Ohio Cooperative Living – July 2023 - Frontier

OHIO

JULY 2023

COOPERATIVE The Frontier Power Company

Fair fare

Festival food flashbacks

ALSO INSIDE Sunny and hot, with a chance of blackouts POWs of Camp Perry All about lightning bugs

RELIABLE.

We united to get reliable electricity in 1935, and Ohio’s electric cooperatives fight to keep it today.

It’s our #1 priority.

R.E.A.L. Value

Reliable. Environmentally Responsible. Affordable. Local.

OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • JULY 2023

INSIDE FEATURES

22 NATURE’S FIREWORKS

The blinking of fireflies on a summer night evokes a sense of wonder in people of all ages.

24 FIELD OF DREAMS

Farming allows a Mechanicsburg mom to ‘live the best of both worlds.’

27 PERRY’S PRISONERS

Camp Perry, on the shores of Lake Erie near Port Clinton, was a major prisoner-of-war camp during World War II.

Cover image on most editions: Hank Kremer, 5, could not be happier with his bag of cotton candy at the Maria Stein Country Fest. Hank is the son of Beverly and Travis Kremer of Maria Stein in Mercer County, who are members of Midwest Electric, Inc. This page: July is the season for lightning bugs — whose lumbering flight makes them simple to catch (David Prah/Getty Images).

JULY 2023 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING

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UP FRONT

Energy independence

T

he concept of energy independence is complicated. In the U.S., we’ve generally talked about it in reference to oil and gasoline, but in fact, there are many more forms of energy that matter to our security, safety, and general well-being. In addition to oil and gasoline, for example, we need things like natural gas supplies and electricity derived from a variety of sources.

It’s easy to observe the negative effects that energy dependence has had on much of Europe over the past year. The higher prices, uncertain availability, political threats, and sabotaged infrastructure we’ve seen there all seem like problems we would like to avoid.

But independence also has a price. Yes, it requires investment in things like infrastructure, mining, drilling, and fracking — but it’s not only monetary; all of those things also come with environmental impacts that no one wants in their own backyard but must be considered in any calculation of their overall cost.

Our electric system is immensely complicated as well. It consists of thousands of power plants owned by countless companies and organizations — public utilities, municipal utilities, independent power producers, private equity funds, federal agencies, and even not-for-profit electric cooperatives. And each of those plants requires its own specific fuel, ranging from coal, nuclear fuel, or natural gas to sunshine, wind, or water, to generate power, feed it into the transmission grid, and ultimately deliver it to local distribution systems like your electric cooperative, which then deliver that electricity to your home or business.

There is some oversight by system operators, which set operating parameters and monitor system conditions, but there is little a system operator can do once supply shortages occur.

So having excess reserves helps take stress out of the system. Unfortunately, we’ve seen the reserves in our electric supply system dwindle in recent years, threatening the reliability and resiliency of our system, especially under extreme conditions.

Independence is never free, and that’s true of energy independence as well. It requires ongoing investments and long-term commitments to dependable infrastructure. While electric cooperatives are committed to doing our part to build and maintain reliable and dependable systems, energy independence is dependent on each actor in the system doing their part for every minute of every day. Our independence still depends on others.

Thanks for your support of your electric cooperative. We wish you and yours a safe and happy Independence Day.

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OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • JULY 2023

Pat O’Loughlin

PRESIDENT & CEO OHIO’S ELECTRIC COOPERATIVES

Energy independence is dependent on every actor in the system doing their part for every minute of every day.

JULY 2023 • Volume 65, No. 10

Ohio Rural Electric Cooperatives 6677 Busch Blvd.

Columbus, OH 43229 614-846-5757 www.ohiocoopliving.com Patrick O’Loughlin Caryn Whitney Jeff McCallister Amy Howat Crystal Pomeroy

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

Contributors: Colleen Romick Clark, Victoria Ellwood, Getty Images, W.H. “Chip” Gross, Catherine Murray, and Craig Springer.

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

POSTMASTER: Send address changes to editorial and advertising offices at: 6677 Busch Boulevard, Columbus, OH 43229-1101. Periodicals postage paid at Pontiac, IL 61764, and at additional mailing offices.

Nothing in this publication may be reproduced in any manner without written permission from Ohio Rural Electric Cooperatives, Inc. All rights reserved.

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

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

4 DEPARTMENTS 4 POWER LINES

8

Summer forecast: Weather extremes and tightening electricity supply bring an increased chance of summer blackouts.

8 CO-OP PEOPLE

On target: His job’s safety focus and attention to detail translate perfectly to one co-op lineworker’s hobby.

10

WOODS, WATERS, AND WILDLIFE

10

Conservation corps: Appalachia

Ohio Alliance members are used to getting their hands dirty for a cause.

13 GOOD EATS

Do yourself a flavor: Rubs and marinades add a powerful punch to everyday food.

13

17 LOCAL PAGES

News and other important information from your electric cooperative.

33 CALENDAR National/regional advertising inquiries, contact

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

What’s happening: July/August events and other things to do around Ohio.

33

36 MEMBER INTERACTIVE

Fair food: Members share shots of their favorite festival fare.

Cooperative members:

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

Alliance for Audited Media Member

36

Visit Ohio Cooperative Living magazine online at www.ohiocoopliving.com! Read past issues and watch videos about our articles or our recipes. Our site features an expanded Member Interactive area, where you can share your stories, recipes, and photos and find content submitted by other co-op members across the state.

JULY 2023 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING

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POWER LINES

Summer forecast: Sunny and hot with a chance of

I

BY AMY HOWAT

n June of 2022, after fierce storms ripped through the region, areas in and around Columbus were hit with power outages. Residents flocked to cooling centers as temperatures soared into the 90s. Animal shelters begged for donations of ice to relieve overheated dogs, and two local hospitals ran on backup generators.

Six months later, during the bitter chill of Winter Storm Elliott, consumers in Kentucky and eight other states experienced interruptions to their electric service.

Rolling blackouts reduce demand on the stressed electrical grid to prevent wider outages. “We could be called upon to reduce, say, 5% of load or we all risk blackouts,” he says.

“Co-ops have plans in place if this happens. We’re not going to cut power to hospitals or prisons. If it’s going to be sustained, we’ll cycle it, restoring power to some areas while cutting it somewhere else.”

In both cases, many of the outages were not due directly to the extreme weather events, but were mandated by the regional grid operator to quickly reduce electricity consumption and maintain the necessary balance between supply and demand.

The good news is that rolling blackouts happen rarely.

The bad news is that a convergence of factors, including increased electrification and reduction in reliable power generation, is reducing the surplus of available electricity, closing the gap between supply and demand.

That emergency balancing act is known by many names, including “intermittent outage” or “forced outage,” but is most commonly called a “rolling blackout.” It can happen when a peak in electricity use — usually during extremely hot or extremely cold weather — coincides with significant gaps in the generation or transmission of electricity, says Ben Wilson, director of power delivery engineering for Buckeye Power, which supplies electricity to Ohio’s electric cooperatives.

“The risk is higher now than it was five years ago, and it will continue to be elevated until more generation comes online,” Wilson says. “In the next three to five years, at least, we’ll be living with that elevated risk in summer and winter months.”

“It’s always a possibility, but it takes a perfect storm of factors converging to get us to that point,” Wilson says.

What do they mean?

4

“Rolling blackouts are a last resort when the normal lines of defense have failed.”

OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • JULY 2023

The North American Electric Reliability Corporation, an industry organization charged with assessing and improving the reliability of electricity, has warned of an elevated risk of electricity shortfalls for about twothirds of the U.S. this summer during periods of low wind or drought along with extreme temperatures.

Outage:

Any loss of power to an area is an outage. The vast majority of outages are unplanned and limited to a specific area. Most are caused by trees hitting power lines, small animals, or even vehicles crashing into utility poles. High winds and storms increase the likelihood of such outages. Occasionally, a local utility will plan an outage to do repairs or upgrades to its electric distribution infrastructure. Consumers generally receive prior notice for a planned outage.

blackouts Thankfully, the outlook for Ohio is a little less urgent, says Asim Haque, vice president for state policy and member services for PJM Interconnection, which is responsible for the part of the electric grid that includes Ohio. Because the region still has higher baseload capacity from coal and natural gas plants, the worstcase scenarios of demand outstripping supply are less likely here, at least for now.

“If you look at the NERC summer assessment, we’re not one of the more volatile areas that the report identifies,” Haque says. “But the states that border us are. We’re very concerned about whether we’ll continue to have adequate resources later in this decade.”

A perfect storm

A strain on the supply of available electricity can come from inadequate power generation or from problems with transmission, says Tom Schmidt, principal planning engineer for Buckeye Power.

It was a culmination of transmission problems, in fact, that led to the events last June. “Some planned outages weren’t wrapped up in May, as they were supposed to have been,” Schmidt says. “Power lines were under construction or being upgraded, so that was the first line of defense down. The second was

the storms that rolled through, taking additional lines down, and then extreme heat came in on top of that.”

Any one of those problems wouldn’t be nearly enough to necessitate rolling blackouts, Wilson says. “A 100year heat, a storm, or an outage issue alone wouldn’t do it,” he says. “It just all happened at the same time.”

In December 2022, the shortfall came in generation and affected a much wider area, Wilson says. The winter storm brought sudden extreme cold, and some natural gas plants experienced problems and didn’t come online quickly enough to meet the jump in demand.

“There was not enough power generated for the power consumed,” he says. “It was a different path to the same conclusion. Users were asked to curtail load across multiple states.”

In Kentucky, five electric co-ops were among the utilities asked to reduce energy use, says Joe Arnold, vice president for strategic communications for Kentucky Electric Cooperatives. “Utilities asked account holders to cut back on unnecessary power use, and some had to take the extraordinary step of creating short, temporary power outages,” he says.

“The co-ops did everything they could to protect the grid and minimize disruption to their members.

Continued on page 6

Rolling blackout:

Sometimes called a “forced outage” or an “intermittent power interruption,” a “rolling blackout” is a systematic outage implemented by electric utilities to reduce total electricity usage at times of exceptionally high demand when the supply of available electricity falls short, or the means to transmit it to areas where it’s needed are compromised.

Generally, power to an area is shut off for a specified time, then restored as another area is shut off, to limit the outage duration for each area.

Brownout:

A lowering of voltage in the electric system is called a “brownout” because incandescent lightbulbs will dim with less voltage. Grid operators may purposely lower voltage to slightly reduce system loading (called “voltage regulation”) but are required to maintain an acceptable level because voltage that’s too low can damage equipment. At times, consumers may observe low voltage during periods of especially high demand, but those brownouts are not intentional, perhaps the result of equipment failure or insufficient voltage regulation.

JULY 2023 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING

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Continued from page 5

Utilizing social media and news media, the affected co-ops kept members updated as much as possible during the event.”

Ohio’s co-ops are likewise prepared, and should the need for conservation or forced outages arise, they would communicate closely with their members, Wilson says.

Rising risks

The growing possibility of such shortfalls in generation is causing concern about electric reliability going forward, Haque says.

“We’re going to see demand increase on the system due to data centers and continued electrification, both in the auto industry and in homes,” he says. “Supply is dwindling, primarily because of state and federal policies that are prematurely pushing resources out of the generation mix.

“We are not seeing replacement generation come on at a rate to match the supply that is being forced out,” he says. “Thermal resources — coal, natural gas, and nuclear power — provide essential reliability services. If we’re pushing them off the system, we’ll have grid reliability issues. We need those thermal sources until replacement technology can be deployed at scale, whether that’s long-duration batteries for wind and solar, or small modular nuclear reactors.”

Simultaneous growth of demand and reduced supply means less redundancy, and a higher probability that demand will outstrip supply.

Reducing total demand for electricity can relieve stress on the grid and reduce the likelihood of rolling blackouts.

Cooperative members can help by: • Conserving electricity, particularly during peak times of the day (generally in the morning, as people are getting ready for work and school, and in the evening, from about 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.). This can include doing high-energy tasks, like charging electric vehicles and doing laundry, during off-peak times.

• Being aware of weather events that will stress the grid. Adjusting thermostats a bit higher in the summer and lower in the winter and making extra conservation efforts during extreme weather can make a difference.

“We’re seeing loads increasing, but also generation going away more quickly than it can be replaced,” Wilson says. “We’re getting closer than we’d like to be with the amount of generation compared to the amount of load we might see during extreme weather.”

• Participating in their utility’s load management

The primary driver, Haque says, is the rapid progression of environmental policy — from the Obama administration’s Clean Power Plan, which promoted use of natural gas to replace coal, to current policies aiming to eliminate all thermal sources.

devices on electric water heaters and HVAC

“This is being done devoid of the reliability impact,” Haque says.

“We need to slow down on retirements across the country, so we can continue to bring renewable resources online.”

everyone’s air conditioners (which cycle on

The forecast going forward is even worse, as proposed new rules by the Environmental Protection Agency could force nearly all fossil fuel plants to shut down in the next decade.

“The rolling blackouts and calls for emergency curtailments in December should serve as a wake-up call to politicians and regulators who apparently take electric service for granted,” says Kentucky’s Arnold. “When policies discourage the most reliable energy sources, local electric consumers are the ones who pay the price.”

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Don’t be so demanding!

OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • JULY 2023

system, which can save money and help cooperatives manage electricity use during the very highest usage peaks. Load management systems allow the co-op to turn power to the appliance off and on during the peak alert period. This means that, for instance, and off to maintain thermostat temperatures anyway) aren’t cycled on at the same time, evening out the highest demand peaks and relieving some of the pressure on the grid.

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OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • JULY 2023

On target

Job’s safety focus, attention to detail translate perfectly to lineworker’s hobby.

A

BY VICTORIA ELLWOOD

t first glance, shooting clay pigeons and working on electric power lines may not seem to have a lot in common. But Dave Salmons, who’s no stranger to either endeavor, sees some definite commonalities.

Salmons is a first-class lineworker with 35 years of line work under his belt, the longest-serving lineman currently working at Logan County Electric Cooperative in Bellefontaine. He says it’s the day-to-day challenges and camaraderie with his team that keep him going.

You might say those same work aspects — along with a paramount focus on safety and propensity for braving the elements — also apply to Salmons’ hobby of shooting sporting clays.

Salmons picked up the hobby about 17 years ago after visiting a local fish and game club, and quickly found it got his competitive juices flowing. Competitors walk through the woods, stopping at stations where they take aim at clay “birds” — targets mechanically thrown into the air.

Each competitor shoots 50 targets, keeping score and trying to improve over time.

“We have a group of six or seven guys that get together,” he says. “We don’t shoot in the big state tournaments or anything like that, but we have three gun clubs within 30 minutes of us, so we have a traveling rotation of those courses that allows us to shoot almost every weekend.

We’re pretty competitive just among us; we have our own traveling trophy and everything.”

Dave Salmons says his job as a lineworker at Logan County Electric Cooperative is similar to his hobby because both require intense concentration on safety.

Like co-op line work, he says, “Safety is paramount. We’ve been shooting together for years, and if one of us steps out of the station and doesn’t (safely) open his gun, the rest of the guys are watching.”

It’s the same on the job, where all the lineworkers — seasoned veterans and younger ones alike — watch out for one another, he says. “The camaraderie we have with each other is important,” he says. “We may joke around, but we take things seriously, too.”

Salmons’ group heads out most weekends, in all sorts of weather. “We shoot if it’s raining or snowing,” he says.

“We’ve even been out there when it’s 4 below zero. We can be pretty ‘die-hard.’”

Salmons and his wife, Marna, a retired fourth-grade teacher at Indian Lake Elementary in Lewistown, were high school sweethearts at Elgin High School in Marion. They have two grown sons: Colman, 34, a supervisor at Amazon in Columbus; and Mark, 31, a supervisor at Midwest Express in East Liberty.

When he’s not working on power lines or out shooting with his group, Salmons also enjoys a bit of woodworking, but lately, he’s found another pursuit that’s taking up more and more of his time.

Dave Salmons (opposite page, with the trophy that gets passed around among the friends in his shooting group) enjoys the camaraderie that’s an integral part of both his work and his hobby.

“We have three grandkids, and another on the way this month,” Salmons says. “We’re learning that, as grandparents, you can’t ever get enough time with your grandkids, but they’re nearby, so we try to test that as much as we can.”

JULY 2023 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING

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Conservation

CORPS

Appalachia Ohio Alliance members are used to getting their hands dirty.

STORY AND PHOTOS BY W.H. “CHIP” GROSS

S

ome natural resources conservation groups talk a good game. Others diligently and quietly go about their stated mission, making a decided difference in the out-of-doors year by year, decade after decade.

Appalachia Ohio Alliance is definitely one of the latter.

“AOA is a private, nonprofit land conservancy organization, one of 1,700 in the United States,” says the alliance’s director, Steve Fleegal. “We cover most of central and southeast Ohio, with a focus on maintaining and improving water quality in four areas: the Scioto River, Big Darby Creek, the Hocking River, and Hocking Hills.”

It’s not the group’s only focus, of course; the group also works to preserve Native American sites, cultural heritage sites, historic farms, and geologic features across the region.

To get a feel for AOA, I tagged along on one of the organization’s many annual educational events open to the public. The field trip attracted some 30 people to Cedar Bog Nature Preserve, a few miles south of Urbana. It’s the oldest nature preserve in the Buckeye State purchased with state funds (in 1942), and is owned, operated, and managed by the Ohio History Connection.

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OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • JULY 2023

AOA members aren’t afraid to get their hands dirty for conservation — which happens in most of the group’s activities, including this controlled burn of prairie land.

By the numbers During its 20 years of existence, Appalachia Ohio Alliance has totaled an impressive list of accomplishments. Among them: 15,000+ 164 32 19

Number of acres conserved Number of properties conserved Number of conservation preserves Number of Ohio counties involved

Ken Mettler, an AOA board member, surveys Bison Hollow Preserve in Hocking Hills.

I had an added incentive for attending the leisurely guided hike along the mile-long boardwalk that spans the bog.

I’d always wanted to photograph one of Ohio’s rarest and most spectacular spring wildflowers: the showy lady’s slipper orchid, which blooms in late May and early June.

Cedar Bog did not disappoint.

Other annual AOA nature-based field trips — some 25 or so per year — include spring birding hikes, summer creek explorations, and fall Monarch butterfly tagging.

One of their more popular mid-summer events is always the canoe and kayak float down a state scenic river, where participants make frequent stops along the route to seine fish and other aquatic critters, which are identified and released.

“The goal of our field trips is to get people out onto the land to enjoy our properties,” Fleegal says. “After all, we’re conserving these sites for public benefit. And kids are always welcome.”

The alliance also hosts two dozen or so yearly “stewardship events” — hands-on, get-grubby work details where volunteers improve AOA preserves. Volunteers work to eradicate invasive non-native plants such as Japanese honeysuckle, multi-flora rose, tree of heaven, autumn olive, and garlic mustard. They also conduct controlled burns to maintain prairie openings, plant native

Ask

CHIP!

Whether you’re looking for a fun, safe field trip for you and your family, or you’re ready to volunteer and get your hands dirty for conservation, Appalachia Ohio Alliance is a worthwhile organization with a proven track record spanning two decades. Their members make a difference for Ohio’s outdoor future. To get involved, go to www.appalachiaohioalliance.org. tree seedlings, and reintroduce declining wildflower species such as yellow lady slipper orchids and forest medicinal plants to their former habitats.

One of AOA’s largest ongoing projects is the acquisition of Bison Hollow Preserve in the Hocking Hills region.

Located south of Ash Cave at Hocking Hills State Park, Bison Hollow straddles the Hocking-Vinton county line and, according to Ken Mettler, an AOA board member, is an important component of AOA’s Greater Hocking Hills Conservation Initiative. “The total area protected is now over 660 acres.”

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!

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JULY 2023 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING

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f l e s r u o y Do

GOOD EATS

RECIPES AND PHOTOGRAPHS

BY CATHERINE MURRAY

a f l av o r

Rubs and marinades add a powerful punch to everyday food.

SWEET AND SOUR TOFU Prep: 25 minutes | Chill: 1 to 24 hours | Cook: 10 minutes | Servings: 4 1 pound extra-firm tofu 2⁄3 cup honey 1⁄2 cup apple cider vinegar 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce 2 tablespoons ketchup 1 tablespoon sesame oil 1 clove garlic, minced 1 teaspoon ground ginger

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

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While you’re there, check out a video of a few of our recipes being prepared.

1⁄2 teaspoon red pepper flakes 1 small carrot, grated 1 small onion, diced 1 cup diced red and/or green pepper 2 teaspoons cornstarch 1 tablespoon water 2 cups cooked rice

Press tofu between two clean towels with a weight on top for 20 minutes. (A cast-iron skillet works well.) In a large container with lid, mix together honey, vinegar, soy sauce, ketchup, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, red pepper flakes, and grated carrot.

Cut tofu into 1-inch cubes and toss to coat with marinade.

Cover container and place in fridge for at least an hour and as long as 24 hours.

Spray a large skillet with cooking spray and lightly sauté onion and pepper over medium-high heat for 3 to 4 minutes, then transfer them into a bowl to cool. Spray skillet again, then toss in tofu, reserving the majority of the marinade for now. Let the tofu brown and caramelize a bit on each side, then pour in the marinade. In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with water, then pour into marinade. Continually stir until sauce thickens. Mix in pepper and onions, cooking another minute. Serve over rice.

Per serving: 496 calories, 9 grams fat (2 grams saturated fat), 0 milligrams cholesterol, 554 milligrams sodium, 95 grams total carbohydrates, 3 grams fiber, 14 grams protein.

JULY 2023 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING

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OVEN-BAKED TANDOORI CHICKEN Tandoori chicken is a well-known Indian dish usually cooked in a tandoor (a charcoal or wood-burning clay oven), but this recipe is made in a conventional oven. Even though all the spices would make a great dry rub, the lime and Greek yogurt make the chicken extra moist and tender.

Prep: 20 minutes | Cook: 45 minutes | Servings: 8 1 cup plain Greek yogurt 5 cloves garlic, minced 2 tablespoons olive oil 1 lime, zested and juiced 1 tablespoon grated ginger 1 tablespoon garam masala

1 teaspoon turmeric powder 2 teaspoons chili powder 1 teaspoon salt 2 teaspoons cumin 1 teaspoon paprika or smoked ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper paprika 3 to 4 pounds chicken drumsticks and thighs 2 teaspoons coriander (skinless, bone-in) powder

Raita Sauce (optional)

¾ cup yogurt or sour cream ¼ cup finely chopped cucumber 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro

½ teaspoon cumin ½ teaspoon garam masala ¼ teaspoon salt

Mix ingredients to make raita, if using, and refrigerate. Mix all remaining ingredients except chicken in a large container with a lid. Pat chicken pieces dry, then deeply score with a paring knife for the chicken to absorb the marinade. Generously coat chicken in marinade, cover, and refrigerate for 6 to 24 hours.

Preheat oven to 450 F. Line a baking tray with foil and place an oven-safe metal rack on top. Spray rack with cooking spray. Lay coated chicken pieces on rack, leaving some space in between them. Roast on middle rack 20 minutes, flip chicken, then roast another 20 to 25 minutes, until cooked through. Broil for 5 to 7 minutes until lightly charred. Serve hot, with raita and naan bread if desired.

Per serving: 380 calories, 24 grams fat (7 grams saturated fat), 180 milligrams cholesterol, 536 milligrams sodium, 4 grams total carbohydrates, 1 gram fiber, 41 grams protein.

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OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • APRIL JULY 2023 2023

SUPER-SIMPLE SALMON Prep: 10 minutes | Cook: 12 minutes | Servings: 4 1 tablespoon packed brown sugar 1 teaspoon paprika ½ teaspoon garlic powder ½ teaspoon onion powder ½ teaspoon mustard powder

½ teaspoon salt ¼ teaspoon pepper 1 tablespoon olive oil 1 pound salmon fillets

This salmon can be baked, pan fried, or (as shown) grilled. In a small bowl, mix together all dry ingredients.

Rub salmon with olive oil, then rub in the spices. Let rest for 15 minutes. Heat grill to medium, then spray with cooking spray. Lay salmon on the grill flesh side down until charred opaque, 2 to 3 minutes. Flip so skin side is down and cook another 6 to 8 minutes, to the preferred doneness. Serve with favorite vegetables and side dishes.

Per serving: 196 calories, 11 grams fat (1.5 grams saturated fat), 50 milligrams cholesterol, 342 milligrams sodium, 3 grams total carbohydrates, 0 grams fiber, 22 grams protein.

GRILLED PINEAPPLE FLANK STEAK Prep: 20 minutes | Marinate: 8 to 12 hours | Cook: 15 minutes | Servings: 8 2-pound flank or skirt steak 20-ounce can sliced pineapple 1 large lime, juiced and zested 1 tablespoon honey

1 tablespoon grated 1 avocado, diced ginger ¼ cup red onion, finely diced 2 cloves garlic, minced 5 ounces arugula 1 teaspoon salt 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved

Drain juice from canned pineapple into a medium bowl, then whisk together with honey, lime juice, lime zest, ginger, garlic, and salt. Pour half the marinade over the steak in a ziplock bag and reserve the rest as a dressing for the salad later. Zip bag and shake to coat steak.

Refrigerate steak, dressing, and pineapple slices overnight.

Set grill to medium-high and spray with cooking spray.

Remove steak from marinade and lightly shake off excess. Use metal tongs to place steak and pineapple slices flat on the grill. Close lid and grill pineapple slices for 3 minutes and steak for 5 to 9 minutes on each side.

Check for an internal temperature of 135 F on the thickest part of the steak for medium-rare. Steak will continue to cook once removed, by about 5 degrees. Let rest before slicing against the grain. Prep salad by tossing tomatoes, avocado, onion, and arugula with the reserved dressing.

Per serving: 346 calories, 17 grams fat, 5.5 grams saturated fat), 67 milligrams cholesterol, 387 milligrams sodium, 18 grams total carbohydrates, 4 grams fiber, 32 grams protein.

APRIL JULY 2023 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING 15

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THE FRONTIER POWER COMPANY LOCAL PAGES

MESSAGE FROM THE GENERAL MANAGER

Electric reliability threatened with current U.S. energy policy Are rolling blackouts coming to Ohio?

O

ver the past two months, I and other cooperative leaders in Ohio engaged our elected leaders at the Ohio Statehouse and in Washington, D.C., to discuss our concerns over power reliability and the impact it will have on our communities.

I know you rely on the power we provide, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year. Our lives, and livelihoods, depend on it. For the first time since neighbors came together to form The Frontier Power Company in 1936, the reliability of power is at risk.

Buckeye Power, our generation and transmission provider, generates enough power for all 400,000 members of Ohio’s electric cooperatives, but we depend on the larger grid to balance supply and demand for electricity. Your cooperative works hard every day to ensure the local delivery system is reliable through planned maintenance programs and responsive service to local power outages.

It’s important you understand why power reliability is at risk: • Demand for electricity is higher than ever, especially during extreme cold and hot weather, and with the growing electrification of our transportation network.

• The supply of reliable electricity is down due to the rapid retirement of coal and nuclear plants. In 2009, Ohio had 21 coal plants and by the end of 2023, just four will remain in operation. Intermittent sources such as wind and solar power have come online but haven’t filled the gap, and aren’t reliable 24/7/365.

• Overreaching and unreasonable environmental regulations result in unnecessarily high costs and provide only minimal environmental benefits.

Steven K. Nelson

CEO/GENERAL MANAGER

• Poorly designed electricity market rules undercompensate reliable baseload power plants that provide steady, controllable output, while overcompensating less reliable, intermittent sources.

• Unreasonable goals and time frames have been set to achieve greater reductions in carbon emissions from electricity providers, even though the U.S. electric sector has cut carbon dioxide emissions by 36% since 2005, while producing nearly 5% more electricity.

• Supply chain challenges have resulted in unreasonable lead times for obtaining new transformers and line trucks we use for local service.

• Two organizations charged with ensuring a reliable electric grid, the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (nerc.com), and PJM Interconnection (pjm.com), which manages Ohio’s grid, have each published reports of concerning trends causing increased reliability risks. They point out that rolling blackouts, like those experienced in Texas, California, and in nine states in the Midwest and threatened here in Ohio in December 2022, are inevitable without a change in energy policy immediately.

For 87 years, the mission of Frontier Power has been to deliver reliable, safe, environmentally responsible electricity at stable and affordable rates to our members in the local communities we serve. Our commitment has never wavered, but our ability to fulfill our mission is being challenged because of poorly conceived and harmful energy policies. Please help us carry the message to our federal, state, and local elected leaders that you support commonsense energy policy.

JULY 2023 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING

17

THE FRONTIER POWER COMPANY LOCAL PAGES

OFFICIAL NOTICE OF THE ANNUAL MEETING OF MEMBERS

THE FRONTIER POWER COMPANY

770 SOUTH SECOND STREET � COSHOCTON, OH 43812 The Annual Meeting of the Members of the above cooperative will be held at the Frontier Power offices on 2nd Street in Coshocton on Friday, July 28, 2023, between 4:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m., to take action upon the following:

1. Reports of officials, trustees and committees 2. Announce elected trustees 3. All other business which may properly come before the meeting Secretary Treasurer Dated: July 1, 2023

Annual Meeting Schedule 4:00 p.m – 7:00 p.m.……………. Light supper served, financials posted 5:30 p.m. ………………………...Business meeting $25 bill credits drawn after the Annual Meeting.

(Need not be present to win.)

Each member attending receives a $10 credit on their electric bill and a gift.

Bring registration card to meeting (sent separately in mail).

18

OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • JULY 2023

THE FRONTIER POWER COMPANY LOCAL PAGES

2023 Candidates for The Frontier Power Company Board of Trustees The 2023 Nominating Committee met in May to nominate candidates for two positions up for election. Members of the nominating committee were Michael Daugherty, James Elliott, David Gerber, Jerry Lahmers and Thomas Stockdale.

For District B-II – Tuscarawas County, Ann Gano and Bruce Kettlewell will be running. Dexter Conkle and Tim Dickerson will be vying for the District D, Coshocton County position.

Ann Gano (Incumbent) is a Certified Public Accountant and owner of Keeping Tabs, Inc. She would be honored to continue representing you as a Frontier Power board member and she thanks you for your past support. Ann resides south of New Philadelphia in York Township. For the past 30 years, she has worked with farmers and other small business owners, preparing income taxes and financial statements, assisting clients with cash flow planning, tax planning, loan applications, and analysis of business records, and working with clients to assist them in keeping accurate financial records. She is also a board member of numerous foundations, including the New Philadelphia Quaker Foundation, Buckeye Career Center Foundation, Frontier Community Connection Fund, and Friends of Adult Education-Buckeye Career Center. In addition, she has recently joined the board of directors for Consumers National Bank.

My name is Bruce Kettlewell.

My wife, Cindy, and I live in York Township in Tuscarawas County. We have three adult children: Jared lives in Pataskala with his wife, Rachel; Andrea lives in New Philadelphia with her husband, Luke Burch, and their 16-month-old son, Xander; Logan lives in New Philadelphia. I recently retired after 37 years of teaching and coaching, mostly in the Garaway Local School District. I belong to and am an active member of the Gnadenhutten United Methodist Church and am a Trustee there. If chosen, I will do my best to educate myself and become a productive member of the Frontier Power Trustees.

I am Dexter Conkle. I live in Jackson Township in Coshocton County. My wife, Roxana, and I have two children, Ryan Conkle and Britanie Powers. We are blessed with three granddaughters. I have worked for the Coshocton Fire Department since 1993, obtaining the rank of Captain and becoming a Hazardous Materials Technician and obtaining a Fire Safety Inspector Certification. I currently am serving as a Jackson Township Trustee and a substitute bookmobile driver for Coshocton Library. I have lived in Coshocton County all my life. I grew up in a family automotive business that my parents, Denny and Evelyn Conkle, owned and helping on our family farm.

I graduated from Coshocton High School in 1985. I was on the North Tuscarawas Volunteer Fire Department from 1985 through 1993. I enjoy hunting, fishing, motorcycles, and traveling. It would be a privilege to serve on the board for The Frontier Power Company.

Tim Dickerson (Incumbent) During my term as a Director for the Frontier Power Company, I have served on the Board of Directors for OREC, I am the Vice President of the Frontier Community Connection Fund, the NRECA Voting Delegate, and am also an NRECA Credentialed Cooperative Director.

During my term, I promoted growth among Frontier Power’s sister companies Frontier Supply and Frontier Propane, helped develop policy and attended National Conventions as well as several Frontier Power Strategic Planning Sessions and meetings. My management experience as a supervisor and the past four years as a Trustee have well equipped me to serve another term as Trustee for the Board of Directors of the Frontier Power Company. I would very much appreciate your vote and the opportunity to continue serving the membership of our Electric Cooperative.

Sincerely, Tim Dickerson

JULY 2023 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING

19

THE FRONTIER POWER COMPANY LOCAL PAGES

Frontier Power celebrates Customer Appreciation Day

Our Customer Appreciation Day was held on May 5, with beautiful weather, great food, and handouts for all. About 500 people stopped by to talk to employees and enjoy a light lunch. This annual event is held as a “thank you” to the community for supporting Frontier Power, Frontier Propane, Frontier Supply, Progressive Water, Whit’s Frozen Custard, and Coshocton Coffee Connection.

A drawing was held after the event to give away several gift certificates to Frontier Power, Propane or Supply, Whit’s Frozen Custard, and Coshocton Coffee Connection.

Frontier Community Connection Fund Board-approved distributions January and April 2023 Three Rivers Fire District Coshocton Friends of the Parks Coshocton River View PTO Playground Project Warsaw

$3,950

CONTACT 800-624-8050 | 740-622-6755 www.frontier-power.com

Bill Daugherty

OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • JULY 2023

Independence Day!

Board President

Seth Gerber Vice President

David P. Mizer Secretary-Treasurer

Tim Dickerson Kurt Ellis Ann M. Gano Jerry Olinger Trustees

CEO/GENERAL MANAGER Steven K. Nelson ATTORNEY Michael D. Manning

20

Happy

$5,000 BOARD OF TRUSTEES

OFFICE HOURS Monday–Friday 8 a.m.–4:30 p.m.

Rob Totten, member services representative at Frontier Power, and Tyler Frazer, propane supervisor at Frontier Propane, participated in this year’s Earth Day event at Wills Creek Dam. The event hosted fifth and sixth graders from surrounding schools and was held on May 11, 2023. It was organized by Mike Woodward with the Army Corps of Engineers, Wills Creek Dam, and Kayla Jones of Coshocton County Farm Bureau. Dam staff, volunteers, FFA students, and presenters like Rob and Tyler helped to make the event a huge success. More than 25 stations were set up, with the students learning about automobile safety, propane, electricity, water safety, pollinator species, and other environmental and safety topics.

$1,000

THE FRONTIER POWER COMPANY

OFFICE 770 S. Second St. P.O. Box 280 Coshocton, OH 43812

2023 Earth Day at Wills Creek

The Frontier office will be closed on Tuesday, July 4.

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BY CRAIG SPRINGER

Nature’s

t’s the dog days of summer, when the air is close and sultry and the heat oppressive. The nasally drone of insects that go sight unseen comes at you, swarming, rising and falling, lapping like waves that come and go off a lake shore.

If summer sound had colors, they’d be matte — flat, like the noir filter on a smartphone camera, near featureless.

But that belies what nightfall brings. Sirius, the dog star, rises into view near the sun this time of year — a harbinger of the sweltering warmth sure to follow for several weeks. This also marks another illuminating event: the rise of fireflies.

More than 2,400 species of fireflies exist around the globe, including about two dozen that make a home in Ohio. Fireflies, or lightning bugs as some people call them, are not flies at all, but beetles characterized by heavily armored shells over wings.

22

OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • JULY 2023

When they take to the wing, they move about as though they carry a heavy load; speed through the air is not a defense mechanism. Heck, they advertise their whereabouts, from just above the grass to chesthigh to weaving through the treetops, for any wouldbe predator to swoop in and make them a snack.

The height where they fly may very well distinguish one species from another to the discerning eye.

No matter the species’ name, they all have similar missions when their hindmost is lit: to find a mate and thereby create more fireflies. (The exception is the femme fatale in the Photuris genus of fireflies, among which the females use light for another purpose: to attract males of another genus and make a meal of the amorous suitors. Nature is fascinating — and brutal.)

Typically, it’s the male firefly that blinks to females that rest on the ground or among the boles of trees or in shrubbery. Some populations of fireflies turn the affair into a disco — synchronously flashing en masse,

firew ks

followed by a pause, then a random and chaotic display, a pregnant pause, then they start it all over again. How they communicate the timing is a curious matter, and it is a wondrous event to witness.

Fireflies are ordered by entomologists into the family Lampyridae, which makes sense if you think about it.

The bioluminescent blinking bottom — the lamp — is the most distinguishing characteristic among a litany of beetles. The blink is made up entirely of chemical reactions wired in the nervous systems, and it gives off no heat. You might say it is energy efficient, yet it is a primitive technology eons old.

All of the fireflies around the world live in warm, humid climates. So while the sweltering heat of a Buckeye July may cause you to retreat to the AC, it’s what fireflies live for — literally — during the critical reproduction arc of their life cycle.

Fireflies spend most of their two-year life span on or in the ground as a grub, a wormlike creature living in

the forest leaf litter or in the fields plowing soil just below the surface. That’s where they turn soil or move through decaying leaves in search of food. These larval lamps eat worms, other grubs, snails, and bugs.

Farmers appreciate firefly larvae because they keep down slugs and snails that otherwise sup on soybean seedlings fresh out of the ground.

With the coming rise of Sirius and the heat of summer’s swelter, they undergo one of the most remarkable wonders of nature: the metamorphosis that turns them into winged beetles. Adult fireflies live only about two months after they have reproduced.

The lumbering flight of fireflies makes them easy to catch — and to marvel over as they blink in your cupped hands. Their transformation from grub to blinking beetle evokes a sense of wonder in children from age 8 to 80 as the beetles put on their fireworks display, which will continue during evenings well past Independence Day.

JULY 2023 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING

23

Field of dreams Farming allows stay-at-home mom to ‘live the best of both worlds.’

STORY AND PHOTOGRAPHS BY VICTORIA ELLWOOD

W

ith her quick smile and no-nonsense air, Brandi Anderson is warm and approachable, with two friendly St. Bernard dogs wagging their tails by her side. Beneath that cheerful exterior, she blends fierce determination, a readiness to develop new skills, and a love of demanding outdoor work to achieve what she wants for her family.

She’s also determined to help others know exactly where their food comes from.

Brandi owns Women That Farm (also known by its acronym, WTF), a farm that raises cattle, hogs, chickens, and turkeys to be butchered and sold locally.

“If someone asks me what I do, the short answer is that I farm,” she says. “But if you dig a little deeper, this is my way to be both a stay-at-farm mom and provide an income for my family. I like to say I live the best of both worlds.”

Her world includes her husband, Nick, three little girls (ages 6, 7, and 9), and, at any one time, more than 100 head of black Angus cattle, 48 turkeys, and 350 chickens, all on their 13-acre farm near Mechanicsburg. Hogs are kept at her sister-in-law’s farm down the road. They also have two bulls (with rings in their noses), three dogs, a horse, and a cute little pony just for fun. They also have land that serves as a storage facility for their semi-truck, farm equipment, and hay near Urbana, where they are members of Pioneer Electric Cooperative.

“We raise everything here. I have a herd of cattle, and I buy weaned calves each year in the fall, along with bottlebaby calves from a local dairy to make sure I have enough cattle year-round for meat,” she says. “I also do all of our marketing, I haul live animals in a livestock trailer, and do all of the scheduling with local butchers.”

She delivers meat and eggs twice a month directly to customers at three locations in the Hilliard-DublinColumbus area, and she enjoys interacting personally with them. She also sets up regularly at the Westgate Farmers Market in the Columbus Hilltop area.

24

OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • JULY 2023

Along with her husband and three daughters, Brandi Anderson’s world includes, at any one time, more than 100 head of cattle, dozens of turkeys, hundreds of chickens, and her two friendly St. Bernard dogs.

“I want to be the face of what you feed to your family; that’s important to me because I have kids. You’d be surprised how many people don’t know where their food comes from,” she says. “As a producer, my goal is to have the highest-quality product available.”

People place orders online, choosing from a variety of cuts and processed packages. Customers have a window of time to pick up their orders at certain stops. Brandi figures she fills about 40 orders every other week, which is about one or two cows a month.

She’s quick to admit the cattle are by far her favorite animals on the farm (they’re docile and take a long time to raise) but the chickens, not so much (smelly). Her typical day involves getting the girls on the school bus at 7 a.m., then making rounds with the animals. “I walk through the birds first; they’re the easiest. Then I check on all the cows, the mommas ready to have calves, and the cows in the pasture. Once I make sure everyone’s OK, I mix up their feed, and tackle the rest of the day.”

Brandi Anderson (below, with a sample of the meat she produces and sells) readily admits that the cows are her favorite of all the animals she raises at Women That Farm.

Brandi and Nick were high school besties who reconnected after college and married on a whim in Las Vegas after a skydiving adventure where he placed a “Will you marry me?” sign at the landing site.

The two dove into farming in 2012, building on his experience working on a dairy farm and her work at an agriculture cooperative. Along the way, they raised dairy heifers and bottle-babies, and she learned to drive a semi-truck. Today, the couple, her brother, and her brother’s wife also own a manure-handling and forage-chopping business, and the guys plow snow in Columbus in winter.

Between them, the two couples have six young daughters. “It’s important for us to show the kids that hard work never hurt anyone,” Brandi says. “Nick and I are both very hard-headed, very determined, and that’s why it works. We both came from rather poor backgrounds, and our whole goal in life is to make something out of it that we want,” she adds.

“He’s self-employed and I’m self-employed. I want to show that the American dream is still attainable. You just have to work for it.”

To order meat from Women That Farm, visit www.wtfmeatsohio.com. Brandi makes deliveries twice a month to three pickup locations in the Columbus area, and customers may also arrange to pick up orders right at the farm in Mechanicsburg.

JULY 2023 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING

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Most prisoners of war who were detained at Camp Perry in the early 1940s were put to work, including this group of Italian POWs who prepared meals in the camp kitchen.

Perry’s POWs The National Guard training facility on the shores of Lake Erie housed thousands of Uncle Sam’s ‘guests’ during World War II.

BY W.H. “CHIP” GROSS; PHOTOS COURTESY CAMP PERRY CIVILIAN MARKSMANSHIP PROGRAM

C

amp Perry, on the Ohio shores of western Lake Erie a few miles west of Port Clinton, boasts the secondlargest outdoor rifle range in the country. The facility has hosted the National Rifle and Pistol Matches — drawing competitors from around the world to the “world series of shooting sports” — for more than a century.

But few people today realize that for several years during the mid-1940s Camp Perry served a different purpose: It

was a major prisoner-of-war camp, housing some 6,000 German and Italian prisoners in America’s heartland.

Today, three-quarters of a century after the last POW marched out of Camp Perry, there is still much tangible evidence of that era remaining, thanks to ongoing historic preservation efforts. For instance, the brick buildings known as “Commercial Row” that house firearms vendor Continued on page 28

JULY 2023 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING

27

Impressed at how they were treated, many of the German and Italian prisoners who were held at Camp Perry returned to live in the U.S. after the war.

Continued from page 27

displays during the National Matches once served as mess halls for the POWs during World War II. The United States maintained nearly 700 camps, in all but three states, during the war — established to help alleviate the overcrowding of POWs housed in Great Britain. Had just Italian (50,273) and Japanese (3,915) POWs been sent to the U.S., existing American camps could have handled those numbers. But late in the war, as Allied troops began to take control, an additional 371,683 German prisoners began debarking from troop ships onto America’s shores, and the POW prison system was quickly overwhelmed.

U.S. military leaders scrambled to find suitable camp locations and construct facilities, and also to train guards, interpreters, and other support personnel; it was a monumental task.

Camp Perry was designated as a main POW base camp in September of 1943; smaller branch camps were located in or near Columbus, Bowling Green, Defiance, Marion, and Wilmington, as well as in Fort Wayne, Indiana. Italian soldiers captured on European battlefields began arriving at Camp Perry right away, followed by German soldiers in 1944. The prisoners were housed in small, wood-framed, tar-paper-covered 16-by-16-foot buildings, groupings of which were called hutments. Each building was a single 28

OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • JULY 2023

story constructed on a concrete slab, double-walled with double-pane windows, heated by a wood-burning stove.

Five prisoners were assigned per building. Eleven guard towers and nine-strand barbed-wire fence 9 feet high enclosed the entire encampment.

Prisoners were required to work while at the camp.

(Officers were exempt, but many chose to work to alleviate the boredom of prison life.) Prisoners performed the daily routine maintenance of the many buildings, cooked, cleaned, and did other chores as needed. As a result, they earned a small number of coupons per day that they could then redeem at the prison camp PX, or Post Exchange.

According to numerous accounts, German prisoners did not think much of the American 3.2% alcohol beer they could purchase at the camp PX for 10 cents per bottle — it was just too bland and mild for their tastes. However, they did like the Coca-Cola that sold for 4 cents, and they bought many a pack of Spuds cigarettes, which cost 14 cents.

POWs were also often pressed into service outside the camp, which was not always popular with local civilians.

POWs even worked at two Ohio hospitals, Crile General in Parma and Fletcher General in Cambridge. Others served as farmhands in northwest Ohio or worked in

factories alongside American civilian women whose husbands and sons were fighting overseas.

The Americans also watched as the prisoners were provided three square meals a day — often eating food that citizens couldn’t readily obtain because meats and canned goods were subject to strict rationing.

Some local civilians took the food disparity issue, and the fact that they had a POW camp in their backyard, philosophically, and even went out of their way to interact with the prisoners, while others refused to have anything to do with them.

One Ohio resident, who chose to get to know some of the men “behind the wire” at Camp Perry, commented, “You could tell the Germans from the Italians because the Italians were laid-back and so friendly, while the Germans were stoic, stern, and did not talk much, although they worked hard.”

After May 8, 1945, V-E Day, which marked the end of World War II in Europe, American POW camps began to empty almost immediately as prisoners were sent home to their native countries.

Interestingly, a number of German and Italian prisoners eventually returned to America to live permanently and even become citizens.

Impressed by how relatively well they were treated as POWs, they wanted to experience the opportunities and freedoms they had seen while in America that their home countries did not offer.

‘Escape wasn’t much of a concern’ During the time Camp Perry housed prisoners of war during the Second World War, some POWs worked off-site — employed at area businesses, or planting and harvesting crops at local farms. Of course, they were overseen by armed camp guards.

Well, at least most of the time.

Kenny Libben (above), curator of the Cleo Redd Fisher Museum in Loudonville, relates a story handed down from his grandfather: “My family owns a farm adjacent to Camp Perry, and during WWII, our farm included a large commercial orchard.

“My grandfather, who was a young boy at the time, told me stories about the POWs: how they would be marched from the camp to the farm to help pick fruit during harvest and surprisingly just left there. The guards would drop them off in the morning and then go back to the camp for the day, leaving my grandpa and great-grandpa to keep an eye on them. He said the POWs always behaved well, so escape wasn’t much of a concern, but one day the guards forgot to come back to get them.

“My family ended up feeding all the men supper, and eventually my grandfather had to go to the camp to remind the guards that there were a few dozen Nazis sitting in our front yard and would someone please come get them.”

Many of the buildings that housed prisoners at Camp Perry still stand today.

JULY 2023 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING

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and a car and motorcycle show. 419-673-4131 or www. facebook.com/KentonHistoricCourthouseDistrict.

JUL. 15 – Malinta Days Festival, Henry County, Monroe Twp. Fire Station, 8931 Co. Rd. K-2, Malinta, 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Classic car show, chicken BBQ, axe throwing, entertainment, inflatables, live auction, flea market, wagon and train rides, and more.

419-966-9909 or www.facebook.com/Malintafest.

JUL. 20 – “Croce Plays Croce,” Veterans Memorial Civic and Convention Center, #7 Town Square, Lima, 7:30 p.m. A.J. Croce presents a special night of music featuring a complete set of classics by his late father, folk and rock singer-songwriter Jim Croce; some of his own tunes; and songs that influenced both him and his THROUGH JUL. 21 – “All Together Now”: Summer father. 419-224-1552 or www.limaciviccenter.com.

Library Program, Shelby County Libraries, in Anna, JUL. 22 – Vernon McIntyre’s Appalachian Grass, Botkins, Ft. Loramie, Jackson Center, Russia, and Ottawa Metro Park, 2632 Ada Rd., Lima, 7–8 p.m.

Sidney. Themed programs, special guests, crafts, snacks, and more, plus prizes. Sign up at any of our six Free. 419-221-1232, 419-223-1025, or www.jampd.com/ parks-facilities/ottawa-metro-park. locations. www.shelbycountylibraries.org.

JUL. 29 – Family Fun Day: “Mid-Summer THROUGH AUG. 4 – Limaland Motorsports Park Races, 1500 Dutch Hollow Rd., Lima, 7:30–10:30 p.m. Celebration,” Northwest Ohio Railroad Preservation Inc., 12505 Co. Rd. 99, Findlay, 1–4 p.m. $5. Enjoy Sprints, UMP Modifieds, Thunderstocks, and more! games, quarter-scale train rides, bounce house, and Pit gates open at 4:30 p.m., grandstand gates at 5 p.m., warmup laps begin at 6:30 p.m. See website for other fun activities. 419-423-2995, www.nworrp.org, or www.facebook.com/nworrp. updated information. www.limaland.com.

JUL. 30 – Westminster Music in the Park, 6825 THROUGH SEP. 10 – NWORRP Museum Summer Faulkner Rd., Westminster, 11 a.m.–4 p.m. Free. Annual Hours, Northwest Ohio Railroad Preservation Inc., Christian music festival, with free food/beverages 12505 Co. Rd. 99, Findlay, Sat./Sun. 1–4 p.m. $3; 12 and under, $2. Museum tours, quarter-scale train rides, and a car show. Bring your lawn chairs. www. model train displays, games, play area, and more. 419- musicinthepark.info.

423-2995, www.nworrp.org, or AUG. 2 – Down on the Farm Story Time, Proving www.facebook.com/nworrp.

Ground Farm, 5670 E. Twp. Rd. 138, Tiffin, 10 a.m.

Stories and activities are geared for preschoolTHROUGH OCT. 14 – The Great Sidney Farmers age children and focus on farming and nature in a Market, Shelby County Court Square, 100 E. Court picturesque outdoor setting. Families welcome! 419St., Sidney, Sat. 8 a.m.–noon. Fresh produce, baked 447-7073, www.conservesenecacounty.com, or follow goods, jams and jellies, crafts, plants, and flowers.

Seneca Conservation District on Facebook.

937-658-6945 or www.sidneyalive.org.

AUG. 3 – Concert: All-4-One and Naturally 7, Greater JUL. 15 – Eats on the Street, downtown Kenton.

Lima Region Park and Amphitheatre, Pangle Pavilion, 5–10 p.m. Food trucks, live music featuring multiple 128 E. Spring St., Lima, 7:30 p.m. $25–$55. www. bands, craft and draft beer, local wine, kids’ fun zone, limaciviccenter.com/panglepavilion.

WEST VIRGINIA

AUG. 3–6 – Northwest Ohio Antique Machinery Association Show, Hancock Co. Fgds., 1017 E. Sandusky St., Findlay. Featuring John Deere tractors and engines, along with arts and crafts, consignment sales, flea market, truck and tractor pulls, tractor square dance, and other fun activities. www.facebook. com/NorthwestOhioAntiqueMachineryAssociation.

AUG. 4 – Concert: Al Jardine, Greater Lima Region Park and Amphitheatre, Pangle Pavilion, 128 E. Spring St., Lima, 7:30 p.m. $25–$55. Enjoy an evening of music by one of the founding members of the Beach Boys. www.limaciviccenter.com/panglepavilion.

AUG. 5 – Annual Car Show: “Car Tunes on Main,” downtown Findlay, 1–4 p.m. Free. Registration noon–1 p.m. ($15 fee). All vehicles welcome! Awards, raffles, 50/50 drawing, vendors, and food. All proceeds benefit Open Arms Domestic Violence and Rape Crisis Services. lawebb@dalawinc.com or www.flagcitycorvettes.com/car-tunes-2023.

AUG. 5 – Defiance County Hot Air Balloon Festival, 20399 Airport Rd., Defiance. $10 per car. Tethered hot air balloon rides, marketplace, food trucks, inflatables and kids’ rides, live music, and more. 419-782-3510 or www.defianceballoonfest.com.

AUG. 10–12 – Lincoln Highway “Buy-Way” Yard Sale, locations along and near U.S. 30 across the state, including Crawford, Wyandot, Hardin, Hancock, Allen, and Van Wert counties. www.historicbyway.com.

AUG. 10–13 – St. Marys SummerFest Bicentennial Celebration, Skip Baughman Complex on East South Street, St. Marys. See website for schedule. Free.

Entertainment, games, National Guard obstacle course, food and beer, rides, beard contest, parade Sat. 4:30 p.m., fireworks Sat. night. 419-300-4611, info@ stmarysohio.org, or www.stmaryssummerfest.com.

AUG. 13 – Sunday Sunset Jazz and Art Fest, Towpath Trail, downtown Grand Rapids, 2 p.m. to dusk. Free.

Music, food, art, adult beverages. Bring lawn chairs; NO coolers. Rain date: Aug. 20. www.grandrapidsartscouncil.org.

Make sure you re included in our calendar!

To ensure we receive your lisiting in time, send details in an email to events@ohioec.org AT LEAST 90 DAYS prior to your event. Or send by U.S. Mail to:

JUL. 28–30 – Upper Ohio Valley Italian Heritage Festival, Water Street, Wheeling, Fri./Sat. 11 a.m.– midnight, Sun. 11 a.m.–6 p.m. Celebrating our Italian heritage with live music, entertainment, and, of course, great food! /www.italyfest.org.

Ohio Cooperative Living 6677 Busch Blvd.

Columbus, OH 43229 Ohio Cooperative Living will not publish listings that don’t include a complete address or a number/website for more information.

JULY 2023 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING

33

2023 CALENDAR

JULY/AUGUST

NORTHEAST

THROUGH JUL. 29 – “Susan Cook’s Award-Winning Quilts,” McCook House Museum, Carrollton, Fri./Sat. 10 a.m.–5 p.m. $3. Susan has completed more than 200 quilts and has given away machine-made quilts to veterans, cancer patients, and many others. This exhibit features hand-sewn projects only. 330-437-9715 or kathorn4120@gmail.com.

THROUGH AUG. 3 – Fort Steuben Summer Concert Series, Fort Steuben Park, 120 S. 3rd St., Steubenville, Thur. 7–9 p.m. Free. Bring a blanket and picnic basket and enjoy a variety of live musical performances. 740283-1787 or www.oldfortsteuben.com.

THROUGH OCTOBER – Quilt Exhibit: “History in Pieces,” Bimeler Museum, Historic Zoar Village.

Featuring fine quilts from the National Quilt Museum in Kentucky (including one from an Ohio quilter) and Zoar-made quilts from the 19th century. See website for museum schedule. 800-262-6195 or www. historiczoarvillage.com.

JUL. 1–3 – Village of Spencer Bicentennial Celebration, Firestone Park, Spencer. Ice cream social, kids’ games, vintage baseball game, concert, dinners, movies, and more. Hours vary. 330-441-1546.

JUL. 14–15 – Kentucky Bourbon Trail Bus Trip, departing from Buehler’s River Styx in Medina, Fri. 6 a.m., and returning Sat. 6:30 p.m. $320–$330. Trip to Bardstown, KY, includes tours and tastings at two

SOUTHEAST

THROUGH SEP. 3 – Tecumseh! Outdoor Drama, Sugarloaf Mountain Amphitheatre, 5968 Marietta Rd., Chillicothe, Mon.–Sat. 8 p.m. $30–$50. The epic life story of the legendary Shawnee leader as he struggles to defend his sacred homelands in the Ohio country. www.tecumsehdrama.com.

THROUGH DECEMBER – Athens Farmers Market, Athens Community Center, 701 E. State St., Athens, Sat.

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OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • JULY 2023

distilleries, a ghost trek, a whiskey museum tour, and an overnight stay at Hampton Inn in Bardstown. 419-8536016 or www.ormaco.org/upcoming_events.

JUL. 15–16 – Revolution on the Tuscarawas, Fort Laurens, 11067 Fort Laurens Rd. NW, Bolivar, Sat. 10 a.m.–5 p.m., Sun. 10 a.m.–4 p.m. $10; 12 and under free. Revolutionary War battle reenactment with the Brigade of the American Revolution. Demos in 18th-century cooking, artillery, music, and medicine.

330-874-2059 or www.fortlaurensmuseum.org.

JUL. 21 – Joe Leaman and Friends: “An Evening of Steel Drum,” John Streeter Garden Amphitheater, 2122 Williams Rd., Wooster, 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. Bring your lawn chairs, blankets, and picnics to enjoy this free concert.

Rain location: Fisher Auditorium, 1680 Madison Ave. Reservations recommended by registering online at www.ormaco.org or calling 419-853-6016.

JUL. 21–22 – “Wine on Rails,” Lorain & West Virginia Railway, 46485 St. Rte. 18, Wellington, Fri. 7 p.m., Sat 6 p.m. Must be 21 or over. $38.50 ticket includes wine; $25 for designated driver ticket. Ride lasts about 11⁄2 hours. Enjoy tasting a variety of wines from Matus Winery. 440-647-6660 or www.lwvry.org.

JUL. 29–30 – Holy Fair and Festival, Brighton Congregational Church, 22086 St. Rte. 511, Wellington.

Free. Sat. 12–10 p.m., petting zoo, craft show, bounce houses, games, food trucks, live music, and Christian speakers. Sun. 9 a.m., food truck starts serving breakfast; outdoor worship service at 11 a.m. For more information, contact John Burgess at 419-651-9622.

JUL. 29-30 – Zoar Antiques Show and Artisan Tent, 198 Main St., Zoar, 10 a.m.–5 p.m. $12; 12 and under free. More than 60 dealers of high-quality country antiques. Includes juried artisan showcase, contemporary crafts, historical demonstrations, and museum tours. 800-262-6195 or www. historiczoarvillage.com.

JUL. 30 – Millersburg Food Run 5K/10K and 1-Mile, Hipp Station, 62 Grant St., Millersburg, 8 a.m. $8-$40

9 a.m.–noon; Apr. 20–Nov. 23, Wed./Sat. 9 a.m.–noon.

Voted Ohio’s #1 favorite farmers market! 740-593-6763 or www.athensfarmersmarket.org.

THROUGH DECEMBER – Athens Art Market, Athens Community Center, 701 E. State St., Athens, Sat. 9 a.m.–noon. Members of Athens Art Guild offer handmade and juried arts including pottery, live edge furniture, fiber arts, paintings, glassware, jewelry, wood, and much more. For more information, email athensartguildevents@gmail.com.

JUL. 29–30 – Frankfort Sunflower Festival, downtown Frankfort, Sat. 10 a.m.–10 p.m., Sun. 10 a.m.–6 p.m. Free. Concessions, car show, antique tractors, games, live music, parade, and, of course, a sunflower contest! www.sunflowerfestival.net.

AUG. 3–5 – Roy Rogers Festival, Anerican Legion Post 23, 705 Court St., Portsmouth. Meet Roy Rogers’ family and celebrity guests, and enjoy music, food, and entertainment. https://royrogersfestival.com.

AUG. 4–5 – Deerassic Classic Giveaway, Deerassic Park Education Ctr., 14250 Cadiz Rd./U.S. 22, Cambridge. Outdoor exhibitors, stage shows, raffles, prizes, food, and entertainment. Purchase tickets at 740-435-9500 or https://deerassic.com.

online entry fee. Proceeds benefit the Love Center Food Pantry. https://runsignup.com/Race/OH/Millersburg/ MillersburgFoodRun. JUL. 31–AUG. 6 – Columbiana County Fair, 225 Lee Ave., Libson. 330-424-5531 or www. columbianacountyfair.org.

JUL. 31–AUG. 6 – Medina County Fair, 720 W. Smith Rd., Medina. 330-723-9633 or www.medinaohiofair.com.

AUG. 4 – First Fridays on Fourth, 155 N. 4th St., Steubenville, 6–10 p.m. Free. Art, crafts, games, food trucks, live entertainment, and activities to stimulate the imagination. www.theharmoniumproject.org/ first-Fridays.

AUG. 4–6 – Twins Day Festival, Glenn Chamberlin Park, 10260 Ravenna Rd., Twinsburg. The world’s largest annual gathering of twins features contests, games, parade, talent show, and other entertainment.

330-425-3652 or www.twinsdays.org.

AUG. 5 – “Jazz Under the Stars”: Nick Puin Band, Uptown Park, Medina, 7–9 p.m. Bring your lawn chairs, blankets, and picnics to enjoy this free concert. Rain location: St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 317 E. Liberty St. Reservations recommended by registering online at www.ormaco.org or calling 419-853-6016.

AUG. 10–12 – Lincoln Highway “Buy-Way” Yard Sales, locations along and near historic U.S. 30 across the state, including through Columbiana, Stark, Wayne, Ashland, and Richland counties. www.historicbyway.com.

AUG. 12 – Last Stop Willoughby Festival, downtown Willoughby. Free. Enjoy shopping at the outdoor market, kids’ activities in Point Park, the annual Chalkfest, and the annual parade. Continuous screenings of the Twilight Zone episode titled “A Stop at Willoughby” will play 10 a.m.–4 p.m. www.heartofwilloughby.com.

AUG. 13 – Cliff Habian Trio, Wadsworth Public Library, 132 Broad St., Wadsworth, 2–3 p.m. Free.

Delight in American Songbook classics. Reservations recommended by registering online at www.ormaco.org or calling 419-853-6016.

AUG. 5 – Lewisville Community Carnival and Car Show, 33261 Back St., Lewisville. Enjoy games, vendors, country store, live music, bounce house, and other fun events. Best chicken dinners around 4 p.m., with parade to follow at 6 p.m. Car show registration starts at 9 a.m.; awards at 3 p.m. 740-228-1327 or follow Lewisville Community Center on Facebook.

AUG. 5–12 – Ross County Fair, Ross Co. Fgds., 344 Fairgrounds Rd., Chillicothe. 740-775-5083 or http://www.rosscountyfair.com.

AUG. 11–13 – Salt Fork Arts and Crafts Festival, Cambridge City Park, Cambridge, Fri. 12–7 p.m., Sat. 10 a.m.–7 p.m., Sun. 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Free. Award-winning artists and craftsmen, live music, Appalachian heritage art demonstrations, Ohio-made products, concession food, and much more. 740-630-8935 or www. saltforkfestival.org.

AUG. 10–13 – Rivers, Trails, and Ales Fest, Muskingum Park, 300 block of Front St., Marietta. A full weekend of paddling, road and mountain biking, hiking, trail running, and enjoying regional craft beers in Ohio’s #1 destination for outdoor adventure: Marietta! www.facebook.com/RTAfest.

CENTRAL

of steam engines, antique tractors, and gas engines, featuring International Harvester. Fun for the whole family. 614-270-0007, mvstashow@gmail.com, or www. miamivalleysteamshow.org.

JUL. 13, AUG. 10 – Inventors Network Meeting, The Point at Otterbein University, 60 Collegeview Rd., Westerville 43081, 7 p.m. Educational presentations and discussion about the invention process. Zoom meetings Jul. 20 and Aug. 17 at 7 p.m. 614-470-0144 or www. inventorscolumbus.com.

JUL. 14–16 – Lilyfest, Bishop Educational Gardens, 13200 Little Cola Rd., Rockbridge, Fri. 10 a.m.–6 p.m., Sat. 10 a.m.–5 p.m., Sun. 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Free. Arts and THROUGH JUL. 16 – CAPA Summer Movie Series, Ohio crafts, food, music, educational programs and hikes, Theatre, 55 E. State St., Columbus, Wed.–Sun. 7:30 p.m., and 3 acres of beautiful gardens to explore. 740-969Sun. 2 p.m. $5–$6. America’s longest-running classic film 2873 or www.lilyfest.com. series. 614-469-0939 or www.capa.com.

JUL. 16 – Buckeye Comic Con, Courtyard Marriott THROUGH SEP. 30 – Sunbury Farmers Market, Columbus West, 2350 Westbelt Dr., Columbus, 10 Sunbury Town Square, 9 E. Granville St., Sunbury, Sat. a.m.–4 p.m. $5; 6 and under free. Comic and toy 9 a.m.–noon. Offering local handmade, homemade, vendors, guest comic creators, hourly prizes. 330-462and homegrown products. 740-513-9192 or 3985 or www.harpercomics.com. sunburyohiofarmersmarket@gmail.com.

JUL. 18, AUG. 1 – Farmers Market, Roseville THROUGH OCT. 28 – Coshocton County Farmers Branch Library, 41 N. Main St., Roseville, 4–6:30 p.m.

Sponsored by the Roseville Branch Library Friends Market, 22375 Co. Rd. 1A, Coshocton, Sat. 8:30 Group. Book sale planned for Jul. 25. 740-697-0237 or a.m.–noon. Local fresh produce, baked goods, and juanita@muskingumlibrary.org. artisan crafts at our new location by the Walhonding River. market.manager@coshfarmmarket.org or www.

JUL. 26–AUG. 6 – Ohio State Fair, Ohio State Fgds., facebook.com/coshoctonfarmersmarket.

717 E. 17th Ave., Columbus, Mon.–Fri. 10 a.m.–9 p.m., Sat./Sun. 9 a.m.–9 p.m. $10–$12; 5 and under free.

THROUGH OCT. 28 – Spring Farmers Market, 888-646-3976 or www.ohiostatefair.com.

Adornetto’s, 2224 Maple Ave., Zanesville, Sat. 9 a.m.– noon. Locally grown produce, homemade food, locally JUL. 27–29 – Goodtime Quilters Guild’s Annual Quilt raised/processed meat, farm eggs, Ohio cheese, and Show, Ohio Christian University Maxwell Center, 1476 more. www.zanesvillefarmersmarket.org.

Lancaster Pike, Circleville, Thur./Fri. 9 a.m.–5 p.m., Sat. 9 a.m.–4 p.m. $6 daily, 3-day admission $10 (cash only).

THROUGH OCT. 29 – Rock Mill Days, Stebelton Park 150+ quilt displays, raffle quilt, vendors, door prizes, at Rock Mill, 1429 Rockmill Place NW, Lancaster, Wed./ Sat. 11 a.m.–2 p.m., Sun. 1–4 p.m. Free. Tour the restored silent auction, knife and scissor sharpening, and more. www.goodtimequilters.org.

1824 gristmill and enjoy the view of Hocking River Falls.

740-243-4436 or www.fairfieldcountyparks.org.

JUL. 28–29 – Canal Winchester’s Blues and Ribfest, historic downtown Canal Winchester. Free. Ohio’s only JUL. 13–16 – Miami Valley Steam Threshers Association Annual Show and Reunion, Pastime Park, blues and ribs festival features live blues music, worldclass ribs, a variety of quality non-rib food options, kids’ Plain City. $5, 12 and under free. Displays and demos

SOUTHWEST

THROUGH AUG. 30 – Bluegrass Wednesdays, Vinoklet Winery, 11069 Colerain Ave., Cincinnati, Wed. 6:30–8:30 p.m. Dinner, wine, and free entertainment

by Vernon McIntyre’s Appalachian Grass. Reservations recommended. 513-385-9309, vinokletwinery@fuse. net, or www.vinokletwines.com.

THROUGH AUG. 31 – Uptown Music Concert Series, Uptown Park, Oxford, Thur. 7 p.m. Free. 513-523-8687 or www.enjoyoxford.org.

JUL. 21 – Bluegrass Night, Fibonacci Brewing Company, 1445 Compton Rd., Cincinnati, 7–9 p.m.

Free. Lively bluegrass music by Vernon McIntyre’s Appalachian Grass, craft beers in the Beer Garden, food truck. 513-832-1422 or http://fibbrew.com.

JUL. 28, AUG. 11 – Vernon McIntyre’s Appalachian Grass, Butler County Bluegrass Association,

Collinsville Community Center, 5113 Huston Rd., Collinsville, 7–9 p.m. Free. Lively bluegrass music.

Home-style food available on-site. 937-417-8488.

JUL. 22–23 – CenterPoint Energy Dayton Air Show, Dayton International Airport, 3700 McCauley Dr., Vandalia, 9 a.m.–6 p.m. $25–$35 plus fee. U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds and full lineup of performers and aircraft displays. www.daytonairshow.com.

JUL. 28–30 – Annie Oakley Festival, Darke Co. Fgds., 800 Sweitzer St., Greenville. Honoring Darke County’s most famous daughter. Shooting contests, fast draw competitions, bullwhip exhibitions, food, car show, and more. www.annieoakleyfestival.org.

JUL. 29–30 – Gathering at Garst, 205 N. Broadway, Greenville, Sat. 10 a.m.–8 p.m., Sun. 11 a.m.–5 p.m.

Living history encampment, antiques, entertainment, arts and crafts, food vendors. 937-548-5250 or www. gatheringatgarst.com.

JUL. 29–30 – History Alive at the Johnston Farm, 9845 N. Hardin Rd., Piqua, Sat. 10 a.m.–5 p.m., Sun. 10 a.m.–4 p.m. $5–$10, under 6 free. See life as it really was in Ohio from 1745–1862. Visit the Johston home, tour the Indian and Canal Museum, and ride on the canal boat General Harrison of Piqua. 800-7522619 or www.johnstonfarmohio.com.

AUG. 3–6 – World’s Longest Yard Sale, locations along U.S. 127 through Greenville. www.127yardsale.com.

activities, fan-cooled dining areas, and a beer and wine garden. 614-270-5053 or www.bluesandribfest.com.

AUG. 4–5 – Y-Bridge Arts Festival, Zane’s Landing Park, Zanesville, Fri. 2 p.m. till dark, Sat. 11 a.m. till dark. Free. Unique art vendors, live music, food trucks, beer garden, and children’s activities. http:// ybridgeartsfestival.com.

AUG. 4–6 – Dublin Irish Festival, Coffman Park, 5600 Post Rd., Dublin. $20–$30, 12 and under free. www. dublinirishfestival.org.

AUG. 5 – Dresden Melon Festival, Dresden. $1–$2.

Games, kids’ activities, food, craft show, live music, and fun competitions, including the Melon Derby. See website for schedule of events. 740-607-7804, 740252-2651, or www.dresdenmelonfestival.com.

AUG. 10–12 – All Ohio Balloon Fest, Union Co. Airport, 15000 Weaver Rd., Marysville. Cash only! Hot air balloons, aerial entertainment and rides, kids’ area, food, and live music, including the Beach Boys and the Wallflowers. Bring your own lawn chairs. 937-243-5833 or www.allohioballoonfest.com.

AUG. 11 – Concert: McGuffey Lane, Public Square, downtown Mount Vernon, 8:30 p.m. www.mvac.org.

AUG. 11 – Pickerington Wizard Faire, Victory Park, 75 Lockville Rd., Pickerington, 4–8:30 p.m. Part of Wands & Wizards Weekend, this free community festival will feature games, food, music, and more.

Costumes are welcome at this “magical” event. www. pickeringtonvillage.com.

AUG. 12 – Books in the Barn, 5530 Radnor Rd., Radnor, 9 a.m.–3 p.m. Family-friendly authors, arts and crafts, food, music, and more. www.maryrodman.com.

AUG. 12 – Concert: Starship featuring Mickey Thomas, Public Square, downtown Mount Vernon, 8:30 p.m. www.mvac.org.

AUG. 12 – Union County Master Gardeners Annual Plant Sale, Union Co. Fgds., 845 N. Main St., Marysville, 8 a.m.–noon. Sun and shade perennials, native plants, shrubs and trees, grasses, bulbs, and daylilies at reasonable prices. 937-644-8117 or https://union.osu. edu/program-areas/master-gardener-volunteers.

AUG. 5 – Family Program: “Legend and Storytelling Hike,” Wagers Memorial Park (Devil’s Backbone), 1301 OH-725 W., Camden, 1–3 p.m. Free. Led by Rainbow Eagle, an Oklahoma-Choctaw American Indian naturalist and teacher. 937-962-5561, pcpdevents@ gmail.com, or www.preblecountyparks.org.

AUG. 5 – Family Program: “Shelter in the Woods,” Wagers Memorial Park (Devil’s Backbone), 1301 OH725 W., Camden, 1–3 p.m. Free. Led by naturalist and teacher Bev Holland. 937-962-5561, pcpdevents@ gmail.com, or www.preblecountyparks.org.

AUG. 5 – Biergarten: “Rock the Haus with 13:30,” Liberty Home German Society, 2361 Hamilton Cleves Rd., Hamilton. Opens 5 p.m.; band plays from 6 to 10 p.m. Food served 5:30–8 p.m. 513-571-6198, www. libertyhome.net, or on Facebook.

AUG. 11–17 – Miami County Fair, Miami Co. Fgds., 650 N. County Rd. 25A, Troy. $6 day pass; under 9 free. 937-335-7492 or www.miamicountyohiofair.com.

AUG. 12 – Adult Program: “All About Birds,” Garber Nature Center, 9691 OH-503 N., Lewisburg, 7 p.m.

Presentation by naturalist and nature photographer Tom Hissong 937-962-5561, pcpdevents@gmail.com, or www.preblecountyparks.org.

JULY 2023 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING

35

MEMBER INTERACTIVE

Fair f oo d

My granddaughters, Jazmin and Alizah, with cousin Tristan, enjoying ice cream from the ice cream eating contest at the Perry County Fair.

Wren’s first bite of cotton candy at the Brown County Fair!

Katie Grubba, South Central Power Company member

Nancy Mullins, Adams Rural Electric Cooperative member

Maggie enjoys our favorite ice cream at the Miami County Fair.

Fried cheese sticks for the queen: my granddaughter, Paige!

Jeasica Woods, Pioneer Electric Cooperative member

Coshocton County Fair food flair.

Jenna Regula, Frontier Power Company member

Send us

YOUR picture!

36

My daughter, Bridgette, enjoying a caramel apple.

Carrie Bussing, North Western Electric Cooperative member

Deanna Robinette, Buckeye Rural Electric Cooperative member

Family members have worked at Tracey’s Concessions at the Ohio State Fair since 1956!

Sadly, Grandpa passed earlier this year, but his legacy lives on!

Molly Baker, Lorain-Medina Rural Electric Cooperative member

Rosie and her corn dog at the fair.

Lisa Archer, Logan County Electric Cooperative member

My grandson, Kayden, and his friends, James and Olivia, enjoy their Icees.

Delona Joiner, South Central Power Company member

Our daughters share a lemonade at the Lorain County Fair, a family highlight for generations.

Patricia and Michael Gonda, Lorain-Medina Rural Electric Cooperative members

For October, send “Camping” by July 15. For November, send “Raking leaves”

by August 15.

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

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

OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • JULY 2023

the

Beat Peak

As a member of an Ohio electric cooperative, you can help keep the rates stable and affordable by reducing energy use during peak hours on hot summer days. The hottest times of day — usually between 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. — create the highest demand for electricity and when demand is high, so is the price. If we can reduce electric use during peak hours, we can reduce power costs for all the members.

Here are a few simple ways you can help your cooperative “beat the peak” this summer by shifting your energy use to off peak hours:

off unnecessary lights and R Turn electronics when they aren’t being used

R

Run your dishwasher and do laundry early in the morning or later in the evening

R

Shut blinds and curtains during the day to keep the sun from warming your home

your pool pump to run R Schedule during off-peak hours By adjusting the times you use electricity this summer, you can help us keep stable despite the heat! If we all work together, we all will benefit. That’s the power of cooperation and your electric cooperative membership.