Ohio Cooperative Living – September 2023 - Mid-Ohio

Keeping electricity AFFORDABLE

Each day brings its new challenges and Ohio’s electric cooperatives help you power through them all. We have tools to help you use less energy and save more money with small, simple changes around your home. We are dedicated to delivering safe, reliable, affordable, and environmentally responsible power to our members.

INSIDE

FEATURES

22 SMALL TOWN, BIG SOUNDS

Tiny Gallipolis is home to one of the nation’s most unlikely symphonic success stories.

26 BACK IN TIME

The Ohio Renaissance Festival is a mecca of history-meets-fantasy escapism.

30 THE AMAZING FRED NORTON

A student, athlete, and war hero from long ago goes down in history as one of Ohio State’s all-time greats.

OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • SEPTEMBER 2023

Cover image on most editions: Thomas Nader and his crew of jousters from Combatant’s Keep are among the most popular attractions at the Ohio Renaissance Festival (photo by Jeff Rooks/ Checkmate Photography, courtesy of the Ohio Renaissance Festival). This page: The inside of the Ariel Theater in Gallipolis, once abandoned and covered in bird droppings, has been restored to its original splendor. It’s been the home of the Ohio Valley Symphony since 1990.

Safety first

Electricity runs (or can run) nearly everything in our lives. It’s such an integral part of our everyday lives, in fact, that we rarely even think about all the benefits that electric service brings to our homes and businesses every minute of every day.

At the same time, it’s even less often that we consider how dangerous electric current can be without proper safety practices and precautions; improvements to the safety features found in everything from major appliances to basic household wiring let us take advantage of all those benefits without much of a thought. But because of that potential danger, safety is always top of mind at your electric cooperative.

Electricity is produced at our power plants and transmitted around the state at very high voltages — up to 345,000 volts. At such high voltages, it’s almost impossible to safely approach energized electrical equipment. In order to distribute that power throughout the communities we serve, co-ops use transformers to step down the high-voltage current, typically to between 7,200 and 12,000 volts. At that level, the systems can be safely managed — by highly trained lineworkers and technicians using specialized equipment. When the stepped-down current reaches closer to your home, another set of transformers again lowers the voltage, this time to the more familiar 120 or 240 volts that we use in our households. But even at these lower voltages, electricity is still extremely hazardous, which is why the conductors that carry it in our communities are either attached to overhead poles or buried underground in insulated cable — either way, the system is designed to be located safely away from potential contact by the public. Of course, it’s not foolproof; things like large equipment, improperly placed ladders or lifts, traffic accidents, or even poorly located trees can potentially lead to a high-voltage contact.

That’s where precaution and safety training come to our aid.

Electric cooperatives spend significant time and effort on safety training, and they go out of their way to create public awareness — helping people avoid hazardous situations if they can, and showing them how to react when it’s unavoidable. Our story this month about the mobile safety training unit that folks can see at Farm Science Review each September has some great information on electrical safety. I encourage you to read the story on page 4, and if you’re planning to attend the Farm Science Review this year, check out one of the safety demonstrations at our Ohio’s Electric Cooperatives building on the grounds there.

Much thought and decades of experience have come together to allow us to safely enjoy the benefits of electric service nearly anywhere. Fortunately, most of us never have to give it a second thought. But safety never just happens. It’s an intentional outcome of rigorous standards, thorough testing, and continual training.

Hope you all enjoy a relaxing and safe Labor Day weekend.

Pat O’Loughlin PRESIDENT & CEO OHIO’S ELECTRIC COOPERATIVES

Safety never just happens. It’s an intentional outcome of rigorous standards, thorough testing, and continual training.

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 Managing Editor

Amy Howat Associate Editor

Crystal Pomeroy Graphic Designer

Contributors: Jodi Borger, Colleen Romick Clark, Getty Images, W.H. “Chip” Gross, Gary Meszaros, Catherine Murray, James Proffitt, Theresa Ravencraft, Jeff Rooks, and Kevin Williams. 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 Pontiac, IL 61764, and at additional mailing offices. Nothing in this publication may be reproduced in any manner without written permission from Ohio Rural Electric Cooperatives, Inc. All rights reserved. The fact that a product is advertised in Ohio Cooperative Living should not be taken as an endorsement. If you find an advertisement misleading or a product unsatisfactory, please notify us or the Ohio Attorney General’s 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

Safety first: Farm Science Review lets co-ops get their electrical safety message out to the masses.

8 WOODS, WATERS, AND WILDLIFE

Meat eaters: Ohio’s bogs and fens are home to some strange natural phenomena, and some of the strangest are carnivorous plants.

10 CO-OP PEOPLE

A trip down memory lane: Co-op members develop innovative technology that improves the quality of life for aging adults.

13 GOOD EATS

Crack open a cold one: A bit of brewski adds a bold burst to this robust bill of fare.

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

8

10

13

What’s happening: September/ October events and other things to do around Ohio.

36 MEMBER INTERACTIVE

Strike up the band: Members show off their musical sides. Visit

33

36

Lasting lessons

Farm Science Review lets Ohio’s co-ops get their safety message out to the masses.

BY JEFF MCCALLISTER

It’s not unusual for the crew of lineworkers from Lancaster-based South Central Power Company to hang around and make small talk with attendees after they’ve finished their hourly live-wire safety demonstrations at the annual Farm Science Review in London.

The demonstrations have been a staple outside the Ohio’s Electric Cooperatives Education Building on the grounds of the Molly Caran Agricultural Center in London for years. They always draw crowds, and the crowds are rewarded with an entertaining yet dramatic reminder about the need for safe practices around electrical lines. But last year, the crew noticed an individual waiting for them who clearly had something urgent on his mind.

“Our guys are really good about making sure they answer everyone’s questions, and they’ll stick around as long as they need to,” says Candi Fisher, member engagement coordinator at South Central Power, who coordinates the mobile safety demonstrations for the co-op. “They could tell this older gentleman wanted to talk to them and so they went over to say hello.”

“You saved my life,” the man said.

“That’s not something you hear every day,” Fisher says. “But he was very insistent. He made a special trip there that day to thank the guys who had saved his life.”

As they chatted further, the man told the lineworkers that he had been driving when the car ahead of him swerved into a utility pole and brought power lines down just feet away from his car.

Worried about a possible fire, the man knew he needed to get away from his vehicle, but he recalled one specific part of the demonstration he had witnessed at Farm Science Review the previous year.

“They always stress that the safest place for you when you’re in an accident that involves power lines is inside the vehicle,” Fisher says. “He was worried about a fire, though, and remembered the next part: If you do have to get out, jump out and land with both feet together, then bunny-hop away until you can’t do it anymore.”

The man told the lineworkers that if he hadn’t seen that demonstration, he would have gotten out and run away from the car, which, if the ground is energized by a downed line — he later found that it was — can send a fatal charge through a person’s body in an instant.

South Central Power’s Live Line Demonstration Unit, housed and transported from place to place in a box trailer, makes appearances for law enforcement and safety authorities, civic groups, and high school students throughout the community during the course of a year.

A small crowd gathers next to the Ohio’s Electric Cooperatives Education Building during the Farm Science Review to watch South Central Power Company’s live line safety demonstration. Lineworkers use a fullly energized power wire to show the potential dangers of electrical contact — including the use of a hot dog to show what can happen if human skin touches a power line (below).

Continued from page 5

But by far its largest audience is attendees at Farm Science Review, which draws more than 100,000 visitors to the three-day event. The crew puts on five 20-minute demonstrations each day (weather permitting).

“We know that these demonstrations help keep people safe and protected, and we do it because, as a cooperative, we genuinely care about our communities and our members,” Fisher says. “It helps reinforce to people that they need to respect those lines. When people see that demonstration live and in person, it spurs a core memory, and that can be a lifesaver.”

The live line unit was designed and built by South Central Power employees. It consists of three portable poles connected by 30 feet of primary wire, with transformers at either end and a breaker on the middle pole. It’s powered by 7,200 volts of electricity — the actual amount of current that flows through power lines in most communities. The lineworkers show some of the real dangers of electricity and the safety practices that are used to prevent tragedies.

“A real eye-opener for most people is when we show them how leather gloves, tennis shoes, and most automobile tires don’t protect against the electricity that flows through electric lines,” Fisher says. “I think maybe the most powerful one is when they electrify a hot dog, and it

Join us

Ohio electric cooperative members can enter to win a $100 bill credit when they attend Farm Science Review. Just complete the entry form on the inside back cover of the August or September issue of Ohio Cooperative Living and bring it to the OEC Education building on Wheat Street, between gates C and D (originals only; no reproductions).

looks, sounds, and smells very similar to what happens when human skin comes in contact with a line. You really hold onto that in your memory.”

Farm Science Review, Molly Caran Agricultural Center, 135 State Route 38, London, OH. 8 a.m.–5 p.m. Sept. 19–20 and 8 a.m.– 4 p.m. Sept. 21. Tickets are $10 in advance online at www.fsr.osu.edu, at most Ohio agribusinesses, or at any Ohio State University county extension office, or $15 at the gate. Children 5 and under admitted free.

Each September, thousands of visitors from across the state and around the country attend the Farm Science Review, where they can stop by the Ohio’s Electric Cooperatives building and watch cooking demos, pick up giveaways such as rain gauges and yardsticks, get energy-saving tips, and, of course, eat free popcorn.

CRUISE CLOSE TO HOME ® along the Columbia & Snake Rivers

Follow Lewis and Clark’s epic 19th-century expedition along the Columbia and Snake Rivers aboard the newest riverboats in the region. Enjoy unique shore excursions, scenic landscapes, and talented onboard experts who bring history to life.

Small Ship Cruising Done Perfectly ®

WOODS, WATERS, AND WILDLIFE

M e a t

It took more than 6,000 years for the last ice sheet, the Wisconsin Glacier, to spread across what is now Lake Erie and Ohio, at an average rate of about 160 feet per year. In doing so, it set the stage for peatland ecosystems — bogs and fens (see sidebar at left if you don’t know what they are) — to make their appearance in the Great Lakes region.

Those bogs and fens, as it turned out, became habitats for some strange natural phenomena, says Guy Denny, author of Peatlands of Ohio and the Southern Great Lakes Region (Kent State University Press, 2022) and one of the Buckeye State’s leading naturalists.

“Even into medieval times, bogs and fens remained mystical and frightening places,” says Denny, a member of Mount Gilead-based Consolidated Cooperative. “Fueling

Spatulate-leaved sundew

The fleshy leaves of sundew are covered with glandular tentacles tipped with droplets of sticky secretions. “The common name ‘sundew’ is in reference to how the droplets glisten in sunlight, resembling morning dew,” Denny says. “The sweet and very sticky substance topping the tips of the tentacles attract and then entangle insect prey.”

Bogs and fens?

If you don’t know the difference between a bog and a fen, this little saying might help: “Fens flush and bogs back up.” It means that fens are sustained by underground water sources, such as a mineralrich spring; bogs, on the other hand, depend upon precipitation or surface water to replenish them.

The more the prey struggles, the more tentacles bend over to further entrap it. Slowly, the tentacles force the prey downward onto the surface of the leaf, which at the same time folds over the prey. On the surface of the leaf are glands that secrete digestive enzymes. Ultimately all the process leaves behind is the indigestible chitinous material that once formed the exoskeleton.

Denny says the entire process takes from three to 20 minutes, depending upon the size of prey. The sundew leaf then slowly reopens to repeat the process with its next unlucky insect victim.

PHOTOS BY GARY MESZAROS

eaters

Check out Ohio’s carniv ous wild plan

some of those fears was a natural phenomenon known as ‘willo’-the-wisp’ or ‘jack-o’-lantern’ — a mysterious, fl ickering light often observed hovering and moving around at night within bogs, swamps, and marshes.

“In folklore, they were thought to be nefarious ghostly spirits,” says Denny, who was inducted into the Ohio Department of Natural Resources Hall of Fame in 2021. “In reality, it was small amounts of methane gas escaping into the atmosphere from the anaerobic decay of peat.”

That spooky otherworldliness seems to make those bogs and fens the perfect setting to find another of Ohio’s other slightly scary natural phenomena that reside there: carnivorous plants. But not to worry — the specially adapted flora only prey upon insects, not humans.

Northern pitcher plant

Pitcher plants, as their name implies, have a basal rosette of colorful pitcher-like leaves incredibly well designed for attracting, trapping, and consuming insects. “Upon landing on the collar of a leaf, prey, such as a wasp, hangs on while lapping up nectar, which, by some accounts, contains an intoxicant that seems to disorient its victim,” Denny says. There’s an ample supply of sweet nectar, but the surface also contains hundreds of stiff, downward-pointing bristles, directing the victim into the depths of the leaf. Just below the bristle zone is a smooth, slippery surface, where the prey eventually loses its footing.

Microscopic magnification shows the slick zone is made up of special cells laid down one atop the other, like shingles on a roof. The cells are both sticky and easily dislodged. As the victim struggles to keep from sliding further into the plant, cells break off and adhere to its feet and body, weighing it down and accelerating its plunge into the liquid contents of the pitcher-like leaf. The prey eventually drowns and sinks to the bottom of the pitcher, where it is digested and its nutrients absorbed into the plant.

BY THERESA RAVENCRAFT; PHOTOS COURTESY OF LIFEBIO, INC.

We all take a trip down memory lane once in a while, reminiscing about special times and meaningful life events. Beth Sanders, founder of LifeBio, has made it her mission to document those trips — to improve the quality of life for older adults by preserving their family history, one life story at a time.

It started in the 1990s. Sanders’ grandmother, Margaret Stitzinger, had early-stage dementia, so Sanders decided to conduct an interview with her to learn more about the family. What she found were vivid memories, such as the flu epidemic of 1918; growing up in Erie, Pennsylvania; and getting married.

“I didn’t know my grandma as much as I thought I should,” says Sanders, a member of URE–Union Rural Electric Cooperative in Marysville. “It was like discovering gold. I could have lost that information if I hadn’t taken the time to really talk to her.” Sanders compiled her grandmother’s biography and passed it along to family members at the funeral after her grandmother died a few years later.

That experience helped her realize two things: first, that she proudly came from a long line of strong, influential women; second, how important it was to engage with her grandmother, listen to her story, and record her family history before it was lost forever. “Listening is good for all of us,” Sanders says. “When they tell their story, it gives them purpose. There’s a reason they’re here.”

Sanders knew she could help aging adults improve the quality of their lives simply by helping them tell their life stories. It became her passion, which she turned into LifeBio in 2000.

The company initially focused on capturing life stories using journals and an online biography system. Since then, LifeBio, located in Marysville, has grown into a health-tech company, developing apps that are used by seniors, health care workers, health systems, and educators.

Today, LifeBio employs more than 45 people in 10 states and works with major health care plans

LifeBio uses a simple app interface to allow relatives to record stories and memories that otherwise might be lost.

nationwide to provide memory-care services.

“We have to know people to deliver the best quality care for them,” Sanders says. “For us, it’s about the process, not the product.”

Her husband, Jeff, is LifeBio’s chief technology officer. He builds and oversees the company’s apps and works with the technology team to develop and introduce new initiatives. Together, they have developed three main programs for use in memory care.

MyHello is a social support program designed to reduce loneliness. It’s funded by a national health care plan. “Incredible technology has enabled us to connect people to each other,” Sanders says. “They sign up online or by phone, answer a few questions, and are matched with another participant. Then once per week for 13 weeks, the participants call each other at a designated time to share life experiences.”

MyHello aims to foster a feeling of connection, which in turn reduces depression. “We have done clinical studies that prove we reduce depression and

increase happiness by connecting people who can share stories and reminisce with one another,” Sanders says.

The LifeBio Memory app prompts users with a series of questions, encouraging them to recount life moments, and records and transcribes their responses. The app is the result of a substantial grant from the National Institute on Aging to improve the quality of care for people with dementia.

They’re currently developing a third component called LifeBio Brain, an app that will be used as a 10-minute cognitive screening tool for dementia. “We have partnered with Brown University to move the test away from being a paper-and-pencil test to an interactive app for users,” she says.

And there is more on the horizon. The Sanderses are looking to further expand the company and develop additional memory care initiatives.

“My legacy is helping others realize their legacy,” she says, “thus helping people experience more love, hope, and peace.”

“It was like discovering gold. I could have lost that information if I hadn’t taken the time to really talk to her.”

Beth and Jeff Sanders

Beth Sanders (shown in the photo at right with her mother, daughter, and grandmother) was inspired by conversations she had with her grandmother, Margaret Stitzinger, to develop LifeBio, a company whose mission it is to help people preserve the types of stories that come from those conversations.

The Reservation Loophole That Steakhouses Hate.

No Reservation? No Problem!

Whether you’re toasting a special occasion, celebrating a holiday, planning a date night, or simply craving an unforgettable meal, getting reservations at your local steakhouse is no easy feat. Luckily for you, we’ve got the insider tip you need to skip the waitlist and get the best seat in the house every time.

Your wallet is going to love this hack as much as your taste buds, because the hottest new steakhouse is in your kitchen and you’re always on the VIP list! Make the everyday extraordinary with a freezer full of world-famous, 100% guaranteed-perfect (or your money back) Omaha Steaks.

With gourmet proteins that are hand-selected and expertly trimmed by master butchers, extra-aged for more flavor and tenderness, and flash-frozen at their most delicious until you’re ready to enjoy, it’s never been a better time to bring the steakhouse home.

Crack open a cold one

A bit of brewski adds a bold burst to this robust bill of fare.

CATHERINE MURRAY

SLOW COOKER GERMAN BRATWURST

Prep: 15 minutes | Cook: 6 to 8 hours | Servings: 4

1 small yellow onion, cut in half through the root, then sliced

32 ounces sauerkraut, drained

12 ounces German beer

1 tart apple, cut into wedges

½ teaspoon caraway seeds

¼ teaspoon black pepper

5 bratwurst (1 to 1½ pounds)

In a 7-quart slow cooker, mix onion, sauerkraut, beer, apple, caraway seeds, and pepper. In a large skillet, brown bratwurst over medium-high heat on each side. (They need only be browned, not cooked through.)

Transfer brats to slow cooker, nestling them down into the sauerkraut mixture. Cover with lid and cook on low 6 to 8 hours. Serve hot.

Per serving: 394 calories, 25 grams fat (9 grams saturated fat), 65 milligrams cholesterol, 939 milligrams sodium, 19 grams total carbohydrates, 7 grams fiber, 16 grams protein.

RECIPES AND PHOTOGRAPHS BY

BEER CHEESE FONDUE

Prep: 20 minutes | Servings: 4

1 tablespoon butter

1 clove garlic, minced

½ teaspoon dry mustard

8 ounces lager beer

4 ounces medium cheddar cheese, hand shredded

4 ounces Gouda, Gruyère, or Emmenthaler cheese, hand shredded

2 tablespoons flour or cornstarch

Melt butter in a medium pot over medium heat. Add minced garlic and dry mustard and cook 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in beer and bring to a rolling simmer over medium-high heat. Toss shredded cheese in flour, then gradually add a handful at a time to the beer mixture, constantly whisking and letting each handful melt before adding more. If cheese starts to stick to the bottom of the pot, lower heat. If fondue becomes too thick, whisk in a bit more beer. Transfer mixture to a fondue pot over a heat source (such as a Sterno pot or candle). Serve immediately — beer cheese fondue pairs well with pretzels, cubed bread, apples, carrots, broccoli, and radishes.

Per serving: 282 calories, 20 grams fat (13 grams saturated fat), 70 milligrams cholesterol, 431 milligrams sodium, 6 grams total carbohydrates, 0 grams fiber, 15 grams protein.

Have you tried one of our recipes? Do you have a recipe to share with other Ohio co-op members? Visit the Member Interactive page on www.ohiocoopliving.com to find recipes submitted by our readers and to upload yours.

www.ohiocoopliving.com

While you’re there, check out a video of a few of our recipes being prepared.

GINGERBREAD STOUT CAKE

BEER-BRAISED PORK CARNITAS

Prep: 25 minutes | Cook: 2½ hours | Servings: 6

2 tablespoons cumin

2 tablespoons oregano

1 teaspoon chili powder

1 teaspoon salt

3-pound pork shoulder

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 large yellow onion, sliced

4 cloves garlic, smashed

12 ounces of beer (lager or Pilsner-style)

½ cup orange juice

2 tablespoons lime juice

1 ancho chili in adobo sauce, chopped

In a small bowl, combine cumin, oregano, chili powder, and salt. Rub pork shoulder with spice mix, then sear in a skillet with olive oil over medium-high heat for 2 to 3 minutes per side. Transfer to a roasting pan, placing fat side up. In the same skillet, sauté onions 5 to 7 minutes until starting to caramelize, then add garlic and stir another minute. Turn off heat and pour in the beer. Loosen all the small bits at the bottom with a spoon, then mix in the orange juice, lime juice, and ancho chili. Pour mixture into the roasting pan and cover with aluminum foil.

Heat oven to 350 F and cook 2 hours, then remove aluminum foil and cook an additional 30 minutes. Pork is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165 F. Let sit to cool 15 minutes or so. Shred pork in the roasting pan, removing all the bones and fat, then return shredded pork to the roasting pan with the onions and cooking liquid and mix well. Turn oven to broil and place roasting pan on top rack for 2 to 3 minutes, then stir and broil another minute or two. The goal is to have tender, juicy shredded pork with golden-brown crispy bits on the ends.

Serve with favorite taco ingredients. (Shown with street taco flour tortillas, fresh cilantro, queso fresco, and lime wedges.)

Per serving: 679 calories, 27 grams fat (9 grams saturated fat), 102 milligrams cholesterol, 474 milligrams sodium, 29 grams total carbohydrates, 2 grams fiber, 30 grams protein.

Power IN YOUR HANDS

Because we’re a co-op, we operate a little differently than other utilities. Mid-Ohio Energy’s decisions are made locally, by trustees who also live right here in our community. Everyone who pays to receive electricity from the co-op is a member. When you pay your electric bill each month, your money stays here, to pay for electricity used, or to make improvements to our local system and strengthen service reliability. The money you pay the co-op doesn’t line the pockets of shareholders five states away. We’re a co-op, and we exist to provide a service to you, our local members. Because you’re part of an electric cooperative, you can count on our team to maintain local jobs, at-cost electricity, and first-class service, no matter what the economy — and supply chain issues — throw at us. It's all part of the VALUE you get as a member of Mid-Ohio Energy.

Mid-Ohio Energy is striving to keep our costs as low as possible so we can keep more money in your pocket. We want to help you maximize the value you can get from our services and offerings. For example, we can help you save on energy bills through our energy-saving resources and energy-e ciency rebates.

Members can take charge of their service by using convenient payment and account management options. Empower your budgeting options with our pay-as-you-go program (PrePay metering) or smooth out seasonal spikes in energy use with our levelized billing option. You can also manage your account (set alerts and notifications, and view hourly energy use) with our free app, available by searching "Mid Ohio Energy" in your device's app store.

Please know that you are at the heart of everything we do. Co-ops adhere to seven guiding cooperative principles that reflect core values of honesty, transparency, equity, inclusiveness, and service.

We exist to serve you and provide the reliable, friendly service you expect and deserve. While we’ve grown over the years, we’re still driven by the same guiding principles to serve our community. This co-op was created for you, the members. The power is in your hands, and that's the value of being a member.

ELECTRICITY REMAINS A GOOD VALUE

in

Although

ation has led to increasing costs in many areas of our lives, the cost of powering your home has risen slowly when compared to other common goods. Looking at price increases over the past ve years, you’ll see that electricity remains a good value.

MID-OHIO ENERGY COOPERATIVE LOCAL PAGES

Seal in savings with efficient exterior doors

The front door of your home has a lot of meaning. It sets the stage for the home and provides the first impression for your guests. Beyond curb appeal, the front door is a good place to look for energy savings.

Efficient exterior doors seal tightly and don’t allow air to pass through. Limiting airflow from exterior doors can lower heating and cooling costs. Throughout the years, the construction of exterior doors has improved to increase their efficiency. If your door is older, it likely is not insulated. There are two strategies to address an inefficient front door: purchase a new one or work with what you have.

If you want to replace your front door for aesthetic purposes, make it more functional, or improve its efficiency, consider upgrading to an ENERGY STAR-certified model.

The ENERGY STAR certification ensures the door you buy meets efficiency criteria for your local area. Certification requires any windows in the door to be double- or triplepaned to reduce heat flow. While windows in doors offer aesthetics, more glass means less efficiency. The bigger the windows in a door, the lower the efficiency. The most efficient doors have no glass or windows.

U-factor is the primary rating for efficiency on doors and windows. U-factor is the inverse of R-value, which is the rating used for insulation. Unlike R-value where higher is better, the lower the U-factor, the more energy-efficient the door. Check the U-factor to help choose the most efficient door in your preferred style.

ENERGY STAR-certified doors are made of the most efficient materials, such as fiberglass, wood cladding, and steel with polyurethane foam core. They are built to fit snugly into their frames, reducing drafts and airflow.

When completely replacing a door and the frame, you can use expanding foam or caulk to fill the space between the door jamb and structural framing. ENERGY STAR doors have specific installation instructions to ensure the desired efficiency.

If a new door isn’t in your budget, less expensive options can reduce air leakage and improve your home’s efficiency.

Years of use can wear out weatherstripping. If you can see daylight around the edges of the door or underneath it, it’s time to stop those air leaks.

Weatherstripping around the door jamb can be adjusted to make a snug seal or replaced if it’s too far gone. Apply one continuous strip along each side, and make sure it meets tightly at the corners. Don’t forget the door sweep at the bottom of the door.

Adding a storm door can also help. Most storm doors have options for using a screen or glass. Swapping the screen for the glass insert can help save energy in both the winter and in the summer, if you use air conditioning. Open the door to energy savings by improving the efficiency of your exterior doors, without compromising the aesthetics of your home.

Adding a storm door can help seal in your home and is less expensive than replacing the entire door. Photo Source: Mark Gilliland, Pioneer Utility Resources

Get $100 energy credit(s) for purchasing new ENERGY STAR refrigerators and/or freezers

Household appliances account for nearly 30% of total home energy use. Upgrading to new, high-e ciency models can really cut your energy costs. New, energye cient models include design features that use less energy without sacrificing performance.

High-e ciency refrigerators keep things cool Refrigerators keep food fresh, but they can take up as much space on your electric bill as they do in your kitchen. Refrigerators use a lot of energy and ENERGY STAR-qualified models are 20% more e cient than new standard units.

A number of advanced technologies — including improved insulation and heat transfer surfaces and more precise temperature and defrost mechanisms — mean high-e ciency models use less energy. Better insulation allows the compressor to run less often, so it produces less heat.

Thanks to modern technology, today's refrigerators use far less energy than older models. If your unit is more than 10 years old, consider replacing it with a new, high-e ciency product. It'll help take the heat off your energy budget.

Members who replace their existing refrigerators and/or standalone freezers with a new ENERGY STAR-certified appliance are eligible for rebates. A maximum of two rebates per appliance type (two refrigerators and two freezers) may be paid per home.

To qualify for the rebate, the appliance must be sized between 10 and 30 cubic feet and be purchased and installed in a home served by Mid-Ohio Energy. Members will be required to provide proof of purchase and ENERGY STAR certification (this can be a copy of the yellow Energy Guide label or owner’s manual).

Applying is easy, submit rebate claims and documentation at MidOhioEnergy.com/EnergyStar or contact our o ces.

KIM MIDDLETON RETIRES AFTER 39 YEARS OF SERVICE

KIM MIDDLETON

BILLING SPECIALIST

Long-time billing and member service specialist Kim Middleton retires in September, a er nearly four decades of service to the cooperative.

Middleton joined the co-op's employee team as a cashier in 1984, before moving to the role of records and billing clerk soon a er. Ever since, she has been a steady presence for making sure members get accurate and timely billing!

At Mid-Ohio Energy, billing has the important task of making connections between the co-op's distribution system, metering technology, and member service programs.

roughout her career, Kim has seen many changes in the way the cooperative conducts metering and billing.

At the beginning of her career, meters were self-read by members and monthly bills were printed, sorted, and mailed from the co-op's o ces. Presently, meter readings are collected remotely through power lines, with readings gathered for analysis and forwarded for printing and mailing to all members.

In addition to her billing role, Kim also assisted with member calls and payments, elded outage reports, recorded board minutes, and coordinated mailing lists for Ohio Cooperative Living magazine.

We asked Kim to share facts about herself and reflect on her time at the cooperative:

As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up? From a young age, I wanted to be a wife and mom. As I got older, an interior decorator/designer. I was always wanting to change furniture around, especially my bedroom furniture, although dragging the furniture around on the carpets didn't make my parents the happiest!

Do you have a favorite quote? "Impossible is just an opinion."

What is a fun fact that members and fellow coworkers may not know about you?

I love anything dachshund!

Tell us about your family:

I have been married to my husband Shawn for 36 years. I have two grown children, Trey and Regan, who live in the area with their families. I am blessed with three grandchildren and we have another on the way.

What was your favorite part about working at MidOhio Energy?

I would say my favorite part about working at MidOhio Energy is the interaction with the customers. I love helping them figure out their electric bills and troubleshoot high usage inquiries.

What is your fondest memory from working here?

e ice storm in 2005. It was truly amazing to see the incredible teamwork my co-workers and I performed to get the power back on for our members. We had several days of around-the-clock work, and then many additional days to get the system back to normal.

Sometimes, others may overlook that, in these situations, we have our own families at home who may be experiencing the same weather-related hardships. As employees of the co-op, we make the members our priority and work to provide the best service possible.

What will you miss the most?

I will de nitely miss the members and my co-workers. I hate to say it for the sake of sounding old, but I see members come in that were toddlers when I rst started working at the co-op. Now they are adults with their own children. I went from handing them a lollipop to now taking their money at the counter!

What are your plans for retirement?

I plan on spending a lot more time with my grandchildren. My husband and I have a park model at Indian Lake and I look forward to being able to spend more time there, rather than just the weekends. I also enjoy ower gardening, and we plan to do more traveling!

We wish Kim the best in retirement, and thank her for her service to the cooperative!

UNCLAIMED FUNDS

UNCLAIMED CAPITAL

PATRONAGE

The following members have unclaimed capital credits that were retired in 2019. These amounts represent members’ share of margins that were generated by Mid-Ohio Energy Cooperative during the years these people were living in the cooperative’s service areas and purchasing electricity from Mid-Ohio Energy Cooperative (or formerly United Rural Electric or Marion Rural Electric). Attempts to reach these people by mail were returned because of incorrect or insu cient addresses. These names appeared in Ohio Cooperative Living magazine in 2019 and several times since. As required by Mid-Ohio Energy’s Code of Regulations, four years following the mailing of retired patronage and 60 days after two consecutive notices in Ohio Cooperative Living magazine, the unclaimed funds revert to the cooperative to be reallocated to active patrons. This is the second notice.

ABRAMS ANGELA K

ABRAMS MATTHEW

ACKERMAN JOSEPH

ACKERMAN MATHEW O

ACKERMAN STEVE

ADA AIRPORT

ADAM JUDY

ADAMS BRUCE

ADAMS DIANA

ADAMS DONALD R

ADAMS DOUGLAS S

ADAMS GERTRUDE E

ADAMS JAMES W

ADAMS JOHN C

ADAMS LARRY

ADAMS SUSAN

ADDIS LYNN

AETNA INSURANCE

AGER LISA M

AGNER LAURA

AGRIESTI ANTHONY J

ALBANESE CHRISTIAN

ALBANESE JOSEPH J

ALBERT ANDREW

ALBERT HAROLD

ALBERT TODD

ALBINACK JOE

ALBRIGHT DAVID G

ALDRIDGE LARRY W

ALDRIDGE MICHAEL A

ALDRIDGE SANDRA I

ALEXANDER CHRISTINA M

ALEXANDER IVORY DOLL

ALEXANDER JEFF

ALEXANDER MICHELLE

ALEXANDER PAMELA

ALLARD SHARON

ALLEN ETHAN H

ALLEN JERRY

ALLEN KELLY A

ALLEN LOUISA A

ALLEN MARJORIE

ALLEN RICHARD O

ALLEN WILLIAM J

ALLER ERIN M

ALSPACH SHANNON

ALT GERALD R

ALTHOUSE JULIE M

ALTVATER AMY

AMERICN

TELPHONE&TELGRAPH

AMES JIM A

AMMONS ELOISE

AMSTUTZ BUTCH

AMSTUTZ DELORES

AMWEG JUANITA

ANDERSON CLARENCE L

ANDERSON JEFFREY S

ANDERSON PAULA L

ANDERSON SHERRY

ANDREWS TREG

ANGLES CHRISTIE

ANSPACH DANIEL L

APPLEFELLER JOSEPH

APPLEGATE GERALD J

ARBOGAST SCOTTY

ARMSTRONG RODNEY

ARNETT BETTY

ARNETT CHARLES R

ARNOLD ARTHUR

ARNOLD DOUGLAS D

ARNOLD T M

ARNOLD WILLIAM

ARREOLA JUAN

ARREOLA SANCHEZ

MARIVEL

ARTHUR DEBORAH K

ASHBA VERNA A

ASHLAND EXPLRATN INC

AUL DEBORAH A

AULT CAROLYN

AULT GARY

AUSTIN CLARENCE

AUTEN DAVID K III

AYALA DEASY

B & B FARMS

BACKUS ELIZABETH A

BADEN JEANNE

BADER SARA L

BAILEY ANN

BAILEY DEAN

BAILEY JENNFIER

BAILEY KRISTEN

BAILEY MISTEE

BAISDEN RALPH H

BAKER BECKY

BAKER BRUCE H

BAKER JONATHAN

BAKER KENNETH E

BAKER MISTY

BAKER TRINA

BALDAUF DALE

BALDRIDGE MICHAEL

BALDWIN DAVID E

BALDWIN GARY

BALDWIN MICHAEL J

BALDWIN SARA

BALE PAUL W

BALLARD JANE

BALLARD TEDDY H

BALLENGER JUDY

BALLINGER LORI

BANK OF AMERICA

BANK ONE

BANKS DAVID L

BANKS WILLIAM

BARKER HELEN R

BARNETT LEONARD D

BARNETT NOAH

BARNHART MICHELLE

BARRY DAWN

BARRY KEVEN

BARTON WANDA L

BARTZ HOWARD H

BASEL FARMS

BASH JEFFREY J

BATEMAN SONDRA J

BATES DAVID D

BAUTISTA MARIA

BAYLES JAMIE

BAZZY OMAR J

BEACHUM CARDELL

BEARD MARY E

BEARDSLEY JIM

BECHTOL TERRENCE

BECKLEY CAROL

BEEDY ROGER

BEERS BRUCE

BEGG DENNIS

BELARDO ANGELITO

BELDEN ZACH

BELL JEFFREY P

BELL MATTHEW E

BELL PHILIP A

BELLAMY BEN W

BELLVILLE KIM J

BELSHE CONNIE

BELT CHAD

BELTZ ROBERT C

BELTZ STACIE

BEMILLER JOSEPH

BENJAMIN GARY H

BENNER GARY G

BENNETT & SIEG AUTO

BENNETT DANA

BENSON CHRISTIE

BENSON DENNIS R

BENTLEY DOUGLAS E

BERCAW GEORGE L

BERG TIM

BERRY JAMES

BERRY KEVIN

BERVAS MIKAEL

BIBLE WESLEYAN

METHODIST CHU

BIGELOW KIMBERLY K

BIGGERSTAFF H W

BILGER CATHY

BILL LINA M

BILLINGS DENNIS

BILLINGS DOUG E

BILLOCK DENNIS

BILTZ ROBERT

BINGHAM BOBBY

BINKLEY CAREY

BISH DOROTHY

BISH DOUGLAS S

BISHOP HARRY L

BISHOP RICHARD A

BISHOP THOMAS E

BLACK DEVIN

BLACK ROBERT E

BLACK WILLIAM

BLACKLEDGE BRIAN

BLAIR DUSTIN

BLAKE DALE H

BLANKENSHIP WAYNE

BLANTON APRIL K

BLEVINS VENARD

BLEVINS WILLIAM

BLUE JONI

BLUM DONALD E

BLUMENSCHEIN SHERRY P

BOGART PHILLIP

BOGGS JOSH

BOGGS JOYCE E

BOGGS KEN L

BOGGS LEROY

BOGGS WARREN L

BOLANDER LARRY

BOLDUC MATT

BOLLINGER DONNA S

BOLTZ TONYA

BOND ROBYN L

BONSEL ASHLEY

BONSEL STACY

BOOKAMER WESLEY H

BORDEN GARY

BORGER EDNA M

BORN KENDRA

BORROR JAMES D

BOSART NICOLE

BOSSERMAN RICHARD K

BOTCHLETT JAMES

BOTCHLETT RHONDA

BOURQUE J B

BOUTWELL M J JR

BOWER DENNIS

BOWLBY ALLAN

BOWLING DON

BOWLING DOUGLAS W

BOWLING JACK A

BOWMAN & RICHARDS

PROPERTY

BOWMAN PHYLISS

BOYD DANNY L

BOYD EUGENE

BOYD JILL N

BOYD JOHN A

BOYD RICHARD O

BOYER ROBERT L

BRADFORD TORRI

BRADISH LINDA

BRADLEY CHARLES N

BRADLEY JONATHON

BRADLEY PATRICK O

BRADY CARL

BRANHAM DAVID L

BRAY DONALD

BREECE BRADLEY R

BRENEK JUDY

BRENNEMAN KIRK

BRENZO STEVEN

BREWER LAURA

BREWER MARTHA L

BREWER NANCY J

BREWSTER AMY S

BRICKER B M

BRICKNER ROGER J

BRIDENSTINE CAROL

BRIDGES FLOYD A

BRIGGS WANDA

BROADWATER DAVID A

BROCKMAN PAT

BROOKS KIMBERLY K

BROOKS MARGARET A

BROOKS TED

BROWN BRIAN

BROWN CLARENCE

BROWN DAVID A

BROWN DEBORAH S

BROWN DIANE

BROWN DONALD S

BROWN EDNA P

BROWN HEIDI E

BROWN JAY

BROWN JOHN V

BROWN JOSH A

BROWN LEONARD JR

BROWN LINA

BROWN LORETTA

BROWN MARIANNE

BROWN MARILYN D

BROWN MICHAEL J

BROWN MILLIE TRUST

BROWN RANDY

BROWN RICHARD

ARTHUR

BROWN ROBERT J

BROWN RONALD O

BROWN TRINA S

BROWN VIRGINIA

BRUNER R C

BRYAN BLAKE

BRYANT FLOYD

BRYANT RUSSELL

BUCKLAND D JR

BUCKLEY JOE

BUENTELLO ABRAHAM

BUHLER BRYAN

BUNNELL WILLIAM G

BUNTING CALVIN

BURBA ALLEN

BURDICK REBEKAH S

BURGAN JAMES M

BURGESS ROY E

BURKS JODI

BURLEY MARIE M

BURNETT KIMBERLY L

BURNS ANGIE

BURNS CINDY

BURNS NICHOLAS

BURNSIDE CHARLES

BURRIS CLIFFORD

BURTON ANGELA

BUTLER TRACY

BUTTERMAN CYNTHIA K

BUYER JERRY L

BYER GILBERT

BYERS NICOLE

BYLER JACOB D

BYRNE CHARLES

CALDERA GONZALO

CALDWEL MIKE

CALDWELL CATHY J

CALDWELL JAMES C

CALDWELL JOSEPH L

CALDWELL JULIA

CALDWELL MARK

CALDWELL STEVE

CALDWELL TIFFANY M

CALDWELL WILLIE

CALLENTINE DANNY E

CAMBURN ROBERT M

CAMPBELL JACQUELIN A

CAMPBELL JANET L

CAMPBELL JENNY

CAMPBELL MICHAEL T

CAMPBELL ROBERT

CAMPBELL THURMAN

CANDEL GREG

CANNODE GEORGE

CANNON WELLES

CANTER GARY

CANTER JAMES D

CANTERBURY JUSTIN

CANTRELL HERB

CAPLIN GARY L

CARDER DEBI

CAREY CHAD M

CAREY DANIEL R

CARLSON LARRY W

CARNAHAN MARL J

CARNAHAN STEVEN

CARNEY TAMARA

CARPENTER ANGELA

CARR AMBER

CARR DANIEL R

CARR DOUG

CARROLL DONNA K

CARRUTHERS CHRIS

CARTER ROBERT E

CARTY DARRELL R

CASE VIVIAN

CASPERSON APRIL

CASPERSON MIKE

CASSIDY TIMOTHY

CASTLE CARL

CASTLE DONALD

CASTLE ELIZABETH

CASTLE JAMIE G

CASTLE LISA

CASTLE LORETTA

CASTLE TERRI

CASTLE WENDY L

CASTO CHARLES F

CAUDILL BETH S

CAVE MELISSA

CAVINEE KATHLEEN M

CAVINEE NANCY

CAVINEE SCOTT W

CENLAR FSB

CHAFFIN STEVE

CHAKEY KAREN M

CHAMBERLIN KAYLA

CHAMBERLIN MARY

CHAMP JAMES W

CHAMPER DOUGLAS

CHANEY LONNIE

CHAPMAN DORIS

CHAPMAN KRYSTAL

CHAPMAN PAM

CHARLOTTE FARMS INC

TOLLE ROBIN

TOLLEY ROY L

TONEY PAMELA

TRACEY ELIZABETH

TRACY MALON A

TRAUSCH MICHELE M

TREMBLE CONSTANCE D

TRENDEX INC

TRENT CARLA L

TRENT DAVID R

TRINKO LYNN A

TROUT JOHN

TROXELL C LAWRENCE II

TRUESDALE CASEY L

TSCHUOR JAMES B

TURK THOMAS

TURNER HELEN

TURNER KENNETH E

TURNER MANDY

TURNER TRUMAN D

TYRA DAVID

TYREE JEFF

ULRICH DAVID

ULRICH DONALD F

UNDERWOOD DWIGHT R

UNITED RUBBER LOCAL

#241

UTLEY RICKIE L

VACON M L

VAIL MACK B

VALDEZ DANITA

VALENTINE AL

VALENTINE LINDA

VALLADARES JAVIER

VAN ATTA JAMES

VAN HORNE GEVIN D

VANBUSKIRK GRETCHEN

VANDERHOOF MARK D

VANDYKE GERALD

VANFOSSEN LAURA

VANHOOSE KENNETH

VANIMAN R S

VANSCODER PATRICIA

VANVLERAH LINDA S

VANVLIET STEVEN C

VANWILPE JAMES

VARNER BONNIE R

VASQUEZ REYNALDO A

VAUGHN ANNETTE

VAUGHN VIRGINIA L

VERMILLION KIM

VEST LIA K

VIARS CHARLES

VOLBERT R A

VONKAENEL MICHELLE L

WADDELL DONALD L

WADDELL TRACY

WADDLE DELORES J

WADDLE JACK

WAKELY KEVIN D

WALDEN KATHY

WALKER ALBERT

WALKER JAN E

WALKINS DAVID

WALLACE JOHN R

WALLACE PATRICIA

WALLER JULIE A

WALTER TAMMY S

WALTON HERBERT

WALTZ MAY

WAMPACH JEFF

WARD DARLENE K

WARD JAMES R

WARD JANET M

WARD

MARY F

WARD VANESSA

WARREN OTHA LEON

WARREN SEWELL C

WARWICK LINDA

WASSERBECK DAN

WATKINS BRIAN H

WATKINS GLENN W

WATSON MICHAEL

WATTERS JENNIFER

WATTS STEPHANIE

WAUGH WILLIAM F

WAYLAND TERRY C

WEAVER ELIZABETH

WEAVER WILLIAM R

WEBB

CARL L

WEBB LINDA

WEBB ROBERT L

WEBB RONALD B

WEBB TRISHA

WEBER HELEN

WEBER

RONALD J

WEDDINGTON STEVE

WEIDNER DUSTIN

WEISER TIMOTHY M

WELCH ZACHARY

WELKER BILLY A

WELLBAUM JAMES

WELLS DENNIS

WELLS DONNA

WELLS EDDIE

WELLS GARY

WELLS JAMES L

WELLS MARTIN E

WENDELL DAN

WERLING MELISSA SUE

WEST JOSEPH W

WEST MARK E

WEST NEWTON ME

CHURCH

WESTLER JOHN M

WETHERILL MATTHEW

WHALEY THELMA M

WHALEY WESLEY L II

WHETSAL BRUCE

WHIPPLE NANCY

WHISLER HOWARD E

WHITAKER CLARENCE

WHITAKER TINA M

WHITCUM GARY

WHITE ANDREA PFC

WHITE BEVERLY

WHITE CHRISTINE

WHITE DIANA K

WHITE ELAINE C

WHITE FRANK

WHITE JAMES D

WHITE JENNIFER

WHITE JOSEPH C

WHITE KELLI

WHITE LISA R

WHITE PAUL J

WHITE RICHARD A

WHITE RONALD C

WHITE STEVEN H

WHITEHEAD GLADYS

WHITESELL DAVID

WHITLEY SANDRA

WHITT ELLA N

WICKER WILL

WICKHAM RYAN

WIELINSKI KLAUS

WILAND JOSEPH S

WILCH WALLACE JR

WILCHECK MARK

WILEY TODD J

WILKINSON ROBERT

WILLIAMS BRANDON

WILLIAMS BRENT

WILLIAMS CHASTITY

WILLIAMS DIANA S

WILLIAMS DONALD E

WILLIAMS ERIN M

WILLIAMS FERN

WILLIAMS JACKIE

WILLIAMS JASON D

WILLIAMS JOHN III

WILLIAMS MELISSA

WILLIAMS MIKE

WILLIAMS PERRY

WILLIAMS RICHARD W

WILLIAMS RONALD P

WILLIAMS TRACY

WILLIAMS WAYNE

WILLIAMSON JAYME

WILLIAMSON R BARRY

WILLMETH PAULINE

WILLS ROY E

WILSON BETH

WILSON BRIAN

WILSON BRIAN M

WILSON BYRON B

WILSON DAVID A

WILSON JANE

WILSON JUDY

WILSON KRIS A

WILSON LORENZA

WILSON PATRICK

WILSON ROBERT E

WILSON ROBERT E JR

WILSON SHERI

WILSON TERESA L

WILSON TOM

WILT MICHAEL W

WINDSOR DARYL

WINEBRENNER CHARLES A

WINEGARDNER SANDRA

WINKLER GREG

WIREMAN DON

WIREMAN HEATHER

WIREMAN LEE

WIREMAN MARIE T

WISCHMEYERS DANIEL L

WISE JUNE A

WITHROW JENNIFER M

WODARSKI GARY

WODARSKI LANORA

WOLF LEMUEL J

WOLF MARY J

WOLFE CHRISTINA

WOLFE TERRY

WOLFORD RICK

WOLFORD RONALD M

WOOD JENNIFER D

WOOD JIM

WOOD THOMAS R

WOOD WARREN R

WOODLAWN ENTERPRISES

WOODRUFF PAUL

WOODRUFF RAY

WOODRUM KYLE L

WOODS WENDEL W

WOOLUM JACKIE L

WORDEN CHAD

WORDEN DONALD

WORKMAN PHYLLIS

WORKMAN RICHARD

WOROBIEC MICHELE

WORRELL DENA

WOTEN WENDY

WRENCHEY JOE JR

WRIGHT CHRISTINE

WRIGHT CRISTA

WRIGHT JASON

WRIGHT NICKY

WRIGHT SHERMAN

WRIGHT TASHA

WRIGHTSEL EARL W

WRIGHTSMAN KAREN

WRIGHTSMAN RICK

WUESCHER LAWRENCE C

WYCOFF AMY

WYGANT RON

X ALPHA INT'L LTD

YANT CHRISTOPHER L

YANT DONALD

YELTON JIM

YOHO JAMES L

YOST RHONDA M

YOUNG BRAD

efficiency Tip of the month

Did

ENERGY UPDATES

As your not-for-profit electric cooperative, we’re in a unique position to be your trusted energy advisor and we take that responsibility seriously.

We realize you're busy, but we hope you'll take a moment for an energy update as part of our “What’s new with...” series! Please reach out to us to discuss any of your energy-related questions.

What’s new with...

VALUE OF ELECTRICITY

One constant over the years has been that electricity remains a great value! The average annual price increase of electricity has risen much more slowly than the cost of other common goods, such as gasoline and groceries. You're part of an electric cooperative and our team is always looking for new ways to provide value through reliable at-cost electricity, first-class service, and concern for the community.

READ MORE>> PAGE 17

ENERGY EFFICIENCY

Looking to open your door to energy savings? Your home's entryway is a good place to start! Throughout the years, the construction of exterior doors has improved to increase efficiency. Limiting airflow from doors can lower heating and cooling costs. Whether you're purchasing new or addressing existing doors, upgrades can help you seal in the savings.

READ MORE>> PAGE 18

ENERGY INNOVATIONS

Refrigerators keep food fresh, but they can take up as much space on your electric bill as they do in your kitchen. Thanks to modern technology, today's refrigerators use far less energy than older models through improved insulation, more precise temperature and defrost mechanisms. Mid-Ohio Energy offers a $100 energy credit for new ENERGY STAR-rated refrigerator/freezers.

READ MORE>> PAGE 18A

Small town, BIG sounds

BY KEVIN WILLIAMS; PHOTOGRAPHS COURTESY OHIO VALLEY SYMPHONY

When Lora Lynn Snow first saw the inside of the Ariel Opera House in 1987, the first thing she noticed, of course, was the quarter-century’s worth of bird droppings that coated just about everything. But almost immediately, she saw beyond the disrepair of the once-spectacular Gallipolis theater. Where others could only see pigeon poop, Snow saw possibilities.

“I ignored the piles of rubble,” Snow remembers. “I heard the building singing, and it was love at first sight.”

Today, thanks to that love affair — and a lot of hard work — Gallipolis (population 3,300) is home to one of the most distinctive, if unlikely, symphonies in the country. The Ohio Valley Symphony, replete with tubas, French horns, cellos, bass violins, flutes, harps, trumpets, oboes, clarinets, bassoons, and more, begins its 34th season of performance at the Ariel this month.

The hills that hem in this tiny Ohio River town on the southern tip of the state are truly alive with the sound of music.

Homecoming

But it wouldn’t have happened if it weren’t for Snow. An oboist who grew up in Charleston, West Virginia, Snow had earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Ohio State before moving to Arkansas.

There, she played in several ensembles and taught at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock for a time before she and her husband decided they needed a change. “It was so hot, just an oppressive heat,” she says.

So they moved back closer to home, to Gallia County, in 1980. She taught music in the Gallia County Local School District and at the University of Rio Grande and played in several regional symphonies and chamber groups.

It actually took a few years before she discovered her calling.

Discovery

The French refugees who settled Gallipolis in the late 1700s had brought with them a strong appreciation for the arts, and that influence has always been apparent. It’s no surprise that the Ariel sprang up there in 1895 at the height of the “opera house” movement. The Ariel hosted music and theater programs, vaudeville acts, and movies for decades.

Eventually, though, Hollywood’s economics overpowered the Ariel, and the theater shuttered in the early 1960s. It stayed that way for 25 years. Snow, growing dissatisfied with her experiences with cutthroat musicians and taskmaster conductors, decided she wanted to start her own symphony, one that would operate in her own kinder, gentler way.

But in tiny Gallipolis? There were plenty of snickers and skepticism at first, but she knew she could count on the area’s rich arts history to draw upon. What she didn’t have was a proper venue — until someone mentioned the town’s old, decrepit opera house.

“I had no idea the Ariel was there,” Snow says. “I finagled my way inside, and the acoustics were phenomenal. They just don’t build them like that anymore.”

Tiny Gallipolis is home to one of the nation’s most unlikely symphonic success stories.

Rejuvenation

Right away, Snow began raising funds. She held a community cleaning party. She even consulted the Centers for Disease Control about the best way to remove pigeon droppings. So, long before COVID-19 made N-95 s an everyday sight, masked stagehands went high into the rafters to methodically uncover the Ariel’s former glory, from the top down.

The Ohio Valley Symphony performed its first concert on April 1, 1989, and officially moved into the Ariel at its grand reopening on June 9, 1990. Renovations have continued in the years since, and the Ariel today hosts not only the OVS, but a bevy of other events: music and theater productions, arts classes, even weddings. To this day, Snow still plays with the symphony as its principal oboist. So if something is “off,” whether with acoustics in the hall or chemistry among the musicians, she’ll know about it.

Small-town nice

Snow is the only musician in the symphony who’s based in Gallipolis. Most come in from larger cities like Pittsburgh or Cincinnati — drawn, Snow says, by the OVS’s reputation as a nice place to play, in terms of the

venue and the personalities of the ensemble and the entire town. Members of the community, in fact, house many of the visiting musicians, which helps to foster bonds between the community and the symphony.

Concertmaster Manami White, for example, an awardwinning and internationally acclaimed violinist based in Cincinnati, says she herself has enjoyed that experience and that lifelong friendships have been forged because of those opportunities.

It’s led to a loyal and supportive following in Gallipolis, as locals who might otherwise have never stepped foot in a symphony hall have been drawn to the Ariel. The quality of the programming, of course, doesn’t hurt, either.

“When you go to a concert, it should give you shivers, make you gasp,” Snow says. “Art without that is pretty empty. If you care for the artists and provide a positive work environment, the audience will notice. We have a rep as a nice place to play.”

Snow says that, inevitably, newly arrived musicians will finish their first gigs and tell her, often incredulously, how much fun they had.

“Working hard and having fun are not exclusive,” Snow says. “I’ve always felt doing both was a good thing.”

The symphony’s 34th season

Sept. 16 — “Around the Campfire,” with guest conductor Luke Frazier, founder of the American Pops Orchestra.

Nov. 4 “Salute to Our Veterans,” with Carl Topilow, founding conductor of the Cleveland Pops.

Dec. 2 — “The Christmas Show!” — with Steven Huang, newly named conductor of the New Westchester Symphony in White Plains, N.Y.

March 16 — “The Enigmatic Elgar,” conducted by François López-Ferrer, resident conductor of the Académie of the Opéra de Paris.

April 27 — “Brahms and Beyond,” conducted by West Virginia State Philharmonic director Scott E. Woodard.

Every concert ticket includes a 6:45 p.m. pre-concert chat with the maestro and soloist of the evening, as well as a post-concert reception.

Visit https://arieltheatre.org for details.

“When you go to a concert, it should give you shivers, make you gasp. Art without that is pretty empty.”

Beautifully Efficient & Sustainable

Reach 300,000 of your best customers

The Richmond® Hybrid Electric Heat Pump Water Heater is the most efficient water heater available. It’s full of smart features you will love—from built-in Wi-Fi to multiple operating modes that save energy and protect the planet. Learn More at RichmondWaterHeaters.com/Hybrid

Your Local WaterFurnace Dealers

Bowling Green United Home Comfort (419) 352-7092

unitedhomecomfort.com

Canal Winchester Kessler Htg & Clg (614) 837-9961

kesslerheating.com

Chillicothe

Accurate Htg & Clg (740) 775-5005

accurategeothermal.com

Coldwater

Ray’s Refrigeration (419) 678-8711

raysrefrigeration.com

Columbus Geo Source One (614) 873-1140

geosourceone.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

Lancaster Fairfield Heating (740) 653-6421

fairfieldgeothermal.com

Ohio Cooperative Living has been a valued presence in rural Ohio homes and businesses for the past 65 years.

For information and rates, email advertising@ohioec.org

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

Sidney Lochard Inc. (937) 492-8811

Sunbury Westin Air (614) 794-1259

geothermalcentralohio.com

Toledo

Overcashier & Horst (419) 841-3333

ohcomfort.com

Waverly Combs Htg & A/C (740) 947-4061

combsgeopro.com

Wellington Wellington Indoor Comfort (440) 647-3421

Not hearing is believing.

Many homeowners have come to accept that a noisy A/C is a fact of life. But with WaterFurnace, you don’t have to settle.

Nothing can disrupt a perfect summer afternoon in your backyard more than a loud air conditioner. Geothermal users are never disturbed from outside HVAC noise because there’s no outdoor equipment to make any. All the complicated work takes place underground—out of earshot. With WaterFurnace, your peace and quiet is assured. To learn more, contact your local WaterFurnace dealer today.

Geothermal is the only renewable that provides reliable operation 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.

Back in time at the

BY JODI BORGER; PHOTOS BY JEFF ROOKS/CHECKMATE PHOTOGRAPHY (COURTESY OF THE OHIO RENAISSANCE FESTIVAL)

peggy Kelly first attended the Ohio Renaissance Festival about 15 years ago. Even then, the festival had been a well-established mecca of history-meets-fantasy escapism that drew attendees by the tens of thousands to Waynesville during autumn weekends each year.

Kelly, a member of Butler Rural Electric Cooperative in Oxford, remembers enjoying the merrymaking at the time, but still wasn’t fully enthralled enough to make it an annual pilgrimage. But after she decided to give it another go, now she’s all-in.

“The first time I went, I thought it was fun,” Kelly says. “But we went again about five years ago, and that’s when it really got in my blood. It’s grown. There are more shows now, more things to look at, and different themed weekend activities, and I really enjoy it.”

The festival lasts eight to nine weeks, and Kelly, who is a season passholder, says she’ll typically attend six to eight times during that period. She attends often enough that she says her husband knows exactly where she’s headed if she gets up early — and that she’ll be gone for most of the day.

A rich history

Established in 1990 by Cincinnati entrepreneur Peter Carroll, the RenFaire (as loyal fans know it) has evolved

into a premier event that invites attendees to step into a re-created 16th-century English village, where they can rub elbows with royalty or feast with fairies.

“When you step through the gate, you can leave your cares in the parking lot and get away for the day,” says Cheryl Bucholtz, a member of Lancaster-based South Central Power Company and the Renaissance Festival’s marketing director.

And that’s exactly the appeal for folks like Kelly. “I usually go with my family, but I have also gone by myself before and you are just so welcomed by everybody,” she says. “The characters, everybody that dresses up, and the staff, they are all just a fun bunch of people to be with.”

The festival started as a weekend event on a small field in Warren County, and over the years, it has grown into one of the largest and longest-running in the nation. Depending on weather, more than 200,000 festivalgoers may enter the now-permanent grounds on September and October weekends.

A full-time staff of seven spearheads the planning and execution of the festival year-round. During festival days, however, the staff balloons to between 500 and 750 people, encompassing volunteers and workers who

contribute to the smooth operation of the event. “I love that they bring in groups like the Scouts and local school choirs to help,” Kelly says. “It’s a great way for those groups to raise funds and to support the community.”

Continued growth

With an additional 5 acres added to the grounds in 2023, the nearly 40 acres now can accommodate even more vendors, food and beverage options, shaded seating areas, and entertainment.

“The festival’s mission is to create unforgettable experiences where history and fantasy collide,” Bucholtz says. “To ensure success, the festival strives for ongoing growth while maintaining its dedication to delivering unforgettable experiences.”

The Renaissance Festival successfully meets its mission by striking a delicate balance between historical authenticity and imaginative elements.

Visitors like Kelly enjoy a rich tapestry of entertainment, including jousting, musicians, strolling characters, and troupes such as the Swordsmen, the Cincinnati Barbarians, and the awe-inspiring Kamikaze Fireflies.

Peggy Kelly (bottom photo, center) attends the Ohio Renaissance Festival both alone and with her family during the course of the event. She says the jousting (shown above) is among her favorite events.

Something for everyone

The festival also boasts a diverse group of vendors offering handmade wares such as glassware, clothing, jewelry, pottery, home décor, and various crafts. Kelly also enjoys the many different types of food available during the festival.

“I think the joust show is probably one of my favorite things and one of the most popular shows, because everybody seems to want to see that,” she says. “They always get a really good crowd.”

Kelly’s grandson was knighted by the royal court last year at the Renaissance Festival and has since left for boot camp. She says he should be home in early September, and Kelly looks forward to taking him back to the festival when he gets back.

“Some people really, really get into it, to the point where the entire family in some way, shape, or form is dressed in character,” says Kelly, who also dresses in character when she attends. “One year, I saw a stroller transformed into a castle. Some people are so creative and artistic and just have fun with it.”

Ohio Renaissance Festival, 10542 State Route 73, Waynesville, Ohio 45068. Open weekends (and Labor Day) Sept. 2–Oct. 29. Visit www.renfestival.com for tickets or season passes.

The Ohio Renaissance Festival is a family-friendly history-meets-fantasy event full of entertainment, food, and fun. Continued

How can a rechargeable hearing aid that ts inside your ear and costs only $14 999 be every bit as good as one that sells for $2,400 or more?

The answer: Although tremendous strides have been made in Hearing Aid Technology, those cost reductions have not been passed on to you. Until now...

The MDHearing™ NEO uses the same kind of technology incorporated into hearing aids that cost thousands more at a small fraction of the price. Satis ed MDHearing customers agree: High-quality, digital, FDA-registered rechargeable hearing aids don’t have to cost a fortune. NEO is a medicalgrade, digital, rechargeable hearing aid offering sophistication and high performance; and works right out of the box with no time consuming “adjustment” appointments. You can contact a licensed hearing specialist conveniently online or by phone — even after your purchase at no cost. No other company provides such extensive support. Now that you know...why pay more?

PLUS... It fits inside your ear.

Photos courtesy of the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force

The amazing Fred Norton

BY JAMES PROFFITT

Two weeks before he graduated from Lakeside High School in May 1912, Fred William Norton competed in the inaugural Ottawa County track meet. Amazingly, Fred brought home seven first-place ribbons and added four second-place finishes to carry Lakeside to the team championship.

As amazing as that might be, there is, in fact, no shortage of “amazings” in Fred Norton’s brief life. An only child born to working-class parents in the tiny Ohio quarry town of Marblehead in 1894, Norton excelled. At everything.

Most kids of the day ended schooling and began working full-time after eighth grade. But Norton took a different path. He entered Lakeside High School (now Danbury High) in 1908. Along with track, he also competed in football, baseball, and basketball, and he carried a 4.0 academic average all four years there.

According to the Lakeside Heritage Society, he also worked for a local railroad, operating a locomotive and cleaning and repairing buildings and equipment. He often clocked 10-hour days, six days a week.

After graduation, Norton left the peninsula for Ohio State University, where he continued to excel. He made his presence known on every court and field, and became Ohio State’s first four-sport letterwinner.

He was MVP of the baseball team in 1917, when he batted .442 to help secure OSU’s first Big Ten title. He was also captain of the basketball team, and he ran the quartermile in track. On the gridiron, Norton once scored six touchdowns in one half in a game against Indiana, but he was better known as a blocking back for Chic Harley on the famed 1916 squad that won the Big Ten title and ignited the program to become what it is today.

At the time of his graduation in 1917, Norton was being called the greatest all-around athlete in Ohio State University history.

Oh, and by the way, he also graduated with a degree in forestry with a 4.0 average, and was a member of Sphinx, the prestigious honorary society.

Reports of the time said he could have played pro baseball — word on the street was, the Pittsburgh Pirates were scouting him. But with World War I well underway, he chose a different path. While still at OSU, he enlisted in the Reserve Officers Training Corps, studying in the school’s military aeronautics program, and when he graduated, he joined the Army, in one of the earliest versions of what would become the U.S. Air Force.

In the spring of 1918, just hours before Norton set sail for France as a first lieutenant, he purchased the leather jacket that he would wear in the cockpit of the British fighter plane that he piloted as a member of the 27th Eagle Pursuit Air Squadron.

He saw action almost right away. Norton and his squad engaged in numerous attacks on German positions and aerial dogfights. He earned a Distinguished Service Cross for his bravery during one such dogfight over the skies of France in early July 1918.

But Norton’s courage and skills could not best fate: On July 20, 1918, as his squadron was returning from a battle behind enemy lines, he took two rounds from a German fighter and died two days later.

At 24, Norton was the first OSU graduate to die in the war. He was laid to rest, along with 6,011 of his countrymen, at Oise-Aisne American Cemetery, 70 miles east of Paris.

And while Norton died more than a century ago, he is not forgotten. At OSU, Norton House residence hall has been home to tens of thousands of students since 1963. From 1923 until the early ’50s, Norton Field served as an airfield in the Columbus area. And at Danbury High School in Lakeside, the Norton Award is presented each year to deserving, highachieving seniors.

After Norton’s death, his mother received a package labeled “Personal effects,” but she could not bear to open it. She gave it to a neighbor, who stored it away. Years later, the neighbor’s family opened the box and found his leather jacket and a pair of French hospital tags inside, among other items. They’re now on display in the Early Years section of the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force in Dayton.

Norton was inducted into the OSU Athletics Hall of Fame in 2010.

The student, athlete, and war hero from long ago goes down in history as one of OSU’s greats.

2023 CALENDAR

NORTHWEST

THROUGH OCT. 14 – The Great Sidney Farmers Market, Shelby County Court Square, 100 E. Court St., Sidney, Sat. 8 a.m.–noon. Fresh produce, baked goods, jams and jellies, crafts, plants, and flowers. 937-658-6945 or www.sidneyalive.org.

SEP. 9–17 – Mercer County Courthouse 100th Anniversary Celebration, 101 N. Main St., Celina. Highlights include tours, “Plein Air Painting” on the courthouse steps, 911/First Responders Walk, lunch on the courthouse lawn, inflatables, and face painting. seemore@bright.net or www.facebook.com/ mercercountycourthouse100

SEP. 14–17 – Delphos Canal Days and Parade, downtown Delphos, Fri. 4 p.m.–midnight, Sat. 10 a.m.–midnight, Sun. 10 a.m.–6 p.m. Free. Live music, 5K, rides, games, food, and parade. Festival opens with “Toast to the Town” on Thursday evening. https://delphoscanaldays.com.

SEP. 16 – Laurel Oaks Hobby and Harvest Craft Fair, Laurel Oaks Park, 120 Chickadee Place, Elida, 9 a.m.–2 p.m. $2; 10 and under free. Over 100 booths; food vendors. 419-236-2720 (Angie Ramsdail) or www.visitgreaterlima.com/calendar.

SEP. 16 – Maplewood Car Show, Maplewood Methodist Church, 21544 Maplewood Road, Maplewood, 11 a.m.–4 p.m.

Registration $10. 937-726-3864.

SEP. 16–17 – Pumpkin Fest with Pumpkin Train, Northwest Ohio Railroad Preservation Inc., 12505 Co. Rd. 99, Findlay, noon–5 p.m. $5, 12 and under, $10. Pumpkins are additional optional charge. Train rides, live entertainment, bounce houses, corn cannons, and pumpkin chuckin’ all day long. 419-423-2995 or www.facebook.com/nworrp.

SEP. 21–23 – Quilts and Needle Arts Festival, Pratt Pavilion at Wood Co. Fgds., 13800 W. Poe Rd., Bowling Green, 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Hundreds of quilts and needle arts projects, special displays, quilt competition, quilting bee, vendors, raffles and door prizes, demonstrations. quiltsandneedlearts@gmail.com or www. quiltsandneedleartsfestival.com.

SEP. 22–23 – Vernon McIntyre’s Appalachian Grass, Bluegrass Festival, Van Wert Co. Fgds., 1055 S. Washington St., Van Wert. Enjoy the band’s stage shows and stop by to visit Vernon’s vending booth, open throughout the festival. For performance times, call 419-594-2816 (Steve Scott) or visit www. vanwertcountyfair.com.

SEP. 23 – Bluffton Fall Festival, various locations, Bluffton. Kids’ activities, food, tractor show, crafts, farmers market, and much more. www.blufftonfallfestival.com.

SEP. 23–OCT. 22 – Pumpkin Train, Northwest Ohio Railroad Preservation Inc., 12505 Co. Rd. 99, Findlay, Sat./Sun. 1–5 p.m. $2–$3. Ride a 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. Games and activities at the museum. 419-423-2995 or www.facebook.com/nworrp.

SEP. 30 – Artisan Handcrafters Convention, Cairo Community Center, 519 Wall St., Cairo, 12–6 p.m. Free. Unique and exquisite handcrafted goods from local vendors; craft workshops; food vendors. For questions, contact Teigan Draig at lightomine@ gmail.com or 419-863-9920

OCT. 4 – Down on the Farm Story Time, Proving Ground Farm, 5670 E. Twp. Rd. 138, Tiffin, 10 a.m. Stories and activities are

SEP. 11–17 – Guernsey County Fair, Guernsey Co. Fgds., Old Washington. 740-489-5888 or www. guernseycountyfairgrounds.com.

SEP. 16–17 – Bean Ride Charities Horse/ATV Trail Ride, 34546 Atherton Rd., Macksburg. Primitive camping, food auction, cowboy Olympics, and music for donation. Money raised goes to Hervida 4-H Camp to build a new cabin. Call 740525-6620 (Toni Gober) or 318-237-4956 (Oz Gober) for details.

SEP. 20 – Our Town: Chillicothe, Ohio University Chillicothe, Bennett Hall, 101 University Drive, Chillicothe, 6 p.m. Free. Join WOUB Public Media and OU Chillicothe for a screening of the hour-long documentary film, followed by a short Q&A period. https://visitchillicotheohio.com/event.

geared for preschool-age children and focus on farming and nature in a picturesque outdoor setting. Families welcome! 419447-7073, www.conservesenecacounty.com, or follow Seneca Conservation District on Facebook.

OCT. 6–7 – Tracks to the Past Antique Machinery Show, Northwest Ohio Railroad Preservation, 12505 Co. Rd. 99, Findlay, gates open 9 a.m. $2–$4. Steam engines, gas engines, tractors, operating sawmill, and much more. Ride the Pumpkin Train during the day or the Halloween Express after dark. 419-4232995 or www.facebook.com/nworrp.

OCT. 7 – Max’s Miles Community Walk, Hedges Boyer Park, 491 Coe St., Tiffin. Registration starts at 8:30 a.m. Free. An event for suicide prevention and awareness. Features basket raffles, 50/50, food vendors, live music, and more. More details on www. facebook.com/mhsosw or https://mhsosw.org.

OCT. 7–8 – Johnny Appleseed Festival Antique Tractor Show, Fun Pull, and Flea Market, Auglaize Village, 12296 Krouse Rd., Defiance, Sat. 9 a.m.–?, Sun. 10 a.m.–5 p.m. $5; 12 and under free. We’ll also be making apple cider, sorghum molasses, and kettle corn. 419-990-0107, villageauglaize@gmail.com, or www. auglaizevillage.com.

OCT. 13 – Annual Downtown Chocolate Walk, downtown Sidney, 6–8 p.m. $25. Tour downtown businesses while gathering up delicious chocolates and great deals. 937-6586945 or www.sidneyalive.org.

OCT. 14 – Hobo Dinner Fundraising Event, Auglaize Village, 12296 Krouse Rd., Defiance. $20/person. Tickets must be purchased in advance. 419-990-0107, villageauglaize@gmail. com, or www.auglaizevillage.com.

OCT. 13–15 – WWII Living History Weekend at Lauer Farms 1944, Historic Lauer Farm Park, 800 Roush Rd., Lima, Fri. 4–6 p.m., Sat. 10 a.m.–6 p.m., Sun. 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Free. Set during the Lorraine Campaign, Battle of Metz, October 1944. Watch reenactments of battles between the Allied Forces and Axis Powers. www.facebook.com/LauerFarms1944

through buildings and areas not typically open to the public. www.chillicothehalloweenfestival.com.

OCT. 5–28 – The Frankenstein Experience at Haunted Mountain, Sugarloaf Mountain Amphitheater, 5968 Marietta Rd., Chillicothe, Thur.–Sat. 5:30 p.m. $20–$50. The largest Halloween theater production in Ohio! Features a performance on the main stage, Dr. Frank’s haunted trail, a Mad Lab Escape Room, and more. www.hauntedmountain.org.

THROUGH SEP. 30 – The Living Word Outdoor Drama, 6010 College Hill Rd., Cambridge, Fri. 7:30 p.m. August, Fri./ Sat. 7:30 p.m. September. Witness the life of Christ on a 400-foot panoramic set at Ohio’s only outdoor Passion Play. 740-439-2761, www.livingworddrama.org, or follow The Living Word on Facebook.

THROUGH DECEMBER – Athens Art Market, Athens Community Center, 701 E. State St., Athens, Sat. 9 a.m.–noon. Members of Athens Art Guild offer handmade and juried arts including pottery, live edge furniture, fiber arts, paintings, glassware, jewelry, wood, and much more. For more information, email athensartguildevents@gmail.com.

THROUGH DECEMBER – Athens Farmers Market, Athens Community Center, 701 E. State St., Athens, Sat. 9 a.m.–noon; Apr. 20–Nov. 23, Wed./Sat. 9 a.m.–noon. Voted Ohio’s #1 favorite farmers market! 740-593-6763 or www. athensfarmersmarket.org.

SEP. 21–24 – Barnesville Pumpkin Festival, 117 Cherry St., Barnesville. Parade, contests, car show, live music, a variety of pumpkin-based food, and more. 740-425-2593 or www. barnesvillepumpkinfestival.com.

SEP. 22–23 – National Road Quilt Guild’s Quilt Show, Belmont Co. Fgds., Wise Building, Roscoe Road, St. Clairsville, 10 a.m.–5 p.m. $5 daily. There will be signs. 100 quilt displays, quilt raffle, vendors, silent auction, and more. For more information, email merhardt7707@comcast.net.

SEP. 22–24– Buckeye Off Road Expo, Ross Co. Fgds., 344 Fairgrounds Rd., Chillicothe. $10–$275. A weekend packed full of off-road vendors, obstacle courses, mud pits, food, and much more. www.buckeyeoffroadadventureexpo.com.

SEP. 23 – Ghost Walk, downtown Chillicothe, 10 a.m.–6 p.m. $10. Tour historic buildings and learn about their histories and the paranormal stories that surround them. Tours will take you

OCT. 6–8 – 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. The original American forestry show, featuring lumberjack competitions, chainsaw demonstrations and clinics, wood crafts, and much more. 888388-7337 or www.ohioforest.org.

OCT. 7–8 – John Roger Simon Sorghum Festival, 8721 Pond Creek–Carey’s Run Rd., West Portsmouth. Free. Sorghum syrup making, heritage crafts demonstrations, food, and traditional Appalachian music. Sorghum syrup on sale while supplies last. www.arcofappalachia.org/simonsorghumfestival.

OCT. 13–15 – Chillicothe Halloween Festival, Yoctangee Park, 1 Enderlin Circle, Chillicothe, 10 a.m.–10 p.m. Merchandise vendors, festival foods, live entertainment, Haunted House, inflatables, car show, displays, costume contest, coffin races, and other activities. www.chillicothehalloweenfestival.com.

OCT. 14 – Oktoberfest, 2nd Street, Chillicothe, 5–10 p.m. $3–$5. Come downtown in your best dirndl, lederhosen, or German garb and sample traditional German fare and beer. Try your luck at beer chugging, yodeling, or stein holding contests. www.downtownchillicothe.com.

THROUGH SEP. 30 – Sunbury Farmers Market, Sunbury Town Square, 9 E. Granville St., Sunbury, Sat. 9 a.m.–noon. Offering local handmade, homemade, and homegrown products. 740-513-9192 or sunburyohiofarmersmarket@ gmail.com.

THROUGH OCT. 28 – Coshocton County Farmers Market, 22375 Co. Rd. 1A, Coshocton, Sat. 8:30 a.m.–noon. Local fresh produce, baked goods, and artisan crafts at our new location by the Walhonding River. market. manager@coshfarmmarket.org or www.facebook.com/ coshoctonfarmersmarket.

THROUGH OCT. 28 – Spring Farmers Market, Adornetto’s, 2224 Maple Ave., Zanesville, Sat. 9 a.m.–noon. Locally grown produce, homemade food, locally raised/ processed meat, farm eggs, Ohio cheese, and more. www.zanesvillefarmersmarket.org.

THROUGH OCT. 29 – 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. Free. Tour the restored 1824 gristmill, walk on the covered bridge, and enjoy the view of Hocking River Falls. 740-243-4436 or www.fairfieldcountyparks.org.

SEP. 14, OCT. 12 – Inventors Network Meeting, The Point at Otterbein University, 60 Collegeview Rd., Westerville, 43081, 7 p.m. Educational presentations and discussion about the invention process. Zoom meetings Sep. 21 and Oct. 19 at 7 p.m. 614-470-0144 or www.inventorscolumbus.com.

SEP. 15–17 – Amanda Harvest Festival, Main Street, Amanda, Fri. 2–10 p.m., Sat. 9 a.m.–10 p.m., Sun. 9 a.m.–5 p.m. Bounce houses, dunk tank, craft vendors, food vendors, cruise-in, ax throwing, musical entertainment,

WEST VIRGINIA

Amanda’s Got Talent Show, and so much more! For more information, call Lacey Pinkstock at 740-503-1938 or follow us on Facebook.

SEP. 15–17 – Backwoods Fest, 8572 High Point Rd., Thornville, Fri./Sat. 8 a.m.–6 p.m., Sun. 8 a.m.–5 p.m., rain or shine. $12; 10 and under free. Over 350 vendors from across the U.S. Arts, crafts, food, and bluegrass music. www.thebackwoodsfest.com or follow us at www.facebook. com/backwoodsfest.

SEP. 17 – Bible Baptist Church’s Friends Day Hog Roast, Union Co. Fgds., 845 N. Main St., Marysville, 10 a.m. Free. Concert by the Mylon Hayes Family. 937-642-6400 or www. bbcmarysville.com.

SEP. 22–23 – Country Shop Hop, locations in the Amanda, Tarlton, and Stoutsville area, 8 a.m.–5 p.m. (times may vary for various businesses). Enjoy a ride in the country visiting 12 area businesses. Shopping and dining guide with map is available at each business, along with special offers. 740-503-2125 or www.countryshophop.com.

SEP. 22–23 – Sims Fall Festival, 11300 ChillicotheLancaster Rd., Amanda, Fri. 2–8 p.m., Sat. 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Free. Antique farm equipment, arts and crafts, antiques, mums, pumpkins, fall items, food trucks. Special Civil War encampment; Gen. Sherman’s cannon will be fired Fri. 6 p.m. and Sat. 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Bean cook Friday night. Special kids’ games and activities on Saturday. 740-9692225 or www.simsfallfestival.com.

SEP. 23–24 – Frontier Spirit 1799, Alley Park, 2805 Old Logan Rd. SE, Lancaster, 10 a.m.–5 p.m., with a church service at 9 a.m. on Sunday. Free. See what life was like in Fairfield County, Ohio, during the period of 1799–1810 Tent “village” with demonstrations of period crafts and a trail drama depicting life on the frontier. Lots of activities for children! www.frontierspirit.org.

SEP. 23–24 – Hocking Hills Artists and Craftsmen Association Fall Show, Hocking Hills Elementary School, 19197 St. Rte. 664 S. (8 5 miles south of Rte. 33, 2 miles north of Old Man’s Cave), Logan, Sat. 10 a.m.–5 p.m., Sun. 11 a.m.–4 p.m. Refreshments available. www. hockinghillsartistsandcraftsmen.com.

SEP. 24 – Lancaster Community Band Outdoor Concert, Rising Park, 1100 N High St., Lancaster, 4 p.m. Free. Please bring blanket or lawn chair. 740-756-4430

SEP. 24 – 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. Die-cast cars, action

figures, model kits, farm toys, toys old and new. For more information, follow Marysville Toy Show on Facebook.

SEP. 26, OCT. 10, 24 – Farmers Market, Roseville Branch Library, 41 N. Main St., Roseville, 4–6:30 p.m. Sponsored by the Roseville Branch Library Friends Group. Book sale planned for Sep. 26 740-697-0237 or juanita@ muskingumlibrary.org.

SEP. 29–NOV. 4 –The Haunted Farm, 5450 Old Millersport Rd. NE, Pleasantville, Fri./Sat. 7:30 a.m.–11 p.m. Haunted barn maze, corn maze, bonfire, concessions, and entertainment on select nights. Fright factor tailored to the group; can be family friendly. 614-230-9563 or www. haunted-farm.com.

OCT. 6–8 – Columbus Italian Festival, 168 E. Lincoln St., Columbus, Fri. 5–11 p.m., Sat. noon–11 p.m., Sun. noon–7 p.m. $10, under 12 free. Celebration of the finest in Italian food, entertainment, and culture. 614-294-8259 or www. columbusitalianfestival.com.

OCT. 7 – Pam Tillis, Knox Memorial, 112 E. High St., Mount Vernon, 8 p.m. Doors open at 7 p.m. $30–$70 740-4624278 or www.mvac.org.

OCT. 8 – Oktoberfest Fly-In, Union County Airport, 760 Clymer Rd., Marysville (KMRT), 11 a.m.–3:30 p.m. Free. Authentic German food; 1943 WWII military trainer PT-26, 1973 RAF Scottish Aviation Bulldog, and 1960s Chinese Nanchang on static display and flying; EAA Young Eagle rides; helicopter and airplane rides. www.unioncountyohio. gov/AirportNews or https://cafbuckeyewing.org/events.

OCT. 8–14 – Fairfield County Fair, Fairfield Co. Fgds., 157 E. Fair Ave., Lancaster. A cherished family tradition for over 170 years. 740-653-3041 or www.fairfieldcountyfair.org.

OCT. 13–14 – Columbus African Violet Society Show and Sale, Beechwold Christian Church, 280 Morse Rd., Columbus, Fri. noon–5 p.m., Sat. 10 a.m–4 p.m. Free. Theme is “Culinary Violets: What’s in Your Pot?” For questions, email Donna Vogelpohl at donnav8452@ columbus.rr.com.

OCT. 14 – Founders Day, CWAHS Complex, corner of Oak and North High Streets, Canal Winchester, 9 a.m.–3 p.m. Free. Experience living in the 1860s, with Civil War-era music, food, children’s games, and a Civil War reenactment. An Abe Lincoln impersonator will deliver the Gettysburg Address. We will also be honoring Pvt. Alfred Cannon. www.cwhistory.org/events-cwahs.

SEP.

28–OCT. 1 – Preston County Buckwheat Festival, 115 Brown Ave., Kingwood. Parades, livestock shows, carnival rides, art and crafts, car show. Buckwheat cakes and sausage breakfasts served all day! 304-698-9991 or www.buckwheatfest.com.

NORTHEAST

Tuscora Ave. NW, New Philadelphia, 10 a.m–5 p.m. Free. 740260-2891 or blatchie@roadrunner.com.

SEP. 16 – Wellington Harvest of the Arts, 101 Willard Memorial Square, Wellington, 11 a.m.–4 p.m. Free. Craft fair featuring artisans, music, kids’ activities, and quilt raffle. 440-647-2120 or www.wellingtonfriends.org.

SEP. 16–17 – Civil War in Zoar: Battle of Chickamauga Reenactment, 198 Main St., Zoar, 10 a.m.–5 p.m. $12; free for 12 and under. 20th anniversary of the largest Civil War event in Ohio. Battles both days, as well as artillery night fire and a historical ball. 800-262-6195 or www.historiczoarvillage.com.

Friends of Ohio Barns discusses the significance of the historic structures. 800-262-6195 or www.historiczoarvillage.com.

OCT. 7 – The Oberlin Doggie Do, Tappan Square, Oberlin, 10 a.m.–2 p.m. Rain date Oct. 14. A festival for everything dog! Animal-themed vendors, dog rescues/nonprofits, dog costume contest, food trucks, and other special events. Bring your leashed dog to the event! www.facebook.com/ theoberlindoggiedoo.

THROUGH OCTOBER – Quilt Exhibit: “History in Pieces,” Bimeler Museum, Historic Zoar Village. Fine quilts from the National Quilt Museum in Kentucky, including one from Ohio, and Zoar-made quilts from the 19th century. See website for schedule. 800-262-6195 or www.historiczoarvillage.com.

SEP. 10–24 – “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. Exhibit and activities focus on the nation’s founding document and the issues and personalities of the time. 740-283-1787 or www.oldfortsteuben.com.

SEP. 15 – Civil War School Day, 198 Main St., Zoar, Ohio, 9 a.m.–2 p.m. $7. Open to all public, private, and homeschool students. Interact with figures of the Civil War, watch cavalry and artillery demos, and learn how Union citizens lived during the conflict. 800-262-6195 or tshrum@zca.org.

SEP. 15–16 – Ohio State African Violet Society Show and Sale, Kingwood Center Gardens, 50 Trimble Rd., Mansfield, Fri. 9 a.m.–5 p.m. (sale), 1–5 p.m. (show); Sat. 9 a.m.–4 p.m. (sale and show). 937-654-7014, melsgrice@gmail.com, or www.osavs.org.

SEP. 15–17 – Great Mohican Indian Pow-Wow, 23270 Wally Rd., Loudonville, Fri./Sun. 10 a.m.–6 p.m., Sat. 10 a.m.–7 p.m. $6–$10, under 6 free. Music, dancing, drum competitions, tomahawk throwing, and fire starting demos. 800-766-2267 or www.mohicanpowwow.com.

SEP. 16 – Tuscora Stamp Show, Tuscora Park Pavilion, 161

SEP. 17–23 – Ashland County Fair, Ashland Co. Fgds., 2042 Claremont Ave., Ashland. $5;10 and under free; $25 season pass. 419-289-0466 or https://ashlandcountyfair.com.

SEP. 17–OCT. 30 – Corn Maze, Beriswill Farms, 2200 Station Rd., Valley City, Tues.– Sun. 11 a.m.–6 p.m. $6–$8; free for seniors and ages 2 and under. 330-350-2486 or http://beriswillfarms.com.

SEP. 26–30 – AAUW/Kiwanis Used Book Sale, Wayne Co. Fgds., Buss Hall, 199 Vanover St., Wooster, Wed.–Fri. 9 a.m.–8 p.m., Sat. 9 a.m.–2 p.m. Free. Over 45,000 used books for sale. Early-bird sale $10; Friday, half-price day; Saturday, $5/bag day. 330-439-2093 or https://woosterkiwanis.org/booksale.

OCT. 1 – 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. Comic and toy vendors, guest comic creators, hourly prizes. 330-462-3985 or www.harpercomics.com.

OCT. 6 – First Fridays on Fourth, 155 N. 4th St., Steubenville, 6–10 p.m. Free. Art, crafts, games, food trucks, entertainment, and activities. www.theharmoniumproject.org/first-Fridays.

OCT. 6–8, 13–15 – Country Autumn Tour, various locations in Lorain, Ashland, Medina, and Huron counties. A fun-filled drive-yourself shopping tour. Pick up a map of participating businesses at first stop or download from website. 440-3717589 (Sue) or www.countrytourgroup.com.

OCT. 7 – Free Speaker Series: “History of Ohio Barns,” Zoar School House, 254 E. 4th St., Zoar, 11 a.m. Free. Tom O’Grady of

SEP. 23 – “Getting Ready: Solar Eclipse, Part 2,” Garber Nature Center, 9691 OH-503 N., Lewisburg, 1–3 p.m. Free family program presented by astronomer Terry Mann. 937-9625561, pcpdevents@gmail.com, or www.preblecountyparks.org.

SEP. 23–24 – Tipp City Mum Festival, downtown Tipp City. Free. Parade, rides, entertainment, concessions, and more. https://tippmumfestival.org.

SEP. 29 – Vernon McIntyre’s Appalachian Grass, Brown County Fair, 325 W. State St., Georgetown, 3–4:30 p.m. www.fotmc.com/calendar.

OCT. 7 – Wayne County Stitchers Sewing Fest, Church of the Cross, 5100 Cleveland Rd., Wooster, 9 a.m.–3 p.m. $10; no registration required. A bargain day of creative learning, with classes, door prizes, raffles, and a fabric fair. For more information, email barbarahelmecy@gmail.com.

OCT. 7 - Autumn Discovery Day Plant Sale, 9 a.m. –noon, Secrest Welcome and Education Center, 2122 Williams Rd, Wooster. Unique, and favorite, trees and shrubs available for purchase in time for fall planting. www.friendsofsecrest.com

OCT. 8 – Blue Soul, Wadsworth Public Library, 132 Broad St., Wadsworth, 2–3 p.m. Free. A program of straight-ahead jazz, which eschews the rock music influences that began to appear in jazz during the late 1960s. Reservations recommended. Register at www.ormaco.org or call 419-853-6016

OCT. 13–28 – Ghost Tours of Zoar, 198 Main St., Zoar, Fri./Sat. 6:30–8:45 p.m. $19. Costumed guides share haunted tales of Zoar on a walking tour of the village. Lantern light tours leave every 15 minutes from the Zoar Store. Reservations required. 800-262-6195 or www.historiczoarvillage.com.

OCT. 14 – Pacific Paradise Entertainment, Western Reserve Masonic Community Center, 4931 Nettleton Rd., Medina, 7:30 p.m. $15 in advance, $20 at door. Travel along on a voyage to the Polynesian Islands as this high-energy ensemble showcases island traditions through flowing expressive dance, as well as Tahitian fast hip movements. More details at www.ormaco.org.

OCT. 14 – Stark Vintage Market, Stark Co. Fgds., 305 Wertz Ave. NW, Canton, 9 a.m.–4 p.m. $3, under 5 free. Features a wide variety of antiques, collectibles, artisan wares, and repurposed household goods. 330-495-3044 or www.starkvintagemarket.com.

OCT. 13 – Vernon McIntyre’s Appalachian Grass, Butler County Bluegrass Association, 5113 Huston Rd., Collinsville, 7–9 p.m. Free. Enjoy an evening of lively bluegrass music. Reasonably priced home-style food available on-site. 937-4178488 or 513-410-3625,

OCT. 13–15 – Wheat Ridge Olde Thyme Herb Fair and Farm Festival, Grindstone Farm, 817 Tater Ridge Rd., West Union, 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Fresh herbs and herbal products, food, artisan crafts, antiques, live music, pumpkin cannon, antique tractors, farm animals petting zoo, and more. For more information, contact Kim Erwin at 937-544-8252

THROUGH OCT. 25 – Bluegrass Wednesdays, Vinoklet Winery, 11069 Colerain Ave., Cincinnati, Wed. 6:30–8:30 p.m. Dinner, wine, and free entertainment by Vernon McIntyre’s Appalachian Grass. Reservations recommended. 513-3859309, vinokletwinery@fuse.net, or www.vinokletwines.com.

SEP. 15 – Bluegrass Night, Fibonacci Brewing Company, 1445 Compton Rd., Cincinnati, 7–9 p.m. Free. Lively bluegrass by Vernon McIntyre’s Appalachian Grass, craft beers at the Beer Garden, and food trucks. 513-832-1422 or http://fibbrew.com.

SEP. 15–17 – Preble County Pork Festival, Preble Co. Fgds., 722 S. Franklin St., Eaton. Free. The best pork chops, pulled pork, ham sandwiches, and sausage in the region. Entertainment, including racing pigs! www.porkfestival.org.

SEP. 16–17 – Live Theater: Winnie the Pooh, Garber Nature Center, 9691 OH-503 N, Lewisburg, 2 p.m. $10. Performed by the Preble Players. 937-962-5561, pcpdevents@gmail.com, or www.preblecountyparks.org.

OCT. 2 – Vernon McIntyre’s Appalachian Grass, The Lounge, 7740 Beechmont Ave., Cincinnati, 7:30–9:30 p.m. Free. Enjoy an evening of lively bluegrass music at this friendly neighborhood bar. 513-382-0839 or theloungeanderson@ gmail.com.

OCT. 7 – “Celebrating 200 Years of Shaker Industry, 1823–2023,” White Water Shaker Village, 11813 Oxford Rd., Harrison, 2–5 p.m. Free. For more information, email friendsofwwsv@ gmail.com or visit www.whitewatervillage.org:

OCT. 7 – Vernon McIntyre’s Appalachian Grass, North-End Art Worxx, 812 Heaton St., Hamilton, 8–11 p.m. www.fotmc. com/calendar.

OCT. 7–8 – Old-Fashioned Draft Horse Show, Glen-Dale Park, 2915 Fawcett Rd., Peebles. For information, contact Dale Grooms at 937-587-3293

OCT. 10–14 – Bradford Pumpkin Show, downtown Bradford. Free. Parades, concessions, rides, and contests. Pumpkin baking contest on Wednesday. Car show and Smash-aPumpkin on Saturday. www.bradfordpumpkinshow.org.

OCT. 14 – Kids’ Program: “Build Your Own Scarecrow,” Garber Nature Center, 9691 OH-503 N, Lewisburg, 1–3 p.m. Free. Straw provided; bring your own clothes for the scarecrow. 937-962-5561, pcpdevents@gmail.com, or www. preblecountyparks.org.

OCT. 14–15 – Fall Farm Fest, Lost Creek Reserve, 2385 E. St. Rte. 41, Troy, 12–5 p.m. Free; fees for some activities. Corn maze, pumpkin patch, scarecrow contest, wagon rides, pony rides, kids’ activities, and more. 937-335-6273 or www. miamicountyparks.com/fall-farm-fest.

OCT. 14 – State of Ohio Masskrugstemmen (Stein Holding Competition), Liberty Home German Society, 2361 Hamilton Cleves Rd., Hamilton, 6 p.m. 513-571-6198, www.libertyhome. net, or follow Liberty Home Association on Facebook.

OCT. 14–15 – Ohio Sauerkraut Festival, Main Street, Waynesville, Sat. 9 a.m.–8 p.m., Sun. 9 a.m.–6 p.m. Free. Sample homemade sauerkraut and a wide variety of krautcontaining foods. Non-kraut foods also available. 513-897-8855 or https://sauerkrautfestival.waynesvilleohio.com.

Our grandson, Luca, 18 months, was entertaining the family with his favorite song. Tim and Margaret Schalk, North Central Electric Cooperative members

Strike up the b and!

The Litchfield Town Band, just this past Memorial Day. Bob Day, Lorain-Medina Rural Electric Cooperative member

We went to a football game in Athens to see my niece in the band. It was high school day, when bands from all over played and marched together on the field. Katie Grubba, South Central Power Company member

Our grandson, Locklan Lady, age 3, drumming up a storm on his new drum set. Donna Sieb, Darke Rural Electric Cooperative member

For November, send “Raking leaves” by Aug. 31.

For December, send “Holiday baking” by Sept. 15.

For January, send “Snow days” by Oct. 15.

Upload

Name: Electric co-op name: Email address:

Molly Caren Agricultural Center | London, Ohio

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