Ohio Cooperative Living - February - Paulding Putnam

OHIO

FEBRUARY 2022

COOPERATIVE Tricounty Putnam Rural Electric Cooperative Paulding Electric Cooperative

SmartHub Sign up for a $5 credit (page 18D)

ALSO INSIDE Your collective voice OSU’s Cathann Kress It’s a small world

Dolly Parton's Imagination Library

concern for community That’s the Cooperative Difference.

Blue Star Mothers (Military Service)

Electric cooperatives in Ohio support their communities, families, and children by partnering with charitable organizations to provide resources, education, and funding to those in need.

ohioec.org/purpose Operation Round Up

OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • FEBRUARY 2022

INSIDE FEATURES

22 PIONEER IN AG Cathann Kress leads OSU’s multifaceted College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences.

26 CONTEST QUEEN A Defiance housewife’s way with words made her famous — and even helped feed her family.

29 BOOKISH BYWAY The Ohio Literary Trail leads the wellread on a journey through the state.

Cover image on most editions: Renee Stein, a member of The Frontier Power Company, captured this adorable photo of her son, Mason, after he was smothered with kisses from his sisters.

This page: There’s nothing like the sight, scent, and feel of the pages of a good book, and the Ohio Literary Trail leads travelers as they learn about some of the state’s literary legends (photo

by Claudia Longo/Getty Images).

FEBRUARY 2022 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING 1

UP FRONT

Who better to tell our story?

T

he story of electric cooperatives is one of the great American success stories: Neighbors across the country banding together to extend electric service to homes and farms too far from population centers to be profitable for traditional electric companies. Today, the nearly 900 electric cooperatives operating across the United States, including the 24 headquartered here in Ohio, continue to be a model of public-private partnership and an essential part of the communities we serve.

The story, however, also includes barriers and even opposition to the mission of providing safe, reliable, and affordable electric service to cooperative members. Investor-owned electric utilities strongly opposed electric cooperative formation; many created roadblocks to hinder the development of a robust electric system owned by co-op members. We face some of the same challenges today, including well-intentioned but misguided government regulations, unfair competitive practices, and policies by other organizations that undermine the cooperative business model.

Our ability to overcome current-day obstacles is based on our support from you, our membership. We need to be able to tell our story — why it is still important to the communities we serve to have access to safe, reliable, affordable, and environmentally responsible electricity. We need to be able to bring common-sense solutions to the problems of today.

Our history in Ohio includes strong partnerships with the Farm Bureau and Nationwide Insurance, who helped electric cooperatives grow and thrive.

American Electric Power (AEP) became a partner to Buckeye Power and Ohio’s electric cooperatives in the joint development of the Cardinal Power Plant, which still stands as a testament to successful partnership — overcoming differences and finding uncommon solutions to common problems. This collaborative approach, which served us so well in the past, will be crucial to resolving the issues of today.

One way you can help assure a successful future is to participate. Voices for Cooperative Power (see our story on page 4) provides an easy way for you to keep up with current issues and to lend your voice to the discussion when needed — to help us tell our story, because it’s your story, too.

2 OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • FEBRUARY 2022

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

Our ability to overcome currentday obstacles is based on our support from you, our membership.

FEBRUARY 2022 • Volume 64, No. 5

Ohio Rural Electric Cooperatives 6677 Busch Blvd.

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

4 DEPARTMENTS

Patrick O’Loughlin President & CEO

Jeff McCallister Managing Editor

Rebecca Seum Associate Editor

Anita Cook Graphic Designer

Contributors: Alicia Adams, Margaret Buranen, Colleen Romick Clark, Getty Images, W.H. “Chip” Gross, and Catherine Murray.

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 Voices for Cooperative Power: Members everywhere can unite to help secure the future of electric cooperatives.

8

8 WOODS, WATERS, AND WILDLIFE Miscues, bloopers, and do-overs: Ohio wildlife history and other trivia offers a bit of fun for everyone.

10

10 CO-OP PEOPLE

It’s a small world: For Ohio miniatures collectors and crafters, bigger is definitely NOT better.

13 GOOD EATS Bite-sized bits: Author’s passion for

13

miniature morsels inspires ideas for fun finger food.

17 LOCAL PAGES News and information from your electric cooperative.

For all advertising inquiries, contact

33 CALENDAR

Cheryl Solomon

What’s happening: February/

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

March events and other things to do around Ohio.

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

Alliance for Audited Media Member

33

36 MEMBER INTERACTIVE Kiss and tell: Our members show that Valentine’s Day isn’t just a human-smooching holiday.

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

36

Visit Ohio Cooperative Living magazine online at www.ohiocoopliving.com! Read past issues and watch videos about our articles or our recipes. Our site features an expanded Member Interactive area where you can share your stories, recipes, and photos and find content submitted by other co-op members across the state.

FEBRUARY 2022 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING 3

POWER LINES

Voices for Cooperative Power Members unite to secure the future for cooperatives.

BY REBECCA SEUM

4 OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • FEBRUARY 2022

E

lectric cooperative communities are some of the best places in America to call home. We have majestic landscapes, deep-seated values, and a sense of connectedness like no other. One characteristic of electric cooperative members is that they know how to work together to make changes. Years ago, that’s how neighbors collaborated to bring electricity to rural areas.

Today, it’s what makes policymakers take notice — the united voices of electric cooperative members, speaking out on issues they care about.

Voices for Cooperative Power (VCP) is a way for consumer-members to learn more about legislative issues that are important to electric cooperatives and important to them and to add their voices to a grassroots collective of electric cooperative members both in Ohio and nationwide who have something to tell policymakers about preserving their way of life. The National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA) created

JOIN TODAY

Looking to make a difference in your community and for your local electric cooperative?

Then join VCP!

SCAN ME TO LEARN MORE AND JOIN! VCP is a network of electric co-op members working together to influence public policy decisions that impact our co-ops and our way of life.

OOPERATIVEPOWER.COM

VOICESFORCOOPERATIVEPOWER.COM @VOICES4COOPS

the robust tool as a replacement for the much simpler advocacy tool, action.coop.

Some people may be wary of giving their name and information to yet another list. The last thing anyone needs is more junk email clogging their inboxes or more spam phone calls. But Voices for Cooperative Power is not junk mail. And members’ information will never be sold or given to anyone outside of the electric cooperative network.

“What VCP is intended to do, first and foremost, is educate members on issues that affect electric cooperatives,” says Doug Miller, vice president of statewide services at OEC. “Let’s say your big issue is that you need broadband. You’ll then have information about what electric cooperatives are doing to foster broadband development in rural America. So it’ll help you learn about issues that you care about but not be bogged down with issues that you don’t care about.”

Continued on page 6

What happens when you sign up?

You’ll have access to the Voices for Cooperative Power website, which is full of information that’s important to you. Or maybe some of it isn’t. That’s OK — you can customize your preferences to learn more about the issues that you care about. Do you feel passionate about rural broadband access? Maintaining an affordable, reliable, responsible energy supply? Environmental issues? Check those boxes, and VCP will help you to learn more about those issues as well as keep you posted as new information becomes available. Not interested in a particular issue? You’ll be excluded from those lists so the information you receive is only what’s important to you.

You also have options on how you want to engage with these issues. Follow the page on social media to find important information in your feeds. Maybe you’re interested in attending webinars or listening to podcasts on issues you care about.

Maybe you’d like to send emails to your elected officials or even have the opportunity to talk to them in person. Or maybe you don’t want to engage in any of those ways, but rather are seeking ways to become more informed than you feel you can be by watching the usual media outlets. Those choices are all up to you as you create your own member journey within the program.

Based on your address, the tool provides information for you about your elected representatives and allows you to contact @VOICES4COOPS them with a few simple clicks.

FEBRUARY 2022 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING 5

Continued from page 5

One of the services OEC and NRECA provide to their members is government advocacy, on both state and national levels. Spencer Waugh, OEC manager of government affairs, says, “VCP allows us to communicate details on issues that we may know or NRECA may know because we’re tracking legislation, but most of the public won’t know. We can help consumer-members understand how those issues affect them and why they should care.”

Miller says, “You don’t ever have to take action, but there’ll be content directed to you that will help educate you. You’ll have the opportunity to voice your opinion with those certain elected officials to encourage them to take action on the things that you care about. You’re creating your own journey

JOIN TODAY

VCP’s main issue priorities include: Reliable, affordable, responsible power Supporting co-op communities Building for the future Environmental stewardship From voicesforcooperativepower.com

6 OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • FEBRUARY 2022

through VCP. It’s not a PAC, and not primarily an advocacy tool. It’s primarily an educational tool, and you can decide how you want to use that information.”

Still in its beginning stages, VCP has around 35,000 members signed up, with more added every day. All of those voices together can be a powerful motivator in Washington and in Columbus. Marc Armstrong, OEC director of government affairs, says, “VCP generates form emails that you can send with one click. It’s the volume that many elected officials care about. Legislators want to see every piece of mail. If you have a whole inbox of letters from electric co-ops, that really resonates with them. They pay attention.”

New member survey What issues are you most concerned about for your local community?

• Economic/rural development • Infrastructure investment • COVID relief • Broadband • Air quality • Conservation • Environmental protection From voicesforcooperativepower.com

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WOODS, WATERS, AND WILDLIFE

Miscues, bloopers, and do-overs Ohio wildlife history and other trivia offers a bit of fun for everyone.

BY W.H. “CHIP” GROSS

P

rofessional wildlife management, as practiced today by America’s state/national governmental agencies and private conservation organizations, is a high-tech, finely tuned science that has resulted in the restoration of many wildlife species — some absent from Ohio for more than a century.

In its infancy, though, wildlife management was more hit or miss — resulting in, at times, too much of a good thing. Today, we’re still dealing with some of the negative repercussions of past decisions. In retrospect, it leaves you shaking your head and wondering, “What were those early wildlife and fisheries biologists thinking?”

22 million carp?!?

For example, the following item appeared nearly a century ago, in the March 1923 issue of the Fisheries Service Bulletin, published monthly by the Federal Bureau of Fisheries, under the heading “Hatching Carp in Lake Erie”: “The Put-in-Bay (Ohio) station has been quite successful in its second attempt to propagate carp for the purpose of maintaining the supply of this very important fish in the western end of Lake Erie. Eggs were collected by various seine fishermen operating between Port Clinton and Oak Harbor, and were incubated in a temporary hatchery set up at the plant of R. Bell Fish Company at Port Clinton. In all, 28,500,000 eggs were secured, and the 22,800,000 fry resulting were liberated on the natural spawning grounds in the Portage River.”

Non-native to North America, common carp were first introduced to Ohio in 1879 when the U.S. Fish Commission shipped some of the fish to the Cincinnati and Fremont areas for stocking in private ponds and lakes. Not surprisingly, the carp soon “escaped” into nearby streams and quickly spread nearly statewide by the end of the decade.

“Of all the non-native fish found in Ohio, the European carp (common carp), sea lamprey, and round goby have proven the most destructive,” says Dan Rice, co-author of the 2014 book Native Fishes of Ohio. “As carp numbers increased, they began to wreak havoc on aquatic environments, destroying aquatic vegetation through their rooting actions, and causing irreparable damage to wetlands.” Not to mention the damage done to native fish species.

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Farmed raccoons Drive down any rural Ohio highway, even just a few miles, and you’ll soon see a road-killed raccoon. The state population of these masked, ring-tailed bandits has been extremely high for decades, resulting in an inestimable amount of damage to farm and garden crops, as well as other property damage. But that has not always been the case.

The state raccoon population was so low during the early 20th century that the Ohio Division of Wildlife actually raised the critters on game farms, then released them to bolster the wild population.

In the Summer 1998 issue of the division’s Wild Ohio magazine, a photo caption on page 7 reads: “Raised at the Milan ’Coon Farm in north-central Ohio during the 1930s, thousands of raccoons were stocked throughout Ohio at a time when these animals were extremely scarce in the state. During the past 15 years, wild raccoon populations have increased more than 800 percent in Ohio.”

Non-migrating geese It seemed like a good idea at the time, the latter half of the 20th century — who wouldn’t want to see more geese migrating across a brilliant-blue autumnal sky? Both birders and hunters would benefit, right?

The trouble with introducing the giant Canada goose (a subspecies of the Canada goose) to Ohio is that not all giants necessarily migrate. Given enough food and open water during winter, some stay put yearround. And eat. And eat. And eat some more, then do that something that comes as a natural result of all that eating — in massive quantities.

Geese also reproduce relatively rapidly. All told, it was the perfect recipe for the big birds to eventually become a nuisance species of waterfowl in many areas — some biologists today even refer to them as “sky carp.”

Success stories happen, too On a more positive note, bald eagles, white-tailed deer, wild turkeys, river otters, Lake Erie walleye, and many more wild species, both large and small, have all benefited from modern-day scientific wildlife and fisheries management in the Buckeye State.

In fact, our North American model has become so successful that it now serves as a shining example to the rest of the world as to what can be accomplished in the restoration of both game and nongame animals given enough time, resources, skill, and money.

That said, it would be interesting to know what future Ohioans a century from now will think of the wildlife legacy we leave them. There is certainly much to be proud of, but I’m sure, based on past lessons, that we’ve made a few mistakes as well. And like our predecessors, we just don’t know it yet.

Ask

chip!

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

FEBRUARY 2022 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING 9

CO-OP PEOPLE

it’s a small world For Ohio miniatures collectors and crafters, bigger is NOT better.

BY MARGARET BURANEN; PHOTOS COURTESY OF JEAN GIBSON

W

hether they’re furnishing realistic-looking rooms in a dollhouse or creating a unique tiny display, for folks who collect and create miniatures, it truly is a small, small world.

It’s also a precise world made to exacting scale. One inch usually represents 12 inches. Some miniaturists prefer a more challenging scale where 1 inch equals 24 or 48 inches. And there are even smaller scales for miniature displays — a 1/144 scale means that 1 inch represents 12 feet.

This five-story, 1/144-scale dollhouse created by Volker Arnold stands just 5 inches tall.

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Some miniaturists buy completely finished items when they want to furnish a dollhouse or display. Other collectors buy furniture and other items from kits so that they have the fun of doing the craft and painting it however they wish.

The dollhouses that miniaturists enjoy furnishing are very different from dollhouses made for children. They are smaller and constructed to exact scale, and the furniture and other decorative items placed inside are too small and too expensive for children to play with.

Whether they’re furnishing realisticlooking rooms in a dollhouse or creating a unique tiny display, for folks who collect and create miniatures, it truly is a small, small world.

A 1/450-scale spinning Volker Arnold carousel (above) measures less than an inch tall; below, a silk shawl crocheted by Jean Gibson of St. Louisville is less than 6 inches wide.

When she was a child, Jean Gibson of St. Louisville, a member of The Energy Cooperative in Newark, liked collecting the prizes that came in boxes of Cracker Jack. “They were miniatures, and I always loved miniature things,” she says.

What got her into the world of miniatures, however, was her needlework. “My mom taught me to crochet when I was about 10,” she says. “I took it up again years later when I was working at Newark Air Force Station.” About that time, she crocheted a full-size afghan, but she was discouraged by how much time and energy it took her to finish the afghan.

So she decided to make a smaller one.

Pleased with the result, Gibson started making fabric miniatures and selling them at regional shows for miniaturists. She had also learned how to do tatting and bobbin lacework to create decorative lace doilies and lace tablecloths.

Continued on page 12

FEBRUARY 2022 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING 11

Continued from page 11

“I would crochet afghans of silk sewing thread for beds in miniaturists’ dollhouses,” she says. “The 3 x 5-inch afghan would be made up of 96 squares.”

About 15 years ago at a miniatures show in Chicago, Gibson saw miniature furniture made in Germany by master miniatures craftsman Volker Arnold. She was so impressed by the quality and detail of Arnold’s work that she decided to become a representative for him at shows.

Imagine a tiny wardrobe, 1 inch tall, for a dollhouse bedroom. With seven tiny hangers. And with drawers that open and close. Gibson says that degree of detail is typical for high-quality miniature items such as Arnold’s.

Want to get started?

The National Association of Miniature Enthusiasts (NAME) is located in Carmel, Indiana. The organization’s website (https://miniatures.org) lists several Ohio clubs for miniatures fans — in Cleveland, Toledo, Columbus, Cincinnati, Akron, West Chester, Findlay, Lima, Strongsville, and Warren. Most of the clubs meet once or twice a month. They welcome visitors who are at least 16 years old. Call 317-571-8094 for information.

Gibson has been involved with miniatures for over 40 years. “I just love them! The colors are so pretty when they’re finished. When someone wants to buy a miniature item I have made, it’s a validation,” she says.

She sells Arnold’s laser-cut, ready-to-assemble miniature furniture kits and other miniature items at shows and through her Etsy store (www.etsy.com/shop/ gibsongirlminis).

She assembles some of every kit item so that she can answer questions from customers. She sells her finished items and also does custom work for some customers.

Gibson enjoys seeing the work of other miniaturists. “The more real things look, the better,” she says. “At some of the big shows, I’ve seen miniature foods that look real enough to make you hungry,” she says.

Magnifying glasses or microscopes often come in handy for working with miniatures, whether assembling a display from a kit of tiny parts or creating one’s own display. So do tiny paint brushes and tweezers of various sizes.

“I learned long ago that fingers are way too big [for working with miniatures],” Gibson explains.

Gibson finds the hardest part of creating miniatures is that “it’s very time-consuming. I can work 10 hours straight.” She says that painting miniature items can be difficult during the colder months. “The paint has to be the perfect consistency, but heated air dries it out, so it gets too hard.”

Bunnyland is a favorite miniatures project Gibson created. Her display features rabbits enjoying an amusement park. The carousel, large and small Ferris wheels, other rides, and eight different food shops all fit into a 9 x 11-inch frame.

This 21/2-inch-wide Noah’s Ark kit includes 50 pairs of animals ranging in size from bunnies to elephants.

12 OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • FEBRUARY 2022

GOOD EATS

bite - sized bits

Author’s passion for miniature morsels inspires fun ideas for finger food.

RECIPES AND PHOTOGRAPHS BY CATHERINE MURRAY

FEBRUARY 2022 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING 13

ITTY BITTY BREAD BOWLS (page 13) Difficulty level: simple | How tiny is it? 1.5 inches Prep: 30 minutes | Wait: 30 minutes | Cook: 15 minutes | Servings: 24 1 medium cucumber ¼ teaspoon black pepper 16 ounces sour cream 6 frozen uncooked dinner rolls (like Rhodes Bake-N-Serv) 1 cup fresh dill 1 egg, beaten 1 lemon, juiced ½ teaspoon salt Peel and grate the cucumber and discard peel. Wrap grated cucumber in a tea towel and squeeze out all excess moisture over the sink. Chop ¾ cup of dill very fine, reserving the rest for garnish. Mix the cucumber, sour cream, dill, lemon juice, salt, and pepper in a bowl until thoroughly blended. Adjust seasonings to taste, then cover and refrigerate for 2 hours.

Separate the dinner rolls onto a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper and let them thaw, about 15 minutes. Split each roll into 4 pieces and form into balls. Place balls 1 inch apart on the parchment paper.

Spray a piece of plastic wrap with nonstick spray and cover rolls. Place in a warm spot and let them rise to about double in size, about 15 minutes.

Preheat oven to 350 F. Remove plastic wrap and brush each ball with the beaten egg. Bake for 10 to 15 minutes, until golden brown. Let cool. When ready to serve, press your thumb into the middle of each bread bowl to make a small indentation. With a small spoon, fill the bowl with cucumber dip and place on a tray. Garnish with tiny dill sprigs.

Per serving: 88 calories, 5 grams fat (2.5 grams saturated fat), 15 milligrams cholesterol, 120 milligrams sodium, 10 grams total carbohydrates, 1 gram fiber, 2 grams protein.

DAINTY TEA AND BISCOTTI Difficulty level: medium (knife/oven use) | How tiny is it? 3 inches Prep: 15 minutes | Cook: 15 to 18 minutes | Servings: 24 ½ cup unsalted butter, softened 2 cups flour 2/3 cup packed brown sugar 2 teaspoons baking powder 2 large eggs ½ teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon vanilla extract ¾ cup mini chocolate chips In a large mixing bowl, beat butter on low speed for 30 seconds. Add brown sugar and cream until fluffy, 3 minutes.

Add eggs one at a time, then vanilla. Beat for another minute.

In a separate bowl, combine flour with baking powder and salt. Mix well. Slowly add the flour mixture to the egg mixture and beat at low speed, until just combined. Stir in mini chocolate chips with a spatula.

Preheat oven to 375 F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Transfer dough onto a lightly floured surface and shape into two 12 x 2-inch logs. With floured hands, transfer logs onto the baking sheet with 2 inches of space in between and bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until golden brown. Cool on the baking sheet for 2 minutes, then slice each log into ½-inch pieces. Place cut-side down on the baking sheet. Put back in the oven for 3 minutes, then flip the biscotti to the other side and bake for another 3 minutes. Transfer biscotti to a cooling rack. Serve with hot tea. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to a week.

Per serving: 122 calories, 6 grams fat (4 grams saturated fat), 27 milligrams cholesterol, 89 milligrams sodium, 15 grams total carbohydrates, 0.5 gram fiber, 2 grams protein.

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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, check out a video of a few of our recipes being prepared.

MATCHSTICK S’MORES Difficulty level: simple | How tiny is it? ½ inch Prep: 2 minutes | Cook: 10 seconds | Servings: 4 ¼ cup Golden Grahams cereal

¼ cup mini marshmallows

¼ cup chocolate chips

Setting aside the “tops” of the s’mores, place Golden Grahams cereal squares on a microwave-safe plate. Stuff a chocolate chip into the middle of each marshmallow. Place one stuffed marshmallow on top of each Golden Graham. Microwave for 10 seconds or until the marshmallows puff up. Remove from microwave and place a Golden Grahams square on top of each marshmallow.

Alternatively, grown-ups can use a crème brûlée torch to toast the marshmallows on a heat-safe surface, or, if extra careful, use small metal skewers/forks over a lit candle to toast the marshmallows. Squish together and serve with cups of hot chocolate or tiny glasses of milk. Makes about 50 s’mores.

Per serving: 71 calories, 3 grams fat (2 grams saturated fat), 2 milligrams cholesterol, 10 grams total carbohydrates, 0.5 gram fiber, 1 gram protein.

FEBRUARY 2022 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING 15

POT PIE PARCELS Difficulty level: medium (oven use) | How tiny is it? 3 inches Prep: 15 minutes | Cook: 15 to 25 minutes | Servings: 12 3 tablespoons butter ¼ cup all-purpose flour ½ cup heavy cream 2 tablespoons chopped rosemary ½ tablespoon chopped parsley ½ teaspoon salt ¼ teaspoon black pepper

1 small onion, finely diced 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables 1 cup precooked chicken, diced small 1 box refrigerator pie crust (or 2 cans refrigerator biscuits) 2 sprigs fresh rosemary for garnish

Note: Mini-muffin pan sizes may vary. If needed, cut down the pie crust/biscuit sizes to match the size of your pan.

Note: Pot Pie Parcels can be made two ways: with biscuits or pie crust. The biscuits are perfect for packed lunches and eating at room temperature, while the pie crust version is closer to a traditional pot pie and is best served hot.

Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add flour and mix well.

Cook, stirring often until mixture starts to brown and smell nutty.

Add cream, rosemary, parsley, salt, and pepper and stir until mixed.

Add onion, vegetables, and chicken. Cook for 3 minutes. If sauce seems too thick to stir, slowly incorporate up to 1/2 cup of water until it becomes just thin enough to stir.

Spray a mini-muffin tin with cooking spray. Cut pie crust into 3-inch circles with a cookie cutter or drinking glass. Push one crust round (or one biscuit) into the bottom and sides of each muffin cup.

Spoon in filling, then cover with another crust round (or biscuit).

Seal edges together.

For pie crust, bake 25 minutes at 425 F. For biscuits, bake 20 minutes at 375 F. Garnish with little rosemary sprigs.

Per serving: 71 calories, 3 grams fat (2 grams saturated fat), 2 milligrams cholesterol, 31 milligrams sodium, 9 grams total carbohydrates, 0.5 gram fiber, 1 gram protein.

Look for Catherine Murray’s Bite-Sized Book of Bite-Sized Recipes at www.etsy.com/shop/photokitchen.

16 OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • FEBRUARY 2022

PAULDING PUTNAM ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE LOCAL PAGES

MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT

Democratic Member Control

George Carter PRESIDENT AND CEO

One of the Seven Cooperative Principles is Democratic Member Control. Simply put, the members own the cooperative and the members elect the board of trustees that oversees the operations and guides the strategic direction of the cooperative. This is accomplished through annual trustee elections.

These elections are open to all members receiving service from the cooperative. Each year, three trustee districts are up for election.

Districts 2, 4, and 5 up for election Participation in the election is simple. Each member living in District 4 will receive a ballot in the mail in the coming weeks. As there are no challengers in districts 2 and 5, those seats will be elected by affirmation.

Voting is easy. Members in District 4 can vote electronically, online via our website (PPEC.coop), through the SmartHub mobile app/desktop account, or by mail.

Voting instructions will be included in the materials. This year, we will only be voting on trustee elections; there are no other ballot issues or Code of Regulations (bylaw) changes proposed.

We moved to a virtual, or video, meeting a couple of years ago due to the pandemic. However, the board has elected to stay with this format for a couple of reasons. First is cost. The traditional annual meeting is expensive. Overall, it was decided a summer member appreciation event was a better use of funds and that a video meeting can convey the messages at a reduced cost to the membership.

Second, viewership of the video meeting has exceeded attendance in recent years. The video format allows members to watch when it’s convenient for them. They do not have to watch at a certain time, they do not have to drive to the meeting, and they can participate when their schedule allows. Members can also view the portions of the meeting they are most interested in. If they only want to watch Chairman Saxton’s presentation, they can watch just that section of the meeting. There is much more flexibility in a video meeting. Please watch for additional information on the video annual meeting in March.

Your role as a member Democratic Member Control is an important cooperative principle, but it only works if members participate. Please check to see if you have a board election in your district, and please vote if you do.

I encourage all members to view the virtual, video annual meeting on March 19. You will even have a chance to win bill credits just for tuning in. This video meeting is typically much shorter than an in-person meeting but provides all the information members need to know to stay informed about their cooperative.

This issue includes biographical information of all board candidates. Please take a moment to see if you have an election in your district and who is seeking the position.

Virtual annual meeting: March 19 Another part of Democratic Member Control is the cooperative’s annual meeting. This meeting is designed to provide members with information on how your cooperative is functioning, how well the cooperative performed financially over the last year, and what issues are facing the cooperative in the future. The meeting will be held in the “virtual” format that has been utilized the last couple of years.

FEBRUARY 2021 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING 17

PAULDING PUTNAM ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE Trustees in districts 2 and 5 are being reelected by affirmation since no additional candidates petitioned to run.

Members in those districts will not receive a ballot, in order to save on printing costs.

2022 TRUSTEE CANDIDATES District 2: Uncontested

Van Wert County (Ohio)

William Dowler of Convoy, Ohio OCCUPATION: Farmer | YEARS A PPEC MEMBER: 45 years | SPOUSE: Kathleen ACTIVITIES/MEMBERSHIPS: Past Lions Club president, past Van Wert County Farm Bureau president, member of the Van Wert County Trustees Association, member of the Redeemer Lutheran Church, serving as a deacon and council president.

HOBBIES AND INTERESTS: Attending his grandkids’ various school events.

QUALIFICATIONS: Has served six years as trustee; completed trustee training up to Board Leadership Gold level and would like to complete the Leadership Gold Level if elected.

CO-OP CHALLENGES: Fighting climate change legislation and educating the members and public that renewable energy sources will not keep the lights on 24-7-365. William states that as a trustee he will continue to support legislation to keep coal and nuclear power plants.

Incumbent

FOCUS: Continue to lead the shining star that PPEC is and maintain the high satisfaction scores that the co-op has received.

District 5: Uncontested

Maumee, Adams, Jefferson, and Jackson townships (Adams and Allen counties, Indiana)

Steven McMichael of New Haven, Indiana OCCUPATION: Mayor of New Haven, IN | YEARS A PPEC MEMBER: 19 years | SPOUSE: Judy ACTIVITIES/MEMBERSHIPS: Attends Impact Community Church–New Haven, board and executive committee member of Paulding Putnam Electric Cooperative, vice president/corporate officer with Indiana Electric Cooperatives, president of the Northeast Indiana Mayors and Commissioners Caucus, treasurer with Northeast Indiana Strategic Development Commission, board member of GFW and Wellspring Services. Served as past chair of the New Haven Chamber of Commerce and was the past chair/cofounder of the New Haven Community Foundation. Board member, U.S. 30 Coalition.

HOBBIES AND INTERESTS: Travel, Disney, relaxing by the campfire, and spending time with his adult children, wife of 34 years (Judy), and dog, Zelda QUALIFICATIONS: Nine years of experience on the PPEC board, during which he earned all available NRECA director credentials. Steve stated: “I have seen many changes in my nine years of service on the PPEC board. As an active Incumbent participant in the strategic planning and vision setting for the organization, I believe I can continue to contribute and add an additional perspective to conversations. As an Indiana member, I am proud to serve. My background as a small business owner and public servant, as well as my experience on both the PPEC board and the Indiana Statewide Board and earned credentials of Credentialed Cooperative Director (CCD), Board Leadership Certificate (BLC), and Director Gold Certificate (DGC) provide a solid background for service.”

CO-OP CHALLENGES: There are numerous challenges facing the electric industry, from distributive generation to regulatory measures. Additional challenges like electric vehicles are putting increased pressure on the electrical grid. PPEC, along with other cooperatives, is facing perhaps greater challenges now than at any time in our rich history.

FOCUS: According to Steve, director education is critical to facing and meeting these challenges. “I am a certified director: CCD, BLC, and DGC. During my time on the board, I have traveled to Guatemala to instruct other cooperative board members and served as a panelist for a NRUCFC conference. My vision for PPEC is to continue to embrace the challenges and opportunities we have in front of us. PPEC is not only an energy provider but a trusted information resource.”

WATCH YOUR MAILBOX FOR YOUR BALLOT!

Ballots will be mailed this month to members in District 4 and must be returned by March 4. Members can also vote online through their SmartHub account or on our website (www.

PPEC.coop) by March 4 using their ballot instructions.

18 OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • FEBRUARY 2021

District 4 is an open seat with no incumbent running for reelection. Members in this district will receive a mail ballot this month or can vote online through SmartHub. District 4: Open

Emerald, Jackson, Blue Creek, and Paulding townships (Paulding County, Ohio) Delaware Township (Defiance County, Ohio)

William ‘Bill’ Beckman of Paulding, Ohio OCCUPATION: Nutrient specialist with the Ohio Department of Agriculture YEARS A PPEC MEMBER: 21 years | SPOUSE: Rachel ACTIVITIES/MEMBERSHIPS: Divine Mercy Catholic Church, Knights of Columbus, Paulding Athletic Boosters HOBBIES AND INTERESTS: Spending time with family, attending sporting events, hunting QUALIFICATIONS: Graduated with a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of Northwestern Ohio and an associate degree in agriculture business management and marketing from Northwestern College. He feels his education and 20 years of professional experience will be a great asset to assist in guiding the course of action of the cooperative for the future.

William stated, “The job of a trustee is being entrusted by the members to make decisions for the best interests of the members and cooperative. And I know all of my decisions will always be for the best interests of the members and cooperative.”

CO-OP CHALLENGES: Adding more renewable energy resources, due to regulatory mandates and members’ request. Improving and maintaining utility infrastructure to keep up with customer demands. Retaining and recruiting a skilled workforce.

FOCUS: Meet with policymakers on the pros and cons of the renewable resource mandates and seek a compromise that benefits everyone. Embracing new technologies and being adaptable to the ever-changing electrical environment. Work with schools to demonstrate to potential students the opportunities and rewards that working for the cooperative has to offer. Create an environment for a safe, rewarding career. Embrace and adapt new technologies and bring innovation to each member in a costeffective way, while also following our mission to safely provide our member-owners and our communities with quality electric service, sustainable energy, and superior customer service at fair, reasonable prices.

Fred Pieper of Paulding, Ohio OCCUPATION: Retired | YEARS A PPEC MEMBER: 15+ years | SPOUSE: Susan ACTIVITIES/MEMBERSHIPS: Past Paulding County commissioner; president, Paulding County Ohio Amateur Radio Club; lifelong member, Paulding United Methodist Church; past ensemble member in the play, Reservoir Wars; lifetime member Paulding Fish and Game Club.

HOBBIES AND INTERESTS: He enjoys amateur radio and outdoor activities including caring for his horse, spending time with his dogs, and maintaining his mini-farm, which includes a monarch waystation. He also enjoys trapshooting and exploring back roads.

QUALIFICATIONS: He was employed as a lineman with PPEC for over seventeen years and has a vast knowledge of the system and how it works. He has served as Paulding County Commissioner for four years and has experience communicating with state and federal legislators to achieve goals. Pieper stated: “Graduating with an MBA from the University of Toledo has served me well in my capacity as a member of the board of directors of Financial Partners Credit Union, a $54 million credit union headquartered in Woodburn, Indiana, where I have held the position of the treasurer for over fifteen years.”

CO-OP CHALLENGES: Reliability and security. As government requirements focus more on renewable energies, the reliability of more traditional power sources such as coal, natural gas, and nuclear will be challenged by unreliable wind and solar sources. Cyber hacks and crimes against the grid are also concerns.

FOCUS: To ensure that PPEC will continue to be a quality electric provider. Fred wants an increase in reliability while continuing to strategically plan for improvements and adapting to industry standards. As a PPEC member, he wishes to continue strong partnerships with members and the communities served by PPEC.

Scott Strahley of Paulding, Ohio OCCUPATION: Professional surveyor and professional engineer for Sauer Land Surveying, Inc. YEARS A PPEC MEMBER: 5 years | SPOUSE: Jill ACTIVITIES/MEMBERSHIPS: Member and greeter at the Woodburn Missionary Church, actor with the Paulding Reservoir War Dinner Theater, and an actor for the CoRP (Community Revitalizing Paulding) Cemetery Walk.

HOBBIES AND INTERESTS: Woodworking, golf, gardening, and his children’s activities.

QUALIFICATIONS: While a professional engineer, he has had extensive experience in rate-setting for utilities, asset management, and community development. He has performed energy audits across the United States as an energy auditor and manager.

CO-OP CHALLENGES: Providing safe and affordable energy in a rapidly changing demand marketplace while maintaining an aging infrastructure.

FOCUS: Scott states he would like to “utilize my God-given abilities and learned talents to serve my friends, family, and neighbors in my community.” Part of this will be to fully understand and improve generation, transmission, and distribution challenges while becoming an instrumental liaison between members and renewable energy alternatives. He hopes to work with local economic development offices and elected officials to understand growth and development needs. He wants to continue focusing on infrastructure improvements while pursuing renewable energy alternatives and incentives.

FEBRUARY 2021 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING 18A

PAULDING PUTNAM ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE

Mohler, Gerdeman, and Minic graduate from renowned lineworker training program Lineworkers Jordan Mohler, Garrett Gerdeman, and Terry Minic completed their four-year training program and graduated from the Central Ohio Lineworker Training (COLT) program. Over the course of the last few months, all three have moved from apprentice to official lineman status, with more than 8,000 on-the-job hours over the course of four years. We are so proud of their hard work!

COLT is offered by Ohio’s Electric Cooperatives, Paulding Putnam Electric’s statewide trade association, and supported by the electric cooperatives of Ohio. COLT trains power lineworkers at the beginning of their careers as well as seasoned lineworkers seeking to refresh and advance their knowledge.

COLT field and the one-of-a-kind indoor training facility, which opened in July 2017, are in Mount Gilead. Classes are taught by two full-time and three part-time instructors, with never more than 15 students per instructor in the classroom and five per instructor in the field. Instructors are able to re-create real-life situations to answer questions with hands-on demonstrations rather than simply explaining theory.

single-phase distribution lines built onto the poles for both energized and de-energized training.

To learn more about the COLT program and facility, visit www.ohioec.org/central-ohio-lineworker-training-program.

Congrats to our hardworking linemen; we are proud of your achievements!

COLT’s indoor facility has 19 poles installed in the concrete floor for climbing exercises, as well as three-phase and

Attention high school students!

Need cash for college? We’re giving away

$5,400

in scholarships!

TO OBTAIN AN APPLICATION: • Visit www.PPEC.coop • Call 800-686-2357 • Ask your guidance counselor

Applications are due Feb. 11

18B OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • FEBRUARY 2021

High school sophomores, juniors, and seniors!

Interested in a life-changing leadership experience in Washington, D.C.?

Join youth from all over the country in this once-in-a-lifetime trip.

June 18-24, 2022

For more information and to apply, visit www.ppec.coop/youth-tour or call PPEC at 800-686-2357.

Applications are due March 1

Operation Round Up supports kids’ concert with Lima Symphony Orchestra Thanks to all members who participate in Paulding Putnam Electric Co-op’s Operation Round Up! Because of your willingness to “round up” your monthly electric bill, students from our area were able to attend the Lima Symphony Orchestra’s Young People’s Concert “M is for Music” on Nov. 9, 2021. Around 2,000 area students attended. This was just one of many donations your Operation Round Up Fund has distributed last year to worthy organizations.

Several notes of thanks (see below) were received at our office that show how much the students enjoyed having the opportunity to attend such a great event.

During the concert, students learned the types of instruments and how music can influence the way you feel. They were inspired to become composers themselves by marching to the beat of their own drum.

Thank you to all members who opt to round up your monthly electric bill and donate toward worthwhile local programs that apply for funding. It is our generous members who give local youth the chance to learn about and be inspired by music!

Learn more about the Operation Round Up Fund, sign up to donate, or find applications for organizations at ppec.coop/operation-round or by calling our office.

FEBRUARY 2021 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING 18C

HOW DOES THE HISTORY OF MY CO-OP TIE TO ENERGY EFFICIENCY?

Peter Niagu ENERGY ADVISOR

What does it mean to be a member of your local electric cooperative? It means determination, dedication, not taking no for an answer, and the sheer will to improve the quality of life in rural America. As recently as 85 years ago, your home or the land your home sets on now simply did not have electricity going to it! And the modern conveniences of electricity we take for granted every day simply did not exist.

In 1936, President Roosevelt enacted the Rural Electrification Act (REA) and provided federal loans for rural America to bring power to our farms and country homes. Rural men and women scraped together the $5 needed for membership and equity in the cooperative in the hope of a better quality of life. The poles, wires, and lines went up to bring power to us, the folks in rural Ohio and Indiana.

At this point, you are probably wondering how the history of the co-op ties to energy efficiency? Well, it does very seamlessly. The very foundation of the cooperative’s existence still holds true today, as it did more than 85 years ago! We wanted to improve the quality of lives and businesses in rural Ohio and Indiana by bringing power to the members. Today, we are doing much the same but are taking advantage of modern-day technology and capabilities.

For example, we offer energy efficiency incentives and tech-savvy conveniences such as paying your bill online or

via AutoPay, getting notification alerts, and viewing your electrical use on your phone through the SmartHub app.

Many members don’t realize they can set usage threshold alerts on SmartHub to notify them when their home exceeds a set electric usage, so they can make changes to save money.

I am often asked, “why does the co-op offer programs to help us use less of what you sell?” This is the truth for us: It’s not just about the bottom line. It’s the right thing to do. We are still objectively trying to help improve the quality of life for our members, as we did more than 85 years ago!

The cooperative isn’t here just to provide power; we’re here to provide services. Therefore, the cooperative takes very seriously helping our members with energy efficiency, home performance, and sustainable energy solutions. If you have any questions or concerns about your home’s energy use or are considering going with solar energy, please feel free to contact me for an in-depth personal consultation to see if solar works for you. Another benefit is we can perform an inhome or over-the-phone energy audit for a tailored plan on improving your home’s comfort and energy use.

A lot has changed from 85 years ago … but our dedication to helping our members remains the same! Have energy-related questions or need help creating your SmartHub account?

Give us a call at 800-686-2357 and ask for Peter or visit www.

PPEC.coop and click the red SmartHub button at the top.

What’s so smart in • Provides 24-hour access to account(s) • Sends email notifications when a new electric bill is generated • Special alerts including power outages and peak alerts (we can text you about an outage).

• Provides current and historic billing information and payment history.

• Allows you to pay electronically using Visa, MasterCard, or Discover card or an electronic check transaction.

• Allows you to enroll in paperless billing.

• Displays payment posting in real time.

• Graphs daily, monthly, and annual energy usage.

• Multiple accounts can pay with a single payment.

• Provides an easy way to report a power outage.

• Vote in trustee elections and on important Code of Regulations changes.

Download the app by searching for “SmartHub” on either the Apple Store or Android Market. Once the app is open, type in “Paulding Putnam Electric Cooperative” as the provider. (The login information is the same for both the web and mobile app.)

18D OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • FEBRUARY 2021

Want $5 off your bill?

Sign up for SmartHub and get a $5 bill credit!

REBATES & INCENTIVES PROGRAM TYPE

AMOUNT

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

Electric water heater rebates Install new electric water heater

$350 bill credit

• Must be replacing an existing fossil fuel (gas) water heater • Electric storage water heater must be > 90% EF. • Heat pump and on-demand water heaters are not applicable.

• Must install RCS (radio-controlled switch) required for five years minimum

RCS (radio-controlled switch) program Install RCS on HVAC system or water heater

$25 account credit; HVAC systems receive an additional $5 credit during peak months of June, July, August.

• Install RCS on central air conditioning, air source heat pump, geothermal heat pump, or all-electric water heater.

Energy-efficient new construction Construction of a new home (must apply within the current calendar year)

$1,000 rebate

$1,200 rebate

$1,500 rebate

• Build an all-electric home with an air-source heat pump with electric backup, ENERGY STAR: 14.5 SEER; 8.2 HSPF, with an electric water heater (min. 50 gal) • Build an all-electric home with geothermal heat pump with electric back-up; closed loop 17.1 EER; 3.6 COP; open loop 21.1 EER; 4.1 COP with an electric water heater (min. 50 gal) • Build an all-electric ENERGY STAR-certified home with a geothermal heat pump with electric backup with an electric water heater (min. 50 gal)

ENERGY STAR appliance rebates Refrigerator and standalone freezer

$100 bill credit

• Refrigerators and stand-alone freezers must be new and ENERGY STAR rated at time of purchase.

• Program applicable for residential consumer-members only.

• Maximum 2 rebates per appliance per home.

Up to $400 bill credit for installation of insulation.

Up to $200 bill credit for installation of air-sealing.

• Encourages installation of insulation and/or air-sealing in existing electrically heated residential homes. Not applicable for new construction or room additions.

• Insulation: Achieve min. R-16 for exterior walls; R-38 for attic; R-10 exterior basement walls; R-10 crawlspace w/6-mil poly and/or R-6 for ducts.

Weatherization rebates Insulation and air-sealing

Commercial and Industrial rebates C&I custom lighting program

Up to $15,000 or 50% of project cost (excluding labor)

• Custom program to allow a wide range of energy efficient lighting retrofit upgrades for nonresidential consumer-member facilities.

• Applicable for commercial and industrial members only.

• Applicable for LEDs in new construction or facility additions • Rebate is based upon total lamp watts saved, ≤ 50% of project cost.

For more rebates and detailed information, visit our website at ppec.coop/rebate-programs or contact Energy Advisor Peter Niagu: 800-686- 2357.

FEBRUARY 2021 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING 19

PAULDING PUTNAM ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE LOCAL PAGES

#SAFETYFIRST

IT WAS JUST ... ONE TEXT. IT WAS JUST ... ONE CALL. IT WAS JUST ... ONE PICTURE. IT WAS JUST ... ONE BITE. IT WAS JUST ... ONCE GLANCE.

IT ONLY TAKES ONE DISTRACTION.

PLEASE DRIVE SAFELY. Distracted driving puts lives at risk ... and your power, too!

Co-ops average one power pole hit by a vehicle each week.

For PPEC, the number of car-pole accidents are going up annually, resulting in lengthy outages. In 2021, vehicle-pole accidents were the second-leading cause of outages, with more than 2,061 outage hours.

We know times can be tough. We can help!

• Budget billing • Agency assistance • Energy calculators Give us a call at 800-686-2357 or visit ppec.coop/bill-payment-assistance.

BOARD OF TRUSTEES

Dr. John Saxton Chairman

Timothy Derck CONTACT

Vice Chairman

1-800-686-2357 www.ppec.coop

Dr. Ronald Black

OFFICE

401 McDonald Pike Paulding, Ohio 45879 OFFICE HOURS

7:30 a.m.–4 p.m.

Attorney

George Carter President/CEO

HAVE A STORY SUGGESTION? Secretary/Treasurer

Steve McMichael Jay Dangler Joseph Kohnen Adam Schnipke Ken Niese William Dowler Trustees

20 OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • FEBRUARY 2021

Norm Cook

Email your ideas to: skuhn@ppec.coop FIND US ON:

Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, YouTube, and Instagram

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Pioneer in ag Cathann Kress leads OSU’s multifaceted College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences.

BY MARGARET BURANEN; PHOTOS COURTESY OF OSU CFAES

22 OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • FEBRUARY 2022

C

athann Kress’ introduction to American life and American agriculture didn’t happen until she was well into her teenage years. Before then, her family lived wherever her parents’ Air Force careers took them — mainly the Middle East and Brazil. But when she was 12, she was welcomed into a Mennonite family on their Iowa farm.

“My love of agriculture started with this family,” she says. “The whole, very rural, community I lived in gave me a good understanding of what it means to be in agriculture. It’s about sustaining life. It’s the cornerstone of national security.”

Kress took to farm life right away after she moved to Iowa.

She enjoyed baling hay and all the chores required for raising hogs, sheep, corn, and soybeans. Like many farm kids, she belonged to 4-H, where she showed sheep and did public speaking.

“I owned part of the flock of sheep by the time I graduated from high school,” she says, “and friends I made in 4-H are still my friends today.” Soon, her own career took off, and she found herself working at the U.S. Department of Agriculture, where, as the national director of 4-H, she took a special interest in establishing 4-H for military children.

The arc reached its current pinnacle in 2017, when Kress was appointed dean of the College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences at Ohio State University — the

Cathann Kress leads Ohio State University President Kristina Johnson, among others, on a tour of the Farm Science Review in London.

first woman to hold that position at OSU. She also holds the title of vice president for agricultural administration there.

Kress says the best part of her job as dean is the people around her. “I get to work with brilliant scientists working on a range of things that are important — food security, carbon management, and soybean plant improvement,” she says. “And the students — their optimism and their energy are wonderful. We also have 45,000 living alumni who are deeply engaged with our college. They want to help and to come to events. It’s the people who make it all possible, and I love being part of it.”

Continued on page 24

Cathann Kress (above, center, and opposite page, speaking) says working with people is the best part of her job at Ohio State University, where she is the first woman to lead the College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences.

FEBRUARY 2022 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING 23

Cathann Kress got involved in agriculture when she was 12 and still enjoys working with young people just getting into the field.

Continued from page 23

Kress says most folks would be surprised at the breadth of her position. On one day, for example, she had meetings related to Green Circle Growers, turf grasses, securing grants, public safety, IT, and risk management. She also met with groups of students and student council representatives.

Her job’s biggest challenges, she says, are usually the things she can’t control. “Funding has pretty much held level [for several years], so with inflation, that means it has declined.”

Kress had been on the job just over two years when the pandemic hit, bringing with it multiple challenges: “Educating our students, keeping the research going, keeping people healthy,” she says. “But it’s important not to go into a stance of being reactive. You have to respond by being strategic and asking how we can get ahead of this.”

Kress sees both short-term and long-term challenges still ahead for Ohio agriculture. “Supply chain is going to be an issue for a while,” she says. “The lack of truck drivers affects the ability to move goods.

Infrastructure is important to achieving our goals, as we have locks, dams, and bridges [that need repair].”

“Consumers don’t always understand why farmers might do some things,” she says. “We need to make sure that consumers understand what it takes to produce their food. The pandemic has shown that our just-in-time food system can have problems.”

For long-term challenges, “climate is a persistent issue, which will continue to be a primary focus.

We also have workforce shortages, with many not fully understanding the breadth of careers and the high-tech nature of work available in agriculture and natural resources,” she says.

Technology and research will solve some problems.

Kress sees one particular strength to counter some of agriculture’s challenges. “Cooperatives have always been a part of agriculture,” Kress notes. “Years ago, cooperatives brought electricity to farms. Now they’re working on broadband. A cooperative is a fantastic model for farmers to use. It allows them to get things that would be difficult to get on their own.”

24 OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • FEBRUARY 2022

OSU REACH ACROSS THE LIFESPAN

6–18

18–25

K–12 K–12

84,328 90,807

25–30

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UNDERGRAD UNDERGRAD

2,839 2,859

LIFELONG LIFELONG LEARNER LEARNER

1.5M+ 2M+

FEBRUARY 2022 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING 25

A Defiance housewife’s way with words made her famous and helped feed her family.

BY W.H. “CHIP” GROSS

T

he 1950s and ’60s were considered the “Contest Era” in America, and no one in the country was better at creating a prize-winning jingle or short poem than Evelyn Ryan. The wife of an alcoholic husband and the mother of 10 growing children, Evelyn entered contests to help stave off poverty for her family. She won a stunning number of times, averaging one prize every four times she entered; she won kitchen appliances, TVs, watches, sports equipment, cash, cars, vacations — the lengthy list goes on and on.

26 OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • FEBRUARY 2022

She also possessed the uncanny knack for timing in her wins. As an ancient household appliance finally broke down and died, Evelyn would often receive notice that she’d just won a brand-new replacement. “I seem to have a knack for words,” she admitted. Doing much of her writing while standing at an ironing board, pressing her family’s mounds of clothes, she recorded her thoughts in an ever-present, spiral-bound notebook she kept close at hand.

promoted as “The Tune Without a Title.” The contest was designed to come up with a name for a giant sub sandwich by fitting the name of the sub to the beat of a particular song. Evelyn’s winning entry was Frisk-theFrigidaire, Clean-the-Cupboards-Bare Sandwich.

For that, she won three items as grand prize: a new, bright-yellow 1961 Triumph TR3 sportscar; a full-size Seeburg jukebox; and an all-expenses-paid weekend trip for two to New York City to appear on Merv Griffin’s Saturday Prom TV show. When the prizes arrived, Evelyn quickly sold both the sportscar and jukebox to pay outstanding family bills, but she and son Bruce did take the trip to New York, staying in a fancy hotel suite.

The ultimate win of her contesting career came several years later, when the Dr. Pepper soft drink company asked contestants to complete the following limerick:

Her quips usually included a humorous twist, similar to the writing of Ogden Nash, often poking fun at herself.

Measuring just 5 feet, 6 inches tall, Evelyn had gained a few pounds later in life and wrote:

“

Fitting Advice Of all sad words, Give these the prize: ‘My dear, You’ll need Our larger size.’

”

Evelyn Ryan’s first major win came in 1953 when she entered Western Auto’s Bike Contest, completing the phrase “I like the all-new ‘X-53 Super’ Western Flyer bicycle because …” Her goal was not necessarily to win the grand prize, but one of the 100 bikes to be awarded second-place finishers. Her son Dick’s bike had recently been wrecked in an accident that was not his fault, forcing him to give up his newspaper route. She wrote on her contest entry form: brand new ideas about safety, service, sleekness, combined with Western Flyer’s old reliable construction, make “X-53 Super” a standout in ANY bike rack!

Surprising the Ryan family as well as the entire town of Defiance, Evelyn won not only a new bike for Dick but also the grand prize of $5,000 cash, which would equal about 10 times that in today’s dollars. In what was to be her typical dramatic style, her win came just as their landlord was about to evict them from the small, two-bedroom house the family was renting. She and her husband used the cash as a down payment on a house of their own.

More wins, both large and small, came during the ensuing years — and at an accelerated rate. One of the major contests was sponsored by Beech-Nut gum and

With Dr. Pepper, the flavor that’s in.

It’s distinctive and bright It’s lively and light …

”

Evelyn’s winning last line was:

“

There’s no time like NOW to begin!

It bested a whopping 250,000 other entries nationwide, earning her the four-part grand prize of a two-week trip for two to Switzerland, a new Ford Mustang, his-andhers gold Longines wristwatches, and best of all, nearly $3,500 in cash. The cash paid off a second mortgage on the family home that was due the very next day.

Evelyn’s daughter, Terry Ryan, wrote a 2001 national bestseller about her mom’s amazing run, titled The Prize Winner of Defiance, Ohio: How My Mother Raised 10 Kids on 25 Words or Less. The book was subsequently made into a film of the same name, released in 2005, starring Julianne Moore and Woody Harrelson.

Evelyn Ryan died in 1998 at the age of 85, a week after penning one of her last poems — which, fittingly, contains exactly 25 words:

“

Every time I pass the church I stop and make a visit So when I’m carried in feet first God won’t say, ‘Who is it?’

”

FEBRUARY 2022 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING 27

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BOOKISH BYWAY The Ohio Literary Trail leads the well-read on a journey through the state.

BY ALICIA ADAMS

O

hio’s writers, poets, authors, and musicians have left lasting impressions on Supreme Court judges, inspired presidents, and moved the entire nation to change its opinion. Their stories, songs, poetry, and literature have graced the silver screen, won Pulitzer and Nobel prizes, and helped create a whole new genre of fiction. Ohio’s erudite literary talent even helped define the English language itself.

The Ohioana Library Association, a nonprofit literary organization, has dedicated itself to preserving and promoting Ohio authors and their works, and to that end, published the first Ohio Literary Trail in 1957 to honor and highlight artists and their cultural contributions.

The trail showcases more than 70 landmarks, including historical buildings, libraries, and markers, as well as festivals that commemorate Ohio’s literary contributions.

The publication took the form of a printed map for the first several decades of its existence. In 2020, the trail went online (www.ohioana.org/resources/the-ohio-literarytrail-2), where it now features an interactive map that divides the state into five regions. Each section of the site contains links and information about the destinations within the region. The map is downloadable and — perhaps as a subtle nod to its past — is also printable.

David Weaver, executive director of the Ohioana Library, said the digital map has been met with incredible enthusiasm.

“Even though we launched it during a pandemic, we have been thrilled with people’s response to it.”

The Ohio Literary Trail isn’t all about authors who have been relegated to the pages of history. “We felt it was important

to include interaction with current writers at events in each of the regions — celebrations where you can meet present-day Ohio writers and learn about their work,” says Ohioana board member Betty Weibel.

With so many treasures to explore on the trail, it can be hard to figure out where to start — so we asked Ohioana Library Association board members and their program director, Morgan Peters, to share some of their favorites.

Continued on page 30

FEBRUARY 2022 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING 29

Continued from page 29

Northwest Jennifer Fisher/Nancy Drew Exhibit, Toledo-Lucas County Public Library Carolyn Keene, the author’s name that appears on the covers of the Nancy Drew mystery novels, is a pen name for 28 individuals who have ghost-written the series over the decades. The first writer hired to author the books was also the one who made the series a bestseller: Mildred Wirt Benson, who wrote under the pen name from 1929 to 1947. In addition to writing several nonNancy Drew novels, Benson also worked as a weekly columnist at the Toledo Blade for 56 years.

The exhibit, located in the aptly named Mystery Room, displays paintings, books, magazines, and other items related to the TV shows and movies. All 135 of Mildred Wirt Benson’s books and her newspaper articles are preserved here.

Northeast Malabar Farm State Park, Lucas In 1938, Pulitzer Prize-winning author, Hollywood screenwriter, and conservationist Louis Bromfield built a 32room house among the rolling, wooded hills near Mansfield.

While Bromfield’s main goal was to advance agriculture and environmentalism, he managed to combine Hollywood celebrity with farming. His close friends Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall were married at his house, and several Hollywood stars, including James Cagney, Clark Gable, Errol Flynn, and Carol Lombard, regularly visited to roll up their sleeves and work in the dirt for their stay. While the Hollywood spotlight now shines elsewhere, thousands of visitors tour the working farm each year to explore the house, walk the wooded trails, or stay overnight in the cabin.

Southwest Paul Laurence Dunbar State Memorial, Dayton Paul Laurence Dunbar was the first internationally acclaimed African American poet. Born to parents who were freed slaves from Kentucky, Dunbar grew up to be a groundbreaking poet and writer who produced over 400 works in his short lifetime. His house became the first state memorial in Ohio to honor African American history and sits not too far from another museum that honors two of his close friends: the Wright Brothers.

The Columbus house where James Thurber lived the early part of his life (left) is now on the National Register of Historic Places. The building serves as a gathering place for readers, writers, and artists. Right, the library and reading room is one of numerous spectacularly restored ornate rooms on the Wagnalls Museum in Lithopolis.

30 OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • FEBRUARY 2022

Central Ohio The Wagnalls Memorial, Lithopolis Adam Wagnalls was co-founder of the publishing company Funk and Wagnalls, which was best known for its dictionaries and encyclopedias. “Put that in your Funk and Wagnalls,” a common phrase heard throughout the mid20th century, was a colloquial ode to the popularity of their dictionary. The memorial, built and dedicated to Adam and his wife, Anna, from their daughter, Mabel Wagnall, is a Tudor-Gothic structure featuring soaring architecture and lush interior decorative details. Gardens, a tower, a formal entrance hall, and a library are among its many offerings.

Thurber House, Columbus Ohio State University alumnus and Columbus native James Thurber’s cartoons and short stories were a regular feature in the New Yorker and have also appeared as theater and movie productions. The house

on Jefferson Avenue is where he lived from 1913 to 1917. Now a historic landmark, museum, and intellectual salon for readers and writers, Thurber House features workshops, writer residencies, and regular visits from local and national authors.

Southeast National Road and Zane Grey Museum, Norwich U.S. 40, also known as the National Road, was a vital link to the western frontier during the 19th century. While the highway may have opened the western frontier to the rest of America, author Zane Grey was responsible for popularizing the rugged lifestyle through the fiction genre known as the western. Born in Zanesville and originally a dentist, Grey took up writing in 1905 and wrote over 50 western novels in his lifetime. His prolific work shaped the genre both in print and on television and movie screens. The museum highlights Grey’s literary impact on American culture with an exhibit of his manuscripts and personal effects.

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2022 CALENDAR

FEBRUARY/MARCH

NORTHWEST

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

FEB. 19–21 – Horse-Drawn Sleigh Rides, Spiegel Grove, Rutherford B. Hayes Presidential Library and Museums, Fremont. $3, under 3 free. Celebrate Presidents’ Day weekend by riding in a horse-drawn sleigh through the Hayes estate. A horse-drawn trolley may be used instead, depending on demand and staffing levels. 800-998-7737 or www.rbhayes.org.

FEB. 22 – The Polish Wieniawski Philharmonic Orchestra, Niswonger Performing Arts Ctr., 10700 St. Rte. 118 S., Van Wert, 7 p.m. $25–$46. 419-238-6722 or www.npacvw.org.

WEST VIRGINIA

COMPILED BY COLLEEN ROMICK CLARK

FEB. 23 – The British Invasion, Veterans Memorial Civic and Convention Ctr., 7 Town Square, Lima, 7:30 p.m. $29–$69. Enjoy the songs that changed the world and inspired a generation. A full live band performs all of the hits of the iconic British pop sound including the Beatles, Dave Clark 5, the Rolling Stones, Manfred Mann, and dozens more. 419-224-1552 or www. limaciviccenter.com.

FEB. 26 – Burning Snowman Fest, 249 Perry St., Port Clinton, 4–10 p.m. Say goodbye to winter with bands, food and drink, and a giant burning snowman! See Facebook page for entertainment lineup and activities.

419-357-6247 or www.facebook.com/BurningSnowman.

FEB. 25–27 – PRO Home and Garden Show, SeaGate Convention Ctr., 401 Jefferson Ave., Toledo. Talk directly to the area’s highest-rated group of contractors, remodelers, and landscapers about updating the inside of your home, sprucing up your curb appeal, or building a brand-new home. www.toledo-seagate.com/events.

FEB. 25–MAR. 6 – Radium Girls, Encore Theatre, 991 N. Shore Dr., Lima, Fri./Sat. 8 p.m., Sun, 2 p.m. $8–$15.

In 1926, radium was a miracle cure, Madame Curie an international celebrity, and luminous watches the latest rage. Then the girls who painted those watches began to fall ill with a mysterious disease. Inspired by a true story, this drama traces the efforts of Grace Fryer, a watch-dial painter who battles her former employer as well as family and friends as she fights for justice. www. amiltellers.org.

FEB. 26 – BRM Exotic Expo, Howard-Johnson Lima, 1920 Roschman Ave., Lima, 10 a.m.–3 p.m. $5 for ages 12 and up. Come out and see all the beautiful animals and supplies. We will have live and frozen feeders. www.brmexpo.com or www.facebook.com/BRMEXPO. MAR. 4–6 – Sauder Village Quilters Retreat, Sauder Heritage Inn, 22611 St. Rte. 2, Archbold. Join us to complete your own quilting projects, try new techniques, and connect with other quilters. Register online at www. saudervillage.org or by calling 800-590-9755.

MAR. 6 – Acoustics for Autism Music Festival, Maumee, 12–2 p.m. Free for all ages. Over 80 bands on eight stages. Proceeds go to provide support and information, resources, and financial assistance to families affected by autism. www.acousticsforautism.com.

MAR. 6 – Bridal Show, Sauder Village, Founder’s Hall, 22611 St. Rte. 2, Archbold. Experience an afternoon of elegance and romance as you visit with wedding professionals showcasing every resource a bride will need to plan the wedding of her dreams. Prize drawings throughout the afternoon. 800-590-9755 or www. saudervillage.org.

MAR. 10 – Toledo Symphony Concert, Sauder Village, Founder’s Hall, 22611 St. Rte. 2, Archbold, 7:30 p.m.

Advance tickets recommended. 800-590-9755 or www. saudervillage.org.

FEB. 19, MAR. 19 – Mountain State Maple Days, locations statewide. Join the celebration of the state’s “sweetest” product from the farm. To see participating sugarhouses, visit www.wvmspa.org.

FEB. 26 – Cardboard and Duct Tape Sled Race, Blackwater Falls State Park, 1584 Blackwater Lodge Rd, Davis. Registration 9–10 a.m. with race to follow at 10:15 a.m. $5 fee. Make a sled of cardboard and duct tape able to withstand a race down the Blackwater Falls sled run. The goal is to have super-safe sledding fun. This year’s theme is Harry Potter. 304-259-5216, blackwaterfallssp@wv.gov, or https://wvstateparks. com/park/blackwater-falls-state-park.

Make sure you’re included in our calendar!

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.

FEBRUARY 2022 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING 33

2022 CALENDAR

FEBRUARY/MARCH

FEB. 11–20 – The Great Big Home and Garden Show, IX Center, 1 I-X Center Dr., Cleveland. See website for schedule. Explore hundreds of exhibits, engage with more than a thousand experts, and tour featured homes and the garden showcase. 440-591-6974 or www. greatbighomeandgarden.com.

FEB. 12–13, MAR. 12–13 – Medina Gun Show, Medina County Fgds. Community Center, 735 Lafayette Rd., Medina, Sat. 9 a.m.–5 p.m., Sun. 9 a.m.–3 p.m. $7.

Over 450 tables of displays. 330-948-4400 or www. conraddowdell.com.

FEB. 12–APR. 19 – Virtual Italian Language Lessons, THROUGH FEB. 6 – Immersive Van Gogh Exhibit, online class via Skype, Sat. 10 a.m.–1:30 p.m. (beginning/ Lighthouse Artspace Cleveland, 850 E. 72nd St., intermediate), Sat. 12–1:30 p.m. (advanced). $120–$140.

Cleveland. $39.99–$54.99. Experience Van Gogh’s art in This eight-week course is taught by a native speaker a whole new way — through digital immersion! This light- of Italian with many years of teaching experience at all and-sound spectacular features two-story projections levels. Register online at www.wrhs.org/events. of the artist’s most compelling works. Wander through FEB. 18–20 – Great Backyard Bird Count, West Woods entrancing, moving images that highlight Van Gogh’s brushstrokes, detail, and color, truly illuminating the mind Nature Center, 9465 Kinsman Rd. (Rte. 87), Russell and Newbury Twps., Russell, 11 a.m.–4 p.m. Become an of the genius. www.vangoghcleveland.com. official citizen scientist and participate in this worldwide FEB. 4–13 – The Great Big Home and Garden Show, bird count coordinated by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology IX Center, 1 I-X Center Dr., Cleveland. $5–$15, under and the National Audubon Society. Stop by the nature 6 free. Explore more than 600 exhibits, talk to local center to help compile a list of birds seen at the big and international experts, and tour featured homes windows. www.geaugaparkdistrict.org. and the garden showcase. 440-591-6974 or www.

FEB. 19 – Winter Shop Hop, downtown Wooster. Join greatbighomeandgarden.com. downtown merchants and restaurants as they warm up FEB. 5 – Wayne County Farm Toy Show, Smithville with dining and shopping specials. 330-262-6222 or High School, 200 Smithie Lane, Smithville, 9 a.m.–3 p.m. www.mainstreetwooster.org. $3. Sponsored by Smithville FFA Alumni. Annual show in the heart of Ohio’s Amish Country featuring farm toys, FEB. 20 – Flea Market of Collectables, Medina County Fgds. Community Center, 735 Lafayette Rd., Medina, 9 tractors, implements, and farm agriculture items. Lunch a.m.–3 p.m. $2. Earlybird special admission 6–9 a.m., available. For information, call 330-669-9455. $3. A treasure trove of vintage items and collectables.

FEB. 9–MAR. 19 – “Reimagining America: The Maps 330-948-4300 or www.conraddowdell.com. of Lewis and Clark,” Historic Fort Steuben, 120 S. FEB. 25–MAR. 6 – Cleveland Auto Show, IX Center, 3rd St., Steubenville, Mon.–Fri. 10 a.m.–4 p.m. or by appointment. Free. National traveling exhibit developed One I-X Dr., Cleveland. Mon.–Thur. 11 a.m.–9 p.m., Fri./ Sat. 11 a.m.–10 p.m., Sun. 11 a.m.–8 p.m. (opening Fri. by the Lewis and Clark Heritage Foundation uses 5–11 p.m.). $12–$14, under 7 free. Indoor test drives, large-scale reproductions of historic maps, photos, and explanatory text to show how America looked before and vehicle giveaway, classic car competition, and other special features. See website for schedule of events. after the journey of Lewis and Clark. 740-283-1787 or www.clevelandautoshow.com. www.oldfortsteuben.com.

FEB. 26 – Cleveland Kurentovanje Festival and Parade, 6409 St. Clair Ave., Cleveland, begins at 8 a.m.

Free. Cleveland Kurentovanje (koo-rehn-toh-VAHN-yeh)

NORTHEAST

SOUTHEAST

FEB. 12 – Winter Hike, Burr Oak State Park, 10220 Burr Oak Lodge Rd., Glouster, 9 a.m.–3 p.m. Free. Join fellow outdoors enthusiasts for a great day of hiking! Hike lengths are 1, 3, 5, and 8 miles. After the hike, enjoy free bean soup and corn bread at the lodge. 740-767-3570 or http://parks.ohiodnr.gov/burroak.

FEB. 17 – Annual Chamber of Commerce Dinner, Pritchard Laughlin Civic Ctr., 7033 Glenn Highway, Cambridge. 740-439-6688 or http:// cambridgeohiochamber.com.

FEB. 26 – Air Supply, Peoples Bank Theatre, 222 Putnam St., Marietta, 8 p.m. Starting at $68. www. peoplesbanktheatre.com.

FEB. 26 – Jammin’ for Johnson, Cambridge Eagles Club, 1930 E. Wheeling Ave., Cambridge, 7:30–11:30 p.m. Annual fundraiser in memory of the late “Bunk” Johnson. 740-432-4550.

MAR. 3–4 – Adelitas Way and Gemini Syndrome, The Adelphia, 203 Second St., Marietta, 9:30 p.m., doors open at 8:30 p.m. $27.50/$30. www.mariettaohio.org/ event/adelitas-way-gemini-syndrome.

MAR. 5 – Midnight at the Masquerade, Campus Martius Museum, 601 Second St., Marietta, 6–8 p.m. $60. This Murder Mystery Theatre event includes dinner, dessert,

34 OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • FEBRUARY 2022

is a multi-day “Slovenian Mardi Gras” festival, celebrating the end of winter and the beginning of spring. www. facebook.com/ClevelandKurentovanje.

FEB. 26 – WOOPEX: Wooster Stamp Show, Ida Sue School, 266 Oldman Rd., Wooster, 9 a.m.–5 p.m. Free.

Wooster Stamp Club welcomes all collectors of stamps, postcards, old letters, covers, etc. Exhibits, dealers, and USPS postal station. 330-262-5378, www.wccvb.com/ events/woopex-2022-wooster-stamp-show, or find us on Facebook.

FEB. 26–27 – Brite Winter, West Bank of the Flats, Cleveland, Sat. 3 p.m.–Sun. 1 a.m. Free and open to the public; VIP packages available. Enjoy diverse musical acts, artwork, and fun outdoor activities. www.britewinter.com.

MAR. 4, 11, 18, 25 — Beginner beekeeping class, Life Church, 1033 Elm St., Grafton, 7–9 p.m., $50, includes 1-year membership in Lorain County Beekeepers Assn.

Register at www.loraincountybeekeepers.org.

MAR. 5 – Chocolate Fest Cleveland, 1091 W. 10th St., Cleveland, 1–5 p.m. $25–$75. An event for everyone, with chocolate vendors throughout providing samples of all their goodies, wine and chocolate pairing classes, truffle making classes, chocolate martini bar, craft beer, wine, and food. 216-410-9168 or https://tastecle.com.

MAR. 5–6, 12–13 – Spamalot, Renaissance Theatre, Main Stage, 138 Park Ave. W., Mansfield, Sat. 8 p.m., Sun. 2:30 p.m. $15–$37. Lovingly ripped off from the film Monty Python and the Holy Grail, the international stage hit tells the real story of King Arthur, his Knights of the Round Table, the Lady of the Lake, and a very angry killer rabbit. www.rentickets.org.

MAR. 11–12 – Spring Arts and Crafts Show, Shisler Conference Ctr., OARDC, 1680 Madison Ave., Wooster, Fri. 5–9 p.m., Sat. 9 a.m.–4 p.m. Free. An all-juried show with all handmade items, including jewelry, candles, baskets, wood items, pottery, primitive items, personal products, and much more! Masks required. Food available for purchase. 330-682-2926.

MAR. 12–13 – Spring Avant-Garde Art and Craft Show, Rocky River Memorial Hall, 21016 Hilliard Blvd., Rocky River, Sat. 10 a.m.–4 p.m., Sun. 11 a.m.–4 p.m. $3, under 12 free.

Features a variety of local artists and crafters selling their original handmade items. Full concession stand on-site.

440-227-8794 or www.avantgardeshows.com.

drinks, and a show! Reservations required by Feb. 25.

740-373-3750 or www.campusmartiusmuseum.org.

MAR. 5 – Statehood Day Open House, Ross County Heritage Ctr., 45 W. Fifth St., Chillicothe, 12–4 p.m.

Free. Celebrate Statehood Day in Ohio’s first capital.

For more information, please call the Ross County Historical Society at 740-772-1936 or visit www. rosscountyhistorical.org.

MAR. 11–12 – Home, Garden, and Business Expo, Pritchard Laughlin Civic Ctr., 7033 Glenn Hwy., Cambridge. 740-439-6688 or www. cambridgeohiochamber.com.

MAR. 12 – Fiber Artisans Fair, Campus Martius Museum, 601 Second St., Marietta, 9:30 a.m.–4 p.m.

Learn about weaving, knitting, quilting, and more. Have your questions answered by experts or hobbyists in the fiber arts field. Many artisans will offer items for sale.

740-373-3750 or www.campusmartiusmuseum.org.

p.m., Sat. 9 a.m.–6 p.m., Sun. 9 a.m.–4 p.m. $12–$25.

Sport fishing education and fun, with educational seminars, speakers, and activities to expand your knowledge of fishing. www.columbusfishingexpo.com.

FEB. 12 – Sweethearts Hike, Hocking Hills, 19852 St. Rte. 664 S., Logan, 5–7 p.m. Free. Take your sweetheart for a romantic stroll to Ash Cave in the soft light of dusk.

Be sure to bundle up for the weather! Warm refreshments will be provided. 740-385-6842 or http://parks.ohiodnr. gov/hockinghills.

FEB. 18–20 – Back to the Eighties, Marion Palace Theatre, 276 W. Center St., Marion. $19; age 12 and younger, $12. Directed by Emily Yaksic and performed by a cast of local youth, this parody stage production travels back in time to an era filled with 80s pop culture.

740-383-2101 or www.marionpalace.org.

FEB. 20 – Fairfield County Antique Tractor Club Toy and Tractor Show, Fairfield Co. Fgds., AAA and Ed Sands Buildings, 157 E. Fair Ave., Lancaster, 9 a.m.–3 p.m. For more information, call Doug Shaw at 740-407-2347 or visit www.fairfieldcountytractorclub.com.

FEB. 26 – Church Basement Ladies, Marion Palace Theatre, 276 W. Center St., Marion, 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. $28–$37. Your favorite unsung heroes of the church basement return with the original installment of their hit musical-comical series. 740-383-2101 or www. marionpalace.org.

FEB. 26 – New Growers Seminar, presented by the Ohio Christmas Tree Association, 6870 Licking Valley Rd., Frazeysburg. Seminar designed for those who are thinking about getting into Christmas tree farming. 740828-3331, val@ohiochristmastree.com (Valerie Graham), or www.ohiochristmastree.org.

FEB. 26–27 – 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.

FEB. 26, MAR. 5 – McGuffey Lane, Majestic Theatre, 45 E. Second St., Chillicothe, 7:30 p.m. $18–$20. www. majesticchillicothe.net.

MAR. 3–6 – Arnold Sports Festival, Greater Columbus Convention Ctr., 400 N. High St., Columbus, Fri./Sat. 10 a.m.–7 p.m. ($25), Sun. 10 a.m.–4 p.m. ($20). Ticket packages available. More than 1,000 booths of the latest in sports equipment, apparel, and nutrition, as well as two stages that host unique, continuous sports competitions and entertainment. See website for daily schedules. www.arnoldsportsfestival.com/usa.

MAR. 6 – Buckeye Comic Con, Courtyard Marriott Columbus West, 2350 Westbelt Dr. (I-270 at Roberts Rd., exit 10), Columbus, 10 a.m.–4 p.m. $5, free for age 6 and under. 10,000s of golden, silver, and modern-age comics!

Hourly prizes. www.facebook.com/Buckeye-ComicCon-1917494808540660.

MAR. 11–13 – All American Columbus Pet Expo, Ohio Expo Ctr., 717 E. 17th Ave., Columbus, Fri. 12–8 p.m., Sat. 10 a.m.–7 p.m., Sun. 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Includes the Pet Expo, the All About Cats Expo, and the Mega Pet Adoption. www.allaboutcatsexpo.com.

MAR. 12 – Columbus Brew Festival, COSI, 333 W. Broad St., Columbus, 7–11 p.m. $50–$65. Over 50 brews and 150 beers, plus access to the museum. www. facebook.com/events/1255399367988306.

people is magical. Reservations required; $20–$35 nonrefundable booking fee. 513-514-0016 or https:// www.catchafirepizza.com/igloos.

THROUGH MAR. 30 – Bluegrass Wednesdays, Vinoklet Winery, 11069 Colerain Ave., Cincinnati, Wed. 6:30–8:30 p.m. Enjoy dinner, wine, and an evening of free bluegrass entertainment by Vernon McIntyre’s Appalachian Grass.

Reservations strongly recommended. 513-385-9309 or vinokletwinery@fuse.net.

FEB. 5–14 – Roald Dahl’s Matilda the Musical Jr., Taft Theatre, 317 E. Fifth St., Cincinnati. See website for days and times. Matilda has astonishing wit, intelligence, THROUGH MAR. 12 – “Warp and Weft: Woven with imagination … and special powers! She’s unloved by her Love,” Warren County Historical Society Harmon cruel parents but impresses her schoolteacher, the highly Museum, 105 S. Broadway, Lebanon. Since the lovable Miss Honey. Packed with high-energy dance 1970s, David T. Smith has impressed with his amazing numbers and catchy songs, the musical is a joyous girlcraftsmanship for reproduction museum-quality 18thpower romp. www.thechildrenstheatre.com. and 19th-century furniture, pottery, and handmade FEB. 8–20 – My Fair Lady, Aronoff Ctr. for the Arts, kitchens. Explore this collection of work chosen by the 650 Walnut, Cincinnati. See website for days and times. artist himself. 513-932-1817 or www.wchsmuseum.org.

Starting at $34. Broadway in Cincinnati presents a new THROUGH MAR. 19 – Igloo Dining, Catch-a-Fire production of Lerner and Loewe’s classic musical. https:// Pizza, 9290 Kenwood Rd., Blue Ash. Outdoor dining cincinnatiusa.com/events/my-fair-lady-1. in bubble-like “igloos” for both couples and larger FEB. 18–20 – Miami County Home and Garden parties during the winter months. Being outside in the Show, Hobart Arena, 255 Adams St., Troy, Fri. 2–7 elements while cozy inside an igloo with your favorite p.m., Sat. 10 a.m.–7 p.m., Sun. 10 a.m.–4 p.m. $6,

under 13 free. Talk to contractors and vendors about your home improvement projects and plans. www. miamicountyhomeshow.com FEB. 26–27 – Dayton Off-Road Expo, Roberts Centre, 123 Gano Rd., Wilmington, Sat. 9 a.m.–6 p.m., Sun. 10 a.m.–4 p.m. $5, free for kids 12 and under. Vendors, Jeeps, monster trucks, and more! Fun for the whole family. 877-428-4748 or www.daytonoffroadexpo.com.

FEB. 26–27 – 20th Century Cincinnati, Sharonville Convention Ctr., 11355 Chester Rd., Cincinnati, 11 a.m.–5 p.m. Preview starts Saturday at 9 a.m. $10 adult admission covers both days. Over 50 vendors. Vintage art, furnishings, lighting, jewelry, and apparel from the art deco, midcentury modern, and op/pop eras. 513-7387256 or www.20thcenturycincinnati.com.

MAR. 11 – Vernon McIntyre’s Appalachian Grass, Butler County Bluegrass Association, 5113 Huston Rd., Collinsville, 7–9 p.m. Free. Join us for an evening of lively bluegrass music. Reasonably priced home-style food available on-site. 937-417-8488.

MAR. 12 – Soup ’n’ Bowl Fundraiser, Historic Bear’s Mill, 6450 Arcanum-Bear’s Mill Rd., Greenville. Join us for this beloved annual event! Eat soup and choose your favorite handcrafted bowl produced by various local potters. 937-548-5112 or www.bearsmill.org.

CENTRAL

THROUGH FEB. 6 – Immersive Van Gogh Exhibit, 940 Polaris Parkway, Columbus. $39.99–$54.99. Experience Van Gogh’s art in a whole new way — through digital immersion! This light-and-sound spectacular features monumental projections of the artist’s most compelling works. Wander through entrancing, moving images that highlight Van Gogh’s brushstrokes, detail, and color, truly illuminating the mind of the genius. www. columbusvangogh.com.

FEB. 7 – “Macramé Plant Hangers,” Franklin Park Conservatory, 1777 E. Broad St., Columbus, 6–7:30 p.m. $55–$60. Learn the basics of macramé to create a plant hanger. Students will leave the class with a completed plant hanger, along with a potted plant to hang in it! 614715-8000 or www.fpconservatory.org.

FEB. 8, MAR. 8 – Inventors Network Meeting, virtual, 7 p.m. Educational presentations and discussion about the invention process. Meetings are held the 2nd Tuesday of each month virtually. 614-470-0144 or www. inventorscolumbus.com.

FEB. 11–13 – Columbus Fishing Expo, Ohio Expo Ctr., Bricker Bldg., 717 E. 17th Ave., Columbus, Fri. noon–7

SOUTHWEST

FEBRUARY 2022 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING 35

MEMBER INTERACTIVE

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5

Kiss and tell 3

1. My parents, Ray and Hettie, at the kissing booth in Nettles Island, Florida.

Katie Grubba South Central Power Company member 2. These adorable fox kits share a kiss!

Their den was under a barn on a nearby farm.

Linda Imke Pioneer Electric Cooperative member

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3. My daughter’s border collie, Bella, stealing a kiss from one of our Southdown lambs born this past spring.

Gina Lewis Mid-Ohio Energy Cooperative member 4. My son, Morgan, with his son, Jack.

Amy Happenny South Central Power Company member 5. Our sweet valentine, Kaylee!

Amy Smith South Central Power Company member

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6. These “kissy-keets” are sharing love next to their guinea fowl momma.

Amanda Stingley South Central Power Company member 7. My granddaughter, Lilly, is not bashful about kissing her daddy.

Bonnie Kernan Butler Rural Electric Cooperative member Below: Waylon Wright, smooching a donkey.

Pamela Wright Tricounty Rural Electric Cooperative member

Send us your picture! For May, send “Chasing waterfalls” by Feb. 15; for June, send “Lake life” by March 15.

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

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

36 OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • FEBRUARY 2022

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