gym, 3640 Colonel Glenn Hwy., Dayton, 11 a.m.–4 p.m. $5 in advance, $8 at door.

Fashion shows at 1 and 3 p.m. Giveaways, door prizes, demonstrations, and seminars. www.weddingapolis.com.

DECEMBER 2019 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING 39

MEMBER INTERACTIVE 1

2

night

SILENT 1. A tranquil early winter night in our neighborhood.

Lorie Wilber

3

Lorain-Medina Rural Electric Cooperative member

4

2. The Kirk triplets awaiting Santa’s arrival! My children Steel, Volt, and Sterling.

Justin Kirk Guernsey-Muskingum Electric Cooperative member

3. Curiosity is the cat! Our cat, Chloe, was fascinated by the lights on our Christmas tree.

Toni Kellar

5

Washington Electric Cooperative member

4. Chloe, our English springer spaniel, quietly waits for her Christmas treats from Santa.

Ingrid Benn Weaver Consolidated Cooperative member

5. A winter walk at home.

Richard Breitenbach 6

South Central Power Company member

6. Our 3-year-old granddaughter, Millie Nicholson, up bright and early checking out the Christmas tree.

Perry and Dawn Hamman

7

Hancock-Wood Electric Cooperative member

7. A view of our barn nestled among the trees during a silent winter night.

Julie Wilhelm Tricounty Rural Electric Cooperative member

Send us your picture!

For March, send “Tip of the Hat” by Dec. 15; for April, send “Easter Egg Hunt” by Jan. 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 • DECEMBER 2019

HOW DO CAPITAL CREDITS

WORK?

Co-ops are not-for-profit, so when there’s money left after bills are paid, it’s returned to members as “capital credits,” or “patronage capital.”

Ohio electric co-ops returned $34 MILLION to members in 2018.

Nationally, electric co-ops returned $1.1 BILLION to members in 2017, and $16 BILLION since 1988.

Members paying their bills generates operating revenue for the co-op.

When all the bills are paid, the extra money at the end of each year, called “margins,” is allocated back to each member based on how much electricity they purchased that year.

ohioec.org/purpose

The co-op’s board approves a return of that money to members, often called “capital credits” or “patronage capital.”