Ohio Cooperative Living - September 2024 - Paulding Putnam

Paulding Putnam Electric Cooperative

Family fun at the zoo

3,000+ attend Member Appreciation Day

ALSO INSIDE

PPEC to provide fiber internet

Southern-style comfort foods

Ohio’s oldest family farm

Right TREE, right PLACE

to locate underground electric or other utility lines. This is a free service and it’s the law!

Before you buy a tree, look up and around. See any power lines? That’s your cue to plant far away — use the chart below as a guide.

SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS

Avoid planting shrubs and flowers around green transformer boxes and electric meters. Your co-op needs access for meters, and it’s safer to keep the space clear.

ohioec.org/purpose

Small-tree zone: Less than 25 feet in height and spread; at least 25 feet from lines.

Medium-tree zone: 25-40 feet in height and spread; at least 40 feet from lines.

Large-tree zone: Larger than 40 feet in height and spread; at least 60 feet from lines.

INSIDE

FEATURES

21 LOOK, UP IN THE SKY!

The annual WACO fly-in in Troy highlights Southwest Ohio’s local aviation history.

Skydiving Santa and a flying tractor highlight Ohio’s largest free air show in Vinton County.

28 STILL SMILING

Ohio’s oldest family farm was a gift from King George III before the Revolutionary War.

Cover image on most editions: Show pilot Brett Hunter smiles for the wing camera of his MXS stunt plane during a performance at one of Ohio’s several small-strip air shows (photograph by Michael Barden/Barden Aviation).

This page: Hundreds of thousands of monarch butterflies will travel through Ohio this month and next on their annual migration from their Canadian breedng grounds toward their winter roosts in the forests and mountains of Mexico (photograph by Remberto/via Adobe Stock).

Cooperatives cooperating

Cooperation Among Cooperatives, one of the foundational principles that guide cooperatives everywhere, is especially important to electric cooperatives. It’s easy to see why: When we step back and look at the amazing accomplishments that have been achieved by relatively small, locally owned electric co-ops, we realize that they have always been better when they work together than when they try to go it alone. By focusing on our common interests, as opposed to our differing ideas, we have been able to succeed and even to thrive through changing times.

As electric cooperatives formed across the country in the 1930s and 1940s, they realized that, if they could develop organizations that could serve their business needs as a group, it would be more effective and less expensive than doing those jobs by themselves. Nearly all of them banded together to form state-based trade associations. Ohio’s Electric Cooperatives, for example, came into existence in 1941 to represent the interests of electric cooperatives in the Buckeye State, and now works for all 24 Ohio-based electric co-ops with a broad range of services such as safety training, government relations, workforce development and education, and communications services — including production and distribution of this magazine.

After the trade associations came generation and transmission cooperatives to help the local co-ops develop the scale needed to be able to purchase and own large-scale electric supply facilities. Since 1959, Buckeye Power — through its Cardinal Power Plant and other generation resources — has provided a reliable and affordable supply of electricity at cost to the co-ops that do business here.

It wasn’t long before co-ops found they had business interests that were better met on a national scale, and so they formed the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA) to represent them in their dealings with the federal government. The NRECA also provides at-cost employee benefit plans and governance training for local cooperative directors. Later, when co-ops needed a a reliable supplier of financing for investment in needed infrastructure, they established the Cooperative Finance Corporation; when they needed property protection and liability coverage, Federated Insurance came into being. The list goes on and now includes information technology companies, national call response centers, telecommunications services, and more.

For more than 80 years now, cooperatives have made it their core mission to provide highquality electric service to your home or business — every day, year-in and year-out — at a competitive cost. Cooperation is a powerful tool that helps them make that happen.

Pat O’Loughlin PRESIDENT & CEO

By focusing on our common interests, as opposed to our differing ideas, we have been able to succeed and even to thrive through challenging times.

OHIO’S ELECTRIC COOPERATIVES

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: Adobe Stock, Tim Baldwin, Michael Barden, Colleen Romick Clark, Getty Images, W.H. “Chip” Gross, Catherine Murray, Jamie Rhein, Damaine Vonada, Margie Wuebker, and MJ Zindars.

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.

DEPARTMENTS

4

POWER LINES

Resilience and rebuilding: Co-ops plan their return to Farm Science Review after a tornado ripped through their iconic facility.

8 WOODS, WATERS, AND WILDLIFE

River crossing: A brief history of the mighty Ohio.

10

CO-OP PEOPLE

Butterfly rescue: Co-op members do their part to help monarchs continue their cycle of life.

13

GOOD EATS

Southern comfort: Welcome new neighbors, support a sick friend, or just indulge — Southern fare is good for what ails you.

17

LOCAL PAGES

News and other important information from your electric cooperative.

33

CALENDAR

What’s happening: September/ October 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.

36

MEMBER INTERACTIVE

Generations: Co-op members share four, five, and even six generations in family photos. Visit

across the state.

Resilience and rebuilding

Co-ops plan their return to Farm Science Review after a tornado ripped through their iconic facility.

BY AMY HOWAT

The Ohio's Electric Cooperatives Education Center has been an iconic presence at Farm Science Review.......

Continued on page 6

“Our new building will be essentially the same structure, but with some upgrades,” Kidwell says. “Once we saw the way the tornado destroyed the old one, we decided to update the building method.”

The new building, expected to be completed by Sept. 1, will allow Ohio’s electric cooperatives to once again showcase advances in efficiency, safety, and renewable energy.

“One of our goals is to promote energy efficiency,” Kidwell says. “We’ll have vendors demonstrating geothermal energy solutions, insulation, heat pump options, and other products and services to help people be more efficient.” In addition, energy advisors from several Ohio co-ops will be available to answer questions, and co-op lineworkers will provide popular live-line safety demonstrations. Visitors will have a chance to learn about youth programs and test their knowledge about electricity and cooperatives to receive

useful prizes like rain gauges — and co-op members can drop off the entry form in the back of this magazine for a chance to win a $100 credit on their electric bills.

“We are working hard and we’re committed to getting the building and displays completed, to represent cooperatives and be there for members and the public,” Kidwell says.

This year’s Farm Science Review will emphasize the message of resilience, Zachrich says. “As we rebuild, we’ll be making improvements in infrastructure, planning for the future and not just today,” he says. “Our educational efforts from OSU and extension educators will look at what farmers can do to prepare themselves as we see more and more tornadoes, and if it does happen, how to respond so their business isn’t majorly affected.

“Resiliency is real life for farmers and this year, we’re right here experiencing it, too.”

Farm Science Review, Molly Caren Agricultural Center, 135 St. Rte. 38 NE, London. 8 a.m.–5 p.m. Sept. 17–18 and 8 a.m.–4 p.m. Sept. 19. Tickets are $10 online, at county OSU Extension offices, and at participating agribusinesses and $15 at the gate. For more information, visit fsr.osu.edu.

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WOODS, WATERS, AND WILDLIFE

River crossing

A brief history of the mighty Ohio

The Shawnees called it Spaylaywitheepi. When French traders and trappers arrived during the 18th century, they described it as the Iroquois had: La Belle Rivière — the beautiful river. Of course, the name we most closely associate with it today derives from the Seneca word Ohiyo: “good river.”

The Ohio River flows northeast to southwest for 981 river miles — 451 miles of which delineate the state of Ohio’s borders with West Virginia and Kentucky. It begins in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, formed by the confluence of the Allegheny and Monongahela rivers, and ends by emptying into the Mississippi at Cairo, Illinois. (By the way, the locals pronounce Cairo as KAYrow, not KI-row.)

Seeing the Ohio today, it’s difficult to believe that, in its original state, the river was a naturally shallow stream, varying in depth from only about 3 to 20 feet. And during annual periods of low water, such as late summer and early fall, a person could literally walk

Home of monsters

across the Ohio River on the stream’s bottom at many spots. You’d certainly get wet, possibly up to your waist or so, but the feat could be accomplished.

Of course, during other seasons of the year, the Ohio could turn into a raging torrent with flood waters easily doubling or even tripling the river’s size and depth. Scoured from its banks during such times were giant boulders, whole trees, even settlers’ log cabins ignorantly built too close to the shoreline. Not surprisingly, the Ohio River’s drainage basin is huge, gathering water from nearly 190,000 square miles across six states.

Then in 1885, construction began on the first of 19 dams (nine of which are contiguous to the state of Ohio) that raised the water level of the river significantly to expedite both trade and travel.

As a result, the Ohio River today is essentially a string of deep, slow-moving reservoirs connected by the

One of the aspects of the Ohio River that has not changed through the years is the size of its trophy catfish. Although there may not be as many as during pioneer times, they are just as big and heavy.

In fact, just this year, on April 7, 15-year-old Jaylynn Parker of New Richmond, Ohio, caught a blue catfish from Twelve Mile Creek, a tributary of the Ohio River, that weighed a whopping 101.11 pounds — besting the previous state record by more than 5 pounds. The giant cat, which measured nearly five feet in length (56 5 inches) with a girth of 39.5 inches, was kept alive, weighed on a certified scale, then released. Before Jaylynn landed hers, the record had been held by Chris Rolph of Williamsburg, Ohio, who caught his fish from the Ohio River near Cincinnati on June 11, 2009

STORY AND PHOTOS BY W.H. “CHIP” GROSS

crossing

massive locks associated with those dams, which raise and lower boats and barges from pool to pool.

Another historical aspect of the river that has changed due to the higher modern-day water level is the once-impressive Falls of the Ohio, the only natural obstruction in the river’s entire length, where, on October 4, 1803, Meriwether Lewis met William Clark to begin their famous expedition westward.

Located at Louisville, Kentucky, the “falls” were not a vertical drop like Niagara Falls, but a 2 5-mile-long series of treacherous, rock-filled rapids that dropped 26 feet from start to finish. Unfortunately for river lovers, most of the original falls are now under water.

A state-of-the-art interpretive center, located on the Indiana side of the river at Falls of the Ohio State Park in Clarksville, does an excellent job of explaining the changes and is definitely worth a visit.

W.H. “Chip” Gross is Ohio Cooperative Living’s outdoors editor. Email him with your outdoors questions at whchipgross@gmail.com.

A statue of Meriweather Lewis and William Clark at Falls of the Ohio State Park in Clarksville, Indiana, commemorates the start of the pair’s expedition into the Northwest Territory.

Butterfly rescue

Co-op members do their part to help monarchs continue their cycle of life.

BY MARGIE WUEBKER

While beautiful orange-and-black monarch butterflies still flutter around area lawns and gardens between May and September each year, their numbers have declined over the years because of some combination of environmental conditions, herbicide and pesticide use, and loss of suitable habitat.

A few electric cooperative members are doing what they can to help the migratory visitors.

“I remember seeing lots of butterflies in my younger days,” says 90-year-old Alvin Brown, a retired dairy farmer who resides near New Bremen. “There aren’t nearly so many nowadays, so we have to do what we can to help.”

Like Brown, Coldwater resident Norma “Skeet” Wolters became interested in helping the monarchs long before the Union for Conservation of Nature declared the species endangered in 2022. Having been involved in the Mercer County 4-H program for more than two decades, she often included butterflies in her nature presentations.

The sight of a monarch butterfly laying her eggs on a milkweed plant sparked a similar interest for St. Marys resident Julie Metz in 2020. She quickly turned to the internet for more information and found a “whole world” of people raising butterflies.

How to raise monarch butterflies

1. Make sure your yard includes host plants like milkweed, on which butterflies lay eggs and caterpillars feed.

2. Collect caterpillars from leaves of the host plant using a stick or twig from the plant. Do not touch them with your hands, as any bacteria could cause them infections.

3. Place caterpillars in a clean and well-ventilated container but do not overcrowd. Ideally, the container should have fine wire mesh sides to allow the caterpillars to cling.

All three conservationists are members of St. Marys-based Midwest Electric.

Brown says monarchs like sweet red clover and milkweed, and when he sees butterflies savoring the clover, that’s when he begins to check the underside of the nearby milkweed leaves, where female monarchs can lay up to 300 eggs, each roughly the size of a grain of rice.

Metz collects the eggs and places them in special containers away from predators like spiders and flies. Five days later, tiny caterpillars emerge. The caterpillars then go into mesh-sided containers to continue their life cycle.

“Those caterpillars eat milkweed like crazy,” Metz says. “That is the problem. The widespread use of herbicide has killed much of the milkweed they need.”

Brown gathers tiny caterpillars from the milkweed patch and places them in large screened-in cages. His handbuilt cages are different from commercial cages in that he has devised a water source to make sure the milkweed inside stays fresh and green.

The caterpillars increase roughly 2,000 times in size due to their constant eating over a span of two to three weeks. The metamorphosis continues when the plump caterpillars climb to the top of the cages and spin a

chrysalis, or pod, from which a butterfly emerges a week or two later.

Among the three of them, they have released hundreds upon hundreds of butterflies over the years. Recently, Brown released some at nearby German Protestant Cemetery as a tribute to Sandra Thieman, who gave the butterfly presentation all those years ago that originally sparked his interest. Thieman’s family was present for the occasion. He has also released butterflies to the oohs and aahs of children attending various camps and vacation Bible schools during the summer.

Wolters has made releases at a local park as well as in her backyard — much to the delight of neighborhood children. Metz usually heads to the Kuenning-Dicke Natural Area near New Bremen.

“I like to think I’m making the world a better place when I release those little guys,” Metz says. “They are eager to spread their wings and get out in the world.”

Brown stresses that anyone can play a part to help the vibrant visitors thrive. “We can plant milkweed and sweet red clover,” he says. “We can limit the use of herbicide and pesticide around their habitat.”

4. Make sure to provide plenty of fresh milkweed as caterpillars are voracious eaters. They do not like dried or wilted leaves.

5. Clean the cage frequently to remove waste known as frasse.

6. Wait while the caterpillar forms a chrysalis, taking care to protect it from predators and weather conditions.

7. Release butterflies when they emerge from the chrysalis, preferably on a sunny day in the backyard. a park, or a nature center.

Alvin Brown of New Bremen, left, displays his homemade butterfly box. Norma “Skeet” Wolters, right, checks on the milkweed she grows in her flower bed (photographs by Margie Wuebker).

GOOD EATS

Southern comfort

Welcome new neighbors, support a sick friend, or just indulge — Southern fare is good for what ails you!

SKILLET-FRIED CHICKEN

Prep: 15 minutes | Chill: 8 hours | Cook: 30 minutes | Servings: 6

Overnight

1 cup buttermilk

1 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon pepper

3 to 4 pounds bone-in, skin-on chicken

Dredge

1 cup buttermilk

1 large egg

1-ounce packet ranch dressing powder, split in half

Coating

2 cups flour

3 tablespoons cornstarch

remaining ranch dressing powder

1 teaspoon paprika

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1½ teaspoons salt

½ teaspoon cayenne (optional)

1 teaspoon pepper

48–64 ounces peanut oil for frying

In a shallow container with lid, combine “overnight” ingredients; submerge and coat chicken in liquid. Cover and soak overnight. When ready to fry chicken, whisk “dredge” ingredients together (using half of the ranch dressing powder) in a container easy for dipping chicken pieces into. Pour excess overnight mixture from chicken into dredge and mix again. In a separate container easy for rolling chicken pieces in, mix the “coating” ingredients.

Heat oil to 325 F in a large stainless-steel or cast-iron pot over medium/medium-high heat. Working with one piece at a time, roll chicken in coating, then dip in dredge, then roll in coating once more, shaking off excess after each step. Set coated pieces on a large plate. When all have been coated and oil is ready, roll each piece in coating once more to cover any damp spots just before frying. Fry two or three pieces at a time, turning until golden on all sides and internal temperature reads 165 F. Remove from oil with heat-safe tongs. Oil temperature will fluctuate; adjust accordingly to keep it between 300 F and 325 F. Let chicken cool on wire rack set over a baking sheet to catch excess oil. Once the last piece of chicken goes in, pour a little dredge into leftover coating mixture and form into small pieces. Fry them up for crispy “batter bites.”

Per serving: 410 calories, 36 grams fat (7 grams saturated fat), 26 milligrams cholesterol, 860 milligrams sodium, 22 grams total carbohydrates, 1 gram fiber, 31 grams protein.

RECIPES AND PHOTOGRAPHS BY CATHERINE MURRAY

OLD-FASHIONED

BANANA PUDDING

Prep: 25 minutes | Bake: 10 minutes | Servings: 6

3 large eggs at room temperature

½ cup sugar

1/3 cup flour

pinch salt

2¼ cups whole milk

2 tablespoons unsalted butter

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

8 ounces vanilla wafers

4 large ripe but firm bananas

¼ heaping teaspoon cream of tartar

½ teaspoon vanilla extract

¼ cup sugar

Separate eggs; place yolks into a medium heatproof bowl and whites in a large mixer bowl. Set aside. In a medium saucepan, whisk together ½ cup sugar, flour, and salt. Slowly whisk in milk. Cook and whisk over medium-high heat until thickened and bubbly. Reduce heat; cook and stir 2 minutes longer. Remove from heat.

Stir a small amount of the hot milk mixture into egg yolks to temper, then mix in the rest. Return all to pan; bring to a gentle boil for 2 minutes, stirring constantly. Remove from heat again and stir in butter and 1 teaspoon vanilla. Set aside to cool. In an ungreased 9-inch square baking dish, layer half the vanilla wafers, bananas (cutting in ¼- to ½-inch slices as you go), and custard. Repeat layers.

Preheat oven to 350 F. For meringue, beat egg whites, cream of tartar, and vanilla on medium speed until soft peaks form, about 5 minutes. Gradually beat in sugar, about a teaspoon at a time, on high until stiff peaks form and the surface is smooth and glossy, 5 to 7 minutes. With a spatula or spoon, dollop meringue over custard, creating peaks and sealing to the edges. Bake 8 to 10 minutes, until meringue tips are golden brown. Cool 30 minutes. Serve at room temperature or chill in refrigerator first.

Per serving: 501 calories, 15 grams fat (6 grams saturated fat), 117 milligrams cholesterol, 234 milligrams sodium, 83 grams total carbohydrates, 3 grams fiber, 10 grams protein.

CHEESY GRITS AND GREENS

Cook: 20 minutes | Servings: 4

1 cup quick-cooking grits (and water according to package directions)

1 teaspoon chicken or vegetable bouillon

6 ounces finely shredded sharp cheddar cheese

3 large bunches of collard, mustard, and/or dandelion greens, washed and de-stemmed

2 tablespoons bacon fat or butter

1 small yellow onion, diced

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

½ teaspoon Cajun, Creole, or Old Bay seasoning

¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Mustard greens have a spicy and tangy flavor, while dandelion greens are earthy and bitter, similar to arugula or radicchio. Collard greens are quite mild, similar to cabbage. With careful multitasking, the grits and greens can be prepared simultaneously.

Cook grits according to package directions, mixing bouillon into the boiling water. When cooked, stir in shredded cheese until melted. Remove from heat and cover with lid. In a large pot over medium heat, sauté onion in bacon fat or butter for 5 to 7 minutes until soft. Add garlic and saute a minute more. Stir in greens and vinegar until wilted. (If needed, add a bit of water to encourage greens to steam.)

Mix in seasonings, cover, and simmer on low for 5 minutes. Divide grits across 4 bowls and top with greens.

Per serving: 381 calories, 21 grams fat (10 grams saturated fat), 44 milligrams cholesterol, 700 milligrams sodium, 36 grams total carbohydrates, 7 grams fiber, 17 grams protein.

Check it out! See videos of some of our mouth-watering recipes being prepared at

COCA-COLA CAKE

Prep: 30 minutes | Cook: 30 minutes | Servings: 18 to 24

2 cups flour, spooned and leveled

2 cups sugar

½ cup cocoa powder

1 teaspoon baking soda

¼ teaspoon cinnamon

½ teaspoon salt

½ cup unsalted butter

½ cup vegetable oil

1 cup Coca-Cola

½ cup buttermilk

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

2 large eggs, lightly beaten Icing

½ cup unsalted butter

½ cup Coca-Cola

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder, sifted

3 cups powdered sugar, sifted

Optional toppings: whipped cream, cherries

Place flour and sugar in a large bowl, then sift and mix in cocoa powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Set aside. In a medium saucepan on high, melt and combine ½ cup butter, vegetable oil, and 1 cup Coca-Cola. Bring to a boil and remove from heat.

Preheat oven to 350 F. With a spatula, mix the Coca-Cola mixture into the flour mixture, then buttermilk and vanilla, then eggs. Pour batter into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. Bake approximately 30 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean. Cool on wire rack.

While cake is still warm, prepare icing. Place the same saucepan over medium heat; melt ½ cup butter with ½ cup Coca-Cola and vanilla. Whisk until smooth, then remove from heat. Whisk in cocoa powder and powdered sugar 1/2 cup at a time until dissolved. Pour icing over warm cake. Allow to cool completely before slicing and serving. Per serving: 260 calories, 9.5 grams fat (3.5 grams saturated fat), 26 milligrams cholesterol, 97 milligrams sodium, 44 grams total carbohydrates, 1 gram fiber, 2 grams protein. www.ohiocoopliving.com

MESSAGE FROM THE CEO

PPEC WILL PROVIDE HIGH-SPEED, RELIABLE FIBER INTERNET

RANDY PRICE President & CEO

On July 18, 2024, the Paulding Putnam Electric Cooperative Board of Trustees unanimously voted to provide fiber internet as a new service offered by the co-op. This decision came after conducting several feasibility studies earlier this year. The board’s goal is to provide high-speed, reliable internet to the co-op’s electric membership via fiber-to-the-home.

Why is the co-op undertaking this effort?

In November 1935, PPEC — a not-for-profit cooperative — was created by its members to provide life-changing electricity to their farms and homes. Back then, we powered rural areas where other big companies said it wasn’t profitable; we met a need when no one else would.

Today, the problem is modern connectivity: work, video streaming, gaming, home devices, and nearly every aspect of life in this digital age require quality internet service. Data shows that nearly 70% of our membership (especially those in rural areas) is unserved or underserved when it comes to high-speed, reliable internet. This should not be a luxury only available to those in cities. Just as we did in the 1930s, we strive to improve our members’ quality of life by providing a crucial service. We see the need and are stepping up to fill it.

“Concern for Community” is one of our Seven Cooperative Principles and the lifeblood behind this decision. Providing high-speed, reliable fiber internet service will support economic development efforts locally, lead to higher rates of new business formation, allow for improved remote healthcare, and increase job opportunities for area residents, especially for increasingly popular remote work. When the community prospers, the co-op wins.

Who will have access to the new service?

Residential and commercial members who are currently unserved or underserved, and who express interest will be the priority for connection. PPEC has nearly 14,000 members across seven counties in NW Ohio and NE Indiana — and membership is growing. Our progress will be determined by the amount of member interest in an area.

Non-member communities in need outside of the PPEC territory may be added if the co-op determines it is financially feasible.

What is fiber internet?

Fiber is considered the “gold standard” of broadband connections. The term fiber-optic internet, or just “fiber,” refers to bringing internet service to your home or business with ultra-thin strands of glass fibers bundled inside an insulated casing. The fibers transmit data using light pulses instead of electric currents. Unlike the copper wire of phone or cable connections, or the wireless signals of satellite connections, the data transmitted over fiber-optic cables is coming to you at the speed of light! PPEC plans to provide speeds of up to 1 gigabit.

When will this happen?

Planning, design, and engineering will take place over the next year. By fall 2025, the first member should have internet service from PPEC. We aim to complete our member system by 2028. If PPEC serves non-member communities, the build may take as long as five years, until 2030. Other unforeseen factors may affect these plans, but the co-op will keep the public informed throughout the process via our website, magazines, email newsletters, and social media.

Continued on page 18

PPEC will provide reliable fiber Internet PAULDING PUTNAM

Continued from page 17

If I don’t get service, how will this impact me?

The internet and electric sides will remain separate. Electric members will not see their rates increase due to the fiber internet efforts. However, all members will see the benefit of connecting our substations using fiber technology. This will allow PPEC to detect and restore power outages more quickly and provide more accurate data to the membership with improved communication between equipment. All members will benefit from a smarter, stronger, more connected electric grid.

What’s next?

We hope you are as excited as we are! Watch our fiber updates webpage, www.ppec.coop/fiberupdates, for more information coming soon. Pre-registration will be available this fall.

Those with questions may call the co-op at 800-686-2357 or email fiber@ppec.coop.

IMPACTS OF THE EPA’S POWER PLANT RULE

The Environmental Protection Agency’s power plant rule threatens access to reliable electricity for millions of Americans.

At PPEC, ensuring affordable and reliable electricity for our members is our primary focus. Transparency is fundamental to our values, which means we believe in openly sharing both our successes and the challenges we face. As you have been reading in our magazine, the EPA introduced a new rule impacting power plant operations across the nation.

This regulation mandates carbon capture and storage (CCS) technology for coal and natural gas plants, which poses significant challenges as no North American plant currently meets these requirements at the scale mandated. This could lead to early shutdowns of crucial power plants like Ohio’s

Cardinal Power Plant, jeopardizing reliable 24/7 electricity supply for local communities.

While renewable sources like solar and wind play a role in our energy mix, their intermittent nature makes it essential to maintain dependable power generation resources.

Despite these obstacles, PPEC remains committed to finding solutions that best serve our members. We’re actively collaborating with other cooperatives across the country to contest these regulations and engaging local officials to ensure they understand the implications for our members.

The EPA’s power plant rule will:

Force the premature closure of many power plants that currently provide electricity 24/7.

Mandate the deployment of unproven carbon capture and storage technology.

Jeopardize the reliability of the grid at a time when America is already facing a surge in electricity demand.

Heighten the risk of rolling power outages to relieve electric grid pressure.

Increase costs for consumers as utilities are forced to pay for new power generation to comply with the EPA rule. 1 2 3 4 5

Senator Andy Zay (IN-R) speaks with Ryan Heater, VP of Government Relations for IEC, and PPEC CEO Randy Price at a recent tour of the Mone Generating Station.

PPEC Board of Trustees gathers for a photo after they unanimously voted to bring PPEC members high speed fiber internet service.

NAVIGATING SUPPLY CHAIN CHALLENGES

TIM BOWLEY Operations Manager

We’ve all seen the effects of supply chain challenges in products we buy every day. For PPEC, supply chain challenges are also very real and often troubling. Parts and components we frequently need are in short supply, which delays planned upgrades for power reliability and increases the costs of parts and labor.

Co-ops are working together to find innovative ways to deal with supply chain issues. This year, those efforts resulted in a major win regarding updated federal efficiency standards for distribution transformers.

Electric transformers are critical pieces of equipment that help deliver power to consumers. These essential devices adjust electricity voltage, either up or down, to enable safe and efficient power flow.

Late in 2022, the Department of Energy proposed new efficiency requirements for the distribution transformers that deliver power to every home, school, and business in America. Among other provisions, the proposal would have required manufacturers of those transformers to switch to amorphous steel within three years, in place of the grainoriented electrical steel (GOES) that has long been used. Amorphous steel is chemically altered in ways that may make transformers more efficient.

The National Rural Electric Cooperative Association, the national trade association that represents more than 900 co-ops, is wary of DOE’s expectations for this change in material, especially at a time when transformer manufacturers are already struggling to keep up with demand. Currently, there is only one U.S. producer of this specialty steel.

Federal infrastructure funding is helping co-ops to invest in the capacity, safety, and reliability of the systems delivering electricity to co-op communities. That’s a good thing for co-ops and their members, but it’s increasing pressure on the supply chain.

A recent study by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory projects a tripling of distribution transformer installations by 2050. There are an estimated 60 million transformers in use

today. The transformers affected are not only utility-style transformers but also low- and medium-voltage dry-type transformers that many farmers or factories employ.

“The domestic supply chain hasn’t caught up with demand, and the industry is going through a learning curve,” notes Stephanie Crawford, NRECA regulatory affairs director. “It’s going to take some time for manufacturers to retool their production and producers to make enough amorphous steel to meet the need.”

While co-op leaders appreciate the significant amount of federal money available to update local energy infrastructure, that’s also putting the squeeze on supply.

“Everyone across the country is making these investments at the same time, creating demand not just for new transformers, but for all the basic materials and equipment cooperatives need,” Crawford says. “It presents a big problem to ask the industry to make a 100% switch in just three years, when the sole supplier only produces enough for about 5% of today’s market.”

NRECA and electric co-ops joined others in the power industry to educate key contacts in Congress, the White House, and DOE about supply chain challenges, particularly the requirements for the quick shift to amorphous steel.

“After more than a year of advocacy efforts, the DOE issued its final rule, which allows continued use of GOES in smaller-sized transformers,” Crawford explains. “This provides greater certainty with the transformer sizes cooperatives use the most.” The DOE rule also includes a longer compliance time frame for shifting to amorphous steel.

“Extending the deadline to 2029 allows transformer manufacturers more time to adjust to the new standard and focus on output that electric cooperatives need,” Crawford says.

For the foreseeable future, electric co-ops across the nation will continue to face challenges in securing the supplies and equipment they need. The good news is that we have initiated processes to mitigate and manage those risks so we can continue to meet our members’ needs. While the future availability of larger transformers remains a cause for concern, co-ops are pleased to see investments in U.S. manufacturing facilities, and that’s a hopeful sign.

FEDERAL TAX CREDITS, INCENTIVES AND REBATES FOR EFFICIENCY UPGRADES

Tax credits and rebates can help bridge the affordability gap to higher-efficiency equipment for your home, allowing you to complete energy efficiency upgrades that can lower your energy use and save you money in years to come.

First, knowing the difference between a tax credit and rebate is important. A rebate is a payment for purchasing or installing a qualified product or home improvement. Depending on how the rebate program is set up, it may be provided at the time of purchase or applied for and received after installation. Check out all our different rebates that are available to members on the next page.

A tax credit is a dollar-for-dollar amount that taxpayers can report on their tax documents to reduce the amount of taxes owed. You apply for a tax credit when you file your tax documents, so it typically takes longer to reap the benefits than it does with a rebate.

According to ENERGY STAR, homeowners can qualify for up to $3,200 annually in federal tax credits for energy efficiency upgrades. Federal tax credits are available for heating and cooling system upgrades, including heat pumps, furnaces, central air conditioners, boilers, and geothermal heat pumps. Tax credits for ENERGY STAR-rated heat pump water heaters cover 30% of the project cost, up to $2,000. You can also improve your home’s envelope — the portion of the home that separates the inside from the outside — with tax credits for insulation, windows, and skylights.

If an energy efficiency upgrade requires improving the electrical panel in your home, there’s a tax credit for that,

too. You can receive 30% of the cost of the panel upgrade, up to $600.

These federal tax credits are available through 2032. You must own the home you’re upgrading, and it must be your primary residence. Federal tax credits only apply to existing homes in the United States, not new construction. For more information, visit irs.gov or use the QR code to the right.

The Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 expanded available funding for many home upgrades. The act allocated $8.8 million for home rebate programs to be implemented at the state level, and this funding is offered in two different programs. The HOMES program allows up to $8,000 per home for standard-income households. Higher rebates are available for low- to moderate-income households. The HEAR program offers rebates of up to $14,000 per home for qualified, efficient electric equipment for low- to moderate-income households.

These programs are designed to bolster existing programs and should be available in late 2024 or early 2025. Ohio is in the application process for these federal programs.

Additional energy efficiency rebates might also be available. More than half of U.S. states require energy efficiency programs for residents, according to the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy. These programs can help people save money on their electric bills and help states meet climate goals, reduce system costs, and improve the electric grid.

Tax credit and rebate programs can make upgrades more affordable — helping people save money and improve the overall comfort of their homes.

Peter Niagu, CKAE ENERGY SERVICES COORDINATOR

Tax credits for ENERGY STAR heat pump water heaters cover 30% of the project costs, up to $2,000.

You can also improve your home’s envelope with tax credits for insulation.

When shopping for appliances, look for the ENERGY STAR logo on the energy guide to identify which products are the most efficient options.

CO-OP MEMBER PROGRAMS, REBATES & INCENTIVES

HVAC SYSTEMS

Geothermal heating & cooling rebate ($450 bill credit)

Installation of a new geothermal system with a load management switch.

Air source heat pump | air conditioner rebate ($300

bill credit)

Installation of a new air source heat pump system with a load management switch installed.

Ductless mini-spit heat pump rebate ($200 bill credit)

Installation of a new or replacement all-electric ductless or minisplit heat pump system. No load management switch required.

ELECTRIC WATER HEATERS ($350 bill credit)

Installation of a new electric water heater that has a 50-gallon or larger tank capacity and an energy factor of 0.91 or higher, with a load management switch installed.

ELECTRIC VEHICLE (EV) REBATES Level 2 charger ($200 bill credit)

Installation of a new, UL-listed electric vehicle (EV) Level 2 (240-volt) charger. Maximum of two rebates per residential member or six per commercial/industrial facility.

COMMERCIAL AND INDUSTRIAL REBATES (up to $15,000 rebate)

Commercial lighting rebate for replacing inefficient internal lighting in an existing commercial facility. Re-lamping of existing fixtures is allowable for rebate only if it includes a technology upgrade (e.g., incandescent lamp to CFL; fluorescent lighting to LED). Relamping to a lower wattage of the same general type of bulb is not applicable for this program. Facility must be used a minimum of 1,800 hours per year.

ENERGY STAR APPLIANCE REBATES Refrigerator or freezer ($100 bill credit)

Purchase a new ENERGY STAR-rated refrigerator or stand-alone freezer sized 10 to 30 cubic feet. Purchase receipt and proof of ENERGY STAR certification required. Must include ENERGY STAR logo or statement of ENERGY STAR certification.

LOAD MANAGEMENT SWITCH ($25 bill credit for installation, $5 recurring during peak months)

The radio-controlled switch (RCS) is an essential part of the load management program. Whenever there is a risk of reaching a new peak, the RCS attached to the applicable appliances are activated, temporarily interrupting electricity. Members receive a $25 bill credit when a switch is installed on their air conditioning system. Members also receive a $5 monthly credit (June to August) once the switch is installed.

Thanks for coming!

Lions and tigers and giraffes, oh my! More than 2,700 members and families made their way to the Ft. Wayne Children’s Zoo on August 3 for the largest member appreciation day event in co-op history. One of our principles, “Cooperation Among Cooperatives” was in action, as it was a joint event held with neighboring Malinta-based co-op Tricounty Rural Electric. They had nearly 500 members in attendance.

“Thanks to our members for taking time out of their busy lives to join us and celebrate what makes us co-ops different from other utilities.”

- Randy Price, CEO

Members who attended received free zoo entry, ice cream treats, unlimited rides and a cooler bag, along with other swag. A full photo gallery is available on PPEC’s Facebook page (Facebook.com/ Paulding.Putnam.EC). Scan the QR code to see more photos!

Take our survey!

Help us plan 2025’s event by completing PPEC’s survey online at www.PPEC.coop/ member-appreciation.

COVER IMAGE: Apprentice Lineman David Taylor teaches our youngest members how to stay safe around electricity.

GO ABOVE AND BEYOND FOR A SAFE HARVEST

Smart harvest safety tips

• Pass with care. Give farmers room this harvest season. Be patient as they move equipment between fields and farms.

• Never attempt to raise or move power lines to clear a path. Doing so could result in electric shock or death.

• Exercise caution near power lines. Be careful when raising augers or the beds of grain trucks around power lines.

• Use spotters when operating large machinery near power lines. Ensure the spotters do not touch the machinery while it is moving near power lines.

• Do not exit a vehicle if it comes into contact with a power line. Call 911 and wait for assistance. While rare, the only reason to exit equipment that has come into contact with overhead lines is if the equipment is on fire. However, if a fire occurs in that situation, jump off the equipment with your feet together and without touching the machinery and the ground at the same time. Then, still keeping your feet together, hop to safety as you leave the area.

TOUR THE CARDINAL POWER PLANT

Do you know how YOUR power is generated? RSVP for our FREE Cardinal Power Plant tour on OCT. 9.

This is a full-day trip and free to our members, who will get a chance to see our plant up close and personal. People younger than 12, those with health concerns, those who require assistance walking, or those who cannot walk more than a half mile without resting should not take the tour. Space is limited; call soon to reserve your spot.

Call us at 800-686-2357 or email pniagu@ppec.coop to RSVP.

Look! the sky Up in

Air shows have been a staple at local strips around the country pretty much since the invention of flight.

On the following pages, we highlight high-flying fun at two Ohio events this month that exemplify that barnstorming spirit.

BY MARGIE WUEBKER

VThe WACO fly-in at Troy shows

off local aviation

history

intage aircraft are a common sight in the sky above and along County Road 25A at the south edge of Troy in Miami County — especially during late September, when the WACO Air Museum and Learning Center hosts its annual fly-in.

The center’s executive director, Nancy Royer, says nearly 100 “birds” flew in to last year’s 100th anniversary event, and she hopes to attract similar numbers at this year’s show Sept. 20 through 22. Events start at 9 a.m. each day.

Plans call for flyovers, displays, entertainment, a candy drop, vintage car show, and food trucks. Like other select weekends during the spring, summer, and fall, pilots will be offering flights (for a fee) in their open-cockpit biplanes.

through the history of Troy and Miami County, which were at the forefront of the aviation history.”

WACO (Weaver Aircraft Company) in Troy was the largest manufacturer of biplanes in the country during the late 1920s and early 1930s. Buck Weaver, a civilian who instructed military pilots in Texas during World War I, and friends Clayton Brukner, Sam Junkin, and Charlie Meyers founded the company in 1920.

Their first design, dubbed “The Cootie,” holds a place of honor in the museum. Brian Meyer, a member of the WACO Historical Society, built a flying replica of the aircraft — relying entirely on photographs since none of the original models remained.

“The fly-in gives us a chance to show off our facility,” Royer says. “It is here that people can walk

Between 1925 and 1927, the company’s owners continued to improve their designs. Many of the 250 WACO Model 9s manufactured in that time were used to haul mail from place to place. More success came with the WACO Model 10.

According to Royer, it was the choice of barnstormer pilots in the 1930s and became known as a new pilot’s best friend. Though the company failed to secure a contract to produce military trainer planes, its UPF-7 was chosen by Civilian Pilot Training Schools and produced 600 of them for that purpose. WACO did win a contract to build gliders after the Army Air Corps decided it needed aircraft to quickly move heavy loads of military personnel, jeeps, and other equipment into battlefield locations, and more than a thousand were built in Troy. “WACO’s gliders flew in 28 countries,” Royer says.

handling subcontractor duties, and building products including turrets, bomb dollies, and log splitters.

Post-war years were not kind to the company, and the last plane rolled off the assembly line in 1947. However, WACO continued for another 15 years doing metalwork,

The company occupied nine buildings and boasted a workforce of 2,000 in its heyday. Former employees and local citizens wanted to preserve and honor the area’s contribution to aviation, and established the WACO Historical Society in 1979.

The first museum opened in the downtown area the following year with the current site opening in 1997. Today, along with its 2,400-foot grass airstrip reminiscent of the 1930s, the site has two large hangars full of vintage aircraft — including “Sunni,” a classic biplane representative of the Golden Age of Aviation. A small theater shows World War II gliders in action and a learning center hosts various aviationrelated camps and youth programs.

The museum, located at 1865 S. County Road 25A, Troy, is open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday, noon to 5 p.m. There is an admission charge. Check the website at WACOAirMuseum. org or call 937-335-9226 for more information.

A skydiving Santa and a flying mower are among the highlights at the state’s

air show largest free

BY JAMIE RHEIN

Technically, the Vinton County Air Show has been around longer than the Vinton County Airport has been open. The first was in 1969, the year after the runway was built near McArthur as part of Gov. James Rhodes’ initiative to build an airport in every county in the state, but two years before the airport’s grand opening.

By the early 1990s, though, despite the popularity of the air show, the airport itself struggled, and looked as if it might close. That was when the Vinton County Pilots and Booster Association jumped into action.

The group of locals with a passion for aviation has managed and maintained the airport and its 3,750-long runway since 1992. The air show — now one of the longest-running non-military, free air shows in Ohio — is its largest source of funding (the air show itself is free; boosters raise money by asking for parking donations and serving one of the best chicken dinners around).

The third Sunday each September, the Vinton County Air Show draws spectators by the thousands in search of family fun, highlighted by daredevil stunts, highflying aerobatics, and a skydiving Santa Claus.

From vintage WWII planes like the 1947 North American Navion and a Chinese Yak to a 1970s two-passenger Cessna 150, these beauties draw plenty of admiration from onlookers. A Blackhawk helicopter and Ohio University’s DC3 provide the thunder, while paragliders and all sorts of model planes make for a quieter attraction.

Each year, “the most popular plane isn’t a plane,” says Rupert. “It’s a flying lawnmower.” Operated by Roger Barns, the radio-controlled lawnmower buzzes along the runway before taking off to dazzle with airborne antics like flying upside down.

Another highlight is the air show’s skydiving team, the Screaming Chickens (named for the show’s infamous chicken dinners). Bob Church and Ted Williams start off the show with the first dive. Church builds smoke on his feet before he jumps to help folks follow him as he spirals his way to the earth (the bright jellybeancolored stripes of his parachute are hard to miss as well). Williams follows with a large American flag that flutters behind him in a patriotic howdy.

The most memorable — iconic, even — part of the skydiving show is the finale: First, a low-flying

airplane drops hundreds of pieces of candy on the runway for children to scramble in and gather up the bounty. That’s followed by Church’s last jump, wearing (what else?) a Santa Claus suit — as if the merry old elf is making an early scouting visit from the North Pole.

Church has jumped in about every Vinton County air show since the early 90s.

That chicken dinner though! As early as 5 a.m. on show days, the McArthur Eagles Club fires up the largest barbeque pit in southeastern Ohio. The 45-foot-long pit sizzles with half-chickens slathered with secret sauce until the dinners sell out. Andy Adelman, who has cooked up chicken since the show’s early days, isn’t giving up the recipe. Dinners come with baked beans, potato salad, and a roll. Some drive the miles to the air show for the chicken alone — Rupert swears it is that good. He makes sure each pilot who performs gets one, since they all volunteer their time to the airport’s cause.

Another aim of the air show is to entice more folks to become pilots themselves. Association members Harry Sowers and Fred Hawk, both flight instructors, give short airplane rides after the air show. Sowers, who started flying at age Scenic Air Tours out of the Vinton County Airport, vouches on the affordability of flying lessons: “It’s cheaper than golf.”

Over the years, proceeds from the air show have been used to build a shelter house, buy fuel tanks, and, with a matching grant from the FAA, repaint the runway.

If you go

The show starts at 1 p.m. on Sunday, September 15. Although the admission is free, the suggested donation for parking is $10. The access to the airport during the show is via State Route 328 to Airport Road East.

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VALUE YOU CAN COUNT ON

ADVOCACY

We advocate for agriculture with legislators, regulators, in the courts and with the media.

LEVERAGING TRENDS

Members have access to the Ag Intelligence Service to gain insight on how to best position their farm for the future.

MONEY-SAVING BUSINESS SOLUTIONS

Members save by accessing our Health Benefits Plan, Workers’ Comp Group Rating Program, and Energy Program.

PROTECTING WHAT MATTERS MOST

PERSONAL AND PROFESSIONAL GROWTH

Farm Bureau helps you collaborate with the best and build relationships to keep you ready for the next innovation or issue.

INDUSTRY EXPERTS

Members receive unique insights on water quality, energy, animal care standards, agriculture legislation and landowner rights.

Through our partnership with Nationwide, members can access products and services that protect their families, homes and farms.

YOUR LOCAL WATERFURNACE DEALERS:

Ashland Comfort Control (419) 281-0144 comfortcontrolohio.com

Bowling Green United Home Comfort (419) 352-7092 unitedhomecomfort.com

Chillicothe

Accurate Htg & Clg (740) 775-5005 accurategeothermal.com

Coldwater Ray’s Refrigeration (419) 678-8711 raysrefrigeration.com

Defiance Schlatters Plbg & Htg (419) 393-4690 schlattersgeothermal.com

Dresden Federal Htg & Clg (740) 754-4328 federalheating.com

Findlay Knueve & Sons Inc. (419) 420-7638 knueve.com

Gahanna Custom A/C & Htg (614) 552-4822 customairco.com/ geothermal

Groveport Patriot Air (614) 577-1577 patriotair.com

Holgate Holgate Hardware (419) 264-3012

Kalida Knueve & Sons Inc. (419) 420-7638 knueve.com

Sarka Electric (419) 532-3492 sarkaelectric.com

Mansfield Eberts Energy Center (419) 589-2000 ebertsheatingandcooling. com

Marion Wenig’s Inc. (740) 383-5012 wenigsinc.com

Medina Sisler Heating (330) 722-7101 sislerwaterfurnace.com

Mt. Vernon Cosby Htg & Clg (740) 393-4328 cosbyhc.com

New Knoxville New Knoxville Supply (419) 753-2444 newknoxvillesupply.com

Newark Hottinger Geothermal (740) 323-2330 hottingergeothermal.com

Portsmouth Accurate Htg & Clg (740) 353-4328 accurategeothermal.com

Sidney Lochard Inc. (937) 492-8811

Springfield Danco Enterprises (937) 969-8440 daytongeothermal.com

Sunbury Westin Air (614) 794-1259 geothermalcentralohio.com

Toledo

Overcashier & Horst (419) 841-3333 ohcomfort.com

Wellington

Wellington Indoor Comfort (440) 647-3421

Still Still

smiling smiling

Ohio’s oldest family farm was a gift from King George III.

In 1772, four years before the start of the revolution that wrested control of the colonies from Great Britain, the British king, George III, gave hundreds of acres of land in what was then the Colony of Virginia to an Englishman named Alexander Smiley, for the purpose of farming the land and helping to “civilize” the Northwest Territory.

Soon after, of course, came the Declaration of Independence, and not long after that, the Northwest Territory was divided and those same 500 acres became part of the county of Adams in the new state of Ohio in 1803. And there remained the Smiley farm.

Today, 252 years after that original deed from King George, John Smiley, a member of Adams Rural Electric Cooperative, is the seventh generation of his family still farming on that acreage in the rolling countryside near Seaman.

Smiley, with help from the eighth and ninth generations of Smiley farmers — his son, James, and two grandsons, John and Alexander — raises corn, soybeans, hay, and Charolais

beef cattle on 100 acres of the original Smiley farm, plus additional farmland they either own or lease.

“The deed from King George was for at least 500 acres, but might have been for more than 1,000 acres,” John says. “We’re just not sure because parts of it were parceled off when people got married, and lots of the property records were destroyed in a courthouse fire.”

More than 2,000 farms that have been in the same family for at least 100 consecutive years are registered in the Ohio Department of Agriculture’s Historic Family Farms program, and according to its records, the Smiley farmstead is the state’s oldest continuously operated family farm. In 2022, the Department of Agriculture presented John with a certificate commemorating his remarkable heritage and ownership of the state’s first sestercentennial (250-year-old) family farm.

To the best of John’s knowledge, it’s also Ohio’s only remaining historic farm that began with a land grant from George III. (Interestingly, his father’s extensive research into their family history during the 1970s hints that the 1772 deed was written on sheepskin.)

STORY AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY DAMAINE VONADA

The densely wooded territory north of the Ohio River was occupied by Native Americans when Alexander Smiley settled there in the 1700s, and John vividly recalls finding arrowheads in freshly plowed fields during his boyhood. The Smiley farm’s first dwelling was a log cabin that sat high on a hill on the ancestral 100-acre parcel, where John has lived his entire life. After a fire razed the cabin, his forebearers constructed a 1 5-story limestone house on the same location in 1813

“My dad told me they quarried the rocks for the house on the farm and hauled them in a four-team wagon every day for six weeks,” John says. Covered with white stucco, the 1813 house had three double chimneys and hand-hewn 8-by-8-inch timbers on 16-inch centers. John was born in that house in 1952, and he and his late wife, Debra, also raised their son, James, and daughters, Sherry and Nancy, there.

In January 2004, a fire damaged the nearly 200-year-old house so badly that it had to be demolished. The flames also consumed treasured family antiques including a three-corner cupboard first used in the log cabin; a spinning wheel that belonged to John’s great-greatgrandparents; and a Jenny Lind-style spindle bed in which generations of Smiley children had slept. “Losing the stone house and all its antiques was hard, but I realized they were just things and was very grateful no lives were lost,” recalls John.

He soon replaced the stone house with a four-bedroom brick home with double front porches that not only afford panoramic views of his farmland but also give a nod to Virginia’s traditional Southern-style architecture. The home’s interior features an oak staircase and trim that came from trees on the farm that were cut down and milled into lumber decades ago. “I didn’t just build this house for myself,” John says. “I hope others in the family might want to live here someday too.”

Although John considers himself “just an ordinary farmer,” he’s proud that his people have always farmed and that they kept their land and their lifestyle through two and a half centuries of good times and bad. Over the years, Smileys raised tobacco; milked Holstein cows; did custom threshing with a steam engine; ran a sawmill, a gristmill, and a sorghum cane mill; and even made maple syrup. The farm’s oldest structure is an early-1800s horse stable that John now uses for storage, and one of his prize possessions is a John Deere 520 tractor his dad bought new in 1957. John once rode the 520 through Moline, Illinois, during a John Deere heritage tractor event, and he intends to ride it again in this year’s Seaman Fall Festival parade.

“Ever since I was a little tyke, I wanted to be a farmer,” says John. “I’m blessed that I was able to do it here on the Smiley farm.”

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2024 CALENDAR

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER

a visit to our charming village shops! Enjoy stunning autumn colors and exciting specials as you explore the vibrant atmosphere. www.mywestliberty.com.

SEP. 21–OCT. 20 – NWORRP Pumpkin Train, Northwest Ohio Railroad Preservation Inc., 12505 Co. Rd. 99, Findlay, Sat./Sun. 1–5 p.m. $3; 12 and under, $2. Ride our quarter-scale train to the pumpkin patch to find that special pumpkin, then take one more trip around the track to return to the station. Additional charge for pumpkins; purchase not required. 419-423-2995, www.nworrp.org, or www.facebook.com/nworrp.

and pumpkin chuckin’ all day long. The Tracks to the Past Machinery Show will feature antique machinery. 419-423-2995, www.nworrp.org, or www.facebook. com/nworrp.

OCT. 4–6 – Johnny Appleseed Festival, Antique Tractor Show, Fun Pull, and Flea Market, AuGlaize Village, 12296 Krouse Rd., Defiance. $5; 12 and under free. Enjoy our apple cider, sorghum molasses, kettle corn, and apple butter; see an operating sawmill; take a train ride around the Village ($2). School Day on Friday, Oct. 4 419-990-0107, villageauglaize@gmail. com, or www.auglaizevillage.com.

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, 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 the area provide great food, crafts, and more! 937-658-6945 or www.sidneyalive.org.

SEP. 4, OCT. 2 – Down on the Farm Story Time, Proving Ground Farm, 5670 E. Twp. Rd. 138, Tiffin, 10 a.m. Stories and activities geared for preschool-age children focus on farming and nature in a picturesque setting. 419-447-7073, www.conservesenecacounty. com, or find Seneca Conservation District on Facebook.

SEP. 7–8 – 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, and more. Vendors welcome! 419-619-0041 (Christine) or findlayfleamarket@gmail.com.

SEP. 18 – World War II Living History Event, Piatt Castle Mac-A-Cheek, 10051 Township Rd. 47, West Liberty, 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Free. The Greater Ohio Living History Association, WWII Mech Forces HQ returns for a 10th year for this interactive program. Become a witness to WWII patrols and skirmishes. www. piattcastle.org.

SEP. 20–21 – West Liberty Fall Open Houses, downtown West Liberty. Unlock the beauty of fall with

WEST VIRGINIA

SEP. 26–29 – Preston County Buckwheat Festival, 115 Brown Ave., Kingwood. Buckwheat cakes and sausage dinners served all day. Parades, car show, livestock shows and competitions, carnival rides, art and crafts, concerts, and more. https://buckwheatfestival.com.

OCT. 5 – Apple Butter Day, Fort New Salem, 81 Settlers Lane, Salem. We will be making apple butter on-site. 304-695-2220, director@fortnewsalemfoundation.org, or www.fortnewsalemfoundation.org.

SEP. 26 – Fourth Thursdays: “Paint LoCo Pink,” downtown Lakeview. Show your support in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness month. Live music, food trucks, and lots of pink! Attend our ceremony to celebrate with special guests and survivors while collecting stamps on your Shopping Passport. www. facebook.com/downtownlakeviewohio.

SEP. 26 – Open Air Dinner, Ross Bridge, Tawawa Park, Sidney. $75/person. Enjoy a beautiful farm-to-table dinner featuring Spot Catering, Crossway Farms, and the Shelby County Pork Producers. 937-658-6945 or www.sidneyalive.org.

SEP. 27–29 – Indian Lake Fall Festival, 13156 St. Rte. 235, Lakeview. Food trucks, arts and crafts vendors, and fall family fun! https://ohiodnr.gov/indianlake.

SEP. 27–OCT. 26 – NWORRP Halloween Express, Northwest Ohio Railroad Preservation Inc., 12505 Co. Rd. 99, Findlay, Fri./Sat. 6:30–9 p.m. $3; 12 and under. $2. Take the whole family on a non-scary train ride around our tracks to see the Halloween decorations after dark. 419-423-2995, www.nworrp.org, or www. facebook.com/nworrp.

OCT. 4 – First Fridays: Great Pumpkin Walk, downtown Bellefontaine. This not-so-scary fall celebration features inflatable attractions, music, art displays, food trucks, a vendor fair, and lots and lots of candy! Wear your best costume and get your photo taken. www.firstfridaysbellefontaine.com.

OCT. 4–6 – Findlay Fall Harvest Festival, Northwest Ohio Railroad Preservation Inc., 12505 Co. Rd. 99, Findlay, Fri./Sat. 9 a.m.–9 p.m., Sun. noon–5 p.m. $5. Family-friendly games and activities, train rides, live entertainment, bounce houses, corn cannons,

OCT. 5 – “Art in the Park” Fine Artist Show and Sale, Heritage Park, 4 E. Auglaize St., Wapakoneta, 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Free and open to the public. Familyfriendly event featuring 30 artists along the Historic Auglaize River at the Park. Each artist will have space to feature and demonstrate their art. www. facebook.com/events/1508069173446543 or https:// riversideartcenter.org.

OCT. 5 – Max’s Miles Suicide Prevention and Awareness Event, Hedges-Boyer Park, Tiffin, 8 a.m.–noon. Free. Community walk and remembrance event sponsored by the Seneca County Suicide Coalition. Pets, walkers, and runners welcome. Food trucks, local service providers, speakers, and music. Search “HOPE in Fostoria” on social media for event information.

OCT. 11 – Downtown Chocolate Walk, Sidney, 6–8 p.m. $25/person. Tour downtown businesses and gather up delicious chocolates and great deals. 937658-6945 or www.sidneyalive.org.

OCT. 11–12 – October Downtown Sidewalk Sales, Sidney. Various downtown shops will offer deals and discounts. 937-658-6945 or www.sidneyalive.org.

OCT. 12 – Boos and Brews Festival, various locations in downtown Sidney. Free. Trick or treat, costume contest, activities, and more. 937-658-6945 or www.sidneyalive.org.

OCT. 12 – Van Buren Fall Festival, Van Buren School, 217 S. Main St., Van Buren, 9 a.m.–3 p.m. Homemade apple butter, bean soup cooked over an open fire, food vendors, craft show, community garage sales, and kids’ area. Also see the Tunnel to Towers 9/11 Never Forget Mobile Exhibit. 419-889-8796 or vanburenapplebutter@ yahoo.com.

2024 CALENDAR

NORTHEAST

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER

THROUGH OCT. 12 – Plant and Animal Fiber Exhibit, McCook House Museum, 15 S. Lisbon St., Carrollton, Fri./Sat. 10 a.m.–5 p.m. $3. See a variety of handmade items from local crafters including baskets, rush, reed, caned bottom chairs, woven rugs, wall hangings, knitted and crocheted items, and much more. 330-437-9715 or kathorn4120@ gmail.com.

SEP. 9–21 – “Celebrate the Constitution,” Historic Fort Steuben, 120 S. 3rd St., Steubenville, Mon.–Sat. 10 a.m.–4 p.m., Sun. 11 a.m.–4 p.m. Free. Annual exhibit and activities focusing on the nation’s founding document and the issues and personalities of the time. 740-283-1787 or www. oldfortsteuben.com.

SEP. 15 – Annual Harvest of the Arts, 101 Willard Memorial Square, Wellington, 11 a.m.–4 p.m. Free admission and parking. About 60 fine and folk art vendors, a handmade quilt raffle, and lunch in our Friends Café. Fundraiser for community programming for the library. 440-647-2120 or www. herrickliboh.org.

SEP. 20–21 – Brigade of the American Revolution, Historic Fort Steuben, 120 S. 3rd St., Steubenville. $6; ages 6–12, $3; under 6 free. Reenactors will demonstrate the maneuvers and armaments used

SOUTHWEST

THROUGH OCT. 30 – Bluegrass Wednesdays, Vinoklet Winery, 11069 Colerain Ave., Cincinnati, Wed. 6:30–8:30 p.m. Enjoy dinner, wine, and an evening of free entertainment by Vernon McIntyre’s Appalachian Grass. Reservations recommended. 513-385-9309, vinokletwinery@fuse.net, or www. vinokletwines.com.

SEP. 14 – Troy Porchfest, downtown Troy, 10:30 a.m.–7 p.m. Imagine 40 bands playing on 40 porches throughout the Southwest Historic District, with 7 new concerts each hour! Pick up a walkable map of the event and choose your favorite bands. Food court, Artisan Tent Village, and closing concert at the Hayner. www.troyhayner.org/porchfest.html.

SEP. 15, OCT. 5 – White Water Shaker Village Tour, 11813 Oxford Rd., Harrison, 2–5 p.m. Free.

during the early settlement and development of America. 740-283-1787 or www.oldfortsteuben.com.

SEP. 28 – Burton Antiques Festival, Geauga Co. Fgds., 14373 Cheshire St., Burton. Early buyers, 8–10 a.m., $25; general admission 10 a.m.–1 p.m., $10; 1–4 p.m., $5. Antique, vintage, and midcentury furniture, along with vintage jewelry, primitives, stoneware, postcards, and much more. 740-9985300 (Kay Puchstein), puchs2@yahoo.com, or www. burtonantiquesmarket.com.

SEP. 28 – Lorain County Beekeepers Association End of Summer Classic, Lorain Co. Fgds., 23000 Fairgrounds Rd., Wellington, 9 a.m.–3 p.m. Classic cars, raffles, and vendors with locally produced products. This fundraiser will support our goal to build a year-round learning facility at the fairgrounds for future beekeepers and farmers. https:// loraincountybeekeepers.org/end-of-summer-classic.

OCT. 4 – “Zoar and the Presidents,” 198 Main St., Zoar, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. $7. Open to all public, private, and homeschool students. Meet U.S. presidents and other historical figures who were active during Zoar’s era as a communal settlement from 1817 to 1898 Reservations requested. 800-262-6195 or www. historiczoarvillage.com.

OCT. 5 – Apfelfest, 254 E. 4th St., Zoar, 11 a.m.–4 p.m. $10; 12 and under free. Celebrate the history of Zoar Village with a weekend filled with apples, apple cider, apple treats, demos, fall-related vendors, and more. 800-262-6195 or www. historiczoarvillage.com.

OCT. 5 – Wayne County Stitchers Sewing Fest, Church of the Cross, 5100 Cleveland Rd., Wooster, 9 a.m.–3 p.m. $10 admission; no registration. Classes, door prizes, raffles, boutique, and fabric fair. A fun day of creative learning! Email porterjrsn667@yahoo. com for more information.

Established in 1823, White Water is one of the 24 Shaker communal villages founded in the United States. Learn about the daily life of a Shaker and the businesses they conducted, check out our collections of Shaker goods, and explore the stable, barns, and historic outbuildings. www. whitewatervillage.org.

SEP. 20, OCT. 18 – Bluegrass Night, Fibonacci Brewing Company, 1445 Compton Rd., Cincinnati, 7–9 p.m. Free. Enjoy lively bluegrass music by Vernon McIntyre’s Appalachian Grass, a wide variety of craft beers at the Beer Garden, and food truck eats. 513-832-1422 or http://fibbrew.com.

SEP. 21–22 – Preble County Pork Festival, Preble Co. Fgds., 722 S. Franklin St., Eaton. Free admission/ parking. Parade Sat. 10:30 a.m. The best pork chops, pulled pork, ham sandwiches, and sausage in the region. www.porkfestival.org.3

SEP. 27–29, OCT. 4–6, 11–13 – Halloween Campout/Trick-or-Treat, Hueston Woods State Park, 6301 Park Office Rd., College Corner. Free. Everyone is welcome to join us for the spooktacular events happening in our campground. Please call 513523-6347 or visit www.ohioodnr.gov for additional information.

OCT. 1 – Music Live at Lunch: Vernon McIntyre’s Appalachian Grass, Christ Church Cathedral, 318 E. 4th St., Cincinnati, 12: 10–12:50 p.m. Free. Bring your own lunch or purchase a box lunch

OCT. 5–6, 12–13, 19–20 – Fall Foliage Tours, Lorain and West Virginia Railway, 46485 St. Rte. 18, Wellington, departure time 1:30 p.m. The perfect way to spend an hour or two on a Saturday or Sunday in October. Tickets available at the station on days of operation. 440-647-6660 or www.lwvry.org.

OCT. 6 – Cleveland Comic Book and Nostalgia Festival, Doubletree by Hilton Cleveland/Westlake, 1100 Crocker Rd., Westlake, 10 a.m.–4 p.m. $5; 6 and under free. Free parking. Comic and toy vendors, guest comic creators, hourly prizes. 330-462-3985, jeff@harpercomics.com, or www.harpercomics.com.

OCT. 6 – First Fridays on Fourth, 155 N. 4th St., Steubenville, 6–10 p.m. Free. Monthly themed celebration featuring art, crafts, games, food trucks, live entertainment, and activities to stimulate the imagination. www.theharmoniumproject.org/ first-Fridays.

OCT. 11–12 – Valley Quilt Guild Quilt Show, Sacred Heart Church Parish Center, 320 Fair Ave. NE, New Philadelphia, 10 a.m.–3 p.m. $5 100-plus quilt display, demonstrations, raffle quilt and baskets, bed turning, vendors, quilters’ café, boutique, and more. www.facebook.com/groups/valleyquiltguild.

OCT. 11–12, 18–19, 25–26 – Ghost Tours of Zoar, 198 Main St., Zoar, 6:30–8:30 p.m. $19. Learn about supernatural encounters shared by staff, visitors, and residents of Zoar on a walking tour of the village. For adults and children over the age of 12. Reservations required. 800-262-6195 or www. historiczoarvillage.com.

OCT. 13 – Jesse Smith: Finger Style Guitar, Wadsworth Public Library, 132 Broad St., Wadsworth, 2–3 p.m. Free, but registration recommended. 419853-6016 or www.ormaco.org.

on-site. 513-842-2066, sroby@cccath.org, or https://cincinnaticathedral.com/wp-content/ uploads/2023/08/Music-Brochure-2023-2024.pdf.

OCT. 4–6 – Octoberfest, Cincinnati Donauschwaben Society, 4290 Dry Ridge Rd., Cincinnati, Fri. 5–11 p.m., Sat. 1–11 p.m., Sun. 1–9 p.m. Voted “Most Authentic Octoberfest” in Cincinnati area, with great food, music, and dancers. Come out and join us for a day of Gemuetlichkeit! www.cincydonau.com.

OCT. 5 – Free Family Program: Trick or Treat Safari, Wild Hearts African Farm, 7010 Jordan Rd., Lewisburg, 12–3 p.m. Led by Amanda Badger. Registration required. 937-962-5561, pcpdevents@ gmail.com, or www.preblecountyparks.org.

OCT. 12 – USSA Steinholding Competition, Liberty Home German Society, 2361 Hamilton Cleves Rd., Hamilton, 5–10 p.m. Bad Habit Band, 6–10 p.m. 513571-6198, www.libertyhome.net, or follow Liberty Home Association on Facebook.

OCT. 12–13 – Ohio Sauerkraut Festival, Historic Main Street, Waynesville, Sat. 9 a.m.–8 p.m., Sun. 9 a.m.–6 p.m. Sample homemade sauerkraut and many kraut-containing foods. Non-kraut foods also available. 513-897-8855 or https://sauerkrautfestival. waynesvilleohio.com.

CENTRAL

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 artisan crafts. www.facebook. com/coshoctonfarmersmarket or 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. 614-321-4833 ext. 103 or www.fairfieldcountyparks.org/events.

SEP. 6, OCT. 4 – 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! https://artcoz.org/arts-district-map.

SEP. 10, 17 – Friendly Ties Square Dance Club Lessons, Pickerington Senior Center, 150 Hereford Dr., Pickerington, 7–9 p.m. First two lessons are free; $5/person per class after Sep. 17. Come join in the fun and reap the benefits — physically, mentally, and emotionally. 614-316-5838 or www.friendlyties.org.

SEP. 12, OCT. 10 – Inventors Network Meetings, Rusty Bucket, 3901 Britton Parkway, Hilliard, 43026 (614-7775868, MyRustyBucket.com), 7 p.m. Informal meetings for networking and invention-related discussion. 614-4700144 or www.inventorscolumbus.com.

SOUTHEAST

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.

SEP. 20–21 – The National Road Quilt Guild Quilt Show, St. Clairsville Fairgrounds (near Ohio University Eastern Campus), 45420 Roscoe Rd., St. Clairsville, Fri. 10 a.m.–5 p.m., Sat. 10 a.m.–4 p.m. $5. Free parking. No steps; air-conditioned building. Many vendors, quilt raffle, and gift basket raffle. 740-449-2697 or find The National Road Quilt Guild on Facebook.

SEP. 21 – Ghost Walk, downtown Chillicothe, 10 a.m.–6 p.m. $10. Tour five downtown locations where

SEP. 14–15 – Harvest Celebration, Smeck Park, 7395 Basil Rd, Baltimore, 11 a.m.–4 p.m. Free. Watch Fairfield County Antique Tractor Club members bring in the harvest using antique farm machinery. Games and activities for all ages, demos, displays, vendors, music, food trucks, and more. 740-681-7249 ext. 105 or www. fairfieldcountyparks.org/events.

SEP. 19–NOV. 14 — Stephanie Rond “Spacewalkers” exhibit, McConnell Arts Center, 777 Evening St., Worthington, Tue.–Fri. 10 a.m.–9 p.m., Sat. 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Free. Opening reception 6–8 p.m. Sep. 19; artistguided gallery tour 7 p.m. Oct. 3 614-431-0329 or www. mcconnellarts.org.

SEP. 21 – Fall Foliage Tour and Hike, Canal Park, Circleville, 11 a.m. Guided hike to look at the small wondrous changes that take place every fall in our natural spaces. Dress for the fall weather and terrain. An adult must accompany all children under 12. Registration required: email mellis@pickawaycountyohio.gov. Program will be canceled in the case of inclement weather. www.pickawaycountyparks.org.

SEP. 27–28 – Pickerington Oktoberfest, 80 W. Church St., Pickerington, Fri. 3–10 p.m., Sat. 12–10 p.m. Free admission. Enjoy beer, cider, wine, and cocktails, live music, food, games. Family friendly; minors must be accompanied by an adult. Beer Mile Run on Saturday morning. 614-382-2452 or www.pickeringtonvillage.com.

SEP. 27–28 – Sims Fall Festival, 11300 ChillicotheLancaster Rd., Amanda, Fri. 2–8 p.m., Sat. 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Free. Civil War encampment and display, live music, kids’ activities, beans and cornbread, firing of Gen. Sherman’s cannon, pumpkins and mums for sale, and more! 740-969-2225 or www.simsfallfestival.com.

SEP. 28 – Ghost Stories and Night Hike, Canal Park, Circleville, 7:30 p.m. Join us as we listen to a ghost story, take a special after-dark hike, and participate in an interactive nocturnal activity. Dress for the fall weather and terrain. An adult must accompany all children under 12. Registration required: email mellis@pickawaycountyohio.gov. Program will be canceled in the case of inclement weather. www. pickawaycountyparks.org.

SEP. 28–29 – Frontier Spirit 1799, Alley Park, 2805 Old Logan Rd. SE, Lancaster, 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Free. Step back in time to see what life was like for the first settlers in the Ohio Territory, featuring characters from early Fairfield

you will hear stories of the ghostly encounters that have been experienced at each location. www. chillicothehalloweenfestival.com/ghost-walk.

SEP. 21 – Oktoberfest, East Second Street, Chillicothe, 4–10 p.m. $5. Annual family-friendly event with wiener dog races, face painting, DJ, live music, and traditional German fare and beer along with beer chugging, yodeling, and stein-holding contests. www. downtownchillicothe.com.

SEP. 21–22 – Appalachian Foothills Fall Festival and Old Iron Power Club Show, Noble Co. Fgds. (exit 25 off I-77), Caldwell. $5; 10 and under free. Two festivals in one! Gas engines, tractors, crafts, flea market, live bluegrass and country music, chicken BBQ, one-room school, covered bridge, log cabin tours, and more. 740934-2258 (Marissa Winland) or www.oldironpowerclub. com.

SEP. 26–29 – Barnesville Pumpkin Festival, downtown Barnesville. Parade, fun contests and activities, live music, a variety of pumpkin-based food, and the Great Pumpkin Weigh-Off. 740-425-2593 or www.barnesvillepumpkinfestival.com.

SEP. 28–29 – Athens Antique Machinery Show, Athens Co. Fgds., 286 W. Union St., Athens, 9 a.m.–3 p.m. $5/day. Antique and classic tractors, old farm

County. Demos of period crafts, period music, children’s games, and more. frontierspirit1799@gmail.com or www. frontierspirit.org.

SEP. 28–29 – Hocking Hills Artists and Craftsmen Association Fall Show, Hocking Hills Lodge and Convention Center. 20020 St. Rte. 664 S., Logan, 1 mile south of Old Man’s Cave, Sat. 10 a.m.–5 p.m., Sun. 11 a.m.–4 p.m. Refreshments available. www. hockinghillsartistsandcraftsmen.com.

SEP. 29 – Marysville Toy Show, Union Co. Fgds., Beef Barn, 845 N. Main St., Marysville, 9 a.m.–3 p.m. $6; 12 and under free; early buyer (8–9 a.m.) $12. Free parking. Die-cast cars, action figures, model kits, farm toys. Find Marysville Toy Show on Facebook.

OCT. 5 – “Crafts for a Cure for Alzheimer’s” Craft Show, Isla Grande Farms Pavilion, 2730 Harding Hwy. W., Marion, 43302. Crafts, food, raffles. Hosted by Kenya and Rodney Mulholland. 740-262-2286, craftsforacure@ yahoo.com, or find us on Facebook.

OCT. 5 – Fall Tree ID and Leaf Hike, PCPD HQ, 16405 U.S. 23, South Bloomfield, 10 a.m. Learn identification methods for trees based on tree bark and leaves. Dress for the fall weather and terrain. An adult must accompany all children under 12. Registration required: email mellis@pickawaycountyohio.gov. Program will be canceled in the case of inclement weather. www. pickawaycountyparks.org.

OCT. 5–6 – “Quilting Thru the Seasons” Quilt Show, Park Avenue Elementary School, Mount Gilead, Sat. 10 a.m.–5 p.m., Sun. 11 a.m.–4 p.m. Hosted by Morrow County Quilting Guild. Raffle quilt, silent auction, sale table, freewill donation, bed turning, and over 200 quilts on display. 419-946-5344 (Cheryl Jason).

OCT. 11–13 – Columbus Italian Festival, St. John the Baptist Italian Catholic Church, 720 Hamlet St., Columbus, Fri. 5–11 p.m., Sat. noon–11 p.m., Sun. noon–7 p.m. $10; 12 and under free. 614-294-8259 or www.columbusitalianfestival.com.

OCT. 12 – Grandma Gatewood Fall Color Hike, Hocking Hills State Park, 19852 St. Rte. 664 S., Logan, 9 a.m. A strenuous hike that spans 6 miles on the Grandma Gatewood trail from Old Man’s Cave to Cedar Falls and back. Dress for the fall weather and terrain. Meet at the Visitor Center. 740-385-6841 or www. thehockinghills.org/Events.htm.

and oil field engines, craft and flea markets, working steam engines, sawmill, stone-ground cornmeal, live entertainment, 500 Visa raffle, and more. Food served all day. 740-664-2112 (Bruce Russell), 740541-0423 (Dave Llewellyn), or www.facebook.com/ AthensCountyAntiqueMachineryClub.

OCT. 3–26 – The Frankenstein Experience at Haunted Mountain, Sugarloaf Mountain Amphitheater, 5968 Marietta Rd., Chillicothe, Thur.–Sat. 6:30 p.m. $10–$40. Enjoy a spine-tingling adventure with a live production, haunted trail, films, escape rooms, and more! www.hauntedmountain.org.

OCT. 4–6 – Paul Bunyan Show, Guernsey Co. Fgds., 335 Old National Rd., Lore City (Cambridge), Fri./Sat. 8 a.m.–5 p.m., Sun. 9 a.m.–3 p.m. $6–$12; 6 and under free; free for veterans. The original American forestry show, featuring lumberjack competitions, demos and clinics, wood crafts, and much more. 888-388-7337 or www.ohioforest.org.

OCT. 11–13 – Chillicothe Halloween Festival, Yoctangee Park, 1 Enderlin Circle, Chillicothe, Fri./ Sat. 10 a.m.–10 p.m., Sun. 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Free. Live entertainment, vendors, haunted attraction, Kids’ Zone with inflatables, car show with trunk or treat, costume contest, and much more. www. chillicothehalloweenfestival.com.

1 2 3 4 5 6

1: My dad, Joe, my brother Scott, my nephew Mitch, and my great-nephew Luke — JoAnna Griffin, Washington Electric Cooperative member

2: Florence Windau, Mandi Breyman, Winnie Lease, Janeen Melroy, and Becky Wilhelm — Janeen Melroy, North Central Electric Cooperative member

3: Great-great-grandma Wilma Kieffer holding Bentley Jeffries Babcock, backed by grandpa Ben Heitman; great-grandma Melisa Heitman, and Bentley’s mom, Madilynn Heitman — Melisa Heitman, Tricounty Rural Electric Cooperative member

4: Jimmy Hall, great-grandson; Ruth Yates, great-great-grandma holding Luna Hall, great-great-

granddaughter; JoAnn Hall, grandma; and Nedra Hall, great-grandma. — Nedra Hall, Tricounty Rural Electric Cooperative member

5: Me with my daughter, Kay Sigler; my granddaughter, Jonetta Boggs; my greatgranddaughter, Bailey Dennis; and my greatgreat-granddaughter, Louse Dennis — Kathryn Sigler, Buckeye Rural Electric Cooperative member

6: Great-grandma Chris with her children, her children’s children, and her children’s children’s children — Nina and Jeff Craig, Hancock-Wood Electric Cooperative members

For December, send “The night before Christmas” by September 15. For January, send “On the slopes” by October 15. Upload your photos at www.ohiocoopliving.com/memberinteractive. Your photo may be featured in our magazine or on our website! Send us

Bring your completed entry form to the Ohio’s Electric Cooperatives education center on Wheat Street at the 2024 Farm Science Review.

Name:

Electric co-op name:

Email address:

*Must be an Ohio electric cooperative member to enter and win. Must be original entry form — no photocopies.

Molly Caren Agricultural Center | London, Ohio

Sept. 17–19, 2024

Sponsored by The Ohio State University, Farm Science Review is the largest agricultural event in our region, drawing more than 130,000 people each year.

Stop by the Ohio’s Electric Cooperatives education center for displays, energy-saving tips, demonstrations, and free popcorn!