September 2023 Great Lakes Energy

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!

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Howard Bowersox, Chairman, District 8 219-670-0977 hbowersox@glenergy.com

Mark Carson, Vice Chairman, District 2 231-675-0561 mcarson@glenergy.com

Paul Byl, Secretary, District 7 231-861-5911 pbyl@glenergy.com

Dale Farrier, Treasurer, District 5 231-564-0853 dfarrier@glenergy.com

Janet Andersen, Director, District 6 231-690-4622 jandersen@glenergy.com

David Coveyou, Director, District 1 231-347-4056 dcoveyou@glenergy.com

Richard Evans, Director, District 3 231-883-3146 revans@glenergy.com

John LaForge, Director, District 9 269-623-2284 jlaforge@glenergy.com

Shelly Pinkelman, Director, District 4 989-290-5994 spinkelman@glenergy.com

PRESIDENT/CEO: Shaun Lamp 888-485-2537

COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR:

Brett Streby 231-487-1389 • bstreby@glenergy.com

BOYNE CITY HEADQUARTERS

1323 Boyne Ave. Boyne City, MI 49712

Call center hours:: 7 a.m.–5:30 p.m. M–F Phone: 888-485-2537 Email: glenergy@glenergy.com

We know reliability matters to our members

Shaun Lamp, Great Lakes Energy President/CEO

Reliability is important in many areas in our lives. It’s a trait we seek in our vehicles, friends, co-workers, and, of course, in our utility service providers.

Recent survey results have shown that reliable and affordable electric service is very important to GLE members. That’s why we continue to make it a top priority.

The steps we take to provide reliable service are many, complex, and regularly evolving.

An important piece of this reliability puzzle is regularly evaluating how GLE’s electric rates are structured. Although perhaps not immediately obvious, rates and reliability are related. Of course, we need to make sure our rates provide the best value for our members while also ensuring the long-term operational and financial stability of the cooperative. But this relationship goes deeper.

In recent months you’ve likely heard about concerns many in the electric industry have voiced about the reliability of the power grid. These concerns have largely centered around how the industry will provide enough electric generation capacity to meet peak power demand while it shifts away from using fossil fuels. A common example of a peak demand period would be mid-afternoon on a hot summer weekday when extensive air conditioning use is added to typical residential, business, and industry power consumption. The industry’s challenge is making sure there is enough electricity to keep the lights on for everyone during these high-demand periods.

One way to address concerns about the grid’s capacity is to slowly transition to clean and new types of power supply so that we ensure intermittent sources like wind and solar are balanced with more reliable sources such as natural gas and nuclear. GLE currently provides a power supply mix that is more than 60% carbon free.

Another way is to encourage members to shift some of their electric use in ways that will reduce these peak demand periods. We are currently evaluating two rate structure options that would help address these demand concerns while also giving members more control over their monthly electric bill.

A time-of-use rate would offer members a lower rate for electric use during times of the day when the overall demand on the grid is typically lower. Under a demand rate structure, members who spread out their use of high-demand electric appliances over the day would pay less than those who use several highdemand appliances at the same time.

For example, on a time-of-use rate, you’d save by waiting until off-peak hours to use an electric clothes dryer. With a demand rate, you’d save money by avoiding running that same clothes dryer at the same time you are using another highdemand appliance, such as an electric oven.

Change of Address: 888-485-2537, ext. 8924

TO REPORT AN OUTAGE: Call 888-485-2537 or login to your account at gtlakes.com. Great Lakes Energy is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

Both rate options would offer members the opportunity to have more control over their electric bills while helping minimize demand spikes that can threaten electric reliability. We will continue to evaluate these rate options and we’ll be sure to share updates as these plans evolve.

Three Directors Elected

Great Lakes Energy members recently elected three members to three-year terms on the cooperative’s board of directors through a combination of mail-in and online ballots.

In District 3, incumbent director Ric Evans of Ellsworth was reelected receiving 532 votes in an uncontested race.

In District 4, incumbent Shelly Pinkelman of Frederic won reelection over challenger Constance Keene-Meyer, also of Frederic, by a 629-421 margin.

In District 5, incumbent Dale Farrier, of Kalkaska won reelection over challenger Cyndie Bobier Roach, also of Kalkaska, by a 573-328 margin.

Ric Evans owns and operates an energy consulting business. Shelly Pinkelman is a former construction business owner, and Dale Farrier recently retired from a 33-year career as the Antrim County Road Commission’s office manager.

Great Lakes Energy members in districts 3, 4, and 5 received mail-in ballots along with their July/August issue

of Michigan Country Lines. New for this year’s election, members had the option of voting online. Instructions for online voting were included with the mail-in ballots. GLE’s election management vendor, Survey and Balloting Systems of Eden Prairie, Minn. processed both online and mail-in ballots. The election concluded on Aug. 17 and results were announced at the cooperative’s annual business meeting on Aug. 23 at its headquarters in Boyne City.

Historic Farms Honored

Two family farms served by Great Lakes Energy were recently recognized by the Michigan Centennial Farm Program.

The Michael and Elizabeth McDonnell Farm A, which was founded on July 6, 1873 near Scottville in Mason County, was certified as a “Sesquicentennial Farm” on April 11, 2023. The current owners of the farm are Ronald and Katie Pehrson.

The Charles and Antonia Fiala Farm, which was founded on Aug. 2, 1912 near Middleville in Barry County, was certified as a “Centennial Farm” on April 11, 2023. The current owners of the farm are Frank and Jerrie Fiala.

Great Lakes Energy is a sponsor of the Michigan Centennial Farm Program that honors Great Lakes Energy members and other Michigan residents whose farms have been owned and operated by the same family for 100 years for centennial farms and 150 years for sesquicentennial farms. Once a farm is certified, the owners receive a certificate as well as a display marker for their farm. GLE members can request an application or receive more information about the program by contacting The Historical Society of Michigan, (517) 324-1828, or by visiting the organization’s website, www.centennialfarms.org.

Ric Evans, District 3 Shelly Pinkelman, District 4 Dale Farrier, District 5

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.”

Be Energy Wise Dial In Energy Savings With A Smart Thermostat

One of the easiest ways to save on your energy bill is to adjust your home’s thermostat to do less heating or cooling when no one is home. In fact, according to the U.S. Department of Energy, you can save as much as 10% a year on heating and cooling by simply turning your thermostat back 7-10 degrees from its normal setting for eight hours per day.

Programmable thermostats that can automate this process to match your daily schedule have been around for a while. But just like many other devices in our lives, thermostats are getting smarter, too.

With colder weather on the horizon, now might be the right time to consider a smart thermostat for your home. Not only will you save on energy costs for heating and cooling, but GLE’s Energy Wise program also offers a $75 rebate for members who install qualified smart thermostats.

These “smart” thermostats connect to your home’s wireless network and allow you to control temperature settings from an app on your smartphone – even when you aren’t at home. In addition to allowing you to program and make setting changes more easily, many of the newest smart thermostats can learn your habits over time and make adjustments automatically. Some thermostats do this using occupancysensing technology while others learn your daily routines over time. Most smart thermostat apps offer other features, such as reports on the system’s energy usage. These reports can be another useful tool in regularly managing the amount and timing of your home’s energy use.

To qualify for the Energy Wise rebate, the smart thermostat must have Wi-Fi connectivity and must control a system that has air conditioning or electric heat. Rebates are available for both homeowner-installed smart thermostats and those installed by a HVAC professional.

Making a difference

During Energy Wise’s inaugural year in 2022, GLE processed 89 smart thermostat rebates. In total, these devices saved an estimated 78,000 kWh, which resulted in about 50,000 pounds of carbon emissions savings. That’s the carbon emissions equivalent of driving 18 gasolinepowered passenger vehicles for a whole year.

New for 2023, the rebate for smart thermostats no longer requires that the thermostat have occupancy-sensing ability. This change was made because some heat pump systems are not suitable for occupancy-sensing smart thermostats. This change will allow more members to take advantage of this energy-saving incentive.

Visit gtlakes.com/energy-wise/ to learn more about all of the incentives offered through GLE’s Energy Wise program. Applications for rebates may also be submitted through the same web page. Please note, members applying for the $75 rebate for a smart thermostat that was installed by a HVAC contractor should use the “Heating & Cooling, Additional Home Equipment” form. To apply for a rebate for a homeowner-installed smart thermostat, use the “Appliances” form. For all rebates, items must be installed between Jan. 1–Dec. 31, 2023, and the completed application and documentation must be submitted within 60 days of installation.

Enter to win a $200 energy bill credit!

Submit Your “Celebrations” Photos By Sept. 20

Each month, members can submit photos on our website for our photo contest. The photo with the most votes is published here, along with other selections.

Our September theme is Celebrations. Photos can be submitted by Sept. 20 to be featured in the Nov./Dec. issue.

How To Enter

Enter the contest at gtlakes.com/photocontest/. Make sure to vote and encourage others to vote for you, too. The photo receiving the most votes will be printed in an issue of Michigan Country Lines along with other favorites. All photos printed in the magazine in 2023 will be entered into a drawing to win a $200 bill credit in December 2023.

MOST VOTES!

1. Nights like these, Michele Tepin, Chase

2. Love watching them from my porch, Connie Parks, Newaygo

3. Ready for summer, Tricia Drenth, Charlevoix

4. Plenty of room for cuties & cookies, Jim Zinger, Marion

5. Keeper of the garden, Monica Fritz, Gaylord

6. Farmhouse porch, Katrina Sweet, Elmira

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.

Classroom Grants Available

Do you know of a new, innovative school program in your area that could use a little bit of funding help? If so, we hope you’ll encourage officials at the school to apply for a GLE classroom grant. Applications for the 2023–24 school year are now being accepted and are due at our office by 5 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 3.

Grants for up to $2,000 each are available for K-12 school programs that serve GLE members. Up to a total of $30,000 in grants will be distributed for the 2023-24 school year.

Although programs do not have to involve the study of electricity to be eligible, priority is given to programs that:

• are innovative and feature technology

• use equipment or materials that can be used more than once

• feature a curriculum that is fresh and exciting to students

• are not currently funded through the school’s budget

Teachers or administrators of K-12 public or private schools (excluding homeschools) with children of GLE members enrolled may apply for a classroom grant. The school does not need to have its electricity supplied by GLE to be eligible.

GLE has awarded more than $272,000 in classroom grants to 186 projects since the program began in 2012. Scholarships and classroom grants are just two of the many ways GLE fulfills one of its guiding cooperative principles of community involvement.

Additional grant information, including a list of the most recent grant recipients, can be found online at gtlakes.com/ youth-programs/. If you have any further questions about the grant program, please contact Whitney Gilland via email at wgilland@glenergy.com or call (888) 485-2537, ext. 1334.

GLE Awards $14,000 In Scholarships

Along with the start of fall, September also brings a new school year for students of all ages. Among those students who have, or soon will be, headed to class are eight Great Lakes Energy scholarship recipients. Earlier this year, GLE awarded four $1,000 scholarships to students enrolled in lineworker training programs and four $2,500 scholarships to students pursuing degrees in electrical engineering or information technology.

Below are profiles for two of the scholarship recipients:

Wyatt is a graduate of Petoskey High School who will be attending Northern Michigan University’s electrical lineworker program this fall. He said he’s known he wanted to pursue a career in the trades since middle school and transferred to Petoskey High School to take advantage of the trade classes offered there. While in high school, he played football and was employed outside of football season. He said a career as a lineworker appeals to him because he enjoys being outdoors and helping people.

He added that paying his own way in life is important to him, but there are many costs associated with attending the lineworker program.

“I needed a scholarship to be able to go, and Great Lakes Energy made it possible,” he said.

The other three lineworker scholarships went to William Shultz of Ellsworth, William Brown of Boyne City, and Zack Gibson of Middleville.

Olivia Klevorn, Mason County, $2,500 for information technology

Olivia is a 2023 graduate of Ludington High School and plans to attend Michigan Technological University in the fall to study software engineering. She hopes to use her degree to pursue a career using technology to help industry better integrate green energy and stewardship of the environment in the Great Lakes region. She enjoys spending time outdoors—especially on Michigan’s many lakes. During high school, she was active in many academic and extracurricular activities including athletics, robotics, dance, and volunteering with youth programs in her community.

“This scholarship will make a difference for me by allowing me to spend more time concentrating on my schoolwork and less time worrying about how to pay for my education. The cost of a bachelor’s degree is a major financial burden. I am working hard to set myself up for success when I am out in the workforce,” Olivia said.

The other three scholarships went to Luke Rokop of Gaylord, Joshua Robinson of Boyne City, and Maggie McHugh of Boyne City.

Information on GLE’s scholarship program is available at gtlakes.com/youth-programs/. Information on the 2024–25 school year applications will be posted on the same page in January.

Wyatt Kloss, Emmet County, lineworker program scholarship

YOUR COMMUNITY GRANT GIVEAWAY WINNERS!

GLE members are surrounded by many nonprofit organizations working to make a positive difference in the communities they serve. The Community Grant Giveaway program offers GLE members the opportunity to give back to some of these organizations that work selflessly for the benefit of others.

During a 12-day window in June, more than 1,100 GLE members cast their votes to determine which organizations would receive one of the program’s three $7,000 grants. With so much good being done by these groups, it’s only fitting that so many people took a moment to acknowledge and appreciate the efforts of these groups through their votes.

To learn more about the Community Grant Giveaway program and the other finalist organizations, visit gtlakes.com/community-grant-giveaway/.

Thank you to everyone who contributed through nominations, voting, or both. Your three winners, along with the description provided by the nominating member, can be found below.

North Region – Brave Hearts Estate

“They do so much for our Michigan veterans and run totally off their fundraisers and corporate and personal donations to do this. Veterans and their families can stay at Brave Hearts Estate free of charge.”

www.injuredsoldiers.org/brave-hearts-estate/

Central Region – Uplift Pine River Area Kids

“Uplift Pine River Area Kids was created to help feed children living in rural poverty and who are food deprived. Uplift will provide a bag of food to help supplement their weekend meals and snacks.”

www.facebook.com/upliftpineriverareakids/

South Region — Trinity Lutheran Church Food Pantry

“Trinity Lutheran Church is proud to host the oldest and largest community food pantry in Oceana County. Trinity Lutheran and its congregation promote a tradition of true community involvement and provide aid regardless of religious affiliation.”

www.tlcnewera.org

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.

Plan Before You Plant

Although planting is often an activity associated with spring, fall is also a great time for planting many types of trees. But regardless of the season, GLE encourages you to “plan before you plant” any trees in your yard.

Trees and tree limbs are one of the top causes of power outages and can pose additional risks to both lineworkers and others. Trees that are too close to conductors can interfere with members’ electric service, especially during wind, snow, ice, and other weather events.

Great Lakes Energy Vegetation Management Manager Kevin Lockman said a clear right-of-way is also important so line crews can access poles and lines for repairs and upgrades when needed.

Kevin said before planting a tree, it’s especially important to consider how big it will eventually grow. Tree nursery staff can provide information about tree growth to make sure the tree is planted where it will never be a power line hazard.

Here are some general guidelines for tree planting:

• Trees that will grow to less than 25 feet in height/spread should be planted at least 25 feet from power lines.

• Trees that will grow to 25-40 feet in height/spread should be at least 40 feet from lines.

• Trees that will grow to more than 40 feet in height/spread should be at least 60 feet from lines.

• Trees and shrubs should be planted at least 10 feet away from ground-mounted transformers.

• Keep the area around your meter clear from obstructions, including vegetation.

Here’s another important tree planting safety tip: Before digging, be sure to call MISS DIG by dialing 811 to have any underground utilities in the planting area marked.

TREE PLANTING GUIDE

If you notice a tree branch close to or in contact with a power line, do not try to remove it yourself. You may be seriously injured or killed. Instead, contact GLE staff for assistance.

Of course, trees and other vegetation –whether intentionally planted or growing wild – will grow and can eventually become a potential hazard to power lines. To help reduce the chances of these problems, GLE proactively “re-clears” power line rights-of-way every six to seven years. Some areas or situations may require additional trimming outside of these cycles. In nonyard areas, crews typically clear “ground-to-sky.” In yard areas, crews will use directional pruning techniques.

Kevin noted GLE hires contractors who are specially trained for work around high-voltage electric lines for all its tree work.

When an area is slated for re-clearing work, GLE will notify members through postcards, automated phone calls, and emails. Contractors are also required to knock on members’ doors to notify them when work is about to begin near their homes.

70'

No trees should be planted within 25' of power lines.

Plant trees less than 25’ tall/spread at least 25’ from lines.

Plant trees 25’-40’ in height/spread at least 40’ from lines.

Plant trees larger than 40’ in height/spread at least 60’ from lines.

Members with questions or concerns about tree trimming may call (888) 485-2573 to reach GLE’s vegetation management department. More information about GLE’s vegetation management program is available at gtlakes.com/general-information/.

People Fund Application Deadline is Oct. 15

Earlier this year in its first grant cycle for 2023, Great Lakes Energy’s People Fund program awarded more than $140,000 in grants to nonprofit organizations that are making a positive impact in communities across the cooperative’s 26-county service area.

The deadline for nonprofit organizations to apply for the final People Fund grant cycle of 2023 is fast approaching. Letters of interest are due by Oct. 1 and completed applications are due by Oct. 15.

Since its inception in 1999, the People Fund has awarded more than $4.3 million in grants thanks to the generosity of GLE members who agree to have their electric bills rounded up to the next whole dollar each month to support the program.

To learn more about the People Fund program, including how to enroll, how organizations can apply, and a list of the most recent grant recipients, visit gtlakes.com/people-fund/

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.