Ohio cooperative living april2017 union by Ohio Cooperative Living

APRIL 2017

Union Rural Electric Cooperative Official publication | www.ure.com

Lineworker appreciation Celebrating our lineworkers for all they do to keep the lights on ALSO INSIDE Co-op heroes are everywhere Action at Ohioâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s paintball parks Bird photography: A how-to guide

Union custom cover.indd 1

3/17/17 9:29 AM

Electricity Revolutionized the Way We Play. WHAT WILL IT DO NEXT? Electricity. Every day it brings us something new. Something to empower or simplify our lives. Clean. Efficient. And stable. You might call it the essential energy. Now, and for the future. Electricity. A world of possibilities.

To learn more about the cooperative difference, visit ohioec.org.

24 32

INSIDE HIGHLIGHT 28 SPLAT!

With a heavy dose of action and adrenaline, Ohio’s paintball parks give players the sense that they’ve been dropped into a live-action video game.

FEATURES 4 CO-OPS SAVE THE DAY From house fires to massive power

24 THE ‘OTHER’ COLUMBUS Just three hours from Ohio’s capital

15 GRABBABLE GRUB When life has you on the go-go-

32 CAUGHT IN FLIGHT Outdoors editor Chip Gross offers tips

outages, electric cooperatives and their people are quick to lend a hand when emergencies strike.

go, sandwiches make a quick, easy, nutritious — and mobile — meal.

19 LOCAL PAGES Important news and information from your electric cooperative.

lies another, smaller, Columbus — full of fascinating architecture and family entertainment.

and tricks from his years of experience capturing stunning photographs of wild birds. FOLLOW US ON :

youtube.com/user/PioneerECtv linkedin.com/Pioneerec facebook.com/Pioneerec @PioneerElecCoop

APRIL 2017 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING

UP FRONT

JOB 1

Around the neighborhood and across the country, cooperatives work together to keep electricity flowing

t sounds simple enough — “keep the lights on” is is our Job 1. It’s the most fundamental aspect of our service to you. However, we’ve all woken up at some time and realized that the power has gone out during the night. For cooperative members, that generally doesn’t happen often, but there are times when seemingly random outages do occur. Usually, we have no idea why. It may have been caused by a car accident, a weather event, a fallen tree, or something else out of our control.

When these things happen, it’s your cooperative that Remember: springs into action — Lineworker lineworkers head out at all hours, in all kinds of Appreciation weather, to take care of Day is April 10. downed lines. Meanwhile, member service representatives answer calls to ensure members that help is on the way; engineers and operations folks make sure that working conditions are safe and that re-routed power flows — all while the lines are restored. But it’s not just locally that we’re called to serve. When there’s been a natural disaster of larger proportions — a hurricane or series of tornadoes,

OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • APRIL 2017

for example — your coop’s linemen have packed up their trucks and headed off to help other cooperatives, both around the state and around the country. When trouble strikes closer to home, we can count on our cooperative neighbors to lend a hand. Cooperatives Pat O’Loughlin are in a unique position President & CEO, to provide that help to Ohio’s Electric Cooperatives each other, partly because “cooperation among cooperatives” is one of our guiding principles. Check out page 4 to find out more about the ways we help each other. Lineworker Appreciation Day is April 10: The next time you flip the switch to bring a dark room to life, power up your cell phone or iPad, or even when the alarm wakes you up in the morning, remember that people power your co-op. The dedication of the lineworkers and the rest of your co-op staff to Job 1 is what keeps the lights on. Think of us, because we’re always thinking of you — our consumer-members.

April 2017 • Volume 59, No. 7

OHIO

COOPERATIVE LIVING

Ohio Rural Electric Cooperatives 6677 Busch Blvd. Columbus, OH 43229 614-846-5757 memberinteract@ohioec.org www.ohioec.org

Patrick O’Loughlin President & CEO Patrick Higgins Director of Communications Jeff McCallister Managing Editor Samantha Rhodes Associate Editor Contributors: Cheryl Bach, Colleen Romick Clark, John Egan, W.H. "Chip" Gross, Sarah Jaquay, Patrick Keegan, Jamie Rhein, Damaine Vonada, Kris Wetherbee, Rick Wetherbee, Margie Wuebker, and Diane Yoakam. OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING (USPS 134-760; ISSN 2572-049X) is published monthly by Ohio Rural Electric Cooperatives, Inc. With a paid circulation of 294,359, it is the official communication link between the electric cooperatives in Ohio and West Virginia and their members. Nothing in this publication may be reproduced in any manner without written permission from Ohio Rural Electric Cooperatives, Inc. All rights reserved.

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

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, or call 1-800-282-0515.

Official publication of your electric cooperative

ohioec.org

www.ohioec.org

Check out the mobilefriendly website and digital edition of Ohio Cooperative Living, as well as other timely information from Ohio’s electric cooperatives.

MARCH APRIL 2017 2017

Official publication of your electric cooperative www.ohioec.org

MARCH APRIL 2017 2017

Splat! Action and adrenaline draw crowds to Ohio’s paintball parks ALSO INSIDE Co-op heroes are everywhere Architectural wonder in the ‘other’ Columbus Bird photography: A how-to guide

Where is your favorite Ohio fishing hole? Let us in on your secret!

Finding a beautiful, quiet location to fish that isn’t too far away from home can be challenging. Take to our Facebook or Twitter pages to share your perfect spots with our staff. Find us by searching for Ohio’s Electric Cooperatives.

DID YOU KNOW? About 56 percent of all paintball participants list “private property” as the most-often-used venue to play the sport, according to the Sporting Goods Manufacturers Association. Paintball is popular worldwide and is played in over 100 countries.

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

Cooperative members: Please report changes of address to your electric cooperative. Ohio Cooperative Living staff cannot process address changes. Alliance for Audited Media Member

In this issue: Cleveland (p. 8) Marysville (p. 10) Edgerton (p. 23) Chardon (p. 28) Mount Gilead (p. 28) Grove City (p. 29) APRIL 2017 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING

BY JEFF MCCALLISTER

POWER LINES

ANSWERING CALL THE

When storms hit and power goes out, cooperatives mobilize to help one another and get it restored

t the beginning of March 2017, after what had been, to that point, an unusually mild winter, a huge storm system came through southern Ohio and northern Kentucky, bringing with it winds that brought down trees and power lines, causing power outages in large swaths of the area. Electric cooperatives do everything they can — regular maintenance, tree-trimming, etc. — to prevent such outages, but sometimes, Mother Nature has her own ideas. When outages do happen, the coops are ready. Every co-op has an emergency plan, and part of that planning includes what is both a unique and an effective approach to emergency management and disaster recovery: mutual assistance. When disaster strikes, co-ops quickly deploy support staff and equipment to emergency and recovery zones to help sister co-ops restore power.

OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • APRIL 2017

“Cooperation among cooperatives is one of our guiding principles for a good reason: It helps to make everyone’s jobs easier and makes their lives better,” says Dwight Miller, director of safety and loss control at Ohio’s Electric Cooperatives, the statewide association that provides services to each electric cooperative in the state.

Quick response

Just that first week of March, crews from Consolidated Electric Cooperative, based in Mount Gilead, and from Holmes-Wayne Electric Cooperative, based in Millersburg, sent crews to help with power

‘...cooperation, to us, is not just words on paper. It’s what we do.’

restoration in the area served by South Central Power Company, based in Lancaster. A five-man crew from Oxford-based Butler Rural Electric Cooperative, based in Oxford, went to help storm-struck Owen Electric, in Walton, Ky. Crews from The Frontier Power Company in Coshocton and GuernseyMuskingum Electric in New Concord headed to the Lexington, Ky., area to help restore power to Blue Grass Energy members.

Consistent systems

Because the national network of transmission and distribution infrastructure owned by electric cooperatives has been built to federal standards, line crews from any co-op in America can arrive on the scene ready to provide emergency support, secure in their knowledge of the system’s engineering. “You never know exactly what you’re going to find when you get out there,” says Phil Crowdy, operations and engineering manager at Frontier Power. “The exact situation’s going to be different from place to place and event to event, but our guys know that they’ll be familiar with the systems wherever they go.”

Eager to help

“One of the main reasons we make sure to be available as a company is that, if things happen to go bad here, we know that help is available,” he says. “We’ve only had to ask for help once in the last 10 years, but the one time we had to make the call, we had guys here from other co-ops that same day. When I called the guys in to see who would go to Kentucky, every hand in the room went up.” Calls for help had been issued that morning, and all of those Ohio crews had mobilized before lunchtime. For the most part, they had helped fully restore power and were back to their own co-ops within a couple of days. “We see about six or seven of those events per year, where we may need to move small crews around to help out,” Miller says. “But we also have major events every few years, like the derecho of 2012 or the ice storm of 2005, where we have to send a lot of crews all over the country, and they may be gone for a couple of weeks at a time. It can be pretty difficult, but that cooperation, to us, is not just words on paper. It’s what we do.”

First Electric Cooperative, Arkansas

Dave Behle, Dawson Public Power District

Crowdy says Frontier’s linemen, just like crews from

cooperatives around the country, are happy, and even eager, to help — whenever the call goes out.

Linemen survey damage to power lines following a tornado. Consumer calls and reports during an outage helped crews locate and isolate the damage.

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“She was trying to jump a dirt hill, but didn’t make it,” Jeremy says. “When I got to her, she was nonresponsive. Jake called 911 and we stabilized her until the first responders arrived.” Jeremy never learned exactly what injuries the rider suffered that day in One Ohio cooperative sponsored a pair of honor March 2015, but when the flights that sent veterans to Washington, D.C. first responders arrived, they strapped her to a back board, immobilizing her head and spine, and air-lifted her to the hospital. He and Jake found out later that she had recovered. As a journeyman lineman, Jeremy gets plenty of safety training from Tricounty. He knows cardio-pulmonary resuscitation (CPR), advanced first aid, and how to use an automated external defibrillator (AED). But Jeremy deflected the thought that he did something unique, or even out of the ordinary. “I was glad I was there,” he says. “Pretty much any co-op employee would have done what they could to help.” Jeremy’s right. There is no shortage of heroes working at Ohio’s electric cooperatives: • Employees at Paulding-Putnam Electric Cooperative raised over $160,000 last year to send more than 170 World War II and Korean War veterans to Washington, D.C., on Honor Flights, so they could see the memorials built to honor their service. “Our employees are heroes for seeing a need and getting the community to rally behind them,” says Erika Willitzer, marketing and economic development manager for PPEC. • Last September, JR McCoy, a crew leader and first class lineman for The Frontier Power Company, and his crewmate, Matthew Compton, were performing routine utility maintenance when they saw that a nearby house was on fire. After a call to 911, Compton kicked in the front door, to make sure no one was trapped inside the home (no one was). McCoy grabbed a garden hose, broke a window, and began spraying water on the fire. Meanwhile, Compton disconnected the electricity at the meter to make sure that a bad situation didn’t get worse. • Brad Myers, a cable locater at Consolidated Electric Cooperative, in separate acts: rescued a man from a burning house; pulled a man out of a burning car; tended to someone who fell off his riding mower; and performed the Heimlich maneuver on a 10-year-old boy who was choking in a restaurant. JOHN EGAN is president of Egan Energy Communications (www.EganEnergy.com), a national energy communications firm.

OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • APRIL 2017

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APRIL 2017 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING

STORY AND PHOTOS BY DAMAINE VONADA

ICON

THE JAMES A. GARFIELD

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Location: On the east side of Cleveland in Lake View Cemetery. Provenance: Founded in 1869, Lake View Cemetery was among the nation’s first gardenstyle cemeteries, and President James A. Garfield, who was born and raised near Cleveland, had expressed his desire to make its scenic grounds his final resting place. Shortly after his inauguration, Garfield was shot by a disappointed office-seeker and lingered for two months before dying on Sept. 19, 1881. Garfield’s body initially was placed in a vault in Lake View Cemetery, and it was permanently moved to the newly completed Garfield Memorial on Memorial Day 1890. Significance: The Garfield Memorial not only is the first mausoleum built for a U.S. president, but also is a Cleveland landmark that attracts some 40,000 visitors every year. “The Memorial is 180 feet high and sits on the cemetery’s highest point,” says Lake View president and CEO Katharine Goss. “From its balcony, you can see Cleveland’s skyline and Lake Erie.” Reflecting the Gilded Age as well as grief for a fallen leader, the exceptionally ornate presidential monument cost $225,000, and individuals in the United States and foreign countries provided much of its funding. Architect George Keller’s towering structure combines Romanesque, Gothic, and Byzantine design elements, and its base features

OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • APRIL 2017

bas relief panels by sculptor Caspar Buberl that depict Garfield’s multi-faceted life as a teacher, Union general, congressman, and president. Inside the Memorial are richly colored mosaics representing “War” and “Peace;” stained-glass windows symbolizing Ohio and the 13 original states; and a 12-foot-tall statue of Garfield. Steubenville native Alexander Doyle sculpted the statue in white Carrara marble obtained from the same Italian quarries Leonardo da Vinci used. The Memorial’s crypt contains the bronze caskets of Garfield and his wife Lucretia, as well as urns holding the ashes of their daughter Mary “Molly” Garfield Stanley-Brown and her husband, Joseph Stanley-Brown, who had been Garfield’s secretary. Currently: Opening to visitors on April 1 every year, the Garfield Memorial is staffed by knowledgeable guides, who happily answer questions and point people to the graves of some other famous “residents” — including John D. Rockefeller and Eliot Ness. It’s a little-known fact that: The Memorial’s exterior was built from Ohio’s Berea sandstone, which has become damaged and discolored by more than a century of weathering and pollution. Thus, the Lake View Cemetery Foundation recently launched the Garfield Campaign to raise capital needed for repairs.

The James A. Garfield Memorial at Lake View Cemetery, 12316 Euclid Ave. Cleveland, OH 44106. Open daily, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m., April 1 – Nov. 19. Cemetery grounds open daily year-round, hours vary. For additional information, call 216421-2665 or visit www.lakeviewcemetery.com.

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APRIL 2017 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING

STORY AND PHOTOS BY DAMAINE VONADA

LAND OF

HERBS

AND

Combs family cultivates a healthy lifestyle at Mockingbird Meadows Farm

HONEY

hen Dawn Combs whips up an herbal matcha for visitors at Mockingbird Meadows Farm, she starts by selecting one of the jars arrayed on simple wooden shelves in the space of her home that serves as a combination shop, herb apothecary, and classroom. The jars, called TEAshots, are powdered herb blends that she developed from whole plants, including bark and roots, that she and her husband, Carson, raise at Mockingbird Meadows. Dawn formulates each blend to support the body’s natural processes, and they have descriptive names like “Sleepy” and “Tummy Love.” The Combses have been Union Rural Electric Cooperative members since 2005, when they moved to a house on 3.5 acres between Marysville and Plain City. Back then, Dawn worked for a Columbus bank, and Carson was a city planner in Dublin. Their plan was to pursue a healthier, more self-sufficient lifestyle and start a small honey business, as well as a family.

Today, they’re not only the proud parents of two young children, but have transformed their property into a working homestead, where they follow sustainable, eco-friendly farming principles. They named it for the mockingbirds that built a nest above the couple’s first beehive. “We pioneered chemical-

OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • APRIL 2017

Carson and Dawn Combs live their close-to-the-land philosophy at their homestead outside Marysville, where playful honeybee artwork greets visitors (top photo).

free beekeeping methods in central Ohio, and we use our own herbs to treat our own hives,” Carson says. While he manages the farm and markets its FDAcompliant botanical supplements, Dawn, who's a certified herbalist and ethnobotanist, shares her expertise by writing, speaking, and presenting workshops on herb folklore and science. “We honestly experience what we believe about living close to the land,” she says. In addition to 35 beehives, Mockingbird Meadows has 150 varieties of herbs. Signature items include honey spreads, matchas, and herbal infused honey. All Mockingbird Meadows products are made and shipped on-site, and they’re sold at the farm, select retail stores, and online. Mockingbird Meadows Farm, 16671 Burns Rd., Marysville, OH 43040. Call 614-354-5163 or visit www.mockingbirdmeadows.com.

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HUMMINGBIRDS These flowering vines do more than beautify your garden. They also entice hummingbirds with sweet nectar and so much more.

ummingbird-friendly vines offer a whole new range of attraction. There’s just something irresistibly exciting about seeing a hummingbird as it hovers in midair to nectar at a climbing clematis or honeysuckle that’s loaded with colorful blooms.

The right flowering vines will lure . these colorful, energetic fliers.

The right flowering vines will lure these colorful energetic fliers with sweet nectar, but it's the added benefits that may entice these birds to linger and stay. Hummers will often seek shelter among the vines and use spent flowers of clematis and other blooms as nesting materials.

Rambling vines and the structures on which they climb also make your yard more inviting by providing convenient perching opportunities for hummingbirds to rest and survey their surroundings. They typically feed every 10 to 15 minutes throughout the day, spending the remaining 80 percent of their time resting between feeding forays. 12

OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • APRIL 2017

What part of your yard is begging for the addition of an ornamental hummingbird vine? By highlighting your garden with flowering vines that hummers seek, these fascinating birds will become the highlight of your garden. Here are 10 to get you started. Cardinal Climber: Fast-growing annual vine from 10 to 20 feet climbs by twining stems. Deeply lobed midgreen leaves with 1 inch crimson red flowers appear in summer. Grow in full sun to partial shade. Clematis: Evergreen and deciduous vines from 5 to 30 feet; up to 4 inch blooms in shades of purple, blue, pink, white and rose. Grow in full sun for vines, but keep the roots cool and moist with mulch. Clematis Cross Vine: Evergreen to semi-evergreen woody vines from 20 to 50 feet climb by tendrils and cling by holdfast disks. As such, they can climb a trellis or cling to walls. Orange-red or scarlet flowers bloom in midspring and into summer. Grow in full sun to light shade.

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Cypress Vine: Annual twining vine to 20 feet with fern-like foliage and clusters of bright tubular flowers in red or scarlet. Similar to cardinal climber, but with somewhat smaller flowers. Grow in full sun to partial shade.

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Honeysuckle: Hardy vines climb via twining woody stems. Best grown in full sun to light shade. Three that hummers seek:

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Trumpet creeper

Trumpet Creeper: This beauty is a cross between American trumpet vine and Chinese trumpet vine and grows 15 to 25 feet high. Aggressive in nature, though more restrained than the American trumpet vine. Grow in full sun to partial shade. Wisteria Wisteria: Twining, deciduous vines with spectacular clusters of fragrant flowers appear in spring in soft shades of pink, purple, violet-blue, and white. These vigorous climbers need strong support via a sturdy trellis, arbor, or pergola. Grow in full sun.

Purple Passionflower: Also known as “Maypop,” this hardy vine is a standout for its delicate, ornate blooms. Mid- to late-summer 3-inch blooms of lavender and white are offset by a showy crown of filaments banded in purple and pink. Best in full sun to light shade.

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1 (143/4 ounce) can salmon, drained, boned and flaked 6 Tbsp. dried fine bread crumbs 1 Tbsp. finely diced onion 1 Tbsp. dried parsley flakes 1/3 cup ketchup ¼ tsp. chili powder

1/3

cup shredded cheddar cheese 1 egg 1 tsp. prepared yellow mustard Butter-flavored cooking spray 6 small hamburger buns Lettuce leaves

In a large bowl, combine salmon, bread crumbs, onion, parsley flakes, ketchup, chili powder, cheddar cheese, egg, and yellow mustard. Mix well to combine. Divide mixture into 6 patties and place in a large skillet that has been prepared with butter-flavor cooking spray. Brown patties 3 minutes on each side or until golden brown. Place patties on hamburger buns and top with lettuce leaves. Makes 6 sandwiches.

PORTOBELLO MUSHROOM AND CARMELIZED ONION BURGER

LIGHTER FARE

4 portobello mushrooms, stems removed 2 Tbsp. balsamic vinegar 2 Tbsp. olive oil, divided 1 cups sliced white onion 2 oz. soft goat cheese 4 whole wheat hamburger buns 4 tsp. Dijon mustard 2 cups field greens or baby lettuce 1 tomato, sliced Preheat grill. Place mushrooms in large Ziploc bag; add the balsamic vinegar and 1 tablespoon olive oil, and seal bag. Shake the bag until the mushrooms are coated in the vinegar and oil. Let sit for a few minutes while preparing the other ingredients. Heat a nonstick pan over medium-high heat. Add remaining 1 tablespoon of oil; heat for 30 seconds. Add onions, lower heat to medium, and cook, stirring often, until onions are soft and browned, about 15 minutes.

Remove from heat and set aside. Remove mushrooms from bag and place on heated grill, round side up. Cook for 2-3 minutes. Turn mushrooms over so they are flat side up, top with goat cheese (1/2 oz. each) and caramelized onions. Continue to cook for 3 more minutes. Remove from grill; place on buns topped with Dijon, lettuce, and tomato. Makes 4 servings. Per serving: 266 calories, 12 g total fat (4 g saturated fat), 9 g fiber, 12 g protein

VEGETABLE SUB WITH FETA

tomatoes, onion, and feta. Combine salad dressing and lemon juice; drizzle over lettuce mixture and toss. Fill bread shell with lettuce mixture; replace top. Slice and serve. Makes 8 servings.

1 (16 oz.) loaf French bread 1 (10 oz.) pkg. romaine salad mix 1 (16 oz.) can kidney beans 2 medium tomatoes, chopped 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese 1/3 cup fat-free Caesar salad dressing 2 Tbsp. lemon juice

Cut 1/2-inch-thick slice from top of bread, and set top aside. Hollow out bread using serrated knife, leaving a 1-inch shell; reserve soft bread for another use. Set bread shell aside. Combine salad mix, beans,

Per serving: 264 calories, 3 g total fat (1.5 g saturated fat), 4 g fiber, 11 g protein

APRIL 2017 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING

THE EFFICIENCY EXPERT

BY PAT KEEGAN AND AMY WHEELESS

Cooling off

Nearly all cooperatives have energy auditors on staff who can advise consumer-members about the right AC units for their homes.

Choosing the right home air conditioner saves money and makes sense

f you have an aging central air conditioner — even if it’s still working — it might pay off to look into replacing it sooner rather than waiting until it fails.

Replacing an inefficient AC unit with a more efficient model could significantly reduce your electric bill; new units are likely to be 20 to 40 percent more efficient than one from the 1990s. ENERGY STARcertified systems are even more efficient. Replacing an aging system now, before summer starts, could help you avoid delays or price premiums. How much money you save by replacing your current AC unit depends both on how often your AC runs and on your electric rate. If you’re in a hot climate and keep your home’s temperature in the low 70s, your cost of cooling will be substantial, and so will the potential savings from replacing your old unit with an efficient new one.

The best way to determine possible savings is to have an inhome assessment conducted by a qualified heating, ventilating, and air A mini-split heat conditioning (HVAC) professional or a pump brings outdoor certified energy auditor. Electric co-ops air to up to four zones are interested in reducing peak summer in your home through loads and offer information, rebates, blowers such as this or a list of qualified professionals. one. It’s a plus if the contractor has North

OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • APRIL 2017

American Technician Excellence (NATE) certification. Contractors should be knowledgeable about energyefficient systems and have references. Your contractor needs to size the system to your home. Ken Maleski, the residential advisor at Central Electric Cooperative in Pennsylvania, says a unit that is too small will not cool your home to the levels you want. If it’s too large, it may not dehumidify your home sufficiently, and it will cycle on and off more frequently, which can increase wear and tear on the system and shorten its life significantly. In order to size the system, the contractor will need to look at the efficiency of the home by checking insulation levels. If you add insulation where it’s most needed, you may be able to install a smaller AC unit, and you should enjoy greater comfort and lower cooling costs. The HVAC contractor you hire should also assess your ductwork, which is often poorly designed, leaky, or inadequately insulated. Replacing an aging air conditioner is a great way to improve comfort, cut energy costs, and reduce peak energy demand. Your co-op may be able to help, and you can learn a lot from the information resources available on our website and on the ENERGY STAR and energy.gov websites. PAT KEEGAN and AMY WHEELESS write for Collaborative Efficiency. For more information visit www.collaborativeefficiency.com/energytips.

UNION RURAL ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE LOCAL CONNECTIONS

LIVES

ON THE LINE

#ThankALineman As we enter April, we look forward to the spring season, a time of growth and renewal. Along with spring, though, we can also expect rain, wind, and even thunderstorms. When weather is severe, and outages occur, we rely on our highly trained, friendly line technicians to save the day (or night!). Using the latest technology like advanced metering, mobile tablet computers, outage management systems, SCADA, and specialized power equipment, these crews can find and repair a problem quickly. It takes more than cutting-edge technology to do their jobs, though; they also depend on their training, and, just as importantly, each other. These guys take special pride in working together to find and repair problems on our distribution system safely and efficiently. When they’re not battling outages, our line techs are constantly working to install new services, making repairs and upgrades, inspecting distribution line and equipment, and even building brand-new power line. There’s never a dull moment.

NE TECHNICIAN BECOMING A LI d to become ion is not require at uc ed ge lle co r A prio esn’t mean That certainly do a line technician. dustrial arts in d an s like vo-ag, m ra og Pr . sy ea s it’ ing tools and e helpful since us in high school ar e job. Classes is a big part of th equipment safely mpetency are and computer co in math, English our line techs cause we expect also important be t problems m rmulas, docu en fo l ca tri ec el ow to kn gy. Co-ops like and use technolo , ns tio lu so re d an titudes who ople with great at pe t ar sm re hi E UR ires and prord work. URE requ aren’t afraid of ha LT, the Central ining through CO and opervides specific tra , which is owned ol ho sc r ke or w Ohio Line es. Currently ectric Cooperativ ated by Ohio’s El viduals other di in fer classes to of t no es do LT CO rested in a ees. If you’re inte oy pl em p -o co an th e several other chnician, there ar career as a line te work with inveside training and schools that prov ive employpal, and cooperat tor-owned, munici line for more on ” ing program in tra ne “li ch ar ers. Se info.

Becoming a line technician at URE is no picnic. A minimum of 5 years of training in our state certified apprenticeship program is required to become a Journeyman Line Technician at URE. Besides thousands of hours of on-the-job training, our line Anthony Smith technicians must URE CEO/PRESIDENT complete rigorous course work in the classroom and at our Central Ohio Lineworker Training (COLT) program’s facility in Mt. Gilead. Being a line technician provides a unique perspective on the electric utility business, especially when it comes to safety and reliability. Our safety coordinator, contractor coordinator, substation technician, staking technician, and even the VP of engineering and operations, all have years of hard-earned experience as line technicians before eventually moving on to these other important positions at URE. The knowledge, positive attitudes, and experience of all these individuals working as one team enhance our ability to provide safe, reliable, and affordable power to you, our member-owners. The can-do attitudes of our line techs shine through off the job as well. We have several little league coaches, youth group leaders, and community volunteers among our line techs. They’re proud to help their community in any way they can, and we’re proud of them. Do you know one of these special guys or gals at URE or another power company? If you do, make sure to give them a thumbs up and a thank-you this month in honor of Lineman Appreciation Day. And, even if you don’t, you can still make sure to #ThankALineman @UnionRural on social media! APRIL 2017 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING

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UNION RURAL ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE LOCAL CONNECTIONS

PROPERLY SIZING YOUR

HVAC UNIT

An improperly sized HVAC unit can wreak havoc on your home. An oversized unit can cause your system to “short cycle” – constantly turning off and on. An undersized unit will run constantly to keep up with demand. Consider the factors below and choose an HVAC system that works best for your home.

SIZE MATTERS

The square footage of your home can help determine the load capacity of your HVAC unit, but it should not be the only factor considered when reviewing unit sizes. Enlist the help of a licensed professional to determine the best HVAC unit for your home.

GEOGRAPHICAL LOCATION

The region in which your home is located will factor into how much capacity you need per square foot. MARINE

COLD/VERY COLD

HOME’S ORIENTATION

How sunlight hits your home during different times of the day impacts the load capacity required to properly heat or cool your home.

MIXED-HUMID HOT-DRY MIXED DRY HOT-HUMID

INSULATION EFFECTIVENESS

The better insulated your home is, the fewer BTUs (British Thermal Units) per square foot your home will need to stay at the desired temperature.

A reliable energy partner will help you determine how each of these factors affect your system’s load capacity. Contact your electric co-op for more information.

Source: Dept. of Energy

OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • APRIL 2017

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NOMINATING COMMITTEE

THE

CANDIDATES

HAVE BEEN

CHOSEN

2017 Nominating Committee from left to right: Brian Swaney representing district 6, Dave Gibson representing district 3, Robert Stevenson representing district 4, Ronald Cation representing district 2, Tim Goodwin representing district 1, Kendra Horn representing district 6, Bonnie Kiger representing district 5, Ambrose Phillips representing district 7.

The 2017 Nominating Committee met on Thursday evening, Feb. 16, to review the qualifications and time commitment of a URE trustee with URE’s attorney Kim Cutler of Cannizzaro, Bridges, Jillisky, and Streng. The committee nominated a slate of candidates to stand for the election. We would like to thank the members of this year’s Nominating Committee for their time and service to the cooperative and for helping us to satisfy our Code of Regulations requirement regarding the nomination of candidates for the board of trustees election.

Official ballots with the candidate bios will be mailed out next month. Voting deadline is June 1. The election results will be announced at the Annual Meeting of Members on Saturday, June 3, at 9 a.m. at the URE corporate office.

TIMELINE: April 25, 2017 — Regular board meeting May 2017 — Official meeting notice in May magazine

CANDIDATES:

listed in alphabetical order DISTRICT 3: Lesley Bimonte Gary Lee Rev. Dr. David Moreland Roe Riegel Dale Scheiderer

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DISTRICT 6: Robert Carpenter Dane Espenschied Jeff Reinhard Abe Shoots James Teitt

May 13, 2017 — Latest ballots can be mailed to members (20 days prior to annual meeting) May 23, 2017 — Regular board meeting June 2017 — Final meeting notice in June magazine June 1, 2017 — Ballots due June 3, 2017 — Annual meeting, 9 a.m. at URE June 27, 2017 — Reorganization meeting to elect board officers APRIL 2017 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING

20A

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UNION RURAL ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE LOCAL CONNECTIONS

GEARED UP FOR #ThankALineman

SAFETY

Can you imagine working a job that requires you to lift heavy equipment and perform detailed tasks near deadly high voltage? Now imagine doing this 40 feet in the air, and sometimes, in extreme weather... at night. This is the life of an electric line technician. These brave folks answer when called — and they do so to ensure that you are provided with safe, reliable electric service. But how do they stay safe when working in these conditions? URE line technicians are highly trained on the hazards involved and also wear personal protective equipment (PPE) at all times when on the job to keep them safe.

LET’S TAKE A LOOK AT A LINEMAN’S PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT (PPE) ARC-RATED CLOTHING While our linemen do everything possible to prevent them, unexpected fires and electrical arcs can happen. Fires typically occur with an arc flash — an explosion that results from an unintended short in the electrical system. Arc-rated clothing will self-extinguish, which helps limit burn injuries. INSULATED GLOVES Linemen must wear di-electric insulated rubber gloves when working on any type of electrical line. These gloves provide protection against electrical shock and burn and are tested at 30,000 volts. Protective gloves, usually made of leather, are worn over the insulated gloves to protect the rubber from punctures and cuts. HARD HAT Our line technicians have tons of valuable knowledge and experience stored in their noggins, so it’s important to protect them! Insulated hard hats are worn at all times to protect their heads from knocks and falling objects.

Have you ever wo how our linemen safe while on the

STEEL TOE BOOTS These heavy-duty boots are typically 16 inches tall and designed with extra support in mind. In addition the height of the boot shields linemen from cuts and scrapes. The steel toe provides sturdier support and protects from objects that could potentially pierce or crush the feet. INSULATED OVER-BOOTS These di-electric boot covers provide additional secondary protection from electrical hazards when working on the ground, or around buried cable. SAFETY GLASSES Linemen must wear protective goggles or glasses, whether working on electrical lines or clearing rights-of-way. This protects them from flying, loose debris and other hazards. These items make up a line technician’s basic PPE. While working on electrical lines, they also may be required to wear equipment belts, tool pouches, safety straps, and other types of equipment. A line technician’s gear usually weighs about 50 pounds — that’s a lot of extra weight when working in hazardous conditions. So, the next time you see a line technician, whether from URE or another electric utility, be sure to thank him or her for keeping the lights on. But more importantly, thank them for the hard, and often times dangerous, work they do, day and night. #ThankaLineman @UnionRural

Cover and article photos by: Dana Springer, URE crew leader Pictured: Ben Hoyer, URE line technician 20B OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • APRIL 2017

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ever wondered inemen stay e on the job?

It takes a lot of gear to keep them protected!

r n

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APRIL 2017 â&#x20AC;¢ OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING

20C

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UNION RURAL ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE LOCAL CONNECTIONS

THUNDERSTORM

SAFETY TIPS

FROM THE AMERICAN RED CROSS

When thunderstorms are rolling your way, stay safe with these helpful tips from the American Red Cross: • Listen to local news or NOAA Weather Radio for emergency updates. Watch for signs of a storm, like darkening skies, lightning flashes or increasing wind. • Postpone outdoor activities if thunderstorms are likely to occur. Many people struck by lightning are not in the area where rain is occurring. • If a severe thunderstorm warning is issued, take shelter in a substantial building or in a vehicles with the windows closed. Get out of mobile homes that can blow over in high winds. • If you can hear thunder, you are close enough to be in danger from lightning. If thunder roars, go indoors! The National Weather Service recommends staying inside for at least 30 minutes after the last thunder clap. • Avoid electrical equipment and telephones. Use battery-powered TVs and radios instead. • Shutter windows and close outside doors securely. Keep away from windows. • Do not take a bath, shower or use plumbing.

• If you are driving, try to safely exit the roadway and park. Stay in the vehicle and turn on the emergency flashers until the heavy rain ends. Avoid touching metal or other surfaces that conduct electricity in and outside the vehicle. • If you are outside and cannot reach a safe building, avoid high ground; water; tall, isolated trees; and metal objects such as fences or bleachers. Picnic shelters, dugouts and sheds are NOT safe. Source: American Red Cross

20D COOPERATIVE OHIO COOPERATIVE • APRIL 2017 20D OHIO LIVING •LIVING APRIL 2017

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NEWS:

PROMOTIONS & NEW EMPLOYEES Bill Cox

Bill Cox

warehouse and purchasing coordinator

has been promoted to fill the position of warehouse and purchasing coordinator. Bill will manage the inventory and upkeep of the warehouse and pole yard. He has been with URE working as the warehouse assistant since 2012. Bill has two children, Justice and Allison.

Cindy Stoppa

billing coordinator

has filled the billing coordinator position. Cindy previously worked as one of our member services representatives, joining URE in 2006. Her background as a MSR will help her transition into this new role. Cindy and her husband, Roger, live in Marysville and have one son named Alex.

Welcome Ron McGlone

has been hired to work as URE’s Engineer I. He has an Associates Degree in computer and electronic engineering. He was previously employed by Abbott in Columbus and has worked as an industrial electrician and engineer. Ron’s family includes his wife, Ashley; daughter, Rileigh; and son, Jaxson. Ron enjoys spending time with his family, anything outdoors, blacksmithing, and golf.

Ron McGlone engineer I

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Laura Hutchins

Laura Hutchins member services representative

has been hired to work as a member mervices representative. Laura is from Marysville and graduated from Marysville High School. She was previously employed by Honda Federal Credit Union. Laura’s family includes her husband, Matthew, and their three children: Taylor, Hailey, and Garrett. In her free time, she enjoys photography.

APRIL 2017 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING

3/21/17 1:24 PM

UNION RURAL ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE LOCAL CONNECTIONS

OURSOLAR

PROJECT

Union Rural Electric Cooperative and Buckeye Power are helping co-op members throughout the state take advantage of locally produced renewable energy — without the personal hassle and costs. Through a community solar program call OurSolar, Buckeye Power — Ohio’s generation and transmission cooperative — will build new solar panel arrays at several co-op locations throughout Ohio, bringing more emission-free energy to Ohio’s electric cooperatives. URE will be one of the sites; a 100-kilowatt array has been installed at one of our substations located on Industrial Parkway in Plain City. How much will it cost? For the average member, only about 35 cents per year. OurSolar reflects URE and Buckeye Power’s balanced approach to electricity generation. While most of the power supplied to URE will continue to be produced by coal-fired generation that is among the cleanest of its kind in the world, OurSolar gives cooperative members the option to supplement that baseload power — that is, electricity production that is highly reliable and always available — with locally produced energy.

BOARD OF TRUSTEES

CONTACT

Chairman

OFFICE

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

Mon. - Fri. 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

CLOSED

ON APRIL 14 for GOOD FRIDAY FOR EMERGENCY SERVICE, CALL 800-642-1826.

UNION RURAL ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE, INC.

1-800-642-1826 | 937-642-1826 www.ure.com Fax: 937-644-4239 Pay By Phone: 877-999-3413

OFFICE

Jeff Wilson

Jeff Reinhard Vice Chairman

Bill D’Onofrio Treasurer

Steve Patton Secretary

Dale Scheiderer David Thornton Dan Westlake

LOCAL CONNECTIONS

Mike Aquillo

Vice President of Member Services and Community Development

Sue Gibson

Director of Communications HAVE A STORY SUGGESTION?

E-mail your ideas to: services@ure.com

Trustees

OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • APRIL 2017

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News and notes from electric cooperatives around the state

Studer, North Western’s oldest member, dies at 109 Gertrude Studer, the oldest member of North Western Electric Cooperative, passed away on Feb. 1 at the age of 109. A resident of Edgerton, Studer was honored by the cooperative for attending every North Western annual meeting since its formation, an accomplishment that was noted in her obituary.   Survivors include three sons, two daughters, 19 grandchildren, 83 greatgrandchildren, 39 great-great-grandchildren, and 14 great-great-great-grandchildren. Darin Thorp, above, president and CEO of North Western Electric Cooperative, says "hello" to member Gertrude Studer at a recent co-op annual meeting.

URE gains new CEO

Anthony Smith, former vice president of engineering operations and Honda affairs at Union Rural Electric Cooperative, has been promoted to CEO/president at URE. Smith replaces Roger Anthony Smith Yoder, who retired after serving as president of the co-op for 25 years.

Firelands EC launches “The A Team” incentive program South Central Power was the recipient of the 2016 PACC Business of the Year. Pictured above are South Central Director of Key Accounts Jeff Campbell, PACC President Theresa Byers, South Central President and CEO Rick Lemonds, and South Central Vice President of Member Services Allison Saffle.

South Central Power chosen as 2016 Business of the Year by Pickerington Chamber

South Central Power was honored to be selected as the 2016 Business of the Year by the Pickerington Area Chamber of Commerce (PACC) at the organization's annual meeting. PACC serves businesses in the northwest Fairfield County communities of Pickerington and Violet Township.

Firelands Electric Cooperative introduced a program to encourage students in grades 6-8 to strive for academic excellence. Students of members are invited to join “The A Team” to be recognized for their hard work if they have a minimum of three A’s on their most recent report card. Report card entries are put into a drawing for each grading period. Drawings will take place on April 10, July 10, and Dec. 10, with three students winning an iTunes gift card at each drawing.

Carroll Electric’s pilot program aims to increase member satisfaction

Carroll Electric Cooperative recently launched a member engagement committee, as part of an initiative to increase member satisfaction, while enhancing understanding of the cooperative principles and values. Nine coop members (one from each of Carroll’s districts) were selected to attend quarterly committee meetings. APRIL 2017 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING

BY SARAH JAQUAY

TRAVEL

C O LU M B U S

Sarah Jaquay

THE ‘OTHER’

Two stunning architectural works, side-by-side in Columbus: The Bartholomew County Courthouse and Veterans Memorial are must-sees on a tour of the city.

Indiana’s namesake of Ohio’s capital city is an architectural Mecca

hen Americans conjure a place called “Columbus,” many imagine Ohio — home of The Ohio State University and its legions of Buckeye football fans. There is, however, another Columbus not too far away — west across the state line to just south of Indianapolis. While its population is only about 45,000, the town enjoys an outsized reputation as a modern architectural Mecca. Located just three hours from Ohio’s capital, this Hoosier hamlet has long been a transportation hub — especially for railroads. Its major employer, Cummins, Inc. (f.k.a. Cummins

OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • APRIL 2017

Engine) is an integral part of why this small municipality boasts more than 70 buildings and landscapes designed by celebrity architects from around the globe. Family vacation planners take note: Columbus captivates kids with a massive indoor playground and a three-story children’s museum. The whole family can indulge their sweet teeth at an old-fashioned ice cream parlor with vintage soda fountains. The best place to start exploring is the Visitors Center on Fifth Street, where visitors may view films on Columbus’ architectural significance and preview one of its crown jewels, the Miller House and Garden. The Visitors Center offers two-hour bus tours that include historic and contemporary structures and tells the backstory

For the kids

The building at 301 Washington Street was the office of Irwin Miller, the community benefactor largely responsible for the city’s status as an architectual mecca.

of how this place came to be ranked among the world’s top destinations for innovative design. A brief summary: Local businessman J. Irwin Miller suddenly became the CEO of Cummins Engine during World War II when his great uncle died unexpectedly. After the war, Columbus experienced rapid family growth, and projected a need for new schools. The first two prefabricated schools were built hurriedly. So Miller offered funding for the design of the next one, as long as school board officials would select an architect from a list provided by the Cummins Foundation (the company’s Columbus, IN charitable arm). That was the start of renowned modern architects building public structures and art there: I.M. Pei’s Cleo Rogers Memorial Library, Kevin Roche’s Columbus Post Office, and sculptor Henry Moore’s “Large Arch” that unifies the plaza between the groundbreaking First Christian Church (designed by Finnish architect Eliel Saarinen) and the library.

In keeping with the design theme, it offers hands-on exhibits that allow visitors to design their own communities, while subtly exposing them to tenets of architecture and urban planning. There’s a 17-foot climbing wall and Bubble-ology — a contraption that creates body-sized bubbles. Kids Children and adults alike can can let off even become transfixed at “Chaos,” more steam at a sculpture at kidscommons The Commons, children’s museum in Columa community bus, while the Luckey Climber (below) is for kids only. gathering space with a 5,000 square-foot indoor playground featuring a Luckey Climber — a free-of-charge multi-story structure laced with mazes and jungle gyms, designed by the late architect and sculptor, Tom Luckey. When hunger pangs set in, Zaharakos Ice Cream Parlor and Museum, across from The Commons, should help. The institution was started in 1900 by three brothers. After they attended the 1904 St. Louis World’s Fair, they were inspired to buy two ornate soda fountains. Today, “soda jerks” still draw carbonated water from these machines to make handcrafted ice cream delights.

Sarah Jaquay

A must-see is the Miller House and Garden designed by Eero Saarinen, Eliel’s son. Eero gained international recognition for St. Louis’s Gateway Arch and the TWA Flight Center at JFK International Airport, and was crucial in selecting Jorn Utzon to design the Sydney Opera House. Among architecture aficionados, Miller Continued on Page 26 >

Sarah Jaquay

Columbus Area Visitors Center

After a large dose of architecture, visitors with kids can head for Washington Street, where they’ll discover “kidscommons,” the three-story, 12,000 square-foot children’s museum.

APRIL 2017 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING

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The Miller House and Garden, including the renowned Conversation Pit (below) was designed by the same architect who created the St. Louis Gateway Arch. <Continued from Page 25

House is as revered as Frank Lloyd Wright’s iconic Fallingwater in Western Pennsylvania. Travelers who visit this summer and fall will experience the inaugural Exhibit Columbus (Aug. 26 through mid-November.) There will be five large temporary installations at important architectural locations in the downtown area, including “Wiikiaami,” located at the First Christian Church and designed by studio: indigenous, a Wisconsinbased firm known for expression of American Indian culture; and the “Conversation Plinth,” located at the library and designed by IKD, a Boston firm known for its work at the Isabella Stuart Gardner Museum. Smaller installations also will be placed along Washington Street (Columbus’ main thoroughfare), and local high school students will

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produce their own installations. While this charming town has long been known for its mid-century architecture, civic leaders believe that the biennial event will put Columbus “back on the map,” even for those who have visited before. The Columbus in Hoosierland may not have a football team to root for, but this burg is once again rooting for and promoting quality modern design. SARAH JAQUAY is a freelance writer from Shaker Heights.

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APRIL 2017 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING

TRAVEL OHIO

STORY AND PHOTOS BY JAMIE RHEIN

S P L AT T E R E D

Paintball draws crowds of players in a video game come-to-life

ead to Splatter Park near Mt. Gilead on a crisp, fall day, or pre-spring, before trees bud, and you’ll almost always find at least a little company. By summer, though, you’ll join as many as 600 other paintball warriors at a time looking to splatter their foes. People ages 10 to 70 (and sometimes beyond) don face masks and load their paintball guns with gelatin-shell paint pellets, then head to one of the park’s 12 themed game areas for an adrenaline rush of fun. Mike Miller, a member of Consolidated Electric Cooperative, owns the place, and seems to have perfected the art of recreational paintball. “It’s like stepping into a video game where you’re the action,” he says.

OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • APRIL 2017

From Splatter Park to Pinnacle Woods in Chardon, which were among the first on Ohio’s paintball scene, to LVL Up Sports that opened last year near Grove City, players can find a place to play across the state. Whether one is a recreational or a competitive player, there’s an experience to match the skill-set. For Lucas de Leon, who first played at a Splatter Park birthday party when he was 12, paintball has turned into a job as one of the park’s greenshirted referees — matching players for the best fit to keep the atmosphere safe and friendly. “Refs make sure that you get in the right group, based on age and skill level,” de Leon says. “They’ll make sure that parents and their kids are on teams together, if they want to be.”

Masks on! Roll out!

As soon players are sorted onto teams and issued armbands, the call is issued: “Masks on! Let’s roll out,” and “Call of Duty” comes to life.

Players duck behind trees, peer over barriers, and dart from cover to cover as they seek their opponents invading from the other direction. Once a player is hit, that player is out, and must leave the playing area until a game’s end. In the meantime, rapid-fire rat-a-tat-tats, as well as more-measured shots, send paintballs flying toward satisfying splats. Oh, and those splats: they can sting like a rubber-band snap. Long sleeved shirts, pants, and gloves are recommended for that reason, and masks that cover from forehead to past the chin are a must, because there have been instances of serious eye injuries. Refs watch games like hawks, making sure that play stays safe. Whenever they see a mask get lifted to clean it off during play, there’s a “Masks down,” reminder. Every playing field has safe areas for mask-cleaning and breaks. Splatter Park hosts games that are more laid-back, But there are other spots, such as Pinnacle Woods and LVL Up Sports, where fun is also a focus, but competition gets fierce.

“If you want to get

The next level

On any weekend, at both LVL Up Sports and Pinnacle better, you have to Woods, teams practice and play X-Ball games on a field play with people who of large inflatable structures are set up to match are better than you.” that professional tournament games — the players drawn to these fields are experts, with customized paintball guns that are designed to fire faster and with more accuracy. “If you want to get better, you have to play with people who are better than you,” says Dave Pando, owner of LVL Up Sports. He knows. Pando was on the No. 2 college team in the U.S. during his days at Ohio University. He liked the game so much, he signed a long-term lease on some farmland in Grove City and LVL Up Sports was born.

At Pinnacle Woods, paintball is a family business that started in 1982, when Cathie and Tony Pisek played their first game in Conneaut Park in Pennsylvania. Almost before they got home, they decided to open their own paintball park. Their son, Steve, and two daughters, Chrissy and Jenny, now run the business. Steve has even played paintball professionally, competing across the United States and internationally. They’re just more examples of the sport’s evergrowing popularity, showing that once players get a taste of the action, they often keep coming back. Okeme Bassett, for example, knew nothing about paintball when she came to Splatter Park with her two teens and their friends for a late-fall game last year. “I had on a pink Columbus State shirt [and] was a moving target,” she says with a laugh. She left already planning a return trip with her girlfriends.

If You Go

Participants must sign a waiver (parents sign for minors age 10 and above). Costs are $25 to $50, depending upon equipment rental and how many paintballs are used. Typical games last 15 minutes with short breaks. Each park has open play on weekends. Call or check park websites for details. Birthday parties and other private events — such as Splatter Park’s Zombie Park in the fall — are offered at each. A shop to buy equipment, paintballs, and snacks is at each site. JAMIE RHEIN is a freelance writer from Columbus.

Eye protection is a must at all times while on the field of play during a paintball game.

Splatter Park, 5560 County Road 109, Mount Gilead. 419-946-4964 or 614-784-2657; splatterpark. com. Closed third week of December to first week of March. LVL Up Sports, 5390 Harrisburg Pike, Grove City. 614-313-1382; lvlupsports.com. Year round. Pinnacle Woods, 10241 Old State Rd., Chardon.440-974-0077; pinnaclewoodspaintball. com. Year round.

APRIL 2017 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING

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STORY AND PHOTOS BY W.H. “CHIP” GROSS

WOODS, WATERS, AND WILDLIFE

Bird Photography Basics:

SHOOTING THOSE

THINGS

WITH

WINGS

s a wildlife photographer, I sometimes envy wedding photographers. They take photos of beautiful brides, and the brides don’t try to run away during the process, let alone fly. If wildlife photography is a college course, then bird photography — especially capturing birds in flight — is graduate school.

Outdoor Knowledge

Birds nearly always make interesting photo subjects, and each scientific family of birds has its own photographic challenges. If you maintain a home bird feeder, that’s a wise place to begin your avian photography. Shooting through windows is a good way to learn the basics, but eventually you’ll want to get outdoors. Doing so will not only move you closer to the birds, but will also make for sharper, clearer photos that fill the frame of your camera’s viewfinder.

Brown pelican 32

OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • APRIL 2017

I use a homemade blind for most of my bird photography near feeders. Most songbirds are very trusting of a blind, often approaching within a few feet to grab a tidbit of food. I also use a blind for wild turkey photography, placing it in the woods during early spring, when gobblers are displaying. For photographing other types of birds, I simply walk through likely-looking habitat, often wearing camouflage clothing. The birds know I’m there, but when I move slowly and stop often, they’re more likely to go about their daily activities unalarmed. Keep in mind, too, that birds are used to seeing people in public places. That makes national, state, and local parks, wildlife refuges, arboretums, and similar public locations, even suburbs, excellent places for bird photography.

Photo Equipment

Photography equipment for birds can be as simple as a cell-phone camera. Point-andshoot cameras — those cameras without interchangeable lenses — are the next step up the technology ladder, often doing a good job at an inexpensive price. However, most serious bird photographers use a digital single-lens reflex (DSLR) camera body with a telephoto zoom lens attached. Yes, those cameras and lenses can be expensive, but the quality of your images will improve greatly. When purchasing photo equipment, keep in mind this bit of wisdom from one of America’s leading professional bird photographers, Arthur Morris. “Owning the latest, greatest lens or camera body does not guarantee you anything. Everyone needs to learn to make the best images possible with the gear they have in their hands.”

Bluebird Good Technique

After learning how to take shots of stationary birds, the ultimate challenge in bird photo-graphy is capturing photos of birds on the wing. To do so, put as many of the variables as possible in your favor. Choose a sunny day and approach the bird with the sun at your back, your shadow pointing at the bird. When the bird flies within range, keep it in the middle of your camera’s viewfinder and fire a burst of several shots, not just one. It also helps tremendously if your camera has a continuousautofocus feature. Any photography is fun, but taking great wildlife shots will give you a sense of satisfaction and provide you with many challenges for years to come. The process itself will also get you outdoors, and that alone is worth the price of admission — maybe a new camera and lens? W.H. “CHIP” GROSS, Ohio Cooperative Living’s outdoors editor, is a member of Consolidated Electric Cooperative. Share outdoors story ideas at whchipgross@ gmail.com; or visit www.chipgross.com.

Ring-necked pheasant

APRIL 2017 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING

BY CRAIG LOVELACE

SHARED

SERVICE

Electric cooperatives and the Ohio Farm Bureau have a long history of cooperation

t’s a little-known fact that several Ohio agricultural cooperatives — livestock producers, dairy farmers, and crop associations — can trace their roots to the Ohio Farm Bureau Federation. The same holds true for Ohio’s Electric Cooperatives (OEC) members. The organizations share a history that, with a flip of a switch, elevated the standard of living for thousands of rural families and farmers. That early relationship is reflected today in each group’s democratic principles and the passion with which they advocate on behalf of members.

Common constituents

There are, for instance, many Farm Bureau members who also are members of an electric co-op, and vice versa. Each organization is committed to working for Ohio’s rural communities.

Many rural families celebrated their improved quality of life (top photo) and then symbolically buried their old kerosene lamps, after the formation of the Rural Electrification Administration.

“Where we cross over is with the people whom we serve. We both have our constituents in mind,” says Doug Miller, OEC’s vice president of statewide services.

development, protecting property rights, workable regulations for business, and the safeguarding of Ohio’s natural resources, among others. It’s not a stretch to argue that the two contributed greatly to rural economic development over the years, he adds.

Indeed. Farm Bureau Executive Vice President Adam Sharp ticks off issues the groups share: energy

“There is a strong sense of the shared history of providing services to rural Ohio that did not previously exist, and

OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • APRIL 2017

which are critical to the development and infrastructure of rural areas,” Sharp says.

to give electric co-ops the opportunity to build power plants.

Along that line, the Ohio Farm Bureau Health Benefits Plan, launched in January 2017, harkens to its early cooperative days. In the 1920s, Farm Bureau started a mutual vehicle insurance company because mainline insurers gouged farmers on premium costs. Today, that venture is known as Nationwide Insurance.

So when the REA formed, Farm Bureau created the Farm Bureau Rural Electrification Cooperative to educate communities about the REA program, help organize their electric cooperative, The Farm Bureau disbanded its own electric cooperaccess the government’s ative around the time when the Ohio Rural Electric money, and supply financial, Cooperative association was founded. construction, and engineering work, and refrigeration. Monthly assistance. Labor Review wrote in April 1939 that communities celebrated the Cooperative difference installation of electrical service with The primary motivations for Farm ceremonies including “the burial of Bureau’s enthusiasm were that a kerosene lamp as a symbol of the getting electricity to rural homes drudgery being abolished.” was a quality-of-life issue, and that investor-owned utilities either Farm Bureau disbanded its electric ignored pleas for service or they cooperative affiliate in 1942 and charged exorbitant rates. urged existing electric co-ops to form a statewide group. In 1941, the Ohio Later that year, the first electric pole Rural Electric Cooperative association funded with REA money was erected was begun. in Miami County, and on June 15, 1936, the Charles McKenney family of Piqua became the first recipients of electrical service, provided through Grind Away ANY Pioneer Rural Electric Cooperative.

The health benefits plan The Rural also has mutual or Electrification Act cooperative followed in 1936, making low-interest principles, the structure loans... of which offers several affordable benefit plan options to Ohio-based sole proprietors and employers with between two and 99 employees. The plan operates within the agricultural food sector. Medical Mutual of Ohio administers claims processing and the provider network.

Brought on by the REA

Farm Bureau’s and OEC’s entwined path might have never been, if the federal Rural Electrification Administration (REA) hadn’t formed in May 1935 to extend electrical lines and service into greater swaths of America’s countryside. The Rural Electrification Act followed in 1936, making low-interest loans available

The response was immediate, and by Jan. 26, 1937, 57 rural Ohio electric co-ops existed. Overall, nearly all of the first $5.5 million disbursed by REA went to Ohio co-ops.

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APRIL 2017 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING

APRIL 2017 CALENDAR

NORTHWEST

APR. 11 – Bucyrus Model Railroad Assoc. Train Show and Swap Meet, 610 Whetstone St., Bucyrus, 10 a.m.–4 p.m. $5, under 12 free. For all gauges. Club layout open with videos and memorabilia available. 419462-5035. APR. 8 – Easter Egg Hunt, 3910 Perkins Ave., Huron, 2–4 p.m. Over 2,000 eggs, live bunnies, crafts, and prizes. 419-625-7783.

APR. 16 – Annual Defiance Chocolate Walk, downtown Defiance. 4-7 p.m. Enjoy some chocolate (and wine if you so choose) along the way. $5, chocolate stops only. $15, chocolate stops and 5 wine stops. 419-782-0739

CENTRAL

APR. 8 – Oak Harbor Easter Egg Hunt, Adolphus Kraemer Park, Church St., Oak Harbor, 2 p.m. Free. Open to children ages 12 and under. Meet at the park’s log cabin for the egg hunt, followed by a candy hunt downtown, and then visit and take photos with the Easter Bunny at the Portage Fire Station on Water St. 419-898-0479 or www.oakharborohio.net/ events/.

THROUGH AUG. 27 – “Totally Tiffin...Ever Erickson,” Ohio Glass Museum's Gallery, 124 W. Main St., Lancaster, Tues.–Sun. 1–4 p.m. Fantastic displays of unique pieces of handcrafted artistic Ohio-made glass. 740-6870101 or www.ohioglassmuseum.org. APR. 2 – Sunset Stomp Jazz Band, Makoy Ctr., 5462 Center Street, Hilliard, 2–5 p.m. $15 for COHJS members, $20 for non-members, $10 for dance club members and students. Part of the Central Ohio Hot Jazz Society’s spring concert series. Come enjoy the lively music of this New Orleans–style jazz band from Indianapolis. 614-558-2212 or www.cohjs.org. APR. 22 – Coshocton Earth Day, 23640 Airport Rd., Coshocton Co. Career Ctr., Coshocton, 12–4 p.m. Free. Local artisans,

SOUTHEAST

SOUTHWEST

APR. 15 – Easter Egg Roll at Spiegel Grove, Rutherford B. Hayes Presidential Library and Museums, Fremont, 2–3:30 p.m. Admission is three hard-boiled colored eggs. Children ages 3–10 are invited to participate in a variety of egg games that replicate the famous White House Easter Egg Roll started by President Hayes. Prizes, games and crafts, and visits with the Easter Bunny. 419-332-2081 or www. rbhayes.org. APR. 21–23 – The Wizard of Oz, Hardin Northern High School, 11589 St. Rte. 81, Dola, Fri./Sat. 7:30 p.m., Sun. 2:30 p.m. $8, Std./Sr. $5. 419-759-2331. APR. 22 – Spring Crafters’ Showcase, Tam-O-Shanter Sylvania Sports and Exhibition Ctr., 7060 Sylvania Ave., Sylvania (1/2 mile west of McCord Rd.), 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Use the North and West entrances behind the main building. Drawings to win gift certificates. www. toledocraftsmansguild.org/shows.html. vendors, live raptors, OSU Bobcat research, kids’ activities, great food, and entertainment. 740-824-3828 or rlkettler@myway.com. APR. 23 – Dave Greer’s Classic Jazz Stompers, Makoy Ctr., 5462 Center Street, Hilliard, 2–5 p.m. $15 for COHJS members, $20 for non-members, $10 for dance club members and students. Conclusion of the Central Ohio Hot Jazz Society’s spring concert series. Come enjoy the lively music of this New Orleans–style jazz band from Dayton. 614-558-2212 or www.cohjs.org. APR. 23 – “Swing in Spring” Concert, 101 S. Main St., Baltimore, 3–5 p.m. $5. Celebrate the grand reopening of the Victoria Opera House. 614-450-0237.

APR. 1 – Cambridge Lions Club Variety Show, Scottish Rite Auditorium, 941 Wheeling Ave., Cambridge, 7:30 p.m. $8 Thur., $10 Fri./ Sat. 740-439-5385, 800-285-1543, or www. cambridgelions.com.

APR. 22–23 – Disney’s The Lion King Jr., Logan High School Theatre, 14470 St. Rte. 328, Logan, Sat. 7 p.m., Sun. 3 p.m. $5. Presented by the Hocking County Children’s Chorus. 614-4062379 or www.hockingcochildrenschorus.org.

APR. 1–2, 7–9 – Give My Regards To Broadway, Cambridge Performing Arts Ctr., 642 Wheeling Ave., Cambridge. 740-261-4304 or www.cambridgeperformingartscenter.org.

APR. 29 – Pelican Open Bass Tournament, Salt Fork State Park Lake, Old Marina North Boat Ramp, Lore City, 7 a.m.–3 p.m. $80 entry fee. Tournament benefits Relay For Life. Trophies and cash prizes. Also 50/50 drawing, door prizes, and lunch. 740-584-0631 or www.fishgcba.net.

APR. 9 – 31st Annual Farm Toy Show, Champaign Co. Fgds., 384 Park Ave., Urbana, 9 a.m.–3 p.m. $2, under 12 free. Look, buy, sell, or trade. Over 120 tables. Door prizes. Contact Lowell Morningstar at 937-826-4201.

OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • APRIL 2017

APR. 22–23 – African Violet Show and Sale, Eastgate Mall, Batavia (I-275 and St. Rte. 32) , Sat. 10 a.m.–9 p.m., Sun. 12–6 p.m. Presented by the Cincinnati African Violet Society and the African Violet Society of Dayton. View amazing and beautiful plants. Hard-to-find varieties and growing supplies will be available for purchase. One-on-one horticultural consultation and periodic demos will also be offered both days. 513-325-0395 or kcenci@hotmail.com.

SOUTHWEST

NORTHEAST

MAR. 24–APR. 17 – I-X Indoor Amusement Park, IX Center, One I-X Dr., Cleveland. Twenty acres of fun, all indoors! Thrilling amusement rides, including the 443-foot Soaring Eagle Zipline. Live family entertainment and much more. For dates and times, visit www. ixamusementpark.com. APR. 8 – Painesville Railroad Museum Fundraiser, Harry Buffalo, 2119 Mentor Ave., Painesville, 3–5 p.m. Tickets are $20 and include all-you-can-eat appetizers and drinks. Chinese raffle and 50/30-20 raffle. Len Kessler at 440417-6746 or Tom Pescha at 216-470-5780. APR. 8 – Sunrise Farm’s Easter Eggstravaganza, Glasshouse Pavilion, 13115 Kinsman Rd. (Rte. 87), Burton, 11 a.m. Free. Easter egg hunts for the kids, while the adults can enjoy the market’s spring décor, Easter candies, and Easter baskets. 440-834-1298 or http://sunrisefarmgifts.com/april/. APR. 8 – Spring Avant-Garde Art and Craft Show, Strongsville Ehrnfelt Recreation Ctr., 18100 Royalton Rd., Strongsville, 10 a.m.–5 p.m. $3, under 12 free. Features artists and crafters selling their original handmade items. Full concession stand. 440-227-8794 or www.avantgardeshows.com. APR. 20 – “The Story of Robert Long (A Civil War Soldier and POW),” Ohio Genealogical Society, Richland Co. Chapter, OGS Library, 611 St. Rte. 97 W., Bellville, 7 p.m. Free lecture by Pat Drouhard. 419-566-4560, Sunda1960@ yahoo.com, or www.rootsweb.ancestry. com/~ohrichgs/. APR. 21–23 – The Little Mermaid, Geauga Lyric Theater Guild, 101 Water St., Chardon, Fri./Sat. 8 p.m., Sun. 2 p.m. $18, Stds./Srs. $15, $10 C. (12 and under). 440-286-2255 or www. geaugatheater.org.

WEST VIRGINIA

Eggstravaganza

Easter-egg hunts are the order of the day in early April, with events all around the state. Sunrise Farm (pictured), 13115 Kinsman Rd., in Burton, in Geauga County, hosts a free hunt for children 10 and under in its Glasshouse Pavilion at 11 a.m. sharp on April 8. Call 440-834-1298 for details. APR. 22 – EarthFest, Cuyahoga Co. Fgds., 19021 Bagley Rd, Middleburg Heights, 10 a.m.–5 p.m. $8, C. (2–11) $4, under 2 free. Celebrate the Year of Vibrant Green Space at Ohio’s largest environmental education event and the longest-running Earth Day celebration in the nation. Workshops, speakers, free tree giveaways, biodiesel-powered amusement park rides, petting zoos, urban farm animals, and much more. 216-281-6468 or www. earthdaycoalition.org. APR. 22 – 23rd Annual Harrison Coal & Reclamation Historical Park Dinner/ Auction, Wallace Lodge, Sally Buffalo Park, 100 College Way, Cadiz, 5–10 p.m. $18. Buffet-style dinner, keynote speaker, and auction. Auction items may include items related to construction, mining, and agriculture such as models, antique or vintage, modern memorabilia, photos, collectibles, and more. For reservations or information, contact Marilyn at 740-942-3895, Dale at 740-391-4135, or www. hcrhp.org. APR. 27–30 – Geauga County Maple Festival, Historic Chardon Square, Chardon,

APR. 16 – Easter Buffet, North Bend State Park, 202 North Bend Park Rd., Cairo, 11 a.m.–2 p.m. $21.95. Easter Egg Hunt at 2 p.m. 304-643-2931 or www.northbendsp.com. APR. 26 – Administrative Professionals Day Buffet, North Bend State Park, 202 North Bend Park Rd., Cairo, 11:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m. $10.95. 304-643-2931 or www.northbendsp.com.

Thur. noon–10 p.m., Fri./Sat. 10 a.m.–11 p.m., Sun. 11 a.m.–7 p.m. (weather permitting). A festival celebrating “everything maple”! Features arts and crafts, lumberjack competition, bathtub races, and other fun events and contests. Enjoy all-you-can-eat pancakes at Pancakes in the Park, Fri.–Sun., 8 a.m.–2 p.m. 440-286-3007 or www.maplefestival.com. APR. 29 – Troll Mania at Main, Troll Hole Museum, 228 E Main St., Alliance, 10 a.m.–5 p.m. World-record troll doll collection and troll memorabilia.Pick up your treasure map and then visit over 14 shops on Main St. to find the hidden trolls to win prizes. 330-929-1071or www.thetrollhole.com. APR. 22 – Spring Avant-Garde Art and Craft Show, St. George Serbian Ctr., 4667 Applegrove St. NW, North Canton, 10 a.m.–5 p.m. $3, under 12 free. Features artists and crafters selling their original handmade items. Full concession stand. 440-227-8794 or www. avantgardeshows.com.

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

APRIL 2017 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING

MEMBER INTERACTIVE

Cute Easter Kids “My little fur baby, Tator Tot, weighed a pound-and-ahalf full grown, but what a terror! He was the baddest Chihuahua I’ve ever had, and I loved every minute of it!”

“My nephew, Tucker, posing as the Easter bunny.”

Natalie Jones Frontier Power Company member

Tonya Moran Bess South Central Power Company member

“Sitting in her Uncle Dick’s flower garden, Price Bush, daughter of Erica Bush, finds a snack at her first Easter egg hunt.” Richard Crawford South Central Power Company member “Then 4-month-old Kelsey Weigel celebrates Easter back in April 1990.” Don and Michelle Weigel Lorain-Medina Rural Electric Cooperative members

“Cousins Aiden and Elizabeth are on the hunt for Easter eggs at grandma’s house.” Beth Schey Tricounty Rural Electric Cooperative member

Send us your pictures!

Upload your photos at www.ohioec.org/memberinteractive, or send by U.S. mail to: Editor, 6677 Busch Blvd., Columbus, OH 43229. Include your name, mailing address, phone number or e-mail, the name of your electric co-op, the month you’re submitting for, and who the person(s) in the photo is, as well as an explanation of the photo. For October, send us photos from your favorite fall festivals by July 15. For November, send a photo or 100 words describing what you’re thankful for by August 15. 40

OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • APRIL 2017

“What any little kid would LOVE to get on Easter morning: an adorable miniature American Eskimo puppy sleeping in an Easter basket.” Kathy DeHass Holmes-Wayne Electric Cooperative member

www.ohioec.org

EDUCATION, TRAINING, AND INFORMATION Cooperatives educate their consumer-members, employees, and the public about electrical safety, energy efficiency, and the benefits of having a cooperative in the local community through programs like Be E3 Smart.

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