Geothermal so comfortable, all the bases want to be home.
WaterFurnace geothermal home heating & cooling systems provide reliable operation 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year—rain or shine, day or night, windy or not. They use the stored solar energy in the ground to provide your family luxurious comfort and incredible savings. In fact, it’s the only HVAC system that pays you back. Plus, many state, local, and utility programs offer incentives to lower installation costs. Be safe at home—contact your local WaterFurnace dealer to make geothermal your go-to for home comfort.
West Michigan Geothermal (616) 887-1290 Westmigeothermal.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
ELECTRIC CO-OP REBATE INCENTIVES
$2,250 rebate available through your co-op.
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; John Kran, 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.
visit waterfurnace.com
MICHIGAN’S ELECTRIC COOPERATIVES
MI CO-OP Community
RECIPE CONTEST
See details on page 10. Chill Out! No-Cook, due May 1; Pizza, due June 1. Win a $100 bill credit!
GUEST COLUMN
See details on page 18. Share your fondest memories and stories. Win $200 for stories published!
To enter contests, submit reader content & more, visit countrylines.com/community
6 HOME FIRE SAFETY CHECKLIST
Easy ways you can be prepared for fire and carbon monoxide emergencies.
10 MI CO-OP KITCHEN
Rice Dishes: Stirred, steamed, and savored.
14 A CASTLE MADE FOR STORIES: CASTLE FARMS HOSTS ‘ANTIQUES ROADSHOW’
For three days, history was shared, celebrated, and brought to life.
18 GUEST COLUMN
A North Woods Matriarch: A HomeWorks member honors her great-grandmother—a true “up north” pioneer.
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
Make Your Voice Heard Take Part In The Democracy Of Your Cooperative
By Chris O’Neill, President/CEO
This month and next, HomeWorks members will participate in two of the most important aspects of our Cooperative’s democracy.
First up, members in districts 2 and 4 will elect a fellow member to represent them on our board of directors this month. If you live in one of those districts, I encourage you to read about your director candidate(s) and take time to cast your ballot. Our democratic governance is one of the hallmarks that sets your Cooperative apart from other utilities, and it’s important that you take advantage of the opportunity to make your voice heard!
Next up, in May, all members will have the opportunity to attend your virtual district meeting to learn more about your Co-op and take part in your district’s business meeting. You can read more details about our virtual district meetings, including your meeting date, on pages 16 and 17 of this issue. Here are the top-four reasons that I think you should join us at your 2026 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 high-speed 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 robot vacuum, camp chairs, an air purifier, a digital picture frame, 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 2026 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 IONIA
MONTCALM
JACKSON
yes, we could call them lineworkers. But heroes has a better ring to it.
April 18 is National Lineworker
Appreciation Day, which is a great time to thank these hardworking heroes for all they do every day to keep the lights on for our members.
Thank You, HomeWorks Lineworkers!
HOME FIRE SAFETY CHECKLIST
For Residents/Citizens
SMOKE ALARMS
Have Smoke Alarms — Install one in every bedroom or sleeping area and one on every level of your home.
Have the Correct Smoke Alarms
• Standard — Photoelectric or ionization smoke alarms.
• Bed Shakers — For hearing impaired, deaf, elderly.
• Strobe Lights — For hearing impaired, deaf, elderly. Plugs directly into the wall. Industrial strobe.
• Nest — Smoke/CO combo that alerts your phone when it goes off.
Test Your Alarms — Press the smoke alarm test button once a month to assure your alarms work.
Change Batteries — For 9-volt battery smoke alarms, change batteries once a year or when alarm chirps.
CARBON MONOXIDE ALARMS (CO)
Have CO Alarms — Install a working CO alarm on every level of your home.
Best Placement — CO alarms are best near kitchens, garages, utility rooms, appliances.
Change CO Alarms — Install new CO alarms every 6 to 8 years.
Safety Tip
If you are having any symptoms like:
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Weakness
• Upset stomach
• Vomiting
• Chest pain
• Confusion
Please call your local fi re department to come evaluate your home CO level.
Did You Know?
Most fire deaths happen overnight, and a closed bedroom door can slow the spread of flames and reduce smoke inhalation, potentially saving your life.
Plan Your Escape — Have a plan designed around your abilities.
Things to Consider
• Can you get out on your own without equipment or assistance?
• If you need equipment, be sure it is accessible at all times.
• If you need someone to assist you and answer the who, what, when, where, and how.
• Make sure your equipment fi ts through all exits.
• Use a bedroom on ground fl oor close to an exit if possible.
• Install exit ramps or widen door to make escape easier.
Know Two Ways Out — Include family, neighbors, friends, or a building manager in practicing your escape plan.
Windows and Doors — Practice opening locked windows and doors.
Service Animals — Be sure to include any service animals in your plan.
Need Extra Help? — Call your local fire department’s nonemergency number if you need help with your escape planning.
Did You Know?
SAFETY INFORMATION!
Check out the MI Prevention fi re safety information for more tips and videos on fi re safety! Scan the QR code or visit miprevention.org
In a fire, you have very little time to escape. Be prepared by having essential items in a bag that you or first responders can easily grab.
Seven (7)-day supply of necessary medications.
Emergency contact information.
Contact information for equipment replacements.
Necessary medical supplies/refills.
When contacting 911, be sure to tell dispatcher:
Full name.
Nature of disability.
Your exact location within home.
Any necessary/life-saving equipment needed (e.g., wheelchairs, medication, oxygen).
Careless smoking is the leading cause of fire fatalities. For your safety:
• Never smoke in bed.
• Never smoke when tired.
• Never smoke when under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
• Never smoke while on medical oxygen.
Cleaner Air Starts at Home This Earth Day
The theme for Earth Day 2026 is “Our Power, Our Planet,” and it reflects on the fundamental truth that environmental progress is sustained by daily actions of communities, educators, workers, and families protecting where they live and work.1
While we often think about protecting outdoor spaces, the air inside our homes matters just as much. In fact, indoor air can contain dust, pollen, pet dander, smoke particles, and other pollutants that affect comfort and overall well-being.
For many families, especially during allergy season or in the colder months when windows stay closed, indoor air quality can make a noticeable difference. That’s where energy-efficient air purifiers can help.
Modern air purifiers are designed to capture fine airborne particles you may not even see. By reducing common irritants and improving air circulation, they help create a fresher, more comfortable living environment year-round. Whether you’re managing seasonal allergies, lingering cooking odors, or everyday dust, an air purifier can be a practical step toward cleaner indoor air.
BREATHE EASIER THIS EARTH DAY
Celebrate Earth Day with healthier indoor air!
Why Use an Air Purifier?
• Reduces allergens like pollen and dust
• Improves indoor air quality year-round
• Supports healthier breathing and better sleep
An ENERGY STAR® qualified air purifier helps create a healthier home while supporting energy smart living. HomeWorks is offering rebates on qualifying room air purifiers. Visit homeworks.org/eo for more information on rebates.
This Earth Day, consider how small improvements inside your home can support a healthier household while using energy wisely. Many newer air purifier models are built with efficiency in mind, helping you maintain better air quality without significantly increasing energy use.
As part of our ongoing commitment to supporting energyefficient choices, HomeWorks offers rebates on qualifying air purifiers. These rebates are designed to make it more affordable for members to invest in equipment that improves comfort and supports efficient energy use.
Small changes like choosing ENERGY STAR products are one way we can work together to care for both our homes and the environment. This Earth Day, take a moment to consider simple upgrades that can make a lasting difference where you live and breathe every day.
Visit homeworks.org/eo to learn more about air purifier rebates and other rebates and energy-savings incentives HomeWorks is offering.
1 earthday.org
Scan the QR code to view eligible rebates or visit homeworks.org/eo
Starts at Home
OUTDOOR ADVENTURES
1. MOST VOTES A wild partridge decided to fly into my 15'-high deer hut to sit by my heater, after landing on the hut window sill. Dale Heugel, Shepherd
2. The almighty eagle. Judy Lilly, Portland
3. Sunset on Anna Marie Island on Feb. 21. Debra Webber, Carson City
4. Participating in the Capital City Dragon Boat Race back in 2012 was outdoor adventure at its best! Casie Bayless, Portland
5. A+ photography. Alexis Clark, Vestaburg
6. Dog day afternoon. Susan Langley, Lake
7. Conquering the Lake Michigan Overlook Bluff within Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. Our two teens successfully hiked down and back in 2013. Heather Balcom, Shepherd
8. Our autumn engagement at Deerfield Nature Park. Alex Baldwin, Weidman
9. Grandkids headed to East Bay store for ice cream!! Glenda Adams, Evart
10. My daughter’s senior picture taken at the Chippewa Nature Center. Nicole Cannon, Saginaw Enter to win a $100 energy bill credit!
Submit Your “Fresh from the Garden” 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 Fresh from the Garden! 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 2026, you will be entered into a drawing for a chance to win one of four $100 credits on your December 2026 HomeWorks bill!
RICE DISHES
ASPARAGUS & RICE
SALAD W/ PINE NUTS
Susan Cusick, Great Lakes Energy
1 cup white long-grain rice, uncooked
¼ cup + 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil, divided
1 pound asparagus, washed, trimmed, and cut into 1-inch pieces
¼ cup pine nuts (can be pre-toasted)
¼ cup fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
½ cup chopped green onions
¼ cup freshly shredded Parmesan cheese, for topping
Cook the rice according to package directions until tender, then remove from heat. Let stand uncovered to cool, and fl uff with a fork. Meanwhile, in a large skillet, add 1 tablespoon olive oil over mediumhigh heat. Sauté the asparagus, stirring occasionally, until crisp-tender. Transfer to a bowl of cold water and drain; set aside. In a small dry skillet, toast the pine nuts (if untoasted) over medium heat until golden and fragrant, stirring often and watching closely to prevent burning. In a large bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, remaining ¼ cup olive oil, salt, and black pepper until well blended. Add the cooled rice, asparagus, and green onions; toss gently to combine. Taste and adjust spices. Transfer the mixture to a shallow serving dish. Top with the toasted pine nuts and Parmesan cheese, and serve at room temperature.
WILD RICE SOUP
Jessica Arnold, Great Lakes Energy
1 (6-ounce) box wild rice mix
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 medium onion, peeled and chopped
2 medium carrots, peeled and chopped
2 stalks celery, fi nely chopped
¾ cup all-purpose fl our
2 quarts chicken broth/stock
2 cups cooked and shredded boneless chicken
8 ounces baby bella mushrooms, sliced
¼ teaspoon salt, or more to taste
¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 cup half and half
2 tablespoons dried parsley
1 cup Velveeta cheese, cubed
JAMBALAYA
Leah Ollanketo, Ontonagon REA
1 tablespoon oil
1½ pounds chicken breast, cut into bite-size cubes
1 pound andouille sausage, thinly sliced
12 ounces frozen cooked shrimp, peeled and deveined
Prepare the wild rice according to the package directions and set aside. In a large pot over medium heat, add the vegetable oil and sauté the onion, carrots, and celery until softened, about 3 minutes. Sprinkle in the fl our and cook, stirring constantly, for 2 to 3 minutes to form a roux. Slowly pour in the chicken broth, stirring constantly to prevent lumps, and continue cooking until the mixture begins to thicken slightly. Add the cooked chicken, mushrooms, salt, and black pepper and stir. Reduce the heat to low, and simmer for 10 minutes. Stir in the cooked wild rice, half and half, dried parsley, and cubed Velveeta cheese. Continue stirring until the cheese is completely melted and the soup is smooth, then serve warm and enjoy.
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat the oil and cook the chicken until browned and the internal temperature reaches 165 F, then remove from the skillet and set aside. Add the andouille sausage to the same skillet and cook until browned, then remove and set aside with the chicken. Thaw the shrimp under cold running water and set aside. Reduce the heat to medium, add the butter and flour to the skillet, and stir continuously while scraping up the browned bits from the bottom of the pan to form a roux. Add the onion, green onions, garlic, celery, and bell pepper and sauté for about 3 minutes, until softened. Stir in the basil, Cajun seasoning, salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper, and diced tomatoes. Then add the chicken broth and rice and bring the mixture to a boil. Return the chicken, sausage, and shrimp to the skillet. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes. Remove from the heat and let rest, covered, for 10 minutes, then fluff with a fork and let stand for an additional 5 minutes before serving.
Preheat the oven to 400 F. On a plate or cutting board, season the chicken breasts evenly with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Place the butter in a shallow 2-quart baking dish (a 9x13-inch dish works well) and melt it in the hot oven. Carefully add the chicken to the dish and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the dish from the oven, transfer the chicken to a plate, and to the melted butter, add the boiling water, chicken bouillon cubes, onion, and uncooked rice until well combined. Transfer the chicken back in the dish and cover with the rice mixture. Then return the dish back to the oven to bake for 40 minutes longer, or until the rice is tender and the chicken is fully cooked. Sprinkle with paprika just before serving.
Your Board In Action
Meeting in Portland on Feb. 23, your board of directors:
• Reelected Director John Lord to represent HomeWorks on the board of directors of the Co-op’s power supplier, Wolverine Power Cooperative, for another two-year term, and appointed him as the voting delegate for Wolverine’s upcoming annual meeting.
• Approved Feb. 19, 2026, as the Record Date for determining the members eligible to receive notice of the Co-op’s 2026 district meetings and director elections and acknowledged the official Record Numbers of active members per district as of that date.
• Approved the rescheduling of the April 2026 board meeting to April 20, due to a conflict on the previously scheduled date. The meeting will still be held in Blanchard.
• Reviewed a summary report on the impact of the December 2025 ice storms that hit the northern portion of HomeWorks’ service territory.
• Reviewed and approved a proposed adjustment to the Co-op’s Schedule DD—Distribution Delivery tariff, to take effect March 2, 2026.
• Performed an annual review of the Co-op’s association memberships and dues.
• Received a CEO update on the planning and execution of the Co-op’s 2026 director elections and virtual district meetings.
• Reviewed and approved proposed changes to the director onboarding process.
• Approved Board Policy 109 - Consulting Services, as revised.
• Learned there were 61 new members in January.
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 20 at Blanchard and 9 a.m. on May 18 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.
People Fund Supports Isabella County Family In Need
Meeting remotely on March 5, our People Fund board made one grant of $2,000:
• $2,000 to an Isabella County family in need, to help cover housing expenses and other miscellaneous bills.
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 April 15 for the April meeting or by June 4 for the June meeting.
Campbell Earns MIP Certificate
Congratulations to HomeWorks CFO Samantha Campbell, who successfully earned her Management Internship Program Certificate through the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association in February!
Castle Farms hosts ‘Antiques Roadshow’
By Emily Haines Lloyd
Three days, thousands of objects—and stories more valuable than the price
For a few summer days in Charlevoix, Castle Farms became something more than a historic landmark. For three days, its stone walls, manicured grounds, and grand halls were the backdrop for thousands of personal histories as “Antiques Roadshow” rolled into Northern Michigan.
For Castle Farms owner, Linda Mueller, hosting “Antiques Roadshow” was more than a successful event. It was the realization of a long-held dream. A lifelong collector and steward of history, Mueller kept the show on her bucket list for years, imagining what
it would mean to see the castle’s halls filled with stories carried in by people from across the region.
When the opportunity fi nally aligned, it wasn’t just a milestone for the property, but a deeply personal moment for the woman who has spent decades preserving the past and inviting others to connect with it.
THE EMAIL THAT CHANGED EVERYTHING
“We had reached out years ago,” said Kristin Frazho, Castle Farms’ general manager. “When we emailed again in 2023, a producer responded within a day. Suddenly, after years of imagining it, it was really happening.”
That response kicked off more than a year of planning. Producers, crew members, and logistics teams walked the property, mapping everything from
parking and power needs to filming locations and crowd fl ow. The details were extensive, but Castle Farms was uniquely prepared.
With indoor and outdoor spaces, established infrastructure, and a staff accustomed to large-scale weddings and community events, the venue was defi nitely ready for its close-up.
“When the crew walked away, they told us Castle Farms set a new precedent for the show,” Frazho said. “To hear that during the show’s 30th season, and as their fi nal stop of the year, was incredibly meaningful.”
ORGANIZED CHAOS, PERFECTLY ORCHESTRATED
For Director of Guest Experiences Jessica Anderson, the goal was always balance.
“We want events that enhance the community, not overwhelm it,” she said. “‘Antiques Roadshow’ brought people to Charlevoix in a way that felt thoughtful and intentional.”
During filming, roughly 4,500 guests passed through the castle, many arriving with wagons, boxes, and carefully wrapped heirlooms. Guests checked in, followed time slots, boarded trams, and moved through triage stations before meeting appraisers in the main filming areas.
“There was so much excitement,” Anderson said. “Even people who knew their item might not be valuable were grateful to be there, to have someone listen to their story.”
WHERE OBJECTS BECOME STORIES
That focus on storytelling over dollar signs mirrors Castle Farms’ own mission. The property’s restoration and vision have been guided by Mueller, whose extensive antique collections are displayed throughout the castle as tools for learning and connection.
“Linda teaches history through objects,” Anderson said. “Each item carries a story, which aligns perfectly with what ‘Antiques Roadshow’ does.”
During filming, that connection came full circle. Mueller recognized several appraisers from past interactions with her own collection, and watching her interviews unfold was a powerful moment for the staff.
“To see Linda glow, to watch her live out a dream she’s worked toward for more than a decade, was overwhelming,” Anderson said.
A PRICELESS APPRAISAL
If the experience itself were up for appraisal, both Frazho and Anderson agree its value can’t be measured.
“It’s priceless,” Frazho said. “For the town, for our team, for Linda, and for every guest who walked through the gates carrying a piece of their family’s history.”
As the episodes air this spring on PBS, viewers nationwide will see what unfolded at Castle Farms. History was not just appraised. It was shared, celebrated, and brought to life—one story at a time. This fulfilled a long-held dream and the castle’s very purpose.
Tune in to PBS for the Michigan episodes (subject to change) at pbs.org/wgbh/roadshow/schedule/.
• Castle Farms, Hour 1
Monday, March 30 at 8 p.m.
• Castle Farms, Hour 2
Monday, April 6 at 8 p.m.
• Castle Farms, Hour 3
Monday, April 13 at 8 p.m.
Plan Your Visit
Castle Farms is one of Northern Michigan’s most unique destinations. Open seasonally with special events throughout the year, Castle Farms offers something for every age.
castlefarms.com
5052 M-66 North, Charlevoix, MI 49720 (231) 237-0884
Attend your brief virtual meeting for the chance to win big prizes!
2026 Virtual District Meetings:
ENGAGE WITH YOUR CO-OP FROM YOUR LIVING ROOM
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 Events 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 Events 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 2026 district meeting dates will be as follows:
• District 1: Monday, May 4
• District 2: Tuesday, May 5
• District 3: Wednesday, May 6
• District 4: Thursday, May 7
• District 5: Monday, May 11
• District 6: Tuesday, May 12
• District 7: Wednesday, May 13
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.)
“This was my first virtual district meeting, and I definitely plan to attend again. I learned so much, and I won a prize! It’s fun being a part of the Co-op.”
~ HomeWorks Member Matt P., 2025 Virtual District Meeting Attendee
What Will My Meeting Entail?
Your district meeting will be fast-paced and brief, but we’ll 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 2026 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 Events; 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.
2026 District Meeting Prizes: Three Ways To Win 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 robot vacuum, camp chairs, a digital picture frame, a WiFi-enabled air purifier, wireless earbuds, restaurant gift cards, $50 HomeWorks bill credits, and more!
3. Interactive BINGO Game:
District Meeting BINGO is back by popular demand this year! Once you register to attend your virtual district meeting, you’ll receive a BINGO card in the mail with instructions on how to play along during your meeting. If you get a BINGO, all you have to do is send in your card after the meeting to be entered for the chance to win one of our exciting grand prizes!
A North Woods Matriarch
By Janet Horricks, a HomeWorks Tri-County Cooperative member
My great-grandmother and greatgrandfather, Leatha and Charles Malinowski, lived in Sigma, Michigan, a small abandoned logging town near Kalkaska, in a small cottage across from the old, abandoned Sigma Hotel.
Their cozy home featured a massive stone fi replace that was the heart of the house. Hanging above the mantle was an enormous muskie that weighed over 57 pounds and measured fi ve feet long. This remarkable fish was speared by my great-grandmother while ice fishing on Torch Lake.
I regret that I do not have a photograph of the muskie, but I have a picture of my grandmother with another impressive catch of the day. She was also featured in the local Kalkaska newspaper, highlighting my grandparents’ ice fishing expertise.
My grandparents were true Michigan
they were outside—fishing and ice fishing on the many local lakes and streams. They made full use of Michigan’s beautiful forests by deer and rabbit hunting, or simply by walking the woods to gather berries for my grandmother’s jams and jellies, mushrooms, and other natural resources they relied on in their daily lives.
Most of my treasured memories are of my greatgrandmother, as my great-grandfather passed away when I was young. She was an incredible woman and a true fi gure of “up north” Michigan history.
To supplement their income, my grandmother sold her jams and jellies, which became favorites throughout both Michigan peninsulas. Her many talents were celebrated at local fairs, where she earned recognition for her jams and jellies, baked goods, and most memorably, her Fairy Forests.
She created mini forests made from fungus that grew on the sides of trees, which she gathered during walks through local woods. These were lined with moss from the forest floor and filled with
“My grandparents were true Michigan outdoors enthusiasts who lived off the land. No matter the season, they were outside—fi shing and ice fi shing on the many local lakes and streams.”
tiny ceramic animals, miniature trees, and mirrored lakes.
I am incredibly fortunate to carry these people in my memories, and I am deeply proud that they were such a meaningful part of Michigan’s outdoor heritage.
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