September 2023 Cherryland

You may not realize it, but your home is sitting on a free and renewable supply of energy. A WaterFurnace geothermal comfort system taps into the stored solar energy in your own backyard to provide savings of up to 70% on heating, cooling and hot water. That’s money in the bank and a smart investment in your family’s comfort. Contact your local WaterFurnace dealer today to learn how to tap into your buried treasure.

LOCAL WATERFURNACE DEALERS

Allendale

Allendale Htg & Clg (800)327-1937

allendaleheating.com

Bad Axe/Ubly

Cutting Edge Htg & Clg (989)551-0986

Berrien Springs

Waterfurnace Michiana (269)473-5667 gogreenmichgeo thermal.com

Big Rapids Stratz Htg & Clg, Inc. (231)796-3717 stratzgeocomfort.com

Clifford Orton Refrig & Htg (989)761-7691

sanduskygeothermal.com

Hart Adams Htg & Clg (231)873-2665

adamsheating cooling.com

Indian River

M&M Plmb & Htg (231)238-7201 mm-plumbing.com

Lansing Candor Mechanical (517)920-0890 candormechanical.com

Lowell Arctic Inc. Htg. & Clg. (616)897-4213 heatingcoolingonline.com

Mancelona Top Notch Htg, Clg, & Geothermal (231)350-8052 Topnotchheatandair.com

Michigan Center Comfort 1/Air Serv of Southern Michigan (517)764-1500 airserv.com/southernmichigan/

Mt Pleasant Walton Htg & Clg (989)772-4822 waltonheating.com

Muskegon Adams Htg & Clg (231)873-2665 adamsheatingcooling.co

Portland ESI Htg & Clg (517)647-6906 esiheating.com

Sunfield Mark Woodman Plmb & Htg (517)886-1138 mwphonline.com

Traverse City D&W Mechanical (231)941-1251 dwmechanical.com

Geofurnace Htg & Clg (231)943-1000 geofurnace.com

and it isn’t just corn.

YOUR

Michigan’s Electric Cooperatives

EXECUTIVE EDITOR: Casey Clark

EDITOR: Christine Dorr

GRAPHIC DESIGNER: Karreen Bird

RECIPE EDITOR: Christin McKamey

COPY EDITOR: Yvette Pecha

CONTRIBUTING EDITOR: Emily Haines Lloyd

PUBLISHER: Michigan Electric Cooperative Association

Michigan Country Lines, USPS-591-710, is published monthly, except August and December, with periodicals postage paid at Lansing, Mich., and additional offices. It is the official publication of the Michigan Electric Cooperative Association, 201 Townsend St., Suite 900, Lansing, MI 48933. Subscriptions are authorized for members of Alger Delta, Cherryland, Great Lakes, HomeWorks Tri-County, Midwest Energy & Communications, Ontonagon, Presque Isle, and Thumb electric cooperatives by their boards of directors.

Postmaster: Send all UAA to CFS.

Association Officers: Tom Sobeck, Presque Isle Electric & Gas Co-op, chairman; Gabe Schneider, Cherryland Electric Cooperative, vice chairman; Chris O’Neill, HomeWorks TriCounty Cooperative, secretary-treasurer; Craig Borr, president and CEO.

CONTACT US/LETTERS TO EDITOR: Michigan Country Lines

201 Townsend St., Suite 900 Lansing, MI 48933 248-534-7358 editor@countrylines.com

CHANGE OF ADDRESS: Please notify your electric cooperative. See page 4 for contact information.

The appearance of advertising does not constitute an endorsement of the products or services advertised.

Michigan Country Lines, Your Communications Partner

For more than 40 years, our co-op members have received Michigan Country Lines because it is the most effective and economical way to share information. Michigan Country Lines keeps members up-to-date about everything going on within their electric co-op. Issues contain news about co-op services, director elections, member meetings, and management decisions that members need to know about as owners of the co-op. The magazine also includes legal notices that would otherwise have to be placed in local media at a substantial cost. Sending Michigan Country Lines helps the co-op fulfill one of its essential principles—to educate and communicate openly with its members. The board of directors authorizes the co-op to subscribe to Michigan Country Lines on behalf of each member at an average cost of $4.15 per year, paid as part of members’ electric bills. The current magazine cost is 52 cents per copy. Michigan Country Lines is published, at cost, by the Michigan Electric Cooperative Association in Lansing. As always, we welcome your comments at editor@meca.coop.

#micoopcommunity

Instagram contest winner Capturing Michigan’s beautiful beach treasures @frankfort_moments (Kathy Smith)

6 HARTWICK PINES STATE PARK: EVADING THE AXE Featuring majestic trees over 160 feet tall, the park is both an inspirational sanctuary and a testament to the transformative power of human industry.

10 MI CO-OP KITCHEN

Chocolate Desserts: decadent desserts that will satisfy any sweet tooth.

14 GREAT EDUCATION ON THE GREAT LAKES

The Great Lakes Maritime Academy, one of only six such schools in the country, prepares students for life at sea.

18 GUEST COLUMN Always Do the Right Thing: A GLE member shares his father’s words to live by.

MI Co-op Community

To enter contests, submit reader content & more, visit countrylines.com/community

Instagram Contest

Use #micoopcommunity for a chance to be featured here and on our Instagram account. Win $100 for photos published!

Recipe Contest

See details on page 10. Vegetarian due Nov. 1. Win a $100 bill credit!

Guest Column

Share your fondest memories and stories. Win $200 for stories published. Visit countrylines.com/community to submit. Win $200 for stories published!

Mystery Photo

See details on page 18. Win a $100 bill credit!

cherrylandelectric.coop

/cherrylandelectriccoop @cherrylandec

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

David Schweitzer, President 231-883-5860

dschweitzer@cherrylandelectric.coop

Gabe Schneider, Senior Vice President

517-449-6453

gschneider@cherrylandelectric.coop

Valarie Handy, Secretary 231-392-4705 vhandy@cherrylandelectric.coop

Tom Van Pelt, Treasurer 231-386-5234 tvanpelt@cherrylandelectric.coop

Melinda Lautner, Director 231-947-2509

mlautner@cherrylandelectric.coop

Terry Lautner, Director 231-946-4623

tlautner@cherrylandelectric.coop

Dean Adams, Director 231-642-0014 dadams@cherrylandelectric.coop

CEO: Rachel Johnson Co-op Editors: Courtney Doyle: cdoyle@cherrylandelectric.coop

OFFICE HOURS

Monday–Friday 7:30 a.m.– 4 p.m.

TELEPHONE NUMBERS

231-486-9200 or 1-800-442-8616 (Mich.)

ADDRESS

P.O. Box 298, Grawn, MI 49637

PAY STATION

Cherryland Electric Cooperative office 5930 U.S. 31 South, Grawn MI, 49637

Cherryland Electric Cooperative is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

CO-OP NEWS

Cherryland Cares Awards $15,690 To Five Nonprofits

At its second-quarter board meeting, the Cherryland Cares board awarded grants to five local nonprofit organizations: St. Philip’s Episcopal Church Baby Pantry, Grand Traverse Men’s Shed, Camp Quality Michigan, Single MOMM, and the Friendship Community Center.

In 2023, Cherryland Cares has awarded a total of $30,690 in grants to area nonprofits.

The Cherryland Cares board is comprised of five volunteer Cherryland members. The funds distributed by Cherryland Cares are a result of members electing to round up their monthly bills to the nearest dollar. Members can contribute to the Cherryland Cares fund by calling 231-486-9200, signing up through SmartHub, or emailing us at cec@cherrylandelectric.coop. To read about how this small change can make a big impact in your community, flip to page 8!

If you are an area nonprofit agency looking to apply for our next grant cycle, please call Dawn Garrock at 231-486-9234 or email her at dgarrock@cherrylandelectric.coop.

Cherryland Offers Optional Time-of-Use Rate Starting Oct. 1

Starting Oct. 1, members can start taking advantage of Cherryland’s optional Timeof-Use (TOU) rate. Members who opt into this rate will enjoy lower energy costs during off-peak energy use windows, when fewer people need electricity. When energy needs increase during the afternoon and evening, the cost follows suit.

On-peak energy use windows change seasonally. The summer peak window lasts from 2–6 p.m. starting on May 1 and ending on Sept. 30. The winter peak window lasts from 5–9 p.m. starting on Oct. 1 and ending on April 30.

For more information on the TOU rate, visit our website at cherrylandelectric.coop/ time-of-use.

Members Earn Rebates With Energy-Efficient Upgrades

Cherryland members are eligible to receive rebates for energy-efficient upgrades in their homes or businesses. Common upgrades include purchasing ENERGY STAR®qualified appliances or choosing to go electric with their next vehicle.

For a guide to our residential rebate program and a complete listing of rebates available on ENERGY STAR® -qualified appliances, visit our website at cherrylandelectric.coop/rebates

Co-op Offers Suite Of Solar Programs For Members

Interested in going solar? Cherryland offers a suite of solar programs for those who want to support renewable energy with their cooperative. The suite includes community solar, net metering, large renewable, and buy-all sell-all programs. Whether you want to cover your annual energy costs or use the clean energy you generate, there is a solar program for everyone!

To learn more, visit our website at cherrylandelectric.coop/renewableenergy-programs.

Cultivating Local Growth

Cherryland’s Rural Economic Impact

By Rachel Johnson, Cherryland CEO

This year, the U.S. Congress is scheduled to pass a new Farm Bill. A small, but mighty, appropriation within the Farm Bill is the Rural Economic Development Loan and Grant (REDLG) program. The rural development titles in the farm bill represent less than half of 1% of the total Farm Bill, but programs like REDLG have made a big impact in our region.

The REDLG program is overseen by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), but the grant and loan dollars disbursed through the program require a local electric cooperative to administer the individual loans. That’s where Cherryland comes in.

Cherryland first worked with REDLG to help fund Blair Township’s water tower back in 1997. We have worked with the USDA to expand that program over time, and today we administer a $1.2 million revolving, zero-interest loan program. We have been revolving those loan dollars into the community for over 20 years. During that time, we have invested $5.2 million through 50 loans to 33 different local organizations. The loans range in size, but all require the recipient to create or retain one job for every $20,000 borrowed. The loan term is relatively short, at seven years on average.

This program is one of the ways we help support a healthy, growing business economy in the Grand Traverse region. While the money is lent at zero interest, we are reimbursed by the borrower for any costs incurred by the cooperative, up to $1,000.

Over time, we have helped purchase six fire trucks and ambulances for local first responders, provided funding for the Commongrounds Cooperative on 8th Street, and helped a local day care provider expand. We have also helped launch several highly successful businesses such as Iron Fish Distillery, Dave’s Garage, and Farm Club. We helped Centre ICE when they needed to upgrade their rinks to keep the Detroit Red Wings training camp here, and we’ve provided loans to several local manufacturers to help them invest in equipment to expand their production facilities.

We occasionally get asked why we choose to administer this loan program and my answer is simple— if we don’t do it, no one else can. These federal dollars must flow to local communities through electric cooperatives. We are deeply committed to this community. This is just one more way that we help

our neighbors and drive federal investment into the region.

That’s why I was so excited when we were presented with the opportunity to partner with the USDA on a new loan offering this year. This loan program is a direct pass-through from the USDA to the end recipient, with Cherryland serving as the intermediary borrower. Unlike our other loans, we cannot revolve the funds; they must be paid back to USDA in full over 10 years. We just closed on our first pass-through loan this summer, working with Left Foot Charley to secure $1.3 million to help them purchase and upgrade a new production facility on M-72. With this expansion, they expect to increase production of their wines and ciders by 70% within the next three years and double their custom wine production for other regional wineries. We’ll share more with you about Left Foot Charley’s project in an upcoming issue of the magazine.

As our federal legislators work through the Farm Bill, we encourage them to continue providing strong support for rural economic development. We have a proud history of leveraging those dollars to support businesses in our community and are committed to continuing to do so.

For more information or to apply for a loan: Contact Dawn Garrock, dgarrock@cherrylandelectric.coop

Revolving Loan Fund:

Maximum loan amount: $300,000

Interest rate: 0%

Maximum loan term: 10 years

Scan here to learn more about the REDLG program on the latest episode of Co-op Energy Talk

Hartwick Pines State Park

Evading the Axe

By Yvette Pecha

Featuring majestic trees over 160 feet tall, the park is both an inspirational sanctuary and a testament to the transformative power of human industry.

Before being known for automobiles, Michigan was a primary hub in the logging industry. In fact, it was the nation’s leading lumber-producing state from 1860 until 1910. Logging—particularly that of pine trees—played a vital role in developing the country, but it devastated the landscape. It is estimated that less than 1% of the old growth forests that were here when European settlers arrived remain in the eastern U.S. However, there are still places where you can go and see the forest as those settlers did—majestic, towering, and seemingly infinite—and one of them happens to be in Grayling.

Hartwick Pines State Park features roughly 49 acres of old growth forest, which is the largest stand in the Lower Peninsula. Hillary Pine, the park’s historian, says it consists primarily of white/red pine and eastern hemlock trees that are anywhere from 350 to 425 years old. With heights of over 160 feet, the trees are a historic spectacle that have been drawing sightseers for almost 100 years. “We have a lot of generational visitors,” Pine said. “People who used to come here with their grandparents are now bringing grandkids of their own.” A question Pine hears a lot is “Where’s the big tree?”—a reference to the once tallest tree in the forest, the Monarch, which was a 155-foottall white pine that people earnestly hugged for photo ops. Sadly, the Monarch perished after a windstorm, but there are plenty of other old, giant trees waiting to have their pictures taken—and they have Karen Hartwick to thank for it.

Hartwick bought 8,000 acres of property that included the grove of old growth in 1927. She then donated the land to the state with the stipulation that it be a memorial to her late husband, Edward Hartwick, a lumberman who died of illness in World War I. The contract also dictated that no more trees would be cut, there would be a road to the park, a structure would be built in Edward’s memory, and a logging museum would be established. The park opened in

1928 and, with time, met all of Karen’s wishes. There is a museum that depicts life in a late 1800s logging camp, and the Hartwick Pines Memorial Building, a rustic, lodge-style building, pays tribute to Edward.

Other buildings on the property include a chapel that can be rented out for weddings and the Visitor’s Center— which is where you’ll find longtime park interpreter Craig Kasmer, who leads presentations and trail tours. Kasmer, who—like his parents before him— once hugged the Monarch, echoes Pine’s statement that the park is about family connection. He says one of his favorite things is meeting visitors who tell him they remember him from a tour they took when they were kids—many of them particularly remember him saying that not everything is a pine cone. “All conifers have cones, but pine cones are only on pine trees. There are also hemlock cones, spruce cones, fir cones, etc.,” he said. Kasmer says it’s important to make this distinction and for people to know the proper names of things. “If you know the name of something, you care for it more. You learn the name of that flower, the name of that bird, and you like it more and want to know more about it.” he said.

The park also features a 21-mile network of all-season trails perfect for walking, biking, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing. Pine says the 1.25mile Old Growth Forest Trail, which is paved and fully accessible, is the most popular, as visitors get to see the old growth trees up close. Other popular activities include birding (the evening grosbeak is one rare bird that can be seen); viewing other wildlife such as bobcats, deer, turkeys, otters, minks, foxes, and the occasional bear; and fishing, canoeing, or kayaking in the four lakes onsite. The two biggest of which—Bright and Glory—are named after Karen Hartwick’s father’s loghauling oxen team. The grounds also house a 100-site seasonal campground.

Whatever you come to the park for, prepare to be awed. Pine, who has been employed at Hartwick Pines for seven years, says she’s still amazed. “As a historian—knowing the effect that the logging era had on Michigan’s forest and the widespread devastation from cutting and fire—the fact that this small section of old growth remained is truly remarkable,” she said. “It’s a wonderful pocket where you can go see what most of northern Michigan used to look like.”

Visitor Center hours: Memorial Day–Labor Day: open daily, 9 a.m.–5 p.m.

Sept.–Oct.: open daily, 9 a.m.–4 p.m.

Nov.–April: weekends only, 9 a.m.–4 p.m.

Logging Museum hours: Memorial Day–Labor Day: open daily, 9 a.m.–5 p.m.

May, Sept.–Oct.: open daily, 9 a.m.–4 p.m.

Nov.–April: CLOSED

For more information: /HartwickPinesStatePark/

michigan.gov/dnr/places/ v-centers/hartwick

“It’s a wonderful pocket where you can go see what most of northern Michigan used to look like.”

Your Small Change Can Make A Big Difference!

When you choose to round up your electric bill to the nearest dollar, that spare change goes into the Cherryland Cares fund. It’s a charitable fund overseen by a group of volunteer members who review grant applications and allocate money to local nonprofits. A member’s average contribution is about $6 a year. While that may not feel like much, that money goes a long way. Here are the stories behind just a couple of the most recent recipients:

Single MOMM

The Cherryland Cares board awarded a grant to Single MOMM to help fund their Inside Out Parenting Mentorship program. The program begins with a four-week parenting class for single parents that focuses on how to observe, connect, listen, and respond to their children. After the initial classes, participants meet with a Single MOMM mentor in small groups where they can ask follow-up questions, troubleshoot parenting issues, and review what they’ve learned. Ultimately, the program aims to help families in Grand Traverse, Benzie, Leelanau, Wexford, Kalkaska, Antrim, and Missaukee counties get the support they need, whatever that might look like, in order to live healthy, happy, independent lives.

Grand Traverse Men’s Shed

The mission of the Grand Traverse Men’s Shed is to provide seniors in the Grand Traverse area with a place to go, something to do, and someone to talk to. Together, they work on meaningful community projects to support local nonprofits with various projects. From volunteering at Pit Spitters games to woodworking projects like repairing and replacing wooden crosses at the Onominese Cemetery, the group is grounded in giving back. The Cherryland Cares board decided to award this group a grant to help pay for a piece of woodworking equipment that will provide a safer environment for their members.

Scan here for information on how to start making a difference with Cherryland Cares!

Take Control with Time-of-Use

tarting in October, Cherryland members have the choice to opt into our new Time-of-Use (TOU) rate. Under this optional rate, when you use energy is just as important as how much energy you use. The cost of electricity goes up during on-peak hours and down during off-peak hours. Members who opt into this rate will see the same $28 availability charge as standard residential members. They will get a lower $0.096 energy charge during off-peak windows, but a higher $0.200 energy charge during on-peak windows. Cherryland’s on-peak windows change from summer to winter.

MOST COMMON APPLIANCES IN YOUR HOME & WHAT THEY COST YOU

Know

CHOCOLATE DESSERTS

Decadent desserts that will satisfy any sweet tooth.

Recipe Contest

Win a $100 energy bill credit!

Vegetarian due Nov. 1

Submit your favorite recipe for a chance to win a $100 bill credit and have your recipe featured in Country Lines with a photo and a video. Submit your recipe at micoopkitchen.com , or send it via email (include your full name and co-op) to recipes@countrylines.com

WINNING RECIPE!

MARSHMALLOW BROWNIES

Pamela Balcom, Great Lakes Energy

½ cup butter, melted

2 tablespoons cocoa powder

2 eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 cup sugar

¾ cup flour

¼ teaspoon salt

½ bag mini marshmallows

1 cup nuts, optional

Frosting:

¼–¹/³ cup condensed or evaporated milk (can also use whole milk)

2 tablespoons butter

2 cups powdered sugar

¼ cup cocoa powder

¹/8 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon vanilla or mint extract (mint is our fave)

Preheat oven to 350 F. In a medium bowl, add ½ cup melted butter and blend in 2 tablespoons cocoa powder. In a small bowl, beat the eggs, vanilla, and sugar together. Add to the butter/cocoa mixture. Add the flour, salt, and nuts (if using) and mix together (do not add marshmallows).

Bake in greased (or lined with parchment paper)

8x8-inch pan for 30 minutes. Remove from oven and pour marshmallows on top and push down to melt them. To make the frosting, heat evaporated/ condensed milk and butter until melted. Remove from heat and add the powdered sugar, cocoa powder, salt, and vanilla/mint extract. Mix well. Pour over baked brownies and marshmallows. Allow to cool in the fridge for 30 minutes. Serve and watch them disappear!

Watch a video of this month’s winning recipe at micoopkitchen.com/recipe_ type/videos/

CHOCOLATE-PEANUT BUTTER CHIP FUDGE COOKIES

Leslie Brasure, Alger Delta

¾ cup chopped walnuts

½ cup, plus 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

½ cup sweetened flaked coconut, lightly toasted

½ teaspoon baking powder

½ teaspoon salt

½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, room temperature

6 ounces unsweetened chocolate, chopped

12 ounces semisweet chocolate chips, divided

4 teaspoons instant coffee crystals

1 tablespoon vanilla extract

1½ cups sugar

4 large eggs

½ cup peanut butter chips (or butterscotch chips)

Preheat oven to 350 F. Line 2 largerimmed baking sheets with aluminum foil or parchment paper. Combine chopped walnuts, flour, toasted coconut,

baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl and stir until well blended. Combine butter, unsweetened chocolate, and half of the chocolate chips in a heavy medium saucepan. Stir over low heat until butter and chocolate are melted and smooth. Remove saucepan from heat. Whisk coffee crystals and vanilla extract in medium bowl until crystals dissolve. Add sugar and eggs. Using electric mixer, beat until mixture thickens, about 2 minutes. Beat in melted chocolate mixture, then chopped walnut mixture. Stir in remaining chocolate chips and peanut butter chips. Mound 2 tablespoons dough for each cookie onto prepared baking sheets, spacing 2 inches apart. Bake cookies until puffed and cracked but still soft in center, about 15 minutes. Let cool on sheets for 10 minutes. Using spatula, transfer cookies to rack and cool. Can be made 2 days ahead. Store in airtight container at room temperature. Makes 28 cookies.

CHOCOLATE GUINNESS CAKE

Linda Heintz, Great Lakes Energy

1 cup Guinness (dark beer)

½ cup butter, cubed

2 cups sugar

¾ cup baking cocoa

2 eggs, beaten

²/³ cup sour cream

3 teaspoons vanilla extract

2 cups all-purpose flour

1½ teaspoons baking soda

Frosting:

1 (8-ounce) package cream

cheese, softened

1½ cups confectioner's (powdered)

sugar

½ cup heavy whipping cream

Preheat oven to 350 F. Grease a 9-inch springform pan and line the bottom with parchment paper; set aside. In a small saucepan, heat beer and butter until melted. Remove from heat; whisk

in sugar and cocoa until blended. In a separate bowl, combine the eggs, sour cream, and vanilla; whisk into beer mixture. In a medium bowl, combine the flour and baking soda; whisk into beer mixture until smooth. Pour batter into prepared 9-inch pan. Bake for 45–50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. Cool completely in pan on a wire rack, then remove sides of springform pan. To make the frosting, in a large bowl, beat the cream cheese until fluffy. Add confectioner’s sugar and cream; beat until smooth (do not overbeat). Remove cake from pan and place on a platter or cake stand. Add frosting to the top of cake so that it resembles a frothy pint of beer (frosting dripping over sides). Makes 12 servings. This is a beautiful cake that stays moist for several days. Refrigerate leftovers.

DOUBLE CHOCOLATE PIE

Kristine Brenner, Presque Isle Electric & Gas Co-op

2 (3.4-ounce) packages chocolate pudding (NOT instant)

3½ cups milk

½ cup chocolate chips

2 tablespoons butter

1 baked pie shell

8 ounces Cool Whip

• grated chocolate, for garnish

In a medium bowl, combine the pudding mixture, milk, and chocolate chips. Stir over medium heat until mixture comes to a full boil. Stir in butter. Cool 5 minutes, stirring twice. Pour into baked pie shell. Chill in refrigerator for 3 hours or more. Top with Cool Whip and garnish with grated chocolate before serving.

PERFECT FUDGE

Linda Roe, Alger Delta

1 (12-ounce) bag semisweet chocolate chips

1 (12-ounce) bag milk chocolate chips

1 (12-ounce) bag white chocolate chips

2 (14-ounce) cans sweetened condensed milk

2–3 cups coarsely chopped walnuts or pecans, optional

1 (10-ounce) bag miniature marshmallows

Pour all chips and sweetened condensed milk in a large, heavy pot. Melt on low heat. Add nuts (if using) and mix until evenly coated. Cool slightly. Add marshmallows and mix well. Pour into a 9x13-inch pan lined with parchment paper. Smooth out, then cool completely.

The Power of Friendship Building “The ORB” for Little D

By Courtney Doyle

Any parent will tell you, they’d move mountains for their kids. Sometimes in life, we get lucky enough to find friends who will help.

Cherryland lineworker Dustin Ockert is a loving husband to his wife Angie and proud dad to daughter Courtney and son Derrick—more commonly known as “Little D.” Derrick has a condition called Christianson syndrome. “He’s 17 now. He can’t walk or talk and he can’t feed himself, but he’s fun to be around. He’s got a way of communicating with us,” Dustin explained. But with several food allergies, limited mobility, and an important routine, it can be a challenge to take trips or get out of the house.

When Dustin’s friend and co-worker, Cherryland mechanic Andy Hanna, invited the Ockerts on a week-long camping trip in Wisconsin, the Ockerts weighed their options. “Four or five days in the grass and the dirt. There aren’t any paved trails around the campground (for Derrick’s chair) and it’s hard for us to find somebody to watch him for that long. We didn’t want anyone to feel like they have to stay at camp with us, so we just declined,” Dustin explained.

Andy looked at this challenge as an opportunity. He said, “We need to figure out how to put some big wheels on that thing. Some Power Wheels!” That sparked an idea. Soon after, Andy, Dustin, and a handful of buddies started to build what would become known as “The ORB,” or off-road buggy, for Little D.

Of course, Little D still needed his everyday stroller for getting around. So for their first task, they needed to find a spare. Andy and his wife Whitney just happened to stumble upon a special needs stroller in perfect condition at a flea market, securing a key piece of the project. “That was the bones. It was a spare stroller, so if we ruined it, well, we ruined it,” explained Dustin.

From there, the mechanic and his crew did what they do best. They took the stroller and a kids’ Power Wheels Jeep and started tinkering. Andy said, “It was just a matter of collecting bits and pieces and putting them together. A lot of trial and error with some of the components, trying different switches and stuff until we figured out a system that works smooth and was convenient.”

“The very first night we worked on it, we actually had it powered enough that I could ride on it,” chuckled Dustin. He continued, “Then it was a matter of getting the wiring and the switches just right, modifying some things to make it safe.”

Eventually, The ORB had tires with better tread, thanks to a donation from Einstein Cycles. Then they adjusted their battery-powered motor to provide more control over speed and steering. In the end, they found the perfect combination of parts to make The ORB ready to roll. After about a month of tweaking and tuning, it was finally time for Little D to test out his new wheels.

“He loved it! When he gets excited, he’ll extend his legs, and in the video of his first ride, his legs are just straight out,” explained Dustin. Andy jokingly added, “If you stop, he lets you know you’re stopped too long.” Since then, the Ockerts and Little D have taken The ORB on walks, riding around the yard during family gatherings, and even to the hair salon.

While Dustin and Andy say they still need to make some modifications to make The ORB a little more travel-friendly, they feel like this first model is a success and they’re already thinking about The ORB 2.0.

“Little D’s got a cousin, Cameron, who is also wheelchair bound. So, we’ve actually already been collecting components and plan to start on ORB number two soon,” Dustin explained. “For this next one, we’re hoping to make it so it collapses and we can fit it in a car a little better.”

While the skills Andy and Dustin bring to work on a daily basis helped bring The ORB to life, their friendship may have been the most powerful tool of all, giving Little D and his family the freedom to explore, make memories, and go on adventures that felt nearly impossible before. “The amount of appreciation I have for Andy and his friends, my new friends, Kirk LeSarge, Chris Sprenger, and Steve Hunt—it’s been great,” Dustin said. “The commitment that the guys have put into this has been pretty amazing.”

Watch The ORB come to life! Andy documented their entire project from start to finish. Scan here to watch their story!

An early model of The ORB. The large plastic wheels seen here didn’t provide enough tread and the wiring had yet to be tucked away and secured.

The ORB makes getting outside to go on walks, engaging with friends and family in the yard, and even a trip to the hair salon easier for Little D.

The Great Lakes provide vital fresh water, a place to enjoy watersports or days lounging on the beach, gorgeous views, and a beautiful backdrop to family photos and selfies alike. However, the Great Lakes have an additional utility— as a classroom.

GREAT EDUCATION on the GREAT LAKES

By Emily Haines Lloyd

The Great Lakes Maritime Academy (GLMA), a part of Northwestern Michigan College (NMC) that is located on its Grand Traverse campus in Traverse City, is one of only six maritime academies in the country. The other five, located in California, Maine, Massachusetts, New York, and Texas, are all part of educational programming that prepares individuals for careers as mariners, who are needed to operate large ships that carry steel, stone, agricultural products, sand, salt, oil, and other cargo. Other types of boats they can operate include military ships, research vessels, municipal ferries, tugboats, and dinner cruise ships.

The Great Lakes Maritime Academy began in 1969. It currently enrolls just 60 new cadets each year into its fouryear bachelor’s degree program—36 in the deck program and 24 in the engineering program. The program requires the standard 120 credits to

graduate with a bachelor’s degree— the GLMA coursework includes 80 maritime-related credits and 40 in general education.

Cadets in the deck program take classes in cargo, navigation, and ship business to learn skills like navigating the waters via the stars, calculating the stability of the ship, properly loading a ship, and handling ballast. In the engineer program, cadets take classes in electricity, steam, and diesel power so they can maintain the engines powering the vessels.

“The GLMA program is unique in that our program is about half the size of the other academies, ensuring students get personalized training,” said Admiral Jerry Achenbach, superintendent of GLMA. “Plus the bonus of a cohort system at a community college that has an ethos of working with firstgeneration college students, which means there is a lot of support for our nontraditional students.”

With the benefit of smaller class sizes and less expensive credit hours, the four full-time faculty and two staff members who teach are able to facilitate coursework that prepares students for life at sea. GLMA is also unique because, in conjunction with NMC’s culinary school, it is able to offer a dedicated track that prepares culinary students for galley work on commercial vessels or trade ships. They also earn their Coast Guard credentials alongside the full-time maritime students.

“NMC’s culinary program makes it possible for us to educate a truly unique demographic and prepare them for culinary careers at sea,” said Achenbach. “We’ve gotten feedback from HR departments who say that the food is better, the galley is cleaner, and food costs go down when they hire our graduates. That’s something we’re very proud of.”

Additionally, Achenbach notes they are proud that many veterans join their program after their service. In part, this is a big reason behind recent legislation that was introduced by Sen. Gary Peters, along with senators from the other states that host

maritime academies. The legislation would extend the current age limit on the Student Incentive Payment (SIP) Program, which provides up to $32,000 in funding over four years to help offset the cost of tuition, uniforms, books, and living costs in exchange for enlistment in the U.S. Navy Reserve after students graduate.

“The SIP Program not only allows these great Americans to also serve as commissioned officers in the Navy's Strategic Sealift Officer Program upon graduation, but provides much-needed financial support. Senator Peters' initiative will allow nontraditional students from Michigan, as well as any state, to be eligible for this financial support,” Achenbach said. This legislation, known as the CADETS Act, was signed into law by President Biden earlier this summer.

Achenbach adds that sailing for a living does offer well-paying jobs and allows people a chance to see the world, but it’s not like other careers.

“It does have an element of adventure and is the furthest thing from a desk job,” said Achenbach. “But this is a lifestyle choice. It’s not for everyone.”

Achenbach acknowledges that many people don’t know about the academy’s existence and its impact on the maritime industry. That’s why he is always willing to speak with colleges or service organizations about both the program and the opportunities. Your organization can reach out to him at gachenbach@nmc.edu to learn more.

Your Board In Action

June 2023

• Following Cherryland’s 85th Annual Meeting and recent board elections, the board held their annual reorganization meeting. They elected the following board members to these roles:

- President: David Schweitzer

- Senior Vice President: Gabe Schneider

- Secretary: Valarie Handy

- Treasurer: Tom Van Pelt

• The board reviewed this year’s Annual Meeting at Incredible Mo’s. Nearly 800 members attended and more than 3,100 members voted in the board election. Despite the rainy, cool weather, members enjoyed an evening with bucket truck rides, face painting, and a special business meeting honoring former general manager Tony Anderson as he entered retirement.

• The board approved a new tariff to include a new solar offering. The Large Renewable tariff is a great fit for members who have consistently high usage during the day. It’s designed to help members match the energy they generate with the energy they use. For more information, visit cherrylandelectric.coop/renewable-energy-programs.

July 2023

• Cherryland’s chief financial officer reported that at the mid-year mark, revenue remains under budget in large part due to unfavorable weather conditions. However, the good news is that power supply costs are down, matching the reduction in energy sales. The rate change implemented in April is operating as intended to better meet operating costs, and we’re beginning to see improvements.

• The board received a special presentation on the results of the National Rural Utilities Cooperative Finance Corporation’s (CFC) key ratio trend analysis. The analysis compares the financials of cooperatives nationwide in a variety of categories. For instance, Cherryland was ranked first amongst similarly sized cooperatives nationwide in efficiency, with 657 members for every one Cherryland employee. The national average for cooperatives of similar size is nearly half that, with 353 members for every one employee.

Members have the opportunity to provide input to the board prior to any regularly scheduled board meeting. To have your comments included in a monthly board packet for review, please submit them to Board Assistant Secretary Dawn Garrock at dgarrock@cherrylandelectric.coop.

Stay in the loop with updates from the cooperative’s monthly board meetings. Scan here for the most recent Board Meeting Brief Podcast.

Enter to win a $200 energy bill credit!

Submit Your “Celebrations” Photos By Sept. 20!

Submit your best photo and encourage your friends to vote! The photo receiving the most votes in our Facebook contest will be printed in an issue of Country Lines, along with some of our other favorites. Our September theme is “Celebrations!” Photos can be submitted through Sept. 20 to be featured in our November/December issue.

Enter Your Photos And Win A Bill Credit!

To enter the contest, visit cherrylandelectric.coop/photo-contest or visit facebook.com/cherrylandelectriccoop for a link to the current photo contest. Enter your picture, cast your vote, and encourage others to vote for you as well. If your photo is printed in Country Lines during 2023, you will be entered to win a credit of up to $200 on your December 2023 bill.

MOST VOTES

1. Four generations—Donna Paulson

2. Waiting for Halloween—Laurie Johnston

3. First-time bubbles!—Orla Frost

4. Welcome, friends—Kim Glew

5. Listening to spring peepers— Amy Truchan

Mystery Photo

Win a $100 energy bill credit!

Where In Michigan Is This?

Identify the correct location of the photo above by Sept. 20 and be entered into a drawing to win a $100 electric bill credit. Enter your guess at countrylines.com/community

July/Aug. 2023

in Frankenmuth, Michigan.

Winners are announced in the following issues of Country Lines: January, March, May, July/ August, September, and November/December.

By David Van Horn, a Great Lakes Energy Cooperative member

M Always Do the Right Thing

y father, James Van Horn, was a very quiet man. I have no memory of ever having that one-on-one talk between father and son, as you see being depicted in the Hallmark-type movies. I do, however, have many memories of him setting the perfect example of what your fellow man should be doing on a daily basis.

On May 12, 1970, my grandfather, William Van Horn, died of a heart attack. I was 12 years old, the third in line of seven grandchildren. Dad was devastated at the loss of his father.

Two days later, May 14, Mom, Dad, and seven kids loaded up the station wagon and we were on the way to the funeral home when, two blocks away from our home, dad suddenly stopped the car. He got out of the car, walked to a newspaper box, put in a shiny dime, and took out one paper. He closed the box and repeated the process. We asked Mom what he was doing. She responded with, “I'm not sure, but whatever it is, it is important to him.” He did this seven more times, dropping a dime in the box each time. He came back to the car with nine newspapers.

Mom asked, “What are you going to do with all those newspapers?” He responded with, “I wanted you and each of the kids to have a copy of Dad’s obituary listed in the Indianapolis Star.“

I remember saying, “Why didn't you just drop one dime and take nine papers?” He responded with, “That box is part of a man's business. If I did that, I would be stealing from a man. Always do the right thing, because it's the right thing to do. If you live by this rule, the walk on the road of life will always be a much smoother one.”

I remember it like it was yesterday. Yes, I was only 12 years old, but it stuck, and it made a terrific impact on my life. Today, I am 65 years old and have always done my best to do the right thing, because it's the right thing to do.

I just finished my 28th year of teaching, 23 in Indianapolis and five in Walkerville, Michigan. For 28 years, my classroom motto has been those prophetic words that were spoken to me by my father 53 years ago, “Do the right thing, because it's the right thing to do.”

My father was a quiet man, but his actions always spoke louder than any words he could ever have spoken. James Van Horn was a great example to anyone who may have been watching.

Still today, students reach out to me, and make mention of the words I taught them years ago and say thank you for making the walk on the road of life a much more enjoyable one. I remind them to thank James Van Horn, my father.

About the author: David is an elementary teacher at Walkerville Public Schools. He taught for 23 years in Indianapolis, retired and moved to Bitely, Michigan. He got bored and went back to the classroom. He enjoys the outdoors——fishing, hunting, canoeing, kayaking, boating, riding his side by side, and much more. Spending time with his grandkids is the best.

Winner! Our Mystery Photo winner is Gloria Zalewski, a Presque Isle Electric & Gas Co-op member, who correctly identified the photo as the Holz-Brucke covered wooded bridge

HOW DOES THE SYSTEM WORK?

•Attaches to your home’s existing heating system, it does not replace it.

•Delivers 90% on average of your home’s heating needs and 100% of your home’s cooling needs.

• If you have a well and are heating with propane, fuel oil, electric, or wood, your current heating and cooling cost is likely greater than it would be to fully finance and heat & cool with a Well-Connect.

•Installs in one day, any time of year. No drilling or excavation is required.