Ohio Cooperative Living – January 2023 - Adams

OHIO COOPERATIVE

Adams Rural Electric Cooperative

We’re building the next generation of leaders by supporting their education through programs like college, technical and trades scholarships, and the Washington, D.C. Youth Tour.

Contact your electric cooperative youth program coordinator to learn more about its youth programs.

Looking ahead to

Each year, I try to look ahead to the opportunities and challenges that appear to be on the horizon for Ohio’s electric cooperatives. While the topics I’ve highlighted have been important, my views on the future have been overwhelmed by events that “stole the show” in recent years. In 2020, COVID dominated our daily lives, but it was unheard of as I put together my list for that year. Last year, there were certainly signs of inflation ahead and challenges to the supply chain for certain goods, but no indication of the enormous economic impact of supply chain disruptions, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, or the staggering inflation we would endure through 2022. Yet with sound business plans and a capable workforce, electric cooperatives across Ohio still delivered safe and reliable electricity at affordable prices — even without knowing much about future headlines.

So, at the risk of being overshadowed by upcoming events, here’s a look at what we see ahead for 2023:

• Cost pressures are expected to continue this year, particularly in energy commodities like natural gas, coal, and petroleum products. Despite these cost pressures, we expect that electric cooperatives will provide high-quality service at a cost that is lower than other utilities — again — this year.

• We’re continuing our work to improve the operation and maintenance of our power plants. The availability of our plants to produce electricity during critical periods of high demand becomes more important each year as the number of baseload power plants that can be dispatched to meet electric demand continues to shrink.

• Government overreach in regulating energy industries generally, and electricity production specifically, is expected to be a headwind we will fight throughout the coming year.

• Electric cooperatives are planning to take a larger role in local community development projects as we seek to keep some of the taxes that are already being collected on electricity sales available for projects that benefit the local community where they’re collected.

• We will continue to emphasize workforce training and development for lineworkers, power plant employees, and managers to help us make sound decisions in our day-to-day work and continue to build a strong and enduring business foundation for the challenges that lie ahead — both seen and unseen.

Hope you and your family enjoy a safe and happy New Year.

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

With sound business plans and a capable workforce, electric cooperatives across Ohio still delivered safe and reliable electricity at affordable prices.

Ohio Rural Electric Cooperatives

6677 Busch Blvd. Columbus, OH 43229 614-846-5757 www.ohiocoopliving.com

Patrick O’Loughlin President & CEO

Caryn Whitney Director of Communications

DEPARTMENTS

POWER LINES

Jeff McCallister Managing

Editor Crystal Pomeroy Graphic Designer

Contributors: Colleen Romick Clark, Getty Images, W.H. “Chip” Gross, Catherine Murray, Jamie Rhein, Damaine Vonada, and Margie Wuebker.

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

POSTMASTER: Send address changes to editorial and advertising offices at: 6677 Busch Boulevard, Columbus, OH 43229-1101. Periodicals postage paid at Pontiac, IL 61764, and at additional mailing offices. Nothing in this publication may be reproduced in any manner without written permission from Ohio Rural Electric Cooperatives, Inc. All rights reserved. The fact that a product is advertised in Ohio Cooperative Living should not be taken as an endorsement. If you find an advertisement misleading or a product unsatisfactory, please notify us or the Ohio Attorney General’s Office, Consumer Protection Section, 30 E. Broad St., Columbus, OH 43215. Periodicals postage paid at Columbus, OH, and at additional mailing offices.

National/regional advertising inquiries, contact Cheryl Solomon American MainStreet Publications 847-749-4875 | cheryl@amp.coop Ohio-based advertisers contact Rheta Gallagher 614-940-5956 | rgallagher@ohioec.org

Cooperative members:

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

Alliance for Audited Media Member

Getting an edge: Cooperative skill-development program helps turn employees into leaders.

PEOPLE

Butchering school: A pair of Frontier Power Company members teach lessons that go from pasture to table.

Wild at heart: The Ohio Department of Natural Resources Division of Wildlife celebrates its 150th birthday this year.

Lighten up: You love these classic dishes — here are some ways to make them fit into that New Year’s resolution.

PAGES

CALENDAR

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

MEMBER INTERACTIVE

Stu ed besties: These co-op kids always have their cuddly plush toys around when they need a friend.

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

Homeland Geothermal, LLC Logan, OH | 740-407-1379

Getting an edge

Electric cooperatives often are destination workplaces within the communities they serve. Coops offer competitive pay, strong benefits packages, and a commitment to work-life balance.

But there’s another aspect of a co-op career that may not be apparent to potential employees: Co-ops tend to promote from within when job openings arise. Part of that’s because they tend to hire strong employees, but they also work hard to prepare those employees to handle more responsibility when the time comes.

Rise to the top

Matt Berry and Tim Street served similar roles at two Ohio distribution cooperatives in 2017 — Street was director of communications and member services at Mid-Ohio Energy Cooperative in Kenton, while Berry was manager of community and customer relations at St. Marys-based Midwest Electric — when the statewide cooperative association initiated a leadership-training program called Leadership Edge for co-op employees around Ohio.

Both employees’ managers recognized leadership potential in their employees and nominated them to participate in that first session. By coincidence — or

BY JEFF MCCALLISTER

maybe not — both also have since risen to become CEOs at Ohio electric distribution cooperatives: Berry at Midwest, and Street at Logan County Electric Cooperative in Bellefontaine.

“I don’t really think people go into the program thinking they’re going to become a general manager or CEO,” Street says. “It’s designed more to show staff how to lead departments, to lead a crew, even to lead themselves or their families; that’s the benefit. But I guess our situation shows that it certainly can happen.”

Know yourself first

The program begins with a series of self-assessments, then uses the results to teach each individual to recognize their own unique interpersonal style and how they might interact more efficiently with the styles they find in those around them.

“It’s one thing to know the nuts and bolts of the business, but as you get further into management, you deal less with nuts and bolts and more with people,” Berry says. “At a cooperative, everyone’s roles lean so heavily on accomplishing their day-to-day tasks, it’s easy to lose sight of the people skills that are crucial to being a leader.”

Skill-development program helps turn co-op employees into leaders.

Tim Street (left) was one of Ohio’s first Leadership Edge participants. He later moved into a role in which he ran the program, and has recently been hired as president and general manager at Logan County Electric Cooperative in Bellefontaine (file photo).

The training, Berry says, often comes with a caveat: “We try to give our employees every opportunity to grow professionally,” he says. “But since co-ops are generally so small, opportunities to rise into a leadership role might be limited.”

Street says skills developed in Leadership Edge, however, translate even outside the workplace. “Not everyone has or even will have direct reports at a cooperative,” he says. “The tools and skills Leadership Edge teaches can be used beyond the workplace. They can even be implemented in your home life. One of the principles is ‘Lead from wherever you are,’ so when an opportunity to lead arises, no matter the situation, you’re going to be ready.”

Expanding scope

The program has been so successful, it’s spawned a pair of spin-offs: In one, the curriculum has been adapted and condensed to be appropriate for lineworkers and others who might lead crews in the field.

Dwight Miller, director of safety and loss prevention at Ohio’s statewide co-op association, says it was a natural to bring the Leadership Edge principles to the training already undertaken by the linemen. “It just gives these guys a broader perspective to their work than just the everyday linework elements, so they can relate better to

the guys they’re leading,” Miller says. “It adds another level when they have that bigger picture.”

The other, dubbed Leadership Excellence, is for those already in executive leadership roles. “The new program will give general managers a better sense of those skills their employees are bringing back to the co-op,” says Street, who, after completing his training, came on to run the program for the statewide association before advancing to become CEO at Logan County EC.

Employee boost

The program has become another way co-ops are able to reward employees and keep them happy even when there may not be much room for advancement.

“To see that your employer sees something in you and is willing to invest in you to cultivate that really gives you, as an employee, a sense of pride in your work,” Street says.

“Honestly, once you work in a co-op you get to understand how great of a place it is to work,” Berry says. “We understand that everyone has their hopes and dreams and goals, so even when there may not be a promotion available, we’re going to make that investment in training and development, add those skills, and people stay pretty happy.”

Matt Berry was one of the first Ohio co-op employees to go through the Leadership Edge program in 2017. He has since been promoted to CEO at Midwest Electric in St. Marys (photo courtesy of Midwest Electric).

Butchering

BY MARGIE WUEBKER

Friends Andy Lane and Doug Wharton offer tasty lessons and plenty of hands-on experience during unique “Pasture to Plate” workshops at rustic Hand Hewn Farm in rural Tuscarawas County.

They have been offering intensive three-day whole hog sessions since 2019 , showing participants how to proceed from dispatching a hefty forest-raised hog with a single shot to preparing the carcass and then efficiently breaking it down into hams, tenderloin, sausage, bacon, and other components.

The men, who began homesteading at the Fresno-area farm once owned by Lane’s grandmother in 2015 , raise heritage hogs, chickens, and rabbits. They initially learned to butcher for their families’ consumption, relying on pointers from oldtimers as well as detailed books on the subject.

“We learned through trial and error,” says Wharton, a former commercial contractor. “Now we focus on doing it right and demonstrating how to use each cut to its best purpose.”

Classes are offered in a former milking parlor equipped with a large walk-in cooler and a spacious butcher block table capable of accommodating 8 to 10 participants at a time. Banks of wall shelves hold tools of the trade — knives and cleavers in various sizes.

Word of their hands-on sessions spread slowly at first, but the demand exploded when COVID-19 struck in 2019, closing a number of meat-packing plants and markets. Lane, a retired art teacher, says many people decided they wanted to learn the butchering process to ensure a safe and ready supply of meat for their dinner table.

Initially, most classes were held at the Fresno-area farm, but word of the offerings has allowed them to spread beyond Ohio. The men have presented sessions in Michigan, West Virginia, Pennsylvania, North Carolina, New Jersey, Oklahoma, Texas, and California. The schedule usually runs fall through early spring, with October to March being the busiest times.

The format is fairly set: Day one involves the killing of the hog, then evisceration, scalding, and scraping the carcass, cutting it into halves, and cleaning the intestines that later will hold blood sausage. Day 2 begins with Lane and Wharton helping participants cut the sections into standard American cuts and

Frontier Power Company members teach lessons that go from pasture to table.

school

variations. Salting, seasoning, and curing takes place on the final day. The men occasionally add a fourth day dedicated to charcuterie — the art of curing and drying meats for preservation and flavor that results in products like salami, prosciutto, pâté, and soppressata.

“Many first-timers are surprised about the cleanliness of the butchering process and the small degree of waste,” Lane says. “We render lard from the skin and fat, use organs for special products, and boil the bones for broth. Somebody once said we use everything but the squeal, and that’s certainly true.”

Participants not only gain information that can be used later, but many leave sporting a couple extra pounds thanks to the hearty meals served during the 10- to 12-hour class days. The program has drawn its share of confirmed foodies.

The men have offered beef workshops, but it is the in-depth hog sessions that have become their bread and butter. Upcoming workshops are listed on their website and quickly sell out.

Hand Hewn Farm, 10990 Patterson Road, Fresno, OH. 330-503-3883; www.handhewnfarm.com or find on Facebook and Instagram.

Right: After the initial butchering, students put the parts back together to show where all the parts were cut. Below: A group of students with their teachers (Andy Lane and Doug Wharton, in matching hats) after a recent workshop (photos courtesy of Hand Hewn Farm).

Wild at art

The Ohio Division of Wildlife celebrates its 150th anniversary.

STORY AND PHOTOS BY W.H. “CHIP” GROSS

Aldo Leopold, the “Father of Wildlife Management,” described his classic book, A Sand County Almanac, like this: “There are some who can live without wild things, and some who cannot. These essays are the delights and dilemmas of one who cannot.”

It was as if he was also describing the tens of thousands of employees and volunteers of the Ohio Division of Wildlife who have worked tirelessly for the benefit of wild mammals, birds, fishes, reptiles, amphibians, and insects

In general, fish and wildlife populations at the time were in pretty sad shape, due mainly to habitat destruction coupled with unregulated hunting and fishing. Ohio’s forests were similarly on the ropes. Once covering 95 percent of the state, only about 10 percent of the virgin woodlands remained by 1873. The creation of the Ohio Fish Commission, which eventually became the Ohio Division of Wildlife, came none too soon.

I had the privilege of working for the division for 26 years, from 1976 to 2022, beginning my career as a state wildlife

—mission statement of the Ohio Division of Wildlife

over the last century and a half. This year, 2023, marks the 150th anniversary of the Ohio Division of Wildlife.

“The division is a direct descendant of the Ohio Fish Commission, which was created by the General Assembly in 1873,” says Steve Gray, a former chief of the division from 2003 to 2007. “In 1949, the commission was joined with other state conservation agencies to create the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, which today consists of nine separate divisions and three offices.” Gray is currently an assistant director of the ODNR.

The Division of Wildlife currently either manages or cooperates in managing over 750,000 acres of diverse wildlife lands throughout the state, plus thousands of miles of streams and rivers, inland lakes, and 2.25 million acres of Lake Erie. Nearly all of the Division of Wildlife’s funding comes from Ohio hunters and anglers through the sale of hunting and fishing licenses and excise taxes on the sale of firearms and ammunition.

In 1873, the Ohio landscape looked very different than it does today. Prior to statehood in 1803, the Ohio country had once been described by an early historian as a “howling wilderness.” But those frontier times were long gone, the era taking with it two large, iconic carnivores (wolves and mountain lions) and two of their larger prey animals (bison and elk). Those four indigenous species were destined to never return to the wilds of the Buckeye State.

officer. Those were exciting times, as the latter half of the 20th century was when keystone species of wildlife were being restored: white-tailed deer, wild turkeys, Lake Erie walleyes, river otters, and bald eagles, to name just a few of the more charismatic critters.

One of the many changes I witnessed during my career with the division was the professional advances made by women. Once relegated mainly to office jobs, women have since become wildlife officers, fish and wildlife biologists, managers, and administrators. The current chief of the Division of Wildlife, in fact, is Kendra Wecker; appointed in 2019, she is the first woman to hold that position.

In addition to the 11 million people who call Ohio home, the Buckeye State is also now home to robust wildlife populations that once again offer outstanding hunting, fishing, and wildlife viewing opportunities. For that, we can thank those many men and women who have worked for the Ohio DNR, Division of Wildlife, both past and present. None of them got rich —believe me, I know — but their passion and dedication to their careers is seen today in the many wildlife species we all continue to enjoy.

The work of wildlife management continues statewide, of course, and no doubt there will be more and possibly unprecedented challenges in the future. But for now take a bow, Division of Wildlife — well done and congratulations on your 150th anniversary!

“To conserve and improve fish and wildlife resources and their habitats for sustainable use and appreciation by all.”

Lighten up

You love these classic dishes — here are some ways to make them fit into that New Year’s resolution.

Spicy curry cauliflow and squash soup

Both spicy foods and foods with a high water content promote eating less while feeling fuller.

Prep: 10 minutes | Cook: 29 minutes | Servings: 6

1 medium butternut squash

½ teaspoon olive oil dash salt

1 small yellow onion, diced

1 head of cauliflower, cut into florets

13.5 ounces light unsweetened coconut milk

32 ounces (4 cups) vegetable broth

1 tablespoon curry powder

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon black pepper

1½ cups peas

½ cup fresh cilantro, chopped

Preheat oven to 400 F. Cut butternut squash in half lengthwise, then remove the fibrous strands from the middle, saving the seeds. Place seeds on a small baking sheet; toss with olive oil and dash of salt. Roast seeds for 5 to 7 minutes, until golden. Remove from oven and set aside to cool. Peel, then chop the butternut squash into bite-sized chunks.

In large pot, cook onion over medium heat with a splash of vegetable broth for 5 to 7 minutes, until tender. Add cauliflower, butternut squash, coconut milk, broth, curry powder, garlic powder, and black pepper. Stir and bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to medium-low. Cover and simmer for 15 minutes, or until cauliflower and squash are tender. Stir in peas and cilantro. Cook uncovered a few minutes longer, until heated through. Ladle into bowls sprinkle roasted seeds on top.

Stovetop balsamic chicken

Balsamic vinegar adds tons of flavor while containing zero sodium, zero fat, and few carbs. It can also reduce blood sugar, lower cholesterol, and promote healthy digestion via probiotics.

Prep: 10 minutes | Marinate: 2 to 12 hours | Cook: 20 minutes | Servings: 4 ½ cup balsamic vinegar

2 tablespoons olive oil

2 cloves garlic, minced

2 tablespoons honey

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

½ teaspoon black pepper

½ teaspoon salt

1 pound thin boneless,

skinless chicken breasts

1 small red onion

1½ pounds Brussels sprouts ¼ cup water

cooking spray Russian dressing, cocktail sauce, or coarse mustard for dipping

In a bowl, whisk together the first 7 ingredients (from balsamic vinegar to salt) to create a marinade. Place chicken breasts in a shallow dish and pour about half the marinade on top. Cover remaining marinade and refrigerate. Cover and refrigerate chicken for 2 to 12 hours.

Remove chicken from fridge and let rest 15 minutes before cooking. Meanwhile, slice red onion into half-moons. (Cut off ends, peel, lay on a flat end and cut in half vertically, then turn on flat side and slice into thin strips.) Trim Brussels sprouts and cut in half lengthwise. Coat a large skillet with cooking spray and heat over medium burner. Sauté red onion for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring every few minutes. Set cooked onion aside and coat skillet with cooking spray again. Toss in Brussels sprouts and cook 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are a little browned and crispy, then pour in ¼ cup water and steam uncovered until water has evaporated. Return onion to skillet with sprouts and coat with reserved sauce. Heat another minute or so, then transfer vegetables to a serving platter and serve with Russian dressing for dipping.

Using tongs, place chicken breasts flat in the hot skillet, pouring in all the marinade. Cover with lid and poach chicken for 9 to 12 minutes, until internal temperature reaches 165 F. Transfer chicken to a cutting board and let rest for a few minutes, then slice chicken breasts and place on top of Brussels sprouts. Serve hot.

Per serving: 327 calories, 12 grams fat (3 grams saturated fat), 67 milligrams cholesterol, 377 milligrams sodium, 27 grams total carbohydrates, 7 grams fiber, 32 grams protein.

Vegan chocolate pudding

Avocado in chocolate pudding might seem unusual, but avocados contain all kinds of vitamins, minerals and healthy fats, and their mild flavor is quickly masked by the cocoa, making this an easy, healthy, vegan, and dairy-free version of a beloved dessert.

Prep: 10 minutes | Servings: 4 2 ripe avocados ¼+ cup unsweetened plain almond milk

4+ tablespoons pure maple syrup or agave

4 tablespoons cocoa powder 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Note: Unsweetened plain soy or oat milk may be used as substitute for the almond milk. Cut avocados in half, remove pits, and scoop the green flesh into a food processor. Add remaining ingredients (starting with ¼ cup almond milk and 4 tablespoons syrup) and blend for a few minutes, stopping twice to scrape down the sides. Add a splash more almond milk if needed to achieve desired thickness, and taste test for sweetness level. Serve chilled with your favorite toppings, like raspberries and fresh mint. Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days.

Per serving: 275 calories, 21 grams fat (4.5 grams saturated fat), 0 milligrams cholesterol, 20

Orange chicken and rice

Citrus adds depth, sweetness, and sometimes a tart kick to healthy dishes. In this dish, the orange mellows in the oven, bringing a comforting warmth and lightness to the rice and chicken.

Prep: 20 minutes | Cook: 35 to 45 minutes | Servings: 4

3 navel oranges

1 teaspoon ground thyme

1 teaspoon black pepper

½ teaspoon salt

1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs

1 medium onion, finely diced 2 to 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth

1 cup brown rice (basmati [shown], jasmine, or short)

1 tablespoon olive oil

Preheat oven to 400 F. Zest and juice two of the oranges (include pulp, if desired) and whisk together with thyme, pepper, and salt in a small bowl. Slice the remaining orange into half-inch rounds and lay flat in a medium baking dish. Place thighs on top of the orange slices and pour orange juice mixture evenly across the dish. Cover dish with aluminum foil and bake 30 to 35 minutes, or until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 F.

Meanwhile, rinse rice in a mesh strainer and set aside to drain. In a medium pot over medium-high heat, sauté onions with olive oil for about 5 minutes. If they start to dry out or brown, pour a little chicken stock in and place a lid on top so the onions steam a bit. Locate the cooking instructions on your package of rice. Follow the instructions for amount of liquid, cook time, and cook instructions, except substitute low-sodium chicken broth for the water listed and cook the rice in the pot with the sautéed onions.

If the chicken finishes cooking before the rice, turn off the oven and let the chicken rest inside until the rice is ready. Serve platter-style or slice chicken and plate individually, spooning remaining orange sauce on top. If you’re looking for a vegetable to pair with this dish, try steamed green beans, zucchini, or broccoli.

Per serving: 489 calories, 13 grams fat (3 grams saturated fat), 121 milligrams cholesterol, 325 milligrams sodium, 46 grams total carbohydrates, 4 grams fiber, 45 grams protein.

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

www.ohiocoopliving.com

While you’re there, check out a video of

MESSAGE FROM THE GENERAL MANAGER

Winter preparation ADAMS RURAL ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE LOCAL PAGES

As the new year begins and winter sets in, one of the biggest concerns at the cooperative is the threat of an ice storm. An ice storm can wreak havoc on the system and cause a lot of damage. Heavy accumulations can bring down trees and topple electric poles. In my time at Adams Rural Electric, I have been through several ice storms that caused both major damage and extended outages — some that lasted for more than a week. The employees work long hours to get the power restored as quickly and safely as possible.

At the cooperative, we plan and prepare for these storms year-round. Each year, management participates in a table-top exercise to evaluate our emergency response plan. This written plan serves as a guide to management and employees for what to do in the event that an ice storm or any type of disaster occurs.

Materials are kept at an inventory level so that the crews have what they need. It has been a real challenge the past year due to supply chain issues, but we are constantly planning ahead so we do not run out.

Throughout the year, Adams Rural Electric crews, along with a contractor, clear right-of way-and trim trees. Right-of-way clearing can be a challenge due

to the area we live in. When ice weighs down a tree, it can cause the tree to come down on the lines, which increases restoral time. If you have a tree that is in the primary electric lines or right-of-way and it needs trimmed or removed, please call the office. While it may take crews a while to get to your location — we have a lot of open tree orders — it’s better to do the work before the storm hits so we can prevent an outage before it happens.

Erika Ackley GENERAL MANAGER

If an ice storm were to hit, we have resources available to help. We have a local line contractor who has sent crews to help us the past few years, and we also have right-of-way contractor crews that assist us. The cooperative can also request mutual aid assistance through our statewide association, which can dispatch available crews from other electric cooperatives in Ohio. Be prepared. Ice storm outages could last for a while. If you have a generator, now’s the time to make sure it works. If you have medical equipment, come up with a plan to go somewhere that does have electric.

I wish each of you a New Year filled with good health and happiness!

Employee Spotlight Estate capital credits

Joyce Grooms has been with Adams Rural Electric for 18 years as the cashier. She is the smiling face the members see each month when they come to pay their bills. You may also have also spoken to her on the phone when you call in, as she answers the incoming calls as well.

Joyce is the mother of two children and has four grandchildren. She enjoys spending time in her yard and also has a cleaning business.

When asked what she likes about working at the co-op, Joyce said she likes interacting with the members and helping them. Joyce also enjoys working with her coworkers, who are like her family.

The death of a loved one can be a difficult time. Many family members may not realize that the deceased was a member of Adams Rural Electric and therefore has capital credits that can be claimed upon their death. It’s important to let your heirs know that these funds are available so they can make contact with the cooperative when they are ready to do so.

To apply for capital credits, a copy of the death certificate will need to be provided and an application form filled out. The check can only be issued in one of three ways:

1. The check can be issued in the name of the deceased member. Please make sure your financial institution will allow the deposit of the check into a bank account in the deceased’s name.

2. The check can be issued to “The Estate of (deceased member’s name).”

3. The check can be issued to the commissioner, administrator, or executor for the estate. This option does require a copy of the file-stamped court documents to be submitted.

Estate capital credit applications are approved by the board of trustees at the monthly board meeting, which is normally held the first Thursday of each month, and checks are usually mailed a few weeks after the board meeting. 1330350016 Please call the office and ask for the Capital Credits department if you have questions.

High school sophomores and juniors!

What is Youth Tour?

Capital credits retirements

HIDDEN NUMBER BILL

Erika

I’D RATHER BE FISHING

You can have the rare privilege of wearing a realistic and artistic depiction of the fish every angler is dying to land with our “Fish On!” Men’s Hoodie, brought to you exclusively from The Bradford Exchange. Crafted in a machine-washable cotton-blend knit in tan, the back features artwork by artist Al Agnew capturing the exciting moment when you hook that trophy fish! Also on the back is an avid angler’s favorite sentiment, “I'd rather be fishing.” The front features a smaller fishing image as a reminder of the adrenaline rush you get when your dream catch is on the line! The hoodie also has a warm, thermal-knit lined hood,

a full front zipper, two front pockets, rib knit cuffs and hem, and silvertoned metal tippets on the cords. Imported.

AN OUTSTANDING VALUE; SATISFACTION GUARANTEED

This angler’s choice hoodie is a remarkable value at $99.95*, payable in 3 easy installments of $33.32 each. To order yours in sizes M-XXXL (for size XXL & XXXL, add $10), backed by our money-back, 30-day guarantee, send no money now; just fill out and send in your Priority Reservation. You won’t find this striking design anywhere else— so don’t be disappointed, order today!

Signature

Mrs. Mr. Ms. Name

FZoo’s Hippo Cove exhibit to visit Fiona, her favorite hippopotamus.

Cora was born shortly before Fiona and has practically grown up with the remarkably charming and friendly hippo. When Cora’s mom, Randie Adam, got ready to take her birthday photo in front of Hippo Cove, Fiona was right on cue and got into the photo by positioning herself directly behind the smiling little girl.

STOVER (PHOTOBYRANDIEADAM)

“Cora has told me that if Fiona ever goes to another

Like Cora, people everywhere feel a personal connection with Fiona. Born so small she nearly died, Fiona defied the odds, and the story of how she survived and thrived made the plucky hippo an international celebrity.

Fiona has been called a symbol of hope, a source of inspiration for overcoming obstacles, and an ambassador for her species.

Since Fiona — and now her half-brother, Fritz — is such a phenomenon, we think you might be curious about her and her rotund relatives, a group (officially called a “bloat”) of hippos who exclusively inhabit Hippo Cove.

Birthplace

Henry was born at the San Francisco Zoo on Aug. 29, 1981. At the age of 7 months, he was transferred to Dickerson Park Zoo in Springfield, Missouri, where he was named after one of the zoo’s benefactors. Henry spent more than 30 years there and sired five calves (only one of which survived) with a female hippo named Patsy. After Patsy died, he lived alone for two decades, but Henry’s distinctive pink coloring and fondness for watermelon endeared him to the Missouri zoo’s visitors.

Cincinnati Zoo residency

To remedy Henry’s solitary lifestyle and provide him with a pool suited to his 4,500-pound frame, the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ Species Survival Plan (SSP) for hippopotami recommended his transfer to the Cincinnati Zoo in 2016. Its new, $8 million Hippo Cove offered Henry state-of-the-art accommodations as well as the companionship of a female half his age, 17-year-old Bibi. Henry was immediately smitten with Bibi, and after Hippo Cove opened to the public on July 21, 2016, the couple delighted zoo-goers by cavorting like honeymooners in its 70,000-gallon pool.

Claims to fame

Henry became a father for the sixth time when Bibi gave birth to Fiona on Jan. 24, 2017. Though out of practice

as a parent, Henry gradually accepted her and patiently kept his mouth wide open while Fiona curiously inspected his teeth. By midsummer, dad, mom, and baby were one big happy bloat and cuddled together during naps.

Demise

After contracting a chronic infection, 36-year-old Henry’s health declined rapidly. The zoo humanely euthanized him on Oct. 31, 2017.

Postmortem

In 2018, Dickerson Park Zoo honored Henry with a plaque that reads: “The world’s most handsome hippo. Father of Fiona. Loved by our community for more than 30 years.”

Birthplace

Born Feb. 7, 1999, at Disney’s Animal Kingdom in Florida, Bibi became one of the first — and most mischievous — residents of the St. Louis Zoo’s Hippo Harbor when she was transferred there in 2001

Cincinnati Zoo residency

Bibi moved to Cincinnati to inaugurate Hippo Cove in 2016 and keep her blind date with Henry, the first male hippo she ever encountered.

Currently

Bibi is 24 years old and weighs some 3,200 pounds. She has two offspring: Fiona, who turns 7 this month, and

BIBI, FIONA’S MOTHER

Fritz, a baby boy fathered by Bibi’s latest flame, Tucker, whom she met four years after Henry died.

Claims to fame

Fiona’s premature birth and struggle for survival made her an internet sensation, which likewise turned Bibi into one of the world’s most famous mothers. Apparently, she’s also one of the most dedicated mothers; incentivized by treats, Bibi patiently stood still for ultrasound procedures while pregnant with Fiona, and as a result, the Cincinnati Zoo made history by capturing the world’s first image of a Nile hippo in the womb. When her newborn proved too weak to stand and nurse, Bibi also walked into a chute twice a day and allowed her milk to be collected.

Singularly Cincinnati

The human care needed to keep Fiona alive meant that the zoo separated her and Bibi for months. When they were reunited, Bibi was so steadfastly protective and attentive that Fiona’s caregivers started calling the mother-daughter duo “BiFi” (pronounced “beefy”).

FIONA

Birthplace

Fiona was the first Nile hippo born at the Cincinnati Zoo in 75 years. She arrived six weeks earlier than expected, and at 29 pounds, she weighed 25 pounds less than the lowest previously recorded birthweight for her species. Because Fiona was so small and frail, zoo staffers immediately intervened to save her and even enlisted nurses from Cincinnati Children’s Hospital to administer IVs. “Team Fiona” provided intense, round-the-clock care, and the first indication that their extraordinary efforts were paying off came rather quickly, when the zoo announced that the week-old calf had been given a name: Fiona, a Gaelic word meaning “fair.”

Cincinnati Zoo residency

The zoo started posting photos and videos on social media so that people could follow Fiona’s progress. Well-wishers around the globe sent Fiona messages and cheered her every milestone, and on Aug. 25, 2017, The Fiona Show, documenting her growth and development, debuted on Facebook Watch. It garnered 34 million views in its first season. In mid-December, the zoo announced that Fiona had transitioned from bottlefeedings to solid foods, and by the time she turned 1 year old, Fiona tipped the scales at 650 pounds. With her cute face and perky personality, she also possessed tons of charisma and was undoubtedly the zoo’s star attraction.

Currently

As she nears her 7th birthday, Fiona currently weighs more than 2,100 pounds — and is still growing. She devours lettuce, veggies, beet pulp, and hay; consistently makes a big splash diving and playing in Hippo Cove’s pool; and appears to love people as much as people love her.

Claims to fame

Fiona is the first premature hippo raised by humans; the first animal voted the No. 1 Cincinnatian (five years in a row!); the first hippo to predict Super Bowl results; and the world’s most beloved hippopotamus.

Singularly Cincinnati

On Fiona’s first birthday, all of Cincinnati seemed to shout, “Hip-Hip-Hippo-Ray!” While herds of fans signed her birthday card at Hippo Cove, businesses and zoo partners celebrated with Fiona-themed products. Graeter’s made Chunky Chunky Hippo toffee-andpeanut ice cream; Rookwood Pottery did a coaster featuring Fiona, Bibi, and Henry; Cincy Shirts sold Fiona birthday tees; and the zoo announced that pre-orders were available for Fiona, the Hippo, a book by bestselling illustrator Richard Cowdrey (a member of The Energy Cooperative in Newark). Fast-forward to 2023, and Fiona remains queen of the Queen City. Graeter’s still churns out Chunky Chunky Hippo; Rookwood’s growing Fiona collection includes ornaments, plates, bookends, and coin banks; and Cincy Shirts has multiple items saluting Fiona’s entire family. Cowdrey is working on his sixth Fiona book, and of course, the zoo’s hippo-rific gift shop stocks them all (www.cincinnatizoo.org).

Birthplace

Like Bibi, Tucker is a native of Disney’s Animal Kingdom, where he was born May 18, 2003. At age 6, he went to the Topeka (Kansas) Zoo to be a companion to a female hippo named Mara. Their son, Vision, was born on Aug. 20, 2010, and shortly afterward, he was relocated to the San Francisco Zoo because Topeka’s hippo enclosure could accommodate only two animals. Tucker lived without a mate in San Francisco until the SSP program suggested he should go to Cincinnati and get acquainted with Bibi.

Cincinnati Zoo residency

When he arrived at the Hippo Cove on Sept. 6, 2021, Tucker was described as “huge, dark, and handsome,” and he and Bibi were soon hanging out by the pool and feasting on squash, melons, and hay during dinner dates. They got along so swimmingly that in April 2022, the zoo announced that Bibi was expecting her second calf.

TUCKER, BIBI’S BOYFRIEND

Currently

Tucker is 19 years old and weighs about 4,300 pounds. He was officially introduced to his -month-old son Fritz last October, and Tucker now happily occupies Hippo Cove with Bibi, their not-so-little bundle of joy, Fritz, and Fritz’s half-sister, Fiona.

Claims to fame

To date, Tucker has surprised the staff at two different zoos in two different cities by conceiving two sons with two different females who both were on birth control; Tucker confounded expectations in Topeka when Mara became pregnant, and the same thing happened again at Cincinnati’s zoo.

Singularly Cincinnati

Although christened Tucker at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, he was called “Bruce” at the San Francisco Zoo in honor of Giants manager Bruce Bochy. In a nod to Cincinnati Reds catcher Tucker Barnhart, the Cincinnati Zoo reverted to Tucker’s given name, and Barnhart reciprocated by welcoming the hippo with a video message.

FRITZ, FIONA’S BABY BROTHER

Currently

Fritz was born at the Cincinnati Zoo . In contrast to Fiona, Bibi carried him to full term, and his birthweight was

Cincinnati Zoo residency

After nursing and bonding with Bibi indoors, Fritz, with his ever-watchful mother, finally ventured into Hippo Cove’s pool at the tender age of 2 weeks old. A few days later, he made his public debut in the glass-sided pool, staring back at the media and visitors who were staring at him. On Aug. 24, Fiona met Fritz for the first time, and on Oct. 13, Tucker completed the family circle by joining them in Hippo Cove.

By this past November, 3-month-old Fritz weighed more than 300 pounds. He has a spunky personality and appears to have inherited Tucker’s bulging eyes.

Claims to fame

When the zoo asked the public to help name him, it received 90,000 suggestions from every U.S. state and more than 60 countries. The zoo selected two finalists — Ferguson and Fritz — and asked folks to choose. The response was enormous: 223,542 votes, of which 56% favored Fritz. While the winning name alliterates nicely with Fiona, it also alludes to the fact that Fritz exists because Bibi’s birth control was, well, on the fritz.

Singularly Cincinnati

Virtual zoo members can access the live Hippo Cove webcam to view the everyday lives and playful antics — including nose bumps, blowing bubbles from their nostrils, and the occasional hippo “kiss” — of Fritz, Fiona, Tucker, and Bibi (www.cincinnatizoo.org).

Tip: The weather must be 40 F and sunny for them to go outside.

Space Heater (high) visit us at waterfurnace.com

7 Series Geothermal Heat Pump 900 watts1

Pump 900 watts1

WaterFurnace—The smartest way to heat and cool your home. You may not realize it, but your home is sitting on a free and renewable supply of energy. A WaterFurnace geothermal heat pump taps into the stored solar energy in your yard to provide savings up to 70% on heating, cooling, and hot water. It uses less power than a typical space heater—and it won’t singe the hair on your legs. Geothermal is a smart investment in your family’s comfort. Contact your local WaterFurnace dealer today and find out how much you can save by switching to geothermal.

WaterFurnace—The smartest way to heat and cool your home. You may not realize it, but your home is sitting on a free and renewable supply of energy. A WaterFurnace geothermal heat pump taps into the stored solar energy in your yard to provide savings up to 70% on heating, cooling, and hot water. It uses less power than a typical space heater—and it won’t singe the hair on your legs. Geothermal is a smart investment in your family’s comfort. Contact your local WaterFurnace dealer today and find out how much you can save by switching to geothermal.

Space Heater (high) visit us at waterfurnace.com

WaterFurnace is a registered trademark of WaterFurnace International, Inc. ©2022 WaterFurnace International Inc.

1. 7 Series unit uses approximately 900 watts while running in speeds 1-2.

WaterFurnace is a registered trademark of WaterFurnace International, Inc. ©2022 WaterFurnace International Inc. 1. 7 Series unit uses approximately 900 watts while running in speeds 1-2.

Both of these devices create hot air but which uses less power?

Both of these devices create hot air but which uses less power?

Winter adventure

Cold-weather camping stimulates the senses and rewards resilience.

BY JAMIE RHEIN; PHOTOS COURTESY OHIO DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES

Wonderlands of frozen, misty lakes and woods of snow-covered branches are reasons to head outdoors. Between state parks, Metroparks, KOA campgrounds, and more, there are several options for a tent or RV winter getaway.

“Don’t let the cold stop you,” says Louis Andres, park services specialist with the Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District. “Winter is a great time to go camping. There are less people, you don’t have bugs, and you see more wildlife.” In the winter, Andres looks for outdoor sweet spots where bald eagle nests, wild turkeys, racoon, coyote, and deer are part of the scene. Geese and ducks are frequent visitors, too.

Both Charles Mill and Pleasant Hill Lake, two district parks, have campgrounds with RV and tent sites with

groomed trails that are perfect for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. To stay warm, “the key is staying dry,” says Andres. He recommends dressing in layers including polar fleece to combat the chill.

As a boy, tent camping for Ohio native David Klco meant warm-weather trips with his family. These days, Klco camps year-round. Zaleski State Forest in southeastern Ohio is his camping go-to, where winter offers a quiet beauty in the ice formations. “Lake Hope State Park is right across the street,” he says. Michael Reed, his buddy since high school, sometimes joins in on the outdoor escape. “You leave whatever you’re worried about behind you — [camping] stimulates your senses,” says Reed. Both appreciate the heightened challenge of colder weather.

“It feels good to go against nature,” says Klco, who often

Winter Camping Tips

The winter camping season is generally considered to run from Nov. 15 to April 1, according to Ohio State Parks. Before heading out, check campground availability and amenities.

hikes a mile or two up a trail for the perfect spot. His two-person tent has a rain fly large enough for a chair. To keep warm, Klco wears a base layer of thermals and thick socks. His Therm-a-Rest sleeping pad has a 6.9-R value to combat cold, but 4 or above is sufficient. Before tucking in at night, he changes into dry socks or thermal booties.

Bringing a small amount of wood is another camping must. “You don’t know if you’ll find wood dry enough to burn,” Klco says. “You do appreciate the fire more,” Reed laughs.

Last New Year’s Eve, Amy and Gino Love pulled into their campsite at Alum Creek State Park in their SUV. “Let’s see how this camping thing works for us,” these North Carolina transplants said before they headed out from their New Albany home. After an evening of sitting

by the fire enjoying the sky darkening over the lake, they put down the rear seats, bundled up in blankets, and slept on an air mattress. In the morning, they heated coffee on their grill. The camping thing worked fine. Since then, they’ve added a tent that attaches to the SUV’s open hatch, but they see an RV in their future. Angie Ratliff and her husband are year-round RVers who enjoy Deer Creek and Alum Creek state parks for their proximity to Columbus. Although the metro area offers amenities, the solitude of the parks is a plus. “It’s so quiet. It’s more peaceful here in the winter,” Ratliff says as she enjoys outdoor time with her dog. “This time of year, you can hear the deer,” she says. Their tips: Aim for a sunny campsite near the shower house; bring extra propane; and heat the underbelly of the RV to prevent its pipes from freezing.

• A dome-shaped tent is best. It’s less likely to collapse if there’s snow. Pitch it on a tarp and away from branches that could fall. Undo the zipper a little to let out moisture from your breath.

• Use a mummy-style sleeping bag with a temperature rating of 20 degrees. A sleeping bag liner adds warmth.

• Bring waterproof matches, a flashlight, and a headlamp. A shovel is useful to clear snow from under an RV and flatten snow before pitching a tent.

• Rugs add insulation on the floor of an RV.

• Make one-pot meals to cut down on prep and cleanup.

First impressions

A visit to the first new state park lodge built in Ohio for the last 31 years.

STORY AND PHOTOS BY W.H. “CHIP” GROSS

LHocking Hills is the Buckeye State’s most popular state park, visited by some 5 million people annually, and this past October, the brand-new, highly anticipated Hocking Hills State Park Lodge and Conference Center opened its doors to guests.

The nearly 74,000-square-foot lodge has 81 guest rooms, and the event space can accommodate hundreds of people.

My wife and I were among the first visitors, booking an overnight stay to celebrate our birthdays in early November. “The lodge has been very busy ever since we opened,” says general manager Todd Tucker.

As expected, the lodge is gorgeous. Especially stunning is the view through the four-story picture windows of the main lobby. The open, timber-frame architecture incorporates the surrounding woods and natural landscape into a rustic yet state-of-the-art modern design. Overnight guests can choose from king beds, double queen beds, king and bunk beds, and queen and bunk beds. Two-room suites are also available. All rooms have a mini-refrigerator and microwave.

The lodge has two swimming pools, indoor and outdoor; and two large hot tubs, again, indoor and outdoor. After enjoying the many scenic areas of the Hocking Hills, visitors can relax and warm up in front of any of five massive, 39-foot-tall limestone fireplaces.

Both lodge guests and day visitors can enjoy full-service dining at the Rock House Restaurant and Pub. My wife and I ate both supper and breakfast there, and the food

The Hocking Hills State Park Lodge has an inviting air, with its rocking chair-lined porch and an entranceway that lights up the night.

was excellent. Reservations are not required, but highly recommended, as the available seating fills up quickly. A grab-and-go snack shop (Café 22) offers sandwiches, pizza, soft drinks, and other finger foods. There’s also a gift shop, filled with creations from local artisans.

Outdoors, a large patio overlooks a tree-filled gorge. “The Forest Plaza with its wooden pergola is going to become one of the most popular guest areas at the lodge,” Tucker says, “likely the site of many future weddings.” Nearby, on the Grand Terrace, are several propane-fueled fire tables that guests can gather around after dark.

The Hocking Hills are known for their hiking trails, arguably the best and most scenic in the state. If you are new to the park, not to be missed are Old Man’s Cave,

Whispering Cave, Ash Cave, Cedar Falls, Rock House, Cantwell Cliffs, and Conkles Hollow. The trails range in skill level from easy (handicap accessible) to difficult, so there is something for everyone. Two mountain bike trails are also available: the Purple Loop is rated moderate, and the Orange Loop rated difficult. If you’re a stargazer, John Glenn Astronomy Park is located near the lodge within Hocking Hills State Park.

The only regret my wife and I had concerning our visit was that we hadn’t booked a second night’s stay. Gee, guess we’ll just have to go back.

To make your reservations at the lodge, visit www.hockinghillsparklodge.com or call 800-AT-A-PARK.

FOR RECLAIM

2023 CALENDAR JANUARY/FEBRUARY

NORTHWEST

JAN. 7, 14, 21, 28 – Ice Skating Lessons, The Cube, 3430 N. Main St., Findlay, noon. $44/session. Group skating lessons for ages 5 and up. Sessions are once a week for four weeks. 419-424-7176 or www. visitfindlay.com/event.

JAN. 21–22 – Lima Symphony: “Harp by Candlelight,” Sat. 7:30 p.m., Trinity United Methodist Church, 301 W. Market St., Lima; Sun. 4 p.m., Grand Opera House, 119 W. Spring St., St. Marys. Featuring works by Debussy, Mozart, Pärt, and Tchaikovsky. 419-222-5701 or www.limasymphony.com.

JAN. 25 – Presidential History Book Club, Hayes Presidential Library and Museum, Spiegel Grove, Hayes and Buckland aves., Fremont, noon. In-person and online discussion of The Quartet: Orchestrating the Second American Revolution, 1783–1789 by Joseph Ellis. 419-332-2081 or www.rbhayes.org.

JAN. 29 – Dragons and Mythical Beasts, Veterans Memorial Civic and Convention Ctr., 7 Town Square,

Lima, 3 p.m. $15–$35. Calling all brave heroes! Enter a magical world of myths and legends, of magnificent monsters and terrifying beasts, in this fantastical new show for the whole family. 419-224-1552 or www.limaciviccenter.com.

FEB. 2–5 – Greater Toledo Auto Show, Glass City Center, 401 Jefferson Ave., Toledo, Thur. 3–9 p.m., Fri. 12–9 p.m., Sat. 10 a.m.–9 p.m., Sun. 10 a.m.–5 p.m. $6–$8, under 10 free. Displays of the latest and greatest models and automotive technologies from more than 25 different manufacturers. 800-686-9100 or www.toledoautoshow.org.

FEB. 4 – Ice-A-Fair, 685 Main St., Vermilion, 11 a.m.–7 p.m. Free. A daylong winter event for the entire family, featuring glittering ice sculptures on display and ice carving demos throughout the day, ending with the towering Fire & Ice display. 440-9630772 or www.mainstreetvermilion.org.

FEB. 4–5 – 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.–4:30 p.m., Sun. 8:30 a.m.–2 p.m. $6, under 18 free. Over 400 tables of modern and antique guns, knives, hunting equipment, and associated collectibles for purchase. 419-647-0067 or www.tristategunshow.org.

FEB. 7 – Fiddler on the Roof, Marathon Center for the Performing Arts, Donnell Theater, 200 W. Main Cross St., Findlay, 7:30 p.m. Tony-winning director Bartlett Sher and his team bring a fresh and authentic vision to this beloved theatrical masterpiece. $59+. 419-423-2787 ext. 100 or www.mcpa.org/events/ detail/fiddler.

FEB. 10–11 – Winterfest BG Chillabration, downtown Bowling Green. Free. Annual communitywide festival featuring a Frozen Swamp Tent, ice garden with carving demos, live entertainment, horse-drawn carriage rides, and more. 419-353-9445 or www.winterfestbgohio.com.

FEB. 11 – Valentine Tea Party, Manor House, 229 Monroe St., Wauseon, 11 a.m.–1 p.m. Bring your daughter or granddaughter for a delightful tea party in a vintage setting. Call by Feb. 4 for reservations: 419-337-7922.

FEB. 12 – Family Concert: “Wall to Wall Percussion,” Veterans Memorial Civic and Convention Center, 7 Town Square, Lima, 3 p.m. Join us for the U.S. premiere of acclaimed Canadian percussionist Vern Griffiths. 419-222-5701 or www. limasymphony.com.

JAN. 20–22 – West Virginia Hunting and Fishing Show, Charleston Coliseum and Convention Center, 200 Civic Center Dr., Charleston. 304-768-9999 or www.wvtrophyhunters.com.

2023 CALENDAR JANUARY/FEBRUARY

NORTHEAST

NW, Hartville, 9 a.m.–4 p.m. Over 30 vendors selling sports cards, memorabilia, autographs, and more. 330-417-1400 or www.hartvillemarketplace.com/ events.

JAN. 14–15, FEB. 11–12 – Medina Gun Show, Medina Co. Fgds. Community Center, 735 Lafayette Rd., Medina, Sat. 9 a.m.–5 p.m., Sun. 9 a.m.–3 p.m. $7. Over 450 tables of displays. 330-948-4400 (Jim Conrad) or www.conraddowdell.com.

garden showcase and other unique displays. www.greatbighomeandgarden.com.

FEB. 4 – Mid-Winter Stamp and Coin Show, Mozelle Hall, Ashland Co. Fgds., 2042 Claremont Ave., Ashland, 10 a.m.–3 p.m. Free. Stamp dealers, coin dealers, and a U.S. Postal Service table. For more information, contact Tom Zuercher at 419-496-1317

JAN. 8 – Concert: “Hammered Dulcimer and Bass,” Wadsworth Public Library, 132 Broad St., Wadsworth, 2–3 p.m. Free; reservations recommended. Tina and Bryan Bergmann will showcase a variety of Celtic, American Old Time, and South American arrangements, as well as discuss the tunes and their instruments. 419-853-6016 or www.ormaco.org.

JAN. 13 – National Geographic Live: Secrets of the Whales, Mimi Ohio Theatre, Playhouse Square, 1519 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, 7 p.m. $30–$150. National Geographic Explorer and underwater photographer Brian Skerry turns his lens to one of the world’s most beloved animals to illuminate the groundbreaking science of whale life and culture. 216-241-6000 or www.playhousesquare.org.

JAN. 13–15 – Model Train Expo, Hans Event Center, 165 N. Water St., Loudonville. www.discovermohican. com/events-calendar.

JAN. 14 – Mohican WinterFest, downtown Loudonville, 8 a.m.–5 p.m. Free family entertainment centering around Olympic Ice Carvings and the Model Train Expo. Ice sculptures will be placed along Main Street around 5 p.m. and stay in place throughout the weekend (weather permitting). www.discovermohican. com/events-calendar.

JAN. 14, FEB. 11 – Hartville Sports Card Show, Hartville MarketPlace and Flea Market, 1289 Edison

JAN. 21 – Hartville Antique Show, Hartville MarketPlace and Flea Market, 1289 Edison NW, Hartville, 9 a.m.–4 p.m. Showcasing local vendors selling vintage, antique, and unique items. 330-8779860 or www.hartvillemarketplace.com/events.

JAN. 21 – Mentor Chill Out, Mentor Civic Center Park, 8600 Munson Rd., Mentor, 11 a.m.–6 p.m. Free. Fun festival featuring wagon rides, snowman building contests, ice sculpting demos and displays, outdoor skating rink, chili cook-off, food trucks, fireworks, and more. https://cityofmentor.com/departments/parksrecreation/events.

JAN. 22 – Flea Market of Collectables, Medina Co. Fgds. Community Center, 735 Lafayette Rd. (St. Rte. 42), Medina, 9 a.m.–3 p.m. $2. Earlybird special admission, 6–9 a.m., $3. A treasure trove of vintage items and collectables. 330-948-4300 or www. conraddowdell.com.

JAN. 28 – TCA Great Lakes Division Train Meet, UAW Hall, 5615 Chevrolet Blvd., Parma, 10 a.m.–3 p.m. $6 330-273-6404 (John Twarog), tcalakeerie@gmail. com, or www.greatlakestca.org.

FEB. 3–12 – The Great Big Home and Garden Show, IX Center, 1 I-X Center Dr., Cleveland. $5–$15, under 6 free. See website for hours. Over 600 exhibitors. Meet industry experts and home professionals; enjoy the

FEB. 5 – Model Railroad and Toy Show, Medina Co. Fgds. Community Center, 735 Lafayette Rd. (St. Rte. 42), Medina, 9 a.m.–3 p.m. $7. 330-948-4400 (Vikki Conrad) or www.conraddowdell.com.

FEB. 10–11 – Cleveland Beer Fest, Huntington Convention Center, 300 Lakeside Ave. E., Cleveland. $25–$90. Must be 21 or older to attend. Sample more than 150 local and craft brews, as well as wine and spirits from new craft wineries and distilleries. www.clevelandbeerfest.com.

FEB. 10–19 – Little Shop of Horrors, Ohio Theatre, 156 N. Water St., Loudonville, Fri./Sat. 7 p.m., Sun. 2 p.m. Presented by the Mohican Community Theatre. 419-994-3750 or www.theohiotheatre.com/live-shows.

FEB. 11 – Hike for Health, Malabar Farm State Park, 4050 Bromfield Rd., Lucas. Free. Wear sturdy footwear and dress for the weather. 419-774-4761 or www.discovermohican.com/events-calendar.

FEB. 12 – Stephan Haluska: “Demystifying the Harp,” Wadsworth Public Library, 132 Broad St., Wadsworth, 2–3 p.m. Free; reservations recommended. The harpist, composer, and improviser will examine the instrument’s unique textural, harmonic, and percussive qualities. 419-853-6016 or www.ormaco.org.

SOUTHEAST

THROUGH DEC. 30 – River City Farmers Market, 200 Butler St., Marietta, Sat. 9 a.m.–noon (winter hours). Offering the best local products. All items are

handmade, homemade, or homegrown. 740-5166253 or www.therivercityfarmersmarket.com.

JAN. 15 – Ross County Bridal Show, Stillwater Event and Conference Center, 464 Debord Rd., Chillicothe, 1–4 p.m. $10 per person; tickets sold at door. Vendors, caterers, photographers, door prizes, dancing, free pizza party, free massages. Contact Tammy at 740-649-6177

JAN. 21–22 – Sons of Liberty Trade Fair, Canters Cave 4-H Camp, 1362 Caves Rd., Jackson, Sat. 8 a.m.–5 p.m., Sun. 8 a.m.–3 p.m. $4, under 12 free. Indoor pre-1850s trade fair with sutlers (dealers) selling items of that period. 740-773-3891

JAN. 27 – Marty Stuart and His Fabulous Superlatives, Peoples Bank Theatre, 222 Putnam St., Marietta, 8 p.m. Tickets starting at $46. The Grammy Award–winning singer, songwriter, and musician

will perform songs from his latest album, Way Out West, as well as his many past hits. www.peoplesbanktheatre.com.

FEB. 10 – Chris Janson, Peoples Bank Theatre, 222 Putnam St., Marietta, 8 p.m. Tickets starting at $53. The breakout country star is a platinum-selling recording artist, high-octane entertainer, multiinstrumentalist, award-winning singer/songwriter, and Grand Ole Opry member. www.peoplesbanktheatre. com.

FEB. 11 – Winter Hike, Burr Oak State Park, 10220 Burr Oak Lodge Rd., Glouster, 10 a.m.–1 p.m. Free. Meet at the lodge. Join fellow outdoors enthusiasts for a great day of hiking! Hike lengths are 1, 3, 5, and 8 miles. Free bean soup and cornbread after the hike. Wear sturdy footwear and dress for the weather. 740767-3570 or http://parks.ohiodnr.gov.

CENTRAL

JAN. 6–15 – Ohio RV and Boat Show, Ohio Expo Center, 717 E. 17th St., Columbus, Wed.–Fri. noon–8 p.m., Sat. 10 a.m.–8 p.m., Sun. 11 a.m.–5 p.m. $3–$15; 5 and under free. Hundreds of RVs, campers, boats, motorcycles, and more from over 21 dealers, plus camping gear, equipment, and related products. 614370-4399 or www.ohiorvandboatshow.com.

JAN. 20 – Chicks With Hits, Marion Palace Theatre, 276 W. Center St., Marion, 7:30 p.m. $12–$54. Featuring country music legends Terri Clark, Pam Tillis, and Suzy Bogguss. 740-383-2101 or www. marionpalace.org.

JAN. 21 – Hocking Hills Winter Hike, 20160 St. Rte. 664 S., Logan, continuous starts between 9 and 11 a.m. Free. Join us for a 6-mile trek from Old Man’s Cave to Ash Cave, with a stop at Cedar Falls for bean soup and corn muffins. Shuttle bus takes you back to the parking area. Wear sturdy footwear and dress for the weather. 740-685-6841 or www.hockinghills.com.

JAN. 21 – Logan Frozen Festival, downtown Logan, noon–6 p.m. Free. Ice sculptures by Rock on Ice, ice games, ice block carving demos, food, music, and more! 740-385-2750 or www.explorehockinghills. com/festivals-events.

JAN. 22–23 – Scott Antique Market, Ohio Expo Ctr., Bricker and Celeste Bldgs., 717 E. 17th Ave., Columbus, Sat. 9 a.m.–6 p.m., Sun. 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Free; $5 parking. 800 exhibit booths. info@scottantiquemarket. com or www.scottantiquemarkets.com.

JAN. 25 – United Way Awards Banquet and Annual Meeting, Olivedale Senior Center, 253 Boving Rd., Lancaster, 8 a.m. www.uwayfairfieldco.org.

JAN. 28 – Buckeye Lake Winterfest, Buckeye Lake region. Free fun for the whole family! 740-398-7205 or www.buckeyelakecc.com/winterfest.

JAN. 28 – “Get Twiggy With It!,” Dawes Arboretum, 7770 Jacksontown Rd., Newark, 10 a.m.–noon. $15 Learn how to identify deciduous trees after they’ve lost their foliage; receive a Winter Tree Finder guidebook. Register at 800-443-2937 or www. dawesarb.org.

JAN. 28 – Winter Hike, Mt. Gilead State Park, 4119 St. Rte. 95, Mt. Gilead, 2–3:30 p.m. Free. Meet at the Nature Center for a walk with our naturalist. Wear sturdy footwear and dress for the weather. https:// ohiodnr.gov.

FEB. 2 – Groundhog Day Trek, Alum Creek State Park, 4550 Africa Rd., Galena, 2–4 p.m. Free. Meet at the New Galena Picnic Area. https://ohiodnr.gov.

FEB. 3–5 – Johnson’s Log Home and Timber Frame Show, Ohio Expo Ctr., 717 E. 17th Ave., Columbus. Expo for log home, timber frame home, and rustic furniture enthusiasts. 866-607-4108 or www. loghomeshows.com.

FEB. 4 – “Dancing Queen: An ABBA Salute,” Woodward Opera House, Mount Vernon, 8 p.m.; doors open at 7 p.m. $45. The ultimate tribute to one of the bestselling pop groups of all time, with a repertoire of over 40 all-time favorite ABBA hits. 740-462-4278 or www.thewoodward.org.

FEB. 4 – Simply Queen, Marion Palace Theatre, 276 W. Center St., Marion, 7:30 p.m. $22–$32. Live tribute band faithfully re-creates the grand scope of Queen’s live shows — musically and visually capturing the Queen experience. 740-383-2101 or www. marionpalace.org.

FEB. 10–12 – Columbus Fishing Expo, Ohio Expo Ctr., Bricker Bldg., 717 E. 17th Ave., Columbus, Fri. noon–7 p.m., Sat. 10 a.m.–6 p.m., Sun. 10 a.m.–4 p.m. $12+. Nearly 300 vendors, free seminars with expert anglers, kids’ zone, All-American Fish Fry, and more. 614-361-5548 or www.columbusfishingexpo.com.

FEB. 11 – Sweethearts Hike, Hocking Hills State Park, St. Rte. 56, Logan, 5–7 p.m. Free. Meet at Ash Cave parking lot. Take your sweetheart for a romantic stroll to Ash Cave in the soft light of dusk, then enjoy a cozy fire and refreshments. Wear sturdy footwear and dress for the weather. 740-685-6841 or www.hockinghills.com.

FEB. 14 – Rocks to Roots 5-Mile Hike, Alum Creek State Park, 3615 S. Old State Rd., Delaware, 1–3:30 p.m. Free. Meet at the Park Office. Wear sturdy footwear and dress for the weather. https://ohiodnr.gov.

SOUTHWEST

THROUGH FEB. 22 – Bluegrass Wednesdays, Vinoklet Winery, 11069 Colerain Ave., Cincinnati, Wed. 6:30–8:30 p.m. Free entertainment by Vernon McIntyre’s Appalachian Grass. Reservations recommended. 513-385-9309, vinokletwinery@fuse. net, or www.vinokletwines.com.

JAN. 13–15 – National Fishing Expo, Sharonville Convention Center, 11355 Chester Rd., Cincinnati, Fri. noon–7 p.m., Sat. 10 a.m.–6 p.m., Sun. 10 a.m.–4 p.m. $12–$25. Hundreds of vendors, demos,

educational seminars, and fun activities. 614-3615548 or www.nationalfishingexpos.com.

JAN. 18 – Winter Wonderland Hike, Caesar Creek State Park, 8570 E. St. Rte. 73, Waynesville, 1–3 p.m. Free. Meet at the Nature Center for a guided hike with a naturalist. Wear sturdy footwear and dress for the weather. 513-897-3055 or https://ohiodnr.gov.

JAN. 20–22, 25–29 – Ford Cincinnati Boat, Sport, and Travel Show, Duke Energy Convention Ctr., 525 Elm St., Cincinnati. See website for hours and daily schedule. Boats, campers, ATVs, motorcycles, adventure sports equipment, demos, seminars, contests, and more, including crowdfavorite Twiggy the Water-Skiing Squirrel! www. cincinnatiboatshow.com.

JAN. 20–22, 27–29 – Greater Cincinnati Remodeling Expo, Sharonville Convention Center, 11355 Chester Rd., Cincinnati, Fri. noon–7 p.m., Sat. 10 a.m.–7 p.m., Sun. 10:30 a.m.–5 p.m. $5; 18 and under free. See innovative displays showcasing the latest design trends and product offerings; get advice from local experts on your home improvement projects. www.homeshowcenter.com/ details/Cincinnati.

JAN. 21 – Beans and Cornbread Hike, Caesar Creek State Park, 8570 E. St. Rte. 73, Waynesville, 10 a.m.–1 p.m. Free. Meet at the Wellman Meadow boat ramp. Wear sturdy footwear and dress for the weather. 513-897-3055 or https://ohiodnr.gov.

JAN. 22 – Butler Philharmonic Orchestra: “Mendelssohn at the Sorg,” Sorg Opera House, 63 S. Main St., Middletown, 3 p.m. $20 www.butlerphil.org.

JAN. 31 – Drawing Room Chamber Concert, TroyHayner Cultural Ctr., 301 W. Main St., Troy, 7:30 p.m. www.troyhayner.org/music.html.

FEB. 3–4 – Cincy Beer Fest, Duke Energy Center, 525 Elm St., Cincinnati. $25–$90. Must be 21+ to attend. Sample more than 150 local and craft brews, as well as wine and spirits from new craft wineries and distilleries. www.cincybeerfest.com.

FEB. 4 – Go-Kart Swap Meet, Roberts Centre, 123 Gana Rd., Wilmington, 8 a.m.–3 p.m. $10–$15, under 6 free. Asphalt and dirt karting along with quarter midgets and other categories. 250+ venders. New and used equipment and parts; educational and tech seminars. For more info, call Bruce at 513-309-2963 Register online at www.ovka.com/swap-meet.

Stuffed besties

For April, send “Tea party” by Jan. 15; for May, send “Junior gardener” by Feb. 15. Upload your photos at www.ohiocoopliving.com/memberinteractive.

Our grandson, Jackson, with a few of his stuffed besties. Kathy Jefford, South Central Power Company member

My granddaughter, Lyndon Lee, with her best friend, Berry. Julie Finnegan, North Central Electric Cooperative member

Calvin cuddling his Cuddles for Clefts bear he got for his upcoming cleft lip repair. Jessica Cawley, South Central Power Company member

Brady’s “bestie” Christmas present from Grandpa. Fran Booker, Guernsey-Muskingum Electric Cooperative member

My son, Franz Horton, now 10 years old, received this bear for his birthday several years ago. Erika Klaber, Butler Rural Electric Cooperative member

Shopping with our 5-year-old son, Klay. Ethan and Kacey Kramer, South Central Power Company members

My grandson, Gabriel, surrounded by all his favorite buddies. Debi Fagan, South Central Power Company member

THE VALUE OF ELECTRICITY

As prices for everyday things, like bread, go higher and higher, your electric cooperative is constantly working to keep the price of electricity affordable AND stable.