June 2023 GLE

Not hearing is believing.

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Allendale Allendale Htg & Clg (800)327-1937

allendaleheating.com

Bad Axe/Ubly

Cutting Edge Htg & Clg (989)551-0986

Berrien Springs

Waterfurnace Michiana (269)473-5667

gogreenmichgeo thermal.com

Big Rapids Stratz Htg & Clg, Inc. (231)796-3717

stratzgeocomfort.com

Clifford Orton Refrig & Htg (989)761-7691

sanduskygeothermal.com

Hart Adams Htg & Clg (231)873-2665

adamsheating cooling.com

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

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

Lowell Arctic Inc. Htg. & Clg. (616)897-4213 heatingcoolingonline.com

Mancelona

Top Notch Htg, Clg, & Geothermal (231)350-8052

Topnotchheatandair.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.co 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

Cloverland: up to $4,200

Great Lakes: up to $3,000

Homeworks/Tri-County: up to $3,000

Presque Isle: up to $2,700

Cherryland: up to $2,500

Thumb Electric: up to $2,000

Alger Delta: up to $2,000

YOUR LOCAL WATERFURNACE DEALERS

CO-OP REBATE INCENTIVES

Michigan’s Electric Cooperatives

XECUTIVE 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: Tom Sobeck, Presque Isle Electric & Gas Co-op, chairman; Gabe Schneider, Cherryland Electric Cooperative, vice chairman; Chris O’Neill, HomeWorks TriCounty Cooperative, secretary-treasurer; Craig Borr, president and CEO.

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

CHANGE OF ADDRESS: Please notify your electric cooperative. See page 4 for contact information.

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

/michigancountrylines /michigancountrylines countrylines.com

#micoopcommunity Instagram contest winner

It's beginning to look like spring in Michigan! @sarah-smith.180 (Sarah Smith)

6 PLAN YOUR NEXT VACATION WITH THE GREAT LAKES FISHERMAN'S DIGEST This TV show/website/trade show exhibit is a one-stop shop for those who want to go where the fish are biting.

10 MY CO-OP KITCHEN Polish: The flavors of Poland straight to your kitchen.

14 MORE MILK: THE MICHIGAN DAIRY INDUSTRY'S COMMITMENT TO COMMUNITY

The unique relationship between Michigan farmers and their cows makes our state the sixth-highest milk producer in the country.

18 GUEST COLUMN Spring Gardening: The rich tradition of her family's garden preparation is one of this GLE member's fondest memories.

MI Co-op Community

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

Instagram Contest

Use #micoopcommunity for a chance to be featured here and on our Instagram account. Win $100 for photos published!

Recipe Contest

See details on page 10. Chocolate due July 1. Win a $100 bill credit!

Guest Column

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

BOARD

OF DIRECTORS

Howard Bowersox, Chairman, District 8 219-670-0977 hbowersox@glenergy.com

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

Paul Byl, Secretary, District 7 231-861-5911 pbyl@glenergy.com

Dale Farrier, Treasurer, District 5 231-564-0853 dfarrier@glenergy.com

Janet Andersen, Director, District 6 231-690-4622 jandersen@glenergy.com

David Coveyou, Director, District 1 231-347-4056 dcoveyou@glenergy.com

Richard Evans, Director, District 3 231-883-3146 revans@glenergy.com

John LaForge, Director, District 9 269-623-2284 jlaforge@glenergy.com

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

PRESIDENT/CEO: Shaun Lamp 888-485-2537

COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR/EDITOR: Brett Streby 231-487-1389 • bstreby@glenergy.com

BOYNE CITY HEADQUARTERS

1323 Boyne Ave. Boyne City, MI 49712 Call center 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.

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

Great Lakes Energy is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

Our Concern For Community Runs Deep

Shaun Lamp, Great Lakes Energy President/CEO

Whether it’s providing a new electric service to a home under construction, upgrading service to a growing business, updating our infrastructure to be ready and reliable for the future, or building a fiber internet network that is expanding opportunities for many people, GLE is constantly working to help build a better future for our members.

But these efforts don’t stop at providing reliable electric and internet service, and they don’t stop with our members. They reach out to the whole community.

“Concern for community” is among the seven guiding principles that all cooperatives, including GLE, follow. With the help of many partners, we put this principle into practice in a wide variety of ways.

One of our most important partners in making a difference in communities is you, our members. Through the People Fund program, members agree to have their monthly electric bill rounded up to the next whole dollar. These extra cents are pooled with those of other participating members and used to fund two rounds of grants each year to nonprofit or charitable organizations that serve our 26-county service area. Since its inception in 1999, the People Fund has awarded more than $4.3 million in grants.

Be sure to visit gtlakes.com/people-fund to learn about the grants that were awarded in our first grant cycle for 2023. If you aren’t already participating in the People Fund, I encourage you to consider using the link provided on the same page to sign up.

The People Fund-supported Habitat For Humanity project and CoBanksponsored Community Grant Giveaway program that are highlighted in this edition of Country Lines are just two examples of GLE’s many communitybuilding efforts.

Other examples of GLE’s concern for community include:

• Annual scholarships for students pursuing degrees in electrical engineering and information technology, and those enrolled in a lineworker training program.

• Classroom grants of up to $2,000 each to help fund innovative educational programming in our schools.

• The Energy Wise program, which offers members rebates on the purchase of qualifying energy-efficient products.

• Economic development assistance offered through two USDA loan programs.

• Sponsorships for many school, community, and nonprofit events and programs.

• The Pathways Program for members who may be struggling to pay their electric bills.

Finally, no list of our care for community would be complete without highlighting the many GLE employees who regularly volunteer their time and talents to make a meaningful difference in their communities.

I’m proud to be part of an organization that is making a positive impact in the community both in our day-to-day business and through our many community outreach programs.

It's Almost Time To Vote For A Board Member

Next month, Great Lakes Energy members in three director districts will receive a mail-in ballot with their July/August issue of Michigan Country Lines. New this year, these ballots will also include instructions on how members can vote online.

Three board positions, each for three years, will need to be filled. Qualifying GLE members who reside in districts 3, 4, or 5 can seek election to the board and will be listed on the membersʼ respective ballots.

Counties by district are:

District 3 – Antrim County

District 4 – Crawford, Montmorency, Oscoda, and Otsego counties

District 5 – Grand Traverse, Kalkaska, Manistee, Missaukee, and Wexford counties

The terms of directors Ric Evans of Ellsworth (District 3), Shelly Pinkelman of Frederic (District 4), and Dale Farrier of Kalkaska (District 5) expire this year. All three incumbents plan to seek re-election.

In addition to the mail-in ballot and online voting instructions, the candidates’ profiles will appear in the July/August election issue that will be sent to members in Districts 3, 4, and 5. Profiles will also be available in the online version of the July/August issue, which will be available at countrylines.com/my-co-op/great-lakes/.

Winners will be announced on Wednesday, Aug. 23, 2023, at the cooperative’s annual business meeting.

Keep Your Cool With A Heat Pump

When the “dog days” of summer drive up the heat and humidity along with the cooling bill, the last thing most people would consider a source of relief is something called a “heat pump.”

But that’s exactly what a heat pump heating and cooling system can offer: comfort and savings.

What’s in a name?

Most people equate the term “air conditioning” with “cooling.” However, heat pumps and air conditioners essentially do the same thing: They move heat from one space to another. The main difference is a traditional air conditioner only moves heat one way. Heat pump heating and cooling systems can move heat in both directions, and they do it with the added benefit of being more energy efficient than many traditional systems.

Heat pumps can reduce your electricity use for heating by 30-60% compared to typical electric-resistance heating. High-efficiency heat pumps also dehumidify better than

standard central air conditioners, resulting in less energy usage and more cooling comfort in the summer months. That’s good news for your wallet and the environment.

Thanks to GLE’s Energy Wise program, members who install a new qualifying heat pump system are eligible for a rebate ranging from $500 to $2,500. Rebates are also available for heat pump water heaters.

For more information about rebates offered for heat pump systems (and many other products) through GLE’s Energy Wise program, visit www.gtlakes.com/energy-wise/. The site not only provides information on the various rebates available but also allows members to download the forms they need and submit them when completed. Information and forms may also be obtained by calling (888) 485-2537.

Plan Your Next Vacation With

The Great Lakes Fisherman's Digest

By Yvette Pecha

or the many Michiganders who live and breathe for fishing, the Great Lakes Fisherman’s Digest could very well be the only resource you need. The Digest was started in 2015 by champion angler John Bergsma, who competed in tournaments for nearly 20 years. His goal for the digest was three-fold: to provide guidance to viewers/readers on where and when to fish, give instruction on how to catch the fish, and introduce people who love the outdoors to potential new vacation destinations. “I ultimately want to help people have a better experience on the water,” John said.

The Great Lakes Fisherman’s Digest is comprised of a television program of the same name, a website, and a portable display that John or his cohorts transport between several sporting trade shows. The TV show broadcasts on a weekly basis, rotating between Midwest regions on major market channels. John himself is in

many of the shows, but his partners also serve as hosts. Each show features a fishing segment and a spotlight on the town. “Our idea is simple: Identify the best locations for fishing the Great Lakes and then highlight not only the fishing, but the host community as well,” he said.

The website, in addition to airing the TV show, features fishing reports and more detailed tourist information such as lodging, dining, recreation, shopping, and maps. The 60x10-foot travel center takes brochures, travel guides, and photos from each partner locale to the trade shows so that people can collect information from all destinations in one place.

The Digest also has an active Facebook page, with posts that are updated daily. “People visit our website or Facebook page to determine where they want to fish that same weekend—wherever the fish are biting drives people to destinations,”

John said. “They rely on our advice because of my tournament experience and because I only work with people I know and trust.” His Digest partners include bait store employees, fishing guides, and charter captains—all local to the corresponding area.

John, who said he fishes about 120 to 140 times a year, tapes his excursions on most occasions, but some trips are just for pleasure. He is the rare man whose job also happens to be his passion. “The stress of life and anything that’s wrong just goes away on the water. You get an ever-changing canvas—from sunrise to sunset, clouds moving through, wind or no wind, birds on the water—you can just forget about everything,” he said.

John chose the Great Lakes region as the backdrop for his passion for a simple reason—“It’s the greatest single fishing destination in the world,” he said. “There are so many different species and types of fish

“Our idea is simple: Identify the best locations for fishing the Great Lakes and then highlight not only the fishing, but the host community as well.”

you can catch here, and because of ice fishing, you can fish every single day of the year. And in my opinion, it offers the three most desirable fish to eat: salmon, walleye, and perch.” The areas he advertises are generally chosen for two reasons—they have an abundance of fish and they’re some of his favorite spots. John says some of the best places for fishing are the most underutilized, so you won’t necessarily see hot vacation havens on the Digest. “I recommend that people pick a destination you haven’t gone to and spend three or four days there," he said. "Try new lakes and new adventure. Instead of saying ‘let’s just

drive an hour and go to the tourist trap we always go to,’ try somewhere you haven’t been. You’ll have a great time exploring.” John also recommends that people go on a charter fishing trip. “It’s a great deal for five or six hours on the water. You get to have a fun family excursion, and often, they’ll cook for you at the end whatever you catch. I think people who try it once will get hooked,” he said (no pun intended).

Watch the “Fisherman’s Digest” TV show.

Available locally and nationally on these networks and times (EST).

CBS Sports Network (Sat., 7:30 a.m., Jan.–June)

Pursuit Outdoor Channel (Sat., 4:30 p.m., Jan.–June & Wed., 6:30 p.m., Oct.–Dec.)

As for John, he’ll continue exploring as long as he’s healthy. “I can’t imagine a day that going out and exposing great destinations and fishing will not be fun,” he said. For

WILD TV Canada (3 weekly airings. Prime/Fringe Prime/Off Peak, Jan.–June )

AT&T Sportsnet Southwest (Weekends between 9 a.m.–9 p.m., Jan.–June)

Comcast Sportsnet Chicago Plus (Mon., 12:30 p.m., Jan.–Dec.)

WKBD-50 Detroit & All Suburbs (Sat., 7:30 a.m.)

WBSF-46 Midland/Saginaw/ Bay City (Sun., 6 a.m.)

WOTV-4 Grand Rapids/ Kalamazoo (Sat., 11 a.m.)

Fox-32 Traverse City Northern Lower (Sun., 7:30 a.m.)

WBKB-11 NE Lower Alpena (CBS 11, Sat., 12 a.m.) (NBC-11, Sun., 5:30 a.m.) (Fox-11, Sat., 6 a.m.)

Fox-6 Marquette & U.P. (Sun., 8:30 a.m.)

Also available on YouTube, Facebook, Sling-Live, Hulu-Live, Pluto, Pursuit UP, and fishermansdigest.com

CAST YOUR $7,000 VOTE

Last month, GLE members nominated local nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations for a chance to win a $7,000 grant. Now that your nominations have been made, it’s time to vote!

Great Lakes Energy has teamed up with CoBank, one of its lenders, to create a positive impact in your community by awarding three $7,000 grants to local, nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations. The GLE service area is split into three regions—north, central, and south, and each region will select a respective winner.

From June 5–16, GLE members are asked to visit gtlakes.com/community-grant-giveaway and submit their vote for the organization in their region they feel is most suited to receive a $7,000 grant.

In just a few brief moments, your vote can help steer this program to benefit your friends, neighbors, and community. Your participation helps to make a positive impact for the organizations making a difference in your community.

Backyard Farming

Enter to win a $200 energy bill credit!

Submit Your “Porches” Photos By June 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 June theme is Porches. Photos can be submitted by June 20 to be featured in the September 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 2023 will be entered into a drawing to win a $200 bill credit in December 2023.

MOST VOTES!

2. Sweet fragrance of springtime. Sharon Sobers, New Era

3.My first pumpkin patch. Victoria Eilers, New Era

4.Bird‘s-eye view. Shalene Sommer, Central Lake

5. Dad and his harvest. Sherry Franklin, Reed City

6. Peaches the pig. Lizzy Coats, Petoskey

1. Our border collie Lilly watching over bottle baby goat. Sam Bucher, Fountain

POLISH

The flavors of Poland straight to your kitchen.

WINNING RECIPE!

SMITTY’S KIELBASA & WHITE BEAN SOUP

Dave Smith, Presque Isle

1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil + 2 teaspoons if needed

1 pound smoked kielbasa, diced

2 cups chopped onions

1½ tablespoons minced garlic

1 green or red bell pepper, chopped

1 rib celery, chopped

1 cup diced potatoes

1 pound white navy beans (soaked overnight in brine, then rinsed, or use precooked for faster cooking)

8 ounces fresh sliced mushrooms

2 bay leaves

2 sprigs fresh thyme, or ½ tablespoon dried 5–8 cups chicken or vegetable stock (depending on desired thickness of the soup)

3 cups water

2 teaspoons salt

1½ teaspoons fresh ground black pepper

½ teaspoon crushed red pepper (more or less depending on desired “hotness”)

1 squirt yellow mustard

• pinch ground cinnamon

• Additional ingredients depending on individual tastes: red wine, Worcestershire sauce, steak sauce, cilantro, rosemary, allspice, balsamic vinegar

Add oil to a large pan over medium heat. Add sausage, stirring occasionally. Remove when browned. Add onion and additional 2 teaspoons oil (if needed) and cook until soft. Add the garlic, green/red pepper, celery, and potatoes, and continue to cook until soft. Add the sausage back into the pan. Stir in the beans. Add the mushrooms, bay leaves, thyme, stock, water, salt, black pepper, crushed red pepper (if using), yellow mustard, and cinnamon. Add any remaining spices, wine, and sauces. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and allow to simmer for 30 minutes, uncovered. Cooking times will vary from 1½ to 3 hours, depending on what type of beans are used. Cook until beans are soft. Serve with hard, crusty bread or cornbread.

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

Recipe Contest

Win a $100 energy bill credit!

Chocolate Desserts due July 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

Photos by Robert Bruce Photography || Recipes submitted by MCL readers and tested by recipe editor Christin McKamey

SAUERKRAUT CASSEROLE

Jennie Lewandowski, Presque Isle

1 (16-ounce) box shell noodles, cooked according to package directions

1 envelope Lipton onion soup mix

2 cans mushroom soup

1 stick butter

1 pound bacon, cut & fried (or sub with Polish sausage or kielbasa)

1 (32-ounce) bag/jar sauerkraut, drained

3 tablespoons milk

In a large pot, mix everything together and heat through. Or add to a crockpot until heated through (on high for 4 hours). Can also add sautéed onion and fresh mushrooms to add more flavor.

POLISH SPLIT PEA SOUP

Jennifer Sylvester, Great Lakes Energy

4 slices bacon, cut into pieces

1 clove garlic, finely chopped

1 large onion, chopped

3 celery stalks, chopped

3 carrots, peeled and chopped

8 cups water

1 pound yellow or green split peas

1 meaty ham bone

1 bay leaf

1 cup cooked ham, chopped

1 large rutabaga, peeled and cut into ½ -inch pieces

• salt & pepper, to taste

Cook bacon in a large pot over medium heat. Once cooked, add the garlic, onion, celery, and carrots. Cook until veggies soften, about 2–4 minutes. Add water, peas, ham bone, and bay leaf to vegetables. Bring to boil; skim foam from top of pot. Add chopped ham and rutabaga. Return to boil, then reduce heat to simmer. Let simmer for 1 hour. Remove ham bone and let cool about 5 minutes or until able to handle. Remove bay leaf. Pull any remaining meat from bone and add back to pot. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

PIEROGI

Judy Dembny, Great Lakes Energy

GOLABKI (POLISH CABBAGE ROLLS)

Deanne Quain, Great Lakes Energy

2 large heads cabbage

Pierogi:

2 cups flour

2 eggs

½ teaspoon salt

½ cup water

Mound flour on flat surface. Make a hole in the center, volcano-like. Drop eggs into hole and cut into flour with a knife. Add salt and water; knead until firm. Let rest 10 minutes, covered with a towel in a warm bowl. Divide dough into halves and roll thin. Cut circles with a large biscuit cutter. Place a small spoonful of filling (choice of cheese or meat, as listed to the right) a little to one side on each round of dough. Moisten edge with water, fold over, and press edges together firmly. Be sure they are sealed. Drop into boiling, salted water. Cook gently, 3–5 minutes. Lift out carefully with slotted spoon.

Cheese Filling:

1 cup cottage cheese

1 teaspoon melted butter

3 tablespoons sugar

3 tablespoons currants

1 egg, beaten

¼ teaspoon cinnamon

Cream together cottage cheese and butter; add remaining ingredients and mix well.

Meat Filling:

1 onion, finely chopped

2 tablespoons butter

½ cup mushrooms, chopped

½ cup cooked beef

• salt & pepper

2 tablespoons sour cream

Fry onion in butter until transparent; add mushrooms and meat. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Mix in sour cream; cool before filling.

8 ounces long grain rice, cooked according to package directions, drained

1 medium onion, chopped

1 pound ground beef

1 pound ground pork or veal

1 egg

½ cup melted butter, divided

1 (10½ -ounce) can beef broth

1 (16-ounce) can tomatoes, undrained, cut up

1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce

1 (10¾ -ounce) can condensed tomato soup, if desired

• salt, pepper, and garlic powder, to taste

Preheat oven to 325 F. Parboil cabbage and drain. In a large bowl, combine cooked rice, onion, ground beef, ground pork/veal, and egg. Pour ¼ cup butter over mixture. Mix well with your hands. Core cabbages, separate leaves, and cut thick ribs out of each leaf. Put a large tablespoonful of meat mixture in the center of each cabbage leaf. Fold in sides, roll up, and place seam-side down in large roasting pan. In large bowl, combine beef broth, tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato soup, and remaining ¼ cup butter. Pour over rolls. Bake for 1½ hours. Baste with tomato mixture occasionally during baking.

People Fund Grant Hits Home

There are aspects of everyday life many of us take for granted. For example, few people give much thought to going to the store for groceries. But for people such as Ottawa County resident Frank Vokal, something as simple as a trip to restock the refrigerator can be a major struggle.

Because of worsening pain in his legs in recent years, Frank uses a walker or crutches to get around. These mobility limitations were making it very difficult for him to navigate the aging steps leading into his home. He said just getting himself up and down the steps was a challenge, let alone carrying anything in or out.

But those stairway struggles are now a thing of the past, thanks in part to a $2,500 People Fund grant awarded to the Tri-Cities Area Habitat for Humanity in 2022. The grant awarded to the organization’s Aging in Place program helped pay for the installation of a ramp at Frank’s home earlier this year.

Frank said the new ramp has made it much easier for him to get in and out of his home—especially when he is carrying items. It will also come in handy if his ongoing efforts to obtain an electric wheelchair are successful.

“It’s really been a blessing for me. I’m so thankful. It really makes a big difference,” Frank said.

Frank’s ramp project was one of about a dozen the TriCities Area Habitat for Humanity has completed since starting the new Aging in Place program in 2021.

While many people may be familiar with the Habitat for Humanity organization and the work it does around the country and the world to build affordable housing for those who need it, the Aging in Place program uses smaller-scale projects to help meet housing needs.

Tri-Cities Area Habitat for Humanity Executive Director Beth Hanis said the program is aimed at making repairs or modifications to the homes of senior citizens or people on disability that will make it more feasible for them to continue living in their current homes. Much of the work centers around mobility and making day-to-day activities around the home easier. Common projects are widening doorways, installing walk-in tubs or showers, adding or repairing grab-bars or railings where needed, or—like in Frank’s case—building ramps to make it easier just to get in and out of the home.

“It’s about helping people age safely and gracefully in their homes,” Lynne Balkema, the organization’s grant administrator and volunteer coordinator, said. “We feel this is such an important unmet need in our area.”

Lynne said Tri-Cities Area Habitat for Humanity is one of only four local Habitat for Humanity organizations in

Frank Vokal stands at the top of a ramp that the Tri-Cities Area Habitat for Humanity recently built for his home.

Michigan that are offering the Aging in Place program. She said as costs in all areas of life—but especially in building materials—have continued to rise in recent years, it takes longer to raise money for a full-home build. The organization decided to pursue the Aging in Place program as a way to continue offering housing help in the community in the form of smaller projects between full home builds.

Home schooling

Lynne said to qualify for the Aging in Place program through the international Habitat for Humanity organization, the local group was required to have an occupational therapist take part in pre-project home visits. To fill this requirement, Tri-Cities has partnered with Grand Valley State University’s occupational therapy program. The university provides an occupational therapist who visits homes along with Habitat’s construction manager to determine what repairs or modifications are needed to make it easier for the resident to continue living there.

Lynne said the partnership has been equally beneficial for students in the GVSU occupational therapy program because it provides them with an opportunity to gain some of the practical experience they need as part of their education.

“Many of the seniors like that aspect because they feel like they are helping someone learn as part of the process,” Lynne said. “It’s been a great partnership.”

Small projects make a big difference

She said although the Aging in Place projects, which typically range in cost from $3,000–$6,000, are much smaller in scope than the organization’s full-home construction projects, they can have just as much impact on people’s lives.

“There are so many benefits for seniors who can continue living in their current homes. Sometimes they don’t need assisted living, they just need to feel safe,” Lynne said. “People don’t always realize how difficult simple daily activities are for some people. But acts of kindness like contributing to programs like the People Fund are really making a difference for people like Frank.”

Tri-Cities Area Habitat for Humanity is an ecumenical Christian organization founded in 1989 that has since built more than 60 simple, decent, and affordable homes in its service area. For more information about the Tri-Cities Habitat for Humanity, including how to donate and get involved as a volunteer, visit tricitieshabitat.org or call (616) 846-1505.

Since its inception in 1999, the People Fund has awarded more than $4.3 million in grants to nonprofit organizations that serve GLE’s 26-county service area. Grants are funded by participating GLE members who agree to have their monthly electric bill rounded up to the next whole dollar. To learn more about the People Fund, including how to sign up, how nonprofit organizations can apply for a grant, and a list of recent grant recipients, visit gtlakes.com/people-fund

“It’s really been a blessing for me. I’m so thankful. It really makes a big difference.”

-Frank Vokal

Habitat for Humanity volunteers (from left) Onder Ors and Lee Van Beveren stand with Frank Vokal on the newly constructed ramp to his home.

Habitat for Humanity volunteer Lee Van Beveren puts some finishing touches on the ramp to Frank Vokal’s home.

THE MICHIGAN DAIRY INDUSTRY'S COMMITMENT TO COMMUNITY

By Emily Haines Lloyd

Michigan is certainly known for its agriculture, with varying growing seasons and products. But one of our state’s farming industries loves all four of our unpredictable seasons and is quick to tell you moo about it.

Bad puns aside, the Michigan dairy industry is the sixth largest in the country, which is nothing to laugh at. With over 11.6 billion pounds of milk produced annually by over 900 family farms, it takes more than luck to create this level of success.

“One of the reasons Michigan ranks number six in milk production is our cows actually give more milk than the industry average,” said Jolene Griffin, vice president of industry relations at United Dairy Industry of Michigan. “That’s due to the passion for the work and the commitment to improvement by our farmers.”

The relationship between dairy farmers and their cows isn’t one that simply sees the animals as a commodity. Many of these farms are owned and run by third- or fourthgeneration farmers who deeply connect to the land and the animals that feed and produce on it.

“To me, being a dairy farmer is a privilege. Being responsible for the care of the land, animals, and people, and then to use those resources to produce dairy products is simply indescribable,” said Brian DeMann of Clearview Dairy Farm in Martin. “For half my life, I have had the opportunity to wake up and call myself a dairy farmer. Each day is as exciting as the next, and I am blessed not to consider this a job.”

Aubrey Lettinga-Van Laan, third-generation owner and operator of Walnutdale Family Farms in Wayland, echoes that sentiment.

“It’s my way of life, and I don’t know a world without cows and manure. It means that every day the cows and what they need come first—that I don’t get a day off because the care of our cows and their needs come before other

things,” said Lettinga-Van Laan. “I am blessed because the work I do feeds the world.”

Lettinga-Van Laan is right about feeding so many people. The surplus that isn’t bought and sold right here in Michigan is exported to states with high demand. Michigan's dairy industry provides a livelihood for more than just the farmers. It generates jobs employing local veterinarians and nutritionists, equipment dealers, electricians, plumbers, contractors, and additional farm staff. One dollar spent locally generates twice as much income for the local economy.

Additionally, the United Dairy Industry of Michigan is invested in helping to educate citizens, particularly students, about the industry. Whether it’s about the cows themselves, habitats, food chains, nutrition, or how to be good stewards of the land, the farmers know that they are a part of something much bigger and are eager to share that their cows are front and center of their daily decisions and lives.

“What drew me to dairy farming is that the job is a perfect mix of keeping me both physically and mentally active. I get to work outside while still having the challenge of solving the problems that come with owning a business and caring for animals,” said Katelyn Packard of Horning Farms in Manchester. “I am proud to be part of a business where I can work with my family each day to provide healthy and nutritious food for my community.”

Community seems to be at the very heart of our dairy industry. So, maybe look for Michigan-made dairy products next time you’re in the store. Grab the extra half-gallon of ice cream or pint of sour cream. And when you’re ordering your next pizza, you can thank a dairy farmer by splurging and going for the extra cheese.

MILK IS LOCAL

How can I tell if the gallon of milk I purchased was processed in Michigan? Each container of milk is identified by a 5-digit code. The code includes a 2-digit state code followed by a 3-digit processing plant code. Milk packaged in Michigan is identified by the state code 26.

“To me, being a dairy farmer is a privilege. Being responsible for the care of the land, animals, and people, and then to use those resources to produce dairy products is simply indescribable.”

Brian DeMann, Clearview Dairy Farm

ASSETS

GREAT LAKES ENERGY COOPERATIVE CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET*

GREAT LAKES ENERGY COOPERATIVE CONSOLIDATED OPERATING STATEMENTS* for

*A copy of the audited financial statements and the auditor’s report is on file at the cooperative’s office in Boyne City, Michigan.

GLE Power Supply Cost Recovery Rate Change In Effect

In our ongoing effort to respond to regularly changing power supply costs, Great Lakes Energy has implemented a change to its Power Supply Cost Recovery (PSCR) factor for all rate classes starting with the June 2023 billing cycle.

For residential and seasonal members, the rate will increase by $0.00350 per kWh, to $0.01527 per kWh. Other rate classes will have different PSCR factor changes, which can be found in our rate book online at gtlakes.com.

As a not-for-profit member-owned cooperative, we work hard to provide reliable electricity at an optimal value. The PSCR factor is based on the energy costs from our power supplier, Wolverine Power Cooperative. The PSCR factor changes as power supply costs increase or decrease. The factor may increase to a maximum of $0.02578 per kWh without action by the board of directors. Going forward, we anticipate the need to change the PSCR factor on a more frequent basis to respond to volatile power supply markets and costs. Future PSCR factor change notices may appear as a message on your bill.

Monitoring power supply costs and adjusting rates accordingly when necessary is an important part of our ongoing efforts to ensure Great Lakes Energy remains financially stable for the benefit of its members.

*Including Michigan 4% sales tax

Spring Gardening

By Kris Rigling, a Great Lakes Energy Cooperative member

One of my fondest memories growing up was coming home from school in the spring on the day my parents would be planting the garden. Usually, sometime during the third week of May, we would come home from school, step off the bus, run into the house, and find no one there! We found them outside, starting the garden. Our dad would have the ground worked up, and my parents would be beginning to stake things out and be ready to go when we got home. My two older brothers usually stake the lines for the sweet corn by running a piece of twine between two metal stakes. Then they would fill the little corn planter and roll it down the row! I always wanted to plant the corn, but they enjoyed it and kept the job. I usually got to help my dad plant the potatoes—starter potatoes cut in half (with six kids, you had to economize!). My dad would push the pointed end of the potato planter into the ground with his foot. I would toss in the potato—he would open the planter by pressing the handle to one side and lift it out. The potato remained in the hole (usually), and he would swipe his foot full of dirt over the hole and stomp it down. Then we would all work at planting the rest—lots of green beans, yellow beans, onion sets, carrots, radishes, and summer squash, among other veggies. Then we would set out tomato and cabbage starts.

Mom always liked to have the first row saved for some flowers. She always allowed us girls to plant “our” zinnias.

She planted dahlias, gladiolas, and canna lilies from the rootstock she had saved from the previous year. My mother always had beautiful flower beds, but she liked a little pop of color in her garden to look at out the patio window. It was a great learning experience about faith, waiting for all those seeds to sprout and grow, with the rain coming when it needed to (hopefully), and using the sprinkler when it didn’t. We learned to anticipate the future when we could eat all the delicious vegetables we harvested from the garden. Happy planting!

Guest Column

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Kris works in human resources and enjoys camping, reading, gardening, and cooking.

HEAT FOR AS LOW AS $600 ALL WINTER

• Attaches to your home’s existing heating system, it does not replace it.

• Delivers 90% on average of your home’s heating needs and 100% of your home’s cooling needs.

• If you have a well and are heating with propane, fuel oil, electric or wood, your current heating and cooling cost is likely greater than it would be to fully finance and heat & cool with a Well-Connect.

• Installs in one day, any time of year. No drilling or excavation is required.

COOL FOR AS LOW AS $50 ALL SUMMER

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Yo u r Vo i ce .

Yo u r B o a rd o f Di re c to r s .

Yo u r C oo p e r ative .

Great Lakes Energy Directors Put Members First*

 Major system improvements in the last 18 years have increased service reliability to all GLE members

 GLE accomplishes more with less, ranking it as one of the most productive electric cooperatives nationwide 1

 Truestream, GLE's fiber-to-the-home project, is providing high-speed internet service to more than 17,000 residential and business subscribers and continues to grow.

 GLE is making investments in smart grid technology to ensure electric service remains reliable and affordable for members.

 Eight local offices deliver quick and courteous service, especially when big storms roll in.

D i re c to r s Wo r k fo r

Yo u an d Yo u Al o ne .

T h a t ’ s t h e

Coope r a t iv e D iffe r en c e .

*Directors are not appointed by management but rather democratically elected by members to serve three-year terms. All directors are members who receive electric service from GLE.

1 Based on number of members per employee statistics compiled by the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association

Janet Andersen Distric t 6

Howard B owersox Distric t 8

a Forge

M ark C arson Distric t 2

Paul Byl Distric t 7

David Coveyou Distric t 1

Ric Evans Distric t 3

Shelly Pinkelman Distric t 4

Dale Farrier Distric t 5