Ohio Cooperative Living - May 2024 - Washington

OHIO COOPERATIVE

Washington Electric Cooperative

Twists turns & Winding rides in Athens County

Be SAFE around LIGHTNING

If you hear thunder, you are close enough to get struck by lightning.

Seek shelter indoors:

• Refrain from using corded electrical devices

• Avoid running water, including baths and showers, and stay away from windows

• Stay in shelter until 30 minutes after the last thunder

If you can’t get to shelter:

• Avoid open fields and hilltops

• Stay away from tall, isolated trees and objects

• Spread out from others if you’re in a group

ohioec.org/purpose

Staying safe

Every year as winter fades, spring brings the promise of a refresh to our landscape. This year, spring also has brought several deadly tornadoes and strong storms, and Ohio’s electric cooperatives continue to assist in the rebuilding of devastated communities and pray for those who have suffered great loss.

Of course, no one can know when or where such natural disasters may happen, so your co-op constantly prepares for severe events like we’ve experienced this year. While we can’t prevent the havoc that powerful spring and summer storms can cause, there are things we can control, and we have our people trained and ready to step in whenever we’re needed to restore essential electric service to your homes and businesses.

It’s a year-round process to be as ready as possible for the severe weather that we know is likely to come our way.

It starts with engineering and planning to be sure our facilities — poles, wires, structures, substations — are up to date and in good working order. It requires consistent, well-planned clearance of rights-of-way and easements to keep trees and brush clear of those facilities (see our story on page 4).

And when bad weather strikes, it takes dedicated and well-trained employees willing to respond as quickly and safely as possible. Right away, we’ll work to determine the scope of the problem and mobilize people and equipment needed to make the area safe for the public and other first responders (even calling on neighboring co-ops when necessary). Only then can we begin the hard work of rebuilding whatever nature has broken or destroyed. It takes special training and discipline to neutralize the threat that electric facilities can pose when they’re knocked out of their normal operation. That’s why we always ask you to stay clear until we can be on the scene to assess, make safe, and repair.

Rest assured, thanks to our planning and preparation, we’re ready to take on whatever Mother Nature sends us. Please be sure your family has plans in place to stay as safe as possible when severe storms strike, so we can all enjoy the lovely spring and summer days ahead.

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

It’s a year-round process to be as ready as possible for the severe weather that we know is likely to come our way.

Ohio Rural Electric Cooperatives

6677 Busch Blvd. Columbus, OH 43229

614-846-5757 www.ohiocoopliving.com

Patrick O’Loughlin President & CEO

Caryn Whitney Director of Communications

Jeff McCallister Senior Managing Editor

Amy Howat Assistant Managing Editor

Neal Kindig Graphic Designer

Contributors: Colleen Romick Clark, David Clark, Randy Edwards, Vivian Elke, Getty Images, W.H. “Chip” Gross, Chase Smoak, Catherine Murray, James Proffitt, and Michael Wilson.

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

POSTMASTER: Send address changes to editorial and advertising offices at: 6677 Busch Boulevard, Columbus, OH 43229-1101. Periodicals postage paid at Berne, IN 46711, and at additional mailing offices. Nothing in this publication may be reproduced in

DEPARTMENTS

4 POWER LINES

Tree-liable power: Vegetation management plays an important but often-overlooked role in keeping the lights on.

8 WOODS, WATERS, AND WILDLIFE

Snakes on a plain: W.H. “Chip” Gross takes a look at Ohio’s three venomous snake species.

10 CO-OP PEOPLE

Pole position: Co-op member turns a one-man barn-building business into a thriving five-state operation.

13 GOOD EATS

Easy cheats: Pressed for time, or just feeling a little lazy? These dishes are ready in a fraction of the time and effort it takes to make their traditional counterparts.

17 LOCAL PAGES

News and other important information from your electric cooperative.

33 CALENDAR

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

8

10

13

36 MEMBER INTERACTIVE

Mom at her best: Members share photos for a Mother’s Day tribute. At right, Guernsey-Muskingum Electric Cooperative member Wayne Klass shared this photo of his mom, Evelyn Lafever, enjoying her new mower.

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.

power Tree-liable

Vegetation management plays an important but often-overlooked role in keeping the lights on.

BY JEFF MCCALLISTER; PHOTOGRAPH BY MICHAEL WILSON

In early March, a spring storm ravaged much of the region served by Logan County Electric Cooperative in Bellefontaine. It was the same storm that spurred the deadly tornado that destroyed a significant part of the community of Indian Lake, and even outside the tornado’s path, high winds snapped trees and brought down limbs and branches all around the area.

As might be expected, power outages were widespread. But upon examination in the following weeks, it seemed as if power had been out less for LCEC members — both fewer and shorter instances — than might have been expected.

“System reliability and safety are extremely important,” says Scott Roach, director of engineering services at LCEC. “With every new project, every work plan, it’s always with that in mind.”

Foliage foibles

One of the most significant factors affecting that reliability is the presence of trees. Of course, properly placed trees not only are beautiful to look at, but they also provide tangible benefits: increasing property values, reducing the cost to heat and cool a home, providing privacy, and even cutting stormwater runoff.

So homeowners are understandably attached to the trees that grow on their property, and Roach,

who directs LCEC’s two-man full-time vegetation management crew that’s charged with keeping trees and other flora away from power lines, knows that co-op members can be quite protective of their foliage.

“We completely understand that trees hold a lot of sentimental value for our members,” Roach says. “At the same time, they need to understand the public safety issue and what impact a tree can have on their ability — and sometimes the ability of all of their neighbors — to turn their lights on.”

Trees can be a contributing factor, if not a direct cause, of as much as 50% of power outages. Problems can develop suddenly, such as when branches break and fall across power lines during wind or ice storms, or over time through natural growth patterns, where tree branches may begin to crowd and rub against those lines.

Investing in reliability

Logan County Electric has one of the best records of reliable power delivery in the country, but it wasn’t always that way. In 2005, a powerful winter storm came through Ohio, bringing with it layers of heavy ice that snapped off limbs and branches and brought down trees across the state.

Many of those branches and trees fell across electric power lines, and as many as 500,000 Ohioans

were without power at one point — including a significant number of LCEC members. Some of those outages lasted 10 days or more.

“That storm taught us an important lesson, and we invested a lot of time and effort in our vegetation management right after that,” says Roach, who was hired in 2006. “We were not maintaining our right-ofway the way it should have been, but we made some changes in our procedures, and it has made a big difference in our outage numbers.”

Professional standards

Part of the co-op’s investment was to hire full-time vegetation management staff to implement a five-year trimming cycle, rather than bringing in contractors as needed.

“Tree trimming is a very difficult, laborintensive job that’s also dangerous because obviously you’re working very close to energized lines,” Roach says, “But at the same time, there’s also an aspect of member service to it. If it’s rainy out and they have to put away the chain saws and chippers, they’re out talking to our members — informing them of what’s in the works and educating them about the public safety dangers of trees and power lines.”

In Ohio, along with LCEC, Adams Rural Electric Cooperative in West Union, The Energy Cooperative in Newark, and Frontier Power Company in Coshocton have full-time vegetation managers on staff. The other Ohio co-ops, for the most part, have long-standing relationships with professional tree contractors who perform the trimming around their lines.

Continued on page 6

Dan Craig, a certified line clearance arborist, is one of two full-time staff members at Logan County Electric Cooperative who are charged with the task of trimming trees and other vegetation away from the co-op’s power lines.

Continued from page 5

All take great care to perform work that conforms to standards and practices of the National Arborist Association, the American Association of Nurserymen, and the Ohio Department of Natural Resources. The last thing anyone at the co-op wants is to fight with a member about a tree.

“Most people understand the reasons we need to trim their trees and don’t object to us doing what we need to do,” says Dan Craig, a certified line-clearance arborist, who has worked at Logan County Electric since 2015. “But it doesn’t always sit well with everyone, and we give members options and work with them to try to come up with a solution that works for both their needs and our needs.”

Of course, when a powerful storm comes through like the one in March, members are bluntly reminded the effect trees can have on utility lines. Says Roach, “After a storm that causes power outages, members see first-hand both the safety concerns and the importance of clearing vegetation away from power lines. No one likes to be without power.”

Trees and electricity

• The National Electrical Safety Code (NESC) requires electric utilities to maintain trees around power lines, pruning or removing vegetation that may damage supply conductors.

• The Occupational Safety and Hazards Act (OSHA), Rural Utilities Service (RUS) and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) mandate utility companies must keep their power lines safe and reliable.

• Trees account for more than half of all power interruptions.

• Tree damage to power lines can create severe public safety hazards such as fires or electrocution.

• Consider all electrical lines and electrical utility equipment dangerous. Keep away from them and keep all objects (ladders, antennas, kites, etc.) away from them.

• Keeping clear access to utility equipment gives line crews the room to perform inspections and repairs — and keeps everyone safe.

Play Time

From exploring scenic trails to camping under the stars, discover the outdoor world right here in the Greater Parkersburg area.

For two-wheel excitement, head to Mountwood Park for 35 miles of flowing trails surrounding a lake or explore 80 miles of rugged and scenic trails in Wayne National Forest. For a little easier pace, the North Bend Rail Trail takes riders on a journey across 36 bridges and through 10 tunnels.

Grab your paddle and hit the water for scenic kayaking in Parkersburg that the whole family can enjoy. On the Ohio River Water Trail, kayakers can paddle 39 miles of the Ohio River and 18 miles of the Little Kanawha River.

Hikers can traverse a number of well-maintained trails at North Bend State Park and the McDonough Wildlife Refuge, and the Broughton Nature and Wildlife Education Area

HIT THE TRAILS IN GREATER PARKERSBURG.

SNAKES

Ohio is home to three venomous serpent species.

Iam not what anyone might call a “snake guy.”

But the reptiles do hold a certain fascination for me, especially the three venomous species inhabiting the Buckeye State: timber rattlesnake, copperhead, and eastern massasauga.

The largest and rarest of the trio is the timber rattlesnake. A state endangered species, the timber rattler historically lived in every Ohio county, including on the Lake Erie islands. Only four small, remnant populations remain today, located in the southeastern portion of the state. Timber rattlers can grow to a whopping 6 feet in length, though they’re usually closer to 3 feet.

Copperheads, which grow up to 3 feet in length, are the most common venomous snake in Ohio, with populations widely scattered throughout the unglaciated section of the state. Copperheads have the dubious distinction of having bitten more people in the U.S. than any other venomous snake. That’s not because copperheads are unusually aggressive, but simply because they’re among the most common venomous snake species. Fortunately, few deaths have occurred as a result. That said, the last human snakebite fatality encountered in the wild in Ohio happened in 1947. A young woman near Tar Hollow State Park was bitten on the hand by a copperhead and died a few days later.

Another state (and federally) endangered species is the smallest of Ohio’s three venomous snakes, the eastern massasauga rattlesnake, a name derived from the Chippewa Indian language. It’s also known as the swamp rattler or black snapper — the latter moniker giving some idea of the snake’s dark coloration as well as its aggressive striking behavior upon becoming agitated. Massasaugas measure up to 30 inches in length.

Historically recorded in more than 30 counties, the secretive massasauga inhabited the scattered prairies of glaciated Ohio. One of those prairie-remnant habitats today can be found at the extensive Killdeer Plains Wildlife Area in Wyandot County. The Ohio Division of Wildlife conducts annual snake surveys there each May, and I had the good fortune of tagging along last year. (Most people probably wouldn’t consider searching for venomous snakes in waist-high grass “good fortune,” but I’ve never been considered real smart.)

Twenty-seven massasaugas were located by the researchers during the day, a dozen of which were recaptures from earlier in the day or from previous years’ surveys. In addition, we found 36 Kirtland’s snakes, 26 eastern plains garter snakes, and 15 smooth green snakes — all three species are both state endangered and nonvenomous.

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

Timber rattlesnakes like this one are the rarest of Ohio’s three venomous snake varieties; copperheads, like the one below, are the most common.

“It is difficult to assess the exact population trends of massasaugas at Killdeer Plains, because the population is presumed to be fairly large and recapture rates are so low,” says Eileen Wyza, Ph.D., a biologist with the Division of Wildlife. “However, the Killdeer Plains population appears to at least be stable. Statewide, the trend is much more dire. The remaining populations of massasaugas seem to be in decline or have disappeared entirely during recent years.”

Wyza believes that the threats to massasaugas are primarily habitat-related. Changes in succession — particularly increasing woody growth — constitute one of the largest contributors to the population decline, followed by changes in hydrology. For example, in Ohio, massasaugas rely heavily on terrestrial crayfish burrows

for places to both hide and hibernate, and hydrology shifts that affect those crayfish also heavily impact the snakes.

When hiking or climbing in venomous snake country, it’s a good idea to never place your hands or feet anywhere you can’t see them — for instance, over a downed log or up onto a rock ledge. But if you do happen to be bitten by a snake that you believe might be venomous (chances of that are extremely unlikely in the Buckeye State), the best first aid is your vehicle. You should get to a hospital for an antivenin treatment ASAP!

Pole position

Co-op member turns his one-man barn-building business into five-state operation.

TBY RANDY EDWARDS; PHOTOS COURTESY OF CALEB MILLER

he pole barn — as familiar a fixture on modern farms as a pickup truck — is an architectural innovation born in the 1930s, the result of a marriage of necessity and opportunity. Cash-strapped farmers of the Depression needed an inexpensive way to keep tractors and motorized equipment under cover, while the electrification of rural America led to the easy availability of utility poles. The earliest pole barns were rudimentary structures with dirt floors and poles planted directly into the soil around the perimeter, topped with trusses and a sheet metal roof. These post-frame structures could be built quickly and at far less expense than timber-framed barns, and while the continued mechanization of agriculture drove demand for more covered area on the farm, space for a tractor didn’t need to be as fancy and complicated as you’d need for, say, a team of horses.

For decades, the pole barn has reigned supreme on American farms. But the pole-frame structures of today have come a long way from the simple pole barns of the Depression, says Caleb Miller, owner and president of MQS Structures in Lancaster. Pole framing remains a popular design for farm outbuildings, but these days, Miller’s company, a member of Lancaster-based South Central Power Company, may just as likely be using pole-frame construction to build the shell for a far more complex structure.

“When Dad started, a pole-frame building was an agricultural building,” says Miller, who began his training at age 12 by helping his father, John, build barns. “It has evolved into a lot more than that. These days, we’re building event centers, a lot of residential garages. We build ‘shouses’ (a combination of workshop and house) and that’s evolved into the ‘barndominium.’”

In that first year he hired a second salesperson, put together a crew, and built 51 structures. In 2023, with 10 office employees and seven construction crews, the company built 330 buildings over a five-state area. “We have been blessed,” he says. “I never dreamed we could be so blessed.”

Miller credits his company’s success to honesty and hard work, values instilled in him by his Amish-Mennonite father, who moved his family from Geauga County to Perry County in 1966 and raised 11 children, including eight sons. John Miller worked well into his 70s and died five years ago at 83. “We had to work hard, but it didn’t hurt us,” says Caleb, the youngest of the eight sons. “My dad taught me honesty and to take care of the customers, and the good Lord will take care of the rest.”

“I was the owner, the CEO, and the salesman. That’s how I started.”

Barndominiums, or “barndos,” are built on precast concrete columns to support upright poles, creating a solid but inexpensive shell that can cover almost any kind of interior finish. The term was popularized by the HGTV show Fixer Upper in 2016. That was the same year that Miller, who had been building barns most of his life with his father and brothers, found some investors and struck out on his own with MQS Structures.

“In 2016 I was the owner, the CEO, and the salesman. It was me by myself in a pickup truck. That’s how I started,” says Miller, now 47, who lives in Perry County with his wife, Dorcas, and their three sons.

Caleb married Dorcas, the daughter of Mennonite dairy farmers from Tennessee, 15 years ago. The couple lives in a house built by his father on Amish Ridge Road (renamed after his family after they moved there). They farm 180 acres, mostly for beef cattle. Miller jokes that he has two vices: “farming and golf, but farming is what gets me up in the morning.” The couple’s sons — 11-year-old twins Carter and Colton, and Cayson, 7 — all help out, Miller says, caring for the chickens and keeping up on yard work.

Miller also credits MQS’s employees, nearly all of whom are Amish or Mennonite, for the company’s success. “Our employees make MQS stand out,” he says. “Without them, we could never achieve what we have achieved.”

CHEATSEasy

Pressed for time, or just feeling a little lazy? These dishes are ready in a fraction of the time and effort it takes to make their traditional counterparts.

NO-BAKE CHEESECAKE

Traditional cheesecakes take 90 minutes to make and 6 hours to cool. Satisfy the cheesecake craving much faster with this version.

Prep: 10 minutes | Chill: 2 to 3 hours | Servings: 6

8-ounce block cream cheese, softened to room temperature

¼ cup sour cream

¼ cup powdered sugar

½ teaspoon vanilla extract

1 teaspoon lemon juice

4 ounces whipped topping (thawed in fridge)

9-inch prepared graham cracker crust

21-ounce can cherry pie filling

In a large bowl with an electric mixer, beat cream cheese, sour cream, powdered sugar, vanilla, and lemon juice. Fold in whipped topping with a rubber spatula. Spread mixture into graham cracker crust, smoothing out the top. Loosely cover and refrigerate until firm, at least 2 hours. When ready to serve, cut into slices, plate, and liberally top with cherry pie filling.

Cover and refrigerate leftovers.

Per serving: 474 calories, 26 grams fat (12.5 grams saturated fat), 56 grams total carbohydrates, 57 milligrams cholesterol, 274 milligrams sodium, 1 gram fiber, 5 grams protein.

ENCHILADA STOVETOP CASSEROLE

Ready in a fraction of the time it takes to make enchiladas, yet just as satisfying.

Cook: 15 minutes | Servings: 4

10-ounce can red enchilada sauce

15-ounce can black beans, rinsed and drained*

6 6-inch corn tortillas, cut in half, then sliced into strips

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

2 green onions, diced (greens only)

In a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat, mix together black beans (or meat) and enchilada sauce. Stir and heat until sauce is bubbling. Mix in tortilla strips, stir well, and top with cheese. Reduce heat to low and cover with lid. Simmer 5 minutes. Remove lid, sprinkle diced green onion on top, and serve.

*Cooked ground beef or shredded chicken can be substituted for the black beans.

Per serving: 304 calories, 12 grams fat (5.5 grams saturated fat), 34 grams total carbohydrates, 28 milligrams cholesterol, 827 milligrams sodium, 6 grams fiber, 14 grams protein.

FOUR-INGREDIENT PUMPKIN MUFFINS

The easiest muffins you'll ever make!

Prep: 10 minutes | Bake: 25 minutes | Servings: 12

15.25-ounce box spice cake mix

15-ounce can pumpkin purée (NOT pumpkin pie filling)

2 tablespoons water

2/3+ cup pecans or chocolate chips (optional)

In a bowl, combine cake mix, pumpkin purée, and water with a spatula until well combined (it'll take a few minutes). Pecans or chocolate chips can all be mixed in now, with some reserved to sprinkle on top.

Preheat oven to 350 F and line a 12-cup muffin pan with cupcake liners. Spoon batter into liners, topping with more nuts or chips (if desired). Bake about 25 minutes. Cool at least 10 minutes before removing from pan. Optional icing: Whisk ½ cup powdered sugar with ½ tablespoon milk and drizzle over cooled muffins. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.

Per serving: 137 calories, 0.5 grams fat (0 grams saturated fat), 33 grams total carbohydrates, 0 milligrams cholesterol, 286 milligrams sodium, 3 grams fiber, 1 gram protein.

20-MINUTE FLATBREAD

No preplanning required to fulfill your pizza craving in a flash. It's also a great way to use up leftover herbs or yogurt before they turn! Choose precooked toppings, as they'll be in the oven a very short time.

Prep: 5 minutes | Bake: 15 minutes |

Servings: 2 to 4

1 cup flour, plus extra for dusting

1½ teaspoons baking powder

¼ teaspoon garlic powder

¼ teaspoon salt

2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

½ cup (approximately) Greek yogurt or sour cream

In a medium bowl, combine flour, baking powder, garlic powder, salt, and parsley. The moisture content of the Greek yogurt/sour cream will dictate how much is needed — low-fat versions have more moisture. Add ¼ cup yogurt at a time, mixing until dough forms into a ball. Knead 1 minute.

Preheat oven to 450 F. Transfer dough to a floured surface (this can be done on a flat metal baking sheet without edges to skip a step). Roll out to approximately the size of your baking sheet. Lift and flip to ensure it doesn't stick. Bake 7 minutes on middle rack

Suggested toppings

SAUCES: pesto, white pizza sauce, or olive oil with garlic and crushed red pepper

VEGGIES: sun-dried tomatoes, peppers, olives, mushrooms, roasted onion

MEATS: cooked/cured meats — bacon, sausage, pepperoni

CHEESES: shredded or fresh mozzarella, goat cheese, feta

(Shown: pesto with sun-dried tomatoes, shredded mozzarella, and fresh mozzarella)

of oven, then remove to add toppings. Spread sauce to the edges and evenly place chosen toppings. Bake another 7 minutes, keeping a close eye for when the cheese is melted. Serves four as an appetizer or two for dinner.

Per serving (dinner serving, without toppings): 280 calories, 3 grams fat (1 gram saturated fat), 51 grams total carbohydrates, 6 milligrams cholesterol, 677 milligrams sodium, 2 grams fiber, 11 grams protein.

Although tremendous strides have been

Official Notice

84TH ANNUAL MEETING OF MEMBERS Washington Electric Cooperative

Thursday, May 16, 2024

Marietta Shrine Club

249 Pennsylvania Ave., Marietta

5 p.m. .

begins

5 p.m.-6 p.m. ................... Free KFC dinner, musical entertainment

6 p.m. ......................... Registration ends

6 p.m.-7 p.m. ................... Business meeting

Order of business:

• Reading of unapproved minutes of previous meeting and action thereon

• Reading of meeting notice and proof of publication and mailing thereof

• Nominating committee report

• Board and management reports

• Buckeye Power report

Grand Prize Drawing: $250 electric bill credit!

• Youth recognition

• Unfinished business

• New business

• Election results

• Door prize drawings

• Adjournment Members who attend will receive a $10 credit on their electric bill

Food Drive!

Receive an additional door prize entry for every five non-expired canned or nonperishable food items you bring! Donations will be distributed to our community food pantries.

Don’t forget to vote!

Don’t forget to cast your vote in the 2024 Washington Electric Cooperative trustee election. We mailed ballots, which also contained candidate information, to our members in mid-April. Completed ballots must be postmarked by May 9. Election results will be announced at our annual meeting on May 16.

Co-op members invited to tour Cardinal Power Plant

Buckeye Power’s Cardinal Power Plant, located on the Ohio River in Brilliant, supplies power to all the electric cooperatives in the state of Ohio, including Washington Electric. It is one of the cleanest coal-fired power plants in the world, and Washington Electric members have an opportunity to take a closer look at how it operates by participating in the 2024 Cardinal Tour on Oct. 9.

TOUR GUIDELINES:

• Participants must be at least 12 years old.

Washington Electric has rented a charter bus for this oneday trip. The tour is free, but seats are limited and will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis. The bus will leave Washington Electric Cooperative’s office in Marietta at 8 a.m. and will return by 4 p.m. Lunch is provided. Please call 740-373-2141 or email weci@weci.org to reserve your seat.

• There will be a lot of walking, climbing of several sets of stairs, and going through hot and dusty areas during the tour. Members with health concerns or who require assistance with walking should not take the tour.

• Tour participants will be required to wear eye, head, and ear protection during the tour. These items will be provided. 1360211903

top Dowler takes

scholarship prize

Kaden Dowler of Fort Frye High School is the top winner for 2024 in Washington Electric Cooperative’s Children of Members Scholarship program.

The Children of Members Scholarship recognizes high-achieving students whose parents are Washington Electric Cooperative members. Dowler earned a $1,500 scholarship and became eligible to compete on the

statewide level with students representing Ohio’s 24 electric cooperatives.

Addison Schaad of Waterford High School was the second-place winner of $1,000. Rounding out third and fourth place were Fort Frye’s Jaslynn Casto with $750 and Mya Miller of Warren High School/Washington County Career Center with $500.

Huck to attend Ohio’s Electric Cooperatives Youth Tour to Washington, D.C.

Allison Huck of Vincent will represent Washington Electric Cooperative on the Ohio’s Electric Cooperatives Youth Tour to Washington, D.C.

The Ohio’s Electric Cooperatives Youth Tour, scheduled for June 15 to 21, is an annual youth leadership program for high school sophomores and juniors from families served by electric cooperatives. On the trip, delegates will visit the nation’s capital and its many famous and historic sites. They will also meet members of Ohio’s congressional delegation and learn about public service and the cooperative business model.

Huck, a student at Waterford High School, will join approximately 50 delegates from the state of Ohio and 1,800 delegates from across the country on this year’s Youth Tour.

Planned sites on this year’s Youth Tour include the United States Capitol, the Supreme Court, Vietnam and Korean war memorials, the Abraham Lincoln and World War II memorials, the Smithsonian Institution, the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial, and the Gettysburg battlefield.

Allison Huck

Kaden Dowler

Jaslynn Casto

Addison Schaad Mya Miller

Washington Electric Cooperative recently provided a live-line electrical safety demonstration for employees at the Ohio Department of Transportation’s Noble County Garage. If your business or civic organization is interested in hosting a demonstration, contact our Director of Safety and Compliance, Josh Jump, at 740-885-5944 or josh.jump@weci.org.

Live-line safety demonstration nondiscrimination

In accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its Agencies, offices, and employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity (including gender expression), sexual orientation, disability, age, marital status, family/parental status, income derived from a public assistance program, political beliefs, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity, in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA (not all bases apply to all programs).

Remedies and complaint filing deadlines vary by program or incident.

Person with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.) should contact the responsible Agency or USDA’s TARGET Center at (202)720-2600 (voice and TTY) or contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800)877-8339. Additionally, program information may be made available in languages other than English.

To file a program discrimination complaint, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, AD-3027, found online at http://www.ascr.usda.gov/ complaint_ filing_cust.html and at any USDA office or write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all of the information requested in the form. To request a copy of the complaint form, call (866) 632-9992

Submit your completed form or letter to USDA by:

1. mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights 1400 Independence Avenue, SW Washington, D.C. 20250-9410;

2. fax: (202) 690-7442; or

3. email: ............. program.intake@usda.gov

USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.

Meter tampering is a crime

Since August 1978, a revised Ohio law has covered theft of utility service and tampering with utility equipment. The statute provides that a person does not have to be seen tampering with their meter to be held responsible for such action. In addition, in prosecution for a user’s reconnecting a device that was disconnected by a utility, such activity is now considered prima facie evidence the user intended to defraud the utility.

The law defines theft of utility service as a first-degree misdemeanor if the value of the stolen electricity, plus any equipment repairs, is less than $150. It’s a fourth-degree felony if more than $150, or if the offender previously was convicted of the charge.

Tampering carries similar penalties. It is defined as “to interfere with, damage, or bypass a utility meter, conduit or attachment with intent to impede the correct registration of a meter or the proper function of a conduit or attachment.” Conviction for tampering can mean from six months in jail and a $1,000 fine to five years and a $2,500 fine. In addition, persons convicted must pay for the value of the electricity stolen and for any damaged equipment.

Meter tampering costs us all. And it’s downright dangerous. If you witness someone tampering with their electric meter, contact your co-op office. Anyone caught violating the law will be prosecuted.

Board meeting highlights

Washington Electric Cooperative’s Board of Trustees met in regular session on March 28 at the co-op’s office in Marietta. The following actions occurred:

• Board members approved the cooperative’s capital credit estate retirements and new member list.

• Director of Safety and Compliance Josh Jump gave the March safety report.

• Matt Rakey and CJ Hoskinson of the BHM CPA Group presented the co-op’s 2023 financial audit.

• Director of Finance and Administration BJ Allen presented the audited December 2023 financial report.

• Board members approved changes to the following policies:

◊ Policy 504 – Drug and Alcohol-Free Workplace

◊ Policy 515 – Retirement and Security Program Defined Pension Plan

• Board members reviewed a proposed policy for the creation of a prepaid metering program.

• General Manager/CEO Jeff Triplett presented reports on the engineering and operations department, as well as updates on recent co-op events, trainings, and member inquiries.

• Director of Marketing and Member Services Jennifer Greene provided a report on the marketing and member service department, including the winners of the co-op’s scholarship and Youth Tour programs.

• Director of Information and Operational Technology Allen Casto provided a report on the activities of the information technology department.

Washington Electric Cooperative is democratically controlled and governed by local people committed to policies that result in a safe and reliable electric system, fair rates, financial responsibility, and superior member service.

The cooperative’s next board meeting is scheduled for 9 a.m. May 23 at Washington Electric’s office at 440 Highland Ridge Road, Marietta.

NOTES

Capital credits

Washington Electric Cooperative, Inc., refunded capital credits totaling $97,485.38 to the estates of 44 members through March. If you know of a deceased member, please have the executor of the estate call our office for information on the member’s capital credits.

Credit for account number

If you find the number of your account in the local (center) pages of this magazine, call the co-op office by the 16th of the month in which it is published; you will receive at least $10 credit on your electric bill. In March, a member from Sarahsville found her account number and received a $120 credit.

Co-op rebate programs

Water heater – rebates of $150 for qualifying 50-gallon or higher new electric water heaters.

Geothermal – rebates of $600 for newly installed ENERGY STAR-rated geothermal systems.

Air conditioners – rebates of $100 for ENERGY STAR-rated whole-house air conditioning systems.

ENERGY STAR Appliances – $100 rebate for members who replace existing refrigerators and stand-alone freezers with a new ENERGY STAR-labeled appliance. Rebates of $25 for ENERGY STAR-labeled electric clothes washer or electric clothes dryer. Rebates available on first-come, first served basis.

Call or visit our website for details.

Co-op services

Outage reporting – Call 740.373.2141 or use the SmartHub app to report a power outages 24/7.

Outage alerts — Use our SmartHub system to sign up for free outage alerts and other co-op information.

Online bill payment — Visit www.weci.org to use our secure SmartHub online payment system.

Automatic bill payment — Call our office for details on having your electric bill drafted from your checking or savings account each month.

Pay your bill by phone — Call (844) 344-4362 to pay your electric bill with a check, credit card or debit card.

Betty

Gale

William

Brian

Larry

2023 Annual Report

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

YOUR electric cooperative

Washington Electric is a Touchstone Energy cooperative serving portions of six counties in southeastern Ohio. Locally owned and operated, the cooperative is governed by a democratically elected seven-member board of directors.

Mission statement

Washington Electric Cooperative’s mission is to improve the quality of life for our members and community by safely and responsibly delivering reliable electric service, innovative energy solutions, and superior member service.

Member driven. Member focused. Member accountable.

Service territory map

Paul Fleeman, CCD, BL CHAIRMAN

Brent Smith, CCD, BL VICE CHAIRMAN

Betty Martin, CCD, BL SECRETARY/TREASURER

Gale DePuy, CCD, BL ASST. SECRETARY/TREASURER

William Bowersock, CCD, BL

Brian Carter, CCD, BL Larry Ullman, CCD, BL

MESSAGE FROM THE GENERAL MANAGER

Iam pleased to report to the membership that Washington Electric Cooperative enjoyed another productive, safe, and financially sound year during 2023. We appreciate the support of our members and the leadership provided by the elected board of trustees in helping us achieve these accomplishments.

We have included some highlights of the year as well as our financial statements in this 2023 Annual Report. I want to particularly highlight the strategic planning process that was conducted by the management, staff, and board of trustees during 2023 to develop the goals and initiatives we will be focusing on over the next several years. The areas identified are:

1. Build and maintain financial strength

2. Provide superior member service

3. Provide reliable and cost-effective service

4. Attract and retain qualified employees

5. Efficiently use technology with a diligent cybersecurity focus

6. Assure proper governance

7. Maintain a culture of safety

The capital requirements and long time frames involved with building and upgrading electric infrastructure require thoughtful planning well in advance of when a project is needed. In 2023, we prepared a 20-year Long Range System Plan, which will guide our capital improvement projects over the long term. We also prepared a Four-Year

Construction Work Plan that details the line rebuilds and substation projects we intend to complete during that time frame.

In 2023, Washington Electric continued its long-term strategies to provide reliable, affordable, and safe service to its members by rebuilding aging lines, replacing poles and other equipment that had reached the end of its useful life, clearing rights-of-way, and implementing advanced protection schemes.

While it is exciting to look back on all the great things Washington Electric has accomplished this past year, it is important to remember that Washington Electric is more than just substations, poles, and wires. Washington Electric is the trustees you have democratically elected and the employees they have entrusted on your behalf to see to the day-to-day business of your cooperative. Most importantly, Washington Electric is its members. The Washington Electric team is dedicated to the membership and the mission of the cooperative. We will continue to adapt and work diligently to promote transparency, accountability, safety, reliability, and fiduciary responsibility, all in an effort to strive toward providing superior member service.

Thank you again for the privilege of serving you!

Jeff Triplett GENERAL MANAGER

2023 ANNUAL REPORT

WASHINGTON ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE, INC. BALANCE SHEETS

WASHINGTON ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE, INC. STATEMENTS

2023 YEAR IN REVIEW

Everything we do at Washington Electric is for our members. Here’s a look back at some of your cooperative’s achievements in 2023.

Member and community engagement

Member and community engagement is a key driver in all our strategies. Washington Electric Cooperative is committed to connecting and engaging with our memberconsumers to build the trust and satisfaction you deserve.

One of the most important ways Washington Electric members can take an active role in their co-op is by attending the annual meeting and by voting in the annual trustee election. A total of 1,471 members cast their ballots in the 2023 election. In May, more than 300 people attended the annual meeting, where they received important updates and information about their co-op and were treated to dinner, entertainment, and gifts. In October, we also hosted three member appreciation events in Marietta, Caldwell, and Beverly.

About 300 member-consumers participated in our annual member satisfaction survey, which lets us know in which areas we’re doing a good job and which areas need improvement. Reliability, cost, and keeping members’ best interests at heart remain among our members’ top concerns, and our board and management team are constantly looking for ways to keep costs down and improve the service we provide.

One of our guiding principles as a cooperative is commitment to community. We are proud to be part of the communities we serve, and we carry out that dedication in a variety of ways, including participating with local chambers of commerce and economic development organizations and providing financial support for charities and other community organizations. In 2023, Washington Electric Cooperative supported the Fraternal Order of Police, Monroe County Community Foundation, Noble County Cattlemen’s Association, Noble Soil & Water Conservation District, Marietta Shrine Club, Knights of Columbus 4617, Caldwell Youth Sports, Bethel Volunteer Fire Department, Oak Grove Christian School, Noble County Health Department, Little Muskingum Grange, American Legion Post 389, Noble County Soccer, Caldwell

Fire Department, Washington County Fair, Monroe County Sheriff’s Department, Washington County Soil and Water Conservation District, Boys and Girls Club of Washington County, Marietta Firefighters Local 442, Warren Local Band Boosters, Shenandoah Middle School, Frontier Wrestling Club, Habitat for Humanity of the Mid-Ohio Valley Greater Marietta Food Pantry, Memorial Health Foundation, and Washington County Harvest of Hope.

Capital credits

In 2023, the board of trustees approved the retirement of $470,000 in capital credits. As a not-for-profit cooperative, we return all profits back to our member-consumers based on their electricity purchases. This is a key component of the cooperative business model and one of the many ways cooperatives differ from investor-owned utilities. Capital credits represent the most significant source of equity for Washington Electric Cooperative. To date, we’ve returned $5.2 million in capital credits to our members.

Member programs

The cooperative continued its rebate programs for water heaters, geothermal systems, whole-house air conditioners and Energy Star-rated refrigerators, freezers, and electric clothes washers and dryers. More than one-third of Washington Electric member-consumers are enrolled in SmartHub, our online account management system that allows them to pay bills, monitor energy use, report power outages, and receive important alerts and information.

Safety programs

In 2023, Washington Electric employees built a mobile live line electrical safety demonstration trailer with the purpose of educating members and the public about the dangers of electricity. We provided safety training to local fire departments and first responders, public schools, the MidOhio Valley Safety Council, Charter Communications, and more. We also used our tabletop electrical safety display at various Safety Towns and elementary schools to teach children how to be safe around electricity.

Youth programs

To recognize outstanding high school students whose parents are Washington Electric members, your cooperative awarded four scholarships to graduating seniors who planned to continue their education at an accredited college, university, or vocational program. Winners in first through fourth place, respectively, were Nathan Van Fleet, Cierra Burkhart, Kali Wells, and

Continued on page 18L

Continued from page 18K

Emma Lowe. Addison Schaad was chosen to represent Washington Electric on Ohio’s 2023 Youth Tour to Washington, D.C.

Leadership and staffing

Washington Electric aims to hire and retain qualified employees in order to meet and exceed our members’ expectations. Several of our employees celebrated milestone anniversaries, including General Manager/CEO

Jeff Triplett and linemen Coty Adams, Codi Dornick, Cody Bush, and Dakota Hornak at five years; Staking Engineer

Dan Winstanley and Operations Manager Travis DeVolld at 10 years; Director of Marketing and Member Services

Jennifer Greene at 15 years; and Lineman Ross Wallace at 20 years.

Lineman Tyler Bullock earned an associate degree in applied science from West Virginia University-Parkersburg. System Engineer Matt Rankin graduated from Ohio’s Electric Cooperatives’ (OEC) Leadership Edge program, and CEO/General Manager Jeff Triplett graduated from OEC’s Leadership Excellence Program.

Board Chairman Paul Fleeman, Secretary-Treasurer Betty Martin, and Board Member Larry Ullman were recognized for maintaining the Director Gold designation through the National Rural Electric Cooperatives Association (NRECA). Board Member Brian Carter obtained Board Leadership certification, also through NRECA.

Engineering and operations

During 2023, our engineers designed and our crews constructed 112 new services and upgraded 38 existing services along with addressing the continued maintenance needs of our system. Aging lines in the Crum Ridge area totaling about 8 miles were rebuilt and moved to the road or buried underground, where feasible. We continued to emphasize identifying areas where reliability has been a concern and rebuilding/relocating relatively short sections of line to mitigate future outages. We replaced more than 1,000 poles across the system for maintenance and to allow fiber internet to be attached to our poles. This large volume of pole replacements (about four times what we would normally do in a year) dominated much of our engineering and construction efforts in 2023.

We also continued in 2023 to make upgrades to protection schemes across the system to better minimize the number

of members who experience an outage, as well as the duration of outages when issues occur on the system. Some of these protection devices are “smart” devices that we can program, monitor, and control remotely. Deployment of a new Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system began in 2021. The system allows our engineering and operations departments to better monitor and operate these smart devices from our office, and to get the power back on more quickly when we experience outages. This work will continue in 2024.

Right-of-way maintenance

Providing safe and reliable electric service requires yearround planning to keep power lines clear of trees, brush, and other debris. In 2023, we invested more than $1.7 million in our vegetation management programs. Almost

Reliability

150 miles of rights-of-way were cleared using a helicopter and ground crews in the following areas of our system:

• Washington County: Highland Ridge Road, Rollyson Road, Bear Creek Road, State Route 530, Dixon Ridge, Laurel Ridge, Cats Creek, Arends Ridge, and AE Miller Road

• Noble County: State Route 285, Halley’s Ridge, the area around Hiramsburg, Walhonding Road, Pipa Road, and parts of Old Infirmary Road

Contracted, licensed applicators applied EPA-approved herbicide to more than 160 miles in areas that were previously cleared around Sarahsville, Dale, and Bartlett. In addition, time and material crews from Asplundh cleared various high-need areas throughout our system.

Despite the best efforts of Washington Electric, from time to time, the power goes out. Even though we cannot guarantee our members 100% reliability all the time, we are taking great steps to find ways we can improve on our track record of keeping your lights on. And while we know every power outage can be a great inconvenience, when you look at our track record of how much time the power is on and the terrain we serve, it is very impressive. For 2023, our members had the power available 99.7% of the time, on average. Trees accounted for about half of all outages experienced, and usually these trees fell from outside our right-of-way into the lines during weather events such as storms.

These two graphs show reliability metrics that we track. Extreme weather events, which are multi-day restoral events usually resulting from severe ice or wind that require the use of outside crews, are excluded from these charts. The number of outages experienced each year, measured by SAIFI (System Average Interruption Frequency Index), which tracks how many outages, on average, a member experiences during a year, has been declining over the past five years and dropped to about three per year in 2023. The duration of outages, measured by SAIDI (System Average Interruption Duration Index), which tracks the average amount of hours a member experiences no power over the course of a year, has also been declining, with outage times in 2023 — excluding extreme weather events — being the lowest in the past five years.

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Bikers from all over are attracted to southeast Ohio for its challenging but enjoyable terrain and well-maintained roadways.

Clevelander and motorcycle aficionado Dan Davis and his biker buddies tackled a 7,000-mile roundtrip ride to the West Coast and back in 2022. But last year, they opted for an epic road trip closer to home ... and headed to southeast Ohio’s legendary Windy 9.

“The Windy 9 routes are like roller coasters for motorcycles with twists and hills galore,” Davis says. “Many of the roads require your full attention because they’re full of blind hills and tight turns. Having grown up in northwest Ohio, where the roads are flat and straight, riding the Windy 9 feels like being in another state.”

Ohio’s Windy 9, promoted by the Athens County Convention and Visitors Bureau, is a motorcycling destination that encompasses nine routes — nearly 800 miles of winding roads that twist through southeastern Ohio’s hilly Appalachian region. The abundance of curves and the elevation change along the roads make it a hugely popular draw for motorcyclists.

“All of the routes start and end in Athens,” says Amy Spoutz, the bureau's marketing manager. “Riders can start off here, ride, and explore Appalachian Ohio, and end up back in Athens.” Navigating eight counties, riders can choose from routes like the Rim of the World, the Southern Dip, the Black Diamond Run, and the Zaleski Zipper (see next page). The exceedingly popular Triple

Nickel is admiringly compared to North Carolina’s legendary Tail of the Dragon.

Seven years ago, the visitors bureau partnered with Roadrunner magazine to develop the Windy 9 route map (www.windy9.com/routes). The website also includes turn-by-turn directions for the routes as well as roadside attractions, suggested eateries, fuel stations, and places to stay overnight.

“Every time we advertise the map in Roadrunner, we immediately get about 400 requests for information,” says Spoutz, adding that it’s been a strong lure to the Athens area and a boon to local hotels and restaurants, with thousands of riders tackling the routes each year.

The pure fun of riding the routes, plus low traffic and good upkeep of the roads, is what attracts visitors to the Windy 9. “We are packed with riders in the summer,” Spoutz says. “People come from all over. I remember two gentlemen last summer from Nebraska, and one of them said he wished he had put a video camera on his bike when they were riding the Triple Nickel. He said he was like a kid on a roller coaster — he’d holler, then laugh, then holler again.”

Davis, who bought his first motorcycle two decades ago, says, “I’ve owned about a dozen bikes and currently have five. How many motorcycles does one need?

Infinity plus one!”

Windy tidbits

The routes

Nine routes loop throughout the hills of southeast Ohio, and all start and end in the hip college town of Athens. Routes vary in length; some are more challenging than others. A few of note:

• The 87-mile Rim of the World loop. The popular, winding route cruises along State Route 78 through Wayne National Forest to McConnelsville, past the Stockport Mill and the Chesterhill Produce Auction.

• The 101-mile Lazy Rivers route. This one snakes along the Ohio River, where riders pass river locks and dams and hit the biker-friendly town of Pomeroy, which boasts excellent river views.

• The Hocking Hills Nipper, about 92 miles. The Nipper showcases the Hocking Hills region, taking riders past Old Man’s Cave and Ash Cave.

• The Triple Nickel (not recommended for beginners). The most technically challenging of the routes, its 92 miles (184 round trip) are twisty, hilly, and scenic, thrilling riders along OH-555.

Pies and more

Quaint towns, unusual attractions, and delectable diners await riders on the Windy 9. A sampling:

• The Blue Bell Diner in McConnelsville offers breakfasts and a top-notch coffee bar.

• The Triple Nickel Diner in Chesterhill is a great place to stop when riding the Triple Nickel, Davis says. “Did you know it’s okay to have pie for breakfast? No, really!”

• More favorite lunch stops listed by the tourism group: Boathouse BBQ in Marietta, the Restaurant at the Mill in Stockport, Court Grill in Pomeroy, and the Lake Hope Lodge in McArthur.

• A few oddities also dot the routes. The Big Muskie Bucket at Miner’s Memorial Park in McConnelsville is the enormous bucket from the largest dragline excavator ever built; navigate the gravel portion of the Zaleski Zipper, and you’ll come to the Moonville Tunnel, said to be haunted by ghosts of railway workers who wave their lanterns at night; and just across the Ohio River from Gallipolis is the Mothman Museum in Point Pleasant, W.Va., devoted to the legendary 7-foot, red-eyed cryptid.

A ride of their own

The annual Athena Ride for Women is a four-day event based in Athens that offers not only a variety of guided and selfguided routes each day, but also workshops, evening activities, games, and educational sessions on everything from confidence building to riding skills and maintenance.

“It’s a lot of fun, and we get women riders of all ages. Last year, we had 130 women taking part, ranging from age 18 to an 83-year-old who rode a trike (motorcycle) with her husband co-piloting on the back. They even camped overnight,” says Amy Spoutz of the Athens County Convention and Visitors Bureau.

This year’s Athena Ride for Women is scheduled for July 31 to Aug. 3. The event builds a community of women riders and supports My Sister’s Place, a local domestic violence shelter for women.

The Athena Ride for Women draws participants from all over to Athens for a weekend full of motorcycle-related activities.

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Island connection

Ferries get everyone and everything on and off the Lake Erie islands.

Nearly a million people visit the tiny cluster of islands at the western end of Lake Erie each year, and most of them arrive by boat — specifically, on one of three ferry services that tote folks across the water from Port Clinton, Catawba, Sandusky, and Marblehead.

All three — Kelleys Island Ferry, Miller Boat Line, and Jet Express — welcome pets and bicycles. Two, Kelleys and Miller, also take freight: cars, motorcycles, large trucks, construction equipment, and tractor trailers. Once, Kelleys transported an entire circus, including tigers and elephants, across the lake on its boats.

The rates are reasonable — though that cost is definitely a consideration for anyone, say, building a house on the island, according to Eddie Ehrbar, a captain for Kelleys Island Ferry. The cost to transport all the workers, equipment, and materials alone could add as much as $20,000 to the price tag of a new house, compared to what it might cost to build on the mainland.

Ehrbar is one of a half-dozen full-time Kelleys captains, who, along with nine part-timers, keep the service’s five boats running from Marblehead to Kelleys Island nearly year-round. “In season, we’re running a boat every 30 minutes — we just raise the ramp and go,” Ehrbar says. “But in the off-season, we’ll give a couple minutes leeway here or there.”

Of course, the trips are at the captain’s discretion when things get rough. “Most of the guys will run in 6- to 8-foot seas,” he says, noting that most passengers stay dry by entering the cabin or staying inside vehicles when it’s that rough, though some prefer to get wet standing on the deck.

STORY AND PHOTOGRAPHS BY JAMES PROFFITT

The Jet Express is a different animal than the other two. It’s only for people, pets, bicycles — and speed. The Express operates four boats with capacities between 149 and 385 passengers, and each is propelled by diesel water jets situated in catamaran hulls. One of the company’s boats, the Jet Express IV, was formerly owned by a New York City operation (it was named M/V Monmouth at that time) and was involved in the emergency sea lift of thousands after the 9/ 11 terrorist attack.

“[The Jet Express boats] can do what no other boat line in this region can do, and that is to cover a vast distance in a very short amount of time with a large number of people on board,” says Chase Eagleson, marketing manager for the Jet during the 2023 season. “The fastest boat can top out over 40 mph.”

Jet Express services carry a higher price tag, but folks say it’s worth it, especially for a day trip or a quick dinner on the island.

For all three ferry services, business is full throttle from May until autumn — though at times, people there joke that the islands may sink if any more people arrive.

“There comes a point where businesses and infrastructure simply cannot support any more traffic, and we’ve had moments where they said, ‘Hey, you’ve got to stop bringing people over,’” he says. “It’s kind of hard to plan for until you’re there; you just have to play your cards.”

Most of the time, the ferry business is a ho-hum affair. Every now and then, however, something extraordinary happens. In August 2010, for example, when a Cessna airplane carrying a pilot and three passengers hit the water just short of the South Bass Island runway, Miller Boat Line Captain Steve Rose sprang into action, and the resulting rescue video hit newscasts and spread across the internet like wildfire.

“I just thought, ‘We need to get over there and get the people out of the water,’” Rose told reporters after a ceremony honoring Miller employees. “I just want to thank my crew. They really hopped into action. All the training we do really pays off in the end.”

The captains have great views of the lake from the bridges of their ferries.

Passengers on the upper deck of this Miller’s Boat Line ferry are all smiles as they leave Put-in-Bay. Most passengers tend to stay in the ships’ cabins when the waters get rough (right inset). With boats running past 9:30 on summer evenings, there are plenty of opportunities for some spectacular sunset views on the lake (left inset).

State Residents hit Jackpot with ‘Old Vegas’ Casino Rolls

Up for grabs for the next 21 days: Casino Rolls loaded with rarely seen American Eagle Ike Large Dollar Coins just like the old Casino Slots paid out, all coins are decades old and never to be minted again by the U. S . Gov’t

MUCH

NATIONWIDE - “It’s like hitting the jackpot on an old Vegas Slot Machine decades ago” said Mary Ellen Withrow.

That’s because for the next 21 days everyone can get these rarely seen ‘Old Vegas’ Casino Rolls, and only those who beat the 21-day order deadline are getting a free U.S. Gov’t issued Lady Liberty Presidential Dollar Coin.

These full 15 count ‘Old Vegas’ Casino Rolls are filled with historic American Eagle Ike Large Dollar Coins like the ones from 1976 and earlier that were used decades ago in slot machines in the world famous Casinos.

It’s amazing that these ‘Old

Vegas’ Casino Rolls are up for grabs. Just holding one in your hand reminds you of walking down the Vegas Strip in the glory days of Elvis, Dean Martin, Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis Jr., Peter Lawford and Joey Bishop. It just makes you feel good.

“I’ll tell you this, it’s the best gift you could ever give someone. It’s actually the perfect gift for any occasion. Everyone you give one of these ‘Old Vegas’ Casino Rolls to will never forget your generosity and they’ll be the envy of all who see them,” Withrow said.

“We’re bracing for thousands of state residents who will be calling to get these ‘Old

Vegas’ Casino Rolls over the next 21 days. That’s because these rolls are not torn, faded, ripped or beat up. They are in brand-new pristine collector condition. And here’s the best part. These are full 15 count ‘Old Vegas’ Casino Rolls loaded with the same American Eagle Ike Large Dollar Coins like the coins used to fill the world famous casino slot machines decades ago, and there can never be any more so there’s no telling what they could one day be worth ,” Withrow explained.

Today’s callers need to remember this. These are not ordinary rolls of coins you get at a bank or credit union. These ‘Old Vegas’

Casino Rolls contain old American Eagle Ike Large Dollar Coins commemorating the Rat Pack days of the early 1970’s when Las Vegas Casinos were all the rage. These rolls are now being released from the private vaults at the Lincoln Treasury, each with 15 U.S. Gov’t issued American Eagle Ike Large Dollar Coins dating back to 1976 and earlier. We won’t be surprised if thousands of people claim the six roll limit before they’re gone. That’s because after the rolls were sealed with these U.S. Gov’t minted American Eagle Ike Large Dollar Coins, each verified to meet a minimum collector grade quality of very

HOW

ARE THE ‘OLD VEGAS’ CASINO ROLLS WORTH: There’s no way to tell, but at less than $7 per coin you better believe they’re a real steal. That’s because the dates and mint marks of the U.S. Gov’t issued American Eagle Ike Large Dollar Coins are sealed away inside the 15 count ‘Old Vegas’ Casino Rolls. Coin values always fluctuate and there are never any guarantees, but each ‘Old Vegas’ Casino Roll contains American Eagle Ike Large Dollar Coins that are decades old. Any scarce coins, regardless of their value that you may find inside the sealed ‘Old Vegas’ Casino Rolls are yours to keep. One thing that is known is these are the only ‘Old Vegas’ Casino Rolls known to exist and you can only get them by calling 1-888-841-8539 before the deadline ends and using the Promo Code IKE143.

American Eagle Casino Roll Handout: All those who beat the deadline get a free U.S. Government Issued Lady Liberty Presidential Dollar Coin never to be minted again

good or above, the dates and mint marks are unsearched to determine collector values and the rolls are now securely sealed. That means there’s no telling what’s in each roll.

“My advice, get as many as you can, stash them away in a safe place to pass down from generation to generation,” Withrow said.

“Just imagine how much these remaining ‘Old Vegas’ Casino Rolls could be worth someday. The American Eagle Ike Large Dollar Coins alone are decades old and are never to be struck again by the U.S. Gov’t,” Withrow confirmed.

Withrow knows a thing or two about money, she is retired 40th Treasurer of the United States of America and now is the Executive Advisor to the Lincoln Treasury.

All readers of today’s newspaper publication trying to be the first to get the Free Presidential Dollar Coin with every ‘Old Vegas’ Casino Roll just need to call the Hotline at 1-888-841-8539 and give the Promo Code IKE143 beginning at 8:30 am this morning.

The Toll-Free Hotlines are expected to be overwhelmed. That’s why everyone hoping to get their hands on these ‘Old Vegas’ Casino Rolls are being urged to call right away. If lines are busy keep calling. All calls will be answered over the next 21 days.

LIMITED ROLLS AVAILABLE

No more will ever be minted

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A matter

BY CHASE SMOAK; ILLUSTRATIONS BY DAVID CLARK

Tired of losing tomatoes to unwanted garden pests? Worried you’ll need to sacrifice excellent taste for improved yield? Take a deep breath and relax: This year, you can have your tomato and eat it, too. With the help of a few new varieties and field-proven tactics, you’ll be on your way to growing the best tomato crop yet.

If you want to grow delicious, homegrown tomatoes this year, simply focus your attention on these three stages of gardening: planning, preparing, and protecting.

Stage 1: Plan

Planning for a successful tomato harvest starts with choosing the right varieties to grow in your garden.

Many gardeners claim that if you want great flavor, you’ll need to plant heirloom varieties. People selected these landrace tomato plants long ago for traits such as shape, size, and taste, so the claim has a basis. In pursuit of a better-tasting tomato, however, significant factors like resistance to insects and disease resistance were overlooked.

If you’ve grown heirlooms, you know how challenging the process can be. This bittersweet truth has left many gardeners wondering if old-timey taste is a thing of the past. Well, there’s good news. Consumer demand for resilient, flavorful tomatoes has not fallen on deaf ears. Plant breeders have come up with several improved tomato varieties — but with so many options available, how do you make the best choice?

A nonprofit organization called All-America Selections (AAS) may have the answer. The group tests new varieties before they hit the market, and their trial notes will tell you everything you need to know.

How does it work? Professional horticulturists across the country volunteer to grow test plots of new tomato varieties and compare notes on disease resistance, yields, and taste alongside established varieties.

“Our judges rate taste and texture first, then everything else second,” says Diane Blazek, executive director of AllAmerica Selections and the National Garden Bureau. “You can have the most prolific, cute, unique new tomato, but if it doesn’t taste good, nobody wants it.”

Stage 2: Prepare

Proper site selection and planting techniques are vital to tomato gardening success.

Your tomato garden needs access to full sun (6 to 8 hours a day) and should have good drainage. Tomato plants hate wet feet and often succumb to root rot when left in waterlogged soils. They do, however, need regular watering throughout the growing season, so select a spot with easy access to water. Irrigating deeply but infrequently strengthens plants and encourages deep, healthy root systems for hot summer days.

Avoid using a place where tomatoes, potatoes, peppers, eggplant, and other solanaceous crops have been grown within the past three years. Many pests overwinter in the soil adjacent to plants and will terrorize unsuspecting gardeners.

Once you’ve selected the right spot, make sure to test your soil and amend the ground as indicated. Your local extension agent can help you arrange a test and interpret

the results. Tomatoes are nutrient hogs that require a good supply of nutrients from start to finish, so you’ll likely need to fertilize before and during the growing cycle. Adequate moisture is necessary for nutrient uptake. Drip irrigation works well and doesn’t soak leaves, which often leads to disease issues.

And don’t forget to deal with weeds. They are an oftenoverlooked source of tomato pests. After clearing the site of any weeds, spread mulch 3 to 4 inches deep and keep it a palm-width away from the bases of tomato stems.

Tomatoes should be planted after the last frost, according to The Ohio State University’s College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences. In central Ohio, the ideal planting time is around May 20. In the southern part of the state, it’s one to two weeks earlier, and to the north, it’s a week later.

Stage 3: Protect

Like the rising of the sun, pests — insects and diseases — are to be expected in every garden. The good news: They can be controlled or even avoided using integrated pest management (IPM), a commonsense approach to gardening that treads lightly on the environment and minimizes use of garden chemicals.

Heirlooms for Ohio

Here are a few AAS winning tomato varieties to consider growing this season. To find seed suppliers and garden centers that carry these and other AASrecommended varieties, visit www.allamericaselections.org/buy-winners.

Purple Zebra. If you want a tomato that looks just as good as it tastes, search no more. According to AAS, Purple Zebra is a national winner with fruit that is “firm in texture, complex in flavor and has a taste more sweet than acidic.” This variety has high resistance to tomato mosaic virus, verticillium wilt, fusarium wilt, and late blight. Start seeds indoors 4 to 6 weeks

Monitor and identify. Get to know your garden and what lives in it. Talk to your local extension agent for a precise understanding of the insects and diseases to watch out for. Remember that beneficial insects like praying mantis and lady beetles naturally keep damaging insects in check. Don’t resort to pesticides at the first sign of something that flies or crawls.

Make an evaluation. If you do spot harmful pests or damage on tomatoes, evaluate whether real damage is being done to the landscape. They may be annoying, but small pest populations can often be tolerated. Set thresholds to guide your treatment decisions. For example, you may decide there’s little benefit to treating a pest problem if there is less than 10% damage to the plant.

Choose a wise treatment. If treatment is necessary, use the least toxic measure first. Cultural methods such as proper watering, plant spacing, and fertilization can help prevent or reduce the number of pests. Mechanical means are another option that requires the physical removal of pests and can be useful for small populations. For example, hornworms are easily removable by hand-picking, and aphids are often washed away by a good squirt from a water hose.

If these approaches fail, reach out to your local extension agent for advice on pesticides and follow all label directions. Pesticide labels are the law, and many chemicals may be unethical or even illegal to use on fruitbearing plants. Err on the side of caution.

before the last frost for best results. In the garden, space transplants no less than 2 feet apart or, if using containers, select 5-gallon pots with drainage. This variety produces 150 to 200 green-striped, purple tomatoes and requires staking. Most gardeners can begin harvesting tomatoes 80 to 85 days after transplant.

As for disease resistance, this variety has superior tolerance to late blight. Transplants should be spaced at least 2 feet apart in the garden and will benefit from staking.

Celano. Another national winner, Celano, is an early-producing, high-yielding grape-type tomato for your patio or garden. According to AAS trial notes, Celano developed fruit much earlier and produced much longer than comparable varieties. Deepred, oblong tomatoes typically weigh a little over half an ounce and taste sweet.

Early Resilience. Another national winner, Early Resilience, is a fantastic selection for canning enthusiasts. Each plant will produce roughly 25 tomatoes with good-quality flesh and excellent flavor. This variety displays high resistance to blossom-end rot and numerous diseases. From transplant, gardeners can expect to harvest tomatoes after 70 to 115 days. For best results, space each plant at least 2 feet apart. Staking may help but is not required.

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MAY 1, JUN. 5 – Down on the Farm Story Time, Proving Ground Farm, 5670 E. Twp. Rd. 138, Tiffin, 10 a.m. Stories and activities are geared for preschool-age children and focus on farming and nature in a picturesque outdoor setting. Families welcome! 419-447-7073, www.conservesenecacounty.com, or follow Seneca Conservation District on Facebook.

MAY 4–SEP. 15 – NWORRP Museum Summer Hours, Northwest Ohio Railroad Preservation Inc., 12505 Co. Rd. 99, Findlay, Sat./Sun. 1–4 p.m. $3; 12 and under, $2 (includes 1 train ride ticket per admission). Museum tours, quarter-scale train rides, model train displays, games, play area, and more. 419-423-2995, www.nworrp.org, or www.facebook.com/nworrp.

MAY 16–19 – The Findlay Show: Armed Forces Day Celebration, Hancock Co. Fgds., 1017 E. Sandusky St., Findlay. $10; ages 6–17, $5; under 6 free. Reenactments, living history displays, American Huey 369 and UH-1B Gunship 049, military vehicles, and more. www. findlaymilitaryshow.org.

MAY 17–19 – Settlers’ Encampment, AuGlaize Village, 12296 Krouse Rd., Defiance. Step back in time to 1750–1815 and see how settlers survived. Demonstrations and instructions on topics ranging from plant dyeing and

WEST VIRGINIA

food preparation to the fur trade and weapons of that era. Friday is School Day. 419-990-0107; villageauglaize@ gmail.com or ravensroost@metalink.net (Cheryl Daniel); or www.auglaizevillage.com.

MAY 18–19 – Family Fun Weekend: “End of the School Year,” Northwest Ohio Railroad Preservation Inc., 12505 Co. Rd. 99, Findlay, 1–4 p.m. $5. Games, quarter-scale train rides, bounce house, and other family-friendly activities and events. 419-423-2995, www.nworrp.org, or www.facebook.com/nworrp.

MAY 18 – West Liberty Fire Sales, downtown West Liberty. Relive history and find unique treasures at West Liberty’s village-wide garage sale! Commemorate the “Day of the Fire,” May 13, 1880, and explore the charming shops from a bygone era. www.mywestliberty.com.

MAY 19 – 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 23 – Fourth Thursdays Salute to Service, downtown Lakeview. Welcome in the summer season and pay homage to the USA, the “Home of the Free Because of the Brave”! Enjoy food trucks and live music while you stroll the downtown streets collecting stamps on your shopping passport. www.facebook.com/ downtownlakeviewohio.

MAY 25–26 – Findlay Flea Market, Hancock Co. Fgds., 1017 E. Sandusky St., Findlay, Sat. 9 a.m.–4 p.m., Sun. 9 a.m.–3 p.m. Free admission. Variety of merchandise: new, used, vintage items, crafts, and more. Vendors welcome! Contact Christine at 419-619-0041 or findlayfleamarket@ gmail.com for more information.

MAY 27 – Memorial Day Service, Perry’s Victory and International Peace Memorial, 93 Delaware Ave., Put-inBay, 11 a.m.–12 p.m. Free. 419-285-2184 or www.nps.gov/ pevi/index.htm.

JUN. 1 – Findlay Craft Beer Fest and Wine Tasting, Northwest Ohio Railroad Preservation Inc., 12505 Co.

MAY 18 – John Randolph Spring Arts Kick Off, Fort New Salem, 81 Settlers Lane, Salem, 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Features live demonstrations by various artisans. 304-695-2220, director@fortnewsalemfoundation.org, or www.fortnewsalemfoundation.org.

MAY 18 – Taste of Parkersburg, corner of 3rd and Market Sts., Parkersburg, 6–11 p.m. Food, wine, beer, and live music. 304-865-0522 or www.downtownpkb.com.

Rd. 99, Findlay, 5–8 p.m. (VIP early admission at 4 p.m.). Must be 21+. Sample offerings from several local craft breweries and a local winery; enjoy refreshments and entertainment. In case of rain, the event will be held in the train barn. 419-423-2995, www.nworrp.org, or www.facebook.com/nworrp.

JUN. 6 – Defiance Community Band: Park Concert, Kingsbury Park, 102 Auglaize St., Defiance, 7:30 p.m. Free. Bring lawn chair. Contact Erin Redick at defiancecommunityband@gmail.com.

JUN. 7 – First Fridays Pineapple Palooza, downtown Bellefontaine. Zipline down Main Street, bounce in our inflatables, shop the vendor fair, and fill your belly at the dozen-plus food trucks. Don’t forget a selfie with the giant pineapple! www.firstfridaysbellefontaine.com.

JUN. 8 – Fleurette Garden Club Flower Show and Plant Sale, 600 N. Main St., Bellefontaine. Plant sale 9 a.m.–3 p.m. Silent auction of selected container plants. Flower show 11:30 a.m.–3 p.m.; judging begins at 12 p.m. To receive a show schedule and entry information, send request to fleurettesgc@gmail.com. Entries to show must be completed by Jun. 1

JUN. 8–9 – Antique Tractor Show/Pulls, Flea Market, and Fiber Show, AuGlaize Village, 12296 Krouse Rd., Defiance. 419-990-0107 or www.auglaizevillage.com. Antique tractor pulls Sat. 10 a.m.–3 p.m.; small hitch fee. Trophies and prize money awarded. Participants and vendors contact us through Facebook Messenger or email at villageauglaize@gmail.com or rgoyings@live.com (Randy Goyings). Fiber Show: We will be demonstrating period spinning, weaving, sewing, and quilting on various types of fiber equipment from various eras. Participants and vendors contact us at villageauglaize.com or loriekonopka@yahoo.com (Lorie Konopka).

JUN. 15 – Summer Garden Tour, West Liberty. Come explore the town’s gorgeous and secret gardens. Bask in the beauty of nature, breathe in the fresh air, and escape from reality! www.mywestliberty.com.

JUN. 7–9 – Fostoria Glass Society of America Glass Show and Sale, Moundsville Ctr. Bldg., 901 8th St., Moundsville, Sat. 11 a.m.–4 p.m., Sun. 10 a.m.–2 p.m. $8. Held in the historic West Virginia State Penitentiary. Auction Sat. 5 p.m., flea market Sun. 7 a.m.–noon. 304-845-9188 or www.fostoriaglass.org.

2024 CALENDAR MAY/JUNE

CENTRAL

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

MAY 3, JUN. 7 – First Friday Art Walk, downtown Zanesville, 5–8 p.m. Come downtown on the first Friday of each month, when all our participating galleries, studios, and small businesses are open at the same time! Visit the Artist Colony of Zanesville’s website for a map of current participants: https://artcoz.org/arts-district-map.

MAY 4–OCT. 26 – Coshocton Farmers Market, 22442 Co. Rd. 1A, Coshocton, Sat. 8:30 a.m.–noon. Fresh, locally grown, in-season produce; baked goods; and handmade artisan crafts. For the most up-to-date information about vendors who will be attending the market, visit www. facebook.com/coshoctonfarmersmarket or email market. manager@coshfarmmarket.org.

SOUTHWEST

THROUGH JUN. 26 – Bluegrass Wednesdays, Vinoklet Winery, 11069 Colerain Ave., Cincinnati, Wed. 6:30–8:30 p.m. Enjoy dinner, wine, and an evening of free entertainment by Vernon McIntyre’s Appalachian Grass. Reservations recommended. 513-385-9309, vinokletwinery@fuse.net, or www.vinokletwines.com.

MAY 11 – Strong Beer Fest, Liberty Home German Society, 2361 Hamilton Cleves Rd., Hamilton, 2–10 p.m. Gerhard Albinus, 2–6 p.m.; Polka Cola, 6–10 p.m. https:// libertyhome.net or follow Liberty Home Association on Facebook.

MAY 17, JUN. 21 – Bluegrass Night, Fibonacci Brewing Company, 1445 Compton Rd., Cincinnati, 7–9 p.m. Free. Enjoy lively bluegrass music by Vernon McIntyre’s Appalachian Grass, a wide variety of craft beers at the Beer Garden, and food truck eats. 513-832-1422 or http://fibbrew.com.

MAY 9, JUN. 13 – Inventors Network Meetings, Rusty Bucket, 3901 Britton Parkway, Hilliard, 43026 (614-7775868, MyRustyBucket.com), 7 p.m. Informal meetings for networking and invention-related discussion. 614-470-0144 or www.inventorscolumbus.com.

MAY 11 – Sunbury Farmers Market Vendors and Food Truck Meet-N-Greet, Sunbury Community Library, 44 Burrer Dr., Sunbury, 10 a.m.–noon. Sign-up day. Refreshments served. 740-513-9192 or sunburyohiofarmersmarket@gmail.com.

MAY 17 – AHA Waffles Saturday Breakfast, Union County Airport (KMRT), 760 Clymer Rd., Marysville, 8 a.m.–12 p.m. Free admission. Fly or drive on over for a breakfast featuring AHA Waffles specials: waffles, home fries, breakfast sandwiches, and more! The airport has a covered outdoor eating area and capacity for up to 50 planes at a time to park on the ramp. Local aviation groups will also be supporting the event. www.unioncountyohio.gov/departments/AirportAuthority/airport_meeting_schedule.

MAY 18 – Art on the Canal Art Stroll, Historic Downtown Canal Winchester, noon–6 p.m. The downtown will come alive with music, dancing, exhibits, and performances, along with a variety of exquisite works of art and fine crafts from central Ohio artists. As you stroll the sidewalks of our quaint city, stop and enjoy some local food, drinks, and shopping, as well as Robert Warren’s Art Studio. 614-270-5053 or www.destinationcw.org.

MAY 19 – Martinsburg Activity Center Motorcycle, Truck, and Car Show, 422 W. Liberty St., Martinsburg. Registration 8 a.m.–12 p.m. ($10 fee); awards 2 p.m. 50/50, door prizes, raffle prizes, 50 trophy giveaways, 100 dash plaques, DJ Eddie Powell. Breakfast sandwiches and lunch available for purchase. 740-398-0907

MAY 25–26 – Asian Festival, Franklin Park, 1755 E. Broad St., Columbus. Free. A celebration of Asian culture, including dance, music, martial arts, food, and much more. http://asian-festival.org.

MAY 25–SEP. 28 – Sunbury Farmers Market, 36 Cherry St., on the Square of Sunbury, 9 a.m.–1 p.m. Offering local products — handmade, homemade, or homegrown. Vendors welcome. 740-513-9192 or sunburyohiofarmersmarket@gmail.com.

MAY 27 – Memorial Day Celebration, Veterans Memorial Park, 95 Landis St., Lockbourne. Parade starts at noon, followed by a service featuring the Rickenbacker 121st Air Refueling Wing. For more information, call the Municipal Offices at 614-491-3161 or visit www.lockbourneohio.us

JUN. 2 – Summer Avant-Garde Art and Craft Show, Makoy Event Ctr., 5462 Center St., Hilliard, 10 a.m.–4 p.m. $3, under 12 free. www.avantgardeshows.com.

JUN. 6–8 – Hot Air Balloon Festival, Coshocton Co. Fgds., 707 Kenilworth Ave., Coshocton. Balloon launches at dawn and dusk, night glow, food vendors, kiddie rides, craft booths, fireworks, and more. www. coshoctonhotairballoonfestival.com.

JUN. 13–15 – Eastern National Expo XII, Fairfield Co. Fgds., 157 E. Fair Ave., Lancaster, 8 a.m.–5 p.m. Featuring John Deere tractors and equipment. www. ohiotwocylinderclub.org.

MAY 24–26 – Coshocton Flint Festival/Flint Ridge Knap-In, Coshocton Co. Fgds., 724 S. 7th St., Coshocton, 9 a.m.–5 p.m. The ancient art of chipping arrowheads; other native crafts; gems; handmade items; family fun and entertainment! Contact: 330-473-7041 or 419-632-1274

MAY 25–26 – Celtic Heritage Festival, Johnston Farm and Indian Agency, 9845 N. Hardin Rd., Piqua. 937-7732522 or www.johnstonfarmohio.com.

MAY 26 – White Water Shaker Village Tour, 11813 Oxford Rd., Harrison, 2–5 p.m. Free. Established in 1823, White Water is one of the 24 Shaker communal villages founded in the United States. Learn about the daily life of a Shaker; discover the styles of businesses they conducted; and check out our collections of Shaker goods. Explore the property to see the stable, barns, and historic outbuildings of this 200-year-old village.  www.whitewatervillage.org.

MAY 30–JUN. 1 – Milford Frontier Days, Riverside Park, 425 Victor Stier Dr., Milford. Kickoff parade, live music, food, kids’ activities, Youth Makers Market, and family fun. 513-831-2411 or www.frontierdaysmilford.com.

MAY 31 – Vernon McIntyre’s Appalachian Grass, May Fest, Alms Park Pavilion, 710 Tusculum Ave., Cincinnati, 6–9 p.m. Free. Enjoy an evening of lively bluegrass music with lightning-fast instrumentals, close harmonies, and entertaining novelty songs. Spectacular view of the Ohio River, children’s playground nearby, food trucks, and more! Bring a lawn chair. www.fotmc.com.

JUN. 1 – Biergarten Band Night, Liberty Home German Society, 2361 Hamilton Cleves Rd., Hamilton, 5–10 p.m. M*A*M*B (Middle Aged Man Band), 6–10 p.m. https:// libertyhome.net or follow Liberty Home Association on Facebook.

JUN. 13–15 – Washboard Music Festival, downtown Logan. Free. Ohio’s most unique music and arts festival, celebrating the old-fashioned washboard as a musical instrument. 740-277-1806, washboardfestival@gmail. com, or www.washboardmusicfestival.com.

JUN. 1–2 – Troy Strawberry Festival, downtown Troy, Sat. 10 a.m.–9 p.m., Sun. 10 a.m.–6 p.m. This premier festival features strawberry cuisine along with a wide variety of foods offered by area nonprofits, arts and crafts, games, competitions, and much more. 937-3397714 or www.gostrawberries.com.

JUN. 8 – Canal Music Fest, Tipp City Park, 35 Park Ave., Tipp City, gates open at 5 p.m. Free family-friendly concert featuring Draw the Line, an Aerosmith tribute band, and Michael Williams, a Middletown musician and contestant on The Voice and American Idol. Bring your chairs or blankets. No coolers! 937-543-5115 or www.canalmusicfest.com.

JUN. 8 – “Fascinating Fossils,” Wagers’ Memorial Park (Devil’s Backbone), 1301 OH-725 W., Camden, 11 a.m. Free adult program presented by naturalists Doug and Ann Horvath. Registration required. 937-962-5561, pcpdevents@gmail.com, or www. preblecountyparks.org.

JUN. 8–9 – “Whaur Aur Ye Frae,” Johnston Farm and Indian Agency, 9845 N. Hardin Rd., Piqua. Immerse yourself in John Johnston’s Ulter Scots heritage through tales and music. 937-773-2522 or www. johnstonfarmohio.com.

JUN. 14 – Vernon McIntyre’s Appalachian Grass, Butler County Bluegrass Association, Collinsville Community Center, 5113 Huston Rd., Collinsville, 7–9 p.m. Free. Enjoy an evening of lively bluegrass music. Good, reasonably priced home-style food available on-site. 937-417-8488

SOUTHEAST

THROUGH NOV. 2 – Athens Farmers Market, Athens Community Center, 701 E. State St., Athens, Wed. 9 a.m.–noon. Open year-round Sat. 9 a.m.–noon. Voted Ohio’s #1 favorite farmers market! 740-593-6763 or www. athensfarmersmarket.org.

MAY 4–19 – Heirloom Plant Sale, Adena Mansion and Gardens, 847 Adena Rd., Chillicothe, Wed.–Sat. 9 a.m.–5 p.m., Sun. 12–5 p.m. The annual sale focuses on plant varieties raised and passed on before the advent of industrial farming, with many going back at least as far as Thomas Worthington’s time. www.adenamansion.com.

MAY 11–12 – Gus Macker Returns, downtown Chillicothe. Gus Macker 3on3 Basketball celebrates its 50th year and returns to the downtown streets. All ages and skill levels can participate. Cost: $180. www.macker. com/local/chillicothe-oh.

MAY 17 – The Best of Bon Jovi and Journey, featuring Don Jovi’s Journey, Majestic Theatre, 45 E. Second St., Chillicothe, 7:30 p.m. $39–$69. Covering the hits of two of the most popular American rock bands in history, the

NORTHEAST

MAY 18 – World Bee Day Fun Day, Cuyahoga Co. Fgds., Bee Barn, 19201 E. Bagley Rd., Middleburg Heights, 10 a.m.–4 p.m. World Bee Day celebration raises awareness of the essential role bees and other pollinators play in keeping people and the planet healthy, and of the many challenges they face today. https:// loraincountybeekeepers.org or follow us on Facebook.

MAY 24–AUG. 3 – Woodcarver’s Exhibit, McCook House Museum, 15 S. Lisbon St., Carrollton, Fri./Sat. 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Exhibit included in museum admission: $3; ages 5–12, $2. Co-organizers of the event are master carvers Ken Grigsby and Keith Shumaker. For further information, call 330-437-9715 or 330-627-3345

MAY 25–26 – Great Lakes Fiber Show, Wayne Co. Fgds., 199 Vancouver St., Wooster. Free. Competitions, fleece show and sale, children’s activities, workshops ($45–$80), fibers, supplies, handcrafted goods, and more. Food available for purchase. www.greatlakesfibershow.com.

MAY 30–AUG. 1 – Fort Steuben Summer Concert Series, Fort Steuben Park, 120 S. 3rd St., Steubenville, Thur. 7–9 p.m. Bring a blanket and picnic basket and enjoy a free concert at this site overlooking the Ohio River. 740-2831787 or www.oldfortsteuben.com.

group has established itself as one of the premier party bands. www.majesticchillicothe.net.

MAY 24–26 – Bash for Cash, Ross Co. Fgds., 344 Fairgrounds Rd., Chillicothe. Smash It Demolition Derby raises the bar in the demolition derby industry and presents a huge weekend of entertainment. www.smashitderby.com/bash-for-cash.

MAY 24–26 – Feast of the Flowering Moon, Yoctangee Park, Enderlin Circle, Chillicothe, 10 a.m.–10 p.m. Free. Family-friendly entertainment featuring Native American music, dancing, a wide assortment of vendors, a Mountain Men Encampment, and much more! www.feastofthefloweringmoon.org.

MAY 25–26 – Pre-1840 Rendezvous, Canter’s Cave 4-H Camp, 1362 Caves Rd., Jackson, Sat. 9 a.m.–5 p.m., Sun. 9 a.m.–noon. Free and open to the public. Participants in period dress will be portraying life in the periods of 1700–1840. Camping fee for participants: $15 members, $20 non-members. For additional information, call 740-773-3891

MAY 31–JUN. 2 – ELEVATE: A Wellness Event, McConnelsville. Healing arts, wellness education, holistic nutrition, health, fitness, and more. Healers, practitioners, and experts will be offering private and group sessions as well as free presentations. Bring a friend, participate in the wellness offerings, and enjoy the local community arts, entertainment, food, and drink. www.facebook.com/ events/1327419717942503

MAY 31–JUN. 2 – Southern Ohio Farm Power of the Past Antique Tractor and Machinery Show, Pike Co. Fgds., Piketon. Hosting IH Chapter 6 state show. Featuring Farmall tractors and equipment. Vintage tractors and farm equipment demos, hit and miss engines, working sawmill, truck and tractor pulls Sat. 7 p.m., car show Sunday, flea market/craft items, food,

MAY 31 – Alla Boara: “Italian Folk Songs,” John Streeter Garden Amphitheater, 2122 Williams Rd., Wooster, 6:30 p.m. Free, but registration recommended. The Clevelandbased ensemble reimagines Italian folk songs by adding elements of modern jazz and world music. In the event of rain, the concert will be held at Fisher Auditorium, 1680 Madison Ave. Register at www.ormaco.org or by calling 419-853-6016

MAY 29 – Bike Week Dice Run, Kelleys Island. Participants will experience an exciting tour of the island while completing a scavenger hunt and collecting dice rolls at a variety of local businesses. 419-746-2360 or www.kelleysislandchamber.com.

JUN. 1 – Jazz Under the Stars: The Dan Zola Orchestra, Uptown Park, 79–89 Public Square, Medina, 7–9 p.m. Free. Musical director Eric Dregne will lead this highenergy group in an evening of big band favorites. In the event of rain, the concert will be held at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 317 E. Liberty St. 419-853-6016

JUN. 1 – LCBA Annual Beekeeping Field Day, Queen Right Colonies, 43655 St. Rte. 162, Spencer, 9 a.m.–3 p.m. Beekeeping industry leaders Randy Oliver and Ray Olivarez will be the featured speakers. Peer beekeeping sessions, food, fun, raffles, door prizes. https:// loraincountybeekeepers.org or follow us on Facebook.

JUN. 1–2 – Ohio Valley Frontier Days, Historic Fort Steuben, 120 S. 3rd St., Steubenville. $6; ages 6–12, $3; under 6 free. Annual festival featuring soldier, settler, surveyor, and artisan reenactors, re-creating life on the Ohio frontier; crafts, games, food, and entertainment. 740-283-1787 or www.oldfortsteuben.com.

JUN. 2 – Cleveland Comic Book and Nostalgia Festival, Doubletree by Hilton Cleveland/Westlake, 1100 Crocker Rd., Westlake, 10 a.m.–4 p.m. $5; 6 and under free. Comic and toy vendors, guest comic creators, hourly prizes. 330-462-3985, jeff@harpercomics.com, or www. harpercomics.com.

kids’ activities. Contact Steve Dean, pres., at 740-289-4124

JUN. 1 – “Base Ball”: Adena Worthingtons vs. The Ohio Village Muffins, Adena Mansion & Gardens, 847 Adena Rd., Chillicothe, 2 p.m. Free. Doubleheader exhibition of vintage baseball played by 19th-century rules. www.adenamansion.com.

JUN. 1 – Chillicothe BrewFest, North Paint Street, Chillicothe, 1:30–7 p.m. $20–$50. Sample beer from area breweries and listen to live local music. This year the event will partner with Fifty West Brewing Company and Race Penguin for the Chillicothe Half Marathon and 5K. www.downtownchillicothe.com.

JUN. 1 – Metahqua 24 Trail Races, Metahqua Nature Preserve, 3663 Walnut Creek Rd., Chillicothe, 9 a.m. $35–$320. Beautiful 2-mile trail with race options: 2-mile, 24-hour solo race, and 24-hour 4-person relay race. https://visitchillicotheohio.com/event/metahqua-24

JUN. 6–8 – Southern Ohio Forest Rally, Yoctangee Park and other locations. Free. www. southernohioforestrally.com.

JUN. 8 – Chillicothe Jazz, Funk, and Blues Concert, Majestic Theatre, 45 E. Second St., Chillicothe, 6 p.m. $40. Five bands performing include Yoctangee Fire, YOLO Band, Thump Daddy Funk Band, Urban Jazz Coalition, and Hitman Blues Band. Proceeds benefit two local nonprofits. www.majesticchillicothe.net.

JUN. 14–15 – Art Festival, Historic Village Square, 419 West St., Caldwell. Free. Arts and crafts for sale Fri. 6–8 p.m., Sat. 8 a.m.–5 p.m. Cruise-in and Marquis 66 band (60s music) Fri. 6–8 p.m., Laura Cramblett (dulcimer) on Saturday. 740-732-5288 or director@ visitnoblecountyohio.com.

JUN. 7 – First Fridays on Fourth, 155 N. 4th St., Steubenville, 6–10 p.m. Free. Monthly themed celebration featuring art, crafts, games, food trucks, live entertainment, and activities to stimulate the imagination. www. theharmoniumproject.org/first-Fridays.

JUN. 8 – Secrest Garden Fair, Secrest Arboretum, 2122 Williams Rd., Wooster, 9 a.m.–4 p.m. Free. Over 50 arts and crafts vendors, food trucks, crafts for kids, gardenthemed workshops, and tours of the arboretum.  www.friendsofsecrest.com.

JUN. 8 – Burton Antiques Festival, Geauga Co. Fgds., 14373 Cheshire St., Burton, early buyers 8–10 a.m., $25; general admission 10 a.m.–1 p.m., $10; 1–4 p.m., $5. Antique, vintage, and midcentury furniture will be offered along with vintage jewelry, primitives, stoneware, postcards, and much more. You buy it, we load it for you! Contact Kay Puchstein at 740-998-5300 or puchs2@yahoo.com for more info or visit www. burtonantiquesmarket.com.

JUN. 9 – Hichem Ferrah, Guitar: “Algerian-Inspired Music,” Wadsworth Public Library, 132 Broad Street, Wadsworth, 2–3 p.m. Free, but reservations recommended. Register at www.ormaco.org or by calling 419-853-6016. Seating is on a first-come, firstserved basis.

JUN. 12–14 – Holy Trinity Greek Food Festival, Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, 300 S. 4th St., Steubenville, 11 a.m.–9 p.m. Music, tours of the church, outdoor dining, and takeout. 740-282-7770 or https://holytrinitygreekfest.com.

JUN. 14–15 – Simply Slavic Festival, Federal Plaza East, downtown Youngstown, Fri. 5–11 p.m., Sat. noon to midnight. $5; 12 and under free. Live music, folk dance performances, homemade food, children’s learning areas, educational exhibits, and ethnic vendors. www. simplyslavic.org.

Mom at

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4

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her best 3

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1 Such delight on the face of my mom, Alice, when celebrating 87 years of life!

Sandra Troester, Buckeye Rural Electric Cooperative member

2 Joan Rench, my mom — a rose amongst the tulips.

Beverly Rench, Darke Rural Electric Cooperative member

3 Shafer and Theo Fronckowiak listen to their bedtime story read by Grammie Bobby Bender.

Bobby Bender, Pioneer Electric Cooperative member

4 My mother, Gladys Kill, watering her flowers beside the pear tree. Karen Pugh, Paulding Putnam Electric Cooperative member

5 Blessed to celebrate my mom’s 88th birthday in September and looking forward to Mother’s Day.

Tonya Bess, South Central Power Company member

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6 My mom, Deanna Phillips, doing what she’s always done best: rocking babies. She is a mom of eight, grandma to 27, and great-grandma to 41. Here she’s rocking her 37th greatgrandchild (and my fourth grandchild), Maeve Elizabeth Brown. Elizabeth McDougle, North Central Electric Cooperative member

For August, send “Diving board” by May 15. For September, send “Four (or more) generations” by June 15.

Upload your photos at www.ohiocoopliving.com/ memberinteractive. Your photo may be featured in our magazine or on our website.

Right TREE, right PLACE

to locate underground electric or other utility lines. This is a free service and it’s the law!

Before you buy a tree, look up and around. See any power lines? That’s your cue to plant far away — use the chart below as a guide.

SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS

Avoid planting shrubs and flowers around green transformer boxes and electric meters. Your co-op needs access for meters, and it’s safer to keep the space clear.

Small-tree zone: Less than 25 feet in height and spread; at least 25 feet from lines.

Medium-tree zone: 25-40 feet in height and spread; at least 40 feet from lines.

Large-tree zone: Larger than 40 feet in height and spread; at least 60 feet from lines.