March 2024 HWTC

You don’t have to lower the thermostat to control your heating bills. WaterFurnace geothermal systems use the clean, renewable energy in your own backyard to provide savings of up to 70% on heating, cooling and hot water. And because WaterFurnace units don’t use any fossil fuels or combustion, the EPA calls it the most environmentally friendly and cost-effective way to condition our homes.2 Contact your local WaterFurnace dealer to learn how WaterFurnace is good for the environment, your budget and the feeling in your toes.

YOUR LOCAL WATERFURNACE DEALERS

Allendale

Allendale Htg & Clg (800)327-1937

allendaleheating.com

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

Filion/Bad Axe

Air-O-Dynamic Htg. & Clg. (989)582-0137

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

Manistique Hoholik Enterprises (906)341-5065 hoholikenterprises.com

Marinette, WI GPS Htg. & Clg (715)732-2111

gpsheatingcooling.com

Michigan Center

Comfort 1/Air Serv of Southern Michigan (517)764-1500

airserv.com/southernmichigan/

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

waltonheating.com

Muskegon

Adams Htg & Clg (231)873-2665 adamsheatingcooling.com

Negaunee J-Goods Plmb. & Htg. (906)869-2522

jgoodsplumbingand heating.com

Portland ESI Htg & Clg (517)647-6906 esiheating.com

Sunfield

Mark Woodman Plmb & Htg (517)886-1138 mwphonline.com

Traverse City D&W Mechanical (231)941-1251 dwmechanical.com

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

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

Michigan’s Electric Cooperatives

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, 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.

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A SOLEFUL MISSION

Travis Snyder takes steps to highlight veterans’ mental health.

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MI CO-OP KITCHEN

Soups & Stews: Dish out a steaming bowl of comfort food.

14 BEYOND MEDALS

The enduring spirit of Michigan’s Special Olympics Athletes.

18 GUEST COLUMN

Old Friends: A Midwest Energy & Communications member rhapsodizes about the value of lifelong friendships.

MI Co-op Community

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

Recipe Contest

See details on page 10. Tacos & Margaritas due April 1 and Homemade Burgers due May 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!

Mystery Photo

See details on page 18. Win a $100 bill credit!

homeworks.org

/homeworks.org

tricoenergy@homeworks.org

Portland office/Mail payments to:

7973 E. Grand River Ave.

Portland, MI 48875

Open 8 a.m.–4 p.m. Monday–Friday

Blanchard office:

3681 Costabella Ave. Blanchard, MI 49310

Open 8 a.m.–4 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:

1-877-999-3395

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 616-693-2449 • 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 — Ed Oplinger, Secretary-Treasurer 10890 W. Weidman Rd., Weidman, MI 48893 989-506-1639 • eoplinger@homeworks.org

District 7 — Shirley Sprague 15563 45th Ave., Barryton, MI 49305 989-382-7535 • ssprague@homeworks.org

Editor: Charly Markwart, CCC

MEight Decades Later, HomeWorks Remains True To Founding Principles

By Chris O’Neill, President/CEO

arch is a special month for HomeWorks—it’s the month the Cooperative was founded. Many of you know the history by now. In the 1930s, as electricity was changing the lives of our big-city brethren, residents of rural America were being left in the dark. Here in Michigan, like in other parts of the country, the state’s large investor-owned utilities didn’t have an interest in serving sparsely populated areas where they couldn’t turn a profit.

But, as they often do, rural mid-Michigan families came together and found a way to take care of themselves. In HomeWorks’ case, a group of farmers from Eaton, Ingham, and Jackson counties officially formed the Cooperative we know and love today on March 26, 1937, after collecting a few dollars from each rural family in the area that wanted to be served with electricity. They used those funds to purchase the necessary equipment, and some of the farmers themselves set our first electric poles and helped build the system that serves over 23,000 homes and businesses across 13 mid-Michigan counties today.

Today, just like back then, HomeWorks remains a not-for-profit cooperative owned by the rural members we serve and committed to our core mission to provide safe, reliable, and affordable services that enhance your quality of life. We’ve come a long way in the last 87 years, but we’ve remained true to the principles and values that we were founded upon, and that is worth celebrating. In honor of our March 26 “birthday,” I thought I’d give you a few ideas of how you can celebrate your Co-op this year.

• Get engaged with your Co-op by attending our events: Your first great opportunity to do this is coming up at your virtual district meeting in May (dates are provided on page 12), where you can learn more about the Co-op and the things we’ve been working on over the past year, take part in your district’s annual business meeting, and have the chance to win big prizes. After district meetings, there will be several chances to engage with us in person at our HomeWorks Park Parties throughout the summer and our annual meeting of delegates in August.

• Vote in your district’s director election: Every three years, your HomeWorks district participates in the most important part of the democracy of the Co-op when you elect someone from among your membership to represent you on our board of directors. The board of directors sets the direction of the Co-op and votes on matters of relevance to our members. This year, elections are being held in District 3 (most of Clinton County) and District 6 (Clare and Isabella counties). If you live in one of those areas, watch your April Country Lines for information on your candidates and details on how to vote via electronic or mail-in ballot.

• Donate to the Tri-County Electric People Fund: Concern for the communities we serve is one of the seven Cooperative Principles that guide electric co-ops in all that we do. Here at HomeWorks, the People Fund is one of the major ways that we embrace that principle. The People Fund is a charitable program that grants money to organizations and families in need throughout our service territory. It is funded entirely by our members who opt in to round up their monthly electric bill to the nearest dollar. That extra change adds up, and since 1993, we’ve been able to grant over $2.65 million to worthy causes that have made a positive impact across rural mid-Michigan. If you haven’t yet opted in to round up your bill for the People Fund, you can do so by leaving a note on your next payment stub or calling us at 800-562-8232. You can also make a one-time donation at HomeWorks.org/PeopleFund.

HomeWorks was founded on March 26, 1937, which means this month we’re celebrating 87 years of serving rural mid-Michigan families like yours. As we look back, we’re also looking forward to the next eight-plus decades and beyond of providing safe, quality, and affordable services you can rely on.

A Soleful Mission

Travis Snyder Takes Steps to Highlight Veterans’ Mental Health

By Emily Haines Lloyd

When Travis Snyder returned from his tour in Afghanistan as a U.S. Marine, he was both proud and relieved that everyone in his unit was brought home in one piece. It took time, as well as a pivotal and heartbreaking experience, to realize that maybe he and his unit actually didn’t come back all put together.

This was the beginning of a new journey for Snyder, one that took an unexpected path to a new purpose.

A Tour of Duty

When Snyder joined the Marines at 24, he was looking to make an impact, serve his country, and find both discipline and direction in his life.

When his unit was deployed in October of 2017, it worked in Security Forces with a mission to train, advise, and assist the Afghan army against the Taliban. “We saw it as a blessing,” said Snyder. “You go through this training in order to serve. Serve our country.

Serve a community and its people. It was a chance to do good.”

Eight months later, Snyder and his entire unit returned home—back to normal. However, it didn’t take long for Snyder to realize things weren’t exactly normal. He still wanted and needed purpose, but instead found depression and anxiety attacks. Snyder pushed through them, unsure when or if they would stop.

In August of 2019, one year after his tour, Snyder received a devastating phone call. A good friend from his unit, Geoff Hughes, had committed suicide.

Walking for Warriors

The loss of Geoff was an unthinkable blow. Snyder had a desire for direction when he joined the Marines. Now he was unsure what to do next. With feelings of being untethered and his grief and shock over Geoff, Snyder knew he needed to do something to change his course and make an impact like he had in the service. “I knew I had to do something. Something big,” said Snyder. “There are too many of my brothers and sisters in the service who feel like I did when I got home— aimless, disconnected.”

As a way to commemorate his friend and to shake up his own life, Snyder took a walk. A long walk. Around Lake Michigan.

A Mission of Miles

Snyder’s “walk” turned into an 810-mile journey around the whole of Lake Michigan. He’d started a Facebook page for some friends and family to keep track of his trek.

Snyder knew he wanted to make this trip about veterans and mental health, so he arranged stops along the way to connect with different organizations and bring awareness to their causes.

Snyder had packed his camping gear, expecting to spend most nights outdoors along the way. He never had a chance to unpack it. “The first night, a friend from the Marines called me and told me his parents lived along the way and were happy to let me sleep in their RV for the evening,” said Snyder. “Forty-two straight nights, people offered me a place to sleep. You look at social media thinking there’s so much that is bad, but if you really look around you, there are so many good people in the world.”

And speaking of social media, the five to 10 people he expected to follow him on Facebook turned into 14,000, with another 3,000 on Instagram. The word had gotten out about Snyder’s wild walk. People were tuning in to hear and learn more about veterans’ issues, particularly mental health.

Next Steps

Snyder put on his hiking shoes each year through 2023, including walking along the West Michigan lakeshore from New Buffalo to Mackinaw City, across the state, and around Lake Michigan again—totaling 2,590 miles and raising over $15,000 dollars for veteran organizations. “That first mile back in 2019 was to commemorate a friend,” said Snyder. “I may have taken those steps on my own, but what’s been accomplished has been through a community of caring people. It would not have been possible without them.”

A reminder that no one should walk alone in this life. And with the help of people like Travis Snyder, hopefully fewer of us will.

“I may have taken those steps on my own, but what’s been accomplished has been through a community of caring people. It would not have been possible without them.”

/travishikeslakemi

/travishikeslakemi

Pets

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Enter to win a $100 energy bill credit!

Submit Your “Flowers and Gardens” Photos By March 20!

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. Our March theme is Flowers and Gardens. Photos can be submitted through March 20 to be featured in our May issue.

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 2024, you will be entered into a drawing for a chance to win one of four $100 credits on your December 2024 HomeWorks bill!

2. Blu Kanuu loves hiking Lake Michigan shores. Marcia Klein, Grand Ledge

3. You’re my best friend. Lori Porubsky, Evart

4. Mo & Cash Christmas, 2023. Kristina Wood, Lakeview

5. Marley enjoying the beach! Pam Goodman, Portland

6. Winter warm-up nap for Tess. Lauren Davis, Saint Johns

7. Are we there yet? Steve Loomis, Remus

8. Silly smiles from a silly dog. Shelby Olson, Lakeview

9. Our silly snow kitty. Machelle Evans, Stanton

11. Snow schnauzer. Patty Esch, Remus

12. This is our dog Maggie who loves to catch any animals that are wandering around in the trees. Emma Storey, Remus

13. Dinah and her new “lovey.” Jennifer Lucas, Blanchard

14. I was never a cat person...until this one showed up. Shanda Reichert, Blanchard

15. My Great Dane, Tucker, and grandson, Hudson, watching rabbits playing in the front yard.

Nancy Eaves, DeWitt

16. Time for spring. Debra Leonard, Shepherd

17. Cuteness overload! Casie Bayless, Portland

18. My two princesses! Joseph Perotta, Nashville

19. Izzy and Fiona playing on their playground.

Donna Ransom, Charlotte

20. So there!! Phyllis Snider, Barryton

21. Daisy says, “It’s just too cold!” Carolyn Abbott, Evart

9 MICHIGAN COUNTRY LINES

SOUPS & STEWS

Dish Out a Steaming Bowl of Comfort Food.

Recipe Contest

Win a $100 energy bill credit!

Tacos & Margaritas due April 1; Homemade Burgers due May 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

WINNING RECIPE!

GARLIC, TORTELLINI, SPINACH & TOMATO SOUP

Kathleen Atwater, Cherryland Electric

2 tablespoons butter

6–8 cloves garlic, minced

½ cup chopped onion

6 cups reduced-sodium chicken broth

9 ounces fresh or frozen cheese tortellini

1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained

10 ounces spinach, washed and coarsely chopped

1 tablespoon fresh oregano, chopped

1 egg

½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

¼ teaspoon salt

¹⁄ 8 teaspoon black pepper

In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the garlic and onion and sauté until fragrant, 2–3 minutes. Add the chicken broth; bring to a boil. Add the tortellini and cook halfway, about 5 minutes for frozen pasta, or 2–3 minutes if using fresh pasta. Add the can of tomatoes; reduce the heat to a simmer and cook just until the pasta is tender, about 4 minutes. Stir in the spinach and oregano and cook until wilted, 1–2 minutes. Meanwhile, whisk together the egg, Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper. Drizzle into the soup and cook, stirring about 3 minutes more. Remove from heat and serve. Add additional salt and pepper, as desired. Makes about 6 servings.

BEEF STEW

Ralph Kridner, Great Lakes Energy

6 ounces bacon, chopped into ¼-inch strips

2 pounds beef chuck, cut into 1-inch pieces

2½ teaspoons sea salt (or to taste), divided

1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, divided

¼ cup all-purpose flour

2 cups dry red wine, plus extra for deglazing

2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar

2 tablespoons olive oil

5 carrots, peeled and cut into ½ -inch pieces

1 medium yellow onion, diced

2 stalks celery, finely diced

6 garlic cloves, minced

2 tablespoons tomato paste

3–4 cups low-sodium beef broth

8 ounces red wine demi-glace sauce

2 bay leaves

2 tablespoons fresh thyme, minced

1 sprig fresh rosemary, finely chopped

1 pound small (fingerling) potatoes, halved or quartered

Preheat oven to 300 F. In a large, oven-proof pot, sauté bacon over medium heat until golden brown and fat is released. While bacon is cooking, place beef in a large mixing bowl and season with 1½ teaspoons salt and ½ teaspoon black pepper. Sprinkle beef with flour; toss to

combine and evenly coat beef. Transfer beef in batches into the hot bacon fat and cook over medium-high heat, until beef is browned (2–3 minutes per side). Add olive oil if needed. When the bacon in the pot is golden brown, remove it and put it in a large bowl. Transfer browned beef to the bowl with bacon. Add a bit of red wine to the pot to deglaze, then reduce the heat to lowmedium. Scrape the bottom of the pot with a wooden spoon to release meat pieces. Add balsamic vinegar and simmer over low-medium heat, about 10 minutes, being careful not to burn. Pour 2 cups red wine in with the beef and bacon. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add carrots, onion, celery, and garlic; sauté 10 minutes. Then add the tomato paste and sauté another 1–2 minutes. Then return the beef, bacon, and wine to the pot. Add beef broth, red wine demi-glace sauce, bay leaves, thyme, rosemary, and remaining 1 teaspoon salt and ½ teaspoon pepper. Stir until the demi-glace has melted. Then add potatoes and stir to combine everything, submerging the potatoes in liquid. Cover with lid and bake for 2 to 3 hours. To thicken, combine 2 tablespoons water and 1 tablespoon cornstarch. Mix well and add to stew. Stir well and heat for 5 minutes. Pour into bowls, add a sprinkle of salt, serve, and enjoy!

CREAM OF CAULIFLOWER AND CHICKEN SOUP

Nancy Hascall, Cherryland Electric

3 tablespoons olive oil

4 stalks celery, diced

1 small head cauliflower, chopped into small florets

1 large onion, diced

1 large carrot, diced

4 garlic cloves, minced

3 cups chicken broth (or more to reach desired consistency)

1 cup salsa

1 cup cooked, diced chicken

1 cup grated cheese of choice

1 cup half-and-half

VINNY’S SEAFOOD CHOWDER

Deb Finedell, Great Lakes Energy

2 slices bacon

1 yellow onion, diced

1 celery stalk, diced

3 medium potatoes, peeled and diced

¼ cup all-purpose flour

4 cups milk

1 cup firm white fish (cod, tilapia, halibut, etc.)

½ pound shrimp or any other seafood of choice

½ cup corn

½ teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon black pepper

1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley, for garnish

Sauté bacon in a large soup pot over medium-high heat until crispy, 3–4 minutes. Remove bacon from pot and chop into small pieces. Drain all but 1 tablespoon bacon grease from the pot. Add diced onions and celery to the pot. Sauté over medium heat until soft, 3–4 minutes. Add potatoes and sauté 1–2 minutes. Reduce heat to low. Add the flour and stir, cooking until the flour is completely moistened. Add the milk and increase the heat to medium. Heat the soup until it is steaming, just before it starts to boil, stirring often. Continue cooking, uncovered, until the potatoes are nearly tender, 10–15 minutes. Reduce heat if milk begins to foam. When soup has thickened, add seafood, corn, and cooked bacon. Cook until fi sh is cooked through, 5–10 minutes. Add salt and pepper. Garnish with parsley.

Garnishing Options:

sour cream, Parmesan cheese, guacamole, fresh cilantro, crispy bacon

Heat the olive oil In a large kettle. Add the celery, cauliflower, onion, carrot and garlic; sauté for about fi ve minutes. Cover, turn the heat to low, and cook for another fi ve minutes or until vegetables are soft. Add the chicken broth, salsa, and cooked chicken. Blend with an immersion blender. Add the cheese and gently stir until the cheese is melted. Add the halfand-half and heat to desired temperature. Garnish each bowl with choice of sour cream, Parmesan, guacamole, cilantro, and cooked bacon. Enjoy!

People Fund Lends A Hand

To Local Organizations And Supports A Family In Need

Meeting remotely on Jan. 24, our People Fund board made three grants totaling over $6,700, including:

• $5,000 to IM Kids 3rd Meal in Fenwick, to help provide food for children in need throughout Ionia and Montcalm counties;

• $1,000 to the Fremont Township Fire Department, to purchase training furniture; and

• $783 to a Mecosta County family, to help cover the cost of utilities.

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 April 9 for the April meeting or by May 21 for the May meeting.

Your Board In Action

Meeting in Portland on Jan. 22, your board of directors:

• Reviewed a presentation on the January 2024 HomeWorks Connect network outage caused by a data center failure and discussed a go-forward plan to help ensure system redundancy and reliability.

• Reviewed a quarterly report on the Tri-County Electric People Fund, showing that the program granted over $48,000 to local organizations and families in need in 2023.

• Performed an annual director compensation and expense review.

• Reviewed and discussed the Co-op’s electric service fees.

• Elected Board CEO Chris O’Neill as the Cooperative’s voting delegate for the Michigan Electric Cooperative Association’s 2024 annual meeting.

• Discussed and accepted Cooperative bylaw sections 7.10-7.13, as revised

• Learned there were 96 new members in December.

• Acknowledged the December safety report, listing employee training as well as minor employee and public incidents involving electric, propane, or fiber optic

• Acknowledged the December physical & cybersecurity report, noting that there were no security breaches or incidents to report for the month.

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 March 25 at Portland and 9 a.m. on April 29 at Blanchard. 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.

Notice to Members of HomeWorks

Tri-County Electric Cooperative

A Special Member Meeting is set for March 25, 9 a.m., at the Cooperative’s Portland office.

The board of directors will consider the item(s) listed below at its meeting on March 25, 2024, to be held at the Cooperative office at 7973 E. Grand River Ave., Portland, Michigan. The meeting will begin at 9 a.m. and is open to all HomeWorks Tri-County Electric Cooperative members.

The session will begin with an opportunity for members to provide direct input to the board of directors without filing a formal request under the Cooperative policy. Interested members are asked to come to the lobby by 9 a.m. and request to speak to the board; staff will direct members to the meeting room. Time constraints on each member’s comments will be at the discretion of the board president, but members are asked to keep comments to less than five minutes.

The following item(s) will be discussed and considered:

1. Electric service fees

Notice of changes or additions to the Cooperative’s rates or service rules shall be sent to all members, as required by P.A. 167, by publication in Michigan Country Lines at least 30 days prior to their effective date.

Participation: Any interested member may attend and participate in the meeting. The location of the board meeting site is accessible, including accessible parking. Persons needing any accommodation to participate should contact HomeWorks Tri-County Electric at 800-562-8232 at least a week in advance of the meeting to request mobility, visual, hearing, or other assistance. Comments may also be made prior to the meeting date by calling CEO Chris O’Neill at 517-647-1284 or contacting him via email at coneill@homeworks.org.

Notice of the board meeting shall be sent to all members, as required by P.A. 167, by publication in Michigan Country Lines.

Co-op Principle #2: Democratic Member Control

Every member has a voice and a vote. Districts 3 and 6 have director seats up for election this year. If you are a member of one of those districts, watch your April Country Lines for your mail-in ballot and information about your director candidates!

BEYOND MEDALS

The Enduring Spirit of Michigan’s Special Olympics

Athletes

By Emily Haines Lloyd

n 2000, the former President of South Africa Nelson Mandela said: “Sport has the power to change the world. It has the power to inspire. It has the power to unite people in a way that little else does…Sport can create hope where once there was only despair…It laughs in the face of all types of discrimination.”

In Michigan, there are some amazing athletes who would surely agree with Mr. Mandela.

SOMETHING SPECIAL IN THE MAKING

Since 1968, when the first Special Olympics Games were held at Chicago’s Soldier Field, these athletes with intellectual disabilities have been a force of inspiration and support for one another. The goal was to put a bright—and very public—spotlight on ability, not disability. A delegation of athletes from Michigan attended those original games. The next year, Michigan’s first State Summer Games took place in Kalamazoo at Western Michigan University.

Fifty years later, more than 5 million athletes train and compete in more than 100,000 events each year, in 172 nations. The program has grown perhaps more than anyone could have anticipated and the impact is massive. Yet it still brings meaning to one athlete, one coach, and one family at a time.

A SPARK OF INTEREST

Max Hinga was just 8 years old when his curiosity was sparked at his elementary school in Portage, Michigan, by a friend who fi rst mentioned Special Olympics to him. Max then began his sports journey with softball. “I was the youngest and smallest player on an almost all-adult team,” said Max. “But I was ready to go and felt at home.”

From that point on, Max’s involvement became a life-altering experience, introducing him to lifelong friendships and instilling in him a sense of belonging. Max’s mother Gretchen Hinga became equally involved, as she noticed there were significantly more adult athletes than those her son’s age. “Within a year, I was recruiting younger athletes,” said Gretchen. “With more

athletes comes the need for more volunteers. So, I started recruiting for volunteers.”

In no time, the numbers grew, and Gretchen found herself as the local outreach coordinator. She now plays a pivotal role in managing, coordinating, and organizing various aspects of the games, from athlete physicals to volunteer applications and verifying coaching credentials.

NURTURING A COMMUNITY OF INCLUSION

Max’s dedication extends beyond the playing field; he has become a U.S. Youth Ambassador, amplifying the voices of those who often go unheard. “Not everyone can get up and speak to the whole world about change and inclusion,” said Max. “I traveled with my Unified Partner and my mentor, spoke about inclusion, and learned how to spread the word to others.”

For Gretchen, Special Olympics is more than just a series of events; it is a community that provided support and companionship while Max was growing up. Now, as a coordinator, she is dedicated to extending that sense of community to others. “Special Olympics is about so much more than just sports. It is one big family of support and encouragement,” said Gretchen. “It is a lifelong movement and is for anyone.” She encourages those who may not qualify as athletes to become volunteers, assuring them that the experience will be life-changing.

A TRIUMPH OF ABILITIES OVER DISABILITIES

The impact of the games can’t be easily measured, as passion, inclusion, and growth of the athletes, families, and volunteers have an ongoing ripple effect that goes well beyond the sporting arena. “Special Olympics challenged me to not only want to get my driver’s license, but show many people I can be a leader,”

said Max. “We (athletes) can get a job, get a degree, and be who we want to be. I’ve turned my disabilities into abilities.”

This smart and capable young man insists that no one should ever say they can’t do something. Our efforts can’t be measured in medals or applause. It is the effort, the courage, and the joy with which we apply ourselves that tells the world who we are.

As Eunice Kennedy Shriver, who helped establish Special Olympics, said at the first opening games: “Let me win. But if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt.”

FOR INFORMATION: somi.org

TO VOLUNTEER: somi.org/volunteer

TO DONATE: somi.org/waystogive

UNIFIED SPORTS & INCLUSION CENTER IN GRAND RAPIDS

For over 50 years, Special Olympics Michigan (SOMI) has sought to create a community of inclusion where every person is accepted and welcomed, regardless of ability or disability.

In 2019, the SOMI Board of Directors purchased the former South Christian High School building in Grand Rapids with the dream of turning this 127,000-square-foot facility on 17 acres into the largest Special Olympics training and sports center in the world.

With the official groundbreaking in November 2023, the complex will feature six soccer fields, 10 bocce courts, putting and chipping greens, and pickleball courts, as well as an eight-lane track and an artificial turf soccer and flag football field.

Ventless Drying? Heat Pump Clothes Dryers Mean More than Energy Savings

f you’re looking to upgrade your clothes dryer soon, where and how to ventilate your dryer could be a thing of the past. That’s because dryers that use heat pump technology—that is, technology that recycles hot air within a dryer rather than ventilating it out—can be placed in any room of the house with an electric and water hookup.

Yes, it’s that simple! These machines also pack a heap of added benefits, including reduced energy use by 28% (compared to standard dryers), increased safety, less fire risk due to the lack of ventilation, and being gentler on clothes due to lower drying temperatures.

So, how do they work?

Heat pump dryers work in a closed loop system. Instead of letting hot air escape via ventilation, hot air is recycled and its moisture is removed with an evaporator. This makes the air ready for use again, and less electricity is needed to heat it back up to temperature.

Because of the evaporator function, water removed during the drying process needs to be drained. This can either be done manually or via other adjustments, such as using a drain hose or connecting your clothes dryer to your washer drain.

Get $200 back from HomeWorks on your heat pump dryer purchase!

We’re proud to offer HomeWorks Tri-County Electric Cooperative members cash rebates for qualifying ENERGY STAR® clothes dryers through our Energy Optimization Program. Members who purchase a qualifying ENERGY STAR electric heat pump clothes dryer may be eligible to receive $200 in rebates from HomeWorks. The clothes dryer may be vented or ventless, but standard electric dryers do not qualify if they do not have a heat pump. Limit one per install address.

Find details and applications at homeworks.org/eo or call 877-296-4319.

Michigan Electric Co-ops Contribute Billions to State Economy, Says Latest Report

Arecent report titled “Economic Powerhouses: The Economic Impacts of America’s Electric Cooperatives” sheds light on the significant economic influence of electric cooperatives in the United States, with a specific focus on their contributions to job creation, income generation, and overall economic growth. This analysis underscores the pivotal role of electric cooperatives at both the national and state levels, with a closer look at the impact within Michigan.

The report reveals that these cooperatives have a substantial statewide impact, supporting approximately 7,388 jobs annually and contributing a remarkable $5.3 billion to Michigan’s Gross State Product (GSP).

“Our state’s electric cooperatives power 300,000 homes, businesses, and farms in 60 of the 83 counties across rural Michigan,” said MECA President Craig Borr. “Co-ops are a massive economic engine statewide, as well as in their local communities.”

Beyond these direct economic figures, there are broader implications. Electric cooperatives stimulate economic activity throughout their communities, fostering a ripple effect that extends to supply chains, suppliers, employee spending, and community engagement. Moreover, they play a crucial role in supporting long-term community success and making substantial investments in grid modernization, renewable energy, and broadband networks to serve rural members.

“It’s not just about numbers,” said Borr. “It’s about committing to make a positive impact in the communities that our cooperatives serve.”

The report emphasizes cooperatives’ pivotal role as economic engines in both local and state economies, highlighting their commitment to rural development and the overall economic vitality of the regions they serve. The findings show what those in the cooperative community have always known—there is nothing more impactful and powerful than a mission that focuses on people, not profits.

7,388

Old Friends

By J. Joseph Mapes, a Midwest Energy & Communications member

It has been said that “old friends are the best friends.” I surely agree. Growing up in Grand Rapids, I began forming many friendships, beginning in kindergarten in 1950. In those days, we didn’t hang out with our parents much...we hung out with our friends. You could say we raised each other, as we were always together having fun.

Although I went to Culver Military Academy in high school, my GR friends kept in touch. I then moved to New Jersey and Florida for a few years. Several friends would visit me in Florida (imagine that), and one suggested that I transfer to Western Michigan University for my junior year, and sent the paperwork. I couldn’t wait to get back to Michigan and live off-campus with some of those same friends. We had the time of our lives!

During the late ‘60s/early ‘70s, most of us got married, raised children, and worked. Many moved out of state, making it difficult to get together. In 1981, however, one of the guys decided that enough was enough and started what we call “the boys’ weekend,” a time to reconnect and let loose. There were around 15 attendees that first year, many from out of state. Some years, an extra weekend was planned with the wives, who wanted to join in the fun. In 1993, we rented a cottage on Lake Michigan in South Haven, and we have been going there every September to this day. Unfortunately, we have lost a number of these dear friends over the years, but nine of us continue the tradition.

This May, we (and wives) are meeting in Grand Rapids to celebrate us all turning 80. We will take a bus tour of our childhood homes (16), then be dropped off at Roses for dinner. There is nothing like old friends, as we hold on to so many memories of good times together, while still making new memories!

About the Author: J. Joseph is a retired owner/manager of Bank Street Bingo Hall and Bank Street Winter Market in Kalamazoo.

His family’s history is interesting! The grandfather he was named after (Col. J. Joseph Reddy) was a medic and surgeon who was General Douglas MacArthur’s personal aide and physician in the Philippines in the 1930s.

Guest Column

Win $200 for stories published!

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

Where In Michigan Is This?

Identify the correct location of the photo to the left by March 20 and be entered into a drawing to win a $100 electric bill credit. Enter your guess at countrylines.com/community

January 2024 Winner! Our Mystery Photo winner is Eileen Gustafson, an Alger Delta member, who correctly identified the photo as the Benny the Beard Fisher art attraction at the Northland Outfitters Campground, Germfask, Michigan. Winners are announced in the following issues of Country Lines: January, March, May, July/August, September, and November/December.

HOW DOES THE

• 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.