Ohio Cooperative Living – January 2024 - Midwest

OHIO

JANUARY 2024

COOPERATIVE Midwest Electric, Inc.

Woods, waters, and

What a life!

20 years with Chip Gross

ALSO INSIDE Standing up for co-ops

POWER British baking favorites GRID WARNING The Kenley Players page 17

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's youth program coordinator to learn more about its youth programs.

ohioec.org/education-youth

OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • JANUARY 2024

INSIDE FEATURES

22 BROADWAY IN THE HEARTLAND

The Kenley Players brought a dose of big-city glamour to the Buckeye State.

28 WILD KITCHEN

ODNR’s mobile kitchen serves game vittles far and wide — and free!

30 FACTS AND FOIBLES FROM THE FRONT PORCH

The Harding site in Marion tells the story of the last U.S. president to hail from Ohio.

Cover image on most editions: W.H. “Chip” Gross says his “overwhelming fascination and appreciation for the beauty, complexity, and intricacy of the natural world” has been the key to his longevity as Ohio Cooperative Living’s outdoors editor. See page 8 as we mark his 20 years (and counting) with a selection of some of his favorite work through the years (photo by Jan Gross).

This page: A Holstein cow gets an upclose look at a visitor to Indian Creek Creamery’s grazing pasture in DeGraff.

Owners Colleen and Ray Jackson, members of Logan County Electric Cooperative, founded the creamery in 2019 as an offshoot of their 180-acre dairy farm. See our story on page 26 (photo by Damaine Vonada).

JANUARY 2024 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING

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UP FRONT

The road ahead J

anuary is always a good time to take stock of things — to prepare for what’s ahead in the coming year — and often, your electric cooperative finds a long list of upcoming events and things to consider as we try to make sure we’re ready for whatever comes our way. Our list seems to be a little shorter this year, but that doesn’t mean we have less to do or less to worry about. We have some important long-term goals that we need to make progress on to ensure that we can continue to provide the reliable and affordable electric service that you’ve come to expect.

One of our most pressing concerns is the growing recognition throughout the electric utility industry, especially among those whose job it is to ensure the reliability of the regional and national electric system, that we have entered a new era — a period of increasing risk that our electric system may not be able to provide all the power needed to keep everyone’s lights on during periods of extreme weather.

The nation’s growing demand for electricity is on a collision course with the shrinking supply of the traditional fossil-fuel-fired generation that has always been the foundation for the system’s reliability. Recent reports, prepared separately and independently by the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (nerc.com) and our regional grid operator, PJM Interconnection (pjm.com), point to government policy as the greatest threat to the future reliability of our electric power system. So that’s where we start our “to do” list for the coming year: • Emphasize to our elected officials and other policymakers the need to protect the interests of the people and businesses we serve, who depend on an uninterrupted supply of electricity for their safety, security, and economic well-being, regardless of the weather.

• Adequately plan, invest, and maintain our electric generation facilities to maximize their availability during extreme weather events — when they’re needed most.

• Plan for future investments in proven technologies that can keep up with the growing demand for continuous electric service, recognizing that all forms of electric supply have inherent strengths, weaknesses, and risks and that a diverse portfolio of resources provides more stability, in both price and availability, for everyone.

• Provide training and workforce development opportunities to ensure that our employees are prepared to meet the challenges of today and tomorrow.

We know there are challenges ahead, but one thing has remained constant over the years: We are always more successful when we work together toward our common goals, even when the path ahead is sometimes unclear.

Thank you for your patronage and support of your electric cooperative again this past year.

I hope that you and your family enjoyed a joyous holiday season, and I wish you a safe and happy 2024!

2

OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • JANUARY 2024

Pat O’Loughlin

PRESIDENT & CEO OHIO’S ELECTRIC COOPERATIVES

The nation’s growing demand for electricity is on a collision course with the shrinking supply of the traditional fossil-fuel-fired generation that has always been the foundation for the system’s reliability.

JANUARY 2024 • Volume 66, No. 4

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

4 DEPARTMENTS

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

Contributors: Marc Armstrong, Colleen Romick Clark, Getty Images, W.H. “Chip” Gross, Catherine Murray, James Proffitt, Damaine Vonada, and Patty Yoder.

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 POWER LINES

Standing up, speaking out:

Co-ops find a unified voice to let officials know how policies will affect their members.

8 WOODS, WATERS, AND WILDLIFE

A walk on the wild side: Outdoors editor W.H. “Chip” Gross celebrates 20 years (and counting) of telling stories about the outdoors.

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

That’s a lovely bake! Bingeing the

latest round of British bake-offs? Try these scrumptious show-inspired treats.

17 LOCAL PAGES

News and other important information from your electric cooperative.

26

26 CO-OP PEOPLE

Cream of the crop: Indian Creek Creamery specializes in producing milk “as nature intended.”

What’s happening: January/ February 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

13

13 GOOD EATS

33 CALENDAR National/regional advertising inquiries, contact

8

Snow day: How do members have fun during the cold and snowy winter? Their photos tell the story!

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.

JANUARY 2024 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING

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POWER LINES

4

Standing

OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • JANUARY 2024

up,

Elected officials like U.S. Rep. Bob Latta (R-Bowling Green, opposite page) make it a point to listen to electric cooperative leadership at organized events such as the Legislative Conference to help them make decisions that affect their constituents.

speaking

out

Co-ops use a unified voice to let officials know how policies will affect their members.

BY JEFF MCCALLISTER

E

lectric cooperatives have a long history of standing up for themselves when the needs of their members are not being met.

A cornerstone of cooperative influence is engaging in the political arena. It’s a necessary and important part of keeping the cooperative business model strong, so co-ops invest a significant amount of time in building relationships with government representatives.

“It’s imperative that the voices of co-op members are heard by decision-makers at every level,” says Marc Armstrong, director of government affairs for Ohio’s Electric Cooperatives, the statewide trade association that provides services to the state’s cooperatives. “We try to make sure government officials know how their decisions will affect people’s everyday lives, and it’s really as simple as that.”

Hosting elected officials at the co-ops’ Central Ohio Lineworker Training Facility in Mount Gilead or the Mone power plant in Convoy gives co-ops a chance to highlight the cooperative difference — to show firsthand how locally owned, not-for-profit co-ops do more with less every day to serve their members.

Co-op managers and trustees also meet those leaders on their own turf, traveling to the Ohio Statehouse or to Washington, D.C., to share a united constituent voice.

The relationships co-op leaders are able to build, whether with a local township trustee, a state representative, or a

U.S. senator, allow them to speak to those officials from a position of trust.

Mike Aquillo, CXO/VP member services for Marysvillebased URE–Union Rural Electric Cooperative, joined other co-op leaders for the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association’s Legislative Conference in Washington, D.C., in April. “This was a great opportunity for cooperatives across the country to come together and discuss the energy policy issues impacting our members,” Aquillo says. “The Ohio cooperatives showed up in force, had very productive meetings with our elected officials, and clearly communicated our concerns, specifically with the declining thermal baseload generation and its potential serious impacts on the reliability that our members — their constituents — know and depend on.”

That topic is increasingly on the minds of co-op leaders as they examine new rules proposed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) that, while wellintentioned, would have a devastating effect on power companies’ ability to provide reliable, 24/7 electricity. The efforts that have followed the announcement of these regulations illustrate the formidable voice co-ops can project when united on an issue.

Co-ops, through their statewide and national trade associations, have banded together to make sure that both federal legislators and the EPA understand the implications of the proposed rules.

JANUARY 2024 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING

5

These efforts to advocate for responsible energy policy are crucial, says Pat O’Loughlin, president and CEO of Buckeye Power, the cooperative that supplies the electricity that Ohio co-ops deliver to their members.

“People of all political persuasions depend on a reliable supply of electricity for their health, safety, and security,” O’Loughlin says. “These rules, in effect, will force us to shut down the power plants that are the most reliable and affordable sources of power that exist today.”

The rules aim to slash carbon dioxide and other power plant emissions and include a requirement that coal and natural gas power plants capture nearly all the carbon dioxide they create, or else be forced to close.

Co-ops understand the importance of reducing greenhouse gases, O’Loughlin says, but the problem with the proposed rules is that neither the technology nor the infrastructure currently exists to allow coal and gas plants to comply — and it would take years just for zoning and engineering requirements to be put in place, even if they did.

Development such as the Intel manufacturing facility in Licking County (top photo) is driving increasing demand for electricity, adding renewed importance to reliable coal-fired generation such as that provided by the Cardinal Plant in Brilliant (above).

What can YOU do?

As a cooperative member, you can help make sure elected officials know how you might be affected by various laws and rules that are up for debate at various levels of government by joining Voices for Cooperative Power.

VCP is a grassroots educational and advocacy program designed to both keep members aware of the concerns of co-ops and to help members directly communicate those concerns to elected officials.

Visit www.voicesforcooperativepower.com to get updates on the latest issues of importance to the co-op and to find easy ways to communicate with government officials.

Members also may check out America’s Electric Cooperatives PAC, a political action group that builds relationships with candidates for federal office so that when issues arise that affect co-ops, those candidates, if elected, are most likely to support positions that benefit cooperative members. For more information about the PAC and how you can join, contact your cooperative.

6

OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • JANUARY 2024

“If compliance were even possible, the cost would be far greater than the EPA suggests and would far outweigh any environmental benefits,” Armstrong says. “That’s what our legislators need to know.”

The cost of the rule, co-ops contend, isn’t just monetary.

Those coal-fired and gas-fired power plants are closing with nothing in place to meet power demands when the sun is not shining or when wind turbines aren’t moving — both of which happen during extreme weather, when electricity is in greatest demand.

“While renewable energy technology has improved in recent years, intermittent generation resources cannot meet the growing demand on their own,” O’Loughlin says.

For example, The Energy Cooperative in Newark, thanks to growth in western Licking County and Intel’s decision to locate in nearby New Albany, projects it will add 9,000 new electric members over the next five to 10 years, leading to an increase of 50% to 90% compared to its current demand.

“The increased load includes data centers and commercialindustrial members that operate around the clock,” says Josh Filler, VP and COO–electric operations at The Energy Cooperative. “The more baseload generation we lose, coupled with increased demand for energy, the more susceptible we will be to rolling brownouts, or worse yet, blackouts. Our members depend on us to maintain reliable and consistent service.”

And that’s why the co-ops are speaking out in unison against the proposed rules — once again standing up for their members, who will be the ones who pay the price in both higher electric bills and increased potential for blackouts.

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WOODS, WATERS, AND WILDLIFE

A walk on the

wild side

8

OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • JANUARY 2024

Outdoors editor W.H. “Chip” Gross celebrates 20 years (and counting) of telling stories about the outdoors.

BY JEFF McCALLISTER

T

he January 2004 issue of Country Living magazine (now known as Ohio Cooperative Living) featured a story about Ohio’s 10 best places to view wildlife.

That certainly comes across in his writing and contributes to the popularity and longevity of “Woods, Waters, and Wildlife,” but he says there’s more to it as well.

The essay was written and photographed

by W.H. “Chip” Gross — the first of 20 years’ worth of outdoors-related features Gross has written under the “Woods, Waters, and Wildlife” heading in these pages. His topics have ranged from hunting and fishing to Ohio history, and he’s showcased innumerable plants and animals found around the Buckeye State along the way.

“This column has been about people as much as it’s been about the outdoors,” he says. “I love telling readers about the various men, women, and young people I’ve met along the Buckeye State’s back roads, giving each of those mostly unsung folks their well-deserved ‘15 minutes of fame.’

Gross, a 45-year member of Mount Gileadbased Consolidated Cooperative and retired from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources Division of Wildlife, says he has an “overwhelming fascination and appreciation for the beauty, complexity, and intricacy of the natural world.”

“I’m looking forward to 20 years more.”

In honor of the occasion, Chip has selected a “best-of” album of some of his favorite work through the years. Turn the page to see his picks — and if you have a favorite that you remember, drop him a line at whchipgross@gmail.com.

JANUARY 2024 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING

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20 years of Woods, Waters, and Wildlife

August 2005: This bat, captured, banded, and released at Mohican State Park, illustrated a column titled “Bat man!” profiling wildlife biologist Merrill Tawse and his research.

July 2004: This Native American boy was dancing in an Indian pow-wow near Loudonville when I took his photo for a column titled “Return of the natives.”

October 2009: This white-tailed

buck, photographed at a Columbus MetroPark, helped introduce the “Outdoors in autumn” special section.

January 2011:

September 2010: A base jumper parachutes from the New River Gorge Bridge in West Virginia, illustrating a column titled “Leap of faith.”

The Punderson Classic Sled Dog Race at Punderson State Park was the setting for this photo for “Born to pull.”

May 2014: One of my

all-time favorite wildlife photos: I found these two young red foxes playing near their den; the ensuing photo essay was titled “Foxy baby!”

May 2019:

I photographed this family touring South Bass Island State Park for my story “Lake Erie islands: Ohio’s three most remote campgrounds.”

10

OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • JANUARY 2024

January 2015: I was at the right place at the right time to photograph this alligator fight to illustrate a column reviewing the J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge.

February 2020: A Cooper’s hawk, appearing to scream his displeasure at having his picture taken, was really just yawning with boredom when I snapped this photo from my bedroom window; the column was titled “Look who’s coming to dinner.”

May 2007:

Two workhorses “horsing around” during Spring Plowing Days at Malabar Farm State Park near Mansfield.

May 2008: Whitewater rafters challenge West Virginia’s New River in a column titled “Wet & wild.” The photo won a national award from the Outdoor Writers Association of America.

June 2006: This photo of my second son, Peter Gross, fishing at our neighbor’s pond won an award presented by the National Wildlife Federation.

April 2013: Members of the Outdoor Writers of Ohio kayak the Little Miami River. My column “Up the creek with a paddle” profiled Ohio’s Scenic Rivers Program.

March 2012: This

pair of ospreys at Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge in Alabama illustrated my column “Greg Miller’s ‘big year.’”

July 2016: A set of caribou

antlers frames Mt. Denali in Alaska. This photo accompanied “America’s best idea,” about the 100th anniversary of the National Park Service.

August 2018:

November 2017:

“Lake Erie icon” profiled Marblehead Lighthouse — the oldest continuously operating lighthouse on the Great Lakes.

I shared my passion for hunting rabbits behind hounds in “Beagles and cottontails: Do hunting dogs go to heaven?”

Pictured is Greg Thomas with Daisy and Brooke.

August 2022:

I’ve always liked the haunting quality of this photo I took of the secretive ghost plant, also called Indian pipes, for a story titled “Specter of the forest.”

July 2023: Controlled

burns of prairies are always spectacular. This photo illustrated a column titled “Conservation Corps” about the Appalachia Ohio Alliance.

January 2021: My grandson,

Sam Gross, gives a thumbs-up to his first airplane ride; the photo illustrated a story titled “First flight.”

JANUARY 2024 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING

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12

OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • JANUARY 2024

lovely bake!

GOOD EATS

That’s a

Bingeing the latest round of British bake-offs? Try these scrumptious show-inspired treats.

Scottish cheese scones Prep: 15 minutes | Bake: 15 minutes | Servings: 12 2 cups flour 3 teaspoons baking powder 1 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon mustard powder dash cayenne pepper 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, diced + more for greasing

4 ounces (1 cup) shredded cheddar cheese + more for sprinkling 1 large egg

6 to 8 tablespoons milk + more for brushing

Scottish cheese scones are served all day — with morning coffee, with soup and salad at lunch, and alongside a glass of wine.

In a medium bowl, mix dry ingredients (flour through cayenne). Rub cut tablespoons of butter into flour mixture and toss in the cheese.

Make a crater in the flour; break egg into crater and add 6 tablespoons milk, beating with a fork. Mix flour and egg mixture with your hands, creating a dough. If it’s too sticky to handle, add a bit more flour. If it’s too dry, add a bit more milk. Knead for 1 minute.

Preheat oven to 400 F and grease baking sheet with butter. Roll dough out to ½-inch thick, cut into circles with a 2½-inch round cutter, and transfer to baking sheet. Brush tops with milk and sprinkle with cheese. Place on middle rack and bake 10 to 15 minutes.

Per serving: 172 calories, 9 grams fat (5 grams saturated fat), 39 milligrams cholesterol, 307 milligrams sodium, 17 grams total carbohydrates, 0.5 gram fiber, 6 grams protein.

JANUARY 2024 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING

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Traditional sausage rolls 1 pound 80 to 85% fat ground pork 1 teaspoon dried sage

1 teaspoon dried thyme 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard

1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

Prep: 20 minutes | Bake: 25 minutes | Servings: 10 1 8.5-ounce sheet puff pastry 1 egg, beaten

In a medium bowl, mix together ground pork, sage, thyme, mustard, and Worcestershire sauce. On a floured surface, roll puff pastry into a 10 x 15-inch rectangle, slice in half lengthwise, and place halves an inch apart on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Evenly spread 2-inch lines of the sausage mixture slightly off-center down the length of each pastry piece. Fold the wider side of pastry over the sausage and press and seal edges with a fork. Cut rolls into 3-inch sections and slit the top of each roll twice to allow steam to release. Place baking sheet in fridge for 10 minutes.

Preheat oven to 425 F. Brush pastry tops with beaten egg and bake 25 minutes, or until a deep golden brown and sausage is 165 F. Serve hot. Refrigerate leftovers for up to 4 days in the fridge or freeze up to 3 months.

Per serving: 431 calories, 26 grams fat (9 grams saturated fat), 151 milligrams cholesterol, 226 milligrams sodium, 11 grams total carbohydrates, 0.5 gram fiber, 38 grams protein.

Classic Madeira cake 2 cups flour 1⁄2 cup ground almonds 3 teaspoons baking powder

Prep: 20 minutes | Bake: 60 minutes | Servings: 8

1⁄2 teaspoon salt zest of one lemon 3⁄4 cup unsalted butter, softened

3⁄4 cup superfine sugar 3 large eggs

Note: If you can’t find superfine sugar (a.k.a. caster sugar or baker’s sugar — NOT confectioners' or powdered sugar), simply food-process granulated sugar for 30 seconds or so until the granules are visibly smaller.

Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan. In a large bowl, mix flour, ground almonds, baking powder, salt, and lemon zest; set aside. With an electric mixer, cream butter and sugar until light, fluffy, and pale in color. Beat in eggs one at a time, following each with a spoonful of the flour mixture to prevent curdling. With a spatula, gently fold in the remaining flour mixture until evenly mixed and smooth (expect the batter to become rather heavy and dough-like). Spread evenly into greased pan.

Preheat oven to 350 F. Bake 40 to 50 minutes, until a toothpick through the middle comes out clean. Let cool 15 minutes, then carefully remove from pan. Cool completely before cutting and serving.

Decorate with candied citrus peel, lemon icing, jam, or fresh berries.

Per serving: 267 calories, 15 grams fat (8 grams saturated fat), 77 milligrams cholesterol, 189 milligrams sodium, 30 grams total carbohydrate, 1 gram fiber, 5 grams protein.

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OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • JANUARY 2024

Treacle tart 13⁄4 cups flour 1⁄2 teaspoon salt 1⁄2 cup unsalted butter, sliced thin

1⁄3 cup ice cold water 8 slices stale white bread, crusts removed

Prep: 20 minutes | Chill: 30 minutes | Bake: 50 minutes | Servings: 6 11⁄2 cups golden syrup 1 egg grated zest and juice of 1 lemon

whipped cream for topping (optional)

In a large bowl with your hands, lightly combine flour, salt, and butter until it resembles crumbles. Mix in water a bit at a time.

When it begins to stick together, form dough into a round disc. Place in a sealed container and refrigerate 30 minutes.

Preheat oven to 350 F. Roll dough out on a floured surface until it's larger than the 9-inch tart pan. Transfer dough to the pan, pressing into the corners and leaving 2 to 3 inches of dough overlapping the sides. With a fork, pierce dough on bottom of pan many times. Fit parchment paper into tart crust and fill with pie weights (dry beans or rice.) Place on a baking sheet and bake for 20 minutes. Remove weights and parchment; set aside.

Meanwhile, place stale bread in a food processor and pulse into crumbs. Measure out 4 ounces (2 1⁄2 cups) of the breadcrumbs and set aside. In a large bowl, whisk together golden syrup, egg, lemon zest, and 1 tablespoon of the lemon juice. Mix in breadcrumbs. Pour mixture into tart shell and spread evenly.

Place on a baking sheet and bake 40 to 50 minutes until the filling is set (a slight jiggle and some bubbling is OK.) Cool completely on a wire rack, then trim crust edge. Serve topped with whipped cream (if desired). Can be stored at room temperature for 2 days or in the fridge for 4 days.

Per serving: 519 calories, 14 grams fat (8 grams saturated fat), 51 milligrams cholesterol, 580 milligrams sodium, 93 grams total carbohydrates, 2 grams fiber, 8 grams protein.

Check it out!

See videos of some of our mouth-watering recipes being prepared at

www.ohiocoopliving.com

JANUARY 2024 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING

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10 - Ye Guaran ar Level R teed ates

Introduces

AFFORDABLE LIFE INSURANCE The Best Idea For ... Personal Insurance - Business Insurance - Mortgage Protection

Copyright 2011 All Rights Reserved

NON-TOBACCO RATES

MONTHLY RATES $100,000

$250,000

$500,000*

Issue Age

Male

30

8.94

7.73

9.77

8.61

14

11

36

9.12

8.12

10.32

9.44

15

37

9.21

8.37

10.52

9.81

38

9.21

8.48

11.69

39

9.46

8.61

40

9.63

$1,000,000*

$100,000

MONTHLY RATES $250,000

Male Female Male Female

Issue Age

Male

Female

Male

18

16

58

28.33

21.98

50.43

36.04

13

22

18

59

31.07

23.51

55.50

15

13

22

20

60

34.14

24.28

10.16

16

14

24

21

61

37.41

12.35

10.56

17

15

25

22

62

8.83

12.94

11.01

18

16

27

24

41 10.05

9.05

13.66

11.61

20

17

30

42 10.47

9.26

14.21

12.46

22

19

43 10.98

9.39

14.72

13.25

24

11.58

9.73

15.68

14.10

45 12.25

10.15

16.86

46 12.84

10.65

47 13.43

Female

Male

Female

$500,000*

Male

$1,000,000*

Female

Male

Female

89

62

169

117

38.76

98

68

188

129

59.98

41.71

109

73

207

140

25.65

66.43

47.11

122

84

236

156

41.07

27.91

73.90

51.33

136

93

265

171

63

44.58

34.39

85.55

59.61

152

102

287

187

26

64

48.23

38.53

93.16

64.39

169

112

323

206

33

29

65

53.18

41.15

100.34

70.37

188

125

356

229

20

38

31

66

59.15

44.62

115.74

75.41

209

135

392

248

26

22

41

34

67

65.66

49.09

130.13

83.65

231

148

436

272

15.16

28

24

46

38

68

74.33

59.65

145.11

112.92

262

174

491

322

17.85

15.87

30

25

49

41

69

82.98

65.91

161.68

129.33

293

188

548

352

11.16

19.14

16.84

33

27

54

44

70

93.20

73.30

181.25

148.72

330

204

615

387

48 13.48

11.89

20.45

17.77

35

29

58

48

71

102.45

82.71

204.38

159.34

374

235

702

443

49 13.71

12.33

21.77

18.77

38

31

63

52

72

113.68

94.13

232.46

172.23

427

272

807

512

50 14.37

12.99

23.41

20.00

40

34

69

57

73

127.55 108.24

267.15

188.15

493

319

937

596

51 15.38

13.75

25.38

21.18

45

35

78

62

74

142.08 123.01

303.50

204.84

562

367 1074

685

52 16.37

14.88

28.02

22.76

49

38

87

67

75

159.25 140.48

346.45

224.56

644

424 1235

789

53 17.46

15.88

30.96

24.81

55

44

101

77

76

200.03 174.92

418.29

276.67

785

530 1489

982

54 18.69

16.72

34.00

26.21

60

46

112

83

77

249.54 216.74

505.52

339.94

956

658 1797

1215

55 20.64

17.51

37.14

27.86

67

50

122

90

78

310.70 268.40

613.27

418.11 1167

817 2179

1504

56 22.69

19.48

41.67

31.07

74

53

140

97

79

374.78 322.52

726.16

500.00 1389

983 2578

1807

57 24.69

20.63

45.59

33.43

81

58

154 107

80

450.51 386.48

859.57

596.78 1651 1180 3050

2164

44

Female

* $500,000 and $1,000,000 monthly rates are rounded up to the nearest dollar. Therefore, actual monthly rates at $500,000 and $1,000,000 may be slightly less.

Call Wiley Maddox Today to Request an Application:

(203) 637-1544 or (800) 645-1544 Monday - Friday 8 am to 5 pm EST

Premiums illustrated represent 10 year level term insurance with guaranteed level premiums for 10 years. $100,000 - $1,000,000 rates are Select-A-Term [policy form no. 07007] Preferred Plus Non-tobacco. This coverage features a level death benefit with fully guaranteed level premiums for the first 10 years with coverage to expire at age 95. The policy may be continued on Annual Renewable Term at the end of the level premium period without evidence of insurability until the anniversary nearest the insured’s 95th birthday. The underwriting risks, financial and contractual obligations and support functions associated with products issued by American General Life Insurance Company (AGL) Houston, TX are its responsibility. AGL does not solicit business in the state of New York. All terms, conditions and limitations of any policy issued shall govern. American General Life Companies is the marketing name for a group of domestic life insurers including American General Life Insurance Company and The United States Life Insurance Company in the City of New York. Policies and riders not available in all states. Premium rates current as of October 2023; rates may vary by state. Premiums available for other rate classes, ages and payment plans. Premium charges depend on evidence of insurability. Premiums increase at the end of the guaranteed term if policy is renewed. Death benefit remains level. The policy may be contested for two years from the date of issue for material misstatements or omissions on the application. Death benefit is limited to return of premium paid in the event of suicide within first two years. Rates subject to change. Standard Marketing Services represents AGL and other fine insurance companies.

All companies identified above are wholly owned subsidiaries of Corebridge Financial, Inc. Corebridge Financial and Corebridge are marketing names used by subsidiaries of Corebridge Financial, Inc.

MIDWEST ELECTRIC LOCAL PAGES MESSAGE FROM THE CEO

POWER GRID WARNING

RELIABILITY OF ELECTRICITY AT RISK IF OHIO EXPERIENCES EXTREME COLD

W

inter is here, and we are well prepared for the usual challenges this season: frigid temperatures, snow, and ice. Every year, Midwest Electric asks our members also to be prepared.

This year, however, our concern goes beyond the standard winter risks, and in contrast to problems your co-op can correct — like trees falling on our lines — this threat is beyond our control. Electricity consumers in our region now also face the possibility of outages caused by shortfalls in available electricity.

MATT BERRY, CEO

mberry@midwestrec.com

What this means for our cooperative Midwest Electric and our electricity generation cooperative, Buckeye Power, will closely watch conditions and stay in constant contact with the regional authority that manages our portion of the electric grid. We have plans in place to clearly and quickly communicate with members if we expect an energy emergency is likely or imminent.

We’ll use all available communication channels to keep you updated and will alert you if energy conservation is urgent or forced outages are likely to occur.

The culprit: Government energy policy. A recent report from the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) says government energy policy is the No. 1 threat to the nation’s electric grid. That policy consists of the forced closures of reliable power plants in favor of intermittent and unreliable wind and solar power.

What this means for you

Around Christmastime last year, bitter cold and extreme conditions during Winter Storm Elliott caused a spike in electricity demand that outstripped what was available in nearby states, and electric utilities were forced to shut down power to some residents to avert widespread uncontrolled outages. Ohio only narrowly avoided such rolling blackouts.

• Conserve energy, particularly on the coldest days. This might mean delaying doing laundry or running the dishwasher until temperatures rise. You might throw on an extra clothing layer and lower your thermostat by a few degrees to stay comfortable while using less electricity.

Industry experts now are warning that Ohio and much of the Midwest and eastern U.S. are at risk for similar scenarios if severe weather strikes again this winter. In November, NERC released a report stating HALF of the eastern U.S., including Ohio, is at risk of blackouts this winter during extreme cold conditions. This is a serious statement.

You can also be prepared for winter outages by:

The premature closing of reliable fossil-fuel power plants has narrowed the gap between the supply of available electricity and the ever-growing demand for power. When a winter storm drives even higher demand — and threatens supply at the same time — those charged with maintaining balance on the grid may require local utilities to reduce electricity use.

In addition to the possibility of “normal” winter outages, there’s an increased chance that your electric service could be interrupted by rolling blackouts.

We all can take steps to reduce the likelihood of this happening:

• Pay attention to calls for conservation and make extra effort to reduce electricity use if an alert goes out that the grid is in danger from electricity shortfalls.

• Ensuring the co-op has correct, current contact information for you. If the phone number or email on your account may be out of date, call the office.

• Connecting to the co-op through the SmartHub app and following us on social media. We’ll use these various channels to keep you informed about outages.

• Gathering supplies and having a plan to stay safe in case an outage occurs. Read more on page 18.

JANUARY 2024 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING

17

MIDWEST ELECTRIC SEE CEO MA TT BERRY’S CO NCERNS ON PAGE 17

HEALTH RELY ON ELECTRICITY?

DOES YOUR

WHAT WILL YOU DO IF THE POWER GOES OUT,

OR THE ELECTRIC GRID EXPERIENCES ROLLING BLACKOUTS?

Midwest Electric cares deeply about the health and safety of our members. As much as we would like to be able to keep your power available every moment of every day, unavoidable power outages due to severe weather, a nearby accident, or excessive demand on the PJM electric grid (see page 17) could leave you without power for hours or even days. We encourage all of our members — and in particular, those with special health needs — to develop an emergency plan in the case of a power outage.

Plan ahead

• Consider whether your needs require you to invest in a generator for your home. Begin by identifying your basic electrical needs in the event of a power outage and calculating the number of watts you’ll need. You may want a generator that produces more power than all the equipment combined plus the initial surge when it is turned on. Contact an electrician to determine your energy needs. There are two types of generators: standby and portable.

• Talk with your family and friends about what you would do in the event of a long power outage. Do you have an alternative place to stay? Does your town or city have an emergency shelter?

STANDBY GENERATORS are installed by a professional and tied directly to your home power panel. They typically are powered by natural gas or propane and will start automatically when the power goes out.

• Many medical devices, including breathing machines, power wheelchairs, oxygen, and home dialysis equipment, use electricity or are battery-dependent. Some equipment is vital to keeping you alive! Read the equipment instructions and talk to the equipment suppliers about your backup power options.

• An approved generator transfer switch, which keeps your generator separate from the electric co-op lines, must be installed by a professional.

Cellphone • Keep your cellphone charged so that you can call for help or be reached by someone else.

Batteries

PORTABLE GENERATORS are usually gas-powered and can be moved around. They must be used outside the home. Make sure you keep enough fuel on hand to last at least 24 hours.

• Start the generator before connecting appliances.

• Operate your generator once a month for at least 10 minutes to ensure that it is running properly.

• If your devices are battery-operated, make sure you have extras on hand and check them periodically — unused rechargeable batteries may need to be charged.

• Keep it in an area that is easily accessible and weatherproof.

• Portable battery packs will supply hours of energy.

• Do you have medications that need to stay in a cool, dry place? If the power goes out, a refrigerator should hold its temperature for two to four hours, if you keep it closed.

Use the car • Can your devices be plugged into or recharged through the power outlet in your vehicle? If you plan on using your car for your backup power, make sure you keep the fuel tank at least half full.

• For your safety and to prevent the buildup of dangerous gas, do not run your vehicle while it’s in the garage.

18

Generators

OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • JANUARY 2024

Medications

• After four hours, empty the ice from the freezer into a cooler and keep your medication in that cooler. It should be safe in there for a day or two.

If you have any questions about developing your emergency plan in the case of a power outage, please call us at 800-962-3830.

Midwest Electric Wants to Help You SAVE! Our expert team is here to help you conserve energy and save on your monthly bill. During the cold winter months, it’s not uncommon for your energy bill to increase as your family uses more electricity to keep the house warm.

Change your thermostat settings to 68°F. Your savings will add up by lowering your thermostat by just a few degrees.

LED lights are more energy efficient, last longer, and are safer for indoor and outdoor use.

Close shades and drapes at night to keep heat in and open them during the day to allow the sun to warm your home.

Make sure your furnace filters are clean. Dirty filters can impact your home comfort and increase your energy bill.

Ceiling fan direction matters!

Make sure your ceiling fan is blowing upward and set on its lowest setting.

Minimize use of space heaters.

They can cost more than $100 per month to operate! Turn them off when leaving the room.

Midwest Electric offers FREE energy audits to members!

Our friendly energy advisor is available for in-home visits to help identify savings opportunities and improve your home’s efficiency. To schedule your free energy audit, give us a call at 1-800-962-3830.

For more ways to save on your monthly bill, visit us at www.midwestrec.com/energy-audits-and-tips-homes

HOW ELECTRICITY GETS TO YOU step 1 Generation Electricity is generated from various sources.

step 5 Distribution Substation Voltage is lowered further for safe distribution.

step 2 Step-Up Transformer Voltage is increased to push the electricity over long distances.

step 6 Distribution Power Lines Electricity travels across these lines in your community.

step 3 Transmission Power Lines Lines carry electricity over long distances.

step 7 Final Stop A transformer reduces voltage a final time, and electricity is sent to your home.

step 4 Transmission Substation Voltage is lowered so electricity can travel across the local system.

JANUARY 2024 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING

18A

MIDWEST ELECTRIC CO-OP MEMBER PROGRAMS, REBATES & INCENTIVES

18B

OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • JANUARY 2024

JANUARY 2024 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING

18C

MIDWEST ELECTRIC

Coming Feb. 1, 2024

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 in February 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.

Update Contact Information • Receive automated texts

Convenient Bill Payments • No postage (pay online)

• Stay informed about patronage cash back, planned outages, etc.

Monitor Energy Use • Energy efficiency advice

• No check writing

• Compare past and new bills

• On time, every time with AutoPay

• Find trends and set usage alerts

Visit www.midwestrec.com or download the SmartHub app to learn what SmartHub can do for you.

SMART MANAGEMENT. SMART LIFE. SMARTHUB. 18D

OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • JANUARY 2024

JANUARY 2024 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING 19

MIDWEST ELECTRIC CONCERN FOR COMMUNITY

MIDWEST ELECTRIC DONATES $2,790 TO THREE LOCAL CHARITIES FOR THE HOLIDAYS

Employees, board, and counsel give back to Auglaize and Mercer County

M

idwest Electric takes holiday giving to another level.

This year, the electric cooperative’s employees, board of directors, and legal counsel joined together to donate $2,790 to three local organizations. The funds went to Mercy Unlimited in Wapakoneta, Our Home Family Resource Center in Celina, and Agape Ministries in St. Marys.

Mercy Unlimited, Our Home Family Resource Center, and Agape Ministries serve more than 600 children and 800 families in Auglaize and Mercer counties. Donations will help with the purchase of pajamas, socks, gloves, and coats for local people in need, as well as toothpaste and hygiene products. Funding will also go toward Weekend Warrior bags to ensure hungry children have food throughout weekends

while at home. Some of the programs funded include helping with the purchase of a small toy, gift, or game to brighten a local family’s holiday season.

These donations come as part of the co-op’s Christmas for Kids Program, started in 1993 by Midwest Electric’s employees. After 30 years, the program is still going strong.

•

Learn more about Mercy Unlimited in Wapakoneta: www.mercyunlimited.org

•

Learn more about Our Home Family Resource Center in Celina: www.ourhomefrc.com

•

Learn more about Agape Ministries in St. Marys: www.agapeministriesinc.com

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

OFFICE

06029 County Road 33A St. Marys, OH 45885 CONTACT

800-962-3830

ACCESS YOUR ACCOUNT ONLINE

www.midwestrec.com Report an outage and pay your bill through our free mobile SmartHub app.

OFFICE HOURS

Monday–Friday 7:30 a.m.– p.m.

20 2024 22 OHIO OHIOCOOPERATIVE COOPERATIVELIVING LIVING •• JANUARY MARCH 2018

James Wiechart, president Randy Heinl, vice pres.

Kathy Brake, secy./treas.

Steve Bauer Bob Barnt Gary R. Knapke Roger W. Rank Larry Vandemark Adam Johnson Attorney

CEO

Matt Berry mberry@midwestrec.com

A copy of Midwest Electric, Inc.’s Articles of Incorporation and Code of Regulations is available from the co-op office and online at midwestrec.com.

Call us to receive your copy.

FIND US ON:

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

JANUARY 2024 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING

21

y a w d a d n o a r l

B in the heart

BY PATTY YODER

The Kenley Players brought a dose of big-city glamour to the Buckeye State.

B

roadway musicals have dazzled audiences since the 1850s, and this year will be no exception. Whether they travel to New York to see shows on the Great White Way or view touring productions in Cincinnati or Columbus, Ohioans today have many options to experience classic and modern Broadway hits.

But that wasn’t always the case. In the 1950s, seeing Broadway shows required a trip to New York’s Theater District, which was an exotic experience that few were able to enjoy. Back then, life was more local. Families would watch TV and see movies, but the actors remained twodimensional. The chances for most people to see stars on the stage or meet their celebrity crushes were slim to none.

Until John Kenley came along.

22

OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • JANUARY 2024

Kenley — a theatrical producer and former vaudeville performer — founded the Kenley Players, which brought “America’s most exciting summer theater” to Ohio from 1957 until 1995, drawing crowds with lavish productions, low ticket prices, and big-name stars in leading roles.

After touring the Midwest for a decade, the Kenley Players found its permanent home in Ohio. Dayton’s Memorial Hall hosted the first 14-show season, then the players relocated to Warren. Most summers, the shows toured various combinations of Dayton, Warren, Cleveland, Columbus, and Akron.

The performances showcased such talents as dance legend Gene Kelly, singer and Brady Bunch mom Florence Henderson, and crowd favorite Paul Lynde. The Mount Vernon

“I can vividly remember Robert Goulet climbing up the four steps of this little sliding board and sliding down. We had no idea who he was, but all of us kids were just dying laughing.”

Friends Carol Hilton and Barbara Wood have vivid memories of the Kenley Players.

native holds the record for most performances, appearing in nine shows between 1969 and 1979.

Kenley’s idea was to bring the thrill of professional live theater to people who might not otherwise see it and spark their interest in other art forms, which it certainly did for Carol Hilton and Barbara Wood. Growing up in Niles in the 1960s, the friends attended multiple Kenley performances at Packard Music Hall in Warren. They even scored an autograph from British actor Noel Harrison, fresh off The Girl from U.N.C.L.E. “There was a lot of excitement with the live music, the singing, and the sets. One of the sets was made up of giant boxes stacked on top of one another, and each box was a different hotel room,” Hilton says. “I was always intrigued by whether the band would be in the back, in the pit, or as part of the set and how quickly the sets would change for the next scene.”

What did it take for big stars to spend their summer performing on the straw-hat circuit? Timing had a lot to do with it, like catching up-andcomers before their big breaks and stars at the end of their careers. It also didn’t hurt that Kenley treated his leads like royalty and paid weekly salaries as high as $35,000, according to a 2006 Cleveland Plain Dealer article.

The consummate showman also knew how to create a buzz with unexpected casting.

John Kenley Some audience members bought tickets solely to see how TV game show host Arthur Godfrey fared opposite movie star Maureen O’Sullivan.

The Kenley Players brought stars from Hollywood and Broadway, such as (opposite page, from left) Harvey Korman, Vicki Lawrence, and Lyle Waggoner, to perform in theater productions at various Ohio locales.

“He would bring people to the stage that you would never expect to be together, but it would work because they had good chemistry,” Hilton says.

Before his role as Sir Lancelot made him a household name, Robert Goulet starred in six Kenley shows — and made quite an impression on Wood and her family. During the 1960 run of Meet Me in St. Louis, Wood’s parents struck up a conversation with Goulet at a local restaurant. Her mother invited him and co-star Jill Correy to dinner while they were in town, which led to an impromptu performance on the family’s backyard swing set, now a family legend.

“I can vividly remember Robert Goulet climbing up the four steps of this little sliding board and sliding down. We had no idea who he was, but all of us kids were just dying laughing because here’s this big grown man going down our sliding board,” she says. (Whether it was Goulet’s natural inclination to perform or a few pre-dinner cocktails that led to the show is unknown.)

“I remember thinking, ‘Wow, she is so beautiful and he’s so handsome.’ It just was magical to us.”

After some 500 shows, Kenley spent his final years in Cleveland. His 100th birthday brought tributes from Billy Crystal, Florence Henderson, and scores of other former players. Kenley passed away in 2009 at age 103.

He is credited with carving a path for Broadway touring companies and founding today’s thriving arts scenes throughout the state.

Hilton, now of Columbus, and Wood, of Marysville, continue to enjoy musicals, plays, and the occasional opera, holding season tickets at various times. Did the Kenley Players have something to do with their love of live performance? The friends answer in unison: “Absolutely!”

To learn more about out the Kenley Players, visit www. kenleyplayershistory.com.

JANUARY 2024 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING

23

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visit us at waterfurnace.com/Ohio WaterFurnace is a registered trademark of WaterFurnace International, Inc. 1.ENERGY STAR rated units qualify for 30% through 2032, 26% through 2033 and 22% through 2034

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OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • JANUARY 2024

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JANUARY 2024 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING

25

CO-OP PEOPLE

Cream

of the

Crop

Indian Creek Creamery specializes in producing milk ‘as nature intended.’

BY DAMAINE VONADA

26

OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • JANUARY 2024

W

hen Colleen Jackson instructed her children’s homeschooling group in the early 2000s, she prepared a lesson featuring milk straight from the Holstein cows lolling in the pasture on her family’s 180-acre dairy farm near DeGraff.

“I scooped the cream off the top of the milk, then put it in a jar with some clean marbles and let the kids shake the jar,” she recalls. “They turned the cream into butter.”

She didn’t know it then, but Colleen and her husband, Ray, would later carve their own niche in Ohio dairying in 2019.

Like many dairy farmers in recent years, the Logan County Electric Cooperative members found themselves struggling with high production costs and low milk prices.

Ray helped keep the farm afloat by working for a bovine genetics company, but things were tough. Faced with losing the farm and the way of life they love, Ray and Colleen converted an outbuilding into a licensed creamery named for the stream that crosses their land, and Indian Creek Creamery was born. They began producing and bottling non-homogenized milk crowned with a layer of cream, wagering that consumers would thirst for their minimally processed product.

“We started the creamery because we needed to be able to sustain our farm and pay our bills,” Colleen says. “We also wanted people to know what real milk tastes like.”

The Jacksons know a thing or two about “real milk” because they both grew up on dairy farms. He is from the Wellington area, and she was raised near Urbana. They met at Ohio State, where Colleen majored in business and Ray, a selfdescribed “cow nerd,” studied dairy science. After marrying in 1990, they rented acreage from Colleen’s father until Ray found an affordable farm about 5 miles north of DeGraff.

Though run-down, it had a functional milk house and an early 1900s farmhouse, which they moved into in 1995.

Today, Ray and Colleen have 140 Holsteins, and keeping the herd happy and healthy is their top priority. They grow their own crops for feed; use sand as dairy cow bedding to cushion the stalls (they say it’s the gold standard); and maintain a free stall barn where the cows can come and go as they please. “The single biggest thing we do for our cows’ comfort is let them leave the barn and go outside into the pasture,” Ray says. “They enjoy the pasture so much that they’ll even lay down in the snow.”

The Jacksons breed their cows via artificial insemination, and because cows instinctively seek a quiet place to give birth, they put expectant moms into a special “maternity ward” pen three weeks before they’re due to calve. Getting the

newborn calves off to a good start is all in a day’s work for Colleen. “I hand-feed them with either bottles or buckets for two months,” she says.

Ray and Colleen milk 70 cows daily and process the raw milk into Grade A milk that’s sold in half-gallon, BPA-free plastic bottles. They only offer three products: regular whole milk, chocolate milk made from a recipe Colleen developed, and A2/A2 whole milk.

Cows have two variations — A1 and A2 — of the gene that forms protein in milk, and Indian Creek Creamery’s A2/ A2 milk comes solely from DNA-tested cows possessing two A2 genes. Since it requires laboratory analysis and separate processing, A2/A2 milk has a premium price, yet is gaining popularity because many people who have difficulty digesting A2/A1 milk can drink the A2/A2 version.

Their method preserves the flavor of raw milk, but they never homogenize because, Colleen explains, “We provide milk as nature intended, with nothing added and nothing taken away.” Although butterfat naturally floats on raw milk, large-scale milk producers both fragment the fat to make a uniform liquid (homogenization), and also remove some of the butterfat to meet federal standards. “Typical whole milk is 3.25% butterfat,” notes Ray. “Our milk tastes richer because it’s 4.2% butterfat.”

The creamery’s initial production run was just 83 half-gallons, but now the Jacksons turn out 4,000 bottles weekly and deliver them to customers ranging from chefs and baristas in Cincinnati and Columbus to independent grocers and specialty shops in small towns.

Before homogenization took hold in the 1920s, every bottle of milk had a top ring of cream, so when Ray gave milk samples to prospective buyers, he had to teach them something that their great-grandparents did routinely: shaking the bottle to mix in the cream. His personal touch paid off. “People love it when a farmer shows up, looks them in the eye, and tells them the milk is so fresh that it was in the cow the night before.”

To find locations that sell Indian Creek Creamery products, visit www.indiancreekcreamery.com.

JANUARY 2024 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING

27

Wild ODNR’s mobile kitchen serves wild game vittles far and wide — and free!

STORY AND PHOTOS BY JAMES PROFFITT

K

endra Wecker, chief of the Ohio Department of Natural Resources’ wildlife division, swears she’s not trying to put any food trucks out of business.

“Absolutely not,” she insists. The ODNR’s Wild Ohio Harvest mobile kitchen, she explains, has a higher purpose as it serves delicious and nutritious food samples from the 18-foot, fully outfitted trailer: “Our goal is to meet new people who aren’t current anglers or hunters, and we want to hook them through their stomachs and taste buds.”

The kitchen and its chefs cook and serve up free food created with wild-harvested Ohio game, including fish, fowl, and other critters. And Ken Fry, ODNR outdoor skills specialist, says it all began when he was cooking up such treats from the bed of a pickup truck with a pop-up tent at a Jefferson County farmers market a while back.

“It was so well-received that I presented the trailer idea to my supervisor and he liked it and said, ‘Let’s go with it,’” Fry says.

Since the ODNR already had the trailer, all it needed was some cool graphics on the outside and a full kitchen installed on the inside. About $10,000 later, it was done. The trailer includes a kitchen with deep fryers and cooking surfaces, a sink, and plenty of prep and serving space. It can be operated either with propane or electricity, which means its dedicated foodies can crank out yummies at both indoor and outdoor events.

Construction was completed in 2019, but it was sidelined soon thereafter because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Now, ever since the all-clear, it’s been on the road visiting fairs, boat shows, libraries, and other sites where ODNR chefs tempt Ohioans to get out and harvest their own proteins.

“There’s been a movement in the last 10 to 15 years where people really appreciate knowing where their food, such as produce, comes from,” Fry says. “So hunting and fishing in Ohio is a perfect means to know where your proteins come from and how they’ve been handled from the point of harvest to the table.”

A recent public library event featured a cooler full of icedup bluegill. Folks could fillet the fish, watch them being prepared, then eat them. Fry says partakers included kids and some adults who had never fished before.

Ohio First Lady Fran DeWine was such a fan of the operation after she sampled its fare that she penned a column for the Xenia Daily Gazette sharing one of the ODNR’s super-secret recipes. Of course, the ODNR was happy for the helping hand in getting the word out that wild game can be fun to acquire as well as tasty

It’s often standing room only when the ODNR’s Wild Ohio Harvest mobile kitchen makes a stop.

28

OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • JANUARY 2024

Search “Wild Ohio Harvest Cookbook” at www.ohiodnr.gov, or scan the QR code for an ODNR cooking demonstration on YouTube.

kitchen and healthy. And, full disclosure: Their recipes aren’t really so secret; the ODNR’s online resources include a cookbook and a YouTube channel.

According to Fry, you never know where the kitchen may pop up.

“We’re trying to get away from preaching to the choir, and so we’ve accepted some events we may not have in the past,” Fry says, citing another recent library appearance.

“It was a Surviving the Zombie Apocalypse program, and we talked about how you could use wild game to put meat in the freezer if you had to — if things got real nasty out there with the zombies.”

So what exactly do they cook up? A little bit of everything.

Obviously, panfish like bluegill and yellow perch are top ingredients, though walleye tends to be the star of the show when it comes to fish.

“I’d have to say our crowd favorite is blackened walleye with cheddar grits and a Creole sauce,” Fry says. “And for non-fish dishes, that’s a tough one, but probably the black-and-blue venison sliders.”

Ingredients for other trendy dishes have included wild turkey, squirrel, waterfowl, and upland game birds — all prepared in front of diners and potential hunters and anglers. Some of the food prepared in the kitchen is donated by hunters or members of the ODNR staff, and some are garnered from scientific research or evidence seized by wildlife officers.

According to Fry, if the crowd is especially large and hungry and there’s a sense they may run low on food, staff members adjust the portion sizes, which is fine.

“The goal isn’t to feed everyone; it’s to provide a taste,” he says, “and there are times where people love our dishes so much we have to remind them that we’re only here to provide samples.”

Even Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine is not immune from the rules. At a recent event celebrating Lake Erie and its walleye fishing, DeWine told the gathered audience that he himself has pushed the limits on the wild game samples and been cut off.

“Well, actually, yes, that has occurred,” he admitted, smiling. “And they actually cut my son off one time, too.”

Top chef Ken Fry, outdoor skills specialist with the ODNR, holds court in his wild game castle.

JANUARY 2024 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING

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Facts and foibles from the front porch The Harding site in Marion tells the story of the last president from Ohio.

S

BY DAMAINE VONADA

herry Hall never tires of showing visitors the paintings of Warren and Florence Harding that hang side by side near the entrance of the Warren G. Harding Presidential Library and Museum in Marion.

“Every element of the paintings has a story to tell,” says Hall, the site manager, “because it reflects something that was meaningful to them.”

The paintings, by nationally known artist — and Marion native — Danny Day, are so lifelike that you can see the veins in the Hardings’ hands and wrinkles in their clothes.

The president has a genial twinkle in his eye and holds a straw hat straight out of the Jazz Age. Laddie Boy, the beloved Airedale who attended cabinet meetings and retrieved the president’s errant golf balls, sits at Harding’s feet, and resting on a table behind them is a copy of The Marion Daily Star, the failing newspaper Harding purchased at age 19. He managed to make

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OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • JANUARY 2024

it profitable and still owned the Star when elected president in 1920.

Mrs. Harding’s painting depicts her wearing a choker, a favorite fashion accessory that launched the 1920s “flossie cling” fad. Because she was an accomplished pianist, the painting includes a piano, and on top of it are flowers and a tin box made for her by a disabled World War I veteran, signifying the time she spent helping servicemen at Walter Reed hospital.

The thoughtful attention to detail so evident in the paintings characterizes the entire library and museum.

Opened in 2021, the nation’s newest presidential archive salutes the last of eight presidents to have hailed from Ohio, with features such as columns that echo both the White House and the front porch of the Hardings’ home. It also accomplishes something Hall thinks is long overdue: relating Harding’s “full story” by providing accurate, unbiased information.

Ohio’s presidents

Ohio is known as the “Mother of Presidents,” as seven chief executives were born in the Buckeye State and an eighth settled here before his election to office. They are Ulysses S. Grant (Point Pleasant), Rutherford B. Hayes (Delaware), James Garfield (Orange Township — now Moreland Hills), Benjamin Harrison (North Bend), William McKinley (Niles), William Howard Taft (Cincinnati), and Warren Harding (Corsica, now Blooming Grove). William Henry Harrison was born in Virginia but settled in Ohio.

Ohio residents will once again play an important role in determining the leadership of the nation at the polls this November.

Warren Harding’s 1920 presidential victory led the front page of The Marion Daily Star, which Harding owned between 1884 and 1923.

“We want people to meet Harding as a human being with all of his strong points and all of his foibles and failings,” Hall says.

Harding won the 1920 election in a landslide, garnering a record-setting 60.3% of the popular vote in the first U.S. election in which women cast ballots. For Americans, Harding’s outgoing nature was a refreshing change from his aloof predecessor, Woodrow Wilson, and his policies — tax cuts, protective agricultural tariffs, support for highways and commercial aviation — boosted the economy and helped modernize the nation.

He was even nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize.

The Harding Home and Warren G. Harding Presidential Library and Museum, 380 Mt. Vernon Ave., Marion, OH 43302. The sites are open 9 a.m.– 5 p.m. Thursday through Saturday and noon–5 p.m. Sunday, with guided tours offered on the hour.

(The sites are also open on Wednesdays, March through November.) All tickets must be purchased in advance. For more information, visit www.hardingpresidentialsites.org.

After his death from heart failure in 1923, however, political scandals — especially Teapot Dome — and accounts of extramarital affairs tainted Harding and his administration. “Harding died a much beloved president and then his legacy just plummeted,” says Hall. “But now, historians are rediscovering him and rethinking his presidency.”

The library also examines the Hardings’ life together; though they may not have had a fairy-tale romance, their union lasted 32 years and brought them success in publishing and politics. A modern woman in her own right, Florence managed the Star’s circulation department, and after her husband accepted the Republican presidential nomination, she turned their home into a hub for his supporters. Harding campaigned from their front porch, drawing 600,000 people to Marion in what Florence later called “the greatest epoch of my life.”

You can stand on that front porch today simply by crossing the lawn between the Harding Library and recently restored Harding Home. From the staircase where they were married and marble statues they bought while touring Italy to the waffle iron Florence used to make Warren’s favorite food, it provides an intimate and authentic perspective on two small-town Ohioans who considered themselves “just folks” but together reached the White House.

Harding was a constitutional conservative who campaigned on a platform of nationalism and won the presidency in 1920.

JANUARY 2024 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING

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2024 CALENDAR

JANUARY/FEBRUARY

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.

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, FEB. 7 – 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-

WEST VIRGINIA

447-7073, www.conservesenecacounty.com, or follow Seneca Conservation District on Facebook.

JAN. 5, FEB. 2 – Star Gazing at Schoonover Observatory, 670 N. Jefferson, Lima, 8 p.m. Free.

Come see the stars with us! If you have a telescope, bring it to the meeting and members will show you how to use it and answer any of your questions. 419303-1725 (David Humphries) or https://limaastro.com.

JAN. 12 – Martin Sexton, Veterans Memorial Civic and Convention Ctr., 7 Town Square, Lima, 7:30 p.m. $30+. 419-224-1552 or www.limaciviccenter.com.

JAN. 19 – Champions of Magic, Veterans Memorial Civic and Convention Ctr., 7 Town Square, Lima, 7:30 p.m. $35+. Experience an evening of impossible illusions and spectacular special effects, including a daring escape from Houdini’s water torture cell. 419224-1552 or www.limaciviccenter.com.

JAN. 20–21 – Lima Symphony: “Music by Candlelight,” Sat. 7:30 p.m., Trinity United Methodist Church, 301 W. Market St., Lima; Sun. 4 p.m., Grand Opera House, Saint Marys. Experience the music of Brahms and Dvořák as it was meant to be heard. 419222-5701 or www.limasymphony.com.

FEB. 1 – Come From Away, Veterans Memorial Civic and Convention Ctr., 7 Town Square, Lima, 7:30 p.m. $50+. The hit musical based on the remarkable true story of 7,000 stranded passengers and the small town in Newfoundland that welcomed them following the September 11 attacks. 419-224-1552 or www. limaciviccenter.com.

FEB. 2–4 – Greater Toledo Auto Show, Glass City Center, 401 Jefferson Ave., Toledo, Fri. 12–9 p.m., Sat. 10 a.m.–9 p.m., Sun. 10 a.m.–5 p.m. $8, Srs./Stds. $6; 9 and under free. Displays of the latest and greatest models and automotive technologies from more than 20 different manufacturers. www.toledoautoshow.org.

FEB. 3 – 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. Ends with the towering Fire & Ice display. 440-963-0772 or www. mainstreetvermilion.org.

FEB. 3–4 – 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. 419-647-0067 or www. tristategunshow.org.

FEB. 4 – Family Concert: “Superheroes and Supervillains,” Veterans Memorial Civic and Convention Ctr., 7 Town Square, Lima, 3 p.m.

Conductor Michael Repper leads the orchestra on a daring adventure where the Avengers take on Darth Vader, Cruella De Vil faces off against Spiderman, and baby Yoda softens the hearts of even the most treacherous characters. Who will win? 419-224-1552 or www.limaciviccenter.com.

FEB. 8–18 – Live Theatre: Misery, Van Wert Civic Theatre, 118 S. Race St., Van Wert, Thur.–Sat. 8 p.m., Sun. 2 p.m. $16. 419-238-9689 or www.vwct.org.

JAN. 13 – “Valjean, Cosette, and a String Quartet,” The Smoot Theatre, 213 5th St., Parkersburg, 8 p.m. $30–$45. Join Tony Award nominee Josh Young and his wife, Broadway star Emily Padgett, as they celebrate the decade that gave us Les Misérables, Phantom of the Opera, and Cats — the decade where Stephen Sondheim and Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber reached the pinnacle of their creative mastery: the 1980s. www. greaterparkersburg.com/events.

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.

JANUARY 2024 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING

33

2024 CALENDAR

JANUARY/FEBRUARY

NORTHEAST collectables. 330-948-4300 (Amanda Whitacre) or www.conraddowdell.com.

JAN. 27 – “Ice Fishing,” Mosquito Lake State Park, 1439 St. Rte. 305, Cortland, 10–11:30 a.m. Free. Interested in learning how our local fishermen have perfected this art? Come join us for an informative and interactive program on this seasonal sport. Dependent on weather. jason. lee@dnr.ohio.gov or www.ohiodnr.gov.

JAN. 27 – TCA Snow Time Train Meet, UAW Hall, 5615 Chevrolet Blvd., Parma, 10 a.m.–3 JAN. 18–21 – Cleveland Boat Show, I-X Ctr., 1 p.m. Adult $6, Family $10, under 18 free.

Handicapped accessible. Over 175 tables I-X Center Dr., Cleveland, Thur./Fri. 12–9 p.m., Sat. 10 a.m.–9 p.m., Sun. 10 a.m.–6 p.m., Mon. and many operating displays. New and old 10 a.m.–5 p.m. $15–$20; Family 4-pack, $60; 6 trains to buy, sell, or trade; many brands and and under free. Visit the “Boating Experience” scales. Model building supplies and kits, TCA Pavilion, view the 5,000-gallon aquarium, see Kids Club, and more. Refreshments available.

330-273-6404 (John Twarog) or www. live paddling demos, and much more. Don’t greatlakestca.org. miss Twiggy the Water-Skiing Squirrel! www. clevelandboatshow.com.

FEB. 2–11 – The Great Big Home and Garden Show, IX Center, 1 I-X Center Dr., Cleveland.

JAN. 20–21 – Cleveland Home Show, $11–$15, C. (6–12) $5, under 6 free. See Huntington Convention Center, Hall A, 300 website for hours and schedule of events.

Lakeside Ave. E., Cleveland, Sat. 10 a.m.–8 Explore hundreds of exhibits, meet industry p.m., Sun. 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Free with online admission or $10 at the door. Meet with home experts and home professionals, and enjoy improvement professionals in a fun, interactive unique features such as the garden showcase. environment. Expert exhibitors will inspire and www.greatbighomeandgarden.com. motivate you to start planning with confidence. FEB. 3 – Cleveland Bazaar Valentine, 78th www.ohiohomeshows.com.

Street Studios, 1305 W. 80th St., Cleveland, 10 a.m.–6 p.m. More than 150 artists and makers, JAN. 21 – Flea Market of Collectables, food trucks, a bar, and so much more. www.

Medina Co. Fgds. Community Center, 735 facebook.com/clevelandbazaar/events.

Lafayette Rd. (St. Rte. 42), Medina, 9 a.m.–3 p.m. $2. Early-bird special admission, 6–9 FEB. 3 – Mohican Experts Hike, Mohican a.m., $3. A treasure trove of vintage items and State Park, 3116 St. Rte. 3, Loudonville, 9

a.m.–12 p.m. Free. www.facebook.com/ MohicanStatePark.

FEB. 4 – Model Railroad and Toy Show, Medina Co. Fgds. Community Center, 735 Lafayette Rd. (St. Rte. 42), Medina. $7.

330-948-4400 (Vikki Conrad) or www. conraddowdell.com.

FEB. 9–10 – Cleveland Beerfest, Huntington Convention Center, 300 Lakeside Ave. E., Cleveland. $40–$95; designated driver package for $25. Sample more than 150 local and craft brews, as well as wines and spirits from new craft wineries and distilleries. Food vendors on-site. https://clevelandbeerfest.com.

FEB. 9–MAR. 3 – Agatha Christie’s Murder on the Orient Express, Great Lakes Theater, 2067 E. 14th St., Cleveland. See website for days and times. $20–$89. In this comedic twist on the famous mystery, Poirot must solve the crime of a man stabbed in his locked compartment on the opulent Orient Express — where every passenger is a suspect. 216-2416000 or www.playhousesquare.org.

FEB. 10 – Cleveland Bazaar Valentine, Lake Affect Alive, 1615 E. 25th St., Cleveland, 10 a.m.–6 p.m. Local and handmade makers, full bar, food, and more. www.facebook.com/ clevelandbazaar/events.

FEB. 11 – 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 (Jim Conrad) or www.conraddowdell.com.

SOUTHEAST

JAN. 23 – Mary Chapin Carpenter and Shawn Colvin, Peoples Bank Theatre, 222 Putnam St., Marietta, 8 p.m. $53+. www.peoplesbanktheatre.com.

JAN. 26 – Sunset and Full Moon Hike, Burr Oak State Park, 10220 Burr Oak Lodge Rd., Glouster, 5:30–7 p.m. Free. Enjoy the twilight of the forest and view the full wolf

34

moon on this short, 1-mile hike. Wear sturdy shoes and dress for the weather. Have dinner at the lodge after the hike! www. ohiodnr.gov.

JAN. 27 – Buckeye Trail Trek, Shawnee State Park, 4404 St. Rte. 125, West Portsmouth, 10 a.m.–2 p.m. Free. Meet in the lodge lobby at 10 a.m. Traverse 4 miles on the Buckeye Trail through Shawnee State Forest’s beautiful, unglaciated, rugged terrain. Pack snacks and water, wear sturdy hiking boots, and bring a hiking stick. www. ohiodnr.gov.

FEB. 2 – Twitty & Lynn: “A Salute to Conway & Loretta,” Majestic Theatre, 45 E. Second St., Chillicothe, 7:30 p.m. $49–$59.

The grandson of Conway Twitty and the granddaughter of Loretta Lynn perform their

OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • JANUARY 2024

grandparents’ timeless duets and solo hits.

740-772-2041 or www.majesticchillicothe.net.

FEB. 3 – Moose Miller, Majestic Theatre, 45 E. Second St., Chillicothe, 7:30 p.m. $10–$20. 740-772-2041 or www. majesticchillicothe.net.

FEB. 3 – Chris Janson, Peoples Bank Theatre, 222 Putnam St., Marietta, 8 p.m. $59+. www.peoplesbanktheatre.com.

FEB. 10 – Annual Winter Hike, Burr Oak State Park, 10220 Burr Oak Lodge Rd., Glouster, 10 a.m.–12:30 p.m. Free. Hike lengths are 3, 5, and 8 miles; wear sturdy shoes and dress for the weather. Free bean soup and cornbread after the hike at the lodge. 740-818-4530 (Julie Gee) or www. ohiodnr.gov.

CENTRAL

brews, as well as wines and spirits from new craft wineries and distilleries. Food vendors on-site. https://columbusbeerfest.com.

JAN. 20 – Logan Frozen Festival, downtown Logan. Free. Enjoy ice sculptures, ice games, vendors, and more. 740-385-2750 or www. hockinghills.com.

JAN. 20 – Winter Hike at Hocking Hills, Hocking Hills State Park, 20160 St. Rte. 664 S., Logan, continuous starts from 9 to 11 a.m. Free.

See the beauty of the park in winter as you hike 6 miles from Old Man’s Cave to Ash Cave, with JAN. 11, FEB. 8 – Inventors Network a stop at Cedar Falls for bean soup and corn Meeting, The Point at Otterbein University, 60 muffins. Shuttle bus returns hikers to parking Collegeview Rd., Westerville 43081, 7 p.m. Zoom area. 740-385-6841 or www.hockinghills.com. meetings on Jan. 18 and Feb. 15 at 7 p.m. 614JAN. 27 – Buckeye Lake Winterfest, locations 470-0144 or www.inventorscolumbus.com. around the Buckeye Lake area. Begin your day JAN. 16, 18 – Ohio Boating Education Course, at the North Shore Boat Ramp at 6:30 a.m. to West Licking Fire District, 111 Basin St., Hebron, see if Benny the Bass takes the bait to predict 5–9 p.m. Free. Fulfills Ohio boating education the beginning of spring. After the kickoff, visit requirements; must attend both nights. Taught over 40 businesses in the region for food and

by ODNR officers. Successful completion earns drink specials, live music, an art show, and the student the Ohio Boater Education card. more! 740-398-7205 or www.facebook.com/ Register by calling Buckeye Lake State Park BuckeyeLakeWinterfest.

Office at 740-527-4218.

JAN. 27 – Winter Hike at Alum Creek, Alum JAN. 20 – Cabaret in the May: “No Place Like Creek State Park, 3615 S. Old State Rd., Home,” Marion Palace Theatre, 276 W. Center Delaware, 2–4 p.m. Free. Enjoy the crisp winter Street, Marion, 7:30 p.m. $22. Featuring Tanner air as we hike 4.5 miles through the woodlands Wink and Madisen Schenk. 740-383-2101 or and along the lake. Moderate difficulty, with www.marionpalace.org. some hills and stream crossings. 740-513-6382 (Lindsey Krusling) or www.ohiodnr.gov.

JAN. 20 – Columbus Beerfest, Greater Columbus Convention Center, 400 N. High St., JAN. 27–28 – Scott Antique Market, Ohio Columbus. $40–$95; designated driver package Expo Ctr., Bricker and Celeste Bldgs., 717 E. 17th for $25. Sample more than 150 local and craft

Ave., Columbus, Sat. 9 a.m.–6 p.m., Sun. 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Free admission; $7 parking. 800 exhibit booths. info@scottantiquemarket.com or www.scottantiquemarkets.com.

FEB. 2–4 – Columbus Log Home and Timber Home Design-Build Show, Ohio Expo Ctr., Rhodes Bldg., 717 E. 17th Ave., Columbus, Fri. 1–7 p.m., Sat. 10 a.m.–6 p.m., Sun. 10 a.m.–4 p.m. $10 online, $12 on-site; 18 and under free. Tickets good for all days! An expo for log home, timber frame home, and rustic furniture enthusiasts. 866-607-4108 or www. loghomeshows.com.

FEB. 6 – Spring Concert Rehearsal: Singers Wanted, Epiphany Lutheran Church, 268 Hill Rd. N., Pickerington, 7–8:30 p.m. Join the Pickerington Community Chorus every Tuesday from Feb. 6 on as we prepare for our spring concert, to be presented on April 20.

No audition required. For more information, contact Cherie’ Stahlman-Knapp at 614-5821509 or stahlman@insight.rr.com, or visit www. pickeringtoncommunitychorus.com.

FEB. 9–11 – National Fishing Expos, Columbus, Ohio Expo Ctr., Bricker Bldg., 717 E. 17th Ave., Columbus, Fri. 12–7 p.m., Sat. 10 a.m.–6 p.m., Sun. 10 a.m.–3 p.m. $5–$30.

Formerly Columbus Fishing Expo. Nearly 300 vendors, exclusive product showcase, demonstrations, informational seminars by professional anglers, and more. www. nationalfishingexpos.com.

SOUTHWEST

THROUGH FEB. 26 – 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. 513-3859309, vinokletwinery@fuse.net, or www. vinokletwines.com.

JAN. 13 – Brown County FFA Consignment Auction, Brown Co. Fgds., 325 W. State St., Georgetown, 10 a.m. Auction of farm equipment and farm vehicles. Items for consignment will be received on-site from 10 a.m. on Wed., Thurs., Fri. 937-731-3939 or bcffaca@yahoo.com.

JAN. 18 – “Attracting Wildlife to Your Backyard,” Caesar Creek State Park, Nature Center, 8570 E. St. Rte. 73, Waynesville, 1–3 p.m. Free. Join park naturalist Erin Shaw to learn ways to attract native wildlife to your backyard and understand why it’s important. www.ohiodnr.gov.

JAN. 19 – Pam Bowman: Hammered Dulcimer, Troy-Hayner Cultural Center, 301 W. Main St., Troy, 7:30 p.m. In conjunction with the Mountain Dulcimer Society of Dayton. www. troyhayner.org/music.html.

JAN. 19–21, 24–28 – Cincinnati Boat, Sport, and Travel Show, Duke Energy Convention Center, 525 Elm St., Cincinnati. $13–$15; under 12 free. Find everything you need to plan your next outdoor adventure, from boats, campers, ATVs, and motorcycles to adventure sports equipment. See website for hours and schedule of events. www. cincinnatiboatsportandtravelshow.com.

JAN. 19–21, 26–28 – Greater Cincinnati Remodeling Expo, Sharonville Convention Center, 11355 Chester Road, Cincinnati, Fri. 12–5 p.m., Sat. 10 a.m.–6 p.m., Sun. 11 a.m.–5 p.m. $5, under 18 free. Meet local remodeling and building experts and get the advice you need to help you with your home improvement projects; explore innovative displays showcasing the latest trends in design and product offerings. www.homeshowcenter.com/ overview/Cincinnati.

JAN. 30 – Drawing Room Chamber Concert, Troy-Hayner Cultural Center, 301 W. Main St., Troy, 7:30 p.m. Hosted by Steven Aldredge.

Featuring Aaron Brant on French horn and Amanda Roberts on piano. www.troyhayner. org/upcoming-concerts.html.

FEB. 2–3 – Cincy Beerfest, Duke Energy Convention Center, 525 Elm St., Cincinnati. $40–$95; designated driver package for $25.

Sample more than 150 local and craft brews, as well as wines and spirits from new craft wineries and distilleries. Food vendors on-site. https://cincybeerfest.com.

FEB. 3 – Greater Cincinnati Fly Fishing Show, Oasis Conference Center, 902 Loveland-Miamiville Rd., Loveland, 9 a.m.–4 p.m. Fly fishing education, tying equipment, magazines/books on fly tying, fishing kits, training services by professionals, and more. https://10times.com/fly-fishing-show.

FEB. 9 – The Butler Philharmonic Orchestral Ensemble: “Fitton Family Friday,” Fitton Center for the Creative Arts, 101 S. Monument Ave., Hamilton, 7:30 p.m. Members $6, nonmembers $8. Facebook: @officialbutlerphil or www.butlerphil.org.

FEB. 9–11 – Hearts Afire Weekend, downtown Loveland. Celebrate Valentine’s Day in Loveland, known as the “Sweetheart of Ohio.” Featuring fire, ice, live entertainment, outdoor decorations, and more love-inspired fun! https://lovinlifeloveland.com/events/ loveland-hearts-afire-weekend.

FEB. 10 – Cincinnati Winter Blues Experience, Manor House, 7440 Mason Montgomery Rd., Mason, 5 p.m. $30. https:// winterbluesexperience.com.

JANUARY 2024 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING

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MEMBER INTERACTIVE

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3

2

4

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1—A boy and his best friend on a very snowy, cold day. Kristin Hinkle, South Central Power Company member.

2—Locklan Lady, our grandson, holding a tiny snowman he made all by himself. Diana Sieb, Darke Rural Electric Cooperative member.

3—Our granddaughter Penelope’s first snow day. John Black, Pioneer Electric Cooperative member.

4—My son, Hayes, when left with his Papaw on his favorite snow day. Katrina Homan, Frontier Power Company member.

5—Farmall H resting until spring. Dale Mendenhall, Adams Rural Electric Cooperative member.

6—I captured this beauty in our backyard on a snowy February afternoon. Karen Gainey, South Central Power Company member.

7—My wife and daughter making the most of a snow day in Laurelville. Travis Thompson, South Central Power Company member.

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

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OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • JANUARY 2024

Did you know?

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

“

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

”

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