July/Aug. 2022 GLE

July/August 2022

MICHIGAN

COUNTRY LINES Great Lakes Energy Cooperative

IT’S A WILD RIDE At Traverse City Horse Shows

Director Elections for Districts 6, 8, and 9

Keep Connected With GLE Energy Wise Appliance Recycling Day

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

Saving is believing.

Think you can’t afford a geothermal heat pump?

After a closer look, you may be surprised at its overall affordability.

Tax rebates can quickly bring down the initial costs of purchase and installation. And a geothermal heat pump is much cheaper to run than the most efficient furnaces and air conditioners. In fact, your energy bills can be cut by as much as 70%. As a result, many geothermal homeowners see a return on investment of 10-20% over the life of their system.

When you crunch the numbers, you’ll see WaterFurnace is the money-saving choice. To learn more, contact your local WaterFurnace dealer today.

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

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

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

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

Bad Axe/Ubly Cutting Edge Htg & Clg (989) 551-0986

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

Berrien Springs Waterfurnace Michiana (269) 473-5667 gogreenmichgeo thermal.com Big Rapids Stratz Htg & Clg, Inc. (231) 796-3717 stratzgeocomfort.com

Indian River M&M Plmb & Htg (231) 238-7201 mm-plumbing.com Lansing Candor Mechanical (517) 920-0890 candormechanical.com

Michigan Center Comfort 1/Air Serv of Southern Michigan (517) 764-1500 airserv.com/southernmichigan/ Mt Pleasant Walton Htg & Clg (989) 772-4822 waltonheating.com Muskegon Adams Htg & Clg (231) 873-2665 adamsheatingcooling.com

visit us at waterfurnace.com

Portland ESI Htg & Clg (517) 647-6906 esiheating.com Sunfield Mark Woodman Plmb & Htg (517) 886-1138 mwphonline.com Traverse City D&W Mechanical (231) 941-1251 dwmechanical.com Geofurnace Htg & Clg (231) 943-1000 geofurnace.com

*26% through 2022 and 22% through 2023 The Reliable Renewable is a trademark of WaterFurnace International, Inc. ©2022 WaterFurnace International, Inc.

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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Elect GLE’s Board Of Directors—

Your Vote Counts!

gtlakes.com

Shaun Lamp, Great Lakes Energy President/CEO

/greatlakesenergy /jointruestream BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Robert Kran, Chairman, District 6 231-464-5889 bkran@glenergy.com

Howard Bowersox, Vice Chairman, District 8 219-670-0977 hbowersox@glenergy.com John LaForge, Secretary, District 9 269-623-2284 jlaforge@glenergy.com Dale Farrier, Treasurer, District 5 231-564-0853 dfarrier@glenergy.com Paul Byl, Director, District 7 231-861-5911 pbyl@glenergy.com

Mark Carson, Director, District 2 231-675-0561 mcarson@glenergy.com

David Coveyou, Director, District 1 231-347-4056 dcoveyou@glenergy.com Richard Evans, Director, District 3 231-883-3146 revans@glenergy.com

Shelly Pinkelman, Director, District 4 989-390-6222 spinkelman@glenergy.com

E

ach year, three seats on the Great Lakes Energy board of directors open for election. If you are a GLE member in district 6, 8, or 9, please read about your candidate inside and cast your vote with the attached mail-in ballot. For all other members, your opportunity to vote will come in 2023 or 2024.

We are in an environment where change is our new normal. Our ability to remain nimble, react intelligently and efficiently, and maintain trajectory throughout the challenges thrown our way is in many parts attributed to the responsibility of our board of directors. As we navigate reliability challenges, work through inflation and supply chain shortages, assess our cost-of-service sustainability, and cope with every other hurdle in our path, the GLE board of directors serves to keep our members’ best interests at the heart of every decision we make.

Part of the value of being a cooperative member is that you,

PRESIDENT/CEO: Shaun Lamp 888-485-2537

Hours: 7 a.m.–5:30 p.m. M–F Phone: 888-485-2537 Email: glenergy@glenergy.com TO REPORT AN OUTAGE: Call 888-485-2537 or login to your account at gtlakes.com.

Great Lakes Energy is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

4 JULY/AUGUST 2022

We believe in the power of human connections and encourage your participation in the board election.

If you live in district 6, 8, or 9, please exercise your right to vote. It’s the cooperative difference.

EMMET Beaver Island

CHEBOYGAN

2 CHARLEVOIX OTSEGO

ANTRIM

3 GRAND TRAVERSE

MANISTEE

WEXFORD

LAKE

KALKASKA

CRAWFORD

5 MISSAUKEE

OSCEOLA

8

OCEANA

CLARE

MECOSTA

NEWAYGO

7 MONTCALM

9 KENT

OTTAWA

ALLEGAN

BARRY

MONTMORENCY

4

6 MASON

MUSKEGON

Change of Address: 888-485-2537, ext. 8924

Every member’s vote carries equal weight. Whether it’s a business with several owners or a small home with a single owner, each has one membership and one vote. In the case of a husband and wife, their joint membership entitles them to a single vote.

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COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR/EDITOR: Brett Streby 231-487-1389 • bstreby@glenergy.com BOYNE CITY HEADQUARTERS 1323 Boyne Ave. Boyne City, MI 49712

not Great Lakes Energy staff or other board members, determine who serves on your board to make decisions for your cooperative. As a member of a democratically controlled cooperative, you play a vital role in shaping the way your co-op is run.

Qualified members can run for a board seat in your district, you can sign another candidate’s nominating petition, or you can simply vote. And your vote truly counts.

OSCODA

Districts By County 2022 ELECTION

District 6 Lake and Mason counties District 8 Clare, Mecosta, Newaygo, and Osceola counties District 9 Allegan, Barry, Kent, Montcalm, and Ottawa counties

Get connected, stay connected W

e all know how important it is to stay in touch with our friends and family, and with today’s technology, there are many ways we can stay connected to one another.

The same is true for our family of Great Lakes Energy members. It’s important that we are able to keep in touch with you, especially at certain times, such as during a power outage—or to warn you that one is coming.

The latter of those two above scenarios could happen this summer, and that’s why it’s important to make sure that all of your contact information is up to date with GLE. Earlier this year, MISO (Midcontinent Independent System Operator), the organization responsible for operating the power grid across 15 U.S. states (including Michigan) and the Canadian province of Manitoba, issued a report indicating Michigan may not have enough electric capacity to meet peak demand on hot summer days this year.

If this happens, a process known as “load shedding” will take place among all electric utilities in the state to reduce the demand on the overall power grid. This means that some sections of a utility’s service area would have power cut, possibly for several hours, until the demand on the system drops.

Although GLE’s demand on the overall power grid is relatively small, these outages, also known as “rolling blackouts,” would affect some GLE members.

To help members prepare, GLE has a plan in place to alert members on days when load shedding may be necessary and also shortly before an outage is about to happen.

Notifications may come in the form of emails, text messages, push notifications on GLE’s mobile app, or automated phone calls.

To make sure we have the best chance of getting these and other notifications out effectively, we encourage members to make sure their contact information, such as mobile phone numbers and email addresses, are all up to date in GLE’s system.

Also, if you haven’t done so already, it’s a good time to consider signing up for online account access and downloading the GLE app for your mobile device. You can confirm your contact information on file through the app and the website. Also, setting up an online account and using the mobile app is the only way GLE can send you notifications via text message. If you wish to confirm or update your contact information by phone, please call (888) 485-2537.

To learn more about peak demand grid reliability concerns, visit gtlakes.com/2022/05/20/amatter-of-reliability/. To learn more about the related Voices Cooperative Power initiative, visit voicesforcooperativepower.com/.

MICHIGAN COUNTRY LINES

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THE CALL

OF THE

WILD

By Emily Haines Lloyd

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JULY/AUGUST 2022

W

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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Plan Before You Plant ow that summer is here, many people may be planning home landscaping projects. If that describes you, and your plans involve planting trees, GLE encourages you to think “up” before putting down those new roots.

N

That’s because trees and tree limbs are among the top causes of power outages and can pose additional risks to lineworkers and others. Trees that are too close to conductors can interfere with members’ electric service, especially during wind, snow, ice, and other weather events.

Great Lakes Energy Vegetation Management Manager Kevin Lockman said a clear right-of-way is also important so line crews can access poles and lines for repairs and upgrades.

Kevin said before planting a tree, it’s especially important to consider how big it will eventually grow. Tree nursery staff can provide information about tree growth to make sure the tree is planted where it will never be a power line hazard.

Here are some general guidelines for tree planting: • No trees should be planted within 25 feet of power lines.

• Trees that will grow to less than 25 feet in height/spread should be planted at least 25 feet from power lines.

• Trees that will grow to 25-40 feet in height/spread should be at least 40 feet from lines.

• Trees that will grow to more than 40 feet in height/ spread should be at least 60 feet from lines.

• Trees and shrubs should be planted at least 10 feet away from ground-mounted transformers.

• Keep the area around your meter clear from obstructions, including vegetation.

Here’s another important tree planting safety tip: Before digging, be sure to call MISS DIG by dialing 8-1-1, to mark any underground utilities.

If you notice a tree branch close to, or in contact with, a power line, do not try to remove it yourself. You may be seriously injured or killed. Instead, contact GLE staff for assistance.

Of course, trees and other vegetation—whether intentionally planted or growing wild—will grow and can eventually become a potential hazard. To help reduce the chances of these problems, GLE proactively “reclears” power line rights-of-way every six to seven years. Some areas or situations may require additional trimming outside of these cycles. In nonyard areas, crews typically clear “ground-to-sky.” In yard areas, crews will use directional pruning techniques.

Kevin noted that GLE hires specially trained contractors to work around high-voltage electric lines for all its tree work.

GLE will notify members through postcards, automated phone calls, and emails when an area is slated for reclearing work. Contractors are also required to knock on members’ doors to notify them when work is about to begin near their homes.

Members with questions or concerns about tree trimming may call (888) 485-2573 to reach GLE’s vegetation management department.

More information about GLE’s vegetation management program is available at gtlakes.com/ general-information/.

TREE PLANTING GUIDE 50' 40' 30' 20' 10' 0'

10'

20'

30'

40'

50'

60'

70'

NO TREE ZONE

SMALL TREE ZONE

MEDIUM TREE ZONE

LARGE TREE ZONE

No trees should be planted within 25' of power lines.

Trees less than 25' tall/spread at least 25' from lines.

Trees 25'-40' in height/spread at least 40' from lines.

Plant trees larger than 40' in height/spread at least 60' from lines.

8 JULY/AUGUST 2022

GREAT LAKES ENERGY

PHOTO

CONTEST

Ice Cream 1. Three scoops. Danielle Dawson, Scottville 2. Brain freeze! Kim Tyree, Johannesburg 3. First ice cream for the season. Beth Fiedor, Baldwin 4. Ice cream cousins. William Smith, Petoskey 5. Ice cream at Grandma’s! Jacqueline Euper, Hershey 6. Yummm. Ruth Gregg, Beaver Island

MOST VOTES!

Enter to win a

$200

energy bill credit!

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2

3

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Submit Your “Feathers” Photos By July 20!

Each month, members can submit photos on our website for our photo contest.

The photo with the most votes is published here along with other selections.

Our July/August theme is Feathers. Photos can be submitted by July 20 to be featured in the October issue.

How To Enter: Enter the contest at gtlakes.com/photocontest/. Make sure to vote and

encourage others to vote for you, too. The photo receiving the most votes will be printed in an issue of Michigan Country Lines along with other favorites. All photos printed in the magazine in 2022 will be entered to win a $200 bill credit in December 2022.

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

10 JULY/AUGUST 2022

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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3

AMAGE TO HOME D APPLIANCES AND HOME ELECTRONICS

Another good reason to make sure a transfer switch is installed and used when your home’s generator is operating is that serious electrical damage could result to electronics and appliances in your home if power from the generator and Great Lakes Energy both flow into your home at the same time.

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Tips For Safe Generator Use When summer arrives each year, so does an increased chance of severe weather. These storms can be a threat to lives and property, but they can also cause power outages. While Great Lakes Energy crews always work as quickly as they safely can to restore power following a storm, for some people, investing in a generator that can keep the lights on and some appliances running until electric service is restored is reassuring.

For less than $1,000, a portable generator can provide just enough power to keep some essentials running. For a more sizable investment, a standby generator can automatically turn on to provide nearly all your home’s electric needs until electric service can be restored.

While having a generator can be a blessing in the event of a power outage, it’s important to be aware of several very important safety considerations ahead of time. It could be a matter of life and death.

Here are the top-five safety considerations to keep in mind when it comes to generator use during a power outage.

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Do not connect a portable generator yourself to your home wiring. Hire a licensed electrician to safely install a transfer switch. Although meter bases equipped with a built-in transfer switch can be purchased from Great Lakes Energy, GLE does not install transfer switches or meter bases. Contact a licensed electrical contractor for installation. Contact us for more information about meter base transfer switches.

DON’T DO IT YOURSELF

12 JULY/AUGUST 2022

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If not properly isolated from the outside electrical grid by a transfer switch, electricity from a generator connected to a home’s wiring system can flow back into the power lines, endangering the lives of those working to restore your power. Downed power lines can become energized, endangering family members and neighbors nearby.

Always assume a downed power line is energized and keep clear.

ELECTRIC SHOCK RISK TO LINEWORKERS OR OTHERS

Especially for portable models, be sure not to overload a generator. This can lead to overheating and poses a fire hazard. Also, do not refuel the generator until it has cooled off.

If you don’t wait until it’s cooled, you could cause an explosion.

5

FIRE RISK

EWARE OF DEADLY B CARBON MONOXIDE POISONING

Again, this warning is mainly directed at portable generator models. Operate the generator outdoors and protect it from rain and other moisture. Invest in a nonflammable cover to keep it dry. The generator should be at least 25 feet away from the house and away from doors, windows, and vents. Operating a generator in a garage can result in the buildup of deadly carbon monoxide.

For additional generator safety tips, visit gtlakes.com/poweroutages. If you have a generator, please contact GLE at (888) 485-2537 to let us know so we can add a note to your account.

POWER THAT IS CLEAN AND AFFORDABLE

DID YOU KNOW OVER 60% OF THE ENERGY WE PROVIDE IS CARBON FREE?

LEARN MORE BY VISITING GTLAKES.COM

Power. Purpose. You.

MAKING CENTS OUT OF YOUR OLD APPLIANCES

Great! You’ve replaced one or more of your outdated home appliances … now what?

You can get up to $25 for each working refrigerator, freezer, room air conditioner, or dehumidifier that you recycle at one of our appliance dropoff days. Visit gtlakes.com/energy-wise for details and to register (required).

Information on the program is also available by calling (888) 476-9534.

Appliance Drop-off Day • 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., August 13, 2022 Boyne City Headquarters

Newaygo Service Center

Scottville Service Center

1323 Boyne Avenue Boyne City, MI 49712

1 Cooperative Center Dr. Newaygo, MI 49337

525 W. U.S. 10 Scottville, MI 49454

Call 888-476-9534 or visit gtlakes.com/energy-wise today!

*Incentives and offers subject to change or cancellation at any time. Offer available to qualified members.

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

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Be Energy Wise Recycle that old appliance

reat Lakes Energy’s new energy-efficiency program, Energy Wise, offers cooperative members many incentives to reduce energy usage around their homes.

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Many of these incentives are in the form of rebates to help offset some of the cost of purchasing new, more energyefficient appliances and equipment.

But once you have taken advantage of one or more of these appliance rebates, what do you do with the old, inefficient appliance you just replaced?

The Energy Wise program has got that covered, too.

The first appliance recycling drop-off day for GLE members will take place on Aug. 13 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at our offices in Boyne City, Newaygo, and Scottville. Appliances that will be accepted include refrigerators, freezers, air conditioners, and dehumidifiers.

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The event offers multiple financial rewards. Not only does it offer a free means to get rid of that old, inefficient appliance—with no requirement that refrigerant is removed first—but the program also offers a rebate of $25 per recycled appliance. Rebates are limited to two large appliances (refrigerators and freezers) and two small appliances (dehumidifiers and window air conditioners) per member household.

Appliances to be dropped off should be in working order. Appliance pick-up service is not offered through the Energy Wise program.

Registration is required for members wishing to participate in the recycling drop-off event.

A registration form will be available online at gtlakes.com/energy-wise/.

Members can learn about all of the Energy Wise program offerings and submit rebate applications through the website as well. Information on the program is also available by calling (888) 476-9534.

Appliance Drop-off Day 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., Aug. 13, 2022

Boyne City Headquarters 1323 Boyne Avenue Boyne City, MI 49712 Newaygo Service Center 1 Cooperative Center Dr. Newaygo, MI 49337 Scottville Service Center 525 W. U.S.-10 Scottville, MI 49454

The Charlevoix Circle of Arts received a People Fund grant supporting the purchase of a new Marley dance floor in their studio for ballet, tap, jazz fusion, yoga, barre, and other classes.

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

Six winners are randomly selected twice per year.

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

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

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

Congratulations To Our Winners!

Thanks for your ongoing support of the People Fund.

Kimberly Andrus, Kent County Donna Blumke, Emmet County Joseph Ehrenberg, Mason County Kenneth Knowles, Newaygo County Lorraine Rork, Mason County Jason Stesney, Antrim County

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

Don’t miss your chance to be the next winner! Visit gtlakes.com/ people-fund to sign up today.

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Guest Column

Sweet Breakfast

By Kris Rigling, Great Lakes Energy Cooperative member

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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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All members have a vote.

Together, they work in harmony.

Every GLE member has a say in electing a board member. It’s up to you, the member, to vote or run for election. Power to the people, from the people. Doesn’t that sound good?

Learn more about your Great Lakes Energy board of directors and the election process at gtlakes.com.

Power. Purpose. You.