ROAD TRIPPIN

With Christal Frost Fat Bikes On The TART Trails

Get Outdoors

If there’s anything we learned in 2020, it would be the power of the outdoors. As COVID-19 spread across the United States, it was our collective backyard— community trails, parks and fi re pits—that salvaged our sanities. My backyard in Traverse City is full of outdoor hot spots. Still, none are as recreationally friendly and motivated to make you move as the Traverse Area Recreation and Transportation (TART) Trails. The TART Trails offer 10 versatile trail options for outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you’re jumping on the TART to ride your bike to work, or navigating the 25k Vasa Pathway on your cross-country skis, the trail system truly offers something for everyone. Learn more about the TART Trails at traversetrails.org.

Big Fat Deal

Once the snow arrived in Traverse City, the winter zealots of northern Michigan took to the trails for hiking, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing. I decided to try a relatively new winter activity that has exploded in popularity: fat tire biking. Fat bikes offer the gift of versatility. By giving the rider great traction and control in snow and sand, the fat bike allows you to explore more in all seasons of the year. Mechanically, a fat bike is like a mountain bike—only on steroids. The most distinctive difference is that the fat bike has tires that are up to fi ve inches wide. Such bulky tires allow for incredibly low air pressures, resulting in a bike that can easily roll over snow, sand, mud, rocks, and other terrains that could be diffi cult on a traditional mountain bike. The fi ve-mile Meadows Loop, a part of the TART Trails’ Vasa Pathway, is a perfect option for off-road fat biking. I decided to take another trek for my maiden voyage into the world of fat biking by sticking close to town and biking along the Boardman Lake Trail.

Try Before You Buy

I sought help from Brick Wheels, Traverse City’s #1 bike shop for mountain bikes, fat bikes, road bikes, and electric bikes. Tim Brick, the Brick Wheels owner, recommended the Trek Farley model for its simplicity and light frame, making it the perfect bike for riders of any skill level. After a tutorial, I strapped on my helmet and headed for the trail.

Boardman Lake Trail

It was a crisp January afternoon as I crossed the intersection of Boardman Avenue and 8th Street and headed to the trail. Traveling west, we passed the Traverse Area District Library, Hull Park, Traverse Area Community Sailing, and Oryana Food Co-op before stopping for an outdoor drink at Traverse City Whiskey Company. The Traverse City Whiskey Company was created after co-owner Chris Fredrickson discovered distilling patents that his great-grandfather had patented during prohibition. The result? Small batches of intensely smooth whiskey—a family recipe of sorts that lingered for generations before being shared with the world. I enjoyed an old fashioned around an outdoor table complete with umbrella heaters before saddling up to take to the trail again. Looping back around past Right Brain Brewery, we were back on the trail, reversing our

course to the other side of the lake and riding along the shore until we came to Medalie Park.

The Return

Although the temperatures drifted into the low teens that afternoon, I was amazed at the workout I was getting. The fat bike made it feel relatively easy, but the snowy terrain and modest hills along the trail were great reminders of the built-in resistance and cardio workout I was getting with each rotation of the tire. In fact, even though the fat bikes weren’t meant for speed, studies have shown that fat bikers can burn more than 1,000 calories an hour. For me, though, the reward came when we circled the corner, stopping one last time at the Filling Station for a mouthwatering pizza to go. The Filling Station is located at the depot in Traverse City’s railroad neighborhood. The current depot, which opened on Jan. 6, 1927, is the second iteration of railroad stations in Traverse City.

Rewarded In Pizza

After a solid ride, I realized how lucky I was to be in my backyard— surrounded by nature, beauty, and one of the best pizza spots in the state. I returned to my car, and the aroma from the cannonball pizza (topped with marinara, kalamata olives, roasted red peppers, red onions, feta, fresh rosemary, spinach, and mozzarella) overwhelmed me.

“It all evens out,” I said, thinking about the calories I just burned on my ride and the sweet reward I would receive from the pizza beckoning to me from inside its box.

Coincidentally, that is my hope for 2021. Like my fi rst ride on a fat bike, I hope that all the diffi cult work, uphill battles and fear of falling in 2020 might be rewarded with a year that feels like the fi rst bite of a delicious piece of well-deserved pizza.

Christal Frost is a media personality who can be heard on Today’s Country Music-WTCM, The Christal Frost Show on NewsTalk 580-WTCM AM. She is also a feature columnist for GT Pulse on 9&10 News, published every Friday at 11 a.m.

BOARDMAN LAKE LOOP TRAIL Oryana

TACS Hull Park

Right Brain Brewery

Traverse City Whiskey Co.

CONSTRUCTION 2021

CONSTRUCTION 2020

BOARDMAN LAKE

CONSTRUCTION 2021

PLANNED EXTENSION

See the TART Trails in Action Christal Frost fi lmed her TART Trails adventure, now available on countrylines.com.

We all love saving money, but saving money and energy is the perfect partnership. One of the quickest and easiest ways to start is by replacing the light bulbs in your home with ENERGY STAR® certified LED light bulbs. ENERGY STAR LEDs last 10 to 25 times longer than conventional bulbs and use 70–90% less energy.

Choosing the right LED bulb

There are a few things to consider when selecting the right bulbs for your home.

Color Brightness Shape

Color and brightness can set the mood

Choose a color and brightness that make the room work for you, whether it’s lighting up your home office or making for a cozy bedroom.

Bulb color is based on “color temperature” ranging from warm to cool. Warm colors are more yellow. Cool colors are more blue. Brightness is measured in lumens. See how lumens match up with watts while using less power:

Watts Lumens

40w 450 lumens

60w 800 lumens

75w 1,110 lumens

FALL in love WITH ENERGY SAVINGS!

What’s the best shape? ENERGY STAR certified LED bulbs come in a variety of shapes and sizes to fit almost all light fixture needs from standard to decorative bulbs.

You can find all these helpful lighting details, including cost and energy savings per bulb, conveniently located on LED bulb packaging.

Check out additional savings available to you through the Energy Optimization program and at select retailers by visiting michigan-energy.org or call 877-296-4319.

IMPROVE HOME LIGHTING PERFORMANCE

Replace old light bulbs with ENERGY STAR® certified LEDs.



Same brightness (lumens) 90% less energy (watts)  Lasts 10-25 times longer = big $ savings  Less frequent bulb replacements

INSTANT IN-STORE SAVINGS available at select retailers

Online: michigan-energy.org Phone: 877.296.4319

GREAT LAKES ENERGY PHOTO CONTEST

MOST VOTES!

1. Strong bonds are built on the foundations of love.—Aleece Belinger, Rothbury 2. Leaf and Lyric, sisters getting ready to cause trouble!—Patrick Herta, Kalkaska 3. Bumble makes a cute couple with any critter.—Tonya Wilson, Free Soil 4. Three generations of wedded bliss. Bob and Betty leading the way with 75 years of marriage.—James Goyings, White Cloud 5. Our smiles speak volumes.— Leanne Frost, Petoskey 6. Un-distanced.—Roger Duman,White Cloud

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Enter to win a $200 energy bill credit!

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Submit Your “Garden” Photos! 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 February theme is Gardens. Photos can be submitted by February 20 to be featured in the April issue.

How To Enter: Enter the contest at gtlakes.com/blog. 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 2021 will be entered to win a $200 bill credit in December 2021.

STIR-FRIES

Try these quick and easy meals!

Win a $50 energy bill credit! RECIPE CONTEST Garden Fresh due March 1 • Fruity Desserts due April 1

Submit your favorite recipe for a chance to win a $50 bill credit and have your recipe featured in Country Lines with a photo and a video.

Go to micoopkitchen.com for more information. WINNING RECIPE!

SHRIMP WITH SNOW PEAS STIR-FRY

Sarah Hallstedt, Cherryland 2 teaspoons cornstarch 1 tablespoon dry sherry or cooking wine ½ teaspoon salt 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined ½ pound snow peas 1 tablespoon minced ginger 3 garlic cloves, crushed 2 tablespoons peanut oil (or another vegetable oil) 2 teaspoons soy sauce ¼ cup chicken stock (can substitute bouillon) 4 green onions, white and light green parts, sliced diagonally 2 teaspoons dark roasted sesame oil Mix the cornstarch, sherry (or cooking wine), and salt in a large bowl. Add the shrimp and toss to coat; let sit for 15-20 minutes while preparing the peas, ginger, and garlic. Heat a wok or large sauté pan over high heat for 1 minute. Add the peanut oil and let it get hot, about 30 seconds. Add the ginger and garlic and toss to combine; stir-fry about 30 seconds. Add the shrimp, snow peas, soy sauce and stock. Stir-fry until the shrimp turns pink, about 2 minutes. Add the onions and stir-fry for 1 more minute. Turn off heat and add the sesame oil. Toss to combine and serve with steamed rice.

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

KUNG PAO SHRIMP

Nancy Popa, Cherryland 2 teaspoons vegetable oil 1 large red bell pepper, seeded and chopped 2 stalks celery, chopped ¾ teaspoon crushed red pepper (or less) • pinch salt 6 cups broccoli fl orets (1 small head) 2 tablespoons cornstarch 2 tablespoons soy sauce 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar 1 teaspoon ground ginger ¼ teaspoon black pepper • 12-ounces medium (16–20 count) shelled, deveined shrimp 1 bunch green onions, thinly sliced 2 cloves garlic, crushed ½ cup unsalted dry-roasted peanuts, coarsely chopped In a 12-inch skillet, heat oil on medium heat. Add red pepper, celery, crushed red pepper, and salt, stirring occasionally. Meanwhile, in a large microwave-safe bowl, combine broccoli and ¼ cup water. Cover with vented plastic wrap; microwave on high for 3 minutes or until broccoli is crisp-tender. Uncover and set aside. In a medium bowl, whisk together cornstarch, soy sauce, vinegar, ginger, ¹⁄³ cup water, and pepper; add to skillet along with shrimp, green onions, broccoli, and garlic. Cook 3–4 minutes or until shrimp turns opaque throughout, stirring frequently. Add peanuts. Serve over rice.

SHRIMP FRIED RICE

Mary Lou Driesenga, Ontonagon 2 tablespoons peanut oil ¹⁄³ cup thinly sliced green onions with tops ½ teaspoon peeled & minced fresh ginger root ½ teaspoon minced garlic 2 eggs, lightly beaten ¼ teaspoon sugar • 1-pound package shrimp, thawed (I use medium-size) 1 small package frozen peas 3 tablespoons soy sauce (option to use more when serving) 2 cups cold cooked rice ½ teaspoon sesame oil, optional Heat oil in a wok (or large, heavy skillet) at 325 F. Add green onions, ginger, and garlic and stir-fry for 1 minute. Add eggs; stir to scramble into small pieces. Add sugar, shrimp, peas, and soy sauce; stir-fry 2 minutes. Add rice; stir-fry 30–45 seconds. Add sesame oil, stir and serve immediately. This recipe serves 4–5 adults. It’s very versatile; you can easily add/replace your favorite veggies, additional spices/seasonings, etc.

STIR-FRY CHICKEN WITH ALMONDS

Lynne Edin, HomeWorks Tri-County 1½ cups chicken broth, divided 2 tablespoons soy sauce 4 teaspoons cornstarch 1 teaspoon sesame oil 3 tablespoons vegetable oil ¹⁄³ cup whole roasted almonds 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast (or use preroasted chicken, white and dark meat, cut from bone), cut into ½ -inch-wide strips 2 cloves garlic, fi nely minced 8 ounces green beans (fresh or frozen), cut into 2-inch pieces 4 large carrots, peeled and sliced diagonally ¼ -inch thick In a cup, combine ½ cup broth, soy sauce, cornstarch, and sesame oil; set aside. In a wok or large skillet, heat vegetable oil over high heat. Add almonds and sauté until lightly browned, 1–2 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer almonds to a mediumsize bowl; set aside. Add the chicken strips to the wok; stir-fry until lightly browned (skip step if using cut-up preroasted chicken.) Using a slotted spoon, add the chicken to the almonds. Reduce heat to medium. Add the chopped garlic to the wok and stir-fry 10 seconds. Stir in the green beans, carrots, and remaining 1 cup chicken broth. Cover the pan and cook the vegetables until crisp-tender, about 5 minutes. Stir the cornstarch mixture and add it to the vegetables; cook until the sauce is thickened and bubbly, about 1 minute. Stir in the chicken and almonds. Cook until just heated through, and serve immediately. Serve over hot brown rice, egg noodles, or white rice with a dash of soy sauce and sesame oil.

Areas Scheduled For 2021 Re-clearing

Re-clearing of vegetation along Great Lakes Energy power lines is scheduled this year in these counties and townships. Allegan County: Leighton, Wayland Antrim County: Banks, Chestonia, Custer, Echo, Kearney, Mancelona Barry County: Irving, Rutland, Thornapple, Yankee Springs Charlevoix County: Bay, Hayes, Norwood, Peaine, South Arm, Wilson Crawford County: Frederic, Grayling, Lovells, Maple Forest Emmet County: Resort Kalkaska County: Bear Lake, Clearwater, Excelsior, Kalkaska Lake County: Cherry, Eden, Elk, North Newkirk, Peacock, Pinora, South Newkirk, Yates Manistee County: East Norman Mason: Amber, Branch, Custer, Eden, Pere Marquette, Riverton, Summit Mecosta County: Aetna Montcalm County: Reynolds Montmorency County: Briley, Montmorency, Vienna Newaygo County: Big Prairie, Brooks, Croton, Everett, Goodwell, Wilcox Oceana County: Crystal, Elbridge, Ferry, Grant, Hart, Leavitt, Newfield, Otto, Shelby, Weare Osceola County: Hartwick, Osceola, Rose Lake, Sherman, Sylvan Oscoda County: Big Creek, Elmer, Greenwood Otsego County: Charlton, Corwith, Dover, Hayes

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Annual Reliability Improvements Begin

ontracted tree-trimming crews will begin removing trees and limbs near power lines this winter throughout the Great Lakes Energy service area.

The work is part of the cooperative’s annual vegetation management program to improve electric service reliability and safety. About $8.5 million will be invested in 2021 to re-clear trees along 1,644 miles of power line rights-of-way (ROW) in 18 counties and 76 townships.

Great Lakes Energy members will be notified by postcard, email and phone if ROW re-clearing work is scheduled in their areas. Please be sure we have your current billing address, email address and primary phone number for your service location. This will help ensure we are able to reach you.

Tree-related power line damage is a major cause of outages. Re-clearing of the co-op’s entire power line distribution system is performed on six- to sevenyear cycles. The amount of trimming to maintain adequate power line clearance depends on the tree type, location and growth, and line voltage size. In addition to weak and dying trees, healthy trees may need to be trimmed or removed if they pose a threat to your electric service.

Please see the list on this page for areas where contracted crews will work this year.

Have questions? Contact our Vegetation Management Department at 888-485-2537, ext. 8221 (central and south counties) or ext. 1295 (north counties).

Tree Planting Guide

50'

40'

30'

20'

10'

0' NO TREE ZONE

10' 20'

30' 40' Small Tree Zone:

Trees less than 25' tall/spread at least 25' from line

50' Medium Tree Zone:

Trees 25'–40' in height/spread at least 40' from line

60'

70' Large Tree Zone:

Trees larger than 40' in height/spread at least 60' from line

Paul Schemanski–GLE Director Setting Pace For Improvement

For the last 33 years, Board Director Paul Schemanski has laced up his running shoes for the annual eight-mile run around Mackinaw Island. This year, when the race was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, he found a way to carry on his yearly tradition. At 9:30 a.m. on the Saturday after Labor Day, he set off on his own personal run around the island.

A willingness to face challenges, carry on tradition, and keep an eye on the future are all clear in Paul’s personality. An avid runner, he has completed many 5K and 10K races, half-marathons, and even full marathons. When winter strikes, he doesn’t let that stop him—he straps on his running snowshoes and heads out, even participating in competitive snowshoe races throughout northern Michigan. His wife of 33 years, Mikkie, is often by his side when hitting the trails.

The perseverance it takes to be a runner also carries over to Paul’s business acumen. For the past nine years, he has served on the Great Lakes Energy (GLE) board of directors for District 1. Presently, he holds the position of secretary of the board. He brought with him 16 years of electric utility experience. Paul also serves as the secretary for the GLE Connections board of directors, the board that helps guide the future of Truestream fiber internet and voice services. Paul’s district was the first to receive Truestream when it was just a pilot program. Despite some challenges, he enjoyed participating in the successful pilot and in Truestream’s growth into a full-fledged project. He was also the first director to become a Truestreamer.

Paul’s concern for community, a cooperative guiding principle, shows through the many boards and organizations of which he is a part. Currently, he is an active Rotary member in Petoskey and has served on its board in the past, including chairing the environment and international committee. He also volunteers as a mediator for Northern Community Mediation in Emmet and Charlevoix counties. For two years, Paul served on an advisory committee for the NRECA—the national organization representing the interests of electric cooperatives in the United States.

When Paul is not busy offering his time to his community, he enjoys time with his two grown children and their spouses, and his family dog, Macie, at his home in Petoskey. A true believer in the future of power generation, Paul’s property boasts a small solar power system that runs an off-the-grid barn.

“I could not be more thankful to Great Lakes Energy’s members. When Truestream was introduced, they showed excitement and acceptance for GLE’s new business, but also great patience as we worked hard to bring high-speed internet to them,” Paul shares.