April 2025 GLE

Great Lakes Energy Cooperative

April 2025

MICHIGAN COUNTRY LINES

Play Ball!

CELEBRATING BASEBALL’S RETURN AND ITS COMMUNITY IMPACT Three Openings On GLE Board Unlock The Power Of Truestream Get Connected With GLE Next

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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The Power To Make A Difference

By Shaun Lamp, Great Lakes Energy President/CEO

BOARD OF DIRECTORS Howard Bowersox, Chair, District 8 219-670-0977 hbowersox@glenergy.com Janet Andersen, Vice Chair, District 6 231-690-4622 jandersen@glenergy.com Paul Byl, Secretary, District 7 231-742-2643 pbyl@glenergy.com Dale Farrier, Treasurer, District 5 231-564-0853 dfarrier@glenergy.com Mark Carson, District 2 231-675-0561 mcarson@glenergy.com David Coveyou, Director, District 1 231-347-4056 dcoveyou@glenergy.com Richard Evans, Director, District 3 231-883-3146 revans@glenergy.com John LaForge, Director, District 9 269-623-2284 jlaforge@glenergy.com Mary O’Connell, Director, District 4 517-974-5797 moconnell@glenergy.com PRESIDENT/CEO: Shaun Lamp 888-485-2537 COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR: Brett Streby 231-487-1389 • bstreby@glenergy.com BOYNE CITY HEADQUARTERS 1323 Boyne Ave. Boyne City, MI 49712 Call center hours: 7 a.m.–5:30 p.m. M–F Phone: 888-485-2537 Email: glenergy@glenergy.com TO REPORT AN OUTAGE: Call 888-485-2537 or login to your account at gtlakes.com or the GLE mobile app.

Change of Address: 888-485-2537, ext. 8924 Great Lakes Energy is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

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At GLE, when we talk about working hard to “empower our members,” we mean much more than providing the reliable electric and internet services you depend on in your day-to-day lives.

True empowerment extends beyond service—it’s about strengthening your home, your community, and your future.

With Earth Day just around the corner, I wanted to highlight some of the many ways we are making a difference in the community and empowering you, our members, to do the same.

Smarter Energy Use One way we do this is through the consumer analytics tools that we offer through members’ online accounts and the GLE mobile app. These tools analyze your home’s energy consumption patterns to generate a data-driven estimate of how much the various types of appliances and systems in your home are contributing to the electric use shown on your monthly bill. This information may point you to steps you can take to reduce your home’s energy use. One of those energy-saving steps might include upgrading to new, more efficient appliances or systems for your home.

thousands of GLE members reduce their energy consumption by upgrading to new, more efficient products. Last year, we made it even easier to take advantage of these rebates by moving the processing for all residential Energy Wise rebates online. The new, more streamlined process eliminates the need to mail in forms and has reduced the time it takes for members to apply for and receive their rebates.

A Stronger, More Resilient Community Beyond the numbers, these efforts strengthen our community’s resilience. By reducing peak demand, we’re ensuring a more reliable power grid for everyone. This means fewer disruptions and a more stable energy future, allowing our community to thrive.

Another way we empower our members to make a difference in the community is through our People Fund program.

Using contributions from members who agree to have their monthly electric bills rounded up, the program awards grants twice each year to nonprofit organizations that positively impact the communities we serve. Many of the grants support programs and projects that enhance outdoor recreation opportunities and encourage nature education and stewardship.

A Call To Action This Earth Day

That’s where our Energy Wise program comes in. The program offers rebates on the purchase of a wide range of energy-efficient appliances and systems for your home and many rebates for energy-saving products and systems for business and commercial applications.

This Earth Day, let’s celebrate the power of community and our shared commitment to a sustainable future. Small actions—whether it’s monitoring your energy use, upgrading to efficient appliances, or supporting local nonprofits—add up to meaningful change.

In 2024, we processed more than 2,000 Energy Wise rebates, helping

I’m proud to stand with you in creating a brighter, more empowering future.

gtlakes.com

/greatlakesenergy

/jointruestream

Get Connected With GLE NEXT The application deadline is fast approaching for community leaders who are interested in learning more about Great Lakes Energy through the 2025 GLE Next program.

Established in 2023 and expanded to two sessions in 2024, the GLE Next program fosters relationships with community leaders in the areas the cooperative serves through a day-long visit to the cooperative’s offices.

GLE Next 2025 dates April 24 at the Boyne City headquarters (Application deadline: April 10)

This immersive experience is filled with informative presentations and demonstrations about GLE and the impact the local electric cooperative has on the community.

May 7 at the Newaygo office (Application deadline: April 23)

Through the GLE Next program, participants will learn about topics including: • • • • • • • • • •

The structure of GLE Electric generation and distribution Metering and reliability Renewable energy Electric vehicles Truestream fiber internet Board of directors roles and responsibilities Impact on the community Inner workings of a cooperative The people behind the process

If you are an established or aspiring local community or business leader interested in learning more about what makes GLE tick and becoming an important part of the cooperative’s community outreach and engagement efforts, please visit gtlakes.com/ community-outreach/ to apply.

Contact Julie Bailey at (231) 487-1328 or via email at jbailey@glenergy.com for more information.

KEEP YOUR COOL

WITH A HEAT PUMP Don’t let the name fool you! Heat pumps are great for both heating and cooling your home.

Energy efficient air-source and ground-source heat pump systems can offer significant savings on your energy bill compared to many traditional heating and cooling systems.

BONUS BUCKS: In addition to what you’ll save on energy costs, Great Lakes Energy’s Energy Wise program offers rebates of up to $2,000 on the purchase and installation of qualifying home heat pump systems.

To learn more about the heat pump rebates available through the Energy Wise program, visit gtlakes.com/energy-wise/ today!

Call 888-476-9534 or visit gtlakes.com/energy-wise today!

*Incentives and offers subject to change or cancellation at any time.

Offer available to qualified members.

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.

MICHIGAN COUNTRY LINES

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Three Openings On GLE Board Nominating petitions are available in three districts for Great Lakes Energy (GLE) members who wish to seek election to the cooperative’s board of directors.

Three board positions, each for three years, will need to be filled. Qualifying GLE members who reside in districts 6, 8, or 9 can seek election to the board.

Counties by district are: District 6 – Lake and Mason counties District 8 – Clare, Mecosta, Newaygo, and Osceola counties District 9 – A llegan, Barry, Kent, Montcalm, and Ottawa counties The terms of directors Janet Andersen of Ludington (District 6), Howard Bowersox of Stanwood (District 8), and John LaForge of Delton (District 9) expire this year.

The three incumbents plan to seek reelection.

To get a name on the ballot, qualifying member-owners of the electric cooperative who maintain a primary residence within its service area must file a nominating petition.

Janet Andersen District 6

Howard Bowersox District 8

John LaForge District 9

Petitions must be signed by at least 50 active GLE members within the candidate’s district. Completed petitions are due by noon on June 13, 2025, at the GLE office in Boyne City.

Visit gtlakes.com/board-of-directors to request a petition or learn more.

1 EMMET

Beaver Island

When Do We Vote?

CHEBOYGAN

2 CHARLEVOIX

Great Lakes Energy members elect a candidate from within their district to the cooperative’s board of directors once every three years.

ANTRIM

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Find the district in which you reside below to determine when you will receive a mail-in ballot that will accompany the annual election issue of Michigan Country Lines in July. The ballots also include instructions on how members can take advantage of an online voting option.

2025 Election District 6 – Lake and Mason counties District 8 – Clare, Mecosta, Newaygo, and Osceola counties District 9 – Allegan, Barry, Kent, Montcalm, and Ottawa counties

2026 Election District 3 – Antrim County District 4 – Crawford, Montmorency, Oscoda, and Otsego counties District 5 – G rand Traverse, Kalkaska, Manistee, Missaukee, and Wexford counties

2027 Election District 1 – Emmet County District 2 – Charlevoix and Cheboygan counties District 7 – Muskegon and Oceana counties

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GRAND TRAVERSE

MANISTEE

MASON

OCEANA

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6

OTSEGO

4

KALKASKA CRAWFORD

5

WEXFORD MISSAUKEE

OSCEOLA

LAKE

8

CLARE

MECOSTA

NEWAYGO

MUSKEGON

9

MONTCALM

KENT OTTAWA

ALLEGAN

BARRY

MONTMORENCY

OSCODA

GLE Photo Contest

NIGHTTIME NARR ATIVES MOST VOTES

1. MOST VOTES Snuggles while camping, Lynne Jutila, Stanwood 2. Northern lights—Gaylord, Michigan, Tracy Smith, Gaylord 3. The roar of the northern lights, Sheila Melke, Charlevoix 4. Moonfall, Debbie Andrews, Reed City 5. Snowmen warming by the fire, Beth Pipe, Baldwin

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6. Mancelona moonrise: Bitter cold beauty, Kathy Lightbody, Mancelona

Enter to win a $200 energy bill credit!

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Submit Your “Lighthouse Legends” Photos By April 25!

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

Our April theme is Lighthouse Legends. Photos can be submitted by April 25 to be featured in the June issue.

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How To Enter: Enter the contest at gtlakes.com/ photocontest/. Make sure to vote and encourage others to vote for you, too. The photo receiving the most votes will be printed in an issue of Michigan Country Lines along with other favorites. All photos printed in the magazine in 2025 will be entered into a drawing to win a $200 bill credit in December 2025.

MICHIGAN COUNTRY LINES

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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

Unlock More Member Benefits With The GLE Mobile App Since its founding in the 1930s, Great Lakes Energy has been a key part of our members’ lives, providing reliable electricity and—since 2018—internet services that power your daily lives. But we also offer our members much more, and the key to unlocking many of those added member benefits is just a few taps away in the GLE mobile app. The same features are also available to members through their online accounts.

Both of these online options open the door to convenience, communication, and many enhanced services for our members. Let’s take a closer look:

Your key to convenience With the GLE mobile app, members can easily perform many common account-related tasks anytime, day or night.

• Pay your bill: Say “goodbye” to the cost and hassle of writing checks, paying for postage, and trips to the post office when you pay our GLE and Truestream bills online or through the mobile app.

• Set up or modify automatic bill payment: Enjoyed added bill-paying convenience and peace of mind by signing up for automatic bill payments.

• Cut the clutter: Whether you take advantage of automatic bill payment or manually pay your bill each month, you can cut the clutter around your house by signing up for paperless billing for your GLE account. (Note: paperless billing is now required for Truestream accounts.)

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• Enroll in the People Fund: GLE’s People Fund has awarded more than $4.8 million in grants to community nonprofit organizations since 1999 using money collected from members who agree to have their monthly electric bills rounded up. Want to help make an even bigger difference in the community, select an additional contribution above your monthly round-up amount through the People Fund Plus program.

Your key to savings The GLE mobile app is also your gateway to potentially energy- and money-saving information about your home’s energy use.

Since early 2024 we have offered a suite of consumer analytics tools that provide a much more detailed look at what types of uses make up your home’s total electric consumption each month.

This consumer analytics program does not directly detect the electric use of your home’s appliances and systems. Instead, it analyzes your home’s electric consumption patterns to estimate the types of electric use taking place. Members can use this approximated data to look for opportunities to save on their energy bills.

• Energy Detail: This tool provides a breakdown of the types of uses that make up your home’s overall energy use such as heating, cooling, laundry, cooking, lighting, water heating, and always-on.

• Bill Comparison: Using this tool to compare your home’s energy use in each category varies over time may be useful in determining how weather or other seasonal changes might be impacting your electric use.

• Build Your Home Profile: To get even better results from the consumer analytics tools, you can complete the home profile survey. By answering a series of questions about your home and the types of appliances and systems in it, you can get more refined results for your home.

• My Recommendations: This tool will offer you energyand money-saving tips tailored to your home’s specific use patterns.

Your key to keeping connected GLE’s mobile app also offers you many ways to help us stay connected with you.

• Update your contact information: It’s important that the contact information we have for you is up to date. You can use the app to verify the information we have on file is correct and make any necessary modifications.

• Manage your notifications: GLE offers notifications for many types of events related to billing, consumer analytics, electric usage, account changes, outages, and more. The app allows you to choose which of these notifications you wish to receive and designate the cell phone number and/or email address to which you’d like the messages sent.

• Outage notifications: Stay in the know when the power goes out with GLE’s outage notifications. When you enroll in outage notifications through the app, you’ll receive alerts by your choice of text or email when an outage affecting your service has been reported or detected by our system, when the outage has been verified, when a crew has been dispatched to restore the outage, and when the service has been restored. You can also report an outage using the mobile app.

The GLE mobile app is available for download for iPhones through Apple’s App Store and through Google Play store for Android devices. Look for the GLE logo to make sure you are downloading the correct app.

Using the app is easy.

If you already have your GLE online account set up, just enter the same credentials (email/password combination) you use for your online account login.

If you haven’t yet set up your online account, you can register in a few simple steps either through the app’s login page or by visiting gtlakes.com and clicking on the red “log in to your account” box.

GET IT ON

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,

14 APRIL 2025

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

Building Community Connections At Great Lakes Energy, we are committed to empowering our members in ways that go well beyond providing you with the reliable electric and internet services that power your lives.

We strive to provide you with the tools and opportunities to make a difference not only in your life but also in the communities you call home.

One of the many ways we achieve this goal is by helping you make your home and your life more efficient.

ENERGY WISE

EFFICIENT REBATE PROCESSING

POWERING INNOVATION

Upgrading to new, more energyefficient home appliances and systems is a great way to reduce your home’s energy use. For example, a new Energy Star-rated refrigerator will use as much as 35% less electricity than a similar older unit and an air-source heat pump can reduce your energy consumption for heating by as much as 75%.

In 2024, GLE enhanced the energy-saving power of the Energy Wise program by moving all residential rebate processing to an online system. The new process eliminates the need to fill out and return paper forms, which is especially efficient for people using a smartphone to submit their applications. Simply take a photo of the receipt or invoice needed for your application and upload it to the site directly from your phone.

We also offer help for members who are interested in taking advantage of the fuel cost and carbon emission savings that come with an electric vehicle.

The rebates available through GLE’s Energy Wise program make upgrading to these and many other energy-saving products more affordable.

In 2024, GLE processed 2,032 Energy Wise rebates.

The online rebate process also means members now receive their rebates much sooner than with the paper-based system.

The Energy Wise program offers rebates on the purchase and permanent installation of a level 2 EV charger in members’ homes.

In 2024, 43 members took advantage of one of these rebates.

We also offer EV charging stations at seven locations across our service area. In 2024, those stations logged more than 2,000 charging sessions which translates into more than 9,000 gallons of gasoline saved

Learn more about the Energy Wise program at: gtlakes.com/energy-wise/ 16 APRIL 2025

Learn How To Harness The Power Of Truestream In 2018, GLE took the biggest step in empowering our members since we first brought electricity to unserved rural areas in the 1930s with the launch of our Truestream fiberto-the-home internet service.

Today more than 25,000 GLE members are enjoying the power of high-speed internet in their homes—many of them for the first time.

While this type of internet access opens up a world of possibilities, from streaming your favorite movies and TV shows to video chats with loved ones, for some people, it also opens up a new list of terminology and skills that they must learn to make the best use of these new opportunities.

If this describes you, don’t worry. GLE and Truestream have the keys to help you safely unlock the full potential of having high-speed internet at your fingertips.

In 2023, GLE was awarded over $46 million in grant funding to help expand the Truestream fiber network to underserved areas, including parts of Otsego, Kalkaska, and Antrim counties. These funds not only support the construction of high-speed internet in these areas but also digital literacy efforts to ensure the community can fully benefit from this connectivity.

As part of this effort, we have teamed up with the Otsego County Library, Kalkaska County Library, and Elk Rapids District Library to offer free digital literacy training and resources to the community throughout 2025. The initiative supports residents as they take full advantage of expanded high-speed internet access provided by the Truestream network.

Here’s a look at some of the topics covered: • • • • • •

Internet Basics Cybersecurity Basics Mobile Device Basics Healthy Social Media Habits for Tweens and Teens Better Smartphones for Seniors Introduction to Canva

Because class topics and schedules are regularly updated, we encourage you to call or visit each library’s website for the most up-to-date information on the class offerings.

For more digital literacy resources, including links to our three partner libraries, visit: truestreamfiber.com/digital-literacy.

MICHIGAN COUNTRY LINES 17

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.

18 APRIL 2025

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.

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

A P R I L 18, 2025