OHIO
MAY 2020
COOPERATIVE Midwest Electric Inc.
Living
Midwest Electric
2020 Annual Meeting to be held virtually
Saturday, June 6, 2020 | Starts at 9:15 a.m. Stay tuned for viewing instructions and how to win prizes! Hear your co-op update and director election results from the comfort of your home.
See inside for details and watch for your voting ballot arriving via mail mid-May with further instructions.
Official Notice
2020 Annual Meeting to be held virtually
Saturday, June 6, 2020 | 9:15 a.m.
Business Meeting Agenda Call business meeting to order .................................... Board President Larry Vandemark, 9:15 a.m. Reading and delivery of official meeting notice ..................Board Secretary/Treasurer Randy Heinl Presentation of minutes from 2019 annual meeting for approval ................................. Randy Heinl Annual report of board president.............................................................................. Larry Vandemark Annual report of CEO ............................................................................................................ Matt Berry Member questions/concerns .................................................................................................. Matt Berry Report of result of director election ...........................................Cooperative Attorney Courtney Burton Adjournment ................................................................................................................Larry Vandemark Prizes will be awarded at the end of the meeting. Message from your CEO
Why your cooperative is holding a virtual annual meeting
Director elections & prizes still happening
Your board of directors and I have decided not to hold our June 6 annual meeting in person this year. Instead, due to COVID-19 concerns about safety, we are using a virtual format.
All members will still receive a ballot in mid-May for the board of directors elections. Included with the ballot will be detailed instructions on how to attend and participate in the virtual meeting. Prizes will also be awarded.
Our annual meeting is an important event that typically attracts around 800 people. Due to uncertainty about public gatherings, we decided the safer decision for our members is to hold a virtual meeting. This was a very difficult decision and, frankly, not something we wanted to do. We’re hopeful that by June all of the social and event restrictions will be lifted. However, due to magazine printing deadlines and annual meeting notification requirements, we had to decide in late March what to do about our June annual meeting. So, out of an abundance of caution, the decision was made to cancel the in-person meeting this year. We hope our members understand this call. After all, we didn’t know whether large public gatherings would be allowed in June, if our attendees (aka, all of you) would be comfortable gathering, if St. Marys High School would still want us there and so on.
Because voting is done ahead of time by mail and online, no election business is conducted at our annual meeting anyway. However, the meeting is a great opportunity for members to be informed about their cooperative, hear what projects we’re planning for, and for managers and directors to hear YOUR questions and concerns. We’ll still provide a co-op update during the virtual meeting, and our goal is to include questions submitted by you, our members. In a sense, I actually hope that this was the wrong decision. Meaning, I hope that by June, life will be back to normal and we could have held the meeting in person. But for now, things are too uncertain to say for sure. Please watch for your ballot in mid-May and plan to attend this year’s annual meeting virtually from the comfort of your home. If you have questions, don’t hesitate to call us. —Matt Berry, CEO
OHIO
MAY 2020
COOPERATIVE Midwest Electric, Inc.
HEADS UP!
Election ballots & virtual meeting details arriving via mail | See page 20A
ALSO INSIDE Bringing light to Guatemala 150 years of Cedar Point Seeking your potluck recipes
HERE’S A VALUE YOU KNEAD TO KNOW: LOAF OF BREAD
1936 .......................................................................$0.08 2019 .......................................................................$2.19 PRICE INCREASE : $2.11
ELECTRICITY
1936 .......................................................................$0.05 2019 .......................................................................$0.11 PRICE INCREASE : $0.06 We know you like your bread fresh and your electricity affordable. For more than 80 years, we’ve helped keep it a stable value.
ohioec.org/energy
OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • MAY 2020
INSIDE FEATURES 24 THAT’S THE TICKET We mark the 150th year of Cedar Point, the roller coaster capital of the world, with a list of the park’s quintessential experiences.
30 COMING TO TERMS Fifty years after the Kent State shootings, the community comes together to ensure that those hardlearned lessons stick.
Cover image on most issues: Brian Bick from Malintabased Tricounty Rural Electric Cooperative was among a group of 16 Ohio co-op lineworkers who ventured to Guatemala in March, knowing they’d be changing people’s lives.
MAY 2020 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING 1
UP FRONT
New normal A
s I write to you in early April, it’s become increasingly difficult to imagine what the next few weeks will bring. I hope that this issue of Ohio Cooperative Living finds you safe and healthy and provides a pleasant diversion to your socially distanced lives. As life has grown simpler, slower, and more daunting during the pandemic, we’re again reminded of how essential electric service is, not only to our comfort, but also to our health and well-being. I assure you that each electric cooperative serving Ohio and those across the nation are doing everything possible to ensure a reliable supply of electricity to your homes and businesses. Extraordinary efforts are being made to assure that our lineworkers and power plant operators are as responsibly and compliantly safeguarded as possible, so that they can remain healthy and available to keep our systems running and to make necessary repairs, should trouble come our way. In this issue, we’re featuring the story of Project Ohio 3.0, the mission trip sponsored by Ohio’s Electric Cooperatives to bring electricity to the remote Guatemalan village of Tierra Blanca Sebol and its hundreds of residents who have lived without the benefits of any electric service. The trip was dramatically affected by the global spread of COVID-19, but as you’ll read, our team was inspirationally awesome as they completed the assignment. We’re grateful for the support we have received from so many, which enabled us to accomplish our goal to bring light, sanitation, and hope to the impoverished people of Guatemala — our third such endeavor in five years — as well as for the safe return of our volunteers. Stay safe and strong. We’re in this together. God bless you all.
2 OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • MAY 2020
Pat O’Loughlin PRESIDENT & CEO OHIO’S ELECTRIC COOPERATIVES
As life has become simpler, slower, and more daunting during the pandemic, we’re again reminded of how essential electric service is, not only to our comfort, but also to our health and well-being.
MAY 2020 • Volume 62, No. 7
MORE INSIDE Ohio Rural Electric Cooperatives 6677 Busch Blvd. Columbus, OH 43229 614-846-5757 memberinteract@ohioec.org www.ohioec.org Patrick O’Loughlin President & CEO Patrick Higgins Director of Communications Jeff McCallister Managing Editor Rebecca Seum Associate Editor Anita Cook Graphic Designer Dava Hennosy Editorial Intern Contributors: Colleen Romick Clark, W.H. “Chip” Gross, Sandra Gurvis, Toni Leland, Catherine Murray, and Damaine Vonada. OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING (USPS 134-760; ISSN 2572-049X) is published monthly by Ohio Rural Electric Cooperatives, Inc. It is the official commun ication link between the electric cooperatives in Ohio and West Virginia and their members. Subscription cost for members ranges from $5.52 to $6.96 per year, paid from equity accruing to the member. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to editorial and advertising offices at: 6677 Busch Boulevard, Columbus, OH 43229-1101. Periodicals postage paid at Pontiac, IL 61764, and at additional mailing offices. Nothing in this publication may be reproduced in any manner without written permission from Ohio Rural Electric Cooperatives, Inc. All rights reserved. The fact that a product is advertised in Ohio Cooperative Living should not be taken as an endorsement. If you find an advertisement misleading or a product unsatisfactory, please notify us or the Ohio Attorney General’s Offi ce, Consumer Protection Section, 30 E. Broad St., Columbus, OH 43215. Periodicals postage paid at Columbus, OH, and at additional mailing offices.
For all advertising inquiries, contact
Cheryl Solomon American MainStreet Publications 847-749-4875 | cheryl@amp.coop
Cooperative members: Please report changes of address to your electric cooperative. Ohio Cooperative Living staff cannot process address changes. Alliance for Audited Media Member
DEPARTMENTS 4
POWER LINES
8
WOODS, WATERS, AND WILDLIFE
4
Powering up, powering through: A dedicated group of 16 Ohio linemen did heroic work to bring electricity to a Guatemalan village. That was only half their story.
8
Species on the edge: An ecologist works to boost Ohio’s dwindling timber rattlesnake population.
12 CO-OP PEOPLE
Tales from the Hart: Living historian Chris Hart of Port Washington is a man of multiple personalities.
12
15 GOOD EATS
Put a little mustard on it: The spicy sauce can add a delicious dimension to lots of different dishes.
19 LOCAL PAGES
News and information from your electric cooperative.
15
34 IN THE GARDEN
Going medieval: Plants that thrived in the Middle Ages can be mainstays in gardens of today.
37 CALENDAR
What’s happening: May/June events and other things to do around the state. Just make sure to confirm before you travel.
34
40 MEMBER INTERACTIVE
It’s not easy being green: From frogs to a faceful of food, members had fun with interpreting this month’s theme.
40
Ohio’s Electric Cooperatives is an equal opportunity provider and employer.
MAY 2020 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING 3
POWER LINES
Powering up, powering through 16 Ohio linemen did heroic work to provide electricity to a Guatemalan village. That was only half of their story. BY JEFF MCCALLISTER
G
athering a group of 16 linemen from across Ohio, leaving the security of home and family, and going to a remote part of Central America could never be considered a routine endeavor.
sense of confidence, along with determination, as they set out to provide electricity for the first time to the 650 or so residents of Tierra Blanca Sebol, a tiny village in the mountainous northern region of the country.
This, however, was the third time Ohio’s electric cooperatives collaborated with the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA) International on a Project Ohio mission to Guatemala, and this group took with it the lessons of the previous trips. So the guys were feeling a
During the extensive planning and even on the day they left, the coronavirus was distant news, barely registering as a concern. The crew was much more worried about the logistics of the work: how the wire, transformers, equipment, and tools would get to the village, as well as
4 OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • MAY 2020
the water filtration systems, shoes, and other gifts made possible by donations from co-op employees around the state. The day after they arrived in Guatemala, the team decided to make an impromptu stop in the village to check out the landscape of the job — to see the 67 homes and the school and get a look at the conditions they’d encounter. As it turns out, the stop was critical. “What we found was that everything was all ready for us,” says Kyle Hoffman, the project leader and principal instructor at the training facility where most Ohio co-op linemen get their training. “We knew we weren’t going to have to go in search of tools, ladders, and supplies, so we were able to make a plan to jump right in. It felt like we had an entire day’s head start.” Instead of taking a day or even two to gather supplies and do prep work, the team started actual work that first morning in the village. They hung nearly 3 miles of wire from poles that had been set in the ground by EMRE (the local electric company that partnered on the project) and wired the buildings with receptacles and light sockets. “I walked around after a day or two and saw every single group was ahead of schedule,” Hoffman says. “I even got it in the back of my mind I might be able to give the guys a day off to go sightseeing.” The same day they started to work, the first COVID-19 cases were reported in Ohio. It didn’t make a huge impression right away, but the situation in those first few days evolved with lightning speed, and before long, the news from home began filtering through the team: high school tournament games first played with no fans in attendance, then postponed, then canceled; restaurants shutting down for everything but carryout; colleges sending students home for online classes for the rest of the semester. “We could tell it was getting very real, very fast,” Hoffman says. “As for us, we were probably in one of the safest places in the world, but all these guys
Ohio electric cooperative linemen, their counterparts from the local utility, and a group of student lineworkers from a nearby trade school electrified the village of Tierra Blanca Sebol, Guatemala, in March, just as the coronavirus pandemic swept the globe.
MAY 2020 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING 5
had family back home they needed to be thinking about, and it was tough.” They picked up the pace. Rather than sightseeing, they were now hoping for an earlier departure date. “We were as much as three or four days ahead of schedule,” Hoffman says. “There wasn’t much we could do about the situation other than keep doing our jobs, so that was what we did.” As the overhead crew ran the conductor across the poles, another crew hung meters and did the outside work to get each house ready; the rough-in crew went to every house to mount the boxes for the switches, outlets, and panels; and the wiring crews followed right behind them, connecting everything together. “We were really the first ones in each house, so we got to interact with all of those families and children, and it was a good reminder of why we were there,” says Mason Shoemaker, a lineman who works at Bellefontaine-based Logan County Electric Cooperative. “We were changing lives, giving them a better quality of life and more opportunities than they ever could have without electricity. We felt like superheroes.” Thanks to the head start and the increased sense of urgency, the team finished about 98% of their work just a week in. They were about four days ahead of schedule and figured they’d be able to flip the switch by nightfall on their seventh day. But then the calls started coming in fast and furious — from families, from the NRECA: Guatemala had closed its borders. No one would be able to enter or leave the country for at least the next 15 days. “We got word that they were pulling us out, and we needed to get to Guatemala City by midnight in order to be able to leave,” Hoffman says. “We had just a couple of hours to button everything up, make sure it was all safe for the local guys to energize the lines, and say our goodbyes.” After those last inspections, the team gave out the water purifiers and some other gifts they’d brought — additional provisions were supposed to have been bought in-country, but there was no time — then loaded up their caravan and pulled out. They were in Guatemala City eight hours later, just before midnight.
On the job (from top): Crews installed light sockets, switches, and outlets in more than 70 houses and buildings with help from the local electric company and students from a nearby trade school; interacting with the children of the village is one of the most rewarding aspects of the project; the schoolhouse got lights in each of its four rooms; wiring the buildings went smoothly once the crews found their groove.
6 OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • MAY 2020
There, however, they hit a roadblock. It was no small feat to get the team out of Guatemala. They had permission neither to leave the country nor to land in the U.S. once they did get off the ground. With borders closed, Ohio’s Electric Cooperatives and the NRECA had to call in the diplomatic strength of the federal government. Senators Rob Portman and Sherrod Brown and representatives Bill Johnson, Troy Balderson, Bob Gibbs, and Bob Latta alerted the U.S. State Department to open diplomatic
Ohio linemen partnered with EMRE, the local electric utility, to bring electricity to the village; the men returned to a warm, relieved welcome at the Ohio’s Electric Cooperatives office in Columbus.
channels. Finally, the go-ahead came just after lunchtime the next day. The linemen wasted no time getting on a chartered flight to Miami, and after another long night, they arrived back in Ohio March 19, three days earlier than originally planned. “The guys from EMRE energized the lines the morning after we pulled out,” Shoemaker says. “It was kind of a bummer, because it would have been great to see the lights turned on, but to be honest, it’s the same thing that happens when we work a storm back home. We don’t always get to see the results of the work, but we know we did an important job. Besides, a lot of us had been in the houses, and we
KILL LAKE WEEDS Before
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Even for the overhead crews, who, because of the decision not to rotate job duties, didn’t get to meet all of the families, the job was intensely satisfying. “I didn’t go down there looking for gratitude,” says Lee Broadman, a lineman at Hancock-Wood Electric Cooperative in North Baltimore. “Actually, it’s just the opposite. From the day we first walked through the village and saw how the folks live and what they live on, I couldn’t help but to feel even more grateful for everything that I have. I was honored to be able to help improve their lives.”
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MAY 2020 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING 7
WOODS, WATERS, AND WILDLIFE
Species ON THE EDGE
An ecologist works to boost Ohio’s dwindling timber rattlesnake population. STORY AND PHOTOS BY W.H. “CHIP” GROSS
Unlike many people, Doug Wynn likes snakes. He likes them so much that he began studying them decades ago, and has since become Ohio’s leading expert on the state-endangered timber rattlesnake. A retired high school ecology teacher, Wynn is currently a visiting scholar at Ohio State University. “Timber rattlesnakes are extremely docile,” says Wynn. “I have approached more than 700 rattlesnakes in the wild, and only three actually rattled. I’ve never even had one strike at me … until I tried to catch it. Then look out, because they are like living lightning and will strike multiple times.” Wynn has never been bitten, yet is still extremely cautious around the snakes, always handling them with a metal catch-stick. “A rattlesnake can strike the entire length of its body,” he says. “Meaning that a 3-foot snake — which is about the typical length in Ohio — can strike a distance of at least 3 feet. So, if you ever happen across one in the woods, give it a wide berth.” The chances of that, however, are pretty slim. Historically found in most every county plus the Lake Erie islands, only four small remnant timber rattlesnake populations remain, located in the extreme southern portion of the state: Shawnee State Forest, Tar Hollow State Forest, Vinton Furnace Experimental Forest, and one area of Wayne National Forest. During his fieldwork, Wynn — a member of Logan County Electric Cooperative — makes finding snake dens a priority. By doing so, he can begin the process of notifying wildlife conservation organizations to help protect not only the den site but many, if not all, of the snakes that use the surrounding area. Rattlesnake dens are wintering areas located a few feet underground. Unlike dens in surrounding states, Ohio dens may or may not be located in a rock outcropping. For instance, an Ohio den opening may consist of a simple hole in the ground.
8 OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • MAY 2020
All the rattlesnakes Wynn and his fellow researchers encounter receive a microchip for identification — similar to those placed in domestic pets. A few of the snakes are also implanted with radio-telemetry transmitters for tracking purposes. Wynn says that the radioed snakes can then be detected from as far away as a kilometer (a little more than half a mile), though they’re most easily located from the air via a helicopter provided by the Ohio Division of Wildlife. Why are timber rattlesnakes endangered in Ohio but not nationally? One of the reasons — in addition to persecution by humans — is a low reproductive rate. “The females don’t reproduce until age 6, then every four years after that,” says Wynn. “A typical litter size is only about seven.” The snakes counter their low reproduction by being long-lived, from 25 to as many as 50 years. One individual rattler, captured in the state of New York, had been marked as an adult 43 years earlier.
Females give birth to live young, not in their winter dens but during late summer under a birthing log or in a hollow stump, which they defend from predators and other snake species. Wynn says that an area must have a minimum of 30 to 40 timber rattlesnakes to sustain a viable population. Feeding primarily on small rodents, timber rattlesnakes are ambush hunters. Choosing a small log to coil up against, they rest their head on the log. As supper arrives — in the form of a mouse, chipmunk, or squirrel — and runs along the length of the log, the snake strikes. An interesting side note is that opossums are immune to rattlesnake venom. According to Wynn, the last human snakebite fatality in Ohio occurred in 1947. “A young mother near Tar Hollow State Park was bitten on the hand and died a few days later,” he says. “The best first aid for snakebite is your vehicle: Get to a hospital ASAP and try to remain calm so as not to spread the venom through your body more quickly — though I don’t know how anyone could remain calm in a situation like that. I certainly couldn’t.” W.H. “Chip” Gross (whchipgross@gmail.com) is Ohio Cooperative Living’s outdoors editor and a member of Consolidated Cooperative.
Clockwise from top right: Doug Wynn, a member of Logan County Electric Cooperative, is Ohio’s leading expert on timber rattlesnakes; Wynn captures and bags a large male timber rattlesnake; the transmitters implanted in timber rattlesnakes are about the size of a AA battery; researcher Denis Case searches for timber rattlesnakes using radio-telemetry equipment; a timber rattlesnake in hunting posture at the base of a log.
MAY 2020 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING 9
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MAY 2020 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING 11
CO-OP PEOPLE
Tales from the Hart
Living historian Chris Hart is a man of multiple personalities. BY DAMAINE VONADA
C
hris Hart dons a frock coat and sports a fancy walking stick as he prepares to portray John George Nicolay for the residents of StoryPoint Grove City, a senior living complex in suburban Columbus. “I’m playing a refined character today,” says Hart, “so I brought a silver-handled stick.” Today’s performance is “Mr. Lincoln’s White House,” a vignette set in 1900 that Hart scripted, featuring himself
12 OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • MAY 2020
as Nicolay, Abraham Lincoln’s personal secretary. Nicolay pays a visit to President McKinley and relates what 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue was like years before, during Lincoln’s tenure. As Hart enters the room where he’ll perform, StoryPoint residents greet him like groupies with smiles, handshakes, and fond words about his monthly presentations. “I started coming here a few years ago when StoryPoint had a Titanic celebration and asked me to do one of the survivors, Peter Daly,” says Hart.
Hart is a professional living historian whose “Tales from the Hart” repertoire includes more than 50 characters inspired by history and literature. Raised in Tuscarawas County, he still resides there in the village of Port Washington, where he’s a member of The Frontier Power Company. Hart has been interested in history since grade school, and he even took his wife, Susie, to the Gettysburg battlefield during their honeymoon. While touring Appomattox Court House two years later, they saw a park employee acting the part of a Confederate soldier who described Lee’s surrender to Grant. “Watching him perform for visitors, I started thinking how wonderful it would be to do that,” says Hart. “To me, it was an ideal job.” Hart, however, did not pursue first-person playacting until after he retired from his career as a retail pharmacist. His first opportunity came when Historic Roscoe Village in Coshocton approached him about playing the canal-era town’s doctor. He subsequently developed the character of canal boat captain John B. Reynolds, and when a local library requested his help with its Titanic event, he launched Daly. “Daly is still one of my most popular characters because his story is true and his rescue was miraculous,” says Hart. “I know I’m doing my job when Peter Daly describes
how cold the water was, and people in the audience start pulling coats and sweaters tightly around themselves.” Hart researches and writes his own material and prefers history’s footnote people to major figures. “Most of the folks I interpret are rather ordinary,” he says. “With a few exceptions, like Neil Armstrong and Cy Young, I don’t do anybody famous.” Although he never had any theatrical training, Hart has a knack for lacing his performances with telling details that captivate audiences and dispatch the dust of history. As Nicolay, for example, he reveals that Lincoln’s impish son Tad once burst into a cabinet meeting beating a drum, and that after Lincoln’s assassination, soldiers carried his casket in their stocking feet lest they disturb his griefstricken widow. Besides teaching pharmacy courses at several Ohio universities, Hart performs in community theaters and murder mystery troupes. He does about 75 first-person shows annually; his busiest seasons are Halloween and Christmas, when he takes on personas such as a middleaged Ichabod Crane returning to Sleepy Hollow or a grown-up Peter Cratchit divulging the fates of Dickens’ immortal characters in A Christmas Carol. Contact Chris Hart at 740-408-4608 or chrishart72@yahoo.com.
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MAY 2020 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING 13
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When you see different things, you see things differently. Visit Parkersburg, WV and discover eight historic attractions and three state parks. Ride a sternwheeler back in time to Blennerhassett Island Historical State Park (May-Oct.), bike through the old B&O railroad tunnels on the North Bend Rail Trail, or visit Henderson Hall, one of America’s finest and most complete historic homes. Learn more at GreaterParkersburg.com
Greater Adventure. Greater Parkersburg. 14 OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • MAY 2020
GOOD EATS
Put a little
MUSTARD on it
It’s easy to take that bright yellow bottle in the fridge for granted, but the spicy sauce can add a delicious dimension to lots of different dishes. RECIPES AND PHOTOS BY CATHERINE MURRAY
HONEY MUSTARD ROTISSERIE CHICKEN SALAD Prep: 10 minutes | Servings: 4 ½ cup mayonnaise 2 stalks celery, diced 2 tablespoons yellow mustard ½ cup dried cranberries 3 tablespoons honey 4 large lettuce leaves 1 tablespoon rice vinegar 8 slices grainy wheat bread 1½ pounds shredded rotisserie chicken In a large bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, mustard, honey, and vinegar. Add chicken, celery, and cranberries, stirring to coat. Assemble sandwiches, topping with lettuce. Per serving: 533 calories, 23 grams fat (6 grams saturated fat), 45 grams total carbohydrates, 5 grams fiber, 33 grams protein.
MAY 2020 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING 15
SLOW COOKER SWEET AND SOUR MEATBALLS Prep: 20 minutes | Cook: 3 to 4 hours | Servings: 6 1½ pounds ground beef 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce 2 eggs ¼ cup white vinegar 2/3 cup dry breadcrumbs 1 cup packed brown sugar 1 teaspoon garlic powder 3 bell peppers (red, orange, yellow), cut into large chunks Two 20-ounce cans pineapple chunks (in juice) 3 cups cooked white rice ½ cup spicy brown mustard 6 green onions/scallions, diced (greens only) 2 cups ketchup Notes: Frozen, pre-made meatballs can be used in place of the first four ingredients, in which case the cook time after adding meatballs can be reduced. For a healthier version, switch to a low-sodium ketchup and cut the brown sugar by half. In a medium bowl, whisk together pineapple juice (from canned pineapple), mustard, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, vinegar, and brown sugar. Place pineapple chunks and bell peppers in a 7-quart slow cooker. Cover with sauce and cook on low for 3 to 4 hours. About 30 minutes before sauce is done cooking, combine ground beef, egg, breadcrumbs, and garlic powder in a medium bowl. Mix thoroughly and shape into 18 meatballs. In a large, nonstick skillet over medium-high heat, brown meatballs on all sides. Add a little bit of oil to the pan if the meatballs start to stick. Place meatballs in slow cooker with the sauce, fully covering the meatballs. Turn slow cooker up to high and cook 30 minutes, or until meatballs are cooked through. Serve over rice and top with diced green onions. Per serving: 821 calories, 10 grams fat (3.5 grams saturated fat), 134 grams total carbohydrates, 3 grams fiber, 47 grams protein.
FRIED LIVER WITH MUSTARD SAUCE Prep: 10 minutes | Cook: 25 minutes | Servings: 4 2 tablespoons unsalted butter 2 tablespoons flat leaf parsley, finely chopped 3 shallots, finely chopped 1 tablespoon tarragon leaf, finely chopped 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar 1½ pounds calf liver ¼ cup dry white wine ½ cup all-purpose flour ¼ cup beef stock ½ teaspoon salt ¾ cup whipping cream ¼ teaspoon black pepper 3 tablespoons coarse ground mustard ¼ cup vegetable oil In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. Cook shallots for 3 minutes, stirring often, until soft. Add vinegar and white wine, stirring for 3 to 4 minutes until liquid is reduced by half. Add beef stock and continue cooking until liquid is reduced by half again. Whisk in cream and simmer to thicken, about 6 minutes. Stir in mustard, parsley, and tarragon. Set aside. Rinse meat and pat dry. Cut into half-inch-thick slices. Pour flour, salt, and pepper onto a large, shallow plate and mix. Coat both sides of liver slices with flour mixture, shaking off the excess. Heat oil in a clean, large skillet over high heat. When oil is hot, lay a few liver slices at a time in the bottom of the skillet. Fry 3 minutes per side, or to desired doneness. During the last batch of frying, place saucepan with sauce back on the stove and heat carefully to rewarm. Place liver slices on serving plates and spoon sauce evenly over the top. Serve with favorite side dishes. Per serving: 562 calories, 28 grams fat (12 grams saturated fat), 24 grams total carbohydrates, 1 gram fiber, 48 grams protein.
16 OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • MAY 2020
GARLIC MUSTARD STIR-FRY Prep: 10 minutes | Cook: 12 minutes | Servings: 6 ½ cup yellow mustard 2 cups shelled edamame (frozen or fresh) 1 to 2 tablespoons hot mustard (optional) 4 cups chopped broccoli ¼ cup lemon juice 1 small bok choy, chopped 3 cloves garlic, minced ½ pound snow peas 2 tablespoons canola oil 15-ounce can baby corn, drained and cut into chunks 3 cups shredded carrots Note: Other ingredients that work well in this dish: spinach, mustard greens, cauliflower, bean sprouts, tofu, scrambled egg. Mix and match! In a small bowl, whisk together yellow mustard, optional hot mustard, lemon juice, and garlic and set aside. Heat oil in large skillet (or wok) over medium-high heat. Add shredded carrots and cook 5 minutes. Add edamame and broccoli and cook 3 more minutes. Toss in bok choy, snow peas, and baby corn and cook another 3 minutes. Pour in the sauce, toss to coat, and serve solo, over rice, or with noodles. Per serving: 537 calories, 15 grams fat (2 grams saturated fat), 93 grams total carbohydrates, 17 grams fiber, 23 grams protein.
MAY 2020 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING 17
Introducing the future of personal transportation.
Also available in Green, Black and Blue (shown)
10”
It’s not a Wheelchair... It’s not a Power Chair... It’s a Zinger Chair! The Zinger folds to a mere 10 inches.
More and more Americans are reaching the age where mobility is an everyday concern. Whether from an injury or from the aches and pains that come from getting older– getting around isn’t as easy as it used to be. You may have tried a power chair or a scooter. The Zinger is NOT a power chair or a scooter! The Zinger is quick and nimble, yet it is not prone to tipping like many scooters. Best of all, it weighs only 47.2 pounds and folds and unfolds with ease. You can take it almost anywhere, providing you with independence and freedom.
Years of work by innovative engineers have resulted in a personal electric vehicle that’s truly unique. They created a battery that provides powerful energy at a fraction of the weight of most batteries. The Zinger features two steering levers, one on either side of the seat. The user pushes both levers down to go forward, pulls them both up to brake, and pushes one while pulling the other to turn to either side. This enables great mobility, the ability to turn on a dime and to pull right up to tables or desks. The controls are right on the steering lever so it’s simple to operate,
and its exclusive footrest swings out of the way when you stand up or sit down. With its rugged yet lightweight aluminum frame, the Zinger is sturdy and durable yet convenient and comfortable! What’s more, it easily folds up for storage in a car seat or trunk– you can even gatecheck it at the airport like a stroller. Think about it, you can take your Zinger almost anywhere, so you don’t have to let mobility issues rule your life. It folds in seconds without tools and is safe and reliable. It holds up to 275 pounds, and it goes up to 6 mph and operates for up to 8 miles on a single charge. Why spend another day letting mobility issues hamper your independence and quality of life
Zinger Chair® Call now and receive a utility basket absolutely FREE with your order.
1-888-610-2829
Please mention code 112772 when ordering.
Just think of the places you can go: • Shopping • Air Travel • Bus Tours
© 2020 firstSTREET for Boomers and Beyond, Inc.
18 OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • MAY 2020
83982
• Restaurants– ride right up to the table! • Around town or just around your house
The Zinger Chair is a personal electric vehicle and is not a medical device nor a wheelchair. Zinger is not intended for medical purposes to provide mobility to persons restricted to a sitting position. It is not covered by Medicare nor Medicaid.
MIDWEST ELECTRIC LOCAL PAGES
VIRTUAL ANNUAL MEETING JUNE 6, 2020 | 9:15 AM
Y
our board of directors and I have decided to not hold our June 6 annual meeting in person this year. Instead, due to COVID-19 concerns about safety, we are using a virtual format. Our annual meeting is an important event that typically attracts 800 people. Due to uncertainty around public gatherings, we decided the safer decision for our members is to hold a virtual meeting. This was a very difficult decision and, frankly, not something we wanted to do. We’re hopeful that by June all of the social and event restrictions will be lifted. However, due to magazine printing deadlines and annual meeting notification requirements, we had to decide in late March what to do with our June annual meeting. So, out of an abundance of caution, the decision was made to cancel the in-person meeting this year. We hope our members understand this call. After all, we didn’t know whether large public gatherings would be allowed in June, if our members would be comfortable gathering, if St. Marys High School would still want us there, etc.
Director elections and prizes still happening All members will still receive a ballot in mid-May for the board of directors elections. Included with the ballot will be detailed instructions on how to participate in the virtual meeting. We will still award cash prizes.
Because voting is done ahead of time by mail and online, no election business is conducted at our annual meeting. However, it is a great opportunity for Matt Berry, CEO members to be informed about mberry@midwestrec.com their cooperative and hear what projects we’re planning and for managers and directors to hear your questions and concerns. We’ll still provide a co-op update during the virtual meeting, and our goal is to include opportunities for members to submit questions.
Watch the mail for your director voting ballot in mid-May, which will include virtual annual meeting details. We'll post updates on social media as well. In a sense, I actually hope that this was the wrong decision. I hope that by June, life will be back to normal and we could have held the meeting in person. But for now, things are too uncertain to say for sure. Please watch for your ballot in mid-May and plan to attend this year’s annual meeting virtually from the comfort of your home. If you have questions, don’t hesitate to call us.
PROACTIVE MEASURES DURING COVID-19:
How we’ve protected our members and employees during the pandemic: • Temporarily closed lobby to walk-in traffic • Waived late fees and increased our Auto Pay incentives • We’ve never charged fees for any payment methods, including pay-by-phone and e-bill (online via SmartHub)
• Incorporated best practices with work-from-home capabilities for employees • 6-foot distancing when working together
MAY 2020 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING 19
MIDWEST ELECTRIC LOCAL PAGES
Looking for remote payment options? Manage your account online with SmartHub (**and see our new incentives) We urge members to learn how to manage their electric accounts from home via SmartHub, our online system that allows you to pay bills, monitor your daily electric use, sign up for outage texts and alerts, and more. There’s also a free mobile app so you can access your information 24/7/365 from anywhere. Learn more at www.midwestrec.com under the “My Home” tab. **Through June 1, we are increasing our auto pay/paperless sign-up incentives! Call us for details on how to confirm your sign-up through SmartHub.
Pay by phone (800-962-3830), mail, or drop box outside our office.
STRUGGLING TO PAY YOUR BILL? Please call us when you receive your bill, so we can help you with a payment arrangement. All members are still responsible for their account balance, so paying what you can now will help avoid a larger balance in the future.
We care about you & your family
Members can make payments through SmartHub, our online account manager that allows you to set up recurring payments, monitor your daily and monthly energy use, sign up for outage texting, and more. There’s also a free and convenient SmartHub mobile app. Just search for it in the app store or visit www.midwestrec.com. Have your account information handy. Other ways to make payments include by phone, mail, or drop box outside our office. We accept credit card payments or can set up auto-payments by bank draft. We care about our members and are willing to work with those who call us: 800-962-3830. Together, we can make it through these special circumstances!
20 OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • MAY 2020
embers... Attention m
E M I T S ' IT ! E T O V TO
WATCH THE MAIL FOR YOUR BOARD OF DIRECTOR ELECTION BALLOTS Instructions on how to attend your Midwest Electric virtual annual meeting on June 6 will also be included inside. One member, one vote: That’s the co-op way! As a democratically operated organization owned by the members we serve, board elections are an important part of our unique cooperative model. It’s your job to raise your voice in our cooperative board of director elections. Watch your mail around mid-May for your ballot for the 2020 director election. If you’re a member, you’re allowed to vote for all districts. You may vote by mail with the ballot and return envelope that will be sent to you. Alternately, you may vote online at www.midwestrec.com. The ballot will include instructions for online voting. Your ballot must be received by our voting firm by 8 a.m. on June 3 in order to be counted. Thank you in advance for your vote. Note: Do not include any payments with your ballot. Do not send your ballot to our St. Marys office.
MAY 2020 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING 20A
MIDWEST ELECTRIC LOCAL PAGES YOUTH PROGRAMS
Midwest Electric awards $11,000 in scholarships Coldwater High School’s Emma Eckstein and Spencerville High School’s Connor Nielsen captured top honors in the 2020 Midwest Electric scholarship competition, featuring judges from Wright State University– Lake Campus. The two seniors each received a $2,000 scholarship. Eckstein will go on to represent Midwest Electric in the Ohio’s Electric Cooperatives statewide scholarship competition in Columbus this spring, where more than $38,000 will be awarded. Second-place $1,500 scholarships were awarded to Maria Heckman of Marion Local High School and Benjamin Sudhoff of Spencerville High School. Receiving third-place $1,000 scholarship awards were Alexandria Ott and Kyle Lucas, both from St. Marys Memorial High School. The six general scholarship winners were selected from a field of 40 area high school seniors, with a 3.5 or higher gradepoint average, whose parents are Midwest Electric members. Additionally, Kaitlyn Vore, of Bath High School, won the $2,000 Touchstone Energy Achievement Scholarship, which is awarded to a student who has overcome a significant challenge in pursuit of their goals. Vore, the daughter of Eric and Kristy Vore, is majoring in Korean and English and has applied to Ohio State University. Eckstein, of Coldwater, plans to attend either Notre Dame, Ohio State, Dayton, or Miami (OH) and is considering a major in biology or a health field. She has been involved in golf, band, scholastic bowl, and student council. Eckstein has a 4.26 GPA and is ranked first in her class. Jim and Janet Eckstein are her parents. Nielsen, of Spencerville, will attend Ohio State and major in aerospace engineering. He participated in band, soccer, student government, and Buckeye Boys State. Nielsen is
Emma Eckstein
Connor Nielson
Maria Heckman
Benjamin Sudhoff
ranked fifth in his class with a 3.983 GPA. He is the son of Terence and Stephanie Nielsen. Heckman, of Alexandria Ott Minster, is deciding between multiple universities and plans to study nursing. She has been class secretary for four years and a member of the Junior Engineering Technical Society. Heckman has a 4.048 GPA, is ranked second in her class, and is the daughter of David and Karen Heckman.
Kyle Lucas
Kaitlyn Vore Sudhoff, of Spencerville, is considering three different colleges to study chemical or civil engineering. He is involved in band, including playing piano for 11 years and serving as first chair in the upper level ensemble. Sudhoff has a 3.984 GPA and is the son of David and Jennifer Sudhoff. Ott, of Wapakoneta, will attend Ohio State and major in nursing. She has been in 4-H for 10 years along with Future Farmers of America. Ott has a 4.297 GPA and is the daughter of Kevin and Sara Ott. Lucas, of New Bremen, is considering Ohio Wesleyan and Ashland universities to major in kinesiology, exercise science, or nutrition. He has been successful in swimming and has served as a lifeguard. Lucas has a 4.132 GPA and is the son of Jerry and Jennifer Lucas.
Congrats to our hardworking winners! We wish you all the best. 20B OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • MAY 2020
ENERGY EFFICIENCY
Indoor air quality tips when we’re stuck inside Many heating and cooling companies have received inquiries that relate to heating and air systems and what can be done to help mitigate the spread of viruses. While much is unknown about this year’s virus, below is the best information we have. According to the WHO (World Health Organization), this year’s virus spreads primarily through Dave Waltermire BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT droplets of saliva or discharge from COORDINATOR the nose when a person coughs or sneezes. Talking or breathing can also release droplets and particles. These droplets generally fall to the ground or a surface within 3 feet. This is why the basic principles of social distancing, surface cleaning, and hand washing are the most significant prevention mechanisms. However, there is evidence that the virus can remain suspended in air and remain infectious for up to three hours. This allows the virus to be pulled into your home or business’ HVAC system.
Ventilation The CDC specifically recommends that buildings increase ventilation rates and increase the percentage of outdoor air that circulates into the HVAC system. If your business has HVAC systems with economizes, or outside air dampers, they recommend opening them to the greatest setting to allow maximum outdoor air intake while still maintaining a comfortable building conditioning. You may even consider some temporary comfort loss to ensure plenty of fresh air is being brought into your home or building. For your home, since most of our members are rural residents, this may be as simple as cracking a window. With spring now here, it may be a good time to air out the house anyway.
Air filtration Standard air filters are not designed to capture particles as small as a virus. A HEPA filtration is effective, but most HVAC systems can’t be practically refabricated to retrofit HEPA filters. Instead, a mid-grade filter is recommended that can capture up to 50% of these small particles (less than 1 micron). It is also suggested to seal the edges of the filter to limit bypass, and to run furnace fans on continuous to enhance the filter’s effectiveness. Note: These filters will capture more dust, pollen, and other particulates and will need to be replaced more
quickly than standard filters. They will also create a resistance to airflow that your HVAC system may not be designed for, so it’s important that you ask an HVAC expert first. These are intended as temporary measures. It is generally not recommended to run your furnace fan continuously, so this is a temporary recommendation. Also, these mid-grade filters can be replaced once the virus threat has subsided.
UV lights and air ionization UV lights and some air ionization units have proven effective with killing certain germs and viruses on surfaces and in HVAC ductwork systems. These products have proven effective in hospitals and other institutions. UV lights, ionization systems, and other equipment have been used for many years to kill various pathogens in the air to ensure the quality of the indoor air in their facilities.
Cleaning and sanitizing coils Some studies have indicated that viruses can live for hours on hard surfaces like the HVAC system’s air conditioning coil. There are coil cleaning products available to clean and sanitize the coil as needed or possibly during a preventive maintenance inspection. Please ask your HVAC company. We are fortunate to have highly trained HVAC technicians in our communities. You may not have heard of associations like NATE (North American Technician Excellence Programs) or ASHRAE (American Society of Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Engineers). But these are the backbone organizations that provide the training and engineering standards to ensure quality indoor air for your home and business. Look for a contractor with the proper certifications. I am not recommending that everyone have these items done on your furnace systems. I am simply providing options for you to research with an expert if you are interested. MAY 2020 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING 20C
MIDWEST ELECTRIC LOCAL PAGES ANNUAL REPORT
2019 INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2019 AND 2018
Statements of Cash Flow
Balance Sheets
2019 2018
$ 60,410,898 1,075,239 61,486,137
$ 58,175,425 404,432 58,579,857
(19,231,160) 42,254,977
(18,007,771) 40,572,086
16,390,386 614,814 407,718 17,412,918
16,003,117 470,668 534,389 17,008,174
737,823
2,894,138
2,286,621 119,864 452,623 1,695,592 5,292,523
2,306,301 149,281 411,215 1,150,511 6,911,446
$ 64,960,418
$ 64,491,706
EQUITIES Patronage capital Accumulated other comprehensive loss Other equities TOTAL EQUITIES
$ 34,036,333 (892,105) 658,576 33,802,804
$ 34,206,067 (928,089) 562,217 33,840,195
LONG-TERM LIABILITIES Mortgage notes less current maturities Provision for pensions and benefits TOTAL LONG-TERM LIABILITIES
23,871,407 2,130,480 26,001,887
24,167,187 1,959,052 26,126,239
800,000 1,165,094 1,681,679 71,658 180,357 833,907 423,032 5,155,727
1,141,304 1,738,937 104,382 183,586 836,870 520,193 4,525,272
$ 64,960,418
$ 64,491,706
CURRENT LIABILITIES Line of credit Current maturities of long-term debt Accounts payable - purchased power Accounts payable - other Consumers' deposits Accrued taxes Other current liabilities TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITIES
Net margins $2,089,185 Adjustments to reconcile net margins to net cash provided by operating activities: Depreciation and amortization 1,667,318 Noncash capital credits (999,390) Salvage and retirement adjustments for utility plant (336,458) Benefit plan expenses in excess of contributions (contributions in excess of expense) 207,412 Changes in assets and liabilities: Accounts and notes receivable (95,049) Materials and supplies (41,408) Other current assets (545,081) Deferred charges 126,671 Accounts payable and accrued expenses (193,335) Total adjustments (209,320) Net cash provided by operating activities 1,879,865
$3,619,842
1,629,988 (1,681,565) (220,725) (724,792) (61,341) 63,429 3,751,289 147,217 152,070 3,055,570 6,675,412
CASH FLOW FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES Construction and acquisition of utility plant Proceeds from disposal of utility plant and aid to construction Proceeds from redemption of investments Purchase of investments Net cash used by investing activities
(3,350,209)
(2,228,937)
336,458 620,944 (8,823) (2,401,630)
220,725 477,774 (13,807) (1,544,245)
CASH FLOW FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES
LIABILITIES AND EQUITIES
2019 2018
CASH FLOW FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES
ASSETS UTILITY PLANT Electric plant in service Construction work in progress Less: Accumulated provision for depreciation and amortization NET UTILITY PLANT NONCURRENT ASSETS Investments in associated organizations Notes receivable Deferred charges TOTAL NONCURRENT ASSETS CURRENT ASSETS Cash and cash equivalents Accounts receivable, net of provision for doubtful accounts of $37,441 ($129,868 for 2018) Notes receivable Materials and supplies Other current assets TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS TOTAL ASSETS
Change in line of credit Proceeds from long-term debt Payments on long-term debt Changes in cushion of credit Patronage capital credits retired Net cash used by financing activities Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year Cash and cash equivalents at end of year
(1,390,114) (826,618) (1,455,507) (3,672,239)
(2,156,315) 2,894,138
1,458,928 1,435,210
$737,823
$2,894,138
We have audited the accompanying financial statements of Midwest Electric, Inc., which comprise the balance sheets as of Dec. 31, 2019 and 2018, and the related statements of operations, comprehensive operations, equities and cash flows for the years then ended, and the related notes to the financial statements. In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Midwest Electric, Inc., as of Dec. 31, 2019 and 2018, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for the years then ended in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Circleville, Ohio March 13, 2020
20D OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • MAY 2020
800,000 136,675 (1,141,310) 732,645 (2,162,560) (1,634,550)
ANNUAL REPORT Statements of Equities Accumulated Other Other Comprehensive Equities Income ( Loss)
Patronage Capital
Balance at January 1, 2018 $ 505,405 $ (361,400) $ Net margins - - Unrecognized gains and losses, net related to the defined benefit postretirement plan - (566,689) Retirement of capital credits - - Discounted capital credits 56,812 - Balance at December 31, 2018 562,217 (928,089) Net margins - - Unrecognized gains and losses, net related to the defined benefit postretirement plan - 35,984 Retirement of capital credits - - Discounted capital credits 96,359 - Balance at December 31, 2019 $ 658,576 $ (892,105) $
Operating Statistics Consumers (Average) Miles of Line Kilowatt-Hours: Purchased (Thousands) Sold (Thousands) Net Utility Plant: (Thousands) Per Consumer Cost Per Mile Interest Costs: Total Per Consumer Member Equity Current Ratio Electric Revenue Per Consumer Per Month KWH Sold Per Consumer Per Month Revenue Per KWH Sold Cost of Power %
2019 10,825 1,523
2018 10,792 1,621
284,632 271,172
281,995 267,099
$42,255 $3,903 $27,745
$40,572 $3,759 $25,029
$938 $87 52.0% 1.1
$980 $91 52.5% 1.6
$237
$242
2,088 $0.114 63.4%
2,062 $0.117 64.5%
A copy of this annual report can be obtained by contacting Midwest Electric’s office or visiting midwestrec.com > My Co-op > Annual Meeting and Co-op Board.
Total Equities
32,098,544
$ 32,242,549
3,619,842
3,619,842
- (1,512,319) -
(566,689) (1,512,319) 56,812
34,206,067
33,840,195
2,089,185
2,089,185
- (2,258,919) -
35,984 (2,258,919) 96,359
34,036,333
$ 33,802,804
Statements of Operations 2019
2018
OPERATING REVENUES
$30,838,547
$31,311,028
19,543,915 2,316,126 1,625,006 608,189 354,630 70,202 1,642,776 1,667,318 1,164,679 49,980 29,042,821
20,194,896 1,931,436 1,311,905 496,814 321,844 54,033 1,566,008 1,629,988 1,161,866 36,834 28,705,624
1,795,726 (937,897) 857,829 1,049,104 1,906,933
2,605,404 (980,380) 1,625,024 1,761,417 3,386,441
Interest income 184,600 Other income (expense), net (2,348) TOTAL NON-OPERATING MARGINS 182,252 NET MARGINS FOR PERIOD $ 2,089,185
211,180 22,221 233,401
OPERATING EXPENSES Cost of power Distribution expense - operations Distribution expense - maintenance Consumer accounts Customer service and information Sales Administrative and general Depreciation and amortization Taxes Other deductions TOTAL OPERATING EXPENSES OPERATING MARGINS BEFORE INTEREST interest on long-term debt OPERATING MARGINS AFTER INTEREST Capital credits OPERATING MARGINS
NON-OPERATING MARGINS (EXPENSE)
$ 3,619,842
MAY 2020 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING 20E
MIDWEST ELECTRIC LOCAL PAGES ELECTRIC BILL CHANGE
Your electric bill got a revamp! We broke out charges and added new features to make reading your bill easier
You might have noticed that we redesigned your electric bill. None of these things are new charges or increases; they are the same charges you’ve been paying since Aug. 2010. Here is a brief description of each charge: • POWER COST ADJUSTMENT: This is not directly a Midwest Electric charge, but reflects changes in the cost we have to pay for the generation and transmission of electricity. Items paid by the Power Cost Adjustment include the cost of fuels to generate electricity, high voltage transmission to move the electricity from the generating plant to our local substation, and peak demand costs when electric use is high for all members. You can lower this charge through energy efficiency measures, including our energy audits. You can also help us manage this charge by joining our load management program. • SERVICE CHARGE: This is a flat monthly charge to pay the fixed costs of an electric distribution system, including poles, wires, substations, transformers, meters, tree trimming, pole testing, interest, depreciation, as well as the cost of repairs, maintenance, and upgrades. The Service Charge helps pay for electric reliability investments. (See page 21 for more information.) • OHIO KWH ELECTRIC TAX: This is levied by the state of Ohio. It averages around $0.004 per kWh. We simply collect it from you and pass it all on to Columbus. • ENERGY CHARGE: This shows the number of kilowatthours (kWh) you used during this billing period (typically 30 days), times our electric rate. You can lower this charge through energy efficiency measures, including our energy audits.
20F OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • MAY 2020
• COMMUNITY CONNECTION FUND: 88% of Midwest Electric members round up their electric bill to the next highest dollar, with those pennies going to our Community Connection Fund. Since 1998, more than $1.1 million has been raised and all of those funds have been donated to local charitable causes such as fire departments, food pantries, libraries, playgrounds, and more. No administrative fees are taken. A separate board of Midwest Electric members reviews applications and makes fund decisions. We are also including a snapshot of your electric usage history and the average temperature with each bill so you can compare the current month’s use to the last month and the same month of the year prior. We hope this will help members understand why their bills increased or decreased, as they can analyze what they did differently in their home each month (and see how weather impacts their bill). You can get more detailed electric use history, including your daily and hourly use history, by logging into your SmartHub account or mobile app.
HAVE QUESTIONS? CALL 800-962-3830. Let us help you understand the bill you receive each month. That's another perk of being a co-op member!
NEW BILL SAMPLE (charges unbundled) 06029 COUNTY ROAD 33A SAINT MARYS OH 45885-9762
Messages from your co-op: Look at this top section for important messages, alerts, and other key information or news.
Shows the number of kilowatt-hours (kWh) you used during this billing period (around 30 days), times our electric rate. You can lower this charge through energy efficiency measures, including our energy audits.
Office Hours: Monday - Friday 7:30 AM - 4:00 PM Phone: (419) 394-4110 (800) 962-3830 www.midwestrec.com
Message from Midwest Electric Expect higher energy bills this month. The winter weather, plus holiday lighting and activities, might contribute to a higher electric bill this month. Contact us for an energy audit if you want help. 1-800-962-3830.
Total Due
$153.00 Payment Due 02/10/2020
Service Address: 11111 Midwest Rd Account
Meter No.
555551234
89898989
Previous Months
Days 31
Readings Previous Present 2093 3293
42 17 33
16
90
Substation
This is not directly a Midwest Electric charge, but reflects changes in the cost we have to pay for the generation and transmission of electricity.
01
Lake
Previous Balance Payments - Thank You Balance Forward Current Charges Total Amount Due By 02/10/2020
136.00 136.00 CR 0.00 153.00 153.00
12
11
75
Service Charge:
Detail of Charges
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13
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98
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b
Meter kWh Multiplier Usage 1.0 1200
Flat monthly fee shared equally Energy Charge* 1,200 kWh @ 0.08280 99.36 by all members to pay 30 Power Cost Adj 1,200 kWh @ 0.01500 18.00 15 fixed costs of our electric Service Charge 35.00 IMPORTANT MESSAGE 0 Community Connection - Roundup 0.64 distribution system, like Total Current Charges 153.00 MIDWEST ELECTRIC, INC Expect higher energy bills this month. The winter weather, poles, wires, substations, 06029 COUNTY ROAD 33A *Ohio Kwh Electricity Tax Included $5.58. MARYS OH 45885-9762 KWH SAINT DAYS AVG KWH AVG TEMP plus holiday lighting and activities, might contribute to a tree trimming, interest, 1200 31 39 37 higher electric bill this month. Contact us for an energy audit if 1010 30 34 37 depreciation, and upgrades you want help. 1-800-962-3830. 1009 31 33 35 419-394-4110 or 1-800-962-3830 for service reliability. 67
09 11 28
10
n Ja
Fe
John Doe 01/21/2020 johndoe@gmail.com (555) 111-2222
Power Cost Adjustment:
45
COMPARISONS Current Month
555551234
Customer Name: Statement Date: Email Phone #:
Activity Since Last Billing
Temp High Temp Low
Current Month
Account Number
Service Description: HOME
Services From To 12/15/19 01/15/20
Usage History
Usage history:
Energy Charge:
SIGN UP ON SMARTHUB
MIDWEST ELECTRIC, INC
Previous Month A new tool Same Last Year you can use to Fax: 419-394-8333 compare your OFFICE HOURS: Monday - Friday 7:30 am - 4:00 pm NIGHT DEPOSITORY: Located at the front of the office. current electric usage Web site: www.midwestrec.com to last month’s and the prior year’s. It also JOHN DOE shows the high and low 11111 MIDWEST RD SAINT MARYS OH 45885 temperatures so you can see how the weather DT.FD.FT.FF.DD.AF.AF.TA.TF.AA.AD.DT.AA.TA.TF.AA.TD.TF.DA.FF.DD.AT.FD.AT.AT.TF.TD.DT.FD.FD.DF.FA.F impacts your bill. You can get more detailed electric use history, including daily Account Number Service Address and hourly use history, 555551234 11111 MIDWEST RD by logging into your Meter Number Present Read Previous Read SmartHub account or 89898989 3293 2093 mobile app.
Power Cost Adj/kWh
Current Average Per Day
0.0150000
kWh
Cost
38
4.91
FORMER BILL SAMPLE (charges bundled together)
Activity Since Last Bill
Previous Balance Payments
1 RESIDENTIAL kWh Multiplier kWh Used 1.0000 1200
-136.00
Other Adjustments
0.00
Balance Prior to this Billing
0.00
Rate 01
Cycle
1 REG Substation
Current Bill Information
$ Amount
136.00
Bill Type
Status
LAKE
$ Amount 136.00 -136.00 146.78 5.58 0.64
PREVIOUS BILL AMOUNT PAYMENT ENERGY CHARGE OHIO KWH ELECTRICITY TAX ROUNDUP AMT
Participating members round up their bill to the next dollar, with the spare change going to our Community Connection Fund. 88% of members participate. Donations are disbursed by a separate board of members to local charitable causes. No administrative fees are taken. It’s neighbors helping neighbors. Call us to sign up. ++ ++
Energy Charge (old bill format): In our old electric bill, the Energy Charge included the kWh energy charge, the Power Cost Adjustment, and the Service Charge all bundled together.
Community Connection “RoundUp”:
++ ++ ++ ++
For Service Period
12/15/2019 to 01/15/2020
Due Date
02/10/2020
Amount Due
153.00
If Received After
02/10/2020
Amount Due
162.18
Retain this copy for your records.
++ ++
Ohio kWh Tax: Levied by the state and averaging $0.004 per kWh. It’s based on the amount of electricity you use. We must send this on to Columbus. ++
NOTE: It’s the same total amount due. Our rates haven’t changed — just the look of the bill.
MAY 2020 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING 20G
MIDWEST ELECTRIC LOCAL PAGES POWER RESTORATION
Our priorities during outages We also give priority to emergency situations such as fallen lines. We advise you to have a backup plan to move a seriously ill person to a safe place in the event of an extended outage. We cannot guarantee uninterrupted electric service to homes where serious medical conditions exist.
My neighbor has power Have you ever lost power only to see the lights still shining from your neighbor’s window? When this happens, it could mean the service line between your home and the transformer is damaged. Or, it could mean that a three-phase power line serves your neighborhood and you are served by a different line than your neighbor.
W
hen a major storm causes widespread damage to our electric system, our top goal is to restore service safely to the greatest number of members in the shortest amount of time. We have priorities for making repairs, determined by the number of members affected.
Those priorities, in order, are: 1. Transmission lines. These lines supply power to one or more substations. A problem with these lines could interrupt power to several thousand members and must be repaired before other parts of the system can operate. 2. Substations. A problem with a substation can affect several hundred members. When a major outage occurs, line crews inspect substations to discover if problems stem from transmission lines feeding into the substation, from the substation itself, or if problems exist down the line. 3. Main distribution feeders. These lines carry power from the substation. Each feeder serves a large portion of members from the substation. 4. Tap lines, or line sections. These branch lines serve a smaller group of members from the main feeder. The tap line will remain without power until the main feeder line is repaired. 5. Individual service. These serve a single residence, business, or farm. It may not do you any good for us to repair your service line if one of our main lines is still out.
Stay in the know During outages impacting a distribution feeder, substation, or transmission lines, we use our Facebook and Twitter pages and our website to provide the latest updates on the outage and restoration estimates. We typically do not provide updates on smaller outages affecting tap lines or individuals. You can also enroll in outage notifications through your online SmartHub account (or mobile app), meaning we’ll send you alerts via text or email when your power is out, notifying you of the cause and letting you know when it’s restored.
Report an outage from your mobile device On your smartphone or tablet, search for SmartHub in the Apple or Android store. After downloading the free app, search for Midwest Electric Ohio. Register and log in. Tap the “Report Outage” icon, then “Report an Outage.” Verify your contact address. Add comments that will assist in the outage restoration (ex: “I heard a loud bang from the transformer”). Click “Submit.” This will report it directly to our mapping and dispatch systems. You can also report the outage at 800-962-3830.
20H OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • MAY 2020
SERVICE CHARGE
YOU ASKED, WE ANSWERED: The flat monthly service charge is a solid investment in your electric co-op
Two of the most common and difficult questions we get are: 1) Why do I have to pay a flat monthly service charge when I’m not even using power? And, 2) Why is it $35 per month? As a member of Midwest Electric, you make an investment in the co-op every time you pay your bill. This collective investment in the co-op benefits you and the community immediately and over time. So what exactly is this monthly investment, and how do you benefit from it? There are three basic components to our monthly residential bill: the kilowatt hour (kWh) energy charge; the Ohio kWh electricity tax; and the flat monthly service charge. The flat monthly service charge is a monthly investment that helps your co-op cover the expenses of maintaining the overall electric system. Combatting cybersecurity threats and maintaining poles, wires, substations, and co-op equipment takes strategic planning and significant resources. The flat monthly service charge essentially ensures that all equipment operates properly and staff is trained and ready so the lights turn on when you need them. For our residential members, the flat monthly service charge is $35 per month. It’s a higher amount for commercial members. In the past, the service charge wasn’t shown on your bill. It was rolled into the Energy Charge. Starting in late April, our electric bills now print the Service Charge as a separate item. It’s not a new charge, and it’s not an increase. It’s been the same $35 since 2010. This means that even if you use 0 kWh for a month, you will have a $35 bill. There are two types of costs that we at the cooperative incur in running the co-op: fixed costs and variable costs. For our business, fixed costs are those that don’t fluctuate based on the amount of electricity we sell. Whether we sell 1 kWh or 1 million kWh, we have the fixed costs of building and
maintaining everything from the substation to your meter. Those fixed costs include poles, wires, transformers, property taxes, substations, depreciation expense, interest expense, vehicles, the mapping and outage management system, pole testing, tree trimming, line maintenance, and more. To have electric rates that are as fair as possible to all customer classes, our philosophy is that fixed costs should be paid for with a fixed charge. Let’s say we didn’t charge $35 per month for the flat fee. Let’s say we only charge $5. The rest of that cost ($30) didn’t magically disappear. The cooperative is still incurring and paying that cost. So that means instead of collecting it from you in the flat monthly service charge, we would have to increase our kWh charge in order to collect it. So our kWh charge then might go from $0.10 per kWh to $0.20 per kWh. That would penalize our higher-use residential members who would end up paying more than it actually costs us to provide them with service. And our lower-use residential members would be getting a subsidy and would not be paying what it actually costs the cooperative to make service available. Regardless of how much electricity a particular family uses, the cost of delivering power to that house is the same. As a not-for-profit electric cooperative, we believe the operational costs should be spread fairly and equitably across all of our members, regardless of the level of electricity use. That is why every member pays the flat monthly service charge each month to cover basic operational costs. All members are charged the same amount for the cost of operation since all members benefit from the same service. While the larger utilities have a lower monthly service charge, we all still collect about the same on a per-mile basis. We serve six members per mile, so 6 x $35 = $210 in service charge per mile of line. The larger utilities average 30 or more customers per mile of line. Their service charge is usually $7 to $10 per customer, which equals $210 to $300 per mile of line.
MAY 2020 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING 21
$2 Million
MIDWEST ELECTRIC LOCAL PAGES
$
2 Million
Rural Economic Development Loans
annual taxes
$50,000
Annual Community Donations
Paid
Get electric-use alerts via text See where your energy $ are going with SmartHub Just like bank alerts that tell you when your bank balance hits a certain amount, you can get electric-use alerts from Midwest Electric. Go online to midwestrec. com, then click the red “SmartHub Bill Pay” button in the top right corner. We also have a free SmartHub mobile application. After registering, click on the “Notifications” tab, then “Manage Contacts” to set up your email address or text phone number. Then click “Manage Notifications” to set your own electric use thresholds. When you use more electricity than your threshold, SmartHub will let you know. You can also analyze your daily, monthly, or annual use, comparing it to prior time periods to see what life changes caused bill differences. You can even sign up to receive an alert when your power is out and when it’s restored. Sign up today to maximize your time and control your electric account from anywhere at any time! TIP: We suggest you set the alert level at double your normal use. You can set it lower, but you might get a lot of unnecessary alerts. For example, if you average 1,200 kWh per month (that’s 40 kWh per day, or 1.7 kWh per hour), set the alert level at 80 kWh per day and 4 or 5 kWh per hour.
Energy Efficiency Tip of the Month When the weather is nice, put your grill to use! During summer months, cooking outdoors is a great way to save energy and eliminate unwanted heat from cooking indoors.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
OFFICE
06029 County Road 33A St. Marys, OH 45885 CONTACT
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 Courtney Burton
OFFICE HOURS
Attorney
Monday–Friday 7:30 a.m.–4 p.m.
CEO
22 OHIO 2020 22 OHIOCOOPERATIVE COOPERATIVELIVING • MAY LIVING • MARCH 2018
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.
@midwestrec
Matt Berry mberry@midwestrec.com
facebook.com/ midwestelectric
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MAY 2020 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING 23
That’s the
TICKET
Cedar Point, Ohio’s iconic amusement park, celebrates 150 years of thrilling fun. BY DAMAINE VONADA; PHOTOS COURTESY OF CEDAR POINT
Editor’s note: The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic has delayed the beginning of Cedar Point’s 2020 season. As of mid-April, the park was tentatively scheduled to open for the season in midMay. Please double-check before traveling.
T
he postcard is undoubtedly old, and its Gilded Age image of Cedar Point’s beach is as evocative as an impressionist painting: the dreamy interaction of light and water, ladies in flowing skirts sauntering along the shoreline, gents in straw boaters enjoying the breeze, and children playing in the sand and waves. Skirting the side of a slender Lake Erie peninsula, Cedar Point’s mile-long beach was its first attraction. Sandusky businessman Louis Zistel opened a bathhouse there in 1870 and ferried day-trippers across the bay for 25 cents. Now, 150 years later, Cedar Point is Ohio’s largest tourist destination. It hosts some 3 million guests annually and boasts a record-setting 71 rides that meld tradition (a 1912 carousel, a gigantic Ferris wheel) with technology (the 93-mph Millenium Force, the 400-foot-tall Top Thrill Dragster).
Everyone knows Cedar Point’s reputation as the world’s coaster capital, but for this year’s sesquicentennial, the park’s focus is its legacy of providing laughter, screams, and memories to people of all ages and from all walks of life. “For 150 years, Cedar Point has been the backdrop for many special moments,” says Communications Director Tony Clark, “but it all comes down to fun, relaxation, and spending time together.”
24 OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • MAY 2020
Ten quintessential Cedar Point experiences
1 2
Cedar Point Beach “If you don’t check it out, you’re missing the foundation of Cedar Point’s heritage,” says Clark.
Blue Streak pened in 1964, this wooden classic launched O Cedar Point’s coaster status. “Blue Streak is a great multigeneration ride,” says Clark. “It’s a good transition for kids wanting to graduate to a larger coaster.”
3 4
Top Thrill Dragster The original strata coaster goes 120 mph. “Its height and speed combination gives riders an awesome sense of freedom,” says Clark.
Festival fun “ Our special events are family-friendly and an added value,” says Clark. The Frontier Festival features barbecue, brews, and bluegrass; Light Up the Point stages one of the Great Lakes’ largest fireworks displays; Cedar Point Nights beach parties rock with silent disco, glow games, and bonfires; and HalloWeekends treat guests to pumpkin parades and autumnal activities.
MAY 2020 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING 25
5
Cedar Point & Lake Erie Railroad he retro train ride is a rare way to roll. T “We have one of the few coal-fired steam locomotives in the world operating at an amusement park,” says Clark.
6
Frontier Town
7
Viewing Cedar Point from Lake Erie “ Seeing the park from the water is a perfect way to appreciate its unique skyline,” says Clark. “You can rent WaveRunners and go parasailing or ride the Jet Express, which stops at Cedar Point Marina.”
26 OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • MAY 2020
PHOTOS THIS PAGE BY DAMAINE VONADA
he only themed part of Cedar Point T presents Wild West adventures ranging from Lusty Lil’s cancan revue to the Barnyard petting zoo. Says Clark, “Our Frontier Trail is a quieter corner of the park with crafters and hands-on activities like candle-making.”
8
The food
9
Staying overnight
10
ew for 2020 are French Quarter N Confections and a Mac Shack featuring macaroni and cheese bowls, but old favorites such as cheese-on-astick are still on the menu — and not to worry: those signature fresh-cut french fries remain as well. edar Point offers lodging for a variety of C budgets and lifestyles, but the 1905 Hotel Breakers beautifully conveys the park’s venerable history. “The Breakers has been updated with modern amenities and sits beside Lake Erie,” says Clark. “From the hotel, you can walk directly to the beach or a park entry gate.”
The three kid areas “ People often don’t realize how many rides and activities we have for kids because the Kiddy Kingdom, Planet Snoopy, and Camp Snoopy are in different locations spread throughout the park,” Clark says.
Join the party! Cedar Point’s 150th birthday plans include: Snake River Expedition — a new riverboat adventure that lets passengers participate in secret missions. Celebrate 150 Spectacular — scheduled from June 12 to August 15, nighttime parades feature dazzling floats that highlight park history and culminate in huge block parties. Plenty of tours — m obile app history tours, guided Segway tours, Taste of Cedar Point food tours, VIP coaster tours, and Boardwalk Cruiser wine tours. For information and updates, call 419-627-2350 or visit www.cedarpoint.com.
MAY 2020 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING 27
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MAY 2020 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING 29
Coming to terms
50 years after the Kent State shootings, the community comes together to make sure the lessons stick. BY SANDRA GURVIS
E
very May 4, students, faculty, and others on the campus of Kent State University honor the memory of four students killed and nine others injured when the National Guard opened fire during a protest against the Vietnam War on that day in 1970. That tragedy not only informed a generation, says Alan Canfora, one of the nine who was injured by gunfire that day, “but essentially represented a turning point, in that excessive force was no longer used during the protests against the Vietnam War.” He and his sister,
30 OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • MAY 2020
Roseann (better known as “Chic”), who was a witness to the shootings, have devoted much of their lives to making sure that the lessons of May 4, 1970, are not forgotten. This year marks 50 years since the tragedy, and plans had been in place to commemorate the occasion with dozens of speakers, symposia, and artistic tributes, until the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic canceled the events. Still, the events they had planned are an indication of how much has changed about the way the Kent State community perceives this part of their past.
“It took Kent a long time to come to terms with its history,” says Mindy Farmer, director of the May 4 Visitors Center, which first opened in 2014 with an extensive set of exhibits about events there and on other campuses, the 1960s, and Vietnam protests. Freshman orientation at Kent now includes a stop at the center. Farmer says 2020 represents a sharp contrast from 1975, “when the university decided that five years was long enough to remember the shootings.” After the official commemoration ended that year, a group consisting mostly of students formed the May 4 Task Force, a grassroots organization that would take over the proceedings. That group has been integral in initiating memorials and programs ever since. In 1977, the university’s decision to construct a gym annex over part of the shooting site further widened the rift. “People came from all over the country to protest,” says Farmer. Students created what became known as Tent City, which stood for two months. It ended only with the forced removal and arrest of almost 200 people — including some of the students injured and families of those who had been killed in 1970. The gym was built, but the struggle lasted for almost two years. Many of those affected by the events carry it into other parts of their lives. Chic Canfora, for example, is now chief communications officer for Cleveland Public Schools. After the 2018 shootings at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, she went to
Above, members of the National Guard advance on students on the Kent State campus shortly before firing on the protesting crowd (photo courtesy of Kent State University Special Archives Collection); inset, a memorial in one of the student parking lots commemorates the May 4, 1970, shootings (photo by Sandra Gurvis); right, student Alan Canfora waves a black flag in protest moments before he was shot and injured by National Guard troops (photo courtesy of Alan Canfora).
MAY 2020 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING 31
as a result of the tragedy. She co-teaches a course on May 4 and its aftermath. Sophomore Ethan Lower’s decision to attend Kent was partially based on family stories about his relative, the late geology professor Glenn Frank, who was instrumental in negotiating with the National Guard immediately after the shootings, helping defuse a volatile situation and preventing further tragedy. Lower is now head of the May 4 Task Force.
Kent State’s May 4 Visitors Center greets guests with displays, images, and words from the fateful day to add perspective and context to the events.
counsel students there — and while the circumstances of the shootings were vastly different, she says her experience helped them see that others can overcome and manage trauma. Reconciling the events of the past has been a gradual process for the Kent State community. For example, Karen Cunningham became active in the May 4 Task Force while she was a student at KSU in the 1970s. She eventually returned to Kent as faculty in what is now the School of Peace and Conflict Studies, which was created
32 OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • MAY 2020
In 2019, the university came full circle, once again taking over the commemoration events. Rod Flauhaus, who works in the university president’s office, is the project manager for the 50th anniversary. He also was involved with the task force when he was a student, and worked closely with the group to plan this year’s events. “While the university allowed the commemorations, they never really embraced them,” he says, until the 1980s, when a series of presidents garnered the support of the trustees and worked to establish educational programs and memorials. Stanchions now stand in the parking lot where the students were slain, for example, and the 17 acres where the events took place is now a National Historic Landmark. “Many of the people who run the university today were students in the 1970s,” Flauhaus says. “The passage of time puts things into a different perspective.” Sandra Gurvis is the author of 17 books, including a reissue of The Pipe Dreamers, a novel about protests against the war in Vietnam.
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IN THE GARDEN
GOING
Medieval BY TONI LELAND
I
f you were to imagine a garden in A.D. 800, you might picture unusual and long-extinct plants, but in fact, gardens of the medieval period (or Middle
Ages) were filled with plants that have thrived for
Absinthe
centuries and still grow in our gardens today. Many once had names with religious overtones but now have modern, more familiar monikers. For example, cornflower was called Mary’s crown and foxglove was called Virgin’s glove.
Mandrake
What medieval plants might be in your garden? How about hollyhock (St. Joseph’s staff), basil (Holy Communion platter), dill (devil-away), or daffodil (Mary’s star)? You’re probably already familiar with those common plants and herbs, but there are plenty more that you can find to give your garden a medieval flair.
Absinthe, or wormwood, is from the Artemesia family and is a lovely accent to a modern garden. Absinthe was called Mary’s tree and was used as a spice herb as well as for medicinal purposes, such as stomach disorders or nausea, and to repel insects from the vegetable garden, but is known mainly for the alcoholic beverage that is made from it. Absinthe can be grown from seeds sown directly in the ground or planted from potted plants in light, well-drained soil in full sun.
34 OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • MAY 2020
Though not exactly as portrayed in the Harry Potter series, mandrake, or love apple, is an interesting and attractive plant with a colorful history of having magical properties. Its medicinal use in the Middle Ages was for the treatment of rheumatic pain and for melancholy and mania. It is seldom prescribed in modern herbal medicine, due to the highly toxic alkaloids in the root. To grow mandrake, sow seeds in the fall. Young plants must be well watered through the season.
Milk thistle is a beautiful plant known as St. Mary’s thistle in medieval times. Thistles are weeds, but this variety has been valued for medicinal uses for more than 2,000 years; it is the most researched plant for the treatment of liver disease. This plant’s deep green leaves are veined with white, and the flower is dark red/purple, making it
an attractive addition to a garden. Be aware that it is not native to North America and can overtake a property with the seeds from a single plant.
Woad is a member of the mustard family and has long been prized for the dark blue/black fruit from which blue dye was made centuries ago — and still is used today by heritage crafters. Woad was also cultivated as a medicinal, used to heal wounds and jaundice. It’s an attractive biennial plant for the back of the flower bed, as it grows 3 to 4 feet tall. It thrives in most soils and light exposure.
Milk thistle
Perchance thou seekest more medieval plants for thy garden? Thine options include: • • • • • • • • • • • •
Ajuga, or bugleweed (St. Lawrence plant) Chamomile Fennel (Our Lady’s fennel) Lady’s mantle (Mary’s mantle) Rosemary (Mary’s bouquet) St. John’s wort Yarrow (Our Lord’s back) Snapdragon (Infant Jesus’ shoes) Borage (Virgin’s face) Lavender (Mary’s drying plant) Grape hyacinth (church steeples) Sweet violet (Our Lady’s modesty)
Dill St. John’s wort
Woad
READER RECIPE CONTEST
Potluck!
Ground rules • Entrants must be electric cooperative members or residents of an electric cooperative household. • To enter, write down your recipe, including all ingredients and measurements, directions, and number of servings. Then tell us the basic story behind your recipe: Is it a family tradition, passed down through generations? Or did you make it up one day out of thin air? A good back story can never hurt!
Is your covered dish the hit of every church carry-in? Do friends always invite you over because they know you’ll bring that one mouth-watering morsel? Appetizers, casseroles, desserts, and more: For our 2020 Ohio Cooperative Living reader recipe contest, we’re looking for your go-to potluck favorite. The grand-prize winner will receive an Ohio-made KitchenAid stand mixer. Two runners-up will receive consolation gifts.
Entry deadline: June 6, 2020.
• Submissions may be an original recipe or one adapted from an existing recipe published elsewhere, with at least three distinct changes from the published version. • On each recipe, include your name and address, a phone number and email address where you can be contacted, and the name of your electric cooperative. • Entries should be submitted by email to memberinteract@ ohioec.org, or sent to Catherine Murray, care of Ohio Cooperative Living, 6677 Busch Blvd., Columbus, OH 43229. • There is a limit of three recipes per entrant. • Contest winners will be announced in the September edition of Ohio Cooperative Living.
MAY 2020 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING 35
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2020 CALENDAR
MAY/JUNE
PLEASE NOTE: Because of the developing coronavirus situation, many of these planned events may have been postponed or canceled. Please seek updated information before traveling. COMPILED BY COLLEEN ROMICK CLARK
NORTHWEST
THROUGH AUG. 7 – Limaland Motorsports Park Races, 1500 Dutch Hollow Rd., Lima, 7:30–10:30 p.m. Sprints, UMP Modifieds, Thunderstocks, and more! Pit gates open at 4:30 p.m., grandstand gates at 5 p.m., warmup laps begin at 6:30 p.m. See website for updated information. www.limaland.com. MAY 8–17 – Biggest Week in American Birding, Maumee Bay Lodge and Conference Ctr., 1750 State Park Rd., Oregon. Free. Enjoy the spectacular birding in northwest Ohio, the “Warbler Capital of the World.” Activities include guided walks, bird ID workshops, birding by canoe, field trips, presentations, birder’s marketplace, and evening socials. 419-898-4070 or www. biggestweekinamericanbirding.com. MAY 9 – Fanny Pack/Crazy Wig Party, Mac Experience DJ, Walnut Grove Campground, 7325 S. Twp. Rd. 131, Tiffin, 8 p.m.–12 a.m. $2.50 per person; age 4 and under free. 419-448-0914 or www.walnutgrovecampground.com. MAY 15–16 – Hamler Country Fest, St. Rte. 109, Hamler. An exciting weekend of great music and fun. Under roof with open seating; bring lawn chairs. Food and beverages available for purchase. Primitive camping sites available. 419-748-7459, hamlercountryfest@gmail.com, or www. hamlercountryfest.com. MAY 16 – Tawawa Civic Park Cruise-In, Tawawa Dr., Sidney, 12–4 p.m., gates open at 10 a.m. No entry fee, no preregistration. This year’s cruise-in held in conjunction with the Vietnam Traveling Wall and Field of Crosses. Goody bags to first 150 registered cars, dash plaques to first 100 registered, door prizes. Model T rides 1–3 p.m. www.facebook.com/ShelbyCountyHistoricalSociety.
MAY 16–17 – Settlers Encampment on the AuGlaize, 1750–1815, AuGlaize Village, 12296 Krouse Rd., Defiance. $5; 12 and under free. See reenactors clothed in period dress and demonstrating open-fire cooking, natural plant dyeing, spring lathe, blacksmithing, fire-starting with flint and steel, flintlock firing, cannon firing, and other daily living skills. Learn about Native American dress and culture of the period as well. auglaizevillage@gmail.com or www.facebook.com/History1750.1815. MAY 16–17, JUN. 13–14 – The Fantastic Tiffin Flea Market, Seneca Co. Fgds., 100 Hopewell Ave., Tiffin, Sat. 9 a.m.–4 p.m., Sun. 9 a.m.–3 p.m., rain or shine. Free. 250 to 400 dealers per show. Antiques, collectibles, furniture, crafts, produce, tools, glass, and more. 419-447- 9613, tiffinfleamarket@gmail.com, or www. tiffinfleamarket.com. MAY 17 – Shelby County Coin Club Coin Show, American Legion Post 217, 1265 Fourth Ave., Sidney, 10 a.m.–3 p.m. 937-339-5437. MAY 21–25 – Main Street Port Clinton Walleye Festival, Waterworks Park, Port Clinton. Free concerts, kids’ fishing derby, parade, educational programs/ activities, 5K run/walk, carnival rides, and vendors. 419734-5503 or www.facebook.com/WalleyeFest. MAY 22–24 – Buckeye Farm Antiques Annual Show, Shelby Co. Fgds., 655 S. Highland Ave., Sidney. Tractors and engines, threshing and corn shredding, corn shelling demonstration, truck and tractor pulls, flea market. Car, truck, and motorcycle show Sun. 10 a.m.–4 p.m. 937-7262485 or www.buckeyefarmantiques.com. MAY 23 – Opening Day of the Great Sidney Farmer’s Market, 109 S. Ohio Ave., Sidney, 8 a.m.–noon. Open after this date every Saturday through mid-October. Fresh produce, crafters, baked goods, jams, jellies. 937-6586945 or www.sidneyalive.org. MAY 23 – Band Night: Big Red Delux, Walnut Grove Campground, 7325 S. Twp. Rd. 131, Tiffin, 8 p.m.–12 a.m. $2.50 per person; age 4 and under free. 419-448-0914 or www.walnutgrovecampground.com. MAY 25 – Memorial Day Service, Perry’s Victory and International Peace Memorial, 93 Delaware Ave.,
WEST VIRGINIA
MAY 23 – Engines and Wheels Festival, North Bend State Park, 202 North Bend Park Rd., Cairo. Old-fashioned engines and industrial, oil field, and
farm machinery from the turn of the 20th century. Live demonstrations, craft vendors, and great food. Call Dave Wilson at 304-628-3587. JUN. 3–5 – Family Trails Weekend, North Bend State Park, 202 North Bend Park Rd., Cairo. Celebrate National Trails Day by hiking on one of the park’s many unique trails. Guided hikes will be offered, or you can make your own route. 304-643-2931 or www.northbendsp.com. JUN. 12–14 – Fostoria Glass Society of America Convention and Elegant Glass Show, Moundsville Ctr. Bldg., 901 8th St., Moundsville. Featured this year are elegant bowls, candlesticks, and vases from the 1920s. 304-843-4128 or www.fostoriaglass.org.
Put-in-Bay, 11 a.m.–noon. Free. 419-285-2184 or www.nps.gov/pevi/index.htm. MAY 26–31 – Alumapalooza, 420 W. Pike St., Jackson Center. A family-friendly festival for people who love Airstream travel trailers. Open to Airstream owners and non-owners alike. 813-200-8877 or http:// alumapalooza.com. JUN. 2–3 – “Majestik Spectacular” Motorcycle Stunt Show, Allen Co. Fgds., 2750 Harding Hwy., Lima. $12. See the greatest FMX freestyle, BMX bicycles, and five motorcycles in the globe! www.majestikspectacular.com. JUN. 6 – Baby Back Rib Cook-Off and Potluck, Walnut Grove Campground, 7325 S. Twp. Rd. 131, Tiffin, 6 p.m. $2.50 per person; age 4 and under free. Ribs are $1.25 each; bring dish to share. 419-448-0914 or www. walnutgrovecampground.com. JUN. 7 – “Nothing About Us, Without Us,” Fort Recovery State Museum, 1 Fort Site St., Fort Recovery, 3 p.m. Free. Presentation by Diane Hunter, of the Miami Tribe of Oklahoma, and archaeologist Christine Thompson, from Ball State University, about Native American collaboration on a St. Clair’s Defeat exhibit. 419375-4384 or www.fortrecoverymuseum.com. JUN. 12–14 – 4-Wheel Jamboree Nationals, Allen Co. Fgds., 2750 Harding Hwy., Lima, Fri. 10 a.m.–6 p.m., Sat. 9 a.m.–6:30 p.m., Sun. 9 a.m.–3 p.m. Enjoy everything 4-wheel, including monster trucks, tough truck racing, mud bogging, show trucks, and more! www.4wheeljamboree.com/lima_4_wheel_jamboree. JUN. 13 – Antique Tractor Show, Sauder Village, 22611 St. Rte. 2, Archbold, 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Historic tractors from the 1920s to the 1960s will be on display. Kids can try the new pedal-tractor obstacle course! Guests can also enjoy hands-on activities as part of the “Agriculture Adventures” event, Jun. 11–13. 800-590-9755, aaron.hughs@ saudervillage.org, or www.saudervillage.org. JUN. 13–14 – Quailcrest Farm Spring Garden Fair, Quailcrest Farm, 2810 Armstrong Rd., Wooster, Sat. 10 a.m.–4 p.m., Sun. 11 a.m.–4 p.m. Over 60 artists and craftsmen among the gardens. Full concessions plus caramel corn, baked goods, and homemade ice cream. 330-345-6722 or www.quailcrest.com.
Submit listings AT LEAST 90 DAYS prior to the event to Ohio Cooperative Living, 6677 Busch Blvd., Columbus, OH 43229 or events@ohioec.org. Ohio Cooperative Living will not publish listings that don’t include a complete address or a number/ website for more information.
MAY 2020 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING 37
2020 CALENDAR
MAY/JUNE
PLEASE NOTE: Because of the developing coronavirus situation, many of these planned events may have been postponed or canceled. Please seek updated information before traveling.
NORTHEAST
MAY 23–24 – Great Lakes Fiber Show, Wayne Co. Fgds., 199 Vanover St., Wooster, Sat. 10 a.m.–5 p.m., Sun. 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Workshops on fiber-related crafts, competitions, wool fleece show and sale, knitting and crocheting items, sheep show, children’s activities, and great food. New this year: sheep-herding demonstrations! 740-686-2172 or www.greatlakesfibershow.com. MAY 24 – “Quail Cup” Old Time Baseball, Quailcrest Farm, 2810 Armstrong Rd., Wooster, noon. Four teams will play simultaneous games for the seventh annual “Quail Cup” tournament. Bring a chair and enjoy some 1860s baseball! 330-345-6722 or www.quailcrest.com. THROUGH MAY 31 – “Tying the Knot: The History of Bridal Fashion,” McKinley Presidential Library and JUN. 6–7 – Ohio Valley Frontier Days, Historic Fort Museum, 800 McKinley Monument Dr. NW, Canton. Steuben, 120 S. 3rd St., Steubenville, 10 a.m.–8 p.m., Sun. Exhibit explores wedding fashions from the 1860s to 11 a.m.–5 p.m. $6, C. (6–12) $3, under 6 free. Meet the the present day. Learn more about the history behind soldiers, surveyors, settlers, and Native Americans who timeless wedding traditions such as the bouquet were a part of our 18th-century heritage. Crafts, music, toss, wedding cakes, the engagement ring, the role and food. 740-283-1787 or www.oldfortsteuben.com/ of the best man, and more! 330-455-7043 or www. frontierdays.php. mckinleymuseum.org/events. JUN. 7 – Kelleys Island 5 & 10K Run/Walk, begins at MAY 1–17 – Mathilda the Musical, Geauga Lyric Theater Memorial Park, 112 Division St., Kelleys Island. Registration Guild, 101 Water St., Chardon, Fri./Sat. 7:30 p.m., Sun. 2 begins at 8 a.m., race at 10:45 a.m., followed by awards p.m. Stage musical based on the children’s novel by Roald ceremony. Pre-registration $20 online, ending one week Dahl. 440-286-2255 or www.geaugatheater.org. before race day; day of race, $25. 419-746-2360 or www. MAY 1–7 – My Fair Lady, Mimi Ohio Theatre, 1511 Euclid kelleysislandchamber.com. Ave., Cleveland. $10–$110. “A sumptuous new production JUN. 9–12 – Greek Food Festival, Holy Trinity of the most perfect musical of all time” (Entertainment Greek Orthodox Church, 300 S. 4th St., Steubenville, Weekly), directed by Bartlett Sher. See website for dates 11 a.m.–9 p.m. Experience the tastes and sounds of and times. www.playhousesquare.org/events. Greece with traditional foods, music, and dance plus tours of the beautiful church. 740-282-7770 or www. MAY 16 – Heirloom Doll Society Doll Show and holytrinitygreekfest.com. Sale, Williamsfield Community Ctr., 5920 U.S. Rt. 322, Williamsfield, 10 a.m.–3 p.m. $4; age 10 and under JUN. 12–14 – Bacon Fest, Kelley’s Island Wine Co., free. Free parking; handicap accessible. 440-344-7747, 418 Woodford Rd., Kelleys Island. Go pig or go home! circlemranch25@gmail.com, or www.dollshowusa.com. From bacon-infused drinks to a complete bacon menu, we have all your crazy bacon cravings covered. MAY 16 – Medina Spring Avant-Garde Art and Craft Pig roast dinners served with all the fixings. Play Show, 885 Weymouth Rd., Medina, 10 a.m.–5 p.m. $3, carnival-style games to win some awesome bacon under 12 free. Features artists and crafters selling their prizes, and snap a photo in our porky pig photo booth. original handmade items. Full concessions stand on site. 419-746-2678, abbey.kiwineco@gmail.com, or www. 440-227-8794 or www.avantgardeshows.com.
kelleysislandwineco.com. JUN. 13 – Beachcliff Handmade Fest and Feast, Beachcliff Market Square, 19300 Detroit Rd., Rocky River, 11 a.m.–4 p.m. Free. Come hungry and ready to shop! All your favorite Market Square restaurants set up outdoors for a taste of Beachcliff. Includes an Avant-Garde Art and Craft Show with artisans and crafters selling their original handmade items. www.avantgardeshows.com. JUN. 13 – International Wine at the Mill Festival, Loudonville, noon–10 p.m. Enjoy nearly 100 varieties of international and Ohio wines, domestic beers, live music, and great food. $10 adults over 21, $1 ages 10–20, under 10 free. 419-541-0161 or www.wolfcreekmill.org/events. html. See Facebook page for updates. JUN. 13–14 – Quailcrest Farm Spring Garden Fair, Quailcrest Farm, 2810 Armstrong Rd., Wooster, Sat. 10 a.m.–4 p.m., Sun. 11 a.m.–4 p.m. $2 per car. Over 65 garden-related artists and craftsmen demonstrating and displaying their wares among the gardens. As always, view the great Quailcrest plants, giant ferns, and delightful garden whimseys. Food and ice cream available. 330345-6722 or www.quailcrest.com. JUN. 13–20 – Ohio Craft Beer Week, various establishments, Kelleys Island. Ohio’s craft brewers will be showcased at island establishments all week long, with tastings, tap takeovers, food pairings, and live entertainment. 419-746-2800, info@islandhouseki.com, or www.kelleysislandchamber.com/events. JUN. 14 – Pulp Fiction Convention, Doubletree Hilton Cleveland/Westlake, 1100 Crocker Rd., Westlake, 10 a.m.–4 p.m. $5, age 6 and under free. Free parking. A gathering of book, pulp, and film fans, with dealers and writers selling, buying, and trading all your favorites in pulp fiction: adventure, crime, fantasy, horror, mystery, noir, science fiction, and western. 330-353-0439 or jeff@ harpercomics.com.
SOUTHEAST
registration is required. https://arcofappalachia.org/ red-stone-hike. MAY 27–31 – National Road Yard Sale, throughout Guernsey and Belmont counties. Find bargains, antiques, fresh produce, furniture, and more as you shop the sales along Historic U.S. 40. www.oldstorefrontantiques.com. JUN. 13 – Steel Earthworks Guided Tour, Junction Earthworks Preserve, Chillicothe, beginning at 10 a.m. Tour guide Tim Everhart, who has excavated at the Steel and Junction preserves the past two summers, will share the exciting discoveries made during his time in the field. Space is limited and registration is required. https:// arcofappalachia.org/steel-tour. JUN. 13–14 – Lucasville Trade Days, Scioto Co. Fgds., 1193 Fairground Rd., Lucasville, Sat. 7 a.m.–7 p.m., $5; Sun. 7 a.m.–4 p.m., $4; early bird admission Fri. 3 p.m., $5. Free for kids 12 and under all days. Free parking on fairground lots. Flea market; animals to sell, buy, or trade. 937-728-6643 or www.lucasvilletradedays.com.
THROUGH SEP. 25 – Rise and Shine Farmers Market, 2135 Southgate Pkwy. (near Tractor Supply Co.), Cambridge, Fridays, 8 a.m.–noon. 740-680-1866 or find us on Facebook. MAY 9–10 – Chillicothe Trade Days, Ross Co. Fgds., 344 Fairgrounds Rd., Chillicothe. $5; free for kids 12 and under. Free parking on fairground lots. Flea market; animals to sell, buy, or trade. 937-272-2897 or www. chillicothetradedays.com.
38 OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • MAY 2020
MAY 16–17 – Kansas: Point of Know Return Tour, Peoples Bank Theatre, 222 Putnam St., Marietta, Sat. 8 p.m., Sun. 7 p.m. www.peoplesbanktheatre.com. MAY 22–24 – Feast of the Flowering Moon Festival, Yoctangee Park, Chillicothe, Fri./Sat. 10 a.m.–10 p.m., Sun. 10 a.m.–6 p.m. Free. A family-oriented event featuring Native American music, dancing, traders and exhibits, mountain-men encampment depicting life in the 19th century, arts and crafts show, entertainment, and food. www.feastofthefloweringmoon.org. MAY 22–25 – Oak Hill Festival of Flags, Aetna Park, 316 W. Main St., Oak Hill. Rides, crafts, food booths, contests and games, art and quilt show, children’s activities, and entertainment. The event wraps up with a pancake breakfast, a 5K run, and a car show. 740-682-9956 or www.oakhillfestivalofflags.org. MAY 23 – Guided Hike at Red Stone Farm, Pike County, beginning at 10 a.m. Join naturalist Vicki Solomon on a guided hike at the farm and the Arc of Appalachia’s 200-acre conservation easement. Space is limited and
Vernon Rd., Utica. $5 per car. Fun-filled weekend for the entire family. Pony rides, car show, motorcycle show, games and contests, arts and crafts, great food, and ice cream, of course! 740-892-3921 or www. sertomaicecreamfestival.com. MAY 25 – Memorial Day Parade and Commemoration, Veterans Memorial Park, 95 Landis St., Lockbourne. Parade starts at 11:30 a.m., followed with a service honoring generations of families serving in the Armed Forces. 614-491-3161. MAY 27–30 – Deercreek Dam Days Festival, Williamsport, Wed./Thur. 4–10 p.m., Fri. 4–11 p.m., Sat. 11 a.m.–11 p.m. Free. Fun for the whole family, MAY–OCTOBER – Zanesville Farmers Market, with music, food, games, and rides for all ages.www. Muskingum Co. Fgds., 1300 Pershing Rd., Zanesville, deercreekdamdays.com. every Sat., 9 a.m.–12 p.m. June through August, the market is also open every Wed. 4–7 p.m. at North 4th MAY 29–31 – Newark Strawberry Festival, Courthouse Street. www.zanesvillefarmersmarket.org. Square, Newark, Fri./Sat. 11 a.m.–10 p.m., Sun. 11 a.m.–6 MAY 16 – “Art on the Canal” Art Stroll, downtown Canal p.m. Rides, games, crafts, food, and family entertainment. A “must try” is our delicious strawberry shortcake served Winchester, noon–6 p.m. Live music, dancing, artistic with locally made Velvet Ice Cream. ddoney825@gmail. performances, and free classes along with a display of exquisite works from various central Ohio artists. Fine art com or www.newarkstrawberryfestival.com. and crafts will be available for purchase. Kids’ Zone area MAY 30 – Uncaged 2.0, National Trail Raceway, 2650 allows children to explore their artistic abilities. 614-270National Road SW, Hebron. 740-928-5706 ext. 24 or 5053 or www.canalwinchesterohio.gov/352/Art-Stroll. www.nationaltrailraceway.com. MAY 16–17 – The Chrysler Power Classic, National Trail JUN. 3–6 – Commercial Point Homecoming, 28 Raceway, 2650 National Road SW, Hebron. 740-928W. Scioto St., Commercial Point. Fun-filled midway, 5706 ext. 24 or www.nationaltrailraceway.com. rides, games, great food, free entertainment, car MAY 20 – Pickerington Garden Club Monthly Meeting, show, beer garden, and more. Don’t miss our delicious ocean perch sandwiches! Fireworks Fri. 10 p.m., Pickerington Main Library, Pickerington, 1 p.m. Join us for a plant exchange and a talk about ticks by a naturalist concerts Fri./Sat. 8 p.m., parade Sat. 11 a.m. 614-9834836, dthooley@gmail.com, or www.facebook.com/ from Blacklick Woods Metro Park. The public is always commercialpointcommunitymensclub. welcome. Contact Robin Leja at robinleja@gmail.com or 614-582-4977. JUN. 4 – Opening Day of Farmers Market, 89 N. Center St. (at Town Square Drive), Pickerington, 4–7 MAY 23–25 – Utica Sertoma Ice Cream Festival, p.m. Area farmers, bakers, and artisans offer fresh Ye Olde Mill and Velvet Ice Cream Co., 11324 Mt.
CENTRAL
SOUTHWEST
Grass while dining in the beautiful sanctuary. Bring your own or purchase a box lunch on site. 513-771-1544 or bryan.mock@christchurchglendale.org. MAY 16 – Gourmet Food Truck Competition and Rally, Miami Co. Fgds., N. Co. Rd. 25A, Troy, 11 a.m.–9 p.m. Free and open to the public. Teams of food trucks will gather to show off their best dishes and desserts. www. miamicountyohiofair.com. MAY 22–24 – Springfield Swap Meet and Car Show, Clark Co. Fgds., 4401 S. Charleston Pike, Springfield (exit 59 off I-70), Sat. 7 a.m.–6 p.m., Sun. 7 a.m.–3 p.m. The MAY 6, 13, 20, 27, JUN. 3, 10 – Bluegrass Wednesdays, largest and most exciting swap meet in the Midwest! Car show held both days. Call 937-376-0111, fax 937-372-1171, Vinoklet Winery, 11069 Colerain Ave., Cincinnati, or visit www.ohioswapmeet.com. 6:30–8:30 p.m. Enjoy dinner, wine, and an evening of MAY 29 – Bluegrass Night, Fibonacci Brewing Company, lively bluegrass music by Vernon McIntyre’s Appalachian 1445 Compton Rd., Cincinnati, 7–9 p.m. Free. Enjoy an Grass. 513-385-9309, vinokletwinery@fuse.net, or evening of lively bluegrass music by Vernon McIntyre’s www.vinokletwines.com/post/2018/09/30/bluegrassAppalachian Grass, with lightning-fast instrumentals, close wednesdays-spaghetti-meat-balls. harmonies, and entertaining novelty songs. 513-832-1422 MAY 8–10 – Appalachian Festival, Coney Island, or http://fibbrew.com. 6201 Kellogg Ave., Cincinnati. Handmade crafts, food, MAY 30 – Oxford Wine and Craft Beer Festival, Living History Village and other educational exhibits, Memorial Park, 4 N. Main St., Oxford, 3–10 p.m. $20 in old-time dance, music, storytelling. Friday, May 8, enjoy advance or $25 at gate. Receive five tasting tickets, five an afternoon of lively bluegrass music with Vernon McIntyre’s Appalachian Grass and many other fine bands; beer sample tickets, and a souvenir wine glass to sample fine wines from around the world. Displays by area times to be announced. Frugal Friday pricing: $5, Srs. artisans, cooking demonstrations, and live performances $2, C. (5–11) $1, under 5 free. 513-251-3378 or www. throughout the evening. www.gettothebc.com/events/ appalachianfestival.org. oxford-wine-craft-beer-festival. MAY 13 – Music Live with Lunch, Christ Church Glendale, 965 Forest Ave., Glendale, 12–12:30 p.m. Free. JUN. 6–7 – Troy Strawberry Festival, along the Great Miami River Levee and downtown Troy, Sat. 10 a.m.–8 Enjoy lively bluegrass by Vernon McIntyre’s Appalachian
produce, baked goods, crafts, and more. 614-3218221 or pickfarmers@hotmail.com. JUN. 4–6 – Hot Air Balloon Festival, Coshocton Co. Fgds., 707 Kenilworth Ave., Coshocton. Balloon launches at dawn and dusk, balloon “night glow,” tethered balloon rides, musical entertainment, carnival rides, fireworks, food vendors, craft booths, and more. 740-622-4877, www.coshoctonhotairballoonfestival. com, or find us on Facebook. JUN. 5 – Pickerington Village PetFest, Victory Park (accessed from Lockville Road), Pickerington, 6–8 p.m. Free, family-friendly event. Food and pet-related vendors. 614-837-4311 or www.pickeringtonvillage.com. JUN. 7 – Summer Avant-Garde Art and Craft Show, Makoy Event Ctr., 5462 Center St., Hilliard, 10 a.m.–4 p.m. $3; 12 and under free. Features artists and crafters selling their original handmade items. Full concessions stand on site. www.avantgardeshows.com. JUN. 9 – Inventors Network Meeting, Rev1 Ventures for Columbus, 1275 Kinnear Rd., Columbus, 7 p.m. Educational presentations and discussion about the invention process. Meetings held the 2nd Tuesday of each month. 614-470-0144 or www.inventorscolumbus.com. JUN. 12–14 – Columbus Arts Festival, downtown riverfront, Columbus, Fri. 11 a.m.–10:30 p.m., Sat. 10 a.m.–10:30 p.m., Sun. 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Free. Features the nation’s top artists and craftspeople, live music, theater, dance, hands-on art activities, and gourmet food from Columbus’s finest restaurants. 614-224-2606 or www. columbusartsfestival.org. JUN. 13 – Streetcar Takeover, National Trail Raceway, 2650 National Road SW, Hebron. 740-928-5706 ext. 24 or www.nationaltrailraceway.com.
p.m., Sun. 10 a.m.–6 p.m. Features strawberry cuisine along with a wide variety of other foods. Over 200 arts and crafts exhibitors, nonstop entertainment on two stages, kids’ activities, pie eating contest, and much more. 937-339-7714 or www.troystrawberryfest.com. JUN. 12–13 – Banana Split Festival, Denver Williams Park, 1100 Rombach Rd., Wilmington, Fri. 4–10 p.m., Sat. 10 a.m.–10 p.m. Free. Food booths, live music, games, rides, classic car cruise-in, and, of course, banana splits! wilmingtonbanana@gmail.com or www. bananasplitfestival.com. JUN. 13 – Old Fashioned Strawberry Festival, 4782 Cincinnati Brookville Rd., Shandon, 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Free. Celebrate everything strawberry! Enjoy fresh food and produce, including strawberry shortcake and ice cream. Local vendors and artists, antique tractor show, plus live Welsh harp music and organ music. 513-860-4194 or www.gettothebc.com/events. JUN. 13–14 – Family Days at the Johnston Farm, Johnston Farm and Indian Agency, 9845 N. Hardin Rd., Piqua. Explore the family home of John Johnston with costumed interpreters, demonstrations, and hands-on activities; visit the Historic Indian and Canal Museum; and take a relaxing ride on the General Harrison of Piqua. 800752-2619, 937-773-2522, or www.johnstonfarmohio.com. JUN. 14 – Music at the Mound with Steve Free, Serpent Mound, 3850 OH-73, Peebles, 1 p.m. Free admission; $8 parking fee. Join the acclaimed singer/songwriter for an open air concert. http://arcofappalachia.org/steve-free.
MAY 2020 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING 39
MEMBER INTERACTIVE 1
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it’s not
Ebeing ASY GREEN 5 1. My wild country kids, Chuck, Ida, and Aaron Estadt, caught “Big Chungus” and posed like goofballs for a picture. Tara Estadt Washington Electric Cooperative member
2. This toad was underfoot all day while I worked in the yard. He thought he was hiding. Lu Ann Fox The Frontier Power Company member
3. My grandson, Colton Fetter, after enjoying his birthday cake. Christine Moore Buckeye Rural Electric Cooperative member
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4. Kermit the Frog and Rowan Fyffe at COSI. Christina Stevens South Central Power Company member
5. This is my daughter, Julia, in costume for her third-grade school musical about spring. Dawn Spicer Hancock-Wood Electric Cooperative member
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6. I caught this frog sunning while it was sitting on the rim of our pond. Donna Wickerham Consolidated Cooperative member
7. This praying mantis seems to love my sedum plants. Gayle Seymour South Central Power Company member
8. Ben Siemer, my son-in-law, took turns with my daughter cutting the grass when my riding mower broke down. Anne Wanamaker Butler Rural Electric Cooperative member
9. Our granddaughter Brittany made these little frogs feel safe. Wayne and Marlene Mohring Hancock-Wood Electric Cooperative members
Send us your picture!
For August, send “Cuddly kitties” by May 15; for September, send “Friday night lights” by June 15. Upload your photos at www.ohioec.org/memberinteractive — and remember to include your co-op name and to identify everyone in the photos.
40 OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • MAY 2020
May is
National Electrical
Safety Month ohioec.org/purpose
Safety is a cornerstone of our commitment to our consumers, our employees, and our community. When you’re working or playing outside, look up and stay away from power lines. For more safety tips, follow your cooperative on social media.
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Your director election ballot arriving in mid-May will include instructions on how to attend the virtual annual meeting. Prizes will be awarded!
Virtual Annual Meeting Question Card Midwest Electric, Inc.
Question to be addressed:_______________________________ ________________________________________________ ________________________________________________
HAVE A QUESTION OR TOPIC YOU WANT ADDRESSED AT THE ANNUAL MEETING?
Please complete this card and mail it to us by Wednesday, June 3. We will address as many questions as we can. Thank you for being an active participant in your local cooperative!
WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU, OUR MEMBERS!