Ohio Cooperative Living - September 2021 - North Western

OHIO

SEPTEMBER 2021

COOPERATIVE North Western Electric Cooperative

Superfan ALSO INSIDE Making coal cleaner Ohio remembers 9/11 With a name like …

(and more)

Reliable Energy

Looks Like This

Coal-based power plants, such as our Cardinal Plant, are a core component of reliable power generation resources in Ohio. Our power generation teams are dedicated to keeping the lights on, year-round.

ohioec.org/generation-resources

OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • SEPTEMBER 2021

INSIDE FEATURES 26 SUPERFAN Buckeyeman Larry Lokai is equally well known as a Buckeye fan and as a stalwart of Ohio agriculture.

30 WITH A NAME LIKE ...

Celebrate 100 years of Smucker’s with a trip to the J.M. Smucker Co. store and café.

34 THE DAY THAT CHANGED THE NATION Memorials throughout the state recall the horror and honor the heroism of Sept. 11, 2001.

Cover image on most editions: Larry Lokai gets ready for his 24th year as Ohio State’s superfan, Buckeyeman. But his renown goes well beyond handing out buckeyes (photo courtesy Michael Birt, MB Images).

This page: FDNY’s Ladder 18 is part of Motts Military Museum’s collection of 9/11 artifacts, which is the second-largest such collection in the nation — though most of the other items are in storage until funds can be raised to construct buildings to display them (photo by Damaine Vonada).

SEPTEMBER 2021 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING 1

UP FRONT

Cardinal rule P

roducing electricity for the benefit of the communities we serve requires a continual balancing act among cost, reliability, and environmental impact. We take those oftencompeting objectives into account as we make decisions and take action.

As you’ll read in our continuing series on power generation on page 4, your primary source of electricity — our Cardinal Power Plant — endures as one of the cleanest facilities of its kind. It’s the result of sustained investment in a plant that helps keep our power supply both reliable and affordable. The benefits that Cardinal brings to cooperative consumer-members has justified the $1.2 billion in eco-friendly investments we’ve made over the years to reduce the plant’s environmental footprint.

Electric cooperatives’ decisions regarding the best way to meet your needs for electricity supply are tempered by thoughtful consideration of our responsibility to the nearly 1 million Ohioans whose lives and livelihoods depend upon both a healthy environment and the provision of affordable, reliable electricity. It’s a charge that we don’t take lightly.

In fact, power generation is a 24/7/365 exercise that requires us to dependably adjust our output to meet your needs — regardless of the weather, the time of day, or other conditions affecting supply and demand.

Most of all, it takes a steadfast commitment to serve the best interests of our consumer-members.

Remember that September Looking back, we remember — as if we could forget — and honor the victims and families of that unimaginable day 20 years ago that forever changed our country and the world.

The term “9/11” will be with us for generations, as we continue to observe the day and learn from the tragedy. We honor the memory of Sept. 11, 2001, in our story on page 34 and in our Member Interactive feature on page 44. Never forget.

2 OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • SEPTEMBER 2021

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

The term “9/11” will be with us for generations, as we continue to observe the day and learn from the tragedy.

SEPTEMBER 2021 • Volume 63, No. 12

Ohio Rural Electric Cooperatives

4

6677 Busch Blvd.

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

DEPARTMENTS

Patrick O’Loughlin President & CEO

Patrick Higgins Director of Communications

Jeff McCallister Managing Editor

Rebecca Seum Associate Editor

Anita Cook Graphic Designer

Contributors: Michael Birt, Jodi Borger, Colleen Romick Clark, Getty Images, Hunter Graffice, W.H. “Chip” Gross, Vicki Johnson, Catherine Murray, Damaine Vonada, and Margie Wuebker.

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

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

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

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

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

4 POWER LINES

Cleaner coal: Your co-op’s years of investment lighten Cardinal Plant’s environmental footprint.

8 Fresh face: A well-known food blogger

8

is excited to serve at the Farm Science Review cooking demonstration.

10 WOODS, WATERS, AND WILDLIFE

Disappearing act: Outdoors Editor Chip Gross looks into the mystery of the vanishing grouse.

10

14 CO-OP PEOPLE

Crushing it: Midwest Electric members make some dough with an innovative method of processing grain.

17 GOOD EATS

Coffee cuisine: Give your taste buds a jolt by adding java to the job.

14

21 LOCAL PAGES News and information from your electric cooperative.

41 CALENDAR

What’s happening: September/ October events and other things to do around Ohio.

For all advertising inquiries, contact

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

17

44 MEMBER INTERACTIVE

Remembering 9/11: That fateful day

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

in 2001 sparks reflection from electric cooperative members.

Alliance for Audited Media Member

44

Ohio’s Electric Cooperatives is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

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.

SEPTEMBER 2021 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING 3

POWER LINES

CLEANER COAL Your co-op’s investment lightens Cardinal Plant’s environmental footprint.

BY JODI BORGER

Y

ears ago, if you drove past Cardinal Power Plant, you likely saw a gray cloud emerging from the towers — that color was caused by fly ash and a few other various byproducts of burning coal.

Today, the billowing cloud is pure white and nearly all water vapor. It’s a clearly visible indicator of the investments Buckeye Power has made in emissions control equipment, making Cardinal Power Plant one of the cleanest power plants of its kind in the world.

Located along the Ohio River in Brilliant, Ohio, Cardinal is Buckeye Power’s baseload source for power generation, meaning it supplies Ohio’s 25 electric cooperatives with

electricity 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. It’s also a main economic driver in the region, providing more than 300 jobs.

The coal-fired plant consists of three units: one owned by AEP and two owned by Buckeye Power. All are managed by Buckeye Power.

Good stewards Becoming a clean plant didn’t happen overnight, but Buckeye Power, Cardinal, and Ohio’s Electric Cooperatives are dedicated to providing affordable electricity that’s as environmentally responsible as possible. Years of investment, monitoring, and adapting to changing regulations and requirements brought Cardinal to where it is today and ensures that it can produce electricity for years to come.

Coal-fired steam generator

Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) system

SO3 mitigation system

NOx removed

Low-NOx burners

Electrostatic precipitator Ammonia gas injection SO3 removed

Pulverized coal

Fly ash removed

This illustration is conceptual.

Relationships — in size and volume — may not be accurately portrayed.

4 OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • SEPTEMBER 2021

Ammonia production system

“We want this plant to survive, and we want it to remain one of the cleanest power plants in the world,” says Bethany Schunn, Cardinal Operating Company’s plant manager. “We believe we play an important role in keeping the grid reliable and electricity affordable.”

“We want this plant to survive, and we want it to remain one of the cleanest power plants in the world,” says Bethany Schunn, Cardinal Operating Company’s plant manager. “We believe we play an important role in keeping the grid reliable and electricity affordable.”

The environmental affairs department at OEC constantly monitors and reports data to ensure that the plant complies with or even exceeds environmental standards and regulations. “We work individually and with other utilities, along with Ohio EPA, to find common-sense compliance approaches that protect the environment and are in the best interests of our members,” says Caitlin Schiebel, OEC’s director of environmental affairs.

Cooling water vapor plume Flue gas water vapor plume

Reducing emissions One of the first controls to be implemented on all three units at Cardinal was electrostatic precipitators, which remove the fly ash from the exhaust gas stream. Fly ash from burning coal now passes through electrically charged plates, which pull the ash particles out of the stream. When the plates are full, the fly ash is moved to a hopper at the bottom of the plate.

The process removes more than 99% of the fly ash particles produced by burning coal.

Flue Gas Desulfurization (FGD) absorber

Catalyst layers

SO2 removed

Continual Emissions Monitoring System

Induced draft fan Air heater

Limestone Slurry

Cooling tower Gypsum

SEPTEMBER 2021 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING 5

In the early 2000s, Buckeye Power and AEP added equipment that works much the same way in which an automobile’s catalytic converter removes nitrogen oxide (NOx) from engine exhaust — thereby reducing Cardinal’s NOx emissions by about 90%.

Around 2010, Cardinal began attacking another coal-burning byproduct, sulfur dioxide (SO2), which contributed to acid rain. Known as scrubbers, the system is actually a large tank containing a mixture of limestone and water, and it removes over 98% of SO2 from the plant’s emissions. The process to remove SO2 is like blowing bubbles through a straw. The gases are sent to the bottom of the limestone slurry, and as it bubbles up, the calcium in the limestone reacts with the SO2 to form water and gypsum, which is recycled and sold to wallboard companies.

“With that process, not only do we eliminate nearly all sulfur dioxide from our emissions,” Schunn says, “but we can make a little money by selling the gypsum and avoid disposing of it in our landfill.”

Mission control Gas emissions are continuously monitored by an automated mission control system, which helps ensure compliance with clean air requirements for SO2, NOx, and carbon dioxide emissions.

“We have systems in place that measure air emissions 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and we complete daily and weekly inspections of Cardinal’s facilities,” Schiebel says. “We submit reports on a monthly, quarterly, and annual basis that certify our compliance with regulations.”

Depending on the political landscape, environmental regulations continue to get stricter, and at the same time,

technology continues to improve — which combine to constantly set new benchmarks for Buckeye Power to reach. Regardless, plant operators stay transparent.

“It doesn’t matter if it’s a small thing or a big environmental issue — we make sure to list everything that happens here,” says Schunn. “We share those events each month to help make ourselves even better.”

Cost of doing business Ohio electric cooperatives have invested more than $1 billion of their members’ money over the past 20 years in systems that minimize Cardinal Plant’s environmental impact.

The cooperatives collaborated in the 1960s to build the plant to provide electricity to their members and have made constant, consistent investments in the years since to ensure that Cardinal can reliably provide that power in an environmentally responsible way.

“It’s extremely important for the co-ops to make sure that their members’ investment isn’t wasted,” says Pat O’Loughlin, CEO of Ohio’s Electric Cooperatives.

“That’s why we need to make sure we do everything we can to keep our largest and most valuable asset doing its job until that investment is paid in full.”

Buckeye Power has been working to pay down the debt more quickly in recent years so that it can invest in other power sources — including renewables — as they become cost-effective.

SO2, NOx emissions trend from Cardinal Plant During the time period that Ohio electric cooperatives invested about $1.1 billion in emissions controls.

SO2 Emissions (Tons)

According to the United States

120,000

Environmental

100,000

emissions from transportation exceeded that of electricity by 4%.

Tons per Year

Protection Agency, in 2019,

NOx Emissions (Tons)

140,000

80,000

60,000

40,000

20,000 0 90 91 92 93 94 95 96 97 98 99 00 01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 19 19 19 19 19 19 19 19 19 19 20 20 20 20 20 20 20 20 20 20 20 20 20

6 OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • SEPTEMBER 2021

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Fresh face A well-known food blogger is excited to serve at the Farm Science Review cooking demo.

BY HUNTER GRAFFICE

F

rom an early age, Jennifer Osterholdt recognized the importance of farming and agriculture. She lived on a livestock and crop farm and participated in 4-H, where she learned to cook.

That was the background she took with her to Ohio State University, where she earned degrees in agriculture and business economics. She’s now a marketing consultant who travels the country for her speaking engagements, serves on the local Farm Bureau board, and helps her own kids on their journeys through 4-H. Along the way, Osterholdt realized that there was a lack of both understanding and positive information available about farming and agriculture. So she decided to start a blog dedicated to her life on the farm.

Eventually, she began sharing recipes, which she says afforded her the opportunity not only to share her love of cooking with the world, but also to offer that positive information about farming and agriculture.

Now she’ll get to share both with a live audience as she serves as the new host of the cooking demonstrations in the Ohio’s Electric Cooperatives building at the 2021 Farm Science Review, Sept. 21–23 at the Molly Caren Agricultural Center near London.

Osterholdt’s blog draws hundreds of thousands of viewers each month. One of the things she emphasizes for her audience is accessibility. “There are a lot of people who have misconceptions about large farms versus small farms, GMOs, and other things, where there is no easy, single answer,” she says. “I know that we have a safe food supply, so I don’t use specific ingredient requirements in the recipes. I want all families to be able to enjoy my recipes and not have to worry about breaking the bank.”

She says she’s excited to make the live appearance at Farm Science Review, where she’ll share recipes prepared in air fryers, pressure cookers, and slow cookers.

“It’s going to be a lot of fun because there are a lot of people who want to learn about those tools and how to use them,” Osterholdt says. She plans to make air fryer broccoli, crockpot peanut clusters, Instant Pot hard-boiled eggs, and slow cooker pulled pork.

She’s also excited simply to connect. “I look forward to just being with people, especially now,” she says. “I love hearing other people’s ideas and recipes and twists that you can put on food and make it into a completely new dish. I’m always looking for recipes for my family and my community, and getting to share them through my website is so special.”

Co-op members can enter to win a $100 electric bill credit by bringing the entry form found inside the back cover of this magazine to the OEC Education Center on Wheat Street at the 2021 Farm Science Review, Sept. 21–23.

8 OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • SEPTEMBER 2021

Last State Restricted Silver Walking Liberty Bank Rolls go to state residents Residents of the shaded states listed on the map below get first dibs on last remaining Bank Rolls loaded with U.S. Gov’t issued Silver Walking Liberties dating back to the early 1900’s some worth up to 100 times their face value for just the $39 minimum set for state residents - all other state residents must pay $118 per coin if any remain after 7-day deadline “It’s a miracle these State Restricted Bank Rolls IMPORTANT: The dates and mint marks of the U.S. Gov’t issued Silver Walking even exists,” said Laura Lynne, U.S. Coin and Cur- Liberties sealed away inside the State Restricted Bank Rolls have never been rency Director for the National Mint and Treasury. searched. Coin values always fluctuate and there are never any guarantees, but For the next 7 days the last remaining State any of the scarce coins shown below, regardless of their value that residents Restricted Bank Rolls loaded with rarely seen U.S. Gov’t issued Silver Walking Liberties are actually may find inside the sealed Bank Rolls are theirs to keep. being handed over to residents of 49 states who call the State Toll-Free Hotlines listed in today’s newspaper publication.

“Recently National Mint spoke with a retired Treasurer of the United States of America who said ‘In all my years as Treasurer I’ve only ever seen a handful of these rarely seen Silver Walking Liberties issued by the U.S. Gov’t back in the early 1900’s. But to actually find them sealed away in State Restricted Bank Rolls still in pristine condition is like finding buried treasure. So anyone lucky enough to get their hands on these Bank Rolls had better hold on to them,’” 1919-P 1921-S 1938-D 1916-P Lynne said.

Mint: Philadelphia Mint: San Francisco Mint: Denver Mint: Philadelphia “That’s because the dates and mint marks of Mintage: 962,000 Mintage: 548,000 Mintage: 491,600 the U.S. Gov’t issued Silver Walking Liberty Half Mintage: 608,000 Collector Value: $32 Collector Value: $80 Collector Value: $60 Collector Value: $55 Dollars sealed away inside the State Restricted $515 $800 $160 $265 Bank Rolls have never been searched. But, we do know that some of these coins date clear back to RESIDENTS IN 49 STATES: COVER JUST $39 MINIMUM PER COIN the early 1900’s and are worth up to 100 times their IF YOUR STATE IS SHADED BELOW CALL: 1-800-997-8036 RWL2125 face value, so there is no telling what U.S. residents will find until they sort through all the coins,” Lynne went on to say.

If you are a resident of one of the shaded “Rarely seen U.S. Gov’t issued silver states shown left you cover just the coins like these are highly sought after, $39 per coin state minimum set by the but we’ve never seen anything like this private National Mint and Treasury, that’s before. According to The Official Red Book, a Guide Book of United States fifteen rarely seen U.S. Gov’t issued Silver Coins many Silver Walking Liberty Walking Liberty half dollars some worth Half Dollars are now worth $115 - $825 up to 100 times their face value for just each in collector value,” Lynne said. $585 and that’s a real steal because all “So just imagine how much these last remaining, unsearched State Restricted other residents must pay $1,770 for each Bank Rolls could be worth someday,” said state restricted bank roll. Just be sure to Lynne. call the State Toll Free Hotlines before The only thing readers of today’s newspaper publication need to do is call the the deadline ends 7 days from today’s State Toll-Free Hotlines before the 7-day publication date.

R1022R-1 deadline ends. ■ NATIONAL MINT AND TREASURY, LLC IS NOT AFFILIATED WITH THE U.S. MINT, THE U.S. GOVERNMENT, A BANK OR ANY GOVERNMENT AGENCY. IF FOR ANY REASON WITHIN 30 DAYS FROM SHIPMENT YOU ARE DISSATISFIED, RETURN THE PRODUCT FOR A REFUND LESS SHIPPING AND RETURN POSTAGE. THIS SAME OFFER MAY BE MADE AVAILABLE AT A LATER DATE OR IN A DIFFERENT GEOGRAPHICAL LOCATION. OH RESIDENTS ADD 6.5% SALES TAX. NATIONAL MINT AND TREASURY, PO BOX 35609, CANTON, OH 44735 ©2020 NATIONAL MINT AND TREASURY.

WOODS, WATERS, AND WILDLIFE

Disappearing act

Where have all the grouse gone?

STORY AND PHOTOS BY W.H. “CHIP” GROSS

S

everal successive Ohio winters in the late 1970s were brutal, with temperatures often dipping below zero and heavy snow lasting for months on end. It also happened to be the time when I was attempting to become a ruffed grouse hunter.

A group of friends had invited me to join them at their hunting cabin in the rugged hills of Meigs County to chase those then-abundant gamebirds for a few days. During one of our hunts, I noticed a neat, round, 4-inch-diameter hole in a snowdrift, and a grouse tail feather lying on the surface of the snow beside the hole.

Curious but unsure as to what I was seeing, I bent down to pick up the feather and a ruffed grouse exploded from the hole, showering my face with snow. I was too stunned to raise my shotgun and shoot.

All I could do was watch the bird whir away, zigzagging around trees. What I had just learned — the hard way — is that ruffed grouse sometimes dive into snowdrifts to roost during severe weather, the insulating quality of their feathers keeping them cozy and warm.

Ruffed grouse were plentiful in Ohio during the second half of the 20th century, but no more. Human hunters are not to blame, as their seasonal take of the birds has always been negligible. Rather, it is the bird’s own habitat that is gradually turning against it, and according to the national Ruffed Grouse Society,

10 OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • SEPTEMBER 2021

that change is taking place across much of the ruffed grouse range — some 18 states — from the upper Midwest to New England, the Mid-Atlantic region, and Appalachia.

Ask

chip!

Email Chip Gross with your outdoors questions at whchipgross@gmail.com. Be sure to include “Ask Chip” in the subject of the email. Your question may be answered on www.ohiocoopliving.com!

www.ohiocoopliving.com

“In Ohio, ruffed grouse inhabit the heavily forested eastern and southern counties,” says Mark Wiley, the Ohio Division of Wildlife’s forest gamebird biologist. “It’s about the size of a small chicken, and it prefers young forest habitat that grows after logging, the abandonment of pastures and farmland, or the reclamation of surface mines. Unfortunately, grouse numbers have declined considerably in Ohio since the early 1980s. Ohio’s total forest acreage has increased since that time, but the amount of young forest — prime ruffed grouse habitat — has decreased more than 65%.”

Wildlife biologists and foresters call it “succession,” that constant, ongoing, natural transition of forests from seedlings to mid-sized pole timber to mature trees. It’s in the early stages of the process that ruffed grouse populations thrive.

But only a small percentage of Ohio is publicly owned, so wildlife managers working to create more grouse habitat on those lands are having only minimal effects on the grouse population. Private landowners, who own 85% of Ohio’s woodlands, must do the majority of the heavy lifting if Ohio’s ruffed grouse population is to be turned around.

If you own or control woodland acreage within Ohio’s traditional ruffed grouse range and would like to help, Wiley suggests seeking advice from Ohio’s wildlife and forestry experts. “The ODNR, Division of Wildlife privatelands biologists and Division of Forestry service foresters can bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to forest management decisions — and their advice is free,” he says. “They are professionals who will help you understand your property’s potential, identify problems, and develop plans to achieve your management goals.”

“Whether you want to improve populations of ruffed grouse, white-tailed deer, bobcats, or songbirds, it’s very likely that the creation of some amount of young forest habitat will be recommended — in other words, the cutting of some mature trees,” he says. “Young forests benefit various species, and is often the missing habitat component in many areas of our state.”

Habitat change, while hindering some wildlife species, such as ruffed grouse in this case, often helps others. For instance, two other popular Ohio birds — wild turkeys and pileated woodpeckers — have benefited from the maturing of the Buckeye State’s forests, their populations increasing notably over the past half-century.

If you’d like to hear the drumming of a ruffed grouse, one can be heard on the Ruffed Grouse Society website: www.ruffedgrousesociety.org.

Harvesting timber can help improve ruffed grouse habitat.

SEPTEMBER 2021 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING 11

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SEPTEMBER 2021 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING 13

CO-OP PEOPLE

Crushing it Midwest Electric members make some dough with an innovative method of processing grain.

PHOTO FROM GETTY IMAGES

STORY AND PHOTOS BY MARGIE WUEBKER

14 OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • SEPTEMBER 2021

C

hris Bihn is a born educator, and while he may have left the classroom, he’s more committed than ever to teaching. These days, his lesson plans involve the production of nutrient-rich and easily digestible food through an innovative process of crushing grain.

Bihn, a former high school teacher and a member of St. Marys-based Midwest Electric, heads a family business known as Our Fathers Food, which uses a patented technique for preparing organic grain and seed for human consumption that yields unlimited shelf life without chemicals, preservatives, enrichments, or nutrient loss.

Chris’ father, John Bihn, used a background in tooland-die-making, farming, and engineering to design and build the Bihn Incremental Crusher. He received a patent for the machine in 2014, as well as a patent for the actual grain-crushing process three years later. The process is quite different from traditional flour milling, so the younger Bihn often makes it his mission to educate the public about its benefits.

He says the innovative technique leaves cells in grains like wheat, corn, oats, flax, buckwheat, and quinoa unbroken — leaving the natural plant oils in the germ unexposed to oxidation and the nutrient breakdown that comes from it.

Chris Bihn uses a machine patented by his father to produce crushed — rather than milled — grains, which don’t require enrichment.

Traditional flour milling involves cutting and heating wheat — steps that curtail a certain amount of the nutritional value. The resulting flour is usually then enriched to restore lost nutrients.

“Whatever God puts in grain, we keep it in,” Bihn says.

“We don’t take anything out, so we don’t have to put anything back.”

Bihn is quick to point out, however, that the company’s whole-cell crushed products can’t be defined as “flour” in accordance with Department of Agriculture guidelines. Instead, they’re labeled by the amount of particles they contain. For instance, the crushed wheat No. 1 has the finest texture, and is a 1:1 replacement for traditional flour. Numbers 2, 3, and 4 contain increasing levels of density and sizes of particles.

“My wife, Amy, hasn’t had a bag of traditional flour in the house for at least 10 years,” Bihn says. “She uses our whole-cell crushed products in everything from bread to cookies to noodles.”

The family often hosts informational programs as a means of introducing prospective customers to the Our Fathers Food product line — they find that providing samples of bread and cookies usually satisfies any curiosity about taste and texture. They also bring products to the weekly farmers market at the Mercer County Fairgrounds in Celina.

Bihn says the majority of the company’s clients are people who want to eat healthy food and those who

deal with health issues like high blood pressure, Type 2 diabetes, digestive problems, and allergies. He cites Johnson and Wales University food scientist Paula Figoni, who says in her book How Baking Works that when wheat cells are not destroyed, the proteins cannot form gluten.

“We have never claimed our bread is gluten free,” Bihn says. “However, we talk to people who are gluten intolerant who report having no problems after eating it.”

The Bihns also give crushed grain to their livestock, but they have not pursued the marketing of animal feed. Their goal is to reach people in search of quality food products without additives.

“We all need to eat better to feel better,” he says.

“That’s what I’m teaching these days.”

Our Fathers Foods: www.healthygraincrushing.com or 419-790-8868 for purchase information.

SEPTEMBER 2021 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING 15

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Your lightweight and discreet GO hearing aids work at a fraction of the cost of name brand hearing aids, and are ultra-convenient. With the GO’s FREE Charging Station, you won’t have to worry about those pesky little batteries. Simply charge at night and go all day.

The GO is pre-programmed for most mild to moderate hearing loss, with no expensive professional adjustments needed. Simply take them out, put them in, and GO. For just $199 each, they’re perhaps the best value in America, because we pack in so much technology. And our customer care team is made up of seasoned professionals, committed to bringing you the best service and information available.

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GOOD EATS

Coffee cuisine

Give your taste buds a jazzy jolt by adding java to the job.

RECIPES AND PHOTOS

BY CATHERINE MURRAY

IRISH COFFEE POPSICLES Prep: 10 minutes | Freeze: overnight | Servings: 10–12 2 cups brewed coffee 11/3 cups plain yogurt 2/3 cup Bailey’s Irish 1/3 cup sweetened cream liqueur condensed milk Whisk together all ingredients. Pour into popsicle molds or paper cups. Insert sticks a few hours into the freezing process. Freeze until firm, preferably overnight. When you’re ready to take the popsicles out of the molds, quickly dip the molds in hot water for a few seconds to loosen the popsicles.

Per serving: 131 calories, 4 grams fat (3 grams saturated fat), 15 milligrams cholesterol, 55 milligrams sodium, 13 grams total carbohydrates, 0 grams fiber, 3.5 grams protein.

SEPTEMBER 2021 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING 17

DOUBLE CHOCOLATE ESPRESSO COOKIES Prep: 20 minutes | Cook: 15 minutes | Servings: 24 1 cup flour, spooned and leveled ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, room temperature 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder 1 cup granulated sugar 1 tablespoon espresso powder 2 large eggs 1 teaspoon baking powder 1 teaspoon vanilla extract ½ teaspoon coarse salt 12 ounces semi-sweet chocolate chips Note: Finely ground espresso or dark-roast coffee can be substituted for the espresso powder.

Preheat oven to 350 F. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, espresso powder, baking powder, and salt. Set aside a half cup of the chocolate chips. Place remaining chocolate chips in a heatproof bowl and microwave 20 to 30 seconds at a time, stirring in between until almost melted, then stirring one last time. Set melted chocolate aside to cool. In a large bowl with an electric mixer, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Continue beating while adding eggs, vanilla, and melted chocolate. With mixer on low, gradually add flour mixture, until just combined. Drop spoonfuls of dough 3 inches apart onto ungreased baking sheets.

Top each cookie with some of the remaining chocolate chips. Bake approximately 13 to 15 minutes, rotating sheets halfway through, until edges are dry and tops are cracked. Let stand 3 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool. Makes about 2 dozen cookies.

Per serving: 314 calories, 16 grams fat (7 grams saturated fat), 51 milligrams cholesterol, 242 milligrams sodium, 42 grams total carbohydrates, 1.5 grams fiber, 3 grams protein.

RED-EYE GRAVY AND HAM Prep: 5 minutes | Cook: 10 minutes | Servings: 4 1 pound thick sliced ham ¼ teaspoon salt 2 tablespoons butter or ¼ teaspoon black pepper bacon grease 1/8 teaspoon sugar 3 tablespoons flour 1 cup good-quality brewed coffee Red-eye gravy and ham goes equally well with biscuits, grits, cornbread, or hash browns.

In a large skillet over medium heat, brown ham on both sides with the butter or bacon grease, about 2 minutes per side.

Remove ham and set aside. Turn heat to medium-low and whisk flour into the remaining butter/grease left over in the skillet and brown into a roux, about 2 to 3 minutes, until flour begins to smell nutty. Slowly pour coffee into the pan, whisking constantly.

Gravy will begin to thicken. Whisk in salt, black pepper, and sugar, adjusting to taste. If gravy becomes too thick, thin it out with a tablespoon of water at a time until desired thickness is achieved. Serve gravy with the ham slices and your favorite breakfast items.

Per serving: 237 calories, 16 grams fat (7 grams saturated fat), 80 milligrams cholesterol, 1,668 milligrams sodium, 5 grams total carbohydrates, 1.5 grams fiber, 19 grams protein.

18 OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • SEPTEMBER 2021

COFFEE AND PEPPER SPARERIBS Prep: 10 minutes | Chill: overnight | Cook: 2½ hours | Servings: 4 4 pounds pork spareribs ½ teaspoon garlic powder 3 tablespoons + 1 teaspoon finely 1 teaspoon cocoa powder ground coffee 1 medium yellow onion, chopped 1 tablespoon ground 1 tablespoon olive oil black pepper ¼ cup red wine vinegar 2 tablespoons salt ¼ cup tomato paste 1 teaspoon ground ginger Mix 3 tablespoons of the ground coffee, black pepper, salt, ginger, garlic powder, and cocoa powder. Rub this mix on both sides of ribs, cover in plastic wrap, and refrigerate overnight.

Remove ribs 20 minutes before cooking. Preheat oven to 350 F. Unwrap ribs and place in a metal oven dish. Cover tightly with foil and cook for 2½ hours.

Meanwhile, begin making the barbecue sauce by sautéing onion in olive oil for 5 to 7 minutes until soft. Mix in red wine vinegar and cook until the liquid has mostly evaporated. Mix in remaining ingredients (including the 1 teaspoon of ground coffee) and cook on low, stirring occasionally, until sauce thickens, about 30 minutes. Allow to cool, then blend with a hand blender or food processor.

After 2½ hours, baste both sides of the ribs with sauce and cook uncovered for 15 minutes, flip, and cook another 15 minutes.

Serve with the rest of the barbecue sauce.

¾ cup of honey 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce ½ cup water

1 tablespoon chili powder ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper (optional) ½ teaspoon cumin ¼ teaspoon cinnamon

See a video of some of our tasty dishes being prepared.

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

www.ohiocoopliving.com

Per serving: 834 calories, 43 grams fat (15 grams saturated fat), 206 milligrams cholesterol, 1,471 milligrams sodium, 46 grams total carbohydrates, 3 grams fiber, 65 grams protein.

SEPTEMBER 2021 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING 19

Congratulations

t o the winners of the 2021 #WhoPowersYouOhio contest!

Nikki Lude

Susan Davis

Lewisville, Ohio South Central Power Company

Hillsboro, Ohio South Central Power Company

Ron Carlton

Kevin Dennis

Carrollton, Ohio Carroll Electric Cooperative

Vinton, Ohio Buckeye Rural Electric Cooperative

Joe Conrad

Curt Stauffer

Morgan Township, Ohio Butler Rural Electric Cooperative

Wooster, Ohio Holmes-Wayne Electric Cooperative

inspiration

Visit ohioec.org/wpyo to find the

20 OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • SEPTEMBER 2021

behind each winner.

NEWS AND VIEWS

GIVE US AN “A” with a twist WINNERS With the pandemic affecting local schools, education took on a different look last year. Students of NWEC members adapted and tried new things, learning in nontraditional ways.

That’s why last year we launched a special contest called Give Us An A With A Twist, encouraging parents to tell us why their student (age 5 through 21) deserved to get an A during the COVID-19 crisis.

Clara Gerschutz, Edgerton High School Clara Gerschutz is the 15-year-old daughter of Erin Gerschutz. She will be a sophomore at Edgerton High School this fall. Her mother said the following about her: “Clara received all A’s all year as a freshman. She is involved in many activities and plays basketball and runs track. She works hard and holds herself to this high standard.

“She has taken on the role of FFA officer and student council officer for next year. We are proud of her determination and stepping out into activities that are new to her.” Way to go Clara!

Henry Gerschutz, Edgerton Elementary School Henry Gerschutz is the 11-year-old son of Erin Gerschutz of Edgerton. His mother said the following about his accomplishments last year: “Henry had all A’s for the fourth quarter of school. He worked hard at focusing and slowing down on his work to get those grades. He also received the virtue award in his class from his teacher because he is a good friend and stays focused on his work or reads a book.

We are proud of him for making the extra effort to improve his grades.” Keep up the great work Henry!

If you would like to nominate your son or daughter, visit our website at www.nwec.com/give-us-twist.

The next deadline for entry is October 1, 2021. Each winner will receive $25, and the parents win a special prize, too.

North Western Electric Cooperative and NW Ohio Propane will be closed on Monday, Sept. 6, in observance of Labor Day.

SEPTEMBER 2021 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING 21

NORTH WESTERN ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE

Once a year, state law requires NWEC to notify our member-owners that meter tampering and theft of electricity are illegal and dangerous. Ohio law sets penalties for these acts: 1 Tampering with or bypassing an electric meter or attachment with the intent to steal electricity.

2 Knowingly using electricity that has not been correctly registered because of tampering.

3 Reconnecting electric service that has been disconnected by cooperative personnel for nonpayment or other reasons.

4 Knowingly consuming electricity that’s been unlawfully reconnected.

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

Tampering 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 can range from six months in jail and a $1,000 fine to five years in jail and a $2,500 fine.

We know that most of our member-owners would not engage in any such dishonest action. But, just as with shoplifting, the acts of a few can cause higher rates for everyone. If you know or suspect of unlawful practices, please report them to NWEC.

Medical Certification Program and Outage Preparation

Statement of Non-Discrimination

Meter tampering is ILLEGAL AND UNSAFE

A few notes to our member-owners 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.

Persons 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 202-7202600 (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 How to File a Program Discrimination Complaint 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) e-mail: program.intake@usda.gov.

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

If you have a health condition that would be affected by loss of utility services, such as a power outage or disconnection for nonpayment, you should communicate with your doctor to assure your health is not at risk.

Planning ahead and communicating with us are key. During an outage, we follow a restoration plan that gives priority to the greatest number of member-owners first, then works down to individual outages.

Having a medical certification wavier can delay disconnection of service. This must be signed by a licensed physician, physician assistant, nurse specialist, certified nurse practitioner, certified nurse-midwife or a local board of health physician. For a form, please call NWEC at 419-636-5051.

22 OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • SEPTEMBER 2021

NEWS AND VIEWS

UNDERSTANDING YOUR BILL What's a distribution service charge?

YNNN 04125 State Route 576

Account No. XXXXXX

Bryan OH 43506-8829

Previous Year

Monday - Friday 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

(419) 636-5051 ● (800) 647-6932

COMPARISONS

r

y

Jun

Apr

AVG KWH

Ma

Jan

Fe b

Ma

Oct

Nov

KWH

AVG TEMP

31 787 25 Previous Month 31 562 18 Same Last Year 30 1080 36 Avg Cost Per Day: $4.35

5 1787 C-5

1787 1 AV 0.398 JANE DOE 12345 COUNTY ROAD ANYTOWN OH 00000-0000

DAYS

Dec

Jul

Sep

To Report a Power Outage: 1-888-636-5051

Au g

24/7 Payment Options Automated Phone: (844) 786-7799 Online: www.nwec.com

Current Year

1500 1350 1200 1050 900 750 600 450 300 150 0

71 58 71

Current Month

TTTTADTDFTFFDFFTTDDDFADFAFATTAFFDAFFADDAFDTATTDTADAFFTATFTTFFFFTT Statement Date

Account Number

Bill Type

Rate Schedule

07/20/2021

XXXXXX

Regular

1) RESIDENTIAL

Meter Number

Previous Reading

Present Reading

Previous Rdg Date

XXXXXXXX

1234

2021

05/31/21

Location Number

Service Address 12345 COUNTY ROAD

00-000-0000

Present Rdg Date

kWh Multiplier

kWh Used

07/01/21

1

787

Current Bill Information

Activity Since Last Bill

112.00 ENERGY CHARGE kWh 787 -112.00 AREA LIGHTING 0.00 DISTRIBUTION SERVICE CHARGE WHOLESALE POWER COST ADJ $0.0108222 per kWh MISCELLANEOUS TAX CHARGE Sign up for paperless billing or pay your bill online at ROUND-UP AMT WWW.NWEC.COM

78.31 8.50 35.00 8.52 4.01 0.66

PREVIOUS BALANCE PAYMENTS BALANCE PRIOR TO BILLING

Need propane? Call NW Ohio Propane at 419-636-6967! Prebuy and Price Cap pricing available through September 30th.

CURRENT CHARGES DUE BY 08/10/2021

135.00

PREVIOUS BALANCE

0.00

TOTAL AMOUNT DUE

135.00

Please return this portion with your payment Billing Date: 07/20/2021 Account Name: JANE DOE Phone Number: (419) 000-0000

Please make checks payable to: North Western Electric XXXXXX

ACCOUNT NUMBER TOTAL AMOUNT DUE BY

08/10/2021

135.00

TOTAL AMOUNT DUE AFTER 08/10/2021

141.72

If you’re like most people, when you receive your monthly electric bill, you probably don’t give a second thought to the itemized charges; you simply glance at the total figure, pay it, and get on with your life.

Check here if new Address/Phone # and complete on the back

The itemized charges are included on your bill so that you are aware of what adds up to be the total cost of the energy that was used. Whenever you purchase any product or service, the price you pay includes the costs of materials, production equipment, transportation, taxes, employees and possibly maintenance. This is true whether it is 1 kWh of electricity or a month of cellphone service.

Check here to pay by credit/debit card and complete on the back ï±ÍÍͱïpsÌÁ®Ýî Å ²§pï±ÍÍÍ±ï ¤ « |¢à y pĤ ý}Ç« ¬|y upu¢³qÅ©½­£ ¦¦¡ Ë¢¸qçí¹ v¹ÅÝ ¯ ¯pÄ °Ç á î ³ïz }ïs¢¥Ê °°°°°°°p°°ppp°°pp°pp°°°°p°p°p

Manage your account from your phone or tablet with the SmartHub app.

n \ o

NORTH WESTERN ELECTRIC PO BOX 391 BRYAN OH 43506-0391

1

n \ 7i Zo

NWEC’s Board of Trustees and employees strive to provide affordable and reliable electric service to every member-owner of the co-op. One of the main challenges of a rural electric company like NWEC is the cost to distribute power to low-populated areas.

Our territory has 6,010 active accounts on 1,084 miles of power lines. That is only an average of 5.5 member-owners per mile of line. The cost to build and maintain each mile of line is roughly the same for every utility company and that cost must be shared by every account within that mile.

To put this into perspective, city or urban utilities serve an average of around 44 accounts per mile of line. This means that NWEC has 38.5 fewer accounts per mile of line than its neighboring city utilities — which means more costs to cover, spread over fewer member-owners.

Capital credits Having fewer accounts per mile is not the only difference between co-ops and other utility companies. NWEC is not-for-profit and exists solely to serve its member-owners — not make a profit.

One of the charges on your billing statement is the distribution service charge. This fixed monthly $35 charge includes the cost of poles, wire, transformers, meters, substations, service trucks, tree trimming, administrative costs, employees, payroll, billing, and other expenses related to running your co-op. This is the cost to have electricity available when you need it, whether you use 1 kWh or 100. If you spread that $35 cost out throughout an entire month, that is a little over one dollar per day that you spend to have the convenience of reliable electric power every time you flip a light switch, turn on the TV, plug in your phone charger or turn on your air conditioner.

Each month when you pay your bill, you are building equity in your co-op. Each year, the NWEC Board of Trustees takes a look at the financial health of the cooperative. At the end of the year, any funds remaining after expenses are paid is allocated to member-owners as capital credits — based on the amount of electricity they use. In other words, any excess margins (this is the co-op word for revenues) not used for capital investments is returned to the co-op’s member-owners. Customers of other utilities, like municipalities and investor-owned companies like Toledo Edison or AEP, don’t receive money back for their patronage.

The distribution service charge also includes the costs to maintain our electrical system. It’s similar to paying your annual property taxes, which covers necessary services like road construction and maintenance or fire and police protection. It is important to have these things available at all times, regardless of how little or how often you use them.

Last year, NWEC returned $725,000 in capital credits to current and former member-owners.

Eligible co-op member-owners received the refund as a credit on their electric bill or as a separate check in December.

Have questions about the distribution service charge, capital credits, or how to read your electric bill? Give us a call at 800-647-6932.

SEPTEMBER 2021 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING 22A

NORTH WESTERN ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE

Suds and savings 10 ways to save energy in the laundry room Your clothes washer and dryer account for a significant portion of energy consumption from major appliances, and let’s face it — laundry is no one’s favorite chore. Make the most of your laundry energy use! There are several easy ways you can save energy (and money) in the laundry room.

1. Wash with cold water. Switching from warm water to cold water can cut one load’s energy use by more than half, and by using a cold-water detergent, you can still achieve that brilliant clean you’d normally get from washing in warm water.

2. Wash full loads when possible. Your washing machine will use the same amount of energy no matter the size of the clothes load, so fill it up if you can.

3. Use the high-speed or extended spin cycle in the washer. This setting will remove more moisture before drying, reducing your drying time and the extra wear on clothing.

4. Dry heavier cottons separately. Loads will dry faster and more evenly if you separate heavier cottons like linens and towels from your lightweight clothing.

5. Make use of the “cool down” cycle. If your dryer has this cycle option, you can save energy

22B OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • SEPTEMBER 2021

because the clothes will finish drying with the remaining heat in the dryer.

6. Use lower heat settings to dry clothing.

Regardless of drying time, you’ll still use less energy.

7. Use dryer balls. Dryer balls, usually wool or rubber, will help keep clothes separated for faster drying, and they can help reduce static, so you can eliminate dryer sheets.

8. Switch loads while the dryer is warm. This allows you to take advantage of the remaining heat from the previous cycle.

9. Clean the lint filter after each drying cycle. If you use dryer sheets, remember to scrub the filter once a month with a toothbrush to remove excess buildup.

10. Purchase ENERGY STAR-rated washers and dryers. When it’s time to purchase a new washer or dryer, look for the ENERGY STAR label. New washers and dryers that receive the ENERGY STAR rating use about 20% less energy than conventional models.

To learn about additional ways you can save energy at home, visit www.www.nwec.com/energy-efficiency

Now is the time to lock in your rate and

$AVE BIG SIGN UP NOW FOR OUR SPECIAL PRICING PROGRAMS

Pre-buy $1.69/gal plus tax

Price cap $1.89/gal plus tax

Program pricing only valid with a signed pre-buy or price cap program agreement submitted by Sept. 30, 2021

FILL NOW AND SAVE. Request a fill before Sept. 30 and mention code NWOP-OCL to receive special pricing.

1-844-636-NWOP (6967) | 4125 St. Rt. 576, Bryan | www.nwohiopropane.com

SEPTEMBER 2021 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING 22C

NORTH WESTERN ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE

Agriculture is the backbone of our country, and our livelihood greatly depends on the crops provided

by American farmers. In addition to being one of the most labor-intensive professions, farming is also considered one of the most dangerous jobs in the country.

The hard work and long hours are tough, but rushing the job to save time can be extremely dangerous — even deadly ­­— when farming near electrical equipment.

Every year, we see collisions where tractors and other farming equipment accidentally collide with utility poles and power lines, causing injuries and power outages. These dangerous accidents can be avoided by looking up and around your surroundings when operating large farm machinery. If you’re preparing for harvest season, please keep the following safety tips in mind: • Maintain a 10-foot clearance around all utility equipment in all directions. Use a spotter and deployed flags to maintain safe distances from power lines and other electrical equipment when working in the field.

• If your equipment makes contact with an energized or downed power line, contact 9-1-1 immediately and remain inside the vehicle until the power line is de-energized. In case of smoke or fire, exit the cab by making a solid jump out of the cab (without touching it), and hop away to safety.

• Consider equipment and cargo extensions of your vehicle. Lumber, hay, tree limbs, irrigation pipes, and even bulk materials can conduct electricity, so keep them out of contact with electrical equipment.

September 19–25 is National Farm Health and Safety Week, but practicing safety on the farm year-round yields positive results. Visit necasag.org to explore this year’s daily farm safety topics, attend webinars to help keep you and your community safe, and learn where you can find more resources.

We hope you never find yourself in a situation where farming equipment contacts power lines or poles, but if you do, we hope you’ll remember these safety tips.

FARM SCIENCE REVIEW Sept. 21–23, 2021 Stop in and see us at the Ohio’s Electric Cooperatives barn The Molly Caren Agricultural Center (MCAC) near London, Ohio, is home to the Farm Science Review and attracts over 100,000 visitors from all over the United States. Visitors come for three days to peruse 4,000 product lines from 600 commercial exhibitors and learn the latest in agricultural production.

The educational programs feature Ohio State and Purdue specialists.

NWEC has a limited quantity of FREE admission tickets available to member-owners. Please contact our office for more information and to check availability.

22D OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • SEPTEMBER 2021

NEWS AND VIEWS

Farm Safety Coloring Sheet Farm Health and Safety Week is September 19-25! Whether you live on a farm or in the city, always remember to avoid playing near power lines and other electrical equipment.

SEPTEMBER 2021 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING 23

NORTH WESTERN ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE

HIGH for the

71 72 91 Municipal Utilities

Investor-Owned Utilities

North Western Electric Cooperative, Inc.

MARKS

2021

A huge thank you to all our member-owners who responded to our member satisfaction surveys by phone and email. We appreciate you taking time to share your thoughts about your cooperative so we can continue to improve. We are honored to have received our highest-ever score in the history of NWEC: a 91!

If you would like to share any additional feedback with us, please email info@nwec.com.

CONTACT

BOARD OF TRUSTEES

1-800-647-6932 419-636-5051 www.nwec.com

Andrew Farnham

OFFICE 04125 State Route 576 P.O. Box 391 Bryan, OH 43506

OFFICE HOURS Monday–Friday 7 a.m.–4 p.m.

Pearl Rakes Samantha Kuhn Eric Herman

CHAIRMAN

Ryan Wehri VICE CHAIRMAN

Kim Shoup SECRETARY

Chris Oberlin Mitch Headley Richard Polter Jordan Ruffer TRUSTEES

Darin Thorp PRESIDENT/CEO

EDITORS

24 OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • SEPTEMBER 2021

Make your home more comfortable than ever

Your upgrade from couch to first class has been approved.

Whether you want to sleep, read or watch TV the perfect sleep chair is . . . Just perfect NOW

“To you, it’s the perfect lift chair. To me, it’s the best sleep chair I’ve ever had.”

also available in Genuine Italian Leather and New Chestnut Color (as pictured here)

— J. Fitzgerald, VA

Three Chairs in One

Sleep/Recline/Lift

ACCREDITED BUSINESS A+ You can’t always lie down in bed and sleep. eartburn, cardiac problems, hip or back aches – Heartburn, and dozens of other ailments and worries. Those are the nights you’d give anything for a comfortable chair to sleep in: one that reclines to exactly the right degree, raises your feet and legs just where you want them, supports your head and shoulders properly, and operates at the touch of a button.

Our Perfect Sleep Chair® does all that and more.

More than a chair or recliner, it’s designed to provide total comfort. Choose your preferred heat and massage settings, for hours of soothing relaxation. Reading or watching TV? Our chair’s recline technology allows you to pause the chair in an infinite number of settings.

And best of all, it features a powerful lift mechanism that tilts the entire chair forward, making it easy to stand.

You’ll love the other benefits, too. It helps with correct spinal alignment and promotes back pressure relief, to

prevent back and muscle pain. The overstuffed, oversized biscuit style back and unique seat design will cradle you in comfort. Generously filled, wide armrests provide enhanced arm support when sitting or reclining. It even has a battery backup in case of a power outage.

White glove delivery included in shipping charge.

Professionals will deliver the chair to the exact spot in your home where you want it, unpack it, inspect it, test it, position it, and even carry the packaging away! You get your choice of Genuine Italian Leather, stain and water repellent custom-manufactured DuraLux™ with the classic leather look or plush MicroLux™ microfiber in a variety of colors to fit any decor. New Chestnut color only available in Genuine Italian Leather. Call now!

The Perfect Sleep Chair®

1-888-759-2981

Please mention code 115434 when ordering.

REMOTE CONTROLLED EASILY SHIFTS FROM FLAT TO

Genuine Italian Leather

Chestnut

classic beauty & durability

A STAND-ASSIST POSITION

Long Lasting DuraLux™

Mahogany (Burgundy)

Tan

Chocolate

Blue

Burgundy

Cashmere

Chocolate

Indigo

stain & water repellent

MicroLux™ Microfiber

breathable & amazingly soft

Because each Perfect Sleep Chair is a made-to-order bedding product it cannot be returned, but if it arrives damaged or defective, at our option we will repair it or replace it. © 2021 firstSTREET for Boomers and Beyond, Inc.

46571

Footrest may vary by model

Superfan Buckeyeman Larry Lokai is equally well known as a Buckeye fan and as a stalwart of Ohio agriculture.

BY VICKI JOHNSON; PHOTOS COURTESY OF MICHAEL BIRT/MB IMAGES

B

etween Ohio State University football and agriculture education, Urbana resident Larry Lokai has been wholeheartedly living his passion for 23 years.

When the pandemic called an 11-month halt to his attending football games and making myriad public appearances, the 79-year-old icon — also known as Buckeyeman — says he felt like a part of him was missing. “I don’t feel complete,” he says. “I guess that’s the best way to say it.”

So as restrictions eased in late spring and early summer, Lokai eased himself back into the game. He donned his trademark scarlet-and-gray wig, painted face, and strings of buckeyes and began making a few personal appearances.

26 OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • AUGUST SEPTEMBER 2021 2021

Now, as football season approaches, he’s ready to go allin and plans to be there once again — a favorite of both fans and television cameras at the games.

Ohio’s 88 counties as well as in several neighboring states and as far away as California. Even during the pandemic, he judged at 21 county fairs.

Along with the hair and face paint, Lokai’s Buckeyeman is best known for handing out buckeyes, the fruit of the Ohio buckeye tree. As he’s expanded the role, he says he’s handed out more than 1.8 million of them.

“I can go to any county in Ohio and know somebody,” he says.

“Every student who’s come through orientation since 2002 on the main campus has received a buckeye from me,” he says. More recently, he’s also begun giving the nuts to new students at the Mansfield and Marion branches.

In addition, he’s given away 1,800 buckeye tree seedlings in the last 16 years, all of which he grew in his yard — though that portion of the Buckeyeman legacy ended last year. “I gave up trying to keep up with Johnny Appleseed,” Lokai says.

Agriculture tradition Buckeyeman is much more than a superfan at football games; his reach extends far into the community. Those trademark buckeyes are in fact more of an outgrowth of his agriculture background than a product of his fandom.

After earning his bachelor’s (1967) and master’s (1973) degrees from Ohio State, Lokai taught agriculture for 30 years before he retired in 1997. He also was a 4-H advisor and taught hunter education for the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Division of Wildlife for 25 years.

In 2016, Lokai was honored by OSU’s College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences with its Distinguished Alumni Award.

Through his youth work, Lokai carries over his buckeye tradition, giving away buckeyes.

Birth of Buckeyeman Huge quantities of buckeyes weren’t on Lokai’s mind when he first donned his “uniform.”

Buckeyeman was born in 1998 when Lokai scored tickets to the Ohio State-Michigan game right behind the Michigan bench. He decided to go ultra-Ohio State with face paint and a wig.

His alter ego got a boost in 2000 when he finished third in a Halls Cough Drops national contest to find the loudest college football fan, and by 2015, he was honored as the NCAA Fan of the Year.

Buckeyeman wears four strings of 42 buckeyes each around his neck — one string for each of his children who graduated from Ohio State and 42 because he was born in 1942.

After his retirement — during the same years Buckeyeman arrived on the football scene — Lokai began a new ag career.

In the early days, Lokai said he would rise at 4 a.m. and put on his face paint and costume.

“By 6 a.m., I was at Bob Evans for breakfast, and I’d be at the stadium by 6:30 or 7,” he says.

“The last few years, I’ve slept in until 5.”

In 1998, he returned to Ohio State as coach of the poultry judging team for three years. In 2002, he returned to consulting with high school ag teams, and when his grandchildren started entering high school, he started working with their ag contest teams.

Another change came eight years ago when Lokai gave up boards and committees to focus on youth activities and Buckeyeman appearances — including his 10-year seat on the Urbana City Council, state and county retired teachers associations, and others.

When his son started teaching ag education in 2013, Lokai decided that instead of competing against him, he’d help with his son’s teams instead. That, in turn, led to working with teams from more high schools.

“I started counting up the meetings,” he says. “By the time I got done, I got out of seven organizations. I had 80 fewer meetings a year in 2014. In January 2014, the sun came up exactly the same.”

Today, he continues to consult with FFA contest teams, and in 2019, four of the teams he worked with took the top four places in state competition. He also judges youth projects at county fairs. To date, he has judged poultry shows in 84 of

As fans gear up for this fall’s season of Ohio State football, Lokai looks forward to returning to his place as a superfan for his 24th year.“I’d like to go to 90 at least,” he says. “I’ll do it until it stops being fun.”

SEPTEMBER 2021 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING 27

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SEPTEMBER 2021 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING 29

With a name like …

Celebrate 100 years of Smucker’s with a trip to the J.M. Smucker Co. store and café.

STORY AND PHOTOS BY DAMAINE VONADA

W

henever merchandise manager Kate Fox welcomes tour bus groups to the J.M. Smucker Co. store and café, she asks visitors to guess Smucker’s first product. “Everyone always answers, ‘strawberry preserves,’” says Fox, “but the company actually started with apple butter.”

30 OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • SEPTEMBER 2021

Located near U.S. 30, the store sits along a rural road in Wayne County just minutes away from the J.M. Smucker Company’s headquarters in Orrville. The town’s population is less than 10,000, yet it’s home to a Fortune 500 corporation with some 7,000 employees who work in offices and manufacturing facilities spread from Quebec to California. Why Orrville?

In 1897, local farmer Jerome Monroe Smucker opened a cider mill there and began making apple butter from concentrated cider. It’s believed Smucker used apples that originated from trees that had been planted decades before in the area by none other than Jonathan “Johnny Appleseed” Chapman himself.

Smucker priced his cider apple butter at 25 cents per half-gallon and sold it in clay crocks from a horse-drawn wagon. The crock’s paper caps were tied with string, and Smucker guaranteed his apple butter’s quality and freshness by hand-signing each cap. Of course, Smucker’s cider apple butter and other fruit spreads now come in glass jars instead of crocks, but Fox points out that in a way, the company’s founder is still vouching for his namesake products. “A replica of J.M. Smucker’s signature is embossed on every jar,” she says.

While more than 1,500 jelly jars were used to create the store’s two most eye-catching features — a strawberry chandelier (strawberry jam and mint jelly) and a rainbow-colored wall of jam (blueberry, pineapple, and cherry) — customers are often surprised to find considerably more than jams and jellies on the shelves. Indeed, in the hundred years since Smucker incorporated his apple butter business in 1921, the company has grown into a behemoth of brand-name foods consumed not only by people but also by their pets. Its products, which can be found in 90% of the nation’s homes, include the top brands in fruit spreads (Smucker’s), peanut butter (Jif), dog treats (Milk Bone), and coffee (Folgers).

A unique shopping experience, the store showcases products from the company’s family of brands and offers a tastefully curated selection of related culinary and lifestyle merchandise. Go to the store’s pet section, for example, and you’ll find collars, leashes, and cat-opoly games displayed among the bags of Meow Mix and Rachael Ray Nutrish morsels and treats. Head to the coffee department for coffee makers and milk frothers as well as Café Bustelo whole beans and 1850 espresso in ready-to-drink cans.

Fun PB&J socks that pair images of Smucker’s Concord Grape Jelly and Jif Creamy Peanut Butter are one of the store’s best sellers, but its most popular food item is Dickinson’s Sweet ‘n’ Hot Pepper & Onion Relish.

Of course, the store also carries apple butter, which is still made with the same ingredients J.M. Smucker used. Look for it below the wall of jam, among the hundreds of jars of fruit spreads with the trademark gingham-patterned lids (tip: the cider apple butter lids are brown and white).

Another surprise for shoppers is that the store doubles as a museum. Two walls of exhibits chronicle the company’s enterprising journey from unknown cider mill to household name, with the Smucker family at the helm through five generations of innovations, acquisitions, and adapting product lines to changing times.

With the family’s history and the company’s corporate heritage so strongly intertwined, it’s certainly fitting that Smucker’s Tomato Ketchup is the one product sold exclusively at the store and its online counterpart (https://shop.smucker.com).

The ketchup is made from a Smucker family recipe, and its old-fashioned, slightly sweet flavor has garnered quite a following. “People come and buy that ketchup by the case,” The J.M. Smucker Co. store is open 9 a.m. says Fox, “and if the store runs out, they get upset.” to 5:30 p.m., Monday through Saturday. For

About the store

updates and additional store and company information, call 330-684-1500 or visit www. jmsmucker.com/smucker-cafe-store and www.jmsmucker.com.

SEPTEMBER 2021 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING 31

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Seniors born before 1956 get new medical alert device Special Report: Demand for new Medical Alert Device soars

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Starting at precisely 8:30 am this morning the PreStore Release begins for the sleek new medical alert device that comes with the exclusive FastHelp™ One-Touch E 911 Button that instantly connects you to unlimited nationwide help everywhere cell service is available with no contracts, no deposits and no monthly bills ever.

“It’s not like old style monitored help buttons that make you talk to a call center, only work when you’re at home and come with hefty bills every month.

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able whether you’re out watering the garden, driving in a car, at church or even hundreds of miles away on a tour or at a casino. You are never alone. With just a single push of the OneTouch E Button you instantly get connected to free unlimited help nationwide with no monthly bills ever,” said Jack Lawrence, Executive Director of Product Development for U.S. based Universal Physicians. “ We’ve never seen anything like it. Consumers absolutely love the sleek new modern design and most of all, the instant rebate that practically pays for it and no monthly bills ever,” Lawrence said.

FastHelp is the sleek new medical alert device with the best of combinations: a quality, high-tech engineered device that’s also an extremely great value because there are no monthly bills ever. ■

Doctor urges seniors to get new medical alert device Seniors snap up new medical alert device that comes with no monthly bills People don’t always do what their doctor says, but when seasoned veteran emergency room physician, Dr. Philip B. How ren says every senior should have a medical alert device, you better listen up.

“Seniors a re just one fall away from being put in a nursing home,” Dr. Howren said.

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Many seniors refuse to wear old style help buttons because they make them look old. But even worse, those medical alert systems come with monthly bills.

To solve these problems Universal Physicians, a U.S. company, went to work to develop a new, modern, state-of-the-art medical alert device. It’s called “FastHelp™” and

Sleek new modern design makes you look important not old

it instantly connects you to free un limited nationw ide help everywhere cell ser vice is available with no contrac t s , no deposits and no monthly bills ever.

“This slick new little device is designed to look like the pagers do c t or s wea r every day. Seniors love them, because it actually makes them look important, not old ,” D r.

Howren said.

Fa s t H e l p i s expected to hit store shelves later this year. But special newspaper promotional giveaways are slated for se niors in select areas that call 1-800-275-0444 Ext. HELP3228. ■ (Continued on next page)

32 OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • SEPTEMBER 2021

SPECIAL ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE

(Continued from previous page)

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And here’s the best part. All those who already have an old style monitored medical alert button can immediately eliminate those monthly bills, which is why Un iver s a l Physicians is widely advertising this announcement nationwide.

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The problem with medical alert devices is, nobody wa nts to wea r them because it makes them look old. Well, that’s not the case with FastHelp. That’s because it’s the first state of the art medical alert dev ice desig ned to make you look important, not old.

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But now Universal Physicia ns, the U.S. based heavyweight, just delivered a knockout blow sending the top rated contenders to the mat with the unveiling of FastHelp. It’s the sleek new cellular embedded medical alert device that cuts out the middleman by instantly con necting you directly to highly trained 911 operators all across the U.S. There’s absolutely nothing to hook-up or install.

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sleek new medical alert device that BOTTOM LINE: comes with the You don’t need exclusive FastHelp to shop around. One-Touch E 911 Button that We’ve done all instantly connects the leg work, you to free unlimthis deal is too ited nationwide good to pass help everywhere up. FastHelp with the instant cell service is available with no conrebate is a real tracts or deposits. steal at just It connects you to $149 and shipthe vast available ping and there are no monthly network of cellular towers for free and bills ever. saves seniors a ton of money because there are no monthly bills ever making this deal irresistible. Plus it’s the only medical alert device that makes seniors look important, not old.

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SEPTEMBER 2021 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING 33

Memorials throughout the state recall the horror and honor the heroism of Sept. 11, 2001.

BY DAMAINE VONADA

34 OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • SEPTEMBER 2021

The day that changed the nation

t the Tiffin Police and Fire All Patriots Memorial, a daylong observance occurs on each anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on the United States. The ceremonies always begin at 8:46 a.m., the time hijackers flew the first plane into the World Trade Center, but memorial committee secretary Jill Gosche always gets there well early.

A

“I always go early to help lower the flags to half-staff and shine up the memorial’s granite,” Gosche says. “I feel that the site needs to be top-notch and kept clean out of respect for those who gave so much on 9/11.”

The Tiffin memorial’s centerpiece is a 17.5-foot-long steel beam recovered from the World Trade Center.

It weighs more than 3 tons and rests on a pentagonshaped piece of granite that alludes to the strike on America’s military headquarters. Positioned at an angle of 9.11 degrees, the beam sits low to the ground so people can touch it. “When rust particles drop off that beam, they almost seem like tears,” observes Gosche.

Someone once tucked a single red rose into the beam, and that poignant gesture inspired the cover photo of the book Gosche wrote — If the Beam Could Talk — about 9/11 and the effort Tiffin residents put into creating a memorial to both the thousands of lives lost that day and local first responders. Her intention was to ensure that future generations would forget neither the deaths nor the destruction in New York City, Washington, D.C., and Shanksville, Pennsylvania. “Every American was affected by 9/11,” Gosche says. “We all felt the attacks that day.”

Sept. 11 memorials exist throughout the state. Like Tiffin’s, many of those places of remembrance display pieces of wreckage obtained by everyday Ohioans who were and are dedicated to preserving them as historic artifacts and evidence of the attacks.

Each one, however, pays tribute to the heartbreak and heroism of that dreadful day. With 9/11’s 20th anniversary occurring this month, here is a selection of some of Ohio’s memorials.

SEPTEMBER 2021 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING 35

Clockwise from top left: The city of Alliance’s 9/11 memorial features panels of the buildings’ aluminum “skin” salvaged from the World Trade Center debris (photo courtesy of W. John Gross); A mangled piece of steel punctuates Beavercreek’s display, which also lists the names of those who died that day (photo courtesy of city of Beavercreek); Volunteers will place one flag at the Ohio Statehouse in Columbus (shown from above on the opposite page, photo courtesy of Ohio Statehouse) for every person killed on 9/11 (Ira Graham III Photography); Austintown’s memorial includes relics from all three 9/11 sites, including two twisted beams from the World Trade Center (photo courtesy of Mahoning County Convention and Visitors Bureau).

Previous page: Part of the steel skeleton of World Trade Center Tower South at Ground Zero in the days after the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attack that collapsed the 110-story twin towers in New York City (Terraexplorer via Getty Images); inset: a close-up view of Tiffin’s memorial (photo courtesy of Jill Gosche).

36 OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • SEPTEMBER 2021

9/11 Memorial Alliance’s former safety-service director, W. John Gross, spearheaded one of the nation’s most unusual memorials, which was inspired by an American flag planted on mutilated pieces of the twin towers’ aluminum “skin.” Instead of structural steel, it showcases aluminum panels that were salvaged from the debris and installed in a park in the same north-andsouth orientation as the twin towers. www.cityofalliance.com/381/ 911-Memorial

Austintown

9/11 Memorial Park Visitors follow paths to two twisted beams from the World Trade Center, stone from the Pentagon’s rubble, and an urn containing earth from Shanksville’s crash site. Inscribed with the words “Let’s Roll,” the urn’s pedestal recalls the famous words of Todd Beamer, one of the passengers who confronted United Flight 93’s hijackers. www.youngstownlive.com/ attraction/9-11-memorial-park

Beavercreek 9/11 Memorial

A mangled piece of steel once located between the north tower’s 101st and 105th floors now punctuates the memorial at Beavercreek Station bike trail hub. The 25-foot-tall relic is surrounded by panels that display a 9/11 timeline and the names of all who died. www.beavercreekohio.gov/709/ 911-Memorial

Columbus

Ohio Statehouse Flag Display For 9/11’s 20th anniversary, volunteers will place 2,977 American flags — one for every person killed — on the Ohio Statehouse’s west lawn in a pattern that signifies a pentagon-shaped open space surrounded by the twin towers. Between the stylized towers, a strip of grass represents Flight 93’s crash in Shanksville. www.ohiostatehouse.org

OHIO REMEMBERS

Alliance

SEPTEMBER 2021 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING 37

Top: Some of the 500 flags that are part of the 9/11 memorial in Eastlake; below: Gibsonburg’s display includes one of the largest remnants — a 36-foot-long section of the north tower’s antenna.

Eastlake

America Remembers 9/11 Memorial Adjacent to city hall, Eastlake’s memorial includes a lamppost and beam from the World Trade Center, grass from the Shanksville crash site, and granite from the Pentagon.

It’s part of Eastlake’s Boulevard of 500 Flags, a stunning red, white, and blue salute to veterans. www.500flags.org/memorial

Gibsonburg

Public Safety Service Memorial One of the World Trade Center’s largest remnants — a 36-footlong, 7,000-pound section of the north tower’s antenna — provides a dramatic focal point for Gibsonburg’s combination 9/11 and first responders memorial. Fittingly enough, a model of New York’s new One World Trade Center (which also was the north tower’s name) supports the hulking antenna. www.sanduskycounty.org/pssm

38 OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • SEPTEMBER 2021

Groveport

9/11 Collection at the Motts Military Museum “When they see the fire truck, I’ve had people cry or step back because it’s such a powerful statement about 9/11,” says Warren Motts, founding director of the Motts Military Museum.

Crushed during the north tower’s collapse, the truck is the crumpled remains of the New York Fire Department’s Ladder 18 and the crown jewel of the museum’s considerable collection of 9/11 artifacts. Pending construction of a new wing, the fire engine is housed in a storage building that Motts opens to visitors on Thursdays at 10 a.m. www.mottsmilitarymuseum.org

Hilliard

First Responders Park At a handsome park in the heart of Hilliard, tons of contorted steel from the World Trade Center contrast with sleek, black granite walls engraved with the names of those who perished on 9/11.

Also on-site are a reflecting pool and a unique sculpture with metal figures representing victims and first responders. www.hilliardohio.gov/parks/first-responders-park

Swanton

Northwest Ohio 9/11 Memorial, Ohio Air National Guard Base The Ohio Air National Guard’s 180th Fighter Wing was activated on Sept. 11, 2001, and today. its base near Toledo is the site of a 9/11 memorial with an ingenious sundial that chronicles the times of each attack. Individual glass stars made by a local artist pay homage to those killed that day (available by appointment only). www.180fw.ang.af.mil

Tiffin

Tiffin Police and Fire All Patriots Memorial The only tree that withstood Ground Zero is a Callery pear that New York’s parks department rescued and revitalized. Thus, a Callery pear tree now graces the grounds of Tiffin’s memorial, and like the “survivor tree,” it’s a living symbol of rebirth and renewal. www.allpatriots.wordpress.com Top: Motts Military Museum’s 9/11 collection includes the crumpled remains of FDNY’s Ladder 18 (photo by Damaine Vonada); middle: First Responders Park in Hilliard features chunks of mangled steel from Ground Zero and granite walls engraved with the names of those killed in the attacks (photo courtesy of city of Hilliard); bottom: the memorial at the 180th Fighter Wing base in Swanton forms a unique sundial that marks the times of the attacks (photo courtesy of Ohio Air National Guard).

SEPTEMBER 2021 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING 39

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SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER

COMPILED BY COLLEEN ROMICK CLARK

rides, bounce houses, miniature horse cart rides, pumpkin chuckin’, and corn cannons. 419-423-2995, www.nworrp.org, or www.facebook.com/nworrp.

SEP. 25 – Bluffton Fall Festival, various locations in downtown Bluffton, 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Kids’ activities, food, horse-drawn wagon rides, antique tractor show, quilt show, farmers market, and much more. www. blufftonfallfestival.com.

SEP. 25 – Elida Mennonite School Benefit Breakfast, Lunch, and Auction, 3666 N. Grubb Rd., Delphos, breakfast starting at 7:30 a.m., auction at 9:30 a.m.

Enjoy a country breakfast featuring local wholeTHROUGH OCT. 9 – The Great Sidney Farmers hog sausage; Elida’s famous pork chops for lunch; Market, Courthouse Square, 109 S. Ohio Ave., every homemade doughnuts, baked goods, kettle corn, Saturday, 8 a.m.–noon. Produce, baked goods, and ice cream, and soft pretzels. See our Facebook page crafts. Follow “Sidney Alive” on Facebook or call for photos of auction items. 567-204-4181 or www.

937-658-6945. facebook.com/emsauction.

THROUGH OCT. 30 – Bluffton Farmers Market, SEP. 25–26 – Ghost Town Spring Crafts and Antiques Citizens National Bank parking lot, 102 S. Main St., Festival, 10630 Co. Rd. 40, Findlay, Sat. 9 a.m.–5 p.m., downtown Bluffton, Sat. 8:30 a.m.–noon. Storytime Sun. 11 a.m.–4 p.m. 419-673-7783 or www.facebook. with the Bluffton Public Library and live music on select com/Ghost-Town-Findlay-Ohio-1525098627787387.

Saturdays. www.explorebluffton.com/farmers-market.

SEP. 25–OCT. 24 – Pumpkin Train, Northwest Ohio SEP. 17–18 – Rebel Run, Allen Co. Fgds., 2750 Harding Railroad Preservation Inc., 12505 Co. Rd. 99, Findlay, Hwy., Lima, Fri. 8 a.m.–8 p.m., Sat. 8 a.m.–6 p.m. $5; Sat./Sun. 1–5 p.m. $3; ages 12 and under, $2. Take free for 12 and under. Classic car, truck, and motorcycle a ride on a quarter-scale train to the pumpkin patch event. Entertainment, People’s Choice awards, food to find that special pumpkin, then take one more trip vendors, and more. Vintage racing cars Fri. 5 p.m. and around the track to return to the station. Additional Sat. 1 p.m. Camp sites available. www.rebelrunlima.com. charge for pumpkins, but purchase of pumpkin not required. 419-423-2995, www.nworrp.org, or www.

SEP. 17–18 – Vernon McIntyre’s Appalachian Grass, facebook.com/nworrp.

Van Wert Co. Fgds., 1055 S. Washington St., Van Wert.

Come see us perform at the Van Wert Bluegrass Festival, SEP. 26 – ABATE Motorcycle Toy Run, Allen Co. Fgds., a weekend filled with jamming, stage shows, vendors, 2750 Harding Hwy., Lima. $15/person, or $10 with a food, and camaraderie. Vernon’s vending booth will be toy donation. Gates open at 10 a.m., bikes leave at 12 open throughout the festival. For information, contact p.m. with sheriff escort, returning to fairgrounds around Steve Scott at 419-594-2816.

3 p.m. The event is to raise money and collect toys to benefit needy children for the holidays. www.abate.com.

SEP. 17–19 – Delphos Canal Days and Parade, downtown Delphos, Fri. 4 p.m.–midnight, Sat. 10 a.m.– SEP. 26 – Author Mary Stockwell: “Interrupted midnight, Sun. 10 a.m.–6 p.m. Free. Kids’ activities, live Odyssey: Ulysses S. Grant and the American music, fair food, car show, and other entertainment. 5K Indians,” Fort Recovery State Museum, 1 Fort Site St., run/walk Sunday at 9 a.m.; parade Sunday at 2 p.m.

Fort Recovery, 3 p.m. Free. Stockwell will show how along Second Street. www.delphoscanaldays.com.

Grant developed an Indian policy with the help of his close friend Ely Parker, a Seneca Indian, to protect the SEP. 18 – Positively Perrysburg Fest, downtown tribes and welcome them into the nation as citizens. Her Perrysburg, 9:30 a.m.–3 p.m. Free. Arts and crafts, books will be available for purchase/signing. 419-375marketplace area for businesses/organizations, 4384 or www.fortrecoverymuseum.com. food trucks, family-friendly activities, entertainment, and more. Parade at 10 a.m. 419-874-9147 or www.

OCT. 1–2 – Tracks to the Past Antique Machinery perrysburgchamber.com.

Show, Northwest Ohio Railroad Preservation Inc., 12505 Co. Rd. 99, Findlay, gates open at 9 a.m. $4; SEP. 18–19 – Pumpkin Fest, Northwest Ohio Railroad age 12 and under, $3; admission includes 1 train ticket.

Preservation Inc., 12505 Co. Rd. 99, Findlay, Sat./Sun. 12–5 p.m. $10 per person, all-day access. Family-friendly Machinery show only: $2; free for age 12 and under.

Antique machinery of all kinds, including steam engines, games, activities, and events, including Pumpkin Train

NORTHWEST

WEST VIRGINIA

SEP. 30–OCT. 3 – Preston County Buckwheat Festival, 115 Brown Ave., Kingwood. Buckwheat cakes and sausage breakfasts served all day. Car show, livestock shows and competitions, carnival rides, art and crafts, and a buckwheat cake eating contest. info@buckwheatfest.com or www. buckwheatfest.com.

gas engines, tractors, doodle bugs, operating sawmill, shingle mill, baker fan, and much more. Ride the Pumpkin Train during the day or the Halloween Express after dark. 419-423-2995, www.nworrp.org, or www. facebook.com/nworrp.

OCT. 1–8 – Virtual Gala Fundraiser, Wood County Museum, online event. Bid on fabulous experiences and baskets in this virtual silent auction. All proceeds benefit the Wood County Historical Society and go toward educational programs and exhibits. Auction link: 32Auctions.com/WCMGala2021. For more information: 419-352-0967 or www.woodcountyhistory.org.

OCT. 1–30 – Halloween Express, Northwest Ohio Railroad Preservation Inc., 12505 Co. Rd. 99, Findlay, Fri./Sat. 6:30–9 p.m. $3; age 12 and under, $2. A non-scary Halloween train ride for the whole family around our tracks to see the Halloween decorations after dark. 419-423-2995, www.nworrp.org, or www. facebook.com/nworrp.

OCT. 2–3 – “Christmas in October” Craft Show, Hancock Co. Fgds., 1017 E. Sandusky St., Findlay, Sat. 10 a.m.–5 p.m., Sun. 11 a.m.–4 p.m. $6; under 12 free. Over 300 exhibitors. $1-off coupon at www.cloudshows.biz/ event-calendar. 419-436-1457 or find us on Facebook.

OCT. 6 – German-American Day, Wood County Museum, 13660 County Home Rd., Bowling Green, 7 p.m. $5 members/$10 non-members. Explore your German-related ancestry. Reservations limited to 15 people; RSVP required. 419-352-0967 or www. woodcountyhistory.org.

OCT. 7 – Annual Chocolate Walk, downtown Sidney.

Tour downtown businesses and enjoy delicious chocolates. Tickets required. www.sidneyalive.org.

OCT. 9 – Boos and Brews Fall Fest, downtown Sidney.

Coffee, costumes, trick-or-treat, and the last day of the Great Sidney Farmers Market. Stay tuned for more info! www.sidneyalive.org.

OCT. 9 – Van Buren Fall Festival and Lions’ Club Apple Butter Fest, Van Buren School, 217 S. Main St., Van Buren, 9 a.m.–3 p.m. Apple butter, bean soup cooked over open fire on-site, food vendors, craft show, village garage sales, and kids’ area. Something for the whole family! 419-299-3628 or vanburenapplebutter@ yahoo.com.

OCT. 9 – Vernon McIntyre’s Appalachian Grass, Ohio State Eagles Rec Park, 5118 U.S. 68, Bellefontaine, 8 p.m.–midnight. $5 at gate. Enjoy lively bluegrass music with lightning-fast instrumentals, close harmonies, and entertaining novelty songs. Tent/camper sites or cabin rentals available. For information, call 937-593-1565 or visit the park’s Facebook page.

Submit listings AT LEAST 90 DAYS prior to the event to Ohio Cooperative Living, 6677 Busch Blvd., Columbus, OH 43229 or events@ohioec.org. Ohio Cooperative Living will not publish listings that don’t include a complete address or a number/ website for more information.

SEPTEMBER 2021 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING 41

2021 CALENDAR

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER

NORTHEAST

THROUGH OCT. 30 – “Live Birds of Prey,” Mohican State Park Lodge and Conference Cr., 4700 Goon Rd., Perrysville, every Saturday at 7 p.m. An up-close experience with a variety of Ohio bird species. 419-9385411 or www.discovermohican.com/event.

SEP. 5–18 – “Celebrate the Constitution,” Historic Fort Steuben, 120 S. 3rd St., Steubenville, Mon.–Sat 10 a.m.–4 p.m., Sun. 11 a.m.–4 p.m. Free. 740-283-1787 or www. oldfortsteuben.com.

SEP. 17 – Civil War School Day, Historic Zoar Village, 9 a.m.–3 p.m. 330-874-3011 or www.historiczoarvillage.com.

SEP. 17–18 – Ohio State African Violet Society Show, Kingwood Center Gardens, 50 Trimble Rd., Mansfield. 937654-7014, melsgrice@gmail.com, or www.osavs.org.

SEP. 17–19 – Great Mohican Indian Pow-Wow, 23270 Wally Rd., Loudonville, Fri./Sun. 10 a.m.–6 p.m., Sat. 10 a.m.–7 p.m. $8, C. (6–12) $4, under 6 free. Weekend passes available. Native American live music, dancing, drum competitions, storytelling, tomahawk throwing, and fire starting demos. 800-766-2267 or www. mohicanpowwow.com.

SEP. 18–19 – Zoar Civil War Reenactment, Historic Zoar Village, 3 miles east of I-77 on St. Rte. 212. $10 ticket good for both days; free for ages 12 and under. Reenacted battles on both days, artillery night fire, Saturday night ball, Civil War–era shops and tavern. Ticket includes museum tours. 330-874-3011 or www.historiczoarvillage.com; for complete schedule, visit www.zoarcivilwar.com.

SOUTHEAST

THROUGH OCTOBER – Rise and Shine Farmers Market, 2245 Southgate Pkwy., Cambridge, every Friday, 8 a.m.–noon. 740-680-1866 or find us on Facebook.

THROUGH DECEMBER – Athens Farmers Market, 1000 E. State St., Athens, every Wednesday, 9 a.m.–1 p.m.; every Saturday, 9 a.m.–noon. 740-593-6763 or www. athensfarmersmarket.org.

SEP. 18 – Guernsey Gospel Jubilee Fall Gospel Sing, Cambridge City Park Pavilion, 1203 N. 8th St., Cambridge.

Free admission; love offering only. Free parking. 740-7041487 or www.gospeljubilee.org.

SEP. 19 – Wellington Harvest of the Arts, 101 Willard Memorial Square, Wellington, 11 a.m.–4 p.m., rain or shine. Free admission and parking. Fundraiser for Herrick Memorial Library community programming. About 80 fine and folk art juried vendors, a handmade quilt raffle, and more. 440-647-2120 or www.wellingtonfriends.org.

SEP. 25 – Fundraiser at the Painesville Railroad Museum, Painesville (NYC) Depot, 475 Railroad St., Painesville, 3–8 p.m. Tickets $20 pre-sale, $25 at the door: all-you-can-eat buffet dinner and soft drink.

Basket raffle and 50/50 raffle. 216-470-5780 or www. painesvillerailroadmuseum.org.

SEP. 25 – Oktoberfest, Wolf Creek/Pine Run Grist Mill, St. Rte. 3 S., Loudonville, noon–11 p.m. Ages 21 and over, $5; ages 10–20, $1; under 10 free. Enjoy nearly 100 foreign and domestic beers and wine, live music, and food vendors. www.wolfcreekmill.org.

SEP. 29–OCT. 2 – Wooster AAUW and Kiwanis Used Book Sale, Wayne Co. Fgds., 199 Vanover St., Wooster, Wed.–Fri. 9 a.m.–8 p.m., Sat. 9 a.m.–2 p.m. Free. Over 45,000 books, bargain priced, cleaned, and sorted. Friday is half-price day; on Saturday, fill a bag for $5. 330-4392093 or www.woosterkiwanis.org/booksale.

OCT. 1–2 – Woosterfest, downtown Wooster, Fri. noon–11 p.m., Sat. 11 a.m.–11 p.m. Traditional Oktoberfest celebration, with food, music, contests and games, kids’ activities, cruise-in (Sat. 11 a.m.–9 p.m.), and biergarten/ weingarten. 330-262-5735 or www.woosterfest.com.

OCT. 2 – Wayne County Stitchers Sewing Fest, Church of the Cross United Methodist Church, 5100 Cleveland Rd., Wooster. Registration 8:30 a.m., classes 9 a.m.–2 p.m. $10.

Pack a lunch or buy there, barb814@sssnet.com.

OCT. 2–3 – The Great Berea Train Show, Cuyahoga Co. Fgds., 19201 E. Bagley Rd., Middleburg Heights, 10 a.m.–4 p.m. $8; under 16 free with adult; $10 for 2-day pass. 700 dealer tables with model trains and supplies for all scales; many operating layouts. info@thegreatbereatrainshow.org or www.thegreatbereatrainshow.org.

OCT. 3 – Cleveland Comic Book and Nostalgia Convention, Doubletree by Hilton Cleveland-Westlake,

1100 Crocker Rd., Westlake (I-90 exit 156), 10 a.m.–4 p.m. $5, under 7 free. 330-353-0439, jeff@harpercomics.com, or www.harpercomics.com.

OCT. 3–17 – “Riverboats on the Ohio,” Historic Fort Steuben, 120 S. 3rd St., Steubenville, Mon.–Sat. 10 a.m.–4 p.m., Sun. 11 a.m.–4 p.m. Exhibit and programs on the history and folklore of the steamboats that traveled the Ohio River. 740-283-1787 or www.oldfortsteuben.com.

OCT. 7–10 – Ohio Mart, Stan Hywet Hall and Gardens, 714 N. Portage Path, Akron, Thur.–Sat. 10 a.m.–5 p.m., Sun. 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Juried invitational show of fine arts and crafts by talented artisans. See the Stitchery Showcase and “Inspiration in Bloom” floral display in the Manor House.

330-836-5533 or www.stanhywet.org.

OCT. 8–10 – Algonquin Mill Fall Festival, Algonquin Mill, 234 Autumn Rd. SW, 4 miles south of Carrollton on St. Rte. 332, 9 a.m.–5 p.m. $8 per vehicle. 50th anniversary. Features an operating steam-powered flour mill and sawmill in a pioneer village setting.

Demonstrations, kids’ activities, food, and more. www. carrollcountyhistoricalsociety.com.

OCT. 9 – Benefit Cruise-In, Waynedale High School, 9048 Dover Rd., Apple Creek, 9 a.m.–4 p.m. Fundraiser for the Gideon Guenther Memorial Scholarship and to purchase new band uniforms. Featuring Thunder Buggy, the jet-powered Amish buggy, 10 a.m.–1 p.m. only. Food and music; raffles. Email suzyqorrconstruc@gmail.com.

OCT. 9 – Model Trains Flea Market, Painesville Railroad Museum, 475 Railroad St., Painesville, 10 a.m.–3 p.m. 216470-5780 (Tom) or www.painesvillerailroadmuseum.org.

OCT. 9–10 – Holmes County Antique Festival, downtown Millersburg. Antique markets and auctions, parades, arts and crafts, demonstrations, car show, 5K/Fun Walk. Grand Parade Sunday at 2 p.m. http:// holmescountyantiquefestival.org.

OCT. 9–10 – Wayne County Farm Tour, various locations, Sat. 11 a.m.–6 p.m., Sun. 12:30–6 p.m. Take a free, drive-ityourself tour of various farms and agricultural businesses in southeastern Wayne County. 330-263-7456 or www. ofbf.org/counties/wayne.

SEP. 18–19 – Bean Ride 2021, 34546 Atherton Rd., Macksburg. Raising money for four local veterans organizations. Horse trail rides and ATV/UTV rides on Saturday; horse/wagon rides on Sunday. Live auction, country store, live music. 740-525-6220 or www. facebook.com/Bean-Ride-2019-joins-with-kickincancerto ur-1013849982338970.

SEP. 23–26 – Barnesville Pumpkin Festival, 117 Cherry St., Barnesville. Fun contests and activities, live music, car show, giant pumpkin parade, pumpkin-based foods, the Great Pumpkin Weigh-Off, and much more! 740-425-2593 or www.barnesvillepumpkinfestival.com.

SEP. 25 – Ghost Walk, downtown Chillicothe, 10 a.m.–6 p.m. $10. Tour four locations in downtown Chillicothe and discover their haunted history. www. chillicothehalloweenfestival.com/ghost-walk.

SEP. 25 – Main Street Fall Festival, downtown Cambridge, 11 a.m.–7 p.m. Live entertainment, food trucks, vendors, art, kids’ activities, and more. Beer and wine garden will also be available. 740-439-2238 or http://downtowncambridge.com.

SEP. 25 – Woodland Cemetery Historic Walk, Lawrence County Museum, 506 South 6th St., Ironton. Don’t miss this historic walk where visitors encounter Underground Railroad conductors, iron masters, ballerinas, Civil War veterans, and others interred in this beautiful cemetery.

The walk is for all ages and is not scary. Refreshments provided during and after at the museum. www. lawcomuseum.org.

SEP. 25–26 – Lucasville Trade Days, Scioto Co. Fgds., 1193 Fairground Rd., Lucasville, Sat. 7 a.m.–7 p.m., Sun. 7 a.m.–4 p.m. $5; age 12 and under free. 937-728-6643 or www.lucasvilletradedays.com.

OCT. 1–3 – Paul Bunyan Show, Guernsey Co. Fgds., 335 Old National Rd., Lore City (Cambridge), Fri./Sat. 8 a.m.–5 p.m., Sun. 8 a.m.–3 p.m. $10; Srs./C. (7–12) $5; under 7 free. The original American forestry show, featuring lumberjack competitions, demonstrations and clinics, wood crafts, and much more. 888-388-7337 or www. ohioforest.org.

OCT. 7–10, 14–17 – Clue, Chillicothe Civic Theatre, S. Walnut St., Chillicothe. http://cctchillicothe.com.

OCT. 8–10 – Chillicothe Halloween Festival, Yoctangee Park, Chillicothe, 10 a.m.–10 p.m., Vendors, food, inflatables, games, exhibits, costume contest, and the annual Coffin Races. www. chillicothehalloweenfestival.com.

OCT. 8–10 – Chillicothe Trade Days, Ross Co. Fgds., 344 Fairgrounds Rd., Chillicothe, 10 a.m.–7 p.m. $5. An oldworld-style flea market. www.chillicothetradedays.com.

42 OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • SEPTEMBER 2021

CENTRAL

St., Columbus, every Thursday and Friday, 6–9 p.m.

(Wed. and Sun. dates available in October). $70. Get hands-on experience blowing glass. All experience levels welcome. 614-715-8000 or www.fpconservatory.org.

THROUGH OCT. 31 – Rock Mill Days, Stebelton Park at Rock Mill, 1429 Rockmill Place NW, Lancaster, Wed. and Sat. 11 a.m.–2 p.m., Sun. 1–4 p.m. Free. Tour the restored 1824 gristmill and enjoy Hocking River Falls. 740-6817249 or www.fairfieldcountyparks.org.

SEP. 15 – “What About Me? The Patient Perspective in Evidence-Based Practice and Shared Decision Making,” online event, 8 a.m.–noon and 1–5 p.m. $25 half-day session; $40 full day. Part of the Fuld Institute for THROUGH SEP. 25 – Canal Winchester Farmers Evidence-Based Practice National Summit. Sessions will Market, 100 N. High St., Canal Winchester, every help you make better decisions about health care for you Saturday, 9 a.m.–noon. 614-270-5053 or go to www. and your loved ones. Learn more and register at go.osu. thecwfm.com. edu/fuldsummit or 614-688-1175.

THROUGH SEP. 30 – Pickerington Farmers Market, SEP. 17–19 – Backwoods Fest, 8572 High Point Rd., 89 N. Center St., Pickerington, every Thursday, 4–7 p.m. Thornville, Fri./Sat. 8 a.m.–6 p.m., Sun. 8 a.m.–5 p.m. www.pickeringtonvillage.com/events.

Over 300 vendors, more than 30 different kinds of food, and 3 days of bluegrass music. 740-246-4709 or www.

THROUGH OCT. 16 – Lorena Sternwheeler Public thornvillebackwoodsfest.com.

Cruises, Zanesville, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. See website for times. $12, Srs. $10, C. (2–12) SEP. 18 – Duck Derby Fundraiser and Student Horse $8. Enjoy a relaxing cruise down the Muskingum River.

Show, 2795 N. Moose Eye Rd., Norwich, 11 a.m.–5 p.m.

740-455-8282, www.facebook.com/LorenaSternwheeler, $5. Kids’ farm experience, raffles, silent auctions, food, or www.visitzanesville.com/Lorena.

Duck Derby races (youth and adult) at noon, followed by horse show. Benefits Breaking Free Therapeutic Riding THROUGH OCT. 17 – Monticello III Canal Boat Rides, Center. 740-607-8425 or www.breakingfreeriding.org.

Sat./Sun. 1–4 p.m. $8, Srs. $7, Stds. (6–18) $6, under 6 free. Huge draft horse teams pull the canal boat along SEP. 24 – Jefferson Starship, Marion Palace Theatre, an original section of the Ohio and Erie Canal as the boat 276 W. Center St., Marion, 7:30 p.m. $34–$52. Classic captain entertains you with tall tales and history of 1800s rock concert. 740-383-2101 or www.marionpalace.org. life on the canal. www.visitcoshocton.com/events-list.php. SEP. 24–25 – Country Shop Hop, in the Amanda, THROUGH OCT. 30 – Delaware Farmers Market, 20 Stoutsville, and Tarlton area. Enjoy a ride in the country E. Winter St., Delaware, Sat. 9–12 p.m. 740-362-6050 or visiting 19 area businesses. Special offers at each www.mainstreetdelaware.com/event/farmers-market. business; door prizes. Times both days are 8 a.m.–5 p.m. but may vary for individual businesses. 740-503-2125 or THROUGH OCT. 30 – Zanesville Farmers Market, Adornetto’s, 2224 Maple Ave., Zanesville, every Saturday, www.countryshophop.com.

9 a.m.–noon. www.zanesvillefarmersmarket.org.

SEP. 24–25 – Sims Fall Festival, 11300 ChillicotheLancaster Rd., Amanda, Fri. noon–7 p.m., Sat. 10 THROUGH OCT. 31 – Hot Shop Studio Class: a.m.–4 p.m. Free. Bean cook Friday night. Antique farm Pumpkins, Franklin Park Conservatory, 1777 E. Broad

equipment, arts and crafts, antiques, mums, pumpkins, and fall items. Special Civil War encampment. Gen. Sherman’s cannon will be fired Fri. 6 p.m., Sat. 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Kids’ games and activities on Saturday.

Country Shop Hop participant. 740-969-2225 or www. simsfallfestival.com.

SEP. 25 – Oktoberfest, 80 W. Church St., Pickerington, noon–10 p.m. Free. Traditional German celebration. Local brews and wine, food vendors, live music on outdoor stage all day. Fun for all ages! 614-321-8221 or www. pickeringtonvillage.com.

SEP. 25–26 – Hocking Hills Artists and Craftsmen Fall Show, Hocking Hills Elementary School, 19197 St. Rte. 664 S., Logan. www.hockinghillsartistsandcraftsmen.com.

OCT. 1–3 – Ohio Gourd Show and Festival, Delaware Co. Fgds., 236 Pennsylvania Ave., Delaware, Fri. noon–5 p.m., Sat. 9 a.m.–5 p.m., Sun. 10 a.m.–4 p.m. $5 per day, $7 for weekend, under 13 free. Gourd artists and vendors, demos and workshop classes, juried art and horticultural competitions, silent auction, and raffle. Free make-and-take Saturday and Sunday; new Family Day on Sunday. www.ohiogourdsociety.com or on Facebook @ OhioGourdShow.

OCT. 8–9 – Fall Bang, downtown Larue. Annual community celebration featuring live music, car show, food and drink, tractor pulls, and more! www. laruecommunityalliance.org.

OCT. 8–10 – Columbus Italian Festival, St. John the Baptist Italian Catholic Church, 720 Hamlet St., Columbus, Fri. 5–11 p.m., Sat. noon–11 p.m., Sun. noon–7 p.m. $5, under 12 free. Free parking and shuttle at Columbus State. Food, cooking demos, bocce ball competition, musical performances, and much more! 614294-8259 or www.columbusitalianfestival.com.

OCT. 8–17 – 12 Angry Jurors, Wigwam Theater, 10190 Blacklick-Eastern Rd. NW, Pickerington. Presented by Pickerington Community Theatre. Tensions rise as 12 very different personalities interact to obstruct their intentions of reaching a unanimous decision on a murder trial. 614508-0036 or www.pctshows.com.

SEP. 18–19 – Preble County Pork Festival, Preble Co. Fgds., 722 S. Franklin St., Eaton. Free admission/parking.

The best pork chops, pulled pork, ham sandwiches, and sausage in the region. Kiddie tractor pull, parade, entertainment, demonstrations, pig races, and more. www.porkfestival.org.

SEP. 24 – Vernon McIntyre’s Appalachian Grass, Vinoklet Winery, 11069 Colerain Ave., Cincinnati, 7 p.m. Free. Enjoy an evening of lively bluegrass. Craft beers and food truck available. 513-832-1422 or http:// fibbrew.com.

SEP. 24–26 – Tipp City Mum Festival, Community Park, Tipp City. Free. Parade, rides, entertainment, concessions, cruise-in on Friday, “Run for the Mums” 5K run on Saturday, and much more. 937-667-8631 or www. tippcitymumfestival.org.

SEP. 24–OCT. 24 – Art at the Mill, 6450 ArcanumBear’s Mill Rd., Greenville. Monthly art program curated to promote local art/artists and create a gathering place for the public. This month we showcase Tim Freeman and his photography on rice paper. Reception for the artist on Sep. 24, 6–8 p.m. 937-548-5112 or www. bearsmill.org.

OCT. 1 – Bacchanal Steel Drum Band, First United Methodist Church, 120 S. Broad St., Middletown, noon–1 p.m. Popular band takes the audience on an island adventure with fun classic tunes sure to lift your spirits.

Concert is free and open to the public. Handicapped accessible. Brown bag your lunch and enjoy! 513-4234629 or www.myfumc.net.

OCT. 2 – Celebrate Fall at the Johnston Farm, 9845 N. Hardin Rd., Piqua, 12–5 p.m. Tour the Johnston home, visit the Historic Indian and Canal Museum, and

take a ride on the General Harrison of Piqua, a replica of a 19th-century canal boat. 800-752-2619 or www. johnstonfarmohio.com.

OCT. 2 – Fall Fest, Trenton Community Park and Amphitheater, 440 Dell Dr., Trenton, 2–11 p.m. Live music, fireworks, car show, kids’ zone, video game truck, vendors, plus food and beverages! 513-988-6304 or www.ci.trenton.oh.us.

OCT. 2–3 – Apple Butter Festival, Doty Pioneer Farm, Hueston Woods State Park, 6924 Brown Rd., Oxford, 10 a.m.–4 p.m. $4. Demos of apple butter making, spinning, weaving, and blacksmithing; food vendors.

Entertainment both days by DJ John, 10 a.m.–noon; Hueston Woods naturalist at 12:15 p.m.; 2nd Time Around bluegrass, 2–4 p.m. www.oxfordmuseumassociation. com/apple-butter-festival-hueston-woods.

OCT. 9–10 – Fall Farm Fest, Lost Creek Reserve and Knoop Agricultural Learning Ctr., 2385 E. St. Rte. 41, Troy, Sat. noon–7 p.m., Sun. noon–5 p.m. Free, but charges for some activities. Corn maze, pumpkin patch, scarecrow contest, wagon rides, pony rides, kids’ activities, and more. 937-335-6273 or https://www. miamicountyparks.com/fall-farm-fest.

OCT. 9–10 – Ohio Sauerkraut Festival, Waynesville, Sat. 9 a.m.–8 p.m., Sun. 9 a.m.–6 p.m. Sample homemade sauerkraut and many kraut-containing foods.

Non-kraut foods also available. 513-897-8855 or https:// sauerkrautfestival.waynesvilleohio.com.

OCT. 12–16 – Bradford Pumpkin Show, downtown Bradford. Free. Parades, concessions, rides, and contests.

Baking contest Wednesday. Car show and smash-a pumpkin Saturday. www.bradfordpumpkinshow.org.

SOUTHWEST

T​ HROUGH OCT. 27 – Bluegrass Wednesdays, Vinoklet Winery, 11069 Colerain Ave., Cincinnati, Wed. 6:30–8:30 p.m. Dinner, wine, and an evening of bluegrass by Vernon McIntyre’s Appalachian Grass.

Reservations strongly recommended. 513-385-9309 or vinokletwinery@fuse.net.

SEP. 11 – Troy Porchfest, downtown Troy. Over 40 bands in a variety of styles and genres on 40 porches and patios and in yards throughout the Southwest Historic District.

Food trucks and artisan tents. www.troyhayner.org.

SEP. 17–19 – WACO Celebration and Fly-In, WACO Historic Airfield and Learning Ctr., 1865 S. Co. Rd. 25A, Troy. WACO owners fly their aircraft back to Troy, the site of their manufacture. Come see these beautiful aircraft close-up, tour the museum, and take a ride in an open cockpit biplane! www.wacoairmuseum.org.

SEP. 18 – Taste of Piqua Festival, downtown Piqua, 11 a.m.–9 p.m. Fine art, crafts, live music, plein air competition, entertainment, kids’ zone, food, and Ohio craft beers. www.piquaartscouncil.org.

SEPTEMBER 2021 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING 43

MEMBER INTERACTIVE 1

2

1. We visited the Flight 93 National Memorial in Pennsylvania, which commemorates the crash of United Airlines Flight 93.

Tonya Bess South Central Power Company member 2. St. Paul Chapel stood across the street from Ground Zero. Untouched, it became a resting and recuperating spot for all the volunteers. This fireman’s uniform was left by an unknown fireman, who never returned to claim it. It has since remained in this chapel’s small museum dedicated to 9/11.

John Hunter Butler Rural Electric Cooperative member 3. “The Sphere,” now standing in Liberty Park, New York City, is a 25-foot bronze sculpture that stood in the World Trade Center Plaza prior to 9/11.

John Hunter Butler Rural Electric Cooperative member

REMEMBERING 9/11

4. This is a small section of the FDNY Memorial Wall. FDNY 10 House is across the street from the World Trade Center site. They were the first to respond and lost six members that day.

Angela Raver South Central Power Company member

3

Below: Old Glory flying over Lake Erie on a cool, crisp fall morning.

Lorie Wilber Lorain-Medina Rural Electric Cooperative member

4

Send us your picture! For December, send “Christmas morning” by Sept. 15; for January, send “Sledding” by Oct. 15.

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

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

44 OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • SEPTEMBER 2021

ENTER TO WIN A $100 ELECTRIC BILL CREDIT!* Bring your completed entry form to

Name:

the Ohio’s Electric Cooperatives education center on Wheat Street at

Electric co-op name:

the 2021 Farm Science Review.

Email address:

*Must be an Ohio electric cooperative member to enter and win. Must be original entry form — no photocopies.

FARM SCIENCE REVIEW September 21–23, 2021

STOP BY OUR BUILDING Learn ways to save energy (and money) in your home and on the farm. Cool off and enjoy samples from a local food blogger! And, of course, stop by for complimentary popcorn!

This major agricultural show sponsored by The Ohio State University draws more than 130,000 people every year. It’s a fun, educational event for everyone.

ohioec.org/energy

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

• Free Estimates

www.mqsstructures.com

40’x60’x12’ • Garage/Hobby Shop

Delivery Fees May Apply

STRUCTURES, LLC Installed

30’x40’x10’ • Garage/Hobby Shop

•2-10x10 Garage Doors

•2-9x8 Garage Doors

•1-3’ Entry Door

•1-3’ Entry Door

•Sof�it/Wainscot Optional

30’x60’x12’ • Storage Building

Installed

•Sof�it Optional

24’x32’x10’ • Garage/Hobby Shop

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

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

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

Installed

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

30’x48’x16’ • Drive Thru RV Storage

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