MICHIGAN COUNTRY LINES
April 18 Is National Lineworker
Appreciation Day
Be Prepared For Storms
Scholarships For Students
Saving is believing.
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MICHIGAN COUNTRY LINES
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.
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; 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.
MICHIGAN’S ELECTRIC COOPERATIVES
MI CO-OP Community
RECIPE CONTEST
See details on page 10. Summer Desserts, due April 1; Sandwiches & Wraps, due May 1. Win a $100 bill credit!
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
6 CRAIG BORR: A LEGACY OF LEADERSHIP & SERVICE
Borr’s unwavering advocacy for co-op members made MECA what it is today.
10 MI CO-OP KITCHEN
Best No Bake Recipes: Delicious desserts in no time.
14 BLOOM WHERE YOU’RE PLANTED: THE JOURNEY OF KALIN SHEICK
Sheick’s “why not” philosophy took her from TV journalism to founding a successful floral shop.
18 GUEST COLUMN
Farmyard Memories: A Great Lakes Energy member reflects on life with his father and their chickens.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
District 1—Big Bay
Darryl Small
906-345-9369 • d1director@algerdelta.com
District 2—Harvey/Deerton
Karen Alholm
906-249-1095 • d2director@algerdelta.com
District 3—Grand Marais Tim Jenkins
586-306-2141 • d3director@algerdelta.com
District 4—Cedar River/Palestine Bill Wotruba 414-507-9787 • d4director@algerdelta.com
District 5—Gourley/LaBranche/Cornell/Harris Steve Wery 906-295-1255 • d5director@algerdelta.com
District 6—Nathan/White Rapids Jesse Betters 715-923-4946 • d6director@algerdelta.com
District 7—Stonington/Rapid River Kirk Bruno 906-399-1432 • d7director@algerdelta.com
District 8—Nahma/Isabella Don Johnson 906-280-0867 • d8director@algerdelta.com
District 9—Hiawatha/Maple Ridge Stephen Dausey 906-202-3899 • d9director@algerdelta.com
GENERAL MANAGER: Mike Furmanski mfurmanski@algerdelta.com
HEADQUARTERS: 426 N. 9th St, Gladstone, MI 49837 906-428-4141 • 800-562-0950 Fax: 906-428-3840 • admin@algerdelta.com algerdelta.com
OFFICE
8 a.m.–4 p.m. (EST)
Thank a Lineworker on April 18
By Mike Furmanski, General Manager
If you were asked to associate an image or a person with Alger Delta Cooperative, I bet you would picture a lineworker. Some of the co-op’s most visible employees, lineworkers work tirelessly to ensure our community receives uninterrupted power 24/7.
“Lineworker” is listed as one of the top 10 most dangerous jobs in the U.S. This is understandable as they perform detailed tasks near high-voltage power lines. Regardless of the time of day, having to brave stormy weather and other challenging conditions, lineworkers must climb 40 feet in the air, often carrying heavy equipment to get the job done.
Being a lineworker is not a glamorous or easy profession. It takes years of specialized training, ongoing education, dedication, and, equally important, a sense of service and commitment. How else can you explain the willingness to leave the comfort of your home to tackle a challenging job in difficult conditions when most are sheltering comfortably at home? This dedication and sense of service to the community is truly what sets them apart. That’s why we set aside a day in April to celebrate and recognize the people who work around the clock to keep the lights on.
While lineworkers may be the most visible employees at Alger Delta, it’s important to note that a team of highly skilled professionals is working behind the scenes. Operations managers and engineers provide ongoing expertise and guidance on the operations side of the co-op. Member service representatives are always standing by to take your calls and answer your questions. Our information technology (IT) experts are continuously monitoring our system to help safeguard sensitive data. These are just a few of the folks who work together to ensure we can deliver the service and reliability you expect and deserve. Without them, our lineworkers wouldn’t be able to “bring the light” to our community.
Our dedicated and beloved lineworkers are proud to represent Alger Delta, and they deserve all the appreciation and accolades that come their way on Lineworker Appreciation Day.
Summer Office Hours
Effective April 21, 2025, to Oct. 3, 2025, Alger Delta will begin summer office hours as follows: Monday–Thursday, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Meet Your New Employee
Alger Delta Electric Cooperative recently welcomed Gladstone native Chris Veeser as a utility services technician. His primary responsibility will be locating underground lines for in-house jobs and MISS DIG tickets. Veeser began his career working for USIC, the nation’s largest public utility locating services provider and a leader in advanced infrastructure solutions. He worked throughout the Upper Peninsula and northern Wisconsin, and while he enjoyed the work, he wanted something closer to his home base. He then worked at the local paper mill, where he has worked for the last nine years. However, being a true “Yooper,” he missed outdoor work. “I couldn’t handle being inside anymore, so that’s why I leaped back into the utility field,” he says with a chuckle.
Veeser resides in Cornell with his wife and two children. In his spare time, he enjoys golfing, hunting, and cutting lumber that he produces at his own sawmill.
General Manager Mike Furmanski is excited to have Veeser on board at the cooperative. “Chris brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to hit the ground running here at Alger Delta. We are very pleased to welcome him to our team.”
Alger Delta Announces Distribution Department Updates
Alger Delta Electric Cooperative is pleased to announce two promotions in the Distribution Department. Jason Ebbesen was promoted from stock/work order clerk to operations coordinator, effective Jan. 1, 2025. Jason’s new position is responsible for purchasing and overseeing warehouse operations, managing the cooperative’s fleet, assisting with the cooperative’s safety program, and supervising the utility services technician, meter technician/lead lineworker, and custodian/truck washer positions.
Cody Warren will be moved from a lead lineworker position to lead lineworker/meter technician, effective Feb. 1, 2025. Former meter technician John Dault retired on Jan. 31, 2025.
Congratulations to Jason and Cody on their well-earned promotions, and best wishes to John on his retirement!
Statement Of Nondiscrimination
In accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its Agencies, offices, and employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity (including gender expression), sexual orientation, disability, age, marital status, family/parental status, income derived from a public assistance program, political beliefs, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity, in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA (not all bases apply to all programs). Remedies and complaint filing deadlines vary by program or incident. Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.) should contact the responsible Agency or USDA’s TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TTY) or contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339. Additionally, program information may be made available in languages other than English. To file a program discrimination complaint, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, AD-3027, found online at http://www.ascr. usda.gov/complaint_filing_cust.html and at any USDA office, or write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all of the information requested in the form. To request a copy of the complaint form, call (866) 632-9992. Submit your completed form or letter to USDA by:
1. mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Ave., SW, Washington, D.C. 20250-9410;
2. fax: (202) 690-7442; or
3. email: program.intake@usda.gov. This institution is an equal opportunity provider
Cody Warren
Jason Ebbesen
A LEGACY OF LEADERSHIP & SERVICE
By Emily Haines Lloyd
In the heart of the electric cooperative industry, where service to members and communities is key, individuals like Craig Borr tend to stand out. With nearly 40 years of dedicated service, including 13 years as President and CEO of the Michigan Electric Cooperative Association (MECA), Borr has been a tireless advocate for Michigan’s electric cooperatives. So, it’s no small thing when a leader like Borr retires, and it’s defi nitely worth taking a moment to reflect on all he’s done to support our members in rural Michigan.
From Communications to Leadership
Craig’s journey began fresh out of college when he joined Wolverine Power Cooperative. Starting in communications, his passion for the cooperative movement quickly set him apart. Over the years, his focus on deeply understanding member needs and fostering connections propelled him to leadership roles, ultimately serving as Wolverine’s Executive Vice President and taking the helm at MECA in 2012.
“For over a decade and during times of tremendous transition in Michigan, we are deeply grateful for Craig’s sound leadership, strategic vision, and steady hand,” said MECA Board Chairman Chris O’Neill.
Building Bridges in Lansing and Washington
Throughout his career, Borr has been a critical voice for rural Michiganders, championing legislative efforts in both Lansing and Washington, D.C. His hard work has led to historic wins, including securing broadband funding, favorable provisions in Michigan’s Clean Energy packages and, most recently, bipartisan legislative support for a New ERA grant application
“The man never stops,” said Dawn Coon, Wolverine’s VP of Administration. “He has an uncanny ability to absorb information and turn it into action.”
Craig’s advocacy also extended to national issues, such as his instrumental role in passing the Cooperative and Small Employer Charity Pension Flexibility Act of 2014, which saved billions in pension costs.
A Legacy of Innovation
Under Craig’s leadership, MECA fostered a spirit of collaboration among Michigan’s electric cooperatives, culminating in a longterm membership agreement and updated dues structure. His innovative vision also led to the establishment of Wolverine Power Marketing Cooperative (WPMC), the nation’s fi rst retail choice cooperative serving large commercial and industrial members. As the founder and fi rst CEO of WPMC, he spearheaded the creation of a $100M organization that delivers the benefi ts of electric choice within a cooperative environment to several of Michigan’s leading corporations and universities.
“Craig gets excited about the art of the possible,” said Casey Clark, MECA Director of Communications and Marketing. “His energy and ideas have driven Wolverine and MECA to new heights.”
As Craig prepares to usher in a new era of leadership and growth for MECA, his legacy of innovation, advocacy, and unwavering service leaves a strong foundation for future growth.
“Craig has been a trusted business partner for nearly 40 years,” said Eric Baker, President & CEO of Wolverine Power Cooperative. “He is a relentless networker, a creative problem solver, and a proud advocate for the cooperative mission. His impact on our cooperatives and members is immeasurable and his contributions will resonate for decades.”
Craig Borr
POWERING PROGRESS
Reflections on 40 Years of Leadership with Michigan’s Electric Cooperatives
By Craig Borr
Michigan’s electric cooperatives have come a very long way since their inception in rural Michigan more than 80 years ago. For the past 40 years, I have been fortunate to have served in a number of electric cooperative leadership roles—the last 13 as President/CEO of the Michigan Electric Cooperative Association. In March, I will be retiring from that role.
I am proud to have served with so many great employees and directors over the years and have met thousands of electric cooperative members from Chassell to Posen and from Bad Axe to Cassopolis. They share one common trait—they are good people who are committed to improving the quality of life for our member-consumers who live in rural Michigan.
A few observations as I head towards retirement:
1. Be thankful that you are a member of a Michigan electric cooperative. They care about the communities they serve and are governed by a board of community leaders that you elect to represent your interests. It is the democratic process in action—and it still works.
2. Michigan’s electric cooperatives are leaders in competitiveness, reliability, and carbon-free electricity. The Michigan Public Service Commission sets a series of reliability metrics each year—and each year, electric cooperatives typically exceed those standards set by state regulators.
3. In a year or so, nearly all of the electricity sold by Michigan’s electric cooperatives is set to be “carbon free.” State law calls for Michigan utilities to be “carbon free” by 2040. We are leaders in that metric also and will be 15 years ahead of the state mandate! We were also a part of the state’s fi rst commercial wind farm in 2006 and the state’s fi rst community solar project in 2012. That’s leadership on reducing our carbon footprint—and doing so smartly and competitively!
Rural Michigan is “better” because of Michigan’s electric cooperatives. They brought electricity to rural areas when the large, for-profi t electric utilities in our state would not serve those areas. Many of Michigan’s electric cooperatives are now also bringing high-speed fi ber internet to many of those same rural and remote areas—again because the large telecommunications companies would not serve those areas.
Further, many rural Michigan consumers can now access high-speed fiber internet for monthly prices that are less than those in many urban areas of the United States. Michigan co-ops also do it with no data caps or contracts!
4. Electric cooperatives are signifi cant economic drivers in the local economies where they serve. They are signifi cant employers in Michigan and sizable property taxpayers in the communities they serve. In addition, they are leaders in local economic development initiatives in rural Michigan.
While I am proud of my simple contributions over the past four decades, I am prouder of the job that Michigan’s electric cooperatives do every day in rural Michigan. They lead in many rural and sparsely populated areas where no others are often willing to lead. Be thankful that you are a member of an electric cooperative. Your life is better as a result of their work and by being a member—not a customer.
“Rural Michigan is ‘better’ because of Michigan’s electric cooperatives.”
BE PREPARED
Our region can produce some extreme weather conditions, regardless of the season. Be prepared with these tips.
Items To Have On Hand
• Water: At least one gallon per person, per day, plus some for pets
• Food: Nonperishable, especially items that don’t require cooking, along with a hand-operated can opener
• Lighting: Flashlights, candles, and matches
• Telephone: Cordless phones won’t work during an outage, so have a corded phone available. Make sure cell phones are fully charged if outages are possible
• Communications: Have your mobile devices fully charged if outages are imminent so you can stay in the know. A battery-powered radio is also helpful
• Medical: First-aid kit ready with any needed medical supplies and filled prescriptions
• Personal sanitation: Moist wipes, hand sanitizer, and garbage bags
• Tools: Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities
• Batteries
• Battery-powered or wind-up clock
• Extra blankets
During A Power Outage
• Stay away from downed power lines and warn others to do the same. Call us immediately to report downed power lines
• Don’t touch a person or object in contact with a power line; the electric current could flow through you
• Stay inside your car if it comes in contact with a power line
• Turn off all appliances during an outage to avoid a circuit overload when power is restored. Leave on one lamp to know when power is restored
• Never leave burning candles unattended
• Keep freezer and refrigerator doors closed. Food will stay frozen for 36 to 48 hours in a fully loaded freezer and about 24 hours in a partially filled freezer
Outage Reporting At Your Fingertips
When you’re in the dark and trying to report your power outage, there’s nothing more frustrating than sitting in a crowded phone queue waiting for the next available rep. We offer easy and convenient ways to report your outage.
SmartHub: SmartHub, our secure online portal and mobile app, is the quickest and easiest way to report your outage. Sign up for SmartHub at algerdelta.com or download the app from your app store.
Telephone: Dial 1-800-562-0950 and follow the prompts. We must have a current telephone number for your account. Please update your account information using SmartHub or by calling our office.
We have limited incoming telephone lines. If you call and receive a fast busy signal, please use one of the alternate methods, or hang up and try again.
Please do not use email or social media to report your outage; these platforms are not staffed 24/7.
SUNRISE TO SUNSET
1. A Superior morning paddle. Adam Lacy
2. Beautiful day coming to an end. Ivana Enright
3. A playful summer sunset. Diane Lang
4. September skies. Kendall Fladung
5. St. Joseph’s sunset in Northland, Michigan. Tina Hiironen
6. Good morning from Big Bay de Noc. Jeanne Kennedy
7. Sunset over Menominee River on a July evening. Christy Herrild
8. Sunset at Powell Lake. Sheryl Anderson
9. End of the day at Shakey Lakes Park. Jan Gratteau
10. Fire in the sky—Lake Huron sunrise, Aug. 23, 2024, 6:36 a.m., St. Ignace. April Willbur
Submit Your Photos & Win A Bill Credit! Alger Delta members whose photos we print in Michigan Country Lines during 2025 will be entered in a drawing. Four lucky members will win a $50 energy bill credit on their December 2025 bills!
Upcoming Photo Topics and Deadlines:
Michigan’s Farmlands, due March 25 (May/June issue)
Michigan’s Waterfalls, due May 25 (July/Aug. issue)
To submit photos, go to http://bit.ly/countrylines We look forward to seeing your best photos!
BEST NO BAKE RECIPES
KEY LIME CHEESECAKES
Deb Mitteer, Great Lakes Energy
½ stick butter (melted)
1½ cups graham cracker crumbs
8 ounces cream cheese (softened)
1 can sweetened condensed milk
¾ cup lime juice
8 ounces whipped topping
In cupcake pans, line 18 cups with paper cupcake liners. Mix melted butter with graham cracker crumbs. Divide evenly into cupcake liners. Pat down fi rmly. In a mixing bowl, add cream cheese and blend with mixer until smooth. Add sweetened condensed milk and lime juice, and mix until smooth. Fold in whipped topping. Divide evenly into the cupcake liners. Place in freezer and serve frozen.
NO BAKE BARS
Marie Mercier, Great Lakes Energy
4 cups Cheerios
2 cups Rice Krispies
2 cups dry roasted peanuts (I use unsalted)
2 cups M&Ms
1 cup light corn syrup
1 cup sugar
1½ cups creamy peanut butter
In a large bowl, combine Cheerios, Rice Krispies, peanuts, and M&Ms. Set aside. In a saucepan, bring corn syrup and sugar to a boil, stirring frequently. Remove from heat. Stir in peanut butter. Pour over cereal mixture and toss to coat evenly. Spread into a greased 10x15x1-inch baking pan. Cool. Cut into bars.
DELUXE NO BAKE STRAWBERRY DESSERT
Deb Finedell, Great Lakes Energy
18 graham crackers, crushed
½ cup butter, melted
1 (20-ounce) can crushed pineapple
1 (21-ounce) can strawberry pie filling
4 cups mini marshmallows
1 (16-ounce) container whipped topping, thawed
2 cups frozen strawberries, partially thawed, chopped
Mix the graham cracker crumbs and butter until it has the consistency of wet sand. Spoon the crumb mixture into the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish; press the crumbs into an even layer. Chill the crust in the fridge for at least 15 minutes. Strain the excess juice from the pineapple and mix with pie fi lling. Add the marshmallows and stir until they are completely coated in the fruit. Spoon the whipped topping into the bowl and gently fold it into the fruit mixture until combined and it becomes pink in color. Fold in the partially thawed strawberries. Scoop the whipped topping and fruit mixture onto the chilled crust, gently smoothing it out until even. Cover the pan tightly and chill in the fridge for at least 4 hours.
NO BAKE PEANUT BUTTER COOKIES
Rhonda Carlson, HomeWorks Tri-County Electric
1 stick margarine or butter
½ cup milk
1½ cups sugar
1 cup peanut butter
2 cups quick oats
Bring butter, milk, and sugar to a rolling boil for 3 minutes. Remove from heat. Add peanut butter and oats, and mix until well blended. Drop by spoonfuls on wax paper. Let cool, then enjoy.
April 18 Is National Lineworker Appreciation Day
America’s electric cooperatives have designated April 18 as National Lineworker Appreciation Day. At Alger Delta Electric Cooperative, members of our Distribution Department are the “first responders“ of our electric system. On April 18, we make a special point of honoring them for the services they perform, around the clock and
in dangerous conditions, to keep power flowing and protect the public’s safety. When an outage call comes in, they leave their families, whether it’s dinnertime, a weekend, or a holiday, to find and fix the problem. They work hard to keep the power flowing through our communities and are the backbone of every power system.
Alger Delta 2025 Scholarships
Alger Delta Electric Cooperative is proud to contribute to the community they serve and to promote education. Two $1,000 scholarships are being offered for 2025. Criteria for the scholarships is as follows:
1. The student (or their parent, grandparent, or legal guardian) must be a member of Alger Delta Cooperative.
2. The student must be a high school senior graduating in 2025.
3. The student must submit an essay. Essays should be on the theme: Our Community Connection: The Value of Cooperative Power. Essays should be between 500 and 1,000 words—typed and double-spaced—and include the following information on the cover:
• Student’s first and last name
• Home address
• Phone number
• Name of parent(s), grandparent(s), or legal guardian
• Utility account information (Name on account, billing address, and account number).
4. High school senior must plan to attend a technical college or university.
5. Deadline for submitting: Essays and a cover letter must be received no later than April 14, 2025, via email at admin@algerdelta.com or postmarked by April 14, 2025, and sent to: Alger Delta Electric Cooperative Association, 426 N. 9th St., Gladstone, MI 49837
For further information, visit www.algerdelta.com.
Alger Delta would like to recognize members of the Distribution Department and thank them for their dedication and service. Members of the department are as follows (L to R): Curt Knauf, Riley Corrigan, Cody Warren, Brandon Benda, Tom Viitala, Justin Gieszer, Jake Hart, Jon Conger, Brandon Lind, Chris Veeser, John Dault, Troy Tiernan, Jeanne Avendt, Jason Ebbesen.
WhatIs1MW?
Exploding demand for electricity, lingering supply chain challenges, and public policy aimed at rapidly eliminating fossil fuels from power generation have forced large portions of the United States to confront unprecedented power shortages and soaring costs. This series of infographics will look at the most critical elements at play in this time of transition for our industry and our society. This month, we examine the familiar measurement of 1 megawatt and how much power is needed to supply common facilities in our communities.
Big Box Store
1 MW will power a typical large retail store.
Factory
Facilities with heavy machinery can draw 1 MW of power.
Office Building
1 MW can power several medium-sized office buildings.
Hospital
1 MW will power a small hospital.
Power Plant
Typical outputs:
Coal: 500 MW to 1 GW
Gas: 50 MW to 1 GW
Nuclear: 500MW to1.5 GW
1 MW is 1 million watts of power.
School
0.5 MW will power a medium-sized public school.
EV Charging
1 MW can power four Tesla Supercharger V3s simultaneously.
Data Center
1 MW will power one small data center.
Other facilities that can draw up to 1 MW of power:
•High-speed rail
•Large farms
•Wastewater treatment
•Stadiums
Residential
1 MW can power 750 to 1,000 homes.
“Embrace your weird thing. It’s what makes you stand out from the rest.”
Kalin Sheick’s journey from TV journalist to the founder of Sweetwater Floral is rooted in what she calls “delusional confi dence”— a spark of self-belief that dares to ask, “Why not me?”
BLOOM
WHERE YOU’RE PLANTED
The Journey of Kalin Sheick
By Emily Haines Lloyd
This mindset, characterized by a fearless willingness to pursue unconventional dreams, propelled Sheick to build a fl ourishing business and inspire others to embrace life’s possibilities. Her philosophy, BLOOM— “building life out of moments”— encapsulates her belief that beauty and meaning can be created in the everyday.
Why Not Bring Joy to the World?
In 2014, Sheick, a Great Lakes Energy cooperative member, found herself at a crossroads. Newly married and questioning her future in TV journalism, she began to feel the
pull toward something different. She loved northern Michigan and wanted to stay rooted there, but her career in journalism didn’t align with her vision of a balanced, present life. Inspired by the small business owners she had covered as a reporter, Sheick asked herself: “Why not me? Why not build something here?”
“I had this gut feeling that I was playing safe and small,” said Sheick. “But at some point, you have to put all of yourself out there and you can’t be scared of what people will think.”
By 2015, she had turned her curiosity about entrepreneurship and her creativity with self-taught floral design into Sweetwater Floral. The village of Walloon Lake, where she had gotten married, became a symbolic cornerstone of her journey. Her confidence drove her to carve out
her unique space, offering designs for weddings and events, as well as hosting floral workshops that have garnered national interest.
Why Not Something More?
Sheick’s philosophy goes beyond arranging fl owers; it’s about creating moments that matter. She wants her customers and workshop participants to feel inspired and capable, free from the pressure of perfection.
This message resonated on a larger scale when Sheick gave a TED Talk in 2019, framing fl owers as a life hack for joy and connection. The experience solidifi ed her belief that Sweetwater Floral helps people tap into their own uniqueness.
“Embrace your weird thing,” said Sheick. “It’s what makes you stand out from the rest.”
Why Not Dream Big?
Kalin’s “delusional confi dence” continues to push her to explore new ventures. She and her husband Matt launched the podcast “Lucky Girls Don’t Quit” to share the behind-thescenes journey of running Sweetwater Floral while raising a family.
“Why not a podcast?” she thought. “We love the idea of sharing our lives— as a refl ection of this exact moment in time and hoping it reached people who can relate.”
Looking to the future, Kalin can picture a return to television. Flowers are inherently visual, and she dreams of showcasing the beauty of northern Michigan alongside the heartfelt stories that inspire her work.
“Why not TV again?” she asks. “Why not share this beauty with the world?”
Why Not Begin to BLOOM?
Kalin Sheick’s story is a powerful reminder that sometimes the key to success is simply daring to believe in yourself. Her “delusional confi dence” has transformed Sweetwater Floral from a small-town business into a lifestyle brand that inspires people to build lives rich with beauty and connection. Through her BLOOM philosophy, Kalin continues to spark joy and remind us all to embrace the question: “Why not me?”
VISIT THE SHOP
Sweetwater Floral 4128 N. M-75, Walloon Lake, Michigan 49796
LISTEN TO THE PODCAST “Lucky Girls Don’t Quit” is available on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.
MIDWEST GRIT
In the quaint town of Cheboygan, Michigan, nestled in the heart of the state’s rural landscape, Kyle Ostwald grew up surrounded by hardworking people who used their resourcefulness to create lives for themselves. This Midwestern upbringing shaped the man who would go on to place 8th in the most recent season of “Survivor”— a CBS competitive reality television series. The show drops 18 strangers on the remote Mamanuca Islands in Fiji to fend for themselves for 26 days and strategically outlast the other contestants by forming alliances and winning immunity challenges. Known for his resilience, integrity, and scrappy determination, Kyle brought a unique perspective to the island—one born from his roots in northern Michigan.
A Leap of Faith for Family
When asked why he applied to the 47th season of “Survivor,” Kyle’s answer was simple: family. “It was about creating a better future for the people I care about,” he explained.
The title of “Sole Survivor” comes with more than bragging rights; it offers a life-changing million-dollar reward. He hoped the prize money would provide financial relief, allowing him to spend less time working and more time with
Kyle Ostwald’s ‘Survivor’ Journey
By Emily Haines Lloyd
his loved ones. “It’s a gamble,” he admitted, “but one worth taking for the chance to promote my family’s well-being.”
However, the decision wasn’t without sacrifices. His partner, Shania, stepped up to care for their young daughter, while pregnant with their second child, and keep things moving while he was away. “She was playing her own version of ‘Survivor’ back home,” said Kyle. “She’s the best teammate I had while on the show.”
A Midwestern Mindset
Growing up in rural Michigan taught Kyle valuable lessons in resourcefulness and humility—skills that proved essential on the island.
“Where I’m from, people work hard for what little they have,” he said. “You learn to appreciate the basics and value what others take for granted.”
This mindset translated well into the game. Whether opening coconuts or making life on the island more comfortable, Kyle’s ability to “cut his own coconut” resonated with his tribemates and viewers. “Being
resourceful isn’t just about surviving,” he noted. “It’s about bringing others together and making life more comfortable.”
Resilience in the Face of Adversity
Kyle’s resilience—shaped by personal challenges long before the island—was a cornerstone of his gameplay. “Life has a way of knocking you off your feet, but I’ve learned to refuse to stay down,” he said.
Whether enduring hunger, exhaustion, or the paranoia of the game, he drew strength from his ability to persevere. “Even when it felt like the universe was against me, I told myself, ‘Not today,’” he said.
Coming Home
While Kyle didn’t win the title of “Sole Survivor,” his experience on the show has already integrated into his life back home. The game taught him he’s stronger than he thought—something Kyle says he’ll carry with him forever.
He also gained a new appreciation for vulnerability. “It’s okay to share the weight of life,” he said. “We’re not meant to carry it alone.” This lesson, he believes, is as important off the island as it was during the game.
Kyle offers simple but powerful advice for those facing their own struggles: “Play the game like you’ll lose. Whether it’s ‘Survivor’ or life, we only have one shot.”
“Play the game like you’ll lose. Whether it’s ‘Survivor’ or life, we only have one shot.”
Where In Michigan Is
This?
Farmyard Memories: The Chickens That Followed My Father
By Stanley Hagemeyer, a Great Lakes Energy cooperative member
MYSTERY PHOTO
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When I was growing up, our family lived on a farm with four cows, about 20 pigs, and perhaps a hundred chickens. Until I was about 7, we had two old workhorses, too. By the time I was 12, my father had quit raising cows and pigs, but we had chickens that were housed in the big red barn.
The chickens were always free to wander around the yard to scavenge for food. Chickens were easy to care for and provided plenty of fresh eggs. Any extra eggs were taken into town to sell at the produce office. My father gave the chickens ground “layer” feed in the morning. In the afternoon, he always walked to the granary with a pail to get some oats for them. The chickens must have considered the oats a special treat. It was not long before those smart chickens learned that when Dad came to the barn to pick up the empty pail, he was going to get the oats. They would turn and follow him all the way to the granary like a row of eager pets.
When he came out with the full pail, he scattered the oats on the ground, and the chickens would gather all around to eat that treat. During 7th grade, I earned a camera at school by selling magazine subscriptions to all our relatives. One afternoon, I saw the chickens following Dad and snapped a picture of those smart chickens. Our terrier, Ginger, can be seen watching the parade, which occurred every day.
About the Author: Stanley is a retired Christian minister. He is the last of his generation of cousins and has written a historical novel describing the life of his Hagemeyer grandparents from their marriage in 1900 to their golden anniversary in 1950 (primarily for the enjoyment of their descendants).
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APRIL 18, 2025