January 2025 Cherryland

Cherryland Electric Cooperative

January 2025

MICHIGAN COUNTRY LINES

FROM THE U.P. TO THE WORLD Pine Mountain’s FIS Continental Cup Journey Continues

When Night Fell: One Member’s Story of Her Childhood During the Holocaust The Magic Behind the Electrical Grid System Youth Tour Applications Open

WATERFURNACE UNITS QUALIFY FOR A 30% FEDERAL TAX CREDIT1

Both of these devices create hot air, but which uses less power?

7 Series

Space Heater (high) 1,500 watts

Geothermal Heat Pump

900 watts1

WaterFurnace—The smartest way to heat and cool your home.

You may not realize it, but your home is sitting on a free and renewable supply of energy. A WaterFurnace geothermal heat pump taps into the stored solar energy in your yard to provide savings up to 70% on heating, cooling, and hot water. It uses less power than a typical space heater—and it won’t singe the hair on your legs. Geothermal is a smart investment in your family’s comfort. Contact your local WaterFurnace dealer today and find out how much you can save by switching to geothermal.

YOUR LOCAL WATERFURNACE DEALERS

CO-OP REBATE INCENTIVES

Allendale Allendale Htg & Clg (800) 327-1937 allendaleheating.com

Holland G.H.P. Systems Inc. (616) 396-5833 ghpsystems-inc.com

Portage Bel Aire Htg & Clg 1-888-235-2473 belaire.com

Berrien Springs WaterFurnace Michiana (269) 473-5667 gogreenmichgeo thermal.com

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

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

Lansing Candor Mechanical (517) 920-0890 candormechanical.com

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

Michigan Center Comfort 1/Air Serv of Southern Michigan (517) 764-1500 airserv.com/southernmichigan/

Three Rivers Bel Aire Htg & Clg 1-888-235-2473 belaire.com

Big Rapids Stratz Htg & Clg, Inc. (231) 796-3717 stratzgeocomfort.com Filion/Bad Axe Air-O-Dynamic Htg & Clg (989) 582-0137 aod-hvac.com Grand Rapids Bel Aire Htg & Clg 1-888-235-2473 belaire.com Hart Adams Htg & Clg (231) 873-2665 adamsheatingcooling.com

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

Traverse City Geofurnace Htg & Clg (231) 943-1000 geofurnace.com

Alger Delta Electric: up to $2,000 Cherryland Electric: up to $2,500 Cloverland: up to $6,275 Great Lakes Energy: up to $5,000 Homeworks/Tri-County Electric: up to $4,750 Presque Isle Electric & Gas Co-op: up to $4,750 Thumb Electric: up to $2,000

The Reliable Renewable is a trademark of WaterFurnace International, Inc

visit us at waterfurnace.com/mi

1. ENERGY STAR rated units qualify for 30% through 2030 and 26% through 2032 and 22% through 2033 .

MICHIGAN COUNTRY LINES

Contents countrylines.com

January 2025 Vol. 45, No. 1 /michigancountrylines

/michigancountrylines

EXECUTIVE EDITOR: Casey Clark EDITOR: Christine Dorr GRAPHIC DESIGNER: Karreen Bird RECIPE EDITOR: Christin Russman COPY EDITOR: Yvette Pecha CONTRIBUTING EDITOR: Emily Haines Lloyd PUBLISHER: Michigan Electric Cooperative Association Michigan Country Lines, USPS591-710, is published monthly, except August and December, with periodicals postage paid at Lansing, Mich., and additional offices. It is the official publication of the Michigan Electric Cooperative Association, 201 Townsend St., Suite 900, Lansing, MI 48933.

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Subscriptions are authorized for members of Alger Delta, Cherryland, Great Lakes, HomeWorks Tri-County, Midwest Energy & Communications, Ontonagon, Presque Isle, and Thumb electric cooperatives by their boards of directors.

POSTMASTER: Send all UAA to CFS. ASSOCIATION OFFICERS: Chris O’Neill, HomeWorks TriCounty Cooperative, chairman; Gabe Schneider, Cherryland Electric Cooperative, vice chairman; Shaun Lamp, Great Lakes Energy Cooperative, secretary-treasurer; 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.

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

MICHIGAN’S ELECTRIC COOPERATIVES

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MI CO-OP Community RECIPE CONTEST

See details on page 10.

Smoothies & Shakes, due Feb. 1; Mushrooms, due March 1.

Win a $100 bill credit!

GUEST COLUMN

See details on page 18. Share your fondest memories and stories.

Win $200 for stories published!

MYSTERY PHOTO

See details on page 18.

Win a $100 bill credit!

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

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6 FROM THE CLASSROOM

TO THE COFFEE TABLE Michigan Photographer Tyler Leipprandt unveils MIconic: a stunning collection of aerial photography masterpieces.

10 MI CO-OP KITCHEN

Soups and Stews: The perfect comfort food.

14 FROM THE U.P. TO THE WORLD Pine Mountain Ski Jump is widely regarded as one of the best ski jumping hills globally and hosts the FIS Continental Cup.

18 GUEST COLUMN

A Family Quilt: Love and precious memories inspired a HomeWorks member to complete a project her grandmother had started.

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CO-OP NEWS LEELANAU BENZIE

GRAND TRAVERSE

MANISTEE

WEXFORD

KALASKA

BOARD OF DIRECTORS Gabe Schneider, President 517-449-6453 gschneider@cherrylandelectric.coop Valarie Handy, Senior Vice President 231-392-4705 vhandy@cherrylandelectric.coop Melinda Lautner, Secretary 231-947-2509 mlautner@cherrylandelectric.coop Tom Van Pelt, Treasurer 231-386-5234 tvanpelt@cherrylandelectric.coop David Schweitzer, Director 231-883-5860 dschweitzer@cherrylandelectric.coop Terry Lautner, Director 231-883-6455 tlautner@cherrylandelectric.coop Dean Adams, Director 231-642-0014 dadams@cherrylandelectric.coop CEO Rachel Johnson CO-OP EDITORS: Courtney Doyle: cdoyle@cherrylandelectric.coop Bailey Watson: bwatson@cherrylandelectric.coop OFFICE HOURS Monday–Friday 7:30 a.m.–4:00 p.m.

TELEPHONE NUMBERS 231-486-9200 or 1-800-442-8616 (Mich.)

ADDRESS P.O. Box 298, Grawn, MI 49637 PAY STATION Cherryland Electric Cooperative office 5930 U.S. 31 South, Grawn MI, 49637 Cherryland Electric Cooperative is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

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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 County director.

Cherryland Accepting Youth Tour Applications Until Jan. 27 High school sophomores and juniors from Cherryland’s service territory are invited to join the Electric Cooperative Youth Tour: a once-in-a-lifetime, all-expenses-paid leadership travel opportunity to Washington, D.C., in June.

To be nominated in 2025, candidates may file a petition with the cooperative’s executive administrative assistant starting the first day of March until 4 p.m. on the last business day of March.

To receive a nominating petition, please fill out the board candidate interest form on our website.

Applications must be submitted

by Monday, Jan. 27. For more information and to apply, visit cooperativeyouthtour.com.

Review Article III of the co-op’s bylaws on our website for more information regarding board nominations and the election process.

For all changes, please review full rebate details on our website at cherrylandelectric.coop/rebates.

Cherryland Offers Five Scholarships 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 scholarships (post-high school).

Applications for both scholarships are available on our website. The deadline for applications is Friday, April 4.

cherrylandelectric.coop

Rebates Changing In 2025 Cherryland has made changes to rebate offerings beginning Jan. 1, 2025.

Take special note: Rebates filed after Dec. 31, 2024, will qualify at the 2025 rebate value. In addition, beginning Jan. 1, all rebates must be filed within 60 days of purchase.

If you have questions regarding rebates, visit our website or contact Tammy Haworth at 231-486-9261 or thaworth@cherrylandelectric.coop.

/cherrylandelectriccoop

@cherrylandec

The Magic Behind the Electrical Grid System

By Rachel Johnson, Cherryland CEO

The first time I ever went to Disney World, it was as an adult. Two years ago to be precise. I understand why kids are in love with it. It truly is a magical place.

Do you want to know something crazy about Disney World? They process an average of 80,000 pounds of garbage per day. Per day! They do that with a system of tubes underground that move trash from drop-off points to a central location where it is then removed from the park. The magic? It all happens without most people even noticing all the infrastructure that goes into it.

I sometimes think what we do here at the co-op seems like magic, too. It takes a lot of infrastructure and hard work to keep the lights on across our six-county service territory. Many people are surprised to hear just how much infrastructure we own.

Here’s our system at a glance: • • • • • • • • •

16 substations (delivery points from the big grid) 39,089 meters 35,520 poles 12,508 pole mount transformers (the canisters that hang from the poles) 7,340 pad mount transformers (the green boxes in your yard) 7,041 pad mount cabinets 1,622 miles of overhead lines 1,596 miles of underground lines 255 system control devices

There’s more, but I think you get the idea. Every single item between you and the substation has to work seamlessly all the time for you to have electricity at the flip of a switch.

Magic, right?

While we’ve been diligent with our routine maintenance and system upgrades, there’s also another reliability superhero operating behind the scenes—our controls system. At the heart of that technology is the software and hardware system we use to gather data about system operations and manage the grid from our office.

Put simply, this system allows us to catch problems before they become outages and restore outages more efficiently.

This year, we are investing in a new supervisory control system. This is a big project, one that will take us most of the year to complete. It’s also a big investment. But, once

implemented, it will improve our ability to deliver even better service to you.

Things like our technology systems and our basic equipment listed above all have to work every single time you want to flip the switch and turn on the lights in your house. When we do it right, you don’t even notice the magic happening around you.

Like those Disney employees keeping the parks clean from underground, we take a lot of pride in the fact that you don’t have to think too much about how electricity gets to your door. But, I hope you’ll agree that our lives are greatly improved by the modern marvel that is the electric grid system. It may not be the most magical thing on Earth, but it’s surely a close second.

To hear more, listen to the Co-op Energy Talk Podcast

MICHIGAN COUNTRY LINES

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from helicopters—cemented his reputation as a daring and talented photographer. In just four years, he built a notable client base that includes Pure Michigan, the State of Michigan, and the Baltimore Ravens.

A Passion for Aviation and Michigan’s Landscapes Aviation has always been a passion for Leipprandt, stemming from a family love of air shows and his sister’s service in the Air Force. This enthusiasm for flight led him to capture stunning stadium flyovers and large sporting events. His most iconic photo, taken at the Rose Bowl with a B-2 bomber soaring overhead, perfectly encapsulates his love for both sports and aviation.

From the Classroom to the Coffee Table Tyler Leipprandt Releases MIconic

By Emily Haines Lloyd

Back in 2019, Tyler Leipprandt was balancing life as a teacher with a side hustle in drone photography—primarily in real estate. Fast forward to today, and he’s still finding his balance—only now, it’s while dangling from helicopters, capturing Michigan’s most iconic landscapes from above.

A Leap of Faith Leipprandt’s shift from teaching to full-time photography wasn’t a decision made lightly. Like so many, his life was upended by the COVID-19 pandemic, which forced him to juggle the demands of returning to the classroom while expanding his photography business. Soon, managing both became unsustainable. In a bold move, Leipprandt sold his house in Bad Axe, left his teaching job, and relocated to Traverse City to pursue photography full-time as Michigan Sky Media.

“It was daunting,” Leipprandt reflected. “Leaving a stable job with benefits to do something on my own wasn’t easy. But with my family’s support, I was dedicated to making it work.”

With hard work and perseverance, Leipprandt not only survived but thrived. His business expanded beyond real estate photography into landscapes and aerial shots of major sporting events. His now-famous “Dangle Series”—photographs captured while he’s suspended

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“When I saw a Rose Bowl flyover photo from years ago, I knew I had to capture it for myself.” Leipprandt shared.

“There’s something special about the roar of a flyover—it’s exhilarating, and it brings together my love for service, sports, and photography.”

The Making of ‘MIconic’ Leipprandt’s dream of creating a professional coffee table book began with a homemade project. “My wife and I made our first book online, and we sold 100 copies,” he recalled.

“It was a fun project, but I knew I wanted to do something on a more professional level.”

This opportunity emerged after a Traverse City newspaper featured his Rose Bowl photo, leading to connections with a publisher. By February 2023, Leipprandt was working on “MIconic,” a book that took nine months to complete and was released this fall.

“MIconic” is structured regionally, beginning in Michigan’s Thumb, where Leipprandt’s photography journey started.

Each chapter includes one to two backstories, giving readers insight into the photos and the moments behind them. “I wanted the book to be engaging and interactive,” Leipprandt explained. “Those stories and connections have shaped my path.”

For Leipprandt, photography goes beyond capturing beautiful images. It’s about the people he meets and the stories tied to each shot. “It’s not always about the photo itself,” he said.

“It’s about how the moment happened, who you’re with, and the memories that come from those experiences.”

“It’s not always about the photo itself.

It’s about how the moment happened, who you’re with, and the memories that come from those experiences.”

To purchase “MIconic” and explore the captivating world of Tyler’s aerial photography, including exclusive behind-the-scenes insights, visit his website and connect through his social media platforms.

michiganskymedia.com

/michiganskymedia

/michiganskymedia

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APPLY FOR A

TRIP OF A LIFETIME

JUNE 18–23, 2025 AN ALL-EXPENSE-PAID TRIP TO WASHINGTON, D.C.

WHAT IS YOUTH TOUR?

HOW TO APPLY

• An all-expense-paid trip to Washington, D.C., paid for by Cherryland Electric Cooperative.

• Applicants must be a sophomore or junior in high school.

• A week of visiting historic monuments, touring world-class museums, and meeting elected officials.

• Developing life-long friendships with delegates from across the country!

• You and your parents or guardian must be served by Cherryland Electric Cooperative.

• Apply Now: Scan the QR code or visit www.cooperativeyouthtour.com.

• Application deadline is Jan. 27, 2025

LEARN MORE AT WWW.COOPERATIVEYOUTHTOUR.COM

NRECA FACEBOOK/INSTAGRAM: NRECAYOUTHTOURDC MICHIGAN INSTAGRAM: MI.COOP.YOUTH.TOUR

What Is 1 MW? First in a series

Exploding demand for electricity, lingering supply chain challenges, and short-sighted public policy aimed at rapidly eliminating fossil fuels from power generation have forced large portions of the United States to confront unprecedented power shortages and soaring costs. This series of infographics will look at the most critical elements at play in this time of transition for our industry and our society. This month, we examine the familiar measurement of 1 megawatt and how much power is needed to supply common facilities in our communities.

Big Box Store 1 MW will power a typical large retail store.

Factory Facilities with heavy machinery can draw 1 MW of power.

Office Building 1 MW can power several medium-sized office buildings.

Hospital 1 MW will power a small hospital.

Power Plant Typical outputs: Coal: 500 MW to 1 GW Gas: 50 MW to 1 GW Nuclear: 500 MW to 1.5 GW 1 MW is 1 million watts of power.

School 0.5 MW will power a medium-sized public school.

Source: NRECA; Design: Jerry Mosemak

EV Charging 1 MW can power four Tesla Supercharger V3s simultaneously.

Data Center 1 MW will power one small data center.

Other facilities that can draw up to 1 MW of power: • High-speed rail • Large farms • Wastewater treatment • Stadiums

Residential 1 MW can power 750 to 1,000 homes.

MI CO-OP Kitchen

SOUPS & STEWS The perfect comfort food.

WINNING RECIPE!

EASY CHICKEN TORTILLA SOUP Chris McAfee, Presque Isle Electric & Gas Co-op

1 tablespoon olive or avocado oil 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped 1 (15-ounce) can whole kernel corn, undrained 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained 1 (15-ounce) can diced fire-roasted tomatoes, undrained 1 (4-ounce) can chopped green chiles 2 cups shredded, cooked chicken 2 cups chicken broth 1 (1- to 1.3-ounce) taco seasoning mix packet, mild or medium 1 teaspoon cumin 1 teaspoon fresh lime juice Toppings: • shredded cheese of choice • sour cream, optional • corn chips, such as Fritos In a large skillet over medium heat, add the oil and onion. Sauté for 2–3 minutes, stirring, until onions are translucent. Add the corn, beans, tomatoes, green chiles, chicken, broth, taco seasoning, and cumin.

Stir well and bring heat to boiling. Turn heat to medium and cook for about 15 minutes to combine flavors, stirring occasionally.

Remove from heat, add lime juice, and stir.

Serve soup in bowls with desired toppings.

Serves 6. Can easily double recipe.

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

RECIPE CONTEST

Win a $100 energy bill credit!

Smoothies & Shakes, due Feb. 1; Mushrooms, due March 1. Submit your favorite recipe for a chance to win a $100 bill credit and have your recipe featured in Country Lines with a photo and a video. Submit your recipe at micoopkitchen.com, or send it via email (include your full name and co-op) to recipes@countrylines.com.

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GRANDMA’S POTATO SOUP Deborah Lull, Midwest Energy 2 tablespoons olive oil 1 yellow or white onion, chopped 4 celery stalks, chopped 2 carrots, peeled and diced 6 Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cubed 4 cups chicken broth or stock 6 tablespoons butter 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour ¹⁄4 teaspoon salt ¹⁄4 teaspoon black pepper 1¹⁄2 cups milk 1 (10.5-ounce) can cream of chicken soup 1 cup cubed, cooked ham 5 green onions, chopped, optional

LOBSTER BISQUE Nancy Joldersma, Great Lakes Energy 6 tablespoons butter ¹⁄2 cup chopped mushrooms 4 tablespoons chopped onions 4 tablespoons chopped celery 4 tablespoons chopped carrots 1 tablespoon flour 1 (32-ounces) carton chicken or vegetable broth ¹⁄2 teaspoon salt ¹⁄2 teaspoon cayenne pepper 1 pound cooked lump lobster meat (or imitation lobster or crab), divided 3 cups half-and-half 1 cup dry white wine

SLOW COOKER BEEF STEW Ruth Armbrustmacher, HomeWorks Tri-County 2 pounds beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes ¹⁄4 cup flour ¹⁄2 teaspoon salt ¹⁄2 teaspoon black pepper ¹⁄2 teaspoon garlic powder 1 bay leaf 1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce 1 onion, chopped 1¹⁄2 cups beef broth 3 potatoes, peeled and diced 1 (10-ounce) bag frozen mixed vegetables 1 tablespoon cornstarch 2 tablespoons water

In a large skillet, add the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion, celery, and carrots and stir. Sauté until onions are translucent, about 5–6 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add the potatoes and chicken broth. Bring to a simmer and cook until potatoes are fork-tender, about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Meanwhile, in another medium skillet, melt the butter.

Whisk in the flour, salt, and pepper.

Gradually add the milk and stir constantly until it starts to thicken. Add the cream of chicken soup and ham. Stir until completely mixed. Once the potatoes are tender, transfer the thickened mixture to the vegetables. Stir and cook until completely heated. Ladle into bowls and top with chopped green onions.

Serve immediately.

Melt butter in a large saucepan over medium-low heat. Add mushrooms, onions, celery, and carrots. Cook and stir until tender. Stir in flour. Stir in the broth, salt, and cayenne pepper. Bring to a boil; reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.

Pour the vegetable and broth mixture into a blender or food processor with ¹⁄2 cup lobster meat. Cover and process until smooth. Return to saucepan and stir in half-and-half, white wine, and remaining lobster. Cook over low heat, stirring frequently until thickened, about 30 minutes. Garnish with lobster meat and fresh parsley.

Place beef in crockpot. In a small bowl, mix together the flour, salt, and black pepper. Pour over meat, and stir to coat.

Stir in the garlic powder, bay leaf, paprika, Worcestershire sauce, onion, beef broth, and potatoes. Cover and cook on low for 10–12 hours. Remove the bay leaf, add the frozen vegetables, and stir until warmed. Combine the cornstarch and water and add to stew to thicken. Serve.

MICHIGAN COUNTRY LINES 11

WHEN NIGHT FELL One Member’s Story of Her Childhood During the Holocaust By: Bailey Watson

At the age of 7, most kids are busy making friends, sharing toys with siblings, and playing outside from dawn until dusk.

Stasia was an average 7-year-old on her family’s farm in Poland—until the roar of military trucks and the shouts of German Nazi soldiers changed her life forever.

That day in 1942 started like any other, with Stasia and her cousin playing out in the fields. Until, that is, the soldiers arrived. In the sudden chaos and fear, Stasia ran toward her house. “They were running after me, thinking that the children would run toward their father or mother to hide,” recounts Stasia. Thankfully, her father was nowhere to be found, as the Gestapo barged through their door, yelling at her mother and three siblings to get out.

By the time night fell, Stasia, along with her mother and siblings, were cold, wet, and hungry, marching barefoot with the other women and children from their village to one of three concentration camps Hitler had constructed in Poland. “And all night, I remember it raining. It was raining so bad. With bare feet, because we didn’t have any shoes. All night, they were marching us to that Majdanek concentration camp, in the outskirts of Lublin,” said Stasia.

After a month in the concentration camp, Stasia and her family were uprooted once again by the rough hands of the Gestapo. They were shoved into cattle cars with

12 JANUARY 2025

more people than there was air to breathe and sent off to Germany for labor. Surrounded by the sounds of marching and the sights of young men with German flags hailing Hitler, they arrived in a country filled with hate. Hitler’s followers despised the Polish, Jewish, and the rest of Europe. Her reunited family was sent to farmland owned by monks. There her parents were forced to work the land while she and her siblings collected apples to store in the cellars. Stasia credits the need for labor as “what saved us.”

The days brought grueling working conditions, surrounded by people who despised them, and night brought sirens and bombings. All hours brought fear. As the night raids began and American planes flew overhead, the lights would go off and the sirens would go on, indicating it was time to run to the cellars and hide. “You got so used to it,” Stasia recalls.

“One time, I was still out playing when the sirens went off.

I guess I was a little late because the bombs were already coming down. The pressure just pushed me on my face right into the German cellar.” For two years, night after night, she remembered the sky lighting up and the earth trembling as the American planes roared over Germany dropping bombs.

But Stasia and her family persisted. After World War II ended in 1945, she remembers spending the years 1946– 1949 in a displaced persons camp in Germany waiting to relocate. Her family and many others struggling with the reality of what had happened to their friends, neighbors, and homeland. “I remember I either got shoes two sizes too big or two sizes too small. I’m surprised my toes are still there,” Stasia said with a smile. They had to work with what they were provided in these camps, but it was better than the alternative, and for that, they were grateful. The American sponsorship of these camps profoundly impacted Stasia and her family. After the war, when they had the option to go back to Poland, stay in Germany, or move to one of the multiple countries that had opened its borders, they chose the United States.

At 13, Stasia made the dangerous voyage to America with her family, which now included a newborn baby brother.

For 10 days, the ship bounced them across the Atlantic Ocean, until they reached New York Harbor and arrived at Ellis Island. “My father went on his knees and kissed the American soil. Crying from the concentration camp, ready to die, and here we are in America,” recounts Stasia.

“I am just appreciative for the life I have and being able to have this life. I would not have wanted to live any place else on Earth except America. You’ve got so much you can achieve with hard work.”

This journey inexplicably changed Stasia’s life; even after all these years, she still feels the lasting impact. “Sometimes I have fear when the lights go off because there were no lights in Germany. It was dark,” said Stasia. Even with the fears lingering, Stasia has a beautiful outlook. “I am just appreciative for the life I have and being able to have this life.” Stasia said. “I would not have wanted to live any place else on Earth except America. You’ve got so much you can achieve with hard work.”

Now, at 88, Stasia remembers her childhood cut short by the hate and greed of Hitler to own the world. Despite the memories of pain and fear, she remarks, “I’ve had a good life. A very happy life.”

During this Holocaust Remembrance Month, let us honor Stasia and reflect on the beautiful, positive life that can come from intense darkness and pain. Gratitude for what goes right can make all the difference.

MICHIGAN COUNTRY LINES 13

FROM THE U.P. TO THE WORLD

Pine Mountain’s FIS Continental Cup Journey Continues

By Emily Haines Lloyd

Nestled in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, far from the glitz of the Alps or the Rockies, lies Pine Mountain—a place where world-class athletes soar, and a small-town community comes together in a way that rivals the most famous ski venues.

As Iron Mountain gears up to host the 2025 Pine Mountain FIS Continental Cup Feb. 21–23, this rural Midwest town is proving once again that it doesn’t take global prestige to create an unforgettable event—just heart, dedication, and one heck of a tailgate.

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A PROUD HERITAGE:

Pine Mountain and the FIS Continental Cup Pine Mountain Ski Jump is widely regarded as one of the best ski jumping hills globally. You read that right—globally.

It is one of a handful of ski jumps in North America to host an FIS-accredited Continental Cup (formerly known as the International Ski Federation, but now called the International Ski & Snowboard Federation.) This event serves as a critical stepping stone for athletes looking to compete in the FIS World Cup and the Winter Olympics, drawing athletes from all over the world.

The Kiwanis Ski Club, a nonprofit organization founded in the 1930s, has nurtured this reputation and takes on the daunting task of organizing and executing this world-class event.

THE HEART AND SOUL:

Volunteers and Community Spirit What truly makes the FIS Continental Cup at Pine Mountain special, however, is the incredible effort of its volunteers.

The event might not have the glitzy infrastructure of more famous ski resorts, but it has something that’s arguably more valuable: a dedicated group of volunteers whose hard work and passion allow the event to match the professionalism of any other competition on the global stage.

A WORLD-CLASS EVENT:

Tailgating and Spectators In addition to the high-quality competition, Pine Mountain is home to one of the largest tailgating events in the Midwest.

Every year, approximately 10,000 spectators flock to the site, with tailgating spots selling out quickly. Some spots have been reserved by the same families for generations, creating a sense of continuity and tradition that can be felt the moment you enter the grounds. Tailgaters deck out their spaces with BBQ grills and flags from participating countries, providing an international and festive atmosphere that’s as much a part of the event as the ski jumping itself.

The Kiwanis Ski Club, with fewer than 100 active members, organizes and runs the event, supported by a larger network of community volunteers. These individuals handle everything, from shoveling steps and icing tracks to measuring the depth and pitch of the snow on the jump.

Volunteers brave harsh winter conditions to keep the event running smoothly and ensure that Pine Mountain Ski Jump meets the high standards set by the FIS, giving athletes the kind of professional experience they expect at any international competition.

“We have a wonderful history of ski jumping in our community,” said Freeman. “The way our volunteers show up and execute at the highest level is a testament to our spirit of volunteerism.”

This is not the Swiss Alps, but the Continental Cup at Pine Mountain stands shoulder to shoulder with other renowned events—in large part due to the communities who show up, give their all, and literally help athletes fly.

This unique combination of top-tier athleticism and community engagement makes Pine Mountain an unforgettable stop on the Continental Cup circuit, as well as a welcome contributor to the local economy, with local hotels, restaurants, and shops benefitting from the influx of visitors.

“The economic impact of this event is huge, bringing people from all over the country,” said Kiwanis Ski Club member and volunteer Daniel Freeman. “Iron Mountain and Kingsford are proud to host this event and share our piece of the U.P. with the world.”

“

The way our volunteers show up and execute at the highest level is a testament to our spirit of volunteerism.”

February 21–23, 2025 kiwanisskiclub.com /kiwanisskiclub MICHIGAN COUNTRY LINES 15

Your Board In Action October 2024 • The chief operating officer presented the 2025 capital budget, which the board of directors approved.

• The board of directors passed a resolution to move forward with next steps for the cooperative’s facilities planning process.

• The chief executive officer shared the vendor chosen to design the cooperative’s Energy Waste Reduction plan.

• National Rural Utilities Cooperative Finance Corporation (CFC) presented equity and debt management information.

• The board of directors approved the 2025 board meeting calendar, available on the cooperative’s website.

• The board of directors received updates regarding Palisades, including the ongoing inspections by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission and Wolverine’s receipt of the New ERA grant.

November 2024 • The accounting team presented the 2025 operating budget. This includes $13.9 million in operating expenses for the cooperative’s daily operations, interest, property taxes, and depreciation. The cooperative is expecting a 3% increase in power supply costs and a 5% increase in operating expenses.

• The director of human resources gave an employment update, sharing one promotion, one new hire, and two open positions.

• The chief operating officer gave an update on reliability.

Year to date, it is 99.989%. Windstorms and vehicle accidents over the last few months have impacted the numbers, but the cooperative is trending well for the year.

• The board of directors’ board policy review committee recommended several board policy updates, which the board of directors approved.

16 JANUARY 2025

MI CO-OP Photo Contest

HISTORICAL TREASURES MOST VOTES

1. MOST VOTES Kayla Morrison— “Mackinac Bridge” 2. Laurie Johnston—“Plazuela de la Rogativa Caleta de las Monjas, San Juan, PR” 3. Amy Truchan—“The Biltmore at Christmas” 4. Renee Kaufman—“Lady Aurora showing love to Old Mackinac Point. The lighthouse was constructed in 1892 and deactivated in 1957”

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5. Joel Wegman—“St. John Nepomucene Catholic Church, East Jordan, est.1885”

3 Enter to win up to $200 off your energy bill!

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2024

Photo Contest

WINNER

Congrats to Pam Kearns for winning the 2024 bill credit! She submitted this photo titled “Bright and cheery baby quilt” for the Quilts photo contest last September!

Submit Your “Sunrise To Sunset” Photos By Jan. 25! Submit your best photo and encourage your friends to vote! The photo receiving the most votes in our Facebook contest will be printed in an issue of Country Lines, along with some of our other favorites. Our January theme is Sunrise to Sunset! Photos can be submitted through Jan. 25 to be featured in our March issue.

Enter Your Photos And Win A Bill Credit! To enter the contest, visit cherrylandelectric.coop/ photo-contest or visit facebook. com/cherrylandelectriccoop for a link to the current 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 2025, you will be entered to win a credit of up to $200 on your December 2025 bill.

MICHIGAN COUNTRY LINES 17

MI CO-OP Guest Column

Where In Michigan Is This?

A Family Quilt Mary Ellen Wynes, a HomeWorks Tri-County Cooperative member

A single mom and career woman years before it was common, my grandma never had time for hobbies. She retired in 1957 at age 70 and filled some suddenly empty hours cutting hundreds of small fabric circles to make a yo-yo quilt, a popular project with crafters that year.

MYSTERY PHOTO Win a $100 energy bill credit!

Identify the correct location of the photo above by Jan. 25 and be entered into a drawing to win a $100 electric bill credit. Enter your guess at countrylines.com/community.

Nov./Dec. 2024 WINNER! Our Mystery Photo winner is Joseph Crites, an Alger Delta Cooperative member who correctly identified the photo as the Mini Mac Bridge in St. Louis, Mich.

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

18 JANUARY 2025

Struck with the enormity of the task of basting the edge of each circle, then pulling the thread to gather it into a still smaller “yo-yo,” she soon elicited the assistance of everyone in the family. No one escaped! Shortly after being seated for a visit, guests were handed a piece with a prethreaded needle and instructed to “make a yo-yo.” When we needed “chips” for a poker game during a family vacation, she produced a wrinkled paper bag full of yo-yos, which worked well.

Years flew by, and the yo-yos were forgotten until my grandma passed at 99. When my mom discovered the battered bags, their contents as brightly vibrant as ever, they were no longer hundreds of individual circles, but they had been meticulously stitched together into diamond shapes.

They were given to me with the request, “Do something with Grandma’s yo-yos.”

Guided more by nostalgia than skill, I pieced that fabric of my life

together into a quilt, remembering as I stitched, the lives of others who were a part of its creation. The last Christmas before my mother’s death, my parents’ departure from our home after a visit was delayed by car trouble. Given this unexpected bonus day together, I asked if she would teach me how to embroider so that I could put the finishing touch on Grandma’s quilt. Together we completed the project by stitching on the border: “Created by Ruby B. MacLean 1952 and Mary Ellen Wynes 1993.”

GUEST COLUMN Win $200 for stories published!

Share your fondest memories and stories. Win $200 for stories published. Visit countrylines.com/community to submit.

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