September 2023 Thumb

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!

tecmi.coop

/thumbelectric

@thumbelectric

THUMB ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE

2231 Main Street

Ubly, MI 48475-0157

1-800-327-0166 or 989-658-8571

E-mail: tec@tecmi.coop

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

HURON COUNTY

Randall Dhyse, Treasurer

District 1 • 989-658-6013

Craig Osentoski, Director

District 2 • 989-658-6003

Erica Peruski, Director

District 3 • 989-658-6004

SANILAC COUNTY

Kim Nunn, Vice President

District 1 • 989-658-6005

Mike Briolat, Secretary

District 2 • 989-658-6006

Duane Kursinsky, Director

District 3 • 989-658-6007

TUSCOLA COUNTY

Louis Wenzlaff, Director

District 1 • 989-658-6008

Jonathan Findlay, President

District 2 • 989-658-6010

Matt Sommer, Director District 3 • 989-658-6012

Brad Essenmacher, General Manager

PAYMENT STATIONS

Huron County Bad Axe—Northstar Bank

Pigeon—Northstar Bank

Tuscola County

Akron—Northstar Bank

Caro—Northstar Bank

Mayville—Mayville State Bank

Millington—Mayville State Bank

Thumb Electric Cooperative is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

TEC Happenings

Brad Essenmacher, General Manager

TEC Electric

On the electric side of the energy supply world, reliability is still the talk of the industry. Michigan is a net importer of electric energy. With the closing of many older generation assets in Michigan and around the country, there is fear a large, prolonged heat wave or cold spell could reach the upper limits of generation capacity. Electric capacity is a finite number that, if crossed, could lead to rolling blackouts, as the system just won’t support the amount of demand. Closing useful generation assets, before they can be replaced is a recipe for disaster. Luckily, in the Midwest, temperatures haven’t been extreme (as of this writing) and capacity limits have not been reached. Also, as capacity is reduced, the cost of the commodity increases. That will almost certainly affect future rates. TEC staff, along with your board of directors, actively work through this and will continue working to keep any power supply cost to a minimum. There is talk at the state level of increasing renewables by the end of this decade to a mandatory 60% and then to 100% “carbon free” by 2035. Renewables are fine but do little to address capacity as they are unreliable when the wind doesn’t blow or the sun doesn’t shine. There is talk, however, that nuclear generation is being considered as part of the carbon-free mix, and that does help capacity and reliability. Reliability is also helped by tree removal and trimming, as well as rebuilding older lines and upgrading to more resilient builds. TEC continues to do both to help ensure the lights remain on through any storm that may pass through.

TEC Fiber

On the internet side, our Fiber-to-the-Home project continues on. As you read this, service is available in Kingston, Vassar, Millington, Columbia, and, likely, Decker. We have more than 1,400 subscribers as I write this, and there are a few hundred subscribers in the queue waiting for the drop process and home hookup to occur. Next up will be members served out of Austin, and then in Ubly. By the time this magazine is printed, you will likely see activity in the Kinde, Sigel, and, possibly, Delaware substation areas as well. We are also building service out to those served by DTE Energy—as required by our Rural Development grant—though that will take longer to construct since it is being built underground. If you do not yet have service, visit our website at www.tecmi.coop/fiber to see if it will become available in your area and to preregister. Even if you are not in a current build area, showing interest does help for future construction considerations as more grant funding becomes available.

Annual Meeting

The TEC Annual Meeting was held at the Octagon Barn in June. I’d like to thank all those who attended and all those who took the time to vote either online or by mail. Congratulations to Erica Peruski, Duane Kursinsky, and Matt Sommer for being reelected to 3-year terms. Also passing was a bylaw change that should make running for a board of director position less arduous for potential candidates. Look for notifications in the November and January Country Lines issues.

Kabban Attends Youth Tour

Isaiah Kabban of Harbor Beach attended the Electric Cooperative Youth Tour in Washington, D.C., from June 14-18. While there, he learned the fundamentals of electric cooperatives, met with legislators, saw national landmarks, and much more.

We are proud to announce that Isaiah was also selected as the state of Michigan’s representative for the NRECA Youth Leadership Council (YLC). One student from each state is selected to attend the YLC conference in Washington, D.C. The purpose of the YLC conference is to build leadership and public speaking skills and to enhance the delegates’ knowledge of the energy industry and the cooperative form of business.

About this experience, Isaiah said, “Being selected to go to Youth Tour as a delegate for TEC meant a great deal to me. On this trip, I built relationships that will last for a lifetime.

I was given the opportunity to explore our nation’s capital on my own and with newly made friends. We were given a tour guide who was with us all week. She was a local and very well versed in the history of the area, which I loved. Along with all of the great people I met and experiences I was able to have during the week, Youth Tour has opened doors for me. I have been selected to be Michigan’s only National Youth Leadership Council representative. This will allow me to continue to build relationships and strengthen my leadership capabilities. I am extremely grateful that TEC has given me this opportunity. I look forward to working closer with the Michigan Electric Cooperative Association, as well as the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association, to build upon the presence of rural youth in civic involvement and leadership.”

Congratulations to Isaiah for being a great representative of our cooperative and receiving this prestigious honor!

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.”

Thumb Electric Saves Members Energy and Money

From 2009–2021, Thumb Electric was required to offer programs to members to help them reduce their electric usage and, as a result, save them money. In 2022, TEC started its own Energy Waste Reduction program with the same goal of saving money and reducing carbon emissions. Program incentives included HVAC rebates, battery-powered lawn care rebates, the LED dusk-to-dawn light program, and solar rebates. Through the HVAC, LED dusk-to-dawn, and solar rebates, we were able to save over 257,000 kWh annually, with 186 members participating in the program. The battery-powered lawn care was a very popular program

with 130 participants. For every $1 invested in Energy Waste Reduction, over $4 in savings is achieved. The program continues in 2023 through rebates on HVAC systems and battery-powered yard care equipment. Thumb Electric has a long history of saving members money and energy, offering programs in heating and cooling (such as energy audits) to show members how much they can save by installing cost-saving equipment like geothermal furnaces, air-source heat pumps, and baseboard heating. For more information on energysaving rebates, please visit tecmi.coop or give us a call at 989-658-8571.

Focused on YOU.

Electric cooperatives were created to serve their members. Because we’re a co-op, we’re able to adapt to our community’s unique needs. That’s the power of co-op membership.

OCTOBER IS NATIONAL CO-OP MONTH

Enter for a chance to win a $50 energy bill credit!

Submit Your “Celebrations” Photos by Sept. 20!

Submit your “Celebrations” photos by Sept. 20 for the November/ December issue! Submit your best photo and encourage your friends to vote! The photo receiving the most votes will be printed in an issue of Country Lines along with some of our other favorites.

Enter Your Photos And Win A Bill Credit!

To enter the contest, visit tecmi.coop/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 into a drawing for a chance to win one of four $50 credits on your December 2023 bill.

MOST VOTES

2. Baby porch sitting. Michael Popiel

3. Porch music. Sarah Durr

4. Aunt and niece porch time. Robert Daniels

5. Mums on fall porch. Kristen Daniels

6. We spend so much time on our back deck with our dog, Scylla! Brianna Emming

1. Our back porch! Kelly Helewski

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.

Electrify your life so it can run on cleaner energy.

LAWN MAINTENANCE

If you’re in the market to upgrade your lawn care equipment, you may want to consider electric (or battery-powered) options. Electric lawn care equipment options offer consumers faster charging times, longer battery life, and quieter, greener products compared to their gas-powered counterparts. Here are three ways you can electrify your lawn care.

• Electric lawn mower: suitable for most lawn care needs, with batteries that typically require about one to two hours to fully charge. Most batteries can run for a full hour.

• Electric trimmer: quiet and easy to use. Most batteries last about 30 to 45 minutes.

• Electric leaf blower: lightweight and easy to maneuver.

Other battery tools include chainsaws, polesaws, and power washers.

COOKING

Most people think they prefer a gas stove, but that is because they are comparing it to a standard electric stove. Induction electric cooking is different. It is magnetic based vs. heat based and has several advantages.

• Fast: can boil water faster than gas.

• Controllable: turns up and down very quickly.

• Easy to clean: just wipe if off.

• Healthier: no combustible gas to breathe in.

TIP: Try a $70 induction hot plate. If you love it (which there’s a good chance you might), the next time you buy a stove, you can purchase an induction stove.

A term for replacing direct fossil fuel use (e.g., propane, heating oil, gasoline) with electricity in a way that reduces overall emissions and energy costs—taking advantage of the renewable wind and solar generation in TEC’s energy mix.

HEATING TRANSPORTATION

Electric heat pumps are more energy efficient than furnaces because transferring heat is easier than making it. You can choose from a variety of central heating and/or cooling systems to fit your needs.

• Geothermal heat pump: transfers heat to or from the ground, achieving up to 600% efficiency.

• Air-to-air heat pump: transfers heat to or from the outside air, achieving up to 300% efficiency.

• Mini-split heat pump: a compact version of the airto-air heat pump that can be used without traditional ductwork in a home.

Have you considered going electric for your next car? From Chevy to Tesla, electric vehicles of all shapes and sizes are hitting the road at a wide range of price points. Why? Because the costs and benefits of EV ownership are too hard to pass up.

• Cheaper to operate: require less maintenance (no more oil changes!).

• Environmentally friendly: no exhaust coming from a tailpipe.

• No more gas stations: just plug in your EV at home.

• Performance: quieter, smoother, and zippier than gasoline-powered engines.

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.

Fall Harvest Safety

Thumb Electric would like to remind all members who do farm work during harvest season—don’t forget to look up. Coming into contact with a live wire could prove to be extremely dangerous or even fatal. Additionally, many TEC poles now have fiber lines strung on them as well. Fiber lines hang lower on the poles than electric lines. Fiber lines themselves are not energized, but they still present danger. They are designed to stretch a significant distance, and large farm equipment can pull them all the way to the ground if they come in contact with them. The tension created can be enough to snap electric poles or even pull them out of the ground.

Anyone who works with farm machinery or heavy equipment should take an extra second to be aware of his/her surroundings. The life you save could very well be your own.

Your Clear Advantage for Internet Service

Thumb Electric Members Celebrate Milestones

Thumb Electric congratulates members who received state certification.

Over the past year, we have had the privilege of presenting three Thumb Electric Cooperative members with recognition from the Historical Society of Michigan through its Centennial and Sesquicentennial Farm Program.

Since 1948, the program has recognized more than 6,000 farms for ownership in the same family for more than 100 years. Farms can currently qualify in one of two categories: Centennial Farm, which means the same family has run a farm for 100 years or more, and Sesquicentennial Farm, which means a farm has been in a family for 150 years or more.

All of us at Thumb Electric congratulate these family farms for their longevity and wish them many more years in the farm industry.

If you are interested in applying for farm certification, please contact us. Applications are available at our Ubly office. You can also get one by calling the Michigan Centennial Farm Program at 517-324-1828 or by visiting centennialfarms.org.

Certified Centennial Farms

Paul Osantowski Farm

Certification Date: 11/17/2022

Founding Date: 4/26/1920

Current Owner: Mark and Roberta Osantowski

Location: Soule Road, Ubly, in Austin Township

Albert and Rosa Kolar Farm

Certification Date: 11/17/2022

Founding Date: 4/16/1907

Current Owner: Richard and Patricia Kolar Location: Charleston Road, Minden City, in Minden Township

Certified Sesquicentennial Farm

Donald Middleton Farm

Certification Date: 6/20/2023

Founding Date: 3/28/1873

Current Owner: Arnold Middleton Location: Swaffer Road, Mayville, in Watertown Township

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.