Ohio's cooperative living april 2017 pioneer by Ohio Cooperative Living

Official publication of your electric cooperative www.ohioec.org

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

APRIL 2017

24 32

INSIDE HIGHLIGHT 28 SPLAT!

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

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

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

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

32 CAUGHT IN FLIGHT Outdoors editor Chip Gross offers tips

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

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

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

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

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

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

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APRIL 2017 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING

3/21/17 3:43 PM

UP FRONT

JOB 1

C J P W D

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

O I E 2 t a r f r

electricity flowing

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

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

for example — your coop’s linemen have packed up their trucks and headed off to help other cooperatives, both around the state and around the country. When trouble strikes closer to home, we can count on our cooperative neighbors to lend a hand. Cooperatives Pat O’Loughlin are in a unique position President & CEO, to provide that help to Ohio’s Electric Cooperatives each other, partly because “cooperation among cooperatives” is one of our guiding principles. Check out page 4 to find out more about the ways we help each other.

T L a n P o

Lineworker Appreciation Day is April 10: The next time you flip the switch to bring a dark room to life, power up your cell phone or iPad, or even when the alarm wakes you up in the morning, remember that people power your co-op. The dedication of the lineworkers and the rest of your co-op staff to Job 1 is what keeps the lights on. Think of us, because we’re always thinking of you — our consumer-members.

P a

P a C

OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • APRIL 2017

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April 2017 • Volume 59, No. 7

OHIO

COOPERATIVE LIVING

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

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

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

The fact that a product is advertised in Ohio Cooperative Living should not be taken as an endorsement. If you find an advertisement misleading or a product unsatisfactory, please notify us or the Ohio Attorney General’s Offi ce, Consumer Protection Section, 30 E. Broad St., Columbus, OH 43215, or call 1-800-282-0515.

Official publication of your electric cooperative

ohioec.org

www.ohioec.org

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

MARCH APRIL 2017 2017

Official publication of your electric cooperative www.ohioec.org

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

3/21/17 3:53 PM

BY JEFF MCCALLISTER

POWER LINES

ANSWERING CALL THE

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

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

Quick response

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

OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • APRIL 2017

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3/21/17 3:55 PM

Dave Behle, Dawson Public Power District

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

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

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

Consistent systems

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

Eager to help

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

First Electric Cooperative, Arkansas

Dave Behle, Dawson Public Power District

Crowdy says Frontier’s linemen, just like crews from

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

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

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APRIL 2017 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING

3/21/17 3:56 PM

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“She was trying to jump a dirt hill, but didn’t make it,” Jeremy says. “When I got to her, she was nonresponsive. Jake called 911 and we stabilized her until the first responders arrived.” Jeremy never learned exactly what injuries the rider suffered that day in One Ohio cooperative sponsored a pair of honor March 2015, but when the flights that sent veterans to Washington, D.C. first responders arrived, they strapped her to a back board, immobilizing her head and spine, and air-lifted her to the hospital. He and Jake found out later that she had recovered. As a journeyman lineman, Jeremy gets plenty of safety training from Tricounty. He knows cardio-pulmonary resuscitation (CPR), advanced first aid, and how to use an automated external defibrillator (AED). But Jeremy deflected the thought that he did something unique, or even out of the ordinary. “I was glad I was there,” he says. “Pretty much any co-op employee would have done what they could to help.” Jeremy’s right. There is no shortage of heroes working at Ohio’s electric cooperatives: • Employees at Paulding-Putnam Electric Cooperative raised over $160,000 last year to send more than 170 World War II and Korean War veterans to Washington, D.C., on Honor Flights, so they could see the memorials built to honor their service. “Our employees are heroes for seeing a need and getting the community to rally behind them,” says Erika Willitzer, marketing and economic development manager for PPEC.

Me &

• Last September, JR McCoy, a crew leader and first class lineman for The Frontier Power Company, and his crewmate, Matthew Compton, were performing routine utility maintenance when they saw that a nearby house was on fire. After a call to 911, Compton kicked in the front door, to make sure no one was trapped inside the home (no one was). McCoy grabbed a garden hose, broke a window, and began spraying water on the fire. Meanwhile, Compton disconnected the electricity at the meter to make sure that a bad situation didn’t get worse. • Brad Myers, a cable locater at Consolidated Electric Cooperative, in separate acts: rescued a man from a burning house; pulled a man out of a burning car; tended to someone who fell off his riding mower; and performed the Heimlich maneuver on a 10-year-old boy who was choking in a restaurant. JOHN EGAN is president of Egan Energy Communications (www.EganEnergy.com), a national energy communications firm.

OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • APRIL 2017

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STORY AND PHOTOS BY DAMAINE VONADA

ICON

THE JAMES A. GARFIELD

MEMORIAL

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

bas relief panels by sculptor Caspar Buberl that depict Garfield’s multi-faceted life as a teacher, Union general, congressman, and president. Inside the Memorial are richly colored mosaics representing “War” and “Peace;” stained-glass windows symbolizing Ohio and the 13 original states; and a 12-foot-tall statue of Garfield. Steubenville native Alexander Doyle sculpted the statue in white Carrara marble rvetteobtained from The the same Italian quarries Leonardo da Vinci used. car. The Memorial’s crypt contains dom-the bronze caskets ston” as well as urns of Garfield and his wife Lucretia, rned holding the ashes of their daughter Mary “Molly” o the Garfield Stanley-Brown and her husband, Joseph Stanley-Brown, who had been Garfield’s secretary. Currently: Opening to visitors on April 1 every year, the Garfield Memorial is staffed by knowledgeable guides, who happily answer questions and point people to the graves of some other famous “residents” — including John D. Rockefeller and Eliot Ness.

R 1

It’s a little-known fact that: The Memorial’s exterior was built from Ohio’s Berea sandstone, which has become damaged and discolored by more than a century of weathering and pollution. Thus, the Lake View Cemetery Foundation recently launched the Garfield Campaign to raise capital needed for repairs.

A cl on p 3 no A

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

Ge 8

OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • APRIL 2017

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STORY AND PHOTOS BY DAMAINE VONADA

LAND OF

HERBS

AND

Combs family cultivates a healthy lifestyle at Mockingbird Meadows Farm

HONEY

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

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

R a

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

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

OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • APRIL 2017

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STORY BY KRIS WETHERBEE PHOTOS BY RICK WETHERBEE

CALLING ALL

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

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

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

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

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

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

OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • APRIL 2017

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RENEW

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

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Trumpet creeper

Trumpet Creeper: This beauty is a cross between American trumpet vine and Chinese trumpet vine and grows 15 to 25 feet high. Aggressive in nature, though more restrained than the American trumpet vine. Grow in full sun to partial shade.

Wisteria Wisteria: Twining, deciduous vines with spectacular clusters of fragrant flowers appear in spring in soft shades of pink, purple, violet-blue, and white. These vigorous climbers need strong support via a sturdy trellis, arbor, or pergola. Grow in full sun.

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

April full issue.indd 13

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GRABBABLE

GRUB

Who has time to sit and eat when the return of springtime weather is such a powerful draw to the outdoors? When you're on the go, sandwiches — portable, yet oh-so-tasty — are the perfect choice. Pick just the right bread to go with fillings that can run the gamut from meat and poultry to fish and cheese, and don't forget the garnishes!

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APRIL 2017 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING

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GOOD EATS

DWICHES

N BACON-TOMATO SA

1/2 cup mayonnaise 1/2 tsp. lemon pepper 2 Tbsp. Parmesan cheese , toasted 8 slices sourdough bread slices 4 1 large tomato, cut into 1/2 cup shredded lettuce fried crisp and drained 12 slices thick-cut bacon, 4 slices American cheese eese in a small bowl, pepper, and Parmesan ch on lem e, ais nn yo ma ine Comb sted bread slices. yonnaise mixture on toa ma d rea Sp . ine mb co to e, mixing well ato slice, shredded lettuc and top each with a tom st toa r fou Take four slices of toast remaining , and a cheese slice. Place ips str n co ba d frie y lly. spl three cri dwich in half diagona wn, on top. Cut each san slices, mayonnaise-side do Serves 4.

OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING â&#x20AC;˘ APRIL 2017

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SALMON BURGERS

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

1/3

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

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

PORTOBELLO MUSHROOM AND CARMELIZED ONION BURGER

LIGHTER FARE

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

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

VEGETABLE SUB WITH FETA

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

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

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

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

APRIL 2017 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING

3/21/17 4:44 PM

PIONEER ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE LOCAL PAGES

SANDERS COMPLETES HIS SEVENTH AND FINAL TERM AS A BOARD TRUSTEE

d Sanders was recognized during the business meeting on March 25 for his service to Pioneer, which includes 13 years on the Shelby County board and 21 years on the Pioneer Board of Trustees. In March, he completed the maximum seven consecutive three-year terms on the board of trustees. He held the position of first vice chair at the time of his retirement. While serving on the board of trustees, he obtained the Credentialed Cooperative Director, Board Leadership, and Director Gold certificates, was a member of Co-op Owners for Political Action®, and attended numerous training courses through the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association. Sanders was also an active member of Ohio’s Electric Cooperatives’ Board for 17 years.

Edward Sanders

RETIRING BOARD TRUSTEE

“I’ve enjoyed [my time on the Board] — the meetings,

Sanders says what he really liked about being part of Pioneer, both as a member and a trustee, was that the co-op didn’t wait around and was the “driving force” behind many upgrades and system enhancements.

great board members, and

“The biggest [accomplishment] is how well we kept moving forward and keeping up with the times — continually updating our technology, system, and keeping the lights on,” says Sanders. “There’s not one single thing that really sticks out; there’s a lot of little things that accumulate to being a good co-op.”

in and filling this role.”

great staff and employees. I’m going to miss it — coming

During his retirement, Sanders plans to dedicate more time to helping his sons farm grain and travel with his wife. “I would like to thank Ed for many years of service to our cooperative board of trustees,” says Ron Clark, Pioneer Board of Trustee Chair. “With his help, we have been able to set good policies whereby our president and CEO has been able to move our cooperative in the right direction. Ed served on our statewide board at Ohio’s Electric Cooperatives and participated in trips to Washington, D.C., for our legislative conference. He is a truly special person, and I wish him great success in his future endeavors.” Pioneer would like to thank Sanders for his dedication throughout the past 34 years and wish him the best of luck during his retirement. “I’ve enjoyed [my time on the board] — the meetings, great board members, and great staff and employees,” says Sanders. “I’m going to miss it — coming in and filling this role.”

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PIONEER AWARDS FOUR 2017 SCHOLARSHIPS Pioneer is proud to announce the four recipients of its 2017 scholarships. The high school seniors were selected from a talented pool of 32 applicants from 15 schools throughout the Pioneer Electric service territory. Jennifer Trzaska and Jacob Schmiesing were awarded $2,000 each, and Maddison Fortman and Nicholas Shiffer were awarded $1,500 each. All winners are the children of Pioneer members. FIRST-PLACE FEMALE Jennifer Trzaska DAUGHTER OF Bonnie Trzaska SCHOOL Minster High School COLLEGE University of Notre Dame MAJOR Architecture ACTIVITIES Class officer, office aide, classroom aide, St. Augustine Parish lector, preschool religion teacher, youth group, Big Brothers Big Sisters mentor, Little Flowers Girls Club leader, cross country AWARDS/HONORS National Honor Society, Honda/OSU Math Medal Award, Miss Oktoberfest

FIRST-PLACE MALE Jacob Schmiesing SON OF Greg and Christina Schmiesing SCHOOL Lehman Catholic High School COLLEGE Franciscan University of Steubenville MAJOR Accounting, chemistry, German ACTIVITIES Student Council, band, soccer, track, Buckeye Boys State, CYO basketball, 4-H, Boy Scouts, Parochial School religion teacher, Pro-Life Oratory Competition WORK Tom’s Lawn & Landscape, Flinn Veterinary Clinic, Taco Bell AWARDS/HONORS Honda/OSU Outstanding Math Student, Bausch & Lomb Honorary Science Award, AMCIO Mathematics Test winner, science fair superior at all levels 20

OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • APRIL 2017

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{

CONGRATULATIONS AND GOOD LUCK to all the students who participated in our scholarship competition this year!

}

SECOND-PLACE FEMALE Maddison Fortman DAUGHTER OF James and Karen Fortman SCHOOL Fort Loramie High School COLLEGE Bowling Green University or The Ohio State University MAJOR Biology or integrated language arts education ACTIVITIES Buckeye Girls State, HOBY Alumni, St. Michael’s Church volunteer, Girl Scouts, Competition Baton Twirling, Feature Twirler, class officer, Academia, State Farm Celebrate My Drive Committee, cheerleader, DARE Role Model, Elementary Role Model, concert band WORK Receptionist at Primary EyeCare Associates AWARDS/HONORS National Honor Society, Honor Roll

SECOND-PLACE MALE Nicholas Shiffer SON OF Bridget Shiffer and David Shiffer SCHOOL Veritas Academy COLLEGE The Ohio State University or University of Notre Dame MAJOR Biomedical engineering ACTIVITIES Student Council, cross country, soccer, Champaign Aviation Museum volunteer, piano performance, amateur radio operator, scuba diving WORK Youth soccer referee AWARDS/HONORS Dean’s List at Columbus State Community College, accepted into The Ohio State University Academy Program

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Local first-grader has a passion for the electric industry

hile most kids his age are watching cartoons, reading comic books about superheroes, and playing sports with their friends, Jacob Eckert is learning as much as he can about electricity and how it works. Jacob, a first-grader at Concord Elementary School in Troy, along with his dad, Jason, and grandpa, Virgil, visited Pioneer’s Piqua facility in mid-February. Jacob aspires to be an electrical engineer when he grows up, and with his impressive knowledge base at just seven years old, he may be well on his way. “He’s been fascinated with electricity since he was just a year old and we covered the outlets — he wanted to know what they did and how they worked,” says Jason. As he got older, he built his own power plant, substations, transformers, and homes out of cardboard boxes. Today, he has his own electrical panel and practices what he knows using snap circuits. He began to ask his parents questions, absorbed everything like a sponge, and started putting the information together to form an understanding of how it all worked. Asking questions, watching videos, and eventually reading do-it-yourself electrical books from home improvement stores all further developed his already-budding knowledge, according to Jason. During his visit to Pioneer, he had the opportunity to sit down with

20B

Pioneer Manager of Engineering Jeff Dietz, explore transformers and equipment with Leader Lineman John Batton, and get an overview of SCADA technology from Operations Coordinator Kris Johnson.

“We are always happy to see interest in our line of work and allowing local young people to explore all the options available to them,” says Doug Fox, Manager of Operations and Safety.

OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • APRIL 2017

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Delivering

VALUE 2016 ANNUAL REPORT PIONEER RURAL ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE

APRIL 2017 â&#x20AC;¢ OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING

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Ronald Salyer, President & CEO (left), with Ronald Clark, Board Chair (right).

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OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING â&#x20AC;¢ APRIL 2017

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To you, our member, Each year, our management team and board of trustees establish goals, set priorities and implement a plan to achieve those objectives — 2016 was no exception. In 2016, we, as a co-op, worked hard to build on the framework established early in the year to incorporate continued success and advancement on behalf of our members. While we may not be able to prevent every outage, we do dedicate a large amount of time and resources to our preventive maintenance programs. We hope that when a major storm does roll through our territory, we experience fewer outages and overall less outage time by replacing a rotting pole today, instead of in the middle of major restoration efforts. We continue to remove ash trees that pose a danger to our lines and overall system, test poles to ensure stability, and apply animal cover-up in an effort to decrease animal-caused outages. We do all of this to help increase our reliability so power is available to you when you need it most — an added value to you. In the past year, we’ve increased our load capabilities at the Anna substation, which had reached its capacity limits during peak seasons — particularly during winter months. We also completed the process of replacing and returning the transformer back to normal operations at the beginning of October at Mingo substation in Champaign County. The transformer, damaged by an electrical fault current caused by an animal in early April, was fixed and returned to Mingo,

saving Pioneer money and increasing capacity by 30 percent. Pioneer was evaluated through the Rural Electric Safety Achievement Program (RESAP), a comprehensive system-wide approach to improve safety, improving scores overall in comparison to 2013. We also worked with Ohio’s Electric Cooperatives, our statewide organization, to begin a community solar project called OurSolar. The project will allow members the opportunity to purchase solargenerated power — a renewable power source. As a cooperative, our members and their electric service are our primary concern. Your comments and feedback, whether verbal or shared through our quarterly ACSI survey results, are what indicate to us that we are serving you to the right level of satisfaction, and we value your opinions. As we look to the future, there are challenges that face Pioneer and the rest of Ohio’s electric cooperatives — from slow economic growth to mild weather. Pioneer is already preparing for those future challenges. We will manage and plan for changes and challenges we can foresee and will be as ready as possible for those we do not — into 2017 and beyond. We would like to conclude by thanking each and every one of you for another great year, because without your continued support, our success would not be possible.

APRIL 2017 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING

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3/21/17 12:42 PM

VALUE DELIVERED Our value is measured in more than just average outage time per member. Throughout 2016, Pioneer offered its members rebates and incentives to offset some of the cost of updating and installing outdated and less efficient HVAC systems and insulation. We awarded our annual scholarships to four local high school students and continued to offer our Co-op Connections® program to all of our members — a benefit that saved members without prescription drug coverage more than $12,200 in 2016. Furthermore, our members continue to provide us high marks through the ACSI member satisfaction survey, indicating to us that they believe in the value of the service we provide. All of these things combined with 24/7 availability, two locations, our advanced metering and SCADA systems, and our expanding energy portfolio all add up to the value we deliver through the service we provide our members year in and year out.

AVERAGE OUTAGE TIME The average outage time per member was 123 minutes — excluding major events.

Pioneer attained a company high — 88 ACSI member satisfaction score for the third time.

Residential: 144 HVAC 14 Insulation Commercial: 8 Lighting

ON-CALL AVAILABILITY

TWO LOCATIONS

CO-OP CONNECTIONS®

24/7

Piqua

In 2016, Pioneer members without prescription drug coverage saved more than $12,200 using their card.

In 2016, our linemen were called out 485 times outside of normal business hours. *This excludes major storms, restoration.

20F

REBATES

ACSI SCORE

Urbana

OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • APRIL 2017

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CAPITAL CREDITS

$2,026,442 worth of capital credits were returned to members and member estates in 2016.

COMMUNITY SOLAR In 2016, Pioneer, along with Ohio’s Electric Cooperatives, took the initial steps to broaden our energy portfolio through a community solar project called OurSolar. It will be constructed at our Urbana district facility and completed in 2017.

SCHOLARSHIPS Four high school seniors, all children of Pioneer members, were awarded a total of $7,000 in scholarships in 2016. First-Place Female: Mindy Schmitmeyer, Anna High School First-Place Male: Dalton Hanlin, Graham High School Second-Place Female: Erin Gaerke, Russia High School Second-Place Male: Troy Riley, Houston High School

APRIL 2017 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING

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Member Service Manager Lisa Benanzer helps hand out gifts to local students during the annual Sidney Rotary Christmas program at Sidney First United Methodist Church. Benanzer has been a member of the Rotary for nine years.

20H

OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING â&#x20AC;˘ APRIL 2017

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OUR VALUE IS IN OUR

community involvement

“MY CONCERN FOR COMMUNITY GOES BEYOND MY ROLE AS A MEMBER SERVICE MANAGER WITH THE COOPERATIVE. BEING PART OF A SERVICE CLUB SUCH AS SIDNEY ROTARY HAS BEEN AN EXTREMELY REWARDING EXPERIENCE. WE SUPPORT LOCAL STUDENTS IN THE FORM OF SCHOLARSHIPS, PROVIDE LEADERSHIP TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES, HOST AN ANNUAL CHRISTMAS PARTY FOR CHILDREN, AND ASSIST WITH INTERNATIONAL PROJECTS. ROTARY HAS PROVIDED ME THE OPPORTUNITY TO LEAVE A SERVICEORIENTED, VOLUNTEER FOOTPRINT, WHICH PROVIDES ME A DEEPER APPRECIATION FOR COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT.”

LISA BENANZER, PIONEER MEMBER SERVICE MANAGER & SIDNEY ROTARY MEMBER

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OUR VALUE IS IN OUR

mission

To exceed the energy needs and expectations of our member-consumers by providing safe, high quality, and responsive service at competitive prices, consistent with sound business practices and in adherence to the seven cooperative principles.

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OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING â&#x20AC;˘ APRIL 2017

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PIONEER RURAL ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE, INC. Pioneer Rural Electric Cooperative, Inc., is a not-for-profit, consumer-owned electric distribution utility headquartered in Piqua, Ohio. We also have a district facility in Urbana, Ohio, providing quicker response times and continued operations in case of a disaster.

The cooperative serves more than 16,600 residential, commercial, and large industrial members throughout rural

Auglaize

Mercer

Miami, Champaign, and Shelby counties, as well as portions

Logan

of the eight surrounding counties — Mercer, Auglaize,

Shelby

Logan, Union, Madison, Clark, Montgomery, and Darke.

Union Champaign

Darke Miami

Clark

HOW WE OPERATE

Madison

Montgomery

Even though Pioneer provides electric power to its members, it is truly the membership that powers the cooperative. Members have a voice in the operation of their electric utility and vote for their board of trustees, a group of members who governs the co-op. Members have equal representation in Pioneer despite their size or number of service accounts — one member equals one vote. We are particularly responsive to the needs and expectations of our members because they are also our owners.

2 locations | 58 employees | 16,600+ members | 2,695 miles of line | 6.17 members per mile

APRIL 2017 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING

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Lineman trainee Aaron Wright receives instruction from leader lineman John Holcolmb.

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OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING â&#x20AC;¢ APRIL 2017

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OUR VALUE IS IN OUR

education + training

“I VALUE THE EDUCATION AND TRAINING I AM RECEIVING AS A PIONEER LINEMAN TRAINEE. IN MY FIRST YEAR AT PIONEER, I’VE RECEIVED CLASSROOM EDUCATION THROUGH OHIO’S ELECTRIC COOPERATIVES AND BENEFICIAL HANDS-ON TRAINING FROM OUR LEADER LINEMEN — EXPERIENCE THAT CANNOT BE MATCHED. AS I WORK TOWARD FIRST-CLASS LINEMAN STATUS, I HOPE TO SHARE WHAT I’VE LEARNED WITH OUR MEMBERS BY HELPING PROVIDE THE RELIABLE SERVICE THEY DEPEND ON.”

AARON WRIGHT LINEMAN TRAINEE, 2ND YEAR

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SAFETY + CYBERSECURITY + MAINTENANCE Safety has always been a top priority and value at Pioneer Electric, and the past year was no different. Pioneer was evaluated through the Rural Electric Safety Achievement Program (RESAP), a comprehensive system-wide approach to improve safety. During the evaluation, your cooperative was praised in many areas â&#x20AC;&#x201D; scoring above average in 13 of 17 categories, an improvement from 2013. In addition to physical safety, we have also put a lot of focus on protecting our members through cybersecurity as well, by training our employees to know what to look for in malicious emails. We began installing updated SCADA software to provide the most reliable service possible. Pioneer continued to test and replace poles, apply animal cover-up, and remove ash trees that could cause issues within our system. Our team also completed an expansion to Parker TruTec in Champaign County and Hickory Hill Lakes in Shelby County in 2016.

RESAP EVALUATION

SECURITY

SCADA

Security cameras were installed at the Urbana district facility to increase member and employee safety.

Pioneer scored above average in 13 of 17 categories during the 2016 RESAP evaluation.

Up-to-date software was purchased in 2015. The training and process to switch systems was initiated during 2016, with plans to fully implement the system by the end of 2017.

CYBERSECURITY

20N

Reported Suspicious Emails Per Month By Employees (2016) (Percent %)

Internally sent out nearly 1,500 phishing emails to employees as part of a company-wide, comprehensive cybersecurity training. Pioneer monitored events to prevent ransomware attacks and blocked more than 250 malicious IP addresses in 2016.

10.0 8.0 6.0 4.0 2.0 0.0

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING â&#x20AC;˘ APRIL 2017

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TREE REMOVAL Pioneer removed 1,500 ash trees in 2016 and more than 4,800 since 2013.

LINE MAINTENANCE Crews replaced more than 16 miles of single-phase and three-phase line throughout Champaign and Shelby counties, in addition to completing a major project at the Sidney well fields, which source water to the city of Sidney.

ANIMAL COVER-UP Completed animal cover-up on feeders and metering points providing service to more than 2,700 members.

POLES TESTED & REPLACED Tested: 5,476 poles Need Replaced: 293 poles Replaced in 2016: 126 poles *Replacements were twice the normal average.

SYSTEM UPGRADES Anna substation: Installed a 12-MVA transformer, circuit switcher, control house, distribution structure, reclosures, and regulators to each feeder.

Mingo substation: Fixed and replaced the transformer at Mingo substation and returned the backup transformer temporarily used at Mingo to Casstown.

APRIL 2017 â&#x20AC;˘ OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING

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PIONEER BOARD OF TRUSTEES: (Pictured left to right, back) Colleen Eidemiller, Ed Sanders, Terry Householder, Mark Bailey, Ron Clark, and Ted Black; (Pictured left to right, front) Ron Bair, Duane Engel, and Orville Bensman.

20P OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING â&#x20AC;¢ APRIL 2017

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OUR VALUE IS IN OUR

style of business

“AS A MEMBER OF THE COOPERATIVE FOR 46 YEARS AND A BOARD TRUSTEE FOR THE PAST 21 YEARS, I HAVE WITNESSED FIRST-HAND HOW HAVING A LOCAL COMMUNITY CONNECTION PLAYS AN IMPORTANT ROLE IN DEMOCRATIC MEMBER CONTROL AND THE COOPERATIVE WAY OF DOING BUSINESS.”

ED SANDERS, PIONEER BOARD TRUSTEE

APRIL 2017 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING

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Balance Sheet as of December 31, 2016 ASSETS Electric Plant In Service — at cost $108,602,663 Construction Work in Progress 422,204 Subtotal $109,024,867 Less Accumulated Provision for Depreciation and Amortization 33,373,132 Net Electric Plant $75,651,735 Other Assets & Investments Investments in Associated Organizations $32,022,692 Total Other Assets & Investments $32,022,692 Current Assets Cash & Cash Equivalents $2,247,084 Accounts Receivable (less accumulated provision for uncollectible accounts of $42,245) 5,658,748 Materials and Supplies 830,628 Prepayments — Buckeye Power, Inc. 99,356 Other Current Assets 1,457,574 $10,293,390 Total Current Assets Deferred Debits Total Assets

TOTAL ASSETS

$824,513

$118,792,330

ELECTRIC PLANT

$124,000,000

$110,000,000

$120,000,000

$105,000,000

$116,000,000 $112,000,000

$100,000,000

$108,000,000

$95,000,000

$104,000,000 $90,000,000

$100,000,000

$85,000,000

$96,000,000 $92,000,000

$80,000,000

$88,000,000 $75,000,000

$84,000,000 $80,000,000

$70,000,000 2012

20R

2013

2014

2015

2016

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • APRIL 2017

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Balance Sheet as of December 31, 2016 EQUITIES AND LIABILITIES Equities Patronage Capital Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Other Equities Total Equities Long-term Debt CFC Mortgage Notes Less Current Maturities Total Long-Term Debt Other Noncurrent Liabilities Accumulated Provision for Pensions & Benefits Less Current Maturities

$62,110,890 246,200 2,147,240 $64,504,330

$42,304,590 $42,304,590

$1,551,289

Obligations Under Capital Leases Less Current Maturities Total Other Noncurrent Liabilities

532,055 $2,083,344

Current Liabilities Current Maturities of Long-Term Debt Current Maturities of Obligations Under Capital Leases Accounts Payable — Purchased Power Accounts Payable — Other Consumer Deposits Accrued Taxes Current Maturities of Accumulated Provision for Pensions and Benefits Other Current Liabilities Total Current Liabilities

$1,539,820 322,925 3,963,805 1,127,897 255,813 1,741,840 97,512 612,173 $9,661,785

Deferred Credits

$238,281

Total Equities and Liabilities $118,792,330

APRIL 2017 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING

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Statement of Revenue & Patronage Capital for the year ended December 31, 2016 Operating Revenues Operating Expenses Cost of Power Distribution — Operation Distribution — Maintenance Consumer Records and Collection Expense Administrative and General Expense Sales Expense Depreciation and Amortization Taxes Other Income Deductions Interest on Long-Term Debt Other Interest Expense Total Operating Expenses Operating Margins Before Capital Credits Buckeye Capital Credits Other Capital Credits Net Operating Margins Nonoperating Margins Interest and Dividend Income Other Nonoperating Income Total Nonoperating Margins Net Margins Patronage Capital — Beginning of Year Retirement of Capital Credits — General Retirement of Capital Credits — Estate Patronage Capital — End of Year

$66,201,495

$45,621,542 4,851,153 2,615,907 914,158 2,338,148 596,318 3,568,932 1,633,401 6,765 2,037,229 17,186 $64,200,739 $2,000,756 1,475,482 208,684 $3,684,922

$102,047 2,050 $104,097 $3,789,019 $60,407,009 (1,683,600) (401,538) $62,110,890

HOW YOUR ELECTRIC DOLLAR WAS SPENT IN 2016

BUCKEYE PURCHASED POWER

69%

20T

OTHER

31%

OPERATIONS & MAINTENANCE 11% DEPRECIATION 5% TAXES 3% INTEREST 3% MARGINS 3% ADMINISTRATIVE 4% CONSUMER ACCOUNTING 1% CUSTOMER SERVICE & SALES 1%

OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • APRIL 2017

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Statement of Cash Flow for the year ended December 31, 2016 Cash Flows from Operating Activities Cash Received from Consumers Interest and Dividend Income Capital Credits Cash Provided by Operating Activities Cash Paid to Suppliers and Employees Interest and Taxes Paid Cash Disbursed for Operating Activities Net Cash from Operating Activities Cash Flows from Investing Activities Construction and Acquisition of Plant Proceeds from Disposal of Plant Investment in Associated Organizations Other Nonoperating Income Net Cash Used by Investing Activities

$65,005,975 102,047 1,761,789 $66,869,811 $52,987,464 3,999,245 $56,986,709 $9,883,102 $(4,450,879) (1,461,402) 14,291 2,051 $(5,895,939)

Cash Flows from Financing Activities Increase in Consumer Deposits Payments on Long-Term Debt Proceeds from Short-Term Debt Payments on Short-Term Debt Patronage Capital Credits Retired Net Cash Used by Financing Activities

$6,147 (1,515,008) 2,000,000 (2,000,000) (2,085,138) $(3,593,999)

Net Increase in Cash Cash — Beginning of Year Cash — End of Year

$393,164 1,853,920 $2,247,084

Reconciliation of Net Margins to Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities Net Margins

$3,789,019

Adjustments to Reconcile Net Margins to Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities Depreciation $3,568,932 Buckeye Power, Inc. & Other Capital Credits (Noncash) 77,622 Provision for Uncollectible Accounts Receivable (7,246) (Increase) Decrease In: Customer and Other Accounts Receivable (1,383,491) Current and Accrued Assets — Other 2,551,976 Deferred Debits 355,735 Increase (Decrease) In: Accounts Payable 1,024,572 Accrued Taxes 85,972 Current and Accrued Liabilities — Other (45,256) Deferred Credits 158,320 Other Nonoperating (Income) Loss (2,050) Accumulated Provision for Pensions and Benefits (159,454) Obligations Under Capital Lease (322,925) Donated Capital 25 Retired Capital Credits — Gain 191,351 Total Adjustments $6,094,083 Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities

$9,883,102

APRIL 2017 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING

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Co-op Connections® Vendor Spotlight

Smok’n Jo’s BBQ

Mad River Farm Market

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Buy 1 dinner & get the 2nd half off when you purchase 2 drinks. *Excludes whole rib dinners.

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HAPPY

EASTER from Pioneer Electric Cooperative Our offices will be closed on Friday, April 14, in recognition of the holiday. Emergency service is always available by calling 800-762-0997.

PIONEER RURAL ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE, INC. CONTACT

1-800-762-0997 | 937-773-2523 www.pioneerec.com MAIN OFFICE

344 West U.S. Route 36 Piqua, Ohio 45356 DISTRICT OFFICE

767 Three Mile Road Urbana, Ohio 43078 OFFICE HOURS

8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

BOARD OF TRUSTEES

Ronald P. Clark Chair

Edward P. Sanders First Vice Chair

Colleen R. Eidemiller Second Vice Chair

Terrence A. Householder

Harold T. Covault Donald D. DeWeese Dwain E. Hollingsworth Douglas A. Hurst Paul R. Workman Donald K. Zerkle Trustees Emeritus

Secretary

Ron L. Bair Treasurer

Mark A. Bailey Orville J. Bensman Ted R. Black Colleen R. Eidemiller Duane L. Engel

Ronald P. Salyer President/CEO

HAVE A STORY SUGGESTION?

Email your ideas to: member@pioneerec.com

Trustees

OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • APRIL 2017

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3/21/17 12:43 PM

THE EFFICIENCY EXPERT

BY PAT KEEGAN AND AMY WHEELESS

Cooling off

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

Choosing the right home air conditioner saves money and makes sense

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

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

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

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

OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • APRIL 2017

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News and notes from electric cooperatives around the state

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

URE gains new CEO

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

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

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

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

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

Carroll Electric’s pilot program aims to increase member satisfaction

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

3/21/17 4:07 PM

BY SARAH JAQUAY

TRAVEL

C O LU M B U S

Sarah Jaquay

THE ‘OTHER’

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

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

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

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

OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • APRIL 2017

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

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

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

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

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Sarah Jaquay

Columbus Area Visitors Center

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

Sarah Jaquay

For the kids

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3/21/17 4:08 PM

Sarah Jaquay

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

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

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

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APRIL 2017 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING

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TRAVEL OHIO

STORY AND PHOTOS BY JAMIE RHEIN

S P L AT T E R E D

“

pla

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

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

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

Masks on! Roll out!

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

OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • APRIL 2017

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

“If you want to get

The next level

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

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

If You Go

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

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

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

APRIL 2017 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING

3/21/17 4:52 PM

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STORY AND PHOTOS BY W.H. “CHIP” GROSS

WOODS, WATERS, AND WILDLIFE

Bird Photography Basics:

SHOOTING THOSE

THINGS

WITH

WINGS

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

Outdoor Knowledge

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

Brown pelican 32

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

Photo Equipment

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

Bluebird

C an is Th sp ca ca EF le

Good Technique

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

W.H. “CHIP” GROSS, Ohio Cooperative Living’s outdoors editor, is a member of Consolidated Electric Cooperative. Share outdoors story ideas at whchipgross@ gmail.com; or visit www.chipgross.com.

Ring-necked pheasant

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APRIL 2017 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING

3/21/17 5:01 PM

BY CRAIG LOVELACE

SHARED

SERVICE

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

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

Common constituents

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

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

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

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

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

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

OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • APRIL 2017

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

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

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

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

Brought on by the REA

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

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

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APRIL 2017 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING

3/9/17 11:52 AMPM 3/21/17 4:19

APRIL 2017 CALENDAR

NORTHWEST

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

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

CENTRAL

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

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

SOUTHEAST

SOUTHWEST

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • APRIL 2017

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SOUTHWEST

NORTHEAST

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

WEST VIRGINIA

nd ng

Eggstravaganza

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

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

April full issue.indd 39

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

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

APRIL 2017 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING

3/21/17 4:22 PM

MEMBER INTERACTIVE

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

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

Natalie Jones Frontier Power Company member

Tonya Moran Bess South Central Power Company member

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

“Cousins Aiden and Elizabeth are on the hunt for Easter eggs at grandma’s house.”

E A

Beth Schey Tricounty Rural Electric Cooperative member

Send us your pictures!

Upload your photos at www.ohioec.org/memberinteractive, or send by U.S. mail to: Editor, 6677 Busch Blvd., Columbus, OH 43229. Include your name, mailing address, phone number or e-mail, the name of your electric co-op, the month you’re submitting for, and who the person(s) in the photo is, as well as an explanation of the photo.

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

For October, send us photos from your favorite fall festivals by July 15. For November, send a photo or 100 words describing what you’re thankful for by August 15. 40

OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • APRIL 2017

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