Country Living April 2010

Official publication of your Electric Cooperative

April 2010

Vol. 52 No. 7

INSIDE •Fun and funny festivals • Ohio’s glass museums

En vi r gr oW ee a Pa n e tts s ge ne up 27 rgy po . rt

•Runaway train of EPA regulation

I PULLED THE PLUG ON MY ENERGY COST JUST

BY PULLING A FEW PLUGS. TVs, gaming consoles, DVRs, cable boxes and almost anything that has a plug uses energy even when it’s turned off. I’m saving $222 a year by pulling plugs and turning off power strips. What can you do?

Find out how the little changes add up at TogetherWeSave.com.

TOGETHERWESAVE.COM

OHIO AND WEST VIRGINIA’S ELECTRIC COOPERATIVES www.buckeyepower.com

2—Country Living/April 2010

Contents Look for us online at www.buckeyepower.com

Volume 52, No. 7 April 2010

Features 8

Runaway train?

The EPA regulatory threat was a hot topic at the OREC Trustees Conference.

14 Fun and funny festivals We feature six offbeat festivals of the spring and summer seasons.

18 Shrines to glass Ohio’s glass museums reflect a rich heritage.

22 Help fight the invaders!

A new program will help in the struggle against invasive plant species.

Festivals

14

24 Ohio’s wilderness The Shawnee State Forest Wilderness area is a window into how Ohio looked when the Shawnee nation ruled the land.

26 All in the family The Miller brothers run a shopping center, Amish style, in Adams County.

42 It’s all fun and games Try Ultimate Frisbee, broomball or cornhole for a combination of sports activity and fun.

44 Shake, rattle and roll Ohio has had its share of earthquakes over the decades.

Glass

18

46 13 small ways to save big Save an average of $3,000 following our tips.

Departments

Invasive plants

22

4 10 11 11 12 31

Editorial Awards & Honors Energy Highlights Build Smart Consumer Safety Calendar

On the cover Who’s working harder, the frog or his handlers? Valley City’s Frog Jump Festival is one of many fun and funny festivals in Ohio during the spring and summer. Our coverage starts on page 14. Photo

by David Schneider.

Outdoors Gardening What’s Cooking?

Ohio Icon Ohio Quiz By the Way

34 36 38 49 51 54

Port Clinton (P. 16) Toledo (P. 21) Tiffin (P. 19) Fostoria (P. 19) Anna (P. 45)

Avon (P. 16) Valley City (P. 15)

Newark (P. 19)

Cambridge (P. 18) St. Clairsville (P. 49)

Greenville (P. 14) Lancaster (P. 19) Cincinnati (P. 14)

Hocking Hills (P. 17) Adams County (P. 24, 26)

Country Living/April 2010—3

As We See It Volume 52, No. 6 April 2010 Contact us: www.buckeyepower.com

Using the right tool

By ANTHONY J. AHERN “Using the Clean Air Act (CAA) to regulate greenhouse gases would be like using a hammer to tighten a screw — it may be theoretically possible to do it, but the hammer is not the right tool for the job. Likewise, the CAA is not the right tool for the job of addressing climate change. Congress and the White House must step in to prevent the use of an inappropriate tool to force emission reductions from stationary sources.”

– Glenn English, CEO of the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association

From time to time, we’ve all used the wrong tool for a job at hand. Through poor organization and planning, impatience or just plain silliness, we have expended unnecessary sweat and labor — and maybe a few choice words — in the frustrating task of trying to make the wrong tool do something another was designed to perform with ease.

So it is with the question of whether the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) should use the Clean Air Act (CAA) to regulate greenhouse gas emissions, which by and large means regulating carbon-dioxide emissions.

The Supreme Court ruled that the EPA has the authority to regulate these emissions as pollutants. But carbon dioxide is not your typical pollutant, since life on Planet Earth would not exist without an adequate level of CO2 in the air.

Congress has been struggling to craft legislation to limit greenhouse gas emissions. Why has it been a struggle? CO2 is the byproduct of the combustion of oil, coal and natural gas fuels that power more than 80 percent of the U.S. and world economies. Changing this massive energy system won’t be easy or cheap.

Rather than wait on Congress, the EPA is ready to contort the CAA, originally shaped decades ago for a different purpose.

The correct tool to use is common-sense legislation, not ham-handed command and control. Just what electric cooperatives nationwide have feared for three years will likely occur if the EPA is allowed to go forward with the process of regulation: loss of affordable and reliable electricity.

A growing number of U.S. House and Senate members agree. They include elected officials from both parties and even those who hold contrary opinions about climate change. The EPA is simply the wrong tool. In our democracy, Congress, as slow and deliberative — and often partisan — as it sometimes acts, is the tool through which solutions finally will be achieved and a national energy policy formulated that’s best for taxpayers, rate payers and the environment. Please contact your member of Congress and ask him or her to block the EPA’s efforts. We need to use the right tool. ❏

4—Country Living/April 2010

Anthony Ahern Steve Oden Rich Warren John Howley Chris Hall Bernice Mattison Keith Crabtree Nikki Heath Marc Orr Margie Wuebker Chip Gross Sandy Woolard

President & CEO Dir. of Comm.

Managing Editor Editor Art & Prod. Manager Publications Coord.

Comm. Consultant Graphic Artist Editor Emeritus Food Editor Outdoors Editor Advertising

COUNTRY LIVING (ISSN 07470592) is the official publication of Ohio Rural Electric Cooperatives, Inc. With a paid circulation of 293,824, it is the monthly communication link between the rural electric cooperatives in Ohio and West Virginia and their members. Subscription price: $4.30 to $6.50 per year to co-op members; $12 per year to nonmembers. Nothing in this publication may be reproduced in any manner without specific written permission from Ohio Rural Electric Cooperatives, Inc. All rights reserved.

National advertising representatives:

NATIONAL COUNTRY MARKET, based at 611 S. Congress Ave., Austin, TX 78704 1-800-NCM-1181 THE WEISS GROUP, INC. 9414 E. San Salvador Dr., #226 Scottsdale, AZ 85258 480-860-5394 The fact that a product is advertised in Country Living should not be taken as an endorsement. If you find an advertisement misleading or a product unsatisfactory, please notify us or the Ohio Attorney General’s Office, Consumer Protection Section, 30 E. Broad St., Columbus, OH 43215, or call 1-800-282-0515.

Cooperative members — Please report any change of address to your local electric cooperative.

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

POSTMASTER: Send address changes to editorial and advertising offices at: P.O. Box 26036 Columbus, OH 43226-0036 Telephone — 614-846-5757 Serving on the Ohio Rural Electric Cooperatives, Inc. Board of Trustees are Edward P. Sanders, chairman; William Oedy, vice chairman; Dennis Schindler, secretary/treasurer; Charles Grimes, Marinelle P. Jeffers, Thomas McQuiston, Robert McCort, Donald McCracken, Jack Kitchel, Daniel McNaull, Robert Wise, Shirley J. Stutz, David Corbin, Larry D. Martin, Jack Schmidt Jr., C. Emerson Snapp, James R. McConnell, Eugene Royer, Ned Doering, Larry Zeedyk, Harold Cooper, Lawrence Weirich, Jeff Wilson and Jody Parrish-Polen.

Anthony J. Ahern, president; Kurt Helfrich, counsel.

Country Living/ April 2010—5

This month’s advertisers Advertisers are solely responsible for the content of their advertisements. Publication of an ad does not imply endorsement by Country Living magazine.

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Country Living/April 2010—7

Runaway Train?

EPA regulatory threat hot topic at OREC Trustees Conference

OREC VP of Administration and Operations Dave Berger compares proposed Environmental Protection Agency regulation of greenhouse gases to a runaway train.

By STEVE ODEN and JOHN HOWLEY

the controversial CO2 cap-and-trade provision due to fears that it would cause energy prices to skyrocket, force jobs overseas and burden households with rising prices. lectric cooperatives of Ohio will target the threat posed Enter the EPA armed with a 2007 Supreme Court deciby the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to the sion providing the opportunity to regulate greenhouse availability and price of electricity in messages to members gases (GHGs) as air pollutants under the CAA. The agency of Congress about greenhouse gas emission regulation. issued an “endangerment finding” last April, claiming that More than 200 cooperative leaders who gathered for the GHGs are a threat to public health and welfare and opening Ohio Rural Electric Cooperatives (OREC) Trustees the door to regulation.

Conference last month learned how the National Rural Regulation of GHGs will affect “stationary sources,” such Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA) Our Energy, Our as fossil fuel-burning power plants that produce the majority Future campaign has been adapted to counter the latest of the nation’s electricity. Without proven technology to capthreat to reliable and affordable electricity. ture and store CO2 on a commercial scale, utilities face having Cooperative members in Ohio and across the nation are to adopt risky, unproven and expensive alternatives or pay urged to ask their mempenalties for noncombers of Congress to prepliance, all of which Legislation & regulation update vent the EPA from using would affect the cost of Graham: Cap and trade dead the Clean Air Act (CAA) providing electricity to According to a March statement by Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), as a tool for reducing consumers. cap and trade as a means of controlling greenhouse gas emissions in the greenhouse gas emisU.S. is dead in the U.S. Senate and House. However, he said a new But the EPA regulasions. The message approach will be pursued but did not provide details. Graham is part of tory net might also a trio of senators, including Joseph Lieberman (I-Conn.) and John Kerry focuses on the belief that catch smaller sources, (D-Mass.), who are pursuing a bipartisan energy and environmental bill. the CAA was not intendsuch as churches, hosed or designed to deal pitals, businesses and Rockefeller moratorium bill with climate change, and cities.

Sen. Jay Rockefeller (D-W.V.) introduced a bill to place the EPA it is the role of Congress “There are about under a two-year moratorium on the regulation of greenhouse gas emisto legislate greenhouse sions from power plants and other stationary sources. “We must set this six million stationary gas policy that is fair delay in stone and give Congress enough time to consider a compresources of CO2 emithensive energy bill to develop the clean coal technologies we need,” and affordable for all ting 100 tons or more, Rockefeller said. Three House Democrats, Nick Rahall and Alan Americans. and certainly any facilMollohan of West Virginia and Virginia’s Rick Boucher, also introduced The EPA seeks to ity with a central boiler legislation putting EPA greenhouse gas regulations for stationary sources regulate carbon dioxide might be subject to on hold for two years.

(CO2) in particular. regulation,” explained Congress is still grapOther bipartisan measures Dave Berger, OREC’s pling with climate Bipartisan measures in the Senate and House against EPA regulation vice president of also include those introduced by Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) and change bills, but the Administration and Rep. Earl Pomeroy (D-N.D.) and a bill authored by Reps. Ike Skelton (Dscope of energy and Operations. He said Mo.), Collin Peterson (D-Minn.) and Jo Ann Emerson (R-Mo.). The environmental legislathe EPA’s strategy is details and scope of the bills differ, but all three measures would protion has narrowed. based on a “commandhibit the EPA from regulating stationary emission sources, such as power Support has waned for and-control approach” plants, industries, hospitals and even churches.

E

8—Country Living/April 2010

English: Put affordability at heart of energy and environmental debate NRECA chief blasts excessive partisanship on issues National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA) CEO Glenn English told thousands of electric co-op leaders they must demand that elected officials put affordability at the center of their energy policy discussions.

Speaking at the 2010 NRECA Annual Meeting in February, English said a unified and focused co-op position will help cut through the polarization and political stridency that has stalled efforts to produce constructive national energy legislation.

“Electric cooperatives cannot afford scorched earth politics. We cannot afford to participate in that kind of political debate,” English said.

In blunt language, English explained the public policy challenges arising from the energy and environmental issues under debate by Congress. Foremost among these is proposed regulation of greenhouse gas emissions from stationary sources by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) under the federal Clean Air Act. English said the apparent failure of Congress to adopt comprehensive climate change legislation makes it more likely that the EPA will fill the regulatory void. He called on co-op leaders to back recently introduced bills that would effectively block the agency and give Congress the time it needs to develop energy and environmental policies that preserve the reliability and affordability of electricity.

Bipartisan measures in the Senate and House include those introduced by Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) and Rep. Earl Pomeroy (D-N.D.) and a bill authored by Reps. Ike Skelton (D-Mo.), Collin Peterson (D-Minn.) and Jo Ann Emerson (R-Mo.).

The details and scope of the bills differ, but all three measures would prohibit the EPA from regulating stationary emission sources, such as power Glenn English, NRECA CEO, calls on electric co-op members plants, industries, hospitals and even churches. to demand that Congress put aside partisanship to develop Other bills have been introduced that would delay energy policy with affordability and reliability in mind.

EPA action on emissions for two years. using the “big stick of regulation,” which would invite litigation at each step in the process.

No wonder that John Dingell (D-Mich.), the longestserving member in the U.S. Senate and one of the authors of the CAA decades ago, said the EPA’s attempt to regulate GHG emissions would result in a “glorious mess.”

NRECA has warned that the EPA’s regulatory aims are wrong: “Using the CAA to regulate greenhouse gases would be like using a hammer to tighten a screw — it may be theoretically possible to do it, but the hammer is not the right tool for the job. Likewise, the CAA is not the right tool for the job of addressing climate change. Congress and the White House must step in to prevent the use of an inappropriate tool to force emission reductions from stationary sources,” said NRECA CEO Glenn English.

Gov. Ted Strickland also has weighed in on the issue. He said in the Feb. 4, 2010, issue of the Columbus Dispatch, “That is the kind of step that would wreak economic devastation on a state like Ohio, which relies so heavily on coal-generated electricity, and should be done only through

legislation that also can offer Ohio financial assistance to ease the transition to a cleaner-fuel economy.”

Tony Ahern, OREC president and chief executive officer, said Ohio co-ops and their members must be in the forefront of the effort to convince members of Congress to support bipartisan efforts to turn back the EPA and allow time to develop national energy policy that meets environmental goals but keeps electricity reliable and affordable.

The Our Energy, Our Future campaign was embraced by tens of thousands of Ohio co-op members and more than 450,000 members nationwide last year. Continued grassroots involvement is crucial in order to send messages to Ohio members of the U.S. Senate and House about the EPA threat, Ahern added.

Co-op members will be urged to contact members of the House and Senate about the EPA regulatory threat and ask that they support bipartisan efforts to rein in the agency and allow Congress time to develop reasonable national energy and environmental legislation. ❏

Country Living/April 2010—9

Awards & Honors Berger, Keylor honored

by Touchstone Energy

Economic development initiative garners URE national recognition

Two Ohioans were honored for their work in helping launch the Touchstone Energy® brand a dozen years ago.

Dave Berger, vice president, Administration and Operations for the Ohio Rural Electric Cooperatives, Inc. (OREC) and Buckeye Power, Inc., and Ken Keylor, vice president of Statewide Services for OREC, were named winners of the Touchstone Energy Distinguished Service Award.

“Ken and Dave were actively involved in the initial development and nurturing of the brand and during the infancy stages when Touchstone Energy was shaped,” the letter of nomination stated.

Both were involved in numerous meetKen Keylor and Dave Berger ings that led to the creation of the national cooperative image in 1998. Keylor served on the Advertising and Promotions Advisory Committee from 1998 to 2004, becoming the committee’s chair in 2000.

Berger chaired the Budget Committee from 1998 to 2003.

“With Ken and Dave’s leadership and guidance, brand management became an innate part of every employee’s job,” the nomination letter said. “It’s an important part of who and what electric cooperatives are in Ohio.”

The National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA) honored Union Rural Electric Cooperative, Inc. (URE) of Marysville with the association’s National Community Service Award in recognition of the co-op’s impressive economic development initiative to help bring jobs and growth to Union County.

In 2000, Union REC joined with municipal governments and local companies to create a new publicprivate economic development organization.

Glenn English, Roger Yoder, Wally Wolski There are now 24 entities in the organization, generating $280,000 annually for economic development.

The cooperative made economic development a priority, incorporating it and quality of life strategies into strategic plans, while investing both time and money — $135,000 over six years — in the new organization.

This initiative has helped make Union County the fourth fastest-growing county in Ohio. The total number of businesses has grown from 764 in 2000 to 1,023 in 2007, while the average annual wage increased from $45,042 to $54,293.

ACRE membership reaps rewards for Ohio

Culler represents Ohio on Youth Leadership Council

Ohio was honored during the final session of the 2010 NRECA Annual Meeting in Atlanta for its participation in ACRE® (Action Committee for Rural Electric). Tom McQuiston, a trustee at Butler REC and Ohio’s representative to the NRECA Board of Directors, accepted plaques for Outstanding Achievement from NRECA President F. E. “Wally” Wolski. The awards recognized Ohio for having the most ACRE members and the most consistent membership growth over a threeyear period.

Tom McQuiston and Wally Wolski

10—Country Living/April 2010

Ohio Youth Leadership Council representative Toby Culler didn’t let a rare southern snowfall get in the way of participating in the 2010 NRECA Annual Meeting in Atlanta, Ga. Culler, other Youth Leadership Council (YLC) students and co-op volunteers replaced 1,600 light bulbs at a local school as a community service project. One of the most visible duties Culler had during the annual meeting was carrying Ohio’s state flag during the Parade of States at the opening Toby Culler session.

Energy Highlights Power bytes Tidbits about energy technology in your life:

‘Bloom Box’ ready for prime time?

Fanfare about an energy device dubbed the Bloom Box reached a crescendo in February when the CBS news program 60 Minutes featured the solid-oxide fuel cell and the founder-CEO of Bloom Energy, K.R. Sridhar.

The company believes a block of its fuel cells, small enough to fit in the palm of your hand, could one day power an average home in the United States.

Systems installed to date are about the size of an industrial transformer and very expensive.

“The cost of a 100-kilowatt power plant using solidoxide technology running on natural gas is about $700,000 to $800,000,” said Ed Torrero, executive director of the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA) Cooperative Research Network.

Bloom Energy hopes to be able to produce residentialscale units at a cost of about $3,000 each within 10 years. Sounds good, until you do the math: A 5- to 10kilowatt unit used as a household’s sole power source

could drive the cost of electricity to the equivalent of 45 cents per kilowatt-hour, compared with the current nationwide average rate of 9-10 cents, said Torrero.

John Holt, NRECA’s senior principal for generation and fuels, also questioned the system’s immediate viability for commercial and industrial usage. “I have been hearing that fuel cells will be competitive in five years, but I have been hearing that for 25 years,” he said. “At $700,000 per unit, I don’t see many takers.”

Bloom Energy has already racked up $400 million from investors. Current customers include eBay, CocaCola, Walmart, FedEx and Google.

But, despite big investments and brand-name clients, putting the technology in the backyards of consumers could take at least a decade, if it gets there at all, according to some industry observers. ❏ – From Electric Cooperative Today

Build Smart Energy-Efficient Home Construction:

To vent or not to vent … attics, roofs and crawlspaces

By ALLEN ZIMMERMAN Vented attic and roof assemblies and crawlspaces have long been standard practice and code requirements in residential construction. However, recent advances in building science have called into question long-held assumptions about, and the rationale for, venting these areas.

When properly designed and constructed, unvented attic and roof assemblies and crawlspaces have a number of advantages and are increasingly being incorporated in state-of-the-art homes.

Reasons for venting attic and roof assemblies During the winter, air in the conditioned space of a house is typically warmer and more humid than air in the attic and roof assembly (the space between the ceiling insulation and the roof sheathing). Heat and moisture can be transported into this space via air leakage through openings in the ceiling. Heat and moisture also can be transferred through ceiling materials via conduction and vapor diffusion.

Potential exists for condensation to occur on the cooler roof structural components, such as rafters and sheathing. Liquid water that results from this condensation can lead to mold and fungus growth and damage to structural components, insulation and ceiling materials.

In cold climates, the potential exists for ice dams, which occur when snow on the roof melts, the melt water runs down the roof and the water refreezes as ice at the eave and overhang. Liquid water that accumulates behind the ice dams can result in structural and cosmetic damage to interior components, and the ice can damage roof components.

Venting attic and roof assemblies helps remove excess heat and moisture and helps prevent these problems.

During the summer, sunshine can cause significant increases in roof temperature. Increased amounts of heat will be transferred into the attic and roof assembly space and eventually into the conditioned space of the house, causing higher indoor temperatures and increased air conditioning costs. High temperatures in the roof sheathing can lead to distortion and deterioration of the roof shingles. Venting attic and roof assemblies helps remove this excess heat and helps prevent associated problems.

Re-examinination based on building science In terms of building science, problematic amounts of heat and moisture will not be encountered in correctly insulated and air-sealed attic and roof assemblies. The purpose of venting these components is to compensate for poor design and construction techniques. In fact, the initial work in the 1930s and 1940s that led to recommendations for venting was conducted on houses typical of the period, in which air sealing was nonexistent and the amount of insulation minimal. Likewise, recent studies have shown that the effect of venting on the temperature of roofs is small and ranks far down the list compared to such factors as roof color, orientation and type.

Next month: Advantages of unvented attic and roof assemblies. ❏ Allen Zimmerman is a professor at The Ohio State University, Wooster campus. E-mail: zimmerman.7@osu.edu.

Country Living/April 2010—11

Consumer Safety

Putman County kids learning about safety Story and photos by JOHN HOWLEY

H

elping Putnam County kids understand the potential hazards in rural settings has been the motivation for bringing thousands of students to Farm Safety Camp during the last decade.

The Putnam County Health Department began the program in 2000, and since then more than 5,000 of the county’s third-graders have had the opportunity to learn about avoiding dangerous situations around a farm.

When the yellow buses bring students to Farm Safety Camp April 13 and 14 this year, some of the lessons for students will be about tractor and PTO safety, farm chemicals, ATV safety, water and pond safety and electrical safety.

Helping the students learn more about electrical safety will be Dee Renollet, safety and compliance coordinator for Paulding-Putnam Electric Cooperative.

“We’re trying to teach the kids to be safe around power lines and in the house,” Renollet said. “I go over the dangers from power lines and cords and what could happen by sticking things in outlets.”

Renollet uses the cooperative’s high-voltage tabletop safety display to show students real-world scenarios of potential contact with power lines and what can happen if contact is made.

“It’s a great opportunity for [the cooperative] to

12—Country Living/April 2010

get the word out about safety in the community,” Renollet said.

And it’s a message well received by the students.

“I get comments from the people who host the camp saying it’s the most popular tent,” Renollet said.

Helping Renollet, and other presenters at the camp, with the third-graders are members of the Future Farmers of America clubs from the county high schools.

Other groups helping at the Farm Safety Camp include local law enforcement, emergency medical services, fire departments and agricultural-related businesses and organizations. Weather permitting, a medical helicopter even flies in during the re-creation of an accident on the farm.

For more information about Farm Safety Camp, contact the Putnam County Health Department at 419-523-5608. ❏

Country Living/April 2010—13

Fun and funny festivals I

t could be argued that Ohio has a festival for just about everything — just take a look at the list we’re providing you on page 17, which we aren’t even pretending is comprehensive. Your local community may have one that passed under our radar. If so, send it to us and we’ll print it in our monthly calendar.

Just for fun, we’re focusing on six of the spring and summer festivals we thought you might enjoy. Then in September we’ll do it all again with a focus on fall festivals. Have fun at the festival, whichever one or ones you decide to attend!

Annie Oakley Days Festival, Greenville Ohio’s most famous woman ever was Annie Oakley, the sharpshooter from Darke County who became an international sensation in Buffalo Bill Cody’s Wild West shows. For Oakley, there truly was no business like show business, and both Broadway and Hollywood immortalized her rags-toriches story in the musical Annie Get Your Gun. Because Oakley was born and raised near Greenville, the city has commemorated its favorite daughter with an Annie Oakley Days Festival for nearly 50 years.

The festival takes place at the Darke County Fairgrounds, and one of its most time-honored traditions is the Annie Oakley Shooting Contest. In a nod to Oakley’s legendary talent, girls wearing Wild West–style costumes compete for the title of Miss Annie Oakley by firing at balloons with BB guns. “The contestants are between 14 and 19 years old, Annie Oakley was born 150 years and they have to be from Darke County,” ago in Darke County.

14—Country Living/April 2010

said the festival’s president, Judie Hathaway.

Other festival events include local actors performing an old-time melodrama, a flea market, a farmers’ market and super sidewalk sales that bring hordes of bargain hunters to the popular KitchenAid Experience Center and other downtown Greenville stores.

This year, the festival parade features Loretta Jones, an Annie Oakley re-enactor who will be riding her The best of mountain crafters come horse, Tippy. to the Appalachian Festival in “Loretta is kind of Cincinnati. a historian,” said Hathaway, “because she likes to tell people about Annie.”

History buffs will also want to visit Greenville’s remarkable Garst Museum, where the Annie Oakley Center has a world-class collection of memorabilia and artifacts such as guns, clothing and medals that belonged to the shooting star. Visitors can learn about Oakley’s Darke County roots and how a shooting match in Cincinnati won her both a husband and an incredible career. The museum’s store offers an excellent selection of books about Annie Oakley, and since August 13 will mark the 150th birthday of “Little Miss Sure Shot,” the Garst is celebrating the “Year of Annie Oakley” throughout 2010.

Annie Oakley Days Festival, Darke County Fairgrounds, July 23–25, 937-548-2391, www.annieoakleyfestival.org.

Garst Museum and Annie Oakley Center, 937-548-5250, www.garstmuseum.org.

— Damaine Vonada

Appalachian Festival, Cincinnati For the best of foot-stomping and finger-strumming Appalachia, head to Cincinnati the second weekend in May, when the Coney Island amusement park is transformed into a showcase of performances, handicrafts and

down-home charm. Every Mother’s Day weekend, the Appalachian Festival on the banks of the Ohio River keeps traditions alive.

What started as a small but stellar crafts exhibition in the basement of the Cincinnati Music Hall back in 1970 has grown into a major tribute to the area’s Appalachian heritage. It’s estimated that more than 300,000 people in greater Cincinnati can claim Appalachian roots.

Even though the festival’s first organizers had to convince the region’s best mountain crafters to come, there’s no need for convincing now. An assortment of potters, basket makers, quilters and woodworkers vie for a spot among the bounty. Some demonstrate how they create what they sell. Others, dressed in attire from the 1800s, spend the weekend at the Living History Village to show festival attendees how people lived in years gone by.

The Living History Village gives kids a chance to try oldtime mountain living. Making cornmeal and butter and learning how to weave a grass mat are part of the offerings.

Frog Jump Festival, Valley City Bring a frog friend or rent one. Either way, you’ll have a hopping good time at the Frog Jump Festival in Valley City (the “Frog Jump Capital of Ohio”) on Sunday, August 15. Jockeys (those jumping the frogs) are kids of all ages, from newborn babies to adults.

Last year’s festival had close to 700 jockeys, according to organizers Rod and Barb Knight. In recent years, participants in the Medina County festival came from around the U.S. (including New York, Pennsylvania, Florida and Virginia) and around the world from as far away as France, Japan and Egypt.

“We have an event that is so appealing that people go out of their way to make sure they’re here on that day,” Rod Knight said. “Some of them just watch.”

Frogs are jumped one at a time. The jockey places his or her frog in the center of the ring (in this case, a parachute serves that purpose), and each frog gets three jumps, Barb Knight said. “He can jump straight out —

Looks like the jockeys can jump just as well as the frogs at the Frog Jump Festival in Valley City (Photo by David Schneider).

When the aroma of apple butter simmering in a castiron pot or the sound of kettle corn popping stirs up hunger, there’s plenty of food to satisfy. Soup beans, cornbread, burgoo, fried chicken and more are on the festival menu. Eat your fill while taking in top-notch music, storytelling and dancing. Whether it’s a fiddle player, a clogging group or a bluegrass band, there is nonstop entertainment at several locations. Native American traditions round out the mix.

Appalachian Festival, Coney Island (Exit 72 off I275), May 7–9, 513-251-3378, www.appalachianfestival.org.

Admission discounts available at participating Kroger stores and on the Web site.

— Jamie Rhein

hop, hop, hop — or go out once and back.”

Each frog’s distance is measured from the center of the ring to the frog’s location at the end of the third jump. The longest jump on record — 19 feet and 1 inch — was set in 1988.

The Frog Jump Festival was started as an event for children by area residents Andy Neff, Duane Naftzger and Jay Reynolds. According to the festival’s Web site, they have all “passed to that great Frog Pond in the sky.”

The cost to jump a frog is $3. Feel free to bring your own frog, or rent one for $5. The fun you’ll have? Priceless.

Frog Jump Festival, Liverpool Mill Stream Park (see Web site for directions), August 15, 330-483-1111, www.valleycity.org.

—Elizabeth Seufer (Continued on page 16)

Country Living/April 2010—15

Avon Heritage Duct Tape Festival, Avon

Sponsored by ShurTech Brands, the festival this year will salute the ’60s, ’70s and ’80s with the theme “Peace, Love and ... Duck Tape.” Hippie-era sculptures and parade floats will abound with duct tape, and a retro style show will feature outfits like miniskirts and bell-bottoms. “The idea,” said duct tape artist Amanda Richardson, “is to show how clothing can be made out of Duck Tape.” And on each day of the festival, the first 500 visitors get free duct tape.

Groovy!

Avon Heritage Duct Tape Festival, June 18–20, Veteran’s Memorial Park, 866-818-1116, www.avonducttapefestival.com.

For most Americans, duct tape is a silvery adhesive cloth that is commonly found in toolboxes and junk drawers.

Duct tape was once used routinely to seal ductwork in heating and air conditioning systems, but when people discovered how handy it is, duct tape’s popularity soared to wise (NASA used it to help rescue the Apollo 13 astronauts) as well as weird (securing a toupée) heights.

In Avon, however, the Past attendees at the Duct Tape Festival in Avon admit nation’s favorite quick fix they’re really stuck on it. (Photo courtesy of Liggett is known as duck tape, Stashower) — Damaine Vonada because it’s the home of Walleye Festival, Port Clinton ShurTech Brands, LLC, which markets Duck Tape® brand Pair the Lake Erie shoreline with a parade that includes duct tape. The duck tape moniker actually dates back to a 20-foot, 600-pound fiberglass walleye and a costumed World War II, when the tape was Army green and GIs mascot named Captain Wylie Walleye, and you’re kicking appreciated its waterproof quality so much that they off the summer season in true Port Clinton style. The Port likened it to water sliding off a duck’s back. Today, Clinton Walleye Festival is a nod to the town’s fishing hisShurTech Brands’ Duck Tape comes in more than 20 colors tory and is old-fashioned, small-town fun. and patterns, and to make their multipurpose product even By the 1830s, Scottish and German fishermen had handier, it also is available in different widths and turned Port Clinton into a fishing center success story strengths. with walleye as a centerpiece. The result is Port Clinton’s When some Avon well-deserved fame as the “Walleye Capital of the World.” residents wanted to Native to Lake Erie, walleye is also Ohio‘s state fish. With start a festival a few eyes that reflect light like a cat’s, this olive and goldenyears ago, the Lorain colored species is thought by many to be the tastiest of all County town’s freshwater fish. uniquely sticky situWith April to August being prime walleye-catching ation was an obvimonths, a festival that celebrates Lake Erie’s walleye ous reason to celebounty is fitting. Here, though, you don’t have to catch a brate, and faster walleye to try one — various food vendors, some operated than you can say by Port Clinton’s charities and clubs, serve up helpings of “Duct Tape Capital of walleye and walleye sandwiches. If perch is more to your the World,” the Avon liking, it too is available.

Heritage Duct Tape For non-fish lovers, there’s festival food bounty, and Festival was on a between eating, there’s plenty to do. Carnival rides, eduroll. Since many cation programs and foot-tapping music performances dads are apt to condraw crowds with a lighthearted zeal. Last year, 50,000 to sider duct tape an 60,000 people headed to Port Clinton to join in the fun. indispensable tool, Although only open to festivalgoers ages 12 and the three-day festival under, the fishing derby is a chance for pint-sized anglers fittingly takes place to try for prizes. If the biggest one gets away, kids can over Father’s Day also try for the smallest. It starts at 2 p.m. on Sunday. weekend in Avon’s The parade kicks off on Saturday at 1 p.m.

Veteran’s Memorial Swim into some fun in Port Clinton over Memorial Day Park. It showcases weekend. the myriad and ingenious uses of This fish is a small fry compared to Port Clinton Walleye Festival, May 27–31, Waterworks Park, Perry Street, 419-732-2864, duct tape in everythe 20-foot, 600-pound fiberglass www.walleyefestival.com. thing from arts and crafts to automotives and music.

walleye at Port Clinton’s Walleye Festival.

16—Country Living/April 2010

—Jamie Rhein

LilyFest, Rockbridge, Hocking Hills Daylilies, water lilies, Asiatic lilies, Oriental lilies and even blackberry lilies — they’re the lovely focus of LilyFest, a little gem of a festival that takes place every July at the Bishop Educational Gardens near Rockbridge. Festival chairperson Bobbi Bishop and her late husband, Bruce, held the first LilyFest on their woodsy Hocking Hills property in 1992, but the event actually took root a few years earlier with a gift from a friend.

“He brought us two gorgeous clumps of yellow daylilies, and we just fell in love with them,” said Bishop. The couple filled about five acres of their land with lilies, hostas, hydrangeas, shrubs and even bamboo. Having worked as art teachers in the Columbus area, they also enhanced the plantings with their own metal and clay sculptures.

The Bishops initially organized LilyFest with some help from only a few friends, but it now has blossomed into a very special three-day event. “The minute visitors put their feet on the ground, it’s kind of magical,” said Bishop.

“Getting back to nature has a calming effect on people.”

Rockbridge’s LilyFest has blossomed into a three-day event.

About 75 artists will be showing and selling their (Photo courtesy of 1800Hocking.com) works at this year’s LilyFest. Mostly based in the Hocking Hills area, they include such local favorites as raise funds for scholarships, but be advised that buying porcelain and terra cotta artist Jean Magdich, glass blower them is strictly self-service. “My extra plants get divided Nick Delmatto and metal sculptor Dave Anders. and put into a dig-your-own bed,” said Bishop. “We proMusicians playing dulcimers and Native American vide bags and shovels, and people just toss their money flutes also will fill the gardens with the sound of into a can.” ❏ Appalachian tunes. “We have quality artists, a wonderful LilyFest, Bishop Educational Gardens near atmosphere and great music,” said Bishop.

Rockbridge, July 9–11, 740-969-2873, Professional horticulturists sell annuals and perennials www.lilyfest.com. at very attractive prices during LilyFest, and both Master Hocking Hills, 1-800-HOCKING, Gardeners and Ohio Certified Naturalists are available to www.1800hocking.com. answer questions and help plant lovers make their selec—Damaine Vonada tions. As for Bishop’s beloved lilies, she does sell some to

Other festivals Consider attending other festivals through the summer months, but please note this listing is far from comprehensive. For other festivals in or near your community, visit the Web sites www.ohiotraveler.com or www.ofea.org. We will feature festivals for fall in our September issue.

Bucyrus Model Railroad Association Train Show, April 10, Bucyrus Maple Sugaring Festival, April 11, Sylvania Bellbrook Sugar Maple Festival, April 16–18, Bellbrook Blue Rock Station Earth Day, April 17, Philo Scarlet, Gray and Green Festival, April 20, Wooster Mohican Wildlife Weekend, April 23–25, Mohican State Park North Coast Nature Festival, April 23–25, North Olmsted Arbor Day Festival, May 1, Dawes Arboretum, Newark Dulcimers in the Cornfield, May 7–9, Wapakoneta Ohioana Book Festival, May 8, Columbus International Street Fair, May 15, Athens Chalk Art Festival, May 29, Medina Asian Festival, May 29–30, Columbus

Native American Powwow, Memorial Day weekend, Hilliard Frontier Days, June 3–6, Milford Gold Wings and Ribs Festival, June 4–5, Pomeroy Columbus Arts Festival, June 4–6, Columbus Strawberry Festival, June 5–6, Troy Pork Rind Heritage Festival, June 11–12, Harrod Hot Air Balloon Festival, June 11–13, Coshocton Port Clinton Annual Arts and Crafts Show, June 12, Port Clinton Fort Ancient Celebration, June 12–13, Oregonia Dean Martin Festival, June 17–19, Steubenville Railroad Festival and Train Meet, June 19, Bradford Dulcimer Days Festival, June 19–20, Coshocton Summer Solstice Lavender Field Day, June 19–20, Martinsville Appalachian Mountain Music Festival, June 25–27, Waynesville Gene Autry Days, June 26–27, Kenton Ohio Valley Frontier Days, June 26–27, Steubenville International Festival, last weekend in June, Lorain First Town Days, New Philadelphia, Dates TBA Old-Fashioned July 4th Celebration, July 4, Hamilton FCII Festival, July 8–11, Elyria

LaGrange Street Polish Festival, July 9–11, Toledo Great Mohican Indian Pow-Wow, July 9–11, Loudonville Rock’In Punderson, July 10, Newbury Gardening and Arts Festival, July 17, Delaware Honoring Our Veterans Pow Wow, July 17–18, Waterford Festival in the Cornfields, July 21–24, Wapakoneta Jazz and Rib Fest, July 23–25, Columbus Big Bend Blues Bash, July 29–31, Pomeroy Salsa Festival, July 29–Aug. 1, Cincinnati Wilmington Art and Pottery Festival, July 30–31, Wilmington Vintage Ohio, Aug. 6–7, Kirtland Twins Day Festival, Aug. 6–8, Twinsburg Dublin Irish Festival, Aug. 6–8, Dublin Lebanon Blues Festival, Aug. 7, Lebanon Pioneer Days, Aug. 7–8, Gnadenhutten Dan Emmett Music and Arts Festival, Aug. 12–15, Mount Vernon Feast of the Assumption, Aug. 12–15, Cleveland Italian-American Festival, Aug.-13, Dover Festival Latino, Aug. 14–15, Columbus Doggie Dash ’N Splash Fest, Aug. 21, Xenia Foothills Blues and Arts Festival, Aug. 27–28, Pomeroy

Country Living/April 2010—17

Shrines to glass: Ohio’s glass museums reflect rich heritage Cambridge

By BETH RICHARDS

B

y the time I was 8 years old, the words Heisey, Fostoria, Depression Glass, Cranberry and Carnival Ware were a regular part of my vocabulary — not a typical preteen vernacular. Many weekend nights during my childhood in the 1970s were spent in auction houses. If I was lucky, Saturday mornings also meant scouring garage sales with my parents, looking for treasures.

Our shopping wasn’t for personal items but rather collectibles, including glassware. Most were for my parents’ business, but some were for my mom’s private collection.

I had learned to recognize the markings of a valuable piece of glass: The raised “Diamond H” of Heisey, the elegant feel of Fostoria, the deep red of Cranberry. Although I had a keen eye and an idea of the worth of the glass, I wasn’t aware of the local historical significance of many of the finely crafted pieces.

Glass collectibles made here in Ohio are more than just pretty objects to be displayed — the production of the glassware is an intricate part of our state’s history and economy. Today, we have the opportunity to explore our rich heritage and artistry of glassmaking in numerous glass museums throughout our state. Be prepared to be stunned by the beauty of the pieces in each collection.

18—Country Living/April 2010

In the early 1900s, Guernsey County, and particularly Cambridge, became known worldwide for its production of quality glass, mainly from the Cambridge Glass Company. The company produced thousands of designs and color combinations and was considered one of the finest-quality glassware lines in the world. Today, Cambridge glass is a much sought-after collectible.

For the last 25 years, National Cambridge Collectors, Inc., has operated a museum in Cambridge, where it holds a convention each summer. In 2002 the organization opened its new, premier glass museum in downtown Cambridge. That year marked the 100th anniversary of the making of the first piece of Cambridge glass.

The new museum houses a superb collection of Cambridge glassware produced from 1902 to 1958. The museum features more than 10,000 pieces of beautiful handmade glassware and many new exhibits and interactive displays, such as one on the history of glassmaking, which contains a mock furnace, tools, molds and other items involved in the manufacturPhotos courtesy Toledo Museum of ing of fine glassware.

Art. (Top of page) Polychrome cast A large dining room glass. (Above) Roman agate bowl. display includes period (Photo by Richard Goodbody)

furniture as examples of a finely set table in the early 1900s. There is also an area used to display reproductions, which allows collectors to learn how to distinguish between original and reproduction items.

Lancaster In the 1890s, optical, cathedral, window and ornamental glass was being made at Highland Manufacturing in Lancaster. By the early 1900s, a number of glass companies were doing business there, taking advantage of the natural resources in the region. In 2003 Ohio’s state legislature recognized Lancaster as the “Pressed Glass Capital of Ohio,” and the Ohio Glass Museum established there in 2002 showcases the history of glass in Fairfield County and beyond.

Visitors can take a docent-led tour that tells the history of glass, from the earliest processes through present-day manufacturing techniques. Also available is a movie called Born of Fire, about locally produced glass. Pieces on display include Heisey, Fenton, Imperial, Cambridge, and Fairfield County’s own, Anchor Hocking/Lancaster Glass, Lancaster Lens/Lancaster Glass, Gay Fad, and Erickson.

Recently, a glass studio has been added for glassmaking demonstrations during regular museum hours, and classes are available. Modern pieces can be purchased in the museum’s gift shop, which opened in 2005.

and other natural resources, flourished.

Investors found the city to be an ideal location to build glass plants and began to produce some of the most beautiful glass ever made in America.

Between 1887 and 1920, Fostoria became home to 13 different glass companies. During the boom years, through 1892, up to eight glass manufacturers operated at the same time.

Newark The large smokestacks with the Diamond H's are gone, but the factory still stands, a skeletal reminder of the celebrated years when the “Finest in Glassware” was being made in Newark. The factory produced fine-quality glass tableware and decorative glass figurines, both pressed and blown, made in a wide variety of patterns and colors.

Heisey glassware, which is easily identifiable by its high clarity and brilliance, not to mention its vivid colors, is greatly prized among collectors.

The National Heisey Glass Museum opened in 1974, featuring 4,500 pieces of Heisey glass in hundreds of patterns and colors, showing off workmanship such as cuttings, etchings and engravings. A new display shows the company’s glass manufacturing process. Part of the appeal of visiting is the building the museum is housed in, the King House, an 1831 Greek Revival home that’s one of Newark’s oldest buildings.

The museum is operated by the Heisey Glass Collectors, an organization of 1,700 enthusiasts nationwide. The organization occasionally reproduces pieces from Heisey’s original molds that are sold in the museum’s gift shop. Keep an eye on the museum’s Web site, where you soon will be able to shop online and take a virtual tour of the facility.

Currently, you can see hundreds of breathtaking photos of the museum’s collection in the Web site’s gallery.

Fostoria The natural gas boom during the late 19th century was the catalyst for industrial growth in northwest Ohio.

Fostoria, with five major railroads, access to natural gas

Venetian glassware on display at Fostoria developed into one the Toledo Museum of Art of the largest producers of glass products in the nation; everything from glassware to light bulbs to window panes was shipped out of the small city.

Many exquisite examples from this time period are at the Glass Heritage Gallery in Fostoria, which opened in 1992. On display are pieces of glass made from 10 of the 13 companies that were in operation during the boom. The town’s namesake company, Fostoria Glass, only operated in Fostoria from 1887 to 1891 before moving to Moundsville, West Virginia, but the quality of its product and nationwide reputation made the name “Fostoria” the company’s most valued asset.

The gallery is a popular stop for collectors, groups and tours. In recent years, the National American Glass Club visited, as well as the popular PBS program, Antiques Roadshow.

Tiffin In 1888, the A. J. Beatty & Sons glass factory of Steubenville relocated to the city of Tiffin. Early production capacity was reported to be 500,000 pressed tumblers per week. The company soon merged with United States Glass Company and became one of 19 factories operated by the large corporation and only one of a few that survived the Great Depression. In 1938 the headquarters of United States Glass Company moved from Pittsburgh to Tiffin. Production continued until the fur(Continued on page 20)

Country Living/April 2010—19

Glass museums (—continued from page 19)

Corning, Owens Illinois and many offshoots of these companies have their roots in Toledo.

The Toledo Museum of Art was founded by glassmaker naces shut down on May 1, 1980.

Edward Libbey in 1901. In 2006 the internationally That date is considered by collectors to be the end of acclaimed museum added a Glass Pavilion celebrating all the Tiffin Glass Company. Today, though, you can still see things glass, both local and worldwide. The new pavilion more than 2,000 of the company’s most beautiful crehouses a vast collection of glass artworks, with a tribute ations at the Tiffin Glass Museum, arranged chronologito early American and Ohio industrial production of glass. cally. On display are stemware, lamps, optics and examBesides more than 5,000 ples of the company’s most works of glass from ancient popular lines. True aficionato contemporary times, visidoes of Tiffin Glass will also tors can see artists’ studios National Museum of Cambridge Glass, 136 S. Ninth St., appreciate the museum’s and glass demonstrations.

Cambridge 740-432-4245, www.cambridgeglass.org collection of company memThe building itself is a Ohio Glass Museum, 126 W. Main St., Lancaster orabilia and documents. work of art, incorporating The museum is operated 740-687-0101, www.ohioglassmuseum.org curved, layered glass walls by the Tiffin Glass Collectors National Heisey Glass Museum, 169 W. Church St., on both the outside and Club, whose members have Newark 740-345-2932, www.heiseymuseum.org inside walls. It sits in a park loaned many of the museacross the street from the Glass Heritage Gallery, 109 N. Main St., Fostoria um’s pieces. Plans are front entrance of the art 419-435-5077, www.fostoriaglass.com underway to include a museum’s main entrance. A library where glass students Tiffin Glass Museum, 25 S. Washington St., Tiffin shrine to glass that’s actualcan someday research their 419-448-0200, www.tiffinglass.org ly made of glass, the pavilfavorite glassware. ion is a mecca for lovers of Toledo Museum of Art Glass Pavilion, 2445 Monroe St., both Ohio’s glassmaking Toledo 419-255-8000, Toledo heritage and the world’s. ❏ www.toledomuseum.org/glass-pavilion Known as “The Glass City,” Toledo is famous for A free “Glass Pass” membership entitles you to special Beth Richards is a freediscounts on admission fees to several Ohio glass museits long history in many lance writer from Findlay. ums and at museums in other states. Visit www.glassareas of glass manufacturpass.org for more information. ing. Libbey Glass, Owens

If you go

20—Country Living/April 2010

Country Living/April 2010—21

Help fight the invaders!

New program will help in the struggle against invasive plant species

By JEFF REED

Species Program in 22 counties in south-central and southeastern Ohio. Landowners receiving technical assistance through the program might also be eligible to hey’re like something out of a scary movie — if they receive special incentive funds administered by the take root and start multiplying, we’re in trouble.

National Resources Conservation Service (NCRS). NCRS’s They’re nonnative invasive plants, and they’re all too Environmental Quality Incentive Program (EQIP) provides real and harmful. financial incentive to landowners who complete an invaIn Ohio, as many as 800 known plant species are alien sive-plant control project to help offset their project — nonnative — to the Buckeye State. That means they’ve expenses. Your electric cooperatives provide electricity to been introduced to our neck of the woods from other many of those 22 counties. states or countries. Fortunately, most nonnative plants are “The Woodland Invasive Species Program — the only friendly flora. known program of its kind in the Unfortunately, around 60 noncountry — focuses on five Ohio native plant species have been watersheds that have a high proidentified as being “invasive” by portion of forest coverage, includthe Ohio Division of Forestry ing state and federal forest lands,” (ODF). They’re a serious threat to Smith said. “Private landowners Ohio’s public and private forests within the 22-county project area and other native vegetation, can become part of a special stewincluding shrubs, bushes and ardship program, where we’ll help wildflowers. Bush honeysuckle them identify invasive plants in and tree-of-heaven top the list of their woods and offer management Ohio’s worst invasive-plant advice on how to control them invaders (see sidebar). based on their objectives for their “The aggressive nature of nonwoodland. The same holds true for native plants is what makes them local communities within the projso threatening,” said Annemarie ect area, especially for their public Smith, ODF invasive species parks, although public property is forester. “They usually grow very ineligible for EQIP funding.” fast, reach reproductive maturity Around 75 percent of Ohio’s very quickly and produce an more than 3,000 known plant excessive amount of fruit. Not species are native to what’s now having the natural enemies, predthe Buckeye State. They already ators and pathogens that keep were growing here long before sigthem in check in their native envinificant European settlement began ronment contributes to their around 1750, shortly before the aggressiveness. In short, they American Revolution. quickly upset the delicate balance Over the years, some invasive of nature.

The Woodland Invasive Species Program plants have come to Ohio by acci“This lack of natural control offers assistance in 22 Ohio counties to help dent, while others were planted for and their fast growth rate gives eradicate invasive species such as tree-of- good reasons gone bad — as agriinvasive plants the ability to heaven, which can sprout unwanted even in cultural or garden crops, erosion monopolize growing space, light control, livestock or wildlife food, urban areas. and below-ground resources, barriers, or for medicinal purposes. which has a negative impact on Still others were planted because they reminded someone native plants,” Smith said. “Invasive plants can cause of “home” or because they looked pretty. extensive economic damage and do immeasurable harm Invasive plants can “shade” or crowd out the seedlings to our natural resources and our natural heritage.” and saplings of native trees, jeopardizing the life cycle of ODF is waging a two-front war against invasive plants. forest stands. They can reduce or eliminate native plant First, state service foresters are available to identify and species from forest stands that provide food, shelter and offer advice to control invasive plants on properties with nesting sites for wildlife. That can disrupt the natural at least 10 wooded acres. Second, ODF also will help local food chain and nutrient cycle, as well as put threatened or communities address invasive-plant issues. endangered species in greater peril.

In addition, ODF operates the Woodland Invasive Invasive plants also can limit recreational opportunities

T

22—Country Living/April 2010

like hiking, hunting, bird watching, wildflower gazing, mushrooming and camping. They also can quickly overwhelm an urban park or play area. Wherever they sprout and spread, you can say goodbye to natural, native beauty and many other things.

“Invasive plants adversely affect many things, from the very existence of Ohio’s native plants and wildlife, to our pastimes and livelihood, especially Ohio’s $15 billion wood industry,” Smith said. “Knowledge, action and vigilance are the keys. Some people don’t know they have an

The usual suspects

Garlic mustard

You won’t see mug shots of this most-wanted gang hanging on a post office wall, but you might find its five members trying to take over the wooded lot behind the post office.

They’re Ohio’s top five worst nonnative invasive plant invaders, as identified by the Ohio Division of Forestry (ODF) — tree-of-heaven, bush honeysuckle, autumn olive, garlic mustard and privet.

“All nonnative invasive plants are aggressive, but these five are among the most aggressive and most prolific in Ohio’s forests at this time,” said Annemarie Smith, ODF invasive species forester. “If something you’ve never seen before starts quickly taking over your woods — or if you realize something already has — or if something you’ve planted is not staying in the area you’ve designated for it, it could be one of these five or one of the other 60 or so invasive plants ODF has identified. It even could be something new to Ohio.

“Do some research or contact us,” Smith said, “or get help from an arborist or one of Ohio’s master gardeners or some other expert. We’re all here to help you.”

Tree-of-heaven is a fast-growing tree with smooth bark, stout twigs and a palm-like appearance. It’s also called a “stink tree,” since every part of it gives off a foul odor. It’s often confused with sumac.

Bush honeysuckle grows as three similar species, all with woody, arched branches and oval leaves. Fragrant flowers pop out in spring, followed by a huge amount of berries in autumn — a mature plant can produce thousands of berries. Its fast growth rate and natural beauty have made it a popular ornamental plant.

Autumn olive invasive-plant problem. That’s where we come in. Get involved, learn how to identify the worst invaders, keep your eyes open and talk to your neighbors, especially if you think they may have invasive plants on their property.

We’re all in this together. Think of it this way — why grow ‘weeds’ when you can grow trees and wildflowers?” ❏

Bush honeysuckle (Photos courtesy of

For more Ohio Department of Natural Resources) information, visit www.ohiodnr.com/forestry, e-mail invasivespeciesforester@dnr.state.oh.us or contact Annemarie Smith at 740-589-9914.

Jeff Reed is a freelance writer and editor from Grove City.

Autumn olive has smooth, brown bark and oval leaves. Its flowers give off an overpowering sugary, sweet aroma. All parts of the plant, which also can grow as a shrub, have a silvery sheen. Before ODF identified its invasive nature, autumn olive was recommended for wildlife habitats and erosion control. It usually thrives on a forest’s edge or in an old field reverting to forest land.

Garlic mustard quickly carpets the understory (ground) of a forest during the first year of its two-year life cycle, smothering saplings and fellow herbs.

During its terrible twos, it says goodbye to its kidney-shaped leaves and bolts up to around three feet tall, with scalloped, heart-shaped leaves and clusters of white flowers. A single plant can produce as many as 3,000 seeds.

Privet is a semi-evergreen, woody shrub with small, egg-shaped leaves. Clusters of little white flowers cover it in spring, replaced by blue-black berries in autumn. Its popularity as an ornamental hedge causes problems — it escapes from a community setting or rural homestead, then flourishes in the wild.

Country Living/April 2010—23

Ohio’s wilderness Story and photo by TOM CROSS

T

he Shawnee State Forest Wilderness Area is a window into how Ohio must have looked when the Shawnee nation ruled the land. Situated in Adams and Scioto counties in southwest Ohio, the 8,624-acre tract is the Buckeye State’s only designated wilderness area. Man’s impact is still visible in some areas, but regeneration of the forest over the years has slowly erased most of the footprint left by

industry, logging and forest fires that have occurred during its storied past.

The wilderness area got its start in 1972 when then governor John Gilligan asked the Department of Natural Resources to establish one.

The most logical place for a wilderness area was in the middle of Ohio’s largest woodland, the vast 63,000-acre Shawnee State Forest, first established in 1922, where a large unbroken tract of timberland could be chosen. By designating the site as a wilderness area, Ohio’s leg-

For more information Shawnee State Forest headquarters, 740-858-6685, www.dnr.state.oh.us/dnn/forests/shawnee/tabid/5166/default.aspx Shawnee State Park, 740-858-6652, www.dnr.state.oh.us/parks/parks/shawnee/tabid/788/default.aspx

Hikers can follow the remains of the old tram road in Vastine Run at the Shawnee State Forest Wilderness Area.

24—Country Living/April 2010

islature assured that no logging, roads, motor vehicles or ATVs are permitted and that all maintenance would be done by hand, allowing the land to revert to its natural state.

Located in the southwest corner of Shawnee State Forest, the wilderness area is bordered on the east and west by Upper Twin Creek and Lower Twin Creek and to the south by U.S. 52, the Ohio River Scenic Byway.

The area is quite rugged, topping out at 1,100 feet in elevation, with peaks and valleys ranging from 300- to 400-foot differences. The dense forest contains oak, hickory, pine, maple, poplar, buckeye, ash and red elms. In the hollows, beech, walnut, sycamore and birch trees grow.

A variety of wildflowers includes some rarely found anywhere else.

One of them, a state-threatened species commonly known as Rock Skullcap, has been documented at five locations on the hillsides of the Lower Twin Creek drainage.

One of the wilderness’s most unique features is found at Vastine Run, which in 1952 was subject to one of the largest forest fires in the state. There and also at Cabbage Patch Hollow, remains can be found of the extensive quarry work that was done from the 1830s through the early 1900s.

In Vastine, hikers can easily follow the remains of the old tram road that was used to haul giant blocks of sandstone some four miles to the Ohio River at Buena Vista. These blocks, some as large as 300 cubic feet, were used to supply the Cincinnati market during the 1800s with building stones and were used in construction of the Roebling Suspension Bridge across the Ohio River in 1866.

Today, leftover quarry stones are still plainly visible along the remains of the old tram road that can be followed uphill to what was once the main area of operations. There, a large well lined with sandstone blocks used to supply water to the steam engines can be found. Huge sandstone slabs, some as large as 8 feet

Scenic auto tours Shawnee State Forest auto tour (the best route to see the forest by car), www.dnr.state.oh.us/dnn/forests/ shawnee/tabid/5166/default.aspx Ohio Byway — Scenic Scioto Heritage Trail (A driving tour along the east border of the Wilderness Area on Upper Twin Creek Road), www.dot.state.oh.us/Ohiobyways.

Then click on “Scenic Scioto Heritage Trail.”

U.S. 52 — Ohio River Scenic Byway, www.dot.state.oh.us/Ohiobyways.

Then click on “Ohio River Scenic.”

by 4 feet, are still stacked, ready for transportation to Cincinnati.

“It’s as if there was a beehive of activity that suddenly stopped,” said Ben Hamilton, retired Shawnee Forest manager.

The wilderness area is home to a resurgent population of bobcats and the endangered timber rattlesnake. It was the site of a black bear release 20 years ago.

Hikers can follow the North Country Trail or the Buckeye Trail into the interior of the wilderness area. Horseback riders can follow the Cabbage Patch bridle trail or another seven-mile trail along Buckhorn Ridge.

Hikers must first register at the trailhead parking area at Shawnee State Park or at state forest headquarters. Permits for overnight camping must be applied for in advance at state forest headquarters.

Topographical maps of the wilderness area are available from the ODNR Division of Geological Survey Web site.

Hamilton says the best time to visit the wilderness area is during the spring or the fall, but visitors should not underestimate the ruggedness of the terrain or the area’s size.

“From Lower Twin to Upper Twin in a straight line, it’s about three miles,” he said. “But if you were to walk it, it would seem like 10.”

But time is not measured in miles, seasons or hours spent. It is measured by the solitude and history one seeks and readily finds. ❏ Tom Cross is a freelance writer from Winchester.

Country Living/April 2010—25

All in the family

The Miller brothers run a shopping center, Amish style, in Adams County

By DAMAINE VONADA

Miller’s Bakery & Gifts; Daniel has Miller’s Furniture & Barns; and Harry Jr. is at Miller’s Bulk Foods. dams County is Ohio’s quiet Amish corner. While the Since their stores are different and have separate large and much-publicized Amish enclave around buildings, these horse-and-buggy businessmen have creHolmes County has developed into a major tourist attracated a shopping center, Amish style. Gravel instead of tion in northeast Ohio, savvy travelers seeking a more pavement covers their shared parking lot, and they use a low-key Amish experience head for the Appalachian hills windmill and solar panels to charge the batteries that of Adams County. A small but flourishing community of power lights, fans and cash registers. “When the sun goes about 100 Amish families lives among the wooded ridge down, we close our doors,” said Larry. tops north of West Union, where many of their shops are The biggest of the Miller brothers’ businesses is clustered near Wheat Ridge Road.

Daniel’s furniture store. Its 40,000 square feet of indoor Although the Wheat Ridge Amish are located only about shopping space is chock-full of Amish oak and cherry two hours south of Columbus, finding them means going furniture, and the far off the beaten path on 5,000 in-stock items narrow country roads range from rocking that bob and weave chairs to entertainment through splendidly scenic centers. At the bulk hillsides. In Adams foods store, Harry Jr. County, crowing roosters sells Holmes County herald the sunrise; deer meats and cheeses; flit among the shadows; buckeyes, peanut britlaundry dangles from tle and other homeclotheslines; and cars as made candies; and well as buggies rumble baking and cooking through the old Harshasupplies. Larry still ville Covered Bridge. uses his mother’s The Amish are fairly recipes for pies, cakes new to Adams County. and other goodies sold They began settling there at the bakery. Cusin the 1970s, and among tomers love the fruit the first to arrive were fry pies, but Saturday Harry and Lydia Miller. shoppers get a special A furniture store, bakery and bulk foods store make up the According to their son treat — freshly made Millers’ complex on scenic Wheat Ridge Road. (Photo courtesy glazed doughnuts.

Larry, they left Indiana because they wanted a of Adams County Travel and Visitors Bureau) Throughout the bigger farm, and land year, the brothers host special promotions like the was cheaper in Adams County. storewide furniture sale on Memorial Day weekend and The Millers bought 300 acres along Wheat Ridge Road, the Amish School Benefit Cookout on Labor Day weekbut with six children to raise, they needed extra income. end. In October, Customer Appreciation Day — a Miller In 1977 they opened a bakery in their farmhouse’s tradition for more than 30 years — features barbecued kitchen. The entire family pitched in, and soon a steady chicken and pie with homemade ice cream. stream of customers was dropping by the farm for homeOf course, the Millers’ events also provide a perfect oppormade pies, bread and cinnamon rolls. Then Harry began tunity for visitors to savor the slower pace of the Adams selling some furniture from Holmes County. Before long, County Amish.“If people are under stress,” said Larry, the Millers realized that their patrons liked Amish-made “Wheat Ridge Road is like taking a little vacation.” ❏ tables and chairs as much as Lydia’s custard pies, and Damaine Vonada is a freelance writer from Xenia. they transitioned from being farmers to storekeepers.

Miller’s Furniture, Bakery and Bulk Foods, 960 When folks drive on rural Wheat Ridge Road today, Wheat Ridge Rd., West Union, OH 45693, Mon.–Sat., they often are amazed at the retail complex that has 9 a.m.–5 p.m. Furniture, 937-544-8524; Bakery & sprouted on the Miller farmstead. “Lots of people make Gifts, 937-544-4520; Bulk Foods, 937-544-8449.

Miller’s a day trip,” said Larry Miller, “and the first time For additional information about Adams County they come, they’re usually surprised that there is so much attractions, telephone the Adams County Travel & here.” He and two of his brothers — Daniel and Harry Jr. Visitors Bureau at 937-544-5454 or visit the Web — operate three side-by-side enterprises. Larry runs site www.adamscountytravel.org.

A

26—Country Living/April 2010

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28—Country Living/April 2010

Country Living/April 2010—29

30—Country Living/April 2010

Where the action is PLEASE NOTE — Country Living strives for accuracy in this listing, but strongly urges readers to confirm dates and admission charges before traveling long distances to events. Submit your listing AT LEAST 90 DAYS prior to the event by writing to Country Living, P.O. Box 26036, Columbus, OH 43226-0036, or send e-mail to bem@buckeyepower.com. Please note: Country Living will not publish event listings that do not include a complete address of where the event takes place or a telephone number to call for more information.

H — Denotes events accessible to the physically challenged.

CO-OP ANNUAL MEETINGS Apr. 10 — Guernsey-Muskingum Electric Cooperative, Inc., Larry W. Miller Intermediate School, New Concord, 1 p.m.

Apr. 10 — Pioneer Rural Electric Cooperative, Inc., Pioneer Office, Piqua, 9 a.m.

Apr. 13 — Mid-Ohio Energy Cooperative, Inc., Hardin Co. Fgds., Kenton, 7 p.m.

Apr. 15 — Harrison Rural Electrification Association, Inc., Liberty High School, Clarksburg, WV, 6 p.m.

Apr. 24 — North Western Electric Cooperative, Inc., Edon Northwest High School, 80 W. Indiana St., Edon, 6 p.m.

APRIL EVENTS

Northwest Lima Silver Spurs Square Dancing, Westwood Middle School cafeteria, 503 N. Cable Rd., Lima, 2nd Sat. of month, 8 p.m. 419-692-1786.

Apr. 7, 8 — Sesame Street Live, Veterans' Memorial Civic and Convention Center, 7 Town Square, Lima, Wed. 7 p.m., Thur. 10:30 a.m. and 7 p.m. 419-224-1552.

Apr. 8-11 — The Music Man, James F. Dicke Auditorium, 901 E. Monroe, New Bremen, Apr. 8-10 at 7 p.m., Apr. 10, 11 at 2 p.m. $8-$10.

419-733-9783.

Apr. 8–11 — Southern Gospel Expo, Trinity Friends Church, 605 N. Franklin St., Van Wert, Thur. 7 p.m., Fri. 6 p.m., Sat. 5 p.m., Sun. 6:30 p.m. More than 30 groups and artists from around the country. 419-238-2660 or www.trinityfriendschurch.com/GospelExpo.html.

Apr. 10 — Elixir, Pemberville Opera House, Pemberville, 7:30 p.m. $10. American music from the 1800s. 419-287-4848 or www.pembervilleoperahouse.org.

Apr. 10 — Flag City Toys That Shoot, Lighthouse Banquet Facility, 10055 St. Rte. 224 W., Findlay, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. $2. Buy, sell or trade air guns, BB guns, cap guns. 419-422-9121 or 419-423-0070 or artnroun1@juno.com.

Apr. 10, 11 — Fremont Flea Market, Sandusky Co. Fgds., Fremont, Sat. 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Sun. 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Free. 200 vendors. 419-332-5604 or www.sanduskycountyfair.com.

Apr. 15 — Tea at the Holderman House, Sandusky County Historical Society Museum, 514 Birchard Ave., Fremont, 1 p.m. $12. 419684-9184 or www.sanduskycountyhistory.org.

Apr. 16-18 — McDonald's Youth Theatre – Little Prince, Encore Theatre, 991 North Shore Dr., Lima, Fri., Sat. 8 p.m., Sun. matinee 2 p.m. $7. 419-223-8866 or 800-944-1441.

Tiffin T-Squares, Tiffin Developmental Center, 600 N. River Rd., Tiffin, 2nd and 4th Sat. of the month, 8 p.m. Western square dancing. 419-937-2579.

Apr. 22-24 — Ohio Genealogical Society Conference, SeaGate Convention Centre, 401 Jefferson Ave., Toledo. 37 speakers, 55 lectures for all levels of research, 6 workshops, exhibits, free workshop for beginners. Registration: conference2010@ogs.org or 419-756-7294.

Bellefontaine Hi-Point See Saws Square Dancing, Masonic Temple, 600 N. Main St., Bellefontaine, 2nd Sat. of even months and 3rd Sat. of odd months, 8-10:30 p.m. 937-592-0571.

Apr. 23-25 — Women's Weekend, YMCA Camp Willson, Bellefontaine. $145. Crafts, relaxing massages, hiking, horseback trail rides. 800-4230427 or www.ymcacampwillson.org.

Apr. 1-Aug. 1 — “Croquet: A Sport Story,” Hayes Presidential Center, Fremont, Tue.-Sat. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Closed Mon., Sun. and holidays. An exclusive exhibit examining the history of croquet during its 19th-century heyday. 419-332-2081 or www.rbhayes.org.

Apr. 24 — Dulcimer Jams, Famous Old Time Music Company, 20322 U.S. 33, Wapakoneta, 13 p.m. Features mountain and hammered dulcimers with autoharps; but guitar, banjo, mandolin, fiddle, bass and other players are welcome.

419-568-1220 or 513-607-1874.

Apr. 3 — Easter Egg Roll, Hayes Presidential Center, Fremont, 2-3:30 p.m. Children ages 3-10 are invited to relive a White House tradition started in 1878 by President Hayes. Boil and color three eggs as your entry fee to a variety of "rolling" contests. Bring a 4th predecorated egg to enter in the optional egg-decorating contest. 419332-2081 or 800-998-7737 or www.rbhayes.org.

Apr. 27 — Daniel Rodriguez, Niswonger Performing Arts Center, 10700 St. Rte. 118 S., Van Wert, 7:30 p.m. New York City's Singing Cop. 419-238-6722.

Apr. 3 — Bluegrass in the Cornfield monthly concerts, Famous Old Time Music Company, 20322 U.S. 33, Wapakoneta, 4 p.m. $10. 419568-1220 or 513-607-1874.

Apr. 28-May 2 — 42nd Street, Freed Center for the Performing Arts, 525 S. Main St., Ada, 8 p.m.; Sun., May 2, 2 p.m. $9-15. 419-772-1900.

Apr. 30 — The Toledo Orchestra plays the music of John Williams, Clyde Performing Arts Center, 1015 Race St., Clyde, 7:30 p.m. $10. 419-547-0588 or www.communitiesfortheartsclyde.org.

Apr. 3 — Anniversary Dance, Lima-Live Singles, Heritage Elementary School, 816 College Ave., Lima, 8-11 p.m. $8. 419-371-5702 or limalivesingles@yahoo.com.

Apr. 30-May 2 — Nob Hammer-In, AuGlaize Village and Farm Museum, Krouse Rd., 3 miles west of Defiance on U.S. 24. $3, Srs. $2, Std. $1.

Open to those learning or improving blacksmithing skills. 419-395-1314.

Apr. 3 — Hardin County Easter Egg Hunt, on the lawn of the Hardin County Courthouse, 1 p.m.

For children age 10 and under. Free. Children attending need to bring an Easter basket or bag.

The Easter Bunny will also make a visit. 419673-4131 or alliance@hardinohio.org.

Northeast

Apr. 3, 4 — Tri-State Gun Show, Allen Co. Fgds., Lima, Sat. 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m., Sun. 8:30 a.m.-3 p.m. $4. A popular show for collectors of guns, knives, hunting equipment and associated collectibles. 419-647-0067.

Apr. 6 — Broadway in Lima – The Wizard of Oz, Veterans' Memorial Civic and Convention Center, Lima, 7:30 p.m. 419-224-1552.

Apr. 7 — African Children's Choir, ONU Freed Center, Biggs Theatre, Lima, 10 a.m. and 8 p.m. $20, C. $10. The choir is made up of orphaned children from the Kampala and Luwero areas of Uganda. 419-772-1900.

Bluegrass Saturday Nights, Homerville Community Center, St. Rte. 301, Homerville, 2nd and 4th Sat. of each month, 7-11 p.m. All pickers welcome. 330-416-2222.

Salt Creek Inc. Bluegrass and Buffet, April’s Country Kitchen, 640 Heller Dr., Newcomerstown, 1st Fri. each month through July. 701-498-4242.

Through Apr. — Live Bluegrass Music, Landon Walker and Southern Grass, Valley Grange Hall on St. Rte. 226 off St. Rte. 3, south of Wooster, north of Shreve, every 3rd Sat., 5:30 p.m. $5.

606-483-0416.

Apr. 3 — Easter Egg Hunt, Findley State Park, Wellington, 11 a.m. Children 10 and under are invited to hunt for eggs. Location for 2010 will be in the campground area. A special section will be provided for children under 3 years old. Free.

866-644-6727 or visit www.ohiostateparks.org.

Apr. 3 — Modern Gospel, "The Prayer Warriors,” Broadway Hall, 144 N. Broadway, Medina, doors open 7:30 p.m., curtain 8 p.m.

330-952-0910 or www.mainstreetmedina.com.

Apr. 5-16 — Spring Quilt Show, Fort Steuben, 120 S. 3rd St., Steubenville, Mon.-Fri. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. or by reservation. Features local quilters.

740-283-1787 or www.oldfortsteuben.com.

Apr. 10 — Apple Tree Pruning School, Mapleside Farms, 294 Pearl Rd., Brunswick. For backyard orchardists to learn the care of fruit trees. 330-225-5577 or www.mapleside.com.

Apr. 11 — Medina Model Railroad Train and Toy Show, Medina Co. Fgds., Medina, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. 330-948-4400, www.conraddowdell.com.

Apr. 16-18, 23-25 — Bag Lady Tour, Wellington, Huntington Twp., Rochester Twp., Homerville, West Salem, Penfield and Spencer, Fri./Sat. 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Sun. noon to 5 p.m. Pick up a flyer at your first stop and get it stamped at each location. Complete your stamps to be entered into a Grand Prize drawing. 440-647-9424 or blackriverantiques@live.com.

Apr. 17 — Gardeners Fair, Sailorway Middle School, corner of St. Rte. 60 and Sailorway Dr., Vermilion, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. $2. 440-967-5299, or 440-967-2567 or www.mainstreetvermilion.com.

Apr. 17 — Mohican Valley Eagle Watch, Loudonville. Join a local eagle expert who will teach you proper “eagle etiquette” and help you understand the history, ecology and life of the bald eagles in Ohio. Special weekend getaway may be planned at Mohican River Inn. 800-2285118 or www.mohicanriverinn.net.

Apr. 17 — Workshop: Go Fly a Kite, Grand Pacific Junction, 8112 Columbia Rd., Olmsted Falls. Kite building takes place in the Grand Pacific Junction Gazebo from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. or until materials run out. $1 donation. 440-4279773 or www.grandpacificjunction.com.

Bluegrass Music, A-B-H Bluegrass Hide-Away, 850 Fitchville River Rd. S., New London, Fri. and Sat. jamming, doors open 6 p.m. Bands scheduled 2nd Sat. 440-225-5863 or 419-929-2400.

Apr. 17 — Earth Day Extravaganza, Carlisle Visitor Center, 12882 Diagonal Rd., LaGrange, noon-4 p.m. Crafts, games, hikes, music and hands-on activities geared toward the earth’s environment and natural resources. Free. 440458-5121 or www.metroparks.cc.

Bluegrass Jam Session, Lafayette United Methodist Church, 6201 Lafayette Rd., Medina, Fri. nights, doors open 5:30 p.m., music 7-11 p.m. $2. 330-725-6176 or www.lafayetteumc.net.

Apr. 17, 18 — Center, Medina Medina, Sat. 9 330-948-4400,

An Evening of Bluegrass Music, Carpenters Cafe/Keim Lumber Co., 4465 St. Rte. 557, Charm, 3rd Mon. of month, 5-7 p.m. 330-407-8124.

Medina Gun Show, Community Co. Fgds., 735 W. Lafayette Rd., a.m.-5 p.m., Sun. 9 a.m.-3 p.m. www.conraddowdell.com.

(Continued on page 32) Country Living/April 2010—31

Where the action is (—continued from page 31) Apr. 23, 24 — Ohio Barn Conference and Barn Tour in Wayne County, Shisler Conference Center, 1625 Wilson Ave., Wooster. Learn about Ohio's historic barns: their maintenance, uses and how they were built. Preregistration and fee for both days.

330-624-3230 or www.ohiobarns.osu.edu.

Apr. 23-25 — Steel Guitar Show, Atwood Lake Resort, 2650 Lodge Rd., Sherrodsville. 888-8198042, 330-735-2211 or www.atwoodlakeresort.com.

Apr. 23-25 — Mohican Wildlife Weekend, Loudonville, A celebration of wildlife, habitat, heritage and natural history. www.mohicanwildlifeweekend.com or 877-642-8282 and 877-266-4422.

Apr. 24 — Native Plant Sale and Gardening Seminar, The Wilderness Center, 9877 Alabama Ave. SW, Wilmot, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. 330-359-5235 or www.wildernesscenter.com.

Apr. 24, 25 — Mill Hollow's Herb Fair, Mill Hollow, Vermilion River Reservation, 51211 North Ridge Rd., Vermilion, Sat. 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Sun. noon-4 p.m. Free. 440-967-7310.

Apr. 25 — Medina Flea Market, Community Center, Medina Co. Fgds., 735 W. Lafayette Rd., Medina, 6 a.m.-3 p.m. Admission, 330-9484300, www.conraddowdell.com.

Central Muskingum Valley Jubilee, music show, 205 N. Fifth St., Zanesville, 2nd Sat. each month, doors open 6 p.m., show at 7 p.m. $8, Srs. $7. H. 740438-7232 or 740-452-2376.

Band and Dancing, Linton Community Center, St. Rte. 93 and College Ave., Plainfield, 1st Sat. every month, 8-11 p.m. 740-545-6425 or 740-502-2901.

Marion Hicks and Chicks Square Dancing, Sunny Acres Barn, 4600 St. Rte. 309, Caledonia, 1st and 3rd Sat., 8 p.m. 419-947-6081.

Pickerington – Friendly Ties Western Square Dance, Pickerington Senior Center, 150 Hereford Dr., Pickerington, 1st and 3rd Sun., 7-10 p.m.

614-834-8701.

Water Song TaiJi Quan and QiGong, Tai Chi classes Tue. and Thur. 6–7:30 p.m., Saint Paul’s Lutheran Church, 930 Harding Memorial Pkwy., Marion, and on Sat. 10–11:30 a.m. at Marion City Recreation Center, 240 W. Center St., Marion.

740-360-6931.

Apr. 3 — Lancaster Eagle-Gazette Spring Craft Show, Fairfield Co. Fgds., Lancaster, 8 a.m.-3 p.m. 740-681-4513.

Apr. 6 — Pendulum Percussion Duo, Ohio Wesleyan University, Gray Chapel, 61 S. Sandusky St., Delaware, 8-10 p.m. 740-2036908, www.owu.edu.

Apr. 7 — U.S. Army Field Band Concert, Palace Theatre, 276 W. Center St., Marion. Call for time.

740-389-9960.

Apr. 8 — Five Nights On Campus, OSU Marion, 1465 Mt. Vernon Ave., Marion, 7:30 p.m. Dr. John "Chuck" Chalberg portrays Branch Rickey. 740-3896786, www.marion.ohio-state.edu.

Apr. 8-11 — Equine Affaire, Ohio Expo Center, 717 E. 17th Ave., Columbus, Thur.-Sat. 9 a.m.7:30 p.m., Sun. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. $14 or a 4-day pass $48; C. $8 or a 4-day pass $28. A world-class educational program and extensive trade show.

740-845-0085, www.equineaffaire.com.

Apr. 9-10 — Broadway Jr., Annie, Palace Theatre, 276 W. Center St., Marion. 740-3832101 or www.marionpalace.org.

Apr. 9-11 — Marion Spring Home and Garden Show, 288 America Blvd., Fri. 1-8 p.m., Sat. 10 a.m.-8 p.m., Sun. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. 740-397-7788 or www.homeshowsrus.com.

Apr. 10 — Bucyrus Model Railroad Association Train Show, Crawford Co. Fgds. youth building, Bucyrus, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. $4. 866-562-0720.

Apr. 10 — Moscow Festival Ballet, Sleeping Beauty, Midland Theatre, 36 North Park Place, Newark, 8 p.m. $15-$65. 740-345-5483, 740345-5483 or www.midlandtheatre.org.

Apr. 10, 11 — Baby Bonanza and Kid's Expo, Veterans Memorial, 300 W. Broad St., Columbus.

Ohio's largest maternity, baby and kid's expo!

740-972-1471, www.babybonanza.net.

Apr. 10, 17 — Beginning Bonsai, Dawes Arboretum, 7770 Jacksontown Rd. SE, Newark, Apr. 10, 9 a.m.–noon; Apr. 17, 9–11 a.m. $55/$40 members. Reservation required by Apr. 7. A two–session course will introduce participants to the art of bonsai. 800-443-2937 or www.dawesarb.org.

Apr. 11 — Eddie Carroll as Jack Benny, Palace Theatre, 276 W. Center St., Marion. 3 p.m. $20.

740-383-2101 or www.marionpalace.org.

Apr. 11 — Lancaster Community Concerts, Nearly Neil and the Solitary Band, Ohio University, 1570 Granville Pike, Lancaster, 3 p.m.

740-654-1003 or www.lancastercommunityconcerts.com.

fodil specimens on display, many of which can be ordered. 740-522-6914, www.granvilleoh.com.

Apr. 23, 24 — Dinner Theater, Bremen Area Historical Society, 161 Carter St., Bremen. Steak dinner followed by homegrown entertainment. $12. Presale tickets: 740-569-7313. H. Apr. 23-25 — The Encampment, Century Village, Fryer Park, 4185 Orders Rd., Grove City.

Experience the American Revolution, early frontier life on the Midwest Plains and the Civil War era. 800-539-0405 or www.visitgrovecityoh.com.

Apr. 24— World Tai Chi Day, Busby Park in downtown Marion. 740-244-9567.

Apr. 24 — Bluegrass Music, Black Diamond and Northwest Territory, Jerome Township Hall (New California), 9777 Industrial Pkwy., Plain City. Doors open at 5 p.m., music 6-10 p.m. 937707-5574.

Apr. 24 — Fairfield County Spring Llama Show, Fairfield Co. Fgds., Lancaster, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

740-536-9385.

Apr. 24 — Write-On Writers Annual Writers Conference, Coshocton Senior Center, 201 Brown's Lane, Coshocton, 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. sfmooney@parakrisis.com.

Apr. 24 — Little Muskingum VFD Fish Fry, 15150 St. Rte. 26, 15 miles north of Marietta on St. Rte. 26, 5 p.m. 740-473-2633.

Apr. 24, 25 — Ashville Viking Festival, Ashville Village Park, 200 Walnut St., Ashville, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. A living history event featuring a 40-ft. replica of a Viking longship. Music, dance and swordplay, crafts demonstrations, period merchandise. 740-983-9390 or www.ashvillevikingfest.com.

Apr. 24-Jun.19 — Art Quilts and Textiles by Susan Nash, Zanesville Museum of Art, 620 Military Rd., Zanesville; Tue., Wed. 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Thur. 10 a.m.-8:30 p.m.; Fri., Sat. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. $6, Srs./Std. $4. 740-452-0741.

Apr. 25 — Coshocton Community Choir Spring Concert "At the River," McKinley Auditorium, Coshocton High School, 1205 Cambridge Rd., Coshocton, 3 p.m. $8, C. $5. 200 singers and musicians from central Ohio participate in this spring concert. 740-622-3960 or 740-623-0554, www.coshoctoncommunitychoir.org.

Apr. 25 — Beethoven’s 9th, Newark Granville Symphony Orchestra, Swasey Chapel, Granville, 7 p.m. The orchestra is joined by the Denison Concert Choir, featuring students, staff, faculty and community members. 740-345-5483 or www.ngsymphony.org.

Bluegrass Show, Three Rivers Fire Dept., U.S. 36 and St. Rte. 621 (2 mi. e. of Coshocton), Canal Lewisville, every 4th Sat., show 7-9 p.m., jam to 11 p.m. $5 cover charge at door. 740-498-8456.

Apr. 13 — Women's Expo, Coliseum, Marion Co. Fgds., 220 E. Fairground St., Marion, 4-8 p.m. A working women's night out to enjoy. 740-3831131 or www.marioncountyfairgrounds.com.

Apr. 1-Dec. 2 — Paws in the Plaza, Creekside Plaza, 123 Mill St., Gahanna, Thurs. 4:30 p.m. until dark. Free. Join other dogs as they bring their owners to stroll through the paths, river walks and pet-friendly shops throughout downtown. Enjoy special treats, free nail trimmings.

614-342-4041, www.visitgahanna.com.

Apr. 25 — Having a Ball, Buckingham Meeting House, 6 N. Sixth St., Newark, 1 p.m. A tour of some local Ball-designed homes with a lecture and exhibit. Members $5, nonmembers $10. 740345-4898, www.lchsohio.org.

Apr. 15 — And All That Jazz, Palace Theatre, 276 W. Center St., Marion. Featuring high school swing and jazz ensembles. 740-383-2101 or www.marionpalace.org.

Apr. 29-30 — Putnam County Spelling Bee, Morrill Hall Auditorium on the OSU Marion Campus, 1465 Mt. Vernon Ave., performance begins at 7:30 p.m. 740-389-6786.

Apr. 15-17 — National Robotics Competition, Coliseum, Marion Co. Fgds., 220 E. Fairgrounds St., Marion. Competition by middle schools, high schools, vocational schools, community colleges and universities all over the U.S. 740-382-2558 or www.nationalroboticschallenge.org.

Apr. 29-May 8 — Otterbein College Theatre: Dead Man's Cell Phone, Campus Center Theatre, 100 W. Home St., Westerville, Thur.-Sat. 8-10:30 p.m., Sun. 2-4:40 p.m. $15. 614-823-1109 or www.otterbein.edu/theatre.

Apr. 1-30 — Statehouse Student Art Exhibition, Ohio Statehouse, Columbus, Mon.Sun. Free. Special exhibition featuring students in grades K-12 in Ohio's public schools. 888-OHIO123, www.ohiostatehouse.org.

Apr. 2 — Dino Egg Dig, William Kraner Nature Center, 10380 Fairview Rd., Newark. Hunt for dinosaur eggs in the archaeological dig.

Reservations required. 740-323-0520 or www.lickingparkdistrict.com.

Apr. 2-30 — Wings and Wilderness, Monarch Art Gallery, Lancaster, Tues.-Sat. 1 a.m.-4 p.m. and by appointment. 740-681-4513.

Apr. 3 — Easter Egg-stravaganza, Mound Park, William Kraner Nature Center, 10380 Fairview Rd., Newark, 1:30 p.m. at Infirmary Mound Park's shelter house #5, with events beginning at 2 p.m. Egg hunting starts at 3 p.m. Reservations 740-323-0520 or www.lickingparkdistrict.com.

Apr. 3 — Pruning in the Landscape, Dawes Arboretum, 7770 Jacksontown Rd. SE, Newark, 9 a.m.–noon. $20/$15 members. Reservation required. 800-443-2937 or www.dawesarb.org.

32—Country Living/April 2010

Apr. 16-17 — Steel Magnolias, Dinner Theatre, Palace Theatre, 276 W. Center St., Marion. Dinner at 6 p.m., show at 7:30 p.m. $20 just for show; dinner and show $30. 740-383-2101 or www.marionpalace.org.

Apr. 16-18 — UKC Beagle Nationals, Coshocton Co. Fgds., 707 Kenilworth Ave., Coshocton.

Spectators welcome. Camping available on-site, $20 per night with full hook-up. Contact the Fairboard Office, 740-622-2385; Beagle Field Operations, United Kennel Club, 269-343-9020, hounds@ukcdogs.com or 740-545-0984; 800338-4724 or www.visitcoshocton.com.

Apr. 16-25 — The Love of Nightingale, Ohio Wesleyan University, Chappelear Drama Center, 45 Rowland Ave., Delaware, Fri.-Sat. 8-11 p.m., Sun. 2-5 p.m. $5-$10. 740-203-6908, www.owu.edu.

Apr. 17, 18 — Daffodil Show, Granville Garden Club, 334 E. Broadway, Granville. Over 300 daf-

Apr. 30-May 8 — Dogwood Festival, Pomerene Center for the Arts, 317 Mulberry St., Coshocton.

Numerous activities throughout its 8-day run in many diverse locations. 740-622-0326 or www.pomerenearts.org or www.visitcoshocton.com.

Southeast Bluegrass Music Jam, River’s Edge Activities Center, St. Rte. 7, 4-1/2 miles s. of Sardis and 1-1/2 miles n. of Fly, 1st Sat. of the month, 6 p.m. All bluegrass, old-time country music bands and public welcome. 740-213-3285 or 740-865-2288.

Classic Country Music Show, Liberty Bell Restaurant, 102 N. Broad St., Bremen, Sat. 4-8 p.m. $5. 740-569-4883 or 740-743-3018.

Ohio Valley Opry, Twin City Opera House, 15 W. Main St., McConnelsville, 3rd Sat. of the month.

740-962-3030 or www.operahouseinc.com.

Where the action is Paint Valley Jamboree, Paxton Theatre, 125 E. Main St., Bainbridge, every Sat. 7 p.m. $9, Srs. $8. 740-634-3333.

Boomtown Flea Market, 301 W. Market St., St. Rte. 668, Somerset, Fri.-Sat. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. all year round. Spinning wheel and pottery demonstrations. 740-743-9202.

Apr. 10 — Byesville Scenic Railway, 2nd St. Depot, Byesville, 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. $12, C. $9. All aboard for a trip back in history as passengers are transported in time to the days when coal mining was king in Guernsey County. 800933-5480, 740-432-2022 or www.bsrw.org.

Apr. 10, 11 — Southern Ohio Home and Garden Show, Ross Co. Fgds., Chillicothe, Sat. 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Sun. noon-4 p.m. Free admission, parking is $2. 800-413-4118 or www.southernohiohomegarden.com.

Apr. 10, 11 — French 500 Flea Market, Gallia Co. Jr. Fgds., 189 Jackson Pike, Gallipolis, 8 a.m.www.gallia5 p.m. 740-446-4120 or countyfair.org.

Apr. 16-18 — The Princess Plays, Ariel-Ann Carson Dater Performing Arts Centre, 426 Second Ave., Gallipolis, Fri.-Sat. 8 p.m., Sun. 3 p.m.

Three one-act plays presented in one production.

740-446-2787 or www.arieltheatre.org.

Apr. 17 — Sangmele (Walt Michael, Lea Gilmore, Ralph Gordon) Concert, Washington State Main Campus, Arts and Science Building, 8 p.m. Free. 740-374-8716.

Apr. 22 — Bluegrass Concert Series, Ariel-Ann Carson Dater Performing Arts Centre, 426 Second Ave., Gallipolis, 7 p.m.

740-446-2787 or www.arieltheatre.org.

Apr. 10 — Primarily Satin, Clinton County History Center, 149 E. Locust St., Wilmington, weekly Wed.Fri. 1-4 p.m. and 2nd Sat. of each month. $5. This exhibit features cocktail dresses from the 1930s to the early 1960s. 937-382-4684.

Apr. 11 — Collectors Toy Show, Champaign Co. Fgds., Park Ave., Urbana, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. $2. Buy, sell or trade. 937-826-4201.

Apr. 11 — Look Out Galileo!, Oxford Community Arts Center, 10 S. College Ave., Oxford, 3 p.m. Free. Madcap Productions Puppet Theatre. 513-524-8506 or www.oxarts.com.

Apr. 16-18 — Bellbrook Sugar Maple Festival, downtown Bellbrook (St. Rte. 725 between I-675 and U.S. 42), Fri. 6 p.m.-8 p.m., Sat. 10 a.m.-8 p.m., Sun. 11 a.m.-6 p.m. 937-862-9305.

Apr. 17-Jun. 20 — Butterfly Show, Eden Park, Krohn Conservatory, 1501 Eden Park Dr., Cincinnati, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. $6, Srs. $5, C. $4.

513-421-5707 or TTY 513-352-3380.

Apr. 17-25 — Cincinnati Flower Show, Symmes Park, Cincinnati. America's most acclaimed flower show featuring world-class exhibits, social events, gardeners’ and plant markets, a lecture series and tours. Apr. 17-24, 10 a.m.-7:30 p.m.’

Apr. 25, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. 513-872-9555.

Apr. 18-25 — Ohio Mozart Festival, HamiltonFairfield Symphony Orchestra, various locations in Butler County. 513-895-5151.

Apr. 22 — History Presentation – Quaker Friendship Dolls, Quaker Heritage Center, Wilmington College, 1870 Quaker Way, Wilmington, 7:30 p.m. 937-382-6661, ext. 719.

Apr. 23-25, Jun. 25-27 — Muskingum Valley Trade Days, Woodsfield Fgds., 46760 St. Rte. 26, Woodsfield. 740-558-2740 or www.mvtradersday.com.

Apr. 23 — Fitton Family Fridays! Doktor Kaboom, Fitton Center for Creative Arts, 101 S. Monument Ave., Hamilton, 7:30 p.m. A one-man variety show blending theater arts with scientific exploration. For families and children ages 4 to 6.

513-863-8873 or www.fittoncenter.org.

Apr. 24 — EcoThon, the Wilds. 10K and 5K Trail Walk on the Wilds' highly regarded cross-country course benefits important conservation science programs. Arrive by 9 a.m., race begins at 10 a.m. 740-638-5030, ext. 2286, or www.thewilds.org or reservations@thewilds.org.

Apr. 23-25 — Grassy Run Heritage Rendezvous, Williamsburg Community Park, Williamsburg, Fri. 9 a.m.-3 p.m., Sat. 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Sun. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. $3, Srs./C. $2. Living history encampment.

513-734-1119 or www.grassyrun.org.

Apr. 24 — National Park Day, Hopewell Culture National Historical Park, 16062 St. Rte. 104, Chillicothe, 1–4 p.m. An afternoon of activities highlighting the natural and cultural resources making up National Park Service sites. Activities include Junior Ranger programs, arts and crafts projects, and guided earthwork and nature tours.

740-774-1126 or www.nps.gov/hocu.

Apr. 24 — McCarty Gardens Spring Fling, McCarty Gardens, 10623 St. Rte. 3, Sabina, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. 937-584-5441.

Apr. 30-May 1 — Hopalong Cassidy Reunion and Western Toy Show and Sale. Throughout Cambridge and at Pritchard Laughlin Civic Center.

Fri. dinner and entertainment at Cambridge City Park. Sat. dinner with Hollywood stars at Pritchard Laughlin Civic Center. Special guests include Bobby Copeland, author of dozens of western books, and Jeff Hildebrandt from Encore Westerns channel, also a poet and author. 740826-4850.

Southwest Apr. 1-May 4 — How Children Learn About Other Cultures, Meriam R. Hare Quaker Heritage Center, Wilmington College, 1870 Quaker Way, Wilmington, weekdays 9 a.m.-4 p.m. or by appointment. 937-382-6661, ext. 719.

Apr. 3 — Scottish Terrier Specialty Show, Dayton Airport Expo Center, 3900 McCaultey Dr., Vandalia. 513-367-7927 or 937-833-5191.

Apr. 7-9 — Hunter Safety Course, Cowan Lake Association of Sportsmen, 331 Beechwood Rd., Wilmington. 800-945-3543.

Apr. 24 — Barry Campbell and His Big Band, Murphy Theatre, 50 W. Main St., Wilmington, 7:30 p.m. A tribute to the big band era with favorites from the ’30s and ’40s. 800-274-3848.

Apr. 24 — U.S. Grant Birthday Celebration, Grant’s Birthplace, 1551 St. Rte. 232, Point Pleasant, 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Period music, readings of Civil War letters to home, a Civil War reenactment, cannon firing and crafters’ demonstrating their skill. 513-553-4800.

Apr. 24, 25 — Asian Culture Fest, Cincinnati Museum Center, Union Terminal, 1301 Western Ave., Cincinnati, noon-5 p.m. Activities inside museums carry an admission charge. 800-7332077, 513-287-7000.

Apr. 24, 25 — Flea Market and Poultry Swap Meet, Miami County Fgds., 650 N. County Rd. (25A), Troy. 937-372-1332 or www.troyswap.com.

West Virginia Apr. 9-11 — Oglebay Institute's Antiques Show and Sale, Wilson Lodge, 465 Lodge Dr., Wheeling, WV, Sat. 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Sun. 11 a.m.–4 p.m. 304-242-7272 or go to www.oionline.com.

Apr. 9 — Fitton Family Fridays! Rikki-TikkiTavi, Fitton Center for Creative Arts, 101 S. Monument Ave., Hamilton, 7:30 p.m. $15-$17, C. $7. For families with children ages 4-6. 513863-8873 or www.fittoncenter.org.

Apr. 10, 11 — Lawn, Garden and Forestry Expo and Fair, West Virginia Interstate Fgds., Mineral Wells, WV, Sat. 9 a.m.-6 p.m., Sun. noon-6 p.m. $3. Chain saw sculpting, new and antique equipment displays, music, food, lawn/garden attractions. 304-679-3639.

Apr. 10 — Ohio Country Antiques Show, Roberts Centre, 123 Gano Rd., U.S. 68 and I-71, Wilmington, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. $6. Features over 60 dealers plus a display of Midwestern quilts in various log cabin "settings." 513-738-7256.

Apr. 17-23 — Spring Fling, Exit 115 off I-79, Rte. 20 S., 3 doors down from Stonewood Bulk Foods, Harrison County, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Traditional and contemporary crafts demonstrations and sales. 304-622-3304.

Country Living/April 2010—33

Woods, Waters and Wildlife

Story and photos

by W. H. “Chip” Gross

Ohio’s spring wildflowers:

A photo essay

T

ake a walk through a late-winter Ohio woodland and you’ll likely be underwhelmed. Bare, naked branches claw at a gray sky, and the trunks of trees are various shades of muted browns and grays. Even the millions of brilliant-colored leaves of last fall are now just moldering lumps on the forest floor.

But return to that same woodland only a few months later — in April — and you’ll find it transformed, a world of unbelievable, complex, intricate beauty. It’s one of Nature’s and North America’s greatest shows, and it only happens once each year: Spring wildflowers!

Following are descriptions of 10 of the Buckeye State’s most common spring wildflowers. There are many more, but regardless the number, their blooms don’t last long, only a few brief weeks. As leaf-out occurs on hardwood trees and the forest canopy gradually closes in late May, sunlight is blocked to the forest floor and the show is over, the curtain coming down for another year. So don’t put it off — now is the time to take that leisurely hike through an Ohio woodland. The show is free, and flowery cast members are changing almost daily.

Large-flowered trillium

Marsh marigold

34—Country Living/April 2010

Marsh marigold As its name implies, this early-spring wildflower grows in wet areas. It’s a member of the buttercup family.

Large-flowered trillium Ohio’s official state wildflower and a favorite food of white-tailed deer, this plant has seeds that are dispersed by ants.

Indian Pipes Not just a spring plant, haunting, mysterious Indian Pipes can be found during any season of the year except winter.

Wild geranium Also called wild crane’s bill, this plant has rhizomes that are about the size of your thumb, are high in tannic acid and were used externally by woodland Indians for healing cuts and sores.

Yellow trout lily This plant gets its name Indian pipes

from its mottled leaves, similar to the coloration pattern of a trout. Although a true lily, another common name is dog-tooth violet.

Jack-in-the pulpit Did you know this wellknown plant has internal flowers and changes its sex from male to female as it matures? When dried, that part of the plant below ground was a winter food of woodland Indians.

Wild blue phlox Also known as wild Sweet William, these flowers are darker or lighter blue depending upon where in Ohio they grow, possibly due to soil conditions.

Spring Beauty Not only handsome, this tiny spring wildflower has edible tubers, about the size of a pea, that can be gathered and prepared as you would a potato.

Mayapple The small, apple-like fruit of this plant is deadly poisonous to humans when eaten green but can safely be eaten when the fruit turns yellow — a major medicinal plant both past and present.

Wild geranium

Dame’s Rocket A member of the mustard family, this plant is pollinated mainly at night by moths because its flowers become more fragrant after dark.

(With special thanks to Guy Denny — one of Ohio’s top field naturalists — for his help in preparing the descriptions of these spring wildflowers.)

Country Living/April 2010—35

Gardening

15 fascinating veggies to grow

Add interest to your garden and table by growing vegetables with unique characteristics

primary heads followed by 10 to 15 secondary heads. The color and shape is best when picked young. Matures in 100 days.

‘Red Noodle’ Yard-long Bean: If you’re looking for the unusual, this spectacular yard-long bean is sure to catch your attention. The robust and heat-tolerant plant produces 18-inch-long, garnet-colored bean pods that are stringless and slightly sweet. Best enjoyed steamed, in stir-fries or in soup. Matures in 90 days.

‘Chioggia’ Beets:

This slightly flattened, globeshaped Italian heirloom is distinguished from other varieties by its alternating concentric rings of scarlet pink and white inside. The candy-stripe appearance offers a feast for the eyes as well as a tasty, colorful addition to dinner plates. Matures in 65 days.

‘Romanesco’ Broccoli: Spiraling conical clusters ascending into apple-green heads make this broccoli one of the most beautiful plants in the garden. Its butterysmooth, cashew-like flavor ensures it is one of the most tempting on the table as well. These colossal cauliflowershaped plants produce single heads that remain a bright shade of light green without blanching, even when fully developed. Harvest in 80 to 95 days, when heads are full and firm but before the flowerets begin to separate.

‘Romanesco’ broccoli has spiraling conical clusters.

Story by KRIS WETHERBEE; Photos by RICK WETHERBEE

E

very year, most gardeners cultivate ordinary veggie favorites such as green zucchini, red tomatoes and salad cucumbers. That’s all well and good. But why stop at the ordinary when you can add purple cauliflower, striped green tomatoes and yellow carrots to the list?

If the vegetables you grow seem a bit too common, then dig up some excitement with fascinating vegetable varieties that are as appetizing to look at as they are to eat. These out-of-the-ordinary offerings come in exciting shapes, sizes and colors that may even entice picky eaters to happily partake of vegetables. So be bold, be brave and give some a try.

‘Tempo’ Purple Artichoke: Want to bring more excitement to the table? How about a purple-red artichoke? This vigorous annual variety produces earlier and more consistently than the popular Concerto, with 3 to 4

36—Country Living/April 2010

‘Solar Yellow’ Carrots: This carrot is a “must grow” for its crunchy texture and sweet juicy flavor alone.

But the completely butter-yellow roots make this sunny treasure a unique find to unearth. And the broad-shouldered, 6- to 7-inch roots are quite tasty. Ready in 65 to 75 days.

‘Graffiti’ Cauliflower: When you’re seeking a taste sensation, cauliflower is often one of the last vegetables that come to mind. However, these flamboyant heads of radiant purple will certainly stir things up.

Simply delicious served raw with dip, or cook as you would other cauliflower and watch the color change to bluish-purple. Heads are ready to harvest in 80 days.

‘Country Gentleman’ Corn: This heirloom variety is noted for its great texture and sweet flavor. But what really stands out is that the creamy white and slender kernels are arranged randomly rather than in the typical row-like fashion. This variety is also known as shoepeg corn in the South, which should give you an idea as to its appearance. Stalks grow 8 to 10 feet tall and bear up to three ears per stalk in fertile soil. And the corn holds its peak quality much longer than most heirloom corns. Ready in 90 days.

‘Lemon’ Cucumber: This curious cuke is the color of a lemon, shaped like an apple and best harvested when at the size of a lime. The only similarity it bears to a cucumber is its mildly sweet, nonbitter flavor. A favorite of kids and a connoisseur’s delight, the cucumber is equally outstanding whether pickled, tossed in salads or eaten right off the vine. Matures in 58 to 68 days.

‘Neon’ Eggplant: The iridescent “glow in the dark” lavender skin color may be shocking, but the reliably mild and nonbitter fruit is a bit more subdued. Like any eggplant, semi-cylindrical fruits are at their best when picked young (at about 5 to 6 inches long). Upright bushy plants produce first fruits that are ready in 65 to 70 days.

unusual for a scallop summer squash, but as with most varieties, the taste is consistently mild and tender.

Harvest when the fruit is just 2 inches across for baby vegetable dishes, or at its usual size of 4 inches diameter.

Ready in 40 days.

‘Green Zebra’ Tomato: Strikingly beautiful in both appearance and taste, the indeterminate plants produce glowing, bright green fruits overlaid with amber to gold stripes and olive mottled streaks. Fruits have a sweet, zingy flavor that makes you take notice and is always first-rate. Vigorous and productive plants bear 2to 4-ounce fruits in about 75 to 80 days.

‘Japanese Trifele Black’ Tomato:

Incomparable in shape, color and flavor with a meaty interior., this pear-shaped Russian heirloom transcends capture your gaze as well as your palate. The baseballcommon tomatoes with its opulent green-streaked shoulsized fruits are golden yellow with brilliant orange to fire ders and burnished mahogany body graduating to a engine red zigzag striping. The fragrant flesh is white, mahogany black base. The flavor is incredibly complex with a deeply rich melon flaand rich. Indeterminate, potato-leafed vor that’s oh-so-delicious. plants produce crack-resistant fruits that Ready in 80 to 85 days.

Seed sources reach 2-1/2 to 3 inches in size. Ready in Ed Hume Seeds: 800-383-HUME; 80 to 85 days. ❏ www.humeseeds.com 'Lion’s Mane’ Johnny’s Selected Seeds: 877-564-6697; Gourmet Mushroom: www.johnnyseeds.com Okay, so this is technically a Territorial Seed Company: 800-626-0866; fungus rather than a vegwww.territorialseed.com etable, but it’s fascinating nonetheless in both appearance and flavor. About the size of a baseball or larger, the mushrooms are covered in icicle-like spines.

What’s more, the uniquely-flavored mushroom tastes a bit like lobster when cooked with butter and onions. And with the indoor kit, you can anticipate your first harvest within a few weeks.

‘Tigger’ Melon: This unique heirloom variety will

‘Rattail’ Radish Seed Pods: Radish and non-radish lovers alike seem to enjoy the crispy texture and mildly spicy flavor of this podding radish, which you grow not for the roots but for its edible pods above the ground.

Green or purple pods growing up to 12 inches long are tasty right off the plant, tossed fresh into salads or lightly sautéed in stir-fry dishes.

You can usually start harvesting pods in about 50 days.

‘Starship’ Summer Squash: Here’s a real eye-catcher — a classic scallop, flying saucer shape with uncommon glossy, dark green skin. This color may be

Try ‘neon’ eggplants with their iridescent, “glow in the dark” lavender skin color.

Country Living/April 2010—37

What’s Cooking?

Putting all your egg recipes in one basket

What’s to be done with all those leftover Easter eggs?

BY MARGIE WUEBKER

Mom quickly hid the eggs in the vegetable drawer of the refrigerator — one place the younger Easter Bunny believers in the family would avoid with absolute certainty.

H

ere comes Peter Cottontail hopping down the bunny trail with dozens of attractively colored Easter eggs.

Preholiday festivities included at least one local Easter egg hunt like the event sponsored by Maria Stein American Legion Post 571.

My brothers had a habit of running ahead of the crowd to the far end of the field where the Legionnaires peppered the grass with colorful treasure.

Growing up as the oldest of seven children in the Mercer County community of Maria Stein, I found those eggs certainly seemed to multiply in the wake of coloring sessions around the dining room table covered with protective layers of newspaper.

My sisters’ efforts yielded pastel eggs that made a hen proud

AFTER EASTER CASSEROLE 8 hard-boiled eggs, chopped or sliced 4 slices cooked ham, chopped or sliced into strips 2 cups wide egg noodles, cooked to package directions, drained and tossed with butter or margarine Cheese sauce: 4 Tbsp. butter or margarine 4 Tbsp. flour 2 cups milk Pinch of onion powder Pinch of mustard powder or 1 tsp. prepared mustard 1 cup shredded cheddar or Swiss cheese Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Melt butter in a saucepan over medium-low heat. Whisk in the flour and let bubble a few minutes, but do not brown.

Slowly stir in milk and stir occasionally as it thickens. Then stir in onion powder, mustard and cheese. Spread the buttered noodles in a deep casserole dish or pie plate. Sprinkle the ham and egg pieces on top. Pour cheese sauce over and sprinkle with bread crumbs if you like. Bake until heated through, approximately 30 to 40 minutes.

38—Country Living/April 2010

while my brothers mixed colors and drew designs for their creations. The end result landed somewhere in the realm of drab and different.

EGG SALAD BRUSCHETTA 1 4 4 2 2

baguette, cut into 1/2-inch slices hard-boiled eggs Tbsp. mayonnaise tsp. sweet pickle relish Tbsp. green onion, finely chopped Salt and finely ground pepper, to taste Optional garnish: parsley or sliced olives

For bruschetta: Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Brush both sides of each slice with olive oil. Place the slices on an ungreased baking sheet and bake 5 minutes; turn and bake an additional 5 minutes or until both sides are golden brown. Allow slices to cool.

For egg salad: Peel the eggs and finely chop. Add the mayonnaise, pickle relish, chopped onion, salt and pepper; mix well. Place a heaping tablespoon of the egg mixture onto each toast slice. Garnish with parsley and/or olives.

We generally ended up with far too many eggs, but Mom never seemed to mind. From the prettiest to the ugliest, they ended up as prime ingredients in egg salad, deviled eggs, potato salad and numerous breakfast dishes during the ensuing week.

The Ohio Poultry Association assures decorators and hunters there will be more than enough eggs to go around this Easter, as the Buckeye State ranks second in the nation when it comes to production. Ohio

MY FAVORITE POTATO SALAD 6 cups cooked potatoes, diced 6 hard-boiled eggs, cut fine 1/2 medium onion, chopped 3/4 cup celery, chopped 1-1/2 cups Miracle Whip 3 Tbsp. mustard 1/4 cup vinegar 1 tsp. salt 3/4 cup white sugar Mix diced potatoes, hard-boiled eggs, onion and celery. Mix Miracle Whip, mustard, vinegar, salt and sugar; add to potato mixture and mix gently. Salad is best if refrigerated several hours or overnight.

has 30 million laying chickens and 10 million pullets (hens less than one year of age). That translates into eight billion eggs each year.

weeks from the date of purchase.

Hard-boiled eggs refrigerated in their shells should be used within a week, according to the association.

The American Egg Board recommends this method for boiling the perfect Easter egg: Place eggs in a single layer in a saucepan. Add enough tap water to come at least 1 inch above the eggs. A tablespoon of vinegar can be added to the water to allow better dye coverage after cooking. Cover the pan and quickly bring to boiling. Turn off the heat. If necessary, remove pan from burner to prevent further boiling. Let eggs stand, covered, in hot water for 15 minutes. Immediately run cold water over the eggs or place them in ice water until completely cooled.

Our cooking contest winners have

Refrigerate all hard-cooked eggs promptly. Even those beautifully colored Easter eggs should not remain outside the refrigerator for more than two hours, and that includes time for dyeing, hiding, hunting and displaying.

The green coloration sometimes seen around the yolk of a hard-boiled egg typically occurs when the eggs are overcooked or cooked at too high a temperature or when there is a high amount of iron in the cooking water.

Plan ahead for Easter. The Poultry Association warns that fresh eggs may be difficult to peel, while eggs that have been refrigerated for a week to 10 days before cooking surrender their shells more easily.

Eggs kept in their cartons in the refrigerator will keep at least four

DEVILED EGGS 12 hard-boiled eggs, peeled and cut in half lengthwise 1/4 cup mayonnaise Salt and pepper, to taste 1/4 tsp. prepared yellow mustard 2-3 tsp. sweet pickle juice Paprika, for garnish Remove yolks from eggs. In a medium bowl, mash yolks with a fork.

Add mayonnaise, salt, pepper, mustard and pickle juice. Mix thoroughly.

Spoon into egg halves or place mixture into sandwich bag; snip off corner of bag and pipe into egg whites.

Sprinkle with paprika.

some excellent ideas of how to use leftover Easter eggs — or regular hard-boiled eggs for that matter. See our story on page 40.

No more walking on eggshells about eggs

By DIANE YOAKAM, RD, LD Rarely thought of as a protein food and mistakenly classified as part of the dairy group, eggs are one of the most misunderstood foods around. Yes, eggs are found in the dairy section of most supermarkets, but I have yet to find a cow able to lay an egg! So let’s set the record straight on this versatile protein food.

Eggs are a cost-effective, low-calorie complete protein. As a complete protein, eggs contain all of the essential amino acids. Foods containing incomplete proteins, such as beans and rice, must be combined to provide the amino acids found in a single egg. The 6 grams of protein in each egg are split equally between the white and the yolk, while the 5 grams of total fat are found almost exclusively in the yolk. The yolk isn’t all bad, though. It contains a considerable amount of iron and vitamin A, as well as lutein, an antioxidant capable of delaying macular degeneration and improving vision.

Of course, we can’t talk about eggs without touching on the subject of cholesterol. Each egg yolk contains about 215 milligrams of cholesterol.

People with high cholesterol should limit whole eggs to no more than three per week. For those wishing to further limit cholesterol intake without giving up their favorite breakfast cuisine, discarding the yolk can easily remedy the problem.

We have also learned over the years that saturated fat plays a stronger role in increasing the body’s cholesterol level than the actual cholesterol content of the diet, so maintaining a healthy heart requires a diet low in fat.

Therefore, if you are concerned with high cholesterol, consider replacing fried foods, processed meats and cheese with skinless poultry, lean beef and low-fat dairy products, rather than focusing entirely on your intake of whole eggs.

Few other items in the kitchen offer the versatility of eggs. For scrambled eggs and omelets, low heat will eliminate the all-too-often rubbery texture.

Poaching eggs works best when the water is heated almost to a boil and the cracked egg is gently directed toward the side of the pan to retain the desired shape. The cooking is complete after the egg has been held at a simmer. The white coagulates into a solid mass, and the yolk has a honeylike consistency. Experiment with custards, quiches, soufflés, and soft and hard meringues for other exciting uses. An egg adventure awaits!

Our next cooking contest

The winners of our next cooking contest will be announced in July, the peak of summer berry season, so for that reason we’re asking readers to submit recipes that use berries of any variety as the main ingredient. As usual, we will judge the recipes for originality, for ease in preparation and — of course — for how scrumptious the final product is. A winner and two runners-up will be chosen, with the winner receiving a KitchenAid Stand Mixer and the runners-up awarded cookbooks. Please send your recipes postmarked by April 23 to Cooking Contest, P.O. Box 26036, Columbus, OH 43226. Please send all contact information, including a phone number, in case we have any questions.

Country Living/April 2010—39

No rotten eggs among Country Living contest entries Country Living readers are in for a treat when they try the winning entries in the “Eggs as a Prime Ingredient” recipe contest.

Winner Joan Grilliot from Versailles

AWESOME BREAKFAST EGGS

Joan Grilliot of Versailles earned grand prize honors for her Awesome Breakfast Eggs, a versatile dish ideal for everyday breakfasts or specialoccasion brunches.

Chosen as runners-up from the field of 60 entries were Lou Ellen Reef of Lancaster, with After Easter Egg and Sausage Pie, and Karen Mullenhour of Wapakoneta, with her Pizza Omelette.

Grilliot, a mother of five and grandmother of 12, enjoys cooking and baking at her rural Darke County home. In addition to cooking for weddings, she is in the process of launching a home business catering to those who have no time to bake pies, cakes and cookies.

Her prize — a KitchenAid stand mixer — is sure to see plenty of use in that regard.

12 slices bacon 1/2 cup onions 1 cup mushrooms 1 can cream of chicken soup 1/2 cup milk 1 Tbsp. salsa (hot) 1 cup extra-sharp cheddar cheese 8 large eggs 4 English muffins, split and toasted Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Fry bacon and drain on paper towel.

Pour off all but 1-1/2 teaspoons of the drippings and sauté onions and mushrooms in skillet until soft. Stir together soup, milk and salsa and pour in with the mushrooms and onions; heat until the mixture begins to bubble. Stir in cheese. Spray 9 x 13-inch pan and pour mixture into pan. Break 8 eggs over top of sauce.

Crumble and sprinkle bacon on top.

Bake for 20 minutes. Spoon one egg and sauce onto each toasted muffin half.

40—Country Living/April 2010

She credits her niece Jodi Chapman with bringing the dish to a family brunch last March, explaining that relatives gather each March to celebrate the memory of her father, the late Ed Sherman of Russia.

“I figured it would be gone by the

AFTER EASTER EGG AND SAUSAGE PIE 1 lb. bulk breakfast sausage 1/4 cup all-purpose flour 2 cups milk 1 tsp. Worcestershire sauce 4 green onions, thinly sliced (including green tops) 1 10-1/2 oz. can whole kernel corn, drained 8 hard-cooked eggs, coarsely diced 6 slices lean, smoked bacon, fried crisp and crumbled 8 oz. shredded sharp cheddar cheese 1 box refrigerated pie dough (or your own pastry for a two-crust 10-inch pie) 1/2 cup fine, dry bread crumbs 1 raw egg, beaten In a large skillet, brown sausage, stirring frequently to crumble. Drain off all but 2 tablespoons of fat. Sprinkle flour over sausage, stir and continue cooking over medium heat for 2 minutes. Gradually add milk, stirring constantly until mixture thickens and comes to a boil. Reduce heat and continue to simmer for an additional 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat and allow to cool while preparing crust. Line a 10-inch pie pan with one sheet of the pastry dough. Sprinkle the bread crumbs evenly over the bottom. To the sausage mixture, add the Worcestershire sauce, onions and corn. Stir to blend.

Spread half of the diced eggs over the bread crumbs. Spread half of the sausage mixture over top. Top with half of the shredded cheese and bacon.

Repeat layers. Brush a little water around top edge of bottom crust. Top with second sheet of pastry dough. Seal edges and crimp. Brush top with beaten egg. Cut slits in top and bake at 425 degrees for 15 minutes. Reduce heat to 350 and continue baking for an additional 30 minutes until golden brown and the filling is bubbling. Remove from oven and let sit for 15 minutes before cutting. Makes 6 to 8 servings.

time I went through the line,” she says. “But there was one egg left; I guess I was destined to try it.”

The flavor as well as a list of common ingredients immediately drew her attention. Although the recipe lists bacon and cream of chicken soup, Grilliot plans to substitute ham and cream of mushroom soup for variety.

The homemade sauce goes into a sprayed 9 x 13-inch pan before Grilliot cracks eight eggs over the top. The eggs emerge sunny side up and ready for a liberal sprinkling of crumbled bacon. Toasted English muffins provide a tasty place on which to spoon one egg and accompanying sauce.

Leftovers can be easily reheated in the microwave oven the following day without any appreciable change in flavor.

“I love to read cookbooks and try new recipes,” she says. “Somehow I always find myself returning to old favorites. My kids certainly love their meat, mashed potatoes, dressing and noodles.”

This marks the first time she has entered a recipe contest, and she sent just one entry, making her success an unexpected accomplishment.

Lou Ellen Reef found a casserole recipe years ago in Better Homes & Gardens and “played around” with different ingredients and presentations before creating After Easter Egg and Sausage Pie. “This is a great way to use up some of the Easter eggs that seem to multiply,” she says. “It is certainly different from the usual round of deviled eggs, potato salad and egg salad.”

Reef, a retired caterer with three children, seven grandchildren and four great-grandchildren, added Worcestershire sauce, eggs, bacon and cheese to the original ingredients before sandwiching everything between two pastry crusts. Any excess dough quickly becomes decorative leaves for the top.

“I enjoy trying new recipes,” she says. “However, I seldom make them as directed because I prefer to add my own touches.”

Karen Mullenhour never hears complaints when Pizza Omelette is on the menu for brunch or dinner. It

is a definite family pleaser with plenty of room for experimentation.

“My mother (89-year-old Martha Hengstler of Wapakoneta) made it when we kids were at home,” she says. “I asked Mom where she got the recipe, but she doesn’t remember.”

Everybody has favorite toppings at Mullenhour’s home. Her teenage daughter prefers pepperoni and sliced green olives. Dad likes ham-

times on televised WBGS cooking shows, earning recognition for concoctions ranging from main dishes to delectable desserts.

“I really don’t go looking for new recipes,” she says with a laugh. “But somehow they always find me.” ❏

PIZZA OMELETTE 2 Tbsp. oil 4 eggs 3/4 tsp. salt 1/2 tsp. paprika 1/4 tsp. pepper 2 cups milk 3/4 cup flour 6 slices bacon 1 cup onion, chopped 1/2 cup tomato sauce (or tomato paste) 1/4 tsp. oregano 1/4 tsp. basil 1 cup shredded cheese

burger, sausage, green peppers and just about anything else with the exception of anchovies. She and her younger son have no personal favorites; whatever strikes their fancy pretty well goes.

“People are so busy these days and this recipe does not take long to prepare,” Mullenhour says. “I’ve made it for family and I’ve made it for guests; no one complains.”

As an added plus, leftovers can be reheated in the microwave in a matter of seconds. Sometimes the flavor is even better the second time around.

Mullenhour has appeared several

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

Heat oil in heavy skillet in oven 5 to 10 minutes. (I use a 12-inch castiron skillet.) Mix eggs, salt, paprika, pepper, milk and flour. Pour mixture into hot skillet and bake 15 minutes. Brown bacon, crumble and set aside. Sauté chopped onion in 2 Tbsp. bacon grease. Add tomato sauce or paste, oregano and basil; stir together.

Pour over hot eggs. Top with shredded cheese and crumbled bacon. Return to oven till bubbly and center is set. You may also use prepared pizza sauce and your preferred toppings.

Country Living/April 2010—41

It’s all fun and games

Try Ultimate Frisbee, broomball or cornhole for a combination of sports activity and fun

By LORI MURRAY

O

novice player: This game was all about an informal atmosphere coupled with some serious fun. In other words, the level of play was pretty sophisticated, but that did not exclude newcomers from the sport.

They simply had to keep the pace.

As the game progressed, more players arrived. Paul Helm has been playing Ultimate since 1979. “It combines aspects of football, basketball and soccer together, and since I played all three of those, it’s like a synthesis,” he explained. “You run

hard on offense and try to score. If you make a turnover, then you are on defense.”

Unlike Helm, Amber Hanna never played an organized field sport until she was 20 years old. Then she was recruited to play Ultimate for the women’s college team at Ohio State University. “This sport is very accepting of new people,” she said. “In soccer, it would be difficult to adjust, but people are out here for the fun, from beginner to expert.”

Hannah now plays Ultimate at least twice a week, down from her four-day commitment during the summer months.

She plays in a league, and she is part of a team that competes regionally. She also met her boyfriend while playing Ultimate.

At this point, Hanna jumped into the game, and other players left the field. Panting and in need of a brief rest, they headed for their water bottles. At that moment, a rookie player made two leaping catches and someone shouted the following bit of encouragement for her benefit: “Now you gotta buy the beer!”

On the sidelines, handshakes and conversation continued. But back on the field, graceful leaping and diving catches dominated.

n a Sunday afternoon in midSeptember, a group of about 25 individuals gathered on a large, grassy sports field in the Park of Roses, a Columbus metro park. In spite of the occasional drizzle and the bigger threat of rain that loomed in the graying skies, everyone was there to participate in the Ultimate Frisbee Fall Hat Tournaments. In 2008, Ultimate Frisbee experienced the biggest increase in participation in a team sport — up 20.8 percent.

Known to enthusiasts simply as “Ultimate,” it breeds a unique type of camaraderie rarely seen in sports, unless you’re talking about two other up-and-coming activities — cornhole and broomball.

Together, these three sports are a growing source of fun for people throughout the state.

On this particular day, the Columbus Ultimate Disc Association (CUDA) was kicking off its fall season with a series of Sunday afternoon hat tournaments, so named because teams are chosen by picking player names from a hat.

In what seemed like only seconds after someone flipped the game disc to determine which team got the initial throw, the players were barreling (Above) Ultimate Frisbee is a fast-paced running game with frequent down the field.

One thing was turnovers. (Below) Cornhole has become an international phenomeimmediately obvinon, enjoyed even by our troops overseas. (Photo courtesy of American ous even to a Cornhole Assn.)

42—Country Living/April 2010

Ultimate Frisbee Developed in 1968 by a group of students at Columbia High

School in Maplewood, New Jersey, Ultimate is a fast-paced running game with seven players on a team who pass a plastic disc down the field. Much like in football, the objective is to score by catching a pass in the opponent’s end zone.

A player must stop running when in possession of the disc, pausing no more than 10 seconds to pivot and pass it to a teammate.

Turnovers occur somewhat frequently, creating a basketball-like competition of running up and down the field. The first team to score 15 points wins the game, a feat that typically takes an hour or more to accomplish.

What’s especially unique about Ultimate is that it is self-officiated.

Even at high-level competitions, no referees are present. Instead, what’s commonly referred to as the “Spirit of the Game” prevails, and players strive for fair play, even resolving their own disputes.

This philosophy of superior sportsmanship is clearly one of the reasons why more and more people are enjoying the sport. If you’re looking for an ultimate playing opportunity in your area, visit the Ultimate Players Association Web site at www.upa.org or www.columbusultimate.com for the Columbus Ultimate Disc Association.

Cornhole Cornhole is quickly becoming everyone’s favorite tailgate party activity. But whether it’s played in the parking lot or your own backyard, it’s a fun sport for any age, and one that requires little or no skill.

Also known as corn toss, bean toss or soft horseshoes, the game is similar to horseshoes in that bean bags are pitched a distance of 30 feet, aimed at cornhole boards or platforms, much like horseshoes are tossed at metal stakes. A corn bag that makes it into the hole scores three points, while one that lands on the platform scores a single point.

The first player or team to reach 21 points wins the game. Short, spontaneous and sometimes surprising, cornhole is instantly appealing to just about anyone.

According to the American Cornhole Association, the game may have started in Germany in the 14th century, but it was resurrected in the

Running for office?

Attend OREC Campaign Academy

Broomball is like a combination of ice hockey and indoor soccer. (Photo courtesy of Cincinnati Broomball Assn.) hills of Kentucky about 100 years ago. To learn more, visit www.playcornhole.org.

Broomball Conjure up some winter activity on the ice with a rousing game of broomball. A combination of ice hockey and indoor soccer, the game has six-player teams who run on the ice, rather than skate, while using a broom to control the ball and score.

The game originated in Canada more than a century ago when streetcar workers played on frozen surfaces during their lunch breaks.

Although play remained strictly recreational until the mid-1960s, broomball today is played both recreationally and at the competitive level.

Broomball is a unique sport, not because of the way the game is played, but because of the equipment used. While beginner players often just wear tennis shoes on the ice, broomball shoes with a rubbery sponge bottom are available.

At the same time, regular brooms are no longer used to play the game.

Instead, today’s brooms have solidrubber heads attached to a shaft of wood, graphite or aluminum. The ball, which is just slightly larger than a softball, is hollow plastic.

In Ohio, broomball is most popular during the winter months where it is played on college campuses and at indoor ice rinks. To organize a broomball competition or to find out more about the game, visit www.usabroomball.com or contact an ice rink in your area. ❏ Lori Murray is a freelance writer from Columbus.

The Ohio Rural Electric Cooperatives and the Ohio Credit Union League will be holding a Campaign Academy on April 23 from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at OREC headquarters located at 6677 Busch Boulevard in Columbus.

The Academy was created by OREC and the National Rural Electric Cooperatives Association to help individuals seeking public office prepare for the challenges of running a successful campaign.

The Campaign Academy is ideal for anyone interested in running for local, state or federal office, and for campaign managers and treasurers.

The program is open to candidates of any political party and will feature seasoned campaign veterans and professionals focusing on the following core areas:

• • • •

Fundraising Campaign strategy Get out the vote Media and message communication • Election and finance law

The fee for the Academy is $25, which includes lunch.

Those interested in attending are asked to contact Marc Armstrong at 614-430-7864 or send e-mail to marmstrong@buckeyepower.com.

Country Living/April 2010—43

Earthquakes in Ohio

By CRAIG SPRINGER

P

Dr. Michael Hansen.

Hansen leads the Ohio Seismological Network, monitoring quakes around the state. Fortunately, none of them has been on the cataclysmic side.

Some of these quakes date back many years.

Delaware Indian legend speaks of a catastrophic quake sent by the Great Spirit to reawaken their native religion and tribal customs. The earliest documented quake in Ohio happened in 1776 when Ohio was still no more than a frontier wilderness. The Moravian missionary David Zeisberger was there in southeast Ohio to feel it and write about it.

Though not centered in Ohio, the New Madrid quakes centered in Missouri in 1811 and 1812 were felt as far east as the Buckeye State. John James Audubon had just passed through Cincinnati on horseback when one of the quakes came. His horse acted oddly, and Audubon was about to dismount.

He wrote about what happened next: “He all of the sudden fell agroaning piteously, hung his head, spread out his four legs as if to save himself from falling and stood stock still, continuing to groan ... but at that instant all the shrubs and trees began to move from their very roots, they rose and fell in successive furrows like the ruffled waters of a lake ... this awful commotion in nature was the result of an earthquake.”

Several earthquakes have emanated from the New Madrid Fault. The 1811–12 quakes reached an estimated 9.0 on the modern Richter scale. That’s about as bad as it gets. Ohio has its faults, too. Northeast Ohio and west-central Ohio have had some significant tremors. Geauga, Mercer, Auglaize and Shelby counties are Ohio’s epicenters.

Ohio’s native son Charles Richter brought us a modern way to measure how Planet Earth convulses and contorts and changes shape, a few, but noisy, inches at a time.

Richter was born north of Hamilton in Overpeck, Ohio, in 1900. He moved in his youth to California — a place decidedly better known for earthquakes — where he studied physics at Stanford. In 1932, the Richter scale was born.

According to Ohio Geological Survey seismologist Mike Hansen, Richter developed the original way to measure the size of an earthquake so that meaningful comparisons could be made worldwide.

Richter’s knowledge affected building codes in earthquake-prone areas. He died in 1985.

lanet Earth is a work in progress. Every now and then, her crust rises and falls from a few inches to a few feet, splitting apart anything lying over where she moves. When the earth quakes even a little, it can be disastrous, as the recent catastophes in Haiti and Chile demonstrate.

Other cases in point: The San Francisco quake of 1906 that caused fires and calamity. Or Anchorage in 1964, when outlying villages were washed away and downtown Anchorage itself was destroyed.

Today, few buildings there are more than 40 years old.

Then there’s southern California, slowly sliding north on the San Andreas Fault, where everyone is waiting for “The Big One.” Ohio, too, has had some memorable quakes, some real newsmakers, says Ohio Geological Survey seismologist

Here are some noteworthy Ohio quakes: • Urbana, 1875. Walls cracked and chimneys tumbled.

This one was felt most intensely in Jeffersonville, Indiana, but also through Illinois and Missouri.

• Lima, 1884. The earth rocked, and buildings cracked. In Columbus, pendant lights swung like pendulums for minutes. This one was big, from Pennsylvania to Michigan, south to Washington, D.C., where workers atop

44—Country Living/April 2010

the Washington Monument felt the shake.

• Keno, 1926. Buildings cracked and chimneys toppled. In nearby Pomeroy, a stove flipped over.

• Anna, 1930. A schoolhouse sustained the greatest damage. Its chimney toppled, and the library took a hit when the ceiling crumpled. Residents detected an audible rumble during the brief but intense shock. Anna residents got a repeat performance a year later. In nearby Houston and Sidney, plaster fell off walls, as did cornices from churches. This quake registered in Indiana and Kentucky, too.

• In 1937, the Anna schoolhouse got hammered again in a tremor felt significantly in Wapokoneta, Lima and Bellefontaine. This is widely regarded as Ohio’s greatest earthquake, with an estimated measurement on the Richter scale of 5.4.

The Anna school was declared unsafe. The schoolboard was in the know, given a history of quakes in west-central Ohio dating back to the mid-1800s, and had taken out insurance for earthquakes. Their school was rebuilt, while the kids attended class in trailers brought in by the Civilian Conservation Corps.

Organ pipes in a church twisted, and graveyard headThe 1937 earthquake in Anna in Shelby County measstones rotated in location. Some dry wells were renewed, ured 5.4 on the Richter scale and ranks as Ohio’s greatand average wells became artesian. A Logan County est earthquake. spring near Huntsville, dry eight years in a row, “sprouted water,” says a U.S. Geological Survey report. This big epicenter in Lake County east of Cleveland. Although damquake ranged from Ontario to Missouri, but fortunately no age was minor, this was the first earthquake in the state one was killed. where minor injuries were reported. Witnesses saw (and “The Anna earthquakes of 1937 rank as the most sigfelt) the skyscrapers in downtown Cleveland swaying. nificant and damaging earthquakes to strike Ohio in hisWhile earthquakes cannot be prevented, the Ohio toric times, and are two among 15 damaging earthquakes Seismological Network can measure what happened and in the state since 1776,” noted Hansen. The Anna area locate it to the nearest half-mile. Hansen leads this network, has such a history of tremors, the region is known by which, with highly sophisticated instruments set all over earth scientists as the “Anna Seismic Zone.”

Ohio, measures how much and how often the earth moves.

“The Anna earthquakes of 1937 serve to remind And they do it with great economy to you, the taxpayer. The Ohioans that damaging network is all volunteer run, earthquakes, although infreand some seismographs were quent, can occur in the purchased by the volunteers. state,” said Hansen.

Hansen does all the technical Why Anna, you may work. wonder? Seismologist Data from the network Hansen says that west-cenhave consequences for the tral Ohio is juxtaposed over economy and your way of billion-year-old rock with life. As more data are collectfaults. It’s cracked, so to ed from tremors, scientists speak. What’s more, Anna like Hansen learn where the itself sits 400 feet above the hot spots exist. That’s of pre-glacial Teays River botinterest to insurance compatom. Glaciers filled the nies, architects and engiancient river bottom with neers, planners and governtill, and Hansen says those ment agencies, says Hansen. sediments tend to intensify Planet Earth is indeed a Anna’s school was declared unsafe. Organ pipes in a the Earth’s tremors. work in progress, and tremors church were twisted, and graveyard headstones rotated In 1980, southwest Ohio are the proof. And just in in location. (Photos courtesy of Ohio Dept. of Natural shook for a couple of mincase you are wondering, so Resources) utes. In 2006, Ohio had 16 far no one has died from an earthquakes. Two of them were in Lima and 14 more were earthquake in Ohio. ❏ east of Cleveland in Lake and Ashtabula counties. The Craig Springer, formerly of Butler County, now writes largest, on June 20, had a magnitude of 3.8. from New Mexico.

In 1986, a 5.0 earthquake struck northeast Ohio with an

Country Living/April 2010—45

13

ll way

sm a

By DAN WOODARD

M

any people think of 13 as an unlucky number — there were traditionally 13 steps leading up to a gallows, for example, and many skyscrapers still don’t have a labeled 13th floor. However, the number 13 can be a positive thing as well: Consider the baker’s dozen — bakers traditionally gave out an extra doughnut when a dozen were ordered.

Along those more optimistic lines, here are 13 tips families can use to save an average of $3,000 a year.

While that may not seem like a huge sum, it can be enough to establish an emergency fund that will pull you through when tough times strike.

$

1) Minimize property taxes

(Savings: ~$300–$1,600 annually) Last year, even while house values were dropping, homeowners in our area were notified that property taxes would be going up about 20 percent. I noticed that the houses the city compared to ours were not nearby, and had sold up to a year earlier.

I found several properties like ours that had sold for much less than the city’s examples, and which were closer to us. Armed with these specifics, we received a favorable ruling from the independent auditor, and our taxes actually went down a bit instead.

s to save

$

3) Install an exhaust fan

(Savings: $80–$150) By mounting an efficient centrifugal or squirrel cage blower in an attic or wall, you can cause a draft that will pull in cool air through the windows at night. In a matter of just a few hours, it can pull out any builtup heat from hot summer afternoons. The resulting artificial breeze coming through the windows can save one-third or more off a summer cooling bill.

4) Drop cable TV/satellite

(Savings: $400–600+) This may be one of the toughest changes for people to make, but it is also one of the easiest ways to save a bundle long term. Most programs that become popular on cable are eventually released on commercialfree DVD, typically when the next season starts airing. You should be able to find a copy at your local library. If they don’t have it, you can request that they get a copy, and often be the first on the waiting list.

You can also request the item through MORE — Ohio’s library sharing system. For current TV viewing, put up an antenna with at least 14 db gain, and use an amplifier. We have one that is only 10 feet off the ground, and we’re currently getting 33 channels for free, including a movie channel.

can leech 40 watts even when powered down. Try using a power strip, and turn it off at night. Also, consider a new-model gas stove for the kitchen. These electric/gas hybrids use an electric starter to do away with the wasteful pilot light on older models, increasing efficiency even further.

Claim potentially big savings on loans by contacting the three credit reporting agencies for an annual free copy of your credit report. Don’t just assume everything is accurate — we were shown as having a contested credit card, and my mother’s report was mixed up with another woman’s of the same name in another state!

An increased credit score can result in lower interest rates when buying a house or refinancing — up to half a percentage point or more.

46—Country Living/April 2010

5) Update appliances

(Savings: ~$300+) Older appliances can use a lot of power. Refrigerators, freezers or air conditioners, for example, all have energy-intensive compressors. If they are older than 10 years, chances are that savings can be gleaned by upgrading to an Energy Star® rated unit. Pinpoint energy usage over time by using a $25 Kill A WattTM electric meter. Hook something up for a month, and it will show exactly how much electricity that device used. A PC, for example,

$

6) Stop battery waste

(Savings: $100–$300) Ohioans throw away more than 14,000 used batteries every single hour — roughly 700 pounds’ worth.

That number is also growing as folks use more portable devices. Stop throwing away your hard-earned money, and start using rechargeable batteries. Until recently, rechargeable batteries would lose 3 percent of their charge every day, making them unsuitable in many devices.

However, a few years back, LSD (or low self-discharge batteries) were developed. These rechargeables still hold 75 percent of their full charge after a year in storage. They were relatively expensive, at roughly $3+ per battery. More recently, prices have begun dropping to only 2-3 times the cost of a standard alkaline battery. You won’t likely see these at your local market — they want to keep selling you alkaline batteries regularly. Instead, do a search online or at Amazon.com for precharged, ready to use, LSD batteries, or Rayovac 4.0. If you have children, do a lot of digital photography or simply have numerous portable devices, you might save as much as $300 a year.

$ $ 2) Check credit reports (Savings: ~$300+)

big

7) Ditch unneeded phones (Savings: $240–$500) Staying in touch is nice, but not everyone truly needs multiple phone lines or cell phones. Since each duplicate adds to the outflow from your wallet, try to scale back to just one.

Some folks are even dropping traditional telephone service altogether.

Those with at least a DSL Internet con-

nection can use hardware devices such as Ooma or MagicJack, which can decrease monthly fees down to as little as zero for the most basic telephone service.

11) Recaulk around house

$ $ $

8) Turn a hobby into income

(Generate $500–$1,500+) Most people have at least one hobby they really enjoy and have a talent for. Whether it is a knack for finding the best fishing spots or making designer handbags, the potential is there to become more than just a hobby. You may have helped out several friends with your expertise already, but the next step requires a bit of low-key advertising.

Take advantage of local bulletin boards and word of mouth, and get some business cards made up for $25. Set up a separate e-mail address just for business, to make it easy for people with questions to make contact.

9) Do it yourself and save

(Savings: ~$500+) Changing your own oil is a small way to save on labor costs. Having it done at a shop typically costs $25 or more. Doing it yourself knocks off about 70 percent of the cost. You can obtain similar savings doing basic plumbing and even replacing windows. If the job seems too intimidating, find a way to watch someone else do it once, and then you will have the knowledge to tackle the task yourself in the future.

10) Buy used/refurbished

(Savings: ~40%+ off new prices) Like a new car, many items lose value as soon as they become used.

Visiting estate sales and thrift stores and browsing Craigslist are ways to avoid overpaying. Another option is to buy refurbished merchandise.

Typically, these items worked fine, but someone had buyer’s remorse and made a return. They are checked, repackaged and sold at a discount. If lack of a warranty bothers you, a two-year warranty can be purchased through SquareTrade.com.

(Savings: 15% off heating & cooling) Unless your house is caulked with 100 percent silicone caulk, you should probably expect to recaulk your home every 15-20 years. This is a labor-intensive job, but only takes a day or two, and it pays for itself in the first season.

12) Do your homework. Save trips.

A friend once observed that I often drove around to find items in stock, or to find a better deal when I felt a price was high. He pointed out that I was already paying for my telephone — why not use it to save time and gas? On a notecard, I made a list of the stores I frequented, making it easier to call around quickly before leaving. We also started a needed shopping list on the fridge. That way, whoever was making a trip anyway could drop by the grocery store or pick up other items on the way there or back, saving further on time and gas. Making fewer trips also decreased impulse spending.

13) Prepare food ahead (Savings: $400–$1,500) For most folks, the cost of eating out is probably somewhere around $6-$8 per meal, per person. If a couple were able to cut back from eating out four times per week to just once a week, they could potentially save $168 a month, or $2,016 annually.

Those expensive restaurant meals can be replaced with meals made at home for around one-third of the cost. The key is to fix favorite recipes that will actually be eaten. Also, when cooking or preparing food anyway, fix more than is immediately needed, and refrigerate or freeze the rest. Your involvement can range from fixing five sandwiches instead of two, all the way to cooking for half a day on the weekend so that you have things prepared for the next couple of weeks. ❏ Dan Woodard is a freelance writer from Dayton.

Country Living/April 2010—47

48—Country Living/April 2010

Ohio Icon

Central Italian Biscotti Company St. Clairsville

Story and photo by DAMAINE VONADA

W

hen Luciano Nardone was growing up near Naples, Italy, no one could have guessed that someday he would be baking biscotti in Ohio. As a young man, Nardone studied philosophy and languages in Italy, eventually becoming a translator specializing in his native Italian as well as both classical and medieval Latin.

But Nardone’s work leaped from Caesar’s Gallic Wars to St. Clairsville after he moved to the United States. His sister, Carmela Massa, had married an American and was living in St. Clairsville. She asked Nardone to go into the biscotti business with her, and in 1996 they formed the Central Italian Biscotti Company.

Why Central Italian? “A lady who helped us start the company was from northern Italy, and we’re from southern Italy,” explained Nardone. “So we met in the middle.”

According to Nardone, biscotti originated from the dried bread that for centuries was a staple for sailors aboard ships and soldiers on the march. Inexpensive, portable and practically nonperishable, it was ideal food for long journeys like Marco Polo’s trip to China and Christopher Columbus’s voyage to America.

When wealthy Tuscan families who could afford sugar began sweetening the rock-hard bread during the Renaissance, the crisp, dry cookies called biscotti were born. “Italy popularized biscotti, just like it did spaghetti, which actually was invented in China,” said Nardone.

In Italian, biscotti is the plural of biscotto, which means “twice baked” and refers to the secret of the cookies’ enduring success. Slabs of biscotti dough are baked in an oven, sliced into finger-shaped pieces and then baked again at a lower temperature.

“If you do it just right with the low heat, biscotti acquires a better flavor,” explained Nardone. “Toasting is the most delicate part of making biscotti.”

After his sister passed away, Nardone continued the home-based biscotti business. In between translations of projects ranging from diplomas written in Latin to Italian technical papers, Nardone handmakes about 250 biscotti every week. Ingredients include unbleached flour, eggs, sugar and natural flavorings, but Nardone never uses artificial colorings.

Although almond is the best-selling flavor, Nardone also offers anise, chocolate almond, cranberry, Kahlua, orange and vanilla biscotti. The individually wrapped cookies cost one dollar each, and Nardone ships them to devotees who like dipping biscotti Italian-style into coffee, tea or wine. Some of his best customers live in Washington and Oregon, states famous for their coffee connoisseurs. “If people don’t know good coffee,” said Nardone, “they won’t know what to do with biscotti.” ❏ Central Italian Biscotti Company, 115-A Hanson Dr., St. Clairsville, OH 43950. To obtain additional information about buying biscotti, call 888566-5584 or visit the Web site www.italatin.com/biscotti.html.

Country Living/April 2010—49

Ohio Quiz

By DAMAINE VONADA

Courthouse conundrum Ohio’s courthouses are the topic of this month’s quiz. Our clues will present evidence about these important edifices; you judge the correct answer. For example, if the clue is: How many of Ohio’s 88 counties have erected at least one courthouse? the answer would be: 88.

CLUES 1. Dating back to the 1830s and graced by a portico with Ionic columns, it’s Ohio’s oldest continually used courthouse.

2. Artist Archibald Willard painted three murals — the Spirit of the U.S. Mail, the Spirit of Electricity, and the Spirit of the Telegraph — inside what southwest Ohio courthouse?

3. Troy and Piqua waged a notorious “courthouse war” to become the site of Miami County’s ornate 1880s courthouse. Who won?

4. Built in 1850, the old Montgomery County Courthouse is known for its Greek temple design and the presidents — including Lincoln and Kennedy — who campaigned on its steps. Where is it?

5. Frescoes inside the Ottawa County Courthouse in Port Clinton portray Perry’s victory in what crucial War of 1812 battle?

6. Atop the courthouse in Findlay is a statue of the county’s namesake, an American patriot whose famous signature declared independence with a flourish. Who was he?

7. This red brick, Italianate-style courthouse is situated within a city and county that have the same name. What is it?

8. Its stunning stonework and raised side porches make Ross County’s courthouse one of the loveliest in Ohio. Where is it located?

9. What feature of the elaborate Wood County Courthouse in Bowling Green measures 185 feet tall?

10. After almost being destroyed by a fire, what county’s courthouse was reconstructed during the 1980s in its original Greek Revival architectural style?

ANSWERS ON PAGE 53 Country Living/April 2010—51

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Country Living/April 2010—53

By the Way

The friendly barn swallows

By GLENN BROWN

S

everal years ago, my wife and I retired from the city.

We moved to the country about an hour away from our previous home. Our new home was a log cabin on 13 acres with a big red barn out back, and a large pond out front between our cabin and the highway.

April 15 was moving-in day. I noticed the back sliding door of the barn was open, even though the widow who lived here had kept no animals. We soon learned it was for the swallows.

The barn swallows return here mid-April every year.

They leave about the third week of August. Between April and August, the barn door stays open. That old barn belongs to the swallows.

On the other side of the barn is a large shed addition that holds tractors and other equipment. During the summer, I open that side and allow air to flow through while I work around the yard. I talk to the swallows, and they answer in excited chirps. They follow me while I mow, picking up bugs. I whistle, talk and sometimes sing to the swallows. In return they keep the property free of mosquitoes. More importantly, they constantly entertain me.

Each morning about the time the sun rises, I step out the back door and my swallows gather overhead on the old TV tower to greet me and the new day. We talk, sing and whistle while they listen. A few minutes of this and they fly away to begin their day’s work.

Over the summer, their numbers increase. Over time, the morning gatherings get larger, last a little longer and seem to become more important to them (and to me).

Today was the day they were gone. No excited chirping on the tower today. The nights grow cooler, and soon I will shut the back of the barn. I am now in my 70s, and the chores are a little harder. They made the work a little easier with their friendly chatter.

Life will go on, but perhaps just a bit more somber. I wonder if they miss me. Perhaps next April I will open the barn door a little early? Maybe it’s best to let it air out. Yes, of course it needs to air out. I will definitely open the barn early. ❏ Glenn Brown writes from Mount Victory.

Photo courtesy of Tim Daniel, Ohio Department of Natural Resources

54—Country Living/April 2010

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Country Living/April 2010—55