Ohio Cooperative Living - July 2022 - Butler

OHIO

JULY 2022

COOPERATIVE Butler Rural Electric Cooperative

Fiber internet is coming to all members!

See page 19 for more details

ALSO INSIDE Solar’s light and dark sides Festival fun Ice cream trail

BUILDING A NEW HOME? Contact your electric cooperative for free energy advice.

As a member of your local electric cooperative, you have access to free energy-saving tips and information. We’ve been your trusted source of energy advice for more than 80 years.

Contact your cooperative and learn about the latest energy-efficient technologies for running your new home.

ohioec.org/energy

OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • JULY 2022

INSIDE FEATURES 23 COLD AND CREAMY

Since July is National Ice Cream Month, we highlight some of Ohio’s longtime producers of the sweet stuff.

26 FUTURE FARM

Mezzacello urban agriculture project grows more than food.

30 SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE

From sweet corn to the summer moon, Ohio festivals offer a treat for any taste.

Cover image on most editions: The American Fireworks Company in Hudson produces hundreds of pyrotechnic displays each year, including one at the Elsner family farm in Miami County each July. This American Fireworks display was captured by Greg Seevers.

This page: Festival-goers will eat over 100,000 ears of hot, buttered corn at this year’s Sweet Corn Festival in Millersport.

JULY 2022 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING 1

UP FRONT

Independence T

he Fourth of July provides us an opportunity to celebrate our independence as the United States of America. Our national holiday also provides an opportunity to reflect on the courage and strength of will demonstrated by the colonial leaders who drafted and signed our famous Declaration of Independence.

While the first few lines are more famous, the closing sentence provides a clear view of their understanding of what it takes to be truly independent.

“And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes and our sacred Honor.”

It’s a statement of unwavering personal commitment and also of a firm reliance on trusted partners. It’s a paradox: Our independence relies on trust and interdependence. Today we all continue to be beneficiaries of the wisdom and commitment exhibited by these revolutionaries. Threats to our independence — as a nation, in our community, in our business or family life — will always exist.

Your electric cooperative survives as a locally controlled, independent business through these same principles: an unwavering commitment to providing an essential service to all members at a reasonable cost and a firm reliance on trusted partners throughout the electric cooperative network to help them maintain their independence. By sticking together, we are stronger.

Thank you for your support and patronage of your electric cooperative. Hope you and your family enjoy a fun and safe Independence Day. God bless America!

2

OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • JULY 2022

Pat O’Loughlin

PRESIDENT & CEO OHIO’S ELECTRIC COOPERATIVES

It’s a paradox: Our independence relies on trust and interdependence.

By sticking together, we are stronger.

July 2022 • Volume 64, No. 10

Ohio Rural Electric Cooperatives 6677 Busch Blvd.

Columbus, OH 43229 614-846-5757 www.ohiocoopliving.com Patrick O’Loughlin Caryn Whitney Jeff McCallister Rebecca Seum

4 DEPARTMENTS

President & CEO Director of Communications Managing Editor Assistant Managing Editor

Contributors: 2Shea Creative, Jodi Borger, Colleen Romick Clark, Getty Images, W.H. “Chip” Gross, Vicki Reinhart Johnson, Catherine Murray, Margie Wuebker, and Patty Yoder.

OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING (USPS 134-760; ISSN 2572-049X) is published monthly by Ohio Rural Electric Cooperatives, Inc. It is the official 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 Office, Consumer Protection Section, 30 E. Broad St., Columbus, OH 43215.

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

4 POWER LINES

Going solar: There’s a bright side and dark side to investing in solar panels for the home.

10

10 CO-OP PEOPLE

Having a blast: From humble beginnings, family’s fireworks show draws ’em in by the thousands.

12 WOODS, WATERS, AND WILDLIFE

12

Little Sure Shot: The story of

Annie Oakley, “Wild Bill” Hickock, and Sitting Bull is told in detail at the Garst Museum in Greenville.

15 GOOD EATS

Tex-Mex: July’s weather got you in the mood for something hot and spicy? Try these for dinner!

15

19 LOCAL PAGES

News and information from your electric cooperative.

National/regional advertising inquiries, contact

Cheryl Solomon

37 CALENDAR

What’s happening: July/ August events and other things to do around Ohio.

American MainStreet Publications 847-749-4875 | cheryl@amp.coop Ohio-based advertisers contact

Rheta Gallagher 614-940-5956 | rgallagher@ohioec.org

37

40 MEMBER INTERACTIVE

Cooperative members:

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

Alliance for Audited Media Member

Sparklers: There’s nothing quite like the summer fun of these miniature, hand-held light shows.

40

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.

JULY 2022 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING

3

POWER LINES

Reality check

BY CARYN GOLDEN WHITNEY

THE HOURS of bright sunshine that come with scorching Ohio summers often spur people to consider harnessing energy from the sky’s brightest star with rooftop solar panels. It sounds even more attractive when smooth-talking salespeople make promises that sound almost too good to be true.

The reality of going solar, however, isn’t nearly as black and white as those salespeople might make it sound. As with most things that have to do with electricity in the homes of co-op members, a partnership between the homeowner, the cooperative, and the contractor leads to the best outcomes. The more informed members are throughout the process, the happier they are with the results of their solar installation.

Retired law enforcement officer Mark Mondello had 15 solar panels installed on his house but now regrets the decision because his energy savings are not nearly what he was led to believe they would be and substandard installation has led to a leaky roof.

4

OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • JULY 2022

Bright side

Demarco Deshaies of Rockridge in Hocking County decided to investigate solar as a backup after losing electric service for several days following a devastating February 2022 winter storm.

“We didn’t have water when we were without power, or internet, and we lost a lot of food,” says Deshaies, a South Central Power Company member. With a small child and wife at home, Deshaies didn’t want to go through that experience again, so he began researching solar as a backup power solution, to keep the basics working in case of similar outages in the future.

Deshaies, a do-it-yourselfer, wanted to install the solar system himself. He checked out some YouTube videos and studied the solar facts sheets on South Central Power’s website, then contacted Jacob Atkins, an energy advisor at South Central Power. The two worked together to make sure Deshaies’ plan would

meet all state and local requirements, would integrate into the grid, and made overall sense. Once he had all the facts, he could move forward with confidence.

The total cost of Deshaies’ solar panel system was $16,400, which included 14 rooftop panels and a battery to store power. It took him three days and some help from friends to install the system, and it’s been up and supplying power since Memorial Day weekend. “A sunny day supplies just a little more power than we consume in a day,” Deshaies says, “and a cloudy, rainy day produces about half what we need.” He programmed the system to prioritize keeping his 10-kWh battery fully charged so he’ll have backup power in the event of an outage.

He’s been happy enough that he’s considering installing more panels and battery storage to double his generation and storage capacity and potentially eliminate his $150-per-month electric bill. Deshaies did the math and says his break-even date for the cost of the system would be 11 years, but that a 26% tax credit for buying the system would cut that time to 6 years.

Dark side

for the best interests of our members, which is why we encourage them to contact us regarding home solar installation.”

“Those are just the ones who have called us,” says Ed VanHoose, general manager of both LMRE and NCE. “We know there are many, many more than that.”

VanHoose and Miller decided to act. In April, HolmesWayne Electric Cooperative issued an urgent warning to its co-op members to call their cooperative before signing a solar contract.

Glenn Miller, president and CEO of Holmes-Wayne Electric Cooperative in Millersburg, has heard similar horror stories. “It’s heartbreaking to see some of our members have been misled and taken financial advantage of,” Miller says. “We are always looking out

Retired Ohio law enforcement officer Mark Mondello saw Holmes-Wayne’s warning post on Facebook.

He wishes he had seen it two years ago before he purchased 15 panels for $26,000.

Over the past two years alone, 62 co-op members of Wellington-based Lorain-Medina Rural Electric Cooperative and Attica-based North Central Electric Cooperative have contacted the co-ops’ energy advisors with tales of roofs collapsing, inoperable solar panel systems sold by door-to-door salespeople using highpressure sales tactics, and life savings up in smoke.

The stories, of course, aren’t limited to just a few co-ops; complaints come in from every corner of the state. In fact, the Better Business Bureau took in nearly 900 grievances raised by consumers against one company alone — about 100 were escalated to the state attorney general’s office.

Continued on page 6 Continued on page 6

JULY 2022 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING

5

Another solar option Harnessing the power of the sun with solar is possible without buying an individual rooftop solar panel system. The renewable, green energy source, generated and transmitted

by Buckeye Power for OEC members, has been available since 2017 when the OurSolar program was launched.

“Renewables, including solar, represent a small but growing part of OEC’s supply,” says Ben Wilson, director of power engineering delivery at Buckeye Power, the generation cooperative that supplies power to all of Ohio’s electric distribution co-ops. The growth coincides with what Wilson describes as growing demand for solar from co-op members across Ohio.

The majority of Buckeye Power’s supply comes from coal plants, but hydroelectricity and solar are part of its power generation portfolio too.

The OurSolar program, which offers co-op members the opportunity to prioritize solar as their energy source, is growing. “The latest addition is a 2-megawatt solar array east of Findlay that will be energized this summer,” says Wilson, noting that the total power generation from solar will increase to 4 megawatts. “We are excited about these additions, and we continue to look for ways to add diverse and cost-effective resources to our supply.”

DARK SIDE continued from page 5

“The sales rep said, ‘there’s a tax credit available of $8,000, but tomorrow it will be gone, you have to sign now if you want to take advantage of that,’” Mondello says. “He really pushed us hard to get that sale right now. If we’d had time to look further into the company and even just waited a week, we wouldn’t have signed or would have gone with a different company — or not bought solar panels at all.”

It’s a decision he regrets every day. “Why would I spend $26,000 to save $15 a month on my electric bill?”

Mondello and his wife wanted to save money and also wanted to help the environment. Now they have a leaky roof and a $170 monthly loan payment for the solar panel system. Mondello’s mission now is to warn other consumers and co-op members.

“I don’t like when people rip other people off — that’s why I became a law enforcement officer,” he says. “I

6

OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • JULY 2022

“If a co-op member’s goal is to reduce reliance on carbonbased resources, it is usually most effective to first reduce energy usage before considering renewable options,” Wilson adds. “Energy efficiency projects like LED lighting retrofits, insulation and air sealing, and thermostat setbacks provide greater reduction at a lower overall cost and should be prioritized over rooftop solar.”

Holmes-Wayne President and CEO Glenn Miller advises contacting your cooperative’s energy advisor.

“We can review your electric consumption, complete a home energy audit, and make sure your home is as energy efficient as possible. These are all key to the decision to make such a large investment in solar panels,” Miller says. “We offer a great list of questions to ask the solar company so our co-op members can protect themselves.

If it sounds too good to be true, it most likely is.”

know how valuable a dollar is to people, and I don’t want anyone to have to go through what we’ve gone through.”

Co-op leaders like VanHoose and Miller urge their members not to sign a contract without calling the cooperative first — because there are lots of questions that need to be answered: Are you being overcharged?

Will the system integrate with the grid? Will it pass required safety inspections?

“They claim that your bill is going to be zero, but it’s never going to be zero,” VanHoose says. “To achieve that, you would have to buy enough solar panels and battery storage to supply power 24/7, and that is extremely expensive — far more than a monthly electric bill.”

If you have a complaint about a solar installer, you can contact the Ohio attorney general’s office at 800-282-0515 or file online at www. ohioprotects.org/file-a-complaint.

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CO-OP PEOPLE

Having a blast!

From humble beginnings, family’s fireworks show draws ’em in by the thousands.

STORY BY JODI BORGER; FIREWORKS PHOTO BY GREG SEEVERS

W

hat started out as a little backyard celebration just outside the village of Fletcher in Miami County nearly 20 years ago has evolved into an event that everyone can enjoy.

Mike and Cheryl Elsner, Pioneer Electric Cooperative members and owners of Progress Farms near Piqua, welcome thousands of their closest friends, neighbors, and relatives to their home on the third Saturday in July every year for fireworks and fellowship. This year’s event will take place on July 16.

Even their “humble” beginning wasn’t all that insignificant; the event drew between 100 and 150 agricultural business contacts, family, friends, and neighbors. But now, the event has grown to several thousand in attendance — and that doesn’t even include those who watch the show from neighboring private parties or from safe parking spots nearby.

“Ultimately, we do this to make people happy, especially those in our community,” Mike says. “You don’t do this for the money — you do this because you want to make those people happy. That, to me, is the challenge.”

10 OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • JULY 2022

The job of making attendees happy goes beyond just the fireworks show. In addition, Cheryl helps to decorate and prepare yard games and activities and supplies guests with red, white, and blue glownecklaces, balloons, popcorn, cotton candy, and more.

“The actual fireworks show lasts anywhere from 18 to 25 minutes,” Mike says. “We do have a prelude of events leading up to the start of the fireworks show, which includes videos and a thank-you tribute to our armed forces and service personnel.”

Before the pandemic, attendees were invited for a backyard barbeque; the Elsners grilled more than 400 pounds of meat for more than 800 guests, and every family attending was encouraged to bring a carry-in side item to share.

This year, Fletcher Fire and Rescue is selling tickets for individually boxed meals for those attending the Elsner event. Pre-sale tickets can be purchased ahead of the event, and all proceeds from the meals directly benefit the fire department. Families wishing to pack their own meals are also welcome to do so.

Although the Elsners are first and foremost farmers, for the past 14 years, Mike has also worked for Ohio-based fireworks companies. For the Elsners, Mike’s side gig allows them to continue to put on their “little” backyard firework event that started 20 years ago.

Mike currently works for American Fireworks, a familyowned and operated fireworks company in Hudson, Ohio. When Mike started with American Fireworks in 2017, he helped with eight shows in his first year. Last year, he assisted with 60 shows throughout Miami and Montgomery counties.

“I just can’t say enough about that company,” he says.

“American Fireworks has been a huge supporter of me and this event.”

“We have always stressed that our desire and objective is to have a safe, family-oriented function for all attendees to enjoy,” says Mike. “Over the years we have maintained that objective.”

The display has become larger and more technological since its early days as well. There are at least 100 people involved in the setup prior to the evening of the show, and most volunteer their time and talent to make the event possible.

Some of the Elsners’ best memories from the past 20 years involve reactions of children.

“One night there was a little boy whose dad brought him up — he was about 7 years old — and his dad said, ‘This is the man who does the fireworks,’” says Mike. “The boy looked at me and said, ‘You’re the best fireworking man I’ve ever seen.’ And I’ll never forget that line or the smile on the boy’s face for as long as I live.”

The Elsners say the best part of doing the show is the people who help make it a success.

“The people who attend, support, and enjoy the evening and keep it a positive experience increase our drive to repeat it another year,” Mike says. “We appreciate the people who attend and help keep it a safe, fun evening.”

The Elsners are rightfully proud of the annual event and its growth, but know it would not be possible without the overwhelming support of numerous volunteers and their community.

“Our intention,” Mike says, “was and continues to be to come together and enjoy an evening of celebration with those who share our appreciation of our independence and our God-given right to live in the freedom of the United States of America.”

To put on a show like the Elsners do requires licensed and certified professionals, as well as a number of volunteers. The Elsners work with the state fire marshal, Miami County law enforcement, St. Paris and Fletcher fire departments, and American Fireworks personnel to ensure the show runs smoothly. All these individuals help with planning and preparation for the event.

On the evening of the show, there are 10 licensed pyrotechnic shooters, 20 to 25 pyrotechnic assistants, and fire department personnel on-site.

Mike also works with the Fletcher Fire Department to complete necessary safety training for American Fireworks employees, event volunteers, and fire department personnel needing additional recertification hours.

Thousands of friends, family, neighbors — and even complete strangers — take in the annual fireworks show at Mike and Cheryl Elsner’s farm near Fletcher (photos courtesy of the Elsner family).

JULY 2022 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING 11

WOODS, WATERS, AND WILDLIFE

Little Sure Shot The story of Annie Oakley, “Wild Bill” Hickock, and Sitting Bull is told in detail at Greenville’s Garst Museum.

STORY AND PHOTOS BY W. H. “CHIP” GROSS

T

he greatest exhibition shooter of all time — male or female — was a young woman from Darke County, Ohio: Annie Oakley (1860–1926). Just 5 feet tall and weighing barely 100 pounds, Annie was blessed with extraordinary hand-eye coordination and athleticism, giving her the ability to accurately shoot most any firearm she picked up — rifle, shotgun, or handgun.

Darke County is located in extreme western Ohio, along the Indiana state line. Greenville, the county seat, is home to the Garst Museum, home of the National Annie Oakley Center.

“The museum has the largest display of Annie Oakley photographs, firearms, and memorabilia anywhere in the world,” says Katie Gabbard, marketing director at the Garst.

“An entire wing is dedicated to her, chronicling Annie’s many shooting accomplishments as well as her lesser-known philanthropic endeavors.”

In fact, very few of Annie’s medals and awards survive today, as she had most of them melted down near the end of her life so she could raise money for charity.

Annie Oakley is best remembered for the 17 years she and her husband-manager, Frank Butler, spent touring the world with “Buffalo Bill” Cody’s Wild West Show. A circus-like troupe employing hundreds of people, Cody’s extravaganza featured real cowboys, authentic Indians, stampeding bison, bucking broncos, runaway stagecoaches, and, of course, the legendary sharpshooter, Annie Oakley.

12 OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • JULY 2022

The Gathering at Garst July 30–31 Each summer during the last weekend in July, the Garst Museum and the town of Greenville celebrate not only Annie Oakley but other famous Darke County people and historical events — for instance, native son, author, and radio personality Lowell Thomas (1892–1981) and the signing of the 1795 Treaty of Greenville between the fledgling United States and Native American tribes. Also part of the weekend is a living-history encampment, where early-American reenactors demonstrate firing not only period muzzleloading rifles but also cannons! Come join thousands of others and enjoy vendors, excellent food, craft beers, and great outdoor entertainment. www.gatheringatgarst.com

Annie was always the first act following the opening Grand Review, awing audiences with a number of “trick” shots: shooting an apple off her pet dog’s head, shooting over her shoulder by using the blade of a Bowie knife as a mirror, shooting while standing on the back of a galloping horse, shooting double targets while riding a bicycle, shooting flames off candles as they rotated on a wheel, shooting a dime out of Frank’s fingers, and individually shattering six thrown glass balls in the air before they hit the ground — to mention only a few of her varied, stupendous shooting feats.

Cody was constantly adding new attractions to his Wild West Show, one of which was the Lakota Indian chief, Sitting Bull, who toured for four months during the summer of 1885. After watching Annie’s amazing performance, he nicknamed her “Little Sure Shot,” then presented her with several flinttipped wooden arrows. Today, several of those arrows are on display at the Garst Museum.

An interesting side note concerning Sitting Bull is that it was he and his warriors, just nine years earlier, who had wiped out General George A. Custer and the soldiers of the Seventh Cavalry Regiment at the Little Big Horn in 1876. As a result, Sitting Bull was often hissed at and booed by audiences when he was introduced during Wild West performances. Of Sitting Bull, Cody remembered: “He never did more than appear on horseback at any performance and always refused to talk English, even if he could. At Philadelphia, a man asked him if he had no regret at killing Custer and so many whites. He replied, ‘I have answered to my people for the Indians slain in the fight. The chief that sent Custer must answer to his people.’ That is the only smart thing I ever heard him say.”

Annie Oakley died in Greenville at age 66, followed just 18 days later by her husband, Frank, they say of a broken heart. The couple is buried side by side at the small Brock Cemetery a few miles north of Greenville. Still today, visitors place coins atop their tombstones, remembering the many pennies, nickels, and dimes Annie shot from Frank’s hand, thrilling millions of spectators throughout both North America and Europe.

As a girl, Annie Oakley was a market hunter before she became a sharpshooter.

JULY 2022 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING

13

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OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • JULY 2022

GOOD EATS

Tex Mex

July’s weather have you in the mood for something hot and spicy? Try some of these for dinner!

RECIPES AND PHOTOGRAPHS BY CATHERINE MURRAY

AARON’S CHIMICHANGAS

Prep: 20 minutes | Cook: 20 minutes | Servings: 5 1 teaspoon ground coriander 1 medium onion, diced small 4-ounce can chopped green chiles 1 green pepper, diced small 10 soft-taco-sized uncooked flour 1 tablespoon olive oil tortillas (15 ounces) 2 pounds ground beef 2 to 3 cups canola or vegetable oil 3 cloves garlic, minced Optional toppings: guacamole, 2 teaspoons chili powder sour cream, and salsa 1 teaspoon ground cumin Note: Find uncooked flour tortillas in the cheese or deli section of the grocery store. Pre-cooked tortillas will work too, with a less flaky result.

In a large skillet over medium heat, sauté onion and green pepper in olive oil for 5 to 7 minutes until onion is translucent. Add ground beef, breaking into pieces until it’s no longer pink in the middle. Drain excess grease if necessary, then continue cooking over medium heat while adding garlic, spices, and green chiles. Set aside.

Prep a smooth, dry surface. Lay out a tortilla and spoon about half a cup of beef mixture in the center. Fold the edge closest to you on top of the filling, then snugly roll it halfway up. Fold both sides inward toward the middle, then tightly wrap until closed. Set aside on a tray/plate and repeat with remaining tortillas.

In a large, deep skillet, heat canola or vegetable oil on medium-high to 365 F. Carefully lower a chimichanga into the hot oil, frying until the bottom side is golden brown, 1 to 2 minutes. Flip chimichanga, frying opposite side until golden brown. Remove from oil and place on paper towels to drain. Keeping the oil at a consistent 365 F, repeat with remaining chimichangas, being careful not to crowd the pan (which would lower the frying temperature and cause excess oil to be absorbed, preventing them from frying).

Serve immediately with guacamole, sour cream, and salsa toppings (optional). To reheat leftovers, use oven broiler and cook on each side for a minute or so.

Per serving: 647 calories, 25 grams fat (7 grams saturated fat), 162 milligrams cholesterol, 262 milligrams sodium, 44 grams total carbohydrates, 7 grams fiber, 61 grams protein.

JULY 2022 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING 15

SMOKY CHILE CON QUESO DIP

Prep: 15 minutes | Cook: 20 minutes | Servings: 4 ¼ cup light sour cream 1 poblano pepper 1 roma tomato, seeded, cored, 2 tablespoons unsalted butter and finely diced ½ cup diced yellow onion ½ teaspoon salt 2 tablespoons flour dash smoked paprika ½ cup milk 1+ tablespoons chopped fresh 2 garlic cloves, minced cilantro ½ teaspoon cumin 8-ounce block pepper jack cheese, hand shredded

Tip: Pre-shredded cheese contains fillers to keep the shreds from sticking together, which can also cause separation in your queso dip.

To avoid separation, use block cheese and shred by hand.

The first step will be to roast the poblano pepper. If you have a gas stove, turn flame to medium. Place whole pepper on the grate directly above the gas flame. Use a pair of tongs to quarter turn the pepper every 5 minutes, roasting for a total of 20 minutes. If you have an electric oven, turn oven to broil setting. Quarter pepper lengthwise, stem, and de-seed. Place skin sides up on a broiler pan and broil until skins blister and char, about 8 minutes. With either method, keep a close eye on them as they can quickly catch fire and smoke. Let roasted pepper cool, then peel, de-seed, and finely chop.

Melt butter in a medium skillet over medium-low heat. Add onions and continue cooking about 5 to 7 minutes until onions are translucent. Stir in flour, cooking a minute or two until mixture begins to smell nutty (it’ll smell less like raw flour). Slowly stir in milk. Continue stirring while sauce thickens, about 5 minutes. Stir in roasted poblano, garlic, and cumin. Turn heat down to mediumlow. Stir a small handful of cheese into the sauce, letting it melt completely before adding the next handful. Continue until all cheese has been added. Stir in sour cream, tomatoes, and cilantro, then season with salt and smoked paprika. Sprinkle some cilantro on top and serve hot with tortilla chips for dipping.

Per serving: 172 calories, 13 grams fat (9 grams saturated fat), 42 milligrams cholesterol, 359 milligrams sodium, 5 grams total carbohydrates, 0.5 gram fiber, 9 grams protein.

16 OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • JULY 2022

CHEESE AND PEPPER CORNBREAD CASSEROLE

Prep: 10 minutes | Cook: 60 minutes | Servings: 12 1½ teaspoons salt 1 small red onion, diced ½ teaspoon ground black pepper 1 red pepper, diced 2 large eggs 1 green pepper, diced ½ cup heavy whipping cream 1 jalapeño pepper, minced 2 tablespoons melted butter 1 tablespoon olive oil 1 cup water 1½ cups flour 4 cups corn (fresh or frozen) 2½ teaspoons baking powder 4 ounces shredded Mexican1 cup yellow cornmeal blend cheese ½ teaspoon ground cumin 4 ounces cotija or feta cheese, 2 teaspoons garlic powder crumbled 1 teaspoon onion powder 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper In a large skillet, sauté the onion, red pepper, green pepper, and jalapeño in olive oil until onion is translucent, about 5 to 7 minutes. Set aside. Preheat oven to 350 F. In a large bowl, combine flour, baking powder, cornmeal, and spices. Add eggs, whipping cream, and melted butter. Begin whisking, slowly adding water as you go until a thick batter forms. Fold in sautéed vegetables, corn, and cheeses. Pour mixture into a 9 x 13-inch greased casserole dish. Bake uncovered for 55 to 60 minutes. Serve hot.

Per serving: 275 calories, 13 grams fat (7 grams saturated fat), 63 milligrams cholesterol, 585 milligrams sodium, 33 grams total carbohydrates, 3 grams fiber, 10 grams protein.

ROASTED TEX-MEX SWEET POTATOES

Prep: 15 minutes | Cook: 30 minutes | Servings: 4 ½ teaspoon oregano 2 pounds of sweet potatoes ½ teaspoon garlic salt 1 large red pepper, diced ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes 2 tablespoons olive oil 1 teaspoon smoked paprika 1 teaspoon chili powder 1 teaspoon cumin Preheat oven to 425 F. Dice sweet potatoes into chunks, somewhere between ½-inch to 1-inch pieces. In a large bowl, mix together all spices. Add diced sweet potatoes and red pepper, pouring olive oil on top. Toss together until seasoning has coated potatoes. Spread evenly in a single layer, giving the potatoes some space, on a large baking sheet and bake 25 to 30 minutes. Serve as a side dish or dress them up by topping with cheddar cheese, sour cream, bacon bits, and avocado.

Per serving: 345 calories, 8 grams fat (1 grams saturated fat), 0 milligrams cholesterol, 29 milligrams sodium, 67 grams total carbohydrates, 10 grams fiber, 4 grams protein.

Have you tried one of our recipes? Do you have a recipe to share with other Ohio co-op members?

Visit the Member Interactive page on www. ohiocoopliving.com to find recipes submitted by our readers and to upload yours.

www.ohiocoopliving.com While you’re there, check out a video of a few of our recipes being prepared.

JULY 2022 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING 17

CALL FOR ENTRIES

COOPERATIVE CALENDAR

Photo Contest

Ohio Cooperative Living magazine is seeking photography submissions from our electric cooperative members. Submissions may fall within the following categories: best wildlife, best landscape, best floral, and best overall photo. Winning submissions will receive a cash prize and be published in the 2023 edition of the cooperative calendar. For more information, visit OhioCoopLiving.com/calendar.

Requirements • • • • • • •

One photo entry per household.

High-resolution, color, digital images only.

Only JPEG or TIF file formats will be accepted.

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

Photo format must be horizontal and capable of filling an 8 x 11-inch image area.

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

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

Deadline for submission: August 15, 2022 18 OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • JULY 2022

BUTLER RURAL ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE

Butler Rural Electric Cooperative expands partnership with Cincinnati Bell’s altafiber Fiber internet is coming to all underserved members!

In 2021, Butler Rural Electric Cooperative completed a partnership project with Cincinnati Bell, now known as “altafiber,” to bring fiber access to over 2,000 member locations where high speed internet was not available. The project also provided fiber service to the cooperative’s substations and switching equipment. The project was a huge success, bringing greater operational flexibility to enhance reliability while improving the quality of life for members. We have received tremendously positive feedback from members whose children are now able to do their assignments from home rather than driving to school parking lots to access a Wi-Fi hot spot.

Four individuals from altafiber attended the cooperative’s annual meeting in April — Senior Director of Corporate Strategy David Kramer, Senior Director of Regulatory and Government Affairs Ted Heckmann, Director of Fiber and Access Planning and Butler Rural Electric Cooperative member Mike Wolf, and Senior Account Executive Chris Schoeny. altafiber is the leading supplier of fiber-based services in Cincinnati and has invested more than $1 billion into expanding its fiber network across the region.

These innovative leaders played a part in working with the cooperative to develop the initial partnership project and see it through to completion. We thank them for their patience, determination, and commitment to our local community. They, like us, know the job is not finished.

We still have members who do not have adequate and reliable access to high speed internet, which is a quality-

of-life issue. Both organizations have continued to look for ways to extend access to rural areas.

During Butler Rural Electric Cooperative’s annual meeting, I was happy to announce the partnership between Butler Rural Electric Cooperative and Cincinnati Bell’s altafiber will Tom Wolfenbarger continue. altafiber GENERAL MANAGER has informed the cooperative it will make the investment to extend fiber access to the remaining 2,800 cooperative members who are underserved. That’s terrific news for our members and the local community.

The expanded partnership will bring gigabit high-speed broadband fiber internet access to an additional 5,000 addresses in Butler, Preble, Hamilton, and Montgomery counties beginning in the first half of 2023. In addition to Butler Rural Electric Cooperative services, altafiber will build fiber to 2,200 addresses in these counties that are not served by Butler Rural Electric Cooperative.

We are thrilled to build on this innovative partnership and deliver access to reliable connectivity to all of our members. Additional information about the next phase of our partnership will be on our website, butlerrural.coop, and in Ohio Cooperative Living once it becomes available.

JULY 2022 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING 19

BUTLER RURAL ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE

Annual Meeting No distribution rate increase announced, members elect new board member, and the return of Family Day announced during annual meeting April 28 Over 600 members, guests, and employees attended our annual meeting at Millett Hall in April. All enjoyed a delicious buffet meal, learned about Butler Rural Electric Cooperative’s upcoming projects, received giveaways, and had a chance to win door prizes. Members also viewed the meeting through Facebook Live.

David Evans, secretary and treasurer of the board of trustees, gave a prayer at the beginning of the meeting.

Youth Tour delegates Lauren Bennett, Ellie Garland, Levi Grimm, and Nathaniel Schulte led the crowd in the Pledge of Allegiance.

contact with ballots or voting results before they are announced. Our attorney receives the election results once the election closes.

1,650 out of 10,379 members voted in this year’s election.

854 voted by mail and 811 voted through the election website or through SmartHub. Members chose Thomas L. McQuiston in District 3, Jay T. Hasbrook in District 4, and James O’Brien in District 9.

Members approved the 2021 annual meeting minutes and the 2023 nominating committee members. The 2023 nominating committee will choose candidates for next year’s board of trustees election.

Members approved the proposed code of regulations changes. The code of regulations is one of our governing documents and is important to our operations and functions. Changes cannot be made to the code without approval from members. The code changes state a person must not have been convicted of a felony, crime of theft, or moral turpitude within the previous 10 years to run for the board of trustees.

Election results Lee Geiger, Butler Rural Electric Cooperative’s attorney, announced the board of trustees election results. All cooperative elections are conducted by an independent third-party company. This year’s election was completed and certified by Survey and Ballot Systems. Using a third party maintains the integrity of our elections.

Cooperative employees and board members do not have

20 OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • JULY 2022

Annual meeting guests enjoyed entertainment by country music artist Ryan Broshear and his band. Broshear grew up on a farm in Oxford and is carving out a successful career by writing and singing country music.

BUTLER RURAL ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE

No distribution rate increase in 2022 In his report to members, board of trustees president Thomas L. McQuiston was happy to announce Butler Rural Electric Cooperative does not plan to have a distribution rate increase this year. The cooperative has not increased distribution rates since 2017. That’s five years of stability and value.

“Board members and employees work hard to provide the best value we can for the modern conveniences of electricity,” explained McQuiston. “Compared to price increases of common expenses like education, medical care, and groceries, electricity remains a good value.”

Investing in the future Employees in the cooperative’s accounting, engineering, and operations departments worked with Alpha Engineering, an Indianapolis-based engineering firm, to develop a new four-year construction work plan.

Engineering employees do an impressive job planning for future growth and the needs of our members.

“This planning ensures you receive stable, dependable electricity,” said McQuiston. The plan was approved by the board of trustees, who toured our electric system in September to review investments, look at developing areas, and see projects proposed in the new work plan.

The cooperative used the construction work plan to apply for a $13 million Rural Utilities Service, or RUS, loan. RUS is a Department of Agriculture agency that lends money and offers engineering and accounting assistance to electric and telephone cooperatives. RUS is the main source of our construction financing.

Family Day is back this year McQuiston announced the return of Family Day, our member appreciation event, which we have missed over the past two years because of the pandemic. Join us for free hotdogs, Flub’s ice cream, games, and crafts at our office Friday, July 15, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. “We look forward to visiting with members and their families as we show our appreciation at this popular event,” said McQuiston.

Cooperation among cooperatives Cooperatives work together to make a difference, especially when extra hands are needed to restore power quickly after severe weather events. “Five cooperative employees exemplified this principle and stepped up to aid other electric cooperatives following major winter storms in January and February,” said McQuiston. Our

lineworkers also gained valuable experience working to rebuild damaged equipment. Mutual aid does not affect Butler Rural Electric Cooperative’s rates. These costs are paid for by the cooperatives we assist.

Manager of Safety and Compliance Adam Osborn served as the safety supervisor for Ohio crews during mutual aid assistance at Rappahannock Electric Cooperative in Virginia in January. Lineworkers Seth Fricke, Noah Krall, Andrew Strait, and Levi Tipton provided mutual aid to South Central Power in Hillsboro and Lancaster Ohio in February. McQuiston thanked these employees for their hard work and dedication.

Continued on page 20B

Above, Custodian Riley Salyers (top) and Lineworker Noah Krall (bottom) hand out annual meeting giveaways, which were battery-powered LED lightbulbs.

JULY 2022 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING 20A

BUTLER RURAL ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE

ANNUAL MEETING Continued from page 20A

Improving communication during outages

Butler Rural Community Solar

During his report to members, General Manager Tom Wolfenbarger said the cooperative rolled out a new way for members to communicate with us regarding outages last year through two-way texting. “We see the use of two-way texting and outage reporting through SmartHub growing with members, but we continue to look for ways to improve communications, especially during large outages when phone lines become inundated and busy signals prevail,” said Wolfenbarger.

Later this summer, our generation and transmission cooperative, Buckeye Power, will bring on-line additional capacity for its solar generation project that began in 2017. This new expansion consists of an additional 2.6 megawatts of solar panels located in northwest Ohio.

Just like Butler Rural Community Solar, subscriptions to these panels will be available to Butler Rural Electric Cooperative members, along with members of other electric cooperatives across the state. Watch for announcements as this new renewable energy source becomes available. Subscriptions to the original capacity sold out quickly.

The cooperative has become a “beta” site, working with our national information systems cooperative, NISC, to develop a multichannel messaging system to assist with outage reporting, planned outage notifications, and callbacks following outages. “If you have something to tell us, we want to do everything we can to make sure you can do so,” Wolfenbarger said. Look for announcements regarding these new tools in future issues of Ohio Cooperative Living.

Preparing for electric vehicles “We continue to be excited about electric vehicles,” said Wolfenbarger. In 2021, we completed a cost-of-service study and developed rates to help electric vehicle users save money and help the cooperative control costs for all members. We are working to enhance our billing system to handle the data needed for this new load before rolling out electric vehicle rates to members later this year.

Special thank you Tom Wolfenbarger recognized and thanked our board of trustees president, Tom McQuiston. McQuiston recently finished a 14-year stint as the Ohio director for the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association. In that position, he provided leadership and guidance to the national cooperative program.

“Last year, Tom McQuiston indicated to the cooperative’s management and the board of trustees that he was not going to seek reelection as president of the board, feeling it was time to help someone else transition to the position,” said Wolfenbarger. “Yesterday, April 27, he presided over his last regular board meeting.” This culminates 34 years as our board president. In that time, Tom has been a steadying influence, leader, and guide,

DOOR PRIZE WINNERS YETI COOLER Patrick J. Corcoran KITCHENAID STAND MIXER Ken Estep

20B OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • JULY 2022

$100 BILL CREDITS David Anglin William Arnold Gareda Guecking Amy Janszen Katherine S. McNeil Curtis Parrett Scott Persinger Stephen W. Reece Reily Township Trustees Joseph Simpson Diana J. Slaven

FLORAL ARRANGEMENTS Gerald Bell Christopher Flowers Carol Moore William Sheard III Ed Tussey

BUTLER RURAL ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE

supporting the cooperative’s efforts to improve financial strength, safety, reliability, and community involvement, all while maintaining the focus on the members. The crowd joined Tom Wolfenbarger in thanking Tom McQuiston for all he has done for the cooperative, its employees, and its members.

Entertainment by Ryan Broshear Country music artist Ryan Broshear was this year’s entertainment. Chosen as an “artist to watch” by Billboard magazine, Ryan’s appealing country vocals make for an entertaining show from his first song to his last.

Ryan has toured in Texas, Chicago, New York City, and Florida and has shared the stage with some of country music’s greats — opening for Luke Bryan, Justin Moore, Chris Young, Lee Brice, Brantley Gilbert, Easton Corbin, Joe Nichols, Tracy Lawrence, Diamond Rio, Craig Morgan, David Allen Coe, Gretchen Wilson, Randy Travis, and Merle Haggard.

Thank you to the members and guests who attended the annual meeting this year! We appreciate your involvement in your cooperative.

Above, from top, General Manager Tom Wolfenbarger welcomes Chris Schoeny, senior account executive at altafiber (Cincinnati Bell), to speak about expanding fiber internet service to all members; Youth Tour and Youth Leadership Council delegate Levi Grimm meets with board of trustees president Tom McQuiston; Marketing and Key Accounts Manager Kara Hendrickson speaks with members about cooperative programs; Attorney Lee Geiger reports board of trustees election results to the crowd.

JULY 2022 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING 20C

BUTLER RURAL ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE

Preble County Junior Fair

EXHIBITOR

PICNIC

Sponsored by Butler Rural Electric Cooperative & Darke Rural Electric Cooperative

29 JULY FRIDAY 3 P.M. At the Rotary Junction next to Bruner Arena 20D OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • JULY 2022

FREE for all exhibitors & their families COOKIES•DRINKS

HOT DOGS

BUTLER RURAL ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE

schedule Friday, July 15 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Butler Rural Electric Cooperative’s office 3888 Stillwell Beckett Road Oxford, Ohio 45056 Hot Dogs, Popcorn, Snow Cones, and Flub’s Ice Cream 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Butler County Soil and Water Conservation District Educational Trailer 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Petting Zoo 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Electric Safety Demonstrations Every hour beginning at 11 a.m.

Watermelon Eating Contest 2 and 5 p.m.

Cool Critters Outreach 3:30 to 6 p.m.

Backpack Bonanza Raffle Winners announced every hour Winners will be contacted if not present Bicycle Raffle 6 p.m.

Winners will be contacted if not present

Pie Eating Contest 11 a.m., 12:30, 3, and 4 p.m.

Join us Friday, July 15, for Family Day, our annual member appreciation event! The event is FREE and open only to members of Butler Rural Electric Cooperative and their families. Enjoy this day as a thank you from us — the cooperative wouldn’t exist without you!

Funds from the backpack bonanza and bicycle raffles are donated to Butler Rural Community Connection. If you would like to purchase tickets for the raffles, cash is required. Family Day features a petting zoo and exotic critters. We want to keep all of these animals comfortable, so pets are not allowed.

JULY 2022 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING 20E

BUTLER RURAL ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE

K C U R -T -A H C U O T Y R A T MARSHALL ELEMEN Butler Rural Electric Cooperative lineworkers Jeremy Hill and Noah Krall taught local elementary students about Butler Rural Electric Cooperative and lineworker careers at Marshall Elementary School in May during its Touch-a-Truck Career Exploration event.

vehicles and let kids get behind the wheel, honk the horns, take pictures, and meet the people who operate the trucks. Students learned more about different types of careers such as lineworkers, tow truck drivers, and emergency management employees.

During the event, local public works departments, organizations, and community truck owners set up their

Above, lineworker Noah Krall speaks with students about being a lineworker.

winners

BILL CREDIT 20F OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • JULY 2022

Did you attend our annual meeting in April? If so, you could be the winner of a $50 bill credit! All attendees who did not win bill credits at the meeting are eligible to win. Congratulations to the May winners!

Bartels Farm • Charlie L. Tucker • Don Nowlin Harrison Township Trustees • Lonnie Phipps

BUTLER RURAL ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE

results

BOARD OFFICER ELECTION

Butler Rural Electric Cooperative is governed by a nineperson board of trustees. Board members are members just like you — they receive electricity from Butler Rural Electric Cooperative. They’re your neighbors, co-workers, and people you may recognize from the community. You have a say in who’s on the board and can vote for board members each spring.

Board members meet each month to set policies and rates. During the meetings, board members meet with the co-op’s attorney, general manager, and management staff to review every aspect of the cooperative. Board members work together to make important decisions that impact the operations of the co-op. They represent all members, not only the members in the districts they live in.

During their meeting in May, board members voted for officers. These officers are elected annually. Tom McQuiston did not seek reelection as president of the board after serving as president for 34 years.

Board members elected David Evans as the president of the board of trustees. He lives in Oxford Township in Butler County and has been a board member for 17 years.

David is the owner of Art Evans and Sons Painting and is a member of the Brookville Road Baptist Church.

Robert Hoelle was chosen as vice president. He

lives in Wayne Township in Butler County and has been a board member for 22 years. Robert is a retired farmer and is a member of the Butler County Farm Bureau.

Jim Meador was elected as the secretary and

treasurer of the board of trustees. He lives in Milford Township in Butler County and has been a board member for 17 years. Jim retired from Miami University and has been a member of the Milford Township Fire Department for over 40 years.

Each officer earned the Credentialed Cooperative Director, Board Leadership, and Director Gold certification through NRECA. They earned these certifications after completing training courses to understand the knowledge needed to govern Butler Rural Electric Cooperative. These courses address governance, finances, strategic planning, and current and emerging issues. Board members receive continued education on these topics by attending meetings and training programs.

David Evans

Robert Hoelle

Jim Meador

PRESIDENT

VICE PRESIDENT

SECRETARY AND TREASURER

JULY 2022 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING 20G

BUTLER RURAL ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE

Butler Rural Electric Cooperative and Mean Green Mowers award Dr. Gene Willeke Institute for the Environment and Sustainability Scholarship Butler Rural Electric Cooperative has a long-standing relationship with Miami University’s Institute for the Environment and Sustainability (IES) graduate program.

This relationship helps the cooperative stay informed on environmental issues.

The IES educates students through programs in environmental science and sustainability and provides leadership in areas of research and outreach that address environmental problems and promote a more sustainable society. The IES has completed several projects for the cooperative in the past that focused on dual fuel, geothermal, and solar energy.

The relationship between the cooperative and the IES began thanks to Dr. Gene Willeke, former director of Miami University’s Institute of Environmental Sciences, which is now the IES. He served as the institute’s director from 1977 to 2004 and retired in 2005. Gene received the Benjamin Harrison Medal from Miami University, which is one of the most significant recognitions the

university offers to faculty for contributions attesting to qualities of teaching, research, and service. Gene passed away Jan. 31, 2016.

Butler Rural Electric Cooperative awards $3,000 in scholarships to students in the IES program each year.

In 2016, the cooperative named the IES scholarship the Dr. Gene Willeke Institute for the Environment and Sustainability Scholarship to honor Gene and his commitment to the school and the cooperative.

2022 IES scholarship recipient Ife Michael Ogunmakinwa is this year’s recipient of the Dr. Gene Willeke Institute for the Environment and Sustainability Scholarship from Butler Rural Electric Cooperative. Ife is a first-year graduate student in Miami’s IES program. He received his bachelor’s degree in physics and electronics from the Federal University of Technology in Nigeria. Since then, Ife has gained over 10 years of professional experience in renewable energy.

Above, left, 2022 Dr. Gene Willeke Institute for Environment and Sustainability Scholarship recipient Ife Michael Ogunmakinwa; right, from left, Tom Wolfenbarger presenting a $1,000 check to Joe Conrad, one of six winners of the 2021 Who Powers You Ohio contest. Joe and his family donated the award, plus an additional $500, to the 2022 IES scholarship.

20H OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • JULY 2022

BUTLER RURAL ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE

Ife began his professional career with Techville Nigeria Limited as a trainee project officer and was promoted to project supervisor, where he oversaw multiple projects from design to implementation. Before moving to the United States, he worked with the Center for Renewable Energy at the Federal University of Technology, where he was a senior project executive. He has supervised and managed over 50 solar energy projects in both rural and urban Nigeria.

Ife is committed to the growth of renewable energy.

His interests encompass a broad range of renewable energy topics such as energy economics, carbon trading, energy policy, sustainable development, climate change adaptation and mitigation, and technological innovation. He recently accepted an internship position with a startup solar engineering company in Columbus, Ohio, where he will help create awareness of and implement solar energy systems for domestic and commercial purposes.

Once he receives his master’s degree from Miami

University, Ife intends to return to Nigeria to help the country’s emerging solar markets and to contribute efforts to environmental sustainability and climate change mitigation.

Mean Green Mowers invests in the future of renewable energy education Joe Conrad, a Butler Rural Electric Cooperative member from Morgan Township, received $1,000 as one of six recipients in the Who Powers You Ohio contest. The contest celebrated Ohio electric cooperative members making a positive impact in their community.

Joe and his wife, Chris, and their children, Matt, Jessica, and Katie, created Mean Green Mowers, which manufactures electric lawn equipment in Ross that is shipped nationally. Joe’s commitment to a clean environment led him to donate the $1,000 award, plus an additional $500, to the IES scholarship. Because of this generous donation, Ife Michael Ogunmakinwa will receive a $4,500 scholarship to help continue his graduate education and his commitment to renewable energy.

VISIT WITH US DURING THE BUTLER COUNTY FAIR! Stop by the cooperative’s tent during the Butler County Fair July 24 through 29 for giveaways and to visit with cooperative employees!

Happy Independence Day! Butler Rural Electric Cooperative’s office is closed Monday, July 4, for Independence Day. Have a safe and happy holiday!

JULY 2022 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING 21

BUTLER RURAL ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE

SAVE TIME AND MONEY WITH PAPERLESS BILLING & AUTO PAY 1. Logwith in to SmartHub. For the last BILLING several years, members have experienced issues PAPERLESS the timely delivery of monthly bills and payments. Paperless

WIN $50

2. Click on “Billing & Payments” then “Auto Pay Program.”

Avoid the clutter of paper bills and eliminate printing billing and Auto Pay avoid the stress of waiting on the mail and and mailing costs! Follow these steps to sign up: 3. On the right side of the page, select “Sign Up For Auto submitting a payment on time — they happen automatically Pay”each then “Bank Account.”

1. Log into SmartHub. month.

4. Follow the instructions and continue paying your bill 2. Click on “My Profile” then “My Information.” until your statement reads “Automatic Payment – DO 3. Select “Update My Paperless Settings.”

Paperless Billing NOT PAY!”

Two $50 bill credit drawings each WIN $50! costs. In 2020, members enrolled in paperless billing saved the We’re giving away $50month bill credits to members enrolled

Paperless billing avoids theonhassle of paper 4. Move the “Paperless” status the right side bills and helps the ofcooperative the page to save ON. money by eliminating printing and mailing

cooperative $29,874! With paperless billing, your bill isindelivered these programs each Members AUTO PAY Asmonth! a thank you forenrolled in both to your email inbox on the day it’s calculated.

programs will have two chances to win each month.

Avoid the stress of missing a payment or having a late participating, each month fee. To With Auto Pay, your payment will be taken out of your sign up for paperless billing, log in to your SmartHub account Michael Allen from Ross Township won the we $50will through December account theon due date.

Followand these steps toMy enroll: and on click “My Profile” “Update Paperless Settings. ” billing bill credit and Cathy Lodder from Oxford paperless

give away one $50 bill credit won the $50to bank draft bill credit inin May. Then, toggle the “Paperless” setting to ON on the right Township side of the members enrolled page. paperless billing and one $50 bill credit to members Auto Pay with Bank Account enrolled in Auto Pay with Auto Pay with Bank Account avoids the stress of BOARD missingOFa TRUSTEES Tom Wolfenbarger Bank Account.

Members GENERAL MANAGER David Evans a payment or having a late charge. You will continue to receive enrolled in both programs PRESIDENT bill so you can review all charges and information. Since your will have Jade twoGuthrie chances to win COMMUNICATIONS REPRESENTATIVE Robert Hoelle payment is deducted from your checking or savings account, you each month.

VICE PRESIDENT will never have to remember to update a new card number or Winners SMARTHUB will be notified Jim Meador CONTACT Access your electric use, pay your SECRETARY TREASURER expiration date. The payment is automatically taken out of&your and announced in Ohio 513-867-4400 bill, and report outages through account on the due date stated on the bill each month.

You can Lee P. Geiger butlerrural.coop Cooperative Living magazine. our free SmartHub app.

ATTORNEY terminate at any time with 10-days advance notice.

OFFICE

Jay T. Hasbrook To signBeckett up for Auto 3888 Stillwell Road Pay with Bank Account, log in to SmartHub Kolb and click on “Billing & Payments” and “Auto PayRonald Program. ” On Oxford, Ohio 45056 Thomas L. McQuiston the right side of the page, select “Sign Up For Auto Pay” and James O’Brienthen OFFICE HOURS “Bank Account.” Follow the instructions and continue Robertpaying Spaeth Monday through Friday Mike Tilton your bill until your statement reads “Automatic Payment – DO 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

TRUSTEES

NOT PAY!”

If you do not use the internet, contact our office by calling 513867-4400 for an enrollment form.

22 OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • JULY 2022

BUTLER RURAL ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE

To access SmartHub, BUTLER RURALor visit butlerrural.coop download the free app.

BUTLER RURAL ELECTRIC

Cold and creamy

Since July is National Ice Cream Month, we highlight some of Ohio’s longtime producers of the sweet stuff.

BY VICKI REINHART JOHNSON

t’s

no surprise that Ohio ranks in the top 10 of ice cream-producing states. Its rural heritage provides a steady supply of the main ingredient — and several families through history began traditions that remain in place today. There are countless ice cream shops in large and small towns throughout Ohio — enough that Ohio now has its own ice cream trail (www.ohio.org/home/seasons/summer/ohio-ice-cream-trail).

Here are seven of Ohio’s first families of frozen fun.

JULY 2022 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING 23

Velvet Ice Cream Utica, 1914

Immigrant Joseph Dager arrived in Ohio in 1903 and began making ice cream in Utica in 1914. Within two years, he was producing 200 gallons of ice cream every month, and the creamy, velvety texture inspired the name Velvet Ice Cream.

In 1960, an old grist mill became the company’s permanent home. Ye Olde Mill houses a turn-of-thecentury ice cream parlor that opened in 1970 and welcomes 150,000 guests each year.

Today, 108 years later and in its fourth generation of family ownership, Velvet produces a variety of flavors such as Buckeye Classic, Cookie Dough Extreme, and Raspberry Fudge Cordial.

Ye Old Mill 11324 Mount Vernon Road, Utica, OH 43080 800-589-5000; www.velveticecream.com

Dietsch Brothers Findlay, 1937

Dietsch Brothers was started as a candy company in the late 1920s by Edward Dietsch, and after his passing, it was reopened in 1937 by his younger brothers, Chris and Don Dietsch, who bought a bakery and changed its products to chocolates and ice cream using Ed’s recipes.

In 1956, the business expanded and moved across the street in downtown Findlay. In its 85 years, the family has developed a wide variety of ice creams, sherbets, and seasonal flavors in addition to its chocolates in two Findlay locations:

Dietsch Brothers Main Store: 400 West Main Cross St. Findlay, OH 45840 419-422-4474 / 419-422-4486 East Store: 1217 Tiffin Ave. Findlay, OH 45840 419-423-3221 www.dietschs.com

Young’s Jersey Dairy Yellow Springs, 1960

Young’s Dairy started in the mid-1940s when Hap Young bought land that had been the family farm since 1869. In 1958, the family started to sell milk directly to the public, and by 1960, they had opened a dairy store and started to sell ice cream as well.

Since then, Young’s has expanded into a farm-themed family fun center featuring restaurants, a bakery, cheese, Udders & Putters miniature golf, a driving range, and batting cages as well as farm-education tours for 1.2 million people each year.

Ice cream — as well as gelato and sorbetto — continues to be an attraction with flavors such as Caramel Chocolate Toffee, Farm Sunrise, and White Chocolate Raspberry Swirl.

Young’s Jersey Dairy 6880 Springfield-Xenia Road Yellow Springs, OH 45387 937-325-0629; www.youngsdairy.com 24 OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • JULY 2022

Handel’s

Youngstown, 1945

Graeter’s

Cincinnati, 1922

Graeter’s started in Cincinnati in 1870 when Louis Charles Graeter began selling his homemade ice cream on the street from two carts. In 1900, he and his new wife, Regina, opened a store. After her husband died in 1920, Regina and her sons continued the business, opening the Hyde Park location in 1922 and then expanding.

Today, 100 years since the Hyde Park location opened, Graeter’s can be found at more than 15 Cincinnati locations as well as many locations in Columbus, Cleveland, Dayton, Oxford, Kentucky, Indianapolis, and Chicago.

Graeter’s Hyde Park

(the original) 2704 Erie Ave. Cincinnati, OH 45208 513-321-6221 | hydepark@graeters.com www.graeters.com

Aglamesis Brothers Cincinnati, 1908

Greek immigrants Thomas and Nicholas Aglamesis arrived in Cincinnati in the late 1800s and in 1908 opened their first ice cream parlor in Norwood, east of Cincinnati, where they made ice cream to be delivered to fashionable homes.

In 1913, the brothers opened a second location in Oakley, adding an ice cream-making plant nine years later. The company became known as Aglamesis Brothers, and it has been continued by the family, retaining Old World methods.

Today, 114 years since it started, the business provides a variety of ice cream and Italian ice flavors as well as seasonal flavors and chocolates from two locations:

In the summer of 1945, Alice Handel began making ice cream using fresh fruit from her backyard and her personal recipes. As the homemade treat became popular locally, the company expanded, selling franchises and adding vegan recipes, sorbets, sherbets, and ices as well as fat-free and sugar-free variations.

Seventy-seven years later, the company has 18 Ohio locations, mainly in the northeast, Columbus, and Toledo areas, as well as locations in 10 other states.

Handel’s South Side 3931 Handel’s Court Youngstown, OH 44512 330-788-0356 www.handelsicecream.com

Toft’s

Sandusky, 1940

It’s been 82 years since the ice cream tradition began, but Toft’s Dairy began in the early 1900s when Chris and Matilda Toft began selling raw milk in Sandusky by horse-drawn wagon. As the dairy grew, it moved to increasingly larger facilities and started to offer ice cream products in 1940.

In 1985, the Toft family built its production facility and ice cream parlor, which showcases 70 flavors of ice cream and frozen yogurts such as those named for regional icons — Lake Erie Cookie Island Monster, Muddy’s Sea Salt Slam, and Cedar Point Cotton Candy.

It has three locations, including one at Cedar Point.

Toft’s 3717 Venice Road Sandusky, OH 44870 419-625-4376 Knoll Crest Shopping Center 4016 E. Harbor Road Port Clinton, OH 43452 419-732-8857 www.toftdairy.com

Aglamesis Brothers Oakley Square: 3046 Madison Road Cincinnati, OH 45209 513-531-5196 Montgomery Square Shopping Center: 9899 Montgomery Road Cincinnati, OH 45242 513-791-7082 www.aglamesis.com JULY 2022 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING

25

Future farm Mezzacello urban agriculture project grows more than food.

BY PATTY YODER; PHOTOS COURTESY OF MEZZACELLO

A

stroll through this Ohio farm leads you past a lovely formal garden, a koi pond, and two fountains before you reach the medicinal, culinary, and potager gardens. A bit later, your tour also takes you by robotic systems and a bioreactor — a high-tech composting tower built for Project Martian, a creative exploration for growing zero-dirt food on Mars.

This is not your typical farm.

“We’ve combined 18th-century farming traditions with 21st-century technology,” says Jim Bruner, co-owner of the urban farm near downtown Columbus. “Our mission here is to grow, maintain, sustain, and explain.”

26 OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • JULY 2022

Ten years ago, the property was an abandoned 1868 Italianate house and two adjacent overgrown lots. After much planning, digging, and planting, Mezzacello now produces high-quality, nutritious food and serves as a learning lab where Bruner and local students test ideas. The name Mezzacello (“little Monticello”) pays homage to another lifelong innovator: Thomas Jefferson, and his agricultural experiments at his iconic Virginia estate.

In the summer, students attend weeklong camps at Mezzacello to learn about biotechnology, bioengineering, biochemistry, and renewable energy. For many campers, it’s the first time they connect the dots between growing and eating healthy food.

“A lot of kids think eating is the same thing as nutrition,” Bruner says.

“At camp, they start to understand the idea of ‘garbage in, garbage out,’ which is true for what they eat and how they feel as well as what they feed other living things.”

Health is one of the reasons Bruner, who is originally from California, became an urban farmer. He’s also naturally drawn to anything involving innovation, systems, and design thinking. By day, he works at the PAST Foundation, a nonprofit that helps bring realworld science and applied STEM into the classroom. He’s also former president, executive director, and board chair of Ohio Invention Convention and an enthusiastic cheerleader for ideas — from his latest experiment at Mezzacello to a student inventor’s biodegradable golf tee or insulin plunger.

While Bruner and his husband, Rick Riley, cover most of the farm’s expenses, the Ohio Farm Bureau, Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation, and the Columbus Foundation help fund their projects.

Hamid Ahmed's biodome project occupies a small space at Mezzacello (above); while the bioreactor, a high-tech composting system (below) could one day lead to food production on Mars.

Currently, Bruner and Hamid Ahmed, a Mezzacello intern, are building a biodome prototype. Ahmed is exploring ways to end global hunger as part of his Medical Pathways project at Metro Early College High School.

“It hurts to know that so many families do not have enough food,” Ahmed says. “The biodome is so people don’t have to depend on an outside source to survive.”

When finished, the structure will contain complex systems for growing hydroponic gardens and raising chickens. If their biodome proves cost-effective, sturdy, and easy to use, it could feed people worldwide.

Building and problem-solving are fun challenges for a bright high school student, but Ahmed is also developing a critical new skill: perseverance. Setbacks are part of any massive undertaking, and a great mentor can make a world of difference.

“It does get frustrating, believe me. I am not the most patient guy, but Jim is one of the best teachers I’ve ever had. He’s helped me understand that I have to be patient,” Ahmed says. “I have a goal that I want to get to, and I know that if I keep pushing through, the right angle will come to me — and it will be worth it.”

JULY 2022 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING

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From sweet corn to the summer moon, Ohio’s festivals offer

Something for everyone

BY MARGIE WUEBKER

N

othing says summertime more than festivals, and Ohioans are more than ready this year to pack up the wagon and picnic blankets and hit the town for a day of food, fun, and music — all in the name of community spirit and a good time. Here’s a small taste of what’s coming up this season.

30

OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • JULY 2022

Kalida Pioneer Days Kalida Pioneer Days (Sept. 8–11) holds the distinction of being the oldest Ohio festival, dating back 150 years to the first meeting of the Putnam County Pioneer Association, now known as the Putnam County Historical Society. The event, now co-sponsored by the Kalida Lions Club and the Kalida Firemen’s Association, has become a homecoming of sorts, drawing folks by the thousands.

cakes, most folks top off their visit with one (or sometimes two) “social” burgers grilled to perfection by members of the local Holy Name Society. The group has flipped more than half a million to date.

www.pioneerdays.com

Committee members don’t worry about the weekend weather, according to festival organizers. They merely entrust those concerns to the esteemed weather committee, composed of former members who have passed away over the years.

Assorted music groups play throughout the weekend around the town square. In addition to an antique tractor and truck show, vehicles from a four-state area are expected for the car show. Sunday’s 300-unit parade boasts a queen and her court, marching bands, equestrian units, and floats. Visitors also have an opportunity to tour the local museum, meander through the craft show, or enter their homemade wings in the Kalida Wing Challenge, with cash prizes and bragging rights on the line.

In addition to concession stands, carnival games, and festival rides, visitors this year can see the 150th commemorative marker being installed by the Ohio History Connection. Although the festival menu ranges from cotton candy and caramel apples to french fries and funnel

JULY 2022 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING 31

Celina Lake Festival Visit Celina in late July, and you’ll see distinctive-looking cars driving along city streets before splashing into the waters of Grand Lake St. Marys.

This marks the 23rd year that members of the International Amphicar Owners Association have brought their unique part-car, part-boat vehicles to the festivities — this year slated July 22–24. One driver will even have the distinction of taking the newly crowned Miss Lake Festival 2022 on a ceremonial splash-in, much to the delight of onlookers.

Other highlights of the festival include caption goes here live music, a mammoth Friday fireworks display, amusement rides, plenty of food vendors, a Huey helicopter display, sidewalk sales, a large car show, and the 150-unit grand parade, including the familiar fish float dubbed Big Bob. Celina native Mindy Cook, a member of Team USA at the Tokyo Paralympic Games, is grand marshal in keeping with the “Olympics” parade theme.

www.celinalakefest.com

Sauerkraut Festival What began in 1970 as a simple sidewalk sale with an accompanying sauerkraut supper in Waynesville has grown into a two-day festival complete with some 450 craft booths and more than 30 food stands. This year’s Waynesville Sauerkraut Festival will be Oct. 8–9 along the community’s historic 1-mile Main Street and several adjacent side streets.

Organizers expect to go through nearly 6 tons of sauerkraut at this year’s event — a far cry from the 528 pounds served in 1970. The menu includes everything from sauerkraut pizza and fudge to sauerkraut cookies and cabbage rolls.

Sauerkraut ice cream is the pièce de resistance for many. Of course, there are plenty of noncabbage options available as well, and all food booths are operated by nonprofit organizations from the community.

Entertainment takes place at the main stage with musical groups performing morning to night both days. The Sunday schedule begins with a church service. The fest also features German folk dancing and a contest for the best homemade sauerkraut.

32

OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • JULY 2022

Officials suggest visitors park at the local high school and then ride the free shuttle three blocks to the festival site, as large crowds are expected.

www.sauerkrautfestival.com

Summer Moon Festival Thousands of people flock to Wapakoneta each July to commemorate Neil Armstrong’s first steps on the moon. This year’s event is July 12–17.

With rocket launch workshops, lunar rover demonstrations, wiener dog races, live music, bed races, zip line attractions, canoe races, and carnival games, events are held at several locations — the Armstrong Air and Space Museum and throughout a three-block area of the historic downtown. The Wapakoneta High School Performing Arts Center hosts the Miss Summer Moon Festival Scholarship Pageant and a visit from the Lima Area Concert Band. At least 20 food trucks will be on-site providing numerous options for hungry festival-goers.

Special guests coming for the event include three NASA astronauts as well as the four Navy frogmen who responded when the Apollo 11 space capsule carrying Armstrong and two other astronauts splashed down in the Pacific Ocean more than 50 years ago.

Vintage cars and tractors are expected for a pair of shows, while the popular Moon Market features 80 vendors. Feet hit the pavement during the Run to the Moon 5K and 1-mile fun run.

www.summermoonfestival.com

Sweet Corn Festival The Fairfield County community of Millersport has made a tradition of celebrating corn — this year marks the 75th (diamond) anniversary of the Millersport Sweet Corn Festival, which takes place Aug. 31–Sept. 3 at Historic Lions Park.

Once, it took a pickup truckload of corn to satisfy festivalgoers, with volunteers shucking the ears by hand and cooking them in a butchering kettle donated by Doris Wyckoff, parade grand marshal that year. Nowadays, with visitors consuming more than 100,000 ears of hot, buttered sweet corn, shucking is mechanized, and cooking is done in huge gas-fired troughs.

The weekend schedule offers “ear-resistable” fun for all ages, including country music with Nashville performers, tractor pulls for adults and kids, square dancing, a 5K run, clogging, crafts, a corn toss, a hula hoop contest, and a 150-unit parade with the newly crowned queen and her counterparts from the past. Visitors can also tour Heritage Village.

More than two dozen amusement rides line the large midway, and lots of other food is available to supplement the plentiful sweet corn.

www.sweetcornfest.com

JULY 2022 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING 33

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2022 CALENDAR

JULY/AUGUST

NORTHEAST

THROUGH JUL. 24 – “Celebrate Steubenville: 225 Years,” Historic Fort Steuben, 120 S. 3rd St., Steubenville.

Free exhibit and programs on the development of one of the oldest cities in the state, from frontier fort to industrial powerhouse to 21st-century changes and adaptations.

740-283-1787 or www.oldfortsteuben.com.

THROUGH JUL. 28 – Fort Steuben Summer Concert Series, Berkman Amphitheater, Fort Steuben Park, 120 S. 3rd St., Steubenville, 7 p.m. Bring a blanket and picnic basket and enjoy a free concert at this site overlooking the Ohio River. 740-283-1787 or www.oldfortsteuben.com.

THROUGH JUL. 31 – The Ohio Light Opera, College of Wooster, Freedlander Theatre, 329 E. University St., Wooster, 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Shows include Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella, Hello, Dolly!, The Student Prince, and The Pirates of Penzance, to name a few. 330263-2090 or www.ohiolightopera.org.

JUL. 9 – Hobo Day: Model Trains Flea Market, Painesville Railroad Museum, 475 Railroad St., Painesville, 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Costume contest. Food and beverages available for small donation: hamburgers and hot dogs (12–4 p.m.); hobo beans and corn roast. 216-470-5780 or www.painesvillerailroadmuseum.org.

JUL. 16 – Christmas in July, Lehman’s, 4779 Kidron Rd., Dalton, 10 a.m.–3 p.m. Holiday traditions with a summer twist. 800-438-5346 or www.lehmans.com/events.

JUL. 16–17 – Revolution on the Tuscarawas, Fort Laurens, 11067 Fort Laurens Rd., Bolivar, Sat. 10 a.m.–5 p.m., Sun. 10 a.m.–4 p.m. $10, under 13 free. Annual Revolutionary War reenactment, with 18th-century demonstrations in music, artillery, cooking, medicine, and more. www.fortlaurensmuseum.org/events.html.

JUL. 17 – Any Road: “Fresh Takes and the Art of Arrangement,” Wadsworth Public Library, 132 Broad St., Wadsworth, 2–3 p.m. Free. Kent-based ensemble Any Road will demonstrate what differing instrumentation and structural tweaks can do to bring a new “spin” to songs by other artists. 419-853-6016 or www.ormaco.org.

JUL. 21–23 – Northeast Ohio Quilt Show, Wayne County Fair Event Ctr., 199 Vanover St., Wooster, Thur./ Fri. 9 a.m.–6 p.m., Sat. 9 a.m.–4 p.m. Free parking and free admission. Over 40 vendors; antique quilt exhibit.

724-540-5076 or www.theneohioquiltshow.com.

JUL. 23 – AMA Vintage Motorcycle Race, Ashland Co. Fgds., 2042 Claremont Ave., Ashland, practice 4 p.m., race 6 p.m. $20 grandstand, $25 box seat. www. ashleycountyfair.com.

JUL. 23 – Christmas in July Sidewalk Sale, downtown Wooster, all day. Get your photo taken with Santa, pet the reindeer, and snag some amazing deals. Start the day at the Farmers’ Market on the square, 8 a.m.–noon. 330262-6222 or www.mainstreetwooster.org.

JUL. 23–24 – Our Little World Alpacas Open House, 16800 Cowley Rd., Grafton, 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Free. See our newest crias (babies). Learn about alpaca care and about processing the fiber. Locally hand-knitted products. 440724-7070 or www.ourlittleworldalpacas.com.

JUL. 29 – Music at the Arboretum: The Ohio Trombone Consortium, John Streeter Garden Amphitheater, 2122 Williams Rd., Wooster, 6:30 p.m.

Free. Historical and modern works written and arranged for trombone. Rain locations is Fisher Auditorium, 1680 Madison Ave. 419-853-6016 or www.ormaco.org.

JUL. 30–31 – Antiques and Artisan Show, Historic Zoar Village, Sat. 10 a.m.–5 p.m., Sun. 10 a.m.–4 p.m. $10, under 13 free. More than 60 dealers of high-quality country antiques; Artisan Showcase features highly skilled, juried artisans. https://historiczoarvillage.com.

AUG. 1–7 – Columbiana County Fair, 225 Lee Ave., Lisbon. 330-424-5531 or www.columbianacountyfair.org.

AUG. 1–7 – Medina County Fair, 720 W. Smith Rd., Medina, Mon.–Sat. 8 a.m.–11 p.m., Sun. 8 a.m.–8 p.m. $3–$7, under 2 free. 330-723-9633 or www. medinaohiofair.com.

AUG. 5 – First Fridays on Fourth, 155 N. 4th St., Steubenville, 6–10 p.m. Free. Monthly themed celebration featuring art, crafts, games, food trucks, live entertainment, and activities to stimulate the imagination. www.theharmoniumproject.org/first-Fridays.

AUG. 5–6 – Ohio Mennonite Relief Sale and Auction, Wayne Co. Fgds., 199 Vanover St., Wooster. Preview auction items at www.ohiomccreliefsale.org. For questions, call 330-464-8867.

AUG. 5–7 – Twins Day Festival, 9825 Ravenna Rd., Twinsburg. The world’s largest annual gathering of twins and multiples. You don’t have to be a twin to attend! 330425-3652 or www.twinsdays.org.

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AUG. 6 – Flea Market, Ashland Co. Fgds., Mozelle Hall, Ashland, 9 a.m.–3 p.m. Free to public. $2/foot for vendor space. www.ashleycountyfair.com.

AUG. 6 – Jazz Under the Stars: Akin for Jazz, Uptown Park, Medina, 7 p.m. Free. Back by popular demand, the ensemble will perform tunes from the American Songbook. Bring your lawn chairs, picnics, and blankets.

In the event of rain, the concert will move to the United Church of Christ, 217 E. Liberty St. 419-853-6016 or www. ormaco.org.

AUG. 6–7 – Ohio Valley Frontier Days, Historic Fort Steuben, 120 S. 3rd St., Steubenville. $6, C. (6–12) $3, under 6 free. Annual festival featuring soldier, settler, surveyor, and Native American reenactors, re-creating life on the Ohio frontier with the Brigade of the American Revolution; crafts, games, food, and entertainment. 740283-1787 or www.oldfortsteuben.com.

AUG. 6–7 – Annual Historic Tour, 342 Union St., Mt. Pleasant. $15; ages 14 and under admitted free if accompanied by an adult. Visit the National Historic Landmark to see eight historic buildings dating from the early 1800s. Demonstrators, food, entertainment, and more. 800-752-2631 or https://mtp1803.org.

AUG. 7 – Erin Nicole Neal: “Traditional and Contemporary Gospel Music,” Wadsworth Public Library Courtyard, 132 Broad St., Wadsworth, 2–3 p.m.

Free. Erin will discuss the history of gospel music, its development, its influence on culture, and its importance in the civil rights movement of the ’50s and ’60s and other movements. 419-853-6016 or www.ormaco.org.

AUG. 11–13 – Lincoln Highway “Buy-Way” Yard Sales, locations along U.S. 30 including through Richland, Ashland, Wayne, Stark, and Columbiana counties.

Attention, all pickers and shoppers! Find yard sales all along the Lincoln Highway; don’t miss the mega-sale at Wayne County Fairgrounds. Maps and information available at www.historicbyway.com.

AUG. 12 – Rockin’ the Revolution, Fort Laurens, Bolivar, 6:30 p.m. $5. Come hear local bands rockin’ out to raise funds for schoolchildren to visit the fort free of charge. On stage will be Jersey, a Springsteen tribute band. Food trucks and craft beer will be available. www. fortlaurensmuseum.org/events.html.

AUG. 14 – Barbershop Quartet: Pitch Blend, HeARTland, 8187 Camp Rd., Homerville, 2 p.m. Free. The quartet sings traditional, doo-wop, and more modern arrangements of popular tunes. In the event of rain, the concert will be held at the Homerville United Methodist Church, 8964 Spencer Rd. 419-853-6016 or www.ormaco.org.

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.

JULY 2022 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING

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2022

JULY/AUGUST

CALENDAR

about the invention process. 614-470-0144 or www. inventorscolumbus.com.

JUL. 14–17 – Miami Valley Steam Threshers Association Annual Reunion, Pastime Park, Plain City.

Thursday is Family Night; Friday night, grand parade at 6 p.m. and garden tractor pulls; Saturday night, truck and tractor pulls. All equipment will be in operation throughout the show. www.mvsteam.com.

JUL. 17 – 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. Hourly prizes, special guests. 330-462-3985, jeff@ THROUGH AUG. 14 – CAPA Summer Movie Series, harpercomics.com, or www.harpercomics.com.

Ohio Theatre, 55 E. State St., Columbus, Wed.–Sun. 7:30 JUL. 17 – Concert: Columbus Symphony Orchestra, p.m., Sun. matinee 2 p.m. $6. America’s longest-running Faith Memorial Church, 2610 W. Fair Ave., Lancaster, 7 classic film series. 614-469-0939 or www.capa.com. p.m. $10–$25, free for age 2 or under. 614-469-0939 or THROUGH SEP. 24 – Sunbury Farmers Market, 9 E. at www.cbusarts.org.

Granville St., Sunbury Square, Sunbury, Sat. 9 a.m.–noon. JUL. 21–30 – Lancaster Festival, locations 740-513-9192. around Lancaster. Headliners include Rick THROUGH OCT. 29 – Coshocton Farmers Market, Springfield and Lady A. 740-687-4808 or visit www.

300 block of Main Street, Coshocton, Sat. 8:30 a.m.–12 lancasterfestival.org. p.m. Fresh local-grown produce; artisans with handmade JUL. 27–30 – Musicians Against Childhood Cancer, crafts. www.facebook.com/coshoctonfarmersmarket.

Cardinal Ctr. Campground, 616 St. Rte. 61, Marengo.

THROUGH OCT. 29 – Delaware Farmers Market, 20 $40–$120, half-price for ages 11–15, free for ages Winter St., Delaware, Sat. 9–12 p.m. 740-362-6050 or 10 and under. Music festival benefiting St. Jude www.mainstreetdelaware.com/event/farmers-market.

Children’s Research Hospital. 740-548-4199 or www. musiciansagainstchildhoodcancer.com.

THROUGH OCT. 29 – Zanesville Farmers Market, Adornetto’s, 2224 Maple Ave., Zanesville, Sat. 9 a.m.– JUL. 27–AUG. 7 – Ohio State Fair, Ohio State Fgds., noon. Starting in June through August, the market is also 717 E. 17th Ave., Columbus. $8–$10, under 5 free. Free open Wed. 4–7 p.m. www.zanesvillefarmersmarket.org. parking. See website for hours and more information.

THROUGH OCT. 30 – Rock Mill Days, Stebelton Park at 888-646-3976 or www.ohiostatefair.com.

Rock Mill, 1429 Rockmill Place NW, Lancaster, Wed./Sat. JUL. 28–30 – Goodtime Quilters Guild Annual Quilt 10 a.m.–2 p.m., Sun. 1–4 p.m. Free. Weather permitting.

Show, Ohio Christian University, 1476 Lancaster Pike, 740-681-7249 or www.fairfieldcountyparks.org.

Circleville, Thur./Fri. 9 a.m.–5 p.m., Sat. 9 a.m.–4 p.m. $6 daily, or 3-day admission $10. 150+ quilt display, raffle JUL. 8–17 – Pickerington Community Theatre: Guys and Dolls, The Wigwam Theater, 10190 Blacklick-Eastern quilt. 740-332-6344 or www.goodtimequilters.org.

Rd., Pickerington. For information and online ticket sales, JUL. 29–30 – Canal Winchester Blues and Ribfest, call 614-508-0036 or visit www.pctshows.com. downtown Canal Winchester. Free. Live blues, worldclass ribs and other food options, children’s activities, JUL. 12, AUG. 9 – Inventors Network Meeting, dining areas, and a beer and wine garden. Families are virtual, 7 p.m. Educational presentations and discussion welcome! 614-270-5053 or www.bluesandribfest.com.

CENTRAL

SOUTHEAST

THROUGH SEP. 4 – Tecumseh!, 5968 Marietta Rd., Chillicothe, Mon.–Sat. 8 p.m. $25–$45. Experience the epic, action-packed production showcasing the life story of the Shawnee leader. www.tecumsehdrama.com.

THROUGH SEP. 28 – Courtside Open Air Market, 801 Wheeling Ave.., Cambridge, Fri. 8 a.m.–noon. 740-6801866 or find us on Facebook.

THROUGH DECEMBER – Athens Farmers Market, 1000 E. State St., Athens, Sat. 9 a.m.–noon; Wed. 9 a.m.–1 p.m., April–November. 740-593-6763 or www. athensfarmersmarket.org.

THROUGH DECEMBER – Athens Art Market, 1000 E. State St., Athens, Sat. 9 a.m.–noon. Handcrafted local

38

OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • JULY 2022

artisan-made works including woodworking, pottery, glasswork, quilting, fiber art. www.facebook.com/ athensartguild or https://athensartguild.org.

JUL. 6 – Noah Cox Memorial Truck and Tractor Pull, Athens Co. Fgds., 687 Union St., Athens, 7 p.m. Gates open at 2 p.m., registration at 5 p.m. Raffles; 50/50; food vendors. 740-818-8439, noahsmemorialpull@gmail.com, or find us on Facebook.

JUL. 16 – Sam Jaffe’s Caterpillar Lab, Highlands Nature Sanctuary, 7660 Cave Rd., Bainbridge, 1–4 p.m.

Free. For more information, call 937-365-1935 or visit www.arcofappalachia.org.

JUL. 30–31 – Frankfort Sunflower Festival, downtown Frankfort. Free. Concessions, car show, antique tractors, kiddy tractor pull, games, live music, and craft tent. www.sunflowerfestival.net or www.facebook.com/ FrankfortSunflowerFestival.

AUG. 4–6 – Belpre Homecoming Festival, Civitan Park, Blennerhassett Ave., Belpre. Bike show, car show, mile race, parade, food, and more, with a fireworks finale. www.belprehomecoming.com.

AUG. 6 – Creative Hands Art Show, 47060 Black Walnut Pkwy., Woodsfield. Free. Repurposed art by local artists. Sponsored by the Monroe Artists. 740-472-4848 or www.facebook.com/MonroeArtsCouncil.

JUL. 29–30 – Y-Bridge Arts Festival, Zane’s Landing Park, Zanesville, Fri. 2 p.m. till dark, Sat. 11 a.m. till dark.

Free. Contemporary arts and crafts, live entertainment, kids’ activities. http://ybridgeartsfestival.com.

AUG. 5–6 – Music Under the Stars, Berlin Park, 4999 Parkwood Dr., Millersburg, 8:30 p.m., pre-show at 6 p.m.

Featuring the band The Young Fables with a pre-show performance by Low Gap. 330-473-2879 or www. holmescenterforthearts.org/under-the-stars.

AUG. 5–7 – Dublin Irish Festival, Coffman Park, 5600 Post Rd., Dublin, Fri. 4 p.m.–midnight, Sat. 11 a.m.– midnight, Sun. 11 a.m.–8 p.m. $15–$20/day; ages 10 and under free. Seven stages and more than 700 performers, showcasing the best in Irish dance, music, art, and culture. www.dublinirishfestival.org.

AUG. 5–7 – Farm Days, Morrow Co. Fgds., 195 S. Main St. (U.S. 42), Mount Gilead. $4, under 12 free. Featuring Minneapolis Moline & Avery tractors and equipment. www.morrowcountytractor.com or on Facebook. For more information, call Mack Shepard at 419-230-8698.

AUG. 6 – Dresden Melon Festival, St. Rte. 208/East Muskingum Avenue, Dresden. $1 before 4 p.m., $2 after.

Melon derby, small mouth tournament, beer garden, music. 740-607-7804 or www.dresdenmelonfestival.com.

AUG. 7 – Millersburg Food Run 10K/5K/1 mile, Hipp Station, 62 Grant St., Millersburg. Registration opens 7 a.m., race at 8 a.m. $15 to $35, proceeds benefit the Love Center Food Pantry. https://runsignup.com/race/oh/ millersburg/millersburgfoodrun.

AUG. 11–13 – All Ohio Balloon Fest, Union Co. Airport, 15000 Weaver Rd., Marysville. Aerial entertainment, live music, Kidz City, food and other vendors. Daily Launch after 6 p.m., Nightly Glow after dusk. Bring your own lawn chairs. 937-243-5833 or www.allohioballoonfest.com.

AUG. 13 – Union County Master Gardeners Annual Plant Sale, Armory Building at the Union Co. Fgds., 845 N. Main St., Marysville, 8 a.m.–noon. Sun and shade perennials, native plants, shrubs and trees, grasses, bulbs, and daylilies. 937-644-8117, https://union.osu.edu, or Facebook page at http://bit.ly/UCMGFB.

AUG. 6 – Monroe Theatre’s Classic Car Cruise-in and Street Fair, 47060 Black Walnut Pkwy., Woodsfield, 11 a.m.–5 p.m. No entry fee. Dash plaques for first 100 cars.

Food and craft vendors; concert at 7 p.m. at Monroe Theatre. 740-213-5757 or 740-391-2318.

AUG. 6–13 – Ross County Fair, Ross Co. Fgds., 344 Fairgrounds Rd., Chillicothe. $5. www.rosscountyfair.com.

AUG. 7 – Boomin’ Bluegrass Festival, Sugarloaf Mountain Amphitheater, 5968 Marietta Rd., Chillicothe, 5:30 p.m. $10–$51.50. Featuring The Wayfarers, Jerry Salley, Buffalo Wabs & The Price Hill Hustle, and Steep Canyon Rangers. www.tecumsehdrama.com.

AUG. 11–14 – Rivers, Trails, and Ales Fest, Muskingum Park, 300 block of Front St., Marietta. Paddling, road and mountain biking, and fine local ales. For all skill levels. www.rtafest.com or www.facebook.com/RTAfest.

AUG. 12–14 – Salt Fork Arts and Crafts Festival, Cambridge City Park, Cambridge, Fri. 12–7 p.m., Sat. 10 a.m.–7 p.m., Sun. 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Juried festival showcases art in a variety of mediums. 740-705-6866 or www.saltforkfestival.org.

AUG. 13 – “The TREE-mendous Giants of the Forest,” Highlands Nature Sanctuary, 7660 Cave Rd., Bainbridge, 11 a.m.–4 p.m. Free. 937-365-1935 or www. arcofappalachia.org.

show, bingo, BBQ, kids’ area, live entertainment, auctions, and much more. 419-966-9909 or find us on Facebook.

JUL. 16–18 – National Air Gun Matches, Camp Perry, Port Clinton. 60-shot air rifle and air pistol competitions. 419635-2141, kharrington@thecmp.org, or https://thecmp.org.

JUL. 29–31 – NADD Dock Diving Qualifier Event, The Gated Dock-Canine Enrichment Ctr., 7251 St. Rte. 98, Shelby. Qualifying event for the NADD Diving Dogs Regionals. Spectators are welcome! 419-961-4711, www. thegateddock.com, or find us on Facebook.

JUL. 30 – Good Ole Summertime Festival, downtown North Baltimore, 8 a.m.–midnight. Car show, live music, food, rides, kids’ games, street market, and more, ending THROUGH OCT. 15 – Great Sidney Farmers Market, with fireworks display at the park. www.facebook.com/ 109 S. Ohio Ave., Sat. 8 a.m.–noon. 937-658-6945 or events/473484507731720. www.sidneyalive.org.

JUL. 31 – “Anthony Shane, A Bridge Between JUL. 16 – Ride to Remember, through Bluffton and Cultures,” Nazarene Family Center, 401 E. Boundary surrounding countryside. Registration $25 in advance, $35 day of ride. Check-in begins at 6:30 a.m. Three loops. St., Fort Recovery, 3 p.m. Free presentation by historian Choose your distance, from as few as 11 miles to as many Harrison Frech. 419-375-4384, www.fortrecoverymuseum. com, or find us on Facebook. as 111! To register or for more information, visit www. ridetoremember.net.

JUL. 31–AUG. 6 – Auglaize County Fair, 1001 Fairview Dr., Wapakoneta. $8; 12 and under free. https:// JUL. 16 – Eats on the Street, downtown Kenton, 5–10 auglaizecountyfair.org. p.m. Free. Food trucks, live music from multiple bands, craft and draft beer, local wine, kids’ fun zone, and a car AUG. 4–7 – Northwest Ohio Antique Machinery and motorcycle show. 419-673-4131 or www.facebook.

Association Show, Hancock Co. Fgds., 1017 E. com/KentonHistoricCourthouseDistrict.

Sandusky St., Findlay. Featuring Cockshutt and CO-OP Hoosier-built tractors and Indiana-built JUL. 16 – Malinta Festival, Monroe Twp. Fire House, 8931 Co. Rd. K-2, Malinta, 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Flea market, car engines. Truck pulls, horse pulls, arts and crafts, flea market. 419-722-4698 or www.facebook.com/

NORTHWEST

SOUTHWEST

THROUGH AUG. 25 – Uptown Music Concert Series, Uptown Park, Oxford, every Thursday at 7 p.m. Free.

513-523-8687 or www.enjoyoxford.org.

THROUGH AUG. 31 – Bluegrass Wednesdays, Vinoklet Winery, 11069 Colerain Ave., Cincinnati, every 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. 5133-385-9309, vinokletwinery@fuse. net, or www.vinokletwines.com.

JUL. 22 – Bluegrass Night, Fibonacci Brewing Company, 1445 Compton Rd., Cincinnati, 7–9 p.m. Free.

Enjoy an evening of lively bluegrass music by Vernon McIntyre’s Appalachian Grass. Craft beers and food trucks available on-site. 513-832-1422 or http://fibbrew.com.

JUL. 24–30 – Butler County Fair, Butler Co. Fgds., 1715 Fairgrove Ave., Hamilton. 513-892-1423 or https:// butlercountyohfair.org.

WEST VIRGINIA

JUL. 29–31 – Annie Oakley Festival, Darke Co. Fgds., South Show Arena Area, 800 Sweitzer St., Greenville.

Honoring Darke County’s most famous daughter.

Shooting contests, fast draw competitions, cowboy mounted shooting, Little Miss and Mister contests, food, and more. www.annieoakleyfestival.org.

JUL. 30 – Vernon McIntyre’s Appalachian Grass, Gathering at Garst, 205 N. Broadway, Greenville, 3–5 p.m. Enjoy lively bluegrass music with lightning-fast instrumentals, close harmonies, and entertaining novelty songs. 937-548-5250, katie.gabbard@garstmuseum.org, or www.gatheringatgarst.com.

JUL. 30–31 – Dayton Air Show, Dayton International Airport, 3800 Wright Dr., Vandalia, 9 a.m.–6 p.m. $20–$30; ages 5 and under free. See the U.S. Navy Blue Angels in their first Dayton demo flying the Super Hornets, as well as an amazing lineup of performers and aircraft displays. www.daytonairshow.com.

JUL. 30–31 – Gathering at Garst, 205 N. Broadway, Greenville, Sat. 10 a.m.–8 p.m., Sun. 11 a.m.–5 p.m. Free; $5 parking. Living history encampment with reenactors representing eras ranging from the French and Indian War to the American Civil War. Cannon demos both days.

Antiques, arts and crafts, entertainment, food vendors, and more. 937-548-5250, katie.gabbard@garstmuseum. org, or www.gatheringatgarst.com.

JUL. 30–31 – History Alive at the Johnston Farm, 9845 N. Hardin Rd., Piqua, 12–5 p.m. Reenactors present a historical timeline of the years 1748 (Pickawillany) to 1862 (Camp Piqua), bringing to life people and events that had a great impact on the course of history for

AUG. 5–6 – WV’s Largest Yard Sale, Buckhannon and Weston, 8 a.m.–4 p.m. Find hundreds of yard sales lining the streets of Weston and Buckhannon and spread throughout Lewis and Upshur counties.

304-473-1400 or https://visitbuckhannon.org.

NorthwestOhioAntiqueMachineryAssociation.

AUG. 6 – “Car Tunes on Main” Car Show and Cruise, entrance at East Main Cross and East Street, Findlay, 9 a.m.–5 p.m. Registration 9–11 a.m. ($15), cruise 1:30–3:30 p.m., car show 11 a.m.–5 p.m. Awards, DJ, vendors, food, and fun for all! Preregister and pay by Jul. 8 and receive a free T-shirt. lawebb@dalawinc.com or www. flagcitycorvettes.com/car-tunes-2022.

AUG. 6 – Defiance County Hot Air Balloon Festival, 20399 Airport Rd., Defiance, 6:30–9:30 a.m., 5–10 p.m. $10 per car. Tethered hot air balloon rides, live music, kids’ fun zone, food, marketplace for shopping. Bring your lawn chairs and blankets. 419-782-3510 or www. defianceballoonfest.com.

AUG. 11–13 – Lincoln Highway “Buy-Way” Yard Sale, locations along and near U.S. 30 across the state, including Van Wert, Allen, Hancock, Hardin, Wyandot, and Crawford counties. www.historicbyway.com.

AUG. 12–14 – Leaping Luau: NADD Dock Diving, The Gated Dock-Canine Enrichment Ctr., 7251 St. Rte. 98, Shelby. Spectators are welcome at the entertaining North America Diving Dogs dock diving competition. 419-9614711, www.thegateddock.com, or find us on Facebook.

AUG. 13 – Convoy Opera House Car Show, Convoy, 3–6 p.m. 419-203-1410.

AUG. 13 – Paddles, Pedals, and Pints, Custenborder Fields, 449 Riverside Dr., Sidney. Join us for an adventure featuring our Great Miami Riverway, parks, and more!

937-498-8155 or www.sidneyalive.org. both America and Ohio. Visit the Johnston home, tour the Indian and Canal Museum, and ride on the canal boat General Harrison of Piqua. 800-752-2619 or www. johnstonfarmohio.com.

AUG. 4–7 – World’s Longest Yard Sale, locations along U.S. 127 through Greenville. www.127yardsale.com.

AUG. 5 – Concert: Richard Goering, First United Methodist Church, 120 S. Broad St., Middletown, noon–1 p.m. Free. The master guitarist will play Spanish guitar and classical favorites. Bring your lunch if you like. 513423-4629 or www.myfumc.net.

AUG. 5 – Vernon McIntyre’s Appalachian Grass, Hamilton’s Urban Backyard, 501 Main St., Hamilton, 7–10 p.m. Free. Enjoy an outdoor evening of lively bluegrass music. Local craft brews and food trucks available on-site. Consider bringing a lawn chair. 513-893-9482 or www.hubhamilton.com.

AUG. 6 – Evening on the Canal, Johnston Farm and Indian Agency, 9845 North Hardin Rd., Piqua, 6:30 p.m. $25–$35. Reservations required. After a tasty picnic-style dinner in the museum, guests will board the General Harrison of Piqua for a twilight journey on the Miami & Erie Canal. 937-773-2522 or www. johnstonfarmohio.com.

AUG. 12 – 2nd Friday Concert: Vernon McIntyre’s Appalachian Grass, Oxford Community Arts Center, 10 S. College Ave., Oxford, 7:30–9 p.m. Free. Held in the new outdoor amphitheater. Bring lawn chairs. In case of inclement weather, concert will move indoors. 513-5248506 or info@oxarts.org.

AUG. 5–7 – West Virginia Peach Festival, South High Street, Romney. Celebrating all things peaches!

Crafts, flea market, live entertainment, games, food vendors, the Annual Peach Pageant, car show, and this year a motorcycle show. 304-822-7477 or https:// wvpeachfestival.com.

JULY 2022 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING 39

Sparklers

MEMBER INTERACTIVE

My grandson, Jeffrey, on the Fourth of July. Genie Day-Fisher | Consolidated Cooperative member

My son, Maddix, waiting on the big show!

Kristin Hinkle | South Central Power Company member

My son Greyson at our Fourth of July party. Ashley Hall | South Central Power Company member

Timothy’s first Fourth of July. Don’t worry, the box was empty! Dawnette JohnstonHamilton | South Central Power Company

Sparkler send-off at my granddaughter Eliza’s July 4th wedding. Delores Swallow | Pioneer Electric Cooperative member

Emma Hurless and her grandma Sue enjoying the Fourth of July. Linda Hurless | South Central Power Company member

My daughter, Avery, when we did sparklers by the campfire. Kim Smith | Paulding Putnam Electric Cooperative member

My children, Cadence and Grant, playing with sparklers. Anna Miller | GuernseyMuskingum Electric Cooperative member

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My kids, Kylie, Kevin, and Michael Spade, enjoying the festivities. Katherine Spade | Butler Rural Electric Cooperative member

For October, send “Hayride” by July 15; for November, send “Salute!” by August 15.

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

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