April 2025 Cherryland

Cherryland Electric Cooperative

April 2025

MICHIGAN COUNTRY LINES

Play Ball!

CELEBRATING BASEBALL’S RETURN AND ITS COMMUNITY IMPACT

The Power of Lineworkers Northern Michigan’s Energy Track Star Effective Ways to Lower Home Energy Use

WATERFURNACE UNITS QUALIFY FOR A 30% FEDERAL TAX CREDIT1

Conserving is believing.

Geothermal is leading the effort to provide a heating and cooling source that preserves earth’s resources.

Geothermal is the greener alternative. The Department of Energy considers it a “vital, clean energy resource” that “emits little or no greenhouse gas—all while requiring a small environmental footprint to develop.” WaterFurnace geothermal units use earth’s natural underground heat to keep your home comfortable, the sustainable way.

Geothermal is the only renewable that provides reliable operation 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.

YOUR LOCAL WATERFURNACE DEALERS

CO-OP REBATE INCENTIVES

Allendale Allendale Htg & Clg (800) 327-1937 allendaleheating.com

Holland G.H.P. Systems Inc. (616) 396-5833 ghpsystems-inc.com

Portage Bel Aire Htg & Clg 1-888-235-2473 belaire.com

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

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

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

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

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

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

Three Rivers Bel Aire Htg & Clg 1-888-235-2473 belaire.com

Big Rapids Stratz Htg & Clg, Inc. (231) 796-3717 stratzgeocomfort.com Filion/Bad Axe Air-O-Dynamic Htg & Clg (989) 582-0137 aod-hvac.com Grand Rapids Bel Aire Htg & Clg 1-888-235-2473 belaire.com Hart Adams Htg & Clg (231) 873-2665 adamsheatingcooling.com

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

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

visit us at waterfurnace.com/mi

Alger Delta Electric: up to $2,000 Cherryland Electric: up to $2,500 Cloverland: up to $6,275 Great Lakes Energy: up to $5,000 Homeworks/Tri-County Electric: up to $4,750 Presque Isle Electric & Gas Co-op: up to $4,750 Thumb Electric: up to $2,000

The Reliable Renewable is a trademark of WaterFurnace International, Inc 1. ENERGY START rated units qualify for 30% through 2030 and 26% through 2032 and 22% through 2033 .

MICHIGAN COUNTRY LINES

Contents countrylines.com

April 2025 Vol. 45, No. 4 /michigancountrylines

/michigancountrylines

EXECUTIVE EDITOR: Casey Clark EDITOR: Christine Dorr GRAPHIC DESIGNER: Karreen Bird RECIPE EDITOR: Christin Russman COPY EDITOR: Yvette Pecha CONTRIBUTING EDITOR: Emily Haines Lloyd PUBLISHER: Michigan Electric Cooperative Association Michigan Country Lines, USPS591-710, 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.

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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: Chris O’Neill, HomeWorks TriCounty Cooperative, chairman; Gabe Schneider, Cherryland Electric Cooperative, vice chairman; Shaun Lamp, Great Lakes Energy 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’S ELECTRIC COOPERATIVES

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MI CO-OP Community RECIPE CONTEST

See details on page 10. Sandwiches and Wraps, due May 1; Best Potato Dishes, due July 1.

Win a $100 bill credit!

GUEST COLUMN

Share your fondest memories and stories.

Win $200 for stories published!

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

6 RESTORING POWER,

REBUILDING COMMUNITIES: THE STRENGTH OF MUTUAL AID Michigan lineworkers answered the call to provide hurricane relief after Milton and Helene.

10 MI CO-OP KITCHEN Smoothies & Shakes: Blend up these delicious and energizing concoctions.

14 PLAY BALL! CELEBRATING

BASEBALL’S RETURN AND ITS COMMUNITY IMPACT The Traverse City Pit Spitters come out swinging for a new season.

18 NO BARRIERS WARRIORS Applications now being accepted for No Barriers outdoor adventures.

MICHIGAN COUNTRY LINES

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CO-OP NEWS

LEELANAU BENZIE

GRAND TRAVERSE

MANISTEE

WEXFORD

KALASKA

BOARD OF DIRECTORS Gabe Schneider, President 517-449-6453 gschneider@cherrylandelectric.coop Valarie Handy, Senior Vice President 231-392-4705 vhandy@cherrylandelectric.coop Melinda Lautner, Secretary 231-947-2509 mlautner@cherrylandelectric.coop Tom Van Pelt, Treasurer 231-386-5234 tvanpelt@cherrylandelectric.coop David Schweitzer, Director 231-883-5860 dschweitzer@cherrylandelectric.coop Terry Lautner, Director 231-883-6455 tlautner@cherrylandelectric.coop Dean Adams, Director 231-642-0014 dadams@cherrylandelectric.coop CEO Rachel Johnson CO-OP EDITORS: Courtney Doyle: cdoyle@cherrylandelectric.coop Bailey Watson: bwatson@cherrylandelectric.coop OFFICE HOURS Monday–Friday 7:30 a.m.–4:00 p.m.

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

ADDRESS P.O. Box 298, Grawn, MI 49637 PAY STATION Cherryland Electric Cooperative office 5930 U.S. 31 South, Grawn MI, 49637 Cherryland Electric Cooperative is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

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April 18 Is National Lineworker Appreciation Day When the lights go out, so do Cherryland’s line crews. Thank you to Cherryland’s lineworkers for all they do to keep the lights on for our members!

Members Donate to Local Nonprofits Through Cherryland Cares

Cherryland’s 87th Annual Meeting Scheduled for June 12

You can help local nonprofits by contributing to Cherryland Cares.

Cherryland Cares is funded by members who voluntarily round up their monthly electric bills to the next whole dollar amount. A member’s average annual contribution is approximately $6.

The funds collected through this program are then distributed by the Cherryland Cares Board: a five-member volunteer board that reviews grant applications and allocates the funds to nonprofits seeking assistance.

If you are interested in making a difference with Cherryland Cares, call the Cherryland office at 231-486-9200 or sign up through SmartHub.

Members Earn Rebates With Energy Efficiency Upgrades Cherryland members are eligible to receive rebates for energy-efficient

cherrylandelectric.coop

upgrades in their homes or businesses. For a guide to our residential and commercial rebate programs and a complete listing of rebates available on Energy-Star qualified appliances, visit our website at cherrylandelectric.coop/rebates.

Cherryland’s 87th Annual Meeting will take place Thursday, June 12, from 4 to 8 p.m. at Incredible Mo’s in Grawn. Cherryland will provide updates regarding the 87th Annual Meeting in Michigan Country Lines and on our website and social media.

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

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

/cherrylandelectriccoop

@cherrylandec

Northern Michigan’s Energy Track Star

By Rachel Johnson, Cherryland CEO

When I was going through treatment for breast cancer in 2024, other survivors kept reminding me to treat it like a marathon, not a sprint. They were right, I needed to pace myself for the long haul and be careful not to burn out before the finish line. But, sometimes, I also just needed to put my head down and sprint through a hard part. To be successful in the race, I needed the right mix.

The power grid is also kind of like a long-distance race. Most electricity comes from marathon runners— steady, reliable power plants designed to go the distance, providing a consistent supply of energy over time.

These plants, like nuclear and coal, are great at maintaining the grid’s baseline power needs but can’t quickly adjust when the course suddenly changes.

That’s where sprinters, or peaking plants, come in. Peaking plants are built to fire up in an instant, supplying the short bursts of energy needed when demand spikes—like when an unexpected heatwave sends air conditioners into overdrive or when a winter storm forces people to crank up their heat. Through our power supplier, Wolverine Power Cooperative, Cherryland’s members own several peaking plants and the newest of those is the natural-gas-powered Alpine plant in Gaylord, built in 2016.

Historically, sprinters like Alpine were only needed 15 to 20 days a year, stepping in briefly during the toughest stretches of the race. But the course has changed. With increasing energy demand, transmission constraints, and the rise of intermittent renewable energy sources, Alpine is no longer just an occasional sprinter—it’s

become an essential pacesetter for Northern Michigan’s energy race.

costs by an average of millions of dollars per year.

Instead of running for just a few peak days, Alpine is now operating upwards of 100 days a year, far exceeding expectations. During the most recent winter cold snap, when temperatures plunged and energy demand soared, Alpine ran nonstop for days at a time, ensuring that homes stayed warm, businesses stayed open, and the lights never flickered.

By investing in Alpine, Wolverine and Cherryland didn’t just secure a reliable energy future—we built an asset that pays for itself and delivers long-term savings to the communities it serves.

Simply put, we could not have kept the lights on in Northern Michigan without it.

But Alpine isn’t just critical for reliability; it’s also a financial powerhouse. In any race, a sprinter who can perform on demand is a game-changer. But a sprinter who can also fund the entire team’s training?

That’s a competitive advantage.

When Alpine is called upon to support the regional grid system, we are compensated for its performance.

Since it was built in 2016, Alpine has earned almost $310 million from the power market—far exceeding its $190 million construction cost.

That revenue directly benefits our members, reducing our power supply

As our energy mix continues to evolve, plants like Alpine prove that having the right balance of marathoners and sprinters isn’t just a luxury—it’s a necessity. The road ahead will demand more flexibility, more reliability, and smarter investments.

The race for a sustainable, affordable, and resilient energy future isn’t about choosing between endurance and speed. It’s about making sure we have both—so we can always go the distance.

To hear more, listen to the Co-op Energy Talk Podcast

MICHIGAN COUNTRY LINES

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Restoring Power, Rebuilding Communities The Strength of Mutual Aid

By Emily Haines Lloyd

When disaster strikes, electric cooperatives strike back. Whether it’s a hurricane in the South, an ice storm in the Midwest, or wildfires in the West, co-ops across the country rely on one another to restore power and rebuild communities.

This system, known as “mutual aid,” is one of the most powerful examples of cooperation in action, ensuring that no co-op is left to face a crisis alone.

Why Mutual Aid Matters Electric cooperatives are memberowned and service-driven. They exist entirely to provide safe, reliable, and affordable power to the communities they serve. This commitment extends beyond day-to-day operations—when a disaster causes widespread outages, co-ops immediately step up to help each other.

Through mutual aid agreements, cooperatives across the country can quickly deploy crews, equipment, and resources to areas hit hardest by storms or other emergencies. This rapid response ensures that power is restored as quickly and safely as possible, minimizing hardship for affected communities. More importantly, it upholds the cooperative principle of Concern for Community, demonstrating that co-ops do more than provide electricity—they support the people who depend on it.

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Cooperation Among Cooperatives Mutual aid is a direct reflection of another cooperative principle— Cooperation Among Cooperatives.

Electric co-ops are relatively small compared to large investor-owned utilities, but by working together, they create a vast, nationwide support network capable of tackling even the most extreme challenges.

“When help is needed, co-ops don’t hesitate to answer the call,” said Michigan Electric Cooperative Association (MECA) Safety Director Joe McElroy. “It’s who we are.”

Mutual Aid in Action

Stronger Together

Last fall, when Hurricane Milton caused widespread destruction across Florida, nearly 30 Michigan co-op lineworkers answered the call, joining crews from over 15 states to restore power in the hardest-hit areas. Michigan co-op lineworkers also joined crews to help with the devastation in South Carolina caused

by Hurricane Helene.

The mutual aid system is one of the strongest examples of the cooperative difference. It’s not just about restoring power—it’s about restoring communities. When co-ops band together, they demonstrate that service, resilience, and teamwork can overcome even the most devastating challenges.

Residents in Florida and South Carolina expressed their appreciation by offering meals and a place to shower. Even retired lineworkers came out of retirement to lend a hand.

As we prepare for National Lineworker Appreciation Day on April 18, we recognize the dedication and sacrifice of the lineworkers who make mutual aid possible. Their commitment to helping co-ops near and far ensures that no community faces a crisis alone.

April 18 is National Lineworker Appreciation Day, a time to recognize the dedication and sacrifice of the men and women who keep the lights on in homes and businesses across America.

Lineworkers face immense challenges every day. Carrying heavy gear, they scale 40-foot poles near high-voltage power lines—often in extreme weather or in the aftermath of natural disasters. As the first responders of our electric distribution system, they work around the clock, braving dangerous conditions to ensure reliable service for our members.

Their commitment goes beyond the call of duty. Whether it’s responding to local outages or traveling hundreds of miles to assist fellow cooperatives in times of crisis, they exemplify the cooperative spirit of service and resilience.

Every day, lineworkers keep the lights on—on April 18, we shine a light on them.

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EFFECTIVE WAYS To Lower Home Energy Use

Outside factors, such as fuel and equipment costs and extreme weather, can impact electricity prices. But you have the power to control home energy consumption by taking proactive steps to reduce energy use.

Thermostat Management The thermostat is one of the best places to lower your energy use because heating and cooling account for a significant portion of home energy consumption. During winter months, adjust your thermostat to the lowest comfortable setting to reduce energy use. The Department of Energy recommends 68 degrees or lower.

Utilize Off-Peak Energy Times Plan energy-intensive chores and tasks, such as running the dishwasher or washing clothing, during off-peak energy hours, when the demand for electricity is lower. Off-peak times are early in the morning or late evenings.

By scheduling these activities during off-peak periods, you can help keep rates lower, reduce demand, and relieve pressure on the grid.

Seal Your Home According to ENERGY STAR®, about 20% of heated or cooled air that moves through a home is lost due to lack of proper insulation and air leaks.

Ensure your home has sufficient insulation levels and seal air leaks around windows and doors with caulk and weatherstripping. This is a simple, effective way to lower energy use and improve indoor comfort.

Maintain Equipment The health of your heating and cooling system is essential for comfort and can greatly impact energy bills. Maintain your system by regularly replacing dirty filters and scheduling annual inspections for maintenance and necessary repairs.

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Need a little help paying your electric bill?

Here are some resources that might help: CHERRYLAND PROGRAMS: Payment Arrangements: (231) 486-9200 If you’ve fallen behind on your bills, just give us a call to see if you’re eligible for a payment arrangement.

Time Of Use Rate: (231) 486-9200 This optional rate gives you the control to save by choosing when you use electricity.

STATE OF MICHIGAN ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS: State Emergency Relief Program (SER)/Department of Health and Human Services: 1-844-464-3447 Assistance may be available to members facing extreme hardship or an emergency that threatens your health and safety.

Michigan Veterans Trust Fund: 1-800-642-4838 Assistance may be available to members who are veterans facing a financial emergency or hardship.

Michigan Energy Assistance Program (MEAP): 1-844-464-3447 Assistance may be available to help members pay bills, build budgets, and more.

Home Heating Credit: (517) 636-4486 Assistance may be available for home heating bills.

LOCAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS Salvation Army: (231) 946-4644 Utility assistance may be available for members who qualify.

Father Fred: (231) 947-2055 Financial assistance may be available for essential needs, such as utilities, for those who qualify.

Northwest Michigan Community Action Agency (NMCAA): (231) 947-3780 Emergency energy assistance, home repairs, and budgeting support available, among other programs among other programs.

United Way: 2-1-1 Assistance may be available for utility bills, budgeting, and more.

Benzie Area Christian Neighbors (BACN): (231) 882-9544 Assistance may be available to members in Benzie County and northern Manistee County.

Leelanau Christian Neighbors (LCN): (231) 994-2271 Assistance may be available to members in Leelanau County.

Love Inc.: (231) 779-1888 Assistance may be available to members in Wexford County.

Echo His Love: (231) 723-6613 Assistance may be available to members in Manistee and Benzie counties.

Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians: (231) 534-7910 Assistance may be available to tribal members who are income eligible.

For additional information on these resources, visit our website at cherrylandelectric.coop or call us at (231) 486-9200.

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MI CO-OP Kitchen

SMOOTHIES & SHAKES Blend up these delicious and energizing concoctions.

WINNING RECIPE!

PEANUT BUTTER BANANA BREAD SMOOTHIE

Cynthia Hodges, Ontonagon REA 2 bananas, peeled, sliced and frozen 1 cup skim milk ½ cup old-fashioned oats (uncooked) 1 container (5.3-ounce) plain nonfat Icelandic or Greek yogurt 1 teaspoon vanilla extract ⅛ teaspoon ground cinnamon • pinch of ground nutmeg • pinch of salt 1 teaspoon maple syrup 2 tablespoons peanut butter powder Add all ingredients to a blender and pulse until smooth. Garnish with bananas and peanuts, if desired.

Serve immediately.

Note: Many people these days are trying to get more protein and fiber in their diet. This smoothie features 7 g fiber and 21 g protein. Plus, it’s got a nutritious boost of calcium. Enjoy!

RECIPE CONTEST

Win a $100 energy bill credit!

Sandwiches and Wraps, due May 1; Best Potato Dishes, due July 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.

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REFUELING SHAKE

Mary Kaminski, Ontonagon REA 1 cup almond milk 1 cup ice cubes • big dollop of peanut butter 1 banana, sliced Blend all ingredients till smooth and enjoy! You can make it thicker or thinner with more ice or almond milk, respectively. You can also add a squeeze of chocolate syrup to give it a new flavor.

Note: A great drink post-exercise as it is important to refuel after exercise to replenish calories and restore glycogen levels (as per Nancy Clark, sports nutritionist). It can also be enjoyed any time you need a boost of energy, quick calories, or a healthy treat.

FRUIT SMOOTHIE

David Gibson, Midwest Energy & Communications 1 cup Greek yogurt 1 cup spinach or kale 1½ cups frozen fruit (your choice) • Honey to taste 1 cup milk or juice Add all ingredients to a blender and blend until smooth.

MORNING SMOOTHIE

Rosemary Malbin, Great Lakes Energy 1 protein shake (any brand, flavor, and protein count of your choice) ¼ cup cottage cheese 1 avocado or banana ¼ cup your choice of nuts Add all ingredients in a blender and pulse until nuts are pulverized.

MICHIGAN COUNTRY LINES 11

The Power of Lineworkers Any time your power goes out, there are dedicated Cherryland lineworkers who get out of bed, leave their families, and brave the challenges that come with northern Michigan weather to get your lights back on. These crews dedicate their lives to ensuring that every Cherryland member has access to an essential resource—electricity.

It’s hard work and an important reason we celebrate Lineworker Appreciation Month in April. Whether it’s restoring an outage or providing routine maintenance to prevent outages, their commitment is proof that Cherryland members have the best line crews in the business.

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Restoring Power When the power goes out, every second counts: Cherryland line crews are always ready to respond— making sure you don’t miss out on any important moments, even if it means missing out theirs. “We understand what it is like to be out of power and the difficulties it presents, so we are working as quickly and safely as possible to get people back on,” said Chad Cordner, journeyman lineman, 11 years.

Reliable Power While our lineworkers are well known for restoring outages after a storm, it’s the work they do when skies are clear that prevents the lights from ever going out. Every day, they work to maintain, upgrade, and build out our local grid giving our members the best reliability in the state. “What I find most rewarding is providing a service people need and rely on,” said Eric Brown, apprentice lineman, 4 years.

Essential Power These days, we rely heavily on electricity; imagine how you feel when the power is out for 15 minutes, let alone 15 hours. Electricity will often need to be restored before other essential services can get to work.

Our line crews understand and value the importance of their work. “I find storm work the most rewarding; it is a good feeling to know that we are the people who can get the job done and get the power back on. There is no one coming in behind us; people are depending on us to do our jobs and fix the problems. That is a rewarding feeling,” said Brad Norton, journeyman lineman, 7 years.

TRAINING 7,000 hours of on-the-job training 600+ hours of classroom and hands-on training at the Joint MI apprenticeship program 3-4 years of committed work to graduate and become a journeyman lineworker

ALWAYS ON CALL Every lineworker spends a total of 13 scheduled weeks on call.

Every lineworker spends a total of 73 days, or 20% of the year, ready to respond at a moment’s notice.

The most common reasons crews are called in while on call include weather, equipment failures, animals, and accidents.

Cherryland has 14 lineworkers to cover more than 3,228 miles of line.

The average person works 2,080 hours per year; lineworkers work an average of 2,600 hours per year. That’s 25% or 3 months more work!

LINEWORKERS’ SUPERPOWER You can’t put a number on the amount of time with family and friends, including holidays and events that lineworkers miss to restore power for everyone else.

MICHIGAN COUNTRY LINES 13

! l l a B y a l P CELEBRATING BASEBALL’S RETURN AND ITS COMMUNITY IMPACT

By Yvette Pecha

T

here are perhaps no two words in the English language that can evoke as much excitement and hope as “Play ball!”

Baseball season is around the corner, and folks all over the country are rejoicing in its return.

In Michigan and other states with long, cold winters, the return of baseball also signifies a return to spring and embracing the outdoors. Daffodils are starting to push through the soil and robin sightings are becoming more frequent, but for some, the season’s true arrival is marked by the crack of a bat.

Beyond the Big Leagues: the Traverse City Pit Spitters Many of us will pay close attention to the Detroit Tigers, who came out of nowhere last season to make it to the playoffs for the first time in 10 years.

But the allure of baseball is not limited to those in large city locales with professional teams.

“Here, baseball isn’t just about the sport itself,” said Traverse City Pit Spitters General Manager Jacqueline Holm. “The Pit Spitters are a community asset—they’re part of the fabric that makes Traverse City a great place to live and work.” The team is part of the Northwoods League, which serves as a career development hub for collegiate players once the college baseball season ends. The league also has five softball teams; their inaugural season was in 2024.

A Unique Fan Experience Holm says the small-scale operation brings a sense of belonging that might not be found in the big leagues.

“Accessibility is really unparalleled. If you’re at a Tigers game, you’re not ever going to get the chance to talk to the catcher,” she said. “At this level, you can get to know the usher in your section,

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you can go to local entertainment events tied in to the team. And you could be seeing history in the making— many of these players have big-league potential and it’s just a matter of time before they get called up.” In fact, in recent years, more than 160 Northwoods League alumni have been drafted annually, and since 2019, 18 have come from the Pit Spitters’ roster.

Economic Impact and Community Support In addition to offering spectators an intimate experience, the Pit Spitters are a vital part of the Traverse City business community—creating jobs, stimulating local entertainment spending, and providing visibility for other small businesses. Holm says the team has a $1.5 to $2 million impact each year. Because Turtle Creek Stadium, a Cherryland Electric Cooperative member and the Pit Spitters’ home base, is privately owned and funded, local support is vital to the success of the team. “Every dollar we make, we reinvest into the facility and the fan experience,” said Holm. “We continue to create this long-term, sustainable partnership so we can stay around and continue to make a difference in the community.”

“The Pit Spitters are a community asset–they’re part of the fabric that makes Traverse City a great place to live and work.”

Giving Back: the Pit Spitters Community Foundation In keeping with the spirit of giving back, the Pit Spitters Community Foundation was established last year.

The foundation strives to support local philanthropic initiatives, help other nearby organizations thrive, and enrich the lives of local youth and their families. Part of these efforts include hosting two annual youth baseball clinics where players, coaching staff, and team managers work with the kids on technique and conditioning.

The foundation also hosts seven 50/50 raffles during Pit Spitters home games and oversees a jersey auction, with proceeds benefiting various community programs and initiatives.

The Power of Baseball The philanthropy and sense of community wouldn’t be possible, however, without the spirit of and love for the game. “Everyone really rallies around this sport,” said Holm.

“Baseball is one of the universal languages. Anyone can turn on a TV or go to a Little League game, and they’re going to understand what’s happening. Simply, it’s a great unifier, and I love what it does for those who live, work, and play in this area.”

Want to catch all the action and experience the

excitement of Pit Spitters baseball? Check out the 2025 schedule, grab your tickets, and get ready for an unforgettable season!

Turtle Creek Stadium 333 Stadium Drive, Traverse City, MI 49685 northwoodsleague.com/traverse-city-pit-spitters 231-943-0100 Follow the team on Facebook & Instagram: @tcpitspitters Don’t miss your chance to cheer on the team and be part of the Pit Spitters community!

MICHIGAN COUNTRY LINES 15

Your Board In Action February 2025 • The board of directors held a rate hearing to gather member input regarding the proposed rate change. The board unanimously passed the two-phase rate increase, the first phase of which will appear on members’ bills in May. • The chief operating officer recapped outages related to a February wind storm. 1,500 of the 1,800 members impacted had power restored within about 15 minutes. He highlighted how Cherryland’s investments in grid technology saved critical outage minutes and kept the lights on for many members.

• The board of directors approved a contract for facility design services.

• The Cherryland Board of Directors voted to renominate Melinda Lautner to serve as one of Cherryland’s two seats on the Wolverine Power Cooperative Board of Directors.

CLEAN

+ AFFORDABLE + RELIABLE ENERGY

WE WERE CLEAN BEFORE IT WAS C MICHIGAN ELECTRIC COOPERATIVES

2030

100% CARBON-FREE BY 2040 Learn more at wolverinepowercooperative.com/100by2030

L.

MI CO-OP Photo Contest

NIGHTTIME NARR ATIVES MOST VOTES

1. MOST VOTES Andrea Kissel—“Aurora corona” 2. Peggy Sue Zinn—“God’s creation” 3. Lynnett Vanderwal—“No filter NoMi lights” 4. Robert Smith—“Milky Way over Spider Lake Lighthouse” 5. Nicole Schlimme—“Moon River”

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6. Joel Wegman—“Full moon over Lake Michigan and the Manistique Lighthouse”

Enter to win up to $200 off your energy bill!

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Submit Your “Lighthouse Legends” Photos By April 25!

Submit your best photo and encourage your friends to vote!

The photo receiving the most votes in our Facebook contest will be printed in an issue of Country Lines, along with some of our other favorites. Our April theme is Lighthouse Legends!

Photos can be submitted through April 25 to be featured in our June issue.

Enter Your Photos And Win A Bill Credit! To enter the contest, visit cherrylandelectric.coop/ photo-contest or visit facebook. com/cherrylandelectriccoop for a link to the current photo contest. Enter your picture, cast your vote, and encourage others to vote for you as well. If your photo is printed in Country Lines during 2025, you will be entered to win a credit of up to $200 on your December 2025 bill.

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2025

NO BARRIERS

ADVENTURES FOR PEOPLE AFFECTED BY DISABILITIES—APPLY BY MAY 15 IN-PERSON EXPEDITIONS & EXPERIENCES TAKING PLACE JUNE-SEPTEMBER

No Barriers Programs Serve: • People with disabilities • Veterans with disabilities • Youth with disabilities & their families • Family caregivers Michigan electric cooperatives believe there should be “No Barriers” for people affected by disabilities.

That’s the name and idea behind CoBank’s No Barriers initiative. Michigan cooperatives are seeking affected adults, veterans*, youth, and caregivers from our local community to participate in No Barriers’ multi-day basecamp experiences and backcountry experiences, where participants will learn to overcome challenges and leave ready to elevate their lives and communities.

Full and partial scholarship opportunities for qualified applicants** *Must have VA disability rating to be eligible. **Fundraising required for those who do not qualify for a scholarship.

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Apply by May 15 to be considered!

In-person programs run from June to September Learn more & apply: nobarriersusa.org Contact us: info@nobarriersusa.org 970-484-3633, ext. 201

Don’t miss this chance to embark on an unforgettable journey. Apply today!

Geothermal Made Affordable

The most affordable heating and cooling solution for rural homeowners.

Save big with hybrid geothermal.

I love the system.

It saved over 1,000 gallons of propane the first year.

Thank you, thank you, thank you!

- Robert S, a MEC co-op member

Connect with Your Local Installer (989) 356-2113 wellconnectgeo.com

Add a Well-Connect to your furnace in one day.

cherrylandelectric.coop

We thank electrical lineworkers for their commitment to powering our local communities.

A P R I L 18, 2025