MICHIGAN COUNTRY LINES
Keeping Score
Feeling the Welcoming Irish Spirit
Questions to Consider Before Installing Solar
Saving is believing.
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After a closer look, you may be surprised at its overall affordability. Tax rebates can quickly bring down the initial costs of purchase and installation. And a geothermal heat pump is much cheaper to run than the most efficient furnaces and air conditioners. In fact, your energy bills can be cut by as much as 70%. As a result, many geothermal homeowners see a return on investment of 10-20% over the life of their system. When you crunch the numbers, you’ll see WaterFurnace is the money-saving choice. To learn more, contact your local WaterFurnace dealer today.
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Alger
Electric: up to $2,000
C h erryland Electric: up to $2,500
Cloverland: up to $6,275
Great Lakes Energy: up to $5,000
H omeworks/Tri-County Electric: up to $4,750
Presque Isle Electric & G as Co-op: up to $4,750
Thumb Electric: up to $2,000
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
Gabe Schneider, President 517-449-6453
gschneider@cherrylandelectric.coop
Valarie Handy, Senior Vice President 231-392-4705
vhandy@cherrylandelectric.coop
Melinda Lautner, Secretary 231-947-2509
mlautner@cherrylandelectric.coop
Tom Van Pelt, Treasurer 231-386-5234
tvanpelt@cherrylandelectric.coop
David Schweitzer, Director 231-883-5860
dschweitzer@cherrylandelectric.coop
Terry Lautner, Director 231-883-6455
tlautner@cherrylandelectric.coop
Dean Adams, Director 231-642-0014
dadams@cherrylandelectric.coop
CEO
Rachel Johnson
CO-OP EDITORS: Courtney Doyle: cdoyle@cherrylandelectric.coop
Bailey Watson: bwatson@cherrylandelectric.coop
OFFICE HOURS
Monday–Friday 7:30 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
TELEPHONE NUMBERS
231-486-9200 or 1-800-442-8616 (Mich.)
ADDRESS
P.O. Box 298, Grawn, MI 49637
PAY STATION
Cherryland Electric Cooperative office 5930 U.S. 31 South, Grawn MI, 49637
Cherryland Electric Cooperative is an equal opportunity provider and employer.
CO-OP NEWS
Board Approves Rate Change
At its February 2025 meeting, Cherryland’s board of directors approved changes to the cooperative’s rates. The first phase of the two phase rate change will go into effect in April of 2025 and first appear on your bill in May 2025. For more information on these changes and how they impact your bill, visit cherrylandelectric.coop/rate-change.
Serve On Cherryland’s Board
Any qualified Cherryland member can be elected to serve a three-year term on the cooperative’s board of directors. Three directors will be elected at this year’s Annual Meeting, including two at-large directors and one Benzie/Manistee/ Wexford County director.
To be nominated in 2025, candidates may file a petition with the cooperative’s executive administrative assistant starting the first day of March until 4 p.m. on the last business day of March. To receive a nominating petition, please fill out the board candidate interest form on our website.
Review Article III of the co-op’s bylaws on our website for more information regarding board nominations and the election process.
Cherryland Offers Five Scholarships
Cherryland offers five scholarships— three worth $4,000 ($1,000 for four years) for high school seniors and two for $1,000 each for adult scholarships (post-high school).
Applications for both scholarships are available on our website. The deadline for applications is Friday, April 4.
Save The Date For Cherryland’s 87th Annual Meeting
Cherryland’s 87th Annual Meeting will take place on Thursday, June 12. The Annual Meeting’s planned location is Incredible Mo’s in Grawn. Cherryland will provide updates regarding the 87th Annual Meeting in Michigan Country Lines, on our website, and through social media.
Board In Action
• The chief financial officer presented 2024 year-end financials. The cooperative ended 2024 with positive margins and was able to make up the loss from 2023. Despite this, ongoing cost pressures necessitate continued strategic rate increases.
• The chief operating officer indicated that Cherryland ended 2024 with an ASAI (reliability index) of 99.989. While Cherryland’s reliability remains top in the state, an increase in outages due to public damage impacted the year’s ASAI score.
• The chief executive officer shared an update on MEAP legislation. The new state mandate will require the cooperative to eliminate its winter disconnect moratorium following this year’s cycle.
• The board of directors approved a Rural Economic Development Loan for Golden Swan Management.
• The chief operating officer also provided an update on the facilities planning project. The cooperative has moved to the design phase and is working on property zoning.
KALASKA BENZIE
MANISTEE WEXFORD
LEELANAU GRAND TRAVERSE
Keeping Score
By Rachel Johnson, Cherryland CEO
I’m very competitive by nature. Just ask my husband—he refuses to play board games with me because apparently, I’m too “intense.” Given my competitive nature, it should come as no surprise to you that I love a good scorecard. Especially when I’m winning.
At Cherryland, there are several key service quality metrics we use to track how we stack up against our members’ expectations, other utilities in our industry, and even our own historical performance.
To the right are a few highlights from our co-op scorecard.
Whether comparing Cherryland to other utilities or simply comparing us to our historical performance, it’s all good news. That doesn’t just happen—it’s the result of the hard work, dedication, and innovation of our employees and cooperative leadership.
One thing I know from my board gaming prowess is that you can never rest on your past successes and you must always be looking forward toward your next move.
That’s why this year, we are working on strategic planning to ensure that the cooperative continues to lead the way for years to come. Those conversations are likely to center around resilience, physical and cybersecurity, financial management, and member-facing programs such as demand response offerings.
Even as we look to the future, we will always maintain our commitment to our mission: providing high electric reliability and a strong power supply portfolio at competitive costs. It’s something we take tremendous pride in and I hope you’ll agree, we’re pretty darn good at it. Perhaps even the best? Not that it’s a competition.
Co-op Scorecard
RELIABILITY
In 2024, Cherryland delivered yet another industryleading year for electric reliability. Our members experienced, on average, about 60 minutes of power disruptions this year. The average across the state is three times that. When the lights did go off at Cherryland, we got them back on pretty quickly. With the improvements we’ve made with our new metering system, our system controls, and the hard work of our employees, we restored power within about 100 minutes, the fastest in Michigan among our peer group.
AFFORDABILITY
2025 Rates: 12–22% lower than neighboring utility
It’s a tough time for electric costs. As I’ve discussed at length, electric rates are rising in Michigan and across the country. Cherryland is not immune to these costs, and we do expect ongoing rate increases in the coming years. These increases reflect the rising cost of electric reliability in a period of high inflation, supply chain pressures, and high interest rates. Still, we’re playing our cards right and proving that even when the odds are stacked against you, strategy makes all the difference. Even with those headwinds, after the rate increase your board approved in February, our bottom line bill continues to be significantly lower than the neighboring investor-owned utility.
POWER SUPPLY
2030
Power Supply: 100% Carbon-Free
In partnership with our power supplier, Wolverine Power Cooperative, we continue to be on track to be the first utility in Michigan to deliver 100% carbon-free energy before the end of this decade. We continue to work to develop solar projects across the state, in partnership with local municipalities, and are still on track to purchase the output of Palisades Nuclear Power Plant when it returns to service. Palisades is vital to Michigan’s electric reliability, and I am very proud of Wolverine for their commitment to supporting that project.
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.”
Feeling the Welcoming Irish Spirit
By Bailey Watson
Cherryland members John O’Brien and Timothy Brisbois have a few things in common. They have traveled to Ireland (over 15 times combined), they both have grandparents who immigrated to the United States from Ireland, and they have both been presidents (one still is) of the Bun Brady Division of the Ancient Order of Hibernians.
The Bun Brady Division is the Grand Traverse County branch of the National Ancient Order of Hibernians (AOH), named for the founder of local watering hole Brady’s Bar. Nationally the AOH was established in Pennsylvania in 1836 to create a safe space for Irish immigrants facing discrimination in America. The protection of Irish culture didn’t start in 1836; however, its roots can be traced back to an Ancient Order of Hibernians protecting Catholic priests in Ireland after their religion was outlawed.
The theme of protection still rings through the organization, whose mission is “Friendship, Unity, and Christian Charity.” Members take great pride in protecting Irish heritage. “Most people look at the Irish as very fun loving or having great craic as they say—which we are, but to me, it is so much more than that,” said O’Brien. Embracing their Irish heritage is a theme that brings this group together. You can feel their passion for their heritage whenever O’Brien and Brisbois share stories of Irish relatives or their experiences abroad.
You’ve probably seen local AOH members donning their green sashes in the annual St. Patrick’s Day parade, which travels through downtown Traverse City the Saturday before St. Patrick’s Day each year. St. Patrick’s Day is a lot more than green beer and corned beef for this group—it truly celebrates the welcoming nature of the Irish. They encourage everyone to participate in St. Patrick’s Day festivities, and as the saying goes, “Everyone is Irish on St. Patrick’s Day.”
In true Irish fashion, this group loves to have a good time and share their generosity. They combine the fun with giving back at an event the AOH is most proud of—the Father Fred Cigar Dinner. Locals may have heard about (or smelled) this sold-out event, bringing some of the best local chefs and specialties from Nolan’s Cigar Bar together each year for a wonderful cause. The event has raised over $2 million for the Father Fred Foundation since it began in the ‘90s and has become a cornerstone of their philanthropic efforts ever since.
When they’re not busy planning these popular, local events, they spend their time promoting Irish heritage. “We talk about Irish history, read Irish books, and listen to Irish music. A couple of our members even have Irish bands. I have learned so much,” said O’Brien. Their promotion of Irish culture reaches beyond their group activities and into the community. They have cultivated a collection of Irish books at the Traverse Area District Library so anyone can explore Ireland, its history, and its culture.
“This group brings home what being Irish is all about. You feel that spirit in this group,” said Brisbois. Sitting with either one of these Hibernians, you may start a stranger, but you end the conversation as a friend. That is the whole goal of the AOH, bringing that welcoming friendship the Irish people are known for 3,000 miles closer to home.
As the years go on, the AOH would like to continue the traditions that came before them and preserve the Irish culture and heritage they care so deeply for. But they need the next generation of men to join them in that endeavor. This St. Patrick’s Day, we should all try to embrace our Irish side and welcome all who wish to celebrate!
“Most people look at the Irish as very fun loving or having great craic as they say—which we are, but to me, it is so much more than that.”
Please note that the Traverse City St. Patrick’s Day Parade is planned for March 15, 2025.
If you are interested in learning more about joining the Bun Brady Chapter of the Ancient Order of Hibernians, you can contact John O’Brien at johnobrien6591@gmail.com or Timothy Brisbois at timothybrisbois@gmail.com.
Or follow them on Facebook:
Five St. Patrick’s Day History Facts
1 2 3 4 5
St. Patrick’s Day marks the anniversary of St. Patrick’s death in the fifth century.
St. Patrick is credited with bringing Christianity to Ireland.
The first St. Patrick’s Day parade in America was held in 1601 in St. Augustine, Florida.
More than 100 St. Patrick’s Day parades are held across the United States.
The shamrock was considered sacred as it symbolized the arrival of spring; in addition, St. Patrick used it as a visual of the Holy Trinity.
/traversecityaoh
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 fi lling
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.
Questions to Consider Before Installing Solar
“Free energy from the sun and lower electric bills… where do I sign up?”
The benefits of installing solar panels may seem like a no-brainer, but the reality is that not every home (and homeowner’s situation) is right for solar.
Several factors should be considered before investing in any type of solar system, such as determining whether your home will receive enough sun to achieve your goals, finding the right contractor, negotiating contracts, and other important details.
Investing in solar for your home is a major decision. If you’re considering solar, Cherryland Electric Cooperative can help.
Here are some questions to consider before installing solar panels.
1 Where do I start?
Cherryland Electric Cooperative provides three solar programs. Community Solar, Net Metering, and Buy-All/ Sell-All. Each option will impact your bill a little differently, with different costs associated. Whether your interest is in lowering your electric bill, helping the environment, or both, Cherryland has options that could be the right fit for you. Your first step should be to review your annual consumption, which you can find through SmartHub or our office. Solar energy tends to be very seasonal, so if most of your power use is in the winter, you will want to evaluate if solar is the right choice.
2 How efficient is my home?
Solar power will have the most impact on your energy use when your home is energy efficient. You can improve your home’s efficiency by addressing these key items:
a. Insulation level in the attic is up to current code requirements
b. Windows and doors are in good condition with no air leaks, gaps, or missing weatherstripping
c. Appliances are Energy Star rated and newer models
d. There is LED lighting throughout the residence
e. Heating and cooling systems are maintained and in optimal working condition
3 Is my roof suitable for solar?
Your roof should be in good condition before installing solar panels. Our Buy-All/Sell-All and Net Metering contracts last 20 and 10 years, respectively. If your roof is old and in poor shape and will not last 10–20 years, it may need to be replaced before panels can be mounted. Additionally, your roof should receive a lot of sun to make the most of a rooftop system. Consider how much sun (and shade) the roof receives and if any trees need to be removed. Solar panels perform best when facing south, so keep this in mind as you think about where the panels will be mounted. Keep in mind that some solar contractors offer ground solar arrays, too. Cherryland can help you find a contractor who does ground solar arrays if your roof is not suitable.
Speaking of contractors, there are several factors you’ll want to discuss with them upfront.
4 Can the contractor provide up-to-date credentials?
It may seem obvious, but be sure to request proof and documentation of the contractor’s licensing, insurance, and other credentials. Comb through company reviews, check the contractor’s status with the Better Business Bureau, etc.—do your homework on the front end before signing a contract. We often suggest you reach out to other Cherryland members with solar arrays for contractor recommendations.
5 Does the contract seem reasonable and fair?
If you decide to hire a contractor to install rooftop solar, carefully read the contract’s fine print. Do the system performance calculations seem realistic? Does the project timeframe sound reasonable? Negotiate the contract terms to fit your goals and needs.
6 How will I work with Cherryland Electric Cooperative?
Finally, but equally important, you should contact Cherryland if you are considering installing solar. The system must be connected to the electric grid. We can walk you through the steps, including how our solar rates and fees work and which solar program will best fit your needs. Visit www.cherrylandelectric.coop for a list of solar contractors and a general overview of how you can work with us to connect your new solar system.
For many homeowners, solar panels are a great way to help the environment and save a little on electric bills, but there are many factors to consider before installing a system.
As with any major home project, do plenty of research upfront, and contact our energy use advisor, Tammy Haworth, at 231-486-9261 or thaworth@cherrylandelectric.coop if you have questions or decide to move forward with installation.
“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
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 flourishing 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 flowers; 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.
Note From CEO, Rachel Johnson
We understand that no one is immune to current cost pressures, and we also know that system reliability and keeping the lights on is a top priority for members. So how do we balance that? The current rate adjustment, which was approved by the board of directors at their February board meeting, is a twophase change. This will help the cooperative continue to invest in the system and help our members plan for and minimize cost pressures. The first increase will go into effect April 2025, and you will see it reflected on your May bill.
You can find more information about the rate change and how it impacts your bill at cherrylandelectric.coop/rate-change
Notice to Members of Cherryland Electric Cooperative Rate Change Effective April 6, 2025
Changes to Cherryland’s rates will go into effect on April 6, 2025. These changes include:
• $2.50 increase in the residential availability charge.
• $2.50 increase to the general service single-phase availability charge and $4 increase to the general service three-phase availability charge.
• $0.005 increase in the energy charge for both residential and general service members.
Additional changes to Cherryland’s rates will go into effect on Jan. 6, 2026. These changes include:
• $2.00 increase in the residential availability charge.
• $2.00 increase to the general service single-phase availability charge and $3 increase to the general service three-phase availability charge.
• $0.005 increase in the energy charge for both residential and general service members.
Cherryland’s board of directors approved these changes to the cooperative’s rates at its February 2025 board meeting.
For more information on the approved changes listed above as well as changes to all other rate classes, please visit our website at cherrylandelectric.coop/rate-change, call our office at (231) 486-9200, or send an email to cec@cherrylandelectric.coop.
SUNRISE TO SUNSET
1. MOST VOTES Megan Scott— Sunset at Amnesty Freedom Farm in Brethren, MI
2. Sara Klebba—Little Traverse Bay, Little Traverse boy
3. Lori Sanderson—Sunset— Grand Traverse County
4. Jeanne Wolf—Evening bliss
5. Randy Guild—Sunset over Silver Lake, Traverse City
6. Melissa Steltzner—Beautiful sunrise at the Cancer Center
Enter to win up to $200 off your energy bill!
Submit Your “Michigan’s Farmlands” Photos By March 25! Submit your best photo and encourage your friends to vote! The photo receiving the most votes in our Facebook contest will be printed in an issue of Country Lines, along with some of our other favorites. Our March theme is Michigan’s Farmlands! Photos can be submitted through March 25 to be featured in our May issue.
Enter Your Photos And Win A Bill Credit! To enter the contest, visit cherrylandelectric.coop/ photo-contest or facebook.com/ cherrylandelectriccoop for a link to the current photo contest. Enter your picture, cast your vote, and encourage others to vote for you as well. If your photo is printed in Country Lines during 2025, you will be entered to win a credit of up to $200 on your December 2025 bill.
Where In Michigan Is
This?
Farmyard Memories: The Chickens That Followed My Father
By Stanley Hagemeyer, a Great Lakes Energy cooperative member
MYSTERY PHOTO
Win a $100 energy bill credit!
Identify the correct location of the photo above by March 25 and be entered into a drawing to win a $100 electric bill credit. Enter your guess at countrylines.com/community
JANUARY 2025 WINNER!
Our Mystery Photo winner is Jerry Ullery, an Ontonagon REA cooperative member who correctly identified the photo as downtown Bellaire, Michigan.
Winners are announced in the following issues of Country Lines: January, March, May, July/August, September, and November/December.
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).
GUEST COLUMN Win $200 for stories published! Share your fondest memories and stories. Win $200 for stories published. Visit countrylines.com/community to submit.
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 required.
