Thumb Jan/Feb 2021

January/February 2021

MICHIGAN

COUNTRY LINES Thumb Electric Cooperative

Director Election Results

2020 Photo Contest Winners Transitioning To AMI System

THE MUSKEGON Luge Adventure Sports Park:

THRILL-SEEKERS WELCOME

WATERFURNACE UNITS QUALIFY FOR A 22% FEDERAL TAX CREDIT THROUGH 2021

THERE’S A TREASURE

IN YOUR BACKYARD You may not realize it, but your home is sitting on a free and renewable supply of energy.

A WaterFurnace geothermal comfort system taps into the stored solar energy in your own backyard to provide savings of up to 70% on heating, cooling and hot water. That’s money in the bank and a smart investment in your family’s comfort. Contact your local WaterFurnace dealer today to learn how to tap into your buried treasure.

YOUR LOCAL WATERFURNACE DEALERS Bad Axe/Cass City Thumb Clg & Htg (855) 206-5457 thumbcooling andheating.com

Clifford Orton Refrig & Htg (989) 761-7691 sandusky geothermal.com

Berrien Springs WaterFurnace Michiana (269) 473-5667 gogreenmich geothermal.com

Manistique / Naubinway Hoholik Enterprises Inc. 906.341.5065 Hoholikenterprises.com

Portland ESI Htg & Clg (517) 647-6906 esiheating.com

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

Michigan Center Comfort 1/Aire Serv of Southern Michigan (517) 764-1500 aireserv.com/ southern-michigan

Sunfield Mark Woodman Plmb & Htg (517) 886-1138 mwphonline.com

Big Rapids Stratz Htg & Clg, Inc. (231) 796-3717 stratzgeocomfort.com

Indian River M & M Plmb & Htg (231) 238-7201 mm-plumbing.com

Mt Pleasant Walton Htg & Clg (989) 772-4822 waltonheating.com

Caro Kozy Home Htg & Clg (989) 673-4328 geo4less.com

Mancelona Top Notch Htg, Clg, & Geothermal 231.350.8052 Topnotchheatandair.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.

Contents countrylines.com

January 2021 Vol. 41, No. 1

/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 INTO THE WILD The Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park offers space for much-needed (and safe) outdoor time this winter.

14 THRILL-SEEKERS WELCOME AT THE MUSKEGON LUGE ADVENTURE SPORTS PARK If you're seeking daring, Olympics-caliber fun, look no further than Muskegon.

10 MI CO-OP KITCHEN Salad Night: Recipes to turn plain old greens into a hearty and healthy meal.

18 GUEST COLUMN Remembering glass bottles and the milkman.

Legend says a couple displayed their love for one another by jumping off the top of this rock arch together. That’s why it’s called Lover’s Leap. But don’t try it!

The water there is only a few feet deep. @michiganskymedia, Tyler Leipprandt

Be featured!

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

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

MI CO-OP COMMUNITY

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

MI CO-OP KITCHEN

BEST OF MICHIGAN

GUEST COLUMN

MYSTERY PHOTO

Up Next: Tacos, Garden Fresh Share your favorite recipes.

Up Next: Winter Fun! Tell us about your favorite winter activity location (downhill skiing, cross-country skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, biking, ice skating, etc.)

Submit your fondest memories and stories.

Enter a drawing to identify the correct location of the photo.

Win $150 for stories published!

Win a $50 bill credit!

Win a $50 bill credit!

See page 18

MICHIGAN COUNTRY LINES

3

tecmi.coop /thumbelectric

THUMB ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE 2231 Main Street Ubly, MI 48475-0157 1-800-327-0166 or 989-658-8571 E-mail: tec@tecmi.coop

BOARD OF DIRECTORS HURON COUNTY Randall Dhyse, Treasurer District 1 • 989-551-6533

Don Wolschleger, Director District 2 • 989-975-2027 Beth McDonald, Secretary District 3 • 989-550-7470 SANILAC COUNTY Kim Nunn, Vice President District 1 • 810-679-4291 Mike Briolat, Director District 2 • 989-284-3405

Duane Kursinsky, Director District 3 • 810-837-3828 TUSCOLA COUNTY Louis Wenzlaff, President District 1 • 989-683-2696

Jonathan Findlay, Director District 2 • 989-551-8393 Carl Cousins, Director District 3 • 989-871-4449

Dallas Braun, General Manager

PAYMENT STATIONS Huron County Bad Axe—Northstar Bank Pigeon—Northstar Bank Tuscola County Akron—Northstar Bank Caro—Northstar Bank Mayville—Mayville State Bank Millington—Mayville State Bank Sanilac County Sandusky—Northstar Bank Thumb Electric Cooperative is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

HURON

TUSCOLA

4 JANUARY 2021

SANILAC

Welcoming A New Year

From all the TEC employees and directors, we wish everyone a happy and safe year in 2021.

Dallas Braun, General Manager

2020 was another busy year for Thumb Electric. Like everyone else, we had to make adjustments to our normal operations due to COVID. Thank you for your patience as we worked through these adjustments. While there were some minor strains, scrapes, and sprains along the way, TEC employees achieved a goal of going two consecutive years without a loss-time incident. Congratulations and thank you TEC employees!

TEC and contractor crews completed several system improvement projects that were part of the 2020 board-approved $5.5 million capital budget. Deployment of an Automated Metering Infrastructure (AMI) was also a project that went well. We expect the remaining portion of the AMI project to be completed by mid-2021. In 2020, we also brought on consultants to perform an in-depth Fiber-To-The-Home (FTTH) financial feasibility study and assist in a FTTH business plan.

As we move into 2021, some of the anticipated projects include: • Approximately $4 million in additional capital system improvements to be completed by TEC and contractor crews.

• Completion and full integration of the AMI system.

• Continue to work with consultants/contractors on the design and construction schedule for a fiber deployment project throughout TEC’s service area footprint and surrounding areas. Stay tuned on this. We will continue to provide additional information as we navigate through this process.

As we all work together to keep the lights on and our communities safe, please call or email the office with questions and concerns. For those who may be experiencing difficulties paying your bill due to COVID or other reasons, contact the office for assistance. Be sure to continue to read Country Lines and follow TEC on Facebook.

Director Election Update The 2020 Thumb Electric Cooperative District 3 Director Election results for a three-year term are as follows: Huron County—District 3 Beth McDonald— Incumbent . . . . . . . . . . 406 votes Richard Thompson . . . . . . 161 votes Sanilac County—District 3 Duane Kursinsky— Incumbent . . . . . . . . . . 360 votes Tim Hale . . . . . . . . . . . . . 183 votes Tuscola County—District 3 Carl Cousins— Incumbent . . . . . . . . . . 406 votes Samantha Pickering. . . . . . 99 votes Gerald Coon. . . . . . . . . . . 53 votes

No longer required ? to read your own meter Want to be environmentally friendly?

Would you like to save p yourself and your co-o members money?

What a great time to go paperless

ELECTION NOTICE

FOR TEC MEMBERS In March 2021, a nominating committee of nine Thumb Electric Cooperative members will meet to select a slate of candidates for one director position in Huron, Sanilac and Tuscola counties.

Positions in District 2, currently held by Donald Wolschleger, Mike Briolat, and Jonathan Findlay, will be voted on by mail, online and tentatively at the June 2021 Annual Meeting.

Any co-op member interested in running for a district director position should write a letter to the Thumb Electric nominating committee chairperson prior to Feb. 9, 2021, indicating his or her interest in being nominated.

The committee will review the prospective nominee’s qualifications to determine whether he or she meets bylaw requirements and whether he or she should be placed on the ballot.

If you would like more information, please contact the co-op’s general manager, Dallas Braun, at 800-327-0166 or 989-658-8571.

Go Paperless And Win A

$50 BILL CREDIT Four Winners Will Be Chosen!

• All members who are signed up for paperless billing by June 10 will be entered in the drawing.

• Sign up online at tecmi.coop or via SmartHub. • Winners will be announced at TEC’s Annual Meeting on June 12.

• Paperless members will receive an email or text letting them know their bill is available to view. No physical copy of the bill will be mailed unless a member falls into shutoff status.

E UPIN PORC TAINS MOUN SS ERNE D L I W K E PAR STAT

INTO THE

By Emily Haines Lloyd Photos by Diane Rhode & Ryan Brown

W

ith Michiganders on the long end of a year that limited us in the everyday activities we often enjoy, the outdoors was a respite through the summer and fall. As we enter the winter months, many are wondering how to keep a degree of sanity and avoid the dreaded cabin fever.

Enter Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park.

Affectionately called The Porkies, Michigan’s largest state park, located in Ontonagon, offers a bevy of outdoor activities. It’s also easy to maintain a healthy level of social distancing with the over 60,000 acres of wilderness to explore.

6

JANUARY 2021

“People come to the Porkies with different mindsets,” said Katie Urban, park interpreter (maybe the best job title ever). “Some folks want to go on a crazy adventure, that physical act to burn off their energy. Some are looking for some peace and quiet.

I just tell people, either way, just make sure you take a moment to look around and take it all in.”

The park also has acres of woods, wild animals (don’t worry, they tend to keep their distance), and the well-known Lake of the Clouds—one of the most photographed features in the Upper Peninsula. There are also plenty of more structured activities to check out. The downhill ski slope is covered in snow made entirely by Mother Nature

and offers thrilling trails of fresh powder. It’s the perfect opportunity to try out cross-country skiing and snowshoeing on gorgeously-groomed trails for both the experienced and newbies. Or join Urban on a weekly guided hike by riding the ski lift to the top of the mountains, taking in the vista, and then hiking back to base camp.

Perhaps one of the more inspiring opportunities in winter is the Lantern Walk, a one-mile loop on which to either cross-country ski, snowshoe, or walk with lanterns lighting the way. When the moon is out and shining, it does some of the heavy lifting for the lamps, and in either case, the sky provides fantastical views of the stars for all.

The Porkies also allow for winter camping. You can chart where to pitch your tent with the help of the ranger station for dispersed camping or rent one of the cabins or yurts for your crew. The trek out to the cabins is as much fun as the camping itself and includes wood to keep the fire roaring.

“There’s nothing quite like it,” confirms Urban. “It’s the kind of quiet that brings an amazing amount of peace. It’s obviously great for us physically to be out in nature, but I’m always surprised at how beneficial it is mentally and emotionally as well. It’s a whole other level of happiness.”

“There really is just so much to do and see,” said Urban. “The best part of what I do is watching people engaging with nature, learning something new, experiencing a new sport, or starting a new passion. Everything up here is inspiring.”

For more information visit michigan.gov/porkies or call 906-885-5275.

“Everything up here is inspiring.”

—Katie Urban

MICHIGAN COUNTRY LINES

7

2020

PHOTO CONTEST

WINNERS

Ashley Kennedy (May/June)

Ona Warchuck (Sept./Oct.)

Kayla Grekowicz (Nov./Dec.)

Joette Klein (Nov./Dec.)

TEC awarded four members with a $50 bill credit for being selected in a random drawing of all contest entries that appeared in Michigan Country Lines in 2020.

Thank you to the many TEC members who participated.

Members are welcome to send in photos for our 2021 contest.

PHOTO CONTEST

Winter Magic 1. “Let it snow!” by Mike 2. “Winter Willow Creek wonderland”

by Annette Decker 3. “Oh, so many sleds!” by Ambur Hammond 4. “Learning to ski at 3!” by Alissa Spinniken

MOST VOTES!

2

1 Enter for a chance to win a

$50

energy bill credit!

3

4

Submit Your “Wild Animals” Photos!

Submit Your “Wild Animals” photos through January 20 to be featured in our March/April issue!

Submit your best photo and encourage your friends to vote! The photo receiving the most votes will be printed in an issue of Country Lines along with some of our other favorites.

Enter Your Photos And Win A Bill Credit!

To enter the contest, visit tecmi.coop/photocontest. Enter your picture, cast your vote, and encourage others to vote for you as well. If your photo is printed in Country Lines during 2021, you will be entered into a drawing for a chance to win one of four $50 credits on your December 2021 bill.

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

SALAD NIGHT Make a meal out of your greens.

WINNING RECIPE!

SOUTHWEST CHICKEN SALAD Judy Skowronski, Cherryland

4 cups shredded or cubed cooked chicken 2 cups canned or thawed frozen corn 1 cup chopped sweet peppers 1 cup black beans, optional 1 cup chopped onion 1 cup minced fresh cilantro • green, leafy lettuce (butter/bibb, romaine, etc.)

Dressing: 3 tablespoons lime juice 5 tablespoons olive oil 4 teaspoons honey 2 teaspoons cumin 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon chili powder ½ teaspoon black pepper

Win a

$50

energy bill credit!

10 JANUARY 2021

RECIPE CONTEST

Tacos due February 1 • Garden Fresh 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.

In a large bowl, combine chicken, corn, peppers, beans (if using), onion, and cilantro. In a small bowl, whisk all dressing ingredients. Pour dressing over chicken mixture and toss to coat. Serve over salad greens.

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

SUPPER SALAD

Rosemarie Ouellette, Thumb Electric 1 package Good Seasons Italian Dressing mix (or any Italian dressing mix) 1 tablespoon maple syrup 1 boneless, skinless chicken breast 1 large apple, diced into small cubes ½ cup golden raisins ½ cup walnut pieces 1 bag lettuce Prepare the dressing mix according to the package directions and add 1 tablespoon maple syrup. Cook the chicken breast via desired cooking method until tender, then dice into bite-sized pieces. Toss the chicken, apple, raisins, walnuts and lettuce in a large bowl. Sprinkle the dressing over, toss again, then serve immediately.

CHOPPED VEGGIE SALAD Sue Evans, Alger Delta

1 cup chopped romaine lettuce ¼ cup chopped red onion ¼ cup chopped sugar snap peas ¼ cup chopped sweet red bell pepper ¼ cup chopped radish ½ cup chopped cucumber ½ cup chopped fresh broccoli ½ cup chopped fresh cauliflower ¼ cup shredded mozzarella ¼ cup shredded cheddar cheese 4 strips turkey bacon, cooked and crumbled (optional) Dressing: ½ cup low-fat Miracle Whip salad dressing (or any salad dressing) 2 tablespoons stevia 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar ½ teaspoon dill weed Combine veggies, cheese and bacon in a mixing bowl. In a separate bowl, mix together the dressing ingredients, then stir into veggie mix. May be served immediately, but is even better when refrigerated for a few hours. You can omit or add chopped fresh veggies to suit your own tastes. This recipe serves two; you can easily double or triple ingredients for more servings.

CAULIFLOWER SALAD Vada Baatz, Cherryland

4 cups sliced raw cauliflower 1 cup coarsely chopped olives ²⁄ ³ cup chopped green bell pepper ½ cup chopped pimento ½ cup chopped onion Dressing: ½ cup salad oil (vegetable, canola, etc.)

3 tablespoons lemon juice 3 tablespoons white or wine vinegar 1 teaspoon salt ½ teaspoon sugar ¼ teaspoon black pepper Combine the cauliflower, olives, green peppers, pimentos, and onion. To prepare the dressing, beat dressing ingredients with a rotary mixer or blender. Pour the dressing over the veggies; mix and stir until well blended. Refrigerate covered for 4 hours or overnight.

MICHIGAN COUNTRY LINES

11

Metering and Service Equipment

Thumb Electric Cooperative is responsible for repairs to the meter itself.

We are also responsible for the service drop, which is the line either above ground or underground running from the utility pole to your home or commercial facility. You are responsible for all other equipment at the meter location, including the service entrance cable. Contact a licensed electrician to complete any repairs that are your responsibility.

METER EQUIPMENT 1 2 3 4 5 6 7

Service Line

Service Bracket or Hook Weather Head Pipe Riser

Meter Can

Electric Meter

Service Entrance Cable

Thumb Electric Cooperative installs and maintains your service line (1) and electric meter (6).

Installation and maintenance of the service bracket or hook (2), weather head (3), pipe riser (4), meter can (5) and service entrance cable (7) are the member’s responsibility.

These items fall under the National Electrical Code and by regulation must be installed by a licensed contractor and be inspected by your local inspection authority.

If your service line (1) or electric meter (6) is damaged, please call 989-658-8571 or 800-327-0166.

12 JANUARY 2021

5

Soon TEC Members Won’t Need To Read Their Own Meters The transition to an Automated Meter Infrastructure (AMI) is well underway. At the rate we are moving, most members will be finished reading their own meter by Spring 2021. We thought it would be helpful to share common questions we’ve received about the new meters and how member billing will be affected.

Q.

What should I expect in regard to my first bill with the new meter?

Q.

Will my bill increase after I get an AMI meter?

Q.

A. Your first billing with a new meter could reflect a higher number of billing days. For example, we will always use readings going forward from around the 25th of the month. If you normally read your meter on the 10th of the month, you would be billed for 45 days that first month, but going forward you will return to a normal 30-day reading schedule always from around the 25th.

A. No. Your bill will not increase from an AMI meter. The only difference will be that your reading will come in automatically. Electric meters are held to a high standard in Michigan, the same as a gasoline pump, natural gas meter, or fuel truck delivering home heating fuel. The division of weights and measures in Michigan keeps a tight handle on this. Other utilities ran into trouble with this on AMI meter installs, not from higher meter readings, but from estimated readings due to incomplete coverage. Our communication system is fully deployed, so obtaining readings will not be an issue.

How do I know when I no longer need to read my meter?

A. You will receive a door hanger notifying you that your meter has been replaced, and you will no longer be required to read your own meter. If you somehow missed this hanger, other signs you no longer need to read your meter include: •

Not having reading entry boxes on your bill

•

Not being allowed to put readings into your SmartHub account

•

Not being allowed to put a reading over the phone system

MICHIGAN COUNTRY LINES 13

THE MUSKEGON Luge Adventure Sports Park:

THRILL-SEEKERS

hile the next Winter Olympics aren’t scheduled until 2022, the spirit of winter athletes is very much alive and active—especially at the Muskegon Luge Adventure Sports Park that calls Muskegon State Park its home.

On the Olympics, you see luge sliders (sliders, not lugers or sledders) going down icy tracks at up to 90 miles per hour, with nothing but a small sled just a few inches off the ground between them and the supersonic slope. There are just a few luge tracks in the United States, the most notable in Salt Lake City, Utah, and Lake Placid, New York, where most serious lugers train. There is a natural luge track in Negaunee, Michigan, that hosts the U.P. Luge Club. But nestled on the side of the sand dunes of Lake Michigan is a luge track that allows average folks the opportunity to fly.

“We’re so lucky to have this amazing location to call home,” said Bill Bailey, lodge manager of Muskegon Luge Adventure Sports Park. “None of this would even be possible without our community and volunteers who have supported and helped maintain the track and the program over the years. This is a labor of love for all of us.”

14 JANUARY 2021

When the luge track was first being built in 1984, two young men were afraid their little local sledding hill would no longer be available. Builders on-site invited the two boys to help with some of the work, getting hands-on experience in what it takes to make a luge track. Both of those young men went on to become involved in competitive luge. Nearly 40 years later, one, Jim Rudicil, is now Muskegon Luge Adventure Sports Park’s executive director. The second, Mark Grimmette, went on to compete in five Winter Olympics games, winning silver and bronze medals. Grimmette now runs the competitive luge program at the Sports Park.

“So many great sliders have gotten their start here at the Park,” said Bailey. “Luge is the kind of sport that becomes a part of you. Jim and Mark have been a part of the sport in one way or another since they first saw the track being built.”

While luge definitely attracts its share of thrill-seekers, it’s accessible to anyone who wants to experience the rush of flying down a hill at speeds of up to 30 mph. Bailey and the team have made sure that those with the desire

By Emily Haines Lloyd || Photos courtesy of Muskegon Luge Adventure Sports Park

WELCOME

can experience luge—developing sleds to accommodate different physical impediments and rigging a snowmobile to get those who can’t access the stairs to the top of the hill. The Muskegon Luge Adventure Sports Park also offers an opportunity for every sixth-grader in the Muskegon school system to try out luge.

“Luge might seem like a real niche sport, but exposing kids like those in our area to it is always awesome to see,” said Bailey. “Some kids really take to it and stick with it by joining our competitive programs.”

While luge is a huge draw for the Park, those who enjoy a slightly different pace can find ski runs and a two-acre rink for hockey, figure skating, or just family fun, as well as skating trails. The Muskegon Luge Adventure Sports Park recently installed a 1,400-foot zip line, which got a soft launch this past fall. It also has wheel luge, archery, and paddle sports in warmer months. These are just a few ways that the Park is looking to make this gorgeous outdoor venue a draw year-round.

“We’re outdoors lovers,” said Bailey. “We want to share that with as many people as we can. Enjoying these resources and taking care of them is part of the stewardship our staff and our visitors want to be a part of to ensure they can be experienced by future generations.”

Check out DUNEiversity——team bonding experiences facilitated by the Park. There are half- or full-day sessions for corporations, sports teams, churches or scouting troops. For more information, visit msports.org/team-building/.

877-879-5843 462 N. Scenic Drive Muskegon, MI 49445 msports.org/winter-sports/muskegon-winter-luge-track/

MICHIGAN COUNTRY LINES

15

Notice To Members Of Data Privacy Policy The Thumb 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 in Part V of Thumb Electric’s Tariff Book, Sheet C-24.00, https://static1.squarespace.com/static/53d1298ee4b05883d212ae70/t/5c93e084e79c70e6a 7d67127/1553195141567/Thumb+Electric+Cooperative+Rate+Book.pdf.

If you would like a hard copy of the Data Privacy Policy, call our office at 1-800-327-0166 or contact us at tecmi.coop/tec-contact-form.

Beware Of Third-Part

If yo onl be s del Thu thro tecm

If you pay your bill through a thirdparty online payment site (e.g., doxo.com), you may be subject to hidden fees and processing delays.

Avoid these risks by paying your Thumb Electric Cooperative bill online through our SmartHub app or our website, tecmi.coop. It’s fast, easy and free!

Beware Of Other Online Payment Sites aying your Thumb Electric Cooperative bill online is fast, easy and free when you use our website— tecmi.coop. Beware of hidden fees from other payment websites.

P

Pay your TEC bill online at any time. If you accidentally select another payment website to make your bill payment, you risk possible extra charges and payment processing delays. Make sure our website, with the address as written above, appears before making a payment. Some websites allow visitors to pay their local utility bills with the utility’s name and company logo appearing on the site. Thumb Electric Cooperative is not affiliated with any third-party website that offers utility payment service.

If you pay your Thumb Electric bill on a third-party website, you risk: • Extra charges levied by the third party for each transaction on its website.

• Delays up to two weeks or more before the payment is posted to your TEC account. For some members, the delay could result in the account being disconnected for nonpayment if payment is not received in time to avoid shut-off. Even if late payment does not result in a shutoff, late payment fees could be charged to the account.

Members can avoid these risks by taking advantage of payment options offered directly from their cooperative.

Thumb Electric offers several free and convenient payment methods. Choose whatever option works best for you: • AutoPay: Your payment is automatically deducted each month from either your checking or savings account, credit card or debit card.

• SmartHub: Pay with the app or online at tecmi.coop.

Make a one-time payment from your checking or savings account, or with a credit card or debit card.

• Mail: Send in payment to our Ubly office at 2231 Main St., Ubly, MI 48475.

• MoneyGram: Cash option at MoneyGram locations.

• Any location of Northstar Bank or Mayville State Bank.

• PhonePay: Pay at any time by using our automated pay-by-phone service. We accept payment by credit card or checking or savings over the phone. Simply dial 800-327-0166 or 989-658-8571, then choose option 1 to make a payment.

• In person: Ubly office drop box only until COVID-19 issue passes.

MICHIGAN COUNTRY LINES 17

MI CO-OP Community Guest Column

Remembering The Glass Bottles & The Milkman

By Kenny Kamerer

ow many in Michigan remember greeting the milkman? Ours had orange juice, butter and even chocolate milk. I remember one winter morning in the late 1960s, my mom told me to go get the glass bottles of milk from the front porch.

H

The cream in the milk used to settle to the top, and my older brothers and sisters used to fight over it. It sometimes would even pop the lid off in the winter months. The reason for the cream settling at the top is because the milk wasn’t homogenized decades ago. Because milk was so perishable, delivering it daily was the safest and most cost-effective way to get milk to customers. The glass bottles, which were sealed with a waxed foil cap, were then picked up by the milkman, cleaned and reused.

Eventually, it became easier and less expensive to buy milk at the stores, and the processes developed extended the milk’s shelf life, and the milkman faded into the past.

I would love to taste this milk from the old days with the pure cream at the top. I’d add it to my favorite bowl of cereal, and I’m sure it would make for some very creamy mash potatoes, too. Oh, the good ole days!

wellconnectsaves.com989-356-2113 This photo is of one of many milkmen in the state of Michigan on his daily route. Photo by Midland Daily News, 1950s.

Win a

$50

energy bill credit!

Kenny is a local truck driver who loves nature and history. He has his own Facebook nature group called Michiana Nature Lovers to share wildlife and all kinds of nature photos.

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/community.

Nov./Dec. 2020 Winner! Our Mystery Photo winner is Jeff Narregan, a Midwest Energy & Communications Cooperative member, who correctly identified the photo as the Basilica of Saint Adalbert, Grand Rapids. Photo by Chad Cihak.

Winners are announced in the following issues of Country Lines: January, March, May, July/August, September, and November/December.

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.

Thumb Electric Cooperative tecmi.coop facebook.com/thumbelectric

2021 Energy Efficiency Calendar

There are so many ways you can save energy! Saving energy helps reduce your family’s monthly bills—and it helps our environment. Change your energy use habits by following the monthly tips below. Keep this calendar on your refrigerator to remind family members to be energy efficient throughout the year.

JANUARY Turn off ceiling fans when you leave a room.

MAY Decorate your backyard or porch with solarpowered lights.

SEPTEMBER Turn off running water while brushing your teeth.

FEBRUARY Instead of turning up the heat, put on an extra layer of clothing or stay cozy under a blanket.

JUNE

MARCH Turn off lights when you leave a room.

JULY

Take short showers instead of baths.

Dry heavy linens outside on a clothesline instead of using the dryer.

OCTOBER

NOVEMBER

Unplug energy vampires, like chargers, gaming consoles and cable/ satellite boxes.

Remind family members to use cold water when washing clothes.

APRIL Plant a tree away from power lines to help shade your home in the summer.

AUGUST Schedule a reminder to change the A/C filter every 60–90 days.

DECEMBER Decorate your home with energysaving LED holiday lights.