April 2019 Cherryland

April 2019

MICHIGAN

COUNTRY LINES Cherryland Electric Cooperative

Buyer Beware!

Lineworkers And Their Trucks Choosing The Right Solar Installer For You

U.P. BAKERS

TAKE

THE

CAKE

WATERFURNACE UNITS QUALIFY FOR A 30% FEDERAL TAX CREDIT*

Today’s fossil fuel furnaces and air conditioners simply can’t “measure up” to a 7 Series geothermal comfort system from WaterFurnace. The 7 Series 700A11 is the first variable capacity geothermal system available to homeowners and sets a new standard for performance, surpassing both the 41 EER and 5.3 COP efficiency barriers. A WaterFurnace system taps into the free, renewable supply of energy found in your own backyard to provide superior heating and cooling comfort and savings up to 70% in energy costs. With added benefits like safe, clean, quiet, reliable operation, it’s plain to see that a 7 Series makes ordinary units seem small by comparison. For more information, contact your local WaterFurnace dealer today.

YOUR LOCAL WATERFURNACE DEALERS

Bad Axe B & D Htg (989) 269-5280 bdheating.com

Caro AllTemp Comfort, Inc. (866) 844-HEAT (4328) geo4less.com

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

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

Berrien Springs WaterFurnace Michiana (269) 473-5667 gogreenmichgeothermal.com

Clifford Orton Refrig & Htg (989) 761-7691 sanduskygeothermal.com

Kiessel Geothermal Htg & Clg (231) 747-7509 kiesselsgeo.com

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

Michigan Center Comfort 1/Aire Serv of Southern Michigan (517) 764-1500 comfort1.net/geothermal

Hart/Ludington Adams Htg & Clg Mt Pleasant (231) 873-2665 Walton Htg & Clg adamsheatingcooling.com (989) 772-4822 waltonheating.com

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) 941-1215 dwgeothermal.com Geofurnace Htg & Clg (231) 943-1000 watergeofurnace.com

visit us at waterfurnace.com * 30% through 2019, 26% through 2020 and 22% through 2021 • WaterFurnace is a registered trademark of WaterFurnace International, Inc.

In This Issue April 2019 || Vol. 39, No. 4

Michigan’s Electric Cooperatives michigancountrylines

countrylines.com

FEATURED PHOTO FROM

facebook.com/michigancountrylines

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Your photo could be featured here.

Executive Editor: Casey Clark Editor: Christine Dorr Copy Editor: Heidi Spencer Design and Production: Karreen Bird

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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 are Robert Kran, Great Lakes Energy, chairman; Mark Kappler, HomeWorks Tri-County Electric, vice chairman; and Eric Baker, Wolverine Power Cooperative, secretarytreasurer. Craig Borr is 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 countrylines.com

CHANGE OF ADDRESS:

Please notify your electric cooperative. See page 4 for contact information.

Come share in the splendor of rural Michigan with us

michigancountrylines There’s snowplace like home! It may look like an igloo, but it’s a woodshed. The homeowner had to carve an entrance so he could feed the wood boiler that heats his home. photo by: @prohandyman.us #manthatsalotofsnow #sothisisspring #upperpeninsula

ON THE COVER Two of the U.P.’s finest bakers, Marybeth Kurtz of Midtown Bakery & Café and Joe Heck of Huron Mountain Bakery, teamed up for a current episode of “Winner Cakes All” on the Food Network. Read about their rise to local and national fame on page 14.

@michigancountrylines

18 MI CO-OP COMMUNITY Michigan’s Best Hiking Trails!

As the snow melts and the trees produce their first buds, get out there and soak up spring weather on these reader-recommended hiking trails.

Photo by Daniele Carol Photography, Marquette

10 MI CO-OP KITCHEN Quick And Hassle-Free Appetizers And Snacks

Win $150 for stories published!

Christin McKamey & Our Readers

Guest Column:

Enter Our Recipe Contest And Win A $50 Bill Credit!

Country Lines invites members to submit their fond memories and stories.

For guidelines and to submit your guest column go to countrylines.com under the MI Co-op Community tab.

14 FEATURE U.P. Bakers Take The Cake

The Food Network’s show “Winner Cakes All” recently featured two of the U.P.’s most talented cake bakers, but their rise to culinary stardom began with twists and turns before they reached the top.

Emily Haines Lloyd

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

MICHIGAN COUNTRY LINES

3

CO-OP NEWS

LEELANAU

BENZIE

GRAND TRAVERSE

MANISTEE

WEXFORD

KALKASKA

Board Of Directors

TERRY LAUTNER President 231-946-4623 tlautner@cherrylandelectric.coop TOM VAN PELT Senior Vice President 231-386-5234 tvanpelt@cherrylandelectric.coop MELINDA LAUTNER Secretary 231-947-2509 mlautner@cherrylandelectric.coop DAVID SCHWEITZER Treasurer 231-883-5860 dschweitzer@cherrylandelectric.coop JOHN OLSON Director 231-938-1228 jolson@cherrylandelectric.coop GABE SCHNEIDER Director 517-449-6453 gschneider@cherrylandelectric.coop JON ZICKERT Director 231-631-1337 jzickert@cherrylandelectric.coop GENERAL MANAGER Tony Anderson CO-OP EDITORS Rachel Johnson Rob Marsh

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 WEBSITE cherrylandelectric.coop PAY STATION Cherryland Electric Cooperative office 5930 U.S. 31 South, Grawn MI, 49637 Cherryland Electric Cooperative is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

Follow us on Facebook. facebook.com/cherrylandelectriccoop Follow us on Instagram. @cherrylandec

4 APRIL 2019

Last Call For Scholarship Applications Cherryland offers five scholarships—three worth $4,000 ($1,000 for four years) for high school seniors and two for $1,000 each for adult scholarship (post high school).

Applications for both scholarships are due Friday, April 5, and can be found on Cherryland’s website or by contacting Cherryland’s office at 231-486-9200.

Cherryland Office Closed Good Friday The Cherryland office will be closed Friday, April 19, in observance of Good Friday. Normal business hours will resume Monday, April 22.

Line crews are on call to respond to any outages or emergencies. You can report your outage through SmartHub or by calling us at 231-486-9200.

Members Donate To Local Nonprofits Through Cherryland Cares You can help local nonprofits by contributing to Cherryland Cares.

Cherryland Cares is funded through the voluntary rounding up of a member’s monthly electric bill to the next whole dollar amount.

A member’s average annual contribution is approximately $6.

The funds are then distributed by the Cherryland Cares Board: a fivemember volunteer board which reviews grant applications and allocates the funds to nonprofits seeking assistance.

If you are interested in participating, call the Cherryland office at 231-486-9200 or sign up through SmartHub.

81st Annual Meeting Is June 20——Save The Date Cherryland’s 81st Annual Meeting will take place Thursday, June 20, at Incredible Mo’s in Grawn. Mark your calendars for an evening of food, fun, and information.

April 8 Is National Lineworker Appreciation Day When bad weather rolls in, our lineworkers roll out. Thank you to Cherryland’s lineworkers for all the work they do to keep northern Michigan’s lights on!

Buyer Beware Tony Anderson, General Manager

“I

f it sounds too good to be true, it probably is” and “buyer beware” are both old clichés that we have all heard from our elders at some point in our lives. Well, when it comes to buying a small home solar system, we have members finding out that the sage advice should still be heeded today.

There is a vendor hawking home solar systems to Cherryland members that for legal reasons needs to remain nameless in this column. However, the problems that members are encountering warrant a strong warning to everyone.

First, this vendor is NOT anyone who resides in our region.

Our region boasts many local installers of home solar systems that are reputable, legitimate and doing honest work with products that bring claimed results. The vendor I am talking about operates on a statewide and national basis like the snake oil peddlers of eons ago.

This entity is sitting down in member homes and making promises that simply are not and will not come true. They are promising solar production and a payback on your investment that is only designed to make a sale. The promises are not based in a reality that involves Cherryland’s actual rates or the region’s actual solar production.

You can find a YouTube video of the company CEO claiming that snow, clouds and generally gloomy days will not have any impact on the solar production of their panels. Any solar installer with an ounce of integrity will tell you that solar production will be limited during our long winter days.

They will base the majority of projected returns on the other nine months of the year.

We have members telling us that once the salesman is inside their home, the pitch is relentless. Their goal is to not leave without making a sale because they don’t want to come back. Their business model is based on getting a commitment and moving on to dupe someone else. The honest vendors in our area don’t mind coming back or

letting you think about your decision. It is easy for them to follow up because they live here.

The online reviews for the snake oil vendor are great. They encourage their potential customers to look at all the happy customer comments on the web. Please don’t fall for this trick. Ask for the names and numbers of real people within your home county who are using the product. The fly-by-night companies are promising gift cards for good online reviews. Then, after the review is completed, the gift cards are rarely seen.

In other columns, Cherryland has talked about the advantages of large-scale solar projects. I still stand by all the advantages and success of utility-scale installations.

However, I also care about every member and am fully aware of the desire of some to have solar on their home.

This column should not discourage that desire in any way.

My goal today is to simply give members warning that not every vendor can be trusted.

If you are considering installing solar on your home, feel free to call Cherryland’s Energy Use Advisor, Tammy Squires. She is available to you at no cost and can explain our various programs and help you evaluate any proposals you are considering.

Please heed the warning of “buyer beware” and take the time to do your homework. We have a great network of trustworthy vendors in our region. Please seek them out and don’t buy the “eliminate-all-future-electricbills” promises that some are selling. Your pocketbook will appreciate it and your parents will be happy you remembered the old advice.

Need help choosing the right solar installer for your home?

See page 13 to learn more!

MICHIGAN COUNTRY LINES

5

02 EXTENDO STICK

01 HOIST For pulling guy wire and conductor to the proper tension.

Insulated fiberglass tool for opening and closing devices on the pole from the ground.

03 GROUND Placed between wires to ensure a line is de-energized before working on it.

05

02 03

01

04

04 CLIMBING BELT Worn around the waist by lineworkers to help with positioning and safety when working on a pole that cannot be reached by a bucket truck.

6 APRIL 2019

05 SHOTGUN STICK Insulated fiberglass tool for moving or adjusting live electrical equipment from a bucket truck.

06 CLIMBING HOOKS The sharp hooks, called gaffs, dig into the pole allowing the worker to climb.

07 PPE An acronym for “Personal Protective Equipment” which is mandatory on all job sites. The hard hat protects the head from blows and falling objects; gloves protect from high voltage, cuts or abrasions; while safety glasses protect the eyes.

e v a h a tt o g

Tools To Get Their Job Done And Keep Our Lights On

09

06

07 08

10 11

08 HOLD TAG

09 HANDLINE

Hung on a device or line to let other crews know that the line is being worked on. This prevents devices from being operated and injuring those working down the line.

Used to pull material, tools, and other items to aerial workers.

10

HOT LINE TESTER

Used to indicate if voltage is present before grounding and work begins on a line.

11

LINE HOSE

Used to cover lines when doing work on lines that are still energized.

MICHIGAN COUNTRY LINES

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Lineworkers And Their Trucks There are some notable bonds in this world, like the bond between a mother and her daughter, a father and his son, and a man and his dog. But one bond that is unsung to many is that between lineworkers and their trucks.

A lineworker’s truck is one of the most important tools in their toolbox. They’re not just for getting from here to there. Each truck and its components are designed to assist lineworkers with their specific jobs. And as their jobs have evolved, so have the trucks they’ve driven.

Take a look at some moments in Cherryland’s history that illustrate the bond between lineworkers and their trucks.

‘40s

‘50s

< 8 APRIL 2019

<

Cherryland originals, (L–R), Bob Lambert, Ernie Lehn, and Erv Stibitz, pose in this late 1940s photo with the first truck Cherryland owned: a 1938 International panel truck. Even without a boom or bucket, this truck was the first step toward modernizing line work for co-op crews.

On this “normal” winter day in 1959, Cherryland’s Bill Thomas stands in front of the co-op’s first hydraulic boom truck nestled next to a 10-foot wall of snow.

During Michigan winters like this, a boom was a welcomed relief from the added stress of manual line work in harsh weather.

< Lineworkers don’t forget from where they came!

Cherryland honors the past with a restored 1941 Ford truck (front) and its newest project, an original Cherryland 1952 Dodge Power Wagon (back).

< Today, Cherryland’s red fleet includes nearly 40 light and heavy-duty trucks——each tailored to the wide-variety of jobs lineworkers and field personnel perform daily.

‘60s

‘90s

<

< Co-op employees admire Cherryland’s first bucket truck purchased in the late 1960s. Up to that point, line work was performed primarily by climbing poles.

The bond between lineworkers and their trucks wasn’t always pretty (or red!). In this photo from 1990, Jim Carpenter climbs a pole next to one of the co-op’s yellow Ford trucks.

MICHIGAN COUNTRY LINES

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Appetizers & Snacks Quick and hassle-free recipes Photos—Robert Bruce Photography

Winning Recipe!

Pineapple Papaya Salsa

Bethany Cumper, Presque Isle Electric & Gas Co-op 3 1 1 5 • 2 3 1 2

tomatoes, finely diced fresh pineapple (about 2 pounds), finely diced fresh papaya or mango (about 1 pound), finely diced green onions, sliced small bunch fresh cilantro, chopped jalapeños, seeded and minced tablespoons lemon juice teaspoon garlic, minced teaspoons salt, or to taste

Mince or chop all ingredients according to recipe. Add all ingredients to a glass bowl and stir to combine. Serve immediately or chill and serve. Flavors will meld with longer chilling; 4 hours chill time is recommended. Use this as a traditional salsa or try it as a garnish on grilled chicken!

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

10 APRIL 2019

Bacon Crackers Judy Skowronski, Cherryland

½ cup mayonnaise 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce ¼ teaspoon salad seasoning or seasoned salt ¹/8 teaspoon paprika 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or other cheese of choice) 4 slices crisp-cooked bacon 2 tablespoons minced onion 32 to 36 round crackers Mix mayonnaise, Worcestershire sauce, salad seasoning (or seasoned salt), and paprika. Stir in cheese, bacon, and onion. Spread about ½ tablespoon mixture over each cracker. Arrange crackers (8 or 9 at a time) in a single layer on microwave-safe plate. Microwave on high until hot and puffed (15 to 30 seconds). Serve warm.

FEATURED GUEST CHEF

Prepare to taste the cake that took Huron Mountain Bakery’s Joe Heck and Marybeth Kurtz from Midtown Bakery & Café all the way to the finals of “Winner Cakes All” on Food Network. This cake recipe combines these top bakers’ skills and delivers award-winning flavor straight to your kitchen.

Smoked Salmon & Mango Salsa Connie Pietila, Ontonagon REA

¼ pound piece smoked salmon, diced into ¼-inch pieces 2 ripe Hass avocados, halved, pitted, peeled, and diced into ¼-in pieces ¼ cup diced vine-ripened tomato 2 tablespoons finely diced purple onion (rinsed, if you like a milder flavor) 1 large, ripe mango, diced 1 jalapeño chili pepper, minced ½ bunch fresh cilantro, chopped • juice of 1 lime, or 2 tablespoons bottled juice 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil • kosher salt and freshly ground pepper • tortilla chips In a bowl, combine salmon, avocado, tomato, onion, mango, jalapeño, cilantro, and lime juice. Gently fold together. Add olive oil and season to taste with salt and pepper, and gently fold again.

Spoon about 1 tablespoon onto each tortilla chip (Tostitos Scoops work well for this). Arrange on a platter. Or keep in bowl and serve with chips, if you prefer. Serve immediately.

Chocolate Peanut Butter Truffle Marybeth’s Mom’s Chocolate Cake 2 cups sugar 1 3 cups flour 2 6 tablespoons unsweetened 2 cocoa powder 12 2 teaspoons baking soda 2

teaspoon salt cups cold water teaspoons vanilla tablespoons oil tablespoons vinegar

Preheat oven to 350 F. Mix on low speed the sugar, flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Then add the wet ingredients in order on low; water, vanilla, oil, and vinegar. Mix till smooth and pour into greased and papered round cake pans, wrap pans with cake strips. Yields two-8-inch round layers. Bake 50—60 minutes rotating at half of the time. Let cakes cool completely.

Joe’s Peanut Butter Buttercream Frosting 1 pound softened salted butter 2 pounds powdered sugar ¹⁄8 cup heavy whipping cream 2 cups smooth peanut butter Whip softened butter until light and fluffy. On low speed, add powdered sugar slowly until incorporated. Add heavy cream and whip until medium consistency. Microwave peanut butter until just liquid, then on a low setting, add peanut butter and whip until desired consistency.

Festive Desserts: due May 1 Tailgating Favorites: due July 1 Submit your favorite recipe for a chance to win a $50 bill credit and have your recipe featured in Country Lines with a photo and a video.

Go to micoopkitchen.com for more information and to register.

Enter to win a

$50

energy bill credit!

Joe’s Chocolate Ganache 675 grams Belgian chocolate 1 quart heavy whipping cream Melt chocolate over a double boiler; remove from heat. Bring cream to a rolling boil. Stir half of the cream into chocolate until incorporated. Add second half of cream until combined and let it cool.

Assembly Of The Cake Take one cooled 8-inch cake round and place on cake plate. Spread a thick layer of ganache over cake. On top of ganache, add one layer of buttercream frosting. Place second 8-inch cake round on top and use remaining buttercream to frost the entire cake (sides and top).

Read the full story about Joe Heck and Marybeth Kurtz on page 14, and find this recipe and others at micoopkitchen.com.

MICHIGAN COUNTRY LINES

11

WE’VE GOT A

BRIGHT IDEA

for your home

Make energy efficient upgrades and enjoy new rebates in 2019!

Here’s how it works: You decide to make your home more efficient. You’re eligible to receive rebates from us. It’s that simple and just another benefit of co-op membership!

Rebate Type

Amount

LED Bulbs (when replacing incandescent bulbs) LED Downlight / Flood / Can Light Bulb Outdoor LED Automatic Dusk to Dawn Flood

$3 $6 $15

Clothes Washer Dehumidifier Refrigerator / Freezer (10 cubic feet or larger) Television (21” or larger, limit 5)

$20 $20 $20 $20

Electric Vehicle*** Residential Level 2 Charging Station*** Commercial Level 2 Charging Station***

$2,000 $500 $1,000

Electric Water Heater*** Heat Pump Water Heater ECM Central Air Conditioning*** Mini Split System Well-Connect Heat Pump*** Air to Air Heat Pump*** Ground Water Heat Pump***

$500 $100 $50 $500 $100 $1,500 $2,000 $5,000

Refrigerator / Freezer Recycling

$20

READY TO GET

VISIT OUR WEBSITE!

YOUR REBATES?

cherrylandelectric.coop

Please download and complete the rebate form on our website and send it to us with copies of all receipts/invoices within 30 days of purchase. All appliances must be Energy Star rated to qualify for rebates.

Funds may be limited and other restrictions may apply. ***Please call us prior to purchase to ensure eligibility and availability of funds, or with any questions about residential rebates, at (231) 486-9200.

Q A

Choosing The Right Solar Installer For Your Home permitting and construction timelines. Then ask around.

How do they stack up against their competition?

Do they really know how Cherryland’s member-owned solar programs work?

Looking to get into the home solar game? Great! We are excited to partner with you and help you achieve your clean energy goals.

Here’s the big decision you must make: Who’s the right solar installer for you? It’s easy to get distracted by promises of low-to zero-upfront costs, rebates, and reduced electric bills. But when it comes down to it, who’s going to give you a fair price for a home solar system and offer the service and support you need?

Before choosing a solar installer, ask yourself these questions.

Have I done my solar homework?

No, we’re not talking about your middle school science homework. We’re talking about doing some basic research on home solar generation. You should find answers to questions like what’s the average energy output of a solar panel, how much electricity do I use in my home, what’s Michigan like for solar output, and is my home and its location ideal for solar?

Your co-op is a great place to start with your research. Just contact us with any of your questions!

How does their pricing and services compare to other installers?

We, as savvy consumers, shop around for cars, flights, clothing, and everything else. Why wouldn’t you shop around for the right solar installer? When requesting a quote, make sure you get a clear breakdown of everything from installation and component costs to

While putting up solar panels is the job of the installer, hooking them up to the grid and setting the energy rate is up to your co-op. So, it’s important that you and the installer know how we do things. Regardless of whether they claim to know how our solar programs work, it’s always a good idea to check with us.

What are their customers saying about them?

The easiest way to know if a contractor is delivering on their promises is by seeing what their current customers are saying about them. Check out reviews on Google, Yelp, and their business’s Facebook page. Ask for a list of customer references in Cherryland’s service territory. You’ll want to compare the experiences of customers who’ve just had a system installed and those who’ve had it for a while. If someone’s had a noteworthy experience, they will let you know.

Should I talk to a lawyer before agreeing to anything?

Yes! They can break down the agreement and help you make an informed decision.

MICHIGAN COUNTRY LINES 13

U.P. BAKERS TAKE THE

Joe Heck & Marybeth Kurtz

By Emily Haines Llyod Photos by Daniele Carol Photography

J

oe Heck of Huron Mountain Bakery (Marquette and Ishpeming) and Marybeth Kurtz of Midtown Bakery & Café (Negaunee) are still fresh off the airing of their episode of “Winner Cakes All” on the Food Network, a show where pairs of bakers team up for a chance to win $10,000. The Upper Peninsula duo’s episode was fairy talethemed and led to baking a cake for host, Giada De Laurentiis, a panel of judges, and the actresses from Broadway Princess Party.

It wasn’t all glitz and glam that led up to this point in the lives of either of the U.P. bakers. Both admit they needed their own fairy godmothers along the way to help kick start their culinary journeys.

Be sure to check out micoopkitchen.com for Joe and Marybeth’s chocolate peanut butter cake recipe from “Winner Cakes All” on the Food Network!

Joe Heck grew up in Wisconsin and eventually moved to New York City after high school. His first job was as a night shift baker, a gig that allowed him to practice decorating cakes. “Eventually, the baker who did our high-end cakes saw my work,” said Joe. “She made me a deal. She would pay for me to go to culinary school if I’d work for her for five years.”

Joe took the deal, attended the Culinary Institute of America, and then worked for his fairy godmother for 13 years. But, like in all good fairy tales, twists and turns happen. A year later, Joe hit some very hard times. When he needed it, a “genie in a bottle” presented itself.

Joe’s best friend invited him to visit Marquette, giving Joe his first glimpse of the U.P.—a place he ended up calling home.

Meanwhile, Marybeth Kurtz was hustling in Detroit and, while traveling to open a new restaurant in Florida, she met a pastry chef. As if nudged by a magic wand, Marybeth ended up training with her and became a pastry chef herself.

14 APRIL 2019

Something was missing for Marybeth too, as she and her husband began dreaming of owning a business somewhere with a little less hustle and bustle. As if on cue— bippity boppity boo—Negaunee, that is.

“Everyone is very supportive and collaborative in the U.P. and small towns in general,” said Marybeth. “Everyone helps each other out.”

That might sound like a well-crafted sound bite—except Marybeth was out shoveling her neighbor’s snow-packed driveway minutes before this interview.

When a Food Network producer saw Joe on the local news and approached him about a possible show, Marybeth’s well-known spirit of generosity might have been exactly why Joe thought of her as a potential teammate. “I didn’t know what or when the opportunity would be,” said Joe. “Finally I got the call for ‘Winner Cakes All,’ and I called Marybeth.”

Joe and Marybeth met years earlier through various charity events and have been working together ever since. “Actually, we really became friends when I stole a hexagon cake pan from her,” said Joe jokingly.

The two chuckle, as you’d expect with old friends. Even though Food Network producers resisted the idea of two competing bakers on the same team, it only took one Skype call with the pair to put the producers’ worries at bay. “We’re hard to resist,” chimes in Marybeth and the two laugh again.

Joe and Marybeth flew to California to film their episode with the final challenge to create a cake for the cast party of the Broadway Princess Party. While the judges loved the team’s chocolate cake with peanut buttercream and chocolate ganache, another team edged them out for the final win in the end.

As the two get back to daily life, they have taken away great memories. “It was the experience of a lifetime. I’m so grateful we got to represent the U.P. well,” said Marybeth.

Joe pauses from the jokes for a moment and offers up some advice. “Don’t be afraid to do something out of the box,” he reflected. “Don’t let fear stop you.”

Marybeth quickly adds, “Yeah, that too!”

And once again the two are in a fit of laughter. Their infectious joy, friendship and love of cake baking is a simple reminder that magic, and even fairy tales, are everywhere.

LOCATIONS Huron Mountain Bakery • 1301 S. Front St., Marquette | 906-225-1301 • U.S. 41 W., Ishpeming | 906-485-6848 Babycakes (part of the Huron Mountain family) • 223 W. Washington St., Marquette 906-226-7744 Midtown Bakery & Café • 317 Iron St., Negaunee | 906-475-0064

Photo Contest Most Votes On Facebook!

2

Beautiful Birds

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3

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Submit Your Favorite “Playing In The Water” Photos!

1. “Overseeing the forest

Submit your best photo and encourage your friends to vote! The photo receiving the most votes from our Facebook contest will be printed in an issue of Country Lines along with some of our other favorites.

2. “Sitting pretty” by Deb Perry

Our April theme is Playing In The Water. Photos can be submitted through April 20 to be featured in our June issue.

from a majestic perch”

by Kathy Zeits

3. “Mr. & Mrs. going out for dinner” by Linda Hasse

4. “Down the hatch!”

by Cortney Brenner

5. “Afternoon snack” by Karry Barolo

16 APRIL 2019

Enter Your Photos And Win A Bill Credit!

Enter to win a

$200

energy bill credit!

To enter the contest visit facebook.com/cherrylandelectriccoop and click “Photo Contest” from the menu tabs. If you’re not on Facebook, that’s okay. You can also enter the contest at cherrylandelectric.coop/photocontest. Enter your picture, cast your vote, and encourage others to vote for you as well. If your photo is printed in Country Lines during 2019, you will be entered to win a credit of up to $200 on your December 2019 bill.

Your Board In Action February Board Meeting • The board invited the Traverse City Light & Power Board of Directors to the Grawn office for a joint session during the regularly-scheduled board meeting. The boards shared basic information and background about their respective utilities, as well as provided updates regarding ongoing projects.

• The board designated fellow board member, John Olson, as the co-op’s voting delegate at the Michigan

Electric Cooperative Association (MECA) Annual Meeting in March. MECA is a statewide organization that provides legislative, regulatory, communication, and safety support to eight distribution co-ops and one generation and transmission co-op.

• The board scheduled their strategic planning session for October of this year. In addition to their monthly meetings, the board devotes a session every few years solely for long-term strategic planning.

Dream Of Safer Digging?

Call MISS DIG 811 Imagine this: You wake up on a beautiful summer day.

The sun is shining. The birds are chirping. You look out across your yard and think, “Today is a great day to put in a new mailbox.”

With youthful enthusiasm, you sprint outside, grab your shovel, and scurry to the end of your driveway. You stand over the future home of your mailbox, filled with unbridled excitement. You lift your shovel and, with all your might, drive it into the dirt.

Sounds heavenly, right? Well, not quite. Did you call MISS DIG 811 first?

MISS DIG 811 provides underground facility location services to homeowners, excavators, municipalities and utility companies. Their mission is to safeguard the public, environment, property, and utility infrastructures and promote utility damage prevention.

Think back to your dream of a new mailbox. What if you hit an underground line while driving that shovel? Not so heavenly now, is it?

So be smart, be safe, and know what’s below. Contact MISS DIG before you dig by calling 811 or visiting missdig.org.

Digging without knowing what facilities are below can be very expensive and dangerous.

MI CO-OP Community

+ TIP Trying to find the best Michigan trails?

Visit AllTrails.com, an excellent resource for great hiking trails, running trails, mountain biking trails and more.

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5 3 1

Best Hiking Trails Bucket List From Fellow Members— Go Out And Explore Michigan!

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White Pine Trail The White Pine Trail runs 92-miles from its southern point in Comstock Park to Cadillac. The “vibe” in each section of the trail is unique. You can ride bikes and visit quaint shops in Rockford, see Amish buggies, wildflower fields and enjoy amazing views of the Muskegon River in Big Rapids. Hikers can also experience the quietness of the trail while spotting wildlife and enjoying the nearby lakes in Cadillac. The trail offers many experiences for hikers young and old. Larisa Draves, Great Lakes Energy

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Chapel Trail Mosquito Falls Loop, near Shingleton in the Upper Peninsula Various hikes are available depending on the trail and how long you wish to walk. The views are gorgeous with waterfalls into Lake Superior and lots of look-outs. Richard Liebermann, Great Lakes Energy

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The North Country Trail The largest hiking trail in the USA! It stretches over 4,600 miles! It is a year-round trail system with many connector trails to get you to the most beautiful destinations! My hiking group SHE_Mitten_Hikers (Self Healthy Exploring) has snowshoed and hiked our favorite stretch in northern Newaygo County around Nicolas Lake. Kelly Wawsczy, Great Lakes Energy

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Michigan Trails And Greenways Alliance Michigan Trails and Greenways Alliance is working with communities all over Michigan to build a series of five “Great Lake to Lake Trails” that will link existing trails into a series of destination trails that will allow people to move from one Great Lake to another. These trails, three in the lower peninsula and two in the Upper Peninsula, will link Lake Michigan with Lake Huron and Lake Michigan with Lake Superior and bring communities together in a pathway to provide a recreation experience and transportation opportunities and the chance to learn about our state’s natural resources and historical legacies. Bob Wilson, Great Lakes Energy

Country Lines Editor’s Pick (pictured)

The Empire Bluff Trail in Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore The trail leads to a high bluff overlooking Lake Michigan with panoramic views. The trail is about 1.5 miles round-trip.

It’s also pet-friendly, not strenuous or technically tricky—— an absolute favorite!

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Bundy Hill Preserve, Remus You can hike to the highest point in the county at 1,270 feet.

Morgan Wernette, HomeWorks Tri-County

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Manistee River Loop The Manistee River Loop is excellent. The suspension bridge is beautiful, and I’ve had a bear sighting on this trail. Troy Bischoff, Great Lakes Energy

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Jordan River Pathway The Jordan River Pathway is such a gem. There is a fish hatchery just off the trail, beautiful scenery and some of the highest elevations in our lower Michigan. Misty Bischoff, Great Lakes Energy

18 APRIL 2019

Best of Michigan Up Next: Best Ice Cream Shops: Help us create a “Best Ice Cream Shops” list to visit this summer. We will publish this list on the best “scoops” in our June issue.

Submit your favorites at countrylines.com under the MI Co-op Community tab by April 20.

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