Ohio Cooperative Living – May 2025 - Adams

OHIO

MAY 2025

COOPERATIVE Adams Rural Electric Cooperative

Water dog

Four-legged flow finder

ALSO INSIDE Electrical safety

Mediterranean munchies

Graduation day

Be

SAFE LIGHTNING around

If you hear thunder, you are close enough to get struck by lightning.

Seek shelter indoors: • Refrain from using corded electrical devices • Avoid running water, including baths and showers, and stay away from windows • Stay in shelter until 30 minutes after the last thunder If you can’t get to shelter: • Avoid open fields and hilltops • Stay away from tall, isolated trees and objects • Spread out from others if you’re in a group

ohioec.org/purpose

OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • MAY 2025

INSIDE FEATURES

24 A NOSE FOR FLOWS

Delaware co-op’s water dog sniffs out leaks to save both time and money.

28 LANDMARKS, BY THE BOOK

Carnegie libraries have influenced and enriched the lives of generations of Ohioans.

32 HOMETOWN BOY

James Thurber used his Midwestern roots to charm and entertain the world.

Cover image on most editions: Keena, the 5-year-old Belgian Malinois who uses her keen sense of smell to detect underground water leaks for the Del-Co Water Company, poses outside the co-op’s office in Delaware (photograph by Nicholas Marzluf/courtesy Zach Lohr and Del-Co).

This page: The rare yellow warbler’s distinctive song is one of more than 10,000 that can be identified by Cornell University’s Merlin Bird ID app, reviewed by our outdoors editor on page 12 (photograph by W.H. “Chip” Gross).

MAY 2025 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING

1

UP FRONT

Appreciate electricity, prioritize safety

E

lectricity is truly remarkable. It’s everywhere — lighting up our homes, powering TVs and refrigerators, charging phones we rely on daily, and generally changing our lives in ways we almost take for granted. It feels like it’s always been here.

That’s not the case, of course. It’s worth remembering that, though electricity now runs almost every part of our routines, most homes and businesses in rural parts of the United States didn’t have electricity available to them until the mid-1930s.

It’s also worth remembering that, despite all the convenience it has brought to our lives, electricity also comes with dangers that we need to respect.

May is National Electric Safety Month, and that’s a good time to think about not only the importance of electricity but also how we make sure to use it safely. It requires caution and care, and by being aware of safety practices, we can enjoy the benefits of electricity without putting ourselves, or others, in harm’s way.

Usually, there’s no real reason for most of us ever to stop to think about how electricity works: how it’s generated at power plants and travels through wires that are strung along a system of poles before it finally reaches our outlets to turn on the lights. But it’s a journey that isn’t without risks, so taking safety precautions is vital.

Staying safe is often about being mindful of small things. Overloaded outlets or frayed cords can cause shocks or fires, so it’s best to avoid them. Outdoors, electric utility poles, wires, and boxes can be dangerous, especially if they’re damaged or look unusual. If you see something out of the ordinary, such as fallen wires or equipment that doesn’t look right, it’s wise to report it to your local electric cooperative and let their trained personnel check it out and fix it if needed.

There’s a saying that fits well here: “If you see something, say something.” It’s simple advice that can really make a difference.

National Electric Safety Month is a reminder to just be careful out there. By spreading the word about electrical safety, adopting good habits, and staying informed, we can ensure this amazing resource keeps improving our lives without causing harm.

2

OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • MAY 2025

Craig Grooms

PRESIDENT & CEO OHIO’S ELECTRIC COOPERATIVES

It’s worth remembering that, despite the convenience it has brought to our lives, electricity also comes with dangers that we need to respect.

MAY 2025 • Volume 67, No. 8

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

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

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

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

4 POWER LINES

Job 1: With potential hazards all

around, electric co-ops never take safety for granted.

10

CO-OP PEOPLE

12

WOODS, WATERS, AND WILDLIFE

10

Saucy Sows: Members’ mustards have expanded from a single spicy sauce to a plethora of products found far and wide (and close to home).

12

A good ear: Wondering what bird you’re hearing in your backyard?

Here’s an app that has the answer.

15 GOOD EATS

Club Med: A Mediterranean diet, long known for its health benefits, can also be delicious!

15

19 LOCAL PAGES

News and other important information from your electric cooperative.

37 CALENDAR

What’s happening: May/June

National/regional advertising inquiries, contact

Cheryl Solomon

40 MEMBER INTERACTIVE

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

37

Graduation Day: Members celebrate

Cooperative members:

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

Alliance for Audited Media Member

events and other things to do around Ohio.

a wide range of commencements — including one for Eliza and her best friend, Jensen, graduating from preschool (photo, at right, submitted

by Jason Basford, South Central Power Company member).

40

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.

MAY 2025 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING

3

POWER LINES

Job With potential hazards all around, electric co-ops never take safety for granted.

BY RANDY EDWARDS

N

early four decades ago, Dwight Miller climbed an electric utility pole to rescue a fellow lineman who had accidentally made Dwight Miller contact with an energized line. The injuries were bad, and although the lineman survived, the scene haunted Miller’s sleep for weeks.

“It totally changed my outlook on everything. I became an advocate for safety that day,” says Miller, who was working for a private contractor at the time, but today is the senior director of safety training and loss prevention for Ohio’s Electric Cooperatives, the statewide trade association that provides services for the 25 electric distribution cooperatives in Ohio and West Virginia.

Miller’s laser focus on safety — whether in an official capacity or “just speaking up when nobody else would speak up” — altered his career path.

Culture of safety Today, Miller’s nine-member safety team works in Ohio and West Virginia to coach, train, and support not only the 375 lineworkers employed by the co-ops, but all 1,500 cooperative employees in the state, with an aim to keep everyone safe.

He says the support his team receives from engaged cooperative leaders has led to a significant decrease in injuries over the years.

In fact, the number of workdays

4

OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • MAY 2025

missed or work restricted at the co-ops due to injury (a common industry metric) has been more than halved since 2004.

For Miller, though, it’s still not enough, and he consistently cautions company leaders to be ever vigilant.

“We’re happy to see good numbers, but we urge everyone to focus on the idea that hazards are there every day, just waiting for someone, somewhere,” he says. “They must be prepared when and if problems arise.”

One aspect of the safety team’s job is to implement RESAP — the Rural Electric Safety Achievement Program — a national initiative led by the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association. RESAP involves a periodic intensive review of cooperative safety practices with a goal of continual improvement.

Combined with Commitment to Zero Contacts, a complementary program focused on lineworkers, RESAP helps cooperatives build — and maintain — their safety culture.

It’s everyone’s job Sean Luellen says lineworker training has become more focused on safety since he began his career a quartercentury ago. A crew leader for the lineworkers at URE–Union Rural Electric Cooperative in Marysville, Luellen says the “old school” attitude from some supervisors used to be “Do as I say, not as I do.”

Sean Luellen, shown practicing a pole-top rescue, says lineworker training puts safety above all else.

Today, training for both apprentice and journeyman lineworkers, whether it takes place within individual cooperatives or at the Central Ohio Lineworker Training facility in Mount Gilead, puts safety ahead of everything else, and Luellen says that commitment is exemplified by NRECA’s “Speak Up, Listen Up” program.

“It’s one of our pillars of safety,” he says. “Everyone on the job has stop-work authority. That’s exactly what our culture of safety is here. We try to instill in our crews, ‘You have a voice.’”

It’s everyone’s job, he says, to make sure everyone is following the lifesaving basics: wearing protective rubber gloves and sleeves, testing and grounding lines, using proper line cover-up practices, and line clearance.

“These are the things we do so if something unexpected were to happen, it’s not going to be something that stops a guy from going home at night.”

Continued on page 6

MAY 2025 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING

5

Continued from page 5

Safety at the source The safety culture at co-ops is shared by the men and women who work at the Cardinal Power Plant in Brilliant, the 1,800-megawatt generating station that produces most of the affordable, reliable power that keeps members’ lights on.

“We always ask, ‘Is it compliance or are you committed?’” says Bethany Schunn, plant manager. “A lot of things we do, we do because of compliance, but when it comes to safety, we want to make it a commitment.”

In addition to the high-voltage electricity flowing out of the plant, the 250 Cardinal employees face risks common to any large industrial workplace — heat, cold, caustic chemicals, open holes, moving heavy equipment, and more.

Because research has shown that workers identify only 45 percent of possible hazards on the job, the Cardinal Plant in 2023 adopted the Energy Wheel, a practice of regularly reviewing a range of potential safety threats such as biological, chemical, and mechanical hazards.

“It’s a structure we apply to our already existing safety culture,” Schunn says. “It’s a way of jogging everyone’s memory. And it’s not just about identifying hazards, but we also talk about what we’re going to do to minimize the hazards and keep someone from getting hurt.”

Making year-against-year comparisons is difficult, Schunn says. But in 2020, workers at the facility suffered four injuries that resulted in a total of 369 workdays missed or restricted. In 2024, only one such injury occurred, resulting in a total of 38 days away from work.

“Since we just started utilizing the Energy Wheel, I can’t attribute our decline since 2020 solely to that effort,” she says. “However, we hope to keep focusing on our safety culture and keep getting better, and safer.”

Side Effects: Joy, Elation, Wonderment.

From acclaimed distillery tours, to authentic cuisine and horse farms, you’ll feel uplifted by all the distinctive experiences in our new Kentucky home. Plan your incredible getaway today.

KentuckyTourism.com

ANGEL’S ENVY, LOUISVILLE

Bethany Schunn

6

OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • MAY 2025

Some trails lead to unexpected joys.

From celebrated horses and equine farms, to spectacular museums and outdoor adventures, you’ll be awed by all the experiences you can share in our new Kentucky home.

Plan your sensational getaway today.

KentuckyTourism.com

WH I S P E R I N G WO O DS R I D I N G STAB LES , G EO R G E TOWN

MAY 2025 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING

7

kentuckytourism.com

GET YOUR HANDS-ON BEREA Arts, Outdoors, Dining & More!

Berea has something for everyone to get their hands on! Art enthusiasts will discover galleries and artisan shops in the Folk Arts and Crafts Capital of Kentucky. Outdoor adventurers can explore this Certified Kentucky Trail Town with hiking, biking, kayaking and more. Foodies will find unique flavors only available in Berea’s local restaurants. visitberea.com

EXPLORE KENTUCKY’S RICH MUSIC HERITAGE Visit the Kentucky Music Hall of Fame

Explore Kentucky’s music traditions and learn about the people behind your favorite songs. With interactive displays and music memorabilia, there is something for the whole family, no matter your musical tastes — including the KY Blues Music Festival set for June 7, 2025. The Museum & Gift Shop is open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. kentuckymusichalloffame.com

UNFORGETTABLE BLUEGRASS VACATIONS Known as the Horse Capital of the World and the epicenter of Bourbon Country, the Bluegrass State is also a land of immense natural beauty and wide-open spaces offering plenty of places to play.

Sip centuries of tradition in the birthplace of bourbon and tour distilleries to learn how Kentucky’s signature spirit is made. Stroll through rolling horse farms, catch a race at the track and take a trail ride through the forest.

Explore woods, waters, caves and trails, offering endless outdoor adventure.

And let’s not forget the food! Savor signature Bluegrass flavors that come to life at local restaurants, where talented chefs and mixologists are inspired by a bounty of fresh, local ingredients.

With so much to see, do and taste, the Bluegrass State is the perfect place for your next vacation.

Find what moves you in our new Kentucky home. kentuckytourism.com

8

OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • MAY 2025

kentuckytourism.com

CADIZ & LAKE BARKLEY

Make a Splash in the Western Waterlands Explore a water wonderland the whole family will love.

With more than 1,000 miles of shoreline, massive Lake Barkley is a favorite for boating, fishing and water sports galore. Find more kid-friendly fun at Prizer Point, which features an inflatable water park, a floating restaurant and a jumping pillow. Up your lake experience by booking a lakeside vacation rental. Pioneer Cabins straight out of the 1800s, kayaks, canoes and rare wildlife are all here at Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area. Don’t miss area attractions, like laser light shows at Golden Pond Planetarium, historic 1850s Homeplace tours and nostalgic shops and restaurants downtown. gocadiz.com

WINE, WHISKEY, ALE AND FOREST TRAILS Find Your Escape in Bullitt County

Bullitt County, Kentucky, offers seven distinctive sensory experiences within nine miles of each other along the Wine, Whiskey & Ale Trail, including guided or self-guided tours and tastings to enjoy at your own pace. Then, visit Kentucky’s official state arboretum, Bernheim Forest, which boasts more than 16,000 acres of wildlife sanctuary, landscaped gardens and arboretum. travelbullitt.org

SET SAIL WITH US!

Your Next Adventure is Waiting Are you ready for some good times of epic proportions? Make Grant County, Kentucky, your next stop. Conveniently located between Lexington, Kentucky, and Cincinnati on I-75, you’ll find lakes and trails for fishing and hiking, historical sites, family fun and the Ark Encounter. visitgrantky.com

MAY 2025 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING

9

CO-OP PEOPLE

Saucy Sows Member’s mustards have expanded from a single spicy sauce to a plethora of products found far and wide (and close to home).

BY MARGIE WUEBKER

S

cott and Denise Scherer know the look — folks seeking a little pizzazz for their mundane mealtimes often find themselves wandering into their market, Saucy Sows Sweets and Meats, with a distinct look of hungry anticipation.

Saucy Sows, located at the intersection of state routes 47 and 235, is but a stone’s throw from the only roundabout between Bellefontaine and Sidney, where the owners are members of Logan County Electric Cooperative.

The market offers specialty foods (including many with the Saucy Sows label), fresh meats (including juicy burgers made with 50% beef and 50% bacon), deli items, Amish baked goods, and produce. The staff, which includes Scott and Denise’s son, Stealth, and daughter, Blazie, also prepares special treats like storemade barbecued beef, chicken salad, ham salad, and bologna salad.

The Scherers have spent years perfecting their products and growing the business. Scott left a job in the beverage industry in 2012 in order to pursue his culinary interest.

10

OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • MAY 2025

He initially thought about producing a new kind of mustard but quickly realized the market was flooded.

After considerable experimentation, he developed sweet pepper mustard using fresh red and green peppers.

Numerous taste tests yielded only positive results, but he still needed a name.

“We used to do a lot of fishing, and our favorite charter was Sassy Sal’s,” he says. “We settled on the name Saucy Sows — since we envisioned our products being used on pork as well as beef, the name just seemed right.”

For many years, the Scherers prepared and packaged their mustard at a large commercial kitchen in Bowling Green, so they had to load up everything from ingredients to labels for their regular trips. During the ensuing weeks, Scott traveled to mom-and-pop markets, butcher shops, and specialty shops introducing proprietors to his “pride and joy.”

Orders steadily grew from cases to pallets, and soon he added new products like spicy mustard, moonshine mustard, barbecue glazes, horseradish sauce, pickles, and

pork and beef sticks. Today, the Saucy Sows line comprises more than 25 products, including soda pop.

“We have hot and spicy products, but we also have plenty of options for those who don’t like or can’t handle the heat,” he says. “Adding new products takes considerable experimentation. It really involves trial and error. You can always put in a little heat or spice, but you certainly can’t take it out.”

Some new products spring from customer suggestions, but most originate from family members. Such examples include the sweet and tangy Sassy Tallahassee barbecue sauce and Saucy Sows mild bread-and-butter pickle slices. There is always something in the planning stage.

The Scherers no longer make trips to Bowling Green, because their growing product volume has allowed them to hire other businesses to handle packaging for the “tried and true” recipes. For instance, Woeber in Springfield manages the mustards and Sechler’s in St. Joe, Indiana, packs the pickles.

The Scherers ultimately decided to open their market in 2020, at the height of the pandemic. Clientele steadily grew and the white frame store now operates six days a week, Tuesday through Sunday. Denise manages

the operation and spends considerable time in the deli, slicing lunch meat and cheese brought in from Ohio’s Amish country. Stealth oversees the adjacent meat counter, where fresh pork and beef can be purchased by the pound. Scott spends 50 to 60 hours per week preparing shipments, making deliveries, and recruiting new customers. More than 300 retail outlets carry Saucy Sows products in Ohio, Kentucky, Indiana, Pennsylvania, and Michigan.

“We set out to make a quality product and we have adhered to our mission,” he says. “After all, we would never serve something to our customers that we wouldn’t serve to family and friends.”

Saucy Sows, 13 State Route 235 N., DeGraff, Ohio. Open 10 a.m.–6 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Saturday, and 10 a.m.–2 p.m. Sunday. Closed Mondays. Scan the QR code for more information.

MAY 2025 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING

11

WOODS, WATERS, AND WILDLIFE

A good ear

Wondering what bird you’re hearing in your backyard?

Here’s an app that has the answer.

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

L

earning any hobby is always easier with a mentor — even a virtual one. Take birding, for example. I’m no techie, but I have been using a smartphone app to learn bird songs and calls for the last couple of years, and I’ve been extremely impressed by its ease of use, accuracy, and just plain fun.

So if you are new to birding, or even if you’ve had a pair of binoculars hanging around your neck for years, this app can help. Best of all, it’s free!

Merlin Bird ID by Cornell Labs is available in Apple’s App Store and the Google Play Store, or at https://merlin.allaboutbirds.org. And not only is it free, it is also ad-free and there are no in-app purchases needed.

“The Merlin Bird ID app contains identification support and photos, sound recordings, maps, and descriptions for more than 10,000 bird species from around the world, with more species being added constantly,” says Kathi Borgmann, communications manager for the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, which developed and owns Merlin.

“More than 29 million people worldwide have installed Merlin on their phones, with June 2024 seeing the greatest number of Merlin users, more than 5.4 million during that month alone.”

Borgmann says that the Cornell Lab of Ornithology offers the app for free because it’s their mission to advance the understanding and protection of wild birds. “We’re a nonprofit organization that is funded primarily by members

12

OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • MAY 2025

The Merlin app identifies multiple birds at a time (opposite page), and provides interesting information about all of them if you ask it.

and donors, so it is those generous people who help us provide Merlin at no charge.”

The pioneering sound-identification technology was integrated into the previously existing app in 2021.

Merlin is aptly named for a small, fast, fierce falcon.

It’s as easy to use as downloading the app to your smartphone, then going outdoors to listen for singing or calling birds. When you hear a nearby bird that you’d like to identify, simply point your phone toward the sound and push the app’s “Sound ID” button.

The app listens to the sound and makes a suggestion as to what bird species it’s hearing. Once the bird stops singing or you want to stop recording, simply push the stop button. You then have the option of listening to recordings of other individual birds of the same species, already loaded onto the app, to see if yours matches. That’s helpful because, just as people have different accents and dialects depending upon where they live, birds do too.

But wait, there’s more! You can also identify a bird by taking a photo of it with your smartphone’s camera, and the app will identify it. Or, you can answer five basic questions about a bird you saw and the app will make the identification based on the information you provide. As a test, I tried it on a common bird that everyone knows — a robin I saw mugging a worm in my backyard — and the app spit out the correct answer in no time. You can also explore a list of birds common to your area.

You don’t need the latest and greatest smartphone to take advantage of Merlin. For years I used an ancient iPhone 8, upgrading during the last year to an iPhone 15, and Merlin works well on both. By the way, the sound ID feature operates completely offline, so you can identify birds anywhere.

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

MAY 2025 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING

13

Generational Wealth A future for generations to come

PLACE YOUR ORDER TODAY

339

$

ea.

Minimum order of 5 coins

GENERATIONAL WEALTH is of paramount significance as it represents a beacon of

financial stability. It serves as a tangible testament to the hard work, diligence, and financial acumen of previous generations, offering a solid foundation upon which future generations can build their dreams and aspirations.

American Gold Reserve is releasing Government issued $5 Gold American Eagles completely free of dealer mark-up for only $339 each. These beautiful $5 Gold American Eagles are a perfect way to enter the gold market. They are set for immediate public release and will sell out fast.

LIMITED OFFER Special arrangements on orders over $50,000 Mention vault release code: AMS-OC80

CHECKS

24 hours - 7 days a week

1-866-852-3346 14

OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • MAY 2025

• Free of dealer markup.

• Protection against inflation and deflation.

• Gold offers financial cover during geopolitical uncertainty.

• Good portfolio diversifier.

AMERICAN

GOLD RESERVE

Strict limit of 10 per house hold, per lifetime. For new clients only.

Club Med

GOOD EATS

RECIPES AND PHOTOGRAPHS

BY CATHERINE MURRAY

A Mediterranean diet, long known for its health benefits, can also be delicious!

GREEK LEMON CHICKEN AND POTATOES Prep: 15 minutes | Marinate: 8 to 24 hours | Bake: 45 minutes | Servings: 4 2 to 3 pounds skin-on, bone-in chicken thighs 2 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes, cut in large chunks 6 cloves garlic, large cloves cut in half ½ cup chicken broth 3 tablespoons olive oil 1 large lemon, zested and juiced

1 tablespoon Dijon mustard 1 teaspoon dried oregano ½ teaspoon dried thyme ½ teaspoon salt ½ teaspoon lemon pepper lemon slices (optional)

Place chicken, potatoes, and garlic in a large roasting pan. In a medium bowl, whisk together chicken broth through lemon pepper. Pour marinade over chicken and potatoes, flipping multiple times to coat. Lay chicken pieces skin-side up, flat in bottom of pan, and tuck potatoes and garlic around them. Cover and refrigerate 8 to 24 hours.

Preheat oven to 425 F. Bake uncovered 40 to 45 minutes, until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 F and potatoes are fork-tender. If desired, transfer to a serving platter and garnish with fresh lemon slices.

Per serving: 585 calories, 37 grams fat (9 grams saturated fat), 33 grams total carbohydrates, 658 milligrams sodium, 155 milligrams cholesterol, 5 grams fiber, 30 grams protein.

MAY 2025 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING

15

MOROCCAN SPICED LENTILS

Prep: 10 minutes | Cook: 20 minutes | Servings: 4 to 6 3 cups water 1½ cups dry green lentils, rinsed and drained* 3 cloves garlic 1 medium onion, peeled and cut in quarters 1 large red pepper, seeded and cut in quarters 12-ounce can tomato paste 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar

2 tablespoons maple syrup 2 teaspoons smoked paprika 1½ teaspoons cumin 1½ teaspoons ginger 1 teaspoon turmeric ¼ teaspoon cayenne ½ teaspoon salt ½ cup fresh cilantro, chopped

In a medium pot, boil water. Add lentils; return to a boil, stir once, then turn heat to medium-low and cover, simmering for about 15 minutes or until tender. Remove from heat and drain any excess water from lentils using pot lid. Meanwhile, in a large food processor, puree garlic through vinegar. Stir the pureed sauce into the pot of drained lentils. Simmer until hot, sprinkle with cilantro, and serve. Pair spiced lentils with khobz (a traditional Moroccan flatbread), meats, rice bowls, and salads. *If substituting brown or red lentils, use the recommended cook time on the package.

Per serving: 310 calories, 2 grams fat (0 grams saturated fat), 58 grams total carbohydrates, 285 milligrams sodium, 0 milligrams cholesterol, 22 grams fiber, 20 grams protein.

ITALIAN AMARETTI COOKIES Prep: 20 minutes | Bake: 25 minutes | Servings: 24 3 cups almond flour 1 cup sugar ¼ teaspoon salt 3 large egg whites at room temperature ½ teaspoon almond extract ½ cup powdered sugar

In a large mixing bowl, combine almond flour, sugar, and salt. Set aside. Place egg whites and almond extract in the bowl of a stand mixer. Beat on medium-high speed until soft peaks form. With a spatula, fold egg whites into flour mixture until a soft, sticky dough is formed.

Preheat oven to 325 F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Pour half a cup or so of powdered sugar onto a plate or shallow bowl. Form dough into 1-inch balls and roll in powdered sugar. Place on lined baking sheets, pressing down slightly. Bake 22 to 25 minutes until cookies are golden and cracked. Cool completely, then store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.

Per serving: 118 calories, 6 grams fat (0.5 gram saturated fat), 13 grams total carbohydrates, 31 milligrams sodium, 0 milligrams cholesterol, 1 gram fiber, 3 grams protein.

16

OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • MAY 2025

LEBANESE BAKED KIBBEH Prep: 40 minutes | Bake: 40 minutes | Servings: 8

Hashweh filling

Kibbeh mixture

¼ cup pine nuts 1 tablespoon olive oil 1 pound 93% lean ground beef 1 medium onion, diced 1 tablespoon kibbeh spices* 1 teaspoon garam masala ½ teaspoon salt

1½ cups fine #1 bulgur wheat** ¾ cup water 1 medium onion, quartered small bunch fresh mint, stems removed 1 tablespoon kibbeh spices ½ tablespoon cumin 1 teaspoon garam masala 1½ teaspoons salt 1 pound 93% lean ground beef 1 tablespoon pine nuts

Hashweh filling: In a large skillet, toast pine nuts over medium-high heat, stirring until golden brown and fragrant. Transfer pine nuts to a small bowl to cool. In the now-empty skillet over medium heat, cook beef and onions in a tablespoon of olive oil until cooked through, about 10 minutes. Mix in kibbeh spices, garam masala, salt, and the toasted pine nuts.

Kibbeh mixture: In a medium bowl, mix bulgur wheat and water.

Let sit 10 minutes, stirring occasionally as the bulgur absorbs the water and becomes fluffy. In a food processor, mince the quartered onion, mint, kibbeh spices, cumin, garam masala, and salt. Add beef and bulgur, blending until a meat paste forms.

Preheat oven to 400 F and grease a 10-inch round deep baking dish with olive oil. Spread a bit less than half the kibbeh mixture (raw meat) on the bottom, pressing evenly to the edges. Spread the hashweh filling (cooked meat) evenly on top, then top with remaining kibbeh mixture, pressing to fill in gaps (oil hands a bit if mixture is sticky). Score top with diagonal lines to form a diamond pattern. Decorate with pine nuts, then bake 40 to 45 minutes, until meat is fully cooked (160 F).

Traditionally served with yogurt sauce or a fattoush salad. *A variety of dishes made with bulgur and minced meat are called kibbeh, with alternative spellings of kibbe, kebbeh, kubba, kubbi, kubba, and quibe. Look for a spice mix with any of these spellings, or make your own spice mix from recipes online. **Ziyad and Bob’s Red Mill are common brands of bulgur/bulgar wheat. #1 refers to fine texture; #2 and #3 are more coarse.

Per serving: 314 calories, 11 grams fat (3 grams saturated fat), 25 grams total carbohydrates, 670 milligrams sodium, 70 milligrams cholesterol, 5 grams fiber, 29 grams protein.

Check it out!

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

www.ohiocoopliving.com MAY 2025 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING

17

GREATER

Adventures

The ride is worth the drive! Mountwood Park is one of West Virginia’s premier mountain biking destinations for epic multiday adventures. Part of the Mountaineer Trail Network, the park is just minutes from Parkersburg’s top-notch hotels and brew pubs.

18

OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • MAY 2025

GreaterParkersburg.com 800.752.4982

ADAMS RURAL ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE LOCAL PAGES MESSAGE FROM THE GENERAL MANAGER

C

unmasked

onsumers with water, gas, and electricity connections have long been targets for utility scams. But in today’s digital world, every swipe and click increases the risk of potential scams.

Scammers are more sophisticated than ever before, and they understand our increasing reliance on technology.

With their sharpened digital knives, scammers have adapted their tactics to trick unsuspecting consumers through a variety of methods.

Adams Rural Electric Cooperative wants to help you avoid energy scams that can result in a financial loss or leak of your personal information. This month, I’m sharing updates on some the latest utility scams, as well as tips to help you stay safe from even the craftiest scammers.

Recent utility scams Scammers typically disguise themselves — either physically or digitally — as utility employees or representatives. A common trick is to claim a consumer’s bill is past due and threaten to disconnect service without immediate payment. Scammers may approach consumers through phone calls, text messages, emails, and even in-person visits. However, the digital line of attack is increasingly more common.

New capabilities disguising caller ID or “spoofing” can make the phone number you see on caller ID appear to be from a trusted source. Another scam uses fraudulent websites that look identical to a utility payment webpage, and even worse, these pages are often promoted on search engines to trick consumers into clicking and making a payment.

Another scam involves phone calls, text messages, or emails claiming you overpaid your electric bill and will receive a cash or banking refund. This too-goodto-be-true offer is likely a scam aimed to steal your personal information.

Spotting a scam Several red flags can alert you to an energy scam. Scammers Erika Ackley GENERAL MANAGER often use high-pressure tactics to create a sense of urgency, like claiming your electricity will be disconnected if a payment isn’t made immediately. Scammers also may ask for unusual payment methods such as gift cards or cryptocurrency.

Many digital scams, like emails or text messages, include poor grammar, spelling errors, and odd email addresses.

When you see these dodgy forms of communication, consider it a potential scam.

What Adams Rural Electric will (and won’t) do Adams Rural Electric will never demand an instant, immediate payment and threaten to disconnect your service without prior notices or warnings. We strive to resolve challenging situations and work with our members to avoid disconnects.

Adams Rural Electric will never ask for your banking details over the phone or through email. We offer several secure payment options, including in-person, scheduled payments, online at adamsrec.com, on SmartHub, and pay by phone at 937-544-2305 or 833-421-0975.

Avoiding scams Whether in-person, over the phone or online, always be suspicious of an unknown individual claiming to be an employee requesting banking or other personal information.

If you’re ever in doubt about a potential energy scam, just give us a quick call at 937-544-2305 or 800-2831846 so we can assist. Adams Rural Electric wants to help protect you and our community against utility frauds, and by notifying us about potential scams, you can create the first line of defense. We encourage you to report any potential scams so we can spread the word and prevent others in our community from falling victim.

MAY 2025 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING

19

ADAMS RURAL ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE LOCAL PAGES

Posting items on utility poles creates safety risks Signs, balloons, and other materials on utilities poles are more than just an unpleasant neighborhood eyesore; they can be dangerous — even life-threatening — to the professionals who maintain our vital lines of electricity, communication, and other services.

Adams Rural Electric Cooperative urges everyone to help keep utility poles free of such materials.

The clamped safety boots used by line workers to climb poles are vulnerable to becoming snagged on staples and nails embedded in posts. Foreign objects can also tear utility workers’ protective clothing, which is the first line of protection from an electric shock. They can also injure workers despite the safety gear they wear to avoid contact with rough surfaces.

Posting items to power poles can also be a public safety hazard. The materials posted on the poles not only distract people as they drive, but they also degrade the quality, effectiveness, and stability of the wood.

Posting items to utility poles is usually a violation of local ordinances, as well.

It is also just as important to avoid tampering with or disrupting the guy wires that surround utility poles. Please inform children not to play or swing on them, and maintain your distance when performing yard work.

If you see the poles or guy wires are disrupted in some way, please call your local utility company immediately.

20

OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • MAY 2025

Outage preparedness

Does your HEALTH rely on ELECTRICITY? Adams Rural Electric Cooperative cares about the health and safety of our members. As much as we would like to be able to keep your power on every moment of every day, unavoidable power outages such as severe weather, a vehicle accident, or damage to the transmission that transports the power to us could leave your home without power for hours or even days. 350051600 We encourage ALL members to develop a power outage emergency plan, especially those with medical needs.

Have a plan in place Many medical devices require electricity to either charge or operate. Create a plan with your family on what to do during power outages. If it is an extended outage, and you cannot prepare an alternate plan for your home, talk to your family and friends to find somewhere to relocate during this time.

Batteries If your device depends on batteries, ensure you have extras on hand.

Generators Do your needs require you to invest in a generator? Some people install generators for comfort during power outages, while others invest in generators based on their home's needs. If a generator is installed based on medical needs, check with the manufacturer to ensure the generator is large enough to operate the necessary equipment.

Whether you are installing a standby or portable generator, make sure that you contact a certified electrician to ensure that a generator transfer switch is installed properly. A transfer switch prevents backfeeding and protects the electric co-op lines and our lineworkers.

Remember that during significant, widespread outages, local businesses such as gas stations may also be without power and can limit the resources required for the above items listed. Plan ahead to keep your family safe and healthy!

Medications Do you have medications that need to stay cold? If the power goes out, a refrigerator should hold its temperature for at least a few hours if the door stays shut. Install a thermometer inside the refrigerator to make sure the medication temperature does not get below the recommended range. You can always call your pharmacy for suggestions on how to store your medications in the event of extended power outages.

Always report any power outage by calling our office at 937-544-2305 or submitting the information on SmartHub.

MAY 2025 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING

20A

ADAMS RURAL ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE LOCAL PAGES

Children of Members Scholarship

winners announced

Adams Rural Electric Cooperative held its annual scholarship interviews for nine outstanding students. The students were judged on personal achievements, scholastic records, teacher recommendations, and how they presented themselves during a personal interview. The top four students were awarded a Children of Members Scholarship, and all other students will receive $100 for meeting all requirements and completing the interview process.

12 34

Adams Rural Electric Cooperative would like to commend every student who applied for a scholarship and wish you all the best in your endeavors.

First place – $1,200

Second place – $1,000

MaRhea Unger

Alanna Mays

Peebles High School

North Adams High School

College: Cedarville University

Major: Accountancy and marketing

Major: Business management/agricultural business

Parents: James and Erica Mays

Parents: Jeff and Rachel Unger

Third Place – $800

Fourth Place – $600

Tristine Newman

Tatum Grooms

West Union High School

North Adams High School

College: Shawnee State University

College: Southern State Community College

Major: Secondary Education

Parents: Amanda and John Newman

Major: Business

Parents: Geremy and Molly Grooms

$100 awards

Madison Dunn Manchester High School Major: Exercise science/athletic training Parents: Christopher and Jennifer Dunn Nicholas Seas Peebles High School Major: Computer engineering Parents: Richard Seas 20B

OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • MAY 2025

Karlie Kennedy North Adams High School College: Iowa State University Major: Ag business Parents: Jon Paul and Krista Kennedy Jacey Farley Manchester High School College: Shawnee State University Major: Radiological technology Parents: Roddy Farley and Jennifer Napier

Abbott wins scholarship from Ohio’s Electric Cooperatives Ashlyn Abbott was awarded $750 in Ohio’s Electric Cooperatives' Louise Freeland Scholarship competition on March 6, 2025.

Abbott, the daughter of David and Heather Abbott, was sponsored by Adams Rural Electric Cooperative, Inc. She is a senior at Peebles High School and plans to attend Shawnee State University and pursue a career in Early Childhood Education. David Abbott serves on the Board of Trustees at Adams Rural Electric Cooperative.

Bentley to attend Ohio’s Electric Cooperatives Youth Tour to Washington, D.C.

Twenty-eight students competed for $31,950 in scholarships funded by Ohio’s Electric Cooperatives. A panel of independent judges reviewed the applications and interviewed the finalists before determining the scholarship winners.

Technical Trade Scholarship winner announced Adams Rural Electric offers a Technical Trade Scholarship, focusing on members’ children who wish to attend a trade school following graduation. The applicants were required to submit an application and complete the interview process.

The selected recipient receives a $500 Technical Trade Scholarship to further their education in their trade of choice following graduation. Congratulations to our 2025 Technical Trade Scholarship winner, Colt Seaman from Peebles High School. He is the son of Donica and Brandon Seaman.

Kayden Bentley from Portsmouth West High School has been selected to represent Adams Rural Electric Cooperative at the 2025 Ohio Youth Tour from June 15 to June 21.

Youth Tour is an annual leadership program sponsored by Adams Rural Electric Cooperative. It is a weeklong, all-expenses-paid trip to Washington, D.C. The trip provides delegates an opportunity to meet with congressional leaders, visit many of the famous historic sites of our nation’s capital, and learn about rural electric cooperatives, all while making new friendships with other delegates from across the state and country.

Kayden is the daughter of Josh and Shelly Bentley of Otway, Ohio

MAY 2025 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING

20C

ADAMS RURAL ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE LOCAL PAGES

New employee spotlight:

Alanna Lewis Alanna Lewis joined the Adams Rural Electric team in February 2025 as a member service representative. You can often find Alanna greeting members at the front desk, processing payments, answering phone calls, handling service transfers, or assisting members with setting up new services. Her friendly and helpful demeanor ensures our members always feel welcome and supported.

Alanna resides in Blue Creek with her husband and two children.

Outside of work, she enjoys spending quality time with her family and attending her kids’ sporting events. Whether it’s a game, practice, or school event, Alanna is always there to cheer on her children and support all of their endeavors.

Medical Certification Residential consumers who are facing disconnection of their electric service due to a delinquent account can apply for a 30-day Medical Certification if the following qualifications are met: 1. A permanent resident of the location needs electric for the operation of medical or life-supporting equipment.

2. Consumer has to enter into an extended payment plan with the cooperative and makes all payments due.

3. Consumer must fill out and return the cooperative’s 30-Day Medical Certification form. The form has to be certified by a health care professional that terminating electric would be especially dangerous or life threatening to the resident. A health care professional includes a physician, physician assistant, clinical nurse specialist, certified nurse practitioner, or certified nurse midwife.

20D

OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • MAY 2025

If all qualifications are met, service will not be terminated for 30 days from the date of the form.

The cooperative will accept no more than two renewal certifications regarding the health of any resident for a total maximum certification period of 90 days within any 12-month period.

Please call the billing department for more information.

Move over

to protect roadside crews

W

hen lineworkers are perched in a bucket truck, repairing power lines along a busy road, they have good reason to be concerned about their safety. However, most are less apprehensive about problems like working with high voltages or falling. Their biggest worry is also the most unpredictable: a distracted driver slamming into their vehicle or a nearby power pole.

The National Safety Council reported that 891 people were killed and 37,701 people were injured in work zone crashes during 2022 (the most recent statistics). Most of those crashes occur in construction sites, which are usually well marked. Electric co-op crews are likely to face even greater danger, as they are often working alone along remote stretches of roads, frequently in heavy rain or other adverse weather conditions that can reduce their visibility.

The danger of work zone crashes led every state to adopt “move over” laws that require drivers to lower their speed and switch lanes when possible to protect emergency vehicles. The goal is to provide an added safety buffer and minimize the potential for accidents.

Drivers caught violating the laws can face penalties such as significant fines.

Ohio is one of just 14 states with a “move over” law that also protects other vehicles beyond police, fire, and EMS vehicles. Ohio’s law requires drivers to move over and slow down for any stationary vehicle with flashing lights on the side of the road. It applies to vehicles with flashing lights of any color, including law enforcement officers, emergency responders, road construction workers, maintenance vehicles, tow trucks, and utility crews.

Compounding the inherent hazards of roadside work is the dramatic increase in distracted driving. The National Transportation Highway Safety Administration has reported that as many as 1,000 Americans are injured each day because of activities that take drivers’ attention away from the road. The most common is reading and

responding to text messages. A driver traveling at 55 miles per hour glancing at a phone for just five seconds will have traveled the length of a football field before looking again at the road.

The design of today’s vehicles contributes to distraction.

Many vehicles have complex controls for entertainment and climate that demand drivers take their eyes off the road to make even simple adjustments.

Geography can also be a factor. Co-ops serving rural and remote areas often work on power lines along twisty and hilly roads. Locals accustomed to driving those roads at fairly high speeds may be startled and have little time to react when they encounter a work crew past a hill or around a curve.

Besides the potential for lineworker injuries, accidents can also damage or destroy expensive service vehicles, reducing a co-op’s ability to respond to outages and other problems. Power poles and other infrastructure may also suffer severe damage.

Additionally, many of the tasks performed by lineworkers, such as reconnecting high-voltage power lines, are inherently dangerous and require their complete focus.

When lineworkers’ attention is distracted by speeding or noisy vehicles, they’re more likely to make mistakes that can complicate the repair or cause injury.

Co-op employees are not only at risk only when their vehicles are parked and repairs are underway.

Lineworkers frequently have to drive slowly along the shoulder of roads to pinpoint broken power lines or failed transformers, especially in darkness or conditions that interfere with visibility.

Paying attention while driving and obeying “move over” laws protect the safety of drivers, first responders, and utility workers — including employees of your electric cooperative.

MAY 2025 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING

21

ADAMS RURAL ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE LOCAL PAGES

ENERGY EFFICIENCY TIP OF THE MONTH

Routine maintenance is important to keep your refrigerator running efficiently.

Lint and dirt should be cleaned from the refrigerator coils every six months to a year, and more often if there are pets in the home.

Memorial Day is May 26.

Our office will be closed as we honor the brave men and women lost in the pursuit of freedom.

When coils are coated with lint, dust, or pet hair, your refrigerator works harder than it’s designed to, which can prevent the appliance from cooling properly and efficiently. The additional work can increase the energy costs of the refrigerator by as much as 35% and shorten the life of the appliance.

Source: energy.gov

ADAMS RURAL ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE, INC.

BOARD OF TRUSTEES

CONTACT

Charles L. Newman

937-544-2305 | 800-283-1846 www.adamsrec.com OFFICE

4800 St. Rte. 125 P.O. Box 247 West Union, OH 45693 OFFICE HOURS

Mon.–Fri., 7:30 a.m.–4 p.m.

OUTAGES

Report outages by calling the office or through your registered account on SmartHub. Do NOT report on Facebook as it is not monitored and could be missed.

26 OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • MAY 2025 22

Donald C. McCarty Sr. President Vice President

Kenneth McCann Secretary

Stephen Huff Blanchard Campbell William Wylie M. Dale Grooms William Seaman David Abbott

Jacob Alexander Samantha Barr Jennifer Baughey Curtis Burns Nathan Colvin Kacee Cox Brett Fawns Lindsay Gill John Hayslip David Henry Steve Hoop

Randy Johnson Samuel Kimmerly Alanna Lewis Rodney Little Trace Pistole David Ralston Cody Rigdon Zachary Rowe Hunter Ruckel Dewayne Sexton Mike Whitley

Erika Ackley General Manager

HIDDEN NUMBER BILL CREDIT

Each month, an account number is hidden in the local pages of the magazine. If you find your account number, please call the office by the end of the month for which it appeared. You will receive a $50 credit on your electric bill.

Your call affirms permission to publish your name as a winner in an upcoming issue of Ohio Cooperative Living magazine.

PAYING YOUR BILL Pay your bill using any of these methods: •

Online at www.adamsrec.com

•

SmartHub app

First State Bank–Georgetown, Hillsboro, Manchester, Peebles, Ripley, Seaman, West Union, and Winchester

•

Office walk-up windows

•

Telephone payment line: 1-844-937-1666

•

Mail

•

Automatic payment

•

National Bank of Adams County–West Union

•

24-hour drop box at the office

SAVE ON WINDOWS AND DOORS!

400 OFF EACH WINDOW $850 OFF EACH DOOR

$

1

MINIMUM PURCHASE OF 4

1

MINIMUM PURCHASE OF 4

AND

NO Money Down | NO Monthly Payments | NO Interest for 12 months

1

MINIMUM PURCHASE OF 4 – INTEREST ACCRUES FROM THE DATE OF PURCHASE BUT IS WAIVED IF PAID IN FULL WITHIN 12 MONTHS

4.7 OUT OF 5 BASED ON 95,000+ REVIEWS “My overall experience was great. I love the window, and from sales to scheduling, the experience was very good. The installers are highly skilled professionals and I would recommend Renewal by Andersen to all my contacts.”

LYNN F. | RENEWAL BY ANDERSEN CUSTOMER

70%

MORE ENERGY EFFICIENT IN SUMMER2

KEEP THE COOL AIR IN AND THE HEAT OUT! Solving your window problems and having a comfortable home is easy and enjoyable when you choose Renewal by Andersen. Take advantage of this great offer to save money on your window project – and help save on high energy bills for years to come!

SmartSun™ glass Helps keep the heat out and the cool in.

Offer Ends June 30

Call for your FREE consultation.

888-901-0606 Visit findyourwindow.com

DETAILS OF OFFER: Offer expires 6/30/2025. Not valid with other offers or prior purchases. Get $400 off each window and $850 off each entry/patio door and 12 months no money down, no monthly payments, no interest when you purchase four (4) or more windows or entry/patio doors between 5/1/2025 and 6/30/2025. Subject to credit approval. 12-month Promo Period: while no payments are due, interest accrues but is waived if the loan is paid in full before the Promo Period expires. Any unpaid balance owed after the Promo Period, plus accrued interest, will be paid in installments based on the terms disclosed in the customer’s loan agreement. Financing is provided by various financial institutions without regard to age, race, color, religion, national origin, gender, or familial status. Savings comparison based on purchase of a single unit at list price. Available at participating locations and offer applies throughout the service area. See your local Renewal by Andersen location for details. License numbers available at renewalbyandersen.com/license. Some Renewal by Andersen locations are independently owned and operated. 2Values are based on comparison of Renewal by Andersen® double-hung window U-Factor to the U-Factor for clear dual-pane glass non-metal frame default values from the 2006, 2009, 2012, 2015, and 2018 International Energy Conservation Code “Glazed Fenestration” Default Tables. Military discount applies to all active duty, reserves, national guard, veterans, and retired military personnel. Eligibility will be verified through SheerID. Military discount equals $300 off your entire purchase and applies after all other discounts, only valid on initial visit, no minimum purchase required. “Renewal by Andersen” and all other marks where denoted are trademarks of their respective owners. © 2025 Andersen Corporation. All rights reserved. RBA14201 *Using U.S. and imported parts.

1

MAY 2025 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING

23

A nose

for flows

Delaware co-op’s water dog sniffs out leaks to save both time and money.

STORY AND PHOTOS BY W.H. “CHIP” GROSS

A

dog’s sense of smell is thousands of times more sensitive than that of a human being. So-called cadaver dogs, for example (working dogs trained to detect human remains), can even locate a drowned victim whose body is still underwater. They do it by scenting the gases produced by the decomposing body, which rise to the surface.

Keena is a different type of water dog, among the first anywhere in her line of work. The 5-year-old Belgian Malinois (pronounced MAL-in-wah) has been trained to detect underground water leaks — specifically, she smells the chlorine found in public water supplies and can detect as little as a half of one part per million. She and her owner/handler, Zach Lohr, work for Del-Co Water Company, a member-owned water cooperative serving 130,000 residents in eight central Ohio counties.

“The first water-detection dog in the U.S. began working in Arkansas several years ago,” said Lohr.

“That K-9 program proved so successful, and now there are a dozen or more such dogs scattered throughout the country.”

Before beginning work at Del-Co, Keena and Lohr underwent an intensive 12-week training program developed by Storm Dog Tactical in Sunbury. According to Lohr, the most popular breed of working dog in America has been changing in recent years, from the German shepherd to the Belgian Malinois. He believes

24

OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • MAY 2025

that the Malinois is the perfect package because of its drive, trainability, and retention of training knowledge.

“But where the Malinois really outshines the shepherd is in their years of work longevity,” Lohr says. “For example, Keena weighs a lean 64 pounds and is expected to have a working lifespan of 8 to 10 years.

Being a much heavier dog, a German shepherd’s realistic working life could be significantly shorter due to health issues.”

Lohr describes Keena as intense and always wanting to work — which is typical of the breed. “Her favorite time of day is morning, because she knows we’re soon going to look for water leaks,” Lohr said. “She’ll gobble her breakfast, then immediately go sit by the front door to wait for me.”

Keena is trained to “indicate,” meaning to show Lohr where she detects the odor of chlorine, simply by stopping her movement.

“She is so active, naturally always in motion, that when she lies down, sits, or simply stops and looks up at me, essentially she’s saying, ‘It’s here, Boss, right under my nose!’” Lohr then calls in the repair crews.

During her first two years of service, Keena has saved Del-Co untold thousands of dollars in labor costs that used to ring up when repairmen sometimes had to spend countless hours searching for the precise location of a

leak in a transmission line to know where to dig.

Individual homeowners, Del-Co customers, have benefited, too.

“Keena has identified more than 50 water leaks on private property, which our customers really appreciate, because it saves them money,” Lohr said. “One customer even dubbed Keena ‘the milliondollar dog.’ Keena and I have also assisted a few other municipal water companies in Ohio. I see our job as not just locating leaks, but conserving water.”

Lohr is also one of four licensed drone pilots for Del-Co who search for underground leaks from the air using infrared/ thermal technology.

Though he admits his job at times is fun, for him it has a much deeper meaning.

“I’m a U.S. Marine Corps veteran, and I lost three close buddies in Afghanistan who were all K-9 handlers,” he says.

“When I got out of the Marine Corps, I wanted to continue what my friends had been doing as a way to honor and remember them. As a result, servicedog work has since become my passion.

I love it — and Keena seems to as well.”

MAY 2025 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING

25

DO MORE WITH YOUR DR® FIELD & BRUSH MOWER Every DR® Field & Brush Mower gives you MORE

POWER – to mow through anything with up to 2X more than the competition.

MANEUVERABILITY – thanks to power steering and hydrostatic drive options.

FEATURES – including easy to use controls and available attachments.

CHOICE – Commercial, Electric, Walkand Tow-Behind models available.

PRO MAX34

Scan the code to shop DRPower.com today or request a free catalog!

FREE SHIPPING options available

YOUR LOCAL WATERFURNACE DEALERS: Ashland Comfort Control (419) 281-0144 comfortcontrolohio.com

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

Holgate Holgate Hardware (419) 264-3012

Mt. Vernon Cosby Htg & Clg (740) 393-4328 cosbyhc.com

Coldwater Ray’s Refrigeration (419) 678-8711 raysrefrigeration.com

Wellington Wellington Indoor Comfort (440) 647-3421

Kalida Knueve & Sons Inc. (419) 420-7638 knueve.com

New Knoxville New Knoxville Supply (419) 753-2444 newknoxvillesupply.com

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

Sarka Electric (419) 532-3492 sarkaelectric.com

Portsmouth Accurate Htg & Clg (740) 353-4328 accurategeothermal.com

Bowling Green United Home Comfort (419) 352-7092 unitedhomecomfort.com Chillicothe Accurate Htg & Clg (740) 775-5005 accurategeothermal.com

Dresden Federal Htg & Clg (740) 754-4328 federalheating.com

Gahanna Custom A/C & Htg (614) 552-4822 customairco.com/ geothermal Groveport Patriot Air (614) 577-1577 patriotair.com

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

Findlay Knueve & Sons Inc. (419) 420-7638 knueve.com

26

OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • MAY 2025

Sidney Lochard Inc. (937) 492-8811

WATERFURNACE UNITS QUALIFY FOR A 30% FEDERAL TAX CREDIT1

Comparing is believing.

When you compare our geothermal system to a traditional gas or electric HVAC unit, the winner is clear.

We’ve got the competition beat on every level. A WaterFurnace geothermal heat pump offers unmatched efficiencies, so your energy costs are much lower than with a conventional furnace or a/c. It doesn’t rely on fossil fuels, so it’s much better on the environment. And the consistent temperatures and low humidity allow you to dial in your ideal comfort. Try it out and you’ll see—WaterFurnace wins.

Geothermal is the only renewable that provides reliable operation 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.

visit us at waterfurnace.com/Ohio

WaterFurnace is a registered trademark of WaterFurnace International, Inc. 1.ENERGY STAR rated units qualify for 30% through 2032, 26% through 2033 and 22% through 2034

MAY 2025 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING

27

Landmarks, by the book

Carnegie libraries have influenced and enriched the lives of generations of Ohioans.

BY DAMAINE VONADA

A

mong the many documents stored in the Archives Research Center at the Sandusky Library is a copy of a letter dated Oct. 7, 1899, and signed by Andrew Carnegie. Sent from Skibo Castle, which Carnegie had purchased as a residence in his native Scotland, the letter was addressed to Mrs. Frances Moss, and in it, the steel tycoon offered to donate money for a public library in Sandusky.

Carnegie’s largesse came with certain conditions, for his letter emphatically stated:

28

OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • MAY 2025

“I do not believe in helping a community that does help itself, but if Sandusky will give $3,000 a year to maintain a Public Library, I shall give $50,000 to build and equip one. All of this $50,000, must however be used for the Library, and not one cent of it for maintenance.”

Lover of books and learning Born in 1835, Carnegie immigrated with his family to Allegheny, Pennsylvania, when he was 12 years old.

Carnegie soon went to work as a telegraph messenger boy, and though his formal schooling was over, he

In 1899, Andrew Carnegie approved funds to build and equip the Sandusky Library, as long as the community committed to maintaining it. The library was dedicated in 1901, making it Ohio’s first Carnegie library.

continued his education by borrowing books from a local businessman’s private library. He never forgot the instruction and enjoyment he gained from those books; as he told the New York Times in 1899, “Is it any wonder that I decided then and there that if ever I had any surplus wealth I would use it in lending books to others?”

Carnegie, in fact, eventually became the wealthiest person in the world in his time, thanks to early successful investments in the railroad industry and building what eventually became U.S. Steel. And he followed through

on his musing. Carnegie — and later his philanthropic foundation, the Carnegie Corporation of New York — gave away most of his fortune in his later years, spending much of it on free-to-the-people libraries. He gave his first public library to his birthplace, Dunfermline, Scotland, in 1881, and eventually donated more than 2,500 library buildings around the globe — 1,681 of those in the United States, starting in 1886 with his American hometown of Allegheny and adding a few others in places Continued on page 30

MAY 2025 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING

29

Continued from page 29

where he had personal ties. In 1899, the year he spoke to the Times, he significantly increased his funding for libraries, and accordingly, citizens in East Liverpool, Steubenville, and Sandusky were the first in Ohio to apply for Carnegie library grants.

With his standard stipulation that the towns provide money for maintenance, Carnegie promised $50,000 to both East Liverpool and Steubenville on June 30, 1899. He apparently had a soft spot for those towns. Carnegie’s only breaks from that early job as a telegraph messenger had been spending two weeks every summer with his maternal uncle in East Liverpool, and after he had been promoted to telegraph operator, he worked for a time in Steubenville.

The first Carnegie public library in the state, however, was the Sandusky Library, thanks to Frances Moss, the recipient of that letter. She had been a personal acquaintance of Andrew Carnegie, according to Ron Davidson, special collections librarian there: “Her husband was from a family of prominent Sandusky bankers, and she was president of the ladies’ library association.” The gala dedication, attended by a host of politicians and celebrities, was on July 3, 1901.

Ohio’s Carnegie Hall After the Civil War, women’s organizations throughout the nation spearheaded efforts to establish local libraries, and by staging musicals, plays, and lectures, Mrs. Moss and her cohorts raised $10,000 even before Carnegie pledged his money. Fittingly enough, the Sandusky Library’s design included a spacious, high-ceilinged room for concerts and cultural events. “The room had a pipe organ, so they called it Carnegie Hall,” says Davidson.

The elements of the Sandusky Library’s original, Richardsonian Romanesquestyle exterior — including twin, castlelike turrets flanking its entrance — remain largely intact. But the interior space mushroomed two decades ago, when an ambitious renovation and expansion project joined it to the neighboring 1883 Erie County Jail, which contained 26 cells as well as a residence for sheriffs and their families. Both the library and jail were already on the National Register of Historic 30

OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • MAY 2025

Places, and the project to connect them began on the 100th anniversary of the library’s opening.

While the jail addendum certainly makes it unique, perhaps the Sandusky Library’s most remarkable aspect is that it’s still serving the purpose Carnegie intended. So are the state’s second and third Carnegie libraries, which debuted, respectively, in Steubenville on March 12, 1902, and in East Liverpool on May 8, 1902. Both towns hired women with library training to head their new libraries, and Steubenville’s librarian, Ellen Summers Wilson, enthusiastically promoted the library on streetcars and at factory gates (some say she never left; her ghost supposedly haunts the building).

Lasting legacy Before his death in 1919, Carnegie funded more than 100 library buildings in Ohio. Some have since been torn down, a few sit vacant, and several have been converted to uses such as offices, classrooms, and meeting places.

Yet a surprising number of them — about 55 — continue to survive and thrive as public libraries and are often anchors for city or county library systems.

Many of the surviving buildings have been modified over time, but most of their signature features, including East Liverpool’s rotunda and Steubenville’s marble floors, have been preserved. In fact, many a local bride has had her wedding photos taken on the handsome staircases that typify their entrances.

The original Carnegie building in Steubenville, opened in 1902 and renovated and expanded several times since, still houses the public library that serves both the city and Jefferson County.

Those buildings often have fascinating stories to tell.

Paulding’s 1916 library was the very first to cover an entire county. Marietta’s 1918 library is built atop an Indian mound. In 1903, children lined up like a bucket brigade to transfer books into Greenville’s new library. And when Nobel Prize-winning author Toni Morrison was still in high school, she worked in Lorain’s 1904 library, which now houses the Lorain Historical Society and is called Carnegie Center.

Morrison reportedly was a painfully slow worker — preferring to read the library’s books when she was supposed to be shelving them.

Of course, that seems like precisely what Andrew Carnegie probably had in mind.

For more about Carnegie libraries, scan the QR code below.

MAY 2025 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING

31

Hometown boy James Thurber used his Midwestern roots to charm and entertain the world.

BY RANDY EDWARDS

I

n 1957, humorist James Thurber wrote to Columbus Dispatch writer and artist Bill Arter to discuss the future of the house where Thurber had been born. Thurber was famous enough in his time to have been featured on the cover of Time magazine, and he was speculating on how he would be remembered in his hometown.

“I doubt if Columbus would ever be interested in placing a marker of any kind on the Parsons Avenue house, or acquiring it,” Thurber wrote.

That glum prediction of his legacy, however, was only partially prescient: The Parsons Avenue house in which he was born in 1894 was indeed demolished to make way for Interstate 70 to come through town. But another of the homes in which he had lived, at 77 Jefferson Ave. (between Broad and Long streets east of downtown), was saved from demolition and, in 1984, became the Thurber House, a nonprofit literary arts center, museum, and gathering place for readers, writers, and artists.

Local inspiration For more than 40 years, Thurber House has hosted talks by famous writers, welcomed visitors from around the world, and served as a literary incubator for hundreds of school-aged children. And since 1997 it has bestowed the 32

OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • MAY 2025

Thurber Prize for American Humor upon the funniest of the nation’s writers — among them David Sedaris, Trevor Noah, and James McBride.

Not a bad local legacy for a humor writer and cartoonist who frequently made his hometown and its inhabitants the butt of his jokes. In stories like “The Day the Dam Broke” and “University Days,” the good citizens of Columbus and its land grant college, Ohio State University, were often portrayed as naïve or foolish at best, bumpkins at worst. But overall, his portrayal was fond, says Leah Wharton, operations director at Thurber House.

“With Thurber, you never know when exactly he’s exaggerating, because none of his stories are completely factual,” Wharton says. “He always embellished them. But he was always very respectful of Columbus while also poking fun at it, as he did with everything.”

In a 1994 essay in The New Yorker, writer Adam Gopnik attributed Thurber’s trademark voice, that of “the little man overwhelmed by life in New York,” to Thurber’s Midwestern upbringing: “Once he saw that you could get farther in the city by acting like the Columbus boy you had been all along, his competitive instincts kicked in,” Gopnik wrote. “Nobody was going to out-little-guy him,

by God.”

The Thurber House hosts numerous events throughout the year, including writers’ talks on the lawn, house tours (right), and children’s writing camps (below).

World famous Thurber is not nearly as widely read these days, and even many in Ohio might not know of him but for the 2013 film The Secret Life of Walter Mitty, which was loosely based on Thurber’s most popular short story, or for journalist Keith Olbermann, an unabashed fan, reading Thurber stories during his MSNBC program, Countdown.

For most of us, it’s hard to imagine the extent of the Columbus native’s popularity during the first half of the 20th century, when he was often referred to as the greatest American humorist since Mark Twain.

After Thurber moved to New York City in 1925, he and E.B. White (author of Charlotte’s Web) are credited with giving a tone of wry wit to a fledgling literary and journalism magazine called The New Yorker. Thurber’s short stories, including “The Secret Life of Walter Mitty,” “The Night the Bed Fell,” and “The Catbird Seat,” were sometimes eclipsed, though, by the public’s love for his quirky, spare cartoons, often involving dogs.

He won a special Tony award for A Thurber Carnival, a 1960 Broadway show directed by Burgess Meredith and adapted from a collection of short stories of the same name. In 1970, nine years after he died, a comedy series based on his stories and his life, My World … and Welcome to It, won an Emmy.

Boosting the house In recent decades, his fading fame, increasing competition for the public’s attention, and the pandemic lockdown have taken a toll, and Thurber House has struggled.

Late last year the organization launched an appeal, acknowledging that “Thurber House is facing uncertainty, and we need your help.”

As of mid-April, the campaign has raised 72% of its $200,000 goal. The extra funds may keep the doors open another 40 years, Wharton says, and every donation is much appreciated. The most encouraging responses to the fundraising campaign, however, come from former students and others who love the Thurber House and have fond memories of hearing stories — or writing their own — under its roof.

“The donations are absolutely sustaining,” she says. “At the same time, the messages of support and hope are equally appreciated. They tell us that what we’re doing matters, and that we’re reaching a lot of people in ways that are influencing their lives.”

Thurber House, 77 Jefferson Ave., Columbus, OH 43215. Museum is open 1–4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, though hours are always subject to change and a check of the website is always recommended. Scan the QR code for information on visiting or donating to the Thurber House.

MAY 2025 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING

33

as ! w ch lo e a As 4.99 $8

Sold elsewhere for $119.99

Actual Size 22.05mm

Actual Size 40.60 millimeters)

Pistrucci’s iconic design of St. George and the Dragon, the timeless image of good triumphing over evil.

A World’s First Creates The Lowest Mintage Silver Eagle…Ever!

The American Silver Eagle is arguably the most popular coin on the planet. First struck in 1986 for US citizens to own physical silver bullion, the Silver Eagle is made from one ounce of 99.9% fine silver. It’s no wonder why these hefty silver dollars have become THE global standard for silver bullion coins, with over 640,000,000 coins minted to date.

And now, the US Mint has released a special Silver Eagle that might just become THE greatest of all time…the Star Privy Silver Eagle!

What’s So Special?

There are two “key” reasons why the Star Privy Silver Eagle is poised to become the most sought-after coin in the Silver Eagle series; One, collectors LOVE “Firsts” and the Star Privy is the FirstEver bullion Silver Eagle to have a Privy Mark, cementing its permanent place in Silver Eagle history.

Two, collectors also GO CRAZY for low mintage coins, the lower the better. And the Star Privy Silver Eagle not only has a low mintage. It’s the lowest mintage bullion Silver Eagle EVER!

First-Ever Privy-Marked Bullion Silver Eagle

Privy marks are small symbols added to coin, oftentimes to commemorate special occasions and/or historic events. In this case, the US Mint has added a “star” to the Silver Eagle to celebrate the release of a new mobile gaming app, 8th Era, a groundbreaking new mobile gaming app that marries gaming with coin collecting to inspire the next generation of collectors.

It’s an instant “must-have” for Silver Eagle collectors.

Consider this….the 1996 Silver Eagle is the lowest mintage with 3,603,386 coins made. The Star Privy Silver Eagle has a mintage of only 500,000 coins. That’s SEVEN TIMES LOWER. Just look at the graph for perspective.

The First 50,000 Coins Released

Each coin comes certified in Gem Brilliant Uncirculated condition, coming from the first 50,000 coins issued, the “top 10%” if you will, certified by the leading independent 3rd party grading company NGC. Those are bragging rights every collector would dream of having!

Buy More and Save

If you act now, you’ll even have the chance to SAVE BIG when you buy more! But don’t wait, our inventory won’t last long!

Every moment you hesitate, someone else could be claiming your piece of this historic release!

2024 1oz Star Privy American Silver Eagle -NGC Gem BU 1-2 coins - $79 each plus s/h 3-4 coins - $77 each + FREE SHIPPING 5-9 coins - $75 each + FREE SHIPPING 10+ coins - CALL FOR PRICING FREE SHIPPING on 3 or More!

Limited time only. Product total over $149 before taxes (if any). Standard domestic shipping only. Not valid on previous purchases.

Call 1-833-304-6533 Offer Code SPEP129-1

Please mention this code when you call.

Lowest Mintage Bullion Silver Eagle EVER

Not only is the Star Privy Silver Eagle the first ever privymarked bullion Silver Eagle, it’s also the lowest mintage bullion Silver Eagle ever! How low? It’s not even close!

SCAN TO BUY ONLINE

rarcoa.com/star-privy-eagle

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

34

OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • MAY 2025

Rechargeable In-Your-Ear Hearing Aid

“I couldn’t believe it!

NEW LOW PRICE OVER

2 MILLION SOLD!

SAVE $100

“I switched to MDHearing aids and so should you. These are better than my $8,000 hearing aids, and no one can even see them.”

Joe Namath Superbowl III MVP MDHearing Aid User

AS LOW AS

397 $297

$

BUY 1 GET 1

FREE

for a pair PLUS FREE SHIPPING

The smallest inside-your-ear hearing aids from MDHearing... no one will know you’re wearing it!

50%

SMALLER! PRICE DROP

NEO

XS

$297

$397

$297

1 (800) 775- 4178

PRICE JUST REDUCED! SAVE

™

NEW OFFER

Can you spot the XS hearing aid?

$100

What’s Included: • FDA-Registered • Doctor-Designed • 20-Hour Battery Life • Portable Charger • FREE Shipping • FREE Lifetime Support • 100% Money-Back Guarantee

45-Day Risk-Free Trial!

If you are not completely satisfied with your hearing aids, return them within 45 days for a FULL REFUND!

www.JoeLovesMD.com

Enter offer code QD61 to receive FREE Shipping!

MDHearing Is Now Available Through

Top Medicare Advantage Plans!

MAY 2025 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING

35

MARKETPLACE

Timeshare victim?

We will get your timeshare legally canceled!

TimeShareBeGone 100% Money Back Guarantee!

Low flat fee payment plans G 15 years in business!

BARNS WANTED FOR RECLAIM We pay up front.

Completely insured A+ rating with the BBB.

Call/Text 567-232-2500 www.allohiobarn.com

800-214-4460 timesharebegone.com

Trust Is Our Reputation

Photo contest Ohio Cooperative Living is looking for photography submissions from electric cooperative members to be considered for use in our 2026 wall calendar. Appropriate subjects include landscapes, animal, floral, or wildcard (photos taken in Ohio will be given stronger consideration).

Winning submissions will receive a cash prize.

Requirements

 One photo entry per household.  High-resolution, color, digital images only.

For more information, scan the QR cod below.

 Only JPEG or TIF file formats will be accepted.  Please send submissions by email attachment only to photo@ohioec.org.  Photo format must be horizontal and capable of filling an 8x11-inch image area.  Provide an explanation of the photo — the where, what, and when — as well as who took the photo.  Include your name, address, phone number, and the name of your co-op.

36

OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • MAY 2025

Submission deadline AUGUST 16, 2025

2025 CALENDAR CENTRAL

MAY 2, JUN. 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! See the Artist Colony of Zanesville’s website for a map of current participants: https:// artcoz.org/arts-district-map.

MAY 2–OCT. 3 – First Friday Car Show, 122 N. Court St., Circleville, 5–9 p.m. Enjoy a night of classic cars, community fun, and a vibrant uptown atmosphere. All cars are welcome! www.pickaway.com.

MAY 3–OCT. 25 – Coshocton Farmers Market, Skip’s Landing, 22375 Co. Rd. 1A, Coshocton, Sat. 8:30 a.m.–noon. Locally grown produce, baked goods, and artisan crafts. Rain or shine. www. facebook.com/coshoctonfarmersmarket or email market.manager@coshfarmmarket.org.

MAY 14 – Meet Me at the MAC Happy Hour, McConnell Arts Center, Worthington, 6–8 p.m. $15.

Enjoy a wine tasting, food, music, shopping at the art market, and a preview of the Worthington Arts Festival artists. Tickets available on website: www. mcconnellarts.org.

MAY 15 – Thursday Trail Tour: Canal Park, 23352 Canal Rd., Circleville, 9:30–11:30 a.m. To register, email mellis@pickawaycountyohio.gov. Please dress to be outside and for a walk along various trail surfaces. An adult must accompany all children under 12. Program will be canceled in the case of inclement weather. www.pickawaycountyparks.org.

WEST VIRGINIA

MAY/JUNE MAY 16–17 – Spring in the Country, various businesses in the Amanda, Tarlton, and Stoutsville area. Gift-giving treasures, vintage finds, good food, and so much more. Join our scavenger hunt to gather entries into our drawing for “shop hop bucks.” Find list of stops on our website. 740-503-2125 (call or text) or www.countryshophop.com.

MAY 17 – Art on the Canal Art Stroll, Historic Downtown Canal Winchester, noon–6 p.m. Free, live entertainment including music, dancing, exhibits, and performances, along with a variety of exquisite works of art and fine crafts from central Ohio artists. As you stroll along the sidewalks of our quaint city, stop and enjoy local food, drinks, and shopping. 614-270-5053 or www.destinationcw.org.

MAY 17 – Disc Golf Tournament, Cornerstone Church Disc Golf Course, 4509 Salt Creek Dr., Duncan Falls, 8 a.m. registration, 9 a.m. tee-off. 36-hole doubles open; 2-member teams. $50 per team. Call 740-297-4795 or email bethelmission126@gmail. com to register.

MAY 17 – Spring S Spree Model Train Show and Sale, Fairfield Co. Fgds., 172 E. Fair Ave., Lancaster, 10 a.m.–3 p.m. $5; 12 and under free.

Family-friendly event featuring S-gauge model trains including American Flyer, S Helper, Lionel, S Scale, and others. Operating displays of model trains; buildings, landscaping products, and accessories for purchase. Chat with experts on starting, enhancing, or just enjoying the hobby of model trains. www. sspree.info.

MAY 17–18 – Lion King Jr., Logan High School Theatre, 14470 OH-328, Logan, Sat. 7 p.m., Sun. 3 p.m. Presented by the Hocking County Children’s Chorus. Tickets available online or at the door. https:// hockingcochildrenschorus.org.

MAY 23–25 – Coshocton Flint Festival and Knap-In, Coshocton Co. Fgds., 724 South St., Coshocton, Fri./Sat. 9 a.m.–5 p.m., Sun. 9 a.m.–2 p.m. $5 per vehicle. A fun, educational weekend for the whole family. Watch craftsmen make arrowheads, spear points, stone and bone tools. Rocks, gems, minerals; jewelry makers; atl demos. For camping and vendor info, call 814-720 -7512 or 330-473-7014.

MAY 17 – John Randolph Spring Arts Kick Off, Fort New Salem, 81 Settlers Lane, Salem, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.

Live demonstrations of blacksmithing, tin smithing, fireplace cooking, and various other crafts. 304-6952220, director@fortnewsalemfoundation.org, or www.fortnewsalemfoundation.org.

MAY 17 – Taste of Parkersburg, Bicentennial Park, Parkersburg, 6–11 p.m. Food, fine wines, craft beers, and live music. 304-865-0522 or www. downtownpkb.com.

COMPILED BY COLLEEN ROMICK CLARK

MAY 26 – Memorial Day Celebration and 100th Anniversary of Wagnalls, Wagnalls Memorial, 150 E. Columbus St., Lithopolis, 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Parade along Columbus Street steps off at 10 a.m. American Legion memorial service after the parade at the Lithopolis Cemetery. Downtown, enjoy a car show, food trucks, kiddie tractor pull, and music. Tour the Memorial 9 a.m.–2 p.m.; celebrate the anniversary with dignitaries, visit with an owl, and enjoy cupcakes and music. www.wagnalls.org/page/community.

MAY 30 – Nature Navigator’s Camp, Park District Headquarters, 16405 US-23, South Bloomfield, 8 a.m.–4 p.m. $30 registration. Open to Pickaway County incoming 7th and 8th graders. Register at www.pickawayswcd.org/summer-camps.html.

MAY 30–JUN. 1 – Lavender Daze, Groovy Plants Ranch, 4140 Co. Rd. 15, Marengo. Over 1,000 premium lavender plants for sale plus a makers market full of lavender-themed goods. 740-675-2681 or www.groovyplantsranch.com.

MAY 31 – Boogie on the Blacktop: Rockhouse, 135 E. Main St., Circleville, 6–11 p.m. Kick off the summer with a night of music, food, and fun! www.pickaway.com.

JUN. 5–7 – Hot Air Balloon Festival, Coshocton Co. Fgds., 707 Kenilworth Ave., Coshocton. Balloon launches, night glow, food vendors, kiddie rides, craft booths, musical entertainment, fireworks, and more. www.coshoctonhotairballoonfestival.com.

JUN. 5–7 – Logan Washboard Arts and Music Festival, downtown Logan. Free.

Celebrating a unique piece of American history: the washboard! Washboard factory tours, craft vendors, art center, food, and live music on three stages. washboardfestival@gmail.com or www. loganwashboardfestival.com.

JUN. 7 – “A Night of Hamilton Music,” Logan High School Theatre, 14470 OH-328, Logan, 7:30 p.m. $20 adults, $10 students. Stars Darilyn Castillo and Christopher Henry Young from Hamilton will present music and dancing from the Broadway hit. Limited seating, so purchasing tickets online in advance is advised. https://hockingcochildrenschorus.org.

Send us your event Submit listings AT LEAST 90 DAYS in advance 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.

MAY 2025 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING

37

2025 CALENDAR

MAY/JUNE

NORTHEAST

sheep dog herding demos, and more. Food available for purchase. www.greatlakesfibershow.com.

MAY 29–AUG. 7 – Fort Steuben Summer Concert Series, Fort Steuben Park, 120 S. 3rd St., Steubenville, Thur. 7–9 p.m. Free. Featuring a variety of live musical performances. 740-283-1787 or www.oldfortsteuben. com.

MAY 30 – Homeschool Day, Fort Laurens, 11067 Fort Laurens Rd. NW, Bolivar, 9 a.m.–2 p.m. $7.

Open to all public, private, and homeschool students between fourth and eighth grade. Interactive stations and demos covering Revolutionary War history, local Ohio history, archaeology, and more. Reservations MAY 2, JUN. 6 – First Fridays on Fourth, 155 N. 4th requested. 330-874-2059 or www.fortlaurens.org.

St., Steubenville, 6–10 p.m. Free. Street music-themed MAY 31, JUN. 1 – Revolutionary War Reenactment, Fort Laurens, 11067 Fort Laurens Rd. NW, Bolivar, 10 celebration featuring art, crafts, games, food trucks, a.m.–4 p.m. $10; 12 and under free. Mock skirmish for live entertainment, and activities to stimulate the American Independence with volunteer reenactors imagination. www.theharmoniumproject.org/firstfrom the Brigade of the American Revolution. Food, Fridays. vendors, musical entertainment, kids’ games, and MAY 20 – Oleg Kruglyakov: Balalaika Virtuoso, more. 330-874-2059 or www.fortlaurens.org.

Canal Fulton Public Library, 154 Market St. NE, Canal JUN. 4 – Bike Week Dice Run, Kelleys Island, 10 Fulton, 6:30–7:30 p.m. Free concert. Seating is on a a.m.–5 p.m. Experience an exciting tour of the island first-come, first-served basis. 419-853-6016 or www. while completing a scavenger hunt and collecting dice ormaco.org. rolls at a variety of local businesses. 419-746-2360 or MAY 23 – Music at the Arboretum: The Blue www.kelleysislandchamber.com.

Ribbon Trio, John Streeter Garden Amphitheater, JUN. 4–6 – Holy Trinity Greek Food Festival, 2122 Williams Rd., Wooster, 6:30 p.m. Free. In the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, 300 S. 4th St., event of rain, the concert will be held at Fisher Steubenville, 11 a.m.–9 p.m. Music, tours of the Auditorium, 1680 Madison Ave., Wooster. 419-853church, outdoor dining and take-out. 740-282-7770 or 6016 or www.ormaco.org. https://holytrinitygreekfest.com.

MAY 24–25 – Great Lakes Fiber Show, Wayne JUN. 5–7 – Bolivar Strawberry Festival, downtown Co. Fgds., 199 Vancouver St., Wooster. Free.

Bolivar. Live bands, pageants, strawberry eating Competitions, fleece show and sale, craft activities, contest, carnival rides, food and drink concessions, workshops ($45–$80), fibers, handcrafted goods,

vendors, crafters, 5K run, and more. Parade on Saturday. Special fourth day this year on Sunday, Jun. 8, to celebrate Bolivar’s 200th birthday! www. bolivarmainstreet.com/strawberry-festival.

JUN. 7 – Jazz Under the Stars: Erin Nicole Neal and Jazz in the Blue, Uptown Park, Medina, 7 p.m. Bring your lawn chairs, blankets, and picnics to enjoy this free concert. In the event of rain, the concert will be held at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 317 E. Liberty St., Medina. 419-853-6016 or www.ormaco.org.

JUN. 7 – Kathy Fernandez: “The History of the Zoar Star,” Historic Zoar Village, Zoar School House, 198 Main St., Zoar, 11 a.m.–1 p.m. Free and open to the public, with free parking near the School House. 330874-3011 or www.historiczoarvillage.com.

JUN. 7 – Secrest Garden Fair, Secrest Arboretum, 2122 Williams Rd., Wooster, 9 a.m.–4 p.m. Free. Juried arts and crafts vendors, gardening workshops, kids’ crafts, plant sale, local food trucks, and guided tours of the gardens. www.friendsofsecrest.com.

JUN. 7–8 – Ohio Valley Frontier Days, Historic Fort Steuben, 120 S. 3rd St., Steubenville. $6; 6–12, $3; under 6 free. Annual festival featuring soldier, settler, surveyor, and artisan reenactors, re-creating life on the Ohio frontier. Crafts, games, food, and entertainment. 740-283-1787 or www. oldfortsteuben.com.

JUN. 8 – Live at the Library: Rolando Pizana, Wadsworth Public Library, 132 Broad St., Wadsworth, 2–3 p.m. Free concert. Seating is on a first-come, first-served basis. 419-853-6016 or www. ormaco.org.

SOUTHWEST

MAY 25 – Memorial Day Open House, White Water Shaker Village, 11813 Oxford Rd., Harrison, 2–5 p.m. Free. See the grand reveal of our first permanent exhibit: Simply Shaker: Preserving and Sharing the Shaker Story of Southwest Ohio. Established in 1823, White Water is one of the 24 Shaker communal villages founded in the United States. www.whitewatervillage.org.

MAY 29–31 – Milford Frontier Days, Riverside Park, 425 Victor Stier Dr., Milford, Thur. 5–10 p.m., Fri. 5–11 p.m., Sat. 12–11 p.m. Kickoff parade, live music, food, games, Makers Market, and more. 513831-2411 or www.frontierdaysmilford.com.

JUN. 6–8 – St. Max Festival, St. Maximilian Kolbe Catholic Church, 5720 Hamilton Mason Rd., Liberty Township. Local crafts, games, food, live music, and activities for all ages. www.saint-max.org/festival.

JUN. 7 – Biergarten, Liberty Home German Club, 2361 Hamilton Cleves Rd., Hamilton. Doors open at 5 p.m. Food, music, German beer. Polka Cola Band plays 6–10 p.m. 513-571-6198, https://libertyhome. net, or Liberty Home Association on Facebook.

JUN. 7–8 – Troy Strawberry Festival, downtown Troy. Celebration of community, culture, and, of course, strawberries! Live entertainment, cruise-in, 5K run, pageant, contests, and an incredible selection of food, all highlighted by fresh strawberries in every form imaginable. 937-339-7714 or https://troystrawberryfest.com.

THROUGH JUN. 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.

THROUGH JUN. 30 – Rib City BBQ & Bluegrass, 746 NW Washington Blvd., Hamilton, Mon. 7–9 p.m.

Free admission. Enjoy an evening of lively bluegrass music by Vernon McIntyre’s Appalachian Grass. Call 513-829-7427 before traveling.

MAY 3 – Biergarten, Liberty Home German Club, 2361 Hamilton Cleves Rd., Hamilton. Doors open at 5 p.m. Food, music, German beer. The Bergstrasse

38

OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • MAY 2025

Boys band plays 6–10 p.m. 513-571-6198, https:// libertyhome.net, or Liberty Home Association on Facebook.

MAY 10–11 – Appalachian Festival, Front Street, New Richmond, Sat. 10 a.m.–10 p.m., Sun. 10 a.m.–6 p.m. $5–$15; 4 and under free. Handmade crafts; down-home food; Living History Village and other educational exhibits; old-time music, dance, and storytelling. Vernon McIntyre’s Appalachian Grass will entertain on Saturday (time TBA). 513-251-3378 or www.appalachianfestival.org.

MAY 17–18 – Live Outdoor Theater: Alice in Wonderland, Garber Nature Center, 9691 OH-503 N., Lewisburg, 2–4 p.m. $10. Presented by Preble Players. Lawn seating. For details and tickets, call 937-962-5561 or visit www.prebleplayers.org.

MAY 17, JUN. 7 – Free Family Program: Spring Bird Hike, Garber Nature Center, 9691 OH-503 N., Lewisburg, 9–11 a.m. Join naturalist and nature photographer Tom Hissong for a hike and identify birds. 937-962-5561, pcpdevents@gmail.com, or www.preblecountyparks.org.

MAY 24 – Cheese Fest, Austin Landing, 10400 Innovation Dr., Miamisburg, 3–10 p.m. Free admission. Food vendors, beer garden, inflatables, kids’ games, fireworks, and live music. Remember to bring your lawn chair! www.facebook.com/ events/555506034321147.

SOUTHEAST

on the banks of the Ohio River. 740-533-7104 or www.facebook.com/TheMemorialDayParade.

MAY 23–25 – Feast of the Flowering Moon, Yoctangee Park, 1 Enderlin Circle, Chillicothe, Fri. 11 a.m.–10 p.m., Sat. 10 a.m.–10 p.m., Sun. 10 a.m.–6 p.m. Free. Family-friendly entertainment featuring Native American music and dancing, crafters, exhibitors, main stage entertainment, carnival rides, and much more. www.feastofthefloweringmoon.org.

MAY 23–26 – Pre-1840 Rendezvous, Canter’s Cave 4-H Camp, 1362 Cave Rd., Jackson. Open to the public May 24–25, Sat. 9 a.m.–5 p.m., Sun. 9 a.m.–noon. No admission fee for visitors.

Period shooters, sutlers, buckskinners, reenactors, craftsmen, and demonstrators in period dress.

Camping fee: $15 members, $20 non-members.

740-773-3891.

MAY 24 – Memorial Day Fireworks, downtown Ironton, after 9 p.m. At the Center Street landing on the banks of the Ohio River. 740-533-7104 or www. facebook.com/TheMemorialDayParade.

MAY 24–25 – Historic Marietta Tour of Homes, Marietta, 10 a.m.–4 p.m. $30/day, $50/weekend.

Experience historic Marietta through a tour of 11 homes in the first established settlement of the Northwest Territory. Tickets available at The Castle

Carriage House or online at Eventbrite.com or https://mariettacastle.org. For more details, visit https://mariettaohio.org/events/historic-mariettatour-of-homes-2025.

MAY 25 – Woodland Cemetery Memorial Service, Veterans Hill, 824 Lorain St., Ironton, 2 p.m. 740-533-7104 or www.facebook.com/ TheMemorialDayParade.

MAY 26 – Ironton–Lawrence County Memorial Day Parade, downtown Ironton, beginning at 10 a.m. The oldest continuously running Memorial Day parade in the nation. 740-533-7104 or www. facebook.com/TheMemorialDayParade.

MAY 29 – Chillicothe Paints Season Home Opener, V.A. Memorial Stadium, 17273 St. Rte. 104, Chillicothe, 7:05 p.m. $5–$7. Come out to the ballgame and support the Paints as they go up against the REX. www.chillicothepaints.com.

MAY 30 – Hollywood Nights: Bob Seger Tribute, Majestic Theatre, 45 E. Second St., Chillicothe, 7:30 p.m. $30–$40. www.majesticchillicothe.net.

MAY 31–JUN. 1 – Gus Macker, downtown Chillicothe. The 3-on-3 basketball tournament. All ages and skill levels can participate. Cost per team: $180. www.macker.com/local/chillicothe-oh.

Huey 369, UH-1B Gunship 049, and M4A3E8 Sherman Tank. Bring your CCKW, DUKW, M35, and other variants and show off your truck! www. findlaymilitaryshow.org.

MAY 16–17 – Hamler Country Fest, St. Rte. 109, Hamler. $40 Fri., $30 Sat.; 16 and under free with paid adult. Two days of great country music and fun, featuring Shenandoah, Hubie Ashcraft, Mary Kutter, and more! Under roof with open seating; bring lawn chairs. Cornhole tournament. Autographed memorabilia auction. Primitive on-site camping. 419748-7459, hamlercountryfest@gmail.com, or www. hamlercountryfest.com.

MAY 16–18 – Settlers’ Encampment, AuGlaize MAY 7, JUN. 4 – Down on the Farm Story Time, Village, 12296 Krouse Rd., Defiance, Sat. 9 a.m.–5 Proving Ground Farm, 5670 E. Twp. Rd. 138, Tiffin, 10 p.m., Sun. 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Friday is School Day. $5; a.m. Stories and activities geared for preschool-age under 13 free. Step back in time to 1750–1815 and children that focus on farming and nature. Families see how settlers survived. Includes demos and welcome! 419-447-7073, www.conservesenecacounty. instructions. New this year is a timeline event that com, or Seneca Conservation District on Facebook. includes U.S. wars from the Indian Wars to the War MAY 9–AUG. 1 – Limaland Motorsports Park Races, in Afghanistan. 419-990-0107, villageauglaize@ 1500 Dutch Hollow Rd., Lima, 7:30–10:30 p.m. Pit gmail.com, or https://sites.google.com/site/ races include Sprints, UMP Modifieds, Thunderstocks, auglaizevillagemuseum. and more! Pit gates open at 4:30 p.m., grandstand MAY 18 – Shelby County Coin Club Coin Show, gates 5 p.m., warmup laps 6:30 p.m. Schedule subject American Legion Post 217, 1265 Fourth Ave., Sidney, to change. Check www.limaland.com for the most 10 a.m.–3 p.m. For information, call 937-339-5437. current information.

MAY 26 – Amvets Post 39 Memorial Day Parade, MAY 10–SEP. 14 – NWORRP Museum Summer downtown Lakeview, 11 a.m.–12:30 p.m. Parade will Hours, Northwest Ohio Railroad Preservation Inc., run from St. Rte. 720 to 235 and through downtown.

12505 Co. Rd. 99, Findlay, Sat./Sun. 1–4 p.m. $3; 12 Following the parade, a memorial service will be and under, $2. Quarter-scale train rides, model train conducted in the Amvets parking lot. 937-843-5641 displays, museum tours, games, play area, and more. (Amvets Post 39), 937-935-6758 (Stacey Alexander), 419-423-2995, www.nworrp.org, or www.facebook. or www.facebook.com/downtownlakeviewohio. com/nworrp.

MAY 26 – Memorial Day Parade and Ceremony, MAY 15–18 – Annual Armed Forces Day West Liberty, 2 p.m. Parade starts at the old high Celebration, Hancock Co. Fgds., 1017 E. Sandusky school and ends at the Town Hall. Ceremony to follow St., Findlay. $5–$10; under 6 free. Historical displays, includes high school band, a 21-gun salute, “Taps,” reenactor encampments and battles, 2-1/2-ton and a benediction provided by a local pastor. www. vehicles from all eras. Returning this year: American

mywestliberty.com.

MAY 31–JUN 1 – Findlay Flea Market, Hancock Co. Fgds., 1017 E. Sandusky St., Findlay, Sat. 9 a.m.–4 p.m., Sun. 9 a.m.–3 p.m. Free admission. New, used, and vintage items, crafts, and more. Food trucks onsite. Vendors welcome! For more information, contact Christine at 419-619-0041 or futrellcg1@gmail.com.

JUN. 6–8 – St. Gerard Festival, St. Gerard Catholic Church and School, 240 W. Robb Ave., Lima, Fri. 5 p.m.–midnight, Sat. noon–midnight, Sun. noon–10 p.m. Three days of rides, games, food, and fun for the entire family. Raffles, cake wheel, and entertainment! www.visitgreaterlima.com.

JUN. 6–JUL. 26 – Lima Locos Home Games, Simmons Field, 616 Heindel Ave., Lima. $4–$6. The Locos are a member of the Great Lakes Summer Collegiate League, providing minor league-level competition for NCAA players who wish to continue on into professional baseball. See their complete schedule online at www.limalocos.net.

JUN. 7 – Annual Public Car Show, Lima Auto Mall, 2200 N. Cable Rd., Lima, 10 a.m.–3 p.m. Registration opens at 10 a.m. ($10 fee); dash plaques for the first 250 registered. Free for spectators. Open to all makes and models of cars, trucks, and motorcycles. Awards at 3 p.m. Food trucks, 50/50 and special raffles, door prizes, kids’ activities, DJ, and fun for all! Email jdg4635@yahoo.com or call 419-231-3710.

JUN. 14 – Kernel Creations Workshop, Shirley’s Gourmet Popcorn, 117 S. Main St., Bluffton, 2–4 p.m. Ages 10+. $65. Immerse yourself in this fun and exciting DIY experience. Includes a tour of the production facility, making your own flavor of popcorn, and more! www.shirleyspopcorn.com/collections/ featured-flavor/products/shirleys-kettle-creations-diyexperience?.

THROUGH NOV. 27 – Athens Farmers Market, Athens Community Center, 701 E. State St., Athens, Wed. 9 a.m.–noon. Open year-round Sat. 9 a.m.– noon. 740-593-6763, www.athensfarmersmarket. org, or www.facebook.com/afm.ohio.

MAY 17 – Day of Enchantment, Wheeling Avenue, Cambridge, 11 a.m.–2 p.m. $25 per child. Children will be greeted by princesses, princes, fairies, and pirates. Ride in Cinderella’s carriage, get your photo with all the characters, enjoy a craft project, and more. Royal gift for each participant. Pre-registration required: www.downtowncambridge.com.

MAY 22 – Navy Night, downtown Ironton, 7 p.m.

Memorial service held at the Center Street landing

NORTHWEST

MAY 2025 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING

39

MEMBER INTERACTIVE

1

Day 1­­ — Congratulations to Lance Abel on graduating from Bloom-Carroll High School, class of 2025. Angela Abel,

4

South Central Power Company member

2­­— My daughter, the graduate: Alexis Runge. Rena Pitney, Butler Rural Electric Cooperative member

3­­— 2024 Ottawa-Glandorf High School graduate Matt with his parents, Andy and Stephanie Schroeder. Stephanie Schroeder, Paulding Putnam Electric Cooperative member

2

4­­— Our son, Jordan, Ansonia High School class of 2024, and our daughter, Mariah, BSN from Wright State Lake Campus, also class of 2024. James Troutwine, Darke Rural Electric Cooperative member

5­­— My daughter, Viola, an excited preschool graduate. Joyce Davis, Hancock-Wood

5

Electric Cooperative member

6­­— My granddaughter Evelyn (age 5), proudly showing me her new wristband from Jackson Center School Pre-K graduation last year. Diana Aiken, Pioneer Electric Cooperative member

Send us

3

YOUR picture!

For August, send “Smiley dogs” by May 15; for September, send “Campfire treats” by June 15.

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

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

40

OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • MAY 2025

6

Call before you dig!

Know what’s below—dial 811 before any project that requires digging.

ohioec.org/purpose

Underground utilities, such as gas, water, and electric lines, can be a shovel thrust away from turning a spring project into a disaster. Play it safe by dialing 811 three days before digging to find out where utility lines run on your property. It’s free, fast—and may save a life!

ADA