July/Aug Alger Delta

July/August 2022

MICHIGAN

COUNTRY LINES Alger Delta Cooperative Electric Association

TI S ’ A DL I W E D I R

At Traverse City Horse Shows

Avoid Utility Scams

Get To Know Diver Don Delta County Welcomes The Music Co-op

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Contents

July/August 2022 Vol. 42, No. 7

/michigancountrylines

countrylines.com

/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

6 THE CALL OF THE WILD The owners of GarLyn Zoo Wildlife Park have been sharing their “family members” with their community for almost 30 years.

10 MI CO-OP KITCHEN Potatoes: Side dishes so good, they’ll steal the show.

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.

Summer cruising in downtown Marquette. @kaushik0805 (Kaushik Sur)

18 GUEST COLUMN For one GLE member, every bite of a Michigan strawberry evokes a favorite childhood memory.

Be featured!

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

MI CO-OP COMMUNITY To enter contests, submit reader content & more, visit countrylines.com/community

RECIPE CONTEST CHANGE OF ADDRESS: Please

#micoopcommunity

14 IT’S A WILD RIDE Summertime events at Flintfields Horse Park lure competitors from around the world.

Win a $50 bill credit!

Up Next: Baked Goods, due Aug. 1 Holiday Side Dishes, due Sept. 1 Submit your recipe at micoopkitchen.com, or send it via email (include your full name and co-op) to recipes@countrylines.com.

GUEST COLUMN Win $150 for stories published!

Submit your fondest memories and stories at countrylines.com/community.

MYSTERY PHOTO Win a $50 bill credit!

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

See page 18.

MICHIGAN COUNTRY LINES

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Know The Signs Of A Scam

algerdelta.com /algerdeltaelectric

By Mike Furmanski, General Manager

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

t’s no secret that consumers with a water, gas, or electricity connection have long been targets of utility scams, but fraudsters have changed their tactics since the COVID-19 pandemic. As consumers became more reliant on technology for work, school, and commerce, scammers noted these shifts and adapted their tactics to this changing environment.

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District 1—Big Bay Darryl Small 906-345-9369 • smallwld14@gmail.com

District 2—Harvey/Deerton Karen Alholm 906-249-1095 • karenalholm@gmail.com

District 3—Grand Marais Mike Lawless 906-494-2080 • mclawless79@gmail.com

District 4—Cedar River/Palestine Dave Prestin 906-424-0055 • cedarriverplaza@gmail.com District 5—Gourley/LaBranche/Cornell Steve Wery 906-639-2812 • addirector5@icloud.com

District 7—Stonington/Rapid River Kirk Bruno 906-399-1432 • kbruno.algerdelta@gmail.com District 8—Nahma/Isabella Don Johnson 906 280-0867 • dsj731@gmail.com

District 9—Hiawatha/Maple Ridge Doug Bovin 906-573-2379 • dorobo22@icloud.com GENERAL MANAGER: Mike Furmanski mfurmanski@algerdelta.com HEADQUARTERS: 426 N. 9th St, Gladstone, MI 49837 906-428-4141 • 800-562-0950 Fax: 906-428-3840 • admin@algerdelta.com algerdelta.com OFFICE HOURS Monday–Thursday 7 a.m.–5 p.m. (EST) Alger Delta Cooperative is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

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Common Types of Scams A scammer may claim you are overdue on your electric bill and threaten to disconnect your service if you don’t pay immediately. Whether this is done in person, or by phone, text, or email, the scammers want to scare you into immediate payment, so you don’t have time to think clearly.

District 6—Nathan/White Rapids Jesse Betters 715-923-4946 • jjbetters@gmail.com

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Imposter scams are the number-one type of fraud reported to the Federal Trade Commission. While scam artists may come to your door posing as a utility worker who works for the “power company,” in today’s more connected world, attempts are more likely to come through an electronic device, via email, phone, or text.

If this happens over the phone, simply hang up. If you’re concerned about your bill, call us at 906-428-4141. Our phone number can also be found on your monthly bill and our website, Algerdelta.com. If the scam is by email or text, delete it before taking any action. If you’re unsure, you can always use Smart Hub/Alger Delta to check the status of your account. Remember, Alger Delta Electric Cooperative will never attempt to demand immediate payment after just one notice.

Some scammers may falsely claim you have been overcharged on your bill and say they want to give you a refund. It sounds easy. All you have to do is click or press a button to initiate the process. If you proceed, you will be prompted to provide banking or other personal information. Instead of money going into your bank account, scammers can drain your account and use personal information such as a social security number for identity theft.

If this “refund” scam happens over the phone, just hang up and block the phone number to prevent future robocalls. If this scam attempt occurs via email (known as a “phishing” attempt) or by text (“smishing”), do not click any links. Instead, delete it and, if possible, block the sender. If you overpay on your energy bill, Alger Delta will automatically apply the credit to your next billing cycle. When in doubt, contact us.

Defend Yourself Against Scams Be wary of calls or texts from unknown numbers. Be suspicious of an unknown person claiming to be a utility worker who requests banking or other personal information.

Never let anyone into your home that you don’t know unless you have a scheduled appointment or reported a problem. When we work on our members’ property or come into your home, our employees are professionals and will always identify themselves.

We want to help protect our community against utility scams, and you can help create the first line of defense. Please report any potential scams to us so we can spread the word to prevent others in the community from falling victim to these scammers.

Pictured cutting the ribbon is Ted’s daughter, Carmen Vanhorn and her brother Tim Pineau along with Alger Delta staff members and the members of the Board of Directors.

Alger Delta Dedicates New Substation

In Honor Of Theodore Pineau A lger Delta Electric Cooperative recently held a dedication ceremony for their new substation. The $2.5 million substation took three years to build and will help Alger Delta distribution operations by increasing capacity and reliability. The substation now provides the cooperative with a direct feed from the 138-kV transmission line, resulting in a more streamlined delivery system for power.

The substation, located at 400 County Road 480 in Marquette, was dedicated in honor of Theodore (Ted) Pineau.

Pineau was working as a lineman for Alger Delta on April 26, 1985, when he was tragically killed in an accident in Nahma Township. Pineau, age 43, and his partner, Ronald Hughes, were working to restore power after a fallen tree had taken down some lines. He was electrocuted when he picked up

a downed line that had become “hot” when it crossed other lines on an electrical pole.

Pineau had worked for Alger Delta for 20 years at the time of the accident.

Pineau’s widow, Laurel Brown, recalled how Ted felt about being a lineman.

“Ted loved his job. Everyone at Alger Delta was like one big family. On holidays, we would all go to each other’s house and visit, we felt close.

I really missed that after Ted passed,” she said. So much so that for years after his passing, she would stop in at the REA at lunch hour just to say hello.

“It was a big part of his life, so that was my connection to him for quite a while,” Laurel said.

honor, and I am so grateful. I distinctly remember our last morning together.

We were talking about our future and retirement, and Ted told me how much he loved his work. He genuinely loved what he did.”

When asked what it meant to her when she was told about the substation dedication in his honor, she said, “I cried, because this is really an

Alger Delta is pleased to commemorate and honor Theodore Pineau, both today and for generations to come.

Alger Delta Electric Cooperative is pleased to report that the cooperative has successfully completed an audit of its 2021 financials. A summary report of the audit can be found at algerdelta.com. Copies of the report are also available at the Alger Delta Cooperative offices.

MICHIGAN COUNTRY LINES

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THE CALL

OF THE

WILD

By Emily Haines Lloyd

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hen you are exploring the Upper Peninsula, whether in vacation mode or simply tooling around your hometown, there is a sense that the “wild” is a real and beautiful part of the lifestyle up there.

When Gary and Lynn Moore, both natives of lower Michigan, decided to move to the U.P., this was certainly part of the draw. While the two had been visiting for years before they relocated, they weren’t entirely sure what they were going to do once they settled in.

“We love the outdoors and love the pace up here,” said Gary Moore, owner of GarLyn Zoo Wildlife Park.

“And we’ve always loved and owned animals, even weirder ones like potbelly pigs, pygmy goats, and peacocks, and we just decided—let’s open a zoo.”

In the spring of 1994, with that love of the outdoors and animals in mind, the Moores bought 33 acres of land along U.S. 2 for their then-imagined zoo.

They opened in the summer, with just a handful of animals to attract visitors.

While things started slowly, the Moores started mapping out fenced-in areas and building giant habitat structures for their bigger animals. The zoo seemed to melt into the surrounding federal and state forests with towering red and white pines, birch, maple forests on all sides, and beautifully cedar-mulched trails. Now, a wide variety of animal habitats cover about 10 acres of the Moores’ property.

“We build with what we have, when we need it,” said Gary. “But most importantly, we try to keep the animals in comfortable and as natural of a setting as we can.”

These natural settings house everything from pet-worthy goats, llamas, and potbelly pigs to exotic binturong and lemur to big majestic cats like the African lions, cougars, and snow leopards.

Many of the animals have been rescues or were facing displacement.

And the Moores, including their daughter Mary, who currently oversees operations and is preparing to take over when her parents decide to retire, have always tried to take in animals in need of a home. The zoo’s first bear, Millie, was brought to them as a cub and had really connected with Mary. So connected that Millie would wail when Mary left her sight. The solution was a buddy for Millie, who came in the unlikely package of King, a dog the Moores were introduced to at the local animal shelter, who wasn’t having any luck finding a home of his own. Once Millie and King met, they were best friends from there. They’ve let another bear, Hutch, into their circle, and visitors delight in watching them play together, often calling it the highlight of their visit.

Wishing you could be at GarLyn Zoo Wildlife Park right now?

While the zoo is only open from May 1 through the end of October (depending on that finicky U.P. weather), the zoo’s Facebook page is updated frequently with amazing videos (like bears taking baths and snow leopards playing hide ‘n seek) of the animals year-round. Prepare for an overdose of cuteness with their ”Tongues Out Tuesdays,” where the animals are sticking out their tongues and give you every reason to say “awwwww….”

GarLyn Zoo Wildlife Park has so many great stories about their animals, and the staff speaks about the animals as if they’re members of their family. As the Moores head into their 29th year of the zoo’s opening, Gary is reminded that it has always been worth it, while it’s not always been easy.

“We love these animals, and we love sharing them with the folks who visit us,” said Gary. “Plus, we’ve always been too stubborn to give up.”

Sounds like a true Yooper, indeed.

garlynzoo.com /garlynzoo

MICHIGAN COUNTRY LINES

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HOW TO PREVENT ELECTRIC SHOCK DROWNING

Each year, 3,800 people in the U.S. die from drowning. Electric shock drowning occurs when an electric current escapes boats, docks, and lights near marinas, shocking nearby swimmers.

There are no visible signs of current seeping into water, which makes this a hidden danger.

The electric shock paralyzes swimmers, making them unable to swim to safety.

ELECTRICAL SAFETY TIPS FOR: Swimmers

Boat Owners

• Never swim near a boat or launching ramp. Residual current could flow into the water from the boat or the marina’s wiring, potentially putting anyone in the water at risk of electric shock.

• Ensure your boat is properly maintained and consider having it inspected annually. GFCIs and ELCIs should be tested monthly. Conduct leakage testing to determine if electrical current is escaping the vessel.

• If you feel any tingling sensations while in the water, tell someone and swim back in the direction from which you came.

Immediately report it to the dock or marina owner.

• Use portable GFCIs or shore power cords (including “Y” adapters) that are “UL-Marine Listed” when using electricity near water.

• Regularly have your boat’s electrical system inspected by a certified marine electrician.

Ensure it meets your local and state NEC, NFPA, and ABYC safety codes.

IF YOU SEE ELECTRIC SHOCK DROWNING TAKING PLACE:

TURN POWER OFF

THROW A LIFE RING

CALL 911

DO NOT enter the water. You could become a victim, too.

Sources: Electrical Safety Foundation International, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

SNAP SHOT

Ice Cream 1. Our granddaughters Rylie and Reeva enjoying an ice cream treat! Pam Cole 2. I can eat it all! Kathy Maynard 3. I scream for ice cream at Yamma’s house! Diane Lang 4. Mama Cow’s ice cream shop has the best ice cream in Chatham! Monica Eriksen 5. Riley enjoying some delicious blue moon ice cream. Tina Hiironen 6. Enjoying a bedtime treat! Sara Kamerschen

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Submit a photo & win a

Submit Your Photos & Win A Bill Credit!

energy bill credit!

Upcoming Photo Topics And Deadlines:

$50

Alger Delta members whose photos we print in Michigan Country Lines will be entered in a drawing. Four lucky members will win a $50 credit on their December 2022 energy bills!

Farms & Harvest, due July 20 (Sept./Oct. issue) Christmas Trees, due Sept. 20 (Nov./Dec. issue) To submit photos, go to http://bit.ly/countrylines. We look forward to seeing your best photos!

MICHIGAN COUNTRY LINES

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MI CO-OP Recipes

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

POTATOES

Side dishes so good, they’ll steal the show.

WINNING RECIPE! DELICIOUS CREAMY POTATOES Ralph Kridner, Great Lakes Energy

1.5 pounds Yukon Gold Potatoes, cut into 1-inch round, thick slices 3 tablespoons butter, melted ½ teaspoon dried thyme ¼ teaspoon dried rosemary ¼ teaspoon ancho chili powder ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika ¹⁄ 8 teaspoon granulated garlic ½ teaspoon + ¹⁄ 8 teaspoon salt, divided ¼ teaspoon black pepper ½ cup chicken broth 2 garlic cloves, crushed 1 tablespoon parsley Cheese Sauce (optional): 2 teaspoons unsalted butter 2 teaspoons all-purpose flour ½ cup whole milk ¹⁄ 8 teaspoon salt ¹⁄ 8 teaspoon black pepper ¹⁄ 8 teaspoon smoked paprika 1–2 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, shredded

RECIPE CONTEST Win a

Baked Goods due Aug. 1 • Holiday Side Dishes due Sept. 1

energy bill credit!

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. Submit your recipe at micoopkitchen.com, or send it via email (include your full name and co-op) to recipes@countrylines.com.

$50

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Adjust rack to upper middle and preheat oven to 475 F. Lightly coat a rimmed baking sheet with olive oil (baking dish should be just big enough for your potatoes to fit in). In a medium bowl, add the melted butter, thyme, rosemary, ancho chili powder, smoked paprika, granulated garlic, ½ teaspoon salt, and black pepper. Toss potatoes in butter mixture until coated, and arrange potatoes in a single layer on the baking sheet. Roast potatoes for 14 minutes. Carefully remove the baking sheet and flip potatoes over, then roast for another 14 minutes. Remove potatoes from oven; flip them again. Add the broth and garlic to the pan and return to oven. Roast for 10–15 minutes, or until potatoes are tender. Sprinkle with remaining ¹⁄ 8 teaspoon salt and parsley. To make the optional cheese sauce, add butter to a pan and heat until it is foamy. Add flour and whisk it with the butter. Add milk and bring almost to a boil; reduce heat to low and simmer for 2 minutes or until slightly thickened, stirring constantly. Add salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and cheddar cheese, and stir until melted.

Serve over potatoes. Serves 3. Total time to make: 1 hour 15 minutes.

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

FABULOUS FRIED MASHED POTATO BALLS Deb Finedell, Great Lakes Energy

• oil, for frying 4 cups mashed potatoes (leftover or premade, or store-bought can be used) 3 ounces cream cheese, softened 2 tablespoons fresh chives, chopped 3 eggs, beaten, divided ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese ½ teaspoon garlic powder ½ teaspoon salt ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper 1 cup breadcrumbs 1 cup flour Fill a large, deep pot halfway with oil. Heat over medium heat until it reaches 350 F. While the oil is heating, mix together the

mashed potatoes, cream cheese, chives, one egg, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Roll potato mixture into balls about the size of a golf ball and set aside. In three bowls, set out the breadcrumbs, flour, and the remaining 2 eggs beaten with a tablespoon of water.

Dip each ball into the flour first, shaking off the excess, then into the beaten egg, letting the excess drip off, and lastly into the breadcrumbs. When oil reaches about 350 F, fry the balls in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pot as you fry.

Fry for 3–4 minutes until golden brown, and transfer to paper towels. While still warm, top with salt and Parmesan cheese.

Serve immediately. Enjoy!

DAVE’S MOM’S CHEESY HASH BROWN CASSEROLE Becky Elliott, Cherryland

2 pounds frozen hash brown potatoes (thaw for 45 minutes first) 1 cup diced onions 1 can cream of chicken soup 1 pound carton sour cream 1 stick melted butter 8 ounces grated cheddar cheese

1 teaspoon salt ½ teaspoon black pepper • potato chips Preheat oven to 375 F. Put all ingredients in a bowl and mix. Place in greased 9x13 glass dish and cover with crushed potato chips. Bake for 1 hour. Enjoy!

BACON AND GORGONZOLA POTATO SALAD Lauren Tougas, Cherryland

¾ pound cooked and crumbled bacon, reserve some to garnish on top 5 pounds Yukon or red skin potatoes 2½ cups mayonnaise, divided 2 cups crumbled Gorgonzola cheese 1 cup chopped green onion Cook bacon and let cool so you can crumble up into smaller pieces (or use pre-

cooked bacon crumbles). Cook potatoes in a large pot of salted water. Bring to a boil and then simmer, covered, 20–25 minutes or until tender. Drain and cool potatoes.

Cut into bite-sized pieces and mix with 2 cups mayonnaise. Mix bacon, cheese, and chopped green onion with remaining ½ cup mayonnaise. Add to potato mixture by gently combining so potatoes don’t fall apart. May add salt and pepper to taste.

Top with bacon crumbles and chill before serving. Makes about 14 servings.

PARMESAN POTATOES AU GRATIN Elizabeth Knapp, Great Lakes Energy 3 • • 1

pounds Yukon Gold potatoes salt and pepper minced garlic pound grated Parmesan cheese (from a wedge, not a shaker) 2 cups heavy cream Preheat oven to 350 F. Slice potatoes to make ¹⁄ 8” rounds and submerge in a bowl

of cold water while slicing. Butter a large casserole dish (or use 2 casserole dishes; it freezes well). Layer potatoes on bottom and sprinkle with salt, pepper, garlic, and cheese. Repeat layers until potatoes are gone. Pour heavy cream over all and cover with foil. Bake for an hour. Remove foil and bake 10 minutes more or until top is browned.

MICHIGAN COUNTRY LINES

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Diver Don

By Yvonne Whitman

on Fassbender’s fascination with scuba diving began at a young age. “I first became interested in it in the ’70s while watching Jacque Cousteau on TV. That’s what really attracted me to the underwater world,” he said. But he couldn’t act on his curiosity until 1991, when he took his first open water class in Marquette. “I knew I loved it and began taking advanced courses. I just never looked back,” Don said. He has now been diving for over 30 years and has participated in more than 1,000 dives, with the majority being in the Great Lakes. “As a scuba diver, I like to witness things that most people never get to see, such as shipwrecks,” he said.

D

Something that Don didn’t like to see underwater was the volume of debris and trash on the bottom of the Marquette harbor. Through the years, he noticed the trash problem was increasing. “I knew there was a growing quantity of debris, and it always bothered me that I couldn’t do anything about it,” he said. An underwater YouTube video that he posted changed that. “One day, I found

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a vintage Schwinn bicycle on the harbor bottom and made a video of myself bringing it to the surface,” he said. The video went viral, and he began to make and post more videos of himself removing trash and cleaning up the lake bottom.

“People began commenting positively and asking what they could do to help, and my followers increased,” said Don. As word spread about what he was doing, others reached out to him and said they would like to help with his endeavors. This dedicated group of “regulars,” as Don calls them, comprised of about a dozen fellow diving enthusiasts, worked together to organize the inaugural cleanup event. On Aug. 10, 2019, they held their first annual Underwater Cleanup in Mattson Harbor in Marquette. This resulted in over four tons of tires being removed from the lake. Tires are the most common item brought to the surface as these are used as ship bumpers along most of the docks and harbor bulkheads. Over time, the tires degrade and fall into the water. To date, Don estimates that the cleanup effort has removed

“ I knew there was a growing quantity of debris, and it always bothered me that I couldn’t do anything about it.”

11 tons of these tires from Lake Superior. Other items removed include refrigerators, car batteries, bicycles, plastic bags, bottles, and cans.

The city of Marquette has been supportive in helping with the project, providing dumpsters and heavy equipment to get some of the more oversized items up from the lake bottom.

Retrieved rubber and metal items are sorted by volunteers onshore and then sent for recycling.

But some items cannot be removed and are protected by law. Marquette is part of the Michigan Underwater Preservation Council, and anything 50 years or older of historical value must remain on the bottom of the lake.

When asked about the most unusual item he has ever discovered, he said that in one memorable dive, he noticed something glinting on the lake bottom. Reaching for the item, he could see it was a diamond ring tied to a rock with shoelaces.

One can only imagine the story behind this strange find. Don regularly finds prescription eyeglasses, cameras, and phones. As with anything of value that he finds, he tries to find the owner by posting to his Facebook page. To date, no one has claimed the diamond ring.

Don’s 13-year-old daughter Nina is one person that he is particularly proud to have join him in the cleanup effort. “She’s been swimming since she was 2 years old, and she really loves the water. She began diving last year and is currently accredited as a junior open water scuba diver,” he said. When asked what it meant to him to have Nina join him in diving, he responded, “Everything. I’m so happy to have her share this with me.”

Nina is a large part of his motivation for doing what he does. “I want to make this place better than I found it for Nina and future generations. If you think of our planet as a whole, more of our earth submersed than there is dry land. We shouldn’t throw things in the water. There are those out there trying to make it a better place for those who follow us. This is our drinking water,” he said.

To expand his lake cleanup program, Don recently established a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, Great Lakes Scuba Diving & Lake Preservation. He hopes that this will open new doors for his group and perhaps allow them to offer their underwater cleanups to other communities with harbors.

The fourth annual cleanup event is scheduled for Aug. 6, 2022, at Mattson Lower Harbor Park in Marquette.

If you are interested in participating in the event either as a diver or onshore, please contact Don at facebook.com/diverdonscuba or president@greatlakesscubadivers.com.

MICHIGAN COUNTRY LINES 13

IT’S A WILD RIDE W

At Traverse City Horse Shows

By Emily Haines Lloyd

hen you think about horse competitions like hunting, jumping, and equitation, it conjures up images of primly dressed riders in their velvet riding caps, tailored jackets, and riding boots who exude an air of control and composure. It’s easy to forget that the other part of the team is a wild animal—one that has been trained and coached, but at the same time, has a will and disposition that is completely its own.

of equestrian sports)—with its jumper, hunter, and equitation competitions, really livens things up. This event brings world-class athletes to Traverse City to participate in everything from youth championships to Olympic-qualifying events. With six or seven rings running simultaneously, spectators can watch riders who are just beginning their careers and expert athletes returning from recent Olympic games.

“It’s a unique opportunity to see a sport with two athletes, and only one of them is human,” said Lindsay Brock, marketing representative of Morrissey Management.

“There’s always this moment of uncertainty if the horse is going to comply. It’s wild. So, there is something exciting about watching this human and this horse working together to achieve a goal.”

“From June to September, we have athletes and their families coming to Northern Michigan from 48 states and 28 countries to participate in jumper, hunter, and equitation competitions,” said partner and event director, Matt Morrissey. “In just 13 weeks, we’re awarding over $7 million in prize money.”

You can see this sort of beautiful dance between control and chaos at the many year-round events held by the Traverse City Horse Shows, which take place on the 130 acres of Flintfields Horse Park in Northern Michigan. The grounds host a variety of riders and enthusiasts, from 4- and 5-yearold youngsters learning to walk ponies around a ring to experienced seniors still enjoying a lifelong passion.

However, the 13 weeks of FEI (Fédération Equestre Internationale—the international governing body

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The Traverse City Horse Shows started on the east side of the state, but with a rebranding and relocation in 2015, it has grown into one of the top events and venues in North America. Based on an economic impact study, the events have approximately a $120 million impact on Northern Michigan each year, with spectators, business owners, and the community all reaping benefits.

Competitors agree that it’s the location, as well as the points and prize money, that brings them to Flintfields year after year. “Without a doubt, one of the most common

“There’s always this moment of uncertainty if the horse is going to comply.

It’s wild. So, there is something exciting about watching this human and this horse working together to achieve a goal.”

things we hear about the Traverse City Horse Shows is how much the competitors and their families love visiting the area,” said Brock. “With just one day off, the athletes love exploring the lake and dunes and enjoying the great restaurants, vineyards, and just the beauty of walking around Traverse City.”

Flintfields provides plenty of events to keep spectators busy as well. An active atmosphere is important to the site, which offers spectators ice cream socials, happy hours, and other special events, all while they spend the day watching and bumping up against premier athletes.

“It’s all a part of what our community stands for,” said Morrissey. “Our spectators get to see this amazing example of athleticism and working together in unison.

When you are watching it, it’s inspiring to see something special being created between the athletes and the animals. It’s really beautiful.”

To see this wild collaboration, visit on TCHS’s website at traversecityhorseshows.com for tickets.

What’s the difference between jumper, hunter and equitation?

In all three divisions, a rider guides a horse over a set course of obstacles in a ring. However, each is scored differently. The jumper discipline is scored based on the objective speed and accuracy the rider has over the course. Hunter and equitation are based on a subjective judge of form over the course, with hunter classes focusing on the form of the horse and equitation classes focusing on the form of the rider. traversecityhorseshows.com /traversecityhorseshows /traversecityhorseshows

MICHIGAN COUNTRY LINES

15

Delta County Welcomes

The Music Co-op

By Lois Corcoran Photos courtesy of Steven L. Krupski

It started in May of 2021 at a swap meet hosted by Jim’s Music. A handful of area musicians signed up for a novel concept called The Music Co-op (TMC), the brainchild of Alger Delta Electric Co-op member Lois Corcoran. In a year, it grew to over 250 members, ranging in age from 18 to 70-something. n a nutshell, TMC is a free network for people who love to make music.

Its main objective is to help local musicians find each other to collaborate, but it also facilitates other musical matters such as promoting gigs, mentoring, instrument trades, and more. It’s a “go-to” resource as well for members of the community who need musicians for various events.

I

The U.P. Action newspaper features members of TMC in its “Music Maker of the Month” tribute. This musical bio gives them a welldeserved moment in the spotlight and directs readers to their YouTube channels or other forms of broadcast.

When newcomers join, they indicate which instrument(s) they play, their preferred genre

16 JULY/AUGUST 2022

(country, rock, etc.), and contact info. Their address is then added to the group email. When a collaboration request comes in, it’s emailed to all members, who have the option of responding or not, depending on their skill set and availability. Requests and notices are also posted on TMC’s Facebook page (“The Music Co-op – Delta County”).

TMC is not a band or orchestra. It is an online network only. There are no rehearsals or monthly meetings to attend beyond what individual members decide to arrange.

A new member voiced her thoughts about collaborating in the wake of a pandemic. “I’m kind of COVID concerned,” she wrote, “so I’m interested in a smaller group with a chance to distance a little.” Most, if not all, members feel

MEMBER TESTIMONIALS:

“ We had a lot of fun and want to thank you for helping us find each other!” “ Just want to say I’m a big fan of the spirit behind this group. It’s good for the community.”

the same way, and some insist on vaccines for anyone who collaborates with them.

Members are embracing TMC and its effect on the local music scene. One emailed, “We had a lot of fun and want to thank you for helping us find each other!” Another wrote, “Just want to say I’m a big fan of the spirit behind this group.

It’s good for the community.”

TMC was instrumental (excuse the pun) in forming Failte (pronounced “Folcha”), consisting of Albert McCreery, Kathy Creten, Carol and Bruce Irving, Rob Yin, and Katherine Bender.

It plays Irish and Celtic music and performs regularly at Hereford & Hops and other venues.

Any adult who sings, plays an instrument, or writes songs is welcome to join TMC, regardless of age or skill level. Whether they want to form a band, record a YouTube video, or just take part in an informal jam session, TMC may be able to help.

Membership is free. Members are simply asked to assist others with their music projects as often as they seek help with their own. To sign up for TMC, email lois.corcoran57@gmail.com, call 906-428-2843, or check out their Facebook page.

MICHIGAN COUNTRY LINES 17

Guest Column

Sweet Breakfast

By Kris Rigling, Great Lakes Energy Cooperative member

G

rowing up in a small dairy farming community in the country, there were not a lot of options for jobs, but one of my favorites and one of my first jobs still conjures up happy memories. We had a small grocery store in our community that always tried to have fresh produce on hand.

While most families grew their own gardens, some people worked all day and didn’t have time to pick fresh berries, but they still wanted to taste summer’s sweet berries. One Sunday at church, our neighbor (her older brother was the produce manager) told my sister about picking strawberries for the local grocery store—she and our neighbor would each pick 16 quarts. My sister didn’t really want to do it, but I did and begged to do so. My mom called the neighbor, and we were set to pick berries on Monday morning. We were also lucky enough to have a strawberry farm in our community. We showed up first thing in the morning, and the farmer told us where to start picking. And he told us to be sure to let him know if they tasted okay.

We each picked 16 quarts. I think I picked my 16 quarts and ate another one or two!

They were so good and juicy—right off the vine—it was like eating liquid sunshine. When we finished picking, we dropped off our berries at the store, and they paid us right out of the cash register! I was so excited! I think I made about $3, which was probably minimum wage. We did this every few days for about three weeks that summer, and then the season was over again for another year. I didn’t make a ton of money picking berries that summer, but every time I bite into a sweet Michigan strawberry, I am a kid again, picking and eating a very sweet breakfast!

Win a $50 energy bill credit!

Kris enjoys cooking, camping, kayaking, reading, and watching her kids play sports.

Win $150!

Share your fondest memories and stories.

Win $150 for stories published. Visit countrylines.com/community to submit.

Where In Michigan Is This?

Identify the correct location of the photo to the left by July 20 and be entered into a drawing to win a $50 electric bill credit.

Enter your guess at countrylines.com/community.

May 2022 Winner! Our Mystery Photo winner is Toni Blundy, a HomeWorks Tri-County Electric Cooperative member, who correctly identified the photo as the New Era Potato Chip Silo on Grand River Avenue, east of Portland. Photo courtesy of Eldon McGraw.

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

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