JulyAug 2025 Cherryland

Cherryland Electric Cooperative

July/August 2025

MICHIGAN COUNTRY LINES

r o v a l F n i d e Root Michigan’s Farm-to-Table Experience Where the Land Inspires the Menu

When The Music Stops

Scholarship Winners Announced

Creating Lasting Memories

WATERFURNACE UNITS QUALIFY FOR A 30% FEDERAL TAX CREDIT*

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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

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 adamsgeothermal-mi.comam-

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

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

visit us at waterfurnace.com/mi

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

MICHIGAN COUNTRY LINES

Contents countrylines.com

July/August 2025 Vol. 45, No. 7 /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; John Kran, president and CEO.

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CONTACT US/LETTERS TO EDITOR: Michigan Country Lines 201 Townsend St., Suite 900 Lansing, MI 48933 248-534-7358 editor@countrylines.com

MI CO-OP Community

CHANGE OF ADDRESS: Please notify your electric cooperative.

See page 4 for contact information.

See details on page 10. Favorite Fall Recipes, due Aug. 1; Best Holiday Mains, due Sept. 1.

Win a $100 bill credit!

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

MICHIGAN’S ELECTRIC COOPERATIVES

RECIPE CONTEST

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 SPANNING THE

MITTEN: MICHIGAN’S MOST ICONIC BRIDGES Tracing our state's past through the bridges that built its future.

10 MI CO-OP KITCHEN Sandwiches & Wraps: effortless to make, impossible to resist.

14 ROOTED IN FLAVOR

Michigan’s farm-to-table experience: where the land inspires the menu.

18 GUEST COLUMN

The Generational Dresses: A PIE&G member recounts how heirloom dresses stitched generations together.

MICHIGAN COUNTRY LINES

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When The Music Stops

By Rachel Johnson, Cherryland CEO

LEELANAU BENZIE

GRAND TRAVERSE

MANISTEE

WEXFORD

KALKASKA

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–Thursday 6:30 a.m.–5 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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Do you remember playing musical chairs as a kid? I do. I was never particularly fast or strategic, but I was scrappy. I often succeeded for a while in the game but eventually ended up standing when the music stopped. The brutality of musical chairs is that more kids lost than won.

That game is fun when you’re 6. But when it’s about powering Michigan’s economy, it’s not so fun anymore.

Right now, our state is in the early rounds of a much bigger game of musical chairs— only instead of chairs, we’re talking about gigawatts. Michigan’s electricity demand currently hovers around 20 gigawatts. But over the next decade, that number could climb by 50%. Data centers are moving in, manufacturers are coming home, and economic growth is creating more “players” in the circle. The trouble is, we’re not adding enough chairs to match.

For now, most people are still sitting comfortably. Lights turn on. Air conditioners hum. But if we don’t act soon, the music will stop—and someone will be left standing. And the first one out is likely to be the new businesses or investors looking to bring their operations to Michigan.

This isn’t an emergency, but it is a moment to plan with urgency and build with purpose. And that was the message I left our legislators with on a recent trip to Washington, D.C. Adding new generation—power plants, renewables, storage—is a big piece of the puzzle. So is maintaining the plants we already have, like the Palisades Nuclear Power Plant, which is being restarted to help keep the lights on in Michigan. cherrylandelectric.coop

But even when we want to build smart, we often face tremendous hurdles. In the past 25 years, power plant project timelines have grown from 10 months to 10 years.

Why? Exhaustive permitting requirements and a never-ending queue for grid interconnection approval.

Let me be clear, I fully support environmental stewardship and thoughtful planning for the electric grid. However, the current process isn’t working. It’s outdated and slow, and projects often get stuck in a never-ending cycle of litigation and analysis. It’s basically like playing musical chairs but the music never stops. And chairs never get added.

Cherryland is working closely with our legislators to support environmentally responsible permitting reform at the federal level. Our partners at Wolverine Power Cooperative are advocating for changes to the backlogged power plant interconnection approvals. You can help, too. Please remind state and local leaders that grid resiliency and power supply adequacy aren’t child’s play; when it comes to keeping the lights on in Michigan, we all have something at stake.

At the end of the day, no one wants to be left standing when the music stops.

And in Michigan, we don’t have to be—if we plan ahead, build wisely, and clear the way for the infrastructure we need.

This isn’t about hitting the panic button.

It’s about pulling up more chairs, setting the circle a little wider, and making sure everyone—families, businesses, and future investors—has a seat when the energy future arrives.

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

/cherrylandelectriccoop

@cherrylandec

Soaring Demand

After decades of flat or declining electricity demand, the United States is in the midst of a boom in power use. Recent government data shows that power consumption nationwide is set to increase by at least 38 gigawatts between now and 2028. This trend would ordinarily be great news for the power industry. But government policies aimed at shutting down fossil-fuel-based generation and years-long delays in permitting and siting for new transmission lines are turning this power boon into a capacity crisis. Here are the primary demand drivers:

Electrification A 2024 report showed electric vehicle adoption, electrification of home heating, and industrial electrification would increase overall U.S. energy consumption by 1% per year through 2026.

Data Centers

65%

Driven by explosions in artificial intelligence, cryptocurrency, and cloud computing, total U.S. data center load is projected to increase by 65% by 2050.

Economic Growth Residential power consumption is expected to increase by 14% to 22% through 2050 due to increases in population and steady economic growth.

Manufacturing Growth/Onshoring New, expanding, and “onshored/reshored” manufacturing capacity driven by federal incentives is expected to increase industrial demand by 13,000 GWh per year.

Key products: EVs, batteries, semiconductors, solar power components Forecast

Total Demand Analysts predicted in 2023 that U.S. peak demand will increase by at least 38 GW over the next five years, nearly double the growth rate predicted in 2022.

2027 Forecast

835 GW

852 GW

2028 MICHIGAN COUNTRY LINES

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DISCOVERING MICHIGAN’S MAGIC Cassondra Wanders Adventure Series

Miniature and Replica Bridges Several pedestrian bridges celebrate the Mighty Mac. In St. Louis, the 120-foot Mini Mac Bridge spans a pond shaped like the Lower Peninsula.

In Reed City’s Rambadt Park, the Little Mac Bridge is a 150-foot-long wooden suspension bridge crossing the Hersey River.

Near Mesick, the Little Mac Footbridge—at 246 feet—is the longest wooden suspension bridge in the Lower Peninsula and links the Manistee River Trail with the North Country Trail.

Parks with Notable Bridges

Mackinac Bridge

Spanning the Mitten

Michigan’s Most Iconic Bridges Michigan’s unique geography—with over 11,000 inland lakes, 120 major rivers, and borders on four Great Lakes—has made bridges essential to connecting people, peninsulas, and even countries. The state boasts more than 11,000 bridges, each with a distinct story and role in Michigan’s landscape.

International Bridges

Iconic Michigan Spans

Three major bridges connect Michigan to Canada. The Ambassador Bridge, opened in 1929, links Detroit and Windsor and remains the busiest international land border crossing in North America.

The most famous bridge in Michigan is the Mackinac Bridge, also known as “Mighty Mac” or “Big Mac.” Opened in 1957, it spans five miles across the Straits of Mackinac, linking Michigan’s upper and lower peninsulas. It remains one of the longest suspension bridges in the Western Hemisphere.

The Blue Water Bridge, built in 1938 and twinned in 1997, connects Port Huron to Sarnia, Ontario.

In the Upper Peninsula, the Sault Ste. Marie International Bridge spans the St. Mary’s River, linking the twin cities of Sault Ste. Marie in Michigan and Ontario. The bridge overlooks the Soo Locks, a critical shipping passage between Lake Superior and the lower Great Lakes.

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Opened in 1959, the Portage Lake Lift Bridge connects Houghton and Hancock in the Upper Peninsula.

It’s the world’s heaviest and widest double-deck vertical lift bridge. In winter, its lower deck is lowered for snowmobiles while vehicles continue on the upper level.

Historic Bridge Park in Battle Creek features restored 19th- and early 20th-century truss bridges, picnic areas, trails, and educational displays.

McCourtie Park in Cement City has 17 whimsical concrete bridges designed in faux bois style, mimicking wood textures. The park sits on the former estate of cement magnate W.H.L. McCourtie.

In Croswell, the Swinging Bridge— built in 1905—is a 139-foot pedestrian bridge made of wire cables and wooden planks. It was originally constructed by the Michigan Sugar Company for worker access.

Deerfield Nature Park in Isabella County includes four bridges: two swinging suspension bridges, the Lewis Pontiac Bridge, and the Fisher Annex Covered Bridge, which was rebuilt after a 1995 fire.

Covered Bridges Michigan is home to several historical covered bridges. White’s Covered Bridge, built in 1867 over the Flat River near Smyrna, was rebuilt after a 2013 fire.

The Ada Covered Bridge, also erected in 1867, spans the Thornapple River and was restored in 1979.

North of Lowell, the Fallasburg Covered Bridge (1871) is part of a preserved historic village and is still open to vehicle traffic.

The Langley Covered Bridge, built in 1887 near Centreville, is the longest covered bridge in Michigan at 282 feet and remains open to vehicles.

In the 1960s, Pierce Stocking designed a scenic bridge that’s now part of the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. It was reconstructed in 1986.

In Frankenmuth, the Holz Brucke Covered Bridge (1979) crosses the Cass River and is open to both vehicles and pedestrians, complementing the town’s Bavarian charm.

Sault Ste. Marie International Bridge

Mini Mac Bridge, St. Louis

Fallasburg Covered Bridge, Lowell

The Tridge, Midland

Unique and Scenic Crossings In Midland, The Tridge is a threeway wooden footbridge built in 1981 where the Chippewa and Tittabawassee Rivers meet, linking three parks and paths.

At Boyne Mountain, the SkyBridge is the world’s longest timbertowered suspension bridge at 1,200 feet. It includes a glass floor section suspended 118 feet above a forested valley.

The Cut River Bridge, a cantilevered deck truss bridge along US-2 in the Upper Peninsula, towers 147 feet above the gorge. Trails and 230 stairs below lead to the Lake Michigan shoreline.

The Cooley Bridge in Manistee County spans the Pine River at 613 feet and 95 feet high. Built in 1934, it was recognized for its beauty and includes picnic areas and stairways to the river.

Whether they’re soaring above rivers, swaying beneath your feet, or tucked into scenic parks, Michigan’s bridges are more than just pathways—they’re part of our state’s charm, history, and adventure. So, next time you’re roadtripping or hiking, keep an eye out— you never know when you’ll stumble upon one of these architectural gems spanning the mitten.

Scan the QR code to watch a video of our Bridge Tour.

Cassondra Scott is a content creator, writer, and social media influencer at Cassondra Wanders— sharing small businesses and sights to see all over the state of Michigan. /cassondrawanders

/cassondra.wanders

@cassondrawanders

@cassondrawanders

MICHIGAN COUNTRY LINES

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CO-OP NEWS

2025 Cherryland Electric Cooperative Election Results The 2025 Cherryland Electric Cooperative election came to a close at the 87th Annual Meeting on June 12. Members elected two at-large directors and one Benzie/Manistee/ Wexford County director.

The membership elected Dean Adams and Melinda Lautner as the at-large directors and Valarie Handy as the Benzie/ Manistee/ Wexford County director. Complete election results can be found on our website.

Members Earn Rebates with EnergyEfficient Upgrades Cherryland members are eligible to receive rebates for energy-efficient upgrades in their homes or businesses.

Common upgrades include purchasing ENERGY STARqualified appliances or making energy-efficient upgrades.

For a guide to our residential rebate program and a complete listing of rebates available, visit our website at cherrylandelectric.coop/rebates.

Cherryland Office Closing and New Summer Hours Co-op Offers Suite of Solar Programs for Members Interested in going solar? Cherryland offers a suite of solar programs designed for those who want to support renewable energy with their cooperative. The suite includes community solar, net metering, and buy-all/sell-all programs. Whether you want to cover your annual energy costs or use the clean energy you generate, there is a solar program for everyone!

To learn more, visit our website at cherrylandelectric.coop/ renewable-energy-programs.

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The office will be closed Monday, Sept. 1 in observance of Labor Day, resuming traditional office hours (Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m.–4 p.m.) on Tuesday, Sept. 2.

From June 2 through Aug. 29, the cooperative office will be open Monday through Thursday from 6:30 a.m.–5 p.m.

These extended hours are intended to increase operational efficiency in the field and provide a larger window of time for members to take advantage of our in-person member services.

Line crews are on call to respond to any outages or emergencies. You can report an outage by texting OUT to (800) 442-8616, logging into SmartHub, or by calling us at (231) 486-9200. Visit our website’s Outage Center for more details.

Meet Cherryland’s 2025 Scholarship Winners ADULT WINNERS

CHRIS CORBETT is a Northern Michigan native and first-generation college student currently pursuing his MBA at the University of Michigan’s Ross School of Business. After earning his degree from Ferris State and spending several years in sales and business development, Chris is now focused on finding and acquiring a small business in Michigan to create jobs and drive long-term growth in his home state. He’s also passionate about investing in startups and helping entrepreneurs grow. Outside of work and school, Chris enjoys golfing, volunteering, and spending time on the water with his wife and their two dogs. Go Blue!

ASHLEY FOLKERSMA is a 2023 Kingsley High School graduate. She plans to study animal science with a minor in agri-business at Michigan State University this fall. Her future plans include becoming a large animal agricultural veterinarian. She has 13 years experience in 4-H and currently serves as a teen representative and the 2024–2025 Northwestern Michigan Fair Queen. Her goal is to serve rural communities through mobile vet services and, eventually, open an equine facility focused on reproduction, surgery, and horse rescue. Ashley is grateful for this support as she pursues a career in agriculture and animal care.

HIGH SCHOOL WINNERS

MCKENNA GELINAS is a recent graduate of Traverse City Christian School. Throughout high school she was dual enrolled at Northwestern Michigan College, and active in student council, prayer groups, basketball, and gymnastics. She plans to attend Cornerstone University this fall to pursue a bachelor’s degree in exercise science with a pre-physical therapy emphasis. She will also participate in various research projects and join the cheerleading team. McKenna is so thankful for all the opportunities she had during her high school years and looks forward to a new chapter of life!

MATTHEW SNOVER is a recent Traverse City Central High School graduate and a second-year student in the power equipment program at Career Tech Center. He is an Eagle Scout and loves spending time outdoors and hanging out with friends. His future plans include attending Ohio Technical College, where he will study diesel equipment technology, and hopes to pursue a career in that field.

WILL VANDERHEIDE graduated as the valedictorian of the Elk Rapids High School class of 2025.

A passionate soccer player and active leader in NHS, student government, and various clubs, Will diligently balanced academics with athletics and community involvement. In his free time, he enjoys backpacking, wake surfing, Spikeball, and spending time with family and friends. His favorite high school memory was reaching the state finals with his soccer team. Will plans to attend the University of Michigan this fall and pursue a career in medicine, aspiring to become an anesthesiologist.

Learn more about Cherryland’s scholarships at cherrylandelectric.coop/scholarships

MICHIGAN COUNTRY LINES

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MI CO-OP Kitchen

SANDWICHES & WR APS

Effortless to make, impossible to resist—perfect bites for any time of day.

WINNING RECIPE!

SUMMER HERB CHICKEN SALAD WRAPS Rachel Smith, Midwest Energy

1 pound skin-on/bone-in chicken breasts or thighs 2 teaspoons salt (to season chicken) 2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper (to season chicken) 1 tablespoon olive oil ½ cup mayonnaise 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard 2 green onions, thinly sliced 1–2 celery stalks, finely chopped 1 tablespoon fresh dill, minced 1 tablespoon fresh basil, minced ½ teaspoon fresh tarragon, minced (optional) 4 large tortillas • romaine lettuce, roughly chopped Preheat oven to 350 F. Prepare a baking sheet covered in parchment paper. Add the chicken to the baking sheet and season well with salt and pepper; make sure to get under the skin and on all sides. Drizzle with olive oil. Roast in the oven (35–40 minutes for chicken breasts, or 45–55 minutes for chicken thighs), until internal temperature reaches 155 F. Remove from oven, transfer to plate, and allow to cool for 15 minutes. (Note: By removing at 155 F, the temperature will continue to rise with carry-over cooking.) Once cool enough to handle, remove the meat from skin and bones. Cut up into pieces about ½–¾ inches thick.

In a bowl, combine the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, green onions, celery, dill, basil, and tarragon. Add the chicken pieces. Slowly stir ingredients together. Add additional salt and pepper to taste. Place in the fridge for 2 hours before serving. Or, if serving right away, place the bowl in the freezer for 15 minutes to allow it to chill. Spoon chicken salad mixture onto tortillas and top with romaine. Roll up. Makes about 2 cups chicken salad. You 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!

Favorite Fall Recipes, due Aug. 1; Best Holiday Mains, due Sept. 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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MINI HAM SANDWICHES Deanne Quain, Great Lakes Energy

12 King’s Hawaiian Sweet Dinner Rolls 1 pound deli ham, shaved ½ pound Swiss cheese 1 stick butter 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

1 tablespoon poppy seeds 2 tablespoons brown sugar 1 tablespoon Jack Daniel Dijon mustard

Preheat oven to 350 F. Cut entire pack of rolls horizontally. In a 9x13-inch baking dish, place bottom halves of rolls evenly. Cover with ham and cheese and place top halves of rolls on top. To a medium saucepan over medium heat, add the butter and melt. Add the Worcestershire sauce, poppy seeds, brown sugar, and mustard, and heat while stirring. Pour liquid over sandwiches and bake covered for 20 minutes, or until the cheese melts. Makes 12 sandwiches.

BAKED MONTE CRISTO SANDWICH Mary Ellen Wynes, Homeworks Tri-County

2 eggs 2 tablespoons milk 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 4 slices bread ½ pound sliced baked ham

½ ounce Gruyere or Swiss cheese slices ¼ cup strawberry jam • powdered sugar, for serving

Preheat oven to 450 F. Prepare a baking sheet covered in parchment paper.

In a shallow dish (large enough to fit a sandwich), beat the eggs with the milk and vanilla. Set aside. Assemble two slices of the bread with ham and cheese.

Spread the other two slices with strawberry jam. Slightly compress sandwich.

Dip both sides of the sandwich in the egg wash for 5 seconds on each side.

Transfer to the baking sheet. Bake 6 minutes, flip, and bake 5 more minutes, until browned and the cheese has melted. Sprinkle with powdered sugar before serving.

WARM TURKEY PESTO SANDWICHES Mary Card, Great Lakes Energy

6 burger or sub buns 6 slices deli turkey meat 6 slices provolone cheese

3 tablespoons prepared basil pesto 3 tablespoons mayonnaise 1 tablespoon melted butter

Preheat oven to 400 F. Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil or parchment paper. Separate the burger or sub buns. Fold the turkey and cheese to fi t the bottom of buns, tearing or cutting to fi t. In a small bowl, combine the basil pesto and mayonnaise; stir until combined. Spread a thin layer over the six bun tops. Place bun tops on and transfer the sandwiches to the baking sheet. Brush tops with melted butter and heat 8–10 minutes or until cheese melts. Serves 6.

SOUTHWEST CHICKEN PANINI Nancy Popa, Cherryland Electric

2 cups fresh cilantro, leaves and stems, loosely packed 3–4 garlic cloves, minced 1 jalapeño, seeded and finely chopped • juice of ½ lime ⅛ teaspoon salt 2 tablespoons olive oil ¼ cup mayonnaise

1 tablespoon canned chipotle chili in adobo, minced ½ teaspoon sugar 4 slices hearty white or wheat sourdough bread, ½″ per slice ¼ cup butter, softened 2 ounces pepper jack or Havarti cheese, thinly sliced 3 ounces rotisserie chicken, torn into large pieces

In a food processor, blend cilantro, garlic, jalapeño, lime juice, and salt. Slowly add oil to form a pesto paste. In a small bowl, mix mayonnaise, chipotle chili, and sugar. Lightly butter the outside of each bread slice. Spread mayo on two slices and pesto on the other two. Top pesto sides with cheese and chicken, then close with mayo slices. Grill in a panini press or skillet for 3–4 minutes, checking for doneness. Makes 2 paninis.

MICHIGAN COUNTRY LINES 11

Creating Lasting Memories

The Heart and Soul of BlueBridge Wedding and Events Centre

By Bailey Watson || Photos by Dan Stewart Photography

A collective breath is held as the French doors swing open to reveal the bride dressed in a flowing white gown. The groom anxiously fidgets at the front of the room as his friends and family watch. As he looks up, he sees the love of his life. His face lights up and she takes her first steps down the aisle toward him and their new life. This is the beginning of a beautiful story, and for Chris McCrumb, it is his favorite part of a wedding.

Chris and Stephanie McCrumb own BlueBridge Wedding and Events Centre in Grawn. In 2025, their ninth season in business, they will host their 500th wedding, so you could say they know a thing or two about hosting events. Their knowledge and experience certainly helped them create a successful wedding space, but what sets BlueBridge apart from other venues is their approach. “We don’t just operate a space for you to rent, but rather a place for your marriage journey to begin.” These aren’t just the words on the inside of a brochure—it’s the commitment they make to their couples and a responsibility their staff takes seriously.

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Set back in the woods, when you arrive, you are transported to a haven of Northern Michigan beauty mixed with touches of elegance—from the natural landscaping and a cozy campfire corner to the fountain, bridge, and rustic building draped with twinkling lights, “It really represents everything that’s great about Northern Michigan,” said Chris.

BlueBridge proudly prioritizes quality over quantity; that’s why they limit the number of weddings they hold each year.

“We never want to feel like we are operating transactionally, but always relationally,” Chris said. “We want our last wedding of the year to be just as great as the first one.”

If you take time to read the pages upon pages of positive reviews, you will know that they absolutely accomplish that mission.

But that matrimonial magic doesn’t make itself. It takes a special team to pull that off wedding after wedding. The business is family owned and operated, with all five of Chris and Stephanie’s kids helping out in one way or another.

Their two oldest work full-time at BlueBridge. They say being surrounded by family helps keep the focus on the people at the heart of every event, which is one of their core values.

Another core value? Fun! Chris explains, “We understand our staff is choosing to give up a Friday or Saturday living in Traverse City during the best time of the year. It’s so awesome to work here, but it comes with a sacrifice. If we’re going to be here all night while your friends are out at the beach or on a boat, let’s have fun doing this thing.” You know your wedding is going well when the venue staff is having a good time, too.

Their core values drive their business and truly make a difference in the way that they approach every interaction.

As a former BlueBridge bride myself, I can attest Chris and his staff are not just selling a venue; they are helping each couple create a foundation for a lasting marriage. Every year at Christmas when we hang the BlueBridge ornament gifted to us by the staff, my husband and I reminisce about our wedding and how amazing it was. The vendors worked together seamlessly. The flow of the day became effortless.

We felt cared for and loved and completely able to enjoy our day. Instead of timelines, linens, and color swatches, we remember the love, laughs, people, and special moments made possible because BlueBridge took care of the details, both seen and unseen.

In talking with Chris, this time as a writer instead of a bride, he shared the reason he finds his work so important: “When we do a great job at what we do, it creates memories and moments that they can experience to the max. And then, when things get hard, they can look back

“ W hen I am at an event or a wedding and I just look out and I see people dancing and laughing and connecting and eating and all of that—it kind of fills your soul.” on that day and say, ‘Do you remember? Do you remember what we did? Do you remember the people who were there that were cheering us on? They’re still in our corner.’ That’s kind of the why we do what we do. I like to think that it makes a difference.”

When you enter the BlueBridge property, time slows down, and you sense just a hint of magic. Some might say it is the calming nature that encompasses the buildings, but I think it comes from the warmth, comfort, and care you feel from everyone you encounter while you’re there. Chris and Stephanie McCrumb own an event space, but they’ve built a business for people to laugh, cry, dance, love, and create lasting memories. “When I am at an event or a wedding and I just look out and I see people dancing and laughing and connecting, and eating and all of that—it kind of fills your soul,” he said. “So that’s really what I feel like our place is all about. We get to experience that with them, but we also get to set the table for those moments to happen.”

The BlueBridge team is proud to be part of the Grand Traverse Community. They host proms, baby showers, and events for local nonprofits. Just a few weeks ago, they hosted a 90th birthday party. If you are interested in holding a wedding or event at BlueBridge, head to their website at bluebridgeevents.com.

MICHIGAN COUNTRY LINES 13

n i d e t o Ro F lavor

Michigan’s Farm-to-Table Experience Where the Land Inspires the Menu

By Emily Haines Lloyd

T

he farm-to-table movement runs deep in Michigan, where a rich agricultural landscape meets a strong spirit of collaboration between farms and restaurants. Across the state, many establishments don’t just partner with local growers—they are the growers, operating their own farms to ensure every ingredient is fresh, seasonal, and full of Michigan flavor.

You don’t have to look far to find great examples—some are right within our electric cooperative communities.

Farm Club farmclubtc.com

Farm Club: Growing Connection in Traverse City A member of Cherryland Electric Cooperative, Farm Club near Traverse City is more than just a restaurant—it’s a farm, a bakery, a brewery, and a community gathering place. Here, chefs build their menus around what’s ripe in their fields, shaping meals that reflect the rhythm of the seasons. Heirloom beans simmer into rich soups, and just-picked corn becomes a fragrant pozole. Everything is guided by the land’s natural cadence.

A Taste of Place This hyper-local approach embraces the concept of terroir—the idea that flavor is shaped by the environment. Soil, water, and climate combine to give ingredients a distinct character, and in Michigan, that character is unmistakable. From juicy summer berries to earthy autumn squash, our state’s seasonal bounty inspires menus that evolve with the harvest.

In Suttons Bay, another Cherryland Electric member, 9 Bean Rows, exemplifies this connection to place. Part farm, part bakery, and part café, the business grows its own produce, bakes artisanal

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bread on-site, and runs community programs that promote healthy eating. Their signature sourdough and sea salt fennel loaves embody the taste of Michigan—right down to the well water used in the baking process.

Pond Hill Farm: A Full-Sensory Experience On 238 scenic acres near Harbor Springs, Pond Hill Farm—a Great Lakes Energy member—offers an immersive farm-to-table experience. Visitors can tour the fields, sample beer and wine crafted from the farm’s own hops and grapes, and savor wood-fired pizza made with fresh, homegrown ingredients. Even in winter, Pond Hill keeps the connection strong with intimate supper clubs featuring root vegetables and greens harvested from heated hoophouses.

9 Bean Rows 9beanrows.com

But Pond Hill’s mission goes beyond food. From barnyard animals to seasonal festivals, the farm invites guests of all ages to engage with agriculture firsthand and experience the work— and wonder—behind every meal.

Food That Builds Community In Michigan, farm-to-table isn’t just about eating well—it’s about creating stronger, more connected communities. By sourcing ingredients locally, restaurants support nearby farmers, strengthen regional economies, and create welcoming spaces where people come together.

“IN MICHIGAN, FARM-TO-TABLE ISN’T JUST ABOUT EATING WELL—IT’S ABOUT CREATING STRONGER, MORE CONNECTED COMMUNITIES.”

At 9 Bean Rows, the impact extends into schools. Their food program supplies fresh produce to students in Leelanau County and Traverse City, introducing young people to nutritious, local food and helping them understand where it comes from.

Similarly, Farm Club and Pond Hill Farm host events like farm tours, pizza nights, and seasonal dinners, transforming food into a shared experience that brings neighbors, families, and visitors together.

More Than a Meal In Michigan, farm-to-table is more than a dining trend—it’s a celebration of land, people, and place. It’s about honoring farmers, cultivating community, and creating food that’s rooted in care and connection.

Every dish tells a story—of the soil that nourished it, the hands that harvested it, and the community that gathers around it.

Pond Hill Farm pondhill.com

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Your Board In Action May 2025 Board Meeting • The communications and member relations manager presented results from the all-member survey. The survey provided important insight to help guide the cooperative in the future. Insights include: - Cherryland’s member loyalty index score is five points higher than the national average.

- Members continue to prioritize reliability over rates.

• The board of directors completed an annual policy review and established board confidentiality and disclosure requirements.

• The chief executive officer presented how the cooperative plans to move forward with rate-making and equity management strategically.

NOTIFICATION ABOUT CHERRYLAND CARES Area nonprofit agencies seeking financial help can apply for a grant through Cherryland Cares.

This program distributes funds to local nonprofit organizations seeking assistance. Cherryland Cares is overseen by a five-member volunteer board that reviews grant applications and allocates funds to nonprofits seeking assistance.

Cherryland Cares is funded through the voluntary rounding up of one’s monthly electric bill to the next whole dollar amount. A member’s average annual contribution is approximately $6. Your annual contribution to Cherryland Cares is reported on your monthly statement in December. Participation is voluntary and may be discontinued at any time.

All grant information is highlighted in Michigan Country Lines and on Cherryland’s Facebook page. The deadline for third-quarter applications is Monday, Sept. 1. For additional information regarding Cherryland Cares, please call Shannon Beery at 231-486-9218 or email her at sbeery@cherrylandelectric.coop.

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MI CO-OP Photo Contest

MICHIGAN’S WATERFALLS MOST VOTES

1. MOST VOTES Suzanne Conant— “Beautiful Au Train Falls” 2. Andy Marek—“Upper Tahquamenon Falls in the winter; caramel latte anyone?”

3. Stacy Folgmann—“Hungarian Falls, Hancock, MI” 4. James Belisle—“Bond FallsWestern U.P.” 5. PP—“Rootbeer Falls”

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6. Laurie Johnston— “Tahquamenon Falls”

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

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Submit Your “Michigan’s Bridges” Photos By July 25 for the October issue! 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.

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.

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Where In Michigan Is This?

MYSTERY PHOTO Win a $100 energy bill credit!

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

MI CO-OP Guest Column

The Generational Dresses

By Sharon Libich, a Presque Isle Electric & Gas Co-op member

In 1978, I found my wedding dress in the pages of bridal magazines— a far cry from today’s online searches. I never imagined that decades later, its delicate train would become part of my granddaughter’s First Holy Communion dress.

Family tradition has always been woven into the fabric of our lives.

My godmother hand-sewed my Christening gown in 1959. That same dress was worn by my daughters in 1981 and 1987, and again by my granddaughter Hailey when she was born in 2015.

Our Communion dress holds a similar legacy. I wore it in 1967, my daughters in 1988 and 1994, and Hailey in 2022. Wanting a full-length dress, she asked for something special—and I knew just what to do.

I carefully repurposed the 5-foot train from my wedding gown.

May 2025 WINNER! Our Mystery Photo winner is Debra Anthony, a Thumb Electric Cooperative member who correctly identified the photo as the Statue of Liberty Torch Sculpture in Rogers City, Michigan.

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

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Reassembling the dress was truly a labor of love, but seeing Hailey in it made every stitch worth it. The tradition continues—and the dress lives on.

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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cherrylandelectric.coop

A Little Love Can Up A Room Light up your community and help those in need by rounding up your monthly electric bill to the nearest dollar.

Investing your small change into the Cherryland Cares program shines a light on our community.

Visit

to learn more!