May 2024 Cherryland

COUNTRY LINES

Cherryland Electric Cooperative

A DREAM TAKES ROOT

THE TALE OF

Conserving is believing.

Geothermal is leading the effort to provide a heating and cooling source that preserves Earth’s resources.

Geothermal is the greener alternative. The Department of Energy considers it a “vital, clean energy resource” that “emits little or no greenhouse gas—all while requiring a small environmental footprint to develop.” WaterFurnace geothermal units use Earth’s natural underground heat to keep your home comfortable, the sustainable way.

Geothermal is the only renewable that provides reliable operation 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.

YOUR LOCAL WATERFURNACE DEALERS

Allendale Allendale Htg & Clg (800)327-1937 allendaleheating.com

Berrien Springs Waterfurnace Michiana (269)473-5667 gogreenmichgeo thermal.com

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

Clifford Orton Refrig & Htg (989)761-7691 sanduskygeothermal.com

Filion/Bad Axe Air-O-Dynamic Htg. & Clg. (989)582-0137

Hart Adams Htg & Clg (231)873-2665 adamsheating cooling.com

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

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

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

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

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

Michigan Center Comfort 1/Air Serv of Southern Michigan (517)764-1500 airserv.com/southernmichigan/

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

CO-OP REBATE INCENTIVES

Alger Delta Electric: up to $2,000

Cherryland Electric: up to $2,500

Cloverland: up to $6,275

Great Lakes Energy: up to $5,000

Homeworks/Tri-County Electric: up to $4,750

Presque Isle Electric & Gas Co-op: up to $4,750

Thumb Electric: Up to $2,000

Michigan’s Electric Cooperatives

EXECUTIVE EDITOR: Casey Clark

EDITOR: Christine Dorr

GRAPHIC DESIGNER: Karreen Bird

RECIPE EDITOR: Christin Russman

COPY EDITOR: Yvette Pecha

CONTRIBUTING EDITOR:

Emily Haines Lloyd

PUBLISHER: Michigan Electric

Cooperative Association

Michigan Country Lines, USPS-591-710, is published monthly, except August and December, with periodicals postage paid at Lansing, Mich., and additional offices. It is the official publication of the Michigan Electric Cooperative Association, 201 Townsend St., Suite 900, Lansing, MI 48933.

Subscriptions are authorized for members of Alger Delta, Cherryland, Great Lakes, HomeWorks Tri-County, Midwest Energy & Communications, Ontonagon, Presque Isle, and Thumb electric cooperatives by their boards of directors.

Postmaster: Send all UAA to CFS.

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

CONTACT US/LETTERS TO EDITOR:

Michigan Country Lines 201 Townsend St., Suite 900 Lansing, MI 48933 248-534-7358

editor@countrylines.com

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

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

Michigan Country Lines, Your Communications Partner

For more than 40 years, our co-op members have received Michigan Country Lines because it is the most effective and economical way to share information. Michigan Country Lines keeps members up-to-date about everything going on within their electric co-op. Issues contain news about co-op services, director elections, member meetings, and management decisions that members need to know about as owners of the co-op. The magazine also includes legal notices that would otherwise have to be placed in local media at a substantial cost. Sending Michigan Country Lines helps the co-op fulfill one of its essential principles—to educate and communicate openly with its members. The board of directors authorizes the co-op to subscribe to Michigan Country Lines on behalf of each member at an average cost of $4.15 per year, paid as part of members’ electric bills. The current magazine cost is 52 cents per copy. Michigan Country Lines is published, at cost, by the Michigan Electric Cooperative Association in Lansing. As always, we welcome your comments at editor@meca.coop.

6 10 14

6 EMBARK ON AN ADVENTURE

THROUGH TIME AND SPACE

Follow Michigan influencer

Cassondra Wanders as she takes us through the Air Zoo Aerospace & Science Experience in Portage, Michigan.

10 MI CO-OP KITCHEN

Quiches & Savory Tarts: Light and fluffy recipes perfect for brunch and beyond.

14 A DREAM TAKES ROOT

Northland Outfitters in Germfask, Michigan, is not just a place for nature lovers, but a home for a giant wooden troll—named Benny.

18 GUEST COLUMN

Worms of Misfortune: Reminisce with cooperative member Margaret Elwood about digging up worms during the Great Depression and the lesson she learned.

MI Co-op Community

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

Recipe Contest

See details on page 10. Casseroles, due June 1. Win a $100 bill credit!

Guest Column

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

Mystery Photo

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

cherrylandelectric.coop

/cherrylandelectriccoop

@cherrylandec

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

David Schweitzer, President 231-883-5860

dschweitzer@cherrylandelectric.coop

Gabe Schneider, Senior Vice President 517-449-6453

gschneider@cherrylandelectric.coop

Valarie Handy, Secretary 231-392-4705

vhandy@cherrylandelectric.coop

Tom Van Pelt, Treasurer 231-386-5234

tvanpelt@cherrylandelectric.coop

Melinda Lautner, Director 231-947-2509

mlautner@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 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

Cherryland’s 86th Annual Meeting Scheduled for June 13

Cherryland’s 86th Annual Meeting will take place Thursday, June 13, from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Incredible Mo’s in Grawn. For more information about this year’s event, refer to this issue’s cover wrap, and find updates and details on our website and through social media.

Vote in Cherryland’s Election

Vote in the 2024 Cherryland Election, and you could win a $100 bill credit! Vote on SmartHub, by mail, or in person during our 86th Annual Meeting on June 13. For more information about voting, check the back of this issue or visit our website. This year, members will choose one at-large director and one Grand Traverse/Kalkaska County director. You can read about the candidates in the Annual Report at the center of this issue of Michigan Country Lines.

Members Earn Rebates With Energy-Efficient Upgrades

Cherryland members are eligible to receive rebates for energy-efficient upgrades in their homes or businesses. For a guide to our residential rebate program and a complete listing of rebates available, visit our website at cherrylandelectric.coop/rebates.

Cherryland Office Closings and New Summer Hours

The Cherryland office will be closed Monday, May 27, in observance of Memorial Day. Normal business hours resume Tuesday, May 28.

Later this summer, your cooperative will be trying out new office hours. From June 3 through Aug. 30, the cooperative office will be open Monday through Thursday from 7:00 a.m.–5:30 p.m. These extended hours are intended to increase operational efficiency in the field and provide a larger window of time for members to take advantage of our in-person member services.

The office will be closed Sept. 2 in observance of Labor Day, resuming traditional office hours (Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m.-4:00 p.m.) on Tuesday, Sept. 3. Additional reminders and more information about the scheduling change will be shared in Michigan Country Lines, on social media, and via e-mail.

During office closures, line crews are always on call to respond to any outages or emergencies. You can report an outage by texting OUT to 800-442-8616, logging into SmartHub, or calling us at 231-486-9200.

Cherryland Cares Awards $15,000 To Three Nonprofits

At its first-quarter board meeting, the Cherryland Cares board awarded grants to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwestern Michigan, Women’s Resource Center for the Grand Traverse Area, and ShareCare of Leelanau. Cherryland Cares awarded a total of $15,000 in grants to these area nonprofit agencies.

The Cherryland Cares board is comprised of five volunteer Cherryland members. The funds distributed by Cherryland Cares come from members electing to round up their monthly bills to the nearest dollar. Members can contribute to the Cherryland Cares fund by calling 231-486-9200, signing up through SmartHub, or emailing us at cec@cherrylandelectric.coop.

If you are an area nonprofit agency seeking financial help, second-quarter grant applications are due Saturday, June 1. For more information, please call Shannon Beery at 231-486-9218 or email her at sbeery@cherrylandelectric.coop.

CIt’s Nice to Meter You

By Rachel Johnson, Cherryland CEO

onfession time—I’m one of the people who stood in line outside an Apple store to get one of the first iPhones. Super nerdy, I know. But, in all fairness, the iPhone absolutely revolutionized how people use their phones. Still, that first iPhone would probably feel pretty clunky compared to today’s technology.

That’s kind of 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 our metering system.

Since 2008, we have been operating an automated metering system that used the power lines to communicate with the cooperative. When we installed this technology, it absolutely revolutionized how we do business because we no longer needed to manually read meters and we had much more data about energy usage flowing through our meters. However, that technology has become old and outdated, and it no longer plays nice with many of our other systems. It is increasingly expensive to maintain and has become a major limiting factor in modernizing the service we provide to you.

That’s why we are replacing our entire metering system over the next two years. The new system uses wireless technology to communicate with the cooperative.

Our new metering system will have many benefits for you. Here are a few highlights:

1. These meters can communicate with the cooperative even when we don’t have power because they communicate wirelessly instead of over the power lines. This means that when your power goes out, your meter is going to let us know so we can dispatch crews even faster and get you up and running without you even having to call us.

2. The new meters give us a communication network throughout our system that will help us identify hazards and catch them before they become outages, which will increase your electric reliability.

3. This system is capable of real-time data reporting that will improve what data you can access about your electric usage in SmartHub.

4. Upgrading our system now sets us up to incorporate future advancements in gridrelated technology.

We’re clearly very excited to get the new system up and running. We’ve been operating on an iPhone 1 for long enough and we look forward to using this new technology to continue to improve your service experience.

When will I get my new meter?

You will receive a notice when we are in your area replacing meters. You should expect a very short— 15 minutes or less— outage as our techs work. Scan the QR Code for more info.

EMBARK ON AN ADVENTURE

THROUGH TIME & SPACE

Nestled in the charming city of Portage, Michigan, the Air Zoo Aerospace & Science Experience (Air Zoo) is a world-class museum and science education center. A testament to the history of aviation and aerospace exploration, the Air Zoo invites visitors to discover the wonders of flight.

Igniting imaginations through engaging and immersive exhibits, from hot air balloons to vintage aircraft and cutting-edge spacecraft, the museum’s collection spans the entire spectrum of aviation history. Whether you’re a history buff, a science enthusiast, or simply looking for a fun and educational outing, the Air Zoo offers something for everyone.

The Legacy of the Air Zoo

The Air Zoo has evolved from a modest aircraft collection into a world-class aerospace museum. Suzanne and Pete Parish’s passion for preserving the legacy of aviation history has cemented the Air Zoo as a premier destination in the heart of southwest Michigan.

The Parishes were both accomplished pilots—Suzanne having served with the Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP) and Pete being a retired World War II Marine Air Corps Aviator. The two of them, who had amassed a collection of planes, were particularly enthusiastic about World War II aircraft. A friend of theirs offered to give them his Grumman Bearcat, a fighter aircraft from the war, if they agreed to open a museum. Soon

after, The Kalamazoo Aviation History Museum opened to the public in November 1979.

In addition to the Bearcat, the founding collection included a Wildcat, Hellcat, and Flying Tiger. With all the wild animal aircraft, it was quite fitting how the name Air Zoo quickly caught on.

Originally a nine-plane hangar exhibit, the Air Zoo now features over 100 rare aircraft and spacecraft. Visitors can marvel at iconic planes like an SR-71 Blackbird and an F-14 Tomcat. Boasting over 100,000 square feet of museum space, the Air Zoo spans across two facilities: the Flight Discovery Center and the Flight Innovation Center. The Discovery Center features real-time, flight-based activities, exhibitions, and

the Restoration Center, where a team of experts restores historical artifacts in public view. Current conservation efforts include two WWII aircraft recovered from the bottom of Lake Michigan.

In addition to its impressive aircraft collection, the Air Zoo has acquired more than 100,000 rare artifacts and archives. By meticulously restoring vintage aircraft and preserving these artifacts, the museum honors the achievements of pioneering aviators and offers invaluable insights into the evolution of aviation.

Hands-On Exhibits

The Air Zoo’s Innovation Center is where you’ll find immersive exhibits that offer hands-on experiences unlike any other. From science experimentation stations to full-motion flight simulations and open cockpits, exhibits are designed to spark curiosity and encourage imagination.

Through the “open cockpit” experience, you’ll get a feel for what it was like to fly famous historical aircraft. Climb behind the stick for a real “pilot’s eye” view from the seat of an aircraft.

Step into the world of virtual reality with the Air Zoo’s flight simulators. “Fly” in a safe, controlled environment and choose from realistic simulations of take-off, landing, and aerial maneuvers in various aircraft. Whether you’re battling against giant robots, embarking on a spacewalk mission, or engaging in an aerial dogfight over the Pacific Ocean, the Air Zoo’s virtual adventures offer a thrilling way to experience aviation and space exploration.

A variety of indoor amusement parkstyle rides are included with museum admission. Get a spectacular aerial view of the museum aboard the 26-foot Century of Flight Ferris Wheel. Fly through the sky on the Montgolfier Balloon Race ride, steer a Flying Circus Biplane, and feel the weightlessness of parachuting on the Paratrooper Jump.

At Toddler Tarmac, the Air Zoo’s indoor children’s play area, imaginations soar with various hands-on activities tailored to engage young visitors. Little aviators are sure to have a blast at this dynamic aerospace museum. The Air Zoo has something interactive for everyone to enjoy.

Plan Your Visit

The Air Zoo promises an unforgettable experience all year-round. Admission prices vary depending on age and membership status, with discounts available for seniors, military personnel, and groups. Museum galleries are wagon, stroller, and wheelchair friendly. Ample free and accessible parking is available for all visitors. Upon check-in, guests may request wheelchairs and wagons to use, free of charge.

Fuel up during your visit at Kitty Hawk Cafe, serving grab-n-go items, snacks, sandwiches, and other made-to-order options. Take home some extra cargo and stop by the Fly Buy Gift Shop for gifts and souvenirs. An online store is also available.

Scan the QR code to watch a video of Cassondra’s adventure to the Air Zoo.

Cassondra Scott is a content creator, writer, and social media influencer at Cassondra Wanders——sharing small businesses and sights to see all over the state of Michigan.

86th Annual Meeting

COME OUT TO OUR 86TH ANNUAL MEETING AT INCREDIBLE MO’S IN GRAWN!

Thursday

13 June

Enjoy an evening of entertainment, food, and cooperative tradition!

Registration: 4:00 - 8:00 p.m.

In-person voting available 4:00 - 5:30 p.m.

Business meeting begins at 5:30 p.m.

Food and entertainment available until 8:00 p.m.

Your Board In Action

March Board Meeting

• The board of directors voted to approve the 2024 proposed rate increase. New rates will go into effect in May and you will first notice the new rates on your June bill. More information is available on the cooperative’s website, including a calculator you can use to project how your bill will be impacted.

• Cherryland’s communications and member relations manager gave a special presentation to the board regarding the communications rollout of our upgraded metering system. Members will receive a postcard in advance and a door hanger will be left once the meter is exchanged.

• The 2023 audit was presented to the audit committee and entire board for acceptance. It was a clean audit.

• The board of directors elected Dave Schweitzer to represent Cherryland on the Wolverine board of directors.

ACCESS TO RULES AND RATES

Please be advised that the following information is available to Cherryland Electric Cooperative members:

1. Complete rate schedules;

2. Clear and concise explanation of all rates that the member may be eligible to receive;

3. Assistance from the cooperative in determining the most appropriate rate for a member when the member is eligible to receive service under more than one rate;

4. Clear and concise explanation of the member’s actual energy use for each billing period during the last 12 months.

The information can be obtained by visiting cherrylandelectric.coop or contacting Cherryland Electric Cooperative at 231-486-9200.

FUEL MIX REPORT

The fuel mix characteristics of Cherryland Electric Cooperative as required by Public Act 141 of 2000 for the 12-month period ending 12/31/23.

COMPARISON

OF FUEL SOURCES USED

EMISSIONS AND WASTE COMPARISON

*Regional average information was obtained from the MPSC website and is for the 12-month period ending 12/31/23. Cherryland purchases 100% of its electricity from Wolverine Power Supply Cooperative, Inc., which provided this fuel mix and environmental data.

QUICHES & SAVORY TARTS

GOAT CHEESE PESTO

TARTLETS

Sharon Libich, Presque Isle Electric & Gas Co-op

6–8 ounces goat cheese, softened

8 ounces cream cheese, softened

1 garlic clove, minced

2–3 boxes (15-count each) precooked phyllo dough mini shells (Athens brand)

½ cup prepared pesto

¼ cup diced sun-dried tomatoes and/or red bell pepper, for topping

½ cup coarsely chopped almonds

In a medium microwavable bowl, combine the goat cheese, cream cheese, and minced garlic. Stir until combined. If needed, soften in the microwave to achieve spreading consistency. Set aside. Fill each mini shell with 1 heaping teaspoon of the cheese mixture (halfway), top with a dollop of pesto, a little sun-dried tomato/ red bell pepper, and a sprinkle of almonds. Serve the (cold) tartlets immediately, as phyllo cups will soften as they sit. Use any remaining cheese mixture (if any) as a dip with crackers or even as a sandwich spread.

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

EGG-CELLENT EGG BITES

Katie Schneider, Midwest Energy & Communications

1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil

8 large eggs, whisked

1 cup full-fat cottage cheese (full fat has less water)

1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese

½ cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese

2 tablespoons cornstarch

¼ teaspoon ground black pepper

½ teaspoon onion powder

½ teaspoon garlic powder

¼ teaspoon kosher salt, optional

¼ teaspoon hot sauce, optional

4 strips bacon (or turkey bacon), cooked and chopped

Preheat oven to 325 F. Grease a silicone muffin pan with olive oil. Create a water bath by filling a 9x13-inch pan halfway with warm water. Set the muffin pan in the pan of water. To a blender, add the eggs, cottage cheese, cheeses,

cornstarch, all seasonings, and hot sauce. Blend on high until smooth, about 30 seconds. Divide the bacon into the cups, then fill to the top with the egg mixture. Carefully place the prepared pans onto the middle rack of the oven. Bake for 30 minutes (or longer, depending on the size of your muffin tins) and cook until the eggs are just set. The egg bites will pull slightly away from the edges when they are done. Carefully remove pans from the oven; let set for 10 minutes before using a spoon to gently loosen and remove the bites from the pan. Serve immediately or make ahead of time for busy mornings. Once cooled, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Enjoy cold or reheat in the microwave for 30 seconds. You can also try out different cheese, vegetable, and seasoning combinations.

SPINACH MUSHROOM QUICHE

Kerri Hanson, Great Lakes Energy

2 tablespoons salted butter

¹⁄ ³ cup finely diced onion

12 ounces white or baby bella mushrooms, trimmed and sliced

2 cups baby spinach

6 large eggs

1 cup half-and-half

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon kosher salt

1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

12 ounces grated Swiss cheese

1 unbaked pie crust

Preheat oven to 350 F. In a large sauté pan, heat the butter over medium heat until melted. Add the onion and sauté until tender, about 5–6 minutes. Add the

QUICKY QUICHE

Nancy Hascall, Cherryland Electric Cooperative

1 unbaked pie crust (or 1.5 cups cooked rice)

1¾ cups half-and-half

1 cup shredded cheese of choice

1 heaping tablespoon jalapeño cream cheese

• pinch of salt

• dash of cayenne pepper

¼ teaspoon paprika

3 eggs

1 small bell pepper, thinly sliced

1 small red onion, thinly sliced

• Additional topping options: mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes, fresh spinach, broccoli, salmon, etc.

Preheat oven to 325 F. Have ready an unbaked 8-inch deep pie crust (alternatively, press rice into pie tin to form a crust.) Heat the half-and-half just until it starts to boil. Reduce heat and add shredded cheese of choice. Add the jalapeño cream cheese. Stir until melted. Add salt, cayenne pepper, and paprika. Remove from heat and vigorously stir in the 3 eggs, one at a time. Pour into crust. Top the quiche with the thinly sliced bell peppers, red onions, and optional toppings, if using. Bake until firm, about 45 minutes.

mushrooms and sauté until the liquid has evaporated, about 5–6 minutes. Add the spinach and sauté until wilted, about 1–2 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside. In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, half-and-half, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir in the onion/ mushroom/spinach mixture and add the Swiss cheese. Pour the mixture into the unbaked pie shell. Bake until the quiche is lightly golden and set in the center when the pan is gently wiggled, about 45-50 minutes. Cover the crust with foil if it is browning too quickly. Remove from oven and let stand 10 minutes (important)! Slice and serve.

Cheers to the Bluebird

By Bailey Watson

As you stroll into the charming town of Leland, Michigan, you might notice something missing. The spot along the river at the center of town where the Bluebird Restaurant and Tavern sat for decades is now a construction site. A construction site—for the new Bluebird Restaurant. The building will be new, but the amazing food and welcoming atmosphere will stay intact. That’s third-generation owner Skip Telgard’s vision: to tie together the history and future of the beloved Bluebird Restaurant with an extensive remodel project.

Family has always been a big part of the Bluebird story. Generations of Telgards have grown alongside the restaurant. In 1927, Martin and Leone Telgard opened up the Bluebird as a snack and soda shop. At the time, it was just a threestory house where they also raised their family. After Martin passed, Leone began running the restaurant alone—until their son Jim rolled up his sleeves to join the family business. Jim and his wife Nancy became the Bluebird’s secondgeneration owners. They ran the restaurant for years, expanding and growing the business. In 1996, Jim’s son, Skip, and his wife Lynn took their turn at the helm of the family business, managing the Bluebird Restaurant and Tavern—as many know it today.

It’s not often we hear about local businesses successfully passed on through three generations. Skip says his experience growing up in the family restaurant business played an important role when it comes to how the family has approached the restaurant over the years. “Of course, naturally being around, you automatically absorb a lot of things about how the restaurant is run and the trials and tribulations,” said Skip. He fondly remembers the restaurant like home. When he was younger, he would spend evenings after school in his grandma’s apartment upstairs while his parents managed the dinner rush. As he got older, he started helping out around the restaurant, from earning two cents a case clearing the beer shoot to bartending when he was older and everything in between. He learned the ins and outs of the restaurant business before he was given the reigns to run it. It’s that experience that prepared Skip and Lynn to continue this historic establishment’s legacy.

The original Bluebird Restaurant and Tavern opened in 1927.

Photo courtesy of the Leelanau Historical Society

The new Bluebird Restaurant will seat 100 indoors and 100 outdoors.

The Bluebird Restaurant and Tavern in the years before renovation.

Skip and Lynn take pride in the family nature of their restaurant, running it with the same principals of respect and understanding they learned from their parents. They never ask someone to do something they wouldn’t do themselves. Skip even added, “If the dishes need to be done, I am going to be the first guy in there taking care of them, and my wife is the same way.” Skip says that he learned how to treat people with respect from his parents. It shows in the way both employees and customers have cultivated that sense of belonging and investment that makes the Bluebird feel like home.

There is a clear reason why everyone has a story, memory, or connection with the Bluebird to share when they see Skip at the grocery store or around town. From the food to the people, the Bluebird has “cast a wide net,” according to Skip. Everyone is welcome and respected when they walk through the restaurant’s front door. You can feel that atmosphere when you take a bite of their famous whitefish or the notorious peas and peanuts. It just feels good. There is a comfort in knowing that it is good food, made by good people who have created not only a business, but a community. Skip calls it the “Cheers thing.” At the Bluebird, everyone might not know your name, but someone will. It’s not the kind of

thing that just happens; it comes from decades of passion passed down from generation to generation.

Over three generations, the Bluebird has cultivated not only a huge following, but also a large footprint. That is one of the things Skip and Lynn are addressing in their remodel. There will no longer be over 300 seats, nor will it be two different dining areas as it once was as the Bluebird Restaurant and Tavern. The restaurant will now be set up with 100 seats inside and 100 seats outside, with the addition of a larger patio that takes advantage of the riverfront property in a way that the Bluebird never did before. However, this progress does not take away from the restaurant’s rich history. “It is very gratifying and a big help every step of the way,” Skip said about continuing to have family involved. The Bluebird stays firmly in the hands of the Telgard family, with both of Skip and Lynn’s children playing a huge part in the renovations.

The future is bright for the Bluebird Restaurant. Just ask Skip what the future looks like he’ll be quick to tell you they’re keeping the fundamentals in place. “We will never forget how we got where we are,” said Skip. You will see it in the restaurant’s signature whitefish, the nostalgic cinnamon rolls, or the way they persevere through hard

times. The proof is in the community. A community that Skip is looking forward to having back together when the restaurant is finished.

Cherryland Electric Cooperative understands the value of a good old-fashioned family business and is impassioned to help community staples like the Bluebird succeed. That is why the cooperative is proud to help out with a zero-interest revolving loan through the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Rural Economic Development program for the rebuild of the Bluebird Restaurant. This was not the only funding that made this project happen; Venture North Funding and Development also assisted in raising capital to make this project a reality.

While support from community partners like Cherryland and Venture North help a project like this, it’s the generations of Telgards and the community they’ve built that will really bring historic Leland’s Bluebird Restaurant back to life. The smells of whitefish and pizza will draw customers through the doors to be welcomed and served by the Telgard family for generations to come. There is excitement in the community to cheers once again at the Bluebird.

Construction site for the new Bluebird Restaurant.

A DREAM TAKES ROOT

THE TALE OF BENNY THE BEARD FISHER

By Emily Haines Lloyd

IT TURNS OUT THERE ARE TROLLS NORTH OF THE MACKINAC BRIDGE.

In the heart of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, nestled along the Manistique River, lies Northland Outfi tters, a campground and canoe/ kayak livery that has become more than a destination; it’s a canvas for dreams. Owned by Durea and Levi Brady, a couple who embarked on an extraordinary journey from Denver to the UP, Northland Outfi tters is now not just a place for nature lovers, but a home for a giant wooden troll— named Benny.

A NATURAL TREASURE

The story begins with Durea and Levi, who had a dream of owning a campground. In 2022, after two years of exploration, they stumbled upon Northland Outfitters, an enchanting spot that felt less like a campground

and more like a natural haven. The Bradys envisioned a place where families could connect with nature, and they found it in the woods of Germfask, Michigan.

“We spent two years looking for the right camping grounds,” said Durea. “We’d begun to wonder if we’d ever locate ‘the one,’ but then we visited Germfask and we knew we’d found home.”

ALONG CAME BENNY

The Bradys had been considering additional revenue streams—and then the dream of a literal revenue stream appeared. The couple wanted something memorable and distinctive that would draw individuals to their campground and

the community they had fallen in love with. Enter Benny.

“We’d seen a natural art installation by a recycled material sculpture artist from Copenhagen, Denmark, Thomas Dambo, in Breckenridge, Colorado. It was so impactful and inspiring. We started dreaming up something like this at the campground,” said Durea. “We knew if we were going to try something like this, it needed to be a part of the natural habitat, not something artificial or out of place.”

The Bradys reached out to Dambo, who was serendipitously in the States on a tour, and agreed to meet with the couple to talk about their idea. After visions were shared, the image of Benny the Beard Fisher, resting along the riverbank, started to come to life.

TURNING DREAMS INTO REALITY

The Bradys turned to their community for support, receiving generous donations of wood from lifelong UP residents and local businesses. The result was Benny, the 14-foot-high and 30-foot-wide towering figure whose tangled wooden beard runs down the riverbank, hoping to catch something—if not a fish, then some admiring looks. People traveling the river on various water vessels can catch a glorious view of Benny as they round the bend. He’s also available to visit via the campground. Benny is a welcoming figure on this perfect bit of home that the Bradys have carved out for themselves.

“We absolutely think of the campground as a home,” said Durea.

Danish recycle artist Thomas Dambo breathes life into discarded wood and landfill scraps, crafting colossal sculptures of trolls. These mystical creations are scattered across 17 countries. For more information, please visit www.thomasdambo.com

“Maybe not a conventional one, but we have the opportunity to welcome new people into our family every few days. It’s the best feeling.”

BENNY AND BEYOND

The family feel of Northland Outfitters has made it more than a campground; it’s a place for community. Benny’s presence has brought people together, fostering a sense of pride and joy among visitors. On a busy day last summer, they brought 300–400 guests into their family fold.

Looking ahead, Durea and Levi envision not just a campground but a community hub, complete with events in the woods featuring live music, food trucks, and art tents that will solidify Northland Outfitters as its own work of art.

Benny is part of that canvas, drawing people closer to nature to discover what is both beautiful and magical about the wild.

MORE INFORMATION

For the comfort of Troll visitors and camping guests, visitation to Benny will be moving to a timed ticket system, beginning mid May. Tickets will need to be purchased online prior to arrival. Tickets can be purchased at northlandoutfittersup.com

/northlandoutfitters

/northland.outfitters/

Cherryland Electric Cooperative and Cherryland Cares are proud to support the Field of Dreams Dugout Upgrade for The Dream Team.

Dream Team Opening Day!

Grand Traverse Civic Center, Fields 2 & 3

Saturday, May 11 at 10:00 a.m.

Michigan electric cooperatives believe there should be “No Barriers” for veterans with disabilities. That’s the name and idea behind CoBank’s No Barriers initiative. Michigan cooperatives are looking for qualified veterans* from our local community to participate.

No Barriers is a five-day, all-expenses-paid expedition in Colorado, designed to help veterans with disabilities transform their lives through curriculum-based experiences in challenging environments (climbing, rafting, and hiking).

Flowers and Gardens

Enter to win up to $200 off your energy bill!

Submit Your “Monuments, Statues, Memorials”

Photos By May 20!

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 May theme is Monuments, Statues, Memorials! Photos can be submitted through May 20 to be featured in our July/August issue.

Enter Your Photos And Win A Bill Credit!

To enter the contest, visit cherrylandelectric.coop/photo-contest or visit 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 2024, you will be entered to win a credit of up to $200 on your December 2024 bill.

MOST VOTES

1. “Bee orange”—Andy Marek

2. “Spring rain shower”—Andrea Kissel

3. “Tulip time!”—Amy Simon

4. “Summer evening at the Delamar Hotel on the West Bay”—Amy Truchan

5. “Sweetest blossom—gift of God!”—Becky Elliott

6. “Sunflowers and sunshine”—Mariah Metzke

Mystery

Photo

Win a $100 energy bill credit!

Where In Michigan Is This?

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

March 2024 Winner! Our Mystery Photo winner is Allan Hascall, a Cherryland Electric Cooperative member who correctly identified the photo as the 24-foot monument The American Horse at the Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park in Grand Rapids.

Winners are announced in the following issues of Country Lines: January, March, May, July/ August, September, and November/December.

Worms of Misfortune

By Margaret Elwood, a Presque Isle Electric & Gas Co-op member

n the summer of 1937, my older sister Barb and I found ourselves knee-deep in dirt, our fingers stained with the earth’s secrets. Our family’s home was in Hillman, Michigan, a couple blocks from the Thunder Bay River. The Great Depression had gnawed at our livelihood, leaving us with little more than stubborn resolve and empty pockets.

IOne of the stores in town sold bait for fi shing, and so my sister and I went in and asked how much we would earn if we dug up worms. The manager answered 10 cents for 100 worms.

With shovels and a shared desperation, we headed out near the Thunder Bay River to dig up worms. Our hands plunging into the cool earth, we pulled out the worms one by one. The worms squirmed, protesting their eviction.

We were on a mission—to turn soil into silver.

I had the great idea to cut the worms in half to double our profit! 20 cents was a great deal of money back in that day. So, we took the 200 worms

into the store, and we were handed the 20 cents. We were so excited, we couldn’t wait to tell our mother.

Well, word had gotten back to our mom about what we did, and when we arrived home and showed our mom the 20 cents, she said “We are all going back to the store to return that man’s 20 cents.” Both my sister and I said, “But why, Mom?” She replied, “You cheated that poor man by cutting those worms in half to get more money. You should be ashamed of yourselves!”

Now, at 96 years old, I sit on my couch and look back at all the fun we had growing up in our little town of Hillman. Barb is long gone, but her laughter dances in the wind.

Remember this tale when life throws you a curveball—sometimes the early bird doesn’t get the worm!

About the Author:

Margaret is retired and likes to fish, read, play Scattegories, and watch nature programs. She is an outgoing person who loves people and parties too.

• 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. COOL

REMEMBER TO VOTE!

Prevoting in the 2024 Cherryland Electric Cooperative election is open now until June 12!

Visit our website to learn more.

cherrylandelectric.coop