Ohio Cooperative Living – March 2025 - Adams

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INSIDE

FEATURES

22 FOLLOWING THE HOUNDS

Our outdoors editor spent a morning on a fox hunt. He returned with a newfound admiration for the riders, their horses, the pack, and their prey.

28 ON THE MOO-VE

Ohio State University's dairy herd is getting a modern new home on the Columbus campus.

Cover image on most editions: Foxhunting is a tradition brought to this continent during colonial times — and is kept going these days by groups like the Rocky Fork Headley Hunt in Gahanna. Each hunt (technically a “chase,” since no animals are harmed) begins with a toast by the Masters of Foxhounds: from left, Sally Crane Cox, Sharon Chappelear, Dave Straub, and Stephanie Phillips (photograph by W.H. “Chip” Gross).

This page: Ohio State University’s herd of dairy cattle, composed entirely of Jersey cows like these, currently resides in temporary quarters at the Agricultural Technical Institute in Wooster while a new home is under construction on the main campus (photograph by dedmorozlab/via Getty Images).

Making Ben proud

My still-new role leading Ohio’s Electric Cooperatives, as you might expect, requires a good bit of trying to see into the future in order to make the best decisions about our path ahead. Part of knowing where you’re going, however, also means understanding the past.

Reflecting on our industry often brings to mind one of my favorite founding fathers, Ben Franklin. Rising from humble beginnings, Franklin became a renowned businessman, inventor, community leader, and diplomat. His early experiments with electricity made him famous, and I wonder what he would think of the incredible advances that have come thanks to his influence.

One of the questions we wrestle with as electric cooperatives is what to do about one of those advances: electric vehicles. Personally, I have little experience with EVs (I’ve never driven one). I often hear about their impressive performance and the convenience of home charging, but it’s important to acknowledge there are real concerns, including range anxiety, battery longevity, and performance in cold weather.

That’s why EVs are often seen as more suitable for urban areas, where charging is more readily available and daily drives are generally shorter. On page 4, we explore the growth in the use of EVs (or lack of it) across rural Ohio, including the experiences of co-op members who own them and have found that, even in rural areas, EVs can indeed fit their lifestyles and travel needs.

Of course, EV growth is part of a wider trend of explosive growth in the demand for electricity, as manufacturing returns to our shores while artificial intelligence and large data centers continue to draw more and more power from our grid.

Ohio’s electric cooperatives and Buckeye Power, the operator of the power plants that supply their electricity, are uniquely positioned to respond to the evolving demand for electricity and will play a pivotal role in this evolution. Being member-owned organizations, we are committed to ensuring that affordable and reliable electricity is always available — whether that means increasing generation or expanding distribution systems to accommodate increasing demand.

I think Ben Franklin would be both amazed by and proud of his role in laying the groundwork for all that electricity has made possible since his famous kite experiment in 1752. Just as electric lightbulbs, heating, and cooling changed the world not so long ago, EVs and AI are doing the same today. It will be interesting, to say the least, to see what electricity will do for us in the future.

Just as electric lightbulbs, heating, and cooling changed the world not so long ago, EVs and AI are doing the same today.

Craig Grooms PRESIDENT & CEO

OHIO’S ELECTRIC COOPERATIVES

Ohio Rural Electric Cooperatives

6677 Busch Blvd. Columbus, OH 43229 614-846-5757 www.ohiocoopliving.com

Craig Grooms President & CEO

Caryn Whitney Director of Communications

Jeff McCallister Senior Managing Editor

Amy Howat Assistant Managing Editor

Neal Kindig Graphic Designer

Contributors: Margaret Buranen, Colleen Romick Clark, Getty Images, W.H. “Chip” Gross, and Catherine Murray.

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 $6.48 to $7.92 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

Electric vehicles and the co-op: Local cooperatives make sure they′re ready to serve members who make the switch.

8 WOODS, WATERS, AND WILDLIFE

Two eyes and a wiggle: State fish hatcheries invite the public for a peek behind the curtain.

10 CO-OP PEOPLE

Farming for wildlife: Co-op member uses USDA program to convert farmland to wildlife habitat.

13

GOOD EATS

Your faves: We present some of the most common entries we see every year in our annual Reader Recipe Contest (see page 26) — no matter what the theme.

17 LOCAL PAGES

News and other important information from your electric cooperative.

33 CALENDAR

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

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. 13 8 10 4 36 33

What’s happening: March/April events and other things to do around Ohio.

36 MEMBER INTERACTIVE

Hoops hysteria: Readers share some of their favorite scenes from the hardwood (or other “hoops” venues).

Electric vehicles

and the co-op

Local cooperatives make sure they’re ready to serve members who choose to make the switch.

BY AMY HOWAT

Seemingly every week brings a new story about how electric vehicles are growing in popularity. While that’s true in general, the trend isn’t consistent everywhere.

Sales of EVs, in fact, set an all-time high in the last quarter of 2024. A deeper dive into those numbers, however, shows that residents of rural areas are much less likely than urban or suburban dwellers to purchase them. “Range anxiety,” the fear of electric vehicle drivers that they don’t have enough battery charge to reach their destination or a charger, grows more acute the farther folks get from densely populated areas.

In Ohio, the penetration of EVs in rural regions is less than half of that in cities and suburbs. Electric cooperatives in the state recognize that there’s some portion of their membership that might desire an EV but holds back based on outdated or incorrect assumptions.

“There’s a lot of skepticism about EVs,” says Ed VanHoose, president and CEO of Lorain-Medina Rural Electric Cooperative and North Central Electric Cooperative, which serve mainly rural parts of 12 counties in the northern part of the state. “But for many people in rural areas, an EV or a plug-in hybrid may prove to be the perfect car. I encourage people to keep an open mind and see what works best for them.”

EV advantages

Karen Carlisle, a member of Carroll Electric Cooperative in Carrollton, bought a Tesla Model 3 EV in 2020 because she wanted to reduce her impact on the environment and because it made economic sense for her.

“Anyone who wants one can make it work,” she says. “You put in a charger at home and, unless you live a couple hundred miles from civilization, you’ll be able to get wherever you want to go.”

Carlisle, a retired engineer who lives at Lake Mohawk in Carroll County, relies on her home charger for day-today driving. “I worked at NASA in Cleveland, which is an 80-mile commute each way,” she says. “I could go up and back easily in one charge.” In retirement, she frequently drives her EV to visit her son near Atlanta and says the Tesla app makes it easy to know when and where to charge on longer trips. “Once you get over that anxiety of ‘Oh my gosh, am I going to make it?’ you get used to driving and charging and don’t think about it any more than you would getting gas.”

Paul Beineke and his wife, Cheryl, members of Mid-Ohio Energy Cooperative in Kenton, have had a similar

experience since they purchased their first EV in 2017. “We were commuting about 170 miles per day at the time,” says Beineke, a retired Air Force colonel and pilot who lives on a farm near Marion and drives a Tesla. “We had concerns about range anxiety and charging availability, but we’ve found charging at home to be really convenient. Now, we drive 50 to 70 miles a day, and appreciate not having to stop at gas stations. We’ve never found ourselves in a situation when we ran out of charge.”

VanHoose, for his part, drives a plug-in hybrid electric Jeep Cherokee, which combines a chargeable battery with a gas-powered engine. “For everyday use, going from home to either office, I’m using the electric charge. But maybe once a month, I go to Columbus. I’ll make it 30 or 40 miles on the charge and the rest of the drive is using gas.” Before switching to the PHEV, he was filling up his tank once or twice a week; now, it’s more like once a month.

Co-ops and EVs

Beineke, who is also a Mid-Ohio trustee, sees the skepticism toward EVs in rural communities and knows that co-ops play a key role in providing good information.

“People have legitimate questions,” he says. “It’s smart to ask questions of people you trust. We, as the co-op, can help them address those questions and make an informed choice.”

LMRE and NCE developed an initiative, aptly called “EVs in Rural America,” to gather and share information with their members. “We decided a few years back that we were going to help dispel myths about EVs,” VanHoose says. “We wanted to show our members what it means to own one, with solid data.”

The two co-ops have been converting their vehicle fleets to a mix of EVs and plug-in hybrids, purposely buying different models of cars, SUVs, and pickup trucks from several manufacturers. “We’ve not only lowered our total costs, but we’re keeping track of everything so we can provide real-life information to help our members understand their options,” VanHoose says.

“For example, we can give really robust answers when members ask about ranges,” he says. “We’re in northern Ohio and we know that in the cold season, batteries don’t perform as well. Also, based on our experience with the co-op’s Silverado and Ford Lightning, we know that when you’re towing, the range goes to nearly nothing,” so members may not want to replace their heavy-duty work trucks with EVs — although he says new technologies are on their way to help there as well.

Continued on page 6

Carroll Electric Cooperative member Karen Carlisle tries out a co-op-installed public charger at Lake Mohawk.

Butler Rural Electric Cooperative provides a Level 2 public charging station at Talawanda High School.

Mid-Ohio Energy Cooperative has installed public charging stations at two local schools, including this one at Ridgedale High School.

North Central Electric Cooperative hosts four Level 2 ChargePoint chargers and one DC fast charger at its office in Attica.

Continued from page 5

EV economics

EVs will generally command a higher initial purchase price and cost more to register in Ohio. However, data from the U.S. Department of Transportation show that the electricity required to drive an EV 15,000 miles in a year costs $600, on average, while the gas needed to drive the same distance averages $2,700 (maintenance and repair costs can be 50% lower than with a conventional vehicle as well).

Those lower fuel costs can be especially beneficial to rural residents, who generally drive more miles per day and spend a larger portion of their household income on transportation than their urban counterparts.

Beineke says his family has seen significant savings with their EV. “At an average rate of about 12 cents a kilowatthour, I know I can go about 30 miles on $1.30 of electricity. Can you do that on $1.30 of gas? I don’t have to do oil changes, and that’s rather nice, too.”

Co-ops around the state are also doing their part to both alleviate range anxiety and enhance the economic advantage EVs may provide members who own them or are considering an EV purchase.

Several co-ops offer public charging at their offices, and some have installed public charging stations at schools

EVs by the numbers

While the number of electric vehicles in the U.S. has continued to grow, the overall numbers are still small when compared to gas-powered vehicles. According to Cox Automotive, EVs accounted for 8% of the nearly 16 million vehicles sold in the U.S. in 2024 — up from 7.6% in 2023 — but they still make up a small percentage of total vehicles on the road.

EV penetration: Percentage of total vehicle registrations

Sources: energy.gov, Ohio BMV

and elsewhere around their communities, as well. Many — Carroll Electric, LMRE, and NCE included — provide $250 rebates for members who install Level 2 chargers at their homes. Some already have or are looking into time-of-use rates that make it less expensive to charge vehicles overnight.

Butler Rural Electric Cooperative in Oxford, which has a more suburban membership and a higher penetration of EVs than many co-ops, has even developed a special rate called the EV Rider that rewards EV owners for charging during those less expensive off-peak hours. The co-op offers a generous rebate for members who both install Level 2 chargers and sign up for the rate.

“EVs can be really advantageous for commuters, and we’re seeing more and more of them,” says Tom Wolfenbarger, Butler REC’s general manager. “When members charge off-peak, it’s better for them and it’s better for the co-op as well. Our program is pretty new, but we’ve gotten good response so far.”

“I’m not of the mindset that all vehicles will be electric, but I think EVs are here to stay, whether they grow to be 10% or 30% of vehicles,” Wolfenbarger says. “We’re making sure we’re prepared to handle the demand.”

Types of EVs

Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV):

Fully powered by an electric battery; no gaspowered components.

Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV): Contains an engine, electric motor, and large battery; can operate in electric-only mode, engineonly mode, or hybrid mode (battery and gas)

Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV): Low-emission vehicles; electric motor assists gas-powered engine. Fully powered by gasoline (no charging).

wo eyes wiggle T and a

State fish hatcheries invite the public for a peek behind the curtain.

BY W.H. “CHIP” GROSS

Do you like to fish? Me too. As a kid, one of my earliest memories was of sitting beside a pond fishing for bluegills with my father. As he instructed me, I stared intently at the small, round, red-and-white bobber floating on the surface of the water a few feet in front of us, willing it to move. When it finally danced sideways, Dad quickly issued further advice. “Let it go all the way under before you begin to reel.” The excitement of watching that bobber slowly descend into the depths is a thrill I’ve never forgotten. I’ve been hooked ever since. — Chip

The responsibility of making sure that the Buckeye State’s public lakes, rivers, and streams are full of fish for Ohio’s 2 million anglers is the job of the Division of Wildlife of the Ohio Department of Natural Resources. One of Ohio’s oldest state agencies, the division was created in 1873 (then named the Ohio Fish Commission) in response to declining native fish populations.

As a result, fish hatcheries were built throughout the state, and since then, more than 2 .7 billion fish have been stocked in Ohio's waters — 41 million last year alone. Many of those fish are stocked as fry, no bigger than “two eyes and a wiggle,” as fishery biologists term it. Those fry quickly grow into fingerlings, then yearlings, and eventually adults.

“The majority of Ohio’s fish populations are sustained through natural reproduction,” says Chris French, fish hatchery program administrator. “However, stocking expands and diversifies fishing opportunities in waters where existing habitats don’t support some fish populations. Stocking is only one of many fish management tools used by the Division of Wildlife to improve angling.”

Six state fish hatcheries are operated by the division, and if you’ve ever wondered what magic is involved in raising fish for stocking, here’s an opportunity to peek behind the curtain: Each of the hatcheries hosts an open house each spring. The events are very popular with the public, especially families with kids. In short, you’re invited, so find a fish hatchery near you and check it out.

All of the open houses are held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on a Saturday. If you can’t make any of the scheduled dates, self-guided hatchery tours are conducted during normal business hours, and educational tours can also be arranged.

“The funding for Ohio’s state fish hatcheries comes from the sale of Ohio fishing licenses and the Sport Fish Restoration Act,” French says. “Enacted in 1950, the Sport Fish Restoration program provides funding for sport fish conservation through federal excise taxes on sport fishing equipment, import duties on fishing tackle and pleasure boats, and a portion of the gasoline fuel tax attributable to small engines and motorboats.”

If you’re new to fishing, or maybe would like to give it a try again, the annual Free Fishing Days weekend is scheduled for June 14–15, when no fishing license is required of Ohio residents. But don’t be surprised if you’re the one who gets hooked. Note: Kids under 16 years of age are never required to have a fishing license in Ohio.

Ask chip!

BY W.H.

Ohio’s 2025 state fish hatchery open houses

• March 22: St. Marys State Fish Hatchery, 01735 Feeder Road, St. Marys, 45885.

Fish species: saugeye, walleye, yellow perch, channel catfish, blue catfish.

• April 5: Hebron State Fish Hatchery, 10517 Canal Road SE, Hebron, 43025.

Fish species: blue catfish, bluegill, walleye, saugeye. A kids’ fishing pond will also be available.

• April 5: Senecaville State Fish Hatchery, 57199 Senecaville Dam Road, Senecaville, 43780.

Fish species: saugeye, walleye, channel catfish, hybrid-striped bass, bluegill.

• April 12: Castalia State Fish Hatchery, 7018 Homegardner Road, Castalia, 44824.

Fish species: rainbow trout, steelhead trout.

• April 12: Kincaid State Fish Hatchery, 7487 State Route 124, Latham, 45646

Fish species: rainbow trout, hybrid-striped bass, muskellunge.

• May 3: London State Fish Hatchery, 270 Roberts Mill Road, London, 43140

Fish species: rainbow trout, brown trout, muskellunge. A kids’ fishing pond will be available.

W.H. “Chip” Gross is Ohio Cooperative Living’s outdoors editor. Email him with your outdoors questions at whchipgross@gmail. com. Be sure to include “Ask Chip” in the subject of the email. Your question may be answered on www.ohiocoopliving.com!

www.ohiocoopliving.com

Farming for wildlife

Co-op member uses USDA program to convert farmland to wildlife habitat.

It’s easy to tell you’re approaching the farm of Union Rural Electric Cooperative member Steve Graham. When the seemingly endless crop fields of corn and soybeans suddenly give way to acres upon acres of waving native prairie grasses studded with brilliantly colored wildflowers, it’s a refreshing change in a sea of sameness.

Graham’s 110-acre farm has been in his family for a century, he says, and for much of that time, it blended in with the surrounding landscape. That changed when he and his brother began managing the farm about 20 years ago. “We decided to not continue planting the usual row crops because, as marginal farmland, the rent money we were receiving barely covered the taxes,” he says. “Instead, we took advantage of a state/federal program designed for such acres and converted most of the farm to conservation practices.”

Now, 100 of those acres are used for wildlife habitat and soil preservation.

The original farm contained a few small woodlots, which Graham kept. Also, because much of his ground is made up of waterloving hydric soil, he built a sizable pond and large wetland, paying for their construction through cost-sharing. The wildlife haven now attracts myriad songbirds, waterfowl, pollinators, white-tailed deer, and even a bald eagle or two.

Under the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Conservation Reserve Program, established in 1985, the government pays farmers to

Steve Graham (below) uses the majority of his 110-acre family farm in Union County as wildlife habitat, including acres of prairie land and a pond that stands near the site of the original barn, which was raised in 1911 (above).

STORY AND PHOTOS BY W.H. “CHIP” GROSS

take former croplands out of production and convert them to vegetative cover. Graham participates in an offshoot of that program, the Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program, or CREP, which uses state and federal funds to offer higher payments per acre to qualifying participants.

The program is not available in every Ohio county. Where it is an option, the acres eligible for CREP enrollment are determined by the Natural Resources Conservation Service office within each county. All of Union County falls within the Scioto River watershed, and at least 20 cities downstream tap the Scioto for drinking water; since maintaining good water quality upstream is an important goal of the project, the entire county is CREP eligible.

“The bottom line is that by installing and maintaining approved conservation practices, I now receive twice or more the amount of money I was once receiving by renting my land for the production of row crops,” Graham says. “The program has not only allowed me to financially keep the farm in our family, but also to significantly preserve the soil through reduced erosion.”

The transition has also reduced the stress of maintaining all that acreage as farmland. “As my neighbor recently told me, ‘You don’t have to worry about crop prices falling or the combine breaking down during harvesttime,’” he says.

Not that it was always an easy process. Graham says it took a bit of experimentation to figure out the best way to plant the seed for the wildflowers that are so beneficial for pollinators.

“The seed was very small and lightweight, so to make it disperse through the mechanical planter more slowly, my NRCS office advised me to mix dry cat litter with the seed,” he says. “I found that a 10-to-1 ratio of cat litter to wildflower seed was about right, and since I was attempting to cover 60 acres, that translated to 2,200 pounds of litter to 214 pounds of seed.” That solution worked perfectly except for one thing: “It seemed I was always waiting for my local farm store to restock its supply of cat litter.”

To find your local NRCS office and check your property’s eligibility, visit www.nrcs.usda.gov.

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Buckeyes®

BY CATHERINE MURRAY

Your

faves

As we considered themes for this year’s annual Reader Recipe Contest (see page 26), we noticed that there are some dishes that come in over and over — the theme notwithstanding. Here are our versions of some of the most common contest entries through the years.

LAYERED TACO DIP

Walking tacos, taco salads, taco pizzas, taco casseroles, even fish tacos have popped up in our reader recipe contests, but no tacothemed dish has appeared as many times as the beloved taco dip, with as many unique variations as you can imagine.

Prep: 15 minutes | Servings: 8 to 12

16-ounce can refried beans

¼ cup taco sauce

8 ounces cream cheese, softened (regular or light)

8 ounces sour cream (regular or light)

2 tablespoons taco seasoning

8 ounces shredded cheddar cheese

2.25-ounce can sliced black olives, drained (optional) tortilla chips or buttery crackers

In a small mixing bowl, combine refried beans and taco sauce. In a shallow, microwave-safe dish (glass or ceramic pie plate works well), spread refried beans in an even layer. In the now-empty bowl, mix cream cheese, sour cream, and taco seasoning. Spread evenly across the refried beans, then cover with cheese. Heat in microwave 3 to 5 minutes, until cheese is mostly melted (be careful handling plate when removing from microwave). Sprinkle olives on top (if desired). Serve with tortilla chips or crackers.

Per serving: 275 calories, 21 grams fat (12 grams saturated fat), 13 grams total carbohydrates, 59 milligrams cholesterol, 554 milligrams sodium, 2 grams fiber, 10 grams protein.

RECIPES AND PHOTOGRAPHS

SAUSAGE-STUFFED MUSHROOMS

Most of our readers believe stuffed mushrooms are best when made with cream cheese, and even better with sausage.

Prep: 25 minutes | Bake: 20 minutes | Servings: 20 to 25 mushrooms

16 ounces white or cremini mushrooms, brushed clean

1 tablespoon butter

8 ounces sweet Italian sausage

¼ cup panko breadcrumbs

½ teaspoon garlic powder

¼ teaspoon ground sage

¼ teaspoon ground thyme

¼ teaspoon pepper

4 ounces cream cheese, softened

¼ cup shredded Parmesan cheese

Remove mushroom stems from caps and finely chop stems. Arrange caps on a greased baking sheet. In a medium skillet over medium heat, melt butter and sauté sausage with chopped mushroom stems, continually breaking up the sausage until cooked through and moisture from mushrooms has evaporated. Remove from heat; mix in breadcrumbs, garlic powder, sage, thyme, pepper, and cream cheese.

Preheat oven to 400 F. With a small spoon, generously fill mushroom caps with stuffing, then sprinkle with Parmesan cheese. Bake until tops are golden, 15 to 20 minutes.

Per single-mushroom serving: 49 calories, 3.5 grams fat (2 grams saturated fat), 2 grams total carbohydrates, 10 milligrams cholesterol, 88 milligrams sodium, 0 grams fiber, 3 grams protein.

CLASSIC MACARONI SALAD

Macaroni salad is a favorite of our readers — showing up at potlucks, backyard barbecues, picnics, and family gatherings.

Prep: 25 minutes | Servings: 16

1 pound macaroni noodles

1½ cups mayonnaise

3 tablespoons white vinegar

1 tablespoon yellow mustard

2 teaspoons sugar

½ teaspoon celery seed

1 teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon pepper

½ cup finely diced red onion

8 ounces Colby cheese, cubed

4 hard-boiled eggs, chopped

Cook macaroni according to package directions for tender pasta. Drain, rinse, and set aside to cool. In a large bowl, mix together mayonnaise, vinegar, mustard, sugar, celery seed, salt, pepper, and red onion. Add cooled macaroni, coating thoroughly with dressing. Mix in cubed cheese and chopped eggs. Store and serve cold. Makes about 4 pounds.

Per serving: 323 calories, 22 grams fat (5.5 grams saturated fat), 23 grams total carbohydrates, 54 milligrams cholesterol, 359 milligrams sodium, 1 gram fiber, 9 grams protein.

HELLO, JELL-O!

So many favorite recipes begin with Jell-O — and many take surprising twists and turns, from aspic to molds, salads with lettuce and celery, desserts with mayonnaise, or in this case, cottage cheese. There’s no guessing what’s in store when Jell-O’s on the menu.

Prep: 10 minutes | Chill: 2 hours | Servings: 8 to 12

16 ounces fresh strawberries, diced small 16 ounces small-curd cottage cheese 20-ounce can crushed pineapple, drained 3-ounce box strawberry-flavored Jell-O 8 ounces frozen whipped topping (Cool Whip), thawed

In a large bowl, mix together diced strawberries, cottage cheese, and pineapple. In a medium bowl, whisk Jell-O powder into whipped topping until well blended. Fold whipped topping into cottage cheese and fruit. Refrigerate 2 hours to chill and set.

Per serving: 174 calories, 6 grams fat (5 grams saturated fat), 23 grams total carbohydrates, 8 milligrams cholesterol, 178 milligrams sodium, 1 gram fiber, 6 grams protein.

ADAMS RURAL ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE LOCAL PAGES

MESSAGE FROM THE GENERAL MANAGER

Be ready for storm season Preparedness is the best defense

Spring is on our doorstep and like many of you, I’m looking forward to more opportunities to be outdoors and enjoy warmer weather. Springtime brings many of my favorite activities like cooking out with family and friends, time spent working in the garden, and simply slowing down a bit to enjoy life.

Unfortunately, spring and summer can also create the perfect conditions for severe storms.

Adams Rural Electric Cooperative crews are always prepared and standing by to respond should power outages occur in our area. When severe storms cause power disruptions, our line crews take all necessary precautions before they get to work on any downed lines.

I would encourage you to also practice safety and preparedness to protect your family during storms and outages.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency recommends the items below as a starting point for storm and disaster preparedness, but you can visit www.ready.gov for additional resources.

• Stock your pantry with a three-day supply of nonperishable food, including canned goods, energy bars, peanut butter, powdered milk, instant coffee, water, and other essentials like diapers and toiletries.

• Confirm that you have adequate sanitation and hygiene supplies, including towelettes, soap, and hand sanitizer.

• Ensure your first aid kit is stocked with pain relievers, bandages, and other medical essentials, and make sure your prescriptions are current.

• Set aside basic household items you will need, including flashlights, batteries, a manual can opener, and portable, battery-powered radio or TV.

• Organize emergency supplies so they are easily accessible in one location.

In the event of a prolonged power outage, turn off major appliances, TVs, computers, and other sensitive electronics. This will help avert damage from potential power surges and will also help prevent overloading circuits during power restoration. That said, do leave one light on so you will know when power is restored.

If you plan to use a portable generator, make sure it’s rated to handle the amount of power you will need, and always review the manufacturer’s instructions to operate it safely.

Listen to local news or a NOAA weather radio for storm and emergency information, and check Adams Rural Electric’s Facebook page for outage updates.

Severe storms can occasionally bring down power lines. If you see a downed line, always assume it’s energized and never approach it. If flooding occurs, never walk through areas where power lines could be submerged.

Advance planning for severe storms or other emergencies can reduce stress and anxiety caused by the weather event and lessen the impact of the storm’s effects.

If you experience an outage, please don’t report it on Facebook. Call our outage reporting number at 937 -5442305 or toll-free at 800 -283 -1841 , or submit outage information through Smarthub — this is the fastest way to let us know if your power is out.

I hope we don’t experience severe storms over the spring and summer months, but we can never predict Mother Nature’s plans. At Adams Rural Electric, we recommend that you make a plan today, because storm preparedness is always our best defense.

Erika Ackley GENERAL MANAGER

Outage preparedness Q&A

We understand that power outages are an inconvenience and can be frustrating. Our crews are always ready to respond when outages occur; however, sometimes restoration efforts can be lengthy. Whether the outage is an hour, ten hours, or continuing into days, many of our members often ask the same questions. We have compiled a list of frequently asked questions to help members better understand the restoration process and why we do not always have the answers you may be looking for.

Q: Why is my power off?

A: There are many reasons why your power may have gone out, including a vehicle accident, a tree or animal on the power line, or weather-related issues such as lightning, ice, or strong winds. Our crews will report the cause of the outage when they find it, but the reason may not be immediately visible upon arrival.

Q: How long is my power going to be off?

A: We do not give estimated time frames of restoration for many reasons. It is hard to accurately predict restorations of specific circuits serving members because of the many challenges crews face during restoration efforts. While some issues can be resolved quickly, others may take time to repair before the power can be restored. It is hard to determine how long it will take because sometimes fixing one problem can lead to another, delaying the restoration time.

Q: Why is my power off and my neighbor’s is still on?

A: This can happen when fuses or circuit breakers in your home trip, tree limbs fall on the line serving your home, or fuses on the transformer that serves your home get tripped or damaged. Always check your breaker box to ensure you have no tripped breakers. If your breakers are all good and in the “on” position and you still do not have power, report it! In some cases, the electricity for your neighbor may be fed from a different line or transformer, and only one of the two lines or transformers may be off.

Q: Do I need to turn on my generator?

A: We will give you what information we have about the outage when you call to report the outage. It is completely up to you and your family whether starting your generator is

beneficial to your household. If it appears that we will experience extended power outages, we will certainly notify you of that during your call.

Q: How can I get outage updates?

A: Follow us on Facebook! We post as many updates as possible on our Facebook page during extended outages. Members are welcome to call our office, and we will give you any updates we may have.

Q: Why is the electric truck driving up and down my road?

A: When the power goes out, it is caused by something. That could be weather, wildlife, trees, vehicle accidents, etc. When crews arrive, they always try to find the reason that caused the outages before trying to restore power. This means that sometimes, they must drive up and down the road to locate the problem area, resolve the issue, and then drive back to the device to restore power. During extended outage events, we will send someone out to find the exact location of the cause of the outage. (We call this a birddog.) This person reports to dispatch, who notifies the line crews, who will then know exactly where to go when they arrive in the area.

Q: What do I do if someone in my family requires medical equipment that requires electricity?

A: Always have a plan prepared! If you or someone in your family depends on electricity for medical equipment, you should always have an alternate plan if you do not have backup power. If you are concerned about not having power for an unknown amount of time, you should consider relocating to a family or friend’s home that has power. If someone in your home has medication that requires refrigeration, contact your pharmacy for tips on how to store the medication.

Power outages can be reported 24 / 7 by calling 800 -2831846 or 937 -544 -2305 Outages can also be reported via SmartHub. When reporting via SmartHub, please select the most accurate cause of the outage. If you are unsure of the reason for the outage, please select the unknown cause code. Please do not report outages on Facebook, as it is not monitored as closely as our dispatch outage system.

Update your autopay information!

Are you enrolled in autopay with your debit/credit card? Has your card information changed?

If you receive a new card with a new card number and/or new expiration date, please contact our office at 937-544-2305 or log in to SmartHub to update your card information.

Debit/Credit card autopay information does not update automatically! For your payments to continue processing, you must update your information with us.

Panhandle and West Union substations

Monday, March 10, at 10 p.m. to March 11 at 6:00 a.m.

On March 10, 2025, Adams Rural Electric Cooperative’s West Union and Panhandle substations will experience a planned power outage. American Electric Power will be upgrading the transmission lines that power the Panhandle and West Union substations. The transmission upgrade will require some additional planned outages in 2025.

The planned power outage is expected to last overnight, from approximately 10 p.m. on Monday, March 10, 2025, to 6:00 a.m. on Tuesday, March 11. Adams Rural Electric Cooperative will have crews on standby at each substation to restore power once AEP completes the upgrade work.

Please check our website to view the areas affected by the outage or call the office to check with our employees.

Electric cooperatives bring unique value to their communities

Electric cooperatives stand out from other types of businesses because we are built and led by the communities we serve. As independent, not-for-profit electric utilities, we are owned and governed by our local members — not by outside shareholders or investors. That is a powerful differentiator.

Here are a few ways electric co-ops like Adams Rural Electric bring unique value to the local communities they serve:

• We put people before profits. Co-ops are not-forprofit and provide at-cost electric service. Any excess revenue is returned to our consumer-members in the form of capital credits, typically as a bill credit or check.

• Community comes first. We live and work here too, and we care deeply about our local communities. That’s why we engage in development and revitalization projects and sponsor local students for scholarships and youth programs.

• Affordable, reliable power is our priority. Adams Rural Electric purchases electricity from Buckeye Power, our wholesale energy partner. Buckeye Power is a generation and transmission cooperative owned by Ohio’s Electric Cooperatives. This cooperative business structure allows us to pool local resources and provide electricity at a lower cost than if we purchased it from outside sources.

As a new year begins, we’re focused on our members’ energy needs, not only for today but for the long haul. We’re advocating for smarter energy policies that prioritize reliability and affordability for all. We recognize we must be inclusive of all energy sources, which is why we work closely with Buckeye Power to ensure use of a diverse mix of sources, including coal, natural gas, hydropower, solar, and biogas to generate the electricity we provide to our members.

Adams Rural Electric is working to power a brighter future through innovation that meets tomorrow’s energy needs.

Reliable, affordable electricity is more important than ever before, and our focus will continue to be the best interest of the local communities we serve. 220004705 To learn more about Adams Rural Electric, visit www.adamsrec.com.

We Want To Hear From You!

Your thoughts and opinions on Adams Rural Electric help us

Starting March 31, Adams Rural Electric will be working with NRECA Market Research Services to complete member satisfaction surveys.

The random surveys will be conducted by phone and email, and not everyone will be contacted. If you are contacted, we would greatly appreciate a few minutes of your time to share your opinions about the cooperative. All information is confidential.

We strive to provide all member-owners with safe, affordable, reliable, and clean electric service. By participating in the survey, you will help us make decisions that benefit you, your family, and your neighbors.

TIPS TO AVOID

ENERGY SCAMS

Be cautious of fraudulent websites pretending to be an electric utility. Scammers often create look-alike sites to steal your personal or payment information. Always type your utility’s official web address directly into your browser instead of clicking email or text links. Watch for signs of a secure website, such as “https://” in the address bar and a padlock icon. If you’re ever unsure, call your utility company using the official phone number listed on your bill to verify payment or account details. Stay vigilant to protect yourself from utility fraud.

ENERGY EFFICIENCY TIP OF THE MONTH

March is an ideal time to service your home cooling system, ensuring it runs efficiently when the heat of summer arrives. Routine maintenance, like cleaning or replacing filters, checking refrigerant levels, and inspecting parts, can improve your system’s energy efficiency and lower your energy bills. By addressing potential issues early, you can avoid costly emergency repairs and extend the lifespan of your unit. Scheduling service in the spring helps you beat the peak-season rush, giving you faster access to qualified technicians. A well-maintained cooling system can save energy and keep your home comfortable all summer long.

Daylight saving begins March 9

CONTACT

937 -544 -2305 | 800 -283 -1846 www.adamsrec.com

OFFICE

4800 St. Rte. 125

P.O. Box 247 West Union, OH 45693

OFFICE HOURS Mon.–Fri., 7 :30 a.m.–4 p.m.

OUTAGES

Report outages by calling the office or through your registered account on SmartHub. Do NOT report on Facebook as it is not monitored and could be missed.

BOARD OF TRUSTEES

Donald C. McCarty Sr. President Charles L. Newman Vice President Kenneth McCann

William Wylie

William

PAYING YOUR BILL

Jacob

Nathan Colvin

Kacee Cox

Brett Fawns

Lindsay Gill

John Hayslip

David Henry

Steve Hoop

Pay your bill using any of these methods:

• Online at www.adamsrec.com

• SmartHub app

• Office walk-up windows

• Mail

•

Randy Johnson

Samuel Kimmerly

Alanna Lewis

Rodney Little

Trace Pistole

David Ralston

Cody Rigdon

Zachary Rowe

Hunter Ruckel

Dewayne Sexton

Mike Whitley

Erika Ackley General Manager HIDDEN NUMBER

BILL CREDIT

Each month, an account number is hidden in the local pages of the magazine. If you find your account number, please call the office by the end of the month for which it appeared. You will receive a $50 credit on your electric bill. Your call affirms permission to publish your name as a winner in an upcoming issue of Ohio Cooperative Living magazine.

• Telephone payment line: 1-844-937-1666

• Automatic payment

• 24-hour drop box at the office

Following the

the hounds

Ohio Cooperative Living outdoors editor W.H. “Chip” Gross spent a morning this past autumn observing a fox hunt with the 100-yearold Rocky Fork Headley Hunt in Gahanna, one of more than 100 such traditional foxhunting clubs throughout the U.S. and Canada. He returned with newfound admiration for the riders, their horses, the pack, and their prey.*

As seen here, a dozen or more foxhounds can make up a pack for a day’s hunt.

* Not to worry; foxes are no longer killed in this modern-day version of the ancient sport.

Foxhounds are trained to return to the sound of a hunting horn following a chase.

This hunt included the annual Blessing of the Hounds ceremony — which also means blessing the riders.

Riders follow the pack, guided by horn calls from the huntsman. The Rocky Fork Headley Hunt is more accurately described as a “chase,” since there is no intention of capturing or harming the prey.

Prior to the first formal hunt of the season, a bagpiper leads Rocky Fork Headley Hunt club members to the annual Blessing of the Hounds ceremony. The club hunts twice weekly from autumn through spring.

Foxhunting clubs were brought to this country shortly after the first colonists arrived (a young George Washington was an enthusiast), and the tradition since has been passed from generation to generation.

Hounds are trained to track both coyotes and foxes. Hunts end when the quarry hides in its burrow.

Weeknight

Entry deadline: April 18, 2025

Rules & Regulations

♦ Entrants must be Ohio electric cooperative members or residents of electric cooperative households.

♦ Submissions may be original recipes or adapted from existing recipes published elsewhere, with at least three distinct changes from a published version.

♦ Recipes should include all ingredients and measurements, directions, and number of servings.

♦ Limit three recipes per entrant.

♦ A good backstory can never hurt! Is your recipe a family tradition, passed down through generations, or did you make it up one day out of thin air?

2025 Reader Recipe Contest

What’s the one recipe you can pull out in the middle of the week for a meal that you know will make everyone happy? Quick and easy yet delicious, nutritious, and SATISFYING!

Enter our 2025 Reader Recipe Contest and you could win an Ohio-made KitchenAid stand mixer or other valuable prizes!

Two ways to enter

Send an email to memberinteract@ohioec.org or send by U.S. Mail to Catherine Murray, c/o Ohio Cooperative Living, 6677 Busch Blvd., Columbus, OH 43229

Scan QR code to email your entry

Include your name and address, a phone number and email address where you can be contacted, and the name of your electric cooperative.

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

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

Sidney Lochard Inc. (937) 492-8811

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

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

Wellington

Wellington Indoor Comfort (440) 647-3421

Geothermal gives you the freedom to focus on life

WaterFurnace geothermal systems provide reliable operation 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year—rain or shine, day or night, windy or not. They use the stored solar energy in the ground to provide your family luxurious comfort and incredible savings. In fact, it’s the only HVAC system that’ll pay you back—and with the current 30% federal tax credit1, now’s a great time to switch to the Reliable Renewable. Contact your local WaterFurnace dealer today to learn more.

On the

moo -ve

STORY BY MARGARET BURANEN

Ohio State University’s herd of Jersey dairy cows will soon have a permanent new home. The cows, currently in temporary housing at OSU’s Wooster campus, should be back in Columbus in a new $6 2 million facility by the end of the year.

Part of the new $52 million Multispecies Animal Learning Center within OSU’s College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences, the new dairy building replaces the outdated Waterman Dairy Center, which was built in 1972 . Construction began in February 2024 , and if it continues to stay on track, the herd should be back in Columbus by this November.

The dairy’s prime location just off of Lane Avenue, near the main entrance to the Columbus campus, reinforces the importance of agriculture to the university and the state, says Maurice Eastridge, senior associate chair of animal sciences and dairy extension specialist at Ohio State, and the new dairy was designed with education of students as the top priority. “Public education and research needs are its second and third missions,” Eastridge says.

Into the modern era

Eastridge, a member of Marysville-based Union Rural Electric Cooperative, grew up helping on his parents’ and grandfather’s dairy farms in Kentucky. He knew from an early age that he wanted to work in agriculture with farm animals. Now he’s helping bring the profession into modern times.

Labor shortages on farms and the increasing number of farmers reaching retirement age, Eastridge says, have necessitated the development and adoption of automatic,

Ohio State University’s dairy herd preps for a modern new home.

or robotic, systems, which require knowledgeable workers skilled in agricultural technology to install and maintain them. The new dairy will include a state-of-theart Lely robotic milker, which will give students hands-on experience with the latest technology so they’re qualified to fill those evolving, high-paying jobs.

Eastridge says plans had been in the works for years to upgrade the dairy, but were scrapped when engineering studies revealed that it would be cheaper to build a new one.

At one time, Ohio State's dairy herd had cows from the five major dairy breeds. Eventually, with campus space at more and more of a premium, the decision was made to pare the herd to only Holsteins and Jerseys, and in 2009 , the Holsteins were sold and only the smaller Jerseys were kept.

The process to upgrade the dairy took a major step in 2023 , when the university sold off some of the remaining Jerseys so that the entire herd could be accommodated at the OSU facility in Wooster.

An entire dairy ecosystem

The new dairy will have three parts: the robotic milking system, a feeding robot and automatic feed kitchen, and robots to manage manure.

The cows wander at will into the milking parlor, two or three times per day. Eastridge says the grain the cows get to eat while being milked serves as “a carrot” to draw them into the barn. When a cow moves into a milking station, gates in front and behind her shut to keep her in place and prevent another cow from getting in the way. Each cow’s ID tag, read by a scanner, tells the automatic feeding system how much food to dispense.

The amount of milk each cow produces at each milking is automatically recorded. If a cow isn’t coming in to be milked or is producing less than the normal amount, the herdsman checks her for illness or some other problem.

The Lely milker can accommodate 60 cows at a time, and while the new dairy will have only one of them when it opens, space will be available to add another if and when it's needed.

Future plans for the dairy also include a milk processing plant. Once that’s in place, visitors will be able to see the complete process of milk production — grain grown in a pasture nearby used to feed the cows, which are then milked automatically, and the milk sent directly to the processing facility and into cartons, ready for the consumer to purchase.

To watch a video on a Lely robotic milking system, scan QR code below.

Maurice Eastridge, OSU professor and dairy extension specialist, says students will learn using state-of-the-art equipment, such as a Lely robotic milking system like this one (and below right) that can accommodate 60 cows at a time.

Doctor urges seniors to carry medical alert device

Seniors snap up new medical alert device that comes with no monthly bills

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.

Seniors born before 1961 get new medical alert device with 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 1961, 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, anytime cell service is available

(Continued on next page)

FLYING OUT THE DOOR: Trucks are being loaded with the new medical alert devices called FastHelp. They are now being delivered to lucky seniors who call the National

Center

at 1-800-330-4294 DEPT. HELP8505 today.

is calling to get

the sleek new medical alert device because it instantly connects you to unlimited nationwide help everywhere cell service is available with no contracts, no deposits and no monthly bills ever.

Rebate

Hotline

Everyone

FastHelp,

(Continued from previous page)

whether you’re out watering the garden, driving in a car, at church or even hundreds of miles away on a tour or at a casino. You are never alone. With just a single push of the One-Touch E Button you instantly get connected to free unlimited help nationwide with no monthly bills ever,” said Jack Lawrence, Executive Director of Product Development for U.S. based Universal Physicians.

“We’ve never seen anything like it. Consumers absolutely love the sleek new modern design and most of all, the instant rebate that practically pays for it and no monthly bills ever,” Lawrence said.

FastHelp is the sleek new medical alert device with the best of combinations: a quality, high-tech engineered device that’s also an extremely great value because there are no monthly bills ever.

Better still, it comes with no contracts, no deposits and no monthly bills ever – which makes FastHelp a great choice for seniors, students and professionals because it connects to one of the largest nationwide networks everywhere cell service is available for free.

And here’s the best part. All those who already have an old style monitored medical alert button can immediately eliminate those monthly bills, which is why Universal Physicians is widely advertising this announcement nationwide.

“So if you’ve ever felt a medical alert device was too complicated or expensive, you’ll want to get FastHelp, the sleek new medical alert device with no monthly bills,” said Lawrence.

The medical alert device slugfest was dominated by two main combatants who both offer old style monitored help buttons that come with a hefty bill every month. But now Universal Physicians, the U.S. based heavyweight, just delivered a knockout blow sending the top rated contenders to the mat with the unveiling of FastHelp. It’s the sleek new cellular embedded medical alert device that cuts out the middle-

man by instantly connecting you directly to highly trained 911 operators all across the U.S. There’s absolutely nothing to hookup or install. You don’t need a land line and you don’t need a cell phone. Everything is done for you.

“FastHelp is a state of the art medical alert device designed to make you look important, not old. Old style monitored help buttons you

wear around your neck, or require expensive base station equipment or a landline are the equivalent of a horse and buggy,” Lawrence says. “It’s just outdated.”

Millions of seniors fall every year and spend hours lying on the floor helpless and all alone with no help.

But seniors who fall and get immediate help are much more likely to avoid getting sent to a nursing

HOW TO GET IT:

IF BORN BEFORE 1961:

IF BORN AFTER 1961:

home and get to STAY living in their own home independently.

Yet millions of seniors are still risking their safety by not having a medical alert device. That’s because seniors just can’t afford to pay the monthly bills that come with old style medical alert devices.

That’s why seniors born before 1961 are rushing to cash in the whopping $150

instant rebate before the 21 day deadline ends.

So there’s no need to wait for FastHelp to hit store shelves later this year because seniors born before 1961 can get it now just by using the $150 instant rebate coupon printed in today’s newspaper before the 21 day deadline ends. If lines are busy keep trying, all calls will be answered. ■

Use the rebate coupon below and call this Toll-Free Hotline: 1-800-330-4294 DEPT.

You cannot use the rebate coupon below and must pay $299 Call: 1-800-330-9423 DEPT. HELP8505

THE BOTTOM LINE: You don’t need to shop around. We’ve done all the leg work, this deal is too good to pass up. FastHelp with the instant rebate is a real steal at just $149 and shipping and there are no monthly bills ever.

PROS: It’s the sleek new medical alert device that comes with the exclusive FastHelp One-Touch E 911 Button that instantly connects you to free unlimited nationwide help everywhere cell service is available with no contracts or deposits. It connects you to the vast available network of cellular towers for free and saves seniors a ton of money because there are no monthly bills ever making this deal irresistible. Plus it’s the only medical alert device that makes seniors look important, not old.

CONS: Consumers can’t get FastHelp in stores until later this year. That’s why it’s so important for seniors born before 1961 to call the National Rebate Center Hotline within the next 21 days. For those who miss that deadline, the sleek little medical alert device will set you back over $300 bucks.

2025 MARCH/APRIL

CALENDAR

CENTRAL

MAR. 7, APR. 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! See the Artist Colony of Zanesville’s website for a map of current participants: https://artcoz.org/artsdistrict-map.

MAR. 14 – Rhonda Vincent and The Rage, Cornerstone Global Methodist Church, 207 S. Court St., Marysville, doors open 6 p.m., concert at 7 p.m. $30. Part of the Marysville Winter Bluegrass Series. Entertainment, food, homemade pies on-site. 937-642-4712 or www. marysvillewinterbluegrass.com.

MAR. 14–16 – Open Season Sportsman’s Expo, Ohio Expo Center, Bricker Bldg., 717 E. 17th Ave., Columbus. Latest products, gear, and equipment for hunting and outdoor enthusiasts. Demos, industry insiders and celebrities, trophy contests, hunting seminars, shooting and archery ranges, door prizes, and more. www. openseasonsportsmansexpo.com/ohio.

SOUTHEAST

THROUGH APR. 13 – “St. Clair’s Defeat Revisited: A New View of the Conflict,” Mound City Group Visitor Center, 16062 St. Rte. 104, Chillicothe, 9 a.m.–4 p.m. Free. This exhibit introduces you to the complex history of St. Clair’s Defeat, on November 4, 1791, and its context and aftermath with respect to the nine Tribal Nations who orchestrated this great defeat of the U.S. military. www.nps.gov/hocu.

MAR. 8 – Leprechaun Chase 5K, Yoctangee Park, 1 Enderlin Circle, Chillicothe, 9 a.m. (packet pickup 8–9 a.m.). $35. Bring the entire family and celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with a great run in the park. Proceeds benefit the Hope Clinic. Register at www.speedysneakers.com.

MAR. 16 – Columbus Toy and Game Show, Ohio Expo Center, Lausche Bldg., 717 E. 17th Ave., Columbus, 9 a.m.–4 p.m. $15; 10 and under free; early buyer (8–9 a.m.) $20. Buy, sell, and trade new and retro toys, video games, and collectibles. Free arcade games, celebrity guests, free family activities. www.ctspromotions.com.

MAR. 21–23 – Little Shop of Horrors, presented by Elgin High School, Marion Palace Theatre, 276 W. Center St., Marion, Fri./Sat. 7 p.m., Sun. 2 p.m. $15; students $12 740-383-2101 or www. marionpalace.org.

MAR. 21–23 – Peony Palooza, Groovy Plants Ranch, 4140 Co. Rd. 15, Marengo, 9 a.m.–5:30 p.m. From garden peonies to premium itohs and tree peonies, we’ll have them all! www.facebook.com/even ts/616766530888153/616766544221485

MAR. 22–23 – Scott Antique Market, Ohio Expo Center., Bricker and Celeste Bldgs., 717 E. 17th Ave., Columbus, Sat. 9 a.m.–6 p.m., Sun. 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Free admission; $7 parking. 800 exhibit booths. info@scottantiquemarket.com or www.scottantiquemarkets.com.

MAR. 23 – Columbus Spring Avant-Garde Art and Craft Show, Makoy Event Center, 5462 Center St., Hilliard, 10 a.m.–4 p.m. $3, under 12 free. Large show featuring artists and crafters selling their original handmade items. 440-2278794 or www.avantgardeshows.com.

APR. 4 – Authentic Unlimited, Cornerstone Global Methodist Church, 207 S. Court St., Marysville, doors open 6 p.m., concert at 7 p.m. Part of the Marysville Winter Bluegrass Series. Entertainment, food, homemade pies on-site. 937642-4712 or www.marysvillewinterbluegrass.com.

MAR. 8 – Miller’s Automotive Swap Meet and Car Show, Ross Co. Fgds., 344 Fairgrounds Rd., Chillicothe, 9 a.m.–4 p.m. $8, under 14 free. Open to all motorsports from restoration to racing, including race cars, tools, hot rods, apparel, collectibles, rat rods, go-karts, and more. 740701-3447 (Nate), 740-701-2511 (Brian), or www. millersswapmeet.com.

MAR. 14–15 – River City Blues Festival, Lafayette Hotel, 101 Front St., Marietta. $40–$50; weekend pass, $100. Festival that brings together some of the most talented blues performers from around the country. For information, call Peggy Bolen at 740-376-0222 evenings and weekends or visit https://bjfm.org/blues-festival.

MAR. 15 – National All-Cambridge Benefit Auction, Pritchard Laughlin Center, 7033 John Glenn Hwy., Cambridge, preview at 8:30 a.m., auction at 9:30 a.m. $2. All glass in auction guaranteed to be Cambridge. Links to auction catalog and pictures on www.cambridgeglass.org

MAR. 21–23 – Spring Open House, downtown Chillicothe. Shake off the winter blues and join us downtown for a vibrant atmosphere and exclusive deals. www.visitchillicotheohio.com.

APR. 5–6 – Association of Ohio Longrifle Collectors 50th Anniversary Exhibit, Historic Lafayette Hotel, 101 Front St., Marietta, Sat. 9 a.m.–5 p.m., Sun. 9 a.m.–2 p.m. $5;

APR. 4–6 – Columbus Home Improvement Show, Ohio Expo Center, Kasich Hall, 717 E. 17th Ave., Columbus, Fri. 12–6 p.m., Sat. 10 a.m.–6 p.m., Sun. 11 a.m.–5 p.m. $5, under 18 free. See the latest innovations and design trends from hundreds of exhibitors. Local remodeling and building experts will be on hand to answer your questions. www.homeshowcenter.com/overview/ columbushome2

APR. 5 – Pickerington Community Chorus: Spring Concert, Epiphany Lutheran Church, 268 Hill Rd. N., Pickerington, 4 p.m. Free admission; free-will offering will be taken. www.facebook. com/Pickeringtoncommunitychorus or www. pickeringtoncommunitychorus.com.

APR. 10–13 – Equine Affaire, Ohio Expo Center, 717 E. 17th Ave., Columbus. $10–$20; 6 and under free. The nation’s premier equine expo and equestrian gathering, featuring training clinics, seminars, demos, exhibits, equine entertainment and competition, and much more. 740-845-0085 or www.equineaffaire.com.

APR. 12 – Quilters Market Day: “A Flea Market for Quilters,” Fredericktown Schools, 111 Stadium Dr., Fredericktown, 10 a.m.–3 p.m. $5. Buy and sell quilting tools, books, patterns, fat quarters, quilted items. Fat quarter drawing, quilt show, and quilting demonstrations. Lunch available for purchase. 740-694-6140 (Patty) or https:// fredericktown.org/qmd.

APR. 12–13 – Spring Thrift-O-Rama, hosted by Groovy Plants Ranch, 4140 Co. Rd. 15, Marengo, 9 a.m.–5 p.m. Twenty vendors selling repurposed crafts, vintage clothing, vintage records, and more! www.facebook.com/events/ 1679935866200040/1679935876200039

under 12 free. Over 300 original Ohio-made antique muzzleloading rifles from the 18th and 19th centuries will be displayed, along with powder horns and other period accessories. Demonstrations of leatherworking and engraving will be featured. Many items for sale to the public. No modern cartridge firearms will be allowed in the Hall. Information: Mark Herman, papamh44@gmail.com.

APR. 6 – Bridal Show at Bell Manor, 739 Musgrove Rd., Chillicothe, 12–4 p.m. Free admission. Vendors on-site to help you plan your wedding. www.bellmanor.co

APR. 9 – Dayton Contemporary Dance Company, Peoples Bank Theatre, 222 Putnam St., Marietta, 8 p.m. Free. Presented by the Ebenshade Series and Marietta College. Tickets can be reserved starting Mar. 31 at 10 a.m. www. peoplesbanktheatre.com.

APR. 12 – Ben Folds Paper Airplane Request Tour, Peoples Bank Theatre, 222 Putnam St., Marietta, 8 p.m. $53+. With special guest Lindsey Kraft. www.peoplesbanktheatre.com.

APR. 12 – Washington County 4-H Endowment Dinner and Auction, Washington Co. Fgds., 922 Front St., Marietta. Doors open at 5 p.m. with silent auction; dinner at 6 p.m.; and live auction at 7:30 p.m. Find more details at www.facebook. com/4HEndowment.

2025 CALENDAR MARCH/APRIL

NORTHWEST

MAR. 5, APR. 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 that focus on farming and nature. Families welcome! 419-447-7073, www.conservesenecacounty.com, or Seneca Conservation District on Facebook.

MAR. 22 – Annual Market Day and Fiber Festival, Wood Co. Fgds., Junior Fair Bldg., 13800 W. Poe Rd., Bowling Green, 9 a.m.–4 p.m. $1. Spinning and weaving supplies, yarn, roving, fleeces, exotic fibers, books, dyes, handcrafted items. Classes offered. Food by Toledo Chuck Wagon. https://blackswampspinnersguild. godaddysites.com or find us on Facebook.

MAR. 22 – Thomas Pandolfi, The Ritz Theatre, 30 S. Washington St., Tiffin, 7:30 p.m. $10–$25 419-448-8544, info@ritztheatre.org, or www. ritztheatre.org.

SOUTHWEST

THROUGH APR. 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

MAR. 22 – Maple Syrup Festival, Williams Co. Fgds., Montpelier, 8 a.m.–noon. Contact the Williams SWCD at 419-636-9395 for more information or email amichaels@ williamsswcd.org.

MAR. 22 – Tommy James and The Shondells, Veterans Memorial Civic and Convention Center, #7 Town Square, Lima, 7:30 p.m. $49+. See Tommy and the band perform timeless classics as well as new music. www.limaciviccenter.com.

MAR. 23 – Dear Evan Hansen, Veterans Memorial Civic and Convention Center, #7 Town Square, Lima, 7:30 p.m. $55+. 419-224-1552 or www.limaciviccenter.com.

MAR. 23 – Findlay Spring Model Train Show, Northwest Ohio Railroad Preservation Inc. 12505 Co. Rd. 99, Findlay, 10 a.m.–3 p.m. $5; 12 and under free if accompanied by adult. Vendors displaying and selling model trains, toy trains, and railroad memorabilia. Quarter-scale train rides available (adults $3, kids $2). 419-423-2995, www.nworrp.org, or www.facebook.com/nworrp.

MAR. 26 – Dirty Dancing in Concert, Veterans Memorial Civic and Convention Center, #7 Town Square, Lima, 7:30 p.m. $30+. Enjoy the digitally remastered hit film on a full-size screen, with a live band and singers performing the film’s iconic songs. Following the film, the band and singers will throw an encore party where you can sing and dance along to your favorite Dirty Dancing songs. 419-224-1552 or www.limaciviccenter.com.

APR. 4 – McDonald’s Youth Theatre: Matilda the Musical Jr., Encore Theater, 991 N. Shore Dr.,

McIntyre’s Appalachian Grass. Reservations recommended. 513-385-9309, vinokletwinery@ fuse.net, or www.vinokletwines.com.

MAR. 22 – The Butler Philharmonic Youth Chorus: Spring Concert, Fairfield Freshman School, 8790 N. Gilmore Rd., Fairfield, 7 p.m. $20 www.facebook.com/officialbutlerphil or www. butlerphil.org.

MAR. 22–23 – Sweet Spring Marketplace, Montgomery Co. Fgds., 645 Infirmary Rd., Dayton, Sat. 10 a.m.–5 p.m., Sun. 11 a.m.–4 p.m. www.facebook.com/cloudproductions or www. cloudshows.biz.

MAR. 31–APR. 5 – A Fine Art Exhibit, Tipp Center, 855 N. 3rd St., Tipp City, 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Free. www.tippcityartscouncil.com/exhibit.

WEST VIRGINIA

MAR. 21–22 – West Virginia Comedy Festival, Robinson Grand Performing Arts Center, 441 W. Pike St., Clarksburg. 2-day pass $50. The state’s largest annual celebration of Appalachian comedy and comedians. 855-773-6283 or https:// tickets.therobinsongrand.com.

Lima. 10 and under, $5; all others, $10. Abridged version of Matilda the Musical, perfect for schoolage children ages 5+. www.amiltellers.org.

APR. 4–5 – World War II Reenactment, AuGlaize Village, 12296 Krouse Rd., Defiance. Features a camp area, open to the public, and then stations where reenactors will discuss being an Allied or Axis soldier during different points of the war. School Day on Friday; public “battles” on Saturday to demonstrate some of the different skills and tactics used, and just how difficult combat could be for soldiers. Military vendors welcome. 419-990-0107 or www.auglaizevillage.com. Reenactors, contact Trenton Coleman at mwhrt1944@gmail.com. Vendors and reenactors, contact Tim Frederick at villageauglaize@gmail.com.

APR. 5 – Lima Symphony: “Gershwin and the American Sound,” Veterans Memorial Civic and Convention Center, #7 Town Square, Lima, 7:30 p.m. $10–$35. Joined by the Lima Symphony Chorus. 419-222-5701 or www.limasymphony. com.

APR. 12 – F.A.C.T Pound Out Cancer Event, Marion Center, 235 Miami St., Tiffin, 11 a.m.–3 p.m. Silent auction, vendors, and a Rock Out Work Out with POUND at 12:30 p.m.! Preorder T-shirts and tickets to do the workout if you choose; workout NOT required to attend the event. High Voltage Coffee will be set up for your caffeine needs. All proceeds will go to support F.A.C.T of Seneca County: www.factofsenecacounty. org. Follow us at www.facebook.com/profile. php?id=100092184963320&mibextid=ZbWKwL

APR. 5 – An Art Affair: Fine Art by Local Artists, Tipp Center, 855 N. 3rd St., Tipp City, 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Free admission. Explore a wide variety of beautiful and diverse artwork created by area artists. Entertainment by local musicians. Food and beverages available for purchase. 937-543-5115 or www.tippcityartscouncil.com/ an-art-affair.html.

APR. 5 – Cabin Fever Arts Festival, Patriot Center, Southern State Community College, 100 Hobart Dr., Hillsboro, 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Free admission. Over 60 unique, juried vendors featuring arts and crafts made by their own hands. Presented by the Appalachian Artisans Guild with support from the Ohio Arts Council. www. appartguild.com.

MAR. 28–30 – Wheeling Polka Festival, Oglebay Park, Wilson Lodge, Glessner Auditorium, 465 Lodge Dr., Wheeling. $25; 3-day pass, $69. Enjoy the area’s most acclaimed polka performers, dancing, and delicious Polish eats! Tickets sold online only. www.oglebay.com/polka.

NORTHEAST

MAR. 1–23 – Chatham’s Annual Sausage and Pancake Breakfast, presented by the Chatham Fireman’s Association, Chatham Memorial Hall (former VFW Hall), 6299 Avon Lake Rd., Chatham, Sat./Sun. 9 a.m.–3 p.m. Adults $12, Srs. $11, Children $8. Contact Steve Arters at 330-6350958 or Frank Keeling at 330-410-6237 for additional information.

MAR. 1–31 – Ice Wine Festival, Wineries of the Grand River Valley, Sat. 11 a.m.–5 p.m., Sun. 12–5 p.m. Each of the seven participating wineries will provide samples of their ice wines along with a complimentary appetizer. www.grandrivercellars. com/events/22nd-annual-ice-wine-festival-monthof-march.

MAR. 10–21 – Show Us Your Stuff Art Show, Historic Fort Steuben, 120 S. 3rd St., Steubenville, Mon.–Fri. 10 a.m.–4 p.m., or by appointment. Free. Works of art in various media by local artists — young and old — presented by the Steubenville Art Association. 740-283-1787 or www.oldfortsteuben.com.

MAR. 15–16 – Railfest Train Show, Lakeland Community College, 7700 Clocktower Dr., Kirtland (St. Rte. 306 at I-90, exit 193), 10 a.m.–4 p.m. $9–$16. Model railroad dealers and exhibitors, operating layouts and displays, RR flea market, and much more. Food available at reasonable prices. 216-598-8842, www.facebook.com/ RailfestTrainshow, or www.railfest.org.

MAR. 15–16 – Vintage Decoys and Wildlife Art Show and Sale, Holiday Inn Cleveland South, 6001 Rockside Rd., Independence. 250 carvers and artists. Carving contests, hands-on demos, oil painting seminar, auctions, and much more. www. odcca.net.

MAR. 22–23 – Annual Hop into Spring Craft and Vendor Show, Strongsville Ehrnfelt Recreation Center, 18100 Royalton Rd., Strongsville. 70+ vendors offering handmade crafts, wood products, jewelry, clothing, candles, wreaths, books, and much more. www.facebook. com/events/517367117902271

MAR. 27 – “Wild Women: The Real Ladies of the Wild West,” McKinley Presidential Library and Museum, 800 McKinley Monument Dr. NW, Canton, 6 p.m. $25; includes soup, bread, and dessert. Join science director Lynette Reiner as we step into the untamed frontier and meet the remarkable women who defied the conventions of their time — legendary figures such as Annie Oakley, Calamity Jane, Belle Starr, and Pearl Hart. Pre-registration required; deadline Mar. 20 330-455-7043 or www. mckinleymuseum.org/events.

MAR. 30 – The Oblivion Project: “The Nuevo Tango of Astor Piazzolla,” Akron-Summit County Public Library, 60 S. High St., Akron, 2 p.m. Free. The group will explore and perform the Nuevo Tango works of Argentine tango master Piazzolla, including a side-by-side performance with the Ellet High School Jazz Band. Seating is on a firstcome, first-served basis. 419-853-6016 or www. ormaco.org.

APR. 5 – Artisan Spotlight Series, Historic Zoar Village, 198 Main St., Zoar, 5:30 p.m. $35. Join us as we explore the rich history of redware, a staple of early American ceramics, and discover how our artisan keeps this tradition alive using authentic techniques and materials. 330-874-3011 or www. historiczoarvillage.com.

APR. 5 – Cuyahoga Falls Amateur Radio Club Hamfest and Computer Show, Emidio and Sons Expo Center, 48 E. Bath Rd., Cuyahoga Falls. www.cfarc-hamfest.org. Talk-In: 147 270+ and 444 850+ both PL 110 9

APR. 5 – WWI Program, Fort Laurens, 11067 Fort Laurens Rd. NW, Bolivar, 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Small group of WWI reenactors will make a small “campsite” on the grounds. Interact with the reenactors and learn more about the American army during this major world conflict. 330-8742059 or www.fortlaurens.org.

APR. 5 – Zoar Free Speaker Series: Josh Compton, Historic Zoar Village, 198 Main St., Zoar, 11 a.m.–1 p.m. Josh will be sharing his folk songs written about the history and beauty of Tuscarawas County. Open to the public, with free parking near the School House. 330-874-3011 or www.historiczoarvillage.com.

APR. 5–6 – Buckeye State Button Society Spring Show: “A Garden of Buttons,” Carlisle Inn, 1357 Old Rte. 39, Sugarcreek, Sat. 9 a.m.–5 p.m., Sun. 9 a.m.–1 p.m. $5; under 18 free. Open to the public. Displays of colorful antique and modern clothing buttons and buttons of all types and ages for sale. Auction and raffle fundraisers. “The Language of Flowers” program by Susan Everett, PhD, Sat. 7 p.m. Contact Pam Fouts at rdfouts@roadrunner.com or 330-340-3227 or visit https://ohiobuttons.org.

APR. 6 – “Idle Twittering: A Flock of Flutes,” Wadsworth Public Library, 132 Broad St., Wadsworth, 2–3 p.m. Free. Four flutists from northeastern Ohio join forces for a tuneful and toot-ful performance on flutes of all shapes and sizes. Seating is on a first-come, first-served basis. 419-853-6016 or www.ormaco.org.

APR. 7–18 – Annual Spring Quilt Show, Historic Fort Steuben, 120 S. 3rd St., Steubenville, Mon.–Fri. 10 a.m.–4 p.m., or by appointment. Free. Over three dozen handcrafted quilts on display. 740283-1787 or www.oldfortsteuben.com.

APR. 11 – Homeschool Day, Historic Zoar Village, 198 Main St., Zoar, 9 a.m.–2 p.m. $8. Open to all public, private, and homeschooled students. Learn how the Zoar Separatists prepared for spring. Bread relay, butter churning, planting seeds, and tin smithing. Reservations requested. 330-874-3011 or www.historiczoarvillage.com.

AT LEAST 90 DAYS prior to the event, send an email to events@ohioec.org, or mail your information* to:

Ohio Cooperative Living 6677 Busch Blvd. Columbus, OH 43229

* Make sure to include all contact information! Ohio Cooperative Living will not publish listings that

address, phone number, or website for more information.

Hoops hysteria

1. John Weippert Jr., grandson of Pamela and Rick Weippert, number 40 in the black jersey, shoots and makes the basket. You can see the ball going through the hoop. His dad, John Weippert, our son, played basketball for Paulding High School. Ricky and Pamela Weippert, Paulding Putnam Electric Cooperative members

2. My granddaughter, Addie Davis, is a freshman playing varsity basketball in Campbell County, Kentucky. Diane Wamsley, Buckeye Rural Electric Cooperative member

3. My daughter, Katie Paulus, plays for Miami East. Amanda Paulus, Pioneer Electric Cooperative member

4. Members of Girl Scout Troop 936 made their own hula-hoops. Every year they have a contest to see who can hoop the fastest. Erica Chase, Firelands Electric Cooperative member

5. Our son, Remington, looks to bring the ball up the court for Hicksville’s junior high boys basketball team. Clint and Angela Zeedyk, North Western Electric Cooperative members 1 4 2 5 3

Upload your photos at www.ohiocoopliving.com/memberinteractive. Your photo may be featured in our magazine or on our website. Send us YOUR picture!

For June, send “Dad at his best” by March 15. For July, send “We all scream for ice cream” by April 15.

HAPPY TO HELP

There’s power in the simplest of actions, like one neighbor helping another, with everybody looking out for everybody else. Community is everything to your electric cooperative. We’re grateful for your trust to provide energy you need, giving you the power to power on.