Ohio Cooperative Living – September 2023 - Firelands

Keeping electricity AFFORDABLE

Each day brings its new challenges and Ohio’s electric cooperatives help you power through them all. We have tools to help you use less energy and save more money with small, simple changes around your home. We are dedicated to delivering safe, reliable, affordable, and environmentally responsible power to our members.

INSIDE

FEATURES

22 SMALL TOWN, BIG SOUNDS

Tiny Gallipolis is home to one of the nation’s most unlikely symphonic success stories.

26 BACK IN TIME

The Ohio Renaissance Festival is a mecca of history-meets-fantasy escapism.

30 THE AMAZING FRED NORTON

A student, athlete, and war hero from long ago goes down in history as one of Ohio State’s all-time greats.

OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • SEPTEMBER 2023

Cover image on most editions: Thomas Nader and his crew of jousters from Combatant’s Keep are among the most popular attractions at the Ohio Renaissance Festival (photo by Jeff Rooks/ Checkmate Photography, courtesy of the Ohio Renaissance Festival). This page: The inside of the Ariel Theater in Gallipolis, once abandoned and covered in bird droppings, has been restored to its original splendor. It’s been the home of the Ohio Valley Symphony since 1990.

Safety first

Electricity runs (or can run) nearly everything in our lives. It’s such an integral part of our everyday lives, in fact, that we rarely even think about all the benefits that electric service brings to our homes and businesses every minute of every day.

At the same time, it’s even less often that we consider how dangerous electric current can be without proper safety practices and precautions; improvements to the safety features found in everything from major appliances to basic household wiring let us take advantage of all those benefits without much of a thought. But because of that potential danger, safety is always top of mind at your electric cooperative.

Electricity is produced at our power plants and transmitted around the state at very high voltages — up to 345,000 volts. At such high voltages, it’s almost impossible to safely approach energized electrical equipment. In order to distribute that power throughout the communities we serve, co-ops use transformers to step down the high-voltage current, typically to between 7,200 and 12,000 volts. At that level, the systems can be safely managed — by highly trained lineworkers and technicians using specialized equipment. When the stepped-down current reaches closer to your home, another set of transformers again lowers the voltage, this time to the more familiar 120 or 240 volts that we use in our households. But even at these lower voltages, electricity is still extremely hazardous, which is why the conductors that carry it in our communities are either attached to overhead poles or buried underground in insulated cable — either way, the system is designed to be located safely away from potential contact by the public. Of course, it’s not foolproof; things like large equipment, improperly placed ladders or lifts, traffic accidents, or even poorly located trees can potentially lead to a high-voltage contact.

That’s where precaution and safety training come to our aid.

Electric cooperatives spend significant time and effort on safety training, and they go out of their way to create public awareness — helping people avoid hazardous situations if they can, and showing them how to react when it’s unavoidable. Our story this month about the mobile safety training unit that folks can see at Farm Science Review each September has some great information on electrical safety. I encourage you to read the story on page 4, and if you’re planning to attend the Farm Science Review this year, check out one of the safety demonstrations at our Ohio’s Electric Cooperatives building on the grounds there.

Much thought and decades of experience have come together to allow us to safely enjoy the benefits of electric service nearly anywhere. Fortunately, most of us never have to give it a second thought. But safety never just happens. It’s an intentional outcome of rigorous standards, thorough testing, and continual training.

Hope you all enjoy a relaxing and safe Labor Day weekend.

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

Safety never just happens. It’s an intentional outcome of rigorous standards, thorough testing, and continual training.

Ohio Rural Electric Cooperatives

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

www.ohiocoopliving.com

Patrick O’Loughlin President & CEO

Caryn Whitney Director of Communications

Jeff McCallister Managing Editor

Amy Howat Associate Editor

Crystal Pomeroy Graphic Designer

Contributors: Jodi Borger, Colleen Romick Clark, Getty Images, W.H. “Chip” Gross, Gary Meszaros, Catherine Murray, James Proffitt, Theresa Ravencraft, Jeff Rooks, and Kevin Williams. OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING (USPS 134-760; ISSN 2572-049X) is published monthly by Ohio Rural Electric Cooperatives, Inc. It is the official communication link between the electric cooperatives in Ohio and West Virginia and their members. Subscription cost for members ranges from $5.52 to $6.96 per year, paid from equity accruing to the member.

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

DEPARTMENTS

4 POWER LINES

Safety first: Farm Science Review lets co-ops get their electrical safety message out to the masses.

8 WOODS, WATERS, AND WILDLIFE

Meat eaters: Ohio’s bogs and fens are home to some strange natural phenomena, and some of the strangest are carnivorous plants.

10 CO-OP PEOPLE

A trip down memory lane: Co-op members develop innovative technology that improves the quality of life for aging adults.

13 GOOD EATS

Crack open a cold one: A bit of brewski adds a bold burst to this robust bill of fare.

17 LOCAL PAGES

News and other important information from your electric cooperative.

33 CALENDAR

National/regional advertising inquiries, contact Cheryl Solomon

American MainStreet Publications

847-749-4875 | cheryl@amp.coop

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

Alliance for Audited Media Member

8

10

13

What’s happening: September/ October events and other things to do around Ohio.

36 MEMBER INTERACTIVE

Strike up the band: Members show off their musical sides. Visit

33

36

Lasting lessons

Farm Science Review lets Ohio’s co-ops get their safety message out to the masses.

BY JEFF MCCALLISTER

It’s not unusual for the crew of lineworkers from Lancaster-based South Central Power Company to hang around and make small talk with attendees after they’ve finished their hourly live-wire safety demonstrations at the annual Farm Science Review in London.

The demonstrations have been a staple outside the Ohio’s Electric Cooperatives Education Building on the grounds of the Molly Caran Agricultural Center in London for years. They always draw crowds, and the crowds are rewarded with an entertaining yet dramatic reminder about the need for safe practices around electrical lines. But last year, the crew noticed an individual waiting for them who clearly had something urgent on his mind.

“Our guys are really good about making sure they answer everyone’s questions, and they’ll stick around as long as they need to,” says Candi Fisher, member engagement coordinator at South Central Power, who coordinates the mobile safety demonstrations for the co-op. “They could tell this older gentleman wanted to talk to them and so they went over to say hello.”

“You saved my life,” the man said.

“That’s not something you hear every day,” Fisher says. “But he was very insistent. He made a special trip there that day to thank the guys who had saved his life.”

As they chatted further, the man told the lineworkers that he had been driving when the car ahead of him swerved into a utility pole and brought power lines down just feet away from his car.

Worried about a possible fire, the man knew he needed to get away from his vehicle, but he recalled one specific part of the demonstration he had witnessed at Farm Science Review the previous year.

“They always stress that the safest place for you when you’re in an accident that involves power lines is inside the vehicle,” Fisher says. “He was worried about a fire, though, and remembered the next part: If you do have to get out, jump out and land with both feet together, then bunny-hop away until you can’t do it anymore.”

The man told the lineworkers that if he hadn’t seen that demonstration, he would have gotten out and run away from the car, which, if the ground is energized by a downed line — he later found that it was — can send a fatal charge through a person’s body in an instant.

South Central Power’s Live Line Demonstration Unit, housed and transported from place to place in a box trailer, makes appearances for law enforcement and safety authorities, civic groups, and high school students throughout the community during the course of a year.

A small crowd gathers next to the Ohio’s Electric Cooperatives Education Building during the Farm Science Review to watch South Central Power Company’s live line safety demonstration. Lineworkers use a fullly energized power wire to show the potential dangers of electrical contact — including the use of a hot dog to show what can happen if human skin touches a power line (below).

Continued from page 5

But by far its largest audience is attendees at Farm Science Review, which draws more than 100,000 visitors to the three-day event. The crew puts on five 20-minute demonstrations each day (weather permitting).

“We know that these demonstrations help keep people safe and protected, and we do it because, as a cooperative, we genuinely care about our communities and our members,” Fisher says. “It helps reinforce to people that they need to respect those lines. When people see that demonstration live and in person, it spurs a core memory, and that can be a lifesaver.”

The live line unit was designed and built by South Central Power employees. It consists of three portable poles connected by 30 feet of primary wire, with transformers at either end and a breaker on the middle pole. It’s powered by 7,200 volts of electricity — the actual amount of current that flows through power lines in most communities. The lineworkers show some of the real dangers of electricity and the safety practices that are used to prevent tragedies.

“A real eye-opener for most people is when we show them how leather gloves, tennis shoes, and most automobile tires don’t protect against the electricity that flows through electric lines,” Fisher says. “I think maybe the most powerful one is when they electrify a hot dog, and it

Join us

Ohio electric cooperative members can enter to win a $100 bill credit when they attend Farm Science Review. Just complete the entry form on the inside back cover of the August or September issue of Ohio Cooperative Living and bring it to the OEC Education building on Wheat Street, between gates C and D (originals only; no reproductions).

looks, sounds, and smells very similar to what happens when human skin comes in contact with a line. You really hold onto that in your memory.”

Farm Science Review, Molly Caran Agricultural Center, 135 State Route 38, London, OH. 8 a.m.–5 p.m. Sept. 19–20 and 8 a.m.– 4 p.m. Sept. 21. Tickets are $10 in advance online at www.fsr.osu.edu, at most Ohio agribusinesses, or at any Ohio State University county extension office, or $15 at the gate. Children 5 and under admitted free.

Each September, thousands of visitors from across the state and around the country attend the Farm Science Review, where they can stop by the Ohio’s Electric Cooperatives building and watch cooking demos, pick up giveaways such as rain gauges and yardsticks, get energy-saving tips, and, of course, eat free popcorn.

CRUISE CLOSE TO HOME ® along the Columbia & Snake Rivers

Follow Lewis and Clark’s epic 19th-century expedition along the Columbia and Snake Rivers aboard the newest riverboats in the region. Enjoy unique shore excursions, scenic landscapes, and talented onboard experts who bring history to life.

Small Ship Cruising Done Perfectly ®

WOODS, WATERS, AND WILDLIFE

M e a t

It took more than 6,000 years for the last ice sheet, the Wisconsin Glacier, to spread across what is now Lake Erie and Ohio, at an average rate of about 160 feet per year. In doing so, it set the stage for peatland ecosystems — bogs and fens (see sidebar at left if you don’t know what they are) — to make their appearance in the Great Lakes region.

Those bogs and fens, as it turned out, became habitats for some strange natural phenomena, says Guy Denny, author of Peatlands of Ohio and the Southern Great Lakes Region (Kent State University Press, 2022) and one of the Buckeye State’s leading naturalists.

“Even into medieval times, bogs and fens remained mystical and frightening places,” says Denny, a member of Mount Gilead-based Consolidated Cooperative. “Fueling

Spatulate-leaved sundew

The fleshy leaves of sundew are covered with glandular tentacles tipped with droplets of sticky secretions. “The common name ‘sundew’ is in reference to how the droplets glisten in sunlight, resembling morning dew,” Denny says. “The sweet and very sticky substance topping the tips of the tentacles attract and then entangle insect prey.”

Bogs and fens?

If you don’t know the difference between a bog and a fen, this little saying might help: “Fens flush and bogs back up.” It means that fens are sustained by underground water sources, such as a mineralrich spring; bogs, on the other hand, depend upon precipitation or surface water to replenish them.

The more the prey struggles, the more tentacles bend over to further entrap it. Slowly, the tentacles force the prey downward onto the surface of the leaf, which at the same time folds over the prey. On the surface of the leaf are glands that secrete digestive enzymes. Ultimately all the process leaves behind is the indigestible chitinous material that once formed the exoskeleton.

Denny says the entire process takes from three to 20 minutes, depending upon the size of prey. The sundew leaf then slowly reopens to repeat the process with its next unlucky insect victim.

PHOTOS BY GARY MESZAROS

eaters

Check out Ohio’s carniv ous wild plan

some of those fears was a natural phenomenon known as ‘willo’-the-wisp’ or ‘jack-o’-lantern’ — a mysterious, fl ickering light often observed hovering and moving around at night within bogs, swamps, and marshes.

“In folklore, they were thought to be nefarious ghostly spirits,” says Denny, who was inducted into the Ohio Department of Natural Resources Hall of Fame in 2021. “In reality, it was small amounts of methane gas escaping into the atmosphere from the anaerobic decay of peat.”

That spooky otherworldliness seems to make those bogs and fens the perfect setting to find another of Ohio’s other slightly scary natural phenomena that reside there: carnivorous plants. But not to worry — the specially adapted flora only prey upon insects, not humans.

Northern pitcher plant

Pitcher plants, as their name implies, have a basal rosette of colorful pitcher-like leaves incredibly well designed for attracting, trapping, and consuming insects. “Upon landing on the collar of a leaf, prey, such as a wasp, hangs on while lapping up nectar, which, by some accounts, contains an intoxicant that seems to disorient its victim,” Denny says. There’s an ample supply of sweet nectar, but the surface also contains hundreds of stiff, downward-pointing bristles, directing the victim into the depths of the leaf. Just below the bristle zone is a smooth, slippery surface, where the prey eventually loses its footing.

Microscopic magnification shows the slick zone is made up of special cells laid down one atop the other, like shingles on a roof. The cells are both sticky and easily dislodged. As the victim struggles to keep from sliding further into the plant, cells break off and adhere to its feet and body, weighing it down and accelerating its plunge into the liquid contents of the pitcher-like leaf. The prey eventually drowns and sinks to the bottom of the pitcher, where it is digested and its nutrients absorbed into the plant.

BY THERESA RAVENCRAFT; PHOTOS COURTESY OF LIFEBIO, INC.

We all take a trip down memory lane once in a while, reminiscing about special times and meaningful life events. Beth Sanders, founder of LifeBio, has made it her mission to document those trips — to improve the quality of life for older adults by preserving their family history, one life story at a time.

It started in the 1990s. Sanders’ grandmother, Margaret Stitzinger, had early-stage dementia, so Sanders decided to conduct an interview with her to learn more about the family. What she found were vivid memories, such as the flu epidemic of 1918; growing up in Erie, Pennsylvania; and getting married.

“I didn’t know my grandma as much as I thought I should,” says Sanders, a member of URE–Union Rural Electric Cooperative in Marysville. “It was like discovering gold. I could have lost that information if I hadn’t taken the time to really talk to her.” Sanders compiled her grandmother’s biography and passed it along to family members at the funeral after her grandmother died a few years later.

That experience helped her realize two things: first, that she proudly came from a long line of strong, influential women; second, how important it was to engage with her grandmother, listen to her story, and record her family history before it was lost forever. “Listening is good for all of us,” Sanders says. “When they tell their story, it gives them purpose. There’s a reason they’re here.”

Sanders knew she could help aging adults improve the quality of their lives simply by helping them tell their life stories. It became her passion, which she turned into LifeBio in 2000.

The company initially focused on capturing life stories using journals and an online biography system. Since then, LifeBio, located in Marysville, has grown into a health-tech company, developing apps that are used by seniors, health care workers, health systems, and educators.

Today, LifeBio employs more than 45 people in 10 states and works with major health care plans

LifeBio uses a simple app interface to allow relatives to record stories and memories that otherwise might be lost.

nationwide to provide memory-care services.

“We have to know people to deliver the best quality care for them,” Sanders says. “For us, it’s about the process, not the product.”

Her husband, Jeff, is LifeBio’s chief technology officer. He builds and oversees the company’s apps and works with the technology team to develop and introduce new initiatives. Together, they have developed three main programs for use in memory care.

MyHello is a social support program designed to reduce loneliness. It’s funded by a national health care plan. “Incredible technology has enabled us to connect people to each other,” Sanders says. “They sign up online or by phone, answer a few questions, and are matched with another participant. Then once per week for 13 weeks, the participants call each other at a designated time to share life experiences.”

MyHello aims to foster a feeling of connection, which in turn reduces depression. “We have done clinical studies that prove we reduce depression and

increase happiness by connecting people who can share stories and reminisce with one another,” Sanders says.

The LifeBio Memory app prompts users with a series of questions, encouraging them to recount life moments, and records and transcribes their responses. The app is the result of a substantial grant from the National Institute on Aging to improve the quality of care for people with dementia.

They’re currently developing a third component called LifeBio Brain, an app that will be used as a 10-minute cognitive screening tool for dementia. “We have partnered with Brown University to move the test away from being a paper-and-pencil test to an interactive app for users,” she says.

And there is more on the horizon. The Sanderses are looking to further expand the company and develop additional memory care initiatives.

“My legacy is helping others realize their legacy,” she says, “thus helping people experience more love, hope, and peace.”

“It was like discovering gold. I could have lost that information if I hadn’t taken the time to really talk to her.”

Beth and Jeff Sanders

Beth Sanders (shown in the photo at right with her mother, daughter, and grandmother) was inspired by conversations she had with her grandmother, Margaret Stitzinger, to develop LifeBio, a company whose mission it is to help people preserve the types of stories that come from those conversations.

The Reservation Loophole That Steakhouses Hate.

No Reservation? No Problem!

Whether you’re toasting a special occasion, celebrating a holiday, planning a date night, or simply craving an unforgettable meal, getting reservations at your local steakhouse is no easy feat. Luckily for you, we’ve got the insider tip you need to skip the waitlist and get the best seat in the house every time.

Your wallet is going to love this hack as much as your taste buds, because the hottest new steakhouse is in your kitchen and you’re always on the VIP list! Make the everyday extraordinary with a freezer full of world-famous, 100% guaranteed-perfect (or your money back) Omaha Steaks.

With gourmet proteins that are hand-selected and expertly trimmed by master butchers, extra-aged for more flavor and tenderness, and flash-frozen at their most delicious until you’re ready to enjoy, it’s never been a better time to bring the steakhouse home.

Crack open a cold one

A bit of brewski adds a bold burst to this robust bill of fare.

CATHERINE MURRAY

SLOW COOKER GERMAN BRATWURST

Prep: 15 minutes | Cook: 6 to 8 hours | Servings: 4

1 small yellow onion, cut in half through the root, then sliced

32 ounces sauerkraut, drained

12 ounces German beer

1 tart apple, cut into wedges

½ teaspoon caraway seeds

¼ teaspoon black pepper

5 bratwurst (1 to 1½ pounds)

In a 7-quart slow cooker, mix onion, sauerkraut, beer, apple, caraway seeds, and pepper. In a large skillet, brown bratwurst over medium-high heat on each side. (They need only be browned, not cooked through.)

Transfer brats to slow cooker, nestling them down into the sauerkraut mixture. Cover with lid and cook on low 6 to 8 hours. Serve hot.

Per serving: 394 calories, 25 grams fat (9 grams saturated fat), 65 milligrams cholesterol, 939 milligrams sodium, 19 grams total carbohydrates, 7 grams fiber, 16 grams protein.

RECIPES AND PHOTOGRAPHS BY

BEER CHEESE FONDUE

Prep: 20 minutes | Servings: 4

1 tablespoon butter

1 clove garlic, minced

½ teaspoon dry mustard

8 ounces lager beer

4 ounces medium cheddar cheese, hand shredded

4 ounces Gouda, Gruyère, or Emmenthaler cheese, hand shredded

2 tablespoons flour or cornstarch

Melt butter in a medium pot over medium heat. Add minced garlic and dry mustard and cook 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in beer and bring to a rolling simmer over medium-high heat. Toss shredded cheese in flour, then gradually add a handful at a time to the beer mixture, constantly whisking and letting each handful melt before adding more. If cheese starts to stick to the bottom of the pot, lower heat. If fondue becomes too thick, whisk in a bit more beer. Transfer mixture to a fondue pot over a heat source (such as a Sterno pot or candle). Serve immediately — beer cheese fondue pairs well with pretzels, cubed bread, apples, carrots, broccoli, and radishes.

Per serving: 282 calories, 20 grams fat (13 grams saturated fat), 70 milligrams cholesterol, 431 milligrams sodium, 6 grams total carbohydrates, 0 grams fiber, 15 grams protein.

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

www.ohiocoopliving.com

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

GINGERBREAD STOUT CAKE

BEER-BRAISED PORK CARNITAS

Prep: 25 minutes | Cook: 2½ hours | Servings: 6

2 tablespoons cumin

2 tablespoons oregano

1 teaspoon chili powder

1 teaspoon salt

3-pound pork shoulder

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 large yellow onion, sliced

4 cloves garlic, smashed

12 ounces of beer (lager or Pilsner-style)

½ cup orange juice

2 tablespoons lime juice

1 ancho chili in adobo sauce, chopped

In a small bowl, combine cumin, oregano, chili powder, and salt. Rub pork shoulder with spice mix, then sear in a skillet with olive oil over medium-high heat for 2 to 3 minutes per side. Transfer to a roasting pan, placing fat side up. In the same skillet, sauté onions 5 to 7 minutes until starting to caramelize, then add garlic and stir another minute. Turn off heat and pour in the beer. Loosen all the small bits at the bottom with a spoon, then mix in the orange juice, lime juice, and ancho chili. Pour mixture into the roasting pan and cover with aluminum foil.

Heat oven to 350 F and cook 2 hours, then remove aluminum foil and cook an additional 30 minutes. Pork is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165 F. Let sit to cool 15 minutes or so. Shred pork in the roasting pan, removing all the bones and fat, then return shredded pork to the roasting pan with the onions and cooking liquid and mix well. Turn oven to broil and place roasting pan on top rack for 2 to 3 minutes, then stir and broil another minute or two. The goal is to have tender, juicy shredded pork with golden-brown crispy bits on the ends.

Serve with favorite taco ingredients. (Shown with street taco flour tortillas, fresh cilantro, queso fresco, and lime wedges.)

Per serving: 679 calories, 27 grams fat (9 grams saturated fat), 102 milligrams cholesterol, 474 milligrams sodium, 29 grams total carbohydrates, 2 grams fiber, 30 grams protein.

DANGER ZONE

Proper line clearance important for everyone’s safety

When adding a new structure to your property, there are many factors to take into consideration: Is this a do-it-yourself job or should you hire a contractor? What will the dimensions of the completed project be? Which materials should be used?

Another question you must ask yourself — and one that is often overlooked — is whether the distance between the proposed construction and the nearest overhead power line is adequate. Whether you’re building a barn or garage, erecting grain bins, or installing a swimming pool, Firelands Electric Cooperative wants to emphasize to our members that skipping this key step can be extremely dangerous, and even deadly.

The stats

According to the Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI), contact with overhead power lines by a person or equipment resulted in 582 work-related fatalities between 2011 and 2021. This represents 45 7% of the total work-related fatalities that occurred during this same time period. Of these fatal contacts, 69% happened to those in non-electrical occupations.

In addition, the National Ag Safety Database says that an average of 62 farm workers are electrocuted every year, with the most common cause being contact with overhead power lines. Even more startling is the fact that none of the above statistics includes nonwork-related fatalities, burns, or other injuries attributed to overhead power line contacts.

Build smart

For your safety, and that of your family, neighbors, and community, it’s important to adhere to the guidelines established by the National Electrical Safety Code (NESC) and Firelands Electric

Continued on page 18

Dan McNaull GENERAL MANAGER

Minimum of 20 feet from widest part of pole to barn wall

Minimum of 20 feet from widest part of pole to porches, balconies, awnings or other architectural elements and from house wall or roof overhang

Continued from page 17

Cooperative when putting up any structure. Buildings, swimming pools, ponds, and grain bins should not have any lines running overhead. (The only exception is the service drop that is connected to a service mast and provides power to a building.)

When it comes to overhead power lines and utility poles positioned alongside a barn, garage, or shed, maintain a distance of at least 20 feet. This also applies to the space between a balcony, awning, or other protruding architectural element. The lateral distance needed between a grain bin and power lines varies, depending upon the bin’s height, the type of auger, and proximity to the roadway.

*These measurements are provided as general guidelines only. Members planning to add any type of grain storage on their property should contact the co-op prior to installation for guidelines specific to their situation.

While the graphics included with this article depict basic power line clearance requirements, Firelands Electric always encourages members to contact the cooperative before they break ground on a new project. Taking this extra step before you build could prevent the need for expensive changes in the future.

If you are considering construction projects such as a swimming pool, grain bin, building addition, or outbuilding, or even relocating existing ones, please first contact the cooperative’s Operations Department at 1 -800 -533 -8658 . Our engineering operations coordinator is happy to meet with you and assist in the safe planning of your project. Firelands Electric is here to help you maintain a safe environment for you and your family — and to prevent mistakes that could endanger lives.

The required distance between the widest part of a utility pole to a grain bin depends upon several factors, including the bin’s height.

Minimum of 20 feet from widest part of pole to barn wall 55 feet 80 feet 104 feet 143 feet 193 feet

pole to porches, other architectural house Minimum distance from pole to bin*

required widest part of bin depends including FIRELANDS ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE LOCAL PAGES 18  OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • SEPTEMBER 2023

SAFETY

PRACTICE AND PREPARATION

Linemen complete annual pole-top rescue training

A lineman’s education does not stop when he reaches the level of journeyman. Linemen continue to take frequent refresher courses and attend classes to learn the latest technology and procedures in the industry. Firelands Electric’s line crews also participate in regular safety training, both at the co-op and through our statewide organization, Ohio’s Electric Cooperatives.

In June, the cooperative’s linemen completed their yearly pole-top rescue training. Intended to prepare Firelands’ linemen in case of an emergency, this training simulates a situation in which a fellow crew member experiences a medical emergency and needs help getting down from the top of a utility pole. The training also includes rescuing another lineman from an extended bucket truck, as well as a CPR refresher.

While we hope they will never need to use this training in the field, Firelands Electric’s linemen understand that this type of emergency is a reality in their line of work. And they recognize that practicing for this potential scenario is the best preparation for safely handling an emergency.

To view additional photos from this year’s pole-top rescue training, visit our Flickr gallery at www.flickr.com/photos/ firelandsec/albums.

FIRELANDS ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE

WOULD YOUR HOME PASS INSPECTION?

Electricity is such an integral part of our daily lives that we rarely give it much thought. This also makes it easy to overlook just how dangerous it can be. In fact, electricity is the third leading cause of household fires in the U.S. Improper use of electricity or ignoring damaged equipment can also lead to serious injury, such as shock or burns, or even death.

Let’s take a look at some of the staggering statistics* on electrical fires, injuries, and deaths:

• More than 50,000 home electrical fires occur each year, resulting in roughly 500 deaths and 1,400 injuries.

•About 3,300 of these fires are caused by extension cords, which account for about 50 deaths and 270 injuries.

•Electrical outlets cause 40 deaths, 100 injuries, and 5,300 fires annually.

•Portable heaters are the source of 1,400 house fires each year, resulting in 50 deaths and 120 injuries.

Thankfully, the majority of electrical hazards can be avoided. By using this checklist to inspect your home and implementing some simple safety measures, you can better protect your home and family.

Use the checklist on the next page to see how your home measures up.

*Statistics from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, the Electrical Safety Foundation International, and the National Fire Protection Association.

EMPLOYEE MILESTONE Melissa Wilson — 5 years

Melissa Wilson celebrates five years with Firelands Electric Co-op this month. She joined the operations department as an engineering data analyst in 2018 and was promoted to the position of engineering and operations data coordinator in August 2020.

One of Melissa’s primary responsibilities is maintaining and updating the cooperative’s digital mapping system, which contains location information and details about the poles, transformers, wires, and other equipment that bring power to Firelands’ members.

Melissa also handles pole contacts, where she processes the paperwork needed to ensure that other utility connections on Firelands Electric’s poles (such as cable and internet companies) are properly recorded and that the co-op receives compensation for the use of its poles.

Melissa also assists with numerous internal IT duties at Firelands.

Helping to provide an essential service to the community is Melissa’s favorite aspect of working at Firelands. “It’s rewarding to know that the work we do every day here at the cooperative impacts so many people and businesses,” Melissa says.

Melissa and her husband, Josh, have been married for 22 years and live in the New London area. The couple have three children, Peyton, Paige, and Pailee. When not at the co-op, Melissa enjoys supporting her children’s many activities, as well as spending time with family and friends.

Melissa Wilson ENGINEERING AND OPERATIONS DATA COORDINATOR

accountabilityintegrityinnovationcommunity commitment

Home electrical safety checklist

Inspect your home for the scenarios below and make any necessary changes right away to keep your home and family safe. As always, never try to tackle a project beyond your skill level. And if you are unsure, contact a professional.

Electrical cords:

☐Do any cords show signs of damage? Are they cracked, loose, or frayed? If so, replace the cord and/or the device it is connected to.

☐Are there cords that are pinched or folded in doors or windows, or under heavy furniture? Relocate them to prevent damage, which can cause electric shock or a fire hazard.

☐Do any cords run across doorways, under rugs, or in other high-traffic areas? Move them to a safer location.

☐Are any cords held in place with staples or nails?Remove the fasteners and examine the cord for damage. Replace the cord if needed.

☐Do you rely on extension cords on a daily basis? Extension cords are meant to be temporary. If need be, have a professional install additional outlets in your home.

Wall outlets and switches:

☐Are any outlets or switches missing faceplates? Do they have cracks or other damage? If so, replace them.

☐Do any outlets have several items plugged in using a multi-plug block? Overloaded outlets overheat and create a fire hazard. If you don’t have enough outlets for all of your electronic devices, contact a certified electrician to install additional ones.

☐Does your home use “regular” outlets in the kitchen, bath, laundry, or other areas near water. If so, arrange to have ground-fault circuit interrupters, or GFCI outlets, installed. These outlets check for dangerous ground faults by monitoring for discrepancies between the incoming and outgoing current. If an anomaly is found, the outlet interrupts the flow of electricity to prevent electric shock.

☐ Are there kitchen appliances, space heaters, hair-care devices, power tools, or other large electrical devices plugged into a power strip? This can lead to overheating or a fire, so always plug these types of appliances directly into the outlet.

☐Do your outlets or switches have discoloration, produce a burning smell, or give you a mild tingling sensation when touched? Call a professional electrician to have them checked for faulty wiring or other hazards.

☐Consider installing arc-fault circuit interrupter (AFCI) outlets, which shut off electricity if it is arcing, or “jumping” between two connectors.

Portable space heaters:

☐ Is a heater located closer than three feet from curtains, furniture, or other combustibles? Find a flat, stable surface at a safe distance to relocate it.

☐Do you have space heaters without tip-over protection? Replace the unit with one that has this important safety feature.

Electrical system:

☐Do you have frequent issues with blown fuses or tripped circuit breakers? What about flickering or dimming lights? Call a professional electrician right away to have your home’s electrical system evaluated for potential problems.

This list is not meant to be all-inclusive, but it does explain how to spot — and correct — some of the most common electrical safety hazards in your home. For additional electrical safety information, visit the Electrical Safety Foundation International at www.esfi.org or the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission at www.cpsc.gov.

FIRELANDS ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE

OUTAGE PLANNING

for those who rely on medical equipment

Firelands Electric Cooperative cares deeply about the health and safety of the people in our community, and we realize that some of our members’ health is dependent on having a steady supply of electricity. As much as we would like to promise that power will always be available every moment of every day, unavoidable outages due to severe weather, vehicle accident, or transmission outage could leave you without electricity. While Firelands’ crews can often restore power quickly, sometimes the amount and type of damage could lead to an extended outage. We encourage all our members — especially those with specific health needs — to have an emergency plan in place in the event of a power outage.

Details to consider:

•Talk with family and friends about what you would do if a prolonged power outage occurred. Do you have an alternative place to stay? Does your town or city have an emergency shelter?

•Many medical devices use electricity or are batterydependent, including breathing machines, power wheelchairs, oxygen, and home dialysis equipment. Read the instructions and talk to the equipment suppliers about backup power options.

•If your devices are battery-operated, make sure you have extras on hand.

•Check backup batteries, as unused rechargeable batteries need to be charged periodically. Portable

battery packs can supply hours of backup energy, but only if they are kept fully charged.

•Talk with your doctor or pharmacist about any medications that need to be refrigerated. If the power goes out, a refrigerator should hold its temperature for two to four hours if the door is kept closed. However, it’s essential that you and your family members know the requirements for your specific medications. Find out how long medication can be safely kept outside of the refrigerator and know how to quickly replace those that are no longer usable.

• Keep your cellphone charged so that you can call for help or be reached by someone else, in the case of an emergency.

Backup generators

Consider whether your medical needs require investing in a generator. If so, you will want to purchase one with at least enough wattage to cover your essential electrical needs in the event of a power outage.

Standby generators are connected directly to your home’s wiring and are typically powered by natural gas or propane. They will start automatically when the power goes out. An approved generator transfer switch, which keeps your generator separated from the electric co-op’s power supply, must be installed by a professional. This is both a requirement of the National Electrical Code and is necessary to ensure the safety of the co-op’s linemen, your family, and your home.

Portable generators are usually gaspowered and can be moved around. Always place a portable generator outside of your home and garage, away from windows and doors. Make sure to keep enough fuel on hand to last at least 24 hours.

If you have questions regarding power outages, contact Firelands Electric at 1-800-533-8658.

If you rely on health equipment that requires electricity, it’s extremely important to work with your medical provider to develop an emergency power outage plan.

CO-OP CONTESTS with a

LINEMAN Lunch

Local students win a behind-the-scenes look at co-op

Three elementary students recently had the unique opportunity to take a private tour of Firelands Electric Cooperative and eat lunch with some of our linemen.

During the month of May, as part of National Electrical Safety Month, Firelands Electric sponsored a contest for children in kindergarten through fifth grade to help teach them the importance of lineman safety equipment. Those who correctly identified at least six of eight pieces of equipment had their names entered into a drawing for a special day at the cooperative.

Students and their adult guests spent the morning of July 26 touring the cooperative’s facilities in New London. They had the chance to get an up-close look at bucket trucks, diggers, safety clothing and equipment, transformers, and much more. Following a pizza lunch with several members of the cooperative’s line crews, the winners were also able to watch a couple of linemen practice pole climbing. Each winner went home with a bag of electrical safety activities, Firelands swag, and his or her own junior lineman hard hat.

“Our annual electrical safety contest is a wonderful way to connect with our younger members,” says Communications and Member Relations Specialist Tracy Gibb. “And this year’s lunch with a lineman provided an excellent opportunity for the students to really get some one-onone time with the cooperative’s line crews and other staff.”

Additional photos from the lunch with a lineman event are available in the co-op’s photo gallery at www.flickr.com/photos/ firelandsec/albums.

Congratulations to the three contest winners (l-r):

•Jaidun Kemp – fifth grade, son of Chris and Bethany Smith of New London

•Sawyer Howell – third grade, daughter of Andy and Allison Howell of Mansfield

•Lyrica Steele – second grade, daughter of Paul Steele and Lyra Shelton of Willard

PhotoGallery

To view additional photos from Firelands Electric Cooperative’s recent events, visit www.flickr.com/ photos/firelandsec/albums

On June 28, Firelands Electric’s Andrea Gravenhorst, Bob Stokes, and Tracy Gibb spent the morning with students in grades K-4 as part of New London FFA’s safety town program. Participants played electrical safety bingo, watched a video about the potential dangers of electricity in their home, experimented with plasma balls, and took part in a safety demo.

Over the July Fourth weekend, several Firelands employees celebrated by participating in the Greenwich, Norwalk, and Rochester parades. A big thank you to them and their families for representing the cooperative.

YOUTH PROGRAMS

2020 ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE

Winners of July drawing receive Amazon gift cards

Education helps shape the leaders of tomorrow. That’s why Firelands Electric includes it as one of our seven core principles. The A Team is a cooperative program designed to encourage students in their pursuit of academic excellence. Students in grades 6 to 8 are invited to participate and be recognized for their hard work and dedication to education.

Send

How you can win

Students in grades 6–8 who have a minimum of three A’s on their most recent report card and whose parents or guardians are members of Firelands Electric Cooperative are eligible to apply. A copy of the report card should be submitted by mail to Attn: The A Team, Firelands Electric Cooperative, P.O. Box 32, New London, OH 44851. Report cards may also be emailed to members@firelandsec.com.

Be sure to include the student’s name, school, grade, address, phone number, parents’ name(s), and email address on your entry. Complete program details are also available at www.firelandsec.com/team.

Kaylee Lauber St. Joseph Catholic Middle School Daughter of Tyler and Annette Lauber

Baylee Schwab Seneca East Middle School Daughter of Matt and Jodi Schwab

Kaelyn Weaver Crestview Middle School Daughter of Dean and Becky Weaver

ENERGY EFFICIENCY ARE TANKLESS WATER HEATERS A WISE CHOICE?

While variations of the tankless water heater have existed for more than 100 years, they’ve become much more readily available over the past couple of decades. Water heating is the second largest energy cost in most households, making the tankless version’s reputation for e ciency appealing to many consumers. But is a tankless water heater the best choice for your home?

Like traditional storage tank-style water heaters, tankless versions can be powered by electricity or natural gas. Traditional models heat water to the desired temperature and then store it in a tank for later use. They must also occasionally run to maintain this temperature so that hot water is readily available. Tankless versions, on the other hand, operate on an “as needed” basis, passing the water through a heat exchanger before it travels through your faucet, showerhead, or clothes washer. This eliminates the need for the unit to “reheat” the water like a traditional water heater does, thus making the tankless unit use less energy. However, e ciency is just one of several important factors to take into consideration when deciding what type of water heater is right for your home. For starters, tankless water heaters have a higher upfront cost. Ten gallons-per-minute (GPM) is the size unit recommended for a family of four. To achieve this, you would likely need to install two five-GPM electric tankless units, which cost roughly twice as much as a standard 50-gallon electric storage tank-style unit. This cost difference can be further inflated by installation fees, since a tankless water heater may require an upgrade to your home’s electrical system or gas line in order

to handle the new technology. Some owners of electric tankless units have also reported dimming or flickering lights due to the increased draw of power.

The increased e ciency of a tankless unit may also not be worth the added upfront costs. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, a household using less than 40 gallons of hot water per day may see up to 34% greater energy e ciency with a tankless unit. Combined with a longer average lifespan of 20 years (compared to the traditional tank’s 10- to 15-year lifespan), a single tankless version’s payback may outweigh the higher upfront cost.

However, Consumer Reports found that most families are “heavy” users, requiring 80 gallons of hot water or more per day. This is the equivalent of about three showers, one load of laundry, one dishwasher cycle, and turning the faucet on multiple times. In this “heavy” use scenario, e ciency of a tankless unit is only 8% to 14% better than a traditional tank. Any small savings is essentially wiped out by the higher initial costs.

Also, keep in mind that many homes may require multiple tankless units to meet their hot water needs. A single unit is unlikely to be able to supply enough hot water for several simultaneous uses. For example, one tankless water heater can’t keep up if you are doing a load of laundry while someone else is taking a shower.

One final item to take into account is the maintenance of a tankless unit. Like a traditional water heater, tankless versions should have the sediment removed periodically. It’s recommended to have the heat exchanger and filter flushed at least

once a year — every six months or less if you have hard water. If you plan to flush the unit yourself, keep in mind that the process is a bit more complicated than with a traditional water heater, and that DIY kits cost anywhere from $100 to more than $250. If you hire a professional, the cost could be upwards of $300 per unit.

The bottom line is that tankless water heaters are well-suited for certain situations. If you don’t need to provide a large amount of hot water, such as for an outbuilding or a small addition to your home, and

you have water with little mineral content, a tankless unit may be perfect for the job. However, if you need to supply a larger amount of hot water, it’s important to take the above items into consideration before you make that leap.

If you would like additional information about the pros and cons of tankless water heaters, visit www. consumerreports.org/water-heaters/tankless-waterheaters-vs-storage-tank-water-heaters or www.energy. gov/energysaver/tankless-or-demand-type-water-heaters.

APPLIANCE WATTAGE CHART

How much energy do your appliances use? Check out the chart below for the average wattage of several common household appliances and how much they can cost to operate each month.

*Actual usage and monthly cost will vary depending upon wattage of your specific appliance and the number of hours it is used each month.

highlights BOARD MEETING

Firelands Electric Cooperative’s Board of Trustees met June 27 and covered the following items:

•Board President Dan Schloemer reported that the cooperative received 31 membership applications for approval by the board.

•General Manager Dan McNaull reviewed the cooperative’s most recent annual report, trustee elections, and annual meeting. The board discussed ideas to encourage more members to attend the annual meeting, vote in elections, and run for positions on the board.

•The board approved Cheri Raphael to fill a vacant position on the People Fund Board for District 9 following the passing of Mary Jo Paramore.

•McNaull summarized the tree trimming and outage reports for the past month.

•The board reviewed a report from the safety and training event held on May 31.

•Director of Operations Don Englet reported on activities in the operations department, including the progress on several rebuild projects and the Coulter substation upgrade.

•McNaull reported on all-employee meetings that took place on June 5 and June 20

•The board selected o cers for the upcoming year. Dan Schloemer was elected as president, Bruce Leimbach as vice president, and Carl Ayers as secretary/treasurer.

• Director of Finance and Accounting Tabi Shepherd reviewed the May financial reports and provided an update on recent accounting and billing department activities.

•McNaull reviewed efforts to complete cross-training among the cooperative’s employees and departments.

•Director of Communications and Technology Andrea Gravenhorst reported on recent activities involving the member services and IT departments, including communications during a recent outage.

The cooperative’s next board meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, Sept. 26. If you would like to attend the next scheduled meeting, please contact the Firelands Electric o ce at 1-800-533-8658.

Small town, BIG sounds

BY KEVIN WILLIAMS; PHOTOGRAPHS COURTESY OHIO VALLEY SYMPHONY

When Lora Lynn Snow first saw the inside of the Ariel Opera House in 1987, the first thing she noticed, of course, was the quarter-century’s worth of bird droppings that coated just about everything. But almost immediately, she saw beyond the disrepair of the once-spectacular Gallipolis theater. Where others could only see pigeon poop, Snow saw possibilities.

“I ignored the piles of rubble,” Snow remembers. “I heard the building singing, and it was love at first sight.”

Today, thanks to that love affair — and a lot of hard work — Gallipolis (population 3,300) is home to one of the most distinctive, if unlikely, symphonies in the country. The Ohio Valley Symphony, replete with tubas, French horns, cellos, bass violins, flutes, harps, trumpets, oboes, clarinets, bassoons, and more, begins its 34th season of performance at the Ariel this month.

The hills that hem in this tiny Ohio River town on the southern tip of the state are truly alive with the sound of music.

Homecoming

But it wouldn’t have happened if it weren’t for Snow. An oboist who grew up in Charleston, West Virginia, Snow had earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Ohio State before moving to Arkansas.

There, she played in several ensembles and taught at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock for a time before she and her husband decided they needed a change. “It was so hot, just an oppressive heat,” she says.

So they moved back closer to home, to Gallia County, in 1980. She taught music in the Gallia County Local School District and at the University of Rio Grande and played in several regional symphonies and chamber groups.

It actually took a few years before she discovered her calling.

Discovery

The French refugees who settled Gallipolis in the late 1700s had brought with them a strong appreciation for the arts, and that influence has always been apparent. It’s no surprise that the Ariel sprang up there in 1895 at the height of the “opera house” movement. The Ariel hosted music and theater programs, vaudeville acts, and movies for decades.

Eventually, though, Hollywood’s economics overpowered the Ariel, and the theater shuttered in the early 1960s. It stayed that way for 25 years. Snow, growing dissatisfied with her experiences with cutthroat musicians and taskmaster conductors, decided she wanted to start her own symphony, one that would operate in her own kinder, gentler way.

But in tiny Gallipolis? There were plenty of snickers and skepticism at first, but she knew she could count on the area’s rich arts history to draw upon. What she didn’t have was a proper venue — until someone mentioned the town’s old, decrepit opera house.

“I had no idea the Ariel was there,” Snow says. “I finagled my way inside, and the acoustics were phenomenal. They just don’t build them like that anymore.”

Tiny Gallipolis is home to one of the nation’s most unlikely symphonic success stories.

Rejuvenation

Right away, Snow began raising funds. She held a community cleaning party. She even consulted the Centers for Disease Control about the best way to remove pigeon droppings. So, long before COVID-19 made N-95 s an everyday sight, masked stagehands went high into the rafters to methodically uncover the Ariel’s former glory, from the top down.

The Ohio Valley Symphony performed its first concert on April 1, 1989, and officially moved into the Ariel at its grand reopening on June 9, 1990. Renovations have continued in the years since, and the Ariel today hosts not only the OVS, but a bevy of other events: music and theater productions, arts classes, even weddings. To this day, Snow still plays with the symphony as its principal oboist. So if something is “off,” whether with acoustics in the hall or chemistry among the musicians, she’ll know about it.

Small-town nice

Snow is the only musician in the symphony who’s based in Gallipolis. Most come in from larger cities like Pittsburgh or Cincinnati — drawn, Snow says, by the OVS’s reputation as a nice place to play, in terms of the

venue and the personalities of the ensemble and the entire town. Members of the community, in fact, house many of the visiting musicians, which helps to foster bonds between the community and the symphony.

Concertmaster Manami White, for example, an awardwinning and internationally acclaimed violinist based in Cincinnati, says she herself has enjoyed that experience and that lifelong friendships have been forged because of those opportunities.

It’s led to a loyal and supportive following in Gallipolis, as locals who might otherwise have never stepped foot in a symphony hall have been drawn to the Ariel. The quality of the programming, of course, doesn’t hurt, either.

“When you go to a concert, it should give you shivers, make you gasp,” Snow says. “Art without that is pretty empty. If you care for the artists and provide a positive work environment, the audience will notice. We have a rep as a nice place to play.”

Snow says that, inevitably, newly arrived musicians will finish their first gigs and tell her, often incredulously, how much fun they had.

“Working hard and having fun are not exclusive,” Snow says. “I’ve always felt doing both was a good thing.”

The symphony’s 34th season

Sept. 16 — “Around the Campfire,” with guest conductor Luke Frazier, founder of the American Pops Orchestra.

Nov. 4 “Salute to Our Veterans,” with Carl Topilow, founding conductor of the Cleveland Pops.

Dec. 2 — “The Christmas Show!” — with Steven Huang, newly named conductor of the New Westchester Symphony in White Plains, N.Y.

March 16 — “The Enigmatic Elgar,” conducted by François López-Ferrer, resident conductor of the Académie of the Opéra de Paris.

April 27 — “Brahms and Beyond,” conducted by West Virginia State Philharmonic director Scott E. Woodard.

Every concert ticket includes a 6:45 p.m. pre-concert chat with the maestro and soloist of the evening, as well as a post-concert reception.

Visit https://arieltheatre.org for details.

“When you go to a concert, it should give you shivers, make you gasp. Art without that is pretty empty.”

Beautifully Efficient & Sustainable

Reach 300,000 of your best customers

The Richmond® Hybrid Electric Heat Pump Water Heater is the most efficient water heater available. It’s full of smart features you will love—from built-in Wi-Fi to multiple operating modes that save energy and protect the planet. Learn More at RichmondWaterHeaters.com/Hybrid

Your Local WaterFurnace Dealers

Bowling Green United Home Comfort (419) 352-7092

unitedhomecomfort.com

Canal Winchester Kessler Htg & Clg (614) 837-9961

kesslerheating.com

Chillicothe

Accurate Htg & Clg (740) 775-5005

accurategeothermal.com

Coldwater

Ray’s Refrigeration (419) 678-8711

raysrefrigeration.com

Columbus Geo Source One (614) 873-1140

geosourceone.com

Defiance

Schlatters Plbg & Htg (419) 393-4690

schlattersgeothermal.com

Dresden Federal Htg & Clg (740) 754-4328

federalheating.com

Findlay

Knueve & Sons Inc. (419) 420-7638

knueve.com

Gahanna Custom A/C & Htg (614) 552-4822

customairco.com/ geothermal

Groveport Patriot Air (614) 577-1577

patriotair.com

Holgate Holgate Hardware (419) 264-3012

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

knueve.com

Sarka Electric (419) 532-3492

sarkaelectric.com

Lancaster Fairfield Heating (740) 653-6421

fairfieldgeothermal.com

Ohio Cooperative Living has been a valued presence in rural Ohio homes and businesses for the past 65 years.

For information and rates, email advertising@ohioec.org

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

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

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

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

New Knoxville New Knoxville Supply (419) 753-2444

newknoxvillesupply.com

Newark Hottinger Geothermal (740) 323-2330

hottingergeothermal.com

Sidney Lochard Inc. (937) 492-8811

Sunbury Westin Air (614) 794-1259

geothermalcentralohio.com

Toledo

Overcashier & Horst (419) 841-3333

ohcomfort.com

Waverly Combs Htg & A/C (740) 947-4061

combsgeopro.com

Wellington Wellington Indoor Comfort (440) 647-3421

Not hearing is believing.

Many homeowners have come to accept that a noisy A/C is a fact of life. But with WaterFurnace, you don’t have to settle.

Nothing can disrupt a perfect summer afternoon in your backyard more than a loud air conditioner. Geothermal users are never disturbed from outside HVAC noise because there’s no outdoor equipment to make any. All the complicated work takes place underground—out of earshot. With WaterFurnace, your peace and quiet is assured. To learn more, contact your local WaterFurnace dealer today.

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

Back in time at the

BY JODI BORGER; PHOTOS BY JEFF ROOKS/CHECKMATE PHOTOGRAPHY (COURTESY OF THE OHIO RENAISSANCE FESTIVAL)

peggy Kelly first attended the Ohio Renaissance Festival about 15 years ago. Even then, the festival had been a well-established mecca of history-meets-fantasy escapism that drew attendees by the tens of thousands to Waynesville during autumn weekends each year.

Kelly, a member of Butler Rural Electric Cooperative in Oxford, remembers enjoying the merrymaking at the time, but still wasn’t fully enthralled enough to make it an annual pilgrimage. But after she decided to give it another go, now she’s all-in.

“The first time I went, I thought it was fun,” Kelly says. “But we went again about five years ago, and that’s when it really got in my blood. It’s grown. There are more shows now, more things to look at, and different themed weekend activities, and I really enjoy it.”

The festival lasts eight to nine weeks, and Kelly, who is a season passholder, says she’ll typically attend six to eight times during that period. She attends often enough that she says her husband knows exactly where she’s headed if she gets up early — and that she’ll be gone for most of the day.

A rich history

Established in 1990 by Cincinnati entrepreneur Peter Carroll, the RenFaire (as loyal fans know it) has evolved

into a premier event that invites attendees to step into a re-created 16th-century English village, where they can rub elbows with royalty or feast with fairies.

“When you step through the gate, you can leave your cares in the parking lot and get away for the day,” says Cheryl Bucholtz, a member of Lancaster-based South Central Power Company and the Renaissance Festival’s marketing director.

And that’s exactly the appeal for folks like Kelly. “I usually go with my family, but I have also gone by myself before and you are just so welcomed by everybody,” she says. “The characters, everybody that dresses up, and the staff, they are all just a fun bunch of people to be with.”

The festival started as a weekend event on a small field in Warren County, and over the years, it has grown into one of the largest and longest-running in the nation. Depending on weather, more than 200,000 festivalgoers may enter the now-permanent grounds on September and October weekends.

A full-time staff of seven spearheads the planning and execution of the festival year-round. During festival days, however, the staff balloons to between 500 and 750 people, encompassing volunteers and workers who

contribute to the smooth operation of the event. “I love that they bring in groups like the Scouts and local school choirs to help,” Kelly says. “It’s a great way for those groups to raise funds and to support the community.”

Continued growth

With an additional 5 acres added to the grounds in 2023, the nearly 40 acres now can accommodate even more vendors, food and beverage options, shaded seating areas, and entertainment.

“The festival’s mission is to create unforgettable experiences where history and fantasy collide,” Bucholtz says. “To ensure success, the festival strives for ongoing growth while maintaining its dedication to delivering unforgettable experiences.”

The Renaissance Festival successfully meets its mission by striking a delicate balance between historical authenticity and imaginative elements.

Visitors like Kelly enjoy a rich tapestry of entertainment, including jousting, musicians, strolling characters, and troupes such as the Swordsmen, the Cincinnati Barbarians, and the awe-inspiring Kamikaze Fireflies.

Peggy Kelly (bottom photo, center) attends the Ohio Renaissance Festival both alone and with her family during the course of the event. She says the jousting (shown above) is among her favorite events.

Something for everyone

The festival also boasts a diverse group of vendors offering handmade wares such as glassware, clothing, jewelry, pottery, home décor, and various crafts. Kelly also enjoys the many different types of food available during the festival.

“I think the joust show is probably one of my favorite things and one of the most popular shows, because everybody seems to want to see that,” she says. “They always get a really good crowd.”

Kelly’s grandson was knighted by the royal court last year at the Renaissance Festival and has since left for boot camp. She says he should be home in early September, and Kelly looks forward to taking him back to the festival when he gets back.

“Some people really, really get into it, to the point where the entire family in some way, shape, or form is dressed in character,” says Kelly, who also dresses in character when she attends. “One year, I saw a stroller transformed into a castle. Some people are so creative and artistic and just have fun with it.”

Ohio Renaissance Festival, 10542 State Route 73, Waynesville, Ohio 45068. Open weekends (and Labor Day) Sept. 2–Oct. 29. Visit www.renfestival.com for tickets or season passes.

The Ohio Renaissance Festival is a family-friendly history-meets-fantasy event full of entertainment, food, and fun. Continued

How can a rechargeable hearing aid that ts inside your ear and costs only $14 999 be every bit as good as one that sells for $2,400 or more?

The answer: Although tremendous strides have been made in Hearing Aid Technology, those cost reductions have not been passed on to you. Until now...

The MDHearing™ NEO uses the same kind of technology incorporated into hearing aids that cost thousands more at a small fraction of the price. Satis ed MDHearing customers agree: High-quality, digital, FDA-registered rechargeable hearing aids don’t have to cost a fortune. NEO is a medicalgrade, digital, rechargeable hearing aid offering sophistication and high performance; and works right out of the box with no time consuming “adjustment” appointments. You can contact a licensed hearing specialist conveniently online or by phone — even after your purchase at no cost. No other company provides such extensive support. Now that you know...why pay more?

PLUS... It fits inside your ear.

Photos courtesy of the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force

The amazing Fred Norton

BY JAMES PROFFITT

Two weeks before he graduated from Lakeside High School in May 1912, Fred William Norton competed in the inaugural Ottawa County track meet. Amazingly, Fred brought home seven first-place ribbons and added four second-place finishes to carry Lakeside to the team championship.

As amazing as that might be, there is, in fact, no shortage of “amazings” in Fred Norton’s brief life. An only child born to working-class parents in the tiny Ohio quarry town of Marblehead in 1894, Norton excelled. At everything.

Most kids of the day ended schooling and began working full-time after eighth grade. But Norton took a different path. He entered Lakeside High School (now Danbury High) in 1908. Along with track, he also competed in football, baseball, and basketball, and he carried a 4.0 academic average all four years there.

According to the Lakeside Heritage Society, he also worked for a local railroad, operating a locomotive and cleaning and repairing buildings and equipment. He often clocked 10-hour days, six days a week.

After graduation, Norton left the peninsula for Ohio State University, where he continued to excel. He made his presence known on every court and field, and became Ohio State’s first four-sport letterwinner.

He was MVP of the baseball team in 1917, when he batted .442 to help secure OSU’s first Big Ten title. He was also captain of the basketball team, and he ran the quartermile in track. On the gridiron, Norton once scored six touchdowns in one half in a game against Indiana, but he was better known as a blocking back for Chic Harley on the famed 1916 squad that won the Big Ten title and ignited the program to become what it is today.

At the time of his graduation in 1917, Norton was being called the greatest all-around athlete in Ohio State University history.

Oh, and by the way, he also graduated with a degree in forestry with a 4.0 average, and was a member of Sphinx, the prestigious honorary society.

Reports of the time said he could have played pro baseball — word on the street was, the Pittsburgh Pirates were scouting him. But with World War I well underway, he chose a different path. While still at OSU, he enlisted in the Reserve Officers Training Corps, studying in the school’s military aeronautics program, and when he graduated, he joined the Army, in one of the earliest versions of what would become the U.S. Air Force.

In the spring of 1918, just hours before Norton set sail for France as a first lieutenant, he purchased the leather jacket that he would wear in the cockpit of the British fighter plane that he piloted as a member of the 27th Eagle Pursuit Air Squadron.

He saw action almost right away. Norton and his squad engaged in numerous attacks on German positions and aerial dogfights. He earned a Distinguished Service Cross for his bravery during one such dogfight over the skies of France in early July 1918.

But Norton’s courage and skills could not best fate: On July 20, 1918, as his squadron was returning from a battle behind enemy lines, he took two rounds from a German fighter and died two days later.

At 24, Norton was the first OSU graduate to die in the war. He was laid to rest, along with 6,011 of his countrymen, at Oise-Aisne American Cemetery, 70 miles east of Paris.

And while Norton died more than a century ago, he is not forgotten. At OSU, Norton House residence hall has been home to tens of thousands of students since 1963. From 1923 until the early ’50s, Norton Field served as an airfield in the Columbus area. And at Danbury High School in Lakeside, the Norton Award is presented each year to deserving, highachieving seniors.

After Norton’s death, his mother received a package labeled “Personal effects,” but she could not bear to open it. She gave it to a neighbor, who stored it away. Years later, the neighbor’s family opened the box and found his leather jacket and a pair of French hospital tags inside, among other items. They’re now on display in the Early Years section of the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force in Dayton.

Norton was inducted into the OSU Athletics Hall of Fame in 2010.

The student, athlete, and war hero from long ago goes down in history as one of OSU’s greats.

2023 CALENDAR

NORTHWEST

THROUGH OCT. 14 – The Great Sidney Farmers Market, Shelby County Court Square, 100 E. Court St., Sidney, Sat. 8 a.m.–noon. Fresh produce, baked goods, jams and jellies, crafts, plants, and flowers. 937-658-6945 or www.sidneyalive.org.

SEP. 9–17 – Mercer County Courthouse 100th Anniversary Celebration, 101 N. Main St., Celina. Highlights include tours, “Plein Air Painting” on the courthouse steps, 911/First Responders Walk, lunch on the courthouse lawn, inflatables, and face painting. seemore@bright.net or www.facebook.com/ mercercountycourthouse100

SEP. 14–17 – Delphos Canal Days and Parade, downtown Delphos, Fri. 4 p.m.–midnight, Sat. 10 a.m.–midnight, Sun. 10 a.m.–6 p.m. Free. Live music, 5K, rides, games, food, and parade. Festival opens with “Toast to the Town” on Thursday evening. https://delphoscanaldays.com.

SEP. 16 – Laurel Oaks Hobby and Harvest Craft Fair, Laurel Oaks Park, 120 Chickadee Place, Elida, 9 a.m.–2 p.m. $2; 10 and under free. Over 100 booths; food vendors. 419-236-2720 (Angie Ramsdail) or www.visitgreaterlima.com/calendar.

SEP. 16 – Maplewood Car Show, Maplewood Methodist Church, 21544 Maplewood Road, Maplewood, 11 a.m.–4 p.m.

Registration $10. 937-726-3864.

SEP. 16–17 – Pumpkin Fest with Pumpkin Train, Northwest Ohio Railroad Preservation Inc., 12505 Co. Rd. 99, Findlay, noon–5 p.m. $5, 12 and under, $10. Pumpkins are additional optional charge. Train rides, live entertainment, bounce houses, corn cannons, and pumpkin chuckin’ all day long. 419-423-2995 or www.facebook.com/nworrp.

SEP. 21–23 – Quilts and Needle Arts Festival, Pratt Pavilion at Wood Co. Fgds., 13800 W. Poe Rd., Bowling Green, 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Hundreds of quilts and needle arts projects, special displays, quilt competition, quilting bee, vendors, raffles and door prizes, demonstrations. quiltsandneedlearts@gmail.com or www. quiltsandneedleartsfestival.com.

SEP. 22–23 – Vernon McIntyre’s Appalachian Grass, Bluegrass Festival, Van Wert Co. Fgds., 1055 S. Washington St., Van Wert. Enjoy the band’s stage shows and stop by to visit Vernon’s vending booth, open throughout the festival. For performance times, call 419-594-2816 (Steve Scott) or visit www. vanwertcountyfair.com.

SEP. 23 – Bluffton Fall Festival, various locations, Bluffton. Kids’ activities, food, tractor show, crafts, farmers market, and much more. www.blufftonfallfestival.com.

SEP. 23–OCT. 22 – Pumpkin Train, Northwest Ohio Railroad Preservation Inc., 12505 Co. Rd. 99, Findlay, Sat./Sun. 1–5 p.m. $2–$3. Ride a train to the pumpkin patch to find that special pumpkin, then take one more trip around the track to return to the station. Additional charge for pumpkins. Games and activities at the museum. 419-423-2995 or www.facebook.com/nworrp.

SEP. 30 – Artisan Handcrafters Convention, Cairo Community Center, 519 Wall St., Cairo, 12–6 p.m. Free. Unique and exquisite handcrafted goods from local vendors; craft workshops; food vendors. For questions, contact Teigan Draig at lightomine@ gmail.com or 419-863-9920

OCT. 4 – Down on the Farm Story Time, Proving Ground Farm, 5670 E. Twp. Rd. 138, Tiffin, 10 a.m. Stories and activities are

SEP. 11–17 – Guernsey County Fair, Guernsey Co. Fgds., Old Washington. 740-489-5888 or www. guernseycountyfairgrounds.com.

SEP. 16–17 – Bean Ride Charities Horse/ATV Trail Ride, 34546 Atherton Rd., Macksburg. Primitive camping, food auction, cowboy Olympics, and music for donation. Money raised goes to Hervida 4-H Camp to build a new cabin. Call 740525-6620 (Toni Gober) or 318-237-4956 (Oz Gober) for details.

SEP. 20 – Our Town: Chillicothe, Ohio University Chillicothe, Bennett Hall, 101 University Drive, Chillicothe, 6 p.m. Free. Join WOUB Public Media and OU Chillicothe for a screening of the hour-long documentary film, followed by a short Q&A period. https://visitchillicotheohio.com/event.

geared for preschool-age children and focus on farming and nature in a picturesque outdoor setting. Families welcome! 419447-7073, www.conservesenecacounty.com, or follow Seneca Conservation District on Facebook.

OCT. 6–7 – Tracks to the Past Antique Machinery Show, Northwest Ohio Railroad Preservation, 12505 Co. Rd. 99, Findlay, gates open 9 a.m. $2–$4. Steam engines, gas engines, tractors, operating sawmill, and much more. Ride the Pumpkin Train during the day or the Halloween Express after dark. 419-4232995 or www.facebook.com/nworrp.

OCT. 7 – Max’s Miles Community Walk, Hedges Boyer Park, 491 Coe St., Tiffin. Registration starts at 8:30 a.m. Free. An event for suicide prevention and awareness. Features basket raffles, 50/50, food vendors, live music, and more. More details on www. facebook.com/mhsosw or https://mhsosw.org.

OCT. 7–8 – Johnny Appleseed Festival Antique Tractor Show, Fun Pull, and Flea Market, Auglaize Village, 12296 Krouse Rd., Defiance, Sat. 9 a.m.–?, Sun. 10 a.m.–5 p.m. $5; 12 and under free. We’ll also be making apple cider, sorghum molasses, and kettle corn. 419-990-0107, villageauglaize@gmail.com, or www. auglaizevillage.com.

OCT. 13 – Annual Downtown Chocolate Walk, downtown Sidney, 6–8 p.m. $25. Tour downtown businesses while gathering up delicious chocolates and great deals. 937-6586945 or www.sidneyalive.org.

OCT. 14 – Hobo Dinner Fundraising Event, Auglaize Village, 12296 Krouse Rd., Defiance. $20/person. Tickets must be purchased in advance. 419-990-0107, villageauglaize@gmail. com, or www.auglaizevillage.com.

OCT. 13–15 – WWII Living History Weekend at Lauer Farms 1944, Historic Lauer Farm Park, 800 Roush Rd., Lima, Fri. 4–6 p.m., Sat. 10 a.m.–6 p.m., Sun. 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Free. Set during the Lorraine Campaign, Battle of Metz, October 1944. Watch reenactments of battles between the Allied Forces and Axis Powers. www.facebook.com/LauerFarms1944

through buildings and areas not typically open to the public. www.chillicothehalloweenfestival.com.

OCT. 5–28 – The Frankenstein Experience at Haunted Mountain, Sugarloaf Mountain Amphitheater, 5968 Marietta Rd., Chillicothe, Thur.–Sat. 5:30 p.m. $20–$50. The largest Halloween theater production in Ohio! Features a performance on the main stage, Dr. Frank’s haunted trail, a Mad Lab Escape Room, and more. www.hauntedmountain.org.

THROUGH SEP. 30 – The Living Word Outdoor Drama, 6010 College Hill Rd., Cambridge, Fri. 7:30 p.m. August, Fri./ Sat. 7:30 p.m. September. Witness the life of Christ on a 400-foot panoramic set at Ohio’s only outdoor Passion Play. 740-439-2761, www.livingworddrama.org, or follow The Living Word on Facebook.

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

THROUGH DECEMBER – Athens Farmers Market, Athens Community Center, 701 E. State St., Athens, Sat. 9 a.m.–noon; Apr. 20–Nov. 23, Wed./Sat. 9 a.m.–noon. Voted Ohio’s #1 favorite farmers market! 740-593-6763 or www. athensfarmersmarket.org.

SEP. 21–24 – Barnesville Pumpkin Festival, 117 Cherry St., Barnesville. Parade, contests, car show, live music, a variety of pumpkin-based food, and more. 740-425-2593 or www. barnesvillepumpkinfestival.com.

SEP. 22–23 – National Road Quilt Guild’s Quilt Show, Belmont Co. Fgds., Wise Building, Roscoe Road, St. Clairsville, 10 a.m.–5 p.m. $5 daily. There will be signs. 100 quilt displays, quilt raffle, vendors, silent auction, and more. For more information, email merhardt7707@comcast.net.

SEP. 22–24– Buckeye Off Road Expo, Ross Co. Fgds., 344 Fairgrounds Rd., Chillicothe. $10–$275. A weekend packed full of off-road vendors, obstacle courses, mud pits, food, and much more. www.buckeyeoffroadadventureexpo.com.

SEP. 23 – Ghost Walk, downtown Chillicothe, 10 a.m.–6 p.m. $10. Tour historic buildings and learn about their histories and the paranormal stories that surround them. Tours will take you

OCT. 6–8 – Paul Bunyan Show, Guernsey Co. Fgds., 335 Old National Rd., Lore City (Cambridge), Fri./Sat. 8 a.m.–5 p.m., Sun. 9 a.m.–3 p.m. $6–$12; 6 and under free. The original American forestry show, featuring lumberjack competitions, chainsaw demonstrations and clinics, wood crafts, and much more. 888388-7337 or www.ohioforest.org.

OCT. 7–8 – John Roger Simon Sorghum Festival, 8721 Pond Creek–Carey’s Run Rd., West Portsmouth. Free. Sorghum syrup making, heritage crafts demonstrations, food, and traditional Appalachian music. Sorghum syrup on sale while supplies last. www.arcofappalachia.org/simonsorghumfestival.

OCT. 13–15 – Chillicothe Halloween Festival, Yoctangee Park, 1 Enderlin Circle, Chillicothe, 10 a.m.–10 p.m. Merchandise vendors, festival foods, live entertainment, Haunted House, inflatables, car show, displays, costume contest, coffin races, and other activities. www.chillicothehalloweenfestival.com.

OCT. 14 – Oktoberfest, 2nd Street, Chillicothe, 5–10 p.m. $3–$5. Come downtown in your best dirndl, lederhosen, or German garb and sample traditional German fare and beer. Try your luck at beer chugging, yodeling, or stein holding contests. www.downtownchillicothe.com.

THROUGH SEP. 30 – Sunbury Farmers Market, Sunbury Town Square, 9 E. Granville St., Sunbury, Sat. 9 a.m.–noon. Offering local handmade, homemade, and homegrown products. 740-513-9192 or sunburyohiofarmersmarket@ gmail.com.

THROUGH OCT. 28 – Coshocton County Farmers Market, 22375 Co. Rd. 1A, Coshocton, Sat. 8:30 a.m.–noon. Local fresh produce, baked goods, and artisan crafts at our new location by the Walhonding River. market. manager@coshfarmmarket.org or www.facebook.com/ coshoctonfarmersmarket.

THROUGH OCT. 28 – Spring Farmers Market, Adornetto’s, 2224 Maple Ave., Zanesville, Sat. 9 a.m.–noon. Locally grown produce, homemade food, locally raised/ processed meat, farm eggs, Ohio cheese, and more. www.zanesvillefarmersmarket.org.

THROUGH OCT. 29 – Rock Mill Days, Stebelton Park at Rock Mill, 1429 Rockmill Place NW, Lancaster, Wed./ Sat. 11 a.m.–2 p.m., Sun. 1–4 p.m. Free. Tour the restored 1824 gristmill, walk on the covered bridge, and enjoy the view of Hocking River Falls. 740-243-4436 or www.fairfieldcountyparks.org.

SEP. 14, OCT. 12 – Inventors Network Meeting, The Point at Otterbein University, 60 Collegeview Rd., Westerville, 43081, 7 p.m. Educational presentations and discussion about the invention process. Zoom meetings Sep. 21 and Oct. 19 at 7 p.m. 614-470-0144 or www.inventorscolumbus.com.

SEP. 15–17 – Amanda Harvest Festival, Main Street, Amanda, Fri. 2–10 p.m., Sat. 9 a.m.–10 p.m., Sun. 9 a.m.–5 p.m. Bounce houses, dunk tank, craft vendors, food vendors, cruise-in, ax throwing, musical entertainment,

WEST VIRGINIA

Amanda’s Got Talent Show, and so much more! For more information, call Lacey Pinkstock at 740-503-1938 or follow us on Facebook.

SEP. 15–17 – Backwoods Fest, 8572 High Point Rd., Thornville, Fri./Sat. 8 a.m.–6 p.m., Sun. 8 a.m.–5 p.m., rain or shine. $12; 10 and under free. Over 350 vendors from across the U.S. Arts, crafts, food, and bluegrass music. www.thebackwoodsfest.com or follow us at www.facebook. com/backwoodsfest.

SEP. 17 – Bible Baptist Church’s Friends Day Hog Roast, Union Co. Fgds., 845 N. Main St., Marysville, 10 a.m. Free. Concert by the Mylon Hayes Family. 937-642-6400 or www. bbcmarysville.com.

SEP. 22–23 – Country Shop Hop, locations in the Amanda, Tarlton, and Stoutsville area, 8 a.m.–5 p.m. (times may vary for various businesses). Enjoy a ride in the country visiting 12 area businesses. Shopping and dining guide with map is available at each business, along with special offers. 740-503-2125 or www.countryshophop.com.

SEP. 22–23 – Sims Fall Festival, 11300 ChillicotheLancaster Rd., Amanda, Fri. 2–8 p.m., Sat. 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Free. Antique farm equipment, arts and crafts, antiques, mums, pumpkins, fall items, food trucks. Special Civil War encampment; Gen. Sherman’s cannon will be fired Fri. 6 p.m. and Sat. 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Bean cook Friday night. Special kids’ games and activities on Saturday. 740-9692225 or www.simsfallfestival.com.

SEP. 23–24 – Frontier Spirit 1799, Alley Park, 2805 Old Logan Rd. SE, Lancaster, 10 a.m.–5 p.m., with a church service at 9 a.m. on Sunday. Free. See what life was like in Fairfield County, Ohio, during the period of 1799–1810 Tent “village” with demonstrations of period crafts and a trail drama depicting life on the frontier. Lots of activities for children! www.frontierspirit.org.

SEP. 23–24 – Hocking Hills Artists and Craftsmen Association Fall Show, Hocking Hills Elementary School, 19197 St. Rte. 664 S. (8 5 miles south of Rte. 33, 2 miles north of Old Man’s Cave), Logan, Sat. 10 a.m.–5 p.m., Sun. 11 a.m.–4 p.m. Refreshments available. www. hockinghillsartistsandcraftsmen.com.

SEP. 24 – Lancaster Community Band Outdoor Concert, Rising Park, 1100 N High St., Lancaster, 4 p.m. Free. Please bring blanket or lawn chair. 740-756-4430

SEP. 24 – Marysville Toy Show, Union Co. Fgds., Beef Barn; 845 N. Main St., Marysville, 9 a.m.–3 p.m. $6; 12 and under free; early buyer (8-9 a.m.) $12. Die-cast cars, action

figures, model kits, farm toys, toys old and new. For more information, follow Marysville Toy Show on Facebook.

SEP. 26, OCT. 10, 24 – Farmers Market, Roseville Branch Library, 41 N. Main St., Roseville, 4–6:30 p.m. Sponsored by the Roseville Branch Library Friends Group. Book sale planned for Sep. 26 740-697-0237 or juanita@ muskingumlibrary.org.

SEP. 29–NOV. 4 –The Haunted Farm, 5450 Old Millersport Rd. NE, Pleasantville, Fri./Sat. 7:30 a.m.–11 p.m. Haunted barn maze, corn maze, bonfire, concessions, and entertainment on select nights. Fright factor tailored to the group; can be family friendly. 614-230-9563 or www. haunted-farm.com.

OCT. 6–8 – Columbus Italian Festival, 168 E. Lincoln St., Columbus, Fri. 5–11 p.m., Sat. noon–11 p.m., Sun. noon–7 p.m. $10, under 12 free. Celebration of the finest in Italian food, entertainment, and culture. 614-294-8259 or www. columbusitalianfestival.com.

OCT. 7 – Pam Tillis, Knox Memorial, 112 E. High St., Mount Vernon, 8 p.m. Doors open at 7 p.m. $30–$70 740-4624278 or www.mvac.org.

OCT. 8 – Oktoberfest Fly-In, Union County Airport, 760 Clymer Rd., Marysville (KMRT), 11 a.m.–3:30 p.m. Free. Authentic German food; 1943 WWII military trainer PT-26, 1973 RAF Scottish Aviation Bulldog, and 1960s Chinese Nanchang on static display and flying; EAA Young Eagle rides; helicopter and airplane rides. www.unioncountyohio. gov/AirportNews or https://cafbuckeyewing.org/events.

OCT. 8–14 – Fairfield County Fair, Fairfield Co. Fgds., 157 E. Fair Ave., Lancaster. A cherished family tradition for over 170 years. 740-653-3041 or www.fairfieldcountyfair.org.

OCT. 13–14 – Columbus African Violet Society Show and Sale, Beechwold Christian Church, 280 Morse Rd., Columbus, Fri. noon–5 p.m., Sat. 10 a.m–4 p.m. Free. Theme is “Culinary Violets: What’s in Your Pot?” For questions, email Donna Vogelpohl at donnav8452@ columbus.rr.com.

OCT. 14 – Founders Day, CWAHS Complex, corner of Oak and North High Streets, Canal Winchester, 9 a.m.–3 p.m. Free. Experience living in the 1860s, with Civil War-era music, food, children’s games, and a Civil War reenactment. An Abe Lincoln impersonator will deliver the Gettysburg Address. We will also be honoring Pvt. Alfred Cannon. www.cwhistory.org/events-cwahs.

SEP.

28–OCT. 1 – Preston County Buckwheat Festival, 115 Brown Ave., Kingwood. Parades, livestock shows, carnival rides, art and crafts, car show. Buckwheat cakes and sausage breakfasts served all day! 304-698-9991 or www.buckwheatfest.com.

NORTHEAST

Tuscora Ave. NW, New Philadelphia, 10 a.m–5 p.m. Free. 740260-2891 or blatchie@roadrunner.com.

SEP. 16 – Wellington Harvest of the Arts, 101 Willard Memorial Square, Wellington, 11 a.m.–4 p.m. Free. Craft fair featuring artisans, music, kids’ activities, and quilt raffle. 440-647-2120 or www.wellingtonfriends.org.

SEP. 16–17 – Civil War in Zoar: Battle of Chickamauga Reenactment, 198 Main St., Zoar, 10 a.m.–5 p.m. $12; free for 12 and under. 20th anniversary of the largest Civil War event in Ohio. Battles both days, as well as artillery night fire and a historical ball. 800-262-6195 or www.historiczoarvillage.com.

Friends of Ohio Barns discusses the significance of the historic structures. 800-262-6195 or www.historiczoarvillage.com.

OCT. 7 – The Oberlin Doggie Do, Tappan Square, Oberlin, 10 a.m.–2 p.m. Rain date Oct. 14. A festival for everything dog! Animal-themed vendors, dog rescues/nonprofits, dog costume contest, food trucks, and other special events. Bring your leashed dog to the event! www.facebook.com/ theoberlindoggiedoo.

THROUGH OCTOBER – Quilt Exhibit: “History in Pieces,” Bimeler Museum, Historic Zoar Village. Fine quilts from the National Quilt Museum in Kentucky, including one from Ohio, and Zoar-made quilts from the 19th century. See website for schedule. 800-262-6195 or www.historiczoarvillage.com.

SEP. 10–24 – “Celebrate the Constitution,” Historic Fort Steuben, 120 S. 3rd St., Steubenville, Mon.–Sat. 10 a.m.–4 p.m., Sun. 11 a.m.–4 p.m. Free. Exhibit and activities focus on the nation’s founding document and the issues and personalities of the time. 740-283-1787 or www.oldfortsteuben.com.

SEP. 15 – Civil War School Day, 198 Main St., Zoar, Ohio, 9 a.m.–2 p.m. $7. Open to all public, private, and homeschool students. Interact with figures of the Civil War, watch cavalry and artillery demos, and learn how Union citizens lived during the conflict. 800-262-6195 or tshrum@zca.org.

SEP. 15–16 – Ohio State African Violet Society Show and Sale, Kingwood Center Gardens, 50 Trimble Rd., Mansfield, Fri. 9 a.m.–5 p.m. (sale), 1–5 p.m. (show); Sat. 9 a.m.–4 p.m. (sale and show). 937-654-7014, melsgrice@gmail.com, or www.osavs.org.

SEP. 15–17 – Great Mohican Indian Pow-Wow, 23270 Wally Rd., Loudonville, Fri./Sun. 10 a.m.–6 p.m., Sat. 10 a.m.–7 p.m. $6–$10, under 6 free. Music, dancing, drum competitions, tomahawk throwing, and fire starting demos. 800-766-2267 or www.mohicanpowwow.com.

SEP. 16 – Tuscora Stamp Show, Tuscora Park Pavilion, 161

SEP. 17–23 – Ashland County Fair, Ashland Co. Fgds., 2042 Claremont Ave., Ashland. $5;10 and under free; $25 season pass. 419-289-0466 or https://ashlandcountyfair.com.

SEP. 17–OCT. 30 – Corn Maze, Beriswill Farms, 2200 Station Rd., Valley City, Tues.– Sun. 11 a.m.–6 p.m. $6–$8; free for seniors and ages 2 and under. 330-350-2486 or http://beriswillfarms.com.

SEP. 26–30 – AAUW/Kiwanis Used Book Sale, Wayne Co. Fgds., Buss Hall, 199 Vanover St., Wooster, Wed.–Fri. 9 a.m.–8 p.m., Sat. 9 a.m.–2 p.m. Free. Over 45,000 used books for sale. Early-bird sale $10; Friday, half-price day; Saturday, $5/bag day. 330-439-2093 or https://woosterkiwanis.org/booksale.

OCT. 1 – Cleveland Comic Book and Nostalgia Festival, Doubletree by Hilton Cleveland/ Westlake, 1100 Crocker Rd., Westlake, 10 a.m.–4 p.m. $5; 6 and under free. Comic and toy vendors, guest comic creators, hourly prizes. 330-462-3985 or www.harpercomics.com.

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

OCT. 6–8, 13–15 – Country Autumn Tour, various locations in Lorain, Ashland, Medina, and Huron counties. A fun-filled drive-yourself shopping tour. Pick up a map of participating businesses at first stop or download from website. 440-3717589 (Sue) or www.countrytourgroup.com.

OCT. 7 – Free Speaker Series: “History of Ohio Barns,” Zoar School House, 254 E. 4th St., Zoar, 11 a.m. Free. Tom O’Grady of

SEP. 23 – “Getting Ready: Solar Eclipse, Part 2,” Garber Nature Center, 9691 OH-503 N., Lewisburg, 1–3 p.m. Free family program presented by astronomer Terry Mann. 937-9625561, pcpdevents@gmail.com, or www.preblecountyparks.org.

SEP. 23–24 – Tipp City Mum Festival, downtown Tipp City. Free. Parade, rides, entertainment, concessions, and more. https://tippmumfestival.org.

SEP. 29 – Vernon McIntyre’s Appalachian Grass, Brown County Fair, 325 W. State St., Georgetown, 3–4:30 p.m. www.fotmc.com/calendar.

OCT. 7 – Wayne County Stitchers Sewing Fest, Church of the Cross, 5100 Cleveland Rd., Wooster, 9 a.m.–3 p.m. $10; no registration required. A bargain day of creative learning, with classes, door prizes, raffles, and a fabric fair. For more information, email barbarahelmecy@gmail.com.

OCT. 7 - Autumn Discovery Day Plant Sale, 9 a.m. –noon, Secrest Welcome and Education Center, 2122 Williams Rd, Wooster. Unique, and favorite, trees and shrubs available for purchase in time for fall planting. www.friendsofsecrest.com

OCT. 8 – Blue Soul, Wadsworth Public Library, 132 Broad St., Wadsworth, 2–3 p.m. Free. A program of straight-ahead jazz, which eschews the rock music influences that began to appear in jazz during the late 1960s. Reservations recommended. Register at www.ormaco.org or call 419-853-6016

OCT. 13–28 – Ghost Tours of Zoar, 198 Main St., Zoar, Fri./Sat. 6:30–8:45 p.m. $19. Costumed guides share haunted tales of Zoar on a walking tour of the village. Lantern light tours leave every 15 minutes from the Zoar Store. Reservations required. 800-262-6195 or www.historiczoarvillage.com.

OCT. 14 – Pacific Paradise Entertainment, Western Reserve Masonic Community Center, 4931 Nettleton Rd., Medina, 7:30 p.m. $15 in advance, $20 at door. Travel along on a voyage to the Polynesian Islands as this high-energy ensemble showcases island traditions through flowing expressive dance, as well as Tahitian fast hip movements. More details at www.ormaco.org.

OCT. 14 – Stark Vintage Market, Stark Co. Fgds., 305 Wertz Ave. NW, Canton, 9 a.m.–4 p.m. $3, under 5 free. Features a wide variety of antiques, collectibles, artisan wares, and repurposed household goods. 330-495-3044 or www.starkvintagemarket.com.

OCT. 13 – Vernon McIntyre’s Appalachian Grass, Butler County Bluegrass Association, 5113 Huston Rd., Collinsville, 7–9 p.m. Free. Enjoy an evening of lively bluegrass music. Reasonably priced home-style food available on-site. 937-4178488 or 513-410-3625,

OCT. 13–15 – Wheat Ridge Olde Thyme Herb Fair and Farm Festival, Grindstone Farm, 817 Tater Ridge Rd., West Union, 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Fresh herbs and herbal products, food, artisan crafts, antiques, live music, pumpkin cannon, antique tractors, farm animals petting zoo, and more. For more information, contact Kim Erwin at 937-544-8252

THROUGH OCT. 25 – Bluegrass Wednesdays, Vinoklet Winery, 11069 Colerain Ave., Cincinnati, Wed. 6:30–8:30 p.m. Dinner, wine, and free entertainment by Vernon McIntyre’s Appalachian Grass. Reservations recommended. 513-3859309, vinokletwinery@fuse.net, or www.vinokletwines.com.

SEP. 15 – Bluegrass Night, Fibonacci Brewing Company, 1445 Compton Rd., Cincinnati, 7–9 p.m. Free. Lively bluegrass by Vernon McIntyre’s Appalachian Grass, craft beers at the Beer Garden, and food trucks. 513-832-1422 or http://fibbrew.com.

SEP. 15–17 – Preble County Pork Festival, Preble Co. Fgds., 722 S. Franklin St., Eaton. Free. The best pork chops, pulled pork, ham sandwiches, and sausage in the region. Entertainment, including racing pigs! www.porkfestival.org.

SEP. 16–17 – Live Theater: Winnie the Pooh, Garber Nature Center, 9691 OH-503 N, Lewisburg, 2 p.m. $10. Performed by the Preble Players. 937-962-5561, pcpdevents@gmail.com, or www.preblecountyparks.org.

OCT. 2 – Vernon McIntyre’s Appalachian Grass, The Lounge, 7740 Beechmont Ave., Cincinnati, 7:30–9:30 p.m. Free. Enjoy an evening of lively bluegrass music at this friendly neighborhood bar. 513-382-0839 or theloungeanderson@ gmail.com.

OCT. 7 – “Celebrating 200 Years of Shaker Industry, 1823–2023,” White Water Shaker Village, 11813 Oxford Rd., Harrison, 2–5 p.m. Free. For more information, email friendsofwwsv@ gmail.com or visit www.whitewatervillage.org:

OCT. 7 – Vernon McIntyre’s Appalachian Grass, North-End Art Worxx, 812 Heaton St., Hamilton, 8–11 p.m. www.fotmc. com/calendar.

OCT. 7–8 – Old-Fashioned Draft Horse Show, Glen-Dale Park, 2915 Fawcett Rd., Peebles. For information, contact Dale Grooms at 937-587-3293

OCT. 10–14 – Bradford Pumpkin Show, downtown Bradford. Free. Parades, concessions, rides, and contests. Pumpkin baking contest on Wednesday. Car show and Smash-aPumpkin on Saturday. www.bradfordpumpkinshow.org.

OCT. 14 – Kids’ Program: “Build Your Own Scarecrow,” Garber Nature Center, 9691 OH-503 N, Lewisburg, 1–3 p.m. Free. Straw provided; bring your own clothes for the scarecrow. 937-962-5561, pcpdevents@gmail.com, or www. preblecountyparks.org.

OCT. 14–15 – Fall Farm Fest, Lost Creek Reserve, 2385 E. St. Rte. 41, Troy, 12–5 p.m. Free; fees for some activities. Corn maze, pumpkin patch, scarecrow contest, wagon rides, pony rides, kids’ activities, and more. 937-335-6273 or www. miamicountyparks.com/fall-farm-fest.

OCT. 14 – State of Ohio Masskrugstemmen (Stein Holding Competition), Liberty Home German Society, 2361 Hamilton Cleves Rd., Hamilton, 6 p.m. 513-571-6198, www.libertyhome. net, or follow Liberty Home Association on Facebook.

OCT. 14–15 – Ohio Sauerkraut Festival, Main Street, Waynesville, Sat. 9 a.m.–8 p.m., Sun. 9 a.m.–6 p.m. Free. Sample homemade sauerkraut and a wide variety of krautcontaining foods. Non-kraut foods also available. 513-897-8855 or https://sauerkrautfestival.waynesvilleohio.com.

Our grandson, Luca, 18 months, was entertaining the family with his favorite song. Tim and Margaret Schalk, North Central Electric Cooperative members

Strike up the b and!

The Litchfield Town Band, just this past Memorial Day. Bob Day, Lorain-Medina Rural Electric Cooperative member

We went to a football game in Athens to see my niece in the band. It was high school day, when bands from all over played and marched together on the field. Katie Grubba, South Central Power Company member

Our grandson, Locklan Lady, age 3, drumming up a storm on his new drum set. Donna Sieb, Darke Rural Electric Cooperative member

For November, send “Raking leaves” by Aug. 31.

For December, send “Holiday baking” by Sept. 15.

For January, send “Snow days” by Oct. 15.

Upload

Name: Electric co-op name: Email address:

Molly Caren Agricultural Center | London, Ohio

Sponsored by The Ohio State University, Farm Science Review is the largest agricultural event in our region, drawing more than 130,000 people each year. Stop