OHIO
JANUARY 2026
COOPERATIVE Logan County Electric Cooperative
Trip of a lifetime Youth Tour’s lasting legacy
ALSO INSIDE Squirrel migration Ice, in photos Bedtime routines
Building the next generation of LEADERS
We’re building the next generation of leaders by supporting their education through programs like college, technical, and trades scholarships and the Washington, D.C., Youth Tour.
Contact your electric cooperative youth program coordinator to learn more about its youth programs.
ohioec.org/education-youth
OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • JANUARY 2026
INSIDE FEATURES
22 PIECE BY PIECE
Mosaic maestros give new life to old spaces by turning recycled materials into works of art.
26 COLD, HARD TRUTH
If it’s January in Ohio, we can count on ice — lots of it, everywhere. From the treacherous and violent to the tiny and delicate, our intrepid ice-chaser set out to capture scenes of wintry wonder.
Cover image on most editions: Kyle Hicks says the experience of attending the Electric Cooperative Youth Tour when he was in high school changed the course of his career — and his life. See Kyle’s story beginning on page 4 (photograph by Shelby Bradford Moore). This page: Photographer James Proffitt warns that some of the images that went into his “Cold, Hard Truth” photo essay, which starts on page 26, were taken in what he describes as NSFW conditions — Not Safe for Wading — including this image of a sunrise taken from beneath an ice ridge on Lake Erie.
JANUARY 2026 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING
1
UP FRONT
Celebrating independence Happy New Year! It’s hard to believe that a full year has passed since I began writing these messages as CEO of our statewide association of electric cooperatives. 2025 was a fulfilling year, filled with both highlights and challenges, and I’ve been grateful for the opportunity to share my thoughts and to reflect on our progress. This year, we’ll celebrate a historic milestone: the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. It’s a good time to pause and reflect on the values that have shaped our nation: liberty, self-governance, and working together for a better future. It seems to me that these same values are at the heart of electric cooperatives. Just as our nation was built through unity and shared purpose, Ohio’s electric cooperatives have thrived by working together while maintaining independent local control. The independence of the local co-op boards allows them to be flexible, innovative, and responsive to members’ needs as they make decisions that best serve their specific communities. There’s much to be optimistic about in the new year. Several electric cooperatives in Ohio have experienced stable load growth, thanks to new opportunities and expanding communities. We hope this positive trend will not only continue but also spread to more areas of rural Ohio. Rest assured, the generation facilities owned by the cooperatives, and therefore by their members, stand ready to power that growth, and we are committed to keeping those resources operating for their full, useful lives. As we fulfill our mission to provide that reliable, affordable electricity to cooperative members around the state, it’s helped that we’ve seen some much-needed regulatory reform at the federal level. It couldn’t have come at a better time, as there’s been a growing sense of uncertainty in our industry caused by the increasing number of data centers coming online. While it’s not an immediate problem, the amount of electricity those centers demand has raised concerns about whether new power generation can be developed quickly enough to keep up. As with many challenges our country has faced before, I am confident that we will work through this one, too. It will take time, but I believe in our ability to adapt and develop solutions that solve problems. In the meantime, though, it’s important that our political and regulatory leaders stay focused on maintaining reliability and protecting the U.S. power grid — one of our nation’s most valuable assets. As we honor the 250th anniversary of American independence, let’s celebrate both the spirit of independence and the strong bonds that hold us together. 2
OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • JANUARY 2026
Craig Grooms
PRESIDENT & CEO OHIO’S ELECTRIC COOPERATIVES
Just as our nation was built through unity and shared purpose, Ohio’s electric cooperatives have thrived by working together while maintaining independent local control.
JANUARY 2026 • Volume 68, No. 4
Ohio Rural Electric Cooperatives 6677 Busch Blvd. Columbus, OH 43229 614-846-5757 www.ohiocoopliving.com Craig Grooms Caryn Whitney Jeff McCallister Amy Howat Neal Kindig
4 DEPARTMENTS 4 POWER LINES
President & CEO Director of Communications Senior Managing Editor Assistant Managing Editor Graphic Designer
Contributors: Colleen Romick Clark, Getty Images, W.H. “Chip” Gross, Shelby Bradford Moore, Catherine Murray, James Proffitt, Theresa Ravencraft, and MJ Zindars. OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING (USPS 134-760; ISSN 2572-049X) is published monthly by Ohio Rural Electric Cooperatives, Inc. It is the official communication link between the electric cooperatives in Ohio and West Virginia and their members. Subscription cost for members ranges from $6.48 to $7.92 per year, paid from equity accruing to the member. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to editorial and advertising offices at: 6677 Busch Boulevard, Columbus, OH 43229-1101. Periodicals postage paid at Berne, IN 46711, and at additional mailing offices. Nothing in this publication may be reproduced in any manner without written permission from Ohio Rural Electric Cooperatives, Inc. All rights reserved. The fact that a product is advertised in Ohio Cooperative Living should not be taken as an endorsement. If you find an advertisement misleading or a product unsatisfactory, please notify us or the Ohio Attorney General’s Offi ce, Consumer Protection Section, 30 E. Broad St., Columbus, OH 43215. Periodicals postage paid at Columbus, OH, and at additional mailing offices.
The Youth Tour effect: A former
delegate says the long-lasting connections and eye-opening experiences on the co-op-sponsored event made it “more than just a trip.”
8
8 WOODS, WATERS, AND WILDLIFE
High-tail it outta here! The
reasons behind the seemingly random sessions of squirrel mass migration remain a mystery.
10 CO-OP PEOPLE
10
Building bridges: Steve Stolte has dedicated his life to preserving covered bridges to showcase their historical significance.
13 GOOD EATS
Get steamed: The gentle,
consistent heat created by simmering water cooks food to perfection, preserves nutrients, and warms you up on a cold winter day.
13
17 LOCAL PAGES
News and other important information from your electric cooperative.
National/regional advertising inquiries, contact
Cheryl Solomon
What’s happening: January/
February events and other things to do around Ohio.
American MainStreet Publications 847-749-4875 | cheryl@amp.coop
Cooperative members:
Please report changes of address to your electric cooperative. Ohio Cooperative Living staff cannot process address changes. Alliance for Audited Media Member
33 CALENDAR
33
36 MEMBER INTERACTIVE Bedtime: Members document
their pre-sleep routines — even those of fur-babies like Riley and Sadie, pictured at right in this photo submitted by South Central Power Company member Tammy Wade.
36
Visit Ohio Cooperative Living magazine online at www.ohiocoopliving.com!
Read past issues and watch videos about our articles or our recipes. Our site features an expanded Member Interactive area, where you can share your stories, recipes, and photos and find content submitted by other co-op members across the state. JANUARY 2026 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING
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POWER LINES
The Youth Tour effect
A former delegate says the long-lasting connections and eye-opening experiences on the co-op-sponsored event made it ‘more than ‘just a trip.’ BY SHELBY BRADFORD MOORE
K
yle Hicks, the new senior government affairs analyst at Ohio State University’s College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences, hadn’t always planned to pursue a career in public policy — he wanted to be a teacher. For Hicks, his career trajectory (perhaps his life trajectory) changed in 2019, when he was sponsored by his co-op, Lancaster-based South Central Power Company, to attend the Electric Cooperative Youth Tour of Washington, D.C.
More than just a trip Youth Tour’s origin dates to the 1957 annual meeting of the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association, where then-Senator Lyndon Johnson shared his vision of “sending youngsters to the national capital where they can actually see what the flag stands for and represents.” Co-ops started sending teens to D.C. that very summer, and since then, 4
OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • JANUARY 2026
electric cooperatives around the country have sponsored more than 100,000 students from their communities to take the weeklong, all-expensespaid trip. Hicks decided to apply to take the trip after hearing about the experiences his mom and sister had when they went on Youth Tour in 1994 and 2017, respectively. South Central Power selected him as one of its delegates as he was finishing his junior year at Amanda-Clearcreek High School, and that summer, he boarded a D.C.-bound bus with 30 other Ohio students who had been sponsored by their own co-ops. They explored all that the capital has to offer, met with policymakers, and learned about electric cooperatives’ role in the history of the country. The cherry on top: Hicks was elected as Ohio’s representative to the Youth Leadership Council by his fellow delegates, which meant his involvement with co-ops was only just beginning. The following February, he traveled to New Orleans (his first-ever flight!) to work alongside 42 other states’ YLC representatives at PowerXchange, the NRECA’s annual national conference. In their support roles, they had the opportunity to meet leaders from cooperatives across the country, and were recognized on the conference’s main stage.
Friendships that will last a lifetime
PHOTOGRAPH BY MJ ZINDARS
By the time it was over and they all prepared to head home, Hicks and the other YLC reps knew they’d bonded in a way few others will ever experience. “We stayed up all night until our early flights the next day because we knew we’d probably never be together as a full group again,” he says. “As heartbreaking as it was, it’s a night I’ll remember for the rest of my life.” He says he still talks with his friends from Youth Tour and YLC on a weekly basis, leaning on each other’s expertise, getting advice, and simply cheering one another on from every corner of the country. Soon after, he enrolled at Ohio State, with a double major in political science and agribusiness and applied economics, but it didn’t take him long to realize he wasn’t ready to be done with the cooperative programs that had given him so much, and served as one of NRECA’s staff assistants Continued on page 6
JANUARY 2026 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING
5
Continued from page 5
for the 2022 Youth Tour. Formerly referred to as “blue shirts” for the royal blue polos they don during the event, the staff assistants work during Youth Tour to ensure delegates have a memorable, seamless trip.
Beyond the blue shirt Hicks says his exposure to life outside of the small rural town where he grew up had been limited before Youth Tour. But after the experience, he says he evolved from an average high school student to a young person buzzing with excitement for the future. More profoundly, thanks in part to the dozens of new connections from across the country and experiences that gave him a more diverse outlook on the world and his role in it, he found a new career ambition. “Before Youth Tour, I wanted to be a teacher,” Hicks says. “That experience gave me the confidence to try and succeed in a career I knew little about at the time: politics.” Hicks has maintained his connections with NRECA, South Central Power, and Ohio’s Electric Cooperatives, the statewide association that serves Ohio’s co-ops — and after landing his new job in government affairs at Ohio State, he was quick to reach out to his cooperative peers. “In the political world, it’s easy to narrow your focus on what you believe is the ‘right way’ and block out viewpoints that differ from yours,” he says. “In those situations, I think about the incredible group of people I was surrounded by during Youth Tour and how we all had different backgrounds and perspectives — none of which was more important than the next. When we’re creating and shaping policies, it’s essential that we work together, not against one another, and consider the needs of others.”
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OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • JANUARY 2026
What effect will Youth Tour have on you? Nearly all of Ohio’s 25 electric cooperatives participate in Youth Tour by sponsoring delegates, which means that students selected will pay nothing out of pocket to attend — all travel, lodging, food, and experiences are fully covered by a delegate’s sponsoring co-op. This year’s tour will take place June 14 to 20. Those interested are encouraged to visit their local electric cooperative’s website to see if they are accepting Youth Tour applications. Most co-ops’ applications are due between February and March.
What will I see on Youth Tour? • The U.S. Capitol Building • Gettysburg Battlefield • Arlington National Cemetery • National Archives • Library of Congress • The Kennedy Center • Museums: Natural History, American History, U.S. Holocaust Memorial • Monuments and memorials: Jefferson Memorial, Lincoln Memorial, FDR Memorial, MLK Jr. Memorial, 9/11 Pentagon Memorial, WWII Memorial, Washington Monument
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WOODS, WATERS, AND WILDLIFE
High-tail it outta here! The reasons behind seemingly random sessions of squirrel mass migration remain a mystery.
STORY AND PHOTOS BY W. H. “CHIP” GROSS
G
ray squirrels are the bane of those of us who attempt to keep backyard bird feeders filled with birdseed. In large cities, small towns, and even rural areas across the Buckeye State, these arboreal aerialists seem to defy gravity in getting to places we don’t want them to be. But there was a time in Ohio history when gray squirrel populations were even higher than today — much higher. Prior to statehood in 1803, Ohio was covered with mature forest from north to south and east to west. Add in various species of nut trees — oaks, hickories, chestnuts — and this vast area was gray squirrel paradise; they thrived in untold millions. For instance, a very early Columbus resident and hunter shot 67 gray squirrels in one day from just one
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OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • JANUARY 2026
tree in the middle of a cornfield on what today is the Statehouse lawn. In 1807, gray squirrels had become such a nuisance due to destroying corn and other crops that the Ohio General Assembly passed a law stating that each person subject to payment of a county tax “…shall in addition thereto, produce to the clerk of the township in which he may reside, such number of squirrel scalps as the trustees shall, at their annual meeting, apportion, in proportion to their county levees, provided that it does not exceed 100 or be less than ten.” In addition to high squirrel numbers — or possibly because of it — an even more amazing phenomenon occurred during those early years that we no longer
see today: mass gray squirrel migrations. It seemed to happen every five years or so. A few restless squirrels would begin moving together through the treetops, soon to be joined by dozens more, then hundreds, then thousands, then tens of thousands, with all the squirrels continually moving rapidly in the same general direction. Even when the squirrels encountered a large stream or river, they didn’t hesitate; they just jumped in, began swimming, and once on the other side simply crawled out, climbed a tree, and kept going. Early Ohioans who observed these gray squirrel migrations firsthand reported that the squirrels did not appear to be starving or in poor health. In fact, they oftentimes left areas of abundant food. Milton Trautman, a well-respected Ohio biologist of the 20th century, wrote the following: “The [scientific] literature contains many diverse statements about these movements, of many squirrels that drowned attempting to swim across the Ohio River. It is stated that whenever mass drownings occurred, if one stood on a high hill considerably removed from the river, the river’s course could be observed to be outlined by vultures flying above it, searching for drowned squirrels upon which to feed.” So, why did gray squirrels occasionally move to new locations? Unfortunately, wildlife biologists today simply do not know. What we do know, however, is that as Ohio’s virgin forests were cleared for settlement, and the gray squirrel population declined as a result, their periodic migrations gradually declined as well, until eventually stopping altogether. Of course, more than a few tall tales grew up around squirrel migrations, especially having to do with how they crossed rivers. The “tallest” of the stories stated that some gray squirrels, upon reaching the Ohio River and seeing its huge size and powerful current, would grab a shingle from a pile of wood meant for the roof of a nearby log cabin, place it in the water, jump aboard, then lift and spread their tail to act as a sail, and cross the river to the Kentucky or West Virginia bank, arriving high and dry.
A reenactor demonstrates how early frontiersmen hunted squirrels using a muzzleloader.
I seriously doubt that ever happened.
Ask
chip!
W.H. “Chip” Gross is Ohio Cooperative Living’s outdoors editor. Email him with your outdoors questions at whchipgross@gmail. com. Be sure to include “Ask Chip” in the subject of the email. Your question may be answered on www.ohiocoopliving.com!
www.ohiocoopliving.com
JANUARY 2026 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING
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CO-OP PEOPLE
bri g n d i ge d
l i u B
s
Steve Stolte has dedicated his life to preserving covered bridges to showcase their historical significance. STORY AND PHOTOGRAPHS BY THERESA RAVENCRAFT
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OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • JANUARY 2026
S
teve Stolte was a civil engineering student at Ohio State University when the Silver Bridge, which connected Gallipolis to Point Pleasant, West Virgina, on busy U.S. Route 35, collapsed into the Ohio River. He had been inspired to study civil engineering while he worked at his father’s construction company in high school, but he didn’t start focusing on bridges until that 1967 disaster, which killed 46 people. “The collapse of Silver Bridge impacted me significantly,” Stolte says. “It heightened my interest in bridge construction and changed the course of my career.” After the collapse, Ohio began to require that all bridges in the state be inspected once each year. Seeing an opportunity to both make some money and potentially save some lives, Stolte and some of his college friends started up a new business. They attended classes during the week, but on weekends they traveled into rural counties throughout the state to perform those mandated bridge inspections. “We learned quickly to drive across each bridge prior to doing our inspection, because we often didn’t want to drive across after seeing the condition they were in,” he says. The experience broadened his knowledge of construction and fueled his burgeoning passion for bridges — particularly the covered bridges of Union County, much of which is served by URE–Union Rural Electric Cooperative. After he graduated in 1969, Stolte took a job in Union County and soon became a partner in the engineering firm
of Fleming, Page, and Stolte. One of the other partners, Jim Page, an environmental engineer, worked together with Stolte to create the grid system that numbered all the homes in Union County. It was a massive undertaking, but it gave him a better understanding of the area. In 1984, Stolte decided to run for county engineer. “It was time for change,” he says. “I wanted to be more progressive and apply for grants to make improvements.” He would serve in that role for nearly 25 years, working tirelessly to update both equipment and infrastructure throughout the county. Later, he was elected as a county commissioner and served another 10 years in office. In that time, the county replaced more than 200 bridges, widened 100 miles of road, improved traffic signage, and installed thousands of feet of modern guardrails. But one aspect of his tenure stands out: his work on covered bridges. “We discovered the covered bridges in Union County when we inspected them in college,” Stolte says. “I’m most proud of building two new covered bridges, Buck Run Covered Bridge and North Lewisburg Covered Bridge. We also elevated all covered bridges from 5 to 8 tons to a higher load limit, so school buses and farm equipment could go over them.” The Buck Run Covered Bridge, built in 2006, spans Darby Creek and is the longest single-span wooden bridge in Ohio at 160 feet in length. The two-lane North Lewisburg Covered Bridge was completed that same year to replace the original 1868 Pottersburg Bridge, which was relocated and restored — and dedicated to Stolte in 2022. Together with his wife, Mardy, Stolte still devotes his time and efforts to educating visitors about covered bridges through local events, such as Dine on a Covered Bridge, designed to showcase and celebrate the history of covered bridges in Union County. The event draws hundreds of people from across the state. From July through October every year, visitors are offered guided tours, lunch or dinner made with locally sourced ingredients, and live music on the bridge. After spending the bulk of his life restoring the old and building the new, Stolte is convinced it was the right thing to do. “Covered bridges are a link to the past, a past that was simpler and slower-paced,” he says. “They are also a link to our transportation history. They were the very first bridge that saw widespread use in Ohio. And they are still valuable today.”
Want to visit the covered bridges of Union County? Find more information at www.dineonacoveredbridge. com and www.unioncountyoh.com.
JANUARY 2026 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING
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GOOD EATS
The gentle, consistent heat created by simmering water cooks food to perfection, preserves nutrients, and warms you up on a cold winter day. There are products designed for steaming — steamer pots, collapsible metal baskets, stacked bamboo baskets, and steamer accessories for Instant Pots and rice cookers — but items such as mesh strainers, cooling racks, and aluminum pie pans can function as steamers, too.
VEGETABLE DUMPLINGS
Prep: 30 minutes | Proof: 30 minutes | Cook: 15 minutes | Servings: 4 ½ teaspoon salt ¾ cup hot water 2 cups flour 1½ cups minced green cabbage
¼ cup grated carrot 1 tablespoon minced chives 1 teaspoon sesame seeds 1 tablespoon low-sodium soy sauce
cornstarch for dusting Dipping Sauce ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1 tablespoon honey 1 teaspoon sesame oil ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
Dissolve salt into hot water. With flour in a large bowl, gradually add the salted water while stirring. Gather dough and form into a ball. Pull and knead dough by hand for 5 to 10 minutes until smooth and elastic, adding more flour if too sticky. Place ball of dough back in bowl and cover with a damp cloth. Let rest 30 minutes. With a paper towel, squeeze liquid from cabbage. In a medium bowl, mix cabbage, grated carrot, chives, sesame seeds, and soy sauce; refrigerate. Roll dough into a 24-inch rope and cut into 24 pieces. Cover dough pieces with a damp towel. Pull out one piece of dough; roll into a sphere in palm of hand, dip in cornstarch, and roll out to a 3-inch disk. Stack disks with parchment squares between them to prevent sticking. One at a time, place a small amount of cabbage filling in the center of each wrapper. Dip finger in water and lightly wet the inside dough edge around the filling. Fold dough over the filling and pinch to seal the two sides together at the topmost curved edge while leaving the sides open. Rest straight edge of dough on surface and hold the sealed part upright between index finger and thumb; then with the other hand make 3 small pleats on each side, starting from the middle and working down the sides, pressing to seal after each pleat. Press the middle of the U-shaped corners upward, making a W shape with the dough, then pinch the W to fully seal. Cut parchment paper to line the steamer; punch holes through paper to match the holes in the steamer. Arrange dumplings in a single layer. Bring water to a boil, then lower to medium. Place steamer over simmering water; cover and cook 12 to 15 minutes until plump, translucent, and firm when pressed. While waiting, mix the ingredients for the dipping sauce. Carefully remove dumplings from steamer with tongs and serve with dipping sauce on the side. Per serving: 261 calories, 1 gram fat (0 grams saturated fat), 53 grams total carbohydrates, 0 milligrams cholesterol, 977 milligrams sodium, 3 grams fiber, 9 grams protein. JANUARY 2026 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING
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CARROT GINGER SOUP Prep: 5 minutes | Cook: 25 minutes | Servings: 4 16-ounce bag baby carrots* 1 medium onion, evenly chopped 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated 4 cups vegetable broth 1 teaspoon lemon juice ½ teaspoon garlic powder ½ teaspoon ground coriander 1/8 teaspoon black pepper 13.66-ounce can coconut milk ¼ cup pepitas or sunflowers seeds *Bagged baby carrots are convenient for steaming because they're cut to a uniform size, which aids in an even cook time. Place steamer basket into a pot and add water, leaving an inch or two of space below the steamer. Bring water to a boil, then lower temperature to medium. Add carrots to basket; cover with lid and steam 12 to 15 minutes, until easily pierced with fork yet shape stays intact. Transfer carrots to a strainer, then add onion to steamer and top with grated ginger; steam until onion is soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. With a blender or food processor, blend together carrots, onion, ginger, and a cup or so of vegetable broth until smooth. Transfer to a pot over medium heat; stir in remaining broth, lemon juice, and spices. Add a bit of water to thin, if needed. Cook until simmering. Remove from heat, swirl in coconut milk, and serve hot, topped with seeds. Per serving: 312 calories, 25 grams fat (21 grams saturated fat), 21 grams total carbohydrates, 0 milligrams cholesterol, 796 milligrams sodium, 6 grams fiber, 5 grams protein.
STEAMED FISH AND GARLIC GREENS Prep: 5 minutes | Cook: 5 to 10 minutes | Servings: 2 large bunch kale, collard, and/or turnip greens 2 tablespoons unsalted butter 1/3 cup dry white wine 2 teaspoons minced garlic 8 ounces boneless, skinless white fillet (cod, halibut, sea bass) salt and pepper Tear leafy greens from stems. Plunge leaves in water to wash; shake until dripping slows. Rinse fish fillets and pat dry. In a deep skillet with fitted lid, melt butter on medium-low, then pour in wine and layer in garlic, greens, then fillets. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Increase heat to medium; cover and let steam 5 minutes. Crack lid to check fish for doneness and continue steaming until fully cooked. With a large spatula, split fish and greens between two plates and spoon sauce on top. Per serving: 249 calories, 13 grams fat (7 grams saturated fat), 8 grams total carbohydrates, 75 milligrams cholesterol, 595 milligrams sodium, 6 grams fiber, 19 grams protein.
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OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • JANUARY 2026
CHOCOLATE STEAMED BUNS Prep: 40 minutes | Proof: 1½ hours | Cook: 20 minutes | Servings: 8 2½ cups flour (spooned and leveled) 1 teaspoon instant yeast 2 tablespoons sugar ½ teaspoon baking powder ½ teaspoon salt ¾ cup whole milk, warmed to 110 F
1 tablespoon vegetable oil 2.5 ounces dark chocolate, finely chopped ¼ cup heavy cream 2 tablespoons sugar 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
In a large bowl, combine flour, yeast, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Gradually pour in warm milk while mixing with a wooden spoon, forming a sticky dough. Add vegetable oil and knead 10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Shape into a ball, return to mixing bowl, and cover with a damp towel. Let proof in a warm spot for 1 to 1½ hours, until doubled in size. Meanwhile, in a small saucepan over low heat, melt dark chocolate into heavy cream, stirring regularly. Remove from heat and stir in sugar, then sift in cocoa, stirring until incorporated. Cover and set aside. Once dough has risen, punch it with fist to release air bubbles. Cut eight 3x4-inch pieces of parchment paper and evenly divide dough onto them, covering with damp towel. One at a time, roll into a ball, then stretch and press into a palm-sized disk. Spoon chocolate mixture into the center, being careful not to overfill. Stretch opposite dough edges over filling until they meet, then pinch together. Take the two open ends and meet them in the middle, pinching dough to fully seal. Return to parchment seam-side down, again covering with towel. Repeat with remaining dough. Fill a pot with water to an inch or two below the steamer. Bring to a simmer over medium heat. Arrange buns, still on parchment, inside steamer basket with space between them. (Do in batches if needed.) Cover with lid and steam for 15 minutes. Don't peek! Slide off of hot burner and let sit covered 5 more minutes. Lift lid without tilting it so the collected water doesn't fall onto the buns. Carefully remove buns and peel off parchment. Serve warm or let cool to room temperature, then store in an airtight container in the fridge (reheat in microwave with a damp towel for 30 seconds power) or freezer (steam directly from frozen for 8 to 10 minutes). Per serving: 260 calories, 9 grams fat (4 grams saturated fat), 39 grams total carbohydrates, 12 milligrams cholesterol, 188 milligrams sodium, 2 grams fiber, 5.5 grams protein.
Check it out! See videos of some of our mouth-watering recipes being prepared at
www.ohiocoopliving.com JANUARY 2026 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING
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16
OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • JANUARY 2026
LOCAL PAGES
LOGAN COUNTY ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE
ANDY & MERCEDES RECAP: 2025 YOUTH TOUR JANUARY 2026 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING
17
2025 Youth Tour recap
A
ndy McDonald and Mercedes Marcinko reflected on their trip to Washington, D.C., as part of the 2025 Youth Tour. Logan County Electric Cooperative’s delegates for the 2025 Youth Tour were Andy McDonald and Mercedes Marcinko. Andy is the son of Robert and Kristen McDonald and is currently a senior at Bellefontaine High School. Mercedes is a senior at Benjamin Logan High School and is the daughter of Joseph and Angie Marcinko. In June, McDonald and Marcinko set out on their journey from Ohio’s Electric Cooperatives’ office in Columbus to our nation’s capital for the Electric Cooperatives Youth Tour. Youth Tour is an annual leadership program for high school students sponsored locally by Logan County Electric Cooperative and Ohio’s Electric Cooperatives and nationally by the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association. The weeklong all-expenses-paid trip to Washington, D.C., gives high school students the opportunity to meet with their congressional leaders at the U.S. Capitol, make lifelong friends, and see numerous famous sights. Some of the stops on the trip included the Arlington National Cemetery, Flight 93 National Memorial, Gettysburg Battlefield, and the Smithsonian Institution.
In a presentation to Logan County Electric Cooperative’s Board of Trustees, Mercedes Marcinko remarked on the many places she got to visit on the trip, sometimes walking more than 25,000 steps a day to capture all that Washington had to offer. This trip provided an opportunity for delegates to not only learn about our nation’s rich history, but also experience the place where it all happens.
“I really liked going and visiting all the museums!” – Mercedes Marcinko Logan County Electric’s delegates, along with the other delegates from around Ohio, met each day with excitement and curiosity for what was in store. The Youth Tour was not just museums, tours, and politics, but also a fair share of arts and culture as well. Delegates ventured to the John F. Kennedy Center for the Preforming Arts to see a performance of Les Misérables. Marcinko expressed excited for the performance: “I … liked seeing Les Misérables. It was amazing!” When delegates were not touring the Capitol, visiting the White House, or learning in the museums, they worked on soft skills. One soft skill that is often overlooked is the art of conversation. Youth Tour gave delegates a chance to speak with individuals from other states. Delegates were given an opportunity to network with other delegates from Ohio, Arkansas, Arizona, Florida, Missouri, and Oklahoma when they all boarded a riverboat. The delegates got to
2025 Youth Tour Delegates take a tour of the Cardinal Power Plant. (Left)
18
OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • JANUARY 2026
know each other over dinner as they floated down the Potomac River.
“The thing that I enjoyed most was all the fantastic people I met during the trip. There were truly some remarkable people who were involved with this trip.” – Andy McDonald
If you or someone you may know would be interested in being one of Logan County Electric Cooperative’s 2026 delegates, visit the Youth Tour tab on our website for more information. Delegates must be sophomores or juniors in high school and have a parent or guardian on Logan County Electric Cooperative’s lines to be eligible. The deadline to apply for the 2026 Youth Tour is February 27, 2026. Mercedes Marcinko poses for a picture in front of the White House. (Below)
Youth Tour gave delegates a chance to learn more about cooperatives and their role in the modern electric service industry. The tour of the Cardinal Power Plant in Brilliant concluded the trip by solidifying the purpose of the experience: engaging youth in leadership experiences through the lens of electrical cooperatives. As the delegates made their way back to the Ohio’s Electric Cooperatives office at the conclusion of the tour, their bags were stuffed with souvenirs, and their minds were teeming with hope for the future.
Youth Tour Delegate Andy McDonald poses with Ohio Senator Bernie Moreno. (Right)
2025 Youth Tour Delegates pose in front of the White House. (Above)
Youth Tour Delegates pose in front of a building at the Arlington National Cemetery. (Above)
JANUARY 2026 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING
18A
What is Youth Tour? It’s a weeklong, all-expenses-paid trip to Washington, D.C., that gives high school students the opportunity to meet with their congressional leaders at the U.S. Capitol, make new friends from across the state and country, and see many of the famous Washington sights. Youth Tour is an annual leadership program sponsored by Logan County Electric Cooperative and Ohio’s Electric Cooperatives.
Youth Tour
June 14-20, 2026 Attention high school students: Application forms must be submitted by February 27, 2026. See our website for more information about the trip and the application. Contact us with any questions. Phone: 937-592-4781 Email: jroberts@logancounty.coop
4
OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • OCTOBER 2022
18B
OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • JANUARY 2026
OUR MEMBERS
OUR COMMUNITY
WE THANK YOU!
JANUARY 2026 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING
18C
Rate changes effective April 1, 2026
A
s announced in the local pages of Ohio Cooperative Living and subsequent communications, your co-op has been conducting cost-of-service studies and examining rate structures to balance service, reliability, and long-term financial security for your co-op. The board of trustees has reviewed the cost-of-service study and approved a rate increase planned for April 2026. As your not-for-profit electric provider, we work to keep your service affordable and reliable. As the costs of supplies associated with providing this service rises, we must raise rates to ensure the co-op’s long-term financial stability. Our last adjustment to kilowatt-hour rates was in 2017; nearly a decade later the cost of materials and energy has skyrocketed. We strive to offer our members exceptional member service. We take a mindful approach to strike the right balance of keeping costs affordable for members and ensuring the long-term stability of your electric service. The co-op serves seven meters per mile of electric line, so we have a small number of consumers to spread the fixed costs of conducting business. “There is never a good time to adjust rates,” says Tim Street, President & CEO. “At this time, it is what is best for the overall financial health of the cooperative.”
Basic service charge In April 2026, the basic service charge will increase from $42 to $47. This will take effect for all residential accounts. The basic service charge is a fixed charge that covers the co-op’s fixed costs of serving members. This charge does not fluctuate with the amount of electricity consumed by the member. The $5.00 increase will be reflected in the ‘Basic Service Charge’ line on your monthly bill.
Generation & transmission In addition to the increase in the basic service charge, there will be two additional changes, to the kilowatt-hour charges on your bill. The first increase will be found under the ‘Generation and Transmission’ line on your bill. The generation and transmission charge on your electric bill is the cost incurred generating the electricity and moving 18D
OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • JANUARY 2026
it across transmission lines. The generation and transmission rate will change from $0.07565 to $0.090033 per kWh. This charge plus the current month’s power cost adjustment makes up the whole ‘Generation and Transmission’ line on your bill. The power cost adjustment rate is adjusted up or down each month, so our members only pay the actual cost of the wholesale power.
Distribution The second portion of the increase will be under the ‘Distribution’ line on your bill. The distribution rate will increase from $0.03903 to $0.04886 per kWh. The distribution charge allows us to move electricity to your property. This charge covers our substations, pole, wires, and other equipment used to deliver electricity to our meter. The ‘Distribution’ line on your bill includes the $0.04886 per kWh charge and the kilowatt-hour taxes that have been in effect since 2001.
Conclusion In total, the cost of a kilowatt-hour will go up $0.024213 for bills rendered on or after April 1, 2026. Members who have a security light owned and maintained by Logan County Electric Cooperative will see the security light fee increase by $0.55 per month, from $8.95 to $9.50. Members will notice these changes on the bill due in May for April energy consumption. With the noted changes, the average member will see a 6.45% increase to their energy bill. In recent years, the cost of poles, wires, transformers, and other equipment needed to deliver power to your home has risen. The new adjustment allows us to ensure you continue to see “the cooperative advantage,” such as 99.98% reliability, exceptional service, and Logan County Electric Cooperative being a trusted community partner, for years to come. Commercial members will also have rate changes effective April 1, 2026. Electric rates are a complicated subject to talk about and we want to make sure that our members understand what they are being charged. If you have any questions regarding the cooperative or rates, please don't hesitate to contact us.
Cost of electric service
Ready for sticker shock? See the graphic to the right below. This shows the percent increase of various electrical material and parts of a pole assembly from 2022 to 2025. The lowest increase on this list is 41% (the cost of a transformer), but poles have spiked 79% in the last three years.
When looking at retail goods through the CBS Price Tracker tool over the same time period, we see ground beef costs have increased 38.9% and egg prices have increased a staggering 80.8% since 2022. These cost increases are not going away, and your co-op is having to plan and budget to stay ahead.
What’s on an Electric Power Pole? This is an illustration of basic equipment found on a typical distribution pole and can vary by location.
Ground coffee (per pound) 77.8% increase*
Wire 21%-51% increase
Ground beef (per pound) 38.9% increase*
Transformer 34%-41% increase
Pole 77%-79% increase Eggs (per dozen) 80.8% increase*
*Data courtesy of https://www.cbsnews. com/news/price-tracker/ JANUARY 2026 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING
18E
5 ways to save during winter Mind the thermostat. If you have a traditional heating and cooling system, set the thermostat to 68 degrees or lower. Consider a smart or programmable thermostat for additional savings.
Get cozy. Winter weather typically means increased energy use at home. Keep your bills in check with these tips to save energy— and money!
Add layers of clothing for additional warmth, and snuggle up under your favorite heavyweight blanket.
Don’t block the heat. If your air vents or heating elements (like radiators) are blocked by furniture or rugs, your home isn’t being adequately heated.
Take advantage of sunlight. Open window coverings during the day to let natural sunlight in to warm your home. Close them at night to block the chilly night air.
Block air leaks. Seal windows and exterior doors with caulk and weatherstripping to improve indoor comfort and decrease the amount of energy used to heat your home. 18F
OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • JANUARY 2026
Look out for the 2026 Member Aware Meeting dates in the February issue of Ohio Cooperative Living magazine!
JANUARY 2026 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING
18G
WELCOME ABOARD: ALEXIS ELLIOTT JOINS LOGAN COUNTY ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE’S TEAM Logan County Electric Cooperative would like to introduce Alexis Elliott as the new communications specialist. This role plays a critical part in enhancing member awareness and strengthening community relationships. Our members are at the forefront of the cooperative and Alexis is committed to communicating the cooperative’s successes to our members. Alexis holds a bachelor’s degree in agriculture communication from The Ohio State University. She is looking forward to learning more about Logan County through her new role. When Alexis is not at work, she enjoys skiing and baking desserts. While there is much to learn about the electric industry, she is eager to contribute her expertise in serving our members.
Our office will be closed January 1st, 2026
18H
y p p Ha ! ar e Y New
OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • JANUARY 2026
CH I L DRE N O F M E M BE R S S C H O L A R S H IP S To qualify, applicants must be a son, daughter, or legal ward of a co-op residential member living on the lines and receiving service at the time of competition.
4-YEAR DEGREE 2-YEAR DEGREE Bachelor’s
Associate or Trade School
SCHOLARSHIP AWARDS
SCHOLARSHIP AWARDS
1st place 2nd place 3rd place 4th place
$4,000 $3,000 $2,500 $2,000
5th place 6th place 7th place
$1,500 $1,500 $1,500
CONTACT US WITH QUESTIONS
1st place 2nd place 3rd place
$2,500 $2,000 $1,500
SCHOLARSHIP FORM AVAILABLE HERE:
Phone: 937-592-4781 Email: jroberts@logancounty.coop Application forms must be submitted by Friday, February 27, 2026.
January is National Blood Donor Month The month of January is usually a period of critical blood shortages. Each donation can save up to three lives. Visit redcrossblood.org to find a place to donate today.
JANUARY 2026 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING
19
In the heat of summer
or the bitter cold of winter,
we are always working for you! LOGAN COUNTY ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE
MANAGEMENT TEAM
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
CONTACT
Tim Street
David Campbell
Ryan Smith
Jerry Fry
SECURE AUTOMATED PAYMENT
855-938-3639
President/CEO Vice President of Engineering and Operations
Tiffany Stoner
OUTAGE HOTLINE
Vice President of Administration and Finance
855-592-4781
Daniel Ashcraft
OFFICE
Director of Operations
1587 County Road 32 N. Bellefontaine, OH 43311
Kristen McDonald
LOBBY HOURS
Director of Engineering Services
8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Director of Member Services
Scott Roach
Ashley Oakley
Administrative Services Manager
www.logancounty.coop 20
OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • JANUARY 2026
District 1
District 2
Jim Rice District 3
Richland
Stokes
District 2 District 1
District 6
Bloomfield
Janet Blank
Harrison
Dave Link
Pleasant
Scott Hall
Miami
District 6
Warren Taylor District 7
Bokes Creek
McArthur
District 7
District 4
District 5
District 3 Rushcreek
Village of Huntsville Washington
937-592-4781 memberservices@logancounty.coop
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JANUARY 2026 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING
21
Piece by piece
Mosaic maestros give new life to old spaces by turning recycled materials into works of art. STORY AND PHOTOGRAPHS BY THERESA RAVENCRAFT
W
hat do a church, a brewery, and an elementary school have in common? Each is home to art installations created by the Artifactory, a partnership between two Delaware County artists who work with those groups to create intricate mosaic pieces from recycled materials. They can be butterflies, birds, flowers, portraits, or abstracts, but each tells a unique story. “We take old, recycled materials and break them up,” says Lynda Elias, a retired art teacher who founded the Artifactory at Delaware Mosaics along with fellow retired teacher Virginia Corwin. “Then we create something new and special from it — it’s truly beautiful to see. And it’s different every time, depending on the materials used and the light that is reflected from the mosaic.” Elias attended the Tyler School of Art at Temple University. After she retired, she returned to Philadelphia for a visit and was inspired by large mosaics on the sides of many of the buildings and knew it was a technique she wanted to learn and take with her to Delaware. Now she and Corwin teach groups in central Ohio and beyond to create those free-form mosaics that are then installed as permanent works of art. A project begins when an organization in the community reaches out to the artists with ideas for a mosaic. Elias and Corwin meet with the group to develop a design, but it’s the group’s responsibility to gather recycled materials (or make their own tiles) to be used in the project. Once the ceramics and mirror pieces are ready, Elias draws the design on a cement board or a wall. Broken tiles are added, piece by piece. “It’s like building a puzzle,” she says. The groups use the Zagar method, created by Philadelphia artist Isaiah Zagar. The traditional mosaic method involves placing materials in wet cement to make a design or a picture and then allowing it to dry. The Zagar method places the tiles and recycled materials on a flat surface and then adds grout around them. Elias and her daughter, who is also a teacher, attended a workshop given by Isaiah Zagar. “I wanted to do this
22
OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • JANUARY 2026
to show people that everyone can create something. I teach people this easy method as a way of expressing themselves. They can do something to make the community more beautiful,” says Elias. The interactive aspect of creating a mosaic has always been important to Corwin, who has 40 years of experience teaching and counseling children with special needs. “The process brings people together,” she says. “It encourages collaborative creativity and interaction.”
Elias and Corwin work with teachers and students at schools in the region as part of their art classes, to prepare large mosaics to be installed at the schools. “They get to use hammers to break things and use dangerous materials to make art. It’s empowering,” Corwin says. At Wickliffe Progressive Elementary in Upper Arlington, for example, students created “Beatles Garden” to honor the school’s late principal and his love for Beatles music. Each large mosaic represents a different Beatles song, including “Yellow Submarine” (in the bottom photo on the opposite page) and “Here Comes the Sun” (top photo, this page). Students selected the songs and created the mosaics as part of their curriculum. Wickliffe’s art teacher, Lindsay Bennett, invited Elias and Corwin to the school because she saw the project as one that would include every student in every grade level. “This project was fun and meaningful for all our students, who have a wide range of abilities. From kindergarten through fifth grade, everyone was to participate.”
Opposite page: Virginia Corwin (top photo, left) and Lynda Elias (right) are founders of the Artifactory at Delaware Mosaics. They help their clients and their students create mosaic artwork that’s on display at schools, hospitals, libraries, and numerous businesses across the region.
For more information, visit www.delawaremosaics.com.
In addition to Wickliffe Elementary, some of the organizations and businesses that have commissioned and created mosaics include Smith Elementary School, Heritage Middle School in Hilliard, Stratford Ecological Center, Restoration Brew, the City of Dublin, the Senior Center of Delaware County, and the Orange Branch of the Delaware Public Library. The artists take pride in building connections through their art. “We want the mosaics in our community to be accessible and enjoyed by all people,” says Corwin. JANUARY 2026 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING
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Cold,
hard
truth If it’s January in Ohio, we can count on ice — lots of it, everywhere. From the treacherous and violent to the tiny and delicate, our intrepid ice-chaser set out to capture these scenes of wintry wonder. PHOTO ESSAY BY JAMES PROFFITT
26
OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • JANUARY 2026
Spray from turbid water freezes into a work of art on a handrail at Miller Ferry on Catawba Island.
Slabs of Lake Erie ice appear blue due to sunlight’s behavior — red wavelengths are absorbed into ice, and blue is transmitted and scattered. The longer it travels in ice, the more blue it appears.
North winds combined with retreating late-winter ice mean acres of rafting ice against Ohio’s north shore on Lake Erie. Remnants of Lake Erie’s ice hang on as late as March, with wind, waves, and warming water developing arches and caves along the shoreline.
JANUARY 2026 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING
27
A delicate snow-ice sculpture plucked from a parking lot in Castalia.
The image of a horse emerges from melting ice on Lake Erie.
The lines on this ice on the canal in Cleveland are reminiscent of a topographical map.
As late-winter ice melts, the form of an eagle lands on East Harbor.
28
OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • JANUARY 2026
Beautiful, feathery hoar ice, which forms instead of dew when air is both moist and freezing, juts off a patch of moss in Highland County.
Last season’s dried-out fields take on an ephemeral spun-glass feel as they become encased in clear ice by a winter storm.
Spring water erupting from rock faces at Highlands Nature Sanctuary freezes into some majestic frozen falls.
A collection of icicles, which might be considered both stalactites and stalagmites, forms in a shallow southern Ohio cave.
On the Cuyahoga River, subsiding water levels leave icicles on any host they can find.
JANUARY 2026 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING
29
Ridges, caves, smooth ice, floes, and pancake ice on Lake Erie.
From beneath massive ice slabs, looking east at dawn on Lake Erie...
30
OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • JANUARY 2026
On Sandusky Bay, two opposing snow-covered ice sheets buckle as the currents below slowly propel them into one another.
...and the fiery reward for those frostbitten feet and a bit of patience.
Pancake ice forms on Lake Erie during a late-winter thaw, with rounded, raised edges. Here it has refrozen into a sheet of new ice.
Come January or February, families hit the remaining ice along the Lake Erie shore for some (dangerous) excitement.
To read more commentary and to see more photos from James Proffitt’s ice quest, scan the QR code JANUARY 2026 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING
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OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • JANUARY 2026
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ts ALSO IN SIDE Capturing carbon An old sa lt Daddy long legs
2026 CALENDAR NORTHWEST
THROUGH MAY 12 – Line Dancing, Delphos Eagles Aerie #471, 1600 E. Fifth St., Tues. 6–7:30 p.m. $5. Step-by-step instructions given at the beginning of each class. Everyone can learn! Private lessons also available. Taught by Kelly Jackson Kroeger (see her Facebook page). www. visitgreaterlima.com/calendar. JAN. 16–18 – Camp Perry Open: Civilian Marksmanship Program, Gary Anderson CMP Competition Center, 1000 N. Lawrence Rd., Port Clinton. Includes a three-position air rifle competition, a 60-shot standing air rifle event, and a 60-shot air pistol event. 419-635-2141 ext. 704 (Catherine Green) or https://thecmp.org/cmpmatches/camp-perry-open. JAN. 22 – Mrs. Doubtfire: The New Musical Comedy, Crouse Performance Hall, Veterans Memorial Civic and Convention Center, #7 Town Square, Lima, 7:30 p.m. $62+. Based on the beloved film, the musical tells the hysterical and heartfelt story of an out-of-work actor who will do anything for his kids. For ages 8 and up. 419-2241552 or www.limaciviccenter.com. JAN. 23–25 – Eight Minutes Left, McDonald’s Youth Theatre, Encore Theater, 991 N. Shore Dr., Lima. $10; 10 and under, $5. At exactly 4:44 p.m.,
JANUARY/FEBRUARY the world will end, and no one is ready. This keenly observed dramedy follows the residents of Charlesville, NJ, as they navigate their final moments on earth. www.amiltellers.org. JAN. 24 – Josh Turner: This Country Music Thing Tour, Crouse Performance Hall, Veterans Memorial Civic and Convention Center, #7 Town Square, Lima, 7:30 p.m. $46+. 419-224-1552 or www. limaciviccenter.com. JAN. 24–25 – Youth Production: Into the Woods, Van Wert Civic Theatre, 118 S. Race St., Van Wert, Sat. 7:30 p.m., Sun. 2 p.m. Get ready for a whimsical adventure, where your favorite fairy-tale characters find their paths hilariously tangled. 419238-9689 or www.vwct.org. JAN. 25 – Dinosaur World Live, Crouse Performance Hall, Veterans Memorial Civic and Convention Center, #7 Town Square, Lima, 3 p.m. $31–$61. Interactive show for the whole family. Join our intrepid explorer and discover a prehistoric world of astonishing (and remarkably lifelike) dinosaurs. 419-224-1552 or www. limaciviccenter.com. JAN. 30–FEB. 1 – Greater Toledo Auto Show, Glass City Center, 401 Jefferson Ave., Toledo, Fri. 12–9 p.m., Sat. 10 a.m.–9 p.m., Sun. 10 a.m.–5 p.m. $8; Srs./Stds. $6; 9 and under free. Explore the newest models and automotive technologies. www.toledoautoshow.org. JAN. 31–FEB. 1 – “English Elegance”: Candlelight Concert, Trinity United Methodist Church, Lima, Sat. 7:30 p.m.; St. Michael’s Catholic Church, Kalida, Sun. 4 p.m. $35. Experience the grace and depth of English classical music performed in the sanctuaries of two beautiful churches. 419-222-5701 or www. limasymphony.com. FEB. 5 – Theresa Camputo Live, Crouse Performance Hall, Veterans Memorial Civic and
COMPILED BY COLLEEN ROMICK CLARK
Convention Center, #7 Town Square, Lima, 7:30 p.m. $56.75+. Through personal life stories, candid humor, and intimate details about her gift to communicate with those who have passed on, the beloved television personality and bestselling author delivers healing messages to her audience. 419-224-1552 or www.limaciviccenter.com. FEB. 6–8, 13–15 – Barefoot in the Park, Van Wert Civic Theatre, 118 S. Race St., Van Wert, Sat. 7:30 p.m., Sun. 2 p.m. This Neil Simon classic explores the clash of personalities and comedic struggles found in newlywed life. 419-238-9689 or www. vwct.org. FEB. 7 – Ice-A-Fair, 685 Main St., Vermilion. Free winter event for the entire family, featuring ice sculptures on display throughout downtown and ice carving demos throughout the day. Kids’ train rides, trolley tours, prizes, raffle baskets, and more. Ends with the towering Fire & Ice display at 6 p.m. 440-963-0772 or www.mainstreetvermilion.org/ice. FEB. 7–8 – Tri-State Gun Show, Allen Co. Fgds., 2750 Harding Hwy., Lima, Sat. 8:30 a.m.–4 p.m., Sun. 8:30 a.m.–2 p.m. $8; 18 and under free. Over 400 tables of modern and antique guns, edged weapons, and sportsmen equipment. 419-6470067 (Manetta Obringer) or www.allencofair.com/ events-calendar. FEB. 8 – Winter Hike, Grand Lake St. Marys State Park, 834 Edgewater Dr., St. Marys, 1–3 p.m. Guided hike. Please bring water and snacks. Dress for the weather. Pets must be on leash. 440-6475749 or https://ohiodnr.gov/go-and-do/plan-a-visit/ find-a-property/grand-lake-st-marys-state-park. FEB. 15 – Motorcycle Swap Meet, Allen Co. Fgds., 2750 Harding Hwy., Lima (2 miles east of Lima on St. Rte. 309), 9 a.m.–2 p.m. $8; 12 and under free. Buy, sell, and trade motorcycle parts, bikes, gear, and accessories. 260-223-1409 or www. hugeswapmeet.com.
Make sure you’re included in our calendar! Submit listings AT LEAST 90 DAYS prior to the event to: Ohio Cooperative Living 6677 Busch Blvd. Columbus, OH 43229 OR send an email to: events@ohioec.org. Ohio Cooperative Living will not publish listings that don’t include a complete address or a number/website for more information.
JANUARY 2026 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING
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2026 CALENDAR
JANUARY/FEBRUARY
NORTHEAST
JAN. 10–11, FEB. 7–8 – Medina Gun Show, Medina County Fgds. Community Center, 735 Lafayette Rd. (St. Rte. 42), Medina, Sat. 9 a.m.–5 p.m., Sun. 9 a.m.–3 p.m. $8. 450 tables of displays. 330-948-4400 (Jim Conrad) or www.conraddowdell.com. JAN. 15–18 – Cleveland Boat Show, I-X Center, 1 I-X Center Dr., Cleveland, Thur. 12–9 p.m., Fri./ Sat. 10 a.m.–9 p.m., Sun. 10 a.m.–5 p.m. $20, Srs./ Military $15, under 7 free. Wide variety of watercraft, knowledgeable marine vendors, lifestyle exhibits, delicious local food, family-friendly activities, and live entertainment. www.clevelandboatshow.com. JAN. 22 – Soup at Six: “McKinley’s Front Porch Campaign,” McKinley Presidential Library and Museum, 800 McKinley Monument Dr. NW, Canton,
6 p.m. $25; includes soup, bread, and dessert. Preregistration required by Jan. 15. In-depth look at how McKinley’s campaign “from home” led to his White House victory. 330-455-7043 or www. mckinleymuseum.org/events. JAN. 24 – Winter Craft and Vendor Show, Lorain County Community College, 1005 N. Abbe Rd., Elyria, 9 a.m.–2 p.m. Free admission. Unique items such as handmade candles, wood crafts, gnomes, wreaths, jewelry, knitted items, and much more. www. hometownvendors.org/events. JAN. 25 – George Foley and the EEJ Trio: “1920s Stride Piano,” Wadsworth Public Library, 132 Broad St., Wadsworth, 2–3 p.m. Free. Foley and the trio will perform and tell us about stride piano, ragtime, and the roots of jazz music. Seating is on a first-come, firstserved basis. 419-853-6016 or www.ormaco.org. JAN. 30–FEB. 8 – The Great Big Home and Garden Show, I-X Center, 1 I-X Center Dr., Cleveland. $5–$15; 5 and under free. See website for hours and schedule of events. Explore hundreds of exhibits, meet industry experts and home professionals, and enjoy unique feature displays such as the garden showcase. www. greatbighomeandgarden.com. FEB. 1 – Model Railroad and Toy Show, Medina Co. Fgds. Community Center, 735 Lafayette Rd. (St. Rte. 42), Medina, 9 a.m.–3 p.m. $8. 330-948-4400 or www.conraddowdell.com. FEB. 7 – 5K Winter Hike, Findley State Park, 25381 St. Rte. 58, Wellington, 10 a.m.–1 p.m. Experience
CENTRAL
Register at Eventbrite for your free ticket. Start off the new year with a 5-mile hike. Warm refreshments served afterward. Dress appropriately for outside conditions and walking on a paved surface. An adult must accompany all children under 12. Program will be canceled in the event of inclement weather. www. pickawaycountyparks.org. JAN. 17 – Annual Hocking Hills Winter Hike, 20160 St. Rte. 664 S., Logan, continuous starts from 9 to 11 a.m. Free. Challenging 6-mile hike from Old Man’s Cave to Ash Cave. Layered clothing and good footwear recommended. Bean soup and corn muffins will be served at Cedar Falls; donations appreciated. Shuttle bus returns hikers to the parking area.740385-6841 or www.hockinghills.com. THROUGH FEB. 28 – Wonderful Winter Birding, JAN. 24 – Winter Jam 2026, Schottenstein Center, Dawes Arboretum, 7770 Jacksontown Rd., Newark, 555 Borror Dr., Columbus, 6 p.m. Doors open 5 Sat. 10 a.m.–12 p.m. Included with Arboretum p.m. $15 donation at the door; no tickets required. admission. Join us for winter bird watching. Hone Lineup includes Chris Tomlin, Matthew West, Katy your identification skills and get some winter feeding Nichole, Hulvey, Disciple, Emerson Day, NewSong, tips! Come early to participate in Project Feederwatch, and speaker Zane Black. www.facebook.com/ a citizen science initiative to monitor winter bird events/3790050297965673. populations. 740-323-2355 or www.dawesarb.org. JAN. 24–25 – Scott Antique Market, Ohio JAN. 11 – Motorcycle Swap Meet, Marion Co. Fgds., Expo Ctr., Bricker and Celeste Bldgs., 717 E. 17th 220 E. Fairground St., Marion, 9 a.m.–2 p.m. $8; 12 Ave., Columbus, Sat. 9 a.m.–6 p.m., Sun. 10 and under free. Buy, sell, and trade parts, leather, a.m.–4 p.m. Free admission; $7 parking. 800 exhibit jewelry, patches, and accessories. 260-223-1409 or booths. info@scottantiquemarket.com or www. www.hugeswapmeet.com. scottantiquemarkets.com. JAN. 17 – First Pickaway Annual Winter Hike, Canal JAN. 30–FEB. 1 – The Log and Timber Home Park, 23352 Canal Rd., Circleville, 10 a.m.–1 p.m.
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OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • JANUARY 2026
the beauty of winter as you hike through the park’s woodlands and around the lake. Cornbread and bean soup after the hike; donations accepted. Dress for the weather. 440-647-5749 or https://ohiodnr.gov/go-anddo/plan-a-visit/find-a-property/findley-state-park. FEB. 7 – Love Struck Craft and Vendor Show, Residence Inn by Marriot Cleveland Avon, Emerald Event Center, 33040 Just Imagine Dr., Avon, 9 a.m.–2 p.m. Free admission. Hand-created home decor, wood crafts, baked goods, soaps, books, hand-sewn items, and more. www.hometownvendors.org/events. FEB. 7 – Wayne County Farm Toy Show, Smithville High School, 200 Smithie Dr., Smithville, 9 a.m.–3 p.m. $3. Vendors selling farm toys and implements, literature, and local memorabilia; FFA fundraiser. 330669-9455 or gren_sheppe@tccsa.net. FEB. 8 – Don Goodman and the Jazz Shepherds: “1930s Swing Band,” Wadsworth Public Library, 132 Broad St., Wadsworth, 2–3 p.m. Free. The band will perform songs from the swing band era, including the music of Fletcher Henderson, Paul Whiteman, and Duke Ellington. Seating is on a first-come, first-served basis. 419-853-6016 or www.ormaco.org. FEB. 15 – Flea Market of Collectables, Medina County Fgds. Community Ctr., 735 Lafayette Rd. (St. Rte. 42), Medina, 9 a.m.–3 p.m. $3. Early-bird special admission, 6–9 a.m., $4. A treasure trove of vintage items and collectibles. 330-948-4300 or www. conraddowdell.com.
Design-Build Expo, Ohio Expo Center, Rhodes Bldg., 717 E. 17th Ave., Columbus, Fri. 1–7 p.m., Sat. 10 a.m.–6 p.m., Sun. 10 a.m.–4 p.m. $10– $12; 18 and under free. $7 parking. Tickets good all weekend. An expo for log home, timber frame home, and rustic furniture enthusiasts. www.loghomeshows.com. JAN. 30–FEB. 1 – National Fishing Expos– Columbus, Ohio Expo Center, Bricker Bldg., 717 E. 17th Ave., Columbus, Fri. 12–7 p.m., Sat. 10 a.m.–6 p.m., Sun. 10 a.m.–3 p.m.. Three days of sport fishing education and fun. Every major line of boats, rods, guides, tackle, and Canadian outfitters, all under one roof. 614-361-5548 or www.nationalfishingexpos.com. JAN. 31 – Apostle Jones, Marion Palace Theatre, 276 W. Center St., Marion, 7:30 p.m. $16–$39. This 10-piece Cleveland-based band fuses rock, gospel, blues, funk, and R&B into an unforgettable live experience. 740-383-2101 or www.marionpalace.org. FEB. 6 – First Friday Art Walk, downtown Zanesville, 5–8 p.m. Come downtown on the first Friday of each month, when all our participating galleries, studios, and small businesses are open at the same time! https://artcoz.org/arts-district-map. FEB. 7 – John Mueller’s Winter Dance Party, Marion Palace Theatre, 276 W. Center St., Marion, 7:30 p.m. The official and critically acclaimed tribute to rock ’n’ roll pioneers Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, and The Big Bopper, re-creating the final tour of these legendary performers. 740-383-2101 or www.marionpalace.org.
SOUTHWEST
growth. www.visitchillicotheohio.com/event. THROUGH FEB. 25 – Bluegrass Wednesdays, Vinoklet Winery, 11069 Colerain Ave., Cincinnati, Wed. 6:30–8:30 p.m. Enjoy dinner, wine, and an evening of free entertainment by Vernon McIntyre’s Appalachian Grass. Reservations recommended. 513-385-9309, vinokletwinery@fuse.net, or www. vinokletwines.com. JAN. 16 – Mountain Dulcimer Society of Dayton Concert, Troy-Hayner Cultural Center Ballroom, 301 W. Main St., Troy, 7:30 p.m. Free. Featuring
SOUTHEAST
JAN. 10 – First Capital Lecture Series: “Chillicothe Firsts,” former Chillicothe Gazette Building, 50 W. Main St., Chillicothe, 2 p.m. Free. Presented by Ross County America 250. Chillicothe historian Julie Lambert will discuss notable people and firsts in Ross County. Artifacts from early Ohio will also be on display by the Ross County Historical Society. www. visitchillicotheohio.com/america250-rosscountyohio. JAN. 10 – Historic 12th Night Event, Adena Mansion and Gardens, 847 Adena Rd., Chillicothe, 3 p.m. $0–$5. Enjoy a historical afternoon and learn how the feast was prepared, 1800s style, that celebrated the end of the holiday season. Includes a cooking demonstration in the Tenant House and short “candlelit” tour through the mansion. www. ohiohistory.org/visit/browse-historical-sites/adenamansion-gardens.
WEST VIRGINIA
Mandy Tyner. Hear both solo features and ensemble arrangements that highlight the versatility of the Appalachian mountain dulcimer. www.troyhayner. org/music.html. JAN. 16–25 – Greater Cincinnati Remodeling Expo, Sharonville Convention Center, 11355 Chester Rd., Sharonville, Fri. 12–7 p.m., Sat. 10 a.m.–6 p.m., Sun. 11 a.m.–5 p.m. $5 (cash only); 18 and under free. Explore innovative displays showcasing the latest trends in design and product offerings. Meet local experts and get the advice you need to help you with your home improvement projects. www. homeshowcenter.com/overview/Cincinnati. JAN. 24 – OVKA Kart Racing Trade Show and Swap Meet, Roberts Centre, 123 Gano Rd., Wilmington. $15; 12 and under, $10. Over 200 booths of racing products for sale. Sprint karting, road racing, dirt karting, oval racing, and vintage karts and parts; tech and performance seminars; Intro to Karting class. 513-503-4633 (Elliot Bokeno) or www. ovka.com/swap-meet.
FEB. 7 – Annual Clifton Gorge Winter Hike, Clifton Gorge State Nature Preserve, 2381 St. Rte. 343, Yellow Springs, 9 a.m.–1 p.m. “Go at your own pace” 3-mile hike from John Bryan State Park to Clifton Gorge Exploration Center. Historical reenactors will share stories about the region. Dress for the weather, wear sturdy shoes, and bring plenty of water. https:// ohiodnr.gov/go-and-do/plan-a-visit/find-a-property/ clifton-gorge-state-nature-preserve. FEB. 7 – Cincinnati Winter Blues Experience VII, Manor House, 7440 Mason Montgomery Rd., Mason, 5 p.m. $35 advance, $40 at door. See website for artist lineup and other information. www.winterbluesexperience.com. FEB. 7 – Greater Cincinnati Fly Fishing Show, Oasis Conference Center, 902 Loveland-Miamiville Rd., Loveland, 9 a.m.–4 p.m. $15; Scouts in uniform and kids 12 and under free. Headliner Josh Miller. Fly fishing education and demos, fly tying demos, fishing guides, casting pond, exhibitors, raffles, door prizes, and more. www.buckeyeflyfishers.com.
JAN. 16 – Concert: Bryan White, Majestic Theatre, 45 E. Second St., Chillicothe, 7:30 p.m. $25–$50. The CMA, ACM, and Grammy Award–winning country music artist, producer, and songwriter will perform at the historic Majestic. www.majesticchillicothe.net. JAN. 17–18 – Pre-1890 Trade Fair, Canter’s Cave 4-H Camp, 1362 Cave Rd., Jackson, Sat. 9 a.m.–5 p.m., Sun. 9 a.m.–3 p.m. $4; 12 and under free. Dealers will be selling items common to the 18th and 19th centuries. For additional information, call 740-773-3891. JAN. 18 – New Moon Hike, Lake Hope State Park, 27331 St. Rte. 278, McArthur, 5:30–7:30 p.m. Enjoy the splendor of the nighttime sky during this 2-mile hike on one of the darkest nights of the month. Wear sturdy, closed-toe shoes, and dress for the weather. 740-596-3030 (Kaylin Callander) or https://ohiodnr. gov/go-and-do/plan-a-visit/find-a-property/lakehope-state-park. JAN. 25 – Brass Express: Tribute to Chicago and More, Majestic Theatre, 45 E. Second St., Chillicothe, 7:30 p.m. $24–$37. Sit back and groove to the soul-stirring re-creations of your favorite music from Chicago; Blood, Sweat & Tears; Tower of Power; and many more. www.majesticchillicothe.net. JAN. 25 – Marietta Symphony Orchestra: “A Celtic Celebration of Robbie Burns,” Peoples Bank Theatre, 222 Putnam St., Marietta, 3 p.m. $14–$29; Srs. $4–$19. Enjoy Scottish-themed classics such as Mendelssohn’s “Scottish Symphony” and some
of Burns’ most famous songs, including, of course, “Auld Lang Syne.” www.peoplesbanktheatre.com. JAN. 30 – Concert: Joe Nichols, Peoples Bank Theatre, 222 Putnam St., Marietta, 8 p.m. $47+. One of country music’s most-lauded recording artists. www.peoplesbanktheatre.com. JAN. 31 – Buckeye Trail Trek, Shawnee State Park, 4404 St. Rte. 125, West Portsmouth, 10 a.m.–2 p.m. Traverse 4 miles through Shawnee’s beautiful, unglaciated, rugged terrain. Pack snacks and water, wear sturdy hiking boots, and bring a hiking stick. https://ohiodnr.gov/go-and-do/plan-a-visit/finda-property/shawnee-state-park. FEB. 7 – Hotel California: The Original Eagles Tribute Band, Pritchard Laughlin Civic Center, 7033 Glenn Hwy., Cambridge, 7 p.m. Free. 740-439-7009 or www.pritchardlaughlin.com. FEB. 13–14 – Great Backyard Bird Count, Lake Hope State Park, 27331 St. Rte. 278, McArthur, 10 a.m.–2 p.m. Come out to assist us with a global citizen science effort to observe and count birds. 740-596-3030 (Kaylin Callander) or https://ohiodnr. gov/go-and-do/plan-a-visit/find-a-property/lakehope-state-park. FEB. 14 – First Capital Lecture Series: “Ohio Works, Innovation, and Industry,” Ross County Heritage Center, 45 W. Fifth St., Chillicothe, 2 p.m. Free. Part of the America 250–Ross County, Ohio, celebration, this monthly lecture series showcases the trades, tools, and technologies that fueled Ohio’s
JAN. 10 – Abominable Snowman Jam, Canaan Valley Resort State Park, 230 Main Lodge Rd., Davis, 4–9 p.m. Join this winter celebration packed with live music, great food, and plenty of fun. Features DJ Dan Barkley, the Soda Pop Gypsies, and the crowdfavorite beard competition. www.canaanresort.com/ events/abominable-snowman-jam. JAN. 31 – Winterfest, Oglebay Park Resort, 465 Lodge Dr., Wheeling. Celebrate the season with the Polar Plunge, a dance party, ice sculptures, ice
skating, prizes, and more. https://oglebay.com/ calendar/celebrations/Winterfest. FEB. 13 – The Bellamy Brothers: Love Still Flows, Robinson Grand Performing Arts Center, 444 W. Pike St., Clarksburg, 7:30 p.m. Spend your Valentine’s Eve with country legends as they perform more than four decades of chart-topping music. www. therobinsongrand.com.
JANUARY 2026 • OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING
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Bedtime
MEMBER INTERACTIVE
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1. My daughter, Meadow, is reading a book to her little sister, Charlotte, before bed. Kimberly Chave, South Central Power Company member
2. We don’t typically allow our dogs in our beds, but Zeke got special permission when “his boy” was home from college! Patty Grasty, Butler Rural Electric Cooperative member 3. The grandkids — Jayden, Camden, and Alizah (with baby Jazmin in the crib) — over for a sleepover, doing the normal stalling, laughing, having fun routine. Katie Grubba,
4. My grandson, Wade, ready for bed — roar! Tammy Offenberger, Washington Electric Cooperative member 5. My-son-in-law, Justin Esselburn, reading a bedtime story to my grandsons, Wyatt and Rhett, during the Advent season. Beth Fry, The Energy Cooperative member 6. Sweetie J. Moneypenny, our recent adoption, chilling out before bed. Cindy Boyer, Hancock-Wood Electric Cooperative member
South Central Power Company member
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For April, send “Photo bombs” by Jan. 15. For May, send “May flowers” by Feb. 15. Upload your photos at www.ohiocoopliving.com/memberinteractive. Your photo may be featured in our magazine or on our website.
OHIO COOPERATIVE LIVING • JANUARY 2026
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