Ohio Cooperative Living – January 2026 - Butler

OHIO

JANUARY 2026

COOPERATIVE Butler Rural Electric Cooperative

Trip of a lifetime

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Youth Tour’s lasting legacy

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ALSO INSIDE Squirrel migration Ice, in photos Bedtime routines

Building the next generation of LEADERS

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.

ohioec.org/education-youth

OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • JANUARY 2026

INSIDE FEATURES

22 PIECE BY PIECE

Mosaic maestros give new life to old spaces by turning recycled materials into works of art.

26 COLD, HARD TRUTH

If it’s January in Ohio, we can count on ice — lots of it, everywhere. From the treacherous and violent to the tiny and delicate, our intrepid ice-chaser set out to capture scenes of wintry wonder.

Cover image on most editions: Kyle Hicks says the experience of attending the Electric Cooperative Youth Tour when he was in high school changed the course of his career — and his life.

See Kyle’s story beginning on page 4 (photograph by Shelby Bradford Moore).

This page: Photographer James Proffitt warns that some of the images that went into his “Cold, Hard Truth” photo essay, which starts on page 26, were taken in what he describes as NSFW conditions — Not Safe for Wading — including this image of a sunrise taken from beneath an ice ridge on Lake Erie.

JANUARY 2026 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING

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UP FRONT

Celebrating independence Happy New Year! It’s hard to believe that a full year has passed since I began writing these messages as CEO of our statewide association of electric cooperatives. 2025 was a fulfilling year, filled with both highlights and challenges, and I’ve been grateful for the opportunity to share my thoughts and to reflect on our progress.

This year, we’ll celebrate a historic milestone: the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. It’s a good time to pause and reflect on the values that have shaped our nation: liberty, self-governance, and working together for a better future. It seems to me that these same values are at the heart of electric cooperatives. Just as our nation was built through unity and shared purpose, Ohio’s electric cooperatives have thrived by working together while maintaining independent local control. The independence of the local co-op boards allows them to be flexible, innovative, and responsive to members’ needs as they make decisions that best serve their specific communities.

There’s much to be optimistic about in the new year. Several electric cooperatives in Ohio have experienced stable load growth, thanks to new opportunities and expanding communities. We hope this positive trend will not only continue but also spread to more areas of rural Ohio. Rest assured, the generation facilities owned by the cooperatives, and therefore by their members, stand ready to power that growth, and we are committed to keeping those resources operating for their full, useful lives.

As we fulfill our mission to provide that reliable, affordable electricity to cooperative members around the state, it’s helped that we’ve seen some much-needed regulatory reform at the federal level. It couldn’t have come at a better time, as there’s been a growing sense of uncertainty in our industry caused by the increasing number of data centers coming online.

While it’s not an immediate problem, the amount of electricity those centers demand has raised concerns about whether new power generation can be developed quickly enough to keep up. As with many challenges our country has faced before, I am confident that we will work through this one, too. It will take time, but I believe in our ability to adapt and develop solutions that solve problems. In the meantime, though, it’s important that our political and regulatory leaders stay focused on maintaining reliability and protecting the U.S. power grid — one of our nation’s most valuable assets.

As we honor the 250th anniversary of American independence, let’s celebrate both the spirit of independence and the strong bonds that hold us together.

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OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • JANUARY 2026

Craig Grooms

PRESIDENT & CEO OHIO’S ELECTRIC COOPERATIVES

Just as our nation was built through unity and shared purpose, Ohio’s electric cooperatives have thrived by working together while maintaining independent local control.

JANUARY 2026 • Volume 68, No. 4

Ohio Rural Electric Cooperatives 6677 Busch Blvd.

Columbus, OH 43229 614-846-5757 www.ohiocoopliving.com Craig Grooms Caryn Whitney Jeff McCallister Amy Howat Neal Kindig

4 DEPARTMENTS 4 POWER LINES

President & CEO Director of Communications Senior Managing Editor Assistant Managing Editor Graphic Designer

Contributors: Colleen Romick Clark, Getty Images, W.H. “Chip” Gross, Shelby Bradford Moore, Catherine Murray, James Proffitt, Theresa Ravencraft, and MJ Zindars.

OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING (USPS 134-760; ISSN 2572-049X) is published monthly by Ohio Rural Elec­tric Co­op­eratives, Inc. It is the official com­munication link be­tween the elec­­­­tric co­operatives in Ohio and West Virginia and their mem­bers. Subscription cost for members ranges from $6.48 to $7.92 per year, paid from equity accruing to the member.

POSTMASTER: Send address changes to editorial and advertising offices at: 6677 Busch Boulevard, Columbus, OH 43229-1101. Periodicals postage paid at Berne, IN 46711, and at additional mailing offices. Nothing in this publication may be reproduced in any manner without written permission from Ohio Rural Electric Cooperatives, Inc. All rights reserved.

The fact that a product is advertised in Ohio Cooperative Living should not be taken as an en­dorse­ment. If you find an advertisement mis­leading or a product unsatisfactory, please not­ify us or the Ohio Attorney General’s Of­fi ce, Consumer Protection Sec­tion, 30 E. Broad St., Col­um­bus, OH 43215.

Periodicals postage paid at Colum­bus, OH, and at additional mailing offices.

The Youth Tour effect: A former

delegate says the long-lasting connections and eye-opening experiences on the co-op-sponsored event made it “more than just a trip.”

8

8 WOODS, WATERS, AND WILDLIFE

High-tail it outta here! The

reasons behind the seemingly random sessions of squirrel mass migration remain a mystery.

10 CO-OP PEOPLE

10

Building bridges: Steve Stolte has dedicated his life to preserving covered bridges to showcase their historical significance.

13 GOOD EATS

Get steamed: The gentle,

consistent heat created by simmering water cooks food to perfection, preserves nutrients, and warms you up on a cold winter day.

13

17 LOCAL PAGES

News and other important information from your electric cooperative.

National/regional advertising inquiries, contact

Cheryl Solomon

What’s happening: January/

February events and other things to do around Ohio.

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

Cooperative members:

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

Alliance for Audited Media Member

33 CALENDAR

33

36 MEMBER INTERACTIVE Bedtime: Members document

their pre-sleep routines — even those of fur-babies like Riley and Sadie, pictured at right in this photo submitted by South Central Power Company member Tammy Wade.

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Visit Ohio Cooperative Living magazine online at www.ohiocoopliving.com!

Read past issues and watch videos about our articles or our recipes. Our site features an expanded Member Interactive area, where you can share your stories, recipes, and photos and find content submitted by other co-op members across the state.

JANUARY 2026 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING

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POWER LINES

The Youth Tour effect

A former delegate says the long-lasting connections and eye-opening experiences on the co-op-sponsored event made it ‘more than ‘just a trip.’

BY SHELBY BRADFORD MOORE

K

yle Hicks, the new senior government affairs analyst at Ohio State University’s College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences, hadn’t always planned to pursue a career in public policy — he wanted to be a teacher.

For Hicks, his career trajectory (perhaps his life trajectory) changed in 2019, when he was sponsored by his co-op, Lancaster-based South Central Power Company, to attend the Electric Cooperative Youth Tour of Washington, D.C.

More than just a trip Youth Tour’s origin dates to the 1957 annual meeting of the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association, where then-Senator Lyndon Johnson shared his vision of “sending youngsters to the national capital where they can actually see what the flag stands for and represents.” Co-ops started sending teens to D.C. that very summer, and since then, 4

OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • JANUARY 2026

electric cooperatives around the country have sponsored more than 100,000 students from their communities to take the weeklong, all-expensespaid trip.

Hicks decided to apply to take the trip after hearing about the experiences his mom and sister had when they went on Youth Tour in 1994 and 2017, respectively. South Central Power selected him as one of its delegates as he was finishing his junior year at Amanda-Clearcreek High School, and that summer, he boarded a D.C.-bound bus with 30 other Ohio students who had been sponsored by their own co-ops.

They explored all that the capital has to offer, met with policymakers, and learned about electric cooperatives’ role in the history of the country.

The cherry on top: Hicks was elected as Ohio’s representative to the Youth Leadership Council by his fellow delegates, which meant his involvement with co-ops was only just beginning.

The following February, he traveled to New Orleans (his first-ever flight!) to work alongside 42 other states’ YLC representatives at PowerXchange, the NRECA’s annual national conference. In their support roles, they had the opportunity to meet leaders from cooperatives across the country, and were recognized on the conference’s main stage.

Friendships that will last a lifetime

PHOTOGRAPH BY MJ ZINDARS

By the time it was over and they all prepared to head home, Hicks and the other YLC reps knew they’d bonded in a way few others will ever experience. “We stayed up all night until our early flights the next day because we knew we’d probably never be together as a full group again,” he says. “As heartbreaking as it was, it’s a night I’ll remember for the rest of my life.”

He says he still talks with his friends from Youth Tour and YLC on a weekly basis, leaning on each other’s expertise, getting advice, and simply cheering one another on from every corner of the country.

Soon after, he enrolled at Ohio State, with a double major in political science and agribusiness and applied economics, but it didn’t take him long to realize he wasn’t ready to be done with the cooperative programs that had given him so much, and served as one of NRECA’s staff assistants Continued on page 6

JANUARY 2026 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING

5

Continued from page 5

for the 2022 Youth Tour. Formerly referred to as “blue shirts” for the royal blue polos they don during the event, the staff assistants work during Youth Tour to ensure delegates have a memorable, seamless trip.

Beyond the blue shirt Hicks says his exposure to life outside of the small rural town where he grew up had been limited before Youth Tour. But after the experience, he says he evolved from an average high school student to a young person buzzing with excitement for the future.

More profoundly, thanks in part to the dozens of new connections from across the country and experiences that gave him a more diverse outlook on the world and his role in it, he found a new career ambition.

“Before Youth Tour, I wanted to be a teacher,” Hicks says.

“That experience gave me the confidence to try and succeed in a career I knew little about at the time: politics.”

Hicks has maintained his connections with NRECA, South Central Power, and Ohio’s Electric Cooperatives, the statewide association that serves Ohio’s co-ops — and after landing his new job in government affairs at Ohio State, he was quick to reach out to his cooperative peers.

“In the political world, it’s easy to narrow your focus on what you believe is the ‘right way’ and block out viewpoints that differ from yours,” he says. “In those situations, I think about the incredible group of people I was surrounded by during Youth Tour and how we all had different backgrounds and perspectives — none of which was more important than the next. When we’re creating and shaping policies, it’s essential that we work together, not against one another, and consider the needs of others.”

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OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • JANUARY 2026

What effect will Youth Tour have on you?

Nearly all of Ohio’s 25 electric cooperatives participate in Youth Tour by sponsoring delegates, which means that students selected will pay nothing out of pocket to attend — all travel, lodging, food, and experiences are fully covered by a delegate’s sponsoring co-op.

This year’s tour will take place June 14 to 20.

Those interested are encouraged to visit their local electric cooperative’s website to see if they are accepting Youth Tour applications.

Most co-ops’ applications are due between February and March.

What will I see on Youth Tour?

• The U.S. Capitol Building • Gettysburg Battlefield • Arlington National Cemetery • National Archives • Library of Congress • The Kennedy Center • Museums: Natural History, American History, U.S. Holocaust Memorial • Monuments and memorials: Jefferson Memorial, Lincoln Memorial, FDR Memorial, MLK Jr. Memorial, 9/11 Pentagon Memorial, WWII Memorial, Washington Monument

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WOODS, WATERS, AND WILDLIFE

High-tail it outta here!

The reasons behind seemingly random sessions of squirrel mass migration remain a mystery.

STORY AND PHOTOS BY W. H. “CHIP” GROSS

G

ray squirrels are the bane of those of us who attempt to keep backyard bird feeders filled with birdseed. In large cities, small towns, and even rural areas across the Buckeye State, these arboreal aerialists seem to defy gravity in getting to places we don’t want them to be. But there was a time in Ohio history when gray squirrel populations were even higher than today — much higher.

Prior to statehood in 1803, Ohio was covered with mature forest from north to south and east to west.

Add in various species of nut trees — oaks, hickories, chestnuts — and this vast area was gray squirrel paradise; they thrived in untold millions.

For instance, a very early Columbus resident and hunter shot 67 gray squirrels in one day from just one

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OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • JANUARY 2026

tree in the middle of a cornfield on what today is the Statehouse lawn. In 1807, gray squirrels had become such a nuisance due to destroying corn and other crops that the Ohio General Assembly passed a law stating that each person subject to payment of a county tax “…shall in addition thereto, produce to the clerk of the township in which he may reside, such number of squirrel scalps as the trustees shall, at their annual meeting, apportion, in proportion to their county levees, provided that it does not exceed 100 or be less than ten.”

In addition to high squirrel numbers — or possibly because of it — an even more amazing phenomenon occurred during those early years that we no longer

see today: mass gray squirrel migrations. It seemed to happen every five years or so. A few restless squirrels would begin moving together through the treetops, soon to be joined by dozens more, then hundreds, then thousands, then tens of thousands, with all the squirrels continually moving rapidly in the same general direction. Even when the squirrels encountered a large stream or river, they didn’t hesitate; they just jumped in, began swimming, and once on the other side simply crawled out, climbed a tree, and kept going.

Early Ohioans who observed these gray squirrel migrations firsthand reported that the squirrels did not appear to be starving or in poor health. In fact, they oftentimes left areas of abundant food. Milton Trautman, a well-respected Ohio biologist of the 20th century, wrote the following: “The [scientific] literature contains many diverse statements about these movements, of many squirrels that drowned attempting to swim across the Ohio River. It is stated that whenever mass drownings occurred, if one stood on a high hill considerably removed from the river, the river’s course could be observed to be outlined by vultures flying above it, searching for drowned squirrels upon which to feed.”

So, why did gray squirrels occasionally move to new locations? Unfortunately, wildlife biologists today simply do not know. What we do know, however, is that as Ohio’s virgin forests were cleared for settlement, and the gray squirrel population declined as a result, their periodic migrations gradually declined as well, until eventually stopping altogether.

Of course, more than a few tall tales grew up around squirrel migrations, especially having to do with how they crossed rivers. The “tallest” of the stories stated that some gray squirrels, upon reaching the Ohio River and seeing its huge size and powerful current, would grab a shingle from a pile of wood meant for the roof of a nearby log cabin, place it in the water, jump aboard, then lift and spread their tail to act as a sail, and cross the river to the Kentucky or West Virginia bank, arriving high and dry.

A reenactor demonstrates how early frontiersmen hunted squirrels using a muzzleloader.

I seriously doubt that ever happened.

Ask

chip!

W.H. “Chip” Gross is Ohio Cooperative Living’s outdoors editor.

Email him with your outdoors questions at whchipgross@gmail. com. Be sure to include “Ask Chip” in the subject of the email.

Your question may be answered on www.ohiocoopliving.com!

www.ohiocoopliving.com

JANUARY 2026 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING

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CO-OP PEOPLE

bri g n d i ge d

l i u B

s

Steve Stolte has dedicated his life to preserving covered bridges to showcase their historical significance.

STORY AND PHOTOGRAPHS BY THERESA RAVENCRAFT

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OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • JANUARY 2026

S

teve Stolte was a civil engineering student at Ohio State University when the Silver Bridge, which connected Gallipolis to Point Pleasant, West Virgina, on busy U.S. Route 35, collapsed into the Ohio River.

He had been inspired to study civil engineering while he worked at his father’s construction company in high school, but he didn’t start focusing on bridges until that 1967 disaster, which killed 46 people.

“The collapse of Silver Bridge impacted me significantly,” Stolte says. “It heightened my interest in bridge construction and changed the course of my career.”

After the collapse, Ohio began to require that all bridges in the state be inspected once each year. Seeing an opportunity to both make some money and potentially save some lives, Stolte and some of his college friends started up a new business.

They attended classes during the week, but on weekends they traveled into rural counties throughout the state to perform those mandated bridge inspections.

“We learned quickly to drive across each bridge prior to doing our inspection, because we often didn’t want to drive across after seeing the condition they were in,” he says.

The experience broadened his knowledge of construction and fueled his burgeoning passion for bridges — particularly the covered bridges of Union County, much of which is served by URE–Union Rural Electric Cooperative.

After he graduated in 1969, Stolte took a job in Union County and soon became a partner in the engineering firm

of Fleming, Page, and Stolte. One of the other partners, Jim Page, an environmental engineer, worked together with Stolte to create the grid system that numbered all the homes in Union County. It was a massive undertaking, but it gave him a better understanding of the area.

In 1984, Stolte decided to run for county engineer. “It was time for change,” he says. “I wanted to be more progressive and apply for grants to make improvements.”

He would serve in that role for nearly 25 years, working tirelessly to update both equipment and infrastructure throughout the county. Later, he was elected as a county commissioner and served another 10 years in office. In that time, the county replaced more than 200 bridges, widened 100 miles of road, improved traffic signage, and installed thousands of feet of modern guardrails.

But one aspect of his tenure stands out: his work on covered bridges.

“We discovered the covered bridges in Union County when we inspected them in college,” Stolte says. “I’m most proud of building two new covered bridges, Buck Run Covered Bridge and North Lewisburg Covered Bridge. We also elevated all covered bridges from 5 to 8 tons to a higher load limit, so school buses and farm equipment could go over them.”

The Buck Run Covered Bridge, built in 2006, spans Darby Creek and is the longest single-span wooden bridge in Ohio at 160 feet in length. The two-lane North Lewisburg Covered Bridge was completed that same year to replace the original 1868 Pottersburg Bridge, which was relocated and restored — and dedicated to Stolte in 2022.

Together with his wife, Mardy, Stolte still devotes his time and efforts to educating visitors about covered bridges through local events, such as Dine on a Covered Bridge, designed to showcase and celebrate the history of covered bridges in Union County. The event draws hundreds of people from across the state. From July through October every year, visitors are offered guided tours, lunch or dinner made with locally sourced ingredients, and live music on the bridge.

After spending the bulk of his life restoring the old and building the new, Stolte is convinced it was the right thing to do. “Covered bridges are a link to the past, a past that was simpler and slower-paced,” he says. “They are also a link to our transportation history. They were the very first bridge that saw widespread use in Ohio. And they are still valuable today.”

Want to visit the covered bridges of Union County?

Find more information at www.dineonacoveredbridge. com and www.unioncountyoh.com.

JANUARY 2026 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING

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GOOD EATS

The gentle, consistent heat created by simmering water cooks food to perfection, preserves nutrients, and warms you up on a cold winter day.

There are products designed for steaming — steamer pots, collapsible metal baskets, stacked bamboo baskets, and steamer accessories for Instant Pots and rice cookers — but items such as mesh strainers, cooling racks, and aluminum pie pans can function as steamers, too.

VEGETABLE DUMPLINGS

Prep: 30 minutes | Proof: 30 minutes | Cook: 15 minutes | Servings: 4 ½ teaspoon salt ¾ cup hot water 2 cups flour 1½ cups minced green cabbage

¼ cup grated carrot 1 tablespoon minced chives 1 teaspoon sesame seeds 1 tablespoon low-sodium soy sauce

cornstarch for dusting Dipping Sauce ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce 1 tablespoon rice vinegar

1 tablespoon honey 1 teaspoon sesame oil ¼ teaspoon garlic powder

Dissolve salt into hot water. With flour in a large bowl, gradually add the salted water while stirring. Gather dough and form into a ball. Pull and knead dough by hand for 5 to 10 minutes until smooth and elastic, adding more flour if too sticky. Place ball of dough back in bowl and cover with a damp cloth. Let rest 30 minutes.

With a paper towel, squeeze liquid from cabbage. In a medium bowl, mix cabbage, grated carrot, chives, sesame seeds, and soy sauce; refrigerate. Roll dough into a 24-inch rope and cut into 24 pieces. Cover dough pieces with a damp towel. Pull out one piece of dough; roll into a sphere in palm of hand, dip in cornstarch, and roll out to a 3-inch disk. Stack disks with parchment squares between them to prevent sticking.

One at a time, place a small amount of cabbage filling in the center of each wrapper. Dip finger in water and lightly wet the inside dough edge around the filling. Fold dough over the filling and pinch to seal the two sides together at the topmost curved edge while leaving the sides open. Rest straight edge of dough on surface and hold the sealed part upright between index finger and thumb; then with the other hand make 3 small pleats on each side, starting from the middle and working down the sides, pressing to seal after each pleat. Press the middle of the U-shaped corners upward, making a W shape with the dough, then pinch the W to fully seal.

Cut parchment paper to line the steamer; punch holes through paper to match the holes in the steamer.

Arrange dumplings in a single layer. Bring water to a boil, then lower to medium. Place steamer over simmering water; cover and cook 12 to 15 minutes until plump, translucent, and firm when pressed. While waiting, mix the ingredients for the dipping sauce. Carefully remove dumplings from steamer with tongs and serve with dipping sauce on the side.

Per serving: 261 calories, 1 gram fat (0 grams saturated fat), 53 grams total carbohydrates, 0 milligrams cholesterol, 977 milligrams sodium, 3 grams fiber, 9 grams protein.

JANUARY 2026 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING

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CARROT GINGER SOUP Prep: 5 minutes | Cook: 25 minutes | Servings: 4 16-ounce bag baby carrots* 1 medium onion, evenly chopped 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated 4 cups vegetable broth 1 teaspoon lemon juice ½ teaspoon garlic powder ½ teaspoon ground coriander 1/8 teaspoon black pepper 13.66-ounce can coconut milk ¼ cup pepitas or sunflowers seeds *Bagged baby carrots are convenient for steaming because they're cut to a uniform size, which aids in an even cook time.

Place steamer basket into a pot and add water, leaving an inch or two of space below the steamer. Bring water to a boil, then lower temperature to medium. Add carrots to basket; cover with lid and steam 12 to 15 minutes, until easily pierced with fork yet shape stays intact. Transfer carrots to a strainer, then add onion to steamer and top with grated ginger; steam until onion is soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. With a blender or food processor, blend together carrots, onion, ginger, and a cup or so of vegetable broth until smooth. Transfer to a pot over medium heat; stir in remaining broth, lemon juice, and spices. Add a bit of water to thin, if needed. Cook until simmering. Remove from heat, swirl in coconut milk, and serve hot, topped with seeds.

Per serving: 312 calories, 25 grams fat (21 grams saturated fat), 21 grams total carbohydrates, 0 milligrams cholesterol, 796 milligrams sodium, 6 grams fiber, 5 grams protein.

STEAMED FISH AND GARLIC GREENS Prep: 5 minutes | Cook: 5 to 10 minutes | Servings: 2 large bunch kale, collard, and/or turnip greens 2 tablespoons unsalted butter 1/3 cup dry white wine 2 teaspoons minced garlic 8 ounces boneless, skinless white fillet (cod, halibut, sea bass) salt and pepper Tear leafy greens from stems. Plunge leaves in water to wash; shake until dripping slows. Rinse fish fillets and pat dry. In a deep skillet with fitted lid, melt butter on medium-low, then pour in wine and layer in garlic, greens, then fillets. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Increase heat to medium; cover and let steam 5 minutes.

Crack lid to check fish for doneness and continue steaming until fully cooked. With a large spatula, split fish and greens between two plates and spoon sauce on top.

Per serving: 249 calories, 13 grams fat (7 grams saturated fat), 8 grams total carbohydrates, 75 milligrams cholesterol, 595 milligrams sodium, 6 grams fiber, 19 grams protein.

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OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • JANUARY 2026

CHOCOLATE STEAMED BUNS Prep: 40 minutes | Proof: 1½ hours | Cook: 20 minutes | Servings: 8 2½ cups flour (spooned and leveled) 1 teaspoon instant yeast 2 tablespoons sugar ½ teaspoon baking powder ½ teaspoon salt ¾ cup whole milk, warmed to 110 F

1 tablespoon vegetable oil 2.5 ounces dark chocolate, finely chopped ¼ cup heavy cream 2 tablespoons sugar 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder

In a large bowl, combine flour, yeast, sugar, baking powder, and salt.

Gradually pour in warm milk while mixing with a wooden spoon, forming a sticky dough. Add vegetable oil and knead 10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Shape into a ball, return to mixing bowl, and cover with a damp towel. Let proof in a warm spot for 1 to 1½ hours, until doubled in size.

Meanwhile, in a small saucepan over low heat, melt dark chocolate into heavy cream, stirring regularly. Remove from heat and stir in sugar, then sift in cocoa, stirring until incorporated. Cover and set aside. Once dough has risen, punch it with fist to release air bubbles. Cut eight 3x4-inch pieces of parchment paper and evenly divide dough onto them, covering with damp towel. One at a time, roll into a ball, then stretch and press into a palm-sized disk. Spoon chocolate mixture into the center, being careful not to overfill.

Stretch opposite dough edges over filling until they meet, then pinch together. Take the two open ends and meet them in the middle, pinching dough to fully seal. Return to parchment seam-side down, again covering with towel. Repeat with remaining dough.

Fill a pot with water to an inch or two below the steamer. Bring to a simmer over medium heat. Arrange buns, still on parchment, inside steamer basket with space between them. (Do in batches if needed.) Cover with lid and steam for 15 minutes. Don't peek! Slide off of hot burner and let sit covered 5 more minutes. Lift lid without tilting it so the collected water doesn't fall onto the buns. Carefully remove buns and peel off parchment. Serve warm or let cool to room temperature, then store in an airtight container in the fridge (reheat in microwave with a damp towel for 30 seconds power) or freezer (steam directly from frozen for 8 to 10 minutes).

Per serving: 260 calories, 9 grams fat (4 grams saturated fat), 39 grams total carbohydrates, 12 milligrams cholesterol, 188 milligrams sodium, 2 grams fiber, 5.5 grams protein.

Check it out!

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

www.ohiocoopliving.com JANUARY 2026 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING

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OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • JANUARY 2026

BUTLER RURAL ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE

Capital credits: Understanding your options How capital credits work

Our unique business model sets Butler Rural Electric Cooperative apart from other utilities. Capital credits serve as a benefit to members and represent your stake and investment in the cooperative. These credits are important to funding crucial elements such as poles, wires, transformers, and other essential infrastructure, all of which contribute to the long-term strength and reliability of the cooperative.

By leveraging capital credits, we finance capital improvements and projects that are important to sustaining your electric system. Retaining capital credits also reduces the need for loans. This helps lessen the costs associated with electricity, ultimately benefiting all of our members.

Annually, Butler Rural Electric Cooperative’s board of trustees evaluates the cooperative’s financial health to determine the feasibility of retiring capital credits. The board of trustees approves the comprehensive retirement plan, ensuring both current and former members receive their capital credits retirements over time — to put money back in the pockets of you, the owners of our cooperative.

Changes to capital credits retirement beginning in 2027

Butler Rural Electric Cooperative’s board of trustees is modernizing the cooperative’s capital credits process to compassionately handle the accounts of deceased members. This change gives members two options for how capital credits are handled after death. The method you choose affects who receives your capital credits and when they are paid. Understanding and exploring these options is important.

Before capital credits can be paid, any outstanding balance on a member’s account must be paid. If the account is not paid in full, the capital credits will be held against the debt. Any outstanding debts will have capital credits applied to them at a net present value. The amount will be calculated to the net present value based on the current number of years in the retirement cycle.

Option 1 – Estate retirement

With this option, capital credits will be paid to the probated estate of the deceased member. In this case, the estate will receive capital credits at a net present value. The amount will be calculated to the net present

value based on the current number of years in the retirement cycle.

Option 2 – Transfer on Death (TOD) Beneficiary

To avoid the estate process, you can opt to designate a primary beneficiary to receive your capital credits. Upon death, Evan Rauch capital credits will MANAGER OF ACCOUNTING & FINANCE/CFO be assigned to the designee’s account and be treated as patronage capital subject to the same general retirement cycle for all cooperative members. This helps ensure your capital credits are handled according to your wishes in the future.

Butler Rural Electric Cooperative will begin accepting TOD forms on January 2, 2026. The form must be signed by the current member and notarized. Fill out and print the TOD form at butlerrural.coop and return it to our office.

Forms are also available at the cooperative’s office.

You can change designated beneficiaries by filing a new form and can cancel a TOD form by notifying the cooperative. It is the member’s responsibility to keep the information on the TOD form current. This includes the mailing address for the beneficiary. A power of attorney representative cannot file a TOD form to themselves.

What happens if no one claims your capital credits after you die?

Unclaimed capital credits of deceased members are subject to forfeiture, just as general retirement capital credits are. It’s a good idea to mention to those who will be responsible for your affairs that you are a Butler Rural Electric Cooperative member and there could be capital credits among your assets to be claimed.

If you have questions regarding the various methods of handling capital credits at death, please contact us at 513867-4400 Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

JANUARY 2026 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING

17

BUTLER RURAL ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE

The capital credits process 1

6 When we retire capital credits, members receive capital credits checks or bill credits in November.

Annually, Butler Rural Electric Cooperative’s Board of Trustees evaluates the financial stability of the co-op to determine if we can retire capital credits.

5

You become a member of Butler Rural Electric Cooperative when you move into a home receiving power from the co-op.

Capital credits are used as operating capital for improvements and maintenance of our system. This reduces the need for loans, which helps keep costs down.

4

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OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • JANUARY 2026

2 Butler Rural Electric Cooperative keeps track of how much electricity you purchase throughout the year.

At the end of the year, any funds remaining after our expenses have been paid are allocated to members as capital credits.

3

BUTLER RURAL ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE

THIS MONTH’S BILLS WERE MAILED JANUARY 7 AND ARE DUE JANUARY 21

Consider the convenient, secure payment options below to avoid mail delays and late fees AUTO PAY

MOBILE APP

Reduce the stress of missing a payment or receiving a late charge by having your payment automatically removed from your checking or savings account on the due date.

Easily manage your account on the go and make payments with our free SmartHub app. Available on the App Store or Google Play Store — search for SmartHub.

Follow these steps to enroll in Auto Pay:

3. Accept the Auto Pay Terms & Conditions

Call 855-940-3867 to use our Self-Serve phone number.

The automated system allows you to pay your bill 24 hours a day, seven days a week. You can also call our office at 513-867-4400 during normal business hours to pay with a card.

4. Select Enroll under Auto Pay Enrollment

COOPERATIVE’S OFFICE

1. Log in to SmartHub 2. Select Bill & Pay then Auto Pay Program

5. Follow the instructions and continue paying your bill until your statement reads “Automatic Payment — DO NOT PAY!”

ONLINE Pay online through SmartHub by visiting butlerrural.coop or download the SmartHub app. If you don’t want to create a SmartHub account, use the Pay Now tab on the home screen of our website to quickly and securely make a payment.

BILL CREDIT WINNERS

PHONE

Pay your bill at the cooperative’s office at 3888 Stillwell Beckett Road in Oxford, Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Our office has a drop box that can be used to make payments after hours or on the weekends.

Please do not put cash in the drop box.

FIRST FINANCIAL BANK Pay your electric bill at any First Financial Bank location with no charge. Visit the bank’s website for branch locations. Payments may take up to 24 hours (during normal business hours) to be received.

Did you attend our virtual annual meeting in April? If so, you could be the winner of a $50 bill credit. Congratulations to the November winners!

Kyle J. Crum • Darrel R. Davis • James W. Ortman • Katherine Storen • Darlene J. Thompson

JANUARY 2026 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING

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BUTLER RURAL ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE

SAVING MONEY ON YOUR ELECTRIC BILL IS AS EASY AS TURNING A SCREW. Setting your water heater temperature above 120°F can be a waste of energy and money. Take charge of your energy costs by turning down the temperature. Then, check out SmartHub’s enhanced home use data, which itemizes your electric bill and shows you which appliances are costing you the most. Remember, when it comes to saving energy, you have the power!

Find out how the little changes add up with enhanced home use data, available in SmartHub. 18B

OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • JANUARY 2026

BUTLER RURAL ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE

JUNE 14-20, 2026

A CO-OP SPONSORED TRIP TO WASHINGTON, D.C.

What is Youth Tour?

Who Can Apply:

• A trip to Washington, D.C., sponsored by Butler Rural Electric Cooperative.

• Applicants must be high school sophomores or juniors.

• A week of visiting historic monuments, touring world class museums, and meeting elected officials.

• You and your parents or guardian must receive electricity from Butler Rural Electric Cooperative.

• Developing life-long friendships with delegates from across the country!

For more information contact:

OhioYouthTour

@

Andy Denny Community Relations and Marketing Coordinator andyd@butlerrural.coop

Apply by Feb. 13: butlerrural.coop > Community > Youth Programs > Youth Tour JANUARY 2026 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING

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BUTLER RURAL ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE

WORKING TOGETHER

TO LOWER DEMAND When outdoor temperatures drop, electricity use naturally rises. Colder weather drives us indoors, where we rely more heavily on home heating systems, more lighting, and household appliances. Heating systems run longer and more frequently to maintain comfortable indoor temperatures. Combine that with the fact that most people use electricity at the same times — typically in the mornings and early evenings — and the result is significant pressure on our electric grid.

Butler Rural Electric Cooperative works closely with Buckeye Power, our local generation and transmission cooperative, to plan for these seasonal weather patterns and changes to ensure you have reliable power every day of the year. This partnership involves detailed resource and infrastructure planning to make certain electricity is available whenever you need it. However, it’s important to remember our local system is part of a much larger regional and national electric grid.

During the winter months, when homes and businesses across the country are using more electricity simultaneously, overall demand can approach — or occasionally exceed — available supply. This is especially true during severe weather events, such as ice storms, sudden temperature drops, or equipment malfunctions that reduce generation capacity. In rare cases when demand threatens to outpace supply, the regional grid operator may call for temporary, controlled outages — often referred to as rolling outages — to prevent broader system failures. If such a situation arises, Butler Rural Electric Cooperative will provide timely updates and information to members.

To prepare for these scenarios and minimize risks, Butler Rural Electric Cooperative and Buckeye Power take proactive measures to strengthen reliability year-round.

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OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • JANUARY 2026

These include routine system maintenance, investments in grid modernization, and comprehensive disaster response planning. These proactive steps are designed to ensure our portion of the grid remains resilient even under extreme conditions. Yet, maintaining a reliable electric system requires a collective effort — and every member plays an important role in lowering demand when the grid is under stress.

You can help by taking simple actions during periods of high electricity use, especially on the coldest days of winter: 1. Lower your thermostat slightly. Even reducing the temperature by a few degrees can help.

2. Delay using large appliances during peak hours, which are 2 to 6 p.m. Run dishwashers, washing machines, and dryers during off-peak hours, which are 10 p.m. to 6 a.m.

3. Adjust your water heater. Setting it to 120 degrees F and spacing out showers helps conserve both energy and hot water.

4. Unplug unnecessary devices. Power used for lighting and electronics adds up and accounts for a significant portion of home energy use. Disconnect unused items to reduce energy waste.

Understanding how winter weather impacts electricity demand is key to maintaining system reliability. By practicing simple energy conservation habits at home, you not only save money on your monthly bill — you also help strengthen the resilience of the grid that powers our community. Together, through small actions and shared awareness, we can ensure our homes remain warm, our lights stay on, and our local grid continues to serve us reliably throughout the season.

BUTLER RURAL ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE

Save the date VIRTUAL ANNUAL MEETING THURSDAY, APRIL 30

Hear updates from Butler Rural Electric Cooperative’s Board of Trustees President David Evans and General Manager Tom Wolfenbarger. More details coming soon!

JANUARY 2026 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING

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BUTLER RURAL ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE

CHILDREN OF MEMBERS SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATIONS

AVAILABLE NOW!

TRADITIONAL SCHOLARSHIPS

These scholarships are awarded to high school seniors attending four-year colleges after graduation. Applicants must have a GPA of 3.5 or higher and must be involved in school and community activities. The top applicants will participate in interviews with judges and will receive a scholarship from Butler Rural Electric Cooperative.

Breakdown > One student will be awarded the Michael L. Sims Scholarship and will receive $2,500 each year throughout their college career for up to four years. The recipient will compete for up to $4,600 in additional scholarships from Ohio’s Electric Cooperatives. > $3,000 Thomas Humbach Scholarship > $3,000 R. Fred Woodruff Scholarship > $1,000 scholarships

$2,000 COMMUNITY ACHIEVEMENT SCHOLARSHIP

Butler Rural Electric Cooperative supports and appreciates the community involvement of our youth. This scholarship is awarded to one high school senior attending a fouryear college after graduation. Applicants must have a

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OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • JANUARY 2026

GPA of 3.0 or higher and must be heavily involved in the community and passionate about improving the quality of life in our service territory. The top applicants will participate in interviews with judges and one student will receive a $2,000 scholarship.

$1,500 TRADE SCHOOL SCHOLARSHIP

The Touchstone Energy Achievement Scholarship is awarded to a high school senior who is attending a technical college or trade school after graduation.

Applicants must have a GPA of 2.5 or above and must plan to attend an accredited technical school program after graduation. Past recipients of this scholarship have completed programs to become diesel mechanics, for example. The top applicants will participate in interviews with judges and one student will receive a $1,500 scholarship.

APPLY TODAY!

Visit butlerrural.coop > Community > Youth Programs > Scholarships to apply. Application deadline is Feb. 13.

Scholarship applicants must be high school seniors, must be the child or legal ward of a Butler Rural Electric Cooperative member, and must live in a home receiving electric service from the cooperative.

BUTLER RURAL ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE

HELP US FIND FORMER MEMBERS! Butler Rural Electric Cooperative attempted to issue capital credits checks to these former members in 2021. The checks were mailed to people who had electric service from Butler Rural Electric Cooperative in 2005 and/or 2020. The checks were returned as undeliverable by the U.S. Postal Service.

Names marked with asterisks have been added to the list this year. Names without asterisks have been published on the list before.

The publication of this list is the official notification of unclaimed checks. We will also mail postcards to each

Capital credits under $20

*Byrd, Alexander *Byrnside, Janet R *Canupp Cox, Jacqueline N Carder, Carmine *Carpenter, Angie Carroll, Karen *Cassidy, Ronald *Chalmers, Michael S *Chandler, Tina *Childers, Trilda *Coffin, Nathaniel C *Coldiron, Tim S *Combs, Kenneth Combs, Laura M *Compton, Dustin *Cooper, Scott J *Craig, Donald A *Craig, Thelma Crank, Susan Daniel, Todd Darling, Jennifer *Davis, Janice E Day, Donielle *Dearman, Perry C Deatherage, Tyran E *Demarest, Stuart *Deng, Wei *Dengler, Nicholas G Dill, Ron *Donley, Sheila K *Doty, Jesse, D Dowdy, Erin M *Draman, Tim J Duffie, Elizabeth Duncan, Billie Durfey, Mark

*Abner, Mable E *Agosto, Ileshka *Aleson, Erik N Alexander, Beth A Alexander, Heather M *Allen, Ashley Arcadin Homes LLC Arisah, Lillian F Asada, Kiana K Baker, Jamie *Baker, Marvin Baker, Shirley *Baldrige-Barbish Josef J Balfour, Constance Baril, Alexander R *Barnard, John A Bartolic, Edward Baughn, Alisha *Beekman, Aaron D Beeler, Linda Beeman, James L *Bloland, Per A *Boggs, G. Jean *Bolton, Dan L *Bowling, Edward *Bowman, Brandon *Brandenburg, Mark A Brewer, Greg *Brown, Gerald Bryant, Fredric Bunger, Amy *Bunker, Al Burns, Mary

member’s last-known address. According to Butler Rural Electric Cooperative’s code of regulations, if capital credits checks remain unclaimed after four years from the date of payment, the unclaimed funds will be reallocated to active members following these notices.

If your name is listed below, contact Butler Rural Electric Cooperative by calling 513-867-4400 so we can update your mailing address and send your capital credits check.

If you know an individual or organization on the list, please have them contact the cooperative’s office. If you recognize a name on the list and the person is deceased, please have one of their relatives contact the cooperative.

*Dursch, Michael D Eggar, Chad M *Elcook, Susan *Ellis, David Evans, Andrew J *Evans, Deborah J *Fealey, Garth A *Ferritto, Chris *Fidelity Housing Solutions Fishbaugh, Michael *Fix, Chelsey *Frabell, Lawrence J *Fritz, Kelly J Frontier Communications *Fuson-Lang, Laurel M *Garnett, Charles Gaylor, William Gerbus, Michael Gill, Jacob Gravitt, Brandy N Griffin, Marcus S Grubb, Chad Habitat For Humanity Hacker, Virginia *Handshoe, David B *Harris, Brenda M Harris, Cody T *Hasse, Courtney *Heid, Monica Henderson, Amber M Henry, Bruce Heyman, Colin Hibbard, Darlene *Hinkle, Graden T Hodge, Jasper *Hoffman, Jill M

*Hood, Leanne M *Houp, Bobby K Howard, Edwin *Hudson, Bryan Humphrey, Elizabeth *Hutsen Piller Contractors *Irvin, Kali C *J & O Stables, LLC *Jackson, Donald Jackson, Roy R Jackson, Timothy L James, Stephen Jarrell, Michael John Hall & Son Custom Homes Jones, Jared A *Jones, John A *Jones, Patricia A Keller Williams Realty *Kennedy, Ryan Keynote Realtors *Kidder, Barbie *Kilgore, John *King, Pamela B *King, Torry T Kittel, Taylor B *Klatte, Kathy *Koch, William *Koeninger, Frank E Lainhart, Brian A *Lainhart, William J *Larkin, Cynthia L *Leary, Sean M Lewellyn, Daniel Lewis, Christina J *Lewis, George

JANUARY 2026 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING

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BUTLER RURAL ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE

*Liang, Jiayin Lickliter, Timothy *Lindenmayer, James W Lindon, Makayla Linton, Linda *Lippmann, Stephen M London, Anthony T Loos, Douglas Hjr *Lovejoy, Joseph W Loving, Amanda J *Lunsford, Lindsey L Lyons, Marian Main Line Bridge *Manzi, Philip M *Marcum, Donita K Martin, Judith M Mather, Jamie L *Maurer, Madeline R Mays, Jamie McCall, Dale *McCormick, Karen McDonough, Julie *McDonough, Pauline M *McFall, Charlee L *McHargue, Kimberly *McIntosh, Timothy R McWhorter, Gordon Mees, Lance *Metcalf, Lucy *Meyer, April M Meyer, Harry *Michael, John Middaugh, James *Miller, Kristina O Mills, David *Montgomery, Melinda L Morris, Brett A *Neal, Linda J *Neely, Stevie N Neiheisel, Kaylin J *Nelson, Robin N Nicelots L.L.P. Norman, Clarence *Norton, Chad T *O’Brien, Steven M Palmeri, Joseph Parker, Clifton *Parker, Mabel *Parsley, Krista Parsons, Virginia Patrick, Jared Petraglia, Nick Petrak, Brian 18H

*PP Hill Properties, LLC *Pressler, Annmarie Price, Brandon *Price, John C Pridemore, David Prudential Sirk Brockman *Rainey, Jonathan M *Ramirez, Brandon J *Ratterman, Thomas *Reeves, Leah Reid, Jim Rhodis, Craig *Rhodus, Marsha G Richardson, Rick Riemeier Structural Solution Riffle, Stokley *Riggs, Justin L Rockey, Jeff Rogers, James Rose, Virginia *Ross, Linda *Rossman, Deborah *Rowland, Kenneth Rowland, Rick Rumpke, Scott A *Russell, Christina L Rutherford, James *Saunders, Doug M Sawyers, Mike Schlabach, Samantha J *Schlamb, Carly Schreibeis, James W Schul, Jason *Seeley, Michael E *Sefton, William Sester, Charles *Settle, James Sexton, Matthew *Shelley, Margie S *Shockey, Molly A Shonave Custom Homes *Shrader, Deborah M *Shueh, Tong-An *Silette, Chris R *Simms, Jesika *Simpson, Toka Sizemore, Jarrad *Slater, Clarence R Small, Kelly *Smallwood, Natasha A Smith, Creed Smith, Ronald E *Spencer, Steven

OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • JANUARY 2026

Springbrook Farms Log Homes *Staggs, James *Steelsmith, Megan H *Stidham, Charlie J *Stone, Helene E Storck, David Stroup, Lucia L *Sturgis, Brad W Suiter, Matt Symanski, Joshua Tegtmeyer, Bradley Temelis, Jack *Thobe, Justin M Tillman, Katherine *Treadway, Thomas Cjr Trower, Lilly *Truman, Stephanie *Ture, Rita Van Horn, Kenneth *Vance, Linda R *Vanderpool, Donna K Vandt, Zachary M *Varney, Kayla D Vaughn, Robert L Vaughn, Thomas Veneman, Scot *Von Hagen Homes Inc *Wallen, Stephanie *Ward, Doug Washington, Heather S *Webster, Anthony C *White, Carolyn A Whitt, Tari Williams, Derek A Williams, Johnny E Wills, Samantha Windisch, David J *Wombles, Tasha R Wood, Randall A *Woods, David M *Wright, Shawn L Yauk, Jessica A Yeager, Matthew T Zaenkert, Beverly L *Zimmerman, Kay F Zimmerman, Violet M M

Capital credits over $20 *Abney, Dustin M Accredited Adams, Bobbie

Adams, Howard Adams, Jonathan Adsit, Spencer Ahr, Emily Akers, Margaret Albrinck, Pat Alexander, Brian *Alfaro, Jacob G Allen, Chris *Allen, Shirlena *Allen, Tonya *Allstatter, Michelle Amburgey, Toni Anderson, Andrea C Anderson, Kellie Anglin, Cynthia A *Angne, Jennifer *Angus, G D Apfeld, Jessica Austin, Julia *Azbill, Tracy *Bailey, Linda Bake Excavating Baker, Alex Baker, Carma *Baker, Christoph E Baker, Janis *Baker, Johnnie Balfour, John Ball, Patricia A Ballard, E E Ballard, Josh Ballard, Roger Balleau, Mae Banfield, Natasha A Barger, Daniel *Barger, Mallory E Barker, Wanda Barkley, Gail Barrett, Steve Beck, Edward Beck, Vangie Becker, Karen *Beckman, Jenny *Bedell, John V *Belcher, Joyce Bell, Floyd Bell, Leonard Benge, Frank Benge, Loraine Bennett, Beth Bennett, Jean Best, Jeffrey S

BUTLER RURAL ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE

Betz, Anita Bevier, Marsha Biehl, Jackie E Bigler, Roger Jay Bingle, Cecilia Birchwell, Michael Blackburn, Lawrence Bledsoe, Robin *Blum, Roger Bolden, John W Boles, Thomas Bolin, Frank *Bollmer, Jessica Bolser, Teri Bonapfel, Elizabeth *Bower, John E Bowling, Audrey Bowling, Maggie Bowling, Pamela J *Bowman, Donald Bowman, Karen Bowman, Paul Bowman, Rhonda Bowman Jr, Gary L Boyd, Harold Boyd, Stacey *Brabant, Shawn P *Brading, Shadel *Brann, Andrew H Bratton, Robert C *Braun, Tim D *Bridgeford, Evelyn C Brinkman, William Brissey, Marjorie Brockhaus, Stan Brown, Phillip Browning, R. Michael *Broxterman, Gary Bryant, Walter P Bubp, Kelly Buck, Linda *Bullimore, Duncan Burbrink, Brian Burden, Christoph E Burge, Janet Burnside, Ruby Burton, Billy *Buschard, Kelly R Bush, Jack Jr Byrley, Brandon Cahall, Tina Cain, Greg Caldwell, Albert

*Caldwell, Donna Sue *Callahan, John *Callihan, Michael Cameron, Mike Campbell, Jacques G Campbell, Robert D Cannon, Jennifer Canter, Kellie Carder, Brenda *Carder, Connie Carder, Janice Carl Stander Irrev Trus *Carmack, John Carozza, Larry *Carpenter, Alvin Carrier, Nick Carter, Alicia Casey, Eva J Chandler, Charles *Chapman, Lindsey K Chase, Ethan Chesnut, Melissa Chischillie, Gordon Chow, Greg Church Of God Clark, Debra Clemens, Kelly Clements, Amy *Clos, Elizabeth A Cochran, Mark Cogar, Teresa Cole, Owen R *Coleman, Charles R Cole-Staker, Gloria Collins, Clyde Combs, Thomas Compton, Ken Conley, Lisa *Conley, Tracy *Connell, Madelyn Conrad, Virginia Conrad Jr, Bobby Lee Cooley, James Cope, Floyd W *Corban Networks Inc *Cordy, Brandalon Cottrell, Beth Couch, Traci Couch, William L Courtney, Linda Courtney, Tim Cowman, Michael Cracraft, Joseph

Crane, Marjorie Crews, Wanda Crichton, Robin Crosson, Edith Crouse, Robert Crowder, Jerry L Crowe, Linda Crowley, Roy L Current, Michael Curtner, Amy Dale, Elizabeth Dalton, Ruby Danishek, John Davis, Teresa Day, Christoph E Day, Treasa Dean, Cynthia Deaton, Gary Deaton, Michele Deaton, Nancy Delong, Michele D Delpozzo, David *Dengler, Leona *Dennis, Ereca *Depew, Frederick W Dexter, Deborah Dickhaus, Crystal *Dietrich, Duane Dill, Peter Dillingham, Kelly *Dinkler, Morris Distler, Ben Dixon Builders *Dorworth, Jonathan Dougherty, Sean Douglass, Gary Downie, Don Duff, Harry A Durbin, Carole *Durham, Andrew M Durrough, Tracey Dykes, Deborah C Easterling, Mary *Eastham, Steve Eaton, Jennifer J *Eicher, Frank WII *Elam, Greg Elcook, Rhonda Ellison, Barbara C English, Henry C Enneking, John Ennis, Misty Erdman, Ronald

*Essen, Roger Esterkamp, Albert Evans, Robert L Falk, William C Fall, Nancy Fant, Charles Farmer, Larry Farney, Richard Farthing, Charles W Faulkner, Beth Federle, Nora Feldkamp, Joseph T Fenner-Aubin, Wendy Fernbach, Susan Fields, Arlita Fields, Roscoe LII Figley, Beth Finan, Sandra Finnell, Brenda First Broadcasting Flaig, Charles F *Flake, John Fletcher, William B Flick, Kimberly Flowers Ranch Inc *Foister, Amanda E Foley, Rose Forkner, Lisa Fout, Jennifer Fox, Thomas Fox, William Francko, David Fread, Sarah *Freeman, Mary *Friend, Connie Fritsch, Craig Fritzsche, Mary Fry, Chad J Fry, Naomi L Fullen, Brandon M Fyffe, Nichole Gabbard, Charles Gadd, Wanda Gallagher, Michael Gallisdorfer, Jeffrey Galvez-Howell, Bobbie Gambrell, John Gambrell, Thomas Gan, Ting Gardner, Ronnie *Garrett, A Shane Gay II, Charles Geckeler, Naomi R

JANUARY 2026 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING

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BUTLER RURAL ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE

Geiser, Brenda Gentry, Ebony Gerlach, Christy *Gibbs, Darrell E Gilbert, Vicki L *Gillespie, Zach B Ginandt, Debra Glancy, Gary L Glorius, Tom Golub, Terri Goodlett, William Goodwin, Renee Gosdin, Terry Graham, Megan Gray, Donna Gray, Jessica Gregory, Edna A Gregory, George R Gregory, Scott Griffin, Donna Griffin, Doug *Griffin, James D Griffin, Susan Griffith, Francis *Griffith, Tillman B *Grigsby, Gina Grimes, Jeffrey *Groen, Aaron GTE GTE Mobilenet C/O Voicest GTE Telephone Operations GTE Wireless Guest, Michael J Guisewhite, Robert *Gumm, John Gunderson, Julie Guven, Ferit Haag, Richard *Haas, William C Habermehl, Brian Hacker, John Jr Haddix, Henry *Haddix Plumbing Inc Hagemann, Mandy Halcomb, Shawn Hall, Celeste Hall, Greg Hall, Rhonda Hall, Robert E Hamblin, Sharon *Hamidullah, Abdul Hamilton, Robert 18J

*Hamilton, Sherry *Hamilton County Engineers Hamman, David Hammett, Debra Hampton, Lisa Hardig, Brad Harris, Adam Harris, Clay Harris, Karen Harshbarger, Elizabeth E Hartwell, Nicole M Hathaway, Celeste Hawkins, Melva Hayes, Robert *Heckert, David C Heckman, Lawrence G Helm, Nathan Helphinstine, Michael *Helton, Jesse *Helton, Leonard Helton, Victoria Hembree, Denver Hembree, Maxine F Henderson, Mark Henderson, Mary Hendrix, Christopher Henke, Gilbert Henry, Bryan Henry, Jeannie Henry, Jill Henry, Thelma Hensley, Melissa D Hensley, Rosetta Herrmann, Catherine Higgins, Alice High, Shirley Highfill, Stephanie Hill, Ellen Hill, Herbert Hill, Kenneth *Hillis, Anthony S Hilt-Carter, Pauline Hitch, Stephen C Hite, Michael E Hobson, Nick Hochstuhl, Steve Hoelle, Lori Hoffman, Eugene Hogan, Laura Holaday, Robert Holbrook, Carl Holcer, Melvin

OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • JANUARY 2026

Hollin, Margene Hollywood, Nicole Holman, Krista Holt, Charlotte Honchell, Barbara Honchell, William E Hood, Jay Hooven, Sandra *Hopkins, Brad L Hopkins, David Hopper, Thomas Horn, Linda Hoskins, Amber M Howard, Barb Howard, David E Howard, Robert Howard, William Huddleson, Sarah Huff, Stephanie *Huffman, James Huffman, John Hungarland, Nancy Hurst, Deborah Hurst, Sandra Hymer, Stephen Image Homes LLC Imhoff, Tia *Inlow, Charles *Isaacs, James Ison, Sandy Jackson, Kevin W Jackson, Lucas Jackson, Sally R *Jackson, Treva G Jaeger, Donald B Janes, Jerry Jarbeau, Bryan Jarvis, Jody *Jeffery, Mildred Jensen, Keith A Jettmac Trucking Inc Jewett, Keith A JGR Properties Inc *Johnson, Alfrod Johnson, Amy Johnson, Andrew Johnson, Anne Johnson, Cheryl Johnson, Cindy Johnson, Misty Johnson, Russell Johnson, Stanley Johnson, Terry

Jolly, Rebecca *Jones, Amanda M *Jones, Mary L Jordan, Delores Julia Mills-Rothermel Jump, Merrin Jung, Steven Justice, Carl Kaehler, John D Kakias, Charla Keen, Aileen Kehr, Elnora *Keldandahl LLC Keller, James Kennedy, Jack T Kennedy, June Kerl, Carrie Kerns, Jeannie *Kessen, Brandon Kidd, Ruby Kiehborth, Ray *Kienow, Denise K Kilbarger, Ronald Killen, Charles *King, Richard King, Stephen *Kirby, Jessica Kitts, Sandy Knapp, Steve Knizner, Margareth A Knotts, Rhonda Korb, Stephen Kramer, Jeri Lisa Kramer, Melissa Kramer, Mike Krause, Robert Krawetzki, Jennifer *Krishock, Laurissa A Kuykendoll, Patricia Laboch, Justin Lairson, Clarence *Lairson, Merrianne *Lake, Logan P Lakes, John Lamb, Betty Lamb, Ethel L Lancaster, Deanna Lara, Jose C Larison, Veronica *Laubenstein, Robert A Lauer, Ervin Layne, Melissa Ledford, Becky

BUTLER RURAL ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE

Lee, Jaesung Lee, Rita Lester, Eula Lewis, Carolyn Lewis, Haran Lewis, Larry Lewis, Tara Light, Edwin Lincicome, Margaret G Lineback, Melissa Lineback, Stephanie Lintz, Michael Linz, Paul Little, Steven *Lock, Gregorie Long, Mari Long, Ryan Lopez, John Lougheed, Michael Loveless, Lisa Luggen, Ms. J M Luken, Stephen R Lycans, James Lykins, Donald Rjr Lynch, Tammy Mack, Summie Madden, Orville E Mallie, Tina Manis, Sandra Mann, Corey Manning, Frank Manus, Shannon Mapel, Lena Marcum, Eva Marcum, Nora Maricle, Irma J Marley, Matthew Martin, Marcia L Martin, Nellie Martin, Rick Martin, Tina Martorano, David *Mason, James Massey, James *May, Michael Mayabb, Kim Mayes, John Mays, Lillian J Mays, Randall McAdow, Glenn McClellan, Michael McConnehea, Jenny McCracken-Tirey, Stephanie

McDonald, Janice L McGoldrick, Stacy McGough, Ryan McGroarty, Charles R McIntosh, Emily McIntosh, Wayne McIntyre, Sandy McKaig, Daryl *McKay, John McKee, Tonja McKinley, Leland McKinney, Kim McKinney, William McLennan, Robin McMurray, Nelson McNutt, Patricia McWilliams, Joseph *Means, Joanne *Megan’s Carry-Out Mejia, Rudy Messer, Tonya Metcalf, Steve *Metzger, Brian Meyer, Deloris Meyer, Diana Meyer, James Meyer Builders MIC Insulation Miller, Bobbie J Miller, Cleda Miller, Derek B Miller, Gary Miller, J M Miller, Jeff Miller, Katharine Miller, Marc Miller, Matthew Miller, Natalie Miller, Thomas Mills, Marc Mills, Shirley Miracle, Brian Miracle, Dreama Mistler, Garrett Moore, Greg Moore, Heidi A *Moore, Karen Moore, Monica R Moore, Roger A Moore, Tracey Morgan, Johnna Morgan, Robert E Morrow, Gladys *Moses, Glenn

*Moses, Nichole Moses, Shird Muchmore, Toni Mull, Steven *Mundy, David Murphy, Janet *Murphy, Steven R Murray, James Murray, William E Muskopf, Ronald Myers, Joan Myers, Michael A Neal, Andrea *Neeley, Carlos Neely, Angela Neely, Norman D Nelson, Michael Newman, Patricia Nextel NW NFW Enterprises Nickel, Kathleen *Nickoson, Knoah J Niehaus, Keith Noah, Dolores Noel, Richard Novak, Deborah Now, Susan F Nu-Venture Properties Odee, Dawn Odom, Jeremiah Oman, Steven Osborn, Jodi Osborne, L C Osgood, Tim Owens, Harvey G Paproski, Lisa Paramount Homes *Pardun, Helen Paredes, Frank Parker, Chris *Parker, Lester Parker, Vanessa Parsley, Raymond Partin, Jaime Patrick, Charles Patterson, Jason Payne, Tracy Pelfrey, Matthew *Pence, Jacob T Pendleton, Marjorie *Pendleton, Ryan T Perkins, Karen Perry, V. Michael Persad-Clem, Reema

Petree, John Pfierman, Iladean Phelps, Keith Phillips, John Pierce, Cathy Pieterick, Cary Ping, Timothy *Pinnix, Derek M *Piphus, Brent Pleasant Vineyard Min Pollard, Christine Portwood, Ron *Postlethwait, Mindy Poynter, Jan F Price, Heather Priority Builders Probst, Roberta *Proffitt, Anna Prosperi, Ross A Rader, Michelle Ratliff, Richard L Ratliff Sales & Leasing Ravenscraft, Deborah Ray, Kenneth Reagan, Sethell Reece, David Reed, Tina Reese, Anne Reese, Sheree Reiber, Denise Rein, Leroy Reinbold, Leslie *Rengering, Kelly J Rengers, Steve Reyes, Erlinda Reynolds, Monica Reynolds, Randall R Reynolds, Virginia Rice-Odley, Teresa Richards, Ronald Richardson, Erma Richardson, Marian Richey, Larry Ricker, Gary Ricumstrict, George Ridenour, Roy Ritter, Paul Roach, Melanie Roades, George *Robbins, Rochelle M Robinson, Karen Robinson, Sheila Rock, Donna Roehrig, Carolyn

JANUARY 20256 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING

18K

BUTLER RURAL ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE

Roessler, Donald Rogers, Marlene Roll, Pamala Rosenbalm, Connie Roser, Donna Rosner, John Rotruck, Abigail Rouse, Gregory *Roy, Marietta S Ryan, Jeff Salazar, George Sallee, Scott *Sanders, Carol Sanders, Erin Sandlin, Earl R Satkamp, Debra *Sauerland, Beulah Saylor, Tonya Scalf, James Scanlon, Marc *Schaeffer, Karen A *Schetzer, Leo Schiff, Chris *Schlabach, Kenneth P *Schlegel, Darlene Schoenharl, Paul Schooley, Virginia Schroder, John Schroeder, Keith Seegmueller, Don Seelmeyer, Brent Segovia, Agustin Sewell, Norman *Sexton, Matt Shanks, Pamela Shaw, Patrick Sheehan, Robert Shore, Tina Short, Michael Short, Sarah Siegmund, John Simpkins, Lydia Sims, John Singleton, Elizabeth Sizemore, Carlos Skinner, Gregory *Skinner, Janet K Skinner, Mary Slade, Betty Slingerland, Joyce Slusser, Joe Smallwood, Michael Smiley, Mark 18L

Smith, Alpha *Smith, Andy A Smith, Carol Smith, Colleen Smith, James A Smith, Lillie *Smith, Lorra A Smith, Otis Smith, Robert Smith, Thomas Smith, Virginia Smith, William *Smothers, Michelle Snowden, Pamela Snyder, Desi *Snyder, Lawrence Somers, Christoph Er Spalding, Walter Spears, Kelly *Spencer, Wendy *Spicer, Marcus Staggs, Veronica Staley, Ray Stambaugh, Clyde Stapf, Angela Stapleton, Gregory Stargate Homes Steel, Mildred *Stein, Kenneth *Steinwald, Mary *Stephenson, Julie Sterling Homes Stevens, Darin Stevens, Gary Stevenson, Michael Stevison, Larry Stewart, Elbert *Stidham, Danielle R *Stitsinger, Jay M Stiver, Lillie *Stoffregen, Ed Stover, Don *Stover, Flornadia Stover, Joseph Stoyko, Brian Straub, Mary S *Strickland, Jessica L *Stubbs, Bessie Swank, Jason Swing, Ronald S Talawanda Springs *Taulbee, Shirley A Taulbee, Wilgus Jr

OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • JANUARY 2026

Taylor, April Taylor, Cindy Taylor, Karen Taylor, Larry Taylor, Norman R Telinda, Karen Tenney, Kathleen *Terry, Keith Terzin, Anthony Thacker, Dawn R Therrien, William *Thiemann, Gilbert *Thomas, Dakota Thompson, Jerry W Three Chimneys Inc Tilton, Melissa *Tim Myers Trustee *Tout, Tommy E Town & Country Mobilehome Treadway, Donald *Treadway, Thomas Trousdale, Dennis True, Lynnette J Truster, Michael Tucker, Vickie Turley, Scott Turner, Jim Turner, Karen Tussey, Randy Tyler, W N Tyliszczak, John U S Dept of Energy Uhl, Judd Vanderpool, Rene *Vangen, Dale Vaughn, Chris J Veillette, Michel Vencill, Stella Verssen, James T Vickroy, Harold Viescas, John Voice Stream Volan, Mel *Von Mizener, Briana H Vonderhaar, Don *Wagner, Daniel S *Wagner, Rebecca S Waln, Elmer E Warndorf, Lisa Watkins, Clifford *Watson, Thomas Weaver, Irene G

*Weber, Steven Webster, Gary Weiss, Stanley Welke, Tiffany Wells, Tanya Wentzel, Steven Westrich, Steve *Weyda, Elizabeth Whitaker, Kay White, Kevin White, Michael Whiteman, Eleanor Whiteman, Ruby Whittemore, Coy Wigal, Shari Wiles, Margaret Wilhelm, Robert K Wilhelm, Ronald *Williams, Angela Williams, Jerry D Williams, Larry A Williams, Linda Willis, Jason Willis-Morehead, Bernice Wills, Jesse *Wilmoth, Kenneth W Wilson, Bobby Wilson, Frances Wilson, Jeffrey Wilson, Jennifer Winchester Homes Wingate, Anthony Wireman, Mary Wise, Noah Wolf, Herbert Woodard, Wendy *Woods, Robert Worley, Terry Wright, Jacquelin M Wright, Michael Wuest, Lora Yancey, Ronald Yates, Chris York, Terrence R Young, Anthony L *Young, Katherine A Young, Rebecca Ziebold, Lisa Zimmerman, Donald Zitkus, Jody Zurlinden, Brandi

BUTLER RURAL ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE

NOMINATING COMMITTEE: A WAY TO PARTICIPATE IN YOUR CO-OP As a member-owned, democratically governed business, Butler Rural Electric Cooperative encourages member participation. A perfect example is the nominating committee. Our nominating committee members are responsible for finding and nominating board candidates each year. The board of trustees is always interested in members willing to serve.

Nominating committee members:

> Two members from each voting district are selected annually to serve on the nominating committee by the district’s board member > Nominate candidates for the board of trustees > Act as a voice for members > Meet three to four evenings per year – meetings begin at 6 p.m. and are at Butler Rural Electric Cooperative’s office in Oxford > Receive $75 and are reimbursed for mileage for each meeting > Are confirmed by the membership at each annual meeting

Responsibilities 18 members serve on the nominating committee — two from each district. Nominating committee members are

encouraged to find at least two board candidates in each district up for election.

Nominating committee members receive a list of members living in the districts up for election and are encouraged to reach out to anyone who may be interested in running for the board. The committee conducts interviews of interested candidates and nominates up to two per district.

Qualifications To be a candidate for the nominating committee, your account with Butler Rural Electric Cooperative must be in your name. This means your name must appear on your bill from Butler Rural Electric Cooperative.

Get on the list Serving on our nominating committee is a great way to be involved in your electric co-op. If you’re interested, view the Nominating Committee Handbook on our website, butlerrural.coop. The handbook explains the requirements, responsibilities, and time commitment for nominating committee members.

Contact Julie Abbott, Butler Rural Electric Cooperative’s director of administration, at 513-867-4402 or juliea@ butlerrural.coop if you would like to be considered by the board of trustees for our nominating committee.

NOMINATING COMMITTEE MEETINGS JULY 2026 Nominating committee meets with co-op’s attorney to discuss the committee’s responsibilities and the election.

SEPTEMBER 2026

Nominating committee meets with attorney to discuss board candidates and develop a plan to recruit candidates.

NOVEMBER 2026

Nominating committee interviews members running for the board and selects up to two candidates for each district after the interviews.

JANUARY 2027 Nominating committee interviews candidate(s) who filed petitions, if needed.

JANUARY 2026 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING

19

BUTLER RURAL ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE

RESIDENTIAL REBATES Want lower energy bills this year? Butler Rural Electric Cooperative has you covered! Our expanded lineup of rebates makes it easier than ever to save on energy-

efficient upgrades. Explore all your options at butlerrural.coop > Energy Solutions > Member Rebates or call 513-867-4400 to start saving energy and money today.

GEOTHERMAL SYSTEMS

RHEEM MARATHON WATER HEATERS

> $1,200 for the purchase of a new geothermal system

> 50 gallon – $350 rebate

> Increased to $800 for the purchase of a replacement geothermal system

> 85 gallon – $550 rebate

Members with qualifying geothermal systems receive a reduced kWh rate on a portion of their electric use. The geothermal discount rate is a $.02 credit per kWh used between 1001-2501 kWh from September through May.

Radio-controlled switches are required for water heater rebates.

> 100 gallon – $650 rebate

NEW HEAT PUMP WATER HEATERS

HEAT PUMPS

> $650 for the purchase of a new heat pump water heater

> $600 for the purchase of a new dual-fuel heat pump

NEW INSULATION AND AIR SEALING

> Increased to $600 rebate for the purchase of a replacement dual-fuel heat pump

> 50% for installation of insulation, $800 maximum

> Increased to $600 rebate for the purchase of a new or replacement air-source heat pump to an existing electric back-up system

NEW ENERGY STAR APPLIANCE REBATE

> 50% for installation of air sealing, $400 maximum

> $150 for installation of a new central air conditioning unit

Members with dual fuel receive a reduced kWh rate of 2¢ on any heat pump use from September through May.

LEVEL 2 ELECTRIC VEHICLE CHARGER > $1,000

> $100 for the purchase of a new refrigerator or freezer

SMART THERMOSTAT > 50% of the purchase of a new smart thermostat unit, $150 maximum

BOARD OF TRUSTEES

David Evans PRESIDENT

Jim Meador

VICE PRESIDENT

CONTACT

513-867-4400 butlerrural.coop OFFICE

3888 Stillwell Beckett Road Oxford, Ohio 45056 OFFICE HOURS

Monday through Friday 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

20

OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • JANUARY 2026

Mike Tilton

SECRETARY & TREASURER

Lee P. Geiger ATTORNEY

Vickie Jo Barger Jay T. Hasbrook Ronald Kolb Scott Lessing Thomas L. McQuiston Robert Spaeth TRUSTEES

Tom Wolfenbarger GENERAL MANAGER

Jade Guthrie

MANAGER OF COMMUNICATIONS & MARKETING

SMARTHUB

Access your electric use, pay your bill, and report outages through our free SmartHub app.

BUTLER RURAL ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE BUTLER RURAL ELECTRIC

Sold Nationally for as much as $159

Actual Size 38.1 mm

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Cache of 789 1922 Peace Silver Dollars Still Pristine As The Day They Were Struck No coin embodies the spirit of the 1920s and 30s more than the Peace Silver Dollar.

First struck in 1921, the Peace Dollar was a celebration of the end of WWI and was the silver dollar of choice for prohibition bootleggers and bank robbers like John Dillinger and Bonnie and Clyde. The hefty Peace Silver Dollar holds a special place in American history, as the silver dollar helped America through the Great Depression.

Did you know in 1922 for $1 you could make 2 gallons of whiskey and sell them for $6 each?

A Miracle of Survival

Coin experts estimate that only 15%-20% of Peace dollars still survive today due to multiple mass-meltings over the years, particularly in 1980 when the Hunt brothers tried to corner the silver market, shooting silver up to almost $50 per ounce.

Sold Nationally for as much as $159

It’s no wonder collectors and history buffs alike clamor to get their hands on them.

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Last Circulating Silver Dollar

Because the precious metals market is always active and dynamic, prices may adjust to reflect the latest market opportunities.

Collectors love “lasts” and the Peace Dollar was the last 90% silver dollar struck for circulation. Little did designer Anthony de Francisci know the legacy he was creating when he designed what has become known as “The King of Prohibition Dollars” but it came to an end 90 years ago when the last circulating Peace Dollar was officially struck and released to the public.

Public Release - Only 789 Coins Available

Rarcoa®, America’s Oldest Coin Company, is announcing the public release of 789 of the 1922 Peace Silver Dollar, struck at the iconic “Mother Mint” in Philadelphia, the birthplace of American coinage. Each coin comes in Brilliant Uncirculated condition, pristine as the day they were struck!

Hold 103 Years of American History

Struck in 1922, each coin carries one hundred and three years of American history. Could Al Capone have paid for a load of illegal whiskey with your coin? Or maybe your great-grandfather carried it while storming the beaches of Normandy during World War II before ending up in a small coin shop in Little Rock, Arkansas. Each coin has its own unique history and you can hold 103 years of American history when you buy yours today!

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Standard domestic shipping only. Not valid on previous purchases.

All information is correct as of the date of publication and is subject to change. Coins and other items are sold as collectibles and not as investments. © 2025 RARCOA DIRECT

JANUARY 2026 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING

21

Piece by piece

Mosaic maestros give new life to old spaces by turning recycled materials into works of art.

STORY AND PHOTOGRAPHS BY THERESA RAVENCRAFT

W

hat do a church, a brewery, and an elementary school have in common? Each is home to art installations created by the Artifactory, a partnership between two Delaware County artists who work with those groups to create intricate mosaic pieces from recycled materials. They can be butterflies, birds, flowers, portraits, or abstracts, but each tells a unique story.

“We take old, recycled materials and break them up,” says Lynda Elias, a retired art teacher who founded the Artifactory at Delaware Mosaics along with fellow retired teacher Virginia Corwin. “Then we create something new and special from it — it’s truly beautiful to see. And it’s different every time, depending on the materials used and the light that is reflected from the mosaic.”

Elias attended the Tyler School of Art at Temple University. After she retired, she returned to Philadelphia for a visit and was inspired by large mosaics on the sides of many of the buildings and knew it was a technique she wanted to learn and take with her to Delaware.

Now she and Corwin teach groups in central Ohio and beyond to create those free-form mosaics that are then installed as permanent works of art.

A project begins when an organization in the community reaches out to the artists with ideas for a mosaic. Elias and Corwin meet with the group to develop a design, but it’s the group’s responsibility to gather recycled materials (or make their own tiles) to be used in the project. Once the ceramics and mirror pieces are ready, Elias draws the design on a cement board or a wall. Broken tiles are added, piece by piece. “It’s like building a puzzle,” she says.

The groups use the Zagar method, created by Philadelphia artist Isaiah Zagar. The traditional mosaic method involves placing materials in wet cement to make a design or a picture and then allowing it to dry. The Zagar method places the tiles and recycled materials on a flat surface and then adds grout around them.

Elias and her daughter, who is also a teacher, attended a workshop given by Isaiah Zagar. “I wanted to do this

22

OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • JANUARY 2026

to show people that everyone can create something. I teach people this easy method as a way of expressing themselves. They can do something to make the community more beautiful,” says Elias.

The interactive aspect of creating a mosaic has always been important to Corwin, who has 40 years of experience teaching and counseling children with special needs. “The process brings people together,” she says. “It encourages collaborative creativity and interaction.”

Elias and Corwin work with teachers and students at schools in the region as part of their art classes, to prepare large mosaics to be installed at the schools.

“They get to use hammers to break things and use dangerous materials to make art. It’s empowering,” Corwin says.

At Wickliffe Progressive Elementary in Upper Arlington, for example, students created “Beatles Garden” to honor the school’s late principal and his love for Beatles music. Each large mosaic represents a different Beatles song, including “Yellow Submarine” (in the bottom photo on the opposite page) and “Here Comes the Sun” (top photo, this page).

Students selected the songs and created the mosaics as part of their curriculum.

Wickliffe’s art teacher, Lindsay Bennett, invited Elias and Corwin to the school because she saw the project as one that would include every student in every grade level.

“This project was fun and meaningful for all our students, who have a wide range of abilities. From kindergarten through fifth grade, everyone was to participate.”

Opposite page: Virginia Corwin (top photo, left) and Lynda Elias (right) are founders of the Artifactory at Delaware Mosaics. They help their clients and their students create mosaic artwork that’s on display at schools, hospitals, libraries, and numerous businesses across the region.

For more information, visit www.delawaremosaics.com.

In addition to Wickliffe Elementary, some of the organizations and businesses that have commissioned and created mosaics include Smith Elementary School, Heritage Middle School in Hilliard, Stratford Ecological Center, Restoration Brew, the City of Dublin, the Senior Center of Delaware County, and the Orange Branch of the Delaware Public Library.

The artists take pride in building connections through their art. “We want the mosaics in our community to be accessible and enjoyed by all people,” says Corwin.

JANUARY 2026 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING

23

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Marion Wenig’s Inc. (740) 383-5012 wenigsinc.com

Sunbury Westin Air (614) 794-1259 geothermalcentralohio.com

Medina Sisler Heating (330) 722-7101 sislerwaterfurnace.com

Toledo Overcashier & Horst (419) 841-3333 ohcomfort.com

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Defiance Schlatters Plbg & Htg (419) 393-4690 schlattersgeothermal.com

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Mansfield Eberts Energy Center (419) 589-2000 ebertsheatingandcooling. com

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OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • JANUARY 2026

SUPREME COIN AND BULLION Your future self will thank you

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JANUARY 2026 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING

25

Cold,

hard

truth If it’s January in Ohio, we can count on ice — lots of it, everywhere.

From the treacherous and violent to the tiny and delicate, our intrepid ice-chaser set out to capture these scenes of wintry wonder.

PHOTO ESSAY BY JAMES PROFFITT

26

OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • JANUARY 2026

Spray from turbid water freezes into a work of art on a handrail at Miller Ferry on Catawba Island.

Slabs of Lake Erie ice appear blue due to sunlight’s behavior — red wavelengths are absorbed into ice, and blue is transmitted and scattered. The longer it travels in ice, the more blue it appears.

North winds combined with retreating late-winter ice mean acres of rafting ice against Ohio’s north shore on Lake Erie.

Remnants of Lake Erie’s ice hang on as late as March, with wind, waves, and warming water developing arches and caves along the shoreline.

JANUARY 2026 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING

27

A delicate snow-ice sculpture plucked from a parking lot in Castalia.

The image of a horse emerges from melting ice on Lake Erie.

The lines on this ice on the canal in Cleveland are reminiscent of a topographical map.

As late-winter ice melts, the form of an eagle lands on East Harbor.

28

OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • JANUARY 2026

Beautiful, feathery hoar ice, which forms instead of dew when air is both moist and freezing, juts off a patch of moss in Highland County.

Last season’s dried-out fields take on an ephemeral spun-glass feel as they become encased in clear ice by a winter storm.

Spring water erupting from rock faces at Highlands Nature Sanctuary freezes into some majestic frozen falls.

A collection of icicles, which might be considered both stalactites and stalagmites, forms in a shallow southern Ohio cave.

On the Cuyahoga River, subsiding water levels leave icicles on any host they can find.

JANUARY 2026 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING

29

Ridges, caves, smooth ice, floes, and pancake ice on Lake Erie.

From beneath massive ice slabs, looking east at dawn on Lake Erie...

30

OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • JANUARY 2026

On Sandusky Bay, two opposing snow-covered ice sheets buckle as the currents below slowly propel them into one another.

...and the fiery reward for those frostbitten feet and a bit of patience.

Pancake ice forms on Lake Erie during a late-winter thaw, with rounded, raised edges. Here it has refrozen into a sheet of new ice.

Come January or February, families hit the remaining ice along the Lake Erie shore for some (dangerous) excitement.

To read more commentary and to see more photos from James Proffitt’s ice quest, scan the QR code  JANUARY 2026 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING

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OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • JANUARY 2026

Dive Ohi

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2026 CALENDAR NORTHWEST

THROUGH MAY 12 – Line Dancing, Delphos Eagles Aerie #471, 1600 E. Fifth St., Tues. 6–7:30 p.m. $5. Step-by-step instructions given at the beginning of each class. Everyone can learn!

Private lessons also available. Taught by Kelly Jackson Kroeger (see her Facebook page). www. visitgreaterlima.com/calendar.

JAN. 16–18 – Camp Perry Open: Civilian Marksmanship Program, Gary Anderson CMP Competition Center, 1000 N. Lawrence Rd., Port Clinton. Includes a three-position air rifle competition, a 60-shot standing air rifle event, and a 60-shot air pistol event. 419-635-2141 ext. 704 (Catherine Green) or https://thecmp.org/cmpmatches/camp-perry-open.

JAN. 22 – Mrs. Doubtfire: The New Musical Comedy, Crouse Performance Hall, Veterans Memorial Civic and Convention Center, #7 Town Square, Lima, 7:30 p.m. $62+. Based on the beloved film, the musical tells the hysterical and heartfelt story of an out-of-work actor who will do anything for his kids. For ages 8 and up. 419-2241552 or www.limaciviccenter.com.

JAN. 23–25 – Eight Minutes Left, McDonald’s Youth Theatre, Encore Theater, 991 N. Shore Dr., Lima. $10; 10 and under, $5. At exactly 4:44 p.m.,

JANUARY/FEBRUARY the world will end, and no one is ready. This keenly observed dramedy follows the residents of Charlesville, NJ, as they navigate their final moments on earth. www.amiltellers.org.

JAN. 24 – Josh Turner: This Country Music Thing Tour, Crouse Performance Hall, Veterans Memorial Civic and Convention Center, #7 Town Square, Lima, 7:30 p.m. $46+. 419-224-1552 or www. limaciviccenter.com.

JAN. 24–25 – Youth Production: Into the Woods, Van Wert Civic Theatre, 118 S. Race St., Van Wert, Sat. 7:30 p.m., Sun. 2 p.m. Get ready for a whimsical adventure, where your favorite fairy-tale characters find their paths hilariously tangled. 419238-9689 or www.vwct.org.

JAN. 25 – Dinosaur World Live, Crouse Performance Hall, Veterans Memorial Civic and Convention Center, #7 Town Square, Lima, 3 p.m. $31–$61. Interactive show for the whole family. Join our intrepid explorer and discover a prehistoric world of astonishing (and remarkably lifelike) dinosaurs. 419-224-1552 or www. limaciviccenter.com.

JAN. 30–FEB. 1 – 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. Explore the newest models and automotive technologies. www.toledoautoshow.org.

JAN. 31–FEB. 1 – “English Elegance”: Candlelight Concert, Trinity United Methodist Church, Lima, Sat. 7:30 p.m.; St. Michael’s Catholic Church, Kalida, Sun. 4 p.m. $35.

Experience the grace and depth of English classical music performed in the sanctuaries of two beautiful churches. 419-222-5701 or www. limasymphony.com.

FEB. 5 – Theresa Camputo Live, Crouse Performance Hall, Veterans Memorial Civic and

COMPILED BY COLLEEN ROMICK CLARK

Convention Center, #7 Town Square, Lima, 7:30 p.m. $56.75+. Through personal life stories, candid humor, and intimate details about her gift to communicate with those who have passed on, the beloved television personality and bestselling author delivers healing messages to her audience.

419-224-1552 or www.limaciviccenter.com.

FEB. 6–8, 13–15 – Barefoot in the Park, Van Wert Civic Theatre, 118 S. Race St., Van Wert, Sat. 7:30 p.m., Sun. 2 p.m. This Neil Simon classic explores the clash of personalities and comedic struggles found in newlywed life. 419-238-9689 or www. vwct.org.

FEB. 7 – Ice-A-Fair, 685 Main St., Vermilion. Free winter event for the entire family, featuring ice sculptures on display throughout downtown and ice carving demos throughout the day. Kids’ train rides, trolley tours, prizes, raffle baskets, and more.

Ends with the towering Fire & Ice display at 6 p.m.

440-963-0772 or www.mainstreetvermilion.org/ice.

FEB. 7–8 – Tri-State Gun Show, Allen Co. Fgds., 2750 Harding Hwy., Lima, Sat. 8:30 a.m.–4 p.m., Sun. 8:30 a.m.–2 p.m. $8; 18 and under free. Over 400 tables of modern and antique guns, edged weapons, and sportsmen equipment. 419-6470067 (Manetta Obringer) or www.allencofair.com/ events-calendar.

FEB. 8 – Winter Hike, Grand Lake St. Marys State Park, 834 Edgewater Dr., St. Marys, 1–3 p.m.

Guided hike. Please bring water and snacks. Dress for the weather. Pets must be on leash. 440-6475749 or https://ohiodnr.gov/go-and-do/plan-a-visit/ find-a-property/grand-lake-st-marys-state-park.

FEB. 15 – Motorcycle Swap Meet, Allen Co. Fgds., 2750 Harding Hwy., Lima (2 miles east of Lima on St. Rte. 309), 9 a.m.–2 p.m. $8; 12 and under free. Buy, sell, and trade motorcycle parts, bikes, gear, and accessories. 260-223-1409 or www. hugeswapmeet.com.

Make sure you’re included in our calendar!

Submit listings AT LEAST 90 DAYS prior to the event to: Ohio Cooperative Living 6677 Busch Blvd.

Columbus, OH 43229 OR send an email to: events@ohioec.org.

Ohio Cooperative Living will not publish listings that don’t include a complete address or a number/website for more information.

JANUARY 2026 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING

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2026 CALENDAR

JANUARY/FEBRUARY

NORTHEAST

JAN. 10–11, FEB. 7–8 – Medina Gun Show, Medina County Fgds. Community Center, 735 Lafayette Rd. (St. Rte. 42), 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.

JAN. 15–18 – Cleveland Boat Show, I-X Center, 1 I-X Center Dr., Cleveland, Thur. 12–9 p.m., Fri./ Sat. 10 a.m.–9 p.m., Sun. 10 a.m.–5 p.m. $20, Srs./ Military $15, under 7 free. Wide variety of watercraft, knowledgeable marine vendors, lifestyle exhibits, delicious local food, family-friendly activities, and live entertainment. www.clevelandboatshow.com.

JAN. 22 – Soup at Six: “McKinley’s Front Porch Campaign,” McKinley Presidential Library and Museum, 800 McKinley Monument Dr. NW, Canton,

6 p.m. $25; includes soup, bread, and dessert.

Preregistration required by Jan. 15. In-depth look at how McKinley’s campaign “from home” led to his White House victory. 330-455-7043 or www. mckinleymuseum.org/events.

JAN. 24 – Winter Craft and Vendor Show, Lorain County Community College, 1005 N. Abbe Rd., Elyria, 9 a.m.–2 p.m. Free admission. Unique items such as handmade candles, wood crafts, gnomes, wreaths, jewelry, knitted items, and much more. www. hometownvendors.org/events.

JAN. 25 – George Foley and the EEJ Trio: “1920s Stride Piano,” Wadsworth Public Library, 132 Broad St., Wadsworth, 2–3 p.m. Free. Foley and the trio will perform and tell us about stride piano, ragtime, and the roots of jazz music. Seating is on a first-come, firstserved basis. 419-853-6016 or www.ormaco.org.

JAN. 30–FEB. 8 – The Great Big Home and Garden Show, I-X Center, 1 I-X Center Dr., Cleveland. $5–$15; 5 and under free. See website for hours and schedule of events. Explore hundreds of exhibits, meet industry experts and home professionals, and enjoy unique feature displays such as the garden showcase. www. greatbighomeandgarden.com.

FEB. 1 – Model Railroad and Toy Show, Medina Co. Fgds. Community Center, 735 Lafayette Rd. (St. Rte. 42), Medina, 9 a.m.–3 p.m. $8. 330-948-4400 or www.conraddowdell.com.

FEB. 7 – 5K Winter Hike, Findley State Park, 25381 St. Rte. 58, Wellington, 10 a.m.–1 p.m. Experience

CENTRAL

Register at Eventbrite for your free ticket. Start off the new year with a 5-mile hike. Warm refreshments served afterward. Dress appropriately for outside conditions and walking on a paved surface. An adult must accompany all children under 12. Program will be canceled in the event of inclement weather. www. pickawaycountyparks.org.

JAN. 17 – Annual Hocking Hills Winter Hike, 20160 St. Rte. 664 S., Logan, continuous starts from 9 to 11 a.m. Free. Challenging 6-mile hike from Old Man’s Cave to Ash Cave. Layered clothing and good footwear recommended. Bean soup and corn muffins will be served at Cedar Falls; donations appreciated.

Shuttle bus returns hikers to the parking area.740385-6841 or www.hockinghills.com.

THROUGH FEB. 28 – Wonderful Winter Birding, JAN. 24 – Winter Jam 2026, Schottenstein Center, Dawes Arboretum, 7770 Jacksontown Rd., Newark, 555 Borror Dr., Columbus, 6 p.m. Doors open 5 Sat. 10 a.m.–12 p.m. Included with Arboretum p.m. $15 donation at the door; no tickets required. admission. Join us for winter bird watching. Hone Lineup includes Chris Tomlin, Matthew West, Katy your identification skills and get some winter feeding Nichole, Hulvey, Disciple, Emerson Day, NewSong, tips! Come early to participate in Project Feederwatch, and speaker Zane Black. www.facebook.com/ a citizen science initiative to monitor winter bird events/3790050297965673. populations. 740-323-2355 or www.dawesarb.org.

JAN. 24–25 – Scott Antique Market, Ohio JAN. 11 – Motorcycle Swap Meet, Marion Co. Fgds., Expo Ctr., Bricker and Celeste Bldgs., 717 E. 17th 220 E. Fairground St., Marion, 9 a.m.–2 p.m. $8; 12 Ave., Columbus, Sat. 9 a.m.–6 p.m., Sun. 10 and under free. Buy, sell, and trade parts, leather, a.m.–4 p.m. Free admission; $7 parking. 800 exhibit jewelry, patches, and accessories. 260-223-1409 or booths. info@scottantiquemarket.com or www. www.hugeswapmeet.com. scottantiquemarkets.com.

JAN. 17 – First Pickaway Annual Winter Hike, Canal JAN. 30–FEB. 1 – The Log and Timber Home Park, 23352 Canal Rd., Circleville, 10 a.m.–1 p.m.

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OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • JANUARY 2026

the beauty of winter as you hike through the park’s woodlands and around the lake. Cornbread and bean soup after the hike; donations accepted. Dress for the weather. 440-647-5749 or https://ohiodnr.gov/go-anddo/plan-a-visit/find-a-property/findley-state-park.

FEB. 7 – Love Struck Craft and Vendor Show, Residence Inn by Marriot Cleveland Avon, Emerald Event Center, 33040 Just Imagine Dr., Avon, 9 a.m.–2 p.m. Free admission. Hand-created home decor, wood crafts, baked goods, soaps, books, hand-sewn items, and more. www.hometownvendors.org/events.

FEB. 7 – Wayne County Farm Toy Show, Smithville High School, 200 Smithie Dr., Smithville, 9 a.m.–3 p.m. $3. Vendors selling farm toys and implements, literature, and local memorabilia; FFA fundraiser. 330669-9455 or gren_sheppe@tccsa.net.

FEB. 8 – Don Goodman and the Jazz Shepherds: “1930s Swing Band,” Wadsworth Public Library, 132 Broad St., Wadsworth, 2–3 p.m. Free. The band will perform songs from the swing band era, including the music of Fletcher Henderson, Paul Whiteman, and Duke Ellington. Seating is on a first-come, first-served basis. 419-853-6016 or www.ormaco.org.

FEB. 15 – Flea Market of Collectables, Medina County Fgds. Community Ctr., 735 Lafayette Rd. (St. Rte. 42), Medina, 9 a.m.–3 p.m. $3. Early-bird special admission, 6–9 a.m., $4. A treasure trove of vintage items and collectibles. 330-948-4300 or www. conraddowdell.com.

Design-Build Expo, Ohio Expo Center, 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– $12; 18 and under free. $7 parking. Tickets good all weekend. An expo for log home, timber frame home, and rustic furniture enthusiasts. www.loghomeshows.com.

JAN. 30–FEB. 1 – National Fishing Expos– Columbus, Ohio Expo Center, 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.. Three days of sport fishing education and fun. Every major line of boats, rods, guides, tackle, and Canadian outfitters, all under one roof. 614-361-5548 or www.nationalfishingexpos.com.

JAN. 31 – Apostle Jones, Marion Palace Theatre, 276 W. Center St., Marion, 7:30 p.m. $16–$39. This 10-piece Cleveland-based band fuses rock, gospel, blues, funk, and R&B into an unforgettable live experience. 740-383-2101 or www.marionpalace.org.

FEB. 6 – First Friday Art Walk, downtown Zanesville, 5–8 p.m. Come downtown on the first Friday of each month, when all our participating galleries, studios, and small businesses are open at the same time! https://artcoz.org/arts-district-map.

FEB. 7 – John Mueller’s Winter Dance Party, Marion Palace Theatre, 276 W. Center St., Marion, 7:30 p.m.

The official and critically acclaimed tribute to rock ’n’ roll pioneers Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, and The Big Bopper, re-creating the final tour of these legendary performers. 740-383-2101 or www.marionpalace.org.

SOUTHWEST

growth. www.visitchillicotheohio.com/event.

THROUGH FEB. 25 – Bluegrass Wednesdays, Vinoklet Winery, 11069 Colerain Ave., Cincinnati, Wed. 6:30–8:30 p.m. Enjoy dinner, wine, and an evening of free entertainment by Vernon McIntyre’s Appalachian Grass. Reservations recommended.

513-385-9309, vinokletwinery@fuse.net, or www. vinokletwines.com.

JAN. 16 – Mountain Dulcimer Society of Dayton Concert, Troy-Hayner Cultural Center Ballroom, 301 W. Main St., Troy, 7:30 p.m. Free. Featuring

SOUTHEAST

JAN. 10 – First Capital Lecture Series: “Chillicothe Firsts,” former Chillicothe Gazette Building, 50 W. Main St., Chillicothe, 2 p.m. Free. Presented by Ross County America 250. Chillicothe historian Julie Lambert will discuss notable people and firsts in Ross County. Artifacts from early Ohio will also be on display by the Ross County Historical Society. www. visitchillicotheohio.com/america250-rosscountyohio.

JAN. 10 – Historic 12th Night Event, Adena Mansion and Gardens, 847 Adena Rd., Chillicothe, 3 p.m. $0–$5. Enjoy a historical afternoon and learn how the feast was prepared, 1800s style, that celebrated the end of the holiday season. Includes a cooking demonstration in the Tenant House and short “candlelit” tour through the mansion. www. ohiohistory.org/visit/browse-historical-sites/adenamansion-gardens.

WEST VIRGINIA

Mandy Tyner. Hear both solo features and ensemble arrangements that highlight the versatility of the Appalachian mountain dulcimer. www.troyhayner. org/music.html.

JAN. 16–25 – Greater Cincinnati Remodeling Expo, Sharonville Convention Center, 11355 Chester Rd., Sharonville, Fri. 12–7 p.m., Sat. 10 a.m.–6 p.m., Sun. 11 a.m.–5 p.m. $5 (cash only); 18 and under free. Explore innovative displays showcasing the latest trends in design and product offerings. Meet local experts and get the advice you need to help you with your home improvement projects. www. homeshowcenter.com/overview/Cincinnati.

JAN. 24 – OVKA Kart Racing Trade Show and Swap Meet, Roberts Centre, 123 Gano Rd., Wilmington. $15; 12 and under, $10. Over 200 booths of racing products for sale. Sprint karting, road racing, dirt karting, oval racing, and vintage karts and parts; tech and performance seminars; Intro to Karting class. 513-503-4633 (Elliot Bokeno) or www. ovka.com/swap-meet.

FEB. 7 – Annual Clifton Gorge Winter Hike, Clifton Gorge State Nature Preserve, 2381 St. Rte. 343, Yellow Springs, 9 a.m.–1 p.m. “Go at your own pace” 3-mile hike from John Bryan State Park to Clifton Gorge Exploration Center. Historical reenactors will share stories about the region. Dress for the weather, wear sturdy shoes, and bring plenty of water. https:// ohiodnr.gov/go-and-do/plan-a-visit/find-a-property/ clifton-gorge-state-nature-preserve.

FEB. 7 – Cincinnati Winter Blues Experience VII, Manor House, 7440 Mason Montgomery Rd., Mason, 5 p.m. $35 advance, $40 at door. See website for artist lineup and other information. www.winterbluesexperience.com.

FEB. 7 – Greater Cincinnati Fly Fishing Show, Oasis Conference Center, 902 Loveland-Miamiville Rd., Loveland, 9 a.m.–4 p.m. $15; Scouts in uniform and kids 12 and under free. Headliner Josh Miller. Fly fishing education and demos, fly tying demos, fishing guides, casting pond, exhibitors, raffles, door prizes, and more. www.buckeyeflyfishers.com.

JAN. 16 – Concert: Bryan White, Majestic Theatre, 45 E. Second St., Chillicothe, 7:30 p.m. $25–$50. The CMA, ACM, and Grammy Award–winning country music artist, producer, and songwriter will perform at the historic Majestic. www.majesticchillicothe.net.

JAN. 17–18 – Pre-1890 Trade Fair, Canter’s Cave 4-H Camp, 1362 Cave Rd., Jackson, Sat. 9 a.m.–5 p.m., Sun. 9 a.m.–3 p.m. $4; 12 and under free.

Dealers will be selling items common to the 18th and 19th centuries. For additional information, call 740-773-3891.

JAN. 18 – New Moon Hike, Lake Hope State Park, 27331 St. Rte. 278, McArthur, 5:30–7:30 p.m. Enjoy the splendor of the nighttime sky during this 2-mile hike on one of the darkest nights of the month. Wear sturdy, closed-toe shoes, and dress for the weather.

740-596-3030 (Kaylin Callander) or https://ohiodnr. gov/go-and-do/plan-a-visit/find-a-property/lakehope-state-park.

JAN. 25 – Brass Express: Tribute to Chicago and More, Majestic Theatre, 45 E. Second St., Chillicothe, 7:30 p.m. $24–$37. Sit back and groove to the soul-stirring re-creations of your favorite music from Chicago; Blood, Sweat & Tears; Tower of Power; and many more. www.majesticchillicothe.net.

JAN. 25 – Marietta Symphony Orchestra: “A Celtic Celebration of Robbie Burns,” Peoples Bank Theatre, 222 Putnam St., Marietta, 3 p.m. $14–$29; Srs. $4–$19. Enjoy Scottish-themed classics such as Mendelssohn’s “Scottish Symphony” and some

of Burns’ most famous songs, including, of course, “Auld Lang Syne.” www.peoplesbanktheatre.com.

JAN. 30 – Concert: Joe Nichols, Peoples Bank Theatre, 222 Putnam St., Marietta, 8 p.m. $47+. One of country music’s most-lauded recording artists. www.peoplesbanktheatre.com.

JAN. 31 – Buckeye Trail Trek, Shawnee State Park, 4404 St. Rte. 125, West Portsmouth, 10 a.m.–2 p.m. Traverse 4 miles through Shawnee’s beautiful, unglaciated, rugged terrain. Pack snacks and water, wear sturdy hiking boots, and bring a hiking stick. https://ohiodnr.gov/go-and-do/plan-a-visit/finda-property/shawnee-state-park.

FEB. 7 – Hotel California: The Original Eagles Tribute Band, Pritchard Laughlin Civic Center, 7033 Glenn Hwy., Cambridge, 7 p.m. Free. 740-439-7009 or www.pritchardlaughlin.com.

FEB. 13–14 – Great Backyard Bird Count, Lake Hope State Park, 27331 St. Rte. 278, McArthur, 10 a.m.–2 p.m. Come out to assist us with a global citizen science effort to observe and count birds.

740-596-3030 (Kaylin Callander) or https://ohiodnr. gov/go-and-do/plan-a-visit/find-a-property/lakehope-state-park.

FEB. 14 – First Capital Lecture Series: “Ohio Works, Innovation, and Industry,” Ross County Heritage Center, 45 W. Fifth St., Chillicothe, 2 p.m.

Free. Part of the America 250–Ross County, Ohio, celebration, this monthly lecture series showcases the trades, tools, and technologies that fueled Ohio’s

JAN. 10 – Abominable Snowman Jam, Canaan Valley Resort State Park, 230 Main Lodge Rd., Davis, 4–9 p.m. Join this winter celebration packed with live music, great food, and plenty of fun. Features DJ Dan Barkley, the Soda Pop Gypsies, and the crowdfavorite beard competition. www.canaanresort.com/ events/abominable-snowman-jam.

JAN. 31 – Winterfest, Oglebay Park Resort, 465 Lodge Dr., Wheeling. Celebrate the season with the Polar Plunge, a dance party, ice sculptures, ice

skating, prizes, and more. https://oglebay.com/ calendar/celebrations/Winterfest.

FEB. 13 – The Bellamy Brothers: Love Still Flows, Robinson Grand Performing Arts Center, 444 W. Pike St., Clarksburg, 7:30 p.m. Spend your Valentine’s Eve with country legends as they perform more than four decades of chart-topping music. www. therobinsongrand.com.

JANUARY 2026 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING

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Bedtime

MEMBER INTERACTIVE

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1. My daughter, Meadow, is reading a book to her little sister, Charlotte, before bed. Kimberly Chave, South Central Power Company member

2. We don’t typically allow our dogs in our beds, but Zeke got special permission when “his boy” was home from college!

Patty Grasty, Butler Rural Electric Cooperative member 3. The grandkids — Jayden, Camden, and Alizah (with baby Jazmin in the crib) — over for a sleepover, doing the normal stalling, laughing, having fun routine. Katie Grubba,

4. My grandson, Wade, ready for bed — roar! Tammy Offenberger, Washington Electric Cooperative member 5. My-son-in-law, Justin Esselburn, reading a bedtime story to my grandsons, Wyatt and Rhett, during the Advent season.

Beth Fry, The Energy Cooperative member 6. Sweetie J. Moneypenny, our recent adoption, chilling out before bed. Cindy Boyer, Hancock-Wood Electric Cooperative member

South Central Power Company member

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OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • JANUARY 2026

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