Country Living May 2016 Midwest

Official publication ofyour electric cooperative

MAY 2016

Local co-op pages 19-22Funny signs 24Spring and summer festivals 26Jack Nicklaus 30

Project Ohiolights upGuatemala 4

www.ohioec.org

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http://www.ohioec.org


D E P A R T M E N T S

F E AT U R E S

24 FUNNY SIGNS We feature a montage of the hilarious signs you sent us from around Ohio and beyond.

26 FUN AND FUNNY FESTIVALSWe suggest four spring and summertime festivals foryou to consider.

30 GRIN AND (GOLDEN) BEAR IT Check out our compendium of facts about Jack Nicklaus in observance of this month’s 40th annual Memorial Tournament in Muirfield.

31 WHAT A KICK! Kick up your heels and try FootGolf.

Our lineup of spring andsummer “Fun and Funny

Festivals” includes the DogFest at Zoar.

Beloved bybikers and

hikers alike,the Little Miami

Scenic Trail turns25 this year.

Linemenand other

representativesfrom Ohio’s Electric

Cooperatives traveled tothe remote Guatemalan village

of La Soledad in March to bringlight and power to the gratefultownspeople. Read about “ProjectOhio” on page 6.

3 COOPERAT IVE CONNECT ION

6 POWER STAT ION

8 THE 7 COOPERATIVE PRINCIPLES

12 WOODS, WATERS, AND WILDLIFE

14 GARDENING LANDSCAPE

16 FOOD SCENE

24 MEMBER INTERACTIVE

32 CO-OP PEOPLE

34 OHIO ICON

36 MAY CALENDAR

39 OHIO QUIZ

Next month...The work ofGovernment Affairs

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Sometimes our perceptions become skewed by whatwe hear or read in the news. Headlines often empha-size problems and concerns but rarely celebrate theslow, constant progress made by business or idustry.We often need a reality check, or an opportunity tolook at the facts and adjust our perception. I hopeyou’ll take a few moments to look at the electricpower industry as I see it.

Production of U.S. electric power is cleaner thanit’s ever been, by a lot. Sounds like a bold claim, butit’s true by every measure. Since 1990, emissions ofregulated pollutants from the production of electricityhave steadily decreased. Depending on the factorsmeasured, we produce one-third more electricitytoday, with 65 percent to 80 percent lower emissions,as compared to 1990. That’s correct — in 2015, weproduced about one-third more electricity than we dida quarter of a century earlier, with far fewer emis-sions.

You might wonder how we did it. Like many accom-plishments, the reduction of emissions is the result ofhard, concentrated effort. The technology used toscrub pollutants from power plant smoke stacks hasimproved dramatically throughout the past 25 years.Coal-burning power plant efficiencies have been en-hanced, which typically reduces emissions by about90 percent. Ohio’s Electric Cooperatives have been atthe forefront of the charge.

New supplies from shaleformations have made nat-ural gas more available andless expensive. As a result,some older, coal-firedplants have been replacedby new, cleaner-burningnatural gas-fired powerplants. In fact, it is ex-pected that in 2016, we’llproduce more electricity from natural gas than fromcoal. That’s a first. As recently as 2005, more thanhalf of the electricity produced in the U.S. was fromcoal. Today, that figure stands at about 33 percent.

Renewable energy sources have been on the rise, aswell. As of 2015, hydropower has remained at aboutsix percent of U.S. power generation, while electricproduction from wind and solar power sources hasgrown from about two percent to more than eightpercent of the nation’s total. Ohio’s electric coopera-tives have been regularly adding renewable energysources, too.

Regardless of what you may have heard, facts arefacts. The U.S. electric power system remains theenvy of the world. The powerful combination of safe,reliable delivery and clean, affordable productionmakes our electric power system world-class. Thatfact may not make headlines, but it’s good news forthose of us who use electricity every day.

2 COUNTRY LIVING • MAY 2016

Cooperative Connection

Reality check

PAT O’LOUGHLIN, PRESIDENT & CEO • OHIO RURAL ELECTRIC COOPERATIVES & BUCKEYE POWER


MAY 2016 • COUNTRY LIVING 3

May 2016 Volume 58, No. 8

Ohio Rural Electric Cooperatives

6677 Busch Blvd.Columbus, OH 43229

[email protected]

www.ohioec.org

Patrick O’Loughlin President & CEO

Patrick Higgins Dir. of Communications

Rich Warren Managing Editor

Magen Howard Associate Editor

Adam Specht Member Services &

Communications Consultant

Chris Hall Communications Specialist

Nikki Heath Communications Specialist

Nila Moyers Administrative Assistant

COUNTRY LIVING (ISSN 0747-0592)is the official public ation of Ohio RuralElec tric Co op eratives, Inc. With a paidcirculation of 294,359, it is the monthlycom mun ication link be tween the elec tricco operatives in Ohio and West Virginiaand their mem bers. Nothing in this pub-lication may be reproduced in any man-ner without specific written permissionfrom Ohio Rural Electric Cooperatives,Inc. All rights reserved.

The fact that a product is advertised in Coun try Liv-ing should not be taken as an en dorse ment. If youfind an advertisement mis leading or a product un-satisfactory, please not ify us or the Ohio AttorneyGeneral’s Of fice, Consumer Protection Sec tion, 30E. Broad St., Col um bus, OH 43215, or call 1-800-282-0515.Periodicals postage paid at Colum bus, OHand at additional mailing offices.POSTMASTER: Send address changes to edi-torial and advertising offices at: 6677 BuschBoulevard, Columbus, OH 43229-1101

Cooperative members —Please report any change of

address to your local electric cooperative.

National advertising representatives:

NATIONAL COUNTRY MARKET,800-NCM-1181

State advertising representatives:

Sandy Woolard 614-403-1653Tim Dickes 614-855-5226

Alliance forAudited Media Member

Follow us on :

ohioec.orgCheck out the mobile-friendlywebsite and digital editionof Country Living, as well asother timely information fromOhio’s electric cooperatives.

Home improvement

For a package of stories describing how toenhance the curb appeal of your home — in-cluding improvements with doors and win-dows, paint, and windows and siding — lookunder “Online Exclusives” under the Coun-try Living button at www.ohioec.org.

Ohio travel

Want to see Ida McKinley’s tiara? A Lima jailcell that John Dillinger broke out of? You neverknow what you’ll find in Ohio’s small-town mu-seums. Click on the cover of the current issueand go to page 20.

RecipesIn addition to the last installment of egg recipes you sent for the recipe

contest in January, check out the Lake Erie fish recipes submitted byCooking Editor Margie Wuebker and Nutrition Editor Diane Yoakamunder the “Food Scene” button.

In addition• Read a story on “Can you have a Zero Net Energy Home?”• See more photos of the work of Project Ohio in Guatemala.

In this issue:Sandusky Bay (p. 12)

Quailcrest Farm (p. 14)

Lakeside (p.26)Cambridge (p. 26)

Versailles (p. 26)

Zoar (p. 26)Memorial Tournament, Muirfield (p. 30)

Findlay (p. 32)

Little Miami Scenic Trail (p. 34)

Online exclusives


mailto:[email protected]



POWER STATION

GUATEMALA IS THE “place of manytrees,” but for the 322 residents ofLa Soledad, nestled 8,800 feetabove sea level, within the rugged,mountainous terrain of the coun-try’s central region, the only thingthey knew about electricity waswhen lightning lit up the skies ofthe surrounding forest. Thatchanged in March, when 17 line-men, representing Ohio’s 24 elec-tric cooperatives, spent more thantwo weeks bringing light to part ofthe 20 percent of Guatemala thathad never known electricity.

It takes a village

La Soledad’s picturesque back-drop is the setting for 72 primi-tive homes that house the villagepopulation, composed primarilyof families who eke out a livingdoing backbreaking farm work.According to Dwight Miller,director of safety and loss controlfor Ohio’s Electric Cooperatives,the partnership between thevillage residents and the “ProjectOhio” linemen crew was a perfectpairing.“The people of La Soledad

work tirelessly, in unforgivingconditions, and that resonatedwith the crew,” says Miller. “Line-men are used to hazardous, re-lentless work, in all kinds ofweather, when the stakes are

high,” Miller adds. The Ohio crew was determined

to bring power to the tiny com-munity, and the citizens of LaSoledad worked side-by-side withthe linemen to hand-dig holesthrough seemingly impenetrablerock, set 70 poles and 67 anchors,and do what was needed to bedone to bring light to their lives.

Attitude of gratitude“La Soledad was considered the

least of the villages in the area,”Miller states. “Now, it’s at the topof the list. Because of the electrifi-cation, people from nearby vil-lages are streaming into LaSoledad to build homes.”La Soledad’s value system can

likely take partial credit. Accord-

This littlelight of mine...

"Project Ohio" is endorsed by the NationalRural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA),with its tenet to promote global developmentvia rural electrification.

To see more photos of Project Ohio,go to www.ohioec.org.

STORY BY

PATRICK HIGGINS

‘Project Ohio’ brings power and light to a Guatemalan village




ing to Miller, the village has an over-whelming sense of community. TheOhio linemen and native men alikestarted each day in prayer and then gotdown to work as a team. Most work-days were virtually sunup to sundown;a treacherous trip down the mountain-side for supplies meant even longerhours. In a land where hot showershad to wait until the water boiled andtoilets are flushed by using buckets,life above the clouds wasn’t quiteheaven.But despite the grueling work and

endless hours, sweat and sacrifice werebalanced by levity and laughter. Thegratitude of the villagers and the op-portunity to forever change their liveswas a beacon for the Ohio linemen.

Los niños“Sundays were reserved for church

and fun,” Miller indicates. After serv-ices, however, given the choice to go

into town for “R&R,” the linemenopted to stay in La Soledad. The rea-son? The village’s smallest residentshad captured the linemen’s hearts. Soc-cer, football (American style), candy,and cornhole games were the order ofthe day. “‘Project Ohio’ did more thancross international lines,” Miller notes.“It brought generations and culturestogether.” The crew brought more than elec-

tricity to La Soledad. Fortified by dona-tions from back home, the bountybrought by the crew included 310 barsof soap; 340 toothbrushes and tubes oftoothpaste; 156 assorted toys; 170 pairsof shoes; 24 blankets; umbrellas; schoolbackpacks; boxes of school supplies;and financial contributions that willallow La Soledad’s children to completegrades 7 to 12 (to do so, electricity inthe village schoolhouse is a requirementof the Guatemalan government).

( — continued on page 6)



“Until I got to La Soledad, I didn’t know what poor was,”admits Chris Napier, safety and loss control consultant forOhio’s Electric Cooperatives. “Still, I wouldn’t think twice aboutgoing back.” In fact, “sign me up” reflects the sentiments of theentire Ohio crew. The linemen and the villagers had formed abond, even as they were beginning to see the light at the end ofthe tunnel.

6:32 p.m.The lights pierced the darkness on Saturday, March 12, in an

inauguration celebration that lasted into the now-illuminatednight. Ohio’s Electric Cooperatives President and CEO PatrickO’Loughlin greeted the crowd in Spanish, joined by PauldingPutnam Electric Cooperative CEO George Carter, who suppliedcandy for the piñatas. “There’s a special place in my heart for thepeople of La Soledad,” Miller intimates. The village, which usedto shut down at nightfall, now has reason to burn the midnightoil — or to at least leave the lights on.

Project Ohio ( – continued from page 5)





IN OUR SEVEN-PARTseries, you’ll learn how

the same sevenprinciples that guide

cooperatives around theworld also govern your

local electric co-op,keeping you — a valuedmember-owner — asthe primary focus.

Principle 3, “Members’Economic

Participation,” reads asfollows: “Members

contribute equitably to,and democratically

control, the capital oftheir cooperative.”

Principle 3:Members’ Economic Participation

TheBY SAMANTHA RHODES

Legionnaires: Dedicated to their country

THE NUMBER OF OHIO VETERANS who are members of the American Le-gion — about 105,000 — exceeds the maximum capacity of “The Horse-shoe,” The Ohio State University Buckeyes’ football stadium.Compared to the Legion’s nationwide membership of nearly 2.2 mil-

lion, Ohio comprises only a small chunk of the country’s largest veterans’service organization. But Ohio Department Adjutant Tom Simons, a re-tired U.S. Army lieutenant colonel and member of South Central PowerCompany from Canal Winchester, says Ohio plays a vital role.“As veterans, we say an oath to defend and support our constitution,

and that doesn’t stop when we get out of uniform,” Simons says. “Wefirmly believe that as an American citizen, you have responsibilities toparticipate in your government. We try to teach that to our youth.”For more than 70 years, the Ohio department has annually sponsored

Buckeye Boys State, a weeklong leadership camp for high school boys tolearn about American government. Nationally, more than 20,000 youngmen from their respective states participate in Boys State every year.Alumni include former President Bill Clinton, professional basketballplayer Michael Jordan, and astronaut Neil Armstrong — to name a few.Simons says that the organization is nothing without its local posts in

each state — the place where every resolution starts.Across Ohio, numerous posts are stationed in electric cooperative

service territories, forging close relationships with their city councils anddonating to various programs like local Scout troops. Each post evensponsors a Legion baseball team that competes throughout the year.“Veterans understand teamwork, and our Legion baseball teaches how

to work in a collective to achieve a common goal,” Simons says. “No mat-ter what service you’re in, it’s all about teamwork.”

Living the principle

Just as you pay your monthly electric bill to your co-op, American Le-gion members also contribute by paying annual membership dues tocover administrative costs.Both forms of economic participation make the contributors part-

owners of their organization. In other words, as a paying member of yourelectric co-op, you democratically control the capital and common prop-erty of the cooperative and reap the same benefits as other member-own-ers.“Whether you’re a member of the Legion or your electric co-op, having

ownership gives you a stake in the fight and brings you into the team,”Simons says. “Then you start to understand what your part is in it.”

To learn more about the American Legion or to find a post in your area, visitwww.legion.org.



http://www.legion.org

Understanding capital credits

Did you know that by paying your monthly electric bill on time, you’re helping se-cure your co-op’s future?According to Cathy Bitler, vice president of member service and community rela-

tions at South Central Power, your electric co-op has two means of raising capital tofund its operations — through member participation or through loans. Thus, whenmembers contribute to the company, they assure that funds are available to operatethe cooperative without having to borrow money from a bank.“Members help hold down the cost of money, which holds down costs for every-

one,” Bitler says.Your cooperative then uses that money to cover its expenses, including hiring and

training staff, buying equipment, and building power lines to deliver safe, reliablepower to homes, farms, schools, and businesses. But because cooperatives operate on a not-for-profit basis, any margin — or capi-

tal — left at the end of the year after all of the bills are paid is credited to memberson an equitable basis. That’s where capital credits come in.“Think of it this way: Capital credits are the members’ share of the cooperative’s

success in operating efficiently,” Bitler says. “It’s unique to our business model.”All cooperatives handle capital credits in different ways. For example, some send

checks, while others issue rebates or credits on future electric bills. Even deceasedmembers can still receive capital credits to their estate.

To find out how your cooperative handles capital credits, call or visit your co-op’s website.



LAST OCTOBER 30, Roger Keller, the energy advisor atConsolidated Electric Cooperative (CEC), arrivedhome after some late evening work when his wife,Brenda, offered him some coffee. With just one sip,Roger started choking and fell to the floor, his left sideparalyzed. Sensing that Roger had just had a stroke,Brenda called for help, and Roger was rushed to ahospital in Marion.Since there were no stroke specialists on duty, Roger

was evaluated by an off-site physician by a devicecalled “telestroke,” where doctor and patient interactthrough a television screen. The doctor ordered thatthe clot-busting drug tPA be administered. Roger wasthen flown by helicopter to Riverside Hospital inColumbus, where doctors were able to remove the clotfrom his brain. Several minutes later, he started re-gaining feeling in his left side, a very promising sign.After a week in the hospital, Roger was moved to a

rehabilitation center, where his recovery was swift. Hewas back at work on Feb. 15, as good as new. “If I’d waited longer to receive treatment because I

didn’t have access to telestroke, my recovery would havebeen much longer,” Keller says. “There’s a good chance

I’d still be in a wheelchair.” Infact, there’s a chance he’d havebeen wheel chair-bound therest of his life. By a miraculous coinci-

dence, Consolidated hadexpanded bandwidth in-frastructure within its ter-ritory in 2014, including tothe Marion hospital whereRoger had the telestrokeconference. As ConsolidatedPresident and CEO PhilCaskey puts it, “WhenCEC embarked on ourproject to bring high-speed data capabili-ties to our serviceareas, we hopedand expected theresult would be toimprove the qual-ity of life for ourmembers andcommunities. It’salmost impossibleto express the joythat we feel by

having helped to provide such a life-altering outcomefor any person, let alone such a valued member of ouremployee family.” Roger’s stroke story hasn’t ended with his recovery.

He was requested by the American Heart Associa-tion/American Stroke Association to travel to Wash-ington, D.C., to advocate for the Further Access toStroke Telemedicine Act, also known as the FASTAct, which would require Medicare reimbursementfor all telestroke evaluations. Because he lives in arural area, Roger is eligible for this reimbursement.Patients at urban or suburban hospitals are not.Roger doesn’t think that’s right. “Everybody should

have access to Medicare reimbursement, regardless ofwhere they live,” he says. “I told them I’d be happy to go.” So, in early March, Roger and 200 other stroke

advocates and neurologists from across the U.S. wentknocking on the doors of lawmakers to tell their sto-ries. Ohio legislators visited included Senator SherrodBrown and representatives Pat Tiberi, Steve Stivers,and Joyce Beatty. Representative Beatty didn’t need any convincing.

A stroke victim herself, she introduced the FAST billto the House. It’s also been introduced in the Senateand has been assigned for committee consideration inboth chambers.After their visits, seven congressional members

pledged their support for the FAST Act, so Roger feelsgratified that his trip was worthwhile. He urges Coun-try Living readers to add their voices to the call by con-tacting their congressional representatives. To makethat process easy, go to yourethecure.org. Just click onthe red button “Take Action Today” and be guidedthrough the process of expressing your support.

FAST actionRoger Keller’s rapid recovery from a stroketurned him into a congressional advocate

BY RICH WARREN

A telestroke device allows stroke patients to be evaluated by anoff-site physician through use of web-based communications.




IN ONE OF Hank Williams Jr.’smore famous songs, entitled “ACountry Boy Can Survive,” heclaims, “I can plow a field all daylong; I can catfish fish from dusk’til dawn.” Applying that samelogic, Scott Heston must be acountry boy, too, because he candefinitely catch catfish from dusk’til dawn — all day long for thatmatter. Of course, he is fishingLake Erie’s Sandusky Bay.Located at the south edge of

the Western Basin just west ofthe town of Sandusky, the bay is

catfish heaven. Shallow, muddy,and full of natural fish food, tensof thousands of channel catfishroam the bay, weighing up to 12pounds or more and measuringmore than 30 inches. “The fishingjust con tinues to get better,” saysHeston. “In recent years, the cat-fish have grown even bigger.”Heston, from Sugar Grove,

should know. He has been fishingSandusky Bay for more than 40years. His grandfather onceowned a small cabin beside thebay and taught him how to fish. “He and I would fish together

almost every weekend during thesummer,” Heston says. “I remem-ber my parents driving up to thelake one weekend to spend some

time at the cabin with us. Theydecided to go to nearby CedarPoint amusement park for theday and asked me if I wanted togo along, thinking I’d jump at thechance. I told them I’d rather gofishing with Grandpa — and Idid.” Heston begins his catfishing

each spring in May and continuesthrough September. “The bestfishing is during the heat of sum-mer, during July and August,” hesays. “That’s usually when thewalleye and yellow perch fishingon the main lake is slow, but youcan always catch catfish in thebay.”I fished with Heston on a per-

fect July morning last summer. Ihave to admit that at the begin-ning of the trip I was a little skep-tical about the numbers and sizeof catfish he claimed we’d catch.

(If maybe you

ChasingMr. WhiskersLake Erie’s Sandusky Bay is ‘Catfish Heaven’

WOODS, WATERS, AND WILDLIFE

STORY AND PHOTO BY W. H. ‘CHIP’ GROSS




haven’t heard, some fishermenare known to stretch the truth abit.) But during three hours offishing, we caught more than 40channel catfish — so many Ieventually lost count. Some ofthose fish weighed nearly ninepounds!Any size catfish is fun to catch,

but the biggest are brawlers. Iwas daydreaming for a few min-utes while waiting for a bite, anda large cat hit so hard it nearlyjerked the rod from my hands. Alittle later, Heston almost lost arod over the side of the boat.For hooking the large cats,

Heston borrows a techniquefrom yellow perch fishing, usinga weighted spreader with twohooks as his terminal tackle. Butunlike in perch fishing, he baitsthe hooks with raw shrimp tails,not live minnows. “I once bought cooked shrimp

by mistake and couldn’t under-stand why the fishing was soslow that day,” he says. “But whenI switched back to uncooked rawshrimp, the fish started bitingagain. When fishing for catfish,it’s all about the scent of thebait.”If you’d like to fish with Scott

Heston, he opened a catfishingcharter service earlier this year. A

family-friendly trip aboard Cap-tain Scott’s boat is a great experi-ence for kids.“I use a 24-foot pontoon boat,

so there is plenty of room forchildren and families to movearound,” he says. “To make it eas-ier for novice anglers, I do every-thing everyone else doesn’t wantto do, such as baiting hooks andtaking fish off, even cleaning thecatch.” Heston recommends a half-

day (four-hour) charter for fami-lies. If you’d like to make it aweekend at the lake, he suggeststaking the kids to Cedar Pointon day two. Just don’t be sur-prised if they’d rather go catfish-ing again instead.

To find out more about Scott Heston’scatfishing charter service,call 740-243-1772, or go towww.captainscottcc.com.

Outdoors editor W. H. “CHIP”

GROSS, a member of ConsolidatedElectric Cooperative, is interestedin hearing from you about anyoutdoor story idea you might likehim to investigate. His e-mail ad-dress is [email protected];his website is www.chipgross.com.


http://www.captainscottcc.com


http://www.chipgross.com

GARDENING LANDSCAPE

AT QUAILCREST FARM, GinnaPhillips and her siblings encouragepeople to enjoy the many gardensthat grace the family’s 200 acres ofland near Wooster.Quailcrest Farm, which is

served by Holmes-Wayne ElectricCooperative, is the gardening busi-ness that Phillips owns and oper-ates with her sister, DeborahRobinson, and brothers, TobyBruch and Rusty Bruch. It’s alsothe place where the four of themgrew up after their parents, Tomand Libby Bruch, transplantedthem in 1957 from Cleveland towhat was then a dairy farm.The Bruch youngsters were

raised in the colonial-style farm-house that still stands along Quail-crest Farm’s driveway and nowshelters yet another generation ofthe family. The late Libby Bruch launched

the Quailcrest Farm gardeningbusiness in 1975. “My mother wasa great gardener,” says Phillips.“She couldn’t find the herbs andperennials she wanted, so she de-cided to grow them herself.” Mrs. Bruch turned an old sum-

mer kitchen into a small shop andplanted row after row of perenni-

als in the farm’s fields. “In theearly days,” recalls Phillips, “cus-tomers would drive out to ourfarm to dig up clumps of whateverplants they wanted and then takethem back home.” Quailcrest Farm today is a

unique gardening destination thatmeasures up to its “magical placein the country” motto. Part nurs-ery, part greenhouse, and part giftshop, it’s a relaxed and welcomingplace where the friendly farmdogs, Lola and Sarge, greet cus-tomers; where hundreds of vari-eties of flowering trees, shrubs,and other perennials are propa-gated; and where the Tea House

Garden’s giant allium, heliopsis,and acanthus provide a naturallylovely setting for weddings. It’salso where old-fashioned lilacs andcrab apple trees surround a recon-structed schoolhouse and wherean entire family of dedicated gar-deners tends the grounds, culti-vates the plants, and eagerlyshares their years of knowledgeand experience. Although Quailcrest Farm sells

everything from hostas to heirloomtomato plants to hanging basketsof flowers, it’s known for its phe-nomenal selection of herbs andscented geraniums. “We have hun-dreds of different herbs,”

From hostasto heirlooms

Quailcrest Farm has becomea gardening destination

STORY BY DAMAINE VONADA

PHOTOS BY GINNA PHILLIPS

Just for fun Mark your calendar for these enjoyable Quailcrest Farm events.“Quail Cup” Old Time Baseball, Sunday, May 29 —Bring a chair and watch “gentlemanly” teams play 1860s-style

baseball. No spitting or cussing, but plenty of fun and fresh air, as wellas flourishing plants for sale.

Spring Garden Fair, June 11 and 12 —More than 60 artisans bring their garden-related wares and

demonstrate their skills. Come for hypertufa planters, miniature gardens,live alpacas, food wagons, and gardening ideas galore.

Herb Fair, Sept. 10 —Ushering in autumn and the holidays, the fair offers bountiful herbs

and beautiful dried flowers, a bevy of artists and craftsmen, and abonanza of antiques, furniture, fine jewelry, and more.




says Phillips, “including about 15 va-rieties each of rosemary, thyme,lavender, and basil.” With some 50scented geraniums, Quailcrest alsooffers a delightful and diverse selec-tion — lemon, rose, citrus, nutmeg,ginger — of fragrant foliage.“Scented geraniums,” notes Phillips,“make nice container plants. Somepeople like to place pots of thelemon ones around their patios toward off mosquitoes.” Since May is a prime planting

month for Ohio gardeners, Quail-crest Farm’s greenhouse is brimfulof flowering annuals, vegetableseedlings, and popular perennials,such as butterfly plants, coral bells,and coneflowers. Customers whobring their own containers can pickout plants, pot them up at the on-site potting shed, and then shop forgarden accessories, fairy gardenitems, silk floral arrangements, andmuch more in the bright and airyGift Barn. The formal herb garden’s mint

and lavender are coming to life, andthe peony garden is in full, exquisitebloom. “Our peonies,” declaresPhillips, “look gorgeous in May.” DAMAINE VONADA is a freelance writerfrom Xenia.

Quailcrest Farm, 2810 Armstrong Rd.,Wooster. Guided group tours with boxlunches, by reservation. For hours andother information, call 330-345-6722, orvisit www.quailcrest.com.

From hostasto heirlooms

Member interactive:Send us your photos and stories!

If we use your photo, you will get a Country Livingmug.

If we use your essay, you’ll get: $25For July, send us by May 15photos of “Look-alikes.”

For August, send us by June. 15essays on “My (not so) secret obession.”

Guidelines:1. Stories no longer than 150 words2. Digital photos should be a minimum of 300 dpi3. One entry per household per month4. Send a self-addressed stamped envelope if you

want anything returned

5. Include your name, mailing address and the nameof your electric co-op

6. E-mail: fromourmembers @ ohioruralelectric.coop

By U.S. mail: Editor, Country Living, 6677 BuschBlvd., Columbus, OH 43229


http://www.quailcrest.com

FOOD SCENE

Something f ishygoing on

SPRINGTIME LURES ANGLERS to Lake Erie, where fishlike yellow perch and walleye abound. Once the “catchof the day” is brought home, it must be cooked prop-erly to ensure flakiness and optimum flavor.Don Schonauer of Chardon considers Lake Erie

perch “yellow gold,” claiming its flavor is excellent dueto cold water temperatures and a diet rich in minnows.It has neither a fishy taste nor a telltale smell.Schonauer, who prefers perch deep fried in peanut oil,

recommends using a cooking thermometer to ensure theoil reaches 375 degrees, before adding fillets.

Bev Frischkorn of Mentor on the Lake loves the

“mighty awesome” flavor of walleye grilled to perfec-tion in foil packets with fresh garden produce. She al-ternates vegetables in season from the garden orfarmers’ market.“My husband is a purist — he thinks fish needs to

be fried — but this is a welcome alternative,” she says.“Try it once, and you’ll be hooked.”

The Ohio Division of Wildlife (http://wildlife.ohiodnr.gov)provides many recipes for baked fish. Also, see additional fishrecipes at www.ohioec.org.

STORY BY MARGIE WUEBKER;

PHOTOS BY CHERYL BACH

Try your hand at cooking Lake Eriebounty — walleye and perch



http://wildlife.ohiodnr.gov


LAKE ERIE YELLOW GOLD(DEEP-FRIED PERCH FILLETS)

12 to 15 perch fillets1 cup Kentucky Kernel seasoned flour1 cup of your favorite bread crumbs (Shore Lunch) or crushed pretzels

Water12 to 16 oz. peanut oilWash perch fillets. In a plastic Ziploc bag, mix seasoned flourand bread crumbs or crushed pretzels. Place wet fillets in bagand shake well, until all fillets are coated. Take fillets out of bagand place on separate plate. Place remaining flour and breadcrumbs from bag into a bowl and slowly add water, until youhave a pancake batter consistency. Bring peanut oil to 375 de-grees in deep-frying pot. Dip fillets one at a time and drop intohot oil. Fillets should immediately float. Cook 1-1/2 minutes oneach side or until golden brown. Serves 3 to 4.

BAKED PERCH

1 lb. perch filletsCooking spray2 Tbsp. Italian-style bread crumbs1 tsp. parsley1-1/2 cups Parmesan cheese1/2 stick butter, meltedPreheat oven to 450 degrees. Spray baking pan with cookingspray. Create one layer of fillets in bottom of pan, covering theentire bottom. For the topping, mix bread crumbs, parsley, andParmesan cheese. Using a basting brush, spread melted butteron top of fish and then spread topping, covering all of the fil-lets. Bake fish for 12 to 15 minutes depending on size of fillets.Fish are done when they are white and flaky when tested witha fork. Serves 3 to 4.

GRILLED WALLEYE AND VEGETABLES IN FOIL POUCHES

8 oz. walleye4 Tbsp. butter 8 oz. cherry tomatoes, sliced 1 onion, sliced 4 cups sliced summer squash 1 large garden pepper, sliced1 cup mushrooms, sliced Salt and lemon pepper to taste2 cloves of garlic, minced 6 Tbsp. fresh basil, chopped Use half of all ingredients for each serving packet. Adjust typeand amount of vegetables to taste and availability. Prepare grillfor medium-high heat (about 400 degrees). Tear off two largesquares of aluminum foil, each about 10 inches in length. Foldeach in half to create a fold line, then open, like a book. Cut

the fish into two equally sized portions. On each piece of foil,place 1 Tbsp. of the butter on the foil. Layer half of the vegeta-bles on top of butter. Lay one piece of fish on top of the veg-etables. Season well with salt and lemon pepper and mincedgarlic (or other seasonings of choice). Layer remaining half ofvegetables on top of fish. Top with 1 Tbsp. butter. Fold up thesides of the foil and seal edges tightly to make a pouch. Placethe packets directly on the grill. Cook for about 10 minutes. Usea spatula to carefully turn the packets. Cook until the packetspuff up (about 5 minutes). Remove packets from the grill with aspatula and place them on a plate. Use kitchen shears or aknife to cut a slit through the top center of each packet to foldopen. Open carefully — the steam that will rise from eachpacket is hot. Check to be sure fish is opaque and cookedthrough to the center. If not, place back on the grill for 5 to 7more minutes. Top the fish with freshly chopped basil. Servethe fish pockets directly in the foil to retain all of the flavors.Serves 2.

Deep-fried perch

Baked perch




Three ways to increase your omega-3 fat intakeThree ways to increase your omega-3 fat intakeBY DIANE YOAKAM, RD, LD

Talk of good fat and bad fat consumes the nutrition world. Omega-3 fatty acids rank high on the list of healthy fats and offerhead-to-toe health benefits for dementia, depression, heart health, and arthritis. Adding a few servings of the following foods is thebest bet for adequate intake.

Fish: Two crucial omega-3 fats are found primarily in fish and fish oil. Both these fats are an important part of the processinvolved in reducing inflammation in the body and lowering triglyceride levels. Those suffering from rheumatoid arthritis also benefit,since stiffness and joint pain are reduced. Fish oil supplements appear to boost the effectiveness of medications often used to easeanti-inflammatory conditions. The best sources of omega-3 fats are salmon, mackerel, herring, lake trout, sardines, anchovies, tuna,and cod liver oil. Two servings of fish are recommended weekly.

Flax and chia seeds: Plant sources of omega-3 fats contain an essential fat that must be consumed through dietary sources. Arecent study found that this fat limited growth of cancer cells in both breast and cervical cancers and also caused cell death ofcancer cells, without harming healthy cells.

Walnuts: Walnuts provide 100 percent of the recommended daily serving of plant-based omega-3 fats in just a quarter cup. Menshould consume 1.6 grams of this fat daily, while 1.1 grams per day is sufficient for women. Walnuts are an easy way to get moreomega-3 into the diet, as they require no preparation, making them an excellent on-the-go source of healthy fat.

For recipes and tips on how to increase omega-3 fats, visit www.ohioec.org.

FOOD SCENE



MIDWEST ELECTRIC, INC.

06029 County Road 33AP.O. Box 10

St. Marys, OH 45885-00101-800-962-3830

Payments due by the 10th of each month.

Account access onlinewww.midwestrec.com or

facebook.com/midwestelectric

@midwestrec

O�ce HoursMonday – Friday8 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Manager/CEORick D. Gerdeman

[email protected]

Board of TrusteesLarry Vandemark, PresidentJames Wiechart, Vice Pres.Randy Heinl, Secy.-Treas.Steve Bauer, TrusteeBob Barnt, TrusteeGary R. Knapke, TrusteeGary Profit, TrusteeRoger W. Rank, TrusteeCourtney Burton, Attorney

A copy of Midwest Electric, Inc.’s Articles of Incorporation and Code of Regulations is available from the co-op o�ce and also is available online at midwestrec.com. Call us to receive your copy.


Android Apple


Electric co-ops and a culture of safety

In the spirit of May being National Electrical Safety Month, let’s take a look at how electric cooperatives have been stepping up to the plate when it comes to safety at the co-op.

Up until 2007, there was an alarming national trend among electric co-ops, which was the fact that the number of “lost-time” accidents was increasing. Lost time is defined as anything resulting in an employee missing time at work; these accidents could range from a sprained ankle to the ultimate tragedy of a fatality.

This is why Federated Rural Electric Insurance Exchange, which insures the vast majority of electric co-ops nationwide, initiated a campaign called “Culture of Safety.” It was designed to create a much greater awareness about safety issues at all electric co-ops.

Through the use of strategy labs across the country, Federated brought together co-op CEOs and general managers, operations supervisors, safety directors, and linemen to better understand how each group viewed safety. In doing so, di�er-ences in perceptions regarding safety within cooperatives were identified, allowing for much-needed conversations and evaluations of how to raise awareness and im-prove local safety cultures.

The “Speak Up, Listen Up” program is designed to empower anyone who sees a potentially unsafe situation to “Speak Up” and encourages everyone to “Listen Up” to their concerns. The results have been dramatic, with more than a 30 percent decline in the number of accidents over the past nine years.

As a member, you too have a role. If you see any potential dangerous situations or practices, you should report them as soon as possible to Midwest Electric.

The implementation and success of the Culture of Safety program demonstrates a very important point. If we are intentional about our actions, we can indeed change the culture in our organizations. The same is true for our families, our teams, and any groups we may belong to.

We also know that living our cooperative principles and values is equally im-portant. We have the best business model because it puts you, the member-owner, at the center of our e�orts.

We look forward to being your safe electricity provider and energy advisor long into the future.

Rick Gerdeman, Manager/CEO

See how you can

win a$100 gift card

on page 20B$100

Midwest0516.indd 1 4/20/16 2:57 PM

http://www.midwestrec.com


MIDWEST ELECTRIC, INC.MIDWEST ELECTRIC, INC.


2016 Annual Meeting HighlightsSaturday, June 4

St. Marys High School, State Route 66 and U.S. 33

8:15 a.m. — Registration and breakfast • 9:15 a.m. — Meeting

In the Mail

Watch for your trustee election ballotOne member, one vote. It’s the democratic way, and the cooper-ative way.

Watch your mail around mid-May for your ballot for the 2016 Midwest Electric Board of Trustees election. If you’re a member of Midwest Electric, you’re eligible to vote for all districts.

You may vote by mail with the ballot and return envelope that will be sent to you. Alter-nately, you may vote online at www.midwestrec.com. The bal-lot mailed to you will include instructions for online voting.

Your ballot must be received by our voting firm by 8 a.m. Wednesday, June 1, in order to be counted.

Do not send any ballots to our o�ce. And do not include any payments with your ballot.

Results will be announced at the annual meeting, Saturday, June 4, at St. Marys Memorial High School.

Please contact us if you have any questions at 1-800-962-3830.

• $2,500 in cash prizes• Kids’ activities• Free breakfast bu�et • Energy industry update• Co-op Owners for Political Action — learn how you can a�ect legislation that a�ects your cooperative• Q & A with co-op leaders

RSVP for breakfast! Use the postcard on this month’s back cover!

Health FairGrand Lake Health System will hold a health fair at the Midwest Electric June 4 Annual Meeting. Several tests will be o�ered, some for free and some requiring payment, and a drug take-back program will also be available.

For the fee services, please pay Grand Lake Health System at the Annual Meeting.

Body Mass Index (BMI) FREEHeel Bone Density FREEBlood Pressure/Pulse Ox FREEDermaScan FREEIron (Anemia Screen) $10Diabetes Screening (A1C) $25Comprehensive Metabolic Panel - including glucose (6-hour fast) $25

PSA Screening $35Thyroid Screening $40Cardiovascular Risk Assessment $20 (12-hour fast; Lipid Profile)C-Reactive Protein $20Vitamin D Deficiency $35

The Auglaize County Sheri�’s Department will be available to take expired, no-longer-used medications as part of the Grand Lake Health/Auglaize County Sheri�’s drug take-back program.

Midwest Electric linemen Chad Klaus (left) and Andrew Roettger show some of the rough, rocky terrain they worked on while volunteering in La Soledad, Guatemala, to bring electricity to the village for the first time. Read more about the volunteer trip, called Project Ohio, on pages 4-6.

Drug take-back program

Annual Meeting

Midwest linemen bring power to rural Guatemala

Midwest0516.indd 2 4/20/16 2:57 PM

http://www.midwestrec.com


Saving energy and saving money —there’s an app for thatAre you interested in learning more about LEDs and how they can fit with your home and lifestyle? As a member of Midwest Electric, a Touchstone Energy® Cooperative, you can download the free “Save Energy, Save Money” app for iPhone, iPad, and Android devices.

Among other features, the app includes a lighting calculator that shows the potential savings from replacing incandescent lamps with either CFLs or LEDs.

Just search “Touchstone Energy Save Energy Save Money,” and download the app for free.

MAY 2016 • COUNTRY LIVING 2OA


Midwest Electric linemen Chad Klaus (left) and Andrew Roettger show some of the rough, rocky terrain they worked on while volunteering in La Soledad, Guatemala, to bring electricity to the village for the first time. Read more about the volunteer trip, called Project Ohio, on pages 4-6.

For as little as ...

$2 PER MONTH

... you can help your cooperative invest in a renewable energy future with

EnviroWatts is a program that allows Ohio electric co-op members to support production of energy from renewable sources. For more information and to enroll, call the co-op at 1-800-962-3830.

Midwest Electric, Inc.

Midwest linemen bring power to rural Guatemala

Midwest0516.indd 3 4/20/16 2:57 PM


20B COUNTRY LIVING • MAY 2016


You could win a $100 gift card of your choice by joining Co-op Owners for Political Action®. Co-op Owners is the national electric cooperative political action group that supports candidates and representatives who fight on behalf of us and our members. Co-op Owners is our best tool to get the attention of decision makers in Ohio and across the country. Just $25 a year — only $2.08 per month — makes you part of this voice for electric cooper-atives. Send in the enrollment form before June 3 to qualify for the gift card drawing. The drawing will be held at our June 4 annual meet-ing. Members need not be present to win. If you’re already a part of Co-op Owners for Polit-ical Action, you will be included in the drawing and you don’t need to re-register. (If you’re part of Co-op Owners, your monthly electric bill has a line item that says “Grassroots-COPA.”) Co-op Owners gives you the opportunity to raise your voice on behalf of your electric cooperative. State

and federal government o�cials make policy decisions that a�ect your local cooperative and your way of life. This program is an easy way for you to help determine who gets elected to make those decisions. Co-op Owners supports candidates for state and federal o�ce — those in o�ce now and those running for o�ce — who will speak for and protect the inter-

ests of electric cooperatives and their consumer-owners. Your participation ensures that the voice of electric cooperatives re-mains strong in our nation’s capital and in the Ohio leg-

islature. Maintaining a strong grassroots presence in the political process is instrumental to the long-term success of the electric cooperative program and the communities they serve. Co-op Owners has been instrumental in stopping costly legislation. Currently, we’re battling regulations from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency that would have serious consequences on the cost and availability of electricity.

Join Co-op Owners for Political Action to

win a $100 gift card

YES! I want to help keep the voice of rural electric cooperatives heard in the state and national political process and enter the $100 gift card drawing by participating in Co-op Owners for Political Action®. Sign up for any amount below to qualify for the drawing. Please add the following amount to my monthly electric bill:

____ Regular Co-op Owners Member: $2.08 per month ($25 per year)

____ Century Club Member: $8.33 per month ($100 per year)

____ President’s Club Member: $41.60 per month ($500 per year)*

____ Other $__________________________

I a�rm that my contribution has been made with non-corporate funds:

Name: ____________________________________________________________________________

Address: __________________________________________________________________________

Account #:_________________________ Signature: _______________________________________

E-mail address: _____________________________________________________________________Return to Midwest Electric, P.O. Box 10, St. Marys, OH 45885*Federal Election Law requires the following information for contributions equal to or exceeding $200:

Employer:_______________________________ Occupation: ________________________________

Authorization Form

Return form to: Midwest Electric P.O. Box 10 St. Marys, OH 45885

$100

Midwest0516.indd 4 4/20/16 2:57 PM


MAY 2016 • COUNTRY LIVING 20C

You may have seen a new marketing initiative by the propane industry that encourages homeown-ers to dump their electric water heaters in favor of water heaters fueled by propane gas.

The multimedia campaign, called “Pull the Plug on Electric Water Heaters,” makes its case with bro-chures, fliers, print advertisements, videos, radio spots, fact sheets, webinars, an e-book, and even endorsements by a celebrity home-improvement ex-pert. But make no mistake — the intent of the cam-paign is simply to sell a lot more propane.

At Midwest Electric, we believe electricity is the smart energy choice. It is safe, reliable, clean, pre-dictably priced, and adaptable to many uses, from the exotic to the mundane. Electricity powers every-thing from cars, cellphones, and laptop computers to air conditioners, dishwashers, refrigerators, clothes washers, and lighting. More than ever, America runs on electricity.

Still, you might be tempted to switch water heat-ers. The campaign developed by the Propane Educa-tion and Research Council is slick.

As your trusted energy advisor, we want to pro-vide you, our member-consumer, with the facts you need to make the best decision.

Let’s look at the propane marketing campaign. Some of the claims challenge common sense and would be hard to prove, including assertions about e�ciency, environmental impacts, and cost. “With a propane water heater, you can use less energy, save money, and reduce your carbon footprint,” proclaims Danny Lipford, host of the television program To-day’s Homeowner, in a campaign video. “They really are that e�cient.”

Really? Apparently Danny neglected to mention that propane is a fossil fuel.

The campaign also resorts to scare tactics. In-stallation of propane water heaters is often a labo-rious process that requires running propane lines and exhaust vents. Turning reality on its head, the pro-propane campaign would have you believe that replacing an electric water heater “can take days longer, days you’ll spend taking icy cold showers,” Lipford warns.

Actually, in most cases, installing an electric heater is a snap — and less labor intensive than in-stalling a propane water heater.

At Midwest Electric, we believe electric water heaters are the smart choice for many reasons:

• High-e�ciency electric water heaters, including heat pump water heaters, are readily available.

• Electric water heaters are safe. They produce no carbon monoxide, and they pose no threat of combustion or explosion.

• Electric water heaters can run on power generated from a range of energy sources, including solar, wind, hydro, and other renewables.

• Electric water heaters don’t lose energy from exhaust or the replacement air that circulates into and out of a house.

• Propane heaters require on-site propane storage tanks.

• Electric water heaters are easy to install. They require no expensive gas lines or exhaust flues.

• The cost of electricity is less volatile than it is for other fuels. The cost of propane tends to fluctuate wildly.

Touchstone Energy has produced three fact sheets on water heating choices, water heater e�ciency, and hot water distribution that are part of the Home Ef-ficiency Analysis Tool — see homee�ciency.touchstoneenergy.com.

To access these fact sheets, enter informa-tion about your home and go to the “systems” tab for the water heater sheets. Or call me at 800-962-3830.

Dave Waltermire,

Energy Advisor

Think before pulling the plug

and federal government o�cials make policy decisions that a�ect your local cooperative and your way of life. This program is an easy way for you to help determine who gets elected to make those decisions. Co-op Owners supports candidates for state and federal o�ce — those in o�ce now and those running for o�ce — who will speak for and protect the inter-

ests of electric cooperatives and their consumer-owners. Your participation ensures that the voice of electric cooperatives re-mains strong in our nation’s capital and in the Ohio leg-

islature. Maintaining a strong grassroots presence in the political process is instrumental to the long-term success of the electric cooperative program and the communities they serve. Co-op Owners has been instrumental in stopping costly legislation. Currently, we’re battling regulations from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency that would have serious consequences on the cost and availability of electricity.

Join Co-op Owners for Political Action to

win a $100 gift card$100

Midwest0516.indd 5 4/20/16 2:57 PM


20D COUNTRY LIVING • MAY 2016

Bath High School’s Julia Evans and Spencerville High School’s Riley Klaus captured top honors in the 2016 Midwest Electric scholarship competition, featuring judges from Wright State University–Lake Campus and Midwest Electric.

The two seniors each received a $2,000 scholarship and represented Mid-west Electric in the statewide electric cooperative scholarship competition in Columbus.

Second-place $1,500 scholarships were awarded to Emily Alig, Ft. Recov-ery High School, and Daniel Reichenbach, Wapakoneta High School. Re-ceiving third-place $1,000 scholarships were Madison Broering, St. Henry High School, and Jacob Homan, Seton Catholic Homeschool.

The six general scholarship winners were selected from a field of 56 area high school seniors, with a 3.5 or higher grade-point average, whose parents are Midwest Electric members.

Evans has a 4.0 grade-point average and is first in her class. She is plan-ning to attend Ohio State University to study biomedical sciences. She is the daughter of Robert and Linda Evans of Lima.

Klaus is the son of Michelle Klaus of Spencerville. He has a 3.977 grade-point average, is third in his class, and is planning to study biology at Ohio State University.

Alig will major in elementary education. She has a 3.984-grade point av-erage. Her parents are Randy and Barb Alig of Ft. Recovery.

Reichenbach will pursue an engineering degree. He has a 3.9 grade-point average, is ranked fifth in his class, and is the son of Jim and Mary Lee Reichenbach of Wapakoneta.

Broering will study education at Ohio Northern University. She has a 4.0 grade point average and is first in her class. She is the daughter of Dale and Margie Broering of St. Henry.

Homan will study mechanical engineering at Wright State University. He has a 3.98 grade-point average and is the son of Larry and Sue Homan of Ft. Recovery.

Madison Broering Jacob Homan

Emily Alig Daniel Reichenbach

Julia Evans Riley Klaus

Midwest Electric awards $11,000 in scholarships to 7 local students

Touchstone Energy scholarship winnerAdditionally, Jenna Guggenbiller of St. Henry High School won the $2,000 Touchstone Energy® Achievement Scholarship, which is awarded to a student who has overcome a significant challenge in pursuit of his or her goals. Jenna, the daughter of Marvin and Barb Guggenbiller, will major in education at Wright State University.

For the first round, all 56 students came to our o�ce for a 15-minute interview with judges from Wright State University–Lake Campus.

The judges score the students based on poise, appearance, personality, and intelligence, as well as their knowledge of electric cooperative issues.

That score is combined with the student’s GPA, ACT score, and level of community involvement, thus producing the top candidates.

The top six candidates go to the second round of judging, where they are placed first, second, and third.

How are scholarship winners chosen?

Midwest0516.indd 6 4/20/16 2:57 PM


MAY 2016 • COUNTRY LIVING 20E

Bath High School’s Julia Evans and Spencerville High School’s Riley Klaus captured top honors in the 2016 Midwest Electric scholarship competition, featuring judges from Wright State University–Lake Campus and Midwest Electric.

The two seniors each received a $2,000 scholarship and represented Mid-west Electric in the statewide electric cooperative scholarship competition in Columbus.

Second-place $1,500 scholarships were awarded to Emily Alig, Ft. Recov-ery High School, and Daniel Reichenbach, Wapakoneta High School. Re-ceiving third-place $1,000 scholarships were Madison Broering, St. Henry High School, and Jacob Homan, Seton Catholic Homeschool.

The six general scholarship winners were selected from a field of 56 area high school seniors, with a 3.5 or higher grade-point average, whose parents are Midwest Electric members.

Evans has a 4.0 grade-point average and is first in her class. She is plan-ning to attend Ohio State University to study biomedical sciences. She is the daughter of Robert and Linda Evans of Lima.

Klaus is the son of Michelle Klaus of Spencerville. He has a 3.977 grade-point average, is third in his class, and is planning to study biology at Ohio State University.

Alig will major in elementary education. She has a 3.984-grade point av-erage. Her parents are Randy and Barb Alig of Ft. Recovery.

Reichenbach will pursue an engineering degree. He has a 3.9 grade-point average, is ranked fifth in his class, and is the son of Jim and Mary Lee Reichenbach of Wapakoneta.

Broering will study education at Ohio Northern University. She has a 4.0 grade point average and is first in her class. She is the daughter of Dale and Margie Broering of St. Henry.

Homan will study mechanical engineering at Wright State University. He has a 3.98 grade-point average and is the son of Larry and Sue Homan of Ft. Recovery.

Midwest Electric awards $11,000 in scholarships to 7 local students

When a major storm causes widespread damage to our electric system, our top goal is to restore service to the greatest number of members in the shortest amount of time. So we have priorities for making repairs, determined by the number of members a�ected.

Those priorities in order are:1. Transmission lines. These

lines supply power to one or more substations. A problem with these lines could interrupt power to sev-eral thousand members and must be repaired before other parts of the system can operate.

2. Substations. A problem with a substation can a�ect sev-eral hundred members. When a major outage occurs, line crews inspect substations to discover if problems stem from transmission lines feeding into the substation or from the substation itself, or if problems exist down the line.

3. Main distribution feeders. These lines carry power from the substation. Each feeder serves a large portion of members from the substation.

4. Tap lines, or line sections. These branch lines serve a smaller group of members from the main feeder. The tap line will remain without power until the main

feeder line is repaired.5. Individual service. These

serve a single residence, business, or farm. It may not do you any good for us to repair your service line if one of our main lines is still out.

We also give priority to emer-gency situations such as fallen lines.

We advise you to have a backup plan to move a seriously ill person to a safe place in the event

of an extended outage. We cannot guarantee uninterrupted electric service to homes where serious medical conditions exist.

My neighbor has powerHave you ever lost power only

to see the lights still shining from your neighbor’s window? When this happens, it could mean the service line between your home and the transformer is damaged. Or, it could mean that a three-phase power line serves your neighborhood and you are served by a di�erent line than your neighbor.

Stay in the knowDuring outages impacting a

distribution feeder, substation, or transmission lines, we use our Facebook and Twitter pages and our website to provide the latest updates on the outage and resto-ration estimates. We typically do not provide updates on smaller outages a�ecting tap lines or individuals.

Our priorities during outages

Report an outage from your smartphone or tabletOn your smartphone or tablet, search for SmartHub in the Apple or Android store. After downloading (it’s free), search for Midwest Electric Ohio. Register and log in. Tap the “Report Outage” icon, then “Report an Outage.” Verify your contact address. Add com-ments that will assist in the outage restoration. An example is if you heard a loud “bang” from your transformer, let us know. Then click “Submit.” This will report it directly to our mapping and dispatch systems. With our meters, we typically know already when your power is out. However, we still recom-mend that you report the outage. You can also call to report the outage at 1-800-962-3830.

Midwest0516.indd 7 4/20/16 2:57 PM


20F COUNTRY LIVING • MAY 2016

Why does the power blink?Blinks are created when a breaker, or switch, opens along any portion of the power system. The breaker usually opens because of a large, quick rise of elec-trical current. This large rise, called a fault condi-tion, can occur when a tree branch touches a line, lightning strikes, or a wire breaks.

When this happens, a relay senses the fault and tells the breaker to open, preventing the flow of power to the problem site. After opening, the breaker quickly closes. The brief delay, which allows the fault to clear, usually lasts less than two sec-onds.

If the fault clears, every home or business that receives electricity o� that power line has just ex-perienced a blink but not a prolonged outage. This

could include thousands of accounts if the breaker protects a transmission line or a substation.

There are things we do to reduce blink fre-quency. Tree trimming is probably the easiest and most common way, and one area where you can help. Make sure we know of any trees or limbs lo-cated close to a power line.

Blinks a�ect all electrical equipment. An unin-terruptible power supply (UPS) on your computer can help prevent information loss. UPS incorpo-rates surge suppression technology with a battery backup and provides you some time to save what-ever you were working on and exit your computer properly.

Go Paperless and Save!

• $5 one-time bill credit

• Receive e-mail notice each month with link to safe, secure, convenient e-bill site

• View payment and use history

• Pay automatically each month with bank or credit card account

• No more postage to mail payment

• No gas to drive to paystation

• No more late fees

800-962-3830midwestrec.com

Get electric-use alerts via text, e-mail

E-bill also provides outage alertsJust like bank alerts that tell you when your bank balance hits a certain amount, you can get elec-tric-use alerts from Midwest Electric. Go to midwestrec.com and then to our e-bill page.

After registering, click on the Notifications tab, then Manage Contacts to set up your e-mail address or text number. Then click Manage Notifications to set your own electric use thresholds.

You can also sign up to receive an alert when your power is out and when it’s restored.

Midwest Electric, Inc.

Midwest0516.indd 8 4/20/16 2:57 PM


INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT

Report on the Financial StatementsWe have audited the accompanying financial statements of Midwest Electric, Inc., which comprise the balance sheets as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, and the related statements of operations, comprehensive operations, equities and cash flows for the years then ended, and the related notes to the financial statements.

Management’s Responsibility for the Financial Statements

Management is responsible for the preparation and fair presentation of these financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America; this includes the design, implementation, and maintenance of internal control relevant to the preparation and fair presentation of financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.

Auditor’s ResponsibilityOur responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits. We conducted our audits in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States of America and the standards applicable to financial audits contained in Government Auditing Standards issued by the Comptroller General of the United States. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free from material misstatement.

An audit involves performing procedures to obtain audit evidence about the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. The procedures selected depend on the auditor’s judgment, including the assessment of the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to fraud or error. In making those risk assessments, the auditor considers internal control relevant to the entity’s preparation and fair presentation of the financial statements in order to design audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the e�ectiveness of the entity’s internal control. Accordingly, we express no such opinion. An audit also includes evaluating the appropriateness of accounting policies used and the reasonableness of significant accounting estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is su�cient and appropriate to provide a basis for ouraudit opinion.

OpinionIn our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Midwest Electric, Inc. as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for the years then ended in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

Report on Other Legal and Regulatory Requirements

In accordance with Government Auditing Standards, we have also issued a report dated March 3, 2016, on our consideration of Midwest Electric, Inc.’s internal control over financial reporting and our tests of its compliance with certain provisions of laws, regulations, contracts, grant agreements and other matters. The purpose of that report is to describe the scope of our testing of internal control over financial reporting and compliance and the results of that testing, and not to provide an opinion on

the internal control over financial reporting or on compliance. That report is an integral part of an audit performed in accordance with Government Auditing Standards in considering Midwest Electric, Inc.’s internal control over financial reporting and compliance.

Circleville, OhioMarch 3, 2016

Balestra, Harr & Scherer

MAY 2016 • COUNTRY LIVING 20G

Get electric-use alerts via text, e-mail

E-bill also provides outage alerts

BALANCE SHEETSDecember 31, 2015 and 2014

2015 2014ASSETS

UTILITY PLANTElectric plant in service $ 55,415,412 $ 54,195,733Construction work in progress 480,989 332,642 55,896,401 54,528,375Less: Accumulated provision fordepreciation and amortization (17,012,374) (15,636,779)NET UTILITY PLANT 38,884,027 38,891,596

NONCURRENT ASSETSInvestments in associated organizations 13,882,681 12,839,549Notes receivable 343,875 447,167Deferred charges 942,164 1,083,820TOTAL NONCURRENT ASSETS 15,168,720 14,370,536

CURRENT ASSETSCash and cash equivalents 2,971,652 1,634,905Accounts receivable, net of provision fordoubtful accounts of $147,077 ($105,574 for 2014) 1,699,454 2,198,077Notes receivable 100,241 110,359Materials and supplies 462,411 402,146Other current assets 4,506,463 1,115,841TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS 9,740,221 5,461,328

TOTAL ASSETS $ 63,792,968 $ 58,723,460

2015 2014LIABILITIES AND EQUITIES

EQUITIESPatronage capital $ 29,321,633 $ 27,987,978Accumulated other comprehensive income 828,400 1,379,400Other equities 399,319 331,377TOTAL EQUITIES 30,549,352 29,698,755

LONG-TERM LIABILITIESMortgage notes less current maturities 26,755,486 22,613,419Provision for pensions and benefits 2,304,817 2,331,130TOTAL LONG-TERM LIABILITIES 29,060,303 24,944,549

CURRENT LIABILITIESCurrent maturities of long-term debt 1,178,734 1,060,117Accounts payable - purchased power 1,537,111 1,591,968Accounts payable - other 65,494 55,356Consumers’ deposits 174,789 174,313Accrued taxes 772,618 749,691Other current liabilities 454,567 448,711TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES 4,183,313 4,080,156

TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITIES $ 63,792,968 $ 58,723,460

Midwest0516.indd 9 4/20/16 2:57 PM


NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

ORGANIZATIONMidwest Electric, Inc. (the Cooperative) is a non-profit corporation operating on a cooperative basis. Its primary purpose is to provide electric power and energy to its membership, which includes residentialconsumers, as well as, agricultural, commercial and industrial businesses.

Midwest Electric Community Connection Fund, Inc. (the Fund) is an Ohio not-for-profit corporation formed by the Cooperative and its members, for the purpose of accumulating, and disbursing funds for religious, charitable, benevolent, scientific, literary, and educational purposes within the service area of Midwest Electric Inc. and surrounding communities. The Fund is not included in these financial statements and is exempt from federal income taxation under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Total assets of the Foundation at December 31, 2015 and 2014 were $14,999 and $10,133, respectively. Total public support and revenue was $61,656 and $54,460 for 2015 and 2014, respectively, while expenditures were $56,790 and $54,462, for 2015 and 2014, respectively.

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

The Cooperative’s accounting policies conform to generally accepted accounting principles, as applied to Rural Electric Cooperatives, substantially in accordance with the Uniform System of Accounts of the Rural Utilities Service (RUS). Following is a description of the more significant accounting policies used by the Cooperative in the preparation of its financial statements:

Utility Plant and Depreciation - The Cooperative records improvements and additions to the distribution plant at cost using continuing property records. Retirements are removed from the cost and accumulated depreciation accounts at average costs. The actual cost of removing retirements is charged to accumulated depreciation during the year the retirement is completed. The general plant and equipment are recorded at cost based on the unit method. Any retirements or disposals of general plant and equipment are removed from the cost and accumulated depreciation accounts. Any salvage received is credited to accumulated depreciation. Depreciation is provided for by the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the property. The provisions are determined by the

use of functional composite rates as follows:

Distribution plant: General plant:

Station equipment 2.7% Structure and improvements 2-12.5%

Poles, towers and 3.0% O�ce equipment 6-33%

equipment

Overhead lines 2.3% Transportation equipment 5-20%

Underground lines 2.9% Shop equipment 3-20%

Transformers 2.6% Laboratory equipment 5-20%

Services 3.1% Tools and large equipment 7-20%

Meter equipment 2.9% Communications equipment 6-20%

Sentinel lights 4.4% Miscellaneous equipment 6-20%

AMI meter system 5-20%

Transmission plant:

Poles and fixtures 2.70%

Overhead conductors and devices 2.70%

Transmission taps 2.75%

Accounts Rec eivable – Accounts receivable primarily represent amounts due from customers resulting from the sale of electricity on an unsecured basis. The Cooperative uses the reserve method for valuing potentially uncollectible accounts receivable and establishing an allowance for doubtful accounts receivable. In establishing and evaluating the allowance, management considers their knowledge of customers, historical losses and current economic conditions and provides for the allowance through a charge to operations. Balances that are still outstanding after reasonable collection e�orts have been exhausted are written o� through a charge to the allowance. Past charges to the allowance have not been significant.

Notes Receivable – Notes receivable represent amounts due from local businesses through the Rural Economic Development Loan and Grant Program. The Cooperative records interest income on these loans when it is earned and they consider all loan amounts to be collectible. The notes are for a term of 5 to 10 years at interest rates from 0 to 2% and mature from 2016 to 2023.

Materials and Supplies - Inventory of materials and supplies not allocated to construction work in progress is recorded at the lower of cost or market using the moving average cost method.

Investments - Investments in associated organizations are recorded at cost, which is the same as par value. The investments have no established market making it impractical and costly to estimate their fair value. They are included in the financial statements as long-term assets. These investments represent equity contributions in other cooperatives and are adjusted annually to reflect patronage allocations received, net of cash.

Income Taxes - The Cooperative is a Rural Electric Cooperative exempt from federal income taxes under Section 501(c)(12) of the Internal Revenue Code. Accordingly, no provision for federal income taxes has been recorded.

The Cooperative complies with ASC 740-10 related to uncertain tax positions. ASC 740-10 prescribes a recognition threshold and measurement attribute for financial statement recognition and measurement of

20H COUNTRY LIVING • MAY 2016

STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONSFor the Years Ended December 31, 2015 and 2014

2015 2014OPERATING REVENUES $ 28,816,050 $ 29,181,018

OPERATING EXPENSESCost of power 18,473,028 18,533,734Distribution expense - operations 1,765,018 1,957,878Distribution expense - maintenance 1,331,360 1,688,711Consumer accounts 430,103 540,051Customer service and information 311,325 373,148Sales 89,309 116,869 Administrative and general 1,285,718 1,375,201Depreciation and amortization 1,520,043 1,504,426Taxes 1,087,486 1,096,442Other deductions 28,881 26,851TOTAL OPERATING EXPENSES 26,322,271 27,213,311

OPERATING MARGINS BEFORE FIXED CHARGES 2,493,779 1,967,707Interest on long-term debt ( 1,116,709) (977,328)

OPERATING MARGINS AFTER FIXED CHARGES 1,377,070 990,379Capital credits 1,548,128 1,139,228

OPERATING MARGINS 2,925,198 2,129,607NON-OPERATING MARGINS (EXPENSE)

Interest income 227,535 61,713Other (1,776) (4,194)TOTAL NON-OPERATING MARGINS 225,759 57,519

NET MARGINS FOR PERIOD $ 3,150,957 $ 2,187,126Unrecognized gains and losses related to thedefined benefit postretirement plan, net of reclassification adjustment of $551,000 for amortization of prior service credit and actuarial gains and losses included in net periodic benefit cost ($240,800 for 2014) ( 551,000) 3,622,300

TOTAL COMPREHENSIVE INCOME $ 2,599,957 $ 5,809,426

Midwest0516.indd 10 4/20/16 2:57 PM



a tax position taken or expected to be taken on a tax return. Management is not aware of any tax positions taken by the Cooperative on its tax returns that they consider to be uncertain or that would jeopardize its tax exempt status. Tax returns for the years ended 2012, 2013 and 2014 are still open and subject to examination by the Internal Revenue Service.

Patronage Capital and Margins - Midwest Electric, Inc. operates under the Cooperative form of organization. As provided in the code of regulations, any excess of revenues over expenses from operations is treated as advances of capital by the patrons and credited to each of them on an individual basis. Generally, it is the Cooperative’s policy to retire capital contributed by patrons periodically as deemed appropriate by management and the Board of Trustees. Capital credits due to patrons who become deceased are paid to the estates of such patrons at amounts discounted to their present value in accordance with the policies and procedures of the Cooperative.

Revenues and Cost of Purchased Power – Revenues are recorded during the month the energy is consumed by members, using established rates. The cost of power purchased is recorded during the period the energy is consumed.

Comprehensive Income - Accumulated other comprehensive income represents the cumulative net changes related to recording the funded status of the nonpension postretirement benefit plan.

Statement of Cash Flows - For purposes of the statement of cash flows, the Cooperative considers all highly liquid debt instruments purchased with a maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents. Net cash flows from operating activities includes cash payments for interest of $1,116,709 and $977,328 for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. There were no payments for federal income taxes.

Subsequent Events - Subsequent events were evaluated through March 3, 2016, which is the date the financial statements were available to be issued.

Concentration of Credit Risk - The Cooperative’s accounts receivable result primarily from the sale ofelectricity to its members, located in west central Ohio.

The Cooperative, from time to time, may have cash balances in financial institutions that exceed the federally insured limit. In such situations, the Cooperative generally obtains collateral agreements to protect the uninsured balance from potential loss.

Use of Estimates - The preparation of the financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that a�ect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes. Although these estimates are based on management’s knowledge of current events and actions it may undertake in the future, they may ultimately di�er from actual results.

UTILITY PLANT AND DEPRECIATION

The following schedule presents the major classes of the electric plant at December 31: 2015 2014

Distribution plant $ 49,232,474 $ 48,147,073General plant 6,182,938 6,048,660Electric plant in service 55,415,412 54,195,733Construction work in progress 480,989 332,642Total utility plant, at cost $ 55,896,401 $ 54,528,375

The depreciation and amortization expense for the periods presented amounted to $1,625,323 and$1,627,684 for 2015 and 2014, respectively. Of the 2015 amount, $1,520,043 was charged to depreciation expense and $105,280 to transportation expense ($1,504,426 and $123,258, respectively for 2014).

PATRONAGE CAPITALPatronage capital is the retained net margins arising from operations of the Cooperative which have been or are expected to be allocated to its members in the form of capital credits, determined by each member’sbillings during the year the margins were generated.

No portion of any current allocation is paid in cash.

At December 31, 2015 and 2014, patronage capital consisted of: 2015 2014

Assignable $ 3,150,957 $ 2,187,126

Assigned to date 53,241,335 51,054,209

56,392,292 53,241,335

Less: Retirements to date (27,070,659) (25,253,357)

Total $ 29,321,633 $ 27,987,978

Total equities of the Cooperative represents 48% of the total assets at the balance sheet date (51% atDecember 31, 2014). Capital credits of $1,817,302 and $1,077,458 were retired in 2015 and 2014,respectively.

STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWFor the Years Ended December 31, 2015 and 2014

2015 2014CASH FLOW FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIESNet margins $ 3,150,957 $ 2,187,126Adjustments to reconcile net margins to net cashprovided (used) by operating activities: Depreciation and amortization 1,625,323 1,627,684 Noncash capital credits (1,526,864) (1,123,066) Salvage and retirement adjustments for utility plant (361,689) (230,233) Benefit plan expense in excess of contributions (contributions in excess of expense) (577,313) 357,991Changes in assets and liabilities: Accounts and notes receivable 612,033 (253,997) Materials and supplies (60,265) (7,961) Other current assets (3,390,622) 83,547 Deferred charges 141,656 130,144 Accounts payable and accrued expenses (15,460) (40,045) Total adjustments (3,553,201) 544,064 Net cash provided (used) by operating activities (402,244) 2,731,190

CASH FLOW FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIESConstruction and acquisition of utility plant (1,618,625) (2,358,857)Proceeds from disposal of utility plant and aid to construction 362,560 232,734Proceeds from redemption of investments 494,812 523,055Purchase of investments (11,080) (11,084)

Net cash used by investing activities (772,333) (1,614,152)

CASH FLOW FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIESProceeds from long-term debt 4,000,000 4,300,000Payments on long-term debt (1,109,492) (1,260,656)Changes in cushion of credit 1,370,176 (2,754,534)Patronage capital credits retired (1,749,360) (1,037,262) Net cash provided (used) by financing activities 2,511,324 (752,452)

Increase in cash and cash equivalents 1,336,747 364,586Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year 1,634,905 1,270,319

Cash and cash equivalents at end of year $ 2,971,652 $ 1,634,905

(Continued on page 22)

Midwest0516.indd 11 4/20/16 2:57 PM



INVESTMENTS IN ASSOCIATED ORGANIZATIONS

Investments in associated organizations consisted of the following at December 31: 2015 2014Equity Capital:

Capital term certificates, National Rural Utilities

Cooperative Finance Corporation (NRUCFC) $ 590,880 $ 596,532

Equity contribution - Buckeye Power, Inc. 1,204,749 1,204,749

National Information Solutions Cooperative 59,995 54,030

Patronage Capital Credits:

NRUCFC 193,080 183,125

Buckeye Power, Inc. 11,454,020 10,445,761

Rural Electric Supply Cooperative, Inc. 135,497 132,274

National Rural Telecommunications Cooperative 252 252

Cooperative Response Center 6,978 5 ,732

Other:

Federated Rural Electric Insurance Corporation 94,468 84,326

NRUCFC membership 1,000 1 ,000

Buckeye Power, Inc. membership 50 50

Rural Electric Supply Cooperative, Inc. membership 50 50

National Information Solutions Cooperative,

membership 25 25

Cooperative Response Center, membership 2,500 2 ,500

Heartland Emergency, LLC 139,137 129,143

Total investments in associated

organizations $13,882,681 $12,839,549

MORTGAGE NOTESLong-term debt is comprised of mortgage notes payable to the United States of America and supplemental mortgages to National Rural Utilities Cooperative Finance Corporation (NRUCFC). Following is a summary of outstanding long-term debt as of December 31:

2015 2014

Notes payable to the United States:

.13% notes due December 16, 2029 $ 199,591 $ 213,782

4.25% notes due December 16, 2029 771,654 811,672

4.125% notes due July 1, 2032 814,311 w848,120

3% notes due April 2, 2036 773,648 801,063

3.66% notes due April 2, 2036 871,109 899,677

3.79% notes due April 2, 2036 734,846 758,582

.33% notes due July 27, 2038 877,667 915,782

4.89% notes due November 18, 2039 831,870 851,864

4.38% notes due November 18, 2039 1,803,615 1,849,720


4.69% notes due November 18, 2039 2,776,146 2,844,680


3.96% notes due December 31, 2042 2,811,800 2,869,062




2.31% notes due December 31, 2046 3,956,872 -

Cushion of credit balance (1,984,358) (3,354,534)

0% notes through Rural Economic

Development Loan and Grant Program,

no specified due date 600,000 600,000

Subtotal United States 24,212,342 19,451,546

Notes payable to NRUCFC:

5.9% note due January 1, 2016 - 11,761

6.6% note due April 1, 2018 68,815 9 6,294

6.9% note due April 1, 2024 266,297 289,517

6.25% note due January 1, 2027 319,791 339,449

6.25% note due September 30, 2029 497,040 519,244

6.3% note due June 30, 2032 810,211 837,411

3.55% note due September 30, 2024 976,955 1,043,692

5.2% to 5.3%, serial notes due

June 30, 2016-2018 782,769 1,084,622

Subtotal NRUCFC 3,721,878 4,221,990

Total mortgage notes 27,934,220 23,673,536

Less: current maturities (1,178,734) (1,060,117)

Long-term portion $ 26,755,486 $ 22,613,419

The Cooperative has a $2,500,000 line of credit available from NRUCFC of which no amounts were outstanding at December 31, 2015 and 2014. They also had unadvanced commitments of $1,000,000 from the United States at December 31, 2015.

Substantially all of the assets of the Cooperative are pledged as security against these loans. Annual maturities of the debt for the five years subsequent to December 31, 2015 are as follows: 2016 $ 1,178,734 2017 1,190,276

2018 1,198,141 2019 961,573 2020 995,638

LITIGATIONCurrently, there is no known significant litigation pending against or pertaining to the Cooperative.

COMMITMENTS AND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

The Cooperative purchases all of its power from Buckeye Power, Inc., a nonprofit corporation operating on a cooperative basis, whose membership includes Midwest Electric, Inc. Rates for service to members of Buckeye Power, Inc. are in accordance with the provisions of the Wholesale Power Agreement which expires December 31, 2057. Materials and supplies are purchased from the Rural Electric Supply Cooperative, Inc., of which Midwest Electric, Inc. is an owner and member.

The Cooperative borrows funds from the National Rural Utilities Cooperative Finance Corporation of which it is a member and owner.

The Cooperative is a member of National Information Solutions Cooperative (NISC) of St. Louis, Missouri and contracts with them for data processing services.

Federated Rural Electric Insurance Exchange, of which Midwest Electric is a member, provides property and liability insurance to the Cooperative.

The Cooperative is a member of Heartland Emergency, LLC, which provides emergency backup power for substations.

The Cooperative is a partial owner of the Cooperative Response Center, which provides the Cooperative with after hours customer service and dispatching.

STATEMENTS OF EQUITIESFor the Years Ended December 31, 2015 and 2014

Accumulated Other Other Comprehensive Patronage Total Equities Income (Loss) Capital Equities

Balance at January 1, 2014 $ 291,181 $ (2,242,900) $ 26,878,310 $ 24,926,591Net margins - - 2,187,126 2,187,126Unrecognized gains and losses related tothe defined benefit postretirement plan - 3,622,300 - 3,622,300Retirement of capital credits (1,077,458) (1,077,458)Discounted capital credits 40,196 - - 40,196 Balance at December 31, 2014 331,377 1,379,400 27,987,978 29,698,755Net margins - - 3,150,957 3,150,957Unrecognized gains and losses related tothe defined benefit postretirement plan - (551,000) - (551,000)Retirement of capital credits (1,817,302) (1,817,302)Discounted capital credits 67,942 - - 67,942Balance at December 31, 2015 $ 399,319 $ 828,400 $ 29,321,633 $ 30,549,352

(—continued from page 21)

Midwest0516.indd 12 4/20/16 2:57 PM


MEMBER INTERACTIVE

Funny signs

Chip Hart, HillsboroSouth Central Power

Max Wood, SpencervilleMidwest Electric

Mary Maag, FindlayHancock-Wood EC

Angie Hamey, SomervilleButler REC

Greg Keller, BellefontaineLogan County EC

David Kupchick, West SalemLorain-Medina REC

See our guidelines and deadlines on page 39 for future months’ submissions.

Editor’s note:We received an avalanche of submissionsfor this category. To see more of the funny signs you sentus, go to www.ohioec.org.




Cathy Thomas, StrongsvilleSouth Central Power

John Lamp, WoosterHolmes-Wayne Electric

Donald Weyrick, AkronCarrroll EC

Dean Jones, HillsboroSouth Central Power

Donna BreitingerSouth Central Power

Terri Bates, LaGrangeLorain-Medina REC

Harriet Bailey, WestervilleConsolidated EC




2

Fun and funny

festivalsSpring and summer

1

2

3

4



43

21

Wooden Boat Show and Plein Air Art Festival,Lakeside

They’re two terrific events at one exceedinglylovely location on the shores of Lake Erie at Lake-side, a family-oriented community where the sum-mertime Chautauqua fun combines activities formind, body, and spirit. Morning swims, afternoonshuffleboard, and evening concerts are all in aday’s fun at Lakeside, but in mid-July, its quintes-sential weekend features two singular outdoorevents. The Wooden Boat Show presents the timeless

beauty of some 75 vessels dating back to the early1900s, while the Plein Air Art Festival providesthe rare pleasure of communing with artists asthey paint on Lakeside’s pristine grounds. Added attractions: Musicians perform at Lake-

side’s Pavilion; the Hotel Lakeside grills picnicfare; and nostalgic boat rides are available onAmazing Grace, a 1937 Richardson Cruiseabout.Both events are free, but visitors must purchase aChautauqua Pass (starting at $7) to enter thegated Lakeside community.

Wooden Boat Show, July 17; Plein Air Art Festival, July 15-17.

For more information, call 866-952-5374, or visit

www.lakesideohio.com.

— Damaine Vonada

Dog Fest, Zoar

Diving dogs, jumping dogs, and swimming dogs— they’re all the darlings of the Dog Fest of Zoar,but the aquatic performances of the BuckeyeDockDogs are only part of the canine competitionand crowd-pleasing entertainment found here. Seehow your own dog stands up as an athletic wun-derkind in agility and skill-based feats like obsta-cle-course runs. You can also show off your dog’sgood looks in the pet parade and costume con-tests. The owner-pet look-alike contest is another

shout-out opportunity at the two-day festival in ahistoric village founded by German separatists in1817. See what’s new in the pet care scene, get aphoto of your pet, and pick up pet paraphernaliaand treats at the vendor booths before headinghome.

June 11-12, 198 Main St., Zoar. For more information, call 330-

874-3011.

— Jamie Rhein

The Jerusalem Experience, Cambridge

Each summer, Jesus’s story comes to life at theLiving Word Outdoor Drama, where costumed actors of all ages take the stage. Stories like theSermon on the Mount, the Good Samaritan, andthe Last Supper unfold in the naturally landscapedamphitheater on a slice of farmland outside ofCambridge.The Jerusalem Experience is a one-day multi-

sensory event in August that’s an addition to theoutdoor drama’s repertoire. The amphitheater,with its Bible-inspired sets, becomes the backdropfor kids and adults to learn about biblical timesfirsthand. From costume making to carpentry, orfrom basket making to pottery and playing games,families learn about Jesus’s time with hands-onactivities. Try your skills blowing the shofar, theancient instrument made from a ram’s horn, tradi-tionally used for Jewish religious purposes. Foodof the time period is included.

August 27, 10 a.m.-12 p.m., 6010 College Hill Rd., Cambridge.

$10 admission includes a ticket to the outdoor drama. For

more information, call 740-439-2761 or visit

www.livingworddrama.org.

— Jamie Rhein

Poultry Days, Versailles

Chicken reigns supreme in this Darke Countycommunity with the approach of Versailles PoultryDays. From whimsical chickens painted on villagestreets to the crowning of Miss Chick and LittleMiss Chick, to a huge inflatable chicken float inthe lavish parade, the event celebrates the area’shistory as a leading poultry producer.This year’s theme continues in that vein with

“Salute to the American Farmer.” More than25,000 barbecued chicken dinners will be servedthroughout the weekend, along with an array offestival foods. Two parades will pass throughvillage streets, while other activities include theUltimate Frisbee Tournament; corn hole games;kiddie tractor pulls; musical entertainment;amusement rides; concession stands; a book sale;and art, photography, woodcarving, and flowershows.

June 10-12 on the former Versailles High School grounds, 459

S. Center St., Versailles. For more information, visit

www.versaillespoultrydays.com.

— Margie Wuebker


http://www.lakesideohio.com

http://www.livingworddrama.org

http://www.versaillespoultrydays.com





THE MEMORIAL TOURNA-MENT founded by JackNicklaus turns 40 thismonth, so what bettertime to laud Ohio’s own

golf legend? Wehereby present aNicklaus “golf digest.”

BiographyName: Jack William Nicklaus Birthdate: Jan. 21, 1940Birthplace:Columbus, OhioParents:Charlie and HelenNicklaus Education:Upper Arlington HighSchool; Ohio State UniversitySpouse:Barbara, married 1960

Children: 5Grandchildren: 22Residence: FloridaNickname:Golden BearNoteworthy:While UpperArlington’s teams are called“Golden Bears,” a sportswriteralso applied that nickname to theblonde, burly young Nicklaus.

Professional CareerPGA Tour Victories: 73Holes-in-One: 21Top Money Winner: 8 timesPGA Tour Earnings: $5,723,192Champions Tour Victories: 10Champions Tour Earnings:$3,372,207Total Victories: 118 (includingunofficial and international events)Major Titles:A record-setting 18(6 Masters, 5 PGA Championships,4 U.S. Opens, 3 British Opens)Noteworthy: Endurance may beNicklaus’s greatest golfing feat. In1963 at age 23, Nicklaus was theyoungest person to win theMasters Tourna ment. In 1986, 46-year-old Nicklaus took the Mastersa record-setting sixth time and wasits oldest winner. In 2015, at 75,Nicklaus aced the Masters Par 3Contest’s fourth hole.

KudosGolfer of the Century/Millen-nium, Associated Press, BBC, numerous golf publications; 20th Century’s Best Male Athlete,Sports Illustrated;Presidential Medal of Freedom,2005’Congressional Gold Medal, 2015Noteworthy: In 2006, Nicklauswas the fifth non-Ohio State bandmember privileged to “dot the i”in Script Ohio.

Memorial Tournament, 2016 The prestigious PGA invitationalis played on the Nicklaus-designedcourse at Dublin’s Muirfield Vil-lage Golf Club. Hosted by Nick-laus, it honors leading golfers andraises millions for local charities.

Noteworthy:Muirfield’s namesalutes the Scotland course whereNicklaus won the 1966 OpenChampionship, clinching his firstcareer grand slam.

From Nicklaus:“Professional golf is the only sportwhere, if you win 20 percent ofthe time, you’re the best.”“It takes hundreds of good golfshots to gain confidence, but onlyone bad one to lose it.”“If you want to hit it farther, hit itbetter.”“Golf is not, and never has been,a fair game.” DAMAINE VONADA is a freelancewriter from Xenia.

For more information on the MemorialTournament, call 614-889-6712, or visitwww.thememorialtourament.com. Thismonth’s Ohio Quiz on page 39 alsofeatures Jack Nicklaus.

Grinand (Golden)Bear itCelebrating Jack Nicklaus and the 40th Memorial TournamentBY DAMAINE VONADA



http://www.thememorialtourament.com


REMEMBER WHEN YOU WERE A KIDhow much fun it was simply kick-ing a ball? In keeping with thatconcept, a new sport has arisen inrecent years — footgolf. It’s beingplayed on golf courses around theworld, and some 25 courses havebeen developed in Ohio during thepast decade alone.The sport is played like golf, but

footgolfers don’t use the sameholes or greens as regular golfers.The object of the game is to kick a#5 soccer ball from a designatedtee box into a 21-inch-diametercup in as few strokes (kicks) aspossible. Par per hole is usuallyfive or less. Footgolf holes are gen-erally shorter than standard golfholes, so players can play a roundof either nine or 18 holes in aboutone to two hours, respectively.Footgolf doesn’t require expen-

sive equipment (clubs), clothing,or specialized skills. It’s alsocheaper — a round of nine holesusually costs less than $10.Green Hills Golf Course

(www.greenhillsgolf.com)near Clyde added footgolfjust a year ago. “In Sep-tember, we were surprisedthat more rounds of foot-golf were played on ourexecutive course than reg-ular golf,” says AdamCrockett, one of thecourse’s co-owners. “Manyof those people participat-ing were families, some-times three generations —kids, parents, and grand-parents.”Footgolf was a good fit

for Green Hills because italready had an executive(par-three) course that wasunder utilized. “So nineholes of footgolf lent itself well tothat course’s shorter layout,” saidCrockett.Tiffin University’s women’s soc-

cer team played footgolf at thecourse last year, and the ClydeHigh School boys’ soccer teamplayed weekly during the summeras a team-building activity. “Many of those young people

had not been exposed to a golfcourse atmosphere before, and as aresult, some returned to try regu-lar golf,” says Crockett. “Footgolf is

a good crossover sport, gettingnew people interested in tryingtraditional golf.” That’s importantto golf course owners such asCrockett, as the number of peopleplaying golf in America is gradu-ally declining. The governing body for footgolf

in the U.S. is the American Foot-Golf League (AFGL). For more in-formation, or to locate a footgolfcourse near you, go to www.afgl.us.Adult or young person, if you cankick a soccer ball, you can playfootgolf!

W. H. “CHIP” GROSS is CountryLiving’s outdoors editor.

What a kick!Kick up your heels and try footgolf

BY W. H. ‘CHIP’ GROSS

It looks like soccer, and players arekicking an actual soccer ball, but foot-golf’s goal is to get the ball not into anet but into a 21-inch cup in as fewkicks as possible. And just like golf,each hole has a par, of usually five orless. (Photos courtesy of the AmericanFootGolf League)


http://www.greenhillsgolf.com

http://www.afgl.us


PUTTERING AROUND IN RETIRE-MENT can mean different thingsto different people. For some, itmeans practicing their golf swing,leafing through a few books,maybe crafting a birdhouse ortwo.But 83-year-old John Cheney

of North Baltimore in WoodCounty is more likely to spend hisfree time patching up a 28-tonmilitary recovery vehicle, or as-sembling a Cold War-era rocket.Cheney is a retired U.S. Army

Reserve lieutenant colonel whoalso worked for 41 years forHancock-Wood Electric Coopera-tive, serving as CEO for 14 ofthose years. For decades, he hascollected and rebuilt dozens ofmilitary vehicles and assortedmateriel. With his son, JohnCheney II, he’s amassed one ofthe largest private collections ofmilitary vehicles, rockets, andmissiles in the world.The beneficiaries of the

Cheneys’ passion have been thecitizens of northwest Ohio andvisitors from, well, all over.Cheney has been a driving forcein the Findlay Military Show, anannual three-day celebration ofthe armed forces that has been

going strong for 29 years.This year’s show is expected to

include up to 300 vehicles thatvisitors can inspect up-close. Theevent, put on by the Findlay Mil-itary Association, is held annu-ally on Armed Forces Dayweekend, the third weekend inMay.“We want to educate the peo-

ple,” says Cheney II. “We wantthem to see the complexity andthe simplicity of the vehicles. It’sone thing to go to a museum andsee one, but it’s another thing tosee it drive past you and stopwhere you can touch it. That’simportant.”Other highlights of this year’s

Findlay Show will include:

• A pass-and-review, in which ownerswill set their vehicles in motionaround the fairgrounds

• A swap meet that will include morethan 100 vendors trading militarymemorabilia, as well as vehicle parts

• Battlefield re-enactments and living-history displays

• Musical performances

• An awards breakfast on Saturdaymorning.

Keith Kimmel, commander ofthe Findlay Military Association,

says an Indiana-based nonprofitgroup is scheduled to bring anAmerican Huey 369 helicopter.You actually never know who’s

going to show up. “Last year, agentleman brought a semi-truckfrom Rhode Island with twoarmored vehicles on it,” Cheneysays. “We didn’t even know hewas coming.”Cheney, a Lima native, joined

the Army as a commissioned offi-cer, after graduating from Bowl-ing Green State University in1954. He served in active duty fora few years, assigned to workwith rockets and missiles. Theyincluded corporal missiles, whichwere the first guided weapons inthe United States to carry a nu-clear warhead, and Honest Johnrockets, the nation’s first nuclear-capable, surface-to-surface rocket.A tour of the Cheneys’ three

barns reveals their impressive,sprawling collection, which in-cludes 35 trucks, eight types ofrockets and missiles, about 15trailers, and a large library on thehistory and restoration of militaryvehicles.The collection includes an

MGR-1 rocket, otherwise knownas the Honest John. “This is iden-

A rock star with rocketsFormer co-op CEO collects them — as well as military vehicles andmissiles — and you can see them at the Findlay Military Show in May

BY MICHAEL PRAMIK

CO-OP PEOPLE



tical to ones I shot in the ’50s,”Cheney says.Other collectibles include Nike

Ajax and Nike Hercules missiles,a Little John rocket, and a SovietSA-2 missile. Their vehicles in-clude the huge military transportmachine; a half-track vehicle;several Jeeps; a Hawk missileloader transporter; even a modi-fied Soviet GAZ-69 anti-tankmissile launch vehicle.There’s also a launcher for the

Little John rocket. “It’s the ulti-mate Jeep accessory,” jokesCheney II, “to have a towablenuclear missile behind you.”The Findlay Military Show is

one of the top military vehicle at-tractions in the country, andmuch of its prestige reflects theCheneys’ dedication to their craft,Kimmel says.“Their collection is unbeliev-

able,” he states. “John was acareer man in the Army, and hisson knows every detail of everytype of vehicle and weapon. He’sjust a world of information.”Cheney describes their collec-

tion as “a mobile museum.” It’s alabor of love. They often find var-ious parts of a rocket or vehiclesin different locations. Touring his

garage, Cheney points to an Hon-est John rocket.“We found the motor at a

junkyard in southern Indiana,and we found the warhead besidea barn in Kentucky,” he says. “Wefound the launcher at a surplusdealer in Texarkana, Texas.”The extra effort is worth it,

they say.“We’ve had the pleasure of

having veterans see the equip-ment they used to operate and re-

living their lives,” says Cheney II.“That’s the reason we collect andrestore these vehicles.”

MICHAEL PRAMIK is a freelancewriter from Columbus.

This year’s Findlay Military Show runsfrom May 20-22 at the Hancock CountyFairgrounds, 1017 E. Sandusky St., inFindlay. For more information, call 419-429-7344, 419-721-4456, or visitwww.findlaymilitaryshow.org.

John Cheney, former CEO of Hancock-Wood Electric Cooperative, and his son, John Cheney II,have amassed one of the largest private collections of military vehicles, rockets, and missiles inthe world. Many of their prized possessions will be among the 300 vehicles on display at theFindlay Military Show, an annual three-day celebration of the armed forces held during ArmedForces Day weekend, the third weekend in May. (Photo by Wendy Pramik)


http://www.findlaymilitaryshow.org

ICON

Location: Largely following thecourse of the Little Miami River,a state and nationally designatedscenic stream, the nearly 80-mile-long recreational trail stretchesfrom Springfield to the east sideof Cincinnati.

Provenance: In the 1970s, theOhio Department of NaturalResources and local govern-ments began acquiring right-of-way property on the route ofthe old Little Miami Railroad,which was incorporated in 1836and initially ran betweenSpringfield and Cincinnati.Those rights-of-way were con-

verted into a paved recreationaltrail that opened in 1991 andbecame a major feature of LittleMiami State Park, a nontradi-tional linear greenspace thatflanks the trail for some 50miles.

Significance: The Little MiamiScenic Trail is one of the nation’slongest continuously paved multi-use trails. It’s also a part of threelarger trails — the seven-stateNorth Country National ScenicTrail; the Buckeye Trail, whichloops for some 1,400 milesaround Ohio; and the Ohio toErie Trail system between Cleve-land and Cincinnati. In addition,it’s a mainstay of the largestpaved trail network in the UnitedStates — Miami Valley BikeTrails, which boasts 330 miles ofintersecting trails in southwestOhio.

Currently: Celebrating its 25thanniversary this year, the LittleMiami Scenic Trail is one ofOhio’s most popular rail trails,with more than 900,000 user vis-its during 2015. The tree-shaded,serpentine trail boasts the naturalbeauty of the Little Miami River;traverses a corner of the statewhose history dates back to theHopewell Indians; and leads toattractions that range fromYoung’s Jersey Dairy to Fort An-cient earthworks to Kings Islandamusement park. The trail is alsoa destination for cross-countryskiing, rollerblading, backpack-ing, and horseback riding.

It’s a little-known fact that: Ac-cording to surveys conducted bythe Miami Valley Regional Plan-ning Commission, the LittleMiami Scenic Trail’s annualimpact on the regional economyis about $13 million.

For more information about the LittleMiami Scenic Trail, its route, andrecreational opportunities andattractions along it, visit:www.miamivalleytrails.org;http://parks.ohiodnr.gov/littlemiami;www.gcparkstrails.com;www.littlemiamistatepark.org;www.railstotrails.org; andwww.traillink.com.

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MAY 2016 CALENDAR

NORTHWESTMAY 6-15 — Biggest Week inAmerican Birding, many locations inthe Oak Park area. A variety of fieldtrips, workshops, and demonstrationsduring the peak of spring warbler mi-gration. www.biggestweekinamerican-birding.com.

MAY 7 —Schedel GardensCommunity Day Festival, 19255 W.Portage River South Rd., Elmore, 10a.m.-3 p.m. Vendors, demonstrations,food, and drink. Free. 419-862-3182 orwww.schedel-gardens.org.

MAY 7, 8 — Northwest OhioBlacksmiths Hammer-In, AuGlaizeVillage and Farm Museum, 12296Krouse Rd., Defiance. Registration fee.Demonstrations, workshops, classes.419-542-6464 or www.auglaizevil-lage.com

MAY 11-14 — Perrysville Free StreetFair, 2016 N. Bridge St., Perrysville,Wed.-Thurs. 5-10 p.m., Fri. 9-11 p.m.,Sat. 12 noon-11 p.m. Fri.night gardentractor pull, Sat. parade. 419-938-6142

MAY 13 — Mercer County Ribfest,ribs from vendors from all over Ohio,5-11:45 p.m. 419-586-3239 orwww.ohio.org/events/mercer-county-ribfest

MAY 14 — Spring on the Farm,Encore Theater, 22611 St. Rte. 2,Archbold, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Guests expe-rience what life was like in rural Ohiomore than 100 years ago. 800-590-9755 or http://saudervillage.org.

MAY 14 — Lilac Festival andStreetfair, downtown Defiance, 10a.m.-4 p.m. 419-782-0739 or http://visitdefianceohio.com.

MAY 14 — Bluffton Arts and CraftsFestival, downtown Bluffton, 9 a.m.-3p.m. 419-369-2985, ext. 118, orwww.explorebluffton.com.

MAY 15 — Van Wert Area BoychoirSpring Concert, Trinity UnitedMethodist Church, 220 S. Walnut St.,Van Wert, 3 p.m. Free will offering.419-238-1962.

MAY 20-22 — Hamler Country Fest,St. Rte. 109, Hamler. Three days ofcountry music with Craig Campbell,Nashville Crush, Tony Rio, and more.419-748-7459 or www.hamlercoun-tryfest.com.

MAY 21 — Antique Car Gathering,Sauder Village, 22611 St. Rte. 2,Archbold, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. 100 antique cars on display in the historicvillage. 800-590-9755 or http://saudervillage.org.

MAY 21 — Toledo Jazz Orchestra:The Beatles, Valentine Theatre, 400N. Superior St., Toledo. 419-242-2787or www.thetoledojazz orchestra.org.

MAY 21 — KeyBank Pops: Music ofthe Rolling Stones, StranahanTheater, 4645 Heatherdowns Blvd.,Toledo, 8-10:30 p.m. 419-381-8851,419-246-8000, or www.toledosym-phony.com.

MAY 21, 22 — Settlers Re-enactment,AuGlaize Village and Farm Museum,12296 Krouse Rd., Defiance. Living his-tory demonstrations of how settlersfrom 1750 to 1812 survived. 419-636-2560 or www.auglaizevillage.com

MAY 26-30 — Walleye Festival,Waterworks Park, Port Clinton. Live en-tertainment including a kids’ fishingderby, carnival rides, a beer fest, aGrand Parade, live concerts, and hun-dreds of vendors. 419-734-5503.

MAY 27-29 — Antique Tractor andGas Engine Show, Shelby Co. Fgds.,Sidney, $2. 937-596-6812

MAY 28-30 — Logan Hills FestivalHall-Fawcett Park, Zanesfield. Free.Living history, music, outdoor drama,native woodland gathering. http://loganhills.homestead.com

NORTHEASTMAY 1 — Frank Lloyd Wright HomeTours, 534 Morgan St., Oberlin, 1-5p.m. $5. 440-775-8671.

MAY 1 — Ohio Civil War Show,Richland Co. Fgds., Mansfield, Sat. 9a.m.-5 p.m, Sun. 9 a.m.-3 p.m. $7.Seven buildings with 750 tables of mil-itary items, relics, and memorabiliafrom 1785 to 1945. Buy, sell, or trade.800-642-8282 or 419-525-1300.

MAY 1 — A Night of Sinatra,TrueNorth Chamber Orchestra and BigBand, Emerald Event Ctr., 33040 JustImagine Dr., Avon, 3 p.m. 440-949-5200 or www.tncarts.org.

MAY 5-7 — Minerva Village-wideGarage Sales, more than 40 garagesales throughout Minerva. 9 a.m.-5p.m. 330-868-7705, ext. 106, or 330-868-3783.

MAY 6, 7 — Dandelion MayFest,Breitenbach Wine Cellars, 5934 OldRte. 39 Northwest, Dover, Fri. noon-7p.m., Sat. 9 a.m.-8 p.m. Dandelionfood tastings, cooking demonstrations,entertainment, dandelion picking con-test, vendor fair. 330-343-3603 orwww.breitenbachwine.com.

MAY 7 — Celtic Beltane Festival,Columbia Woods Park, Norton, gatesopen 10 a.m. Celtic music and danc-ing, Highland athletes competition,children’s games, vendors, clan tents.www.scottishamericansociety.org.

MAY 15 — Paddle and Pedal Fest,Lakeview Park 1800 W. Erie Ave.,Lorain, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Try out kayaks,stand-up paddleboards, or canoes.Pre-register at 800-LCM-PARK orwww.metroparks.cc.

MAY 21 — Brass Band, Big BandConcert, Medina Performing Arts Ctr.,851 Weymouth Rd., Medina, 7 p.m.Presented by the Brass Band of theWestern Reserve. Admission. 614-563-7170.

MAY 26 – Summer Concert Series,Berkman Amphitheater, Fort SteubenPark, 120 S. 3rd St., Steubenville, 6:30-9 p.m. Classic car cruise-in, craft ven-dors, and family-friendly music.740-283-1787 orwww.oldfortsteuben.com.

CENTRALMAY 1 — “Come, Stay With Me,”Lancaster Chorale Concert, St. MaryChurch, 132 S. High St., Lancaster, 4 p.m. Traditional harmonies ofMendelssohn and Brahms, and mod-ern American and British composi-tions. 740-687-5855 orwww.lancasterchorale.com”

MAY 6 — Olde Pickerington VillageChocolate Hop, 15 E. Columbus St.,Pickerington, 6-8:30 p.m. Small dona-tion for a map of the many OldeVillage businesses offering a “thankyou” chocolate treat. 614-321-8821 orwww.pickeringtonvillage.com.

MAY 7 — Time Travelers Ball, Tri-Rivers Career Ctr., 2222 Marion-Mt.Gilead Rd., 7 p.m. $20. The evening isan opportunity for participants to“travel” to their favorite time in historywhile dressing in period clothing. 740-387-4255 or www.marionhistory.com.

MAY 7 — Herb Day, Ohio HerbEducation Ctr., 110 and 117 Mill St.,Gahanna. 614-342-5240 or http://ga-hanna.com.

MAY 7-9 — Central Ohio FolkFestival, Battelle Darby Creek MetroPark, Galloway. 614-470-3963 orwww.cfms-inc.org.

MAY 11 — Culpepper &Merriweather Circus, field behind100 Washington St., CanalWinchester, shows at 5 and 7:30 p.m.Advance discount tickets $10, $7 C.and Srs. 614-837-1851 or http://canal-winchesterlions.org.

MAY 12 — Five Nights on Campus –The General Guinness Band, OSUMarion, 1465 Mt. Vernon Ave.,Marion, 7:30 p.m. $10, Srs. $9, Std.

$4. Lively ballads, fiddle tunes, andstep dancing. 740-725-6340.

MAY 13-15 — Community DaysFestival, Fairfield Co. Fgds., Lancaster,Fri. 4-10 p.m., Sat. noon-10 p.m., Sun.noon-6 p.m. Amusement rides, food,arts and crafts show. Marbles tourna-ment Sat., car show on Sun., Civil Warencampment all 3 days. 740-654-9248or www.communitydaysfestival.org.

MAY 15 — Lancaster Fairfield YouthChoir Spring Concert, FirstPresbyterian Church, 222 N. Broad St.,Lancaster, 4 p.m. 740-654-7392 orwww.lancasteryouthchoir.com.

MAY 20 — One for the Road, MayPavilion, Palace Theatre, 276 W.Center St., Marion, 7:30 p.m. Hitsranging from 1958 to today. 740-383-2101 or www.marionpalace.org.

MAY 20 — Six One Pour: The Ohio CraftBeer Fest, Huntington Park, 330Huntington Lane, Columbus, 7p.m.-11 p.m. www.columbusbeer-week.com/sixonepour.

MAY 21 — Goodwill Wheel-A-Thon,Tri-Rivers Career Ctr., 2222 Marion-Mt.Gilead Rd., Marion. Charity auctionand wheelchair roundup beginning at10 a.m. Registration begins at 9:30a.m. 740-387-7023 or www.marion-goodwill.org.

MAY 28, 29 — Asian Festival, GenoaPark, 303 W. Broad St., Columbus, 10a.m.-9 p.m. Free. Learn about the cul-tures and traditions of people fromChina, Japan, India, Indonesia,Cambodia, Korea, Malaysia, Thailand,Philippines, Laos, and Pakistan.http://asian-festival.org.

MAY 28-30 — Utica Sertoma IceCream Festival, Ye Olde Mill andVelvet Ice Cream Co., 11339 Mt.Vernon Rd., Utica. 800-589-5000 orwww.sertomaicecreamfestival.com.

MAY 30 — Memorial DayCelebration, Veterans Memorial Park,Lockbourne. Parade starts at 12 noonwith service honoring TuskegeeAirmen, WASPs, and other veterans tofollow. 614-491-3161.

SOUTHEASTMAY 1 — Morel Mushroom Mania,Shawnee State Park, 14755 Cadiz Rd.,Lore City. Learn how to find and cookthese mysterious mushrooms. 740-858-6652.


PLEASENOTE• Country Living strives for ac -curacy but strongly urges readers to confirmdates and times before traveling long dis-tances to events. Submit listings AT LEAST90 DAYS prior to the event bywriting toCountry Living, 6677 Busch Blvd.,Columbus, OH 43229 or [email protected] Livingwill not publish listings thatdon’t include a complete address of wherethe event takes place or a number to call formore information.


http://www.biggestweekinamerican-birding.com



http://www.schedel-gardens.org

http://www.auglaizevil-lage.com



http://www.ohio.org/events/mercer-county-ribfestMAY



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http://www.breitenbachwine.com

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http://www.metroparks.cc

http://www.oldfortsteuben.com

http://www.lancasterchorale.com%E2%80%9D

http://www.pickeringtonvillage.com

http://www.marionhistory.com

http://ga-hanna.com

http://ga-hanna.com

http://ga-hanna.com

http://www.cfms-inc.org

http://canal-winchesterlions.org



http://www.communitydaysfestival.org

http://www.lancasteryouthchoir.com

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http://www.columbusbeer-week.com/sixonepour



http://www.marion-goodwill.org



http://asian-festival.org

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MAY 2016 CALENDAR

MAY 1 — Zane Grey Day, NationalRd. Zane Grey Museum, 8850 E.Pike, Norwich, noon-4 p.m. 740-872-3143 or www.ohiohistory.org.

MAY 5-8 — Wild Turkey Festival,McArthur. A turkey calling contest andstreet fair with a parade, car show, quiltshow, rides, games, and entertainment.800-596-4459 or 740-596-5033.

MAY 6, 7 — Salt Fork GospelJubilee, Salt Fork Lodge andConference Ctr., 14755 Cadiz Rd.,Lore City, Fri. 6 p.m., Sat. 1 p.m.Reservations. 740-435-9000, 740-432-3787, or www.saltforkstatepark-lodge.com.

MAY 6, 7 — Spring Fest, DeerassicPark Education Ctr., 14250 Cadiz Rd.,Cambridge, noon-4 p.m. 740-435-3335 or http://deerassic.com.

MAY 7 — Spring Craft Show, LakeHope State Park, 27331 St. Rte. 278,McArthur, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Stop by theLake Hope Dining Lodge and browselocal crafters selling their wares. 740-596-5253.

MAY 7 — Otway Cruise-in CarShow, St. Rte. 348, Otway, registra-tion 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Drive through arestored covered bridge. $10. 740-372-3395.

MAY 13-15 — Cambridge SingersSpring Show, Scottish RiteAuditorium, 941 Wheeling Ave.,Cambridge, Fri./Sat. 8 p.m., Sun. 3p.m. 740-432-3956.

MAY 14 — Cabela’s King KatTournament, 300 block of First Ave.,Gallipolis, 6:30 a.m.-3 p.m. Fishingtournament. 740-446-6882, 270-395-4204, or www.kingkatusa.com.

MAY 14 — Cabela’s Kids’ FishingRodeo, Bob Evans Farm, 10854 St.Rte. 588, Rio Grande, 8 a.m.-noon.740-446-6882, 270-395-4204, orwww.kingkatusa.com.

MAY 14 — Glenn Miller Orchestra,People’s Bank Theatre, 222 PutnamSt., Marietta, 8 p.m. $15/$20/$25.740-373-0894.

MAY 26-29 — Feast of theFlowering Moon, downtownChillicothe, 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Free. Afamily-oriented event featuringNative American music, dancing,traders, and exhibits. 740-702-7677,800-413-4118, or www.feastofthe-floweringmoon.org.

MAY 26-30 — Moonshine Festival,downtown New Straitsville. Moon -shine still display, vendors, moon-shine burgers, moonshine pie, moon -shine doggies. 740-394-2239orwww.explorehockinghills.com.

MAY 27-30 — Muskingum ValleyTrade Days and Flea Market, St.Rte. 78 in Reinersville, 13 mi. east ofMcConnelsville. Free. 740-558-2740

MAY 28 — Gallipolis Bass BustersYouth Fishing Day, Bob Evans Farm,10854 St. Rte. 588, Rio Grande, 10a.m.-2 p.m. 800-994-3276 orwww.bobevans.com.

SOUTHWESTTHROUGH JUN. 19 — InternationalButterfly Show: Butterflies of theCaribbean, Krohn Conservatory,1501 Eden Park Dr., Cincinnati. $7, C.$4. 10,000 colorful butterflies in thegreenhouse. 513-421-5707 orwww.cincinnatiparks.com/krohn-con-servatory.

APR. 30-MAY 1 —American Quarter HorseAssoc. Youth Show, Roberts Arena,4095 St. Rte. 730, Wilmington. 937-382-1965 or www.robertsarena.com.

MAY 1 — Bear’s Mill Spring OpenHouse, 6450 Arcanum-Bear’s Mill Rd.,Greenville, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Tour the four-story working mill, shop in the store,and browse in the gallery. 937-548-5112 or www.bearsmill.com.

MAY 6-8 — Appalachian Festival,6201 Kellogg Ave., Cincinnati, Fri/Sat 9 a.m.-9 p.m., Sun. 10 a.m.-6p.m. Two music stages, Appalachianstorytelling, living history, crafts,demonstrations, food. 513-251-3370or www.appalachianfestival.org.

MAY 13-15 — Maifest, GermaniaPark, 3529 W. Kemper Rd.,Cincinnati, Fri. 6 p.m-12 a.m., Sat. 2p.m.-12 a.m., Sun. 12-8 p.m.Traditional German food and enter-tainment. 513-742-0060 or http://germaniasociety.com.

MAY 14 — Hug the Earth Festival,Stillwater Prairie Reserve, 9750 St.Rte. 185, Covington, noon-5 p.m. Livemusic, tree climbing, archery, geo-caching, rock wall, zip line, and highropes stations. 937-335-6273 orwww.miamicountyparks.com.

MAY 20-22 — Arcanum Old-Fashioned Days, George St.,Arcanum. 937-692-5139

MAY 20-22 — A World A’Fair, DaytonConvention Ctr., downtown Dayton,Fri. 5 p.m.-11 p.m., Sat. 11 a.m.-11p.m., Sun. 11 a.m.-6 p.m. A 3-day in-ternational festival of music anddance. http://aworldafair.org.

MAY 21 — Upper Valley Fiber Fest,Duke Lundgard Bldg., Miami Co.Fgds., Troy, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Lots ofhands-on demonstrations and plentyof vendors. 800-348-8993 orwww.upper valley fiberfest.org.

MAY 21 — Oxford Wine Festival,Uptown Park, Oxford, $20 in ad-vance, $25 at door. Includes five tast-ing tickets and a tasting glass.513-523-5200 or www.oxfordwine-festival.com.

WEST VIRGINIAMAY 7 — Engines and WheelsFestival, North Bend State Park, 202North Bend Park Rd., Cairo. Old-fash-ioned engines and turn-of-the-cen-tury industrial, oil field, and farmmachinery. 304-628-3587.

MAY 13, 14 — Bluegrass Festival,North Bend State Park, 202 NorthBend Park Rd., Cairo. 304-643-2931.

OHIO CAMPGROUNDS


U

1. Masters2. 263. 1971 and 19784. Scioto5. Akron’s Rubber City Open6. 19617. Time8. 59. 198810. University of St. Andrews in Scotland11. Tiger Woods12. 5 pounds

Ohio Quiz(Answers from page 39)


http://www.ohiohistory.org

http://www.saltforkstatepark-lodge.com



http://deerassic.com

http://www.kingkatusa.com

http://www.kingkatusa.com

http://www.feastofthe-floweringmoon.org



http://www.explorehockinghills.com

http://www.bobevans.com

http://www.cincinnatiparks.com/krohn-con-servatory.APR



http://www.robertsarena.com

http://www.bearsmill.com

http://www.appalachianfestival.org

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http://www.miamicountyparks.com

http://aworldafair.org

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OHIO QUIZ

A few of the “Bear” facts

This month’s quiz features Jack Nicklaus, the pro golf superstarand elder statesman whose signature Memorial Tournamentshines the PGA’s spotlight on his hometown of Columbus everyMay. We’ll provide the clues about golf’s famous “Golden Bear,”and you score the answers. For example, if the clue is “Who arethe ‘Big Three’ credited with popularizing golf?,” the answerwould be “Gary Player, Arnold Palmer, and Jack Nicklaus.”

CLUES1. Nicklaus was the first golfer to win this tournament in twoconsecutive years, 1965 and 1966.2. In 1966, Nicklaus also became the youngest player to win thecareer grand slam — Masters, U.S. Open, Open Championship,PGA Championship — of men’s golf. How old was he?3. When did Nicklaus achieve his second and third career grandslams? 4. Coached by his father and club pro Jack Grout, Nicklaus beganplaying golf at age 10 at what Columbus-area country club?5. At 18, Nicklaus played in his first PGA tour event. What was it?

6. Nicklaus was the first to win both theNCAA golf championship and U.S. Amateurin the same year. What year was it?7. After his first professional win at the 1962U.S. Open, what magazine put Nicklaus onits cover?8. How many times has Nicklaus been onU.S. teams that bested Great Britain to win theRyder Cup? 9. In 1973, Nicklaus became the first golfer ever towin $2 million during a career. When was he the firstto hit the $5 million mark?10. In 1984, what university gave Nicklaus the first honorarydoctorate it ever presented to a sportsman?11. Wheaties featured Nicklaus and what other golfer on its“breakfast of champions” boxes in 2003?12. Prior to his 2005 British Open appearance, the Royal Bank ofScotland made Nicklaus the first nonroyal living person to appearon one of its bank notes. What was its denomination?

ANSWERS ON PAGE 37




OHIO QUIZ

A few of the “Bear” facts

This month’s quiz features Jack Nicklaus, the pro golf superstarand elder statesman whose signature Memorial Tournamentshines the PGA’s spotlight on his hometown of Columbus everyMay. We’ll provide the clues about golf’s famous “Golden Bear,”and you score the answers. For example, if the clue is “Who arethe ‘Big Three’ credited with popularizing golf?,” the answerwould be “Gary Player, Arnold Palmer, and Jack Nicklaus.”

CLUES1. Nicklaus was the first golfer to win this tournament in twoconsecutive years, 1965 and 1966.2. In 1966, Nicklaus also became the youngest player to win thecareer grand slam — Masters, U.S. Open, Open Championship,PGA Championship — of men’s golf. How old was he?3. When did Nicklaus achieve his second and third career grandslams? 4. Coached by his father and club pro Jack Grout, Nicklaus beganplaying golf at age 10 at what Columbus-area country club?5. At 18, Nicklaus played in his first PGA tour event. What was it?

6. Nicklaus was the first to win both theNCAA golf championship and U.S. Amateurin the same year. What year was it?7. After his first professional win at the 1962U.S. Open, what magazine put Nicklaus onits cover?8. How many times has Nicklaus been onU.S. teams that bested Great Britain to win theRyder Cup? 9. In 1973, Nicklaus became the first golfer ever towin $2 million during a career. When was he the firstto hit the $5 million mark?10. In 1984, what university gave Nicklaus the first honorarydoctorate it ever presented to a sportsman?11. Wheaties featured Nicklaus and what other golfer on its“breakfast of champions” boxes in 2003?12. Prior to his 2005 British Open appearance, the Royal Bank ofScotland made Nicklaus the first nonroyal living person to appearon one of its bank notes. What was its denomination?

ANSWERS ON PAGE 37







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Country Living May 2016 Midwest