Feb 2021 GLE

February 2021

MICHIGAN

COUNTRY LINES Great Lakes Energy Cooperative

Annual Tree Trimming Plan

People Fund Gets A New Look Meet Your Director

FOR THE

LOVE OF BOOKS THE COMMUNITY-DRIVEN HEART OF PETOSKEY’S INDIE BOOKSTORE

WATERFURNACE UNITS QUALIFY FOR A 26% FEDERAL TAX CREDIT THROUGH 2022

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

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Mancelona Top Notch Htg, Clg, & Geothermal (231) 350-8052 Topnotchheatandair.com

Hart Adams Htg & Clg (231) 873-2665 adamsheatingcooling.com

Manistique / Naubinway Hoholik Enterprises Inc. (906) 341-5065 Hoholikenterprises.com

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Portland ESI Htg & Clg (517) 647-6906 esiheating.com Sunfield Mark Woodman Plmb & Htg (517) 886-1138 mwphonline.com

Mt Pleasant Walton Htg & Clg (989) 772-4822 waltonheating.com Muskegon Adams Htg & Clg (231) 873-2665 adamsheatingcooling.com

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Traverse City D & W Mechanical (231) 941-1215 dwgeothermal.com Geofurnace Htg & Clg (231) 943-1000 watergeofurnace.com

WaterFurnace is a registered trademark of WaterFurnace International, Inc. The Reliable Renewable is a trademark of WaterFurnace International, Inc.

Contents countrylines.com

February 2021 Vol. 41, No. 2

/michigancountrylines

/michigancountrylines

Michigan’s Electric Cooperatives EXECUTIVE EDITOR: Casey Clark EDITOR: Christine Dorr GRAPHIC DESIGNER: Karreen Bird RECIPE EDITOR: Christin McKamey COPY EDITOR: Yvette Pecha CONTRIBUTING EDITOR: Emily Haines Lloyd PUBLISHER: Michigan Electric Cooperative Association Michigan Country Lines, USPS-591-710, 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: Robert Kran, Great Lakes Energy, chairman; Tony Anderson, Cherryland Electric Cooperative, vice chairman; Eric Baker, Wolverine Power 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.

#micoopcommunity

6 ROAD TRIPPIN’ Christal Frost goes fat biking on the TART Trails and shares places to visit while on the trail.

10 MI CO-OP KITCHEN Stir-Fries: Prepare these takeout favorites yourself, and save the extra cash and calories!

The appearance of advertising does not constitute an endorsement of the products or services advertised.

MI CO-OP COMMUNITY

14 FOR THE LOVE OF BOOKS McLean & Eakin, with its rich family history and genuine love for books and the community, gives its patrons the full indie bookstore experience.

18 PORTABLE GENERATOR SAFETY They’re great when the power goes out, but generators can be dangerous if you don’t follow these safety precautions.

While things are constantly changing during the COVID-19 pandemic, two things remain the same: the quiet assurance of the #sunrise and #sunset. @michael.mi.photography (Grand Mere State Park)

Be featured!

Use #micoopcommunity for a chance to be featured here and on our Instagram account.

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

MI CO-OP KITCHEN

BEST OF MICHIGAN

GUEST COLUMN

Up Next: Garden Fresh and Fruity Desserts Share your favorite recipes.

Up Next: Coffee Shops Spill the beans! Tell us about your favorite place to grab a caffeinated (or decaf) beverage.

Submit your fondest memories and stories.

Win a $50 bill credit!

Win $150 for stories published!

MICHIGAN COUNTRY LINES

3

gtlakes.com

We Love Our Community

/greatlakesenergy /jointruestream BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Robert Kran, Chairman, District 6 7380 N. Tuttle Rd., Free Soil, MI 49411 231-464-5889 • bkran@glenergy.com

John LaForge, Vice-Chairman, District 9 7363 Walters Rd., Delton, MI 49046 269-623-2284 • jlaforge@glenergy.com

Paul Schemanski, Secretary, District 1 5974 Stolt Rd., Petoskey, MI 49770 231-439-9079 • paul.schemanski@glenergy.com Howard Bowersox, Director, District 8 23779 8 Mile Rd., Stanwood, MI 49346 219-670-0977 • hbowersox@glenergy.com Paul Byl, Director, District 7 9941 W. Buchanan Rd., Shelby, MI 49455 231-861-5911 • pbyl@glenergy.com

Mark Carson, Director , District 2 01950 Anderson Rd., Boyne City, MI 49712 231-675-0561 • mcarson@glenergy.com Richard Evans, Director, District 3 11195 Essex Rd., Ellsworth, MI 49729 231-883-3146 • revans@glenergy.com

Dale Farrier, Director, District 5 2261 Wheeler Lake Rd. NE, Kalkaska, MI 49646 231-564-0853 • dfarrier@glenergy.com PRESIDENT/CEO: Bill Scott 888-485-2537 COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR/EDITOR: Brett Streby 231-487-1389 • bstreby@glenergy.com BOYNE CITY HEADQUARTERS 1323 Boyne Ave. Boyne City, MI 49712

Hours: 8 a.m.–4:30 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.

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

4 FEBRUARY 2021

Bill Scott, Great Lakes Energy President/CEO

W

ith Valentine’s Day approaching, we can’t think of a better time to express how much we love rural Michigan communities and serving you, the members of the co-op.

While our top priority is to provide safe, reliable, and affordable energy to you, equally important is our mission to enrich the lives of the consumer-members (that’s you!) that we serve. This focus to benefit the larger community is central to the way we operate as a cooperative.

Electricity is a critical need for modern-day life, but it takes more than poles and power lines to make a community.

When we helped to bring electricity to rural parts of Michigan many years ago, the quality of life improved for all. We recently embarked on constructing the Truestream fiber network to bring high-speed internet and voice services to unserved and underserved areas in our service area. We want to help meet our community’s long-term needs to ensure it continues to thrive—because just like you, we live here too.

Over time, our co-op has evolved to meet our community’s changing needs, thereby improving the quality of life for everyone. In addition to Truestream, the People Fund program, which gives grants to local nonprofits, is another example. GLE makes it easy and cost-effective to give to the People Fund—you simply sign up to have your utility bill rounded up to the next dollar amount (an average monthly contribution is less than 50 cents). In 2020, the People Fund awarded $228,288 to local organizations throughout the communities we serve. Since 1999, more than $3.8 million has been awarded through the People Fund.

In last month’s issue, you may have noticed the People Fund logo received a new look. This new logo incorporates the triangle of GLE, with the heart and person contained inside symbolizing the People Fund’s mission—to enhance the lives of people in our local communities.

The logo isn’t the only change we’ve made to the People Fund— we also have updated the application process. It is now easier for nonprofit groups to apply for grants through the innovative online grant application system. Hopefully, this efficient new process will generate even more opportunities for the People Fund to connect to your community.

As a local business, we are proud to power your life and bring good to our community. By working together, I am certain that we can continue to do so for many years to come.

2020 POWER OUTAGE MINUTES Along with the challenges of working safely, while continuing to serve our members as efďŹ ciently as possible during the pandemic, 2020 proved a challenging year.

ACTUAL 212.3 minutes

Stay Powered Up In All Conditions Never connect a portable generator directly to a home’s wiring or into a regular household outlet. The result could be a fatality or property damage.

2020 GOAL 172.2 minutes

Storms Heavy Wind Meter base equipment with a generator transfer switch prevents damage to your generator and protects the lives of lineworkers.

There were several days throughout the year with heavy winds and storms that added minutes to our total but did not reach our major event day threshold, causing our minutes to rise.

Please do not report your outage on social media, which is not monitored 24/7.

Great Lakes Energy offers meter base equipment with a transfer switch for safely operating a portable generator in an emergency for $350. The switch not only eliminates the risk of damage to your generator and appliances when your power is restored, but also prevents the generator from backfeeding electricity into the power line and potentially electrocuting lineworkers working to restore your service.

For more details, contact us at 888-485-2537, ext. 1372.

d a o R ’ n i p p i r T

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 fire 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 five 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 difficult on a traditional mountain bike. The five-mile Meadows Loop, a part of the TART 6

FEBRUARY 2021

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.

BOARDMAN LAKE LOOP TRAIL

The Filling Station

Oryana

TACS

Hull 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.

TADL

CONSTRUCTION 2021

Right Brain Brewery

Traverse City Whiskey Co.

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.

BOARDMAN LAKE CONSTRUCTION 2020

“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 first ride on a fat bike, I hope that all the difficult work, uphill battles and fear of falling in 2020 might be rewarded with a year that feels like the first 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.

CONSTRUCTION 2021

PLANNED EXTENSION

See the TART Trails in Action

Christal Frost filmed her TART Trails adventure, now available on countrylines.com.

MICHIGAN COUNTRY LINES

7

Love The Savings

e 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.

W

Choosing the right LED bulb

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.

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

40w

60w

75w

Lumens

450 lumens

800 lumens

1,110 lumens

FALL

in love

WITH ENERGY SAVINGS!

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

Energy Optimization programs and incentives are applicable to Michigan electric service locations only.

Incentive applies to qualified items purchased and installed between January 1, 2021 and December 31, 2021. Other restrictions may apply. For complete program details, visit michigan-energy.org.

GREAT LAKES ENERGY

Cutest Couples

CONTEST

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

PHOTO

MOST VOTES!

2

1

3

4 Enter to win a

$200

energy bill credit!

5

6

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.

MICHIGAN COUNTRY LINES

9

MI CO-OP Recipes

Photos by Robert Bruce Photography || Recipes Submitted by MCL Readers and Tested by Recipe Editor Christin McKamey

R I F T R S

IE S Try these quick and easy meals!

WINNING RECIPE!

SHRIMP WITH SNOW PEAS STIR-FRY Sarah Hallstedt, Cherryland

2 1 ½ 1 ½ 1 3 2 2 ¼ 4

teaspoons cornstarch tablespoon dry sherry or cooking wine teaspoon salt pound shrimp, peeled and deveined pound snow peas tablespoon minced ginger garlic cloves, crushed tablespoons peanut oil (or another vegetable oil) teaspoons soy sauce cup chicken stock (can substitute bouillon) green onions, white and light green parts, sliced diagonally 2 teaspoons dark roasted sesame oil

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.

10 FEBRUARY 2021

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

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.

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 florets (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.

STIR-FRY CHICKEN WITH ALMONDS

Lynne Edin, HomeWorks Tri-County 1½ 2 4 1 3 ¹⁄ ³ 1

cups chicken broth, divided tablespoons soy sauce teaspoons cornstarch teaspoon sesame oil tablespoons vegetable oil cup whole roasted almonds 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, finely 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.

MICHIGAN COUNTRY LINES

11

Annual Reliability Improvements Begin C

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.

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 12 FEBRUARY 2021

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' Small Tree Zone: Trees less than 25' tall/spread at least 25' from line

40'

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

or 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.

F

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.

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.

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

MICHIGAN COUNTRY LINES 13

FOR THE

LOVE OF BOOKS THE COMMUNITYDRIVENHEART OF PETOSKEY’S INDIE BOOKSTORE

By Emily Haines Lloyd Photos by Stephanie N. Baker

M

cLean & Eakin is the epitome of what it means to be an independent bookstore, with its bespoke selections, heartfelt customer service, and lovinglycurated reading recommendations. However, owners Matt and Jessilynn Norcross will be the fi rst to tell you that being “independent” isn’t about going it alone.

The store began in the care of Matt’s mother, Julie Norcross, who started the bookstore in 1992 and named it after her two grandmothers’ maiden names. The store had been a dream for Julie since she was young. Her father owned and operated a men’s fashion store in Florida and eventually followed customers north and opened another store just a few doors down from where McLean & Eakin stands today.

“Mom would take us on walks around town,” recalls Matt.

“We’d peek into windows of abandoned storefronts, and you could see her waiting for just the right space to open up so she could open her bookstore.”

Matt worked at the family bookshop through high school and eventually returned to Petoskey in 2003 while in between jobs and started back at the family store. He found a place to reflect, as well, stumbling across his future wife, Jessilynn, who also was working in the shop.

In 2009, Matt and Jessilynn married and joined their futures to McLean & Eakin, as they took over the store’s ownership.

“We both love reading,” said Jessilynn. “But when you begin running a business, you realize there’s so much more to bookselling than the magic inside of the pages.”

The Norcrosses quickly immersed themselves in the responsibilities that come with owning a quaint bookshop.

“There are a million decisions we’ve made. Some good, some bad,” admits Matt. “But what we have always nailed is having a team of booksellers working here who are amazing, brilliant, and committed. This is what has kept us successful, for sure.”

Even with COVID-19 and the competition of big-box bookstores and online outlets offering steep discounts, McLean & Eakin has managed to not only stay in business, but thrive. It has expanded to offer digital audiobooks and e-books and established an online store to accommodate those who are unable to get out to the store or some of their committed patrons who may not be in the area year-round.

“We’re involved in our community,” said Jessilynn.

“Amazon is never going to be at the school board meeting next to us. You can’t replicate the conversations we have with people in the community or on the shop floor.”

Books truly are magic, and never more so than when one person hands another a book after talking with them and saying, “I really think you’ll love this.” Ultimately, that’s the beauty of bookstores like McLean & Eakin—they may be independent, but still, they know that the heart of their business is a deep connection to their beautiful community.

You can currently get bookseller assistance via McLean & Eakin’s front door vestibule or by phone from 11 a.m.–5 p.m., Monday–Saturday, at 231-347-1180.

You may also email them at books@mcleanandeakin.com, or contact them via social media on Facebook or Instagram.

“You can’t replicate the conversations we have with people in the community or on the shop floor.”

McLean & Eakin has curated a great collection of regional and Michigan authors who not only pay their respects to the region and its people but offer a unique insight into the beauty of the area. In fact, if you look closely, you may even see an homage to a favorite indie bookstore in the pages (hint: Check out “Station 11” by Emily St. John Mandel).

Here are a few recommendations for regional titles. For a more robust list, visit mcleanandeakin.com.

AGES 2 AND UP

Tallulah, Mermaid of the Great Lakes

by Denise Brennan-Nelson

AGES 8 AND UP The Wild Path

by Sarah Baughman

ADULT FICTION Northernmost

by Peter Geye

ADULT NONFICTION

The King of Confidence: A Tale of Utopian Dreamers, Frontier Schemers, True Believers, False Prophets, and the Murder of an American Monarch

by Miles Harvey

MICHIGAN COUNTRY LINES

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Local nonprofit organizations like Northern Michigan Equine Therapy benefit from grants awarded through your contributions to the People Fund.

Be A People Fund Winner Did you know we award $100 billing credits to Great Lakes Energy members who support the People Fund?

Six winners are randomly selected twice per year.

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everal generous People Fund supporters recently became winners. See the list of members on this page who received a $100 bill credit.

Current People Fund supporters and any member who becomes a People Fund contributor before the next drawing on June 1 are eligible to win.

Congratulations To Our Winners!

Thanks for your ongoing support of the People Fund.

• Charles Lynch, Lake County

People Fund contributors allow Great Lakes Energy to round up their electric bills to the nearest dollar each month. The rounded-up amounts, which average less than 50 cents a month, are used to award grants to local charities and community groups such as food pantries, senior citizen centers and youth programs.

• Kathleen Glass, Emmet County

Bill credits are provided by Great Lakes Energy and do not involve the use of any People Fund round-up money.

• Steven Wood, Crawford County

Don’t miss your chance to be the next winner! Call our office or visit gtlakes.com to sign up today.

16 FEBRUARY 2021

• Stephen Parker, Oceana County • Marlene Hessler, Ottawa County • Donald Dewys, Mason County

These randomly chosen winners received a $100 bill credit for their support of People Fund.

All Your Account Information,

Right At Your Fingertips Setting up your online account makes it easier and more convenient than ever to manage your Great Lakes Energy account. Sign up today by visiting gtlakes.com and selecting “My Account.”

• 24/7 account access • Peace of mind by reporting your outage online • Monitor your usage • Pay your bill from anywhere

Want access to your account wherever you go?

Download our app by searching “GLE” on the App Store or Google Play.

Need Payment Help?

Dial 2-1-1

ind help to pay your utility bills this winter by dialing 2-1-1. It’s a free community health and human services information and referral service that connects eligible residents with energy payment assistance and much more. By simply dialing 2-1-1, available 24/7, callers are connected with a trained, caring professional who will confidentially assess their situation, identify their needs and refer them to local resources for help. Although it varies by location, local resources include basic needs such as food, housing, shelter, temporary financial assistance, transportation, utility assistance and more. In addition, local resources include mental health care and counseling, health care, individual/family life assistance and other services. Please remember to also review our Energy Optimization programs at michigan-energy.org for energy efficiency rebate offers.

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Call 2-1-1 or visit 211.org.

MICHIGAN COUNTRY LINES 17

PORTABLE GENERATOR

SAFETY TIPS Gasoline, Fueling and Burn Safety

Carbon Monoxide and Ventilation

• If the tank is overfilled, fuel can overflow onto a hot engine and cause fire or explosion.

• Using a generator indoors CAN KILL YOU IN MINUTES. The exhaust contains carbon monoxide, a deadly poisonous gas you cannot see or smell.

• Do not overfill the fuel tank. Always allow room for fuel expansion.

• Never add fuel while the unit is running or hot.

• Allow generator and engine to cool entirely before adding fuel.

• NEVER run a generator indoors or in partly enclosed areas, such as garages.

• Never store a generator with fuel in the tank where gasoline vapors might reach an open flame, spark or pilot light.

• ONLY use outdoors and far from windows, doors, vents, crawl spaces and in an area where adequate ventilation is available and will not accumulate deadly exhaust gas.

• Many generator parts are hot enough to burn you during operation and while the generator is cooling after turning off.

Avoid coming into contact with a hot generator.

• Using a fan or opening doors and windows will not provide sufficient ventilation.

• It is recommended that you install battery-operated carbon monoxide alarms/detectors indoors according to the manufacturer’s instructions/recommendations.

wellconnectsaves.com989-356-2113

Electrocution Hazard and Electrical Shock Hazards

• Connecting a portable electric generator directly to your household wiring can be deadly to you and others. A generator that is directly connected to your home’s wiring can “back feed” onto the power lines connected to your home and injure neighbors or utility workers.

• Do not connect your generator directly to your home’s wiring or into a regular household outlet. Always start or stop the generator only when no electrical loads are connected.

• Overloading your generator can seriously damage your valuable appliances and electronics. Do not overload the generator.

Do not operate more appliances and equipment than the output rating of the generator allows for. Prioritize your needs.

A portable electric generator should be used only when necessary, and only to power essential equipment.

• Use the proper power cords. Plug individual appliances into the generator using heavy-duty, outdoor-rated cords with a wire gauge adequate for the appliance load. Overloaded cords can cause fires or equipment damage. Do not use extension cords with exposed wires or worn shielding.

• Do not operate the generator in wet conditions such as rain or snow.

• The generator must be properly grounded. If the generator is not grounded, you run the risk of electrocution. Check and adhere to all applicable federal, state and local regulations relating to grounding.

18 FEBRUARY 2021

Generator Placement and Operation

• Allow at least five feet of clearance on all sides of the generator when operating.

• Generators can be used during a wide variety of weather temperatures but should be protected from the elements when not in use to prevent shorting and rusting.

• Operate the generator only on level surfaces and where it will not be exposed to excessive moisture, dirt, dust, or corrosive vapors.

• Inspect the generator regularly.

• Always disconnect the spark plug wire and place the wire where it cannot contact the spark plug to prevent accidental starting when setting up, transporting, adjusting, or making repairs to the generator.

Source: American Red Cross with technical advice from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the National Fire Protection Association (publisher of the National Electric Code®), and the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.

Michigan-Made Hybrid Geothermal System Provides Savings and Comfort

Hybrid Geothermal Well-Connect is a hybrid water-source heat pump uniquely designed to operate with your existing furnace.

Similar to how a hybrid vehicle greatly reduces the need for gas, doubling the fuel efficiency, a Well-Connect significantly reduces the amount of propane, fuel oil or wood needed to heat a home. This approach reduces the installation cost of the system to about one-third the cost of conventional geothermal systems and saves a homeowner 50% to 70% on heating costs. It also provides efficient air conditioning all summer.

“Propane is so expensive to heat with. Why wouldn’t someone do this?”

One-Day Installation

Lynne W., South Boardman, MI Member, Great Lakes Energy

Lynne loves her home in the woods but found it challenging to keep her vaulted-ceiling home warm in the winter and cool in the summer.

Keeping it cool in the summer was especially important for Lynne because of her four-legged, furry friend, Tara. Lynne was familiar with geothermal energy because her father was an executive at Detroit Edison and she knew that it is clean, green, makes a home more comfortable and is a big money saver.

Call for a FREE home visit.

(989) 356-2113

Scan below to learn more

wellconnectgeo.com

Eligible for co-op rebates ranging from $1,050 to $1,850 and a 22% federal tax credit.

gtlakes.com

facebook.com/greatlakesenergy

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