Ohio Cooperative Living - August 2024 - Adams

OHIO

AUGUST 2024

COOPERATIVE Adams Rural Electric Cooperative

Annual Meeting Saturday, August 17, 2024 Drive-thru event 9 a.m. – noon

ALSO INSIDE Capturing carbon An old salt Daddy longlegs

CALL FOR ENTRIES 2025 cooperative calendar

Ohio Cooperative Living magazine is seeking photography submissions from our electric cooperative members. Send us beautiful landscape, wildlife, and floral photos from your cooperative hometown. Winning submissions will receive a cash prize and be published in the 2025 edition of the cooperative calendar.

Requirements • One photo entry per household.

• High-resolution, color, digital images only.

• Only JPEG or TIF file formats will be accepted.

• Please send submissions by email attachment only to photo@ohioec.org.

• Photo format must be horizontal and capable of filling an 8x11-inch image area.

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

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

For more information, visit OhioCoopLiving.com/calendar

DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSION: AUGUST 16, 2024

OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • AUGUST 2024

INSIDE

FEATURES

22 DADDY LONGLEGS

The gangly harvestmen are about to emerge from hiding to get ready for the long winter.

25 OHIO SCUBA

The Buckeye State offers a variety of open-water diving experiences.

28 BIG MEMORIES

Big Muskie’s giant bucket is all that remains from a bygone era of strip mining in eastern Ohio.

30 ROADSIDE SHRINES

Impromptu memorials that often pop up after a tragedy help the grieving and serve as reminders to drive with care.

Cover image on most editions: Ohio might not be the first place you think of for scuba diving, but the prevalence of abandoned quarries, many of which are fed by clear spring water, has spawned a small but growing number of underwater enthusiasts (photograph courtesy of Rich Synowiec/White Star Quarry).

This page: The gangly daddy longlegs, despite its eight appendages, isn’t a spider — whereas spiders have segmented bodies, daddy longlegs have a single body segment. They also have no fangs or venom glands, and they don’t spin webs (photograph by Henrik_L via Getty Images).

AUGUST 2024 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING

1

UP FRONT

What’s next?

E

very year for decades, the planet has used more energy than the year before, spurred largely by the improving standard of living in developing areas. At the same time, the world has tried to move away from fossil fuel dependence and toward renewable sources in the worthwhile hopes of reducing environmental impact and gaining more independence from supply sources that are unreliable or unfriendly (or both). New energy supply technologies, therefore, always attract plenty of attention.

Still today, as has been the case for the past century, we are powered by fossil fuels. In fact, despite tremendous investment and favorable tax treatment for renewable and other new energy sources, the world has relied on steady increases in fossil fuel production to meet a nearly constant 80% of our energy needs.

There is no doubt that new and emerging technologies continue to transform our daily lives — usually for the better. Significant developments over the past several decades have reduced the impact of burning fossil fuels: improved means of converting wind and solar energy into electricity; increased efficiency of combustion engines and turbines; new and better batteries that can store larger quantities of electric energy; enhanced oil and natural gas drilling and recovery methods; and better environmental control equipment that keeps byproducts out of our air, soil, and water.

But none of these innovations and improvements has yet been a “game changer.” It’s a simple fact that, because of the sheer scale of the energy infrastructure needed to power our lives, it takes years (and more likely decades) for even the most innovative discovery to have a meaningful effect.

We don’t know exactly what our ingenuity will come up with next, but we can be certain that whatever it is, it will take time to be developed and deployed. Meanwhile, power producers still have a responsibility to keep up with the world’s constantly growing demand, so we can’t just sit back and wait. We need to keep utilizing our proven, reliable, and economical “traditional” energy infrastructure at the same time we work to develop the “next big thing.”

2

OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • AUGUST 2024

Pat O’Loughlin

PRESIDENT & CEO OHIO’S ELECTRIC COOPERATIVES

Because of the sheer scale of our energy infrastructure, it takes years (and more likely decades) for even the most innovative discovery to have a meaningful impact.

August 2024 • Volume 66, No. 11

Ohio Rural Electric Cooperatives 6677 Busch Blvd.

Columbus, OH 43229 614-846-5757 www.ohiocoopliving.com Patrick O’Loughlin Caryn Whitney Jeff McCallister Amy Howat Neal Kindig

4 DEPARTMENTS

President & CEO Director of Communications Senior Managing Editor Assistant Managing Editor Graphic Designer

Contributors: Jodi Borger, Margaret Buranen, Colleen Romick Clark, Getty Images, W.H. “Chip” Gross, Catherine Murray, James Proffitt, Craig Springer, and MJ Zindars.

OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING (USPS 134-760; ISSN 2572-049X) is published monthly by Ohio Rural Elec­tric Co­op­eratives, Inc. It is the official com­munication link be­tween the elec­­­­tric co­operatives in Ohio and West Virginia and their mem­bers. Subscription cost for members ranges from $5.52 to $6.96 per year, paid from equity accruing to the member.

POSTMASTER: Send address changes to editorial and advertising offices at: 6677 Busch Boulevard, Columbus, OH 43229-1101. Periodicals postage paid at Berne, IN 46711, and at additional mailing offices. Nothing in this publication may be reproduced in any manner without written permission from Ohio Rural Electric Cooperatives, Inc. All rights reserved.

The fact that a product is advertised in Ohio Cooperative Living should not be taken as an en­dorse­ment. If you find an advertisement mis­leading or a product unsatisfactory, please not­ify us or the Ohio Attorney General’s Of­fi ce, Consumer Protection Sec­tion, 30 E. Broad St., Col­um­bus, OH 43215.

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

4 POWER LINES

Between a rock and a hard place: The EPA says fossil fuel

power plants must shut down if they can’t capture and store the carbon they produce.

8 WOODS, WATERS, AND WILDLIFE

An old salt: Underneath Ohio’s

largest lake, a pair of mines produce an unexpected treasure.

Hops to it: Cash crop allows patient Ohio farmers to take advantage of the craft brewery boom.

13 GOOD EATS

Vim and vinegar: There’s some in

every pantry; put it to flavorful use in these yummy recipes.

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

News and other important information from your electric cooperative.

September events and other things to do around Ohio.

33

36 MEMBER INTERACTIVE

Cooperative members:

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

Alliance for Audited Media Member

13

17 LOCAL PAGES

What’s happening: August/

Cheryl Solomon

10

10 CO-OP PEOPLE

33 CALENDAR National/regional advertising inquiries, contact

8

Diving board: Members go off

the deep end to share memories of summertime fun!

36

Visit Ohio Cooperative Living magazine online at www.ohiocoopliving.com!

Read past issues and watch videos about our articles or our recipes. Our site features an expanded Member Interactive area, where you can share your stories, recipes, and photos and find content submitted by other co-op members across the state.

AUGUST 2024 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING

3

POWER LINES

Between a

rock and a

hard place Because the only other option is a gamble on technology that may not work here, new EPA rules would force the closure of Ohio co-ops’ main source of reliable power.

BY JEFF MCCALLISTER

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s new Greenhouse Gas Standards and Guidelines for Fossil Fuel-Fired Power Plants requires aggressive action to drastically reduce emissions of carbon dioxide from conventional electricity-generating facilities such as the Cardinal Power Plant, the co-op member-owned generation facility on the Ohio River in Brilliant.

The rule offers basically two ways for plants like Cardinal to reduce their CO2 emissions by 90%: Either invest billions of dollars in a system known as carbon capture and sequestration (CSS), or shut down altogether.

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OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • AUGUST 2024

The rock: Costs of shutting down

The white plume rising from the stacks at the coal-fired Cardinal Power Plant in Brilliant is nearly all water vapor. Buckeye Power, the member-owned generation and transmission cooperative that operates the plant, has invested more than $1 billion to install equipment that has made it one of the cleanest generating stations of its kind in the world.

Buckeye Power, the generation and transmission cooperative that operates Cardinal on behalf of the state’s 25 not-for-profit electric distribution cooperatives, relies on the plant for more than 80% of the power it delivers to more than 400,000 homes and businesses every day. From the start, Buckeye has maintained a commitment to environmental responsibility as part of its mission.

“Buckeye Power has invested more than $1 billion in environmental controls over the past 20 years,” says Pat O’Loughlin, Buckeye’s president and CEO. “To put it in perspective, that’s over half of everything we’ve invested in the entire history of our company, and those investments have produced dramatic results in cleaner air, cleaner water, and significantly reduced solid waste such as ash.”

The improvements, in fact, not only met but usually exceeded EPA standards, and made Cardinal one of the cleanest coal-burning power plants in the world. Of course, they also increased the cost of producing electricity — a trade-off generally accepted by co-op members.

The new rules have been challenged in federal court by a consortium of utilities, trade groups, and attorneys general from 27 states, including Ohio.

Troy Balderson, a Republican U.S. Representative from Zanesville, introduced legislation to overturn the standards, and Democratic Sen. Sherrod Brown announced that he will support a similar effort in that chamber, specifically citing harm to energy industry workers and rural electric cooperatives.

That’s why the new EPA rule puts Buckeye Power in such a tough spot; if Cardinal must shut down, Buckeye still would have to both pay off those previous investments and provide the power needed for members to keep their lights on 24 hours a day — but would have to do so without its most economical and reliable assets.

It likely would mean purchasing power on the open market, which is not a cheap proposition, especially in the harsh weather conditions that set Cardinal’s reliability in stark contrast to renewables like wind and solar.

Because co-ops are member owned and not for profit, all of those increased costs would have to be borne by members through significantly higher electric bills.

The hard place: An impossible gamble To avoid shutting the units down, the EPA offers the option to use CCS to meet that 90% reduction — a standard that

Continued on page 6

AUGUST 2024 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING

5

Continued from page 5

must be met by 2032, less than eight years from now. The EPA, in announcing its rule, even pointed to one of Buckeye’s sister generation co-ops, Minnkota Power of North Dakota, and its “Project Tundra” CCS initiative, as proof that it can be done.

Minnkota has been working on Project Tundra for almost 10 years at its 700-megawatt Milton R. Young Power Plant near Bismarck, North Dakota, making significant progress on engineering and design, permitting, and regulatory compliance.

The problem is, it’s still just a concept; even after nearly a decade, no construction has yet taken place. Now Minnkota’s CEO has announced a delay in the project because of uncertainty about the EPA’s guidelines.

So, despite the EPA’s assertion, no project has ever even been designed that would meet the requirement — at least not at the scale that would be required at Cardinal.

Electric cooperatives are at the forefront of the drive toward clean carbon solutions. Above, Minnkota Power Cooperative’s Milton Young Plant began working to add carbon capture technology in 2015. Officials hope to begin construction later this year. Below, Basin Power’s Dry Fork Plant is home to the Wyoming Integrated Test Center, where researchers use 5% of the 400-megawatt plant’s flue gas to search for potentially workable new technology in a real-world setting.

“There have been a few instances where smaller amounts of flue gas have been cleaned to near 90%, most of the time,” O’Loughlin says. “Our Cardinal Plant is 1,800 megawatts. That’s a big jump. It would be a huge gamble to commit billions of dollars of our members’ money to something that we’re not sure will do what the EPA is requiring, and certainly will not do it in the time frame they’re demanding.”

The bottom line

“Right now, the technology remains in a nascent and experimental state that is not technically or commercially viable for Cardinal,” says Craig Grooms, Buckeye Power’s chief operating officer, in a declaration of harm filed with the D.C. Circuit of the U.S. Court of Appeals. And even if it were, he continues, “permitting, siting, design, and construction standards for CCS — including for CO2 storage and CO2 pipeline transportation from Cardinal to storage, as well as the CO2 capture technology itself — mean that any such CCS system could not be placed into service by the January 1, 2032, compliance date required by the final rule.”

In other words, says O’Loughlin, “Cardinal, and likely every other coal plant in the country, will not be able to comply with the rule, and will be left no choice but to shut down. Our grid will become much less reliable, and electricity will become a lot more expensive.”

Voices for Cooperative Power is a grassroots network of electric co-op members who help shape public policy by sharing concerns with policymakers. Find helpful links to connect you with government leaders at https://voicesforcooperativepower.com/act-now-epa.

6

OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • AUGUST 2024

How CCS works

Under the right conditions, carbon capture and storage (CCS) could be a viable method for reducing carbon dioxide emissions while preserving the reliability and dependability of fossil-fuel power plants. There are a handful of utilities testing this ambitious technology in the U.S., particularly in areas where favorable underground geology is thought to be ideal for storing CO2. Here’s how CCS works.

1 Capture

Amine solution is used to separate CO2 from fossil fuel power plant flue gases.

2 Transport Compressed CO2 is

transported via a pipeline to an injection wellhead.

Storage

CO2 is injected into porous rock formations deep underground.

NRECA/KEVIN KEPPLE

CCS at Cardinal would require the design and construction of, in essence, a major chemical plant on-site to capture the carbon from the plant’s emissions. Such a chemical plant would have its own electrical needs that would use roughly 25% of the energy that Cardinal produces, according to O’Loughlin.

Once the carbon is separated, it would then require a pipeline to a geologically sound deep-well location to store it. (Ohio’s geology, much less favorable to that process than North Dakota’s, presents its own challenges.)

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AUGUST 2024 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING

7

WOODS, WATERS, AND WILDLIFE

AN OLD SALT Underneath Ohio’s largest lake, a pair of mines produce an unexpected treasure.

BY W.H. “CHIP” GROSS

A

multitude of boaters, anglers, swimmers, vacationers, sun-chasers, and thrill-seekers flocks to Lake Erie each summer. Most of them will have no idea of the activity taking place far beneath those waters.

For the past 65 years, nearly half a mile down, two massive salt mines have been extracting more than 3 million tons of rock salt per year for use to melt snow and ice on Ohio’s winter streets, roads, and highways.

The entrance to one of the mines, operated by Cargill, Inc., is just offshore from downtown Cleveland on Whiskey Island (so named when a distillery was built on the site in the 1830s). The second mine, operated by Morton Salt, is 30 miles farther east along the lakeshore at Fairport Harbor. The property and mineral rights under the lake are owned by the State of Ohio, but the mineral rights are leased to the two operators.

8

OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • AUGUST 2024

“Geologists believe that the salt beds formed eons ago when an ancient, relatively shallow saltwater sea covered what one day would become the Buckeye State,” says Chris Wright, Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Division of Geological Survey program supervisor. “As the waters continually ebbed and flowed in the warm tropical climate, evaporation occurred, leaving salt beds that today in some parts of Ohio measure 40 to 50 feet thick.”

The construction of the two mines took place during the late 1950s; the initial vertical shaft of each mine, sunk to a depth of about 2,000 feet and measuring about 16 feet in diameter, took about two years to complete. At that depth, the shafts take a 90-degree turn, heading north under the lake bed.

Today, the horizontal mine passageways extend several miles under the lake. The large, powerful equipment

cost-effective to mine there. And secondly, it was much simpler for the operators to acquire the mineral rights from one entity — the State of Ohio — than deal with the many, many individual landowners who would have needed to be contracted inland.”

The mining itself is accomplished using what’s known as the room-and-pillar technique, in which about half of the salt in a particular “room” is removed, leaving a passageway, and the other half is allowed to remain in place as support pillars for the ceiling. To loosen the rock salt at the working face of the mine, small-diameter holes are drilled about 10 feet deep into the salt, spaced every few feet. Explosive charges are placed into the holes and detonated, and the loosened salt can then be scooped up, placed in trucks, and moved to the conveyors that take it to the main shaft and eventually to the surface.

Chris Wright, geology program supervisor for the ODNR, Division of Geological Survey, displays rock core sections of an Ohio salt bed. The clearer section has fewer impurities. The salt beds under Lake Erie, formed eons ago, can measure 40 to 50 feet thick (above right), and today, miners use the room-and-pillar technique to remove the salt for use in above-ground applications.

needed to mine the salt — trucks, front-end loaders, conveyors, etc. — was lowered into the mines by first disassembling the machines into their component parts, then reassembling them at the bottom of the shaft.

The salt beds cover a vast area that includes most of eastern Ohio, western Pennsylvania, western New York, southwestern Ontario, central Michigan, and into northern West Virginia. So, why are the two Ohio mines located on the Erie shore?

“The answer is twofold,” Wright says. “Even though various salt layers can be found over a huge area, in Ohio they are closest to the surface along the lakeshore, making it more

Ask

chip!

Shallow mines are a lot like caves, which usually remain at the median temperature of the environment surrounding them. For example, Ohio Caverns near West Liberty is 103 feet deep and is a constant 54 degrees year-round, which is the median temperature for that part of Ohio.

“The natural temperature within the deeper salt mines is also relatively constant,” Wright says. “About 70 degrees, with the temperature actually warming a few degrees as you descend deeper and deeper underground, due to geothermal heat.”

An interesting side note is that the salt beds in the mines are constantly “flowing,” according to Wright — albeit at a literal glacial pace. Because of the extreme pressure of the rocks above the salt beds, the rock salt attempts to fill the empty spaces where salt has already been mined. As a result, some sections of the mines are no longer safe to enter because they have become unstable.

“There is no danger of cracks reaching all the way up to the bottom of Lake Erie and allowing the lake water to suddenly flood the mines,” Wright says. “It’s really nothing to worry about.”

W.H. “Chip” Gross is Ohio Cooperative Living’s outdoors editor. Email him with your outdoors questions at whchipgross@gmail.com. Be sure to include “Ask Chip” in the subject of the email. Your question may be answered on www.ohiocoopliving.com!

AUGUST 2024 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING

9

CO-OP PEOPLE

Hops to it!

Cash crop allows patient Ohio farmers to take advantage of the craft brewery boom.

BY MARGARET BURANEN

A

ccording to the Ohio Craft Brewers Association, there were 434 craft breweries in the state of Ohio at the end of 2023. More are opening all the time.

And that gigantic growth curve has created an equally growing opportunity for a number of Ohio farmers: Those breweries need hops.

Hops add bitterness to balance the sweetness of malt in beers. Different varieties of hops contain varying levels of oils and acids, and those are what give beers their distinct flavors.

“Different breweries want different varieties of hops,” says Amy Berridge, a member of Kenton-based Mid-Ohio Energy Cooperative. Berridge, her mother, Rubiana Berridge, and her sister, Lori Tucker, own Three Chicks Farm in Morral, in Marion County. In 2014, Three Chicks added hops to its lineup of crops, which also includes soybeans, wheat, alfalfa hay, and Christmas trees.

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OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • AUGUST 2024

“When we were considering growing hops, they told us that it would be easy and make a lot of money,” Amy Berridge says. “It is neither.”

Logan Minter, associate professor and extension and field specialist for specialty crops at Ohio State University’s South Center, says hops grew wild in Ohio until Prohibition, but then hop production shifted to northwestern states. Part of Minter’s research now involves finding and cultivating wild hop plants. He hopes to find strains that are more resistant to insects or have other beneficial properties.

Minter confirms that, while hop acreage in Ohio has increased in the last 10 years, the number of those growing the stuff has declined despite the demand.

“First, it’s a labor-intensive crop,” he says. “Then there is a relatively high installation cost, and a significant annual operations cost after that.”

Minter says with all that initial investment, it takes about three years for a farmer to break even, and only then will

Left: Hops blooms resemble pine cones; above, the plants grow on strings made from paper or coconut fiber hanging from cables; below, the harvester separates the cones from the rest of the plant.

most farmers begin to make a profit from their work; Berridge says that was her experience as well.

The hop yard at Three Chicks Farm measures threequarters of an acre. They began with small, established plants their first year, and those plants took about three years to develop enough roots to produce a full crop.

They’ve since added a second variety. Once established, Minter says, hop plants will produce a crop for 25 years or more, though they are susceptible to various diseases and pests and require a certain vigilance.

The plant itself is referred to as a hop; its flowers are the hops that flavor your brewski. Hops flowers are referred to as cones, because they look like small green pine cones. The cones grow on bines (bines, not vines) that are supported on strings. Some growers use strings made of coir from coconuts, but Three Chicks uses special hop strings made of paper. Metal cables hold the strings to wooden poles or trellises that stand 16 to 20 feet tall.

For the September harvest, “we cut off the bines close to the ground and untie them from the trellises,” Berridge Continued on page 12

AUGUST 2024 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING

11

Continued from page 11

says. “Then the bines and strings go through a mechanical harvester that separates the cones and sends them out the side.”

Berridge says that most breweries want the cones in pellet form for efficiency and consistency. So after the cones are removed from the bines, they are sent away to be dried, converted into pellets, and then put in bags to be sold.

While breweries are the major customers for hops, there are other uses. The citrus-like scent of the cones makes them suitable for some cosmetics. Tea made from hops (Berridge’s verdict: “not bad”) can promote sleep. Hops can be used to flavor food as well.

“We made some macaroons with hops,” Berridge says. “They were really good and won first place at the Marion County Fair.”

As labor-intensive as it is to grow hops, Berridge says, selling them is even harder. “You have to sell directly to your customers, to build relationships with them, because there is no central marketplace for hops,” she says.

To that end, Berridge is also a member, and treasurer, of the Ohio Hop Growers Guild, which has about 70 members who can lean on one another for help with everything from pest control to sales and marketing. The guild connection led Three Chicks to an arrangement with another hop farm to sell its hops.

And even with cooperation among the guild, Minter sums up hop growing and beer production: “It’s a lot easier to drink beer than it is to make it.”

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OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • AUGUST 2024

GOOD GOOD EATS EATS

RECIPES AND PHOTOGRAPHS

BY CATHERINE MURRAY

Vim and vinegar There’s some of the sour stuff in every pantry; put it to flavorful use in these yummy recipes.

PICKLE-BRINED GRILLED CHICKEN Prep: 10 minutes | Chill: 4+ hours | Cook: 7 minutes | Servings: 4 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast 1¼ cups dill pickle juice (jarred vinegar pickles, not fermented) 1 tablespoon brown sugar

½ teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon black pepper

NOTE: Pickle juice is chock-full of vinegar, which makes for a flavorful, tender, and juicy chicken marinade. Other uses for pickle juice: Pickle another batch of vegetables, liven up potatoes, add a dash to a Bloody Mary, or pour over unwanted garden weeds!

Slice chicken breasts in half for thinner pieces, which are better for marinating and grilling. In a container with lid, mix together all ingredients except chicken, then submerge chicken in marinade, cover, and refrigerate for 4 to 8 hours.

Preheat grill to 350 F. Lightly oil grates to prevent chicken from sticking. Using heat-safe tongs, pull chicken out of marinade, shake off excess, and place on grill. (Discard marinade.) Cook 5 to 7 minutes per side, until internal temperature reaches 165 F. Remove from grill and let rest 5 minutes before serving. Pair with your favorite side dishes.

Per serving: 148 calories, 3 grams fat (0.5 gram saturated fat), 83 milligrams cholesterol, 167 milligrams sodium, 3 grams total carbohydrates, 0 grams fiber, 26 grams protein.

AUGUST 2024 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING

13

BALSAMIC POLENTA BOWL Prep: 15 minutes | Cook: 50 minutes | Servings: 6 5½ cups water 1 teaspoon salt 1 cup cornmeal 2 tablespoons salted butter 2 pounds Brussels sprouts, trimmed and cut in half 1 medium red onion, sliced in half moons

2 tablespoons olive oil salt and pepper 3 to 5 tablespoons balsamic vinegar, divided ½ cup crumbled feta cheese ½ cup chopped walnuts

NOTES: For crispy Brussels sprouts, follow the recipe as written. For more tender Brussels sprouts, use one baking pan and the vegetables will steam while roasting. For a meaty version, mix in some crumbled bacon or pair with chicken, beef, or pork tenderloin.

In a medium pot, bring water and salt to a boil. Sprinkle in cornmeal while continually whisking until polenta thickens enough to bubble and pop. Lower heat and switch to stirring with a spoon or silicone spatula to prevent burning for a few more minutes, then cook uncovered, stirring every 5 minutes until polenta thickens and separates from sides of pot, 40 to 50 minutes. If it becomes too thick or clumps, incorporate a bit more water. Stir in butter until glossy and smooth. While polenta is cooking, work on the Brussels sprouts.

Preheat oven to 400 F. On two shallow baking pans, toss Brussels sprouts and red onion with oil, spread out in a single layer, and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Roast 12 to 18 minutes. When they’re close to desired doneness, toss, drizzle with 2 to 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar, and top with feta and walnuts. Roast another 5 minutes.

Portion out polenta in bowls, top with roasted Brussels sprouts, and drizzle with some more balsamic vinegar.

Per serving: 354 calories, 19 grams fat (6 grams saturated fat), 22 milligrams cholesterol, 342 milligrams sodium, 39 grams total carbohydrates, 7 grams fiber, 10 grams protein.

SUPER-SIMPLE COLESLAW Prep: 10 minutes | Servings: 6 8 cups coarsely sliced green cabbage ½ cup shredded carrot ½ cup mayonnaise

1/3 cup+ red wine vinegar ¼ teaspoon salt ¼ teaspoon black pepper

In a large bowl, mix all ingredients — carefully at first, then as the cabbage wilts from releasing water, it’ll be easier to stir and incorporate the dressing. Refrigerate up to 4 days (give it a good stir before serving).

Per serving: 158 calories, 14 grams fat (2 grams saturated fat), 0 milligrams cholesterol, 212 milligrams sodium, 7 grams total carbohydrates, 3 grams fiber, 1.5 grams protein.

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OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • AUGUST 2024

APPLE CIDER CRUMBLE CAKE

Prep: 20 minutes | Bake: 50 to 60 minutes | Servings: 9

Filling/streusel crumble ¾ cup packed brown sugar 1 cup flour

Cake batter

2 cups flour 2 teaspoons baking soda ½ teaspoon salt 1 stick unsalted butter, softened ½ cup packed brown sugar

2 tablespoons cinnamon 1 stick unsalted butter, softened ½ cup white sugar 1 teaspoon vanilla 1 cup apple cider 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar

NOTE: Did you know the combination of 1 teaspoon baking soda and 1 tablespoon vinegar can be used in place of an egg (as a leveling agent) in many baked goods?

Make the filling/streusel: Cut butter into the dry ingredients (brown sugar through cinnamon) with a fork, pastry cutter, or food processor until a crumb forms and set aside.

Preheat oven to 350 F. In a medium bowl, mix cake batter’s flour, baking soda, and salt. In a large bowl with an electric mixer, cream butter, brown sugar, white sugar, and vanilla until lightened in color. Add half the dry ingredients to the bowl. When mostly combined, add apple cider and apple cider vinegar. Once combined, mix in remaining dry mixture. Finish off with a spatula to avoid overmixing.

Spoon/pour half the cake batter into a greased 8x8-inch (or 9-inch round) baking dish, covering all corners with batter. Sprinkle a thin layer of streusel crumbs over the batter, then pour remaining batter on top, smoothing out to the edges of the dish. Sprinkle remaining streusel in an even layer across the top. Place on a cookie sheet on the middle rack of the oven and bake 55 to 65 minutes — if streusel crumble darkens too quickly, lightly cover with aluminum foil. Cake is done when toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool completely before cutting and serving.

Per serving: 408 calories, 11 grams fat (6 grams saturated fat), 27 milligrams cholesterol, 318 milligrams sodium, 74 grams total carbohydrates, 2 grams fiber, 4 grams protein.

Check it out!

See videos of some of our mouth-watering recipes being prepared at

www.ohiocoopliving.com AUGUST 2024 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING

15

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ADAMS RURAL ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE 2023 ANNUAL REPORT Join us at the annual meeting IT is time once again to welcome our members to your annual meeting, on Saturday, August 17, 2024. The cooperative’s bylaws require that an annual meeting of members be held each year in August to share reports on the financial condition and activities for the prior year.

ON behalf of the employees and board to trustees, I would like to invite you

to attend the 84th annual meeting at 8:00 a.m. on August 17 in our linemen’s room in the warehouse. You can park in front of the office and employees will direct you on where to go. You can visit with other members and hear about the 2023 activities of your cooperative. The results of the board of trustee’s election will also be announced at the meeting.

ERIKA ACKLEY

GENERAL MANAGER

ONCE the annual meeting is over, you can join the Member Appreciation

Drive-Thru Event, which begins at 9 a.m. This is our fifth year for the event, and it continues to grow in numbers each year. You will enter on the State Route 125 side of our parking lot. There will be five stops along the drive-thru.

Members will receive gifts, hats, and a food coupon. All children in the vehicle will also receive a gift. Dog treats will be available for each dog in the vehicle.

In addition, the equipment that our crews use every day to power your homes will be on display as you drive through. Every member who attends will be entered for a chance to win one of ten $50 bill credits that will be given away. The event runs until noon.

I hope you will join us on August 17! I look forward to seeing you there as we celebrate another successful year of your electric cooperative.

AUGUST 2024 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING

17

Financial Health A copy of the auditor’s report may be obtained by contacting the cooperative office.

BALANCE SHEET

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2023 AND 2022

INVESTMENTS AND OTHER ASSETS

Investments – patronage capital Right of use asset, net of accumulated amortization Deferred charges Other investments

TOTAL INVESTMENTS AND OTHER ASSETS

46,586,624 26,112 46,612,736

2022 $

45,511,070 21,598 45,532,668

(18,069,116) 28,543,620

(16,815,485) 28,717,183

8,405,429 17,294 7,437 1,050 8,431,210

8,286,151 102,133 15,467 1,050 8,404,801

790,447

445,323

1,780,689 334,140 73,351 573,496 130,587 3,682,710

1,636,797 441,703 64,891 464,171 40,843 3,093,728

CURRENT ASSETS

Cash and cash equivalents Accounts receivable, less provision for uncollectible accounts of $36,032 and $37,144 for 2023 and 2022, respectively Unbilled revenue Other current assets Materials and supplies Prepayments

TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS

TOTAL ASSETS

EQUITIES

Memberships Patronage capital Other equities

TOTAL EQUITIES

$

40,657,540

$

40,215,712

$

90,830 22,605,513 (368,274) 22,328,069

$

90,665 22,194,579 (369,481) 21,915,763

LONG-TERM DEBT

Mortgage and notes payable, less current maturities Long-term portion of lease payments

TOTAL LONG-TERM DEBT

OTHER NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES

Deferred Credits

TOTAL OTHER NONCURRENT LIABILITIES

CURRENT LIABILITIES

Current maturities of long-term debt Line of credit Current portion of lease payments Accounts payable – other Accounts payable – cost of purchased power Consumer deposits Accrued taxes Other current liabilities

TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES

TOTAL EQUITIES & LIABILITIES 18

OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • AUGUST 2024

$

13,107,487 0 13,107,487

13,022,647 5,609 13,028,256

3,457 3,457

13,306 13,306

905,707 1,525,000 5,610 492,089 959,555 366,061 508,919 455,586 5,218,527

1,106,282 1,550,000 37,886 131,893 1,068,230 377,461 508,854 477,781 5,258,387

40,657,540

$

40,215,712

ASSETS

In service – at cost Construction work in progress Subtotal Electric Plant Less: Accumulated depreciation and amortization

NET ELECTRIC PLANT

2023 $

EQUITIES & LIABILITIES

ELECTRIC PLANT

STATEMENTS OF REVENUE & EXPENSES FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2023 AND 2022 2023 $

OPERATING EXPENSES

17,600,561

2022 $

17,557,824

10,198,239 1,106,274 1,601,603 540,951 979,621 1,421,297 498,923 701,300 17,048,208

10,518,359 1,046,347 1,396,885 481,457 1,065,075 1,436,020 522,462 657,390 17,123,995

Operating margins before capital credits

552,353

433,829

Buckeye Power, Inc., capital credits Other capital credits

593,121 76,868

516,088 782,478

NET OPERATING MARGINS

1,222,342

1,032,421

26,823 (13,953) 12,870

17,848 (18,151) 22,338

Cost of purchased power Distribution – operations Distribution – maintenance Consumer accounts Administrative and general Depreciation and amortization Taxes Interest

TOTAL OPERATING EXPENSES

NON-OPERATING MARGINS

Interest income Miscellaneous non-operating (expense) income

TOTAL NON-OPERATING MARGINS

NET MARGINS

$

$1,235,212

$

MARGINS & EXPENSES

OPERATING REVENUE

$1,054,759

Our auditors have completed their audit of the financial statements of Adams Rural Electric Cooperative (the Cooperative), which comprise the balance sheets as of December 31, 2023, and the related statements of revenue and patronage capital, changes in members’ equity and cash flows for the year then ended and the related notes to the financial statements. They issued an unmodified opinion on the financial statement dated March 6, 2024. The financial statements as of and for the year ended December 31, 2022 were audited by different auditors who issued an unmodified opinion on those financial statements dated March 1, 2023. When an auditor issues an unmodified opinion it means the financial statements are presented fairly, in all material respects, in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America. The accompanying statements were derived from the audited financial statements, but excludes the statements changes in members’ equity and cash flows, and notes to the financial statements. The audited financial statements are available to members upon request.

Cost of power – 58¢ Operations/maintenance – 15¢ Depreciation – 8¢ Administration – 6¢ Interest – 4¢ Consumer accounts, customer service, & sales – 3¢ Margins – 3¢ Taxes – 3¢

2023 ENERGY DOLLAR — HOW EACH $ WAS SPENT AUGUST 2024 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING

18A

THE

7 COOPERATIVE PRINCIPLES

Voluntary and Open Membership Democratic Member Control Members’ Economic Participation Autonomy and Independence Education, Training, and Information Cooperation Among Cooperatives Concern for Community

ADAMS RURAL ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE For 83 years, Adams REC has delivered safe, reliable, and affordable electricity to members’ homes, farms, businesses, churches, and schools throughout our fivecounty service territory.

18B

OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • AUGUST 2024

7,724 METERS SERVED TO 6,092 MEMBER-OWNERS 1,335 MILES OF ELECTRIC LINE SERVING CO-OP TERRITORY 5.79 MEMBERS SERVED PER MILE OF LINE 35 MILES OF LINE CLEARED BY ADAMS AND CONTRACTOR CREWS 1,958 TREES TRIMMED 7,193 TREES REMOVED 21 TOTAL EMPLOYEES

CAPITAL CREDITS

$837,377 WAS RETURNED TO CURRENT AND FORMER MEMBERS IN 2023.

AUGUST 2024 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING

18C

Board of Trustees Adams Rural Electric Cooperative, Inc., is governed by a board of nine trustees. Each trustee represents a district in the cooperative service area, which is made up of a portion of five counties: Adams, Brown, Highland, Pike, and Scioto. Elected by the membership, these trustees are also members of the cooperative. They live and work in the same communities they serve. Each board of trustees member serves a three-year term. The board of trustees meets monthly at the cooperative office.

Throughout the year, trustees receive education and training to better serve the membership.

The board of trustees provides strategic guidance to serve the best interest of all member-owners. They are responsible for establishing policies, approving the annual budget and cooperative rate schedules and fees, reviewing and approving major work plans for maintenance and improvement to the cooperative’s distribution system, and continuously monitoring the financial condition of the cooperative.

BLANCHARD “BUCK” CAMPBELL

WILLIAM WYLIE

DALE GROOMS

WILLIAM SEAMAN

KENNETH McCANN

DONALD McCARTY, SR.

DAVID ABBOTT

STEPHEN HUFF

CHARLES NEWMAN

District 1 Trustee

District 4 Trustee

District 7 Trustee

18D

OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • AUGUST 2024

District 2 Trustee

District 5 Trustee Secretary/Treasurer

District 8 Trustee

District 3 Trustee

District 6 Trustee President

District 9 Trustee Vice President

MANAGEMENT

Erika Ackley General Manager

EMPLOYEES

Kacee Cox Manager of Member Services Samantha Barr Billing Member Services Representative

Steve Hoop Manager of Operations Jacob Alexander Journeyman Lineman

Jaimie Bayless Accounting Clerk

Brett Fawns Journeyman Lineman Nathan Colvin Journeyman Lineman

Randy Johnson Tree Trimmer

Jennifer Baughey Executive Assistant

John Hayslip ROW Crew Chief

Lindsay Gill Work Order Specialist

David Henry Foreman/Journeyman Lineman

Rodney Little Staking Engineer

Sam Kimmerly Tree Trimmer

David Ralston Tree Trimmer

Trace Pistole Apprentice Lineman

Zach Rowe Journeyman Lineman

COMMITMENT TO YOUTH

Cody Rigdon Journeyman Lineman

Mike Whitley Foreman/ Journeyman Lineman Dewayne Sexton Safety and Purchasing Coordinator

Adams REC awarded $4,300 in college scholarships to children of members in 2023 and sent one student on the Youth Tour to Washington, D.C.

AUGUST 2024 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING

19

n i v e i r t ’ e u d! o Y

Adams Rural Electric Cooperative’s 84th Annual Meeting of Members and Member Appreciation Drive-Thru

AUGUST 17, 2024 at the Adams REC office

4800 State Route 125, West Union, Ohio BUSINESS MEETING BEGINS: 8:00 A.M. DRIVE-THRU: 9:00 A.M – NOON Enter from the St. Rt. 125 entrance. For the business meeting, park in front of the building and you will be directed on where to go.

(The business meeting will also be posted on Facebook.)

For the drive-thru, stay in your vehicle. Members will receive a gift and food coupon and those who attend the drive-thru will be entered for a chance to win a $50 bill credit.

Ballot reminder Trustee election ballots were mailed to the member of record on July 19, 2024. Ballots must be postmarked by August 9, 2024, and include the member’s signature to be counted. Please return your ballot in the envelope provided and mail to the CPA. The CPA will make sure all ballots are valid by checking for any duplication and that the signature on the ballot is the member of record.

Do not send your ballot to cooperative office, as it will not be accepted and counted.

Election results will be announced at the annual meeting on August 17, 2024.

20

OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • AUGUST 2024

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Daddy lo The gangly harvestmen are about to emerge from hiding to get ready for the long winter.

BY CRAIG SPRINGER

T

he month of August is like an early Thursday morning of a given week: Just as Thursday means the week’s coming to a close, August marks the waning of summer. Goldenrod flowers glow in fallow fields, and if you pay it mind, you will feel the first breath of autumn by month’s end.

Daddy longlegs have noticed; come August, the gangly guys and gals have procreation in mind, and begin to gather en masse to mate and prepare to overwinter.

Sometimes you’ll find them in aggregations of a few to a few hundred individuals, which helps ensure a greater likelihood of both successful breeding and making it through winter.

That’s why they are also known as harvestmen — for their gregarious nature at harvest time. They live throughout Ohio, on the farm, in the forest, in the suburbs, in your gardens, and in every corner of every city. And they are good to have around.

But first, here is what they are not: Even though they’re also known as shepherd spiders, daddy longlegs are not spiders. Bug scientists, otherwise known as entomologists, put them in the order Opiliones, which comes from the Latin term for “shepherd,” so named because they resemble shepherds of old who used stilts to rise over their flocks and keep a lookout. Spiders are in the order Araneae. More on that later.

Daddy longlegs are mostly that: long legs. They have a pill-like body that rises well above the ground, lifted by eight stilt-like legs. And those legs are for more than just walking: They are sensory organs — a combination of smell and touch and transportation, all in one.

The legs are also essential for defense, but not the way you might think. Your common garden-variety spiders can make tracks, fast, when threatened, which of course is an

22

OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • AUGUST 2024

effective defense mechanism. Not so for daddy longlegs — they just sort of mosey along. When attacked by a predator such as a bird or a cat (or a spider), they shed a leg. The discarded legs are preprogrammed to wiggle and tremble for maybe as long as an hour, to confuse and throw off the would-be predator while the daddy longlegs ambles on its remaining legs to the shelter of a woodpile or leaf duff.

Next time you see a daddy longlegs, take note as to how many legs are missing; the appendages do not grow back.

Daddy longlegs may also bob and weave and quiver in the face of a predator, and they throw off a noxious odor.

More differences: While genuine spiders use fangs to inject their prey with toxic venom, daddy longlegs do not produce venom, nor do they have fangs. Instead, they secrete tiny globs of glue to secure live prey, then rip and shred their food, and they are fastidious about it. While spiders weave webs for capturing their prey (araneae is Latin for “a spider’s web”), daddy longlegs lack the talent and the silk glands for such work. Daddy longlegs graze along, eating flower pollen, animal dung, stink bugs, mites, beetle larvae, caterpillars, aphids, and grasshoppers. After meals, they’re known to clean their forelegs by raking their appendages through their mouth.

One more difference between spiders and daddy longlegs: the eyes. Spiders possess acute vision, as they should, having eight eyes. Daddy longlegs have only two eyes, and even those, the entomologists posit, exist mostly to discern light and shadow. It is, after all, through the wafting of legs in the air that daddy longlegs find their way, rather than by sight.

And, oh, by the way, that direction-finding dance may be good for another thing: If you happen to lose a cow, lore has it those waving legs will guide you toward your missing bovine.

onglegs

AUGUST 2024 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING

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Ohio

Scuba The Buckeye State offers a variety of open-water diving experiences.

BY JODI BORGER

Ohio might not be the first place that comes to mind for scuba diving, but with Lake Erie and numerous former quarries turned dive sites, the state has developed a solid reputation among enthusiasts. For Rich Synowiec, it’s become his life’s work.

AUGUST 2024 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING

25

R

ich Synowiec took his first breath underwater in 1979, when he was 10 years old. Later, when he needed a summer job in 1988, he started working as a stock boy at a diving school and quickly took the opportunity to become a certified diver.

As it turned out, that summer job would eventually become his career. He became a certified scuba instructor in 1990 and began managing dive shops almost right away. He soon purchased Divers Incorporated and in 2007, took over as scuba concession contractor for White Star Quarry in Gibsonburg, in Sandusky County.

“I was going through college and never finding exactly what I really wanted to do,” Synowiec says. “I was an early entrepreneurial spirit and I wanted to do something that I would love to do — not necessarily something I would make a million dollars doing, but I never wanted to hate my job.”

For decades, quarries around the country provided the building blocks of the cities they served. Over the past half-century, as quarry operations gradually ceased, those leftover deep pits almost immediately filled with water. It wasn’t long before scuba divers noticed what had become ideal settings for their hobby, and soon enough, began to see their recreational potential. White Star Quarry, for example, offers a unique experience that attracts divers from throughout the Midwest.

Divers can explore sunken boats, vehicles, and various structures placed to create an engaging underwater landscape, and the quarry is home to a variety of freshwater fish species including bass, bluegill, catfish, and koi.

One of its most appealing features, however, is its water clarity. Visibility can range from 30 to 50 feet on a good day, making it an ideal spot for underwater exploration.

The quarry’s maximum depth reaches about 75 feet, with plenty of shallow areas for novice divers and deeper sections for those seeking more of a challenge.

26

OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • AUGUST 2024

Ohio diving “Every single person on the planet should try scuba diving.”

Synowiec’s on-site dive shop offers rental gear, air fills, and a range of diving accessories. Several local dive trainers conduct classes and certification courses on-site, providing a safe and controlled setting for learning the basics or advancing skills.

In his position today, Synowiec says he sees a gap in the demographic for scuba diving, typically between the ages of 20 and 40, likely because of when divers begin to have families. However, he encourages young people to bring their families out to enjoy the surrounding park’s numerous on-shore amenities.

White Star Park offers a range of recreational activities, including hiking, fishing, and picnicking.

Families and guests can enjoy the scenic beauty of the park while divers explore the underwater world.

“White Star Park is a really family-oriented park that has diving as just one of its opportunities,” Synowiec says.

“Diving only takes an hour, but there are so many other areas to explore.”

Whether you’re a seasoned diver or just starting, this unique diving destination in Ohio offers a memorable experience with its clear waters, intriguing underwater attractions, and aquatic life.

Synowiec is now married with two daughters, and diving has become a family affair over the years. Meanwhile, Synowiec admits his own parents still wonder when he’ll get his “real job,” but 34 years later, he still loves what he gets to do every day.

“Every single person on the planet should try scuba diving,” Synowiec says. “They get over the fear of being underwater because they are replacing fear with knowledge. They are replacing apprehension with skill.

They are replacing timidity with perseverance. And when you look at that kind of a level of what people are able to do, it becomes something spectacular.”

A selection of other spots around Ohio to scuba dive:

Gilboa Quarry

3763 Old State Route 224, Ottawa, 45875

• Maximum depth: 120 feet • Average visibility: 26–30 feet • Attractions: Underwater private jet, helicopter, tower wreck, rainbow trout, paddlefish, and an underwater wall for rappelling to depths below 100 feet.

North Point Quarry

1500 Mt. Vernon Road, Newark, 43055

• Maximum depth: 31–35 feet • Average visibility: 5–10 feet • Attractions: Paddlefish, catfish, albino catfish, bluegill, bass, and some fresh water clams. There are sunken boats, an ambulance, a bathtub, a toilet, various skeletons, an underwater platform, and more.

Lakeview RV Park

2715 Sugar Grove Road SE, Lancaster, 43130

• Maximum depth: 60 feet • Visibility: 10–30 feet, depending on weather • Attractions: A tranquil scuba diving experience in a 16-acre, reasonably deep spring-fed quarry.

Many underwater attractions — twin engine airplane, Frito Lay truck, car, boat, weed bed reef, etc. — are strategically placed at various points throughout the lake.

Natural Springs

206 South Washington Street, New Paris, 45347

• Maximum depth: 40 feet • Average visibility: 11–15 feet • Attractions: Variety of wildlife including bass, catfish, freshwater jellyfish, and grass carp over 4 feet long; several sunken cars and boats.

Lake Erie

• Lake Erie is a vast dive site rich in history, ideal for experienced divers to explore its many shipwrecks. Many dive shops around the state offer diving excursions.

Ohio state parks

• Numerous Ohio state parks allow scuba diving in various lakes, as long as divers check in advance with the individual parks. Visibility at most, however, is limited.

AUGUST 2024 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING

27

BIG memories

Ｍ

Big Muskie’s giant bucket is all that remains from a bygone era of strip mining in eastern Ohio.

BY JAMES PROFFITT

entioned in most places, it will set an angler’s heart racing — but mention “Big Muskie” in southeast Ohio and it’s likely to bring on intense memories, curiosity, or the warm and fuzzy feeling that at one time, right here in Ohio, the largest dragline excavator the Earth has ever known operated for the Central Ohio Coal Company.

“I felt so blessed to run all that equipment,” says John Paul Reed, of Waterford, who says he ran all kinds of heavy equipment for the Central Ohio Coal Company back in the day. But Big Muskie, also known as the 4250 dragline, was the top of the heap. “If anybody ever finds out you worked with Big Muskie, they have all kinds of questions.”

The massive machine was constructed by the BucyrusErie Company. It stood more than 222 feet tall, its boom reaching out 310 feet, and it moved at a blistering pace of about 9 feet per hour. Big Muskie was constructed on-site in Morgan County — it took 340 rail cars and 260 trucks to ship all its components, followed by more than 200,000 man-hours to assemble. It weighed 27 million pounds and cost $25 million ($200 million today), and operated for 22 years — from 1969 until 1991.

In total, the machine moved about 608 million cubic yards of material at the coal mine. But it never moved coal, which is something most people don’t realize. Big Muskie scooped away dirt and stone, called overburden, so that smaller machines could come in and scoop coal from the seams.

28

OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • AUGUST 2024

According to Reed, the coal seams could be as much as 140 feet or more beneath the surface and could run anywhere from 18 inches to 3 or 4 feet thick. After the smaller excavators removed the coal, Big Muskie and its crew replaced the overburden where it had been.

Reed was an all-around company guy, running massive bulldozers, pumping water from ponds, and anything else needed — including keeping Big Muskie’s components well-oiled. That included the 330-foot twin booms.

“When it shut down, we’d climb the boom and make sure everything was OK,” he says. “Make sure the lines were greasing and there were no broken lines and everything was getting properly lubed so you wouldn’t have a bearing go out.”

It took seven men to make Big Muskie work: an operator, two oilers, two dozers, a welder, and an electrician — and more help was available if needed. One of those electricians was McConnelsville resident Dave Bailey, who worked on Big Muskie for a decade.

“I was on it until the very last day it operated,” he says, wistful pride in his voice. “I worked on anything that had to do with the electrical systems. And most people don’t know it, but Big Muskie ran on electric. It took about twothirds the power of Las Vegas. We were highly trained and certified by the federal government.”

Like Reed, Bailey says that when folks find out he worked on Big Muskie, they've got questions.

G

“Oh many, many questions about just everything,” he says.

“But I never get tired of talking about it. We operated 364 days a year — off Christmas.”

In 2018 much of the rest of the original 60,000-acre mine was purchased by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources and is now Jesse Owens State Park.

Evolving EPA regulations through the 1980s meant diminishing demand for Ohio’s high-sulfur coal, and that meant Muskie’s digging days were numbered. They ended in 1991, beginning a period where she sat idle.

Attempts to turn the behemoth into a museum or turn it over to the state as a tourist attraction failed. It was finally dismantled for scrap in 1999, marking the end of an era in Ohio’s coal country.

After Big Muskie was dismantled and removed from the former strip mine, all that remained was the dragline bucket. It was moved, all 240 tons of it, to ODNR land that is now Miner’s Memorial Park near McConnelsville, which features an informational kiosk as well as the bucket, which could move 325 tons of overburden per scoop — you have to see it in person to get a true sense of just how big that thing is.

McConnelsville Mayor John Finley says the heyday of strip mining in the region is long gone, but that other things have come along where it happened.

Employees of the Central Ohio Coal Company stay in touch through a Facebook page where they share memories and photos. And of course, they often visit the bucket.

“The state took over a bunch of property over there. They have lots of hunting and fishing out there and it’s a very beautiful place, very rural and wooded with a lot of forest.

It’s very nice,” he says.

In fact, the area where Big Muskie and smaller draglines once unearthed coal is now home to The Wilds, 10,000 acres of reclaimed land that is home to a menagerie of animals including rhinoceros, giraffes, wild horses, zebras, ostriches, camels, and other exotic creatures.

Opposite page: Big Muskie works the strip mine in southeast Ohio during the heyday of coal in the region (photograph courtesy of Ohio Department of Natural Resources).

“A friend of mine came up here last year; he worked at Ground Zero during 9/11, so he liked big iron and all that stuff, and he was really, truly amazed at how big it was,” Reed says.

Exotic animals of all shapes and sizes now roam former strip-mined lands, and tens of thousands of people now camp, fish, kayak, hunt, and hike there. But the fond memories of Big Muskie will forever remain, like the once-sought coal buried in Ohio’s rolling Appalachian foothills.

To see it: Big Muskie’s bucket resides at Miner’s Memorial Park, within Jesse Owens State Park, 4470 State Route 78, McConnelsville, 43756.

All that remains of Big Muskie, besides memories, is her bucket, on display at Miner's Memorial Park near McConnelsville (photograph by James Proffitt).

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Roadside reminders Impromptu memorials that often pop up after a tragedy comfort the grieving and help folks remember to drive with care.

STORY AND PHOTOGRAPHS BY JAMES PROFFITT

In February 2022, a crash on Ohio 19 in Ottawa County took the life of Shannon Roberts’ 17-year-old son, Richie, and his friend, who was driving. “He was a great kid and didn’t deserve what happened,” she says. “It was a complete accident and nobody’s to blame.”

Rocked with grief and not knowing really what else to do, she decided to put up a memorial — a taller cross and two smaller ones on either side, with photos of her son and his friend and a small collection of items left by friends, family, and the community. The memorial isn’t at the exact site where the crash occurred, though very near, about 15 feet off the roadway. “It was better and safer to have it where it is now,” she says. “And we got permission from the landowner to put it up.”

Drivers in Ohio pass them by, often without a second thought — a small cross or a bouquet of flowers, a candle or a stuffed animal, any of a number of seemingly insignificant trinkets. But to the folks who have erected these roadside memorials, they mean the world.

“There’s a sense of honor and respect” to them, says Matt Bruning, a spokesman for the Ohio Department of Transportation. It’s unfortunate, to say the least, but in Ohio more than 1,000 people a year die in traffic crashes.

Most folks who set out to honor loved ones lost on the roadside don’t check with ODOT first; they just do what feels right.

Officially, roadside memorials on ODOT rights-of-way are illegal. In fact, anything placed on those rights-of-way requires a permit — and the state does not issue such permits. But it doesn’t get a lot of enforcement attention from state officials. In fact, season after season, ODOT workers dutifully mow around memorials, and generally they’re not disturbed. Bruning says ODOT doesn’t track the number or location of the impromptu shrines, and to his knowledge, no one has ever been cited for erecting one.

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OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • AUGUST 2024

Above, Shannon Roberts placed a memorial near where her son, Richie, and his friend died in a crash in Oak Harbor in 2022. Center, a pair of simple crosses and bouquets mark the site of a fatal crash on Ohio 2 near the Edison Bridge in Erie County. Right, a memorial on State Route 2 honors three people killed in a 2017 crash.

“But at the same time, we have to keep safety in mind and the ability to do our jobs,” Bruning says. “They can become a hazard and our crews have to maintain the roadsides around them. If we ever do have to take action, we’ll take that roadside memorial back to our closest garage and make every effort we can to find the person responsible so we can return it to them, and hopefully they can find another way of doing it.”

So it’s a subtle truce: ODOT safety concerns and respect for the grief of Ohio families coexist with unobtrusive crosses and mementos of those lost tragically on the state’s roadways. “I guess one thing I would add is that when we do take down a roadside memorial, it’s not from a place of disrespect,” he says.

“It’s just that safety is our No. 1 priority.”

Roberts says she never really noticed roadside memorials, or thought much about them, before the accident. But that’s all changed now. “I feel like I see a lot of them everywhere now,” she says. “Honestly, I think the bigger the better. Anything to bring awareness to safety and stupidity all at the same time.”

Roberts lives in nearby Fremont and drives by her son’s memorial often.

“We’ll go out there, hold our memorial at the site,” she says.

“We do see new flowers or rocks and a picture here or there.

We don’t have a set time limit on it, but I’d like to keep it up and keep some kind of awareness going on. Especially for young kids and everyone driving who’s not taking into consideration it’s not just their own lives, but that everyone else on the road is in your hands, too.”

Or, another way...

The State of Ohio offers a way to more permanently honor someone’s memory rather than erecting homemade roadside memorials.

The Adopt-a-Highway Litter Program is a safe, useful — and legal — way to honor someone killed in a crash. The program allows people to “adopt” a mile of state highway by collecting trash there four times a year. Friends and relatives can get together and reminisce while they accomplish something positive. The state provides trash

bags, grabbers, and disposal of collected trash along that stretch of road. ODOT will then erect an official highway sign in memory of that loved one. “I wish people would just keep their trash inside their vehicles, but unfortunately, they don’t, and taxpayers spend millions a year to deal with it,” says Matt Bruning of ODOT. “This is a safe way to both impact the problem and to memorialize a loved one.”

For information, visit https://www.transportation.ohio. gov/programs/adopt-a-highway.

AUGUST 2024 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING

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2024 EVENTS

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER

COMPILED BY COLLEEN ROMICK CLARK

NORTHWEST

AUG. 15–17 – Bucyrus Bratwurst Festival, downtown Bucyrus. Grilled brats and other festival foods, parades, craft and art show, rides, games, and free entertainment.

419-562-2728 or www.bucyrusbratwurstfestival.com.

AUG. 18 – NW Ohio Low Brass Collective Summer Concert, Allen East High School Auditeria, 9105 Harding Hwy., Harrod, 4 p.m. Free and open to the public. Come hear musicians from around northwest Ohio and beyond play classical tunes. www.facebook.com/people/NWOhio-Low-Brass-Collective/100085554007401.

AUG. 18 – Sunset Jazz and Art Festival, on the Towpath THROUGH SEP. 15 – NWORRP Museum Summer Trail, Grand Rapids, 2 p.m. to dusk. Free admission. Art, Hours, Northwest Ohio Railroad Preservation Inc., 12505 food. and beverages for purchase. Bring lawn chairs. NO Co. Rd. 99, Findlay, Sat./Sun. 1–4 p.m. $3; 12 and under, coolers. www.grandrapidsartscouncil.org. $2 (includes 1 train ride ticket per admission). Museum AUG. 18 – West Central Ohio Community Concert tours, quarter-scale train rides, model train displays, Band, Piatt Castle Mac-A-Cheek, 10051 Township Rd. 47, games, play area, and more. 419-423-2995, www.

West Liberty, 6 p.m. Free. Bring chairs or blankets for this nworrp.org, or www.facebook.com/nworrp. outdoor lawn concert. www.piattcastle.org.

THROUGH OCT. 12 – The Great Sidney Farmer’s AUG. 22 – Fourth Thursdays Back to School, Market, 109 S. Ohio Ave., every Sat. 8 a.m.–noon. downtown Lakeview. Bring your family and friends Vendors from all around the area provide great food, crafts, and more! 937-658-6945 or www.sidneyalive.org. downtown for dinner and live music while you purchase the latest school supplies on your list from each local AUG. 7, SEP. 4 – Down on the Farm Story Time, business. Collect your Shopping Passport stamps for Proving Ground Farm, 5670 E. Twp. Rd. 138, Tiffin, 10 an additional chance to win. www.facebook.com/ a.m. Stories and activities are geared for preschooldowntownlakeviewohio. age children and focus on farming and nature in a AUG. 24–25 – Family Fun Weekend: “Back to School picturesque outdoor setting. Families welcome! 419Bash,” Northwest Ohio Railroad Preservation Inc., 12505 447-7073, www.conservesenecacounty.com, or follow Co. Rd. 99, Findlay, 1–4 p.m. $5. Games, quarter-scale Seneca Conservation District on Facebook. train rides, bounce house, and other family-friendly AUG. 10–11, SEP. 7–8 – Findlay Flea Market, Hancock activities and events. 419-423-2995, www.nworrp.org, or Co. Fgds., 1017 E. Sandusky St., Findlay, Sat. 9 a.m.–4 www.facebook.com/nworrp. p.m., Sun. 9 a.m.–3 p.m. Free admission. Variety of merchandise: new, used, vintage items, crafts, and more. AUG. 30–SEPT. 1 – Perch, Peach, Pierogi, and Polka Festival, downtown Port Clinton, Fri. 4–9:30 p.m., Sat./ Vendors welcome! Contact Christine at 419-619-0041 or Sun. 11 a.m.–9:30 p.m. $8/day, $20/weekend, under 18 findlayfleamarket@gmail.com for more information. free. Lake Erie yellow perch sandwiches and dinners,

pierogis, Polish sausage, peach pie and ice cream, and polka music! Free polka lessons Sat. and Sun. at 4 p.m.

419-341-9226 or www.kofc1750.org.

AUG. 30–SEP. 2 – Labor Day Festival, 576 Township Rd. 174, West Liberty. Enjoy a fun-filled weekend at Lions Park! Flea market, vendors, and food trucks. See antique tractors in all their glory as they parade through the streets of the village. www.mywestliberty.com.

AUG. 30–SEPT. 5 – Fulton County Fair, Fulton Co. Fgds., 8514 St. Rte. 108, Wauseon. www.fultoncountyfair.com.

SEP. 6 – Art, Wine, and Jazz Festival, downtown Bellefontaine. Walk from store to store sipping samples of Ohio-made wine and exploring different pieces of art from local artists. www.firstfridaysbellefontaine.com.

SEP. 7 – Hobo Dinner, AuGlaize Village, 12296 Krouse Rd., Defiance, 4 p.m. Donation is $20. Fundraising event.

A delicious Hobo Stew will be prepared in a huge kettle over an open fire and served with bread and butter and a selection of desserts. Beverages provided. Purchase tickets in advance. 419-990-0107, villageauglaize@gmail. com, or www.auglaizevillage.com.

SEP. 7 – Napoleon Fall Festival and Car Show, Henry Co. Fgds., St. Rte. 108 S., Napoleon, 10 a.m.–4 p.m.

Food trucks, crafts, swap meet, kids’ games, and more.

Car and truck show judged by River City Rodders Car Club, with awards at 3 p.m. For more information, call 419-265-4605.

SEP. 8 – Findlay Fall Model Train Show, Northwest Ohio Railroad Preservation Inc., 12505 Co. Rd. 99, Findlay, 10 a.m.–3 p.m. $5; 12 and under accompanied by an adult will be free. Model trains, toy trains, and railroad memorabilia. Quarter-scale train rides: $3 adults, $2 children. 419-423-2995, www.nworrp.org, or www.facebook.com/nworrp.

WEST VIRGINIA AUG. 30–SEP. 1 – Labor Day Celebration, Oglebay, 465 Lodge Dr., Wheeling. Live entertainment, face painting, balloon art, inflatable fun zone, Revolutionary War battle reenactments, a woodcarver’s show, skydiving performance, music, and an unforgettable fireworks display. 877-436-1797, whodorowski@ oglebay.com, or www.oglebay.com.

AUG. 30–SEP. 1 – West Virginia Italian Heritage Festival, West Main Street, Clarksburg, 8 a.m.–8 p.m.

Wide array of authentic Italian “street food,” complete with pastries; entertainment for all ages; carnival midway with rides and games; and much more. 304622-7314, wvihf@wvihf.com, or www.wvihf.com.

Having an event?

Let us include it in our calendar!

AT LEAST 90 DAYS prior to the event, send an email to events@ohioec.org, or mail your information* to: Ohio Cooperative Living 6677 Busch Blvd.

Columbus, OH 43229 Make sure to include all contact information! Ohio Cooperative Living will not publish *listings that don’t include a complete address, phone number, or website for more information.

AUGUST 2024 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING

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2024 EVENTS

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER

CENTRAL

the last Sunday of each month, see how corn was ground 200 years ago. 614-321-4833 ext. 103 or www. fairfieldcountyparks.org/events.

AUG. 2, SEP. 6 – First Friday Art Walk, downtown Zanesville, 5–8 p.m. Come downtown on the first Friday of each month, when all our participating galleries, studios, and small businesses are open at the same time!

Visit the Artist Colony of Zanesville’s website for a map of current participants: https://artcoz.org/arts-district-map.

AUG. 8, SEP. 12 – Inventors Network Meetings, Rusty Bucket, 3901 Britton Parkway, Hilliard, 43026 (614-7775868, MyRustyBucket.com), 7 p.m. Informal meetings for networking and invention-related discussion. 614-4700144 or www.inventorscolumbus.com.

AUG. 9–10 – Carroll Community Festival, Bessie Benson Park, Center Street, Carroll. www. carrollareahistoricalsociety.weebly.com.

AUG. 9–11 – Coshocton Sunflower Festival, Coshocton KOA, 24688 Co. Rd. 10, Coshocton, Fri. 12–7 p.m., Sat. 10 a.m.–7 p.m., Sun. 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Purchase tickets online. Over 50 varieties of sunflowers, wagon ride to the field, live music, food trucks, wine and beer garden, and craft vendors. 740-502-9245 or www. coshoctonsunflowerfestival.com.

AUG. 11–17 – Muskingum County Fair, Muskingum Co. Fgds., 1300 Pershing Rd., Zanesville. Information and schedule available at www.muskingumcofair.com.

AUG. 16–18 – Fairfield County Antique Tractor Club Truck, Tractor, and Toy Show, Fairfield Co. Fgds., 157 E. Fair Ave., Lancaster. Feature tractor is Case. Field demos, hit-and-miss engines, steam engines, sawmill, tractor pulls, and more. 740-407-2347 (Doug Shaw), dstractorlover@sbcglobal.net, www. fairfieldcountyantique tractorclub.com, or follow Fairfield Antique Tractor Club on Facebook.

AUG. 17 – Columbus Food Truck Festival, Franklin Co. Fgds., 4100 Columbia St., Hilliard, 11 a.m.–10 p.m. $5 advance, $10 at the door; 12 and under free. Fifty of the best food trucks in Ohio, along with live music, handcrafted items from local artisans/crafters, and shopping at the Columbus Vintage Exchange. www. columbusfoodtruckfest.com.

AUG. 30–SEP. 1 – Coshocton Flint Festival/Flint Ridge Knap-In, Coshocton Co. Fgds., 724 S. 7th St., Coshocton, 9 a.m.–5 p.m. Ancient art of chipping arrowhead, other native crafts, gems, handmade items, entertainment, and family fun! 330-473-7041 or 419-6321274.

SEP. 5–7 – Marion Popcorn Festival, downtown Marion, 11 a.m.–midnight. Free admission. Parade Thur. 6 p.m.

Concerts, rides, games, arts and crafts, entertainment, food, and, of course, popcorn for all! 740-387-FEST (3378) or www.popcornfestival.com.

SEP. 6–7 – Lithopolis Honeyfest, Columbus St., Lithopolis, Fri. 3–7 p.m., Sat. 10 a.m.–7 p.m. Honey tasting, honey bake-off and bake sale, beekeeping demos and education, honey competition, arts and crafts exhibitors, mead garden, and much more. 614-769-3824 or www.lithopolishoneyfest.com.

SEP. 10, 17 – Friendly Ties Square Dance Club Lessons, Pickerington Senior Center, 150 Hereford Dr., Pickerington, 7–9 p.m. First two lessons are free; $5/ person per class after Sep. 17. Come join in the fun and reap the benefits — physically, mentally, and emotionally.

614-316-5838 or www.friendlyties.org.

SEP. 14 – Battle of the Bands, Circleville Eagles, 135 E. Main St., Circleville, 7–11 p.m. $5. Outdoor concert with food vendors and drinks. www.pickaway.com.

speaking at 1 p.m. Food and entertainment throughout the day. www.facebook.com/events/2060171497709441.

AUG. 18 – Annual Rod Run and Car Show, Yoctangee Park, downtown Chillicothe, 9 a.m. Free. Top 50 awards and specialty awards. Schmidt’s Sausage Truck will be on-site; also games, door prizes, cash drawings, raffles, and music. www.downtowncambridge.com.

AUG. 23 – BeachFest, Paint Street, downtown Chillicothe, 7:30–10:30 p.m. Free. Before the Sands in the Streets volleyball tournament, enjoy an evening of beachside fun in our downtown with live music from 20 Ride, a Zac Brown tribute band. Sand toys available for children. www.downtownchillicothe.com.

THROUGH SEP. 1 – Tecumseh! Outdoor Drama, AUG. 24 – Sands in the Streets, Paint Street, Chillicothe, Sugarloaf Mountain Amphitheatre, 5968 Marietta Rd., 10 a.m.–8 p.m. Free. We unload 300 tons of sand on the Chillicothe, 8 p.m. $30–$50. Witness the epic life story of streets of downtown Chillicothe to welcome volleyball the legendary Shawnee leader as he defends his sacred teams and spectators back for a day of competition homelands in the Ohio country during the late 1700s. and fun, with 8 semi-professional, 8 competitive, and 16 www.tecumsehdrama.com. recreational teams. www.downtownchillicothe.com.

THROUGH NOV. 2 – Athens Farmers Market, Athens AUG. 31 – Bark in the Park, Yoctangee Park, Chillicothe, Community Center, 701 E. State St., Athens, Wed. 9 9 am.–3 p.m. Free. Presented by the Ross County a.m.–noon. Open year-round Sat. 9 a.m.–noon. Voted Humane Society, this car and bike show is open to all Ohio’s #1 favorite farmers market! 740-593-6763 or www. makes, models, and years ($25 registration). DJ, 50/50 athensfarmersmarket.org. raffle, food, door prizes, and trophies for the Top 35. www.downtownchillicothe.com.

AUG. 17 – Cambridge Main Street Classic Car Show, Wheeling Avenue, Cambridge, 9 a.m.–5 p.m. One of SEP. 2–8 – Belmont County Fair, Belmont Co. Fgds., the longest-running car shows in the area, with close to 45420 Roscoe Rd., St. Clairsville. General admission $10.

300 entries. Author/journalist Jimmy Dinsmore will be A family tradition since 1849. www.belmontcountyfair.org.

SEP. 6–8 – Ohio River Sternwheel Festival, Front and Greene Sts., Marietta. Sternwheeler races, car show, pageant, 5K run, entertainment, food, and fireworks.

740-373-5178 or www.sternwheel.org.

SEP. 7 – Phil Dirt and the Dozers, Monroe Theatre, 104 N. Main St., Woodsfield, 7 p.m. Starting at $25.

866-537-0413, www.monroetheatretickets.com, www. historicmonroetheatre.com, or find The Monroe Theatre on Facebook.

SEP. 7 – YOTĒ, Tar Hollow State Park, 16396 Tar Hollow Rd., Laurelville, 8 a.m. $40–$99. Single-loop course of primarily single-track trail with some bridle trail and forest roads mixed in. Distance options of 50K/25K/5M. Cash prize to top male and female of each distance, top 3 male and female overall awards. https://ultrasignup.com/ register.aspx?did=113085.

SEP. 9–15 – Guernsey County Fair, Guernsey Co. Fgds., Old Washington. 740-489-5888 or www. guernseycountyfairgrounds.org.

SEP. 13–15 – Ohio Pawpaw Festival, Lake Snowden, 5900 U.S. 50, Albany. Fun-filled and educational community event celebrating one of America’s largest native tree fruits, with food, entertainment, contests, arts and crafts, and much more. pawpawfest@gmail. com, www.ohiopawpawfest.com, or www.facebook.com/ share/6bef3anBLQQGHS3A/?mibextid=eQY6cl.

THROUGH AUG. 25 – CAPA Summer Movie Series, Ohio Theatre, 55 E. State St., Columbus, Wed.–Sun. 7:30 p.m., Sun. matinee 2 p.m., “Cartoon Capers” Sat. 10 a.m.

Series showcasing classic films and cult movies. 614-4690939 or www.capa.com.

THROUGH SEP. 28 – Sunbury Farmers Market, 36 Cherry St., on the Square of Sunbury, 9 a.m.–1 p.m.

Offering local products — handmade, homemade, or homegrown. Vendors welcome. 740-513-9192 or sunburyohiofarmersmarket@gmail.com.

THROUGH OCT. 26 – Coshocton Farmers Market, 22442 Co. Rd. 1A, Coshocton, Sat. 8:30 a.m.–noon.

Fresh, locally grown, in-season produce; baked goods; and handmade artisan crafts. For up-to-date information about vendors who will be attending the market, visit www.facebook.com/coshoctonfarmersmarket or email market.manager@coshfarmmarket.org.

THROUGH OCT. 27 – Rock Mill Days, Stebelton Park at Rock Mill, 1429 Rockmill Place NW, Lancaster, Wed./ Sat. 11 a.m.–2 p.m., Sun. 1–4 p.m. Tour the restored 1824 gristmill, walk the covered bridge, and view the waterfall near the headwaters of the Hocking River. On

SOUTHEAST

34

OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • AUGUST 2024

SOUTHWEST

6:30–8:30 p.m. Enjoy dinner, wine, and an evening of free entertainment by Vernon McIntyre’s Appalachian Grass. Reservations recommended. 513-385-9309, vinokletwinery@fuse.net, or www.vinokletwines.com.

AUG. 16, SEP. 20 – Bluegrass Night, Fibonacci Brewing Company, 1445 Compton Rd., Cincinnati, 7–9 p.m.

Free. Enjoy lively bluegrass music by Vernon McIntyre’s Appalachian Grass, a wide variety of craft beers at the Beer Garden, and food truck eats. 513-832-1422 or http://fibbrew.com.

AUG. 16–24 – The Great Darke County Fair, Darke Co. Fgds., 800 Sweltzer St., Greenville. $7, under 12 free. $25 for 9-day pass. 937-548-5044, contact@darkecountyfair.

THROUGH AUG. 29 – Kayak Excursion, Hueston Woods com, or www.darkecountyfair.com.

State Park, 6301 Park Office Rd., College Corner, Thur. 1 AUG. 17 – Family Program: WildLife Excursion, Wild p.m. Meet at the Nature Center to learn kayaking basics Hearts African Farm, 7010 Jordan Rd., Lewisburg, 11 a.m. and then take a guided trip on Acton Lake. Space is Free. Led by Amanda Badger. Registration required. 937limited; signup begins Thur. 9 a.m. at the Nature Center.

962-5561, pcpdevents@gmail.com, or www.ohiodnr.gov/go-and-do/plan-a-visit/find-a-property/ www.preblecountyparks.org. hueston-woods-state-park.

AUG. 24 – The Tour De Donut, downtown Troy. A fun, THROUGH AUG. 30 – Night Hikes, Hueston Woods unique bicycle event, where your ability to eat donuts is State Park, 6301 Park Office Rd., College Corner, Fri. 9:30 just as important as your ability to ride your bicycle fast! p.m. Meet at the Indian Mound in the campground for a Kick off the weekend on Aug. 23 with the Donut Jam in nighttime adventure. Please wear appropriate footwear. downtown Troy, 5–10:30 p.m. www.thetourdedonut.com. www.ohiodnr.gov/go-and-do/plan-a-visit/find-a-property/ AUG. 30–SEP. 1 – Oktoberfest, 2361 Hamilton-Cleves hueston-woods-state-park.

Rd. (Rte. 128), Hamilton, Fri. 6–10 p.m., Sat. 1–11 p.m., THROUGH AUG. 31 – Orienteering, Hueston Woods Sun. 1–8 p.m. Oldest Oktoberfest in the tri-state area.

State Park, 6301 Park Office Rd., College Corner, Fri. 5 Authentic German food, wiener dog races, live music, p.m. Meet at the Nature Center to learn to navigate with and much more. Car show Sun. 12–4 p.m. www. www. a map and compass. We will be off trail; long pants are libertyhome.net or go to the Liberty Home Association recommended. www.ohiodnr.gov/go-and-do/plan-a-visit/ page on Facebook. find-a-property/hueston-woods-state-park.

SEP. 5 – Vernon McIntyre’s Appalachian Grass, Harry THROUGH SEP. 25 – Bluegrass Wednesdays, T. Wilkes Conference Center, 1601 University Blvd., Vinoklet Winery, 11069 Colerain Ave., Cincinnati, Wed. Hamilton, 7 p.m. Free. Presented by Miami University

NORTHEAST

AUG. 18 – Northern Ohio Doll Mini and Bear Show, Strongsville Best Western, 15471 Royalton Rd., Strongsville, 10 a.m.–3 p.m. ($6; children free), early bird 9 a.m. ($15). Antique, vintage, and modern dolls, bears, and toys; supplies and accessories. Door prizes, ID/ valuation, restringing (fee). Food available for purchase.

440-283-5839 (Eileen Green), phdofdolls@yahoo.com, or www.dollshowUSA.com.

AUG. 18–25 – Lorain County Fair, 23000 Fairgrounds Rd., Wellington. Ohio’s second-largest county fair. 440647-2781 or www.loraincountyfair.com.

AUG. 24 – Jazz under the Stars: Hip to That, Uptown THROUGH SEP. 1 – Steubenville Catfish Crawl, Park, 79–89 Public Square, Medina, 7 p.m. Free. downtown Steubenville. Ten 5-foot-long, intricately Cleveland-based jazz quartet specializing in tunes from painted fiberglass catfish will be on display around the the Great American Songbook, jazz standards, and pop downtown. Grab a map and find them all! Maps available tunes with a jazzy twist. Bring lawn chairs, blankets, and at Leonardo’s Coffeehouse, 159 N. 4th St. picnics to enjoy this upbeat concert. In the event of rain, www.steubenvillenutcrackervillage.com/catfish.html. the concert will be held at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 317 E. Liberty St. 419-853-6016 or www.ormaco.org.

AUG. 9–OCT. 12 – Plant and Animal Fiber Exhibit, McCook House Museum, 15 S. Lisbon St., Carrollton, AUG. 24–25, AUG. 31–SEPT. 2 – Great Trail Arts Fri./Sat. 10 a.m.–5 p.m. $3. See a variety of handmade and Crafts Festival, Great Trail Festival Grounds, 6331 items from local crafters including baskets, rush, reed, Canton Rd., Malvern, 10 a.m.–5 p.m. $5–$7, under 10 caned bottom chairs, woven rugs, wall hangings, knitted free. Celebration of American folk art, with distinctive and crocheted items, and much more. 330-437-9715 arts and crafts, living history, live music, clog dancing, or kathorn4120@gmail.com. tomahawk throwing, and more. 330-794-9100 or www. greattrailfestival.com.

AUG. 10–11, 17–18, 24–25 – Shaker Woods Festival, 44337 County Line Rd., Columbiana, 9 a.m.–5 p.m.

AUG. 30–SEPT. 2 – Firelands Labor Day Festival, Over 200 crafters and artisans dressed in Shaker period New London Recreation Park, 2 Blake St., New London. clothing will demonstrate and sell their handmade wares. Truck and tractor pulls, demolition derby, games, rides, www.shakerwoods.com. vendors, concessions, and more. 419-929-4091 or www. newlondonoh.com/calendar.

AUG. 16 – Grady Miller: Blues, Americana, Country, and Bluegrass, John Streeter Garden Amphitheater, AUG. 31–SEP. 1 – Toronto Festival of the Arts, 2122 Williams Rd., Wooster, 6:30 p.m. Free, but downtown Toronto, Sat. 10 a.m.–6 p.m., Sun. 11 a.m.–5 registration recommended. The Akron-based duo of p.m. Handmade arts and crafts, food, live entertainment.

Cathy and Michael Grady will perform their thoughtfully www.focusintoronto.com. crafted original music. In the event of rain, the concert will be held at Fisher Auditorium, 1680 Madison Ave. 419- SEP. 6 – First Fridays on Fourth, 155 N. 4th St., Steubenville, 6–10 p.m. Free. Monthly themed 853-6016 or www.ormaco.org.

Regionals Appalachian Studies. Enjoy an evening of lively bluegrass music with lightning-fast instrumentals, close harmonies, and entertaining novelty songs.

513-785-3175 (Matthew Smith) or www.facebook.com/ MiamiRegionalsAppStudies.

SEP. 6 – Vernon McIntyre’s Appalachian Grass, Clinton County Corn Festival, 958 Main St., Wilmington, 7–9 p.m. $5. 937-417-8488 or https://cornfestivalonline.com.

SEP. 6–8 – Clinton County Corn Festival, Clinton Co. Fgds., 958 W. Main St., Wilmington. $5, under 12 free; weekend pass $10. Featuring Minneapolis-Moline. Corn Olympics, antique tractor pulls, horse pulls, antique cars and trucks, hit and miss engines, steam engines, food, crafts, and more. 937-383-5676 (Dale Mayer) or www.cornfestivalonline.com.

SEP. 14 – 5K Run/Walk/Hike, Garber Nature Center, 9691 OH-503 N., Lewisburg, 9 a.m. $20; 12 and under, $10. Registration required @ Speedy Feet. 937-962-5561, pcpdevents@gmail.com, or www. preblecountyparks.org.

SEP. 14 – 2024 Solar Eclipse Presentation, Garber Nature Center, 9691 OH-503 N., Lewisburg, 7:30 p.m. Astronomer Terry Mann. Registration required. 937962-5561, pcpdevents@gmail.com, or www.preblecountyparks.org.

SEP. 15 – White Water Shaker Village Tour, 11813 Oxford Rd., Harrison, 2–5 p.m. Free. Established in 1823, White Water is one of the 24 Shaker communal villages founded in the United States. Learn about the daily life of a Shaker; discover the styles of businesses they conducted; and check out our collections of Shaker goods. Explore the property to see the stable, barns, and historic outbuildings of this 200-year-old village. www.whitewatervillage.org.

celebration featuring art, crafts, games, food trucks, live entertainment, and activities to stimulate the imagination. www.theharmoniumproject.org/first-Fridays.

SEP. 7–8 – Antiques in the Woods and Vintage Too, Shaker Woods Grounds, 44337 County Line Rd., Columbiana, Sat. 9 a.m.–4 p.m., Sun. 9 a.m.–3 p.m. Top-quality antiques and collectibles, food, and entertainment. 330-482-0214, www.youngstownlive.com/ event, or follow Antiques in the Woods on Facebook.

SEP. 7–8 – Pioneer Days, Historic Lyme Village, 5001 St. Rte. 4, Bellevue, 10 a.m.–4 p.m. The Village — composed of three log houses, a one-room schoolhouse, log church, blacksmith shop, general store, 1836 farmhouse used by the Underground Railroad, and more — comes alive with costumed reenactors, encampments, and demonstrators. www.lymevillage.org.

SEP. 7–12 – Wayne County Fair, Wayne Co. Fgds., 199 Vancouver St., Wooster, gates open 8 a.m. $4/day.

Ohio’s foremost agricultural fair. 330-262-8001 or www. waynecountyfairohio.com.

SEP. 8 – Canton-Akron Comic, Toy, and Nostalgia Convention, St. George Event Center, 4667 Applegrove St., North Canton, 10 a.m.–4 p.m. $5; 6 and under free. Free parking. Comic and toy vendors, guest comic creators, hourly prizes. 330-462-3985, jeff@ harpercomics.com, or www.harpercomics.com.

SEP. 8 – QS Jazz/Qwik Silver: “Songs of Societal Injustice,” Wadsworth Public Library, 132 Broad St., Wadsworth, 2–3 p.m. Free, but registration recommended. 419-853-6016 or www.ormaco.org.

SEP. 9–21 – “Celebrate the Constitution,” Historic Fort Steuben, 120 S. 3rd St., Steubenville, Mon.–Sat. 10 a.m.–4 p.m., Sun. 11 a.m.–4 p.m. Free. Annual exhibit and activities focusing on the nation’s founding document and the issues and personalities of the time. 740-283-1787 or www.oldfortsteuben.com.

AUGUST 2024 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING

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MEMBER INTERACTIVE

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Diving board 2

4

3

5 6

1. My granddaughter Evelyn at age 2 (now 5) along with her 4. This is my granddaughter Addi at her birthday party mother, Madison. She was so proud of herself and having Denise Loy, Washington Electric Cooperative member. the best time jumping in, then hopping out and repeating!

5. My daughters, Bridgette and Britton, doing what they Diana Aikin, Pioneer Electric Cooperative member. love — jumping into the pool together!

2. Our son flying from the diving board.

Carrie Bussing, North Western Electric Cooperative member.

Ashley Schumm, North Central Electric Cooperative member.

6. Moeller sisters Madison (left) and Abbie going off the diving 3. Our granddaughter, Malia Brooks (age 10), showing off her boards together last summer. gymnastic skills in her new sport: diving.

Jenny Moeller, URE member.

Cheryl Fortman, Paulding Putnam Electric Cooperative member.

Send us

For November, send “Oh my gourd!” by August 15. For December, send “The night before Christmas” by September 15.

picture!

Upload your photos at www.ohiocoopliving.com/memberinteractive.

Your photo may be featured in our magazine or on our website.

YOUR

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OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • AUGUST 2024

ENTER TO WIN A $100 CREDIT ON YOUR ELECTRIC BILL!* Drop off your completed entry form at the Ohio's Electric Cooperatives Education Center on Wheat Street at the 2024 Farm Science Review.

Name: Electric co-op name: Email address:

*Must be an Ohio electric cooperative member to enter and win. Winners will be drawn at random from among all eligible entries received.

FARM SCIENCE REVIEW September 17–19, 2024

Molly Caren Agricultural Center | London, Ohio

STOP BY OUR BUILDING! Using energy wisely is important on the farm and in the home.

When you attend the Farm Science Review, make sure to visit the NEW Ohio’s Electric Cooperatives Education Center to find exhibits, energy-saving tips, demonstrations, and free popcorn!

Farm Science Review, sponsored by Ohio State University, is the largest agricultural event in our region, drawing more than 130,000 visitors every year. It’s a fun, educational event for farmers and non-farmers alike.

ohioec.org/purpose

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