Ohio Cooperative Living - March 2019 - Union

OHIO

MARCH 2019

COOPERATIVE Official publication of Union Rural Electric Cooperative | www.ure.com

Maple syrup time ALSO INSIDE What’s it take to be a co-op trustee?

A century of the iconic KitchenAids Saving forests, one parcel at a time

Living

The Circle of

GIVING

Through electric bill round-up programs at Ohio cooperatives in 2017, members gave $1.7 million to support school programs, food pantries, humane societies, and many other worthy organizations and individuals — right in their own communities.

ohioec.org/purpose

OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • MARCH 2019

INSIDE HIGHLIGHT 10 MAPLE SYRUP TIME As the days get longer, those telltale

clouds of steam start rising from sugar shacks everywhere.

FEATURES 24 FOREST FLYERS

The most common type of squirrel in our state is one that most Ohioans have never seen.

31 MISSION TO PRESERVE Arc of Appalachia’s mission is to make sure Ohio’s undeveloped forest land stays that way, in perpetuity.

Cover image on most issues: Sap buckets hanging from sugar maples are a sure sign of spring. Outdoors Editor Chip Gross takes a look at some Ohio sugar bush operations in Woods, Waters, and Wildlife on page 10.

MARCH 2019 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING 1

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hio, the Buckeye State, was admitte to the Union d in 1803, but Once everyon even years later it e was in position remained a very 15 was shouted , the signal place — too wild down the line wild, in the to begin moving opinions of some slowly forward settlers, and , toward the they determi center of the ned to do somethi Almost immedi about it, frontier circle. ately white-ta ng style. iled deer began bounding from cover in high Near Hinckle arching leaps, tails erect; wolves y, in the northea ran in confuse st quarter of the state, large searching for d circles, predators — escape routes; mainly black bears and timber bears toward lumbered the hunters wolves — were in such number livestock almost killing had never seen s as they nightly. Writing before. And The America in 1890 in above the melee flew flocks of n Field, one wild turkeys, of the early magazines of trying to make outdoor their escape the time, a Captain over the line CO-OP PEO Pierce said that Milton B. of firing hunters the settlers were PLE .

The carnage embarrassed” “seriously was over by by the many late afternoo in the hunt were wolves ravagin their sheep. n. Taken g more than 300 BYInBECKY one incident LINHARDT alone, bears, 17 wolves, deer, 21 slaughtered wolves more and countles s numbers of smaller game wilderness farms. than 100 sheep over several such Only two hunters as turkeys and raccoons. raided hog pens. In addition, bears often were reported game animals injured. The — deer and To put an end turkeys divided equally to the depreda among the men, — were tion threaten their livelihoo consumed the many no doubt ing d, the pioneer next day as family s came up with the idea of conduct dinners. The Christmas ing a grand predators were would encomp hunt, one that skinned for their pelts — a $15 ass the entire bounty was paid township. At dawn on the many of the for each pelt, day before Christm carcasses left The Kelley some 600 men as in 1818, s Island to rot. and boys (many Audubon 1992, Known from around as aand Club forme “circle withhunt,” the state) surroun recruited the conta d in the Great made Hunt cts that Township. Most ded of 1818 Hinckle throu y was ghthe had been “Nest of the men carried Hinckley largest withofthe heldbegan its Birds likely a musket. in Ohio. kind ever developing a firearm, ,” KIAC The boys were more event program either bayonet armed with s. “During I atten W.H. s or large butcher ded, one “CHIP” an early was GROSS (whchipg of the guys so excite mounted on knives d about ross@gm long poles. member ail.com), presenting ofd,” excite his Consolidated Electric topic, and it agot says Ohio Cooperative June CampCoopera island me is bell, a tive, Living’s Outdoor . “I becam resident e involved s Editor. support as secretary of the the club because and being outsid e, and learn I love Kelleys Island ing about , Among this conservatio season’s n.” highlights, “Nesting with the Birds” May along with and Foliag 17–19, are e” “Feathers Festival the September 21–22 , the Butte second weeke rfly and sever nd of Septe al bird-b mber, anding kelleysislan dnature.com events. Check www. for a detail A new KAICed sched ule. related progr banding. am is night birdOrganized

by KIAC memb a Cleveland Museum er Tom Bartle of of Ornith tt, ology resear Natural History Department ch associate, the CMNH banding the progr station on to the public Kelleys Island am at .

is open “The statio n and we have was started in the spring of now bande MARCH 2018 • 1996, of 115 d 12,89 species on OHIO CO elleys Island OPERATI 1 VE LIVIN Kelleys Island indivi dual G birds The statio 7 each spring residents welcome n’s ,” Bartle tt says. the return project (begu Northern Saw-w of their “feath songbirds, het Owl bandi n in 2003) ered touris waterfowl, project to through ts” — and study migra is part of a natio ng on their nal way to Canad raptors that pass The Kelley ting owls s Island a.

So it was site has bandein North America. owls, and a rathe has d island’s innke r obvious decisi all over easte recaptured 50 indivi more than 600 on epers to rn North dual birds an event band togeth for the America. from aroun er to create Bartlett has in the 1980s d it. “Nest with also the Birds” project, basica been active in began Arthritis Foun season booki as a way to drum the bird up some lly a snaps ngs by census Island that Auto Show dation Class migra hot of the ic tion-related offering guided hikesearlynow conta & Cruise-In birds of island is programs and Dublin; July very impor ins 20 years of data. Kelleys for birdw 5–7, 2018 “When friend tant atchers. migrating “The The beauty s came for waterfowl,” to wintering and were amaz of this suburb and its data the event says Bartle combines ed by the an Colum , they help docum tt. The a top-notch bus event warb color is that ent and prove project visitor experie lers and of cars, and it bunti ful birds — yellow blue Audu an aweso nce, insist that bon award ng and other wide variety edathat fact. me locatio water feature ed Kelley we neede n with green s — and Birding Area s at Dublin s d to prote Hayes, spaces ’s Metro Pat than 30 years (IBA) status Island its Important of Theand Center. Staged connects Inn on Kelley ct them,” says and benefi in 2002, the rest for more with other attracts some ting thelike s Island of the Arthritis Found organizatio and KIAC now promote 1,100 cars busin from more see a ton the natur esses, isation, it island’s residents , which, ns to prote of cool cars than 20 states. serve al beauty and Coop in about 50 on brands of the island ct and erative. “You’ll d by Hancock-W “When we differe , age, owner “After inves ood Electr . nt classes received organizatio ship, chairperson tigating based IBA status percent of ns, we Kevin Gadd. or unrestored a number ic in 2002, decided the island www.arthritis.

Admissthe of best origina says about that Audu ion fee; said Hayes fit forls,”our was prote org/autoshow 614-36 bon was cted or prese 25 . “Now that 2-7370; goals.” . and we have number rved,” OHIO COOP is about 33 found that ERATIVE brings in LIVING • AP percent, increased increased RIL 2018 tourism reven preservation ue.”

BECKY LINHA RDT is a freelan ce writer from Cincinnati .

Cruise-ins!

34

Unless it’s the a car shodead of winter, res w coming t to a townassured, there’s near you

Baseball may

BY DAMAIN E VONADA be the nationa l pastime, Ohio’s obsess but cruiseion. From ins are spring throug everybody droves to h fall, anybod — towns, relish the museums, y and craftsmanship wineries — of classic businesses, , chrome, showcase cars. and even and charism vintage vehicle collectors’ a s, and whethe show or informa Since cruiser it’s a in season l cruise-in, is underw State, we’ve Ohioans turn ay in the Bucke selected out in eight great ye good times events where roll. the 26 OHIO COOPERATIVE

LIVING • JULY 2018

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Delaware; July 21,

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Car Show

2018 Formerly called “Blast from hundreds of cars, trucks, the Past,” it showc ases main drag and and has earned motorcycles on Delaware’s Ohio’s best a reputation downtown as one of automotive “Delaware extravaganzas shuts down Sandusky show, and .

Street just every for the 15,000 people year, it gets betwee n 12,000 ,” says chairpe and While car rson Jeff owners covet Brashares. the classic of” trophie ’s 6-foot-tall s, spectators “Best appreciate environment its familyand the numer friendly that are open ous shops during the and restaur performancecl show. ants assiccarshow. 740-369-9611; www. com.

JULY 2018

• OHIO COOPE RATIVE

AND THE WINNER IS ...

LIVING

27

T

hey say that March comes in like a lion and goes out like a lamb.

However, the opposite holds true for Ohio Cooperative Living. This month marks the two-year anniversary of the publication’s debut, when we quietly but deliberately retired the magazine’s predecessor in favor of a contemporary redesign, a closer focus on our members, and, most notably, a new name. Even though the evolution was the result of considerable reader input and with the approval of Ohio’s 24-member electric cooperative network, we held our breath when the March 2017 issue was unveiled in your mailboxes — would our loyal readers notice the difference, and would you like it?

You did, and you do. Apparently, the electric cooperative industry took notice as well. We’re honored that Ohio Cooperative Living has been selected as the 2018 recipient of the George W. Haggard Memorial Journalism Award. An annual distinction presented by the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association and named for the first editor of the Texas statewide periodical, the award recognizes an electric cooperative statewide consumer publication that best presents “lucid, forthright contributions to electric cooperative objectives.” I couldn’t agree more.

Congratulations and “hats off” to: Managing Editor Jeff McCallister Associate Editor Rebecca Seum Associate Editor Samantha Kuhn Graphic Designer Anita Cook Communications Director Patrick Higgins Vice President of Statewide Services Doug Miller

Ohio Cooperative Living is a true collaborative effort among the Ohio’s Electric Cooperatives staff, our member cooperatives, and our readers — the 1 million consumer-members whom we’re privileged to serve. Thank you for allowing us a peek inside your lives and the pleasure of producing a magazine that celebrates the best of electric cooperatives — you.

Happy reading.

2 OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • MARCH 2019

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

Ohio Cooperative Living is a true collaborative effort among the Ohio’s Electric Cooperatives staff, our member cooperatives, and our readers.

March 2019 • Volume 61, No. 6

Ohio Rural Electric Cooperatives 6677 Busch Blvd.

Columbus, OH 43229 614-846-5757 memberinteract@ohioec.org www.ohioec.org Patrick O’Loughlin President & CEO

Patrick Higgins Director of Communications

Jeff McCallister Managing Editor

Rebecca Seum Associate Editor

Anita Cook Graphic Designer Contributors: Celeste Baumgartner, Colleen Romick Clark, W.H. “Chip” Gross, Catherine Murray, James Proffitt, and Damaine Vonada.

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

MORE INSIDE DEPARTMENTS 4 POWER LINES

TRUSTED VOICES: Cooperative trustees are motivated by a desire to help their communities.

6 #WHOPOWERSYOU: Two winners of Touchstone Energy’s national contest hail from the Buckeye State.

8

OHIO ICON A CENTURY OF KITCHENAID: The Ohio-made stand mixer, one of the most iconic kitchen gadgets there is, turns 100 this year.

12 CO-OP PEOPLE

PEDAL PUSHERS: One cooperative couple’s love for adventure takes them cross-country on a tandem bicycle.

15 GOOD EATS GRIDDLE GOODIES: Take those same-old breakfast standbys to

the next level with a few surprise ingredients.

18 CO-OP SPOTLIGHT

PIONEER ELECTRIC: The nation’s first electric cooperative is a celebrity among co-ops, if there can be such a thing.

19 LOCAL PAGES For all advertising inquiries, contact

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

News and important information from your electric cooperative.

28 IN THE GARDEN EASY EGGPLANT: Plant your own and enjoy them all summer!

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

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

POSTMASTER: Send address changes to editorial and advertising offices at: 6677 Busch Boulevard, Columbus, OH 43229-1101

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

Alliance for Audited Media Member Ohio’s Electric Cooperatives is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

WHAT’S HAPPENING: March/April events and other things to do.

40 MEMBER INTERACTIVE CHANGE IN THE WEATHER: Readers share some dramatic photos.

IN THIS ISSUE New London (p.4) Rio Grande (p.4, 24) Kenton (p.4) Piqua (p.4, 6, 18) Kalida (p.6) Greenville (p.8) Chardon (p.10) Mount Gilead (p.12) Bainbridge (p.31) MARCH 2019 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING 3

POWER LINES

STRONG VOICES GUIDING HANDS Cooperative trustees are motivated by desire to help their communities

BY JEFF MCCALLISTER

J

ohn Martin braved one of those arctic January Ohio mornings to come from his home near New London to Columbus for training that would help him in his newest position.

Martin, a retired CSX signaling supervisor, had been elected to the Firelands Electric Cooperative board of directors only a few months earlier. Since a director’s decisions impact issues such as service rates, rights-of-way, and work plans, it’s a position of great responsibility. It requires people who understand their community’s needs and have a desire to serve the cooperative consumer-members’ best interests.

The class Martin and other directors and trustees from around the state were attending was designed specifically to help them think about strategic planning.

“When the cooperative’s members look at our trustees, they might not realize all the things that go into the job,” Martin says. “All of us in here took this job so we can help our cooperative and help our community, and we take these classes to make sure we know what we need to so we can do the best job possible.”

About 40 trustees from around the state came for that day’s class. They came from diverse backgrounds — teachers, retirees, homemakers, engineers, you name it — but they all came for that same reason.

“I think the main reason you become a trustee is because you’re community-minded, and you feel like you can help improve the quality of life for the people around you,” says Roberta Duncan, a trustee at Buckeye Rural Electric Cooperative in Rio Grande. “That’s what the coop is there for, really, not just to provide electricity, but

4 OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • MARCH 2019

to make the whole community a better place, and the trustees have to play a big part in that.”

Mark Bailey spent 40 years working in the electric utility industry, including many of those for co-ops in different parts of the country.

“In my case, I was looking for a way to give back to my community and my industry,” says Bailey, who is first vice chair of the board at Pioneer Electric Cooperative in Piqua. “I think that good board members have to be good listeners so they know what the members are thinking, and they have to be willing to work hard for the good of the cooperative and all its members.”

Brice Turner says being elected to the board at Mid-Ohio Energy Cooperative in Kenton was eye-opening.

“Looking at the board from outside, you see the trustees having their meetings and maybe being out in the community, but there’s a lot more to the job than those things,” he says. “You have to make sure you understand all the issues that you deal with, so you put in a lot of time doing your own research or coming to these education and training sessions. It’s a lot of work, but not many people know or understand that’s part of being a trustee.”

Bailey also says there’s nothing special about the people who take on the responsibility, other than their willingness to do so. “Everyone around the board table at every cooperative is a member, just like every other member,” he says. “We all get our electric service from the cooperative, and that’s important because everyone should know that our decisions affect us just as much as they affect everyone else.”

Mark Bailey Pioneer Electric Cooperative “Directors bring their own life experience to this job, and all those different ideas and perspectives help us to enact policies that could potentially keep our community strong.”

Roberta Duncan Buckeye Rural Electric Cooperative “As an educator, I came into my job as a director with an understanding of the importance of electricity and technology in our everyday lives and that’s motivated me to push the cooperative to stay as current and modern as we can possibly be.”

Brice Turner Mid-Ohio Energy Cooperative “From the start, the co-ops had directors who thought about both short-term and long-term goals, and that helped them get where they are today. Now it’s my job to do the same thing and set the stage for the future.”

John Martin Firelands Electric Cooperative “I’ve always been someone who was asking whether there was a better way of doing something, and I think trustees should always think that way, always be on the lookout for ways to improve the cooperative.”

MARCH 2019 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING 5

#WHOPOWERSYOU T

wo Ohio electric cooperative nominees have been named winners in a national contest by Touchstone Energy Cooperatives, the nationwide alliance of more than 730 consumer-owned electric cooperatives. Touchstone sponsors the #WhoPowersYou contest to honor co-op members for demonstrating their concern for their respective communities, which is one of Touchstone’s core values. The awards come with cash prizes to help the winners continue their valuable work.

Grand-prize winners: Bob and Midge Custer, Pioneer Electric Cooperative Pioneer Electric Cooperative members Bob and Midge Custer of Woodstock, Ohio, were named the grandprize winners from more than 300 entries nationwide.

The Custers operate Downsize Farm, a Medicaidcertified agency that helps those with developmental disabilities to “learn by doing.” The Custers know there are providers in larger cities with good services, but they strongly believe that local individuals should experience their own communities — and in Champaign County and four surrounding counties served by Downsize Farm, those communities are rural.

The Custers and their more than 30 employees aim to allow those with disabilities to act not only as consumers but also as contributors. A staff member works with each client individually to determine his or her interests and connect them with productive activities, including volunteer initiatives, that can translate into real jobs.

In addition, Downsize Farm’s “Just Right Jobs” program focuses on supported employment positions and allows local, community-based businesses to hire Downsize Farm clients. Bob, Midge, and their team are making a true impact.

Midge and Bob Custer, of Woodstock, Ohio, operate Downsize Farm.

Touchstone Energy Cooperatives is a national network of electric cooperatives that provides resources and leverages partnerships to help member cooperatives and their employees better engage and serve their members. By working together, Touchstone Energy cooperatives stand as a source of power and information every day.

Third-place winner: Ronnie Kahle Sr., Paulding Putnam Electric Cooperative Ronnie Kahle Sr., the third-place national winner, has dedicated his retirement years to volunteering in his hometown of Kalida. In addition to Lions Club activities and fundraising, volunteering for the Pioneer Days festival, and other community service projects, Kahle has been instrumental in the development of Four Seasons Park and the Plum Creek Nature Area in Kalida. He’s been involved with this extensive community project for the past decade, arranging the purchase of the properties and designing and constructing the 80-acre park — including installing the underground utilities and overseeing construction of buildings.

6 OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • MARCH 2019

Ronnie Kahle Sr., of Kalida, is a member of Paulding Putnam Electric Cooperative.

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OHIO ICON

KITCHENAID STAND MIXER Greenville

BY DAMAINE VONADA

Location: The only place in the world where KitchenAid stand mixers are produced is the KitchenAid factory at 1701 KitchenAid Way in Greenville.

Provenance: After observing a baker hand-mix dough in 1908, Herbert Johnston, an engineer at Hobart Manufacturing in Troy, devised the first electric mixer for commercial use. His Model H stand mixer debuted in 1914 and was quickly adopted by professional bakers and even by the U.S. Navy, which made it standard equipment on ships. Because of the Model H’s success, Hobart launched a smaller version — Model H-5 — for home cooks in 1919.

A pioneering appliance, the H-5 employed “planetary action,” an innovative and exclusive feature that turns the beater in one direction as it simultaneously circles the bowl in the opposite direction. The mixer also had slicer and juicer attachments that converted it into a versatile “food preparer.” Wives of Hobart executives tested the H-5 in their own kitchens, and after one of them described it as “the best kitchen aid I have ever had,” the KitchenAid brand was born.

KitchenAid’s recipe for success continued in the 1930s, when famed industrial designer Egmont Arens created the Model K, a lighter, lower-cost mixer with a streamlined shape that became the archetype for future stand mixer silhouettes. After World War II, production moved to Greenville, where in addition to standard white, KitchenAid rolled out stand mixers in five new colors — petal pink, island green, sunny yellow, satin chrome, and antique copper — in 1955.

Whirlpool Corporation acquired KitchenAid in 1986 and subsequently constructed the state-of-the-art facility where millions of KitchenAid stand mixers and other small appliances are manufactured annually.

Significance: A hundred years after introducing the first home stand mixer, KitchenAid is the world’s leading mixer brand. Now made in 84 colors, KitchenAid stand mixers are available in 115 countries and sell at the rate of five per minute.

Currently: To celebrate the stand mixer’s centennial, KitchenAid is providing two limited-edition mixers in Misty Blue, a retro color with a hint of green. One model comes with a ceramic bowl ($649.99), while the other has a white-coated stainless-steel bowl ($519.99).

8 OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • MARCH 2019

It’s a little-known fact that: The KitchenAid mixer factory offers tours, and in downtown Greenville, the KitchenAid Experience retail center carries a complete line of stand mixers and other countertop appliances.

For additional information about the KitchenAid stand mixer and other products, visit www.kitchenaid.com. To learn about factory tours and the KitchenAid Experience, call 800-961-0959 or 888-8868318 or click on www.kitchenaid.com/experience-retail-center.

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MARCH 2019 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING 9

WOODS, WATERS, AND WILDLIFE

Maple syrup time!

High-tech or low-tech, the syrup is just as sweet STORY AND PHOTOS BY W.H. “CHIP” GROSS

W

hen billowing clouds of steam begin rising from family sugar bush operations that dot the landscape this time of year, you know two things: Winter’s grip is finally beginning to ease a bit, and underneath all that steam is one of the tastiest treats there is.

Poured over pancakes or drizzled over ice cream, there is no better seasonal treat than pure Ohio maple syrup, and Geauga County produces more of the stuff than any other county in the state. The two main reasons: many mature sugar maple trees and many Amish farms — most of which operate a sugar bush.

Gary McDonald is not Amish, but his family’s farm near Chardon has produced maple syrup for five generations.

“We gave up gathering sap in buckets years ago and now tap our trees with plastic tubing,” McDonald says. “Other

10 OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • MARCH 2019

than that, we’re pretty much a low-tech operation. We light our sugar house at night with lanterns and still fire our evaporator with wood.” In fact, it takes cords and

Clockwise, from lower-left: Gordon McDonald checks a sap bucket on his brother Gary’s farm near Chardon; Tessa Baker stokes the evaporator fire in the McDonald family’s sugar shack; the finished product flows on the McDonald farm; Daniel McFerren checks and adjusts his state-ofthe-art fuel-oil evaporator at his family’s operation in Richland County; center: a sugar shack, with cords and cords of wood stacked outside, goes full steam at Malabar Farm State Park.

cords of wood. Maple sap usually contains only about 2 percent sugar, so 40 to 50 gallons of sap must be boiled to produce just a gallon of syrup.

The McDonald family makes several hundred gallons of maple syrup each year, the sale of which supplements their farm income during the slower months. “We also do it for fun,” McDonald says. “It’s a family tradition we hope to continue long into the future.” A second sugar house is operated next door by McDonald’s nephew, Adam McKinney.

McDonald recently took steps to make sure their family tradition will continue, by placing his 200 acres into long-term conservation easements with the Western Reserve Land Conservancy. The agreement ensures that the land will remain as fields and forests permanently.

A few counties to the southwest, the McFerren family has also been making maple syrup for generations, but their operation is decidedly more high-tech. Recently relocating their facility from Morrow County to Richland County, they not only tap trees using plastic tubing but also extract sap from their maple trees via a vacuum system. “It doesn’t harm the trees, and we get more sap that way,” says Jim McFerren.

“Once the sap arrives at our sugar house, we run it through a reverse-osmosis machine to remove much of the water before we boil,” says McFerren. “We no longer use wood to fire our evaporator as we did at our old sugar house; instead, we now use fuel oil.”

The McFerrens’ large, new evaporator is state of the art, saving them both time and labor. “Three of us — my two sons and I — can run the entire operation,” McFerren says.

“Before, it took half a dozen people, and no more boiling into the wee hours of the morning. We can now get the same amount of syrup made in a relatively few hours.”

The McFerrens, Consolidated Cooperative members, produce anywhere from 1,500 to 2,000 gallons or more of maple syrup each year.

One of life’s true pleasures is tasting fresh maple syrup — nature’s natural nectar — still warm from the evaporator. If you’ve never experienced such a delight, many state and local parks offer maple syrup-making demonstrations and festivals this time of year. Don’t put off your visit, as the season usually lasts only a month or less. “When the spring peepers begin singing,” McFerren says, “sugar season is about over.”

W.H. “CHIP” GROSS is Ohio Cooperative Living’s outdoors editor; he may be reached at whchipgross@gmail.com.

MARCH 2019 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING 11

CO-OP PEOPLE

Pedal Pushers

BY W.H. “CHIP” GROSS

L

ike many middle-aged married couples, Consolidated Cooperative members Bruce and Karen Beck of Mount Gilead enjoy long, leisurely bike rides together.

Their rides, however, are a little longer than most — the last one covered 6,500 miles and took four months to complete.

They have another such ride scheduled later this year.

In May 2014, the Becks boarded a train bound for Seattle, Washington, packing along their da Vinci tandem bicycle, then biked down the Pacific Coast Highway to San Francisco. From there, they headed east and north, pedaling all the way to Nova Scotia, Canada, then south to their final destination, Boston.

Bruce made his first cross-country bike trip — Maine to California — in 1981. “When I first met Karen, I told her about that trip and suggested that one day we might make a cross-country ride together. She was totally against it.”

“I just couldn’t imagine myself riding all the way across the U.S. on a bicycle,” Karen says. It took 20 years to talk her into it. “I looked at the trip as an escape,” she says.

“Our family was going through troubled times, and I needed to get away for a while.”

The Becks averaged 50 to 60 miles per day, usually riding six days per week and avoiding large metropolitan areas whenever possible. Self-contained, they carried everything from clothing, a tent, and camping gear to food and repair equipment in their bike packs. “We tried keeping the total weight of our gear down to 80 pounds,” Bruce says.

Surprisingly, they only had five flat tires during that coastto-coast trip. “But three of those five flats happened on

12 OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • MARCH 2019

the same day, in Wyoming,” says Bruce. “We think it was asphalt shards we were continually running over.”

Asked about their most dangerous encounters while on the road, the Becks mention two. “Logging trucks passing us on the narrow roads and switchbacks of the Pacific Northwest were always scary,” Karen says. “An 18-wheeler semi driver with an attitude in Iowa forced us off the road. We didn’t crash, thankfully, but that Iowa incident was a very close call. It shook both of us up pretty bad.”

As for the highlights of the trip, Karen says, “The many natural wonders of America — God’s creation — was definitely a highlight, especially the California redwoods.” Bruce also points to the people they met along the way: “We came across people from all cultures and walks of life. A few folks even became our friends who we still keep in touch with. Our bike just seems to be a magnet; everywhere we stop, people walk over and want to talk. Some people even invited us to their homes for a hot shower, a meal, or even an overnight stay. It might sound cliché, but the trip really renewed our faith in humanity.”

The Becks are looking forward to their upcoming trip, planning

on hitting the road again this summer.

Their previous route took them across the northern states, but this next one, officially known as the Southern Tier Bike Route, begins in southern California and ends in St. Augustine, Florida, requiring about two and a half months to complete.

“With no set schedule, there is a sense of freedom on the road that you don’t experience in any other way,” says Karen. “On a bike, you’re moving at a pace much slower than in a vehicle, seeing the details of the natural world, sleeping under the stars, dealing with weather changes. It’s a very primitive type of travel; you literally take your life one day at a time.”

If a long-distance bike trip with your spouse sounds enticing, Karen adds this last bit of sobering advice. “A crosscountry bicycle trip — especially on a tandem — is either a marriage maker or marriage breaker,” she says. “Bruce and I certainly had our moments, but we also know that our marriage is stronger for having done it.”

Karen and Bruce Beck of Mount Gilead have ridden from sea to shining sea on their tandem bicycle and are preparing for a second crosscountry trip later this year.

MARCH 2019 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING 13

insurance and you could save.

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Some discounts, coverages, payment plans and features are not available in all states, in all GEICO companies, or in all situations. Boat and PWC coverages are underwritten by GEICO Marine Insurance Company. Homeowners, renters and condo coverages are written through non-affiliated insurance companies and are secured through the GEICO Insurance Agency, Inc. Motorcycle and ATV coverages are underwritten by GEICO Indemnity Company. GEICO is a registered service mark of Government Employees Insurance Company, Washington, DC 20076; a Berkshire Hathaway Inc. subsidiary. Š 2018 GEICO

GOOD EATS

Goodies

from the

GRIDDLE Take the same-old pancakes, waffles, and the like to the next level with a few unexpected — and delicious — additions.

CHAI SPICED WAFFLES Prep: 10 minutes | Cook: 15 minutes | Servings: 6 1/2 teaspoon white pepper 2 cups all-purpose flour 1/4 cup packed brown sugar 31/2 teaspoons baking powder 2 large eggs 2 teaspoons cinnamon 2 cups whole milk 2 teaspoons ginger 1/2 cup vegetable oil 1 teaspoon cardamom 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 teaspoon cloves 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg Preheat the waffle maker. In a large bowl, sift flour, baking powder, and spices. In a separate bowl, mix brown sugar, eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla. Incorporate dry ingredients into wet ingredients. Spray waffle maker with nonstick cooking spray. Bake according to manufacturer’s directions, until golden brown. Top with your favorite waffle toppings, like banana slices and whipped cream.

Per serving: 420 calories; 23 grams fat (6 grams saturated fat); 45 grams total carbs; 2 grams fiber; 9 grams protein.

MARCH 2019 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING 15

GRAND MARNIER AND BRIE FRENCH TOAST Prep: 5 minutes | Cook: 15 minutes | Servings: 12 1/4 cup packed brown sugar 2 teaspoons vanilla 1 teaspoon cinnamon, divided 1/2 cup powdered sugar 1/4 teaspoon salt 4 eggs 1 tablespoon water 1 cup skim milk 1 cup pecans 12 slices bread (thick, such as Texas toast or brioche) 8 tablespoons unsalted butter 7 ounces brie cheese, sliced ½ cup Grand Marnier (or other orange liqueur) In a small saucepan, heat brown sugar, 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, salt, and water until liquid and smooth. Toss in pecans to coat. Spread pecans out on a baking sheet to cool. Set aside.

In a small saucepan, gently heat butter until melted. Whisk in Grand Marnier, vanilla, and powdered sugar until smooth.

In a shallow container, whisk together eggs, milk, and 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon. Heat a lightly oiled skillet (or griddle) over medium-high heat.

Quickly coat enough bread slices to fill skillet. Cook until golden brown on each side, 2 to 3 minutes. Top with slices of brie and candied pecans and drizzle with Grand Marnier sauce. Serve immediately.

Per serving: 558 calories; 43 grams fat (18 grams saturated fat); 30 grams total carbs; 2.5 grams fiber; 15.5 grams protein.

LIGHT LAVENDER AND LEMON PANCAKES Prep: 20 minutes | Cook: 20 minutes | Servings: 4 (12 medium pancakes) 4 eggs, separated 3/4 cup fresh lemon juice 1 cup ricotta cheese 1/2 cup sugar 3/4 cup milk 1 to 2 tablespoons cornstarch 2 tablespoons vegetable oil 1 to 2 tablespoons water 1 teaspoon vanilla 1 cup all-purpose flour 1/2 teaspoon lavender buds (more 1/2 teaspoon baking soda for sprinkling) 1/4 teaspoon salt 1 tablespoon grated lemon zest 2 tablespoons sugar 1 pint blueberries (optional) Heat lemon juice in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add sugar and stir until dissolved. In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with water until a paste is formed. Add a little cornstarch paste to the lemon mixture until it thickens into a syrup, 1 to 2 minutes. Remove from heat, set aside.

In a large bowl, sift flour, baking soda, salt, and sugar. In a separate bowl, whisk egg yolks, ricotta cheese, milk, oil, and vanilla. Add flour mixture to egg mixture and stir until well blended. Lightly muddle or chop lavender buds and add to the mixture along with lemon zest. Let batter sit 15 minutes. In another bowl, whisk egg whites until stiff peaks form (7 to 10 minutes). Fold into batter.

Heat a nonstick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Working in batches, form each pancake by spooning batter onto skillet. Cook until most of the air bubbles have popped, then flip and cook until pancakes are easy to remove with a spatula, about 5 minutes total.

Drizzle with lemon sauce and sprinkle with lavender and blueberries.

Per serving: 538 calories; 18 grams fat (7 grams saturated fat); 77 grams total carbs; 3.6 grams fiber; 18.5 grams protein.

16 OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • MARCH 2019

SMOKED SALMON AND HOLLANDAISE CREPES Prep: 10 minutes | Cook: 30 minutes | Servings: 4 to 6 4 tablespoons unsalted butter 1 tablespoon olive oil dash cayenne pepper 1 bunch asparagus spears dash salt 1/2 teaspoon garlic salt 2 eggs 4 egg yolks 11/2 cups milk 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice In a large skillet, heat olive oil. Add asparagus and garlic salt.

Cook on medium high until tender and lightly charred.

In a heat-safe bowl, whisk 4 egg yolks and lemon juice until thickened and doubled in volume. In a small saucepan, melt butter, being careful not to overheat. Add a small spoonful of melted butter to the egg mixture and whisk until fully incorporated. Continue adding butter to egg mixture one spoonful at a time, whisking constantly so eggs won’t curdle.

Once butter is incorporated, return the sauce to saucepan and cook on very low heat, stirring constantly for 30 seconds. If sauce isn’t thick enough, heat slightly longer. Remove from heat and whisk in dash of cayenne and salt.

1 tablespoon vegetable oil 1/4 teaspoon salt 1 cup all-purpose flour 4 ounces smoked salmon fresh dill, for garnish

In a measuring cup with a spout, mix eggs, milk, oil, salt, and flour with a fork (or immersion blender) until smooth. Heat a 12-inch round crepe maker or nonstick skillet on medium. Pour 1/2 cup batter and spread out with a heatproof spatula until very thin or lift and rotate skillet until batter is spread to the edges. Cook 1 to 3 minutes. When the crepe easily releases with a spatula, flip and cook another minute. Transfer onto a plate. Repeat until batter is gone, carefully stacking crepes. Top each crepe with slice of salmon, asparagus spears, and a drizzle of hollandaise (if hollandaise is too thick, add a little bit of water and stir). Fold crepes into triangles or roll closed. Garnish with fresh dill. Serve hot or at room temperature.

Per serving: 453 calories; 28 grams fat (12 grams saturated fat); 32 grams total carbs; 2 grams fiber; 18 grams protein.

MARCH 2019 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING 17

CO-OP SPOTLIGHT

PIONEER ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE Service, generosity are traditions at the home of the first REA utility pole in the country Pioneer Electric Cooperative, based in Piqua, is a celebrity among cooperatives, if there can be such a thing. On Nov. 14, 1935, just six months after President Franklin Roosevelt’s executive order creating the Rural Electrification Administration, a crowd of more than 500 farmers, businessmen, and statesmen from around the country gathered in Piqua to watch workers set the first REA utility pole in the nation. Pioneer Electric has progressed since that day, in manner true to its name and its heritage as a trailblazer among cooperatives.

Tech innovators Pioneer is often at the forefront in the use of new technology for the good of its consumer-members. It was the first electric cooperative in the nation to test radiocontrolled management of members’ electric water heaters in an effort to hold the line on rising energy costs in the 1970s, and later was the first in the nation to offer use of the SmartHub app, giving members convenient account access, bill-pay options, and two-way communication with the coop. Pioneer also was an early adopter of the SCADA system and its advanced metering infrastructure (AMI), which both helps consumers better understand their energy use and improves the reliability of Pioneer’s electric service.

Diverse membership Based in Piqua, Pioneer Electric serves 16,754 consumermembers in 11 counties in the west-central part of the state.

The region relies strongly on agriculture, and like many cooperatives, many Pioneer members are farmers. Pioneer, however, boasts a diverse membership that includes several large industrial consumers such as a Honda engine plant in Anna, KTH Parts in St. Paris, the Upper Valley

18 OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • MARCH 2019

Medical Center in Troy, and Proctor and Gamble’s logistics and distribution center in Union. It also serves tourist destinations such as Cedar Bog Nature Preserve, Lake Loramie State Park, and Charleston Falls Preserve. Pioneer even provides the electrical service at the annual three-day Country Concert in Fort Loramie each July.

Part of the community The cooperative’s 61 employees are actively involved in the communities they serve. They’ve rallied together to purchase gifts for area families in need for more than 25 years, and the co-op’s “Powering Possibilities” committee has coordinated donations to the local Alzheimer’s Association, area food pantries, and Pink Ribbon Girls, which supports the fight against breast and reproductive cancers.

“Great employees lead to great service,” says Pioneer CEO Ron Salyer. “Our employees continually show their generosity not only through their contributions but also through the extra efforts made outside their normal dayto-day duties to demonstrate their commitment to the communities that we serve.”

UNION RURAL ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE LOCAL CONNECTIONS MESSAGE FROM THE CEO/PRESIDENT

THE COOPERATIVE DIFFERENCE

LOOK FOR YOUR ALLOCATION CREDITS AND BILLING CREDITS THIS SPRING I’m reminded of the old saying “March comes in like a lion and goes out like a lamb.” This saying tends to be pretty accurate when it comes to Ohio weather. It means that winter weather isn’t quite done in early March, but by the end of the month, temperatures moderate and flowers are ready to start blooming. Flowers aren’t the only thing on the way. In the spring, URE calculates your share of company earnings, based on your usage, and then actually pays you back — with a credit on your bill.

You are so much more than a customer to us — you are a consumer-member, a part of this company. URE was created by our community nearly 83 years ago by people like you, and you’re the reason we work so hard to provide quality service. When other companies strive to earn profits for faraway investors, URE is working for you by improving reliability, maintaining fair rates, and continuing our involvement with the local community.

As a consumer-member, all the money you pay throughout the year — above our operating costs — is tracked and entered into a special account earmarked for you. This is what we call “allocation of credits,” and it’s something we do each and every year that we earn more than what we spend. This money is used, along with long-term loans, to continue upgrading and building electric distribution facilities that benefit our current and future members.

Your April URE electric bill will show the 2018 allocation for your account, along with your total allocation of credits. Gas bills will show the allocation in May.

When the board Anthony Smith gives their approval CEO/PRESIDENT (typically within 20 years), we “retire” the allocated credits, which means we actually pay you back in the form of a credit on your bill. If you are no longer taking service, we send you a check.

In 2018, URE paid $2.4 million back to our consumer-members. Ohio electric co-ops pay back over $30 million annually, and nationally, co-ops pay back over $800 million per year. Now that’s added value for being a consumermember of a cooperative!

In 2014, URE’s natural gas division, CERC, began allocating credits that will be retired at some point in the future as equity in that business increases.

Current electric members will find a bill credit on their May bill for any retired credits.

Any checks for retired credits that are returned to the cooperative as “undeliverable” are placed on an unclaimed funds list. URE will attempt to find the members to whom this money belongs, and the funds will be redistributed to the rest of the membership if no claim is made.

It’s important that you let us know your new address when moving off of URE’s system so we can continue sending checks when we retire future credits. You can email services@ure.com or give us a call at 800-6421826 to let us know your new address. After all, you earned it for being a consumer-member, and we want to make sure you continue receiving these funds.

MARCH 2019 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING 19

UNION RURAL ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE CONNECTIONS LOCAL CONNECTIONS

The average American family spends $2,000 annually on energy bills, but unfortunately, much of that money is wasted through air leaks in the home.

Applying caulk around windows, doors, electrical wiring, and plumbing can save energy and money.

20 OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • MARCH 2019

123

easy projects to save energy

Winter weather can have a big impact on your energy bills, hitting your pockets a little harder than you would like. Now that spring is just around the corner, it’s the perfect time to tackle a few DIY efficiency projects for your home. The good news: You don’t have to be an energy expert to do this!

There are several easy ways to save energy, but if you’re willing to take a hands-on approach, here are three projects you can do now to start saving.

1

Make the most of your water heater

Let’s start with one of the easiest projects: insulating your water heater. Insulating a water heater can save 7 to 16 percent annually on your water heating bills. It should also be noted that if your water heater is new, it is likely already insulated. But if your water heater is warm to the touch, it needs additional insulation.

You can purchase a pre-cut jacket or blanket for about $20. You’ll also need two people for this project. Before you start, turn off the water heater. Wrap the blanket around the water heater and tape it to temporarily keep it in place. If necessary, use a marker to note the areas where the controls are so you can cut them out. Once the blanket is positioned correctly, tape it permanently in place, then turn the water heater back on. If you have an electric water heater, do not set the thermostat above 130 degrees, which can cause overheating.

2

Seal air leaks with caulk The average American family spends $2,000 annually on energy bills, but unfortunately, much of that money is wasted through air leaks in the home. Applying caulk around windows, doors, electrical wiring, and plumbing can save energy and money. There are many different

types of caulking compounds available, but the most popular choice is silicone. Silicone caulk is waterproof, flexible, and won’t shrink or crack.

Before applying new caulk, clean and remove any old caulk or paint with a putty knife, screwdriver, brush, or solvent.

The area should be dry before you apply the new caulk.

Apply the caulk in one continuous stream and make sure it sticks to both sides of the crack or seam. Afterward, use a putty knife to smooth out the caulk, then wipe the surface with a dry cloth.

3

Weatherstrip exterior doors One of the best ways to seal air leaks is to weatherstrip exterior doors, which can keep out drafts and help you control energy costs. Weatherstripping materials vary, but you can ask your local hardware or home store for assistance if you’re unsure about the supplies you need.

When choosing weatherstripping material, make sure it can withstand temperature changes, friction, and the general wear and tear for the location of the door. Keep in mind that you will need separate materials for the door sweep (at the bottom of the door) and the top and sides.

Before applying the new weatherstripping, clean the molding with water and soap, then let the area dry completely. Measure each side of the door, then cut the weatherstripping to fit each section. Make sure the weatherstripping fits snugly against both surfaces, so it compresses when the door is closed.

By completing these simple efficiency projects, you can save energy (and money!) while increasing the comfort level of your home. And you can impress your family and friends with your savvy energy-saving skills.

MARCH 2019 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING 20A

UNION RURAL ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE CONNECTIONS LOCAL CONNECTIONS

Fighting to keep the lights on Electric co-ops are winning the reliability battles against squirrels, storms, and hackers An electric utility’s basic job of keeping the power flowing 24/7 calls for maintaining a complex network of power plants, poles, and wires. But it also means battling the unpredictable. Tony Thomas, senior principal engineer with the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA), cites the top three troublemakers to electric reliability as trees falling on power lines and other interferences from vegetation, lightning strikes, and animals going about their daily routines, especially squirrels chewing on electrical equipment.

“Utilities do an awfully good job,” says Thomas. “But Mother Nature gets in the way sometimes.”

Humans contribute to power outages as well, with vandals deliberately damaging electrical equipment and drivers accidentally crashing into utility poles.

Statistics say the lights are almost always on Numbers collected from electric utilities show that power in the United States is incredibly reliable.

According to these figures, the percentage of time that the average American has electricity at the flip of a switch is 99.97.

20B OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • MARCH 2019

But utilities still try to improve on that reliability. Among the techniques being used to foil critter catastrophes are snake barriers around substations, buzzard shields on transmission towers, and mesh coverings on wood poles to protect them from woodpeckers.

For some of the other causes of outages, like trees and lightning, there’s now an app for that Utilities operate extensive right-of-way programs to keep vegetation away from power lines. These days, those efforts can be aided by digital software that forecasts the growth of trees and other plants, so that utilities can prune branches before they cause a problem.

By far, the biggest part of reliability comes from the decades of building, maintaining, and updating the massive machinery of the nation’s electric grid.

More than 8,500 power plants generate electricity that is shipped through 200,000 miles of highvoltage transmission lines. Banks of substations and transformers step down that voltage to send it to homes and businesses through 5.5 million miles of local distribution lines.

Keeping that network up and running calls for a lot of planning among utilities to anticipate how electricity will be used in the future. Part of that reliability planning focuses on protecting the electricity system from computer-based digital attacks.

The never-ending job of cyber security Bridgette Bourge is among those overseeing how digital technology affects reliability for electric co-ops and their consumer-members. As director of government affairs for NRECA, she sees both the positives and the negatives to the latest cyber technology.

“Cyber helps a lot on reliability because it gives us the ability to monitor and know everything right away,” she says. “But whenever you increase reliability through a technology, you do potentially open up vulnerabilities as well, from the security angle.”

The benefits of the internet come infested with mischief makers. Bourge says it’s routine for a company to receive tens of thousands of attempts each day to break into its computer network.

Those “knocks” at the cyber door can come from individuals, countries, and organizations, or

from the army of automated “bots” roaming the internet worldwide, testing for weaknesses where a hacker could enter.

For a utility, a troublemaker inside the computer network could affect electric service, and that’s why NRECA has organized a variety of cyber reliability programs.

NRECA works closely with the nation’s electric co-ops to share the techniques for protecting utility systems from internet invaders. NRECA also works with federal government cybersecurity groups in the Department of Energy and the Department of Homeland Security.

NRECA is part of a national program to create a cyber mutual-assistance agreement. Much like groups of lineworkers from an electric co-op traveling to help restore power after a hurricane, these cyber agreements would utilize teams of information technology experts in the case of a cyber incident.

“You can’t solve cybersecurity,” says Bourge. “No matter what you do today, the bad guys are going to figure out a way around it tomorrow. You have to keep thinking about the next step.”

Bourge sees electric co-ops as well-placed to pay attention to cybersecurity. She says as communitybased, member-led businesses, electric co-ops have a unique interest in protecting the reliability of the local community’s energy supply.

“Electric cooperatives take cybersecurity very seriously,” says Bourge.

MARCH 2019 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING 20C

UNION RURAL ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE CONNECTIONS LOCAL CONNECTIONS

Electric co-op policy priorities for the new Congress Every time a new Congress convenes, electric cooperatives have the opportunity to educate new lawmakers on issues that matter most to their consumer-members and the communities they serve.

The 116th Congress kicked off in January with more than 100 new members in the House and Senate.

Since then, co-ops have been working with the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA), the national service organization that represents more than 900 not-for-profit electric cooperatives, to introduce ourselves to new members on Capitol Hill. Here are several priority issues that we’re bringing to lawmakers’ attention.

20D OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • MARCH 2019

Energy policy and infrastructure The potential for energy and infrastructure legislation presents a significant opportunity as electric cooperatives work to meet the growing needs of their local communities. NRECA will work to ensure that any infrastructure package focuses on more than roads and bridges, including opportunities to modernize the electric grid and expand rural broadband access. This is critical to ensuring that rural America is not left behind in the 21st century economy.

Environment NRECA will promote and encourage bipartisan support for renewable energy research and development programs — including programs that focus on finding a viable use for carbon capture, utilization, and storage, which comprise a suite of technologies for reducing greenhouse gas emissions from power plants.

Cooperative renewables use has increased substantially in recent years, more than doubling since 2010.

Broadband Expanded rural broadband access remains a priority for NRECA. As electric co-ops engage the new Congress, we will work to ensure that all rural broadband discussions include the electric co-op perspective on the need to expand high-speed internet service in rural areas. According to the Federal Communications Commission, 23 million rural Americans lack access to broadband — and millions of them are members of an electric co-op. That’s why roughly 100 electric cooperatives are working to close the digital divide by bringing broadband to their communities, and more are exploring the option.

Tax policy The 2017 tax reform law included a provision that treated federal grants as income. This threatens the tax-exempt status of some electric cooperatives, because many co-ops rely on government grants to maintain and expand their infrastructure and provide services to their local communities. America’s electric cooperatives will seek to fix this unintended consequence of the tax law.

Grid resilience Protecting our nation’s vast power grid is a national priority and focus for electric cooperatives. Ensuring appropriate information-sharing and preserving existing partnerships and structures are essential to these efforts. We will advocate for resources and technologies that meet the unique cybersecurity and recovery needs of small and medium-sized utilities to help protect our systems.

With such a large freshman class of lawmakers, educating them about electric cooperatives and the issues we care about will take time and perseverance. Advocating for the interests of our consumer-members and the communities in which they live is at the very heart of our business.

DISTRICTS 2 & 7

ELECTION TIMELINE March 7, 2019 Second nominating committee meeting notice (if necessary)

March 23, 2019 Last day nominations by committee or petition can be filed with the secretary (70 days prior to annual meeting) March 26, 2019 Regular board meeting April 30, 2019 Regular board meeting April 2019 Official meeting notice in April OCL magazine May 10, 2019 Latest ballots can be mailed to members (20 days prior to annual meeting) May 28, 2019 Regular board meeting May 2019 Final meeting notice in June OCL magazine May 29, 2019 Ballots due June 1, 2019 Annual meeting, 9 a.m. at URE office June 25, 2019 Reorganization meeting to elect board officers

MARCH 2019 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING 21

UNION RURAL ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE CONNECTIONS LOCAL CONNECTIONS

Help us Serve You Better Give us your thoughts and opinions about URE In April, Union Rural Electric will be working with NRECA Market Research Services to complete a member satisfaction survey.

The surveys will be both by phone and email, but not everyone will be contacted. If you are contacted, we would greatly appreciate a few minutes of your time to share your opinions of the cooperative.

We strive to provide all members with safe, affordable, reliable, and clean electric service.

By participating in the survey, you will help us make decisions that benefit you, your family, and your neighbors.

All information is confidential.

Energy Efficiency Tip of the Month Spring is nearly here! Now is the perfect time to test your A/C and ensure it’s ready for summer. Remember to check the evaporator coil, which should be cleaned annually for optimal efficiency.

Source: energy.gov

UNION RURAL ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE, INC. CONTACT

BOARD OF TRUSTEES

Jeff Wilson Chairman

1-800-642-1826 | 937-642-1826 www.ure.com

Jeff Reinhard Vice Chairman

OFFICE 15461 U.S. Route 36 P.O. Box 393 Marysville, Ohio 43040

Bill D’Onofrio Treasurer

OFFICE HOURS Mon. – Fri. | 7:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Dale Scheiderer David Thornton Dan Westlake Trustees

22 OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • MARCH 2019

Steve Patton Secretary

LOCAL CONNECTIONS

Mike Aquillo

CXO/VP of Member Services

Sue Gibson, CCC Director of Communications HAVE A STORY SUGGESTION?

Email your ideas to: services@ure.com

Technical Scholarships Available For adult and high school consumer-members

Rules and applications are available at www.ohioec.org/TechnicalScholarship APPLICATION DEADLINE: April 30

through the

night

The most common type of squirrel in Ohio is one most of its citizens have never seen

BY CELESTE BAUMGARTNER

W

e’re accustomed to sharing our outdoors with gray squirrels and fox squirrels, but the most common type of squirrel in Ohio is one you’ve probably never seen — the southern flying squirrel.

While other squirrels will boldly venture among humans, southern flying squirrels are both shy and nocturnal, making them difficult to spot.

Smaller than gray squirrels, with big, black eyes and a tail that’s flat and furry rather than bushy, the southern flying squirrel has a wide flap of skin from its wrist down to its ankle on each side.

These nighttime critters are awkward on the ground, making them vulnerable to predators, because that flap of skin is sort of like having ropes tied from their front to their hind feet.

However, once those squirrels are airborne (they actually glide rather than fly), their maneuverability is amazing, says Don Althoff, a professor of wildlife conservation at the University of Rio Grande. Althoff is doing a long-

24 OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • MARCH 2019

term research project looking at population trends of southern flying squirrels.

“I’ve seen these squirrels not only travel 50 yards in the air, sometimes without losing any altitude, but I’ve seen them take 90-degree turns between a set of trees, come up to that tree, and like a hovercraft, turn at a 90-degree angle and do the perfect landing on the tree,” Althoff says.

A couple of times a week in winter, in the snow and ice, Althoff and a cluster of students from the University of Rio Grande and Hocking College trek through the Hocking County hills to check southern flying squirrel nest boxes. They check each of 14 box sites every winter — about 340 boxes in all. The students eagerly volunteer to participate in the project.

“Every box has always had some use within a year,” Althoff says. “The squirrels may not nest in it, but they’ll turn it into a cafeteria. They’ll eat nuts and leave the shells there. Once in a while they may use it as a latrine, but most of the time, it is either as a nesting box, rest site, or as a place to feed.

I find very few uncut, unopened acorns or hickory nuts.”

Althoff and the students record what they find inside. If it’s a squirrel — or maybe as many as seven to 10 — they ear-tag it and determine its sex and weight. When the critter is released, it zips away to find a tree to climb.

“Flying squirrels want to go up,” Althoff says.

“If you put them on the ground, they are looking for the highest spot to launch from.”

Flying squirrels will eat almost anything, but their favorite is hickory nuts — they nibble a hole through the shell to get to the nutmeat.

They also eat acorns, buckeyes, and walnuts. When available, buds, insects, mushrooms, and eggs are on the menu. If you’d like to feed a flying squirrel, stash some treats up in the branches of a tree, since they won’t venture down on the ground unless they have to.

CELESTE BAUMGARTNER is a freelance writer from Concinnati.

A couple of times per week during the winter, University of Rio Grande Professor Don Althoff (above right, on ladder) takes a group of students from Rio Grande and nearby Hocking College to nearby wooded areas to check nesting boxes and study the habits of the resident flying squirrels.

MARCH 2019 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING 25

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IN THE GARDEN

EASY Eggplant

The easy way to great-tasting eggplant with no bitterness is to grow your own.

BY KRIS WETHERBEE; PHOTOS BY RICK WETHERBEE

Y

ears ago, I discovered that there is a lot to like about eggplant. Aesthetically captivating, the plant’s gorgeous lavender flowers, followed by a glistening display of purple to purplish-black fruit, are a striking addition to the garden. Additional fruit color options include pearly white, soft orchid, and bright orange. Some varieties also produce fruits in various interesting shapes, from the classic oval to an elongated teardrop to long and slender or curved like a banana and even round balls that are the perfect size for shish kebabs.

This 2- to 4-foot-tall warm-season annual is easy to grow where summers are long and warm. For gardeners whose summers are a bit shorter, there are also varieties that mature quickly or are well-suited to growing in containers. Eggplant excels with two to three months of warm summer days and nighttime temperatures that frequently remain above 60 degrees.

Getting started Wait until the weather has warmed and all danger of frost has passed before planting. Ideally, it’s best to wait a couple of weeks after tomatoes have been planted before putting eggplant in the ground. Starting with 8- to 10-week-old transplants will give you a jump on the season, or you can start plants indoors from seed about eight weeks in advance of planting.

For best success, choose a sunny, well-drained site with fertile soil rich in organic matter. To help reduce disease, be sure

28 OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • MARCH 2019

to choose an area where tomatoes, peppers, and other nightshade members did not grow the previous year — preferably the previous two years.

Planting Eggplant is a heavy feeder, so rich soil is imperative to growing healthy plants and tasty fruit. Start by digging in a 1- to 2-inch layer of rotted manure or compost into the growing area or to each hole before planting, then water well. Plants also flourish in soil rich in minerals, which can easily be added to the planting hole via rock dust and/or greensand.

Space transplants 18 to 24 inches between plants, depending on the variety, and 2 to 3 feet between rows.

For gardeners growing in raised beds or using the squarefoot method, plant 18 to 24 inches apart in all directions.

Be sure to place transplants slightly deeper in the ground than they were in the pot. Then stake or cage plants so they have support as they grow to prevent them from falling over when laden with fruit.

Growing guide Feed plants lightly with composted animal manure or a complete organic fertilizer suitable for tomatoes about six weeks after planting, then side-dress with additional fertilizer after the first fruits form.

Water deeply and always keep the soil evenly moist but not wet, for best-quality fruits. Using a soaker hose or drip system at ground level is ideal. Also, be sure to add a layer of mulch, such as straw or compost, once plants become established. The mulch will keep soil moisture levels more even and help suppress weeds.

Harvest tips While warm, rich soil and uniform moisture along with warm air temperatures are all necessary for growing bitter-free fruit and quality yields, all can be lost if the fruits are overdeveloped when harvested. The texture can easily become spongy, pithy, and bitter once the fruit is too mature. This is one case where smaller is better, as young fruits usually have the best texture and flavor.

As such, harvest fruits while young and firm and after they develop their color, but before they lose their shine.

Fruits are too bitter once the skin turns dull. Glossy and richly colored is best.

Be gentle when harvesting to avoid bruising fruits. Use heavy-duty shears, hand pruners, or a sharp knife and cut about an inch above the calyx (cap) so that a short piece of the stem remains intact. Most varieties are prickly on the stems, but you can easily avoid irritation by wearing gloves or long sleeves when picking fruit.

KRIS WETHERBEE is a master gardener who lives in Oregon.

MARCH 2019 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING 29

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mission to preserve Arc of Appalachia saves Ohio’s precious natural areas — one parcel at a time

BY JAMES PROFFITT

A

sk Nancy Stranahan, “What’s the point of preserving plain old woods?” and you’re certain to get an earful.

“I’d say guilty as charged, except for the word ‘plain,’” Stranahan says, explaining that southern Ohio’s hardwood forests are the last best chance

MARCH 2019 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING 31

to save an ecosystem that has one of the highest levels of biodiversity in the world. “The fact that 100,000 multicellular native organisms are at stake takes ‘plain’ out of the discussion.”

By the way, they’re not “woods,” either, as Stranahan also points out — call them “eastern deciduous forest.” Her more important point, though: Whatever you call them, they’re a mighty precious commodity. Because of that, she’s been latching onto and saving them, acre by acre, for more than two decades since founding Arc of Appalachia in 1995.

Arc of Appalachia’s land holdings are ever-expanding as the group, mostly volunteers, works to acquire crucial parcels, with all the stunning views, massive old-growth trees, and forest floors and canopies teeming with life that come with them.

Inspiring natural beauty Few are as deeply connected to Arc of Appalachia as Jean Farkas, the current board president. A decade ago, she read a friend’s email referencing a hike at an Arc site. “I saw a reference to a land stewardship program and immediately knew I was going to do that,” she says. “I placed a phone call and that weekend drove down. I was smitten.”

Farkas said she hikes Arc trails often. Just because.

Who wouldn’t? They are tracts of intractably wild land, lush with the sounds, smells, sights, and feels of all things not modern world: leaves, bark, water, lichens and mosses, fungi, stone in all its forms, and the gravity that comes from

32 OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • MARCH 2019

Jean Farkas, president of Arc of Appalachia’s board of directors, says she was smitten with the program from the first time she heard about it.

being up close and personal with a system of life so much more immense than us.

They are also brimming with exquisite wildlife: elusive bobcats, threatened bat colonies, an army of tiny, delicate frogs and toads, slippery salamanders and newts, and rare timber rattlesnakes. There are flocks of visiting warblers, waterfowl, and regal birds of prey like hawks, owls, and eagles.

“We place a priority on purchasing land contiguous to already-owned properties,” Farkas says. “It’s more friendly to plants and wildlife. We’re a small, nimble organization and can make quick decisions.”

Ready to pounce Columbus and Franklin County Metro Parks Resource Manager John Watts can attest to that ability. “In Hocking County, a piece known as Fern Gully came available adjacent to Clear Creek’s 5,000 acres of mostly wilderness,” he says. “It was probably only going to be on the market for 48 to 72 hours. Arc was able to jump right in and buy it, or that land might have gone to someone not as interested in preserving it.”

The parcel is home to deep ravines awash with hemlocks and rare (believe it or not) tropical ferns. It is flush with towering stone outcrops, truck-sized boulders, and the pristine waters of meandering Clear Creek.

“Fern Gully’s met on three sides by Metro Parks’ Clear Creek, so it’s great that Arc was able to move quickly to secure and preserve the land,” Watts says. Arc turned the Continued on page 35

MARCH 2019 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING 33

Nancy Stranahan, co-founder and director of Arc of Appalachia, cultivates a statewide citizen advocacy network to support the purchase and, therefore, preservation of natural areas around the state.

Artistic impression While acquisition and education are front and center at Arc of Appalachia, so is art.

“What a dream!” exclaims Wendy Vickers, a poet who spent a couple weeks at an Arc artist-in-residence program. “Our task was to make art and share our experience and skills with local schoolchildren.” A free room at Arc meant free rein to write.

“The Highlands residency experience brought me back to my roots, revitalized me in ways I could never have foreseen,” Vickers says.

“Maude’s Cedar Narrows”

(excerpt)

Just beyond the woods, we hear water calling.

What does it have to say to us today?

The old song: passage and presence; moving on and staying attuned.

Heraclitus told us you cannot step twice into the same river.

The river keeps moving, you keep changing.

A few days ago, this creek roared its power to the top of the bluff and beyond, to the sky. Engorged with rain, it tore through its banks, snapping at grasses and trees.

It said: look, don’t touch.

It said: you can come to my door, but you’d better not enter.

It tossed out a dare we were too wise to take.

— written by Wendy Vickers during her Highlands residency 34 OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • MARCH 2019

Continued from page 33

land over to Metro Parks and was recompensated and will use those funds in turn to buy up even more forest, or perhaps some bit of centuries-old Native American earthworks — another frequent target of Arc acquisition.

Where and how it all happens Arc’s home base is the 2,600-acre Highlands Nature Sanctuary, the largest of its 18 properties, straddling Rocky Fork Creek. There, visitors can take in all things Arc: shiver-good nature, caves and grottos, natural springs, and all the accouterments of nature in the wild.

During spring months, a brief just-weeks-long window affords legions of wildflowers just enough time to soak up sunshine and bloom before the forest’s dense canopy steals the light. Spring wildflowers and autumn foliage make for the busiest times at Highlands, where folks can visit for a hike or they can stay; a handful of cottages and homes owned by Arc offer perfect retreats without a commercial, touristy theme — just real “plain” woods and their associated residents.

Not all of the land Arc acquires is purchased — some is gifted, free-and-clear, such as the 75-acre farm in Pike County, donated by the Samson family in 2005, and an adjacent 70 acres donated by Marjorie Obrist a decade later. Both parcels had been in the respective families since the 1800s, and interestingly, throughout the Samson family’s history, not a single owner had ever timbered the land — they’d only farmed the open fields.

The continuing mission Of course, they’re not making land anymore, at least in Ohio, and land donors don’t just appear every day, so buying what’s there can be pricey. Arc raises money mostly from private donors, whose generosity is often motivated by a deep and abiding love of nature and all its immeasurable qualities. Then, utilizing the Clean Ohio Fund, Arc also gets $3 in return for each $1 it raises. The program was approved by Ohio voters in 2000 and helps fund a number of projects, including preservation of stream corridors and ecologically sensitive areas. That puts Arc in good position when it comes to loving and saving Ohio lands.

Since its inception, Arc has raised more than $13 million and preserved 6,200 acres at 18 sites. It also offers a woody menu of forest-oriented programs, including wildflower and other guided hikes, live music, holistic forest events, birding, butterfly and firefly gatherings, and plant and insect identification workshops, among others.

“What we are doing is very much for humanity,” Stranahan says. “It’s not just for the sake of all of those living things that call the forests home. It’s for our own sakes, too.”

JAMES PROFFITT is a freelance writer from Marblehead.

MARCH 2019 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING 35

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At Harbor Freight Tools, the “Compare to” price means that the specified comparison, which is an item with the same or similar function, was advertised for sale at or above the “Compare to” price by another national retailer in the U.S. within the past 90 days. Prices advertised by others may vary by location. No other meaning of “Compare to” should be implied. For more information, go to HarborFreight.com or see store associate.

MARCH 2019 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING 37

MARCH/APRIL 2019 CALENDAR NORTHWEST

and food items to benefit Toledo SeaGate Food Bank. 419-842-1925 or www.toledocraftsmansguild.org/shows.html.

MAR. 16 – Camp Creek Poultry Show, Allen Co. Fgds., 2750 Harding Hwy., Lima www.poultryshowcentral.com/Ohio.html.

MAR. 16 – Lima Irish Parade, downtown Lima, noon–1 p.m. Starts at Robb Ave. near St. Gerard School and travels south on Main St. to the Town Square. To participate in the parade, register by calling Kim Finn at 419-860-0072 or Kelly Stolly at 419-905-6652.

MAR. 16 – Maple Syrup Festival, Indian Lake State Park, 12774 St. Rte. 235 N., Lakeview. See a demonstration of the process by which sap is transformed into maple syrup. Enjoy a pancake and sausage breakfast, and purchase pure maple syrup. 937-843-2717 or http:// parks.ohiodnr.gov/indianlake.

THROUGH APR. 28 – “Expanded Views: Native American Art in Focus,” Toledo Museum of Art, 2445 Monroe St., Toledo.

Both historical and contemporary Native American art is featured, including new acquisitions and a large-scale work by the artist James Lavadour, on loan for this exhibition. 419-255-8000 or www. toledomuseum.org.

MAR. 7 – Toledo Symphony Concert, Sauder Village, Founder’s Hall, 22611 St. Rte. 2, Archbold, 7:30 p.m. Advance tickets recommended. 800-590-9755 or www.saudervillage.org.

MAR. 7–10, 14–17 – The Sunshine Boys, Van Wert Civic Theatre, 118 S. Race St., Van Wert, Thur.–Sat. 8 p.m., Sun. 2 p.m. $13. 419-2389689 or www.vwct.org.

MAR. 8–10, 15–17 – Miracle on South Division Street, Encore Theater, 991 N. Shore Dr., Lima, Fri./Sat. 8 p.m., Sun. 2 p.m. A heartfelt and hilarious comedy. www.amiltellers.org.

MAR. 9 – Spring Festival of Crafts, Stranahan Great Hall, 4645 Heatherdowns Blvd., Toledo, 9 a.m.–5 p.m. Free admission and parking. See the new crafts, gifts, and decorating ideas that our crafters and artists have made just for you. Drop off your household

MAR. 16 – St. Patrick’s Day Celebration, 109 S. Ohio Ave., Sidney.

Time to be determined. 937-658-6945 or www.sidneyalive.org.

MAR. 22–24 – PRO Home and Garden Show, SeaGate Convention Ctr., 401 Jefferson Ave., Toledo, Fri. 4-8 p.m., Sat.10 a.m.–8 p.m., Sun. 11 a.m.–5 p.m. Interior and exterior products for your new or ready home, plus the latest in home design. 419-4710101 or www.hireaprotoday.com.

MAR. 23 – Maple Syrup Festival, Williams Co. Fgds., 619 E. Main St., Montpelier, 8 a.m.–noon . Contact the Williams SWCD at 419636-9395 ext. 3, or email amichaels@williamsswcd.org.

MAR. 23 – Market Day and Fiber Fair, Junior Fair Building, Wood Co. Fgds., 13800 W. Poe Rd., Bowling Green, 9 a.m.–4 p.m. $1 admission. Demonstrations, roving, fleeces, exotic fibers, handcrafted items, homespun yarns, books, dyes, spinning and weaving equipment and supplies. www.facebook.com/ BlackSwampSpinnersGuild or www.blackswampspinnersguild.org.

MAR. 24 – Flag City Model Train Show, Northwest Ohio Railroad Preservation Inc., 12505 Co. Rd. 99, Findlay, 10 a.m.–4 p.m. $4, under 13 free (must be accompanied by an adult). Model trains, toy trains,

CENTRAL

throughout history to make this tasty treat. Meet at the Naturalist Cabin located behind the Old Man’s Cave Visitor Center. 740-3856842 or http://parks.ohiodnr.gov/hockinghills.

MAR. 9–SEPT. 15 – “Blooms and Butterflies,” Franklin Park Conservatory, 1777 E. Broad St., Columbus, daily 10 a.m.–5 p.m. $12–$19, under 3 free. Hundreds of colorful butterflies fly freely in the Pacific Island Water Garden, a tropical haven filled with bright nectar blooms. Daily butterfly releases at 1 and 3 p.m. 614-7158000 or www.fpconservatory.org.

MAR. 10 – Columbus Wedding Show, Renaissance WestervillePolaris, 409 Altair Parkway, Westerville, 11 a.m.–4 p.m. Meet with wedding professionals, taste cake and catering samples, see fashion shows, and register for door prizes. http://ohioweddingshows.com.

MAR. 8 – Golden Dragon Acrobats, Marion Palace Theatre, 276 W. Center St., Marion, 7 p.m. $12–$30. This must-see spellbinding production combines award-winning acrobatics, traditional dance, spectacular costumes, ancient and contemporary music, and theatrical techniques. 740-383-2101 or www.marionpalace.org.

MAR. 8–10 – All American Columbus Pet Expo, Ohio Expo Ctr., 717 E. 17th Ave., Columbus, Fri. 1–8 p.m., Sat. 10 a.m.–7 p.m., Sun. 11 a.m.–5 p.m. Admission $6–$10 daily; $12–$20 weekend pass. $5 parking/day; $14 weekend pass. Includes the Pet Expo, the All About Cats Expo, and the Mega Pet Adoption. www. allaboutcatsexpo.com.

MAR. 8–10 – New Albany Symphony Orchestra: Sleeping Beauty, 100 W. Dublin-Granville Rd., New Albany, Fri./Sat. 7 p.m., Sun. 3 p.m. Sensory-friendly performance, Sat. 2 p.m. Featuring the dancers of the New Albany Children’s Ballet Theatre. www. newalbanysymphony.net.

MAR. 9–10 – Maple Sugaring, Hocking Hills State Park, 19852 St. Rte. 664 S., Logan, 12–4 p.m. Savor the taste of the season as we boil down our local maple sap. Discover the many methods used

WEST VIRGINIA

MAR. 10 – Maple Tapping Festival and Pancake Breakfast, Charles Alley Nature Park, 2805 Old Logan Rd. SE, Lancaster.

Breakfast served 8–11 a.m. ($5). Festival 8 a.m.–noon (free). www. ci.lancaster.oh.us/551/Calendar-of-Events.

MAR. 15–17 – Outdoor Life/Field & Stream Expo, Ohio Expo Ctr., Bricker Bldg., 717 E. 17th Ave., Columbus, Fri. 2–9 p.m., Sat. 9 a.m.–7 p.m., Sun. 9 a.m.–4 p.m. $5–$15, under 6 free. Formerly Ohio Deer and Turkey Expo. Hundreds of exhibitors, demos and displays, trophy contests, free seminars, gear and equipment, shooting ranges, and more. www.deerinfo.com/ohio.

MAR. 16 – St. Patrick’s Day Celebration and Parade, downtown Dublin, 7 a.m.–12:15 p.m. Free. Events take place throughout the city, starting around 7 a.m. with a pancake breakfast, followed by the parade at 11 a.m. 800-245-8387 or www. irishisanattitude.com.

MAR. 16–SEPT. 8 – “It Started with Pencil and Paper,” Ohio Glass Museum’s Gallery, 124 W. Main St., Lancaster, Tues.–Sun. 1–4 p.m. and by appointment. $6, Srs. $5, C. (6–18) $3, under 6 free.

The exhibition will feature the ideas of the designers of established, well-known manufactured glass patterns. Sketches and/or patents

MAR. 9 – Hodgesville Lions Club’s “Eat a Bite for Sight,” Pancake & Sausage/Sausage, Gravy & Biscuit Day, Warren District Community Ctr., Hodgesville (7 miles north of Buckhannon on Rte. 20), 7 a.m.–1 p.m. Pancakes, regular and buckwheat; sausage; sausage gravy; biscuit; and drinks. Please bring your old eyeglasses for recycling. Brooms for sale. 304-472-3455.

MAR. 17 – St. Patrick’s Day Buffet, North Bend State Park, 202 North Bend Park Rd., Cairo, 11 a.m.–2 p.m. $12.95. Includes sauerkraut and pork. 304-643-2931 or www.northbendsp.com.

APR. 6 – Wheeling Jamboree Anniversary Show, Capitol Theatre, 1015 Main St., Wheeling, 7–10 p.m. $20–$65. This annual event celebrates the occasion when Wheeling’s legendary country music program left the radio studio to become the second-oldest country broadcast stage show in history. 304-243-4470 or www. capitoltheatrewheeling.com.

38 OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • MARCH 2019

and railroad memorabilia on display and for purchase. Quarter-scale train rides will be available for additional cost: $3 Adults, $2 Children.

419-423-2995, www.nworrp.org, or www.facebook.com/nworrp.

MAR. 24 – Church Basement Ladies: Rise Up, O Men, Niswonger Performing Arts Ctr., 10700 St. Rte. 118 S., Van Wert, 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. $25–$40. An all-new musical comedy, the sixth in the popular Church Basement Ladies series. 419-238-6722 or www.npacvw.org.

MAR. 30 – Spring Crafter’s Showcase, Tam O’ Shanter Exhibition Building, 7060 Sylvania Ave. (1/2 mile west of McCord Rd.), Sylvania, 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Free admission and parking. Fill your Mother’s Day, graduation, or spring decorating needs. Win gift certificates and look for Balloon Bonanza show specials! 419-842-1925 or www. toledocraftsmansguild.org/shows.html.

APR. 6 – Lima Symphony Concert: Triumph and Farewell to Crafton Beck, Veterans Memorial Civic and Convention Ctr., 7 Town Square, Lima, 7:30 p.m. $15–$30. Featured work is Mahler’s “Resurrection” Symphony. 419-222-5701 or www.limasymphony.com.

APR. 6 – On Holy Ground: Lima Church Choir Invitational, St. John Catholic Church, 777 S. Main St., Lima, 7–10:30 p.m. Free.

Introducing Christian singer/songwriter — and Lima St. John’s own — MaryBlanche. 419-236-1484.

APR. 6–7 – Spring Thaw Sale of Treasures, sponsored by Williams County Agricultural Society, Williams Co. Fgds., Montpelier, Sat. 9 a.m.–4 p.m., Sun. 10 a.m.–3 p.m. More than 150 booths. Household, antiques, crafts, bric-a-brac, tools, and many other treasures for sale!

419-630-6388, 419-551-0950, or www.wcofair.com.

APR. 6–7 – Tri-State Gun Show, Allen Co. Fgds., 2750 Harding Hwy., Lima (2 miles east of Lima on St. Rte. 309), Sat. 8:30 a.m.–4 p.m., Sun. 8:30 a.m.–3 p.m. $6, free for members, under 18 free if accompanied by adult. Over 400 tables of modern and antique guns, edged weapons, and sporting equipment. 419-647-0067 or www. tristategunshow.org.

and blueprints will accompany finished examples of glassware produced. 740-687-0101 or www.ohioglassmuseum.org.

MAR. 17 – Columbus Toy and Collectible Show, Ohio Expo Ctr., Lausche Bldg., 717 E. 17th Ave., Columbus, 9 a.m.–3 p.m. $7 (cash only), under 11 free. Early admission, 8–9 a.m., $10 (cash only). Buy, sell, and trade new and used toys, video games, and collectibles at Ohio’s largest gathering of vintage collectors and dealers. Cosplayers get $1 off admission! www.ctspromotions.com.

MAR. 17 – Lancaster Community Band Concert. Faith Memorial Church, 2610 W. Fair Ave., Lancaster, 2 p.m. Free admission. 740-856-4430.

MAR. 17 – St. Paddy’s Day with Dave Greer’s Classic Jazz Stompers, Clintonville Woman’s Club, 3951 N. High St., Columbus, 2–5 p.m. Sponsored by the Central Ohio Hot Jazz Society. 614-558-2212 or www.cohjs.org.

MAR. 19 – Reynoldsburg KidsFest, Reynoldsburg Methodist Church, 1636 Graham Rd., Reynoldburg, 5–8 p.m. Great familyfriendly event featuring camp options from throughout central Ohio, family activities, and much more. 877-543-7801 or www. kidslinked.com.

APR. 4–6 – Dinner Theatre: Twelve Angry Men, Marion Palace Theatre, 276 W. Center St., Marion, 6:30 p.m. $40. The Emmyaward winning classic drama comes to life in the May Pavilion.

Rated PG-13. 740-383-2101 or www.marionpalace.org.

APR. 11–14 – Equine Affaire, Ohio Expo Ctr., 717 E. 17th Ave., Columbus. $8–$15, under 6 free. Experience the nation’s premier equine exposition, featuring an impressive educational program, the largest horse-related trade show in North America, top equine entertainment and competition, and endless opportunities to experience, buy, and sell horses of all types. 740-845-0085 or www. equineaffaire.com.

PLEASE NOTE: Ohio Cooperative Living strives for accuracy but urges readers to confirm dates and times before traveling long distances to events. Submit listings AT LEAST 90 DAYS prior to the event to Ohio Cooperative Living, 6677 Busch Blvd., Columbus, OH 43229 or events@ohioec.org. Ohio Cooperative Living will not publish listings that don’t include a complete address or a number/ website for more information.

COMPILED BY COLLEEN ROMICK CLARK

NORTHEAST

MAR. 9 – “Opening the Door to Family History,” Cleveland History Ctr., 10825 East Blvd., Cleveland, noon–3 p.m. $15.

Presented by the Western Reserve Historical Society’s Genealogical Committee. A class designed for the beginning family researcher. www.wrhs.org/events.

MAR. 9–10 – Chagrin Fall’s Spring Avant-Garde Art and Craft Show, Federated Church – Family Life Ctr., 16349 Chillicothe Rd., Chagrin Falls, Sat. 10 a.m.–5 p.m., Sun. 11 a.m.–5 p.m. $3, under 12 free. Features a variety of local artists and crafters selling their original handmade items. Full concession stand on site. 440-2278794 or www.avantgardeshows.com.

MAR. 9–10 – Maple Syrup Festival, Malabar Farm State Park, 4050 Bromfield Rd., Lucas, 12–4 p.m. Free. Experience sugar camp with live historical demonstrations. Enjoy horse-drawn wagon rides. Food and maple products for sale. Donations to the horse group appreciated. Bringing cash is recommended. 419-892-2784 or www.malabarfarm.org.

MAR. 9–10 – Ohio Decoy Collectors and​Carvers Association Show and Sale, Holiday Inn, 15471 Royalton Rd., ​Strongsville, Sat. 9 a.m.–4 p.m., Sun. 9 a.m.–3 p.m. $5, under 17 free. A venue

SOUTHEAST

for decoy collectors, competitive carvers, and wildlife/waterfowl artists. Competition entries will include over 1,200 beautifully carved and painted duck decoys, shorebirds, fish decoys, songbirds, and more. Members-only events begin Fri., March 8.

419-874-3671 or www.odcca.net.

MAR. 23 – Mt. Hope Train and Toy Show, 8076 St. Rte. 241, Mt. Hope, 10 a.m.–4 p.m. $5, under 13 free. Over 600 dealer tables. All gauges and parts, running layouts, farm and vintage toys, die-cast models, and much more. Food catered by Mrs. Yoder’s Kitchen. 330262-7488, cathijon@sssnet.com, or www.cjtrains.com.

MAR. 9–10 – Olde Stark Antique Faire, Stark Co. Fgds., 305 Wertz Ave. NW, Canton, Sat. 9 a.m.–4 p.m., Sun. 10 a.m.–4 p.m.

Come and explore the wide choice of antiques offered by over 100 select dealers and collectors. 330-794-9100 or find us on Facebook.

MAR. 23–24 – Rocky River Spring Avant-Garde Art and Craft Show, Rocky River Memorial Hall, 21016 Hilliard Blvd., Rocky River, Sat. 10 a.m.–5 p.m., Sun. 11 a.m.–5 p.m. $3, under 12 free. Features artists and crafters selling their original handmade items. Full concession stand on site. 440-227-8794 or www. avantgardeshows.com.

MAR. 9–10, 16–17 – Maple Sugar Festival and Pancake Breakfast, Hale Farm and Village, 2686 Oak Hill Rd., Bath, Adults $15, C. (3–12) $10, Members $5. Enjoy a hearty breakfast and then head out into the Sugaring Camp to learn about tree tapping and the maple sugar process. See oxen demonstrations and view period arts and crafts demonstrations such as glassblowing, blacksmithing, spinning, and weaving. Breakfast served 10 a.m.–3 p.m. www.wrhs.org/events.

MAR. 16 – Annual Campbell-Dickinson St. Patrick’s Run Bike Walk and Kids’ 1K Fun Run, 201 S. 4th St., Toronto. Proceeds benefit cancer research. 740-317-3947 or www.thegemcity.org.

MAR. 17 – Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, Renaissance Theatre, 138 Park Ave. W., Mansfield, 3 p.m. $5. The classic film starring Gene Wilder. 419-522-2726 or www.mansfieldtickets.com.

MAR. 22 – Adult Swim: Ohio Beer and Wine, Greater Cleveland Aquarium, 2000 Sycamore St., Cleveland, 7–10 p.m. $40 admission ($30 for GCA passholders) includes light hors d’oeuvres, 20 tasting tickets, and a souvenir tasting glass. $20 non-drinking “designated driver” option also available. This tasting spotlights local wineries and breweries. 216-862-8803 or www.greaterclevelandaquarium.com.

MAR. 22–23 – Militaria/Police/Fire EMS Collectors Show, Lakeland Community College, Athletic and Fitness Center Main Gym, 7700 Clocktower Dr., Kirtland (Rt. 306 and I-90 exit 193), Fri. 5–9 p.m., Sat. 9 a.m.–3 p.m. $5, Stds. $3; veterans and active military with ID, $3. 440-525-7529, lakelandmilitariashow@gmail.com, or www.facebook.com/lakeland.militaria.show.

MAR. 15–16 – River City Blues and Jazz Festival, Lafayette Hotel, 101 Front St., Marietta. The festival brings together some of the most talented blues and jazz performers from around the country to perform in front of a longtime and loyal fan base. http:// bjfm.org/blues-festival/.

MAR. 16 – The Leprechaun Chase: St. Patrick’s Day Run, 9:30 a.m. $30–$35. Two distances: 2-mile run/walk (1 loop) and 4-mile run/walk (2 loops). https://runsignup.com/Race/OH/Chillicothe/ MuddyLeprechaun4MileRunWalk.

MAR. 16 – Runa, Peoples Bank Theatre, 222 Putnam St., Marietta, 8 p.m. $22–$38. Interweaving the haunting melodies and exuberant tunes of Ireland and Scotland with the lush harmonies and intoxicating rhythms of jazz, bluegrass, flamenco and blues, Luna offers a thrilling and redefining take on traditional music. www. peoplesbanktheatre.com.

MAR. 8–10 – Home, Garden, and Business Expo, Pritchard Laughlin Civic Ctr., 7033 Glenn Hwy., Cambridge, Fri. 11 a.m.– 8 p.m., Sat. 11 a.m.–7 p.m., Sun. noon–5 p.m. 740-439-6688 or www. cambridgeohiochamber.com.

MAR. 22–23 – 10th Annual Writers at the Crossroads Conference, Crossroads Branch Library, 63500 Byesville Rd., Cambridge, 11 a.m.–1 p.m. Free and open to the public. 740-4327536 or www.guernseycountylibrary.org.

MAR. 9– Golden Dragon Acrobats, Peoples Bank Theatre, 222 Putnam St., Marietta, 12 p.m. and 7 p.m. $22–$42. This must-see spellbinding production combines award-winning acrobatics, traditional dance, spectacular costumes, ancient and contemporary music, and theatrical techniques. www.peoplesbanktheatre.com.

MAR. 23 – National Cambridge Glass Collectors “All Cambridge Benefit Auction,” St. Benedict’s Gym, 233 N. Seventh St., Cambridge, preview at 8:30 a.m., auction at 9:30 a.m. $2 admission. 740-432-4245 or www.cambridgeglass.org.

MAR. 24 – Southeastern Ohio Symphony Orchestra Children’s MAR. 15 – Living Word Banquet and Auction, Pritchard Laughlin Concert, Pritchard Laughlin Civic Ctr., 7033 Glenn Hwy., Cambridge, 3:30 p.m. 740-826-8197 or www.seoso.org.

Civic Ctr., 7033 Glenn Hwy., Cambridge, doors open at 5 p.m. 740439-2761 or www.livingworddrama.org.

SOUTHWEST

Fairgrove Ave., Hamilton, 10 a.m.–5 p.m. $5 online, $7 at door. Free parking. Quilts, quilting and craft supplies, patterns, fabrics, vintage textiles, and more. 513-932-1817 or www.wchsmuseum.org.

MAR. 9 – Cabin Fever Arts Festival, Southern State Community College, Patriot Ctr., 100 Hobart Dr., Hillsboro, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.

Free admission. Over 60 artisans exhibiting their handcrafted work, with most items available for purchase. Live music by Steve Free. Food truck on site. cabinfeverartsfestival@gmail.com or www.appartguild.com.

THROUGH MAR. 17 – Around the World in 80 Days, Loft Theater, 126 N. Main St., Dayton. Jules Verne’s classic tale springs to life in this clever, fast-paced comedy for the whole family. www. humanracetheatre.org.

MAR. 6, 13, 20, 27 – Vernon McIntyre’s Appalachian Grass, Vinoklet Winery, 11069 Colerain Ave., Cincinnati, 6:30–8:30 p.m.

Free admission. Enjoy dinner and an evening of lively bluegrass music. Reservations recommended. 513-385-9309 or www. vinokletwines.com.

MAR. 8–9 – Quilt and Fabric Arts Show, Butler Co. Fgds., 1715

MAR. 29–APR. 22 – I-X Indoor Amusement Park, IX Center, One I-X Dr., Cleveland. Annual spring event offers a full day of family fun at a budget-friendly price! Over 20 acres of rides, games, food, and attractions, all under one roof. 216-265-2586 or www. ixamusementpark.com.

MAR. 31 – North Coast Military Collectors’ Spring Show, MAPS Air Museum, 2260 International Parkway, North Canton, 9 a.m.–4 p.m. $5, under 13 free. Admission to show gives full access to museum. More than 250 tables of field gear, patches, insignia, ephemera, weapons, uniforms, and more from all eras and numerous countries. Meet collectors, authors, artists, and local veterans. 330-546-3085, northcoastmilitary@att.net, or www. facebook.com/NCMCUSA. MAR. 31 – Teddy Bear Concert: “The Science of Sound,” Renaissance Theatre, 138 Park Ave. W., Mansfield, 2:30 p.m. $5. In partnership with Little Buckeye Children’s Museum. See, hear, and feel sound waves with this interactive concert featuring members of the Mansfield Symphony Orchestra. 419-522-2726 or www. mansfieldtickets.com.

APR. 6–7 – Strongsville Spring Avant-Garde Art and Craft Show, Strongsville Ehrnfelt Recreation Ctr., 18100 Royalton Rd., Strongsville, Sat. 10 a.m.–5 p.m., Sun. 11 a.m.–5 p.m. $3, under 12 free. Features artists and crafters selling their original handmade items. Full concession stand on site. 440-227-8794 or www. avantgardeshows.com.

MAR. 27 – To Kill a Mockingbird, Athena Grand, 1008 E. State St., Athens, 7 p.m. $12.50. 740-593-8800 or www.athenagrand.com.

MAR. 28–30 – Cambridge Lions Club Variety Show, Scottish Rite Auditorium, 941 Wheeling Ave., Cambridge, 7:30 p.m. $10. 740260-1149 or www.cambridgelions.com.

MAR. 30 – Southeast Ohio Poultry Breeders Association Show, Washington Co. Fgds., 922 Front St., Marietta. www. poultryshowcentral.com/Ohio.html.

MAR. 31 – Guided Hike at Gladys Riley Preserve, Tick Ridge-Koenig Hill Rd., Otway. The preserve is the first refuge specifically created for the protection of the Golden Star Lily, an extremely rare and endangered early spring wildflower that is sheltered inside the preserve. Join naturalists John Jaeger and Dave Kuehner for a guided hike to catch these rare wildflowers in peak bloom. Space is limited and registration is required. http:// arcofappalachia.org/gladys-riley-guided-hike.

APR. 6 – Guernsey County Ducks Unlimited Banquet, Pritchard Laughlin Civic Ctr., 7033 Glenn Hwy., Cambridge. 740-439-7009 or www.pritchardlaughlin.com.

APR. 6 – The Shawshank Redemption, Majestic Theatre, 45 E. Second St., Chillicothe, 7 p.m. $5. 740-772-2041 or www. majesticchillicothe.net.

APR. 9 – Hayes Carll, Stuart’s Opera House, 52 Public Square, Nelsonville, 7:30 p.m. $24–$32. 740-753-1924 or www. stuartsoperahouse.org.

MAR. 24 – Spring Bling Dayton Women’s Shopping Expo, Wright State University’s Nutter Center, McLin Gym, 3640 Colonel Glen Hwy., Dayton, 10 a.m.–3 p.m. www.facebook.com/ events/199479367322534/.

MAR. 29–30 – Southern Ohio Indoor Music Festival, Roberts Ctr., 123 Gano Rd., Wilmington. Doors open at 10 a.m. $35–$65.

Award-winning bluegrass, old-time, and gospel music combined with family fun and educational opportunities. 800-965-9324 or http://somusicfest.com/index.html.

MAR. 9 – Vernon McIntyre’s Appalachian Grass, Haddix Hall (next to Hunter’s Pizzeria), 4165 St. Rte. 122, Franklin, 6–8 p.m. $5. Enjoy an evening of lively bluegrass music with lightning-fast instrumentals, close harmonies, and entertaining novelty songs. 937-746-5415, haddixmusic@yahoo.com, or www.facebook.com/HaddixHall.

MAR. 30 – Queen City Beautiful Doll Club: Fashion Doll Show and Sale, EnterTRAINment Junction Expo Room, 7379 Squire Ct., West Chester, 10 a.m.–3 p.m. $5, under 12 free. Free parking. Fashion dolls, clothes, and accessories from all eras. Many other dolls and toys too. Free 1:6 scale “Let’s Play” exhibit in the lobby. 513-2078409, askmargie@aol.com, or find us on Facebook.

MAR. 16 – G-Scale Swap Meet, EnterTRAINment Junction, 7379 Squire Ct., West Chester, 10 a.m.–2 p.m. Free admission. The perfect time to find all those hard-to-find items for your Garden Railway.

Presented by the Greater Cincinnati Garden Railway Society. https://entertrainmentjunction.com/calendar.

MAR. 30–31 – Ruffles and Rust Expo, Butler Co. Fgds., 1715 Fairgrove Ave., Hamilton, Sat. 9 a.m.–4 p.m., Sun. 10 a.m.–4 p.m. $6 admission (good both days), under 13 free. Vintage items, home decor, handmade items, gourmet food, and boutique items. www. rufflesandrustexpo.com/ohio.

MAR. 23–24 – Scale Model Expo, EnterTRAINment Junction, 7379 Squire Ct., West Chester, Sat. 10 a.m.–6 p.m., Sun. noon–4 p.m. Free. Operating steam and gas engines, 1/6-scale figures and dioramas, live steam locomotives, models, military items, and more. https://entertrainmentjunction.com/calendar.

APR. 6–7 – Dollhouse and Miniatures Show and Sale, EnterTRAINment Junction Expo Room, 7379 Squire Ct., West Chester, Sat. 11 a.m.–5 p.m., Sun. noon–4 p.m. $5, C. (4–12) $3, under 4 free. https://entertrainmentjunction.com/calendar.

MARCH 2019 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING 39

MEMBER INTERACTIVE

Change in the weather 1

2

4

1. Our grandson, Wyatt, takes advantage of a change in the weather to go fly his kite.

Dawn Heath South Central Power Company member

2. Shelf cloud over the F.A. Seiberling Nature Realm in Akron, Ohio.

Donald Weyrick Carroll Electric Cooperative member

3

Send us your picture!

For June, send “Creature Comfort” (animals, but not pets) by March 15; for July, send “Load Up the Car” by April 15. Upload your photos at www.ohioec.org/memberinteractive and remember to include your co-op name and to identify everyone in your photos.

40 OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • MARCH 2019

3. My father, Ted Neptune, on a cool, crisp autumn morning. Every time I see this picture, it brings back so many good memories of growing up on a farm. Dad is a hard-working, honest man who has always loved farming.

Pamela Davis Guernsey-Muskingum Electric Cooperative member

4. Brady Ann, best dog ever, loves the feeling that she’s flying on a windy day!

Jamie Anderson Holmes-Wayne Electric Cooperative member

Right TREE, Right PLACE CALL

811

before you dig

to locate underground electric or other utility lines. This is a free service and it’s the law!

Before you buy a tree, look up and around.

See any power lines? That’s your cue to plant far away — use the chart below as a guide.

SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS Avoid planting shrubs and flowers around green transformer boxes and electric meters. Your co-op needs access for meters, and it’s safer to keep the space clear.

Tree Planting Guide 50' 40' 30'

NO-TREE ZONE

20' 10' 0'

10'

20'

30'

40'

Small-tree zone: Less than 25' in height and spread; at least 25' from lines.

ohioec.org/purpose

50' Medium-tree zone: 25'-40' in height and spread; at least 40' from lines.

60'

70' Large-tree zone: Larger than 40' in height and spread; at least 60' from lines.