Ohio Cooperative Living - December 2024 - Hancock-Wood

OHIO

DECEMBER 2024

COOPERATIVE Hancock-Wood Electric Cooperative

Anticipation

Members’ holiday memories ALSO INSIDE Sweet treats An enduring gift In with the new

HOW DO CAPITAL CREDITS

WORK?

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

Annually, Ohio electric cooperatives return about $35 million to their members.

Nationally, electric co-ops returned $1.6 BILLION to members in 2022, and $22 BILLION since 1988.

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

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

ohioec.org/purpose

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

OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • DECEMBER 2024

INSIDE FEATURES

22 GAUNT’S GIFT

In Yellow Springs, a unique legacy brings comfort during the holiday season.

26 OH HO, THE MISTLETOE!

Getting to the bottom of one of the season’s most fun, yet puzzling, traditions.

28 BALL DROPS

Ohioans ring in the new year with a quirky and eclectic collection of cool countdowns.

Cover image on most editions: Hancock-Wood Electric Cooperative member Joyce Davis shares this photo of the magic of Christmas, seen through the eyes of her children, Wes and Viola.

This page: Twenty Ohio co-ops (plus one from West Virginia) sent 50 students to the 2024 Electric Cooperative Youth Tour in Washington, D.C., making it the state’s largest-ever delegation.

DECEMBER 2024 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING

1

UP FRONT

Robert Cleveland

Howard Cummins

Wilbur Stuckey

Richard Byrne

Craig Grooms

Anthony Ahern

Next up

G

oing back to our beginning, every leader of this organization has been distinctly different from the last. We’ve all had our own personalities, our own priorities, and our own approaches to the issues of the day. While none of us has been perfect, each has been the right person at the right time for the needs of the organization.

Bill Stuckey, for example, had been a national leader in the farm safety movement while working for Ohio State University’s Extension Service, and that culture of safety became his enduring legacy as the first executive manager of Ohio Rural Electric Cooperatives, Inc. Or Howard Cummins, who championed the creation of a monthly co-op magazine — this magazine, now in its 67th year of publication — and oversaw the formation of Buckeye Power the very next year.

Bob Cleveland, Dick Byrne, and Tony Ahern held the position before I became CEO in 2015, and I like to think all of us have had a hand in the success of our organization. We’ve done a good job of promoting and nurturing unity among Ohio’s electric cooperatives. We’ve built a solid foundation of trust among our membership and grown a national reputation for being strong advocates for electric cooperatives.

This will be my last column in these pages, as I’ll be retiring at the end of the year, full of gratitude for the opportunities and experiences my time with Ohio’s Electric Cooperatives has provided. I would like to think I’ve added to the legacy and the durability of our cooperative network by helping to build a strong, resilient, and adaptable team that is prepared for the challenges and the opportunities that the future will bring.

I’m confident in the co-op’s future and the leadership team that will be in place. Our board made the wise and well-considered decision to elevate Craig Grooms to become the organization’s seventh chief executive.

Craig, like all of his predecessors, is a different leader than those before him, and he will have his own way of doing things. Change is always a bit unsettling, but it’s also healthy, and now seems like the right time for a new approach. There are new challenges and opportunities ahead, and I’m sure that the team here at Ohio’s Electric Cooperatives will be ready to serve your interests.

Thank you and farewell.

2

OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • DECEMBER 2024

Pat O’Loughlin

PRESIDENT & CEO OHIO’S ELECTRIC COOPERATIVES

I’ll be retiring at the end of the year, full of gratitude for the opportunities and experiences my time with OEC has provided.

DECEMBER 2024 • Volume 67, No. 3

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: Adobe Stock, Colleen Romick Clark, Getty Images, W.H. “Chip” Gross, Catherine Murray, James Proffitt, Craig Springer, 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 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

Voice of reason: Pat O’Loughlin used his CEO megaphone to promote common sense and find common ground.

8

6 More than ever: The Electric

Cooperative Youth Tour expands its reach and opens opportunities.

8 WOODS, WATERS, AND WILDLIFE

Homecoming? Long absent from

Ohio forests, fishers may be returning to the Buckeye State.

10

10 CO-OP PEOPLE

Chestnuts everywhere: Eastern Ohio co-op makes a growing business out of those prickly-shelled nuggets.

13 GOOD EATS

Holiday treats: Gift these tiny

13

sweets and bring joy to everyone’s taste buds!

17 LOCAL PAGES

News and other important information from your electric cooperative.

National/regional advertising inquiries, contact

Cheryl Solomon

What’s happening: December/

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

Cooperative members:

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

Alliance for Audited Media Member

30 CALENDAR

30

January events and other things to do around Ohio.

34 MEMBER INTERACTIVE The night before Christmas:

Members anticipate Santa’s arrival in all kinds of merry ways.

34

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.

DECEMBER 2024 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING

3

POWER LINES

Voice of reason

O’Loughlin used his CEO megaphone to promote common sense and find common ground.

BY JEFF McCALLISTER

P

at O’Loughlin’s first column in what was then Country Living magazine, upon his elevation to president and CEO of Buckeye Power and the co-op statewide association in 2015, took note of “interesting times.” Now, as he retires from the post, he says the times are by no means any less interesting.

The electric industry as a whole was in the final stages of a radical clean-up in 2015. The Cardinal Power Plant in Brilliant, of which Ohio co-ops were part-owners along with American Electric Power, had survived a nationwide wave of coal plant closures, thanks to more than $1 billion in investments that transformed it into one of the cleanest facilities of its kind in the world.

Nevertheless, the U.S. EPA had just issued a set of new regulations that Cardinal was unlikely to be able to meet, and while the Supreme Court eventually struck down those rules, more have followed. The polarization that has divided the American public on so many issues put a focus on electricity generation — while the rise of data centers, electric vehicles, and the like has driven demand for electricity to an all-time high. Interesting times (to say the least) for O’Loughlin and the co-ops.

“The worst thing that’s ever happened to our industry is that it’s become overly politicized,” O’Loughlin says.

“We’re an industry that’s built on science and engineering. Making electrons get to where they need to go, all at the speed of light, is actually an amazing thing that we’ve accomplished. But now political talking points have overwhelmed our ability to have a rational conversations about what will work and what won’t work.”

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OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • DECEMBER 2024

O’Loughlin, who earned a master’s degree in environmental science at Miami University after completing his engineering physics degree, got his start in the industry working on early renewable energy and energy-efficiency programs, including early work with a prototype electric vehicle.

Those early days, he says, gave him unique insight about what is realistic and what is fantasy, and his job as CEO of Buckeye Power, the generation and transmission cooperative that provides power to more than 1 million Ohioans, put him in a position to be a rational voice in the national energy conversation.

O’Loughlin’s thoughtful approach helped the national co-op organization, the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association, become one of the most powerful voices within the electric utility industry when it comes to finding a balance between reliability, affordability, and environmental responsibility. He’s been called to testify before Congress about those topics on multiple occasions.

“The realization came pretty quickly that part of my job was to be involved in public advocacy for what we thought were commonsense solutions to some of these problems,” O’Loughlin says. “So I tried to have the biggest megaphone I could, and use it to work with people who were honestly trying to figure it out rather than just trying to demagogue things.”

Of course, while all that was happening, O’Loughlin also led groundbreaking work in his role as head of the statewide association of Ohio cooperatives.

His leadership, for example, led to advances in the overall safety culture at the co-ops around the state — including the opening of the Central Ohio Lineworker Training facility in Mount Gilead, where the state’s co-op lineworkers now get consistent, detailed training at every stage of their careers.

O’Loughlin also pioneered the statewide association’s foray into international outreach. In fact, next month, when a group of Ohio lineworkers travel to Guatemala to provide electricity to a remote area of that country, it will be the fourth such trip Ohio’s co-ops have taken, all of them organized by the statewide association.

He was honored nationally for modernizing the communications services the association provides to its member co-ops in the state — including a complete rebranding of the statewide magazine that has since been recognized twice as the best of its kind in the country, and adding a slew of digital communications tools.

Also, when uncertainty around EPA rules, among other factors, prompted AEP to sell its share of Cardinal Plant to the co-ops, Buckeye Power suddenly had to learn plant operations on the fly. O’Loughlin led the creation of Cardinal Operating Company to take on that challenge, with great success.

“When I talked about those interesting times in 2015, I didn’t realize all that was about to happen,” he says.

“It made us a different kind of company than we had been, and I think a better one. What I have seen was people willing to put themselves out there and try things that were new and different and risky, knowing they could fail but willing to try anyway.”

And of course, times are still “interesting,” but O’Loughlin says the leadership team already in place — Craig Grooms, currently the co-op’s chief operating officer, will step in as new CEO in January — is ready to guide the company into whatever the future holds. “We have been and continue to be a learning organization, with a long history of being sensible, good co-op people,” O’Loughlin says.

“We’ve never been afraid of challenges, and we are willing to learn and do new things. As a leadership team, I think everyone sees a lot of possible paths we might end up on. I know they’ll be ready.”

DECEMBER 2024 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING

5

e r o M

e v e

n a h t

I

BY AMY HOWAT

f one word could sum up the 2024 Electric Cooperative Youth Tour for Ohio’s delegation, it would probably be “more.”

It wasn’t only that the Buckeye State’s contingent included 50 high school students from 20 Ohio electric distribution cooperatives (and one from West Virginia) — more students, representing more co-ops, than in any previous year, according to Missy Kidwell, who coordinates the program for Ohio co-ops. The tour’s programming was also expanded, so it meant more hands-on experiences, more peer connections, and more memories that will last a lifetime.

Building life skills

Since the late 1950s, Youth Tour has brought high school students from co-ops around the country to Washington, D.C., for a week every June. This year, more than 1,800 delegates from 44 states participated.

The program is much more than a sightseeing trip. While delegates visit areas of civic, historical, and cultural importance, they also meet with their elected representatives and learn about electric cooperatives.

Along the way, they network with other youth, make lasting friendships, build knowledge, and develop skills that will help them later in life.

young members a voice in addressing cooperative leaders.

Through YLC, Reinhart spoke to her co-op’s board of directors, made a speech at Ohio’s Electric Cooperatives’ winter conference, and attended the Power Xchange conference, a national meeting of cooperative leaders.

“Being a part of YLC helped me to step out of my comfort zone and learn a lot of leadership, communication, and social skills,” Reinhart says. “Before Youth Tour and YLC, I hadn’t sent emails to or called people I didn’t know. I hadn’t attended a business conference or spoken in front of a professional group.”

Fostering relationships

“I learned so much,” says Reinhart, now a freshman studying civil engineering at Ohio State University. “I applied those skills in my college applications and scholarship interviews. It’s something unique on my resume.”

Sophie Dougherty, a junior at Talawanda High School and 2024 delegate sponsored by Butler Rural Electric Cooperative, says Youth Tour also took her out of her comfort zone.

“It was a great experience,” says Darcie Reinhart, a 2023 delegate from Lexington who was sponsored by Consolidated Cooperative. “I got to meet people from rural areas in Ohio and across the U.S. Though we’re from different sides of the country, we have so much in common and we’re more closely connected than I thought we would be.”

Reinhart, then a student at Lexington High School, was elected by her fellow delegates to represent Ohio on the national Youth Leadership Council, which provides additional cooperative, electric industry, and leadership training to one student from each state while giving these

6

OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • DECEMBER 2024

2024 Youth Tour delegate Sophie Dougherty (center) and friends enjoy the Cardinal Power Plant tour.

r e v

Tour h t u o Y e tiv Coopera ts reach and i expands ortunities. pp opens o

“I gained new skills in meeting people and making meaningful connections,” she says. “I now have more confidence, which will help me in the future, whether it’s a social situation or a job interview.”

Learning about the Cooperative Difference

This year’s Youth Tour included two new stops for the Ohio delegates: the Flight 93 National Memorial (which is on co-op lines in rural Pennsylvania) on the way to D.C. and the Cardinal Power Plant (which provides electricity to Ohio co-ops) on the way back.

are and all that they do for us, and I’ll have a lifelong relationship with my co-op.”

YLC has enhanced that knowledge and fostered her involvement locally and beyond, she says. “I’ve learned about co-ops, heard various speakers, and found out about jobs with co-ops.

“I went to board meetings and wrote a speech to give to my local co-op board of directors,” she says. “I attended a meeting in Columbus with all of the directors around the state and I got to go to Power Xchange in San Antonio, where the YLC members were helpers and also attended lectures and learned a lot.”

Encouraging future delegates

Dougherty says it surprised her, but her favorite segment of the trip was the tour of the Cardinal Plant. “It was so eye-opening,” she says. “I had not thought much before about where my energy comes from. I’m grateful we could stop to see this and meet the people who were running the huge machinery. I have so much more appreciation for what they do.”

Reinhart says for her, the most valuable aspect of Youth Tour was the relationship she gained with her co-op. “Before I went on Youth Tour, I didn’t really understand what a co-op was. But we attended a presentation, and I learned what my electric co-op is and how I can get involved.

Now, I know what they

To high school students who are eligible for Youth Tour, Reinhart has a message: Just apply.

“Even if you’re unsure, send in the application,” she says. “My dad encouraged me to apply and because of that application, a whole world was opened up to me. I can’t even imagine what my life would be like if I hadn’t done it.”

Darcie Reinhart, who was elected by her fellow Youth Tour delegates to the national Youth Leadership Council, spoke to cooperative leaders at Ohio’s Electric Cooperatives’ winter conference.

The 2025 Electric Cooperative Youth Tour will take place June 15 – 21 and is open to high school sophomores and juniors whose families are served by an electric cooperative. For more information or to apply, call your local cooperative or visit your co-op’s website.

DECEMBER 2024 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING

7

WOODS, WATERS, AND WILDLIFE

Homecoming?

Long absent from Ohio forests, fishers may be returning to the Buckeye State.

BY W.H. “CHIP” GROSS

A

secretive, solitary hunter of the deep woods is attempting a comeback in the Buckeye State.

The fisher, a fur-bearing mammal found only in North America, is also known as black cat, black fox, or fisher cat because of its dark brown to nearly black coat.

Their name notwithstanding, they prey upon a variety of small mammals (not fish) as well as fruit, nuts, fungi, and carrion found in a forest habitat — today, predominantly in Canada and parts of California. Interestingly, the minor league professional baseball team in Manchester, New Hampshire — the Class AA affiliate of the Toronto Blue Jays — is named the Fisher Cats. But Ohio?

“Fishers [have been discovered] in archaeological sites in Ohio, and they were found in Ashtabula County as late

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OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • DECEMBER 2024

as 1837,” says John Harder, associate professor emeritus in evolution, ecology, and organismal biology at Ohio State University. “However, unregulated trapping and habitat loss led to the extirpation of fishers from the state by 1850.”

Fishers are not small. Males can measure 4 feet in length from nose to tip of tail and weigh as much as 15 pounds.

Females are half that size.

They are also one of the few predators that actively target porcupines for food, where available. Possessing the same pugnacious, tenacious disposition found in other members of the weasel family, fishers begin their attack by viciously and repeatedly biting the docile porky on its face and head before flipping it on its back to reach its vulnerable underbelly, which has fewer protective quills.

The historic range of fishers — before European settlement of North America — included much of the Northeast and Midwest in the U.S. The current range (in darker shading) is mostly in Canada, though the animal is making a comeback in parts of its former territory.

An agile climber, the fisher is nearly unique in that it can descend a tree trunk headfirst. The name “fisher” may have derived from the fact that early colonists settling along America’s Eastern Seaboard saw a similarity between the fisher and the European polecat they remembered from their homelands, which was also called “fitch” or “fitchet.”

Ohio’s first modern-day fisher sighting was in 2013, according to Katie Dennison, a biologist with the Ohio Division of Wildlife, and since then, there have been 40 confirmed fisher observations across nine northeast Ohio counties: Ashtabula, Columbiana, Geauga, Trumbull, Mahoning, Lake, Jefferson, Harrison, and Tuscarawas. “Two-thirds of those sightings occurred in the last three years,” Dennison says. “Fishers are moving westward from established populations in Pennsylvania and naturally colonizing Ohio.”

Dennison says the Division of Wildlife collects Ohio road-killed fishers to determine age and test their genetics, and in February 2023, biologists collected two roadkill fisher carcasses from northeast Ohio — one of which was pregnant. Does that mean fishers are reproducing in Ohio and a population has reestablished itself? Not necessarily.

“The division anticipates that natural reproduction in fishers will be confirmed in the coming years, and may already be occurring,” Dennison says. “But as far as their population being reestablished, it’s a little too early to say for sure. Things definitely seem to be moving in the right direction.”

I’m all in favor of fishers returning to the Buckeye State, making our wild ecosystem one additional species stronger, and as a result more resilient.

Ask

chip!

HAVE YOU SEEN ONE? The Division of Wildlife relies, in part, on public reports to monitor Ohio’s growing fisher population (as well as that of black bears, badgers, weasels, and bobcats). So if you live in northeast Ohio or happen to travel that direction, keep an eye out for these new critters.

If you spot one, you can report your observations of those species (including photos or videos) to the Division of Wildlife via the HuntFishOH mobile app or at www. wildohio.gov. Please contact your county wildlife officer to report roadkill fishers — it is not permissible to collect roadkill carcasses yourself.

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!

www.ohiocoopliving.com

DECEMBER 2024 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING

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CO-OP PEOPLE

Chestnuts everywhere

Eastern Ohio co-op makes a growing business out of those prickly-shelled nuggets.

BY JAMES PROFFITT

G

reg Miller’s father, Jay, planted his first bunch of trees on 100 acres in Carroll County back in the middle of the last century.

North America’s once-thriving population of American chestnuts had all but disappeared from the landscape due to a blight at the turn of the 20th century, so he planted blight-resistant Chinese chestnuts.

“He also planted every kind of nut tree that would grow here — and some that wouldn’t,” says Miller, a member of Carroll Electric Cooperative. “He noticed the walnuts and hazels and almonds and everything else weren’t doing so well, but the chestnuts were.”

So more land was acquired and in 1972, Jay and Greg planted 500 more Chinese chestnut seedlings, and the Empire Nut Company was born soon thereafter.

At one point, Miller says, a local coal company took note of all those nuts and briefly entered the chestnut game as a side-gig. It soon went bankrupt, however; the folks who bought up the land were looking for deer hunting sites rather than an agricultural specialty crop.

Eventually, though, all those trees began producing high volumes of nuts, and about 20 years ago, Miller began harvesting, processing, and selling the neighbors’ crops — and thus was born the Route 9 Cooperative.

Currently, Route 9 processes and ships nuts from more than a half-dozen farms, including one in Kentucky.

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OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • DECEMBER 2024

Treasure vault The Chinese trees produce a nut that’s well protected right up until its dangerously sharp, spiked pod opens. Miller says the porcupine-like pods keep animals from eating the nuts too soon, but they also make it difficult to collect the delicious morsels.

which means gathering the nuts by hand or using a rolling metal basket on a pole called a Nut Wizard.

“Once they open and the nuts fall out, everything eats them,” Miller says “They’re very high in carbohydrates, have a pretty high sugar content, and are high in oil and protein, so animals love them — and when I say that, I mean everything with four legs eats them, and some with two legs.”

After falling from trees in autumn, they’re collected by hand for processing.

They go onto a grading table, where odd nuts are culled (later turned into chestnut flour) and sorted.

Most of Route 9’s crop is destined for the kitchen. Despite the common belief they’re solely a Christmas season snack, they’re a consistent yearlong seller. The vast majority are purchased online and shipped around the country.

“They’re often roasted, but they can be eaten raw, too, and they’re also put in various dishes,” Miller says. “They’re delicious.”

The gathering Each September, more than 100 residents of the area, mostly Amish, show up to work the peak harvest —

Some customers, however, aren’t interested in ordering online or buying chestnuts that have already been collected.

Instead, they prefer to show up in rural Carrollton to get their own. Route 9’s self-service customers travel from Columbus, Pittsburgh, Cleveland, and beyond to roam the hillside orchards gathering their own fresh-from-thetree chestnuts.

“They’ll bring their kids out and enjoy just about the best time of year to be outside — late September, early October,” he says. “There’s something I think in humans’ nature: They love to gather things up. And yeah, people do it for fun.”

Huge, 25-pound bags are stored in giant walk-in coolers where they’re periodically hosed down with water while they await shipment. (Miller says they’re comparable to carrots in that you can eat them raw or cooked, and ideally you don’t want to let them dry out.)

Singular focus In addition to selling chestnuts for snacking and cooking, Route 9 also sells nuts specifically harvested for seed planting, as well as small saplings. Miller also works with other chestnut varieties, including the European and Japanese trees, also grown for food, as well as several varieties planted for wildlife forage or for helping forest an area. That includes creating hybrid trees for specific uses like attracting wildlife.

But while some nut farmers have diversified their crops over the years, he’s found that the hilly, well-drained terrain around him is particularly suited to his specialty. “I just do chestnuts,” Miller says. “It was my father’s hobby. He planted his first trees in 1957 and I’m still doing it today.”

For information or to order, visit www.route9cooperative.com — though this year’s crop of culinary chestnuts is mostly sold out, the co-op is taking orders for fresh-peeled chestnuts, dry-peeled chestnuts, and chestnut flour, as well as seeds and seedlings.

DECEMBER 2024 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING

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OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • DECEMBER 2024

GOOD EATS

Holiday treats

RECIPES AND PHOTOGRAPHS

BY CATHERINE MURRAY

Gift these tiny sweets and bring joy to everyone’s taste buds!

EGGNOG SNICKERDOODLES

Prep: 20 minutes | Chill: 1 hour | Bake: 12 minutes | Servings: 24 1½ cups flour 1 teaspoon cream of tartar ½ teaspoon baking soda

¼ teaspoon salt 4 tablespoons butter, softened ½ cup sugar

1 egg ½ cup store-bought eggnog 2 tablespoons sugar

1½ teaspoons cinnamon 1½ teaspoons nutmeg

Note: Cookies may be fluffier or chewier, depending on eggnog brand.

In a medium bowl, sift together flour, cream of tartar, baking soda, and salt. In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat butter and ½ cup sugar on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes. Beat in egg and eggnog, then beat in dry ingredients until just incorporated. Cover dough and chill 1 hour.

Preheat oven to 350 F. In a small bowl, mix 2 tablespoons sugar with the cinnamon and nutmeg. Scoop a tablespoon of dough and roll in the sugar and spice mixture. Place 2 inches apart on baking sheets.

Bake 10 to 12 minutes, or until cookies are just set in the center. Let cool 5 minutes before transferring to wire rack to cool.

Store in an airtight container for up to a week.

Per serving: 74 calories, 2 grams fat (1 gram saturated fat), 12 grams total carbohydrates, 15 milligrams cholesterol, 47 milligrams sodium, 0.5 grams fiber, 1 gram protein.

DECEMBER 2024 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING

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CHOCOLATE MINT TREE-CAKES Prep: 45 minutes | Bake: 20 minutes | Servings: 12 ¾ cup flour ¾ cup sugar 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder ½ teaspoon baking soda ½ teaspoon baking powder ½ teaspoon salt 1 egg 1/3 cup full-fat Greek yogurt or sour cream 1/3 cup vegetable or canola oil

½ cup warm water 1 teaspoon vanilla extract For the frosting: 1 cup unsalted butter, softened 4½ cups powdered sugar, sifted 1 teaspoon vanilla extract ¼ teaspoon peppermint extract 1 to 3 tablespoons milk or cream green food coloring sprinkles for “ornaments”

In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Add egg, yogurt, and oil, and lightly mix. Add water and vanilla; mix until just incorporated.

Expect the batter to be pourable.

Preheat oven to 350 F. Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners. Evenly divide batter between cups. Bake 18 to 20 minutes. Set aside to cool completely.

With an electric mixer, beat butter and powdered sugar, on low at first then on medium until combined. Mix in vanilla and 1/8 teaspoon of the peppermint extract. Taste test before adding another 1/8 teaspoon of peppermint, plus a small amount of food coloring at a time until desired color is reached. Mix in a bit of milk to thin if needed for easy piping.

When cupcakes are cool, pipe 3 or 4 frosting “trees” at a time and sprinkle them with “ornaments.”

Per serving: 464 calories, 22 grams fat (11 grams saturated fat), 67 grams total carbohydrates, 54 milligrams cholesterol, 163 milligrams sodium, 1 gram fiber, 3 grams protein.

SPARKLING CRANBERRY MUFFINS Prep: 20 minutes | Bake: 25 minutes | Servings: 15 2 cups + 1 tablespoon flour ¾ cup sugar, divided 1½ teaspoons baking powder ½ teaspoon baking soda 1 teaspoon salt

3 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided 1 cup buttermilk 1 large egg 2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries

In a large bowl, mix together 2 cups of the flour, ½ cup of the sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In a medium heatproof bowl, melt 2 tablespoons of the butter in microwave, then whisk in buttermilk, then egg. Pour wet mixture over dry mixture. Gently stir and fold until just incorporated. Toss cranberries in a tablespoon of flour, then fold into the batter.

Heat oven to 375 F. Evenly distribute batter into the cups of muffin pans (makes 15 muffins), either greased or paper-lined.

Bake 20 to 25 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool a few minutes before loosening sides with a knife and turning muffins out onto a wire rack. For sparkling tops, lightly brush the top of each cooled muffin with remaining tablespoon melted butter and dip to coat in the remaining ¼ cup of sugar.

Per serving: 140 calories, 3 grams fat (2 grams saturated fat), 25 grams total carbohydrates, 20 milligrams cholesterol, 253 milligrams sodium, 1 gram fiber, 3 grams protein.

14

OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • DECEMBER 2024

BETTER-THAN-FRUITCAKE BARS

Soak: 8+ hours | Prep: 20 minutes | Bake: 35 minutes | Servings: 16 2 cups finely chopped mixed dried fruit* ½ cup brandy, dark rum, or apple juice (or combination of the three) 3 cups flour

¾ cup granulated sugar 1 teaspoon baking powder ½ teaspoon cinnamon ½ teaspoon ginger ¼ teaspoon allspice

¼ teaspoon nutmeg ¼ teaspoon salt 1 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into 1-inch slices 1 large egg

1 teaspoon almond extract 2 to 4 tablespoons cold water ½ cup glacé (candied) cherries, cut in half 1 cup chopped nuts (walnuts and/ or pecans)

*Common fruitcake dried fruits include apricots, cranberries, cherries, raisins, currants, pineapple, dates, figs, and prunes. Candied cherries are not the same as maraschino cherries.

In a small bowl, stir the dried fruits and soaking liquid. Cover and set aside to soak overnight. In a food processor, pulse together flour through salt (let flour settle before opening). Add the butter, egg, and almond extract, pulsing until dough forms a fine crumble (slowly drizzle in a bit of cold water if needed to help the dough crumble). Grease a 9-by-13-inch pan, then firmly pat about half of dough into the bottom, or however much is needed to cover edge to edge, saving the remaining dough for the topping.

Preheat oven to 375 F. Sprinkle soaked dried fruit and candied cherries evenly over the crust. Mix nuts into remaining crumble and spread over the fruit layer. Bake 30 to 35 minutes, or until top is lightly brown. Cool completely before cutting into bars.

Store in an airtight container.

Per serving: 390 calories, 18 grams fat (9 grams saturated fat), 49 grams total carbohydrates, 41 milligrams cholesterol, 130 milligrams sodium, 2 grams fiber, 5 grams protein.

Check it out!

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

www.ohiocoopliving.com

DECEMBER 2024 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING

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16

OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • DECEMBER 2024

HANCOCK-WOOD ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE

MESSAGE FROM THE GENERAL MANAGER

Giving back is the co-op way

Hancock-Wood board approves $3.25 million capital credit return to members

T

he holiday season brings a spirit of generosity and compassion. It’s a time to reflect on our many blessings and uplift those in need. While this is certainly a special time of year, cooperatives like Hancock-Wood Electric are deeply rooted in giving back to their local communities year-round.

As a not-for-profit electric cooperative, we believe in giving credit where credit is due — to the members who shape our co-op. One of the ways we do this is through capital credits. In 2024, the Hancock-Wood board of trustees has approved to return $3.25 million in capital credits. Members will receive this credit on their December bills. Because Hancock-Wood Electric operates at cost, we give cash back to our members rather than outside investors or shareholders.

Here’s how capital credits work: Hancock-Wood members use the electricity we provide and pay their monthly bills, and we track their business with the co-op over time. Hancock-Wood Electric pays all operating expenses throughout the year, and if any operating revenue is left over, we allocate it to members as capital credits. When financial conditions permit, the co-op’s board of directors votes to pay capital credits back to the members. Hancock-Wood Electric sends you a check or applies a credit to your energy bill.

Capital credits are just one of the many benefits of co-op membership. Giving back to our local members instead of outside parties is one of the many aspects that set cooperatives apart from other types of businesses.

Our mission is reliable power.

Our purpose is people — the members we’re proud to serve. That’s why we sponsor community projects and events to make a positive, meaningful impact for our community. You Bill Barnhart help us power that purpose, PRESIDENT & CEO too. Hancock-Wood Electric’s Operation Round Up program is made possible through members’ participation in “rounding up” electric bills to the next dollar amount. Your generous contributions help support local charitable organizations and community services.

Another way Hancock-Wood Electric gives back is by investing in tomorrow’s leaders. Through presentations at elementary schools, scholarship opportunities, and the Electric Cooperative Youth Tour program, we aim to empower students for a brighter future. When we invest in our local youth, we strengthen the fabric of our community. Our members guide every decision we make and are the reason our co-op exists. To us, you’re more than a customer. This holiday season, we hope you’re proud to be part of a community-focused co-op that puts people before profits.

From your friends at Hancock-Wood Electric, we hope you have a bright, blessed holiday season.

DECEMBER 2024 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING

17

HANCOCK-WOOD ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE

Cooperation Among Cooperatives: HWE assists with storm restoration

The remnants of Hurricane Helene caused massive damage to electric infrastructure throughout the states of North Carolina and South Carolina. Hancock-Wood linemen Jim Casey and Jeff Price traveled to Laurens Electric Cooperative in South Carolina to assist in restoring power after one of the worst storms in the co-op’s history. At the outage’s peak, approximately 98% of the co-op’s service territory lost power, including outages at the transmission level.

In North Carolina, Blue Ridge Energy also was hit hard by the storm and had more than 500 individuals from surrounding states assisting in their restoration efforts. More than 75% of the cooperative’s membership was affected from damage. The Hancock-Wood team that traveled to assist at Blue Ridge included Vice President of Engineering and Operations Andy Fisher and linemen Lee Brodman and Ryan Stearns.

18

OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • DECEMBER 2024

Member events

Hancock-Wood offers numerous member events throughout the year. This past October, we hosted a variety of events with some focused on education and some just for fun and camaraderie.

S The Legislative PAC meeting was held with our guest speaker, state Sen. Rob McColley. Also in attendance was Ohio’s Electric Cooperative COO Craig Grooms.

Both speakers identified notable issues electric co-op members should be aware of and provided some education on current energy issues and policies.

W Approximately 35 co-op members and employees joined us on a guided walking tour of our generation power plant, the Cardinal Power Plant, located right along the Ohio River in Brilliant.

The power plant’s capacity is 1,800 megawatts total with three units. The average annual coal use is 4.2 million tons. The cooperatives in Ohio serve nearly 400,000 homes, farms, and businesses, which include about 1 million Ohioans.

W Our first-ever Member Bingo Day was well attended by 34 members. Prizes included a range of local gift cards as well as electric bill credits. Members enjoyed each other’s company and snacks while spending the afternoon at the co-op.

Stay tuned for more member events in 2025!

We wish you a merry Christmas and a happy New Year!

Our offices will be closed Dec. 24 & 25 and Jan. 1.

DECEMBER 2024 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING

19

HANCOCK-WOOD ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE

Hancock-Wood and CoBank donate

$20,000 for Marion Township cemetery project

T

From left, Jeanie Ploeger, fiscal officer; Marion Township trustees Jim Gosche and Robert Doxsey; CoBank Vice President, Electric Distribution Brent Behn, HWE President and CEO Bill Barnhart.

he Marion Township Trustees applied for a grant to help with headstone foundation replacements and beautification of Bright Cemetery. This grant was funded by Hancock-Wood Electric Cooperative and CoBank through the co-op lender’s Sharing Success program, which has given $86 million back to co-op communities since 2012.

CONTACT 800-445-4840 FAX: 419-257-3024 WEBSITE www.hwe.coop OFFICE 1399 Business Park Drive South P.O. Box 190 North Baltimore, Ohio 45872-0190

BOARD OF TRUSTEES

Bill Barnhart

William Kale

President and CEO

Chairman

Lee Anne Dierksheide Vice Chair

Duane Fry Secretary

Charles Beagle Ed Crawford Tim Phillips Max Rader Ron Riegle Brian Terry

20

OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • DECEMBER 2024

More than 75% of electric distribution, transmission, and generation cooperatives work with CoBank for banking and financial needs. CoBank finances projects of all kinds, including traditional electric infrastructure investments, smart grid technology, retail broadband, distributed energy resources, utility scale and behind-the-meter renewables, electric vehicles, and more.

PAYMENT OPTIONS online, dropbox, office, by phone, or automatic bill pay HAVE A STORY SUGGESTION? Email your ideas to: leslie.guisinger@hwe.coop

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Male Female Male Female

Issue Age

Male

Female

Male

Female

50.58

36.96

$500,000*

Male

$1,000,000*

Female

Male

Female

91

65

172

119

18

16

58

29.07

21.98

9.51 15

13

22

18

59

31.60

23.51

55.57

39.88

101

71

190

129

9.93 15

14

22

20

60

34.14

24.28

61.26

42.99

113

76

209

140

11.69

10.25 17

14

24

21

61

37.60

25.65

66.80

47.11

126

86

238

157

8.86

12.35

10.66 18

15

25

22

62

41.49

27.91

74.28

51.33

141

95

267

172

24

63

44.70

34.39

85.55

9.79

9.21

8.31

10.35

9.21

8.58

10.54

38

9.21

8.71

39

9.46

37

$1,000,000*

11

7.88

36

$500,000*

8.66 14

9.63

9.10

12.94

11.08 18

16

27

59.60

157

104

288

190

41 10.05

9.22

13.66

11.83 20

17

30

27

64

48.23

38.53

93.16

64.38

173

114

327

212

42 10.48

9.26

14.21

12.67 22

19

33

29

65

53.18

41.15 101.79

70.36

191

127

361

234

43 10.98

9.50

14.74

13.52 25

20

39

31

66

59.15

44.62

75.41

213

139

398

258

34

67

65.66

49.09 130.13

40

115.13

11.58

9.84

15.80

14.36 27

22

43

83.65

235

152

443

284

45 12.25

10.17

17.07

15.20 29

24

48

38

68

74.33

59.65

145.11

112.92

262

174

491

322

46 12.84

10.65

18.09

16.18 31

25

51

40

69

82.98

65.91 161.68

129.33

293

188

548

352

47 13.43

17.07 33

27

56

44

70

93.20

73.30 181.25

148.72

330

204

615

387

48

71 102.45

82.71 204.38

44

11.16

19.18

48 13.48

11.88

20.44

17.76 35

29

58

159.34

374

235

702

443

49 13.71

12.33

21.77

18.77 38

31

63

52

72 113.68

94.13 232.46

172.23

427

272

807

512

50 14.46

12.99

23.41

20.00 40

34

69

57

73 127.55

108.24 267.15

188.15

493

319

937

596

51 15.38

21.18 45

35

78

62

74 142.08

123.01 303.50

204.84

562

367 1074

685

88

67

75 159.25

140.48 346.45

789

13.75

25.38

52 16.37

14.87

28.02

22.76 50

38

224.56

644

424 1235

53 17.46

15.88

31.30

24.81 55

44 101

79

76 200.03

174.92 418.29

276.67

785

530 1489

982

54 18.69

16.72

34.39

26.21 61

47 114

85

77 249.54

216.74 505.52

339.94

956

658 1797

1215

55 20.70

418.11

1167

817 2179

1504

983 2578

1807 2164

17.51

37.60

27.86 67

50 127

92

78 310.70

268.40 613.27

56 22.69

19.48

42.17

31.37 74

56 140 101

79 374.78

322.52 726.16

500.00

1389

57 24.69

20.63

46.07

33.65 82

60 156

110

80 450.51

386.48 859.57

596.78

1651 1180 3050

* $500,000 and $1,000,000 monthly rates are rounded up to the nearest dollar. Therefore, actual monthly rates at $500,000 and $1,000,000 may be slightly less.

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Premiums illustrated represent 10 year level term insurance with guaranteed level premiums for 10 years. $100,000 - $1,000,000 rates are Select-A-Term [policy form no. 07007] Preferred Plus Non-tobacco. This coverage features a level death benefit with fully guaranteed level premiums for the first 10 years with coverage to expire at age 95. The policy may be continued on Annual Renewable Term at the end of the level premium period without evidence of insurability until the anniversary nearest the insured’s 95th birthday. The underwriting risks, financial and contractual obligations and support functions associated with products issued by American General Life Insurance Company (AGL) Houston, TX are its responsibility. AGL does not solicit business in the state of New York. All terms, conditions and limitations of any policy issued shall govern. American General Life Companies is the marketing name for a group of domestic life insurers including American General Life Insurance Company and The United States Life Insurance Company in the City of New York. Policies and riders not available in all states. Premium rates current as of October 2024; rates may vary by state. Premiums available for other rate classes, ages and payment plans. Premium charges depend on evidence of insurability. Premiums increase at the end of the guaranteed term if policy is renewed. Death benefit remains level. The policy may be contested for two years from the date of issue for material misstatements or omissions on the application. Death benefit is limited to return of premium paid in the event of suicide within first two years. Rates subject to change. Standard Marketing Services represents AGL and other fine insurance companies.

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DECEMBER 2024 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING

21

Gaunt’s gift In Yellow Springs, a unique legacy brings comfort during the holiday season.

D

BY DAMAINE VONADA

uring the first holiday season after the death of her husband, the noted local artist Jack Hubbard, in 1987, Pat Hubbard received a curious gift delivered to her Yellow Springs home: two sacks — one filled with flour, the other with sugar. The following year brought that same remarkable gift, and more followed every holiday season until her own death in 1999.

Providing flour and sugar to the widows (and widowers) of the town is a Yuletide tradition unique to Yellow Springs, and it dates back 130 years — all of it thanks to the generosity of a formerly enslaved man named Wheeling Gaunt, who settled in the

22

OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • DECEMBER 2024

southwest Ohio village after he purchased his own freedom during the Civil War. “Wheeling Gaunt was a person of faith and a very resilient man who did not let adversity beat him down; he used it as a motivation to achieve,” says Brenda Hubbard Ibarra, Jack and Pat’s daughter. Although she had been born and raised in Yellow Springs, Ibarra was unaware of Gaunt’s story until her mother started getting those gifts. Inspired, she immersed herself in researching that history, and in 2021, she self-published Legacy of Grace: Musings on the Life and Times of Wheeling Gaunt.

“My mother had been so impressed, so grateful, that someone could be so full of kindness and generosity despite such bitter hardships,” Ibarra says.

Gaunt was born in 1812 on a tobacco plantation in Carrollton, Kentucky, son of the white plantation master and an unidentified Black woman whom his father seems to have sold when Wheeling was only about 4 years old.

Because his father permitted him to work away from the plantation, Gaunt earned money of his own by selling apples, polishing boots, and doing other odd jobs, and saved enough by the mid1840s to buy his freedom from his white halfbrothers for $900.

As a free man, Gaunt worked as a teamster and laborer in Carrollton, and within a few years, he was able to pay for the manumission of his wife, Amanda, and for another young relative. He also began building a substantial commercial and residential real estate portfolio.

During that time, Yellow Springs, about 100 miles to the northeast, had a growing anti-slavery and egalitarian reputation — home to Antioch College, whose first president, Horace Mann, was a staunch abolitionist, and close to Wilberforce, where the African Methodist Episcopal Church was operating a fledgling college, now Wilberforce University, for Black students.

Gaunt prospered in Yellow Springs. He worked hard to acquire prime properties, and built a handsome home for himself and Amanda (who died in 1885), as well as other homes that are still in use today. He also learned to read and write, and even ran, albeit unsuccessfully, for the village school board.

By the time he died of kidney disease in May of 1894, Gaunt was one of Yellow Springs’ wealthiest, most highly respected residents.

The Yellow Springs newspaper reported that Gaunt’s memorial service was “filled to suffocation” with mourners, and his obituary in the Xenia Gazette declared, “He was one of the best citizens of our village and will leave a record and example of fair dealing and benevolence which would be well to imitate by those who are left behind.”

Continued on page 24

A life-sized bronze statue of Wheeling Gaunt, designed by the renowned sculptor and longtime village resident Brian Maughan, stands at the busy intersection of Dayton Street and Xenia Avenue (U.S. 68) in downtown Yellow Springs. It graces a small park on the Little Miami Scenic Trail, and engraved on its pedestal is a quote attributed to him: “It’s not what we have but what we share.”

DECEMBER 2024 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING

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Gaunt willed all his Yellow Springs real estate to Wilberforce University, with the exception of 9 acres of farmland reserved for the Village of Yellow Springs — with the stipulation that income from renting it would go into a fund used to give flour to “poor worthy widows” on the evening before Christmas Day. That December, village workers delivered 69 sacks of flour to 23 widows.

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Today, the acreage Gaunt donated is the Gaunt Park recreation complex, and the village continues to support the widow’s fund from swimming pool entry fees. Decades ago, the village opted to distribute sugar as well as flour to widows, and during the 2012 Christmas season, it began supplying widowers too. On average, about 90 individuals annually benefit from Gaunt’s bequest, and this year, the village dispensed 5 pounds of sugar and 5 pounds of flour to each of them during Thanksgiving week.

It’s impossible to gauge the comfort and joy that Gaunt’s simple gifts have brought to generations of villagers.

If nothing else, they are annual lessons in compassion taught nowhere else but Yellow Springs.

Legacy of Grace: Musings on the Life and Times of Wheeling Gaunt is available through the Yellow Springs 365 Project (www.the365projectys.org/ shop) or on Amazon.

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DECEMBER 2024 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING

25

Oh ho, the

mistletoe!

Getting to the bottom of one of the season’s most fun, yet puzzling, traditions.

I

BY CRAIG SPRINGER

t’s the best time of the year — or so sings Burl Ives, over and over leading up to Christmas Day. Of course, cups of cheer (spiced cider, perhaps) will likely make an appearance, and (croons Burl) there may or may not be snow.

Lots of Christmastime traditions are easy enough to understand — stockings hung by the chimney with care, for example, have an obvious, convenient, and practical purpose for Santa Claus when he pops out of the chimney.

But back to Burl, who also highlights a truly puzzling one: little sprigs of an emerald-green, white-berried plant, hanging “where you can see,” where someone might just be waiting for you to steal away a kiss. Seems about as quirky as displaying a freshly cut pine tree in your living room.

Like the Christmas celebration itself, hanging mistletoe in your house is rooted in ancient tradition. But before we get to that, it’s worth noting that mistletoe has no real roots — it’s a parasite, making its way in life by living off of rooted trees. “Mistletoe makes its own sugar, but poaches water from trees,” says Savannah Ballweg, who manages the Miami University botanical conservatory in Oxford.

According to Ballweg, Ohio is home to one species of mistletoe: American mistletoe, also known as oak mistletoe, found mostly in the southern part of the state.

The thick evergreen parasite indeed has an affinity for the larger branches of oaks, but also takes to gum, hackberry, maples, and ashes, particularly along stream courses. It’s at its most visible standing out as a small green globular shrub nestled on larger tree branches after the leaf fall.

More about roots: The word “mistletoe” is rooted in German, from “mist,” meaning feces, and “tang,” meaning twig or tree branch — the little white berries of the plant do resemble something that has passed through the gut of a bird.

Besides being the actual word’s origin, the name, as translated, also explains a little about the parasite’s

26

OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • DECEMBER 2024

reproduction.

Birds do, in fact, find the seeds to be yummy, and many that pass through a bird’s gut are deposited, covered in a sticky yet nutrient-rich gut-gunk, on tree branches.

There, they sprout and send rootlets into the bark, where they tap into the host’s water and mineral nutrient supply.

Despite having evergreen leaves, they do little photosynthesis — and that is mostly in winter, according to Ballweg. “They carry some of their own weight,” she says. “Mistletoe does not kill host trees and lives a remarkably long time, up to 100 years.”

Mistletoe bears fruit at the approach of the winter solstice, which, according to Ballweg, ancient European cultures saw as a symbol of love, fertility, and perseverance.

And that, then, lends to the kissing tradition, though the full story comes from the Norse myth of Baldr, the god who was done in by an arrow made of mistletoe. Baldr’s mother, the goddess Frigg, cried tears that restored him to life, and those tears became the white mistletoe berries.

Forever afterward, the grateful mom granted a kiss of her protection to anyone who passed under mistletoe.

Kissing under berry-laden mistletoe, then, was one of the pagan traditions that northern Europeans brought with them when they converted to Christianity. Holly (as in “have a holly-jolly Christmas”) was another. Also, as a way to ward off evil spirits around the time of the winter solstice, they often decorated their houses and barns with — you guessed it — freshly cut evergreens. Not so quirky after all.

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Ball drops

Ohioans ring in the new year with a quirky and eclectic collection of cool countdowns.

BY DAMAINE VONADA

T

his New Year’s Eve, forget Times Square — New York City’s annual ball drop is too far away, and besides, there are plenty of options here in Ohio, where towns throughout the state proudly ring in the new year with eclectic and imaginative ways to celebrate their customs, culture, and industries.

New Year’s Eve Donut Drop, Lakeside Anyone who has ever spent a summer day experiencing the Lakeside Chautauqua community on the shores of Lake Erie knows that residents and visitors alike relish the Patio Restaurant’s homemade donuts. Those famous cake donuts inspired a new tradition in 2022: dropping an inflatable plastic donut decorated with multi-colored “sprinkles” from Lakeside’s waterfront Pavilion.

A DJ plays dance music during this only-in-Lakeside event, which of course serves Patio donuts plus hot chocolate for toasting the new year. Tip: Lakeside waives gate and parking fees for the Donut Drop, and its Fountain Inn is open for overnight stays.

419-798-4461; https://lakesideohio.com/calendar/ special-events-calendar

Glass Town Countdown, Lancaster Anchor Hocking has manufactured glassware in Lancaster since 1905, and the Glass Town Countdown reflects genuine hometown pride that culminates with a sparkling fireworks display.

The downtown festival showcases a giant globe laden with 500 art glass ornaments, but instead of being dropped, it’s gingerly lifted off the ground by a crane. The round ornaments for this uplifting experience are produced in the glassblowing studio at Lancaster’s Ohio Glass Museum, where they’re either personally made or purchased for the globe by townspeople. www.destinationdowntownlancaster.com/events/ glasstowncountdown

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OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • DECEMBER 2024

Rockin’ Poppin’ New Year’s Eve Celebration, Marion

Ringin’ the Square, Mansfield With a lovely landmark fountain, a Johnny Appleseed historic marker, and a replica of “Brooks’ Bench” from the filmed-in-Mansfield The Shawshank Redemption, nothing captures Mansfield’s identity quite like its Central Park town square. Crowds gather there annually to fete the new year with live bands, food trucks, outdoor ice skating, and a lighted, made-in-Mansfield metal ball that descends from a 10-story building — all followed by a fireworks show. Tip: The DLX Restaurant, located on the square, serves a pre-ball-drop dinner buffet that includes champagne and party favors.

Organized by a local news channel, Marion’s familyfriendly event starts at 6 p.m. At midnight, the Popcorn ball, illuminated with hundreds of white lights that give a nod to the community’s nearly 100-year-old popcorn manufacturing heritage, will drop. Also on tap are popcorn-themed Minuteto-Win-It games, food vendors, bounce houses, and pro wrestling. www.newsforce247.com

www.destinationmansfield.com/new-years-eve

New Year’s Ball Drop Party, Logan Logan Town Center merchants are hosting their first-ever New Year’s bash this year — live music, an ice-skating rink, and a Polar Express “train” ride that’s a barrel of fun for kids — near the iconic Main Street gazebo and Hocking County courthouse. The midnight countdown features an enormous sphere built by local high school welding students, and it’ll be covered with colorful, 16-inch-long glass spirals created by skilled artisans at the renowned Jack Pine Studio. www.explorehockinghills.com/festivals-events/ downtown-logan-new-year-s-eve-ball-drop-party

New Year’s Eve Walleye Drop, Port Clinton What’s a small town to do when it’s got an enormous reputation as “The Walleye Capital of the World”? Embrace the nickname with a street party that lures thousands of people to downtown Port Clinton, where Wylie the Walleye, a 20-foot-long, 600-pound fiberglass fish, is lowered by a crane at the stroke of midnight. A Minnow Drop for small fry is held in the afternoon, and the event’s “bar swim” has heated buses that ferry grown-ups to lakeshore establishments serving food and libations. www.shoresandislands.com/events DECEMBER 2024 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING

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2024 CALENDAR

DECEMBER/JANUARY

NORTHWEST

an intricate Victorian holiday scene. Interactive buttons, multi-tier layout. 419-332-2081 or www. rbhayes.org.

DEC. 4 – Down on the Farm Story Time, Proving Ground Farm, 5670 E. Twp. Rd. 138, Tiffin, 10 a.m. Stories and activities geared for preschoolage children focus on farming and nature in a picturesque outdoor setting. 419-447-7073, www. conservesenecacounty.com, or find Seneca Conservation District on Facebook.

DEC. 7 – Model Train Clinic, Hayes Presidential Library and Museums, Spiegel Grove, 1337 Hayes Ave., Fremont, 11 a.m.–4 p.m. $5; 5 and under free.

THROUGH DEC. 29 – NWORRP North Pole Express, Get your model trains in excellent working order just in time for the holidays. Clinic participants can run Northwest Ohio Railroad Preservation Inc., 12505 their trains on the “Hayes Train Special” track. 419Co. Rd. 99, Findlay. $5; 12 and under, $3. Hop on 332-2081 or www.rbhayes.org. board our quarter-scale trains for a trip through a DEC. 12–15, 19–22 – Winter Wonderland Light winter wonderland of lights and festive decorations.

Display, Sandusky Co. Fgds., 901 Rawson Ave., See operating toy trains and hundreds of decorated Fremont. Drive-through Thur./Sun. 6–8 p.m.; trees, plus Santa and Mrs. Claus on select nights.

419-423-2995, www.facebook.com/nworrp, or www. walk-through Fri./ Sat. 6–9 p.m. Admission $1 or a nonperishable food item per person to benefit nworrp.org. food pantry. Craft shows, kids’ activities, horse THROUGH DEC. 30 – Upper’s Winter Fantasy of rides, refreshments, entertainment, and Santa Lights, Harrison Smith Park, 525 E. Wyandot Ave., every Friday and Saturday! 419-332-5604 or www.

Upper Sandusky, Fri.–Sun. 6–10 p.m., Mon.–Thur.

6–9:30 p.m. $10/car $15/van, $50/tour bus. The park’s sanduskycountyfair.com.

DEC. 14 – National Model Railroad Association 33 acres will be ablaze with millions of lights and a myriad of unique light displays. 419-294-2351 or www. Train Show, Allen Co. Fgds., 2750 Harding Hwy., Lima, 10 a.m.–3 p.m. $5; 12 and under free. 419-228uppersfantasyoflights.org.

7141 or www.allencofair.com/events.

THROUGH DEC. 31 – Lake of Lights, Saulisberry DEC. 15 – Winter Festival of Crafts, Franciscan Park/France Lake, 13344 St. Rte. 67 W., Kenton, 6–9 Center at Lourdes University, 6832 Convent Blvd., p.m. daily. A drive-through lighting event. Special Sylvania, 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Free admission/parking. A events held on the weekends. 567-674-4567, beautiful setting for our last show of the year. Pick lakeoflights08@gmail.com, or www.facebook.com/ up that last-minute holiday gift or decoration that LakeOfLights. will make your holiday bright! 419-842-1925 or www.

THROUGH JAN. 5 – “Hayes Train Special” Model toledocraftsmansguild.org/shows.html.

Train Display, Hayes Library and Museums, Spiegel DEC. 20 – Classic Movie Night: White Christmas, Grove, 1337 Hayes Ave., Fremont. Free; donations accepted. Operating model train display runs through Hancock Historical Museum, 422 W. Sandusky St.,

COMPILED BY COLLEEN ROMICK CLARK

Findlay, 7 p.m. Free. Historical information presented before and discussion after the movie. Popcorn and refreshments provided; BYOB. 419-423-4433 or www. hancockhistoricalmuseum.org/special-events.

DEC. 20–21 – Hayes Home Holidays, 1337 Hayes Ave., Fremont, 5–9 p.m., final tour starting at 8 p.m. $8–$10; 5 and under free. Tour the Hayes home to see the historically accurate Christmas decorations.

Before or after the tour, enjoy the “Hayes Train Special” model train display in the auditorium. 419332-2081 or www.rbhayes.org.

DEC. 20, 22 – Silver Screen Classics: It’s a Wonderful Life, Valentine Theatre, 400 N. Superior St., Toledo, Fri. 7:30 p.m., Sun. 2 p.m. $5. Frank Capra’s classic tale comes to life on the big screen.

419-242-2787 or www.valentinetheatre.com.

DEC. 26–31 – Horse-Drawn Sleigh Rides at Spiegel Grove, 1337 Hayes Ave., Fremont, 1–4 p.m. $7; 2 and under free. Ride through the grounds in a horsedrawn sleigh, as President Hayes did, or in a horsedrawn trolley. Rides are by South Creek Clydesdales.

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

JAN. 3–31 – Art Contest: “Not So Bad Art by Good People,” sponsored by the Logan County Art League.

Artwork created by 11 selected Logan County VIPs will be on display until Jan. 30 in the lobby of the Citizen’s Federal Savings and Loan, 100 N. Main St., Bellefontaine, during bank lobby hours. Vote for your favorite in person or on our website. Artwork auctioned to the highest bidder at Honey Birch Farm on Jan. 31. https://logancountyartleague.org.

JAN. 4–5 – Tri-State Gun Show, Allen Co. Fgds., 2750 Harding Hwy., Lima (2 miles east of Lima on St. Rte. 309), Sat. 8:30 a.m.–4 p.m., Sun. 8:30 a.m.–3 p.m. $8; 18 and under and members free. Cash only.

450 tables of modern and antique guns, edged weapons, and sportsmen equipment. 419-647-0067 (Manetta Obringer) or www.allencofair.com/events.

WEST VIRGINIA

Submit your event!

THROUGH DEC. 29 – Celebration of Lights, Morris Park, Fairmont. $10/car, $30/bus. See over 540 Christmas light displays in this 1.3-mile drive-through tour. Wednesdays are walker nights: $5/person; under 12 free. See website for schedule. 304-366-4550 or www.celebrationoflightswv.com.

THROUGH JAN. 5 – Winter Festival of Lights, Oglebay Resort, Wheeling. Featuring 300 acres of twinkling lights over a 6-mile drive, with more than 100 lighted attractions. Per-car donation requested, valid for the entire festival season. 877-436-1797 or www. oglebay.com/events/festival-of-lights.

30

OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • DECEMBER 2024

Submit listings AT LEAST 90 DAYS prior to the event to: Ohio Cooperative Living 6677 Busch Blvd.

Columbus, OH 43229 or send an email to events@ohioec.org.

Ohio Cooperative Living will not publish listings that don’t include a complete address or a number/website for more information.

DECEMBER/JANUARY NORTHEAST

2024 CALENDAR

THROUGH JAN. 10 – Steubenville Nutcracker Village and Christmas at the Fort, Steubenville Visitor Center, 120 S. 3rd St., Steubenville. Free. Over 200 large-as-life, unique nutcrackers are stationed throughout the downtown and Fort Steuben Park 24/7; Advent Market, hayrides, the Holly Trolley, children’s activities, music, crafts, and much more.

740-283-4935 or www.steubenvillenutcrackervillage. com.

NOV. 29–DEC. 1, 6–8, 13–15, 20–29 – Medina County Fair Drive-Thru Holiday Lights, Medina Co. Fgds., 720 W. Smith Rd., Medina, Sun.–Thur. 6–9 p.m., Fri./Sat. 6–10 p.m. Car $10, small bus/15-passenger THROUGH DEC. 29 – Elegant Illusions Drivevan $20, large bus $50. 330-723-9633 or www.

Through Park, Portage Co. Fgds., 4215 Fairground medinaohiofair.com.

Rd., Atwater, Thur./Sun. 6–9 p.m., Fri./Sat. 6–10 p.m., closed Mon.–Wed. $20 car, truck, SUV, van; $40–$50 NOV. 29–DEC. 1, 5–23, 26–30 – Stan Hywet’s Deck the Hall, Stan Hywet Hall and Gardens, 714 N. limo and bus. All-new LED displays, the latest in Portage Path, Akron, 3–8 p.m. $9–$24; 2 and under animatronics, and over 50 holiday scenes, plus visits free. Over 1 million holiday lights illuminate the estate, with Santa and Mr. Grinch. 330-947-2974 or www. and the Manor House is decorated in beautiful holiday elegantchristmaslighting.com. fashion. Enjoy shopping and refreshments before or THROUGH DEC. 31 – “Elegance of Christmas after the tour. 330-315-3287 or www.stanhywet.org.

Past,” Victorian House Museum, 484 Wooster Rd., DEC. 6–8, 13–15 – Candlelight Holiday Tours of Millersburg, Sun.–Thur. 1–4 p.m., Fri./Sat. 1–8 p.m.

This year we are re-creating some decorating themes Malabar Farm, 4050 Bromfield Rd., Lucas, Fri./ Sat. 5–8 p.m., Sun. 1–4 p.m. $6; ages 6–18, $4. of the past, as well as adding a vintage clothing display throughout the house. 330-674-0022 or www. Self-guided tours of Louis Bromfield’s Big House, all decked out for the holidays. Enjoy cookies and facebook.com/VictorianHouseMuseum. warm drinks after the tour. 419-892-2784 or www.

THROUGH DEC. 31 – Ashtabula County’s Lights on malabarfarm.org/events. the Lake, Lakeshore Park, 1700 E. 1st St., Ashtabula, DEC. 14 – Solon Hometown Holiday Market, Solon Fri.–Sun. 6–9 p.m.; open Dec. 24–25, 31: 6–9 p.m.

Recreation Center, 35000 Portz Parkway, Solon, 10 Car or van $5, bus $1/person, mini bus $20. Largest a.m.–4 p.m. Free admission. Artists and crafters will holiday light display on Lake Erie, with over 70 be selling their original handmade items. Celebrate displays on 54 acres of rolling hills and the majestic lake as a backdrop. 440-993-1051 or www.aclotl.com. the holiday season while shopping local! www. avantgardeshows.com.

DEC. 14–15 – Jingle Mingle Craft and Vendor Show, Ehrnfelt Recreation Center, 18100 Royalton Rd., Strongsville, Sat. 9 a.m.–2 p.m., Sun. 10 a.m.–3 p.m. Free admission. Over 70 vendors selling handmade crafts, wood items, home decor, seasonal items, handmade cards, and much more. www. hometownvendors.org.

DEC. 22 – Flea Market of Collectables, Medina County Community Center, 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 collectibles. 330-948-4300 or https://conraddowdell. com/event.

JAN. 4 – Snow Dogs Train Show, presented by Cuyahoga Valley S Gauge Association, Emidio and Sons Expo Center, 48 E. Bath Rd., Cuyahoga Falls, 10 a.m.–3 p.m. $6; under 12 free. Free parking.

Operating layout of several gauges, many dealers, good food at reasonable prices. www.cleveshows. com or www.cvsga.com.

JAN. 12 – Bill Lestock: Mandolin, Wadsworth Public Library, 132 Broad St., Wadsworth, 2–3 p.m. Free.

Lestock plays original instrumental mandolin music that blends bluegrass, old-time, baroque, and blues. A firefighter for 33 years, he incorporates melodies and imagery inspired by a life and culture of firefighting.

Seating is on a first-come, first-served basis. 419-8536016 or www.ormaco.org.

JAN. 13 – Mohican Winterfest, Loudonville. Free.

Family festival centering around Olympic Ice Carvings and the Model Train Expo. 419-994-2519 or www. discovermohican.com.

SOUTHEAST

DEC. 16 – Christmas with John Berry, Majestic Theatre, 45 E. Second St., Chillicothe, Time: 7:30 p.m. $25–$55. The Grammy-winning singer/songwriter is back for his 28th annual Christmas tour. bringing the joy of live music and much-needed Christmas spirit to his fans. www.majesticchillicothe.net.

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

Free. Weather permitting, we will view the sun setting in near perfect alignment with Sacra Via. Maps provided. Archaeologist Wes Clarke will discuss the astronomical alignments of Marietta’s mound structures. 740-373-1480 or www. mariettacastle.org.

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. $25–$38. The train will travel to East Logan and return, stopping near the stroke of midnight to ring in the new year with a fireworks display! Refreshments served. www.hvsry.org/train-rides/new-years-evetrain-fireworks.

JAN. 11 – The Outlaws, Peoples Bank Theatre, 222 Putnam St., Marietta, 8 p.m. $33 and up. www.peoplesbanktheatre.com/event.

THROUGH DEC. 22 – The Magic of Christmas Mansion Tours, Belmont County Victorian Mansion Museum, 532 N. Chestnut St., Barnesville, Fri. 5–8 p.m., Sat./Sun. 1–4 p.m. Join us for some Christmas cheer and see our museum decorated for the season. This year’s theme is Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol. www.belmontcountymuseum.com.

THROUGH DEC. 22 – Santa Train, Hocking Valley Scenic Railway, Nelsonville Depot, 33 W. Canal St., Nelsonville. $19–$24; under 3 free. Santa boards the train and visits with each child as the train traverses the historic Hocking River Valley. See website for dates and times. www.hvsry.org/train-rides/santa.

THROUGH DEC. 28 – Athens Farmers Market, Athens Community Center, 701 E. State St., Athens, Sat. 9 a.m.–noon. Voted Ohio’s #1 favorite farmers market! 740-593-6763 or www. athensfarmersmarket.org.

THROUGH JAN. 1 – Dickens Victorian Village, downtown Cambridge. Stroll the streets to view scenes depicting life in Victorian England, featuring life-sized, handmade mannequins wearing real vintage clothing. 800-933-5480 or www. dickensvictorianvillage.com.

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

DEC. 14–15 – Chillicothe Christmas Tour of Homes, downtown Chillicothe, Sat. 4–8 p.m., Sun. 1–5 p.m. $25. Tour 10 beautifully decorated homes and museums, including historic and mid-century modern homes. www.visitchillicotheohio.com.

DEC. 15 – Columbus Symphony Holiday Pops Spectacular, Ohio University Chillicothe, Shoemaker Center Gymnasium, 101 University Dr., Chillicothe, 4–7 p.m. $5–$25. www.downtownchillicothe.com.

DECEMBER 2024 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING

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2024 CALENDAR CENTRAL

DECEMBER/JANUARY

DEC. 6, JAN. 3 – 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! https://artcoz.org/arts-district-map.

DEC. 14 – Annual Holiday Cookie Walk, Fairfield County Genealogical Research Library, 503 Lenwood Dr., Lancaster (corner of West Mulberry and Lenwood), 1–4 p.m. Great variety of holiday treats. 740-653-2573 or www.fairfieldgenealogy.org.

DEC. 15 – Columbus Winter Avant-Garde Art and Craft Show, Makoy Event Center, 5462 Center St., Hilliard, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. $3; under 12 free. Artists THROUGH JAN. 1 – Butch Bando’s Fantasy of and crafters will be selling their original handmade Lights, Alum Creek State Park Campgrounds, 3311 S. items. Full concessions stand on-site. A portion Old State Rd., Delaware, Sun.–Thur. 5:30–9 p.m., Fri./ of proceeds will benefit Hope Hollow. www.

Sat. 5:30–10 p.m. Locally owned and family-operated avantgardeshows.com. drive-through holiday light show. See website for DEC. 21–22 – Polaris Makers Market Christmas ticket information. 614-412-3499 or Shows, Polaris Fashion Place, 1500 Polaris Parkway, https://butchbandosfantasyoflights.com.

Columbus, Sat. 12–6 p.m., Sun. 10 a.m.–9 p.m.

THROUGH JAN. 5 – Wildlights at the Zoo, Columbus Local makers and small businesses selling their Zoo and Aquarium, 4850 W. Powell Rd., Powell, Sun.– one-of-a-kind wares and holiday gifts. www.

Thur. 5–9 p.m., Fri./Sat. 5–10 p.m. Included with zoo polarismakersmarket.com. admission. Millions of LED lights, animated musical DEC. 21–22 – Scott Antique Market, Ohio light shows, Santa, reindeer, and plenty of holiday Expo Center, 717 E. 17th Ave., Columbus, Sat. 9 family fun. www.columbuszoo.org/wildlights. a.m.–6 p.m., Sun. 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Free admission; NOV. 29–JAN. 6 – Nativity at Cathedral Square, St. parking $7. America’s favorite treasure hunt! info@ Joseph Cathedral, 212 E. Broad St., Columbus. Free. scottantiquemarket.com or www.scottantiquemarkets.

Historic outdoor life-sized Nativity display (formerly com. at State Auto). Lighting times: daily 6–8 a.m., 5–11:30 JAN. 3–5 – Columbus Building and Renovation p.m.; until 12:30 a.m. Fri./Sat.; Christmas Eve 3 p.m. until 8 a.m. Christmas Day. Choir schedule available at Expo, Ohio Expo Center, Kasich Hall, 717 E. 17th Ave., Columbus, Fri. 12–6 p.m., Sat. 10 a.m.–6 p.m., Sun. www.facebook.com/catholicmuseumcolumbus.

SOUTHWEST

THROUGH DEC. 18 – Bluegrass Wednesdays, Vinoklet Winery, 11069 Colerain Ave., Cincinnati, Wed. 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.

THROUGH DEC. 23 – North Pole Express, LM&M Railroad, 16 E. South St., Lebanon. $35–$50; under 2, $10. See website for days and times. Take a ride on a vintage train to visit with Santa and his elves!

Children will receive a souvenir bell and a holiday cookie. Hot chocolate available for purchase. 513933-8022 or www.lebanonrr.com/northpole.

THROUGH DEC. 31 – Light Up Middletown, Smith Park, 500 Tytus Ave., Middletown, 6–10 p.m. daily.

A drive-through fantasy light display, open in all weather. Admission by cash donation; you set the price! www.lightupmiddletown.org.

THROUGH JAN. 5 – Christmas at the Junction, 7379 Squire Court, West Chester. Take a magical journey through a winter wonderland to the North Pole and visit Santa and Mrs. Claus. World’s largest train display, kids’ play area, interactive attractions.

We are closing in January 2025, so this is your last chance to enjoy our amazing event! www. entertrainmentjunction.com.

THROUGH JAN. 5 – Holiday Lights on the Hill, Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park and Museum, 1763 Hamilton-Cleves Rd., Hamilton. Tues.–Thur. 6–9 p.m., Fri.–Sun. 6–10 p.m.; closed Mondays except Dec. 23; closed Christmas Day. $25/car; $50/large vehicle. Drive-through tour featuring over 1 million lights and illuminated installations by local artists. www.pyramidhill.org/events/lights.

DEC. 1–31 – ParkLights at Caesar Ford Park, 520 S. Stringtown Rd., Xenia, 6–9 p.m. Drive-through dazzling light display. 937-562-6440 or www. gcparkstrails.com/events/parklights.

11 a.m.–5 p.m. $5, under 18 free; parking $7. From top-quality exhibits to insightful demonstrations and more, you’ll discover thousands of ways to design or renovate your home. www.homeshowcenter.com.

JAN. 10–19 – Ohio RV and Boat Show, Ohio Expo Center, 717 E. 17th St., Columbus. $15, 12 and under free; parking $7. The new year’s RVs, campers, boats, pontoon/tritoons, PWCs, golf cars, and motorcycles. On-site beer garden and refreshments provided by Schmidt’s Sausage Haus! www.ohiorvandboatshow.com.

JAN. 12 – Columbus Paper, Postcard, and Book Show, Franklin Co. Fgds., Edwards Bldg., 5035 NW Parkway, Hilliard, 9 a.m.–4 p.m. $6. Vintage paper, postcards, books, ads, non-sports cards, photographs, comics, magazines, documents, and much more.

614-206-9103 (Terry Bigler) or www.facebook.com/ Columbus-Paper-Show-134469001768.

JAN. 12 – Columbus Wedding Expo by A Bridal Affair, Marriott Columbus Northwest, 5605 Paul Blazer Parkway, Dublin, 11 a.m.–3 p.m. Free admission; registration required. Giveaways including wedding rings, honeymoons, and gift cards; vendor discounts and specials. Every couple receives a special wedding gift card, value $200. Register at www.eventbrite.com.

JAN. 12 – Ohio Guitar Show, Makoy Center, 5462 Center St., Hilliard, 11:30 a.m.–5 p.m. $10 (cash only).

Over 100 dealers. Buy, sell, or trade guitars, amps, effects, parts, catalogs. 740-797-3351, guitardigest@ frontier.com, or https://ohioguitarshow.com.

DEC. 11–12 – “Jingle Jazz: The Nutcracker Remix,” The Redmoor (Mt. Lookout), 3187 Linwood Ave., Cincinnati, 7 p.m. Ring in the holiday season with the CCJO! Enjoy swinging remixes of your favorite holiday classics, many of which were written by members of the orchestra. 513-227-1039 or www. cincinnatijazz.org.

DEC. 14 – Christmas in Loveland, Historic Downtown Loveland, 4–8 p.m. Free. Carriage rides, complimentary tastings from area restaurants, crafts, holiday beverages, live Christmas entertainment, live Nativity scene, and more. https://lovinlifeloveland. com/events/christmas-in-loveland.

DEC. 21 – Winter Drive-in Movie, Hueston Woods State Park, 6301 Park Office Rd., College Corner, 6–10 p.m. Free; donations appreciated. Join us at the beach to enjoy two winter movie favorites! Food trucks and vendors will be available. 513-523-6347 or www.ohiodnr.gov/go-and-do/plan-a-visit/find-aproperty/hueston-woods-state-park.

JAN. 11 – “Chocolate Meltdown and More!,” Oxford Arts Center, 10 S. College Ave., Oxford, 1–5 p.m. Free. Chocolate vendors, art exhibition, games, and other fun events. 513-524-8506 or www.oxarts.org.

DECEMBER 2024 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING

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The night

MEMBER INTERACTIVE

Grandpa Gary reading ’Twas the Night Before Christmas to his granddaughter, Emma.

Fianna Wagner, Darke Rural Electric Cooperative member

Maverick Johnson, grandson of Mark and Tammie Johnson. Tammie Johnson, Washington Electric Cooperative member

Son JJ Raynes, mother Michelle DeSantis, and Santa.

Marie Raynes, South Central Power Company member

These are two of our 16 great-grandchildren: Stella (5) and Sterling (3), decorating our tree!

Linda Marks, Firelands Electric Cooperative member

Send us

For March, send “Hoops hysteria” by Dec. 15.

For April, send “Spring break” by Jan. 15.

picture!

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

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

YOUR

34

Our grandchildren, Tori, Trevor, and T.J. Wilson, being “good little children” in anticipation of Santa!

Patty Quaglia, South Central Power Company member

OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • DECEMBER 2024

before Christmas Moo-ry Christmas from the Carmins — Caleb, Jess, Colby, Jase, Fin the beagle, and Winchester and Remington.

Jessica Carmin, URE–Union Rural Electric Cooperative member

My granddaughter Ruby and her dog, Harbor, eagerly awaiting Santa!

Linda Hug, North Western Electric Cooperative member Roman, filling the stockings.

Kim Kimble, North Central Electric Cooperative member

My great-grandson, Tucker, has the milk and cookies out and is ready for Santa.

Susan Wiberg, South Central Power Company member

Grand-twins, Sam and Lily, anxiously waiting for Santa.

Cheri Raphael, Firelands Electric Cooperative member

DECEMBER 2024 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING

35

See the Forest Through the Trees

Mighty Conifer Knife at an Impossible Price!

Impossib le Price

99 What Stauer Clients Are Saying About Our Knives

 “Outstanding knife of high quality and a great price. I now have a number of your great cutlery in my growing collection!”

— Robert F., Richardson, TX

EXCLUSIVE

W

e know you. You’re not interested in everyday, run-ofthe-mill, common cutlery. You want something with a story, a unique feature that you can brag about. We’ve got just the thing for you. Our Mighty Conifer Knife is a unique tool with a Damascus steel blade and a handle crafted from an enhanced and stabilized natural pinecone. While our competitors are charging hundreds for similar knives, we’re offering the Mighty Conifer for JUST $99! That’s what we call our Stauer Impossible Price.

person who wants to stand out.

CALL NOW! If you’re one of the first 700 587 callers for this ad, we’ll throw in a pair of Stauer 8x21 Compact Binoculars — a $99 value — ABSOLUTELY FREE! Satisfaction guaranteed or your money back!

J   ,      

Knife Specifications: • 9 ½" overall length. Full-tang construction • Damascus steel blade and natural pinecone handle • Genuine leather sheath

Each pinecone — and therefore, each knife — has its own unique characteristics. And the back of the handle features hand tooling, a further demonstration of each piece’s individual nature.

The blade is nothing to scoff at either. Constructed of Damascus steel, a modern reworking of the legendary steel forged by ancient swordsmiths, this nearly 5-inch blade features 256 layers of steel that have been folded on top of each other to increase its durability. Our competitors are charging hundreds for boring, run-of-the-mill knives with no features worth bragging about.

We’re asking JUST $99 for a knife unlike any you’ve seen before!

With its full-tang construction and high-quality genuine leather sheath, the Mighty Conifer Knife is the perfect blade for the

FREE Stauer 8x21

Compact Binoculars a $99 value with your purchase of the Mighty Conifer Knife

Mighty Conifer Knife $299 $99* + S&P Save $200 *You must use Insider Offer Code: MCK230-01 to get this price.

California residents please call regarding Proposition 65 regulations before purchasing this product.

1-800-333-2045 Your Insider Offer Code: MCK230-01

Stauer, 14091 Southcross Drive W., Dept. MCK230-01, Burnsville, MN 55337 | www.stauer.com

AFFORD THE EXTRAORDINARY 36

OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • DECEMBER 2024

WINTER ENERGY EFFICIENCY AND SAFETY TIPS Energy strategies to keep your holidays merry, bright, affordable and safe!  Seal air leaks to prevent heat from escaping and cold air from entering your home.  Use timers indoors and out to give your decorations—and your electric bill—a break.  Switch to a smart thermostat and save up to 15% on energy costs.  Open blinds and curtains during the day to allow sunlight in to warm your home. Close blinds and curtains at night to keep out cold, drafty air.  Switch to LED lights. They stay cool, use up to 80% less energy than traditional bulbs, and reduce the risk of fire.  Lower your water heater temperature to 120 degrees to prevent scalding and save energy.

ohioec.org/energy

 Avoid running cords under rugs or in places where pets might be tempted to chew.

HAN