Ohio Cooperative Living – December 2023 - Firelands by Ohio Cooperative Living

OHIO

DECEMBER 2023

COOPERATIVE Firelands Electric Cooperative

Dazzling display

Dayton’s Carillon Christmas

ALSO INSIDE Youth Tour tales

Model railroads

Holiday baking

HOW DO CAPITAL CREDITS

WORK?

Co-ops are not-for-profit, so when there’s money left after bills are paid, it’s returned to members as “capital credits,” or “patronage capital.” Annually, Ohio electric cooperatives return about $35 million to their members. Nationally, electric co-ops returned $1.4 BILLION to members in 2021, and $20 BILLION since 1988.

Members paying their bills generates operating revenue for the co-op.

When all the bills are paid, the extra money at the end of each year, called “margins,” is allocated back to each member based on how much electricity they purchased that year.

ohioec.org/purpose

The co-op’s board approves a return of that money to members, often called “capital credits” or “patronage capital.”

OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • DECEMBER 2023

INSIDE FEATURES 21

TROLLS EVERYWHERE

At the Troll Hole Museum in Alliance, Santa is a troll at Christmas, and troll nostalgia lasts all year long.

30 CHRISTMAS BELLS ARE RINGING

“A Carillon Christmas” in Dayton showcases Carillon Historical Park’s signature bell tower.

Cover image on most editions: Soaring 200 feet into the sky and lit with 20,000 bulbs, the Carillon Tree of Light in Dayton is billed as the largest musical Christmas tree in the state (photo courtesy of Carillon Historical Park). This page: Model railroader Dave Nenna built this N-scale model of the Atchison, Topeka, and Santa Fe Railway and its famous Tehachapi Loop, where the track goes in a complete circle to pass over itself to gain elevation, in the basement of his Cincinnati home (photo courtesy of John Burchnall).

DECEMBER 2023 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING

UP FRONT

Winter is coming W

inter poses a particular set of challenges to your electric cooperative’s commitment to provide members with an uninterrupted supply of power every hour of every day of the year. Winter storms in particular can wreak havoc on electric lines, and often result in longer outage times because icy roads and fallen trees and limbs make it even more difficult to mobilize people and equipment to the areas that are hardest hit. Access to downed lines is slow and tedious, and working conditions that lineworkers face when they arrive to make repairs are often difficult and even dangerous. Co-ops, of course, have been rising to those challenges since their beginnings. Recently, however, co-ops face a new, even more difficult test. Demand for electricity continues to grow, slowly but steadily, while generation resources continue to be retired faster than they are being replaced, creating ever-increasing strain on the national and regional power grid. Last Christmas, electric utilities in several nearby states were forced to shut off power to thousands of customers to avert widespread uncontrolled blackouts during a brief but frigid winter storm. Thankfully, with diminished reserves and emergency operations, we were able to get by here in Ohio. But now a new independent analysis has concluded that the entire Midwest, along with most of the eastern United States and Canada, is at risk of widespread outages again this winter because there simply may not be enough power generation available during extreme weather conditions. Though Ohio’s electric cooperatives maintain healthy reserves of generating capacity, we are only a small part of the larger grid and are still subject to the potential for broad regional shortages. We have been working with grid operators, federal regulators, and elected officials to change policies that are forcing power companies to shutter fossil-fuel generators not only before the end of their useful lives, but before there’s anything available to replace them. Alarmingly, 6,000 megawatts (about 4% of the generation capacity) has been retired from our regional network just since last Christmas, and so, again, we find ourselves at risk for the “rolling blackouts” that are used as a last resort to stabilize the grid when it doesn’t have adequate electric generation supply. We urge you to be prepared for the hazards that cold winter days may bring and be ready to make extra conservation efforts when called upon. At the same time, please know that your electric co-op is doing everything it can to keep the lights on, no matter how challenging that might become.

OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • DECEMBER 2023

Pat O’Loughlin

PRESIDENT & CEO OHIO’S ELECTRIC COOPERATIVES

Ohio’s electric cooperatives maintain healthy reserves of generating capacity, but we are only a small part of the larger regional grid.

DECEMBER 2023 • Volume 66, No. 3

Ohio Rural Electric Cooperatives 6677 Busch Blvd. Columbus, OH 43229 614-846-5757 www.ohiocoopliving.com Patrick O’Loughlin Caryn Whitney Jeﬀ McCallister Amy Howat Crystal Pomeroy

President & CEO Director of Communications Managing Editor Associate Editor Graphic Designer

Contributors: Margaret Buranen, Colleen Romick Clark, Getty Images, W.H. “Chip” Gross, Catherine Murray, Jamie Rhein, and Damaine Vonada. OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING (USPS 134-760; ISSN 2572-049X) is published monthly by Ohio Rural Electric Cooperatives, Inc. It is the official communication link between the electric cooperatives in Ohio and West Virginia and their members. Subscription cost for members ranges from $5.52 to $6.96 per year, paid from equity accruing to the member. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to editorial and advertising offices at: 6677 Busch Boulevard, Columbus, OH 43229-1101. Periodicals postage paid at Berne, IN 46711, and at additional mailing offices. Nothing in this publication may be reproduced in any manner without written permission from Ohio Rural Electric Cooperatives, Inc. All rights reserved. The fact that a product is advertised in Ohio Cooperative Living should not be taken as an endorsement. If you find an advertisement misleading or a product unsatisfactory, please notify us or the Ohio Attorney General’s Office, Consumer Protection Section, 30 E. Broad St., Columbus, OH 43215. Periodicals postage paid at Columbus, OH, and at additional mailing offices.

4 DEPARTMENTS 4 POWER LINES

It’s not just hype: Years down the road, participants in Youth Tour still say it was “the trip of a lifetime.”

10 WOODS, WATERS, AND WILDLIFE

A “wild” idea: Need a gift for an outdoors enthusiast on your list? You might want to consider an endlessly entertaining trail camera.

13 GOOD EATS

Smokin’! Not just for giant cuts of meat, smoke adds unmistakable ﬂavor to all kinds of food.

17 LOCAL PAGES

News and other important information from your electric cooperative.

26 CO-OP PEOPLE

All aboard! Interested in trains?

Model railroading is a hobby that can last a lifetime.

33 CALENDAR National/regional advertising inquiries, contact

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

What’s happening: December/ January events and other things to do around Ohio.

36 MEMBER INTERACTIVE

Cooperative members:

Please report changes of address to your electric cooperative. Ohio Cooperative Living staﬀ cannot process address changes. Alliance for Audited Media Member

Holiday baking: It’s that time of year when members get in the kitchen to create some yummy memories.

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. DECEMBER 2023 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING

POWER LINES

I𝗍𝗍𝗍𝗍𝗍𝗍𝗍𝗍

𝗍𝗍

ju𝗌𝗌t

Y E P H

COMPILED BY JODI BORGER

very June, electric cooperatives from around Ohio and across the nation sponsor high school sophomores and juniors on a trip to Washington, D.C., where the students learn about the cooperative business model, visit Capitol Hill to meet with legislative leaders, and explore the rich history of the nation’s capital. Beyond that educational experience, though, Youth Tour delegates also are encouraged to connect with other students from all over the nation, forging friendships and creating memories that in many cases impact their future endeavors. Those connections are the reason Youth Tour is billed as “the trip of a lifetime.” Ohio Cooperative Living caught up with several former delegates — some of whom have even joined the co-op family as employees — to see just how their experiences have played a part in their lives after high school. Here are their stories, in their own words:

OLIVIA VELASQUEZ, 2013

The Youth Tour was a pivotal experience during my transition from high school to college. Growing up in a tiny Ohio village, attending even tinier Pandora-Gilboa High School, I attended Youth Tour in 2013. After high school, I pursued my education at Harvard University, and I am currently studying at the University of Vermont Larner College of Medicine. I applied for the Youth Tour when my dad, hearing about the tour through Hancock-Wood Electric Cooperative, encouraged me to attend. As I learned more about it, I grew curious and excited about the chance to explore one of America’s historic cities. It turned into much more than that. Youth Tour opened my worldview in ways I had not imagined — providing me with a positive perspective and the opportunity to find my place in the world. I was elected to represent Ohio 4

OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • DECEMBER 2023

on the Youth Leadership Council [YLC] and from there was selected to give a speech on the main stage at the NRECA annual meeting. I believe the experience I had on the Youth Tour set me apart from other high school students applying to universities like Harvard. It allowed me to define my narrative, showcasing where I came from, why it was significant, and why I sought a larger city and new experiences. The Youth Tour exposed me to opportunities that exceeded my expectations. I met individuals with aspirations of attending law school or entering social work, and it was inspiring to see that they, like me, came from small towns but were determined to pursue their dreams. This experience motivated me to push my own limits. I’m grateful to my electric cooperative, Hancock-Wood, for making this life-changing experience possible. Though the Youth Tour lasted only a week, the lessons and friendships formed during that time will last a lifetime. Olivia Velasquez says her experience on Youth Tour helped set her apart as she applied to college.

pants in Youth Tour

Years down the road, partici

etime.’ lif a f o ip tr e h ‘t s a w it y sa ill st

ANDY DENNY, 2015

My journey with the Youth Tour began with a simple misconception — I saw it as a free vacation. Little did I know that this experience would reshape my life and instill a deep appreciation for cooperatives and the energy industry. In 2015, I was chosen by Butler Rural Electric Cooperative to attend Youth Tour. It was during that trip, standing amidst the monuments of our nation’s capital, that I realized there was more to this adventure than I initially thought. The experience was transformative, and it led to further involvement. I represented Ohio on the YLC and even served as a “blue shirt” chaperone [at the NRECA annual meeting] in 2016. The friendships forged with fellow participants from across the country remain strong to this day, and many have turned into professional connections within the electric cooperative community. The most eye-opening part of the journey was my visit to NRECA’s headquarters, where I discovered a world of career opportunities within cooperatives. The Youth Tour played a pivotal role in my career choice. It fueled my passion for the cooperative world, prompting me

to change my college major to communications, with a focus on nonprofit studies. Today, I’m proud to be part of Butler Rural Electric Cooperative, working to empower communities with reliable electricity. The Youth Tour isn’t just another expense for cooperatives; it’s a wise investment. It has a lasting impact, inspiring participants like me to return as employees and ensuring the cooperative spirit lives on.

KIRA JONES, 2016

I had the opportunity to follow in my mother’s footsteps when I was selected by my co-op, URE [Union Rural Electric Cooperative in Marysville] and participate in the Youth Tour. It was a dream come true for me, as I had been eager to return to Washington, D.C., ever since my middle-school trip there. What made the experience even more special was that I wasn’t alone; a childhood friend also attended the Youth Tour the same year. The trip had a challenging start because I had a foot injury, but I refused to let it deter me from the experience. I had been in a cast right up until we left on the bus, and I had to navigate the trip using a combination of a wheelchair and crutches. I was touched by the kindness and support I received from others on the trip. The friendships I made

Andy Denny (left) was so impressed with the co-op world she discovered on Youth Tour that she eventually came back to work for Butler Rural Electric Cooperative. Kira Jones (right photo, with walking boot) was touched by the helpful kindness of other participants.

DECEMBER 2023 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING

during Youth Tour have proven to be one of the most important components of my trip. After high school, I pursued a degree in child and family development at the University of Akron. I currently work full-time as a wedding coordinator for BTTS Holdings at their Brookshire Event Venue located in Delaware, Ohio. I continue to follow many people I met on the trip on social media, finding joy in their accomplishments and staying connected to the memories we shared. The Youth Tour had a significant impact on my life, and it even sparked the interest of my sister, who, unfortunately, had her own Youth Tour experience canceled due to COVID-19. The Jones family’s connection to the Youth Tour remains strong, bridging generations and offering a sense of shared adventure and camaraderie.

MADELYN LAMB, 2018

I attended Youth Tour in 2018, an opportunity that would not only take me to the heart of American history, but also reshape my perspective and lead me to a fulfilling career in the cooperative world. I applied for the Youth Tour out of my love for history and an interest in Washington, D.C. The chance to meet my representatives in person was one of the things I looked forward to most. My application process involved a test and interview at our cooperative’s annual meeting in Paulding, and I remember feeling grateful when I was selected to represent my co-op, Paulding Putnam Electric Cooperative. Initially, I was apprehensive. As a shy and reserved teenager, it was well outside my comfort zone. However, the experience broke me out of my shell and allowed me to form connections with other teens from all over Ohio and beyond, all of us united not just by our membership in electric co-ops, but by the experience itself. Attending a service at the National Cathedral and

exploring the Udvar-Hazy Center, with its airplanes and space memorabilia, were among my most memorable moments. By exposing me to the diverse lives of rural teens from across the nation, the trip deepened my understanding of my peers. The Youth Tour left a lasting impact on me. I made lifelong friends and even attended college with two individuals from my Youth Tour class. I earned a business administration degree with a minor in marketing from Bowling Green State University, then found my way back to the cooperative world — I now work as a marketing specialist at Paulding Putnam Electric. I’m also pursuing an MBA, a journey that began with the remarkable experience of the Youth Tour.

LEVI GRIMM, 2018

When I applied to go on Youth Tour, I had only a limited knowledge of what the trip entailed. It was recommended by family friends, who told me it was a perk of being a Butler Rural Electric Cooperative member. So a friend and I applied and attended as high school freshmen in 2018. As it turned out, Youth Tour exposed me to people with diverse interests, experiences, and goals, and played a significant role in shaping my future. I am currently a junior at Miami University, majoring in information systems and entrepreneurship. I feel fortunate to have had the opportunity to take part in Youth Tour. Some of my favorite things about it were the close bonds formed, the inside jokes that then led to lasting friendships, and the chance to meet students from other states. I ran for the role of Ohio YLC delegate and represented Ohio at national events, including NRECA’s annual meeting. There was one part of the trip that I feel particularly helped shape my future. While we were visiting Capitol

Madelyn Lamb (left) says Youth Tour stretched her comfort zone as she connected with peers from around the country. Levi Grimm (right photo, fourth in line) was inspired by his experience meeting with legislators to seek — and find — a college internship on Capitol Hill.

OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • DECEMBER 2023

Hill, I had a moment that sparked an interest in politics and civic engagement. That experience led me to intern with U.S. Rep. Warren Davidson in Washington after my freshman year in college. During the internship, I worked on legislative matters, community relations, and constituent interactions, and I was able to draw on my experience from Youth Tour to help me understand the importance of my role. During the internship, I had a full-circle moment when I spoke with high school students from that year’s Youth

Tour. I later participated in a fellowship with the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation, focusing on civic engagement and leadership. This experience gave me a broader perspective on rural community issues and led to policy and advocacy work with the Ohio Farm Bureau, which related to electric cooperatives.

To see whether your electric cooperative sponsors students on Youth Tour or for application details, contact your local co-op office.

s e i r o m e m h Fres

Generations of students from electric cooperatives around Ohio and across the nation have described Youth Tour as “the trip of a lifetime” — but it’s not just a feeling students develop years after the trip. We asked a few of the most recent delegates for their thoughts immediately after they returned home:

Dylan Pence

Braden Knippen

Butler Rural Electric Cooperative

Paulding Putnam Electric Cooperative

I had my doubts and wondered if I would actually make any friends. However, I was surprised how easy the trip makes it to meet new people. No matter if you’re shy or nervous, you will have a great time.

By the end of the first day of Youth Tour, I was sitting in the lobby of our hotel, laughing and playing cards with six people from all over Ohio that I could truly call “friend,” even though I hadn’t even known them 24 hours prior.

Ryan Mestemaker, Darke Rural Electric Cooperative Seeing the memorials lit up at night was breathtaking. From the Capitol rotunda to meeting with our state’s legislators, there were so many new experiences that opened my eyes to parts of our lives and parts of our nation’s history that I never knew before.

Brooklyn Wright

North Western Electric Cooperative

The historical part of it was very interesting, but the best part was meeting new people … from all over the United States. By the end of the trip, I had made many new friends, seen many new things, and learned so much.

Grace Lee, Butler Rural Electric Cooperative Meeting students from around the U.S. was an amazing experience. I enjoyed learning about how our local electric co-op is connected to the national co-op and how D.C. is a big part of all of them.

Cooper Kidwell

Consolidated Cooperative

I made so many memories — best friends I would never have met without this trip. It was great to learn about the different states from the viewpoints of the kids who live there.

Darcie Reinhart, Consolidated Cooperative We saw so many fascinating things, but the real takeaway was the lesson I learned about appreciating where we came from and the people who served to get us here, and about how important electric cooperatives are.

DECEMBER 2023 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING

Members, friends, and employees of Ohio’s Electric Cooperatives would like to thank the following for their generosity in supporting our efforts to fight blood cancers at the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society’s 2023 Light the Night Walk:

Double-platinum sponsors: Your Partner for Success

Platinum sponsors:

Mary Beth & Tom Alban

Thank you!

Your support was crucial as our company raised $80,993 for this year’s event.

810 OHIO OHIOCOOPERATIVE COOPERATIVELIVING LIVING• •DECEMBER OCTOBER 2023

Gold sponsors:

CoBank

Thompson Hine

Silver sponsors:

Pat & Nancy Cross Creek O’Loughlin Builders Crowe LLP Sargent & Lundy United Rentals Gordon Iseminger GNS Dry Sorbent Injection IGS Specialists

Bronze sponsors: Bruceton Petroleum Kurt & Andrea Helfrich Neal & Erin Shah

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DECEMBER 2023 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING

WOODS, WATERS, AND WILDLIFE

A ‘wild’ idea

Need a gift for an outdoors enthusiast on your list? You might want to consider an endlessly entertaining trail camera. STORY AND PHOTOS BY W.H. “CHIP” GROSS

What trail camera should I buy?

or years, hunters have been using trail cameras to scout for game, which, in the Buckeye State, usually means white-tailed deer. But, interestingly, a growing segment of the trail-camera market now has nonhunters purchasing the relatively inexpensive cameras to capture wildlife images 24/7.

As with buying any photography equipment, it’s always wise to purchase the best camera your budget allows. This pays dividends not only in the quality of photos, but also in the longevity of the camera. Expect to pay less than $100 or as much as several hundred dollars for a trail camera. The price will depend mainly upon whether or not cellular capability is important to you, as some advanced trail cameras can transmit photos from the ﬁeld directly to your cellphone or other electronic devices. However, you’ll pay a premium for that service.

For instance, I’m not a deer hunter, but my wife and I maintain a corn-ﬁlled deer feeder on our rural property in north-central Ohio during the winter months. In addition to attracting deer, a certain red fox gave us a chuckle one night. He stopped at the salt block we have lying on the ground near the feeder and gave it a sniﬀ. He then proceeded to lift one of his rear legs and squirt the salt block before trotting on. I wouldn’t have wanted to be the next deer licking that salt block! Trail cameras take both still photos and video clips of wildlife and provide endlessly entertaining images. If there’s someone on your Christmas list who would like to try this fun and fascinating outdoor hobby — or if you’d like to try it yourself — here are a few suggestions to help get you started, based on my own experience: 10

OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • DECEMBER 2023

One item not to skimp on is the removable memory card a camera requires. Most trail cameras operate on an SD card — short for secure digital — and the specs for a particular camera will list the size of card needed for best results. Always buy quality memory cards!

Where should I set up my trail camera? In addition to monitoring home deer feeders and bird feeders, you can mount the camera most anywhere: adjacent to wildlife trails or watering areas, overlooking feeding areas and food plots, along woods roads or ﬁeld

edges — the possibilities are endless. Choose a relatively ﬂat area that’s clear of brush so the camera has an unobstructed view of any approaching animals.

How should I set up my trail camera? If at all possible, point the camera north. Since the sun rises in the east and sets in the west, if you aim your camera in either of those two directions, the movement of the sun throughout the day may inadvertently trigger the camera. Likewise, do not point the camera south. In North America, the sun is in the southern sky, so if aimed that direction, your photo subjects will be backlit on sunny days. Pointing your camera north avoids all of those issues, giving you the best photos possible.

What’s possible…

Ask

CHIP!

Also, when positioning a trail camera along a game trail, aim it either up or down the trail, not directly perpendicular to the trail. In other words, give the camera as much distance as possible to detect a moving animal and take the photo. Keep in mind, too, that most trail cameras are designed to take photos at relatively close distances, usually 20 to 40 feet. One last tip concerns security. Replace the nylon strap that comes on your trail camera with a length of darkcolored or camouﬂaged parachute cord. The cord is narrower than the camera’s original strap, hence much less obvious in the woods. Many trail cameras have been stolen by thieves who ﬁrst noticed a wide strap around a tree, not the camera itself.

For years, Robert Bush Sr. has been using trail cameras set up near downed logs spanning small streams in Pennsylvania to capture photos of wildlife crossing the logs. Aim your smartphone camera at the QR code to see a fascinating, eight-minute highlight video.

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!

www.ohiocoopliving.com

DECEMBER 2023 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING

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! ' n i k o m S GOOD EATS

t, smoke adds a e m f o ts u c t n Not just for gia avor to all kinds of food. fl unmistakable PHOTOGRAPHS BY CATHERINE MURRAY RECIPES AND

SMOKY SKILLET SAUSAGE MAC & CHEESE

Prep: 15 minutes | Chill: 30 minutes | Servings: 6 8 ounces uncooked elbow macaroni 1 teaspoon salt 1 tablespoon olive oil 13.5 ounces kielbasa, sliced into rounds 2 tablespoons unsalted butter 2 tablespoons flour 1½ cups half-and-half 1 tablespoon dried minced onion

1 teaspoon ground mustard seed ½ teaspoon black pepper 3 to 4 ounces smoked cheddar cheese, hand grated 4 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, hand grated 4 ounces Monterey Jack cheese, hand grated minced parsley for garnish

Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add macaroni, salt, and a dash of oil. Cook according to al dente package directions. Drain and set aside. In a large cast-iron skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat, brown sausage rounds in oil, about 7 to 10 minutes. Set sausage aside and quickly wipe oil from skillet. Melt butter in same skillet over medium heat. Sprinkle in the flour and whisk constantly, until flour begins to smell nutty (1 to 2 minutes). Gradually whisk in the half-and-half, dried onion, ground mustard seed, and black pepper. Continue whisking until the mixture bubbles and thickens (about 2 minutes). Slowly add cheese by the handful, letting it melt before adding the next, stirring constantly. Mix in cooked macaroni, then browned sausage, cooking a minute longer to heat through. Garnish with parsley (optional) and serve hot. Per serving: 496 calories, 31 grams fat (18 grams saturated fat), 86 milligrams cholesterol, 499 milligrams sodium, 34 grams total carbohydrates, 1.5 grams fiber, 21 grams protein. DECEMBER 2023 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING

SMOKED SALMON QUICHE Prep: 20 minutes | Bake: 1 hour | Servings: 6 1¼ cups flour, plus more for rolling 1 stick salted butter, cut into ½-inch dice and chilled

1 teaspoon olive oil 2 to 3 tablespoons ice water 4 ounces smoked salmon, chopped 1 leek, white/light green part only, sliced into thin 5 large eggs rounds

1½ cups half-and-half ½ teaspoon dill ½ teaspoon lemon pepper (or black pepper)

To make the crust, combine flour and butter in a food processor. Pulse in 1-second bursts until the mixture becomes crumbly. Drizzle in ice water and pulse in 1-second bursts until dough begins to stick together. Gather dough and form a ball. Roll out crust and fit into a 9-inch pie pan, pressing crust into corners, and crimp edges. Poke some holes in the crust with a fork. Place in refrigerator for 20 minutes. Heat oven to 425 F. Line crust with parchment or aluminum foil and fill with pie weights, dried beans, or dry rice. Make sure the weights are snug against the sides of the pan. Place on a cookie sheet on the bottom rack of the oven for 10 minutes. Remove weights and parchment. Bake another 5 to 10 minutes, until crust is golden brown. Set aside to cool and lower oven temperature to 350 F. Sauté leek in oil for 5 to 7 minutes. Spread across bottom of the pie crust and top with smoked salmon. In a large bowl, whisk together remaining ingredients and pour over the salmon. Place on cookie sheet and bake 35 to 40 minutes, until center is puffed up and jiggles slightly. Remove from oven and allow to cool 15 minutes before serving. Per serving: 407 calories, 28 grams fat (16 grams saturated fat), 222 milligrams cholesterol, 573 milligrams sodium, 25 grams total carbohydrates, 1 gram fiber, 14 grams protein.

Check it out! See videos of some of our mouth-watering recipes being prepared at

www.ohiocoopliving.com 14

OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • DECEMBER 2023

SMOKED CLUB SANDWICH Prep: 5 minutes | Cook: 2 minutes | Servings: 4 1⁄3 cup mayonnaise 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, minced 1 garlic clove, minced 2 large kaiser rolls

1 pound smoked turkey and/or smoked ham 4 slices crispy smoked bacon, torn in half 1 large tomato, sliced handful of large lettuce leaves

In a small bowl, mix mayonnaise, rosemary, and garlic. Thinly spread mayo mixture on the insides of the kaiser rolls, reserving most of it for later. Lightly toast rolls mayo-side down in a large skillet. Build the sandwiches by stacking the remaining ingredients and slathering with mayonnaise. Cut in half and serve. Any remaining mayonnaise would be excellent for dipping french fries. Per serving: 319 calories, 17 grams fat (5 grams saturated fat), 75 milligrams cholesterol, 1,258 milligrams sodium, 17 grams total carbohydrates, 1 gram ﬁber, 21 grams protein.

SMOKED GOUDA CAULIFLOWER BAKE Prep: 15 minutes | Cook: 35 minutes | Servings: 6 1 large head of cauliflower, cut into bite-sized pieces 1⁄2 teaspoon salt 8 ounces 1⁄3-less-fat cream cheese, softened ½ cup sour cream

½ teaspoon crushed red pepper 1 teaspoon ground mustard seed 1 teaspoon garlic powder 2 cups shredded smoked Gouda cheese (approx. 5 ounces)

In a large skillet, bring ¼ inch water and ½ teaspoon salt to a boil. Add cauliflower in an even layer, cover with lid, and steam for about 3 minutes, until slightly tender. Drain well. In a large bowl, combine cream cheese, sour cream, crushed red pepper, mustard seed, and garlic powder. Mix in half of the Gouda, then the cauliflower. Transfer mixture to an 8 x 12-inch baking dish. Sprinkle remaining Gouda on top. Preheat oven to 350 F. Bake covered for 30 minutes, then uncover and broil a few minutes to get a toasty golden top. Per serving: 239 calories, 19 grams fat (11 grams saturated fat), 56 milligrams cholesterol, 470 milligrams sodium, 6 grams total carbohydrates, 2 grams fiber, 13 grams protein.

DECEMBER 2023 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING

Reach 300,000 of your best customers OHIO

DECEMBER 2023

COOPERATIVE Official publication of your electric cooperative | www.ohioec.org

Dazzling display

Dayton’s Carillon Christmas

ALSO INSIDE Youth Tour tales

Model railroads

Holiday baking

Ohio Cooperative Living has been a valued presence in rural Ohio homes and businesses for the past 60 years. 83.4% of our readers have taken action from something they have seen in Ohio Cooperative Living.

OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • DECEMBER 2023

FIRELANDS ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE LOCAL PAGES GM’S REPORT

RAISE YOUR VOICE FOR

RELIABLE POWER Electric providers around the country are keeping a close watch on the delicate balance between the supply and demand for power. The fast pace of progress in digital technology, electric vehicles, and other areas is creating a steady and pronounced increase in energy consumption. Efforts to take better care of our environment by lowering the carbon footprint have added to this growth, making us more dependent on electricity than ever before — and highlighting the importance of its reliability. At first glance, this may not seem like cause for concern. However, the rapid and premature closing of traditional coal- and natural gas-powered generation facilities, combined with the growing reliance on intermittent and inconsistent renewable energy, has caused Firelands Electric Cooperative and other energy providers to raise their eyebrows. Renewable energy sources, such as solar, wind, and hydropower, are an important part of the country’s

energy portfolio. While their use continues to expand, it’s just not happening quickly enough to offset the loss of coaland natural gas-powered generating plants. For instance, in Ohio, the number of active coal-fired power plants has decreased from 21 to only four over the past decade and a half. Yet, the rate at which renewable generation facilities are being added Dan McNaull to the nation’s electric grid GENERAL MANAGER is not nearly fast enough to replace the production capacity of the traditional sites that have been taken offline — or that are scheduled to be shut down by 2030. Supply concerns are intensified by two additional factors. First, solar and wind power are not available 24/7. The sun does not always shine, and the wind does not always blow, limiting their electricity output. Secondly, proposed EPA regulations threaten to shut down even more power plants, making the gap between supply and demand even more drastic and more concerning. In today’s ever-connected world, people need power around the clock. While we’re increasingly using more electricity generated from renewable energy sources, we still depend on a diverse energy mix to ensure reliable power that’s available to our members 24/7 — and at a cost that families and businesses can afford. Firelands Electric and other electric cooperatives across the nation are doing everything they can to inform policymakers that Continued on page 18

DECEMBER 2023 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING

FIRELANDS ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE LOCAL PAGES Continued from page 17

they must consider the environment AND reliability in their decision-making. Members can help these efforts by keeping up to date on the current legislative issues facing the electric industry. This could be as simple as reading the latest news at trusted sites such as www.voicesforcooperativepower.com or www.electric.coop/issues-and-policy/reliabilityand-affordability. I also ask you to consider joining America’s Electric Cooperatives PAC, the grassroots political action committee that strives to educate and support policymakers by providing them with the facts on issues affecting electric cooperatives’ consumer-members. For as little as $2.08 each month, you can help the nationwide effort to reduce threats to adequate and affordable electricity. For more information or to sign up, visit www.firelandsec.com/join-pac and use the code FEC23PAC. You may also enroll by completing and returning the form below to: Firelands Electric Co-op, Attn: PAC, P.O. Box 32, New London, OH 44851. Take action today — and raise your voice in favor of reliable electric power!

YES!

The A Team recognizes students in grades 6–8 for their hard work and dedication in the classroom. Students who live in a home receiving its power from Firelands Electric Cooperative and who have a minimum of three A’s on their most recent report card are eligible to enter. A drawing will take place at the end of each grading period, and three students will be chosen to receive an Amazon gift card. Winners will also have their photos published in an upcoming issue of Ohio Cooperative Living magazine and be featured on the coop’s website and social media outlets. The next drawing is Dec. 10. Visit www.firelandsec.com/team for details.

I want to help keep the voice of rural electric cooperatives heard in the political process by participating in America’s Electric Cooperatives PAC.

Monthly Bill Addition

REGULAR: $2.08 PER MONTH ($25/YEAR) AMBASSADOR CLUB: $4.16 PER MONTH ($50/YEAR) CENTURY CLUB: $8.33 PER MONTH ($100/YEAR) VICE PRESIDENT’S CLUB: $20.83 PER MONTH ($250/YEAR)* PRESIDENT’S CLUB: $41.66 PER MONTH ($500/YEAR)* OTHER $

One-Time Contribution

REGULAR: $25 AMBASSADOR CLUB: $50 CENTURY CLUB: $100 VICE PRESIDENT’S CLUB: $250* PRESIDENT’S CLUB: $500* OTHER $

(Authorized bill additions will continue until terminated by the member)

I affirm that my contribution has been made with non-corporate funds: (Please make checks out to Firelands Electric Cooperative)

NAME: CITY:

ADDRESS: STATE:

ZIP:

COOPERATIVE: SIGNATURE:

EMAIL:

*Federal Election Law requires the following information for contributions exceeding $200: EMPLOYER:

OCCUPATION:

Contributions to the NRECA America’s Electric Cooperatives PAC are not tax deductible for federal income tax purposes. Contributions to America’s Electric Cooperatives PAC are voluntary and will be used for political purposes. You have the right to refuse to contribute without reprisal. Any contribution guidelines presented are merely suggestions. You are free to contribute more or less than the suggested amounts, or not at all. NRECA will not favor or disadvantage anyone by reason of the amount contributed or a decision not to contribute.

OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • DECEMBER 2023

integrity

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TRUSTEE ELECTIONS

WILL YOU ACCEPT THE

CHALLENGE?

Petitions to become a candidate for board trustee now available In 2024, Firelands Electric Cooperative members will elect board trustees to represent districts 2, 7, and 9. Any member of the co-op who is in good standing and resides in a district with an open spot on the board is eligible to run for that position. Nomination petitions to become a candidate for the 2024 elections are now available at the Firelands Electric office. Potential candidates are required to submit election applications and collect a minimum of 20 member signatures from within their districts by 4:00 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 5. A map of the board districts is available at www.firelandsec.com/board-trustees. Elections will take place by mail and online ballot from Friday, March 1, through Sunday, March 31. Results will be announced at the cooperative’s annual meeting, which will be held on Saturday, April 6, at the Ashland University Myers Convocation Center.

What is expected of a Firelands Electric trustee? The Firelands Electric Cooperative Board of Trustees meets monthly to review the financial and operational data of your electric cooperative. Board members hear and discuss reports from the cooperative’s general manager and department supervisors, as well as provide guidance for management decisions.

Representing your fellow members on Firelands Electric’s board is an important role. Trustees must be dedicated and committed to the cooperative and its principles. They must strive to do what is best for the cooperative and all its members, which may conflict with the objectives of individual members or special-interest groups. If you’re up to the challenge, contact the Firelands Electric office at 1-800-533-8658 to get your trustee candidate petition started.

• District 2: New Haven, Ripley, Greenwich, Ruggles, Cass, and Blooming Grove townships • District 7: Vermilion, Mohican, Montgomery, and Perry townships • District 9: South of CSX rail in New London municipality and New London Township

The duties of a Firelands Electric trustee include: • Attend all regular meetings on the fourth Tuesday of each month and the cooperative’s annual meeting, as well as other state, regional, and national meetings and training sessions. • Determine the cooperative’s rate schedules and fees. • Approve major work plans for ongoing maintenance and improvement of the cooperative’s distribution system.

Additional information on the role of a Firelands Electric trustee and how you can become a candidate has been mailed out to members of districts 2, 7, and 9. Please contact our office if you have any questions.

• Approve contracts for financing, services, and power supply. • Monitor the financial condition of the cooperative and make decisions on budgets and capital credits. DECEMBER 2023 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING

18A

FIRELANDS ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE LOCAL PAGES YOUTH PROGRAMS

•

Applicants must be graduating seniors who live in a home served by Firelands Electric Cooperative.

•

The Career Scholarship requires a cumulative grade-point average of 2.5 or above on a 4.0 scale.

•

All other scholarships must have a grade-point average of 3.5 or above.

•

Selected finalists will be interviewed at the Firelands Electric Cooperative office on Monday, Feb. 19, 2024.

•

Applicants will be judged on scholastic record, school and community activities, cooperative knowledge, and a personal interview. Complete program guidelines and applications will be available by Dec. 1 at www.firelandsec.com/children-members-scholarship, by contacting Firelands Electric’s member services department at 1-800-533-8658, or by visiting your high school guidance department.

Application deadline: Jan. 19, 2024

Visit www.firelandsec.com/children-members-scholarship for details.

THE AWARDS: COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIPS First place: Second place: Third place: Fourth place:

$1,800 $1,600 $1,400 $1,200

Fifth place: $1,000 Sixth place: $750 Two Honorable Mentions: $500 each Two Judges’ Choice awards: $500 each

The first-place college scholarship winner will also be eligible to compete at the statewide competition in Columbus on April 16, where he or she could win up to $4,300 in additional scholarships from Ohio’s Electric Cooperatives.

CAREER SCHOLARSHIP This $750 scholarship is for students planning to enroll in a career-based education program following graduation. Examples include, but are not limited to, dental hygienist, phlebotomy, nurse, vet tech, electrician, HVAC, plumbing, auto mechanic, welder, or other trade. 18B

OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • DECEMBER 2023

SCHOLARSHIPS

THE CRITERIA:

CLASS OF 2024

Are you a high school senior planning to learn a trade or attend college after graduation? Don’t miss out on your chance to apply for one of Firelands Electric’s scholarships!

integrity

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innovation

APPLY FOR THE

TRIP OF A LIFETIME

JUNE 15 – 21, 2024

AN ALL-EXPENSE-PAID TRIP TO WASHINGTON, D.C.

WHAT IS YOUTH TOUR? •

•

An unforgettable experience in Washington, D.C., sponsored by Firelands Electric and Ohio’s Electric Cooperatives. A weeklong, all-expenses-paid trip giving outstanding high school students the opportunity to meet with congressional leaders, make lifelong friends from across the country, and visit many of the historic sites in and around our nation’s capital. Firelands Electric Cooperative will choose up to two delegates to attend the 2024 Youth Tour.

HOW TO APPLY • • • •

• •

Be a current high school sophomore or junior. Reside in a home receiving power from Firelands Electric Cooperative. Submit a completed application, including the portion completed by a school official. Include a letter of recommendation from a guidance counselor, principal, teacher, or community or organization advisor. Apply by by Jan. 19, 2024. Be eager to join this one-of-a-kind program and experience a trip to Washington, D.C., like no other!

LEARN MORE AT www.firelandsec.com/youth-tour-experience

DECEMBER 2023 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING

18C

FIRELANDS ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE LOCAL PAGES Fuel costs INDUSTRY NEWS

FACTORS THAT INFLUENCE ELECTRICITY PRICES

Fuel costs

Distribution costs

Just as inflation has affected everything from the price of gasoline to the price of eggs, costs for the fuels and equipment required to produce and deliver electricity have also risen.

can range from 20 to 52 weeks. Because we are a notfor-profit cooperative, these expenses must be passed on to our members.

Another component of your monthly bill is the kWh charge, which covers the energy your home uses. It is based on theDistribution set per kWh costcosts outlined in Firelands’ rate Weather schedule. You’ve likely noticed the amount of energy you use There are three primary parts to your monthly electric can vary from month to month and is typically impacted bill: a distribution charge, a kilowatt-hour (kWh) charge, by periods of unusual temperatures. When temperatures and a Wholesale Power Adjustment (WPA). To better soar or dip, your heating and cooling equipment runs understand your total energy costs and what affects your longer, which increases your home’s energy use. monthly bill, lets delve into these one at a time. Energy consumption is an area that you have some control over, and you can lower your monthly bill by actively reducing energy use. For example, your thermostat is a great place Weather to start. Making small changes, like lowering the temperature setting at night or when you are away Energy consumption Distribution costs from home, can reduce your energy use by up to 10%. Better yet, upgrade to a programmable or smart The distribution charge is a fixed monthly charge that thermostat, which automatically covers the costs associated with providing electricity to adjusts the temperature for you. your home. This includes the equipment, materials, labor, For additional energy efficiency and operating costs necessary to maintain our lines and tips, visit www.firelandsec.com/ substations that serve each meter in Firelands Electric’s energy-education or contact service territory, regardless of the amount of energy used. the cooperative office at 1-800Like the upkeep of a car, power lines, substations, and 533-8658 to schedule a FREE other equipment must be properly maintained to ensure Energy consumption consultation with Firelands’ the reliable “transportation” of electricity from Firelands’ expert energy advisor. substations to your home. This charge is the same for Weather The final component of your bill is the WPA, which is all residential members and costs associated with it are a small, variable per kWh charge that covers monthly shared equally across the membership. changes in the price of electric power. These changes Like many other businesses, Firelands has experienced are caused by fluctuations in the price of coal, fuel, supply chain issues and steep price increases for some maintenance, and other factors that can affect the cost of of our basic equipment. For example, the cost for a generating and transmitting electric power. Having the distribution transformer (like those found on the utility WPA in place offsets these cost changes without having pole near your home) went from $847 in 2021 to $1,518 to continually restructure electricity rates. this year, and wait times to receive some equipment There are a few key elements that have a significant influence on electricity prices and rates. Some of these factors Firelands Electric Cooperative can manage, some can be changed by your energy efficiency habits, and others are beyond either the co-op’s or our members’ control. Fuel costs

18D

OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • DECEMBER 2023

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Firelands bases its WPA on a 6-month rolling average. While the WPA price per kWh is small (between $$0.0034 and $0.0099 on the April through September bills), it can still impact your overall electric costs. For example, with a WPA of $0.0034/kWh, a home that uses 1,100 kWh during $0.0034 the month would have a $$3.74 WPA charge on their bill. However, the same 1,100 kWh would cost $10.89 if the WPA was at $0.0099/kWh. Increases in fuel prices $ over the past several months mean the WPA has been higher, making electric power more expensive. We hope this sheds light on some of the factors that impact electricity prices. While we can’t control the weather or the rising costs of fuels and materials, please know that Firelands Electric Cooperative is doing everything possible to keep internal costs down.

Fuel costs

And remember, we’re here to help you. Contact our office if you have questions about your energy bill or for advice on how to reduce energy use in your home.

Distribution costs

2023

STEP UP

FOR SOLDIERS DRIVE SUGGESTED DONATION ITEMS INCLUDE: • razors • cotton swabs • tissues • deodorant • toothpaste

• sunscreen • ear plugs • playing cards • chewing gum • hard candy

• beef jerky Weather

• trail mix • snack packs

Visit www.firelandsec.com/uso-ohio or our Facebook page for additional information and a complete list of suggested donation items.

Energy consumption

community commitment

Energy eﬃciency Tip of the month

Trim your holiday energy costs by choosing energy eﬃcient LED lights! LED holiday lights use less energy and can last up to 40 seasons. They’re also easier to install – you can connect up to 25 LED strings without overloading a wall socket! Source: energy.gov

Since 2007, Firelands Electric Cooperative has proudly supported U.S. military personnel during the holiday season by serving as a collection location for donated care package items. Once again, the co-op has joined forces with local radio stations WLKR-FM and K96-FM to support USO Ohio’s 2023 Step Up for Soldiers annual drive. Through Friday, Dec. 15, members of Firelands Electric and the surrounding communities can deliver donated care package items to the co-op’s office, located at 103 Industrial Drive in New London. Items may be dropped off in the collection boxes located right inside the front entryway during regular business hours, Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. The USO of Ohio serves military families throughout Ohio and northern Kentucky. From collecting and distributing donations for care packages to helping those preparing for deployment and connecting families for mutual support, the USO touches the lives of tens of thousands of active duty, guard, and reserve members every day. To learn other ways that you can help or to make a taxdeductible monetary donation, visit https://ohio.uso.org. DECEMBER 2023 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING

18E

FIRELANDS ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE LOCAL PAGES SAFETY

ELECTRICITY ON THE GROUND

Source: Fred Whitford, Purdue Pesticide Programs, Purdue University, PPP-151

Do you know what to do if you find yourself in an accident or other situation where you are near a downed power line? Voltage reduces as it flows away from where live wires touch the ground — but that voltage can still cause an injury, or even death. To prevent this, stay at least 35 feet from any point where wires make contact. If you have to move from within the danger zone, always keep your feet touching, and shuffe or hop to safety, keeping the voltage levels consistent throughout your body. Never separate your feet — that can cause a deadly voltage difference in your body. Following these guidelines can minimiumize the dangers. For more electrical safety information, visit Firelands’ website at www.firelandsec.com/safety-line-clearance. 18F

OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • DECEMBER 2023

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r e h t Wea Y READ GETTING READY Sign up for your local emergency warning system. Prepare an emergency kit with water bottles, packaged foods, medical supplies, and blankets. Have snow removal equipment on hand, as well as rock salt to melt ice and snow to improve traction. Winterize by sealing gaps in windows and doors. Take steps to keep pipes from freezing. Learn the location of water supply valves and how to shut them off in case a pipe bursts. Have an emergency plan in place, so if you lose power you have somewhere to go. Consider investing in a generator if necessary.

Be prepared for a winter storm

Winter storms can result in heavy snow, ice buildup, and extreme cold. They can cause closed roads, as well as power outages. Take steps now to protect your home and family.

STAYING SAFE If a winter storm warning is issued, postpone travel or any outdoor activities. Stay indoors and dry, if possible, and wear warm clothes. Change wet clothes to avoid the loss of body heat. Eat regularly and drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration. Avoid caffeine and alcohol. Drive only when necessary. If you must drive, travel on main roads only during daylight hours. Follow weather updates and be prepared if venturing outside.

THE COLD FACTS Wind chill can be a serious threat in cold conditions. Wind chill isn’t the actual temperature, but the effect of cold and wind on exposed skin. As wind speed increases, heat is carried away from the body at a faster rate, reducing body temperature. Blizzards are an extreme form of winter weather. According to the National Weather Service, a blizzard happens when snow with accompaning winds of 35 mph or more reduces visibility to less than a quarter mile for three hours or longer.

DECEMBER 2023 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING

18G

FIRELANDS ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE LOCAL PAGES FYI

STAY IN THE KNOW At Firelands Electric, we constantly strive to improve our operations and procedures so that we can provide the most reliable electric service possible. We rely on data for nearly every aspect of our daily operations, and providing timely communications to our members is no exception. But we need your help to collect this data. By making sure we have your current contact information, the co-op can continue to provide the high level of service that you have come to expect — and that you deserve. The phone number and/or email listed on your Firelands account is linked to your service address in our member database and outage management systems. Having accurate contact information on file enables us to improve customer service and enhance our communications to you. This is especially true for reporting and restoring outages, both planned and unplanned.

UP-TO-DATE CONTACT INFORMATION ALLOWS THE COOPERATIVE TO ADVISE YOU OF UNSCHEDULED OR EMERGENCY OUTAGES, MAINTENANCE, EVENTS, AND OTHER IMPORTANT CO-OP NEWS.

While we always do our best to maintain service, we occasionally need to plan outages to update, repair, or replace equipment. In these instances, current contact

information is necessary for Firelands Electric’s staff to notify you in advance by phone, text, or email. But it only works if we have your current information and communication preferences on file. Keeping the co-op updated with your information also helps us respond more accurately and promptly when there’s a question about energy use or billing. Many of you have been members of the co-op for years, and it’s likely that your account information hasn’t been updated for some time. We recognize that many members now use a cell phone as their primary phone service, and we might not have that number in our system. We may have a disconnected landline on file. These situations can impede Firelands’ ability to keep you informed. Please know that the contact information you provide to the co-op will never be sold to third parties. It is only used by the co-op to provide you with important information. Take a moment this month to confirm or update your contact information by logging into your SmartHub account and selecting Contact Methods, emailing our billing department at billing@firelandsec. com, or calling our office at 1-800-533-8658. By doing so, you will be helping us improve service and efficiency so that we can better serve you.

4 perks of your co-op membership

18H

You’re part of a not-for-profit, communityfocused utility that has your best interests at heart. We offer advice about efficiency and strive to empower the communities we serve.

$100s are available to you through energy efficiency rebates. Energy monitoring tools are available through our free SmartHub app and calculators on our website.

Your neighbors are our employees, so the issues that affect you affect us. Your feedback is taken seriously, and your calls to our office are answered by a warm, local voice – not a robot.

Firelands offers scholarships, leadership opportunities, and industry education. We sponsor various school and sports activities, as well as 4-H and FFA programs.

OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • DECEMBER 2023

integrity

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Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Stealing electricity and meter tampering are crimes!

accountability

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FYI

THE FIRELANDS ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE OFFICE WILL BE CLOSED

DEC. 25, 26, AND JAN. 1 AS ALWAYS, EMERGENCY SERVICE IS AVAILABLE 24/7 BY CALLING 1-800-533-8658.

Stealing electricity or tampering with a meter is serious business — and it’s against the law! This includes anyone other than the co-op removing the electric meter tampering tag or pulling the meter. Theft of utility electricity is a first-degree misdemeanor if the value of the stolen electricity plus any utility equipment repairs is less than $150. It’s a fourth-degree felony if more than $150. Tampering crimes carry similar penalties. Tampering is defined as “to interfere with, damage, or bypass a utility meter, conduit, or attachment with intent to impede the correct registration of a meter or the proper function of a conduit or attachment.” Conviction of tampering can mean from six months in jail and a $1,000 fine to up to five years in jail and a $2,500 fine. Meter tampering costs all of us. And it’s downright dangerous. If you witness someone tampering with an electric meter, please contact Firelands Electric Cooperative at 1-800-533-8658.

STATEMENT OF NONDISCRIMINATION Firelands Electric Cooperative is an equal opportunity provider and employer. If you wish to file a Civil Rights program complaint of discrimination, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, found online at http://www.ascr.usda.gov/complaint_filing_cust.html, at any USDA office, or call 1-866-632-9992 to request the form. You may also write a letter containing all of the information requested in the form. Send your completed complaint form or letter by mail to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Director, Office of Adjudication, 1400 Independence Avenue, S.W., Washington, D.C. 20250-9410; by fax to 202-690-7442; or email to program.intake@usda.gov.

DECEMBER 2023 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING

FIRELANDS ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE LOCAL PAGES

highlights

COOPERATIVE UPDATE

BOARD MEETING Firelands Electric Cooperative’s Board of Trustees met Sept. 26 and covered the following items:

• McNaull recapped the recent trip to tour the Cardinal Power Plant.

• Board President Dan Schloemer reported that the cooperative received 34 membership applications for approval by the board.

• The board approved sponsoring two veterans on Ashland County’s upcoming Veterans Honor trip.

• General Manager Dan McNaull reviewed a report from the recent RESAP evaluation, which assesses the cooperative’s safety measures. McNaull noted that the co-operative’s investment in safety was evident, as this year’s scores once again showed improvement compared to the reviews conducted in 2020 and 2017. • The board reviewed several options for the 2024 annual meeting. • McNaull summarized the tree-trimming and outage reports for the past month. • The board reviewed a report from a safety and training event held on Aug. 14. • Director of Finance and Accounting Tabi Shepherd reviewed the August financial reports and provided an update on recent accounting and billing department activities. • The board discussed preliminary figures for the cooperative’s 2024 budget.

• McNaull advised the board of plans for the upcoming America’s Electric Cooperatives PAC Breakfast, NRECA’s Power Xchange and Legislative Conference, and OEC’s 2024 conference dates. • In Director of Communications and Technology Andrea Gravenhorst’s absence, McNaull reported on recent activities involving the member services and IT departments. • Director of Operations Don Englet reported on activities in the operations department. • Schloemer recapped a recent OREC meeting, which included information on the development of communications materials regarding the threat of rolling blackouts this winter. The cooperative’s next board meeting is scheduled for Thursday, Dec. 21. If you would like to attend the next scheduled meeting, please contact the Firelands Electric office at 1-800-533-8658.

FIRELANDS ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE, INC.

BOARD OF TRUSTEES

OUTAGE HOTLINE

President, District 1

1-800-533-8658

OFFICE

103 Industrial Drive P.O. Box 32 New London, OH 44851 1-800-533-8658 OFFICE HOURS

Mon.–Fri. 7:30 a.m.–4 p.m. www.firelandsec.com

Dan Schloemer

Bruce Leimbach Vice President, District 4

Carl Ayers Secretary/Treasurer, District 5

Gene Lamoreaux District 2

Tom Lucha District 3

Kevin Reidy District 6

Rob Turk District 7

Elaine Oswald District 8

John Martin 20

OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • DECEMBER 2023

District 9

GENERAL MANAGER

Dan McNaull

HAVE A STORY SUGGESTION?

Email your ideas to: members@firelandsec.com

Trolls everywhere!

At the Troll Hole Museum in Alliance, Santa is a troll at Christmas, and troll nostalgia lasts all year long. STORY AND PHOTOS BY JAMIE RHEIN

DECEMBER 2023 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING

hat happens when you receive a troll doll at the impressionable young age of 5? If you’re Sherry Grooms, you end up with a museum. “One troll becomes a row of trolls on a shelf, then a whole room,” Grooms explains. Her collection has since grown to more than 9,000 (and counting), which has earned Grooms a spot in the Guinness Book of World Records for the largest troll doll collection. The Troll Hole in Alliance showcases that bounty, as well as Grooms’ passion for these wild-hairdo dolls sometimes described as “just so ugly — or scary — they’re cute.” For Grooms, part of the trolls’ allure is in their life lessons. “The world works on cooperation; trolls cooperate,” she says, opening the door that leads to the first of the museum’s 14 rooms. “Trolls live by the Golden Rule, and they have a splinter in their eye so they only see goodness.” With Grooms as a guide, the tour is a trip through legends, folklore, and pop culture, all mixed together with childhood nostalgia. This is collecting on steroids, with healthy doses of creativity and passion.

One room has the Troll Bowl, a dollhouse version of a football stadium, where trolls are dressed as football players and fans sport NFL attire. There’s also the Rock ’n’ Troll Hall of Fame featuring troll versions of Rod Stewart, Justin Timberlake, KISS, and more. Troll collecting has made Grooms an expert on troll doll history. The original is from Denmark, where Thomas Dam carved wooden dolls for his daughter, inspired by trolls of Scandinavian folklore. Dam’s designs became mass-produced in the U.S. in the 1960s. In the rooms dedicated to troll legends and folklore, Scandinavian and Smoky Mountain trolls are in the whimsy mix. Here, children’s picture books highlight the literary traditions of these magical, mythical creatures. There’s also the Billy Goats Gruff bridge that leads to trolls’ golden treasures. Rooms designed like a troll’s abode cleverly highlight their interests. “Trolls like the powers of earth elements. They like to drink, dance, and sing. Life is meant to be enjoyed,” says Grooms.

Sherry Grooms’ world-record collection of trolls includes plenty of treasures besides the wild-haired toys of Trolls movie fame.

OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • DECEMBER 2023

Grooms’ troll collection also includes more than 40,000 pieces of troll memorabilia, most produced in the 1960s, early ’70s, and the ’90s, in the height of troll popularity. These rooms are pop-culture powerhouses. The girls’ room, with hues of every shade of pink, showcases items from roller skates and bedspreads to lip gloss and more. The most pop-culture troll tribute, though, goes to Dreamworks’ movie Trolls. When Trolls hit the theaters in 2016, an avalanche of troll goods hit the market. Trolls movie memorabilia has a room to itself in the museum. During Christmas, the Troll Hole sparkles with twinkling lights and themed trees, invoking the question, “Is Santa really a troll?” Grooms certainly builds that case in each of 13 rooms, where one of the 13 troll Yule lads of Iceland is hidden. The Yule lad scavenger hunt ends with the unveiling of their mother, Gryla, the original keeper of the naughty and nice list. Christmas trolls are also showcased year-round with new ones added. “I’m trying to get out of my hoarding,” says Grooms, but it’s hard to resist a find. Recently, she drove to St. Louis to pick up boxes of trolls someone had rescued from a dumpster. “It’s pretty cool because there were some custom trolls. Now I have over 240 more,” she says,

explaining that since each is unique from the others, they can be added to the Guinness World Record collection. She also gets random packages in the mail, like one small box with trolls and troll clothes sent by a woman in her 80s who wanted them to go to a good home. As she eyes up stacks of unopened boxes in the sorting room, it’s clear the current 9,000 number is on its way up.

The Troll Hole, 228 E. Main St., Alliance, OH 44601. Open 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Thursday– Sunday. The museum’s gift shop has trolls for sale. Hot chocolate, coffee, and tea are available at the Grumpy Troll Coffee café. 330-596-1157, www.thetrollhole.com.

Trolls or similar creatures can be found in mythology and folk tales from around the world.

DECEMBER 2023 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING

Impossib le Entire Bo Price x LESS TH For AN

Survive Just About Anything for Under $20

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DECEMBER 2023 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING

CO-OP PEOPLE

BY MARGARET BURANEN

ody Davis got his first electric train for Christmas when he was 8 years old. But his love affair with trains started even earlier.

“Railroad tracks ran behind our house,” says Davis, a member of New Concord-based Guernsey-Muskingum Electric Cooperative. “When I was about 2, I remember insisting on being lifted up to stand in the kitchen sink and watch the train, even though it was the middle of the night.” Davis says he went back to sleep immediately after the trains passed, but he doesn’t think his parents were so fortunate. Davis joined Associated Model Railroad Engineers of Coshocton when he was 14, and currently, at 55, serves as president.

An early start

It’s a familiar story with model railroaders: A childhood fascination with trains leads to a Christmas or birthday gift of a model train set. Retired music educator Bruce Knapp, 81, of North Bend, is still an active participant and member of the National Model Railroad Association’s Cincinnati chapter. “For my fourth birthday, my parents gave me a Marx windup train,” Knapp recalls. “When I was 8, I got an American Flyer at Christmas. My interest in model railroading grew from there.” Knapp still has that American Flyer train and, he notes, “It still runs.” American Flyer’s manufacturer, the Lionel Company, still makes electric trains. The American Flyer became a popular Christmas gift through advertising in the

OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • DECEMBER 2023

December issues of national magazines. The print ads usually featured a boy and his dad running their train near a Christmas tree. If a girl was included in the picture, she was in the background watching. Such gender-specific advertising was typical of the way toys were marketed in the 1940s and 1950s, but Knapp says he has known many women who have been involved in model railroading for years. “Some of the best model railroaders are female,” he says.

All shapes and sizes

Model trains come in different sizes, measured by a particular scale. All of the components of a layout — the tracks, train cars and locomotives, buildings, and scenery — are made proportionate to that scale. This consistency adds to the realistic look of the entire layout. Knapp’s railroad is made to HO scale, 1:87, which is among the most common and most popular. N scale is 1:160. Larger scales include S at 1:64 and O, which is 1:48. The tiny Z scale is 1:220. Model railroaders can design their layout to portray an imaginary railroad, a railroad that is typical of a particular time period, or a real railroad traveling through a real geographic location. Davis and the 50-member Coshocton club’s current project is the creation of an HO-scale layout of the Detroit, Toledo, and Ironton Railroad, which became part of the New York Central System. Club members meet every Friday to run the trains and work on the layout. Knapp, meanwhile, is working on a model of the Santa Fe Railroad going through the Raton Pass. “I’m modeling the

This layout depicting a Pennsylvania logging operation, built by the Eastern Loggers group in Cincinnati, is now on permanent display at the Pennsylvania Lumbering Museum in north-central Pennsylvania (photo courtesy of John Burchnall).

DECEMBER 2023 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING

railroad as it was in 1951,” he says. “That was about the end of Santa Fe’s steam locomotives and also the first generation of diesels, an interesting combination of equipment.”

doing construction or electrical work on the layout. “Personally, I enjoy building the buildings and adding colors on the locomotives.”

The Raton Pass is on the border of southern Colorado and northeastern New Mexico. Knapp has actually ridden through the railroad tunnel there numerous times when he travels on Amtrak from Chicago to Los Angeles to visit his brother.

Knapp says that kids can learn a lot from it, including “history, geography, basic mechanics, carpentry, electronics, and more.”

One member of the Cincinnati club has designed his train layout to show the present-day CSX Railroad. Another member’s model railroad replicates the Colorado Western Railroad. Knapp says that model railroaders search through old books and photographs in their efforts to make their layouts look as realistic as possible. This background research increases their knowledge of local history.

The hobby evolves

Model railroading is a hobby that adults and older children can enjoy together. Davis says some folks enjoy running the trains while others prefer

In years past, analog control allowed a model railroader to run one train at different speeds and move it forward or backward, or stop it. Knapp says this type of setup is ideal for a beginner. But model railroading isn’t a hobby stuck in the past. As with other hobbies and leisure interests, computers have changed it. The development of digital command control, or DCC, has given model railroad operators many more ways to enjoy their hobby. Knapp says DCC makes it possible to run several trains through larger, more complicated layouts at the same time. “With DCC you can add lights flashing on and off and sounds, such as a diesel locomotive’s horn,” he says. “DCC has made a big change in my layout because

Model railroading is an intergenerational hobby. Here, Guernsey-Muskingum Electric Cooperative member Jody Davis shows Samson Hall the finer points of operating this HO-scale layout at a club meeting at the Coshocton County Fairgrounds (photo courtesy of Lance Hall).

OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • DECEMBER 2023

Bob Lawson, a member of the Cincinnati chapter of the National Model Railroad Association, built this large HO-scale model of the Southern Railway, which traveled from Cincinnati to Chattanooga, in his Cincinnati-area home (photo courtesy of John Burchnall).

it allows for precise control. It’s the ultimate for a model railroader.” Knapp advises people who want to get started in model railroading to “go to a train show. Talk to the experienced model railroaders there before you start spending money. Also, check your public library for books on model railroading. Our club donates books every year to the Cincinnati Public Library.” He adds, “When you are ready to buy, make sure you get good equipment that will hold up. Lionel makes models sized to most scales, though some are really expensive.”

Bruce Knapp, 81, of North Bend, has been running model trains since his fourth birthday (photo by Sam Parfitt/courtesy of John Burchnall).

Join the club! There are model railroad clubs all around Ohio. Both Knapp and Davis urge anyone interested in model railroading to contact their nearest club, as visitors are always welcome. Being involved in a model railroading club offers members several advantages. Besides the friendship of other members, expert help is readily available. Some model railroad clubs host a holiday open house for anyone who wants to watch their members’ trains in action. These events are especially fun for kids. Here are only a few selected clubs around the state (most have websites and/or Facebook pages): All Trains Bunch (Piqua); Associated Model Railroad Engineers of Coshocton; Central Ohio Model Railroad Club (Worthington); Central Ohio Ntrak (Columbus); Central Ohio S Gaugers (Gahanna); Cincinnati Northern Model Railroad Club (Hamilton); Crossroads Model Railroad Club (Vandalia); Cuyahoga Valley S Gaugers (Cleveland); Cuyahoga Valley Terminal Model Railroad Club (Cuyahoga Falls); Delaware County Model Railroaders Group (Sunbury); Guernsey Valley Model Railroad Club (Cambridge); Lima Model Railroad Club; Massillon Railroad Club; Mid-Ohio Valley Model Railroad Club (Parkersburg, W.Va.); National Model Railroad Association, Div. 5 (Mentor); National Model Railroad Association, Div. 7 (Cincinnati); Sebring Model Railroad Club; Southwestern Ohio S Scalers (Mason); Zane Trace and National Trail Model Railroad Club (Zanesville). DECEMBER 2023 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING

hristmas C bells are ringing ‘A Carillon Christmas’ in Dayton showcases Carillon Historical Park’s signature bell tower.

BY DAMAINE VONADA

his time of year, you can find dozens of events that feature chestnuts roasting on open fires and Yuletide carols being sung by choirs, but there’s only one holiday celebration that features Ohio’s grandest musical Christmas tree. Soaring 200 feet into the sky, the Carillon Tree of Light consists of 20,000 bright-white bulbs that drape over Deeds Carillon, a landmark bell tower at Carillon Historical Park in Dayton. “Deeds Carillon is a 151-foot-tall musical instrument with 57 bells,” says Alex Heckman, vice president of museum operations for the park. “Since the Tree of Light peaks above the top of the tower, it’s the largest musical Christmas tree in the state.” Located on 65 acres bordering the Great Miami River, Carillon Historical Park is an open-air museum founded in the 1940s by industrialist Edward Deeds and his wife, Edith. Because his passion was history and hers was music, they made Deeds Carillon the focal point of a collection of buildings and artifacts that highlight both Dayton’s heritage and its many contributions to industry and transportation. The architectural firm Reinhard & Hofmeister, whose projects include New York’s Rockefeller Center, designed the Art Deco-style limestone carillon, and the Olmsted Brothers, founding members of the American Society of Landscape Architects and instrumental in the creation of the National Park Service, laid out Carillon Park’s landscape. Deeds Carillon’s first concert was on Christmas Eve 1941. Just over two weeks earlier, Japan’s attack on Pearl Harbor had thrust the nation into World War II, and Daytonians gathered at the carillon to take comfort in the sound of bells ringing out a program of carols that began with “O Come, All Ye Faithful.” Even the carillon’s bronze doors lent poignancy to that inaugural performance. At Mrs. Deeds’ direction, they were inscribed with lines

OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • DECEMBER 2023

from “Christmas Bells,” a Henry Wadsworth Longfellow poem that features the hopeful refrain “peace on Earth, goodwill to men.” “A Carillon Christmas” lasts from Thanksgiving week until December 30, and Deeds Carillon serves as the event’s time-honored centerpiece. It not only turns into a spectacular Tree of Light every evening, but also provides the soundtrack for the event, delighting visitors with the tintinnabulations of automated Christmas songs as well as live concerts. “On certain dates,” says Heckman, “our carillonneur plays holiday music on a keyboard that sits 80 feet above the ground.” Not surprisingly, the musical selections include “Jingle Bells” and “Silver Bells.” With the entire park decked out for the holidays, visitors often arrive early enough in the day to enjoy the festive campus and explore step-back-in-time buildings and exhibits that cover everything from a Shaker community and canals to world-changing Dayton inventions such as the cash register, the automobile self-starter, and the airplane. Dayton bicycle mechanics Orville and Wilbur Wright used their knowledge of machinery to invent the airplane, and Carillon Park displays its greatest treasure — the 1905 Wright Flyer III — inside its Wright Brothers National Museum complex. The Flyer III was the world’s first practical airplane, and, notes Heckman, “It’s the only airplane designated a National Historic Landmark.” To see the park at its merry-and-bright best, take a ride on the Carillon Park Railroad, a narrow-gauge train whose locomotive mimics the steam engine that pulled Dayton’s first passenger train in 1851. “The railroad is a wonderful experience for families,” says Heckman. “It makes a mile-long loop around the park, and when the Christmas lights are twinkling, everything looks special.” Another fun ride awaits inside the park’s Heritage

Carillon Historical Park in Dayton gets decked out for “A Carillon Christmas,” which harkens back to Yuletide seasons of yesteryear and transforms its signature bell tower into Ohio’s largest musical Christmas tree (top three photos by Damaine Vonada; remaining photos courtesy Carillon Historical Park).

Center, where the Carousel of Dayton Innovation lets riders go for a spin on a cash register, a pop-top soda can, and other novel seats. Although the Heritage Center’s large exhibit of locally manufactured antique toys provides the perfect setting for visits with Santa, little ones also can write letters to the jolly old elf inside the Newcom Tavern, a 1796 log structure that was once a post office and an inn. In addition, the park’s one-room schoolhouse hosts nightly puppet shows based on The Tailor of Gloucester by Beatrix Potter, which was published in 1903, shortly before the Wright Brothers achieved their first flight at Kitty Hawk. While the aroma of hearth-baked gingerbread cookies entices everyone to the Morris & Hetzel Bakery’s circa 1815 stone cottage, it’s the smell of ink and the clatter of a linotype machine that fascinates visitors at Gem City Letterpress. Carillon Park is the nation’s only museum with a fully operational 1930s printing shop, and you can watch workers demonstrate the equipment they use to print recipes for the bakery’s cookies; the tavern’s letters to Santa; and charming Christmas cards whose greetings range from “’Twas the Night Before Christmas” verses to the Yuletide message that the Wright Brothers and their sister Katharine sent in 1911. The very mention of Christmas, the Wrights reflected, “sets our hearts aglow” and “prompts the feeling of goodwill within us.” Those sentiments, like the bells of Deeds Carillon, still ring true.

Carillon Historical Park, 1000 Carillon Blvd, Dayton, OH 45409. Closed Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Christmas cards and other Gem City Letterpress products are available for purchase at the Carillon Historical Park Museum Store. For hours, admission fees, and holiday activities, call 937-293-2841 or visit www.daytonhistory.org. DECEMBER 2023 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING

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2023 CALENDAR

DECEMBER/JANUARY

COMPILED BY COLLEEN ROMICK CLARK

NORTHWEST THROUGH JAN. 7 – “Hayes Train Special” Model Train Display, Hayes Library and Museums, Spiegel Grove, 1337 Hayes Ave., Fremont. Free; donations accepted. Operating model train display runs through an intricate Victorian holiday scene. Interactive buttons, multi-tier layout. 419-332-2081 or www.rbhayes.org. DEC. 1–30 – Upper’s Winter Fantasy of Lights, Harrison Smith Park, 525 E. Wyandot Ave., Upper Sandusky, Fri.–Sun. 6–10 p.m., Mon.–Thur. 6–9:30 p.m. $10/car $15/van, $50/tour bus. The park’s 33 acres will be ablaze with millions of lights and a THROUGH DEC. 24 – Christmas Cruise Thru, myriad of unique light displays. 419-294-2351 or Defiance Co. Fgds., 530 S. Main St., Hicksville, 6–9 www.uppersfantasyoflights.org. p.m. every night. Goodwill donation for admission. DEC. 15, 17 – Silver Screen Classics: It’s a Over 2.5 miles of displays with over 3 million LED Wonderful Life, Valentine Theatre, 400 N. Superior or RGB light configurations. Every Thursday, ice St., Toledo, Fri. 7:30 p.m., Sun. 2 p.m. $5. See Frank skate for free on our indoor rink while enjoying Capra’s classic tale come to life on the big screen. Christmas music. Check website for other special 419-242-2787 or www.valentinetheatre.com. events. www.christmascruisethru.com. DEC. 21–22 – Hayes Home Holidays, 1337 Hayes THROUGH DEC. 30 – North Pole Express, Ave., Fremont, 5–8 p.m. Price TBA. Tour the Hayes Northwest Ohio Railroad Preservation Inc., 12505 Co. Rd. 99, Findlay, Fri./Sat. 5:30–9 p.m., Sun. 5:30– Home to see the historically accurate Christmas 8:30 p.m. Closed Dec. 24. $5; 12 and under, $4. Hop decorations and learn about Christmas and New Year’s traditions. Before or after the tour, see the on board our quarter-scale trains for a magical trip through a winter wonderland of sparkling lights and “Hayes Train Special” model train display in the auditorium. 419-332-2081 or www.rbhayes.org. festive decorations. Visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus on select nights. 419-423-2995, www.nworrp.org, or DEC. 26–31 – Horse-Drawn Sleigh Rides at www.facebook.com/nworrp. Spiegel Grove, 1337 Hayes Ave., Fremont. Times and prices TBA. Ride through the wooded estate THROUGH DEC. 31 – Lights Before Christmas, Toledo Zoo, 2 Hippo Way, Toledo, Mon.–Thur. 3–8 of President Rutherford B. Hayes in a horsedrawn sleigh or trolley pulled by South Creek p.m., Fri.–Sun. 3–9 p.m. Over 1 million lights, the Clydesdales. 419-332-2081 or www.rbhayes.org. Big Tree, and 200+ illuminated animal images. 419-385-5721 or www.toledozoo.org.

WEST VIRGINIA

THROUGH JAN. 8 – Festival of Lights, Oglebay Resort, Wheeling, dusk to midnight nightly. Featuring 300 acres of twinkling lights and displays over a 6-mile drive. $30 per-car donation requested; valid for the entire festival season. https://oglebay.com/lights-drive. THROUGH DEC. 30 – Celebration of Lights, Morris Park, Fairmont, Wed.–Sun. 6–10 p.m.

DEC. 31 – Walleye Drop 2023, downtown Port Clinton, 4 p.m.–midnight. Celebrate New Year’s Eve with a kids’ dance party, DJ, ice sculpture demo, games, food, and music, ending at midnight with fireworks and the walleye drop! 419-635-7470 or www.wyliewalleyefoundation.com. JAN. 2–26 – Art Contest: “Not So Bad Art by Good People,” sponsored by the Logan County Art League. Artwork created by selected Logan County citizens will be on display at Citizen’s Federal Savings and Loan, 100 N. Main St., Bellefontaine. Vote for your favorite piece of art in person or on our website. Celebration dinner and auction of artwork on Jan. 26 starting at 5 p.m. https:// logancountyartleague.org. JAN. 3 – Down on the Farm Story Time, Proving Ground Farm, 5670 E. Twp. Rd. 138, Tiffin, 10 a.m. Stories and activities are geared for preschoolage children and focus on farming and nature in a picturesque outdoor setting. Families welcome! 419-447-7073, www.conservesenecacounty.com, or follow Seneca Conservation District on Facebook. JAN. 6–7 – Tri-State Gun Show, Allen Co. Fgds., 2750 Harding Hwy., Lima (2 miles east of Lima on St. Rte. 309), Sat. 8:30 a.m.–4 p.m., Sun. 8:30 a.m.–3 p.m. $6, free for members, under 18 free. Over 400 tables of modern and antique guns, edged weapons, and sportsmen equipment. 419647-0067 or www.tristategunshow.org. JAN. 7 – Silver Screen Classics: Casablanca, Valentine Theatre, 400 N. Superior St., Toledo, Fri. 7:30 p.m., Sun. 2 p.m. $5. 419-242-2787 or www.valentinetheatre.com.

See over 540 holiday light displays in this 1.3-mile drive-through tour. Thur.–Sun.: $10 per car, $30 per bus, under 12 free. Wednesday nights are walker nights, with the park closed to traffic; $5 per walker, under 12 free. 304-2784192 or www.celebrationoflightswv.com.

Make sure you’re included in our calendar! Submit listings AT LEAST 90 DAYS prior to the event to: Ohio Cooperative Living 6677 Busch Blvd. Columbus, OH 43229 or send an email to events@ohioec.org. Ohio Cooperative Living will not publish listings that don’t include a complete address or a number/website for more information. DECEMBER 2023 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING

2023 CALENDAR

DECEMBER/JANUARY

NORTHEAST

THROUGH DEC. 10 – Candlelight Holiday Tours of Malabar Farm, 4050 Bromfield Rd., Lucas, Fri./ Sat. 5–8 p.m., Sun. 1–4 p.m. Adults $6, youth $4. Tour Louis Bromfield’s Big House, all decked out for the holidays. Enjoy cookies and warm drinks. You might even see Santa! 419-892-2784 or www.malabarfarm.org/events. THROUGH DEC. 31 – A Child’s Storybook Christmas, The Victorian House Museum, 484 Wooster Rd., Millersburg, Sun.–Thur. 1–4 p.m., Fri./Sat. 1–8 p.m. Come see the mansion fully decorated for Christmas, with each room taking on the theme of a selected holiday children’s book. 330-674-0022 or www.facebook.com/ VictorianHouseMuseum.

SOUTHEAST

THROUGH DEC. 16 – Cambridge Glass Museum Holiday Hours, 136 S. 9th St., Cambridge, Fri./Sat. 12–4 p.m. $6, Srs. $5, under 12 free. 740-432-4245, www.cambridgeglass. org, or www.visitguernseycounty.com. THROUGH DEC. 17 – Belmont County Victorian Mansion Museum Christmas Tours, 532 N. Chestnut St., Barnesville, Fri. 5–8 p.m., Sat./ Sun. 1–4 p.m. (closed Nov. 24). Join us for some Christmas cheer and see our museum decorated for the season. This year’s theme is “The 12 Days of Christmas.” www.belmontcountymuseum.com. THROUGH DEC. 17 – Santa Train, Hocking Valley Scenic Railway, Nelsonville Depot, 33 W. Canal St., Nelsonville. $19–$24, under 3 free. Santa comes on board and visits with each child as the train traverses the historic Hocking River Valley. www.hvsry.org/train-rides/santa. THROUGH DEC. 30 – Athens Art Market, Athens Community Center, 701 E. State St., Athens, Sat. 9 a.m.–noon. Members of Athens Art Guild offer handmade and juried arts including pottery, live edge

THROUGH JAN. 6 – Steubenville Nutcracker Village and Christmas at the Fort, Steubenville Visitor Center, 120 S. 3rd St., Steubenville. Free. Over 200 large-as-life, unique nutcrackers are on display throughout downtown and Fort Steuben Park 24/7; Advent Market, hayrides, the Holly Trolley, children’s activities, music, and much more. 740-283-4935 or www. steubenvillenutcrackervillage.com. DEC. 1–3, 7–23, 26–30 – Deck the Hall, Stan Hywet Hall and Gardens, 714 N. Portage Path, Akron, 5–8 p.m. $9–$24. See the 1.2 million holiday lights illuminating the estate, the Manor House beautifully decorated in holiday fashion, Santa and Mrs. Claus (until 12/23), the Reindeer Flight Academy, and more! Enjoy cocoa and a hot gingerbread cookie or other refreshments before or after the tour. 330-315-3287 or www.stanhywet.org. DEC. 1–3, 8–10, 15–31 – Medina County Fair Drive-Thru Holiday Lights, Medina Co. Fgds., 720 W. Smith Rd., Medina, Fri./Sat. 6–10 p.m., Sun. and weeknights 6–9 p.m. $10 for vehicle; $20 for small bus or 15-passenger van; $50 for bus. www.medinaohiofair.com. DEC. 9 – Jingle Mingle Craft and Vendor Show, Ehrnfelt Recreation Center, 18100 Royalton Rd., Strongsville, 9 a.m.–2 p.m. Free. Over 70 vendors. www.hometownvendors.org.

DEC. 16 – Winter Avant-Garde Art and Craft Show, St. George’s Fellowship Centre, 3204 Ridgewood Rd., Fairlawn, 10 a.m.–4 p.m. $3, under 12 free. Artists and crafters will be selling their original handmade items. Last show of the season! A portion of proceeds will benefit a local nonprofit, the Karen Foundation for MS. www.avantgardeshows.com. DEC. 16–17 – The Holiday Shop at Market Square, Crocker Park, 239 Market St., Westlake, Sat. 11 a.m.–7 p.m., Sun. 11 a.m.–5 p.m. Different vendors for each day. www.hometownvendors.org. DEC. 17 – Flea Market of Collectables, Medina Co. Fgds. Community Center, 735 Lafayette Rd. (St. Rte. 42), Medina, 9 a.m.–3 p.m. $2. Early bird special admission, 6–9 a.m., $3. A treasure trove of vintage items and collectables. 330-948-4300 (Jim Conrad) or www.conraddowdell.com. JAN. 10–14 – Ohio RV Supershow, I-X Center, One I-X Center Dr. (6200 Riverside Dr.), Cleveland, 44315. Explore hundreds of the newest tent campers, travel trailers, fifth wheels, and motor homes. 440-667-4304 or www.ohiorvshow.com. JAN. 13–14 – Medina Gun Show, Medina County Fgds. Community Center, 735 Lafayette Rd., Medina, Sat. 9 a.m.–5 p.m., Sun. 9 a.m.–3 p.m. $8. 450 tables of displays. 330-948-4400 or www.conraddowdell.com.

furniture, fiber arts, paintings, glassware, jewelry, wood, and much more. For more information, email athensartguildevents@gmail.com. THROUGH DEC. 30 – Athens Farmers Market, Athens Community Center, 701 E. State St., Athens, Sat. 9 a.m.–noon; through Nov. 23, Wed./Sat. 9 a.m.–noon. Voted Ohio’s #1 favorite farmers market! 740-593-6763 or www.athensfarmersmarket.org. THROUGH JAN. 1 – Dickens Victorian Village, downtown Cambridge. Stroll the streets to view scenes depicting life in 1850s England, featuring life-sized, handmade mannequins wearing real vintage clothing. 800-933-5480 or www.dickensvictorianvillage.com. THROUGH JAN. 1 – Guernsey County Courthouse Holiday Light Show, Cambridge, 5:30–9 p.m. Sun. and weeknights; 5:30–11:30 p.m. every Fri./Sat. and Dec. 24–26, 29–31, and Jan. 1. See the courthouse decked out with thousands of pulsating colorful lights synchronized to holiday music, three 20-foot Christmas trees, and 60 animated displays. 800-933-5480 or www.dickensvictorianvillage.com. DEC. 2, 9, 16 – Bruce Family Trees, 48601 Township Rd. 63 (Chapel Hill Rd.), Lewisville, 10 a.m. till dusk. Cut your own Christmas tree! Enjoy a wagon ride through the woods and trees, then come in to warm up with complimentary hot chocolate as you sit beside the fire. Local crafts are also for sale. 740-567-3320. DEC. 16–17 – Athens Holiday Shoppe, Athens Community Center, 701 E. State St., Athens, Sat. 9 a.m.–5 p.m., Sun. 11 a.m.–3 p.m. Presented by

Athens Art Guild. Over 40 local artisans will offer handcrafted, handmade items just in time for gift giving, including pottery, glassware, wood, jewelry, fiber arts, paintings, furniture, sweet treats, and so much more. For more information, email athensartguildevents@gmail.com. DEC. 17 – Columbus Symphony: Holiday Pops Spectacular, OU-C Shoemaker Center, 101 University Dr., Chillicothe, 5 p.m. $5–$25. A concert that will bring holiday cheer to the whole family. Tickets available on www.eventbrite.com. DEC. 21 – Solstice Watch, Sacra Via Park (between Third and Second Sts.), Marietta, 4–5 p.m. If the weather cooperates, we will view the sun setting on the western Muskingum Valley bluff in near perfect alignment with Sacra Via. Maps and a brief commentary will be provided by Castle archaeologist Wes Clarke. Attend in person or virtually. 740-373-1480 or www.mariettacastle.org. DEC. 31 – New Year’s Eve Train and Fireworks, Hocking Valley Scenic Railway, Nelsonville Depot, 33 W. Canal St., Nelsonville, 10:30 p.m.–12:30 a.m. $25–$38. The train will travel to East Logan and return, stopping near the stroke of midnight to ring in the new year with a fireworks display! Refreshments will be served. Tickets available at www.hvsry.org/train-rides/ new-years-eve-train-fireworks. JAN. 14 – Rhonda Vincent and The Rage, Stuart’s Opera House, 52 Public Square, Nelsonville, 3 p.m. $30–$35. A special matinee performance from “The New Queen of Bluegrass” and her award-winning band. 740-753-1924 or www.stuartsoperahouse.org.

OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • DECEMBER 2023

CENTRAL

THROUGH JAN. 7 – Wildlights at the Zoo, Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, 4850 W. Powell Rd., Powell, Sun.–Thur. 5–9 p.m., Fri./Sat. 5–10 p.m. Included with zoo admission. The season comes alive with millions of LED lights, animated musical light shows, Santa, reindeer, and other holiday attractions. www.columbuszoo.org/wildlights. DEC. 10 – Columbus Winter Avant-Garde Art and Craft Show, Makoy Event Center, 5462 Center St., Hilliard, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. $3, under 12 free. Artists and crafters will be selling their original handmade items. Full concessions stand on-site. A portion of proceeds will benefit Hope Hollow. www.avantgardeshows.com. THROUGH DEC. 17 – Dickens of a Christmas, DEC. 14, JAN. 11 – Inventors Network Meeting, Ohio Village, 800 E. 17th Ave., Columbus, Sat. The Point at Otterbein University, 60 Collegeview 5:30–9 p.m., Sun. 1–5 p.m. $14–$18; 3 and under Rd., Westerville, 43081, 7 p.m. Dec. 14 is the annual free. See Charles Dickens’ festive and enduring meeting, including election of trustees for 2024. vision of Christmas come to life. 800-686-1541 or Zoom meetings on Dec. 21 and Jan. 18 at 7 p.m. www.ohiohistory.org. 614-470-0144 or www.inventorscolumbus.com. THROUGH JAN. 1 – Butch Bando’s Fantasy of DEC. 15 – Holiday Spectacular with the Columbus Lights, Alum Creek State Park Campgrounds, 3311 Symphony Orchestra, Faith Memorial Church, 2610 S. Old State Rd., Delaware, Sun.–Thur. 5:30–9 West Fair Ave., Lancaster, 7:30 p.m. $30; children p.m., Fri./Sat. 5:30–10 p.m. $20–$30 per car; $10; 2 and under free. Enjoy an evening of holiday see website for additional pricing information. songs and carols. 614-469-0939 or 740-654-1711; Locally owned and family-operated drive-through www.columbussymphony.com or www.faithm.ch. holiday light show. 614-412-3499 or https:// DEC. 15 – Away in the Basement: A Church butchbandosfantasyoflights.com. Basement Ladies Christmas, Marion Palace Theatre THROUGH JAN. 1 – A Storybook Christmas, May Pavilion, 276 W. Center St., Marion, 7:30 p.m. Zanesville and throughout Muskingum County. $12–$29. A fun-filled holiday show for the whole Explore storybook-themed attractions at family. 740-383-2101 or www.marionpalace.org. businesses and locations throughout the area. DEC. 16 – James Tormé: The New American Nightly light and music show at the Muskingum Songbook Holiday Concert, Secrest Auditorium, County Courthouse, Sun.–Thur. 5–9 p.m., Fri./Sat. 334 Shinnick St., Zanesville, 7:30 p.m. $55. www. 5–10 p.m. Visit our website for more details: www. zanesvilleconcertassociation.org. visitzanesville.com.

JAN. 5–7 – Columbus Building and Renovation Expo, Ohio Expo Center, Kasich Hall, 717 E. 17th Ave., Columbus, Fri. 12–6 p.m., Sat. 10 a.m.–6 p.m., Sun. 11 a.m.–5 p.m. $5, under 18 free. From top-quality exhibits to insightful demonstrations and more, you’ll discover thousands of smart, stylish, and cost-effective ways to design or renovate your home. www.homeshowcenter.com. JAN. 5–14 – Ohio RV and Boat Show, Ohio Expo Center, 717 E. 17th St., Columbus, Wed.–Fri. 12–8 p.m., Sat. 10 a.m.–8 p.m., Sun. 11 a.m.–5 p.m. $15; 6–13, $3; under 6 free. Shop for all your outdoor, camping, and boating needs. Beer garden and concessions on-site. www.ohiorvandboatshow.com. JAN. 6 – Sixth Annual Winter Hike, Smeck Park, 7395 Basil Rd, Baltimore, 10 a.m.–1 p.m. After a fun 2-mile hike, enjoy hot drinks and roasted potatoes with toppings. 614-321-4833 ext. 103 or www. fairfieldcountyparks.org. JAN. 7 – Winter Wedding Expo and Show, Hilton at Easton, 3900 Chagrin Dr., Columbus, 11 a.m.–3 p.m. Immerse yourself in a world of wedding inspiration and connect with top vendors and experts in the industry. Daily runway shows. Free ticket with code at www.eventbrite.com. JAN. 7 – Ohio Guitar Show, Makoy Center, 5462 Center St., Hilliard, 11:30 a.m.–5 p.m. $10 (cash only). Over 100 dealers; buy, sell, trade. Guitars, amps, effects, parts, catalogs. 740-797-3351, guitardigest@ frontier.com, or https://ohioguitarshow.com. JAN. 12 – Joe Mullins and the Radio Ramblers, Cornerstone Global Methodist Church, 207 S. Court St., Marysville, 7 p.m. Doors open 6 p.m. Part of the Marysville Winter Bluegrass Series. Entertainment, food, and homemade pies on-site. 937-642-4712 or www.marysvillewinterbluegrass.com.

SOUTHWEST

THROUGH DEC. 23 – North Pole Express, LM&M Railroad, 16 E. South St., Lebanon. $25–$40; children under 2, $5. See website for days and times. Take a ride on a vintage train to visit with Santa and his elves! Children will receive a small gift and a holiday cookie. Hot chocolate available for purchase. 513-933-8022 or www.lebanonrr. com/northpole.

THROUGH DEC. 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. THROUGH DEC. 31 – Light Up Middletown, Smith Park, 500 Tytus Ave., Middletown, 6–10 p.m. daily. A drive-through fantasy light display, open in all weather. Admission by cash donation; you set the price! www.lightupmiddletown.org. THROUGH DEC. 31 – Pyramid Hill Lights, Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park and Museum, 1763 Hamilton-Cleves Rd., Hamilton, Mon.–Thur. 6–9 p.m., Fri.–Sun. 6–10 p.m. $25 per car. A 2-mile drive-through light display, including illuminated installations by local artists. 513-868-1234 or http://pyramidhill.org/holiday-lights.

THROUGH JAN. 2 – Christmas at the Junction, 7379 Squire Court, West Chester. $15.95–$19.95. Experience the magic of Christmas at the home of the world’s largest indoor train display. Take the family on a “Journey to the North Pole” where you’ll meet Santa and Mrs. Claus. 513-898-8000 or www.entertrainmentjunction.com. THROUGH JAN. 7 – Shadrack’s Christmas Wonderland, Montgomery Co. Fgds., 645 Infirmary Rd., Dayton, 6–10 p.m. nightly. $30/car. Immerse yourself in our all-new, award-winning, drive-through light display synchronized to music. Includes a mesmerizing 300-foot RGB tunnel, 50-foot Christmas trees, walls of lights, and much more! www.shadrackchristmas.com/dayton-oh. DEC. 1–31 – ParkLights at Caesar Ford Park, 520 S. Stringtown Rd., Xenia, 6–9 p.m. Drivethrough light display. www.gcparkstrails.com/ events/parklights.

DECEMBER 2023 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING

MEMBER INTERACTIVE

Holiday baking

1–My granddaughter, Rylee Rae Thompson, rolling dough for a pie crust. Paula Gilley, South Central Power Company member. 2–My granddaughter Kennedy displays her cookies! Nancy Mullins, Adams Rural Electric Cooperative member. 3–Family cookie baking, with Klay (left) and Kolt (right). Kacey Kramer, South Central Power Company member. 4–My grand-twins, Lillian and Sam, proudly showing the sugar cookies they baked. Cheri Raphael, Firelands Electric Cooperative member. 5–Libby and Gwenny decorating (and tasting) Christmas cookies at Grandma’s. Rebecca Franck, Holmes-Wayne Electric Cooperative member. 6–Kenton, our 5-year-old son, with his freshly baked and decorated cookie for Santa. Kayla Forry, MidOhio Energy member. 7–My daughter, Emma Sims, age 3, baking Christmas cookies with her Mimi, Becky Martin, my mom. Amy Sims, South Central Power Company member.

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OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • DECEMBER 2023

Did You Know? Even as demand for electricity is constantly growing, Ohio has lost 80% of the always-available coal-ﬁred plants that ensure the lights will come on every moment of every day.

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Energy transformation can be navigated, but reliability MUST be anchored as our North Star guiding the journey. As it exists today, the electric grid is operating ever closer to the edge where reliability is at risk.

”

—James Robb, CEO North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC)