Our lineworkers have kept the power on since 1935
ALSO INSIDE A mom’s mission Backyard makeovers Earthquake!
Newly fallenredesignedlineworker license plate now available
Electric lineworkers put their lives on the line to power Ohio. Honor fallen lineworkers and support their families when you renew your Ohio license plates.
April is a month that naturally invites reflection. As seasons begin to shift and routines change, it gives us an opportunity to pause and recognize the people whose work often goes unnoticed, but whose impact is felt every single day. For electric cooperatives, April 13 holds special significance because it’s Lineworker Appreciation Day — a time to recognize those who keep our electric systems running through every challenge.
This year, that appreciation carries added weight. The winter of 2025–26 has been one of the coldest in recent Ohio history. Extended periods of freezing temperatures, snow, ice, and wind created difficult, and at times dangerous, conditions for anyone working outdoors. Yet through it all, our lineworkers continued to respond, repair, and restore, ensuring reliable service when our members needed it most.
Lineworkers perform highly skilled, physically demanding work that requires constant attention to both safety and precision. Whether restoring power after a storm or maintaining infrastructure in bitter cold, they often work in conditions most of us try hard to avoid. Their willingness to be on the front lines, at all hours and in all weather, allows the rest of us to stay warm, safe, and connected.
At the same time, it’s important to recognize another group of employees who are just as critical to keeping the lights on: our power plant operators. Reliable electricity begins with reliable generation. If there’s no power generated to run through them, the condition of the lines doesn’t matter. Power plant employees work around the clock, often in demanding environments that require constant focus and technical expertise, to ensure electricity is available.
Power plant operators, like lineworkers, faced challenges that came with extreme cold and high demand this winter. Their work may be less visible to the public, but it’s no less essential. Together, the generation team and line crews form a system that must function seamlessly to serve our members, and this month is the perfect time to thank them for their hard work and dedication. Their contributions are invaluable and we are grateful for their service.
Craig Grooms PRESIDENT & CEO OHIO’S ELECTRIC COOPERATIVES
Together, the generation team and line crews form a system that must function seamlessly to serve our members.
Ohio Rural Electric Cooperatives
6677 Busch Blvd. Columbus, OH 43229 614-846-5757 www.ohiocoopliving.com
Craig Grooms President & CEO
Caryn Whitney Director of Communications
Jeff McCallister Senior Managing Editor
Amy Howat Assistant Managing Editor
Neal Kindig Graphic Designer
Contributors: Alicia Adams, Colleen Romick Clark, Getty Images, Mary Mogan Edwards, Randy Edwards, W.H. “Chip” Gross, Catherine Murray, and Kevin Williams.
OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING (USPS 134-760; ISSN 2572-049X) is published monthly by Ohio Rural Electric Cooperatives, Inc. It is the official communication link between the electric cooperatives in Ohio and West Virginia and their members. Subscription cost for members ranges from $6.48 to $7.92 per year, paid from equity accruing to the member.
POSTMASTER: Send address changes to editorial and advertising offices at: 6677 Busch Boulevard, Columbus, OH 43229-1101. Periodicals postage paid at Berne, IN 46711, and at additional mailing offices. Nothing in this publication may be reproduced in any manner without written permission from Ohio Rural Electric Cooperatives, Inc. All rights reserved. The fact that a product is advertised in Ohio Cooperative Living should not be taken as an endorsement. If you find an advertisement misleading or a product unsatisfactory, please notify us or the Ohio Attorney General’s Office, Consumer Protection Section, 30 E. Broad St., Columbus, OH 43215. Periodicals postage paid at Columbus, OH, and at additional mailing offices.
Reluctant crusader: Tragedy propels co-op mom to a new role as an advocate for lineworker safety. 8
Riding for a cause: Members’ initiative brings national awareness, support to troubled veterans.
What are the chances? Ohio’s most popular game animals must overcome some long odds to reach adulthood.
Bake my day: Nothing beats your faithful oven for cooking flavorful food with less fuss and muss.
News and important information from your electric cooperative. 32
What’s happening: Events and other things to do around Ohio.
National/regional advertising inquiries, contact Cheryl Solomon
American MainStreet Publications 847-749-9015 | cheryl@amp.coop
Cooperative members:
Please report changes of address to your electric cooperative. Ohio Cooperative Living staff cannot process address changes.
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Visit Ohio Cooperative Living magazine online at www.ohiocoopliving.com! Read past issues and watch videos about our articles or our recipes. Our site features an expanded Member Interactive area, where you can share your stories, recipes, and photos and find content submitted by other co-op members across the state. 13 8 10 4 36 32
Photobombs: Unexpected faces find their way into members’ photos of friends and family, as shown at right in South Central Power Company member Katie Grubba’s pic of her great-nephew, Ethan, and grandson, Camden, being crashed by Rebekah and Aunt Helen.
CORRECTIONS: An outdated advertisement on page 29 of our March issue offered gold coins for a price that was no longer available; we regret the error. A feature in our February issue incorrectly stated that Imogene Curtis, one of the organizers of the Lincoln School marches, had not graduated from high school; in fact, she was a high school graduate and attended college.
Tragedy propels co-op mom to a new role as an advocate for lineworker safety.
BY JEFF MCCALLISTER
Brandie Hale never imagined that she ever would be any kind of an activist. As a selfdescribed introvert who doesn’t like to talk — especially to large groups — it’s just not the kind of thing she’d put her energy into. Besides, as a mom of five kids, she’s always had plenty of other things to keep her busy, thank you very much.
Yet there she was, under bright lights on a stage with her husband, Brandon Hale, reminding hundreds of business and cooperative leaders from around the state about the importance of workplace safety.
“Safety is everything, something that can affect our lives every single day,” she told the crowd. “I definitely don’t like to do this kind of thing, but I will do it forever if it can keep one other family, one other person, from having to live what we live now.”
Pride and joy
Brandie’s oldest child, Blake Rodgers, was born March 25, 2000, and even before his first birthday, he had learned to climb steps and could even climb up onto furniture. As he grew up, he excelled at football and baseball and at being a big brother.
Blake went to trade school for his last two years of high school, and, despite a fear of heights, enrolled in lineworker school when he graduated. “Fearless, determined, and strong-willed,” his mom says. “I was totally clueless when he told me he was going to be a lineman. I was like, ‘All right, you do what you want, good for you.’”
In July 2022, he took a job as an apprentice lineman with Buckeye Rural Electric Cooperative in Rio Grande, tasked with maintaining power lines across some of the most treacherous terrain in the state. He loved the work — he took tremendous pride in keeping the lights on — and his infectious personality made him an immediate hit with his co-workers.
And every day after work, he’d call his mom to catch up and “push her buttons.”
Everything changed
From the time he was very young, Blake also loved Christmas — the lights, the decorations, the joy in the air — and was excited as Christmas approached that first year he worked at the co-op.
But there was work to do first. Three days before the holiday, Winter Storm Elliot barreled through the Midwest, bringing high winds, blinding snowfall, Continued on page 6
Continued from page 5 sleet, and record cold that affected the majority of the U.S. and parts of Canada.
Temperatures dropped by 40 degrees in a two-hour span, and the sleet that fell across the southern portion of the state did a number on Buckeye Rural’s distribution system. Hundreds were left without power by the morning of Dec. 23, 2022
As they do, the co-op line crews jumped into action. At 10:20 a.m., as he was working to try to get members’ power back on in time for their holiday celebrations, Blake Rodgers made contact with a line that was energized. It was fatal.
“You don’t realize how much someone fills your life until they’re not there,” Brandie says. “I love all my children with every piece of my heart, but I never understood how deep that love ran until I lost one. Losing a child feels like a part of your heart has been torn away — a million pieces that never quite fit back together.”
Christmas, once that most magical time of year, is now something Brandie and Brandon have to brace themselves for, as the season is filled with reminders of that day and of planning Blake’s funeral. It took a long time before they could even think about the events around Blake’s death — let alone talk about them.
But there they were, under those bright lights and speaking from their hearts about workplace safety to the leaders who set the tone and define the workplace safety culture at each of Ohio’s 24 local electric distribution cooperatives. And their message was clear.
“We’re asking you to do the impossible, to seek perfection,” Brandon told them. “I know many of you
have outstanding safety records, and that’s something that you should be proud of. You can’t allow that past success to let cracks open up for future failures to seep in.
“We all have a responsibility to those that we lead to do our very best every day,” he continued. “Every organization reflects its leader, every single one. If you make safety your priority, the people who follow you will make it their priority, too.”
In the aftermath of the tragedy, the family felt an outpouring of support, not only from the local community, but from around the state and across the country.
“He was our son and we loved him dearly, but we had no idea how many lives he truly affected in the short time he was alive,” Brandie says. “So now we do everything we can to honor him, to keep his memory going, and to help future linemen so no other family has to live through this.”
Brandie and Brandon put together an annual fundraising bash around Blake’s birthday in March that includes a memorial ride. The proceeds, along with support from the Community Foundation of Ohio’s Electric Cooperatives and the Ohio Line Supervisors Association, fund the Blake Rodgers Memorial Scholarship to support students entering lineworker training at the Scioto County Career Technical Center.
“There are limited opportunities for a lot of our young people in this part of the state, and we have been able to send seven young men through lineman school so far,” Brandon says. “We need good people in that line of work and we need to make sure they have the best training possible, so we just believe that it’s our best way that we can give back to the community that has given us so much support.”
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Suicide is preventable. There is hope, help is available, and recovery is possible. If you or someone you know is struggling, call or text 988 or visit https://medicine. osu.edu/departments/psychiatry-and-behavioralhealth/strive.
BY MARY MOGAN EDWARDS
Jason White still works every day to manage the symptoms and struggles that came home with him from Operation Desert Storm in 1993. Difficult as it can be, though, he knows that the love of his family makes him one of the lucky ones.
“My wife, my daughter, and my granddaughter are my support system,” says White, an Army veteran with a 100% disability rating based on traumatic brain injury and PTSD. “If I’m having a bad day, they’re having a bad day — they absorb that for me.”
Many struggling veterans aren’t as fortunate, and the consequences are dire: On average, 22 veterans die by suicide every day in the U.S.
White has long done what he could to help fellow vets — for years, he donated modest proceeds from his YouTube channel to veteran-related causes.
In 2022, he told his wife, Angela, “I want to do something big for veterans.” Nearly four years later (their efforts were delayed temporarily when Jason had a heart attack shortly after his inspiration), the couple is an organizing powerhouse as the full-time volunteer operators of Riding 22 in 22 VSA, a 501(c)(3) organization that marries their desire to help veterans with their love of motorcycle roadtripping.
They’re currently preparing for year two of their centerpiece event: a group ride across 22 states in 22 days — hence the name — that connects vets across the U.S., raising awareness about suicide risk and helping many get the intensive mental-health treatment they need.
Angela contacts local news media, arranges police escorts in and out of towns, and makes sure every day features an event. It’s often a dinner hosted by a local veterans service organization or motorcycle dealership, with proceeds to benefit the cause.
Jason scouts potential routes for stops of interest. Most days feature four to five hours of riding, with stops every hour to hour and a half. The fundraising comes from suggested participant donations of $20 per rider and $10 per passenger, as well as dinner proceeds, corporate donations, and individual contributions made throughout the year.
Those efforts paid off last year when their premier event raised $11,000, which they donated to STRIVE — Ohio State University’s Suicide and Trauma Reduction Initiative. STRIVE conducts research and provides clinical treatment to people at risk of suicide. Riding 22’s donation has been used to pay travel and lodging expenses for veterans coming to Columbus for R&R, the initiative’s two-week intensive intervention for veterans with trauma and suicide risk.
The relationship with Riding 22 — not just the funding, but raising awareness among the veteran community — is critical to STRIVE’s success, according to Dr. Rosie Bauder, an OSU clinical assistant professor of psychiatry and behavioral health and principal investigator for the R&R program. “Community engagement is so important in suicide prevention,” Bauder says. “It means so much, all of their work to spread the word in ways that we wouldn’t be able to.”
Much of the proceeds from this year’s ride will again go to STRIVE, but the Whites also hope to simply help more veterans to join future rides. “Riding is therapy for a lot of veterans,” Angela says, but not all can afford the lodging and meal expenses of a three-week outing.
This year’s ride, set for May 22 to June 12, heads south to Louisiana and follows the Gulf Coast for a bit before turning north all the way to Maine, then back to Ohio for a closing ceremony. Anyone who wants to support it can join, including by car. “If you want to come with us for a day or a couple of days, for one gas stop or go for the whole 22, that’s all great,” Angela says. As the effort has gained recognition, they’ve attracted more sponsors — Harley-Davidson and Polaris are on board this year — and the Whites say those are getting generally easier to secure. This year’s goal: $22,000.
Angela knew their project was on the right track from the first night of last year’s ride, when a waitress at the kickoff dinner asked what the gathering was for. “We explained the goal,” Angela says, “and a man diagonal from our booth was listening. The couple got up and both came over to us. They were both in tears. The woman opened her jacket and her T-shirt had a military insignia and the ribbon that stands for veteran suicide awareness — they had lost a son to suicide. We’re faith-based people, and for me it was a sign from God that this is what we’re supposed to be doing.”
million people living within its borders — some 282 folks per square mile — our state is still known nationally for its excellent sport hunting and fishing opportunities, particularly for wild turkeys, Lake Erie walleyes, and
What makes that more impressive is that both turkeys and deer were once extirpated from the Buckeye State; both were completely gone by 1904 . Today, however, those two species are back. Huge kudos are due the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Division of Wildlife, for restoring healthy, huntable populations of those two game animals during the 20 th century.
Just as amazing, however, are the staggering odds that individual wild animals face to survive to adulthood in our modern environment. Take the wild turkey, for example. Joe Hutto, author of the 1995 book Illumination in the Flatwoods (which was made into a My Life as a Turkey), put it this way:
“The odds of a wild turkey reaching maturity are small. percent of all nests are destroyed or abandoned. Among the surviving nests, some eggs will be infertile. Of the young turkeys who hatch, 70 % will not last two weeks. The attrition rate of wild turkeys who have survived into maturity can be 70 % per year. When I see an adult wild turkey now in his natural habitat, I have a new appreciation for the sheer phenomenon of his existence. It is very difficult to become a wild turkey.”
As long as those odds may be, however, walleyes have it worse. In general, a female will lay 50 ,000 to 60 ,000 eggs each spring for every 2 . 2 pounds of her body weight. Anywhere from 5 % to 20 % will hatch, and only about one of every 10 ,000 fry will survive long enough to reach adulthood.
Though still certainly not a given, you have a much better chance to reach adulthood if you’re born a white-tailed deer. According to Clint McCoy, a white-tailed deer biologist with the Ohio Division of Wildlife, the last time that agency conducted a deer fawn survival study was in the early 2000 s in the southeast section of the Buckeye State.
“Over a period of three years, 2001 to 2004 , we captured, radio-collared, released, and monitored 81 fawns,” he says. “As you might imagine, the most vulnerable time for fawns was soon after birth, as about 20 % to 25 % died within the first 30 days of life. After that, the fawns were relatively safe through summer. About 65 % to 75 % of fawns survived until the various deer hunting seasons began opening in the fall.”
The annual fawn survival rate — those deer living to 1 year of age — varied during the three years of the study, with an average estimate of 58 percent survival in 2001 and 45 percent in 2002 and 2003 . McCoy says those Ohio rates are similar to what studies in other Midwestern states have found.
The survey counted deaths from natural causes (starvation, abandonment, disease), coyote and dog predation, vehicle collisions, legal hunting harvest, unretrieved hunter kills, and unknown mortality.
So, if you’re a licensed Ohio hunter or angler — we know there are about 1 2 million of you out there — what does all of this mean? If you’re fortunate enough to take a turkey this spring, waylay a walleye this summer, or down a deer this fall, make sure to appreciate the fact that you possess a true trophy, regardless of its size, in more ways than one.
W.H. “Chip” Gross is Ohio Cooperative Living’s outdoors editor. Email him 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!
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For food with more flavor and perfect texture, with less fuss and muss, nothing beats cooking in your faithful oven.
Prep: 20 minutes | Cook: 65 to 85 minutes | Servings: 10
6 pounds similarly sized russet potatoes, scrubbed (about 10 medium-sized)
4 tablespoons salted butter, room temperature
1 cup light sour cream
1 cup 2% milk
1 teaspoon seasoned salt
½ teaspoon pepper
3 green onions, thinly sliced (whites and greens separated)
1 cup shredded Monterey or pepper jack cheese
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
4 slices thick-cut, precooked bacon, diced
Preheat oven to 425 F. Prick potatoes with fork 4 to 5 times for steam to vent and place directly on middle rack in oven; bake 40 to 60 minutes, until soft when squeezed using an oven mitt. Lower oven temperature to 350 F.
When cooled enough to touch, remove skins from half of the potatoes and quarter the remaining half with a knife. Place potatoes and butter in a large bowl; carefully mash as steam escapes. Add sour cream and milk, mashing to incorporate. Mix in seasoned salt, pepper, white parts of onion, and jack cheese. Transfer to a greased 9x13-inch baking dish, then evenly spread shredded cheddar on top. For soft bacon, spread it on top, too. (For crispy bacon, cook to desired doneness, then spread on top when casserole is done baking.) Tent with aluminum foil and bake for 15 minutes, then remove foil and bake uncovered for another 10 minutes, or until cheese has melted. Remove from oven and top with remaining green onion (and crispy bacon).
Per serving: 375 calories, 19 grams fat (10 grams saturated fat), 39 grams total carbohydrates, 57 milligrams cholesterol, 658 milligrams sodium, 5 grams fiber, 15 grams protein. my day
Cook: 45 minutes | Bake: 20 minutes | Servings: 8
2 tablespoons salted butter
1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
5 cloves garlic, minced
28-ounce can high-quality whole tomatoes
15-ounce can high-quality tomato sauce
1/3 cup dry red wine (cabernet sauvignon, Chianti)
1 teaspoon sugar
½ teaspoon crushed red pepper
1 teaspoon dried oregano
¼ teaspoon fennel
1 pound ziti pasta
8 ounces shredded mozzarella cheese
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
In a large stockpot over medium heat, melt butter and sauté onion until translucent. Add garlic and cook another minute. Stir in tomatoes, tomato sauce, wine, sugar, and spices. Break up tomatoes with spoon while bringing to a low boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cook uncovered 30 minutes, stirring regularly. Meanwhile, cook pasta according to package’s al dente directions; quickly drain and rinse.
Preheat oven to 400 F. Transfer rinsed ziti to stockpot with sauce and stir to combine. Spoon ziti into a 9x13inch baking dish. Layer mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses on top. Bake uncovered 15 to 20 minutes, until lightly browned and bubbling.
Per serving: 359 calories, 11 grams fat (6 grams saturated fat), 51 grams total carbohydrates, 31 milligrams cholesterol, 441 milligrams sodium, 5 grams fiber, 15 grams protein.
Prep: 15 minutes | Cook: 30 minutes | Servings: 5
3 pounds chicken drumsticks (about 10 medium pieces)
¾ cup plain breadcrumbs
2 tablespoons cornstarch
1½ teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon pepper
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon paprika (smoked or regular)
½ teaspoon ground sage
2 tablespoons olive oil
Preheat oven to 400 F. Let chicken rest on counter while prepping ingredients. Place all dry ingredients (breadcrumbs through sage) in a zip-top bag, seal, and shake to combine. Coat an oven-safe wire rack with nonstick cooking spray, then place on top of a baking tray. Pat chicken pieces dry with paper towels, then rub evenly with olive oil. A few at a time, place chicken pieces in the bag and shake to fully coat; transfer to wire rack. Bake 25 to 30 minutes, until internal temperature reaches 165 F. Serve with favorite side dishes.
Per serving: 565 calories, 32 grams fat (8 grams saturated fat), 16 grams total carbohydrates, 250 milligrams cholesterol, 1,105 milligrams sodium, 1 gram fiber, 52 grams protein.
Prep: 45 minutes | Proof: 3½ hours | Bake: 1 hour | Servings: 16 slices
1½ cups raisins
1¼ cups boiling water
1¼ cups whole milk, plus extra for brushing
7 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
5 tablespoons sugar, divided
5 teaspoons cinnamon, divided 1½ teaspoons salt
3½ cups + 2 tablespoons bread flour, divided
1½ teaspoons instant yeast
In a small heat-proof bowl, soak raisins in boiling water for 15 minutes, then drain and set aside. In a medium saucepan, melt 5 tablespoons of the butter into milk over medium heat until steaming. Remove from heat and whisk in 3 tablespoons of the sugar, 1 teaspoon of the cinnamon, and all of the salt. Pour mixture into the bowl of a stand mixer. Spoon and level 3½ cups of bread flour; pile on top of the milk mixture, then sprinkle yeast on top. With hook attachment on low speed, mix until flour is incorporated, then let mixer knead dough until smooth, springy, and stretchy, about 10 minutes. Stretch dough out on a clean surface, top with raisins, then fold/knead until raisins are fully incorporated. Form into a ball and return to mixer bowl; lightly coat with cooking spray, cover bowl with damp towel, and let rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 2½ hours.
In a small bowl, whisk remaining 2 tablespoons bread flour, 2 tablespoons sugar, and 4 teaspoons cinnamon. Punch dough to release air, then roll flat to an 8x24-inch rectangle. Generously brush surface with milk, then evenly spread cinnamon mixture edge to edge. Starting at a short edge, tightly roll; brush with milk, pinch to seal, then turn seam side down. Pick up roll, bending ends down in an arch, and place ends into a 5x9-inch greased loaf pan. Press down on top to level it out. Lightly coat with cooking spray and let rise another hour, until dough is an inch above the pan.
Preheat oven to 350 F. Bake on middle rack for 50 to 60 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches 195 F (tent with foil if necessary if it starts to over-brown). Melt remaining 2 tablespoons of butter; brush over top of bread when it comes out of the oven, then turn it out onto a cooling rack. Cool completely before slicing.
Per serving: 212 calories, 6 grams fat (3 grams saturated fat), 36 grams total carbohydrates, 15 milligrams cholesterol, 230 milligrams sodium, 2 grams fiber, 4 grams protein.
Check it out! See videos of some of our mouth-watering recipes being prepared at
www.ohiocoopliving.com
RANDY PRICE PRESIDENT AND CEO Adam Schnipke BOARD CHAIRMAN
Dear Members,
As we reflect on our 91-year journey as a co-op, we are reminded of our enduring legacy: a foundation built by rural visionaries in the 1930s who dared to light up the countryside when others wouldn’t. Today, that same spirit drives us forward, evolving from power lines to fiber lines as we invest in reliability, connection, and community. In 2025, we laid critical groundwork, and in 2026, we’re accelerating our efforts to ensure your cooperative remains a pillar of strength for generations to come. Our tagline, “A legacy of power, a future of connection,” has never felt more alive, especially as we partner in the vibrant growth across Paulding, Putnam, Van Wert, and Allen counties in Ohio and Indiana.
Last year, 2025, was a testament to our commitment to building reliability, building connection, and building community. We invested $4 million in system improvements, including rebuilding 20 miles of aging copper lines and replacing poles, directly enhancing service stability for thousands of members.
We also unveiled our refreshed brand identity at Member Appreciation Day in July, symbolizing our modern evolution and addition of fiber internet service while honoring our roots.
On the fiber front, we made tremendous strides, constructing over 300 miles of mainline fiber and gearing up for our first member connections by fall — delivering high-speed internet to areas of Paulding County, including Paulding, Payne, Haviland, and Scott.
These accomplishments weren’t just milestones; they were deliberate steps in hardening our infrastructure against
challenges, from volatile energy markets to growing demands, all while keeping rates competitive — our residential rate remains 12 9 cents per kWh, below regional medians.
Building on this momentum, 2026 marks a bold leap forward. We’re more than doubling our reliability investments from last year’s $4 million to $8.4 million, focusing on upgrades that reduce outage durations, bolster backfeeding capabilities, and prepare for future capacity needs for area businesses. This isn’t just spending; it’s strategic investment in building what’s next — supporting the exciting community and economic growth we’re seeing right here at home.
In Paulding County, our investments align with major opportunities like the Ohio Site Authenticated 53-acre Paulding Industrial Park (ready for development with utilities in place), brownfield redevelopment at the former Grizzly Brake site (including future solar potential), and progress on an 89-acre site in Antwerp for potential residential and hotel development — efforts that earned our county recognition at the SelectUSA Foreign Direct Investment Summit in Washington, D.C.
In Putnam County, we’re energized by the new 70-acre industrial site in Ottawa (with infrastructure financing underway for roads, utilities, and more) and early talks for a 30-acre business park in our territory, plus dozens of new housing lots in Ottawa — all helping fuel local expansion.
Across the border in Allen County, Indiana, growth continues with Fort Wayne’s tech and data sector advancements — including Google’s now-operational $2 billion data center campus, alongside business development and upcoming attractions like the Fieldhouse at The New Haven District.
These local successes highlight why we invest so heavily: Reliable power and expanding fiber connectivity enable
Continued from page 17
businesses to grow, families to thrive, and communities to build brighter futures — without compromising the affordability and service our members deserve.
We refuse to “do things how we’ve always done them.” We must adapt to meet the membership’s future needs, protecting you from rolling blackouts and the price fluctuations from demand peaks we saw this winter. Our efforts include comprehensive system inspections starting in April, pole replacements, and more aggressive vegetation management across key circuits with trusted new partners like Tree Servants and GridGuards.
Regarding interest in data centers in our region — many of you may have heard about growing inquiries from data center developers in northwest Ohio and across the state. Data centers are large facilities that store and process vast amounts of digital information, including cloud services, streaming, and AI tools, and they require significant electricity to operate.
If pursued carefully and correctly, a well-managed data center load in a cooperative territory like ours could help spread shared grid costs across more energy usage, potentially even lowering rates for all members — much like adding a large, reliable customer to a family farm operation that helps cover fixed costs without overburdening existing ones. The key is ensuring any such development includes firm long-term commitments, appropriate rates that cover their full share of grid costs, and funding for any necessary new infrastructure or generation — so existing members are never asked to subsidize it.
Through Buckeye Power, our generation and transmission partner, we have the generation assets today to reliably serve all our current member needs, even in extreme weather. Buckeye Power will not add new loads or invest in additional generation without full commitments from the new load to cover those costs.
As a co-op, we must serve any qualifying customer in our territory, including large loads like data centers if they locate here. Rest assured: We will always prioritize member affordability, reliability, and our core cooperative values — enforcing strict safeguards so no new load raises rates or risks service for existing members.
Safety remains our highest priority, and we’re raising the bar with our new “3C’s” campaign: Compliance, Competence, and Commitment. This initiative emphasizes rigorous training — including our four-year lineworker apprenticeship at the Central Ohio Lineworker Training facility.
We’re also upgrading substations: expanding Herb Monroe substation to meet rising demands, planning a full Convoy
substation rebuild for 2027, and testing facilities in Van Wert, Hessen, Kalida, and Antwerp. As data centers emerge as potential opportunities, we’re strategically evaluating them to align with your needs, ensuring any growth benefits our membership without compromising service.
Separate from our electric finances — and without impacting your rates — our fiber internet deployment continues. With more than 500 miles built to date and plans for 1,500+ total mainline miles, we’re expanding to new areas of Putnam and Van Wert counties this year, including Kalida, Columbus Grove, Miller City, and Convoy. Service is already available in Ottoville, Fort Jennings, and other areas, including villages like Grover Hill. Excitingly, we’ve been preliminarily awarded BEAD funding to connect about 2,200 homes in northwest Ohio and northeast Indiana. We’ll keep you informed as details solidify, but rest assured: This is about bridging the digital divide for the 70% of our members who remain unserved or underserved, just as we did with electricity nearly a century ago.
We’re also modernizing how we serve you. Our Paulding headquarters expansion, underway with CME Construction, will wrap up by summer, providing space for our growing team and fiber operations. We’ve consolidated operations from Columbus Grove to Paulding for greater efficiency. Look for our redesigned website this spring, packed with fiber details and mobile-friendly features, plus a new pre-pay billing option this fall for flexible energy management. And join us for events like Member Appreciation Day at the Fort Wayne Zoo on July 25 and our PAC legislative event on August 24 at the Wassenberg Art Center in Van Wert.
America’s Electric Cooperatives PAC (formerly ACRE) is the federal political action committee of the nation’s electric co-ops. Backed by more than 35,000 grassroots contributors with an average donation of just $65 each, it supports candidates who speak for and protect the interests of electric cooperatives and their member-owners. Topics like data centers, renewable energy, pole attachments, and fiber deployment — these are all top of our mind when we meet with elected officials. I encourage you to consider joining our PAC — it’s one of the most effective ways to ensure policies reflect the needs of communities like ours. Sign up online at www. ppec.coop/PAC-signup.
Members, we’re navigating growth and challenges together, just as our founders did. Thank you for your trust and partnership. Let’s keep building what’s next.
TIM DERCK BOARD SECRETARYTREASURER
n 2025, electric sales grew a solid 5%, crossing $50 million for the first time in our 90-year history. Our biggest expense remains purchased power from Buckeye Power, at about $33 million.
We maintain about 1,710 miles of power lines — that’s enough to stretch from Paulding, Ohio, all the way to Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming. It’s a huge system to keep reliable, but we know our members count on us every day for the energy they need. We want you to understand what goes into your bill and why bills are increasing.
We work hard to manage costs we can control, before we ever ask members to pay more for their energy. Your team has increased efficiency by exploring sourcing and supplier options, staff duties, and more. However, electric co-ops are not-forprofit organizations owned by the people we serve. Instead of taking a profit or loss, we work toward a zero-based budget by the end of each year.
Despite our efforts to shield you from cost increases, the cost of materials for poles, wires, transformers, and other equipment has risen sharply — most 25% to 50% this past year. These increases, combined with higher demand, have required additional borrowing and modest rate adjustments.
Specifically:
• The large power demand charge rose by $6 50 per kW.
• The monthly flat residential and general service charge increased by $3.50.
Our core residential electric rate remains steady at 12 9 cents per kilowatt-hour. For comparison, the average residential price for electricity in Ohio is 16 cents per kilowatthour, and the average in Indiana is 14 8 cents. Our rate is still below the median in both Ohio and Indiana.
The typical Paulding Putnam member pays about $7 per day for electricity to power their home and life. That’s less than the cost of a fast-food combo meal — a strong value in today’s economy.
Rising costs aren’t unique to us. From groceries to home mortgages, prices are up everywhere. Our borrowing costs increased just under half a percent due to market rates, adding roughly $250,000 to our annual expenses. We monitor rates closely to keep that impact as small as possible.
Now, some exciting news! In 2025, we connected our first fiber internet subscribers. The fiber internet division of Paulding Putnam is financially tracked separately from the electric division. It is a major financial undertaking, but one that we know will positively impact our bottom line in the long run. We’re hearing great stories about how reliable high-speed internet is changing lives, from staying connected for work-from-home calls to enjoying family shows like PBS Kids with no buffering.
This reflects what your co-op has done since 1935 : delivering essential services — electricity and now fiber internet — in the most reliable, affordable, and safe way we can.
I’m proud to serve on this board. We’re navigating change, but we’re growing stronger, more diversified, more reliable, and more engaged in our communities than ever before.
Please note that our independent auditors from BHM CPA Group in Columbus, Ohio, reviewed our 2025 financial reports and issued an unqualified opinion. In plain terms, that means they found no issues. Our books are clean and accurate. Our audited statements are available for review at the co-op office.
Tim Derck
SECRETARY - TREASURER
Spring is a season of renewal — and a great time to refresh your energy habits, too! As temperatures begin to warm and daily routines shift, a few small changes around your home can add up to meaningful energy savings.
Paulding Putnam is committed to helping our members use energy wisely while keeping homes comfortable year-round.
Spring is the perfect time to schedule maintenance for your heating and cooling system. Spring and fall checkups conducted by a licensed professional can help ensure your system is running efficiently, safely, and reliably before the peak seasons begin. A well-maintained unit uses less energy, lasts longer, and helps prevent costly breakdowns when you need it most.
If you’re looking for a simple place to start saving, look no further than ceiling fans. Fans don’t actually cool or heat the air, but they help you feel more comfortable by moving it. During warmer months, make sure your ceiling fan blades are set to rotate counterclockwise. This creates a downward breeze that makes you feel cooler, allowing you to raise your thermostat a few degrees without sacrificing comfort. In cooler months, reverse the direction of fan blades to clockwise to help push warm air down from the ceiling, improving efficiency when your heating system is running.
Speaking of thermostats, adjusting the temperature just a few degrees can make a noticeable difference on your energy bill. As spring arrives, try setting your thermostat slightly higher when cooling or slightly lower when heating. Even a two- or three-degree adjustment can reduce energy use while still keeping your home comfortable — especially
when combined with ceiling fans or open windows on mild, pleasant days.
Hot water use is another area where simple habits matter. Taking shorter showers can help reduce the amount of energy used to heat water, which makes up a significant portion of most energy bills. Cutting just a few minutes off each shower not only saves energy but also conserves water.
Finally, the time of day you use energy can also play a part in savings. When you run major appliances during offpeak hours (when energy demand is lower), you can help reduce pressure on the electric grid — that’s a win-win!
We are here to help every season, every step of the way. We offer energy-saving programs and resources designed to help you lower energy use for your home or business and manage costs. If you have questions or want to learn more about energy efficiency offerings and programs, visit www.PPEC.coop or call me at 800-686-2357.
As the Line Supervisor of Paulding Putnam, I have the unique privilege of seeing firsthand what it truly takes to keep the lights on for our members. In April, we take time to pause and recognize the brave men and women who make that possible every single day — our lineworkers.
When storms affect our communities and outages occur, many people experience inconvenience, but our lineworkers see a call to action. Our crews are always ready when it matters most — leaving family dinners, working through the night, and heading into challenging conditions to restore power as safely and quickly as possible. That readiness is not accidental. It comes from rigorous training, deep experience, and a shared commitment to serving others.
What makes cooperative lineworkers especially remarkable is that they aren’t just restoring power to a system — they’re restoring power to their own communities. They live here. They raise their families here. They understand that electricity is more than a convenience; it’s essential to daily life, to local businesses, to schools, farms, and emergency services. Powering the places we call home is personal to our lineworkers.
Electric cooperatives like Paulding Putnam were built on the principle of neighbors helping neighbors, and our lineworkers embody that spirit every day. They are the first to respond and the last to leave, often working long hours behind the scenes. At times, serving our neighbors means going beyond our own service territory through a process known as mutual aid. During major outage events, our crews stand ready to assist neighboring co-ops — sometimes close to home, and sometimes across state lines — to help restore power. This spirit of mutual aid strengthens all cooperatives and ultimately benefits the members we serve.
We understand any time the lights go out can be frustrating, bringing everyday life to a halt. We are incredibly grateful to our members for your patience and encouragement during these times. Line work demanding, physical, and at times, it can be dangerous. Our crews approach each with a focus on safety and teamwork. They take pride in their craft and in the trust our members place in them.
On April 13, 2026, we will celebrate Lineworker Appreciation Day, but one day is hardly enough. Every day, we thank lineworkers for their service and dedication, which are the backbone of our cooperative.
Send a note of appreciation to the crew by emailing marketing@ppec.coop, or mail it to our office at 401 McDonald Pike, Paulding, OH 45879.
When a current Paulding Putnam internet subscriber refers a new subscriber, both get a $50 credit on their internet bill!
When signing up, just mention your neighbor or friend’s name who referred you – it’s that easy!
Times are tough. When one of us wins, we should all win. That’s the co-op community difference.
Currently providing fiber internet service to: Parts of Paulding and Putnam counties including Paulding, Haviland, Payne, Scott, Grover Hill, Fort Jennings, Ottoville, Coverdale, and Middle Point.
Areas opening soon for service include: Van Wert, Convoy, Kalida, Columbus Grove, Miller City, and more.
Dave Phillips joins Paulding Putnam as Safety and Compliance Manager, bringing decades of leadership and hands-on experience rooted in teamwork and accountability. A Paulding County native and graduate of Antwerp High School and Vantage Vocational School, Dave began his career in 1985 with the United States Air Force, where he served 20 years as an Aircraft Crew Chief and Flight Mechanic, logging more than 5,000 flight hours — including nearly 2,000 in combat zones — before retiring in 2005
After his military career, Dave earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in emergency management and public safety from Grand Canyon University and went on to serve in environmental health and safety leadership roles with companies including General Motors and SkyWest Airlines.
At Paulding Putnam, Dave oversees health, safety, and compliance with one clear goal: ensuring every employee goes home safely each day.
Dave and his wife, Christy, live on their family farm south of Antwerp. Outside of work, he enjoys road course racing, woodworking, grilling, and spending time with his family.
Harlee will assist the engineering team with data review, data entry, and a variety of projects that support the co-op’s continued growth. A senior at Antwerp High School, Harlee lives in Antwerp with her parents, Matt and Mandy, and their energetic two-year-old pup, Lola.
Harlee was excited to apply after hearing what a great workplace Paulding Putnam is — and knowing her mom once worked here made the opportunity even more special.
In addition to helping with her dad’s golf business, she has spent the past four years doing sports photography for The West Bend News
Outside of work, Harlee enjoys spending time with friends and family, traveling to watch her boyfriend play sports, shopping trips to Bowling Green with her best friend Macy, and hanging out with her dog. This fall, she’ll attend Ball State University in Muncie, Indiana, majoring in marketing. She lives by the motto, “Money comes and goes, but memories don’t,” and is looking forward to all the memories ahead.
Trustees Tim Derck, John Saxton, and Bill Dowler have earned the prestigious Director Gold Credential from the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association.
As the energy industry continues to evolve, today’s electric cooperative trustees are called to stay ahead of new regulations, emerging technologies, and shifting governance expectations. That means building a deeper understanding of the electric utility business while strengthening leadership and cooperative governance skills. Paulding Putnam remains committed to supporting that growth through our statewide associations — Ohio’s Electric Cooperatives and Indiana Electric Cooperatives — as well as through national programs offered by NRECA, all for the benefit of our members.
The Director Gold Credential is awarded to trustees who have already completed both the Credentialed Cooperative Director Certificate and the Board Leadership Certificate, and who choose to continue expanding their expertise throughout their board service.
“The Director Gold credential reflects a trustee’s dedication to going beyond the foundational CCD and BLC programs,” says Adam Schnipke, Paulding Putnam Board of Trustees chairman. “It represents a commitment to lifelong learning and signals to our members that these trustees are serious about strengthening their leadership skills and fulfilling their fiduciary responsibilities at the highest level.”
To earn the DGC, trustees must first complete the CCD and BLC programs and then obtain three additional credits from the BLC course series. Unlike the CCD and BLC certifications, the Director Gold Credential also requires ongoing continuing education every two years to maintain the designation.
Congratulations to trustees Derck, Saxton, and Dowler for their continued dedication to professional development and to serving the members of Paulding Putnam with excellence.
BILL BECKMAN
TIMOTHY DERCK SECRETARY/TREASURER
JOSEPH KOHNEN
WILLIAM DOWLER
STEVE MCMICHAEL
DR. JOHN SAXTON
KEN NIESE
DR. RONALD BLACK
TRUSTEES
ERIN BORISSOV ATTORNEY
RANDY PRICE PRESIDENT/CEO
HAVE A STORY SUGGESTION? EMAIL: SKUHN@PPEC.COOP
FIND US ON:
BY ALICIA ADAMS
Imagine taking a statewide road trip only to find every highway restaurant, hotel, and gas station closed. For a traveler, being tired, hungry, and in danger of running out of gas makes the journey difficult, if not impossible. For the pollinators of Ohio (bees, butterflies, moths, and hummingbirds), that’s often the reality of navigating manicured lawns and concrete.
It’s not just a problem for bugs and birds. Whether on a commercial farm or in a gardener’s backyard, many of Ohio’s crops — cucumbers, pumpkins, and tomatoes, for example — depend on a healthy pollinator population. As wild, weedy spaces become more scarce, pollinators face increasing challenges. According to Ohio State University Extension, “Animal pollinators and bees in particular are currently facing many threats, such as lack of forage (flowers for food) and lack of suitable nesting sites.”
One way humans can help is by planting a pollinator pathway, creating an environment where those farm and garden helpers don’t have to work so hard just to get by.
A pollinator pathway is a grouping of native, diverse plants that help beneficial insects and birds survive in developed areas. Made up of plants that bloom in succession, they provide corridors of food and shelter from spring to fall. Typically located
along roads, sidewalks, and yards, these pathways provide different landscapes needed to create bridges between habitat areas that might be too far apart otherwise.
Pollinator pathways don’t have to be special gardens. They can grow in everyday spaces like farm edges, small-town backyards, and roadsides between communities.
Pathways need two types of plants to create a supportive environment: nectar/pollen plants that provide food for adult pollinators and host plants for butterfly/moth caterpillars to feed on and grow. To make planting decisions easier, you can use the “three-by-three” formula: Pick three native species that bloom in each of the three seasons: spring (March–May), mid-summer (June–August), and late summer/fall (September–November). Different types of pollinators are active at different times of the year, so having a continuous bloom is critical.
When possible, it’s especially helpful if such groupings can be within 300 to 500 yards of another, creating that pathway of pit stops that pollinators need. By choosing to grow a pollinator pathway, you not only plant a vibrant, active garden but also choose to help sustain the creatures that keep farms, fields, and communities thriving.
Stagger bergamot (above), wild columbine, and New England aster (below) to provide a consistent food source for pollinators.
Here’s a season-by-season list of native plants to get you started: Spring
Willow (Salix species)
Wild columbine (Aquilegia canadensis)
Chokecherry (Prunus virginiana)
Common milkweed (Asclepias syriaca)
Purple coneflower (Echinacea purpurea)
Wild bergamot (Monarda fistulosa) species)
Symphyotrichum novae-angliae)
Lobelia cardinalis)
In times of economic uncertainty—when inflation rises, markets fluctuate, and long-term financial stability feels less predictable—many investors turn to gold as a dependable store of value. By holding a portion of your wealth in gold, you can help safeguard your portfolio and preserve longterm financial security, even when broader economic conditions are unclear.
Since 2015, gold has surged over 400% — outpacing both the S&P 500 and the Dow during the same
American Gold Reserve is releasing government-issued $5 Gold American Eagles completely free of dealer markup for only $529 each. These beautiful $5 Gold American Eagles are a perfect way to enter the gold market. Set for immediate public release, availability is limited and supplies are expected to sell out quickly.
• Free of dealer markup.
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• A strong portfolio diversifier.
Geothermal isn’t just about comfort. It’s about energy independence, grid resilience, and good jobs.
Geothermal heating and cooling doesn’t just make homes more comfortable and efficient—they’re powered by a domestic, underground energy source that’s available 24/7, rain or shine.
Made in the USA: Our geothermal systems are built right here in America, supporting advanced manufacturing jobs.
Grid-friendly: While AI, EVs, and data centers push power demand to new heights, geothermal helps reduce peak load—easing the burden on our utilities.
Job-creating: From HVAC contractors and well drillers or trenchers to engineers and architects, geothermal supports a wide network of high-paying, skilled jobs in every community it touches.
Geothermal isn’t just smart for homeowners. It’s smart for the country.
Thinking about a water feature to zhuzh up your backyard landscape?
We’ve got some tips.
BY RANDY EDWARDS
When we moved into our house nearly three decades ago, there was a small pond in the backyard garden, its shape fixed by a hard plastic liner. The pond was choked with excess vegetation that hid, somewhere in the depths, a small pump that did not pump.
Yearning for the sound of running water and croaking frogs in our suburban backyard, we put rebuilding that pond at the top of our to-do list. Since money was tight and we were up for a challenge, we did it ourselves — removing the old, cracked pond liner and starting from scratch.
It was physically demanding work, and it took some trial and error to balance our water chemistry, but for more than two decades now, the pond has provided a visual and audible centerpiece to our landscape.
Even a small pond adds beauty and interest to a backyard, says Justin Miller, general manager of Aquarium Adventure in Columbus, and for the homeowner, an added value is “stress relief.”
“You sit out there with the sound and the movement of the water and it just relaxes you,” he says.
Here are a few things to consider if you’re thinking about wading into a pond project of your own: Check local regulations: A permit may be required, especially if your pond will be more than 1,000 square feet at the surface. Community rules differ everywhere, though, so call before you dig. That goes for the utilities, too — dial 811 and have your utilities marked so you can avoid buried water, gas, and electric lines.
Choose a spot: Do you want to gaze out on your pond from your patio? Or practice the Japanese garden principle of miegakure (hide and reveal) and tuck the water feature behind some shrubbery, so that visitors will discover it as they walk through your yard? Either way, you’ll need an electricity source nearby, for aeration.
Aeration: Fountains or waterfalls will keep water moving, prevent mosquitoes, add oxygen to the water, and provide a pleasing murmur and splash to your pond. Some pumps are submerged in the deepest part of the pond, while others hang at the pond’s edge, doing double duty by skimming out debris. Do some research and pick the best setup for your needs.
Decide your depth and shape: If you want fish, you’ll want the water at least 2 feet deep — 3 feet for larger species like koi. Gently sloping edges will encourage frogs to visit, but fish love tadpoles, so many people choose either fish or frogs, not both.
You can hire a landscaper or a company like Aquarium Adventure to install a backyard pond, but if DIY projects spark joy for you, a small backyard pond is a doable project — as long as you have a strong back (or some friends who do).
Digging the basin is the hardest part of the project, Miller says, so many times, homeowners will hire an excavator to do that heavy lifting even if the rest of it is DIY.
Miller strongly recommends a full pond clean-out each spring. Empty the water, remove accumulated debris, and clean and inspect the liner. When you refill the pond, be sure to remove the chlorine that occurs in tap water, using a chemical detoxifier or simply by letting the water sit for several days before adding back plants or fish.
Choose a liner: Soft-sided liners will conform to the basin you dig, they’re easy to install, and Miller says 45-mil liners like those sold in his store will last decades. Preformed shell liners offer ease of installation, a clean look, and resistance to puncturing by rocks, roots, or animal burrowing.
Pond chemistry is key: Proper pH levels are key for fish and plant health. Excess nutrients will cause excess algae to grow, turning the water an unsightly green. Test your water regularly and use barley bales, chemical algicides, or UV sterilizers to keep your water clear.
Add some plants: Pond plants add beauty, provide shelter for fish, and can help balance water chemistry. Options include submerged plants, floaters, and marginals. Many are perennial and can be sunk to the bottom of the pond to weather the winter.
Mosquito-proof your pond: Proper aeration helps. Fish will eat mosquito larvae. Consider biological additives to the pond that will kill larvae but not harm fish or frogs.
Instantly connects to free unlimited nationwide help with just the push of a button with no contracts, no deposits, and no monthly bills
■ NO MONTHLY BILLS: “My wife had an old style help button that came with hefty bills every month and she was embarrassed to wear it because it made her look old,” said Frank McDonald, Canton, Ohio. “Now, we both have FastHelp™, the sleek new medical alert device that our grandkids say makes us look ‘cool’ not old,” he said. With FastHelp, seniors never have to worry about being alone and the best part is there are no monthly bills ever.
born before 1964 get new medical alert device
Nationwide: Demand for new Medical Alert Device soars
The phone lines are ringing off the hook. That’s because for seniors born before 1964, it’s a deal too good to pass up.
Starting at precisely 8:30am today the Pre-Store Release begins for the sleek new medical alert device that comes with the exclusive FastHelp™ One-Touch 911 Button that instantly connects you to unlimited nationwide help everywhere with no contracts, no deposits and no monthly bills ever.
“It’s not like old style help buttons that make you talk to a call center, only work when you’re at home and come with hefty bills every month. FastHelp comes with state-of-the-art cellular embedded technology. That means it works at home or anywhere and everywhere cell service is available 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 One-Touch 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, today’s instant rebate 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. ■
■ FLYING OUT THE DOOR: Trucks are being loaded with the new medical alert devices called FastHelp. They are now being delivered to lucky seniors who call the National Rebate Center Hotline at 1-800-209-4926 DEPT. FSTH145 today. Everyone is calling to get FastHelp, the sleek new medical alert device because it instantly connects you to unlimited nationwide help everywhere cell service is available.
BORN BEFORE 1964:
Use the rebate coupon below and call this Toll-Free Hotline: 1-800-209-4926
EXT. FSTH145
BORN AFTER 1964:
You cannot use the rebate coupon below and must pay $299 Call: 1-800-209-6405
EXT. FSTH145
■ SENIORS SNAP UP NEW MEDICAL ALERT DEVICE: Instantly connects you to free unlimited nationwide help with no contracts, no deposits and no monthly bills ever. Nothing to hook up. You don’t need a land line or cell phone. It’s ready to use right out of the box. Comes with new cellular embedded technology that works at home or anywhere you go so you are never alone.
BOTTOM LINE: You don’t need to shop around. We’ve done all the leg work, this deal is too good to pass up. With the instant FastHelp rebate, it is a real steal at just $149 and shipping. There are no monthly bills ever.
PROS: It’s the sleek new medical alert device that comes with the exclusive FastHelp One-Touch 911 Button that instantly connects you to free unlimited nationwide help with no contracts or deposits. It connects you to the vast available network of cellular towers for free and saves seniors a ton of money because there are no monthly bills ever making this deal a must have. Plus it’s the only medical alert device that makes seniors look important, not old.
CONS: Consumers can’t get FastHelp in stores until later this year. That’s why it’s so important for seniors born before 1964 to call the National Rebate Center Hotline within the next 21 days. For those who miss that deadline, the sleek little medical alert device will set you back over $300 bucks.
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Very appreciative of having FastHelp
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A+ Rating: These are unsolicited consumer feedback from satisfied customers as reported to Universal Physicians.
From a small garage to tinker on your vintage automobile to an elaborate workshop to focus on your woodworking hobby, a residential storage and hobby building designed and constructed by Morton is crafted to provide a stronger, longer-lasting, better-looking structure customized to fit your needs. Don’t settle for second best — because Morton has a quality that’s unmistakable, just like you.
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Cache of 1,193 First-Year 1964 Silver Kennedy Half Dollars
Collectors LOVE “firsts” as no collection is complete without the very first coin. First-year coins are almost always the most coveted coins and the 1964 First Year Silver Kennedy Half Dollar is no exception, especially when you consider the coin has been struck for over 60 years! But there’s something else that makes the FirstYear 1964 Kennedy Half Dollar hoarded by all…
What makes the 1964 Silver Kennedy Half Dollar stand out is its silver composition. While Silver Kennedy Half Dollars were issued from 1964-1970, the 1964 Silver Half is the ONLY YEAR made in 90% silver!
Rarcoa, America’s Oldest Coin Company, is announcing the public release of 1,193 of the very first year and only 90% silver year, 1964 Silver Kennedy Half Dollars. What may be even more impressive is that each coin is in Brilliant Uncirculated condition, pristine as the day they were released.
SOLD NATIONALLY FOR AS MUCH AS $103
This same 1964 Silver Kennedy Half Dollar sells nationally for as much as $103. But thanks to Rarcoa’s buying power and deep numismatic expertise, you won’t have to pay $103. You won’t have to pay $90. You won’t even have to pay $70.
If you call now you can secure your first-year, only 90% silver, 1964 Silver Kennedy Half Dollar for as low as $59 per coin!
1964 Silver Kennedy Half Dollar Brilliant Uncirculated 1-9 $69.95
10-19 $64.95 Save $5 or up to $95 20+ $59.00 Save $10 each or $219 or more
FREE SHIPPING on 3 or More!
Limited time only. Product total over $149 before taxes (if any). Standard domestic shipping only. Not valid on previous purchases
Please mention this code when you call.
Yes, temblors happen,
even in the heart of it all.
BY KEVIN WILLIAMS
The early hours of February 22 were typical for a Sunday morning in rural Highland County. Absent the typical weekday rush, most residents of the area in rural southwestern Ohio were still sleeping, or perhaps up and enjoying that first cup of coffee or starting to get ready for chores or church.
But then, a little before 6 a.m., something happened that was not at all typical. Dozens of posts and comments on social media forums described a sound like thunder, rattling windows, and items falling from shelves. Turns out, the shaking that caused the early wake-up call was an earthquake — a mild 2.5 temblor deep below the earth’s surface a couple of miles or so east of Hillsboro.
Ohio, of course, is not immune from seismic activity.
There are several long-dormant fault zones known as remnant strain faults underneath the Buckeye State, according to Mike Brudzinski, a geology professor and earthquake expert at Miami University in Oxford — and some of those, he says, have energy built up in them like a cocked gun.
But knowing which faults are ready to fire is still out of scientific reach.
“Over long periods of time, small changes in stress in the earth can tip a fault over the edge,” Brudzinski says. “How many cocked guns are left and how many faults are really primed? There is no way to know; we really can’t anticipate when and where they will occur. Our ability to forecast earthquakes is not great.”
While Hillsboro may have been the site of the most recent shaker, Brudzinski says that Anna, a town of 1,500 people between Dayton and Lima, is the earthquake epicenter of the Buckeye State.
Anna, which sits atop the Anna-Champaign Seismic Zone, a fault deep below the surface, frequently experiences small trembles — but also was the site of two of the largest earthquakes in Ohio’s recorded history (see list, opposite page). “You might be able to make the case that for magnitude 5 0-size events, Anna is the only place in the state,” Brudzinski says.
But it definitely isn’t the only place that shakes. Magnitude 3.0 events are a regular occurrence northeast of Cleveland, for example, though many of those are related to fracking rather than naturally occurring faults in the earth’s crust.
The biggest earthquake threat to folks in Ohio, in fact, actually comes from outside the state. The New Madrid Seismic Zone, which runs through Missouri and Illinois, spurred magnitude 7.0 earthquakes in the early 1800s that were felt as far away as Boston. Brudzinski says a hypothetical 7 5-plus event in the northeast part of that zone today likely would cause widespread disruption over the entire eastern part of the country, including much of Ohio. Damage would be greater than even a 6 0 event centered in Anna — where the damage would still be significant, but likely would be more contained to the immediate area.
Brudzinski says there is a good chance most Ohioans will not experience an earthquake in their lifetime. He says that a “big one” could happen here, “but it could happen in a lot of other places too.”
Check out www.ohiocoopliving.com to read about the author’s personal earthquake experiences and Ohio’s contribution to earthquake science.
“A deep rumbling accompanied the tremor, and those living on traffic arteries were inclined at first to believe the noise was caused by passing trucks. Because of the quietness of the hour, the quake was noticed by many more persons than the one which shook Ohio the previous Tuesday. Tumbling brick chimneys and shattered glass awakened residents of Anna, where the latest quake probably centered, similar to that of last week, seismologists reported.”
— The Bluffton News, March 11, 1937
Anna (Shelby County), March 9, 1937, magnitude 5.4. The largest earthquake in Ohio history. Caused severe damage, including cracked buildings, toppled chimneys, and structural issues.
Anna (Shelby County), March 2, 1937, magnitude 5.0. Occurred one week before the larger quake. Damaged churches and chimneys throughout the area.
LeRoy Township (Lake County), Jan. 31, 1986, magnitude 5.0. Struck near Cleveland in Lake Erie. Felt in 10 states and southern Canada; caused broken windows and cracked plaster.
Lima (Allen County), Sept. 19, 1884, magnitude 4.8. Significant for the late 19th century.
Portsmouth (Scioto County), May 17, 1901, magnitude 4.2. Dislodged bricks from chimneys and cracked windows.
Crooksville (Perry County), June 20, 1952, magnitude 3.9. Caused minor to moderate damage.
Pomeroy (Meigs County), Nov. 5, 1926, magnitude 3.6. Caused minor to moderate damage around southeastern Ohio.
Youngstown (Mahoning County), Dec. 31, 2011, magnitude 4.0. About 2.5 miles northwest of the city.
APR. 16 – Cabaret Dinner: The Belleville Trio with Gypsy Jazz from the 1930s, Corkscrew Saloon, 811 W. Liberty St., Medina, 6 p.m. $70/person; includes dinner and first drink. Enjoy a buffet dinner in a relaxed atmosphere while listening to club-style jazz from another era. Limited attendance; book now to avoid disappointment: www.ormaco.org or 419-853-6016
APR. 17 – Homeschool Day, Historic Zoar Village, 9 a.m.–2 p.m. $8; 5 and under free; 1 free adult admission per group. Learn how the Zoar Separatists and other people in the 19th century prepared for spring through hands-on activities, including a bread relay, butter churning, seed planting, and tin smithing. Reservations requested. 330-874-3011 or www. historiczoarvillage.com.
APR. 18–19 – Spring Button Show: “Hearts Full of Buttons,” Carlisle Inn, 1357 Old Rte. 39, Sugarcreek, Sat. 9 a.m.–5 p.m., Sun. 9 a.m.–2 p.m. $5; under 18 free. Open to the public. Antique, vintage, and modern garment buttons for display and sale. Sat. banquet, 6 p.m.; education programs, 7 p.m.; Sun. silent auction, 8 p.m. https://ohiobuttons.org or showinfo@buttons.org.
THROUGH MAY 12 – Line Dancing, Delphos Eagles Aerie #471, 1600 E. Fifth St., Tues. 6–7:30 p.m. $5
Step-by-step instructions given at the beginning of each class. Everyone can learn! Private lessons also available. Taught by Kelly Jackson Kroeger (see her Facebook page). www.visitgreaterlima.com/calendar.
APR. 4–5, MAY 2–3 – Tri-State Gun Show, Allen Co. Fgds., 2750 Harding Hwy., Lima, Sat. 8:30 a.m.–4 p.m., Sun. 8:30 a.m.–2 p.m. $8; 18 and under free. Over 400 tables of modern and antique guns, edged weapons, and sportsmen equipment. 419-647-0067 (Manetta Obringer) or www.allencofair.com/events-calendar.
APR. 11–12, MAY 9–10 – Findlay Flea Market, Hancock Co. Fgds., 1017 E. Sandusky St., Findlay, Sat. 9
APR. 20–MAY 3 – Spring Quilt Show, Fort Steuben Visitor Center, 120 S. 3rd St., Steubenville, Mon.–Fri. 10 a.m.–4 p.m., Sat. noon–4 p.m., or by appointment. Free. Over 25 local creations — from handstitched family heirlooms to machine-crafted modern designs — will be on display. 740-283-1787 or www.oldfortsteuben.com.
APR. 23–26 – Geauga County Maple Festival, Chardon. Oldest maple festival in the U.S. Arts and crafts show, bathtub races, grandstand entertainment, rides, lumberjack competition, two parades, pancakeeating contest, all-you-can-eat Pancakes in the Park every day, and more. 440-332-7055 or www. maplefestival.com.
MAY 2 – Magic of Moms Craft and Vendor Show, Emidio and Sons Banquet Center, 48 E. Bath Rd., Cuyahoga Falls, 10 a.m.–3 p.m. Free admission. Local vendors and crafters, raffles, 50/50, and much more! Proceeds benefit Cuyahoga Falls Amateur Baseball Association. www.facebook.com/everydaylimes/events.
MAY 2–3 – Annual Ohio Civil War Show, Richland Co. Fgds., 750 N. Home Rd., Mansfield, Sat. 9 a.m.–5 p.m., Sun. 9 a.m.–3 p.m. $8; under 12 free. Seven buildings; 800 exhibitors. Artillery show, cannon firing demos, living history campfire, fife and drum corps, WWII small arms demos, and much more. https:// ohiocivilwarshow.com.
MAY 5 – Brad Wagner and Anthony Fuoco: “A Jazzy Evening,” Canal Fulton Public Library, 154 Market St. NE, Canal Fulton, 6:30–7:30 p.m. Free. Seating is on a first-come, first-served basis. The duo will present a concert of jazz standards. Wagner plays saxophone with the Cleveland Jazz Orchestra, and Fuoco teaches piano and jazz studies at Baldwin Wallace University. 419-8536016 or www.ormaco.org.
MAY 7 – George Foley: “Music Born in America,” Medina County District Library, 210 S. Broadway St., Medina, 6:30–7:30 p.m. Free. Seating is on a first-come, first-served basis. Foley will share the story of the evolution of jazz through the early part of the twentieth century while performing this uniquely American art form as a part of the 250th American anniversary celebration. 419-853-6016 or www.ormaco.org.
MAY 7 – National Day of Prayer Event, LaGrange Global Methodist Church, 105 W. Main St,, LaGrange, noon. All are welcome. For more information, call the church office at 440-355-4561
MAY 8–9 – Maifest German Festival, Historic Zoar Village, Fri. 5:30–10 p.m., Sat. 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Free. Celebrate the coming of spring with a traditional German festival filled with beers, brats, and bands! Discounted guided tours of the village: $5/adult; 11 and under free. Car show on Saturday ($10 registration fee) will feature a variety of antique German-made vehicles. 330-874-3011, zoarinfo@zca.org, or www. historiczoarvillage.com.
MAY 9– Plant Discovery Day Sale, Secrest Welcome and Education Center, 2122 Williams Rd., Wooster, 9 a.m.–1 p.m. (Members get first pick Fri., May 8, 3–4 p.m.) Over 120 different trees and shrubs, perennials, and herbs for sale. Find rare and exotic plants, native plants, vegetables, and more. www. friendsofsecrest.com.
MAY 9 – America 250: Zoar Art Tours, downtown Zoar, 11 a.m.–4 p.m. $12. Discover the charming village of Zoar through the eyes of the artists who were inspired by its beauty. This guided tour weaves together the town’s unique 19th-century heritage with the stories of renowned painters who captured its quiet streets, lush landscapes, and historic architecture. 330-874-3011 or www.historiczoarvillage.com.
a.m.–4 p.m., Sun. 9 a.m.–3 p.m. Free admission. New, used, and vintage items, crafts, and more. Food trucks on-site. Vendors welcome! 419-619-0041 (Christine) or www.findlayfleamarket.com.
APR. 11, 25, MAY 9, 23 – Market on Main, downtown Kenton. Outdoor market showcasing vendors, makers, and growers. Shop local, discover unique goods, and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere. 419-673-4131 or www. facebook.com/marketonmainkenton.
APR. 17–19 – World War II Reenactment, AuGlaize Village 12296 Krouse Rd., Defiance. Features a camp area, open to the public, and then stations where reenactors will discuss being an Allied or Axis soldier during different points of the war. School Day on Friday and public “battles” on Saturday. America 250 Celebration additions: U.S. WWII half-track vehicles; demo showing how socks were made during WWII for the soldiers; WWII-era dance Saturday evening, open to the public. 419-990-0107, villageauglaize@gmail.com, or www.auglaizevillage.com.
APR. 18 – Lima Sister Cities Association Annual Cherry Blossom Festival, Sister Cities Garden, 202 W. Eureka St., Lima, 1–4 p.m. Celebrate the blooming of our nine cherry trees with Japanese cultural activities and entertainment. www.limasistercities.com.
MAY 2–3 – NWORRP Opening Weekend, 12505 Co. Rd. 99, Findlay, 1–4 p.m. Join us for an afternoon party to celebrate our 2026 season. Quarter-scale train rides,
carnival games, inflatables, mini-golf, and great food all available. 419-423-2995, www.facebook.com/nworrp, or www.nworrp.org.
MAY 9 – Annual Lilac Festival and Street Fair, Clinton Street, Defiance, 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Free. Celebrate the official flower of Defiance with the community’s largest arts and crafts fair. Free lilacs to the first 750 attendees. 160+ arts and crafts vendors, food vendors, children’s activities. 419-782-0739 or https://visitdefianceohio.com.
MAY 9 – Market on Main and Spring Fest, downtown Kenton, 9 a.m.–2 p.m. Free admission. Vendors, food trucks, kids’ activities, and more. 419-673-4131 or www. facebook.com/marketonmainkenton.
MAY 9–SEP. 13 – NWORPP Museum Summer Hours, 12505 Co. Rd. 99, Findlay, Sat./Sun. 1–4 p.m. $3; 12 and under, $2. Quarter-scale train rides, model train displays, museum tours, games, play area, and more. 419-423-2995, www.facebook.com/nworrp, or www. nworrp.org.
MAY 14–16 – Findlay Armed Forces Day Celebration, Hancock Co. Fgds., 1017 E. Sandusky St., Findlay, 7 a.m.–9 p.m. Free admission. Reenactments, living history displays, encampments, swap meet with over 170 vendors, weapons and military vehicles from all eras, including the American Huey 369, UH-1B Gunship 049, and M4A3E8 Sherman Tank. www. findlaymilitaryshow.org.
APR. 6, 20, MAY 11, 25 – American Sign Language Class, Betsey Mills Club, 300 4th St., Marietta, 6 p.m. Free to members; $10/class non-members. Taught by deaf instructors and interpreters. Learn ASL and deaf culture. All ages welcome. 740-373-4981 or www. betseymills.club.
APR. 7, 14, 21, 28 – Training Tuesdays: Garlic Mustard Removal, Mound City Group, Hopewell Culture
National Historical Park, 16062 St. Rte. 104, Chillicothe, 9 a.m. Attend a training on one of these dates to learn identification and safety for the removal of invasive garlic mustard from park grounds. Once trained, stop by any day in April and volunteer anytime from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. to help. www.facebook.com/hopewellohionps/events.
APR. 7, 21, MAY 5, 19 – Mom Café, Betsey Mills Club, 300 4th St., Marietta, 10–11:30 a.m. Free to new or expectant parents. Open to all moms. Join us for discussion, self-care, and resources. Snacks provided. 740-373-4981 or www.betseymills.club.
APR. 12 – “Notable Souls of Grandview Cemetery,” Grandview Cemetery, 300 Brookside Dr., Chillicothe, 1–4 p.m. $10. Costumed guides share stories of notable Ross Countians buried here, including Nathaniel Massie,
early elected officials, and other men and women who shaped the world. 740-702-7677, 740-253-1067, or www. visitchillicotheohio.com/america250-rosscountyohio.
APR. 15 – Vision Journaling, Betsey Mills Club, 300 4th St., Marietta, 4–6 p.m. Learn to creatively collect your thoughts and create your very own vision journal using writing and images to explore your next chapter. 740-3734981 or www.betseymills.club.
APR. 18 – Earth Gathering Festival, Pump House Center for the Arts, 1 Enderlin Circle, Chillicothe, 11 a.m.–6 p.m. Free. Juried-invitational art festival with an Earth Day theme. Earth-friendly art, music, food, products, and ideas. www.visitchillicotheohio.com.
APR. 18 – Positivi-Tea Luncheon, Mr. Lee’s Restaurant (Banquet Room), 2000 E. Wheeling Ave., Cambridge, 11:30 a.m.–2 p.m. $20/person. Catered lunch, guest speaker, and basket raffles. Contact Melissa Swingle at 330-814-0188 for tickets.
MAY 2 – The Big Deal at Great Seal, Great Seal State Park, 4908 Marietta Rd., Chillicothe, 8 a.m. Trail running event includes Big Deal 100-mile, 100K, 20-mile, and 5K on a 20-mile loop with 2 road crossings and 3,000 feet of elevation gain per loop. www.runfluentevents.com.
MAY 2 – Ohio Is for Writers Book Fest, Chillicothe–Ross County Public Library Annex, 140 S. Paint St., Chillicothe, 10 a.m.–3 p.m. Meet and support Ohio authors and discover your next favorite read. 740-702-4145 or www. visitchillicotheohio.com/america250-rosscountyohio.
MAY 2 – Twitty & Lynn: “A Salute to Conway & Loretta,” Majestic Theatre, 45 E. Second St., Chillicothe, 7 p.m. $45–$65. Tribute to the famous duo by their grandchildren Tre Twitty and Tayla Lynn. www. majesticchillicothe.net.
MAY 2 – Caldwell Lake Disc Golf Tournament, 47044 Caldwell Lake Rd., Caldwell. This is one of the most
challenging and scenic disc golf courses in southeastern Ohio. Players are welcome to come and practice before the event. 740-732-4645 or golf@caldwellohio.org.
MAY 2–24 – Spring Plant Sale, Adena Mansion & Gardens, 847 Adena Rd., Chillicothe, Wed.–Sat. 9:30 a.m.–5 p.m., Sun. 12–5 p.m. Browse a selection of vegetables and flowers; get advice and information from our horticulturalist. www.adenamansion.com.
MAY 6 – Women in Business Salon, Betsey Mills Club, 300 4th St., Marietta, 6–8 p.m. $25/meet or $75/ full salon. First of a trilogy (next sessions Jun. 3, Jul. 1). Businesswomen meet once a month for three months to share insights and real-world experience. Snacks and drinks available. 740-373-4981 or www.betseymills.club.
MAY 7–9 – Wildflowers and Songbirds of Ohio’s “Deep South,” Tremper Mound Preserve, 20580 St. Rte. 73, McDermott. Join us for a late-spring wildflower immersion, exploring stunning flora. 937-794-3360, arcpreserveinfo@gmail.com, or www. arcofappalachia.org.
MAY 8–10 – Chillicothe Trade Days, Ross Co. Fgds., 344 Fairgrounds Rd., Chillicothe. Old school-style market days event. Hundreds of vendors selling antiques, livestock, plants, crafts, and more. www. chillicothetradedays.com.
MAY 9 – Ohio Creates: Arts, Culture, and Entertainment, Pump House Center for the Arts, Chillicothe, 2 p.m. Doors open 1:30 p.m. Learn about Chillicothe/Ross County’s artists of the past, while enjoying the displays of the present. Refreshments available. 740-702-7677, 740-253-1067, or www. visitchillicotheohio.com/america250-rosscountyohio.
MAY 10 – Mother’s Day Dinner, Fearing Township Fire Department, 1975 Stanleyville Rd., Whipple, starting at 11 a.m. For information, contact Jeff Lauer at 740-516-3989
THROUGH APR. 30 – Bunny Paperweight, Neusole Glassworks, 11925 Kemper Springs Dr., Cincinnati. $50/person per 30-minute session. Reservations required; payment due at scheduling. Ages: 5 years and older. With help from our professional glass artists, sculpt your own adorable bunny paperweight from hot molten glass. Pickup in 7 days. 513-7513292, neusoleglassworks@hotmail.com, or http:// neusoleglassworks.com.
THROUGH APR. 30 – Easter Egg Paperweight, Neusole Glassworks, 11925 Kemper Springs Dr.,
us your event Submit listings AT LEAST 90 DAYS in advance to events@ohioec.org
Ohio Cooperative Living will not publish listings that don’t include a complete address or a number/website for more information.
Cincinnati. $50/person per 30-minute session. Reservations required; payment due at scheduling. Ages: 5 years and older. With help from our professional glass artists, sculpt your own adorable Easter egg paperweight from hot molten glass. Pickup in 7 days. 513-751-3292, neusoleglassworks@hotmail.com, or http://neusoleglassworks.com.
THROUGH MAY 27 – Bluegrass Wednesdays, Vinoklet Winery, 11069 Colerain Ave., Cincinnati, Wed. 6:30–8:30 p.m. Enjoy dinner, wine, and an evening of free entertainment by Vernon McIntyre’s Appalachian Grass. Reservations recommended. 513-385-9309, vinokletwinery@fuse.net, or www.vinokletwines.com.
APR. 17–19 – Wildflower Pilgrimage, Highlands Nature Sanctuary, 7660 Cave Rd., Bainbridge. $225 Daylong field trips to botanical hotspots and floral showcases of our region, featuring both Arc preserves and other private and state-owned natural areas. Includes two breakfasts and one dinner, as well as evening keynote presentations at the Paxton Theatre. Register at www.arcofappalachia.org/wildflowerpilgrimage.
APR. 18 – Family Program: Wildlife and Wildflower Hike, Wagers’ Devil’s Backbone Memorial Park, 1301 OH-725 W., Camden, 10 a.m.–12 p.m. Free. Led by Savannah Ballweg from OSU Extension Office. Join us for a hike and learn to identify nature. 937962-5561, pcpdevents@gmail.com, or www. preblecountyparks.org.
APR. 18 – Wildflower Pilgrimage JR, Highlands Nature Sanctuary, 7660 Cave Rd,, Bainbridge. $20/family. For youth ages 6–10 years old and their families. Begins with a presentation, followed by a guided walk around the pond to explore beaver activity. Bring your own picnic lunch. Register at www.arcofappalachia.org/ wildflower-pilgrimage-jr.
APR. 25 – An Art Affair: Fine Art Sale and Exhibition, Tipp Center, 855 N. 3rd St., Tipp City, 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Free admission. Door prizes, food trucks, music, and 40+ fine art vendors! 937-543-5115 or www. tippcityartscouncil.com/an-art-affair or call.
APR. 30 – Historical Speaker Series: Shari Petersime, New Madison Public Library, 142 S. Main St., New
APR. 25 – Ramps and Rails Festival, Elkins Depot, 315 Railroad Ave., Elkins, 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Learn about this unique indigenous Appalachian leek while enjoying local arts and crafts, live music, and delicious ramp-themed foods. Train rides available. 304-635-7803 or www.elkinsdepot.com/events/ ramps-and-rail-festival.
MAY 9–17 – West Virginia Strawberry Festival, downtown Buckhannon. Food vendors specializing in strawberry treats of all kinds, live entertainment, craft and vendor show, three parades, carnival, games, exhibits, and much more! 304-472-9036 or www.wvstrawberryfestival.com.
Madison, 6–7 p.m. Free. Petersime will share the history of Longtown, a 19th-century, predominantly African American and multi-racial settlement in Darke County, Ohio. Reservations recommended. 937-996-1741, info@ newmadisonpubliclibrary.org, or https://mynmpl.org.
MAY 2 – Bear’s Mill Spring Open House, Historic Bear’s Mill, 6450 Arcanum Bear’s Mill Rd., Greenville, 11 a.m.–5 p.m. Check out our spring products and join us for free grinding demonstrations with the miller at 12, 2, and 4 p.m. www.bearsmill.org.
MAY 2 – Spring Women’s Walk in the Woods, Highlands Nature Sanctuary, 7660 Cave Rd., Bainbridge, 10 a.m.–4 p.m. $20. Come together with women of all ages and occupations to relax and connect in the beauty of our natural world. We will meet at the Appalachian Forest Museum to hear a presentation from a guest speaker and enjoy a packed lunch (please bring your own). We will then depart for a hike on one of the stunningly beautiful trails near the Sanctuary. www. arcofappalachia.org/walk-in-the-woods-1
MAY 8 – Taste of the Arts, 326 N. Main St., Piqua, 5–9 p.m. Join us for a delightful evening of fun, music, and food in downtown Piqua. See various demonstrations at the storefronts while enjoying a variety of live music. Choose from a wide selection of food options from local restaurants and caterers. Items range from $1 to $5 www.mainstreetpiqua.com.
MAY 9 – A Decadent Affair, Tipp Center, 855 N. 3rd St., Tipp City, 5–9 p.m. Premier event bringing together the best in local wine, art, music, and gourmet delights. VIP experience will be held from 5 to 6 p.m.: Enjoy early access, exclusive tastings, and more. Space is limited; only 150 tickets available. For tickets, call 937-543-5115 or visit www.tippcityartscouncil.com/a-decadent-affair.
APR. 3–4 – Artisans Market, The Downtown Exchange, 527 Main St., Zanesville, Fri. 5–9 p.m., Sat. 11 a.m.–3 p.m. Arts and crafts by quality Ohio makers and artisans. Food available. www.downtown-exchange. com/DTXAM.
APR. 3, MAY 1 – First Friday Art Walk, downtown Zanesville, 5–8 p.m. Come downtown on the first Friday of each month, when galleries, studios, and small businesses are open at the same time! See the Artist Colony of Zanesville’s website for a map of participants: https://artcoz.org/arts-district-map.
APR. 17 – Malpass Brothers, Cornerstone Global Methodist Church, 207 S. Court St., Marysville. Doors open 6 p.m., concert 7 p.m. Part of the Marysville Winter Bluegrass Series, Entertainment, food, homemade pies on-site. 937-642-4712 or www. marysvillewinterbluegrass.com.
APR. 18 – Pickerington Community Chorus: Spring Concert, Epiphany Lutheran Church, 268 Hill Rd N., Pickerington, 3 p.m. Free admission; freewill offering will be taken. www.facebook.com/ Pickeringtoncommunitychorus.
APR. 18 – Quilters Market Day, Fredericktown Schools, 111 Stadium Dr., Fredericktown, 10 a.m.–3 p.m. $5. Flea market. Buy/sell quilting tools, books, patterns, fat quarters, quilted items. Fat quarter drawing. Quilt show (non-juried). For information, call Patty at 740-6946140 or visit www.fredericktown.org.
APR. 22 – Wise Lunch, Headwaters Outdoor Education Center, 151 Home Rd., Mount Gilead, 12 p.m. in the main
building. Bring your lunch and visit; discuss building the new tiny terrarium, then make one to take home. Materials are provided and free. Call 419-946-7923 to reserve your spot.
APR. 24–26 – The Big Roadshow: “Transportation Milestones That Shaped Pickerington,” Pickerington Senior Center, 150 Hereford Dr., Pickerington, Fri. 4–7 p.m., Sat. 9 a.m.–7 p.m., Sun. 11 a.m.–5 p.m. Free. An America 250 event. Focuses on Zane’s Trace, Ohio & Erie Canal, the railroad, and I-70. Model train displays, LEGO exhibit, wood carvings, historical timeline and photos, antique vehicles, kids’ activities, and more. Food available. www.pickhistory.org.
APR. 25 – Earth Day Celebration, ECO Center, 1757 Co. Rd. 59, Caledonia, 12–3 p.m. Free. Fun-filled and educational day for the entire family! Local art, inflatables, barrel train, farm animals, kids’ arts and crafts, local produce and earth-friendly vendors, environmental exhibitors, nature scavenger hunt, mini ziplines, and outdoor nature lessons. www. ecocenterohio.com.
APR. 25 – Pickerington Train Depot Tours, Toledo & Ohio Central Train Station, 50 N. Center St., Pickerington, 9 a.m.–6 p.m. Tours on the hour. Reenactor Tony Mills will portray Clyde Leach, the depot agent during a time when Pickerington was home to both the state’s largest creamery and a major grain mill. www.pickhistory.org.
APR. 25 – Rock Your Garden: A How-To Workshop, Darby Landscape Supply, 8075 Harrisburg Pike, Orient, 10–11 a.m. Free. Discover how to use stone to add structure, texture, and visual interest to your landscape. Plus, tour of a rock production plant covering types of rocks and where they come from. All participants receive a free rock to add to their home landscape. 614809-8538 or www.darbylandscape.com.
APR. 26 – Coshocton Community Choir Spring Concert: “Still Be My Vision,” McKinley Auditorium, Coshocton High School, 1205 Cambridge Rd., Coshocton, 3–4:30 p.m. Free admission; freewill donations only. Includes the 80-voice adult choir, the Coshocton Youth Chorale, the Coshocton Singers, the Roscoe Brass, and other instrumentalists. 740-6230554 or www.coshoctoncommunitychoir.org.
APR. 26 – Marysville Toy Show, Union Co. Fgds., Beef Barn, 845 N. Main St., Marysville, 9 a.m.–3 p.m. $6; 12 and under free; early buyer (8–9 a.m.) $12 Free parking. Die-cast cars, action figures, model kits, farm toys, all toys old and new. Find us on Facebook @ Marysville Toy Show or visit www. marysvilletoyshow.com.
MAY 1 – Pickerington Chocolate Hop, Olde Pickerington Village, 6–8:30 p.m. A $5 donation gets you a map of locations around the Village where you will receive a little chocolate treat as a thank-you. Begin on the plaza at Columbus and Center Streets. Limited number of maps; donate in advance to reserve a map. www.pickeringtonvillage.com.
MAY 2 – Birds of the Preserve: Spring Migration Hike, Park District HQ, 16405 U.S. 23, South Bloomfield, 9 a.m.–noon. Free. Guided bird walk through the preserve, celebrating the return of spring neo-migrant birds. For all experience levels. We’ll follow a paved path with the possibility of off-trail exploration in the woods. Dress for the weather. Adult must accompany any child under 12. For questions, email mellis@pickawaycountyohio.gov or visit www. pickawaycountyparks.org/upcoming-events.
MAY 2–OCT. 31 – Coshocton Farmers Market, Coshocton County Maintenance Garage, 23220 Co. Rd. 621, Coshocton, Sat. 8:30 a.m.–noon. Locally grown produce, baked goods, and artisan crafts. Rain or shine. www.facebook.com/coshoctonfarmersmarket or market.manager@coshfarmmarket.org.
MAY 9 – Landscape Basic Design: A How-To Workshop, Darby Landscape Supply, 8075 Harrisburg Pike, Orient, 10–11 a.m. Free. We will cover the basics of garden design using color, height, texture, size, and hardscape vs. softscape; also animal resistance, weeds, and maintenance Each participant receives a free flower to take home and plant. 614-809-8538 or www. darbylandscape.com.
MAY 9 – Spring Fling Craft Show, Sims Farm, 11300 Chilli-Lanc. Rd., Amanda, 10 a.m.–2 p.m. Indoor and outdoor vendors. Plants and much more for Mother’s Day gifts. Silent auction of quarter beef from Hoffman Farms to benefit the Sewing Shefs 4-H Club. For more information, call 740-974-8747
1. My daughter, Emma, loves to photobomb her daddy, my husband, Mark. Rachael Belford, Consolidated Cooperative member.
2. My twin sister, Laura Cupp, struck a pose, so my daughter, Sierra Barnette, and I took the opportunity to photobomb her! Lori Highfield, South Central Power Company member.
3. Pick me! Bailey sits so pretty while Zoey Rose photobombs with jumps in the background. Rose Edwards, Frontier Power Company member.
My husband photobombing the girls’ photo. Julie King, Midwest Electric member.
5. Got a group picture taken while snow skiing and later realized this random guy bombed the picture! Jennifer Huffman , Hancock-Wood Electric Cooperative member.
6. My son photobombing my granddaughter while visiting the Statue of Liberty. Janet Fox, Buckeye Rural Electric Cooperative member. 1 4 2 5 6 3
For July, send “America” by April 15. For August, send “Showtime at the fair” by May 15. Upload your photos at www.ohiocoopliving.com/memberinteractive. Your photo may be featured in our magazine or on our website. Send us YOUR picture!
Call before you dig!
ohioec.org/purpose
Know what’s below—dial 811 before any project that requires digging.
Underground utilities, such as gas, water, and electric lines, can be a shovel thrust away from turning a spring project into a disaster. Play it safe by dialing 811 three days before digging to find out where utility lines run on your property. It’s free, fast—and may save a life!
