MICHIGAN COUNTRY LINES
Give To The People Fund And Win!
Happy Birthday, HomeWorks!
Save The Dates For District Meetings
BLOOM WHERE YOU’RE PLANTED
The Journey of Kalin Sheick
Saving is believing.
Think you can’t afford a geothermal heat pump?
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.
Geothermal is the only renewable that provides reliable operation 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.
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
Filion/Bad Axe
Air-O-Dynamic Htg & Clg (989) 582-0137 aod-hvac.com
Grand Rapids
Bel Aire Htg & Clg
1-888-235-2473 belaire.com
Hart Adams Htg & Clg (231) 873-2665
Holland G.H.P. Systems Inc. (616) 396-5833 ghpsystems-inc.com
Indian River M&M Plmb & Htg (231) 238-7201 mm-plumbing.com
Lansing Candor Mechanical (517) 920-0890 candormechanical.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
Portage
Bel Aire Htg & Clg
1-888-235-2473 belaire.com
Portland ESI Htg & Clg (517) 647-6906 esiheating.com
Sunfield
Mark Woodman Plmb & Htg (517) 886-1138 mwphonline.com
Three Rivers
Bel Aire Htg & Clg
1-888-235-2473 belaire.com
Traverse City
Geofurnace Htg & Clg (231) 943-1000 geofurnace.com
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.
Portland office/Mail payments to:
7973 E. Grand River Ave.
Portland, MI 48875
Open 8 a.m.–5 p.m. Monday–Friday Blanchard office:
3681 Costabella Ave.
Blanchard, MI 49310
Open 8 a.m.–5 p.m. Monday–Friday Night deposit box available at both locations.
Electric bill/account questions: 517-647-7554 or 1-800-562-8232
Pay by phone, anytime: 1-844-963-2875
Service questions/outages: 517-647-7554 or 1-800-848-9333 (24 hours for emergency calls)
Tri-County Propane: 1-877-574-2740
HomeWorks Connect 1-800-668-8413
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
District 1 — John Lord, Vice-Chairman 2276 Plains Rd., Leslie, MI 49251 517-974-2518 • jlord@homeworks.org
District 2 — Jim Stebbins 7139 Peddler Lake Rd., Clarksville, MI 48815 517-930-8132 • jstebbins@homeworks.org
District 3 — Luke Pohl, Chairman 15560 W. Hanses Rd., Westphalia, MI 48894 989-292-0427 • lpohl@homeworks.org
District 4 — Jake Borton
7543 E. Edgar Rd., Vestaburg, MI 48891 989-506-3404 • jborton@homeworks.org
District 5 — Theresa Sopocy 6996 E. Wilson Rd., Bannister, MI 48807 989-292-0295 • tsopocy@homeworks.org
District 6 — Dave Livermore
8060 W. Airline Rd., Weidman, MI 48893 989-289-3019 • dlivermore@homeworks.org
District 7 — Shirley Sprague, Secretary-Treasurer 15563 45th Ave., Barryton, MI 49305 989-382-7535 • ssprague@homeworks.org
Editor: Charly Markwart, CCC cmarkwart@homeworks.org
Advanced Metering Infrastructure Will Benefit You In Many Ways
By Chris O’Neill, President/CEO
I’ll admit it—I’m a tech guy. One of my previous roles at HomeWorks was working in IT, and I’ve always loved watching the way technology rapidly evolves and advances to meet our ever-changing needs. Think about the iPhone, which absolutely revolutionized how consumers use their cell phones. It’s been just 18 years since its release, but that first iPhone would already feel extremely clunky and inadequate compared to today’s advanced devices.
That’s how technology works. Occasionally you get things that are revolutionary, but you more frequently have to upgrade your devices to keep from falling behind. This is where we find ourselves with the Co-op’s current electric metering system. Since 2008, we have been operating an automated metering system that used the power lines to communicate with us. When we installed this technology, it absolutely revolutionized how we did business, because we no longer needed to manually read all of our meters and we had much more data about energy usage. Today, however, that technology is quickly becoming outdated, and it no longer cooperates efficiently with many of our other systems. It is increasingly expensive to maintain and has become a limiting factor in modernizing the service we provide to you.
That’s why we are excited to be replacing our entire metering system with advanced metering infrastructure over the next couple of years. The new system, which is made possible by our HomeWorks Connect fiber internet network, will use wireless technology
to communicate with the Co-op. The upgraded meters will offer numerous benefits to you, our members, including:
1. Improved Safety: The upgraded meters will be able to identify system issues before damages occur, meaning fewer safety hazards for members and employees.
2. Better Reliability: The new system’s advanced grid technology provides real-time data that will help to reduce the duration and scope of our electric outages.
3. Faster Restoration Times: The new meters will report electric outages back to us instantly so we can restore your power faster.
4. More Personalized Service: The new metering system will provide you with greater access to more detailed info on your energy usage trends and much more.
5. Improved Efficiencies: The detailed data provided by the new meters will save the Co-op time and money.
Your safety is our top priority at HomeWorks, and I can assure you that we have done our due diligence to ensure that the upgraded meters are safe and secure. The metering network we are using is an FCC private-licensed spectrum network, and the upgraded meters we are deploying have met a series of rigorous safety standards set forth by the Federal Communications Commission.
We plan to begin deploying the upgraded meters at member locations this spring, and we’ll let you know before we get to your area. We’re really looking forward to using this new technology to continue to improve your service experience!
OSCEOLA CLARE
MECOSTA IONIA
MONTCALM
JACKSON
Happy 88 HomeWorks!Birthday, th
From the day farmers in Eaton, Ingham, and Jackson counties came together to found our Co-op on March 26, 1937, to today, HomeWorks Tri-County Electric has been dedicated to serving rural mid-Michigan families like yours. Here’s to the next 88 years of providing safe, reliable, and affordable services you can rely on!
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.”
Spring Into Savings Invest in a Heat Pump Water Heater
It might surprise you to learn that water heating is on average the second largest home energy expense, accounting for about 18% of your energy bill. But when you think of all the things we do on a daily basis—showering, doing dishes, washing clothes—the amount of hot water used adds up quickly, as does the cost. Even if you’re doing all that you can to reduce water usage, a heat pump water heater can make a significant difference in the price you pay to heat the water you do use.
Why invest in a heat pump water heater?
Heat pump water heaters move heat instead of generating it, making them two to three times more energy efficient than your conventional electric water heater. Even in cold climates, modern heat pump water heaters are efficient and effective. The energy savings achieved add up to cost savings over
time. In fact, compared to a standard electric resistant water heater, a heat pump water heater can save a family of four an estimated $550 a year on their energy bill, or an expected average lifetime savings of more than $5,600!
Get cash back for your investment!
While heat pump water heaters cost more than other models upfront, the significant energy cost savings mentioned above can help you recoup your investment. Plus, as a HomeWorks member, you’re eligible for a $700 cash rebate on qualifying heat pump water heaters! Save now and for years to come when you make the switch. Visit homeworks.org/eo to find the full details and application for this Energy Optimization program offering, or call 877-296-4319 to learn more.
Pump Water Heater
SUNRISE TO SUNSET
1. MOST VOTES Sunset snowday. Bryce Hengesbach, Pewamo
2. We live on the Little Muskegon River and this picture is taken from our property! Mary Koster, Morley
3. Winter morning in Michigan. Rebecca Kramer, Dewitt
4. Sunset over the family dairy farm. Jacob Pohl, Fowler
5. Sunset at Crisp Point Lighthouse in the UP. David Haddix, Edmore
6. Awesome end to a great successful day of walleye fishing in remote northern Ontario, Canada! Cynthia Watson, Portland
7. Sunrise in Westphalia. Kara Thelen, Westphalia
8. Sunrise over Central Michigan. Rita Wernette, Lake
9. Sunrise over our backyard Gary Pohl, Westphalia
10. Cadillac Mountain, Acadia National Park, Maine. We were lucky enough to get tickets to Cadillac Mountain on our trip to Acadia National Park. It is where the sun first rises in the USA, and it is stunningly beautiful. Nancy Eaves, DeWitt
Enter to win a $100 energy bill credit!
Submit Your “Michigan’s Farmlands” Photos By March 25! 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. Michigan’s Farmlands photos can be submitted through March 25 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 2025, you will be entered into a drawing for a chance to win one of four $100 credits on your December 2025 HomeWorks bill!
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.
Operation Round Up
Members who opt in to round up their HomeWorks electric, propane, or fiber internet bill to the nearest dollar for the People Fund between now and May 31 will be entered into a raffle to win a $100 bill credit! You can sign up via SmartHub, leave us a note on your next pay stub, or give us a call at 800-562-8232.
Your Board In Action
Meeting in Portland on Jan. 27, your board of directors:
• Reviewed a quarterly report on the Tri-County Electric People Fund, showing that the program made 44 grants totaling over $70,600 to local families and organizations in need in 2024.
• Performed an annual director compensation and expense review.
• Received a monthly progress update on the 2025 strategic goals of the Co-op’s electric, fiber internet, and propane businesses.
• Discussed and accepted Board Policy 201: Safety, as revised.
• 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 and cybersecurity report, noting that there were no security breaches or incidents to report for the month.
• Learned there were 93 new members in December.
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 24 at Portland and 9 a.m. on April 21 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.
People Fund Turns Your Spare Change
Into A Boost For Your Neighbors In Need
Meeting remotely on Jan. 22, our People Fund board made one grant:
• $1,000 to the Ionia Ministerial Association’s Friends of Jesus fund, to provide rent and utility assistance for clients in need.
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 Coop’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 8 for the April meeting or by May 20 for the May meeting.
Every member has a voice and a vote.
Districts 1, 5, and 7 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!
Notice to Members of HomeWorks Tri-County Electric Cooperative
A Special Member Meeting is set for March 24, 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 24, 2025, to be held at the Cooperative office at 7973 E. Grand River Avenue, Portland, Michigan. The meeting will start at 9 a.m. and is open to all members of HomeWorks Tri-County Electric Cooperative. 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. Participation in the Michigan Energy Assessment Program (MEAP) at the cost of a surcharge, to be determined by the state, on each residential customer’s monthly energy bill.
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. The location of the board meeting site is accessible, including accessible parking. Persons needing any accommodation to participate should contact HomeWorks TriCounty 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 by 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.
“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.
Have You Signed Up For Co-op Text Alerts Yet?
When it comes to important Co-op information about electric outages, upcoming events, new services and more, we know you want a quick and convenient way to stay informed in real time. That’s why we worked hard to implement the opportunity for you to sign up to receive our automated Co-op notifications via text message, email, and/or our SmartHub app!
The main purpose of this offering is to keep you updated if there is a power outage at your location, but if you’d like, you can also choose to sign up for notifications regarding other Co-op topics that interest you. Members who sign up to receive outage notifications will receive a message if an outage affecting their service address has been reported, along with follow-up alerts when a crew has been dispatched to resolve the outage and when power has been restored. Participating members will also be able to text us to report an outage or to check on the status of an outage affecting their area.
These automated notifications are an opt-in offering, meaning members wishing to receive the messages must sign up and let us know which types of updates they’d like to see and how they prefer to receive them. Luckily, signing up is simple!
First, you need to have your free online SmartHub account set up. This can easily be done at HomeWorks.org or through the free SmartHub mobile app.
To sign up for outage notifications, log in to your online account. Under the “Settings” menu on the left side of the page, select “Manage Notifications.” On the next page, select “Service” from the drop-down menu, which will allow you to add the phone number and email address to which you’d like to have notifications sent. Lastly, click “save.” Under “Manage Notifications,” you’ll also see where you can opt in to get any other types of notifications you’d like to receive.
These convenient notifications are just one more way for you to stay engaged with the Co-op you own. If you have any questions about how to sign up, please feel free to call our member services team at 800-562-8232.
S oaring Demand
A er decades of flat or declining electricity demand, the United States is in the midst of a boom in power use. Recent government data shows that power consumption nationwide is set to increase by at least 38 gigawatts between now and 2028. This trend would ordinarily be great news for the power industry. But government policies aimed at shutting down fossil-fuel-based generation and years-long delays in permitting and siting for new transmission lines are turning this power boon into a capacity crisis. Here are the primary demand drivers:
Electrification
Electric vehicle adoption, electrification of home heating, and industrial electrification are expected to increase overall U.S. energy consumption by 1% per year through 2026.
Data Centers
Driven by explosions in artificial intelligence, cryptocurrency, and cloud computing, total U.S. data center load is projected to increase by 65% by 2050.
Economic Growth
Residential power consumption is expected to increase by 14% to 22% through 2050 due to increases in population and steady economic growth.
Manufacturing Growth/Onshoring
New, expanding, and “onshored/reshored” manufacturing capacity driven by federal incentives is expected to increase industrial demand by 13,000 GWh per year.
Total Demand
Analysts predicted in 2023 that U.S. peak demand will increase by at least 38 GW over the next five years, nearly double the growth rate predicted in 2022.
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.
HomeWorks.org facebook.com/homeworks.org homeworks.org facebook.com/homeworks.org
Report Outages: 1-800-848-9333
Here’s how it works:
1) Have your friend or neighbor mention your name when they sign up for HomeWorks Connect’s internet service at Join.HomeWorksConnect.org or by calling 800-668-8413.
2) Once their service is installed, you and your friend will both receive a free month of our Essential Experience package, or a $65 bill credit if you’re subscribed to a higher level of service.
There’s no limit to how many referrals you can make! If you signed up 12 friends this year, you could have FREE INTERNET at the Essential Experience level for a whole year! So, tell those that you know— HomeWorks Connect is the way to go!
*You and your friend will receive a $65 bill credit on your next bill which will pay for one month of service on the Essential Experience plan, or will go toward your total bill if you subscribe to a higher level of service.
Help Your Neighbors Become Connectors Today! Have them visit Join.HomeWorksConnect.org or call 800-668-8413 and be sure they mention your name!