January 2019
MICHIGAN
COUNTRY LINES Cherryland Electric Cooperative JAKE INGLE:
Building Dreams OUT OF SNOW
Co-op’s Future In Millennials’ Hands
TwoCrow Embraces Heritage And Builds Community
Tips To Conserve Energy During Winter
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In This Issue January 2019 || Vol. 39, No. 1
Michigan’s Electric Cooperatives
countrylines.com facebook.com/ michigancountrylines
Executive Editor: Casey Clark Editor: Christine Dorr Copy Editor: Heidi Spencer Design and Production: Karreen Bird Publisher: Michigan Electric Cooperative Association Michigan Country Lines, USPS-591710, 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 are Robert Kran, Great Lakes Energy, chairman; Mark Kappler, HomeWorks Tri-County Electric, vice chairman; and Eric Baker, Wolverine Power Cooperative, secretary-treasurer. Craig Borr is 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 countrylines.com
CHANGE OF ADDRESS: Please notify your electric cooperative. See page 4 for contact information.
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MEMBER GUEST COLUMN:
A Multitude Of Experiences
Rick Fowler, Great Lakes Energy member
7 SAFETY Portable Generator Safety Tips 10 MI CO-OP KITCHEN Tasty And Filling Pasta Recipes Christin McKamey & Our Readers
Enjoy our featured Jubilee Bean Turkey Chili, compliments of Bill Van Gilder, an FIS technical halfpipe delegate and an owner of Van Gilder’s Jubilee Restaurant in the Pocono Mountains, Pennsylvania. Enter Our Recipe Contest And Win A $50 Bill Credit!
14 FEATURE Jake Ingle: Building Dreams Out Of Snow Emily Haines Lloyd
18 MI CO-OP COMMUNITY MEMBER GUEST COLUMN:
Oliver And My Father Karen Reilly, Midwest Energy & Communications member
The appearance of advertising does not constitute an endorsement of the products or services advertised.
Guess Our New Mystery Photo And Win A $50 Bill Credit!
ON THE COVER Petoskey resident Jake Ingle is the brain and brawn behind many of the famous snowboarding half-pipes and super-pipes across the world, including this one (pictured above and on the cover) at Colorado’s Copper Mountain and the highly-praised half-pipe at the 2018 Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang, South Korea. Learn more on page 14.
Win $150 for stories published!
Guest Column Country Lines invites members to submit their fond memories and stories. Guidelines 1. Approximately 350 words 2. Digital photos must be at least 600 KB 3. Submit your guest column at countrylines.com under the MI Co-op Community tab
MICHIGAN COUNTRY LINES
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CO-OP NEWS
LEELANAU
BENZIE
GRAND TRAVERSE
MANISTEE
WEXFORD
KALKASKA
Board Of Directors
TERRY LAUTNER President 231-946-4623 tlautner@cherrylandelectric.coop TOM VAN PELT Senior Vice President 231-386-5234 tvanpelt@cherrylandelectric.coop MELINDA LAUTNER Secretary 231-947-2509 mlautner@cherrylandelectric.coop DAVID SCHWEITZER Treasurer 231-883-5860 dschweitzer@cherrylandelectric.coop JOHN OLSON Director 231-938-1228 jolson@cherrylandelectric.coop GABE SCHNEIDER Director 517-449-6453 gschneider@cherrylandelectric.coop JON ZICKERT Director 231-631-1337 jzickert@cherrylandelectric.coop GENERAL MANAGER Tony Anderson CO-OP EDITORS Rachel Johnson Rob Marsh
OFFICE HOURS Monday–Friday 7:30 a.m.– 4 p.m.
Rebate Forms Due By End Of January
Members looking to receive credits for energy efficiency upgrades performed during 2018 must have their rebate forms to Cherryland by Jan. 31. Forms received on Feb. 1 will not be accepted for items purchased and installed in 2018. If you have questions regarding rebates, visit our website or contact Tammy Squires at 231-486-9261 or tsquires@cherrylandelectric.coop.
Office Closed For Employee Training
The Cherryland office will be closed Monday, Jan. 14, for employee training. Normal business hours will resume on Tuesday, Jan. 15. Line crews are on call to respond to any outages or emergencies. You can report your outage through SmartHub or by calling us at 231-486-9200.
Cherryland Accepts Applications For Youth Tour In Washington, D.C.
High school sophomores and juniors from Cherryland’s service territory are invited to join the Electric Cooperative Youth Tour: a once-in-a-lifetime, allexpenses-paid, leadership travel opportunity to Washington, D.C. in June. Applications must be submitted by Thursday, Feb. 28. For more information and to apply, visit cooperativeyouthtour.com.
Serve On Cherryland’s Board
Any qualified Cherryland member can be elected to serve a three-year term on the cooperative’s board of directors. Three directors will be elected at this year’s Annual Meeting, including two at-large directors and one Benzie/Manistee/Wexford director. To be nominated in 2019, candidates can file a petition with the cooperative’s administrative assistant starting the first day of March until 4 p.m. on the last business day of March. Nominating petitions are available on our website and at the co-op office in Grawn.
TELEPHONE NUMBERS 231-486-9200 or 1-800-442-8616 (Mich.)
For more information regarding board nominations and the election process, review Article III of the co-op’s bylaws on our website.
ADDRESS P.O. Box 298, Grawn, MI 49637
Cherryland Offers Five Scholarships
WEBSITE cherrylandelectric.coop PAY STATION Cherryland Electric Cooperative office 5930 U.S. 31 South, Grawn MI, 49637 Cherryland Electric Cooperative is an equal opportunity provider and employer. Follow us on Facebook. facebook.com/cherrylandelectriccoop Follow us on Instagram. @cherrylandec
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Cherryland offers five scholarships—three worth $4,000 ($1,000 for four years) for high school seniors and two for $1,000 each for adult scholarship (post high school). Applications for both scholarships are available on our website or by contacting Cherryland’s office at 231-486-9200. The deadline for applications is Friday, April 5.
Cherryland Announces Date Of 81st Annual Meeting
Cherryland’s 81st Annual Meeting will take place Thursday, June 20, at Incredible Mo’s in Grawn. Save the date.
They Are Us Tony Anderson, General Manager
The millennial generation spans something like 1980 to 1996, I believe. I am a baby boomer, and I am upset about the reputation that some of “my kind” have painted about these kids. I have read articles about millennials being the most hated generation because they are lazy, cocky, impatient and entitled (among other more derogatory comments).
Books about millennials say that they don’t stay in one job very long. The actual history of the Cherryland 24 tells a different story. I have been at Cherryland almost 16 years now, and I can count on less than five fingers the millennials who have left in under five years. Moving from one job to another better job has been done in every generation. This boomer did it three times in my first 10 years in the working world.
At Cherryland Electric Cooperative, we have 58 employees Another chapter of the millennial story says that they and 24 of them fall into the millennial category. Yes, over want 50 percent more feedback than other workers. Well, 40 percent of the workforce at your cooperative is Captain Obvious, maybe it’s because they are new to the comprised of a generation that seemingly has no working world and want to get their job right. Again, this redeemable characteristics if you boomer needed and appreciated believe anything Google has to say more feedback 30 years ago than “Rather than being afraid for about them. Why am I not afraid for I do today. our future, I am excited because the future of electricity delivery as we know it in our region? Find me a worker who complains the future is in great hands.” about the millennial generation, Rather than being afraid for our future, I am excited and I will show you somebody who needs a better human because the future is in great hands. I strongly disagree resources department. Cast a wide net, interview right, with all the negative characteristics heaped unfairly on this and don’t settle for mediocre candidates and any business generation. When I watch our millennials work on a daily can build a great employee group from any generation of basis, I see people who work hard, appreciate feedback, workers. Don’t blame poor hiring practices on millennials. believe in our purpose and want the best for their families. Finally, I think the real reason that this generation doesn’t Millennials are the most educated generation in history. get the positive due it deserves is my generation. The Why? Their parents and every generation before them boomers are aging out of the workforce and many of insisted that they go to college. Generations past looked us refuse to recognize what we see in this generation of down on the trades and skilled labor jobs and steered this young, energetic and talented people. generation into piles of college debt. What are boomers looking at when they look down on At your cooperative, we have a great group who would not millennials? We see ourselves at the start of our careers, be turned away from a lifestyle and career that they wanted. beginning a family and making our first noises in the world. They sought construction jobs and outdoor work while Millennials are us. I refuse to be negative because they are avoiding high college debt. There is only a minor percentage young and new. Instead, I choose to be happy and proud to of college debt among the 24 Cherryland millennials. put our future in their hands.
MICHIGAN COUNTRY LINES
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GUEST COLUMN
MI CO-OP Community
A Multitude Of Experiences Can Be Fulfilled Within 20 Minutes By Rick Fowler, Great Lakes Energy member
Russian-born comedian Yakov Smirnoff’s shtick includes his catchphrase, “America, what a country!” As a life-long resident of Michigan if I ever find my way onto the outdoor speaking venue my shtick would be along the lines, “Northwest Michigan, what a beautiful piece of America!” Why wouldn’t I want to brag about this little area of our country? Within 20 minutes of stepping out my door, I can fish for lake trout, brook trout, brown trout, walleye, pike and panfish. Within 20 minutes I can ply the woods for deer, bear and grouse. Plus, I am only a few minutes away from paddling on exceptional kayak and canoe waters or hopping on a boat and going through a lock. Essentially, I have the ability to travel anywhere in the world on the waters which touch the shores of nearby lakes and rivers. A few miles down the road from where I live, I can get lost on a two-track road. It’s not a panicky lost, but an exhilarating lost. Knowing that the little-used road will eventually lead me somewhere makes me want to keep advancing and not turn around just from the fear of being lost. I go slowly because if I go faster the sound is not the
same. With additional speed, this venture would be more just like a ride. I don’t just want a ride, I want an adventure. This is magical! THAT’S WHAT WE ALL CAN DO within minutes of our homes—seek the magic that waits in northern Michigan. Within 20 minutes of my home, I can awaken all of my senses. It might just be the smell of wild grape hidden amongst the tag alder and aspen, decaying moss, leaves and grass or the essence of wildflowers wafting in the air. It might be the crash of some creature ambling through the woods, the sight of flocks of birds, rolling hills and the Windex blue of any of the lakes only minutes away. Beautiful scenery, bountiful opportunities and a slate that can be filled every day without too much effort. How could anyone who lives in this two peninsula state ever utter the word boring?
Rick taught high school English in Boyne City for 34 years. For the past 25 years, he has been an outdoor freelance writer.
NO BARRIERS ADVENTURES FOR RURAL VETERANS—APPLY BY FEB. 28 Michigan electric cooperatives believe there should be “No Barriers” for veterans with disabilities. That’s the name and idea behind CoBank’s No Barriers initiative. Michigan cooperatives are looking for qualified veterans* from our local community to participate. No Barriers is a five-day, all-expenses-paid, expedition in Colorado, designed to help veterans with disabilities transform their lives through curriculum-based experience in challenging environments (climbing, rafting and hiking). If you are a disabled veteran, or you know of a disabled veteran in our community who would like to participate in the No Barriers program, please complete the form on our website:
countrylines.com/nobarriers *Must have VA disability rating to be eligible.
Portable Generator
SAFETY TIPS Carbon Monoxide And Ventilation
• Using a generator indoors can kill you in minutes. Exhaust contains carbon monoxide, a deadly, poisonous gas you cannot see or smell. • NEVER run a generator indoors or in partly-enclosed areas, such as garages. • ONLY use outdoors and far from windows, doors, vents, and crawl spaces, and in an area where adequate ventilation is available and deadly exhaust gas cannot accumulate. • 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 manufacturer’s instructions/recommendations.
Gasoline, Fueling And Burn Safety
Always read the owner’s manual and instructions for your generator. Do NOT cut corners when it comes to safety. These tips are merely supplemental and are not intended as a substitute for reading the owner’s manual.
• Do not overfill the fuel tank. Always allow room for fuel expansion. • If the tank is over-filled, fuel can overflow onto a hot engine and cause fire or explosion. • Never add fuel while the unit is running or hot. Allow the generator and engine to cool entirely before adding fuel. • Never store a generator with fuel in the tank where gasoline vapors might reach an open flame, spark or pilot light. • 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.
• 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 related to grounding.
Electrocution Hazard And Electrical Shock Hazards
• 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.
• Do not connect your generator directly to your home’s wiring or into a regular household outlet. • 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. • Only start or stop the generator when no electrical loads are connected. • Overloading your generator can seriously damage your valuable appliances and electronics. Do not overload the generator. Prioritize your needs; do not operate more appliances and equipment than the output rating of the generator. A portable electric generator should be used only when necessary and only to power essential equipment.
Generator Placement And Operation
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 COUNTRY LINES
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Finding Yourself
TwoCrow Embraces Heritage And Builds Community By Rob Marsh
I
n history class, Cherryland member Samantha TwoCrow remembers feeling nervous when the teacher asked her and her fellow students to turn to the chapter on Native American history in their textbooks. As the only Native American in her class, she was often called upon to answer students’ questions about her culture. “Growing up, I didn’t know who I was, so often my answer was ‘I’m not sure,’” chuckled TwoCrow. It’s easy for TwoCrow to laugh about her experience today. It’s now her job as the cultural representative for Traverse
TwoCrow dedicates her life to educating others on Native American history and culture.
City Area Public Schools (TCAPS) to be an advisor for teachers and lend authenticity to their lessons about Native American history and culture. “My job is amazing,” she said. “It gives me a great sense of pride to be used as a resource for TCAPS and to help build my community’s sense of identity.” TwoCrow has taken great strides from sitting in that history class to becoming the go-to cultural advisor for TCAPS. But, in her opinion, the most significant step toward embracing her culture was discovering beadwork.
At the age of eight, TwoCrow picked up beadwork and found out quickly that she had a knack for it. “I started by making bracelets for my friends. Then it just took off,” she explained. “It wasn’t anything I imagined doing.”
“Dancing is a great visual representation of who we are,” explained TwoCrow. “It’s a beautiful thing to see.” Today, TwoCrow, often with her husband and four children, dance for school presentations and travel across the state to dance in their free time.
She defines her beadwork as “contemporary Native American,” as it ties Native American influences with contemporary beadwork. “By taking regular clothes and incorporating Native American-influenced beadwork, we can show who we are and be prideful as a community in modern times.”
Whether it’s dancing, beadwork, or giving presentations to students, TwoCrow’s goal is the same: to be there for others and lend a helping hand to those searching for their identity, like she was years ago.
The commercial success of her beadwork motivated her to quit her job at an accounting firm, return to school, and devote her life to learning about her culture and sharing it with others.
“All my life, I was trying to build the identity I didn’t have. Today, I hope to share my experiences, build identity and self-worthiness into our community, and promote togetherness.”
“Honestly, I can’t imagine doing anything else,” she said. Being a cultural representative for TCAPS means that no two days are alike, explains TwoCrow. One day she is giving a formal presentation to a history class. The next day she is teaching students to plant a traditional Three Sisters Garden. But of those activities, the one she is asked to do regularly is to showcase Pow Wow dancing. TwoCrow is an accomplished Pow Wow dancer. At a young age, she learned to dance from her mother and friends, as well as make the regalia. Later, through programs offered by the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians, she danced for audiences across the country.
MICHIGAN COUNTRY LINES
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Pasta Perfect Quick, tasty and filling pasta recipes. Photos—Robert Bruce Photography
Winning Recipe!
Gigi’s Famous Farfalle And Sausage Pasta Gigi Bozzano, Midwest Energy & Communications
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil 1 pound Italian sausages (sweet or spicy), casings removed before cooking ¼ to ¾ teaspoon dried crushed red pepper (optional according to taste) ½ small onion (red or white), finely chopped 2 to 3 garlic cloves, minced (optional) 1 can (28-ounces) crushed tomatoes (with puree) ¾ cup heavy whipping cream 1 pound farfalle (DeCecco brand works well) • salt for pasta water: 1 tablespoon table salt or 1.5 tablespoons kosher salt ½ cup packed fresh basil, chiffonade right before serving • grated pecorino Romano or Parmigiano-Reggiano Heat olive oil on medium heat in a large (12-inch) heavy skillet. When simmering, add Italian sausage and crushed red pepper. Sauté sausage until no longer pink, breaking it up with a wooden spoon while it cooks for about 5–6 minutes. Add chopped onion and garlic; reduce heat. Cook until soft but don’t let brown, 3–4 minutes. Add tomatoes and cream and reduce heat to a simmer (so the cream doesn’t curdle). After about 5 minutes, taste. If the sauce is a little acidic, add ½ teaspoon sugar. Meanwhile, fill a large pot with water. Add salt and bring to a boil. When boiling vigorously, add pasta and cook until it still has a 10 JANUARY 2019
“bite;” undercook it by about 3 minutes, as it will finish cooking in the sauce in the skillet. When the pasta is ready, reserve and set aside 1 cup pasta water. Drain pasta or remove with a large slotted spoon and add to sauce/sausage. Toss pasta and sauce over medium-low heat and toss until all the sauce coats the pasta. Add pasta water by ¼ cups to ensure the sauce stays creamy and coats everything. The dish usually requires at least ½ cup of pasta water. After 2–3 minutes, taste pasta for doneness, and if it’s “al dente,” remove from burner. Taste for seasoning. If you think it needs salt, remember that cheese adds salt. Transfer to a large serving dish and chiffonade* and add fresh basil. Toss pasta with basil. Serve the grated cheese on the side. Gigi’s Tip: Basil chiffonade Pile basil leaves on top of one another and gently roll into a cigar shape. With a sharp knife, cut basil into thin strips. I’ve been making this for 30 years and it’s my most requested dish. Buon appetito a tutti! (Enjoy your meal!)
Watch a video of this month’s winning recipe at micoopkitchen.com/videos
Pasta Salad With Lemon Vinaigrette
FEATURED GUEST CHEF
Laura Burke, Great Lakes Energy 8 1 2 1 ¼ 3 1
ounces uncooked small shell pasta pint grape tomatoes, halved cups coarsely chopped fresh spinach yellow bell pepper, chopped cup red onion, chopped tablespoons chopped fresh dill package (4 ounces) crumbled feta cheese
Lemon Vinaigrette ¼ cup fresh lemon juice 1 teaspoon dijon mustard 1 large clove garlic, minced ¼ teaspoon salt ¼ teaspoon freshly ground pepper ½ cup vegetable oil
Cook pasta according to directions; drain. Toss pasta with remaining ingredients. For dressing, whisk together first five ingredients. Gradually add oil in a steady stream, whisking until blended. Toss pasta salad with dressing. Serve immediately or cover and chill up to 8 hours. Enjoy.
Jake Ingle knows it takes a team to create a successful snowboard half-pipe and it helps when a member of that team knows how to warm everyone up with something hot and delicious at the end of a day. Bill Van Gilder is an FIS technical delegate at half-pipe Grand Prix events. His family owns a restaurant in the Pocono Mountains——Van Gilder’s Jubilee Restaurant. So, when Bill is cooking up something——everyone knows it’s a meal that is not to be missed.
Mostaccioli Bake Susan Miner, Cherryland 8 1½ ½ 1 1 1 1 ½ 1 1 1 ¹⁄8 1 2 ½
ounces uncooked mostaccioli pounds hamburger cup chopped onion clove garlic can (28 ounces) diced tomatoes can (8 ounces) tomato sauce can (6 ounces) tomato paste cup water teaspoon salt teaspoon sugar teaspoon basil teaspoon pepper bay leaf cups shredded mozzarella cheese cup fresh grated parmesan cheese
Preheat oven to 350 F. Cook mostaccioli. In a saucepan, cook beef and onion until done.
Jubilee Bean Turkey Chili
Add garlic; cook 1 minute and drain. Stir in tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, water, salt, sugar, basil and pepper. Add bay leaf and bring to a boil; reduce heat and simmer, uncovered for 30 minutes. Remove bay leaf; stir in mostaccioli. Spoon half of the meat mixture into a 9x13 pan and sprinkle with mozzarella cheese; layer with remaining meat mixture. Sprinkle with parmesan cheese. Cover and bake 30–35 minutes. Let stand 5 minutes.
Appetizers and Snacks: due February 1 Breakfast and Brunch: due March 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 and to register.
Enter to win a
$50
energy bill credit!
1 1 3 ½ ½ 28 28 14 14 14 14 14 2 1 1 • • •
lb. ground turkey medium onion cloves of garlic yellow pepper orange pepper ounces crushed tomatoes, undrained ounces diced tomatoes, undrained ounces black beans, drained ounces kidney beans, drained ounces pink beans, drained ounces Northern beans, drained ounces black-eyed peas, drained tablespoons chili powder tablespoon coriander tablespoon cumin dash of cayenne pepper salt and pepper to taste olive oil
Heat oil in pan on stove top. Sauté the garlic, chopped onions, and peppers until they begin to sweat. Add ground turkey until cooked through and mix. Move mixture to large pot. Rinse and drain all beans and add all ingredients to the pot, including the beans. Mix thoroughly. Simmer on low heat for 1.5 hours, mixing lightly as needed. Salt and pepper to taste. Chili can be frozen as well. It’s always better the next day! Read the full story about Jake Ingle and his half-pipe expertise on page 14 and visit micoopkitchen.com to find this recipe and others. MICHIGAN COUNTRY LINES 11
Most votes on Facebook!
Photo Contest Cutest Kids
1. “The most memorable days usually end with the dirtiest clothes.” by Erika Girven
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2. “Let me tell ya about my best friend.” by Sarah Youker 3. “All smiles” by Laura Davis 4. “Cold weather in northern Michigan has nothing on me.” by Sarah Antosiak 5. “Happy Fall” by Neil Carey 6. “My son sandwiched between his identical twin sisters.” by Mikayla Dennis 7. “Pumpkins’ biggest fan!” by Shawn Dawson 8. “My great niece, Aaliyah, is such a great kid!” by Aaliyah Castillo 9. “John Deere boy——just like daddy!” by Lauren Dreves 10. “Hangin’ with Shaq” by Matthew Wood
Submit Your Favorite “Food And Drinks” Photos!
Enter to win a
$200
energy bill credit!
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Submit your best photo and encourage your friends to vote! The photo receiving the most votes from our Facebook contest will be printed in an issue of Country Lines along with some of our other favorites. Our January theme is Food and Drinks. Photos can be submitted through January 20 to be featured in our March issue.
Enter Your Photos And Win A Bill Credit!
To enter the contest visit facebook.com/cherrylandelectriccoop and click “Photo Contest” from the menu tabs. If you’re not on Facebook, that’s okay. You can also enter the contest at cherrylandelectric.coop/photo-contest. Enter your picture, cast your vote, and encourage others to vote for you as well. If your photo is printed in Country Lines during 2019, you will be entered to win a credit of up to $200 on your December 2019 bill.
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2018 Photo Contest Winner
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“Colorful smile!” by Sarah Gum
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JAKE INGLE:
Building Dreams OUT OF SNOW
By Emily Haines Lloyd Photos courtesy of Tripp Fay
The Zaugg pipe monster is the machine used to rough carve the super-pipe at Colorado's Copper Mountain.
L
ike all sculptures, creating a masterpiece begins with an artist’s vision. Then the artist expertly makes use of the tools he or she has learned to use, and cuts, chips, and scrapes away at the material until beauty is revealed. For artists like Petoskey resident Jake Ingle, his material of choice is snow, his tools are anything from a giant snowcat dozer to a handheld shovel, and the result is an enviable living work of art called the half-pipe.
Jake Ingle uses the Red Number 9 to help build a legendary half-pipe for Olympic athletes. This machine was “the best snowcat” in South Korea, Jake attests.
“You live for these moments. To give these folks an amazing ride. For me, it was the perfect experience.” — JAKE INGLE
Skiing and snowboarding half-pipes, like the ones Ingle creates, are expertly-crafted, snow-made ramps with a U-shaped cross-section. This shape allows winter-loving athletes to perform remarkable aerial jumps and maneuvers that defy the general public’s imaginations. The journey to creating and building these massive canvases started in a much smaller way for Ingle. It began with a love of outdoor and winter sports that Ingle shared with his whole family, as well as a mentality to “thrive, not just survive” the cold Appleton, Wis., winters. It eventually meant heading off to college at Gogebic Community College in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula to study ski area management. That led to an internship at Copper Mountain in Colorado, which led to building some of the most enviable half-pipes in the country and, as they say, things snowballed from there. “I just loved to snowboard and thought I’d go be a ski bum after high school,” said Ingle. “It would have been impossible then to imagine what I’d be doing now.” His half-pipe-building work got national attention when the U.S. Ski and Snowboard Association approached him, Ingle said. From there, Ingle
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Top left: A view from the finish-line area of Jake and his team's super-pipe and boarder-cross venues at the 2018 Olympics in South Korea. Top Right: A spectator views the Mammoth Mountain Grand Prix Olympic Qualifier super-pipe all lit up and in its glory. Left: Jake Ingle and his wife, Clare, prepare to watch one of the fruits of Jake’s labor——the Grand Prix super-pipe event in Snowmass, Co.
started working on U.S. Grand Prix and FIS World Cup events—building massive half-pipes, as well as a reputation for himself. Working on these large competitive events eventually led to a recommendation from Roberto Moresi, the World Cup race director, to build the half pipe for the 2018 Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang, South Korea. Along with Ingle’s partner Mark Pevny and Austria-based colleague Alli Zehetner, the trio set out to create a work of art for the largest sporting stage in the world. “There were definitely some nerves. The half-pipes at both the Vancouver and Sochi Olympics had gotten a lot of negative feedback,” said Ingle. “The weather was brutal and made building and maintaining the pipe so hard. You really feel for those guys who worked on those pipes when there’s so much out of your control. ”Ingle and his team began their plans well in advance with site visits, measurements, drawings and a picture in mind they hoped would live up to the reality. The building of the pipe itself is half construction site, half science experience. The team of 70 used huge construction dozers, taking days to build the first wall alone, followed by half-pipe cutter machines, and huge snow blowers. Following these massive tools, Ingle and crew pulled out the shovels and more than a few specialty tools that he has developed as a result of his experience.
We use “centimeter-accurate equipment,” Ingle said. Ingle and his partners completed their work of art in a little over two weeks and with more than a little pride. In the end, the half-pipe at the Phoenix Snow Park in Pyeongchang was 650 feet long with 24-feet-tall walls and 82.5 degrees of verticality. It surpassed even their own wildest dreams. Feedback from the Pyeongchang games was remarkably different than the previous two Olympics. Rave reviews of Ingle’s half-pipe came in from snowboarding gold medalist Shaun White’s coach and 2012 bronze medalist, JJ Thomas, as well as Mike Jankowski, head coach of the U.S. Freeskiing and U.S. Snowboarding teams. “You live for these moments,” said Ingle. “To give these folks an amazing ride. For me, it was the perfect experience.”
Watch a video of Jake Ingle building the half-pipe for the 2018 Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang, South Korea at countrylines.com.
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Quick Tips To Avoid High Winter Bills Looking to lower your bills this winter? Use the 10 tips below to conserve energy.
Seal air leaks and insulate well to prevent heat from escaping and cold air from entering your home. Reduce waste heat by installing a programmable thermostat. Turn off lights when not in use. Lower your water heater temperature. The Dept. of Energy recommends using the warm setting (120 degrees) during fall and winter months. Unplug electronics like kitchen appliances and TVs when you’re away. Open blinds and curtains during the day to allow sunlight in to warm your home. Close blinds and curtains at night to keep cold, drafty air out.
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Use power strips for multiple appliances, and turn off the main switch when you’re away from home.
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Wash clothes in cold water, and use cold-water detergent whenever possible.
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Replace incandescent light bulbs with LEDs, which use at least 75 percent less energy.
Source: U.S. Dept. of Energy
Your Board In Action October Board Meeting
• The co-op’s member relations manager presented to the board the details of a newly enhanced rebate program. The co-op is offering large rebates for select measures, including the purchase of an electric vehicle, electric water heater, and ground-water heat pump. Rebate funds for these measures are limited and available for a limited time.
Steps For De-energizing Lines For Tree Trimming On Your Property Planning on trimming some trees on your property and think you need one of Cherryland’s lines de-energized to do so safely? Follow these simple steps: • Call us at 231-486-9200 and let us know you need a line de-energized for tree trimming. • Set up an appointment with a Cherryland rep to meet you at your home to evaluate what needs to be done. • Once evaluated, we will schedule a time for the line to be de-energized. If you have any other questions regarding tree trimming, please contact us at 231-486-9200.
Notice To Members Of Data Privacy Policy The Cherryland Electric Cooperative Board of Directors has adopted a policy governing the collection, use and disclosure of member account information and usage data. A full copy of the Data Privacy Policy can be found at: https://www.cherrylandelectric.coop/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/ CEC-Privacy-Tariff.pdf If you would like a hard copy of the Data Privacy Policy, call our office at 231-486-9200 or email us at cec@cherrylandelectric.coop.
• The board reviewed a draft agenda for the co-op’s annual training day in January. Every January, co-op employees spend a day receiving updates on co-op business, engaging in safety training, performing teambuilding exercises, and more. • The board approved commercial member Iron Fish Distillery’s request for a loan to purchase a commercial generator. Through the co-op’s commercial generator loan program, Cherryland can assist counties, townships, villages, public libraries, ambulance services, fire departments, commercial businesses and other emergency service providers in community preparation for severe storms and natural disasters.
November Board Meeting • The board welcomed representatives from the National Rural Utilities Cooperative Finance Corporation (CFC) to give a special presentation regarding equity management. The CFC representatives discussed setting target equity ranges and balancing infrastructure growth, capital credit retirements, and total margins. • The board reviewed and approved the co-op’s near $7 million capital budget for 2019. Of that amount, approximately $6 million covers the year’s engineering, operations, and transportation costs. • As part of the co-op’s Revolving Loan Fund, the board approved a zerointerest loan for the purchase of a new ambulance for Cedar Area Fire & Rescue.
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Guess this photo and enter to win a
MI CO-OP Community
$50
energy bill credit!
GUEST COLUMN
Oliver And My Father Where In Michigan Is This? Identify the correct location of the photo above by January 20 and be entered into a drawing to win a $50 electric bill credit. Enter your guess at countrylines.com or send by mail to: Country Lines Mystery Photo, 201 Townsend St., Suite 900, Lansing, MI 48933. Include the name on your account, address, phone number and the name of your co-op. Our Mystery Photo Contest winner from the November/December 2018 issue is Paul Bosker, a Great Lakes Cooperative member, who correctly identified the photo as the underside of the Mackinac Bridge. Winners are announced in the following issues of Country Lines: January, March, May, July/August, September and November/December.
November/December 2018
By Karen Reilly, Midwest Energy & Communications member
My father, my hero, was a jovial man who loved to share stories of the past. I especially enjoyed hearing about life on the family farm in Dowagiac. This is a story I captured from him nearly 20 years ago from his point of view. “Back in the 1940s, life around the family farm in Dowagiac really began to change. The outhouse hole was filled in and, for the first time, we had running water in the house. This made everyday chores, such as dishwashing and bathing, much easier. However, the biggest innovation of the decade for us was the gasoline-powered tractor. My first tractor was a shiny green one built by Oliver. At the front base of its long body were two small tires. In the rear were two large tires with thick treads. Compared to the small wheels on the family Buick, these were some of the biggest tires I ever saw! The tractor had the strength of 10 horses. The plow, planter, disk, brush chopper and trailer that attached to the back of the tractor revolutionized life on the farm. Work could be done in a fraction of the time, and with the bright headlamp on the front of the tractor, we could work past daylight, if needed. We planted larger plots of land and harvested greater quantities of crops. I had to save for that new Oliver—$800 was a lot of money back then. But, she was worth every penny. I sold the tractor in the late ’40s for $1,000; I wanted to buy a Chevy convertible. In the late 1980s, I heard my old tractor was once again looking for a home. By then I had newer, more powerful machines, but for old times’ sake, I decided to take my Oliver tractor back to the farm and fi x her up. She doesn’t do much farm work anymore. Like me, she’s retired. She sure looks good, though, in that shiny, new coat of green with the little wheels in the front, and the great big ones in back. I think I will hang onto her for a while.” The original family farm in Dowagiac still stands and will turn 100 years old in the next few years. My dad built his farm just down the road from it and it remains our home today. And the Oliver tractor is also still in our family.
Photo courtesy of Thomas Mann
18 JANUARY 2019
Karen is a co-op member who is a nature-lover at heart and enjoys bird-watching, exploring woodlands, gardening and long walks. She is a dean at a community college and lives at and runs her father's farm with her husband.
AFFORDABLE GEOTHERMAL HEAT & COOL YOUR HOME FOR HALF WITH YOUR WELL WATER
You can add a Well-Connect to your home for about the same price (after incentives) as a conventional HVAC system. A typical installation is completed in 1 day.
Call for a FREE Site Visit
Hybrid Geothermal
wellconnectsaves.com 989-356-2113
cherrylandelectric.coop
Applications Due Feb. 28 Tour Dates June 15–20, 2019
Youth Tour WILL INSPIRE YOU, JUST KNOW THAT IT WILL. THERE’S NO TELLING HOW
From the battleeelds of Gettysburg to the halls of Congress in Washington, D.C.,
Youth Tour will explore the leadership
lessons of our nation’s history and immerse you in the cooperative spirit. Learn more about this FREE leadership travel opportunity, sponsored by the electric cooperatives of Michigan, at CooperativeYouthTour.com.