Ohio Cooperative Living - May 2022 - Paulding Putnam

OHIO

MAY 2022

COOPERATIVE Paulding Putnam Electric Cooperative

Chasing Teaching waterfalls electrical safety

Call us for a demo! (page 20B) ALSO INSIDE Helping to fill the broadband void

Berry good eats

ALSO INSIDE Helping to fill the broadband void Berry good eats Bob Hope Bob Hope andand the the Guardians Guardians

Call before you dig!

Know what’s below—dial 811 before any project that requires digging.

ohioec.org/purpose

Underground utilities, such as gas, water, and electric lines, can be a shovel thrust away from turning a spring project into a disaster. Play it safe by dialing 811 three days before digging to find out where utility lines run on your property. It’s free, fast—and may save a life!

OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • MAY 2022

INSIDE FEATURES 24 CHASING WATERFALLS

Cascading currents attract travelers in search of a scenic serenade.

28 COUNTRY HOME

One of country music’s longestrunning traditions is going strong in tiny Bainbridge.

32 RISE OF THE GUARDIANS The renaming of the Indians is a timely reminder of Bob Hope’s Cleveland connection.

Cover image on most editions: Darke Rural Electric member Ronda Rairden enjoys going in search of waterfalls with her daughters, Hannah and Addie. See our feature on Ohio falls on page 24 and more members’ photos on page 40.

This page: The Guardians of Traffic watch over cars that traverse Cleveland’s Hope Memorial Bridge — which, by the way, was not named for Cleveland native Bob Hope, but for his father, Harry (photo by Damaine Vonada).

MAY 2022 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING

1

UP FRONT

Energy inflation W

e are becoming all too familiar with the unpleasant reality of high inflation rates for nearly everything we buy. A significant factor in the higher cost of goods and services is the runaway price of most forms of energy — the price of crude oil, gasoline, natural gas, coal, and propane have all increased, by 30, 40, even 50% over the past year.

The Russian invasion of Ukraine has made what was a difficult market situation much worse. Energy prices feed into the price of making and transporting nearly everything — and that includes the cost to make and deliver electric service. From the fuel inputs to our power plants to powering bucket trucks and heavy equipment needed for electric distribution, we are realizing higher costs across the board.

In addition, the cost of using the high-voltage transmission system that moves bulk power supplies from our power plants to your co-op’s electric distribution system has been increasing dramatically. Utilities that own the high-voltage grid have been rebuilding much of this system due in part to its age and condition but also because of changes to the network configuration as a result of the recent retirement of many older power plants.

These factors are putting pressure on the cost your co-op pays for power supplied to its system, on top of the rising cost of operating its own equipment. As consumer-owned cooperatives, we are doing what we can to keep your bill down; electricity costs are increasing, but not nearly as much as other forms of energy.

One of the ways we slow those rising costs is with the use of our diverse powersupply portfolio. We carefully — and constantly — monitor our mix of fuel inputs from day to day and make adjustments depending on fuel availability and price, to achieve the lowest cost possible.

Unfortunately, bills will be going up over the next several months. Please know that your electric cooperative is using every resource at its disposal to keep your supply of electricity reliable as well as affordable.

2

OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • MAY 2022

Pat O’Loughlin

PRESIDENT & CEO OHIO’S ELECTRIC COOPERATIVES

As consumerowned co-ops, we are doing what we can to keep your bills down; electricity costs are increasing, but not nearly as much as other forms of energy.

MAY 2022 • Volume 64, No. 8

Ohio Rural Electric Cooperatives 6677 Busch Blvd.

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

4 DEPARTMENTS

President & CEO Director of Communications Managing Editor Associate Editor

Contributors: Colleen Romick Clark, Getty Images, W.H. “Chip” Gross, Marilyn Jones, Catherine Murray, James Proffitt, Damaine Vonada, and Kevin Williams.

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

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

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

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

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

4 POWER LINES

Filling the void: Co-ops do their part to bring broadband internet service to rural Ohio.

8

8 WOODS, WATERS, AND WILDLIFE

Gone fishing: The “Lake Lady” guides Ohio anglers to Lake Erie’s best spots.

10 CO-OP PEOPLE

10

Wanna drag? Holmes County drag strip brings the thunder, draws the crowds, and lights the night — with some help from the local co-op.

15 GOOD EATS

Berry, berry good: Some folks think berry season is the best time of year — and for those who don’t, these yummy dishes may just win some converts!

15

19 LOCAL PAGES

News and information from your electric cooperative.

National/regional advertising inquiries, contact

37 CALENDAR

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

What’s happening: May/June events and other things to do around Ohio.

Ohio-based advertisers contact

Rheta Gallagher

37

614-940-5956 | rgallagher@ohioec.org

40 MEMBER INTERACTIVE

Cooperative members:

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

Alliance for Audited Media Member

Chasing waterfalls: Co-op members travel near and far to find the perfectly picturesque cascade.

40

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

MAY 2022 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING

3

POWER LINES

Filling the void Co-ops will play a part in bringing broadband internet service to rural Ohio.

A

nyone living in a rural area of Ohio knows there’s a problem with internet service. Unlike in Hamilton County, for example, where nearly every single household has access to service of at least 100 megabits per second, only about a third of households in Vinton County can get even 25 Mbps — and one out of four can’t even get 10.

4

OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • MAY 2022

There are similar black holes of broadband all over Ohio — and of course, the factor they all have in common is their rural location, so it makes sense that electric cooperatives will play a role in rural broadband deployment.

The need for speed Lack of high-speed internet access affects students’ ability to learn, individuals’ ability to work, and businesses’ ability to prosper, because every day the world is becoming more digital. Online classes, remote work, and Zoom meetings are becoming more and more the norm, and without broadband, those digital tools are simply unavailable.

There can be no doubt that electric cooperatives will play a part in bridging that digital divide.

“Part of our mission statement is to ‘improve the quality of life for our members and community,’ and broadband would undoubtedly do just that,” says Jeff Triplett, general manager of Marietta-based Washington Electric Cooperative. “Right now, too many people in rural areas, a great many of whom are members of electric cooperatives, are being left behind because of the lack of affordable high-speed internet.”

State and federal governments have recognized the problem and have recently enacted measures to ensure that more Ohioans — particularly those who are likely to be served by electric cooperatives — are afforded an onramp to the information superhighway.

The newly formed BroadbandOhio Office will oversee state and federal funds designed to make deployment of rural broadband more affordable.

Ohio-based telecommunications companies now have access to nearly $400 million in state and federal funding to deploy broadband to

the state’s unserved and underserved areas, and the recently passed federal infrastructure bill designates an additional $65 billion for high-speed internet in rural areas around the country. The Biden administration’s proposed 2023 budget would add $150 billion in funding that could provide grants and low-interest loans to help with costs of bringing broadband to rural areas.

The exact parts that each of Ohio’s notfor-profit, member-owned co-ops play in expanding broadband coverage will depend on the individual co-op — each of which is bestpositioned to determine exactly what part it can and should play in the solution.

Where co-ops can help First and foremost, electric cooperatives own the poles that internet providers need to use to run the necessary fiber optic lines to their members. In many cases, however, those poles are likely to need an upgrade in order to carry the extra lines safely.

“Because of the state and federal money that’s now flowing in, we’re definitely seeing an uptick in requests to attach to our poles,” says Todd Ware, general manager at The Energy Cooperative in Newark. “We’re committed to speeding up the process to determine which poles need to be replaced, and to getting the new poles up as quickly as possible — it’s especially helpful that telecommunications companies now have access to funds to pay for the upgrades.”

Triplett and Washington Electric secured a grant to upgrade more than 200 miles of the co-op’s main-line electrical routes so they’re ready for commercial internet providers to deploy fiber optic cable in that part of Appalachian Ohio, where the largest gaps exist.

Continued on page 6

A Consolidated Cooperative line crew works to attach fiber optic cable to a utility pole in rural Delaware County.

Consolidated leadership leaned on the co-op’s experience in offering diverse services to be able to begin providing retail broadband service to its members.

MAY 2022 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING

5

Electric cooperatives are likely to play a role in expansion of broadband service into rural areas because they own the poles and rights-of-way that already bring electricity to those areas. Many times, however, the current poles need to be upgraded to allow for additional burden and ground clearance required by fiber cables, which are connected below the electric lines on the pole at left in rural Delaware County.

Meanwhile, residents of rural areas often must travel to nearby towns to find a business that offers a Wi-Fi hot spot in order to conduct business, do online schoolwork, or participate in anything else that requires high-speed internet.

Continued from page 5

Studies at one Ohio co-op showed that the co-op could tackle the problem itself. Consolidated Cooperative, with offices in Delaware and Mount Gilead, has offered diversified services, including natural gas and propane along with electricity, for decades, and co-op management was able to lean on that experience in its ongoing efforts to bring retail broadband to its members. “There’s no doubt our experience providing other diversified businesses paved the way for the cooperative to provide retail broadband service,” says Consolidated CEO Phil Caskey. “There are clear rewards for our members who now have service and for all our members who now benefit from the robust communications system we’ve had for our electric system for the last 10 years.”

Co-ops get creative, collaborative Other co-ops, however, have studied various solutions to mitigate some of the risk, and have determined their best solution is to secure strategic partnerships with telecommunications companies to bring broadband service to their members. Butler Rural Electric Cooperative, based in Oxford, has partnered with Cincinnati Bell to expand the Bell fiber network to coop members in Butler and Hamilton counties. “We’re

fortunate to have a willing partner right next door who shared our goals,” says Butler CEO Tom Wolfenbarger.

“We know that doesn’t exist everywhere.”

Even if they’re not able to provide the service, most co-ops are doing other work to help pave the way for it. At North Western Electric Cooperative in Bryan, co-op crews are connecting all of the co-op’s electric substations with a loop of fiber optic line. For now, that line improves outage and other communications, but the co-op took the opportunity to install enough capacity in those lines to be ready for broadband expansion in the future.

Most co-ops have at least explored possibilities and done the extensive research necessary to be able to make informed decisions about getting broadband to their members .

“We know there is a need for service,” says Ed VanHoose, general manager of Wellington-based Lorain-Medina Rural Electric Cooperative and Attica-based North Central Electric Cooperative. “That’s why we will continue to investigate, evaluate, and review every avenue possible until our members have the same access that urban communities have had for years.”

6 OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • MAY 2022

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WOODS, WATERS, AND WILDLIFE

Captain Juls Davis displays a trophy Lake Erie walleye she caught during a springtime trip (photo courtesy Juls Davis).

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OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • MAY 2022

Gone fishing…

The ‘Lake Lady’ guides Ohio anglers to Lake Erie’s best spots.

BY W.H. “CHIP” GROSS

I

f you’re an angler, at least once during your lifetime you must experience the unique, majestic beauty of a Lake Erie sunrise. No, not from shore, but rather from on the water — and preferably while skimming across the waves in a fast boat on your way to the latest fishing hot spot, anticipating a limit catch.

There is no better way to check that item off your piscatorial bucket list than fishing with Captain Julia “Juls” Davis, one of only a handful of women among the 800 licensed captains working as charter-fishing guides on Ohio’s great lake. She’s been fishing nearly all her life — she started when she was 4 — and professionally for the past 20 years. The first 10 of those pro years, Juls spent on the walleye tournament circuit; during the last decade, she’s been guiding full time.

“I enjoy teaching people, male or female, young or old, the sport of walleye and yellow perch fishing on Lake Erie’s Western Basin,” she says. “I probably average about 100 guiding trips per year, from the islands east to Huron, depending on where the fish are biting.”

A typical guiding day for Juls begins well before dawn. “I usually go to bed when most people are just sitting down to supper, so on a fishing day I’m up in the wee hours of the morning. That gives me plenty of time to drink a cup of coffee and shower, then gas up the boat and grab ice, bait, or other supplies before meeting my clients at the dock or picking them up at their motel before sunrise.”

Juls specializes in one-, two-, or three-person charters, estimating that about 75% of her clients are men. “The others are their wives or girlfriends, or sometimes a daughter,” she says. “The men usually want to learn a specific walleye trolling technique, whereas the families just want to be on the lake, have fun, and catch a few fish. Regardless, I put them all to work setting lines, reeling, and netting fish. Fishing with me is definitely a learn-by-doing participation sport.”

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Captain Julia “Juls” Davis has all the latest in fishing equipment, gear, and technology to make Lake Erie fishing trips safe, enjoyable, and productive: • 21-foot Ranger model 621 FS tournament-style fiberglass boat • 400-horsepower Mercury Verado outboard motor • 15-horsepower Evinrude trolling motor • Minn Kota electric motor • Humminbird electronics

Every fishing guide has war stories, both humorous and not so much; Juls is no exception. “When I have three people on board with me, I have them take turns sitting near the bow of the boat and opening the fish cooler when we catch a fish so I can toss it in. One particular time when we caught a fish, I turned to throw it into the open cooler and for some reason the client inadvertently closed the lid just as the fish arrived. The walleye sailed through the air and back into the lake, probably wondering what just happened.”

How long does Juls plan to continue guiding? “As long as I’m physically able,” she says. “I’m somewhat of a recluse, so fishing is my social life. I enjoy the interaction with people, many of whom have become my friends through the years. Besides, I don’t think I’m qualified to do anything else except fish.”

To book a Lake Erie fishing trip with Juls Davis, visit www.julswalleyefishingadventures.com or call 419835-7347. Her calendar books quickly; contact her soon to reserve your preferred date.

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 MAY 2022 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING

9

CO-OP PEOPLE

Wanna drag?

Holmes County drag strip brings the thunder, draws the crowds, and lights the night — with some help from the local co-op.

BY JAMES PROFFITT

J

eff Gates, a tool and die maker from Republic, was hoping to introduce his 1965 Ford Ranchero to the world during Thursday Night Thunder on this fine evening at Dragway 42 in the Wayne County village of West Salem. The car, however, had other ideas.

“I’m having charging issues, it’s just not getting enough volts to run the ignition,” he says, standing inside a trailer with his brother Tom. “I’ll just take it home and pull the system apart and see what’s going on.”

“No, this is the fun part,” he says. “At least most of the time, so long as you get to run them every now and then. I just enjoy building this stuff.”

Matcham’s connection to the drag strip is his own past.

“I used to do some drag racing in Elyria,” he says. “I had some Cobra Jet Mustangs and I raced NHRA and really, I just have a love for drag racing. But I choose not to race now. I have very good cars, but all my money goes into the racetrack.”

Dragway 42 has been home to thunderous speeds — hosting everything from street legals to top fuels and funny cars — since 1957. But a lot has changed there since

In addition to the repositioned track, Dragway 42 now boasts a massive new announcer’s booth overlooking the track, new timing boards, and 23 clusters of high-intensity

When asked if he couldn’t just drop it off at a local garage and have them repair it, the veteran racer laughs.

10

Ron and Mary Anne Matcham purchased the track in 2013 and started on an almost complete metamorphosis.

“I demolished the whole racetrack,” Ron Matcham says while roaming the facility on an ATV, intermittently talking to staff and chitchatting with racers and fans.

“I turned it around 180 degrees and we built all the mounds. I designed it after Blossom Music Center. We have stands for about 3,000 but room on the grounds for about 15,000 more.”

OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • MAY 2022

Above: Funny cars are one of the crowd favorites at Dragway 42 (photo by Johnboy Ulman); left: Dragway 42 has undergone extensive renovations, including new high-intensity lighting that lineworkers from Holmes-Wayne Electric Cooperative helped to install (photo by Eric Miller/Eric’s Wandering Photography); below: Jeff Gates pops the hood on his 1965 Ford Ranchero after it stalled on its way to the starting line.

lighting. The latest addition is a new tractor-pulling track, which has also been used as a venue for monster trucks — events that attract thousands of spectators.

Some of the recently completed improvements came with help from a handful of Holmes-Wayne Electric Cooperative linemen. Zach Condren was one of those who donated time and expertise to elevate Dragway 42.

“I grew up in West Salem, and I still live there, so it’s always kind of been in my backyard,” Condren says. “It’s a totally different track than what it was when I was growing up as a kid. It’s a top-notch facility now, I’d say one of the best in the state.”

Condren and co-workers spent many a night and weekend hour at the track — they installed underground primary power off a street pole and lent helping hands with the most intensely watched point at any drag strip: the timing board, a quarter-mile from the starting line.

“I guess they like the park, and they’re a communityoriented company — and so are their people,” Matcham says. “Plus, I think they just like working with me.”

According to West Salem Mayor Dale Klinect, the track is a town staple.

“Without the sound of the track during the summer months, it would be weird,” Klinect says. “My father actually ran the track way back when, and I grew up out there, so racing’s sort of in my blood. I’m 100% for it.

And since it’s been there since the 1950s, it’s just part of West Salem.”

Racing takes place most weekends throughout spring, summer, and fall at Dragway 42, 9161 Rainbow Hwy., West Salem, OH 44287. Call 419853-4242 or visit www.dragway42.com for details.

MAY 2022 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING

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OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • MAY 2022

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GOOD EATS

Lots of folks think berry season is the best time of the year — and for those who don’t, these yummy (and beautiful) dishes may just win some converts!

RECIPES AND PHOTOGRAPHS BY CATHERINE MURRAY

CRANBERRY BLISS BREAKFAST CASSEROLE Prep: 15 minutes | Chill: 8 hours | Cook: 50 minutes | Servings: 6 2 cups milk ¼ cup butter, melted 6 eggs, lightly beaten 1 cup light brown sugar zest of one orange 2 cups fresh cranberries, divided 1 teaspoon vanilla extract ½ cup dried cranberries ½ teaspoon cinnamon 1 loaf (about 24 ounces) country powdered sugar for dusting white bread, cut into 1-inch chunks Hold onto this recipe for the holidays! A perfect dish to share for holiday brunch. Cranberries are often sold year-round in the frozen fruit section of the grocery store.

Pour melted butter into a 9 x 13-inch baking dish. Tilt dish back and forth to spread butter evenly across the bottom and a bit up the sides. Sprinkle brown sugar and half the fresh cranberries over the top of the butter. Add cubed bread, then sprinkle remaining fresh cranberries and dried cranberries on top.

In a large bowl, combine milk, eggs, orange zest, vanilla extract, and cinnamon, beating to combine. Pour mixture over the bread and cranberries. Press the bread down to soak up the liquid. Cover with foil and refrigerate overnight.

Preheat oven to 375 F. Bake casserole covered for 30 minutes, then remove foil and continue baking about 20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let cool 5 minutes, dust with powdered sugar, and serve.

Per serving: 771 calories, 18 grams fat (7 grams saturated fat), 191 milligrams cholesterol, 881 milligrams sodium, 134 grams total carbohydrates, 7 grams fiber, 20 grams protein.

MAY 2022 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING

15

WHITE CHOCOLATE RASPBERRY LOAF

Prep: 15 minutes | Cook: 55 minutes | Servings: 8 1½ teaspoons baking powder 1 cup granulated sugar ½ teaspoon salt ½ cup unsalted butter, softened 6 ounces raspberries (or more, for 2 eggs, room temperature decorating) ½ cup plain whole-milk Greek yogurt 4 ounces chopped white chocolate (or zest of one lemon white baking chips) 2 tablespoons lemon juice 1 cup powdered sugar 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1+ tablespoons milk 1¾ cups + 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour Preheat oven to 350 F. With a mixer, cream granulated sugar and butter for 3 minutes on medium-high speed. Add eggs, beating for another minute or so until fluffy. Add Greek yogurt, lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract, beating until smooth. In a medium bowl, mix together 13/4 cups flour, baking powder, and salt. Fold flour mixture into wet mixture by hand until just incorporated.

Toss 6 ounces of raspberries in a tablespoon of flour to coat. This will ensure the raspberries won’t sink to the bottom of the cake. Fold flour-dusted raspberries into the batter, being careful not to overmix. Pour batter into a greased 9 x 5-inch loaf pan. Bake 55 to 65 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let loaf cool in pan for 10 minutes before turning out onto a cooling rack. Let cool another hour before icing.

When ready to ice the cake, heat white chocolate in the microwave about 30 seconds at a time, stirring after each run until melted and smooth.

Whisk in powdered sugar and 1 tablespoon of milk until smooth. Continue adding a little bit of milk at a time until you reach a pouring consistency.

Pour icing over cake and decorate with raspberries. Let icing cool and harden a bit before slicing. If desired, decorate with additional raspberries.

Per serving: 473 calories, 18 grams fat (11 grams saturated fat), 76 milligrams cholesterol, 265 milligrams sodium, 73 grams total carbohydrates, 2 grams fiber, 7 grams protein.

16 OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • MAY 2022

PAVLOVA WITH MIXED BERRIES

Prep: 30 minutes | Bake: 1 hour | Cool: 3 hours | Servings: 6 1 teaspoon white vinegar 4 egg whites, room temperature 2 teaspoons cornstarch 1¼ cups + 1 tablespoon 1 cup heavy cream granulated sugar 2 cups fresh mixed berries 2 teaspoons vanilla extract (strawberries, blueberries, (divided) raspberries, blackberries) Notes: Make sure absolutely no yolk contaminates the egg whites; fat interferes with the formation of the foam necessary to keep the meringue lifted. Whisking can take quite some time, about 5 minutes with a mixer and up to 10 minutes by hand. If not serving the finished meringue right away, keep in a cooled oven. Once decorated with whipped cream and fruit, serve right away. Leftovers won’t hold up.

Cut a circle of parchment paper about the size of the dish you intend to serve the pavlova on — about 9 inches is good. Using a large, completely clean, dry bowl and an electric mixer with whisk attachment (or by hand with a whisk), beat egg whites on low/medium at first, then once they start to foam, move up to medium to medium-high speed. Beat until soft peaks form and the whites have tripled in volume. Continue beating on medium speed while very slowly adding the 1¼ cups sugar, taking about 10 minutes to fully incorporate. Beat until thick and glossy. On the lowest speed, slowly incorporate 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, vinegar, and cornstarch.

BLACKBERRY JAM GRILLED CHEESE

Prep: 5 minutes | Cook: 5 minutes | Servings: 1 2 slices sourdough bread 1 teaspoon spreadable butter (or mayonnaise) 2 tablespoons blackberry jam 2 ounces brie cheese, cut into slices 2 slices pre-cooked bacon 8 leaves fresh rosemary Spread butter (or mayonnaise) on the outside of each piece of bread, then spread blackberry jam on the inside of each piece. Heat large skillet on medium-low.

Carefully place pieces of bread butter-side down in skillet. On one piece of bread, top with slices of brie, bacon, and a few rosemary leaves. Cover skillet with a lid, turn heat up to medium, and continue cooking until cheese is melted and bread is toasted. Carefully fold slices of bread with jam over slices with brie and bacon. Cut in half and eat immediately.

Per serving: 578 calories, 26 grams fat (15 grams saturated fat), 82 milligrams cholesterol, 1,020 milligrams sodium, 62 grams total carbohydrates, 1.5 grams fiber, 24 grams protein.

Preheat oven to 300 F. Place parchment paper on a cookie sheet and spoon mixture inside the circle. Working from the center, spread mixture outward, building the edge up a bit and leaving a slight depression in the center, keeping about an inch away from the edge of the circle. Bake for 1 hour (avoid opening the oven during this time), then turn oven off and leave pavlova in there to cool completely, 2 to 3 hours.

When ready to serve, remove from parchment paper and place pavlova on a flat serving platter. Beat heavy cream, remaining tablespoon sugar, and remaining teaspoon vanilla on medium-high until stiff peaks hold their shape without wilting. (Overbeating will turn the cream into butter!) Fill the center of pavlova with whipped cream and cascade berries across the top and around the sides. To serve, cut into wedges and eat immediately.

Per serving: 263 calories, 7.5 grams fat (4.5 grams saturated fat), 27 milligrams cholesterol, 30 milligrams sodium, 49 grams total carbohydrates, 1 gram fiber, 3 grams protein.

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

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

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

MAY 2022 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING

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PAULDING PUTNAM ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE LOCAL PAGES

MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT

NATIONAL ELECTRICAL SAFETY MONTH This month we celebrate National Electrical Safety Month. Safety is a key component of your electric George Carter cooperative. Not only do we want PRESIDENT AND CEO all of our employees to go home safely at the end of each day, we want the members and public to be safe as well.

Each year, your cooperative promotes electrical safety throughout our service territory. Safety discussions, hot-line safety trailer demonstrations, and school programs are some of the ways Paulding Putnam Electric promotes safety. Did you know your cooperative educates hundreds of school children each year on electrical safety? Did you know your cooperative runs educational programs for fire departments and other first responders? Our goal is to bring awareness of electrical hazards so we can contribute to the safest environment possible.

This issue includes a recap of the annual business meeting held in March. Over 700 folks took the time to view the online broadcast. I think this online format works very well

for the business meeting. Members can view the meeting at their convenience, without traveling. A congratulations is in order for our newly elected District 4 Trustee Bill Beckman, who was announced during the meeting. Read more on page 20.

I know many of you miss the former annual meeting format. I would invite and encourage everyone to attend our Member Appreciation Day event at the Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo. The cooperative will be sponsoring the day, so all members will be admitted free of charge. This free admittance includes each member’s immediate family. We will have lunch, ice cream, and fun activities provided. We will be asking members to RSVP for the event in the coming months. We will have a designated area within the zoo for members to meet and talk to employees and board members. This will be an excellent opportunity for all members to enjoy a fun day at the zoo and meet the staff and your board representatives, including our newly elected trustee, Bill Beckman. I hope to see you on July 23 at the Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo.

PHOTOS FROM FORT WAYNE CHILDREN’S ZOO

SAVE THE DATE

2022 MEMBER APPRECIATION DAY Saturday, July 23, 2022 Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo

MAY 2022 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING 19

PAULDING PUTNAM ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE

700+ VIEWERS TUNE IN FOR 86TH ANNUAL MEETING Bill Beckman elected to board, $750 in bill credits awarded Paulding Putnam Electric Cooperative’s 86th annual meeting of members premiered on Facebook and YouTube at 10 a.m. on Saturday, March 19, 2022.

More than 29% of eligible District 4 members voted in PPEC’s 2022 elections, many enjoying the new capability to vote conveniently online through their secure SmartHub account.

Board election results were announced, with each board member elected to serve a three-year term: •

Incumbent William Dowler of Paulding was reelected to District 2 (represents Van Wert County in Ohio). No candidates submitted petitions to run against Dowler, so he was reelected by affirmation.

•

Incumbent Steven McMichael was reelected to District 5 (represents Maumee, Adams, Jefferson, and Jackson townships in Allen County, Indiana). No candidates submitted petitions to run against McMichael, so he was reelected by affirmation.

•

New trustee William “Bill” Beckman was elected to District 4 (represents Emerald, Jackson, Blue Creek, and Paulding townships in Paulding County, Ohio; Delaware Township in Defiance County, Ohio). District 4 had an open seat with three candidates running for election after Jay Dangler’s decision not to run for reelection. Candidates Scott Strahley and Fred Pieper (both from Paulding) also ran.

Board Chairman Dr. John Saxton, Secretary-Treasurer Dr. Ron Black, and President and CEO George Carter reflected on 2021’s challenges and successes, highlighting the “huge struggle” PPEC endured last year.

“Not only have we had to battle through the pandemic as you all have, but we also dealt with material shortages and price increases like we have never seen. In some cases, price was irrelevant because the material was unavailable,” said Carter. “This may last well into next year and will continue to put pressure on our service cost.”

Carter also reported that the cost of purchased power from Buckeye Power (PPEC’s electricity supplier) increased dramatically this year, two factors for which include the price of fuel and the transmission cost. To put the fuel cost into perspective, Carter reported that for the year 2007, the total cost of fuel averaged $471,000 per month. In January (one month) of this year, the cost was $1.1 million.

PPEC Board Chairman Dr. John Saxton welcomes Bill Beckman to the board of trustees.

20 OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • MAY 2022

Dr. Saxton thanks departing trustee Jay Dangler for his board service to District 4.

2022 board election results

William Dowler District 2 trustee

Bill Beckman District 4 trustee

Steve McMichael District 5 trustee

*reelected by affirmation*

*Newly elected to Board

*reelected by affirmation*

The same is true for transmission costs, but higher.

“Since 2015, transmission costs have increased $3 million and are now 20% of our total Buckeye bill,” Carter said.

“Looking back to 2007, total transmission costs were just above $1 million; in 2021, the total was just under $6 million. That’s a nearly six times increase! This trend is expected to continue and will undoubtedly put upward rate pressure on the cooperative.”

Other 2021 highlights included: •

PPEC received its highest-ever score in the comprehensive RESAP safety inspection, conducted by Ohio’s Electric Cooperatives.

•

Total margins were down from the prior year — a result of higher wholesale power costs from Buckeye Power — but above budget at $4.78 million.

•

The largest capital credits refund in co-op history: $2.3 million was returned to members last December via capital credits. This is proof of each member’s ownership in the co-op.

•

Member growth increased in 2021, with sold kilowatthours increasing 5% over the prior year

•

Three apprentice linemen graduated from the fouryear, hands-on Central Ohio Lineworker Training (COLT) program in Mount Gilead, Ohio, and will soon be journeyman linemen: Terry Minic, Garrett Gerdeman, and Jordan Mohler.

•

Retiree Mary Arend was commended for her 26 years of service to the co-op as a member service representative.

Board Secretary-Treasurer Dr. Ron Black reported that “the financial health of our cooperative is strong,” with operating expenses under budget by $326,000 (5%) and utility plant investments — including poles, wires, transformers, and other equipment — increasing by $5.7 million in 2021.

PPEC’s auditing firm of Bashore, Reineck, Stoller, and Waterman issued an unqualified, or clean, audit opinion.

Board Chairman Dr. John Saxton gave an overview of the board’s concerns and priorities, including setting the company’s tone, ensuring safety is top of mind, reviewing budgets, and monitoring performance. Succession planning was reviewed to address board turnover.

“Currently, we have five board members with less than five years of experience on the board,” said Dr. Saxton.

“Additionally, this year, Trustee Jay Dangler chose not to seek reelection, so we welcomed a new board member in District 4. It takes several years to get a good understanding of the industry and what’s required, which is why we require educational training through our national association, NRECA. We must maintain this active education, which is vital for a strong board.”

A total of $750 in bill credits was awarded to 15 members drawn at random from those who watched the meeting and left a comment.

$50 BILL CREDIT WINNERS: • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Leonissa Hermiller, Columbus Grove (OH) John Pier, Oakwood (OH) Machetta Salyers Porter, New Bavaria (OH) John Smalley, Cecil (OH) Janice Gfell, New Haven (IN) Paula Meek, Hicksville (OH) Staci Miller, Grover Hill (OH) Kevin Kettels, Continental (OH) Sandra and Anthony Payton, New Haven (IN) Valerie Turner, Hoagland (IN) Karen and Dennis Ricker, Delphos (OH) Christine Gable, Ottawa (OH) Jill and Nathan Patrick, Ottawa (OH) Eugene F Siefker, Columbus Grove (OH) Jerry Schlaudroff, Monroeville (IN)

To view the annual meeting, 2021 annual report, audit, and certified election results, visit ppec.coop/2022AnnualMeeting.

MAY 2022 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING 20A

PAULDING PUTNAM ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE

PLUGGED IN TO SAFETY Teaching safe electricity in the community

Safety Manager Dee Renollet (left) and Lineman Terry Minic give a demonstration at the New Haven first responders event.

At PPEC, we recognize Electrical Safety Month every May, but we also know the importance of practicing safety year-round.

According to the Electrical Safety Foundation International, thousands of people in the U.S. are critically injured or electrocuted as a result of electrical fires and accidents in their own homes. Many of these accidents are preventable. Electricity is a necessity, and it powers our daily lives.

To the co-op, “safety is my business” is more than a catchphrase. That’s why you’ll see us hosting safety demonstrations at community events, emergency responder trainings, and in schools throughout the year, to teach people of all ages how to be safe around electricity.

We discuss emergency scenarios, such as what to do in a car accident involving a utility pole and downed power lines. We caution students on the dangers of pad-mounted transformers and overloading circuits with too many electronic devices.

Safety tips Frayed wires pose a serious safety hazard. Power cords can become damaged or frayed from age, heavy use, or excessive current flow through the wiring. If cords become frayed or cut, replace them, as they could cause a shock when handled.

Avoid overloading circuits. Circuits can only cope with a limited amount of electricity. Overload happens when

20B OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • MAY 2022

you draw more electricity than a circuit can safely handle — by having too many devices running on one circuit.

Use extension cords properly. Never plug an extension cord into another extension cord. If you “daisy chain” them together, it could lead to overheating, creating a potential fire hazard. Don’t exceed the wattage of the cord. Doing so also creates a risk of overloading the cord and creating a fire hazard. Extension cords should not be used as permanent solutions. If you need additional outlets, contact a licensed electrician to help.

PPEC encourages you to talk with your kids about playing it safe and smart around electricity. Help them be aware of overhead power lines near where they play outdoors.

Contact PPEC for additional electrical safety tips or if you would like us to provide a safety demonstration at your school, EMT or police group, chamber, or community event. The demonstration dramatically emphasizes the dangers posed by high-voltage electric lines, both underground and overhead. Some specific things you’ll learn about include: • Safety equipment used by PPEC lineworkers • Various electrical voltages and circuits • Telephone and cable TV wires and the potential of being energized • Effects of current on a human body • Effect of contacting energized electric circuits Safety and Compliance Manager Duanne Renollet conducts safety demos throughout the year that can be tailored for all ages. Large high-voltage units are available or smaller tabletop units. Call 800-686-2357 to schedule an event, or email ddrenollet@ppec.coop.

MAY 2022 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING 20C

PAULDING PUTNAM ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE

10 IDEAS

for summer energy savings

A hot home and high energy bills can take away from summer fun. Here are 10 tips to prepare your home for high summer temperatures:

Peter Niagu ENERGY ADVISOR

1. Enroll in our radio-controlled switch (RCS) program: An RCS is a device that is installed on select air conditioning systems and hot water heaters. During a peak alert, the switch cycles your AC compressor at intervals to reduce demand, without causing a change in comfort for you. Plus you get a $5 bill credit during summer months (our way of saying thank you). Visit ppec.coop/rebate-programs or call 800-686-2357 to learn more.

2. Service your AC unit: Air conditioning units work by moving air over fins or coils that contain refrigerant. Whether you have a portable unit, central AC, or a ductless/minisplit, get your system ready for summer by cleaning the filter, coils, and fins. If you are tackling this yourself, always disconnect power to the unit. Central AC systems have two sets of coils: one inside and one outside. Both should be cleaned annually.

If you hire a professional, they can check refrigerant levels during the process.

3. Seal your window AC unit: If you have a window or portable AC unit that vents through a window, seal the area between the window sashes. Water heater pipe insulation is a great way to seal this spot. It’s available at your local hardware store and is easy to cut for a snug fit.

4. Thermostat settings: Keeping your thermostat at the highest comfortable temperature will save you money. If you aren’t home during the day, increase your thermostat 8 to 10 degrees. There’s no need to cool an empty house.

5. Keep your cool: Before heading to the thermostat, turn on a fan in the room you’re in, change into lighter clothing, and drink something cool. This may be enough to make you comfortable without spending more to cool your home.

6. Lock windows: After opening your windows at night or in the morning to let in fresh air, ensure your windows are closed and locked. This reduces gaps that allow air to flow through and cause drafts.

7. Weatherstripping and curtains: Covering and sealing windows may seem like a wintertime efficiency practice, yet these help in the summer, too. Add weatherstripping to form a tight seal and curtains you can close during the hottest times of the day to block out the sun.

8. Cook al fresco: Keep your home cool by cooking outside. Many grills have an extra burner on the side that let you do stove top cooking outside, too.

9. Add insulation: Even in the summer, adding insulation can keep your home more comfortable and save energy used by your air conditioning system. As a general rule, if you can see the joists in the floor of your attic, you need more insulation.

Rebates are available to help offset the cost.

10.Add shade outside: Planting trees and shrubs strategically around your home can shade the roof, walls, and pavement, reducing heat radiation to your home. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, tree-shaded neighborhoods can be up to 6 degrees cooler in the daytime than treeless areas.

20D OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • MAY 2022

YOUTH PROGRAMS

PPEC awards $5,400 in scholarships to 7 local students We know career preparation can be expensive. That’s why one of PPEC’s cooperative principles, “Education, Training, and Information,” aims to uplift the next generation of leaders and help them succeed through the co-op’s Children of Members Scholarship Program.

Kemper. She wants to major in pharmacy at either the University Owen VanHorn of Findlay or Ohio Northern University.

First place, $1,000

Third place, $600

Local senior Owen Van Horn of Heritage Junior-Senior High School in Monroeville, Indiana, received top honors in the 2022 PPEC scholarship competition. He will represent PPEC in Ohio’s Electric Cooperatives’ statewide scholarship competition, where he will compete for up to $3,900 in additional funds. Additionally, first-place winner Kate Farr of Antwerp High School will receive a $1,000 scholarship.

Owen is the son of Kurt and Kelly Van Horn of Monroeville, Indiana. He is very active in his community and high school while still maintaining a 4.34 GPA and becoming his class valedictorian. Owen has been accepted to multiple colleges and plans to major in physics, astrophysics, and astronomy.

Kate is the daughter of Richard and Melanie Farr of Antwerp, Ohio. Kate is a Quill & Scroll Honor Society member and was the first student from Ohio to serve on the national board of high school journalists. Kate will be focusing on journalism/mass communications at an undecided college. She participates in cross county, choir, and theater — all while ranking valedictorian of her class.

Second place, $800 Second-place winners Reed Schumacher (Columbus Grove High School, Ohio) and Kiersten Kemper (Ottoville High School, Ohio) will each receive $800 scholarships.

Reed lives in Columbus Grove and is the son of Randall and Roxanne Schumacher. He will be attending either University of Toledo or Ohio Northern, majoring in computer science and computer engineering. Kiersten resides in Cloverdale with her parents, Terry and Kelly

Kate Farr

Third-place winners Nicholas Wurst (Fort Jennings High School, Ohio) and Reed Schumaker Kiersten Kemper Colin Bradtmueller (Woodlan Jr/Sr High School, Indiana) won $600 scholarships.

Nicholas is the son of Ryan and Melissa Wurst of Fort Jennings, Ohio. He Colin Bradtmueller has been accepted to Nick Wurst Rhodes State College and plans to major in nursing. Colin is the son of Carl and Carrie Bradtmueller, who reside in Woodburn, Indiana. He will be majoring in computer engineering at either Purdue West Lafayette or Purdue Fort Wayne.

At-large winner, $600

Nicole Ellerbrock

Miller City High School senior Nicole Ellerbrock is the at-large winner of a $600 scholarship. She is the daughter of David and Ruth Ellerbrock of Leipsic, Ohio. She will be attending the University of Findlay and will be majoring in animal science, pre-veterinary.

2022 Youth Tour participant Joseph Schnipke of Miller City-New Cleveland High School won a spot on the Ohio Youth Tour, an all-expenses-paid, weeklong trip to Washington, D.C., with 1,600 cooperative high school students from around the nation to visit some of the capital’s most famous sites and meet congressional representatives.

The annual trip takes place in June and is not your average trip to the capital. This resume-boosting experience is unforgettable, and past delegates have told us the impact is long-lasting, including the friendships they forged.

Joseph is the son of Mark and Gina Schnipke of Leipsic. Congratulations, Joseph!

MAY 2022 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING 21

PAULDING PUTNAM ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE LOCAL PAGES

Make your voice heard!

Sign up for Paulding Putnam’s political action committee It’s a fact, whether we like it or not, that decisions made in Washington, D.C., and at our state capitals impact how much we pay for electricity. That’s why it is so important to elect and reelect people who understand the concerns of America’s Electric Cooperatives. Here’s where ACRE Co-op Owners for Political Action comes in.

ACRE Co-op Owners for Political Action is part of the federal political action committee (PAC) of the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association and is backed by more than 36,000 eligible electric cooperative employees, trustees, and member-owners, like you, across the country. It is truly a grassroots movement powered by thousands of contributors giving $2.08 a month, or about the cost of a cup of coffee.

Co-op Owners sign-up form I recognize that the stakes are high.

Count me in as a member of ACRE Co-op Owners for Political Action!

Name :_________________________________________________ Address : _______________________________________________ City, state, ZIP:__________________________________________ Account number:________________________________________ Telephone number:_______________________________________ Email:_________________________________________________

Learn more or sign up online to help make a difference.

Signature:______________________________________________ I hereby authorize Paulding Putnam Electric to add the ANNUAL fee of $25.00 to my electric bill. (The amount of $2.08 will be applied to my monthly bill.) I may call at any time to cancel.

Cut out and return this form with your regular monthly bill to: PPEC, 401 McDonald Pike, Paulding, OH 45879 Contributions to the NRECA Action Committee for Rural Electrification® (ACRE®) are not tax deductible for federal income tax purposes.

Contributions to ACRE are voluntary and will be used for political purposes. You have the right to refuse to contribute without reprisal.

Federal law prohibits contributions from foreign nationals who lack permanent resident status. Any contribution guidelines presented are merely suggestions. You are free to contribute more or less than the suggested amounts, or not at all. NRECA will not favor or disadvantage anyone by reason of the amount contributed or a decision not to contribute.

BOARD OF TRUSTEES

Dr. John Saxton Chairman

Timothy Derck CONTACT

Vice Chairman

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

Dr. Ronald Black

OFFICE

401 McDonald Pike Paulding, Ohio 45879 OFFICE HOURS

7:30 a.m.–4 p.m.

Attorney

George Carter President/CEO

HAVE A STORY SUGGESTION? Secretary/Treasurer

Steve McMichael Bill Beckman Joseph Kohnen Adam Schnipke Ken Niese William Dowler Trustees

22 OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • MAY 2022

Norm Cook

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

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Chasing Waterfalls Cascading currents attract travelers in search of a scenic serenade.

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OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • MAY 2022

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here’s nothing quite like a waterfall, where a stream plunges over a precipice with a roar and a sense of seemingly eternal beauty that’s sought after by generation after generation. In Ohio, there are more than 80 waterfalls located in parks, forests, and historic areas — as well as countless others on private lands. We chose seven of the state’s scenic wonders to create a personalized waterfall trail.

Clifton Mill

75 Water Street, Clifton

Two waterfalls on the Little Miami River have powered Clifton Mill, which sits on the gorge, for more than 220 years.

The mill is the largest of the 47 remaining gristmills in the nation. The best view of the mill and falls is from a covered bridge spanning the river. It’s an easy trek and a popular tourist attraction in addition to the restaurant and gift shop housed in the mill (see photo background).

Clifton Gorge State Nature Preserve 2381 State Route 343, Yellow Springs

The hiking trail along the gorge, lined with wildflowers and accompanied by the roar of water rushing through the canyon, is the longest trek on our trail. Registered as a national natural landmark in 1968, the 268-acre preserve protects one of the most spectacular dolomite and limestone gorges in the state. At a narrow point of the gorge, water rushes over a boulder and splashes into a pool below before roaring on through the canyon.

Indian Run Falls

700 Shawan Falls Drive, Dublin

A surprising number of Ohio’s falls hide in urban areas, and the GPS path to Indian Run Falls leads along busy city streets that could make you think you must be in the wrong place. Just across the street from the Dublin Shamrock Branch Post Office, however, in land that once was roamed by the Wyandot tribe, you’ll find well-maintained trails, boardwalks, and bridges that lead to viewing platforms and two waterfalls: Central Falls and Upper Falls — and you almost forget that you’re in the middle of Ohio’s second-largest metro area.

MAY 2022 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING

25

Cedar Cliff Falls

Indian Mound Reserve, Cedarville

These falls were created to harness the power of Massie Creek for the Harbison Mill — and though the mill closed in 1917, the falls remain an attraction at the 166acre Indian Mound Reserve. Other than the waterfall, visitors can view an ancient Adena Mound, the old mill site, and the Massie Creek Gorge. Hiking trails lead into the woods, but the waterfalls can be viewed only steps away from the parking lot.

Bridal Veil Falls Bedford Reservation, Gorge Parkway, Bedford

Great Falls of Tinker’s Creek Bedford Reservation, Willis Road, Bedford

The fun part is setting off on a trail, never knowing the spectacular scene awaiting at the end of the pathway. Bedford Reservation features a deep gorge, a national natural landmark carved out by Tinker’s Creek — the largest tributary of the Cuyahoga River. Once you reach the reservation, Viaduct Park is an easy hike that will reward you with a dramatic view of the falls. Bedford itself sprung out of the falls once the first gristmill came into being in 1821 — later a power plant generated electricity for the area. The falls were mainly a local secret until 2002, when the area was revitalized and opened, a cooperative effort by Cleveland Metroparks and the City of Bedford.

26

OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • MAY 2022

A short walk along Deerlick Creek, down steps, along a boardwalk, and over a bridge leads to a perfect view of Bridal Veil Falls — slightly less dramatic but just as beautiful as the nearby Great Falls — cascading over low boulders in the creek and finally down the face of a cliff in a thin line.

Tall hardwoods and hemlocks shade the pathway, which gives easy access to the popular site.

Brandywine Falls

8176 Brandywine Road, Northfield

In Cuyahoga Valley National Park, travelers walk along Brandywine Gorge Loop, a series of boardwalks, stairways, and viewing platforms, to the 67-foot natural falls. Early settlers used the falls as a power source. In 1814, George Wallace built a sawmill at the top of the falls, and grist and woolen mills followed shortly thereafter. The village of Brandywine grew around the mills and became one of the earliest communities to emerge in the Cuyahoga Valley. The James Wallace house, built

by George’s son in 1848, is one of the last village buildings still standing and is today a bed-andbreakfast — the Inn at Brandywine Falls.

MAY 2022 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING

27

Country home One of country music’s longestrunning traditions is going strong in tiny Bainbridge.

BY KEVIN WILLIAMS; PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE PAXTON THEATER FOUNDATION

28

small village in southern Ohio may seem like an unlikely country music hot spot, but Bainbridge, population 3,000, boasts a tradition rivaled only by the country music capital of the world.

A

from its seemingly remote location. “Artists from Nashville could stop here and play a show on their way to the East Coast,” says Tim Koehl, owner of the Paxton Theatre, home of the jamboree. “It was a great halfway point.”

Bainbridge is home to the Paint Valley Jamboree, the oldest continuous country music show in Ohio — and second nationally only to the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville. The Paint Valley Jamboree began in 1967, and in fact it benefited

For its entire lifespan, the Paint Valley Jamboree has been held in the cozy, yet stately — and acoustically friendly — confines of the Paxton, a century-old building anchoring a corner of downtown Bainbridge. It has attracted such

OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • MAY 2022

country luminaries as Waylon Jennings, Dottie West, Merle Haggard, Connie Smith, Johnny Paycheck, Minnie Pearl, Conway Twitty, Loretta Lynn, Little Jimmy Dickens, and Porter Wagoner.

Today, the jamboree continues to draw from a reservoir of talent to play alongside its house band, the Original Jam Band.

Still, as musical tastes change, Koehl and his team have a tricky balancing act: trying to preserve the history, traditions, and nostalgia of the jamboree, while also trying to bring in a younger audience.

The Paxton Theatre in Bainbridge is a traditional halfway point for country stars traveling from Nashville to the East Coast — one reason the theater’s Paint Valley Jamboree has been going strong for 55 years.

“People hear the word ‘jamboree’ and some just tune out,” says Wade Hamilton, who books musicians and runs the theater’s sound board. So, this year the jamboree has unveiled a new logo and look that incorporates classic rock into country vibe. The “Fifty 50” logo alludes to both the music mix and the proximity to U.S. Route 50, which joins the East and West coasts.

For Hamilton, the beauty of the jamboree is in the exchange of stories and traditions and the passing of the torch between generations of country music.

“My favorite part is the camaraderie between the performers,” he says. “There’s so much musical history at the Paxton that folks are just always excited to play there.

Musicians spend time before and after the show swapping stories and tunes backstage. It’s fun to be a part of that.”

He says that the long history of the jamboree brings a sense of pride to folks in the Paint Valley as well. “People love to bring family and friends to the theater when they’re in town visiting and always ask for a tour and a story or two,” he says.

Many long careers in country music began on the stage of the Paxton, and that history is enshrined on a “Wall of Fame” backstage full of framed and autographed photos. There’s a story with each photo, and Koehl knows them all. Koehl, 70, is the savior of the Paxton Theatre, purchasing the property in 2013 from previous owners.

Over the years, the theater has been in various stages of glory and disrepair, depending on the era. Koehl and his wife, Deb, created the nonprofit Paxton Theatre Foundation for the theater’s operations and upkeep.

The Paxton now does more than just the jamboree. For instance, the jamboree takes a break each July, when the theater is turned over to local youth who stage a summer theater production, often a Disney play.

“Our summer programs gets 40 to 50 children who would never be able to get on a stage otherwise, a place to perform,” Koehl says. “That’s one of the things I am most proud of.”

COVID was rough on the jamboree, forcing a pause in the schedule in 2020. In the end, though, it may have helped more than hurt, because the theater team was able to invest some time and money into improvements.

Now they just need to get people to return — and they’re building a performance schedule that’s on par with the best of Nashville, so that shouldn’t be difficult.

“It will be a feel-good mix of music, and that is the goal,” Hamilton says.

One hundred and 10 years after the Paxton Theatre opened as a township hall, and over 50 years after the first Paint Valley Jamboree, Hamilton marvels at the building’s longevity and functionality. The sound, which pours off the stage in crisp, clear notes, is what keeps acts coming back.

“The Paxton was built as a township hall before they had sound systems, so they designed it so acoustics would travel, everyone would be able to hear what was on stage.

It was designed for productions,” Hamilton says.

“Every group that we ever have in there, the first thing they comment on is how the sound is incredible,” Hamilton says.

“We are lucky that someone had the forethought 110 years ago to think about the sound.”

Paint Valley Jamboree at the Paxton Theatre, 133 E. Main St., Bainbridge, goes on the second Saturday of each month through the season. General admission tickets are $12, and streaming tickets are available for $8. Visit www.paxtontheatre.org.

MAY 2022 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING 29

Bad to the Bone Full tang stainless steel blade with natural bone handle —now ONLY $79!

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This fusion of substance and style can garner a high price tag out in the marketplace. In fact, we found full tang, stainless steel blades with bone handles in excess of $2,000. Well, that won’t cut it around here. We have mastered the hunt for the best deal, and in turn pass the spoils on to our customers.

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MAY 2022 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING 31

Rise of the The renaming of the Indians is a timely reminder of Bob Hope’s Cleveland connection.

BY DAMAINE VONADA

W

hen the Cleveland Indians changed their name to the Cleveland Guardians last year, the rebrand was more than a tribute to the stalwart, Art Deco-style statues — known as the “Guardians of Traffic” — that grace the Hope Memorial Bridge near Progressive Field. It was also a reminder that one of the nation’s most beloved entertainers — Bob Hope — grew up in Cleveland and commenced his show business career there. “I left England when I was 4,” Hope once joked,

32 OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • MAY 2022

“because I found out I could never be king.” Instead, he became America’s court jester.

Born Leslie Townes Hope in a London suburb in 1903, Bob Hope was the fifth of the seven sons of English stonecutter William Henry “Harry” Hope and his wife, Avis. Harry brought his family to Cleveland in 1908, and in the early 1930s, he helped create the “Guardians of Traffic” for the city’s Lorain-Carnegie Bridge. After extensive repairs were completed in 1983, it was rechristened the Hope Memorial Bridge because of Harry’s work on the now-iconic “Guardians.”

The Hopes lived in Doan’s Corner, a bustling east-side neighborhood complete with commercial buildings, hotels, and vaudeville houses. Avis made ends meet by taking in boarders, and young Leslie earned money at jobs ranging from newsboy to taffy puller. He also hustled

pool, spent time in reform school, and, after dropping out of high school, boxed under the name Packy East.

“I came from a pretty tough neighborhood,” Hope later recalled. “We’d have been called juvenile delinquents, only our neighborhood couldn’t afford a sociologist.”

As it turned out, Doan’s Corner was the perfect petri dish for nurturing the talents that took Hope from throwing punches to delivering punchlines. Despite his shenanigans, he sang in the choir at the Church of the Covenant — which Harry helped to build — on Euclid Avenue. Avis, who was a singer of Welsh heritage, took him to the Alhambra Theater’s vaudeville shows, and made sure he joined the Welsh community’s songfests at Euclid Beach.

In 1915, Hope won a Charlie Chaplin impersonation contest at Luna Park and used his prize to buy Avis a stove.

Hope also took dancing lessons and convinced his girlfriend to be his partner. They performed on the city’s vaudeville circuit, but when the girl’s mother forbade her to go on out-of-town bookings, he resourcefully teamed up with a neighborhood chum. After years of honing his dancing, singing, and comedy skills in touring vaudeville and musical comedy shows, Hope transitioned to a solo act in 1928. He also switched his first name from the rather formal, British-sounding “Leslie” to the friendly, quintessentially American “Bob,” explaining afterward that he liked the “Hiya, fellas” quality it conveyed.

“I came from a pretty tough neighborhood.

We’d have been called juvenile delinquents, only our neighborhood couldn’t afford a sociologist.”

Hope eagerly did whatever it took to please audiences, and within a decade of reinventing his persona, he had crooned the Cole Porter standard “It’s De-Lovely” on Broadway, pioneered the art of the monologue on his hit radio show, and starred in the Hollywood comedy The Big Broadcast of 1938. In that movie, Hope introduced a tune — “Thanks for the Memory” — that won an Academy Award and became his signature song. And when the public embraced television in the 1950s, Hope started hosting network variety shows.

Going from gags to riches allowed Hope, who as a boy had watched Tris Speaker and Nap Lajoie through a knothole in the ballpark fence, to become part owner of the Cleveland Indians in 1946. As befits a great comedian, Hope’s timing was perfect, because the team won the 1948 World Series. In 1993, Hope returned to Cleveland for the Indians’ farewell game in Municipal Stadium.

From the pitcher’s mound, the 90-year-old spoke Continued on page 34

Opposite page: Bob Hope chats with Indians players during his time as co-owner of the team (photo courtesy of the Cleveland Guardians); this page: The Guardians of Traffic man their posts above the Cuyahoga River (photo by Wil Lindsey for ThisIsCleveland.com).

MAY 2022 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING 33

Bob Hope (front row, center) makes a face during opening day at Cleveland Municipal Stadium in 1964. Hope, who once was a co-owner of the Indians, also attended the final baseball game at the stadium in 1993 (photo courtesy of the Cleveland Guardians). Below, one of the Guardians of Traffic stands watch over the Hope Memorial Bridge, where Carnegie Avenue crosses the Cuyahoga River (photo by Damaine Vonada).

Continued from page 33

affectionately about his hometown and sang a rendition of “Thanks for the Memory” that commemorated Bob Feller’s fastball and Al Rosen’s hits.

The crowd and players greeted Hope with a standing ovation that day. But their admiration reflected more than the fact that he was a Clevelander who had conquered every mass entertainment medium of the twentieth century or that his work with everybody from Bing Crosby and Lucille Ball to Big Bird and Brooke Shields had invariably tickled the nation’s funny bone.

The performances that elevated Hope from household name to living legend were the USO shows that endeared him to generations of GIs. From World War II through the Korean, Vietnam, and Persian Gulf wars, Hope brought laughter to the front lines, and in recognition of the 50 years he spent boosting morale in the Armed Forces, Congress in 1997 made Hope the nation’s first honorary veteran.

With veteran status, Hope could have requested a gravesite in Arlington National Cemetery, and shortly before he died in 2003, his wife, Dolores, asked him where he wanted to be buried. Hope replied, “Surprise me.” A consummate trouper to the end, Bob Hope got the last laugh.

34 OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • MAY 2022

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OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • MAY 2022

Roessner Energy Products Inc. Coldwater, OH | 419-678-4858 Shafer Heating & Cooling LLC Hillsboro, OH | 937-466-2755 Simpson Heating & Air New Philadelphia, OH | 330-339-1177 Steve & Ted’s Services, Inc. Anna, OH | 419-628-2645 Stratton Heating & Air, LLC Bainbridge, OH | (740) 626-7269

2022 CALENDAR

MAY/JUNE

NORTHEAST

handmade garments, and a wool show for raw spinning fleece. Free “make and take” activities for children and adults. Food available on-site. 330-361-1245, www. greatlakesfibershow.com, or find us on Facebook.

MAY 30–JUL. 28 – Fort Steuben Summer Concert Series, Fort Steuben Park, 120 S. 3rd St., Steubenville, Thur. 7–9 p.m. and Memorial Day. Bring a blanket or lawn chair and enjoy a free concert at this site overlooking the Ohio River. 740-283-1787 or www.oldfortsteuben.com.

JUN. 1 – Bike Week Dice Run, 109 W. Lakeshore Dr., Kelleys Island, 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Experience an exciting tour of the island while completing a scavenger hunt and MAY 7 – AMA Flat Track Motorcycle Race, Ashland Co. collecting dice rolls at a variety of local businesses. 419Fgds., 2042 Claremont Ave., Ashland, practice 4 p.m., 746-2360 or www.kelleysislandchamber.com. races, 7:30 p.m. $10–$25; under 5, free w/adult. 419-289- JUN. 3 – First Fridays on Fourth, 155 N. 4th St., 0466 or www.ashlandcountyfair.com.

Steubenville, 6–10 p.m. Free. Monthly themed MAY 7 – Dr. Eberhard Fritz: “History of Wurttemberg” celebration featuring art, crafts, games, food trucks, live (live from Germany), Historic Zoar Village, 198 Main entertainment, and activities to stimulate the imagination.

St., Zoar, 11 a.m.–noon. Free. 800-262-6195 or www. www.theharmoniumproject.org/first-Fridays. historiczoarvillage.com.

JUN. 3–4 – Wayne County Music and Rib Fest, MAY 14 – Maifest, Historic Zoar Village, 198 Main St., Wayne Co. Fgds., 199 Vanover St., Wooster. Free.

Zoar, 10 a.m.–5 p.m. $5. Enjoy German food and drink, Mouth-watering BBQ, fair food, live music, beer garden, including Cleveland kraut, brats, and German potato Fun Zone, contests, games, and cruise-in. https:// salad. Music, self-guided tours, and kids’ activities. waynecountyfairohio.com/ribfest.

German car show will start at 10:30 a.m.; registration at JUN. 4 – Pastor John Wallace: “Moravian Art in Ohio,” 10 a.m. 800-262-6195 or www.historiczoarvillage.com.

Historic Zoar Village, 198 Main St., Zoar, 11 a.m.–noon. Free.

MAY 18–22 – Annual Airstream Club International 800-262-6195 or www.historiczoarvillage.com.

Region 4 Rally, downtown Wooster. On-street rally.

JUN. 4–5 – Ohio Valley Frontier Days, Historic Fort Public open house Sat. 2–5 p.m. www.wccvb.com/ Steuben, 120 S. 3rd St., Steubenville. $6; ages 6–12, $3; upcoming-events. under 6 free. Annual festival featuring soldier, settler, MAY 20 – Rev War School Day, Fort Laurens Museum, surveyor, and Native American reenactors, re-creating 11067 Fort Laurens Rd., Bolivar, 9 a.m.–2 p.m. $7. Learn life on the Ohio frontier. Crafts, games, food, and about life during the American Revolutionary War through entertainment. 740-283-1787 or www.oldfortsteuben.com. hands-on curriculum-based activities. Reservations JUN. 5 – Kelleys Island 5 & 10K Run/Walk, Memorial requested before May 20. Call 330-874-3011 or 1-800Park, 112 Division St., Kelleys Island. Registration begins 262-6195 or reserve your tickets via Facebook. www. at 8 a.m., race at 10:45 a.m. Awards ceremony follows. fortlaurensmuseum.org.

Pre-registration $20 online, ending one week before MAY 21 – Rebekah Brown: “Quarantine on the race day; day of race, $25. 419-746-2360 or www.

Frontier,” Fort Laurens Museum, 11067 Fort Laurens Rd., kelleysislandchamber.com.

Bolivar, 11 a.m.–noon. Free. www.fortlaurensmuseum.org. JUN. 10 – E5C4P3 Journey Tribute Concert, Ashland Co. MAY 28–29 – Great Lakes Fiber Show, Wayne Co. Fgds., 2042 Claremont Ave., Ashland, 7 p.m. $15. Tickets Fgds., 199 Vanover St., Wooster, 10 a.m.–5 p.m. 100+ on sale beginning at 5:30 p.m. Food trailers and beer vendors. Contests and displays for hand-spun yarn, garden. 419-289-0466 or www.ashlandcountyfair.com.

WEST VIRGINIA

JUN. 3–4 – Mountain Made Makers’ Market, Summersville Lake Retreat and Lighthouse, 278 Summersville Lake Rd., Mount Nebo, Fri. 1–8 p.m., Sat. 10 a.m.–6 p.m. Free. Artisans, builders, and makers from all over the Mountain State. Concessions will be available. 304-860-9739 or https://g2handwerker.com.

JUN. 3–4 – Family Trails Day Weekend, North Bend State Park, 202 North Bend Park Rd., Cairo.

COMPILED BY COLLEEN ROMICK CLARK

JUN. 10–11 – Fabulous 50s Fling Car Show, 152 N. Broadway St., Sugarcreek, Fri. 4–8 p.m., Sat. 9 a.m.–5 p.m.

Free. Join us for live 50s music, great food, and fabulous cars and trucks! Friday’s show is open to all makes, models, and years; also features a winery poker run.

Saturday’s show is for cars and trucks 1999 and older; Best of Show awarded $500. www.fab50sfling.com.

JUN. 10–12 – Bacon Fest, Kelley’s Island Wine Co., 418 Woodford Rd., Kelleys Island. Pig roast, bacon-themed items and cocktails, craft beer bacon-pairing menu, and fun activities. 419-746-2678, abbey.kiwineco@gmail.com, or www.kelleysislandwineco.com.

JUN. 11 – International Wine at the Mill Festival, Loudonville, noon–10 p.m. Enjoy nearly 100 varieties of international and Ohio wines, domestic beers, live music, and great food. $10 adults over 21, $1 ages 10–20, under 10 free. 419-541-0161 or www.wolfcreekmill.org/events.html.

JUN. 11 – Secrest Garden Fair, Secrest Arboretum/ OARDC, 1680 Madison Ave., Wooster, 9 a.m.–4 p.m., rain or shine! Juried arts and crafts vendors, guided tours of the gardens, advice from Master Gardeners, plant sale, local food vendors. www.friendsofsecrest.com.

JUN. 12 – Pulp Fiction Convention, Doubletree by Hilton Cleveland-Westlake, 1100 Crocker Rd., Westlake (I-90 exit 156), 10 a.m.–4 p.m. $5, free for ages 6 and under. Adventure, crime, fantasy, horror, mystery, noir, science fiction, and western, plus golden- and silver-age classics. 330-462-3985, jeff@harpercomics.com, or www.harpercomics.com.

JUN. 12–JUL. 24 – “Celebrate Steubenville: 225 Years,” Historic Fort Steuben, 120 S. 3rd St., Steubenville.

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

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

JUN. 13–18 – North Canton Jaycee Fair, Memorial Stadium, 348 7th St. NE, North Canton. Free. Familyfriendly fun with great food, rides, and games. All proceeds help fund North Canton Jaycees service projects throughout the year, which include Special Olympics, Safety Town, and other community events. www.facebook.com/northcantonjayceefair.

Enjoy a weekend of hikes, outdoor recreation education, and campfire events. 304-643-2931 or www.northbendsp.com.

JUN. 4 – Taste of Parkersburg, corner of Market and 3rd streets, Parkersburg, 5–11 p.m. Savor food, wine, and beer from local restaurants. 304-865-0522 or www.downtownpkb.com.

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.

MAY 2022 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING

37

2022 CALENDAR

MAY/JUNE

older than 1942, with some dating back to the early 1900s! Meet the owners and watch the car parade late in the afternoon. 800-590-9755, chris.lankenau@ saudervillage.org, or www.saudervillage.org.

MAY 21–22, JUN. 3–5 – AKC Fast CAT, The Gated Dock-Canine Enrichment Center, 7251 OH-98, Shelby.

Come watch the dogs compete in Fast CAT (Coursing Ability Tests). 419-961-4711, www.thegateddock.com.

MAY 22 – Shelby County Coin Club Coin Show, American Legion Post 217, 1265 Fourth Ave., Sidney, 10 a.m.–3 p.m. For more information, call 937-339-5437.

MAY 26–30 – Main Street Port Clinton Walleye Festival, Waterworks Park, Port Clinton. An array of MAY 14–15, JUN. 11–12 – The Fantastic Tiffin Flea live concerts, Kids’ Fishing Derby, Grande Parade, Market, Seneca Co. Fgds., 100 Hopewell Ave., Tiffin, Sat. educational activities, rides, and vendors from around the 9 a.m.–4 p.m., Sun. 9 a.m.–3 p.m., rain or shine! Free; nation. 419-734-5503, www.facebook.com/WalleyeFest, handicapped accessible. 250 to 400 dealers per show. A or www.portclintonchamber.com/walleye-festival.html. browser’s delight! 419-447- 9613, tiffinfleamarket@gmail. MAY 27–29 – Buckeye Farm Antiques Annual Show, com, or www.tiffinfleamarket.com.

Shelby Co. Fgds., 655 S. Highland Ave, Sidney. $5, free MAY 20–21 – Hamler Country Fest, 100 S. 1st St. (St. for 12 and under. Featuring John Deere and International Rte. 109), Hamler, gates open Fri. 5:30 p.m. and Sat. Harvester tractors and engines, crafts, flea market, kids’ 2:30 p.m. An exciting weekend of great country music activities, and more. Tractor pull Sat. 8 a.m. Car, truck, and fun. Open seating under roof; bring lawn chairs. and motorcycle show Sun. 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Civil War Cornhole and beer pong tournament; autographed encampment Sat./Sun. www.buckeyefarmantiques.com. memorabilia auction. Primitive on-site camping MAY 28–OCT. 15 – Great Sidney Farmers Market, 109 available. 419-748-7459, hamlercountryfest@gmail.com, S. Ohio Ave., Sat. 8 a.m.–noon. Fresh produce, baked or www.hamlercountryfest.com. goods, jams and jellies, crafts, plants, and flowers. 937MAY 20-22 – Settlers’ Encampment, Auglaize Village, 658-6945 or www.sidneyalive.org.

12296 Krouse Rd., Defiance, Sat. 10 a.m.–5 p.m., Sun. MAY 30 – Memorial Day Service, Perry’s Victory and 10 a.m.–4 p.m. $5, under 13 free. Step back in time to International Peace Memorial, 93 Delaware Ave., Put1750–1815. See demonstrations on the necessities of life, in-Bay, 10:45 a.m.–1 p.m. Free. Event commemorates ranging from plant dyeing and food prep to the fur trade those who gave the last full measure of devotion to their and weapons of that era. www.auglaizevillage.com. country. 419-285-2184 or www.nps.gov/pevi/index.htm.

MAY 21 – Antique Car Gathering, Sauder Village, 22611 JUN. 1–4 – Dennison Railroad Festival, Historic St. Rte. 2, Archbold, 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Car enthusiasts Center Street District, Dennison. Train exhibit, rides, display their vintage automobiles. Most of the cars are

NORTHWEST

SOUTHEAST

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

THROUGH SEP. 28 – Courtside Open Air Market, 801 Wheeling Ave.., Cambridge, Fri. 8 a.m.–noon. Local plants, produce and flowers, handmade goods, and homemade baked goods. 740-680-1866 or find us on Facebook.

MAY 6–21 – Heirloom Plant Sale, Adena Mansion and Gardens, 847 Adena Rd., Chillicothe, Wed.–Sat. 9 a.m.–5 p.m., Sun. noon–5 p.m. Choose from among 85 varieties of herbs, tomatoes, vegetables, and flowers. Metal art and hanging baskets will also be available for purchase. www.adenamansion.com/events.htm.

38

OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • MAY 2022

food, games, activities, entertainment for all ages. Car show begins at noon Saturday, followed by parade at 5 p.m. 330-447-6569, dismith0621@yahoo.com, or www. facebook.com/DRRFestival.

JUN. 4 – Battle at the Fort: Tractor Pull, 1 Fort Site St., Fort Recovery, 7 p.m. Gates open at 4 p.m. www. fortrecovery.org/events.

JUN. 4–5 – Power of Yesteryear Farm and Tractor Show, Wood County Historical Museum, 13660 County Home Rd., Bowling Green, Sat. 9 a.m.–5 p.m., Sun. 10 a.m.–3 p.m. Free. Farm demonstrations and activities; tractor displays of many different makes and models; blacksmith demonstrations. 419-352-0967, www. powerofyesteryear.org, or www.woodcountyhistory.org.

JUN. 11 – Antique Tractor Show, Sauder Village, 22611 St. Rte. 2, Archbold, 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Historic tractors from the 1920s to the 1960s will be on display, including International Harvesters, Farmalls, Silver Kings, Molines, John Deere tractors, and more! 800-590-9755, chris. lankenau@saudervillage.org, or www.saudervillage.org.

JUN. 11 – Vernon McIntyre’s Appalachian Grass, Ottawa Metro Park, 2632 Ada Rd., Lima, 7–8 p.m. Free.

Enjoy an evening of lively bluegrass music with lightningfast instrumentals, close harmonies, and entertaining novelty songs. Stadium-style seating in the amphitheater or bring a lawn chair. 419-221-1232 or 419-223-1025, jampd@jampd.com, or www.jampd.com/parks-facilities/ ottawa-metro-park.

JUN. 11–12 – Antique Tractor Show and Fiber Show, Auglaize Village, 12296 Krouse Rd., Defiance, Sat. 10 a.m.–7 p.m., Sun. 10 a.m.–4 p.m., weather permitting. Antique tractors and steam tractors; antique tractor pulls; displays of handmade fiber items; demos of spinning, weaving, and other fiber crafts. villageauglaize@gmail.com or www.auglaizevillage.com.

MAY 13 – Higher Vision/Frosty Morning, Pennyroyal Opera House, off I-70 at exit 198, Fairview, 7 p.m. $15, under 13 free. Doors and kitchen open at 5 p.m. 740-827-0957 or www.facebook.com/ PennyroyalBluegrassOhio.

MAY 21 – Cambridge Main Street: Day of Enchantment, downtown Cambridge, 2 p.m. $25.

Calling all princesses, princes, pirates, and fairies!

Celebrate in royal style with a princess ball, carriage rides, costumed characters, and more. 740-439-2238 or www.downtowncambridge.com.

MAY 21 – Spring Fest, Deerassic Park Education Center, 14250 Cadiz Rd., Cambridge, 10 a.m.–3 p.m. Free youth raffle for ages 3–15. Come enjoy various Deerassic activities, visit our welcome center, and win prizes. 740435-3335 or www.deerassic.com.

MAY 27–29 – Feast of the Flowering Moon, Yoctangee Park, Chillicothe. Free. Native American music, dancing, crafters, traders and exhibits, mountain men encampment, food, games, and contests. 740-7027677 or www.feastofthefloweringmoon.org.

MAY 27–30 – Moonshine Festival, 106 W. Main Street, New Straitsville, Thur./Fri. opens at 5 p.m., Sat.–Mon. opens at noon. Free. Working moonshine still, Straitsville Special Moonshine, moonshine burgers and pie, local history museum, flea market, carnival rides/games and more. Two parades, including the Grand Parade on Memorial Day. www.facebook.com/Newstraitsvilleohio.

MAY 27–30 – Oak Hill Festival of Flags, Aetna Park, 415 N. Front St., Oak Hill. Hundreds of flags on display. Rides, food vendors, crafts, art and quilt show, karaoke contest, and other activities. Festival concludes with a pancake breakfast, 5K run/walk, and a car show on Memorial Day. 740-682-9956 or www. oakhillfestivalofflags.org/index.html.

MAY 30 – Cambridge City Band Memorial Day Parade, Guernsey County Courthouse, 801 Wheeling Ave., Cambridge, beginning at 10 a.m. www. visitguernseycounty.com/events/calendar.

JUN. 2 – Cambridge City Band: Concert in the Park, Cambridge City Park, 1203 N. 8th St., Cambridge, 7:30 p.m. www.facebook.com/Cambridge-CityBand-799535703711168.

JUN. 3 – First Friday: Art Walk, downtown Marietta, 5–9 p.m. Free. 740-373-5178 or https://mariettaohio.org/ event/first-friday-art-walk.

JUN. 3–5 – Southern Ohio Farm Power of the Past Antique Tractor and Machinery Show, Pike Co. Fgds., 311 Mill St., Piketon. Vintage tractors and farm equipment, hit and miss engines, working sawmill, truck and tractor pull 6/4, car show 6/5. 740-289-4124.

JUN. 11–12 – Lucasville Trade Days, Scioto Co. Fgds., 1193 Fairground Rd., Lucasville, Sat. 7 a.m.–7 p.m., Sun. 7 a.m.–4 p.m. $7, under 13 free. 937-728-6643 or www. lucasvilletradedays.com.

MAY 10, JUN. 14 – Inventors Network Meeting, virtual, 7 p.m. Educational presentations and discussion about the invention process. Meetings are held the 2nd Tuesday of each month virtually. 614-470-0144 or www. inventorscolumbus.com.

MAY 20 – The GeezeCats, Marion Palace Theatre, 276 W. Center St., Marion, 7:30 p.m. $16. This Clevelandbased band delivers a concert filled with harmony and hilarity, featuring the classic songs of the late ’50s and early ’60s. 740-383-2101 or www.marionpalace.org.

MAY 20–22 – Community Days Festival, Fairfield Co. Fgds., 157 E. Fair Ave., Lancaster. Live music, entertainment, rides, food and craft vendors, and more. 740-407-8206 or www.facebook.com/ THROUGH OCT. 29 – Zanesville Farmers Market, CommunityDaysFestival.

Adornetto’s, 2224 Maple Ave., Zanesville, Sat. 9 a.m.–noon. Starting in June through August, May 21 – Art on the Canal Art Stroll, downtown Canal the market is also open Wed. 4–7 p.m. www.

Winchester, noon – 6 p.m. Live music, dancing, artistic zanesvillefarmersmarket.org. performances, kids’ zone. 614-270-5053 or www. bluesandribfest.com THROUGH OCT. 30 – Rock Mill Days, Stebelton Park at Rock Mill, 1429 Rockmill Place NW, Lancaster, Wed./ MAY 28–30 – Sertoma Ice Cream Festival, 11339 Sat. 10 a.m.–2 p.m., Sun. 1–4 p.m. Free. Tour the restored Mt. Vernon Rd., Utica, Sat./Sun. 9 a.m.–7 p.m., Mon. 1824 gristmill, walk on the iconic Rock Mill Covered 10 a.m.–6 p.m. $5 per car. Fun-filled weekend for Bridge, and enjoy Hocking River Falls. Grinding demos the entire family. Parade, live music, pony rides, car on last Sunday of each month. Activities are weather show, games, eating contests, arts and crafts, food permitting; call or check website/Facebook for updates.

— and ice cream, of course! 740-892-3161 or www.

740-681-7249 or www.fairfieldcountyparks.org. sertomaicecreamfestival.com.

MAY 6, JUN. 3 – First Friday Art Walk, Zanesville, JUN. 1–4 – Deercreek Dam Days Festival, 5–8 p.m. Stroll the streets of downtown Zanesville Williamsport, Wed./Thur. 4–10 p.m., Fri. 4–11 p.m., while touring participating galleries, studios, and local Sat. 11 a.m.–11 p.m. Free. Fun for the whole family, businesses. www.artcoz.org. with music, food, games, and rides for all ages. www. deercreekdamdays.com.

MAY 7–OCT. 29 – Coshocton Farmers Market, 300 block Main Street, Coshocton, Sat. 8:30 a.m.–12 p.m.

JUN. 3–5 – Newark Strawberry Festival, Courthouse Fresh local-grown produce; artisans with handmade Square, Newark, Fri./Sat. 11 a.m.–10 p.m., Sun. 11 a.m.– crafts. www.facebook.com/coshoctonfarmersmarket.

6 p.m. Rides, games, crafts, food, and entertainment

for the entire family. Enjoy our famous strawberry shortcake, served with locally made, creamy Velvet Ice Cream. www.newarkstrawberryfestival.com.

JUN. 8–11 – Commercial Point Homecoming Festival, 28 W. Scioto St., Commercial Point. Home of the famous ocean perch sandwich! Enjoy a fun-filled midway, rides, games, food, entertainment, car show, fireworks Fri. 10 p.m., concerts Fri./Sat. 8 p.m., and Grand Parade Sat. 11 a.m. www.facebook.com/ commercialpointcommunitymensclub.

JUN. 9–11 – Hot Air Balloon Festival, Coshocton Co. Fgds., 707 Kenilworth Ave., Coshocton. Balloon launches at dawn and dusk, balloon “night glow,” balloon race, musical entertainment, carnival rides, festive foods, and crafters. 740-622-4877 or www. coshoctonhotairballoonfestival.com.

JUN. 10–12 – Columbus Arts Festival, downtown riverfront (Civic Center Drive), Columbus, Fri. 11 a.m.–10:30 p.m., Sat. 10 a.m.–10:30 p.m., Sun. 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Free. Over 200 professional, juried visual artists; three performing art stages; hands-on activities; local artists; and dozens of food vendors. 614-224-2606 or www.columbusartsfestival.org.

JUN. 11 – Mid-Ohio Fiber Fair, Canal Market District, 36 E. Canal St., Newark, 9 a.m.–5 p.m. Free. Yarn, roving, and fiber in wool, alpaca, angora, cashmere, and mohair, as well as beautiful finished items. Vendors representing all types of fibers and fiber tools. www. midohiofiberfair.com.

JUN. 12 – Summer Avant-Garde Art and Craft Show, Makoy Event Ctr., 5462 Center St., Hilliard, 10 a.m.–4 p.m. $3, free for ages 12 and under. Artists and crafters will sell their original handmade items. www. avantgardeshows.com.

SOUTHWEST

JUN. 4–5 – Troy Strawberry Festival, Great Miami River Levee and downtown Troy, Sat. 10 a.m.–9 p.m., Sun. 10 a.m.–5 p.m. 100+ arts and crafts vendors, 60+ food vendors, games, contests, children’s area, and much more. 937-339-7714 or www.gostrawberries.com.

JUN. 11–12 – Family Days at the Johnston Farm, Johnston Farm and Indian Agency, 9845 N. Hardin Rd., Piqua, noon–5 p.m. Explore the home of John Johnston to learn how the family lived in the early 1800s; visit the Historic Indian and Canal Museum; and take a relaxing ride on the General Harrison of Piqua. 937-773-2522 or www.johnstonfarmohio.com.

JUN. 11–12 – Hueston Woods Arts and Crafts Fair, Hueston Woods State Park, Doty Pioneer Farm, 6924 Brown Rd., Oxford, 10 a.m.–5 p.m. $4, under 12 free. Juried art show featuring artisans from the region. Showcased art includes paintings, stained glass, sculpture, photography, embroidery, furniture, and more. Food available on-site; live music. www. oxfordmuseumassociation.com/art-craft-fair-oxfordohio-hueston.

JUN. 15 – Vernon McIntyre’s Appalachian Grass, Voice of America MetroPark, 7850 VOA Park Dr., West Chester, 7 p.m. Bring a blanket or lawn chair and kick back to enjoy some lively bluegrass music. Food and beverages available for purchase on-site; outside food and beverages are welcome, but alcoholic beverages are not permitted. Vehicle permit required but is free to Butler County residents; non-residents $8 for daily permit. 513-867-5835, info@yourmetroparks.net, or www.yourmetroparks.net/parks/voice-of-americametropark.

CENTRAL

THROUGH JUN. 29 – Bluegrass Wednesdays, Vinoklet Winery, 11069 Colerain Ave., Cincinnati, every Wed. 6:30–8:30 p.m. (not Jun. 15). Enjoy dinner, wine, and an evening of free bluegrass entertainment by Vernon McIntyre’s Appalachian Grass.

Reservations strongly recommended. 513-385-9309, vinokletwinery@fuse.net, or www.vinokletwines.com.

MAY 20–21 – Rod’s Project Farm Market and Trade Days, Clinton Co. Fgd., 958 W. Main St., Wilmington, Fri. 1–8 p.m., Sat. 9 a.m.–5 p.m. $5 suggested donation. Family fun, craft and food vendors, entertainment, car show, horse show, kids’ pedal tractor pull, and more. www.facebook.com/ events/5475992432430485/5475992442430484.

MAY 20–22 – Hamvention, Greene Co. Fgds. Expo Center, 120 Fairgrounds Rd., Xenia, Fri./Sat. 9 a.m.–5 p.m., Sun. 9 a.m.–1 p.m. The world’s largest amateur radio gathering, attracting hams from around the globe.

937-276-6930 or www.hamvention.org.

MAY 21 – Food Truck Rally and Competition, Miami Co. Fgds., 650 N. County Rd. 25A, Troy, 11 a.m.–9 p.m. Free. Teams of the area’s finest food trucks will

gather to showcase their best dishes and desserts.

Live music; craft show. 937-335-7492 or https:// miamicountyohiofair.com/food-truck-competition.

MAY 22 – Fleurs de Fête, 1000 Carillon Blvd., Dayton, 1–4 p.m. Carillon Historical Park’s original “party in the park.” Guests enjoy more than 300 wine samplings and delicious dishes from dozens of local restaurants.

937-293-2841 or https://www.daytonhistory.org/events/ special-events/fleurs-de-fete.

MAY 27 – Bluegrass Night, Fibonacci Brewing Company, 1445 Compton Rd., Cincinnati, 7–9 p.m. Free.

Enjoy an evening of lively bluegrass music by Vernon McIntyre’s Appalachian Grass. Wide variety of craft beers and food truck eats available on-site. 513-8321422 or http://fibbrew.com.

JUN. 3 – First Friday Concert Series: My Brother’s Keeper, First United Methodist Church, 120 S. Broad St., Middletown, noon–1 p.m. Free; handicapped accessible. Bring your lunch if you like. Progressive bluegrass band from Cincinnati brings timeless music to a new generation bluegrass and gospel music. 513-4234629 or www.myfumc.net.

JUN. 4 – Bradford Railroad Heritage Festival, 200 N. Miami Ave., Bradford, 10 a.m.–4 p.m. $10.

Train layouts and displays, vendors, kids’ activities, entertainment, rides, and more. 937-552-2196 or www. bradfordrrmuseum.org.

JUN. 4 – Sawyer Point Summer Concert, Sawyer Point Riverfront Park, 705 E. Pete Rose Way, Cincinnati, 2–10 p.m. Free. Featuring Vernon McIntyre’s Appalachian Grass (at 2 p.m.), Jake Speed and the Freddies, Town Mountain, and more. Food trucks, beer vendor. Consider bringing a lawn chair. 513-357-2604 or www.cincinnatiparks.com.

MAY 2022 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING 39

MEMBER INTERACTIVE

Chasing waterfalls

A nice little walk at Honey Run Park with my son, Cooper, and my mother-in-law, Janet.

Brianna Shock | North Central Electric Cooperative member

Avrey Branham (3½ years old) enjoying a waterfall while vacationing with family.

Kayla Branham | South Central Power Company member

Jake, Kelly, Mattie, Morgan, McKenna, and Landon at Niagara Falls.

Kelly Huber | Hancock-Wood Electric Cooperative member

My husband, Tom Orr, and me exploring a waterfall during a bike ride through the Pocono Mountains.

Jessica Orr | South Central Power Company member

Cooling off at Caesar Creek State Park.

Jodi Bird | South Central Power Company member

Send us

YOUR picture!

40

I came across this waterfall while out on a four-wheeler adventure in West Virginia.

Susan Marsh | Firelands Electric Cooperative member

For August, send “Sunflowers” by May 15; for September, send “House Divided” (Browns vs. Bengals) by June 15.

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

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

OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • MAY 2022

COMMITTED TO OUR

Communities

Business-friendly The rural communities and small towns of Ohio offer skilled workforces, affordable labor and land, and an abundance of reliable power.

LOOKING TO GROW? Your co-op can help with:

• Comprehensive site and building portfolios • Electric rate analyses

• Preliminary site studies

• Help identifying financial incentives

• State and local government contacts

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Contact Dennis Mingyar at dmingyar@ohioec.org

Because a strong community makes a strong cooperative.

www.ohioec.org/ed

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

• Free Estimates

www.mqsstructures.com

40’x60’x12’ • Garage/Hobby Shop

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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