Ohio Cooperative Living - March 2021 - Mid-Ohio

OHIO

MARCH 2021

COOPERATIVE Mid-Ohio Energy Cooperative

Having a ball Interesting opportunities to pay it forward ALSO INSIDE A little help Rodeo generations Taking refuge

WOMEN in Utilities Electric co-ops are dedicated to hiring a diverse workforce. The best service is cultivated by a diversity of backgrounds, opinions, education, and experiences.

ohioec.org/energy

OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • MARCH 2021

INSIDE FEATURES

24 TAKING REFUGE Animal sanctuaries around the state let visitors get nose to snout with onceneglected pets and other wildlife.

29 GOOD FOR THE SOUL

Looking for opportunities to give back?

We’ve found a few interesting ways to volunteer in Ohio.

32 ALL IN THE FAMILY No longer confined to the Wild West, rodeo is a sport for everyone.

Cover image on most editions: At the Ohio Village in Columbus, volunteers share their love of history by playing in old-time exhibition baseball games. Huzzah!

This page: Russ Spreckelmeier rode in his first rodeo when he was 11, stayed at it through his six years in the Marines, and now serves as the announcer at Fox Hollow Rodeo in Waynesville.

MARCH 2021 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING 1

UP FRONT

Cooperative community partners W

e state it frequently, but it bears repeating: Electric cooperatives are member-owned community resources, primarily tasked with delivering power that is affordable and reliable and is produced in an environmentally responsible manner. Co-ops have a true concern for community because we are part of the community.

One of the key takeaways from that is the term “community resource.” Co-ops aren’t only locally governed and managed; they’re economic powerhouses in their communities, fueling homes, businesses, schools, health care facilities — you name it — while also serving as local strategic partners. They provide both much-needed financial incentives and human capital to maintain, expand, and preserve local community resources.

Co-ops do much more than keep the lights on.

We don’t often think about what it takes for our community to remain independent, safe, and responsive to changing needs.

Flip ahead to page 4 and you might be surprised at the level to which electric co-ops are ingrained into the fabric of your neighborhood. Cooperatives can be relied upon by our members to keep power flowing reliably and keep rates affordable but also to help their communities grow in good times and stay strong during tough times. We honor our traditions, respect the service of others, and value being good neighbors.

We look ahead to springtime and the change in the elements.

Like the weather, your co-op is changing with the times, but we advance with our members’ interests always as part of our plans.

2 OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • MARCH 2021

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

Cooperatives can be relied upon by our members to help their communities grow in good times and stay strong during tough times.

MARCH 2021 • Volume 63, No. 6

Ohio Rural Electric Cooperatives 6677 Busch Blvd.

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

MORE INSIDE

4

DEPARTMENTS

Patrick O’Loughlin President & CEO

Patrick Higgins Director of Communications

Jeff McCallister Managing Editor

Rebecca Seum Associate Editor

Anita Cook Graphic Designer

Contributors: Margaret Buranen, Colleen Romick Clark, Randy Edwards, W.H. “Chip” Gross, Demi Martin, Catherine Murray, Wendy Pramik, and Patty Yoder.

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

POSTMASTER: Send address changes to editorial and advertising offices at: 6677 Busch Boulevard, Columbus, OH 43229-1101. Periodicals postage paid at Pontiac, IL 61764, and at additional mailing offices.

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

The fact that a product is advertised in Ohio Cooperative Living should not be taken as an en­dorse­ment. If you find an advertisement mis­leading or a product unsatisfactory, please not­ify us or the Ohio Attorney General’s 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

A little help: Electric co-ops work hard to keep their service reliable and affordable, while also helping out in their communities.

7

CO-OP SPOTLIGHT

Darke Rural Electric Cooperative: The Greenville-based co-op values its community connections, many of which are highlighted at local fairs.

8 CO-OP PEOPLE

Trufflemaker: A retired psychologist finds sweet success in her next career, as a chocolatier.

Cheryl Solomon

8

12 WOODS, WATERS, AND WILDLIFE

Boom to bust and back: Wood ducks survive tough times to thrive in the Buckeye State.

12

15 GOOD EATS

Cure-all: Curing not only preserves meat, it produces rich, deep flavor and a distinctive texture. Our recipes make delicious use of both of those traits.

19 LOCAL PAGES News and information from your

For all advertising inquiries, contact

7

15

electric cooperative.

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

36 CALENDAR

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

Alliance for Audited Media Member Ohio’s Electric Cooperatives is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

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

40 MEMBER INTERACTIVE

In like a lion: Members share their

40

interpretations of March’s motto.

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

www.ohiocoopliving.com MARCH 2021 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING 3

POWER LINES

A little

help

Electric co-ops work to keep their service reliable and affordable, but they also exist to help out when schools, businesses, or individuals in their communities need a hand.

BY JEFF MCCALLISTER

4 OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • MARCH 2021

S

chool districts across the country struggled with how to continue their operations through the COVID-19 pandemic. How could they keep kids and teachers safe during in-building instruction? If schools went online, how could they assure that everyone had access to the same level of instruction? Even more complicated, what if they needed to do both?

community meetings that also included Ed VanHoose, general manager of Wellington-based Lorain-Medina Rural Electric Cooperative (LMRE), which serves Black River Schools.

VanHoose immediately began thinking about ways the coop could help. Black River and LMRE have a long history of partnerships. This time, VanHoose and his staff were able to take advantage of a program through LMRE’s financial institution, CoBank, that turned $5,000 in LMRE money into $10,000 that Black River Schools used to offset a good chunk of those COVIDrelated expenses. need and

That was the issue faced at Black River Schools in Medina County. Superintendent Chris Clark and the school board looked at the data and determined their best option was to keep in-person instruction “We saw a as much as possible. As a small, we acted. Doing what rural district — serving 1,200 is right and necessary students from Medina, Ashland, and Lorain counties — its schools for our members is at already had relatively small classes, the very core of what a most of which could be spread out to maintain 6 feet between cooperative does.” students during in-class learning.

“We saw a need and we acted,” VanHoose says. “Doing what is right and necessary for our members and community is at the very core of what a cooperative does.”

Electric cooperatives have that same attitude; Concern for Community is one of the defining principles at the heart — Ed VanHoose of what it means to be a cooperative, But the coronavirus did force after all, and co-ops show that concern changes. The district needed in lots of different ways. In the past few to find a way to teach the 230 months alone, Ohio cooperatives have supported the students who chose online instruction, while keeping Marion Palace Theatre, Marysville Uptown Theatre, Mercy those in the buildings safe with increased personal Unlimited in Wapakoneta, and New Washington Little protective gear and gallons upon gallons of sanitizer League — just to name a few. for hands and high-touch surfaces, as well as other incidentals that came up every day.

Sometimes co-ops are able to secure matching funds through initiatives like CoBank’s Sharing Success program.

“Contrary to what anyone may think, these expenses But many also make use of a donation program that allows have not been just a drop in the bucket, and there has their consumer-members to round up their electric bills, not been much help forthcoming from the state or federal and the co-ops in turn use that money for small grants to government,” Clark says. “All of our COVID-related organizations and individuals in need of help. Ohio co-ops expenses have really added up.” distributed more than $1.2 million in member donations As entities everywhere were figuring out how to deal through those programs last year. with those and other issues, Clark spent time in several Continued on page 6 Ed VanHoose (left) and Kathryn Grasz (right) from LorainMedina Rural Electric Cooperative present a check to Black River Local Schools to help offset COVID-related expenses.

MARCH 2021 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING 5

Co-ops’ community involvement goes beyond monetary donations. Ohio co-ops, for example, have organized Honor Trips to Washington, D.C., for area veterans (above and right) and the planning and installation of new signs that welcome visitors to town.

Continued from page 5

That money went to groups like the Homeward Bound Dog Shelter of Ashland County, through Firelands Electric Cooperative in New London; the Ohio Dyslexia Center in Fresno, through Coshocton-based Frontier Power Company; and Hope’s Closet in West Chester Township, through Butler Rural Electric Cooperative in Oxford.

Guernsey-Muskingum Electric Cooperative helped a Wills Township family stay off the streets by paying an unexpected medical bill. The Marion Fire Department purchased three new water rescue suits with a grant from Mid-Ohio Energy Cooperative in Kenton.

Co-ops’ concern for their communities, however, goes beyond monetary donations.

Nearly every co-op offers scholarships to children of members as those students prepare for life after high school.

Many cooperatives conduct food drives throughout the 6 OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • MARCH 2021

year and only added to their pace in 2020 as the COVID-19 pandemic increased the need at food banks across the state.

Millersburg-based Holmes-Wayne Electric Cooperative has sponsored four Honor Trips to Washington, D.C. Helped by donations from community sponsors, the co-op has made it possible for nearly 100 veterans and their escorts to take what’s described as the trip of a lifetime.

Co-ops also encourage employees to show local community pride through service projects. With support from Paulding-based Paulding Putnam Electric Cooperative (PPEC), employee Peter Niagu put together and implemented a plan to install welcome signs to greet visitors entering the town.

“Part of being a cooperative is being a vital part of our community,” says PPEC President and CEO George Carter.

“Cooperatives help build a better America, and that starts with making a better, more empowered local community.”

CO-OP SPOTLIGHT

DARKE RURAL ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE

D

arke Rural Electric Cooperative in Greenville serves about 5,000 members in Darke, Preble, and Mercer counties in west-central Ohio, along the Indiana border. Darke REC prides itself on being an engaged part of its community and offering exceptional service, along with affordable, reliable electricity that its members expect.

Community involvement Darke Rural Electric’s Operation Round Up program allows consumer-members to round up their electric bills and donate the change to local charities and organizations. More than $414,000 has been donated since 2004. Darke REC awards $6,000 in scholarships each year to graduating seniors who are children of members and sponsors high school sophomores’ and juniors’ participation in the annual Youth Tour to Washington, D.C. Across Ohio, county fairs are the highlight of the summer, not only for youth involved in 4-H projects, but for many members of the community. One of Darke REC’s most important events is The Great Darke County Fair in August, one of the longest running and most robust county fairs in Ohio. Members who visit the cooperative booth at the fair can learn about new programs, receive a gift, and register to win bill credits. Darke REC also partners with Butler Rural Electric Cooperative to host the Preble County Junior Fair Exhibitor Picnic on move-in day of the county fair, providing a meal for the young exhibitors and their families.

National Trail High School is a cooperative member, and each year, Darke REC sponsors Cooperative Night at a football game to connect with the community and support the school’s athletic program.

Things to do Darke County’s proximity to the metropolitan area of Dayton makes it a popular destination for weekend or day trips and offers visitors a variety of options for dining, activities, and entertainment. A few don’t-miss highlights: • Bear’s Mill is a water-powered mill outside of Greenville that still grinds grain using traditional methods. The Mill Gallery features rotating art exhibits and events throughout the year, including tours, a candlelight Christmas walk, and a fall open house, which make it a popular tourist destination.

• Operated by the Darke County Historical Society, the Garst Museum offers over 300,000 American and Ohio historical artifacts.

• Shawnee Prairie Preserve and Nature Center is the largest park in the area and hosts the Prairie Days Festival, where visitors can observe and participate in pioneer-era activities, such as blacksmithing, candle making, and apple butter stirring.

Co-op Spotlight appears regularly in Ohio Cooperative Living to give a glimpse into the land and the people of Ohio’s 24 electric cooperatives.

MARCH MARCH 2021 • OHIO 2021 • OHIO COOPERATIVE COOPERATIVE LIVING 7 LIVING 7

CO-OP PEOPLE

Trufflemaker Retired psychologist finds sweet success with her next career, as a chocolatier.

BY MARGARET BURANEN

F

or years, Janet Bowers would make truffles as gifts for friends and colleagues, but, she says, “Never in my wildest dreams did I think I could do it professionally.” After all, she already had a full-time job as a practicing psychologist.

How things can change: Now her typical workday results in 1,200 dipped, dressed, and luscious chocolates, boxed and out the door.

Bowers, a member of South Central Power Company, grew up in Chillicothe and went on to work for the National Park Service and as a schoolteacher before deciding to earn her doctorate in clinical and forensic psychology.

She enjoyed her professional practice in Evergreen, Colorado, where the mountain town’s proximity to trout streams for fly fishing was a bonus. When she inherited her grandmother’s Wren Valley Farm, however, she knew it was time to return to Ohio. Back in the Buckeye State, she kept at her psychology practice for a few more years until she retired. Her retirement lasted about a week — exactly the time it took her to realize that “this retirement thing is not going to work for me.”

As she tried to decide what to do with her newfound free time, Bowers considered things she liked, and she hit upon chocolate. Wren Valley Truffles was born. She spent a year learning about chocolate, took some formal classes, and shadowed professional candymakers. She spent a lot of time

8 OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • MARCH 2021

trying out recipes and flavor combinations. “Good chocolate is a combination of chemistry and artistry,” Bowers says. “It’s fun, and there’s always something to learn.”

The most challenging aspect of being a “Chocolate needs chocolatier in the beginning, she says, was respect, but it should simply working with the always be fun.” chocolate, learning how — Janet Bowers to heat it to the precise temperature at which it develops a high gloss and a crisp snap when it is bitten into — which took about a year for her to perfect.

Bowers says that her psychology background helps her as a chocolatier “in marketing and reaching out to people and in naming the truffles. I enjoy people, and I loved my psychology career. A lot of my skill sets just rolled over.”

Bowers likes to try new filling flavors for the Wren Valley truffles, but, she says, “I don’t make it again if I don’t like it.”

The truffles get a lot of repeat sales, but molded chocolates — bunnies, mice, fish, bears, hedgehogs — sell well, too. So do Wren Valley’s candy bars, including one with the design of a nautilus fossil, an allusion to Bowers’ undergraduate major in geology.

“I source ingredients from local suppliers as much as possible,” Bowers says. Her suppliers include Snowville Creamery, Dirty Girl Coffee, Spring Hollow Farm for maple syrup, Hartzler Family Dairy for butter, and Wildflower Lane Honey.

Bowers enjoys working with brides and event planners to create truffles and other artisan chocolates for weddings and special events. She decided not to open her own shop or offer mail-order service, but to remain a wholesale operation supplying her goods to area businesses.

She does take local special orders and delivers them to Hocking Hills Winery for the customer to pick up. The newest chocolate creations are frequently market-tested at the winery and later announced on the Wren Valley Truffles Facebook page.

Bowers says that her goal was always to create “Old World-style European truffles for people who understand what good chocolate is.” She adds, “Chocolate needs respect, but it should always be fun.”

Besides Hocking Hills Winery, Wren Valley’s truffles and other artisan chocolates are available at Glen Laurel Scottish Inn, Keller Market House, Hocking Hills Moonshine, and other area restaurants, lodges, and retreats.

Wren Valley Truffles, www.wrenvalleytruffles.com or 740-332-0773.

Janet Bowers had been retired for about a week before she realized she was going to need something else to fill her time. She turned to a favorite hobby: making chocolate. Her Wren Valley Truffles are available at select locations, mostly in the Hocking Hills region.

MARCH 2021 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING 9

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MARCH 2021 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING 11

WOODS, WATERS, AND WILDLIFE

From boom to bust and back again Wood ducks survive tough times to thrive in the Buckeye State.

STORY AND PHOTOS BY W.H. “CHIP” GROSS

Y

oung wood ducks have a tough start in life. Hatched in a tree cavity 50 feet or more from the ground, they have less than a day to rest and dry their downy feathers after fighting their way out of the eggshell before their mother decides it’s time to leave the nest.

Flying down to the base of the tree, the female woody begins calling to her brood of possibly a dozen or more ducklings. Hearing her voice, they react instinctively: One at a time, they climb to the edge of the nest hole and launch themselves into the air. Weighing only a few ounces and still two months from being able to fly, a duckling tumbles end over end, hits the ground — hard — but bounces up like a little ping-pong ball and scurries to its mother.

When the hen is sure that all her offspring have gathered, she leads them quickly to the nearest stream, pond, swamp, or marsh. Though the ducklings are now safer than they were on land, they’re not yet totally out of danger. From below, a snapping turtle or largemouth bass would like nothing better than to make a meal of an

12 OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • MARCH 2021

unsuspecting duckling. From above, a great blue heron or other avian predator could easily take one as well.

But if a young wood duck survives those many dangers — and is a male — it will mature into one of the most strikingly beautiful waterfowl in all of North America.

If female, its plumage will be grayish-brown, providing camouflage for next spring when it raises its own brood of young ducklings, usually in the same area it was reared.

Wood ducks — native to the Buckeye State — are doing quite well, with a strong population in Ohio, but that has not always been the case. During the 1800s, as Ohio’s virgin forests were cleared to make way for cities, towns, and farm fields, the natural nesting cavities in those giant trees disappeared, and the number of wood ducks plummeted. Some wildlife biologists even predicted the extinction of the wood duck by 1930.

Thanks to an aggressive nest-box program during the latter half of the 20th century, the wood duck was rescued from oblivion and its numbers restored.

Ask

chip!

Email Chip Gross with your outdoors questions at whchipgross@ gmail.com. Be sure to include “Ask Chip” in the subject of the email.

Your question may be answered on www.ohiocoopliving.com!

www.ohiocoopliving.com Of course, that effort was spearheaded by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Division of Wildlife.

“Our staff installed and monitored wood duck nesting boxes — thousands statewide — near wetlands and ponds on both public and private lands in every county of Ohio during the 1980s,” says Mike Reynolds, executive administrator for wildlife management and research with the division. “Then we continued to distribute nesting boxes and plans to private landowners, which helped turn the tide and make this beautiful bird a common species once again in the Buckeye State. Today, both birding enthusiasts and waterfowl hunters are reaping the rewards of that remarkable recovery.”

Wood ducks also had a surprise ally in their fight to survive. As beavers — those large, extirpated rodents — gradually returned to the state after their own period of diminishing numbers, their constant dam-building created additional wood-duck-friendly wetlands.

Today the most numerous species of breeding duck in Ohio, wood ducks — as well as other migratory waterfowl — will be returning to the Buckeye State this month.

Now, then, is the time to grab a pair of binoculars and get outside to enjoy them. Just appreciate while doing so that you will be seeing the tangible results of a successful wildlife recovery program accomplished many decades ago by a combination of wildlife professionals and private citizens working together.

Want to help?

If a wood duck survives the many dangers it faces as a duckling (and it’s a male), it grows up to become one of the most strikingly beautiful waterfowl in North America.

If you’re a landowner with a pond, swamp, or other water area and would like to benefit wood ducks and other wildlife, you can erect a few nest boxes.

Plans can be obtained by calling 1-800-WILDLIFE and requesting Nest Box Plans (Publication 419) or by visiting www.ohiodnr. gov, clicking on “Go & Do,” and finding “View Wildlife” for a list of Ohio wildlife field guides.

MARCH 2021 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING 13

Ex ch Bra an df ge ord Or igi na

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©Darrell Bush.

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a masterwork of sculpture. Hand-painting brings all the details to life — buck, rocks, fallen logs and antler. Overlooking it all is a glass lantern with stunning Darrell Bush deer imagery. When the FREE bulb is turned on, the artwork is illuminated to magnificent effect.

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All is still as the golden sun rises over the snowy wilderness. Then, a majestic buck steps into the clearing. His stance is powerful, his eyes and ears alert. Three more whitetails follow behind, their breath visible in the cold morning air, their backs warmed by the sun’s early rays. Now you can experience nature’s nobility up close with the breathtaking Out of the Clearing Accent Light, available only from The Bradford Exchange.

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GOOD EATS

Before refrigeration, curing — generally, covering a cut in salt — was the only way to preserve meat.

It has the added benefit of producing rich, deep flavor as well as distinctive texture, and these dishes make delicious use of both.

RECIPES AND PHOTOS BY CATHERINE MURRAY

BOLOGNA BREAKFAST CUPS Prep: 5 minutes | Cook: 15 minutes | Servings: 3 6 slices bologna ½ cup shredded cheddar 6 small eggs 1/8 teaspoon black pepper 1 tablespoon bacon bits 1 tablespoon diced scallions Preheat oven to 375 F. Grease a muffin tin or 6 ramekins. Shape a slice of bologna into each cup and sprinkle cheddar on top. Crack one egg into each cup. Lightly season with black pepper. Bake 15 to 20 minutes, checking regularly until eggs are lightly set. Remove from oven and sprinkle with bacon bits and diced scallions. Carefully remove bologna cups and serve immediately.

Per serving: 291 calories, 22 grams fat (8 grams saturated fat), 307 milligrams cholesterol, 3 grams total carbohydrates, 0 grams fiber, 20 grams protein.

MARCH 2021 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING 15

PEPPERONI SPINACH SALAD Prep: 10 minutes | Servings: 6 1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil 1/3 cup balsamic vinegar 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning 1 clove garlic, minced 10 ounces cherry or grape tomatoes, halved 2 tablespoons minced red onion

8 ounces fresh mozzarella pearls (or shredded mozzarella) 15.5-ounce can garbanzo beans, drained 6 ounces tri-color rotini pasta, cooked ¼ pound chopped pepperoni 10 ounces fresh spinach

Note: Red or white wine vinegar can be used in place of balsamic vinegar.

In a small bowl, mix together dressing ingredients — olive oil, vinegar, Italian seasoning, and garlic.

In a large bowl, toss together tomatoes, red onion, mozzarella pearls, garbanzo beans, pasta, and pepperoni. Add dressing, stirring to coat. Pasta mixture can marinate overnight or be served immediately. Dress plates with spinach and top with pasta mixture.

Per serving: 671 calories, 32 grams fat (9 grams saturated fat), 61 milligrams cholesterol, 605 milligrams sodium, 66 grams total carbohydrates, 14 grams fiber, 34 grams protein.

PASTRAMI QUICK KNISHES Prep: 20 minutes | Cook: 25 minutes | Servings: 8 2 tablespoons salted butter 2 tablespoons spicy or Dijon mustard 1 small onion, diced ½ pound sliced and diced pastrami 2 cups shredded green cabbage 17.3-ounce package frozen puff 1¼ cups water pastry sheets 1 cup instant mashed potato flakes 1 egg, whisked 2 tablespoons mayonnaise 3 tablespoons sesame seeds Preheat oven to 350 F. Melt butter in a medium skillet over medium heat. Sauté onion and cabbage until soft, about 10 minutes. Remove from heat and strain off any excess liquid. Boil water and mix in mashed potato flakes, mayonnaise, and mustard.

In a large bowl, mix pastrami, cabbage, and mashed potato mixtures. Roll out pastry dough to 10 x 10 inches and cut into eight 5 x 5-inch squares. Liberally fill each square of dough with potatopastrami filling. Fold corners diagonally two at a time, stretching pastry to close comfortably, then pinch at the top. Fold open corners clockwise and push together to seal. Place on a lightly greased baking sheet. Brush each knish with egg wash and sprinkle with sesame seeds. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until golden.

Per serving: 508 calories, 32 grams fat (9 grams saturated fat), 50 milligrams cholesterol, 637 milligrams sodium, 42 grams total carbohydrates, 2 grams fiber, 14 grams protein.

16 OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • MARCH 2021

While you’re there, see a video of some of our tasty dishes being prepared.

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

www.ohiocoopliving.com

ST. PATTY’S CORNED BEEF HASH Prep: 10 minutes | Cook: 25 minutes | Servings: 4 2 pounds russet potatoes, diced 4 cloves garlic, minced 3 tablespoons unsalted butter 1 teaspoon paprika 1 tablespoon olive oil 1½ tablespoons Worcestershire sauce 1 small onion, diced salt and pepper to taste 1 pound diced corned beef In a large pot, boil potatoes in salted water until just barely tender, 5 to 7 minutes. In a large cast-iron skillet (or nonstick electric skillet), heat butter and olive oil. Add onion and cook on medium 3 to 4 minutes or until soft. Turn up heat to medium high and add potatoes and corned beef. Depending on the size of your skillet, this may need to be done in batches. To produce crispy and browned edges, stir only occasionally for about 10 minutes. Add garlic, paprika, and Worcestershire sauce, season with salt and pepper to taste, and cook another minute or two.

Serve with poached or fried eggs, cooked cabbage, sauerkraut, or a side salad.

Per serving: 474 calories, 27 grams fat (12 grams saturated fat), 94 milligrams cholesterol, 1,141 milligrams sodium, 40 grams total carbohydrates, 6 grams fiber, 20 grams protein.

MARCH 2021 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING 17

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MID-OHIO ENERGY COOPERATIVE LOCAL PAGES

DEMOCRATIC MEMBER CONTROL

VOTING OPENS

MARCH 8

As a member, you have a voice in guiding the operation of your cooperative.

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asting your ballot in the cooperative’s annual election takes just a few moments of your time and fulfills a unique and important function of being a cooperative member.

This year, in addition to electing trustees, members will also be asked to approve changes proposed to update and modernize the co-op’s Code of Regulations. In these local pages from Mid-Ohio Energy, you’ll find additional information on the code update (pages 20–20H) and trustee candidates for election (page 21).

Prior to the election, each member will receive an official election packet in the mail. Each member is eligible to vote for all districts open for election. This year, members will be asked to vote for districts 1, 2, and 3.

Your packet will contain all info necessary for you to vote, including: •

The official election ballot

•

Informational sheets about trustee candidates for districts up for election

•

Instructions for accessing documents outlining proposed changes to the Code or Regulations

•

A return mailing envelope

Simply decide whether to vote by mail or online and follow the steps outlined in your information packet.

Voting by mail To vote by mail, select one candidate from each district up for election and indicate whether you approve updates to the Code of Regulations and return your ballot in the included postage-paid envelope. Mail ballots must be received on or before April 8 to be counted. Votes will be collected and calculated by a third-party election service. We won’t be able to accept any ballots at the cooperative’s offices.

Voting online If you choose to vote online, you’ll need the unique PIN number and secure web address listed in your information packet. Your selections can then be made and submitted instantly from that site. The online voting period opens on March 8 at 12:01 a.m. and will close on April 8 at 11:59 p.m.

Each member will only be allowed to vote once. This includes members with multiple accounts.

The official election results will be announced at the annual meeting of members on Tuesday, April 13. The results will also be shared online and in future issues of this magazine for those who cannot attend the meeting.

Visit MidOhioEnergy.com/Vote for more details about the cooperative’s democratic process and instructions for casting your ballot.

Annual meeting of members to be held virtually Last year, the COVID-19 pandemic resulted in the first virtual, online-only annual meeting for Mid-Ohio Energy and its members. While we had initially hoped to meet in person for the 2021 annual meeting, it’s still necessary to take precautions to limit the spread of COVID-19. In considering meeting restrictions and the safety of employees and members, the board has determined that this year’s annual meeting, scheduled for Tuesday, April 13, 2021, will again be held virtually.

The format will consist of a live meeting video posted to a dedicated web page (and available for future viewing) that also contains meeting documents, reports, and additional video updates from the co-op.

While we will miss the fellowship and in-person interactions with our members, we feel this is the safest option for providing an informative and meaningful update of your co-op and fulfilling the important purpose of the annual meeting.

Please see the April issue of Ohio Cooperative Living for the official meeting announcement, as well as details on how members can enter to win exciting door prizes — a favorite post-meeting tradition!

MARCH 2021 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING 19

MID-OHIO ENERGY COOPERATIVE LOCAL PAGES PROPOSED CODE CHANGE

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MODERNIZED CODE OF REGULATIONS

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id-Ohio Energy’s Code of Regulations contains the rules under which the cooperative operates. It addresses key issues such as memberships, annual and special meetings, board nominations and elections, corporate officers, patronage, mergers, indemnification rights, and more.

Amendments or changes to the Code of Regulations can only be approved by the cooperative’s membership. This March, during the annual cooperative election, members will be asked to adopt the proposed Code of Regulations, updated to meet modern standards and practices and effectively serve the needs of the co-op’s membership.

As state and federal laws, technology, and the electric industry all continue to evolve, the co-op’s board of trustees has determined that now is the appropriate time to consider these amendments to the document.

Additionally, the COVID-19 pandemic has brought attention to several items where suggested changes (such as flexibility for meeting formats, updated timelines for printed and mailed notifications, clarification of trustee nominee qualifications, and more) could better equip your cooperative to carry out its mission in the future.

CODE OF REGULATIONS Proposed text for adoption by the members of Mid-Ohio Energy

ARTICLE I: MEMBERSHIP SECTION 1. Requirements for Membership Any person, whether a natural person or a firm, association, corporation, partnership, body politic or subdivision thereof, shall become a member of Mid-Ohio Energy Cooperative, Inc. upon receipt of electric service from the Cooperative, provided that such person has first: (a) Signed a written application for membership in a form determined by the Cooperative therein; and (b) Agreed to purchase from the Cooperative electric power and/ or energy as hereinafter specified; and (c) Agreed to comply with and be bound by the Articles of Incorporation and Code of Regulations of the Cooperative and any rules and regulations adopted by the Board of Trustees of the Cooperative (hereinafter sometimes referred to herein as the “Board”); and

20 OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • MARCH 2021

Many of the changes simply accommodate today’s technologies while better aligning the Code of Regulations to current operating protocols for businesses and electric cooperatives. A number of the technologies and common practices included in the proposed changes either didn’t exist or were not a consideration when the code was adopted and updated in prior years.

Voter information packets, which will be mailed to all members ahead of this year’s cooperative election, will contain instructions for accessing and reviewing a collection of documents pertaining to the code change.

It is our goal and duty to be completely transparent with these changes. In addition to the full text of the proposed changes (listed here in these local pages), detailed explanations are online at MidOhioEnergy.com/code.

On the page, members can also find a video overview introducing the changes and explaining changes to each article of the code.

These documents will also be posted in our offices and are available by request. If you have any questions regarding these proposed changes, please contact us.

(d) Paid the membership fee hereinafter specified.

Where electric systems, or portions thereof, other than those constructed by the Cooperative are acquired, or are merged into or otherwise become a part of the Cooperative’s electric system, all persons, firms, corporations, institutions, or other organizations then receiving service from said acquired systems shall become and shall be considered as members of the Cooperative provided that the other requirements for membership specified above have been met. No member may hold more than one membership in the Cooperative and no membership in the Cooperative shall be transferable, unless otherwise authorized by the Board.

SECTION 2. Membership Fees The membership fee shall be an amount set by the Board.

SECTION 3. Purchase of Electric Energy Each member shall, as soon as electric energy shall be available, purchase from the Cooperative all electric energy purchased for use on the premises specified in the member’s application for membership and shall pay therefore at rates which shall from time to time be fixed by the Cooperative in accordance with all applicable requirements of law. Each member shall pay all amounts owed to the Cooperative as the same shall become due and payable.

SECTION 4. Termination of Membership (a) Any member may withdraw from membership upon compliance with such uniform terms and conditions as the Board may prescribe. The Board may, by the affirmative vote of not less than two-thirds (2/3) of all the members of the Board, expel any member who fails to comply with any of the provisions of the Articles of Incorporation, this Code of Regulations, or rules or regulations adopted by the Board, but only if such member shall have been given written notice by the Cooperative that such failure makes the member liable to expulsion and such failure shall have continued for at least ten (10) days after such notice was given. Any expelled member may be reinstated by vote of the Board or by vote of the members at any annual or special meeting. (b) Upon the withdrawal, death, cessation of existence, voluntary cessation of the Cooperative’s electric service to, or expulsion of a member, the membership of such member shall thereupon terminate. The Board may adopt uniform rules governing the membership status of persons whose electric service is temporarily discontinued by the Cooperative.

Termination of membership in any manner shall not release a member or the member’s estate from any debts or obligations due the Cooperative. (c) In case of withdrawal or termination of membership in any manner, the Cooperative shall repay to the member the amount of the membership fee paid by the member, provided, however, that the Cooperative shall deduct from the amount of the membership fee the amount of any debts or obligations owed by the member to the Cooperative.

SECTION 5. Single Membership No membership may be held jointly with any other person or entity.

ARTICLE II: RIGHTS AND LIABILITIES OF MEMBERS

by the Board. Failure to hold the annual meeting at the designated time shall not work a forfeiture or dissolution of the Cooperative. In the event that such annual meeting is not held for any reason, a special meeting in lieu thereof shall be called and held as soon thereafter as convenient, and any business transactions or elections held at such meeting shall be as valid as if transacted or held at the annual meeting.

SECTION 2. Special Meetings Special meetings of the members may be called by resolution of the Board, or upon written request signed by any three Board members, by the Chair, or by ten (10) percent or more of all the members, and it shall thereupon be the duty of the Secretary to cause notice of such meeting to be given as hereinafter provided. Special meetings of the members may be held at any place within the service area of the Cooperative designated by the Board.

SECTION 3. Notice of Members’ Meetings Notice stating the place, day and hour of the meeting and, in case of a special meeting or an annual meeting at which business requiring special notice is to be transacted, the purpose or purposes for which the meeting is called, shall be delivered to each member not less than seven (7) days before the date of the meeting, either personally, by mail or by electronic means, by or at the direction of the Secretary, or upon a default in duty by the Secretary by the persons calling the meeting. If mailed, such notice shall be deemed to be delivered three (3) days after being deposited in the United States mail, addressed to the member at the address as it appears on the records of the Cooperative, with postage thereon prepaid. The failure of any member to receive notice of an annual or special meeting of the members shall not invalidate any action which may be taken by the members at any such meeting. Notice of adjournment of a members’ meeting need not be given if the time and place to which it is adjourned are fixed and announced at such meeting.

SECTION 4. Quorum The members entitled to vote present in person, by mail or other electronic means as established by the Board from time to time shall constitute a quorum.

SECTION 1. Property Interest of Members

SECTION 5. Voting

Upon dissolution, after:

(a) Each member shall be entitled to one vote and no more upon each matter submitted to a vote. Except for the election of Board members, which shall be decided by a plurality vote of the members, all questions shall be decided by a vote of a majority of the members; except for the removal of a Board member pursuant to Section 5 of ARTICLE IV, which matter shall be decided by a majority of the members voting thereon in person.

No proxy votes shall be accepted. No mailed or electronic vote shall be counted unless such vote was voted in the time frame and manner established by the Board.

(a) All debts and liabilities of the Cooperative have been paid; and (b) All capital furnished though patronage has been retired as provided in this Code of Regulations, the remaining property and assets of the Cooperative shall be distributed among all those who were members during the ten years preceding the date of the filing of the certificate of dissolution in the proportion which the aggregate patronage of each bears to the total patronage of all members during the ten years preceding the date of the filing of the certificate of dissolution.

SECTION 2. Non-liability for Debts of the Cooperative The private property of members shall be exempt from execution or other liability for the debts of the Cooperative and no member shall be liable or responsible for any debts or liabilities of the Cooperative.

ARTICLE III: MEETING OF MEMBERS SECTION 1. Annual Meeting The annual meeting of the members shall be held at a time and place within the service area of the Cooperative as established

(b) The vote of a firm, association, limited liability company, corporation, partnership, body politic or subdivision thereof, or any other legal entity, which is a member of the Cooperative shall be cast by the duly authorized representative of said member. (c) The Chair of the Cooperative or presiding officer of the meeting shall appoint three (3) inspectors of election for any meeting of members. If the right of any person to vote at any such meeting shall be challenged, the inspectors of election shall determine such right. The inspectors shall receive and count the votes upon each matter submitted to a vote at a meeting of members and shall determine the results. The certificate of any vote, made by the inspectors, shall be prima facie evidence thereof.

SECTION 6. Election of Board by Members (a) Unless otherwise set forth in this Code of Regulations, Board

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MID-OHIO ENERGY COOPERATIVE LOCAL PAGES

members shall be elected by the members in accordance with this Section 6. (b) The Board may determine to hold elections in person, by mail, electronically, or any combination thereof. (c) Election of Board members shall be conducted in advance of the annual meeting or a special meeting called for the purpose of electing Board members. The Board shall establish the time period during which voting will be conducted together with a closing date for voting. (d) The results of the election shall be announced at the annual meeting or a special meeting called for the purpose of electing Board members.

SECTION 7. Order of Business The order of business at the annual meeting of the members and, so far as possible, at all other meetings of the members, shall be essentially as follows, except as otherwise determined by the members physically present at such meeting: 1. Reading of the notice of the meeting and proof of the due publication or the waiver or waivers of notice of the meeting, as the case may be.

2. Reading of the unapproved minutes of previous meetings of the members and the taking of necessary action thereon.

3. Presentation and consideration of reports of officers, Board members and committees.

4. Unfinished business.

5. New business.

6. Report on the results of election of Board members.

7. Votes on other matters.

8. Adjournment.

SECTION 8. Holding Member Meetings Electronically Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in the Code of Regulations and unless in person meetings or voting is specifically provided for herein, the Board shall have discretion to establish the manner in which meetings shall be held, including the annual meeting, which may be conducted in person, by mail, virtually or other electronic means, including the manner of voting thereat.

ARTICLE IV: BOARD OF TRUSTEES SECTION 1. General Powers The entire business and affairs of the Cooperative shall be managed by a Board of Trustees which shall exercise all of the powers of the Cooperative except such as are by law, the Articles of Incorporation or this Code of Regulations conferred upon or reserved to the members.

SECTION 2. Districts and Tenure of Office The Board shall divide the service area of the Cooperative into nine (9) districts so that equitable representation may be given to the geographic areas served by the Cooperative. The Board shall have the power to change the boundaries of such districts whenever in their discretion the purpose of this Section would be best served. Each district shall be represented by one Board member. Three (3) Board members shall be elected each year on a staggered basis to serve for a term of three (3) years or until their successors shall have been elected and shall have qualified, which term shall commence at the conclusion of the meeting of the members in the year in which such election occurs.

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SECTION 3. Qualifications To become or remain a member of the Board, a person must comply with the following: (a) be a natural person; and (b) be of legal age to vote in the most recent general election; and (c) have the capacity to enter legally binding contracts; and (d) while a Board member, and during the five (5) years immediately before becoming a Board member, not be convicted of, or plead guilty to, a felony or a misdemeanor involving moral turpitude; and (e) except as otherwise provided by the Board, receive a Credentialed Cooperative Director designation, Director’s Certificate, or similar certification from the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA) within four (4) years of becoming a member of the Board; and (f) while a Board member, and during the year immediately before becoming a Board member: 1) be an active member of the Cooperative in ‘good standing.’

As used in this ARTICLE, ‘good standing’ is defined as: during the previous year, the member has not been assessed more than two (2) delinquent notices and not been disconnected for non-payment; and 2) receive electric service from the Cooperative at a location within the district and permanently reside in an area reasonably close to the service district the Board member serves; and (g) At all times abide by the conflict of interest policy established by the Board; and (h) while a Board member, and during the five (5) years immediately before becoming a Board member, not be and not have been an employee of the Cooperative or an employee of an entity controlled by the Cooperative (hereinafter referred to as a “Cooperative subsidiary”); and (i) while a Board member, and during the year immediately before becoming a Board member, have an individual who is a close relative or resides in the same residence as the Board member receive more than ten (10) percent of their annual gross income (other than insurance benefits or Board member compensation), directly or indirectly, from the Cooperative or a Cooperative subsidiary. As used in this ARTICLE, “close relative” means the relationships of parent, sibling, children, or grandchildren existing by reason of blood, marriage, or adoption; and (j) while a Board member, and during the year immediately before becoming a Board member, or have a close relative, as defined above, does not compete with the Cooperative or a Cooperative subsidiary; and (k) while a Board member, not be a close relative, as defined above, of another Board member or a close relative, as defined above, of an employee of the Cooperative or of a Cooperative subsidiary; and (l) while a Board member, and during the year immediately before becoming a Board member, not be employed by another Board member or be employed by, or receive more than ten (10) percent of annual gross income from an entity which another Board member controls or owns more than ten (10) percent of, or for which another Board member is a director or officer; and (m) while a Board member, and during the year immediately before becoming a Board member, not be employed by, control (directly or indirectly), or own more than ten (10) percent of, serve as a director or officer of, or receive more than ten (10)

percent of their annual gross income from an entity that: 1) competes with the Cooperative or a Cooperative subsidiary; or

meetings in a calendar year or absent from any three (3) consecutive regular Board meetings unless the absence is excused by vote of the Board.

Nothing contained in this Section shall affect in any manner whatsoever the validity of any action taken by the Board.

(b) Any vacancy occurring in the Board may be filled by the affirmative vote of a majority of the remaining Board members for the unexpired portion of the term and until a successor shall have been qualified and shall have been elected. The vacancy shall be filled by the appointment of a member residing in the district in which the vacancy occurs.

SECTION 4. Nominations

SECTION 7. Compensation

It shall be the duty of the Board to appoint, not less than thirty (30) days nor more than one hundred eighty (180) days before the date of the transmittal of the notice of the election of the members of the Board, a committee on nominations consisting of at least one member from each district and composed so as to ensure equitable representation on the committee to the geographic areas constituting the service area of the Cooperative. No officer or member of the Board may serve on such committee. The committee shall prepare and post at the principal office of the Cooperative or on its website, or any other means prescribed by the Board, a list of nominations for Board membership which shall include two (2) candidates from each district for which a position for a Board member representing such district is to be filled. The Secretary shall be responsible for publishing to the members, a statement of the number of Board members to be elected and the names of the candidates nominated by the committee on nominations, a ballot for their election, and instructions for return of the ballot by mail or voting by electronic means, if authorized by the Board. Any fifty (50) or more members may make other nominations by petition filed with the Board not more than ten (10) days after the list of candidates is posted. The Secretary shall publish such other nominations of qualified persons in the same manner as the list of nominations made by the committee is published, and the Secretary shall include the names of any persons so nominated if otherwise eligible on the ballot for the election of Board members. Nominations from the floor at any meeting will not be accepted. No person shall be voted upon for membership on the Board who has not indicated a willingness to serve if elected.

Failure to comply with any of the provisions of this Section shall not affect in any manner whatsoever the validity of any election of Board members or any action taken by the Board.

Members of the Board shall not receive any salary for their services as such, however, the Board may, by resolution, provide a reasonable compensation to be paid to each Board member for services rendered on behalf of the Cooperative as a Board member, such as attendance at meetings, conferences and training programs or performing committee assignments. The Board may also authorize reimbursement of Board members for expenses actually and necessarily incurred in carrying out such Cooperative business or grant a reasonable per diem allowance in lieu of detailed accounting for such expenses. A Board member may also receive compensation for services rendered as an officer of the Cooperative, but no Board member shall receive compensation for serving the Cooperative in any other capacity, except in an emergency. No close relative, as defined above, of a Board member shall receive compensation for serving the Cooperative, except in an emergency, unless such compensation shall be specifically authorized by a vote of the Board.

2) receives more than ten (10) percent of its annual gross income directly or indirectly from the Cooperative or a Cooperative subsidiary.

SECTION 5. Removal of Board Members Any member may bring specific charges of malfeasance, misfeasance, or nonfeasance in office against a Board member by filing with the Secretary in writing a detailed description of each charge and the evidentiary basis therefore together with a petition signed by at least ten (10) percent of the members requesting the removal of such Board member by reason thereof. For purposes of this ARTICLE, “malfeasance, misfeasance, or nonfeasance” means an act or omission amounting to gross negligence, fraud, or criminal conduct, which has a material adverse effect on the business affairs of the Cooperative. If more than one Board member is sought to be removed, individual charges against each such Board member and the evidentiary basis for each charge shall be specified. A Board member may be removed by an affirmative vote of twothirds (2/3) of the Board or by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of the members present in person at a meeting of members called for that purpose. The Board member sought to be removed shall have the opportunity to be heard in person or by counsel and to present evidence in response to the charges. No Board member shall be removed from office unless the specific charges against such Board member are supported by clear and convincing evidence.

SECTION 6. Vacancies (a) A Board member’s seat shall automatically be considered vacant if the Trustee is absent from four (4) regular Board

ARTICLE V: MEETINGS OF BOARD OF TRUSTEES SECTION 1. Regular Meetings A regular meeting of the Board shall be held monthly in person at such time and place, either within or without the State of Ohio, as designated by the Board by resolution. Such regular monthly meeting may be held without notice other than such resolution fixing the time and place thereof. Board meetings may be cancelled by the Chair when determined to be unnecessary.

SECTION 2. Special Meetings Special meetings of the Board may be called by the Chair or by any three (3) Board members, and it shall thereupon be the duty of the Secretary to cause notice of such meeting to be given as hereinafter provided. The Chair shall fix the time and place either within or without the State of Ohio, for the holding of the meeting.

SECTION 3. Notice of Special Board Meetings Written notice of the time, place, and purpose of any special meeting of the Board shall be delivered to each Board member either personally, by mail, or by electronic means, by or at the direction of the Secretary, or upon a default in duty by the Secretary, by the Chair or the Board members calling the meeting. Notice shall be given at least three (3) days prior to the date set for the meeting. If mailed, such notice shall be deemed to be delivered on the third day after being deposited in the United States mail addressed to the Board member at his/her address as it appears on the records of the Cooperative, with postage thereon prepaid. Notice of the meeting may be waived.

Attendance at the meeting shall be deemed a waiver of notice.

SECTION 4. Quorum A majority of the Board shall constitute a quorum for the

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MID-OHIO ENERGY COOPERATIVE LOCAL PAGES

transaction of business at any meeting of the Board, provided, that if less than such majority of the Board is present at said meeting a majority of the Board present may adjourn the meeting from time to time; and provided further, that the Secretary shall notify any absent Board members of the time and place of such adjourned meeting. The act of a majority of the Board members present at a meeting at which a quorum is present shall be the act of the Board; except as otherwise provided in this Code of Regulations.

A vacancy in any office, except that of President and CEO, may be filled by the Board for the unexpired portion of the term. In the event of a vacancy in the office of President and CEO, the Board shall choose and employ a President and CEO upon terms and conditions which the Board considers to be in the best interests of the Cooperative.

SECTION 5. Action of Trustees without a Meeting

(a) be the principal officer of the Cooperative and, unless otherwise determined by the members or the Board, shall preside at all meetings of the members and the Board; and

Any action which may be authorized or taken at a meeting of the Board may be authorized or taken without a meeting in a writing or writings signed by all of the members of the Board.

SECTION 6. Virtual Meetings The Board may meet virtually or by other electronic means in an emergency as determined by the Chair.

ARTICLE VI: OFFICERS SECTION 1. Number The officers of the Cooperative shall be a Chair, President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Vice Chair, Secretary, Treasurer, and such other officers as may be determined by the Board from time to time. The offices of Secretary and Treasurer may be held by the same person.

SECTION 2. Election and Term of Office Each officer, except the President and CEO and any officer appointed pursuant to Section 3 of this ARTICLE VI, shall be elected annually by and from the Board at the first meeting of the Board held after the annual meeting of the members, or as soon thereafter as conveniently possible. Each officer shall hold office until the first meeting of the Board following the next succeeding annual meeting of the members or until the officer’s successor shall have been elected and shall have qualified subject to the provisions of this Code of Regulations with respect to the removal of officers. The Board shall choose and employ and set the compensation of the President and CEO. SECTION 3. Additional Officers In addition to the officers specified in Section 1 of this ARTICLE VI, the Board, in its discretion, may appoint one or more Assistant Vice Chairs, one or more Assistant Secretaries, one or more Assistant Treasurers and such other officers as may be deemed necessary or desirable who shall have such duties and authority as generally pertains to their respective offices and such as may be prescribed by the Board, and who shall hold office for such period as may be prescribed by the Board.

SECTION 4. Removal of Officers and Agents by the Board Any officer elected or appointed by the Board may be removed by the Board whenever, in its judgement, the best interests of the Cooperative will be served thereby; except that the Board may, in its discretion, authorize a written employment agreement between the Cooperative and the President and CEO containing terms and conditions of employment.

SECTION 7. Chair The Chair shall:

(b) on behalf of the Cooperative, subject to the direction and instruction of the Board, sign, with the Secretary, any deeds, mortgages, deeds of trust, notes, bonds, financing statements, security agreements, contracts or other instruments, except in cases in which the signing and execution thereof shall be expressly delegated by the Board or by this Code of Regulations to some other officer or agent of the Cooperative, or shall be required by law to be otherwise signed or executed; and (c) in general, perform all duties incident to the office of Chair and such other duties as may be prescribed by the Board from time to time.

SECTION 8. Vice Chair In the absence of the Chair, or in the event of the Chair’s inability or refusal to act, the Vice Chair shall perform the duties of the Chair and when so acting shall have the powers of and be subject to all the restrictions upon the Chair. The Vice Chair shall also perform such other duties as from time to time may be assigned by the Board or by the Chair.

SECTION 9. Secretary The Secretary shall be responsible for: (a) signing, with the Chair, the minutes of the members and of the Board in books provided for that purpose; and (b) seeing that all notices are duly given in accordance with this Code of Regulations or as required by law; and (c) the safekeeping of the corporate books and records and the seal of the Cooperative and affixing the seal of the Cooperative or a facsimile to all documents requiring a seal; and (d) the execution of which on behalf of the Cooperative under its seal is duly authorized in accordance with the provisions of this Code of Regulations; and (e) maintaining a register of the names and post office addresses of all members; and (f) maintaining on file at all times a complete copy of the Articles of Incorporation and Code of Regulations of the Cooperative containing all amendments thereto and at the expense of the Cooperative, furnishing a copy of the Code of Regulations and of all amendments thereto to any member upon request; and (g) in general, performing all duties incident to the office of Secretary and such other duties as from time to time may be assigned by the Board.

SECTION 5. Resignations

SECTION 10. Assistant Secretary

Any officer may resign at any time by giving written notice to the Board, to the Chair, or to the Secretary of the Cooperative.

Any such resignation shall take effect at the time specified therein and unless otherwise specified therein the acceptance of such resignation shall not be necessary to make it effective.

The Assistant Secretary, if one is appointed by the Board pursuant to Section 3 of this ARTICLE VI, need not be a member of the Board and shall hold office until relieved by the Board. The Assistant Secretary shall assist the Secretary in the performance of the Secretary’s duties as requested by the Board.

SECTION 6. Vacancies

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SECTION 11. Treasurer

capital furnished by its patrons.

The Treasurer shall be responsible for:

SECTION 2. Patronage Capital in Connection with Furnishing Electric Energy

(a) custody of all funds and securities of the Cooperative; and (b) the receipt of and the issuance of receipts for all monies due and payable to the Cooperative and for the deposit of all such monies in the name of the Cooperative in such bank or banks as shall be selected in accordance with the provisions of this Code of Regulations; and (c) the general performance of all duties incident to the office of Treasurer and such other duties as from time to time may be assigned by the Board.

SECTION 12. Assistant Treasurer If an Assistant Treasurer is appointed by the Board pursuant to Section 3 of this ARTICLE VI, the Assistant Treasurer need not be a member of the Board and shall hold office until relieved by the Board. The Assistant Treasurer shall assist the Treasurer in the performance of the Treasurer’s duties as requested by the Treasurer or by the Board.

SECTION 13. President and CEO The President and CEO shall: (a) be the CEO responsible for the general direction, coordination and control of all operations in accordance with the policies adopted by the Board, subject to the direction and instruction of the Board; and (b) have supervision over and be responsible for the operations of the Cooperative and, in performing this duty, carry out and administer the policies adopted by the Board; and (c) prepare for the Board such reports and budgets as are necessary to inform the Board concerning the operation of the Cooperative; and (d) in general, perform all duties incident to the office of President and CEO and perform such other duties as may from time to time be assigned by the Board.

SECTION 14. Bonds of Officers The Treasurer and any other officer or agent of the Cooperative charged with responsibility for the custody of any of its funds or property shall be bonded in such sum and with such surety as the Board shall determine. The Board, in its discretion, may also require any other officer, agent or employee of the Cooperative to be bonded in such amount and with such surety as it shall determine.

SECTION 15. Compensation The powers, duties and compensation of officers shall be fixed by the Board.

SECTION 16. Reports The officers of the Cooperative shall submit at each annual meeting of the members reports covering the business of the Cooperative for the previous fiscal year. Such reports shall set forth the condition of the Cooperative at the close of such fiscal year.

ARTICLE VII: NON-PROFIT OPERATION SECTION 1. Interest or Dividends on Capital Prohibited The Cooperative shall at all times be operated on a Cooperative non-profit basis for the mutual benefit of its patrons. No interest or dividends shall be paid or payable by the Cooperative on any

In the furnishing of electric energy, the Cooperative’s operations shall be so conducted that all patrons, members and nonmembers alike, will through their patronage furnish capital for the Cooperative. In order to induce patronage and to assure that the Cooperative will operate on a non-profit basis the Cooperative is obligated to account on a patronage basis to all its patrons, members and non-members alike, for all amounts received and receivable from the furnishing of electric energy in excess of operating costs and expenses properly chargeable against the furnishing of electric energy. All such amounts in excess of operating costs and expenses at the moment of receipt by the Cooperative are received with the understanding that they are furnished by the patrons, members and non-members alike, as capital. The Cooperative is obligated to pay by credits to a capital account for each patron all such amounts in excess of operating costs and expenses. The books and records of the Cooperative shall be set up and kept in such a manner that at the end of each fiscal year the amount of capital, if any, so furnished by each patron is clearly reflected and credited in an appropriate record to the capital account of each patron, and the Cooperative shall within a reasonable time after the close of the fiscal year notify each patron of the amount of capital so credited to his/her account. All such amounts credited to the capital account of any patron shall have the same status as though they had been paid to the patron in cash in pursuance of a legal obligation to do so and the patron had then furnished the Cooperative corresponding amounts of capital. All other amounts received by the Cooperative from its operations in excess of costs and expenses shall, insofar as permitted by law, be (a) used to offset any losses incurred during the current or any prior fiscal year and (b) to the extent not needed for that purpose, allocated to its patrons on a patronage basis and any amount so allocated shall be included as part of the capital credited to the accounts of patrons, as herein provided.

In the event of dissolution or liquidation of the Cooperative, after all outstanding indebtedness of the Cooperative shall have been paid, outstanding capital credits shall be retired without priority, on a pro rata basis before any payments are made on account of property rights of members. If, at any time prior to dissolution or liquidation, the Board shall determine that the financial condition of the Cooperative will not be impaired thereby, the capital credited to patrons’ accounts may be retired in full or in part.

Capital credited to the account of each patron shall be assignable only on the books of the Cooperative pursuant to written instruction from the assignor and only to successors in interest or successors in occupancy in all or a part of such patrons’ premises served by the Cooperative unless the Board, acting under the policies of general application, shall determine otherwise. Notwithstanding in any other provision of this Code of Regulations, if any patron or former patron fails to claim any cash retirement of capital credits or other payment from the Cooperative within four (4) years after payment of the same has been made available to him/her by notice or check mailed to him/her at his/her last address furnished by him/her to the Cooperative, such failure shall be and constitutes an irrevocable assignment and gift by such patron of such capital credit or other payment to the Cooperative. Failure to claim any such payment within the meaning of this section shall include the failure by such patron or former patron to cash any check mailed to him/her by the Cooperative at the last address furnished by him/her to the Cooperative. The assignment and gift provided for under this section shall become effective only upon the expiration of four (4) years from the date when such payment was made available to such patron or former patron without claim therefore and only after the further expiration of sixty (60) days following the giving of a notice by mail and publication that unless such payment is claimed within said sixty (60) day period,

MARCH 2021 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING 20E

MID-OHIO ENERGY COOPERATIVE LOCAL PAGES

such gift to the Cooperative shall become effective. The notice by mail herein provided for shall be mailed by the Cooperative to such patron or former patron at the last known address and the notice by publication shall be two (2) consecutive insertions in a publication circulated in the service area of the Cooperative, which may be a Cooperative publication. The sixty (60) day period following the giving of such notice shall be deemed to terminate sixty (60) days after the mailing of such notice or sixty (60) days following the last date of publication thereof, whichever is later. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Code of Regulations, the Board at its discretion, shall have the power at any time upon the death of any natural person who was a patron, if the legal representatives of his/her estates shall request in writing that the capital credited to any such patron be retired prior to the time such capital would otherwise be retired under the provisions of this Code of Regulations, to retire capital credited to any such patron immediately upon such terms and conditions as the Board, acting under policies of general application, and the legal representatives of such patron’s estate shall agree upon; provided, however, that the financial condition of the Cooperative will not be impaired thereby. After retiring capital credits allocated to a patron or former patron, the Cooperative may recoup, offset, or setoff any amount owed to the Cooperative by the patron or former patron, including any compounded interest and late payment fee, by reducing the amount of retired capital credits paid to the patron or former patron by the amount owed. The Cooperative may retire and pay capital credits only if the Board determines that the retirement and payment will not adversely impact the Cooperative’s financial condition. Consistent with this Code of Regulations, the retirement and payment of capital credits are in the discretion of the Board, and the Board shall determine the manner, method, and timing of retiring and paying capital credits. As reasonable and fair, the Cooperative may retire and pay capital credits to classes of similarly situated patrons under different manners, methods, and timing, provided the Cooperative retires and pays capital credits to similarly situated patrons under the same manner, method, and timing. As determined by the Board, before the time the Cooperative anticipates normally retiring and paying capital credits, the Cooperative may retire some or all capital credits and, in such circumstances, as determined by the Board, the Cooperative may pay the net present value of the retired capital credits. The patrons of the Cooperative, by dealing with the Cooperative, acknowledge that the terms and provisions of the Articles of Incorporation and Code of Regulations shall constitute and be a contract between the Cooperative and each patron, and both the Cooperative and the patrons are bound by such contract, as fully as though each patron had individually signed a separate instrument containing such terms and provisions.

ARTICLE VIII: DISPOSITION OF PROPERTY The Cooperative shall not sell, mortgage, pledge, provide a security interest in, lease or otherwise dispose of or encumber all of any substantial portion of its property, assets, rights, privileges, licenses, franchises or permits, whether acquired or to be acquired, and wherever situated, or the revenues or income therefrom, or merge or consolidate with any other corporation unless such sale, mortgage, lease, other disposition, encumbrance, merger or consolidation is authorized at a meeting of the members thereof by the affirmative vote of not less than two-thirds of all of the members of the Cooperative, and unless notice of such proposed sale, mortgage, lease, other disposition, encumbrance, merger or consolidation shall have been contained in the notice of the meeting; provided, however, that notwithstanding any other provision of this ARTICLE, the Board of the Cooperative, without authorization by the members thereof, shall have full power and authority 20F OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • MARCH 2021

to authorize the execution and delivery of mortgages, deeds of trust, security agreements and financing statements or otherwise pledging, encumbering, subjecting to a lien or security interest, any or all of the property, assets, rights, privileges, licenses, franchises and permits of the Cooperative, whether acquired or to be acquired, and wherever situated, as well as the revenues and income therefrom, all upon such terms and conditions as the Board shall determine , to secure any indebtedness of the Cooperative to the United States of America or any instrumentality or agency thereof or to any other bona fide lender, lending institution or investor; provided, further, however, that notwithstanding any other provision of this ARTICLE, the Board may upon the authorization of a majority of those members of the Cooperative present at a meeting of members thereof, sell, lease, or otherwise dispose of all or a substantial portion of its property to, or merge or consolidate with, another non-profit corporation which is either an electric distribution cooperative that previously was at any time a borrower from the Rural Electrification Administration (now the Rural Utilities Service), or a generation and transmission cooperative whose members are electric distribution cooperatives. Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this ARTICLE, nothing contained herein shall be deemed or construed to prohibit an exchange of plant facilities of another electric company when in the judgement of the Board such facilities are of approximately equal value, but in no event shall the value of the Cooperative’s facilities so exchanged within any 12-month period exceed ten (10) percent of the total electric plant of the Cooperative.

ARTICLE IX: SEAL The corporate seal of the Cooperative shall have inscribed thereon the name of the Cooperative and the words “Corporate Seal of the State of Ohio,” but failure to affix such seal shall not affect the validity of any instrument duly executed on behalf of the Cooperative by its authorized officers.

ARTICLE X: MISCELLANEOUS SECTION 1. Waiver of Notice Any member or Board member may waive in writing any notice of a meeting required to be given by this Code of Regulations.

The attendance of a member or Board member at any meeting shall constitute a waiver of notice of such meeting by such member or Board member, except in a case a member or Board member shall attend a meeting for the express purpose of objecting to the transaction of any business on the ground that the meeting has not been lawfully called or convened.

SECTION 2. Policies, Rules and Regulations The Board shall have power to make and adopt such policies, rules and regulations, not inconsistent with law, the Article of Incorporation or this Code of Regulations, at it may deem advisable for the management, administration and regulation of the business and affairs of the Cooperative.

SECTION 3. Accounting System and Reports The Board shall cause to be established and maintained a complete accounting system. The Board shall also, after the close of each fiscal year, cause to be made by a certified public accountant a full and complete audit of the accounts, books and financial condition of the Cooperative as of the end of such fiscal year. A report of such audit shall be submitted to the members at the next following annual meeting. The fiscal year of the Cooperative shall begin on the first day of January of each

year and shall end on the thirty-first day of December of the same year.

ARTICLE XI: AMENDMENTS This Code of Regulations may be altered, amended or repealed by a majority of the members present at any regular or special meeting, provided the notice of such meeting shall have contained a copy of the proposed alteration, amendment or repeal; provided, however, that any alteration, amendment or repeal of this ARTICLE XI shall require the affirmative vote of at least two-thirds (2/3) of the members of the Cooperative; and provided further, that no other provision of this Code of Regulations may be altered, amended or repealed by an affirmative vote which is less in number or different in character than the affirmative vote required for action under that provision.

ARTICLE XII: INDEMNIFICATION AND LIMITED LIABILITY SECTION 1. Third-Party Proceeding Indemnification The Cooperative shall, to the fullest extent permitted by Ohio law, as the same now exists or may hereafter be amended or interpreted (but, in the case of any such amendment or interpretation, only to the extent that such amendment or interpretation permits the Cooperative to provide broader indemnification rights thereunder permitted prior thereto), indemnify any person who was or is a party, or is threatened to be made a party, to any threatened, pending, or completed civil, criminal, administrative, or investigative action, suit, or proceeding, including all appeals (other than an action, suit, or proceeding by or in the right of the Cooperative), by reason of the fact that such person is or was a trustee, officer, employee, agent or volunteer (as defined in Chapter 1702 of the Ohio Revised Code) of the Cooperative, or is or was serving at the request of the Cooperative as a trustee, director, officer, employee, member, manager, agent or volunteer of another domestic or foreign nonprofit corporation or corporation for profit, a limited liability company, or a partnership, joint venture, trust, or other enterprise, against expenses (including attorneys’ fees), judgments, fines, and amounts paid in settlement actually and reasonably incurred by such person in connection with the action, suit, or proceeding, if such person acted in good faith and in a manner such person reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the Cooperative and, with respect to any criminal action or such person proceeding, such person had no reasonable cause to believe that such person’s conduct was unlawful. The termination of any action, suit, or proceeding by judgment, order, settlement, or conviction, or upon a plea of nolo contendere or its equivalent, shall not, of itself, create a presumption that the person did not act in good faith and in a manner which such person reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the Cooperative and, with respect to any criminal action or proceeding, such person had reasonable cause to believe that such person’s conduct was unlawful.

SECTION 2. Derivative Action Indemnification The Cooperative shall, to the fullest extent permitted by Ohio law, as the same now exists or may hereafter be amended or interpreted (but, in the case of any such amendment or interpretation, only to the extent that such amendment or interpretation permits the Cooperative to provide broader indemnification rights thereunder permitted prior thereto),

indemnify any person who was or is a party, or is threatened to be made a party, to any threatened, pending, or, completed action or suit, including all appeals, by or in the right of the Cooperative to procure a judgement in its favor, by reason of the fact that such person is or was a trustee, officer, employee, agent or volunteer of the Cooperative, or is or was serving at the request of the Cooperative as a trustee, director, officer, employee, member, manager, agent or volunteer of another domestic or foreign nonprofit corporation or corporation for profit, a limited liability company, or a partnership, joint venture, trust, or other enterprise, against expenses (including attorneys’ fees) actually and reasonably incurred by such person in connection with the defense or settlement of the action or suit, if such person acted in good faith and in a manner such person reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the Cooperative, except that no indemnification shall be made in respect of (a) any claim, issue or matter as to which such person shall have been adjudged to be liable for negligence or misconduct in the performance of such person’s duty to the Cooperative unless, and only to the extent that, the court of common pleas or the court in which such action or suit was brought determines, upon application, that, despite the adjudication of liability, but in view of all the circumstances of the case, such person is fairly and reasonably entitled to indemnity for such expenses as the court of common pleas or such other court shall deem proper, or (b) any action or suit in which the only liability asserted against a trustee is pursuant to Section 1702.55 of the Ohio Revised Code.

SECTION 3. Indemnification for Expenses To the extent that a trustee, director, officer, employee, member, manager, agent or volunteer has been successful on the merits or otherwise in defense of any action, suit or proceeding referred to in Section 1 or Section 2 of this ARTICLE XII, or in defense of any claim, issue or matter therein, such person shall be indemnified against expenses, including attorneys’ fees, actually and reasonably incurred by such person in connection with that action, suit or proceeding.

SECTION 4. Determinations of Indemnification Rights Any indemnification under Section 1 or Section 2 of this ARTICLE XII (unless ordered by a court and except as provided in Section 4 of this ARTICLE XII) shall be made by the Cooperative only as authorized in the specific case upon a determination that indemnification of the trustee, director, officer, employee, member, manager, agent or volunteer is proper in the circumstances because the person has met the applicable standard of conduct set forth in Section 1 or Section 2 of this ARTICLE XII. The determination shall be made in any of the following manners: (a) by a majority vote of a quorum consisting of trustees of the Cooperative who were not and are not parties to or threatened with any such action, suit, or proceeding; or (b) whether or not such a quorum is obtainable and if a majority of a quorum of disinterested trustees so directs, in a written opinion by independent legal counsel other than an attorney, or a firm having associated with it an attorney, who has been retained by or who has performed services for the Cooperative or any person to be indemnified within the past five years; or (c) by the members of the Cooperative; or (d) by the court of common pleas or the court in which such action, suit, or proceeding was brought.

Any determination made by the disinterested trustees or by independent legal counsel under this Section 4 shall be promptly communicated to the person who threatened or brought the action or suit by or in the right of the Cooperative under Section 2 of this ARTICLE XII, and, within ten (10) days after receipt of such notification, such person shall have the right to petition the court of common pleas or the court in which such

MARCH 2021 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING 20G

MID-OHIO ENERGY COOPERATIVE LOCAL PAGES

action or suit was brought to review the reasonableness of such determination.

SECTION 5. Advances of Expenses Unless the only liability asserted against a trustee in an action, suit, or proceeding referred to in Section 1 or Section 2 of this ARTICLE XII is pursuant to Section 1702.55 of the Ohio Revised Code, expenses (including attorneys’ fees) incurred by trustee, officer, employee, agent or volunteer of the Cooperative in defending the action, suit, or proceeding shall be paid, and expenses (including attorneys’ fees) incurred by any other trustee, director, officer, employee, member, manager, agent or volunteer in defending the action, suit, or proceeding may be paid, by the Cooperative as they are incurred, in advance of the final disposition of the action, suit, or proceeding, upon receipt of an undertaking by or on behalf of the trustee, director, officer, employee, member, manager, agent or volunteer in which such person agrees both (a) to repay such amount if it is proved by clear and convincing evidence in a court of competent jurisdiction that such person’s action or failure to act involved an act or omission undertaken with deliberate intent to cause injury to the Cooperative or undertaken with reckless disregard for the best interests of the Cooperative, and (b) to cooperate with the Cooperative concerning the action, suit, or proceeding.

SECTION 6. Purchase of Insurance The Cooperative may purchase and maintain insurance or furnish similar protection, including, but not limited to, trust funds, letters of credit, and self-insurance, for or on behalf of any person who is or was a trustee, officer, employee, agent, or volunteer of the Cooperative, or is or was serving at the request of the Cooperative as a trustee, director, officer, employee, member, manager, agent, or volunteer of another domestic or foreign nonprofit corporation or corporation for profit, a limited liability company, or a partnership, joint venture, trust, or other enterprise, against any liability asserted against the person and incurred by such person in any such capacity, or arising out of such person’s status as such, whether or not the Cooperative would have the power to indemnify such person against liability under the provisions of this ARTICLE XII. Insurance may be purchased from or maintained with a person in whom the Cooperative has a financial interest.

SECTION 7. Non-Exclusivity The indemnification or advancement of expenses authorized by this ARTICLE XII shall not be deemed exclusive of, and shall be in addition to, any other rights granted to any person seeking indemnification or advancement of expenses under the Articles of Incorporation of the Cooperative, this Code of Regulations, any agreement, any vote of the members or disinterested trustees of the Cooperative, or otherwise, both as to action in their official capacities and as to action in another capacity while holding an office or position, and shall continue

as to a person who has ceased to be a trustee, director, officer, employee, member, manager, agent or volunteer and shall inure to the benefit of the heirs, executors, and administrators of such a person.

SECTION 8. Additional Expense Provisions The authority of the Cooperative to indemnify persons pursuant Section 1 or Section 2 of this ARTICLE XII does not limit the payment of expenses as they are incurred, indemnification, insurance or other protection that may be provided pursuant to Sections 5, 6 and 7 of this ARTICLE XII. Section 1 and Section 2 of this ARTICLE XII do not create any obligation to repay or return payments made by the Cooperative pursuant to Sections 5, 6 and 7 of this ARTICLE XII. SECTION 9. Mergers and Consolidations As used in this ARTICLE XII, the “Cooperative” includes all constituent entities in a consolidation or merger, and the new or surviving entity, so that any person who is or was a trustee, director, officer, employee, member, manager, agent, or volunteer of such a constituent entity or is or was serving at the request of a constituent entity as a trustee, director, officer, employee, member, manager, agent, or volunteer of another domestic or foreign nonprofit corporation or business corporation, a limited liability company, or a partnership, joint venture, trust, or other enterprise, shall stand in the same position under this ARTICLE XII with respect to the new or surviving corporation as the person would if the person had served the new or surviving corporation in the same capacity.

SECTION 10. Amendment or Repeal Any amendment or repeal of this ARTICLE XII shall be prospective only and shall not adversely affect or limit the rights or protection of any person or limit the obligations of the Cooperative under any provision of this ARTICLE XII with respect to any claim arising from or relating to actions, omissions or events occurring prior to the time of any such amendment or repeal.

SECTION 11. Limited Liability of a Trustee or Officer Other than in connection with an action or suit in which the liability of a trustee under Section 1702.55 of the Ohio Revised Code is the only liability asserted, a trustee or officer of the Cooperative shall be liable in damages for any action he takes or fails to takes as a trustee or as an officer, as the case may be, only if it is proved, by clear and convincing evidence in a court with jurisdiction, that such trustee’s or officer’s action or failure to act involved an act or omission undertaken with deliberate intent to cause injury to the Cooperative or was undertaken with a reckless disregard for the best interests of the Cooperative.

Thank you for your consideration of these proposed changes to the Code of Regulations. For additional info, such as an explanation document showing all revisions and clean copies of the current and proposed changes, please visit MidOhioEnergy.com/Code or contact our offices.

20H OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • MARCH 2021

COOPERATIVE ELECTION

TRUSTEE CANDIDATES FOR ELECTION

Mid-Ohio Energy’s nominating committee met recently to finalize candidates for election to the cooperative’s board of trustees. In March, members will be asked to vote for one candidate in each district up for election. Ahead of the election, each member will receive their official voting information packet that includes these candidate bios and additional instructions for voting.

- DISTRICT 1 Tony Hastings, 11582 Township Road 90, Kenton, is seeking reelection as a trustee in District 1. Tony is captain for the Kenton Fire Department and also farms with his father-in-law. Together they farm 700 acres and specialize in hay and straw. He has an associate degree in computer programming from Northwestern Business College. He previously served as a fiscal agent for the Hardin Soil & Water Conservation District where he was also a board supervisor for 12 years. Tony has completed coursework to earn a Credentialed Cooperative Director certificate from the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association. He and his wife, Tami, have been married for 32 years and are the parents of two grown children, Abbi and Dan. Kirk Shepherd, 8975 Township Road 115, Kenton, is seeking election in District 1. He’s a lifelong resident of Hardin County, graduating from Kenton High School in 1977. He attended Cornell College before returning home to be involved with the family farming operation where he and his two brothers currently farm 1,500 acres and operate Cessna Transport, a transporter of hazardous liquids in tanks and pressure vessels. Kirk is a member of the Elks, Moose, and Eagles lodges as well as the Kenton Rotary Club. He is also a 4th degree Knight of Columbus, business chair of Hardin Career Task Force, vice president of Hardin Leadership, steering committee member of the Hardin Safety Council, and on the board of directors at Hardin County Chamber and Business Alliance. He attends church at Our Lady of Lourdes in Ada and is part of Noteworthy Community Choir, also in Ada. He and his wife, Debbie, have four children (Brandon, Dustin, Sarah, and Andrew). In his spare time, he enjoys spending time at a shooting range and attending car shows with his favorite muscle car.

- DISTRICT 2 Brice Turner, 29477 County Road 186, Harrod, is seeking reelection in District 2. Brice is currently teaching first grade at Perry Elementary where he has been teaching for 10 years. He is active in the Waynesfield community and the Waynesfield Baptist Church, as well as Perry Local Schools. Brice also works on his family’s grain farm and raises cattle for 4-H projects. He has been active in coaching and has had experiences working as an athletic director after graduating from Miami University in Oxford, Ohio. Brice has completed coursework to earn a Credentialed Cooperative Director certificate from the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association. He and his wife, Andrea, have been married 10 years and have two children.

- DISTRICT 3 Trevor J. Fremont, 7877 Harding Highway W., New Bloomington, is seeking reelection as trustee for District 3.

Trevor and his wife, Natalie, have five children (Taylor, David, Brianna, Renee, and Samantha). Trevor is the owner of Fremont’s Ag & Auto Repair and holds several certifications from the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence. Trevor has completed coursework to earn a Credentialed Cooperative Director certificate from the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association. He is also a member of Meeker United Methodist Church and Farm Bureau. He is a graduate of Ridgedale High School and currently enjoys his children’s sports activities and helping with their 4-H and FFA projects.

This year’s trustee nominating process was carried out in accordance with the co-op’s bylaws with no eligible candidate fulfilling the requirements to be listed as a candidate opposing the incumbent trustee for election in District 2, nor District 3. As a result, the nominating committee moved to extend the deadline for nominees, with further efforts being made by the nominating committee to secure additional candidate(s) for these districts.

As no additional candidates volunteered or were submitted, a special meeting was held by the nominating committee. The committee approved a motion to proceed with only the listed incumbent trustee candidates in Districts 2 and 3.

MARCH 2021 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING 21

MID-OHIO ENERGY COOPERATIVE LOCAL PAGES OUTAGE PREPARATIONS

DON’T WAIT.

BE PREPARED BEFORE THE STORM. At Mid-Ohio Energy, we work hard to keep your lights on around the clock. However, we realize that some outages can’t be avoided. When your power is out, our linemen immediately go to work to restore power safely and quickly.

as generator safety and staying clear of downed power lines. Prepare an “emergency kit” of essential items and store it in an accessible location. Emergency service is available around the clock.

Over the past several years, your cooperative has been an industry leader for electric service reliability. We average a reliability score of 99.99 percent. This means an average member spends less than an hour without power for the entire year! We’re proud to earn high marks for such an important commodity.

Of course, this is no guarantee that your electric service is exempt from interruptions and outages. Unforeseen incidents such as powerful storms and equipment damage from animals can occur at any time. At this time of year, ice accumulation can be particularly problematic. Our goal is to limit the number of service interruptions and restore power quickly and safely when outages cannot be prevented.

To limit the potential for outages, we use proven methods like tree trimming in rights-of-way, testing and replacing lines and equipment, and remote system monitoring.

When outages do occur, members can report them in a number of ways. Be ready by knowing how to report and track outages, as well as reviewing storm safety tips, such

Reporting an outage By phone: Call 888-363-6446, anytime 24/7! Note: For quickest reporting, please be sure to call using the primary phone number listed on your account.

Outage texting: Sign up for our outage texting service by visiting MidOhioEnergy.com/texting.

Once registered, members can simply text an outage report to 55050.

Online: Our online outage reporting map allows members to view and report outages instantly.

The page features a live outage map with current outages and any additional info available such as cause and estimated restoration time. Access via our website or go direct to IsMyMeterOn.com.

App: Outages can also be reported from your mobile device or tablet if you’ve downloaded our free app from the App Store or Google Play. Search “Mid Ohio Energy.”

MID-OHIO ENERGY COOPERATIVE, INC.

BOARD OF TRUSTEES

CONTACT

Dan Harris

888-363-6446 www.MidOhioEnergy.com

John Thiel

1210 W. Lima St. Kenton, Ohio 43326 DISTRICT OFFICE

2859 Marion-Upper Sandusky Rd. Marion, Ohio 43302 OFFICE HOURS

Mon.–Fri., 7:30 a.m.–4 p.m.

Trevor Fremont Secretary

Tony Hastings Assistant Secretary

Brice Turner Treasurer

Paul Beineke Robert Imbody Howard Lyle Gene McCluer Trustees

22 OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • MARCH 2021

President/CEO

Chairman

Vice Chairman

HEADQUARTERS OFFICE

John Metcalf

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STORY AND PHOTOS BY WENDY PRAMIK

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full-figured pig named Baby lounges, unruffled, in a puddle of mud at Sunrise Sanctuary in Marysville. A lone duck waddles past, oblivious to the prodigious porker to its left.

As the afternoon sun breaks overhead, more and more animals emerge from the grounds’ timeworn structures — a red barn, a small house, a rickety flatbed truck.

Here, such nonchalance is not only widespread among the denizens, it’s a welcome sign of contentment.

Sunrise Sanctuary is a permanent refuge for more than 170 discarded farm and companion animals, a collection that includes rats, bunnies, cats, dogs, pigs, goats, sheep, llamas, cows, horses, donkeys, chickens, ducks, peacocks, and turkeys.

“Our babies are all unique and special souls that are loving, thoughtful, and funny individuals,” says Sandy Horvath,

24 OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • MARCH 2021

the animals’ primary caretaker. “They’re not just numbers.

They are special beings deserving of our love and respect.”

All around Ohio, animal sanctuaries provide respite and relief for misfit animals, whether they’ve been abused or neglected or simply moved on to greener pastures after their working days ended.

All kinds of styles Ohioans can pay many of these fine friends a visit — sometimes by appointment, as visitation and admission policies vary. Some sanctuaries and rescues allow animals to remain for life. Others rehabilitate wild animals and release them back into nature. Others socialize animals and prepare them for adoption.

Mindy Mallett founded Sunrise, a nonprofit charity, in 2001 to provide a dash of dignity for animals that had been forgotten. Here, they freely roam the spacious

Animals of all kinds shelter safely — either for rehabilitation or to live out their lives in comfort — at a number of animal sanctuaries in Ohio.

grounds, where they meet up with picture-snapping visitors on select Saturdays during “Open Barn Days.”

Volunteers such as Horvath operate the farm, which depends on donations from the public.

“We hope that once they get to know these animals, they see them in a different light,” Horvath says.

Offering hope, offering homes Most sanctuaries offer a place where animals can be loved and respected. It took one pot-bellied pig named Janice to convince Annette Bragg to establish Happy Trails Farm Animal Sanctuary, in Ravenna, in 2001. Bragg caught wind of the pig and decided to rescue her. She later adopted Janice’s buddy, George, and built a log cabin to house them.

Happy Trails now is home to about 130 animals that roam an 11-acre track. Out of the 190 animals the sanctuary rescued last year, 170 were adopted.

They include Amish horses, which stewardship coordinator Lissy Kuhn says often are rescued from the Continued on page 26

Meet some of these sheltered animals — watch the video at ohiocoopliving.com/sanctuary.

MARCH 2021 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING 25

Ducks and chickens (below) are among the discarded farm or companion animals that live at Sunrise Sanctuary in Marysville.

Animal sanctuaries around Ohio Ohio Wildlife Center, Powell: Visit the state’s largest wildlife hospital just north of Columbus. You’ll encounter about 50 animal ambassadors that represent a small percentage of the more than 6,000 patients the center treats yearly. 614-734-9453, www.ohiowildlifecenter.org.

Ohio Bird Sanctuary, Mansfield: A 90-acre, wooded retreat where you can encounter birds being cared for after suffering mishaps or illnesses, including several eagles and various species of hawks.

419-884-4295, www.ohiobirdsanctuary.com.

Continued from page 25

auction block, which can spell an uncertain future.

“They’re really sweet horses,” she says. “The farmers feel a lot better when they can retire their horse versus taking them to auction.”

Finding some-bunny to love The Ohio House Rabbit Rescue in Columbus specializes in bunnies, helping them to socialize with the ultimate goal of going to a new home.

That’s important, because there are hundreds of unwanted pet rabbits that emerge each year in the Buckeye State. Rabbit Rescue is all about giving them a new life, one that includes regular meals and lots of love.

The shelter has been around since 2013 and houses about 40 rabbits in private pens that contain all they need. Staff are happy to match visitors with the perfect bunny companion to welcome into their home.

Butternut Farm Wildcat Sanctuary, Johnstown: Homeless wildcats and related species find a home in a rustic abode 25 miles northeast of Columbus, which runs solely on donations. 937-336-6276, www.facebook.com/ButternutFarmsWildcatSanctuary.

Southern Ohio Wolf Sanctuary, Chesapeake: A haven for about two dozen wolfdogs — crosses between a dog and any of a variety of wolf breeds. 740-451-9653, www.southernohiowolfsanctuary.com.

Forever Safe Farm Animal Education Center, Salem: The rolling hills of eastern Ohio are a forever home to more than 100 rescued and retired animals.

You’ll see a range of animals including camels, horses, alpacas, raccoons, and wallabies. 330-7278909, www.foreversafefarm.org.

Island Safe Harbor Animal Sanctuary, Port Clinton: An appointment-only rescue center near Lake Erie that provides a healthy environment for animals that are old, sick, or even terminally ill. 419-960-7487, https:// islandshas.wixsite.com/ishas.

Ohio Pet Sanctuary, Cincinnati: A combination pet supply store and rescue center that focuses on small animals including birds, rabbits, guinea pigs, cats, ferrets, small rodents, and reptiles. 513-388-9998, www.ohiopetsanctuary.com.

Glen Helen Raptor Center, Yellow Springs: Learn all about raptors, including hawks, kestrels, and owls, at the center, part of Glen Helen Nature Preserve, which helps broken birds and provides education about their role in our lives. 937-769-1902, www.glenhelen.org.

Lasa Sanctuary, Wooster: There are more than 130 farm animals living peaceably in a bucolic Wayne County spread that promotes kindness to animals and a vegan lifestyle. www.lasasanctuary.org.

26 OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • MARCH 2021

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volunteering

Volunteer-minded folks in Cleveland might work as mentors with refugee students, a perfect way to learn about other cultures while helping people who need it.

soul

Good for the Looking for ways to give back? We’ve found a few interesting ways to volunteer in Ohio.

BY PATTY YODER

Volunteering is not only good for the community — it’s good for you, too. In fact, studies show the act of volunteering boosts physical and mental health and may even help you live longer.

Ohio has an abundance of good causes to donate your time to. Here are five unique volunteer opportunities that could be a great fit for someone in your family.

MARCH 2021 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING 29

Get golfers back onto the links Golfers living with the effects of a stroke, Parkinson’s disease, or other neurological conditions can get back into the game, thanks to OhioHealth Fore Hope. The golf therapy program provides physical, cognitive, and social benefits, but it requires a helping hand, since balance is often an issue. Volunteers tee up golf balls, position putters, and perform other simple tasks that make a big difference.

Mindy Derr started Fore Hope in 1989 to help her father, an avid golfer, reconnect with his clubs after an illness.

Today, 20 volunteers assist 70 central Ohioans with year-round programming.

“When we’re on the golf course, we need as many people as we can get,” Derr says. “Our volunteers act as cheerleaders, help with stretching, and talk golf. They love golf, and they understand that people need hope.”

OHIOHEALTH FORE HOPE www.ohiohealth.com/services/ neuroscience/our-programs/forehope 614-566-4242; ForeHope@ohiohealth.com

Train for a race with a visually impaired runner Dee Char believed her running days were behind her when a retinal degenerative disease affected her vision.

Several years later, she was inspired to try again after a legally blind woman won Cincinnati’s Flying Pig marathon.

Today, Char uses United in Stride to connect with sighted runners near her Dayton home and while traveling so she can run safely outdoors. Volunteers share their pace, running goals, and interests online, then meet local visually impaired runners to go for a one-time run, train for a marathon, or anything in between. Although the organization offers tutorials, runners have to find their own style, Char says.

“There’s no one way to guide someone, so it’s something you figure out together,” she says. “Some runners want constant communication. Some use a tether or a cane. Some pairs get so good at it that they don’t need to use words anymore.”

UNITED IN STRIDE www.unitedinstride.com info@unitedinstride.com 30 OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • MARCH 2021

Experience another culture without leaving town Cleveland-area volunteers can help refugee students from Burma, Afghanistan, Syria, and other faraway places establish American roots through Refugee Response.

Twice a week, mentors visit students’ homes to help them strengthen literacy and math skills, build good study habits, and learn to navigate school technology.

In return, mentors gain insights into another culture and form lasting relationships with resilient families who are part of their community.

“The program is not about test prep or achieving a certain score,” says Naila Paul, Refugee Response director of education. “It’s about building confidence and a positive attitude toward education.”

REFUGEE RESPONSE www.refugeeresponse.org 216-236-3877; info@refugeeresponse.org

Play vintage baseball Travel back in time by joining a baseball team that plays by 1860s rules (underhand pitching, no gloves, no helmets, no balls and strikes). The Ohio Village Muffins and Diamonds share their love of history through exhibition games. Volunteers act as players, umpires, scorekeepers, and historic interpreters who explain the game to audiences in Ohio and beyond, along with the appropriate way to cheer (“Huzzah!”).

Longtime player and advisory board chair Aaron Seddon said both men and women played baseball in the 19th century, and today’s games make history accessible to people of all ages.

“Vintage baseball is a way to step back into history, but the outcome of the game has yet to be determined, which makes it exciting,” he says.

OHIO VILLAGE MUFFINS (men’s team) www.facebook.com/OhioVillageMuffins OHIO VILLAGE DIAMONDS (women’s team) www.facebook.com/theohiovillagediamonds

Ride through a national park on a heritage railroad More than 1,200 volunteers donate their time to the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad, a nonprofit historic railroad that offers educational trips through the Cuyahoga Valley National Park and the Ohio and Erie Canalway. They do everything from refurbishing train cars to helping out in the gift shop.

“Some of our volunteers are carrying on the legacy of their fathers or grandfathers who worked on the railroad. Others rode the train as kids. Some are looking to give back and meet new people,” says Sherri Lemley, manager of volunteer relations. “Our volunteers are the lifeblood of our organization.”

CUYAHOGA VALLEY SCENIC RAILROAD www.cvsr.org; 800-468-4070 MARCH 2021 • OHIO 2021 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING LIVING 31 31

No longer confined to the Wild West, rodeo is a sport for everyone.

BY RANDY EDWARDS; PHOTOS BY DEMI MARTIN/NEW VIEW PHOTOGRAPHY

family All in the R

uss Spreckelmeier won his first rodeo prize money at age 11, riding a steer. It was $8, which was both not very much and just enough. “Man, I knew it, then. I knew, this is what I’m gonna do. In all honesty, it felt like a natural talent.”

Spreckelmeier, 57, of Springboro, Ohio, has been riding bulls and broncs ever since, even throughout his six years of service in the Marines. At 5 feet, 5 inches and 155 pounds, Spreckelmeier says, “I wasn’t made for football. Couldn’t play basketball. But the chicks all liked it ’cause I rodeoed. Wore Wranglers and boots to school every day.”

By strapping on spurs and mounting the bucking broncs, he was following in the bootprints of his father, Richard Spreckelmeier, who learned to ride horses bareback in California, during his stint in the Marines.

“Rodeo was really popular in California at the time. They had some real stock out there,” the senior Spreckelmeier says. “When I came back to Ohio, they were just playing around with Wild West shows and such.”

That was in 1959, but in the past half century, rodeo in the East has spread from county fairs to Madison Square Garden. Throughout the U.S. and Canada, it’s become a big-ticket sport, and like the county fairs that spawned it, rodeo is often

32 OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • MARCH 2021

a family activity centered around a love for horses. Think of it as a variation on dressage or show jumping, with more adrenaline and broken bones.

Horses are the unifying thread that connects the Spreckelmeier family. Russ Spreckelmeier’s greatgrandfather, a Dutch immigrant, opened a blacksmith shop in Cincinnati’s Over-The-Rhine neighborhood, and his grandfather was a blacksmith and horse trainer.

Russ also trains horses on his Diamond S Ranch in Springboro, but like many in his family, rodeo always

Modern rodeo has origins that go back at least to Latin American vaqueros, who competed at fiestas to demonstrate their dexterity at the vocational skills of their trade: riding, roping, and otherwise wrangling large livestock.

From those roots, it has developed into a sport that attracts more than 43 million fans, according to the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association, the oldest sanctioning body for the sport. The sport continues to grow in popularity at countless independent events

Rodeo is a family-oriented activity in which those of all ages can participate. Russ Spreckelmeier (opposite page and above right) rode his first steer at age 11, following in his father’s footsteps. Though he no longer rides, he serves as announcer at Fox Hollow Rodeo in Waynesville, where he helps promote the next generation of riders.

has been his first love. Richard, Russ’ father, eventually gave up riding himself, starting his own rodeo and bucking bull breeding operation, and later moving it to New Bern, North Carolina, where he still hosts rodeo events at age 84. Russ’ brother, Casey, rode bulls as a younger man and served as announcer at the family’s North Carolina rodeo. Russ’ daughter, Laura, competes in barrel racing, in which riders and their horses engage in a high-speed and exhilarating demonstration of horsemanship around a cloverleaf track.

and those associated with newer organizations, like the Southern Extreme Bull Riding Association. Based in North Carolina, it sanctions more than 450 events across the U.S. each year, including the bull riding at Fox Hollow Rodeo in Waynesville, Ohio. Fox Hollow is one of the few rodeos in the region that hosts events year-round, and on one September Saturday night, about 800 fans gathered at Fox Hollow to watch the action and cheer on the bull riders as they fought to stay on their mounts for the 8 seconds required to post a score.

MARCH 2021 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING 33

Fox Hollow Rodeo, 1909 E. State Route 73, Waynesville, OH 45068. Open every Saturday year-round, with outdoor events from April through October. www.foxhollowrodeo.com.

Now out of the riding game, Russ Spreckelmeier still trains horses when he’s not announcing at the weekly rodeo in Waynesville. (photo by Randy Edwards)

Fox Hollow’s summer venue is an outdoor dirt arena surrounded by a pipe rail fence. At the center of the ring that night was none other than Russ Spreckelmeier.

He doesn’t yet use the word “retired” — he won his last saddle bronc title in 2017 at the National Professional Armed Forces Rodeo Association — but these days you’re most likely to find Spreckelmeier astride his Appaloosa as the announcer at Fox Hollow. In a western shirt, knotted neckerchief, and black cowboy hat, he serves as emcee and cheerleader, leading the invocation, coaxing the youngest contestants through the “mutton bustin’” event, offering encouragement to the riders, and rousing the crowd.

After four decades of rodeo, Spreckelmeier has seen his share of “wrecks” — rodeo slang for any number of things that can go wrong when riding large animals. He’s broken numerous bones and has several steel bars permanently implanted in his body. His worst wreck, in 2001, led to his being airlifted to the hospital after a bull stepped on his head. Both his eye sockets were rebuilt, leaving one eyebrow permanently cocked, giving him a look of someone who can’t believe you just asked him why he kept riding after that.

“I did think about quitting then,” he says. “In fact, I told everyone I was going to quit. But I missed the crowd, the sounds. I missed the lights. I don’t know. They say rodeo is a bad drug. I guess it is.”

As the sun faded at Fox Hollow and the large overhead lights lit up the dirt arena, Spreckelmeier called on the crowd to make some noise. “We don’t have a professional cheering section, folks. It’s up to you!”

The crowd roared its approval. All was well.

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2021 CALENDAR

MARCH/APRIL

NORTHWEST

the production team, and Maestro Crust must enlist the help of the world’s greatest detective to solve the case. Fun for the whole family! Livestreamed at www. limaciviccenter.com.

MAR. 20–21 – Spring Crafters’ Showcase, Tam-OShanter Exhibition Ctr., 7060 Sylvania Ave. (1/2 mile west of McCord Rd.), Toledo, Sat. 9 a.m.–4 p.m., Sun. 11 a.m.–4 p.m. Free admission and parking. Enter drawings to win gift certificates, and look for Balloon Bonanza show specials. 419-842-1925 or www. toledocraftsmansguild.org/shows.html.

MAR. 12–14 – Lima Noon Optimist Club’s Home and MAR. 26–27 – Home Sweet Home Vintage Business Expo, Allen Co. Fgds., 2750 Harding Hwy., Inspired Market and Home Show, Allen Co. Fgds., Lima, Fri. 6–9 p.m., Sat. 12–9 p.m., Sun. 12–5 p.m. $2. 2750 Harding Hwy., Lima, Fri. 5–9 p.m., Sat. 9 Home improvement products and services, ranging a.m.–6 p.m. $10 for Fri. and Sat. admission; $5 for from windows and doors to new painting and concrete Sat. only; under 13 free. Vintage, rustic, farmhouse, techniques, and from landscaping ideas to hot tubs shabby chic, antiques, and repurposed items, from and spas. Over 160 booths featuring more than 100 clothing and home décor to jewelry and handmade vendors. Proceeds from the show support numerous treasures. Food trucks on site. 419-230-1756, Lima-area youth activities. 567-242-3513 or http:// homesweethomevintagemarket@gmail.com, or https:// limaoptimist.com. homesweethomevintagemarket.com.

MAR. 20 – “Sherlock Holmes and the Case of the MAR. 27 – Bid for Our Kids, online auction, 12 p.m.

Missing Maestro,” virtual concert. Free. The Maestro Primary fundraising event of the year for St. Charles is missing and there is an imposter on the podium! and Lima Central Catholic schools, featuring auction Who is this imposter, and who tried to kidnap the items, raffles, mystery boxes, and more. 419-222Maestro from his dressing room right before the 4276 (Emily Miller), emiller@apps.lcchs.edu, http:// concert? Everyone is a suspect, from the orchestra to lima.simpleviewinc.com, or www.facebook.com/ events/363855931553372.

NORTHEAST

talented young string musicians present their final concert of the season. 419-522-2726 or www. rentickets.org/events.

MAR. 26 – MY Theatre: Godspell, Renaissance Theatre, 138 Park Ave. W., Mansfield, 7 p.m. $15. A sensory-friendly version will be presented Mar. 25 at 6:30 p.m. 419-522-2726 or www.rentickets.org/events.

APR. 3 – “How to Trace Your Ancestors in Scotland,” Western Reserve Historical Society online event, 1–2 p.m. Free. Presented by Amanda Epperson, this program will help you uncover your Scottish heritage, from identifying your immigrant ancestor to tracking down records in the old country. You’ll learn about church records, civil registrations, censuses, MAR. 7 – Cleveland Comic Book and Nostalgia and more, plus how to find them in online databases Convention, Doubletree by Hilton Clevelandand in archives. Registration is required to receive the Westlake, 1100 Crocker Rd., Westlake (I-90 exit 156), event access link and corresponding information. 21610 a.m.–4 p.m. $5, under 7 free. 41st year of great 721-5722 ext. 1108 or www.wrhs.org/events. collector shows! 330-353-0439, jeff@harpercomics. com, or www.harpercomics.com.

APR. 7–20 – Cleveland International Film Festival, 2510 Market Ave., Cleveland. 216-623-3456 or www.

MAR. 13–14 – Antlers and Anglers Sportsman’s clevelandfilm.org.

Showcase, virtual event. Annual event celebrating the great outdoors, from hunting and fishing to hiking APR. 9 – Brian Culbertson: The XX Tour, Akron Civic and water sports. Check out our Facebook page for Theatre, 182 S. Main St., Akron, 8 p.m. $37–$57+. VIP details. www.armstrongonewire.com. tickets available. New date; tickets purchased for the previous date will be honored. www.akroncivic.com.

MAR. 20 – Mansfield Symphony Orchestra: West Side Story, Renaissance Theatre, 138 Park Ave. W., APR. 10 – Chocolate Fest Cleveland, Lago Custom Mansfield, 8 p.m. $15–$40. Leonard Bernstein’s Events, 950 Main Ave. #120, Cleveland, 5–9 p.m. masterpiece musical will be presented in concert form $25–$50. An event for everyone, featuring samples by the Mansfield orchestra and featured vocalists. from chocolate vendors, wine and chocolate pairing 419-522-2726 or www.rentickets.org/events. classes, truffle making classes, a chocolate martini bar, craft beer, wine, and food. www.eventbrite.com.

MAR. 21 – Mansfield Symphony Youth Strings: Spring Concert, Renaissance Theatre, 138 Park APR. 10–11 – Strongsville Spring Avant-Garde Art Ave. W., Mansfield, 3 p.m. $10. The region’s most and Craft Show, Strongsville Ehrnfelt Recreation Ctr.,

36 OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • MARCH 2021

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MAR. 27 – Maple Syrup Festival, 619 E. Main St., Montpelier, 8 a.m.–noon. Contact the Williams SWCD at 419-636-9395 ext. 3, email amichaels@ williamsswcd.org, or visit https://wcofair.com/eventscalendar.

APR. 3 – Hayes Easter Egg Roll, Spiegel Grove, Hayes Presidential Library and Museums, Fremont, 11 a.m.–3 p.m. Free, but tickets are required to limit crowd size; choose from three one-hour sessions.

Admission is three hard-boiled colored eggs. Children ages 3–10 are invited to participate in a variety of egg games that replicate the famous White House Easter Egg Roll started by President Hayes. Prizes, games, crafts, and visits with the Easter Bunny. 419-332-2081 or www.rbhayes.org.

APR. 9–10 – Southern Gospel Expo, Trinity Friends Church, 605 N. Franklin St., Van Wert, Fri. 5 p.m., Sat. 4 p.m. Free. Gospel groups from around the country.

Food court available each night. 419-238-2788 or www.trinityvw.com.

APR. 10 – Lima Symphony Concert: “Toward the Unknown Region,” Veterans Memorial Civic and Convention Ctr., 7 Town Square, Lima, 7:30 p.m. $25–$35. The voices of the Lima Symphony Chorus will inspire with some of the most reflective choral music ever written: Brahm’s Nänie, Vaughn Williams’ Toward the Unknown Region, and Dvořák’s Concerto for Cello and Orchestra. www.limaciviccenter.com.

18100 Royalton Rd., Strongsville, Sat. 10 a.m.–4 p.m., Sun. 11 a.m.–4 p.m. $3, under 12 free. Features artists and crafters selling their original handmade items.

Full concession stand on site. 440-227-8794 or www. avantgardeshows.com.

APR. 11 – Bob Patetta: The Real “Roots” Music, online concert, 2 p.m. Free. A singer-songwriter specializing in blues, rock, and folk, Patetta has been performing and recording on guitar, harmonica, and vocals for over 50 years. Livestream at www. facebook.com/ormaco.inc.

APR. 11 – Canton Comic Book, Toy, and Nostalgia Convention, St. George Event Ctr., 4667 Applegrove St. NW, North Canton, 10 a.m.–4 p.m. $4, under 7 free.

New big comic and toy show! 330-353-0439, jeff@ harpercomics.com, or www.harpercomics.com.

APR. 11 – Chris Perondi’s Stunt Dog Experience, Akron Civic Theatre, 182 S. Main St., Akron, 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. $15–$25. New date; tickets purchased for the previous date will be honored. www.akroncivic.com.

APR. 11 – Singin’ in the Rain, Renaissance Theatre, 138 Park Ave. W., Mansfield, 3 p.m. $5. See one of the best musicals of all time as it’s meant to be seen, on the big screen! 419-522-2726 or www.rentickets. org/events.

APR. 13 – Whose Live Anyway? at Akron Civic Theatre, 182 S. Main St., Akron, 8 p.m. $32.50– $49.50. New date; tickets purchased for the previous date will be honored. The current cast members of the Emmy-nominated TV show Whose Line Is It Anyway? present their new improv show — 90 minutes of improvised comedy and song all based on audience suggestions. www.akroncivic.com.

PLEASE NOTE: Because of the developing coronavirus situation, many of these planned events may have been postponed or canceled. Please seek updated information before traveling. and join us on Zoom as art educator Sarah Robison conducts the class. Open to all painting experience levels. A painting supplies list will be provided in advance, or you can pick up a supply box at the Conservatory for $10. Register online at www. fpconservatory.org/events.

MAR. 19–20 – Outdoor Life/Field & Stream Expo, Ohio Expo Ctr., Bricker Bldg., 717 E. 17th Ave., Columbus, Fri. 2–9 p.m., Sat. 9 a.m.–7 p.m. Hundreds of exhibitors, demos and displays, trophy contests, free seminars, gear and equipment, shooting ranges, and more. https://10times.com/ohio-deer-turkey.

MAR. 21 – Columbus Toy and Game Show, Ohio MAR. 9, APR. 13 – Inventors Network Meeting, Expo Ctr., Lausche Bldg., 717 E. 17th Ave., Columbus, virtual event, 7 p.m. Meetings held the second 8 a.m.–4 p.m. $10; early buyer, 8–9 a.m., $14; under Tuesday of each month. Educational presentations and 11 free. Buy, sell, and trade new and used toys, video discussion about the invention process. For information, games, and collectibles at Ohio’s largest gathering call 614-470-0144 or visit www.inventorscolumbus.com. of vintage collectors and dealers. Play free arcade MAR. 13 – St. Patrick’s Day Reverse Parade, Darree games, see iconic showcars, and play in video game Fields, 6259 Cosgray Rd., Dublin, 11 a.m.–1 p.m. tournaments! www.ctspromotions.com.

Free. See bagpipers, giant inflatables, Irish dancers, MAR. 21 – New Albany Symphony Orchestra: performances, and other attractions from the comfort “Musical Giants,” livestreamed from McCoy of your car. 614-410-4545 or https://dublinohiousa.gov/ Community Ctr. for the Arts in New Albany, 3 p.m. visiting-dublin/st-patricks-day-parade. $20. World premiere performance of Adam Roberts’ MAR. 14 – Buckeye Comic Con, Courtyard Marriott Concerto for Percussion and Orchestra, performed Columbus West, 2350 Westbelt Dr., Columbus (I-270 by the uber-talented Cameron Leach. Also on the at Roberts Rd. exit 10), 10 a.m.–4 p.m. $5, under 7 program, Beethoven’s masterpiece The Eroica free. Featuring local guest creators. 330-353-0439, Symphony and Hovhaness’ And God Created Whales, jeff@harpercomics.com, or www.harpercomics.com. featuring projected humpback whale imagery and real-life captured whale sounds. Buy the livestream MAR. 19 – “Virtual Paint and Sip: Floral Cascade,” link at www.newalbanysymphony.net. virtual class, 6–8 p.m. $18–$20. Grab a beverage

CENTRAL

MAR. 21 – “The Times of Our Lives and the Glassware We Were Using,” Ohio Glass Museum’s Gallery, 124 W. Main St., Lancaster. $6, Srs. $5, C. (6–18) $3, under 6 free. Opening day of this exhibition featuring Depression glass and much more. 740-6870101 or www.ohioglassmuseum.org.

MAR. 23 – “Herb Gardening,” virtual class presented on Zoom, 6–7:30 p.m. $20–$25. Learn how easy herbs are to grow. Master gardener Nancy Lahmers discusses the basics of garden design We will also cover some historical uses of these plants. Register online at www.fpconservatory.org/events.

APR. 8 – “Incorporating Native Perennials in Your Garden,” virtual class presented on Zoom, 6–7:30 p.m. $20–$25. Dianne Kadonaga of Sunny Glen Wellness teaches a step-by-step process to transform urban lawns into native perennial, plant-pollinator beds. Register online at www.fpconservatory.org/ events.

APR. 8–11 – Equine Affaire, virtual event. The nation’s premier equine exposition will take place online this year, complete with education, shopping, competition, and more! Visit the website and social media for exhibitor information and other virtual content, plus exciting updates about upcoming events and special features. www.equineaffaire.com.

APR. 10 – Amy Grant, Marion Palace Theatre, 276 W. Center St., Marion, 7:30 p.m. $32–$54. Rescheduled from 2020. “The Queen of Christian Pop” will take the Palace stage for the first time. 740-383-2101 or www. marionpalace.org.

MARCH 2021 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING 37

2021 CALENDAR

MARCH/APRIL

SOUTHEAST

MAR. 20 – An Insider’s Tour, Campus Martius Museum, 601 Second St., Marietta, 1:30–3:30 p.m.

Museum admission plus $10. Take a deeper look at the early settlers who are the focus of David McCullough’s latest book, The Pioneers. Learn about their lives, their possessions, and the home of General Rufus Putnam. Stories narrated by William Reynolds, the museum’s historian and a research contributor to McCullough while writing his book.

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

SOUTHWEST

MAR. 1–31 – Madness in March, EnterTRAINment Junction, 7379 Squire Ct., West Chester. Visit our A-Maze-N FunHouse, which includes our wacky tilt room, endless mirror maze, vortex tunnel, and more, for the low price of only $4.97. Plus, you can buy hot dogs for only 50¢ each (not for take-out orders). https://entertrainmentjunction.com/calendar.

APR. 1 – Celtic Woman Celebration: The 15th Anniversary Tour, Aronoff Ctr., Proctor and Gamble Hall, 650 Walnut St., Cincinnati, 7 p.m. Starting at $42.75. 513-621-2787 or www. cincinnatiarts.org/events.

APR. 1–MAY 21 – Spring Celebration, EnterTRAINment Junction, 7379 Squire Ct., West

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

MAR. 20 – Paul Francis Quarter, Majestic Theatre, 45 E. Second St., Chillicothe, 7:30 p.m. $5–$12. Enjoy the music of the Grammy Awardwinning drummer, educator, and Chillicothe native, who has worked extensively with some of the world’s greatest musicians. 740-772-2041 or www.majesticchillicothe.net.

MAR. 23 – National Cambridge Glass Collectors All-Cambridge Benefit Auction, Pritchard Laughlin Ctr., 7033 Glenn Hwy., Cambridge. $2. Over 400 items listed; pictures available at https://auctions. mvsg.org/thumbnails.php?album=587. 740-432-4245 or www.cambridgeglass.org.

MAR. 26–27 – Ordinary Days, Stuart’s Opera House, 52 Public Square, Nelsonville, 7:30 p.m. $12, Stds. $8. The lives of four young New Yorkers intersect as they search for fulfillment, happiness, love, and cabs in COVID times. Through a score of vibrant and memorable songs, their experiences ring startlingly true to life. See the show in person or via livestreamed video. 740-753-1924 or www. stuartsoperahouse.org.

APR. 2 – “Major Pauline Cushman, Spy of the Cumberland,” Campus Martius Museum, 601

Second St., Marietta, noon–1 p.m. Free. Reservations required. Guest speaker Valerie Hamill presents the interesting history of Pauline Cushman, the only female officer of the Civil War. 740-373-3750 or www.campusmartiusmuseum.org.

APR. 8 – Clint Black, Peoples Bank Theatre, 222 Putnam St., Marietta, 8 p.m. $68+. New date; tickets purchased for the previous date will be honored.

One of the most successful singer/songwriters of the modern era, Clint surged to superstardom as part of the fabled Class of ’89, reaching #1 with five consecutive singles from his triple-platinum debut, Killin’ Time. He followed that with a string of platinum and gold albums throughout the ’90s. He wrote or co-wrote every one of his more than three dozen chart hits, part of a catalog that produced 22 #1 singles. www.peoplesbanktheatre.com.

Chester. Purchase a Do-It-All ticket to visit the world’s largest train exhibit and our famous A-Maze-N FunHouse, plus get another ticket to visit us again for more fun on another day. https:// entertrainmentjunction.com/calendar.

APR. 2–3 – Crooked Smile Music Fest, 4035 OH-502, Greenville. $50/weekend pass. For ages 16 and up. Featuring some of the best independent roots, country, blues, and folk bands in the country. crookedsmilemusic@yahoo.com or find us on Facebook.

APR. 2–3 – Mid-Century Songbook: Ella, Nat, and More, Cincinnati Music Hall, 1241 Elm St., Cincinnati, 7:30 p.m. Join conductor John Morris Russell and the Cincinnati Pops for a program filled with favorites from the Great American Songbook. The Apr. 2 performance will be livestreamed simultaneously; link and details available at www.cincinnatiarts.org/ events/detail/mid-century-songbook-ella-nat-more.

APR. 8–18 – Family Series: Snow White, Aronoff Ctr., Proctor and Gamble Hall, 650 Walnut St., Cincinnati. See website for times and prices. Who’s the “fairest of them all”? Find out in the regional premiere of this fully staged ballet featuring the Cincinnati Ballet Second Company. 513-621-2787 or www.cincinnatiarts.org/events.

WEST VIRGINIA

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.

38 OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • MARCH 2021

APR. 9 – Phil Dirt and the Dozers, Majestic Theatre, 45 E. Second St., Chillicothe, 8 p.m. Be transported to another time and place, the classic rock ’n’ roll of America’s golden years, as the Dozers perform the intricate vocal harmonies of the Beach Boys, Four Seasons, Eagles, and many more to perfection. 740772-2041 or www.majesticchillicothe.net.

MAR. 27–28 – Historical Arts Workshop: Horn Engraving, Prickett’s Fort, 88 State Park Rd., Fairmont, 9 a.m.–5 p.m. $75–$85. Master horn builder Willy Frankfort. Designed for the beginner as well as the more advanced horn builder. If you have a powder horn that you would like to engrave, bring it! 304-363-3030, info@prickettsfort.org, or www. prickettsfort.org/register.

APR. 8–11 – School of the Longhunter, Prickett’s Fort, 88 State Park Rd., Fairmont. $40–$45. An intense weekend of instruction, exploring the role of early frontiersmen on the American frontier.

Space is limited and registration is required.

304-363-3030, info@prickettsfort.org, or www. prickettsfort.org.

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MEMBER INTERACTIVE

In like a lion

1

2

4

3

1. Looking across the pasture to my father-in-law’s barn on a March day.

Cynthia Carsey Union Rural Electric Cooperative member 2. One of my favorites at the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo. Jerry Bodner Lorain-Medina Rural Electric Cooperative member

3. Our golden retriever, Kodiak, enjoying a seat in the snow.

Valeria Manemann Pioneer Electric Cooperative member 4. My grandsons, Jayden and Tyler, having fun playing in the March snow and building a snowman.

Sally Trivanovich South Central Power Company member

Send us your picture! For June, send “Ohio countryside” by March 15; for July, send “A day at the beach” by April 15.

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

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

40 OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • MARCH 2021

Need

Energy

Advice?

Contact your electric cooperative Have questions about: • Energy efficiency?

• Renewable energy?

• Energy resources needed to expand or start your business?

We’re here to support all of your energy-related projects.

After all, co-ops were built by consumers like you and still exist today for the sole purpose of serving our communities.

ohioec.org/energy

Specializing In Post Frame Buildings Call Toll Free (855) MQS-3334

• Free Estimates

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40’x60’x12’ • Garage/Hobby Shop

Delivery Fees May Apply

STRUCTURES, LLC Installed

30’x40’x10’ • Garage/Hobby Shop

•2-10x10 Garage Doors

•2-9x8 Garage Doors

•1-3’ Entry Door

•1-3’ Entry Door

•Sof�it/Wainscot Optional

30’x60’x12’ • Storage Building

Installed

•Sof�it Optional

24’x32’x10’ • Garage/Hobby Shop

•1-60’ Sidewall Open •5-12’ Bays •3’ Overhang On Front

30’x36’x10’ Horse Barn with 8’ Lean-to

Installed •10’ Split Slider w/Windows •1-3’ Entry Door •3-4’x7’ Dutch Doors •Sof�it Optional

Installed

Installed •2-9x8 Garage Doors •1-3’ Entry Door •Sof�it Optional

30’x48’x16’ • Drive Thru RV Storage

Installed •2-12x14 Garage Doors •1-3’ Entry Door •Sof�it/Wainscot Optional