JulyAug 2025 HomeWorks

HomeWorks Tri-County 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

Your Co-op Gives Back

2024 Annual Report Inside

Your Best MI Waterfall Photos

WATERFURNACE UNITS QUALIFY FOR A 30% FEDERAL TAX CREDIT*

Not hearing is believing.

Many homeowners have come to accept that a noisy A/C is a fact of life.

But with WaterFurnace, you don’t have to settle.

Nothing can disrupt a perfect summer afternoon in your backyard more than a loud air conditioner. Geothermal users are never disturbed from outside HVAC noise because there’s no outdoor equipment to make any. All the complicated work takes place underground—out of earshot. With WaterFurnace, your peace and quiet is assured. 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

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.

6

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.

10

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

14

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

3

Who Owns What?

Understanding Electric Equipment Responsibilities OSCEOLA

CLARE

By Chris O’Neill, President/CEO

MECOSTA ISABELLA

MONTCALM GRATIOT

IONIA

BARRY

SAGINAW

CLINTON

EATON

INGHAM

JACKSON

Portland office/Mail payments to: 7973 E. Grand River Ave. Portland, MI 48875 Open 8 a.m.–5 p.m. Monday–Friday Blanchard office: 3681 Costabella Ave. Blanchard, MI 49310 Open 8 a.m.–5 p.m. Monday–Friday Night deposit box available at both locations.

Electric bill/account questions: 517-647-7554 or 1-800-562-8232 Pay by phone, anytime: 1-844-963-2875 Service questions/outages: 517-647-7554 or 1-800-848-9333 (24 hours for emergency calls) Tri-County Propane: 1-877-574-2740 HomeWorks Connect 1-800-668-8413 BOARD OF DIRECTORS District 1 — John Lord, Vice-Chairman 2276 Plains Rd., Leslie, MI 49251 517-974-2518 • jlord@homeworks.org District 2 — Jim Stebbins 7139 Peddler Lake Rd., Clarksville, MI 48815 517-930-8132 • jstebbins@homeworks.org District 3 — Luke Pohl, Chairman 15560 W. Hanses Rd., Westphalia, MI 48894 989-292-0427 • lpohl@homeworks.org District 4 — Jake Borton 7543 E. Edgar Rd., Vestaburg, MI 48891 989-506-3404 • jborton@homeworks.org District 5 — Theresa Sopocy 6996 E. Wilson Rd., Bannister, MI 48807 989-292-0295 • tsopocy@homeworks.org District 6 — Dave Livermore 8060 W. Airline Rd., Weidman, MI 48893 989-289-3019 • dlivermore@homeworks.org

As July rolls in with longer days and rising temperatures, it also brings the increased potential for severe weather.

Summer storms can arrive quickly and hit hard, sometimes causing significant damage to essential electric equipment throughout our community.

HomeWorks is always prepared to respond swiftly to outages and restore power safely, but it is also important for homeowners to understand which parts of the electric system are their responsibility and which are maintained by us at the Co-op. Understanding these key differences can help speed up repairs and ensure everyone stays safe when the weather turns rough.

HomeWorks is responsible for maintaining and repairing the equipment and lines that run to your home, including utility poles, distribution power lines, electric meters, and pad-mounted transformers.

HomeWorks members are responsible for the equipment located between the electric meter and your home or business, including any underground service lines that lead into the structure and the service panel. Members are also responsible for the weatherhead and service mast located outside the home.

If any equipment that you (the homeowner) are responsible for is damaged, please call a licensed

District 7 — Shirley Sprague, Secretary-Treasurer 15563 45th Ave., Barryton, MI 49305 989-382-7535 • ssprague@homeworks.org Editor: Charly Markwart, CCC cmarkwart@homeworks.org

4

JULY/AUGUST 2025

homeworks.org

electrician to conduct the repairs.

A professional has the experience and know-how to assess and manage these types of repairs.

When severe weather damages electrical equipment, it’s important to note that any necessary repairs to the homeowner’s equipment must be conducted before HomeWorks crews can restore power to your home or business. By understanding the equipment you are responsible for, the repair and restoration process will be smoother and faster.

Our community takes great pride in the beautiful trees and landscaping that contribute to the natural beauty where we live, and HomeWorks does, too! Still, careful management of the vegetation within the rights of way around our electric lines is essential to ensure reliable service and minimize damage from severe weather. HomeWorks regularly trims trees and sometimes removes trees throughout our service territory when necessary to improve service reliability for our members. If you spot a tree limb that is obstructing a distribution power line in your neighborhood, please call us so we can trim those limbs and maintain those lines.

By working together to understand the essential equipment that powers daily life, we can all be better prepared to start the repair and restoration process if severe weather impacts our community.

If you have any questions about your electrical equipment, we’re here to help.

Please feel free to give us a call any time!

/homeworks.org

tricoenergy@homeworks.org

Who Owns What?

HomeWorks-Owned Equipment vs. Member-Owned Equipment As a HomeWorks member, it’s important to understand the point at which you, the homeowner, take responsibility for the power coming into your residence. This graphic depicts equipment owned by the Co-op (in blue) and the member (in red). In the event that a storm damages member-owned equipment, the member is responsible for hiring a licensed electrician to make repairs before our crews can restore power to your home.

Owned by Co-op Owned by Member

Power distribution lines

Service point

Transformer Weatherhead

Service line

Service mast

Service mast guy

Power pole Meter socket and jaws

Meter Meter socket Pad-mounted transformer

Service line Note: Your home has either overhead or underground service. This graphic depicts both.

Service panel

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.

6

JULY/AUGUST 2025

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

7

Is An Electric Vehicle The Right Choice For You? There are many factors to look at when deciding on a new vehicle for your household. Electric vehicles (EVs) come with several unique benefits to be considered as part of the car-buying process by those in the market for a new vehicle this summer.

Financial Incentives

Cheaper to Operate

Charging your EV is typically cheaper than filling up your gas-powered car, especially with HomeWorks’ competitive rates. EVs also have fewer moving parts, which means less maintenance than conventional vehicles (no more oil changes!).

HomeWorks members can save on upfront costs through the Energy Optimization (EO) program. Rebates are available for the purchase of a qualifying new or used EV and ENERGY STAR ® -certified level 2 chargers. Federal tax credits may be available for additional savings—visit irs.gov for the most up-to-date information.

Stable Fuel Costs

ELECTRIC VEHICLES

EVs emit zero tailpipe emissions. According to the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, even when taking into account manufacturing and charging, EVs will create fewer carbon emissions than gasoline-burning cars under nearly any conditions over the course of their driving lifetimes. Reduced emissions and improved air quality can also help with health conditions such as asthma.

PRODUCT

QUALIFICATIONS

REBATE

New Electric Vehicle

Registration must match member’s service address. Plug-in hybrids not eligible. Leased vehicles not eligible.

$1,500

Used Electric Vehicle

Registration must match member’s service address. Plug-in hybrids not eligible. Leased vehicles not eligible.

$750

Level 2 Charging Station*

ENERGY STAR®-qualified Level 2 charging station.

$600

Electric Golf Cart

Fuel switching from gas to battery electric.

$300

*Requires licensed electrician and electrical permit

Over the past decade, average annual gasoline prices have ranged from as low as $2.26 to more than $4 a gallon. In contrast, electricity prices remain more stable, which can help keep your budget on track.

Environmentally Friendly

Better Performance

Electric motors are much quieter, smoother, and zippier than gasoline-powered engines. See for yourself—take an EV for a test drive this summer to see if you think it’s the right choice for you! And don’t forget to confirm your vehicle qualifies for Energy Optimization rebates.

Find rebate details and more ways to save through the HomeWorks Energy Optimization program at homeworks.org/eo.

Drive home the savings choose an EV! Enjoy stable fuel costs, reduced maintenance, improved performance, convenient home charging, and rebates from the Energy Optimization program.

REBATES AVAILABLE FROM $600 - $1,500 homeworks.org/eo • 877-296-4319 Tri-County Electric Cooperative HomeWorks Energy Optimization programs and rebates are applicable to HomeWorks Tri-County Electric Cooperative electric service locations only. Rebate applied to qualified items purchased and installed between Jan. 1, 2025 and Dec. 31, 2025.

Other restrictions may apply. For complete program details, visit homeworks.org/eo.

MI CO-OP Snap Shot

MICHIGAN’S WATERFALLS MOST VOTES

1

3

2

4

5

1. MOST VOTES Largest waterfall in the Lower Peninsula, Ocqueoc Falls (ah-key-oc), located between Gaylord & Rogers City.

Casie Bayless, Portland 2. One of many waterfalls we visited in the Upper Peninsula.

Debra Cook, Mt. Pleasant 3. The beautiful Miners Falls near Munising in the U.P. Jody Strang, Vermontville 4. Sable Falls, U.P. Ted Myers, Eaton Rapids 5. Middle Falls in the spring, located in L’Anse, MI. Melissa Kline, Crystal 6. Fall at Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. Glenda Adams, Evart 7. Bond Falls. William Masterson, Lake 8. Laughing Whitefish Falls.

Diane Lang, Marquette 9. Upper Peninsula beauty.

Angela Jennings, Evart 10. Bridal Veil Falls cascading into Lake Superior. Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, Heather Balcom, Shepherd

Enter to win a $100 energy bill credit!

6

8

7

9

10

Submit Your “Michigan’s Bridges” Photos By July 25 to be featured in the October issue! Each month, HomeWorks members are able to submit photos on our website for our photo contest. The photo receiving the most votes is published here, along with some other selections from that month.

To enter the contest, visit HomeWorks.org/photocontest.

Enter your picture, cast your vote, and encourage others to vote for you, too. If your photo is published in Country Lines during 2025, you will be entered into a drawing for a chance to win one of four $100 credits on your December 2025 HomeWorks bill!

MICHIGAN COUNTRY LINES

9

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.

10 JULY/AUGUST 2025

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

HOMEWORKS TRI-COUNTY ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE

GIVES BACK

Concern for community is one of the Seven Cooperative Principles, and with the help of the CoBank Sharing Success matching grant program offered by our lender, HomeWorks was able to embrace that value in a big way recently. This spring, the Co-op donated $11,000 to IM Kids Third Meal in Fenwick (top picture), $8,000 to

the Wheatland Township Library (bottom left), and $8,000 to the Diaper Alliance in Midland (bottom right). All three of the organizations serve residents in the HomeWorks service territory. The Co-op’s portion of the donations was pulled from 2019 unclaimed capital credit funds.

Is Someone You Know Missing Capital Credits?

When we retire capital credits, we make every effort to get the retired funds back to each eligible member. Still, money often gets left behind when members move out of our service territory and don’t provide us with an updated address. Members can check if their name is on our unclaimed capital credit list and learn how to receive their funds by visiting HomeWorks.org/capitalcredits.

12 JULY/AUGUST 2025

Your Board In Action Meeting in Portland on May 19, your board of directors: • Held the Annual Meeting of the shareholders of Tri-Co Services, Inc., the Cooperative’s subsidiary.

• Re-elected the Tri-County Board of Directors to the board of Tri-Co Services, Inc., and retained the current slate of Tri-Co officers for another term: Luke Pohl as chairperson, John Lord as vice-chairperson, and Shirley Sprague as secretary/treasurer.

• Reviewed an annual electric rate comparison showing that HomeWorks’ electric rates are in line with or below other Michigan co-ops and our neighboring investorowned utility.

• Appointed Director Luke Pohl as the Co-op’s 2025 voting delegate for both the National Rural Utilities Cooperative Finance Corporation (CFC) and the National Cooperative Services Corporation (NCSC).

Meeting remotely on May 28, our People Fund board made six grants totaling over $7,400, including: • $2,500 to Helping Hands Food Pantry in Charlotte, to provide personal care items for clients in need; • $2,500 to the St. Vincent de Paul Society of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Charlotte, to help provide temporary housing and utility assistance to clients; • $1,000 to the Ashley Area Fire Authority, to purchase a new AED; • $562.64 to an Ionia County family, to cover an electric bill; • $500 to the Chippewa Lake Community Church, to support its food pantry program; and • $418.44 to a Mecosta County family, to cover an electric bill.

How to Apply for a Tri-County Electric People Fund Grant The Tri-County Electric People Fund provides grants to individuals and organizations in the Co-op’s service area for food, shelter, clothing, health, and other humane needs, or for programs or services that benefit a significant segment of a community. Write to 7973 E. Grand River Ave., Portland, MI 48875 for an application form and grant guidelines, or visit the People Fund page at HomeWorks.org.

Note: Applications must be received by Aug. 12 for the August meeting or by Sept. 23 for the October meeting.

• Received an update on the Co-op’s annual slate of member engagement events, including planning for the 2025 summer Park Parties.

• Reviewed a presentation on the Co-op’s participation in mutual aid efforts to assist two northern Michigan electric cooperatives with power restoration in the wake of the historic ice storm that hit their region in March.

• Learned there were 83 new members in April.

Time Set Aside for Members to Comment Before Cooperative Board Meetings The first 15 minutes of every board meeting are available for members who wish to address the board of directors on any subject. The next meetings are scheduled for 9 a.m. on July 28 in Blanchard and 9 a.m. on Aug. 25 in Portland.

Members who wish to have items considered on the board agenda should call 517-647-7554 at least a week in advance of the meeting.

INFORMATION FOR ALL CUSTOMERS OF HOMEWORKS TRI-COUNTY ELECTRIC Your Cooperative offers a Tri-County Electric People Fund program, which is funded through the voluntary rounding up of your monthly utility bill to the next whole dollar amount. An all-volunteer board of directors appointed by the member-elected board of HomeWorks Tri-County Electric Cooperative is charged with distributing the funds throughout the Cooperative’s service area. Grants support charitable efforts in and around the communities we serve.

Funds from the People Fund have been distributed to educational programs, fire departments, medical emergency groups, recreational organizations, senior organizations, numerous local charities, and many local families and individuals. A copy of the People Fund’s annual report detailing contributions is available and was highlighted in our March issue of Country Lines magazine. All grants made are also listed on our website at HomeWorks.org.

Your participation in the Tri-County Electric People Fund is VOLUNTARY. If you are participating and decide at any time that you wish to discontinue participation in the People Fund, please just let us know, and we will remove your account.

If you are participating, your monthly bill is rounded up to the next whole dollar amount. If your bill is $78.42, it would be rounded up to $79. The 58 cents would then be contributed

by HomeWorks on your behalf to the People Fund, to be used as explained above. A customer’s average annual contribution is approximately $6. Your annual contribution to the People Fund is tax-deductible and is reported on your monthly statement in January of the following year.

For additional information regarding the Tri-County Electric People Fund, you can contact the program administrator at 517-647-1272.

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

14 JULY/AUGUST 2025

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

MICHIGAN COUNTRY LINES 15

Seasonal Location?

Ask about our Vacation Rates!

For only $20/mo.* you’ll be able to have enough bandwidth to run your security cameras, smart thermostats, or other smart home devices. Don’t need that perk? Use our $5/mo. Vacation Rate to simply turn off your internet while you’re away!

Locations can be on a vacation package for up to six months of the year. *Optimized Wi-Fi for $10/mo. is not included with the $20/mo. vacation package.

24/7 Tech Support Symmetrical Speeds No Pricing Games

The Essential Experience starts at $64.95/ mo.!

1GB Packages Available

Already loving HomeWorks Connect?

Get FREE internet– Ask about our referral program!

Visit Join.HomeWorksConnect.org or call 800-668-8413 to get signed up!

ENERGY SAVINGS SCAVENGER HUNT

Saving energy at home is a great way to save money and help the environment. With the help of an adult, look for ways you can save energy around your home.

Use the tips below to get started, then check off the areas where you’ve identified ways to save!

TASK: Bright Ideas Ensure your home uses energysaving LED bulbs. If you find incandescent or CFL bulbs, replace them with LEDs.

TASK: Empty Rooms Turn off lights and ceiling fans in unoccupied rooms to conserve energy.

TASK: Sealed for Savings Check windows to make sure they are closed and locked.

Sealed windows help prevent air leaks, which saves energy.

TASK: Set to Save Check the thermostat to see if it can be adjusted a few degrees (either lowered in winter or raised in summer) to conserve energy used for heating or cooling your home.

TASK: Slay Energy Vampires Energy vampires are devices that consume energy even when they’re not being used. Unplug these items, like phone chargers and tablets, when you’re not using them.

MICHIGAN COUNTRY LINES 17

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.

18 JULY/AUGUST 2025

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.

Geothermal made simple.

Geothermal made affordable.

Well-Connect is a water source heat pump that is added to your existing furnace in as little as 1 day.

This patented, hybrid approach minimizes the up-front cost of the system and maximizes the comfort & savings.

Financing, 30% Tax Credit, and Rebates Available 1-833-GEOWELL wellconnectgeo.com

SCAN HERE TO LEARN MORE No Home Visit Required for a Free Estimate

HomeWorks.org homeworks.org facebook.com/homeworks.org facebook.com/homeworks.org Report Outages: 1-800-848-9333

HOMEWORKS TRI-COUNTY PROPANE DELIVERS: A simple bill with no hidden fees Guaranteed capped winter rates Auto-fill and metered service options Equal payment budget plan 100 gallons free to qualified new customers!

(Mention promo code: SUMMER)

Call us today at:

877-574-2740