OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • JULY 2024
America’s fastest-growing sport is fun, social, and a hit with all ages.
Ohio native Carl Jara uses a beachy medium to reach for the ‘wow’ factor with his art.
Cover image on most editions: When Brad Ryan found his then80-year-old grandmother, Joy, had never seen a mountain, it inspired a record-breaking quest — and healed a family rift.
This page: Pickleball, a sport somewhere between tennis and pingpong, has been America’s fastest-growing sport for three years running (photograph by Olga Nikiforovavia/Getty Images).
Until recently, the demand for electricity in the United States has been mostly steady, growing a little less than 4% over the past 20 years. Constant improvement in the efficiency of home appliances, air conditioning and heating systems, light bulbs, even electronic chargers, combined with an “offshoring” of many industrial facilities, largely offset the increase in demand that came from an influx of new homes and electric-powered innovations.
Today, however, things look dramatically different.
Our population is increasingly turning to electricity to power our homes and businesses. Manufacturing facilities are springing up across the country to shorten supply chains while others are returning from abroad to respond to incentives for domestic production. Electric vehicles are still in their early stages, but typically add 30% or more to a household’s electricity use. Efficiency improvements continue, but there are diminishing returns when improving on already-efficient appliances.
All this means we need to grow and expand our domestic production of electricity. Sounds easy, but it has proven to be slower and more difficult than in the past. The development of large-scale electric infrastructure that will be able to feed the coming growth in demand comes with trade-offs: cost, land use, and environmental impact not least among them.
Wind and solar continue to be the fastest-growing electricity supply sources (see our story on page 4), and those renewable resources will continue to expand. But we all realize they have limitations; neither is available 24/ 7, and both require (or at least impact) vast amounts of land in order to produce power at the scale we need.
Coal- and natural gas-powered generation can easily supply what we need. However, the U.S. EPA’s most recent rule requiring carbon capture and storage from both existing coalfired power plants and new large natural gas plants will not only force premature closure of remaining coal plants, but will severely limit future development of the most efficient new natural gas plants. Nuclear power plants could be a solution, but they continue to be plagued by high costs and long lead times for permitting and siting, making any significant contribution from new nuclear plants decades away.
With the restrictions that are being placed on current reliable, economical sources of power and limits on the development of new infrastructure, we can only expect a less reliable system, higher costs, and negative impacts on people’s personal and economic well-being. It doesn’t need to be that way.
With the restrictions that are being placed on reliable, economical sources of power, we can only expect a less reliable system, higher costs, and negative impacts on people’s wellbeing.
Ohio Rural Electric Cooperatives
6677 Busch Blvd. Columbus, OH 43229 614-846-5757 www.ohiocoopliving.com
Patrick O’Loughlin President & CEO
Caryn Whitney Director of Communications
Jeff McCallister Senior Managing Editor
Amy Howat Assistant Managing Editor
Neal Kindig Graphic Designer
Contributors: Tim Baldwin, Margaret Buranen, Colleen Romick Clark, Getty Images, W.H. “Chip” Gross, Catherine Murray, James Proffitt, and Jamie Rhein.
OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING (USPS 134-760; ISSN 2572-049X) is published monthly by Ohio Rural Electric Cooperatives, Inc. It is the official communication 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 Berne, IN 46711, 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 Office, Consumer Protection Section, 30 E. Broad St., Columbus, OH 43215. Periodicals postage paid at Columbus, OH, and at additional mailing offices.
Revisiting renewables: What’s so complicated about switching to green energy? 8
Walking-stick work of art: Our outdoors editor goes on a quest for the perfect hiking helper.
10
Destination everywhere: Prolific park explorers now look for new treks to tackle.
13
Straight from the garden: The freshest of garden gems take these recipes to the next level.
17
News and other important information from your electric cooperative.
33
What’s happening: July/August events and other things to do around Ohio.
National/regional 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
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Sandcastles: Members share their sandy works of art — such as the photo at right, submitted by South Central Power Company member Robin Snyder, who was rightfully proud of “the most, best, never-beenanother-one-like-it” family design!
Visit Ohio Cooperative Living magazine online at www.ohiocoopliving.com!
Read past issues and watch videos about our articles or our recipes. Our site features an expanded Member Interactive area, where you can share your stories, recipes, and photos and find content submitted by other co-op members across the state.
With reliability
and affordability as priorities,
power companies find it’s not easy being green.BY AMY HOWAT
There’s an important debate going on currently about the best way to generate electricity to power America’s homes and businesses, framed something like this: Low- or zero-carbon-emission sources that are both generally expensive and only intermittently available on the one side; reliable and economical but carbon-emitting sources on the other.
Ohio’s electric cooperatives, however, insist that generation shouldn’t be a matter of either/or — either fossil-fuel generation or renewable energy sources. Instead, they execute an all-of-the-above strategy, utilizing the best available mix while also planning for the future with growing use of renewable sources like solar energy — when it’s logical to do so.
“While coal and natural gas provide the bulk of our electricity supply in a reliable and cost-competitive manner, we continue to seek opportunities to develop renewable
energy projects that make sense for our members,” says Pat O’Loughlin, president and CEO of Ohio’s Electric Cooperatives, the trade association that provides services to the 24 electric distribution cooperatives in the state.
“Our hydropower, bio-gas, and solar resources are an important part of the mix. We’re always looking to grow and expand our supply resources in economical, practical, and beneficial ways.”
With that in mind, Ohio’s cooperatives actively oppose new federal regulations that could force the closure of coal-fired power plants in the U.S., because those plants are critical to meeting the needs of cooperative members.
That doesn’t mean co-ops are fighting against renewable energy, but instead are advocating for a realistic timeline for reducing use of fossil fuels. In fact, Ohio’s electric cooperatives and Buckeye Power, the generation and transmission cooperative providing electricity to the state’s
The 14-acre OurSolar 2 site, which provides solar power to all of Ohio’s electric cooperatives, wraps around Hancock-Wood’s original OurSolar array on co-op property near Findlay (photo by Tim Baldwin).
STATUS: About 75% of Buckeye Power’s renewable energy comes from hydropower, though Ohio lacks the geography — specifically, significant elevation changes — needed to produce large amounts of electricity from dammed rivers in the state. Instead, Buckeye has an agreement with the New York Power Authority to purchase 55 megawatts of hydropower from the Niagara and St. Lawrence-FDR power projects.
ANALYSIS: Hydroelectric power, which relies on the ongoing movement of water through turbines, is a proven and reliable renewable, providing consistent baseload generation as the rivers flow.
However, environmental concerns are now driving efforts to reduce hydropower facilities, particularly in the western U.S. “If anything, there is a push to retire these plants, rather than building new ones,” Buckeye’s Ben Wilson says.
OUTLOOK: While hydropower will continue to be an important portion of renewable energy in the U.S. and in Ohio’s energy mix, it’s not a likely source of growth to replace fossil fuels or meet ever-growing energy demands. Hydroelectric power blossomed in the U.S. starting in the late 1800s, and most rivers that are suitable for hydroelectric plants already have them.
STATUS: Wind, which is an intermittent source like solar, isn’t a significant portion of Buckeye Power’s generation mix. The small amount of wind power it receives comes from member-owned facilities that produce excess energy that feeds back into the grid.
ANALYSIS: “Wind can fit into an overall portfolio,” Ben Wilson says. “It’s lost favor to solar because solar prices have come down quite a bit, while wind costs have not.” Solar generation also edges out wind for Ohio because solar arrays produce well during the hottest peakdemand weeks of summer. “Sometimes, there’s no wind on hot days, when the energy is really needed.”
co-ops, have expanded renewable energy offerings in ways that meet co-op members’ needs and frequently analyze options to grow renewable generation.
That focus on members’ interests has driven Buckeye Power’s current energy mix, and will continue to guide growth in the future, says Craig Grooms, chief operating officer. “Our mission is to provide affordable, reliable, and environmentally responsible power,” he says. “Affordability and reliability drive everything we do.”
Buckeye’s current portfolio is reliable and cost-effective, so potential changes must be evaluated carefully.
“We have sufficient generation capacity, and it’s still affordable,” says Ben Wilson, assistant vice president of power delivery for Buckeye Power. “It’s like we have a very reliable car that’s not a brand-new car but still runs great. We’ll take action if and when members tell us they want us to and we can do it economically.”
OUTLOOK: Buckeye Power experimented with wind power partnerships for a project in Iowa several years ago, says OEC’s Craig Grooms, but eventually, transmitting that power from the area of the country with the best wind production (the Great Plains) to Ohio simply was not cost-effective. “What we learned, primarily, is there is a lot of value in having our power generation close to where we actually consume it,” Grooms says.
As the market changes, wind might become more viable for Ohio’s co-ops, Wilson says. “If wind prices come down, we could shift back that way.”
Government grants could make new green-energy projects more feasible. “We’re exploring federal funding opportunities that might make sense for Ohio co-op members,” Grooms says. “We’re looking at solar, batteries, or maybe a combination of those.”
On this page and the following pages, we take an honest look at the current status, as well as future growth potential, of various renewable sources of generation.
“Every form of energy has trade-offs,” Grooms says. “There is no perfect form of energy. It’s easy to say we should just build enough solar and wind and transport it where it’s needed, but designing something in a model isn’t the same as building it in reality. It took it more than 100 years to get where we are. We can’t expect that in 15 years, we’re going to transition to something completely different.”
The New York Power Authority’s Niagara Power Project (below) and St. Lawrence-FDR Power Project send 55 megawatts of hydroelectric power to Ohio’s electric cooperative members.
STATUS: Solar power currently provides a little more than 5% of the power from renewable sources in Buckeye Power’s energy mix. Ohio cooperatives have invested in community solar through the OurSolar project, rather than building industrial-scale solar arrays, says Ryan Goolsby, director of engineering at Hancock-Wood Electric Cooperative in New Baltimore.
“OurSolar was sized based on the interest of members,” Goolsby says. “Ohio has seen opposition to very large projects converting thousands of acres of farmland to solar panels to sell electricity into the market. This is a much smaller scale; it’s by co-ops for co-op members.”
OurSolar’s first phase in 2017 saw smaller arrays go up at 23 co-op sites around Ohio. The second phase — a single 14-acre site on Hancock-Wood property with allocations to all Ohio co-ops — doubled the generation capacity for Ohio’s cooperatives, to 4.1 megawatts.
ANALYSIS: Solar energy offers some advantages. First, of course, is the environmental benefit of carbon-free generation from the sun. In addition, the technology for solar panels is readily available and the costs have been coming down, making solar energy less cost-prohibitive than in years past.
Anyone who’s spent a winter in Ohio, however, can attest to one of solar energy’s major shortcomings:
STATUS: Nearly 20% of Buckeye Power’s renewable energy comes from member-owned facilities that produce electricity from methane gas — and two-thirds of that comes from landfills, which produce methane as organic garbage decomposes. The rest comes from anaerobic digesters, which break down animal waste for methane, at co-op member-owned farms.
OUTLOOK: While these are valuable sources of renewable energy, significant growth in this area isn’t expected.
The sun doesn’t always shine. So, while OurSolar has the capacity to produce 4.1 MW, “that’s at midday on a nice, sunny day across Ohio,” says OEC’s Ben Wilson. On average, actual generation from the solar panels is closer to 1 MW because of cloudy days and dark nights, when little to no electricity is produced.
With community solar, members benefit because they can access solar energy without the up-front costs of rooftop panels. “Most members don’t have the roughly $18,000 or more needed for an average home solar installation,” Goolsby says. “Additionally, residential solar typically excludes renters, homeowners in certain HOAs, and homeowners whose property isn’t well-suited for solar production. OurSolar is there for any member.”
OUTLOOK: Because solar production is intermittent, though, it makes sense only when complementing reliable, always-available generation. The outlook is better when solar generation is paired with battery storage, to provide electricity when the sun isn’t shining.
“Battery storage is still new enough that there are concerns about longevity and performance,” Wilson says. “But the signs are good that battery storage will be part of grid operations going forward. Pairing solar with batteries is still pricy, but the technology works and can be part of a diverse resource mix.”
STATUS: An endless supply of energy exists in Earth’s super-hot core, and keeps the ground even a few feet down at nearly constant temperatures year-round. Homeowners and businesses already can tap into that resource for heating and air conditioning through geothermal heat pumps. Similarly, larger-scale facilities can generate electricity in places where geothermal energy is close to the surface (think volcanoes and geysers).
OUTLOOK: Ohio is not one of those places. Advances in drilling technology could make deep geothermal an option in the future, even where the Earth’s heat is more deeply buried. “Techniques for (natural gas) fracking have gotten very good for deep drilling,” OEC’s Ben Wilson says. “The idea is to drill wells so deep that we can capture that heat. That could happen here in the future.”
STATUS: Nuclear power combines the benefits of zero carbon emissions seen in wind and solar production with high reliability that is industry-leading. “Nuclear is the best of both worlds,” says OEC’s Ben Wilson. “It has no emissions, but it’s very reliable, always on, providing very good baseload power.”
ANALYSIS: With those benefits, why doesn’t Ohio just build nuclear plants to replace coal generation and meet growing energy demand? The answer hinges on cost, time, and red tape. In the past year, utilities in Georgia opened two new nuclear reactors, the first such units built in the U.S. in decades. They will provide carbon-emission-free electricity for years to come, but the project came in about $17 billion and seven years over initial projections. Government regulatory hurdles, coupled with the time and money
needed to site, plan, and build new nuclear facilities, make this attractive energy source a very long-term and risky investment.
OUTLOOK: There is hope on the horizon for more practical deployment of nuclear energy in the form of small modular reactors, also called SMRs. These advanced reactors, which are still in the research and development phase, are smaller than conventional reactors and will provide several advantages, including having a smaller footprint (making them feasible on sites not large enough for conventional facilities) and consisting of prefabricated units that can be manufactured elsewhere and then installed on-site.
Once this technology is available — though no one can say when that will be — new nuclear generation could become more practical.
Power generation is often measured in megawatts (MW). One megawatt is equal to 1 million watts (or 1,000 kilowatts). Each MW of electricity can power about 250 homes during the hottest or coldest hours of the year.
Ohio Cooperative Living magazine is seeking photography submissions from our electric cooperative members. Send us beautiful landscape, wildlife, and floral photos from your cooperative hometown. Winning submissions will receive a cash prize and be published in the 2025 edition of the cooperative calendar.
• One photo entry per household.
• High-resolution, color, digital images only.
• Only JPEG or TIF file formats will be accepted.
• Please send submissions by email attachment only to photo@ohioec.org.
• Photo format must be horizontal and capable of filling an 8x11-inch image area.
• Provide an explanation of the photo — where, what, when — and who took the photo.
• Include your name, address, phone number, and the name of your co-op For more information, visit OhioCoopLiving.com/calendar
re your favorite hiking trails somehow growing inexplicably longer and steeper? If so, congratulations! You’re a “seasoned citizen.” For most outdoor folks, that hard-won status usually kicks in sometime around age 50.
The realization that I had qualified for the honored designation dawned on me a few years ago while hiking in the Hocking Hills in southeast Ohio. That region has some of the most beautiful trails in the Buckeye State, but also some of the most rugged. About halfway through my day I was wishing I had a hiking staff — especially when ascending or descending the steep, rocky, narrow footpaths.
Thus began my search for just the right sapling from which to make a staff. Sure, I could have purchased a pair of those lightweight, aluminum trekking poles,
but that’s not what I had in mind. What I was looking for was a single small tree with a natural spiral — something unique, something with character.
After a lengthy search spanning several months, I eventually found just the right tree — growing, of all places, on my own property
About a dozen feet high, it was a thin sugar maple that had grown straight up for about feet, then grew straight again. Perfect!
What caused the spiraling? Chad Sanders, a forester friend of mine who works for the Ohio Division of Forestry at Mohican-Memorial State Forest near Loudonville, has a theory: “Probably an Oriental bittersweet vine or some other vine wrapped itself around the tree for a few years as it grew,” he says.
I’m not a woodworker, but fortunately I have a buddy who is a master at the craft. Gary Isbell, a member of Consolidated Cooperative, turns out gorgeous cabinets, tables, chairs, and other functional works of art from his basement workshop near Sunbury in central Ohio. I asked him if he could work his magic on my maple sapling and turn it into a hiking staff, and he was eager to take it on: “I thrive on trying new projects that I’ve never tackled before,” he told me.
As you can see by the accompanying photos, the hiking staff turned out great — a work of art that I will enjoy for the rest of my days. No doubt, it will be passed down to my kids and grandkids down the
line. Weighing about 3 pounds, the staff measures just over 5 feet in length, is an inch-and-a-quarter in diameter at the top, and tapers to 1 inch in diameter near the bottom.
You don’t have to be a geezer like me to benefit from a hiking staff. In addition to helping you walk more steadily, a hiking stick has other uses. For instance, it can be used to move briars and other obstructions out of your path, and it will help you cross creeks or other wet areas more securely. Also, a hiking staff could potentially be used as a stout defensive weapon to fend off predators.
Prolific park explorers now look for new treks to tackle.
No one could have known when Brad Ryan’s parents divorced years ago that it would result in a long, record-breaking, heartwarming journey.
“There was some grievance that I was holding onto,” Brad says, recalling matter-of-factly his decade-long estrangement from his grandmother, Joy Ryan. He began letting go of that grievance when they ran into each other at a family wedding in 2008. “She was 80 and she told me she regretted never seeing a mountain in her lifetime. I’ve traveled around the world a little bit and when she told me that, it kind of jarred my heart.”
Joy lives in Duncan Falls, a sleepy town nestled against the rolling hills along the Muskingum River southeast of Zanesville, where she’s a longtime member of New Concord-based Guernsey-Muskingum Electric Cooperative. When they finally reconnected, Brad noticed she was suffering some health issues, and clearly needed a change.
Brad was in veterinary school when he took Joy, at the time 85, camping in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. That was the beginning of an odyssey that grabbed national attention — and spurred his realization that something had been sorely missing in his life for years: his grandmother, Joy.
That first trip was rough. It was the first time Joy had ever slept in a tent, and she fell off the air mattress — twice. But it was perfect.
“Yeah, that didn’t bother me at all,” Joy exclaims with energetic defiance. “It was raining cats and dogs, but a little rain doesn’t hurt anybody.”
Undeterred by torrential downpours and mud, and inspired by their ascension to the top of the miles-long Alum Cave Trail, Brad wondered if she’d like to visit all 63 U.S. national parks. She replied with a phrase remembered from his youth: “Let’s give it a whirl!”
And so they did. Beginning in 2015, they began hitting more national parks. Zion, check. Shenandoah, check. Cuyahoga, Rainier, Denali, Yosemite, Everglades, Yellowstone, Badlands, check-check-check-check-check. You get the idea.
It took eight years to check them all off the list. The final one was also the most distant — they ventured the 7,000 air miles from Muskingum County to the National Park of American Samoa in May 2023.
They chronicled their adventures with plenty of cool photographs via their Instagram account, @grandmajoysroadtrip. Along the way their account attracted more than 107,000 followers.
When Joy travels, she doesn’t simply sit in a seat looking out a window; Brad stresses that she gets involved. “I want people to really know what Grandma Joy is actually made of,” he says. And while Joy won’t come out and say she put her grandson to shame on the hiking trails, Brad isn’t bashful about spilling the beans. “If I stopped on the trail to take a picture of a butterfly, I’d look up and she’d be half a
football field in front of me,” he says, laughing. “That’s true.”
There are more examples. Like the time when Joy, alone, rolled down a towering sand dune at Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve in Colorado. What else? “Well, we went whitewater rafting in Alaska,” Joy says, “and we went zip-lining at New River Gorge National Park in West Virginia, and we walked the New River Gorge Bridge.”
In fact, she set the record by a decade as the oldest person to complete the zip-line course, which includes launching off 10 different platforms. The bridge is the third tallest in the U.S. and the longest steel span in the Western Hemisphere. A small wrinkle: Brad’s not so keen on heights. “I’m telling you, when we had to go underneath that bridge, it took him a lot of courage to do that,” she says. “They said, ‘Who wants to go first?’ and of course my big mouth — I said, ‘I’ll do it!’ and I forgot Brad had to go, too. He’s a pretty good guy.”
The duo’s mission did not go unnoticed. In addition to Insta-fame, the Today show featured them in the Rocky Mountains National Park, and Rachael Ray surprised the pair with trips to national parks in Alaska. They twice appeared on David Muir’s America Strong, and twice on the Tamron Hall Show. They’ve been featured on CNN, on NPR, and in magazines and podcasts too numerous to count.
Continued on page 12
Continued from page 11
Give Grandma Joy a follow @grandmajoysroadtrip on Instagram
But once they finished their list, they realized they didn’t want to quit traveling together, and now they’ve gone international. After jaunts to the African nation of Kenya and to the Galapagos Islands (gifts from Hall and National Geographic), they’ve now set their sights on visiting all seven continents. Recent trips have included Ecuador and Chile — so check Africa and South America off the list, along with North America, of course.
“Right now we’re in the early stages of planning a trip to Australia and a fall trip to Antarctica,” Brad says. “That will be five out of seven continents.”
Joy says that everywhere she’s gone during her adventures, she’s felt at home. “As soon as you say, ‘Hi! How are you?’ strangers become friends for sure. That’s how everybody is all over the world,” she says.
Now 94, Grandma Joy has earnest advice: “If somebody asks you to go somewhere, do not say ‘No,’ because the next day you’ll regret it. If you don’t go when people ask, you can’t complain because you have to sit there in a chair on the porch.”
The freshest of garden gems take these recipes to the next level.
Lots of ingredients can be made into great pesto: basil, of course, as well as arugula, spinach, parsley, carrot greens, and fennel fronds; this one features sorrel and chives, two fast-growing and spreading perennials. Sorrel, while less commonly known, is easy to grow in Ohio and, like chives, is one of the first things to come up in spring and lasts all the way through fall. Sorrel has a tart, lemony flavor, perfect for pesto. Harvest herbs at the end of the season to make a large batch to freeze for quick dinners all winter long. Note: Sorrel comes in many varieties; one is red-veined, which would likely influence the pesto's color.
Prep: 10 minutes | Cook: 7 to 12 minutes | Servings: 6 to 8
1 medium garlic clove
3 ounces unsalted walnuts or pine nuts
3 ounces Parmesan cheese, divided 1 ounce chives
3 ounces sorrel leaves (thick or tough stems removed)
2 to 6 tablespoons lemon juice
2 to 4 tablespoons olive oil
1 pound pasta of your choice
Cook pasta according to package directions and plan for the pesto to be ready before the pasta is done cooking. Place garlic, nuts, and 1 ounce of the Parmesan cheese in a food processor and pulse until finely minced. Tear chives into 3-inch pieces, add them to the food processor, and pulse again. Add sorrel leaves and pulse again — if the processor struggles to break them apart, scrape sides and rearrange them. Once a finely minced paste is formed, pulse in 2 tablespoons lemon juice and 2 tablespoons olive oil. Pulse until smooth, adding more oil to loosen the paste if needed. Taste: If flavor is dull or bitter, adding more lemon juice (or a dash of salt) should do the trick. Transfer cooked, hot pasta to a large bowl and spoon some pesto on top. With a pair of tongs, mix to generously coat pasta with pesto. Just before serving, add a dash of lemon juice and sprinkle with thinly shredded Parmesan cheese. Refrigerate leftover pesto with a thin layer of olive oil on top to prevent oxidation and use within a week, or freeze for up to 3 months.
Per serving: 357 calories, 14 grams fat (3 grams saturated fat), 7 milligrams cholesterol, 129 milligrams sodium, 45 grams total carbohydrates, 3 grams fiber, 13 grams protein.
Prep: 15 minutes | Cook: 2 minutes | Servings: 8
½ jalapeño, seeded and diced
1 medium clove garlic
1 tablespoon honey
2 tablespoons lime juice
¼ cup olive oil
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon pepper
a few sprigs cilantro or chives, coarsely chopped
3 cups trimmed and cut fresh green beans
1 cup fresh corn kernels
1 medium cucumber, diced small
1 cup diced fresh tomatoes (Roma or cherry preferred)
Using an immersion blender, blend the first 8 ingredients (jalapeño through chives) to make dressing. Set aside. Bring a small pot of water and a dash of salt to a boil, throw in green beans, and blanch for 2 minutes. Drain and rinse with cold water until cooled. In a large bowl, toss vegetables together. Let sit 5 minutes, then drain excess liquid from vegetables. Toss vegetables with dressing and serve. Refrigerate leftovers; eat within 4 days.
Per serving: 108 calories, 7.5 grams fat (1 gram saturated fat), 0 milligrams cholesterol, 153 milligrams sodium, 10.5 grams total carbohydrates, 4 grams fiber, 2 grams protein.
Prep: 20 minutes | Bake: 45 minutes | Servings: 16 to 20
1½ teaspoons cinnamon
1½ teaspoons cardamom
1½ teaspoons ground ginger
½ teaspoon allspice
½ teaspoon cloves
½ teaspoon nutmeg
2½ cups flour
1½ teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
2½ cups grated carrots (or parsnips)
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup packed brown sugar
1 cup vegetable oil
4 eggs
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
3 cups powdered sugar
2 tablespoons milk
2 teaspoons chai spice mix
In a small bowl, mix together spices (cinnamon through nutmeg). Reserve 2 teaspoons of this chai spice mix for the frosting. In a medium bowl, thoroughly whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and the bowl of chai spice mix.
Preheat oven to 350 F. In a large bowl with an electric mixer, blend together carrots, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vegetable oil, and eggs. With a spatula, fold dry ingredients into carrot mixture until just combined. Pour into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. Bake 40 to 45 minutes, or until tester comes out clean. Remove from oven and let cool.
With an electric mixer, blend cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, milk, and remaining 2 teaspoons chai spice mix. Add milk to desired consistency. Frost cake when both cake and frosting are at room temperature.
Per serving: 388 calories, 18 grams fat (6 grams saturated fat), 50 milligrams cholesterol, 199 milligrams sodium, 54 grams total carbohydrates, 1 gram fiber, 4 grams protein.
While chicken cacciatore is traditionally served over rice, pasta, orpolenta, continue the garden theme with mashed potatoes or spaghetti squashinstead .
Cook: 25 minutes | Bake: 30 minutes | Servings: 6 to 8
3 to 4 pounds bone-in, skin-on chicken (legs, thighs, and/or drumsticks) salt and pepper
3 tablespoons olive oil
1 medium onion, diced
1 large bell pepper, stemmed, seeded, and chopped
5 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
¾ cup dry white wine
3 or 4 large tomatoes
a few sprigs fresh rosemary, sage, and/or thyme
1 tablespoon cornstarch
2 tablespoons water
2 pounds mashed potatoes
Boil water in a small pot. Cut an “X” in the bottom of each tomato and carefully submerge them in the water for 60 seconds. Drain tomatoes and run under cold water to cool them down enough to handle. Peel and discard skin, then chop tomatoes and set aside.
Pat dry chicken and season with salt and pepper. Heat oil over medium-high in a large Dutch oven (or a tall oven-proof pan). Cook until browned all over, about 5 minutes per side. Remove chicken from pan and sauté onion and peppers until softened, about 7 minutes, then add garlic and stir for 1 minute. Carefully pour in wine and bring to a simmer, loosening any bits from the bottom. Add tomatoes along with herb sprigs and a bit more salt and pepper to taste. In a small bowl, mix cornstarch and water, then stir into the vegetables. Cook until simmering again.
Heat oven to 350 F. Nestle chicken pieces into the vegetables and place uncovered on middle rack in oven. Bake about 30 minutes, until chicken is cooked through and sauce is slightly thickened. Discard herb sprigs. Serve over mashed potatoes.
Per serving: 402 calories, 22 grams fat (6 grams saturated fat), 83 milligrams cholesterol, 185 milligrams sodium, 23 grams total carbohydrates, 3 grams fiber, 24 grams protein.
Try the world’s most tender steaks, extra-aged 28+ days to perfection. Discover premium quality beef that’s grain-finished for exquisite flavor. Experience the juiciest air-chilled chicken, tastiest pork, and so much more. The Gourmet Steakhouse Assortment
4 Butcher’s Cut Filet Mignons (5 oz.)
4 Air-Chilled Boneless Chicken Breasts (4 oz.)
4 Boneless Pork Chops (5 oz.)
4 Omaha Steaks Burgers (4 oz.)
4 Gourmet Jumbo Franks (3 oz.)
4 Individual Scalloped Potatoes (3.8 oz.)
4 Caramel Apple Tartlets (4 oz.)
1 Omaha Steaks Seasoning (3 oz.)
4 FREE Air-Chilled Boneless Chicken Breasts (4 oz.)
4 FREE Omaha Steaks Burgers (4 oz.)
Imagine you’re watching a football game, and just as your team is about to score, the power goes out. Frustrating, right? Unfortunately, restoring power isn’t as simple as calling a time-out and getting back on the field immediately.
I often field questions from members (and my neighbors) about power outages and the time it takes to get the lights back on. Given our reliance on electricity, there’s never a good time to be without it. This month, I’d like to shed light on our restoration process to help our members understand what may be happening behind the scenes. Here are seven things you might not know about power restoration:
1 We need you. When your power goes out, it might be just at your home or a small section of a neighborhood. We rely on you to let us know if your power is out. A great way to alert us and receive notifications is through the SmartHub app. Visit our website at buckeyerec.coop/smarthub/ if you don’t have our app yet. BREC utilizes the best available technology and your contact triggers our OMS (Outage Management System) into action to assist us in identifying the trouble and locations.
2 It’s a team effort. Every Buckeye REC employee is working to get your power restored as soon as possible. Our member services representatives field calls during the day, updates are provided through Facebook, engineers and field staff survey damage, our vegetation management team clears hazards, operations determine where to dispatch crews, and communicators keep everyone informed of progress or potential dangers. When your power goes out, we all work together to get you back to normal as quickly and safely as possible.
3 We assess the situation first. Every outage is different, and we don’t know how hazardous it is or what specialized equipment is needed to make repairs or what power line devices might need to be replaced. When responding to outages, we first need to see what happened, then figure out what materials we need and plan how to fix the problem(s) without compromising electric flow for the rest of our members.
4 Restoration is prioritized by the largest number of members we can get back on in the shortest amount of time. Our crews focus on responding first to public
safety issues and critical services like medical centers and water pumping stations. Then, we complete work that affects the largest number of people, which nearly always involves the main feeder lines that have to be working before we can make repairs to any other branch lines.
5 Our employees face many hazardous conditions. Besides working around high-voltage electricity, our crews are on alert for extreme weather conditions, falling trees, and fast-moving cars. (If you ever drive past one of our vehicles, please do so slowly.)
6 Our employees have to plan and eat. If you ever see our trucks parked somewhere, including restaurants, while your power is out, know that sometimes our employees huddle in a safe, common area to map out their plans for getting your power back on, or there are reasons of which you’re not aware. Our crews work long, hard hours during outages (typically 16hour shifts) and need to take time for meals just like everyone else.
7 Sometimes it’s a waiting game. Our portion of the power grid is connected to other electric utilities, and we maintain positive relationships with power providers interconnected to our system. If our outage is due to an issue from their supply to our system, we must let them do their repairs and be mindful of what they’re going through to fix it.
We do our best to avoid power disruptions, but they are inevitable from time to time. We can’t do much to prevent outages from tall trees falling from outside of our right-of-way or adventuresome squirrels at the wrong place at the wrong time.
You can rest assured that your cooperative has made the investment in outage management technology and over the years, constructed interconnections so that we can backfeed between our substations, to get your lights back on while repairs are being made. If the lights go out, know that your co-op team is working as quickly and safely as possible to restore power. If you experience an outage, please let us know by reporting it through SmartHub or calling 800-282-7204
BUCKEYE RURAL ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE LOCAL PAGES
OFFICIAL NOTICE TO ALL MEMBERS OF BUCKEYE RURAL ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE, INC.
Annual meeting of members
Thursday, August 8, 2024, at 5:30 p.m.
Members are invited to attend the meeting, which will be held at: The Buckeye Rural Electric Cooperative, Rio Grande office, located at 4848 State Route 325 S, Patriot, Ohio 45658
Commencement/call to order
Reading of “Notice of Meeting” and proof of publication or mailing
Reading of 2023 annual meeting minutes and action thereon Board, officer, committee, and management reports
Election of Board Members — Results
Unfinished business
Adjournment
August 12,
President Berridge called the Annual Members Meeting of Buckeye Rural Electric Cooperative, Inc., (BREC) to order at 10:00 a.m., with President Berridge welcoming all the members, guests and others in attendance.
Paul Berridge gave the invocation. Abigail Baldwin, 2022 BREC Youth Tour delegate, led those attending in the Pledge of Allegiance.
President Berridge introduced the officers and trustees of the board, including J. Wesley Williams, first vice president; William Holcomb, secretary/ treasurer; Dennis Blakeman; Ron Hatfield; Tim Massie; Dan Newsome; and Jodie Penrod. Jim Herrell was absent.
Attorney Robert R. Miller read the Official Notice of Meeting from page 18 in the August 2023 issue of Ohio Cooperative Living magazine and the Certificate of Mailing.
A motion was duly made, seconded, and carried by voice vote to waive the reading and to accept the 2022 minutes.
President Berridge spoke with the members about capital credits, BREC’s tax-exempt status, taxes paid into the community, and the retirement of former executive vice president, Tonda Meadows. In 2022, BREC returned more than $1.2 million in capital credits and paid approximately $2.5 million in sales, property, and kilowatt taxes. He spoke about Ms. Meadows’ service to the cooperative and introduced Kent Eldridge, who was selected to serve as the CEO effective January 1, 2023.
Kent Eldridge recognized the veterans and activeduty military or reserves and thanked them for their service and sacrifice. Eldridge also paid tribute to former BREC linemen Blake Rodgers. In remembrance, he requested that all rise for a moment of silence.
CEO Kent Eldridge, recognized four area high school students and was proud to report that the Youth Tour was back for the first time since COVID-19, as of 2022. The board of trustees had decided to send two additional students to Washington, D.C.
Abigail Baldwin was asked to speak about her experience at the 2022 Youth Tour Washington, D.C., trip. She began her speech by thanking BREC for selecting her as a delegate for 2022.
CEO Kent Eldridge, spoke to the members about the three steps of receiving electrical power, and what are the cooperative’s responsibilities, and shared round numbers to describe BREC 2022 financial position and performance.
A video message from Pat O’Loughlin, President and CEO of Ohio’s Electric Cooperatives and Buckeye Power, was played for the members in attendance. This message included the annual report to the cooperative about the state of the cooperatives in Ohio. Ohio’s Electric Cooperatives and Buckeye Power are our generation providers.
Kent shared three major projects that are going on at BREC. The first project in 2022 was a sixmonth-long total system software conversion. The second project was the continuation of the ARC fiber grant that was awarded in 2019. This project was unexpectedly delayed due to COVID-19 and material shortages. The third project was the Ohio Emergency Management Agency Grant. The February 2021 ice storm resulted in more than 150 broken utility poles and crossarms and more than 640 miles of downed and tangled power lines, which caused millions of dollars’ worth of damage.
Mr. Eldridge closed with information about what 2023 holds for BREC and the member-owners. He is optimistic about the upcoming year and encourages members to follow us throughout the year.
There was no unfinished or new business.
A motion was made, seconded and carried by voice vote to adjourn at 10:55 A.M.
William Holcomb, Secretary/Treasurer
Jim Herrell – District I, Lawrence County
Jim Herrell, hailing from Lawrence County, is a dedicated member of the Mamre Baptist Church and an active participant in the Farm Bureau and the Ohio Cattlemen’s Association. After a 32-year career with the USDA Farm Service Agency, Jim retired but continues to serve his community with unwavering commitment.
A fourth-generation member of the Buckeye Rural Electric Cooperative (BREC), Jim values the close-knit relationships he shares
with his friends and neighbors, most of whom are also BREC members. He has been on the board since August of 2018 and is passionate about maintaining strong communication between the cooperative’s members and its management. Jim holds a Credentialed Cooperative Director certificate and a Board Leadership certificate, which are earned by attending a total of eight full-day classes. He seeks to continue his role on the board to ensure their voices are heard and their needs met.
Dennis Blakeman – District III, Jackson County
Dennis, a resident of Jackson County, has been connected to cooperative lines since 1976 and has dedicated his life to farming. Dennis is still very active in the farming operation on his family farm and his passion for agriculture keeps him engaged in the farming community.
Serving on the Buckeye Rural Electric Cooperative (BREC) board of trustees since 1991, Dennis brings decades of experience and insight to his role. He holds a Credentialed Cooperative Director certificate, a Board Leadership certificate, and a Director
Gold certification, underscoring his commitment to effective governance and leadership. Dennis has attended multiple legislative conferences in Washington, D.C., and is passionate about his involvement in the strategic planning and policy committees. Dennis appreciates the opportunity to serve his district and looks forward to continuing to represent the membership, ensuring their voices are heard and their needs addressed. His deep roots in the cooperative and farming communities make him a valuable advocate for the members he represents.
William “Bill” Holcomb – District IV, Athens, Meigs, and Vinton Counties
Bill Holcomb has been a lifelong resident of Meigs County, where he raises livestock and grows nursery trees. A state Grange member since the age of 14, Bill is also actively involved in the Gallia County community as a retired agriculture instructor.
Having been a cooperative member since 1989, Bill understands the frustrations related to power system limitations. As a board member, his goals include facilitating policies that support the expansion of reliable broadband access and promote measures to minimize power interruptions. Key areas of
focus are keeping rights-of-way clean, installing new lines and poles where possible, and improving the safety culture, to reduce the impact on cooperative members and investing in training.
Through a commitment to continuous learning, Bill has earned a Credentialed Cooperative Director certificate, a Board Leadership certificate, and Director Gold credential, which equip him with valuable insights into strategies that improve the Cooperative. This dedication ensures a better experience for all members.
During the month of July and prior to the annual meeting on August 8, 2024, cooperative members will have the opportunity to vote online or via mail on changes to the Code of Regulations. The following pages outline the proposed changes.
The first matter to be voted upon proposes a change to replace the term “General Manager” with the term “Chief Executive Officer” (“CEO”) throughout the Code of Regulations.
The second matter to be voted upon is proposed change to meeting of the members, flexibility of annual meeting date (Article III).
Copies of these changes will be available at the annual meeting. The current Code of Regulations is available on our website: www.buckeyerec.coop. If you would like a copy of the Code of Regulations, you may contact our office at 800.231.2732 or 740.379.2025.
CHANGE #1 - PROPOSED CHANGE TO REPLACE THE TERM “GENERAL MANAGER” WITH THE TERM “CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER” THROUGHOUT THE CODE OF REGULATIONS (ARTICLE VI)
This change will specifically be effectuated in the following sections that will need to be revised:
Section 1. Number
CURRENT LANGUAGE:
The officers of the cooperative shall be President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, General Manager and such other officers as may be determined by the Board from time to time.
PROPOSED LANGUAGE – Changes bold and italicized:
The officers of the cooperative shall be President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, CEO and such other officers as may be determined by the Board from time to time.
Section 2. Election and Term of Office
CURRENT LANGUAGE:
Each officer, except the General Manager and any of the officers appointed pursuant to Section 3 Article VI, shall be elected by ballot annually by and from the Board at the meeting of the Board held
immediately after the annual meeting of the members. If the election of officers shall not be held at such meeting, such election shall be held as soon thereafter as is convenient. Each officer shall hold office until the first meeting of the Board following the next succeeding annual meeting of the members or until his/her successor shall have been elected and shall have qualified, subject to the provisions of this Code of Regulations with respect to the removal of officers. The General Manager shall be chosen and employed and his/her compensation shall be set by the Board. A vacancy in any office shall be filled by the Board for the unexpired portion of the term.
PROPOSED LANGUAGE – Changes bold and italicized:
Each officer, except the CEO and any of the officers appointed pursuant to Section 3 Article VI, shall be elected by ballot annually by and from the Board at the meeting of the Board held immediately after the annual meeting of the members. If the election of officers shall not be held at such meeting, such election shall be held as soon thereafter as is convenient. Each officer shall hold office until the first meeting of the Board following the next succeeding annual meeting of the members or until his/her successor shall have been elected and shall have qualified, subject to the provisions of this Code of Regulations with respect to the removal of officers. The CEO shall be chosen and employed, and his/her compensation shall be set by the Board. A vacancy in any office shall be filled by the Board for the unexpired portion of the term.
Section 4. Election and Term of Office
CURRENT LANGUAGE:
Any officer elected or appointed by the Board may be removed by the Board whenever in its judgment the best interests of the Cooperative will be served thereby. In addition, any member of the Cooperative may bring charges against an officer and by filing with the Secretary such charges in writing together with a petition signed by ten per centum of the members may request the removal of such officer. The officer against whom such charges have been brought shall be informed in writing of the charges at least ten days prior to the Board meeting at which the charges are to be considered and shall have an
opportunity at the meeting to be heard in person or by counsel and to present evidence in respect of the charges. The person or persons bringing the charges against him/her shall have the same opportunity. In the event the Board does not remove such officer, the questions of his/her removal shall be considered and voted upon at the next meeting of the members. Notwithstanding any other provisions of this Code of Regulations, the Board may at its discretion authorize a written employment agreement between the Cooperative and the General Manager containing terms and conditions relating to the removal of the General Manager which are inconsistent with this Code of Regulations.
PROPOSED LANGUAGE – changes bold and italicized:
Any officer elected or appointed by the Board may be removed by the Board whenever in its judgment the best interests of the Cooperative will be served thereby. In addition, any member of the Cooperative may bring charges against an officer and by filing with the Secretary such charges in writing together with a petition signed by ten per centum of the members may request the removal of such officer. The officer against whom such charges have been brought shall be informed in writing of the charges at least ten days prior to the Board meeting at which the charges are to be considered and shall have an opportunity at the meeting to be heard in person or by counsel and to present evidence in respect of the charges. The person or persons bringing the charges against him/her shall have the same opportunity. In the event the Board does not remove such officer, the questions of his/her removal shall be considered and voted upon at the next meeting of the members. Notwithstanding any other provisions of this Code of Regulations, the Board may at its discretion authorize a written employment agreement between the Cooperative and the CEO containing terms and conditions relating to the removal of the CEO which are inconsistent with this Code of Regulations.
Section 6. Vacancies
CURRENT LANGUAGE:
A vacancy in any office except that of General Manager may be filled by the Board for the unexpired portion of the term. In the event of a vacancy in the office of General Manager the Board
shall choose and employ a General Manager upon terms and conditions which the Board Considers to be in the best interests of the Cooperative.
PROPOSED LANGUAGE – changes bold and italicized:
A vacancy in any office except that of CEO may be filled by the Board for the unexpired portion of the term. In the event of a vacancy in the office of CEO the Board shall choose and employ a CEO upon terms and conditions which the Board considers to be in the best interests of the Cooperative.
SECTION 13. General Manager
CURRENT LANGUAGE:
ARTICLE VI OFFICERS
SECTION 13. General Manager
The General Manager Shall:
A. Be the chief administration officer responsible for the general direction, coordination, and control of all operations in accordance with the policies adopted by the Board, subject to the direction and instruction of the Board;
B. have supervision over and be responsible for the operations of the Cooperative and in performing this duty carry out and administer the policies adopted by the Board;
C. prepare for the Board of Trustees such reports and budges necessary to inform the Board concerning the operation of the Cooperative; and
D. in general, perform all duties incident to the office of General Manager as chief administrative officer and perform such other duties as may from time to time be assigned to him/her by the Board.
PROPOSED LANGUAGE – changes bold and italicized:
SECTION 13. Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”)
The CEO shall:
A. Be the chief administration officer responsible for the general direction, coordination, and control of all operations in accordance with the policies adopted by the Board, subject to the direction and instruction of the Board;
B. have supervision over and be responsible for the operations of the Cooperative and in performing this duty carry out and administer the policies adopted by the Board;
C. prepare for the Board of Trustees such reports and budges necessary to inform the Board concerning the operation of the Cooperative; and
D. in general, perform all duties incident to the office of CEO as chief administrative officer and perform such other duties as may from time to time be assigned to him/her by the Board.
REASON FOR REQUESTED CHANGE: The Board of Trustees unanimously recommends replacing the title “General Manager” to “Chief Executive Officer” or “CEO” throughout the Code of Regulations. The title “CEO” more accurately reflects the duties and responsibilities of the current position. This title change is consistent with changes made by other state and national electric cooperatives.
Replace all instances of the title “General Manager” in the current Code of Regulations with the title “CEO.” This change would be specifically reflected in Article VI, Section 1; Article VI, Section 2; Article VI Section 4; Article VI, Section 6; and Article VI, Section 13 of Buckeye Rural Electric Cooperative’s Code of Regulations. For a copy of the current language and the proposed language for the sections mentioned above. You may view them in the July 2024 Cooperative Living magazine, visit the Cooperative website at www.buckeyerec.coop or contact the Cooperative at 800-231-2732.
CHANGE #2- PROPOSED CHANGE TO MEETING OF THE MEMBERS, FLEXIBILITY OF ANNUAL MEETING DATE (ARTICLE III)
SECTION 1. ANNUAL MEETING
CURRENT LANGUAGE:
ARTICLE III
Meeting of the Members:
Section 1. Annual Meeting. The annual meeting of the members shall be held during the months of August, September or October in each year beginning with the year 1995 at such place within the service area of the Cooperative as selected by the Board and which shall be designated in the notice for the meeting for the purpose of electing board members, passing upon reports for the previous fiscal year and transacting such other business as may come before the meeting. It shall be the responsibility of the Board to make adequate preparations for the annual meeting. Failure to hold the annual meeting at the designated time shall not
work a forfeiture or dissolution of the Cooperative. In the event that such annual meeting is not held, for any reason, a special meeting may be held in lieu thereof, as soon thereafter as convenient, and any business transactions or elections held at such meeting shall be valid as if transacted or held at the annual meeting.
PROPOSED LANGUAGE – Changes bold and italicized.
SECTION 1. Annual Meeting. The annual meeting of the members shall be held on a date, time, and location as designated by the Board of Trustees. The Board of Trustees may designate any date between March 1 and November 30 each year to hold the annual meeting. The annual meeting shall be held at such place within the service area of the Cooperative as selected by the Board of Trustees. Upon determination of the date, time, and location for the annual meeting, notice will be provided for such annual meeting as set forth in the Code of Regulations. The annual meeting shall be held for the purpose of electing board members, passing upon reports for the previous fiscal year and transacting such other business as may come before the meeting. Failure to hold an annual meeting at the designated time shall not work as a forfeiture or dissolution of the Cooperative. In the event that such annual meeting is not held, for any reason, a special meeting may be held in lieu thereof, as soon thereafter as convenient, and any business transactions or elections held at such meeting shall be valid as if transacted or held at the annual meeting.
REASON FOR REQUESTED CHANGE: The Board of Trustees has unanimously recommended a change to allow more flexibility in scheduling the annual meeting. Under this proposed change, instead of being limited to the months of August, September, or October, the Board could choose a date between March 1 and November 30. This change would permit the Board of Trustees to hold the meeting closer to the end of the Cooperative’s fiscal year (December 31), allowing the previous year’s reports to be delivered in a timelier manner. This change will not affect the requirement for the cooperative to hold an annual meeting or how the meeting is conducted.
Dan Newsome, representing District IV (Athens, Meigs, Vinton counties), and Ron Hatfield from District I (Lawrence County) have successfully completed their Credentialed Cooperative Director (CCD) certifications. This achievement reflects their commitment to enhancing
their leadership skills and knowledge to better serve their communities and the cooperative. The CCD certification is a comprehensive program that provides directors with essential governance knowledge and skills necessary to oversee a cooperative effectively. 553272001
BREC Lineman Cody Walter recently attended the Lineworker Safety, Training, and Leadership Conference, designed for those who actively influence the safety culture within their utilities. These individuals are mentors, often sought out by apprentices for their guidance and expertise. They take the time not only to demonstrate tasks but also to explain the reasons behind specific procedures.
Cody, a crew leader, has been with BREC since 2017.
Buckeye Rural Electric Cooperative recently secured a $500 grant from The Community Foundation of Ohio’s Electric Cooperatives, aimed at supporting the Southeast Ohio Food Bank.
This grant underscores the cooperative’s ongoing commitment to aiding local communities and addressing food insecurity issues within its service areas. The financial support will bolster the food bank’s efforts in providing essential resources to those in need across Southeast Ohio.
The Southeast Ohio Food Bank is a vital organization dedicated to alleviating hunger and addressing food insecurity in the region. Their mission revolves around distributing nutritious food, promoting healthy eating habits, and ensuring that no one in their service area goes hungry.
The food bank serves a diverse and widespread population, reaching across ten counties in Southeast Ohio. This includes Athens, Hocking, Perry, Jackson, Lawrence, Vinton, Gallia, Meigs, Morgan, and Washington counties. Through a network of food pantries, soup kitchens, and other community partners, the Southeast Ohio Food Bank ensures that food assistance reaches those who need it most, including low-income families, seniors, and children. Their comprehensive approach not only provides immediate
Recently, during a severe storm, we faced the challenge of a broken pole located on very steep terrain. Initially, we made temporary repairs until we could replace the pole. Thanks to advancements in the industry, we typically have equipment to set poles, often using a track machine to position poles in the right-of-way. However, the terrain this time was too steep for such machinery. While cutting a road into the location with a dozer was an option, it would have caused significant and unnecessary damage to the property. Hiring a helicopter to set the pole was also considered, but deemed an
relief but also aims to empower individuals with the tools and resources to achieve long-term food security.
The $500 grant from Buckeye Rural Electric Cooperative will aid the Southeast Ohio Food Bank in its ongoing operations, enhancing its capacity to distribute food and resources to the communities it serves. This support highlights the cooperative’s dedication to community welfare and its proactive role in addressing critical local issues such as hunger and food insecurity. Additionally, we encourage our members to donate to the Southeast Ohio Food Bank if they are looking for a local charity to support. By backing the food bank, Buckeye Rural Electric Cooperative helps ensure that more families can access the nutritious food they need, fostering a stronger, healthier community.
unnecessary expense. This left us with the traditional method: hand-setting the pole.
Although hand-setting poles has become uncommon, sometimes it remains the best option. Not only did this method allow us to efficiently replace the damaged pole, but it also provided a valuable training opportunity. Our experienced lineworkers were able to teach the newer generation the art of hand-setting a pole, ensuring this important skill is passed down.
In overcoming this challenge, we not only restored service but also preserved property integrity and enriched our team’s skill set. This experience underscores the importance of maintaining diverse capabilities in our toolkit, blending modern advancements with time-tested techniques.
Know of a neighbor or loved one in need? Give them a HUG (Home Utility Gift)!
Buckeye Rural Electric Cooperative is excited to introduce the HUG program. Available year-round at any amount, a HUG card is like a gift card for your utility bill and can be sent to any Buckeye REC member, whether you know them or not, to help them pay their electric bill.
Unlike normal gift certificates that are easily lost, a HUG card automatically credits the recipient’s account and will appear on their next bill. Once processed, Buckeye REC will send you a gift certificate that can be presented to the recipient or you can choose to remain anonymous. The recipient does not need to take any action once they have received a HUG card. Remember, you can also contribute to the HUG fund directly, which will be used to assist any Buckeye REC member facing difficulties with their utility bills.
Members can purchase a HUG card at our office using cash, check, or card, or they can search “HUG” on our website, download and complete the order form, then send it to us in the mail or by dropping it off at our office. Need help or have questions about the HUG program? Give us a call at 740-379-2025. We look forward to helping our members give and receive this gift!
4848 State Rt. 325, Patriot, OH 45658
8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Buckeye Rural Electric Cooperative supports and encourages 4-H students who show livestock animals at the local fairs. It takes a lot of hard work to get an animal show-ready and we’d like to hear all about it! If possible, Buckeye Rural Electric Cooperative would like to connect with you at the fair.
Please complete and submit the 4-H Participant Recognition form on our website, within 14 days of your livestock sale, to help us better communicate with you prior to and during the fair. This form should be used in conjunction with or in lieu of a written letter. In addition, be sure to include photos of you with your show animal.
We wish you the best of luck and hope to see you at the fair!
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Paul Berridge
President – Jackson County
J. Wesley Williams
1st Vice Pres. –Pike, Ross, and Scioto counties
James Herrell
2nd Vice Pres. – Lawrence County
William Holcomb
Secretary/Treasurer – Athens, Meigs, and Vinton counties
Dennis L. Blakeman
Jackson County
Daniel C. Newsome
Athens, Meigs, and Vinton counties
Ron Hatfield
Lawrence County
Jodie Penrod
Gallia County
Tim Massie
Gallia County
Kent Eldridge CEO
CAPITAL CREDITS
Capital credits refunded to the estates of Buckeye Rural Electric Co-op members for May 2024 totaled $22,655 93 In case of the death of any members of Buckeye REC, contact the Member Service Department at (740) 379-2025 or (800) 231-2732
BILL CREDIT PRIZE
The monthly bill prize amount is $50.
HIDDEN NUMBER BILL CREDIT
An account number has been incorporated into one of the articles on the local pages (at the center) of this magazine. If you find the number, and it is your account number, call the office and you will be given a $50 credit on your electric bill. You must call by the end of the month in which the number was published.
BYMARGARET BURANEN
ThepopularityofpickleballinOhio,like seeminglyeverywhereelse,isincreasing poppingrapidly,withmoreandmorecourts upallthetime.
Clevelandhasanactivepickleballscene,where websitesdevotedtosteeringprospective pickleballersincluderatingsofcourtsand constantlyupdatednews.InCincinnati,26 newcourtswereaddedjustthisspringat SawyerPointPark,whichisnowastoponthe ProfessionalPickleballPlayersnationaltour. ButtheclaimtobeingOhio’spickleball capitalmaywellbelongtoMiddletown,and thecreditforthatacclaimgoestoresident StanleyVolkens.“He’sthereasonwehave pickleballhere,”saysMichellCook,board memberofthe Middletown Pickleball Association.Volkensdiscoveredpickleballwhenhebegan tospendwintersinArizona.Hefellinlove withthesportandplayeddaily.Butwhenhe returnedtoMiddletownhewasdismayedto findnaryacourt—notasingleone.AfterdrivingaroundMiddletownandfinding 17emptytenniscourts,Volkenssawhis opportunity;hegatheredsomefriendsand madeacasetoMiddletown’sParksDepartment, whichagreedtodedicatespacetotheactivity, andVolkensstartedrecruitingMiddletown
TheRecreationandParksDepartmentin Columbus,forexample,nowoversees118 indoorandoutdoorcourtsin35 locations.
suburban backyard.
There are pickleball venues in every U.S. state and Canadian province — likely spots include senior residence communities, YMCAs, community recreation centers, schools, and parks. USA Pickleball maintains a comprehensive list at www.places2play.org.
drawing players from schools in several states.
“We have former professional football, basketball, hockey, and baseball players playing on our courts,” Cook says. But because pickleball is played at different levels, a person doesn’t have to be a good athlete to enjoy playing it. Cook describes herself as proof of that.
According to USA Pickleball, there were 4.8 million players in 2021; as of February 2024, that number had
“I am the most unathletic person,” she admits. “When I was a child, my mom signed me up for every team that you didn’t have to try out for, just to get me out of the house.”
When Cook moved from Mason to Middletown, she had no idea what pickleball was. A friend who is an avid pickleball player got her interested in the sport.
“I started playing and fell in love with it,” she says.
“It’s easy to learn and it’s addictive.”
Her demanding job as a special education paraprofessional with the Middletown Public Schools limits her to playing pickup games during summers. She serves as director for two other pickleball tournaments.
“I love the atmosphere around pickleball and how it brings people together,” she says. “It’s the most social sport.”
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Springfield Danco Enterprises (937) 969-8440 daytongeothermal.com
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Wellington Indoor Comfort (440) 647-3421
Ohio native Carl Jara uses a beachy medium to reach for the ‘wow’ factor with his art.BY JAMIE RHEIN; PHOTOGRAPHS COURTESY OF
CARL JARA
When a rig filled with 20 tons of sand arrives and dumps it on a beach, Carl Jara digs right in. Armed with shovels, buckets, imagination, and technical ingenuity, Jara turns massive amounts of sand into art.
Swimming pool liners, tiered like a wedding cake and stacked five to six tiers high, become packed with sand and compressed with water. Jara nimbly moves up and down the tiers, working from top to bottom — pulling away, adding to, carefully carving each tier until he’s skillfully turned those billions of glacial till particles into masterpieces.
Jara is a professional sand sculptor, and he’s been at this experiential public art form for 33 years. It’s a career that has taken him to 38 states and 13 countries, as far away as Australia. He’s won 14 world championships and earned medals at countless other contests along the way.
So how does a kid from Akron rise to the top of the sand-sculpting profession? It started back at Firestone High School. When he ran out of art classes to take, his teacher connected him to Tom Morrison, president of
the International Association of Sand Castle Builders. Jara had found his fit. Under Morrison’s tutelage, he learned how to work sand and envision a business. In the early days, his only pay was a trip with free food and a free hotel room. But paired with his day job as exhibits fabrication specialist at the Cleveland Natural History Museum, Jara’s sand sculpting has become a lucrative career.
He’s been featured in the Travel Channel’s Sand Blasters and Sand Wars, and he’s even made a sculpture on billionaire Richard Branson’s private island in the British Virgin Isles. “I sunk up to my knees in sand,” Jara laughs, recalling the challenge.
Meeting challenges is Jara’s forte.
“Sand sculpture is a muscle. The more you do it, the more you know what to do,” he says. Earlier in his career, when he did as many as eight contests per year, Jara improvised his designs, making them up as he went. These days, he has a plan in mind before he tackles a sand mountain.
Although he uses sculpting tools, Jara relies the most on his hands. “I like smooth and clean work,” he says. “My
hand is more sensitive to imperfections. We respond to the beauty of the material, and the beauty of the sand is that I can take it away and I can add. It allows me to adjust the piece. Light is the biggest issue. It can throw you off. When the sun comes out, mistakes are glaring. I work the entire piece and go back at different times of the day to see what’s there and make adjustments.”
To win a contest, Jara explains, a sculpture needs to have three things: “The number one factor is the ‘wow’ factor. Does it take your breath away? Does it have a concept? How well is the concept explained?” Then there is a technical component. “Are people playing it safe?”
Jara’s strength is not playing it safe, even if it means figuring out how to have a 700-pound head hang over nothing. Or creating a sculpture of a man holding himself in the palm of his own hand and repeating that four times with each identical man smaller than the last — Infinity won him a world title.
He gets much of his inspiration from his own memory. “I’m translating pieces of my life like pages of a diary,” he says.
Entropy, for example, was a sculpture of the head of a man seemingly buried to his nose, with pain etched across his face and vacant eyes, looking as if it might sink further and disappear into the sandy beach. Inside the head were family photographs. The sculpture, which won third place at the Hampton Beach Masters in 2022, was inspired by his father’s longtime dementia.
“I want you to have your own ideas about what a sculpture means. I don’t have to make it obvious.” Whether Jara is creating a work-for-hire sculpture or getting inspiration from his own life, he sees the importance of the moment. “Sand sculpting is like a symphony experience. You do it for the experience. When it’s done, it’s done.”
• Headlands Beach State Park, July 10–12 (the Headlands BeachFest has been canceled, but Jara will be creating a sculpture on-site).
• Cleveland Octoberfest, Berea, Aug. 30–Sept. 2 and Sept. 6–7.
From exploring historic neighborhoods to famous stories of intrigue, you can discover the past right here in Greater Parkersburg.
Ride the Island Belle sternwheeler down the Ohio River to explore the dramatic past and scandalous backstory of Blennerhassett Island and tour the reconstructed mansion.
Take a walking tour of ornately detailed Victorian-era homes within the Julia-Ann Square Historic District, the state’s largest and oldest residential historic district.
Visit one of America’s finest and most complete historic mansions, filled with heirlooms collected by the five generations who called Henderson Hall their home. Learn how oil and gas fueled the industrial revolution at the nationally recognized Oil & Gas Museum
People don’t always do what their doctor says, but when seasoned veteran emergency room physician, Dr. Philip B. Howren, says every senior should have a medical alert device, you better listen up.
“Seniors are just one fall away from being put in a nursing home,” Dr. Howren said. “With a medical alert device, seniors are never alone. So it keeps them living independently in their own home. That’s why seniors and their family members are snapping up a sleek new medical alert device that comes with no monthly bills ever,” he said.
Many seniors refuse to wear old style help buttons because they make them look old. But even worse, those medical alert systems
come with monthly bills.
To solve these problems Universal Physicians, a U.S. company went to work to develop a new, modern, state-of-the-art medical alert device. It’s called “FastHelp™” and it instantly connects you to free unlimited nationwide help everywhere cell service is available with no contracts, no deposits and no monthly bills ever.
“This slick new little device is designed to look like the pagers doctors wear every day. Seniors love them because it actually makes them look important, not old,” Dr. Howren said.
FastHelp is expected to hit store shelves later this year. But special newspaper promotional giveaways are slated for seniors in select areas. ■
■ NO MONTHLY BILLS: “My wife had an old style help button that came with hefty bills every month and she was embarrassed to wear it because it made her look old,” said Frank McDonald, Canton, Ohio. “Now, we both have FastHelp™, the sleek new medical alert device that our grandkids say makes us look ‘cool’ not old,” he said. With FastHelp, seniors never have to worry about being alone and the best part is there are no monthly bills ever.
It’s just what seniors have been waiting for; a sleek new medical alert device with no contracts, no deposits and no monthly bills that instantly connects you to free unlimited nationwide help with just the push of a button for a one-time $149 price tag that’s a real steal after today’s instant rebate
The phone lines are ringing off the hook.
That’s because for seniors born before 1956, it’s a deal too good to pass up.
Starting at precisely 8:30am this morning the Pre-Store Release begins for the sleek new medical alert device that comes with the exclusive FastHelp™ One-Touch E 911 Button that instantly connects you to unlimited nationwide help everywhere cell service is available with no contracts, no deposits and no monthly bills ever.
“It’s not like old style monitored help buttons that make you talk to a call center and only work when you’re at home and come with hefty bills every month. FastHelp comes with state-of-the-art cellular embedded technology. That means it works at home or anywhere, any-
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because it instantly connects you to unlimited nationwide help everywhere cell service is available with no contracts, no deposits and no monthly bills ever.
and more. Vendors welcome! Contact Christine at 419-619-0041 or findlayfleamarket@gmail.com for more information.
JUL. 25 – Fourth Thursdays S’more Walk, downtown Lakeview. Collect an ingredient at each participating downtown business to build your own sweet s’more treat, then roast it over our live fire while enjoying food trucks and live music. Get your shopping passport stamped for a chance to win a camping gift basket! www. facebook.com/downtownlakeviewohio.
JUL. 25–28 – Wetzelland 2024 Annual Biker Bash, Grover Hill. Great weekend full of great music! Bike show and bike rodeo games, contests, and more. www. wetzelmc.com or follow Wetzelland on Facebook.
a.m.–3 p.m. $6; Scouts in uniform and ages 12 and under free; 2-day admission $8. Handicap accessible. Over 200 tables. All gauges and scales. Railroad memorabilia and railfan items; model railroad layouts and displays; play area. Food available. 260-760-1666, railcarman@ frontier.com (Chuck White), www.vwrrhw.com, or find us on Facebook.
THROUGH SEP. 15 – NWORRP Museum Summer Hours, Northwest Ohio Railroad Preservation Inc., 12505 Co. Rd. 99, Findlay, Sat./Sun. 1–4 p.m. $3; 12 and under, $2 (includes 1 train ride ticket per admission). Museum tours, quarter-scale train rides, model train displays, games, play area, and more. 419-423-2995, www. nworrp.org, or www.facebook.com/nworrp.
THROUGH OCT. 12 – The Great Sidney Farmer’s Market, 109 S. Ohio Ave., every Sat. 8 a.m.–noon. Vendors from all around the area provide great food, crafts, and more! 937-658-6945 or www.sidneyalive.org.
JUL. 3, AUG. 7 – Down on the Farm Story Time, Proving Ground Farm, 5670 E. Twp. Rd. 138, Tiffin, 10 a.m. Stories and activities are geared for preschoolage children and focus on farming and nature in a picturesque outdoor setting. Families welcome! 419447-7073, www.conservesenecacounty.com, or follow Seneca Conservation District on Facebook.
JUL. 19–20 – July Downtown Sidewalk Sales, Sidney. Various downtown shops will offer deals and discounts. 937-658-6945 or www.sidneyalive.org.
JUL. 20–21, AUG. 10–11 – Findlay Flea Market, Hancock Co. Fgds., 1017 E. Sandusky St., Findlay, Sat. 9 a.m.–4 p.m., Sun. 9 a.m.–3 p.m. Free admission. Variety of merchandise: new, used, vintage items, crafts,
JUL. 26–28 – Hamler Summer Fest, Hamler Community Park, 100 S. 1st St., Hamler. $5–$7, under 16 admitted free with parent. Polka bands, German food, cornhole tournament. Sunday is Kids’ Day. www. hamlersf.com.
JUL. 27 – Flair on the Square, 1 Courthouse Square, Bryan, 10 a.m.–9 p.m. Free. Juried art fair, emerging artists’ exhibit, food trucks, live music, hands-on art projects, performing arts, and more. See the complete schedule at www.flaironthesquare.com.
JUL. 27 – Made in Ohio at Hurley Farm, 9249 St. Rte. 117, Huntsville. Find unique crafts and vendors, check out fresh local produce, eat at the food trucks, and have a fun summer day at the farm! www.facebook.com/ hurleyfarmsllc.
JUL. 27–28 – Family Fun Weekend: “Mid-Summer Celebration,” Northwest Ohio Railroad Preservation Inc., 12505 Co. Rd. 99, Findlay, 1–4 p.m. $5. Games, quarterscale train rides, bounce house, and other family-friendly activities and events. 419-423-2995, www.nworrp.org, or www.facebook.com/nworrp.
JUL. 27–28 – Railroad Heritage Weekend Model Railroad Show and Swap, Van Wert Co. Fgds., 1055 S. Washington St., Van Wert, Sat. 10 a.m.–4 p.m., Sun. 10
JUL. 13, 27 – Myths of the Mountains, Fort New Salem, 81 Settlers Lane, Salem. Lamplight guided tour (approx. 1 hour) led by period-dressed guides, with each cabin housing a storyteller who spins tales of Appalachia. Gates open at 8 p.m.; groups begin tours every 10 minutes. 304-695-2220, director@fortnewsalemfoundation.org, or www. fortnewsalemfoundation.org.
Submit listings AT LEAST 90 DAYS prior to the event to: Ohio Cooperative Living 6677 Busch Blvd., Columbus, OH 43229 or send an email to events@ohioec.org.
Ohio Cooperative Living will not publish listings that don’t include a complete address or a number/website for more information.
JUL. 28 – “The Art and Science of Nature,” Piatt Castle Mac-A-Cheek, 10051 Township Rd. 47, West Liberty, 11 a.m.–4 p.m. Nature educators will lead tours, discussions, and demonstrations on varieties and species that live in the surrounding area. Discover how artists in the past incorporated elements of the natural world into the construction and decoration of the Castle, and enjoy activities focusing on visual and performing arts exploring nature. www.piattcastle.org.
AUG. 2 – First Fridays Taste of Bellefontaine, 100 S. Main St., Bellefontaine. Use your tasting passport to sample food from many of our downtown restaurants and vote for your favorite. www.firstfridaysbellefontaine. com.
AUG. 6 – National Night Out Tuesday, downtown Sidney, 5:30–8:30 p.m. Free. Activities and more promoting a positive relationship with police, first responders, and community. 937-658-6945 or www. sidneyalive.org.
AUG. 10 – Harborfest Indian Lake, Lakeview Harbor, intersection of OH-235 and OH-366, Lakeview. Back by popular demand are the Wacky Boat Races! Grab your team and build a “boat” that floats using non-marine materials. www.facebook.com/downtownlakeviewohio.
AUG. 10 – Paddles, Pedals, and Pints, Sidney. Free admission; activities/tastings additional charge. A day on the Great Miami River and Tawawa Park featuring kayaking, cycling, kids’ triathlon, craft beer, and soda tastings. After-party on the Square. 937-658-6945 or www.sidneyalive.org.
AUG. 2–3 – West Virginia’s Largest Yard Sale, Upshur and Lewis counties, 8 a.m.–4 p.m. Shop hundreds of yard sales to find hidden treasures, score amazing deals, and support local communities. https://visitbuckhannon. org/events/wvs-largest-yard-sale-2
THROUGH SEP. 28 – Sunbury Farmers Market, 36 Cherry St., on the Square of Sunbury, 9 a.m.–1 p.m. Offering local products — handmade, homemade, or homegrown. Vendors welcome. 740-513-9192 or sunburyohiofarmersmarket@gmail.com.
THROUGH OCT. 26 – Coshocton Farmers Market, 22442 Co. Rd. 1A, Coshocton, Sat. 8:30 a.m.–noon. Fresh, locally grown, in-season produce; baked goods; and handmade crafts. For the most up-to-date information about vendors who will be attending the market, visit www.facebook.com/coshoctonfarmersmarket or email market.manager@coshfarmmarket.org.
THROUGH OCT. 27 – Rock Mill Days, Stebelton Park at Rock Mill, 1429 Rockmill Place NW, Lancaster, Wed./ Sat. 11 a.m.–2 p.m., Sun. 1–4 p.m. Tour the restored 1824 gristmill, walk the covered bridge, and view the waterfall near the headwaters of the Hocking River. On the last Sunday of each month, see how corn was ground 200 years ago. 614-321-4833 ext. 103 or www. fairfieldcountyparks.org/events.
JUL. 5, AUG. 2 – First Friday Art Walk, downtown Zanesville, 5–8 p.m. Come downtown on the first Friday of each month, when all our participating galleries, studios, and small businesses are open at the same time! Visit the Artist Colony of Zanesville’s website for a map of current participants: https://artcoz.org/arts-district-map.
THROUGH SEP. 1 – Tecumseh! Outdoor Drama, Sugarloaf Mountain Amphitheatre, 5968 Marietta Rd., Chillicothe, 8 p.m. $30–$50. Witness the epic life story of the legendary Shawnee leader as he defends his sacred homelands in the Ohio country during the late 1700s. www.tecumsehdrama.com.
THROUGH NOV. 2 – Athens Farmers Market, Athens Community Center, 701 E. State St., Athens, Wed. 9 a.m.–noon. Open year-round Sat. 9 a.m.–noon. Voted Ohio’s #1 favorite farmers market! 740-593-6763 or www. athensfarmersmarket.org.
JUL. 7, 21 – Sunday Sampling, Darby Creek Fields and Flowers, 11500 Darby Creek Rd., Orient. $10; 10 and under free. Families welcome. Stroll through 14 fields of flowers while enjoying some of our favorite locally made foods and beverages. Weather permitting. 614-809-8538 or www.darbyflowerfields.com.
JUL. 11, AUG. 8 – Inventors Network Meetings, Rusty Bucket, 3901 Britton Parkway, Hilliard, 43026, 7 p.m. Informal meetings for networking and invention-related talk. 614-470-0144 or www.inventorscolumbus.com.
JUL. 12–AUG. 25 – CAPA Summer Movie Series, Ohio Theatre, 55 E. State St., Columbus, Wed.–Sun. 7:30 p.m., Sun. matinee 2 p.m., “Cartoon Capers” Sat. 10 a.m. Series showcasing classic films and cult movies. 614-469-0939 or www.capa.com.
JUL. 18–21 – Miami Valley Steam Threshers Association 75th Annual Reunion, Pastime Park, Plain City. Gates open at 8 a.m. $10. Exhibition of a large variety of older equipment in operation as well as several steam engines. John Deere will be our feature tractor. Truck and tractor pulls Sat. 6 p.m.; vintage truck/car show Sun. 10 a.m. Flea market vendors every day. 614-273-5625 or www.mvsteamshow.com.
JUL. 19–20 – Pieceable Quilters 2024 Quilt Show, Zanesville High School, 171 Blue Ave., Zanesville, Fri. 9 a.m.–5 p.m., Sat. 9 a.m.–4 p.m. $6; 12 and under free with an accompanying adult. The show includes a vast display of guild-made quilts as well as food, a quilt raffle, vendors, and a silent auction. https://pieceablequilters. weebly.com.
JUL. 20 – Boogie on the Blacktop featuring Rockhouse, Circleville Eagles, 135 E. Main St., Circleville, 7–11 p.m. $5. Outdoor concert with food vendors and drinks. www.pickaway.com.
JUL. 24–AUG. 4 – Ohio State Fair, Ohio State Fgds., 717 E. 17th Ave., Columbus, Mon.–Fri. 10 a.m.–9 p.m., Sun. 9 a.m.–9 p.m. General admission $10–$12; 5 and under free. Free parking. 888-OHO-EXPO (888-646-3976) or www.ohiostatefair.com.
JUL. 27–28 – Frankfort Sunflower Festival, downtown Frankfort, Sat. 10 a.m.–10 p.m., Sun. 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Family fun for all ages with concessions, car show, kiddy tractor pull, games, live music, baby contest, sunflower contest, craft tent, and much more. www. sunflowerfestival.net.
AUG. 2–3 – Deerassic Classic Giveaway and Expo, Deerassic Park Education Center, 14250 Cadiz Rd., Cambridge. Outdoor exhibitors, stage shows, raffles, prizes, food, and entertainment. Call or go online to purchase tickets. 740-435-9500 or https:// deerassicclassic.com.
AUG. 3 – Kings Inn Car Show, 7 N. Main St., Kingston, 12:30 p.m. Annual car show with trophy and gas cards awarded for the Top 3. Voting is by public input. No entry fee; donation requested for the Ross County Humane Society. www.visitchillicotheohio.com.
AUG. 3–10 – Ross County Fair, 344 Fairgrounds Rd., Chillicothe, 10 a.m.–11 p.m. General admission $5. Enjoy the number and quality of exhibits and displays that are products of hard-working, creative individuals from the Ross County area. Food, games, live entertainment, rides, and much more for the whole family. www. rosscountyfair.com.
JUL. 25–27 – Goodtime Quilters Guild Quilt Show, Ohio Christian University, Maxwell Center, 1476 Lancaster Pike, Circleville, 9 a.m.–4 p.m. $8; 3-day admission $12; cash only. 150+ quilt displays, raffles, door prizes. 740332-6344 (Barb Harwood) or www.goodtimequilters.org.
JUL. 27 – Down on the Farm, Historical Mt. Oval, U.S. 23 and 3601 Emerson Rd., Circleville, 10 a.m.–3 p.m. Free admission. Antique tractors, animals, farmers market, food, and more. Historical house tours, $5. www. facebook.com/mtovalhistorichouseandfarm.
JUL. 27 – Black Wing Summer Blast Car Show, 3722 Marysville Rd., Delaware. Family-friendly, fun-filled day, all to support youth shooting sports. Car show 10 a.m.–1 p.m., huge raffle, manufacturer rep expo, food trucks onsite, Machine Gun Challenge event, and more. Proceeds to benefit Ohio Clay Target League – 6th–12th grade youth shooters. https://blackwingsc.com/summer-blast.
AUG. 2–5 – 35th Annual Farm Days, Morrow Co. Fgds., 195 S. Main St. (U.S. 42), Mount Gilead. $5; under 12 free. Featuring Ford tractors and equipment. List of events available at www.morrowcountytractor.com.
AUG. 8–10 – All Ohio Balloon Fest, Union Co. Airport, 15000 Weaver Rd., Marysville. Hot air balloons, aerial rides and entertainment, live music, face painting, food vendors, and more. New for 2024: T-6 Texan rides! Bring your own lawn chairs. 937-243-1091 or www. allohioballoonfest.com.
AUG. 10 – Books in the Barn, 5530 Radnor Rd., Radnor, 10 a.m.–3 p.m. Free. Book signings by Christian and family-friendly authors. Shop arts and crafts and directsales vendors. Enjoy homemade food and baked goods. 614-381-8191 or www.maryrodman.com.
AUG. 10 – Union County Master Gardeners Plant Sale, Union Co. Fgds., 845 N. Main St., Marysville, 8 a.m.–noon. Sun and shade perennials, native plants, shrubs and trees, grasses, bulbs, and daylilies. Plants are grown by Master Gardeners and sold at reasonable prices. 937644-8117, https://union.osu.edu, or on Facebook at http:// bit.ly/UCMGFB.
AUG. 4 – An Evening with Ricky Skaggs and Kentucky Thunder, Sugarloaf Mountain Amphitheater, 5968 Marietta Rd., Chillicothe, 7–9 p.m. $10–$55. www. tecumsehdrama.com.
AUG. 8–11 – Rivers, Trails, and Ales Festival, East Muskingum Park, 310 Front St., Marietta. A down-home celebration of paddling, road and mountain biking, and fine local ales in Ohio’s No. 1 destination for outdoor adventure: Marietta! Also enjoy live music, kids’ activities, and the RTA Adventure Expo (Sat. 3–7 p.m.). www.rtafest. com or www.facebook.com/RTAfest.
AUG. 9–11 – Salt Fork Arts and Crafts Festival, Cambridge City Park, Cambridge, Fri. 12–6 p.m., Sat. 10 a.m.–6 p.m., Sun. 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Free. A juried festival that showcases high-quality art in a variety of mediums by artists from around the country. Also features student art, Appalachian heritage displays and demos, live entertainment, concessions, and kids’ activities. 740-5840652 or www.saltforkfestival.org.
AUG. 11 – “The Story of Ohio’s Canals: An Engineering Endeavor That Can Still Be Traced in Ohio’s Landscape,” Adena Mansion and Gardens, 847 Adena Rd., Chillicothe, 2 p.m. Free. Tom O’Grady will discuss the construction of the canals and how they opened up Ohio to world commerce. www.adenamansion.com.
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1. The Yetter and Willis families love making memories together at the beach — this is at Myrtle Beach in 2019
Samantha Willis, Firelands Electric Cooperative member
2. My grandsons, James Pycraft and Ryan Wissel, look like they want sand garages.
Thomas Seman, Lorain-Medina Rural Electric Cooperative member
3. Kendall and Tessa Hall and Steve and Ben Kopp, building sandcastles on the beach at the Outer Banks in North Carolina.
Lisa Kopp, Firelands Electric Cooperative member
4. My nephew Robbie gave up on his sandcastle and tried to become one instead.
Katie Grubba, South Central Power Company member
5. My grandsons’ mega-sandcastle in Florida.
Kay Jackson, Butler Rural Electric Cooperative member
6. A sandcastle that we built in South Padre Island.
Kurt Martin, North Central Electric Cooperative member
7. Our granddaughter Susie had tons of fun on Galveston Island.
Beth Howard, Mid-Ohio Energy Cooperative member
For October, send “Oh my gourd!” by July 15; for November, send “On horseback” by Aug. 15. Send us YOUR picture!
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