Ohio Cooperative Living - March 2018 - Midwest

Midwest Electric, Inc.

OďŹƒcial publication | www.midwestrec.com

JANUARY MARCH 2018

gardening issue

Special

Improve the look, health, and productivity of YOUR garden!

Also inside Buzzards, bears, and big bad wolves

Ohio’s Blarney fascination

Member Interactive: Baby faces

THE SIMPLE CHOICE FOR ENERGY SAVINGS Replacing a major appliance?

Purchasing ENERGY STAR-certified appliances is a great way to save energy.

As an electric cooperative member, you have access to free information on how to save energy and money. Contact your co-op and learn about the latest technologies to keep your home running efficiently.

ohioec.org

EnergyStarAppliance.indd 1

6/12/17 10:34 AM

INSIDE

OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • MARCH 2018

SPECIAL ISSUE:

GARDENING 24

BETTER YIELDS

Looking for a productive — and tasty — kitchen garden?

Here are a few tips to power up your planting and maximize your yields.

26

ULTIMATE RECYCLING

Don’t toss out those kitchen scraps — instead, turn them into a rich addition to your garden soil through composting.

28

FASCINATING SHAPES

Everyone knows to use different colors and textures to add variety to a flower garden. Here’s a few suggestions to add unique shapes to the mix as well.

FEATURES 34

OHIO BLARNEY

The Buckeye State is doused in Irish influence, and nowhere is that more evident than in the numerous places and events named after the Blarney Castle.

MARCH 2018 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING

1

UP FRONT

C

Back to Guatemala Electric cooperatives were founded in the spirit of neighbor helping neighbor. Co-ops brought light to rural America, and that partnership lit the way for us to carry the tradition beyond our borders. In 2016, linemen from across Ohio’s electric cooperative network mirrored that effort for our international neighbors in Guatemala. We brought power to the village of La Soledad, changing lives, providing hope for the future — and providing perspective on the impact we can have on underserved people still today.

This month, we’re going back; the people of Las Tortugas in Guatemala’s rainforest region need our help. Guatemala remains one of the poorest countries in Latin America. More than 75 percent of Guatemalans live below the poverty line. In rural areas, it’s worse. Rural residents make up two-thirds of Guatemala’s population, yet they only comprise one-third of the country’s income and consumption. Little things can mean a lot to people living in such conditions.

We sent a small team to Las Tortugas in September 2017 for preliminary engineering and field planning with the region’s electric utility company. Early this month, 17 volunteers, primarily linemen, from cooperatives around Ohio are heading that way to bring electric service to the nearly 600 people who currently live in startlingly primitive conditions. Without electric service, so much of what we take for granted — refrigeration, sanitation, running water, lighting, motorized equipment — is nearly impossible. With help from students at a local trade school and many of the village’s residents, our volunteers will work long, hard days, in hot and humid conditions, connecting more than 100 homes to the modern world.

It’s going to be a long and difficult trip for those who have volunteered to leave their homes and families for the duration of the mission. The work will be performed the old-fashioned way — without the benefit of lift trucks and other modern equipment.

All the poles will be climbed, all holes will be hand-dug, and all transformers will be manually raised.

We have already seen — both here in the 1930s and on our first trip to Guatemala in 2016 — that the time, the work, and the expense that these efforts require are all well spent on a brighter future. Please keep our men in your prayers as they spread the good fortune of our circumstances and goodwill of our people to those much less fortunate.

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OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • MARCH 2018

Pat O’Loughlin

President & CEO Ohio's Electric Cooperatives

We brought power to the village of La Soledad, changing lives, providing hope for the future — and providing perspective on the impact we can have on underserved people.

March 2018 • Volume 60, No. 6

OHIO

COOPERATIVE LIVING

Ohio Rural Electric Cooperatives 6677 Busch Blvd.

Columbus, OH 43229 614-846-5757 memberinteract@ohioec.org www.ohioec.org Patrick O’Loughlin Patrick Higgins Jeff McCallister Samantha Kuhn Anita Cook

President & CEO Director of Communications Managing Editor Associate Editor Graphic Designer

Contributors: Colleen Romick Clark, W.H. “Chip” Gross, Pat Keegan, Pamela A. Keene, Toni Leland, Catherine Murray, Paul Wesslund, Kris Wetherbee, and Rick Wetherbee.

OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING (USPS 134-760; ISSN 2572-049X) is published monthly by Ohio Rural Electric Cooperatives, Inc. With a paid circulation of 294,359, it is the official communication link between the electric cooperatives in Ohio and West Virginia and their members. Nothing in this publication may be reproduced in any manner without written permission from Ohio Rural Electric Cooperatives, Inc. All rights reserved.

For all advertising inquiries, contact GLM COMMUNICATIONS 212-929-1300 sales@glmcommunications.com

MORE INSIDE DEPARTMENTS 4 POWER LINES

A LOOK AT RENEWABLES: Renewable energy sources are

becoming more popular with the public, but most are not yet ready to carry the electric load.

6 WOODS, WATERS, AND WILDLIFE BUZZARDS, BEARS, AND BIG BAD WOLVES: A look at the Great

Hinckley Hunt of 1818.

10 CO-OP PEOPLE BACKYARD CONSERVATIONIST: One Firelands Electric Cooperative member has created a diverse nature preserve in the middle of farm country.

15 GOOD EATS SPRINGTIME SAMPLER: Put the early-season harvest from your

garden to use in these tempting dishes.

23 CO-OP OHIO O’LOUGHLIN HONORED: The CEO of Ohio’s statewide electric

cooperative service organization has earned a prestigious communications award.

38 CALENDAR The fact that a product is advertised in Ohio Cooperative Living should not be taken as an endorsement. If you find an advertisement misleading or a product unsatisfactory, please notify us or the Ohio Attorney General’s Office, Consumer Protection Section, 30 E. Broad St., Columbus, OH 43215, or call 1-800-282-0515.

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

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

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

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

40 MEMBER INTERACTIVE BABY FACES: Readers share a peck of priceless pictures of the

next generation.

IN THIS ISSUE

Hinckley (p.6) New London (p.10) Columbus (p.23) Delaware (p.23) Van Wert (p.23) Cleveland (p.37) Toledo (p.37) Worthington (p.37)

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

MARCH 2018 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING

3

POWER LINES

BY PAUL WESSLUND

RENEWABLE ENERGY

Here are the basics of a small but important source of your electricity

Electric cooperatives work hard to ensure their members have access to the cleanest, safest, most affordable and reliable power possible. They keep up with both technology and trends to maintain that balance through sunny, hot summers; gray, bone-chilling winters; and everything in between.

These days, renewable sources such as solar energy and wind power are growing in popularity,

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OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • MARCH 2018

though they still make up a pretty small portion of the energy sources that generate the electricity we use every day — about 6 percent of the energy consumed by Ohio electric cooperative members — because they still provide neither the affordability nor the reliability to balance the other demands.

Here’s a crash course in how wind, the sun, and water generate electricity.

DID YOU KNOW? Approximately 15 percent of the nation’s electricity is generated from renewable energy sources, like hydro, wind and solar power. That percentage may seem low, but renewable energy generation is gaining momentum.

6.5%

generated by hydropower.

5.6%

0.9%

generated by wind.

generated by solar.

*Additional sources, like geothermal and biomass, contribute to the 15 percent of renewable energy generation.

Source: Energy Information Administration

Solar energy

Wind power

Solar energy generates only about 1 percent of the nation’s electricity, though that’s a significant increase from just five years ago, when the number was too small even to report for the U.S. Department of Energy. Solar growth is expected to continue as long as costs fall, technology improves, and people figure out better ways to use solar energy.

Use of wind power has increased significantly as costs have decreased. Wind power generates nearly 6 percent of the nation’s electricity. Ohio cooperative members get as much as 30 megawatts of power from the Story County Wind Energy Center in Iowa — of course, that depends on how windy the weather is at a given time.

In photovoltaic generation, when certain materials get hit by sunlight, their atoms spit out electrons — and electricity is simply a stream of electrons. Wafers of these materials, called photovoltaic cells, are combined and integrated into solar photovoltaic modules to harness the energy in that stream.

In a way, wind generates electricity the same way as traditional sources such as coal (which is the source of about 93 percent of power used by Ohio co-op members): by spinning a turbine that creates an electricity-producing magnetic field. The difference is that wind turbines are turned by enormous propeller-like blades designed to catch gusts of moving air. Obviously, they require wind to generate power, and so can’t be counted upon from one day to the next.

Solar power is produced in different levels: Utility scale refers to large banks of solar panels owned and operated by an electric utility or other large organization, producing many megawatts of solar energy. Industrial solar installations can range from several kilowatts up to multi-megawatts, and can be placed on office rooftops, over parking lots, or on land near industrial and commercial enterprises. Residential solar installations are installed primarily on individual rooftops to power individual homes. Community solar allows groups of neighbors to take advantage of a larger scale they wouldn’t otherwise be able to access.

Community solar, which is offered by many of Ohio’s electric cooperatives, can ease the higher expense of self-owned rooftop solar. The co-op builds a large solar installation and sells shares in the project to members interested in an investment in renewable energy. It allows a homeowner to avoid both maintenance of their own system and the hassle of sorting out different offers from rooftop solar vendors.

Hydroelectric power Another way to turn an electricity-generating turbine is to harness the power of water as it flows. It doesn’t create greenhouse gas or other chemical pollutants by burning fossil fuel, though large-scale hydro typically calls for building a permanent dam across a river valley and flooding the area behind it.

Another option is to put hydroelectric generators directly in rapidly flowing rivers to capture power — Ohio cooperatives use 55 megawatts of power from the turbines underneath Niagara Falls, for example; it’s about 4 percent of the power used by cooperative members in Ohio every day.

PAUL WESSLUND writes on cooperative issues for the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association.

MARCH 2018 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING

5

WOODS, WATERS, AND WILDLIFE

BUZZARDS, BEARS, The story of the Great Hinckley Hunt of 1818

6

OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • MARCH 2018

and

,

STORY AND PHOTOS BY W.H. “CHIP” GROSS ILLUSTRATION COURTESY OHIO HISTORY CONNECTION

BIG BAD WOLVES O

hio, the Buckeye State, was admitted to the Union in 1803, but even 15 years later it remained a very wild place — too wild, in the opinions of some settlers, and they determined to do something about it, frontier style.

Near Hinckley, in the northeast quarter of the state, large predators — mainly black bears and timber wolves — were killing livestock almost nightly. Writing in 1890 in The American Field, one of the early outdoor magazines of the time, a Captain Milton B. Pierce said that the settlers were “seriously embarrassed” by the many wolves ravaging their sheep. In one incident alone, wolves slaughtered more than 100 sheep over several wilderness farms. In addition, bears often raided hog pens.

To put an end to the depredation threatening their livelihood, the pioneers came up with the idea of conducting a grand hunt, one that would encompass the entire township. At dawn on the day before Christmas in 1818, some 600 men and boys (many recruited from around the state) surrounded Hinckley Township. Most of the men carried a firearm, likely a musket. The boys were armed with either bayonets or large butcher knives mounted on long poles.

Once everyone was in position, the signal was shouted down the line to begin moving slowly forward, toward the center of the circle.

Almost immediately white-tailed deer began bounding from cover in high arching leaps, tails erect; wolves ran in confused circles, searching for escape routes; bears lumbered toward the hunters in such numbers as they had never seen before. And above the melee flew flocks of wild turkeys, trying to make their escape over the line of firing hunters.

The carnage was over by late afternoon. Taken in the hunt were more than 300 deer, 21 bears, 17 wolves, and countless numbers of smaller game such as turkeys and raccoons.

Only two hunters were reported injured. The game animals — deer and turkeys — were divided equally among the men, many no doubt consumed the next day as family Christmas dinners. The predators were skinned for their pelts — a $15 bounty was paid for each pelt, many of the carcasses left to rot.

Known as a “circle hunt,” the Great Hinckley Hunt of 1818 was the largest of its kind ever held in Ohio.

W.H. “CHIP” GROSS (whchipgross@gmail.com), a member of Consolidated Electric Cooperative, is Ohio Cooperative Living’s Outdoors Editor.

MARCH 2018 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING

7

Buzzard town Today, the small town of Hinckley is famous for one thing: buzzards, also known as turkey vultures.

There’s even the likeness of a buzzard on the town’s logo. Officials used to claim that the vultures returned to Hinckley and the surrounding area from their migration trip south each winter precisely on March 15. It’s a myth, of course. During some years of milder weather, the birds return weeks earlier.

But hey, it’s an excuse for a late-winter party.

The Buzzard Day celebration this year at Hinckley Reservation, a Cleveland Metropark, is set for Thursday, March 15, and there is a tie-in to the Great Hinckley Hunt. Legend has it that vultures were first attracted to the area by the stench of the thawing predator carcasses left behind from the Great Hinckley Hunt of 1818. That, too, is myth.

Vultures return to Hinckley each year — both then and now — to take advantage of the high rock ledges in the area, on which they nest and roost.

Since 2014, Sharon Hosko, manager of Brecksville Nature Center, has been the official “Buzzard Spotter” for Cleveland Metroparks.

“On March 15, people begin gathering as early as 6 a.m. at the Buzzard Roost at Hinckley Reservation Metropark, before it’s even daylight,” she says. “And we begin watching for the soaring turkey vultures around 7 a.m. It’s definitely a ritual of spring in this part of Ohio.”

Hosko added that anywhere from 50 to 200 people usually attend, depending upon the weather. “We’ve been doing this every year since 1957, and people still come from across the country. Some come every year.”

Then, the following Sunday — this year, March 18 — there is a bigger celebration in downtown Hinckley, organized by the Hinckley Chamber of Commerce.

Included in the festivities is a popular breakfast at the town hall where “buzzard pancakes” are served, the proceeds going to local scholarships.

— W.H. “CHIP” GROSS For more information, go to www.clevelandmetroparks.com or www.hinckleyohchamber.com.

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OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • MARCH 2018

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MARCH 2018 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING

9

Backyard

BY W. H. “CHIP” GROSS

CO-OP PEOPLE

I

conservationist

t’s easy to find Joe Bodis’s property in Huron County, a few miles southeast of New London, Ohio. Just look for the house surrounded by “weeds.”

In actuality, those “weeds” are a carefully planned and developed island of wildlife habitat in a sea of corn and soybean fields. “When I first moved in, neighbors used to stop and ask when I was going to mow the weeds,” Bodis says. “Now they ask what things they can do on their property to attract wildlife.”

A retired pharmaceuticals salesman and member of Firelands Electric Cooperative, Bodis moved to his 5 acres in 2002.

“My passion is bluebirds, and it was a dream of mine to create a habitat that would be attractive not only to bluebirds but also to as many wild bird species as possible,” Bodis says. “I put up 10 bluebird nesting boxes every spring, and the bluebirds use one or two of them.

The other boxes are used by nesting tree swallows.”

Bodis estimates that over the years his nesting boxes have fledged more than 100 young bluebirds and

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OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • MARCH 2018

some 700 tree swallows. Bodis’s property also has attracted many red-winged blackbirds and other songbirds, various hawks and owls, wild turkeys, ring-necked pheasants, and an occasional bald eagle. The larger mammals he’s seen include coyote, red fox, and white-tailed deer. “I’ve actually seen doe deer give birth on my property twice,” he says.

His next project is to add a water feature to his property — a small, L-shaped pond for fish, frogs, turtles, and water birds.

DIY: Getting started If you own a few acres of land — or even a decentsized backyard — and would like to create the type of wildlife habitat Joe Bodis has, first have a plan in mind and make a rough sketch of what you’d like your property to eventually look like. The Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Division of Wildlife (http://wildlife.ohiodnr.gov), is a great place to begin, as the agency has lots of free information about creating wildlife habitat on small parcels of ground.

A co-op member has created his own diverse nature preserve in the middle of farm country

MARCH 2018 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING

11

BY PAT KEEGAN

THE EFFICIENCY EXPERT

THE RIGHT CONTRACTOR

A little research can ensure you get just the right person for your job

R

enovations can be the perfect time to improve your home’s energy efficiency. To make sure you get those energy savings, it’s important to do some planning right from the beginning.

The first step is to educate yourself so you can be in control of your project. Helpful, easy-to-understand energy-efficiency information is available for virtually any area of your home and any renovation project.

Just be sure to use reputable sources, like www. energy.gov, www.energystar.gov, or in many cases, your local electric cooperative.

You can use your newfound knowledge to ask the right questions of potential contractors. Ask about the product to be installed, the energy savings it should yield, and whether it will improve comfort. Because energy-efficiency installations and construction are specialized, most measures are unlikely to be installed correctly unless the installer has experience — and hopefully some appropriate training or certification.

You may decide you’d like to hire a small specialty contractor or a larger general contractor. Either way, it’s crucial to hire someone with a contractor’s license, a local business license, and three types of insurance: liability, personal injury, and workers’ compensation. Check references to verify that the contractor has a solid history of cost-control, timeliness, good communication, and excellent results — including significant energy savings. You might learn that your lowest bidder has a tendency to increase the price after the job has begun.

As you choose between contractors, quality should be an even more important consideration than price.

Poor-quality energy-efficiency work will not deliver maximum savings.

Once you have settled on a contractor, be sure to get a written contract, which should include details such as who will be doing the actual installation; the

An energy auditor can help you determine the work you will hire a contractor to do.

specific R-value of any insulation being used, if you’re insulating; the make, model, and all efficiency ratings if you’re replacing a furnace or air conditioner; and who must pay for the necessary building permits.

Finally, be cautious about pre-paying. Keep the upfront payment as low as possible; set benchmarks the contractor must meet to receive the next payment; and make sure a reasonable amount of the payment is not due until the project is completed, the work passes building inspections, and you are fully satisfied.

PAT KEEGAN writes on efficiency issues at www. collaborativeefficiency.com.

If possible, hire a contractor with energy-efficiency training and certification such as ACCA or NATE for HVAC work, or BPI for a range of specialties.

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OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • MARCH 2018

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GOOD EATS

RECIPES AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY CATHERINE MURRAY

Springtime sampler There’s no surer sign of spring than those first fresh delights from the garden after a long, gray winter, and some of those crops will be ready for harvest any time now. Put those early-season delicacies to mouth-watering use in these tempting dishes!

FEBRUARY MARCH 2018 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING

15

FRESH HERB AND WHEAT BERRY SALAD Prep: 10 minutes; Servings: 8 2 c ups thinly sliced 4 cups cooked wheat radishes berries 1 shallot, chopped fine 1 cup fresh parsley, chopped 1/4 cup Dijon mustard 1 cup fresh mint, 1/4 cup red wine vinegar chopped

2 Tbsp. olive oil 2 Tbsp. water 1/2 tsp. salt

Mix wheat berries, parsley, mint, and radishes together in a medium bowl. Mix remaining ingredients in a separate bowl, pour over the wheat berry mix, and stir. Serve cold or at room temperature.

Per serving: 167 cal.; 4g total fat; 0.6g sat. fat.; 2.1g fiber; 26g total carbs; 5g protein; 536mg sodium.

RICE PUDDING WITH STRAWBERRY RHUBARB SAUCE Prep: 10 minutes | Cook: 11/2 hours | Chill (if desired): 2 hours; Servings: 6–8 1 lb. strawberries (tops 1/2 cup heavy cream 1/2 cup water removed), chopped 1/4 cup sugar 3/4 cup Arborio rice 1/4 cup water 1 tsp. vanilla extract 1/2 tsp. salt 1/4 cup sugar 5 rhubarb stalks, 3/4 cup milk chopped For the rice pudding: Bring water to boil in medium saucepan. Add rice and salt. Cover, reduce heat to low, and cook until water is gone, about 20 minutes. Uncover rice and add milk, cream, sugar, and vanilla extract. Increase heat to medium-low and cook uncovered, stirring frequently to prevent liquid from boiling over. Cook until all but 1/4 inch liquid has been absorbed by the rice. (Pudding should remain easy to stir, even after refrigerated. If it becomes sticky or solid, add more milk at any time.) Cool to room temperature, stirring occasionally to avoid a film on top, about 30 minutes.

For the sauce: Combine rhubarb, strawberries, water, and sugar in a medium saucepan on medium-high heat, stirring constantly until fruit is soft and sauce thickens. Spoon sauce over rice pudding and serve warm or cold. Store rice pudding and sauce separately in fridge for up to a week.

Per serving: 210 cal.; 5g total fat; 3g sat. fat; 2.5g fiber; 38g total carbs; 5g protein; 195mg sodium.

SPRING MINESTRONE SOUP Prep: 20 minutes | Cook: 30 minutes; Servings: 8 2 cans (14 oz.) diced 1 bunch spring onions tomatoes 3 Tbsp. olive oil 1 cup peas 1 cup chopped celery 1 cup small shell pasta 4 cloves garlic, minced 3 cups water 1 cup chopped carrots 2 Tbsp. minced parsley 4 cups vegetable broth 1 tsp. dried basil

1½ tsp. salt ½ tsp. black pepper 2 cups cooked white beans (cannelini or great northern) 2 cups chopped fresh baby spinach

Finely chop spring onions, discarding the green tops. Measure olive oil into large stock pot and heat on medium. Add onion, celery, garlic, and carrots to pot and sauté until onions become translucent and carrots begin to soften, about 7 minutes. Add vegetable broth, tomatoes with juice, peas, pasta, water, and spices to pot and stir. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer for 20 minutes.

Add beans and spinach and cook for an additional 5 minutes. Serve hot.

Per serving: 316 cal.; 7g total fat; 1g sat. fat; 11.5g fiber; 49g total carbs; 17g protein; 2024mg sodium.

16

OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • MARCH 2018

ASPARAGUS, MUSHROOM, AND CHIVE QUICHE Prep: 20 minutes | Cook: 1 hour; Servings: 8 2 cups asparagus, tough ends 11/4 cups all-purpose flour, plus trimmed, cut into 1-inch pieces more for rolling 1 clove garlic, chopped 1/2 tsp. salt 1 cup cream 1 stick unsalted butter, cut into 1/2-inch dice and chilled 3 large eggs 5 Tbsp. snipped chives 1/2 tsp. salt 2 Tbsp. ice water 1/4 tsp. pepper 2 Tbsp. olive oil dash of nutmeg 2 cups mushrooms, sliced dash of cayenne To make the crust, combine fl our, salt, butt er, and 3 tablespoons of chives in a food processor. Pulse in 1-second bursts unti l the mixture becomes crumbly. Drizzle in ice water and pulse in 1-second bursts unti l dough begins to sti ck together. Gather dough and form a ball. Roll out crust and fi t into a 9-inch pie or tart pan, pressing crust into corners.

Place in freezer for 10 minutes. Heat oven to 425 degrees. Line crust with parchment or aluminum foil and fi ll with pie weights, dried beans, or dry rice. Make sure the weights are snug against the sides of the pan. Bake 10 minutes. Remove weights and parchment. Bake another 5 to 10 minutes unti l the dough is golden brown. Let cool. Lower oven temperature to 350 degrees. With 1 tablespoon olive oil, sauté mushrooms unti l lightly browned. Set aside. With 1 tablespoon olive oil, sauté asparagus, sti rring occasionally unti l lightly browned. Combine remaining ingredients and whisk unti l well blended. Pour into cooled crust, then add the sautéed mushrooms, asparagus, and garlic. Place on cookie sheet and bake for 35 to 40 minutes, unti l center is puff ed but jiggles slightly when picked up. Remove from oven and allow to cool 15 minutes before serving.

Per serving: 245 cal.; 17g total fat; 9g sat. fat; 1.5g fiber; 18g total carbs; 6g protein; 410mg sodium.

MARCH 2018 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING

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MIDWEST ELECTRIC LOCAL PAGES

MESSAGE FROM THE CEO

NO RATE INCREASE IN 2018 That’s eight years and counting!

I

am pleased to announce that no electric distribution rate increase is planned in 2018.

Our last rate change was in 2010, so this marks eight years of stability and value from your electric cooperative.

This good news is all thanks to our employees, trustees, industry partners, and yes — to you, our members.

Employees Our employees know who they’re working for — our members — which keeps them focused on being responsive with efficiency in mind.

We’ve refinanced loans to the tune of about $1.5 million in financial benefit to the cooperative in terms of interest and earnings.

We regularly review work processes to eliminate unnecessary work and provide streamlined, responsive service. We’ve incorporated office technology such as electronic imaging and member-facing technology (Auto Pay and e-billing) to provide convenience not only to you but to us as well.

Operations technology, such as automated metering, improves speed and accuracy for billing purposes as well as outage restoration.

Having an experienced, knowledgeable, and well-trained workforce also helps efficiency.

Thanks to these and other productivity enhancements, we have the same number of employees today as we had in the 1980s.

And we’re budget conscious. Our 2018 budget is just a 1.6 percent increase over 2017’s. We take care to operate within the parameters of our budget.

Trustees Our board of trustees is composed of nine members of the cooperative — all of whom are your neighbors. Their goal is to ensure Midwest Electric operates efficiently, is committed to the Matt Berry, CEO community, returns mberry@midwestrec.com patronage equity to the members, and provides reliable and affordable power.

Working with management, the board sets the policies and strategic direction for the cooperative. The board also has the final say on our electric rates.

Industry partners Power supply is the generation and high-voltage transmission of electricity. It represents about 65 percent of our costs. This portion of our costs has been increasing just 1 to 2 percent per year in recent years. Earlier this decade, Buckeye Power, our wholesale power supplier, spent $1.2 billion in upgrades to our power plants. You should be proud that our Cardinal Generating Station is among the cleanest coal-generated power plants in the world.

Since America’s 900 electric cooperatives provide the same service with a common business model, we share many resources. An example of this is in information technology — the system that provides our billing, accounting, mapping, engineering, and outage management hardware Continued on Page 20

MARCH 2018 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING

19

OPERATIONS UPDATE

2017 outage review shows high reliability Adding new technology and capacities is paying off

T

he typical Midwest Electric member had power available 99.97 percent of the time in 2017, according to a review of last year’s data. This is slightly less than 2016’s record of 99.98 percent availability, but it still ranks among our top years.

On average, each member had an outage 1.06 times in 2017. This is the lowest on record for the co-op. In 2016, each member had an outage average of 1.37 times.

Midwest Electric invests $2 to 3 million per year in electric distribution reliability improvements, including line rebuilds, tree trimming, pole testing, equipment upgrades, and more.

For years, we’ve been adding backfeed capabilities in many locations. This way, power can be fed from different sources when an outage affects one source.

Soon, we’ll start building a Distribution Although the meters Automation communicate your outage, we (DA) network on still encourage you to report our local grid.

Whereas we your power outage. currently send a crew to manually transfer power flow from one source to another, the DA system will enable us to do this remotely from our office. In theory, this would turn a two-hour outage into a five-minute outage. However, not all circuits will benefit from DA, and implementation will be a multiyear process.

Our Outage Management System (OMS) also helps by communicating outage information from our equipment in the field to our computers in the office and iPads in our line trucks. When a meter on our lines identifies loss of power, we know it immediately. Our OMS then narrows down the potential location of the fault and the equipment involved, thus helping our dispatchers and crews identify where to head first.

We install protective devices in the form of fuses and reclosers (high-voltage circuit breakers). When a fault occurs, the fuse blows and everyone downstream from

it loses power. Reclosers are multi-shot devices, meaning they can operate a certain number of times before they stay open and an outage occurs. These are the “blinks” you notice at home.

Paul Rogers, Manager,

Blinks are a nuisance, but Operations & Engineering they eliminate a lot of extended outages by protecting wires and equipment from serious damage. Plus, the faults oftentimes clear themselves. Think of a tree branch swaying in the wind that contacts a power line but then sways back away from the power line. That contact could cause a power outage if the location had a fuse nearby. With a recloser, it only causes a blink.

The end result of all this technology is fewer outages and shorter outage duration. Plus, our technology provides members with more information directly at their fingertips. You can view our outage map at midwestrec.com and visit our Facebook page for status updates on larger outages. Through our SmartHub e-bill site, you can also sign up for text and e-mail alerts on outages.

Midwest Electric members enjoyed power available

99.97% of the time in 2017.

Members experienced an average of just 1.06 outages — the lowest in 10 years.

www.midwestrec.com 1-800-962-3830

MARCH 2018 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING

20A

MIDWEST ELECTRIC LOCAL PAGES

IN THE SPOTLIGHT

Pole testing and power reliability go hand in hand As is the case with most electric utilities, Midwest Electric is virtually dependent on the use of wooden poles. Even though the poles we utilize are initially treated to resist decay, all wooden poles will decay over time and ultimately need to be replaced. Decay rate varies depending on soil type, moisture levels, temperatures, and the type of wood the pole is derived from. The objective of our pole testing program is to determine if a pole is still useful and safe.

Midwest Electric has more than 30,000 poles on our 1,600-mile electric system in west-central Ohio. We contract with Epic to test our poles every year. Our pole testing is on a 10-year rotation, which means every pole on our system is inspected or tested once every 10 years.

Have you ever noticed electric poles with red paint on them? We call these Epic poles because they have been tested by a company called Epic Utilities Services.

So back to the red paint on the pole. The steps for changing those poles vary due to many different factors. For instance, how degraded is the pole? Are there trees close to it? What is the height of the old pole compared to the new pole? What is the wire size?

What other equipment is on the pole? The list goes on.

When a pole is painted with the red stripe, that means it has degraded enough that it won’t last another 10 years. A pole can also be marked as a “danger pole,” meaning it needs to be replaced as soon as possible.

Fortunately, the vast majority of our poles pass the tests with flying colors. But you can count on Midwest Electric to replace the failed ones to ensure public safety and power reliability.

The old pole, on the right side, was partially cut to accommodate the installation of the new pole. The pole was identified as one needing to be replaced.

It had our primary wires, a transformer, secondary overhead and underground wires, and the telephone company’s wires on it, so it required special attention.

20B OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • MARCH 2018

REBATE PROGRAMS

High bills have you down?

Here are programs to help!

We saw record-breaking cold temperatures this year, so your electric bill was most likely higher. Higher usage during the winter and early spring months can be hard on your wallet, but we here at Midwest Electric understand the struggle and have programs to assist you.

Lighting rebates for business members We offer a rebate of $1 per watt of lighting reduced. The rebate may not exceed 50 percent of the project cost (excluding labor), up to a total maximum rebate of $5,000.

• Funding is limited and subject to availability.

• We will do an on-site visit in order to confirm installation of project as submitted.

• Preapproval is required. All preapproval applications must have complete information in order to be considered.

• For commercial and industrial business facilities only.

Residential homes are not eligible.

• To qualify, lighting in the facility must be used a minimum of 1,800 hours per year.

• Existing equipment must be operational when preapproval application is submitted. Existing

equipment must be removed or permanently disconnected.

• Project costs include lamps, bulbs, fixtures, wiring, and ballasts.

Labor and/or installation costs are not eligible.

Dave Waltermire Business Development Coordinator

SPECIAL OFFER Midwest Electric offers a $500 rebate for changing out a propane or gas water heater to an electric version. Offer ends June 1, 2018.

Details apply; call first.

Rebates Midwest Electric offers a number of rebates to make your home or business more energy efficient and comfortable. You name it — from electric water heaters to heat pumps, geothermal units, refrigerators and freezers, and insulation or air sealing for your home, we

have many options. For businesses, we have programs for energy-efficient lighting, motors, and more.

Details and specifications apply. Please call first at 800-962-3830 for more information.

Free energy audits Our professional energy audit features a blower door test and infrared thermal scan to pinpoint energysaving opportunities for your home. We then provide a detailed follow-up report.

If you act on the audit and do at least $200 in energyefficiency improvements afterward, there is no cost for the energy audit. We also have a basic walk-through audit at no charge.

Call today for details at 1-800-962-3830.

MARCH 2018 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING

20C

MIDWEST ELECTRIC LOCAL PAGES

COMMUNITY CONNECTION FUND

Midwest Electric CCF hits

$1 MILLION MARK in donations

T

he Midwest Electric Community Connection Fund (CCF) has hit the $1 million mark in donations to area causes. The program started in 1998 and has provided $1,018,439 to 838 area projects.

“This program is entirely member-driven, so the credit goes to our members,” said CEO Matt Berry.

Participating members’ monthly electric bills are rounded up to the next dollar, with the additional pennies deposited in the fund.

A board of trustees, composed of cooperative members and separate from the Midwest Electric Board of Trustees, oversees the application and allocation process.

The latest recipients are: • Knights of Columbus, St. Marys — $2,000 toward a mobile ultrasound machine.

• ARC of Allen County — $1,500 for a new roof at the arts building at Camp Robin Rogers.

• Mobility Foundation, Lima — $1,250 to support the Stay Active & Independent for Life program for area elderly.

• Delphos Canal Commission — $1,000 to help with construction repairs to their building.

• Fort Recovery High School — $1,000 for a program to educate students on the dangers of distracted driving.

• Joint Township District Memorial Hospital — $1,000 for a prostate screening program.

• Specialized Alternatives for Families and Youth of Ohio (SAFY), Lima — $1,000 to buy therapeutic supplies.

20D

OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • MARCH 2018

Pictured from left to right: CCF members Margaret Tobe, Kathy Hemmelgarm, Ron Meyer, Phil Baxter, and Sharon Keeran.

• Celina Elementary School — $1,000 toward sensory room equipment for students with a sensory processing disorder.

• Auglaize County Public District Library — $1,000 for remodeling and equipment expenses.

• Big Brothers/Sisters of Mercer, Auglaize, and Van Wert — $750 for office equipment and a laptop.

• Van Wert County Council on Aging — $500 to help fund an automated door system.

• Cancer Association of Auglaize County — $500 for new computer equipment.

Individuals or organizations can obtain an application for a grant by contacting Midwest Electric at 419-394-4110 or 1-800-962-3830.

VEGETATION MANAGEMENT

TREE SEEDLINGS available from Midwest Electric Midwest Electric has a special offer to help you plant trees in the right place this spring. We will reimburse you for buying a tree seedling packet from your local Soil & Water Conservation District (SWCD).

• Special offer limited to the first 300 members; limit $15 reimbursement. Purchase must be from the SWCD to be reimbursed.

• The reimbursement will be in the form of an electric bill credit. You must send your receipt or proof of purchase to receive the reimbursement.

Instructions: Contact your local SWCD. Typically, they require an order form that can be mailed or downloaded from their websites, and they require payment when your order is placed. Deadlines are usually in early March.

• • • • • • •

Allen County SWCD, 419-223-0040 Auglaize County SWCD, 419-738-4016 Mercer County SWCD, 419-586-3289 Van Wert County SWCD, 419-238-9591 Darke County SWCD, 937-548-1752 Shelby County SWCD, 937-492-6520 Putnam County SWCD, 419-523-5159

Delivery is normally mid-April. They typically send out a postcard with the pickup time and location.

Think Before You Plant...

Before you plant, make sure you look up to see how those trees will affect the overhead utility lines. Decorative trees generally don’t grow extremely tall, but those big hardwood favorites that bathe a yard in shade during the hot months can get much bigger.

Maple trees will grow to between 60 and 80 feet when mature, oak trees can reach 75 to 80 feet, and the mighty sycamore will reach upwards of 115 feet when fully grown.

A good rule of thumb to consider is to plant trees at least as far away from utility lines as the tree is expected to grow. (If you’re planting a sugar maple that could grow to be 75 feet tall, plant it 75 feet away from power lines.)

When it comes to trees, we need your help in maintaining a constant flow of power. Please plant responsibly. Also, if you have trees on your property that are in danger of coming in contact with power lines, let us know and our crews can take care of things before a problem occurs.

Directional pruning Midwest Electric uses a “directional pruning” method of trimming trees. We cut the branch back all the way to another branch or trunk, instead of just topping it off. This seals the cut and allows the cut wound to heal properly by creating a flush cut instead of a cut in the middle of a branch.

A cut in the middle of a branch initially may look more appealing than directional pruning, but it leaves fewer leaves, so the tree gets fewer nutrients. It also creates water sprouts of as many as six to 10 small branches off each cut area. And it weakens the main branch.

The Ohio Department of Forestry recognizes directional pruning as an approved method since it is best for the long-term health of the tree.

MARCH 2018 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING

20E

MIDWEST ELECTRIC LOCAL PAGES

FYI

Your thoughts and opinions about Midwest Electric help us to serve you better.

We want to

HEAR FROM YOU!

In April, Midwest Electric will be working with NRECA Market Research Services to complete a member satisfaction survey. The surveys will be both by phone and e-mail, but not everyone will be contacted. If you are contacted, we would greatly appreciate a few minutes of your time to share your opinions of the cooperative.

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

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

All information is confidential.

TRUSTEE ELECTIONS

Run for the Midwest Electric Board This may be your chance to be a part of the decisionmaking body that governs the rules and policies of Midwest Electric Inc. and sets the cooperative’s direction and focus.

Three of the nine seats on the co-op board of trustees are up for election. Voting will be conducted by mail and online, with voting closing on May 30 and results announced at the Annual Meeting on June 2.

20F

For this year’s elections, petitions may be filed by members who reside within the following districts: • District 2 (3-year term) — Allen and Putnam counties • District 3 (3-year term) — Van Wert County • District 4 (3-year term) — Mercer and Darke counties

Nomination of trustees

How to apply

Any member residing in a district up for election may become a candidate by obtaining a petition form from the co-op’s office and obtaining at least 15 valid signatures of members who reside within that district.

Candidates must complete the official petition form and file it in the co-op’s office by April 30 (no sooner than March 16). Call us for more information, or for a copy of the Code of Regulations.

OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • MARCH 2018

CO-OP PEOPLE

THIS LITTLE LIGHT SHINES Members Ron and Doris Rindler have a light that refuses to stop shining. Their doorbell has been shining bright for 45 years and counting!

Doris says she has no idea why the bulbs have lasted so long. She assumes the contractor who installed it used the NuTone 101-N transformer, as mentioned in the installation instructions. (See photo at right.)

The doorbell they originally purchased was a Spanish Renaissance-style version, but years later after changing their decor, they removed the doorbell’s original front and replaced it with a more contemporary-looking exterior. However, they didn’t change the bulbs.

“This NuTone doorbell and light was installed by our electrical contractor when our house was built in 1972.

The lightbulbs have been burning ever since,” Doris says. “The only times the bulbs went out were during power outages.”

Midwest Electric members Ron and Doris Rindler (top) have a doorbell (pictured above with original instructions) with lightbulbs that have been shining for 45 years.

CO-OP NEWS

New operations clerk hired at Midwest Electric Derek Backs has been named operations clerk at Midwest Electric, where he will be responsible for storeroom and warehousing operations.

Backs lives in St. Marys and worked four years with the city, most recently as a groundman II. He holds a bachelor’s degree in education from The Ohio State University.

MARCH 2018 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING

20G

MIDWEST ELECTRIC LOCAL PAGES

CAPITAL CREDITS

UNCLAIMED PATRONAGE CAPITAL FUNDS Can you help us find these people?

Midwest Electric is trying to locate the following customers listed on Pages 20H through 22 who may be entitled to unclaimed patronage capital funds paid in December 2013. If you recognize a name on the list, notify the person. If the person is deceased, let one of their relatives know about the unclaimed check. The person, relative, or guardian must contact our office for the check to be issued. After proper notification, any unclaimed funds from December 2013 will be reassigned to current members following the guidelines established in the cooperative’s Code of Regulations.

Abels Jeffery Accord Harold Adams Douglas Adams William Albright Dennis S Alexander Kurt D Allen Mindy Allison Kevin Amos Rex Arling Donald J Armstead Barbara Armstrong Phoebe E Assenheimer Paul At&T Store #Oh3870 Atha Lee Avery Ralph Ejr Back Michael Badgett William T Bailey Doramae Bailey Ernest E Bailey Joe W Bailey Michael Bailey Tony Baker Jack Baker M F Baker Tamatha L Bales Jack Ballinger Wally Barker Glen E Barrett Tina J Barth Gladys V Barton Becky Basedowd.o. William Bauer Karen Bayes Cecil Bayview Pub & Grub Beck Julie Beery John Benner Ralph W Benton John C Berry Charles Berry Eileen Berry Renee Bertke Michael Bethel Church Bianco Andrew Sjr Biddinger Carolsue Biddinger David H

Billerman Mike Binkley Connie Bir Charles F Bishop Juan D Bivona Stephen M Black John J Black Joshua J Black Michael Blake Thomas A Blankemeyer Donald Blankenship John R Bledsoe Owen K Boatright Charles D Bob Tatone Ford Inc Bodiker Dennis Bodine Jonathan P Boehme Charles E Boggs Sarah Bolinger Russell L Booher Morris E Boomershine Jessica Bornemann Naomi R Bornhorst Jill M Bouchard Matthew D Bowers D Kyle Bowersock Richard A Bowersock Von K Bradley Susan R Brannon Crandall G Braun Thomas J Bread Of Life Fellowshi Brinkman Daniel W Brockman Daniel Broerman Leo F Brookhart Todd Brooks Jim Brooks Mary Brookwood Hills Water Brown Erin C Brown Jeff R Brown Mary L Brown Ronald A Brown Tony L Brumbaugh Karl Bruns Cathy J Bruns Robert E Burkholder Welty K Burnett Mary J

20H OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • MARCH 2018

Burrows Chris Bush Ralph Bushong Terry Butler Marilyn Butler Timothy R Buzard Roger Cain Douglas Campbell Mabel R Campbell Mary E Campbell Sheila Campbell Violet Cantrell David Capman Karmi Carr Scott Carroll Tina L Carter Paul Case Dale W Caster Stan Chaffins Sheila Cisco Kendra Clark Gary Clark James W Cleland Crystal Cleland Roger Clem Jay A Clemens Diana Clemens Samuel R Clifford Thomas S Cochensparger Harold Cockerell George A Coil Mary Colebaugh C E Collier Samantha Conner Fred J Cook Matt Cooper Christina Cornwell Dora R Cotterman Ellen Cottle John E Courtney Sandy Cowgill Michael Craig Tony Crawford Pearl Crawford Traci Cress Jerry Crisp Bill Crist Edward Crossman William N

Crum Harold R Crumrine Dennis Custer Aimee Daberkow Kevin Dahill Annetta Dailey Carey Daisy Connie F Dammeyer Helen Daniels Ted R Davis Christoph Er Davis Daryl Davis Roger Day Darlene Deanthony Robert J De’armond Robert Decker M D Decker Robert Asr Delcotto Pete S Demeny Jeffrey R Demming Sylvia Dennings Guy R Derosia Bertha Derrow Michael A Detrick Larry Devita Tim Diamond Distributing Dickson Nicole Diehl John J Dimension Cable Service Dine Jeffrey C Ditto Eli T Dooley Tom L Doseck Kevin Douds Deborah Douglas Shaun Douglas William S Downam Harry D Drehs C Drexler Richard A Drieling Bruce G Drown Gerald Drummer Rita M Ducheney Brian Dues Stanley H Duff Bonnie J Duncan Larry T Dunno C E Dysinger Mary L

Earehart Denzel Early Philip L Eastman Earl R Eastman Karen J Ebling Noel M Eckhart Charlie ECM Edwards Douglas R Eggeman Ray Eick Steve Elder Lenora Eley Joseph E Elifritz Betty Ellis Roger E Elrod James E Enterman Catherine F Est James F Sunderland Est Of Ralph W Hecht Evans Frank Evans Lance A Evans Trevor Sr Everetts Carmen E Ewing Mary E Fairchild Andrew M Fairchild Gary Faith Tabernacle Fawn Way Farms Fay Daniel S Ferguson Michael Fett Douglas Fett Gary L Fishback Robert L Flanagan Stephen Fleck Deb Flinn Tammy K Flory Dean C Forbes Craig Fordham Craig Forward Maggie Foster Daryl Jjr Foust David Fox Kerry P Freeman Fred R Freeman Orville J Fricke Daniel Fried Vincent P Fruchey Joe A Frye L Dennis Jr

MIDWEST ELECTRIC LOCAL PAGES

Continued from Page 19

and software. Partnering with our sister electric cooperatives and the National Information Solutions Cooperative, we’re able to provide technology features that would be cost-prohibitive on our own. And we do so with the latest in cyber security protection advancements.

We also partner with other electric cooperatives for after-hours customer service, employee training, insurance, and legislative and lobbying efforts, which can have a big impact on the cost of energy.

Members About half of our members participate in our load management programs, which help us save about $700,000 per year in avoided demand charges on our wholesale power bill from Buckeye Power.

(The peak control times occur less than 1 percent of all the hours in a year.)

Members who choose electric for their water heater and heating system also help the cooperative maintain stable rates. The increased sales help cover our fixed costs. It also helps those individual members, since electricity costs less than propane.

Members who use our billing technology help improve the efficiency and productivity of

our office operations. This includes Auto Pay, payment through a bank or with a credit card, and e-billing.

About 630 Midwest Electric members also belong to Co-op Owners for Political Action®, and hundreds more respond to our occasional e-mails asking you to contact your legislator when a particular issue may impact the cost or availability of electricity. Legislation and regulations can have a big impact on power prices, so please consider joining our political action committee to make a difference.

One purpose of electric rates is to gather the revenue needed to pay for the distribution system as well as its maintenance and improvements.

We have 1,600 miles of power line and 18 substations and metering points in west-central Ohio, all carrying a value of $50 million. On average, it comes out to over $30,000 per mile of line, or $5,000 per member.

Plus, we invest $2 to $3 million each year in system maintenance, replacements, and additions.

Just think: You get access to all that for just 10 cents per kilowatt-hour and $35 per month — the same as eight years ago. Now that’s value.

Midwest Electric, Inc.

No rate increase since 2010 20

OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • MARCH 2018

Fryman Terry Frysinger Donald K Fuller Michael Furay Gary Ljr G & A Miller Farms Inc Gaddy John P Garber Matthew A Garrett Jeffrey L Garver William A Gephart Lisa Gerdeman Carl E Gibboney David E Gibson Cullen S Gilbert Bradley Jr Gilbert Clark M Gilliam Jerry M Gloveriii Howell D Goings Mary Jane Golden Denver Goodwin Eric Ex

Henegar James Hensley Kimberly A Heppead Tod L Heppeard Richard K Herbst Charles L Herman John Herr William Heyman Neal R Hickerson Andrew D Hickerson Edward W Hickman Kenneth M Hickman Ora W Hilbert Jacquelin M Hilderbrand Shirley C Hill Jean M Hill Larry A Hilleary Mary A Hilts Vickie Hines Richard Ajr Hinton Lynda Hittle Violet A Hoffman Mike Hoffmann John M Holland Russell E Hollingsworth F G Homan Dallas Homan Rick J Honigford Dennis Hook Donald E Hook John H Horn Brian Howe Barbara A Howe Garry W Howell Beverly Hudson Randy L Huey Lloyd Huffman Steven H Hughes Donald Jr Hundley C D Hunt Floyd W Hunter Denise Hurd Erma J Hussey Tracy Imhof Wallace F Inderrieden Helen Inkrott Anthony Irish Judy I Irons Derrick Jackson Dallas R Jackson John J Jackson Robert G Jacobs David R Jacobs Leonard R Jay Denise A Johnson Roger L Johnson Thelma I Johnston Scott Jones Bert W Jones Douglas L Jones James Jones Michael D Jones Sandra K Jones Scott Jones W E Joyner Jeffrey Justus Adin C Kaiser Mark A Kaliher Elaine Karalunas Iii Daniel E

Grace Lucille Brenneman Trus

Graham Kenneth Grant James A Green Mike Greene Michael Gregory Karen S Gren Theresa L Grich David E Griffith Marilyn Groves Jean Grubmaer Darren G Grumbley Sylvia L Haas John P Hagens Bruce A Hagens Ruth E Hale Sandra L Hall Connie Hall Elmer Jr Hall Ivron E Hall Jeffrey Hall Norma Hall Tim Halper Henry Hamilton Brenda Hammitt Bryan Hampton Rickey Haney Bob Hardin Anthony Hardwick Michael Harkness Denise M Harmon Stephen Harmon Vivian L Harpest Melina Harry’s Paint Shop Harshman Harold W Hartley Edward C Harvey Larry Z Hawkins Eugene Haworth John E Heath Louella Heath Richard L Hebert Carrie Heffelbower Lois G Heffelfinger Karen Hefner Linda Heilman Robert Heitkamp Doug Heitkamp Linus Hempker Jennifer

KCL Family Homestead Keiser Todd Kellermeyer Colleen Kellermeyer Leota Kelly Mike Kemmann Terry Kennedy Brenda Kidder Guy Kiefer Anita Kilgore Cindy M Kimble Jacquelyn M King Alan King James D Kinstle Marilyn Kiracoff Demaris Kissel Charles Kissinger Sherry Klith Norma J Knust Joe Koenig Donald G Kohler Martha Kohlpin Construction Kohrman Mike Komminsk Robert F Kramer Fred Jjr Kremer Family Trust Kremer Jason Laffin Kim M Lampy Mark Lange Walter A Larue Marvin E Lasley Charles E Lauber Don Lauck Greg Laukhart Richard L Legros Kim Lehmkuhle Shannon Lehwald Richard Pjr Lemmon Budd H Lemons Tim R Lenhart Leroy J Lesley Richard Levan Linda Lewis Brian Lewis James K Lieb Robert Lillard Holly Linades Const Lindstrom Ronald Gjr Line Becky L Lines Frank A Link Mary M Linton Kim Litteral Rob Lloyd Timothy Logan Rob Longendelpher Mary L Loudenslager Douglas Lowe Mildred L Luck Gregory D Lunguy Peggy Lunz Anita M Lusk Glen D Lute Thomas W Macaluso Phyllis Macdonald Charles Maggert Randy A Magiera Larry Marcum Jeffrey Q

Marshall Richard P Martin Betty C Martin Danny N Martin Marjorie Mathes Patrick C Matsumoto Takabumi Maynard Melvin Mcbeth Kimberly A Mcbride Robert L Mccloskey Frances L Mccoy George M Mcdaniel Beth Mcdaniel Melva Mcdaniel Vonda Mcdorman David Mcdowell Rex A Mcfall Jimmy L Mclaughlin Jean Mcmahan R L Mcminn Lawrence Mcmurray Jon A Mcnamee William F Mcneal Timothy P Mcneil Mary B Mcpheron Rick Mears Don W Meeks Raymond G Meyer Mary E Meyer Thomas J Miller David W Miller Edward A Miller Joe D Miller Kerry L Miller Marguerit O Miller Paul Miller Timothy P Minkner Vernon W Moeller Ben Molen Larry L Monbeck James A Moon Sherry Moore Mildred J Morehouse Tara M Morgan Brian D Morgan Luke Morningstar Lora L Morton Michael Moyer Edith L Mt Zion Church Muhlenkamp Nancy Mulcahy James Ejr Mullen April L Mullins Lisa R Munson Britt Murphy Richard A Mustard Duane Myers Barbara A Myers Donald Myers Jeffrey E Myers Sandra A Neal Susan K Neel Dds Wilbur Neeper Harold E Nees Richard Neff Eric T Nelson Trudy J Nestor John J Netherton Jeanne A Neuenschwande David

Nevergall Homer Newbauer William R Newman David O Newman Mearl Nill James Noble Betty M Nonnenman Dale E Norris Ernest L Nutter Linda S Ogle Joseph Oneal Steve O’neal William Osting Michael L Pabon Luis E Pack D W Palmer Gregory A Parent Billie J Parent Stephen Parsons Kelly Pash George E Pasquali Ron Patten Mathew S Paul Jenkins Builder I Pax Joann M Payton Charles Pazitney Michael F Penningtonjr Phillip R Perkins Randy Perone Dino J Perrine Cheryl A Perry Bernard Perry’s Pantry #1 Peters Everett Peters Irene Pfeifer Kelani R Phillips Cecelia Pitts Kevin Pitts Wilma J Pohlabel Denise R Pohlabeln Alberta G Polley Emory Poor Norman E Poppe Mary L Porter Tammy Porumb John D Powell Beth Powell John Powell Kathy L Prich Cynthia A Protsman Christoph Er Prueter Scott Przybylo Anita Puster Ruth E Pyburn Jerry Quaintance Sherry Quigley Richard S Radabaugh Jonathan Rader Sue A Rammel Michael J Ramsey Cindy L Ramsey Felecia Rasawehr Kenneth Rasey Brian D Rector Peggy A Rector Richard R Reel Ruth W Reich Melanie Reichert Brad Reifenberger David

MARCH 2018 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING

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MIDWEST ELECTRIC LOCAL PAGES

Reiff Stephanie K Reigelsperger Kenneth Reinhard Joan H Renoir Visions Resor Clarence Resor Ralf Rex Aaron Reynolds David Bjr Reynolds Michael C Rice Jeffrey C Richardson Jamie Richey Jason Richey Patrick Ricker Charles Ridenour Kenneth Ridinger Michael J Rife Linda Rife Thomas Roberts Darren Roberts Irene Robinson Edward Robinson Elmer C Rockwood Michael Roehm Mary Roehrle Klaus Rogers Steven M Rohdes Jonathan L Rolfes Ed Rose Oscar Rosenbeck Patrick Roy Robert Rubino Louis Ruble Theresa Rumbaugh Angela Ruppert Jeffrey R Russell Peggy Rutter Michael L Ruwaldt Joe Sanders Jennifer L Sargent Dale E Savidge Anna Mari E Sawyer Kristine A Scales Jill Scarberry Darwin Scarpella Tod Schaffer Christine Schmidt Darryl

Schoonover Mike Schott J C Schreima Jon Schroer David Schroer Scott L Schultz Emil C Schurman Robert W Schwartz Robert Scripter Wayne Settlemire Michael Shaeffer David R Shaffer Aaron K Shaffer Dennis P Shaffer Stephen Sheik John S Shellenberger Dale Shelley Birdella M Sherrick Jack D Shroyer Jodi L Simons Carey D Simonton Thomas A Singer Thomas Skaggs Mickaleen L Skorupski Mary Jo Smith Anna Smith Dan Smith Gerald A Smith Gordon M Smith Homer Smith Joyce Smith Marion W Smith Noah W Smith Richard R Smith Wilbur L Snook Chris Snyder Harry S Snyder J L Snyder Robert E Sonnenberg Eric Sowers Dianne Spangler Bruce D Spicer Gregory Spring Daniel B Stanfield Stephen J Stauffer Andy Steele Stacy Steinbrunner Robert

Steinke Michael Stemen Mary D Sterling Ray Sterrett Tim R Stewart Jesse M Stewart John P Stiles Samuel R Stoltz William S Stone R L Strange Patrick D Straub Scotty P Studebaker Tom Sturgis Dene R Swartz Beatrice E Swartz Charles Sweeney Scott D Swinehart David A Sypherd Jan M Tamaska Ray A Taylor Dave Taylor Joe Taylor Kendra A Tci Cablevision Teman Kathleen I Temple Billie Tennant Terry Terrace Park Ltd Prtnsh Terrell Harold E Thatcher Sharon Thaxton Robert L Thomas James Thompson Brian Tierney Michael P Tilley Maxine Timmerman Cletus Tobin Robert M Toschlog Darryl Tower Equipment Inc Trajlov Vukasin Traynor Rita M Trinity Industries Inc Trissell Rosemary Trydle Christine Turner R J Turner William Turrentine James L Twining Robert

Ullery Arthur Jr Ulm Suanne S Vance Jayne A Vanfleet Shawnda Vann Eric L Vanover Verlin A Vanwynsberghe Raymond Jr Vastano Katherine Veneroni Paul H Verizon Communications Vetter Tracy A Vogel Charles Hjr Vogel Julie A Voisard Douglas E Waggamon Jeff Wagoner Richard Ojr Walker David Wallace Rex Walter Stacy Walther Connie L Ward Anna C Ward John Jr Warner Cable Communicat Warren Gerald W Watkins Sherilyn Watt Kenny Watters Scott Wauben Matthew P Waymire Fred Waymire Tim Webb Clayton Webb Thomas M Weidman Troy Weist Mark J Weitzell Elizabeth Wells Cynthia A Wendel Mary E Wenning Jerome Wetmiller Pamela J Whitney Greg Wicker Tammy L Wildman Pamela Wilgus Lewis Wilgus Scott Williams Carol Williams Roger O

BOARD OF TRUSTEES

OFFICE

06029 County Rd. 33A P.O. Box 10 St. Marys, OH 45885 CONTACT

1-800-962-3830

ACCESS YOUR ACCOUNT ONLINE www.midwestrec.com Report an outage and pay your bill through our free mobile SmartHub app.

Larry Vandemark, president James Wiechart, vice pres.

Randy Heinl, secy./treas.

Steve Bauer Bob Barnt Kathy Brake Gary R. Knapke Gary Profit Roger W. Rank

Williams Steve Williams Suzanne Williams Tony M Wilson John Wilson Steven M Wimmers Dolores M Windrow Valet O Winhoven Jo Ellen Winner Vernon J Wolf Anthony M Wolke Jason Woodall William J Woods Scott Woods Shane Worley Rex A Woten Jennifer L Wright Dale Wysong Ralph P Yagle Samuel Yahl Judith Yantis Neil R Young Gene Zartman Kathleen Zeigler Darrell Zimmerman Ruth

A copy of Midwest Electric, Inc.’s Articles of Incorporation and Code of Regulations is available from the co-op office and online at midwestrec.com. Call us to receive your copy.

Courtney Burton Attorney

OFFICE HOURS

Monday – Friday 7:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.

22

OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • MARCH 2018

CEO

Matt Berry

mberry@midwestrec.com

@midwestrec

facebook.com/ midwestelectric

CO-OP OHIO CO-OP OHIO CO-OP OHIO CO-OP OHIO CO-OP OHIO CO-OP OHIO CO-OP OHIO CO-OP OHIO HIO CO-OP OHIO CO-OP OHIO CO-OP OHIO CO-OP OHIO CO-OP OHIO CO-OP OHIO CO-OP OHIO CO-OP OHIO P OHIO CO-OP OHIO CO-OP OHIO CO-OP OHIO CO-OP OHIO CO-OP OHIO CO-OP OHIO CO-OP OHIO CO-OP CO-OP OHIO CO-OP OHIO CO-OP OHIO CO-OP OHIO CO-OP OHIO CO-OP OHIO CO-OP OHIO CO-OP OHIO HIO CO-OP OHIO CO-OP OHIO CO-OP OHIO CO-OP OHIO CO-OP OHIO CO-OP OHIO CO-OP OHIO CO-OP OHIO P OHIO CO-OP OHIO CO-OP OHIO CO-OP OHIO CO-OP OHIO CO-OP OHIO CO-OP OHIO CO-OP OHIO CO-OP CO OP OHIO CO-OP NEWS & NOTES FROM AROUND THE STATE O-OP OHIO CO-OP OHIO CO-OP OHIO CO-OP

O’Loughlin earns national award Pat O’Loughlin, president and CEO of Ohio’s Electric Cooperatives, is the recipient of the 2018 J.C. Brown CEO Communication Leadership Award. The award, presented by National Rural Electric Cooperative Association, recognizes an electric co-op executive who advances communication in the industry.

O’Loughlin’s focus on communications promoted the not-for-profit cooperative business model, launched the Ohio’s Electric Cooperatives (OEC) brand, and led to the creation of a three-year strategic plan to elevate the cooperative principles.

Under his leadership, OEC conducted internal communications audits and helped craft communications plans for six member co-ops in 2017.

Pat O’Loughlin (left) accepting his award. Photo

by Michael W. Kahn.

Donation to fund solar panels, youth programs Consolidated Cooperative donated $5,000 to the nonprofit Stratford Ecological Center, a 236-acre educational organic farm and nature preserve in Delaware, to fund the center’s solar and youth programs. The donation was matched by CoBank of Greenwood Village, Colorado — a cooperative bank and lender of Consolidated — as part of its Sharing Success program, which matches co-op donations.

Half of the $10,000 donation will go to the center’s 156-panel solar array project, and the rest will be split among youth programs, including a pen pal program based around reading books.

CFC gives $35,000 to Project Ohio electrification efforts The National Rural Utilities Cooperative Finance Corporation (CFC) recently presented a $35,000 grant to Project Ohio and its efforts to electrify the Guatemalan villages of Las Tortugas and San Jorge.

CFC, headquartered in Dulles, Virginia, is a member-owned nonprofit cooperative that provides financial and management services to its electric cooperative distribution and power supply members nationwide.

Linemen from Ohio electric cooperatives leave for Guatemala March 5.

Co-ops sponsor human trafficking awareness event Paulding Putnam Electric Cooperative and Midwest Electric are sponsoring author and advocate Theresa Flores as she presents her story at the Niswonger Performing Arts Center in Van Vert March 27.

Flores travels the U.S. sharing her story of being trafficked at 15 years old and tortured for two years while living in an upper-middle-class suburb of Detroit, Michigan. Flores’s organization, TraffickFree, builds awareness about human trafficking to educate students, professionals, and motel staff on the red flags and how to identify a victim.

For tickets, call 419-238-6722 or visit NPACVW.org.

MARCH 2018 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING

23

10 KITCHEN

gardening issue

BY KRIS WETHERBEE

GARDEN TIPS

FOR BETTER YIELDS

24

OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • MARCH 2018

BY KRIS WETHERBEE; PHOTOS BY RICK WETHERBEE

Kitchen gardens are sprouting up more and more as folks take the farm-totable practice into their backyards — and now’s the time of year when the first signs of spring have many of us eagerly anticipating those tasty tomatoes, juicy melons, fresh salad greens, crisp cucumbers, and other fresh edibles that come from our own gardens. These tips will help power up your planting and maximize your yields for a tastier, more productive kitchen garden.

4 5 6 7

1 2

repare the soil P Healthy soil is the foundation to growing healthy and extra-productive plants. Enriching the soil with a 1- to 2-inch layer of aged manure or compost (see Page 26) each spring will encourage a more extensive root system that can better access nutrients and water deep in the soil. aise your beds R Raised garden beds not only make the most efficient use of space, they also make planting, growing, and harvesting a whole lot easier — and they work exceptionally well at defining your planting areas, which makes it easier to keep weeds under control.

3

ake use of mulch M Shredded leaves, straw, grass clippings, compost, and other organic mulch help conserve soil moisture, moderate soil temperatures, improve soil texture, and deter weeds. Covering the soil with a 2- to 4-inch layer of organic mulch in spring or early summer will help ensure great yields.

I nclude paths Loose and fertile soil is a key element to healthy plants. Each time you step on your garden beds, the soil compacts a bit more. Make paths between garden beds, as well as mini-paths in a wide garden bed, so feet stay off the prime growing areas.

Step it up with seedlings Jump-start your own seeds indoors, or buy transplants from your local garden center. Using living plants instead of directly seeding the garden often produces better yields and shortens the time to harvest.

Position plants for productivity Plant in blocks or squares rather than rows — you can grow more plants in a square foot of multiple planting areas than you can in widely spaced rows.

Grow high-yield veggies Whether buying seeds or transplants, certain features will give you the upper edge to greater yields. Look for labels such as “disease resistant,” “improved yields,” “consistent grower,” or “ever-bearing.”

8

Plan for plant diversity Growing herbs, flowers, and other plants with your veggies creates better plant diversity in the garden by attracting birds, pollinating bees, and helpful insects that feast on bad bugs.

9

Keep bare spots to a minimum Succession planting helps keep your garden producing right through the growing season. Replant each area as soon as the previous crop is harvested; for example, early-spring snap peas might be followed by early peppers, then fall radishes.

10

tilize the vertical dimension U Grow pole beans, winter squash, and other vining vegetables and fruits on an arbor, fence, or vertical trellis. You’ll produce more abundant yields in less space, and the added sun and air will bring a superior quality to produce.

MARCH 2018 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING

25

gardening issue

BY PAMELA A. KEENE

COMPOSTING : The ultimate way to recycle Stop: Don’t toss out those nonmeat kitchen scraps.

By following the right techniques and combination of ingredients, you can have some of the best and least-expensive garden soil amendments.

“The secret to successful gardening is the quality of the soil you plant in, and when you amend your soil with compost, you’re improving your chances for a more productive garden,” says Joe Lamp’l, founder of joegardener.com and the television program Growing a Greener World, which is broadcast in many parts of the country. He also produces podcasts that air on JoeGardener.com and is a sought-after speaker at regional and national gardening symposiums and workshops. “Commercial soil amendments and organic material can be expensive, but when you can make

your own out of kitchen scraps, grass clippings, and leaves, everyone wins. It’s really not that hard, and you can have fun in the process.”

Without getting too technical, compost is made from biodegraded organic matter. In the right proportions and conditions, bacteria, fungi, protozoa, earthworms, and arthropods (such as beetles and springtails) break down the materials. There are four basic ingredients to make compost: carbon (brown waste), nitrogen (green waste), air, and water.

You can build a multi-stage composting system by connecting several wooden pallets together.

26

OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • MARCH 2018

Composting turns nonmeat, nonfat kitchen scraps and clean yard waste into rich, nutritions garden additive.

“You don’t need any fancy equipment or tools to start a compost heap,” he says. “Just select an out-ofthe-way spot — behind some shrubs or a far corner of your yard — and you can just begin putting the ingredients into a pile. Find an easy-to-access place with water nearby and you’re all set.”

If you want to contain the pile, build a three-sided wire cage, or tie three wooden pallets together with coat hangers. You can also order closed composting systems online or from garden centers. Your batches will be smaller than when using an open bin, but the results will be faster.

“Start with woody materials, branches, or sticks that will aid in ventilation, then layer brown, then green materials, using a formula of roughly two-thirds brown and one-third green,” Lamp’l says.

Examples of green materials, which have a higher nitrogen content, include fresh grass clippings, pulled weeds, and nonmeat, nonfat kitchen scraps such as vegetable and fruit peelings and cores, coffee grounds, and used tea leaves. Brown ingredients, those that furnish carbon that’s important to the decomposition process, include dried leaves, shredded cardboard or paper, and small wood chips.

You can add a shovelful of garden soil or a handful of

fertilizer such as 10-10-10 or Milorganite slow-acting fertilizer to speed up the process.

It’s important to keep the pile moist, with the consistency of a damp sponge, and regularly aerated.

Also, make sure the ingredients added are not too big. As the pile decomposes, it creates heat that further breaks down the ingredients.

Some gardeners periodically cover the pile for a couple of weeks with black plastic garbage bags to hold in heat.

Composting can take two months to a year or more, depending on the ratio of brown to green ingredients, how often the pile is turned or aerated, how much heat is generated during the process, the size of the pile, and other conditions.

Adding compost to your garden will increase the level of nutrients and improve the texture of the soil.

“Once you’re started composting, using it in your garden and as top-dressing for your landscape, you’ll never go back,” Lamp’l says. “It’s one of the best ways to truly recycle and save money at the same time.

And your gardening successes will improve.”

PAMELA A. KEENE is a freelance writer based in Atlanta.

MARCH 2018 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING

27

GARDENING ISSUE

BY TONI LELAND

Jazz up your garden WITH

interesting shapes

CANNAS

Color and texture are triedand-true ways to add interest to your garden, but gardeners may not always stop to consider shapes. Contrast feathery with bold, tall and slender with wide and round, or any other variations you can imagine. Here are a few plants that just might inspire you.

Cannas are wonderful large additions to any garden, be it a border or a foundation bed. The many varieties provide gorgeous, exotic blooms in a variety of colors, but sometimes the leaves are the stars. Canna ‘Cleopatra’ spends most of her life as foliage in your garden, sporting large vivid green leaves slashed with burgundy. In July, she produces tricolor blooms in red, yellow, and orange with speckles. Bulbs should be dug in fall to overwinter.

28

OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • MARCH 2018

CROCOSMIA

EDELWEISS

Crocosmia is a showy bulb ordinarily used as an annual. For a tall statement in the garden, crocosmia grows to 4 feet by 2 feet and stuns the senses with long stalks of brilliant scarlet flowers from June through August. Plant in full sun with some shade in the hottest summer areas. Bulbs can be dug in the fall and stored for replanting in spring.

Edelweiss is an alpine perennial that always gets attention. Lowgrowing gray-green, somewhat furry, lance-shaped leaves spread out, then in July, stems pop up and produce the most interesting fuzzy, white, wooly blooms. It grows to about 1 foot with about the same spread in full sun. This plant looks great paired with astilbe and heuchera.

Goatsbeard can command all the attention at the back of the landscape bed, looking for all the world like a giant astilbe. The pinnate leaves are dark green and lacy, forming a lovely background for the showy plumes of white flowers that appear in May. This perennial grows to 3 feet tall and 2 feet wide. It loves full sun with some shade, needs plenty of moisture, and tolerates rabbits.

Lupine is an old-fashioned plant that is often overlooked because it does poorly in hot weather. Tuck this herbaceous perennial into a sunny spot that has light shade from intense afternoon sun, and you’ll be rewarded in the spring and early summer with tall spikes of fragrant flowers. The leaf clusters look like small palm trees, and the scent of lupine in full bloom is incredible. It is attractive to butterflies and slugs.

Foxglove is another old-fashioned plant that needs some patience, as it only blooms the second year, but the stalks of trumpet-shaped flowers are stunning at the back of a bed, and the velvety leaves contrast nicely with other plants. Foxglove grows to 5 feet and comes in several colors, but the most common are yellow or purple.

Plant in full sun to part shade and watch the hummingbirds arrive. It tolerates rabbits and deer.

Red Hot Poker is a dynamite plant to put into a sunny, dry garden space. Once established, this herbaceous perennial grows to about 3 feet tall with sword-like leaves and a brilliant orange bloom that opens slowly and lasts a long time. It tolerates rabbits, deer, drought, and dry soil.

Continued on Page 30

LUPINE

GOATSBEARD

FOXGLOVE

RED HOT POKER

MARCH 2018 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING

29

gardening issue Continued from Page 29

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Send us your pictures!

Upload your photos at www.ohioec. org/memberinteractive. For June, send “Funny wedding pictures” by March 14; for July, send “Sprinkler fun” by April 15. Make sure to give us your name, mailing address, phone number or e-mail, the name of your electric co-op, and an explanation of the photo, including the names of people shown.

OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • MARCH 2018

Talk to us When life gets busy and hectic, what’s your favorite stress-break that lets your brain rest for awhile? Do you crochet?

Work puzzles? Take a long hike? Tell us by connecting with your electric cooperative on Facebook, and we’ll include the top tips in a future Ohio Cooperative Living.

Rhubarb. Who would have thought to use this vegetable as an ornamental?

Gorgeous huge, ruffled leaves start in early spring, then come May, tall stalks of lacy white flowers appear. It makes a beautiful statement in a large landscape bed, with the added plus of fresh rhubarb stalks during the second year of growth. It tolerates rabbits.

Sweetfern is a deciduous shrub with narrow, fragrant, deeply notched lustrous green leaves of about 4 inches. The effect is lacy and a wonderful backdrop to bolder plants.

It grows well in full sun to part shade and is low maintenance. It produces insignificant flowering, but the resulting burr-type nutlets add interest. The plant tolerates drought.

Taro ‘Cranberry’ or ‘Black Magic’ is a bulb to be reckoned with! A spectacular addition to a sunny garden (although hot afternoon sun will bleach the leaves), Taro grows to 6 by 6 feet, producing green-black, heartshaped leaves that measure almost 2 feet long. Taro is a tender bulb and should be lifted in the fall. It tolerates wet soil and is a good choice for pond-side.

TONI LELAND is a master gardener from Ohio who now writes from her home in Connecticut.

TARO

JUNE 10-15 2 0 18

Spring is the perfect time to experience

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MARCH 2018 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING

31

Both of these devices create hot air but which uses less power?

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32

OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • MARCH 2018

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MARCH 2018 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING

33

OHIO’S

BY SAMANTHA KUHN

BLARNEY

FASCINATION S

t. Patrick’s Day festivities, embroidered pillows bearing Irish blessings, leprechaun coloring books, and lucky four-leaf clover kits — without a doubt, America embraces all things “Irish,” especially during Irish-American Heritage Month in March.

The Buckeye State is doused in Irish influence, as those of Irish heritage were among the earliest white settlers in Ohio in the late 1700s to early 1800s, immigrating to escape Ireland’s potato famine, and finding work as laborers on the canals and railroads.

More than 13 percent of Ohioans are Irish, according to the 2013 U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey. Irish is Ohio’s second-most frequently reported ancestry, trailing German.

Perhaps most evident of the Emerald Isle’s influence in Ohio is the number of restaurants, bars, businesses, streets, and even 5K runs named after the Blarney Stone, a legendary block of limestone built into Blarney Castle, a medieval fortress near Cork, Ireland.

The original castle dates from before 1200. Today, more than 200,000 tourists from around the world visit Blarney Castle each year to kiss the Blarney Stone, which, according to Irish folklore, gives the kisser the ability to speak with eloquence.

Hollywood stars, political icons, literary geniuses, and well-known figures from around the world have climbed the narrow, uneven staircases through the maze-like castle to attain the “Gift of Gab.” Scores of notables, from former British Prime Minister Winston Churchill to rock singer Mick Jagger, have smooched the stone.

The stone is situated 85 feet up, on the east wall of the battlement, and in order to land a kiss, you have to bend backward while grabbing a railing for support with a guard holding your legs to ensure you don’t slip through the opening and fall to your death — once upon a time, that did happen when visitors were dangled by their ankles over the ledge and lowered headfirst to kissing level.

Now that it’s a bit safer, the Discovery Travel Channel has listed kissing the Blarney Stone among its 99 things to do before you die.

34

OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • MARCH 2018

Y

N

SAMANTHA KUHN is associate editor of Ohio Cooperative Living. She and her husband recently honeymooned in Ireland, where she kissed the Blarney Stone.

MARCH 2018 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING

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Though you may never have the opportunity to smooch the Blarney Stone, you can visit an Ohio Blarney establishment near you with minimal effort — Ohio has a not-so-secret fascination with the ancient castle and its ability to impart the gift of gab. Here are a few of the more well-known spots in Ohio that have borrowed the attention-grabbing name.

The Blarney Stone, 13334 Lorain Ave., Cleveland, 216-941-6972: Owned by an Irish family from County Mayo, the McGowans, this no-frills Irish pub is where visitors go for an authentic experience.

Here, you won’t find anything flashy — just perfectly poured Guinness and friendly service.

The Blarney Irish Pub, 601 Monroe St., Toledo, 419-418-2339, theblarneyirishpub.com: Owner Ed Beczynski visited over 35 pubs in Ireland in March 2006, and he was inspired to open an Irish pub in downtown Toledo. After finding the right building with an old feel, he opened The Blarney the same year, buying much of the furniture and décor from Ireland. With nostalgic Guinness advertisements,

windows reminiscent of cathedral stained glass, and live music Thursday through Saturday, the pub is often packed to near-full capacity on weekends.

Blarney Stone Tavern, 2151 W. Dublin Granville Rd., Worthington, 614-505-6041, blarneystonetavern.com: With a bevy of entertainment ranging from local bands to holiday shows and free trivia on Tuesday nights, this tavern maintains a warm atmosphere year-round. Patrons can reserve a private room or section of the bar for events, and the bar’s rotating list of beers and whiskey is sure to please. Their motto, “Irish soul, American attitude” reflects their kitchen options, so don’t leave without trying their Blarney Burger.

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37

MARCH 2018 CALENDAR

NORTHWEST

p.m., $30. Toledo’s premier wine festival, featuring wine tasting, tions. Pure maple syrup for sale. 937-843-2717 or http://parks. food, and shopping. 419-255-3300 or www.eriepromotions.com. ohiodnr.gov/indianlake.

MAR. 3–4 – Tri-State Gun Show, Allen Co. Fgds., 2750 Harding Hwy., Lima (2 miles east of Lima on St. Rte. 309), Sat. 8:30 a.m.–4 p.m., Sun. 8:30 a.m.–3 p.m. $5, members and under 18 free. Over 400 tables of guns, knives, hunting equipment, and collectibles for purchase. 419-647-0067 or www.tristategunshow.org.

MAR. 23–25 – PRO Home and Garden Show, SeaGate Convention Ctr., 401 Jefferson Ave., Toledo, Fri. 4-8 p.m., Sat.10 a.m.–8 p.m., Sun. 11 a.m.–5 p.m. Interior and exterior products for your new or ready home, plus the latest in home design. 419-4710101 or www.hireaprotoday.com.

MAR. 4 – Lima Symphony Family Concert: Just Dance!, Civic Ctr., 7 Town Square, Lima, 3 p.m. $10. 419-222-5701 or www. limasymphony.com.

MAR. 24 – Maple Syrup Festival, Williams Co. Fgds., 619 E. Main St., Montpelier, 8 a.m.–noon. $5, under 7 free. Pancake and sausage breakfast starts at 7:30 a.m. Learn about tree tapping and the collection process, and about Ohio native wildlife, forestry, wood carving, beekeeping, gardening, and much more.

419-636-9395 or e-mail amichaels@williamsswcd.org.

MAR. 8 – Toledo Symphony Concert, Sauder Village, Founders Hall, 22611 St. Rte. 2, Archbold, 7:30 p.m. Advance tickets recommended. 800-590-9755 or www.saudervillage.org.

MAR. 1–18 – “Fired Up: Contemporary Glass by Women Artists,” Glass Pavilion, Toledo Museum of Art, 2445 Monroe St., Toledo. Showcases the most innovative and celebrated women glass artists. 419255-8000 or http://www.toledomuseum.org/exhibitions.

MAR. 2 – Glass City Beer Festival, Lucas Co. Recreation Ctr., 2901 Key St., Maumee, 6–11 p.m. Featuring over 40 craft breweries and more than 230 beers, food vendors, and live music.

Free parking. 419-724-2739 or https://glasscitybeerfest.com.

MAR. 8–11, 15–18 – The Great American Trailer Park Musical, Van Wert Civic Theatre, 118 S. Race St., Van Wert, Thur.–Sat. 8 p.m., Sun. 2 p.m. $15. 419-238-9689 or www.vwct.org.

MAR. 10 – Lima Irish Festival, Robb Ave. and Main St., Lima, noon–1 p.m. Starts at the corner of Robb Ave. and Main St., heading south to the Town Square. To participate in the parade, register by calling 419-860-0072.

MAR. 10–11 – Spring Festival of Crafts, Stranahan Great Hall, 4645 Heatherdowns Blvd., Toledo, Sat. 10 a.m.–5 p.m., Sun. 11 MAR. 3 – Annual Arrowhead Day, Lowe-Volk Park, 2401 St. Rte. a.m.–4 p.m. Free. New crafts, gifts, and decorating ideas. Drop off 598, Crestline, 10 a.m.–2 p.m. Free. Local artifact collections and household and food items to benefit Toledo SeaGate Food Bank. more. Bring your own artifacts for identification. 419-683-9000 419-842-1925 or www.toledocraftsmansguild.org/shows.html. or www.crawfordparkdistrict.org.

MAR. 17–18 – Maple Syrup Festival, Indian Lake State Park, MAR. 3 – Glass City Wine Festival, SeaGate Convention Ctr., 12774 St. Rte. 235 N., Lakeview. Pancake and sausage breakfast, 401 Jefferson Ave., Toledo. Tasting sessions: 1–4 p.m., $25; 6–9 wagon rides, tree-tapping tutorials, and processing demonstra-

NORTHEAST

competitive carvers, and wildlife/waterfowl artists. 419-8743671 or www.odcca.net.

MAR. 10 – Geauga Fresh Farmers’ Market - Winter Market, Lowe’s Greenhouse and Gift Shop, 16540 Chillicothe Rd., Bainbridge, 9 a.m.–noon. Pastured meats, free-range eggs, winter vegetables, honey, maple syrup, and bakery items. 330348-3053 or www.geaugafarmersmarket.com.

MAR. 10–11 – Chagrin Falls Spring Avant-Garde Art and Craft Show, Federated Church-Family Life Ctr., 16349 Chillicothe Rd., Chagrin Falls, Sat. 10 a.m.–5 p.m., Sun. 11 a.m.–5 p.m. $3, under 12 free. Local artists and crafters selling original handmade items. Portion of proceeds benefits Cleveland Animal Protective League. 440-227-8794 or www.avantgardeshows.com.

THROUGH MAR. 4 – Cleveland Auto Show, IX Center, One I-X Dr., Cleveland. $13, Srs./C. (7–12) $11, under 7 free.

Indoor test drives, vehicle giveaway, classic car competition, and other special features. See website for hours and schedule of events. www.clevelandautoshow.com.

MAR. 3–4 – Dave & Ed’s Super Auto Events Pro-Formance Swap Meet, Stark Co. Fgds., 305 Wertz Ave. NW, Canton, Sat. 8 a.m.–4 p.m., Sun. 8 a.m.–3 p.m. Single day $7, weekend pass $10, under 12 free. Ohio’s largest indoor/outdoor performance meet. 330-477-8506 or www.autoevents.com.

MAR. 3–4, 10–11 – Maple Syrup Festival, Malabar Farm State Park, 4050 Bromfield Rd., Lucas, 12–4 p.m. Free. Experience sugar camp with live historical demonstrations. Enjoy horsedrawn wagon rides, music, and food. Donations to the horse group appreciated. 419-892-2784 or www.malabarfarm.org.

MAR. 9–11 – Ohio Decoy Collectors and​Carvers Association Show and Sale, Holiday Inn, 15471 Royalton Rd., ​ Strongsville, Fri. 8 a.m.–10 p.m., Sat. 9 a.m.–4 p.m., Sun. 9 a.m.–3 p.m. $5, under 17 free. A venue for decoy collectors,

WEST VIRGINIA

MAR. 10–11, 17–18 – Maple Sugar Festival and Pancake Breakfast, Hale Farm and Village, 2686 Oak Hill Rd., Bath. $15, C. (3–12) $10, Members $5. Enjoy a hearty breakfast and learn about tree tapping and the maple sugar process. See oxen demonstrations and view period arts and crafts demonstrations. Breakfast served 10 a.m.–3 p.m. www.wrhs.org/events.

MAR. 17 – Annual Campbell-Dickinson St. Patrick Bike/Run/ Walk and Kids 1K, 201 S.4th St., Toronto. Adults $15; Stds. 11– 18, $10; C. 1–10, $7. Proceeds go to the Tony Teramana Cancer Center TEAR Fund. 740-317-3947 or www.thegemcity.org.

MAR. 17 – Mutts Gone Nuts, Renaissance Performing Arts, 138 Park Ave.W., Mansfield, 7 p.m. $15–$24. From shelters to showbiz, these amazing mutts unleash havoc and hilarity in an action-packed, comedy dog spectacular. 419-522-2726 or www.mansfieldtickets.com.

MAR. 18 – Bubble Guppies Live: Ready to Rock, KeyBank State Theatre, Playhouse Square, 1519 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, 2 p.m. From $10. A hilarious rocking, interactive show that teaches kids about a wide range of topics. 216-771-4444 or www.playhousesquare.org/events.

MAR. 10–18 – Mid-Ohio Valley Quilt Show, Blennerhassett Island Historical State Park Museum, 137 Juliana St., Parkersburg. $4, C. $2. Entries accepted March 2–3. 304-420-4800.

MAR. 18–23 – Quilters’ Spring Retreat, North Bend State Park, 202 North Bend Park Rd., Cairo. Enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of the park while working on some long-put-off quilting projects. 304-643-2931 or www.northbendsp.com.

38

OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • MARCH 2018

MAR. 24 – Marsh Madness Hike, Maumee Bay State Park, 1400 State Park Rd., Oregon, 10–11 a.m. Guided hike around the boardwalk. We’ll be celebrating World Frog Day and focus on the amphibians who call our marsh home. 419-836-9117 or http:// parks.ohiodnr.gov/maumeebay.

MAR. 24–25 – Williams County Antique Show and Sale, Montpelier Schools, 1015 E. Brown Rd. (Co. Rd. K), Montpelier, Sat. 9 a.m.–4 p.m., Sun. 10 a.m.–4 p.m. $3, under 12 free. Antiques, collectibles, vintage, and mid-century modern, including furniture, glass, toys, farm, and primitive items. Appraisal station 11 a.m.–2 p.m, both days; $5 per person, limit 2 items. 419-4858200 or www.williamscountyhistory.org.

MAR. 18 – Teddy Bear Concert: Peter and the Wolf, Renaissance Performing Arts, 138 Park Ave.W., Mansfield, 2:30 p.m. $5. A classic orchestral story is paired with a cute story adaptation. Perfect for young ones and their families. 419-522-2726 or www.mansfieldtickets.com.

MAR. 23–24 – Historical and Militaria Collectors Show and Police/Fire/EMS Collectors Show, Lakeland Community College, Athletic and Fitness Center Main Gym, 7700 Clocktower Dr., Kirtland (Rt. 306 and I-90 exit 193), Fri. 5–9 p.m., Sat. 9 a.m.–3 p.m. $5, Stds. $3; veterans and active military with ID, $3. Admission covers both shows. Over 150 tables of items to buy, sell, or trade. Military relics including uniforms, edged weapons, medals and decoration, helmets, WWII memorabilia, and more. 440-525-7529, lakelandmilitariashow@gmail.com, or www.facebook.com/lakeland.militaria.show.

MAR. 23–25 – Tri-State Home and Garden Show, St. Florian Hall, 286 Luray Dr., Wintersville. 740-282-6226.

MAR. 24 – Avon Spring Avant-Garde Art and Craft Show, Emerald Event Ctr., 33040 Just Imagine Dr., Avon, 10 a.m.–5 p.m. $3, under 12 free. Artists and crafters selling original handmade items. Portion of proceeds will benefit a local nonprofit, Prayers From Maria. www.avantgardeshows.com.

MAR. 24 – Concert: The Hoppers, Ohio Star Theater, 1387 Old Rte. 39, Sugarcreek, 7 p.m. Award-winning group known as the “favorite family of gospel music.” 855-344-7547 or www.dhgroup.com/theater.

MAR. 24 – Mt. Hope Train and Toy Show, 8076 St. Rte. 241, Mt. Hope, 10 a.m.–4 p.m. $5, under 13 free. Over 600 dealer tables.

All gauges and parts, running layouts, farm and vintage toys, die-cast models, and more. Food catered by Mrs. Yoder’s Kitchen.

330-262-7488, cathijon@sssnet.com, or www.cjtrains.com.

MAR. 24–25 – Antlers and Anglers, Ashland Co. Fgds., 2042 Claremont Ave., Ashland. $2. Vendors, seminars, food, prizes, and more. 419-289-1343 or www.armstrongonewire.com.

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

COMPILED BY COLLEEN ROMICK CLARK

CENTRAL

camp options from throughout central Ohio, family activities, and much more. 877-543-7801 or www.kidslinked.com.

Suzanne Newcomb, and the winners of our Student Concerto Competition. www.newalbanysymphony.net.

MAR. 9–11 – All American Columbus Pet Expo, Ohio Expo Ctr., Multi-Purpose and Buckeye Bldg., 717 E. 17th Ave., Columbus, Fri. 1–8 p.m., Sat. 10 a.m.–6 p.m., Sun. 9 a.m.–5 p.m.

Includes the All About Cats Expo, Columbus Bounce Mania, and the Mega Pet Adoption. www.allaboutcatsexpo.com.

MAR. 16–17, 23–24 – Magic Tree House: Dinosaurs Before Dark, Epiphany Lutheran Church, 268 Hill Rd. N., Pickerington, Fri. 8 p.m., Sat. 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. $15, Srs./C. $12. Presented

by Pickerington Community Theatre. All-kid musical based on the award-winning children’s adventure series by Mary Pope Osborne. 614-508-0036 or http://pctshows.com.

MAR. 10 – Brass Transit: “The Musical Legacy of Chicago,” Marion Palace Theatre, 276 W. Center St., Marion, 8 p.m. $18–$28. This eight-piece Toronto group performs Chicago’s catalog from the ’70s. 740-383-2101 or www.marionpalace.org.

MAR. 1–4 – Arnold Sports Festival, Greater Columbus Convention Ctr., 400 N. High St., Columbus, Daily EXPO ticket, $15 (plus fees) in advance, $20 at door, under 14 free. Fitness and fun for all ages, with more than 75 sports and events, including 17 Olympic sports. See website for daily schedules. www.arnoldsportsfestival.com.

MAR. 3 – Columbus Spring Avant-Garde Art and Craft Show, Makoy Event Ctr., 5462 Center St., Hilliard, 10 a.m.–4 p.m. $3, under 12 free. Artists and crafters selling original handmade items. Portion of proceeds will benefit local nonprofit Hope Hollow. www.avantgardeshows.com.

MAR. 4 – Wedding Expo and Show, Columbus Marriott, 5605 Blazer Pkwy., Dublin, 11 a.m.–4 p.m. Fashion shows 12:30 and 3 p.m. $5 advance, $8 at door, under 13 free. http://ohiobridalexpos.com.

MAR. 8 – KidsLinked KidsFest, Marysville YMCA, 1150 Charles Ln., Marysville, 5–8 p.m. Great family-friendly event featuring

SOUTHEAST

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

Breakfast 8–11 a.m. ($5). Festival 8 a.m.–noon (free). 740681-5025.

MAR. 10 – St. Patrick’s Day Celebration and Parade, Bridge and High Sts., Dublin, 7 a.m.–12 p.m. Free. Events take place throughout the city, starting around 7:30 a.m. with a pancake breakfast, followed by the parade at 11 a.m. 800-245-8387 or www.irishisanattitude.com.

MAR. 10–11 – Maple Sugaring, Hocking Hills State Park, 19852 St. Rte. 664 S., Logan, 12–4 p.m. Meet at the Naturalist Cabin located behind the Old Man’s Cave Visitor Center.

740-385-6842 or http://parks.ohiodnr.gov/hockinghills.

MAR. 15 – KidsLinked KidsFest, Healthy New Albany, 150 W. Main St., New Albany, 5–9 p.m. Free. Family-friendly event features camp options from throughout central Ohio, family activities, and much more. 877-543-7801 or www.kidslinked.com.

MAR. 11 – Lions, Tigers, and Bears — Oh My!, New Albany Symphony, 100 W. Dublin-Granville Rd., New Albany, 3 p.m. $12–$20. Our annual children’s concert goes under the Big Top for a carnival of sights and sounds featuring Orlay Alonso,

MAR. 16–18 – Ohio Deer and Turkey Expo, Ohio Expo Ctr., Bricker Bldg., 717 E. 17th Ave., Columbus, Fri. 2–9 p.m., Sat. 9 a.m.–7 p.m., Sun. 9 a.m.–4 p.m. Hundreds of exhibitors, demos and displays, contests, free seminars, gear, and more. www.deerinfo.com/ohio.

MAR. 18 – Columbus Toy and Collectible Show, Ohio Expo Ctr., Lausche Bldg., 717 E. 17th Ave., Columbus, 9 a.m.–3 p.m. $7, under 13 free. Early admission 8–9 a.m., $10. Buy, sell, and trade new and used toys, video games, and collectibles. www.ctspromotions.com.

MAR. 18 – Ragtime Rick & the Chefs of Dixieland, Clintonville Woman’s Club, 3951 N. High St., Columbus, 2–5 p.m.

Sponsored by the Central Ohio Hot Jazz Society. 614-5582212 or www.cohjs.org.

MAR. 23 – Lone Raven, Marion Palace Theatre, 276 W. Center St., Marion, 7:30 p.m. $18, C. $12. Fiery Irish reels, Gypsy fiddle tunes of Romania, and haunting melodies will fill the air when central Ohio’s renowned Celtic group takes center stage. 740-383-2101 or www.marionpalace.org.

MAR. 25 – NINE, Marion Palace Theatre, 276 W. Center St., Marion, 3 p.m. $16. Easter celebration with the a cappella singing group NINE (No Instruments Needed Ever) performingspiritual, gospel, and Gaither-style songs. 740-383-2101 or www.marionpalace.org.

MAR. 3 – National Cambridge Glass Collectors “All Cambridge Benefit Auction,” Pritchard Laughlin Civic Ctr., 7033 Glenn Highway, Cambridge, preview at 8:30 a.m., auction at 9:30 a.m. $2. 740-432-4245 or www.cambridgeglass.org.

MAR. 16–17 – River City Blues and Jazz Festival, Lafayette Hotel, 101 Front St., Marietta. Talented blues and jazz performers from around the country. 304-615-7997, 740-376-0222, or http://bjfm.org/blues-festival.

MAR. 3 – Statehood Day Celebration, various locations, Chillicothe, 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Celebrate Statehood Day in the first capital of Ohio! Includes tours, mock debate on becoming a state, and special displays and exhibits. 800-413-4118 or www. visitchillicotheohio.com/events.

MAR. 17 – Muddy Leprechaun: St. Patrick’s Day Trail Run, 9:30 a.m. $30–$35. Hosted by the Hope Clinic of Ross County.

Run or walk this little-known trail through the Hopewell Mound Group, part of the Hopewell Culture National Historic Park. https://runsignup.com/Race/OH/Chillicothe/ MuddyLeprechaun4MileRunWalk.

MAR. 9–11 – Home, Garden, and Business Expo, Pritchard Laughlin Civic Ctr., 7033 Glenn Hwy., Cambridge, Fri. 11 a.m.– MAR. 18 – Southeastern Ohio Symphony Orchestra Children’s 8 p.m., Sat. 11 a.m.–7 p.m., Sun. noon–5 p.m. 740-439-6688 or Concert, Pritchard Laughlin Civic Ctr., 7033 Glenn Hwy., Camwww.cambridgeohiochamber.com. bridge, 3:30 p.m. 740-826-8197 or www.seoso.org.

MAR. 1–3 – The Colony Short Film Festival, Peoples Bank Theatre, 222 Putnam St., Marietta, $5–$10, weekend pass $18–$50. A showcase for independent films from all over the U.S. and across the globe, with a focus on featuring local and regional talent from the Ohio Valley. Features range from innovative to off-the-wall, and quirky to provocative. 740-371-5152 or www.peoplesbanktheatre.com.

MAR. 2–4, 9–11 – Kiss Me, Kate, Stuart’s Opera House, 2 Public Square, Nelsonville, Fri./Sat. 7:30 p.m., Sun. 2 p.m.

Advance tickets $12, Stds. $8. Presented by the ABC Players.

740-753-1924 or www.stuartsoperahouse.org.

SOUTHWEST

MAR. 10 – The McCartney Project, Majestic Theatre, 45 E. Second St., Chillicothe, 7:30 p.m. $18–$20. Songs from The Beatles, Wings, and Paul McCartney. 740-772-2041 or www. majesticchillicothe.net/events/event/mccartney-project.

MAR. 10 – Miller’s Automotive-Racers Swap Meet, Ross Co. Fgds., 344 Fairgrounds Rd., Chillicothe, 9 a.m.–4 p.m. $7, under 14 free. From restoration to racing: race cars, tools, hot rods, apparel, collectibles, go-karts, and more. 740-701-2511 or 740-701-3447.

MAR. 16 – Living Word Banquet and Auction, Pritchard Laughlin Civic Ctr., 7033 Glenn Hwy., Cambridge, 5–9 p.m. $30. 740-439-2761 or www.livingworddrama.org.

Co. Fgds., 665 N. Broadway, Lebanon, 10 a.m.–5 p.m. $7 at door, $5 online. Free parking. Quilts, patterns, fabrics, vintage textiles, and more. 513-932-1817 or www.wchsmuseum.org.

MAR. 2–4 – GemStreet USA, Sharonville Convention Ctr., 11355 Chester Rd., Cincinnati, Fri./Sat. 10 a.m.–6 p.m., Sun. 11 a.m.–5 p.m. $7, under 12 free. Fine gems, jewelry, beads, minerals, and fossils. www.gemstreetusa.com.

MAR. 3 – Maple Sugarin’ at the Prairie, 4267 St. Rte. 502, Greenville, 8 a.m.–4 p.m. Sugar shack, guided tours, learn the process of turning sap into syrup. 937-548-0165 or www. darkecountyparks.org.

MAR. 1–4 – Cincinnati Home and Garden Show, Duke Energy Convention Ctr., 525 Elm St., Cincinnati, Wed.–Fri. noon–8 p.m., Sat. 10:30 a.m.–8 p.m., Sun. 10:30 a.m.–5 p.m. $11 online, $13 at door. www.cincinnatihomeandgardenshow.com.

MAR. 2–3 – Lebanon Quilt and Fabric Arts Show, Warren

MAR. 5 – Vernon McIntyre’s Appalachian Grass, Miami University Downtown Downhome, 221 High St., Hamilton, 7–9 p.m. Free. Lively bluegrass music. vaughnjh@gmail.com.

MAR. 11 – Cincinnati Spring Avante-Garde Art and Craft Show, Oasis Golf Club and Conference Ctr., 902 Loveland-Miamiville Rd., Loveland, 10 a.m.–5 p.m. $3, under 12 free. Artists and crafters selling original handmade items.

Portion of proceeds benefits Dragon Fly Foundation. www.

MAR. 18, 21 – Vertigo, Athena Grand, 1008 E. State St., Athens, 7 p.m. $12.50. 740-593-8800 or wwww.athenagrand.com.

MAR. 22–24 – Cambridge Lions Club Variety Show, Scottish Rite Auditorium, 941 Wheeling Ave., Cambridge, 7:30 p.m. $10. 740-260-1149 or www.cambridgelions.com.

MAR. 31 – Easter Egg Hunt, Deerassic Park Education Ctr., 14250 Cadiz Rd. (St. Rte. 22), Cambridge. 740-435-3335 or www.deerassic.com.

MAR. 31 – Forgotten Places and Spaces Walking Tour, historic downtown Cambridge, 3–4:30 p.m. 740-705-1873 or www. ohiomadegetaways.com.

avantgardeshows.com.

MAR. 17 – Cabin Fever Arts Festival, Southern State Community College, Patriot Ctr. Gym, 100 Hobart Dr., Hillsboro, 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Over 60 artisans with handcrafted work.

937-393-2747 or www.appartguild.com.

MAR. 23–24 – Southern Ohio Indoor Music Festival, Roberts Ctr., 123 Gano Rd., Wilmington, 10 a.m.–11 p.m. $35–$65. Award-winning bluegrass, old-time, and gospel music and family fun. 937-372-5804 or http://somusicfest. com/index.html.

MAR. 24 – Vernon McIntyre’s Appalachian Grass, Plain Folk Café, 10177 St. Rte. 132, Pleasant Plain, 7:30 p.m. Free. Lively bluegrass music. 513-877-2526, contactus@plainfolkcafe. com, or www.plainfolkcafe.com.

MAR. 31 – Easter Egg Hunt, Caesar Creek State Park, 8570 E. St. Rte. 73, Waynesville, 12 p.m. Find hidden eggs with prizes. Afterward, learn how to identify native birds, eggs, and nests. 513-897-3055 or http://parks.ohiodnr.gov/caesarcreek.

MARCH 2018 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING

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MEMBER INTERACTIVE

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1. My daughter, Hazel, decided her new headband was better suited as an eye patch.

Sarah Copeland South Central Power Company member 2. Our grandson, Ronin, at 8 months old.

Cheryl and Jim Fortman Paulding Putnam Electric Cooperative member 3. My granddaughter, Madilyn Ella Rayne Pennell, strikes a pose.

Wayne Klass Guernsey-Muskingum Electric Cooperative member

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4. This is my granddaughter, Raelynn. She wanted to show you her beautiful blue eyes and her two new teeth.

Kim McGuire Mid-Ohio Energy Cooperative member

7. Our granddaughter was a very happy baby, unless you tried to swaddle her.

Aspen Strickler Guernsey-Muskingum Electric Cooperative member

5. Grandson Jeffrey, eating pasta with Grandma Beau’s homemade sauce — his favorite.

Patty Quaglia South Central Power Company member

8. My daughter, Evelyn Wolters, making a funny face at her aunt.

Dan Wolters, Midwest Electric member

6. My grandson, Zane Reber, watching his Uncle Talus Reber play soccer.

Tracey Reber Holmes-Wayne Electric Cooperative member

OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • MARCH 2018

9. A smile after a weeklong battle with chickenpox.

Carter Schmid Holmes-Wayne Electric Cooperative member 10. My great-niece on her first Christmas at GreatGrandma and Great-Grandpa Rhodes’s house!

Kendra Hess South Central Power Company member

LET US BE FIRST!

Stay away from storm debris.

Power lines can be hidden!

Let us inspect the area before you clean up downed trees and branches.

ohioec.org