Ohio Cooperative Living - June 2024 - Butler

OHIO

JUNE 2024

COOPERATIVE Butler Rural Electric Cooperative

Member Comeback Appreciation Event stories AY, FRID 12 JULY

FAMILY

Two Ohio lakes, back from the brink

DAY 3888 Stillwell Beckett Road Oxford, Ohio 45056

10 a.m - 5 p.m

.

ALSO INSIDE Truth- and consequences PETTING ZOO - BALLOONS - FACE PAINTING GAMES - CRAFTS - FOOD ALSO INSIDE Truth and consequences

Pilgrimage for recovery Serene boardwalks

Pilgrimage for recovery

Serene boardwalks

OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • JUNE 2024

INSIDE FEATURES

24 REVIVING THE LAKE LIFE

Two of Ohio’s top recreational lakes come back from the brink.

28 PILGRIMAGE FOR RECOVERY

From around the world, those overcoming addiction flock to Akron for a sense of “home.”

31

SERENE BOARDWALKS

Human-made pathways are a helpful way to discover some of Ohio’s ecological wonders.

Cover image on most editions: Although it is a bit unusual to see a lighthouse on an inland lake, there are three on Grand Lake St. Marys — including the Celina Lighthouse, built in 1986 as a project of the local Rotary Club (photograph courtesy of the Greater Grand Lake Regional Visitors Center).

This page: Cedar Bog’s 1.5-mile boardwalk arches through a fen, with varying landscapes from swamp to prairie (photograph by Wendy Pramik).

JUNE 2024 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING

1

UP FRONT

Truth and consequences T

he United States Environmental Protection Agency’s new rule on greenhouse gas emissions from power plants will, if implemented, have severe negative consequences not only for Ohio but for our entire nation.

The rule (see our story on page 4) requires existing coal-fired power plants to nearly eliminate the carbon dioxide they emit by first capturing the carbon that’s produced when coal burns and then pumping it deep underground. The rule requires compliance by Jan. 1, 2032.

What the rule requires, however, has never been done; it relies on technology that does not exist and is unlikely to exist, at least anytime soon. No process has come close to capturing carbon at the level the rule requires, nor is there any available method to geologically store the volume of carbon in question.

Industry leaders (including myself) testified before Congress, and we told the EPA directly, in no uncertain terms, that the proposed rule would force the closure of nearly all coal-fired power plants operating in the United States, which currently supply approximately 20% of U.S. electricity. What’s worse, it allows no good option to replace that always-available power.

The effect of the rule will be a sharp increase in cost to consumers and a severe reduction in reliability, all at a time when electrification of our economy is accelerating, industrial production is on the rise, and AI is gobbling up more and more electricity with every passing day.

Nearly every knowledgeable industry participant with an interest in maintaining a reliable electric system, along with members of Congress from both political parties, raised concerns with the EPA, pointing out the obvious problems with this rule. The EPA chose to ignore those concerns.

The last ill-conceived, unrealistic, and unachievable attempt the EPA made at regulating carbon dioxide emissions from power plants, the so-called Clean Power Plan, took nearly eight years before it was struck down by the U.S. Supreme Court. Now Buckeye Power, along with many other electric suppliers and utilities, will once again be forced to spend precious time and resources in court to stop the EPA from overstepping its authority and causing those severe negative consequences for what would be a relatively negligible reduction in overall global CO2 emissions.

In the meantime, we will, of course, continue to do everything in our power to meet your need for reliable and affordable electricity.

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OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • JUNE 2024

Pat O’Loughlin

PRESIDENT & CEO OHIO’S ELECTRIC COOPERATIVES

The effect of the rule will be a sharp increase in cost to consumers and a severe reduction in reliability, all when the electrification of our economy is accelerating.

JUNE 2024 • Volume 66, No. 9

Ohio Rural Electric Cooperatives 6677 Busch Blvd.

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

4 DEPARTMENTS

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

Contributors: Tim Baldwin, Jodi Borger, Colleen Romick Clark, Eric Dentler, Getty Images, W.H. “Chip” Gross, Jill Moorhead, Catherine Murray, Wendy Pramik, and Margie Wuebker.

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

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

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

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

4 POWER LINES

Reliability risk: The U.S. EPA’s new power plant rule threatens co-ops’ ability to keep the lights on. Here’s what you should know.

8

8 WOODS, WATERS, AND WILDLIFE

Leaves of three, let it be: ...or you’re gonna need an ocean of calamine lotion.

12 CO-OP PEOPLE

12

Yard to table: Member’s labor of love gives facility’s residents a bounty of fresh, hyper-local fare.

13 GOOD EATS

Reader recipe contest: Co-op

member’s savory appetizer is this year’s big cheese.

15

17 LOCAL PAGES

News and other important information from your electric cooperative.

37 CALENDAR

What’s happening: June/July

National/regional advertising inquiries, contact

Cheryl Solomon

37

40 MEMBER INTERACTIVE

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

Inland shores: Members share

Cooperative members:

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

Alliance for Audited Media Member

events and other things to do around Ohio this month.

their affinity for hanging out down by their nearby lakes — such as in the photo at right, sent in by Consolidated Cooperative member Rachel Blevins of her son exploring the shores of Kokosing Lake in Knox County.

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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.

JUNE 2024 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING

3

POWER LINES

Reliabilit U.S. EPA’s new power plant rule threatens co-ops’ ability to keep the lights on. Here’s what you should know.

BY JEFF MCCALLISTER

E

lectric-industry leaders nationwide are pushing back against the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s recently announced regulations that those leaders say are a threat to the reliability and affordability of electricity in the U.S. The new EPA rules are meant to drastically reduce carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from the baseload generation sources that provide economical 24/7 power across the country — including the Cardinal Power Plant in Brilliant, the Ohio electric cooperative memberowned facility that supplies electricity to more than 1 million people in 77 of Ohio’s 88 counties and employs more than 300 people.

One of the new rules would require Cardinal and other coal-fired plants to be 90% carbon-emission free by 2032 and points to carbon capture and sequestration — technology that does not and is not likely to exist at a scale that would be necessary — as a means to achieve it.

Generating facilities unable to meet the demands would be forced to close.

“The rule mandates the use of unproven technologies and sets unattainable compliance limits on power

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OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • JUNE 2024

plants,” says Pat O’Loughlin, president and CEO of Ohio’s Electric Cooperatives, which owns and operates the Cardinal Plant. “The regulations are unrealistic and unachievable.”

Raising the alarm

Co-ops, as well as attorneys general from 27 states (including Ohio), also contend that the rule is unlawful, and have filed a lawsuit in the U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals to block it. They contend the EPA is using its rules to transform the economy, which not only violates the Clean Air Act, but also ignores the U.S. Supreme Court decision that struck down a similar EPA overreach in 2022.

O’Loughlin and electric utility leaders from around the nation have been raising the alarm since the rule was first proposed. The North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC), the PJM Interconnection (PJM), the Mid-Continent Independent System Operator (MISO), the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI), and the National

ty at risk Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA) — all of which have an interest in or responsibility for maintaining a reliable electric grid — provided input to the EPA during the public comment phase, all pointing out problems with the rule.

Even investor-owned utilities, which stayed mostly silent in previous EPA attempts to hamstring coal-fired power, have pushed back on the rule. Duke Energy, which serves about 8.4 million customers in North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, Indiana, Ohio, and Kentucky, issued a statement saying the new rule presents “significant challenges to customer reliability and affordability — as well as limits the potential of our ability to be a global leader in chips, artificial intelligence, and advanced manufacturing.”

Supplying the demand

The Energy Information Administration projects that power demand will reach record highs in 2024 and 2025, increasing by 2.5% and 3.2% respectively. Grid planners forecast electricity demand, thanks in large part to new

AI data centers, increasing use of electric vehicles, and new manufacturing facilities, to grow by 38 gigawatts through 2028 — the equivalent of adding another California to the grid.

“This trend is a welcome indicator of innovation and a growing economy that will strengthen America’s position in the world,” says Michelle Bloodworth, president of America’s Power, a partnership of industries involved in producing electricity from coal. “At the same time, it means that we need more sources of dependable and affordable electricity, not fewer.” Bloodworth says utilities have already announced plans to shut down more than 60,000 megawatts of coal-fired generation over the next five years — enough to power 600 data centers or more than 60 million homes.

“The rule undermines electric reliability and poses grave consequences for an already-stressed electric grid,” says Jim Matheson, CEO of the NRECA. “The American economy can’t succeed without reliable electricity. Smart energy policy recognizes that fundamental truth and works to help keep the lights on. I don’t think anyone at the EPA thought about reliability.”

Continued on page 6

JUNE 2024 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING

5

Continued from page 5

A better way Matheson stresses that the industry in general, and electric co-ops in particular, are not against progress, including environmental progress. Ohio’s electric cooperatives, for example, spent more than $1 billion on emission controls at Cardinal Plant since 2012, and as a result, the plant has been recognized as one of the cleanest-operating coal plants in the world.

Co-ops are also sponsoring partners of the National Carbon Capture Center and the Wyoming Integrated Test Center, and members have been actively engaged in the research and deployment of CCS in no less than five of the largest such projects anywhere.

Matheson also pointed to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s new $9.7 billion Empowering Rural America (New ERA) program, designed specifically to help co-ops build and invest in clean energy resources. The voluntary program drew more than double the expected participants and $26 billion in project applications that would launch $93 billion in investments across rural America.

“Electric co-ops are answering the call for innovation,” Matheson says. “We are going to continue to be the voice advocating for rational policy in terms of making sure when our members at the end of the line flip the switch, the light comes on, and when the bill comes at the end of the month, they can afford to pay it.”

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OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • JUNE 2024

What you can do As a member of an electric cooperative, you can stand up for energy reliability.

Join other cooperative members from around the country to advocate for responsible energy policy through Voices for Cooperative Power.

Visit https://voicesforcooperativepower. com to learn more about this grassroots effort. If you’d like to amplify your voice through political support for reliable energy advocates, join America’s Electric Cooperatives PAC, which financially backs candidates who support the interests of electric cooperative members.

Call your cooperative to join.

JUNE 2024 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING

7

WOODS, WATERS, AND WILDLIFE

Leaves of three, let it be! … or you’re gonna need an ocean of calamine lotion.

STORY AND PHOTOS BY W.H. “CHIP” GROSS

I

f you consider yourself an outdoors person, you do know what poison ivy looks like, right?

Are you sure?

This ubiquitous, highly toxic plant grows throughout Ohio, and I’m convinced it’s determined to take over the Buckeye State — starting with my backyard. As I write this, I’m scratching a red, blistered patch of skin on my right ankle that’s been itching for weeks.

Poison ivy wears many disguises. It can appear as a single plant, a group of plants, a shrub, a ground vine, or even a climbing vine. And its infamous “leaves of three” can be as small as a 50-cent piece or as large as your hand.

In addition, different-shaped leaves (actually leaflets) — their margins smooth, lobed, or toothed — can appear on the same plant.

Fail to make the proper identification, and you’ll soon be “scratchin’ like a hound, the minute you start to mess around” as The Coasters put it in their 1959 song “Poison Ivy” — which became so popular that it rose to No. 7 on the Billboard Top 100 chart that year, and No. 1 on the Billboard Rhythm & Blues chart. Oh, how times have changed; when artists today sing about a plant, it usually has to do with something you smoke.

What makes poison ivy so toxic is urushiol, a clear liquid compound found in the plant’s leaves. Simply brushing against a leaf or two transfers the urushiol to your skin, and within a few days (or possibly even a few hours), an itchy, irritating, and sometimes painful rash occurs.

Continued exposures over a lifetime can cause those reactions to become even more severe in some people, and I’m one of them.

In addition to direct contact with a plant, urushiol can also be transferred to us by our pets. If dogs, cats, horses, etc., walk through a poison ivy patch and then brush up

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OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • JUNE 2024

against us or we stroke their contaminated fur — bingo, we’ll be itching before long. If you think you’ve been exposed, the best first aid is to wash any exposed skin areas vigorously with soap and water as soon as possible.

Likely the most dangerous health threat from poison ivy — potentially life-threatening — is when someone unwittingly inhales urushiol droplets suspended in woodsmoke. In Ohio, this usually happens when people clear brush from fencerows, where poison ivy loves to grow, and then burn the brush and poison ivy vines in a fire. In the worst cases, this can cause anaphylaxis, a rapid onset of allergic symptoms that can cause the throat and lungs to swell, obstructing or completely blocking breathing.

Most cases of poison ivy aren’t nearly so severe, with the unsuspecting newbie hiker or camper being the most frequent victim. Bestselling author Stephen King, the socalled King of Horror, recounted the following incident, which induced a little horror of his own.

As a kid, King was on a hike with his older brother, Dave, when nature called.

“Take me home,” King demanded, “I need to go to the bathroom.”

“Do it in the woods,” Dave said.

“I can’t! I won’t be able to wipe!”

“Sure you will,” Dave said. “Wipe yourself with some leaves.

That’s how the cowboys and Indians did it.”

Two days later, King was bright red from the backs of his knees to his shoulder blades. Worst of all, the hand he had wiped with had swollen to nearly double in size and was covered with giant blisters.

“For six weeks I sat in lukewarm starch baths,” King remembers, “feeling miserable, humiliated, and stupid, while hearing through the open door of the bathroom my brother and mother laughing and listening to the radio while playing a card game called Crazy Eights.”

Despite all that, poison ivy has a positive role to play in nature. The leaves and berries are commonly eaten by many species of wildlife with no apparent harmful effects to the critters ingesting them. Poison ivy can even produce beautiful autumn leaves of red and gold.

Just not in my backyard.

JUNE 2024 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING

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CALL FOR ENTRIES 2025 cooperative calendar

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

Requirements • One photo entry per household.

• High-resolution, color, digital images only.

• Only JPEG or TIF file formats will be accepted.

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

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

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

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

For more information, visit OhioCoopLiving.com/calendar

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DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSION: AUGUST 16, 2024

OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • JUNE 2024

Family Time

From exploring history to the science of tomorrow, your family can discover the world right here in the Greater Parkersburg area.

At Discovery World on Market, learning is anything but a spectator sport. Get hands-on with three floors of fun, kid-friendly activities and experiments that spark the senses and ignite the imagination.

Kids and adults will love a visit to Blennerhassett Island State Park.

The whole family will enjoy the scenic sternwheel riverboat trip, the horse-drawn covered-wagon ride, and a tour of the beautifully reconstructed mansion.

An afternoon bike ride on the North Bend Rail Trail is a great way to get some exercise and take in the scenic beauty of the area.

SPEND QUALITY TIME IN GREATER PARKERSBURG AND RECONNECT WITH YOUR FAMILY.

LEARN MORE: GreaterParkersburg.com | 800.752.4982 JUNE 2024 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING

11

CO-OP PEOPLE

Yard to

Member’s labor of love gives facility’s residents a bounty of fresh hyper-local fare.

BY MARGIE WUEBKER

J

erry Banks has a green thumb — something to which his family could always attest. Now, so can the residents and staff at Woodland Country Manor in Somerville.

Gardening has been a part of Banks’ life as far back as he can remember, but ever since he retired from AK Steel in Middletown, he’s had lots more time to spend on the enjoyable activity. The result has been a cornucopia of vegetables and fruit for the dinner table, and Woodland’s residents have been the beneficiaries.

Banks and his wife, Kathy, residents of Somerville and members of Oxford-based Butler Rural Electric Cooperative, always had a home garden but expanded their gardening activities when her parents (Homer and Phoebe Polser) moved to the retirement community not far from the “homeplace.”

“They used to tend a 1½- to 2-acre garden,” Banks says. “He was not one to sit around without getting some dirt on his hands, so Kathy and I thought a garden would help with the transition.”

Banks eyed the inner courtyard at Woodland as an ideal garden site for residents, and the management agreed.

He initially procured fill dirt from an area pig farm, ensuring a fertile place for plants and seeds to take root. At first, residents watched from their windows as he carefully worked the soil and then started planting. They soon came outside for a closer look. Many shared their

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OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • JUNE 2024

table memories of days gone by when they had their own backyard gardens.

The circular garden is bordered by wide concrete sidewalks and umbrella tables with comfortable lawn chairs. Vegetables like peas, lettuce, kale, and radishes go in early in the season since they tolerate cool temperatures, and other fare, such as green beans, cucumbers, spinach, squash, pumpkins, peppers, tomatoes, and potatoes, fill out the space as temperatures get progressively warmer through the spring and summer. Brightly colored zinnias and statuesque sunflowers border the neat rows.

“People often ask me about secret ingredients to promote healthy growth,” he says, with a mischievous air. “There is nothing like cow manure to enrich the soil.

Also, I am a real fanatic about weeds — get them out before they have a chance to take over. Hot, dry summer days bring a need for frequent watering and periodic doses of Miracle-Gro.” Banks does not keep track of the time he donates for Woodland’s garden, because he considers the response of residents more than enough compensation. Although he purchases all the seeds, plants, and other supplies, the bountiful harvest stays on-site with head cook Karen White planning menus around whatever happens to

“The garden gives our residents so much joy. They enjoy watching everything grow — especially the tomatoes, because they will tell you there is nothing like a homegrown tomato.” be in season. Impromptu “snapping parties” take place when the garden yields buckets of green beans. Residents enjoy the activity, knowing their handiwork will make a tasty addition to their dinner plates.

“The garden gives our residents so much joy,” Woodland owner/administrator Lori Auer says. “They enjoy watching everything grow — especially the tomatoes, because they will tell you there is nothing like a homegrown tomato.”

Banks chuckles when he recalls how residents come out with wheelchairs, canes, and walkers to supervise his work and offer words of advice. Gatherings quickly turn into parties with cold lemonade and snacks. One resident even brings his harmonica to provide music.

“I have been blessed in my life,” Banks says. “This is something I can do to give back and so I’ll continue doing it as long as I’m able.”

JUNE 2024 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING

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OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • JUNE 2024

2024 Reader Recipe

GOOD GOODEATS EATS

Member’s savory dish is this year’s big cheese.

A

imee Walton of the Fairfield County village of Carroll didn’t know quite what to do with the lovely cake stand she got as a gift a few years ago. It was tall, maybe 16 inches, but had only a small platform with a lip to hold the cake.

“It wasn’t big enough to be functional as a typical cake stand, but it was so pretty, I had to come up with a dish to showcase it,” says Walton, a member of Lancaster-based South Central Power Company. “At the same time, I had a lot of tomatoes from the garden, which I had roasted, and I was trying to figure out what to do with them.”

That’s when the idea of savory cheesecakes came to her, and after testing out a few different iterations on her husband, David, and their seven children, she came up with Tuscany Cheesecake — winner of Ohio Cooperative Living’s 2024 “Alluring Appetizers” Reader Recipe Contest. Walton earned a new Ohio-made KitchenAid stand mixer, while Butler Rural Electric Cooperative member Beth Polk and Midwest Electric member Cora McCalla each earned $50 gift cards as runners-up.

Walton taught herself to cook when her kids were young, and eventually even taught cooking classes — first at the old Lazarus in Columbus and later at Easton. She has since moved on to create for the BeFeathered catering company, where she says her friend and company owner Feather Johnson encourages her to stretch her talents even further. “My husband will tell you that when we were first married, he would never have thought I would ever be paid to cook,” Walton says with a laugh. “But after all this time and practice, I guess I’m pretty good at it.”

Polk took inspiration for her Fish and Bubbles appetizer from

Chex Mix, by way of her sister-in-law, Becky Steele. “I had been making this recipe for years, a spin-off of ‘Nuts and Bolts’ Chex Mix that Becky had adapted ages ago using pretzel sticks,” Polk says. “I wanted to change it up some for one of my son’s birthday parties.” So she used Goldfish pretzels and added some Cheerios cereal, and voila! “It’s a perfect party appetizer,” Polk says, “and it also makes a great snack for movie night.”

McCalla says she’s been making her Frisky Whiskey Dogs

for so long, she can only guess where the original recipe came from. “It might have been in one of the magazines I would read at the barber shop while my boys got their hair cut.” The recipe, her take on classic cocktail wieners, starts off a bit boozy — but don’t worry, the alcohol cooks off during the long simmer.

JUNE 2024 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING

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GRAND PRIZE WINNER

TUSCANY CHEESECAKE Prep: 10 minutes | Bake: 40 minutes | Cool: 4+ hours | Servings: 8 12 ounces cream 1 cup sour cream, 2 eggs cheese, softened divided 1 cup chopped sun-dried 1 cup shredded Italian2 tablespoons basil tomatoes, packed in blend cheese pesto oil, drained

sprig of fresh oregano

Note: This recipe can be doubled and baked in a 9-inch springform pan to serve a larger crowd.

Preheat oven to 350 F. In a mixing bowl, beat together cream cheese and shredded cheese until light and fluffy. Beat in ½ cup of sour cream and the pesto, then beat in eggs, one at a time. Pour into lightly greased 5- or 6-inch springform pan. Place on baking sheet and bake for 30 to 40 minutes or until the center is set. Spoon remaining sour cream over top of cake. Return to oven and bake for 5 minutes more. Cool on wire rack for about an hour, then refrigerate in pan at least 3 hours or up to 24 hours. To serve, run a knife around the edge and remove side of pan. Place cake on round platter. Garnish with chopped sun-dried tomatoes and oregano. Serve with crostini.

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OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • JUNE 2024

RUNNERUP

FISH AND BUBBLES

Prep: 5 minutes | Cook: 45 minutes | Servings: 14 1 cup salted peanuts 1 cup Cheerios 2 tablespoons 2 teaspoons seasoned Worcestershire sauce salt 2 cups Wheat Chex 1 cup Pretzel Goldfish 2 teaspoons garlic powder 2 cups Corn Chex ¼ cup canola oil Preheat oven to 225 F. Mix all ingredients together in a new/clean (unscented) tall kitchen trash bag.

Shake the bag to get everything coated. Pour mixture onto a large cookie sheet. Bake for 45 minutes to an hour, stirring several times. Let cool before eating and then store in an airtight container.

RUNNERUP FRISKY WHISKEY DOGS Prep: 5 minutes | Cook: 1 hour | Servings: 16 2 packages small cocktail hot dogs ½ cup packed brown sugar ¾ cup bourbon 1 tablespoon finely chopped onion ½ cup ketchup Put hot dogs in frying pan with all other ingredients. Simmer 1 hour, adding more bourbon if needed. Serve hot with toothpicks.

JUNE 2024 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING

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OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • JUNE 2024

BUTLER RURAL ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE

unmasked Consumers with water, gas, and electricity connections have long been targets for utility scams. In today’s digital world, every swipe and click increases the risk of potential scams.

Scammers are more sophisticated than ever and they understand our increasing reliance on technology. With their sharpened digital knives, scammers have adapted their tactics to trick unsuspecting consumers through a variety of methods.

Butler Rural Electric Cooperative wants to help you avoid energy scams that can result in a financial loss or leak of your personal information. This month, I’m sharing updates on some of the latest utility scams, as well as tips to help you stay safe from even the craftiest scammers.

Recent utility scams Scammers typically disguise themselves — either physically or digitally — as utility employees or representatives. A common trick is to claim a consumer’s bill is past due and threaten to disconnect service without immediate payment. Scammers may approach consumers through phone calls, text messages, emails, and even in-person visits. However, the digital line of attack is increasingly more common.

New capabilities, called caller ID spoofing, can make the phone number you see on caller ID appear to be from a trusted source. Another recent scam uses fraudulent websites that look identical to a utility payment webpage, and even worse, these pages are often promoted on search engines to trick consumers into clicking and making a payment.

Another recent scam involves phone calls, text messages, or emails claiming you overpaid your electric bill and will receive a cash or banking refund. This too-good-to-be-true offer is a scam aimed to steal your personal information.

Spotting a scam Several red flags can alert you to an energy scam.

Scammers often use high-pressure tactics to create a sense of urgency, like claiming your electricity will be disconnected if a payment isn’t made immediately.

Scammers may also ask for unusual payment methods

such as gift cards or cryptocurrency.

Many digital scams, like emails or text messages, include poor grammar, spelling errors, and odd email addresses.

When you see these dodgy forms of communication, consider it a potential scam.

What we will (and won’t) do

Laura Smith

DIRECTOR OF CORPORATE & MEMBER SERVICES

Butler Rural Electric Cooperative will never demand an instant, immediate payment and threaten to disconnect your service without prior notices or warnings. We strive to resolve challenging situations and work with our members to avoid disconnects.

Butler Rural Electric Cooperative will never ask for your Social Security number or banking details over the phone or through email. We offer several secure payment options, including in-person, through SmartHub, and through our Self-Serve Phone Number at 855-940-3867.

Avoiding scams Whether in-person, over the phone, or online, always be suspicious of an unknown individual claiming to be a Butler Rural Electric Cooperative employee requesting banking or other personal information. We will only send you text messages if you have opted in for important alerts, like outage updates.

If you’re ever in doubt about a potential energy scam, give us a quick call at 513-867-4400 so we can assist.

Butler Rural Electric Cooperative wants to help protect you and our community against utility frauds, and by notifying us about potential scams, you can create the first line of defense. We encourage you to report any potential scams so we can spread the word and prevent others in our community from falling victim.

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BUTLER RURAL ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE

Enjoy local strawberry events this month Macedonia Christian Church is having their Strawberry Social Saturday, June 1, from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. The event’s meal includes hot sandwiches, hot and cold potato salad, baked beans, fresh strawberries, homemade shortcake and ice cream, and beverages. The church is located at 2787 California Road in Okeana. Call 513-7382153 for more information.

Shandon will hold their annual Old Fashioned Strawberry Festival Saturday, June 8, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. in downtown Shandon. The event is handicappedaccessible with free parking and admission.

Food and refreshments will be available at the Old Fire House from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Homemade strawberry shortcake and ice cream will be available beginning at 10 a.m. at the Community House. Dinner will be served by the Shandon Congregational Church from noon to 5 p.m. at the Community House.

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OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • JUNE 2024

Outdoor vendors and artists will open their booths at 10 a.m. They will be located in the village and the field by the Old Fire House. Local shops will be open all day for country crafts, original art, pottery, and antiques. Call 513-470-1517 for vendor information.

The Annual Antique Tractor Show exhibits will be behind the Old Fire House, with a parade at 2 p.m. Call Chip at 513-313-3034 for more details on the tractor show.

The Salty Dog Museum will be open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. A ride on an antique fire engine will be available from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., from the museum to downtown Shandon and back. The Salty Dog Museum and Ron’s Machine Shop will host a free cruise-in for antique and classic cars. Call 513-738-7353 for more information about the car show. Other attractions will be available as well. Call 513-738-4180 or email jonsian@ stows.us for more event information.

BUTLER RURAL ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE

Sasha Kroeger receives scholarship from Ohio’s Electric Cooperatives In March, Sasha Kroeger of Morgan Township was chosen as the recipient of the Michael L. Sims Scholarship during our annual Children of Members Scholarship Competition. Sasha will receive a $2,500 scholarship each year of his college career for up to four years. The scholarship is named after Michael L. Sims, who was Butler Rural Electric Cooperative’s general manager for 34 years. He retired in 2020.

In April, Sasha was awarded an additional $1,700 scholarship from Ohio’s Electric Cooperatives, our statewide services organization. He competed for this scholarship along with 24 other students representing each of Ohio's electric cooperatives.

Sasha is the son of Michael Kroeger. He is graduating from Ross High School and will attend college to major in business analytics, human capital management, and leadership. Sasha’s favorite extracurricular activity in high school is being a member and senior year captain of the Ross High School soccer team. He also volunteers at JEE Foods, a student-run nonprofit organization, and works as a soccer referee and at New Life Furniture and Thrift Store. After college, Sasha would like to pursue an internship and begin a career as a consultant.

Sasha Kroeger

2024 MICHAEL L. SIMS SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENT

Congratulations, Sasha!

FAMILY DAY MEMBER APPRECIATION EVENT Friday, July 12 • 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Butler Rural Electric Cooperative’s office Bring your family for free hot dogs, popcorn, Flub’s ice cream, games, prizes, caricaturists, and more!

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BUTLER RURAL ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE

YOUTH TOUR

delegates

2024

20B

MAX ABDIN

JAKE BARKHUIZEN

LUCY BOWLING

SOPHIE DOUGHERTY

JILL GARLAND

VANESSA HOWARD

SARA PETRI

ADDISON ROLLER

BRYCE WORTMAN

OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • JUNE 2024

BUTLER RURAL ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE

who they are...

Youth Tour is an annual leadership program sponsored

by Butler Rural Electric Cooperative. It’s a weeklong, all-expenses-paid trip to Washington, D.C., that gives exceptional high school students the opportunity to meet with congressional leaders at the U.S. Capitol, make new friends from across the country, and see many of the famous Washington, D.C., sights.

These delegates are children of Butler Rural Electric Cooperative members and completed an application and quiz to attend the Youth Tour trip in June. We hope the trip prepares delegates for leadership roles in our community.

MAX ABDIN is the son of Anna Abdin. He is a

sophomore at William Henry Harrison High School and would like to pursue a degree in engineering, business, or marketing after high school. Max’s favorite extracurricular activity is wrestling. He enjoys being outside, exploring new things, and spending time with friends. Max volunteers doing many different tasks in his community and works at Divrsion, a virtual reality arcade.

JAKE BARKHUIZEN is the son of Hein and Xananda

Barkhuizen. He is a sophomore at Talawanda High School. After high school, Jake would like to attend college with the intent to study psychiatry. Jake’s favorite extracurricular activity is track and field and his favorite activity outside of school is photography. He works at T.J. Maxx and his favorite hobbies are running, swimming, and writing.

LUCY BOWLING is the daughter of Amy Kuhl-Bowling

and Michael Bowling. She is a junior at Ross High School.

Lucy plays varsity tennis and is involved in Legacy Show Choir, the Student Athletic Leadership Team, and Pure Harmony Choir. Her favorite hobbies include playing and watching tennis, reading, listening to music, traveling, and singing. After high school, Lucy would like to attend college with a strong engineering program to further explore her passion for chemistry and pursue a degree in chemical engineering.

SOPHIE DOUGHERTY is the daughter of Bill and

Jamie Dougherty. She is a sophomore at Talawanda High School. After high school, Sophie would like to pursue a degree in elementary education or agricultural education

at Miami University. Sophie is involved in FFA, Best Buddies, and 4 Corners Church.

JILL GARLAND is the daughter of Matt and Summer

Garland. She is a sophomore in the cosmetology program at Butler Tech. After graduation, Jill plans to begin her career in cosmetology and enter into the agricultural communications industry. Jill is involved in the Talawanda Butler Tech FFA chapter, where she enjoys traveling and advocating for agriculture. She is also a member of the Young America’s Foundation and works for Bella Rose Flower Co. Jill enjoys being outdoors and spending time with friends and family. Her hobbies include interior design, western fashion, shopping, listening to country music, and traveling.

VANESSA HOWARD is the daughter of Cindy and

Paul Howard. She is junior at Talawanda High School Her favorite extracurricular activity in school is Key Club, which allows Vanessa to volunteer in school and in the community. She also enjoys theater and musicals. Vanessa works at The Benison Events Center, where she is involved in weddings, birthday parties, and business events. She volunteers at animal shelters and enjoys horseback riding, painting, and other arts and crafts. After high school, Vanessa would like to purse a career in veterinary medicine with a focus on large and exotic animals.

SARA PETRI is the daughter of Andy and Susan

Petri. She is a junior at Talawanda High School and is involved in FFA, cheerleading, and 4-H. Sara works with senior citizens at a local senior center, has worked at her school’s blood drive, and teaches young students about the Family, Career, and Community Leaders of America program. Sara enjoys showing livestock at the county fair and helping on her family farm. After high school, Sara would like to go to Aveda to obtain her cosmetology license.

ADDISON ROLLER is the daughter of Lydia and

Stephen Roller. She is a sophomore at Talawanda High School and is involved in FFA and the Oxford Livestock 4-H Club. Addison works at Roller Acres Family Farm and volunteers during the Reily Community Center Landscaping Day. Her favorite hobbies include playing volleyball, showing animals at the county fair, and helping

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YOUTH TOUR DELEGATES Continued from page 20C

run her family farm. After high school, Addison would like to attend school at The Ohio State University to work as a nurse in a local hospital.

BRYCE WORTMAN is the son of Amber and Lewis

Willeford. He is a sophomore at Talawanda High School

and is involved in the youth initiative team, theater, and marching band. Bryce volunteers at Whispering Christmas, a local Christmas light display. After high school, Bryce would like to attend Miami University to major in theater and minor in psychology.

Board member Jay Hasbrook receives Board Leadership certification Board member Jay Hasbrook recently received the Board Leadership certification from NRECA. NRECA is the national service organization for the 900 electric cooperatives in the United States.

Jay is a member of the Preble County Council on Aging, where he is a substitute driver for Meals on Wheels. He is also a member of the American Legion and the VFW.

Board members receive training to understand their roles and responsibilities and to have the knowledge and skills to govern Butler Rural Electric Cooperative.

Board members attend training courses to learn about board governance, financial decision-making, strategic planning, and current and emerging issues.

Congratulations, Jay!

The Board Leadership Certificate consists of issue- and skill-based courses for board members. Jay earned the certificate after earning the Credentialed Cooperative Director certificate, completing 10 courses designed to provide the knowledge and skills required of cooperative directors, and successfully completing a learning assessment for each course.

Jay is the board member for District 4, which includes German Township in Montgomery County and Gratis Township in Preble County. He lives in Gratis Township and has been a board member for four years.

Jay is married to his wife, Gianna, and has three daughters. He has his Juris Doctorate degree and a Bachelor of Science in finance and accounting. Jay worked at General Motors for 30 years and was a production supervisor, lead financial analyst, and a senior environmental engineer. He was also the manager of property disposal yards for the United States Department of Defense for ten years and served ten years of active duty in the Army and Navy and 16 years in the Navy Reserve.

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OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • JUNE 2024

Jay Hasbrook BOARD MEMBER

BUTLER RURAL ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE

CONVENIENT PAYMENT OPTIONS Use one of the methods below to pay your electric bill ONLINE

COOPERATIVE’S OFFICE

Pay online through SmartHub by visiting butlerrural.coop or download the SmartHub app. If you don’t want to create a SmartHub account, use the Pay Now tab on the home screen of our website to quickly and securely pay on your account.

Pay your bill at the cooperative’s office at 3888 Stillwell Beckett Road in Oxford, Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Our office has a drop box that can be used to make payments after hours or on the weekends.

Do not put cash in the drop box.

MOBILE APP

MAIL

Easily manage your account on the go and make payments with our free SmartHub app. Available on the App Store or Google Play Store — search for SmartHub.

Mail your payments to P.O. Box 179, Hamilton, Ohio 45012.

AUTO PAY Reduce the stress of missing a payment or receiving a late charge by having your payment automatically removed from your checking or savings account on the due date.

Follow these steps to enroll in Auto Pay: 1. Log in to SmartHub. 2. Click on Billing & Payments then Auto Pay Program.

3. On the right side of the page, select Sign Up For Auto Pay then Bank Account.

4. Follow the instructions and continue paying your bill until your statement reads Automatic Payment — DO NOT PAY!

PHONE Call 855-940-3867 to use our Self-Serve phone number.

The automated system allows you to pay your bill 24 hours a day, seven days a week. You can also call our office at 513-867-4400 during normal business hours to pay with a card.

FIRST FINANCIAL BANK Pay your electric bill at any First Financial Bank location with no charge. Visit the bank’s website for branch locations. Payments may take up to 24 hours (during normal business hours) to be received.

ONLY USE THESE OPTIONS TO PAY YOUR BILL Using these payment options is the only way to ensure your bill is paid. Do not use third-party payment options like DOXO and do not pay your bill at unapproved locations like gas stations.

Payments made through third-party websites and at other locations may not arrive on time, may not be applied to your account, and could result in late fees or disconnections.

Energy Efficiency Tip of the Month Did you know ceiling fans can help you save energy? Ceiling fans create a windchill effect on your skin to make you feel a few degrees cooler. Raise the thermostat a few degrees and turn on fans to reduce air conditioning costs.

Set fan blades to rotate counterclockwise during summer months and clockwise during winter months. Remember, ceiling fans cool people but don’t actually lower the indoor temperature. Turn them off when you leave the room.

Source: energy.gov

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BUTLER RURAL ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE

results

2024 ELECTION During Butler Rural Electric Cooperative’s annual meeting April 25, members approved the 2023 annual meeting minutes and the 2025 nominating committee members. The 2025 nominating committee will choose candidates for next year’s board of trustees election.

More than 1,280 members vote in board of trustees election 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 contact with ballots or voting results before they are announced. Our attorney receives the election results once the election closes and announces the results at our annual meeting.

David is married to his wife, Dawn. They have four children and six grandchildren. Along with his high school diploma, David has earned the Credentialed Cooperative Director, Board Leadership, and Director Gold certification through NRECA. David is the third-generation owner and president of Art Evans & Sons, Inc., and is an active member of the Brookville Road Baptist Church. During his free time, David enjoys spending time with family, four-wheeling, and camping.

All members were mailed a ballot along with biographies for each of the five candidates running for the board this year. 1,277 out of 10,377 members voted — that’s over 12% of our members! 640 voted by mail and 648 voted through our election website or through SmartHub.

Jim Meador was elected in District 2, which includes

Members could vote for one candidate in each district.

Board members represent all members, not just the members in their township or district.

Jim has been married to his wife, Karen, for 45 years.

They have two sons, a daughter, and five grandchildren.

Jim graduated from Talawanda High School and took business courses at Miami University.

David Evans DISTRICT 1

20F

Members chose David Evans in District 1, which includes Israel Township in Preble County and Oxford Township in Butler County. 1,107 votes were cast in this district. David Evans ran unopposed. The cooperative’s code of regulations allows candidates to run unopposed for the board of trustees.

OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • JUNE 2024

Milford Township in Butler County. 1,118 votes were cast in this district. Jim Meador ran unopposed. The cooperative’s code of regulations allows candidates to run unopposed for the board of trustees.

Jim Meador DISTRICT 2

Vickie Jo Barger DISTRICT 5

BUTLER RURAL ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE

Jim retired after a 30-year career at Miami University in the steam plant as a stationary engineer. He has been a Butler Rural Electric Cooperative board member for 19 years and has earned the Credential Cooperative Director, Board Leadership, and Director Gold certification through NRECA. Jim is a member of the Miami Federal Credit Union Board and is the assistant chief for the Milford Township Fire Department. During his free time, Jim enjoys reading, traveling, and spending time with his grandchildren.

Members chose Vickie Jo Barger in District 5, which includes Madison and Wayne townships in Butler County. 1,216 votes were cast in this district. Member Mike Wolf also ran for election in District 5.

Vickie Jo lives in Wayne Township in Butler County.

She is married to Matt Barger and has five children and five grandchildren. She has a master’s degree in business administration from Miami University and maintains treasurer certification in accordance with Ohio Revised Code Section 135.

Vickie Jo is the finance director for the Butler County Sheriff’s Office, is the treasurer for AllWealth Federal Credit Union, and volunteers at churches and nonprofit organizations by reconciling and auditing their financial records. She volunteers for the Edgewood Athletic craft show and is an Edgewood Ministerial Association supporter. During her free time, Vickie Jo enjoys

spending time with family, watching sports, and going to the theater.

Thank you for being involved in your cooperative!

Thank you to the four members who ran in this year’s election and thank you to the members who voted. Your vote is your voice. By participating, you are part of the process to make the cooperative the best it can be.

Board member compensation We are focused on the cooperative’s governance and remain transparent when reporting board member compensation each year.

Our board members receive a per diem for attending meetings and training but do not get paid a salary or receive benefits like health insurance. The average annual compensation is $13,000 per board member, which varies based on office and certification. This is down slightly from $15,700 last year, due to fewer meetings and trainings during the first quarter of 2024.

The chart below is based on data received from the latest National Director Survey conducted by NRECA. The chart compares our board member compensation to the compensation received by electric cooperative board members nationally, regionally, and from co-ops of the same size.

Twelve-Month Board Compensation Comparison $16

THOUSANDS

$15

$14 $15.7 $13 $13.1 $12

National

Regional

$13.8

Consumer Size

$13

Butler Rural Electric Cooperative

This chart is based on data received from the latest National Director Survey conducted by NRECA. It compares Butler Rural Electric Cooperative’s board member compensation to the compensation received by electric cooperative board members nationally, regionally, and from co-ops of the same size. This is down slightly from $15,700 last year, due to fewer meetings and trainings during the first quarter of 2024.

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BUTLER RURAL ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE

2024 Summer Events Join us at these events sponsored by Butler Rural Electric Cooperative!

OXFORD’S UPTOWN MUSIC CONCERT SERIES

Cooperative’s office from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Bring your family for free hot dogs, popcorn, Flub’s ice cream, games, prizes, caricaturists, and more!

Enjoy a summer evening with us in uptown Oxford! Hear great music at this outdoor festival from 7 to 9:30 p.m.

Bring your friends and family, blankets, and lawn chairs to listen to Fleetwood Gold — a Fleetwood Mac tribute band.

BUTLER COUNTY FAIR COOKOUT

COLLEGE CORNER OLD-FASHIONED FOURTH OF JULY FIREWORKS

Junior fair exhibitors and their families enjoy a meal and relax after spending the day moving their animals and equipment onto the fairgrounds for the Butler County Fair, which begins the next day.

Thursday, June 6

Thursday, July 4

Butler Rural Electric Cooperative and Whitewater Valley Rural Electric Membership Corporation sponsor the College Corner fireworks. Bring your family for this fun event at Stateline Ballpark in College Corner.

FIREWORKS EXTRAVAGANZA AT HUESTON WOODS STATE PARK Friday, July 5

Butler Rural Electric Cooperative helps sponsor the Fireworks Extravaganza at Hueston Woods State Park.

Enjoy a cookout, DJ, and fireworks launched from the middle of Acton Lake.

New this year!

Friday, July 19

PREBLE COUNTY JUNIOR FAIR EXHIBITOR PICNIC Friday, July 26

Butler and Darke Rural Electric Cooperatives sponsor this annual picnic at the Preble County Fairgrounds.

Junior fair exhibitors and their families enjoy a meal and relax after spending the day moving their animals and equipment onto the fairgrounds for the Preble County Fair, which begins the next day.

FAMILY DAY MEMBER APPRECIATION EVENT Friday, July 12

One of our most popular events is our annual member appreciation day. Family Day is at Butler Rural Electric

winners

BILL CREDIT 20H

OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • JUNE 2024

Did you attend our annual meeting in April 2023? 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 April winners!

Sandra A. Daugherty • Howard Fisher • Dale E. Perry Jacob Stupprich • Danny Winland

BUTLER RURAL ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE

Unlock comfort and savings If you’re working on your summer to-dos, consider adding home weatherization to your list.

We typically think about weatherizing our homes during winter months, when we’re standing next to a chilly window or a drafty exterior door. But weatherizing your home provides comfort and energy savings yearround, especially during summer months, when your air conditioner is working overtime.

According to energystar.gov, a home with insufficient insulation and air leaks wastes more than 20% of the energy used to heat or cool the home — that’s essentially throwing money out the door. Fortunately, most weatherization projects are easy to DIY and can be completed in a day.

The simplest and most cost-effective weatherization strategies include air sealing around windows and exterior doors.

If you have older windows, odds are you have air escaping through tiny cracks and gaps around the frame.

Do a quick visual inspection. If you can see any daylight around the frame or the windows rattle easily, you likely have air leaks. Also check for any small cracks around the frame that may not be visible with sunlight.

If you suspect you have leaky windows and plan to apply new caulk, be sure to remove the old caulk and clean the area well before application. Caulking materials vary in strength and properties, but you’ll likely need a halfcartridge per window.

Silicone caulk is a popular choice and can also be used to seal joints between bathroom and kitchen fixtures. If you have any leftover caulk, use it to seal those areas.

Another effective but simple weatherization project is installing weatherstripping around exterior doors. The most common types of weatherstripping options are V-channel, felt, and foam tape. To choose the best type for your home, consider temperature fluctuations and

weather exposure. Most homeowners opt for felt or foam tape; both options are easy to install but will need to be replaced every couple years, depending on wear and tear.

Weatherstripping should be installed around the top and sides of the door.

If you see daylight around the bottom of an exterior door, consider installing a door sweep in addition to weatherstripping. Door sweeps are available in aluminum, plastic, vinyl, and felt options.

Weatherstripping can also be installed around windows, typically to the sides of a double hung or sliding window, or around the window sash.

If you’re unsure how to install weatherstripping or apply caulk, check out websites like Lowes.com or energy.gov for step-by-step instructions and video tutorials.

Another way to improve comfort in your home is adding insulation. While this is a more costly project and requires a professional’s help, it’s an effective way to decrease heat flow, which impacts energy use in winter and summer months. Older homes may need additional insulation to either replace older materials or meet newer efficiency standards. Contact a qualified installation specialist if you suspect your home’s insulation levels are inadequate.

Our Residential Energy Advisor tool on our website allows you to conduct a free virtual energy assessment of your home. It takes minutes to profile your home and receive savings recommendations. Our free home assessment is a benefit of your co-op membership, so we encourage you to take advantage of this helpful service at butlerrural. coop > Energy Solutions > Save Energy & Money > Home Energy Calculators > Residential Energy Advisor.

In addition to saving energy, air sealing can help you avoid moisture control issues, improve indoor air quality, and extend the life of your heating and cooling system.

Weatherize your home to unlock year-round comfort and savings on monthly energy costs.

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BUTLER RURAL ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE

BOARD OF TRUSTEES

David Evans PRESIDENT

Jim Meador

SECRETARY & TREASURER

CONTACT

513-867-4400 butlerrural.coop OFFICE

3888 Stillwell Beckett Road Oxford, Ohio 45056 OFFICE HOURS

Monday through Friday 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

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OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • JUNE 2024

Lee P. Geiger ATTORNEY

Vickie Jo Barger Jay T. Hasbrook Ronald Kolb Thomas L. McQuiston James O’Brien Robert Spaeth Mike Tilton

Tom Wolfenbarger GENERAL MANAGER

Jade Guthrie

MANAGER OF COMMUNICATIONS & MARKETING

SMARTHUB

Access your electric use, pay your bill, and report outages through our free SmartHub app.

BUTLER RURAL ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE

TRUSTEES

BUTLER RURAL ELECTRIC

Reach 300,000 of your best customers

Ohio Cooperative Living has been a valued presence in rural Ohio homes and businesses for the past 65 years.

For information and rates, email advertising@ohioec.org

Take a ride on the Mighty Muskingum and enjoy a piece of Zanesville history!

BOOK YOUR RIDE TODAY: (740) 455-8282 Ext 108

www.visitzanesville.com JUNE 2024 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING

23

Two of Ohio’s top recreational lakes come back from the brink.

N

BY JODI BORGER

estled in the heart of Ohio, Buckeye Lake and Grand Lake St. Marys each faced near-devastating challenges over the last decade or two that brought their once-thriving “lake life” — and all the recreational and economic benefits that come with it — to a standstill.

The pictures, and the outlook, were bleak. But now, thanks to the dedication and collaborative efforts of their local communities, both are witnessing a resurgence, bustling with new growth and opportunity for Ohioans and out-ofstaters alike.

Engineering disaster

Buckeye Lake, a 3,100-acre lake located 30 miles east of Columbus, was formed from swampland left by a retreating glacier more than 11,000 years ago — though its current form is human-made: A dike constructed to block the Licking River in the 1820s filled the reservoir, which served as a feeder for the Ohio and Erie Canal.

Throughout the first half of the 1900s, Buckeye Lake reigned as the premier destination for leisurely outdoor activities in central Ohio. Its amusement park, complete with Ferris wheel and roller coasters, enticed younger visitors, while others boated, sunbathed, or just lounged around the lake. By the 1940s, as many as 50,000 people per day came calling, and show business superstars like Glenn Miller, Louis Armstrong, and Frank Sinatra played shows in its huge dance halls.

Buckeye Lake became the first of Ohio’s canal lakes to be named a state park in 1949.

“Buckeye Lake has always been Ohio’s playground,” says Jonett Haberfield, executive director of Visit Fairfield County. “It’s centrally located, a really good place to escape from the city.”

The amusement park closed in 1970, but the lake region remained a popular destination for those in search of that lake life. In 2015, however, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers released a report that warned of an “imminent catastrophic failure” of the 1820s earthen dam that held back its waters.

“They drained the lake while they repaired that dam, and that was a dark time when people were worried about their property value and selling their homes. Businesses closed. No one really knew what the future would bring,” says Haberfield.

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OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • JUNE 2024

The project to rebuild the dam was supposed to last until 2020 and cost $150 million, but finished nearly two years early and $43 million under budget. Now, after several ensuing years of economic development, Buckeye Lake has regained its life as an enjoyable escape, drawing visitors from across the region, and it is thriving.

Central to the revitalization efforts is the collaboration among Fairfield, Perry, and Licking counties, which surround the lake. Much of the land area nearby is served by electric cooperatives — Lancaster-based South Central Power Company to the west and south, The Energy Cooperative of Newark to the east and northeast, and Guernsey-Muskingum Electric Cooperative a little farther to the east.

The Buckeye Lake Regional Corporation has facilitated discussions and initiatives aimed at promoting the area as a premier destination. That concerted effort has fostered a sense of community pride and unity among those who live there.

“It’s been an amazing change,” Haberfield says. “There are a lot of new property owners, new business owners, and new enthusiasm about the lake as a tourist destination. You don’t even have to be on the water to enjoy the experience of Buckeye Lake. I enjoy sitting along the shoreline at the winery and watching people enjoying all the activities the lake has to offer. Everyone is in vacation mode.”

Environmental nightmare

Why visit?

Visitors to Buckeye Lake can enjoy all kinds of water-based activities: fishing, kayaking, swimming, boating, and the like.

Additionally, Buckeye Lake offers plenty of activities beyond the water. Weldon’s Ice Cream Factory is a local tradition, drawing visitors for its delicious homemade treats.

Buckeye Lake Winery, established over a decade ago, is a popular venue for weddings and events. New restaurants have recently opened that have added to the already diverse culinary scene, attracting patrons seeking an upscale atmosphere. Residents from neighboring communities now frequent the area during the week because of the unique dining experiences. Live music can be heard at numerous venues nearly every night throughout the summer, and an increasing number of businesses now remain open during once-dormant winter months. Winterfest, held at the end of January and organized by the Buckeye Lake Regional Chamber of Commerce, has become a highlight of the winter season.

Grand Lake St. Marys, located in Mercer and Auglaize counties, was constructed in the mid-1800s as a feeder lake for the Miami-Erie Canal. Even at more than 13,000 acres, Ohio’s largest inland lake wasn’t designed with any recreation in mind. In fact, the only commercial activities on the reservoir for its first several decades included ice harvesting (a necessity in an era before electricity and refrigeration) and commercial fishing. For a brief period, the lake even hosted oil derricks, marking a pioneering moment as Grand Lake St. Marys became the site of the world’s first offshore oil drilling rigs.

With the addition of railroads in the early 1900s, the necessity for canals diminished, prompting a shift in how Grand Lake St. Marys was utilized. A sizable amusement park sprouted up on the lake’s eastern shore. A vibrant concert and dance hall appeared at the northwest corner. Cabin resorts and campsites surrounded the lake’s expansive 52-mile shoreline.

Grand Lake St. Marys was officially designated as an Ohio State Park in 1949.

However, Grand Lake has had its ups and downs throughout the years, and as early as the 1960s, reports showed that the lake was eutrophic, meaning excessive nutrients — mostly fertilizer runoff from nearby farmland — could lead to algal growth. By the 1990s, the Ohio EPA declared the lake’s watershed as Ohio’s most degraded.

A watershed project for Grand Lake St. Marys formed in the late 1990s to start local planning for improvements, and the efforts, though voluntary, made a significant impact on the well-being of the lake.

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Continued from page 25

However, in 2010, Grand Lake St. Marys suffered a large bloom of blue-green algae — which is actually a type of bacteria that produces toxins dangerous to people, animals, and fish. People were advised not to swim or even wade in the water, not to take boats out onto the lake, and not to allow pets near the shore.

“This spurred a lot of interest from state officials and local groups and got national attention,” says Theresa Dirksen, Mercer County agriculture and natural resources director. The lake’s reputation as a carefree summer playground was nearly destroyed.

The algal bloom of 2010 also spawned numerous groups tasked with improving the quality of the lake’s water.

• The Lake Restoration Commission (LRC) consists of representatives from Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Mercer Soil and Water Conservation District, Wright State University, and surrounding communities including the cities of Celina and St. Marys and Mercer and Auglaize counties, among others. It works on plans to improve the lake directly with things like increased dredging, treatment trains, and new technologies.

• Ag Solutions group, a grassroots effort by local farmers, focuses specifically on technologies and methods to improve manure management.

• The Lake Facilities Authority (LFA) is a public entity consisting of the Mercer and Auglaize county commissioners that can accept grants, bid projects, own land, etc. The LFA has taken the lead on land acquisition to install treatment wetlands and natural spaces in the Grand Lake St. Marys watershed.

In late 2011, the Grand Lake St. Marys watershed was officially declared “distressed” by the Ohio Department of Agriculture, which set into motion a set of rules for certain livestock producers to follow, which are still in place.

“The methods that we have employed here to improve water quality are being looked at by so many others,” Dirksen says. “From my perspective, Grand Lake St. Marys has become a model watershed for all of Ohio, possibly even the U.S., to follow.”

And of course, with the improved quality has come a rebuilt reputation — and a revitalized economy. “Lake home prices are up and so is the number of visitors,” says Donna Grube, executive director of the Grand Lake Region Visitors Center. “The state park campgrounds reported a record number of guest nights in 2023, and we have set a new record for lodging tax collection. There is still work to be done, but the positivity of the situation, compared to a decade ago, is almost unbelievable.”

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OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • JUNE 2024

Why visit?

13,500-acre Grand Lake St. Marys and its numerous boat launches offer an expansive surface for activities like waterskiing, kayaking, tubing, and year-round fishing for bass, crappie, perch, bluegill, catfish, and walleye. But Grand Lake St. Marys also is surrounded by nearly 600 acres of lakeside parkland, where visitors can enjoy 10 miles of hiking, biking, and snowmobile trails, as well as swimming beaches and picnic areas. Birdwatching enthusiasts will find a diverse range of waterfowl and migratory birds. Lakeside festivals, concerts, races, and other events provide entertainment for visitors of all ages throughout the year. Local restaurants offer enticing cuisine and lakeside dining experiences, adding to the overall charm of the area. Lodging opportunities cater to all preferences and budgets, from rustic camping to luxury hotels with expansive lake views.

Boardwalk Village opened in 2022, offering the feel of resort lodging.

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JUNE 2024 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING

27

Pilgrimage

for recovery From around the world, those overcoming addiction flock to Akron for a sense of ‘home.’

BY JILL MOORHEAD; PHOTOGRAPHS BY ERIC DENTLER

[Editor’s note: Ohio Cooperative Living honors the tradition in Alcoholics Anonymous in which members are granted a level of anonymity in the press.]

documented in its publications such as Alcoholics Anonymous (known as “The Big Book”), Dr. Bob and the Good Oldtimers, and AA Grapevine.

hen Pat B and her husband, both from Columbus, visited an Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) event during a vacation in Auckland, New Zealand, the couple found themselves engulfed by attendees from South Asia and Oceania, all interested in their Ohio heritage. The intrigue was not connected to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame or Cedar Point, but because it’s home to Akron, the birthplace of AA, an organization that author Kurt Vonnegut once called “America’s most nurturing contribution to the culture of this planet.”

The publications document the encounter between Smith and New York stockbroker Bill Wilson in Akron in 1935. Recently sober, Wilson was on a business trip to Akron, where he stayed at the Mayflower Hotel (now Mayflower Manor Apartments). Seeking another alcoholic to talk to, Wilson made a random call to a church from a phone booth, which led him to meet Smith. They talked for five hours that night, igniting the inception of AA.

W

The Akron home of proctologist and AA co-founder Robert Smith, known as Dr. Bob’s Home, is a National Historic Landmark and on the National Register of Historic Places. It’s the epicenter of the global AA movement, which spans 180 countries with more than 2 million members.

A visit to Dr. Bob’s Home is a pilgrimage for those in recovery from alcohol and substance abuse.

Launched in Akron in 1935, AA is a fellowship dedicated to overcoming alcohol addiction, extensively

28

OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • JUNE 2024

Wilson subsequently lived with Smith for months, and over the next 15 years, that small Arts and Crafts home at 855 Ardmore Ave. became a gathering place for individuals struggling with alcoholism. Smith and his wife, Anne, welcomed visitors, initially attempting to sober them up with a mixture of sauerkraut, tomatoes, and Karo syrup, while also hosting meetings with abundant coffee. The discussions that took place there between Smith and Wilson laid the foundation for the organization and its renowned 12-step program, now applied to various forms of addiction, from food addiction to workaholism.

Aptly, there are 12 steps leading from the sidewalk to “Dr. Bob’s House” (opposite page) on Ardmore Avenue in Akron. This page, from top: The seating area in Dr. Bob’s House where Bob Smith and Bill Wilson had their first conversation that led to the formation of Alcoholics Anonymous, complete with several books that inspired Smith. The original concoction created to sober up houseguests — sauerkraut, tomatoes, and Karo syrup — is displayed in one of the bedrooms. After becoming sober, Smith kept a bottle of liquor in his kitchen to remind him that alcohol can’t be avoided in society, but he could choose not to partake.

“It was much more than just a surgeon’s home where they met and wrote books and talked,” says Eric Dentler, a marketer for Golden Gate Recovery in the San Francisco Bay Area, who has twice visited the site. “Dr. Bob’s Home was the first detox center and the first soberliving home.”

Operated by volunteers, Dr. Bob’s Home evokes a typical day in 1935 and poignantly has 12 steps leading to the entrance. Open 354 days annually, the home attracts around 6,000 to 7,000 visitors each year, including those in recovery, their families, and medical professionals from institutions like the Cleveland Clinic, according to Paul G, PR chairperson for Dr. Bob’s Home.

“[Dr. Bob’s Home] is home to all who are members of AA. It’s where the rest of our lives began.”

Those visitors hail from all 50 states as well as Canada, Mexico, European nations, and even distant locations such as Mongolia and Indonesia. Visits surge to 4,000 during Founder’s Day weekend, an annual celebration at the University of Akron marking the anniversary of Smith’s last drink.

A living museum, the home features original artifacts such as books and furniture, photos of the Smith family, voice recordings, and the places that Smith hid alcohol from his wife. Of special interest are copies of the New Yorker and Saturday Evening Post whose articles about AA made the organization thrive in its infancy. A gift shop and Dr. Bob’s library are located in the house next door.

The organization also provides online tours for its global audience. A recent one led by Paul and archivist Gail L included 129 rapt participants from the United Kingdom, many leaning in, some recording, and more than a few sharing the emotional impact of and gratitude for the tour. “This brought me to tears,” said one participant. “I’ve been living this for 34 years, and this hit me in the heart.”

Continued on page 30

JUNE 2024 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING

29

Eric Dentler poses at a table with the typewriter used to write “The Big Book.” In the background, an original copy is encased in glass. Below, the gift shop next door to Dr. Bob’s House contains a collection of AA coins left by visitors to Dr. Bob’s grave during Founder’s Day. Continued from page 29

Paul G remembers a February blizzard when Dr. Bob’s Home had no visitors. Amidst the peaceful atmosphere, he heard the sound of air brakes and saw a Greyhound bus carrying 75 women heading to a conference in Toledo. Their arrival instantly transformed the atmosphere with laughter and warmth, reflecting the welcoming nature of the home.

“That is exactly what we want to happen,” says Paul, “[Dr. Bob’s Home] is home. It’s home to all that are members of AA. It’s where the rest of our lives began. It’s because of the things that happened in that living room that many of us are alive today.”

The idea of “home” is central to a visit to Dr. Bob’s.

When someone walks in the front door, they are greeted by a volunteer with a “Welcome home” greeting, which frequently incites a strong emotional response for visitors, says Paul, who once witnessed a Romanian priest fall to his knees in deference to the sacred space.

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OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • JUNE 2024

Dentler says that greeting evoked his own tears on his first visit in 2019, which he describes as a spiritual journey to celebrate 10 years of sobriety. “I will never forget the feeling when a young docent shouted out, ‘Welcome home,’” says Dentler. Although the room was full, his tears went unnoticed.

“What happened in Akron, that story is in every Big Book in every country,” says Gail, referring to the chapter entitled, “A Vision for You.” “You say you’re from Akron, Ohio, and someone’s connected to this program, you become like a rock star.”

It was that chapter that hit a nerve for Bill S from Melbourne, Australia, who plans to visit Dr. Bob’s Home as part of his fourth trip to the United States this summer.

“When I read ‘A Vision for You,’ it really struck home.

Could I really live a sober life without a dependence on alcohol and be happy? I was desperate for some home and direction in my life, and there was something about the way the chapter was written. It’s in a language that is so old-fashioned, but so relevant to my life.”

Serene

These human-made pathways are a helpful way to discover some of Ohio’s ecological wonders.

boardwalks

Nature weaves a tapestry of tranquil landscapes and vibrant ecosystems in Ohio, in several spots presented thoughtfully through the winding allure of boardwalk trails.

These sinuous paths are more than wooden structures; they serve as threads connecting the past with the present, inviting modern explorers into a wilderness that once dominated our Buckeye State. Come along on our walk through the boardwalk loops at Maumee Bay State Park, Cedar Bog, and Fowler Woods to experience the diverse natural beauty of an immersive journey through time and space.

PHOTO ESSAY BY WENDY PRAMIK JUNE 2024 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING

31

Summer at Maumee Bay State Park On the northern cusp of Ohio near the town of Oregon, Maumee Bay State Park is one of Lake Erie’s playful attractions. The park features a 2.3-mile boardwalk that winds through wetlands teeming with diverse wildlife and lush vegetation. I stumbled upon this path a few years ago during a family stay at Maumee Bay Lodge. The highlight of our exploration was the array of wildlife we encountered — from playful frogs to a family of ducks navigating the marshy waters.

This boardwalk was constructed in 1993 and was partially rebuilt with eco-friendly materials after a storm in 2023. It’s a haven for birdwatchers, as more than 300 avian species live in or migrate through the area at one time or another through the year. The interactive exhibits at the park’s Trautman Nature Center paint a vivid picture of the region’s natural and human history, including the journey of migrating birds and the tale of the Great Black Swamp’s early settlers.

Spring at Cedar Bog Nature Preserve Cedar Bog Nature Preserve in Urbana presents an altogether different aspect of Ohio’s natural heritage. A National Natural Landmark managed by the Ohio Historical Society, the preserve features a 1.5-mile boardwalk that arcs through a fen — a wetland that drains water left behind by retreating glaciers. My husband, Mike, and I took a springtime walk here, surrounded by the sounds of life as hidden birds sang from bushes and frogs peeped from a pond.

Visiting Cedar Bog not only offers a glimpse into glacial history but also provides an intimate look at some of Ohio’s most rare and beautiful plant and animal species. Carnivorous plants and rarities such as the showy lady’s slipper thrive at Cedar Bog alongside towering red maples and black ash trees. The fen’s varied landscape transitions from swamp to prairie, each area blossoming with an explosion of wildflowers.

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OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • JUNE 2024

Fall at Fowler Woods State Nature Preserve Farther northeast near Greenwich, Fowler Woods State Nature Preserve offers a distinctly different seasonal spectacle. An autumn visit with my sister, Amy, and niece, Jenna, was punctuated by a palette of changing leaves, from vivid yellow to deep brown, which created a crunchy carpet underfoot. The preserve’s 1.24-mile wheelchair-accessible trail circles through mature beech and maple forests and across buttonbush swamps.

The secluded boardwalk is a sanctuary for both flora and fauna. Tall trees and vibrant undergrowth provide food and shelter to a variety of birds. The trilling calls of the veery echo through the trees, adding an auditory layer to the visual splendor of the preserve.

JUNE 2024 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING

33

SPECIAL ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE

U.S. zip codes turn up silver for residents

Sealed Vault Bags full of State Silver Bars are actually being handed over to the first U.S. residents who find their zip code listed in today’s publication and call before the 21 day order deadline ends to claim the bags full of pure silver NATIONWIDE - Operators at the National Silver Hotline are struggling to keep up with all the calls.

That’s because Silver Vault Bags loaded with pure .999 State Silver Bars are now being handed over to everyone who beats the order deadline.

“That’s why U.S. residents will be hoarding all the silver bars they can get their hands on before the deadline ends.

This comes as no surprise after the standard State Minimum set by the Lincoln Treasury was dropped for everyone who gets the Silver Vault Bags making them a real steal,” said Mary Ellen Withrow, the emeritus 40th Treasurer of the United States of America.

“As executive advisor to the private Lincoln Treasury, I get paid to deliver breaking news.

And here’s the best part.

This is great news for U.S. residents because the reduced State Minimum set by the Lincoln Treasury is a real steal,” said Withrow.

The only thing residents need to do is find the first 2 digits of their zip code on the Distribution List printed in today’s publication. If their zip code is on the list, they just need to call the National Silver Hotline before the deadline ends.

And here’s the good news. Residents who do are getting the reduced State Minimum set by the Lincoln Treasury of just $390 for each State Silver Vault Bag which is just $39 for each pristine Silver half ounce bar as long as they call the National Silver Hotline at 1-888-706-6536 before the deadline ends.

Phone lines open at precisely 8:30 A.M. this morning and are expected to be flooded by U.S. residents looking to cash in on the reduced State Minimum set by

■ U.S. RESIDENTS CASH IN: Calls are pouring in from state residents who are trying to get their hands on the Jumbo Silver Ballistic Bags pictured above before the deadline ends. That’s because residents who find the first two digits of their zip code printed in today’s publication are cashing in on the reduced State Minimum price set for the next 21 days by the Lincoln Treasury.

Who gets the Silver Vault Bags: Listed below are the zip codes that get to claim the Silver Vault Bags.

If you find the first two digits of your zip code below immediately call: 1-888-706-6536 DEPT. SMB193 Alabama 35, 36 Alaska 99 Arizona 85, 86 Arkansas 71, 72 California 91 Colorado 80, 81 Connecticut 06 Delaware 19

(Continued on next page)

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OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • JUNE 2024

Florida 32, 33, 34 Georgia 30, 31, 39 Hawaii 96 Idaho 83 Illinois 60, 61 62 Indiana 46, 47 Iowa 50, 51, 52 Kansas 66, 67

Missouri North Carolina Kentucky 63, 64, 65 27, 28 40, 41, 42 Montana North Dakota Louisiana 59 58 70, 71 Nebraska Maine Ohio 68, 69 41, 43 03, 04 Nevada 44, 45 Maryland 88, 89 20, 21 Oklahoma New Hampshire 73, 74 Massachusetts 03 Oregon 01, 02, 05 New Jersey 97 Michigan 07, 08 Pennsylvania 48, 49 New Mexico 15, 16, 17 Minnesota 87, 88 18, 19 55, 56 New York Mississippi Rhode Island 00, 10, 11, 12 02 38, 39 13, 14

South Carolina 29 South Dakota 57 Tennessee 37, 38 Texas 75, 76, 77 78, 79, 88 Utah 84 Vermont 05 Virginia 20, 22, 23, 24 Washington 98, 99

West Virginia 24, 25, 26 Wyoming 82, 83

(Continued from previous page)

the Lincoln Treasury to date. That’s why U.S. residents who find their zip code on the distribution list today are being urged to call.

Since this special adver tising a nnounce ment can’t stop anyone from buying up all the new 2024 Edition U.S. State Silver Bars they can get their hands on, the Lincoln Treasury has not set a limit of how many Jumbo Silver Ballistic Bags residents can get – these are the bags pictured that contain 10 individual Silver Vault Bags each. Everyone who gets these will be glad they did.

“Residents who want to cash in on the reduced State Minimum set by the private Lincoln Treasury better hurry. That’s because after the deadline ends, the State Minimum for these pristine half ounce U.S. State Silver Bars set by the Lincoln Treasury will go up to $68 per ba r no matter how many bars people get,” Withrow said.

“We’re bracing for all the calls and doing the best we can, but with just hours left before the deadline ends, residents who find the first 2 digits of their zip code listed in today’s publication need to call the National Silver Hotline,” Withrow said.

SPECIAL ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE

READ THIS IMPORTANT INFORMATION: If you find your zip code on the distribution list printed in today’s publication read below then immediately call: 1-888-706-6536 DEPT. SMB193 I keep calling and can’t get through: Keep trying. Right now everyone’s looking to cash in on the reduced State Minimum set by the Lincoln Treasury. In fact, we won’t be surprised if thousands of residents order up as many Silver Vault Bags as they can get their hands on before the deadline ends. That’s because the State Minimum set by the Lincoln Treasury has been reduced to just $39 for each silver half ounce bar for everyone who gets the vault bags. And since each Silver Vault Bag contains 10 pristine State Silver Bars for just $390 we’re guessing state residents will be claiming two or more bags while they’re up for grabs. But all those who really want to cash in are taking the Jumbo Silver Ballistic Bags containing 100 State Silver Bars before the deadline ends and the State Minimum set by the Lincoln Treasury goes up to $680 per Vault Bag. In fact the State Minimum set by the Lincoln Treasury is reduced even further for those getting the Jumbo Bags so just be sure to ask the National Silver Hotline operator for your discount. So if lines are busy keep trying.

How much are the Silver Vault Bags worth: It’s hard to tell how much these Silver Vault Bags could be worth since they are in pristine condition, but those who get in on this now will be glad they did. That’s because the State Minimum set by the Lincoln Treasury goes up to $680 per bag after the deadline ends. So you better believe that at just $390 the Silver Vault bags are a real steal for everyone who beats the deadline.

Can I buy one State Silver Bar: Yes. But, the reduced State Minimum set by the Lincoln Treasury of just $39 per bar applies only to residents who purchase a Silver Vault Bag(s). That means only those residents who order a Silver Vault Bag(s) or a Jumbo Silver Ballistic Bag get the reduced State Minimum set by the Lincoln Treasury. All single bar purchases, orders placed after the deadline and all non-state residents must pay the normal state minimum of $68 per silver half ounce bar.

Why is the State Minimum set by the Lincoln Treasury so low now: Thousands of U.S. residents stand to miss the deadline to get the silver at the reduced State Minimum set by the private Lincoln Treasury. Now all residents who find their zip code on the Distribution List to the left are getting the Silver Vault Bags for themselves and all the solid .999 pure State Silver Bars found inside. The price for each Silver Vault Bag after the deadline ends is set to the normal state minimum of $680 which is $68 per bar. But residents who beat the 21-day deadline only cover the reduced State Minimum set by the Lincoln Treasury of just $390 for each State Silver Bar Bag which is just $39 per bar as long as they call the National Silver Hotline before the deadline ends at: 1-888-706-6536 DEPT. SMB193. Hotlines open at 8:30 A.M.

*** All 49 States listed are available - States not listed are already sold out ***

DATE NUMBERED IN WHICH THE STATE RATIFIED THE CONSTITUTION AND WAS ADMITTED INTO UNION

WEIGHTS AND MEASURES FULL-HALF TROY OUNCE SOLID .999 FINE SILVER

BACK

FRONT

■ SILVER HITS ROCK BOT TOM : It ’s good news for state residents who get the Silver Vault Bags each loaded with 10 solid .999 pure State Silver Bars. That’s because residents are getting the reduced State Minimum set by the private Lincoln Treasury as long as they call before the deadline ends.

CERTIFIED SOLID SILVER PRECIOUS METAL

ALL 49 STATES LISTED ARE AVAILABLE. 1 STATE ALREADY SOLD OUT.

PHOTO ENLARGEMENT SHOWS ENGRAVING DETAIL OF SOLID HALF OUNCE STATE SILVER BARS THE LINCOLN TREASURY LLC. IS NOT AFFILIATED WITH THE U.S. MINT, U.S. GOV’T, A BANK OR ANY GOV’T AGENCY. THE INCREASE IN COLLECTIBLE VALUE OF SILVER DOES NOT GUARANTEE ANY INCREASE IN VALUE. IF FOR ANY REASON WITHIN 30 DAYS FROM SHIPMENT YOU ARE DISSATISFIED WITH YOUR PURCHASE, RETURN THE ENTIRE PRODUCT FOR A REFUND LESS SHIPPING AND RETURN POSTAGE. LINCOLN TREASURY IS NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR LOST RETURN SHIPMENTS. THIS SAME OFFER MAY BE MADE AVAILABLE AT A LATER DATE OR IN A DIFFERENT GEOGRAPHIC LOCATION. LINCOLN TREASURY 8000 FREEDOM AVE., N. CANTON OH 44720. © 2023 LINCOLN TREASURY P7433 OF23435R-1

JUNE 2024 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING

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OLD WASHINGTON Old Washington Music Fest July 18-20th, 2024 MUSIC FEST

July 18-20th, 2024 Guernsey County Fairgrounds Old Washington, OH FEATURING:

Guernsey County Fairgrounds Old Washington, OH Featuring:

Travis Tritt LANCO The Marshall Tucker Band Craig Morgan Hunter Hayes

and more!

Tickets: 615-946-4697 Tickets: 615-946-4697

36

OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • JUNE 2024

2024 CALENDAR

JUNE/JULY

COMPILED BY COLLEEN ROMICK CLARK

JUN. 27 – Fourth Thursdays Cookie Walk, Lakeview.

Stroll the downtown streets collecting stamps on your shopping passport from each participating business. Be sure to make enough stops to collect the Baker’s Dozen!

While there, grab a cookie and enjoy dessert first, then have dinner at a new food truck while enjoying live music in town. www.facebook.com/downtownlakeviewohio.

JUN. 29 – Art on the Beach, Old Field Beach State Park, St. Rte. 235, Lakeview, 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Free. Art show and sale in a beach setting at Indian Lake. Includes many fine arts and crafts. Food available. Art vendors can apply through Jun. 15. earicka@gmail.com (Andrea Earick) or www.logancountyartleague.org.

JUN. 29 – Lake Seneca Annual Yard Sales and THROUGH SEP. 15 – NWORRP Museum Summer Chicken Bar-B-Que Dinners, Arrowhead Lodge, 233 Hours, Northwest Ohio Railroad Preservation Inc., 12505 Seneca Dr., Montpelier. $12 per half with two sides.

Co. Rd. 99, Findlay, Sat./Sun. 1–4 p.m. $3; 12 and under, Available from 10 a.m. until sold out. Carryout available. $2 (includes 1 train ride ticket per admission). Museum Pavilion, park, and beach nearby overlooking beautiful tours, quarter-scale train rides, model train displays, Lake Seneca. Homemade baked goods for free-will games, play area, and more. 419-423-2995, www. donation. 419-485-0810. nworrp.org, or www.facebook.com/nworrp.

JUN. 29 – West Liberty Summer Street Market JUN. 5, JUL. 3 – Down on the Farm Story Time, and Car Show, 129 N. Detroit St., West Liberty. Enjoy Proving Ground Farm, 5670 E. Twp. Rd. 138, Tiffin, 10 live music, street vendors, classic cars, and plenty of a.m. Stories and activities are geared for preschoolshopping, then cap off the day with the grand finale, the age children and focus on farming and nature in a spectacular firework show. www.mywestliberty.com. picturesque outdoor setting. Families welcome! 419JUN. 30 – 19th-Century-Style Independence Day 447-7073, www.conservesenecacounty.com, or follow Celebration, Piatt Castle Mac-A-Cheek, 10051 Township Seneca Conservation District on Facebook.

Rd. 47, West Liberty, 11 a.m.–4 p.m. Free. Bring a picnic, JUN. 22–23 – Family Fun Weekend: Summer Kick Off, buy a slice of Independence Day cake, learn how Northwest Ohio Railroad Preservation Inc., 12505 Co. to play cricket and roll hoops, enjoy historical tunes Rd. 99, Findlay, 1–4 p.m. $5. Games, quarter-scale train and storytelling about July 4 customs, make “safe” rides, bounce house, and other family-friendly activities firecrackers and watch them fly, listen to the Declaration and events. 419-423-2995, www.nworrp.org, or www. of Independence, watch musket firing, and help make facebook.com/nworrp. the cannon boom. www.piattcastle.org.

JUN. 22–23 – Findlay Flea Market, Hancock Co. JUL. 4 – Independence Day Concert, Rutherford B. Fgds., 1017 E. Sandusky St., Findlay, Sat. 9 a.m.–4 Hayes Presidential Library and Museum, Spiegel Grove, p.m., Sun. 9 a.m.–3 p.m. Free admission. Variety of Fremont, 2–3:30 p.m. Free. Bring your own chair or merchandise: new, used, vintage items, crafts, and more. blanket for this patriotic concert performed by the Toledo Vendors welcome! Contact Christine at 419-619-0041 or Concert Band on the verandah of the historic Hayes findlayfleamarket@gmail.com for more information.

Home. Civil War reenactors will fire cannons in sync with Tchaikovsky’s “1812 Overture.” 419-332-2081 or www. rbhayes.org.

JUL. 4–6 – Old Fashioned Farmers Day, Van Wert Co. Fgds., 1055 S. Washington St., Van Wert. NTPA tractor pulls, car show, kiddie and adult pedal pulls, machinery demos, live music, food, and more. www. oldfashionedfarmersdays.com or find us on Facebook.

JUL. 5–7 – First Fridays Sidewalk Sales, downtown Bellefontaine. Many stores will have massive sales.

Pick up a passport at any participating location and collect stamps to win an amazing prize basket! www. firstfridaysbellefontaine.com.

JUL. 7 – Motorama, Auglaize Village, 12296 Krouse Rd., Defiance, 10 a.m.–3 p.m. Open to self-propelled, motorized, or powered “anything”: antique cars, custom rods, fire trucks, and cycles. No registration or fee. Flea market vendors welcome. 419-990-0107, villageauglaize@gmail.com, or www.auglaizevillage.com.

JUL. 12–14 – Huron River Fest, Huron Boat Basin, 330 N. Main St., Huron. Free. Competitions, parade, live entertainment, midway, games and rides, 5K and Fun Run, and more. Fireworks Friday at 10:15 p.m. over the river. www.huronriverfest.com.

JUL. 13 – Malinta Days Festival, Monroe Twp. Fire House, 8931 Co. Rd. K-2, Malinta, 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Free admission/parking. Flea market, music, chicken BBQ and other food; bounce houses, wagon rides, tour of historical caboose and train station, car show, Bingo, auction. All kids’ activities free. 419-966-9909 or www. facebook.com/Malintafest.

JUL. 6 – Vernon McIntyre’s Appalachian Grass, Ottawa Metro Park Amphitheater, 2632 Ada Rd., Lima, 7 p.m. Free. Enjoy an evening of lively bluegrass music with lightning-fast instrumentals, close harmonies, and entertaining novelty songs. Stadium-style seating in the amphitheater or bring a lawn chair. 419-221-1232, 419-223-1025, or www.jampd.com/parks-facilities/ ottawa-metro-park.

WEST VIRGINIA

JUL. 13, 27 – Myths of the Mountains, Fort New Salem, 81 Settlers Lane, Salem. Lamplight guided tour (approx. 1 hour) led by period-dressed guides, with each cabin housing a storyteller who spins tales of Appalachia. Gates open at 8 p.m.; groups begin tours every 10 minutes. 304-695-2220, director@fortnewsalemfoundation.org, or www. fortnewsalemfoundation.org.

NORTHWEST

JUN. 22–23 – Weekend of Workshops, Fort New Salem, 81 Settlers Lane, Salem. See live demonstrations as well as numerous artisans in various cabins. Some classes require preregistration. For more information: 304-695-2220, director@fortnewsalemfoundation.org, or www.fortnewsalemfoundation.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.

JUNE 2024 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING

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2024 CALENDAR

JUNE/JULY

CENTRAL

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

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

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

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

THROUGH OCT. 27 – Rock Mill Days, Stebelton Park at Rock Mill, 1429 Rockmill Place NW, Lancaster, Wed./ Sat. 11 a.m.–2 p.m., Sun. 1–4 p.m. Tour the restored 1824 gristmill, walk the Rock Mill Covered Bridge, and view the waterfall near the headwaters of the Hocking River. On the last Sunday of each month, see how corn was ground 200 years ago. 614 321-4833 ext. 103 or www. fairfieldcountyparks.org/events.

JUN. 7, JUL. 5 – First Friday Art Walk, downtown Zanesville, 5–8 p.m. Come downtown on the first Friday

SOUTHWEST

THROUGH JUL. 31 – Bluegrass Wednesdays, Vinoklet Winery, 11069 Colerain Ave., Cincinnati, Wed. 6:30–8:30 p.m. Enjoy dinner, wine, and an evening of free entertainment by Vernon McIntyre’s Appalachian Grass. Reservations recommended. 513-385-9309, vinokletwinery@fuse.net, or www.vinokletwines.com.

JUN. 20–23 – Friends of Serpent Mound’s Summer Solstice Celebration and Festival, Soaring Eagle Retreat, 375 Horner Chapel Rd., Peebles, next door to the Great Serpent Mound Park, Thur. 3–7 p.m., Fri.–Sun. 10 a.m.–7 p.m. Free. Presenters, workshops, vendors, music, Serpent Mound memorabilia display, artifact collections, hikes, kayaking, atlatl throwing, raptor show, and more! www.serpentmound.org/sscfestival.

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of each month, when all our participating galleries, studios, and small businesses are open at the same time!

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

JUN. 13, JUL. 11 – Inventors Network Meetings, Rusty Bucket, 3901 Britton Parkway, Hilliard, 43026 (614-7775868, MyRustyBucket.com), 7 p.m. Informal meetings for networking and invention-related discussion. 614-4700144 or www.inventorscolumbus.com.

JUN. 14–16 – Zane’s Trace Commemoration, 375 Muskingum Ave., Zanesville. Free. Live bands, parade, 5K/10K races, arts and crafts, History Tent, History Village with demonstrators, “Anything That Floats but a Boat” races, kids’ fishing tournament, kids’ games and projects, dunk tank, food, and much more. 740-487-6776 or https://zanestracecommemoration.com.

JUN. 22 – Boogie on the Blacktop: Featuring Gypsy Kyngs Concert, Circleville Eagles, 135 E. Main St., Circleville, 7–11 p.m. $5. Outdoor concert with food vendors and drinks. www.pickaway.com.

JUN. 28–29 – Cottage and Garden Tour, Historic Lancaster Camp Ground, Lancaster, Fri. 5–8:30 p.m., Sat. 9 a.m.–3 p.m. Beautiful gardens on display, plant sales, presentations from Master Gardeners on plant care and cultivation, bees, butterflies, birds, and more.

Enjoy food, live music, and networking with fellow garden enthusiasts. www.lancastercampground.org.

JUN. 29 – Ohio Authors Book Fair, Destination Outlets, Jeffersonville, 10:30 a.m.–3 p.m. Come visit with local Ohio authors and get your next best read. Collect stickers from authors for prizes from shops at the mall. Children can participate in a stamp scavenger hunt to earn treats! https://writenowcolumbus.com/event/ohio-author-bookfair or www.facebook.com/events/s/ohio-authors-bookfair/1458060298396224.

JUL. 1–6 – Marion County Fair, 220 E. Fairground St., Marion. Livestock shows, tractor and truck pulls, rodeos, rides, live music, and much more. Enjoy spectacular fireworks at 10 p.m. on the 4th. 740-382-2558 or www. marioncountyfairgrounds.com.

JUL. 3 – Red, White & BOOM!, downtown riverfront and the Arena District, Columbus, noon–midnight.

Kids’ activities, live music, parade, and much more, ending with Ohio’s largest fireworks display. www. redwhiteandboom.org.

JUL. 7, 21 – Sunday Sampling at Darby Creek Fields and Flowers, 11500 Darby Creek Rd., Orient. $10; 10 and under free. Families welcome. Stroll through 14 fields of flowers while enjoying some of our favorite locally made foods and beverages. Weather permitting. 614-809-8538 or www.darbyflowerfields.com.

JUL. 11–13 – Picktown Palooza, 89 N. Center St., Pickerington. Fun and family-oriented event featuring live entertainment; food vendors; car, truck, and bike show; and more. www.picktownpalooza.org.

JUL. 12–13 – Columbus Food Truck Festival, Bicentennial Park /Scioto Mile, Columbus, 11 a.m.–10 p.m. Free admission. Features 50 of the best food trucks in Ohio, along with live music on two stages, handcrafted items from local artisans/crafters, and shopping at the Columbus Vintage Exchange. www. columbusfoodtruckfest.com.

JUL. 14 – Buckeye Comic Con, Courtyard by Marriott Columbus West, 2350 Westbelt Dr., Columbus, 10 a.m.–4 p.m. $5; 6 and under free. Free parking. Comic and toy vendors, guest comic creators, hourly prizes. 330-4623985, jeff@harpercomics.com, or www.harpercomics.com.

JUN. 21, JUL. 19 – Bluegrass Night, Fibonacci Brewing Company, 1445 Compton Rd., Cincinnati, 7–9 p.m.

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

JUN. 22 – Vernon McIntyre’s Appalachian Grass, Inwood Park, 104 Wellington Place, Cincinnati, 10 a.m.– noon. Free bluegrass concert. Bring a lunch and enjoy the on-site picnic area. Take your leashed dog on a walk around the lake. Or enjoy the ADA-designated Grow Up Great Playground. www.cincinnati-oh.gov/cincyparks/ visit-a-park/find-a-parkfacility/inwood-park.

JUN. 29 – Biergarten Band Nights, Liberty Home German Society, 2361 Hamilton Cleves Rd., Hamilton, 5–10 p.m. Jay Fox and the Jammin’ Germans, 6–10 p.m.

513-571-6198, www.libertyhome.net, or follow Liberty Home Association on Facebook.

JUN. 29 – Bluegrass Concert: Vernon McIntyre’s Appalachian Grass, Garber Nature Center, 9691 OH-503 N., Lewisburg, 7–9 p.m. Free, but registration required. 937-962-5561, pcpdevents@gmail.com, or www.preblecountyparks.org.

JUN. 29 – Oxford in Bloom Garden Tour, various locations, 9 a.m.–4 p.m., rain or shine. $15 advance, $20 day of tour. Visit several lovely outdoor garden spaces around charming Oxford. Tickets can be purchased on our website, at Kroger, or at Shademakers. www.

desfleurs.org or follow Des Fleurs Garden Club on Facebook.

JUL. 5 – Hueston Woods State Park Firework Extravaganza, Hueston Woods State Park, 6301 Park Office Rd., College Corner, 5–9 p.m. Free. Join us at the beach to experience fireworks on the lake. Food trucks and vendors will be available. Festivities and viewing are also available at the lodge. 513-523-6347 or www. ohiodnr.gov/go-and-do/plan-a-visit/find-a-property/ hueston-woods-state-park.

JUL. 6–7 – Ohio Valley Karting Association Memorial Championship Race, G&J Kartway, 1619 Barnetts Mill Rd., Camden. $10 entry fee. Annual Pro-Am go-kart race with over 120 entries from across the region, ages 5 to 75, competing in 2-stroke and 4-stroke divisions.

Saturday qualifying; heat and feature races on Sunday. www.ovka.com.

JUL. 12 – Vernon McIntyre’s Appalachian Grass, Hamilton’s Urban Backyard, 501 Main St., Hamilton, 7–10 p.m. Free bluegrass concert. Craft brews and food truck choices available on-site. Consider bringing a lawn chair. 513-893-9482, info@hubhamilton.com, or www. hubhamilton.com.

JUL. 13 – Biergarten Band Nights, Liberty Home German Society, 2361 Hamilton Cleves Rd., Hamilton, 5–10 p.m. Band TBA. 513-571-6198, www.libertyhome. net, or follow Liberty Home Association on Facebook.

NORTHEAST

and tours of the Fort Laurens Museum. 330-874-2059 or www.fortlaurensmuseum.org.

JUN. 21 – Erin Nicole Neal and The Chill Factors, Secrest Arboretum Amphitheater, 2122 Williams Rd., Wooster, 6:30 p.m. Free, but reservations recommended.

This eclectic band performs blues, rock, pop, soul, jazz, and funk. In the event of rain, the concert will be held at Fisher Auditorium, 1680 Madison Ave. For more information, call 419-853-6016.

JUN. 21–22 – Ohio Scottish Games, Cuyahoga Co. Fgds., 19201 E. Bagley Rd., Berea. $10–$22; 12 and under free. Competitions, Highland athletics, animal shows, and much more. www.ohioscottishgames.com.

JUN. 23 – Akron-Summit Comic Con, Summit Co. Fgds., Indoor A/C Building, 229 E. Howe Rd., Tallmadge, 10 a.m.–4 p.m. $5; 6 and under free. Free parking.

Comic and toy vendors, guest comic creators, hourly prizes. 330-462-3985, jeff@harpercomics.com, or www. harpercomics.com.

JUN. 28–30 – Cy Young Days Festival, Newcomerstown. Food, entertainment, contests and competitions, car show, old-fashioned baseball games, and parade featuring a former Cy Young Award winner. This year’s honoree is Len Barker. www. cyyoungdaysfestival.com.

JUN. 29 – Steve Free Band: An Evening of Appalachian Folk Music, Buffalo Creek Retreat, 8708 Hubbard Valley Rd., Seville, 7 p.m. Free draws his music from his Native American (Shawnee/Cherokee) and Appalachian roots. Bring your lawn chairs, blankets, and picnics to enjoy this free concert. For more information, call 419-853-6016.

JUL. 1–SEP. 1 – Steubenville Catfish Crawl, downtown Steubenville. Ten 5-foot-long, intricately painted fiberglass catfish will be on display around downtown. Grab a map and find them all! Maps available at Leonardo’s Coffeehouse, 159 N. 4th St. www. steubenvillenutcrackervillage.com/catfish.html.

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

JUL. 6 – Free Speaker Series: “Wilderness War in the Ohio Country,” 11067 Fort Laurens Rd. NW, Bolivar, 11 a.m.–12 p.m. Author Alan Fitzpatrick will discuss the untold story of the battle between the British and the Indians for control of the Ohio country during the American Revolution. 330-874-2059 or www. fortlaurensmuseum.org.

JUL. 6 – Jazz under the Stars: Carol Leslie, Uptown Park, 79–89 Public Square, Medina, 7 p.m. Bring lawn chairs, blankets, and picnics to enjoy this free concert by northeast Ohio’s own Scottish jazz vocalist. In case of rain, the concert will be at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 317 E. Liberty St. For more information, call 419-853-6016.

JUL. 6–7 – Ashland County Yesteryear Machinery Club’s Annual Show, Ashland Co. Fgds., 2042 Claremont Ave., Ashland. Featuring Silver King and all Ohio Built tractors, engines, and other equipment; all other makes and military equipment welcome. Food vendors, flea market, Buckeye Museum, and the Buckeye Engine. Farm toy show, train show, and kids’ rides both days; car and truck show, kids’ pedal pull, and antique tractor pull on Sunday. 330-465-3387 (Kevin Willard), 419651-4109 (Tom Adams), or www.yesteryearmachinery.org.

JUL. 7 – Tina Bergmann and Bryan Thomas: “American Old Time, Celtic, and South American Music,” Wadsworth Public Library, 132 Broad St., Wadsworth, 2–3 p.m. Free, but reservations recommended. The husband-and-wife duo will present an afternoon of music on hammered dulcimer and bass.

Register at www.ormaco.org or by calling 419-853-6016.

Seating is on a first-come, first-served basis.

JUL. 9–14 – Trumbull County Fair, 899 Everett Hull Rd., Cortland. Grandstand entertainment, daily shows, local bands, exhibits, and rides. 330-637-6010 or www. trumbullcountyfair.com.

JUL. 13–14 – Revolution on the Tuscarawas, 11067 Fort Laurens Rd. NW, Bolivar, Sat. 10 a.m.–5 p.m., Sun. 10 a.m.–4 p.m. $10; 12 and under free. Watch a mock skirmish for American Independence performed by volunteer reenactors from the Brigade of the American Revolution. Learn about 18th-century life from a variety of demonstrations, such as artillery, weapons, cooking, medicine, and music. Children’s games include musket drills and cartridge rolling. 330-874-2059 or www.fortlaurensmuseum.org.

6–8 p.m., Sat. 8 a.m.–5 p.m. Cruise-in and Marquis 66 band (60s music) Fri. 6–8 p.m., Laura Cramblett (dulcimer) on Saturday. 740-732-5288 or director@ visitnoblecountyohio.com.

JUN. 15 – Kenworth Truck Parade, Water and Second Streets, Chillicothe, 8:30 p.m. Free. The third annual parade celebrates 50 years of building the World’s Best Trucks right here. Features over 50 new, classic, and customized Kenworth semi-trucks, most originally built at the Chillicothe plant. www.visitchillicotheohio.com.

JUN. 22 – The Flower Market at Bellavenue Manor, 207 S. 10th St., McConnelsville, 11 a.m.–4 p.m. Join your favorite flower farmers and local vendors for a fun day of shopping. There will also be live music in the THROUGH NOV. 2 – Athens Farmers Market, Athens courtyard with Will Gorrell (acoustic). 614-445-8449, Community Center, 701 E. State St., Athens, Wed. 9 bellavenuemanor@outlook.com, or on Facebook: https:// a.m.–noon. Open year-round Sat. 9 a.m.–noon. Voted Ohio’s #1 favorite farmers market! 740-593-6763 or www. fb.me/e/6oOBLunsu. athensfarmersmarket.org.

JUN. 28–29 – National Cambridge Glass Collectors JUN. 13–SEP. 1 – Tecumseh! Outdoor Drama, Sugarloaf Show and Sale, Pritchard Laughlin Civic Ctr., 7033 Glenn Hwy., Cambridge, Fri. 1–5 p.m., Sat. 10:30 a.m.–4 p.m.

Mountain Amphitheatre, 5968 Marietta Rd., Chillicothe, $5 admission good for both days. 740-432-4245 or www.

8 p.m. $30–$50. Witness the epic life story of the cambridgeglass.org. legendary Shawnee leader as he defends his sacred homelands in the Ohio country during the late 1700s.

JUN. 29 – Glass Dash, St. Benedict’s Gymnasium, 701 www.tecumsehdrama.com.

Steubenville Ave., Cambridge, 7–8:30 a.m. early bird admission, $10; 8:30–11 a.m., $5. www.cambridgeglass.org.

JUN. 14–15 – Art Festival, Historic Village Square, 419 West St., Caldwell. Free. Arts and crafts for sale Fri.

JUL. 5–6 – Ohio Jeep Fest, Ross Co. Fgds., 344 Fairgrounds Rd., Chillicothe. Whether you’re a seasoned Jeep enthusiast or just curious about the Jeep culture, this event is perfect for you! www.ohiojeepfest.com.

JUL. 7 – 19th-Century Independence Day Celebration, Adena Mansion and Gardens, 847 Adena Rd., Chillicothe, 2 p.m. Free. Celebrate Independence Day as they did in the 1800s. Witness a reading of the Declaration of Independence, a reading of patriotic poems, a presentation of the flag, and a toast to George Washington. www.adenamansion.com.

JUL. 10–13 – Ohio Hills Folk Festival, Fair and South Streets, Quaker City. Parades, car show, country store, entertainment, rides, and activities for kids.

740-630-6587 or www.facebook.com/p/Ohio-Hills-FolkFestival-100057149452651.

JUL. 13 – Annual Car, Truck, and Bike Show, Fair Street, Quaker City, 9 a.m.–3 p.m. No entry fee. Door prizes, 50/50 raffle, dash plaques to top 40 entries. 740-6793137 (Brent).

JUL. 14 – Ladies of the House: Mary Anne Brown, Adena Mansion and Gardens, 847 Adena Rd., Chillicothe, 2 p.m. Free. Join local Worthington family historian Mary Anne Brown for a discussion about the ladies of Adena. www.adenamansion.com.

THROUGH AUG. 1 – Fort Steuben Summer Concert Series, Fort Steuben Park, 120 S. 3rd St., Steubenville, Thur. 7–9 p.m. Free. 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 AUG. 3 – Woodcarver’s Exhibit, McCook House Museum, 15 S. Lisbon St., Carrollton, Fri./Sat. 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Exhibit included in museum admission: $3; ages 5–12, $2. Co-organizers of the event are master carvers Ken Grigsby and Keith Shumaker. For further information, call 330-437-9715 or 330-627-3345.

JUN. 15 – Historic Poker Run, 11067 Fort Laurens Rd. NW, Bolivar, 10 a.m.–1 p.m. $20 per bike, $5 per rider.

Motorcycling fundraiser for Fort Laurens Museum that takes riders to several historic sites around the area.

Fees include admission for the run, Rockin’ the Revolution concert, and the museum. 330-874-2059 or www.fortlaurensmuseum.org.

JUN. 15 – Opera under the Stars: Cleveland Opera Theater, Uptown Park, 79–89 Public Square, Medina, 7 p.m. Free. Enjoy some of your favorite opera tunes and beloved melodies from operettas and musicals, as well as lesser-known works. Bring your lawn chairs, blankets, and picnics. In the event of rain, the concert will be held at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 317 E. Liberty St. For more information, call 419-853-6016.

JUN. 15 – Rockin’ the Revolution, 11067 Fort Laurens Rd. NW, Bolivar, 1–7 p.m. $7. Rock concert-based event featuring food, beer, and live music. Between bands, guests can enjoy a variety of family activities, attractions,

SOUTHEAST

JUNE 2024 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING

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MEMBER INTERACTIVE

nland shores 1

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5 1: Our grandsons, Greyson and Nash Haynes, on the northern shore of Lake Michigan during their annual “guys’ trip” with their dad and grandpas ~ Traci Zeimer, South Central Power Company member. 2: Sunset on Lake Erie ~ Sandra Troester, Buckeye Rural Electric Cooperative member. 3: My son, Riggs Klaus, enjoying the view of Lake Ontario in Niagara-on-the-Lake, Canada ~ Katherine Klaus, Guernsey-Muskingum Electric Cooperative member. 4: Lake Logan is one of my daughter Katy’s favorite places to spend the day ~ Tiffany Heidell, South Central Power Company member. 5: Autumn at Kiser Lake State Park in Champaign County ~ Brent Grieves, Pioneer Electric Cooperative member. 6: My great-grandson, Mason, fishing at the Micheals’ pond near Lewisburg ~ Joan Rench, Darke Rural Electric Cooperative member.

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YOUR 40

OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • JUNE 2024

SAVE A LIFE Downed Power Lines & Distracted Drivers

Drivers distracted in their cars crash into utility poles too often. It can lead to outages but, even worse, it can be deadly if you don’t know what to do.

Downed lines energize the ground up to 35 feet away.

1. Stay in car if no fire 2. Call 911 and wait for emergency crews 3. If fire, open door, jump out, keep both feet together on the ground 4. Shuffle feet away from car 35 feet; keep both feet on the ground at all times