Ohio Cooperative Living - August 2020 - Washington

OHIO

AUGUST 2020

COOPERATIVE Washington Electric Cooperative

High achievement 35 years of service and counting

ALSO INSIDE It’s electric!

Outdoor photo tips Purple reign

Be E Smart 3

ENERGY•EFFICIENCY•EDUCATION

LOGO WINNERS y of the Wo Wa

d rl

Th e

Electricity

2020 Winner

2019 Winner

2018 Winner

✔ 9 years in Ohio middle school classrooms ✔ 100 teachers given FREE energy curriculum ✔ 45,000 children given FREE energy efficiency items for home ✔ 1 program: Be E3 Smart 2017 Winner

ohioec.org/energy

2016 Winner

OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • AUGUST 2020

INSIDE FEATURES 28 RENEWAL AND RESTORATION How vision, optimism, and true grit have sparked a small town’s turnaround.

32 PURPLE REIGN Fields brimming with lavender bring joy to folks around the state.

36 SMALL ISLAND, BIG RACE Put-in-Bay keeps its road race tradition alive, albeit a bit more laid-back than in days of old.

Cover image on most issues: Jason Duff could have taken off to find success in a big city after college, but instead has focused his attention on revitalizing his hometown of Bellefontaine. He founded Small Nation, a company that helps other small businesses prosper (photo by Susie Jarvis, The Photo Booth).

AUGUST 2020 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING 1

UP FRONT

Don’t Veto Your Vote “E

very election is determined by the people who show up.”

It’s a platitude that Americans dust off every four years as we prepare to go to the ballot box either to cast a vote for change or to stay the course. Pundits traditionally delight in telling us that this is the most important election in the history of the democratic process. In reality, every election is an essential exercise of democracy that allows our voices to be heard through the ballot we cast. The right to vote is often taken for granted, as others may have fought the battle or made the sacrifices required to gain or maintain that privilege.

Co-ops, like our country, are grounded in consensus. Governed by their owners (you) with open and voluntary membership and guided by democratic control, the electric cooperative community is an apt reflection of the power of a system based in equality — one member, one vote. In an era in which we’re experiencing increasing division and unrest, elections, and the responsibility to vote, provide the chance for us to ponder our values and our interests and then hit the “continue,” “pause,” or “reset” button.

Voting is easier and more convenient than ever. First, make sure that you’re registered to vote by October 5 by contacting your county board of elections or by visiting https://olvr.ohiosos.gov.

Then, either cast your ballot in person or request an absentee ballot at www.ohiosos.gov/elections/voters/absentee-voting.

Elections offer us a chance to quietly express our individual priorities for the governance of our communities, our state, and our nation. Elections also result in a collective expression of our community priorities and values. Please express your views during our upcoming election, honor this truly American principle, and let the nation know what’s important to you.

Stay safe.

2 OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • AUGUST 2020

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

In reality, every election is an essential exercise of democracy that allows our voices to be heard through the ballot we cast.

AUGUST 2020 • Volume 62, No. 11

Ohio Rural Electric Cooperatives 6677 Busch Blvd.

Columbus, OH 43229 614-846-5757 www.ohiocoopliving.com

MORE INSIDE DEPARTMENTS

4

4 POWER LINES

Patrick O’Loughlin President & CEO

Patrick Higgins Director of Communications

Jeff McCallister Managing Editor

Rebecca Seum Associate Editor

Anita Cook Graphic Designer

Contributors: Colleen Romick Clark, Victoria Ellwood, W.H. “Chip” Gross, Catherine Murray, James Proffitt, Damaine Vonada, and Margie Wuebker.

OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING (USPS 134-760; ISSN 2572-049X) is published monthly by Ohio Rural Elec­tric Co­op­eratives, Inc. It is the official 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.

It’s electric! More and more, electricity not only saves money but also helps the planet.

6 CO-OP SPOTLIGHT

Midwest Electric, Inc.: The St. Marysbased electric cooperative serves a membership that’s dedicated to helping out in the community.

6

8 WOODS, WATERS, AND WILDLIFE

Learning to “see”: The first step to great outdoor photography is to envision the picture before you snap.

8

14 CO-OP PEOPLE

Training K-9: Co-op member provides world-class training of both police dogs and family pets.

17 GOOD EATS

Fresh from the garden: Use the

14

bounty that bursts from your backyard bed to create these culinary classics.

21 LOCAL PAGES News and information from your

For all advertising inquiries, contact

electric cooperative.

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

17

41 CALENDAR

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

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

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

44 MEMBER INTERACTIVE

Cuddly kitties: Members show off their feline fur-babies!

44

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

www.ohiocoopliving.com AUGUST 2020 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING 3

POWER LINES

It’s electric!

More and more, electric power not only saves money but also helps the planet.

BY JEFF McCALLISTER

J

oey and Kristin Huber have been considering — consciously and subconsciously — the benefits of electricity for some time.

Joey, who teaches STEM classes in the Dublin City School District, has numerous aspects of electricity included in his curriculum, but his interest goes deeper than that.

“I have an uncle in North Carolina who really got me thinking about what all we use electricity for and a lot of other things that we can and even maybe should use electricity for,” Joey says. “He put up solar panels and now has all the electric tools and toys that they can power. It got me thinking about that myself, and I’m convinced that’s where society is moving.”

The Hubers, who are members of Marysville-based Union Rural Electric Cooperative, installed solar panels on their house that they now use to charge their recently purchased Tesla Model Y, a fully electric vehicle with a nearly 400-mile range that can recharge about 150 miles of range in only 15 minutes. They took advantage of a rebate offer from URE to help pay for the charger installed at their home. The family also owns an electric bicycle and uses rechargeable battery-powered implements such as a string-trimmer and blower for yardwork.

The Hubers are part of a growing number of people taking advantage of the benefits of using more electricity as part of a strategic plan to save money

4 OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • AUGUST 2020

and reduce environmental impact. That, in turn, improves their quality of life and helps the stability of the entire electric grid.

For example, the simple act of replacing a gas-powered lawnmower with one that uses a rechargeable battery means no more gas cans to fill and store in a garage, no fumes or smoke, and no worries that the mower just won’t start when you pull the cord. Electric mowers are also quieter, so you can avoid those dirty looks from neighbors when you decide to mow early on a weekend morning.

From there, the benefits go global. An idle mower plugged in for recharging becomes part of the electric grid. The more electricity users plugged in and charging during times when people are using the least amount of electricity — probably overnight — the less stress on the grid during the day. That would allow electric utilities to operate more efficiently, evening out electricity use over a 24hour period — which also helps control costs.

More immediately, for those concerned about the environmental effects of their energy use, electricity is a future-looking choice.

“If you look at a national scale, electricity is being generated in cleaner, more efficient ways all the time,” says Ben Wilson, manager of power delivery engineering for Buckeye Power, which supplies electricity to all 24 Ohio electric cooperatives. “That means that every device that uses electricity — from cars to clock radios — will become even better for the environment over time as the electricity it uses gets greener.”

That energy trend is part of what led to one of the nation’s leading environmental groups becoming part of the beneficial electrification movement. In 2018, the National Resources Defense Council (NRDC) published a report outlining a broad plan to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions over the next 30 years. A key part of that plan called for using electricity for a bigger share of our energy consumption — a lot more. The group wants to increase electricity’s contribution to all end-use energy from about 20% today to 45% in 2050.

“We’re to the point, especially with our panels, where we save quite a bit of money by using electricity for as much as we can,” Huber says. “We also have a 7-year-old son, and this helps us feel good about trying to ensure a healthy environment for his future.

That’s really the best part about it.”

Did You Know?

• Electricity is much cheaper than gasoline or diesel fuel, costing about $1.20 per gallon (of gasoline equivalent) at a nationwide average.

• All-electric vehicles are about three times more efficient than those powered by internal combustion engines and have earned EVs top spots on FuelEconomy.gov’s list of most efficient vehicles (fueleconomy. gov/feg/topten.jsp). Most are rated at more than 100 miles per gallon (equivalent).

To learn more about using solar energy in your home, visit www.ohiosolar101.com.

AUGUST 2020 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING 5

CO-OP SPOTLIGHT

MIDWEST ELECTRIC, INC.

M

idwest Electric, Inc., is situated in west-central Ohio, based in St. Marys. The cooperative serves 11,000 homes, farms, and businesses in Allen, Auglaize, Mercer, Van Wert, Shelby, Putnam, and Darke counties. One of the area’s most notable landmarks is Grand Lake in Celina and St. Marys, a man-made lake that attracts thousands of visitors every year with fishing tournaments, marinas, and lakefront restaurants. Grand Lake was originally built to supply water to the Miami and Erie Canal.

Midwest Electric also serves the area around Wapakoneta, home of astronaut Neil Armstrong, the first man to walk on the moon. In 2019, the city celebrated the 50th anniversary of the moon landing, and Midwest Electric was proud to assist with the balloon festival as a proud sponsor and advocate for the event.

A passion for community service Midwest Electric’s members are extremely engaged with their community: 88% of members participate in the co-op’s Community Connection Fund bill “round up” program, resulting in more than $1 million donated to more than 900 local charities and organizations since 1998.

Employees at Midwest volunteer in various youth programs in the community and at special events such as the annual Tailgate for Cancer and the United Way Day of Caring. The board of directors offers $11,000 in scholarships every year to local high schoolers.

Membership diversity Midwest maintains and operates 1,522 miles of lines. The co-op has 30 employees and is governed by a board of eight trustees.

While the majority of the cooperative’s consumer-members are residential, Midwest also serves several large commercial, industrial, and agricultural operations. One of those accounts is Ferguson Enterprises in Celina, the largest wholesale distributor of residential and commercial plumbing supplies and pipe, valves, and fittings in the U.S. Other well-known Midwest Electric members include Cooper Foods in St. Henry and microbrewery Moeller Brew Barn in Maria Stein.

Co-op key stats: • Midwest has returned more than $34 million in patronage capital to its members.

• In recent years, Midwest Electric has invested between $2 million and $3 million per year for electric system reliability upgrades, resulting in power reliability of around 99.9%.

• The peak-demand savings program has helped the cooperative save more than $500,000 annually in power costs.

• The revolving loan fund has provided $2 million in low-interest economic development loans to create area jobs and support local businesses.

• Excellent customer service is a point of pride — during normal business hours, the co-op answers incoming calls within five seconds.

6 OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • AUGUST 2020

Co-op Spotlight appears regularly in Ohio Cooperative Living to give a glimpse into the land and the people of Ohio’s 24 electric cooperatives.

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WOODS, WATERS, AND WILDLIFE

LEARNING TO

“see”

For great outdoor photos, envision them before you snap.

STORY AND PHOTOS BY W.H. “CHIP” GROSS

8 OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • AUGUST 2020

O

ne of America’s leading naturalists of the 19th century was the prolific Louis Agassiz (1807–1873), who, while teaching at Harvard, taught his students the skill of in-depth observation of natural objects. He did it by what his students termed “the incident of the fish.”

On the first day of class, Agassiz would put a large dead fish on a tin tray and lay it before his beginning students. “Now, look at your fish,” Agassiz would say. He’d then leave the room, not returning until hours later, if at all that day. As a result, the students either learned to look intently — to study every minute detail of the fish — or simply quit the class out of frustration.

Right: Sudden winter weather changes, such as an ice storm, can provide great photo opportunities; watch the forecast and have your camera ready. Below: A whitetailed deer peers at the camera through fall goldenrod at a Columbus Metropark.

The same approach can be used to learn outdoor photography. Not that you have to stare at the same photo subject for hours on end, but developing the ability to “see” the details of photos before you attempt to take them is a crucial skill — yet one that anyone can learn.

One of Ohio’s best outdoor photographers is Art Weber, founding director of the Nature Photography Center for Metroparks Toledo. He says there’s a difference between looking at the natural world as an artist and as a photographer.

“A painter begins with a blank canvas, then adds the image he wants to create,” Weber says. “A photographer is faced with the opposite situation. He or she has to edit the natural world through the viewfinder of the camera. In other words, a photographer has to answer two basic questions: What am I going to include in my photo and what am I going to leave Spread (and camera viewfinder): Adding people (lower right) to a large landscape photo adds scale to this photo of Columbia Glacier in Valdez, Alaska. Above: Caribou antlers frame Mt. Denali at Denali National Park, Alaska.

AUGUST 2020 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING 9

out? My personal rule of thumb is to simplify a photo subject. You want to reduce a photo to what attracted you to take that particular shot in the first place.”

Weber also emphasizes the importance of light on outdoor subjects. “Beginning photographers talk about equipment, while the true masters of photography talk about lighting,” he says. “Light is what gives a photo subject color, shape, form, texture — everything in outdoor photography depends upon the intensity and direction of the natural light a photographer must deal with at different times of the day.”

I have been taking outdoor photos for decades — so long, in fact, that some of my younger photographer buddies claim I have a few grainy, black-and-white prints of actual, live dinosaurs tucked away in my desk. I will not confirm or deny that rumor, but one of the things that helped me learn to “see” photos was studying the shots published in magazines, books, calendars, and the like, and asking two basic questions: First, why did an editor choose to print a particular photo? And second, how did the photographer get that particular shot? Of course, to answer that second question, you have to answer a

10 OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • AUGUST 2020

few more, such as: What was the camera angle? What focallength lens was used? What might the camera’s exposure settings have been?

Another tip to producing great outdoor photos is to buy the best photography equipment you can afford. At the same time, however, you must realize that no camera, regardless of its price tag, guarantees good photos. It’s the photographer behind the camera who actually takes the photograph, not the camera.

The natural world is so vast and its subjects so varied that those new to outdoor photography often find it difficult to decide on a subject. Once they do, they find it’s just as difficult to figure out how to photograph it. Relax — you’re not alone. Photographers have always dealt with those two dilemmas. The good news is that “seeing” photos becomes easier with practice. So get outside and start clicking. Just remember: Before you push that shutter-release button, make sure to “look at your fish.”

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

Spread: I positioned myself along the shore beside a rapids to take this colorful shot of whitewater rafting on West Virginia’s New River. In viewfinder: During a vacation at Acadia National Park, I saw my granddaughter, Maddie, jumping from rock to rock. Left: Shooting into the sun can produce dramatic silhouettes, such as this angler landing a king salmon from a canoe along Michigan’s Black River.

Ask

chip!

Postioning yourself below a subject, rather than at eye level, can give a pleasing effect; the early morning fog in this lighthouse photo was a bonus.

Email Chip Gross with your outdoors questions at whchipgross@ gmail.com. Be sure to include “Ask Chip” in the subject of the email.

Your question may be answered on www.ohiocoopliving.com!

www.ohiocoopliving.com AUGUST 2020 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING 11

When the going gets tough, Ohio Farm Bureau gets going!

We continue to be on the forefront, advocating for our members and educating legislative and business leaders as we help the agriculture community navigate through the challenges of COVID-19.

As with any adversity, Ohio's resilient agriculture community will get through this with the strength of the state’s largest farm organization, Ohio Farm Bureau.

OFBF.org/StillFarming

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CO-OP PEOPLE

Training K-9 Co-op member provides world-class training of both police dogs and family pets.

STORY AND PHOTOS BY MARGIE WUEBKER

A

l Gill believes well-trained German shepherds can mean the difference between life and death in many law enforcement situations.

As the owner of Von der Haus Gill German Shepherds and Police K-9 Academy near Wapakoneta in rural Auglaize County, he is committed to making sure the dogs and their two-legged handlers are prepared for whatever might happen on the job.

PHOTO COURTESY OF VON DER HAUS GILL

Gill, who formerly served as a K-9 officer with the Wapakoneta Police Department and later the Auglaize County Sheriff’s Office, started his business in 1992. He moved to the current 20-acre site, where the business is a member of Mid-Ohio Energy Cooperative, five years later.

14 OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • AUGUST 2020

Opposite: Al Gill holds a puppy that could someday become a K-9 unit.

Left: Lima Police Officer Gaige Hennon searches with his dog, Emmy.

Below: Lima Police Officer Tanner Engle and his dog, Dre, with master trainer Steve Miller (with the protective sleeve).

The property is now home to a world-class training facility as well as housing units for male and female officers who come from across the country to participate in academy classes. There is also a kennel that can accommodate 60 adult dogs as part of the business’ breeding operation.

Gill travels to Europe five or six times a year, working with a longtime associate to acquire high-quality dogs — primarily from Germany and occasionally from the Czech Republic. He evaluates each animal on such factors as overall health, temperament, confidence, social skills, and the desire to work and please. More than 3,000 dogs have been brought to Von der Haus Gill (House of Gill) over the course of nearly 30 years.

“We want the best dogs possible, whether they’re destined to become K-9 units or family companions,” he says. “This is no hobby. We are a working, breeding, training facility 24/7.”

Academy training commences after a dog marks its first birthday. Handlers and their department dogs spend six weeks bonding and learning to work as a team. Twelveto 14-hour days are the rule rather than the exception.

Obedience comes first and then tracking, before moving on to more complex tasks. All commands are given in German and for good reason: Not only are the dogs accustomed to the words, but bystanders are not likely to understand the meaning.

Early on, police dogs were bred for a single purpose, such as tracking, officer protection, or patrol duty, according to Gill, who is one of three master trainers on staff. Nowadays, departments want dogs capable of serving multiple

purposes: narcotics detection, explosives detection, patrol, personal protection, and search and rescue.

A dog trained to detect narcotics represents an investment of around $12,000, while one adept at locating explosives is closer to $15,000. Agencies face a grand total ranging from $50,000 to $70,000 when other factors like special cruisers, safety equipment, and insurance are included.

Training never ends for the dogs or their handlers, with maintenance work taking place every two weeks to keep skills fine-tuned. A K-9 unit earns retirement status around the age of 10, with the likelihood of spending its golden years at the home of the officer it diligently protected.

Von der Haus Gill German Shepherds, 16863 Boundry Road, Wapakoneta, Ohio 45895. 419-568-9400.

AUGUST 2020 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING 15

Stand Up Straight and Feel Better Discover the Perfect Walker, the better way to walk safely and more naturally It’s a cruel fact of life, as we age, gravity takes over. Our muscles droop, our bodies sag and the weight of the world seems to be planted squarely on our shoulders. We dread taking a fall, so we find ourselves walking less and less- and that only makes matters worse.

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GOOD EATS

Freshgarden from the

CUCUMBER TOMATO FETA SALAD Prep: 15 minutes | Chill: 4 to 24 hours | Servings: 6 1 large cucumber ½ cup red wine vinegar 1 small red onion 1 teaspoon dried oregano 2 cups cherry tomatoes 1 teaspoon sugar 8-ounce block feta cheese Cut cucumber in half lengthwise, then in half again. Dice cucumber and red onion into 1-inch chunks. Cut cherry tomatoes in half. Cut feta into half-inch chunks. Pour in red wine vinegar and sprinkle in oregano and sugar.

Toss a few times to incorporate ingredients. Cover and marinate overnight for best results.

Use the bounty that bursts forth from your backyard bed to create these culinary classics.

RECIPES AND PHOTOGRAPHS BY CATHERINE MURRAY

Per serving: 130 calories, 8 grams fat (6 grams saturated fat), 8 grams total carbohydrates, 1 gram fiber, 6 grams protein.

AUGUST 2020 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING 17

RAINBOW RATATOUILLE Prep: 20 minutes | Cook: 75 minutes | Servings: 4 2 small eggplants 2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves 3 tablespoons coarse salt ½ teaspoon salt 1 medium yellow squash ¼ teaspoon black pepper 1 medium zucchini ½ cup chopped fresh basil 13 roma tomatoes 3 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley 1 roasted red pepper ½ teaspoon garlic salt 1 tablespoon olive oil ¼ teaspoon black pepper 1 onion, diced 4 tablespoons olive oil 4 cloves garlic, minced Notes: Using vegetables with the same circumference will make layering easy. If you have an abundance of vegetables, the recipe can be doubled. Simply stack the sliced vegetables vertically to fit more into the pan. If an oven-safe skillet isn’t available, use a regular skillet, then transfer sauce and layer vegetables in a round, oven-safe casserole dish.

Preheat oven to 375 F. Slice eggplant into rounds about ¼ inch thick. Generously sprinkle slices with the coarse salt and place in a single layer over paper towels to draw out excess moisture. Set aside for an hour or so. When done, blot/brush off excess salt and pat dry. Slice squash, zucchini, and 3 roma tomatoes about ¼ inch thick.

Boil remaining 10 tomatoes in a pot of hot water for 60 seconds, let cool, then peel, de-seed, and purée them with the roasted red pepper in a food processor or blender. Heat oil in a 12-inch oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sauté onion and garlic until soft. Add puréed tomatoes, thyme leaves, salt, and ¼ teaspoon pepper. Bring to a boil, then simmer uncovered 5 to 10 minutes, until sauce thickens, straining excess liquid if necessary. Smooth surface of the sauce and begin arranging sliced vegetables in a spiral form with 1 slice each of eggplant, yellow squash, tomato, and zucchini, starting on the outside of the skillet and working inward. Cover skillet with foil and bake 30 minutes. Take skillet out of oven and remove foil. Sprinkle top with basil, parsley, garlic salt, ¼ teaspoon black pepper, and 4 tablespoons olive oil. Bake uncovered for another 30 minutes. Serve hot with a loaf of toasted, crusty bread (optional).

Per serving: 331 calories, 19 grams fat (3 grams saturated fat), 40 grams total carbohydrates, 17 grams fiber, 8 grams protein.

BERRY ORCHARD CRUMBLE Prep: 10 minutes | Cook: 30 minutes | Servings: 6 3 tart apples, chopped 5 tablespoons sugar, divided 2 pears or peaches, sliced ½ cup flour 1½ cups blackberries and/or raspberries ¼ cup unsalted butter, sliced and chilled 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar ¼ teaspoon cinnamon ¼ cup chopped fresh basil Note: If you’re not really into measuring ingredients or don’t have the right amount of one of the fruits, not to worry. This recipe is very forgiving; it can be adjusted in lots of different ways and will still turn out great.

Preheat oven to 400 F. Lightly toss fruit with vinegar, basil, and 3 tablespoons sugar. (If fruit is pretty sour, lean on the side of more sugar.) Pour into 9 x 9-inch oven-safe baking dish. With your hands, crumble together flour, butter, 2 tablespoons sugar, and cinnamon until it resembles small clumps. Top fruit with crumble mixture. Bake 30 minutes, until the crumble is golden and fruit starts to bubble around the edges.

Per serving: 259 calories, 8 grams fat (5 grams saturated fat), 47 grams total carbohydrates, 7 grams fiber, 2 grams protein.

18 OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • AUGUST 2020

GARDEN STUFFED PEPPERS Prep: 15 minutes | Cook: 45 minutes | Servings: 6 6 large bell peppers (mixed colors) 15-ounce can tomato sauce 1 medium onion, diced 1 teaspoon hot sauce 1 tablespoon olive oil 2 teaspoons poultry seasoning 1 pound ground chicken 1 teaspoon garlic powder 1 cup corn ½ teaspoon salt 2 cups chopped collard greens ¼ teaspoon black pepper 1 cup cooked quinoa or brown rice 1½ cups colby jack cheese Note: Look for bell peppers that are of similar size to ensure even cooking time. Peppers with 4 bumps on the bottom sit better than those with 3 bumps.

Preheat oven to 350 F. De-stem and de-seed peppers. Cook whole peppers uncovered in boiling water for about 5 minutes. Remove with tongs, dunk in cold water, and invert to drain well. Cook onion and olive oil in a skillet over medium heat for 3 minutes. Add ground chicken, breaking it up as it cooks, about 7 minutes. Drain excess fat. Add remaining ingredients except for cheese, stirring until heated through.

Stuff peppers with chicken mixture. Place peppers upright in a casserole dish or roasting pan. (If pepper won’t stand on its own, cut a thin slice off the bottom to make it level.) Cover with aluminum foil and bake 25 minutes. Remove foil, top peppers with cheese, and bake another 5 minutes or so until cheese has melted and begun to brown slightly.

Per serving: 470 calories, 19 grams fat (8 grams saturated fat), 40 grams total carbohydrates, 6 grams fiber, 35 grams protein.

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

www.ohiocoopliving.com AUGUST 2020 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING 19

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WASHINGTON ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE LOCAL PAGES MESSAGE FROM THE GENERAL MANAGER

VALUE

Electricity brings everyday E

ven though I work in the energy industry, I still don’t think as much as I should about the electricity I use — and I can guarantee that my kids don’t ever give it a second thought. Like most people, I expect the lights to turn on when I flip the switch, and I expect the refrigerator to keep my food cold. Because electricity is readily available, we don’t think about it.

Since many of us have been spending more time at home over the past few months, we have likely been using more energy. And yet, we still expect an endless supply of power with uninterrupted service 24/7. The only time most of us really think about electricity is when the power goes out or perhaps when the monthly bill arrives.

Given how electricity powers our modern lifestyle every single day, it’s a great value, especially when compared to other common services and expenses. The average Washington Electric residential household monthly electricity bill is about $150 per month, or $5 per day. That’s roughly the same as 2 gallons of gas, a cheap fast food value meal, or a 12-pack of pop. I think it is easier to see what we get for our money when we purchase a product we can hold in our hands. In contrast, when we use electricity, we don’t necessarily “see” all that we’re getting for our money. But considering what electricity does for us, it’s a tremendous value for our quality of life as well as our budgets.

The cost of electricity has also remained largely flat over time, unlike most other consumer goods. How much has your grocery bill jumped since March? It’s not just that you’re making most of your meals at home now — and it’s not your imagination. Prices for pork, beef, eggs, and wheat-based products like cereal, bread, and flour have jumped since April as supply chains became snarled amid

nationwide restaurant and school closures. With demand continuing to be higher than normal, economists say prices will follow suit.

Jeff Triplett GENERAL MANAGER

The average rent increase from 2014 to 2019 was nearly 4%, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics Consumer Price Index (CPI). The cost of medical care increased 3% during this time, and education was not too far behind at 2.6%. Where did electricity rank? According to the CPI, electricity increased by less than half a percentage point — just 0.4%. As a not-for-profit member-owned cooperative, we will continue to do all we can to control costs while keeping the system well maintained.

The bottom line: Electricity brings everyday value. In fact, Washington Electric members have electric service available to them on average 99.8% of the time. I know that 0.2% of the time when the power is out is really inconvenient and frustrating, but it is an amazing figure considering the miles of line being maintained, the terrain of this area, and what Mother Nature throws our way. We are working responsibly all the time to improve reliability, reduce brief interruptions, and reduce costs.

We recognize that the past few months have been challenging for many of our members, and we’re here to help. If you have questions about your account or are looking for ways to save energy at home, please give us a call. As your trusted energy advisor, we want to help you save energy and money. Washington Electric is your electric co-op, and our sole purpose is to serve you and the needs of our community. That’s everyday value.

4%

3%

2.6%

rent increase

medical costs increase

education cost increase

0.4%

2014–2019

electricity cost increase

AUGUST 2020 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING 21

WASHINGTON ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE LOCAL PAGES

Angle celebrates 35 years with Washington Electric

Still going strong

Washington Electric Cooperative will reach a milestone this year, marking 80 years of providing electric service to rural southeastern Ohio. Kenneth Angle has been here for almost half of them.

In July, the journeyman lineman reached 35 years of employment with the co-op, celebrating a career that began when he was still a teenager. During a high school field trip to what is now the Mid-East Career and Technology Centers in Zanesville, Angle had the opportunity to try out some of the course offerings and was drawn to the power lineman program because he liked the idea of working outside.

It was also a practical decision. “I thought, everyone is going to need electricity no matter what is going on in the world,” he says. “It turned out to be a good choice.”

He knew a week before graduation that he had a position waiting at Washington Electric. Like Angle, the cooperative has grown up a lot since then. He recalls that in the early days of his career, he and the other operations department employees worked out of an 22 OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • AUGUST 2020

older block building. Despite the area’s hilly terrain, all the co-op’s pickup trucks were only two-wheel drive, and there was just one bucket truck.

“We had to put tire chains on the trucks even in dry weather just to be able to access some of the places we needed to be in order to make repairs,” he says.

“And without more bucket trucks, we had to climb just about everything.”

Angle says the co-op’s facilities and equipment are significantly better now. Through the years, Washington Electric has purchased additional bucket trucks, fourwheel drive vehicles, and a tracked digger derrick that have made it significantly easier to access difficult-toreach areas. Technological advancements to the coop’s mapping and metering systems have also made a difference. For example, the linemen used to have to carry paper maps of the co-op’s service territory in their trucks. Now they’re using iPads. Where linemen used to have to perform service disconnections and collect payments in the field, those tasks are now performed from the office.

The tools of the trade have changed, too. “We have a lot more tools now,” Angle says, “and there have been a lot of advancements in safety. The changes have made the job easier and faster in some cases. In others, they may not have made the job faster but definitely safer.”

Angle likes that his job produces visible results. While no one in the electric utility industry wants or enjoys power outages, Angle says he doesn’t mind working on storm recovery because he likes the challenge of having to sometimes come up with creative solutions in order to get the power back on for members as quickly and safely as possible.

Still, there are some experiences he says he’d rather not relive. “The derecho in 2012 was one of the most devastating storms I’ve seen,” he says. “Some of our members were out of power for up to 11 days, and it was a mess. The 1998 flood was pretty bad, too. I think we got 10 inches of rain over four days. There was water everywhere.

We had members out of power for about two weeks.”

Those are the types of stories he and other longtime employees like to share with younger coworkers.

Angle has participated in demolition derbies on and off for about 36 years. His hobbies also include CrossFit competitions, 5K run/walks, and attending his youngest child’s school and sports activities. Angle and his wife, Michelle, live in Lowell and have two adult children, Maggie and Devon, and a teenager, Viola, who attends Fort Frye High School.

He jokes that at times he catches flak from his daughter at home and comes into work only to catch more from his younger coworkers. Despite the differences in age and experience, Angle says he has a lot of respect for lineworkers who are just entering the field. As a crew leader, he tries not to micromanage but will offer suggestions and tips on things he’s learned along the way.

“The guys at Washington Electric are a really good group,” he says. “They take their jobs and safety seriously, but they also know how to make work fun.”

His advice for anyone considering a career as a power lineworker?

“It would be a good field to get into, but you’ve got to be able to work hard in all kinds of weather and at all hours.”

Angle says a common question from new employees has been why the co-op would construct power lines over hillsides and through thick, brushy areas.

“I remind them that the landscape in this area has changed quite a bit,” he says. “It wasn’t brushy when we built the line. There used to be a lot more farmland, but a lot of the places that were hayfields when I started here are grown over. And in the early days, we were required (by the Rural Utilities Service) to build lines across the shortest possible distance. But now we’re working whenever we can to relocate lines to the roadway so it’s easier and faster to restore power. Things have gotten better; there were times in the past when we’d have to cut a span of rightof-way before we could put the line back up.”

Angle is known around the co-op for his easygoing attitude and a personal style that co-workers say reminds them of country music stars Kenny Rogers and Eddie Rabbit.

“One of the biggest changes has probably been my hair,” he laughs.

“I had a lot of hair back in the ’80s and ’90s.”

AUGUST 2020 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING 22A

WASHINGTON ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE LOCAL PAGES

Beat the peak!

Did you know that the cost of electricity goes up during periods of peak demand?

Normally, electricity costs only pennies per kilowatt-hour.

PEAK LEVEL

During peak load times, it can cost as high as a dollar per kilowatt-hour!

PEAK LEVEL

Electricity cost is highest when demand is greatest.

The maximum, or “peak,” amount of electricity used determines your cooperative’s future cost of power.

When the peak goes up, so does the cost for all members.

You can help by conserving energy during those peak use periods, often in late afternoon during the hottest days of summer.

We offer incentives to members who participate in our load management program by having a radio-controlled switch installed on their air conditioner or electric water heater. When the switch is activated during a peak alert, the system will cycle on and off for brief periods of time to help us conserve energy.

Call our office for details on how you can have a radio-controlled switch installed and help us beat the peak!

22B OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • AUGUST 2020

Sealing air leaks, step by step Windows and exterior doors deserve your attention.

Open each door or window and place a dollar bill between the door or window sash and the frame. If you can pull the bill out easily when the door or window is closed again, the seal is not tight enough. Also, a window that rattles when it’s closed or when it’s windy probably isn’t sealed sufficiently.

The best way to find all air leaks is for a professional to do a blower door test. The blower door is a large fan that is mounted in a doorway to depressurize the house. The advisor can then find the leaks and may even be able to recommend ways to seal them.

It’s also possible to conduct your own whole-home pressure test. The Department of Energy provides detailed instructions at www.energy.gov/energysaver/ weatherize/air-sealing-your-home/detecting-air-leaks.

Step 2: Gather the materials you’ll need • Caulk: You’ll need a caulk gun and caulk. Indoor/ outdoor waterproof silicone or latex caulk is watersoluble until it cures and is paintable when dry.

Use caulk to seal gaps around nonmoving parts of doors and windows.

• Expanding spray foam: This is an effective way to plug leaks, but keep in mind that it’s a messy job.

• Weatherstripping: There’s a wide variety of weatherstripping options made of vinyl, metal, felt, or open-cell foam.

• Pre-cut foam socket sealers: You can typically purchase a pack of 24 sealers for about $3.

Drafts are a common problem, particularly in older homes. In many homes, about half of the conditioned air leaks to the outside every hour. The good news is that you can seal air leaks on your own with a little time and effort. Here are three steps to get you started.

Step 1: Find the leaks The first step is a thorough visual search of the interior and exterior of the home. Look for gaps and holes in exterior walls, flooring, and the ceiling. These will often occur where different building materials meet, such as the top of cement foundation walls or around windows and doors. Another common source of air leaks is where pipes or wiring penetrate a wall, floor, or ceiling.

Ductwork located in unheated crawl spaces or attics can also contain air leaks.

• Chimney plug balloon: You may need a chimney plug balloon if your chimney flue doesn’t seal well.

Buy a square or round one to match the shape of your chimney flue.

• Adhesive plastic window insulation sheets: You may need insulation sheets later in the year for windows that can’t be sealed and don’t have storm windows.

Step 3: Do it!

If you are unfamiliar with how to apply any of these materials, try watching online tutorial videos. Sealing air leaks is one of the best ways to boost your home’s energy efficiency. Whether you’re a DIY pro or novice, with a few simple steps (and low-cost materials), you’ll be well on your way to a sealed, more efficient home.

AUGUST 2020 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING 22C

WASHINGTON ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE LOCAL PAGES

Virtual annual meeting

focuses on reliability, future planning When its founders established Washington Electric 80 years ago, no one could have predicted that members would one day have to participate in the cooperative’s largest yearly event from the comfort of their own homes. But that’s exactly what became necessary on June 25, as health and safety concerns regarding the COVID-19 pandemic shifted the annual meeting of members from an in-person to a virtual event on the co-op’s Facebook page.

Board Chairman Paul Fleeman opened the business meeting with an overview of the cooperative’s achievements in 2019. He noted that Washington Electric’s operational focus has been on improving reliability through proactive measures such as rightof-way clearing, pole testing, and upgrading lines and other equipment to reduce the potential for power outages, while also making it safer, easier, and quicker for the co-op’s lineworkers to restore service when outages do occur.

Fleeman explained that the cooperative relies on AEP for transmission service. AEP continues to upgrade its transmission system throughout southeastern Ohio, and as a result, Washington Electric needed to rebuild four of its substations to accommodate the higher voltage.

The second of these, the Rouse substation in the Rinard Mills area, was completed in 2019 and energized earlier this year. The Highland Ridge substation in Marietta will be energized in 2020, and a new substation in the Dart area is planned for 2021. The South Olive substation was rebuilt in 2018.

Fleeman also noted that the cooperative had earned an American Consumer Satisfaction Index score of 78, placing it ahead of Ohio’s municipal and investorowned utilities and above the average for Touchstone Energy cooperatives across the country.

In his report, General Manager/CEO Jeff Triplett said much of the co-op’s focus in 2019 involved planning for the future. The cooperative completed a construction

22D OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • AUGUST 2020

work plan that will guide its capital investments across the system for the next four to five years and a 10-year financial forecast that helped develop a plan to ensure the co-op can continue a reasonable level of system investments while maintaining a solid financial position.

Triplett said the co-op performed a cost-of-service study to identify how much it costs to provide service to each of the rate classes and to make sure rates are fair and equitable.

The co-op’s board and management team also developed a strategic plan that refined the co-op’s mission statement and identified major goals and initiatives. Triplett said the strategic plan includes a simple tagline — Member Driven, Member Focused, and Member Accountable — that will help keep everyone focused on the driving force behind all the cooperative’s efforts and planning: the members. 1231147505 Board Secretary-Treasurer Betty Martin reported that the cooperative retired $390,000 in capital credits to members in 2019. Because Washington Electric’s consumers are also owners of the co-op, excess revenue is returned to members as capital credits based on their consumption of electricity, when the board finds that the cooperative is financially able to do so.

Martin also noted that net margins for 2019 were approximately $1.1 million, with over $600,000 coming from external sources such as interest and capital credits from other cooperatives of which Washington Electric is a member. Over half of the cooperative’s revenue is used to cover the cost of power, with the next highest expense being operating and maintaining distribution lines and equipment. The cooperative spent $1.3 million on right-of-way expenses in 2019.

At the regular monthly meeting held just prior to the annual meeting, board members voted to donate a portion of the money saved from not having an inperson meeting to local charitable organizations that provide food and other types of assistance. Washington County Harvest of Hope, the HARP Mission in Caldwell, and the Lewisville Food Pantry will each receive $500.

Smart members use SmartHub! SmartHub is more than just an online payment system.

Use it to report outages, keep track of your energy use, and more! Visit weci.smarthub.coop or download the app to your mobile device.

Washington Electric welcomes Matt Rankin as an intern in the information technology department. He is a senior at Ohio University majoring in computer engineering and after graduation, hopes to build a career in industrial automation or data analysis. He is a Marietta High School graduate and enjoys running, hiking, and being outdoors.

Board meeting highlights Washington Electric Cooperative’s Board of Trustees met May 28 at the co-op’s office in Marietta. The following items were discussed:

• The cooperative’s capital credits estate retirements, monthly safety report, and new member list were reviewed and approved.

• Director of Finance and Administration BJ Allen presented the March 2020 financial report, which was approved.

• Board members approved revisions to the cooperative’s policies concerning line extensions, miscellaneous charges, the organizational chart, and acceptable use of information technology.

• General Manager Jeff Triplett provided reports on the engineering and operations departments, virtual training opportunities, COVID-19 impacts and actions, and progress on the co-op’s annual goals and initiatives.

Washington Electric Cooperative is democratically controlled and governed by local people committed to policies that result in a safe and reliable electric system, fair rates, financial responsibility, and superior member service.

The cooperative’s next board meeting is scheduled for 9 a.m., Aug. 27, at Washington Electric’s office at 440 Highland Ridge Road, Marietta.

AUGUST 2020 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING 23

WASHINGTON ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE LOCAL PAGES NOTES Capital credits

Geothermal – rebates of $600 for newly installed

Washington Electric Cooperative, Inc., refunded capital credits totaling $105,071.05 to the estates of 58 members through June. If you know a deceased member, please have the executor of the estate call our office for information on the member’s capital credits.

geothermal systems.

Credit for account number

who replace existing refrigerators and stand-alone freezers with a new ENERGY STAR-labeled appliance purchased after July 1, 2019. Rebates available on firstcome, first-served basis.

If you find the number of your account in the local (center) pages of this magazine, call the co-op office by the 16th of the month in which it is published; you will receive at least $10 credit on your electric bill.

Washington Electric Cooperative members saved $178.14 in May on prescription drugs with the Co-op Connections discount card.

Members have saved a total of $96,013.94 since the program launched in June 2011. Be sure to check out www.connections.coop for information on discounts from national retailers and Coupons.com!

Water heater – rebates of $200 for qualifying 50-gallon or

installed with a fossil fuel furnace system and co-op load management switch.

Refrigerators and freezers – $100 rebate for members

Co-op services After-hours outage reporting – Call 877-544-0279 to report a power outage outside of business hours.

Outage alerts – Use our SmartHub system to sign up for free outage alerts and other co-op information.

Online bill payment – Visit www.weci.org to use our secure SmartHub online payment system.

Automatic bill payment – Call our office for details on

Co-op rebate programs Dual Fuel – rebates of $400 for new heat pumps

conditioning systems with co-op load management switch.

Applies to systems younger than 10 years.

Call for details.

Co-op Connections card

higher new electric water heaters.

Air conditioners – rebates of $100 for whole-house air

having your electric bill drafted from your checking or savings account each month.

Pay your bill by phone – Call 844-344-4362 to pay your electric bill with a check, credit card, or debit card.

BOARD OF TRUSTEES Paul Fleeman, CCD, BL CONTACT 740-373-2141 | 877-594-9324 www.weci.org REPORT OUTAGES AFTER HOURS 877-544-0279 OFFICE 440 Highland Ridge Road P.O. Box 800 Marietta, OH 45750 OFFICE HOURS Mon.–Fri., 7:30 a.m.–4 p.m.

24 OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • AUGUST 2020

Chairman 740-934-2306

Brent Smith Vice Chairman 740-585-2598

Betty Martin, CCD, BL Secretary-Treasurer 740-473-1539

Gale DePuy, CCD, BL Assistant Secretary-Treasurer 740-473-1245

William Bowersock, CCD, BL 740-373-5861

Brian Carter 740-732-4076

Larry Ullman, CCD, BL

740-934-2561 CCD — Credentialed Cooperative Director BL — Board Leadership

Jeff Triplett General Manager/CEO jeff.triplett@weci.org

BILL PAY SmartHub www.weci.org HAVE A STORY SUGGESTION? Email your ideas to: jgreene@weci.org.

Facebook.com/WashingtonElectricCoop Twitter.com/washelectcoop

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WALK ON THE FIRST CONCRETE STREET IN AMERICA Bellefontaine is home to a lot of history and fun photo opportunities.

Bring your camera, stroll down the First Concrete Street in America, the Shortest Street in America, and be sure to stop by Campbell Hill, the highest point in Ohio.

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SHOP OHIO’S BEST BOUTIQUES With five downtown shopping boutiques, you will be sure to find your favorite style and clothing options. Peach Tree Boutique was voted and recognized as Ohio’s Best Boutique in 2018.

Don’t miss The Hanger Boutique and Twig & Feather.

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FIND TREASURES AT LOCAL ANTIQUE STORES Downtown Bellefontaine is a destination for vintage and antique shopping. With three antique malls Nest 1896, Olde Mint, The Silver Elephant and several vintage, handmade, and local shops, there’s plenty of places to shop, trade and explore.

5

EAT AMAZING AWARD-WINNING FOOD Experience some of Ohio’s Best Pizza at 600 Downtown, or a huge fried bologona sandwich from Brewfontaine! You can find amazing BBQ at 2G’s and the biggest burgers in town at Don’s Diner.

If you are looking for dessert you can find frozen custard that is made fresh daily at Whit’s Frozen Custard and homemade pastries and donuts at City Sweets and Creamery.

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ENJOY LOCAL BREWS WITH GREAT VIEWS Downtown Bellefontaine is home to the #1 Beer Bar in Ohio, Brewfontaine. Grab a pint and listen for the whistle as the train goes by at Roundhouse Depot Brewing.

7

BRING THE KIDS AND PLAY A LITTLE If you are planning a trip with your kids we have plenty for them to do! While you are shopping downtown you can stop at The Fun Company, the amazing local toy store. Then you can head over to Putt and Play for some indoor putt putt, laser tag and virtual golf!

8

TAKE IN A SHOW OR LEARN SOME HISTORY Bellefontaine is home to the historic Holland Theatre, built in 1931.

The theatre completed a total renovation in 2019. You can also learn more about early transportation at the Logan County Transportation Museum and History Center. Head over to The Syndicate, downtown’s newest intimate event venue and outdoor entertainment destination!

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SPEND THE NIGHT AND GETAWAY Stay right in the heart of Downtown at the Loft Above. It is Bellefontaine’s newest two bedroom luxury Airbnb. Everything you could want is within walking distance and the views are incredible.

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Downtown Bellefontaine

Cheers!

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Renewal restoration How vision, optimism, and true grit have sparked a small town’s turnaround.

BY VICTORIA ELLWOOD; PHOTOS COURTESY OF SMALL NATION

J

ason Duff stood in the middle of the crumbling, mostly abandoned downtown area of his hometown, Bellefontaine, and saw what everyone else saw.

“Our town was struggling. Like many small towns across America, our downtown was decaying, and our community was hurting,” says Duff, who at the time had just graduated from nearby Ohio Northern University.

Unlike many others, though, he was able to look past the despair and see potential. Instead of heading to the brighter lights of bigger, more prosperous Midwestern cities, Duff decided to make a difference. He enlisted friends who shared his vision and his can-do attitude — along with plenty of talents and skills — and built a team to rebuild and revive their hometown.

The company that sprang up, Small Nation, soon bought its first vacant building on Main Street for $1. “We rolled up our shirtsleeves and got to work,” says Duff, whose family’s business, Duff Quarry, is a member of Logan County Electric Cooperative, based in Bellefontaine.

That was a decade ago, when more than 80% of the ground-floor commercial spaces downtown were empty, businesses were closing, and historic buildings were literally crumbling before their eyes. Armed, however, with a sense of determination and grit, the team began to transform downtown Bellefontaine.

By the time the coronavirus hit, Small Nation had painstakingly renovated more than 30 of those historic buildings, attracting more than $19 million in new private

28 OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • AUGUST 2020

Rather than go off in search of success in a big city, Jason Duff (above) put his efforts into revitalizing his hometown, Bellefontaine.

Opposite page, from top: Sisters Hayley Palmer and Alysia Kuba of Peachtree Boutique; Brittany Saxton of 600 Downtown; and Angie Hall of City Sweets and Creamery are among the entrepreneurs who have opened successful businesses with help from Small Nation.

investment. The work created nearly 130 downtown jobs in the 17 new specialty retail shops and seven new eateries that dish up everything from gourmet pizza, baked-daily breads, and comfort food to award-winning craft beer. Of the new business entrepreneurs, 70% are under age 40, and 75% are women.

The town was gaining more and more momentum until the pandemic struck, which of course has caused hardships for businesses everywhere. “COVID-19 has challenged our community in ways we could have never imagined or planned for,” Duff says. “There’s no question, terms like ‘essential business’ and even ‘open’ mean so much more to us than ever before. Small businesses are essential to our towns. We are the fabric, the heart, and the reason that so much good happens.”

“We had this vision for a captivating restaurant that would be a destination,” Duff says. “Once it was here, people started imagining what else was possible, and other new businesses followed. We could feel the energy, the excitement, the momentum.”

Soon there were eclectic clothing boutiques and fanciful gift shops, yoga studios and chic coffee shops, bakeries and ice cream parlors, a 24-hour fitness center, and more. The efforts have even been lauded nationally in publications like Forbes, Entrepreneur, and Inc. magazines.

Small Nation, the business, is, at its heart, about connecting entrepreneurs with opportunities. That was what jump-started the community’s pre-pandemic turnaround. “We knew we could make an impact by renovating buildings, attracting investors and businesses, and injecting new energy into the community.”

The first business to open was a new upscale pizza restaurant, 600 Downtown — owned by young entrepreneur Brittany Saxton — which bakes award-winning gourmet pies in its brick oven; the restaurant and Saxton have even been featured on TV’s Food Network.

The key to Small Nation’s success, though, is pretty simple: “Lots of hard work,” says Adam Rammel, vice president of marketing, who also co-owns Brewfontaine, a downtown restaurant and tap room that’s been voted Ohio’s best craft beer bar four years in a row. “There’s no ‘smoke and mirrors’ here. We’re right in the trenches, helping new business owners every step of the way.”

That includes everything from strategic planning, navigating zoning rules, and signage to marketing, branding, and website development — even choosing the right paint colors.

All of those efforts have caught the attention not only of travelers from around the state, but even of elected officials. Ohio Rep. Jon Cross (R-Kenton) says, “Bellefontaine is a model for taking a historic courthouse community and making it hip and cool. You have the hometown atmosphere paired with a new, urban energy.”

Duff says the last few months, despite their hardships, have inspired businesses to come up with creative strategies to stay connected to their customers. As communities slowly emerge from coronavirus restrictions, those businesses and their owners are excited and proud to be a part of the renewal.

The town’s success is no surprise to longtime resident Sandy Musser. “When the community thrives, so does the quality of life,” she says. “Bellefontaine is a survivor.”

AUGUST 2020 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING 29

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Purple reign Fields brimming with lavender bring joy to folks around the state.

BY VICTORIA ELLWOOD

L

avender has been treasured for thousands of years. In ancient Egypt, it was used in mummification; in medieval France, to perfume the air and ward off infection; and in 16th-century England, it was cherished by monarchs and mentioned by Shakespeare.

Today, lavender is as popular as ever: It’s prized for its brilliant blooms, essential oil, and dried flowers and used in scores of health and beauty products — even in food.

We talked to several growers across Ohio who cultivate the sometimes-persnickety plants for U-pick stops and summer festivals, wedding bouquets, and beauty products, or simply as captivating spaces to spend a peaceful moment or two.

Lavender Trails The idea for a lavender farm had been rattling around in the minds of Jim and Amy Duxbury — both Orrville high school teachers, of science and English, respectively — for years. In 2018, they leased a 4-acre “brownfield” (a former industrial site) that had been a concrete dumping ground, surrounded by facilities that produced pet food, packaging, and metal fabrication.

“We took a brownfield and turned it green, creating a little island in the middle of an industrial park,” Jim says. The couple has planted 1,500 lavender plants in diamond-shaped gardens, boasting eight varieties of lavender with white, dark purple, and light purple flowers.

Though this year’s event was canceled because of the coronavirus, the couple aims to host a lavender festival each summer, inviting folks to discover the surprising sanctuary and delightful joys of Wayne County’s first lavender farm. Instead of the festival this year, they began booking daily group appointments to wander the fields for an hour at a time.

Armed with a decades-long commitment to education, Jim’s background as an environmental geologist, and a desire to “give back,” the Duxburys embrace a three-stemmed approach to their business.

Their goals include making a positive impact on the environment by creating green space, educating others about nature by attracting bees and other pollinators, and community

32 OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • AUGUST 2020

action by helping to raise money for local schools. Their endeavor is part of “agritourism” — agriculturally related educational efforts that invite the public to join in.

“You can’t walk through a lavender field without seeing everybody smiling,” Jim says. “Lavender just makes people happy.”

Lavender Trails, 356 Collins Blvd., Orrville, OH 44667.

330-855-1209, www.lavendertrails.com.

Onederings Lavender Farm

“We had visited gorgeous lavender farms in Oregon and found the relaxing qualities of lavender soothing. So, we decided to plant it as a way to deal with our grief and honor our mom,” Benz explains.

But lavender, originally cultivated in Mediterranean climates, can be a bit finicky in Ohio, preferring welldrained, even rocky soil. It dislikes “wet feet.”

“We had to figure out if we could grow lavender here; we didn’t want to fight nature,” Benz says.

More than 4,000 lavender plants — mostly English and French varieties — burst into bloom each summer on a 3-acre tract of the tree farm owned by Kim Benz and Amy Farr in southwestern Ohio. The sisters, both retired chemical engineers, established the sweetly scented space as a refuge for all.

“We created the lavender field so people could enjoy coming out and visiting. It has a boardwalk, chairs, benches to rest upon, and a fully accessible shop,” says Benz. “We invite people to wander the fields, enjoy the peacefulness, bring a picnic, and perhaps sample some lavender lemonade.”

The two are among seven siblings who were “planting things from the time we were about 6 years old,” she says.

Three of the sisters purchased the farm back in the 1980s, building their homes as a bucolic place to raise their families. The idea for the lavender farm came after the death of their mom in 2008.

Top: Jim and Amy Duxbury converted a former industrial site into a 4-acre field of relaxation (photo by Parker Duxbury). Above: Onederings Lavender Farm in full bloom (photo by Kim Benz).

AUGUST 2020 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING 33

Onederings Lavender Farm opened for the season in early June, hoping to provide a stress break during stressful times. To ensure safety, a limited number of vistors will be admitted, so reservations are required (photo by Kim Benz).

Try Onederings’ Lavender Lemonade Today, Onederings entices visitors to its fields (by reservation only during social distancing) and offers a range of products online, on-site, and at farmers markets.

Onederings Lavender Farm, 2195 S. Clarksville Road,

Place 4 teaspoons dried and ground culinary lavender in a tea bag. Pour 8 ounces of boiling water over it. Allow it to steep 20 to 30 minutes.

Let cool, and add to 2 quarts of your favorite lemonade. (Note: Be sure to use lavender labeled for culinary use.)

Clarksville, OH 45113. 937-725-0830, www.onederings.com.

Sunshine Acres Lavender Farm Jennifer and Jeff Clarke settled on a pastoral, 7-acre farm in southwest Ohio as a peaceful place to raise their family. They added a flock of chickens, some Nigerian pygmy goats … and a 2-acre field of lush lavender.

It seemed the perfect place for a U-pick lavender destination, so they turned to social media to spread the word about their inaugural event. “The notice went viral,” says Jeff. “All of a sudden, 72,000 people had clicked that they were ‘interested.’ We lost sleep for a couple of nights, worrying about what might happen, especially since our farm is at the end of a one-lane road.”

They’re even partnering with local Two Bucks Coffee Company to add a unique floral note to that morning cup of joe with lavender-roasted ground coffee. “It’s the perfect way to greet the day,” she says.

Sunshine Acres Lavender Farm, 2471 Moore Saur Road, Morrow, OH 45152. 513-472-0070. www.sunshineacresfarm.com.

That was in 2017, and the pick-your-own lavender sold out in two short, frenzied hours. “It was a crazy success,” says Jennifer. But the couple learned and evolved, switching to a staggered plan that works. Now, the farm is only open for special events with per-car ticketed time slots that carve out plenty of time for wandering the rows of flowers.

The Clarkes’ lavender field is also the picture-perfect setting for an annual, private event — with music from a string quartet, a glass of lavender champagne, and pickyour-own bouquets — to benefit CancerFree Kids.

Focusing on a particularly hardy variety of lavender called Phenomenal — first cultivated in 2014 by Peace Tree Farm in Bucks County, Pennsylvania — the couple is branching out with a product line of lotions, goat’s milk soap, and some unique goodies. “We make a lavender honey butter, lavender blueberry simple syrup, and lavender-infused honey,” says Jennifer.

34 OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • AUGUST 2020

Jeff (left) and Jennifer (right) Clarke were taken by surprise the first time they opened their Sunshine Acres Lavender Farm for a U-pick event (photo by Steph Keller Photography).

John Wayne: American Icon

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Little island,

BIG RACE Put-in-Bay keeps its road race tradition alive, albeit a bit more laid-back than in days of old.

BY JAMES PROFFITT

36 OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • AUGUST 2020

Y

ears ago, Lake Erie’s South Bass Island was abuzz with fast, exotic imports once a year for a decade. While more than a thousand spectators stood along a perilous 3.1-mile public road course, racers sped past at up to 140 mph in cars made by Morris Minor, Lotus, Bandini, Porsche, Izetta, Cooper Climax, and Frazer Nash, taming its curves and making its straightaways even straighter.

This year, they plan to be there again.

If coronavirus doesn’t kill the racing bug (it was still scheduled as of early July), the island will host racers and connoisseurs of cool, vintage small-bore European cars Sept. 22 through 25 for the 12th annual Put-in-Bay Vintage Sports Car Races, known informally as the Road Race Reunion.

“I certainly hope it goes forward, because we’re planning for it,” says organizer Manley Ford (who drives a 1952 MG TD). “There’s always a lot of excitement, and we’ve already got quite a few registered.”

Since 2009, Ford and others have worked to re-create the historical street races that ran on the island from 1952 to 1959, then once again in 1963. A 1953 Road & Track article dubbed Put-in-Bay “A Little Watkins Glen.” However, try as they may, the days of street racing at Put-in-Bay are over. Most drivers can only hope for a “hot” lap around the old race route and a little exhibition time on the pavement.

That doesn’t mean there’s no real, honest-to-goodness, wheel-to-wheel racing — it’s now confined to the island’s airport.

The current iteration of the event started as just a reunion in 2009. The next year it was racing again. After receiving permission from regional FAA officials, drivers competed on the runways. Later, racers learned they actually needed FAA permission from Washington, D.C. But that’s all been ironed out. Each autumn, more than 100 vintage race cars land at the airport and have free run of the place.

With caveats, of course. Like when the mail comes.

“Traditionally, the mail plane arrives at 9 a.m. on a weekday, so we have to let the airplane come and go,” says Ford. That includes removing hay bales and other racing paraphernalia from the runway. “Neither rain nor snow nor heat nor vintage racing stops the U.S. Mail.”

The airport is now home to the races, and although these aren’t airplanes, they still fly (photo by James Proffitt).

AUGUST 2020 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING 37

Peter Huston, Put-in-Bay Chamber of Commerce director, describes the event as a well-choreographed celebration of all things vintage cars.

“When you have a common interest, any social standing seems to dissipate in the air. You love seeing them, talking about them, learning about them.”

“There are people here who come with a 1963 Corvair or a 1971 MG and they’re hanging out with people who come with multimillion-dollar collectors’ cars,” he says.

Carol Clemens loves them, too. She used to race. In fact, she’s the only woman ever to compete at Put-in-Bay, having raced the very last year. “When the starter dropped the flag, everyone left but one car, so it was a chain reaction,” she recalls. “I ended up running into the car in front of me, made two passes,

38 OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • AUGUST 2020

Opposite page, top: Exhibition parades, shows, and other events are still scheduled to take place in September (photo by James Proffitt). Bottom: Carol Clemens signs a gentleman’s car in 2012, the year she was the Grand Marshal (photo courtesy of Robin Banks). Right: One of the minor mishaps on the original road course (photo courtesy of Put-in-Bay Road Races Reunion Heritage Society).

then pulled into the pit where my father ripped off the headlights, which were broken, and I went back out. I didn’t want spectators hurt if the lights fell off, so it felt like the right thing to do.”

For an average driver, that could have meant finishing near last. But Clemens, who was a qualified Sports Car Club of America driver, placed third. Afterward she reinstalled her windshield and passenger seat and drove back to Michigan, since it was her only car — the one she in fact drove to work every day.

“It was a 1961 MGA I bought off the showroom floor for $3,200, white with red interior,” she gushes, with a lilting fondness in her voice, before going on to lament racing politics of the day. “At one point, the SCCA wouldn’t sanction the race because of the dangerous course. They forbade their drivers to race it, threatened to take the season’s points they’d earned.”

So, she says, drivers entered under fictitious names.

“It was a big joke. We had three Juan Faggios and a Marcus Gofast, and it was just fun,” she laughs.

But it was no laughing matter in 1963, when a crash ended the races for good.

“The guy was driving an Alva Mark 4. He lost control and ended up crashing into a tree and I don’t know, maybe the steps of the church. The car appeared to be destroyed,” Ford says, referencing historical accounts.

Clemens was there.

“We got a red flag, which means stop now and pull over immediately,” she says. “On the last race, the one I was in, that was the serious crash.”

Not much is known about the legendary (and some say “imaginary”) dog in the roadway, which the driver said he swerved to avoid.

“All I know is apparently when the safety crew got there, he was sitting under a tree smoking a cigarette,” Clemens frowns. “He wasn’t hurt and neither was anyone else, but that nixed it. Straw that broke the camel’s back. No more races at Put-in-Bay.” Though no longer the bucolic farming community it once was, when drivers hit 140 mph on the fan-lined mile-long straightaway, the island’s still perfect for old, loud cars and their admirers.

At the sprawling car show at Heineman’s Winery, I wryly inform a 20-something police officer that I’d just witnessed an elderly man lay a mighty patch of rubber on a street nearby. He smiled, dutifully looking left and right across a sea of old, shiny cars, then briefly scanning Catawba Avenue.

“I’ll keep my eyes peeled for him, sir.” www.pibroadrace.com

AUGUST 2020 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING 39

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COOPERATIVE CALENDAR

PHOTO CONTEST

Ohio Cooperative Living magazine is looking for photos from Ohio and West Virginia electric cooperative members to use in its 2021 cooperative calendar. We’re interested in seasonal scenes from each month of the year — images that really “pop” and convey a sense of time and place.

Photo subjects must be interesting and the shot well planned and framed.

If their images are chosen for publication, amateur co-op photographers could earn $100 or more.

Rules • One photo entry per member.

• High-resolution, color, digital images only.

• No prints, slides, or proof sheets — no snail mail! Send submissions by email attachment only to photo@ohioec.org.

• Photo format must be horizontal and capable of filling an 8 x 11-inch image area.

• Include an explanation of the photo — the where, what, when — as well as who took the shot.

• Include your name, address, phone number, and the name of your co-op.

Deadline for submission: Aug. 17 • photo@ohioec.org

40 OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • AUGUST 2020

• Shots featuring people who can be identified within the photo must be accompanied by a signed publication release.

2020 CALENDAR

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER

COMPILED BY COLLEEN ROMICK CLARK

on the west end of Market Street. 740-455-8282 or www. facebook.com/LorenaSternwheeler.

AUG. 14–16 – Coshocton Sunflower Festival, Coshocton KOA, 24688 Co. Rd. 10, Coshocton, Fri. 5–9 p.m., Sat. 10 a.m.–9 p.m., Sun. noon–7 p.m. Tickets must be purchased online; discounts available. Explore over 40 varieties of sunflowers in the 4-acre field. Enjoy live music, kids’ activities, arts and crafts vendors, a wine and beer garden, and other activities. 740-502-9245 or www. coshoctonsunflowerfestival.com.

AUG. 16–22 – Muskingum County Fair, Muskingum Co. Fgds., 1300 Pershing Rd., Zanesville. Join us Aug. 21 for Riley Green and special guest Jon Langston. Full schedule and updated information available at www. muskingumcofair.com.

AUG. 22 – Night of Thunder, National Trail Raceway, 2650 National Rd. SW, Hebron, 2–11 p.m. 740-928-5706, https://nationaltrailraceway.com/event-schedule, or find us on Facebook.

AUG. 29 – End of Summer Craft/Vendor Fair, Lancaster Campground Activity Bldg., 2151 W. Fair Ave., Lancaster, 9 a.m.–3 p.m. Vendors and crafters, food and beverages, auction, bake sale. Proceeds benefit the Fairfield County Genealogical Research Library. 740-653-2573.

SEP. 8 – Inventors Network Meeting, Rev1 Ventures for Columbus, 1275 Kinnear Rd., Columbus, 7 p.m.

The focus this month is “Designing Around Patents

CENTRAL

THROUGH OCT. 24 – Delaware Farmers Market, Delaware Co. Fgds., 236 Pennsylvania Ave., Delaware, Sat. 9 a.m.–noon. The market will continue, but it has been temporarily relocated from downtown to the fairgrounds. 740-362-6050 or www.mainstreetdelaware. com/event/farmers-market.

THROUGH OCT. 31 – Zanesville Farmers Market, Muskingum Co. Fgds., 1300 Pershing Rd., Zanesville, Sat. 9 a.m.–noon. June through August, the market is also open Wed. 4–7 p.m. at North 4th Street. www. zanesvillefarmersmarket.org.

AUG. 7 – Lorena Sternwheeler Public Twilight Cruise, Zanesville, 8:30–9:30 p.m. $10, Srs. $9, C. (2–12) $6.

Advance sales only. Enjoy a relaxing cruise down the Muskingum River. Board at Zane’s Landing Park located

SOUTHWEST

AUG. 16, 22, SEP. 13 – Music at the Mound with Steve Free, Serpent Mound, 3850 OH-73, Peebles, 1 p.m. Free. $8 parking fee. Join the acclaimed singer/songwriter for an open air concert. http://arcofappalachia.org/steve-free.

AUG. 21–29 – The Great Darke County Fair, Darke Co. Fgds., 800 Sweltzer St., Greenville. $7, under 12 free. $20 for 9-day pass. 937-548-5044 or www. darkecountyfair.com.

AUG. 22 – Archaeology Day, Serpent Mound, 3850 OH73, Peebles, 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Free admission; $8 parking fee. Collections on display, archaeological lectures, and demonstrations of American Indian skills such as flint

WEST VIRGINIA

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.

to Avoid Infringement.” 614-470-0144 or www. inventorscolumbus.com.

SEP. 11–12 – Lithopolis Honeyfest, Columbus Street, Lithopolis, Fri. 3–7 p.m., Sat. 10 a.m.–7 p.m. Honey tasting, honey bake-off, queen and princess contest, demos and bee education, mead and wine tasting, beekeepers, music, and much more. 614-829-7355 or www.lithopolishoneyfest.com.

SEP. 12 – Duck Derby Fundraiser and Horse Show, 2795 N. Moose Eye Rd., Norwich. Two races with prizes for adults and youth. Benefits Breaking Free Therapeutic Riding Center. 740-607-8425 or www. breakingfreeriding.org.

SEP. 12 – Sewing Smorgasbord, Sheridan Middle School, 8660 Sheridan Rd., Thornville, 9:15 a.m.–3:05 p.m., doors open at 8:30 a.m. $10. For 4-H Youth and sewing and quilting enthusiasts. Over 30 classes and 15 exhibitors; no pre-registration required. Youth Track (beginning projects for youth only), fat quarter raffle, sewing machine raffle, Fabric Fair, and People’s Choice Contest. 740-405-7891, crshuster1@gmail.com (Cindy Shuster), or https://perry.osu.edu.

SEP. 12 – Uncaged 3.0, National Trail Raceway, 2650 National Rd. SW, Hebron, noon–3 p.m. 740-928-5706, https://nationaltrailraceway.com/event-schedule, or find us on Facebook.

knapping and atlatl throwing. http://arcofappalachia.org/ archaeology-day.

AUG. 22 – Rock the Hill in West Milton, West Milton Municipal Park, 249 E. Tipp Pike, West Milton, 5–9 p.m.

Free concert event. Featured music TBD. Beer and wine garden, food, 50/50 drawing, Kids’ Zone. www. homegrowngreat.com/event.

AUG. 22 – Tipp City Trans Am Cruise-In, 6 S. 3rd St., Tipp City, 5–9 p.m. Free. Registration 5–7 p.m. ($10); awards and door prizes at 8:30 p.m. Dash plaques to first 250 entries. Open only to Firebirds, Formulas, Firehawks, Trans Ams, and GTAs. Trophies awarded. 50/50 drawing, door prizes, food, entertainment, walking tour, live DJ. www.homegrowngreat.com/event.

AUG. 29 – The Tour De Donut, downtown Troy. A fun, unique bicycle event, where your ability to eat donuts is just as important as your ability to ride your bicycle fast.

Prizes in several classes. www.thetourdedonut.com.

SEP. 4–6 – Springfield Swap Meet and Car Show, Clark Co. Fgds., 4401 S. Charleston Pike, Springfield, Fri./Sat. 7 a.m.–6 p.m., Sun. 7 a.m.–3 p.m. Find the parts you need to finish your spring and summer projects before the end-of-the year cruise-ins! Show & Shine car show held

THROUGH NOV. 1 – Blennerhassett Voyage Package, North Bend State Park, 202 North Bend Park Rd., Cairo. $130 package includes one night of lodging for two at North Bend, two tickets for sternwheeler ride to and from Blennerhassett Island, wagon ride tour of the island, tour of the mansion, and passes for the museum.

304-643-2931, www.northbendsp.com, or www. blennerhassettislandstatepark.com.

SEP. 10–13 – Charleston Ribfest and Regatta, Haddad Riverfront Park, 600 Kanawha Blvd., Charleston, Thur.

3–10 p.m., Fri./Sat. 11 a.m.–10 p.m., Sun. noon–9 p.m.

Free. Enjoy world-class award-winning BBQ ribs and

Saturday and Sunday. 937-376-0111, 937-372-1171 (fax), info@ohioswapmeet.com, or www.ohioswapmeet.com.

SEP. 5–6 – Tippapalooza, Tipp City Eagles Park, 3853 Hyattsville Rd., Tipp City, gates open at 6 p.m., music starts at 7 p.m. $5. Family-friendly music festival celebrating local music and benefiting charities in and around Tipp City. Food and drink available, but picnicking is encouraged! Pets welcome but must be leashed and used to loud music. www.homegrowngreat.com/event.

SEP. 11–13 – Clinton County Corn Festival, Clinton Co. Fgds., 958 W. Main St., Wilmington. $4, under 12 free; weekend pass $7. Featuring Allis Chalmers and related companies. Corn Olympics, antique tractor pulls, horse pulls, antique cars and trucks, hit and miss engines, steam engines, demos, food, crafts, and more. 937-383-5676 (Dale Mayer) or www.cornfestivalonline.com.

SEP. 12 – Troy Porchfest, Troy-Hayner Cultural Ctr., 301 W. Main St., Troy, noon–5 p.m. More than 20 bands will be playing throughout the Southwest Historic District on porches, side yards, lots, and patios. Pick up an event map and choose your favorite bands. There will be food trucks and artisan tents as well. Bring cash for donations. www.homegrowngreat.com/event.

chicken and all the fixins, carnival rides, local and national favorite food vendors, artisans, family-friendly activities, and much more! 304-951-3011 or https://wvribfest.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.

AUGUST 2020 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING 41

2020 CALENDAR

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER

NORTHEAST

AUG. 8–9, 15–16, 22–23 – Shaker Woods Festival, 44337 County Line Rd., Columbiana. $8, under 13 free.

No pets. More than 200 of the best juried crafters and artisans in the country. Each craftsperson will be dressed in Shaker period clothing while demonstrating and selling their remarkable handmade wares, including Shaker brooms, hand-thrown pottery, blown glass, handmade furniture, and much more! www.shakerwoods.com.

AUG. 16 – Northern Ohio Doll and Bear Show and Sale, Holiday Inn, 15471 Royalton Rd., Strongsville, 10 a.m.–3 p.m., early bird 9 a.m. $5, free for children; early bird $15. Antique, vintage, and modern dolls, old toys, bears, clothing, parts/supplies, and accessories.

Door prizes. ID/valuation, restringing, minor repair.

440-283-5839 (Eileen Green), phdofdolls@yahoo.com, or www.dollshowUSA.com.

AUG. 22 – Buckin’ Ohio, 8154 Garman Rd., Burbank, gates open at 4 p.m. $20–$45, C. (6–12) $10, under 6 free. Professional bull riding, mutton bustin’, barrel racing, ranch bronc riding, and more. www.buckinohio.com.

AUG. 23–30 – Lorain County Fair, 23000 Fairgrounds Rd., Wellington. Ohio’s second-largest county fair. 440647-2781 or www.loraincountyfair.com.

AUG. 29–30, SEP. 5–7 – Great Trail Arts and Crafts Festival, Great Trail Festival Grounds, St. Rte. 43 between

SOUTHEAST

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

THROUGH OCT. 31 – Chillicothe Farmers Market, 475 Western Ave., Suite F, Chillicothe, Sat. 8 a.m.–noon. The first hour of the market is reserved for high-risk shoppers. http://visitchillicotheohio.com.

AUG. 16 – Barton Polkafest, Firemen’s Field, 52176 Center St., Barton, 11 a.m.–8 p.m. Free. Featuring Ted Lange with Mollie B & Squeezebox, along with John Gora & Gorale. Polish foods, cash bar, raffles, tips, wine slushies. 740-695-3029.

AUG. 16 – Cambridge Classic Cruise-In, downtown Cambridge. Named by Cruisin’ Times magazine as one

Malvern and Carrollton (GPS users: 6331 Canton Rd., Malvern), 10 a.m.–5 p.m., flag raising 11 p.m. A celebration of American folk art, with distinctive arts and crafts, living history, and period music. 330-794-9100 or www. greattrailfestival.com.

AUG. 30 – Railroad Memorabilia Show, Painesville Railroad Museum, Painesville Depot, 475 Railroad St., Painesville, 10 a.m.–5 p.m. $5, C. (3–12) $3, Family (max.

2 adults, 3 children) $12. Railroad-related items from private collections; some items available for purchase.

See Collinwood Engine #999. Food and drinks available.

216-470-5780 (Tom Pescha), prrm@att.net, or www. painesvillerailroadmuseum.org.

AUG. 31–SEP. 2 – Made in Ohio Arts and Crafts Festival, Hale Farm and Village, 2686 Oak Hill Rd., Bath, Fri. noon–5 p.m., Sat./Sun. 10 a.m.–5 p.m. $5–$7; 3-day pass, $10. Over 160 Ohio artisans, local food, Ohio wine and beer, music, and entertainment. www.wrhs.org/ events/made-in-ohio-arts-crafts-festival-2-copy.

SEP. 4–6 – Perch and Pilsner Festival, Conneaut Township Park, 480 Lake Rd., Conneaut. Perch fishing tournament, craft and domestic beers, food vendors, local wines, crafts, water ski shows, live musical entertainment, fireworks, and more. www.perchandpilsner.com.

SEP. 4–7 – Cleveland Oktoberfest, Cuyahoga Co. Fgds., 19201 E. Bagley Rd., Middleburg Heights, Fri. 4 p.m.– midnight, Sat./Sun. noon–midnight, Mon. noon–8 p.m.

Food, beer, music, races and contests, and much more. www.clevelandoktoberfest.com.

SEP. 7–19 – “Celebrate the Constitution” Exhibit, Historic Fort Steuben, 120 S. 3rd St., Steubenville, Mon.– Sat 10 a.m.–4 p.m., Sun. 11 a.m.–4 p.m. Free displays and activities commemorating our nation’s founding document. Includes a display on the first 10 amendments, “The Bill of Rights and You!” 740-283-1787 or www. oldfortsteuben.com.

SEP. 12 – Willard Train Fest, downtown Willard, 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Model trains, planes, and cars; many layouts and vendors. 419-935-0495, j.heffley1940@hotmail.com, or www.willardtrainfest.com.

SEP. 12–13 – Antiques in the Woods, Shaker Woods Grounds, 217 St. Rte. 7 (GPS: 44337 County Line Rd.), Columbiana, Sat. 10 a.m.–5 p.m., Sun. 10 a.m.–4 p.m. $6, under 13 free. No pets. Top-quality antiques and collectibles, classic car show (Sun. only), tractor pulls, Civil War encampment, and entertainment. 330-550-4190 or www.antiquesinthewoods.com.

SEP. 12–13 – Appalachian Ohio Antique Power Club Gathering, Harrison Coal and Reclamation Historical Park, Ohio 519 between U.S. 22 and New Athens (GPS: 43672 Stumptown Rd., Cadiz), Sat. 10 a.m.–6 p.m., Sun. 9 a.m.–4 p.m. $3. Antique tractors, hit and miss engines, oil field engines, cars, trucks (semi and pickup), and garden tractors are all welcome. 330-401-5129, ohioantiquepowerclub@yahoo.com, or www.facebook. com/appalachianohioantiquepowershow.

SEP. 12–13 – Old Construction and Mining Equipment Show, Harrison Coal and Reclamation Historical Park, Ohio 519 between U.S. 22 and New Athens (GPS: 43672 Stumptown Rd., Cadiz), Sat. 10 a.m.–6 p.m., Sun. 9 a.m.–4 p.m. $3. Operating and static displays of antique construction, mining crawler equipment, trucks, and more.

740-312-5385 or 330-618-8032, oldironshow@yahoo. com, or www.facebook.com/ocmes.

SEP. 13 – Molto Bella Auto Show, Stan Hywet Hall and Gardens, 714 N. Portage Path, Akron, 10 a.m.–3 p.m. Rain date: Sep. 20. $5–$14, under 6 free. See an amazing array of Ferraris, Bugattis, Roadsters, and other high-value cars on the Great Meadow. Also features good food, beverages, and a day enjoying the historic estate. 330-836-5533 or www.stanhywet.org/ events/molto-bella-auto-show.

of the best car shows in its category, drawing thousands of car enthusiasts every year. From hot rods to Harleys, there is something for everyone! 740-439-2238 or www. downtowncambridge.com.

AUG. 22 – Lewis Family Gorge Guided Hike, Highlands Nature Sanctuary, 7660 Cave Rd., Bainbridge, 10 a.m. sharp through midafternoon (arrive by 9:45 a.m.). Join naturalist John Jaeger on a guided exploration of this spectacular gorge that flows into a scenic tributary of Paint Creek known as Cliff Run. Space is limited and registration is required. https://arcofappalachia.org/lewisgorge-hike.

SEP. 3–7 – Easyriders Rodeo Tour, Ross Co. Fgds., 344 Fairgrounds Rd., Chillicothe, Thur. noon–1 a.m., Fri.– Sun. 9 a.m.–1 a.m., Mon. 9 a.m.–noon. $25–$30 daily; weekend passes available. Not your typical rodeo! Races, biker games, stunt shows, rodeo events, contests, music, and more. http://easyridersevents.com/rodeo-2020chillicothe.php.

acclaimed and award-winning storytellers. sostoryfest@ gmail.com or www.sostoryfest.com.

SEP. 11–13 – Forest Therapy Weekend, Highlands Nature Sanctuary, 7660 Cave Rd., Bainbridge. Back by popular demand! This program is more than a walk in the woods. Meeting the forest in a state of mindfulness and awareness has proven to boost the immune system, lower blood pressure, reduce stress, improve mood, accelerate recovery from surgery or illness, increase energy level, and improve sleep. $299 fee includes six meals and all curriculum. Space is limited and registration is required. https://arcofappalachia.org/forest-therapy.

SEP. 11–13 – Ohio River Sternwheel Festival, Front and Greene Sts., Marietta. Sternwheeler races, car show, pageant, 5K run, entertainment, and fireworks.

800-288-2577 or https://ohio-river-sternwheel-festival. myshopify.com.

SEP. 12 – Family Fishing Day, Ross County Sportsmen and Wildlife Club, Chillicothe, 9 a.m.–noon. All fishing done at Ross Lake. Event is open to all kids ages 15 and under (must be accompanied by an adult) and to all women. Concessions will be available.

740-649-9614, kim.danny@roadrunner.com, or http:// visitchillicotheohio.com.

SEP. 14–20 – Guernsey County Fair, Guernsey Co. Fgds., 335 Old National Rd., Lore City. 740-489-5888 or www.guernseycountyfairgrounds.org.

SEP. 8–13 – Belmont County Fair, Belmont Co. Fgds., 45420 Roscoe Rd., St. Clairsville. A family tradition since 1849. www.belmontcountyfair.org.

SEP. 10–12 – Southern Ohio Storytelling Festival, Majestic Theatre Courtyard, 45 E. Second St., Chillicothe. $5–$20, under 6 free. Thursday evening performances free. The festival focuses on the timeless art of spinning tales, featuring concert performances by several highly

42 OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • AUGUST 2020

|Sunrise®

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.

THROUGH OCT. 10 – The Great Sidney Farmer’s Market, Courthouse Square, 109 S. Ohio Ave., Sidney, every Saturday, 8:00 a.m.–noon. Free. Fresh produce, crafters, baked goods, jams, jellies. 937-658-6945 or www.sidneyalive.org.

AUG. 13–15 – Bucyrus Bratwurst Festival, downtown Bucyrus. Grilled brats and many other festival foods, plus parades, fun contests, and free entertainment. 419562-2728 or www.bucyrusbratwurstfestival.com.

AUG. 14–16 – Bremenfest, Crown Pavilion, 2 W. Plum St., New Bremen. Food, rides, entertainment, and smalltown hospitality. Check website for updated schedule. http://bremenfest.com.

AUG. 14–16 – Fort Fest: Salute to Our Military, 364 St. Rte. 190, Fort Jennings. Reenactments, artillery and cannon displays, military vehicles, kids’ camp, gun raffle, and more. See updated schedule on website.

419-286-3030 or www.fjfortfest.com.

AUG. 15–16 – Revolution on the Ohio Frontier, Fort Meigs, 29100 W. River Rd., Perrysburg, 9:30 a.m.–5 p.m. $5–$10, under 6 free. See battle reenactments and weapon demos, visit army encampments, and learn what life was like in Ohio during the Revolutionary War. 419-874-4121 or www.fortmeigs.org.

AUG. 20–22 – National Tractor Pulling Championships, 13800 W. Poe Rd., Bowling Green.

Advance tickets $20–$40; additional for reserve seating. Kids 10 and under free. The world’s largest truck and tractor pull. 419-354-1434 or www.pulltown. com.

AUG. 22 – Camp Potluck, The Great Hall, Walnut Grove Campground, 7325 S. Twp. Rd. 131, Tiffin, 6 p.m. Park visitor fee if not camping: $2.50 per person, 4 yrs. and under free. 419-448-0914 or www. walnutgrovecampground.co.

AUG. 27–30 – German-American Festival, Oak Shade Grove, 3624 Seaman Rd., Oregon, Fri. 4 p.m.–1 a.m., Sat. noon–1 a.m., Sun. noon–11 p.m. Authentic German food, beer, music, folk dancing, and entertainment. www.germanamericanfestival.net.

AUG. 29 – River Rat Party, Walnut Grove Campground, 7325 S. Twp. Rd. 131, Tiffin. Donation. Park visitor fee if not camping: $2.50 per person, 4 yrs. and under free. Karaoke, 2–5 p.m. Chili cook-off, 5 p.m.; bring a dish to share. Bands: Acree, 5–7 p.m.; Cherry Bombs, 7:30–11:30 p.m. 419-448-0914 or www. walnutgrovecampground.co.

SEP. 3 – Women in Business Luncheon, City Club, 144 S. Main St., Lima, 11:30 a.m.–1 p.m. $25 for Chamber members, $40 for nonmembers. 419-222-6045.

SEP. 4–6 – Max’s Trader Days and Water Dog Races, Allen Co. Fgds., 2750 Harding Hwy., Lima, 7 a.m.–

midnight. $10 per day, $20 for three-day pass; age 12 and under free. In addition to the races, events include karaoke at the grandstands, golf cart parade, flea market, and food vendors. Schedule of events can be found at http://maxstraderdays.com.

SEP. 4–7 – S.C.R.A.P. Antique Tractor Show, White Star Park, St. Rte. 300, enter on Twp. Rd. 60, 1 mile south of Gibsonburg. Featuring John Deere tractors and engines. Antique cars and trucks, tractor pulls, flea market, primitive demonstrations, entertainment, food, flea market, consignment auction, and more! 419-3074265 or www.s-c-r-a-p-inc.org.

SEP. 4–10 – Fulton County Fair, Fulton Co. Fgds., 8514 St. Rte. 108, Wauseon. www.fultoncountyfair.com.

SEP. 5–7 – Labor Day Weekend, Walnut Grove Campground, 7325 S. Twp. Rd. 131, Tiffin. Park visitor fee if not camping: $2.50 per person, 4 yrs. and under free. Saturday, corn hole tournament, time TBA, $5; camp garage sales, 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Sunday, poker run/ scramble, 1–3 p.m.; Mac Experience DJ, 8 p.m.–12 a.m.

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

SEP. 5–7 – Western Ohio Cluster St. Bernard Specialty Dog Show, Lima Kennel Club, 1050 Thayer Rd., Lima, 9 a.m.–5 p.m. Free. $5 parking. Complete show schedule can be found at www.infodog.com.

SEP. 6 – Van Wert County Fair Car Show, Van Wert Co. Fgds., Van Wert, 2–6 p.m. Dash plaques, goody bags, door prizes, ’50s and ’60s music. Entry gives access to all activities at the fair, food, flea market, and more. wrkchevy@hotmail.com.

SEP. 7 – Labor Day Parade, downtown Lima, 10 a.m.

Lineup begins at Northland at 9 a.m. Parade proceeds down Main Street to the Town Square. Music, clowns, candy, bands, and floats! 419-222-6075 or www. visitgreaterlima.com.

SEP. 11–12 – Scout Family/Grandparents Weekend, Walnut Grove Campground, 7325 S. Twp. Rd. 131, Tiffin. Donation. Park visitor fee if not camping: $2.50 per person, 4 yrs. and under free. Fri. 8 p.m., indoor movie night. Sat. 11 a.m., crafts; Ohio Dept. of Natural Resources, time TBA; 5:30 p.m., chicken dinner. 419448-0914 or www.walnutgrovecampground.co.

SEP. 12 – Ottawa River Cleanup, Lima, 9 a.m.–1 p.m.

The route starts at the American Red Cross building, 610 S. Collett St. Volunteers are assigned a small section and receive a free lunch, T-shirt, and certificate of appreciation. Families and students welcome; minors must have a waiver form signed by parent/guardian.

Wear old clothes and shoes that can get wet. Gloves are mandatory and will be provided if needed. Call 419-221-5177 or 419-228-1836 to volunteer or for more information.

SEP. 12 – Sidney Music and Arts Festival, downtown Sidney. Schedule to be announced; check website for updates. Great music on two stages, talented artists and makers, food vendors, and more. https://sidneyalive. org/musicandartsfest.

SEP. 12 – WAR Wrestling: “September to Remember,” Bradfield Community Ctr., 550 S. Collett St., Lima, 7 p.m. Reserved VIP tickets $16, doors open at 5:30 p.m.

General admission tickets $10 or 4 for $30, doors open at 6:30 p.m. www.warwrestling.com.

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AUGUST 2020 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING 43

MEMBER INTERACTIVE

1

2

Cuddly kitties 3

1. Milo and me, cuddling before bedtime.

Alissa Painter Lorain-Medina Rural Electric Cooperative Member 2. Remi Dentinger, 3, cuddles with her kitty.

Audra Dentinger North Central Electric Cooperative member 3. O ur son, Jedidiah, loves to cuddle with our kittens.

Robert and Renee Workman Consolidated Cooperative members 4. These cuties are Ragamese (Siamese/Ragdoll) kittens. They are known for their blue eyes.

Kathy DeHass Holmes-Wayne Electric Cooperative member

4

5

5. S imba enjoying a nice, relaxing nap while Casper bathes him.

Robert Berus Union Rural Electric Cooperative member 6. Our granddaughter, Lilly, loving on our barn cat, Midnight.

Valeria Manemann Pioneer Electric Cooperative member

6

7

8

7. Our animal-loving granddaughter, Tori, with her cuddly kitties.

Patty and Larry Quaglia South Central Power Company members 8. Our children, Hank, Mason, Emily, and Abilene, with their cuddly kitties.

Ed and Teresa Pietrzyk Midwest Electric members (Bottom in ad) Buddy enjoying a nap in a sunbeam.

Linda Tipton South Central Power Company member

Send us your picture! For November, send “Young chefs” by August 15; for December send “Naughty or nice” by September 15.

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

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

Find more photos on the Member Interactive page at

www.ohiocoopliving.com

44 OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • AUGUST 2020

I AM THE CO-OP And that’s why the co-op is here for you.

Your local, not-for-profit electric co-op will always have the information you can trust to make the best decisions for your family on safety, efficiency, and new technology.

Visit ohioec.org/purpose to discover the power of your co-op.

YOUR SOURCE OF POWER AND INFORMATION.

ohioec.org/purpose