Ohio Cooperative Living - December 2020 - Midwest

OHIO

DECEMBER 2020

COOPERATIVE Midwest Electric, Inc.

Meet your Farm Famous winners (see page 20B)

ALSO INSIDE Join the annual Christmas Bird Count Always a holiday at Castle Noel Hunkering down on Kelleys Island

OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • DECEMBER 2020

INSIDE FEATURES

24 DIFFERENT KIND OF FARM Ohio program helps woodland owners manage their property for wood, wildlife, and recreation.

28 NEED A LITTLE CHRISTMAS?

Find comfort and joy — plus Bing

Crosby, Ralphie Parker, and Frosty the Snowman— at Castle Noel.

30 WINTER’S TALE Even after the departure of the last tourist from Kelleys Island each season, life still goes on.

Cover image on most editions: South Central Power Company member Laurence Landon caught his cat, Kiwi, in a moment of obvious temptation for this month’s Member Interactive. See more “Naughty or Nice” photos on page 40.

This page: Lake Erie ice is one factor that makes winter travel to or from Kelleys Island uncertain at best, forcing residents to make a sometimes-difficult decision whether to leave or hunker down.

DECEMBER 2020 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING 1

UP FRONT

Rearview mirror L

ooking back, I doubt that too many of us will think of 2020 as a great year. It was strange, sad in many ways, and long — 366 days, to be exact.

That’s right: 2020 not only seemed long — it was long.

Many of us are happy to turn the calendar to 2021, but the last 12 months weren’t all bad. There were some bright lights in the electric cooperative world.

• Member satisfaction (as measured by the American Customer Satisfaction Index) with Ohio’s electric co-ops reached a record high of 86.5 in 2020 (make sure to check out our story on page 4 to see what goes into that rating).

• Co-ops returned $37 million in excess revenue to their members in the form of capital credits — one of the perks of co-op membership.

• Ohio linemen brought the wonder of electricity to the remote, impoverished Guatemalan village of Tierra Blanca Sebol, enabling light, sanitation, refrigeration, and connections to the outside world never before possible — then safely returned home after the pandemic temporarily closed that country’s borders.

• Co-ops awarded 13 economic development grants across the state to assist communities served by electric cooperatives with plans for growth.

• We were able to work collaboratively with regulators to further improve the environmental impact of power plant operations, while continuing to provide affordable, safe, and reliable power.

• Our Central Ohio Lineworker Training program reached a record enrollment of 118 apprentice lineworkers, as we continue to train a new generation of co-op employees.

• Co-ops worked with investor-owned utilities to complete grid upgrades that will improve service to some of the state’s underserved areas.

As we prepare to close the book on the old year and start chapter 1 of the new, don’t let the 2020 Grinch steal your Christmas. We continue to find blessings — some in plain sight, some deep within our hearts and minds.

Wishing a merry Christmas to all and an even better new year.

2 OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • DECEMBER 2020

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

We continue to find blessings — some in plain sight, some deep within our hearts and minds.

DECEMBER 2020 • Volume 63, No. 3

Ohio Rural Electric Cooperatives 6677 Busch Blvd.

Columbus, OH 43229 614-846-5757 www.ohiocoopliving.com

MORE INSIDE

4

DEPARTMENTS

Patrick O’Loughlin President & CEO

Patrick Higgins Director of Communications

Jeff McCallister Managing Editor

Rebecca Seum Associate Editor

Anita Cook Graphic Designer

Contributors: Margaret Buranen, Colleen Romick Clark, W.H. “Chip” Gross, Becky Linhardt, Catherine Murray, and Damaine Vonada.

OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING (USPS 134-760; ISSN 2572-049X) is published monthly by Ohio Rural Elec­tric Co­op­eratives, Inc. It is the official 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 Pontiac, IL 61764, and at additional mailing offices.

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

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

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

4 POWER LINES

Satisfaction: Survey index shows that Ohio co-ops go about their business in the right way.

6 CO-OP SPOTLIGHT

Union Rural Electric Cooperative: The communities served by this central Ohio co-op celebrate both agricultural heritage and technological advances.

9 CO-OP PEOPLE

Star quilter: Internationally known quiltmaker Nancy Crow creates contemporary art at her Ohio farm.

Cheryl Solomon

Birds of a feather: Ohio birders flock together for the annual Christmas Bird Count — and you can join them.

12

15 GOOD EATS

All in one: Cleanup’s a breeze when you fix these hearty, delicious meals in but a single pan.

electric cooperative.

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

9

12 WOODS, WATERS, AND WILDLIFE

19 LOCAL PAGES News and information from your

For all advertising inquiries, contact

6

15

37 CALENDAR

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.

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

40 MEMBER INTERACTIVE

Naughty or nice: Members make their case for a spot on Santa’s list.

40

Visit Ohio Cooperative Living magazine online at www.ohiocoopliving.com! Read past issues and watch videos about our articles or our recipes. Our new 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.

www.ohiocoopliving.com DECEMBER 2020 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING 3

POWER LINES

The right way Survey index shows that members appreciate how co-ops go about their business.

BY JEFF MCCALLISTER

E

very now and then, Anthony Smith, president and CEO of Union Rural Electric Cooperative in Marysville, finds he’s dashed out of the house in the morning without eating breakfast, so he ends up in the drive-thru lane at the fastfood place next to his office to grab a bite on his way to work.

It’s nearly always quick and without incident, but one recent morning, the worker who handed him his sandwich stopped him.

Because Smith lives in the community and writes a regular column in URE’s local pages in Ohio Cooperative Living, folks often recognize him when he’s out and about, and he’s never quite sure what to expect when they do.

“Sometimes, people might want to talk to me about their rates or some little problem they might be having,” Smith says, “but she just looked at me and said, ‘Thank you.’

She wanted to tell me what a difference we had made to her family by providing an unexpected bill credit on her last electric bill.”

Like many electric cooperatives, URE issues capital credits to its consumer-members.

When the amount collected from electric bills is more than the cost to provide electricity, that excess money is returned to the members who pay those bills. Customers of investorowned utilities like AEP and Dayton Power and Light don’t see those returns — profits are given to shareholders instead.

Co-op employees such as Union Rural Electric Cooperative CEO Anthony Smith (gray shirt) can often be found interacting with co-op members in a way that employees of similar industries do not.

4 OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • DECEMBER 2020

Often, cooperatives hold those excess funds in reserve for a number of years, using them for improvements and maintenance to the electrical system, before issuing the credits.

But this year, Smith and the URE board recognized that the community was being hit hard by the coronavirus pandemic and decided on an early distribution of the entire

2019 credit to try to ease that burden. It was enough in many cases to pay nearly an entire month’s electric bill, even for newer members who usually have to wait much longer to be eligible for that distribution.

“That’s just who we are,” Smith says. “We’re not here for the big profit — we provide a service and we improve lives, in lots of ways besides just keeping the lights on.”

2021 ACSI coming soon Ohio electric cooperative members

Ohio electric cooperatives don’t just give lip service to customer service. Anyone can say they care about the customer, but the co-ops live that attitude every day. Nearly all survey their members, using the American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI) to put actual data behind the anecdotal evidence they get in the drive-thru lane.

may have the opportunity to share their

ACSI is the only national cross-industry measure of customer satisfaction in the United States. In Ohio, electric cooperatives ask their members about such things as member service, cost and quality of electric service, social responsibility, bills and payment options, communication, and employees.

Consumer-members will be

In the latest survey, which was completed in the early stages of the pandemic in Ohio, 14 of the state’s 24 co-ops earned their highest-ever scores. In an industry where the average satisfaction score is 73, Ohio’s co-ops averaged 87, and five — including URE — were at 90 or above.

“Members recognized everything the co-ops did to safely and positively respond to the COVID-19 crisis,” says Doug Miller, vice president of statewide services for Ohio’s Electric Cooperatives, the statewide trade association that provides services to the co-ops. “When we do the right thing each and every day, we build up a bank of capital in the form of loyalty and trust among our members. Then when have to make difficult decisions like rate increases or a return to normal collection procedures after the voluntary suspension of disconnections, the members understand that we’re doing what we need to do.”

opinions, viewpoints, and attitudes about the co-op when the next round of surveys begins in March.

contacted at random, and their responses will be analyzed to compile the co-op’s satisfaction index score. More than that, though, responses help the cooperatives in their continual efforts to provide the best in service to their members.

“This isn’t just some survey where you get results and put them on a shelf,” says Kristen Appleton, marketing project coordinator for Ohio’s Electric Cooperatives. “The co-ops read every single response and use them as a way to see what they’re doing right and

“We’re definitely proud of our ACSI score,” Smith says, “but it’s really just a side effect of who we are in the community. Since we’re right here, we can make decisions and take action a lot more quickly than maybe some of the larger investor-owned utilities can to take care of any needs that might come up.

where they might need to improve.

“It’s also a way to help us tell our story,” he says. “That number reinforces that, hey, this is another reason you can be proud of this co-op, which, by the way, you also own and are an important part of.”

ops listen to their members and try to

“I think if you look at the continued improvement in the overall scores over the years, it shows that the codo right by them.”

DECEMBER 2020 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING 5

CO-OP SPOTLIGHT

UNION RURAL ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE

J

ust to the northwest of Columbus, Union Rural Electric Cooperative (URE), based in Marysville, is a not-forprofit electric and natural gas distribution cooperative serving over 10,000 consumermembers. Alongside the city of Marysville and Union County, URE has enjoyed prosperous growth over the last three decades. The communities served by URE have a proud agricultural heritage but celebrate the increased investments made in the advanced manufacturing, smart mobility, and research and development sectors in recent times.

Diverse membership Unlike the typical rural electric cooperative, URE boasts an impressive mix of residential, commercial, and industrial accounts. The mix includes automotive manufacturing facilities and several automotive suppliers, which are critically important to the economies of Union County and the state of Ohio. The cooperative serves a few K-12 school facilities and families with students enrolled in five school districts.

Also included in the member mix are city and county government facilities, chain and locally owned restaurants, automobile dealerships, hotels, and various retail accounts, all of which contribute to the economic strength and diversity of the area.

Commitment to its community Commitment to community is a top priority at URE. Each year the co-op sponsors various activities, such as youth sports, 4-H, farmers markets, and local fairs and festivals. All sponsorship efforts are designed to boost economic development and improve the quality of life in Union County. The future is bright in and around Union County, and URE is positioned to be there powering the way.

6 OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • DECEMBER 2020

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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CO-OP PEOPLE

Internationally known quiltmaker Nancy Crow creates contemporary fabric art at her Ohio farm.

BY MARGARET BURANEN

N

ancy Crow’s quilts hang in the Smithsonian and the Museum of Folk Art. They’ve been on exhibit in China, England, France, and other countries. Some of her quilts even appear on the covers of two of Maya Angelou’s books.

Crow has curated quilt exhibits in the U.S. and abroad. The six books she wrote on specialized quilting and fabric art techniques will be valuable references for artisans for years to come.

She’s even been inducted into the International Quilting Hall of Fame.

In short, Crow, a member of South Central Power Company, is a star in the quilting world.

Continued on page 10

Nancy Crow has written six books on specialized quilting and fabric art techniques. She works out of her family farm near Baltimore, Ohio.

DECEMBER 2020 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING 9

Continued from page 9

Surprisingly, for a fabric artist as accomplished as Crow is, she did not learn to sew when she was young. She became an avid knitter in high school, but didn’t create any fabric art until she took a course in tapestry weaving at Ohio State University. Her BFA and MFA degrees from the university were focused on ceramics art.

When her first son was born, though, Crow wanted to make a crib quilt for him. It spurred a stage when she began using familiar quilting patterns, but with a twist. “I went through a traditional stage,” she says. “The people I knew were all self-taught. We studied block patterns [and made quilts with those designs]. But I always changed the patterns so they were my own.”

Her talent has flourished in the tranquil setting of the farm she and her husband, John Stitzlein, own near Baltimore, in Fairfield County.

Red and black oaks line the quarter-mile entrance lane, forming a canopy overhead. Goldenrod, poppies, coneflowers, ironweed, and other native plants bloom in the 6-acre pollinator garden. With its wooded acres of native trees, the farm will eventually be under a conservation easement, which will keep the land safe from future development.

10 OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • DECEMBER 2020

It’s within that setting that Crow creates her contemporary quilts in her spacious, sunlit studio. Floorto-ceiling shelves hold bolts of fabric carefully arranged by gradual shadings within a spectrum of colors. “I hand-dye all of my colors,” Crow says.

Crow’s inspiration for a new piece could be one or more colors, a shape, something she sees on the farm, or a combination of several of those. Then she goes to the wall of her studio.

She begins with a drawing hung on the wall. “Then I cut fabric by eye,” she says. “I start by pinning up a line or a shape. I have to get a ‘skeleton.’”

Her process is far from straightforward. She doesn’t know where the art will take her until it is finished — no pattern to follow exactly, no piece of graph paper with the squares colored precisely. “Art is about experimenting and what you discover. It’s what is not known,” she says.

For Crow, art is also quite physical. She thinks and works in the vertical plane, creating large, vertical art that will hang on a wall someday. It requires Crow to climb up and down a ladder countless times. She climbs up to pin a piece of fabric to the wall, then climbs down and moves across the studio to see how it looks — whether it goes or doesn’t.

Sometimes, unfortunately, the cut fabric doesn’t fit in the design as she imagined it would. Sometimes, it’s only when she’s almost finished the design that Crow realizes it’s not up to her standards.

“Every time I fail, I’ve lost six months,” she says. “I have to be able to accept that, but I’ve learned that if I keep going, something wonderful will happen.”

COVID-19 has at least temporarily halted the workshops Crow holds on quilting techniques, fabric dyeing, elements of composition and design, and more, which is a shame, because she enjoys teaching other quiltmakers and fabric artists.

The experience of working with students has taught Crow that “people have far more ability than they think,” she says. “It’s up to the teacher to pull that out.”

Crow’s goal for each piece of fabric art she creates is “to do work that shows more growth than what I did before.”

“I want to be able to make work that I consider to be profound and to be still working in my 90s.”

An exhibit of Crow’s quilts is hanging at the International Quilt Museum at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln through March 7, 2021. Take a virtual tour at https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=bBJymIVtbrw.

Nancy Crow’s quilting studio, at the family farm near Baltimore, is awash with fabric of all colors. She says she works vertically, on quilts that hang from her walls rather than sitting on tables.

DECEMBER 2020 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING 11

WOODS, WATERS, AND WILDLIFE

Birds of a feather Ohio birders flock together for the annual Christmas Bird Count — and you can join them!

STORY AND PHOTOS BY W.H. “CHIP” GROSS

A

professor of biology and ecology at Ashland University, Merrill Tawse has been running the same wild-bird survey route annually for more than 40 years. It’s not for his work, though; it’s purely for pleasure.

“I look forward to it every year,” he says. “It’s great exercise and a break from my normal teaching routine. I guess I just enjoy stomping around outdoors any time of year.”

Known as the Christmas Bird Count, it’s a December tradition not only for Buckeye birders but for birdwatchers throughout the U.S. and beyond — from above the Arctic Circle to the southern tip of South America. Coordinated by the National Audubon Society, the annual CBC began more than a century ago, ironically, as a bird hunt.

Before 1900, rural people engaged in a holiday tradition known as the Christmas “side hunt.” Sides (teams) were chosen, and team members fanned out through the countryside with their rifles and shotguns. Whichever team amassed the most feathered or furred quarry by the end of the day won the contest.

As an alternative to those hunts, Frank Chapman, an early officer of the then-fledgling National Audubon Society, suggested a “Christmas Bird Census” that would record the number of wild birds present during the holidays, rather than hunt them. Thus, the Christmas Bird Count was born … er, hatched.

I joined Tawse and his lab assistant, Tyler Theaker, before dawn on a Saturday morning last December to tag along on a section of the CBC near Mansfield. With the temperature hovering around freezing and precipitation changing back and forth from wet snow to rain, the weather couldn’t have been much worse for birding.

12 OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • DECEMBER 2020

Nevertheless, Tawse and Theaker had already recorded six screech owls on their official list. Starting at 4 a.m., the pair had made about a dozen stops along the survey route, playing a loud recording of screech owl calls into the darkness that the real birds answered.

CBC survey areas are 15-mile-diameter circles, and there are 75 of them scattered across Ohio. Teams of birders volunteer their time to identify as many wild bird species as possible within those circles — by sight or sound. The observations are made over a 24-hour period anytime during a three-week window from midDecember through early January.

Tawse calls it “citizen science,” with the birding among groups friendly, yet intense. An air of competition pervades to see which group can see not only the most species of birds but also the most unusual. We spotted about 30 species during our half-day of tallying, including a pair of Virginia rails, an effort Tawse pronounced “good for the weather conditions.”

At noon, we headed for Gorman Nature Center near Mansfield to warm up with a bowl of hot chili as we conferred with members of the other teams and compiled a master list of birds observed that morning. The list would eventually be submitted to the Audubon Society’s national office and added to its database.

When asked what changes he’s noticed in wild bird populations over the years, Tawse mentioned a general decrease in avian numbers overall, especially with grassland species in Ohio such as meadowlarks and ringnecked pheasants. He was quick, however, to mention an encouraging trend.

“When I began participating in the CBC during the 1980s, there were only four bald eagle nests in the state,” he said.

“Today, there are more than 700 nests, and the population of eagles continues to soar.” How appropriate then, it seemed, that the final two birds we added to our list last December were a pair of mature bald eagles.

You don’t need to be an expert birder to participate in the Christmas Bird Count. If you feel less than confident in your bird ID skills, you will be matched with accomplished birders, which is a great way to learn. Young people are also encouraged to participate; last year, members of the Lexington High School Biology Club assisted on some of the Mansfield CBC survey routes.

To contact a Christmas Bird Count coordinator near you, go to www.audubon.org/ conservation/join-christmasbird-count, or call your local nature center.

Ask

chip!

The annual National Audubon Society Christmas Bird Count brings with it tons of camaraderie — and more than just a little friendly competition — among the birders.

Email Chip Gross 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!

www.ohiocoopliving.com DECEMBER 2020 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING 13

Experience Honda’s innovations from its earliest products to the HondaJet and NSX.

We would like to thank the following for their generosity in supporting our efforts to fight blood cancers at the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society’s 2020 virtual Light the Night Walk:

Gold Sponsors Tom and Mary Beth Alban National Rural Utilities Cooperative Finance Corporation

N.F. Mansuetto & Sons, Inc. George V. Hamilton, Inc.

Silver Sponsors James Alban

Donna Cole

American Oncology

F&M Mafco

The Community Foundation of Ohio’s Electric Cooperatives

Patrick and Nancy O’Loughlin

National Renewables Cooperative Organization

One Source Advisors Tri-State Coating and Machine

Bronze Sponsors ABT Manufacturing Artina Promotional Products Frank and Jill Carsonie Cleveland Pump and Repair Services Martin and Claire Dasler Doe Weldon Trucking Kurt Helfrich Patrick and Julie Higgins Highland Consulting Gordan and Trudy Iseminger Tom Kain Randy Keefer Rick and Wendy Lemonds For the latest Honda Heritage Center news and updates, follow our social media pages:

HondaHeritageCenter @heritagecenter

14 OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • DECEMBER 2020

Louis and Barbara Lukancic Nick Mascia Paul and Jayne McKnight Dwight and Denise Miller Moly-Cop USA Neumann Company Ron Overstreet/Worthington DQ Jim Palmisano Bill Roberts Steve Rowe Neal and Erin Shah Niranjan and Vina Shah

Thank you!

Your support was critical as our company exceeded its ambitious goal of $50,000 raised for this year’s event.

All in one

GOOD EATS

Cleanup’s a breeze when you fix these hearty, delicious meals in but a single pan.

RECIPES AND PHOTOS BY CATHERINE MURRAY

LIGHT AND LEMONY SHEET PAN SHRIMP Prep: 8 minutes | Cook: 12 minutes | Servings: 5 1 pound fresh green beans, stems removed 1 medium red onion, sliced 1½ pounds raw shrimp, peeled and deveined 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 teaspoons Old Bay seasoning 1 pint grape tomatoes 1 whole lemon, sliced Preheat oven to 450 F. Layer green beans, red onion, and shrimp onto sheet pan. Toss with olive oil and sprinkle with Old Bay seasoning. Finish layering the tomatoes and lemon slices.

Bake 10 to 12 minutes, until tomatoes begin to wrinkle and onion is soft. Remove pan from oven and serve immediately.

Per serving: 272 calories, 8 grams fat (1.5 grams saturated fat), 287 milligrams cholesterol, 599 milligrams sodium, 17 grams total carbohydrates, 6 grams fiber, 34 grams protein.

DECEMBER 2020 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING 15

ONE-SKILLET CREAMY TUSCAN CHICKEN Prep: 10 minutes | Cook: 15 minutes | Servings: 4 1 pound thin, boneless, skinless ¼ teaspoon black pepper chicken breasts 1 tablespoon unsalted butter 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning 4 cloves garlic, sliced ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper (optional) 1 cup heavy cream ¼ teaspoon salt ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped Note: If sun-dried tomatoes are packed in oil, omit the butter.

Sprinkle both sides of chicken breasts with mixture of the four spices. Sear with butter (or sun-dried tomato oil) in a large, deep skillet over medium-high heat for 8 minutes, flipping halfway through. Set chicken aside. In the same skillet, lower heat to medium and add garlic. Sauté for a minute or two. Pour in heavy

16 OHIO OHIOCOOPERATIVE COOPERATIVELIVING LIVING • • DECEMBER DECEMBER2020 2020 16

14-ounce can quartered artichoke hearts, drained 2 tablespoons capers 4 cups roughly chopped fresh spinach

cream, sun-dried tomatoes, artichoke hearts, capers, and spinach.

Bring to a simmer, stir, then return chicken to skillet. Cover with lid and continue cooking until chicken is heated through and spinach is wilted, about 5 minutes.

Per serving: 419 calories, 24 grams fat (11 grams saturated fat), 152 milligrams cholesterol, 524 milligrams sodium, 15 grams total carbohydrates, 7 grams fiber, 38 grams protein.

Have you tried one of our recipes? Do you have a recipe to share with other Ohio co-op members? Visit the Member Interactive page on www.ohiocoopliving.com to find recipes submitted by our readers and to upload yours.

www.ohiocoopliving.com While you’re there, see a video of a couple of these tasty dishes being prepared.

LOADED SWEET POTATO FRIES Prep: 5 minutes | Cook: 20 minutes | Servings: 6 20 ounces frozen sweet ¼ cup cheddar cheese potato fries 1 avocado, sliced ½ cup cooked black beans 4 tablespoons light sour cream ½ cup corn kernels 3 scallions, diced ½ teaspoon cumin 3 tablespoons chopped cilantro ½ teaspoon paprika *BBQ chicken, BBQ jackfruit, or ¼ teaspoon garlic powder chili could take place of the pulled pork.

8 ounces pre-cooked BBQ pulled pork* Spread out sweet potato fries on a baking sheet or sheet pan.

The more spread out they are, the crispier they’ll get. Follow the instructions on the package for temperature and cook time.

Cook on bottom rack and flip fries halfway through cook time.

When fries are at their desired doneness, pull baking sheet out of the oven. Push fries a bit closer together. Evenly spread black beans and corn on top, then sprinkle with cumin, paprika, and garlic powder. Top with pulled pork (or alternative meat option) and cheddar cheese. Switch oven to the broil setting and move pan to the oven’s top rack. Broil 2 to 5 minutes until pulled pork is heated through, watching carefully so the cheese doesn’t burn. Remove from oven; top with avocado slices, sour cream, scallions, and cilantro. Serve immediately.

Per serving: 650 calories, 34.5 grams fat (10 grams saturated fat), 82 milligrams cholesterol, 1,213 milligrams sodium, 61 grams total carbohydrates, 9 grams fiber, 27 grams protein.

DECEMBER 2020 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING 17

ONE-POT BEEF STROGANOFF Prep: 5 minutes | Cook: 30 minutes | Servings: 4 2 tablespoons unsalted butter 12 ounces cremini mushrooms, thickly sliced 1 small sweet onion, diced 1 pound lean ground beef 3 cups beef broth 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard 2 cloves garlic, minced ½ teaspoon dried thyme ½ teaspoon salt ¼ teaspoon pepper 8 ounces egg noodles, uncooked ¾ cup sour cream 2 tablespoons minced fresh parsley (optional) Melt butter in a large pot or skillet over medium heat. Sauté mushrooms and onion, stirring occasionally, until mushrooms are tender and browned, about 10 to 15 minutes. Onions should be golden brown and beginning to caramelize. Add ground beef and break up the pieces as it browns, about 3 to 5 minutes. Stir in beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, garlic, thyme, salt, pepper, and egg noodles.

Cover and bring to a boil; reduce heat and simmer until pasta is cooked through, about 10 to 15 minutes, stirring once or twice. If liquid begins to evaporate before the pasta is cooked, add more water or beef stock.

Stir in sour cream and cook another minute until heated through. Garnish with parsley (optional) and serve hot.

Per serving: 386 calories, 19 grams fat (10 grams saturated fat), 122 milligrams cholesterol, 877 milligrams sodium, 18 grams total carbohydrates, 1.5 grams fiber, 35 grams protein.

18 OHIO OHIOCOOPERATIVE COOPERATIVELIVING LIVING • • DECEMBER DECEMBER2020 2020 18

MIDWEST ELECTRIC LOCAL PAGES

MESSAGE FROM THE CEO

PATRONAGE CAPITAL REFUNDS Watch for your cash back this month, a gift of co-op membership

M

idwest Electric will distribute $1,424,877 in patronage capital to 7,455 current and former members this December. It’s noteworthy that once again, we’re able to give this cash back without raising electric rates. We haven’t had a rate increase since 2010, and over those 10 years, we’ve returned $15 million in patronage cash back (including this month’s payment) and invested more than $21 million in electric system reliability upgrades.

Patronage capital is the cooperative’s margins, or money left after all bills have been paid. Midwest Electric uses these margins for capital investments, such as building or replacing power lines and other electric system improvements.

After being used as financing, the remaining money is returned to you as cash back. It represents each co-op member’s ownership — or equity — in their cooperative.

Patronage capital is allocated to members in proportion to the dollar amount of electricity used. This month’s payment will go to those of you who used Midwest Electric’s service in 2004. A typical residential member from those years will receive a bill credit of about $138.

Since 1955, Midwest Electric has returned more than $36 million in patronage cash back to its members. For this

month’s payment, eligible members will receive the refund either as a credit on their electric bill mailed around Nov. 21 or as a separate check this month.

Matt Berry, CEO

MBERRY@MIDWESTREC.COM

Consider reinvesting a portion back into your co-op’s political efforts Another way we prove the value of the cooperative difference is when we work with legislative leaders on your behalf. State and federal laws and regulations can have a significant impact on the cost and reliability of electric power. We stay in regular contact with our political leaders to ensure they understand how proposed laws impact cooperative members.

For as little as $25 per year ($2.08 per month added to your electric bill as a separate line item), you can join Co-op Owners for Political Action and team up with 700 Midwest Electric members. Nationally, more than 33,000 cooperative members, employees, and trustees belong to our political action committee, which supports legislators who are dedicated to keeping your electric bills affordable.

Call 800-962-3830 for more information or a registration form. Feel free to email me at mberry@midwestrec.com.

Why give patronage cash back but then increase electric rates later?

These are two separate and distinct decisions. A rate increase is intended to cover current and future operating costs over the coming 3- to 5-year period. As noted in previous communications, Midwest Electric’s rates have not gone up for more than 10 years!

While we might be able to push off a rate increase into 2022, it eventually will be necessary to offset the increased costs of operating a cooperative with 30 employees and 1,500 miles of line.

Another important distinction that separates the two decisions is the individual members involved. The patronage cash back goes to members from 16 years ago (2004). The next rate increase will be paid by those who are cooperative members in 2022 and beyond.

When a rate increase does happen, there will be many members who both receive patronage cash back and are subject to the rate increase. Again, they are simply being repaid the debt they loaned the cooperative some 16 years earlier while being properly charged for the cost to keep their lights on in 2022 and beyond.

Each decision stands on its own merit. Yet, the two actions are a giving and a taking. There is no other form of utility governance that operates this way: You help pay for the business, and you get your equity cash back over time.

DECEMBER 2020 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING 19

MIDWEST ELECTRIC LOCAL PAGES

cash

As a member-owner of your electric cooperative, you receive patronage cash back.

Since 1955, Midwest Electric has paid a whopping

CAPITAL CREDITS

I GET

$36 MILLION

FROM MY ELECTRIC COMPANY?!

What is patronage cash back?

Patronage payments from member-owned, not-for-profit companies like Midwest Electric are somewhat similar to the dividends paid to shareholders of investor-owned utilities. The difference is that a co-op’s “shareholders” are also the members that it serves, and the “dividends” are capital credits paid to the cooperative’s members.

What’s the difference between allocated and retired patronage credits?

Allocated patronage appears as an entry on the permanent financial records and reflects your ownership in Midwest Electric. Every spring, we notify our members of the amount added to your patronage capital account through a printed notice on your electric bill. When patronage capital credits are retired, a check or bill credit is issued to you.

How is patronage cash back calculated?

Each year, net margins of the cooperative are divided among the members based on each member’s electric use for the year. Members who use more electric service receive a larger amount of patronage cash back allocated to their account.

Will I receive a check every year?

Not necessarily. The board of directors must authorize a retirement before you receive a check. When considering a retirement, the cooperative’s board must consider the financial condition of the cooperative, the need for cash, and the availability of funds.

20 OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • DECEMBER 2020

in excess revenues back to our members like you!

What happens to my patronage capital when I leave the co-op’s service area?

Your patronage cash back account balance remains on the books in your name and member number until it is retired. Because payments are made to current and former members alike, you should ensure that Midwest Electric always has your current mailing address on file.

I have been a co-op member for several years. When will I receive a patronage cash back payment?

Midwest Electric operates on a 16-year rotation. Those funds (called patronage) are used to help finance reliability improvements, line rebuilds, and other electric system upgrades. Most of that equipment has a life of 20 to 50 years.

Financing is a balance between loans and member equity (patronage). Too much in loans, and interest expense gets too high. Too much in member equity, and members’ costs are financing more of the system.

Among the 900 electric co-ops in the U.S., the common industry standard is a 20-year capital patronage return cycle. The unretired patronage capital, or “equity” of the cooperative, serves a vital function — allowing the cooperative to operate economically and effectively, while investing in the infrastructure necessary to meet the needs of our members.

What if the account holder dies?

We need to be notified by a relative or other legal representative when a member passes away so that the patronage account can be closed, paid out, or transferred to another person’s name.

OFFICE CLOSED FOR HOLIDAYS

Midwest Electric will be closed for Christmas on Dec. 24 and 25. We will also close at noon on New Year’s Eve and will be closed for New Year’s Day on Jan. 1. Best wishes for a wonderful, safe time with your family!

2021 GRADS

FOR RULES AND APPLICATIONS:

We’re giving away a total of $9,000 in our Children of Members Scholarship program!

Visit www.midwestrec.com.

Call the co-op at 800-962-3830.

Stop by the co-op office: 06029 County Road 33A, St. Marys, OH 45885.

Pick them up from your guidance counselor.

Deadline is Jan. 15.

Graduating Seniors: Have you overcome significant personal challenges on your way to academic excellence?

FOR RULES AND APPLICATIONS: Visit www.midwestrec.com.

Call the co-op at 800-962-3830.

Stop by the co-op office at 06029 County Road 33A, St. Marys, OH 45885.

Pick them up from your guidance counselor.

Deadline is Jan. 15.

You could win $2,000 in scholarships in the

Touchstone Energy Achievement Scholarship Program!

DECEMBER 2020 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING 20A

MIDWEST ELECTRIC LOCAL PAGES

MEET YOUR FARM FAMOUS WINNERS, Dwayne and Rita Krouskop

Spencerville couple raises non-GMO animals for immune-deficient grandkids

D

emand for organic meat is increasing four times faster than the total meat category, according to recent data from Nielsen. Today, consumers are concerned with environmental sustainability, animal welfare, and meat without hormones, antibiotics, or toxic pesticides.

Midwest Electric members Dwayne and Rita Krouskop of Spencerville feel the same way, especially since two of their granddaughters are immune deficient and require clean diets. Raising their own steers, chickens, and goats on their small farm, the Krouskops were voted the 2020 Midwest Electric Farm Famous winners from a lineup of more than a dozen member-submitted nominees. Dwayne and Rita won a $100 bill credit, a plaque, and the satisfaction of knowing their community stands behind their efforts to provide a healthier life for their five children and six grandchildren.

“By raising your own animals, you know what you’re eating, which is so important,” says Rita. “These animals are my pets, and I enjoy making sure they live good lives.”

The Krouskops have been married 31 years, living in their cozy country home, their yard sprinkled with a characterworn steer barn, bright-red chicken coop, and fencing to contain their adorable pygmy goats. Friendly felines rub your ankles, meowing to be petted, and their giant Great Dane, Spartan, greets visitors with a wagging tail that might knock you over.

20B OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • DECEMBER 2020

Dwayne works as an electrician and proud member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 32 in Lima, while Rita is in her 20th year of driving a school bus for Spencerville Local Schools.

“We’re not BTOs — big-time operators,” Dwayne says, “so I’m sure there are many other farmers more deserving than us. That said, we’re very humbled to receive this award and are grateful for our community. I’ve spent my whole life in Spencerville and am a big Bearcats football fan.”

The Krouskops found their calling when their granddaughters — Juni and Rory — were diagnosed with DiGeorge syndrome and epilepsy, respectively. DiGeorge syndrome, also known as 22q11.2 deletion syndrome, is a rare disorder caused by a missing portion of chromosome 22 that can result in poor development of several body systems, causing heart defects, poor immune system function, and low levels of calcium in the blood. It is the second most common chromosomal disorder after Down syndrome but is not as widely heard of. It only affects about 1 in 4,000 people, and there presently is no cure.

Meanwhile, epilepsy — a neurological disorder marked by sudden recurrent episodes of sensory disturbance or seizures — affects roughly one in 26 Americans.

To honor their granddaughters and help raise awareness for congenital heart disease and 22q, the Krouskops joined the Adopt-A-Highway Litter Program, selecting Highway

The Krouskops have five children and six grandchildren, whom they have lots of fun with on the farm. The new pony is pictured above.

“Maybe someday we’ll open a petting zoo … maybe,” Rita laughs. “One day our granddaughter got bored and wanted to explore the woods — yes, even with her blingy dress on. So we take pride in showing them where the buckeye trees are, what the river sounds like, and all the other gems around us if only we look. We have to appreciate everything around us.”

The highway the Krouskops adopted for their granddaughters is on Highway 197 near St. Marys River Bridge.

You may not know Rita loves to crochet (but can’t figure out how to end the blanket she started years ago) or that Dwayne is your go-to phone call on a trivia show (“he’s a dictionary of random facts,” as Rita says). But one thing is for sure: They are selfless advocates for their family.

197 near their home along the St. Mary’s River bridge (named “Nora and Juni’s Family CHD and 22q Awareness Highway”). The Krouskops are also donating the $100 won through the Farm Famous contest to the Ronald McDonald House in Columbus, where their family stayed when Juni was born, when she had open-heart surgery at six months old, and during several other procedures at Nationwide Children’s Hospital.

“Many people don’t know, but if you shop on Amazon, you can actually donate to various charities through their AmazonSmile program,” Dwayne says. “All you do is go to smile.amazon.com and pick your charity, then 0.5% of all eligible purchases you make through AmazonSmile will be donated to your cause. We donate to 22q11.2 groups because of the support they show families in desperate times. We’ve experienced it firsthand and want to give back.”

Ronald McDonald House Charities have provided more than 2.5 million overnight stays for families traveling far from home for their children’s medical needs. To learn more or donate, visit www.rmhc.org.

To learn more about 22q11 and how to help children with this life-changing disease, visit the 22q11.2 International Foundation’s website at www.22q.org. You can also follow Juni’s story on Facebook. The page named “Juniper’s Army” raises awareness for CHD and 22q and attempts to give back to organizations that have contributed to her success.

The Epilepsy Foundation provides resources for living with epilepsy, as well as how to make a difference online at www. epilepsy.com. The foundation has trained more than 510,000 people to recognize and administer first aid for seizures, as well as raised $68 million for epilepsy research.

Raising animals is another way the Krouskops show their love.

Over the years, they’ve tried it all, including fowl like geese, ducks, turkeys, and guinea. Most recently, they added a pony, with the hopes of someday doing equestrian therapy work.

“It all started with our kids’ fair projects,” Dwayne says. “Back in 1999, our daughter Hannah started with goats, then our oldest son wanted to be a vet and took on incubated eggs … he did surprisingly well, so we added on milking goats, and it kind of snowballed from there. These days, the animals still remind us of our kids and all those memories.”

The Krouskop family jokes that they have big dreams, as their daughter-in-law Katie wants to train a goat for the show “America’s Got Talent.” The couple insists that their animals help slow the kids down and teach them a greater appreciation for life.

DONATE TO CHARITY WHILE SHOPPING! If you shop on Amazon, you can donate to your charity of choice through their AmazonSmile program. First, visit smile.amazon.com and pick your charity. Make sure you use the hyperlink smile.amazon.com when starting your shopping, and 0.5% of any eligible purchases you make through AmazonSmile will be donated to your cause.

The Krouskops choose 22q11.2 groups.

DECEMBER 2020 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING 20C

MIDWEST ELECTRIC LOCAL PAGES ENERGY EFFICIENCY

Do you have a heat pump?

DAVE WALTERMIRE Business Development Coordinator

If so, be mindful when increasing your home’s temperature more than 3 degrees at a time, as it could cause your backup (or supplemental) heat to kick into gear, which is much more expensive.

Large temperature fluctuations (ex: turning your thermostat down before bed and up again in the morning) force your heat pump to work hard.

Because heat pumps can’t heat or cool a home as quickly as electric or gas heating, temperatures must be changed over the course of a few hours so

heat pumps can independently keep up without backup heat automatically turning on to help reach your desired home temperature more quickly.

If you recently installed a geothermal or air-source heat pump, make sure you buy an intelligent recovery thermostat, which communicates with your supplemental heating (in many cases, electric resistance heating) to prevent it from coming on. When this happens, you’ll pay for two heat sources.

Most thermostats have a red light or indicator to show when supplemental heat is on. Make sure to watch yours.

Look for thermostats that say “intelligent recovery” or “ramping recovery” to ensure they communicate with your supplemental heating. Have questions? Give our energy advisor a call at 800-962-3830.

HOW YOUR THERMOST A T

A FFECTS YOUR ELECTRIC BILL

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, heating and cooling is the largest energy expense in the average U.S. home.

Whenever possible, try to keep your thermostat at 78 F in the summertime and 68 F in the winter to maximize electric savings.

(Yes, sweaters are our best friends!)

If you’re still struggling with high bills, a home energy audit may be the next step. We also offer various rebates. Just visit www. midwestrec.com > My Home > Energy Audits and Tips.

We actually help you use less of our product!

20D OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • DECEMBER 2020

COMMUNITY OUTREACH

Midwest Electric members donate $15,750 to 15 local organizations

M

embers of Midwest Electric recently donated $15,750 to 15 west-central Ohio charities and community projects through the cooperative’s Community Connection Fund. Thanks to the 88% of members who round up their electric bill and donate to this fund, Midwest Electric has provided $1,170,914 to 981 local charitable causes since 1998.

Making a difference

locally

A board of trustees, composed of co-op members and separate from the Midwest Electric Board, oversees the application and allocation process.

Individuals or organizations can obtain an application by calling 800-962-3830.

Trustee update: Welcome to our new Community Connection Fund trustees: Steve Butcher of Columbus Grove (representing Allen/Putnam counties), Scott Snethkamp of St. Marys (representing Auglaize/Shelby counties), and Beverlee Profit of Ohio City (representing Van Wert County).

LATEST CCF GRANT RECIPIENTS INCLUDE: • St. Henry Volunteer Fire Department, Mercer County; $2,500 for new truck radios and portable radios

• Community Health Professionals, Van Wert County; $1,000 for new CPR training units

• Fort Recovery Area Arts Council, Mercer County; $2,000 to repair the Morvilius Opera House roof

• Historic Main Street Van Wert; Van Wert County; $750 for downtown sound system

• Minster Historical Society, Auglaize County; $2,000 to supplement operating costs

• Gospel Singing Tent, Allen County; $500 for Allen County Fair • Van Wert County Humane Society; $500 for new animal shelter construction

• St. Anthony Dinner Theater, Mercer County; $1,000 for families in need • Lima Symphony Orchestra, Allen County; $1,000 for 2021 concerts • YMCA of Van Wert County; $1,000 for life jackets (Camp Clay Aqua Park) • Choosing Life Pregnancy Center, Mercer County; $1,000 for online parenting classes • Mercer County Fairgrounds; $1,000 to offset lost revenue and Merry & Bright Christmas Lights

• Delphos Community Christmas Project, Allen County; $500 for toys, clothes, shoes, and coats for kids • Autism Life Center, Allen County; $500 for sensory bags • Spencerville-Jennings PTO, Allen County; $500 for headphone sets for Spencerville Elementary School

Butcher

Snethkamp

Profit

Thank you, departing trustees Lori Ringwald (Spencerville) and Michael Corbet (Wapakoneta).

Other current trustees are Rita Baumer (Wapakoneta), John Morreale (Willshire), Raquel Schaadt (Mendon), Charles Gamble (New Bremen), Michelle Clune (Coldwater), and Robert Gaberdiel (Spencerville), Thanks to all board members for their community service!

DECEMBER 2020 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING 21

MIDWEST ELECTRIC LOCAL PAGES

Where to get help with utility bills: Auglaize Co. Job & Family Services 12 N. Wood St., Wapakoneta 567-242-2700 www.auglaizecountydjfs.org

Putnam County

Columbus, OH 800-282-0880 www.energyhelp.ohio.gov

Mercy Unlimited 38 E. Auglaize St., Wapakoneta 419-738-3161 | www.mercyunlimited.org

Putnam County Community Action Main office in Findlay: 800-423-4304 Satellite office in Ottawa: 419-523-5345

Allen County

St. Vincent DePaul Center 107 W. Pearl St., Wapakoneta 419-738-7456 | Wed-Thurs, 9 to 11:35 a.m.

Van Wert County

If you need help with your utility bills and are facing a possible shut-off of services, there are places you can go for help.

HEAP

West Ohio Community Action Partnership 540 S. Central Ave., Lima 419-227-2586 | www.wocap.org Appointment hotline: 855-286-7559 Allen Co. Job and Family Services 1501 S. Dixie Hwy., Lima 419-228-2621 | acjfs.org

Auglaize County

West Ohio Community Action Partnership 13093 Infirmary Road, Wapakoneta 419-227-2586 | www.wocap.org Appointment hotline: 855-286-7559

Mercer County

West Ohio Community Action Partnership 420 N. Brandon, Suite A, Celina 419-227-2586 | www.wocap.org Appointment hotline: 855-286-7559 OUR Home Family Resource Center 117 W. Fayette St., Celina 419-586-4663 | www.ourhomefrc.com Mercer County Job and Family Services 220 W. Livingston St., Suite 10, Celina 419-586-5106 | mercercountyohio.org/jfs

Putnam County Job and Family Services 1225 E. Third St., Ottawa, OH 567-376-3777

Northwestern Ohio Community Action 114 E. Main St., Suite 1, Van Wert Main office: 419-784-5136 Utility assistance: 419-219-4641 If you’re getting behind in your electric bill, please call us. We might be able to work out payment arrangements for your past due amount, and we will help you with service agencies.

Remember, we are on your side and want to help!

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

OFFICE

06029 County Rd. 33A St. Marys, OH 45885 CONTACT

1-800-962-3830

ACCESS YOUR ACCOUNT ONLINE

www.midwestrec.com Report an outage and pay your bill through our free mobile SmartHub app.

Larry Vandemark, president James Wiechart, vice pres.

Randy Heinl, secy./treas.

Steve Bauer Bob Barnt Kathy Brake Gary R. Knapke Roger W. Rank

A copy of Midwest Electric, Inc.’s Articles of Incorporation and Code of Regulations is available from the co-op office and online at midwestrec.com.

Call us to receive your copy.

Courtney Burton Attorney

OFFICE HOURS

Monday–Friday 7:30 a.m.–4 p.m.

22 OHIO 2020 22 OHIOCOOPERATIVE COOPERATIVELIVING • DECEMBER LIVING • MARCH 2018

CEO

Matt Berry mberry@midwestrec.com

@midwestrec

facebook.com/ midwestelectric

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A different kind of farm

Ohio program helps woodland owners manage their property for wood, wildlife, and recreation.

STORY AND PHOTOS BY W.H. “CHIP” GROSS

24 OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • DECEMBER 2020

I

n Buckeye State forestry circles, having your woodlands named Ohio Tree Farm of the Year is a big deal. To have your woods named National Tree Farm of the Year is a really big deal. To garner both those titles in back-to-back years is simply off the charts. The husband-and-wife team of Randy and Koral Clum were so honored in 2017 and 2018 for the work they have done for decades on their 152-acre Hepatica Falls Tree Farm in Harrison County.

“We still can’t believe it,” say the Clums. “There are so many impactful people that we highly respect who have come before us that those honors were truly humbling.”

The Clums are members of the Ohio Tree Farm Program — first organized in 1946 — a part of the American Tree Farm System. The goal of both the national and state programs is to assist private landowners with better managing their woodlands for wood, water, wildlife, and recreation.

Some 31% of Ohio is forested (7.8 million acres), with the greatest proportion of those trees growing in southern and southeastern Ohio. The majority of Ohio forests and woodlands (more than 73%) are family forests, owned by private, non-industrial landowners. The purpose of the Ohio Tree Farm Program is to provide knowledge and assistance to family-forest owners so that they can, in turn, sustainably manage their woodlands.

Woodland owners without a written management plan can receive help from the Ohio Tree Farm Program (www. ohiotreefarm.org) with identifying an appropriate forestry professional to assist them with developing a plan.

Forestry professionals available to provide assistance include ODNR Division of Forestry Service foresters, private consulting foresters, Soil and Water Conservation District foresters, and industry foresters.

To qualify for the Ohio Tree Farm Program, a family-forest landowner must:

One of the main benefits, among a dozen or more, to a landowner having his/her woodlands certified as an Ohio Tree Farm may include a tax incentive under the Ohio Forest Tax Law (OFTL) or Current Agricultural Use Valuation (CAUV) programs. For more information about the Ohio Forest Tax Law, contact the ODNR, Division of Forestry. For CAUV information, contact your county auditor’s office.

• Own 10 or more contiguous wooded acres.

• Be committed to the sustainable management of their woodlands.

• Have an acceptable written management plan that is designed to meet ownership goals and sustain the woodlands for future generations.

W.H. “Chip” Gross, Ohio Cooperative Living’s outdoors editor and a member of Consolidated Cooperative, is a certified tree farmer who writes from his 13-acre Ohio Tree Farm in Morrow County.

DECEMBER 2020 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING 25

Need a little Christmas?

Find comfort and joy — plus Bing Crosby, Ralphie Parker, and Frosty — at Castle Noel.

STORY AND PHOTOS BY DAMAINE VONADA

G

iven the COVID-19 pandemic, it seems as if everyone could use some holiday cheer, and Castle Noel in Medina is just the place for a healthy dose of everything merry and bright. From film stills of Bing Crosby and Danny Kaye in White Christmas to Cousin Eddie’s ramshackle RV from National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation to a Blizzard Vortex that spins visitors through a makebelieve snowstorm, Castle Noel delivers a one-of-a-kind combination of a Christmas movie museum, interactive Yuletide experiences, and an unabashedly festive trip down memory lane.

Its mastermind is Mark Klaus, a sculptor, collector, curator, historian, and entrepreneur who has created the nation’s largest year-round indoor Christmas entertainment attraction inside a former church and some storefronts in Medina’s Public Square Historic District.

Yes, Klaus is his actual last name, and with his white beard and lifelong love of Christmas, he not only looks like Kris Kringle but also possesses a kind of Clark Griswold-like zeal that one would expect of someone who has amassed the world’s largest collection of holiday movie costumes, props, and memorabilia.

Klaus’s helper is his wife, Dana, a real-life Mrs. Klaus who does everything from leading tours to traveling to New York City to acquire Christmas window 26 OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • DECEMBER 2020

Castle Noel’s displays include a bevy of movie paraphernalia from holiday flicks — including the infamous rooftop snowman from Christmas with the Kranks and the Santa suit worn by the villain in How the Grinch Stole Christmas.

displays from Bloomingdale’s, Lord and Taylor, and Saks Fifth Avenue.

Castle Noel’s incomparable array of department store windows transports visitors to a wonderland of whimsical scenes.

“We have a multi-million-dollar collection,” Mrs. Klaus says. “But it’s nothing unless we’re bringing joy to people. Otherwise, it’s just stuff.”

One of Castle Noel’s prize possessions is the outfit Will Ferrell wore while portraying Buddy in Elf. The Klauses have also recently acquired the baby clothes that Buddy’s daughter Susie wears at the end of the movie. The costumes are displayed together in a vignette, similar to other such displays, specially designed to evoke the film.

Visitors, for example, view the costumes of Patrick Stewart and other A Christmas Carol cast members through imaginary shop windows graced by details like period candlesticks, while the Christmas with the Kranks display includes the rooftop Frosty, a movie poster signed by the cast, and costumes worn by Tim Allen and Jamie Lee Curtis. Other exhibits feature Cindy Lou Who’s bedroom set from The Grinch; the miniature house — complete with glitzy light show — that doubled for Danny DeVito’s home in Deck the Halls; and Bumble, the gigantic yeti used for the abominable snow monster in Rudolph the RedNosed Reindeer. “We lured Bumble to Medina with gingerbread cookies,” Mrs. Klaus explains with a smile.

Like the holiday season itself, Castle Noel appeals to all ages. A multigeneration favorite is the “I Had That” Toyland Experience, which has toys, games, and dolls — including Continued on page 28

DECEMBER 2020 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING 27

Dana Klaus demonstrates Castle Noel’s Santa Chimney Squeeze (with plenty of sanitizer on hand), while Mark Klaus (below) stands with Cousin Eddie’s RV from National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation.

Continued from page 27

a Mrs. Beasley and a stuffed lion — that materialized on Christmas mornings in Mark’s and Dana’s houses from the 1950s to the 1980s. Although the Klauses collected toys for years before opening Castle Noel, the exhibit is growing because people keep bringing in their childhood playthings. “The woman who donated her Teddy Ruxpin bear cried when she saw it in the showcase,” Mrs. Klaus says.

While Santa’s Chimney Squeeze, “Castle Noel’s official training center,” gets guests wiggling and giggling their way through inflatable walls, the venue’s signature attraction is the Grand Hall. The soaring space contains an Enchanted Forest, with animated owls that once inhabited a Lord and Taylor window, as well as a big red slide where visitors take rides á la Ralphie Parker in A Christmas Story. “Anyone over 80 who goes down the slide gets their photo on our Wall of Fame,” says Dana.

“Our oldest rider was 101½.”

Because of the virus, Castle Noel offers only private, reservation-required tours for limited numbers of guests, and on orders from Santa, a sani-elf continuously wipes down the facility with disinfectant. In the spirit of the season, the Klauses also have devised a special space for personal visits with the Jolly Old Elf. “There’s a lot of Christmas magic happening behind the scenes,” says Mrs. Klaus. “Santa will be here until December 23.”

Castle Noel, 260 S. Court St., Medina, OH 44256.

330-721-NOEL (6635); www.castlenoel.com

28 OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • DECEMBER 2020

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Winter’s tale Even after the departure of the last tourist from Kelleys Island each season, life goes on.

BY BECKY LINHARDT

30 OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • DECEMBER 2020

K

elleys Island is both the largest American island on Lake Erie and also the town that covers the island’s entire 4.4 square miles of land. During summer, it’s one of Ohio’s most popular travel destinations, drawing upward of 250,000 visitors during the tourist season.

“Downtown is pretty lively in the summer,” says Jordan Killam, director of the Kelleys Island Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Bureau. “Visitors patronize our businesses, dock at our marinas, stay in our lodging properties, and tour our nature preserves.” Kelleys Island State Park and its sand beach is also a big draw.

As the summer season comes to an end, though, and the tourist-related business slows to a trickle and then stops altogether, residents of the island begin making their own winter plans; the decision to stay put or to pack up and go is not one to be made lightly.

There is no bridge to Kelleys Island from the mainland, 5 miles away. Air service is available year-round — but only weather permitting. Kelleys Island Ferry Boat Line schedules service into late fall and resumes service in the spring, but some years, the lake ice can linger, and spring fog can cause flights and ferries to be canceled. It’s never a sure bet whether you can get on or off the island in a pinch.

In the early 1900s, it was common for more than 1,000 residents to brave the conditions and stay the winter, but today that number is more like 100 to 150.

When Lake Erie freezes out the ferry service to Kelleys Island, air service is the only way to get things, or people, on or off the island — but even that’s not always available if the weather turns harsh.

Continued on page 32

DECEMBER 2020 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING 31

Continued from page 31

Alexi Panehal bought a cabin on the island in 2001, near her father’s.

When she retired from the Diplomatic Corps in 2015, she decided to take up residence on Kelleys Island to write books. She says there are three types of residents who stay over winter: “socializers, ‘see you at church on Sunday,’ and those who hibernate.”

“The socializers organize a variety of activities,” Panehal says. “They started dancercise and yoga classes five days a week for anyone who was interested, a book club, a ‘girls in winter’ group, Wii bowling, and VFW potlucks every Sunday.”

There are also traditional island events such as the Christmas potluck, held the Friday after Thanksgiving (the mayor acting as Santa), and the December fish fry. New Year’s Eve is usually celebrated at the Kelleys Island Winery, and at the end of the winter, before the ferry starts running again, the ice party in March — on the ice, thickness permitting.

Winter life routine includes school for the few children who stay after the tourist season — this year, there are eight enrolled at Kelleys Island School. “We have the opportunity to design programming for the individual student,” says Cindi Herndon, president of the school board. “We connect students with island entities in after-school sessions: the fire department, the Coast Guard, gallery and artist visits, Lego groups, Runners Club, and more.”

32 OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • DECEMBER 2020

to about six winter residents,” says Fire Chief Bobby Skeans. “We respond to fire calls, critical health issues, accidents, people through the ice — we are always updated on our water rescue training.”

The island’s EMS has had Life Flight available to evacuate critical patients to hospitals in Sandusky or Toledo for decades now — but that, of course, also depends on Mother Nature’s mood. “Life Flight is always weather permitting, so in the winter we have sometimes had to get creative,” Skeans says. “We have even transported via airboat across the ice.”

Electricity, of course, is a tricky bit for an island town. Hancock-Wood Electric Cooperative maintains service on the island year-round via a pair of underwater cables and keeps an employee there 24/7 for the entire year — with additional staff sent over as needed.

As much as they love their fair-weather homes, the winter proves to be too much of a challenge for some longtime residents.

Pat and Lori Hayes have owned The Inn, an iconic bed-and-breakfast on Kelleys, for 40 years. But they seal the place snugly for winter and leave the island.

Basic services continue for those who stay. Safety services are the responsibility of the Village of Kelleys Island. “We don’t salt roads; that has been a taboo for a long time, so no expense there,” says Mayor Ron Ehrbar. “We do have to budget for heating and higher electric bills. Since we always have police on the island, we budget for the extra cost when we have to fly officers over.”

The volunteer fire department personnel are fully certified for their specialties. “In the winter, the 15-member crew is down

Life goes on during winter on Kelleys Island. Even as tourist attractions such as the iconic glacial grooves sit lonely, students enrolled in the state’s smallest public school district get individualized attention, including a visit from U.S. Coast Guard personnel.

Continued on page 34

DECEMBER 2020 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING 33

Continued from page 33

“We get some severe winds, so preparation for winter includes dealing with tree issues early, and we have to make sure there are enough supplies here to last the winter,” says Dave Ervin, the Hancock-Wood lineman who staffs Kelleys full-time. “With fewer folks on the island, I get to know the ‘winter people’ by name, even join in on potlucks.”

To keep the Island Market stocked, Rob and Elic Watkins order heavy nonperishables for delivery before the ice sets in. Bread, milk, and other fresh items are flown in once the ferry stops running. “We bought our airboat to be able to collect goods from the mainland for the store,” Elic says.

Josh McGinnis, vice president and general manager for Griffing Flying Service, says winter and summer seasons are quite different for his business. “During summer, we fly mostly one trip a day into Kelleys, with the U.S. mail,” he says. “During winter, we fly four or five trips into and out of Kelleys each day, including the U.S. mail, UPS, FedEx, local

34 OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • DECEMBER 2020

There are social events organized for the island’s year-round residents, including yoga and dance classes, a Christmas potluck, and an end-of-winter party out on the lake ice, weather permitting.

freight deliveries for groceries, and passenger travel for the locals and for utility workers. We have flown a number of things to and from the island, anything from normal packages to large outboard motors, bathtubs, construction supplies, caskets, tires — lots of things.”

“We first wintered over in 1992,” says Kelleys Island resident Sandy Alexander. “Our decision to stay harkens back to the idea of a great adventure. We have a good social life with friends — walks, talks, organized activities.

There is a real feeling of community.”

“The natural beauty and close ties to the full-time residents are my favorite things about the island,” says longtime resident Rick Holmes. “The winter up here is serene, quiet, and low-key.” Although “it’s not everyone’s cup of tea,” he says, “I feel this is my home here.”

DECEMBER 2020 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING 35

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Staying in the game

Help for disabled farmers

ALSO INSIDE Bobcats on the prowl Buckeye treasure hunt Ohio (cyber) gift guide

2020 CALENDAR

DECEMBER/JANUARY

NORTHWEST

THROUGH DEC. 26 – Lake of Lights, Saulisbery Park, 13344 St. Rte. 67 W., Kenton, 6–9 p.m. “People’s Choice” contest for best holiday lighting display contest will take place on Facebook. 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. Over 1 million lights, the awardwinning Big Tree, and more than 200 illuminated animal images. 419-385-5721 or www.toledozoo.org.

THROUGH JAN. 1 – Blaze of Lights Festival, N. Main St., Bluffton, 5–8 p.m. Free. Celebrate the season with holiday lights and vintage folk art displays, food and shopping, entertainment, horse-drawn wagon rides,

NORTHEAST

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

COMPILED BY COLLEEN ROMICK CLARK

and train rides for the kids. Opening parade on Nov. 28 at 5 p.m. 419-369-2985 or www.explorebluffton.com.

THROUGH JAN. 3 – North Pole Express, 12505 Co. Rd. 99, Findlay, Fri./Sat. 5:30–9:30 p.m., Sun. 5:30–8:30 p.m. $4; under 13, $3. Hop on board our quarter-scale 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.

DEC. 10–23 – Winter Wonderland Light Display, Sandusky Co. Fgds., 901 Rawson Ave., Fremont, Sun.– Thur. 6–8 p.m., Fri./ Sat. 6–9 p.m. Drive-through only; $5 per car. Donations of food items accepted for food pantry. 419-332-5604 or www.sanduskycountyfair.com.

DEC. 13 – Fort Meigs Holiday Open House, Visitor Ctr., 29100 W. River Rd., Perrysburg, 1–4 p.m. Free. War of 1812 soldiers and civilians will be on hand to provide demonstrations and answer questions about the war and camp life. Enjoy holiday music, refreshments, and hands-on activities. 419-874-4121 or www.fortmeigs.org.

DEC. 26–27, 29, 31, JAN. 2– 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

website for times and updated event information. 330836-5533 or www.stanhywet.org/events.

THROUGH DEC. 31 – Holidays at the Mansion, Victorian House Museum, 484 Wooster Rd., Millersburg, Sun.– Fri. 1–4 p.m., Sat. 1–8 p.m.

Tour the 28-room mansion, transformed into a holiday wonderland. 330-674-0022, www. holmeshistory.com/events, or www.facebook.com/ VictorianHouseMuseum.

THROUGH JAN. 9 – Steubenville Nutcracker Village and Advent Market, Historic Fort Steuben, 120 S. 3rd St., Steubenville. Free. Over 150 unique, THROUGH DEC. 23 – Holiday Lantern Tours, Hale life-size nutcrackers in an outdoor display with lights Farm and Village, 2686 Oak Hill Rd., Bath, 5:40–9 and music. Market open on weekends. 740-283-1787 p.m. $12–$20. Take a lantern-lit tour of the Village or www.steubenvillenutcrackervillage.com. and visit the historic houses, decorated for the DEC. 4–6, 11–13 – The Polar Express, Dennison season. Experience the sights, sounds, and flavors Railroad Depot Museum, 400 Center St., Dennison, of Christmas as celebrated in the 19th-century departures on Fri. 6 and 8 p.m., Sat./Sun. 2, 4, 6, and Western Reserve. Tours depart every 20 minutes.

8 p.m. Starting at $52. Your adventure begins on Dress appropriately for this indoor/outdoor activity. board our decorated train as the story is read aloud Reservations required! 330-666-3711 ext. 1720, and festive elves entertain you. Hot chocolate and halereservations@wrhs.org, or www.wrhs.org/events. chocolate chip cookies specially made by Mrs. Claus THROUGH DEC. 27 – Drive-Thru Holiday Lights, will be served. When the train arrives at the North Medina Co. Fgds., 720 W. Smith Rd., Medina, Fri.–Sun. Pole, you will see Santa and his workshop out your 6–10 p.m. www.mainstreetmedina.com. train window. 740-922-6776 or https://dennisondepot.

THROUGH DEC. 30 – Deck the Hall: “We Wish You a org/polar-express.

Merry Christmas,” Stan Hywet Hall and Gardens, 714 DEC. 12 – Sports Card Show, Hartville Marketplace N. Portage Path, Akron. Over 1 million lights illuminate and Flea Market, 1289 Edison St. NW, Hartville, 9 the estate in a spectacular display, and the historic a.m.–4 p.m. Free. Over 30 vendors selling sports Manor House is decorated in style for the season. See cards, memorabilia, autographs, and much more!

Something for everyone, from the entry-level collector

ride may be used in addition to or in place of the sleigh depending on demand and staffing ($4.50 for trolley).

Bring a face covering; physical distancing will be observed. 419-332-2081 or www.rbhayes.org.

DEC. 31 – Concert: “Classical Mystery Tour (Beatles),” 7 Town Square, Lima, 7:30 p.m. Free.

Take a trip down Penny Lane and hear all your favorite Beatle hits, faithfully reproduced by the Lima Symphony Orchestra. 419-222-5701 or www. limasymphony.com.

JAN. 2–3 – 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, members and under 18 free. Over 400 tables of modern and antique guns, edged weapons, and sportsmen equipment. 419-647-0067 or www. tristategunshow.org, JAN. 9 – “Around the World with Col. Webb Hayes,” Hayes Presidential Library and Museums, Spiegel Grove, 1337 Hayes Ave., Fremont, 9:30–11:30 a.m. Free. Focused on K–grade 3, but any age welcome. Webb was the son of President Rutherford and First Lady Lucy Hayes. Kids can participate in a craft or activity inspired by Webb’s adventures and the locations he visited. 419-3322081 or www.rbhayes.org.

to the seasoned veteran. 330-877-9860 or https:// hartvillemarketplace.com/events.

DEC. 12 – Solon Hometown Holiday Market, Solon Community Ctr. Gymnasium, 35000 Portz Pkwy., Solon, 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Celebrate the holiday season while shopping local. Artists and crafters will be selling their original handmade items. Full concession stand on site. www.avantgardeshows.com.

DEC. 13 – Holiday Craft and Vendor Show, Lorain County Community College, 1005 N. Abbe Rd., Elyria, 9 a.m.–2 p.m. Free. More than 40 vendors and crafters. Mask required; temperature check at door. www.facebook.com/events/212671919999698.

DEC. 20 – Flea Market of Collectables, Medina Co. Fgds., Community Ctr., 735 Lafayette Rd., Medina, 9 a.m.–3 p.m. $2. Early bird special admission: 6–9 a.m., $3. A treasure trove of vintage items and collectables.

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

DEC. 26 – After Christmas Sale at Tis the Season, 4363 St. Rte. 39, Berlin. Save 50% storewide (collectibles not included) at Ohio’s largest yearround Christmas shop. 330-893-3604 or www. tistheseasonchristmas.com.

DEC. 27 – Cleveland Reptile Show and Sale, Medina Co. Fgds. Community Ctr., 735 Lafayette Rd., Medina, 9 a.m.–3 p.m. $5. Features more than 40 reptile breeders and importers as well as merchandise, cages, and feeders for your reptiles. Mask required to enter; social distancing enforced per governor’s mandate. www.facebook.com/clevreptileshow.

DECEMBER 2020 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING 37

2020 CALENDAR

DECEMBER/JANUARY

CENTRAL

THROUGH DEC. 28 – Fontanini Nativity Display, Crossroads Ministry Ctr., 2095 W. Fair Ave., Lancaster, Wed./Fri./Sun. 6–9 p.m. Walk through one of the nation’s largest Nativity displays, featuring nearly life-sized Fontanini figures. 740-6533330 or www.facebook.com/Fontanini-NativityDisplay-725713464188952.

THROUGH JAN. 3 – Butch Bando’s Fantasy of Lights, Alum Creek State Park Campgrounds, 3311 S. Old State Rd., Delaware, Sun.–Thur. 5:30–9:30

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

p.m., Fri./Sat. 5:30–10:30 p.m. $20–$30 per car; $60 season pass. Drive-through light show. 614-412-3499 or https://butchbandosfantasyoflights.com.

THROUGH JAN. 4 – State Auto’s Christmas Corner, 518 E. Broad St., Columbus. Free. The historic life-sized Nativity will be on display. Because of coronavirus concerns, there will be no lighting ceremonies, musical performances, or Christmas Eve ceremony. Face coverings and physical distancing required for all guests. www.stateauto.com/Christmas.

DEC. 12–13, 19–20 – Mt. Perry Santa Train Rides, Zanesville Western Scenic Railroad, 5700 OH 204 NE, Mt. Perry, 3–7 p.m. Rides depart hourly. $8, C. (6–15) $5, under 6 free. For discount ride, bring unwrapped children’s gifts or food items for food pantry. 614-5959701 or www.zwsr.org.

DEC. 19–20 – Scott Antique Market, Ohio Expo Ctr., 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. 800 exhibit booths. info@scottantiquemarket.com or www. scottantiquemarkets.com.

38 OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • DECEMBER 2020

JAN. 8–10 – Columbus Build, Remodel, and Landscape Expo, Ohio Expo Center, Kasich Hall, Columbus, Fri. 12–7 p.m., Sat. 10 a.m.–7 p.m., Sun. 10 a.m.–5 p.m. $6, under 18 free. From top-quality exhibits to informative seminars to insightful demonstrations and more, you’ll discover thousands of smart, stylish, and cost-effective ways to design or renovate your home. www.homeshowcenter.com.

JAN. 8–17 – 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, plus ATVs, motorcycles, golf cars, and much more. www.ohiorvandboatshow.com.

JAN. 10 – Winter Ohio Guitar Show, Makoy Ctr., 5462 Center St., Hilliard, 11:30 a.m.–5 p.m. $9. Buy, sell, or trade guitars, amps, effects, and parts. Over 100 dealers. www.ohioguitarshow.com.

JAN. 12 – Inventors Network Meeting, Rev1 Ventures for Columbus, 1275 Kinnear Rd., Columbus, 7 p.m. The focus this month is “How to Commercialize/ Monetize My Invention.” 614-470-0144 or www. inventorscolumbus.com.

SOUTHEAST

and every Fri. at 6 p.m. beginning on Dec. 4. $16–$21, under 3 free. www.hvsry.org/trainlist/#santa.

THROUGH JAN. 1 – Dickens Victorian Village, downtown Cambridge. Stroll the streets to view scenes depicting life in 1850s England, featuring life-sized, handmade mannequins wearing real vintage clothing. Many Village activities have been curtailed due to coronavirus concerns; checks website for updates. 800-933-5480 or www. dickensvictorianvillage.com.

THROUGH JAN. 1 – Guernsey County Courthouse Holiday Light Show, 801 Wheeling Ave., Cambridge, 5:30–9 p.m. nightly. Four different light and music shows performed each evening. 800-933-5480 or www.dickensvictorianvillage.com.

DEC. 19–20 – Holler: Special Preview, Majestic Theatre, 45 E. Second St., Chillicothe, Sat. 1 and 7 p.m., Sun. 1 and 4 p.m. $20. Limited seating; face

coverings and social distancing required. 740-7722041 or www.majesticchillicothe.net.

DEC. 21 – Solstice Watch, Sacra Via Park (between Third and Second Sts.), Marietta, 4–5:30 p.m. Free.

Weather permitting, we will view the sun setting on the western 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. 740373-1480 or www.mariettacastle.org.

DEC. 28 – Visit with the Pioneers, Campus Martius Museum, 601 Second St., Marietta, 9:30 a.m.–4 p.m.

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.

THROUGH DEC. 31 – Light Up Middletown, Smith Park, 500 Tytus Ave., Middletown, 6–10 p.m. daily. A drive-through fantasy light display. See Santa and Mrs. Claus every Friday and Saturday evening, 7–9 p.m. www.lightupmiddletown.org.

THROUGH JAN. 1 – Christmas at the Junction, EnterTRAINment Junction, 7379 Squire Court, West Chester. See the magic of Christmas at the home of the world’s largest indoor train display. Take the family on a “Journey to the North Pole” where you’ll meet Santa and Mrs. Claus. 513-898-8000 or www. entertrainmentjunction.com.

THROUGH DEC. 27 – Holiday Lights at Lost Creek DEC. 11 – Oxford Musicians Virtual Holiday Reserve, 2385 St. Rte. 41, Troy, Fri./Sat. 6–10 p.m., Concert, 7:30–8:30 p.m. An online performance and Sun. 6–9 p.m. $10 per car, $15 per van. Be transported fundraiser for the Oxford Community Arts Center and into a winter wonderland filled with over 60 animated the Ohio Arts Council. See website for details: https:// light displays. The 1.25-mile driving tour takes you oxarts.org/event. through the woods, down charming farm lanes, and past the historic Knoop Homestead aglow with lights. DEC. 13 – Cin City Reptile Show, Holiday Inn, Centre Park of West Chester, 5800 Muhlhauser Rd., West www.homegrowngreat.com.

Chester, 10 a.m.–4 p.m. $7. Thousands of exotic

reptiles, amphibians, inverts, supplies, and feeders. www.cincityreptileshow.com.

DEC. 16, 23, 30 – Bluegrass Wednesdays, Vinoklet Winery, 11069 Colerain Ave., Cincinnati, 6:30–8:30 p.m. Enjoy dinner, wine, and an evening of lively bluegrass music by Vernon McIntyre’s Appalachian Grass. Restricted seating because of COVID precautions, so early reservations are strongly recommended. 513-385-9309 or vinokletwinery@ fuse.net.

JAN. 9–10 – Wedding Expo and Show, Wright State University Nutter Ctr., 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. Find everything you need to plan your dream wedding from over 100 of Dayton’s best wedding professionals and businesses. www.weddingapolis.com.

THROUGH DEC. 20 – Santa House, Logan, Fri.– Sun., 6–8 p.m. Visit Santa in the newly built warm house in Worthington Park. 740-385-6836 or http:// explorehockinghills.com.

THROUGH DEC. 20 – Santa Train, Hocking Valley Scenic Railway, Nelsonville Depot, 33 W. Canal St., Nelsonville, every Sat. and Sun., 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.,

SOUTHWEST

WEST VIRGINIA

THROUGH DEC. 27 – 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.

New: Walkers Nights every Thursday through Dec. 17, 6–10 p.m. 304-366-4550 or www. celebrationoflightswv.com.

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.

877-436-1797 or https://oglebay.com/events/ festival-of-lights.

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. 740-249-1452 or www.hvsry.org/trainlist.

Submit listings AT LEAST 90 DAYS prior to the event to Ohio Cooperative Living, 6677 Busch Blvd., Columbus, OH 43229 or events@ohioec.org. Ohio Cooperative Living will not publish listings that don’t include a complete address or a number/ website for more information.

DEC. 31–JAN. 1 – New Year’s Eve Party, North Bend State Park, 202 North Bend Park Rd., Cairo.

Ring in the New Year with an evening of live music, delicious food, and celebration. 304-643-2931 or www.northbendsp.com.

DECEMBER 2020 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING 39

MEMBER INTERACTIVE

OR

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1. My great-granddaughter Avrey Jean sneaking a cookie from Santa’s plate.

Jean Evans South Central Power Company member

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2. Our grandson, Jeffrey, the “elf on the shelf.”

Patti Quaglia South Central Power Company member

3. My youngest daughter, Eloie (1), decided to tie up her brothers, Trenton (10) and Gage (8), and her sister, Kaydance (13), so she could have the presents to herself!

Tabitha Schneiter Lorain-Medina Rural Electric Cooperative member

4. Our grandsons, whom I call my dynamic duo, posing nicely in front of our tree.

Robin Richards Carroll Electric Cooperative member

5. I am not sure what my 17-monthold granddaughter, Raychal, was contemplating in this picture.

Rhoda McKenzie South Central Power Company member

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6. Oliver is a Hurricane Katrina rescue.

Santa was made by his GreatGrandma Neorr and the quilt by his Great-Grandma Luke.

Patricia Beam Tricounty Rural Electric Cooperative member

7. My daughter and granddaughters enjoying the Christmas spirit. So blessed!

Charlene Bowling Butler Rural Electric Cooperative member

8. Our dog, “Edges,” ready for Santa.

Tim and Kelly Coble Firelands Electric Cooperative members

9. Z ane Reber wondering why Santa is holding his newborn brother, Zander Reber.

Tracey Reber Holmes-Wayne Electric Cooperative member

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10. M y son, Henry, waiting for his first visit from Santa.

Stephanie Powell

Below: Our granddaughter, Lilly, choosing nice over naughty to our Haflinger, Felita.

Valeria Manemann Pioneer Electric Cooperative member

North Central Electric Cooperative member

Send us your picture! For March, send “In like a lion” by Dec. 15; for April, send “Travel abroad” by Jan. 15.

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

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

40 OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • DECEMBER 2020

DID YOU KNOW? Co-ops give money back to their consumers!

That’s right —co-ops are not-for-profit, so when there’s money left after bills are paid, it is returned to consumers as “capital credits” or “patronage capital.”

$

Ohio electric co-ops returned more than $39 MILLION to members in 2019.

$

Nationally, electric co-ops returned $1.2 BILLION to members in 2019— $17 BILLION since 1988.

Members paying their bills generate 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 to members.

ohioec.org

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

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