Ohio Cooperative Living - May 2020 - Union

OHIO

MAY 2020

COOPERATIVE Union Rural Electric Cooperative

It’s time to vote Election information begins on page 20.

Deadline to vote June 3

ALSO INSIDE Bringing light to Guatemala 150 years of Cedar Point Seeking your potluck recipes

HERE’S A VALUE YOU KNEAD TO KNOW: LOAF OF BREAD

1936 .......................................................................$0.08 2019 .......................................................................$2.19 PRICE INCREASE : $2.11

ELECTRICITY

1936 .......................................................................$0.05 2019 .......................................................................$0.11 PRICE INCREASE : $0.06 We know you like your bread fresh and your electricity affordable.

For more than 80 years, we’ve helped keep it a stable value.

ohioec.org/energy

OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • MAY 2020

INSIDE FEATURES 24 THAT’S THE TICKET We mark the 150th year of Cedar Point, the roller coaster capital of the world, with a list of the park’s quintessential experiences.

30 COMING TO TERMS Fifty years after the Kent State shootings, the community comes together to ensure that those hardlearned lessons stick.

Cover image on most issues: Brian Bick from Malintabased Tricounty Rural Electric Cooperative was among a group of 16 Ohio co-op lineworkers who ventured to Guatemala in March, knowing they’d be changing people’s lives.

MAY 2020 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING 1

UP FRONT

New normal A

s I write to you in early April, it’s become increasingly difficult to imagine what the next few weeks will bring. I hope that this issue of Ohio Cooperative Living finds you safe and healthy and provides a pleasant diversion to your socially distanced lives.

As life has grown simpler, slower, and more daunting during the pandemic, we’re again reminded of how essential electric service is, not only to our comfort, but also to our health and well-being. I assure you that each electric cooperative serving Ohio and those across the nation are doing everything possible to ensure a reliable supply of electricity to your homes and businesses.

Extraordinary efforts are being made to assure that our lineworkers and power plant operators are as responsibly and compliantly safeguarded as possible, so that they can remain healthy and available to keep our systems running and to make necessary repairs, should trouble come our way.

In this issue, we’re featuring the story of Project Ohio 3.0, the mission trip sponsored by Ohio’s Electric Cooperatives to bring electricity to the remote Guatemalan village of Tierra Blanca Sebol and its hundreds of residents who have lived without the benefits of any electric service. The trip was dramatically affected by the global spread of COVID-19, but as you’ll read, our team was inspirationally awesome as they completed the assignment.

We’re grateful for the support we have received from so many, which enabled us to accomplish our goal to bring light, sanitation, and hope to the impoverished people of Guatemala — our third such endeavor in five years — as well as for the safe return of our volunteers.

Stay safe and strong. We’re in this together.

God bless you all.

2 OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • MAY 2020

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

As life has become simpler, slower, and more daunting during the pandemic, we’re again reminded of how essential electric service is, not only to our comfort, but also to our health and well-being.

MAY 2020 • Volume 62, No. 7

MORE INSIDE 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

Dava Hennosy Editorial Intern Contributors: Colleen Romick Clark, W.H. “Chip” Gross, Sandra Gurvis, Toni Leland, Catherine Murray, 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 com­mun­ ication link be­tween the elec­­­­tric co­operatives in Ohio and West Virginia and their mem­bers. Subscription cost for members ranges from $5.52 to $6.96 per year, paid from equity accruing to the member.

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

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

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

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

For all advertising inquiries, contact

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

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

Alliance for Audited Media Member

DEPARTMENTS 4

POWER LINES

8

WOODS, WATERS, AND WILDLIFE

4

Powering up, powering through: A dedicated group of 16 Ohio linemen did heroic work to bring electricity to a Guatemalan village. That was only half their story.

8

Species on the edge: An ecologist works to boost Ohio’s dwindling timber rattlesnake population.

12 CO-OP PEOPLE

Tales from the Hart: Living historian Chris Hart of Port Washington is a man of multiple personalities.

12

15 GOOD EATS

Put a little mustard on it: The spicy sauce can add a delicious dimension to lots of different dishes.

19 LOCAL PAGES

News and information from your electric cooperative.

15

34 IN THE GARDEN

Going medieval: Plants that thrived in the Middle Ages can be mainstays in gardens of today.

37 CALENDAR

What’s happening: May/June events and other things to do around the state. Just make sure to confirm before you travel.

34

40 MEMBER INTERACTIVE

It’s not easy being green: From frogs to a faceful of food, members had fun with interpreting this month’s theme.

40

Ohio’s Electric Cooperatives is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

MAY 2020 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING 3

POWER LINES

Powering up, powering through 16 Ohio linemen did heroic work to provide electricity to a Guatemalan village. That was only half of their story.

BY JEFF MCCALLISTER

G

athering a group of 16 linemen from across Ohio, leaving the security of home and family, and going to a remote part of Central America could never be considered a routine endeavor.

sense of confidence, along with determination, as they set out to provide electricity for the first time to the 650 or so residents of Tierra Blanca Sebol, a tiny village in the mountainous northern region of the country.

This, however, was the third time Ohio’s electric cooperatives collaborated with the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA) International on a Project Ohio mission to Guatemala, and this group took with it the lessons of the previous trips. So the guys were feeling a

During the extensive planning and even on the day they left, the coronavirus was distant news, barely registering as a concern. The crew was much more worried about the logistics of the work: how the wire, transformers, equipment, and tools would get to the village, as well as

4 OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • MAY 2020

the water filtration systems, shoes, and other gifts made possible by donations from co-op employees around the state.

The day after they arrived in Guatemala, the team decided to make an impromptu stop in the village to check out the landscape of the job — to see the 67 homes and the school and get a look at the conditions they’d encounter.

As it turns out, the stop was critical. “What we found was that everything was all ready for us,” says Kyle Hoffman, the project leader and principal instructor at the training facility where most Ohio co-op linemen get their training. “We knew we weren’t going to have to go in search of tools, ladders, and supplies, so we were able to make a plan to jump right in. It felt like we had an entire day’s head start.”

Instead of taking a day or even two to gather supplies and do prep work, the team started actual work that first morning in the village.

They hung nearly 3 miles of wire from poles that had been set in the ground by EMRE (the local electric company that partnered on the project) and wired the buildings with receptacles and light sockets.

“I walked around after a day or two and saw every single group was ahead of schedule,” Hoffman says. “I even got it in the back of my mind I might be able to give the guys a day off to go sightseeing.”

The same day they started to work, the first COVID-19 cases were reported in Ohio. It didn’t make a huge impression right away, but the situation in those first few days evolved with lightning speed, and before long, the news from home began filtering through the team: high school tournament games first played with no fans in attendance, then postponed, then canceled; restaurants shutting down for everything but carryout; colleges sending students home for online classes for the rest of the semester. “We could tell it was getting very real, very fast,” Hoffman says. “As for us, we were probably in one of the safest places in the world, but all these guys

Ohio electric cooperative linemen, their counterparts from the local utility, and a group of student lineworkers from a nearby trade school electrified the village of Tierra Blanca Sebol, Guatemala, in March, just as the coronavirus pandemic swept the globe.

MAY 2020 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING 5

had family back home they needed to be thinking about, and it was tough.”

They picked up the pace. Rather than sightseeing, they were now hoping for an earlier departure date.

“We were as much as three or four days ahead of schedule,” Hoffman says. “There wasn’t much we could do about the situation other than keep doing our jobs, so that was what we did.”

As the overhead crew ran the conductor across the poles, another crew hung meters and did the outside work to get each house ready; the rough-in crew went to every house to mount the boxes for the switches, outlets, and panels; and the wiring crews followed right behind them, connecting everything together.

“We were really the first ones in each house, so we got to interact with all of those families and children, and it was a good reminder of why we were there,” says Mason Shoemaker, a lineman who works at Bellefontaine-based Logan County Electric Cooperative. “We were changing lives, giving them a better quality of life and more opportunities than they ever could have without electricity.

We felt like superheroes.”

Thanks to the head start and the increased sense of urgency, the team finished about 98% of their work just a week in. They were about four days ahead of schedule and figured they’d be able to flip the switch by nightfall on their seventh day.

But then the calls started coming in fast and furious — from families, from the NRECA: Guatemala had closed its borders. No one would be able to enter or leave the country for at least the next 15 days.

“We got word that they were pulling us out, and we needed to get to Guatemala City by midnight in order to be able to leave,” Hoffman says. “We had just a couple of hours to button everything up, make sure it was all safe for the local guys to energize the lines, and say our goodbyes.”

After those last inspections, the team gave out the water purifiers and some other gifts they’d brought — additional provisions were supposed to have been bought in-country, but there was no time — then loaded up their caravan and pulled out. They were in Guatemala City eight hours later, just before midnight.

On the job (from top): Crews installed light sockets, switches, and outlets in more than 70 houses and buildings with help from the local electric company and students from a nearby trade school; interacting with the children of the village is one of the most rewarding aspects of the project; the schoolhouse got lights in each of its four rooms; wiring the buildings went smoothly once the crews found their groove.

6 OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • MAY 2020

There, however, they hit a roadblock. It was no small feat to get the team out of Guatemala. They had permission neither to leave the country nor to land in the U.S. once they did get off the ground. With borders closed, Ohio’s Electric Cooperatives and the NRECA had to call in the diplomatic strength of the federal government. Senators Rob Portman and Sherrod Brown and representatives Bill Johnson, Troy Balderson, Bob Gibbs, and Bob Latta alerted the U.S. State Department to open diplomatic

Ohio linemen partnered with EMRE, the local electric utility, to bring electricity to the village; the men returned to a warm, relieved welcome at the Ohio’s Electric Cooperatives office in Columbus.

channels. Finally, the go-ahead came just after lunchtime the next day. The linemen wasted no time getting on a chartered flight to Miami, and after another long night, they arrived back in Ohio March 19, three days earlier than originally planned.

“The guys from EMRE energized the lines the morning after we pulled out,” Shoemaker says. “It was kind of a bummer, because it would have been great to see the lights turned on, but to be honest, it’s the same thing that happens when we work a storm back home. We don’t always get to see the results of the work, but we know we did an important job. Besides, a lot of us had been in the houses, and we

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Even for the overhead crews, who, because of the decision not to rotate job duties, didn’t get to meet all of the families, the job was intensely satisfying. “I didn’t go down there looking for gratitude,” says Lee Broadman, a lineman at Hancock-Wood Electric Cooperative in North Baltimore.

“Actually, it’s just the opposite. From the day we first walked through the village and saw how the folks live and what they live on, I couldn’t help but to feel even more grateful for everything that I have. I was honored to be able to help improve their lives.”

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WOODS, WATERS, AND WILDLIFE

Species ON THE EDGE

An ecologist works to boost Ohio’s dwindling timber rattlesnake population.

STORY AND PHOTOS BY W.H. “CHIP” GROSS

Unlike many people, Doug Wynn likes snakes. He likes them so much that he began studying them decades ago, and has since become Ohio’s leading expert on the state-endangered timber rattlesnake. A retired high school ecology teacher, Wynn is currently a visiting scholar at Ohio State University.

“Timber rattlesnakes are extremely docile,” says Wynn.

“I have approached more than 700 rattlesnakes in the wild, and only three actually rattled. I’ve never even had one strike at me … until I tried to catch it. Then look out, because they are like living lightning and will strike multiple times.”

Wynn has never been bitten, yet is still extremely cautious around the snakes, always handling them with a metal catch-stick. “A rattlesnake can strike the entire length of its body,” he says. “Meaning that a 3-foot snake — which is about the typical length in Ohio — can strike a distance of at least 3 feet. So, if you ever happen across one in the woods, give it a wide berth.”

The chances of that, however, are pretty slim.

Historically found in most every county plus the Lake Erie islands, only four small remnant timber rattlesnake populations remain, located in the extreme southern portion of the state: Shawnee State Forest, Tar Hollow State Forest, Vinton Furnace Experimental Forest, and one area of Wayne National Forest.

During his fieldwork, Wynn — a member of Logan County Electric Cooperative — makes finding snake dens a priority. By doing so, he can begin the process of notifying wildlife conservation organizations to help protect not only the den site but many, if not all, of the snakes that use the surrounding area. Rattlesnake dens are wintering areas located a few feet underground. Unlike dens in surrounding states, Ohio dens may or may not be located in a rock outcropping. For instance, an Ohio den opening may consist of a simple hole in the ground.

8 OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • MAY 2020

All the rattlesnakes Wynn and his fellow researchers encounter receive a microchip for identification — similar to those placed in domestic pets. A few of the snakes are also implanted with radio-telemetry transmitters for tracking purposes. Wynn says that the radioed snakes can then be detected from as far away as a kilometer (a little more than half a mile), though they’re most easily located from the air via a helicopter provided by the Ohio Division of Wildlife.

Why are timber rattlesnakes endangered in Ohio but not nationally? One of the reasons — in addition to persecution by humans — is a low reproductive rate. “The females don’t reproduce until age 6, then every four years after that,” says Wynn. “A typical litter size is only about seven.”

The snakes counter their low reproduction by being long-lived, from 25 to as many as 50 years. One individual rattler, captured in the state of New York, had been marked as an adult 43 years earlier.

Females give birth to live young, not in their winter dens but during late summer under a birthing log or in a hollow stump, which they defend from predators and other snake species. Wynn says that an area must have a minimum of 30 to 40 timber rattlesnakes to sustain a viable population.

Feeding primarily on small rodents, timber rattlesnakes are ambush hunters. Choosing a small log to coil up against, they rest their head on the log. As supper arrives — in the form of a mouse, chipmunk, or squirrel — and runs along the length of the log, the snake strikes.

An interesting side note is that opossums are immune to rattlesnake venom.

According to Wynn, the last human snakebite fatality in Ohio occurred in 1947. “A young mother near Tar Hollow State Park was bitten on the hand and died a few days later,” he says. “The best first aid for snakebite is your vehicle: Get to a hospital ASAP and try to remain calm so as not to spread the venom through your body more quickly — though I don’t know how anyone could remain calm in a situation like that. I certainly couldn’t.”

W.H. “Chip” Gross (whchipgross@gmail.com) is Ohio Cooperative Living’s outdoors editor and a member of Consolidated Cooperative.

Clockwise from top right: Doug Wynn, a member of Logan County Electric Cooperative, is Ohio’s leading expert on timber rattlesnakes; Wynn captures and bags a large male timber rattlesnake; the transmitters implanted in timber rattlesnakes are about the size of a AA battery; researcher Denis Case searches for timber rattlesnakes using radio-telemetry equipment; a timber rattlesnake in hunting posture at the base of a log.

MAY 2020 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING 9

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MAY 2020 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING 11

CO-OP PEOPLE

Tales from the Hart

Living historian Chris Hart is a man of multiple personalities.

BY DAMAINE VONADA

C

hris Hart dons a frock coat and sports a fancy walking stick as he prepares to portray John George Nicolay for the residents of StoryPoint Grove City, a senior living complex in suburban Columbus.

“I’m playing a refined character today,” says Hart, “so I brought a silver-handled stick.”

Today’s performance is “Mr. Lincoln’s White House,” a vignette set in 1900 that Hart scripted, featuring himself

12 OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • MAY 2020

as Nicolay, Abraham Lincoln’s personal secretary. Nicolay pays a visit to President McKinley and relates what 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue was like years before, during Lincoln’s tenure. As Hart enters the room where he’ll perform, StoryPoint residents greet him like groupies with smiles, handshakes, and fond words about his monthly presentations. “I started coming here a few years ago when StoryPoint had a Titanic celebration and asked me to do one of the survivors, Peter Daly,” says Hart.

Hart is a professional living historian whose “Tales from the Hart” repertoire includes more than 50 characters inspired by history and literature. Raised in Tuscarawas County, he still resides there in the village of Port Washington, where he’s a member of The Frontier Power Company.

Hart has been interested in history since grade school, and he even took his wife, Susie, to the Gettysburg battlefield during their honeymoon. While touring Appomattox Court House two years later, they saw a park employee acting the part of a Confederate soldier who described Lee’s surrender to Grant. “Watching him perform for visitors, I started thinking how wonderful it would be to do that,” says Hart. “To me, it was an ideal job.”

Hart, however, did not pursue first-person playacting until after he retired from his career as a retail pharmacist. His first opportunity came when Historic Roscoe Village in Coshocton approached him about playing the canal-era town’s doctor. He subsequently developed the character of canal boat captain John B. Reynolds, and when a local library requested his help with its Titanic event, he launched Daly.

“Daly is still one of my most popular characters because his story is true and his rescue was miraculous,” says Hart. “I know I’m doing my job when Peter Daly describes

how cold the water was, and people in the audience start pulling coats and sweaters tightly around themselves.”

Hart researches and writes his own material and prefers history’s footnote people to major figures. “Most of the folks I interpret are rather ordinary,” he says. “With a few exceptions, like Neil Armstrong and Cy Young, I don’t do anybody famous.”

Although he never had any theatrical training, Hart has a knack for lacing his performances with telling details that captivate audiences and dispatch the dust of history. As Nicolay, for example, he reveals that Lincoln’s impish son Tad once burst into a cabinet meeting beating a drum, and that after Lincoln’s assassination, soldiers carried his casket in their stocking feet lest they disturb his griefstricken widow.

Besides teaching pharmacy courses at several Ohio universities, Hart performs in community theaters and murder mystery troupes. He does about 75 first-person shows annually; his busiest seasons are Halloween and Christmas, when he takes on personas such as a middleaged Ichabod Crane returning to Sleepy Hollow or a grown-up Peter Cratchit divulging the fates of Dickens’ immortal characters in A Christmas Carol.

Contact Chris Hart at 740-408-4608 or chrishart72@yahoo.com.

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GOOD EATS

Put a little

MUSTARD on it

It’s easy to take that bright yellow bottle in the fridge for granted, but the spicy sauce can add a delicious dimension to lots of different dishes.

RECIPES AND PHOTOS BY CATHERINE MURRAY

HONEY MUSTARD ROTISSERIE CHICKEN SALAD Prep: 10 minutes | Servings: 4 ½ cup mayonnaise 2 stalks celery, diced 2 tablespoons yellow mustard ½ cup dried cranberries 3 tablespoons honey 4 large lettuce leaves 1 tablespoon rice vinegar 8 slices grainy wheat bread 1½ pounds shredded rotisserie chicken In a large bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, mustard, honey, and vinegar. Add chicken, celery, and cranberries, stirring to coat. Assemble sandwiches, topping with lettuce.

Per serving: 533 calories, 23 grams fat (6 grams saturated fat), 45 grams total carbohydrates, 5 grams fiber, 33 grams protein.

MAY 2020 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING 15

SLOW COOKER SWEET AND SOUR MEATBALLS Prep: 20 minutes | Cook: 3 to 4 hours | Servings: 6 1½ pounds ground beef 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce 2 eggs ¼ cup white vinegar 2/3 cup dry breadcrumbs 1 cup packed brown sugar 1 teaspoon garlic powder 3 bell peppers (red, orange, yellow), cut into large chunks Two 20-ounce cans pineapple chunks (in juice) 3 cups cooked white rice ½ cup spicy brown mustard 6 green onions/scallions, diced (greens only) 2 cups ketchup Notes: Frozen, pre-made meatballs can be used in place of the first four ingredients, in which case the cook time after adding meatballs can be reduced. For a healthier version, switch to a low-sodium ketchup and cut the brown sugar by half.

In a medium bowl, whisk together pineapple juice (from canned pineapple), mustard, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, vinegar, and brown sugar. Place pineapple chunks and bell peppers in a 7-quart slow cooker. Cover with sauce and cook on low for 3 to 4 hours.

About 30 minutes before sauce is done cooking, combine ground beef, egg, breadcrumbs, and garlic powder in a medium bowl. Mix thoroughly and shape into 18 meatballs. In a large, nonstick skillet over medium-high heat, brown meatballs on all sides. Add a little bit of oil to the pan if the meatballs start to stick. Place meatballs in slow cooker with the sauce, fully covering the meatballs.

Turn slow cooker up to high and cook 30 minutes, or until meatballs are cooked through. Serve over rice and top with diced green onions.

Per serving: 821 calories, 10 grams fat (3.5 grams saturated fat), 134 grams total carbohydrates, 3 grams fiber, 47 grams protein.

FRIED LIVER WITH MUSTARD SAUCE Prep: 10 minutes | Cook: 25 minutes | Servings: 4 2 tablespoons unsalted butter 2 tablespoons flat leaf parsley, finely chopped 3 shallots, finely chopped 1 tablespoon tarragon leaf, finely chopped 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar 1½ pounds calf liver ¼ cup dry white wine ½ cup all-purpose flour ¼ cup beef stock ½ teaspoon salt ¾ cup whipping cream ¼ teaspoon black pepper 3 tablespoons coarse ground mustard ¼ cup vegetable oil In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. Cook shallots for 3 minutes, stirring often, until soft. Add vinegar and white wine, stirring for 3 to 4 minutes until liquid is reduced by half. Add beef stock and continue cooking until liquid is reduced by half again. Whisk in cream and simmer to thicken, about 6 minutes. Stir in mustard, parsley, and tarragon. Set aside.

Rinse meat and pat dry. Cut into half-inch-thick slices. Pour flour, salt, and pepper onto a large, shallow plate and mix. Coat both sides of liver slices with flour mixture, shaking off the excess. Heat oil in a clean, large skillet over high heat. When oil is hot, lay a few liver slices at a time in the bottom of the skillet. Fry 3 minutes per side, or to desired doneness. During the last batch of frying, place saucepan with sauce back on the stove and heat carefully to rewarm. Place liver slices on serving plates and spoon sauce evenly over the top. Serve with favorite side dishes.

Per serving: 562 calories, 28 grams fat (12 grams saturated fat), 24 grams total carbohydrates, 1 gram fiber, 48 grams protein.

16 OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • MAY 2020

GARLIC MUSTARD STIR-FRY Prep: 10 minutes | Cook: 12 minutes | Servings: 6 ½ cup yellow mustard 2 cups shelled edamame (frozen or fresh) 1 to 2 tablespoons hot mustard (optional) 4 cups chopped broccoli ¼ cup lemon juice 1 small bok choy, chopped 3 cloves garlic, minced ½ pound snow peas 2 tablespoons canola oil 15-ounce can baby corn, drained and cut into chunks 3 cups shredded carrots Note: Other ingredients that work well in this dish: spinach, mustard greens, cauliflower, bean sprouts, tofu, scrambled egg. Mix and match!

In a small bowl, whisk together yellow mustard, optional hot mustard, lemon juice, and garlic and set aside. Heat oil in large skillet (or wok) over medium-high heat. Add shredded carrots and cook 5 minutes. Add edamame and broccoli and cook 3 more minutes. Toss in bok choy, snow peas, and baby corn and cook another 3 minutes. Pour in the sauce, toss to coat, and serve solo, over rice, or with noodles.

Per serving: 537 calories, 15 grams fat (2 grams saturated fat), 93 grams total carbohydrates, 17 grams fiber, 23 grams protein.

MAY 2020 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING 17

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18 OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • MAY 2020

83982

• Restaurants– ride right up to the table! • Around town or just around your house

The Zinger Chair is a personal electric vehicle and is not a medical device nor a wheelchair. Zinger is not intended for medical purposes to provide mobility to persons restricted to a sitting position. It is not covered by Medicare nor Medicaid.

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

THE COOPERATIVE DIFFERENCE

Board approved $3.55M member refund in response to COVID-19 Sometimes, when I write this column, it feels like I’m in a time warp. This magazine is being delivered to your home or business in late April or early May, but to fulfill print deadlines, I’m writing at the end of March. The last couple of weeks have been even more surreal as we begin to deal with this coronavirus pandemic.

Here at URE, we’ve made changes to how we operate our business to fight the coronavirus and protect our employees, members, and the community. We closed our lobby to walk-in traffic and encouraged members to use SmartHub to monitor energy use and make payments.

We divided workers into teams to help reduce exposure by having fewer employees interacting at the same time.

We initiated employees working remotely and employees reporting to their job sites directly from their homes.

And like you, our teams have been practicing social distancing to stop the spread of the virus. It’s been an uncomfortable adjustment, but our employees have risen to the challenge.

Our URE board of trustees has also risen to the challenge. In response to the economic impact this virus has taken in our community, they have approved an unprecedented return of over $3.5 million in capital credits to our consumer-members from 2019 operating margins.

This is not business as usual. Because we understand that many of our members are suffering significant reductions in income, it was important that we get significant credits back to as many current members as possible. Not only is this the largest return of capital credits in URE’s history, it is also the first time we have

retired 100% of one year’s margins in the following year.

Anthony Smith

CEO/PRESIDENT This latest retirement includes $1,723,069 from URE’s operations as well as $1,834,702 from our investment in Buckeye Power, which operates our power plants and coordinates the transmission of electric delivery to all Ohio electric cooperatives.

In addition to approving this refund, the board also directed URE management to pay it out as quickly as possible. Because of this, your April bill should already have shown a credit for all margins allocated to you in 2019.

Community Energy Resources Cooperative (CERC), the natural gas division of URE, has never retired capital credits. It’s a young enterprise, and equity has not yet been high enough to do so in a responsible way, but as I’ve mentioned before, it’s doing well. Because of the economic situation many of our members are faced with, the board of trustees directed us to retire 100% of CERC’s 2019 margins as well. This credit was also shown on your April gas bill.

I hope that these bill credits eased your burden a little if your income has been affected by this pandemic.

As a cooperative, we know that when everyone does their part, we can get through anything. If your income hasn’t been affected as much as some of your neighbors may have been, I’d encourage you to consider giving an amount equal to your credit to one of many of our local charitable organizations that are dedicated to helping the community.

We don’t yet know what the lasting effects of this pandemic will be. What we know is that our commitment to our community and our resolve to overcome the present circumstances remains strong.

MAY 2020 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING 19

UNION RURAL ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE LOCAL CONNECTIONS

ALL MEMBERS VOTE! EXERCISE YOUR CONSUMER-MEMBER

RIGHT TO VOTE ALL MEMBERS VOTE FOR ALL DISTRICTS. This year there are proposed changes to the code of regulations.

Check your mailbox — your ballot will be arriving soon. You may vote one of two ways: online or by mail. If you choose to mail in your vote, please mail your ballot early to ensure delivery by the voting deadline of June 3. Winners will be announced at the annual meeting of members June 6, beginning at 9 a.m.

All candidates were asked to provide the following information: • List your employment/education/other experience • What, in your opinion, are the greatest challenges facing the cooperative?

• Why are you interested in becoming a member of the URE Board of Trustees or serving another term?

On pages 20H thru 20J you will find the proposed changes to the code of regulations. We are asking consumer-members to approve the indicated changes. A full version of the proposed Code of Regulations can be found at www.ure.com/annual-meeting-electionballot-information.

ELECTION TIMELINE May 15, 2020 — Latest ballots can be mailed to members (20 days prior to annual meeting) May 2020 — Final meeting notice in May OCL magazine June 2, 2020 — May board meeting June 3, 2020 — Ballots due June 6, 2020 — Annual meeting, 9 a.m. at URE office June 30, 2020 — Reorganization meeting to elect board officers

20 OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • MAY 2020

DISTRICT

3

Keith D. Blosser, Esq. | 580 Weaver Ridge Drive, Marysville Employment / Education / Other Experience: I am a semi-retired licensed attorney, with degrees from OU and Capital. I have senior management experience in HR and operations. I have managed workers’ comp groups, deferred compensation programs, building facilities, and recently, energy programs at the County Commissioners Association of Ohio. I also put together the energy program used at the Ohio Municipal League. My experience includes litigation, business, programs involving electricity, electric gov-ag, gas, and solar. I am a former Ohio Assistant Attorney General, and I am a military veteran who served honorably.

What in your opinion are the greatest challenges facing the cooperative in the next three to five years? Stress on infrastructure as new electric products from cars to on-demand tankless hot water heaters enter the market; competitive pricing as renewable energy continues growth, and government regulations (including a possible carbon tax in the future)

are considered. Also, natural gas prices (which are at historic lows) that have a direct effect on electric pricing. Quality labor resources for the cooperative, so customer service remains high and consistent, and strengthening communication to customers.

Why are you interested in becoming a member of the URE Board of Trustees or serving another term? URE is a quality-run organization that is providing real value to its cooperative customers. I have an interest in the energy sector, and as the energy landscape continues to change both nationally and locally, it would be an honor to assist the organization in its partnership with members.

Dr. Donald Duford | 470 Scott Farms Blvd., Marysville Employment / Education / Other Experience: • Retired July 31, 2019 • Licensed Professional Counselor • Earned five mental health certifications • Four degrees: D.Min., clinical counseling; MBA, management; M.Div.; B.S., psychology and pastoral ministry • 30 years, Episcopal priest • Parish, police, and hospital chaplain • VA chaplain, three years, in counseling/psychiatry • Six years Army veteran • 25 years in business world • Executive VP and GM at large food company • Last position with Vlasic Foods in headquarter office, product sales manager, pickle division

What in your opinion are the greatest challenges facing the cooperative in the next three to five years? An ever-changing world. Solar energy will be a main focus for many consumers.

Team members motivation and mutual trust throughout the company. Growing population in company geography. Clearly defined goals and communication. Strong leadership that understands company goals and purpose.

Challenge of finances in today’s world.

Why are you interested in becoming a member of the URE Board of Trustees or serving another term? I enjoy working with others, organizing projects, and providing leadership. As I am now retired, I would like using my energy, education, experience, and skills to support URE in my community. I am a people person and work well with others. The quality of my work responsibility is very high. I have always been rated at the highest levels by all of my work supervision. I would enjoy working with others in the community to help in providing an important part of the needs of the community.

MAY 2020 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING 20A

DISTRICT UNION RURAL ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE LOCAL CONNECTIONS

3

Clay L. Herbert | 540 Glen Oaks Drive, Marysville Employment / Education / Other Experience: • Huntington National Bank, 23 years • JP Morgan Chase, 23 years • Trust Graduate School, Northwestern University & Other Colleges • Retired from Huntington National Bank as VP & Trust Officer in 2012 • U.S. Air Force, four years • NRA member, 42 years • Lutheran Church member • Father of four girls and one son • Married 48 years to fantastic wife, Emily What in your opinion are the greatest challenges facing the cooperative in the next three to five years?

• Expanding the URE service territory in Union County • To anticipate and preempt conditions that would affect the continuity of services such as new home construction and new/ existing businesses • Provide growth and development opportunities for employees. They represent the backbone of success.

• Continue exhibiting courteous and respectful answers to the public’s questions Why are you interested in becoming a member of the URE Board of Trustees or serving another term? To participate in the continuing efforts of the board to provide excellent services at the lowest cost possible to customers.

Adam Kinney | 1438 Park Meadow Drive, Marysville Employment / Education / Other Experience: • Director of Key Accounts, Kimball Midwest • Education: K-12; Defiance College, sports medicine • Member of URE since 2011 • Over 20 years of leading personnel and projects in organizations both public and privately held • Board president, Scott Farms What in your opinion are the greatest challenges facing the cooperative in the next three to five years? Our greatest challenge will be continuing to provide reliable service, competitive rates, and expanded services that meet the demands of our rapidly growing community, emerging technologies, and aging infrastructure.

20B OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • MAY 2020

Why are you interested in becoming a member of the URE Board of Trustees or serving another term? I feel it is important to serve the community I am a part of and to help URE be the best service provider in town. Our community is full of hard-working people who deserve the best URE has to offer and should reap the full benefits of the cooperative they are a part of. I have a long track record of success implementing projects and leading complex organizations. I humbly look forward to the opportunity to serve the cooperative.

DISTRICT

3

Richard McConnell | 19530 Dog Leg Road, Marysville Employment / Education / Other Experience: I am currently retired. My career was as production and site manager for plant propagation companies in tissue culture laboratories. The first company was foliage plants and the second was in ferns. Prior to 1989, I owned and operated a fruit and vegetable farm and roadside market in Knox County. I have a B.S. in agriculture with a specialty in horticulture. After retiring from the plant propagation companies, I was church administrator for Marysville First United Methodist Church for five years.

What in your opinion are the greatest challenges facing the cooperative in the next three to five years? I see the primary challenge to be the upgrading and expanding of service infrastructure in the rapidly increasing expansion of new residential and business construction that is taking place within Union Rural Electric service area.

The second challenge is to be forward thinking enough to keep the cooperative ahead of the increasing regulations for power plants and labor.

Why are you interested in becoming a member of the URE Board of Trustees or serving another term? With experience in business as a business owner, site manager, and administrator, I have been directly involved with putting into practice procedures for monitoring electric usage and conserving where possible. This involved working with the power providers and understanding billing procedures. I have been part of rural electric cooperatives for 61 years and have seen the cooperative boards of trustees continually improve service. I have the experience and skills to be a positive participant on the board of trustees of URE.

Kenneth O’Brien | 18809 Collins Road, Marysville Employment / Education / Other Experience: • USAF retired • High school, Marysville, Ohio • Trained as an electrician • USAF trained as an aircraft electrician

What in your opinion are the greatest challenges facing the cooperative in the next three to five years? Great service at an affordable price.

Why are you interested in becoming a member of the URE Board of Trustees or serving another term?

Want to use the skills and leadership I have learned to improve my state and country.

• Later trained as a power lineman by the USAF • Served as superintendent of all electrical systems for Tyndall AFB for six years, retired in 1994 • Worked at Scotts company as an electrical tech • Currently a farmer • Graduated the Noncommissioned Officer course • Graduated the Noncommissioned Officer Academy

MAY 2020 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING 20C

UNION RURAL ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE DISTRICT LOCAL CONNECTIONS

3

Cathy L. Patton, DNP, MBA, RN | 1923 Saddlehorn Way, Marysville Employment / Education / Other Experience: • Senior Consultant/Manager, Patient Education, for OhioHealth, Columbus, Ohio • Doctorate in Nursing Practice; Master’s Degree in Nursing, community health; Master’s Degree in Business; Registered Nurse • Certified Professional Healthcare Quality and Certified Case Manager • I have experience in facilitating administrative/organizational change strategies to increase performance and build organizational capacity. I have served as a consultant for organizational development and continuous improvement for system standardization change and high impact learning experiences.

What in your opinion are the greatest challenges facing the cooperative in the next three to five years?

• Increasing customer interest in clean energy and new methods to manage/ control energy use and cost • Evaluating renewable energy sources such as wind energy, geothermal heat, and water/hydropower resources • Evaluating policies/research to develop clean energy and/or support new technology • Improving the customer experience • Supporting workforce development, such as well-trained employees to safely and efficiently provide services Why are you interested in becoming a member of the URE Board of Trustees or serving another term? I am interested in becoming an active member of the community and feel my background and diversity in community health/public health, leadership, education, health policy, and workforce management could be a great fit for the URE board representation.

Dale Scheiderer | 14021 State Route 736, Marysville Employment / Education / Other Experience: • Self-employed farmer • B.S., agricultural education, The Ohio State University • NRECA Board Leadership and Director Gold Certification • URE Board of Trustees, 2008 to present • Champaign Landmark/Heritage Cooperative Board of Directors, 1995 to present • Paris Township Zoning Commission, 1993 to present — current chairman • St. John’s Lutheran Church — active in numerous roles What in your opinion are the greatest challenges facing the cooperative in the next three to five years? As a fellow member of URE, my expectations are competitive, affordable rates and dependable service. As a trustee, I also 20D OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • MAY 2020

understand that the safety of our workers cannot be compromised. Combining these challenges with the unprecedented growth of Union County, our decision-making process must be calculated and precise. Adding to this the “big picture” challenges of growing generation and transmission costs, integrating alternative energy sources, government regulation, environmental sensitivity, and electric vehicle adoption, the task of managing costs and maintaining efficiencies at the local level must be top priority.

Why are you interested in becoming a member of the URE Board of Trustees or serving another term? I have done my best to be a dedicated, informed, and educated trustee and strive to offer sound and objective input to board deliberations. I value our employees, my fellow trustees, and my fellow members.

I would be deeply honored to retain your trust for another term and will continue to strive to maintain and protect your growing investment.

DISTRICT

3

Lesley Verbus | 639 Gallop Lane, Marysville Employment / Education / Other Experience: I am a business analyst with a B.S. in physics and computer science concentration from the University of Dayton.

As the co-founder of a local, familyowned tech company in Union County, Linear 1 provides IT business solutions, telecommunications, and internet services to central Ohio.

I serve on the Union County Joint Recreation District Board as a representative for the City of Marysville.

I mentor students for the Union County Young Entrepreneurs Academy, and I volunteer in other community entities, including treasurer for Cub Scout Pack 634.

What in your opinion are the greatest challenges facing the cooperative in the next three to five years? Union County is growing and with that, the smart growth of infrastructure to keep up with the demand of a growing

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it may be necessary to cancel or delay our annual meeting. Please check www.ure.com for up-to-date information.

population is necessary. Smart growth should include exploring alternative energy sources while keeping the cost to members at an acceptable rate. This is also a time of increased innovative technologies for energy generation, and this must occur with government regulation and cost in mind.

Why are you interested in becoming a member of the URE Board of Trustees or serving another term? My involvement and support of businesses in this community define my eagerness to serve the members of this community. I want to use this desire, my experiences, and the skill sets of an analyst to drive the success of the cooperative. In addition to providing our community with safe, efficient, and trustworthy services, I will provide a fresh, young perspective from my experience as a business owner and an active member of this community.

2020 OFFICIAL INVITATION

MAY 2020 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING 20E

DISTRICT UNION RURAL ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE LOCAL CONNECTIONS

6

Catherine Doran | 12281 Watkins Road, Marysville Employment / Education / Other Experience: • Over 35 years of experience across quality engineering, technology, project management, supplier development, and cost planning. My past 25 years have been at Honda of America, Marysville in the NA Purchasing Division. Current role is in Supplier Quality and Delivery Improvement.

• Master of Business Administration, Franklin University • Bachelor of Science, Manufacturing Technology, Bowling Green State University • ASQ Certified Quality Engineer • Toastmasters Advanced Communicator Bronze and Advanced Leadership Bronze What in your opinion are the greatest challenges facing the cooperative in the next three to five years?

•

• Continue to safely provide affordable and reliable electricity • Assure the distribution system keeps pace to meet growth of commercial and residential customers • Retain and attract a highly skilled URE work force • Develop and maintain an up-to-date energy system • Maintain a voice in legislative activities to represent cooperative members’ interests Why are you interested in becoming a member of the URE Board of Trustees or serving another term? From living and working in the Marysville area, I respect URE’s level of service, safety consciousness, and staff professionalism. My technical and business experience can support the role of the board.

I want to serve my community to contribute to achievement of top characteristics for the URE organization to continue to build stakeholder satisfaction.

Sonja Heffner | 10319 Larcomb Road, Marysville Employment / Education / Other Experience: • Graduate of Purdue University • 31 years selling real estate in Michigan and Ohio • Served as president of GDRA & PARA Realty Associations • Leadership Academy CBR 2013 • Ohio Tourism Ambassador CTA • Short-term missionary to Chad and CAR Africa • Volunteer puppeteer, Kids on the Block What in your opinion are the greatest challenges facing the cooperative in the next three to five years? To keep strong relationships with consumers and to continue the excellent service with them. As the community grows, we need to keep communication and service with the members open.

20F OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • MAY 2020

Why are you interested in becoming a member of the URE Board of Trustees or serving another term? I would like to use my talents to serve the community where I live and work. I want to get to know much more about how this cooperative works and integrates in this area.

I hope to bring in new ideas.

DISTRICT

6

Glenna Reed | 16767 Burns Rd. Marysville Employment / Education / Other Experience: In 2013, I retired from UCO Industries, Marysville, Ohio. UCO is a not-for-profit, ~$10 million annual revenue company and employs ~130 people, including people with developmental disabilities. I served there as the CEO. Prior employment was with Sika Corp, Marion, Ohio, as North American outsourcing manager and employment with Sherwin Williams Company Co, industrial coatings division, in numerous managerial positions in operational, technical, and administrative areas. I am a graduate of Franklin University with a major in industrial management. I have also held CPM certification, an Ohio Realtor’s license, and have attended numerous technical/operational seminars, including APICS training.

What in your opinion are the greatest challenges facing the cooperative in the next three to five years? I believe the primary concerns of the customer/member, no matter what the organization, are safety, quality, and cost.

With the rapid growth of our area, there are other imminent challenges. Commercial and residential development will require more demand, land use issues, additional recruiting/training of a skilled workforce, and everchanging technology. Other potential challenges will be environmental and regulatory demands.

Why are you interested in becoming a member of the URE Board of Trustees or serving another term? Currently I serve on a volunteer basis on the Mental Health and Recovery Board of Union County and on the steering committee for the Lifelong Learner Lecture Series. I am a past member of Rotary of Union County, Chamber of Commerce, and a volunteer at the Personal Needs Pantry. I believe my background in operations and community service would be beneficial to the board and the co-op members.

Jeffrey R. Reinhard | 14430 Robinson Road, Plain City Employment / Education / Other Experience: • Retired school administrator • Professional leadership coach and consultant • Licensed auctioneer • B.S., The Ohio State University • MEd, Xavier University • NRECA Credentialed Cooperative Director; Board Leadership Director; Director Gold • St. John’s Lutheran Church: coordinator, senior ministry: Stephens’ Ministry • Ohio FFA Foundation • Union County Foundation member

to be an important challenge. As our service demands continue to grow, we must work to provide economical power to our members, routinely and without interruption. Keeping current with technologies that meet customers’ needs and working to protect our environment are important to enhancing our quality of life.

Why are you interested in becoming a member of the URE Board of Trustees or serving another term? If reelected to another term as URE trustee, I will work with my fellow board members, our CEO, and staff to make decisions that are fiscally sound, grounded in integrity, and sustained with an ethical spirit.

I pledge to work to ensure the core beliefs and values of the cooperative are upheld and that our member-owners’ needs come first.

What in your opinion are the greatest challenges facing the cooperative in the next three to five years? Managing the growth of the cooperative within our community continues

MAY 2020 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING 20G

UNION RURAL ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE CODE OF REGULATIONS LOCAL CONNECTIONS

PROPOSED CHANGES TO

THE CODE OF REGULATIONS As members of URE, you are critical to the leadership of the company. Not only will you vote on the members of the URE Board of Trustees, you also will be voting on recommended changes to the Code of Regulations.

This year the board and management are recommending a few changes that we believe will modernize some of the language, ensure we are being fair when it comes to running for a seat on the board, and make it easier to give back credits when someone moves off the system.

The first set of changes rewords all references to joint cooperative memberships from “husband and wife” to “married partners,” and words the document more gender neutrally in general.

The second change reduces the number of member signatures for a petition to run for the board from one hundred (100) to twenty-five (25). This makes nomination by petition much more achievable, and the requirement is in line with other cooperatives around the nation.

The third change makes it easier for short-term members to receive their capital credits back immediately after leaving the system. Currently, if a member has a capital credit balance of $100 or less, that member has the option to either wait to receive their full capital credit refund whenever it would normally be retired, or to take a discounted capital credit refund immediately. The proposed Code of Regulations change would increase that maximum value from $100 up to $500. This change will significantly reduce the chances of URE losing contact with members that have moved off the system and ease the administrative burden of maintaining longer and longer lists of expiring capital credit refunds.

20H OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • MAY 2020

Lastly, if a member does move off the system and we lose contact with them, it can be costly and futile to send additional mailings to the last-known address, which is usually the address a check was sent. The returned check or notice alerts us that the address of the former member is no longer valid, so sending additional mailings is a waste of resources. The final proposed code revision streamlines the process for notifying past members of capital credit retirements by eliminating the requirement to send additional mailings to the last-known address.

A summary of the recommended changes follows.

The underlined text is language that is proposed to be added, and the strikethrough language is proposed to be removed. A full version of the proposed Code of Regulations can be found at www.ure.com/annual-meeting-electionballot-information.

ARTICLE I MEMBERSHIP SECTION 2. Joint Membership. A married couple husband and wife may apply for a joint membership and, subject to their compliance with the requirements set forth in Section 1 of this Article, may be accepted for such membership. The term “member” as used in this Code of Regulations shall include both married partners husband and wife holding a joint membership and all provisions relating to the rights and liabilities of membership shall apply equally to the holders of a joint membership. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the effect of the hereinafter specified actions by or in respect of the holders of a joint membership shall be as follows:

a) The presence at a meeting of either or both shall be regarded as the presence of one member and shall constitute a joint waiver of notice of the meeting; b) The vote of either separately or both jointly shall constitute a joint vote; provided, however, that if the married partners a husband and wife who are joint members disagree between themselves as to the exercise of their vote and either so request a special ballot will be available which permits each such joint member a separate onehalf vote on all issues presented to the membership; c) A waiver of notice signed by either or both shall constitute a joint waiver; d) Notice to either shall constitute notice to both; e) Expulsion of either shall terminate the joint membership; f) Withdrawal of either shall terminate the joint membership; g) Either but not both may be elected or appointed as an officer or Board member, provided that both such person meets the qualifications for such office; h) Payment of any capital credit, refund, or other money or thing of value to one joint member shall be deemed a payment to both joint members, and shall discharge the Cooperative’s liability for said payment.

SECTION 4. Nominations. It shall be the duty of the Board to appoint, not less than eighty (80) days nor more than one hundred and fifty (150) days before the date of a meeting of the members at which members of the Board are to be elected, a committee on nominations consisting of not less than five (5) nor more than eleven (11) members who shall be selected so as to ensure equitable representation on the committee to the geographic areas constituting the service area of the Cooperative.

No member of the Board or officer or employee, nor any member of the Board’s or officer’s or employee’s family (father, mother, brother, spouse, sister, son or daughter by blood, marriage or adoption) may serve on such committee and no committee member shall nominate a family member (father, mother, brother, spouse, sister, son or daughter by blood, marriage or adoption). No person shall serve on the nominating committee more than one (1) time in every four (4) years. The committee shall prepare and provide to the Secretary at least seventy (70) days before the meeting of the members a list of nominations for Board membership. The committee shall make a good faith effort to obtain at least two candidates from each district for each position for a Board member representing such district which is to be filled. Any member may nominate other qualified candidates for the Board of Trustees by submitting a written petition signed by at least twenty-five (25) one-hundred (100) members. Said petition must be filed with the Secretary of the Cooper

ative not less than seventy (70) days prior to the annual meeting. Said nomination shall be made upon forms provided by the Cooperative. No person shall be voted upon for membership on the Board who has not signified a willingness to serve if elected. Nothing contained in this Section shall affect in any manner whatsoever the validity of any election of Board members or any action taken by the Board. If a nominee, the Secretary shall be replaced by a Board member who is appointed by the Board, but who is not a nominee.

ARTICLE V MEETINGS OF BOARD OF TRUSTEES SECTION 3. Notice of Special Meeting. Written notice of the time, place and purpose of any special meeting of the Board shall be delivered to each Board member either personally or by mail, by or at the direction of the Secretary or upon a default in duty by the Secretary, by the Chair or the Board member calling the meeting. If mailed, such notice shall be deemed to be delivered when deposited in the United States mail addressed to the Board member at his or her address as it appears on the records of the Cooperative, with postage thereon prepaid, at least two (2) days before the date set for the meeting.

ARTICLE VI OFFICERS SECTION 2. Election and Term of Office. Each officer, except the President and any officer appointed pursuant to Section 3 of this ARTICLE VI shall be elected by ballot annually by and from the Board at the meeting of the Board held immediately after the annual meeting of the members. If the election of officers shall not be held at such meeting, such election shall be held as soon thereafter as conveniently may be. Each officer shall hold office until the first meeting of the Board following the next succeeding annual meeting of the members or until his or her successor shall have been elected and shall have qualified, subject to the provisions of this Code of Regulations with respect to the removal of officers. The President shall be chosen and employed and his or her compensation shall be set by the Board. A vacancy in any office shall be filled by the Board for the unexpired portion of the term.

SECTION 4. Removal of Officers and Agents by the Board. Any officers elected or appointed by the Board may be removed by the Board whenever in its judgment the best interests of the Cooperative will be served thereby. In addition, any member of the Cooperative may bring charges against an officer, and by filing with the Secretary such charges in writing together with a petition signed by ten per centum (10%) of the members may request the removal of such officer. The officer against whom such charges have been brought shall be informed in writing

MAY 2020 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING 20I

CODE OF REGULATIONS (CONTINUED) UNION RURAL ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE LOCAL CONNECTIONS

of the charges at least ten (10) days prior to the Board meeting at which the charges are to be considered and shall have the opportunity at the meeting to be heard in person or by counsel and to present evidence in respect of the charges; and the person or persons bringing the charges shall have the same opportunity. In the event the Board does not remove such officer, the questions of his or her removal shall be considered and voted upon at the next meeting of the members. Notwithstanding any other provisions of this Code of Regulations the Board may, in its discretion, authorize a written employment agreement between the Cooperative and the President containing terms and conditions relating to the removal of the President which are inconsistent with this Code of Regulations.

ARTICLE VII NONPROFIT OPERATION SECTION 2. Patronage Capital.

Notwithstanding any other provision of this Code of Regulations, any former patron who moves off the line with a capital credit account balance that does not exceed $500 may request an early discounted capital credit retirement. The Board shall dictate the terms and conditions of any discounted early retirement. Such discounted early retirement, if approved by the Board, shall be the discounted present day value at a discount rate established by the Board of the amount credited to the former patron’s account compared to the date any priority or percentage of the account would have been retired and paid as determined by the last percentage or priority of capital credit retirement authorized and paid by the Board in any one given year. Such discounted early retirement may be made regardless of the order of priority according to year in which the capital was furnished and credited or regardless of the percentage begin retired in any one year to all patrons past or present, depending upon which retirement plan is being used. Any such discounted early retirement shall not impair the financial condition of the Cooperative.

Any discontinued or former patron who has moved off the distribution system and no longer receives service from the Cooperative, and who has a capital credit account balance of one hundred and no/100 ($100.00) dollars or less may elect to receive a refund of capital credit, discounted to present day value at a discount rate established by the Board of Trustees from the date any priority or percentage of the account would have been retired and paid as determined by the last percentage or priority of capital credit retirement authorized and paid by the Board in any one given year, regardless of the order of priority according to year in which the capital was furnished and credited or regardless of the percentage being retired in any one year to all patrons past or present, depending upon which retirement plan is being used.

20J OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • MAY 2020

Notwithstanding any other provision of this Code of Regulations, the Board at its discretion shall have the power at any time upon the death of any natural patron, if the legal representatives of the member’s estate shall request in writing that the capital credited to any such patron be retired prior to the time such capital would otherwise be retired under the provisions of this Code of Regulations, to retire capital credited to any such patron immediately upon such terms and conditions as the Board, acting under policies of general application shall determine, and discounted to the present day value at a discount rate established by the Board of the amount credited to the deceased patron’s account compared to the date any priority or percentage of the account would have been retired and paid as determined by the last percentage or priority of capital credit retirement authorized and paid by the Board in any one given year, regardless of the order of priority according to year in which the capital was furnished and credited or regardless of the percentage being retired in any one year to all patrons past or present, depending upon which retirement plan is being used; provided, however, that the financial condition of the Cooperative will not be impaired thereby. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Code of Regulations or other provision of the membership certificate, if any patron or former patron fails to claim any cash retirement of capital credits or other payment from the Cooperative within four (4) years after payment of the same has been made available by notice or check mailed to the last address furnished by the member to the Cooperative, such failure shall be and constitutes an irrevocable assignment and gift by such patron of such capital credit or other payment to the Cooperative. Failure to claim any such payment with the meaning of this section shall include the failure of such patron or former patron to cash any check mailed by the Cooperative at the last address furnished to the Cooperative. The assignment and gift provided for under this section shall become effective only upon the expiration of four (4) years from the date when such payment was made available to such patron or former patron without claim therefore and only after the further expiration of sixty (60) days following the giving of a notice by mail and publication that unless such payment is claimed within said sixty (60) day period, such gift to the Cooperative shall become effective. The notice by mail herein provided for shall be one mailed by the Cooperative to such patron or former patron at the last known address and the notice by publication shall be two (2) consecutive insertions in a newspaper circulated in the service area of the Cooperative, which may be the Cooperative newsletter. The sixty (60) day period following the giving of such notice shall be deemed to terminate sixty (60) after mailing of such notice or sixty (60) days following the last date of publication thereof, whichever is later.

ATTENTION:

Members in SCOTT FARMS and MILL VALLEY subdivisions CERC crews will be conducting maintenance on your outside natural gas meter piping. This maintenance is weather dependent and may require more than one trip. If you have any questions or concerns please contact our office at 1-800- 642-1826.

This maintenance will NOT interrupt your natural gas service.

URE will be closed on Memorial Day, Monday, May 25.

Please join us in honoring the nation’s soldiers who paid the ultimate price for our freedom.

MAY 2020 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING 20K

Scholarship Winners 2020 UNION RURAL ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE LOCAL CONNECTIONS

Elisabeth Ardrey | FIRST PLACE $2,000 North Union High School

Libby is the daughter of Stephen Ardrey and Jacqueline Ardrey of Richwood and is a senior at North Union High School. She will enter Marion Technical College as a sophomore with plans to transfer to The Ohio State University. She will major in nursing. Libby impressed the panel of judges with her outstanding interview skills and cooperative business knowledge.

Abigail Moore | SECOND PLACE $1,500 Jonathan Alder High School

Abigail is the daughter of Don and Sherri Moore of Plain City and is a senior at Jonathan Alder High School. She plans to attend the University of Cincinnati and has been accepted into the honors program. She will major in biology. Her interests are in genetic testing and counseling.

Avery Zwayer | THIRD PLACE $1,000 North Union High School

Avery is the daughter of Richard and Tracy Zwayer of Richwood and is a senior at North Union High School. She plans to attend The Ohio State University and has been accepted into the honors program. She will major in computer science and engineering and pursue an integrated business field.

20L OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • MAY 2020

Y

2020 URE SCHOLARSHIPS

2020 YOUTH TOUR

The Union Rural Electric Cooperative scholarship program sought out the BEST OF THE BEST among area high school seniors.

Youth Tour is an annual leadership experience sponsored by Ohio’s Electric Cooperatives and URE that gives exceptional high school sophomores and juniors the opportunity to attend an all-expenses-paid weeklong trip to Washington, D.C. Unfortunately, due to COVID-19 health concerns, recommendations in the capital, challenges arranging transportation, and the nature of the experience itself, the decision was made to cancel the trip.

This year’s candidates had outstanding academic records as well as heavy involvement in their community and school activities. These finalists also had to demonstrate verbal communication skills and knowledge of the electric cooperative system in a panel interview.

URE’s first-place winner, Elisabeth (Libby) Ardrey will compete against representatives from each of Ohio’s 24 electric cooperatives in an essay contest for additional scholarship awards. Statewide winners will be announced next month.

Shelby Jones and Katie Krueger would have joined more than 1,600 other students from across the country visiting D.C.’s most impressive and historic sites, as well as meeting Ohio’s congressional leaders.

Despite the unexpected turn of events, URE is proud of their delegates and knows the students would have represented the cooperative well. Congratulations to the girls for their hard work this year!

Youth Tour Shelby Jones | YOUTH TOUR

Fairbanks High School Shelby is the daughter of Lewis and Rachel Jones of Milford Center and is a junior at Fairbanks High School. Shelby is looking forward to gaining a new appreciation of Washington, D.C., its history, and the many leadership opportunities this trip will provide.

Katie Krueger | YOUTH TOUR

Marysville High School Katie is the daughter of Justin and AnnMorgan Kruger of Marysville and is a junior at Marysville High School. Katie’s love of learning and excitement to gain leadership skills while in Washington, D.C., in addition to making lifelong friends will only enhance her experience.

MAY 2020 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING 20M

Bringing LIGHT to

UNION RURAL ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE LOCAL CONNECTIONS

STORY AND PHOTOS BY SEAN LUELLEN

Wednesday, March 11 Our routine for the next nine days: breakfast at 6 a.m. and on the road by 7 a.m. The first day was the hardest, because we were trying to get in a routine and hit a groove. We finished the day with wiring and boxing 13 homes and building a good half-mile of overhead line.

Thursday, March 12 The excitement spread through the village — the villagers knew that electrification was right around the corner. One of the guys brought inflatable soccer balls and footballs, and we took a break and played with the kids. We were getting reports from home that COVID-19 was taking a grip. It hadn’t hit Ohio yet, but would be a reality for our families in the coming days.

Friday, March 13 By the end of the day, we had over half of the homes boxed and wired. Willie, our interpreter and my roommate, was a 23-year-old resident of Coban. He was fluent in Q’eqchi’, the villagers’ spoken language.

I learned a little Q’eqchi’, enough to ask homeowners where they wanted their lights and switches.

We got news that the COVID-19 pandemic had spread in the U.S., and our trip was being cut short by two days.

Every evening, we called our families to get updates.

This uncertainty added a different type of stress to our mission. We didn’t want our mission to fall short of the goal line, but in our hearts, we knew our families needed us back.

20N OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • MAY 2020

URE crew leader Sean Luellen’s journey began on to begin their mission to energize the Guatemalan Sean’s account of the mission. You can read the Saturday, March 14 We kicked it into overdrive and got quite a few more homes done. Tomorrow, we’ll work in the schools to try to get them wired and ready to be energized.

Sunday, March 15 The crews changed roles today — the inside wiring crews worked outside to hang transformers, and the outside guys wired up a few homes. We got the schools boxed and wired with extra receptacles and ceiling fans.

With all the uncertainty, we were told to pack up and keep our belongings on the trucks as we worked. We found out that on the next day, Guatemala’s president was shutting down air travel. At home, OEC (our statewide organization for the cooperatives) as well as our state representatives were doing everything in their power to bring us back home. Sunday night was nerve-wracking, with very little sleep. Many of the guys were worried about the real possibility that we’d be stuck in Guatemala.

Monday, March 16 We had very little left to do in the village — about five homes to wire and only a few more spans of secondary. We planned to energize the village that afternoon. By the end of the day, we would change the lives of these villagers forever. However, after lunch, we learned we’d be leaving at 3 p.m. to try to catch the last flight out of Guatemala.

Ma villa acc

T to others

on alan e

March 8, when crews left the Columbus airport village of Tierra Blanca Sebol. The following is accompanying story on page 4.

All our hearts sank. We knew all we needed was a few more hours, maybe even just another day, and we would have this village energized. One of the hardest things to ask a lineman to do, is to leave something unfinished.

There was nothing else we could do. We had brought the project to 95% completion in a matter of days. We knew that the remainder of the job would be completed safely and professionally by the crews of EMRE. At 3 p.m., as the last man jumped into the truck, we said our goodbyes and pointed our hearts and minds home.

Midway to Guatemala City, we learned we wouldn’t make the flight. We went to the hotel to stand by for further instructions while we waited for a permit to land in the U.S. Our representatives back home were working tirelessly to secure us a flight out of Guatemala.

Tuesday, March 17 So many things were going through my mind at this time that I slept maybe two hours that night, just wondering and worrying about our situation.

I knew everybody back home was working extra hard, putting in long hours and sleepless nights to bring us home. We were given word that in the morning, we would fly out on a private charter. Everyone was excited and thankful that our journey was almost over.

Tuesday night was very uplifting for us. The EMRE lineman sent video of them energizing the village, transformer by transformer. Because of all hard work and sacrifices we

made in those 5 ½ days, EMRE energized the village on the seventh day.

Wednesday, March 18 Emotions were running high.

Everyone was up early, packed and ready to go. We spent hours at the airport waiting at private charter gates before we were given clearance to fly to Miami. Everyone was on pins and needles, just ready to get on that plane. We boarded, taxied down the tarmac, and took off around 3:30. We knew then that we were on our first leg of the journey home. We would catch a second flight Thursday morning for the final leg back to Ohio.

We made it through customs and arrived at the hotel around 11 p.m. We were excited that we were back in the U.S. safe and sound. In the worst-case scenario, we could rent a vehicle and drive home.

Thursday, March 19 The last three days we had done nothing but hurry up and wait, and it was wearing on us.

We just wanted to get home, hug our families, and try to get back to what would be the new normal. Our flight landed about 4 p.m. on Thursday in Columbus. Making our way to the baggage claim, we saw a few familiar faces — OEC representatives and the Buckeye Power CEO welcomed us home. We boarded a charter bus to OEC’s office, where our families were waiting. As we pulled up and saw our families ready to greet us with open arms, we knew our journey had come full circle. We were home safe and sound.

MAY 2020 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING 20O

Spring cleaning is an annual ritual practiced by millions of homeowners. Did you know that it can help you save energy and reduce your impact on the environment?

While you’re chasing those dust bunnies around, consider the following tips to make your home more energy efficient:

UNION RURAL ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE SPRING LOCAL CONNECTIONS

CLEANING for energy savings

Behind the fridge. When vacuuming and dusting, remember to clean behind the refrigerator.

Dust buildup causes the refrigerator to run less efficiently.

Around your windows. While cleaning windows, look for loose panes, cracks, or poor caulking, which can lead to air leaks. In spring and summer, replace storm windows with screens to provide natural cooling.

Lightbulbs. Dust accumulation on lightbulbs blocks a considerable amount of light. Wipe off bulbs to get more light for your energy dollar.

Replace incandescent bulbs with ENERGY STAR-certified LEDs. They use 75% less energy and last much longer.

Ductwork. Leaky ducts often result in rapid dust accumulation around heating and cooling vents, causing your air conditioning system to run less efficiently. Have your system checked and cleaned by a qualified professional.

During spring cleaning, you may have more laundry and dishwashing than usual. Make sure these appliances are fully loaded before running them.

Clean green. Many household cleaning products contain harmful chemicals that can pollute the environment, reduce indoor air quality, and cause health problems. Any time you use a product containing these chemicals, you and your family are exposed to pollutants, which linger in the air long afterward. Commonly used products that emit harmful chemicals include pine oil cleaners, spot removers, disinfecting products, air fresheners, and paint thinners.

To reduce your environmental footprint and your risk of exposure to harmful chemicals, use nontoxic cleaning solutions and methods. Select products with no artificial colors, chlorine or phosphates, as well as recycled packaging.

Look for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Safer Choice label. Make your own cleaning solutions using water, baking soda, vinegar, borax, and castile soap.

By going green, you can give your home that same spotless look while keeping your family and the environment safe from harm.

20P OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • MAY 2020

MAY is National

Electrical Safety Month

Make sure all bulbs are appropriate wattage.

Ensure powered devices are properly grounded.

Install protective covers make sure they are GFCIs.

Use extension cords marked for outdoor use.

Avoid plugging in too many devices in one outlet.

Install safety plugs in all outlets not being used.

LOOK UP for power lines before using ladders.

Call 811 BEFORE you dig.

Have all lines marked.

Exposure to electricity can cause shocks or burns that can result in severe injury or even death.

If an electrical accident occurs, seek medical attention immediately.

When remodeling, add Arch Fault Circuit Interrupter (AFCI) protection to comply with current codes.

Don’t put extension cords under rugs or furniture.

Keep electrical panels free from obstructions.

See what you can do inside and outside your home to keep your family safe.

MAY 2020 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING 21

UNION RURAL ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE LOCAL CONNECTIONS

Help us Serve You Better

Give us your thoughts and opinions about URE Whether you are planning to do it yourself or hire a professional, smart digging means calling 811 a few days before each job.

Ready to dig? Call 811.

They will help you do it safely!

At the end of this month, URE 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.

UNION RURAL ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE, INC. CONTACT

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

BOARD OF TRUSTEES Jeff Wilson

LOCAL CONNECTIONS Anthony Smith

Chairman

CEO/President

Jeff Reinhard Vice Chairman

Bill D’Onofrio OFFICE 15461 U.S. Route 36 P.O. Box 393 Marysville, Ohio 43040 OFFICE HOURS

Mon.–Fri. 7:30 a.m.– 4 p.m.

22 OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • MAY 2020

Treasurer

Steve Patton Secretary

Dale Scheiderer David Thornton Dan Westlake Trustees

Mike Aquillo CXO/VP of Member Services

Sue Gibson, CCC Director of Communications

HAVE A STORY SUGGESTION? Email your ideas to: services@ure.com

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MAY 2020 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING 23

That’s the

TICKET

Cedar Point, Ohio’s iconic amusement park, celebrates 150 years of thrilling fun.

BY DAMAINE VONADA; PHOTOS COURTESY OF CEDAR POINT

Editor’s note: The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic has delayed the beginning of Cedar Point’s 2020 season. As of mid-April, the park was tentatively scheduled to open for the season in midMay. Please double-check before traveling.

T

he postcard is undoubtedly old, and its Gilded Age image of Cedar Point’s beach is as evocative as an impressionist painting: the dreamy interaction of light and water, ladies in flowing skirts sauntering along the shoreline, gents in straw boaters enjoying the breeze, and children playing in the sand and waves.

Skirting the side of a slender Lake Erie peninsula, Cedar Point’s mile-long beach was its first attraction. Sandusky businessman Louis Zistel opened a bathhouse there in 1870 and ferried day-trippers across the bay for 25 cents. Now, 150 years later, Cedar Point is Ohio’s largest tourist destination. It hosts some 3 million guests annually and boasts a record-setting 71 rides that meld tradition (a 1912 carousel, a gigantic Ferris wheel) with technology (the 93-mph Millenium Force, the 400-foot-tall Top Thrill Dragster).

Everyone knows Cedar Point’s reputation as the world’s coaster capital, but for this year’s sesquicentennial, the park’s focus is its legacy of providing laughter, screams, and memories to people of all ages and from all walks of life. “For 150 years, Cedar Point has been the backdrop for many special moments,” says Communications Director Tony Clark, “but it all comes down to fun, relaxation, and spending time together.”

24 OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • MAY 2020

Ten quintessential Cedar Point experiences

1 2

Cedar Point Beach “If you don’t check it out, you’re missing the foundation of Cedar Point’s heritage,” says Clark.

Blue Streak pened in 1964, this wooden classic launched O Cedar Point’s coaster status. “Blue Streak is a great multigeneration ride,” says Clark. “It’s a good transition for kids wanting to graduate to a larger coaster.”

3 4

Top Thrill Dragster The original strata coaster goes 120 mph. “Its height and speed combination gives riders an awesome sense of freedom,” says Clark.

Festival fun “ Our special events are family-friendly and an added value,” says Clark. The Frontier Festival features barbecue, brews, and bluegrass; Light Up the Point stages one of the Great Lakes’ largest fireworks displays; Cedar Point Nights beach parties rock with silent disco, glow games, and bonfires; and HalloWeekends treat guests to pumpkin parades and autumnal activities.

MAY 2020 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING 25

5

Cedar Point & Lake Erie Railroad he retro train ride is a rare way to roll.

T “We have one of the few coal-fired steam locomotives in the world operating at an amusement park,” says Clark.

6

Frontier Town

7

Viewing Cedar Point from Lake Erie “ Seeing the park from the water is a perfect way to appreciate its unique skyline,” says Clark. “You can rent WaveRunners and go parasailing or ride the Jet Express, which stops at Cedar Point Marina.”

26 OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • MAY 2020

PHOTOS THIS PAGE BY DAMAINE VONADA

he only themed part of Cedar Point T presents Wild West adventures ranging from Lusty Lil’s cancan revue to the Barnyard petting zoo. Says Clark, “Our Frontier Trail is a quieter corner of the park with crafters and hands-on activities like candle-making.”

8

The food

9

Staying overnight

10

ew for 2020 are French Quarter N Confections and a Mac Shack featuring macaroni and cheese bowls, but old favorites such as cheese-on-astick are still on the menu — and not to worry: those signature fresh-cut french fries remain as well. edar Point offers lodging for a variety of C budgets and lifestyles, but the 1905 Hotel Breakers beautifully conveys the park’s venerable history. “The Breakers has been updated with modern amenities and sits beside Lake Erie,” says Clark.

“From the hotel, you can walk directly to the beach or a park entry gate.”

The three kid areas “ People often don’t realize how many rides and activities we have for kids because the Kiddy Kingdom, Planet Snoopy, and Camp Snoopy are in different locations spread throughout the park,” Clark says.

Join the party!

Cedar Point’s 150th birthday plans include: Snake River Expedition — a new riverboat adventure that lets passengers participate in secret missions.

Celebrate 150 Spectacular — scheduled from June 12 to August 15, nighttime parades feature dazzling floats that highlight park history and culminate in huge block parties.

Plenty of tours — m ­ obile app history tours, guided Segway tours, Taste of Cedar Point food tours, VIP coaster tours, and Boardwalk Cruiser wine tours.

For information and updates, call 419-627-2350 or visit www.cedarpoint.com.

MAY 2020 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING 27

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MAY 2020 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING 29

Coming to terms

50 years after the Kent State shootings, the community comes together to make sure the lessons stick.

BY SANDRA GURVIS

E

very May 4, students, faculty, and others on the campus of Kent State University honor the memory of four students killed and nine others injured when the National Guard opened fire during a protest against the Vietnam War on that day in 1970.

That tragedy not only informed a generation, says Alan Canfora, one of the nine who was injured by gunfire that day, “but essentially represented a turning point, in that excessive force was no longer used during the protests against the Vietnam War.” He and his sister,

30 OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • MAY 2020

Roseann (better known as “Chic”), who was a witness to the shootings, have devoted much of their lives to making sure that the lessons of May 4, 1970, are not forgotten.

This year marks 50 years since the tragedy, and plans had been in place to commemorate the occasion with dozens of speakers, symposia, and artistic tributes, until the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic canceled the events. Still, the events they had planned are an indication of how much has changed about the way the Kent State community perceives this part of their past.

“It took Kent a long time to come to terms with its history,” says Mindy Farmer, director of the May 4 Visitors Center, which first opened in 2014 with an extensive set of exhibits about events there and on other campuses, the 1960s, and Vietnam protests. Freshman orientation at Kent now includes a stop at the center.

Farmer says 2020 represents a sharp contrast from 1975, “when the university decided that five years was long enough to remember the shootings.” After the official commemoration ended that year, a group consisting mostly of students formed the May 4 Task Force, a grassroots organization that would take over the proceedings. That group has been integral in initiating memorials and programs ever since.

In 1977, the university’s decision to construct a gym annex over part of the shooting site further widened the rift. “People came from all over the country to protest,” says Farmer. Students created what became known as Tent City, which stood for two months. It ended only with the forced removal and arrest of almost 200 people — including some of the students injured and families of those who had been killed in 1970. The gym was built, but the struggle lasted for almost two years.

Many of those affected by the events carry it into other parts of their lives. Chic Canfora, for example, is now chief communications officer for Cleveland Public Schools. After the 2018 shootings at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, she went to

Above, members of the National Guard advance on students on the Kent State campus shortly before firing on the protesting crowd (photo courtesy of Kent State University Special Archives Collection); inset, a memorial in one of the student parking lots commemorates the May 4, 1970, shootings (photo by Sandra Gurvis); right, student Alan Canfora waves a black flag in protest moments before he was shot and injured by National Guard troops (photo courtesy of Alan Canfora).

MAY 2020 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING 31

as a result of the tragedy. She co-teaches a course on May 4 and its aftermath.

Sophomore Ethan Lower’s decision to attend Kent was partially based on family stories about his relative, the late geology professor Glenn Frank, who was instrumental in negotiating with the National Guard immediately after the shootings, helping defuse a volatile situation and preventing further tragedy. Lower is now head of the May 4 Task Force.

Kent State’s May 4 Visitors Center greets guests with displays, images, and words from the fateful day to add perspective and context to the events.

counsel students there — and while the circumstances of the shootings were vastly different, she says her experience helped them see that others can overcome and manage trauma.

Reconciling the events of the past has been a gradual process for the Kent State community. For example, Karen Cunningham became active in the May 4 Task Force while she was a student at KSU in the 1970s. She eventually returned to Kent as faculty in what is now the School of Peace and Conflict Studies, which was created

32 OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • MAY 2020

In 2019, the university came full circle, once again taking over the commemoration events. Rod Flauhaus, who works in the university president’s office, is the project manager for the 50th anniversary. He also was involved with the task force when he was a student, and worked closely with the group to plan this year’s events.

“While the university allowed the commemorations, they never really embraced them,” he says, until the 1980s, when a series of presidents garnered the support of the trustees and worked to establish educational programs and memorials. Stanchions now stand in the parking lot where the students were slain, for example, and the 17 acres where the events took place is now a National Historic Landmark.

“Many of the people who run the university today were students in the 1970s,” Flauhaus says. “The passage of time puts things into a different perspective.”

Sandra Gurvis is the author of 17 books, including a reissue of The Pipe Dreamers, a novel about protests against the war in Vietnam.

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IN THE GARDEN

GOING

Medieval

BY TONI LELAND

I

f you were to imagine a garden in A.D. 800, you might picture unusual and long-extinct plants, but in fact, gardens of the medieval period (or Middle

Ages) were filled with plants that have thrived for

Absinthe

centuries and still grow in our gardens today. Many once had names with religious overtones but now have modern, more familiar monikers. For example, cornflower was called Mary’s crown and foxglove was called Virgin’s glove.

Mandrake

What medieval plants might be in your garden? How about hollyhock (St. Joseph’s staff), basil (Holy Communion platter), dill (devil-away), or daffodil (Mary’s star)? You’re probably already familiar with those common plants and herbs, but there are plenty more that you can find to give your garden a medieval flair.

Absinthe, or wormwood, is from the Artemesia family and is a lovely accent to a modern garden. Absinthe was called Mary’s tree and was used as a spice herb as well as for medicinal purposes, such as stomach disorders or nausea, and to repel insects from the vegetable garden, but is known mainly for the alcoholic beverage that is made from it. Absinthe can be grown from seeds sown directly in the ground or planted from potted plants in light, well-drained soil in full sun.

34 OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • MAY 2020

Though not exactly as portrayed in the Harry Potter series, mandrake, or love apple, is an interesting and attractive plant with a colorful history of having magical properties.

Its medicinal use in the Middle Ages was for the treatment of rheumatic pain and for melancholy and mania. It is seldom prescribed in modern herbal medicine, due to the highly toxic alkaloids in the root. To grow mandrake, sow seeds in the fall. Young plants must be well watered through the season.

Milk thistle is a beautiful plant known as St. Mary’s thistle in medieval times. Thistles are weeds, but this variety has been valued for medicinal uses for more than 2,000 years; it is the most researched plant for the treatment of liver disease. This plant’s deep green leaves are veined with white, and the flower is dark red/purple, making it

an attractive addition to a garden. Be aware that it is not native to North America and can overtake a property with the seeds from a single plant.

Woad is a member of the mustard family and has long been prized for the dark blue/black fruit from which blue dye was made centuries ago — and still is used today by heritage crafters. Woad was also cultivated as a medicinal, used to heal wounds and jaundice. It’s an attractive biennial plant for the back of the flower bed, as it grows 3 to 4 feet tall. It thrives in most soils and light exposure.

Milk thistle

Perchance thou seekest more medieval plants for thy garden?

Thine options include: • • • • • • • • • • • •

Ajuga, or bugleweed (St. Lawrence plant) Chamomile Fennel (Our Lady’s fennel) Lady’s mantle (Mary’s mantle) Rosemary (Mary’s bouquet) St. John’s wort Yarrow (Our Lord’s back) Snapdragon (Infant Jesus’ shoes) Borage (Virgin’s face) Lavender (Mary’s drying plant) Grape hyacinth (church steeples) Sweet violet (Our Lady’s modesty)

Dill St. John’s wort

Woad

READER RECIPE CONTEST

Potluck!

Ground rules • Entrants must be electric cooperative members or residents of an electric cooperative household.

• To enter, write down your recipe, including all ingredients and measurements, directions, and number of servings. Then tell us the basic story behind your recipe: Is it a family tradition, passed down through generations? Or did you make it up one day out of thin air? A good back story can never hurt!

Is your covered dish the hit of every church carry-in?

Do friends always invite you over because they know you’ll bring that one mouth-watering morsel?

Appetizers, casseroles, desserts, and more: For our 2020 Ohio Cooperative Living reader recipe contest, we’re looking for your go-to potluck favorite.

The grand-prize winner will receive an Ohio-made KitchenAid stand mixer.

Two runners-up will receive consolation gifts.

Entry deadline: June 6, 2020.

• Submissions may be an original recipe or one adapted from an existing recipe published elsewhere, with at least three distinct changes from the published version.

• On each recipe, include your name and address, a phone number and email address where you can be contacted, and the name of your electric cooperative.

• Entries should be submitted by email to memberinteract@ ohioec.org, or sent to Catherine Murray, care of Ohio Cooperative Living, 6677 Busch Blvd., Columbus, OH 43229.

• There is a limit of three recipes per entrant.

• Contest winners will be announced in the September edition of Ohio Cooperative Living.

MAY 2020 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING 35

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2020 CALENDAR

MAY/JUNE

PLEASE NOTE: Because of the developing coronavirus situation, many of these planned events may have been postponed or canceled. Please seek updated information before traveling.

COMPILED BY COLLEEN ROMICK CLARK

NORTHWEST

THROUGH AUG. 7 – Limaland Motorsports Park Races, 1500 Dutch Hollow Rd., Lima, 7:30–10:30 p.m. Sprints, UMP Modifieds, Thunderstocks, and more! Pit gates open at 4:30 p.m., grandstand gates at 5 p.m., warmup laps begin at 6:30 p.m. See website for updated information. www.limaland.com.

MAY 8–17 – Biggest Week in American Birding, Maumee Bay Lodge and Conference Ctr., 1750 State Park Rd., Oregon. Free. Enjoy the spectacular birding in northwest Ohio, the “Warbler Capital of the World.”

Activities include guided walks, bird ID workshops, birding by canoe, field trips, presentations, birder’s marketplace, and evening socials. 419-898-4070 or www. biggestweekinamericanbirding.com.

MAY 9 – Fanny Pack/Crazy Wig Party, Mac Experience DJ, Walnut Grove Campground, 7325 S. Twp. Rd. 131, Tiffin, 8 p.m.–12 a.m. $2.50 per person; age 4 and under free.

419-448-0914 or www.walnutgrovecampground.com.

MAY 15–16 – Hamler Country Fest, St. Rte. 109, Hamler.

An exciting weekend of great music and fun. Under roof with open seating; bring lawn chairs. Food and beverages available for purchase. Primitive camping sites available.

419-748-7459, hamlercountryfest@gmail.com, or www. hamlercountryfest.com.

MAY 16 – Tawawa Civic Park Cruise-In, Tawawa Dr., Sidney, 12–4 p.m., gates open at 10 a.m. No entry fee, no preregistration. This year’s cruise-in held in conjunction with the Vietnam Traveling Wall and Field of Crosses.

Goody bags to first 150 registered cars, dash plaques to first 100 registered, door prizes. Model T rides 1–3 p.m. www.facebook.com/ShelbyCountyHistoricalSociety.

MAY 16–17 – Settlers Encampment on the AuGlaize, 1750–1815, AuGlaize Village, 12296 Krouse Rd., Defiance. $5; 12 and under free. See reenactors clothed in period dress and demonstrating open-fire cooking, natural plant dyeing, spring lathe, blacksmithing, fire-starting with flint and steel, flintlock firing, cannon firing, and other daily living skills. Learn about Native American dress and culture of the period as well. auglaizevillage@gmail.com or www.facebook.com/History1750.1815.

MAY 16–17, JUN. 13–14 – The Fantastic Tiffin Flea Market, Seneca Co. Fgds., 100 Hopewell Ave., Tiffin, Sat. 9 a.m.–4 p.m., Sun. 9 a.m.–3 p.m., rain or shine. Free.

250 to 400 dealers per show. Antiques, collectibles, furniture, crafts, produce, tools, glass, and more.

419-447- 9613, tiffinfleamarket@gmail.com, or www. tiffinfleamarket.com.

MAY 17 – Shelby County Coin Club Coin Show, American Legion Post 217, 1265 Fourth Ave., Sidney, 10 a.m.–3 p.m. 937-339-5437.

MAY 21–25 – Main Street Port Clinton Walleye Festival, Waterworks Park, Port Clinton. Free concerts, kids’ fishing derby, parade, educational programs/ activities, 5K run/walk, carnival rides, and vendors. 419734-5503 or www.facebook.com/WalleyeFest.

MAY 22–24 – Buckeye Farm Antiques Annual Show, Shelby Co. Fgds., 655 S. Highland Ave., Sidney. Tractors and engines, threshing and corn shredding, corn shelling demonstration, truck and tractor pulls, flea market. Car, truck, and motorcycle show Sun. 10 a.m.–4 p.m. 937-7262485 or www.buckeyefarmantiques.com.

MAY 23 – Opening Day of the Great Sidney Farmer’s Market, 109 S. Ohio Ave., Sidney, 8 a.m.–noon. Open after this date every Saturday through mid-October. Fresh produce, crafters, baked goods, jams, jellies. 937-6586945 or www.sidneyalive.org.

MAY 23 – Band Night: Big Red Delux, Walnut Grove Campground, 7325 S. Twp. Rd. 131, Tiffin, 8 p.m.–12 a.m. $2.50 per person; age 4 and under free. 419-448-0914 or www.walnutgrovecampground.com.

MAY 25 – Memorial Day Service, Perry’s Victory and International Peace Memorial, 93 Delaware Ave.,

WEST VIRGINIA

MAY 23 – Engines and Wheels Festival, North Bend State Park, 202 North Bend Park Rd., Cairo.

Old-fashioned engines and industrial, oil field, and

farm machinery from the turn of the 20th century. Live demonstrations, craft vendors, and great food. Call Dave Wilson at 304-628-3587.

JUN. 3–5 – Family Trails Weekend, North Bend State Park, 202 North Bend Park Rd., Cairo. Celebrate National Trails Day by hiking on one of the park’s many unique trails. Guided hikes will be offered, or you can make your own route. 304-643-2931 or www.northbendsp.com.

JUN. 12–14 – Fostoria Glass Society of America Convention and Elegant Glass Show, Moundsville Ctr. Bldg., 901 8th St., Moundsville. Featured this year are elegant bowls, candlesticks, and vases from the 1920s.

304-843-4128 or www.fostoriaglass.org.

Put-in-Bay, 11 a.m.–noon. Free. 419-285-2184 or www.nps.gov/pevi/index.htm.

MAY 26–31 – Alumapalooza, 420 W. Pike St., Jackson Center. A family-friendly festival for people who love Airstream travel trailers. Open to Airstream owners and non-owners alike. 813-200-8877 or http:// alumapalooza.com.

JUN. 2–3 – “Majestik Spectacular” Motorcycle Stunt Show, Allen Co. Fgds., 2750 Harding Hwy., Lima. $12.

See the greatest FMX freestyle, BMX bicycles, and five motorcycles in the globe! www.majestikspectacular.com.

JUN. 6 – Baby Back Rib Cook-Off and Potluck, Walnut Grove Campground, 7325 S. Twp. Rd. 131, Tiffin, 6 p.m. $2.50 per person; age 4 and under free. Ribs are $1.25 each; bring dish to share. 419-448-0914 or www. walnutgrovecampground.com.

JUN. 7 – “Nothing About Us, Without Us,” Fort Recovery State Museum, 1 Fort Site St., Fort Recovery, 3 p.m. Free. Presentation by Diane Hunter, of the Miami Tribe of Oklahoma, and archaeologist Christine Thompson, from Ball State University, about Native American collaboration on a St. Clair’s Defeat exhibit. 419375-4384 or www.fortrecoverymuseum.com.

JUN. 12–14 – 4-Wheel Jamboree Nationals, Allen Co. Fgds., 2750 Harding Hwy., Lima, Fri. 10 a.m.–6 p.m., Sat. 9 a.m.–6:30 p.m., Sun. 9 a.m.–3 p.m. Enjoy everything 4-wheel, including monster trucks, tough truck racing, mud bogging, show trucks, and more! www.4wheeljamboree.com/lima_4_wheel_jamboree.

JUN. 13 – Antique Tractor Show, Sauder Village, 22611 St. Rte. 2, Archbold, 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Historic tractors from the 1920s to the 1960s will be on display. Kids can try the new pedal-tractor obstacle course! Guests can also enjoy hands-on activities as part of the “Agriculture Adventures” event, Jun. 11–13. 800-590-9755, aaron.hughs@ saudervillage.org, or www.saudervillage.org.

JUN. 13–14 – Quailcrest Farm Spring Garden Fair, Quailcrest Farm, 2810 Armstrong Rd., Wooster, Sat. 10 a.m.–4 p.m., Sun. 11 a.m.–4 p.m. Over 60 artists and craftsmen among the gardens. Full concessions plus caramel corn, baked goods, and homemade ice cream.

330-345-6722 or www.quailcrest.com.

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.

MAY 2020 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING 37

2020 CALENDAR

MAY/JUNE

PLEASE NOTE: Because of the developing coronavirus situation, many of these planned events may have been postponed or canceled. Please seek updated information before traveling.

NORTHEAST

MAY 23–24 – Great Lakes Fiber Show, Wayne Co. Fgds., 199 Vanover St., Wooster, Sat. 10 a.m.–5 p.m., Sun. 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Workshops on fiber-related crafts, competitions, wool fleece show and sale, knitting and crocheting items, sheep show, children’s activities, and great food. New this year: sheep-herding demonstrations!

740-686-2172 or www.greatlakesfibershow.com.

MAY 24 – “Quail Cup” Old Time Baseball, Quailcrest Farm, 2810 Armstrong Rd., Wooster, noon. Four teams will play simultaneous games for the seventh annual “Quail Cup” tournament. Bring a chair and enjoy some 1860s baseball! 330-345-6722 or www.quailcrest.com.

THROUGH MAY 31 – “Tying the Knot: The History of Bridal Fashion,” McKinley Presidential Library and JUN. 6–7 – Ohio Valley Frontier Days, Historic Fort Museum, 800 McKinley Monument Dr. NW, Canton.

Steuben, 120 S. 3rd St., Steubenville, 10 a.m.–8 p.m., Sun. Exhibit explores wedding fashions from the 1860s to 11 a.m.–5 p.m. $6, C. (6–12) $3, under 6 free. Meet the the present day. Learn more about the history behind soldiers, surveyors, settlers, and Native Americans who timeless wedding traditions such as the bouquet were a part of our 18th-century heritage. Crafts, music, toss, wedding cakes, the engagement ring, the role and food. 740-283-1787 or www.oldfortsteuben.com/ of the best man, and more! 330-455-7043 or www. frontierdays.php. mckinleymuseum.org/events.

JUN. 7 – Kelleys Island 5 & 10K Run/Walk, begins at MAY 1–17 – Mathilda the Musical, Geauga Lyric Theater Memorial Park, 112 Division St., Kelleys Island. Registration Guild, 101 Water St., Chardon, Fri./Sat. 7:30 p.m., Sun. 2 begins at 8 a.m., race at 10:45 a.m., followed by awards p.m. Stage musical based on the children’s novel by Roald ceremony. Pre-registration $20 online, ending one week Dahl. 440-286-2255 or www.geaugatheater.org. before race day; day of race, $25. 419-746-2360 or www.

MAY 1–7 – My Fair Lady, Mimi Ohio Theatre, 1511 Euclid kelleysislandchamber.com.

Ave., Cleveland. $10–$110. “A sumptuous new production JUN. 9–12 – Greek Food Festival, Holy Trinity of the most perfect musical of all time” (Entertainment Greek Orthodox Church, 300 S. 4th St., Steubenville, Weekly), directed by Bartlett Sher. See website for dates 11 a.m.–9 p.m. Experience the tastes and sounds of and times. www.playhousesquare.org/events.

Greece with traditional foods, music, and dance plus tours of the beautiful church. 740-282-7770 or www.

MAY 16 – Heirloom Doll Society Doll Show and holytrinitygreekfest.com.

Sale, Williamsfield Community Ctr., 5920 U.S. Rt. 322, Williamsfield, 10 a.m.–3 p.m. $4; age 10 and under JUN. 12–14 – Bacon Fest, Kelley’s Island Wine Co., free. Free parking; handicap accessible. 440-344-7747, 418 Woodford Rd., Kelleys Island. Go pig or go home! circlemranch25@gmail.com, or www.dollshowusa.com.

From bacon-infused drinks to a complete bacon menu, we have all your crazy bacon cravings covered.

MAY 16 – Medina Spring Avant-Garde Art and Craft Pig roast dinners served with all the fixings. Play Show, 885 Weymouth Rd., Medina, 10 a.m.–5 p.m. $3, carnival-style games to win some awesome bacon under 12 free. Features artists and crafters selling their prizes, and snap a photo in our porky pig photo booth. original handmade items. Full concessions stand on site.

419-746-2678, abbey.kiwineco@gmail.com, or www.

440-227-8794 or www.avantgardeshows.com.

kelleysislandwineco.com.

JUN. 13 – Beachcliff Handmade Fest and Feast, Beachcliff Market Square, 19300 Detroit Rd., Rocky River, 11 a.m.–4 p.m. Free. Come hungry and ready to shop! All your favorite Market Square restaurants set up outdoors for a taste of Beachcliff. Includes an Avant-Garde Art and Craft Show with artisans and crafters selling their original handmade items. www.avantgardeshows.com.

JUN. 13 – International Wine at the Mill Festival, Loudonville, noon–10 p.m. Enjoy nearly 100 varieties of international and Ohio wines, domestic beers, live music, and great food. $10 adults over 21, $1 ages 10–20, under 10 free. 419-541-0161 or www.wolfcreekmill.org/events. html. See Facebook page for updates.

JUN. 13–14 – Quailcrest Farm Spring Garden Fair, Quailcrest Farm, 2810 Armstrong Rd., Wooster, Sat. 10 a.m.–4 p.m., Sun. 11 a.m.–4 p.m. $2 per car. Over 65 garden-related artists and craftsmen demonstrating and displaying their wares among the gardens. As always, view the great Quailcrest plants, giant ferns, and delightful garden whimseys. Food and ice cream available. 330345-6722 or www.quailcrest.com.

JUN. 13–20 – Ohio Craft Beer Week, various establishments, Kelleys Island. Ohio’s craft brewers will be showcased at island establishments all week long, with tastings, tap takeovers, food pairings, and live entertainment. 419-746-2800, info@islandhouseki.com, or www.kelleysislandchamber.com/events.

JUN. 14 – Pulp Fiction Convention, Doubletree Hilton Cleveland/Westlake, 1100 Crocker Rd., Westlake, 10 a.m.–4 p.m. $5, age 6 and under free. Free parking. A gathering of book, pulp, and film fans, with dealers and writers selling, buying, and trading all your favorites in pulp fiction: adventure, crime, fantasy, horror, mystery, noir, science fiction, and western. 330-353-0439 or jeff@ harpercomics.com.

SOUTHEAST

registration is required. https://arcofappalachia.org/ red-stone-hike.

MAY 27–31 – National Road Yard Sale, throughout Guernsey and Belmont counties. Find bargains, antiques, fresh produce, furniture, and more as you shop the sales along Historic U.S. 40. www.oldstorefrontantiques.com.

JUN. 13 – Steel Earthworks Guided Tour, Junction Earthworks Preserve, Chillicothe, beginning at 10 a.m.

Tour guide Tim Everhart, who has excavated at the Steel and Junction preserves the past two summers, will share the exciting discoveries made during his time in the field.

Space is limited and registration is required. https:// arcofappalachia.org/steel-tour.

JUN. 13–14 – Lucasville Trade Days, Scioto Co. Fgds., 1193 Fairground Rd., Lucasville, Sat. 7 a.m.–7 p.m., $5; Sun. 7 a.m.–4 p.m., $4; early bird admission Fri. 3 p.m., $5. Free for kids 12 and under all days. Free parking on fairground lots. Flea market; animals to sell, buy, or trade.

937-728-6643 or www.lucasvilletradedays.com.

THROUGH SEP. 25 – Rise and Shine Farmers Market, 2135 Southgate Pkwy. (near Tractor Supply Co.), Cambridge, Fridays, 8 a.m.–noon. 740-680-1866 or find us on Facebook.

MAY 9–10 – Chillicothe Trade Days, Ross Co. Fgds., 344 Fairgrounds Rd., Chillicothe. $5; free for kids 12 and under. Free parking on fairground lots. Flea market; animals to sell, buy, or trade. 937-272-2897 or www. chillicothetradedays.com.

38 OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • MAY 2020

MAY 16–17 – Kansas: Point of Know Return Tour, Peoples Bank Theatre, 222 Putnam St., Marietta, Sat. 8 p.m., Sun. 7 p.m. www.peoplesbanktheatre.com.

MAY 22–24 – Feast of the Flowering Moon Festival, Yoctangee Park, Chillicothe, Fri./Sat. 10 a.m.–10 p.m., Sun. 10 a.m.–6 p.m. Free. A family-oriented event featuring Native American music, dancing, traders and exhibits, mountain-men encampment depicting life in the 19th century, arts and crafts show, entertainment, and food. www.feastofthefloweringmoon.org.

MAY 22–25 – Oak Hill Festival of Flags, Aetna Park, 316 W. Main St., Oak Hill. Rides, crafts, food booths, contests and games, art and quilt show, children’s activities, and entertainment. The event wraps up with a pancake breakfast, a 5K run, and a car show. 740-682-9956 or www.oakhillfestivalofflags.org.

MAY 23 – Guided Hike at Red Stone Farm, Pike County, beginning at 10 a.m. Join naturalist Vicki Solomon on a guided hike at the farm and the Arc of Appalachia’s 200-acre conservation easement. Space is limited and

Vernon Rd., Utica. $5 per car. Fun-filled weekend for the entire family. Pony rides, car show, motorcycle show, games and contests, arts and crafts, great food, and ice cream, of course! 740-892-3921 or www. sertomaicecreamfestival.com.

MAY 25 – Memorial Day Parade and Commemoration, Veterans Memorial Park, 95 Landis St., Lockbourne.

Parade starts at 11:30 a.m., followed with a service honoring generations of families serving in the Armed Forces. 614-491-3161.

MAY 27–30 – Deercreek Dam Days Festival, Williamsport, Wed./Thur. 4–10 p.m., Fri. 4–11 p.m., Sat. 11 a.m.–11 p.m. Free. Fun for the whole family, MAY–OCTOBER – Zanesville Farmers Market, with music, food, games, and rides for all ages.​www.

Muskingum Co. Fgds., 1300 Pershing Rd., Zanesville, deercreekdamdays.com. every Sat., 9 a.m.–12 p.m. June through August, the market is also open every Wed. 4–7 p.m. at North 4th MAY 29–31 – Newark Strawberry Festival, Courthouse Street. www.zanesvillefarmersmarket.org.

Square, Newark, Fri./Sat. 11 a.m.–10 p.m., Sun. 11 a.m.–6 MAY 16 – “Art on the Canal” Art Stroll, downtown Canal p.m. Rides, games, crafts, food, and family entertainment.

A “must try” is our delicious strawberry shortcake served Winchester, noon–6 p.m. Live music, dancing, artistic with locally made Velvet Ice Cream. ddoney825@gmail. performances, and free classes along with a display of exquisite works from various central Ohio artists. Fine art com or www.newarkstrawberryfestival.com. and crafts will be available for purchase. Kids’ Zone area MAY 30 – Uncaged 2.0, National Trail Raceway, 2650 allows children to explore their artistic abilities. 614-270National Road SW, Hebron. 740-928-5706 ext. 24 or 5053 or www.canalwinchesterohio.gov/352/Art-Stroll. www.nationaltrailraceway.com.

MAY 16–17 – The Chrysler Power Classic, National Trail JUN. 3–6 – Commercial Point Homecoming, 28 Raceway, 2650 National Road SW, Hebron. 740-928W. Scioto St., Commercial Point. Fun-filled midway, 5706 ext. 24 or www.nationaltrailraceway.com. rides, games, great food, free entertainment, car MAY 20 – Pickerington Garden Club Monthly Meeting, show, beer garden, and more. Don’t miss our delicious ocean perch sandwiches! Fireworks Fri. 10 p.m., Pickerington Main Library, Pickerington, 1 p.m. Join us for a plant exchange and a talk about ticks by a naturalist concerts Fri./Sat. 8 p.m., parade Sat. 11 a.m. 614-9834836, dthooley@gmail.com, or www.facebook.com/ from Blacklick Woods Metro Park. The public is always commercialpointcommunitymensclub. welcome. Contact Robin Leja at robinleja@gmail.com or 614-582-4977.

JUN. 4 – Opening Day of Farmers Market, 89 N. Center St. (at Town Square Drive), Pickerington, 4–7 MAY 23–25 – Utica Sertoma Ice Cream Festival, p.m. Area farmers, bakers, and artisans offer fresh Ye Olde Mill and Velvet Ice Cream Co., 11324 Mt.

CENTRAL

SOUTHWEST

Grass while dining in the beautiful sanctuary. Bring your own or purchase a box lunch on site. 513-771-1544 or bryan.mock@christchurchglendale.org.

MAY 16 – Gourmet Food Truck Competition and Rally, Miami Co. Fgds., N. Co. Rd. 25A, Troy, 11 a.m.–9 p.m.

Free and open to the public. Teams of food trucks will gather to show off their best dishes and desserts. www. miamicountyohiofair.com.

MAY 22–24 – Springfield Swap Meet and Car Show, Clark Co. Fgds., 4401 S. Charleston Pike, Springfield (exit 59 off I-70), Sat. 7 a.m.–6 p.m., Sun. 7 a.m.–3 p.m. The MAY 6, 13, 20, 27, JUN. 3, 10 – Bluegrass Wednesdays, largest and most exciting swap meet in the Midwest! Car show held both days. Call 937-376-0111, fax 937-372-1171, Vinoklet Winery, 11069 Colerain Ave., Cincinnati, or visit www.ohioswapmeet.com.

6:30–8:30 p.m. Enjoy dinner, wine, and an evening of MAY 29 – Bluegrass Night, Fibonacci Brewing Company, lively bluegrass music by Vernon McIntyre’s Appalachian 1445 Compton Rd., Cincinnati, 7–9 p.m. Free. Enjoy an Grass. 513-385-9309, vinokletwinery@fuse.net, or evening of lively bluegrass music by Vernon McIntyre’s www.vinokletwines.com/post/2018/09/30/bluegrassAppalachian Grass, with lightning-fast instrumentals, close wednesdays-spaghetti-meat-balls. harmonies, and entertaining novelty songs. 513-832-1422 MAY 8–10 – Appalachian Festival, Coney Island, or http://fibbrew.com.

6201 Kellogg Ave., Cincinnati. Handmade crafts, food, MAY 30 – Oxford Wine and Craft Beer Festival, Living History Village and other educational exhibits, Memorial Park, 4 N. Main St., Oxford, 3–10 p.m. $20 in old-time dance, music, storytelling. Friday, May 8, enjoy advance or $25 at gate. Receive five tasting tickets, five an afternoon of lively bluegrass music with Vernon McIntyre’s Appalachian Grass and many other fine bands; beer sample tickets, and a souvenir wine glass to sample fine wines from around the world. Displays by area times to be announced. Frugal Friday pricing: $5, Srs. artisans, cooking demonstrations, and live performances $2, C. (5–11) $1, under 5 free. 513-251-3378 or www. throughout the evening. www.gettothebc.com/events/ appalachianfestival.org. oxford-wine-craft-beer-festival.

MAY 13 – Music Live with Lunch, Christ Church Glendale, 965 Forest Ave., Glendale, 12–12:30 p.m. Free. JUN. 6–7 – Troy Strawberry Festival, along the Great Miami River Levee and downtown Troy, Sat. 10 a.m.–8 Enjoy lively bluegrass by Vernon McIntyre’s Appalachian

produce, baked goods, crafts, and more. 614-3218221 or pickfarmers@hotmail.com.

JUN. 4–6 – Hot Air Balloon Festival, Coshocton Co. Fgds., 707 Kenilworth Ave., Coshocton. Balloon launches at dawn and dusk, balloon “night glow,” tethered balloon rides, musical entertainment, carnival rides, fireworks, food vendors, craft booths, and more.

740-622-4877, www.coshoctonhotairballoonfestival. com, or find us on Facebook.

JUN. 5 – Pickerington Village PetFest, Victory Park (accessed from Lockville Road), Pickerington, 6–8 p.m.

Free, family-friendly event. Food and pet-related vendors.

614-837-4311 or www.pickeringtonvillage.com.

JUN. 7 – Summer Avant-Garde Art and Craft Show, Makoy Event Ctr., 5462 Center St., Hilliard, 10 a.m.–4 p.m. $3; 12 and under free. Features artists and crafters selling their original handmade items. Full concessions stand on site. www.avantgardeshows.com.

JUN. 9 – Inventors Network Meeting, Rev1 Ventures for Columbus, 1275 Kinnear Rd., Columbus, 7 p.m.

Educational presentations and discussion about the invention process. Meetings held the 2nd Tuesday of each month. 614-470-0144 or www.inventorscolumbus.com.

JUN. 12–14 – Columbus Arts Festival, downtown riverfront, Columbus, Fri. 11 a.m.–10:30 p.m., Sat. 10 a.m.–10:30 p.m., Sun. 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Free. Features the nation’s top artists and craftspeople, live music, theater, dance, hands-on art activities, and gourmet food from Columbus’s finest restaurants. 614-224-2606 or www. columbusartsfestival.org.

JUN. 13 – Streetcar Takeover, National Trail Raceway, 2650 National Road SW, Hebron. 740-928-5706 ext. 24 or www.nationaltrailraceway.com.

p.m., Sun. 10 a.m.–6 p.m. Features strawberry cuisine along with a wide variety of other foods. Over 200 arts and crafts exhibitors, nonstop entertainment on two stages, kids’ activities, pie eating contest, and much more. 937-339-7714 or www.troystrawberryfest.com.

JUN. 12–13 – Banana Split Festival, Denver Williams Park, 1100 Rombach Rd., Wilmington, Fri. 4–10 p.m., Sat. 10 a.m.–10 p.m. Free. Food booths, live music, games, rides, classic car cruise-in, and, of course, banana splits! wilmingtonbanana@gmail.com or www. bananasplitfestival.com.

JUN. 13 – Old Fashioned Strawberry Festival, 4782 Cincinnati Brookville Rd., Shandon, 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Free.

Celebrate everything strawberry! Enjoy fresh food and produce, including strawberry shortcake and ice cream.

Local vendors and artists, antique tractor show, plus live Welsh harp music and organ music. 513-860-4194 or www.gettothebc.com/events.

JUN. 13–14 – Family Days at the Johnston Farm, Johnston Farm and Indian Agency, 9845 N. Hardin Rd., Piqua. Explore the family home of John Johnston with costumed interpreters, demonstrations, and hands-on activities; visit the Historic Indian and Canal Museum; and take a relaxing ride on the General Harrison of Piqua. 800752-2619, 937-773-2522, or www.johnstonfarmohio.com.

JUN. 14 – Music at the Mound with Steve Free, Serpent Mound, 3850 OH-73, Peebles, 1 p.m. Free admission; $8 parking fee. Join the acclaimed singer/songwriter for an open air concert. http://arcofappalachia.org/steve-free.

MAY 2020 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING 39

MEMBER INTERACTIVE 1

2

3

4

it’s not

Ebeing ASY GREEN 5 1. My wild country kids, Chuck, Ida, and Aaron Estadt, caught “Big Chungus” and posed like goofballs for a picture.

Tara Estadt Washington Electric Cooperative member

2. This toad was underfoot all day while I worked in the yard. He thought he was hiding.

Lu Ann Fox The Frontier Power Company member

3. My grandson, Colton Fetter, after enjoying his birthday cake.

Christine Moore Buckeye Rural Electric Cooperative member

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4. Kermit the Frog and Rowan Fyffe at COSI. Christina Stevens South Central Power Company member

5. This is my daughter, Julia, in costume for her third-grade school musical about spring.

Dawn Spicer Hancock-Wood Electric Cooperative member

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9

6. I caught this frog sunning while it was sitting on the rim of our pond.

Donna Wickerham Consolidated Cooperative member

7. This praying mantis seems to love my sedum plants.

Gayle Seymour South Central Power Company member

8. Ben Siemer, my son-in-law, took turns with my daughter cutting the grass when my riding mower broke down.

Anne Wanamaker Butler Rural Electric Cooperative member

9. Our granddaughter Brittany made these little frogs feel safe.

Wayne and Marlene Mohring Hancock-Wood Electric Cooperative members

Send us your picture!

For August, send “Cuddly kitties” by May 15; for September, send “Friday night lights” by June 15. Upload your photos at www.ohioec.org/memberinteractive — and remember to include your co-op name and to identify everyone in the photos.

40 OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • MAY 2020

May is

National Electrical

Safety Month ohioec.org/purpose

Safety is a cornerstone of our commitment to our consumers, our employees, and our community. When you’re working or playing outside, look up and stay away from power lines. For more safety tips, follow your cooperative on social media.