Ohio Cooperative Living – December 2023 - Paulding Putnam

OHIO

DECEMBER 2023

COOPERATIVE Paulding Putnam Electric Cooperative

Trip of a lifetime Apply now for 2024 page 19 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

1

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.

2

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

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

13

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

26

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.

33

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.

36

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

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POWER LINES

I𝗍𝗍𝗍𝗍𝗍𝗍𝗍𝗍

𝗍𝗍

ju𝗌𝗌t

Y E P H

COMPILED BY JODI BORGER

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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

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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.

6

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

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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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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.

F

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

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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

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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

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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.

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OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • DECEMBER 2023

PAULDING PUTNAM ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE LOCAL PAGES MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT

R

inging in a new year sparks renewed hope and optimism about the future. As the CEO of Paulding Putnam Electric Cooperative, for me, it’s a time to reflect on where RANDY PRICE we are and where we’re going. At the PRESIDENT AND CEO heart of this reflection, I think about ways we can better serve you, the cooperative’s members.

crucial because our power generated from wind and solar is intermittent and not available 24/7/365.

Our team always looks ahead, exploring ways to innovate and utilize new technologies to improve our services. As our nation increasingly relies on electricity to power the economy, keeping the lights on has never been more critical. We’re committed to powering — and empowering — our community at a cost local families and businesses can afford.

Tim Barhorst, Rep. Roy Klopfenstein, Sen. Rob McColley, and Plant members Nicole Giesige, district representative for Congressman Latta, shared as well as CEOs, board members, and other guests from area research on electric cooperatives who receive peak power from the plant. energy storage solutions with the group but cited many limitations and cost prohibitions. Plant personnel pride themselves on the advancements made to the plant to ensure reduced emissions.

So, how are we working to ensure R.E.A.L. (Reliable, Environmentally Responsible, Affordable, Local) power while adapting to a changing energy landscape and our community’s evolving needs?

One critical component of reliable power is the mix of energy resources used to generate the electricity that keeps the lights on across our service territory. You may not realize it, but PPEC doesn’t generate electricity. Instead, we purchase it from our member-owned Cardinal Power Plant (one of the cleanest of its kind in the world), and from there, we distribute it to homes and businesses throughout our community. Our current energy resource mix comprises 89% coal from Cardinal, 4% hydropower, and 2% solar energy, with the remaining mixture coming from natural gas, biodigesters, wind, and other sources.

In September, I joined with other local co-ops, elected officials, and trustees from across our area to tour the Robert P. Mone Generating Station in Convoy, Ohio. The Van Wert County Mone facility is a 510-megawatt natural gas peaking plant operated

by Buckeye Power, serving as PPEC CEO Randy Price discusses power generation with Rep. Roy Klopfenstein. a vital electricity generation asset in maintaining reliable electric service to Ohio’s electric cooperatives during the highest periods of demand. The plant is considered a “peaking” facility because it is utilized during peak times of demand — like on sweltering summer or frigid winter days — to keep up with power needs. This plant is

Legislators present on the tour included Rep. Angie King, Rep.

We’re increasingly using more electricity generated from renewable energy sources. However, we still depend on our clean-emission coal power plant to ensure reliable power is available to our members whenever they need it.

In addition to managing reliable energy, PPEC uses technology and artificial intelligence (read more about this on page 18A) to enhance our local grid, limit service disruptions, and improve outage response times.

Advanced metering infrastructure, or AMI, enables two-way communication between the co-op and consumers. In the event of a power outage, AMI helps pinpoint the exact location of the outage and can even analyze damaged or tampered meters. This helps us to save money with real-time data and ultimately improves power reliability for our entire community.

Proactive tree trimming is another way we limit service disruptions. Scheduled trimming keeps power lines clear from overgrown limbs that are likely to fall.

One of the best methods for improving our services to you is monitoring trends and leading practices from other electric co-ops in our area and across the country. Learning from other co-ops is one of the many benefits of the cooperative business model because it’s about cooperation, not competition.

As we turn our focus to 2024, PPEC will continue working to provide the R.E.A.L. electricity you expect and deserve — for today and tomorrow.

From our cooperative family to yours, we wish you a Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year.

DECEMBER 2023 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING

17

PAULDING PUTNAM ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE

New Look. New Experience. Same SmartHub. Manage your account like never before with the new, improved SmartHub web application. A simplified yet enhanced design is coming your way early January 2024.

This new version of SmartHub puts your usage and payment details front and center for fast, easy access and the simplified menu structure makes navigating the site a breeze.

Power Outage Alerts • Enroll in text or email alerts

Convenient Bill Payments • No postage (pay online)

Monitor Energy Use • Energy efficiency advice

• Get real-time updates from linemen

• No check writing

• Compare past and new bills

• Report issues from your phone

• On time, every time with AutoPay

• Find trends and set alerts

Visit www.PPEC.coop/SmartHub to learn more and see all that SmartHub can do for you.

SMART MANAGEMENT. SMART LIFE. SMARTHUB. 18

OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • DECEMBER 2023

Revolutionizing cooperatives: The power of artificial intelligence for a brighter future

E

lectric cooperatives have long been the backbone of rural electrification, providing power to underserved communities across the country and around the world. With recent rapid advancements in technology, the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) has emerged as a game-changer, revolutionizing the way these cooperatives operate. Through the seamless integration of AI, electric cooperatives like PPEC are now poised to deliver more efficient, reliable, and sustainable power solutions, ultimately benefiting both the communities we serve and the broader electric grid.

Enhanced grid management One of the primary ways AI is transforming electric cooperatives is through enhanced grid management.

By leveraging AI algorithms, local electric engineers and grid operators, like PJM, can effectively monitor power usage, identify potential faults, and predict maintenance needs with unparalleled precision. These predictive analytics not only minimize downtime and improve overall grid reliability but can also lead to significant cost savings by allowing us to allocate resources more efficiently and invest in future energy needs.

Empowering consumer engagement AI-driven technologies enable electric cooperatives to engage consumers actively in the energy conservation process. Smart meters and home energy management systems equipped with AI capabilities empower consumers to make informed decisions about their energy consumption. Members with a SmartHub account (see page 18) will soon be able to see real-time data. This will allow a new era of energy efficiency.

With real-time data insights,

consumers can adjust their usage patterns, thereby reducing their monthly electric bill.

Peak demand communications

AI-driven load forecasting models help anticipate peak demand periods, allowing for the proactive management of energy distribution and preventing potential overloads.

PPEC’s real-time communications, paired with AI, could use member preferences to tailor communications based on each member’s home, lifestyle, and demand needs.

This not only enhances the reliability of the power supply but also contributes to reducing energy waste, ultimately leading to lower operational costs and more affordable electricity for consumers.

Fostering a resilient energy ecosystem

By harnessing the power of AI, cooperatives can build more resilient and adaptive electric systems. AI-enabled predictive maintenance systems help identify potential equipment failures before they occur, minimizing service disruptions and ensuring uninterrupted power supply for consumers.

Supercharged cybersecurity Last month, more than 648 attempts were made from around the world to hack our data system. Implementing AIbased cybersecurity measures at the local level strengthens the resilience of the cooperative’s infrastructure, safeguarding it against potential cyber threats and ensuring the security of critical energy data. PPEC’s IT manager uses AI to analyze each employee’s digital behaviors and create custom phishing email attempts, training staff to be ever-vigilant online.

The integration of artificial intelligence is propelling cooperatives into a new era of efficiency, sustainability, and resilience. As AI continues to evolve, PPEC and electric cooperatives are well-positioned to meet the energy demands of the future, ensuring a brighter and more sustainable tomorrow for everyone.

DECEMBER 2023 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING

18A

PAULDING PUTNAM ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE

Peter Niagu

ENERGY ADVISOR

O

n the first day of Christmas my true love gave to me ... tips for energy efficiency! We will soon be 12 days ahead of Christmas and even though many of us are using more energy this month with lights, decorations, gatherings, cooking, etc., there are still ways that you can use that energy more efficiently.

1. Deck the halls with LED holiday lights.

Use energy-saving LED lights to decorate your home.

2. Use a timer to turn off holiday lights at night when you’re sleeping. One of the best ways to save energy during the holiday season is using a timer to control your holiday lighting.

3. Lower the thermostat when guests arrive. Having friends and family over? The additional people in your house will create more warmth, so go ahead and lower that thermostat.

4. Close the fireplace damper when a fire is not actively burning. Keep cold outdoor air where it belongs, and keep more money in your pocket.

5. Ask Santa for a smart or programmable thermostat to save energy. You’ve been really good this year, so you deserve a fancy new thermostat that also saves energy.

6. Heading out of town? Unplug appliances and electronics. These energy vampires consume energy even when they are not in use.

7. Gifting new electronics, gadgets or appliances?

Look for the ENERGY STAR logo.

8. Keep the winter chill outdoors by sealing air leaks around your home. Use weatherstripping and caulk to seal leaks around the house. Your cold-natured family members (and energy bills) will thank you!

9. Open blinds and curtains during the day.

Let the sunshine in! Natural sunlight can add plenty of warmth to your home on cold days.

10. Consider rechargeable batteries and chargers. They make great stocking stuffers!

They are environmentally friendly and great lastminute stocking stuffers.

11. Use the oven light to check the progress of your dish. Don’t open the door and let out the heat. Use the oven light instead.

12. When your holiday tree is lit, turn off lamps and enjoy the cozy ambiance. Save energy and create a magical holiday ambiance.

Try out our energy calculators to learn more ways to save in your home.

18B

OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • DECEMBER 2023

bill credits

I GET FROM MY ELECTRIC COMPANY?!

The “Refund Amount” (Capital Credits) will be highlighted in blue on the bill you receive in December.

Capital credits from member-owned, not-for-profit companies like Paulding Putnam Electric Co-op are somewhat similar to the dividends paid to shareholders of investor-owned utilities. The difference is that a co-op’s “shareholders” are also the members that it serves, and the “dividends” are paid out to the cooperative’s members.

What’s the difference between allocated and retired credits?

Allocated capital credits appear as an entry on the permanent financial records and reflect your ownership in PPEC. Every year, in April, PPEC notifies its members of the amount added to their patronage capital account through a notice on their electric bills. When capital credits are retired, a bill credit is issued to you.

How are capital credits calculated?

Each year, net margins of the cooperative are divided among the members based on each member’s electric use for the year.

Members who use more electric service receive a larger amount of capital credits allocated to their account.

Will I receive a payout every year?

Not necessarily. The board of trustees must authorize a retirement before you receive your capital credits. When considering a retirement, the cooperative’s board of trustees must consider the financial condition of the cooperative.

I have been a PPEC member for several years.

When will I receive a capital credits payment?

PPEC operates on a 30-year capital credits rotation cycle.

PPEC’s funds (called patronage) are used to help finance reliability improvements, line rebuilds, and upgrades.

Most of that equipment has a life of 20 to 50 years. The unretired capital credits, or “equity,” serves a vital function — allowing PPEC to operate economically and effectively, while investing in infrastructure for members’ future needs.

DECEMBER 2023 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING

18C

PAULDING PUTNAM ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE

THE BOARD ELECTION PROCESS Any PPEC member who resides in districts 3, 7, or 8 may obtain the required trustee petition from the cooperative office or online at www.

PPEC.coop. To see what district you live in, visit our website and under the “About PPEC” tab, click “Run for the Board” and scroll to the “Board District Maps.” Candidates must receive at least 20 signatures from PPEC members within the district in which the candidate resides.

All completed petition forms must be returned to PPEC no later than 4:30 p.m. on Dec. 18, 2023. Ballots will be mailed in February; the election winners will be announced at PPEC’s virtual annual meeting on March 23, 2024.

18D

OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • DECEMBER 2023

RING Leaders, Inspiring Journeys What was Youth Tour like?

Were you nervous?

Y

outh Tour is an incredible leadership experience and free travel opportunity to Washington, D.C., sponsored each year by Paulding Putnam Electric Cooperative. Each June, about 40 high school seniors and juniors from Ohio and Indiana, along with 1,800 students from across the country, come together to visit some of the most iconic sites the city has to offer.

The itinerary includes visits to landmarks like the United States Capitol, the Lincoln Memorial, the Smithsonian Institution, and the Vietnam and Korean war memorials.

The journey also encompasses cultural and historical sites such as the Washington National Cathedral and the solemn grounds of Arlington National Cemetery.

The trip is not just about sightseeing; it’s also about understanding the power and responsibilities of leadership.

Students have the unique privilege of meeting with their congressional representatives, where they can voice their thoughts, concerns, and dreams for a brighter future. In past years, students have met with Representative Bob Latta and Senators JD Vance and Sherrod Brown.

Braden Knippen (Fort Jennings High School) and Henry Ballard (Hicksville High School), son of Scott and Angela Ballard of Cecil, were chosen to represent PPEC on the 2023 Youth Tour. (Both students are featured on the cover.)

Braden, the son of Joseph and Michelle Knippen of Fort Jennings, shared his “once-in-a-lifetime experience with us.

“I had the chance to meet people from all corners of Ohio and across the United States. I also got to learn more about the country’s history and gained a deeper understanding of electric cooperatives and the role they play in communities across the nation. My biggest fear was that I wouldn’t know anyone, but some of them have become lifelong friends. We still talk every day and share cherished memories from the trip.”

What was your favorite place to visit?

“My favorite places to visit were the Smithsonian museums, especially the National History Museum, due to the number of historical items you can see. I also enjoyed our trip to Gettysburg. The tour guides were so knowledgeable there and were able to tell us what happened in exact places on the battlefield.”

What did you learn about co-ops?

“We learned what a co-op is and how it operates as a member-run organization, which was eye-opening. It’s not like a large corporate business; it’s the members who are in control. We also discussed the impact that co-ops can have on our communities.”

Why should students apply for Youth Tour?

“Well, first off, it’s free. Beyond that, the new people you meet, the friendships you make, and the unforgettable memories you create are priceless. The opportunity to explore our nation’s capital and learn about its history is one like no other.”

The 2024 trip takes place June 15 to 21. This is a oncein-a-lifetime adventure, and you won’t want to miss the chance to go! Current high school sophomores and juniors must apply by February 15, 2024.

APPLY FOR A

TRIP OF A LIFETIME

Scan the QR code or visit PPEC. coop/Youth-Tour to apply and watch a longer interview with Braden.

DECEMBER 2023 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING

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PAULDING PUTNAM ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE

PAULDING PUTNAM

EMPLOYEE Amy Waters recognized with internal employee award

C

ongratulations to Dispatcher Amy Waters, who was voted by PPEC’s employees as the 2023 Quarter 2 Rockstar Employee! This internal quarterly recognition program allows employees to nominate and vote on deserving co-workers they feel have gone above and beyond or deserve recognition.

Amy joined the PPEC team in April of 2011. She dispatches crews to outages, communicates with the lineworkers through radio, and makes sure everyone gets to and from their work sites safely. Amy is also involved in many projects at the co-op as she is on the Member Appreciation Day and CREW committees, attended RELITE to further her leadership skills, and planned the co-op’s service project with Clothes for Joes, including the Veterans Day Donation Drive.

What the Rockstar Award means to Amy: “To me, the Rockstar Award means going above and beyond, stepping up, helping ease the workload for others, or just changing someone’s day with a positive attitude and a smile!

I am very honored that my co-workers chose me for the Rockstar Award. It is a good feeling knowing that my extra efforts don’t go unnoticed! This is not something I take lightly.

I feel we have a great team at PPEC, and we are all Rockstars.

I don’t feel like I deserve it any more than anybody else, but knowing my co-workers nominated me keeps me motivated every day to be a good person!”

What impactful projects have you been working on lately?

“The biggest projects lately have been participating on the Member Appreciation Day Committee and the CREW Committee, attending RELITE, and working with strict deadlines for all of these, plus keeping up with my dayto-day work. They are all very fulfilling tasks that require a lot of my time and attention, but the one that has had the biggest impact on me, by far, is my service project for RELITE. It was so fulfilling to see the impact that we had on so many individuals’ lives, and I also made several new friends along the way!”

Why do you enjoy working at PPEC? “It is a great place to work, and I love what I do. I have learned to take each day as it comes and try not to let the small things bother me. I cherish the friendships that I have made over the years. I know if I need something, there are people here that will step up and help me out when I need something!”

Here’s a quote that sums me up: “Don’t get so busy making a living that you forget to make a life.” - Dolly Parton

Read more from Amy and see her at work by visiting our website.

BOARD OF TRUSTEES

Steve McMichael Chairman

Joseph Kohnen

Norm Cook Attorney

Randy Price President/CEO

Vice Chairman

CONTACT

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

401 McDonald Pike Paulding, Ohio 45879 OFFICE HOURS

7:30 a.m.–4 p.m.

20 OHIO OHIOCOOPERATIVE COOPERATIVELIVING LIVING •• DECEMBER DECEMBER2023 2023 20

Timothy Derck Secretary/Treasurer

Dr. John Saxton Dr. Ronald Black Bill Beckman Adam Schnipke Ken Niese William Dowler Trustees

HAVE A STORY SUGGESTION?

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

Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn, and X (formerly Twitter)

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

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W

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.

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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

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The stainless steel multitool offers wire cutters, knife, bottle opener, file, a set of screwdrivers, a pair of pliers and much more. The powerful flashlight has three different settings, and the tactical loop watch is a reliable, water-resistant timepiece that clips to your hip and never leaves your side. All told, opening the Survival Box gives you instant access to nine different tools for JUST $19.50.

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Your move, Mother Nature.

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CO-OP PEOPLE

BY MARGARET BURANEN

J

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

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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

27

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).

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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

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

T

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

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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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OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • DECEMBER 2023

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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

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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

34

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

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MEMBER INTERACTIVE

Holiday baking

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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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YOUR picture!

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For March, send “Pi(e) Day” by Dec. 15. For April, send “Wind in my hair” by Jan. 15.

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

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

OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • DECEMBER 2023