COUNTRY LINES
Conserving
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
Allendale
Allendale Htg & Clg (800) 327-1937 allendaleheating.com
Berrien Springs WaterFurnace Michiana (269) 473-5667 gogreenmichgeo thermal.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
Holland G.H.P. Systems Inc. (616) 396-5833 ghpsystems-inc.com
Indian River M&M Plmb & Htg (231) 238-7201 mm-plumbing.com
Lansing Candor Mechanical (517) 920-0890 candormechanical.com
Michigan Center Comfort 1/Air Serv of Southern Michigan (517) 764-1500 airserv.com/southernmichigan/
Mt Pleasant
Walton Htg & Clg (989) 772-4822 waltonheating.com
Portage
Bel Aire Htg & Clg
1-888-235-2473 belaire.com
Portland ESI Htg & Clg (517) 647-6906 esiheating.com
Sunfield
Mark Woodman Plmb & Htg (517) 886-1138 mwphonline.com
Three Rivers
Bel Aire Htg & Clg 1-888-235-2473 belaire.com
Traverse City
Geofurnace Htg & Clg (231) 943-1000 geofurnace.com
Alger Delta Electric: up to $2,000
C h erryland Electric: up to $2,500
Cloverland: up to $6,275
Great Lakes Energy: up to $5,000
H omeworks/Tri-County Electric: up to $4,750
Presque Isle Electric & Gas Co-op: up to $4,750
Thumb Electric: up to $2,000
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.
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
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.
Portland office/Mail payments to:
7973 E. Grand River Ave.
Portland, MI 48875
Open 8 a.m.–5 p.m. Monday–Friday Blanchard office:
3681 Costabella Ave. Blanchard, MI 49310
Open 8 a.m.–5 p.m. Monday–Friday Night deposit box available at both locations.
Electric bill/account questions:
517-647-7554 or 1-800-562-8232
Pay by phone, anytime: 1-844-963-2875
Service questions/outages:
517-647-7554 or 1-800-848-9333 (24 hours for emergency calls)
Tri-County Propane: 1-877-574-2740
HomeWorks Connect 1-800-668-8413
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
District 1 — John Lord, Vice-Chairman 2276 Plains Rd., Leslie, MI 49251 517-974-2518 • jlord@homeworks.org
District 2 — Jim Stebbins 7139 Peddler Lake Rd., Clarksville, MI 48815 517-930-8132 • jstebbins@homeworks.org
District 3 — Luke Pohl, Chairman 15560 W. Hanses Rd., Westphalia, MI 48894 989-292-0427 • lpohl@homeworks.org
District 4 — Jake Borton 7543 E. Edgar Rd., Vestaburg, MI 48891 989-506-3404 • jborton@homeworks.org
District 5 — Theresa Sopocy 6996 E. Wilson Rd., Bannister, MI 48807 989-292-0295 • tsopocy@homeworks.org
District 6 — Dave Livermore
8060 W. Airline Rd., Weidman, MI 48893 989-289-3019 • dlivermore@homeworks.org
District 7 — Shirley Sprague, Secretary-Treasurer 15563 45th Ave., Barryton, MI 49305 989-382-7535 • ssprague@homeworks.org
Editor: Charly Markwart, CCC cmarkwart@homeworks.org
It's Your Co-op: Own It By Attending Your Virtual District Meeting
By Chris O’Neill, President/CEO
Spring is in the air, and here at HomeWorks, that means it’s virtual district meeting time!
Our district meetings provide a grassroots opportunity for you to learn more about the Co-op you own and engage with us on the issues that are most important to you. The meetings are informative, fun, and fast-paced—we try to keep them to about an hour—and you can attend from the comfort of your couch!
You can read more details about our virtual district meetings, including your meeting date, on pages 16 and 17 of this issue. It’s important that you also watch your mailbox and your email inbox this month for specific information on registering for and attending your meeting. For now, though, I want to whet your appetite with the top-four reasons that I think you should join us at your 2025 livestreamed virtual district meeting:
• To become more engaged with your Co-op: As a member-owner of HomeWorks, you have a voice and a vote in everything we do, so it’s important to stay involved and up to date on our operations. At your district meeting, you'll get to take part in the democracy of the Co-op at your brief business meeting, where you'll elect your district's officers. Plus, your district director and I will provide you with a great summary of everything your Co-op has been up to over the past year.
• To learn about all the ways we can serve you: You know about the reliable electric service we provide to your home, but at your district meeting, we’ll provide helpful info on our other services, like HomeWorks Connect highspeed internet, HomeWorks Tri-County Propane, our energy optimization program, our renewable energy options, electric outage text alerts, our free SmartHub app, and more.
• To hear about HomeWorks’ impact on your community: Thanks to the support of members like you, we’ve been able to donate funds to several local food banks, schools, charitable organizations, and families throughout the past year. We’re excited to tell you about the difference those donations have made for your neighbors in need.
• To win big prizes! We love to give prizes to our members, and this year’s virtual district meetings will be no different. There will be three different ways to win great prizes like a portable fire pit, a cordless leaf blower, HomeWorks bill credits, and much more. And all you have to do for the chance to win is log on to your meeting!
In addition to the feature on pages 16-17 of this issue, you can find more info on our 2025 virtual district meetings at HomeWorks.org/districtmeetings. We are really looking forward to the opportunity to engage with you and your neighbors at your meeting. I hope you'll make plans to attend!
OSCEOLA CLARE
MECOSTA
For these guys, being a hero is just part of the job description.
#ThankALineworker
April 18 is National Lineworker Appreciation Day, b ut, to tell you the truth, we think our HomeWorks lineworkers deserve our grat itude all year-round. This month is just a great reminder to thank these hardworking heroes for all they do every day to keep the lights on for our 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.
Cooperation Among Cooperatives
Mutual aid is a direct refl ection 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
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.
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.
Stronger Together
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.
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 fi rst 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.
Go Green, Get Green for Recycling and Replacing Appliances
Celebrate Earth Day and put some extra cash in your pocket with HomeWorks! Residential members are eligible to receive cash rebates through our Energy Optimization Appliance Recycling program. Go green and get green for recycling your old working-condition appliances—and we’ll pick them up for free!
Why recycle appliances?
Appliance recycling is the right route to take, considering some appliances require special care when it comes to disposal. For instance, the refrigerants from your home freezer or fridge are required by law to be removed! Other benefits of proper recycling include:
1. Preventing hazardous materials (like those refrigerants) from ending up in a landfill.
2. Reducing carbon emissions.
3. Reducing energy consumption by removing old, inefficient products from use.
Looking for a new appliance?
Once you’ve recycled your old appliances, you may be interested in replacing them with a newer, more efficient option. As a HomeWorks member, you have access to savings on qualifying new appliances through the Energy Optimization program. From refrigerators and freezers to washers and dryers, you can receive rebates to help offset the cost of your new equipment. Visit homeworks.org/eo for a full list of appliance rebates.
Schedule your FREE pickup today!
What better time to recycle your old appliances and save some energy (and money)? The Appliance Recycling program is seasonal and runs from April–October. Beginning Monday, April 7, contact the HomeWorks Energy Optimization team Monday through Friday from 8 a.m.–5 p.m. EST at 877-296-4319 to schedule an appointment.
Questions about the Energy Optimization program? Visit homeworks.org/eo or give us a call at 877-296-4319 to learn more about our available offerings.
Nighttime Narratives
1. MOST VOTES A late night walk during the first snowfall of the season!! Courtney Thompson, Evart
2. Northern light show. Allie Strong, Mt. Pleasant
3. Northern lights in Day Township, Montcalm County. Breann Bonga, Stanton
4. Mass ascension, 51st Annual Albuquerque Balloon Festival. Nancy Eaves, DeWitt
5. Twin trees holding the moon! Evelyn David, Portland
6. There’s a full moon risin’. Vicki Knighten, Eaton Rapids
7. The Mighty Mac. Doug Lautzenheiser, Vermontville
8. Ships wait in line 24 hours or more before they can pass through the Panama Canal. A view from our balcony at Dreams Playa Bonita Beach in 2024. Casie Bayless, Portland
9. Northern lights at Ludington State Park. Valerie Wohlscheid-Brennan, Grand Ledge
10. The moon, big and bright one October night. Debra Cu, Mt. Pleasant
Submit Your “Lighthouse Legends” Photos By April 25! Each month, HomeWorks members are able to submit photos on our website for our photo contest. The photo receiving the most votes is published here, along with some other selections from that month. Our April theme is Lighthouse Legends. Photos can be submitted through April 25 to be featured in our June issue.
To enter the contest, visit HomeWorks.org/photocontest . Enter your picture, cast your vote, and encourage others to vote for you, too. If your photo is published in Country Lines during 2025, you will be entered into a drawing for a chance to win one of four $100 credits on your December 2025 HomeWorks bill!
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 fi ber in their diet. This smoothie features 7 g fi ber and 21 g protein. Plus, it’s got a nutritious boost of calcium. Enjoy!
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.
Embracing Cooperative
Principle #5 – Education, Training, & Information
Congratulations to HomeWorks District 6 Director Dave Livermore, who earned his Credentialed Cooperative Director (CCD) certificate from the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association in January. Here, HomeWorks Board Secretary-Treasurer Shirley Sprague is seen presenting Director Livermore with a framed certificate honoring his achievement at the Co-op’s February board meeting.
The CCD program consists of five courses that focus on basic governance knowledge and the essential skills required of cooperative directors. The CCD prepares directors to fulfill their fiduciary duty as elected officials serving on behalf of their membership. Director Livermore was elected to the HomeWorks board in 2024.
Your Board In Action
Meeting in Portland on Feb. 24, your board of directors:
• Approved Feb. 19, 2025, as the Record Date for determining the members eligible to receive notice of the Co-op’s 2025 district meetings and director elections and acknowledged the official Record Numbers of active members per district as of that date.
• After careful review of the National Telecommunications and Information Administration’s Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program and the criteria to apply, unanimously authorized management to apply to the BEAD program and amend the 2025 HomeWorks Connect operating budget to include fees for a consultant to assist in the application process.
• Voted unanimously to hold the Co-op’s Annual Meeting of Delegates virtually in 2025 due to the lack of availability of an adequate in-person facility for the event this
People Fund Supports Three Impactful Local Causes
Meeting remotely on March 5, our People Fund board made three grants totaling $2,000, including:
• $1,000 to the Mecosta County Habitat for Humanity, to purchase new shelving;
• $500 to the Chippewa-Martiny Fire Department, to purchase new fire gear; and
• $500 to Third Avenue Soup Kitchen in Big Rapids, to purchase food for their hot meal program.
year and the opportunity for costsavings with a virtual meeting.
• Authorized management to pursue a banking relationship with CoBank and to execute all required documents to establish CoBank as an additional financial partner for the Co-op.
• Re-elected Director Shirley Sprague to represent HomeWorks on the board of the Co-op’s power supplier, Wolverine Power Cooperative, for another two-year term.
• Elected Director Sprague as the Co-op’s voting delegate for the upcoming annual meeting of Wolverine Power Cooperative and Director John Lord as the alternate.
• Performed an annual review of the Co-op’s association memberships and dues.
• Reviewed and voted in favor of Wolverine Power Cooperative’s proposed Community Benefits Plan and supported its filing with the
USDA’s Rural Utilities Service (RUS) as a required part of Wolverine’s application for Empowering Rural America (New ERA) grant funding.
• Learned there were 75 new members in January.
• Acknowledged the January safety report, listing employee training as well as minor employee and public incidents involving electric, propane, or fiber optic.
Time Set Aside for Members to Comment Before Cooperative Board Meetings
The first 15 minutes of every board meeting are available for members who wish to address the board of directors on any subject. The next meetings are scheduled for 9 a.m. on April 21 at Blanchard and 9 a.m. on May 19 in Portland.
Members who wish to have items considered on the board agenda should call 517-647-7554 at least a week in advance of the meeting.
How to Apply for a Tri-County Electric People Fund Grant
The Tri-County Electric People Fund provides grants to individuals and organizations in the Coop’s service area for food, shelter, clothing, health, and other humane needs, or for programs or services that benefit a significant segment of a community.
Write to 7973 E. Grand River Ave., Portland, MI 48875 for an application form and grant guidelines, or visit the People Fund page at HomeWorks.org.
Note: Applications must be received by May 20 for the May meeting or by July 1 for the July meeting.
A SINCERE THANK YOU!
Thank you to the generous HomeWorks member in Mason who made a $1,000 donation to the People Fund last month! Donations can be made at HomeWorks.org/PeopleFund.
Make A Difference For Your Neighbors In Need!
Play Ball!
CELEBRATING BASEBALL’S RETURN AND ITS COMMUNITY IMPACT
By Yvette Pecha
There 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 signifi es 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 fi rst 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 fi ve 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,
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 raffl es during Pit Spitters home games and oversees a jersey auction, with proceeds benefi ting 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 unifi er, 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!
Attend your brief virtual meeting for the chance to win big prizes!
2025 Virtual District Meetings:
ENGAGE WITH Y OUR CO -OP FRO M Y OUR LIVING ROO M
Member participation in the democracy of the utility is one of the hallmarks of an electric cooperative, and our convenient virtual district meetings are one of our most popular member engagement opportunities each year. In addition to the opportunity to vote in your district's business meeting, your district meeting will provide you and your neighbors the opportunity to learn more about the Co-op you own, all from the comfort of your own home! Read on below for more details, and then make plans to attend your meeting this May!
This spring’s virtual events will follow the same format as the last few years, with lots of fresh content and exciting new highlights. Like last year, we’ll host an actual live virtual meeting in each of our seven districts, streamed to your device via the user-friendly Zoom Webinar digital platform. Members who don’t have internet accessibility will have the opportunity to call in and attend via phone.
"What's great about our virtual district meetings is that they are accessible to all members, from the busy young parents on the go to the homebound senior citizen curious to find out what's going on at the Co-op," says HomeWorks CEO Chris O'Neill. "We see such a wide demographic in attendance each year, and the cool thing is that they are asking questions and participating in the voting and truly engaging with us in a meaningful way. That kind of engagement makes for a strong and healthy cooperative, and that's the value of these virtual district meetings."
How Will The Livestreamed Virtual Format Work?
In April, each HomeWorks member will receive a meeting
invitation in the mail. The invitation will include your specific district meeting details, along with a registration link to RSVP to attend the virtual event. Once you RSVP, you’ll receive follow-up information with instructions on how to log on to Zoom Webinar the evening of your meeting.
In addition to your formal mailed invitation, we’ll also be sending out email updates, as well as posting information on our HomeWorks Facebook page and on our district meeting page at HomeWorks.org/districtmeetings.
When Will The Meetings Take Place?
Our 2025 district meeting dates will be as follows:
• District 1: Monday, May 5
• District 2: Tuesday, May 6
• District 3: Wednesday, May 7
• District 4: Thursday, May 8
• District 5: Monday, May 12
• District 6: Tuesday, May 13
• District 7: Wednesday, May 14
All meetings will take place from 6:30-7:30 p.m. Don’t worry if you don’t know which district you live in; your mailed invitation will include your district along with the date and time of your event. (You can also find this info on our district meeting page at HomeWorks.org/districtmeetings.)
What Will My Meeting Entail?
Your district meeting will be fast-paced and brief, but we’ll
“I learned so much about HomeWorks at my first virtual district meeting. It really made me feel like part of the Co-op. I can't wait to attend every year!”
~
HomeWorks Member Sarah V., 2024 Virtual District Meeting Attendee
cover a lot of exciting ground. You’ll hear from your district’s elected representative on our board of directors, receive a Co-op update encompassing all we’ve been up to over the past year, learn about the progress of our HomeWorks Connect internet business, hear about our recent community outreach, and more.
Why Should I Attend My District Meeting?
Electric cooperatives are different from investor-owned utilities because we’re owned by you, our members. That means that you have a voice and a vote in our operations, so it’s beneficial for you to stay engaged with what we are doing on a regular basis.
Plus, we’ve got a lot of important info planned to present to you, including an update on the historic restart of the Palisades Nuclear Power Plant. As always, we'll also take time to update you on our services beyond electricity that members ask about the most, including high-speed internet, propane, and energy efficiency rebates.
Your meeting will be brief—about an hour—and we think you’ll walk away with several takeaways that will make you glad you attended.
Will I Be Able To Ask Questions At My Virtual Meeting?
As usual, this year’s events will feature a live question-and-answer session. You’ll simply type your question into a chat box and our meeting moderator will pass it along to our CEO for his response.
I’m Not Tech-Savvy. Will I Have Trouble Attending?
You don’t need to have any prior experience with virtual meetings to attend your 2025 district meeting. Each member will receive an invitation in the mail including very simple instructions explaining how to log on. A few clicks, and you’ll be in! A phone number will also be provided on the invitation for any member who does need assistance logging on.
What If I Don’t Have Internet Service At Home?
High-speed broadband service is not required to use Zoom Webinar; all you need is a smartphone with decent cellular service. Even a landline phone will suffice to dial in for audio only. For any member who does experience connection issues, the meetings will be recorded and posted on our website for viewing at a later date.
Will There Be Prize Giveaways?
This year’s virtual district meetings will feature prizes galore! See the sidebar to the right for information on all of the ways to win.
Watch your mailbox and email inbox for more detailed information to come, or visit our district meeting page at HomeWorks.org/ districtmeetings.
Big, Just For Attending!
1. Early Bird Door Prizes:
As always, the first 30 members (or more, depending on the size of your district) in each district to register for (and then attend) their meeting will receive a $25 HomeWorks bill credit!
2. Traditional Prize Raffles:
Every member who attends will be entered for the chance to win raffle prizes including a portable fire pit, a cordless leaf blower, a Ring outdoor security camera, a WiFi-enabled air purifier, restaurant gift cards, $50 HomeWorks bill credits, and more!
3. Interactive Crossword Puzzle:
We're mixing things up again this year with our new interactive District Meeting Crossword Puzzle! Once you register to attend your virtual district meeting, you’ll receive a crossword puzzle in the mail with instructions on how to play along during your meeting. Fill out the crossword correctly and send it in after the meeting to be entered for the chance to win one of our exciting grand prizes!
NO BARRIERS 2025
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.
Your Virtual District Meeting
2025 Meeting Dates: Make Plans To Attend
District 1: Monday, May 5
District 2: Tuesday, May 6
District 3: Wednesday, May 7
District 4: Thursday, May 8
District 5: Monday, May 12
District 6: Tuesday, May 13
District 7: Wednesday, May 14
Learn more about your Co-op, plus be entered to win big prizes just for logging on! We can’t wait to “see” you there!
