Ohio Cooperative Living – May 2023 - Union

Time for a change

After working in the electric utility business for nearly 40 years, I still marvel at the working of our interconnected electric power network that we commonly refer to as “the grid.” It has taken equal parts of engineering, ingenuity, and hard work to design, build, and sustain a network that makes electricity available every hour of every day, no matter how hot or how cold the weather outside may be. I hope you have the chance to read more about the basic workings of the power grid in our article on page 4

Unfortunately, as summer approaches this year, we can no longer take that 24/ 7 availability for granted. Over the past several years, we have experienced a tightening of the supply-demand balance that’s critical to the function of our power grid. Since 2020, each time a large area of the country has experienced extreme temperatures for more than a day or two, the supply of electricity has proved inadequate to meet demand and forced regional grid operators to shut off power to consumers for hours or even days at a time to keep the system from crashing.

Across the country, we are facing the disorderly retirement of baseload coal and nuclear power plants because of poorly conceived and harmful energy policies that include:

• Overreaching and unreasonable environmental regulations that result in unnecessarily high costs while providing only minimal environmental benefits.

• Poorly designed electricity market rules that under-compensate reliable baseload power plants that provide a steady and controllable output, while over-compensating less reliable and intermittent sources.

• Unreasonable goals and time frames to achieve greater reductions in carbon emissions from electricity providers, despite the fact that the U.S. electric sector has cut CO2 emissions by 36% since 2005 while producing nearly 5% more electricity.

Organizations charged with ensuring a reliable electric grid such as the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (nerc.com) and the PJM Interconnection (pjm.com) have each, independently, published reports that outline concerning trends that are resulting in increased reliability risks.

While the mission of your electric cooperative has not changed and our commitment to you, our members, has not wavered, the harsh reality is that providing a safe, reliable, affordable, and environmentally responsible supply of electricity is getting more and more challenging. We need changes in the policies that affect our electricity supply.

As summer approaches this year, we can no longer take 24/7 availability of electricity for granted.

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: Margaret Buranen, Colleen Romick

Clark, Getty Images, W.H. “Chip” Gross, Sarah Jaquay, Catherine Murray, Craig Springer, and Damaine Vonada.

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.

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DEPARTMENTS

4 POWER LINES

Electric highway: The system of delivering electricity to consumers only gets noticed when it fails. But what exactly is “the grid”?

8 WOODS, WATERS, AND WILDLIFE

Looking good in orange: Outdoors editor Chip Gross offers some surefire ways to lure orioles to your backyard feeder.

10 CO-OP PEOPLE

Masters of the landscape: Extension program aims not to grow gardens, but rather to grow gardeners.

13 GOOD EATS

Location, location, location: This selection of delicious food is from all over the map.

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

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What’s happening: May/June events and other things to do around Ohio

36 MEMBER INTERACTIVE

Junior gardeners: The next generation of green thumbs takes over in members’ backyards.

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Visit Ohio Cooperative Living magazine online at www.ohiocoopliving.com! Read past issues and watch videos about our articles or our recipes. Our site features an expanded Member Interactive area, where you can share your stories, recipes, and photos and find content submitted by other co-op members across the state.

Electric highway

Again in late March and early April, a series of powerful storms swept through Ohio — this time bringing gale-force winds that brought down trees, snapped utility poles, and pulled wide stretches of power line to the ground, causing electricity to stop flowing to homes and businesses around the state.

Line crews from Ohio electric cooperatives, as they do, worked diligently, for long hours and several days, to reconnect those co-op-served portions of the power grid that had gone offline.

Scenes like that, when they happen, are highly visible events; that visibility may even make them seem common, especially during storm season. In reality, however, power is available to electric meters served by Ohio electric

cooperatives more than 99 9% of the time, according to Ben Wilson, director of power delivery engineering at Buckeye Power, which generates and supplies the electricity co-ops distribute to their members. For the vast majority of time, no one really thinks about electricity or where it comes from, or how it gets to that lightbulb. It’s only during that fraction of a percent of the hours in a year when power is not available that the grid comes to public attention.

But what is ‘the grid’?

In the United States, the electricity industry has a generating capacity of 1.1 million megawatts, serving up electricity to nearly every home and business — including over a million Ohioans and 42 million people across the country who are served by electric cooperatives.

“In short, the electricity grid is the system and equipment required to get electric power from where it’s generated to where it’s used,” says Tom Schmidt, principal planning engineer at Buckeye Power. “It’s a vast, sprawling, yet interconnected network that has provided this essential public good for over 100 years.”

The system of delivering electricity to consumers only gets noticed when it fails. But what exactly is ‘the grid’?

It’s that interconnectedness that makes it a grid.

“You can think of the power grid like our system of roadways,” Schmidt says. “Each individual part of each system is designed and built to handle a certain volume — cars and trucks on the highway system, electricity on the grid.”

In that analogy, the interstate highway system compares to the high-voltage transmission system that carries bulk electricity at a very high voltage from its generation source to individual distribution systems.

Transformers step down voltage along the way, like cars taking exit ramps from the highway onto city streets, then slowing further onto smaller roads until it’s just one single car turning onto a driveway: electricity entering a home at a much lower, safer voltage than what’s carried on the transmission lines.

A system of redundancy

In the same way that there may be several different routes your family could take to drive to, say, Columbus, in case an accident or traffic jam closes one roadway, engineers build redundancy into the system of power lines and substations that provides numerous pathways for electricity to move and eventually arrive at members’ homes and businesses.

Generally, those redundancies are what allow for the grid’s overall high reliability. When an accident happens on the grid’s interstate — the extra-high-voltage transmission system — power is automatically rerouted to prevent interruptions to hundreds of thousands of consumers. Lower-voltage transmission lines provide power to fewer people and can often lack the redundancy of the extra-high-voltage transmission system. This is also true for local distribution lines operated by electric cooperatives. In cases with limited redundancy, electric cooperatives constantly strive to maintain and improve local distribution lines while also supporting investments in transmission line upgrades — all, of course, while responding to every outage as it happens.

Like highway construction projects, transmission power line improvements can be slow, unsightly, and costly. But once completed, these investments strengthen the transmission grid by adding redundancy — increasing reliability and resilience for many decades.

Balance of power

Thomas Edison created the first power grid in 1882 and other than a change from direct current to alternating current, the technology is basically the same because the physics is the same: Power producers must ensure that the amount of electricity generated at power plants and put into the grid precisely matches the amount of electricity used by consumers at any given moment. An

The electric roadway

The electricity grid can be compared with our system of roads.

Extra-high-voltage transmission lines, 300 kV (300,000 volts) to 1,000 kV: compares to an interstate highway (high volume, high capacity); carries enough power for 100,000 to 500,000 homes.

Transmission lines, 100 kV to 300 kV: compares to a U.S. highway (not quite the capacity of an interstate); 10,000 to 100,000 homes.

Sub-transmission lines, 20kV to 100 kV: closer to a state highway (still lots of volume); 1,000 to 10,000 homes.

3-phase distribution, 4 kV to 40 kV: more like a city street in terms of volume; 100 to 1,000 homes.

Single-phase distribution, 2 kV to 15 kV: more like a smaller residential street; 10 to 100 homes.

Distribution service, 120 to 240 volts: the lines that come from the street to your house, compares to your driveway; 1 to 10 homes.

imbalance can cause anything from widespread blackouts to damaged equipment.

The recent retirement of numerous power plants over the last couple of years, coupled with extreme weather events, has resulted in blackouts from supply shortages in Texas, California, Tennessee, North Carolina, and Kentucky. With the removal of significant amounts of baseload generation, such as that provided by coal-fired power plants, from the grid, less-dependable sources of electricity were unable to keep up with consumers’ demand.

Rolling blackouts are currently necessary to avert a largerscale grid catastrophe; notably, in Texas in February 2021, at least 246 people died during Winter Storm Uri and the resulting supply shortage.

New and emerging technologies continue to optimize grid performance, effectiveness, and reliability. Most of Ohio’s electric cooperatives, for example, continually modernize their distribution systems using “smart grid” technology: controls, computers, automation, telecommunication, and smart meters that work together to dynamically respond to quickly changing conditions.

“The grid is greater than 99.9% reliable, and we are always working to put more nines after that decimal,” Wilson says. “All outages hurt, even when they are rare.”

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Family Time

EXPERIENCE PARKERSBURG. DISCOVER THE WORLD.

From exploring history to the science of tomorrow, your family can discover the world right here in the Greater Parkersburg area.

At the new Discovery World on Market (opening Spring 2023), learning is anything but a spectator sport. Get hands-on with three floors of fun, kid-friendly (up to age 10) activities and experiments that spark the senses and ignite the imagination.

Kids and adults will love a visit to Blennerhassett Island. The whole family will enjoy the scenic sternwheel riverboat trip, the horse-drawn covered-wagon ride, and a tour of the beautifully reconstructed mansion. Pair a half-day trip to Blennerhassett Island with a visit to Discovery World and you have a great overnight or weekend experience for families with small children!

Get outside and get active with outdoor fun. Hike, bike or paddle your way through the great outdoors toward unforgettable family memories on miles of scenic trails and byways featuring beautiful forests, valleys, tunnels and historical destinations.

No matter which family adventure you choose, Parkersburg is your family’s gateway to a world of adventure.

What’s in a name?

The Baltimore oriole, the state bird of Maryland, takes its name from the state’s founder, Cecil, Lord Baltimore, whose family’s coat of arms was a vibrant black and orange. Orchard orioles are so named because they frequent and prefer nesting in orchards. By the way, if you have an older bird ID field guide, you might see a bird listed as a northern oriole. Baltimore and Bullock’s orioles were once lumped together as northern orioles, but recent DNA testing has since proven the birds are indeed separate species.

Roman Mast’s backyard looks like a bird-feeding test kitchen. Mast, a member of The Energy Cooperative in Newark, maintains a dozen or more birdfeeders year-round, offering not only black-oil sunflower seed and beef suet — as most of us bird enthusiasts do — but also raw peanuts that he obtains as floor sweepings from a peanut butter factory.

But come May, he’s all about attracting orioles — of which Ohio sees two species during spring migration: the Baltimore oriole and the orchard oriole.

“I have my oriole feeders out by the last week in April,” Mast says. “Through the years, I’ve tried a lot of different foods to attract orioles, including sliced oranges, but my main food now is simply grape jelly.” Orioles and a few other species, such as rose-breasted grosbeaks, gray catbirds, and some warblers, seem to love the stuff. “A red-bellied woodpecker even comes to my jelly feeders occasionally,” Mast says.

To be successful attracting orioles, Mast says, a person must have a passion for feeding birds in general. “Whatever foods you offer must be present consistently,” he said. “You can’t have feeders empty for days and expect to attract many birds. With orioles that’s especially true; I fill my jelly feeders daily.”

Hang oriole feeders 4 to 5 feet off the ground and close to mature trees in semi-open areas. My property is surrounded by woods, so I place one feeder along the edge of the yard and a second at the edge of my back deck; both are frequented by orioles.

Patience is also required. Mast says that if you have never attempted to attract orioles previously, it may take days, or possibly even weeks, for the birds to find your feeders. To help them locate feeders, make sure they are orange in

color. Mast also believes that older birds remember where they found food in the past, so they will come looking for your feeders during subsequent migrations — success building upon success year after year.

Most of the orioles passing through Ohio during spring are headed to Canada to nest, migrating from northern South America and Central America (the males arrive first). Some orioles nest in the Buckeye State as well, with Baltimore orioles weaving a uniquely shaped hanging nest that looks something like a shaggy softball tethered to a high tree limb. The nests are easier to see once leaves have fallen from the trees in autumn.

Mast takes his oriole feeders down toward the end of June, thoroughly cleans them, then stores them away until next spring. “It’s with a bit of reluctance,” he admits. “Wild birds are a serious hobby of mine, a passion, and when that particular part of the annual migration cycle winds down and eventually ends, it’s always with a touch of sadness.”

Asked about his most memorable oriole experience, Mast recounted a likely once-in-a-lifetime event that occurred in the spring of 2020. “It was during the first week of May, and the weather had turned suddenly cold with a little snow,” he says. “Natural food for orioles, such as insects, was almost nonexistent for a few days, and as a result, birds were mobbing my feeders. I counted more than 30 orioles in the bushes and trees in my backyard simultaneously — an absolutely stunning, colorful sight I’ll never forget.”

Email Chip Gross with outdoors-related questions at whchipgross@gmail.com with “Ask Chip” in the subject of the email. Your question may be answered on www.ohiocoopliving.com.

Masters of the landscape

Extension program aims not to grow gardens, but rather to grow gardeners.

Jackie Driscoll paints her landscape with a palette of colors from native plants.

Driscoll, a member of Lorain-Medina Rural Electric Cooperative, is a master gardener volunteer (MGV). She’s turned 8 acres of a former crop field into a stunning pollinator garden, and from spring through fall, bees, birds, and butterflies swoop down to enjoy and benefit from spiderwort, false foxglove, golden Alexandria, asters, coneflowers, sunflowers, ironweed, and more types of native flowering plants (or “forbs”). The prairie also has half a dozen species of native grasses.

Driscoll also has a kitchen garden of herbs and several flower gardens around her house. She tucks a few vegetables here and there into the flower gardens.

Driscoll has been gardening since she was a child. Her mother, who kept gardening until she died at 88, planted the joy of gardening seed in her daughter, and it still flourishes.

Jackie and her husband, Brian, lived in a Cleveland suburb while their children were growing up. Their property was small, but Driscoll kept adding plants to it. “My husband finally said, ‘You have to leave some grass,’” she recalls.

In 2010, the Driscolls bought rural land outside Rochester Township near Wellington — and suddenly they had

plenty of room for Jackie’s gardens. A few years later, with their five children now young adults, she had extra time on her hands.

“I was looking for something to do, to become involved with, once the kids were grown,” she says.

The Master Gardener Volunteer program seemed a good choice. Medina County’s training sessions worked best with Driscoll’s schedule, and in 2016 she began weekly classes there.

“I love taking [gardening] classes. I really do,” Driscoll says. “Master Gardeners has been a great fit for me because there’s always a class or conference I can go to and learn something more.”

Toward the end of the master gardening training, each student gave a presentation to the class. Driscoll and another student teamed up to tell their classmates about the native plant prairies they had planted at their homes.

“That’s a lot of what master gardeners do: give presentations to educate the community,” Driscoll says.

Driscoll particularly enjoys sharing her gardening knowledge with kids. At the Medina Parks Department’s Earth Day celebration, the master gardeners had a big demonstration table. “We talked about good bugs and

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bad bugs in your garden and how to use integrated pest management [instead of insecticides],” she says.

Driscoll has also answered the master gardeners’ hotline. This free service allows community members to call or email with gardening questions, to which the volunteer on duty provides research-based answers.

She also enjoys the social aspect of the program — learning and volunteering with like-minded people. “I’ve met so many nice people through Master Gardeners,” she says.

Driscoll is one of 53 Master Gardener Volunteers in Medina County. The group’s coordinator is Ashley Kulhanek, Extension Educator, Agriculture and Natural Resources, at Ohio State University. “We focus on education and outreach, not [providing] free garden labor,” Kulhanek says. “We do not just grow gardens. We grow gardeners.”

Earning the MGV certification requires 50 hours of class training and 50 hours of volunteer time. Kulhanek says the volunteers are encouraged to work on whatever type of gardening interests them most. “If you want to be outdoors and enjoy plants and nature, you can find your fit in the MGV program,” she adds.

For more information about the Master Gardener Volunteer program, contact your county extension agent or go to https://mastergardener.osu.edu.

Ohio’s wider MGV program is directed by Pam Bennett, extension educator, horticulture, at Ohio State. According to Bennett, Ohio has more than 3,500 MGVs in 64 counties. In 2020 Driscoll took out some aggressive native grasses to create an entirely forb field. “It should be full of glorious bloom this summer,” she says. “The old adage is that the first year [native] plants sleep [because all of their energy goes into developing deep root systems]. The second year they creep, and the third year they leap.”

For anyone thinking about becoming an MGV, Driscoll says, “If they enjoy learning and sharing their knowledge it’s a great program. You can choose an area of interest — we have several groups — and find like-minded people. It’s made me a better steward of the land we’re on. Our intentions were always good, but now we have the knowledge [to garden well and responsibly].”

Master gardeners often set up informational booths to share tips and help at community events.

LocatLocation, ion, Location

BELGIAN WAFFLES

A Belgian waffle is no ordinary waffle. Yeasted dough instead of batter, pearl sugar to add a delightful crunch, and a dedicated Belgian waffle iron create extra-thick waffles with deep pockets.

Prep: 30 minutes | Cook: 20 minutes Proof: 30 to 60 minutes | Servings: 10

¾ cup warm milk

1 packet active dry yeast

1 tablespoon packed brown sugar

2 large eggs, room temperature

¾ cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled

1 teaspoon vanilla

½ teaspoon salt

3½ cups flour

3 to 4 ounces Belgian pearl sugar

Pour warm milk into the bowl of a stand mixer, then sprinkle yeast and brown sugar on top. Let sit for 5 minutes or until the yeast begins to foam. Mix in eggs, melted butter, vanilla, and salt on low with a whisk attachment.

Slowly incorporate 3 cups of the flour while mixing on low with a dough hook until mixture is smooth, then add remaining ½ cup flour and continue mixing for 2 minutes. Gather the dough into a ball and grease the sides of the bowl, placing the dough in the middle. Cover bowl and set somewhere warm to rise for 30 to 60 minutes, until doubled in size.

Heat waffle iron while prepping the dough. (If your iron has an adjustable temperature gauge, start on medium.) Lay dough out onto a floured surface and flatten a bit. Sprinkle pearl sugar on top and fold it into the dough, then divide into 10 balls. Grease waffle iron with cooking spray. Place a piece of dough in the middle of the waffle iron, close, and cook 4 to 6 minutes, until the color turns toasted brown in the center. If sugar begins to burn, turn down the heat. Set on a wire rack to cool. Cooked waffles can be frozen for up to two months.

Per serving: 406 calories, 15 grams fat (9 grams saturated fat), 75 milligrams cholesterol, 238 milligrams sodium, 70 grams total carbohydrates, 0 grams fiber, 2 grams protein.

This selection of delicious food is all over the map.

Prep: 15 minutes | Cook: 50 minutes | Servings: 10

FILLING

4 egg yolks

½ cup sugar

1/3 cup corn starch

2 cups whole milk

2 tablespoons salted butter

2 teaspoons vanilla

VANILLA CAKE

¾ cup unsalted butter, room temperature

1½ cups sugar

3 tablespoons vegetable oil

4 large eggs

2 teaspoons vanilla

2 cups flour

BOSTON CREAM PIE

2 teaspoons baking powder

½ teaspoon salt

1¼ cups whole milk

CHOCOLATE GANACHE

1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

2 tablespoons light corn syrup

½ cup heavy whipping cream

Note: The filling can be made 2 days ahead and the cakes the day before. Make the ganache right before assembling.

FILLING: In a medium bowl, beat egg yolks with sugar for 1 minute, then whisk in cornstarch. Set aside. In a medium saucepan, slowly bring milk to a boil. Remove from heat and slowly drizzle hot milk into the egg yolks, whisking constantly until all milk has been incorporated, then transfer back to the saucepan and bring to a light boil, whisking constantly until thickened. Remove from heat and add butter and vanilla, stirring until smooth. Transfer back to bowl, place plastic wrap directly on top of the filling, and refrigerate.

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.

CAKE: Grease two 8-inch cake pans. In a large mixer, beat butter, sugar, and oil until light and flu y, about 4 minutes. Incorporate the eggs and vanilla. In a separate bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt. Add half the dry ingredients into the batter and lightly mix. Add the milk and mix fully. (It may look a bit lumpy at this stage.) Finish mixing in the dry ingredients, until just incorporated.

Preheat oven to 350 F. Divide batter evenly between cake pans and bake 22 to 25 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out dry. Allow to cool 5 minutes, then turn over onto cooling racks. When cakes are completely cooled, shave any rounding o the tops. Place first cake layer on a serving platter and with a spatula, spoon and smooth out filling across the top. Place second cake layer on top.

GANACHE: Combine chocolate chips and corn syrup in a medium bowl. Heat heavy cream until just boiling, then pour it over the chocolate. Let sit 1 to 2 minutes, then whisk until smooth. Pour melted chocolate in the center of the cake, then spread out toward the edges, letting some of the chocolate drip down the sides. Refrigerate cake until ready to serve and refrigerate leftovers for 2 to 3 days.

Per serving: 690 calories, 36 grams fat (20 grams saturated fat), 226 milligrams cholesterol, 370 milligrams sodium, 83 grams total carbohydrates, 1 gram fiber, 12 grams protein.

DENVER OMELET

Prep: 10 minutes | Cook: 10 minutes | Servings: 2

4 large eggs

3 teaspoons water

¼ teaspoon salt

¼ teaspoon pepper

1 tablespoon butter

¼ cup diced smoked ham

¼ cup diced white onion

¼ cup diced green bell pepper

1/3 cup shredded white cheddar cheese

In a small bowl, beat eggs with 3 teaspoons water, salt, and pepper. The next paragraph of steps can be done in two skillets simultaneously or in one skillet consecutively.

In a 10-inch skillet, melt butter over medium-high heat. Add ham, onion, and bell pepper. Cook and stir until vegetables soften and lightly brown, about 5 minutes, then remove from heat. Generously coat a clean 10-inch skillet with cooking spray and place over medium-low heat. Carefully pour in eggs and cover with lid. Let cook untouched for 5 minutes until they are a little wet but not runny. Sprinkle cheese across the whole skillet and spoon ham and vegetables over one half. Cover with lid and cook another minute to melt the cheese.

Remove lid and lightly run a spatula around the edges of the eggs to loosen. Carefully fold cheese side over the ham side and slide omelet onto a plate. Serve with potatoes, simple salad, or toast.

Per serving: 308 calories, 23 grams fat (11 grams saturated fat), 417 milligrams cholesterol, 770 milligrams sodium, 4 grams total carbohydrates, 1 gram fiber, 20.5 grams protein.

CALIFORNIA ROLLS

Cook: 25 minutes | Cool: 30 minutes | Prep: 20 minutes | Servings: 5

2 cups uncooked sushi rice (Japanese short grain rice)

½ cup rice vinegar

2 tablespoons sugar

4 cups water

1 teaspoon salt

5 - 8 x 7-inch sheets of nori (dry seaweed)

1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds

½ an English cucumber, julienned

6 ounces canned crab meat, drained

1 large avocado, sliced thin Optional toppings: soy sauce, wasabi, pickled ginger, or spicy mayo

Tips: A mandolin works great for creating thin, even slices of cucumber. Uncoated wooden or bamboo bowls and utensils are ideal for handling the rice, as they absorb the steam while the rice cools.

In a microwavable bowl, mix together rice vinegar, sugar, and salt. Microwave in 20-second increments, stirring until sugar has dissolved. Set aside. Rinse rice in a mesh strainer until water runs clear. Place rice and water in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil over high heat, stir once, then reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer 15 to 20 minutes until water has been absorbed. Immediately transfer rice to a large bowl and cut in vinegar mixture using a large, flat spoon. Allow rice to cool to room temperature, about 30 minutes.

Fill a small bowl with water and lay a sushi rolling mat out flat with a layer of plastic wrap on top. Lay one sheet of nori on top, long side closest to you and rough side facing up. Dip fingers in water and spread about a cup of rice in an even layer across the nori and sprinkle with sesame seeds. Cover with another layer of plastic wrap on top, then flip over so nori is facing up. Set aside top layer of plastic wrap.

In a horizontal row 1 inch from the bottom edge, place a thin row of cucumber, then above it a row of crab, then a row of avocado. Holding onto the closest edge, tightly roll away from you, peeling the mat and plastic wrap away along the way, rolling tightly and pressing down when you reach the other end. Transfer roll to a cutting board.

With a thin, sharp knife, make a quick slice in half, then line the two halves up and quickly slice in thirds, rinsing the knife after each slice. Repeat steps above to make 4 more rolls. Serve with your choice of toppings within an hour of making.

Per serving: 445 calories, 10 grams fat (2 grams saturated fat), 18 milligrams cholesterol, 691 milligrams sodium, 70 grams total carbohydrates, 5 grams fiber, 12 grams protein.

Got a monstrously delicious dish you serve during the Halloween season? A ghoulishly clever presentation? We’re looking for SPOOKY recipes — and the stories behind them — for our

Reader Recipe Contest.

2023 Reader Recipe Contest

Three ways to enter:

Submissions may be an original recipe or one adapted from an existing recipe published elsewhere, with at least three distinct changes from the published version. Include your name and address, a phone number and email address where you can be contacted, and the name of your electric cooperative.

Send your recipe, including all ingredients and measurements, directions, and number of servings. Then tell us the basic story behind your recipe — is it a family tradition, passed down through generations? Or did you make it up one day out of thin air?

A good back story can never hurt!

Entrants must be electric cooperative members or residents of an electric cooperative household. Limit of three recipes per entrant. Contest winners will be announced in the October edition of Ohio Cooperative Living.

MESSAGE FROM THE CEO/PRESIDENT

THE COOPERATIVE DIFFERENCE!

Board approves $2.68 million refund

Check your May energy bill for your member credits refund.

Each year, after sta reports on URE’s current financial condition, our board determines whether the cooperative can responsibly pay our members back in the form of bill credits, and if so, how much.

At this year’s March board meeting, the URE Board of Trustees approved a return of $2 68 million to our electric members from operating margins earned in 2003 (100%), 2004 (100%), 2005 (18.92%), and 2022 (10%).

As a member of URE, your investment in the company is paid back over time, after we’ve been able to use these funds to continue building and growing the business. This latest retirement includes $780,829 from URE’s operations as well as $1,899,229 from our investment in Buckeye Power, the cooperative that operates our power plants and coordinates the transmission of electricity to all Ohio electric cooperatives.

Pay special attention to your May bill because it will include a credit for the margins allocated to you from revenue earned in the years previously listed. But what if you moved and are no longer are a URE member? If you recently moved away from the URE system, you are still entitled to receive those bill credits for the years we are retiring. We can send you a check. If you know a former URE member, make sure to tell them as well. Call our o ce at 800-642-1826 and give us your current mailing address so we can keep in contact.

URE is member-owned, so the allocation and return of money in the form of member credits upholds one of our core principles — members’ economic participation. This is the cooperative di erence that separates us from the for-profit utilities that send money to investors.

Receiving these bill credits is just one more benefit of being a member of URE, YOUR electric cooperative.

ALL MEMBERS VOTE FOR ALL DISTRICTS.

This year there also are proposed changes to the code of regulations.

Check your mailbox — your ballot will be arriving soon. You may vote one of three ways: SmartHub mobile app, online through ure.com, or by mail. If you choose to mail in your vote, please mail your ballot early to ensure delivery by the voting deadline of June 1. Winners will be announced at the annual meeting of members on June 3, beginning at 9 a.m.

All candidates were asked to provide the following information:

• List your employment/education/other experience

• What, in your opinion, are the greatest challenges facing the cooperative?

• Why are you interested in becoming a member of the URE Board of Trustees or serving another term?

On pages 18G - 18H, you will find the proposed changes to the code of regulations. We are asking members to approve the indicated changes. A full version of the proposed code of regulations can be found at ure.com/ProposedCodeChanges2023

MAY 2023

Official meeting notice in May OCL magazine

May 14: Latest ballots can be mailed to members (20 days prior to annual meeting)

May 23: Regular May board meeting

JUNE 2023

Members have the option of casting their votes via mail, online, or using the VOTE NOW button on the SmartHub app. A simple how-to guide will be included with your ballot.

CO-OP PRINCIPLE #2 DEMOCRATIC MEMBER CONTROL

As a member, you are an important part of the decision-making and policy-setting at URE.

And that means you have the right to vote annually for your board of trustees.

URE is democratically governed by the members it serves. The strength of the cooperative lies in having a qualified and committed board of trustees. Trustees serve as elected representatives and are accountable to our members.

Two board seats are up for election in 2023: District 3 (Paris Township), and District 6 (Darby Township).

Final meeting notice in June OCL magazine

June 1: Ballots due June 3: Annual meeting, 9 a.m. at URE office Election results announced/swearing-in of trustees

June 27: Reorganization June meeting to elect board officers

Libin Babu | 1036 Watkins Glen Court, Marysville

Employment / Education / Other Experience:

• Lead Design Engineer working for Alten Technology USA.

• Engineer by profession and a Photographer by passion.

• MS degree in engineering management from TRINE University, Indiana.

• Besides volunteering for a cause I believe in, I enjoy learning how things work.

What, in your opinion, are the greatest challenges facing the cooperative in the next three to five years? Since Marysville has experienced power outages in recent years, I anticipate there will be a major need to increase the electricity grid as the business and residential communities grow exponentially in the area.

Why are you interested in becoming a member of the URE Board of Trustees or serving another term? My goal is to expand my knowledge and understanding of the community and to contribute at various levels. I live in a beautiful community that presents me with many opportunities, and I would like to take advantage of them for the benefit of the community where I live and help, thrivE!

Gary Baker | 19466 Paver Barnes, Marysville

Employment / Education / Other Experience:

I was an associate of Honda for 38 years. I started at the motorcycle plant where I became a New Model Project Leader in the paint department. Other experience included monthly ordering of paint & solvents from 5 suppliers. I was the project leader for document retention and “End of Life” for equipment prior to plant closing. I moved to the auto plant where I became a New Model Project Leader in the Vehicle Quality Department, which I maintained till my retirement in 2020. My experience included being the safety leader, leading meetings, setting goals/objectives, budgeting, writing procedures/operation standards to be ISO compliant, and auditing.

What, in your opinion, are the greatest challenges facing the cooperative in the next three to five years? The future challenges include potential cost increase of electricity, natural gas and operation/maintenance,

as well as increased growth in Marysvilleleading to higher demand. New technology may also be available in the next 3-5 years.

Why are you interested in becoming a member of the URE Board of Trustees or serving another term? To help ensure safe operation, reliable service, and readiness for any future challenges, while providing fair and competitive rates. I believe my above mentioned experience and being detail oriented will help to enhance the success of the Cooperative.

DISTRICT 3

Mark Barnes | 1401 Buckmeyer Drive, Marysville

Employment / Education / Other Experience: I have been an active duty Marine for the last 21 years (retiring this year). I enlisted in 2002 (deployments include Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, and two tours in Iraq). In 2016, I decided to become an o cer in the USMC. The last seven years have been primarily in operations management and a trainer for operations management focused on the development of upper level management. We had the opportunity to move back to Ohio in November of 2022 for my final duty station as the Operations O cer for Recruiting Station Columbus. As a Marine, we live by our core values of honor, courage, and commitment. In 2021, I completed the Project Management Professional (PMP) course.

What, in your opinion, are the greatest challenges facing the cooperative in the next three to five years? I believe that the modernization of the electric grids to meet the growing needs is one of the greatest challenges over the next three to five years. The grids must be able to support the

increased power demand as it relates to an increase of electric vehicles (EV).

Why are you interested in becoming a member of the URE Board of Trustees or serving another term? I have served my country faithfully and honorably for the last 21 years of my life. I now want to serve the community where I live. I find great joy in serving and supporting others. In my humble opinion, there is no better way than to do this.

Donald Brown | 411 Buchloe Drive, Marysville

Employment / Education / Other Experience: EMPLOYMENT: For the position I want to highlight my experience as a Senior Investment Analyst. Public Employees Retirement System of Ohio (P.E.R.S. of Ohio) Columbus, Ohio and Principal Global Investors, Des Moines, Iowa.

EDUCATION:

Master of Business Leadership William Penn University, Des Moines, Iowa.

Bachelor of Science, Finance Franklin University, Columbus, Ohio

OTHER EXPERIENCE: Over my career I have consulted with high level management teams in many sectors. My focus was on successful business strategies. My work included industry and macro-economic research in many sectors. My analysis included sectors important to the Utility Industry such as Coal, Natural Gas and Oil. Other sector examples include Energy, Railroad, Capital Goods, and the Basic Materials sectors

What, in your opinion, are the greatest challenges facing the cooperative in the next three to five years? Maintaining energy supplies to provide an e cient, reliable, and a ordable cost to businesses and consumers. Meeting the future energy needs due to growth in our community.

Why are you interested in becoming a member of the URE Board of Trustees or serving another term? My interest will be on the delivery of electric and gas supplies to meet the growth of the community we live in. I want to focus on technological changes to provide energy at a cleaner, a ordable price. A better balance of energy supplies can be integrated into the network on a cost-e cient basis. Our area would benefit from ample supply at the lowest possible cost. I believe my knowledge would be an asset to develop the strategies to achieve the goals for our community.

John Brown | 747 Stallion Way, Marysville

Employment / Education / Other Experience: John serves as an Instructor for Ohio Hi-Point, working at the Marysville Early College High School.

Prior to Hi-Point, John was an executive at Scotts MiracleGro for almost ten years and a director for the global consulting firm PriceWaterhouseCoopers.

He has an MBA from the University of Michigan, where he graduated with High Distinction, and an Engineering degree from Messiah College.

What, in your opinion, are the greatest challenges facing the cooperative in the next three to five years? Maintaining URE’s exceptional reliability and low cost. The US has an aging electrical grid which can impact reliability and cost; replacing this infrastructure will require major capital investments. URE does maintain its own distribution network but relies on others for low cost generation and transmission.

Navigating high inflation and economic uncertainty which puts pressure on members and the co-op. URE will need to navigate the current economic environment carefully managing costs while retaining important talent.

Added to these challenges is an uncertain regulatory environment. Regulation around renewable energy and the promise of electrical vehicles will require carefully planning to keep us ahead of this changing landscape.

Why are you interested in becoming a member of the URE Board of Trustees or serving another term? Marysville has been a great community in which to live. Our family has called Marysville home for the last 15 years and hopefully for many more to come. Community service has always been a big part of our family’s life and I want to continue to give back to our community and contribute to its future success.

Sam Crunkilton | 17679 Dog Leg Road, Marysville

Employment / Education / Other Experience:

• 1976-1985 Scotts Process Operator

• 1985-2021 Honda Associate, Production Sta Weld Quality

1981-2023 Real Estate Sales License

• 1978 Private Pilot License

• 1976 graduate Marysville High School

• 1981 graduate Franklin University Business Administration

What, in your opinion, are the greatest challenges facing the cooperative in the next three to five years? Massive growth central Ohio, maintain excellent service to customers at lowest cost. Take care of current URE employees and make safety their highest priority, without safety nothing else matters.

Why are you interested in becoming a member of the URE Board of Trustees or serving another term? I worked 44 years for the two largest local employers

in a manufacturing environment and feel I understand their basic needs and desires from my background working with them in several large groups of people.

I think it would be nice for someone like me from this large workforce group to represent them that they know and worked with.

DISTRICT 3

Dale Scheiderer | 14021 State Route 736, Marysville

Employment / Education / Other Experience:

• Self-employed farmer

• B.S. Agricultural Education - The Ohio State University

• NRECA Board Leadership and Director Gold Certification

• URE Board of Trustees - 2008-presentcurrently serving as Treasurer

• Champaign Landmark/Heritage Cooperative Board of Directors - 1995-2021

• Paris Township Zoning Commission

- 1993-present - currently serving as Chairman

• St. John’s Lutheran Church - active in numerous roles

What, in your opinion, are the greatest challenges facing the cooperative in the next three to five years? The non-stop growth of Union County and the current cycle of inflation have brought challenges to our board that we have never seen. Addressing the need

to provide for EV’s, integrating alternative energy sources, environmental sensitivity, and growing generation/transmission costs have been regular conversations both at the board table and in continuing education classes. Providing competitive, a ordable and dependable service, insuring safety of our workers, maintaining operational e ciencies, and managing costs at the local level must all be top priority.

Why are you interested in becoming a member of the URE Board of Trustees or serving another term? I am “all in” to be an informed and educated trustee. I feel my experience on the board and being a lifelong Union County resident have allowed me to o er sound and objective input to board decisions. I value our employees, my fellow trustees, my community, and all of you as fellow members. I would be deeply honored to retain your trust for another term and pledge to continue to strive to maintain and protect your growing investment in our Cooperative.

Lesley Verbus | 639 Gallop Lane, Marysville

Employment / Education / Other Experience:

• B.S. in Physics, University of Dayton

• Owner of Linear 1 Technologies

• City of Marysville, Planning Commission

• Union County Joint Recreation District Board

• Main Street Marysville Board - purpose to stimulate uptown economic development

• Mill Valley North HOA Board, Treasurer

• Various City and County advisory groups

As the co-founder of Linear 1 Technologies – a provider of technical business solutions, telecommunications, and Internet services to Central Ohio – I am no stranger to providing utility services.

What, in your opinion, are the greatest challenges facing the cooperative in the next three to five years? A growing Union County requires innovative infrastructure to keep up with the demand of a growing population.

Smart growth should continue to include alternative energy sources while keeping the cost to members at an acceptable rate. This is also a time of increased innovative technologies for energy generation, and this must occur with government regulation and cost in mind. We need to be a supportive employer during this time of growing workforce demands. Compassion, safety, and compensation for our valuable line and production workers must always be a priority.

Why are you interested in becoming a member of the URE Board of Trustees or serving another term? I am continuing to run for this Board because I know my desire to serve this community, my experiences, and my skills as an analyst will aid in the success of the cooperative. In addition to providing safe, e cient, and trustworthy services, I o er a fresh, young perspective from my experience as a business owner and an active member of this community.

Shay Burris | 13835 Robinson Road, Plain City

Employment / Education / Other Experience: Active 28-year veteran of the plastics industry working and living within Union County. My education includes Industrial Engineering at The Ohio State University and Business Management at Franklin University. I am the General Manager overseeing operations at Superior Plastics, Inc. located in Plain City. We supply tight tolerance products to many industries including automotive, construction, childcare, and healthcare. I oversee all company operations and functions at this state of the art, highly automated, modern manufacturing facility located in the heart of Ohio. I am also the President of Burris Unlimited Corporation, a 25-year consulting company to the industry.

What, in your opinion, are the greatest challenges facing the cooperative in the next three to five years? With growth, adequate infrastructure to support the increasing electrical needs and demand is essential. Further, clean, and reliable

electricity is a must for the consumer. With increasing operational costs, measures must be present to minimize and control those expenses. Maintaining competitive rates for the consumer is a primary obligation. It goes without saying, fiscal responsibility, managing infrastructure needs, and company oversight will always be on the short list of continued focus. Lastly, being a steward for the environment should be every company’s endeavor.

Why are you interested in becoming a member of the URE Board of Trustees or serving another term? To serve the community where I live and work. To share the knowledge gained from running a successful company.

Glenna Reed | 16767 Burns Road, Marysville

Employment / Education / Other Experience: In 2013, I retired from UCO Industries, Marysville, Oh. UCO is a Not-For-Profit, ~ $10 Million Annual Revenue company and employs ~ 130 people, including people with Developmental Disabilities. I served there as the CEO. Prior Employment was with Sika Corp, Marion, Ohio, as North American Outsourcing Manager and employment with Sherwin Williams Company Co, Industrial Coatings Division, in numerous Managerial positions in Operational, Technical and Administrative areas. I am a graduate of Franklin University, majoring in Industrial Management. I have also held CPM Certification, Ohio Realtor’s License and attended numerous Technical/Operational Seminars, including APICS training.

What, in your opinion, are the greatest challenges facing the cooperative in the next three to five years? I believe the primary concerns of the customer/member, no matter

what the organization, are Safety, Quality, and Cost. With the rapid growth of our area, there are other imminent challenges. Commercial and Residential development will require more demand, land use issues, additional recruiting/training of a skilled workforce, and everchanging technology. Other potential challenges will be environmental and regulatory demands.

Why are you interested in becoming a member of the URE Board of Trustees or serving another term? Currently I serve, on a volunteer basis, on the Mental Health and Recovery Board of Union County and on the steering Committee for the lifelong Learner Lecture Series. I am a past member of Rotary of Union County, Chamber of Commerce and Personal Needs Pantry. I believe my background in Operations and Community Service would be beneficial to the Board and the Co-op members.

DISTRICT 6

Je Reinhard | 14430 Robinson Road, Plain City

Employment / Education / Other Experience:

• Retired school administrator

• Professional and Personal Leadership Coach Educational Consultant/ Program Facilitator

• Licensed Auctioneer

• B.S., The Ohio State University M.Ed, Xavier University

• Post-degree work: Leadership Coaching; Bereavement Counseling

• NRECA Credentialed Cooperative Director; Credentialed Board Leadership Director; Credentialed Director Gold

• St. John’s Lutheran Church; Coordinator Senior Ministry; Stephens’ Minister

• Ohio FFA Foundation

• Honor Flight Columbus; Union County Foundation Member

• Plain City Historical Society Member

What, in your opinion, are the greatest challenges facing the cooperative in the next three to five years? Managing growth in

our community is one important challenge of the future. Learning and growing to be good neighbors with one another will be significant. Keeping current with technology and innovations, while protecting our environment are additional challenges in the coming years. Continuing to provide economical energy to our members, safely, and without interruption is crucial. As our service demand continues to grow, we must work together to ensure a positive quality of life for the generations to come.

Why are you interested in becoming a member of the URE Board of Trustees or serving another term? If re-elected to serve another term as a URE Trustee, I will continue to team with my fellow board members, its CEO and sta to address current and future needs of the cooperative. I will work diligently to ensure the core beliefs of the coop are upheld; that our cooperative is locally owned and operated; that our consumers come first; and that our CO-OP is always responsive to the needs of its members.

Don Tatman | 14417 Taylor Road, Plain City

Employment / Education / Other Experience:

• 15 years of experience in real estate and facility services.

• Oversight of operating expense and capital budgets, as well as project management.

• Management of utility provider relationships, securing renewable energy credits, and ESG (environmental, social and governance) programs.

• I am actively involved in leadership with Movement church as a small group leader and service team leader.

What, in your opinion, are the greatest challenges facing the cooperative in the next three to five years? I believe that as residential housing, new business, EV charging, and the work from home population continues to grow, one challenge will be providing dependable, sustainable and a ordable service. I also think that the increased demand will require a focus on

attracting and retaining the talent required to overcome those challenges. Lastly, I believe that current and future economic instability could put pressure on local residents and businesses which will require careful management of costs to reduce impact to cooperative members.

Why are you interested in becoming a member of the URE Board of Trustees or serving another term? I am a firm believer in being involved in your community. Since the cooperative is a community of people, I can see no better way to be engaged in and support that community than by contributing my time and e orts. I see joining the URE Board of Trustees as a great opportunity to use my experience and talents as a way to support my community.

PROPOSED CHANGES TO THE CODE OF REGULATIONS

As members of URE, you are critical to the leadership of the company. The May ballot will include the election of two board seats, in addition to proposed changes to the code of regulations. A full version of the proposed code of regulations can be found at ure.com/ ProposedCodeChanges2023.

ARTICLE III SECTION V

SECTION 5. Voting.

a) Each member shall be entitled to one (1) vote and no more upon each matter submitted to a vote. All questions shall be decided by a vote of a majority of the members voting through the voting methods offered by the Cooperative and indicated on the ballot, which may include thereon in person, by mail, by telephone, or by electronic means, including internet voting, except as otherwise provided by law, the Articles of Incorporation or this Code of Regulations subject to provisions outlined in Article 1, Section 2 Joint Membership.

Expands the methods of voting, which may be included by the cooperative to include by telephone. This is a new method in addition to mail and online and increases the flexibility of our voting options.

ARTICLE IV – BOARD OF TRUSTEES – SECTION III –QUALIFICATIONS

SECTION 3. Qualifications. No person shall be eligible to become or remain a member of the Board who:

a)Is not a member and bona fide resident in the particular district within the service area of the Cooperative which is to be represented; or

b) Is in any way employed by or financially interested in a competing enterprise or a business selling electric power and/or energy, or supplies to the Cooperative, or who otherwise is engaged in a activity posing a conflict of interest with the governance of the Cooperative.Is in any way employed by or financially interested in a competing enterprise or a business selling electric power and/or energy or supplies to the Cooperative, or a business primarily engaged in selling electrical or plumbing appliances, fixtures or supplies to the members of the Cooperative; or

c)Is, or has been within five (5) years of the date of the election or proposed appointment, an employee of Union Rural Electric Cooperative, Inc., or any of its subsidiaries, or any other electric cooperative ; or

d)Has been convicted of, or pled guilty to, a felony. Nothing contained in this Section shall affect in any manner whatsoever the validity of any action taken by the Board.

Clarification that members who either work for competing energy companies or companies that supply equipment to the cooperative are not eligible to run for the board. This revision removes an antiquated reference to businesses that sell electrical or plumbing supplies. Both the existing rule and the edit are intended to reduce conflicts of interest.

Employees of URE are currently not allowed to seek election to the board for 5 years after separation of employment. This proposed addition expands the exclusion to members who were employees of other electric cooperatives within the last 5 years. The existing rule and the revision are both intended to prevent disgruntled former cooperative employees from serving on the co-op board for a reasonable cooling off period.

Add “…or pled guilty to” a felony for those excluded from running for, or remaining on, the board. There could be a considerable period between pleading guilty and being convicted of a felony.

ARTICLE VII – NONPROFIT OPERATION – SECTION 2. PATRONAGE CAPITAL

SECTION 2. Patronage Capital . For each good or service provided by the Cooperative on a cooperative basis during a fiscal year, In the furnishing of electric energy the Cooperative’s operation shall be so conducted that all patrons, members and nonmembers alike, will through their patronage furnish capital for the Cooperative. In order to induce patronage and to assure that the Cooperative will operate on a nonprofit basis the Cooperative is obligated to account on a patronage basis to all its patrons, members and nonmembers alike, for all amounts received and receivable from providing the good or servicethe furnishing of electric energy in excess of operating costs and expenses properly chargeable

PROPOSED CHANGES TO THE CODE OF REGULATIONS

against the furnishings of the good or service electric energy. All such amounts in excess of operating costs and expenses at the moment of receipt by the Cooperative are received with the understanding that they are furnished by the patrons, members and nonmembers alike, as capital. The Cooperative is obligated to pay credits to a capital account for each patron all such amounts in excess of operating costs and expenses. Consistent with this bylaw, the allocation of capital credits is in the discretion of the Board and the Board shall determine the manner, method, and timing of allocating capital credits. As reasonable and fair, the Cooperative may allocate capital credits to classes of similarly situated patrons under different manners, methods, and timing, provided the Cooperative allocates capital credits to similarly situated patrons under the same manner, method, and timing. The books and records of the Cooperative shall be set up and kept in such a manner that at the end of each fiscal year the amount of capital, if any, so furnished by each patron is clearly reflected and credited in an appropriate record to the capital account of each patron, and the Cooperative shall within a reasonable time after the close of the fiscal year notify each patron of the amount of capital so credited to the member’s account. All such amounts credited to the capital account of any patron shall have the same status as though they had been paid to the patron in cash in pursuance of a legal obligation to do so and the patron had then furnished the Cooperative corresponding amounts for capital.

All other amounts received by the Cooperative from its operations in excess of costs and expenses shall, insofar as permitted by law, be a) used to offset any losses incurred during the current or any prior fiscal year and b) to the extent not needed for that purpose, allocated to its patrons on a patronage basis and any amount so allocated shall be included as part of the capital credited to the accounts of patrons, as herein provided.

In the event of dissolution or liquidation of the Cooperative, after all outstanding indebtedness of the Cooperative shall have been paid, outstanding capital credits shall be retired without priority on a pro rata basis before any payments are made on account of property rights of members. If, at any time prior to dissolution or liquidation, the Board shall determine that the financial condition of the Cooperative will not be impaired thereby,

the capital credited to patrons’ accounts may be retired in full or in part. Any such retirements of capital shall be made in such order of priority as the Board may determine in the reasonable exercise of its discretion; provided, however, that nothing herein shall be construed as impairing or limiting the Cooperative’s right to set off capital credit against obligations due the Cooperative by a member. Consistent with this bylaw, the retirement and payment of capital credits are in the discretion of the Board and the Board shall determine the manner, method, and timing of retiring and paying capital credits. As reasonable and fair, the Cooperative may retire and pay capital credits to classes of similarly situated patrons under different manners, methods, and timing, provided the Cooperative retires and pays capital credits to similarly situated patrons under the same manner, method, and timing. Provided, however, that the Board shall have the power to adopt rules providing for the separate retirement of that portion (“power supply portion”) of capital credited to the accounts of patrons which corresponds to capital credited to the account of the Cooperative by an organization furnishing electric service to the Cooperative. Such rules shall a) establish a method for determining the power supply portion of capital credited to each patron for each applicable fiscal year, b) provide for separate identification on the Cooperative’s books of the power supply portion of capital credited to the Cooperative’s patrons and c) provide for appropriate notifications to patrons with respect to the power supply portion of capital credited to their accounts.

The proposed revisions in this section further clarify that for different classes of customers, such as residential and industrial classes, the Board may utilize different calculations and methods for the allocation and retirement of capital credits as long as the calculations and methods are applied similarly within classes. Because of the unique characteristics of each class of customers, it is important the Cooperative be able to build up sufficient equity within each customer class before retiring capital credits regardless of the equity level in each of the other classes. The potential of larger and larger industrial loads leads URE management and the Board to recommend this change to protect both the financial state of the Cooperative and to allow for uninterrupted retirement of capital credits to our existing classes of customers.

Y ’re Invited!

2023 URE Annual Meeting of Members

Saturday, June 3

Hosted at URE O ce 15461 US Highway 36, Marysville, OH 43040

Registration begins at 8:30 a.m. Business meeting begins at 9:00 a.m.

URE members are invited to hear about the state of the cooperative and learn about its future at this business meeting. Members attending the meeting will have the chance to win one of 12 $100 energy credits. After the meeting, enjoy a Dilly Bar – our treat!

NEW! INCREASED BILL CREDIT FOR ATTENDING. Each membership will receive a $15 energy credit just for attending, a ra e ticket for a chance to win even more energy credits, and a small gift.

many thanks... FROM FAIRBANKS

ELEMENTARY

We were thrilled to receive a large envelope filled with Thank You cards from Tina Hall’s fifth grade classes. From the looks of these notes, they are enjoying the Green Machine and learning a lot about solar energy.

OPERATION ROUND UP UPDATE: BILL

THAMAN FAREWELL

The Operation Round Up board extends its gratitude to Bill Thaman for his six years of service on the board. Bill’s final meeting was in March, and he has reached the maximum number of years allowed under term limits.

Bill served as treasurer of the board for the past five years of his term. Board President Je Grose says, “The members of the Operation Round Up Board want to thank Bill for his commitment and dedication to the board. Knowing Bill over the past 20 years, he has brought dignity, leadership, and direction to this board. We are truly grateful for his years of service.”

Becky Wever of Marysville will take Bill’s place on the board. Operation Round Up board member, Sally Ward says, “Becky has been an active leader in our community for quite some time. Her enthusiastic love for URE and her outstanding leadership and organizational skills will be a definite asset to the Operation Round Up Board. She considers it an honor to serve in this capacity!”

URE office will be closed Monday, May 29. As we honor the brave men and women lost in the pursuit of freedom.

ANNIVERSARY MILESTONES

In March, the URE safety committee hosted its annual safety meeting. Brian Dostanko, human resource director from the City of Marysville, presented about the qualities of a leader and being aware of warehouse and pole yard safety.

Six URE employees received special recognition at the annual safety meeting for their years of service at URE. They represent a combined total of 110 years of experience.

Welcome DARON DOWNS

Daron joined URE in March as a line technician/journeyman. He was born in Columbus, Ohio, and raised in Urbana. His parents were in the United States Army and stationed in Linworth, Ohio. A graduate of Urbana High School, he attended the Ohio Peace O cers Training Academy, where he graduated with honors. He was commissioned with the Clark County Sheri ’s O ce, where he began as a road deputy, and then became an investigator, with training as an evidence technician.

He also graduated from Illinois Power Line School in order to perform lineman duties for AES. Upon leaving AES, his position with the company was a troubleman / first responder.

Daron says, “I am married to the love of my life, Samantha, and have two wonderful children, Amber and Preston. I like to fly remote control airplanes and have an extreme addiction to playing golf. I attend The United Church of Christ in Christian Union in Urbana. I volunteer, when possible, to counsel troubled children and teens.”

TWO-YEAR PATH SCHOLARSHIPS

Area schools have increased programming and curricula focusing on career readiness, STEM, and other academic programs in high-demand employment fields. Because URE wanted to ensure our scholarship programs keep pace with the pathways today’s students are exploring, in 2021 we added a new scholarship opportunity for high school seniors planning to continue their education at either a community college or technical school. Congratulations to these two-year path scholarship winners!

RECORD NUMBER OF APPLICATIONS!

Each year, the URE scholarship program seeks out the best of the best among area high school seniors. URE o ers scholarship opportunities for high school seniors whose households receive electric service from URE. All 30 candidates who applied for scholarships this year had strong academic records as well as heavy involvement in their community and school activities.

“The quality and depth of this year’s class of candidates blew us away,” said Mike Aquillo, URE’s

CXO and vice president for member services, who led a committee of three people charged with the di cult task of choosing scholarship winners. “We had our largest ever pool of highly qualified applicants, whose credentials included high academic achievement, outstanding extracurricular involvement and leadership, meaningful community service, and an impressive understanding of the cooperative business model.”

The committee interviewed 17 outstanding candidates. On top of their impressive resumes, these finalists had to

FOUR-YEAR PATH SCHOLARSHIPS

For many years, URE has provided scholarships for students planning to continue their educations at four-year colleges or universities. This year, all three four-year path winners impressed the judges with their vison of their future in addition to being able to articulate what they have learned about the cooperative business model. Join us in congratulating these outstanding students on all their accomplishments!

2ND PLACE

FOUR-YEAR PATH

MARYSVILLE EARLY COLLEGE HIGH SCHOOL

demonstrate excellent verbal communication skills and knowledge of the electric cooperative system in a panel interview. It was a very di cult process, but the committee narrowed the field down to these five places.

CANNON MOSER

1ST PLACE

FOUR-YEAR PATH

MARYSVILLE EARLY COLLEGE HIGH SCHOOL

URE’s four-year path first-place winner, Cannon Moser, will compete against representatives from each of Ohio’s 24 electric cooperatives in a contest for additional scholarship awards. Statewide winners will be announced next month.

3RD PLACE

FOUR-YEAR PATH

FAIRBANKS HIGH SCHOOL

Help Us Serve You Better

Give us your thoughts and opinions about

This month, URE will be working with NRECA Market Research Services to complete a member satisfaction survey.

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

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

All information is confidential.

How a Safe Step Walk-In Tub can change your life

Remember when…

Think about the things you loved to do that are dif cult today — going for a walk or just sitting comfortably while reading a book. And remember the last time you got a great night’s sleep?

As we get older, health issues or even everyday aches, pains and stress can prevent us from enjoying life.

So what’s keeping you from having a better quality of life?

Check all the conditions that apply to you.

Personal Checklist:

Arthritis Dry Skin

Insomnia Anxiety

Diabetes Mobility Issues

Lower Back Poor Pain Circulation

Then read on to learn how a Safe Step Walk-In Tub can help. Feel better, sleep better, live better

A Safe Step Walk-In Tub lets you indulge in a warm, relaxing bath that can help relieve life’s aches, pains and worries.

A Safe Step Tub can help increase mobility, boost energy and improve sleep.

It’s got everything you should look for in a walk-in tub:

• Heated Seat – Providing soothing warmth from start to nish.

• MicroSoothe® Air Therapy System – helps oxygenate and soften skin while offering therapeutic bene ts.

• Pain-relieving therapy – Hydro massage jets target sore muscles and joints.

• Safety features – Low step-in, grab bars and more can help you bathe safely and maintain your independence.

• Free Shower Package – shower while seated or standing.

Those magnificent men and their flying machines

The National Museum of the U.S. Air Force celebrates its centennial.

Born and raised in Columbus, Air Force General Curtis LeMay studied engineering at Ohio State University and launched his military career in his hometown by learning to fly at old Norton Field. The bombing raids he directed during World War II clinched Lemay’s reputation as a disciplinarian, and in 1948, the cigar-chomping general known as “Old Iron Pants” was tapped to oversee operations for the Berlin Airlift.

Code-named Operation Vittles, the airlift famously foiled a Soviet Union blockade with nonstop cargo flights that delivered life-saving food and fuel to beleaguered West Berliners.

One airlift pilot, Lt. Russ Steber, took along his newly adopted boxer rather than leave the pup alone during the lengthy missions. The dog became such a familiar part of the airlift, Steber even had a parachute made for him. Eventually, LeMay learned of the stowaway, and Steber expected to be in big trouble. Instead, the general told Steber his dog was a great morale booster and promptly named him “Vittles.”

Fortunately, Vittles never needed the parachute, and the National Museum of the United States Air Force now showcases Vittles’ full flight gear in its Berlin Airlift exhibit. “LeMay was a gruff commander,” says museum historian Douglas Lantry, “but our Vittles display gives people insight into his humanitarian impulses in the midst of a difficult and dangerous job.”

The Air Force Museum is located on Wright-Patterson Air Force Base outside of Dayton, where Orville and Wilbur Wright invented the airplane. It’s the world’s largest military aviation museum, boasting more than 350 aerospace vehicles and missiles plus countless artifacts that range from wind tunnel to videos of Bob Hope entertaining airmen in Vietnam to the Distinguished Service Cross that General Dwight Eisenhower personally presented to World War II’s “Ace of Aces” — and Piqua native — Capt. Don Gentile.

a 1918 Eisenhower

The Air Force Museum, which turns 100 this year, is also the world’s oldest military aviation museum, and although it currently consists of four hangar-style buildings containing over 19 acres of exhibit space, the museum’s origin was

considerably more modest. It began in May 1923, when personnel at Dayton’s McCook Field amassed numerous aircraft engines and other equipment in the corner of a hangar and invited the public to have a look. Because of Dayton’s rich tradition of innovation, the Army Air Service (the Air Force’s precursor) had established McCook Field as its aviation research and development center in 1917. A decade later, the burgeoning research facilities and budding museum permanently moved to Wright Field at present-day Wright-Patterson AFB.

Today, the Air Force Museum ranks among Ohio’s most popular attractions, annually drawing about a million visitors from around the globe. While people certainly come for its unrivaled array of aircraft, they also discover that the museum preserves remarkable stories about individuals, technological milestones, and American culture. “The museum’s starting point coincides with the United States emerging as a world power,” notes Lantry, “and its collections illustrate the tremendous changes occurring during the last 100 years.”

For the museum’s centennial, Lantry is helping to curate a special heritage exhibit. “We’ll be displaying many archival materials that people practically never get to see.” Those rare items include the handwritten diary kept by World War I ace and Medal of Honor recipient Eddie Rickenbacker as well as historic B-17 technical manuals that the museum’s restoration staff used to piece together the iconic World War II bomber, Memphis Belle

Admission and parking are free at the National Museum of the United States Air Force, and its family-friendly 100th anniversary celebrations will include a centennial exhibit scheduled to open May 20; an ongoing Enlisted Forces exhibit; and a Planes, Trains, and Automobiles model event. Other activities and events will be added throughout 2023. For details and dates, telephone 937-255-3286 or visit www.nationalmuseum.af.mil.

“Every visitor should see the Memphis Belle exhibit, because it represents the lives of 30,000 airmen lost in the air battles over Europe,” says Lantry. “The plane is the equivalent of the Iwo Jima Memorial as an emotional touchstone for service and sacrifice.”

Of course, Memphis Belle is hardly the only storied item in the museum, and in a nod to the museum’s centennial, Lantry has selected 10 other must-see exhibits that embody the history of military aviation and the nation.

Wright 1909 Military Flyer

The Wright brothers built the world’s first military airplane — Signal Corps Airplane No. 1 — for the U.S. Army. Though it’s a reproduction, the exhibit features an engine donated by Orville Wright. “It’s worth seeing,” says Lantry. “Compared to today’s technology, the Military Flyer was on a completely different planet.”

De Haviland DH- 4 (aka the “Liberty Plane”)

A wood and fabric biplane, the DH-4 was World War I’s only American-made combat aircraft, and its Liberty 12 engine was developed at McCook Field. Says Lantry, “Liberty Planes taught lots of Americans how to fly and lots of Americans how to make airplanes.”

B-29 “Bockscar”

The airplane that ended World War II: “After it dropped the second atomic bomb on Nagasaki,” Lantry says, “Japan surrendered.”

Cold War Gallery’s B-36J Peacemaker

A strategic bomber that embodies America’s commitment to air power in the 1950s. “It was called the Peacemaker,” Lantry says, “because of its ability to deliver nuclear weapons anywhere in the world.”

SR-71A “Blackbird”

The futuristic-looking spy plane flew from 1966 to 1990. “It’s world-renowned for being the fastest aircraft ever built,” Lantry says, “an outstanding example of American aircraft design and engineering.”

The F-86A Sabre and MiG-15

The American F-86 and Soviet MiG are displayed side by side because their Korean War dogfights represent the birth of modern air combat. “These jets changed the whole calculus of what airplanes could do and how they should be used in combat.”

The Presidential Gallery’s SAM 26000

Delivered to the Air Force in 1962, it was the first jet aircraft specifically built for U.S. presidents. On November 22, 1963, this Air Force One took John Kennedy to Dallas and later returned the assassinated president’s body to Washington, D.C. “The SAM 26000 transported eight presidents,” notes Lantry, “and was the vehicle for many historical moments like Johnson’s swearing-in and Nixon’s trip to China.”

B-52D Stratofortress

B-52 heavy bombers have been the Air Force’s global workhorse since 1955. “B-52s symbolize American air power, and their shape is unmistakable.”

Apollo 15 Command Module Endeavour

Launched in 1971, Apollo 15 was the first moon landing mission to both emphasize science and use a lunar rover vehicle. Says Lantry, “It was the only Apollo mission with an all-Air Force crew and demonstrates the service’s commitment to human space flight.”

Titan IVB Rocket

Used from 1996 to 2005, Titan IVBs were powerful, singleuse rockets that launched everything from meteorological satellites to the Cassini-Huygens space probe that revealed the wonders of Saturn. “It’s 204 feet long and superimpressive to see or stand under,” says Lantry.

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Hunting Giants

Spring comes into full bloom in May. White dogwood sepals spangle the hillsides, and the fronds of deciduous trees everywhere produce those fresh wet-lime tender shoots that will soon become the full, flat leaves that provide welcome cooling shade in the sweltering summer sure to follow.

Ohio has some big trees, and Marc DeWerth of Columbia Station has made it his mission to locate and educate — to find massive old trees and tell others about them. “Big tree education,” he calls it. DeWerth, an amateur naturalist and self-trained forester and arborist, lectures to groups large and small on the matter of forestry, land management, and tree conservation. He consults tree owners on proper care of their trees and lots.

For DeWerth, it’s a moral imperative. “People need to know about nature,” he says. “We need to look up — there is so much to see and learn in nature. I want youth to understand the significance of Ohio’s trees.”

The interest in trees and forestry came by surprise. When he worked in business and finance, DeWerth spent a great deal of time on the road, off the beaten path, throughout Ohio. That first profession taught him to converse with most anyone in any station, making it easy to naturally reach out when he noticed a big red oak here, a shagbark hickory there. What started as a light hobby has blossomed into a major endeavor: documenting the biggest — and by default some of the oldest — trees that persist in Ohio, from Harrison to Hartsgrove, Pioneer to Pomeroy.

An amateur naturalist has made it his mission to seek out the biggest trees in the state.

That trees approaching half a millennium in age exist anywhere in Ohio is remarkable, considering history.

At the beginning of the historic period, the land was heavily forested. Henry Howe, in his 1907 Historical Collections of Ohio, noted that in 1834, “The trees were mostly oak, and of the finest growth. Their noble stems ran up some hundred feet above you and were beautifully feathered with verdant foliage. They ran off in the distance, park like, but grander far, in admirable groupings, forming avenues, galleries and recesses, redolent, with solemn loveliness, and here they stood before you like the thousand pillars of one vast imperishable temple for the worship of the Great Invisible.”

Grand as they were, the forests gradually perished by axe and fire to make way for the plow. Some, however, were spared in the odd farm lot or the ribbon-like bands of woods that mark a stream course, and DeWerth continues to find them. He has successfully nominated 17 species of champion trees (the biggest in the state) with the Ohio Division of Forestry. Four of those are national champions.

Think of it: a green ash in Logan County, nearly 20 feet in circumference and 92 feet tall; a northern red oak in Ashtabula County, 28 feet around and towering into the sky, harkening Howe’s locution — verdant, grand, and solemn.

While not every big tree is a champion, DeWerth collects data from 40 of Ohio’s 243 tree species and shares it with the Ohio Division of Forestry. He has a significant social media presence on Facebook and Instagram, where he shares photographs of the massive trees (though never locations of those on private land). Search “Big Trees Ohio” and prepare to be awestruck.

DeWerth started collecting big-tree data in earnest in 2015 and has met people of all stripes. He found a sycamore that could house a family of four (albeit tightly) in its hollowed bole, and happened upon a substantial American chestnut in Summit County that has fruited — extraordinary because the species is considered functionally extirpated by blight.

He plans to continue his searches. “We have amazing trees waiting to be found,” he says. “I have dreams of finding more champion trees.”

If you know of a tree DeWerth might want to check out, he welcomes email at bigtreesohio@gmail.com.

Your Local WaterFurnace Dealers

Bowling Green

United Home Comfort (419) 352-7092

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

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Chillicothe

Accurate Htg & Clg (740) 775-5005

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Coldwater Ray’s Refrigeration (419) 678-8711

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Columbus Geo Source One (614) 873-1140

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Defiance Schlatters Plbg & Htg (419) 393-4690

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Dresden

Federal Htg & Clg (740) 754-4328

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

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Gahanna Custom A/C & Htg (614) 552-4822

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Groveport Patriot Air (614) 577-1577

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Holgate Holgate Hardware (419) 264-3012

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

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Sarka Electric (419) 532-3492

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Lancaster Fairfield Heating (740) 653-6421

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Mansfield Eberts Energy Center (419) 589-2000

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

Medina Sisler Heating (330) 722-7101

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

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New Knoxville New Knoxville Supply (419) 753-2444

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Newark Hottinger Geothermal (740) 323-2330

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Sidney Lochard Inc. (937) 492-8811

Sunbury

Westin Air (614) 794-1259

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Toledo

Overcashier & Horst (419) 841-3333

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

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Wellington Wellington Indoor Comfort (440) 647-3421

Roadway robots

Sam Bell, a retired auto mechanic, and Wyatt Newman, a retired Case Western Reserve University professor of electrical engineering, have been friends and bicycling buddies for years. “We talk about everything on our rides,” Bell says. “We make bad jokes, we laugh, and we complain.”

On one of their rides, for example, Bell recalls telling Newman how frustrated he was that his suburban hometown city council couldn’t approve funds for bike lane markings. Told by city officials that it would take $30,000, Bell wondered why it cost so much for such a seemingly mundane task. There were several answers, but the main reason was the cost of person-power both to paint the markings and to maintain them, since waterbased paint fades quickly.

Newman’s response, as it often is when Bell complains about human folly: “Can we get a robot to do it?”

Not long after, the pair launched RoadPrintz, LLC.

The common, labor-intensive practice is that all those turn arrows, handicapped space designations, sharrows (shared lane markings), and other specialty markers are stenciled by hand. It’s not only costly, it puts America’s road workers in danger every time they do their jobs. RoadPrintz changes that by producing a truck-mounted robotic arm that can paint even custom markings that are too complicated for striping trucks.

“My favorite part of the process is when the robotic arm is mounted on the truck,” Newman noted. Their first truckmounted robotic arm, called Lester, was a prototype. They worked out some kinks in their second truck, Stella, and the current iteration, Electra, “is a template for manufacturing vehicles for our customers,” Newman says.

Bell and Newman had collaborated before. They worked together on a Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) competition in 2007 to build a vehicle capable of autonomous operation in an

urban environment — Bell working on the automotive aspects while Newman took on the robotics. It was that experience that led them to believe they could make a concept like RoadPrintz actually come together. Why would a municipality, department of transportation, or other potential customer want to buy an Electra or one of its progeny? “Cleveland, Cincinnati, or Columbus would benefit because the person-hours would be cut in half,” says Newman. He explains that when specialty road markings are painted manually, several trucks and a fourperson crew are involved, including flaggers and a couple of painters. With a RoadPrintz robotic arm-mounted truck (that can do the pre-work coning automatically), only two trucks and their drivers are required. The painting is accomplished robotically from inside the truck. “We don’t want the driver to get out. That’s when bad things happen,” notes Newman.

Newman and Bell can rattle off national statistics about how many road workers are injured and killed doing precisely the work these robotic arms can do. Those numbers hit home last August in Stow, Ohio, when a driver careened into a coned-off work zone, critically injuring the two workers who were painting a crosswalk at an intersection. Impaired or careless drivers may always be a threat, but the damage they do will be greatly reduced if they collide with a huge truck versus workers protected only by cones.

RoadPrintz has conducted successful demonstrations of its technology in northeast Ohio, including painting bike lanes on the Payne Avenue Bridge over Cleveland’s Innerbelt with green boxes, white bike symbols, and white arrows. Bell and Newman estimate that a typical long-line road painting truck can sell for about $500,000 “RoadPrintz expects to be about 20 percent cheaper,” notes Newman.

For more information, visit www.roadprintz.com. To see the company’s video of the process, search “Road Printz” on YouTube.

Ohio’s road princes invent a safer way to paint all those sharrows, arrows, lines, and other markings on the street.

CALENDAR

MAY 20 – Antique Car Gathering, Sauder Village, 22611 St. Rte. 2, Archbold, 10 a.m.–5 p.m. See cars older than 1942, with some dating back to the early 1900s. 800590-9755 or https://saudervillage.org.

MAY 20 – Family Fun Day: “End of the School Year,” Northwest Ohio Railroad Preservation Inc., 12505 Co. Rd. 99, Findlay, 1–4 p.m. $5. Enjoy games, quarter-scale train rides, bounce house, and other fun activities and events. 419-423-2995, www.nworrp.org, or www. facebook.com/nworrp.

motorcycle show Sunday. 937-596-6812 or www.buckeyefarmantiques.com.

MAY 27 – Memorial Day Service, Perry’s Victory and International Peace Memorial, 93 Delaware Ave., Put-inBay, 10–11 a.m. Free. 419-285-2184 or www.nps.gov/pevi/ index.htm.

THROUGH MAY 28 – Chunky Knit Blanket Workshop, Vandermark Estate and Events Venue, 9095 Spencerville Rd., Spencerville, 2–5 p.m. $40. Learn step by step how to hand knit a beautiful and cozy chunky chenille blanket. www.thevandemarkestate.com/book-online.

THROUGH AUG. 4 – Limaland Motorsports Park Races, 1500 Dutch Hollow Rd., Lima, 7:30–10:30 p.m. Sprints, UMP Modifieds, Thunderstocks, and more! Pit gates open at 4:30 p.m., grandstand gates at 5 p.m., warmup laps begin at 6:30 p.m. See website for updated information. www.limaland.com.

THROUGH SEP. 10 – NWORRP Museum Summer Hours, Northwest Ohio Railroad Preservation Inc., 12505 Co. Rd. 99, Findlay, Sat./Sun. 1–4 p.m. $3; 12 and under, $2. Museum tours, quarter-scale train rides, model train displays, games, play area, and more. 419-423-2995, www.nworrp.org, or www.facebook.com/nworrp.

MAY 12–21 – Four Weddings and an Elvis, Encore Theatre, 991 N. Shore Dr., Lima, Fri./Sat. 8 p.m., Sun. 2 p.m. A romantic comedy set in a Las Vegas wedding chapel that hosts four of the most memorable ceremonies you will ever see. 419-223-8866 or www. amiltellers.org.

MAY 18–21 – Armed Forces Day Celebration, Hancock Co. Fgds., Findlay, Thur.–Sat. 9 a.m.–7 p.m., Sun. 9 a.m.–noon. Adults $10, C. (6–17) $5, under 6 free. This year is the “Mule Muster”! See American Huey 360 and UH-1B Gunship 049, military vehicles and weapons displays, flamethrower demos, living history displays, reenactments, and more. www.findlaymilitaryshow.org.

MAY 19–20 – Hamler Country Fest, St. Rte. 109, Hamler. $30; 16 and under free with paid adult admission. Two days of great country music and fun. Open seating under roof; bring lawn chairs. Primitive on-site camping available. 419-748-7459 or www. hamlercountryfest.com.

WEST VIRGINIA

MAY 20 – “Walk Your Socks Off,” Tawawa Park, Sidney, 10 a.m.–noon. Help raise awareness for our local Down syndrome community with this celebration walk. Scavenger hunt, dance party and DJ, bounce houses, awards ceremony, food, and more. Register, donate, or sponsor at www.mvdsa.org/news-and-events/upcomingevents/walk-your-socks-off.html.

MAY 20–21 – Settlers’ Encampment, AuGlaize Village, 12296 Krouse Rd., Defiance, Sat. 10 a.m.–5 p.m., Sun. 10 a.m.–4 p.m. $5, under 13 free. Step back in time to 1750–1815 and see how settlers survived. Demos and instructions ranging from plant dying and food preparation to the fur trade and weapons of that era. 419-990-0107 or www.auglaizevillage.com.

MAY 20–21, JUN. 10–11 – The Fantastic Tiffin Flea Market, Seneca Co. Fgds., 100 Hopewell Ave., Tiffin, Sat. 9 a.m.–4 p.m., Sun. 9 a.m.–3 p.m., rain or shine. Free; handicapped accessible. 250 to 400 dealers per show. Food available for purchase. 419-447-9613 or www. tiffinfleamarket.com.

MAY 20–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.

MAY 21 – Shelby County Coin Club Coin Show, American Legion Post 217, 1265 Fourth Ave., Sidney, 10 a.m.–3 p.m. 937-339-5437

MAY 25–29 – Main Street Port Clinton Walleye Festival, Waterworks Park, Port Clinton. Free live concerts, kids’ fishing derby, grande parade, educational programs/activities, carnival rides, and more than 130 vendors. 419-734-5503 or www.walleyefestival.com.

MAY 26–28 – Buckeye Farm Antiques Annual Show, Shelby Co. Fgds., 655 S. Highland Ave, Sidney, Fri./Sat. 9 a.m.–7 p.m., Sun. 9 a.m.–4 p.m. Featuring Allis Chalmers tractors and engines. Tractor pull, flea market, crafts, kids’ activities, and other entertainment; car, truck, and

MAY 13–21 – West Virginia Strawberry Festival, downtown Buckhannon. Food vendors specializing in strawberry treats of all kinds, arts and crafts show, horse and carriage parade, carnival, exhibits, and much more! 304-472-9036 or www. wvstrawberryfestival.com.

JUN. 3 – Taste of Parkersburg, corner of Market and 3rd Sts., Parkersburg, 5–11 p.m. Savor food, wine, and beer from local restaurants. 304-865-0522 or www.downtownpkb.com.

JUN. 9–11 – Fostoria Glass Society of America’s Glass Show and Sale, Moundsville Center Bldg., 901 Eighth St., Moundsville. Featuring glassware by Fostoria, Imperial, Morgantown, Cambridge, Fenton, and others, including Depression glassware. 304-242-3176 or www.fostoriaglass.org.

MAY 29 – Memorial Day Parade, downtown Lima, 10 a.m. Parade honoring all those who served; includes military flyover. Wreath-laying service at VFW Post 1275 after parade, with food trucks, hog roast, and trophy awards at 311 E. Market St. after ceremony. www. visitgreaterlima.com/calendar.

MAY 30–JUL. 21 – “All Together Now”: Summer Library Program, Shelby County Libraries, in Anna, Botkins, Ft. Loramie, Jackson Center, Russia, and Sidney. Join us for a variety of themed programs, special guests, crafts, snacks, and more, plus prizes once you complete your program goals. Sign up at any of our six locations. www.shelbycountylibraries.org.

JUN. 3 – Fiberpalooza Festival, AuGlaize Village 12296 Krouse Rd., Defiance, 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Demonstrations of spinning, weaving, sewing, and quilting on fiber equipment of various time periods. 419-990-0107, villageauglaize@gmail.com, or www.auglaizevillage.com.

JUN. 3–4 – Power of Yesteryear Club Annual Spring Show, Wood County Historical Museum, 13660 County Home Rd., Bowling Green. Featuring Minneapolis Moline tractors and equipment. poycmail@yahoo.com or www. powerofyesteryear.org.

JUN. 7 – Down on the Farm Story Time, Proving Ground Farm, 5670 E. Twp. Rd. 138, Tiffin, 10 a.m. Stories and activities are geared for preschool-age children and focus on farming and nature in a picturesque outdoor setting. Families always welcome! 419-447-7073, www.conservesenecacounty.com, or follow Seneca Conservation District on Facebook.

JUN. 10 – Antique Tractor Show, Sauder Village, 22611 St. Rte. 2, Archbold, 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Historic tractors from the 1920s to the 1960s. 800-590-9755 or www. saudervillage.org.

JUN. 10–11 – Antique Tractor Show/Pulls and Flea Market, AuGlaize Village, 12296 Krouse Rd., Defiance, Sat. 9 a.m.–7 p.m., Sun. 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Antique tractors and hit-miss engines. Antique tractor pulls Sat. 10 a.m.–3 p.m. with a small connect fee. Trophies and prize money awarded. 419-990-0107, villageauglaize@gmail.com, or www.auglaizevillage.com.

Get listed in our calendar

Submit listings AT LEAST 90 DAYS prior to the event to Ohio Cooperative Living, 6677 Busch Blvd., Columbus, OH 43229 or email events@ohioec.org. Ohio Cooperative Living will not publish listings that don’t include a complete address or a number/website for more information.

2023 CALENDAR

recommended. In the event of rain, the concert will be held at Fisher Auditorium, 1680 Madison Ave., Wooster 44691 419-853-6016 or www.ormaco.org.

MAY 26–JUL. 29 – “Susan Cook’s Award-Winning Quilts,” McCook House Museum, Carrollton, Fri./Sat. 10 a.m.–5 p.m. $3. Susan has completed more than 200 quilts and has given away machine-made quilts to veterans, cancer patients, and many others. This exhibit features hand-sewn projects only. 330-437-9715 or kathorn4120@gmail.com.

chairs, blankets, and picnic food. In event of rain, the concert will be held at the United Church of Christ, 217 East Liberty St., Medina 44256 419-853-6016 or www. ormaco.org.

JUN. 3 – Lorain County Beekeepers Association HandsOn Field Day, Queen Right Colonies, 43655 St. Rte. 162, Spencer, 10 a.m. www.loraincountybeekeepers.org.

MAY 20 – The Homestead Rendezvous, 724 Monroe St., Bergholz, 9 a.m.–3 p.m. Free homesteading event featuring a farmers market, natural resources educational displays and demonstrations, homestead and small farm equipment, workshops, and much more. Family friendly; no pets, please. 740-768-2483 or www.facebook.com/ homesteadrendezvous.

MAY 20 – Model Train Days, Painesville Railroad Museum (Painesville Depot), 475 Railroad St., Painesville, 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Adult $5, child (3–12) $3, family $12. Twelve different operating modular layouts in N scale, HO scale, S gauge, O gauge, and G gauge; model train flea market. 216-470-5780 (Tom) or www. painesvillerailroadmuseum.org.

MAY 20 – Vintage Tea, Chatham Township Community Center, 6306 Avon Lake Rd., Spencer, 11:30 a.m.–2 p.m. $25 presale. Features wedding dresses through the years. Special luncheon and raffle baskets. Contact Sarah Bistline at 330-606-6609.

MAY 26 – Music at the Arboretum: NEO5 Brass Quintet, John Streeter Garden Amphitheater, 2122 Williams Rd., Wooster, 6:30–8:30 p.m. Free, but registration is

MAY 27–28 – Great Lakes Fiber Show, Wayne Co. Fgds., 199 Vancouver St., Wooster. Free. Workshops, competitions, wool fleece show and sale, craft activities, vendors, Angora rabbit show, and special presentation on livestock guardian dogs. 740-686-2172 or www. greatlakesfibershow.com.

MAY 31 – Bike Week Dice Run, Kelleys Island, 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Participants will experience an exciting tour of the island while completing a scavenger hunt and collecting dice rolls at a variety of local businesses. 419-746-2360 or www.kelleysislandchamber.com.

JUN. 1–AUG. 3 – Fort Steuben Summer Concert Series, Fort Steuben Park, 120 S. 3rd St., Steubenville, Thur. 7–9 p.m. Free. Bring a blanket and picnic basket and enjoy a variety of live musical performances. 740-283-1787 or www.oldfortsteuben.com.

JUN. 2 – First Fridays on Fourth, 155 N. 4th St., Steubenville, 6–10 p.m. Free. Monthly themed celebration featuring art, crafts, games, food trucks, live entertainment, and activities to stimulate the imagination. www.theharmoniumproject.org/first-Fridays.

JUN. 3 – Jazz under the Stars: Groove Tonic, Uptown Park, Medina, 7–9 p.m. Free. Enjoy a night of eclectic music from this high-energy ensemble. Bring your lawn

Park, 1000 Carillon Blvd., Dayton, noon–7 p.m. $10–$14 Celebrates Dayton’s unparalleled history through special activities, costumed interpreters, and more, concluding with a concert by the Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra. 937-293-2841 or www.daytonhistory.org/events/specialevents.

MAY 28 – White Water Shaker Village Open House, 11813 Oxford Rd., Harrison, 2–5 p.m. Free. Tour the Village, learn about the daily life of a Shaker and the styles of businesses Shakers conducted, and see our collection of Shaker goods. friendsofwwsv@gmail.com or www.whitewatervillage.org.

JUN. 3–4 – Ohio Valley Frontier Days, Historic Fort Steuben, 120 S. 3rd St., Steubenville. $6, child (6–12) $3, under 6 free. Annual festival featuring soldier, settler, surveyor, and Native American reenactors re-creating life on the Ohio frontier; includes crafts, games, food, and entertainment. 740-283-1787 or www.oldfortsteuben.com.

JUN. 4 – Kelleys Island 5 & 10K Run/Walk, begins at Memorial Park, 112 Division St., Kelleys Island. Registration begins at 8 a.m., race at 10:45 a.m., followed by awards ceremony. Registration fee $20 online, $25 day of race. 419-746-2360 or www.kelleysislandchamber.com.

JUN. 4 – Pulp Fiction and Comic Book Convention, Doubletree by Hilton Cleveland/ Westlake, 1100 Crocker Rd., Westlake, 10 a.m.–4 p.m. $5; 6 and under free. Collectible book and comic vendors, guest writers, hourly prizes. 330-462-3985 or www.harpercomics.com.

JUN. 10 – Secrest Garden Fair, Secrest Arboretum, 2122 Williams Rd., Wooster, 9 a.m.–4 p.m. Free. Handmade arts and crafts with a garden theme, guided tours of the arboretum, activities for kids, plant sale, workshops, and food trucks. http://friendsofsecrest.com/garden-fair.

JUN. 11 – “Jeff Klemm: Evoking Emotion Through Music,” Wadsworth Public Library, 132 Broad St., Wadsworth, 2–3 p.m. Free, but reservations recommended. Register at www.ormaco.org or by calling 419-853-6016

JUN. 3–4 – Troy Strawberry Festival, Great Miami River Levee and downtown Troy. Fun, family-friendly weekend celebrating everything strawberry! Food, arts and crafts, games, pageants, cruise-in, and entertainment. 937-3397714 or www.gostrawberries.com.

JUN. 10 – “Storytelling and Native American Flute,” Garber Nature Center, 9691 OH-503 N., Lewisburg, 6:30–8:30 p.m. Free. Presented by John DeBoer. 937-962-5561, pcpdevents@gmail.com, or www. preblecountyparks.org.

THROUGH JUN. 28 – Bluegrass Wednesdays, Vinoklet Winery, 11069 Colerain Ave., Cincinnati, Wed. 6:30–8:30 p.m. Enjoy dinner, wine, and an evening of free entertainment by Vernon McIntyre’s Appalachian Grass. Reservations recommended. 513-385-9309, vinokletwinery@fuse.net, or www.vinokletwines.com.

MAY 19 – Bluegrass Night, Fibonacci Brewing Company, 1445 Compton Rd., Cincinnati, 7–9 p.m. Free. Enjoy lively bluegrass music by Vernon McIntyre’s Appalachian Grass, a wide variety of craft beers, and food truck eats. 513-832-1422 or http://fibbrew.com.

MAY 20 – MetroParks Spring Arts Festival, 7850 Voice of America Park Dr., West Chester, noon–5 p.m. Free. Local artisans and craftspeople will showcase their work at this inaugural arts festival. Live music and food trucks. 513-867-5835 or www.travelbutlercounty.com/events/ metroparks-spring-arts-festival.

MAY 28 – Dayton Heritage Day, Carillon Historical

JUN. 1–3 – Milford Frontier Days, Riverside Park, 450 Victor Stier Dr., Milford. Kickoff parade, bands, car show, food and drink, Makers’ Market, rides, and more. www. frontierdaysmilford.com.

JUN. 2 – Vernon McIntyre’s Appalachian Grass, Butler County Bluegrass Association, Collinsville Community Center, 5113 Huston Rd., Collinsville, 7–9 p.m. Free. Lively bluegrass music. Food available on-site. 937-417-8488.

JUN. 3 – “Getting Ready: Solar Eclipse, Part 1,” Garber Nature Center, 9691 OH-503 N., Lewisburg, 1–3 p.m. Free. Presented by astronomer Terry Mann. 937-962-5561, pcpdevents@gmail.com, or www. preblecountyparks.org.

JUN. 3 – Sawyer Point Summer Concert, 705 E. Pete Rose Way, Cincinnati, 4–10 p.m. Free. Featuring Appalachian Grass at 4 p.m., Jake Speed and the Freddies at 6 p.m., and Henhouse Prowlers at 8:30 p.m. Food trucks and beer/cooler vendors on-site. Consider bringing a lawn chair. 513-357-2604 or www.cincinnatioh.gov/cincyparks/visit-a-park/parks-events-calendar.

JUN. 10 – Kids’ Program: “Chalk Art,” Garber Nature Center, 9691 OH-503 N., Lewisburg, 1–3 p.m. Free. Led by naturalist and teacher Bev Holland. Materials provided; bring play clothes. 937-962-5561, pcpdevents@gmail.com, or www.preblecountyparks.org.

JUN. 10 – Shandon Strawberry Festival, Community House, 4782 Cincinnati Brookville Rd., Shandon, 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Free. Enjoy strawberry shortcake and homemade ice cream, hot pressed chicken sandwiches, homemade pies, and much more. 513-738-4127 or www. shandonchurch.com/strawberry-festival.

JUN. 10 – Vernon McIntyre’s Appalachian Grass, Clifton Opry House, 5 S. Clay St., Clifton, 7:30–10:30 p.m. $10. Enjoy an evening of lively bluegrass music with lightning-fast instrumentals, close harmonies, and entertaining novelty songs. 937-342-2175, schasnov@ netzero.net, or www.villageofclifton.com/clifton-operahouse.

JUN. 10 – Village Music Festival, Caesar’s Creek Pioneer Village, 3999 Pioneer Village Rd., Waynesville, 10 a.m.–6 p.m. $6 per person; under 16 free. www. caesarscreekpioneervillage.org.

MAY 6–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.

MAY 6–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.

MAY 6–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.

MAY 9, 23, JUN. 6 – 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 May 30. 740-697-0237or juanita@ muskingumlibrary.org.

MAY 11, JUN. 8 – 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 on May 18 and Jun. 15 at 7 p.m. 614-470-0144 or www. inventorscolumbus.com.

MAY 19–20 – Spring in the Country, Amanda, Tarlton, and Stoutsville area, 8 a.m.–5 p.m. (times may vary for

SOUTHEAST

individual businesses). Enjoy a ride in the country for a “shop hop” at participating area businesses, ranging from home cottage to retail sales. Special offers and maps available at each location. 740-503-2125 or www. countryshophop.com.

MAY 20 – “Art on the Canal” Art Stroll, downtown Canal Winchester, noon–6 p.m. Live music, dancing, and performances, along with arts and crafts from central Ohio artists. Enjoy local food, drinks, and shopping, and don’t miss the one-room Prentiss School Building and the Hocking Valley “Queen of the Line” railroad depot. 614270-5053 or www.destinationcw.org/artStroll.

MAY 20 – Ki’Wanna Go for a Run 5K/10K, Hunter Park, Lancaster, 9 a.m. Join us for a 5K walk, run, roll or 10K run. Proceeds benefit the Kiwanis Club of Lancaster’s youth/community service programs benefiting children in Fairfield County. Race day registration at 7:30 a.m. or register at https://raceroster.com/events/2023/73331/ kiwanna-go-for-a-run.

MAY 26–28 – Flint Ridge Knap-In, Coshocton Co. Fgds., 724 S. 7th St., Coshocton, Fri./Sat. 9 a.m.–5 p.m., Sun. 9 a.m.–3 p.m. $7 per vehicle, $3 walk-ins, under 12 free. New location! Flint-knapping demos, fire starting, cordage making, artifact identification, and more. Rain or shine. 419-632-4274 or 330-440-3625

MAY 27 – Ohio Authors Book Fair, 8000 Factory Shops Boulevard, Jeffersonville, 10 a.m.–3 p.m. At locations around the mall. www.destinationoutlets. com/post/2023-events-calendar or www.social-ally.biz/ ohioauthorsbookfair.

MAY 27–28 – Asian Festival, Franklin Park, 1755 E. Broad St., Columbus, Sat. 10 a.m.–8 p.m., Sun. 10 a.m.–6 p.m. Free. A celebration of Asian culture, including dance, music, martial arts, food, and much more. http://asianfestival.org.

MAY 27–28, JUN. 2–4 – Once Upon a Mattress, Zanesville Community Theatre, 940 Findley Ave., Zanesville, 2:30 and 7 p.m. 740-455-6487 or www.zct.org.

MAY 27–29 – Utica Sertoma Ice Cream Festival, Ye Olde Mill and Velvet Ice Cream Co., 11324 Mt. Vernon Rd., Utica, Sat./Sun. 9 a.m.–7 p.m., Mon. 10 a.m.–6 p.m. $5 per car. Parade, live music, car show, kiddie

Celebrate the 40th anniversary of the festival featuring Native American music and dancing, crafters, exhibits, and plenty of family-friendly entertainment. www. feastofthefloweringmoon.org.

MAY 27–28 – Historic Marietta Tour of Homes, Marietta, 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Tour a variety of homes that make up the first established settlement of the Northwest Territory. Homes on Saturday will be different from homes on Sunday. https://mariettaohio.org/events/historicmarietta-tour-of-homes.

tractor pulls, ice cream-eating contests, arts and crafts, games, and ice cream, of course! 740-892-3161 or www. sertomaicecreamfestival.com.

MAY 29 – Lithopolis Memorial Day Celebration, Lithopolis Cemetery and The Wagnalls Memorial, 150 E. Columbus St., Lithopolis, 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Parade, memorial service, car show, live music, food, crafts, used book sale, and fire department open house. 614-837-4765 or www. wagnalls.org.

MAY 29 – Memorial Day Parade and Commemoration, Lockbourne’s Veterans Park, 95 Landis St., Lockbourne. Parade at noon, followed by a service featuring our military ties to the Columbus Air Show at Rickenbacker International Airport. 614-491-3161 or www. lockbourneohio.us.

MAY 31–JUN. 4 – Deercreek Dam Days Festival, Williamsport, Wed./Thur. 4–10 p.m., Fri. 4–11 p.m., Sat. 11 a.m.–11 p.m. Free. Fun for the whole family, with music, food, games, and rides for all ages. www. deercreekdamdays.com.

JUN. 2– Zanesville Memorial Concert Band, Zane’s Landing Park, west end of Market Street (along river), Zanesville, 7 p.m. Free. Performing with the High School Honors Band. Rain site: Zanesville High School. 740-8914098 or www.zmcb.org.

JUN. 8 – Classical Guitar and Mandolin Concert, Zanesville Museum of Art, 620 Military Rd., Zanesville, 6–7 p.m. Free; reservations required. Featuring guitar and mandolin duo Gruviera Armonico. 740-452-0741 or www. zanesvilleart.org.

JUN. 8–10 – Hot Air Balloon Festival, Coshocton Co. Fgds., 707 Kenilworth Ave., Coshocton. Free. Balloon launches at dawn and dusk, balloon “night glow,” balloon race, musical entertainment, carnival rides, food, crafts, and more. www.coshoctonhotairballoonfestival.com.

JUN. 9–11 – Columbus Arts Festival, downtown riverfront, Columbus, Fri. 11 a.m.–10:30 p.m., Sat. 10 a.m.–10:30 p.m., Sun. 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Free. Artists and craftspeople from around the nation, live music, theater, dance, hands-on art activities, and gourmet food. 614-2242606 or www.columbusartsfestival.org.

miss engines, working sawmill, flea market/craft items, food, and kids’ activities. Truck and tractor pulls Saturday 7 p.m., car show Sunday. Parts vendors wanted. Contact Steve Dean at 740-289-4124

JUN. 8–10 – Southern Ohio Forest Rally, Chillicothe, Shawnee Forest, McArthur, and Zaleski Forest. Fan Festival on the 8th in Chillicothe’s Yoctangee Park; meet the drivers and see the action up close! www. southernohioforestrally.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.

MAY 6–28 – Heirloom Plant Sale, Adena Mansion and Gardens, 847 Adena Rd., Chillicothe, Wed.–Sat. 9 a.m.–5 p.m., Sun. 12 p.m.–5 p.m. Featuring heirloom varieties of flowers and vegetables. www.adenamansion.com.

MAY 26–28 – Feast of the Flowering Moon, Yoctangee Park, 1 Enderlin Circle, Chillicothe, 10 a.m.–10 p.m.

MAY 29 – Ironton Lawrence County Memorial Day Parade, starting at 4th and Center Sts., Ironton, 10 a.m. The oldest continuous Memorial Day parade in the nation. Contact Lou Pyles at 740-533-7140 or lpyles54@ roadrunner.com.

JUN. 1 – Chillicothe Paints 2023 Home Opener, VA Memorial Stadium, 17273 St. Rte. 104, Chillicothe, 7:05 p.m. $5–$7. See the Paints in their first at-home game of their 30th season as they go up against the Champion City Kings. www.chillicothepaints.com.

JUN. 2–4 – Southern Ohio Farm Power of the Past Antique Tractor and Machinery Show, Pike Co. Fgds., Piketon. Featuring Oliver tractors and equipment. Vintage tractors/farm equipment and demos, hit and

JUN. 9–10 – Black Diamond Music and Arts Festival, Hocking College, 3301 Hocking Parkway, Nelsonville. A celebration of the country and bluegrass traditions of southeast Ohio. Local craft vendors, food vendors, an early 19th-century replica village, and more. www. blackdiamondmusicfestival.com.

JUN. 10 –Bethel Township VFD Annual Carnival, Bethel Twp. Community Center, 33877 St. Rte. 260, Lewisville, 4 p.m. Food, live music, and games. Parade at 6:30 p.m.; country store at 7:30 p.m. For more information, contact Jason at 740-934-2412

JUN. 10–11 – Lucasville Trade Days, Scioto Co. Fgds., 1193 Fairground Rd., Lucasville, Sat. 7 a.m.–7 p.m., Sun. 7 a.m.–4 p.m. $7; 12 and under free. 937-728-6643 or www.lucasvilletradedays.com.

Call before you dig!

Know what’s below—dial 811 before any project that requires digging.

Underground utilities, such as gas, water, and electric lines, can be a shovel thrust away from turning a spring project into a disaster. Play it safe by dialing 811 three days before digging to find out where utility lines run on your property. It’s free, fast—and may save a life!